cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A 0.3-V to 1.8–3.3-V Leakage-Biased Synchronous Level Converter for ULP SoCs

This letter proposes a robust synchronous wide-range clocked level converter (LC) that converts subthreshold input signals to high I/O voltages for ultra-low power (ULP) SoCs. By biasing the circuit using nMOS leakage current, the design offers robust operation across a wide range of low- and high-supply voltages as well as PVT variations. The design was fabricated in 55-nm CMOS process and shows 60.5-fJ ( $V_{\mathrm{ DDH}}=2.5$ V) switching energy, marking a $2.6\times $ improvement over prior works.
Circulation in Insect Wings.

Insect wings are living, flexible structures composed of tubular veins and thin wing membrane. Wing veins can contain hemolymph (insect blood), tracheae, and nerves. Continuous flow of hemolymph within insect wings ensures that sensory hairs, structural elements such as resilin, and other living tissue within the wings remains functional. While it is well known that hemolymph circulates through insect wings, the extent of wing circulation (e.g., whether flow is present in every vein, and whether it is confined to the veins alone) is not well understood, especially for wings with complex wing venation. Over the last 100 years, scientists have developed experimental methods including microscopy, fluorescence, and thermography to observe flow in the wings. Recognizing and evaluating the importance of hemolymph movement in insect wings is critical in evaluating how the wings function both as flight appendages, as active sensors, and as thermoregulatory organs. In this review, we discuss the history of circulation in wings, past and present experimental techniques for measuring hemolymph, and broad implications for the field of hemodynamics in insect wings.
The Arcus soft x-ray grating spectrometer explorer

Arcus will provide high-resolution soft X-ray spectroscopy in the 12-50A bandpass with sensitivity orders of magnitude higher than any previous astronomical observatory. The three top science goals for Arcus are to (1) measure the effects of structure formation imprinted upon the hot baryons that are predicted to lie in extended halos around galaxies, groups, and clusters, (2) trace the propagation of outflowing mass, energy, and momentum from the vicinity of the black hole to extragalactic scales as a measure of their feedback and (3) explore how stars form and evolve. Arcus uses the same 12m focal length grazing-incidence silicon pore X-ray optics (SPO) developed for the Athena mission. The focused X-rays from these optics are diffracted by high-efficiency Critical-Angle Transmission (CAT) gratings, and the results are imaged with flight-proven CCD detectors and electronics.
What’s Love Got to Do with It? Sex and the Korean American College Student and Young Adult

This chapter dives into sexuality, a taboo subject among most Korean Americans families. Despite the rampant exposure of sexuality in the popular media, Korean American Christian families rarely talk about sexuality as they rigidly hold onto the conservative sexual ethics of both Korean culture and evangelical Christianity that emphasize purity, chastity, and holiness. Taking into account a growing gap between the promiscuous aspects of modern culture and the traditional sexual ethics of Korean American evangelical churches, this chapter goes beyond a prescriptive sexual ethics. Rather, it explores biblically grounded and reflective sexual ethics based on a paradigm of covenantal friendship informed by the Gospel of John that stresses faithfulness, mutuality, and self-sacrifice.
Case Formulation in Standard Cognitive Therapy: A Commentary on Chapter “Case Formulation in Standard Cognitive Therapy”

The commentary agrees with the premise that cognitive therapy handles the whole therapeutic process by using case formulation, including both specific cognitive strategies and the nonspecific factors such as the therapeutic alliance and the relationship. Cognitive therapists manage the developing relationship across different clients in a manner that is wholly guided by the cognitive conceptualization. Nonspecific processes are relatively secondary with less complicated clients, whereas with more complicated clients they instantiate the case formulation in terms of the “three-legged stool”: current life events, childhood antecedents, and therapeutic relationship. This instrument was introduced to deal with clients with depressions superimposed on personality disorders. These patients were more interpersonally challenging. With such clients the cognitive therapist touches on each leg of the stool with respect to any item that gets put on the agenda; how best to deal with issues in their current life (current life concerns), when did they first respond in a similar fashion in terms of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors (childhood antecedents), and did the way we worked on the topic stir up any thoughts or feelings that might be of concern (therapeutic relationship).
A New Measure of Community Health: Findings from the Healthy Aging Data Reports.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to develop a multidimensional measure of community healthy aging that is more nuanced than existing measures. The social ecological framework guided this analysis of the latent structure of community prevalence rates of chronic diseases and functional impairments. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The sample was 471 communities in Massachusetts (n=319) and New Hampshire (n=152). Data were drawn from publicly available healthy aging data reports for both states. Community prevalence rates for 45 chronic conditions, rates of mortality, and Medicare service utilization were estimated with the 2014-2015 CMS Medicare Beneficiary Summary Files and used in factor analyses to explore the latent structure of community healthy aging. RESULTS Results revealed a multidimensional structure composed of four latent population health components: serious complex chronic disease, indolent chronic disease, physical disability, and psychological disability. We found that while lower community socioeconomic status is a major determinant of all four components of population health, it is predictably associated with higher levels of serious complex chronic disease and physical disability and yet surprisingly with lower levels of indolent chronic disease and psychological disability. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS The four-dimensional model provides a more nuanced measure of community healthy aging than mortality rate, and it identifies community health disparities that otherwise may go undetected. Understanding the multiple levels that influence community healthy aging may reveal new interventions or programs to improve it and allow policymakers or other stakeholders to more accurately tailor interventions to match the conditions of need.
The Energy-saving Measurements of On-land Transportation in Taiwan: An Advanced Study

