cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A zinc finger protein array for the visual detection of specific DNA sequences for diagnostic applications

The visual detection of specific double-stranded DNA sequences possesses great potential for the development of diagnostics. Zinc finger domains provide a powerful scaffold for creating custom DNA-binding proteins that recognize specific DNA sequences. We previously demonstrated sequence-enabled reassembly of TEM-1 β-lactamase (SEER-LAC), a system consisting of two inactive fragments of β-lactamase each linked to engineered zinc finger proteins (ZFPs). Here the SEER-LAC system was applied to develop ZFP arrays that function as simple devices to identify bacterial double-stranded DNA sequences. The ZFP arrays provided a quantitative assay with a detection limit of 50 fmol of target DNA. The method could distinguish target DNA from non-target DNA within 5 min. The ZFP arrays provided sufficient sensitivity and high specificity to recognize specific DNA sequences. These results suggest that ZFP arrays have the potential to be developed into a simple and rapid point-of-care (POC) diagnostic for the multiplexed detection of pathogens.
Measuring the Perception of Visual Realism in Images

One of the main goals in realistic rendering is to generate images that are indistinguishable from photographs – but how do observers decide whether an image is photographic or computer-generated? If this perceptual process were understood, then rendering algorithms could be developed to directly target these cues. In this paper we introduce an experimental method for measuring the perception of visual realism in images, and present the results of a series of controlled human subject experiments. These experiments cover the following visual factors: shadow softness, surface smoothness, number of light sources, number of objects, and variety of object shapes. This technique can be used to either affirm or cast into doubt common assumptions about realistic rendering. The experiments can be performed using either photographs or computergenerated images. This work provides a first step towards objectively understanding why some images are perceived as photographs, while others as computer graphics.
Potential Impact of Value Prediction on Communication in Many-Core Architectures

The newly emerging many-core-on-a-chip designs have renewed an intense interest in parallel processing. By applying Amdahl's formulation to the programs in the PARSEC and SPLASH-2 benchmark suites, we find that most applications may not have sufficient parallelism to efficiently utilize modern parallel machines. The long sequential portions in these application programs are caused by computation as well as communication latency. However, value prediction techniques may allow the ldquoparallelizationrdquo of the sequential portion by predicting values before they are produced. In conventional superscalar architectures, the computation latency dominates the sequential sections. Thus, value prediction techniques may be used to predict the computation result before it is produced. In many-core architectures, since the communication latency increases with the number of cores, value prediction techniques may be used to reduce both the communication and computation latency. In this paper, we extend Amdahl's formulation to model the data redundancy inherent to each benchmark, thereby identifying the potential of value prediction techniques. Our analysis shows that the performance of PARSEC benchmarks may improve by a factor of 180 and 230 percent for the SPLASH-2 suite, compared to when only the intrinsic parallelism is considered. This demonstrates the immense potential of fine-grained value prediction in reducing the communication latency in many-core architectures.
Commodifying Africa on U.S. Network Reality Television

Drawing on postcolonial studies, hegemony theory, Marxian commodification, and previous critiques of Africa’s portrayal in colonial narratives, Western news, and tourism advertising, this qualitative study examines Africa’s representation through January 2008 on three U.S. network reality television programs: the CBS hits Survivor and The Amazing Race and the FOX talent contest American Idol in its “Idol Gives Back” fundraiser. Specifically, I ask whether representations reveal Africa’s continued colonization via commodification in three ways: by erasing or including African specificity, by relying on static voiceless images or allowing Africans agency, and by placing American visitors in varied hybrid encounter roles revealing their complicity with or resistance to colonial and neocolonial Western dominance. As cultural mixture is a central feature commodified in these programs, the postcolonial concept hybridity is a particularly useful analytic tool. The notion of “hybrid encounter” is proposed to more accurately describe the contact represented in the texts. I argue that Africa’s representation on reality television reveals old narrative patterns as well as new ways of commodifying the continent. The programs also reinforce Western political economic dominance at a time of greatly increased tourism to developing countries alongside global product advertising aligned with the trendy lifestyle values of adventure travel.
Microscopic Investigation of Protein Function in C. elegans Using Fluorescent Imaging.

