cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Haplotypes at the DRD2 locus and severe alcoholism.

Association studies of the minor TaqI A allele of the D2 dopamine receptor (DRD2) gene with alcoholism have produced conflicting findings. Failure to assess alcoholics for severity of their disorder and to screen controls for substance use have been proposed as causes for the discrepant results. In the present study, five diallelic sites spanning the DRD2 gene were determined in combined Caucasian (non-Hispanic) studies of more severe alcoholics (n = 92) and controls screened for substance use (n = 85). The frequency of the minor alleles at the 3′-untranslated site (TaqI A) and two intronic sites (TaqI B and intron 6) of the DRD2 gene were each strongly associated with alcoholism. Moreover, the alcoholics compared with the controls at these three sites had a significantly higher frequency of the minor/major allele heterozygote haplotype combination (A1/A2 B1/B2 T/G) than the major allele homozygote haplotype combination (A2/A2 B2/B2 G/G). However, exon 7 and promoter alleles were not associated with alcoholism. In neither the alcoholics nor in the controls were there departures from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium at any of the five sites examined. The most significant diallelic composite genotypic disequilibria were found when comparisons were made between TaqI A and TaqI B, TaqI A and intron 6, and TaqI B and intron 6 sites. Weaker but still significant disequilibria were observed when TaqI A and exon 7, TaqI B and exon 7, intron 6 and exon 7, and promoter and exon 7 sites were compared. However, no significant disequilibria were noted when TaqI A and promoter, TaqI B and promoter, and intron 6 and promoter sites were compared. In sum, the study found significant evidence for association of the minor alleles in the untranslated sites of the DRD2 gene and their haplotypes with the more severe alcoholic phenotype. Am. J. Med. Genet. (Neuropsychiatr. Genet.) 96:622–631, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Talking (or Not) About Family Health History in Families of Latino Young Adults

Although individuals recognize the importance of knowing their family's health history for their own health, relatively few people (e.g., less than a third in one national survey) collect this type of information. This study examines the rates of family communication about family health history of cancer, and predictors of communication in a sample of English-speaking Latino young adults. A total of 224 Latino young adults completed a survey that included measures on family communication, cultural factors, religious commitment, and cancer worry. We found that few Latino young adults reported collecting information from their families for the purposes of creating a family health history (18%) or sharing information about hereditary cancer risk with family members (16%). In contrast, slightly more than half of the participants reported generally "talking with their mothers about their family's health history of cancer." Logistic regression results indicated that cancer worry (odds ratio [OR] = 2.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08-4.93), being female (OR = 3.12; 95% CI = 1.02-8.08), and being older (OR = 1.33; 95% CI = 1.01-1.76) were associated with increased rates of collecting information from family members. In contrast, orientation to the Latino culture (OR = 2.81; 95% CI = 1.33-5.94) and religious commitment (OR = 1.54; 95% CI = 1.02-2.32) were associated with increased rates of giving cancer information. Results highlight the need for prevention programs to help further general discussions about a family's history of cancer to more specific information related to family health history.
Systematic risk, wage rates, and factor substitution

Abstract The impacts of wage rates, monopoly power, and factor substitution on the systematic risk of a firm are examined. A variable elasticity of substitution production function is employed. Both the long run and the short run are analyzed. In the short run, a higher market power leads to a lower systematic risk, whereas a higher wage rate increases risk. For the long-run analysis, the impact of a wage rate change on systematic risk depends on the degree of input substitutability. In addition, both monopoly power and the degree of input substitutability conditionally reduce the systematic risk of the firm.
Production of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal sporocarps, Glomus aggregatum , on fiberglass screens

Glomus aggregatum was culture onZea mays in sand. Fiberglass screen layers wrapped around the sand medium effectively provided a framework for sporocarp formation, and facilitated the subsequent harvest of the sporocarps.
Overexpression and purification of human XPA using a baculovirus expression system.

Abstract The xeroderma pigmentosum group A protein (XPA) is an essential component of the eukaryotic nucleotide excision repair (NER) process. Recombinant human XPA was expressed in baculovirus-infected insect cells as a [His]6-tagged fusion protein. A two-column purification procedure resulted in greater than 90% purity for the recombinant protein with a final yield of 0.53 mg from 200 ml of infected cells. The recombinant protein migrated as a doublet of 44 and 42 kDa upon SDS–PAGE consistent with that observed for the native protein. XPA can interact with a number of proteins including replication protein A (RPA) which has been implicated in the initial recognition of damaged DNA. Using a modified ELISA, we demonstrate that the recombinant XPA fusion protein also forms a complex with RPA independent of DNA. The ability of XPA to bind damaged DNA was assessed in an electrophoretic mobility shift assay using globally cisplatin-damaged DNA. The results revealed a slight preference for DNA damaged with cisplatin consistent with its proposed role in the recognition of damaged DNA. The recombinant XPA fusion protein was able to complement cell-free extracts immunodepleted of XPA restoring NER-catalyzed incision of cisplatin-damaged DNA in an in vitro excision repair assay.
Sticking probabilities by an effusive beam technique: The germanium-oxygen system

