cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationships between borders, management agencies, and the likelihood of watershed impairment.

In the United States, the Clean Water Act (CWA) establishes water quality standards important for maintaining healthy freshwater ecosystems. Within the CWA framework, states define their own water quality criteria, leading to a potential fragmentation of standards between states. This fragmentation can influence the management of shared water resources and produce spillover effects of pollutants crossing state lines and other political boundaries. We used numerical simulations to test the null prediction of no difference in impairment between watersheds that cross political boundaries (i.e. state lines, national or coastal borders, hereafter termed “transboundary”) and watersheds that cross no boundaries (hereafter “internal”). We found that transboundary watersheds are more likely to be impaired than internal watersheds. Further, we examined possible causes for this relationship based on both geographic and sociopolitical drivers. Though geographic variables such as human-modified land cover and the amount of upstream catchment area are associated with watershed impairment, the number and type of agencies managing land within a watershed better explained the different impairment levels between transboundary and internal watersheds. Watersheds primarily consisting of public lands are less impaired than watersheds consisting of private lands. Similarly, watersheds primarily managed by federal agencies are less impaired than state-managed watersheds. Our results highlight the importance of considering Integrated Watershed Management strategies for water resources within a fragmented policy framework.
Optimisation of metal extraction from chromium ore processing residue in New Jersey, USA

The feasibility of extracting metals from chromium (Cr) ore processing residue (COPR) was investigated. COPR samples collected from four sites in New Jersey, USA (sites A, B, C and D) were mixed wi...
Towards multi-modality invariance: A study in visual representation

Abstract The ability of learning representation is widely required by multi-modal systems. However, the ways of achieving invariance are quite different among different modalities. This chapter is motivated by a typical multi-modal content analysis problem. From the vision perspective, we present a comprehensive study in extracting invariant compact visual features, i.e., visual features that resist the changes in position, viewpoints, geometry, etc., serving as a basic of understanding video signals and assisting other modalities such as audio signals. In particular, we emphasize the importance of invariant visual representation by presenting several examples. After that, we show two examples on how to achieve reversal invariance in the Bag-of-Visual-Words (BoVWs) model and the Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). Experiments verify that reversal-invariant representation enjoys significant advantages in image classification. In the end, we give some conclusive remarks and suggest future work on multi-modal content analysis.
Closing the loop: Students, academic libraries, and textbook affordability

Abstract This paper will summarize over 400 responses to a student questionnaire used to assess a textbook affordability program at Rutgers University. Students' responses showed that they were concerned about textbook costs, liked their open and affordable course content, and unanimously supported continuing the program. Because the Open and Affordable Textbooks program is administered through the Libraries, the survey also offers a glimpse at how textbook affordability interfaces with key library services, including collection development, teaching and learning, reserves and the visibility, use and discoverability of library resources. This article is intended to bring the conversation full circle and take steps toward defining an ecosystem of library services and activities that support textbook affordability and OER. The goal is to bring more visibility to OER programs and make sure they are integrated in foundational library operations, so that students recognize the libraries' investment in their academic success.
Characterization of MRI techniques to assess neonatal brain oxygenation and blood flow

There is increasing interest in applying physiological MRI in neonates, based on the premise that physiological parameters may provide an early biomarker of neonatal brain health and injury. Two commonly used techniques are oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) measurement using T2 -relaxation-under-spin-tagging (TRUST) MRI and cerebral blood flow measurement using phase-contrast (PC) quantitative flow MRI, which collectively provide an assessment of the brain's oxygen consumption. However, prior research has only demonstrated proof of principle of these methods in neonates, without characterization or benchmarking of the techniques. This is because available time is limited in neonatal subjects, especially when scans are performed as add-ons to clinical scans (typically less than 5 min). The work presented aims to examine the TRUST and PC MRI sequences systematically in normal neonates, through research-dedicated scan sessions. A series of characterization and optimization studies were conducted in a total of 26 radiographically normal neonates on 3 T systems. Our results show that TRUST MRI at the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) provides an OEF measurement equivalent to that at the internal jugular vein (r = 0.80, n = 10), yet with shorter scan time. Lower resolution provided better precision in the TRUST measurement (p = 0.001, n = 9). Therefore, the preferred OEF measurement is to apply TRUST MRI at the SSS using a spatial resolution of 2.5 mm. For PC MRI, our results showed that non-gated PC MRI yielded blood flow measurements comparable to those from the more time-consuming gated approach in neonates (r = 0.89, n = 7). It was also found that blood flow could be overestimated by 18% when imaging resolution is larger than 0.3 mm (n = 7). Therefore, non-gated PC MRI with a spatial resolution of 0.3 mm is recommended for neonatal applications. In conclusion, this study verifies consistency of neonatal brain oxygenation and flow measurements across acquisition schemes and points to optimal strategies in parameter selection when using these sequences.
Finite Element Model Updating of the UCF Grid Benchmark Connections Using Experimental Modal Data

