cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
“Bridges Often Go”: Emily Dickinson's Bridge Poems

Emily Dickinson's references to the nineteenth-century science of bridge building culminate in two major bridge poems that apply technical knowledge to transcendent concepts to produce powerful statements of faith. Transforming the technological sublime into the religious sublime, Dickinson captures the mystery of the transition from life to death.
Analysis of basic position loop control systems

The author discusses the basics of loop position and the tension variation in a product caused by the loop. He covers the basic catenary, position regulator gain, weighted dancer loops with and without a counterweight, and other possible approaches to loop control. It is noted that it is known that the tension variations on the material being processed on a continuous process line can affect the product quality. It can be seen from the examples discussed that it is not obvious what the real tension variation may be for a particular loop design. The present work is intended as a guideline to give the design engineer a good starting point to make sure product uniformity is taken into account in specific designs. >
prx-1 functions cooperatively with another paired-related homeobox gene, prx-2, to maintain cell fates within the craniofacial mesenchyme

The paired-related homeobox gene, prx-1, is expressed in the postmigratory cranial mesenchyme of all facial prominences and is required for the formation of proximal first arch derivatives. We introduced lacZ into the prx-1 locus to study the developmental fate of cells destined to express prx-1 in the prx-1 mutant background. lacZ was normally expressed in prx-1(neo); prx-1(lacZ)mutant craniofacial mesenchyme up until 11.5 d.p.c. At later time points, lacZ expression was lost from structures that are defective in the prx-1(neo) mutant mice. A related gene, prx-2, demonstrated overlapping expression with prx-1. To test the idea that prx-1 and prx-2 perform redundant functions, we generated prx-1(neo;)prx-2 compound mutant mice. Double mutant mice had novel phenotypes in which the rostral aspect of the mandible was defective, the mandibular incisor arrested as a single, bud-stage tooth germ and Meckel9s cartilage was absent. Expression of two markers for tooth development, pax9 and patched, were downregulated. Using a transgene that marks a subset of prx-1-expressing cells in the craniofacial mesenchyme, we showed that cells within the hyoid arch take on the properties of the first branchial arch. These data suggest that prx-1 and prx-2 coordinately regulate gene expression in cells that contribute to the distal aspects of the mandibular arch mesenchyme and that prx-1 and prx-2 play a role in the maintenance of cell fate within the craniofacial mesenchyme.
Numerical solution of jump-diffusion LIBOR market models

This paper develops, analyzes, and tests computational procedures for the numerical solution of LIBOR market models with jumps. We consider, in particular, a class of models in which jumps are driven by marked point processes with intensities that depend on the LIBOR rates themselves. While this formulation offers some attractive modeling features, it presents a challenge for computational work. As a first step, we therefore show how to reformulate a term structure model driven by marked point processes with suitably bounded state-dependent intensities into one driven by a Poisson random measure. This facilitates the development of discretization schemes because the Poisson random measure can be simulated without discretization error. Jumps in LIBOR rates are then thinned from the Poisson random measure using state-dependent thinning probabilities. Because of discontinuities inherent to the thinning process, this procedure falls outside the scope of existing convergence results; we provide some theoretical support for our method through a result establishing first and second order convergence of schemes that accommodates thinning but imposes stronger conditions on other problem data. The bias and computational efficiency of various schemes are compared through numerical experiments.
Temporal Effects of Reinforcement: A Negative "Frustration" Effect'

Abstract Reinforcement omission in situations that show positive goal-gradients elevates subsequent responding (positive “frustration” effect). In this experiment, in a situation showing a negative goal-gradient, reinforcement omission depressed subsequent responding (negative “frustration” effect). A simple hypothesis in terms of discriminative after-effects of reinforcement accounts for both effects. The same interpretation is adequate to describe frustration effects in runways and avoids problems faced by frustration theory. Some further tests of the hypothesis are proposed.
Network interface data caching

Network interface data caching reduces local interconnect traffic on network servers by caching frequently-requested content on a programmable network interface. The operating system on the host CPU determines which data to store in the cache and for which packets it should use data from the cache. To facilitate data reuse across multiple packets and connections, the cache only stores application-level response content (such as HTTP data), with application-level and networking headers generated by the host CPU. Network interface data caching reduces PCI traffic by 12-61 percent for six Web workloads on a prototype implementation of a uniprocessor Web server. This traffic reduction improves peak throughput for three workloads by 6-36 percent.
Application of network analysis in evaluating knowledge capacity

This chapter describes the application of social network analysis to evaluate the knowledge capacity of a business initiative program at a government-owned national laboratory.
Wideband Optical Disc Data Recorder Systems

