cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A preliminary survey of radio-frequency interference over the U.S. in Aqua AMSR-E data

A spectral difference method is used to quantify the magnitude and extent of radio-frequency interference (RFI) observed over the United States in the Aqua AMSR-E radiometer channels. A survey using data from the AMSR-E instrument launched in May 2002 shows the interference to be widespread in the C-band (6.9 GHz) channels. The RFI is located mostly, but not always, near large highly populated urban areas. The locations of interference are persistent in time, but the magnitudes show temporal and directional variability. Strong and moderate RFI can be identified relatively easily using an RFI index derived from the spectral difference between the 6.9- and 10.7-GHz channels. Weak RFI is difficult to distinguish, however, from natural geophysical variability. These findings have implications for future microwave sensing at C-band, particularly over land areas. An innovative concept for radiometer system design is also discussed as a possible mitigation approach.
The Nature of the Fluctuations Preceding the Giant Bursts in the Bursting Pulsar GRO J1744–28

We examine recent time-dependent accretion disk calculations by Cannizzo that attempt to reproduce the giant bursts in GRO J1744-28 and find that the fluctuations that precede the main burst resemble the fluctuations that were observed in GRO J1744-28 toward the end of the time during which the giant bursts were seen. The calculations by Cannizzo were tuned to be at a rate of accretion slightly greater than the critical rate crit that divides steady and bursting behavior. This tuning leads to a near balance between the heating and cooling rates within the accretion disk such that oscillations slowly develop and grow, eventually becoming unbounded and producing a global instability. The fact that an increase in the amplitude of the interburst oscillations was seen in GRO J1744-28 most strongly during the late epoch of the time of several months covering the giant bursts is consistent with the mass accretion rate onto the pulsar decreasing and approaching crit.
MmpL8 is required for sulfolipid-1 biosynthesis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis virulence

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of human tuberculosis, is unique among bacterial pathogens in that it displays a wide array of complex lipids and lipoglycans on its cell surface. One of the more remarkable lipids is a sulfated glycolipid, termed sulfolipid-1 (SL-1), which is thought to mediate specific host-pathogen interactions during infection. However, a direct role for SL-1 in M. tuberculosis virulence has not been established. Here we show that MmpL8, a member of a large family of predicted lipid transporters in M. tuberculosis, is required for SL-1 production. The accumulation of an SL-1 precursor, termed SL1278, in mmpL8 mutant cells indicates that MmpL8 is necessary for an intermediate step in the SL-1 biosynthesis pathway. We use a novel fractionation procedure to demonstrate that SL-1 is present on the cell surface, whereas SL1278 is found exclusively in more internal layers. Importantly, we show that mmpL8 mutants are attenuated for growth in a mouse model of tuberculosis. However, SL-1 per se is not required for establishing infection as pks2 mutants, which are defective in an earlier step in SL-1 biosynthesis, have no obvious growth defect. Thus, we hypothesize that either MmpL8 transports molecules in addition to SL-1 that mediate host-pathogen interactions or the accumulation of SL1278 in mmpL8 mutant cells interferes with other pathways required for growth during the early stages of infection.
Chaos analysis of a drug induced cardiac tissue

Extremely complex frequency-dependent patterns of excitation and impulse propagation were observed in the cardiac tissue. The general response patterns of excitation include phase locking, period-doubling bifurcations and irregular activity. Such complex behavior can be analyzed using methods derived from chaos theory, which is concerned with the non-linear dynamics of deterministic systems that have irregular periodicity as well as exquisite sensitivity to initial conditions. We make use of some analytical techniques to explain this behavior. Change in cycle length alter the duration of the action potentials of cardiac cells. Consequently, the changes in cycle length are often important factors in the initiation or termination of certain arrhythmia's. A decrease in the cycle length induces chaotic behavior in the tissue. Drugs tend to change the ionic activity going on in the heart. While some drugs affect the behavior of the cardiac tissue, some cause severe arrhythmias resulting in the failure of the tissue to contract successfully. The study of these dynamics is of general application to the understanding of disordered phenomena, and may provide new insight about the origin of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Annotation Integration and Trade-off Analysis for Multimedia Applications

Multimedia applications for mobile devices, such as video/audio streaming, process streams of incoming data in a regular, predictable way. Content-aware optimizations through annotations allow us to highly improve the power savings at the various levels of abstraction: hardware/OS, network, application. However, in a typical system there is a continuous interaction between the components of the system at all levels, which requires a careful analysis of the combined effect of the aforementioned techniques. We investigate such an interaction and we describe metrics for estimating the effect various trade-off have on power and quality. By applying our metrics at the various abstraction levels we show how better energy savings can be achieved with lower quality degradations, through power-quality trade-offs and cross-layer interaction.
Say "adios" to the American dream? The interplay between ethnic and national identity among Latino and Caucasian Americans.

