cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Revisiting Merge-Influence Area Empirically: Operations Inside Recurrent Freeway Bottlenecks

The current effort aims to analyze traffic operations empirically at merge-influence areas positioned inside recurrent freeway bottlenecks. Four years of data at four bottlenecks in the Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, freeway system were used in the analysis. Bottlenecks were ranked on the basis of merge-area capacity use and were treated individually. The study evaluated how merge-area traffic mix influenced freeway breakdown characteristics such as prebreakdown flow (PBF), queue discharge flow (QDF), queue discharge speed, and congestion duration (CD). Merge-area traffic mix was evaluated with the ramp volume ratio (RVR), which was defined as the percentage of the ramp flow in the total merge-area traffic flow. For bottlenecks with heavily used merge areas, both capacities (PBF and QDF) and queue discharge speed were reduced when RVR increased in value. The value of CD appeared to be sensitive to RVR. The value of CD was found to double, triple, or almost quadruple when ramp flow composed a higher percenta...
Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis and bilateral internal auditory canal metastases from ovarian carcinoma

Ovarian cancer, a leading cause of death in women, typically spreads locally and rarely metastasizes to the brain or seeds the leptomeninges. We present a case of a 62-year-old woman with a history of treated ovarian cell carcinoma who developed bilateral sensorineural deafness and right-sided facial weakness and on imaging was found to have bilateral internal auditory canal (IAC) masses and leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, pathologically proven by cerebrospinal fluid cytology. We discuss her magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography-computed tomography findings and review the imaging characteristics of IAC metastases. Finally, we review the literature on leptomeningeal carcinomatosis from ovarian cancer and discuss the high incidence of bilateral IAC metastases in patients with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis.
The Chinese Presence in Cuba: Heroic Past, Uncertain Present, Open Future

The Chinese first arrived in Cuba in significant numbers in the mid-nineteenth century, when 125,000 men from South China arrived as laborers under eight-year contracts between 1847 and 1874. Commonly labeled “coolies,” most were destined to work alongside African slaves on sugar plantations, resulting in contemporaries as well as scholars equating coolies with slaves. Others saw the contract labor system as forming the early steps toward the transition from slave to free labor, as indeed survivors of the coolie system integrated themselves into Cuban society around barrios chinos (Chinatowns) everywhere. In the early twentieth century, some 20,000 Cantonese voluntarily immigrated to a prosperous Cuba, building more robust Chinese communities throughout the island. In the 1960s, a mass exodus of Chinese Cubans ensued when the socialist revolutionary state nationalized their properties and businesses. Since then to the present day in the twenty-first century, the Chinese community in Cuba has yet to recover in numbers, as few new immigrants have arrived. However, the Chinese presence in Cuba has become palpable once more, this time in the form of large-scale Chinese state infrastructural projects as well as the insertion of Chinese products into everyday Cuban life, from buses to coffee makers. The arrival of entrepreneurial immigrants is not far behind, as soon as the Cuban state loosens up restrictions on foreign private small- and medium-scale investments in the local economy, an important step to stimulate a languishing Cuban economy.
Software for quantitation and visualization of expression array data.

Software is described that facilitates the analysis of phosphoimages from large array hybridizations. The Macintosh® PowerPCTM-compatible application and its manual are available at no charge from ...
In Search of Multiparameter Markov Processes

One of the problems that John Thomas and I first tackled concerned the transition density of Markov processes. Through the Fokker-Planck equation we were able to show that the polynomial expansions first noted by Barrett and Lampard [1] could be interpreted in terms of the Sturm-Liouville problem to which the Fokker-Planck equation gives rise. My interest in Markov processess, kindled then, has never waned.
Oral Feeding Outcome after Analgesic and Sedative Exposure in VLBW Preterm Infant

Objective The objective of this study was to assess the association of analgesics and sedatives on oral feeding function and need for feeding tube at discharge in the very low birth weight (VLBW) ( Study Design A retrospective review of surviving inborn infants Results Out of 209, 45 (21.5%) infants received an analgesic/sedative with 23 out of 45 (51.1%) discharged with tube feedings. Infants discharged with tube feedings were born smaller, of younger gestation, with greater SNAPPE-II scores, periventricular leukomalacia, chronic lung disease, postnatal glucocorticoids, lansoprazole, and longer time intubated. After adjusting for covariates, exposure to analgesic/sedatives (fentanyl, midazolam, or morphine) was independently predictive of discharge on tube feedings. Conclusion Analgesic and sedative exposure in VLBW infants is highly associated with poor oral feeding and need for tube feedings at discharge.
Advanced Boundary Element Methods for Incompressible Thermoviscous Flow

A boundary element formulation is presented for moderate Reynolds number, incompressible, thermoviscous flows. The governing integral equations are written exclusively in terms of velocities and temperatures, thus eliminating the need for the computation of gradients. Furthermore, with the introduction of reference velocities and temperatures, volume modeling can often be confined to a small portion of the problem domain, typically near obstacles or walls. The numerical implementation makes use of all of the recent advances in boundary element technology, including higher order elements, adaptive integration, and multi-region capability.
Thoracic Discectomy Through a Unilateral Transpedicular or Costotransversectomy Approach With Intraoperative Ultrasound Guidance.