This paper describes a wideband optical disc, digital recorder/playback system, the disc itself, test results, applications and future improvements. Recording is accomplished with a modulated laser beam, positioned on the disc by a track mirror and a focus lens. Playback is done at a reduced constant light level. A servo maintains precision focus of the laser spot on the microscopically uneven disc surface. Fine tracking is obtained by a dither track servo. A trilayer antireflection disc structure provides high optical and thermal efficiency, very high sensitivity and signal to noise ratio, and has the potential for low fabrication cost. Record/playback data rates of 50 Mb/s and data densities of 1011 bits per disc side have been demonstrated. Optical disc configurations have been developed for three applications: a 400 Mb/s recorder/reproducer (using eight 50 Mb/s channels), and a 1013 bit jukebox reader, and a 1014 bit mass memory system (with a 3-second access time to any data record). Future systems will use laser diodes for both record and playback, allowing more compact designs with greater reliability and lower cost.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Creativity and Working Memory in Gifted Students With and Without Characteristics of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder: Lifting the Mask

There have been some behavioral indicators and some types of task performance that suggest greater creativity in students with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). This evidence would appear counterintuitive given that lower working memory (i.e., holding information in mind for novel recombinations) has often been documented in students with ADHD. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess working memory and creativity in two groups of gifted students (i.e., with characteristics of ADHD, n = 17, and without ADHD characteristics, n = 20), who were equivalent in fluid intelligence. Significant differences were found indicating that gifted students with ADHD characteristics had not only poorer working memory but also significantly greater creativity than those gifted students without these characteristics. These results were discussed in terms of creative potential, which could serve as an identifier and as a pathway to instruction.
Ultrasound-Guided Placement of Internal Jugular Central Venous Catheter

Upper extremity vein sclerosis (this is the only indication for which Medicare will reimburse). Central pressure monitoring. Hemodialysis (preferred location as it avoids subclavian vein stenosis). Delivery of sclerotic medications or agents.
Clinico-pathogenetic findings and management of chondrodystrophic myotonia (Schwartz-Jampel syndrome): a case report

Chondrodystrophic myotonia or Schwartz-Jampel syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by myotonia and skeletal dysplasia. It may be progressive in nature. Recently, the gene responsible for Schwartz-Jampel syndrome has been found and the defective protein it encodes leads to abnormal cartilage development and anomalous neuromuscular activity. We report the clinical findings and the management of an 8-year-old boy with this disorder. The molecular findings confirm that the patient is a compound heterozygote with a different splicing mutation in each Perlecan allele. This resulted in a significant reduction in the production of the encoded normal protein. We discuss the multi-disciplinary management of Schwartz-Jampel syndrome that will facilitate optimal care and timely intervention of patients with this disorder.
Assessing the Relationship between Investigator Global Evaluation and Acne Lesion Counts

Efficacy evaluation for acne clinical trials is usually based on analysis of: (1) change (or relative change) in lesion counts from baseline and (2) the investigator global evaluation (IGE) at the final study endpoint, usually dichotomized to treatment success or failure. As lesion counts provide a quantitative assessment of the subject’s acne condition and the IGE reflects the dermatologist’s visual evaluation of the same condition, one would expect the two evaluations to be related. In this article we investigate the relationship between the two assessments by fitting logistic regression models to three data sets with different features. The results of the analysis show that final lesion counts explain very well the variability in the IGE treatment success. However, changes in lesion counts per se do not fully explain the variability in IGE treatment success, as baseline lesion counts are still a significant covariate in the model. Finally, inflammatory lesions consistently have a much greater impact than noninflammatory lesions on explaining the variability in the IGE treatment success. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of having an initial estimate of treatment effect before embarking on phase 3 trials. Such an estimate would be very useful in guiding the decision on whether to seek a lesion-specific or general acne indication, which, in turn, impacts the sample size required for establishing efficacy.
A psychopharmacology course for psychiatry residents utilizing active-learning and residents-as-teachers to develop life-long learning skills.

The authors describe the implementation and evaluation of a 1-year psychopharmacology course using residents-as-teachers and active-learning exercises intended to improve understanding of current psychopharmacology and its evidence base, and skills for life-long learning. Weekly classes were devoted to psychotropic medi-cations, treating specific disorders, and use of psychotropics in special patient populations. Each class was divided into three sections: a pharmacology review, a literature review and a faculty-led discussion of clinical questions. Each class included residents as teachers, an audience response system and questions for self-assessment. Resident and faculty presenters evaluated the course weekly and all residents were given a year-end evaluation Resident and faculty evaluations indicated an overall positive response. The residents reported improved perception of knowledge and engagement with this interactive format. The course was well received, demonstrating the viability and value of residents taking a more active role in their own learning.
A Myoclonic Reaction with Low-Dose Hydromorphone

Objective:To report a case of myoclonus associated with the use of a low dose of the opioid analgesic hydromorphone.Case Summary:A 55-year-old white man with a history of nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was hospitalized for treatment of severe chest pain. On hospital day 1, intravenous hydromorphone (6 doses, total dose of 4 mg) was administered. The pain continued and, on day 2, the dose was increased, with a total of 6 mg administered on day 2. The patient developed uncontrollable jerking movements of the head, neck, arms, and legs after he received the hydromorphone. The myoclonic movements stopped within a few hours following discontinuation of hydromorphone and did not recur.Discussion:Myoclonus is a neuroexcitatory symptom that has been reported with chronic, high-dose administration of hydromorphone in patients with impaired renal function. The hydromorphone-3-glucuronide metabolite is devoid of analgesic activity and has been shown to cause neuroexcitatory effects. This patient's sympto...
Identification and comparative analysis of the chloroplast α-subunit gene of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase from seven Euglena species

