cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Double-Blind Detoxification of Methadone Maintenance Patients

Twenty-four methadone maintenance patients were assigned to (1) decreasing dose (N = 12) or (2) continued methadone maintenance (N = 12), matching for dose, initial complaint levels, and counselor. After 14 weeks most patients in both groups had terminated from the study. Detoxifying patients usually terminated by obtaining a dose increase or dropping out; maintenance patients usually terminated for external reasons. Prior to terminating, detoxifying patients reported increased withdrawal complaints but no awareness doses had decreased. Termination was not directly related to dose level or percentage decrease. In both groups, terminators were likely to have been high in complaints during the baseline period
Composite object support in an object-oriented database system

Many applications in such domains as computer-aided design require the capability to define, store and retrieve as a single unit a collection of related objects known as a composite object. A composite object explicitly captures and enforces the IS-PART-OF integrity constraint between child and parent pairs of objects in a hierarchical collection of objects. Further, it can be used as a unit of storage and retrieval to enhance the performance of a database system.This paper provides a formal definition of the semantics of composite objects within an object-oriented data model, and describes their use as units of integrity control, storage and retrieval, and concurrency control in a prototype object-oriented database system we have implemented.
iSSA: An incremental stochastic simulation algorithm for genetic circuits

Researchers are now developing synthetic genetic circuits to manipulate the biochemical processes within living cells. In order to model and predict the behavior of these circuits, the designer must account for numerous reactions among many chemical species and genetic components. The analysis of genetic circuits is complicated by the fact that small molecule counts and sporadic gene expression makes stochastic simulation necessary. However, the examination of statistics on ensembles of stochastic simulation runs can hide important behavior. To address this problem, this paper introduces a new method called the incremental stochastic simulation algorithm (iSSA) which determines statistics on typical behavior. This paper illustrates the utility of this algorithm on a circadian rhythm model and a model of a synthetic dual-feedback genetic oscillator.
A video game-based framework for analyzing human-robot interaction: characterizing interface design in real-time interactive multimedia applications

There is growing interest in mining the world of video games to find inspiration for human-robot interaction (HRI) design. This paper segments video game interaction into domain-independent components which together form a framework that can be used to characterize real-time interactive multimedia applications in general and HRI in particular. We provide examples of using the components in both the video game and the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) domains (treating UAVs as airborne robots). Beyond characterization, the framework can be used to inspire new HRI designs and compare different designs; we provide an example comparison of two UAV ground station applications.
Synthesis of 123I- and 131I-labelled derivatives of low-density lipoprotein for radiopharmaceutical use

The syntheses of two analogues of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) labelled with 123I or 131I was optimized for radiopharmaceutical application. Rabbit LDL was employed due to its usefulness in pre-clinical experimentation, although the parameters which were optimized also pertain to human LDL. LDL was iodinated directly with exchange-labelled [123I]ICI to produce injectable [123I]LDL in 40% radiochemical yield within 30 min. A derivatized version of LDL, [123I]TC-LDL, was produced in about 30% radiochemical yield within 75 min by radioiodination of tyramine-cellobiose (TC) via in situ oxidation of 123I− followed by cross-linking to LDL using cyanuric chloride. Quality control tests indicated that both radioiodinated LDL and TC-LDL were very similar in character to the native LDL molecule.
Population Genetics of the Sand Crab, Emerita analoga Stimpson, in Southern California

Abstract Genetic variation at 25 enzymatic loci was studied by means of starch and acrylamide gel electrophoresis in six samples of the sand crab, Emerita analoga Stimpson, from southern California. Average heterozygosity was 0.07 ± 0.03 (SE) and five loci were polymorphic. Allele frequencies at a malate dehydrogenase locus were significantly different among samples. Genotype frequencies at an esterase locus and a phosphoglucomutase locus showed significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in some samples. The activity of phosphoglucomutase was reduced in samples taken from the vicinity of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) and from Cabrillo Beach near Los Angeles Harbor. It has not been determined whether this is due to a decrease in the amount of the enzyme present, an inhibition of its activity or some other cause.
Molecular characterization of phytochelatin synthase expression in transgenic Arabidopsis

Abstract Promoter activities regulating a phytochelatin synthase gene were characterized in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana (ecotype Columbia 0). Histochemical localization analysis of β-glucuronidase (GUS) activity in transgenic lines containing a 2.0 kb AtPCS1 ( A. thaliana phytochelatin synthase) promoter fused to a uid A gene construct detected GUS activities in leaves, roots, cotyledons, and stems, but not in root tips or root hairs throughout all stages of plant development. Of particular interest, a strong GUS activity was detected in leaf trichomes. During flowering, GUS activity was not detected in either petals or stamens, but was present in sepals, carpels, and elongating seedpods. The GUS activities in seedpods gradually decreased during their development, but remained in both base- and tip-ends as seedpods matured to siliques. These GUS activities correlated well with AtPCS1 protein levels as observed in western blot analysis of transgenic plants containing the 2.0 kb AtPCS1 promoter fused to a FLAG-tagged AtPCS1 genomic DNA construct. AtPCS1 was not post-transcriptionally regulated by cadmium (Cd). However, by comparing transgenic plants containing the 2.0 kb AtPCS1 promoter fused to either AtPCS1 cDNA or AtPCS1 genomic DNA, it was observed that intron(s) mediated enhancement of mRNA accumulation. Overexpression of AtPCS1 was observed in transgenic plants containing the 2.0 kb AtPCS1 promoter fused to genomic AtPCS1 DNA.
Seasonal changes and wind dependence of thermal conductance in dorsal fur from two small mammal species (Peromyscus leucopus and Microtus pennsylvanicus)

