cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rebel with a cause: The disabled beggar

This paper analyzes the psychosocial implications of disabled begging. Conscious motives of these individuals may include profit, expediency, power, honesty, and public protest. Unconscious motives may include exhibitionism, anger, masochism, and rebellion. The social context, including hypocritical attitudes toward disability, is shown to contribute to the occurrence of this behavior.
Chronic stress shifts the GABA reversal potential in the hippocampus and increases seizure susceptibility

The most commonly reported precipitating factor for seizures is stress. However, the underlying mechanisms whereby stress triggers seizures are not yet fully understood. Here we demonstrate a potential mechanism underlying changes in neuronal excitability in the hippocampus following chronic stress, involving a shift in the reversal potential for GABA (EGABA) associated with a dephosphorylation of the potassium chloride co-transporter, KCC2. Mice subjected to chronic restraint stress (30min/day for 14 consecutive days) exhibit an increase in serum corticosterone levels which is associated with increased susceptibility to seizures induced with kainic acid (20mg/kg). Following chronic stress, but not acute stress, we observe a dephosphorylation of KCC2 residue S940, which regulates KCC2 cell surface expression and function, in the hippocampus. To determine the impact of alterations in KCC2 expression following chronic stress, we performed gramicidin perforated patch recordings to measure changes in EGABA and neuronal excitability of principal hippocampal neurons. We observe a depolarizing shift in EGABA in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons after chronic stress. In addition, there is an increase in the intrinsic excitability of CA1 pyramidal neurons, evident by a shift in the input-output curve which could be reversed with the NKCC1 inhibitor, bumetanide. These data uncover a potential mechanism involving chronic stress-induced plasticity in chloride homeostasis which may contribute to stress-induced seizure susceptibility.
Uranium in submarine metalliferous deposits

Abstract Hydrothermal submarine metalliferous deposits, common in areas of the ocean floor with high heat flow, contain generally about 10 ppm U as an order of magnitude. The U 234 U 238 ratio is in the majority of cases close to that of seawater; only in a few cases is it anomalously high. Anomalous U 234 U 238 ratios are coupled with low U concentrations. These data are explained by a model where thermal water (essentially heated seawater) in its sub-bottom circulation often is unable to leach U from the basaltic oceanic crust; in fact, these thermal waters may in some cases lose U. When leaching of U from the basalt does take place, probably during shallow stages of the sub-bottom circulation, the resulting anomalous U 234 U 238 ratio can be preserved in the hydrothermal deposit only if mixing with ‘seawater’ U is prevented.
Temperature during coronary artery bypass surgery affects quality of life.

Abstract Background . The objective of this study was to examine the effects of temperature on a variety of indices of psychologic adjustment and quality of life. Methods . A total of 209 patients randomly received normothermic (warm) or hypothermic (cold) conditions during coronary artery bypass surgery (CABS), and a number of physical, social, and psychologic measures were assessed before as well as 6 weeks and 6 months after CABS. Results . Repeated measures analyses of covariance revealed significant temperature group main effects for anxiety ( p = 0.008) and depression ( p = 0.039), with the normothermic group obtaining lower anxiety and depression levels than the hypothermic group at both 6 weeks and 6 months after surgery. Additionally, among patients who entered the study with higher depression levels, those in the hypothermic group tended to have higher depression scores at follow-up compared with patients in the normothermic condition ( p = 0.012). No temperature group differences were observed on other quality of life indices. Conclusions . The results of the present study indicate that hypothermic conditions during CABS are associated with higher levels of emotional distress after CABS than normothermic conditions, particularly for patients with greater stress to begin with.
Transport of gases through brain and their extravascular vasomotor action

Abstract The rate of transport of oxygen and nitrogen through living cat brain was compared with that through dead brain and effects of extravascular gases on cerebral vasomotor action were investigated. For these purposes gases were directly supplied to cerebral cortex using a plastic tent over the exposed cortex while brain-oxygen tension and cortical blood flow were recorded by the polarographic and thermistor methods, respectively. Transport of oxygen and nitrogen through living brain tissue was far faster than through dead brain. Capillary blood flow played an important role in the transport of gases. Direct external application of oxygen to cerebral cortex by plastic tent caused cerebral vasoconstriction. Carbon dioxide gas applied directly and from without to cerebral cortex resulted in dilation of cerebral vessels and this action was inhibited by previous intravenous injection of large amounts of acetazoleamide.
Antiradiation Compounds XIV:Dithiocarbamates of Aminothiophenes

Abstract Dithiocarbamates of 2-amino-3-cyano(or carbethoxy)-4,5-dialkylthiophenes and a corresponding furan have been obtained.Dithiocarbamate formation of 2-amino-3-cyano-4,5-diphenylfuran resulted in a conversion to the corresponding thio-phene dithiocarbamate.A dithiocarbamate trithiocarbonate of 2-amino-3-carbethoxy-4-mercaptomethylthiophene was also synthesized, and ring closure of the 2-amino-3-cyanothiophenes to thiopheno[2,3- d ]pyrimidines was observed.None of the compounds tested showed radiation-protective or antimalarial properties.
Extensive Cytoreductive Surgery for Appendiceal Carcinomatosis: Morbidity, Mortality, and Survival