Background The disc location, extent of calcification, limited visualization of the ventral cord, and tenuous blood supply to the thoracic spinal cord pose unique technical challenges when surgically treating thoracic disc herniation. Objective To report our initial experience with a series of cases in which intraoperative ultrasound image guidance was used for thoracic discectomy through a unilateral transpedicular or costotransversectomy approach. Methods Five patients (n = 5) underwent a transpedicular approach and five (n = 5) underwent costotransversectomy for thoracic discectomy. Pre- and postoperative clinical records, operative reports, disc location/calcification, and complications were reviewed. Results There were 6 (n = 6) males and 4 (n = 4) females with an average age of 54 yr (range: 33-74). All patients had symptoms attributable to a single-level of thoracic disc herniation. Discs were classified as central (n = 5) and paracentral (n = 5). Preoperative CT and/or intraoperative visualization demonstrated calcified disc material in 6 (n = 6) patients. Final outcomes data at last follow-up was available for 9 of 10 patients. Eight of these nine patients experienced a return to normal baseline functional status. Postoperative imaging confirmed that no wrong-level surgeries were performed. The mean length of follow-up was 20.4 wk (range 4-48). Conclusion Thoracic discectomy with ultrasound visualization via a unilateral transpedicular or costotransversectomy approach is safe and effective for treatment of central and paracentral calcified disc herniations. This tool improves the safety profile of thoracic discectomy and allows for treatment of thoracic discs through less invasive approaches.
The Historical Foundation of Pediatric Critical Care

The history of pediatric critical care is laid out within this chapter. It demonstrates how the development of medicine for critically ill infants and children has been advanced by those who were willing to push boundaries. Critical care required the development of medical technology that some questioned as being cruel and certainly experimental. Others pushed against stigmas of who was worth saving. Certainly issues of resource allocation, and where and by whom care should be delivered, has been present since the beginning. Understanding the history of pediatric critical care, and understanding that questions of ethical permissibility have been present since the beginning, helps create a framework for understanding the ethical questions and dilemmas of today.
Financial stability and monetary policy

Financial conditions should be an important component of the Fed’s monetary policy reaction function. I don’t think financial stability is a goal that really conflicts with the Fed’s dual monetary policy mandate of maximum sustainable employment and price stability. If one accepts the notion that financial conditions are important, you want to conduct monetary policy in a transparent way. If you don’t have financial stability, the Fed will lose its ability to influence economic activity. Even though financial stability is important, monetary policy itself is not well suited to deal with financial stability risks. We do have a problem. That’s because the other alternatives available to the Fed to deal with financial stability concerns are actually quite limited.
Oxyallyl Cation Capture via Electrophilic Deborylation of Organoboronates: Access to α , α '-Substituted Cyclic Ketones.

An umpolung strategy to synthesize α,α'-substituted cyclic ketones through the nucleophilic addition of organoboronates to α-hydroxyl silyl enol ethers is described. The reaction proceeds via the trapping of in situ generated oxyallyl cations via the electrophilic deborylation of C(sp2) and C(sp) borates. This efficient and straightforward method provides direct access to α-substituted silyl enol ethers in high yield with complete regioselectivity. Desilylation in a one-pot procedure provides the corresponding α,α'-disubstituted ketones with high diastereoselectivity.
Report of Discussions by the Environmental Sciences Interest Group

On the afternoon of Thursday, December 14th 1989, a group of participants with an interest or experience in the field of environmental assessment and monitoring were designated by the Organising Committee. The group was charged with the task of discussing and developing conclusions and recommendations concerning the needs of these applications areas for 3-D modelling techniques.
Challenge-response behavioral mobile authentication: a comparative study of graphical patterns and cognitive games

The most researched behavioral biometrics for mobile device authentication involves the use of touch gestures as the user enters a graphical pattern password (like the one used on Android) or otherwise interacts with the device. However, due to the inherent static nature of these schemes, they are vulnerable to impersonation attacks. In this paper, we investigate challenge-response mechanisms to address this security vulnerability underlying the traditional static biometric schemes. We study the performance, security, and usability of two schemes of such challenge-response interactive biometric authentication geared for mobile devices and contrast them to static graphical pattern based biometrics. The first scheme is based on random graphical patterns. The second scheme, recently introduced for PC class of devices (not mobile), is based on a simple cognitive game involving semantic interactive random challenges. Our results show that the accuracy of user identification with these approaches is similar to static pattern based biometric scheme. Finally, we argue that utilizing interactivity and randomization significantly enhance the security against impersonation attacks. As an independent result, our work demonstrates that the use of motion sensors available on mobile device serves to improve the identification accuracy of schemes that only use touch-based gestures (static and interactive).
Handgrip Strength Asymmetry and Weakness May Accelerate Time to Mortality in Aging Americans.

