cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dipeptide repeat proteins inhibit homology-directed DNA double strand break repair in C9ORF72 ALS/FTD

The C9ORF72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion is the most common known genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), two fatal age-related neurodegenerative diseases. The C9ORF72 expansion encodes five dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs) that are produced through a non-canonical translation mechanism. Among the DPRs, proline-arginine (PR), glycine-arginine (GR), and glycine-alanine (GA) are the most neurotoxic and increase the frequency of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). While the accumulation of these genotoxic lesions is increasingly recognized as a feature of disease, the mechanism(s) of DPR-mediated DNA damage are ill-defined and the effect of DPRs on the efficiency of each DNA DSB repair pathways has not been previously evaluated. Using DNA DSB repair assays, we evaluated the efficiency of specific repair pathways, and found that PR, GR and GA decrease the efficiency of non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), single strand annealing (SSA), and microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ), but not homologous recombination (HR). We found that PR inhibits DNA DSB repair, in part, by binding to the nucleolar protein nucleophosmin (NPM1). Depletion of NPM1 inhibited NHEJ and SSA, suggesting that NPM1 loss-of-function in PR expressing cells leads to impediments of both non-homologous and homology-directed DNA DSB repair pathways. By deleting NPM1 sub-cellular localization signals, we found that PR binds NPM1 regardless of the cellular compartment to which NPM1 was directed. Deletion of the NPM1 acidic loop motif, known to engage other arginine-rich proteins, abrogated PR and NPM1 binding. Using confocal and super-resolution immunofluorescence microscopy, we found that levels of RAD52, a component of the SSA repair machinery, were significantly increased iPSC neurons relative to isogenic controls in which the C9ORF72 expansion had been deleted using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Western analysis of post-mortem brain tissues confirmed that RAD52 immunoreactivity is significantly increased in C9ALS/FTD samples as compared to controls. Collectively, we characterized the inhibitory effects of DPRs on key DNA DSB repair pathways, identified NPM1 as a facilitator of DNA repair that is inhibited by PR, and revealed deficits in homology-directed DNA DSB repair pathways as a novel feature of C9ORF72-related disease.
Fast Vector Oblivious Linear Evaluation from Ring Learning with Errors

Oblivious linear evaluation (OLE) is a fundamental building block in multi-party computation protocols. In OLE, a sender holds a description of an affine function $f_α,β (z)=α z+β$, the receiver holds an input x, and gets α x+β$ (where all computations are done over some field, or more generally, a ring). Vector OLE (VOLE) is a generalization where the sender has many affine functions and the receiver learns the evaluation of all of these functions on a single point x. The state-of-the-art semi-honest VOLE protocols generally fall into two groups. The first group relies on standard assumptions to achieve security but lacks in concrete efficiency. These constructions are mostly based on additively homomorphic encryption (AHE) and are classified as "folklore". The second group relies on less standard assumptions, usually properties of sparse, random linear codes, but they manage to achieve concrete practical efficiency. In this work, we present a conceptually simple VOLE protocol that derives its security from a standard assumption, namely Ring Learning with Errors (RLWE), while still achieving concrete efficiency comparable to the fastest VOLE protocols from non-standard coding assumptions~\citeADI+17, BCGI18, SGRR19. Furthermore, our protocol admits a natural extension to batch OLE (BOLE), which is yet another variant of OLE that computes many OLEs in parallel.
Non-linearity in engineered lead magnesium niobate (PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3) thin films

The local compositional heterogeneity associated with the lack of long-range ordering of Mg2+ and Nb5+ in PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3 (PMN) is correlated with its characteristic “relaxor” ferroelectric behavior. Earlier work [Shetty et al., Adv. Funct. Mater. 29, 1804258 (2019)] examined the relaxor behavior in PMN thin films grown at temperatures below 1073 K by artificially reducing the degree of disorder via synthesis of heterostructures with alternate layers of Pb(Mg2/3Nb1/3)O3 and PbNbO3, as suggested by the “random-site model.” This work confirmed the development of ferroelectric domains below 150 K in long-range-ordered films, epitaxially grown on (111) SrTiO3 substrates using alternate target timed pulsed-laser deposition of Pb(Mg2/3Nb1/3)O3 and PbNbO3 targets with 20% excess Pb. In this work, the first through third-harmonic dielectric charge displacement densities and complex dielectric susceptibilities were analyzed as a function of temperature and frequency in zero-field-cooled PMN films with short- and long-range ordering. The long-range ordering decreased the dispersion in the first- and third-harmonic dielectric charge displacement densities relative to short-range-ordered films. It was found that the one-dimensional ordering achieved in the long-range-ordered film is insufficient to achieve a fully normal ferroelectric state. In the presence of quenched random electric fields, these films require a small ac field to facilitate percolation of the polar nano-regions, enabling normal ferroelectric-like behavior at lower temperature (T < 240 K). The films behave like a typical relaxor near room temperature. With reduced ordering, the short-range films exhibit greater dispersion in linear and higher order harmonic dielectric charge displacement density.
Reciprocity in Shadow Bank Lending: Evidence from the Cross-Holding Relation in Money Market Funds