Structural connections are a crucial component of any structural system. The connection stiffness can impact the static and especially the dynamic behavior of a structure. Therefore, reliable finite element modeling of the structural systems involves accurate estimation of their connections stiffness parameters. Accurate representation of connection stiffness parameter is one of the most challenging steps in model verification as connections are physically small parts of a structure and some parameter estimation procedures may lack the sensitivity to change in connection behavior to capture the stiffness parameter of connection elements. One of the most well-known experimental structures which has been extensively used in the model updating research field in recent years is a structural frame set up in the University of Central Florida which is known as the UCF Grid. This experimental structure is an instrumented planar grid comprised of several steel members interconnected by gusset plates. The grid is instrumented by eight uniaxial accelerometers to capture the accelerations of the specific nodes of the structure when the grid vibrates due to an excitation. In this paper, the modal data of the grid obtained experimentally by an impact test are used for estimation of the stiffness parameters of the grid joints. A modal based error function method is employed to update the finite element model of the grid built in SAP2000® environment. For the model updating computations, an optimization MATLAB® code is linked to the SAP2000® Open Application Programming Interface to facilitate the parameter estimation procedure. The updated finite element model of the grid based on new estimations for its joints’ stiffness parameters could represent the structural behavior of the grid in a more reliable scheme.
Abstract P1108: Serum Immunoglobulins are Not Necessary for Experimental Hypertension

The role of B cells and serum immunoglobulins (Ig) in hypertension is unclear. Elevated serum IgG has been observed in some hypertensive patients and in animal models of hypertension. Mice with a s...
“Because your dysphoria gets in the way of you…it affects everything.” The mental, physical, and relational aspects of navigating body dysphoria and sex for trans masculine people

Research suggests that many trans masculine people experience distress from body dysphoria. Social and medical transition through hormones and gender confirmation surgery offer some relief for body...
To Solve or Not to Solve

The human predicament has been described in the previous chapter as dissatisfaction with the human condition. The discrepancy between one’s desires on the instinctual, emotional, moral, intellectual and spiritual levels and the impossibility of satisfying them either in principle or in practice has been revealed as the source of discontent. In this chapter, the general characterization of the human predicament is strengthened by probing philosophical approaches to desire and reason, and various views of the possibility or impossibility of fulfilling desire. The formula proposed is further validated by its implicit intimations in the fundamentals of most religions and philosophies, both Eastern and Western. Various religions and philosophies are disclosed as attempts to relieve the human predicament through paths of liberation characterized as redemption or peace of mind. These theories are divided into three general types, according to the criticisms they occasion. Based on the epistemic costs involved in adhering to most theories, I recommend shunning the solutions they offer to the human predicament.
Implementing and Managing a Mastery Learning Program

A rigorous education intervention cannot succeed without well-planned implementation and careful ongoing management. Specific steps needed to achieve education and translational science goals include (a) planning for mastery learning, (b) pilot testing, (c) implementation, and (d) continuous management. Successful mastery learning programs rely on numerous resources. Planning for implementation includes obtaining resources such as space, time, supplies, equipment, and faculty. Pilot testing ensures that scenarios and assessment tools are refined and accurate. Implementation requires highly engaged faculty and learners who complete rigorous deliberate practice with individualized performance feedback. During outcome assessment, predetermined outcome measures are evaluated. Finally, ongoing management is necessary for mastery learning programs that may undergo periodic revision based on feedback and reaching education and clinical outcomes. When planning for dissemination, understanding culture, setting, and the downstream collateral impact of a mastery learning program is critical.
Securing Rights of Children by Citizen Advocacy

The Mental Health Association in the United States has been active for many years in securing those Rights of Children which are particularly associated with mental health and mental illness. The experiences and observations of this paper are those of one who has been an active, vocal, participating volunteer in the Mental Health Association for twenty-five years. They are shared in the spirit and hope that all children may come closer to full enjoyment of all their rights.
Differential antimicrobial and cellular response of electrolytically metalized halloysite nanotubes having different amounts of surface metallization

We demonstrate an electrolytic method to metalize the outer surface of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). Different metal HNT (mHNT) combinations (copper, silver, zinc) were produced with metal content in the 5–30 wt% range. mHNTs were characterized using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). Different amounts of surface/lumen metal content of a system can confer differing antimicrobial/cellular response; hence, it is essential to assess the antimicrobial/cellular response as a function of metal content. Cellular response after exposure to mHNTs was studied in Staphylococcus aureus and pre-osteoblasts, respectively. Coated mHNTs could easily be identified using the characterization methods, and contrasting bacterial and cellular responses were obtained, which we propose was due to the extent of metallization. These findings demonstrate the potential of this method for creating metal-coated HNTs and suggest they have potential as an implant coating solution.
Impaired State-Dependent Potentiation of GABAergic Synaptic Currents Triggers Seizures in a Genetic Generalized Epilepsy Model