In three studies, implicit and explicit measures were used to examine the interconnections between ethnic and national identities among Latino Americans and Caucasian Americans. Consistently, Latino Americans as a group were conceived of as being less American than Caucasian Americans (Studies 1–3). This effect was exhibited by both Caucasian and Latino participants. Overall, Caucasian participants displayed a stronger national identification than Latino participants (Studies 2 and 3). In addition, ethnic American associations accounted for the strength of national identification for Caucasian participants, but not for Latino participants (Study 2). Finally, ethnic differences in national identification among individuals who exclude Latino Americans from the national identity emerged when persistent ethnic disparities were primed, but not when increasing equalities were stressed (Study 3). In sum, ethnic American associations account for the merging versus dissociation between ethnic and national identifications and reflect a long-standing ethnic hierarchy in American society.
Recovering rationale for design changes: a knowledge-based approach

As a compromise between the text-string solution and the automated design solution for capturing rationale for design decisions, it is assumed that the goal of the designer is to satisfy a set of requirements and that the rationale for design decisions can be inferred by comparing how different design alternatives meet these requirements. Accordingly, the rationale for a design change is either to satisfy constraints that were previously violated, or to create a design version that better satisfies the constraints. To implement this approach, mechanisms to evaluate how the device being designed satisfies the requirements at different stages of the design process are proposed. Alternative design solutions are organized into design records, indexed by the design requirements, that can be compared. To organize these design records, a hypertext system is integrated with a knowledge-based framework capable of supporting structural and behavioral models of an engineered device as well as formal requirement representations. The expected benefits of the method and the difficulties associated with it are discussed. >
Integrating participatory sensing in application development practices

With the widespread capabilities of commodity mobile devices, applications will increasingly incorporate participatory sensing functionality. Participatory sensing directly involves end-users in collecting (and ultimately sharing) information about the environment. Applications that rely on participatory sensing range from those that simply enable information sharing, to environmental monitoring and response, and route and behavior planning. As more and more applications demand the incorporation of participatory sensing, it becomes imperative to create software architectures, design patterns, and programming libraries that enable the integration of participatory sensing with software engineering theory and practice. In this position paper, we explore the new challenges that participatory sensing applications present, specifically focusing on challenges that demand a reevaluation of software engineering design principles, tools, and techniques. For these challenges, we also posit possible ways forward.
Studies of Diesel Engine Particle Emissions During Transient Operations Using an Engine Exhaust Particle Sizer

Diesel engine particle emissions during transient operations, including emissions during FTP transient cycles and during active regenerations of a NOx adsorber, were studied using a fast Engine Exhaust Particle Sizer (EEPS). For both fuels tested, a No. 2 certification diesel and a low sulfur diesel (BP-15), high particle concentrations and emission rates were mainly associated with heavy engine acceleration, high speed, and high torque during transient cycles. Averaged over the FTP transient cycle, the particle number concentration during tests with the certification fuel was 1.2e8/cm3, about four times the particle number concentration observed during tests using the BP-15 fuel. The effect of each engine parameter on particle emissions was studied. During tests using BP-15, the particle number emission rate was mainly controlled by the engine speed and torque, whereas for Certification fuel, the engine acceleration also had a strong effect on number emission rates. The effects of active regenerations of...
Loss of FOXA1 Drives Sexually Dimorphic Changes in Urothelial Differentiation and Is an Independent Predictor of Poor Prognosis in Bladder Cancer.

We previously found loss of forkhead box A1 (FOXA1) expression to be associated with aggressive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder, as well as increased tumor proliferation and invasion. These initial findings were substantiated by The Cancer Genome Atlas, which identified FOXA1 mutations in a subset of bladder cancers. However, the prognostic significance of FOXA1 inactivation and the effect of FOXA1 loss on urothelial differentiation remain unknown. Application of a univariate analysis (log-rank) and a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model revealed that loss of FOXA1 expression is an independent predictor of decreased overall survival. An ubiquitin Cre-driven system ablating Foxa1 expression in urothelium of adult mice resulted in sex-specific histologic alterations, with male mice developing urothelial hyperplasia and female mice developing keratinizing squamous metaplasia. Microarray analysis confirmed these findings and revealed a significant increase in cytokeratin 14 expression in the urothelium of the female Foxa1 knockout mouse and an increase in the expression of a number of genes normally associated with keratinocyte differentiation. IHC confirmed increased cytokeratin 14 expression in female bladders and additionally revealed enrichment of cytokeratin 14–positive basal cells in the hyperplastic urothelial mucosa in male Foxa1 knockout mice. Analysis of human tumor specimens confirmed a significant relationship between loss of FOXA1 and increased cytokeratin 14 expression.
Effect of computer keyboard slope on wrist position and forearm electromyography of typists without musculoskeletal disorders