Abstract Objectives Assessing handgrip strength (HGS) asymmetry may provide insights into HGS as a prognostic assessment of strength capacity and vitality. This study sought to determine the associations of HGS asymmetry and weakness on time to mortality in aging Americans. Design Longitudinal panel. Setting Secondary analyses of data from participants aged ≥50 years from the 2006‒2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. Participants The analytic sample included 19,325 Americans who identified hand dominance and had measures of HGS for both hands in a single wave. Measures A handgrip dynamometer was used to measure HGS. Men and women who were considered weak had HGS 1.10 had any HGS asymmetry. Moreover, participants with HGS ratio 1.10 had nondominant HGS asymmetry. The National Death Index and postmortem interviews verified date of death. Covariate-adjusted Cox models were used for analyses. Results Those with any HGS asymmetry had a 1.10 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03‒1.17] higher hazard for mortality, while those with weakness had a 1.44 (CI 1.32‒1.58) higher hazard for mortality. Likewise, participants with dominant HGS asymmetry had a 1.11 (CI 1.03‒1.18) higher hazard for mortality, and those with weakness had a 1.45 (CI 1.32‒1.58) higher hazard for mortality; however, the association was not significant for those with nondominant HGS asymmetry (hazard ratio: 1.07; CI 0.96‒1.18). Conclusions and Implications HGS asymmetry and weakness are markers of impaired strength capacity that independently accelerate time to mortality, but the magnitude of these associations was more prominent for weakness. Nevertheless, assessments of asymmetric HGS are a simple adjunct analysis that may show promise for increasing the prognostic value of handgrip dynamometers.
Ohio safety action teams.

Ambulatory care presents many challenges for implementing a risk management and patient safety program. In addressing a perceived problem about inadequate response to reports in the Kaiser Permanente Ohio Region, interdepartmental Safety Action Teams (SATs) were created and activated in 2005–6. The Kaiser Permanente (KP) Ohio Region includes various locations widely separated through northeast Ohio. Team Lead Registered Nurses, Managers, and Directors are responsible for primary care, specialty care, and other services that are located across the Region rather than in one building. Physicians and allied health professionals practice in more than one location. Practice variations in affiliated hospitals with which the Ohio Permanente Medical Group (OPMG) contracts—only some of which have OPMG Hospitalists—add to the challenges. To improve the process, the SATs mapped the current process and ran Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles to test the new process prior to implementation. Nineteen SATs have been implemented since inception and eleven are completed. In a post-SAT survey, participants showed they knew more about building a reliable process, their job satisfaction increased, patient safety was improved, and the gains were sustained. The plan to continue SATs is felt to have a solid future and is readily transferable to other areas and facilities.
Ligand-enforced intimacy between a gold cation and a carbenium ion: impact on stability and reactivity.

Controlling the reactivity of transition metal complexes by positioning non-innocent functionalities around the catalytic pocket is a concept that has led to significant advances in catalysis. Here we describe our efforts toward the synthesis of dicationic phosphine gold complexes of general formula [(o-Ph2P(C6H4)Carb)Au(tht)]2+ decorated by a carbenium moiety (Carb) positioned in the immediate vicinity of the gold center. While the most acidic examples of such compounds have limited stability, the dicationic complexes with Carb+ = 9-N-methylacridinium and Carb+ = [C(ArN)2]+ (ArN = p-(C6H4)NMe2) are active as catalysts for the cycloisomerization of N-propargyl-4-fluorobenzamide, a substrate chosen to benchmark reactivity. The dicationic complex [(o-Ph2P(C6H4)C(ArN)2)Au(tht)]2+, which also promotes hydroarylation and enyne cyclization reactions, displays a higher catalytic activity than its acridinium analog, indicating that the electrophilic reactivity of these complexes scales with the Lewis acidity of the carbenium moiety. These results support the role of the carbenium unit as a non-innocent functionality which can readily enhance the activity of the adjacent metal center. Finally, we also describe our efforts toward the generation and isolation of free γ-cationic phosphines of general formula [(o-Ph2P(C6H4)Carb)]+. While cyclization into phosphonium species is observed for Carb+ = [C(ArN)2]+, [C(Ph)(ArN)]+, and 9-xanthylium, [(o-Ph2P(C6H4)-9-N-methylacridinium)]+ can be isolated as an air stable, biphilic derivative with uncompromised Lewis acidic and basic properties.
Muslim Women and White Femininity: Reenactment and Resistance

Dr. Haneen Shafeeq Ghabra’s book Muslim Women and White Femininity: Reenactment and Resistance offers an account of myriad ways in which Muslim feminists navigate the contentious terrain of resisti...
How to Teach Recursion: A Formula to Transform an Iterative-Based to a Recursive-Based Method