Caenorhabditis elegans is a powerful model organism for studying human biology and disease due to its surprisingly high genetic homology to Homo sapiens. Its genetic amenability, small size, short generation time, and transparent body make it an ideal organism for multiple scientific disciplines. Fluorescent microscopy is essential for studying protein biological function. However, C. elegans, mainly due to its high motility, has been more difficult to adapt to fluorescence imaging, especially live-imaging. We present here several protocols for the study of protein location, function and dynamics in context of a whole animal. These protocols, especially when combined with existing genetic procedures, can yield a great deal of insight in the physiological roles of proteins in C. elegans, which can be directly translated into mammalian systems. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: Caenorhabditis elegans; fluorescent protein; immobilization; antibody; time-lapse imaging; fluorescence microscopy
In vitro activity of oritavancin against community-associated meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA), vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA), vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) and daptomycin-non-susceptible S. aureus (DNSSA)

Abstract Isolates of community-associated meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA), vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA), vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) and daptomycin non-susceptible S. aureus (DNSSA) are increasing in frequency and new antistaphylococcal therapies are needed. Microdilution testing using Mueller–Hinton broth was used to determine the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of oritavancin and nine additional antimicrobial agents against 92 CA-MRSA, 23 VISA, 7 DNSSA and 10 VRSA isolates. Minimal bactericidal concentrations were also determined. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was performed. Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing as well as assays for Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL) and arginine catabolic mobile element (ACME) genes were performed. Oritavancin was more bactericidal than any of the other comparators against CA-MRSA and demonstrated excellent activity against VRSA and VISA.
COMBINED SECOND AND THIRD TOE TRANSFER: CURRENT PRACTICE

A ten-year experience of combined second and third toe transfer is described. The length, position, and the web space are important considerations during planning. To preserve bone and skin for the donor foot, these tissues should be reconstructed with groin flap and bone block beforehand. During operation, special attention should be paid to the exact design of incision, retrograde dissection of the metatarsal artery, tight extensor repair and longitudinal K-wire, to prevent clawing and wound closure before vascular anastomosis. Passive mobilization and sensory re-education should begin early.
Electron Transport in Graphene From a Diffusion-Drift Perspective

A diffusion-drift treatment of electron and hole transport in macroscopic graphene is presented. The various material response functions that enter the theory are outlined and, to the extent possible, specified and calibrated. For purposes of illustration, the theory is applied to a variety of situations involving field-effect devices that are of potential technological interest. Both single and multilayer graphene are discussed, as is the effect of the small bandgaps that have been reported for graphene on SiC.
Defective Assembly of Influenza A Virus due to a Mutation in the Polymerase Subunit PA

The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of influenza A virus is composed of three subunits that together synthesize all viral mRNAs and also replicate the viral genomic RNA segments (vRNAs) through intermediates known as cRNAs. Here we describe functional characterization of 16 site-directed mutants of one polymerase subunit, termed PA. In accord with earlier studies, these mutants exhibited diverse, mainly quantitative impairments in expressing one or more classes of viral RNA, with associated infectivity defects of varying severity. One PA mutant, however, targeting residues 507 and 508, caused only modest perturbations of RNA expression yet completely eliminated the formation of plaque-forming virus. Polymerases incorporating this mutant, designated J10, proved capable of synthesizing translationally active mRNAs and of replicating diverse cRNA or vRNA templates at levels compatible with viral infectivity. Both the mutant protein and its RNA products were appropriately localized in the cytoplasm, where influenza virus assembly occurs. Nevertheless, J10 failed to generate infectious particles from cells in a plasmid-based influenza virus assembly assay, and hemagglutinating material from the supernatants of such cells contained little or no nuclease-resistant genomic RNA. These findings suggest that PA has a previously unrecognized role in assembly or release of influenza virus virions, perhaps influencing core structure or the packaging of vRNAs or other essential components into nascent influenza virus particles.
How passive ‘face time’ affects perceptions of employees: Evidence of spontaneous trait inference

We examine how passive ‘face time’ (i.e. the amount of time one is passively observed, without interaction) affects how one is perceived at work. Findings from a qualitative study of professional office workers suggest that passive face time exists in two forms: 1) being seen at work during normal business hours — or expected face time, and 2) being seen at work outside of normal business hours — or extracurricular face time. These two forms of passive face time appear to lead observers to make trait inferences (i.e. they lead observers to perceive employees as either ‘dependable’ or ‘committed’, depending on the form of passive face time). Findings from an experimental study confirm our qualitative findings and suggest that trait inferences are made spontaneously (i.e. without intent or knowledge of doing so).We discuss the implications of our findings for theories of person perception and the practice of performance appraisal.
Testing of a superconducting spectrometer dipole

A superconducting dipole magnet for use as spectrometer element has been constructed and is presently being mapped. The 75 ton dipole has a negative curvature side and a 15 cm gap. The cryostable coil produced a central field of 1.6 T at a current of 436 A. A second identical magnet is presently under construction. The authors describe the assembly and testing of the magnet. >
Impact of Antimicrobial Dosing Regimen on Evolution of Drug Resistance In Vivo: Fluconazole and Candida albicans

