cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aphid vectors impose a major bottleneck on Soybean dwarf virus populations for horizontal transmission in soybean

Many RNA viruses have genetically diverse populations in a single host. Important biological characteristics may be related to the levels of diversity, including adaptability, host specificity, and host range. Shifting the virus between hosts might result in a change in the levels of diversity associated with the new host. The level of genetic diversity for these viruses is related to host, vector and virus interactions, and understanding these interactions may facilitate the prediction and prevention of emerging viral diseases. It is known that luteoviruses have a very specific interaction with aphid vectors. Previous studies suggested that there may be a tradeoff effect between the viral adaptation and aphid transmission when Soybean dwarf virus (SbDV) was transmitted into new plant hosts by aphid vectors. In this study, virus titers in different aphid vectors and the levels of population diversity of SbDV in different plant hosts were examined during multiple sequential aphid transmission assays. The diversity of SbDV populations revealed biases for particular types of substitutions and for regions of the genome that may incur mutations among different hosts. Our results suggest that the selection on SbDV in soybean was probably leading to reduced efficiency of virus recognition in the aphid which would inhibit movement of SbDV through vector tissues known to regulate the specificity relationship between aphid and virus in many systems.
Antibiotics targeting bacterial ribosomal subunit biogenesis.

This article describes 20 years of research that investigated a second novel target for ribosomal antibiotics, the biogenesis of the two subunits. Over that period, we have examined the effect of 52 different antibiotics on ribosomal subunit formation in six different microorganisms. Most of the antimicrobials we have studied are specific, preventing the formation of only the subunit to which they bind. A few interesting exceptions have also been observed. Forty-one research publications and a book chapter have resulted from this investigation. This review will describe the methodology we used and the fit of our results to a hypothetical model. The model predicts that inhibition of subunit assembly and translation are equivalent targets for most of the antibiotics we have investigated.
Printability of a Cellulose Derivative for Extrusion-Based 3D Printing: The Application on a Biodegradable Support Material

Support material plays a leading role in the application of 3D printing to avoid deformation and enhance stability. This study aimed to fabricate the support structure by using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), which has advantages over conventional material such as low cost, low printable temperature, and high biodegradability. Once dissolved in water over gelling temperature, the HPMC based hydrogel exhibited shear-thinning behavior with decreasing apparent viscosity values at higher shear rates. The shear-dependent viscosity makes the HPMC hydrogel extrudable throughout the printing process and the printed structure stable enough without deformation. As concentration increased, apparent viscosity and storage modulus both subsequently increased. These rheological properties indicated that the concentration of HPMC K4M hydrogel significantly influenced the printability and shape retention ability, which is associated with the mechanical strength of printed filaments. The highest concentration, 12% w/v, should have the best ability to hold the printed shape over time due to the highest G' and lowest loss tangent. The printability test also showed that K4M 12% w/v could be printed into different fill density (100%, 75%, and 50%) with different patterns, i.e., rectilinear and Hilbert curve. The selection of fill density and pattern both have an effect on surface roughness and porosity. The printed support material was compatible with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), which is the material to fabricate the main structure for 3D printing. The support material made of HPMC can be easily removed by peeling off from the main structure without visible residual.
Vocal imitation between mothers and their children with cochlear implants.

To better explain variation in language acquisition in children with hearing loss, this study examined vocal (e.g., vocalization) and lexical (e.g., word) imitation in spontaneous interactions between mothers and children with 12 months of hearing experience using their cochlear implants (n = 12; mean age 27.9 months). Hearing children in two control groups were matched to children with cochlear implants, either by child chronological age (n = 12; mean age = 27.4 months) or by child hearing experience (n = 12; mean age 12 months). All three groups of mother-child dyads were audio-recorded playing together. Mothers and children in all groups imitated their partners' vocalization and word utterances; however, the cochlear implant and hearing experience-matched groups produced fewer word imitations than the age-matched group. The frequency of preceding child vocalization or word production predicted maternal imitation type (vocalization or word); however, frequency of maternal vocalization predicted child vocalization imitation only. The results showed that child hearing experience affected imitation in both communication partners.
Complete Recovery from COVID-19 Bilateral Pneumonia in an Immunosuppressed Man with Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy

Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) is a rare form of idiopathic immune myopathy (IIM) that requires immunotherapies, including immunosuppressive medications, if severe. There is a paucity of data regarding outcomes of patients with immune-mediated polymyositis who continue immunosuppressive medications during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the first reported case of COVID-19 in a patient with IMNM. Despite being on two immunotherapies, having risk factors, and having radiographic abnormalities on chest X-ray, the patient had an unremarkable COVID-19 course. He was discharged from the emergency department with a 7-day course of azithromycin and quickly resumed his immunotherapies, but he experienced a flare in his myositis. The 14-week follow-up computed tomography (CT) was negative for residual pneumonitis or fibrosis. More data are needed regarding management and prognosis of patients with connective tissue diseases who become infected with SARS-CoV-2.
Surface Chemistry of Metal Phosphide Nanocrystals

Semiconducting and metallic metal phosphide nanocrystals have gained increased attention in the materials science and engineering community due to their demonstrated and theoretical promise in both...
Annotation depth confounds direct comparison of gene expression across species.