Background and Purpose. Positioning a computer keyboard with a downward slope reduces wrist extension needed to use the keyboard and has been shown to decrease pressure in the carpal tunnel. However, whether a downward slope of the keyboard reduces electromyographic (EMG) activity of the forearm muscles, in particular the wrist extensors, is not known. Subjects and Methods. Sixteen experienced typists participated in this study and typed on a conventional keyboard that was placed on slopes at angles of 7.5, 0, −7.5, and −15 degrees. Electromyographic activity of the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU), flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU), and flexor carpi radialis (FCR) muscles was measured with surface electrodes, while the extension and ulnar deviation angles of the right and left wrists were measured with electrogoniometers. Results. Wrist extension angle decreased from approximately 12 degrees of extension while typing on a keyboard with a 7.5-degree slope to 3 degrees of flexion with the keyboard at a slope of −15 degrees. Although the differences were in the range of 1% to 3% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), amplitude probability distribution function (APDF) of root-mean-square EMG data points from the ECU, FCU, and FCR muscles varied across keyboard slopes. Discussion and Conclusion. Wrist extension decreased as the keyboard slope decreased. Furthermore, a slight decrease in percentage of MVC of the ECU muscle was noted as the keyboard slope decreased. Based on biomechanical modeling and published work on carpal tunnel pressure, both of these findings appear to be positive with respect to comfort and fatigue, but the exact consequences of these findings on the reduction or prevention of injuries have yet to be determined. The results may aid physical therapists and ergonomists in their evaluations of computer keyboard workstations and in making recommendations for interventions with regard to keyboard slope angle.
Design and initial evaluation of a virtual pediatric primary care clinic in Second Life(

Purpose: To present an example of an innovative educational strategy using a theoretical framework for the design and evaluation of a virtual world simulation for family nurse practitioner (FNP) students. Data sources: The example arises from a primary care pediatric clinic developed for FNP students in Second Life® to supplement experiences in clinical practice sites. The simulation uses a case-based interactive format. The educational strategy is based on constructivist learning theory and experiential learning principles. Report of initial prototype testing of faculty and FNP students is reported. Conclusions: Virtual-world simulations have the potential to provide a safe environment for students to practice clinical decision making for pediatric patients. However, attention to the context, pedagogy, learner, and the capabilities of the technology is essential to provide a quality educational experience. Implications for practice: Preparation of FNP students can include quality educational experiences in a virtual world when guided by a theoretical framework.
Lovelorn Lamentation or Histrionic Historicism? Reconsidering Allusion and Extramusical Meaning in the 1854 Version of Brahms's B-Major Trio

Abstract Although it has long been accepted that the 1854 version of Brahms9s B-Major Piano Trio contains references to Beethoven9s An die ferne Geliebte and Schubert9s Schwanengesang , it has escaped notice until now that the piece also alludes, clearly and in a structurally significant manner, to Domenico Scarlatti9s Sonata in C Major, K. 159. Strong musical evidence for this additional allusion is corroborated by Brahms9s long-term, multifaceted engagement with Scarlatti9s music as demonstrated by his correspondence, music library, performance repertoire theoretical studies, and other compositions. The revisions Brahms made to the Trio in 1889 are also highly suggestive: for the first time, the three theme groups replaced by altogether new material can be understood to correspond precisely to those containing the clearest allusions to the music of other composers. Identification of the Scarlatti reference necessitates reevaluation of the oft-proposed idea that the Trio9s song references function as a lament for Brahms9s own ““distant beloved,”” Clara Schumann. The reference to Scarlatti, while potentially supportive of such a program, also suggests an alternative interpretation: perhaps the Trio9s allusions are best understood within the context of the young composer9s struggle to reconcile his relationship to his predecessors in the heady period surrounding the publication of Schumann9s ““Neue Bahnen.”” If the original Trio represents an elegy for the musical past, rather than——or even in addition to——a lament for Clara, then the 1889 revisions, no longer to be understood simply as Brahms9s attempt to expunge an embarrassing confession of love, must be considered in terms of the historical perspective of the mature composer.
Effects of Rod‐like Particles on the Microstructure and Strength of Porous Silica Nanoparticle Composites