(1) We measured the thermal conductance of dorsal pelage from meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) and white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) during summer and winter. (2) Thermal conductance was lower in the winter pelage of both species, but the seasonal change was greater in meadow voles. (3) The form of wind speed dependence was determined by fitting a nonlinear curve of the form a+buc to data recorded at five wind speeds. The most appropriate exponent c was between 0.908 and 0.987, depending on species and season. These values are common and suggest that thermal and dynamic forces are important.
Researching Dissociative Identity Disorder: Practical Suggestions and Ethical Implications

This article's purpose is to aid researchers who are interested in conducting research with dissociative populations, but who may not have extensive experience in this area. Researching dissociative identity disorder (DID) comes with many challenges. In this article, the ethics and logistics involved in selecting and implementing research methodology with DID samples are considered. This advice is centered in the author's experience of conducting research with adults in North American hospital and community settings. Researchers in this area should design data collection procedures for maximum flexibility and participant comfort, while maintaining an acceptable level of scientific rigor. Training is essential so that both principal investigators and assistants are able to deal sensitively with trauma survivors. Psychology researchers have a unique ability to be aware of hierarchy and power in the experimental setting, and to consider these issues in order to convey respect for participants.
Exceptional Cellular Resistance to Oxidative Damage in Long-Lived Birds Requires Active Gene Expression

Previous studies indicated that renal tubular epithelial cells from some long-lived avian species exhibit robust and/or unique protective mechanisms against oxidative stress relative to murine cells. Here we extend these studies to investigate the response of primary embryonic fibroblastlike cells to oxidative challenge in long- and short-lived avian species (budgerigar, Melopsittacus undulatus , longevity up to 20 years, vs Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica , longevity up to 5 years) and short- and long-lived mammalian species (house mouse, Mus musculus , longevity up to 4 years vs humans, Homo sapiens , longevity up to 122 years). Under the conditions of our assay, the oxidative-damage resistance phenotype appears to be associated with exceptional longevity in avian species, but not in mammals. Furthermore, the extreme oxidative damage resistance phenotype observed in a long-lived bird requires active gene transcription and translation, suggesting that specific gene products may have evolved in long-lived birds to facilitate resistance to oxidative stress.
Transcription of the C. elegans let-7 microRNA is temporally regulated by one of its targets, hbl-1

The let-7 family of microRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of developmental timing and cell differentiation and are often misexpressed in human cancer. In C. elegans, let-7 controls cell fate transitions from larval stage 4 (L4) to adulthood by post-transcriptionally down-regulating lineage-abnormal 41 (lin-41) and hunchback-like 1 (hbl-1). Primary let-7 (pri-let-7) transcripts are up-regulated in the L3, yet little is known about what controls this transcriptional up-regulation. We sought factors that either turn on let-7 transcription or keep it repressed until the correct time. Here we report that one of let-7's targets, the transcription factor Hunchback-like 1 (HBL-1), is responsible for inhibiting the transcription of let-7 in specific tissues until the L3. hbl-1 is a known developmental timing regulator and inhibits adult development in larval stages. Therefore, one important function of HBL-1 in maintaining larval stage fates is inhibition of let-7. Indeed, our results reveal let-7 as the first known target of the HBL-1 transcription factor in C. elegans and suggest a negative feedback loop mechanism for let-7 and HBL-1 regulation.
Personal Values, Beliefs, Knowledge, and Attitudes Relating to Intentions to Purchase Apparel from Socially Responsible Businesses:

The purpose of the study was to provide initial understanding of female consumers' decisions to purchase from socially responsible apparel businesses, operationally defined as the U.S. Department o...
The impact of patient and provider factors on depression screening of american Indian and alaska native people in primary care.

