cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantification and sequencing of somatic deleted mtDNA in single cells: evidence for partially duplicated mtDNA in aged human tissues

Single-cell PCR of the whole mitochondrial genome provides detailed information about intracellular clonal expansions of deleted mitochondrial DNA (DeltamtDNA), which contribute to aging of the muscle and possibly other tissues. Analysis of approximately 1400 cells from heart, diaphragm and skeletal muscle from 20 individuals without mitochondrial disease revealed that up to 25% of cells in a tissue sample may bear clonally expanded DeltamtDNA. Sequence analysis of >50 clonal DeltamtDNA reveals that about half of them lack the light strand origin of replication. This observation is puzzling since these molecules must have retained the ability to replicate in order to be able to undergo clonal expansion. We present evidence that such DeltamtDNA molecules may in fact exist in the cell as partially duplicated mtDNA (pdmtDNA) previously described in certain mtDNA disorders. In contrast to the 'originless' DeltamtDNA, the corresponding pdmtDNA do possess a light strand origin required for their propagation. Most pdmtDNA also possess an extra heavy strand origin, which may result in higher replication rate and thus provide a mechanism for expansion. Importantly, pdmtDNA are indistinguishable from DeltamtDNA in PCR assays routinely used to detect somatic mtDNA deletions in tissues of normally aged individuals. These results indicate that a substantial proportion of age-related mtDNA deletions reported in the literature may exist as or be derived from pdmtDNA.
I-TASSER: fully automated protein structure prediction in CASP8.

The I-TASSER algorithm for protein 3D structure prediction was tested in CASP8, with the procedure fully automated in both the Server and Human sections. The quality of the server models is close to that of human ones but incorporating more diverse templates from other servers improves the results of human predictions in the distant homology category. For the first time, the sequence-based contact predictions from machine learning techniques are found helpful for both template-based modeling (TBM) and template-free modeling (FM). In TBM, although the average accuracy of the sequence-based contact predictions is lower than that from template-based ones, the novel contacts in the sequence-based predictions, which are complementary to the threading templates in the weakly or unaligned regions, are important to improve the global and local packing of these regions. Moreover, the newly developed atomic structural refinement algorithm was tested in CASP8 and found to improve the hydrogen-bonding networks and the overall TM-score, which is mainly due to its ability of removing steric clashes so that the models can be generated from cluster centroids. Nevertheless, one of the major issues of the I-TASSER pipeline is the model selection where the best models could not be appropriately recognized when the correct templates are detected only by the minority of the threading algorithms. There are also problems related with domain-splitting and mirror image recognition which mainly influences the performance of I-TASSER modeling in the FM-based structure predictions.
Heat Transfer in Ultrafast Laser Tissue Welding

The objective of this research is to develop an appropriate model for simulating the transient heat transfer processes in tissue welding subject to irradiation of ultrashort laser pulses. The ultrafast laser tissue welding process is modeled in three steps. First, there is an immediate local temperature response due to radiation absorption during an ultrashort time period. The transient discrete ordinate method is employed to simulate the ultrashort laser pulse transport in tissue. The temporal radiation field is obtained and the lumped method is used for predicting the local temperature response. After a stable local temperature profile is achieved, the second step starts, in which the hyperbolic heat conduction model is adopted to describe the heat transfer. The thermal wave behavior is observed. It is found that the hyperbolic wave model predicts a higher temperature rise than the classical diffusion model. After about five thermal relaxation times the thermal wave behavior is substantially weakened and the heat diffusion predominates. The heat diffusion equation can accurately describe the heat transfer thereafter.© 2005 ASME
Interaction of the Xanthine Nucleotide Binding Goα Mutant with G Protein-coupled Receptors

We constructed a double mutant version of the α subunit of Go that was regulated by xanthine nucleotides instead of guanine nucleotides (GoαX). We investigated the interaction between GoαX and G protein-coupled receptors in vitro. First, we found that the activated m2 muscarinic cholinergic receptor (MAChR) could facilitate the exchange of XTPγS for XDP in the GoαXβγ heterotrimer. Second, the GoαXβγ complex was able to induce the high affinity ligand-binding state in the N-formyl peptide receptor (NFPR). These experiments demonstrated that GoαX was able to interact effectively with G protein-coupled receptors. Third, we found that the empty form of GoαX, lacking a bound nucleotide and βγ, formed a stable complex with the m2 muscarinic cholingeric receptor associated with the plasma membrane. Finally, we investigated the interaction of GoαX with receptor in COS-7 cells. The empty form of GoαX bound tightly to the receptor and was not activated because XTP was not available intracellularly. We tested the ability of GoαX to inhibit the activities of several different G protein-coupled receptors in transfected COS-7 cells and found that Goα X specifically inhibited Go-coupled receptors. Thus the modified G proteins may act as dominant-negative mutants to trap and inactivate specific subsets of receptors.
Conflict of Interest or Certification? Evidence from IPOs Underwritten by the Firm's Relationship Bank