Epileptic activity in genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) patients preferentially appears during sleep and its mechanism remains unknown. Here, we found that sleep-like slow-wave oscillations (0.5 Hz SWOs) potentiated excitatory and inhibitory synaptic currents in layer V cortical pyramidal neurons from wild-type (wt) mouse brain slices. In contrast, SWOs potentiated excitatory, but not inhibitory, currents in cortical neurons from a heterozygous (het) knock-in (KI) Gabrg2+Q/390X model of Dravet epilepsy syndrome. This created an imbalance between evoked excitatory and inhibitory currents to effectively prompt neuronal action potential firings. Similarly, physiologically similar up-/down-state induction (present during slow-wave sleep) in cortical neurons also potentiated excitatory synaptic currents within brain slices from wt and het KI mice. Moreover, this state-dependent potentiation of excitatory synaptic currents entailed some signaling pathways of homeostatic synaptic plasticity. Consequently, in het KI mice, in vivo SWO induction (using optogenetic methods) triggered generalized epileptic spike-wave discharges (SWDs), being accompanied by sudden immobility, facial myoclonus, and vibrissa twitching. In contrast, in wt littermates, SWO induction did not cause epileptic SWDs and motor behaviors. To our knowledge, this is the first mechanism to explain why epileptic SWDs preferentially happen during non rapid eye-movement sleep and quiet-wakefulness in human GGE patients.
Pediatric head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma: An analysis of treatment and survival in the United States (1975–2016)

Abstract Introduction Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue head and neck sarcoma in children. Stringent analysis of survival data is imperative to optimize treatment. Methods The National Cancer Database (NCDB, 2004–2016) and the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER, 1975–2016) were queried for patients ages 0–19 with RMS of the head and neck. Survival trends were analyzed using univariable logistic regression and Chi-square pairwise comparisons. Survival by treatment was analyzed using log-rank tests, Kaplan Meier, and multivariable Cox-proportional hazards regression. Results 1147 (63.3% age Conclusions Major prognostic factors for survival in childhood RMS of the head and neck were embryonal histology, orbital site, extent of disease, and use of SRT for orbital tumors. Larger population studies are required to demonstrate survival differences between treatment modalities for other sites.
Zmat3 Is a Key Splicing Regulator in the p53 Tumor Suppression Program

Although TP53 is the most commonly mutated gene in human cancers, the p53-dependent transcriptional programs mediating tumor suppression remain incompletely understood. Here, to uncover critical components downstream of p53 in tumor suppression, we perform unbiased RNAi and CRISPR-Cas9-based genetic screens in vivo. These screens converge upon the p53-inducible gene Zmat3, encoding an RNA-binding protein, and we demonstrate that ZMAT3 is an important tumor suppressor downstream of p53 in mouse KrasG12D-driven lung and liver cancers and human carcinomas. Integrative analysis of the ZMAT3 RNA-binding landscape and transcriptomic profiling reveals that ZMAT3 directly modulates exon inclusion in transcripts encoding proteins of diverse functions, including the p53 inhibitors MDM4 and MDM2, splicing regulators, and components of varied cellular processes. Interestingly, these exons are enriched in NMD signals, and, accordingly, ZMAT3 broadly affects target transcript stability. Collectively, these studies reveal ZMAT3 as a novel RNA-splicing and homeostasis regulator and a key component of p53-mediated tumor suppression.
Controlled Amplification of DNA Brownian Motion Using Electrokinetic Noise

The application of voltage noise with the same statistical properties as fundamental thermal noise controllably amplified the Brownian motion of $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ DNA molecules suspended in solution inside a nanoslit. We analyze the trajectories of single molecules and find that their self-diffusivity in the direction of the applied electric field increases in proportion with the variance of the voltage noise. The highest effective diffusivity achieved corresponds to an effective temperature of 5300 K. However, unlike thermal noise, the voltage noise causes correlated fluctuations of different molecules and their segments. This technique unlocks a previously inaccessible effective temperature regime for studies and applications of noise-dependent phenomena.
Synthetic Control Estimation Beyond Comparative Case Studies: Does the Minimum Wage Reduce Employment?

Panel data are often used in empirical work to account for fixed additive time and unit effects. The synthetic control estimator relaxes the assumption of additive fixed effects for comparative cas...
Abdominal T2-Weighted Imaging and T2 Mapping Using a Variable Flip Angle Radial Turbo Spin-Echo Technique.