Introduction: The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends routine depression screening in primary care, yet regular screening does not occur in most health systems serving Alaska Native and Am...
250 MHz crossed‐loop resonator for pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance

The crossed-loop resonator (CLR) uses two orthogonal lumped-element resonators [one to excite the spins and one to detect the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)] to isolate the signal from the microwave source. It eliminates the need for a circulator. The high isolation provided by the CLR reduces the energy stored in the resonator that detects the signal, thereby reducing the intensity of the resonator ring down after the pulse, which decreases the instrument dead time. Overcoupling and synchronous switching of the Q's of the two resonators between high and low states were used to further reduce dead time and maximize the EPR signal following a pulse. Each section of a 250 MHz resonator that accommodates 1 inch diameter samples had a critically coupled Q of 950 when Q-switching was not installed. With Q-switching, free induction decays and electron spin echoes for 0.2 mM aqueous solutions of triarylmethyl radicals were obtained with dead times of a few hundred nanoseconds. Typically 50–60 dB isolation was achieved with various samples. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts in Magnetic Resonance (Magn Reson Engineering) 15: 37–46, 2002.
47-Year-Old Woman With Dizziness, Weakness, and Confusion

A 47-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with symptoms of weakness, dizziness, and forgetfulness of 1 week's duration. She also noted worsening somnolence, painful lower-extremity paresthesias, and persistent vaginal bleeding that had lasted more than a year. She had lost 13.6 kg (30 lbs) during the previous 6 months while taking an over-the-counter weight loss supplement containing vitamin B6, chromium, magnesium, coenzyme Q10, and several plant extracts.1
5J-5 High-Frequency Ultrasound Transduction Using Polymer Microring Resonators

High-frequency ultrasound detection using polymer microring optical resonators is demonstrated. An optical microring resonator consists of a ring waveguide closely coupled to a straight bus waveguide, serving as light input and output. Acoustic waves irradiating the polymer ring waveguide can induce strain to deform the waveguide dimensions and change the refractive index of the waveguide via the elasto-optic effect. These effects lead to the modification of the effective refractive index of the guided mode inside the waveguide. The sharp wavelength dependence of the microring resonator can enhance the optical response to acoustic strain. A polymer microring resonator with a width of 2.4 mum and a height of 1.85 mum, and a diameter of 95 mum was fabricated using nano-imprint technique. Its frequency response measured using a 50-MHz transducer shows that the microring resonator can detect ultrasound at least up to 55 MHz. A calibrated 10 MHz transducer generating a peak pressure of about 5 MPa was used to estimate the sensitivity and the noise equivalent pressure of the microring resonator to be 21 pm/MPa and 150 kPa, respectively. Furthermore, a two-dimensional scan was performed and the effective detecting area of the microring was estimated to be 1.4 times the ring size, implying that array operation would be possible with minimal cross talk between elements. These results suggest polymer microring resonators may be well suited to high-frequency ultrasound detection arrays
Morphological differences among radial afferent fibers in the cat cochlea: An electron-microscopic study of serial sections

The entire unmyelinated portions of 104 radial afferent fibers were reconstructed from serial ultrathin sections through the organ of Corti. Each radial fiber was unbranched and formed a single synapse with one inner hair cell. Fibers innervating the side of the hair cell facing the pillar cells were, in general, larger in diameter and richer in mitochondria than fibers innervating the side of the hair cell facing the modiolus. Some of the thin, mitochondrion-poor fibers had a more complex synaptic junction with the inner hair cell. A fiber classification scheme is suggested which may correlate with the classification of single auditory nerve units according to threshold and rate of spontaneous discharge [5].
Wheelmade or Wheel-Finished? Interpretation of ‘Wheelmarks’ on Pottery

Analysis of patterns of breakage and xeroradiographs have shown that ‘wheelmarks’ provide an incomplete and potentially misleading diagnostic for forming methods. The location and distribution of such marks over the entire vessel is crucial. Patterns of breakage reveal the characteristic patterns of weakness in the vessel fabric left by each type of forming method. Examination of both the overall patterns and surfaces of breaks in relation to the vessel profile aids reconstruction of the original forming process. Selective xeroradiography aid this interpretation. Despite the ubiquity and extent of ‘wheelmarks’ on Godin III painted buff ware vessels (bowls and closed shapes), patterns of breakage and xeroradiography demonstrate limited but persistent use of true throwing of small vessels on a potter's wheel (western Iran, 2600-1400 B.C.). All others were built using combinations of hand-forming methods and finished on a tournette.
GPS tracking of intermodal transportation: System integration with delivery order system

TMO Global Logistics currently provides cargo tracking services that rely on clients calling the TMO office to request estimated time of arrivals (ETAs) and TMO employees calling shipping dispatchers to find current cargo locations and relaying experience-based ETAs to the client. For TMO, minimizing the resources (dollars, man-hours, data storage space, and bandwidth) spent accepting ETA requests, calculating ETAs, and relaying results can free those resources for use on other tasks. At the same time, if TMO can provide its clients with more accurate ETAs retrievable in less time, relative to competitors, the firm stands to gain significant market share as a result of these attractive services.
Optimal global interconnects for GSI