This study describes the results of an investigation into the effects of the addition of rod-like silica nanoparticles on the properties of freeze-cast and sintered bodies formed from silica nanospheres. Rod-like silica particles with ∼220 nm diameter and tunable aspect ratio from ∼1 to ∼12 (length/diameter) were prepared and added to aqueous suspensions containing 22 nm spherical silica particles. After freeze casting, porous composites were created with all suspensions, which is shown to be consistent with the results of a simple analysis in which the experimental freezing rate is compared with the critical rate at which the dispersed particles can no longer be expelled from the growing ice front. The composites have elongated spherical pores, and the pore size changes slightly with increasing aspect ratio of the nanorods. Finally, it was found that the rod-like particles improve the flexural strength of the composites at both green and sintered states and this strengthening effect intensifies with increasing aspect ratio. This study provides a strategy for fabricating porous materials of improved properties and performance without compromising the porosity or changing the material composition.
Blur estimation in limited-control environments

We propose a method to estimate the blur of a fixed imaging system, without control of camera position or lighting, using an inexpensive target. Such a method is applicable, for example, in the restoration of surveillance imagery where the imaging system is available, but with only limited control of the imaging conditions. We extend a previously proposed parametric blur model and maximum likelihood technique to estimate a more general family of blur functions. The requirements for an appropriate characterization target are also discussed. Experimental results with artificial and real data are presented to validate the proposed approach.
Polyphonic audio matching and alignment for music retrieval

We describe a method that aligns polyphonic audio recordings of music to symbolic score information in standard MIDI files without the difficult process of polyphonic transcription. By using this method, we can search through a MIDI database to find the MIDI file corresponding to a polyphonic audio recording.
Residual stress and fatigue life in laser shock peened open hole samples

Abstract This study investigates the effects of various laser shock peening patterns on the residual stress distribution and fatigue performance of beta-solution-treated and over-aged (BSTOA) Ti–6Al–4V open hole fatigue samples. The residual stress produced by various laser shock peening patterns was measured using the contour method. Additional samples were laser peened with similar patterns and fatigue tested to establish a correlation between the residual stress distribution and fatigue performance. A description of each of the patterns is presented along with the corresponding residual stress measurements and fatigue testing results. The results clearly show that the laser shock peening pattern can have a large impact on the residual stress produced. A laser shock peening pattern with multiple concentric rings of spots around the circumference of the hole produced the most favorable residual stress distribution in the vicinity of the hole and also resulted in the best fatigue performance.
GABAergic signaling induces divergent neuronal Ca2+ responses in the suprachiasmatic nucleus network

Intercellular communication between γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) neurons facilitates light-induced phase changes and synchronization of individual neural oscillators within the SCN network. We used ratiometric Ca2+ imaging techniques to record changes in the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) to study the role of GABA in interneuronal communication and the response of the SCN neuronal network to optic nerve stimulations that mimic entraining light signals. Stimulation of the retinohypothalamic tract (RHT) evoked divergent Ca2+ responses in neurons that varied regionally within the SCN with a pattern that correlated with those evoked by pharmacological GABA applications. GABAA and GABAB receptor agonists and antagonists were used to evaluate components of the GABA-induced changes in [Ca2+]i. Application of the GABAA receptor antagonist gabazine induced changes in baseline [Ca2+]i in a direction opposite to that evoked by GABA, and similarly altered the RHT stimulation-induced Ca2+ response. GABA application induced Ca2+ responses varied in time and region within the SCN network. The NKCC1 cotransporter blocker, bumetanide, and L-type calcium channel blocker, nimodipine, attenuated the GABA-induced rise of [Ca2+]i. These results suggest that physiological GABA induces opposing effects on [Ca2+]i based on the chloride equilibrium potential, and may play an important role in neuronal Ca2+ balance, synchronization and modulation of light input signaling in the SCN network.
Viewing cell movements in the developing neuroendocrine brain.

Abstract Many studies suggest that migratory guidance cues within the developing brain are diverse across many regions. To better understand the early development and differentiation of select brain regions, an in vitro method was developed using selected inbred and transgenic strains of embryonic mice. In particular, organotypic slices are used to test factors that influence the movements of neurons during brain development. Thick 250 μm slices cut on a vibrating microtome are prepared and maintained in vitro for 0–3 days. Nissl stain analyses often show a uniform distribution of cells in the regions of interest on the day of plating (embryonic days 12–15). After 3 days in vitro, cellular aggregation suggesting nuclear formation or the changing position of cells with a defined phenotype show that reasonably normal cell movements occur in several regions. Movements in vitro that mimic changes in vivo suggest that key factors reside locally within the plane of the slices. Video microscopy studies are used ...
Nanomechanics: Full recovery takes time

On bending, nanowires display anelastic behaviour, recovering their initial shape over time and efficiently dissipating mechanical energy in the process.
Trace Elements and Host Defense: Recent Advances and Continuing Challenges