Background Comparisons of the molecular framework among organisms can be done on both structural and functional levels. One of the most common top-down approaches for functional comparisons is RNA sequencing. This estimation of organismal transcriptional responses is of interest for understanding evolution of molecular activity, which is used for answering a diversity of questions ranging from basic biology to pre-clinical species selection and translation. However, direct comparison between species is often hindered by evolutionary divergence in structure of molecular framework, as well as large difference in the depth of our understanding of the genetic background between humans and other species. Here, we focus on the latter. We attempt to understand how differences in transcriptome annotation affect direct gene abundance comparisons between species. Results We examine and suggest some straightforward approaches for direct comparison given the current available tools and using a sample dataset from human, cynomolgus monkey, dog, rat and mouse with a common quantitation and normalization approach. In addition, we examine how variation in genome annotation depth and quality across species may affect these direct comparisons. Conclusions Our findings suggest that further efforts for better genome annotation or computational normalization tools may be of strong interest.
Experiments on a 10 kA, 240 kV Magnetically Insulated Line Oscillator (MILO)

The magnetically insulated line oscillator (MILO) is a high power microwave source that has shown a recent resurgence of interest. The primary advantage of the MILO is it does not require an external magnetic field, making it inherently compact and lightweight. The MILO achieves magnetic insulation in the cavity region by pulsing large axial currents on the cathode through the central axis of the cylindrically symmetric device. In the past, MILO operation has typically been achieved near 500 kV and 50 kA. This paper reports a MILO that operates at lower voltage (~240 kV) and moderately low current (~10 kA). The Michigan Electron Long Beam Accelerator with Ceramic insulator stack (MELBA-C) was used to drive the MILO experiments, which was configured to deliver ~250 kV for pulse lengths of ~1.0 µs, supplying ~10 kA during MILO operation.
Astrocytic expression of ALS-causative mutant FUS leads to TNFa-dependent neurodegeneration in vivo

Genetic mutations that cause Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a progressively lethal motor neuron disease, are commonly found in ubiquitously expressed genes. In addition to direct defects within motor neurons, growing evidence suggests that dysfunction of non-neuronal cells is also an important driver of disease. Previously, we demonstrated that mutations in DNA/RNA binding protein Fused in Sarcoma (FUS) induce neurotoxic phenotypes in astrocytes in vitro, via activation of the NF-{kappa}B pathway and release of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF. Here, we developed an intraspinal cord injection model to test whether astrocyte-specific expression of ALS-causative FUSR521G variant (mtFUS) causes neuronal damage in vivo. We show that mtFUS expression causes TNF upregulation, motor function deficits, and spinal motor neuron loss. We further demonstrate a lack of phenotype in TNF knockout animals expressing mtFUS, and prevention of neurodegeneration in mtFUS-transduced animals through administration of TNF neutralizing antibodies. Together, these studies strengthen evidence that astrocytes contribute to disease in ALS, establish that FUS-ALS astrocytes induce pathogenic changes to motor neurons in vivo, and provide insights identifying FUS-ALS specific potential therapeutic targets.
A Peer Counseling Training Program For Disabled Women: A Tool for Social and Individual Change

This article presents a description of a successful peer counseling training program for disabled women, offered in a community-based self help organization. The program provides both training in peer counseling skills, and a personal growth experience. It was carried out in a group context specifically designed for the needs of women with disabilities. The counseling approach, the training format and curriculum, and the evaluation procedures can all serve as a basis for agencies interested in developing similar programs.
Contextual decision making with degrees of belief

This paper gives a brief overview of the classical contextual pattern recognition problem. It is shown that the difficulty of this problem is really associated with the determination and use of the support of the joint prior distribution of the category labels. It is indicated how the consistent labeling framework can be used to define the support of the joint prior. It is then shown that this formulation of the problem can be generalized, and a general propositional logic framework which not only defines the support of the joint prior but also permits a calculation to be made evaluating the joint prior for any given set of joint labelings is introduced. It is shown that this formulation is indeed a formulation relating to the degree of belief. A formal system for the degree of belief in terms of an operational probability meaning is developed. The degree of belief in a proposition is exactly the probability with which the proposition can be asserted. It is then shown how the classical contextual problem can be generalized in the belief framework. >
Effect of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor on lymphokine-activated killer cell induction