Abstract The sticking probability α of oxygen molecules on a germanium (100) wafer heated at 525 °C was measured with an effusive beam technique allowing independent and precise variation of the oxygen temperature. As GeO evaporated continuously to yield a restored clean surface, the weight loss of the wafer was recorded with an electrobalance. Values of α calculated from this weight loss and the incident beam flux increased by a factor of 40 when the absolute temperature of the gas was raised by a factor of about 6. The value of α equal to 0.04 measured at the highest gas temperature investigated (536 °K) was in complete agreement with that found earlier with a supersonic molecular beam.
Information System Modeling for Biomedical Imaging Applications

Information system modeling has historically been relegated to a low priority among the designers of information systems. Often times, there is a rush to design and implement hardware and software solutions after only the briefest assessments of the domain requirements. Although this process results in a rapid development cycle, the system usually does not satisfy the needs of the users and the developers are forced to re-program certain aspects of the system. It would be much better to create an accurate model of the system based on the domain needs so that the implementation of the solution satisfies the needs of the users immediately. It would also be advantageous to build extensibility into the model so that updates to the system could be carried out in an organized fashion. The significance of this research is the development of a new formal framework for the construction of a multimedia medical information system. This formal framework is constructed using visual modeling which provides a way of thinking about problems using models organized around real- world ideas. These models provide an abstract way to view complex problems, making them easier for one to understand. The formal framework is the result of an object-oriented analysis and design process that translates the systems requirements and functionality into software models. The usefulness of this information framework is demonstrated with two different applications in epilepsy research and care, i.e., surgical planning of epilepsy and decision threshold determination.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Micro Injection Moulding Process and Product Characterization

Due to its high efficiency for the large scale production of polymeric parts, micro injection moulding is one of the key technologies of the new millennium. Although a lot of researches have been conducted to identify the most effective processing conditions for micro injection moulding, the comprehension of the influence of all parameters on the quality, the properties and the reliability of the moulded parts is still an issue. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the effects of the micro injection moulding process conditions on the tensile properties of micro parts, investigating the influence of three main process parameters: the injection speed, the mould temperature and the melt temperature. A full factorial plan has been applied to study the contributions of these parameters and a second study has been performed to understand the synergic interaction between the two temperatures on the tensile strength. Due to its high level of potential crystallinity, a typical semi-crystalline thermoplastic resin was used in the experiments. The results of the analysis showed a great influence of the mould temperature (Tmould ) on the ultimate tensile strength and of the melt temperature (Tmelt ) on the deformation at the point of breaking; whereas the injection speed was significant on the overall mechanical performance. A new studied factor (Tmelt -Tmould ) could affect the resulting molecular structure and consequently the mechanical behaviour, but itself is not sufficient to thoroughly explain the observed behaviour. Moreover, the visual inspection of the deformation mechanism at break shows three distinctive trends demonstrating the great variability of the mechanical properties of micro-injected specimens due to process conditions.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Identification and management of in-hospital drug-induced delirium in older patients.

Delirium, an acute confusional state with changes in attention and cognition, is a common cause of morbidity and mortality among hospitalized elders. Medications are responsible for up to 39% of delirium cases in the elderly. The incidence of drug-induced delirium is particularly high in this population due to the altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of aging, high prevalence of polypharmacy and occurrence of co-morbid disease. Although certain medications are more often associated with the development of delirium, including opioids, benzodiazepines, anticholinergics and antidepressants, any medication can cause delirium in the elderly. Evaluation of delirium should include a thorough medication history, which should determine if any new medications have been initiated, if medications have been discontinued, and the details of any recent dosage adjustments. It is important to understand the utility of medications in preventing and treating delirium in the elderly. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors have not been found to reduce the incidence of delirium or length of hospitalization. Study results regarding the utility of antipsychotic medications in preventing delirium have been mixed. Haloperidol prophylaxis did not reduce the occurrence of delirium, but it did reduce the severity and duration. Olanzapine and risperidone were associated with a reduced incidence of delirium compared with placebo. Pharmacological therapy to treat delirium should be implemented only if patients pose a safety risk to themselves or others. Typical and atypical antipsychotics are effective in treating the symptoms of delirium, but it is important to note that they are not approved by the US FDA for this indication. Short-acting benzodiazepines are second-line therapy and are typically reserved for patients with sedative/alcohol withdrawal, Parkinson’s disease or neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Study results regarding the utility of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors have been mixed.
A Camptothecin-resistant DNA Topoisomerase I Mutant Exhibits Altered Sensitivities to Other DNA Topoisomerase Poisons