Background Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (HIPEC) are frequently used to treat appendiceal carcinomatosis. Some patients require multivisceral resection because of the volume of disease. It is unclear whether extent of CRS impacts survival in appendiceal carcinomatosis.
A modeling study predicts the presence of voltage gated Ca2+ channels on myelinated central axons

The objective of this current study was to investigate whether voltage gated Ca(2+) channels are present on axons of the adult rat optic nerve (RON). Simulations of axonal excitability using a Hodgkin-Huxley based one-compartment model incorporating I(Na), I(K) and leak currents were used to predict conditions under which the potential contribution of a Ca(2+) current to an evoked action potential could be measured. Under control conditions the inclusion of a high threshold Ca(2+) current (I(Ca)) in the model had a negligible effect on the action potential. Reducing I(K), by decreasing the value of g(K), elongated the repolarizing phase of the action potential, increasing its duration. Subsequent incorporation of I(Ca) in the model revealed a significant I(Ca) contribution to the repolarizing phase of the action potential. The simulation thus suggests that Ca(2+) channels may be present on RON axons, but that pharmacological intervention is required to unmask their presence. Experiments based on the simulations revealed that there was no significant contribution of I(Ca) to the control action potential. However, as predicted by the simulation, reducing the repolarizing effect of I(K) by adding the K(+) channel blocker 4-AP revealed a Ca(2+) component on the repolarizing phase of the action potential that was blocked by the Ca(2+) channel inhibitor nifedipine.
Design and evaluation of the S 3 monitor network measurement service on GENI

Network monitoring capabilities are critical for both network operators and networked applications. In the context of an experimental test facility, network measurement is important for researchers experimenting with new network architectures and applications, as well as operators of the test facility itself. The Global Environment for Network Innovations (GENI) is a sophisticated test facility comprised of multiple “control frameworks.” In this paper, we describe the design and implementation of S3 Monitor, a scalable and extensible monitoring service for GENI. A key feature of S3 Monitor is a flexible design that allows easy “plug in” of new network measurement tools. We discuss our deployment experiences with S3 Monitor on GENI, and give experimental results to quantify the performance and system footprint of S3 Monitor. We find that the S3 Monitor service is light-weight and scales well as the number of paths to be monitored increases.
Inhibitory effect of caramelisation products on enzymic browning

Abstract Caramelisation products (CP) were prepared by heating a sucrose solution (1.47 M) at 200 °C under various conditions to study the inhibitory activity of CP on enzymic browning. Inhibition by fractionated CP was measured by enzymic kinetic analysis of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and o-dihydroxyphenols, such as 4-methylcatechol (4-MC), catechol, caffeic acid and DL-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DL-DOPA). Colour intensity of CP produced at pH 4 was higher than that produced at pH 6 and pH 8, and increased with heating time. The reducing power of CP and their inhibitory effect on enzymic browning increased with prolonged heating and with increased amounts of CP. CP heated at pH 4 and pH 6 for 90 min gave a relative inhibitory activity on enzymic browning of 85.8% and 72.2%, respectively. One of two CP fractions obtained by Biogel P6 column chromatography had an inhibitory effect on enzymic browning, with the fraction having a molecular weight of 1000–3000 showing the highest activity. Based on the double reciprocal plot of the PPO and 4-MC system, the active fraction of CP appeared to be a competitive inhibitor and was most effective on inhibition of catechol browning, followed by caffeic acid and DL-DOPA.
Photolysis of titanocene dichloride

Abstract The photochemistry of titanocene dichloride, Cp 2 TiCl 2 , I, (Cp = η 5 -C 5 H 5 ), and the CH 3 C 5 H 4 − analog is reported. The primary process is homolytic cleavage of the TiCp π bond, with formation of a CpTiCl 2 fragment and a Ċp radical. Both the CpTiCl 2 species and the spin adduct of the Ċp radical and nitrosodurene were observed by ESR spectroscopy when irradiation was carried out at −85°C. The fate of the photogenerated Ċp radical and the CpTiCl 2 species in different chemical environment is described.
Flipping a Phosphate Switch on Kinesin-II to Turn IFT Around

Cilia and flagella are assembled and maintained by the motor-driven, bidirectional traffic of large protein complexes in a process termed intraflagellar transport (IFT). In this issue of Developmental Cell, Liang et al. (2014) report that IFT is regulated in part by the phosphorylation status of the kinesin-II subunit FLA8/KIF3B.
The Pseudophase Approach to Assessing Chemical Partitioning in Air−Water−Cyclodextrin Systems