When the sequence of the Euglena gracilis chloroplast genome was reported in 1993 the alpha-subunit gene (rpoA) of RNA polymerase appeared to be missing, based on a comparison of all putative reading frames to the then known rpoA loci. Since there has been a large increase in known rpoA sequences, the question of a Euglena chloroplast rpoA gene was re-examined. A previously described unknown reading frame of 161 codons was found to be part of an rpoA gene split by a single group III intron. This rpoA gene, which is highly variable from species to species, was then isolated and characterized in five other euglenoid species, Euglena anabaena, Euglena granulata, Euglena myxocylindracea, Euglena stellata and Euglena viridis, and in the Astasia longa plastid genome. All seven Euglena rpoA genes have either one or three group III introns. The rpoA gene products in Euglena spp. appear to be the most variable in this gene family when compared to the rpoA gene in other species of bacteria, algae and plants. Additionally, Euglena rpoA proteins lack a C-terminal domain required for interaction with some regulatory proteins, a feature shared only with some chlorophyte green algae. The E.gracilis rpoA gene is the distal cistron of a multigene cluster that includes genes for carbohydrate biosynthesis, photosynthetic electron transport, an antenna complex and ribosomal proteins. This study provides new insights into the transcription system of euglenoid plastids, the organization of the plastid genome, group III intron evolution and euglenoid phylogeny.
Artificial neural network identification of partially known dynamic nonlinear systems

This paper presents a method for incorporating a priori information about an uncertain nonlinear system into the structure of a multilayer feedforward artificial neural network. Known information is incorporated into the activation function of the network output layer. An algorithm is derived for backpropagating the error and updating adjustable parameters within this layer that is consistent with existing supervised learning techniques. The developed technique is applied to the identification of a dynamic system and compared with conventional feedforward artificial neural network identifier. Results exhibit an improvement in the quality of the identification model and an increase in the rate of convergence. As a practical application, a prior information is utilized for identification of switched reluctance motor characteristics on the basis of experimental measurements. The results further demonstrate that artificial neural networks employing a priori information converge faster, require fewer adjustable weights, and more accurately predict the system of interest. >
Temporal Cues Contribute to Tactile Perception of Roughness

Optimal perception of surface roughness requires lateral movement between skin and surface, suggesting the importance of temporal cues. The roughness of periodic gratings is affected by changing either inter-element spacing (groove width, G) or element width (ridge width, R). Peripheral neural responses to gratings depend quantitatively on a spatial variable, G, and a temporal variable, grating temporal frequency (Ft), with changes inR acting indirectly through concomitant changes inFt. We investigated, psychophysically, the contribution of temporal cues to human tactile perception of roughness, using gratings varying in either R or G. Gratings were scanned across the immobile fingerpad with controlled movement speed (S) and contact force. In one experiment, we found that roughness magnitude estimates depended on bothG and Ft. In a second experiment, discrimination of the roughness of gratings varying in either R or G was affected by manipulating Ft. Overall, the effect ofG on roughness judgments was much stronger than that ofFt, probably explaining why many previous studies using surfaces that varied only in inter-element spacing led to the conclusion that temporal factors play no role in roughness perception. However, the perceived roughness ofR-varying gratings was determined byFt and not spatial variables. Roughness judgments were influenced by G andFt in a manner entirely consistent with predicted afferent response rates. Thus perceived roughness, like peripheral afferent responses, depends in part on temporal variables.
Examining User Expectations for the Location of Common E-Commerce Web Objects

According to Keenan Vision Inc. (2001), business-to-customer online purchase revenue is expected to top 180 billion US dollars for the year 2002. By the year 2004, it is expected to grow to 300 billion US dollars. Clearly the importance of online commerce is undeniable, and companies both large and small are constantly seeking ways to entice new online customers. Yet, large barriers still remain between the customer and the virtual store. One of the barriers to online shopping occurs when customers have difficulty finding their way around the online storefront. In fact, a PriceWaterhouse Coopers (2001) survey found that 40% of the respondents indicated that being unfamiliar with the storefront was a barrier to their online shopping. Moreover, Zona Research (2000) reported that 33% of the people surveyed indicated having difficulty locating products, and 62% indicated giving up looking for merchandise items because they could not find them. Thus, an important advantage for online companies would be to place key web objects, such as the online shopping cart and help button, where they would be expected to be located by a majority of the users. This study sought to investigate user expectations on the location of common e-commerce web objects on a typical website. Web objects studied
Contributors to Mortality in High-Risk Diabetic Patients in the Diabetes Heart Study