The cytotoxic plant alkaloid camptothecin promotes DNA topoisomerase I-linked nicks in DNA by stabilizing a covalently bound enzyme-DNA complex. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, substitution of Arg and Ala for the amino acid residues immediately N-terminal to the active site tyrosine in the yeast and human DNA topoisomerase I mutants, top1 vac, results in camptothecin resistance. To examine the mechanism of drug resistance, we assessed the sensitivity of these enzymes to several classes of DNA topoisomerase poisons. Yeast cells expressing the camptothecin-resistant top1 vac mutants were resistant to all of the camptothecin derivatives cytotoxic to wild-type TOP1-expressing cells. This correlated with a significant reduction in drug-induced DNA cleavage in vitro. However, the yeast and human mutant enzymes differed in their responses to the minor groove binding ligand netropsin and to saintopin, a DNA intercalator that targets both DNA topoisomerase I and II. The yeast mutant enzyme demonstrated enhanced sensitivity to the action of saintopin but was resistant to the inhibitory effects of netropsin. In contrast, the human Top1 vac enzyme was resistant to saintopin and indistinguishable from the wild-type enzyme in its response to the netropsin. These results are discussed in terms of enzyme function and the different modes of action of these DNA topoisomerase poisons.
Investigation of Lithium Utilization from A Lithium‐Silicon Electrode

A half-cell of the type Li (in solid Li/sub 2/Si or Li/sub 21/Si/sub 8/, or Li/sub 15/Si/sub 4/)/LiCl--KCl eutectic or LiF--LiCl--KCl melt or LiF--LiCl--LiBr melt/Li (in solid Li/sub 2/Si in equilibrium with Si) was used to investigate lithium utilizations (to a 0.5 V cutoff vs. 40 atomic percent Li--Al) from Li/sub 2/Si, Li/sub 21/Si/sub 8/, and Li/sub 15/Si/sub 4/ at current densities between 20 and 1000 mA/cm/sup 2/ and at temperatures between 675/sup 0/ and 750/sup 0/K. The lithium utilizations from these compounds did not appear to be greatly influenced by current density or temperature variations. For example, 60 to 80% of the lithium from the Li/sub 2/Si--Si plateau, >90% of the lithium from the Li/sub 21/Si/sub 8/--Li/sub 2/Si plateau, and 80 to 90% of the lithium from the Li/sub 15/Si/sub 4/--Li/sub 21/Si/sub 8/ plateau were utilized at current densities between 50 and 400 mA/cm/sup 2/. The polarization at current densities up to 500 mA/cm/sup 2/ appeared to be mostly ohmic. 10 figures, 4 tables.
Millimetre-wave scattering from one-dimensional surfaces of different surface correlation functions

High spectral components contained in surfaces with non-Gaussian correlation functions are believed to increase the magnitude of backscattering enhancement. In this paper, we present experimental and numerical studies of bistatic scattering from one-dimensional surfaces with Gaussian and power-law roughness spectral densities. Rough surfaces with an rms height of σ = 3 mm and correlation lengths of l = 3, 6 and 9 mm were fabricated and measured with a millimetre-wave scatterometer. The corresponding rms slopes were m = 1.41, 0.707 and 0.47, respectively. Both experimental and numerical simulation data show that surfaces obeying the power-law roughness spectral density have stronger backscattering enhancement than those with a Gaussian roughness spectral density for the same surface rms slope. Good agreement between experiments and numerical simulations was obtained. In addition, the numerical studies were conducted to obtain the scattering characteristics of surfaces with Gaussian and power-law roughness ...
Subclavian Steal Syndrome

“Subclavian steal” refers to a syndrome of symptoms relating to arterial insufficiency in a branch of the subclavian artery stemming from flow reversal,attributable to occlusive disease in the subclavian artery proximal to that branch that is usually atheroscleroticin cause. Most patients are asymptomatic,but patients with IMA bypass grafts may manifest angina elicited by exercise of the upper extremity ipsilateral to the graft and stenosis (so called“coronary-subclavian steal”).Subclavian steal may also manifest as vertebrobasilar insufficiency or,most commonly, arm claudication.Subclavian steal should be considered among patients exhibiting suggestive symptoms. A meticulous examination of segmental pulses and pressures,as well as judicious use of duplex ultrasonography, magnetic resonance angiography, computed tomography angiography, or conventional angiography can confirm the presence of subclavian stenosis. Symptomatic patients benefit from either percutaneousor surgical revascularization,depending on both anatomic and patient factors. Subclavian stenosis,regardless of symptoms, is a marker of atherosclerotic disease and increased risk for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.
The Missing Weapons at Carlisle

New interpretations are suggested for two terms in Docilis' letter found on a wooden tablet from Carlisle and published in Britannia 29 (1998), 34–84, no. 16 (= AE 1998, 839). Lanciarius does not refer to all the horsemen of ala I Gallorum , but only to those equipped with lancea -spears and subarmales are not weapons but felt-padded, rainproof doublets worn under the armour.
Semi-Split TCP: Maintaining End-to-End Semantics for Split TCP