In this article, the optimization of energy-saving and carbon reducing measures are addressed and discussed. Transportation is one of the most important sources of income and labor for a country's economy. The progressive depletion of fossil fuels and the looming threat of global warming have had an impact on human civilizations and ecosystems in recent years. The primary goal of on-land transportation is to transport people. According to data, the total energy consumption of all passenger cars in Taiwan accounts for 70% of total on-land transport energy consumption and 50% of total energy consumption in the transportation sector.
CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling counteracts docetaxel-induced microtubule stabilization via p21-activated kinase 4-dependent activation of LIM domain kinase 1

Emerging data highlight the significance of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12/chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCL12/CXCR4) signaling axis in the chemoresistance of several malignancies, including prostate cancer (PCa); however, underlying mechanisms remain largely elusive. Here, we demonstrate that CXCL12 treatment rescues the PCa cells from docetaxel (DTX)-induced toxicity by overriding its effect on cell cycle (G2/M phase arrest). We further demonstrate that the chemoprotective effect of CXCL12 is abolished upon pharmacological inhibition or RNA interference-mediated silencing of CXCR4. Moreover, microtubule stabilization caused by DTX is suppressed in CXCL12-stimulated PCa cells as revealed by immunofluorescence and immunoblot analyses. The effect of CXCL12 on microtubule stabilization is abrogated when PCa cells are pre-treated with a CXCR4 antagonist. In additional studies, we show that the chemoprotective action of CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling is mediated by p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4)-dependent activation of Lim domain kinase 1 (LIMK1), and inhibition of either PAK4 or LIMK1 leads to re-sensitization of PCa cells to DTX-induced tubulin polymerization and cellular toxicity even in the presence of CXCL12. Altogether, our findings uncover a novel mechanism underlying CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling-induced PCa chemoresistance and suggest that targeting of this signaling axis or its downstream effector pathway could lead to therapeutic enhancement of DTX.
Yes-No Question Patterns in Southern Min: Variation Across Some Dialects in Fujian.

Zhu Dexi (1985) introduced the idea of the typological significance of the various yes-no question patterns in Chinese dialects. Subsequent research has revealed that variation within one dialect is quite common. Previous accounts of yes-no question patterns in Southern Min dialects have shown that most have more than one pattern. The present study shows that in some Fujian Southern Min dialects the patterns VP-neg and Adv-VP are mutually exclusive. Data from Xiamen is also presented to show recent innovations in the yes-no question pattern. This innovation is described with a view towards explaining how the origin of the innovative patterns and limitations on their further development are influenced by the distribution of the negatives and modal verbs.
Efficient wound odor removal by β-cyclodextrin functionalized poly (ε-caprolactone) nanofibers

Polymer-cyclodextrin (CD) composite nanofibers, by virtue of the hollow cavities and abundant hydroxyl groups present in CDs, have tremendous potential in a variety of biomedical applications. However, in most cases, especially in aliphatic polyesters, polymer chains thread readily into CD cavities, therefore its potential has not yet been fully realized. Herein, we report the formation of poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL)/β-CD functional nanofibers by electrospinning their mixture from chloroform/N,N-dimethylformamide (60 : 40). The fiber diameters of the neat PCL and β-CD functionalized fibers were measured from the images obtained from a scanning electron microscope and were found to be about 500 nm. The efficiency of wound odor absorbance by these composite fibers was studied using a simulated wound odor solution, consisting of butyric and propionic acids in ethanol. Immersion tests indicated that even under less than ideal test conditions, the nanofibers containing β-CDs were very efficient in masking the odor. The odor masking capability of the β-CD functionalized PCL nanofibers were further confirmed by thermogravimetric analyses and GC observations, with the former method showing unique degradation patterns. The PCL/β-CD nanocomposites, by virtue of having their β-CD cavities free and unthreaded by PCL, could potentially be an ideal substrate for removing wound odors through formation of inclusion compounds with odorants, while providing an ideal environment for the wound to heal. These results suggest tailoring polymer-CD nanostructures for specific applications in wound odor absorbance, surface grafting of chemical moieties, and vehicles for drug delivery, as examples. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42782.
Potentiation of the Antitumor Activity of 5-Fluorouracil in Colon Carcinoma Cells by the Combination of Interferon and Deoxyribonucleosides Results from Complementary Effects on Thymidine Phosphorylase