Background T2 mapping is of great interest in abdominal imaging but current methods are limited by low resolution, slice coverage, motion sensitivity, or lengthy acquisitions. Purpose Develop a radial turbo spin-echo technique with refocusing variable flip angles (RADTSE-VFA) for high spatiotemporal T2 mapping and efficient slice coverage within a breath-hold and compare to the constant flip angle counterpart (RADTSE-CFA). Study type Prospective technical efficacy. Subjects Testing performed on agarose phantoms and 12 patients. Focal liver lesion classification tested on malignant (N = 24) and benign (N = 11) lesions. Field strength/sequence 1.5 T/RADTSE-VFA, RADTSE-CFA. Assessment A constrained objective function was used to optimize the refocusing flip angles. Phantom and/or in vivo data were used to assess relative contrast, T2 estimation, specific absorption rate (SAR), and focal liver lesion classification. STATISTICAL TESTS: t-Tests or Mann-Whitney Rank Sum tests were used. Results Phantom data did not show significant differences in mean relative contrast (P = 0.10) and T2 accuracy (P = 0.99) between RADTSE-VFA and RADTSE-CFA. Adding noise caused T2 overestimation predominantly for RADTSE-CFA and low T2 values. In vivo results did not show significant differences in mean spleen-to-liver (P = 0.62) and kidney-to-liver (P = 0.49) relative contrast between RADTSE-VFA and RADTSE-CFA. Mean T2 values were not significantly different between the two techniques for spleen (T2VFA = 109.2 ± 12.3 msec; T2CFA = 110.7 ± 11.1 msec; P = 0.78) and kidney-medulla (T2VFA = 113.0 ± 8.7 msec; T2CFA = 114.0 ± 8.6 msec; P = 0.79). Liver T2 was significantly higher for RADTSE-CFA (T2VFA = 52.6 ± 6.6 msec; T2CFA = 60.4 ± 8.0 msec) consistent with T2 overestimation in the phantom study. Focal liver lesion classification had comparable T2 distributions for RADTSE-VFA and RADTSE-CFA for malignancies (P = 1.0) and benign lesions (P = 0.39). RADTSE-VFA had significantly lower SAR than RADTSE-CFA increasing slice coverage by 1.5. Data conclusion RADTSE-VFA provided noise-robust T2 estimation compared to the constant flip angle counterpart while generating T2-weighted images with comparable contrast. The VFA scheme minimized SAR improving slice efficiency for breath-hold imaging. Level of evidence 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 1.
Acute management of complete bilateral ureteral transections aligned via stent through antegrade and retrograde approach.

Abstract To manage bilateral complete distal ureteral transections (CDUT) via stent placement achieved through a combination of antegrade and retrograde approaches. An antegrade wire was advanced through the nephrostomy tube. Flexible ureteroscopy was utilized via retrograde approach to identify the guidewire in the pelvis. The guidewire was grasped and withdrawn out the urethra, and bilateral stents were placed over guidewire. Patient continues to remain asymptomatic one year later, with symmetrical renal function and no evidence of obstruction. We demonstrate that a CDUT can be successfully realigned with a combined endourological approach, thereby avoiding open/laparoscopic ureteral repair.
An itchy rash and muscle weakness

Dermatomyositis is a rare disease affecting primarily skin and muscles and is associated with malignancies, especially in at-risk patients. Clinical presentations vary widely but proximal muscle weakness and typical skin findings should prompt consideration of the diagnosis. Immunosuppressive therapy is required, as is continued screening for malignant disease during follow-up.
Phosphorylation by way of inorganic phosphate as a potential prebiotic process.

Prebiotic chemical reactions on primitive earth in evolution of life, discussing phosphorylation of nucleosides with phosphoric acid and monobasic salts
The Effect of Gadolinium Ion on the Binding of Inhibitors and Substrates to Lysozyme

Abstract The association constant for the binding of gadolinium ion (Gd3+) to lysozyme has been determined at pH 5.2 by measurements of proton release and at pH 6.5 by ultraviolet difference spectroscopy. The magnitude of the proton release, the shape of the ultraviolet difference spectrum, and the pH dependence of the association constants support the finding from x-ray crystallography that Gd3+ binds to the carboxylate groups of Glu 35 and Asp 52, at the junction of sites D and E in the cleft of the enzyme. The association constants for the binding of several inhibitors and substrates to lysozyme and the Gd3+-lysozyme complex have been obtained by fluorescence spectroscopy. At pH 6.5, the lactone derived from tetra-N-acetylchitotetraose, which we have proposed to be a transition-state analog, has an affinity for lysozyme that is at least 70 times greater than its affinity for the Gd3+-lysozyme complex. This result is evidence that the lactone occupies sites A-B-C-D in the free enzyme. In contrast, the aldonic acid derived from tetra-N-acetylchitotetraose binds to the Gd3+-lysozyme complex 23 times more tightly than it binds to lysozyme itself, probably because of an interaction between the carboxylate group and the metal ion. The values of the association constants at pH 5.2 and 25° for the binding of tri-, tetra-, penta-, and hexasaccharides of N-acetylglucosamine to lysozyme are 1.50, 2.25, 2.20, and 2.81 x 105 m-1, respectively, whereas the values of the constants for binding to the Gd3+-lysozyme complex are 0.75, 0.96, 0.80, and 1.09 x 105 m-1, respectively. The values of these association constants at pH 6.5 are about 30% smaller for binding to lysozyme and about 20% larger for binding to the Gd3+-lysozyme complex. These data are interpreted in terms of the hypotheses that at low concentrations of oligosaccharide, the number of significant modes of binding to lysozyme is one for the trisaccharide, two for the tetra- and pentasaccharides, and probably three for the hexasaccharide; that one of the significant modes for the tetra-, penta-, and hexasaccharides is the same as that for the trisaccharide; and that bound Gd3+ interferes with the binding of the tetra-, penta-, and hexasaccharides in the other mode(s).
Phosphate transport in rat liver mitochondria. Kinetics and energy requirements.