It has long been acknowledged that TCP performance suffers in hybrid networks. A Split TCP approach has been proposed to address this problem. In this approach, a proxy is employed at the boundary of wired networks (e.g. the Internet) and wireless networks (e.g. cellular networks, WLan or mobile ad hoc networks). This strategy significantly improves TCP performance. However, it does not maintain the end-to-end semantics of TCP. The loss of end-to-end semantics may cause problems to applications that rely on such a guarantee provided by TCP. In this paper, we introduce a novel technique called Semi-Split TCP to address the problem without sacrificing the benefits of Split TCP. We present the architecture and algorithms of the proposed technique; and give implementation, simulation, and analytical results to illustrate the feasibility of this method. Our simulation results demonstrate that Semi-Split TCP can achieve similar performance as Split-TCP without sacrificing the end-to-end semantics.
A multi‐agent approach for dynamic channel allocation

We propose a multi-agent approach for dynamic channel allocation (MA-DCA) in mobile cellular networks. Our approach assumes that each cell in a cellular network works as an agent that negotiates its bandwidth (channel) requirements with its neighbors to minimize its call drop probability. Using stochastic simulation, we compare our MA-DCA approach with simple fixed channel allocation (FCA) and dynamic channel borrowing approaches for different call arrival rates, cellular network sizes and number of available channels. The results of our experiments show that the proposed MA-DCA approach performs better than dynamic channel borrowing and FCA approaches.
Clay Mineral Distribution in the Soil Areas of Arkansas1

Studies on clay types in the soils of Arkansas show differences that are important to the soil properties in the soils of the various regions. Part of the agricultural importance of these soils may be related to their mineralogical composition. The Mississippi River delta area has deposits of soil materials high in montmorillonite-type clay and possessing strong expansion and shrinkage properties. The Arkansas River valley has materials high in illite clay types with montmorillonite. Soils of the Coastal Plain predominate in kaolinite mineral but have sufficient quantities of vermiculite clay to dominate the chemical properties. The Ozark upland soils contain kaolinite and illite in varying proportions. Much of the state is covered with a silt mantle of varying thickness in which the clay mineral composition is mainly that of montmorillonite and illite.
Coping with radiation therapy : optimism and the effect of preparatory interventions

To test the hypotheses that pessimists might benefit from concrete objective information based on self-regulation theory and that optimists might benefit from instruction in self-care and coping based on self-care theory, 62 patients receiving radiation therapy (RT) for prostate cancer were studied. The two experimental and control intervention messages were given three times during RT. Mood and disruption of activities were assessed three times during and three times after RT. The self-care instruction had no effects on either outcome. The prediction from self-regulation theory was supported, in part, with concrete objective information having a positive effect on mood among pessimistic patients. Concrete objective information resulted in less recreation and pastime disruption in both optimistic and pessimistic patients at the times they experienced the most RT side effects.
Personalized Medicine in Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Is KRAS a Useful Marker in Selecting Patients for Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor–Targeted Therapy?

In patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, the predictive value of KRAS mutational status in the selection of patients for treatment with anti–epidermal growth factor (EGFR) monoclonal antibodies is established. In patients with non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the utility of determining KRAS mutational status to predict clinical benefit to anti-EGFR therapies remains unclear. This review will provide a brief description of Ras biology, provide an overview of aberrant Ras signaling in NSCLC, and summarize the clinical data for using KRAS mutational status as a negative predictive biomarker to anti-EGFR therapies. Retrospective investigations of KRAS mutational status as a negative predictor of clinical benefit from anti-EGFR therapies in NSCLC have been performed; however, small samples sizes as a result of low prevalence of KRAS mutations and the low rate of tumor sample collection have limited the strength of these analyses. Although an association between the presence of KRAS mutation and lack o...
PEG-albumin supraplasma expansion is due to increased vessel wall shear stress induced by blood viscosity shear thinning

We studied the extreme hemodilution to a hematocrit of 11% induced by three plasma expanders: polyethylene glycol (PEG)-conjugated albumin (PEG-Alb), 6% 70-kDa dextran, and 6% 500-kDa dextran. The experimental component of our study relied on microelectrodes and cardiac output to measure both the rheological properties of plasma-expander blood mixtures and nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability in vessel walls. The modeling component consisted of an analysis of the distribution of wall shear stress (WSS) in the microvessels. Our experiments demonstrated that plasma expansion with PEG-Alb caused a state of supraperfusion with cardiac output 40% above baseline, significantly increased NO vessel wall bioavailability, and lowered peripheral vascular resistance. We attributed this behavior to the shear thinning nature of blood and PEG-Alb mixtures. To substantiate this hypothesis, we developed a mathematical model of non-Newtonian blood flow in a vessel. Our model used the Quemada rheological constitutive relationship to express blood viscosity in terms of both hematocrit and shear rate. The model revealed that the net effect of the hemodilution induced by relatively low-viscosity shear thinning PEG-Alb plasma expanders is to reduce overall blood viscosity and to increase the WSS, thus intensifying endothelial NO production. These changes act synergistically, significantly increasing cardiac output and perfusion due to lowered overall peripheral vascular resistance.
MORPHOLOGICAL AND PATHOGENIC VARIATIONS IN TREPONEMA PALLIDUM.