Abstract α-Interferon (IFNα) potentiates the cytotoxicity of 5-fluorouracil (FUra) in vitro, and the combination has clinical efficacy in advanced colorectal cancer. We have reported previously an IFNα-mediated elevation in cellular FdUMP levels accompanied by the stimulation of thymidine phosphorylase (TP) activity in extracts from HT-29 human colon carcinoma cells treated with IFNα. We have now found that this effect of IFNα can be measured in vivo as an increase in thymine incorporation in intact cells. The increase was only 3-fold, however, compared to the 12-fold increase seen in TP activity in cell extracts. This suggested that the cosubstrate for TP, deoxyribose-1-phosphate, was rate limiting in the cells. Since the synthetic pathway of TP can also proceed via a transferase reaction, natural and modified deoxyribonucleosides were tested as deoxyribosyl donors. TP activity was measurable in cell extracts using deoxyinosine as cosubstrate with either thymine or FUra, although activity was only 10% of that measured with deoxyribose-1-phosphate. The pyrimidine analogue 5-propynyloxy-2′-deoxyuridine (PO-dUrd) had 15% of the maximal TP activity in cell extracts and also increased thymine incorporation in intact cells 10-fold. Both 2′-deoxyinosine and PO-dUrd potentiated the cytotoxicity of FUra by 8–11-fold. IFNα potentiated the cytotoxicity of FUra by 1.8-fold, and the combination of IFNα and PO-dUrd produced a 25-fold increase in the cytotoxicity of FUra. Neither the corresponding analogue riboside, 5-propynyloxyuridine, nor the analogue base, 5-propynyloxyuracil, had any effect on FUra cytotoxicity. There was a significant correlation between the ability of a nucleoside and/or IFNα combination to increase thymine incorporation and to reduce the 50% inhibitory concentration for FUra. IFNα and PO-dUrd also potentiated the inhibition by FUra of thymidylate synthase activity. These findings suggest that the use of a deoxyribonucleoside to provide the rate limiting cosubstrate would complement the stimulation of TP by IFNα, and together they should further enhance the antitumor activity of FUra.
A Review and Critique of Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder Etiologies

The present review and critique of extant etiological theories centers on a single finding: Obsessive-compulsive personality is highly heritable (0.78) and not significantly influenced by “common, shared-in-families environmental factors” (Torgersen et al., 2000, p. 424). This finding, though twelve years old, has remained dissociated from existing etiological accounts. Psychoanalytic theories anachronistically maintain that obsessive personality is familially forged. Biological theories, few, unelaborated and weakened by postulating proximate instead of ultimate explanations, fail to seriously reckon with Torgersen’s findings. Truly integrating heritability estimates into a functional etiological account of obsessive character, it is argued in the discussion section, will come from an evolutionary model that understands obsessive personality to be an evolved strategy rather than a dysfunctional disorder.
Implementing Inclusive Engineering Challenges for Elementary Students

The Next Generation Science Standards emphasize the need to promote equitable opportunities for all students to engage in science and engineering. This article offers eight tips that educators can ...
Cell-mediated inhibition of proliferation and activation of alloreactive cytotoxic lymphocytes: maintenance of response potential of precursors and dissociation between proliferation and effector function of activated cytotoxic lymphocytes.

Abstract Adherent layers of macrophages (Mφ-c) generated in vitro from splenic precursors inhibit lymphoproliferative responses to mitogen and to alloantigen without inhibiting the production of interleukin-2 (IL-2). Analysis of spleen cells stimulated for 48 hr in the presence of Mφ-c indicated that both blastogenesis (increased cell mass) and expression of IL-2 receptors (7D4 determinants) were reduced. Analysis of BrdU incorporation (frequency of S-phase cells) and total cellular DNA revealed that the Mφ-c inhibited the progression from G 1 to S phase of cell cycle. The Mφ-c not only inhibited the proliferative response to alloantigen but also prevented the generation of alloreactive cytotoxic T cells. The Mφ-c were shown not to inhibit CTL responses by eliminating the stimulators or by inactivating precursors or inducing suppressors. The Mφ-c were affecting the induction of CTL activity since the Mφ-c did not affect the expression of cytolytic activity by activated CTL. The Mφ-c did inhibit the proliferation of the activated CTL, suggesting that although cytolytic activity can be expressed in G 1 phase of cell cycle, the activation of cytolytic activity in CTL-P may require a G 1 to S phase transition. The cells recovered from 5-day MLC incubated in the presence of Mφ-c were fully capable of generating a subsequent CTL response. This is in contrast to cells recovered from unstimulated cultures (no Mφ-c) which have lost the ability to generate CTL responses. The Mφ-c therefore prevent the generation of CTL responses in a totally reversible fashion, so as to allow activation and proliferation of CTL-P which have been removed from the influence of the Mφ-c. These observations are discussed in the context of the currently hypothesized role of tissue macrophages in microenvironmental regulation.
Social skills training to teach prosocial behaviors in an organically impaired and retarded patient

Abstract A social skills training program consisting of behavior rehearsal, modeling, instruction, feedback, and reinforcement was used to teach prosocial behaviors (e.g. number of words spoken, eye contact, smiles) in an organically impaired and intellectually deficient young adult. Six months following initial treatment, booster sessions were used to bolster the effects of initial training. All behaviors improved initially; decrements in skill performance seen over the six months of no treatment were reinstituted in booster sessions. The effects of treatment were evaluated in a multiple baseline design across behaviors.
HLA-DRB1*01 alleles are associated with sensitization to cockroach allergens.