Recursion is one of the essential concepts in computer programming courses and one of the most challenging ideas to deliver in the fundamentals of computer programming courses effectively. Although several previous approaches aid students identify base and recursive cases when they write recursive-based methods, no algorithm has been proposed to help students understand the translation process between iterative to recursive. We proposed a teaching technique that allows students to translate components from loop-based programming to a recursive one.
The impact of multi-session testing on panelist engagement measured by the engagement Questionnaire (EQ)

Abstract Consumer engagement during sensory testing can be influenced by multiple factors. This study sought to determine the impact multi-session sensory and consumer testing has on panelist engagement. To measure engagement, the Engagement Questionnaire (EQ) was included in a three-week repeated session sensory test. Participants in the study evaluated 11 different whole wheat breads over the course of three weeks. At the end of each testing session subjects completed the ten-item EQ. Of the three factor scores, panelists reported high levels of both active involvement and affective value over weeks one and two, but each factor score dropped significantly after the third testing session. Purposeful intent remained high throughout the entire testing series indicating participants remained dedicated to the evaluation even though they no longer enjoyed it. Overall, the EQ exposed a dramatic shift in panelist engagement during a multi-day testing series. This valuable insight should be considered as a possible negative consequence for future consumer evaluations consisting of three or more evaluation sessions.
A Machine Learning Based Study to Predict Depression with Monitoring Actigraph Watch Data

The consequences of depression are breathtaking these days. The suicidal tendency, as well as other fatigues, depression has almost soaked the world. A detection system can combat such consequences early. Motor activity sensor values carry out an individual's daily routine activities that can somewhat signify momentary changes in behavior. A consolidation of these motor sensor data with other demographic, clinical data can be very convenient in terms of depression detection. The combination of motor sensor reads as well as demographic data has been obligated in this study with machine learning approaches, namely Random Forest(RF), AdaBoost, and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), achieving accuracy and Fl-score of 98% in both cases. The Cohen's kappa coefficient and Matthew's correlation coefficient are 0.96 in both factors.
Targeted RNA editing: novel tools to study post-transcriptional regulation

RNA binding proteins (RBPs) regulate nearly all post-transcriptional processes within cells. To fully understand RBP function, it is essential to identify their in vivo targets. Standard techniques for profiling RBP targets, such as crosslinking immunoprecipitation (CLIP) and its variants, are limited or suboptimal in some situations, e.g. when compatible antibodies are not available and when dealing with small cell populations such as neuronal subtypes and primary stem cells. This review summarizes and compares several genetic approaches recently designed to identify RBP targets in such circumstances. TRIBE (targets of RNA binding proteins identified by editing), RNA tagging, and STAMP (surveying targets by APOBEC-mediated profiling) are new genetic tools useful for the study of post-transcriptional regulation and RBP identification. We describe the underlying RNA base editing technology, recent applications, and therapeutic implications.
Return of the Banana Knife: An Alternative Instrument for Laparoscopic Pyloromyotomy.

Background: When the disposable arthroscopic banana knife (Linvatec, Largo, FL) became unavailable, many pediatric surgeons adapted the use of spatula tip cautery for laparoscopic pyloromyotomy; ho...
Recent Advances in the Field of High Affinity IgE Receptors: the Connection to Signal Transduction

Mast cells and some other cell types bear on their surface receptors which bind antibodies of the immunoglobulin E class (IgE) with high affinity and specificity. The binding of IgE itself to the receptor does not activate mast cells, however, crosslinking of receptor-bound IgE by multimeric antigen leads to biochemical signals including activation of phospholipase C-γl (PLC-γl), an increase in intracellular calcium levels and ultimately the release of mediators of allergic reactions such as histamine. The high affinity IgE-receptor (FcERI) is a tetramer of transmembrane proteins and consists of one IgE-binding a chain, one β chain and two identical disulfide-linked γ chains. In the previous volume of this series (Kinet et al. 1989) we have reviewed the structure, cloning, and expression of this receptor. In this presentation we will review recent advances of our knowledge of the connection of this receptor to signal transduction.
Association between cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity and baseline cerebral perfusion of the hippocampus

A failure to control perfusion pressure due to impaired baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) could potentially cause chronic brain hypoperfusion, leading to cognitive dysfunction. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether BRS was associated with regional cerebral blood flow as measured by MRI arterial spin labeling (ASL) technique. Baroreflex sensitivity was measured using the Valsalva maneuver technique in 52 middle-aged normotensive adults (49 ± 1 years), and phase IV of the Valsalva maneuver was used for analyses. Cerebral perfusion was measured using the ASL MRI technique in 10 pre-determined brain regions of interest. Hippocampal perfusion was correlated with BRS (R 2 = 0.17, P = 0.01). No association was observed between BRS and cerebral perfusion in the other brain regions of interest. Partial correlational analyses revealed that BRS was an important predictor of hippocampal perfusion, explaining 11 % of the variability independent of other covariates. When participants were divided into tertiles of BRS (11.8 ± 1.9 and 3.5 ± 0.1 ms/mmHg for the highest and lowest tertiles), regional cerebral perfusion of the hippocampus was significantly lower in the lowest BRS tertile than in the highest tertile (39.1 ± 4.3 and 60.5 ± 8.4 ml/100 g/min). Baroreflex sensitivity in midlife is positively associated with regional cerebral perfusion of the hippocampus, and impaired BRS appears to be related to brain hypoperfusion even in apparently healthy middle-aged adults. Future longitudinal studies based on the present cross-sectional findings may help to further define the relationship between BRS to cognitive dysfunction.
Consumption of Carotenoid-Rich Foods and Central Vision Loss

Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore the association between consumption of carotenoid-rich foods and risk of central vision loss in 168 rural elders. Food consumption was estimated using a food frequency questionnaire. Median servings per week were used as the cut points for consumption levels. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by using discordant pairs. High consumption of corn bread indicated significant association with central vision loss (OR 0.4; 95% CI 0.2, 0.9). Insignificant inverse associations were observed for seven other foods and the summary index of all selected foods. Prospective studies are needed to further evaluate the potential protective influence of carotenoidrich foods on central vision loss among older adults.
Promoting mammography: results of a randomized trial of telephone counseling and a medical practice intervention.

Abstract Background: Despite widespread promotion of mammography screening, a distinct minority of women have remained underusers of this effective preventive measure. We sought to measure the effects of barrier-specific telephone counseling (BSTC) and a physician-based educational intervention (MD-ED) on mammography utilization among underusers of mammography screening. Design: This was a randomized controlled trial. Women meeting criteria for mammography underuse at baseline (grouped by practice affiliation) were randomized to a reminder control condition (RC group received annual mailed reminders), BSTC or MD-ED interventions and followed for 3 years. Underuse was defined by failure to get two annual or biannual mammograms over a 2- to 4-year period prior to a baseline survey. Participants and Setting: The study included 1655 female underusers of mammography aged 50–80 years who were members of two health maintenance organizations (HMO) in central Massachusetts. Interventions: BSTC consisted of periodic brief, scripted calls from trained counselors to women who had not had a mammogram in the preceding 15 months. Women could receive up to three annual calls during the study. MD-ED consisted of physician and office staff trainings aimed at improving counseling skills and office reminder systems. Main Outcome Measure: Self-report of mammography use during the study period was the main outcome measure. Regular use was defined as ≥1 mammogram every 24 months. Results: Forty-four percent in each intervention group became regular users compared to 42% in the RC group. Among subjects who had prior but not recent mammograms at baseline, BSTC was effective (OR=1.48; 95% CI=1.04; 2.10), and MD-ED marginally effective (OR=1.28; 95% CI=0.88, 1.85). Most recent users at baseline and few never users became regular users (61% and 17%, respectively) regardless of intervention status. Conclusions: Among mammography underusers BSTC modestly increases utilization for former users at a reasonable cost ($726 per additional regular user).
DENATURATION AND RENATURATION OF MALIC DEHYDROGENASE IN A CELL-FREE EXTRACT FROM A MARINE PSYCHROPHILE

Burton, Sheril D. (Oregon State University, Corvallis), and Richard Y. Morita. Denaturation and renaturation of malic dehydrogenase in a cell-free extract from a marine psychrophile. J. Bacteriol. 86:1019–1024. 1963.—Malic dehydrogenase from a marine psychrophilic vibrio (PS 207) was found to be heat-sensitive at 30 C, the maximal growth temperature for the organism. Initial denaturation was reversible, with maximal renaturation occurring when the denatured enzyme was slowly cooled in the presence of mercaptoethanol, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, and malate. No renaturation occurred when these compounds were added after slow cooling, or when the renaturation mixture was rapidly cooled. Mercaptoethylamine, cysteine, glutathione, or mercaptoacetic acid could not replace mercaptoethanol. The kinetics of denaturation and renaturation suggest the presence of several malic isozymes each with different heat labilities, or that these processes are occurring in several distinct steps.
Aerodynamic Shape Optimization of an Adaptive Morphing Trailing-Edge Wing

Adaptive morphing trailing-edge wings have the potential to reduce the fuel burn of transport aircraft. However, to take full advantage of this technology and to quantify its benefits, design studies are required. To address this need, the aerodynamic performance benefits of a morphing trailing-edge wing are quantified using aerodynamic design optimization. The aerodynamic model solves the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations with a Spalart–Allmaras turbulence model. A gradient-based optimization algorithm is used in conjunction with an adjoint method that computes the required derivatives. The baseline geometry is optimized using a multipoint formulation and 192 shape design variables. The average drag coefficient is minimized subject to lift, pitching moment, geometric constraints, and a 2.5g maneuver bending moment constraint. The trailing edge of the wing is optimized based on the multipoint optimized wing. The trailing-edge morphing is parameterized using 90 design variables that are optimized i...
Incorporating NY Land Banks into the Delinquent Property Tax Enforcement Processes

This article argues that New York municipalities should integrate land banks into the tax enforcement process to break the unhealthy cycle perpetuated by real estate and lien speculators. By transferring all tax liens and foreclosed properties to local land banks, municipalities can generate an important funding source that will help cover land banks' operations while simultaneously maximizing land banks' ability to reinvest lien proceeds and equity into redeveloping or demolishing properties with little or no value. If New York municipalities use their Land Bank Act powers fully, local and regional land bank efforts can become a vital tools for planning and implementing community revitalization programs.
Inheritance of field-relevant resistance to the Bacillus thuringiensis protein Cry1Ac in Pectinophora gossypiella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) collected from India.