When many cultures of Treponema pallidum, whether obtained from the testicular lesions produced in rabbits or directly from human cases of syphilis, are compared, certain definite differences in morphological character become apparent. The different specimens can be divided into thicker and thinner forms or types, and an average or normal form or type. The last is the common or most frequent variety, but the other two occur with sufficient frequency and retain their characters with such constancy as to constitute distinct varieties. Indeed, two of the varieties—the average and the thinner—occurred in association in a chancre and were separated afterwards in cultures. The gross cultural properties of the three varieties present no points of distinction. The lesions caused in the testicle of the rabbit differ according to the variety inoculated, and consist either of a diffuse or of a nodular orchitis. This is a highly important distinction, and if, in the study of a still larger number of specimens of pallida, it is maintained, it is capable of throwing light on certain important clinical features of the human syphilitic disease. The thinner variety of Treponema pallidum resembles in morphology Treponema microdentium, from which it is unmistakably distinguished by cultural characters. The morphological and pathogenic variations in cultures of the pallidum may constitute racial differences within the species.
Connectivity in emerging regions: the need for improved technology and business models

The digital divide is a pressing challenge for both technology and policy professionals. Connectivity is one aspect of the divide, albeit an important one. Availability and affordability remain important issues, but these depend on not only technology choices, but also business and regulatory models. While mobile phones have achieved spectacular growth in emerging regions, Internet access, especially broadband, lags far behind. A generalized model of costing broadband indicates that limited uplinking (interconnection) is a significant barrier to widespread and affordable connectivity, but last mile access also remains a challenge. In addition, policy distortions and regulations raise costs dramatically. Because of these, new technologies, business models, and regulations may be required to make connectivity available and affordable in emerging economies. These include advanced wireless technologies, greater fiber utilization, and open access networking
Assessing talonavicular joint rotations in three dimension.

The union of the spherical talar head with the cupped shaped navicular shows the general characteristics of a ball-and-socket joint [1]. As such, the talonavicular joint should be expected to demonstrate three rotational degrees of freedom. Yet, conventional approaches to foot motion analysis provide little opportunity to assess motion of the intrinsic foot joints. A new approach, and perspective, is adopted that permits an appreciation of the talonavicular joint that is not restricted to the confines of marker dependence or the orthogonal reference frame. Data will be presented that shows talonavicular rotation about independent axes that possess orientations that are not orthogonal to any conventional reference frame.
Frequency of coronary angiography and revascularization among men and women with myocardial infarction and their relationship to mortality at one year: an analysis of the Geisinger myocardial infarction cohort.

Objectives To determine sex bias in the selection of strategies to evaluate patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and determine if the choice of strategy influences survival. Background Controversy exists regarding the role of female sex in the use of invasive evaluation for AMI and its possible effect on adverse outcomes. Methods Electronic health record data from the Geisinger Acute Myocardial Infarction Cohort (GAMIC) was analyzed which included 1,968 men and 1,047 women admitted to the Geisinger Medical Center between January 2001 and December 2006 with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine independent correlates of an invasive evaluation. Multivariate logistic regression modeling stratified on sex was used to determine when invasive evaluation was done and whether there was a correlation with mortality. Results In unadjusted analyses, male sex was a significant predictor for the use of invasive evaluation (odds ratio = 1.71, 95% CI = [1.46, 2.00]). Adjusted for baseline differences (like age, renal function, co-morbid conditions) multivariate analyses found no significant relationship between male sex and invasive evaluation (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = [0.82, 1.23]). Females in the STEMI group were found to be less revascularized. No difference was observed in the one-year mortality between women and men regardless of invasive evaluation or revascularization. Conclusions Sex was not independently associated with the occurrence of an invasive evaluation of a MI. Females in the STEMI group were less revascularized. There was no strong gender effect on survival irrespective of the performance on an invasive evaluation or revascularization. (J Interven Cardiol 2013;26:14–21)
Constraints imposed on taste physiology by human taste reaction time data