We examine the long-term return performance and fundamental valuation of IPOs underwritten by relationship banks. We find that over one- to three-year horizons these IPOs yield returns similar to those on IPOs underwritten by non-relationship banks. Moreover, we show that there is selection among firms that go public with their relationship bank. Investors value these new issues higher than similar IPOs underwritten by non-relationship banks. These findings support the certification role of relationship banks and suggest that, in this respect, the effect of the 1999 repeal of Sections 20 and 32 of the Glass-Steagall Act has not been negative.
Neurons of rostral ventrolateral medulla mediate somatic pressor reflex

The somatic pressor reflex (SPR) elicited in anesthetized paralyzed rats by electrical stimulation of the sciatic or sural cutaneous afferent nerves produced an increase in arterial pressure ranging from 5 to 40 mmHg. Stimulation of femoral or tibial afferent nerves from muscle produced a depressor response. The SPR was not affected by midpontine transection but was eliminated either by hemisection of the lumbar spinal cord contralateral, but not ipsilateral, to the stimulated nerve or by electrolytic or kainic acid lesion of the contralateral, but not ipsilateral, rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVL). Stimulation of the brachial plexus elicited an SPR that was not eliminated by contralateral lumbar hemisection but was abolished by RVL lesion. RVL lesions consistently overlapped areas containing phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase-labeled C1 adrenergic neurons. Kainic acid injections into the lateral reticular nucleus (LRN) did not affect the SPR. Neither contralateral nor ipsilateral electrolytic lesions of other autonomic areas including parabrachial nucleus, the nucleus tractus solitarii, the A5 region, or the inferior cerebellar peduncle (output pathway of the LRN) affected the reflex. In axonal transport studies using horseradish peroxidase, afferent terminals of the sciatic nerve were shown to overlap spinoreticular neurons in the dorsal horn retrogradely labeled from tracer injections in the RVL. We conclude that the SPR can be elicited in rats, that it is mediated by spinoreticular afferents traveling in the contralateral spinal cord, and that the C1 adrenergic area of the RVL is a critical region for the integration of the somatic pressor reflex.
Transmit array processing for cyclic-prefix CDMA

This paper explores the addition of frequency-domain transmit antenna arrays to the cyclic-prefix CDMA (CP-CDMA) system concept. CP-CDMA is a novel type of single carrier DS-CDMA that employs OFDM-style cyclic prefixes to facilitate efficient frequency-domain receiver processing in broadband CDMA cellular systems. CP-CDMA is intended for high-bandwidth, high-delay-spread cellular channels, such as those envisioned for systems that evolve from current 3G CDMA standards. This paper examines both single-data stream (i.e., maximal ratio transmission) and multiple data stream (i.e., spatial multiplexing also known as multiple-input, multiple-output or MIMO) techniques for CP-CDMA systems that operate with high code usage and multi-level modulation in broadband high delay-spread channels. In the proposed algorithms, both the transmit and receive array processing is performed completely in the frequency-domain to allow the tracking of frequency-selective MIMO channels. Simulation results are presented to show the efficacy of the proposed methods.
Variable-speed object motion in 3d visualizations of discrete-event construction simulation models

SUMMARY: This paper presents research that addresses the problem of describing the accurate, variablespeed motion of simulation objects on realistically-shaped trajectories (i.e. paths) in animations of discrete-event construction simulation models. The research puts in place techniques that simulation modellers can use to instruct virtual simulation objects to follow any arbitrarily-shaped velocity profiles while adhering to fixed motion completion times while they traverse along any defined path trajectories. A computation scheme that allows simulation models to define the general shapes of relevant velocity profiles and then heuristically scales those profiles to accommodate communicated activity instance durations is presented. While allowing animated simulation objects to be moved with any arbitrarily shaped velocity profiles, this technique ensures that an object’s spatial and temporal control rests entirely with the underlying simulation models.
Improved Damage Detection for Beam-type Structures using a Uniform Load Surface

A combined analytical and experimental study is conducted to develop efficient and effective damage detection techniques for beam-type structures. Unlike many other vibration-based damage detection...
Dynamic Characteristics of a 30-cm Mercury Ion Thruster

Fluctuations of the discharge and beam plasmas of a 30-cm ion thruster have been measured using 60-Hz laboratory-type power supplies. The thruster was operated at beam currents of 2.0,1.5, and 1.0 A over a range of magnetic baffle currents, at constant discharge power and voltage. The time-varying properties of the discharge voltage and current, the ion beam current, and the neutralizer keeper current were measured. The intensities of the fluctuations (ratio of the rms magnitude to time-average quantity) were found to depend significantly on the beam and magnetic baffle currents. The predominant peaks of the beam and discharge current spectra occurred at frequencies less than 30kHz. Cross-correlations of the discharge and beam currents indicated that the dependence on the magnetic baffle current was strong.
The PAM decomposition of CPM signals with integer modulation index

This article presents the solution for decomposing continuous-phase modulated (CPM) signals with integer modulation index into pulse-amplitude modulated components. The notion of main complex pulse is also introduced. A simplified demodulator for CPM signals with integer modulation index is proposed as an application example and simulation results using a quaternary 2 raised cosine (RC) scheme are given.
Some recent kernels of knowledge from the Indian Journal of Psychiatry.