BACKGROUND The inheritance and phenotypic expression of resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac insecticidal protein were studied in selected populations of pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders), that were collected from Bollgard cotton in India. The individual populations in the pool were Cry1Ac resistant and sourced from Cry1Ac-containing Bt cotton (Bollgard) hybrids in 2010. RESULTS Laboratory selection on diet with 1.0 µg Cry1Ac protein mL−1 increased the percentage reaching at least third instar from 7% in the F3 generation to 94% in the F15 generation, a 257-fold increase in median lethal concentration relative to the susceptible strain. Analysis of reciprocal genetic crosses between the Cry1Ac-resistant strain NKJ and a susceptible laboratory strain MRC showed a dominance of 0.22, indicating that the inheritance of Cry1Ac resistance is partially recessive at Cry1Ac concentrations comparable with those in Bollgard. Analyses of backcrosses of F1 hybrid moths with NKJ and MRC indicated that resistance is autosomal. The Cry1Ac-resistant strain exhibited little or no cross-resistance to the Cry2Ab2 protein. CONCLUSION This is the first study of the dominance of Cry1Ac field resistance in P. gossypiella. The results provide the basis for refining resistance management strategies for Bt cotton. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Kinetic analysis for multiple substrate interaction at the active site of cytochrome P450.

Publisher Summary Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) are a superfamily of enzymes that play a prominent role in the metabolism of a vast array of drugs and xenobiotics. Cytochrome P450 isoforms possess an identical prosthetic group but different apoprotein structures that are responsible for the broad and overlapping substrate specificities. When two molecules coexist within the active site, some interactions may occur because of steric, electronic, and/or allosteric effects, leading to an alteration of kinetic properties from that of singly bound complexes. Therefore, appropriate kinetic models for unusual kinetics need to be developed according to the observed changes in apparent kinetic constants, to adequately fit experimental data and yield accurate estimates of kinetic parameters. Multiple binding site-mediated kinetics, involving CYP3A4, include mainly sigmoidicity or substrate activation partial inhibition, substrate inhibition, activation, and differential kinetics. In addition to CYP3A4, CYP2C9 and CYP1A2 contain two binding domains at the active site and to exhibit unusual kinetics.
Role of gelsolin in the actin filament regulation of cardiac L-type calcium channels.

The actin cytoskeleton is an important contributor to the modulation of the cell function. However, little is known about the regulatory role of this supermolecular structure in the membrane events...
Mixed Integer Programming and Heuristic Scheduling for Space Communication Networks

We developed framework and the mathematical formulation for optimizing communication network using mixed integer programming. The design yields a system that is much smaller, in search space size, when compared to the earlier approach. Our constrained network optimization takes into account the dynamics of link performance within the network along with mission and operation requirements. A unique penalty function is introduced to transform the mixed integer programming into the more manageable problem of searching in a continuous space. The constrained optimization problem was proposed to solve in two stages: first using the heuristic Particle Swarming Optimization algorithm to get a good initial starting point, and then feeding the result into the Sequential Quadratic Programming algorithm to achieve the final optimal schedule. We demonstrate the above planning and scheduling methodology with a scenario of 20 spacecraft and 3 ground stations of a Deep Space Network site. Our approach and framework have been simple and flexible so that problems with larger number of constraints and network can be easily adapted and solved.
Representation and support generation in fuzzy relational databases

It is pointed out that standard relational database management systems are incapable of representing and manipulating the imprecise, incomplete, and vague information that is typically encountered in complex problem domains. Fuzzy relational databases have been developed to increase the flexibility in the representation of domain information. The different models of fuzzy relations and their roles in the framework of fuzzy relational database management systems are reviewed. The applicability of fuzzy relational database techniques as a methodology for approximate reasoning is examined. Many similarities exist in the processes that are used for fuzzy relational operations and those of approximate reasoning; however, the goals are often different. In fuzzy relational database theory, the objective is measuring similarity. For approximate reasoning, the objective is determining maximal compatibility. Several classes of similarity measures are examined to determine their appropriateness as compatibility measures in approximate reasoning. >
Triennial Growth Symposium: a review of science leading to host-targeted antibody strategies for preventing growth depression due to microbial colonization