This paper documents a reciprocal cross-holding relation (CHR) between financial conglomerates: banks mutually hold each other's money market instruments through their affiliated money market funds (MMFs). Using novel MMF holdings data, this study shows that U.S. banks increased their MMFs' portfolio weights on bilateral-connected European financial firms after Moody's review of European banks in mid-2011---a unique period in which MMFs generally reduced their exposure to European issuers to avoid further redemptions. I provide evidence that this bias represents reciprocity between the bilaterally connected financial firms. In return, during the same period, European financial firms held larger shares of risky securities issued by their bilaterally connected U.S. partners through their affiliated MMFs. Issuer- or fund-characteristics do not fully explain the results.
The association between alcohol use, all‐cause, and cardiovascular disease‐related hospitalizations or death in older, high‐risk Veterans

Background The prevalence of alcohol misuse among older adults has dramatically grown in the past decade, yet little is known about the association between alcohol misuse and hospitalization and death in this patient population. Methods We examined the association between alcohol use (measured by a screening instrument in primary care) and 6-month hospitalization or death (all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related) via electronic health records (EHR) in a nationally representative sample of older, high-risk Veterans. Models were adjusted for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, including frailty and comorbid conditions. Results The all-cause hospitalization or death rate at 6 months was 14.9%, and the CVD-related hospitalization or death rate was 1.8%. In adjusted analyses, all-cause hospitalization or death was higher in older Veterans that were non-drinkers or harmful use drinkers compared to moderate use drinkers, but CVD-related hospitalization or death was similar in all categories of drinking. Conclusions These findings suggest that the complex association between alcohol and all-cause acute care utilization found in the broader population is similar in older, high-risk Veteran patients. These findings did not support any association between alcohol and CVD-specific hospitalizations.
Sight for All United: Five Year Impact of a Vision Foundation on its Community

Background: In 2016, Sight for All United (SFAU) was founded in the Mahoning Valley of Ohio with the mission of improving access to care and maximizing the visual potential of the underserved. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients served by SFAU from January 2016 through August 2020. Socioeconomic information, type of service, cost, and dollar amount paid were collected for patients. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and mapped with Esri ArcGIS. Results: A total of 1327 patients received assistance through the medical assistance and school vision programs. In the medical assistance program, 222 patients (mean age 50 years, 57% female) completed applications and 37% (83 patients) were in a household of 3 or more people. Median yearly income was $18 504, 134% above the federal poverty level by household size. The most common surgical services were cataract surgery (101) and vitreoretinal care (17). The most common medical services were eye exams (79) and spectacles (76). Estimated value of medical services provided was $367 249; actual cost was $93 746. The school vision program provided 1105 eye exams, 1514 pairs of spectacles, and 1 cataract surgery with an estimated value of $133 692. Conclusion: Sight for All United provided $500 941 of vision services to its patients since 2016 while dispersing less than $100 000 of donated dollars through collaboration with eye care providers, community resources, and national foun-dations. This study demonstrates the impact vision foundations managed by local eye care providers can have on the needs in their community in a cost-effective and efficient way.
Universality and cellular automata

The classification of discrete dynamical systems that are computationally complete has recently drawn attention in light of Wolfram's “Principle of Computational Equivalence”. We discuss a classification for cellular automata that is based on computably enumerable degrees. In this setting the full structure of the semilattice of the c.e. degrees is inherited by the cellular automata.
New methods for real-time signal and image recognition

This paper deals with real-time image and signal recognition based on the discrete Fourier preprocessing transform(DFPT's). The methods proposed drastically decrease the time of computation and cost of implementation while they also increase the quality of recognition in the presence of noise. Both software and hardware issues for the real-time implementation of the recognition tasks are handled with the DFPT methods.DFPT is a very simple transform, whose matrix elements consists only of combinations of ±1, 0, ±j, and/or powers of √2 (powers of 2 only are possible if so required). It is the preprocessing part of the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) in the two-stage representation of DFT.DFPT is mainly utilized for the purpose of feature extraction followed by a classification algorithm. In all the experiments carried out so far in shape recognition, signal recognition and image recognition, DFPT performed better than DFT in terms of classification accuracy. Since its computation involves only elementary operations, it is much simpler, and thereby considerably faster and easier to implement in VLSI and electro-optical architectures as well as in microprocessors than DFT.
Core specialization, forecast accuracy, and the market for international analysts