Although it is widely recognized that essential trace elements are required for the differentiation, activation and performance of numerous functions of immune cells, the specific roles of these inorganic micronutrients in these processes remain largely undefined. New insights about the participation of zinc, iron and copper in the selection, maturation and early activation events of the immune cells have been gained by judicious use of available tools in analytical cell biology, molecular genetics and array technology. Also, randomly controlled clinical and community trials demonstrate that zinc supplementation can enhance immunocompetence and decrease the incidence and severity of some infections in individuals with diagnosed or suspected mild zinc deficiency. These exciting results provide an impetus to evaluate the potential benefits of supplementation programs for individuals and groups with suboptimal trace element status as a cost-effective means of reducing the risk of infectious diseases.
Experimental Quantification of Bend-Twist Coupling in Composite Shafts

Bend-twist coupling refers to the ability of a structure (beam, plate, shaft, etc.) to twist when subjected to pure bending. This characteristic is used in wind turbine blades, marine propellers, and beams subjected to off-axis loadings. A method is presented for designing carbon fiber shafts to maximize the degree of bend twist coupling while maintaining structural integrity. The unique composite ply lay-up utilized in the design of hollow, circular shafts with bend-twist coupling creates certain difficulties in the manufacturing process which are addressed. A method is presented for quantifying the amount of bend-twist coupling by experimentally locating the shear center. 3D DIC is used to measure tip deflection and rotation of the cantilevered shaft when subjected to cantilever bending. Several techniques are presented for minimizing the uncertainty in the final measurement of shear center. An analytical model capable of predicting shaft performance is presented and compared to the experimental results. The model predicts that shear center is a function of shaft length. Good agreement is found among the analytical, FEA, and experimental methods.
Using a thematic organizer to facilitate transfer learning with college developmental studies students

Abstract This study investigated whether an instructional strategy could facilitate generalizability of ideas from one context to another. A text adjunct, called a thematic organizer, was developed to activate students’ prior knowledge and illustrate that attributes of a concept may differ when it is presented in two different contexts. The subjects were forty‐eight low ability readers enrolled in college developmental studies classes. Materials included passages taken from a science and literature text, a thematic organizer, and a set of five open‐ended questions. The findings indicated that the thematic strategy facilitated transfer of learning. Further, the ordering of passage presentation according to structure did not affect comprehension differentially. This study suggests that low ability readers require an explicit explanation of the relationship between common elements of a concept that is presented in varied contexts and cannot rely on text structure alone to facilitate transfer of ideas.
Antiviral substances in plants of the mint family (labiatae). II. Nontannin polyphenol of Melissa officinalis.

SummaryThe presence of gelatin did not eliminate the antiviral activity of aqueous extracts of Melissa officinalis against herpes simplex and vaccinia viruses in disc plaque-suppression tests, suggesting that a second, nontannin, antiviral substance was present. By using tannin-free preparations it was found that the nontannin polyphenol fraction produced an antiviral effect against herpes simplex and vaccinia viruses in egg and cell-culture systems. This activity was very similar to that of caffeic acid. It was not clear whether the antiviral effect of either of these materials was exclusively due to a virucidal effect. Preliminary thin layer chromatography revealed the presence of caffeic acid in melissa preparations but at levels that seemed far too low to account for the antiviral effect.
Intraspecific variation in mitochondrial DNA of North American cervids

Intraspecific variation in mitochondrial DNA of North American cervids was assessed with restriction enzymes to determine relationships among populations and subspecies. No variation was detected in moose ( Alces alces ) and little in elk ( Cervus elaphus ). Caribou ( Rangifer tarandus ), white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ), and mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus ) possessed considerable variation. Characteristic genotypes exist in caribou and white-tailed deer from different geographic areas although subspecies are not discernable as distinct mtDNA assemblages. Except for O. hemionus , intraspecific mtDNA sequence divergences are small (<2%). Subspecies of mule deer have divergent mtDNA (7%) and are the only subspecies of cervids with distinct genotypes.
Enhancement of net sodium transport in isolated bullfrog intestine by sugars and amino acids.

SummaryWhen isolated bullfrog small intestine is mounted between identical Ringer solutions in which chloride is replaced by sulfate, short circuit current and net mucosal-serosal Na+ flux are identical. This identity is preserved in the presence of actively transported sugars and amino acids. In the presence of a constant concentration of Na+, both sugars and amino acids increase the transmural pd and short circuit current when added to the mucosal bathing fluid. Addition of these substances to the serosal medium only has no effect. The increases in transmural pd and short circuit current show identical saturation characteristics with respect to the concentration of added solute and can be described in terms of simple Michaelis-Menten kinetics. These effects are not dependent on metabolism of the added solute. Addition of a second actively transported sugar to the mucosal solution during maximal stimulation by another sugar had no effect on transmural pd or short circuit current. Addition of an amino aci...
Experimental mammary gland growth in rabbits by estrogen and progesterone.