OBJECTIVE Not all individuals with type 2 diabetes and high coronary artery calcified plaque (CAC) experience the same risk for adverse outcomes. This study examined a subset of high-risk individuals based on CAC >1,000 mg (using a total mass score) and evaluated whether differences in a range of modifiable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors provided further insights into risk for mortality. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We assessed contributors to all-cause mortality among 371 European American individuals with type 2 diabetes and CAC >1,000 from the Diabetes Heart Study (DHS) after 8.2 ± 3.0 years (mean ± SD) of follow-up. Differences in known CVD risk factors, including modifiable CVD risk factors, were compared between living ( n = 218) and deceased ( n = 153) participants. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to quantify risk for all-cause mortality. RESULTS Deceased participants had a longer duration of type 2 diabetes ( P = 0.02) and reduced use of cholesterol-lowering medications ( P = 0.004). Adjusted analyses revealed that vascular calcified plaque scores were associated with increased risk for mortality (hazard ratio 1.31–1.63; 3.89 × 10 −5 P 1c , lipids, and C-reactive protein and reduced kidney function also were associated with a 1.1- to 1.5-fold increased risk for mortality (3.45 × 10 −6 P CONCLUSIONS Even in this high-risk group, vascular calcification and known CVD risk factors provide useful information for ongoing assessment. The use of cholesterol-lowering medication seemed to be protective for mortality.
Elastomer membrane actuators utilizing ultrathin metal electrodes

We prepare a thin (~100 μm) silicone-based elastomer membrane and sputter ultra-thin copper electrodes (16-192 nm) onto each side of the film. Voltages of varying magnitude (1-8 kV) are applied to the electrodes causing an electrostatic pressure to develop which then compresses the elastomer in the through thickness direction. The edges of the membrane are constrained against in-plane expansion, forcing the membrane to deform out of plane. The in-plane strains developed by applying an electric field are characterized by measuring the stiffness of the membrane via indentation at different applied voltages. Closed-form solutions for membrane deflection are used with the experimental measurements to determine the relationship between the modulus of the cracked electrode/elastomer multi-layer and the electrically induced in-plane strain. Analytical models predicting the relationship between electrode crack spacing, layer properties, and effective modulus of the multi-layer are presented. Building on the knowledge gained from the membrane experiments, uni- axial tension specimens of an electrode/elastomer multi-layer are tested and preliminary results discussed.
Instrumentation for liposuction.

Since the introduction of liposuction into the United States in 1982, instrumentation for this procedure has undergone many significant changes. Great innovation and creativity have brought new and increasingly efficient instruments to the liposuction surgeon. Many of the improvements in both the safety and effectiveness of liposuction have been a result of the introduction of new instrumentation. Indeed one of the key factors in the development of liposuction as a viable procedure was the change in instrumentation from the sharp to the blunt cannula. Further developments, most notably the advent of the tumescent technique, developed by Dr. Jeffrey Klein in 1985, radically modified liposuction and further spurred the development of new innovative instrumentation to meet the demand. 13 In addition to instrumentation directly used for liposuction, other instruments and equipment of a more ancillary or supportive nature are needed as well. This includes those necessary to increase patient safety, monitoring equipment, equipment to clean and sterilize the instruments, and products for postoperative care.
Density and distribution of Dirofilaria immitis (Nematoda: Filarioidea) third-stage larvae in Aedes sollicitans and Aedes taeniorhynchus (Diptera: Culicidae).

Numbers and the distribution of third-stage larvae (L3) were investigated in Aedes sollicitans (Walker) and Aedes taeniorhynchus (Wiedemann) female mosquitoes fed Dirofilaria immitis (Leidy) infectious-blood with densities of microfilariae (mf) ranging from ≈7,100–43,400 mf/ml. At each microfilarial density, a maximum of 63–66 infective larvae were recovered from an Ae. sollicitans alive on day 15 after infection. In comparison with Ae. taeniorhynchus, Ae. sollicitans averaged greater numbers of L3 and from 1.4 to 2.4 times more L3 in the head and labium per infected female. The trend was for greater numbers of L3 to be found in the labium than in the head of Ae. sollicitans, but there were no significant differences between numbers of L3 recovered from these sites in differentially infected females. However, numbers of L3 recovered from the head versus the labium of differentially infected Ae. taeniorhynchus varied significantly with the infectious blood microfilarial density. At the two lowest and highest microfilarial densities, greater numbers of L3 were recovered from the head and labium, respectively. Variations among species in the female body size, blood meal size, and retention of L3 may be factors responsible for differences observed between the total numbers and percentage distribution of D. immitis L3 recovered from the simultaneous blood-fed Ae. sollicitans and Ae. taeniorhynchus.
Postembryonic development of the dorsal chaetotaxy in Seira dowlingi (Collembola, Entomobryidae); with an analysis of the diagnostic and phylogenetic significance of primary chaetotaxy in Seira