The Indian Journal of Psychiatry, the official publication of the Indian Psychiatric Society, is one of the oldest scientific Psychiatry journals in Asia. Beginning publication as the Indian Journal of Neurology and Psychiatry in 1949, it took on its present name in 1958 and is now published quarterly under the stewardship of its 14th Editor, Dr. T.S. Sathyanarayana Rao. Our Journal featured an early pearl from this publication in one of our earlier issues (Keshavan, 2009; Rao, 1973). In this issue, we summarize three articles on different facets of schizophrenia research recently published in this Journal (Hegde et al., 2012; Rangaswamy, 2012; Thirthalli et al., 2011). Thirthalli and co-workers examined the relationship between duration of untreated psychosis and outcome in a sample of 119 never-treated patients with schizophrenia with a mean duration of untreated psychosis of 2 years. Using a rigorous study design, they observed that both symptomatic and functional outcome at an average of 1 year were inversely related to duration of untreated psychosis. Replicating results of studies conducted in high-income countries (Marshall et al., 2005; Tandon et al., 2009), these data reinforce the importance of early recognition and intervention in this debilitating disorder (Tandon et al., 2010). Additionally, these results are consistent with other observations of longer periods of untreated psychosis in schizophrenia patients in lower and middle income countries. Hegde and colleagues examined the effectiveness of a 2month home-based cognitive retraining program on neuropsychological function and negative symptoms in 45 individuals with first-episode schizophrenia in a randomized controlled clinical trial. They were able to effectively implement the homebased cognitive retraining package and observed a significant improvement in measures of attention, set-shifting ability, planning, and concept formation. Additionally, they observed a reduction in negative symptoms in those receiving cognitive retraining. These data complement the growing literature on the utility of cognitive enhancement therapy in schizophrenia (Eack et al., 2010) and indicates the universal feasibility of applying these approaches.
Pacemaker reutilization for those in underserved nations: examining preliminary data and future prospects

A great disparity exists in the utilization of pacemakers between the developed world and the low- and middle-income countries where healthcare resources are limited. Worldwide, it is estimated that more than 1 million individuals are in need of pacemakers to treat life-threatening bradyarrhythmias. Pacemaker reutilization is a promising solution to overcome the cost barrier of treating highly symptomatic bradyarrhythmias in these countries. Thus far, this initiative has gained the support of physicians, patients and funeral directors who have proven that a feasible model to deliver these devices to underserved nations is achievable. Many challenges still exist regarding pacemaker reutilization, however, Project My Heart Your Heart is working with the US FDA to overcome many of these obstacles with the goal of alleviating the associated morbidity and mortality of this otherwise treatable epidemic.
Attitudes Toward Punishment in Relation to Beliefs in Free Will and Determinism

An experiment was conducted to investigate attitudes toward punishment in relation to beliefs in free will and determinism. College students responded to two questionnaires; one designed to assess attitudes toward punishment and one designed to assess strength of belief in free will or determinism. It was found that subjects who scored higher in belief in determinism recommended more punitive measures for behavioral deviations than those who scored higher in belief in free will. A possible explanation for these results emphasized the burdensome moral responsibility which punishment may represent to those who believe in free will. Such responsibility would demand that punishment be administered with scrupulous attention to fairness and justice.
Benchmarking CAD search techniques

While benchmark datasets have been proposed for testing computer vision and 3D shape retrieval algorithms, no such datasets have yet been put forward to assess the relevance of these techniques for engineering problems. This paper presents several distinctive benchmark datasets for evaluating techniques for automated classification and retrieval of CAD objects. These datasets include (1) a dataset of CAD primitives (such as those common in constructive solid geometry modeling); (2) two datasets consisting of classes generated by minor topological variation; (3) two datasets of industrial CAD models classified based on object function and manufacturing process, respectively; (4) and a dataset of LEGO© models from the Mindstorms© robotics kits. Each model in the datasets is available in three formats - ACIS SAT, ISO STEP, and as a VRML mesh (some models are available under several different fidelity settings). These are all available through the National Design Repository.Using these datasets, we present comprehensive empirical results for nine (9) different shape and solid model matching and retrieval techniques. These experiments show, as expected, that the quality of precision-recall performance can significantly vary on different datasets. These experiments reveal that for certain object classes and classifications, such as those based on manufacturing processes, all existing techniques perform poorly. This study reveals the strengths and weaknesses of existing research in these areas, introduces open challenge problems, and provides meaningful datasets and metrics against which the success of current and future work can be measured.
An algorithm for diagnostic reasoning using TFPG models in embedded real-time applications