Henry’s Law constants (HLCs) of several common, subsurface hydrophobic organic pollutants (HOPs) including trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE) and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and o-xylene (BTEX), were measured using a static headspace phase ratio (SHPR) method over a range of temperatures (35, 45, 55, and 65 °C) and experimentally and operationally relevant cyclodextrin (CD) concentrations (0, 10, 20, 50, and 100 g L−1). In aqueous CD solutions, HLC values decrease according to a power law relationship with increasing CD concentration due to an apparent solubility enhancement caused by HOP partitioning to the hydrophobic cavity of CD molecules. The temperature dependence of air−water partitioning under the influence of CD was well described by the van’t Hoff equation for all HOPs tested. A three-phase equilibrium model was used to interpret air−water−CD partitioning data, treating CD as a pseudophase. Our results show that HOP CD−water partition coefficients decrease linearly with increas...
Employment of stressful conditions during culture production to enhance subsequent cold- and acid-tolerance of bifidobacteria

Aims: This study examined whether exposure of early stationary phase Bifidobacterium longum and B. lactis cells to various combinations of reduced temperature, reduced pH and starvation would enhance the cells’ subsequent cold- and/or acid-tolerance. Methods and Results: Survival of B. longum in growth medium at 6°C significantly (P < 0·05) increased as a result of starving cells for 30 or 60 min without any simultaneous decrease in temperature or pH. Acid-tolerance of B. lactis (at pH 3·5 in synthetic gastric fluid) increased significantly when the growth medium pH was decreased from 6·0 to 5·2 and cells experienced 30 or 60 min of starvation. Enhanced B. lactis acid-tolerance persisted through 8–11 weeks of −80°C storage in the pH 5·2 growth medium. Upon addition to milk during yogurt manufacture, these cells initially had enhanced acid-tolerance relative to untreated cells but untreated cells became equally acid-tolerant during the first 2·5 h of yogurt manufacture. Conclusions: The cold- and acid-tolerance of bifidobacteria vary widely, but may be significantly increased by application of sub-lethal stress to early stationary phase cells during culture production. Significance and Impact of the Study: The enhancement of B. lactis acid-tolerance observed in this study may be of potential importance in the production of effective ready-to-consume probiotic dietary supplements.
Genetic Nature of Tolerance of Hypomyces Solani F. Cucurbitae to Penta- and Tetra-Chloronitrobenzene

Genetic Nature of Tolerance of Hypomyces Solani F. Cucurbitae to Penta- and Tetra-Chloronitrobenzene
Comparative effectiveness of empiric β-lactam monotherapy and β-lactam-macrolide combination therapy in children hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia.

Objective To determine the comparative effectiveness of β-lactam monotherapy and β-lactam and macrolide combination therapy on clinical outcomes in the treatment of children hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Study design This multicenter retrospective cohort study included children aged 1-18 years who were hospitalized with CAP and received β-lactam antibiotic therapy either alone or in combination with a macrolide. Data were obtained from the Pediatric Health Information System. Associations between empiric antibiotic therapy and hospital readmission for the same episode of pneumonia were estimated using exact logistic regression. Associations between empiric antibiotic therapy and length of hospital stay were estimated using a generalized estimating equation with negative binomial distribution. Results There were 20 743 patients hospitalized with CAP. Of these, 24% received β-lactam and macrolide combination therapy on admission. Compared with children who received β-lactam monotherapy, children who received β-lactam plus macrolide combination therapy were 20% less likely to stay in the hospital an additional day (adjusted relative risk 0.80; 95% CI, 0.75-0.86) but did not have a different readmission rate (relative risk 0.69; 95% CI, 0.41-1.12). An effect of combination treatment on reduced length of stay was not evident in children Conclusion School-aged patients hospitalized with CAP who received β-lactam plus macrolide combination therapy have a shorter length of stay and similar rates of readmission compared with school-aged patients who receive β-lactam monotherapy.
TIBBLES THE CAT: A MODERN SOPHISMA*

L'A. apporte une solution d'ordre essentialiste et aristotelicien au probleme de l'identite spatio-temporelle et evenementielle de Tibbles le chat, qui constitue le principal argument en faveur d'une metaphysique revisionniste et d'un essentialisme mereologique
Association between respiratory tract methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and survival in cystic fibrosis.

Context The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the respiratory tract of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) has increased dramatically; however, its impact on outcomes in CF is unclear. Because the time between infection with bacteria in CF and death can be decades, observational studies with long periods of follow-up are well suited to address the current gap in knowledge. Objective To determine whether isolation of MRSA from the respiratory tract of CF patients is associated with worse survival compared with patients who never have a culture positive for MRSA. Design, Setting, and Participants Cohort study of 19 833 CF patients aged 6 to 45 years seen at centers accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the United States. Patients entered between January 1996 and December 2006 and were followed up through December 2008. Cox regression models with time-varying covariates were used to compare survival between CF patients with and without respiratory tract MRSA. Main Outcome Measure Time from age at entry until age at death from any cause. Results In 137 819 patient-years of observation (median, 7.3 years/patient), 2537 CF patients died and 5759 patients had MRSA detected. The mortality rate was 18.3 deaths (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.5-19.1) per 1000 patient-years in patients without MRSA and 27.7 deaths (95% CI, 25.3-30.4) per 1000 patient-years in those with MRSA. Among those with MRSA, the attributable risk percentage of death associated with MRSA was 34.0% (95% CI, 26.7%-40.4%). The unadjusted hazard ratio associated with MRSA was 1.47 (95% CI, 1.32-1.62). After adjustment for time-varying covariates associated with severity of illness, MRSA remained associated with a higher risk of death (1.27; 95% CI, 1.11-1.45). Conclusion Detection of MRSA in the respiratory tract of CF patients was associated with worse survival.
High‐resolution short‐term quantitative precipitation forecasting in mountainous regions using a nested model