The treatment of cancer with lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells in conjunction with high-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) has been limited by the toxicity of IL-2 and the narrow range of tumors that respond to therapy. Cytokines that are capable of augmenting lower doses of IL-2 are, therefore, a major focus of research. We report here that granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) can augment low-dose IL-2 LAK induction from murine splenocytes. Anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF alpha) or anti-interferon gamma (anti- IFN gamma) monoclonal antibodies did not inhibit (IL-2 + GM-CSF)- induced LAK generation, indicating that GM-CSF augmentation does not require TNF alpha or IFN gamma activity. Depletion of natural killer cells before culture did not inhibit low-dose IL-2-induced LAK generation or the ability of GM-CSF to augment LAK generation. In contrast, depletion of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells before culture inhibited the generation of LAK activity. However, depletion of only CD4+ T cells, or only CD8+ T cells, did not inhibit the generation of IL-2 or (IL-2 + GM-CSF) LAK activity. These results suggest that LAK precursors are present in both the CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell populations and suggest that the addition of GM-CSF to low-dose IL-2 may result in the generation of T-derived LAK cells.
Surrogate losses and regret bounds for cost-sensitive classification with example-dependent costs

We study surrogate losses in the context of cost-sensitive classification with example-dependent costs, a problem also known as regression level set estimation. We give sufficient conditions on the surrogate loss for the existence of a surrogate regret bound. Such bounds imply that as the surrogate risk tends to its optimal value, so too does the expected misclassification cost. Our sufficient conditions encompass example-dependent versions of the hinge, exponential, and other common losses. These results provide theoretical justification for some previously proposed surrogate-based algorithms, and suggests others that have not yet been developed.
A Review of: “Clinical Management of Sex Addiction”

Clinical Management of Sex Addiction is divided into four sections: one discussing the early stages of the “addiction” process, one discussing treatment and therapy, one discussing special populati...
Spatial filtering with broadband mimimum variance beamformers

This paper describes procedures for controlling the response of linearly-constrained minimum variance broadband array/beamformer structures. The procedure enables specification of gain and spatial derivative characteristics, over selected bands of frequency, for multiple points and does not require the use of steering delays. An efficient orthogonal representation for impinging broadband sources is developed and used to specify a minimal set of constraint equations for the beamformer. These equations assure that the resulting structure has the desired response at the specified locations.
Disease Management Programs for Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is an important target for the development of disease management programs. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common and most infected individuals develop persistent infection. Although this is usually associated with chronic liver injury (chronic hepatitis C), the infection and liver disease may be unrecognized for years. Most patients are relatively asymptomatic and their illness remains clinically silent for at least 20 years after onset. In a substantial proportion of such individuals, the most widely available tests of the presence of liver injury, the serum aminotransferases, may be persistently normal. If unrecognized and untreated, chronic hepatitis C may lead to unfavorable outcomes including cirrhosis, the complications of end-stage liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma. These in turn sharply reduce health-related quality of life, lead to debilitating symptoms, decrease life expectancy by increasing premature death, and result in very high costs of care including the most expensive form of treatment — liver transplantation. In fact, end-stage liver disease due to chronic hepatitis C is now the single most common indication for liver transplantation in the US and Western Europe. Based on available data, the future illness and economic burden of chronic hepatitis C is likely to increase dramatically during the next few decades as currently infected, untreated individuals progress toward advanced liver disease. Unfortunately, treatment with the current agent of choice — the combination of interferon alfa and ribavirin — is difficult, expensive, and effective in only a proportion of patients. Nonetheless, computer-generated modeling studies indicate that current treatment diminishes the reduction in life expectancy expected in chronic hepatitis C and that cost-effectiveness ratios either fall within the bounds of other widely accepted medical interventions or are cost saving. Disease management programs in hepatitis C need to be designed to reduce unhealthy high risk behavior by education of the uninfected, promote health-seeking behavior such as the avoidance of alcohol in those infected, institute disease screening for those at risk with early confirmation of diagnosis, and initiate appropriate and effective treatment regimens, including actions designed to support adherence to treatment and appropriate follow-up. Advances in treatment such as the development of long-acting pegylated interferons which may enhance response rates, may be effective in advanced disease, and are well-tolerated should be incorporated into disease management programs when available. Disease management program design will require a multidisciplinary team approach and careful assessment of the effectiveness of these programs is needed.
The Effect of the Internet on Political Institutions

The phenomenal growth of the use of the Internet is evidence of a dramatic decrease in the cost of certain types of communication that such use engenders. Political and economic activities that are relatively communications-intensive are likely to be dramatically affected bu these cost changes. This paper explores the effect of lower communications costs enabled by the Internet on politicians' incentives and on political institutions, Predictions are drawn from three specific models of political economy: a Peltzman/Stigler generalized theory of regulation; Becker's theory of interest group competition; and Spiller's theory of multiple principal-single agent bureaucracy. In general, these theories predict smaller long-run amounts of political wealth transferring and a reduction in rent seeking. Finally, implications about which groups will benefit from Internet adoption in the shorter term are discussed. Copyright 1996 by Oxford University Press.
Observation of Two-Photon Absorption at Low Power Levels Using Tapered Optical Fibers and Rubidium Vapor

Nonlinear optical effects can be enhanced in tapered fibers with sub-wavelength diameters. Here we report on the observation of two-photon absorption using tapered fibers in rubidium vapor at power levels of less than 150 nW.
Patterns of justice involvement among adults with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: key risk factors.