In this review, the science used to develop host-targeted therapies for improving animal growth and feed efficiency is presented. In contrast to targeting the microbiota of the host, endogenous host proteins are targeted to regulate an overactive inflammatory response in the host. Activation of the immune/inflammatory systems of an animal is costly in terms of growth and feed efficiency. For example, reduced rates of BW gain and poorer feed efficiency in vaccinated animals compared with nonvaccinated animals have been well documented. Also, the growth rate and feed efficiency of animals colonized by microorganisms is only 80 to 90% of their germ-free counterparts. Further evidence of a cost associated with immune activation is that strategies that enhance the immune capability of an animal can reduce animal growth and feed efficiency. Research now indicates that the growth-promoting effects of antibiotics are indirect, and more likely the result of reduced immune activation due to decreased microbial exposure. Studies of mechanisms by which immune/inflammatory activation reduces animal growth and feed efficiency have shown that cytokines of the acute inflammatory response (i.e., IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor α) are key triggers for host muscle wasting. Cytokine-induced muscle wasting is linked to PG signaling pathways, and it has been proposed that regulation of the PG signaling pathways provide host targets for preventing an overreactive or unwarranted inflammatory event. Intestinal secretory phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)) has been found to be a useful and accessible (i.e., found in the intestinal lumen) host target for the regulation of an overreactive inflammatory response to conventional environments. This review presents the science and strategy for the regulation of intestinal sPLA(2) using orally administered egg yolk antibody against the enzyme. Clinically healthy animals fed egg antibodies to sPLA(2) had improved growth and feed efficiency. Literature presented indicates that use of host-targeted strategies for regulating the overexpression of inflammatory processes in an animal may provide new mechanisms to improve animal growth and feed efficiency.
Theory of optimum shapes in free-surface flows. Part 2. Minimum drag profiles in infinite cavity flow

The problem considered here is to determine the shape of a symmetric two-dimensional plate so that the drag of this plate in infinite cavity flow is a minimum. With the flow assumed steady and irrotational, and the effects due to gravity ignored, the drag of the plate is minimized under the constraints that the frontal width and wetted arc-length of the plate are fixed. The extremization process yields, by analogy with the classical Euler differential equation, a pair of coupled nonlinear singular integral equations. Although analytical and numerical attempts to solve these equations prove to be unsuccessful, it is shown that the optimal plate shapes must have blunt noses. This problem is next formulated by a method using finite Fourier series expansions, and optimal shapes are obtained for various ratios of plate arc-length to plate width.
Head movement: A novel serotonin-sensitive behavioral endpoint for tail suspension test analysis

The tail suspension test (TST) as an antidepressant and depression-related behavior screen, has many advantages over the forced swim test (FST) in terms of procedural simplicity and consistent SSRI response. However, the FST has traditionally offered more specific neuromodulatory information by differentiating between serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine sensitive behavior categories. Head movement is a newly characterized behavior endpoint in the FST and TST with a selective 5-HT sensitivity. In this investigation, we show that the baseline and drug response profile of head movement previously found in the 129S6 strain of mice (Lockridge et al., 2010) is reproducible in the C57 strain. Head movement is inversely correlated to FST swimming and elevated in the TST by SSRI administration. The use of a weighted bin sample analysis method differentiates TST behaviors into fluoxetine-responsive head movement and desipramine-responsive struggling. The use of 5-HT subtype receptor agonists, after depleting endogenous 5-HT with pCPA, shows the head movement suppressing effect of 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C postsynaptic receptor activation. 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B agonists were ineffective. We propose that a head movement focused analysis can add sensitive and reliable 5-HT detection capability to mouse TST testing with minimal effort but significant reward.
Dealing with disparate audiences in computer science courses using a project group within a traditional class

A frequent problem in advanced computer science courses is having students enrolled in a single class whose backgrounds range from upper division students with significant work experience to sophomores who have completed only a few computer science courses. This paper proposes a solution to this problem by combining a research project for those advanced students within a traditional course for the remaining enrollees. Although the specific course dealt with in this instance is data communications, it is believed that the model proposed is transportable to other advanced courses in computer science which have students with varied backgrounds.
Synergistic Catalysis between Pd and Fe in Gas Phase Hydrodeoxygenation of m-Cresol

In this work, a series of Pd/Fe2O3 catalysts were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of m-cresol. It was found that the addition of Pd remarkably promotes the catalytic activity of Fe while the product distributions resemble that of monometallic Fe catalyst, showing high selectivity toward the production of toluene (C–O cleavage without saturation of aromatic ring and C–C cleavage). Reduced catalysts featured with Pd patches on the top of reduced Fe nanoparticle surface, and the interaction between Pd and Fe, was further confirmed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and X-ray absorption near edge fine structure (XANES). A possible mechanism, including Pd assisted H2 dissociation and Pd facilitated stabilization of the metallic Fe surface as well as Pd enhanced product desorption, is proposed to be responsible for the high activity and HDO selectivity in Pd–Fe catalysts. The synergic catalysis derived from P...
Isolation and Characterization of a Drought Inducible blt101 Homologous Gene from Rice

A novel cDNA from rice (Oryza sativa) subjected to a progressive drought stress was isolated and characterized. DNA polymorphisms were detected between drought-stressed and control rice plant using differential display. Subsequently, using the partial cDNA as probe, a full-length cDNA, designated as R1G1B, was isolated from the cDNA library constructed using the pooled cDNA from rice leaves with different levels of relative water content (RWC). Northern blot analysis demonstrated that the R1G1Btranscript accumulated to a high level in rice leaves under mild drought conditions. Furthermore, at the DNA sequence level, the R1G1B showed a significant similarity to a family of blt101- homologous small proteins inducible in plants by chillingl low temperature, salt and drought stresses and was located on chromosome 5.
The effect of protein synthesis inhibition on the adenosinetriphosphatase histochemical reaction in the parotid gland acini of rabbit and rat.