In mountainous regions, the spatial and temporal distribution of precipitation is strongly influenced by local orography. The resolution of operational numerical weather prediction (NWP) models has been enhanced significantly in recent years but has yet to reach the level necessary to capture fully the influences of high-relief topography on precipitation and flow dynamics. Furthermore, the parameterizations of precipitation mechanisms and cloud microphysics in these models have been developed on the basis of observational and field campaigns generally carried out far away from complex terrain and thus may not represent the physics associated with orographic precipitation. Here we attempt to address both issues by nesting a small-scale physically based orographic precipitation model (OPM) at 1-km resolution within the fifth-generation Penn State/National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model (PSU/NCAR MM5) at 12-km resolution. This approach is investigated by simulating six storms in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Some improvement over the MM5 was achieved, such as an increase in hourly threat score. The reliability of the MM5 and OPM forecasts for more intense, less frequent events (exceeding 4 mm/h) was shown to be significant, through the threat scores for these amounts indicate a need for additional improvement. This study suggests that further improvements in nested modeling applications are constrained by the degree to which the host model can provide boundary and initial conditions that represent the actual state of the atmosphere. One possible solution for this problem is the adaptive assimilation of remotely sensed data to provide initial and updated moisture and temperature fields throughout a forecast period.
Using text to build semantic networks for pharmacogenomics

Most pharmacogenomics knowledge is contained in the text of published studies, and is thus not available for automated computation. Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques for extracting relationships in specific domains often rely on hand-built rules and domain-specific ontologies to achieve good performance. In a new and evolving field such as pharmacogenomics (PGx), rules and ontologies may not be available. Recent progress in syntactic NLP parsing in the context of a large corpus of pharmacogenomics text provides new opportunities for automated relationship extraction. We describe an ontology of PGx relationships built starting from a lexicon of key pharmacogenomic entities and a syntactic parse of more than 87 million sentences from 17 million MEDLINE abstracts. We used the syntactic structure of PGx statements to systematically extract commonly occurring relationships and to map them to a common schema. Our extracted relationships have a 70-87.7% precision and involve not only key PGx entities such as genes, drugs, and phenotypes (e.g., VKORC1, warfarin, clotting disorder), but also critical entities that are frequently modified by these key entities (e.g., VKORC1 polymorphism, warfarin response, clotting disorder treatment). The result of our analysis is a network of 40,000 relationships between more than 200 entity types with clear semantics. This network is used to guide the curation of PGx knowledge and provide a computable resource for knowledge discovery.
Acoustic wave flow sensor using quartz thickness shear mode resonator

A quartz thickness shear mode (TSM) bulk acoustic wave resonator was used for in situ and real-time detection of liquid flow rate in this study. A special flow chamber made of 2 parallel acrylic plates was designed for flow measurement. The flow chamber has a rectangular flow channel, 2 flow reservoirs for stabilizing the fluid flow, a sensor mounting port for resonator holding, one inlet port, and one outlet port for pipe connection. A 5-MHz TSM quartz resonator was edge-bonded to the sensor mounting port with one side exposed to the flowing liquid and other side exposed to air. The electrical impedance spectra of the quartz resonator at different volumetric flow rate conditions were measured by an impedance analyzer for the extraction of the resonant frequency through a data-fitting method. The fundamental, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th resonant frequency shifts were found to be around 920, 3572, 5947, 8228, and 10 300 Hz for flow rate variation from 0 to 3000 mL/min, which had a corresponding Reynolds number change from 0 to 822. The resonant frequency shifts of different modes are found to be quadratic with flow rate, which is attributed to the nonlinear effect of quartz resonator due to the effective normal pressure imposing on the resonator sensor by the flowing fluid. The results indicate that quartz TSM resonators can be used for flow sensors with characteristics of simplicity, fast response, and good repeatability.
Calculating electron current in a tight-binding model of a field-driven molecular wire: Application to xylyl-dithiol

A recently developed Floquet theory-based formalism for computing electron transport through a molecular bridge coupled to two metal electrodes in the presence of a monochromatic ac radiation field is applied to an experimentally relevant system, namely a xylyl–dithiol molecule in contact at either end with gold electrodes. In this treatment, a nondissipative tight-binding model is assumed to describe the conduction of electric current. Net current through the wire is calculated for two configurations of the electrode–wire–electrode system. In one, symmetric, configuration, the electrodes are close (∼2 A) and equidistant from the bridge molecule. In the other, asymmetric configuration, one electrode is farther away (∼5 A), representing the tip of a scanning tunneling microscope located at this distance from the bridge molecule (the other end being chemisorbed to a gold substrate). For both configurations, electron current is calculated for a range of experimental inputs, including dc bias and the intensity and frequency of the laser. Via absorption/emission of photons, resonant conditions may be achieved under which electron transport is significantly enhanced compared to the unilluminated analog. Calculations show that this can be accomplished with experimentally accessible laser field strengths.
Multiple molecular forms of peanut lectin: Classification of isolectins and isolectin distribution among genotypes of the genus Arachis