Numerous factors have been theorized to affect the development of antimicrobial resistance, including those specific to the host, the organism, the environment, the drug, and the drug prescriber. One variable under the control of the prescriber is the drug dosing regimen. Dosing regimens can vary in dose level, dosing interval, and treatment duration. The current studies examined the relationships between antimicrobial dosing regimens and resistance development by use of an in vivo model. A murine model of systemic Candida albicans infection was used to examine resistance emergence during exposure to the triazole antifungal fluconazole. Data from this experimental model demonstrated that the more frequently administered dosing prevented selection of the isogenic resistant cell populations. Conversely, dosing regimens producing prolonged sub-MIC effects appeared to contribute to the outgrowth of isogenic resistant strains. The association between dosing and resistance emergence observed in the current investigation is disparate from that described for antimicrobial compounds with cidal killing characteristics. The inhibitory or static antimicrobial activity of the triazole compounds may explain these differences.
Equidistribution of Heegner points and the partition function

Let p(n) denote the number of partitions of a positive integer n. In this paper we study the asymptotic growth of p(n) using the equidistribution of Galois orbits of Heegner points on the modular curve X0(6). We obtain a new asymptotic formula for p(n) with an effective error term which is \({O(n^{-(\frac{1}{2}+\delta)})}\) for some δ > 0. We then use this asymptotic formula to sharpen the classical bounds of Hardy and Ramanujan, Rademacher, and Lehmer on the error term in Rademacher’s exact formula for p(n).
The Supreme Court confronts HIV: reflections on Bragdon v. Abbott.

The most remarkable thing about the U.S. Supreme Court's 1998 decision in Bragdon v. Abbott was that it was necessary at all. Seventeen years into the epidemic of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the Supreme Court, by a mere 5-4 majority, finally affirmed what most public health officials, health providers, and lawyers working with people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) believed all along: that individuals with HIV infection are entitled to the protections of antidiscrimination law, and that health care providers must respond to a patient's infection based on reason and science, not fear and prejudice. For individuals with HIV, and for those with other disabilities, the Court's ruling was a critical victory. But the very fact that the issues had to be decided by the Supreme Court and that only five justices joined the majority, shows the fragility of legal rights pertaining to HIV as well as the wide gulf between the perspectives of public health and those of public law.
Educational Development and Homicide in Sub-Saharan Africa

Researchers disagree on the direction of the relationship between educational development and homicide in developing countries. They also disagree on the criminological theory that best explains the relationship. Also, dependable quantitative studies are absent from the literature. In the present study, multiple regression analysis shows a positive relationship between these variables in sub-Saharan Africa, despite controls for geographic region, labor force participation, gross domestic product, population size, urbanization, and the age structure of the population. The results are unfavorable to two anomie/strain explanations and one social control explanation but provide support for another social control explanation.
High resolution spectra of 12CS2 and 13CS2 and the ν3 - ν1, ν3 - 2ν2 and ν3 + 4ν2 bands

Abstract The fundamental Fermi diad, 10°0 and 02°0, of CS 2 has been studied through the transitions between these states and the 00°1 state which are active in the infrared. High resolution spectra have been obtained and analysed to yield values of the rotational constants in these vibrational states. In addition the third component 04°1 of a Fermi triad and a number of hot bands have also been studied.
Potential Advantages of DNA Immunization for Influenza Epidemic and Pandemic Planning

Immunization with purified DNA is a powerful technique for inducing immune responses. The concept of DNA immunization involves insertion of the gene encoding the antigen of choice into a bacterial plasmid and injection of the plasmid into the host where the antigen is expressed and where it induces humoral and cellular immunity. The most effective routes and methods for DNA immunization are bombardment with particles coated with DNA (gene gun technique), followed by the intramuscular and intradermal routes. DNA immunization technology has the potential to induce immunity to all antigens that can be completely encoded in DNA, which therefore include all protein, but not carbohydrate, antigens. DNA immunization results in presentation of antigens to the host's immune system in a natural form, like that achieved with live-attenuated vaccines. The DNA immunization strategy has the potential to rapidly provide a new vaccine in the face of an emerging influenza pandemic.
In-Situ Load Testing of Corrugated Steel Pipe-Arch Culverts

A large number of corrugated metal pipe-arch culverts are located under highways. This study investigates the field performance of four existing pipe-arch culverts under static and dynamic loads. Effects of various parameters were considered in selection of the culverts, including backfill height, loading conditions, age of placement, and culvert geometry. Static loads were applied at ten different locations above each culvert using heavily loaded test trucks. Six dynamic tests were conducted at speeds varying from 8 to 64 km/h. A portable instrumentation frame was installed inside each test culvert to monitor the deflections at five critical locations. During each test, strains were also measured using 14 strain gauges. Test results indicated that culvert response was influenced significantly by the backfill height. Nearly symmetrical deflection patterns were recorded for symmetrical loading about the longitudinal vertical plane through the crown. The maximum static deflections were larger than the maximum dynamic deflections for each culvert.
Gene trap lines define domains of gene regulation in Arabidopsis petals and stamens