Summary1. Daily injection of 9 μg of estradiol benzoate for 20 days induced extensive development of the mammary duct system of male rabbits with negligible lobule formation. 2. With male rabbits pretreated with estrogen to develop the duct system, the daily injection of 15 μg of estradiol benzoate combined with 1 mg of progesterone (synergistic ratio 1:67) induced the extensive development of the lobule-alveolar system as indicated by the DNA content and by visual examination of whole mounts of the glands. 3. These observations indicate that the optimum synergistic ratio of the ovarian hormone in lobule-alveolar development in the rabbit differs widely from the ratio of 1:1000 or more observed in the mouse, rat and dog.
Ethnic identity and prosocial attitudes

ABSTRACT In this study, I examined the relationships between ethnic identity, social support within one's own group, activity with one's own group, and readiness to cooperate with people of another group. The hypothesis that there will be a stronger link between ethnic identity and prosocial activity in a minority group was tested using a questionnaire collected from 60 Byelorussians and 62 Poles living in the same villages of eastern Poland. The analyses showed that Byelorussians had lower ethnic identity and social support than Poles but higher readiness to cooperate with Poles than the reverse. For the Byelorussians, the correlational analysis revealed significant coefficients between ethnic identity and social support, between ethnic identity, social support, and prosocial activity, and between social support and readiness to cooperate, whereas the relationships among these variables were not significant in the Polish group. On a cognitive level, therefore, the members of the dominant group identified...
Concurrent generation of multivariate mixed data with variables of dissimilar types

Data sets originating from wide range of research studies are composed of multiple variables that are correlated and of dissimilar types, primarily of count, binary/ordinal and continuous attributes. The present paper builds on the previous works on multivariate data generation and develops a framework for generating multivariate mixed data with a pre-specified correlation matrix. The generated data consist of components that are marginally count, binary, ordinal and continuous, where the count and continuous variables follow the generalized Poisson and normal distributions, respectively. The use of the generalized Poisson distribution provides a flexible mechanism which allows under- and over-dispersed count variables generally encountered in practice. A step-by-step algorithm is provided and its performance is evaluated using simulated and real-data scenarios.
The Function of V-ATPases in Cancer

The vacuolar ATPases (V-ATPases) are a family of proton pumps that couple ATP hydrolysis to proton transport into intracellular compartments and across the plasma membrane. They function in a wide ...
A Triangular Finite Element for Thick Plates

A new element proposed by D. N. Arnold and R. S. Falk for the analysis of plates by the finite element method is described and applied to typical test problems. It is found that the element is well behaved and can be used as a suitable alternative element for plates of all thicknesses.
Interactive Enzyme and Molecular Regulation

How does molecular regulation occur? How do enzymes become interactive? What is an enzyme polymorph? Enzymes or proteins are commonly present in oligomeric forms for active biological functions. The formation of protein oligomers, either in nature or by artificial means, can take place via covalent bonding or through weak bond network associations. Oligomerization can occur when stable proteins unfold, creating exposed interfaces for association interactions. One well-known process of weak bond network oligomerization is domain swapping (DS). The occurrence of oligomerization is usually in response to environmental changes. The dynamic nature of the protein oligomerization is important for bioactivity control. The polymorph model quantifies enzyme-catalyzed biotransformations.
Management of borderline ovarian tumours.

Approximately 3000 American women are diagnosed with borderline ovarian tumours annually. Borderline tumours are similar to other types of adnexal masses. Prognostic factors include the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, presence of peritoneal implants, micropapillary pattern (for serous histology), microinvasion and intra-epithelial carcinoma (for mucinous histology). Approximately 65–70% of serous tumours and 90% of mucinous tumours are stage I, and 30% and 10%, respectively, are associated with extra-ovarian spread. Fertility-preservation counselling is recommended for young patients. Fertility-sparing surgery is feasible in a high proportion of women in the reproductive age group. Surgical staging generally includes resection of the primary borderline tumour, by either unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy or ovarian cystectomy, cytologic washings, omentectomy and peritoneal biopsies, and routine lymphadenectomy is not recommended. However, because the accuracy of frozen-section examination is lower than optimal, caution is recommended. Postoperative therapy is recommended only for those women with serous borderline tumours and invasive implants. Fortunately, relapse is uncommon.
Watersheds as Social-Ecological Systems

Watersheds are platforms for interaction of human and natural systems in common scenarios of IWRM. As a discipline, watershed management is similar to IWRM because it also focuses on coordinated management of water, land, and related resources. It builds on watershed science, which explains how watersheds function, and the concept of social-ecological systems offers a tool for analysis of watersheds in IWRM situations. Watershed models provide the capability to simulate the responses of natural systems to natural forces or human activities. Watershed studies should address social issues along with physical situations. Using a social-ecological perspective requires recognition of the social sciences through interdisciplinary collaboration. Watersheds provide venues for social and political issues to be addressed, but they can be challenging.
Metabolism of Apolipoproteins and the Metabolic Heterogeneity of Apo B in the Rat