Abstract Background: Sensitization to cockroach allergens is an important epidemiologic risk factor for asthma, particularly among African Americans living in urban environments. A recent genome screen in the Hutterites, a white founder population, identified a linkage between an HLA-linked marker and sensitization to cockroach allergens. Objective: Our purpose was to determine whether alleles at one or more HLA loci are associated with sensitization to cockroach allergens in ethnically diverse populations. Methods: Alleles at 14 HLA region loci were studied in the Hutterites. On the basis of these results, selected loci were examined in 54 African Americans with cockroach sensitization (cases) and 65 African Americans without cockroach sensitization (controls). Sensitivity to cockroach allergens was assessed in both samples by skin prick test to purified cockroach allergens ( Periplaneta americana and Blatella germanica ). Results: Significant associations between cockroach allergies and DRB1*0101 ( P corrected = .0066), DQA1*0101 ( P corrected = .0012), and DQB1*0501 ( P corrected = .00096) were detected in the Hutterites. In the African American sample, the most significant association was with the DRB1*0102 allele ( P corrected = .0088, odds ratio 16.4, 95% confidence interval 2.0, 131). The DRB1*0101 allele was infrequent in the African American sample (freqency 0.06) and the DRB1*0102 allele was absent in the Hutterites. DRB1*0101 and DRB1*0102 are closely related alleles that differ from nearly all other DRB1 alleles at 3 amino acids in the 1 peptide binding domain of the HLA-DR molecule. Conclusions: The DRB1*0101 allele in the Hutterites and the DRB1*0102 allele in African Americans confer risk for cockroach sensitization. Elucidating this interaction at the molecular level may allow for more targeted treatment and prevention of atopic asthma in inner-city populations. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000;105:960-6.)
Detoxication of aliphatic epoxides by diol formation and glutathione conjugation

The Ames procedure with Salmonella typhimurium strain TA100 was used to follow the detoxication by rat liver fractions of two series of aliphatic epoxides. The epoxides employed were 3-chloro-, 3,3-dichloro- and 3,3,3-trichloropropylene oxides and also p-methoxyphenyl-, phenyl- and p-nitrophenylglycidyl ethers. In our procedure with preincubation of the epoxides with rat liver fractions prior to the Ames tests, there was more detoxication of both systems by glutathione conjugation (non-enzymatic and transferase promoted) than by the hydrolase pathways. Non-enzymatic reaction with glutathione was more pronounced for the chloro series than for the glycidyl ethers. An HPLC system was developed which was capable of quantitative measurements of the phenylglycidyl ethers together with their diol and glutathione conjugate products. A comparison of the HPLC and Ames test results indicates that the glutathione transferase reported to be present in Salmonella could be playing a role in detoxication by the Ames test. Diols were measured more readily by HPLC than by use of the Ames test in the microsomal fraction and were detected in the cytosol with the glycidyl ethers while they were not by the Ames procedure. However, all three epoxides were converted to a greater extent to their glutathione conjugates than to their diols. Thus, while literature references question the availability of the glutathione detoxication system for epoxides produced by membrane-bound enzymes, such detoxication would be of primary importance where direct-acting environmental epoxides come into contact with the cytosolic enzymes prior to possible reaction with bionucleophiles.
Soy and red clover for mid-life and aging.

Introduction Menopause is associated with mid-life, a time when many women begin to experience the signs and symptoms of aging, such as increases in blood pressure, changes in lipid profiles, loss of bone mass density, and diminished memory and cognition. Given the result of the Women's Health Initiative, many women no longer consider hormone therapy the first option for promoting healthy aging. Instead, they are turning to botanical and dietary supplement (BDS) products in place of hormone therapy. This paper reviews the evidence available for use of isoflavones from soy and red clover for the treatment or prevention of these health issues.Methods The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for articles relating to soy or red clover supplement use for prevention and/or treatment of heart disease, hyperlipidemia, osteoporosis, mood disorders and cognitive abilities. Studies were included if they were randomized, controlled trials and included peri- or postmenopausal women.Results Isoflavone products ap...
Multipoint boundary value problem for the Lyapunov equation in the case of strong degeneration of the boundary conditions

We obtain sufficient coefficient conditions for the unique solvability of a multipoint boundary value problem for the Lyapunov matrix differential equation in the case of strong degeneration of the boundary conditions. We suggest an efficient algorithm for constructing the solution.
Zebrafish Larva Locomotor Activity Analysis Using Machine Learning Techniques