ObjectiveAdults with serious mental illness have a relatively high risk of criminal justice involvement. Some risk factors for justice involvement are known, but the specific interaction of these risk factors has not been examined. This study explored the interaction of gender, substance use disorder, and psychiatric diagnosis among patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder to identify subgroups at higher risk of justice involvement.MethodsAdministrative service records of 25,133 adults with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder who were clients of Connecticut’s public behavioral health system during 2005–2007 were merged with state records of criminal convictions, incarceration, and other measures of justice involvement. The main effects and the effects of interactions of gender, substance use disorder, and psychiatric diagnosis on risk of justice involvement (“offending”) were estimated by using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsMen with bipolar disorder and co-occurring substance use disorder ...
Learning a wavelet tree for multichannel image denoising

We propose a new multichannel image denoising algorithm. To exploit important inter-channel dependencies, we first use dynamic programming to learn an explicit dyadic tree representation of the common structure of the channels. Based on this dyadic tree, optimal Haar wavelet thresholding is then applied to denoise the image. In addition to the original channels, the algorithm can employ multiple derived channels to improve tree learning. Experimental results confirm that the approach improves multichannel image denoising performance both in PSNR and in edge preservation.
Toward a preoperative planning tool for brain tumor resection therapies

Background Neurosurgical procedures involving tumor resection require surgical planning such that the surgical path to the tumor is determined to minimize the impact on healthy tissue and brain function. This work demonstrates a predictive tool to aid neurosurgeons in planning tumor resection therapies by finding an optimal model-selected patient orientation that minimizes lateral brain shift in the field of view. Such orientations may facilitate tumor access and removal, possibly reduce the need for retraction, and could minimize the impact of brain shift on image-guided procedures.
An integrated system: virtual reality, haptics and modern sensing technique (VHS) for post-stroke rehabilitation

In this paper, we introduce an interdisciplinary project, involving researchers from the fields of Physical Therapy, Computer Science, Psychology, Communication and Cell Neurobiology, to develop an integrated virtual reality, haptics and modern sensing technique system for post-stroke rehabilitation. The methodology to develop the system includes identification of movement pattern, development of simulated task and diagnostics. Each part of the methodology can be achieved through several sub-steps that are described in detail in this paper. The system is designed from Physical Therapy perspective that can address the motor rehabilitation needs of stroke patients. The system is implemented through stereoscopic displays, force feedback devices and modern sensing techniques that have game-like features and can capture accurate data for further analysis. Diagnostics and evaluation can be made through an Artificial Intelligence based model using collected data and clinical tests have been conducted.
Integrating the maximum capture problem into a GIS framework

This paper presents a methodology for reformulating the maximal capture problem by using the data representation and manipulation capabilities of GIS to define: (1) the coverage region captured by each potential facility, and (2) each unique demand region covered by a specific combination of potential facilities. The formulation is modeled on the maximum covering problem although the integer restriction on the demand capture variables is relaxed. Because demand regions are not exogenously given, areal interpolation is used to estimate the demand associated with each of these regions The model is used to determine the location on a network for a set of home improvement stores that are hypothetically in competition with existing Home Depot stores in Southeastern New Hampshire.
Corrigenda and Addenda to the Descriptions of the Plimpton Manuscripts as Recorded in the De Ricci Census