The metabolism of the apolipoproteins covers a very broad subject area. I would like to discuss it, in the main, from the somewhat narrower focus of VLDL catabolism in the rat. I would like to point out that it may be rather artificial to consider apolipoprotein metabolism apart from lipoprotein metabolism, but it is becoming increasingly apparent that apolipoproteins may also have a life of their own. In the beginning, of course, there is DNA and messenger RNA which code for the primary sequence of the apolipoproteins and, after signal peptide cleavage, these traverse the cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum, ending up in the Golgi where much of the final assembly of VLDL takes place, as seen by electron microscopic studies.1 The liver is the main organ of lipoprotein synthesis, and probably also of catabolism, and it can synthesize all of the known major apolipoproteins: A-I, A-II, A-IV, B, C-I, C-II, C-III, and E. The small intestinal mucosal cells secrete far less apolipoproteins, but the work of Wu and Windmueller2 has shown that about half of the plasma A-I, and about two-thirds of apo A-IV, are derived from the intestine, which secretes VLDL and HDL as well as chylomicrons.3 There have been some recent exciting developments bearing on the question of the synthesis of different apolipoprotein isoforms, such as those of apo A-I4,5 and on the involvement of tissues other than liver and intestine which I will only mention briefly.
The role of integrated photonics in datacenter networks

Datacenter networks are not only larger but with new applications increasing the east-west traffic and the introduction of the spine leaf architecture there is an urgent need for high bandwidth, low cost, energy efficient interconnects. This paper will discuss the role integrated photonics can have in achieving datacenter requirements. We will review the state of the art and then focus on advances in optical switch fabrics and systems. The optical switch is of particular interest from the integration point of view. Current MEMS and LCOS commercial solutions are relatively large with relatively slow reconfiguration times limiting their use in packet based datacenter networks. This has driven the research and development of more highly integrated silicon photonic switch fabrics, including micro ring, Mach-Zehnder and MEMS device designs each with its own energy, bandwidth and scalability, challenges and trade-offs. Micro rings show promise for their small footprint, however they require an energy efficient means to maintain wavelength and thermal control. Latency requirements have been traditionally less stringent in datacenter networks compared to high performance computing applications, however with the increasing numbers of servers communicating within applications and the growing size of the warehouse datacenter, latency is becoming more critical. Although the transparent optical switch fabric itself has a minimal additional latency, we must also take account of any additional latency of the optically switched architecture. Proposed optically switched architectures will be reviewed.
Social Consequences of Grindr Use: Extending the Internet-Enhanced Self-Disclosure Hypothesis

Grindr, a location-based real-time dating application, provides sexual-minority men (SMM) a space through which they can identify, access, and communicate with one another. Although previous research has examined user motivations and public self-disclosure patterns on Grindr, we investigate the effects intimate self-disclosure and sexting via the application's private messaging on internalized homophobia and loneliness. Using the Internet-enhanced self-disclosure hypothesis (ISDH) as a framework, we conducted an online survey of 274 Grindr users. Serial mediation analysis showed support for the ISDH, suggesting that Grindr use was negatively associated with loneliness. Intimate self-disclosure and internalized homophobia mediated the relationship between Grindr use and loneliness, but sexting had no relationship with internalized homophobia or loneliness. We discuss implications for the ISDH, Grindr, self-disclosure, and sexting.
Host-microbe interaction: Inflammation for growth.

How does a Salmonella pathogen outcompete beneficial intestinal microorganisms? It triggers an immune response that generates a compound from intestinal gas that it can utilize as an energy source. See Article p. 426 The ability of the enteric pathogen Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium to use tetrathionate as a terminal electron acceptor has been used in the laboratory as a convenient means of enriching growth media containing this bacterium for many years. Tetrathionate respiration was thought to have little importance during infection, but to come into its own in free-living bacteria in environments containing tetrathionate, such as soil or decomposing carcasses. Now a possible role has been identified for this metabolism during intestinal infection. Acute intestinal inflammation induced by S. enterica Typhimurium virulence factors is shown to be accompanied by production of oxygen radicals in the gut lumen as part of the immune response. These oxygen radicals oxidize thiosulphate, the end product of hydrogen-sulphide detoxification by enterocytes, to tetrathionate. The pathogen can then use tetrathionate respiration during growth in the inflamed intestine, allowing it to out-compete other microbes that rely on anaerobic fermentation.
Type I, II, and III statistical errors: A brief overview