Embedded diagnostic reasoners require compact modeling representations and efficient reasoning algorithms given limited available computational resources. Timed failure propagation graphs (TFPG) are compact representations used to model failure causes and progressions of conditions that are symptoms of failure occurrence, together with the temporality and likelihood of these symptom progressions and the observation of some of the aberrant conditions. Algorithms for design-time diagnosability analysis using TFPG models have previously been reported, but these algorithms have different design objectives leading to different computational strategies and optimization criteria. This paper presents and discusses an algorithm specifically designed for efficient failure isolation based on reported observations of abnormal conditions that is suitable for use in embedded real-time applications.
Profit-Sharing, Wisdom of the Crowd, and Theory of the Firm

I show that simple profit-sharing contracts with decentralized control could empower individuals with their collective wisdom by coordinating actions guided by dispersed private information. This result parallels existing theories for financial markets, where the equilibrium market price achieves an information aggregation effect through rational expectations. The wisdom of the crowd effect of a well-designed profit-sharing contract speaks to optimal corporate governance structures, guides security design for some new financing practices such as equity crowdfunding, and sheds new light on the nature of the firm: firms endogenously emerge to complete the market.
Protein synthesis in rat brain microvessels decreases with aging.

: The synthesis of protein by brain microvessels prepared from rats 4, 15, and 21 months of age was examined in organ culture. The rate of [35S]methionine incorporation into trichloroacetic acid-insoluble protein was lower in the vessels from older animals. These decreases were not dependent on the concentration of added methionine. Differences in protein synthesis could not be accounted for by specific peptidases in the incubation mixture. Polypeptide bands corresponding to actin and to the heavy and light chains of myosin were observed among the newly synthesized proteins following electrophoresis and autoradiography of the incubation mixture on polyacrylamide gels. The pattern of proteins synthesized, however, did not appear to vary significantly between young and old animals. Age-related decreases in the synthesis of vascular proteins may contribute, in part, to some of the changes in the mechanical and functional properties of blood vessels during aging.
A Job Announcement Analysis of Educational Technology Professional Positions: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The purpose of this research was to identify the competencies of an educational technologist via a job announcement analysis. Four hundred job announcements were collected from a variety of online ...
Dynamics of natural selection on a lethal fourth chromosome of Drosophila Twelve-generation study of experimental populations of D. melanogaster

The dynamics of natural selection on a lethal fourth chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster was studied in replicated half-pint bottle and cage populations over 12 generations. Population numbers fluctuated widely in all populations, but there was no association between fluctuation in numbers and change in lethal frequency. In the bottle populations the lethal heterozygote frequency decreased to a low of 0.04 to 0.05 and then increased to 0.18 to 0.30, suggesting that the selection coefficients were not constant. In the cage populations heterozygote frequency decreased to about 0.35 to 0.40. In the cage populations the data suggest that the lethal chromosome is overdominant for both viability and fertility selection.
Species concepts and systematics of domesticated cereals

Cultivated cereals are domesticated grasses. Wild progenitors of domestic cereals are aggressive natural colonizers and often become weedy in man disturbed habitats. Hybridization between cultivated cereals and their close wild relatives gives rise to mimetic cereal weeds that often accompany the domestic species well beyond its natural range. Similar weeds may also evolve from abandoned cultivars as a result of mutations that restore their ability for natural seed dispersal. Cultivated complexes of domestic species are typically variable. Man selects and isolates phenotypes to suit his fancies, with the result that different phenotypes of a cereal are often grown for different uses in the same village, and adjacent villages often grow different phenotypes for similar uses. Conventional species concepts do not hold for domestic species. It is proposed that wild, weed and cultivated complexes of individual domestic species be recognized respectively as subspecies. Major discontinuities in variation within the weed or cultivated subspecies are then identified as races without formal taxonomic recognition.
A Direct Machining System for Commercial CAD/CAM Packages

Although modern machine tools and controllers have evolved along with the personal computer over the years, the standard input (M&G code files) for CNC machines has not changed. A new method of control called Direct Machining And Control (DMAC) is being developed at Brigham Young University. DMAC is a revolutionary new paradigm for rapid prototyping and CNC control by directly connecting a CAD system with software based DMAC controller. DMAC technology completely eliminates all intermediate files (APT, M&G code, STEP-NC, etc) between the CAD model and the CNC controller by directly processing the geometric tool path entities that are sent from the CAD/CAM system to the motion buffer of the controller. Direct machining maintains the efficiency and accuracy improvements seen in NURBS tool path representation, and also retains associativity between the CAD model and the tool paths driving the CNC machine tool. This paper presents a Direct Machining system designed to directly connect a commercial CAD/CAM systems (Unigraphics, CATIA, CM2 and Alias) with a software-based DMAC controller. In this paper, Direct Machining, with its requirements and implications, is explored. The overall DMAC architecture is presented. Parts from the Ford GT car were machined on a Tarus five-axis mill by the DMAC system, and were compared with traditional method which used M&G codes.© 2004 ASME
Hybrid switching in modular data vortex optical interconnection network