Zebra fish larvae have become a popular model organism to investigate genetic and environmental factors affecting behavior. However, difficulties exist in the analysis of complex behaviors from a large array of larvae. In this paper, we present the new application of machine learning techniques in bioinformatics to automatically detect and investigate the locomotor activities of zebra fish larvae. To achieve this, twelve features were defined and seven unsupervised learning methods were implemented. Next, seven performance measures were applied to evaluate and compare these methods. In order to empirically evaluate the machine learning algorithms, a large dataset was collected that contained 6847 valid instances. Using this dataset, the characteristics of the features were analyzed and the most appropriate unsupervised learning algorithm, i.e., Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic mean (UPGMA), for locomotor activity analysis was identified. In addition, UPGMA's ability to reveal underlying patterns of zebra fish locomotor activities was demonstrated. In general, this study shows that machine learning techniques have the potential to construct effective, high-throughput systems to automate the process of identifying zebra fish behaviors influenced by genetic manipulation, pharmaceuticals, and environmental toxins.
Formation of a quasi-two-dimensional electron gas in GaN/AlxGa1−xN heterostructures with diffuse interfaces

Calculations of the electronic energy levels and the distribution of the quasi-two-dimensional electron gas (Q2DEG) at the GaN/AlxGa1−xN interface that take into account the graded nature of the interface are presented in this article. Mapping of the interface using scanning transmission electron microscopy annular dark-field imaging, the changes in the N K-edge and the integrated intensity of the Al L2,3-edge revealed that the interface can be up to 20 A wide. Self-consistent calculations in the local density approximation estimate the sensitivity of the Q2DEG formed at the interface to various parameters, including the width of the interface, the concentration of bound charge, ambient temperature, and the geometrical sizes of the structure.
Maternal factors in developmental toxicity

The maternal organism provides the developing embryo with its physical environment, nutrients, and a mechanism for eliminating metabolic wastes. Since the physiological state of the pregnant female affects her ability to provide those requirements for the developing embryo, it is not surprising that there are maternal factors that can affect the wellbeing of the embryo. Extremes of maternal age in both humans and animals have been implicated in growth retardation, as well as autosomal trisomies. The influence of maternal size on fetal size is more pronounced among larger species with longer gestation periods such as humans and domestic animals. A clear relationship between the parity of the mother and potential developmental toxicity in humans has not been established due to the confounding influences of maternal age. Among laboratory rodents, however, it appears that offspring of multiparous animals are at increased risk of developmental toxicity. A variety of infectious agents, particularly viruses, have either been demonstrated or implicated as causes of developmental toxicity. In addition, hyperthermia is a possible confounding factor inherent with maternal infection. Although under experimental conditions hyperthermia is teratogenic in laboratory animals, a causative role for transient hyperthermia, which occurs during febrile states concomitant with infections, cannot be clearly established. Chronic maternal vascular disease states including essential hypertension, heart disease, or diabetes mellitus are likely to contribute to uteroplacental insufficiency and developmental toxicity. Poor maternal nutrition among humans contributes to growth retardation, but not to malformations. The production of "abnormal" maternal antibodies, such as are present in Rh incompatibility, can cause fetal wastage. An important maternal factor in humans is uteroplacental insufficiency, which can occur in normal states like twinning, as well as in abnormal conditions including reduced placental size, chronic maternal hypoxia, or uterine ischemia. Although all these maternal factors can contribute to developmental toxicity, they do not necessarily occur as isolated events. Some developmental toxicants exert deleterious effects within both the embryo and the maternal system.
Synthesis of new Sn incorporated layered double hydroxides and their evolution to mixed oxides

Abstract A new series of MgIIAlIIISnIV hydrotalcite (HT)-like layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with Mg/Al/Sn = 3:1:0 to 3:0:1 were synthesized for the first time by a simple coprecipitation method at room temperature. The incorporation of Sn4+ in the HT-like layer was investigated by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), chemical analysis, simultaneous thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), and N2 adsorption–desorption experiments. A single phase corresponding to LDH could be obtained in the composition range Mg/Al/Sn = 3:1:0 to 3:0.7:0.3. Above this composition, in addition to LDH, a MgSn(OH)6 phase was formed. Thermal calcination of these MgAlSn-LDHs at 45°C resulted in the formation of MgO solid solutions in which both Al3+ and Sn4+ were dissolved. The surface area and pore volume decreased with increasing Sn content for as-synthesized as well as for calcined samples. Calcination at 1100°C offered a well-crystallized phase corresponding to Mg2SnO4 “inverse spinel” in addition to the less crystalline MgO and MgAl2O4 phases.
Variability in Distribution and Virulence Phenotypes of Heterodera glycines in Missouri During 2005

The soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines, is a serious economic threat to soybean producers in Missouri. Periodic monitoring for the presence, population densities, and virulence phenotypes of H. glycines is essential for determining crop losses and devising management strategies implementing the use of resistant cultivars. A survey using area-frame sampling was conducted to determine the distribution and virulence phenotypes of H. glycines in Missouri during 2005. Two samples from each of 125 fields representing eight geographical regions of Missouri were collected; 243 samples were processed for extraction of cysts and eggs. In all, 49% of samples had detectable cyst nematode populations, which ranged from 138 to 85,250 eggs per 250 cm3 of soil. Race and H. glycines type tests were conducted on populations from 45 samples. Nearly 80% of the populations that were tested, irrespective of the region, were virulent on the indicator line plant introduction (PI) 88788, which is the source of resistance for most H. glycines-resistant cultivars. More than 70% of populations could reproduce on the indicator lines PI 88788, PI 209332, and PI 548316 (Cloud), indicating that soybean cultivars with resistance derived from these sources need to be carefully monitored and used only in rotation with nonhost crops and soybean cultivars with resistance from other sources. Approximately one-third of the populations, primarily in the southern regions of Missouri, could reproduce on PI 548402 (Peking), another common source of resistance. Fewer than 10% of the populations could reproduce on PI 90763, PI 437654, PI 89772, or PI 438489B, suggesting that these sources of resistance should be used in soybean breeding programs to develop H. glycines-resistant soybean cultivars.
Gene therapy for haemophilia

The ultimate goal of gene therapy is the replacement of a defective gene sequence with a corrected version to eliminate disease for the lifetime of the patient. This challenging task is not yet accomplished, however significant progress is evident. An initial spate of clinical trials attempting the treatment of haemophilia with gene transfer primarily resulted in the demonstration of good safety profiles, but without efficacy. Subsequent reengineering of vector plasmids and delivery systems resulted in markedly improved outcomes in animal models of the disease. The most recent clinical trial for the treatment of haemophilia B with gene transfer showed transient achievement of efficacy in the highest dose cohort tested, but also exposed a previously hidden barrier to the future success of these treatments. The progress and problems of gene therapies for haemorrhagic disorders will be discussed. This review will concentrate on approaches in or near clinical application.
Mitochondrial One-Carbon Metabolism Maintains Redox Balance during Hypoxia

Mitochondria generate high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to activate protumorigenic signaling pathways. In parallel, the mitochondria must also increase their antioxidant capacity to lower ROS levels and prevent cancer cell death. In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Ye and colleagues demonstrate that serine catabolism through one-carbon metabolism within the mitochondrial matrix is necessary to maintain this redox balance.
Null response to a large signal transient in an augmented dc-dc converter: A geometric approach

The maximum closed-loop bandwidth of a dc-dc converter is restricted to a fraction of its switching frequency, while governed by a conventional pulse-width-modulation (PWM) technique. Even an advanced geometric control is limited by its internal slew rate. The bandwidth can be made close to (even higher than) the switching frequency through converter augmentation; however, it requires a proper control algorithm and circuit arrangements. This paper considers methods of controlling both augmented buck and boost converters. An augmented boost converter topology is also proposed. The main switch is controlled through fixed-frequency PWM control, and augmented switches are controlled through a bang-bang control. The open-loop small-signal analysis is carried out using a frequency domain approach. Minimum-time transient recovery is achieved using a finite set of augmented resistances and dynamically varying voltage hysteresis bands. It is possible to achieve null response in the sense of ripple band to the large-signal transient.
Home free? Not after 3!

In this issue of Blood , Pengo and colleagues report a prospective study in which they found that patients who tested strongly positive for all 3 standard antiphospholipid (aPL) assays (“triple positives”) had a significant likelihood of experiencing a first thromboembolic event and developing
Nomenclatural changes and notes in the Deltocephalinae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

Abstract Nomenclatural changes and clarifications are provided for names in the leafhopper subfamily Deltocephalinae. The replacement names Cicadula vilbastei nom. nov., Eutettix harlani nom. nov., Macrosteles raoi nom. nov., Maiestas chalami nom. nov., Maiestas viraktamathi nom. nov., Opsius emeljanovi nom. nov., Paradorydium naudei nom. nov., Penthimia alba nom. nov., Penthimia evansi nom. nov., and Penthimia walkeri nom. nov. are given for species-group homonyms. Four new synonyms are recognized for previous replacement names that are no longer valid. The status of Acinopterus angulatus Lawson nomen protectum is discussed. Paramacrosteles Dai, Li & Chen status reinstated is reinstated as valid on taxonomic grounds. Priority is clarified for two species of Deltocephalinae, five new combinations in Balclutha Kirkaldy are given, and two original spellings are fixed.
Computer Simulation and Analysis of Problems in Kinship and Social Structure