Abstract The speed with which an organism responds to stimulus events is reaction time (RT): the minimum time interval between stimulus arrival at a receptor organ, and an overt response by the organism. This time interval specifies maximum duration of all processes necessary for the RT sequence. Responses to any change in taste have RT less than 1 sec for suprathreshold concentrations. Therefore, constituent events at taste receptors, in the central nervous system (CNS), and at the response organ, must have sufficient durations less than 1 sec (Constraint 1). Taste stimulus durations of 50 msec, and therefore taste receptor events of approximately 50 msec, are sufficient for these responses (Constraint 2), as well as for taste quality identification responses (Constraint 3). Taste receptor latencies, neural conduction times, and RT response organ events are even briefer. Thus, 60% to 90% of human taste RT is CNS events. Taste receptor events remain crutial, but CNS processing is important, and apparently time limiting, in all human taste judgments.
Integrated Roles of Lactate, Ammonia, and Calcium in Texture Development of Mold Surface-Ripened Cheese

Abstract Pure cultures of Penicillium caseicolum and Geotrichum candidum each rapidly metabolized lactic acid from an acidified milk-agar medium. Penicillium caseicolum rapidly produced ammonia on milk agar (within 1 wk) but G. candidum elaborated ammonia only in older cultures (>3 wk). Brevibacterium linens showed little metabolic activity on milk agar systems because of inhibition by low pH or lack of proteases or essential nutrients. Analysis of samples (center, corner, surface locations) from wheels of a lot of ripening Brie cheese (227g each) held at 17°C over 57 d also showed metabolic depletion of lactic acid and the production of ammonia by the surface microflora. During ripening, calcium concentrations became elevated in surface locations and diminished in interior locations of Brie wheels. An integrated model is proposed that incorporates a pH mediation of systems for calcium migration and insolubilization, proteolytic enzyme activity, and casein solubilization whose combined activities control texture development in mold surface-ripened cheeses.
Environmentally Controlled Invasion of Cancer Cells by Engineered Bacteria

Bacteria can sense their environment, distinguish between cell types, and deliver proteins to eukaryotic cells. Here, we engineer the interaction between bacteria and cancer cells to depend on heterologous environmental signals. We have characterized invasin from Yersinia pseudotuburculosis as an output module that enables Escherichia coli to invade cancer-derived cells, including HeLa, HepG2, and U2OS lines. To environmentally restrict invasion, we placed this module under the control of heterologous sensors. With the Vibrio fischeri lux quorum sensing circuit, the hypoxia-responsive fdhF promoter, or the arabinose-inducible araBAD promoter, the bacteria invade cells at densities greater than 108 bacteria/ml, after growth in an anaerobic growth chamber or in the presence of 0.02% arabinose, respectively. In the process, we developed a technique to tune the linkage between a sensor and output gene using ribosome binding site libraries and genetic selection. This approach could be used to engineer bacteria to sense the microenvironment of a tumor and respond by invading cancerous cells and releasing a cytotoxic agent.
Light-Cone Behavior of Perturbation Theory

A technique introduced by Symanzik is used to derive a series of equations obeyed order by order in perturbation theory by the structure functions ${W}_{1}$ and $\ensuremath{\nu}{W}_{2}$ entering the cross section for inelastic electron scattering. These equations relate the ${q}^{2}$, $\ensuremath{\nu}$, and coupling-constant dependence of ${W}_{1}$ and $\ensuremath{\nu}{W}_{2}$ in a manner reminiscent of the renormalization-group results of Gell-Mann and Low. The equations are used to compute the leading logarithmic contribution to $\ensuremath{\nu}{W}_{2}$ in a theory of fermions coupled to pseudoscalar particles and a theory of fermions coupled to vector particles.
Introduction: Symmetries and Similarities as a Methodology for Algorithmics of Analysis, Prediction, and Control in Science and Engineering

Need for Analysis, Prediction, and Control in Science and Engineering. One of the main objectives of science is to predict future events. Once we are able to predict future events, a natural next step is to influence these events, i.e., to control the corresponding systems. In this step, we should select a control that leads to the best possible result.
DEFENDERS OF NATURE AND THE COMARCA: COLLECTIVE IDENTITY AND FRAMES IN PANAMA

This article examines collective identities as both a resource and constraint in framing processes of social mobilization through a case study of Panama's Kuna Indians, one of Latin America's most effectively organized indigenous peoples. It highlights tensions between movement nurturance of distinct indigenous identity as intrinsically valuable and to a degree counterhegemonic and instrumental use of an environmental frame to advance indigenous land claims. This article also explores shifts in dominant discourse and institutional practices that provide both opportunities for identity-based movements as well as risks. One way identity groups address tensions between appropriation of externally generated frames for instrumental goals and the nurturing of distinct collective identities is to manage multiple frames aimed at distinct audiences with distinct content. errors are the sole responsibility of the author.
Theory of Sub-Cooperation-Limit Optical Pulses in Resonant Absorbers

It has been known for some time that the interaction of spins or two-level atoms with a classical radiation field can depend in an interesting way on the existence of a certain coherence time τa, defined by [1,2] $$\frac{1}{{\tau _a^2}} = \frac{\pi }{2}N\omega {\kappa ^2}.$$ (1)
A New Class of High Accuracy TVD Schemes for Hyperbolic Conservation Laws