Chaetotaxy is probably the most important character system used to diagnose species in Entomobryidae, but its use in studies of phylogenetic relationships of suprageneric taxa has been hampered by difficulties in identifying the homology of individual setae. Currently there is developmental information for three (Orchesella, Entomobrya sensu lato and Lepidocyrtus sensu lato) of the four largest groups of entomobryids. Seira is the only major genus for which the postembryonic development of the chaetotaxy has not been described. To fill this gap a complete description of the postembryonic development of the dorsal chaetotaxy of Seira dowlingi (Wray, 1953) is presented. Based on this description and by comparisons with up to 96 additional Seira species, it is suggested that the loss of second abdominal segment primary setae m4 and p4 (by transformation into scales during postembryonic development) is the only chaetotaxic character diagnostic for the genus. The posterior botriothricum (homologous to D3) on the fourth abdominal segment is absent only in S. (Afroseira) rowani Yosii, from South Africa. It is suggested that the presence of seta p3 and absence of p4 on the third abdominal segment support a more recent relationship between Seira and Lepidocyrtus/Pseudosinella than between Seira and Entomobrya sensu lato.
Incorporation of subject-level covariates in quantile normalization of miRNA data

Most currently-used normalization methods for miRNA array data are based on methods developed for mRNA arrays despite fundamental differences between the data characteristics. The application of conventional quantile normalization can mask important expression differences by ignoring demographic and environmental factors. We present a generalization of the conventional quantile normalization method, making use of available subject-level covariates in a colorectal cancer study. In simulation, our weighted quantile normalization method is shown to increase statistical power by as much as 10 % when relevant subject-level covariates are available. In application to the colorectal cancer study, this increase in power is also observed, and previously-reported dysregulated miRNAs are rediscovered. When any subject-level covariates are available, the weighted quantile normalization method should be used over the conventional quantile normalization method.
Changing distillers grains: implications for cattle performance and management

In the past decade, the ethanol industry has begun changing their production processes to capture more value from the corn kernel, altering the nutrient profile of distillers grains (DG). One of the first methods of value extraction includes partial removal of corn oil, resulting in a decreased oil or fat content of DG. Although the majority of ethanol plants are currently extracting oil from DG, limited research has been conducted regarding the use of new generation DG in finishing cattle diets. Previous research with decreased fat DG has shown varying results in cattle performance when compared to traditional DG. The inconsistency in performance results could be attributed to variation in oil extraction methods and thus, variation in the nutrient profile of new generation DG. Likewise, research evaluating the interaction of corn processing methods and decreased fat DG is limited. Therefore, this research was designed to determine: 1) if feeding moderate levels of wet DG (WDG) plus solubles (WDGS) would decrease the acidosis risk associated with further grain processing and allow fine grinding of corn to improve starch utilization and cattle performance and 2) the impact of feeding WDG produced from a novel cellulosic ethanol process for conversion of corn kernel fiber into cellulosic ethanol (C-WDG) on nutrient digestibility and feedlot performance of ruminants compared to traditional WDG (T-WDG). In experiment 1, it was hypothesized that because WDGS are low in starch concentration, increasing corn surface area would allow for improved starch digestibility while inclusion of WDGS would moderate the risk of acidosis. In diets containing 35% WDGS, apparent total starch digestibility was improved for steers fed finely ground corn (500 microns) compared to
Lithium increases rat striatal beta- and gamma-preprotachykinin messenger RNAs.

Previous reports indicate that the antimanic drug, lithium, increases substance P-like immunoreactivity (SP-LI) in the basal ganglia. The aim of this study was to use lithium as a pharmacological tool to further understand the mechanism of this process. We have used solution hybridization-nuclease protection assays to quantitate the specific preprotachykinin (PPT) mRNAs and radioimmunoassays and immunocytochemistry to assess SP-LI levels in the striatum of male Fisher F-344 rats. A regimen of subchronic administration of lithium (4 mEq/kg i.p. for 1, 2, 4 or 6 days) increased SP-LI in a time-dependent fashion. Concurrent administration of a dopamine receptor antagonist, haloperidol (1 mg/kg s.c. for 4 days) with a 4-day lithium regimen partially blocked the lithium-induced increase in SP-LI as well as neurokinin A-like immunoreactivity. An analysis of the abundance of individual PPT mRNAs indicated that lithium increases beta- and gamma-PPT mRNAs in the striatum; coadministration of haloperidol attenuates the lithium-induced increases. These results indicate that lithium affects the tachykinin biosynthetic process by accelerating transcriptional and/or translational processes in striatonigral neurons and that the dopaminergic system appears to be partly involved in this process.
Chado use case: storing genomic, genetic and breeding data of Rosaceae and Gossypium crops in Chado