In this paper, hybrid switching is explored in a modularly designed Data Vortex optical interconnection network. The hybrid operation permits circuits to be established and switched for better quality of service (QoS) within a packet switched network. The modular design facilitates large-scale system implementations. The proposed routing modes introduce a small penalty in a low packet drop rate, while the circuits guarantee delivery with QoS. In addition, conflict resolution among multiple circuits is proposed for fair share of the resources. The simulation study includes the routing performance, penalty in packet drop rate and circuit delay time in the case of conflict. The results demonstrate very promising overall network performance if the network resource is properly managed between packet and circuit traffic. The hybrid mode provides versatility and allows for easy adaption to different application needs.
Scaling Effects in Sodium Zirconium Silicate Phosphate (Na1+xZr2SixP3−xO12) Ion‐Conducting Thin Films

Preparation of sodium zirconium silicate phosphate (NaSICon), Na1+xZr2SixP3–xO12 (0.25 ≤ x ≤ 1.0), thin films has been investigated via a chemical solution approach on platinized silicon substrates. Increasing the silicon content resulted in a reduction in the crystallite size and a reduction in the measured ionic conductivity. Processing temperature was also found to affect microstructure and ionic conductivity with higher processing temperatures resulting in larger crystallite sizes and higher ionic conductivities. The highest room temperature sodium ion conductivity was measured for an x = 0.25 composition at 2.3 × 10–5 S/cm. In conclusion, the decreasing ionic conductivity trends with increasing silicon content and decreasing processing temperature are consistent with grain boundary and defect scattering of conducting ions.
The Research on Construction of Power Dispatching Soft-switch Communication Network

Dispatching exchange system is an important part of power dispatching system.This paper first analyzes the current dispatching exchange system and points out that,with the development of the smart grid,the traditional hard-switch cannot meet the demand of the power dispatching system.Thus it is necessary to introduce the soft-switch technology.The function and the structure of the soft-switch technology are then discussed and the construction method is also presented in the paper.Finally,it concludes that soft-switch system is very useful in guiding the practical work.
Treatment of refractory and recurrent ovarian cancer

Patients with recurrent ovarian cancer can be divided into two groups: those who have recurrence more than 6 months after primary therapy with paclitaxel/platinum (ie, platinum-sensitive) and those with tumor progression or recurrence within 6 months of primary therapy (ie, platinum-resistant). In patients with platinum-sensitive tumors and good performance status, re-treatment with paclitaxel/platinum combination therapy is usually the most appropriate choice. For patients with minimum residual disease, the greatest promise for long-term disease-free survival is associated with intensive intraperitoneal therapy with combinations of cisplatin and intravenous/intraperitoneal paclitaxel. Alternatively, patients with platinum-sensitive disease can receive intravenous carboplatin or paclitaxel. Patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer can benefit from single-agent therapy with altretamine, topotecan, oral etoposide, ifosfamide, liposomal doxorubicin, or other standard or investigational regimens. (Of these drugs, only altretamine and topotecan are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for persistent or recurrent ovarian cancer.) Since the response rates achieved with these drugs are similar, patient convenience, side effects, and cost may play a significant role in drug selection.
RT-PCR Without RNA Isolation

Reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) has traditionally required time-consuming RNA extraction and purification. This report demonstrates that one can completely avoid the RNA extraction step in RT-PCR by basing the comparison of samples on cell number rather than micrograms of total RNA. A new method for lysing cells while preserving RNA is described. RT-PCR is carried out (i) by rapidly freezing cells in the presence of ribonuclease inhibitor (RNase inhibitor) plus dithiothreitol and (ii) by using extracts of 250 or fewer cells directly in the RT-PCR assay. Aldolase mRNA, extracted by freeze-thawing cells in the presence of RNase inhibitor, was found to be stable at 42 degrees C for over three hours. Since the RT step can be completed within 1 h, there is minimal degradation of mRNA. This simple procedure avoids the use of harsh reagents, which may inhibit enzymes involved in RT-PCR, and produces results virtually identical to methods that employ guanidinium thiocyanate and phenol for RNA extraction. Optimized conditions for each parameter of the procedure are described that permit amplification of mRNA from as few as four cells.
Crystallization and Melting Studies on Poly (Ethylene Oxide)/Poly (Methyl Methacrylate) Mixtures

The melting and crystallization behaviours in mixtures of monodisperse fractions of PEO and PMMA have been studied as a function of composition and molecular weight of each component. Crystal annealing during crystallization and heating prohibited a reliable evaluation of the equilibrium melting point and cast serious doubts on the determination of the interaction parameter via a melting point depression analysis.
William Pitt and Fiscal Stability, 1783–92