We investigate the relation between core specialization, earnings forecast accuracy, and the employment prospects of international equity analysts over the period 1996-2002. Specifically, we address the following issues: (1) Are analyst earnings forecasts more accurate for core stocks than for non-core stocks? (2) How is an analyst's forecast accuracy for core stocks affected by the inclusion of non-core stocks in her research portfolio? (3) Is there a relation between the size of the core and an analyst's overall accuracy, accuracy in core stocks, and accuracy in non-core stocks? (4) Does the market for analysts draw a distinction between performance in the core and non-core in making the job promotion (separation) decision? Seeking answers to these questions is important because the manner in which analyst research coverage is organized by brokerages has implications for the efficiency of information production in the economy. Our analysis suggests that forecast accuracy varies systematically across components of analysts' research portfolios, and some of this variation is attributable to the manner in which analysts are evaluated by the market for international analysts. Analysts who diversify their portfolios benefit from information spillovers that flow from core to non-core stocks, and may enjoy economies of scale in information production in the coverage of core stocks. Our evidence is also consistent with analysts focusing their coverage on the country-sector for which they have the greatest aptitude in researching stocks. Due to these influences, analysts produce the most accurate forecast when their portfolios are slightly diversified. While the extant literature focuses on the determinants of overall forecast accuracy, the novel aspect of our study is that it examines how forecast accuracy varies across components of analysts' research portfolios.
The Role of Teacher Training in Cognitive Strategy Instruction to Improve Math Problem Solving

The purpose of this article is to offer teacher training and professional development recommendations in mathematics based on the findings of a federally funded 3-year intervention study that improved the problem solving of middle school students with a focus on students with learning disabilities. Over the 3-year project, 29 seventh and eighth grade teachers implemented a problem-solving intervention based on cognitive strategy instruction. Though the intervention was successful in improving students’ problem-solving performance, several issues related to teaching effectiveness and teacher training came to light. The article will: (1) describe the intervention and its implementation, (2) present the findings of the study, and (3) discuss the issues of effectiveness and possible solutions via teacher education and professional development.
Exploration Of The Relationship Between LMX And Demographic Variables

This study of 143 participants from an international company examined the relationship between LMX and demographic variables. LMX results represent the quality of the dyadic relationship between leader and follower. Demographic variables included age, gender, education and organizational tenure. Study results suggest significant findings between education and LMX results at the follower level.
Investigations by INAA for the Development of Natural Matrix Standard Reference Materials® (SRMs) Suitable for Small Sample Analysis

Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) procedures were optimized for the analysis of small (1 mg) solid samples. This process included sample handling as well as detailed evaluation of high rate counting techniques, also in conjunction with rapidly decaying sources, to establish the necessary analysis environment for the determination of large numbers of samples with high reproducibility. The investigated materials included biological materials such as peach leaves (SRM 1547), lichen, and bovine liver, as well as environmental materials such as urban particulate matter (SRM 1648), and deep ocean sediment. The analytical data obtained with the INAA procedures were used to determine homogeneity values.
Coupled oscillators account for the slow rhythms in sympathetic nerve discharge and phrenic nerve activity

Phase-locked slow rhythms in sympathetic nerve discharge (SND) and phrenic nerve activity (PNA) are generally thought to arise from a common brain stem "cardiorespiratory" oscillator. The results obtained in vagotomized and baroreceptor-denervated cats anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium do not support this view. First, partial coherence analysis revealed that the discharges of pairs of sympathetic nerves remained correlated at the frequency of the central respiratory cycle after mathematical removal of the portion of these signals common to PNA. The residual coherence suggests that the slow rhythm in SND is dependent on central mechanisms in addition to those responsible for rhythmic PNA. Second, the rhythms in SND and PNA became coupled in a 2:1 relationship during either moderate systemic hypocapnia or hypercapnia. Third, the slow rhythm in SND was maintained when rhythmic PNA was eliminated during extreme hypocapnia. Fourth, during extreme hypercapnia, coherence of the rhythms in SND and PNA was drastically reduced. These results suggest that the slow rhythms in SND and PNA arise from separate oscillators that are normally coupled.
Clinical features and diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease

This paper briefly summarizes current knowledge of Hodgkin's disease, based on a review of the voluminous recent literature and on the author's observations in 135 cases. Special features of the incidence patterns are noted. The initial clinical findings are described and problems of staging are discussed. Lymphangiographic techniques, as well as radioisotope scanning procedures which can now be used to study the liver, spleen, lung and bone marrow, have added new dimensions to the meaning of “clinically local disease.” The course of the disease is characterized by its great variability and the causes of death are multiple, with infection contributing in a major way. A general approach to therapy is outlined.
The automation of curriculum development using the Authoring Instructional Materials (AIM) system