THE use of electronic computers in almost all fields of scientific research has led recently to exploratory studies of their utility in anthropology (Hymes MS). Some attempts have been made to employ machines in data processing (e.g., Coult et al. MS, Randolph and Coult MS, Coult and Randolph 1965); others have attempted to take advantage of the capabilities of computers in the construction of explanatory or predictive models (e.g., Gilbert and Hammel MS, Hammel and Gilbert MS, also reported in Lamb and Romney MS; see also Kunstadter et al. 1963). This paper is an account of the status of our research in the latter category and presents improvements and refinements of programs described earlier.? Because the use of electronic computers has been regarded with some skepticism, we should say quite clearly here that we regard a computer as a clerk with several virtues but one which is no better than its instructions.2 To appreciate the way in which this clerk operates, one should realize that a computer is, in principle, nothing more than a desk calculator and a note pad. In using a desk calculator, an operator selects items from the note pad or other storage location (such as his own memory) and transfers them into the calculator. He then performs certain manipulations of the data so entered by punching particular buttons in a certain sequence, reads the results, and transfers these back to the note pad. A computer combines the desk calculator and the note pad (storage) in one system so that storage, retrieval, and manipulation of items are mechanized. The program for the computer mechanizes the operator in directing the computer which items to select from storage, which operations to perform on them, and which results to place back in storage. The present paper is concerned with the description of such a program for the solution of a complex problem in demography and social organization; the specific computer is important only in the limiting conditions its mechanical and electronic structure places on the nature of the program.
Water and atrazine movement in a calcareous compost applied soil during simulated multiple storms events

The retention and movement of water and atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6- isopropylamino-s-triazine) was investigated in a calcareous soil (Krome) amended with three types of compost: (1) Clean organic waste (COW)- municipal solid waste cleaned of plastic materials and metal containers, (2) Biosolids (BSD)- sludge from municipal waste and (3) Bedminster (BDM) - a mixture containing 75% COW and 25% BSD. The research was conducted in two phases; a column- leaching study (dynamic) and a batch-equilibrium method (static). The column study demonstrated that while applying simulated rain, atrazine, leached out at a slower rate by 41, 24, and 18% from soil amended with BDM, BSD, and COW composts, respectively, during the first simulated storm event. BDM application resulted in lowest water movement and atrazine-leaching rate compared to the other composts tested. This study suggests that adding 134 t ha −1 of compost to the calcareous soil increased soil water holding capacity, reduced water movement and increased atrazine detention and reduced leaching potential of atrazine thereby reducing the potential for groundwater pollution. This study further demonstrates that soil amendment (particularly BDM) is effective in reducing the leaching potential of atrazine at the low rainfall amounts (corresponding to 0.5 pore volume). How- ever, such amendment may not be effective in preventing leaching under more intense rain conditions or multiple rainfall events (corresponding to 3 or more pore volumes).
Long-term survival after fertility-sparing surgery for epithelial ovarian cancer.

Objective: To determine the long-term results of fertility-sparing surgery in the treatment of early-stage invasive epithelial ovarian cancer. Methods: A retrospective review of 123 patients who underwent surgical staging for FIGO stage I epithelial ovarian cancer from November 1982 to July 2002. Demographics, stage, histopathology, adjuvant therapy, recurrence, and survival were compared for patients who had fertility-sparing surgery and for those having standard surgical staging. Results: Twenty patients, with a median age of 27 years, had preservation of the uterus and contralateral ovary at the time of surgical staging. Platinum-based chemotherapy was administered to 50% of these patients postoperatively. Three patients (15%) recurred in the retained ovary at 9, 20, and 22 months, and all died of their disease. One patient was diagnosed with primary endometrial cancer at 15 months and was salvaged with hysterectomy. At a median follow-up of 122 months, 17 (85%) of 20 patients treated with fertility-sparing surgery were alive without disease. Of the 103 patients treated with removal of the uterus and both ovaries, 72% received adjuvant platinum chemotherapy. Twenty (19%) of the patients in the standard surgery group have recurred, and 17 have died of disease. At a median follow-up of 113 months, 78 (76%) of 103 patients treated with standard surgery were alive without disease. Five-year survival data showed no significant difference in the recurrence-free survival of the fertility-sparing and standard surgery groups (84% vs 78%) or overall survival (84% vs 82%). Conclusion: Fertility-sparing surgery is a reasonable alternative treatment for young women with stage I epithelial ovarian cancer desiring fertility preservation.
Numerical Analysis of Ultrashort Pulse Laser-Material Interaction Using ABAQUS

Ultrafast lasers of subpicosecond pulse duration have thus far been investigated for ablation, drilling, and cutting processes. Ultrafast lasers also have the potential for laser welding of small components of the order of microns and for laser shock peening to enhance the peening depth. In this paper, the potential for welding is investigated using the two-temperature model to analyze laser-matter interaction for ultrafast lasers. The model is implemented in a general-purpose commercial finite element method package, ABAQUS, to enable broad based application of the two-temperature model in practical engineering problems. The implementation is validated by comparison with linear solutions obtained using separation of variables. It is then used to investigate the potential for microwelding using ultrafast laser pulse for both low and high fluence laser input.
Introduction to Evolutionary Computing