Performance of a high-speed chip is largely affected by both latency and bandwidth of global interconnects, which connect different macrocells. Therefore, one of the important goals is to design high-bandwidth and fast buses that connect a processor and its on-chip cache memory or link different processors within a multiprocessor chip. In this paper, the width of global interconnects is optimized to achieve a large "data-flux density" and a small latency simultaneously. Data-flux density is the product of interconnect bandwidth and reciprocal wire pitch, which represents the number of bits per second that can be transferred across a unit-length bisectional line. The optimal wire width, which maximizes the product of data-flux density and reciprocal latency, is independent of interconnect length and can be used for all global interconnects. It is rigorously proved that the optimal wire width is the width that results in a delay that is 33% larger than the time-of-flight (ToF). Using the optimal wire width decreases latency, energy dissipation, and repeater area considerably, compared to a sub-optimal wire width (e.g., 42% smaller latency, 30% smaller energy-per-bit, and 84% smaller repeater area compared with the W/sub opt//2 case) at the cost of a small decrease in data-flux density (e.g., 14% smaller compared with W/sub opt//2 case). A super-optimal wire width, however, causes a slight decrease in latency (e.g., 14% for 2W/sub opt/) at the cost of a large decrease in data-flux density (e.g., 35% for 2W/sub opt/).
Natural convection solid/liquid phase change in porous media

media with natural convection in the melt region. The model is based on volume averaged transport equations, while phase change is assumed to occur over a small temperature range. Experiments are performed in a vertical, square enclosure using gallium and glass beads as the fluid and the porous matrix, respectively. For natural convection, melting and solidification (with initial supercooling), the numerical results show reasonable agreement with the temperature and interface position measurements. Natural convection in the melt as well as heat conduction in the solid is found to considerably influence the interface shape and movement during both the melting and solidification experiments.
Himalayan-Bengal Model for Flysch Dispersal in the Appalachian-Ouachita System

The relation of the modern Bengal subsea fan to the Cenozoic Himalayan suture belt and the analogous relation of the Carboniferous Ouachita flysch to a presumed Paleozoic Appalachian suture belt suggest a guiding principle of synorogenic sedimentation. Most sediment shed from orogenic highlands formed by continental collisions pours longitudinally through deltaic complexes into remnant ocean basins as turbidites that are subsequently deformed and incorporated into the orogenic belts as collision sutures lengthen. India first encountered a southern Eurasian subduction zone near the end of Paleocene time. Northward movement of India since Oligocene time choked the subduction zone, stifled the associated magmatic arc, and created a suture complex of deformed Cretaceous flysch and younger Tertiary molasse. Strata derived from the resulting orogen include continental clastic wedges shed southward toward India and voluminous turbidites fed longitudinally through the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta into the Bay of Bengal. The eastern flank of the Bengal subsea fan is being subducted now beneath the still-active eastern extension of the subduction zone. The sequential, north-to-south welding of Europe and Africa to North America formed the complex Appalachian-Caledonide-Mauritanide suture belt, from which Taconic, Acadian, and Alleghanian clastic wedges were shed toward the North American craton. Turbidites of the Carboniferous Ouachita flysch were fed longitudinally, as sediment supplied through the Alleghanian clastic wedge, into a remnant ocean basin lying south of North America. The Ouachita system was then thrust northward across the continental edge during arc-continent collision that progressed from east to west.
Food Riots and the Politics of Provisions in World History

Summary The food riots of 2007–8 in dozens of developing countries placed food security on the agendas of the global political economy. Material outcomes remain to be assessed. The problematic of the politics of provisions is: Under what circumstances do the common people's necessities create a political necessity for their rulers to act? What combination of ingredients gives them political leverage (or not)? Food riots (crowd violence: usually seizing food, intercepting carts and barges, or setting prices) set in motion political processes that often led to food relief and/or repression. To riot about food, rioters needed much more than motivations of hunger and outrage, or else world history would consist mostly of food riots. In addition rioters needed both sufficient solidarities to be able to act collectively, and sufficient confidence that the benefits (getting food, both immediately and in more sustained supply) would outweigh the risks and costs of repression and punishment. The latter would be based on reciprocal relationships with the rulers. The outcomes of such ‘trials-by-ordeal’ were then entered into social memory to be consulted in the next crisis. Of course rulers also had their social memories and political calculations. So the ‘politics of provisions’ – the political economy of food crises and their resolutions – has typically included such components as: political, social, and economic structures; the players' sociopolitical assets, capacities, and relationships; shared ideologies; strategic bargaining in the moment between chief actors; and accidental factors. Those components vary from one time and place to another, so this paper compares the politics of provisions in: pre-modern England and France; famines in Ireland and India; ‘famine-proofed’ Ming and Qing China; Mao's Great Leap Forward Famine; the IMF austerity riots of the 1970s and 80s; and the food riots of 2008, particularly in Egypt, West Africa, and Haiti. The point of such comparisons is not to construct a unified theory of provision politics, but to illuminate significant parameters that shape policies and conflicts over food.
Influence of short-interval fire occurrence on post-fire recovery of fire-prone shrublands in California, USA