Abstract Experiments using an "inhibitor-stop" assay and a rapid sampling technique were carried out to analyze and determine the kinetic parameters and energy requirements of the p-chloromercuribenzoate-sensitive phosphate transport process in rat liver mitochondria. Initial rates of phosphate transport were measured, under conditions where transport was the rate-limiting process. The Km and Vmax of transport were determined to be 1.84 ± 0.18 mm and 229 ± 19 nmoles x min-1 x mg-1, respectively, at 0°. Using the selective inhibitors N-ethylmaleimide and n-butyl malonate, the over-all phosphate transport activity can be resolved into two components. The kinetic parameters of these two activities at 0° are: for N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive transport, Km = 1.60 ± 0.19 mm and Vmax = 205 ± 19 nmoles x min-1 x mg-1; and for n-butyl malonate-sensitive transport, Km = 1.76 ± 0.29 mm and Vmax = 14.9 ± 2.2 nmoles x min-1 x mg-1. The rate of over-all transport can be accounted for by the sum of the two activities in the presence of N-ethylmaleimide or n-butyl malonate, but the apparent affinities of these two activities cannot be distinguished, within experimental error. Measurements of phosphate uptake, along with determinations of intramitochondrial volumes, show that the phosphate transport system catalyzes transport of phosphate against a concentration gradient at 0°. Inhibitors of respiration and ATP hydrolysis have no effect on this process; but the uncoupler 2,4-dinitrophenol causes a sharp decrease in phosphate uptake. Addition of inonophores which are postulated to allow uptake of H+ in exchange for intramitochondrial K+ (nigericin or 2,4-dinitrophenol plus valinomycin) further inhibit the uptake of phosphate seen in the presence of uncoupler, and phosphate is excluded from the intramitochondrial volume. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that concentrative uptake of phosphate can be driven by the pH gradient of the mitochondrial membrane.
Factors Controlling the Timing of Root Elongation Intensity in a Mature Upland Oak Stand

We examined the timing of root elongation intensity (REI) – the production of newly elongating roots measured in length per unit soil volume per unit time – in a mature white oak-chestnut oak forest in Tennessee, USA, over a 4-year period. We used a network of minirhizotrons to (1) examine environmental control of soil moisture and temperature over REI, (2) evaluate the control of phenology over REI (3) develop a multivariate regression equation using the variables of soil temperature, soil water potential and phenology to predict REI, and (4) delineate soil water potentials that were optimum for growth. Fifteen minirhizotron tubes were installed on the upper slope of an upland oak stand on Walker Branch Watershed in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Measurements of REI were examined over three growing seasons in the upper 30 cm of the soil profile. Composited sets of data on REI, soil water potential, soil temperature and phenology were analyzed to determine the strength of relationships between the latter three variables and REI. There was no statistically significant relationship between REI and soil temperature during the growing season (March–November). The highly significant (p < 0.0001) relationship between soil water potential and REI was best described as log linear, using log10 (-Ψ) vs. log10 (REI). The correlation between a phenology index and REI was also highly significant (p < 0.0001), as the 24 highest REI levels occurred between late April and early August. Whereas soil water potential played a major role in controlling REI, our data indicate that at times phenologically related factors appeared to override environmental variables. The fact that REI generally peaked every year following completion of leaf expansion is congruent with the fixed shoot growth pattern of many temperate-zone deciduous tree species. In an attempt to explain the importance of phenology in controlling REI, we refer to the concept of `phenological programming'. This concept contrasts with more environmentally determinant explanations of the timing of root growth. Those theories cannot explain either our data or that of others, wherein, during late summer and early autumn, REI does not return to early summer rates, even though soil moisture and temperature conditions are equally, if not more, favorable. The particular type of `phenological programming' hypothesized in this study may be limited to mature deciduous trees exhibiting a fixed growth pattern of shoot expansion and growing in a temperate climate with a mid-summer drought period.
Observing the First Galaxies

Astronomers today are close to seeing galaxies as they appeared just after the formation of the first stars. In this chapter we present three techniques currently used to find the most distant galaxies. The first two reveal galaxies that are forming stars at several hundred times the rate of the Milky Way galaxy. The third method selects galaxies with stars older than a billion years. We then discuss two accounting problems. We can measure the star formation rate over a large part of the history of the universe, but can we reconcile this birth rate with the number of star we actually see today? Secondly we know that sources of ultraviolet radiation kept the universe ionized at redshifts larger than six. We know that at lower redshifts the radiation from quasars is sufficient to do the job. At redshifts larger than six we do not see enough quasars to do the job but could galaxies be responsible?
Inferring Gene Structures in Genomic Sequences Using Pattern Recognition and Expressed Sequence Tags