To identify genes involved in Arabidopsis thaliana petal and stamen organogenesis, we used a gene trap approach to examine the patterns of reporter expression at each stage of flower development of 1765 gene trap lines. In 80 lines, the reporter gene showed petal- and/or stamen-specific expression or lack of expression, or expression in distinct patterns within the petals and/or the stamens, including distinct suborgan domains of expression, such as tissue-specific lines marking epidermis and vasculature, as well as lines demarcating the proximodistal or abaxial/adaxial axes of the organs. Interestingly, reporter gene expression was typically restricted along the proximodistal axis of petals and stamens, indicating the importance of this developmental axis in patterning of gene expression domains in these organs. We identified novel domains of gene expression along the axis marking the midregion of the petals and apical and basal parts of the anthers. Most of the genes tagged in these 80 lines were identified, and their possible functions in petal and/or stamen differentiation are discussed. We also scored the floral phenotypes of the 1765 gene trap lines and recovered two mutants affecting previously uncharacterized genes. In addition to revealing common domains of gene expression, the gene trap lines reported here provide both useful markers and valuable starting points for reverse genetic analyses of the differentiation pathways in petal and stamen development.
Simulation of a Wall-Bounded Flow using a Hybrid LES/RAS Approach with Turbulence Recycling

Simulations of a supersonic recessed-cavity flow are performed using a hybrid large-eddy/ Reynolds-averaged simulation approach utilizing an inflow turbulence recycling procedure and hybridized inviscid flux scheme. Calorically perfect air enters the three-dimensional domain at a free stream Mach number of 2.92. Simulations are performed to assess grid sensitivity of the solution, efficacy of the turbulence recycling, and effect of the shock sensor used with the hybridized inviscid flux scheme. Analysis of the turbulent boundary layer upstream of the rearward-facing step for each case indicates excellent agreement with theoretical predictions. Mean velocity and pressure results are compared to Reynolds-averaged simulations and experimental data for each case, and these comparisons indicate good agreement on the finest grid. Simulations are repeated on a coarsened grid, and results indicate strong grid density sensitivity. The effect of turbulence recycling on the solution is illustrated by performing coarse grid simulations with and without inflow turbulence recycling. Two shock sensors, one of Ducros and one of Larsson, are assessed for use with the hybridized inviscid flux reconstruction scheme.
MAKING HOLLOW MEN

In this essay Charles Harvey offers a worried reflection on the range, extent, depth, affects, and effects of the perpetual assessment of the person in (post)industrial nations in the contemporary world. Harvey begins his analysis by appealing to the work of Martin Heidegger, Michel Foucault, and Jean Baudrillard to provide an interpretive framework of our situation. He then focuses and concretizes these ideas through examples from his own life and, by extension, the readers. Finally, in light of Pierre Bourdieu's concept of the habitus, Harvey speculates on the implications for selfhood in the contemporary world. Throughout the essay, Harvey uses assessment procedures in higher and public education as exemplary instances of his thesis.
The effect of mandrel material on the processing-induced residual stresses in thick filament wound composite cylinders

Residual stresses are known to be detrimental to a number of mechanical properties in composite materials. The mechanisms by which they develop in the filament winding of composite cylinders and tu...
Hemodynamic and Renal Effects of ProANF31–67 in Hypertensive Rats

It has been demonstrated previously that the atrial natriuretic factor prohormone fragment 31-67 (ProANF31-67) circulates in animals and possesses natriuretic and vasodilating actions. Although the plasma levels of the peptide are reportedly elevated in patients with high blood pressure, its role and actions in hypertension are unknown. In the present study, synthetic human ProANF31-67 was infused intravenously at doses of 0, 10, 30, and 100 ng/kg/min into respective groups of anesthetized normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), urine flow rate (UV), and sodium excretion (UNaV) were measured during two consecutive 30-min periods. In both strains of rats, reductions in MAP with ProANF31-67 were similar in magnitude and dose-related. Sodium excretion responses to the peptide infusions also were remarkably similar in both normotensive and hypertensive rats, and the responses demonstrated 3- to 5-fold (P < 0.05) increments compared to control at the doses of 10 and 30 ng/kg/min. However, in the two strains of rats, attenuation of natriuresis occurred with the highest infusion dose of 100 ng/kg/min and was probably related to the large decreases in MAP of 17-23 mmHg at this dose of the peptide. The present results indicate the ProANF31-67 has important hemodynamic and renal effects in hypertension and may represent one compensatory mechanism involved in this disease.
CONDITIONS FAVORING GLACIERIZATION AND DEGLACIERIZATION IN NORTH AMERICA FROM A CLIMATOLOGICAL VIEWPOINT