In recent decades, fire frequency has increased with population growth at the wildland-urban interface in southern California, USA. Short intervals (,5 years) between successive fires can be detrimental to plant species that require longer intervals between fires to reach reproductive maturity. The resilience of vegetation to changes in fire regimes is of particular interest for shrublands in Mediterranean climates, which in general are susceptible to high frequenciesof wildfire. Research on how fire hasshaped the life historiesof shrubs inMediterranean climates is central to understanding how to protect sensitive habitat while allowing for the natural occurrence of wildfire in these regions. FrequentlyburnedchamisechaparralshrublandsinSanDiegoCounty,California,weremappedinthefieldwiththeaidof satellite imagery and analysed to investigate changes in vegetation condition and composition associated with short intervals between fires. Fire history, terrain and land-cover characteristics of mapped stands were tested to determine thefactorsassociatedwithdisturbedandconvertedvegetation.Resultsindicatethatnumberofburnsandmeanfireinterval are contributing factors in post-fire change in chaparral stands. Chamise chaparral is vulnerable to alteration and type conversion when fire return intervals are 4-5 years or less.
Constructing geo-ontologies by reification of observation data

The semantic integration of heterogeneous, spatiotemporal information is a major challenge for achieving the vision of a multi-thematic and multi-perspective Digital Earth. The Semantic Web technology stack has been proposed to address the integration problem by knowledge representation languages and reasoning. However approaches such as the Web Ontology Languages (OWL) were developed with decidability in mind. They do not integrate well with established modeling paradigms in the geosciences that are dominated by numerical and geometric methods. Additionally, work on the Semantic Web is mostly feature-centric and a field-based view is difficult to integrate. A layer specifying the transition from observation data to classes and relations is missing. In this work we combine OWL with geometric and topological language constructs based on similarity spaces. Our approach provides three main benefits. First, class constructors can be built from a larger palette of mathematical operations based on vector algebra. Second, it affords the representation of prototype-based classes. Third, it facilitates the representation of classes derived from machine learning classifiers that utilize a multi-dimensional feature space. Instead of following a one-size-fits-all approach, our work allows one to derive contextualized OWL ontologies by reification of observation data.
Melanocytic Nevi affected by Inflammatory Skin Diseases

Cutaneous inflammatory processes can be coincidental with melanocytic nevi. Dermatoses that repeatedly affect and alter melanocytic nevi are: spongiotic dermatitis (e.g. allergic contact dermatitis), lichen sclerosus et atrophicus, psoriasis, pityriasis rosea, and erythema multiforme. Erythema multiforme (and similar entities) and epidermolysis bullosa also seem able to induce the appearance of new nevi.
A coupled low temperature oxidative and ionic liquid pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass

Abstract An integrated pretreatment strategy consisting of a room temperature alkaline oxidation step coupled with ionic liquid (IL) incubation enables effective lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment at low temperatures (50 °C). The IL, 1-ethyl-3-methyl-imidazolium acetate (EMIM-Ac), was used in pretreatment of a lignocellulosic hardwood feedstock, poplar. Glucose and xylose yields for 24 h enzyme hydrolysis of pretreated poplar were measured to assess the efficacy of this pretreatment strategy. The proposed strategy resulted in high hydrolysis yields at a low enzyme loading of 9.5 filter paper units per gram of glucan. The low IL incubation temperatures were found to reduce undesired cellulose acetylation reactions.
Dual-Energy CT for Evaluation of Intra- and Extracapsular Silicone Implant Rupture

Silicone implants are commonly used for both breast augmentation and breast reconstruction. With aging of the implant, the silicone envelope may become weak or may rupture. The technique of choice for evaluation of implant integrity is breast MRI; however this may be contraindicated in some patients or the cost may be prohibitive. Dual-energy CT allows determination of density and atomic number of tissue and can provide material composition information. We present a case of extracapsular implant rupture with MRI and dual-energy CT imaging and surgical correlation.
In healthy term infants, does restriction from pacifiers in the first two to four weeks of life increase breastfeeding duration?

There is widespread belief that pacifiers may interfere with breast milk production and lead to discontinuation of breast-feeding. The current highest-quality evidence does not support the claim that pacifiers lead to decreased breastfeeding duration. Pacifier use is common and is influenced by a baby’s soothing and feeding needs and by parents’ preferences. Considering that pacifier use may be a marker of underlying breastfeeding difficulties but may also decrease sudden infant death syndrome risk, health care providers should counsel families on the potential risks and benefits of appropriate pacifier use.
The Response of Three Phenotypically Variable Burkholderia cepacia isolates to Copper-Based Bactericides

B. cepacia (2) recently was implicated as the causal agent of the bacterial canker disease of onions in New York (5). Under environmental conditions providing there are extended periods of water congestion of the infected leaf axil tissue, B. cepacia then invades the bulb tissues of the onion plants resulting in the economically devastating disease known as sour skin (5). B. cepacia has a high capacity for adaptability which complexes the prediction of its behavior (6) making control of this phytopathogen difficult Although resistance to copper has been exhibited by B. cepacia (3), variation in response of certain isolates to copper has been dependent on copper speciation, application rate etc. Copper toxicity is based on free metal ion concentration (1) and complexation by ligands can occur. Preliminary results indicated that B. cepacia exhibited resistance and this was basal medium dependent. However, complexation may have resulted in artificially high estimates. Responses of B. cepacia to a range of copper-based bactericides was measured in vitro and the inhibitory formulations tested further in vivo.
THE MEASUREMENT OF SELECTION ON QUANTITATIVE TRAITS: BIASES DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL COVARIANCES BETWEEN TRAITS AND FITNESS.