THE completion last year of the De Ricci and Wilson Census of mediaeval and renaissance manuscripts was for many scholars the fulfillment of a long standing desire to have at hand a complete record of the manuscript holdings in this country and Canada. In the monumental two-volume set, together with the added volume of indices, one may easily locate the codex of some ancient or mediaeval author hitherto buried accidentally, or even purposefully, within the vault of some obscure library or collector's home. For several important reasons the work deserves the approbation of scholars here and abroad. In the first place, the project was a pioneer work. As De Ricci states in his preface, it is the first attempt to record the holdings of the many private collectors throughout the country. Thus, in the case of scholars editing particular works, such a bibliography may conceivably reveal material hitherto overlooked, though perhaps actually close at hand. The limitations, chronological and generic, of the Census are also most commendable. Although the boundary of A.D. 1600 is frequently overstepped, such transgressions do not generally appear unreasonable, since they are usually justified by the nature of the piece described. Likewise the exclusion of Orientalia was a most prudent step, since their listing would have swelled the work out of all practical proportions, besides confusing the aim of the entire project. It is only to be regretted in this connection that the Greek papyri were not included, though their listing has been promised in a subsequent volume. Another commendable feature of the Census is the form of entry employed, which is succinct and well composed, with the salient features consistently described in every case. But where Mr de Ricci appears to have done his best work is in the matter of provenance, former ownership, sales, etc., where his competence and authority are unquestioned. There are, however, a number of grave shortcomings to this monumental enterprise. The Census purports to be a guide to the manuscript holdings in this country and Canada. Therefore, if a scholar wishes to determine the location of the manuscript of any particular author on which he may be working, he will rely unquestioningly on the Census to locate this manuscript, if it is within the territorial limits prescribed by the title. But if, on consulting the Census, he does not find his author or the work in question, he will turn elsewhere: either to catalogues of foreign-held manuscripts, or to what secondary printed sources may be available. Hence, the Census, to fulfill its function adequately, must first of all be exact, since even the slightest error in the formal description of a manuscript means the publication of a false report, consequent misunderstanding, and time and possibly money wasted. Furthermore, if a scholar finds the Census unreliable in one entry, he is not likely to pin much faith on any of the entries, and not only
Fluosol-DA/carbogen with lonidamine or pentoxifylline as modulators of alkylating agents in the FSaIIC fibrosarcoma.

In an effort to increase the efficacy of several antineoplastic alkylating agents (CDDP,l-PAM, CTX, or BCNU), we examined the effect of the modulator Fluosol-DA/carbogen in combination with a second modulator, either lonidamine or pentoxifylline, on the survival of FSaIIC tumor cells and of bone marrow CFU-GM from tumor-bearing C3H mice. Fluosol-DA/carbogen increased the tumor-cell killing activity of each alkylating agent by about 10 times. In contrast, lonidamine alone did not significantly increase the cytocidal activity of any of the alkylating agents tested. However, in combination with Fluosol-DA/carbogen, the use of lonidamine produced about a 100-fold increase in the tumor cell kill achieved with CDDP as compared with CDDP alone. No increase in tumor cell kill over that produced with the single modulator Fluosol-DA/carbogen was seen following the addition of lonidamine to the combination treatment withl-PAM, CTX, or BCNU. Unfortunately, although neither lonidamine nor Fluosol-DA/carbogen alone significantly increased alkylator toxicity to bone marrow CFU-GM, the combination of modulators increased the toxicity of each alkylating agent to bone marrow by about 10 times. Pentoxifylline caused an increase in alkylator activity against the FSaIIC fibrosarcoma only when used with BCNU; this effect was further augmented by the addition of Fluosol-DA/carbogen. The combination of modulators pentoxifylline plus Fluosol-DA/carbogen was more effective than Fluosol-DA/carbogen alone only when the former was used with BCNU, whereas only minimal increases in tumor-cell killing activity were obtained with this modulator combination and CDDP,l-PAM, or CTX. Pentoxifylline increased the bone marrow CFU-GM toxicity ofl-PAM by about 10 times. The bone marrow CFU-GM toxicity was further increased by Fluosol-DA/carbogen, as was the toxicity of each of the other alkylating agents. Lonidamine plus Fluosol-DA/carbogen may be useful in increasing the therapeutic efficacy of CDDP, and the combination of pentoxifylline plus Fluosol-DA/carbogen might improve the antitumor activity of BCNU.
Peyote Religion: A History

Traces the development of the peyote religion among American Indians, describes its ceremonies, and assesses modern opposition to the religion.
Ondansetron blocks LiCl-induced conditioned place avoidance but not conditioned taste/flavor avoidance in rats

The ability of an experimental agent to support conditioned taste/flavor avoidance (CT/FA) in rats often is interpreted as sufficient evidence that the agent produced a state of malaise or nausea. Paradoxically, however, CT/FA also is induced by certain drugs that support conditioned preferences in rats, suggesting that CT/FA is insufficient to reveal a negative hedonic state. The present study tested the hypothesis that the anti-nausea drug ondansetron (OND) would block the ability of nauseogenic lithium chloride (LiCl) to support conditioned place avoidance (CPA), without attenuating LiCl-induced CT/FA. After pre-treatment with either OND or vehicle, rats were conditioned with i.p. injection of 0.15 M LiCl containing 2% saccharin (LiCl+sac) on conditioning day 1, and with 0.15 M NaCl alone on conditioning day 2. Rats were confined to a distinct chamber of a CPA apparatus after each conditioning injection. In other rats, OND or vehicle pre-treatment was followed by NaCl+sac on conditioning day 1, and LiCl alone on day 2. Subsequent testing revealed that OND blocked the ability of LiCl to support CPA. Conversely, in the same rats, OND did not alter the ability of LiCl to condition avoidance of 0.2% sac solution during a 60 min bottle test. In a separate experiment, a sensitive 2-bottle choice test was used to confirm that OND pre-treatment does not reduce the ability of LiCl to support CT/FA. These results support the view that CPA is an additional useful tool to reveal the experience of malaise and nausea in rats, whereas CT/FA demonstrated in bottle intake tests is insufficient for this purpose.
Reaction-Induced FT-IR Spectroscopic Studies of Biological Energy Conversion in Oxygenic Photosynthesis and Transport§