This book was written by its two authors with the explicit intention that it would become one of the standard text books on evolutionary computation, to rival ”the greats”, namely those of Goldberg (1989), Davis (1991), Michalewicz (1992-1996), Koza (1992), Back (1995), and Mitchell (1996) . It aims to be a comprehensive account both in theory and in practice of the general field of ”Evolutionary Computation”. For those familiar with Goldberg’s classic text (Goldberg, 1989) and Davis’s ”how to” book (Davis, 1991), this book combines the strengths of both. It presents the theory in a clear and didactic manner that is pleasing. However if a second edition is published, I hope the authors will do a better job of editing their text. The result would make their book one of the best of its kind. I will take up this issue again at the end of this review. The real advantage of this book is that it is comprehensive, structured, and modern. It presents its material in a logical linear manner that starts with a brief overview chapter on what evolutionary computation is about, and then launches into 4 comprehensive chapters describing the basics of the 4 main paradigms or ”dialects” as the authors call them of evolutionary computation (EC), namely GAs (Genetic Algorithms, founded by John Holland in the US in the 1960s), ES (Evolutionary Strategies, founded by Rechenberg and Schwefel in Germany in the 1960s), EP (Evolutionary Programming, founded by Fogel in the US in the 1960s), and GP (Genetic Programming, founded by Koza in the US in the 1980s). The authors deliberately take a broad overview of EC, extracting the common features of all 4 paradigms, and then presenting the paradigms one by one in terms of these common themes. Earlier texts were aimed mostly at only one of the 4 paradigms, especially the classic texts of a decade or more ago. Anyone writing a text on EC today is now virtually obliged to present all paradigms, otherwise they would risk being labeled ”narrow”. It is this comprehensiveness that is one of the major advantages of the book. The only other text aimed similarly to be comprehensive in the above sense is that of Back (1995). Chapters 3 to 6 present the theory of the 4 paradigms spending about 10-20 pages on each, followed by several exercises at the end of each chapter for readers and students to test their understanding. Unfortunately, there are no answers to these exercises at the end of the book, which is another major disadvantage of the book that aims to
Assessing the impact of political unrest on currency returns: A look at Latin America

Abstract This study assesses the impact of major episodes of political unrest, such as assassinations, bombings, and coup attempts, on the currency returns of Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela. Using daily data for the 1990s and standard modeling from the efficient markets literature, we find that instances of political unrest lead to a significant drop in currency returns that lasts for up to twelve weeks. We discuss some implications of these results for investors, researchers, and practitioners.
The great oral examination face-off! Psychological warfare at its best: The examiner's goal is to rattle the student, while the victim coolly counterattacks. Both should wear dark glasses

From the standpoint of each individual examiner, the basic purposes of the oral examination are few and simple: to make the examiner appear smarter and trickier than either the examinee or the other examiners, thereby preserving his or her self-esteem, and to crush the examinee, thereby avoiding the messy and time-wasting problem of postexamination judgment and decision.
Dynamics of MEMS resonators under superharmonic and subharmonic excitations

We present an analysis and simulations for the dynamics of electrically actuated microbeams under secondary resonance excitations. The presented model and methodology enable simulation of the transient and steady-state dynamics of microbeams undergoing small or large motions. The microbeams are excited by a dc electrostatic force and an ac harmonic force with a frequency tuned near twice their fundamental natural frequencies (subharmonic excitation of order one-half) or half their fundamental natural frequencies (superharmonic excitation of order two). In the case of superharmonic excitation, we present results showing the effect of varying the dc bias, the damping and the ac excitation amplitude on the frequency–response curves. In the case of subharmonic excitation, we show that, once the subharmonic resonance is activated, all frequency–response curves reach pull-in, regardless of the magnitude of the ac forcing. We conclude that the quality factor has a limited influence on the frequency response in this case. This result and the fact that the frequency–response curves have very steep passband-to-stopband transitions make the combination of a dc voltage and a subharmonic excitation of order one-half a promising candidate for designing improved high-sensitive RF MEMS filters. For both excitation methods, we show that the dynamic pull-in instability can occur at an electric load much lower than a purely dc voltage and of the same order of magnitude as that in the case of primary-resonance excitation.
Spatial Analytics for Rancho Cucamonga: A City on a Map

Managing a city with its different departments, resources and assets can be a challenging problem especially when considering the dynamic events fire, traffic accidents, 911 calls, road closures, etc. ' that take place each day. The overall performance of how a city is performing depends on the efficiency of different departments. Taking into account that the needed information resides in the silos of different departments, there is a need to connect the dots to see the overall picture. The operational period of the city of Rancho Cucamonga starts at 8:00 AM and ends at 4:00 PM. During that period, the city manager and other department directors need to track incidents and events happing in the city in order to respond effectively and in a timely matter. This case shows how a city has used location analytics in an innovative way to provide the capability for city management to monitor daily incidents using a single dashboard screen.
Analysis of software availability/reliability under the influence of hardware failures

A new hardware-software reliability model is developed where lifetimes and repair times of the software subsystem have general system state-dependent distributions. The hardware subsystem constitutes an independent alternating renewal process having exponential up-times and general down-times. Multiple errors may be introduced or removed through repairs. The model is formulated as a multivariate stochastic process. To study the performance of the software subsystem under the influence of hardware failures, expressions of various time dependent performance measures are derived. Using the matrix Laguerre transform of U. Sumita (1984), corresponding computational procedures are also developed. A numerical example is given demonstrating the speed, accuracy, and stability of these procedures.