The use of regression techniques for estimating the direction and magnitude of selection from measurements on phenotypes has become widespread in field studies. A potential problem with these techniques is that environmental correlations between fitness and the traits examined may produce biased estimates of selection gradients. This report demonstrates that the phenotypic covariance between fitness and a trait, used as an estimate of the selection differential in estimating selection gradients, has two components: a component induced by selection itself and a component due to the effect of environmental factors on fitness. The second component is shown to be responsible for biases in estimates of selection gradients. The use of regressions involving genotypic and breeding values instead of phenotypic values can yield estimates of selection gradients that are not biased by environmental covariances. Statistical methods for estimating the coefficients of such regressions, and for testing for biases in regressions involving phenotypic values, are described.
Power-Based Optimal Longitudinal Control for a Connected Eco-Driving System

Automatic longitudinal control of vehicles is an automobile technology that has been implemented for many years. Connected eco-driving has the potential to extend the capability of an automatic longitudinal control by minimizing the energy consumption and emissions of the vehicle. In this paper, we propose a power-based longitudinal control algorithm for a connected eco-driving system, which takes into account the vehicle's brake specific fuel consumption or BSFC map, roadway grade, and other constraints (e.g., traffic condition ahead and traffic signal status of the upcoming intersection) in the calculation of an optimal speed profile in terms of energy savings and emissions reduction. The performance of the proposed algorithm was evaluated through extensive numerical analyses of driving along a signalized arterial, and the results validated the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm as compared with baseline and an existing eco-driving algorithm.
Probing the Dependence of Electron Transfer on Size and Coverage in Carbon Nanotube–Quantum Dot Heterostructures

As a model system for understanding charge transfer in novel architectural designs for solar cells, double-walled carbon nanotube (DWNT)–CdSe quantum dot (QD) (QDs with average diameters of 2.3, 3.0, and 4.1 nm) heterostructures have been fabricated. The individual nanoscale building blocks were successfully attached and combined using a hole-trapping thiol linker molecule, i.e., 4-mercaptophenol (MTH), through a facile, noncovalent π–π stacking attachment strategy. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the attachment of QDs onto the external surfaces of the DWNTs. We herein demonstrate a meaningful and unique combination of near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) and Raman spectroscopies bolstered by complementary electrical transport measurements in order to elucidate the synergistic interactions between CdSe QDs and DWNTs, which are facilitated by the bridging MTH molecules that can scavenge photoinduced holes and potentially mediate electron redistribution between the conduction bands ...
Magnetization Response Spectroscopy of Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles Under Mixing Frequency Fields

In this paper, we report a mixing frequency method (MFM) that has two driving fields, in which one is a high frequency of ${f}_{H}=300$ kHz and the other is a low frequency field with ${f}_{L}=500$ Hz. Two traditional magnetic particle imaging technologies are compared with an MFM, one with driving field frequency of ${f}_{M}=25$ kHz and the other at 10 kHz. An assumed iron–cobalt magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) suspension of which the sizes follow normal distribution is modeled and their magnetic response is modeled by Langevin function. Odd harmonics induced from the nonlinear magnetic response of MNPs under driving fields are extracted from the magnetization response spectroscopy. The signal-to-noise ratio, harmonic strengths at field-free points (FFPs) over strengths at non-FFPs, is defined as an evaluation standard to assess which technology is better for imaging spatial distribution of MNPs.
Medical Countermeasures Development for Neonates

As a nation, we remain vulnerable to threats posed by the intentional or unintentional use of chemical, biological, radiologic, and nuclear agents or emerging infectious diseases. Children represent an at-risk population and are particularly vulnerable to the effects of these agents because of their unique anatomical and physiologic features. Hence, it is imperative that their unique needs be considered and prioritized. In the current article, we highlight the status of medical countermeasure product development for children, with a specific emphasis on the neonatal population. The aim of this article is to discuss the evidence that has been used to support pediatric approval of medical countermeasure products by the US Food and Drug Administration under various regulatory pathways. Understanding the strengths and limitations of the data that support labeling of medical countermeasures for pediatric patients will help guide health care professionals providing care in the event of a chemical, biological, radiologic, and nuclear agent–related incident or emerging infectious disease outbreak.
Technical note : assessing the consistency of measurement procedures in animal energetics and nutrition