While membrane-associated proteins make up a substantial percentage of total cellular proteins, a much smaller fraction of known X-ray and NMR protein structures are derived from membrane proteins. Alternative approaches to understanding structure, function, and mechanism in membrane-associated enzymes are clearly needed. Vibrational FT-IR spectroscopy offers a method by which high-resolution structural and dynamic information can be obtained about this class of proteins. Reaction-induced FT-IR spectroscopy is an implementation of vibrational spectroscopy, in which the difference spectrum associated with a perturbative stimulus is recorded. This approach simplifies the spectrum and monitors the structural changes directly involved in the functional transition. In this article, we describe reaction-induced FT-IR studies of the photosynthetic and transport proteins, photosystem II, photosystem I, and lactose permease. In oxygenic plant photosynthesis, photosystem II and I convert light energy to chemical en...
From optimal limited to unlimited supply auctions

We investigate the class of single-round, sealed-bid auctions for a set of identical items to bidders who each desire one unit. We adopt the worst-case competitive framework defined by [9, 5] that compares the profit of an auction to that of an optimal single-price sale of least two items. In this paper, we first derive an optimal auction for three items, answering an open question from [8]. Second, we show that the form of this auction is independent of the competitive framework used. Third, we propose a schema for converting a given limited-supply auction into an unlimited supply auction. Applying this technique to our optimal auction for three items, we achieve an auction with a competitive ratio of 3.25, which improves upon the previously best-known competitive ratio of 3.39 from [7]. Finally, we generalize a result from [8] and extend our understanding of the nature of the optimal competitive auction by showing that the optimal competitive auction occasionally offers prices that are higher than all bid values.
Superconductive tunneling into Nb3(Al0.75Ge0.25)

Abstract Current and conductance characteristics have been obtained for Nb3(Al0.75Ge0.25)-barrier-Pb0.7Bi0.3 superconducting tunneling junctions prepared on Nb3(Al0.75Ge0.25) ribbon substrates. Thermal oxide, anodized, and amorphous carbon tunneling barriers were used. These junctions are relatively fragile: they deteriorate under temperature recycling or sustained bias. Typical junction resistances are of the order of 50Ω, and 2Δ(0) of Nb3(Al0.75Ge0.25) is ∼1.3 meV.
Moment Convergence of Reciprocals of some First Passage Times

Synoptic AbstractLet Tc be the first passage time above the level c in a random walk. When the random walk has a positive drift, there are many studies about the limiting behavior of ETC as c → ∞. However, for driftless random walks, ETc is infinite for every positive c and ETc yields little information. To remedy this situation, this paper is devoted to the studies of the quantity E(l/Tc) as c → ∞ for random walks with nonnegative drifts. An example is given as an application.
Hybrid wave model for unidirectional irregular waves—part I. Theory and numerical scheme

A new hybrid wave model for the prediction of the kinematics and wave evolution of unidirectional irregular wave trains is presented. The model considers the effects of the interaction between the wave components of an irregular wave train up to the second order of wave steepness. Since the majority of measurements are related to the resultant wave properties at fixed points, such as wave elevations, special efforts are made to develop a numerical scheme based on the hybrid wave model to decompose an irregular wave train into its free-wave components given its resultant wave elevation at a fixed point. The numerical scheme has been extensively examined using various wave spectra and is found to be convergent and accurate. The application of the hybrid wave model to the prediction of irregular wave kinematics and wave evolution are demonstrated by comparison with two sets of laboratory measurements and other prediction methods, which is presented in part II of this study.
Naturalistic case studies exploring social-cognitive mechanisms, and some methodological issues in research on problems of teachers

The argument is advanced that research could be more effective for use by teachers and simultaneously more scientific, in the sense that it would emulate the historical process of the development of quantitative science, if it were (1) of the form referred to as naturalistic case studies and (2) oriented toward discovering the cognitive and social interaction mechanisms that underlie the learning processes in classrooms. The limitations of individual case studies of children with difficulties learning in school are examined and some practical approaches to interventionist case studies done in classrooms are considered. It is proposed that the standard view of quantitative research in the social sciences derives from the physics curriculum rather than from the history of physics. This view also mistakenly places higher priority on finding predictive linear relationships among measurements rather than qualitative understanding of mechanisms, which could guide researchers toward useful quantitative research. The researcher who has not yet penetrated the world of the individuals being studies is in no firm position to begin developing predictions, explanations, and theories about that world.
Meteorological Variables Associated with Stroke