Computational methods for gene identification in genomic sequences typically have two phases: coding region prediction and gene parsing. While there are many effective methods for predicting coding regions (exons), parsing the predicted exons into proper gene structures, to a large extent, remains an unsolved problem. This paper presents an algorithm for inferring gene structures from predicted exon candidates, based on Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) and biological intuition/rules. The algorithm first finds all the related ESTs in the EST database (dbEST) for each predicted exon, and infers the boundaries of one or a series of genes based on the available EST information and biological rules. Then it constructs gene models within each pair of gene boundaries, that are most consistent with the EST information. By exploiting EST information and biological rules, the algorithm can (1) model complicated multiple gene structures, including embedded genes, (2) identify falsely-predicted exons and locate missed exons, and (3) make more accurate exon boundary predictions. The algorithm has been implemented and tested on long genomic sequences with a number of genes. Test results show that very accurate (predicted) gene models can be expected when related ESTs exist for the predicted exons.
Power failures: why the power industry has public responsibilities to think outside the box

Summary form only given. This paper argues that the power industry has public responsibilities not just to provide safe electricity at the lowest cost to consumers, but also to think critically about its own role in society and the environment. The argument takes place in three parts. 1) A brief social history of the development of the power industry. This is very schematic, but helps to provide a social and historical setting for other questions. 2) It considers the idea of public responsibility, and its role in engineering ethics in general. This is designed to provide a more philosophical context for the specific argument being made, and 3) it makes the argument itself, which can be summarized as follows: The power industry arose out of a particular vision of public responsibility. It has a proud history of meeting such responsibilities.
Long-term outcomes of gastric electrical stimulation in children with gastroparesis

Abstract Background Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) has been used in adults with gastroparesis. However its use has been limited in children. We describe the largest experience with GES in children with long-term outcomes. Methods Data were collected on children who underwent GES over a 10-year period. Data regarding demographics, medical history, hospital course, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. Symptom scores (validated Likert scores) were compared using a paired Student's t test. Results Overall, 97 patients underwent GES, and a majority were teenage Caucasian girls. Ninety-six had temporary GES (tGES), and 66 had improvement in their symptoms. A total of 67 underwent permanent implantation (pGES), and there was significant reduction in all individual symptoms ( p p 12months. Recurrence of symptoms leading to device removal occurred in 7 cases. Forty-one patients had continued improvement in symptoms for over 12months, with a mean follow-up of 3.5years (range 1–9years). Conclusions This study represents the largest experience of systematic application of GES in children. GES is a safe and effective therapy for selected children with intractable GP with continued symptomatic improvement at 1year and beyond.
Interconnected Parallel Circuits between Rat Nucleus Accumbens and Thalamus Revealed by Retrograde Transynaptic Transport of Pseudorabies Virus

One of the primary outputs of the nucleus accumbens is directed to the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus (MD) via its projections to the ventral pallidum (VP), with the core and shell regions of the accumbens projecting to the lateral and medial aspects of the VP, respectively. In this study, the multisynaptic organization of nucleus accumbens projections was assessed using intracerebral injections of an attenuated strain of pseudorabies virus, a neurotropic alpha herpesvirus that replicates in synaptically linked neurons. Injection of pseudorabies virus into different regions of the MD or reticular thalamic nucleus (RTN) produced retrograde transynaptic infections that revealed multisynaptic interactions between these areas and the basal forebrain. Immunohistochemical localization of viral antigen at short postinoculation intervals confirmed that the medial MD (m-MD) receives direct projections from the medial VP, rostral RTN, and other regions previously shown to project to this region of the thalamus. At longer survival intervals, injections confined to the m-MD resulted in transynaptic infection of neurons in the accumbens shell but not in the core. Injections that also included the central segment of the MD produced retrograde infection of neurons in the lateral VP and the polymorph (pallidal) region of the olfactory tubercle (OT) and transynaptic infection of a small number of neurons in the rostral accumbens core. Injections in the lateral MD resulted in retrograde infection in the globus pallidus (GP) and in transynaptic infection in the caudate-putamen. Viral injections into the rostroventral pole of the RTN infected neurons in the medial and lateral VP and at longer postinoculation intervals, led to transynaptic infection of scattered neurons in the shell and core. Injection of virus into the intermediate RTN resulted in infection of medial VP neurons and second-order infection of neurons in the accumbens shell. Injections in the caudal RTN or the lateral MD resulted in direct retrograde labeling of cells within the GP and transynaptic infection of neurons in the caudate-putamen. These results indicate that the main output of VP neurons receiving inputs from the shell of the accumbens is heavily directed to the m-MD, whereas a small number of core neurons appear to influence the central MD via the lateral VP. Further segregation in the flow of information to the MD is apparent in the organization of VP and GP projections to subdivisions of the RTN that give rise to MD afferents. Collectively, these data provide a morphological basis for the control of the thalamocortical system by ventral striatal regions, in which parallel connections to the RTN may exert control over activity states of cortical regions.
A Network Coding Approach to Reliable Broadcast in Wireless Mesh Networks