Our objective was to assess the consistency of representative digestion and energetics determinations used in animal nutrition. We used distribution theory of quadratic forms that allow for the attainment of width of confidence intervals (WI) for intraclass correlations. Three models commonly used in animal nutrition were analyzed, and their respective programs were coded to obtain the required confidence limits. Data sets were obtained from previous research published by our laboratory. Urinary, CH4, and ME were analyzed assuming a two-factor nested balanced variance component model. Rate of ruminal NDF disappearance (kd) and DM digestibility by an 8-d conventional collection trial were fitted to a two-factor crossed variance component model without interaction with a single observation per cell. Empty BW (EBW), carcass energy, and EBW energy were fitted to a two-factor crossed variance component model with interaction. Widths of confidence intervals varied with the example data set and variable tested. The narrowest WI was that of DM digestibility, less than .07 at a 95% confidence level for all the intraclass correlations, which shows the high consistency of the DM digestibility measurement in the specific study. Medium to large WI were found for kd and EBW; WI estimates were less than .70 at a 95% confidence level. Large WI, from .8 to 1.0 at a 95% confidence level, were found for the remaining variables, indicating the greater variability of these measurements. This methodology allows the assessment of the consistency of a measurement process and provides a method to monitor it each time a determination is made.
Strategies to manage the heart failure patient after transplantation.

Cardiac transplantation has emerged as an effective form of therapy for end-stage congestive heart failure (CHF), but patients are predisposed to both dilated and restrictive congestive physiology. The etiologies of posttransplant CHF are unique and complicated, most certainly reflecting a chronic rejection process that has yet to be elucidated. Successful identification of underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms and subsequent therapeutic approaches will require close coordination among cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and immunobiologists
Multilayer Active Shell Mirrors for Space Telescopes

A novel active mirror technology based on carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) substrates and replication techniques has been developed. Multiple additional layers are implemented into the design serving various functions. Nanolaminate metal films are used to provide a high quality reflective front surface. A backing layer of thin active material is implemented to provide the surface-parallel actuation scheme. Printed electronics are used to create a custom electrode pattern and flexible routing layer. Mirrors of this design are thin (< 1.0 mm), lightweight (2.7 kg/m^2), and have large actuation capabilities. These capabilities, along with the associated manufacturing processes, represent a significant change in design compared to traditional optics. Such mirrors could be used as lightweight primaries for small CubeSat-based telescopes or as meter-class segments for future large aperture observatories. Multiple mirrors can be produced under identical conditions enabling a substantial reduction in manufacturing cost and complexity. An overview of the mirror design and manufacturing processes is presented. Predictions on the actuation performance have been made through finite element simulations demonstrating correctabilities on the order of 250-300× for astigmatic modes with only 41 independent actuators. A description of the custom metrology system used to characterize the active mirrors is also presented. The system is based on a Reverse Hartmann test and can accommodate extremely large deviations in mirror figure (> 100 μm PV) down to sub-micron precision. The system has been validated against several traditional techniques including photogrammetry and interferometry. The mirror performance has been characterized using this system, as well as closed-loop figure correction experiments on 150 mm dia. prototypes. The mirrors have demonstrated post-correction figure accuracies of 200 nm RMS (two dead actuators limiting performance).
Using Concept Maps and Vee Diagrams to Analyse the “Fractions” Strand in Primary Mathematics

The chapter presents data from Ken, a post-graduate student who participated in a case study to examine the value of concept maps and vee diagrams as means of communicating his conceptual analyses and developing understanding of the “Fractions” content strand of a primary mathematics syllabus. Ken’s work required that he analysed syllabus outcomes and related mathematics problems and to display the results on concept maps and vee diagrams (maps/diagrams) to illustrate the interconnectedness of key and subsidiary concepts and their applications in solving problems. Ken’s progressive maps/diagrams illustrated how his pedagogical understanding of fractions evolved over the semester as a consequence of social critiques and further revision. Progressive vee diagrams also illustrated his growing confidence to justify methods of solutions in terms of mathematical principles underlying the main steps.
Delivery of fluorescent dextrans through the ultrasound-induced blood-brain barrier opening in mice

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a specialized brain protection system consisting of endothelial cell, tight junctions and glial processes. BBB is the major limiting factor to therapeutic agents to the brain for disease treatment. Focused ultrasound (FUS) in the presence of microbubbles has the capability to deliver large molecules across BBB. In this study, we qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed the cellular impact, the size estimation of the opening and the amount delivered into the brain parenchyma in murine model. The method involved intravenously administration of a bolus of microbubbles at 1 mul/g body weight. Pulsed FUS was applied to the left hippocampus through the intact skin and skull at 0.75 MPa peak-negative pressure followed by a separate intravenously administration of fluorescence-conjugated dextrans at 3 kDa, 10 kDa and 70 kDa. Qualitative analysis was evaluated through the fluorescence imaging of sectioned brain slices. Smooth muscle cells engulfing the capillaries exhibited higher fluorescence in the case of 70 kDa dextran once the BBB was opened. The dextran dose delivered into the brain was analyzed by brain tissue homogenization and fluorescence intensity measurement. The concentration of 3 kDa, 10 kDa and 70 kDa dextrans delivered to the left hemisphere was quantified to be equal to 7.9plusmn4.9 mug/g, 2.4plusmn1.3 mug/g and 0.9plusmn0.47 mug/g of brain weight. In conclusion, significant drug delivery and the net deposition to the sonicated hippocampus, compared to the non-sonicated hippocampus, were determined. The delivered dosage and the spatial distribution provide useful information for the ultimate treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Two-dimensional sorting algorithm for high-throughput K-best MIMO detection