A new family of high accuracy Total Variation Diminishing (TVD) schemes has been developed. Members of the family include the conventional second-order TVD upwind scheme, various other second-order accurate TVD schemes with lower truncation error, and even a third-order accurate TVD approximation. All the schemes are defined with a five-point grid bandwidth. In this paper, the new algorithms are described for scalar equations, systems, and arbitrary coordinates. Selected numerical results are provided to illustrate the new algorithms and their properties.
Premixed diesel combustion analysis in a Heavy-Duty diesel engine

Optimizations were performed on a Heavy-Duty diesel engine equipped with a conventional electronic unit injector in order to minimize fuel consumption, and emissions of NOx and particulate matter. A low speed light load case and a high speed light load case were optimized with these considerations in mind. Exhaustive parametric studies were performed in order to find sets of operating conditions that resulted in low emissions and high fuel economy. It was found for the low speed light load case (Mode 2, 25% load and 821 rev/min) that low emissions operating conditions existed at either very early or very late start-of-injection timings and high EGR (PM = 0.018 g/kW-hr, NOx + HC = 1.493 g/kW-hr with SOI = -21 degrees ATDC, 48% EGR; or 0.085 g/kW-hr PM, 1.02 g/kW-hr NOx with SOI = 4 degrees ATDC, 39% EGR). For the high speed light load case, it was found that low emissions were available when operating with an early start-of-injection timing and high EGR (0.059 g/kW-hr PM, 2.52 g/kW-hr NOx with SOI = -28 degrees ATDC, 49% EGR). Particulate is known to be formed in fuel rich regions, but if the local equivalence ratio is kept below approximately 2, very little particulate is formed. Analysis of the present data shows that if there is an optimal delay between the end of injection and the start of combustion (2 to 4 crank angle degrees), then enough mixing takes place so that the maximum local equivalence ratios are reduced. NOx is shown to decrease steadily as the EGR rate is increased, or as the start-of-injection timing is retarded.
LASER: Light, Accurate Sharing dEtection and Repair

Contention for shared memory, in the forms of true sharing and false sharing, is a challenging performance bug to discover and to repair. Understanding cache contention requires global knowledge of the program's actual sharing behavior, and can even arise invisibly in the program due to the opaque decisions of the memory allocator. Previous schemes have focused only on false sharing, and impose significant performance penalties or require non-trivial alterations to the operating system or runtime system environment. This paper presents the Light, Accurate Sharing dEtection and Repair (LASER) system, which leverages new performance counter capabilities available on Intel's Haswell architecture that identify the source of expensive cache coherence events. Using records of these events generated by the hardware, we build a system for online contention detection and repair that operates with low performance overhead and does not require any invasive program, compiler or operating system changes. Our experiments show that LASER imposes just 2% average runtime overhead on the Phoenix, Parsec and Splash2x benchmarks. LASER can automatically improve the performance of programs by up to 19% on commodity hardware.
Explaining Differences in Comparative Criminological Research: An Empirical Exhibition

This manuscript examines the correspondence between unofficial and official measures of cross‐national crime for two violent and two non‐violent offenses. More specifically, we report on the conver...
Linezolid: an oxazolidinone antimicrobial agent

The pharmacology, antimicrobial activity, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and adverse effects of linezolid are reviewed. Linezolid, the only oxazolidinone antimicrobial approved for use in the United States, has significant activity against gram-positive bacteria, including penicillin-, cephalosporin-, and vancomycin-resistant species. Linezolid inhibits bacterial protein synthesis via binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit to prevent translation. The drug lacks cross-resistance with other antimicrobials. Linezolid is primarily excreted renally as unchanged drug. The measured plasma half-life of four to five hours permits twice-daily administration for all indicated infections. Virtually complete oral bioavailability allows for 1:1 conversion between the intravenous and oral dosage forms. Controlled comparative clinical trials demonstrate that linezolid is effective in the treatment of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, nosocomial and community-acquired pneumonia, and skin and skin-structure infections due to susceptible organisms. The recommended dosage is 600 mg i.v. or p.o. twice daily for all indications except uncomplicated skin and skin-structure infections (400 mg twice daily); adjustments for mild to moderate renal or hepatic impairment are not necessary. Clinically important interactions with monoamine oxidase inhibitors have not been observed. Reversible myelosuppression has been observed in a few patients. Linezolid has gram-positive activity comparable to that of vancomycin, is effective in a variety of infections, and is well tolerated, with diarrhea, headache, and nausea being the most frequently reported adverse effects. Linezolid provides a reasonable therapeutic alternative for patients with vancomycin-resistant E. faecium infections and patients infected with MRSA who cannot tolerate vancomycin.
Current Status and Countermeasures of Protection of Hybrid Rice Variety Rights in China