The Authoring Instructional Materials (AIM) program is a set of software tools for curriculum design and maintenance for use in the Navy. Several Navy test sites are conducting cooperative development and testing of the AIM software. This paper describes the rationale for the AIM system, the development process and products, and some possibilities for further development.
The phylogenetic position of Ethiopia's sole endemic and biogeographically enigmatic cordylid lizard, Cordylus rivae (Squamata: Cordylidae), and a discussion of its conservation status

AbstractAlthough the genus Cordylus has received much recent attention, previous studies have failed to include all known species, particularly for biogeographically important taxa. Recent fieldwork targeted a previously known population of Cordylus rivae from the southeast of Ethiopia's Oromia region and we consequently found two individuals of this poorly documented species. We then sequenced 3 102 base pairs from both mitochondrial (12S, 16S) and nuclear (Kif24, MC1r, MYH, PRLR) gene regions for these individuals—the first ever genomic material for this taxon—and compared these data with those previously published for other Cordylus species. We analyzed these data using both phylogenetically relevant optimality criteria (i.e. Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian inference) as well as distance-based methods. Cordylus rivae forms a unique clade and groups closely with the other members of the East African Cordylus, particularly C. beraducci—the closest geographic neighbour. We discuss the biogeographic and co...
Smoking in public: A moral imperative for the most toxic of environmental wastes

Cigarette smoke is the most dangerous of the toxic elements in our environment. Smoking is responsible for almost 500 000 deaths each year in the United States — more than any other environmental toxin. The medical evidence is clear, mainstream and sidestream smoke kills people, and anyone who participates in the spreading of this smoke is acting unethically. Yet, when there are no governmental laws that ban smoking in public, most business-people allow smoking in their places of business. These businesspeople are acting in an unethical manner, a manner which endangers customers and employees. This paper examines the impact on the environment of smoking in public and concludes that businesses must move quickly to ban smoking, or we will need nationwide, uniform legal restrictions to force ethical action in this critical area.
Use of human acellular dermal matrix for abdominal wall reconstructions.

Abstract Background Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) represents a promising new fascial substitute for repairing abdominal wall defects. Methods We retrospectively studied 63 patients who underwent fascial reconstruction with ADM and analyzed risk factors for recurrence and infectious wound complications. Results Postoperative wound infections, noninfectious wound complications, and recurrences developed in 35%, 44%, and 41% of patients, respectively. No patients required ADM removal. Long surgical times (≥300 min), implants of 100 cm 2 or greater, and repairs using 3 or more ADM sheets were associated significantly with the development of a postoperative wound infection. The approximation of ADM directly to the fascial edge ( P = .02), long surgical time ( P 2 or greater ( P = .01), and the presence of a postoperative wound infection ( P = .02) were associated significantly with recurrence. Conclusions Recurrences and complications after ADM fascial repairs may be higher than previously reported and associated with implant size and method of implantation. Postoperative infection, although not necessitating implant removal, is associated with more recurrences.
NEGRO FARM OWNERSHIP IN THE SOUTH

ABSTRACT Rural Negroes achieved farm ownership in the southern United States after the Civil War. The number of Negro farm owners has declined substantially from a peak of more than 200,000 around World War I, yet they remain significant in some areas. The small size of Negro farms, and the limited capital of their owners, will make their survival difficult. Many of these landholdings now have greater social value than economic significance.
Perception of complete and incomplete formant transitions in vowels.

In everyday speech, formant transitions rarely reach the canonical frequencies of a target vowel. The perceptual system often compensates for such production undershoots, called vowel reduction (VR), by a perceptual overshoot of the final transition frequencies. The present investigation explored the perceptual parameters and existence region of VR. In a series of experiments a 100-ms steady-state vowel V1 was followed by a formant transition toward a target vowel V2. By manipulating both its duration and velocity, in most stimuli the transition was truncated and only seldom reached the target. After being presented with the vowel V2 before each block of trials, listeners were asked to rate their confidence that the transition actually reached the V2 target. Transitions along six trajectories connecting the three cardinal vowels /a/, /i/, and /u/ in both directions as well as the transition /ie/ (halfway along the trajectory /ia/) were examined in experiments in which either the duration of the transition...
Endobronchial Suture: A Foreign Body Causing Chronic Cough

Although rarely considered in series of lower airway foreign bodies, endobronchial sutures can cause chronic cough or hemoptysis years after thoracic surgery. Eight endobronchial sutures were found in six patients who had undergone surgery four to 30 years prior to admission. Symptoms began two to 25 years after surgery and lasted from two to six years prior to diagnosis. Cough had been attributed to chronic bronchitis or bronchiectasis in five patients and to tracheal narrowing secondary to surgical repair of tracheomalacia in the sixth. Bronchoscopy was diagnostic in all cases. Suture removal was performed with either forceps or endoscopic suture scissors to cut the suture followed by extraction with forceps. Symptoms resolved within three days and granulation tissue by two to four weeks after suture removal. This series suggests that endobronchial suture should be considered in patients with a history (even remote) of previous thoracic surgery who present with chronic, persistent cough unresponsive to specific therapy for any underlying pulmonary disease.
A professional development model for middle school teachers of mathematics