Pitt came to office in December 1783 as the choice of King George III, but he always maintained his sense of himself as an independent leader basing his support on Parliamentary and public approval of his policies. Pitt did not rise to power as the leader of a political party. He had few intimate friends, inspiring respect rather than personal loyalty. An important element in Pitt’s political image was his carefully cultivated reputation for probity, competence, and disinterestedness. When accused of using ‘unconstitutional influence’ to obtain office, he stated that ‘the integrity of my own heart, and the probity of all my public, as well as my private principles, shall always be my sources of action.’1 His competence in government and moderation in reform convinced a broad public that he deserved their confidence.
A chimeric human APOBEC3A protein with a three amino acid insertion confers differential HIV-1 and adeno-associated virus restriction

Old World monkey (OWM) and hominid APOBEC3Aproteins exhibit differential restriction activities against lentiviruses and DNA viruses. Human APOBEC3A(hA3A)has weak restriction activity against HIV-1Δvifbut is efficiently restricted by an artificially generated chimeric from mandrills (mndA3A/G). We show that a chimeric hA3Acontaining the "WVS" insertion (hA3A[(27)WVS(29)]) conferred potent HIV-1restriction activity. Analysis of each amino acid of the "WVS" motif show that the length and not necessarily the charge or hydrophobicity of the amino acids accounted for restriction activity. Our results suggest that hA3A[(27)WVS(29)]restricts HIV-1at the level of reverse transcription in target cells. Finally, our results suggest that insertion of "WVS" into hA3Amodestly reduces restriction of adeno-associated virus 2(AAV-2)while insertion of the AC Loop1region of the mndA3A/G into hA3A abolished AAV-2 restriction, strengthening the role of this molecular interface in the functional evolution of primate A3A.
Microelectronics for space applications - challenges and opportunities

The selection and application of microelectronic components in high reliability space systems requires knowledge of the component design, fabrication process, and applicable tests. In addition, reliability analysis and detailed knowledge of the application environment is necessary in order to determine the suitability of the selected component for the application. These issues are of particular importance for the application of semiconductor devices in high reliability systems due to the need for the utilization of large numbers of these devices at the upper limit of their performance and stress capabilities. In order to collect the reliability and characterization data required for space qualification, an in-depth understanding of the material characteristics, fabrication processes, and relevant failure mechanisms of the technology is necessary. This presentation provides a description of the technical and programmatic challenges affecting the insertion of advanced microelectronics in NASA/JPL flight applications and the methodology necessary to ensure the desired reliability.
Ex Ante Cost-Benefit Analysis for optimal deregulation of electricity markets

The paper presents an optimization model for the deregulation of a vertically integrated electricity market. The model considers an ex ante setup. Cost-Benefit Analysis is implemented to assess the worthiness of market deregulation by calculating the change in global welfare. The model is demonstrated on the Saudi electricity market.
Eddy Current Detection of Subsurface Cracks in Engine Disk Boltholes

The development of a reliable eddy current inspection system to detect second layer cracks in sleeved engine disk bolt holes poses serious difficulties. This paper discusses some initial results obtained in two separate investigations that are aimed at advancing the state-of-the-art in eddy current detection of subsurface cracks. Both finite element design optimization results of a horseshoe shaped ferrite core probe, and the results of preliminary evaluation of the applicability of electric current perturbation (ECP) technique to the current problem are presented in this paper.
A fuzzy-logic approach to information amalgamation: A framework for human-agent collaboration

Current military decision making requires the ability to amalgamate a volume, velocity, variety and veracity of information not seen in most other domains. Confounding the calculation for the value of this information is the realization that seldom does the information agree. Appreciative of these challenges, strides have been made to successfully capture and codify how analysts perceive the value of information (VoI) given its source, content, and latency. Capitalizing on this past success, this paper broadens the scope of VoI research and examines two important and interrelated efforts. Presented first is a novel approach that extends the original VoI calculation from a single element of information to an amalgamation of multiple elements of information that either complement or contradict the original premise. Presented second is a ‘human-inside-the-loop’ concept designed to assist in scaling future autonomous Vol methodologies — effectively interleaving human and machine computation.
Mothers' Physiological and Affective Responding to Infant Distress: Unique Antecedents of Avoidant and Resistant Attachments.

In a sample of 127 mother–infant dyads, this study examined the predictive significance of mothers' physiological and observed emotional responding within distressing and nondistressing caregiving contexts at 6 months for infant attachment assessed with Fraley and Spieker's (2003) dimensional approach and the categorical approach at 12 months. Findings revealed that a lesser degree of maternal respiratory sinus arrhythmia withdrawal and higher levels of maternal neutral (vs. positive) affect within distressing (vs. nondistressing) caregiving contexts were distinctive antecedents of avoidance versus resistance assessed dimensionally (but not categorically), independent of maternal sensitivity. Discussion focuses on the usefulness of examining mothers' physiological and affective responding, considering the caregiving context, and employing the dimensional approach to attachment in identifying unique antecedents of patterns of attachment insecurity.
Clinical Implications of Single-Cell Microfluidic Devices for Hematological Disorders.