The Genome Database for Rosaceae (GDR) and CottonGen are comprehensive online data repositories that provide access to integrated genomic, genetic and breeding data through search, visualization and analysis tools for Rosaceae crops and Gossypium (cotton). These online databases use Chado, an open-source, generic and ontology-driven database schema for biological data, as the primary data storage platform. Chado is highly normalized and uses ontologies to indicate the ‘types’ of data. Therefore, Chado is flexible such that it has been used to house genomic, genetic and breeding data for GDR and CottonGen. These data include whole genome sequence and annotation, transcripts, molecular markers, genetic maps, Quantitative Trait Loci, Mendelian Trait Loci, traits, germplasm, pedigrees, large scale phenotypic and genotypic data, ontologies and publications. We provide information about how to store these types of data in Chado using GDR and CottonGen as examples sites that were converted from an older legacy infrastructure. Database URL: GDR (www.rosaceae.org), CottonGen (www.cottongen.org)
Phytoseiid Mites on Some Tree and Row Crops and Adjacent Wild Plants in Southern California

A long-term survey of phytoseiid mites on several crops in southern California revealed the presence of 10 species on citrus and avocado, 5 on apple. 5 on walnut, 9 on strawberry, and 3 on rhubarb. Ecological notes and range of plants on which they were found are presented for some of the common species.
MODELING OF ENERGY TRANSFER IN FIELD EMISSION OF CARBON NANOTUBES

Possible use of electron emission from carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for precision machining has been realized only recently. It is hypothesized that by coupling CNT electron emission with radiation transfer mechanism nano-scaled machining can be achieved. A laser, for example, can be used to raise the temperature of the workpiece near its melting point, and a carbon nanotube is then used to transfer additional energy required to the workpiece to complete the removal of minute amount of materials for nanomachining process. To investigate this hypothesis, a detailed numerical/analytical study is conducted. Electron transfer is modeled using a Monte Carlo approach, and a detailed radiation transfer model, including Fresnel reflections is adapted. Based on the numerical simulations we found that a power of one-tenth of a watt is required from a CNT alone to raise the temperature of gold beyond its melting point. However, using a localized heating with a 400-nm laser, the required power can be reduced by roughly more than a half. This paper outlines the details of the numerical simulation and establishes a set of design guidelines for future nanomachining modalities.
Relating toxicity to transfection: using sphingosine to maintain prolonged expression in vitro.

Cationic reagents are commonly used to facilitate DNA delivery, and transfection experiments are typically initiated in cell culture where the optimal charge ratio is determined. While transfection rates are often enhanced at higher +/– charge ratios, the cellular toxicity associated with the greater amounts of cationic components at elevated charge ratios is often not considered. In addition, the prolonged effects of cationic lipid uptake on cell viability are not evident in a typical 24–48 h transfection experiment. In this study, we compare the transfection efficiency of cationic lipoplexes to effects on viability of cultured cells in both the short and long term (7 days). Our results indicate that, while minimal toxicity is evident 24 h after exposure to DOTAP-based lipoplexes, cell viability continues to decline and ultimately compromises reporter gene expression at longer times. Substitution of a naturally occurring cationic amphiphile, sphingosine, for DOTAP greatly reduces toxicity and allows high...
Mid-infrared Materials, Devices and Focal Plane Arrays for Intelligent Imaging Systems

The concept of a bio-inspired infrared retinai will be discussed by engineering the pixel to not only have the ability to sense multimodal data such as color, polarization, dynamic range and phase but also the intelligence to transmit a reduced data set to the central processing unit.
Sticky Barrier Bands Affect Density of Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) and Damage in Oak Canopies

Sticky barrier bands made of duct tape and Tanglefoot were applied to only oak ( Quercus spp.) trees in four wooded plots (0.14-0.25ha) in 1990 and to all trees in five wooded plots (0.25 ha) in 1991. All plots with banded trees were paired with plots of equal size with no banded trees to test the effect of bands on population density of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), and damage to oak foliage. Late-instar population densities in the oak canopies of banded plots were 28% lower than those in unbanded plots. Defoliation, pupal numbers under burlap refugia, and the ratio of post-/pretreatment egg mass density were not significantly affected by banding. The number of egg masses deposited in the banded plots after the 1990 test was significantly higher than the number deposited in the unbanded plots. The inconsistent effect of barrier bands on defoliation indicates that these devices should not be relied upon to protect oak foliage from gypsy moths.
Epidemiological Characteristics of Syphilis in Nanchong City,2004-2012

Objective To analyze the morbidity level and epidemiological characteristics of syphilis in Nanchong city during 2004-2012,and to provide scientific basis for syphilis prevention and control strategies. Methods Cases of syphilis reported in 2004-2012 through infectious diseases network were collected and data of syphilis antibody test of general patients in a top three hospital were together analyzed with descriptive statistical method. Results There were 7396 cases accumulatively reported in Nanchong during 2004-2012,with one person died; the annual incidence rate was 12. 43 /105,with the average annual growth rate as 1261. 60%. Statistical significance were found with different incidence among years( P 0. 01). In the reported cases of syphilis, the type with the highest incidence( 46.71%) was stealth syphilis with a total of 2456;cases were reported in every month and without obvious seasonal peak through the year. The male to female ratio for the incidence was 0. 93: 1; the main onset age was in the 20-49 age group and the main occupation distri-bution were farmers. The three districts /counties with top annual report incidence rate were Shunqing district,Gaoping district and Pengan county. The positive rate of syphilis antibody for general patients was 7. 86%.Conclusion The incidence of syphilis in Nanchong during 2004-2012 presented a overall rising trend. Comprehensive prevention measures should be implemented based on community essential public health services.
Beyond Oncolytics: E1B55K-Deleted Adenovirus as a Vaccine Delivery Vector