Teacher professional development activities in the USA take many forms from half-day workshops that focus on particular topics or classroom techniques to long term course work that offers university level credit. With few exceptions, the primary goal of such activities is to enhance the teachers’ classroom effectiveness and improve student achievement. In this article, we describe a professional development model that strives to provide middle school mathematics teachers with a deep understanding of the mathematics they teach, and our attempts to measure its influence on their mathematics content knowledge.
VDL mode 3 digital voice operation

VHF data link (VDL) mode 3 is a digital TDMA communications system developed by the FAA and industry partners as a replacement for the existing 25 kHz analog AM systems currently used for VHF aeronautical communications. VDL mode 3 provides increased channel capacity and security for both voice and data link communications. This paper provides a report on the first Supplemental Type Certification recently issued for production-ready and FAA Technical Standard Order (TSO) approved VDL Mode 3 avionics
Recycling and neutral transport in the DIII-D tokamak

Abstract Several diagnostics have been used to characterize the edge plasma in the DIII-D divertor region and thereby to understand the particle recycling and neutral particle transport in an open divertor. An array of Langmuir probes mounted on the carbon divertor plates determines that generally the electron temperature is low ( T e ⋍ 10–20 eV ), and the electron density is high ( n e ⋍ 5 × 10 19 m −3 ). The edge plasma temperature and density are also measured by a moveable Langmuir probe mounted at the midplane of the plasma; the data from these shot-by-shot edge radial scans are then connected with the data for the core plasma obtained by Thomson scattering. The heat flux to the divertor plates is measured by an absolutely calibrated infrared camera; a plasma model is used to compare the heat flux with the measured T e and n e . The molecular neutral pressure at the edge of the plasma at several poloidal and toroidal locations is obtained from absolutely-calibrated pressure gauges; a gas puff enables in-situ gauge calibrations before each plasma shot. Typically, the divertor pressure is 10–50 times larger than that at the midplane. Time-resolved Hα brightness measurements are obtained from an absolutely calibrated television camera viewing the divertor region from above; both strike points are viewed simultaneously. The emission from the inner and outer strike points are usually equal after the H-mode transition, but are often unequal after the first ELM in H-mode and during some phases of L-mode discharges. A tangential camera measures the falloff in emission from the X-point to the plasma midplane. These measurements have been modeled with the DEGAS neutral transport code specifically modified for DIII-D. The wall geometry, wall composition, measured magnetic geometry, and measured plasma parameters are inputs to the model. The code calculates the gauge pressure as a function of position and the Hα television picture directly. During H-mode, we find a factor of two agreement in both the measured pressures and the absolute Hα brightnesses with one exception: the measured divertor pressure is higher than the code prediction. However, we find that a local gas source located below the X-point equal to only 10% of the divertor recycling source will bring the divertor pressure into agreement with the data. A difference in the electron temperature and density at the two strike points has been used to model the asymmetric Hα emissions. Comparisons have been made between the model and the data during H-mode periods of the discharge. The model has also been used to predict the influence of baffles to form a more closed divertor configuration.
192 Psychosocial Evaluation before Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation Can Predict Device Complication during Support

Psychosocial Evaluation before Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation Can Predict Device Complication during Support N. Uriel, N. Gukasyan, S.W. Pak, G. George, E. Westfal, M. Flannery, J. Gonzales-Costello, D.B. Sims, P.C. Colombo, D. Mancini, H. Takayama, Y. Naka, U.P. Jorde, P.A. Shapiro. Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY; Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY; Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY.
Striking a Chord: A Prelude to Music and Intergroup Relations Research

This article explores the relationships between music and intergroup relations, invoking social identity as an integrative framework. In addition to briefly relating the articles constituting this ...
Incorporation of carboxyl groups into xylan for improved absorbency

The objective of this research was to investigate green, renewable reaction systems for xylan that introduce crosslinking and carbonyl group for improved performance in water absorption applications. Xylan was modified separately with three different reaction agents, citric acid, succinic anhydride and sodium monochloracetate (SMCA). The xylan was reacted with citric acid in the presence or absence of sodium hypophosphite (SHP) as a catalyst, both in a solution form and in a semi-dry form in an oven. Acid–base titrations, FTIR, TGA, and DSC were used to confirm the composition of the reactant products. Reacted xylan had significantly increased carboxyl content, degree of esterification and degree of substitution with citric acid, succinic anhydride, and sodium monochloracetate. Effective reaction conditions were determined for high yield products. For the xylan reacted with citric acid, the catalyst (SHP) and the use of a semi-dry reaction condition increased the yield significantly. Succinic anhydride and SMCA had high yields. The reaction trends observed were consistent with similar results for starch. Increases in water absorption, saline solution absorption, and decreases in water contact angle for the xylan citrate relative to the xylan indicate that high carboxyl content materials can be generated with xylan and that the resulting materials have enhanced water affinity.
Characterization of TEM-1 β-Lactamase-Producing Kingella kingae Clinical Isolates