To elucidate relationships between meteorological variables and incidence of stroke, we studied patients diagnosed with stroke after presenting to the emergency department (May 1, 2010-August 8, 2011). Patient demographics and medical data were reviewed retrospectively with regional meteorological data. Across 467 days, 134 stroke events were recorded on 114 days. On stroke days, maximum temperature (max T) and atmospheric pressure (AP) combined were a significant predictor of stroke (max T odds ratio (OR) = 1.014, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.003-1.026, and P = 0.04; AP: OR = 1.033, 95% CI = 0.997-1.071, and P = 0.02). When the patient could identify the hour of the stroke, average temperature (avg T) was significantly higher than nonstroke hours (18.2°C versus 16.16°C, P = 0.04). Daily fluctuations in AP and avg T also had significant effects on stroke incidence (AP: OR = 0.629, 95% CI = 0.512-0.773, and P = 0.0001; avg T OR = 1.1399, 95% CI = 1.218-606, and P = 0.0001). Patient age, stroke history, body mass index, ethnicity, and sex were further contributors to stroke risk. Temperature, atmospheric pressure, and certain physiological conditions likely play roles in weather-related stroke susceptibility. The mechanisms driving these associations are not fully understood.
The Influenza A Virus M2 Cytoplasmic Tail Is Required for Infectious Virus Production and Efficient Genome Packaging

The M2 integral membrane protein encoded by influenza A virus possesses an ion channel activity that is required for efficient virus entry into host cells. The role of the M2 protein cytoplasmic tail in virus replication was examined by generating influenza A viruses encoding M2 proteins with truncated C termini. Deletion of 28 amino acids (M2Stop70) resulted in a virus that produced fourfold-fewer particles but >1,000-fold-fewer infectious particles than wild-type virus. Expression of the full-length M2 protein in trans restored the replication of the M2 truncated virus. Although the M2Stop70 virus particles were similar to wild-type virus in morphology, the M2Stop70 virions contained reduced amounts of viral nucleoprotein and genomic RNA, indicating a defect in vRNP packaging. The data presented indicate the M2 cytoplasmic tail plays a role in infectious virus production by coordinating the efficient packaging of genome segments into influenza virus particles.
Wildlife-Based Recreation as Economic Windfall: A Rhetorical Analysis of Public Discourse on Birding.

Symbolic convergence theory posits that groups of like-minded people use linguistic symbols to construct a shared reality and form rhetorical visions (ways of viewing and communicating about an issue). To see how rhetorical visions might help shape public tourism policy, the authors used fantasy theme analysis to examine 206 Kansas newspaper articles dealing with birding, an increasingly popular form of wildlife-based recreation. The authors found a primary, shared rhetorical vision of birders as a potential economic engine for communities, with statistics playing a critical rhetorical function in support of tourism development. Within the vision, there were 3 primary action themes (i.e., visiting nature, doing business, and conserving) carried out or supported by 6 major character themes (or groups) in 3 primary settings (i.e., nature, developed nature centers, and birding hotspots or destinations). Action and character themes were closely related and money played an important unifying role among all 3 c...
Implementing a pathway for the management of acute coronary syndrome leads to improved compliance with guidelines and a decrease in angina symptoms.

We describe our experience with the Advanced Cardiac Admission Program (ACAP) at our institution. The ACAP program is a hospital-wide implementation of critical pathways-based management of all cardiac patients. Data review of patients admitted for acute coronary syndromes from the ACAP–PAIN database and a comparative study of outcomes before and after implementation of the pathways-based assessment and treatment protocols. In the pre-ACAP and post-ACAP patient groups, antiplatelet use at admission improved from 50% to 75% (p<.01), ACE-I use improved from 32% to 54% (p<.0001), statins use increased from 35% to 62% (p<.0001), and smoking cessation awareness increased from 15% to 86% (p<.0001). At 1-year follow-up, 84% of patients with CAD were treated with statins, and 47% had LDL cholesterol <100 mg/dL, compared with 20% and 9%, respectively, with conventional treatment before ACAP implementation (p<.0001). Recurrent angina symptoms and nonfatal myocardial infarction rates decreased from 28.5% to 13% (p=.02), and 15% to 5% (p=0.03), respectively. Pathway-based programs like ACAP significantly enhance administration of guidelines-based cardioprotective medications both during hospital stay and at 1-year follow-up.
Image-based left ventricular shape analysis for sudden cardiac death risk stratification