Abstract Peanut lectin (or an immunologically indistinguishable material) is present in seeds of 4556 genotypes of the peanut, Arachis hypogaea, and in 65 genotypes of related species of Arachis. Seeds of one line of A. villosa and three lines of unclassified Arachis spp. are devoid of the lectin. Peanut lectin from 116 A. hypogaea genotypes is resolved by isoelectric focusing into three related isolectin profiles, which are designated the V, S, and V2 types. Each is composed of from six to eight separate isolectins. Peanut lectin from A. monticola, A. pusilla, and one genotype of Arachis spp. is of the V type; isolectin profiles from other wild Arachis genotypes are variable, but comprise several distinct groups. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate resolves peanut lectin preparations from 37 genotypes into the lectin subunit of Mr 30,000 and a second polypeptide of Mr 60,000. Lectin preparations from five genotypes lack the Mr 60,000 polypeptide band and have a subunit that migrates slightly faster (and therefore probably is of lower molecular weight) than the subunits of all other tested lines. Peanut lectin preparations from 62 lines have specific hemagglutinating activities ranging from 1024 to 4196 with desialyzed human Type O erythrocytes. The lectin from one genotype exhibits substantially less hemagglutinating activity and is hemolytic.
Occupational prestige: A sex-neutral concept?

This study addresses the generalizability of measures of occupational prestige to men and women. Respondents were asked to evaluate the prestige of occupations and to rate male and female incumbents in these occupations. Results suggest that the general prestige of occupations is best predicted by the sex-typical jobholder. This research demonstrates that the seemingly sex-neutral concept of occupational prestige incorporates strong sex-linked assumptions. Implications of these findings for occupational prestige and for the social sciences in general are discussed.
Alteration of brain stem auditory evoked responses following cardio-respiratory arrest and resuscitation

BAERs were recorded in a patient who suffered spontaneous cardio-respiratory arrest after testing had begun. During the arrest the BAERs initially decreased in amplitude and then could not be recorded. After restoration of cardiac activity there was immediate recovery of waves I and II. Subsequent potentials also immediately reappeared but they did not recover their original peak latency values during the 50 min following resuscitation.
Electron–positron pair production by photons: A historical overview

This account briefly traces the growth of our theoretical and experimental knowledge of electron–positron pair production by photons, from the prediction of the positron by Dirac [1928a. The quantum theory of the electron. Proc. R. Soc. (London) A 117, 610–624; 1928b. The quantum theory of the electron. Part II. Proc. R. Soc. (London) A 118, 1928b, 351–361] and subsequent cloud-chamber observations by Anderson [Energies of cosmic-ray particles. Phys. Rev. 43, 491–494], up to the present time. Photons of energies above 2mec2 (1.022 MeV) can interact with the Coulomb field of an atomic nucleus to be transformed into an electron–positron pair, the probability increasing with increasing photon energy, up to a plateau at high energies, and increasing with increasing atomic number approximately as the square of the nuclear charge (proton number). This interaction can also take place in the field of an atomic electron, for photons of energy in excess of 4mec2 (2.044 MeV), in which case the process is called triplet production due to the track of the recoiling atomic electron adding to the tracks of the created electron–positron pair. The last systematic computations and tabulations of pair and triplet cross sections, which are the predominant contributions to the photon mass attenuation coefficient for photon energies 10 MeV and higher, were those of Hubbell et al. [Pair, triplet, and total atomic cross sections (and mass attenuation coefficients) for 1 MeV–100 GeV photons in elements Z=1–100. J. Phys. Chem. Ref. Data 9, 1023–1147], from threshold (1.022 MeV) up to 100 GeV, for all elements Z=1–100. These computations required some ad hoc bridging functions between the available low-energy and high-energy theoretical models. Recently (1979–2001), Sud and collaborators have developed some new approaches including using distorted wave Born approximation (DWBA) theory to compute pair production cross sections in the intermediate energy region (5.0–10.0 MeV) on a firmer theoretical basis. These and other recent developments, and their possible implications for improved computations of pair and triplet cross sections, are discussed.
Recognition of machining features and feature topologies from NC programs