Kingella kingae is a human pathogen that causes pediatric osteoarticular infections and infective endocarditis in children and adults. The bacterium is usually susceptible to β-lactam antibiotics, although β-lactam resistance has been reported in rare isolates. This study was conducted to identify β-lactam-resistant strains and to characterize the resistance mechanism. Screening of a set of 90 K. kingae clinical isolates obtained from different geographic locations revealed high-level resistance to penicillins among 25% of the strains isolated from Minnesota and Iceland. These strains produced TEM-1 β-lactamase and were shown to contain additional ≥50-kb plasmids. Ion Torrent sequencing of extrachromosomal DNA from a β-lactamase-producing strain confirmed the plasmid location of the blaTEM gene. An identical plasmid pattern was demonstrated by multiplex PCR in all β-lactamase producers. The porin gene's fragments were analyzed to investigate the relatedness of bacterial strains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 27 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the por gene fragment, resulting in two major clusters with 11 allele types forming bacterial-strain subclusters. β-Lactamase producers were grouped together based on por genotyping. Our results suggest that the β-lactamase-producing strains likely originate from a single plasmid-bearing K. kingae isolate that traveled from Europe to the United States, or vice versa. This study highlights the prevalence of penicillin resistance among K. kingae strains in some regions and emphasizes the importance of surveillance for antibiotic resistance of the pathogen.
Homopolymers and copolymers of acrylates and methacrylates of homoterpenylmethyl carbinol and α‐campholenol

Acrylates and methacrylates of homoterpenylmethyl carbinol and α-campholenol were homopolymerized. Copolymers with each other and acrylonitrile were studied. Terpolymers of the acrylate of homoterpenylmethyl carbinol and the acrylate of α-campholenol with butadiene and styrene or acrylonitrile were also prepared. The lactone ring in the homopolymer of methacrylate of homoterpenylmethyl carbinol was opened up under basic conditions at room temperature, yielding a water-soluble polymer. Films of this polymer were cast from a water solution. The acrylate of homoterpenylmethyl carbinol gave a high molecular weight copolymer with acrylonitrile which could be molded into a transparent, extremely tough, film. The terpolymers of the acrylate of homoterpenylmethyl carbinol with butadiene and styrene or acrylonitrile were obtained in high yield and could be molded into strong, rubbery films. Several polymers were epoxidized and cured with p-phenylenediamine.
Alkaline ribonuclease inhibitor in rat thyroid.

Abstract An inhibitor of alkaline (pH 7.4) ribonucleases is present in the rat thyroid. The properties of rat thyroid and rat liver inhibitors are similar in that both inhibit bovine pancreatic ribonuclease (ribonucleate pyrimidine nucleotido-2′-transferase(cyclizing), EC 2.7.7.16), both have similar pH optima, are inactivated by heat and sulfhydryl blocking agents, and appear in similar fractions following density gradient centrifugation. Measures designed to stimulate thyroid function such as thiouracil administration, low iodine diet, or thyroid-stimulating hormone administration to hypophysectomized rats increase the thyroidal concentration of the inhibitor as measured against pancreatic ribonuclease. Decreased thyroidal stimulation results in decreased inhibitor concentration. These observations on rat thyroid fit in with the finding by others of increased inhibitor concentrations in rapidly growing or stimulated tissues, and suggest a regulatory function for alkaline ribonuclease inhibitor in the thyroid.
Cognitive Vulnerability to Depression Can Be Contagious

Cognitive vulnerability is a potent risk factor for depression. Individual differences in cognitive vulnerability solidify in early adolescence and remain stable throughout the life span. However, stability does not mean immutability. We hypothesized that cognitive vulnerability would be susceptible to change during major life transitions when social milieus undergo significant changes (e.g., moving to college). Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that cognitive vulnerability could change via a contagion effect. We tested this hypothesis using a prospective longitudinal design with a sample of randomly assigned college freshmen roommate pairs (103 pairs). Results supported the hypotheses. Participants who were randomly assigned to a roommate with high levels of cognitive vulnerability were likely to “catch” their roommate’s cognitive style and develop higher levels of cognitive vulnerability. Moreover, those who experienced an increase in cognitive vulnerability had significantly greater levels of depr...
Enzyme-based fiber optic sensor for glucose determination