Type 5 human adenoviruses (Ad5) deleted of genes encoding the early region 1B 55-kDa (E1B55K) protein including Onyx-015 (dl1520) and H101 are best known for their oncolytic potential. As a vaccine vector the E1B55K deletion may allow for the insertion of a transgene nearly 1,000 base pairs larger than now possible. This has the potential of extending the application for which the vectors are clinically known. However, the immune priming ability of E1B55K-deleted vectors is unknown, undermining our ability to gauge their usefulness in vaccine applications. For this reason, we created an E1B55K-deleted Ad5 vector expressing full-length single chain HIVBaLgp120 attached to a flexible linker and the first two domains of rhesus CD4 (rhFLSC) in exchange for the E3 region. In cell-based experiments the E1B55K-deleted vector promoted higher levels of innate immune signals including chemokines, cytokines, and the NKG2D ligands MIC A/B compared to an E1B55K wild-type vector expressing the same immunogen. Based on these results we evaluated the immune priming ability of the E1B55K-deleted vector in mice. The E1B55K-deleted vector promoted similar levels of Ad5-, HIVgp120, and rhFLSC-specific cellular and humoral immune responses as the E1B55K wild-type vector. In pre-clinical HIV-vaccine studies the wild-type vector has been employed as part of a very effective prime-boost strategy. This study demonstrates that E1B55K-deleted adenoviruses may serve as effective vaccine delivery vectors.
High-dose vitamin D3 reduces circulating hepcidin concentrations: A pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in healthy adults

Summary Background & aims In vitro studies suggest that vitamin D may reduce hepcidin expression and pro-inflammatory cytokine release from monocytes. However, data assessing the vitamin D-mediated effects on iron recycling in healthy individuals are lacking. We aimed to examine the effect of high-dose vitamin D3 on plasma hepcidin, inflammatory cytokine, and ferritin concentrations in healthy adults. Methods This was a pilot, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in healthy adults (N = 28) randomized to receive a one-time oral dose of 250,000 IU of vitamin D3 or placebo. Between- and within-group differences in plasma hepcidin, pro-inflammatory cytokine [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)], and ferritin concentrations at baseline and 1 week were determined using two-sample and paired t-tests, respectively. Results At baseline, plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], hepcidin, pro-inflammatory cytokine, and ferritin concentrations did not differ between the two groups, and greater than 70% of subjects in both groups were vitamin D deficient (25(OH)D Conclusions High-dose vitamin D3 significantly reduced plasma hepcidin concentrations in healthy adults 1 week post-dosing, without a change in plasma pro-inflammatory cytokine or ferritin concentrations. These data suggest that vitamin D may have a role in regulating iron recycling by acting independently of changes in pro-inflammatory markers.
The Willful Marionette: Modeling Social Cognition Using Gesture-Gesture Interaction Dialogue

In this paper we describe a cognitive model for provoking gestural dialogue with humans, embodied in an interactive marionette. The cognitive model is a framework for the design and implementation of a gesture to gesture interaction. The marionette perceives gestures of humans using a Microsoft Kinect, reasons about perceived gestures to determine a response, and then performs the selected response gesture. This simple cognitive model: perceive-reason-perform, operates in a social context where humans interact with the marionette. The marionette was built as a 3D replica of a human body. The marionette's responses were designed using interaction design techniques such as body storming, gesture elicitation, and the "Wizard of Oz" method to provoke an emotional response from humans. Several user studies were conducted during and after the design process to guide the design goal of achieving an engaging and provocative interaction. These studies showed that participants were encouraged to engage in a gesture-based dialogue with the marionette, and that they perceived the system to possess a kind of intelligence.
Salt Effect Accelerates Site-Selective Cysteine Bioconjugation

Highly efficient and selective chemical reactions are desired. For small molecule chemistry, the reaction rate can be varied by changing the concentration, temperature, and solvent used. In contrast for large biomolecules, the reaction rate is difficult to modify by adjusting these variables because stringent biocompatible reaction conditions are required. Here we show that adding salts can change the rate constant over 4 orders of magnitude for an arylation bioconjugation reaction between a cysteine residue within a four-residue sequence (π-clamp) and a perfluoroaryl electrophile. Biocompatible ammonium sulfate significantly enhances the reaction rate without influencing the site-specificity of π-clamp mediated arylation, enabling the fast synthesis of two site-specific antibody–drug conjugates that selectively kill HER2-positive breast cancer cells. Computational and structure–reactivity studies indicate that salts may tune the reaction rate through modulating the interactions between the π-clamp hydrop...
Comparison of production efficiency and quality of differently cultured pikeperch ( Sander lucioperca L.) juveniles as a valuable product for ongrowing culture