Single-cell microfluidic devices are poised to substantially impact the hematology field by providing a high-throughput and rapid device to analyze disease-mediated biophysical cellular changes in the clinical setting in order to monitor disease prognosis or the development of complications. In this feature article, we cover recent advances of single-cell microfluidic devices for studying and diagnosing hematological dysfunctions and the clinical impact made possible by these advances.
Trajectories of maternal leisure-time physical activity and sedentary behavior during adolescence to young adulthood and offspring birthweight.

Abstract Purpose The objectives of the study were to determine the extent to which trajectories of maternal preconception leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and leisure-time sedentary behavior (LTSB) during adolescence and young adulthood are associated with offspring birth weight (BW) and to test if these associations differ by offspring sex or maternal pre-pregnancy overweight–obese status. Methods Participants with one or more birth (n = 1408) were identified from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to characterize trajectories of LTPA (frequency/week) and LTSB (hours/week) which were measured, on average, over 7 years between age 15 and 22 years. Weighted regression and Wald tests were used to estimate and test mean differences and odds ratios for BW, small for gestational age, and large for gestational age (LGA). Results Three trajectories were identified for LTPA and five for LTSB. Associations differed by offspring sex for continuous BW and LGA (interaction P = .10 and .008, respectively). Among female offspring, participants with high followed by decreasing LTPA delivered offspring with 90 g greater BW (95% confidence interval [CI]: −4 to 184) and 72% greater risk of LGA (95% CI: 0.94–3.14), compared with participants with low LTPA. Among male offspring, LTPA patterns were not associated with BW. A pattern of high then decreasing LTPA among normal weight, but not overweight–obese women, was associated with 2.03 times greater risk of LGA (95% CI: 1.06–3.88). LTSB trajectories were not associated with BW. Conclusions Associations of preconception trajectories of LTPA with offspring BW may differ by offspring sex and maternal pre-pregnancy overweight–obese status.
Allorecognition and graft-versus-host disease

The development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is mediated by alloreactive donor T lymphocytes infused with the bone marrow (BM) inoculum. Over the past few years, knowledge about the molecular basis of antigen (Ag) recognition, tolerance induction and activation of alloreactive T lymphocytes has increased remarkably. Recent observations also challenged the traditional view of the role and significance of various alloreactive T cell subsets and their particular effector cell functions involved in the generation of GVHD. New information which emerged from these studies has a major impact in understanding the immunobiology of GVHD. It also has important practical consequences, such as the successful prediction of GVHD before allogeneic BMT by the measurement of recipient-specific alloreactivity. The current concepts of the molecular basis of allorecognition, tolerance induction and T cell activation could be important in developing strategies to avoid GVHD while preserving a graft-versus-leukemia response.
Non-surgical treatment of congenital dislocation of the hip.

Early treatment of congenital dislocation of the hip is the only means of obtaining good results with consistent regularity. All cases of congenital dislocation of the hip should be diagnosed and treated in early infancy, preferably during the first weeks of life. When the diagnosis is made after the patient starts to walk, well directed coservations treatment offers satisfactory results in a large percentage of congenital dislocations of the hip. Open reductions are seldom necessary in children under three years of age. Accurate centering of the femoral head in the acetabulum and correction of femoral-neck anteversion are obtained by placing the limbs in the first position for a prolonged period of time. An abduction brace worn at night and during napping hours for several years after reduction often prevents hip subluxations. Preoperative traction and adductor tenotomy at the time of the reduction decrease the incidence of avascular necrosis of the femoral head.
Structures of Red Blood Cell Hemoglobins

This review will deal with red blood cell hemoglobins from the lower invertebrates to mammals. In preparing this chapter, I drew heavily on two excellent reviews (Terwilliger 1980; Terwilliger and Terwilliger 1985) that have put the subject of invertebrate hemoglobins in perspective. As will become apparent, Robert Terwilliger and his wife, Nora Terwilliger, have made a great many seminal contributions to our understanding of the diversity of hemoglobins in the animal kingdom. Bob Terwilliger will be sorely missed.
Feature Representations in Cognitive Psychology