Reliable broadcast is an important primitive in wireless mesh networks (WMNs) for applications such as software upgrade, video downloading, etc. However, due to the lossy nature of wireless link, it is not trivial to achieve the reliability and efficiency at the same time. In this paper, we put forward R-Code, a reliable and efficient broadcast protocol based on intra-flow network coding. The key idea is to construct a minimum spanning tree as a backbone whose link weight is based on ETX metric. The broadcast overhead and delay are simultaneously reduced by enabling each node to be covered by the parent node in the tree which promise its reliable reception of the whole file. Opportunistic overhearing is utilized to further reduce the number of transmissions. Extensive simulation results show that R-Code always achieves 100% packet delivery ratio (PDR), while introducing less broadcast overhead and much shorter delay than AdapCode.
The American Board of Internal Medicine: evolving professional self-regulation.

Recent changes in the board certification process are a topic of much debate. This commentary presents the American Board of Internal Medicine's perspective on changes in the certification process ...
Where does the coast sprawl the most? Trajectories of residential development and sprawl in coastal North Carolina, 1971–2000

High levels of population growth in coastal U.S. settings give cause for concern about development's effects. Urban sprawl, a potential manifestation of development, is known for its negative environmental and social impacts; however, there have been few efforts to define and measure it in coastal regions where beach-oriented tourism and amenity-driven population growth and land development are prominent. This study describes residential expansion patterns and identifies trajectories for a set of sprawl metrics in New Hanover County, North Carolina over a 30-year time period. Using parcel data and GIS techniques, I developed a set of metrics for nine townships that nest within three township groups classified as: most coastal, transitional, and least coastal. Metrics measuring land consumption, leapfrog distance, land use diversity, and highway strip development are quantified and compared across regions. Most of the metrics were weakly correlated with each other suggesting that they capture different dimensions of sprawl. Results demonstrate that transitional settings located near estuaries between the oceanfront and the interior mainland were consistently the most sprawling. Behaviors of many metrics had complex, non-linear trajectories that would be invisible using either a cross-sectional or two-date approach. The approach can be extended to other regions, both coastal and non-coastal, to determine if there are differences in sprawl patterns that are unique to other environments.
USE OF MECHANICALLY SEPARATED PORK IN FERMENTED SNACK SAUSAGE

Mechanically separated pork (MSP) was substituted for hand-deboned pork in a fermented (lactic acid bacteria) snack sausage product. Four levels of MSP (0%, 10%, 20% and 30%) and three dextrose levels resulted in three final product pH endpoints. Shear measurements indicated that a lower final pH compensated for the soft texture associated with increased MSP levels. Sensory panelists rated the low pH sausage highest for sensory characteristics. When comparing levels of MSP, sensory panels gave the highest overall (acceptability) rating to products with 20% MSP. An increase in the level of MSP significantly increased (P < 0.05) TBA values (a measurement of oxidative rancidity).
A review of the combined medical and surgical management in patients with herpes simplex encephalitis.

Abstract Background Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is a devastating and severe viral infection of the human central nervous system. This viral encephalitis is well known to cause severe cerebral edema and hemorrhagic necrosis with resultant increases in intracranial pressure (ICP). While medical management has been standardized in the treatment of this disease, the role of aggressive combined medical and surgical management including decompressive craniectomy and/or temporal lobectomy has not been fully evaluated. In addition, while barbiturate coma has been studied for treatment of status epilepticus associated with infectious encephalitis, its use for treatment of encephalitis associated intractable intracranial hypertension has not been fully reported. Case description We report the case of a 22 year old female with severe herpetic encephalitis requiring aggressive ICP management utilizing all modalities (both medical and surgical) known to control ICP. She continues to have memory deficits but has made a good recovery with a Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 5. Conclusion We provide evidence that aggressive combined medical and surgical therapy is warranted even in cases of severe HSE with transtentorial herniation, as there is evidence for the potential of good recovery. A detailed literature review of the medical and surgical management strategies in this disease is presented.
Instructional identities of geometry students

Abstract We inspect the hypothesis that geometry students may be oriented toward how they expect that the teacher will evaluate them as students or otherwise oriented to how they expect that their work will give them opportunities to do mathematics. The results reported here are based on a mixed-methods analysis of twenty-two interviews with high school geometry students. In these interviews students respond to three different tasks that presented students with an opportunity to do a proof. Students’ responses are coded according to a scheme based on the hypothesis above. Interviews are also coded using a quantitative linguistic ratio that gauges how prominent the teacher was in the students’ opinions about the viability of these proof tasks. These scores were used in a cluster analysis that yielded three student profiles that we characterize using composite profiles. These profiles highlight the different ways that students can experience proof in the geometry classroom.
Friction and wear of ion-beam-modified ceramics for use in high temperature adiabatic Engines