Abstract A new fiber-optic probe for the determination of glucose is developed. Glucose oxidase is immobilized on a preactivated Immunodyne membrane by direct application of the enzymatic solution to one side of the membrane. The membrane is then placed around the common end of a bifurcated glass fiber optic bundle, and immersed in the sample cell which contains the glucose sample, peroxidase and a colorless dye. Glucose is quantified by the color change when the reaction takes place.
The size distribution for G. P. Zones in dilute AlZn alloys

Abstract : The G.P. zone size distribution has been measured in dilute Al-Zn alloys via small-angle x-ray scattering. This distribution does not agree with current theories for the Ostwald ripening process. (Author)
Independent control of dual video subsystems on the IBM PC and compatibles

Two methods for generating video output on multiple video monitors are described. The first method involves splitting the signal from a single video adaptor card-so that multiple video monitors may be attached. Although this method is simple and relatively cost-effective, it is limited to adaptors that produce only digital video signals, thus precluding the use of VGA systems and composite displays. The second method involves the installation and programming of video adaptors: Two sample programs, which control a secondary adaptor by means of either BIOS routines or direct commands via C code, are described. Although more complex, this second method allows output to each display to be controlled independently. Furthermore, output to one screen may consist of graphics information while output to the second screen consists of text. Together, both methods can be used to create an experimental system composed of multiple data-collection stations and an independent experimenter console.
Trust-Based Approaches to Solve Routing Issues in Ad-Hoc Wireless Networks: A Survey

Trust is important in Ad-hoc networks because collaboration and cooperation among nodes are critical towards achieving the system's goals, such as routing reliability. In this paper, we seek to provide an understanding of the process of reputation-based trust approaches and related issues as they apply to routing in ad-hoc networks. We discuss the concept and properties of trust. We survey the following issues: the way wireless ad-hoc nodes first assume trust, the evidences that are collected to calculate trust, the calculations that are performed over the evidences, the way the decision is made to determine a trusted node, and how trust is updated to maintain a trusted environment. We provide a comparison of three well-established approaches and discuss some potential attacks against reputation-based trust.
Hope: A New Positive Strength for Human Resource Development

Drawing from hope theory as used in the emerging positive psychology and positive organizational behavior movement, this article for the first time examines the role that hope may play in effective human resource development (HRD). Hope is first conceptually defined as being both dispositional or traitlike and—important to HRD—developmental or statelike; next, the validity of its measures is reviewed; and then it is theoretically differenti ated from the closely related positive concepts of optimism and self-efficacy, and its role in goal setting and empowerment is explored. Next, findings from the initial research in the workplace are presented that indicate a positive relationship between hope levels of both managers and associates and performance. The article concludes by first examining the implications that hope has for HRD, including specific guidelines for how hope can be implemented through training programs and organization development, and finally noting needed future directions.
Modeling mobility and effects of contaminants in wetlands

Early efforts at modeling wetland ecosystems were aimed primarily at reflecting biomass or nutrient dynamics. A number of models have been developed for different wetland types, including coastal salt marshes, mangrove wetlands, freshwater marshes, swamps, and riparian wetlands. The early ecosystem models were mostly simple compartment models with linear, constant-coefficient differential equations used to simulate biomass or nutrient dynamics. Practically no contaminant flux was incorporated into these models. With few exceptions, the ecosystems were considered spatially homogeneous. At the same time that the ecosystem models were being developed, considerable effort was given to modeling various wetland processes, such as circulation and sediment transport. Other process-level modeling included plant and animal uptake and elimination of both organic chemicals and heavy metals. The level of detail in these process models, however, has not been applied to most ecosystem models. There has been a recent trend, however, to increase the complexity of ecosystem-level models and to incorporate spatial dynamics. These developments should greatly enhance the ability to simulate contaminant transport and effects in wetlands.
Myocardium and cortex cerebri xenografts transplanted into the anterior chamber of the eye of athymic rats: a morphologic and electrophysiologic profile.

Abstract Heart atria and cortex cerebri from fetal rabbits (E14 and E18, respectively) were grafted into the anterior eye chamber of anesthetized athymic nude rats and allowed to mature for 2 11 weeks. All grafts received a rich vascular supply from the host iris. Atrial transplants survived well but showed no significant growth while cortex grafts increased in size an average of 320%. Spontaneous action potentials were recorded from cellular elements in both tissues and, in the case of the atria, were accompanied by observable contractions. Functional cholinergic innervation from the autonomic ground plexus of the iris was elicited in both types of grafts by phasic retinal illumination. No evidence of immunologic rejection was found by histological analysis. Taken together, these data suggest that athymic rats may provide an appropriate host environment to study transplants of the central nervous and peripheral tissue from immunologically otherwise incompatible mammalian species.
On the nature of the martensitic transformation