Approaches to paleoclimatic reconstruction on a local-regional scale through synoptic climatology and on a global scale through numerical modeling are discussed. Synoptic climatological considerations indicate the importance of southeasterly flow components for glacierization in Baffin Island, Labrador-Ungava, and Keewatin. It appears that no individual synoptic pattern is responsible for most of the ablation of ice bodies in eastern Baffin Island so that a synoptic climatological approach to deglacierization is likely to be indeterminate. The NCAR global circulation model with modified surface boundary conditions has been used to simulate the circulation at the last glacial maximum in January and July. The input data include the vertical and horizontal extent of ice, albedos relating to snow cover and vegetation distributions, and ocean temperature. Comparisons with control cases for present conditions show weaker jet maxima, but rather stronger low to mid-tropospheric westerly flow in the Northern Hemisphere, than at present for January and stronger upper westerlies in July. The MSL pressure maps, which must be interpreted with care in the vicinity of the ice sheets, are also discussed. The reconstructions provide a starting point on which hypotheses relating to the Wisconsin deglaciation must be based.
Equity Classification Of Convertible Debt?: Tax And Cash Flows Considerations

The issue of debt versus equity classification for hybrid securities has been a source of continuing controversy for tax policy-makers and financial accounting standard setters. A large number of corporations have issued hybrid financial instruments which possess the characteristics of both debt and equity. One of the most common examples of hybrid financial instruments is convertible debt. Issuers of convertible debt were motivated by a desire to raise capital that would be attractive to the capital markets while at the same time exploit tax or reporting rules. For instance, the issuer of convertible debt is allowed a tax deduction for interest expense even though the convertible debt instrument may later be converted to equity, thus avoiding repayment of principal at maturity. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows the issuer a tax deduction for interest expense, while requiring the holder to recognize taxable interest income. However, the IRS and the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) have considered treating convertible debt according to its underlying economic substance and ultimate outcome as opposed to treating it strictly as debt. If the IRS, the FASB, or both were to move towards an economic substance approach with respect to convertible debt, what implications would this have on the issuers and holders of convertible debt? This article speculates on changes in tax and reporting rules for convertible debt and analyzes the potential impact of such changes on the treatment of distributions from convertible debt. Our analysis shows that if convertible debt were treated as equity and its distributions no longer eligible for interest expense deductions, issuers would experience a decrease in cash flow from operations due to the presumed increase in tax liability. Conversely, holders of convertible debt may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.
The Differential Diagnosis of Anxiety Disorders in Cognitively-Able Youth With Autism☆

Abstract Anxiety disorders are common in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet difficult to disentangle from features of ASD itself. Challenges to assessment include symptom overlap, the varied manifestation of some anxiety symptoms, and the limitations of self-report. Nonetheless, a growing body of research suggests that it is both possible and important to reliably differentiate anxiety and ASD pathology. Anxiety disorders are associated with a number of additive difficulties in youth with ASD. Emerging evidence also suggests that these difficulties—when identified—can be effectively treated in cognitively-able youth with cognitive-behavioral methods. The present article will provide a clinical framework for diagnosing anxiety disorders in cognitively-able youth on the autism spectrum, with a particular emphasis on differentiating anxiety and ASD symptoms. We will review recent research on the presentation, measurement, and predictors of anxiety in ASD, provide an overview of the pros and cons of available measures and illustrate approaches for differential diagnosis via vignettes of actual clinical assessments.
Eulerian-Lagrangian Methods for Advection-Dispersion

Three different Eulerian-Lagrangian schemes are used to solve the one-dimensional advection-dispersion equation. Advection is formally decoupled from dispersion in a manner analogous to Neuman (1981) which does not leave room for ambiguity. The resulting advection problem is solved by a novel approach called the method of reverse streaklines, and by the more conventional method of continuous particle tracking. Dispersion is handled by implicit finite elements on a fixed grid, using linear and quadratic basis functions. The results are compared with a third Eulerian-Lagrangian method in which the concentration function remains undecomposed. Preliminary results suggest that the first two methods may, after further improvement, work well for a wide range of Peclet numbers. The third method suffers from numerical dispersion and overshoot when Peclet numbers are large.
Parental Assessment of Status of Congenital Upper Limb Differences: Analysis of the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument

Purpose To determine the range of the Pediatric Outcomes Collection Instrument (PODCI) scores for children with a wide variety of congenital upper limb differences and to examine the scoring effect of the patient's surgical history, family history, severity of involvement, and syndromic associations. Methods We reviewed the PODCI scores for 109 patients, aged 2–18 years, treated for nontraumatic upper extremity conditions. Charts were reviewed for sex, age, extent of limb involvement, laterality, family history, surgical history, and syndrome association. All patients were classified based on the Oberg, Manske, Tonkin classification with general categories of malformation, deformation, or dysplasia. Results Of 109 patients, 80 (73%) had a malformation, 12 (11%) had a deformation, and 17 (16%) had a dysplasia. The cohort as a whole had a happiness PODCI score that was similar to the normal population, yet a lower (worse) PODCI score for upper extremity and global function. Patients with a dysplasia had a higher upper extremity function scores than those with malformations or deformations, but they had similar happiness and global function scores. Complete upper limb involvement and lower extremity involvement statistically lowered the PODCI score within our study cohort, whereas a positive family history and syndromic association increased PODCI scores. Conclusions This study showed that there was a similar level of perceived happiness between children/adolescents with congenital upper extremity conditions compared with the normal pediatric population based on PODCI scores. In contrast, the perceived upper extremity and global function was significantly decreased in patients with congenital differences compared with normal individuals. This investigation also revealed that the extent of upper extremity involvement, lower extremity involvement, family history, and syndromic association may affect PODCI scores as independent variables and should be taken into consideration in studies of upper extremity congenital anomalies. Type of study/level of evidence Prognostic IV.
UNIQUE CIRCULATING MICRORNA PROFILES AND ENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION IN HIV INFECTION

MicroRNAs (miRs) are emerging as promising biomarkers. The role of extracellular miRs as biomarkers in HIV infection and HIV-associated cardiovascular disease (CVD) has not been described. We analyzed the expression of 192 plasma-derived miRs from 69 HIV-infected individuals and 24 uninfected
The investigation of water drinking behavior and knowledge among the adult residents in Beijing

objective To investigate the awareness of health drinking water-related knowledge among the adult residents in Beijing,and the relation between water drinking knowledge and actual behaviors.Methods Four hundred adult residents aged from 18 to 60 years old were selected from the urban and rural areas in Beijing by the method of multi-stage random sampling.Questionnaire survey about general situation and residents' drinking water knowledge was conduct through face to face interviewing,and continuous drinking water records in 7 days were used to collect the residents drinking water information.Results Among the respondents: Residents who know the minimum water consumption accounted for 66.8%,Residents who know the lack of water drinking harmed to heath accounted for 90.0%,Residents who know what time to drink accounted for 60.5%,Residents who know the drinking water is the best beverage accounted for 83.8%.There was statistical difference of the amount and frequency of the drinking water consumption between the group who know the minimum water consumption and the group who don't(drinking water consumption:Z=-4.888, P0.001,average times of water drinking per day:Z= -3.725,P0.001).There was statistical difference of the times of daily water drinking between the group who know the lack of water drinking harmed to heath and the group who don't(Z= -2.300,P=0.021).There was statistical difference of actual drinking water consumption between the group who know the drinking water is the best beverage and the group who don't(Z= -7.682,P0.001).There are positive correlation between daily drinking water need and actual consumption(r=0.337,P0.001),also between the belief whether drinking water should be taken everyday and the actual drinking water consumption(r=0.394,P0.001).All of the correlation above were statistically significant.Conclusion There are poor comprehension of drinking water knowledge among the adult residents in Beijing,and it is the core of health education to teach the public about the knowledge of necessary daily water drinking and the minimum drinking water consumption.
Insulin-like growth factor I receptors in human corpora lutea.

Objective To determine the presence and binding characteristics of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) receptors in corpora lutea (CL) of spontaneous and clomiphene citrate (CC)-induced cycles and to identify any relationship between IGF receptors and cytosol progesterone (P) and 17 α -hydroxyprogesterone (17 α -OHP) levels. Design Women undergoing bilateral tubal ligation were divided into two groups. One group received no medication (controls) and the other took 50mg of CC. Midluteal phase CL were recovered at tubal ligation for hormone and receptor analysis. Setting Patients were recruited from a university hospital setting. Patients Eleven fertile women 26 to 37years of age requesting bilateral tubal ligation were studied. Interventions Four women were given 50mg/d of CC from days 5 through 9 of study cycle. Seven women did not take any medication. Minilaparotomy bilateral tubal ligation and luteectomy were performed 7 to 9days after midcycle urinary (LH) surge. Main Outcome Measures Insulin-like growth factor receptor concentrations and binding characteristics and cytosol P and 17 α -OHP levels in individual CL. Results Optimal binding for 125 I-IGF-I with membrane fractions of homogenized CL was obtained with incubation at 4°C for 16hours. Specific binding (mean±SEM) was significantly higher in CC-treated (53.6%±4.8%) than in control cycles (25.9%±5.5%, P P α -OHP in CL from either cycles. Conclusion Specific IGF-I receptors are present in human CL of the menstrual cycle with higher concentrations present in CC-induced cycles. Thus IGF may express its action on luteal function through its receptors in CL.
The value of press-on prisms in the management of partially accomodative esotropia and surgically overcorrected esotropia.