Production efficiency, frequency of fin erosion, skeletal and gill covers deformities, proximal composition of fish body with special emphasis on fatty acid contents in liver and muscle, oxidative stress and antioxidant response in gill, liver, muscle and intestine were analyzed and compared in exclusively RAS- and POND-cultured juveniles and juveniles produced with the combination of POND and RAS aquaculture in pikeperch (Sander lucioperca L.) with final body weight between 8.5 and 9.5 g. Higher production efficiency, lower fin erosion, no morphological deformities, higher level of essential fatty acids and lower oxidative stress were found in POND–RAS- and POND-cultured juveniles compared to exclusively RAS-produced pikeperch. This study showed that intensive pikeperch juvenile production still needs next technological innovations. On the other hand, the combination of POND–RAS aquaculture has provided a good potential to be an alternative production system producing high-quality juveniles for intensive or pond ongrowing culture mainly in countries with large pond area.
Advanced technologies in oral delivery: Extrusion spheronization, multiple unit pellet system, sublingual microtablets

T one or two pills a day with a glass of water is the easiest and the most acceptable way of administration of a drug to a patient. Various controlled release, solubilization and intraoral delivery technologies have been developed to tailor the drug release profile to meet specific theuraputic needs. A brief overview of various oral and intraoral drug delivery technologies. Controlled release includes taste masking, delayed release, extended relase, multiphasic release, and pulsatile release. Solubilization includes surfactants, particle size reduction, lipid-based systems, and amorphous solid dispersions. Intraoral delivery includes buccal, sublingual, periodontal, lingual, and gingival. Examples of extrusion spheronization, Mutiple Unit Pellet System (MUPS), and sublingual microtablet are presented. Extrusion spheronization has been utilized to produce high drug load spherical substrate for further controlled release coating. Water content, salt level, and wet granules feed rate were found critical of the extrudability and sphere roundness and uniformity for Drug A. MUPS tablets (beads in tablet) offer the benefits of splitable dose and high production rate compared to beads in capsule. However, compaction of pellets is challenging, and beads tend to crack or fuse together and change dissolution profile. Approches of filler particle engineering, and a mixture design of a 3-filler system have been applied to Drug B and C. Sufentanil sublingual microtablet offers the advantage of reducing the amount of swallowed drug. The Zalviso Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) system using sufentanil microtablets has been desmontrated superior to current standard of care (IV PCA) in Phase 3 clincical trials.
Assessment of Emotional Avoidance in Adolescents: Psychometric Properties of a New Multidimensional Measure

Emotional avoidance—which includes cognitive and attentional processes that function as means of avoiding or dampening emotional experiences—may be a transdiagnostic risk and maintenance factor for emotional disorders. However, existing measures generally assess separate aspects of emotional avoidance, and few multidimensional measures exist for adolescents. The aim of the current study was to establish the psychometric properties of a new multidimensional measure of emotional avoidance for adolescents--the Emotional Avoidance Strategy Inventory for Adolescents (EASI-A; Fairholme et al. 2008)--employing an exploratory structural equation modeling framework. Analyses yielded a three-factor structure for the EASI-A, including subscales measuring Avoidance of Emotion Expression, Avoidance of Thoughts and Feelings, and Distraction. Moderate correlations were observed between the EASI-A and a measure of thought suppression, and the EASI-A was significantly associated with anxiety and depression symptoms. The EASI-A is a new, psychometrically sound measure that will aid in the assessment of avoidance as a vulnerability factor for psychopathology and as an outcome and mechanism for treatments of emotional disorders in adolescents.
Comparative Review of the Thiochrome, Microbial and Protozoan Analyses of B-Vitamins.

A comparative review of the specificities of various B-vitamin analysis methods is presented. Methods of vitamin analysis employing protozoa, viz. Tetrahymena and Ochromonas , are compared to the commonly used methods of vitamin assay, including officially accepted methods. Since 1968 the protozoan techniques have routinely been used to evaluate clinical vitamin status. This is due to their more mammalian-like response to the various forms of the vitamins that occur in natural materials. Protozoa have more developed ingestive and digestive systems than bacteria and yeast, which allow them to respond to conjugated forms of the vitamins (e.g. thiamin pyrophosphate and folic acid polyglutamates). Also, fewer problems are encountered with non-specific stimulation (e.g. fatty acid stimulation of the Lactobacillus casei assay for riboflavin or the sparing of the vitamin B12 requirement of Lactobacillus leichmannii by deoxyribosides). Application of the protozoan methods to analysis of foods indicate significantly lower levels of biotin and vitamin B12 than official methods, while significantly higher levels of riboflavin, vitamin B6, niacin and pantothenic acid are found in low-acid foods. This review also summarizes extraction methods for the B-vitamins from food samples and indicates the importance of enzymatic hydrolysis in extract preparation.