A novel conceptual approach to martensitic transformation is presented. The current concepts are discussed briefly, and a more general qualitative approach to this type of phase change is proposed. It is suggested that the transformation originates in lattice vibration modes, and that once initiated it proceeds adiabatically with no discernible division into nucleation and growth. The transformation does not occur through a dislocation mechanism, and the high dislocation densities observed as associated with martensite formation consist of immobile dislocations. These form to accommodate the transformation strains which are highly localized, but are also self-accommodating and on completion of the transformation are macroscopically nondirectional. All of the anomalies in the mechanical properties reported in the past are ascribed to the effects of an applied stress on the transformation. It is suggested that investigations of such effects on transformation, particularly in single crystal material, should be most fruitful in providing new fundamental insight into the mechanism of the transformation.
Different effects of chronic K+ depletion on forebrain and peripheral angiotensin II receptors in young rats

K+ depletion stimulates the circulating renin-angiotensin system and effects the regulation of peripheral angiotensin II receptors. The effects of K+ depletion on the regulation of central angiotensin II receptors are unknown. We studied the effects of selective K+ depletion (<0.05% in diet for 16 days) on angiotensin II receptor number in kidneys, adrenal glands, and selected brain areas of young rats. K+ depletion caused a significant increase in plasma renin activity and significantly decreased angiotensin II receptor number in the kidney glomeruli and medulla, and in the adrenal zona glomerulosa and adrenal medulla. In the brain, the angiotensin II receptor number was unchanged in the subfornical organ and the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus after 16 days of K+ depletion. An additional NaCl supplementation (0.02% in the drinking water) to K+-depleted rats produced a decrease in plasma renin activity but failed to affect subfornical organ or paraventricular angiotensin II receptor number. Our results suggest that in young animals, K+ depletion has a significant impact on the peripheral renin-angiotensin system without affecting the density of forebrain angiotensin II receptors.
A New Bayesian Model For Survival Data With a Surviving Fraction

Abstract We consider Bayesian methods for right-censored survival data for populations with a surviving (cure) fraction. We propose a model that is quite different from the standard mixture model for cure rates. We provide a natural motivation and interpretation of the model and derive several novel properties of it. First, we show that the model has a proportional hazards structure, with the covariates depending naturally on the cure rate. Second, we derive several properties of the hazard function for the proposed model and establish mathematical relationships with the mixture model for cure rates. Prior elicitation is discussed in detail, and classes of noninformative and informative prior distributions are proposed. Several theoretical properties of the proposed priors and resulting posteriors are derived, and comparisons are made to the standard mixture model. A real dataset from a melanoma clinical trial is discussed in detail.
Regulation of Silk Material Structure by Temperature-Controlled Water Vapor Annealing

We present a simple and effective method to obtain refined control of the molecular structure of silk biomaterials through physical temperature-controlled water vapor annealing (TCWVA). The silk materials can be prepared with control of crystallinity, from a low content using conditions at 4 °C (α helix dominated silk I structure), to highest content of ∼60% crystallinity at 100 °C (β-sheet dominated silk II structure). This new physical approach covers the range of structures previously reported to govern crystallization during the fabrication of silk materials, yet offers a simpler, green chemistry, approach with tight control of reproducibility. The transition kinetics, thermal, mechanical, and biodegradation properties of the silk films prepared at different temperatures were investigated and compared by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), uniaxial tensile studies, and enzymatic degradation studies. The results revealed that this new physical proces...
The Family and Social Networks of Recently Discharged Foster Youth

Many youth leave foster care with disrupted relationships with family and others in their social networks. Previous research has documented the severe adversity that former foster youth face in the transition to young adulthood. Some of these difficulties are at least partially related to a lack of social support that results from frayed relationships. The purpose of this research was to examine the role that social support plays in the transition to adulthood. It was hypothesized that foster youth with higher levels of social support would make more successful adaptations to early adulthood than youth without that support. Ninety-seven former foster youth were followed for 2 years. Youth reported low levels of “feeling close to parents,” but higher levels of “closeness” were expressed for other relatives. Findings were mixed. Organizational involvement and having many “close” friends were associated with better outcomes. On the other hand, family contact and family support was inversely associated with r...
A simple one-dimensional solid-state NMR method to characterize the nuclear spin interaction tensors associated with the peptide bond.

Abstract We propose a simple one-dimensional RF pulse sequence for the study of chemical shift and heteronuclear dipolar coupling tensors of oriented as well as unoriented solids. An off-resonance RF decoupling of protons during the signal acquisition of less sensitive nuclei is used to suppress homonuclear 1 H– 1 H dipolar interactions. This method is experimentally demonstrated on peptide samples selectively labeled with 15 N isotope.