The development of hybrid rice has helped the establishment of the protection system of new plant varieties in China,and the implementation of plant variety protection has also enhanced the healthy development of hybrid rice.Presently,there exist the problems such as poor consciousness on protection of variety rights of the breeding institutions,increase of seed costs,a long investigating period and difficulty in defending the variety rights.In connection with these problems,the author put forward some countermeasures to be taken to implement the strategy of hybrid rice variety rights.
Machine learning based optimized live virtual machine migration over WAN links

Live virtual machine migration is one of the most promising features of data center virtualization technology. Numerous strategies have been proposed for live migration of virtual machines on local area networks. These strategies work perfectly in their respective domains with negligible downtime. However, these techniques are not suitable to handle live migration over wide area networks and results in significant downtime. In this paper we have proposed a Machine Learning based Downtime Optimization (MLDO) approach which is an adaptive live migration approach based on predictive mechanisms that reduces downtime during live migration over wide area networks for standard workloads. The main contribution of our work is to employ machine learning methods to reduce downtime. Machine learning methods are also used to introduce automated learning into the predictive model and adaptive threshold levels. We compare our proposed approach with existing strategies in terms of downtime observed during the migration process and have observed improvements in downtime of up to 15 %.
To tame the pain

Pain is still one of the most common reasons given by patients for avoiding dental care. Dental pain was identified as one of the most common pain complaints a national survey of pain in the US population. Although pain associated with dentistry encompasses intraoperative pain and pathologic pain as a result of dental neglect, it is likely that some of the aversion toward dentistry is a result of pain that occurs in the postoperative period.
Chronic rhinosinusitis: the rationale for current treatments

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a broad clinical syndrome linked by mucosal inflammation. Primary treatment modalities are corticosteroids and antibiotics with surgery an option for failures, but the level of supporting evidence is generally low. The primary reason is that CRS is a symptom complex and not a specific disease. Areas covered: The primary treatment modalities for CRS are corticosteroids, antibiotics and surgery. Corticosteroids, which have very broad anti-inflammatory properties, also have the strongest evidence for efficacy. Antibiotics are likely effective in a subpopulation of patients but the various phenotypes and endotypes that make up CRS have thus far been poorly defined. Early surgery as well as biologics may also be more efficacious and cost effective in some phenotypes as well. Expert commentary: A better understanding of the inflammatory pathways that drive CRS will permit investigators to separate patient groups. This will allow for clinical trials that target specific subpopulations and more personalized therapy for CRS patients in the future.
Quantification of Shear Wave Scattering From Far-Surface Defects via Ultrasonic Wavefield Measurements

Nondestructive evaluation methods rely on prior knowledge of the expected interaction of ultrasonic waves with defects to inform detection and characterization decisions. Wavefield imaging, which refers to the measurement of signals originating from a spatially fixed source on a 2-D rectilinear grid, can be applied to visualize the effect of a subsurface scatterer on surface-measured wave motion. Here, obliquely incident shear waves are directed at the far surface of a plate containing a through-hole using the well-known angle-beam ultrasonic inspection method. A laser vibrometer and laboratory scanner are used to record the resulting out-of-plane motion on the plate surface in the vicinity of the through-hole both before and after a far-surface corner notch is introduced and subsequently enlarged. Waves scattered from the notch are isolated from the incident and hole-scattered waves via baseline subtraction of wavefields. The scattered wavefields are then filtered in the frequency–wavenumber domain to separate Rayleigh, shear, and longitudinal contributions to the scattered wavefield. The filtered wavefields are interpolated in space to obtain 2-D radial wavefield slices originating at the base of the notch. Each radial slice is analyzed to quantify scattering as a function of observation direction, resulting in Rayleigh, shear, and longitudinal scattering profiles for each notch size. The results are compared for four different notch sizes and two transducer orientations.
Older and Younger African Americans' Story Schemas and Experiences of Living with HIV/AIDS.

This paper reports findings from a study that compared older (n = 21, ≥ age 50) and younger (n = 96, ≤ age 49) African Americans’ stories (N = 117) of living with HIV/AIDS to determine how they make sense of the experience. The purpose was to: (1) identify and describe the cultural models African Americans use to inform their stories of living with HIV/AIDS, and (2) to compare older and younger adults’ HIV stories. To characterize the cultural models engaged in the telling of these HIV stories, we conducted schema analysis. Analyses documented six diverse schemas, ranging from “Stages of Grief”, “12 Steps”, “Wake Up Call”, “Continuity of Life”, to “Angry and Fearful”, “Shocked and Amazed”. Comparison conducted by age group showed older adults more frequently expressed their story of living with HIV as “Stages of Grief” and “Continuity of Life”, whereas younger adults expressed their stories as “12 Steps” and “Wake Up Call”. Findings contribute by documenting African American stories of living with HIV/AIDS, important heterogeneity in cultural schemas for experiences of living with HIV and differences by age group. These findings may help by identifying the cultural resources as well as challenges experienced with aging while living with HIV/AIDS for African Americans.