Abstract The machining feature is a high-level product geometric representation and macro description of the product geometry. It is vital to machining operation planning and integration of CAD and CAM systems. In the feature-based operation planning, given a feature, the operator needs its associated machining operation data. Since successful NC programs contain machining know-how of skilled workers associated with the machining features, this paper studies the recognition of machining features in milling from the NC programs through reverse engineering, for reuse of the know-how in operation planning. First, the concepts of the machining element, machining feature and feature topology are presented, and the classification and representation of the features are performed from the machining point of view. Then algorithms for recognizing the machining features and feature topologies by analyzing NC programs are developed based on progressive Z-maps. Finally, a prototype is developed to extract the machining features and their associated operation data, and the machining know-how database is generated accordingly. The recognition of a variety of machining features and topologies, as well as their associated machining operations, is demonstrated through an example part from NIST parts repository. By using the generated machining know-how database, the machining operation planning will be automated by its counterpart system—the machining operation planner.
Inhibition of poliovirus-induced cleavage of cellular protein PCBP2 reduces the levels of viral RNA replication

Due to their small genome size, picornaviruses must utilize host proteins to mediate cap-independent translation and viral RNA replication. The host RNA-binding protein poly(rC) binding protein 2 (PCBP2) is involved in both processes in poliovirus infected cells. It has been shown that the viral proteinase 3CD cleaves PCBP2 and contributes to viral translation inhibition. However, cleaved PCBP2 remains active in viral RNA replication. This would suggest that both cleaved and intact forms of PCBP2 have a role in the viral RNA replication cycle. The picornavirus genome must act as a template for both translation and RNA replication. However, a template that is actively being translated cannot function as a template for RNA replication, suggesting that there is a switch in template usage from translation to RNA replication. We demonstrate that the cleavage of PCBP2 by the poliovirus 3CD proteinase is a necessary step for efficient viral RNA replication and, as such, may be important for mediating a switch in template usage from translation to RNA replication. © 2014, American Society for Microbiology.
PdEPF1 regulates water‐use efficiency and drought tolerance by modulating stomatal density in poplar

Water deficiency is a critical environmental condition that is seriously reducing global plant production. Improved water-use efficiency (WUE) and drought tolerance are effective strategies to address this problem. In this study, PdEPF1, a member of the EPIDERMAL PATTERNING FACTOR (EPF) family, was isolated from the fast-growing poplar clone NE-19 [Populus nigra × (Populus deltoides × Populus nigra)]. Significantly, higher PdEPF1 levels were detected after induction by dehydration and abscisic acid. To explore the biological functions of PdEPF1, transgenic triploid white poplars (Populus tomentosa 'YiXianCiZhu B385') overexpressing PdEPF1 were constructed. PdEPF1 overexpression resulted in increased water deficit tolerance and greater WUE. We confirmed that the transgenic lines with greater instantaneous WUE had approximately 30% lower transpiration but equivalent CO2 assimilation. Lower transpiration was associated with a 28% reduction in abaxial stomatal density. PdEPF1 overexpression not only strongly enhanced WUE, but also greatly improved drought tolerance, as measured by the leaf relative water content and water potential, under limited water conditions. In addition, the growth of these oxPdEPF1 plants was less adversely affected by reduced water availability than plants with a higher stomatal density, indicating that plants with a low stomatal density may be well suited to grow in water-scarce environments. Taken together, our data suggest that PdEPF1 improves WUE and confers drought tolerance in poplar; thus, it could be used to breed drought-tolerant plants with increased production under conditions of water deficiency.
Multidataset Study of Optimal Parameter and Uncertainty Estimation of a Land Surface Model with Bayesian Stochastic Inversion and Multicriteria Method

This study evaluates the ability of Bayesian stochastic inversion (BSI) and multicriteria (MC) methods to search for the optimal parameter sets of the Chameleon Surface Model (CHASM) using prescribed forcing to simulate observed sensible and latent heat fluxes from seven measurement sites representative of six biomes including temperate coniferous forests, tropical forests, temperate and tropical grasslands, temperate crops, and semiarid grasslands. Calibration results with the BSI and MC show that estimated optimal values are very similar for the important parameters that are specific to the CHASM model. The model simulations based on estimated optimal parameter sets perform much better than the default parameter sets. Cross-validations for two tropical forest sites show that the calibrated parameters for one site can be transferred to another site within the same biome. The uncertainties of optimal parameters are obtained through BSI, which estimates a multidimensional posterior probability density function (PPD). Marginal PPD analyses show that nonoptimal choices of stomatal resistance would contribute most to model simulation errors at all sites, followed by ground and vegetation roughness length at six of seven sites. The impact of initial root-zone soil moisture and nonmosaic approach on estimation of optimal parameters and their uncertainties is discussed.
A Universal Influenza A Vaccine Based on Adenovirus Expressing Matrix-2 Ectodomain and Nucleoprotein Protects Mice From Lethal Challenge

A universal influenza vaccine, designed to induce broadly cross-reactive immunity against current and future influenza A virus strains, is in critical demand to reduce the need for annual vaccinations with vaccines chosen upon predicting the predominant circulating viral strains, and to ameliorate the threat of cyclically occurring pandemics that have, in the past, killed tens of millions. Here, we describe a vaccine regimen based on sequential immunization with two serologically distinct chimpanzee-derived replication-defective adenovirus (Ad) vectors expressing the matrix-2 protein ectodomain (M2e) from three divergent strains of influenza A virus fused to the influenza virus nucleoprotein (NP) for induction of antibodies to M2e and virus-specific CD8+ T cells to NP. In preclinical mouse models, the Ad vaccines expressing M2e and NP elicit robust NP-specific CD8+ T-cell responses and moderate antibody responses to all three M2e sequences. Most importantly, vaccinated mice are protected against morbidity and mortality following challenge with high doses of different influenza virus strains. Protection requires both antibodies to M2e and cellular immune responses to NP.
Conventional Food Plot Management in an Organic Coffee Cooperative: Explaining the Paradox