(1977). The Value of Press-on Prisms in the Management of Partially Accommodative Esotropia and Surgically Overcorrected Esotropia. American Orthoptic Journal: Vol. 27, No. 1, pp. 91-95.
Exploring users' perceived activities in a sketch-based intelligent tutoring system through eye movement data

Intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) empower instructors to make teaching more engaging by providing a platform to tutor, deliver learning material, and to assess students' progress. Despite the advantages, existing ITS do not automatically assess how students engage in problem solving? How do they perceive various activities? and How much time they spend on each activity leading to the solution? In this research, we present an eye tracking framework that, based on eye movement data, can assess students' perceived activities and overall engagement in a sketch based Intelligent tutoring system, "Mechanix" [Valentine et al. 2012]. Based on an evaluation involving 21 participants, we present the key eye movement features, and demonstrate the potential of leveraging eye movement data to recognize students' perceived activities, "reading, gazing at an image, and problem solving," with an accuracy of 97.12%.
Cavo Sidero in Crete

The third case study is one where the social and environmental relations of tourism are not mainly determined by tour operator power. The story of the Cavo Sidero planned eco-golf resort is an important case study because it is perceived as trendsetting for the future of Mediterranean tourism. It is a study of complex power relations between an emergent Greek civil society, the Greek government, an “outside” civil society actor as well as an outside developer with the added complication of a controversial Greek actor, the Greek Church. This has been an ongoing fight for over ten years and it can also be described as a conflict between two different environmental ideologies: the idea of ecological modernization where technology can conquer geographical adversity, which is portrayed as sustainable, as opposed to respecting the environmental or geographical limitations of the land and working around it.
An adaptive limited feedback scheme for MIMO-OFDMA based on optimal stopping

We propose and analyze a limited feedback scheme for downlink MIMO-OFDMA. Our analysis explicitly accounts for the feedback overhead by assuming a time division duplex system in which all feedback and data transmission must occur with a coherence time. As the fraction of coherence time devoted to feedback increases, the base station can allocate resources more efficiently, but has less time available for data transmission. In the proposed scheme, the base-station sequentially receives feedback from the users and decides when to stop receiving additional feedback and begin data transmission. Each user feeds back their best codeword (beam) selected from a beam-forming codebook on each group of OFDM sub-channels, provided that the channel gain exceeds a given threshold. For a given feedback threshold, the optimal stopping rule used by the base station is derived. With this rule we show that the total throughput of this scheme scales linearly with the number of users, provided that the number of OFDM sub-channels also scales with fixed ratio. The effect of varying the coherence time and feedback rate is also characterized.
Multifunctional Roles of Tumor-Associated Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Cancer Progression

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) play important roles in the maintenance of a variety of tissues during normal homeostasis and pathologic conditions. MSCs are involved in tumor stroma formation as well, and serve roles both as progenitors for and critical regulators of the tumor microenvironment. An expanding body of research has in addition described the profound influences of tumor-associated MSCs on the biology of cancer cells, such as induction of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cell (CSC) traits, rewiring cancer cell metabolic networks, supporting therapy resistance, and fostering invasion and metastasis. Here, I attempt to summarize some of the current knowledge about their multifaceted involvement in tumor pathogenesis, and explore some of the heterotypic interactions they establish with cancer cells in support of tumor malignancy.
Advanced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis: A high-risk population for pre-liver transplant portal vein thrombosis

Advanced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis: A high-risk population for pre-liver transplant portal vein thrombosis
Triple pulse shape discrimination and capture-gated spectroscopy in a composite heterogeneous scintillator

Abstract We demonstrate an all-solid-state design for a composite heterogeneous scintillation detector sensitive to interactions with high-energy photons (gammas), fast neutrons, and thermal neutrons. The scintillator exhibits triple pulse shape discrimination, effectively separating electron recoils, fast neutron recoils, and neutron captures. This is accomplished by combining the properties of two distinct scintillators, whereby a 51-mm diameter, 51-mm tall cylinder of pulse shape discriminating plastic is wrapped by a 320-µm thick sheet of 6LiF:ZnS(Ag), optically coupling the scintillators to each other and to the photomultiplier tube. In this way, the sensitivity to neutron captures is achieved without the need to load the plastic scintillator with a capture agent. We demonstrate a figure of merit of up to 1.2 for fast neutrons/gammas and 5.7 for thermal neutrons/gammas. Intrinsic capture efficiency is found to be 0.46±0.05% and is in good agreement with simulation, while gamma rejection was 10−6 with respect to the capture region and 10−4 with respect to the recoil region using a 300 keVee threshold. Finally, we show an improvement in capture-gated neutron spectroscopy by rejecting accidental gamma coincidences using pulse shape discrimination in the plastic scintillator.
For Want of a Better Word: Unlocking Threshold Concepts in Natural Sciences with a Key from the Humanities?.