Cognitive psychologists often assume that entities in the world (e.g., objects, events) are represented as sets of smaller components called features. Researchers have proposed a number of ways of representing features including symbols, geons, attribute-value pairs, and conceptual primitives. But, in principle, an infinite number of features can characterize an entity. What are the appropriate features of an entity, and how do people identify them? A number of factors provide constraints on feature representations including context (such as prior knowledge), perceptual mechanisms (including feature detectors), and the category of the entity. Importantly, feature representations must also capture relations between features (e.g., spatial and temporal relations). Further, a very general constraint is reflected in the symbol grounding problem: feature representations must make contact with what they represent in the world. Finally, people acquire new features in learning about a domain. Thus, a theory of feature representation must also specify processes of feature construction and feature creation.
A note on weak convergence of general halfspace depth trimmed means

Abstract In this note, we restudy the general halfspace depth trimmed means and establish the weak convergence of their sample versions, which extends the result of Masse (2009) for dimensions one and two to any dimension. The asymptotic distribution of the Donoho (1982) halfspace depth trimmed mean is obtained as a special case and concretized for elliptically symmetric distributions.
Interfacial interactions in PMMA/silica nanocomposites enhance the performance of parts created by Fused Filament Fabrication

Abstract As an additive manufacturing method, Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) is conceptually attractive due to its agility and adaptability. However, FFF-printed parts exhibit poor mechanical properties as compared to parts manufactured by traditional methods. Here, the addition of silica nanoparticles (Si NPs) into FFF-printed parts is demonstrated to markedly improve a variety of thermomechanical properties. Specifically, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and tensile tests indicate that the glass transition temperature, Young's modulus, elongation at break, ultimate tensile strength, and storage and loss moduli all increase with the Si NP loading. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrate similar hierarchical structures in all FFF-printed nanocomposites, which suggests that improvements in material properties with Si NP loading are likely due to an increasing number of hydrogen bonding interactions between PMMA matrix chains and hydroxyl groups on the Si NP surface. The potential of nanocomposite filaments to increase the thermomechanical properties of FFF-printed specimens provides a facile route to overcome limitations in FFF-printed part strength by combining the properties of hard and soft matter.
Serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin for children with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.

Background Oral serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin (SBI)/protein isolate is a medical food intended to manage chronic diarrhea. It has been shown to improve pain and diarrhea in adults with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (d-IBS). Aim To determine if SBI can improve symptoms in children with d-IBS. Methods We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot study (NCT02609529) to evaluate the effectiveness of SBI in children 8-18 years with d-IBS. We recorded stool number, abdominal pain, and stool form in all patients for 1 week and then assigned the patients at a ratio of 2:1 to treatment with SBI 5 g BID or placebo for 3 weeks. The patients and their parents completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ for Gastrointestinal Symptoms (PedsQOL) and the Pediatric Functional Disability Index (FDI). In addition, complete blood counts and serum chemistries were recorded at the start and end of treatment to evaluate safety. Results Fifteen patients (nine SBI, six placebo) completed the study. Both SBI and placebo groups reported nonstatistical reductions in stool frequency per week. The SBI group showed a significant reduction in stool frequency at weeks 1 and 2 but not at the end of treatment. The SBI group also demonstrated statistical improvements in abdominal pain and stool form by 3 weeks. The placebo group did not achieve similar improvements. The overall FDI and PedsQOL scores, as well as PedsQOL subscale scores for pain, discomfort when eating, diarrhea, worry about stomach aches, and communication, improved significantly in the SBI group, but not in the placebo group. No serious adverse events occurred. Serum chemistries and hemograms were normal at baseline and at the end of study in all patients. Conclusion In this single-center, exploratory pilot study, we demonstrated that 10 g SBI per day was safe in children with d-IBS and improved symptoms. Larger studies, with longer treatment duration, seem warranted based on these initial positive results.
Sex differences in ability tilt: Support for investment theory

Abstract This research examined sex differences in ability tilt, defined as within-subject differences in math and verbal scores on three tests (SAT, ACT, PSAT). These differences produced math tilt (math>verbal) and verbal tilt (verbal>math). Both types of tilt were correlated with specific abilities (e.g., verbal and math), based on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. Tilt was also correlated with college majors in STEM (e.g., science and math) and the humanities (e.g., English and history), and with jobs in STEM and other occupations. Males showed math tilt and STEM preferences, whereas females showed verbal tilt and humanities preferences. For males and females, math tilt predicted math ability and STEM criteria (majors and jobs), and verbal tilt predicted verbal ability and verbal criteria. Tilt scores correlated negatively with competing abilities (e.g., math tilt and verbal ability). The results supported investment theories, which assume that investment in a specific ability boosts similar abilities but retards competing abilities. In addition, the results bolster the validity of tilt, which was unrelated to g but still predicted specific abilities, college majors, and jobs.
Public–Private Partnerships for the Development of Port IT Infrastructure

Countries are faced with huge responsibilities for building and effectively managing their critical transportation infrastructures, such as roads, seaports, and airports because these important infrastructures play a pivotal role in their economic development and growth. Effective development management and administration of these infrastructures involves many parties with different objectives and interests. Because of these complexities, a strong partnership among the stakeholders is essential for the successful development and management of these important transportation infrastructures.