This brief presents a novel two-dimensional parallel sorting algorithm for high-throughput K-best detectors utilised in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. The proposed sorting algorithm enhances the throughput by sorting a data set in parallel and avoids the relatively long latency of the traditional algorithms. This is especially important in MIMO systems utilising high-order modulation schemes. The authors used the sorting algorithm in a K-best detector with variable K values at different layers of the search tree, which improves the bit error rate performance and reduces the computational complexity significantly. The detector using the sorting algorithm is designed and implemented in TSMC 90-nm CMOS technology for 4 × 4 64-QAM MIMO systems. Operating at 200 MHz, the detector's throughput is 1.2 Gbps. Its equivalent gate count is 182K.
Oncotype DX breast cancer recurrence score can be predicted with a novel nomogram using clinicopathologic data

Purpose Oncotype DX (ODX) recurrence score (RS) breast cancer (BC) assay is costly, and performed in only ~1/3 of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive BC patients in the USA. We have now developed a user-friendly nomogram surrogate prediction model for ODX based on a large dataset from the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) to assist in selecting patients for which further ODX testing may not be necessary and as a surrogate for patients for which ODX testing is not affordable or available.
Development of a PC-Based Signal Processing Unit for Nondestructive Testing: The ALC and Small Angle B-Scan Techniques

When ultrasonic waves are reflected from acoustic discontinuities in materials, the shape of these echoes remains basically the same. The amplitudes and the arrival times of these pulses, however, will vary. Accordingly, to characterize the location and the severity of the flaws, one only needs to describe each reflected echo by two representative parameters: the time-of-flight values and the maximum amplitudes of the reflected echoes. Making use of the special characteristics of these two parameters, new testing procedures are introduced in this study to size flaws that are parallel to the sample surface and to detect defects in acoustically noisy materials.
Microfluidic Screening of Circulating Tumor Biomarkers toward Liquid Biopsy

The development of early and personalized diagnostic protocol with rapid response and high accuracy is considered the most promising avenue to advance point-of-care testing for tumor diagnosis and therapy. Given the growing awareness of the limitations of conventional tissue biopsy for gathering tumor information, considerable interest has recently been aroused in liquid biopsy. Among a myriad of analytical approaches proposed for liquid biopsy, microfluidics-based separation and purification techniques possess merits of high throughput, low samples consumption, high flexibility, low cost, high sensitivity, automation capability and enhanced spatio-temporal control. These characteristics endow microfluidics to serve as an emerging and promising tool in tumor diagnosis and prognosis by identifying specific circulating tumor biomarkers. In this review, we will put our focus on three key categories of circulating tumor biomarkers, namely, circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating exosomes, and circulating ...
Aromatic amino acid aminotransferases in plants

Aromatic amino acid aminotransferases (AAA-ATs) catalyze the reversible transamination reactions of proteinogenic and non-proteinogenic aromatic amino acids to corresponding keto acids and vice versa. The products of plant AAA-ATs serve as key precursors of many primary and secondary metabolites that are crucial for both plant and human metabolism and physiology. In most microbes, l-tyrosine (Tyr) and l-phenylalanine (Phe) aminotransferases (Tyr and Phe-ATs) catalyze the final steps of Phe and Tyr biosynthesis. On the other hand, plants use different pathways to synthesize Tyr and Phe via arogenate, in which prephenate-specific aminotransferases (PPA-ATs) catalyze the committed step in the plastids. Plant Tyr and Phe-ATs, unlike microbial counterparts, often prefer the reverse reactions and metabolize Tyr and Phe to their respective aromatic keto acids, which serve as precursors of various plant natural products (e.g. benzenoid volatiles, tocochromanols, plastoquinone, and tropane and benzylisoquinoline alkaloids). Unlike plastidic PPA-ATs, plant Tyr/Phe-ATs are localized outside of the plastids, have broad substrate specificity, and interlink Tyr and Phe metabolism. l-Tryptophan (Trp) aminotransferases (Trp-ATs) are involved in biosynthesis of the plant hormone auxin. Although significant advancement has been made on biochemical, molecular, and genetic characterizations of plant AAA-ATs, there are still many critical knowledge gaps, which are highlighted in the current review.