Abstract An experimental program has been conducted to investigate the friction and wear behavior of ceramic materials being considered for use in high temperature adiabatic engines. Pin-on-disk-type tests were conducted in a simulated diesel environment at 800°C using ceramic-ceramic couples made up of SiC, TiC and TiCNiMo pins tested against Si3N4 and partially stabilized ZrO2 disk surfaces modified by ion beam mixing with cobalt, chromium, nickel or TiNi. The coefficients of friction for each couple were determined from these tests, and the amount of wear was measured by profilometry of the wear surfaces. Scanning electron microscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy were used to characterize the wear surface. The results of these tests show that most non-ion-mixed ceramic-ceramic couples have relatively high wear rates and coefficients of friction above about 0.25. Ion beam mixing of disk material surfaces with TiNi produced coefficients of friction as low as 0.06, values close to that for liquid-lubricated metal couples run at much lower temperatures. Surface modification with cobalt or nickel produced some promising results, while chromium did not improve the wear characteristics of the disk materials. Auger analysis suggests that the formation of lubricious oxide layers is responsible for the superior friction and wear behaviour of the TiNi-ion-implanted disks.
Flameless catalytic infrared radiation used for grain disinfestation does not affect hard red winter wheat quality

The effects of a bench top flameless catalytic infrared emitter at temperatures and times used for disinfesting grain on the physical, chemical, rheological, and end-use qualities of wheat were evaluated in the laboratory. The test weight of wheat was unaffected when 113.5 and 227.0 g of hard red winter wheat were exposed for 45 or 60 s to infrared radiation. However, a slight drop in kernel moisture increased kernel hardness, but these effects were reversed when the wheat was tempered prior to milling. Flour, shorts, and bran yields, and chemical properties (protein and ash) of these fractions from untreated wheat and infrared-treated wheat showed minor differences that were inconsequential. Mixograph and bake test results did not reveal any consistent adverse effects of infrared radiation on the quality parameters studied. Our results show that infrared treatments that provide effective control of stored-grain insects do not affect the physical, chemical, rheological, and end-use qualities of hard red winter wheat.
Mechanics of layered anisotropic poroelastic media with applications to effective stress for fluid permeability

Abstract The mechanics of vertically layered porous media has some similarities to and some differences from the more typical layered analysis for purely elastic media. Assuming welded solid contact at the solid–solid interfaces implies the usual continuity conditions, which are continuity of the vertical (layering direction) stress components and the horizontal strain components. These conditions are valid for both elastic and poroelastic media. Differences arise through the conditions for the pore pressure and the increment of fluid content in the context of fluid-saturated porous media. The two distinct conditions most often considered between any pair of contiguous layers are: (1) an undrained fluid condition at the interface, meaning that the increment of fluid content is zero (i.e., δζ = 0), or (2) fluid pressure continuity at the interface, implying that the change in fluid pressure is zero across the interface (i.e., δpf = 0). Depending on the types of measurements being made on the system and the pertinent boundary conditions for these measurements, either (or neither) of these two conditions might be directly pertinent. But these conditions are sufficient nevertheless to be used as thought experiments to determine the expected values of all the poroelastic coefficients. For quasi-static mechanical changes over long time periods, we expect drained conditions to hold, so the pressure must then be continuous. For high-frequency wave propagation, the pore-fluid typically acts as if it were undrained (or very nearly so), with vanishing of the fluid increment at the boundaries being appropriate. Poroelastic analysis of both these end-member cases is discussed, and the general equations for a variety of applications to heterogeneous porous media are developed. In particular, effective stress for the fluid permeability of such poroelastic systems is considered; fluid permeabilities characteristic of granular media or tubular pore shapes are treated in some detail, as are permeabilities of some of the simpler types of fractured materials.
Hydrophobic Derivatization of N -linked Glycans for Increased Ion Abundance in Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

A library of neutral, hydrophobic reagents was synthesized for use as derivatizing agents in order to increase the ion abundance of N-linked glycans in electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI MS). The glycans are derivatized via hydrazone formation and are shown to increase the ion abundance of a glycan standard more than 4-fold. Additionally, the data show that the systematic addition of hydrophobic surface area to the reagent increases the glycan ion abundance, a property that can be further exploited in the analysis of glycans. The results of this study will direct the future synthesis of hydrophobic reagents for glycan analysis using the correlation between hydrophobicity and theoretical non-polar surface area calculation to facilitate the development of an optimum tag for glycan derivatization. The compatibility and advantages of this method are demonstrated by cleaving and derivatizing N-linked glycans from human plasma proteins. The ESI-MS signal for the tagged glycans are shown to be significantly more abundant, and the detection of negatively charged sialylated glycans is enhanced.