This research analyzes farmers’ motivations for conventional management of subsistence food crops, in contrast to organic management of coffee destined for export. Semistructured interviews, focus groups, and financial analyses were conducted with farmers from a small organic coffee cooperative in western El Salvador. We sought to identify what factors have motivated peasant farmers to manage subsistence crops, primarily maize and beans, with agrochemicals. We found that a combination of environmental, economic, social and political factors have driven agricultural management decisions. The environmental requirements of coffee are distinct, where coffee in a diverse shaded agroecosystem responds better to low-input management than maize grown on steep slopes in nutrient-poor soil. In addition, there are no direct economic incentives for subsistence farmers to manage food crops organically, while the benefit of a price premium does exist for organic coffee. Finally, institutional support for agriculture en...
Representation of static three-body correlations in dense fluids

This paper reports upon new studies of the error involved in the superposition approximation to the triplet distribution function g 3 in atomic fluids. The analysis is performed by first expressing g 3 in spherical perimetric coordinates (ρ, θ, φ) in which the ‘size’ of a triangle, ρ, is measured independently of its ‘shape’ θ and φ. Then g 3 is expanded in spherical harmonics of the triangular shape parameters. The expansion coefficients were evaluated by analysing molecular dynamics simulation data for a Lennard-Jones fluid and the results were compared with the corresponding coefficients appearing in an explicit expansion of the superposition approximation. We show how these two sets of coefficients may be combined to give a precise representation of the difference between the simulation and the superposition correlation functions. This formulation is then tested by evaluating the Axilrod-Teller triple-dipole energy directly from simulation and from the superposition approximation plus correction terms.
Non-line-of-sight identification via space-frequency correlation in MIMO-OFDM systems: A preliminary study

This paper presents a preliminary study on a non-line-of-sight (NLOS) identification technique that exploits space-frequency correlation features of multiple-output orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. Here, space correlation refers to the correlation across antenna elements and frequency correlation refers to the correlation across subcarriers. In this technique, a measure, subcarrier correlation difference (SCD), is introduced and used to identify NLOS conditions. SCD is defined as the difference of cross-antenna subcarrier correlation and single antenna subcarrier correlation. The impact of the fading channel K-factor, spatial subchannel correlation and channel estimation error on the proposed techniques is investigated.
Improving communication between patients and providers using health information technology and other quality improvement strategies: focus on low-income children.

Disparities in provider-patient communication have been shown to exist among Asian Americans, especially those who are low-income and have limited English proficiency. These disparities have resulted in unmet health care needs and poor quality care. To identify strategies for improving provider-patient communication in this population, we conducted a systematic review of the literature and in-depth interviews with key informants. Little published literature on interventions focused on Asian Americans was found. Most interventions were conducted among White populations and occurred in the waiting room before patients' visits with their providers. Interventions ranged from a leaflet encouraging patients to ask more questions, to more intensive face-to-face coaching before office visits. Health information technology (health IT) has not been widely used to improve communication, especially among patients with limited English proficiency. More research is needed using new health IT strategies to improve care for Asian Americans and other vulnerable populations.
Executive Power and Judicial Deference Judicial Decision Making on Executive Power Challenges in the American States

Judicial intervention is often required to define the boundaries of executive power. Although many separation of powers analyses examine the interaction of courts and legislatures, few examine how the design of executive and judicial institutions affect judicial decision making in cases involving challenges to executive power in the U.S. context. I argue that the degree of judicial institutional vulnerability to executive retaliation will have a significant impact on judicial making. Using an original dataset of cases involving executive power challenges in the American states between 1980 and 2010, I find that courts are more likely to uphold executive power in environments where the threat of institutional retaliation from the executive is high. The results of this analysis indicate that the strength of judicial checks against executive power depends on broader relations of institutional authority, not just on constitutional doctrine or culture.
A Nanochannel Fabrication Technique without Nanolithography

We have developed a new nanochannel fabrication technique using chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) and thermal oxidation. With this technique, it is possible to control the width, length, and depth of the nanochannels without the need for nanolithography. The use of sacrificial SiO2 layers allows the fabrication of centimeter-long nanochannels. In addition, the fabrication process is CMOS compatible. We have successfully fabricated an array of extremely long and narrow nanochannels (i.e., 10 mm long, 25 nm wide, and 100 nm deep) with smooth inner surfaces.
MAT1A variants are associated with hypertension, stroke, and markers of DNA damage and are modulated by plasma vitamin B-6 and folate