Abstract The effect of short-term protein synthesis inhibition produced by the administration of a single injection of actinomycin D and of long-term inhibition induced by hypophysectomy, on the ATPase histochemical staining of the rabbit and rat parotid acinar secretory capillaries was studied and was found to cause almost a total abolition of that reaction.
Radio-frequency dielectric relaxation in KH2PO4 and some isomorphic arsenates

Abstract Measurements of the dielectric response in the 5–80 MHz range are reported for KH2PO4, KH2AsO4 and CsH2AsO4 at temperatures close to their ferroelectric transition. The results reveal a dielectric loss mechanism in the paraelectric phase of CsH2AsO4 and a pronounced Debye relaxation process in the ferroelectric phase close to the transition temperature for all three materials.
In vitro mineralization studies with substrate-immobilized bone morphogenetic protein peptides.

Abstract Understanding the factors that control osteoblastic behavior is centrally important in establishment of successful osseointegration. Pharmacogenetic control of the osteoblast to increase t...
Responses of microbial populations in the rhizosphere to deposition of simulated acidic rain onto foliage and/or soil.

Abstract Air pollutants or some chemicals applied to plant foliage can alter the ecology of the rhizosphere. Experiments were conducted to distinguish among possible foliage-mediated versus soil- or root-mediated effects of acid deposition on microorganism in the rhizosphere. Seedlings of a sorghum × sudangrass hybrid in pots of non-sterile soil-sand mix in a greenhouse were exposed to simulated rain solution adjusted with H 2 SO 4 + HNO 3 to pH 4·9, 4·2, 3·5 or 2·8. Solutions were applied as simulated rain to foliage and soil, foliage only (soil covered by plastic, and deionized water applied directly to the soil), or soil only (solution applied directly to the soil). Solutions were applied on 16 days during a 6-week period (1·5 cm deposition in 1 h per application). Plant shoot and root dry weights and population densities of selected types of bacteria, filamentous actinomycetes and fungi in the rhizosphere were quantified after exposures were completed. Deposition of simulated acidic rain onto foliage alone had no effect on plant biomass or microbial population densities in the rhizosphere (colony-forming units per gram of rhizosphere soil). However, plant growth was stimulated and all microbial populations in the rhizosphere increased 3- to 8-fold with increased solution acidity (relative to pH 4·9 solution) when solution penetrated the soil. Statistical analyses indicated that the acid dose-population response relationships for soil-only and foliage-and-soil applications were not different. Thus, no foliage-mediated effect of simulated acidic rain on rhizosphere ecology was detected.
Grand unified strings and galaxy formation

The possibility that topologically stable strings formed at a grand unification phase transition led to galaxy formation is discussed. A large class of solutions describing non-self-intersecting loops is presented. The gravitational field and power radiated from a simple class of oscillating configurations of string is calculated, and the possibility of its detection discussed. Unique features of the string scenario are emphasized.
Dynamically discovering architectures with DiscoTect

One of the challenges for software architects is ensuring that an implemented system faithfully represents its architecture. We describe and demonstrate a tool, called DiscoTect, that addresses this challenge by dynamically monitoring a running system and deriving the software architecture as that system runs. The derivation process is based on mappings that relate low level system-level events to higher-level architectural events. The resulting architecture is then fed into existing architectural design tools so that comparisons can be conducted with the design time architecture and architectural analyses can be re-run to ensure that they are still valid. In addition to the demonstration, we briefly describe the mapping language and formal definition of the language in terms of Colored Petri Nets.
“Role” as an Interactional Device

This paper reports on an aspect of the social organization of interaction, namely, the use by interactants of the concept “role.” In contrast with traditional social scientific uses of the concept as an explanatory resource in the analysis of social action, I propose that interactants use this concept to make sense of—as well as accomplish— actions and activities in the social world. Analysis of segments of conversation taken from videotapes of the Iran-Contra Congressional hearings demonstrate this as well as the more general point that description is a form of social action.
A Preliminary Investigation of the Dynamic Stability of Flexible Manipulators Performing Repetitive Tasks

The governing equations of motion for the compliant coordinates describing a flexible manipulator performing repetitive tasks contain parametric excitation terms. The stability of the zero solution to these equations is investigated using Floquet theory. Analytical and numerical results are presented for a two-degree-of-freedom model of a manipulator with one prismatic joint and one revolute joint.