Background Low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), the main criterion used in the current clinical practice to stratify sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk, has low sensitivity and specificity. Objective To uncover indices of left ventricular (LV) shape that differ between patients with a high risk of SCD and those with a low risk. Methods By using clinical cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and computational anatomy tools, a novel computational framework to compare 3-dimensional LV endocardial surface curvedness, wall thickness, and relative wall thickness between patient groups was implemented. The framework was applied to cardiac magnetic resonance data of 61 patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy who were selected for prophylactic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator treatment on the basis of reduced LVEF. The patients were classified by outcome: group 0 had no events; group 1, arrhythmic events; and group 2, heart failure events. Segmental differences in LV shape were assessed. Results Global LV volumes and mass were similar among groups. Compared with patients with no events, patients in groups 1 and 2 had lower mean shape metrics in all coronary artery regions, with statistical significance in 9 comparisons, reflecting wall thinning and stretching/flattening. Conclusion In patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and low LVEF, there exist quantifiable differences in 3-dimensional endocardial surface curvedness, LV wall thickness, and LV relative wall thickness between those with no clinical events and those with arrhythmic or heart failure outcomes, reflecting adverse LV remodeling. This retrospective study is a proof of concept to demonstrate that regional LV remodeling indices have the potential to improve the personalized risk assessment for SCD.
Preservice and inservice requirements for containment structures in the United States - A status report

Abstract Assuring the lifetime integrity of containment structures for nuclear power plants is becoming increasingly important as existing design criteria are reexamined, as new requirements for containment inspection and testing are formulated, and as today's operating nuclear plants are growing older. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code contains requirements for the design and construction and for the preservice and inservice requirements for nuclear power plant systems and components in the United States. Section III of the ASME Code contains the rules for design and construction of nuclear systems and components. Rules for the preservice examination, inservice inspection, system pressure testing, repair, modification and replacement of nuclear systems and components are contained in Section XI, Rules for Inservice Inspection of Nuclear Power Plant Components . Compliance with the rules of the ASME Code in the United States is mandated by the federal government in Title 10, Part 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10CFR50). Section XI of the ASME Code contains separate rules for metal (Class MC) and concrete (Class CC) containments. Requirements for Class MC containments have been published in Subsection IWE, Requirements for Class MC Components of Light-Water Cooled Power Plants , of Section XI. Rules for Class CC containments are currently being developed and will be published in Subsection IWL, Requirements for Class CC Components of Light-Water Cooled Power Plants , of Section XI. First published in 1981, Subsection IWE has been adopted by a number of state jurisdictions in the United States and is presently being reviewed by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Federal regulations that will require mandatory compliance by nuclear plant owners are forthcoming. When implemented, the requirements in Subsection IWE and Subsection IWL will provide a reasonable and systematic basis for assuring the integrity of metal and concrete containment structures during their service lifetime. This paper presents an overview of the preservice and inservice requirements for containment structures in Section XI of the ASME Code with consideration of the practical factors that should accompany user compliance.
Diurnal Variation of c-Fos Expression in Subdivisions of the Dorsal Raphe Nucleus of the Mongolian Gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)

Recent studies suggest that the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) of the brainstem contains several subdivisions that differ both anatomically and neurochemically. The present study examined whether variation of c-Fos expression across the 24-hour light-dark cycle may also be different in these subdivisions. Animals were kept on a 12:12 light-dark cycle, were perfused at seven different time points, and brain sections were processed by using c-Fos immunocytochemistry. At all coronal levels of the DRN, c-Fos expression reached a peak 1 hour after the light-dark transition (lights-off) and reached its lowest levels in the middle of the light period. In contrast to the light-dark transition, c-Fos levels did not change significantly after the dark-light transition (lights-on). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that the diurnal variation of c-Fos expression was highly significant in the caudal ventral DRN. Similar variation in c-Fos expression also was observed in the other DRN subdivisions, but this variation appeared to gradually diminish in the caudal-to-rostral and ventromedial-to-dorsomedial directions. Double-label immunocytochemistry revealed that, 1 hour after lights-off, only 11% of c-Fos-positive neurons in the caudal ventral DRN were serotonin (5-HT)-immunoreactive. These results suggest that DRN subdivisions may differ functionally with regard to the diurnal cycle, and that these differences may be reflected in the activity of nonserotonergic cells in the DRN.
Ultrastructural and Morphometric Analyses of Human Cementoblasts and Periodontal Fibroblasts

In order to elucidate the cytological characteristics of human cementoblasts which distinguish them from periodontal fibroblasts, the periodontal ligament and gingival connective tissue attached to 37 extracted teeth from 27 patients (ages 10-67) were analyzed by electron microscopy coupled with a morphometric procedure. The cementoblasts largely consisted of either immature or resting types of collagen-producing cells (CPC), both of which were poor in the rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex; these organelles were well-developed in the relatively less common active cementoblasts. The cementoblasts consistently revealed a higher mean-volume-density per tissue unit than the fibroblasts and sometimes were grouped into clusters with the formation of junctional apparatuses. The relative volume of glycogen particles per cytoplasm was significantly higher in the cementoblasts, whereas the rough endoplasmic reticulum was higher in the fibroblasts. From the present study, it is suggested that the cemento...