Background: The S-adenosylmethionine synthetase type 1 (MAT1A) gene encodes a key enzyme in one-carbon nutrient metabolism. Objective: This study aimed to determine the association of MAT1A variants with homocysteine, DNA damage, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Design: Eight variants of MAT1A were examined for associations with hypertension, stroke, CVD, homocysteine, and DNA damage in 1006 participants of the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study. Two variants were replicated in 1147 participants of the Nutrition, Aging, and Memory in Elders Study. Results: Two variants and haplotypes were strongly associated with hypertension and stroke, independent of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) variants. Homozygotes of the MAT1A d18777A (rs3851059) allele had a significantly greater likelihood of stroke (odds ratio: 4.30; 95% CI: 1.34, 12.19; P = 0.006), whereas 3U1510A (rs7087728) homozygotes had a lower likelihood of hypertension (odds ratio: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.48, 0.95; P = 0.022) and stroke (odds ratio: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.82; P = 0.015). A similar trend of association was observed in a second elderly population. Furthermore, strong interactions between MAT1A genotypes and vitamin B-6 status were found. Carriers of the nonrisk allele 3U1510A had a lower 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine concentration—a biomarker of oxidative DNA damage—when plasma vitamin B-6 was high, whereas homozygotes for the risk-allele 3U1510G had higher 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine concentrations, regardless of vitamin B-6 status. Conclusions: MAT1A variants were strongly associated with hypertension and stroke. Improving folate and vitamin B-6 status might decrease the CVD risk of only a subset of the population, depending on genotype. These findings suggest that impairments in methylation activity, independent of homocysteine, have an effect on CVD risk.
A novel protein with RNA-binding motifs interacts with ataxin-2

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is caused by expansion of a polyglutamine tract in ataxin-2, a protein of unknown function. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we identified a novel protein, A2BP1 (ataxin-2 binding protein 1) which binds to the C-terminus of ataxin-2. Northern blot analysis showed that A2BP1 was predominantly expressed in muscle and brain. By immunocfluorescent staining, A2BP1 and ataxin-2 were both localized to the trans -Golgi network. Immunocytochemistry showed that A2BP1 was expressed in the cytoplasm of Purkinje cells and dentate neurons in a pattern similar to that seen for ataxin-2 labeling. Western blot analysis of subcellular fractions indicated enrichment of A2BP1 in the same fractions as ataxin-2. Sequence analysis of the A2BP1 cDNA revealed an RNP motif that is highly conserved among RNA-binding proteins. A2BP1 had striking homology with a human cDNA clone, P83A20, of unknown function and at least two copies of A2BP1 homologs are found in the Caenorhabditis elegans genome database. A2BP1 and related proteins appear to form a novel gene family sharing RNA-binding motifs.
The Role of Modular Functions in a Class-Number Problem

Abstract The author has previously shown that there are exactly nine complex quadratic fields of class-number one. Here we show that the proof rests on some extremely interesting identities in modular functions which also provide a connection with the work of Heegner.
Patterns of Treatment of Accidental Genital Trauma in Girls.

Abstract Study Objective To evaluate the characteristics of girls with accidental genital trauma (AGT) who can be managed in the emergency department (ED) vs the operating suite (OS). Design Retrospective cohort. Setting ED at a children's hospital in a metropolitan area. Participants Girls aged 0-18 years with AGT. Interventions and Main Outcome Measures Factors associated with need for evaluation and repair of AGT in the OS. Results A total of 359 girls were included in the analysis. The mean age was 6 ± 3 years. Most girls presented with pain and bleeding, 321/359 (89%). Straddle injury was the most common mechanism, 258/355 (73%). The most commonly injured site was the labia, 225/358 (63%) and the most common type of injury was laceration, 308/357 (86%). Factors significantly associated with treatment in the OS included older age, transfer from another institution, penetrating injuries, injuries involving the hymen/vagina/urethra/anus, and injuries larger than 3 cm in size. The odds of requiring general anesthesia in the OS were 5.5 times higher for injuries larger than 3 cm (95% confidence interval, 2.8-10.9; P Conclusion Most AGT can be managed expectantly. Penetrating injuries, injuries to the hymen/vagina/urethra/anus, and injuries with a maximal size of 3 cm should be considered as indications for management in the OS. With adequate procedural sedation, most girls with minor injuries as a result of AGT can undergo a thorough examination and repair of AGT in the ED.
The Politics and Statistics of Value-Added Modeling for Accountability of Teacher Preparation Programs

Despite questions about validity and reliability, the use of value-added estimation methods has moved beyond academic research into state accountability systems for teachers, schools, and teacher preparation programs (TPPs). Prior studies of value-added measurement for TPPs test the validity of researcher-designed models and find that measuring differences across programs is difficult. This study is the first to examine the reliability and usefulness of a value-added model for TPPs developed through a collaborative stakeholder process and mandated by state law for use in accountability. Based on the experience of developing a test-based metric for Texas TPPs, our results suggest that although value-added results are statistically robust, accountability status for individual programs is very sensitive to decisions about accountability criteria, the selection of teachers, and the selection of control variables.