ABSTRACTThe process of identifying threshold concepts invites experts to reflect on their discipline in a new way with the ultimate goal of improving learning and teaching. During a workshop to identify threshold concepts in biochemistry, we asked a group of natural scientists to explore ‘signification,’ a threshold concept from the humanities, as a mechanism to push them out of their comfort zones and recall how it feels to experience learning from a student’s perspective. In addition to accomplishing this goal, we subsequently realized that signification could also help us uncover and remedy ways in which use of scientific terminology impedes learning in biochemistry. Using the results of a survey of university teachers that aimed at refining a list of possible threshold concepts, we present three scenarios to illustrate the challenges that teachers and students encounter when attempting to cement a label (the signifier) and a concept (the signified) into a coherent sign. Based on these findings, we pro...
Craft Breweries and Economic Development: Local Geographies of Beer

The United States is home to over 5,000 craft breweries. Approximately 65% of these craft breweries have opened since 2010. In this paper, we review the academic and popular literature on the industry, as well as select place-based examples, to present a meta-analysis that explores the growth of craft breweries through a “place-based” lens that posits the popularity of craft beer is due to several key factors: 1.) a renewed interest in supporting local economies through the purchase of locally-made products, 2.) the growing importance of the millennial cohort in retail markets as a driver of the demand for craft beer, and 3.) local economic development strategies. With respect to economic development, the paper references the role of craft breweries in the economic revitalization of older neighborhoods, as well as the emergences of beer tourism. Beer tourism, as we will demonstrate, is associated with economic clusters in the form of identifiable brewery districts, festivals, and as well as other creative efforts such as beer trails. Finally, we provide some concluding observations with an emphasis on the future growth potential of the craft beer industry.
Black-White Differences in Social, Psychological, and Medical Correlates of Depression in the United States

While Blacks have lower risk for MDD, they report higher levels of depressive symptoms. This is partially because Blacks do not have the same access and trust to the health care system. As a result, their MDD is commonly left as untreated. In line with the above note, the cross-sectional association between MDD and depressive symptoms is stronger for Blacks than Whites. This, however, is not the case for the longitudinal association between depressive symptoms and MDD. While baseline depressive symptoms predict future MDD risk for Whites, such symptoms do not have any predictive role for Blacks. Blacks with depressive symptoms maintain high levels of hope and also positive emotions. The Black-White differences in depression – dysfunctional cognitive elements and also higher concordance of positive emotions and depressive symptoms may explain why depressive symptoms, depression, and other negative emotions increase risk of chronic disease or obesity in Whites but not Blacks. The same may also explain why depression is linked to inflammation in Whites but not Blacks, given the undoing potential of positive emotions.
Rational Behavior Therapy for Acting-Out Adolescents:

Persistent, neurotic emotional conflict is a cause of the behavior whose specific episodes are described as following a six-step sequence
Pitfalls in the Design and Evaluation of Clinical Trials of Intravenously Administered Cardiovascular Drugs

Studies that evaluate the efficacy of cardiovascular drugs vary greatly in their protocol design and choice of therapeutic endpoints. Yet, not all protocol designs can provide compelling evidence for the utility of a new drug; some designs are sufficiently flawed to make an interpretable outcome unlikely. Similarly, not all endpoints provide similarly strong evidence of efficacy. A clear distinction should always be made between endpoints that establish the activity and those than establish the efficacy of a new drug, particularly when a surrogate endpoint is used as the primary measure of the utility of an experimental agent.
Quantitative Models of Rate Effects of Aqueous Micelles

Rate enhancements by cationic surfactants of the SN2 reaction of Cl- with methyl naphthalene-2-sulfonate (MeONs) follow a typical pseudophase model in which the interaction between Cl- and micel-lized surfactant is written as an equation of the Langmuir form with a binding constant, KC1. The binding of MeONs is written in a similar form with a binding constant, Ks. Values of Ks are insensitive to surfactant structure, but K C1 decreases with decreasing length of the alkyl tail and increasing bulk of the cationic head group. For most surfactants kinetic values of KC1 agree with those from variations of 35C1 NMR line widths. However, for reactions of Br-with MeONs in cationic micelles values of KBr. from 79Br- NMR line widths are much smaller than those estimated kinetically.
Dynamic Crack Growth along Interfaces

For remotely loaded cracks in isotropic elastic solids, the energy flux into the crack tip vanishes as the crack speed increases to the Rayleigh wave speed of the material, see [1]. However, theoretical and numerical studies dating back to the mid 1970’s, e.g. Andrews [2], Burridge et al. [3] and Broberg [4, 5], have indicated that faster crack speeds should be possible under shear loading conditions.