As a key component of scientific research, hypothesis testing incorporates a null hypothesis (H0) of no difference in a larger population and an alternative hypothesis (H1or HA) that becomes true when the null hypothesis is shown to be false. Two potential types of statistical error are Type I error (α, or level of significance), when one falsely rejects a null hypothesis that is true, and Type II error (β), when one fails to reject a null hypothesis that is false. To reduce Type I error, one should decrease the pre-determined level of statistical significance. To decrease Type II error, one should increase the sample size in order to detect an effect size of interest with adequate statistical power. Reducing Type I error tends to increase Type II error, and vice versa. Type III error, although rare, occurs when one correctly rejects the null hypothesis of no difference, but does so for the wrong reason. The following core competencies are addressed in this article: Practice-based learning and improvement, Medical knowledge.
Thorium and Molten Salt Reactors: "Essential Questions for Classroom Discussions".

A little-known type of nuclear reactor called the “molten salt reactor” (MSR), in which nuclear fuel is dissolved in a liquid carrier salt, was proposed in the 1940s and developed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the 1960s. Recently, the MSR has generated renewed interest as a remedy for the drawbacks associated with conventional uranium-fueled light-water reactors (LWRs) in use today. Particular attention has been given to the “thorium molten salt reactor” (TMSR), an MSR engineered specifically to use thorium as its fuel. The purpose of this article is to encourage the TPT community to incorporate discussions of MSRs and the thorium fuel cycle into courses such as “Physics and Society” or “Frontiers of Physics.” With this in mind, we piloted a pedagogical approach with 27 teachers in which we described the underlying physics of the TMSR and posed five essential questions for classroom discussions. We assumed teachers had some preexisting knowledge of nuclear reactions, but such prior knowledge was not necessary for inclusion in the classroom discussions. Overall, our material was perceived as a real-world example of physics, fit into a standards-based curriculum, and filled a need in the teaching community for providing unbiased references of alternative energy technologies.
Identification of Uranotaenia sapphirina as a specialist of annelids broadens known mosquito host use patterns

Feeding upon vertebrate blood by mosquitoes permits transmission of diverse pathogens, including viruses, protozoa, and nematodes. Despite over a century of intensive study, no mosquito species is known to specialize on non-vertebrate hosts. Using molecular analyses and field observations, we provide the first evidence, to our knowledge, that a mosquito, Uranotaenia sapphirina, specializes on annelid hosts (earthworms and leeches) while its sympatric congener, Uranotaenia lowii, feeds only on anurans (frogs and toads). Our results demonstrate that Ur. sapphirina feeds on annelid hosts (100% of identified blood meals; n = 72; collected throughout Florida), findings that are supported by field observations of these mosquitoes feeding on Sparganophilus worms and freshwater leeches. These findings indicate that adult mosquitoes utilize a much broader range of host taxa than previously recognized, with implications for epidemiology and the evolution of host use patterns in mosquitoes.
Structural Studies of Amorphous Materials

This paper is concerned with the progression from the initial studies of atomic arrangements in amorphous materials to those which have become possible recently as a result of the availability of synchrotron radiation. I will tend to concentrate on the work that I know well, and pay less attention to those aspects of structure with which I am less familiar or to which my group has contributed less.
Complete spontaneous regression of cerebral arteriovenous malformation: a case report and review of the literature

Spontaneous regression of an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is the phenomenon of partial or complete obliteration of the vascular anomaly without any therapeutic intervention. Complete spontaneous regression is a rare event with limited previously reported cases in the literature. We present a new case of complete spontaneous regression of a right frontal AVM and report findings from the imaging studies. Furthermore, we present the findings of a detailed literature review and discuss hypotheses regarding the pathophysiology of this rare occurrence.
Intraoperative Decision-Making and Technical Aspects of Parathyroidectomy in Young Patients With MEN1 Related Hyperparathyroidism

One in 5,000 to 1 in 50,000 births have multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). MEN1 is a hereditary syndrome clinically defined by the presence of two of the following endocrine tumors in the same patient: parathyroid adenomas, entero-pancreatic endocrine tumors and pituitary tumors. Most commonly, patients with MEN1 manifest primarily with signs and symptoms linked to primary hyperparathyroidism. By age 50, it is estimated that 100% of patients with MEN1 will have been diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism. These patients will need to undergo resection of their hyperfunctioning glands, however there is no clear consensus on which procedure to perform and when to perform it in these patients. In this original study we describe and explain the rational of our peri-operative approach and management at MD Anderson Cancer Center of MEN1 patients with hyperparathyroidism. This protocol includes preoperative evaluation, intraoperative decision-making and detailed surgical technique adopted for these patients' care. Additionally we review follow-up and disease management in instances of recurrent primary hyperparathyroidism in patients with MEN1 syndrome.