cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Examining Trends in Underrepresented Minorities in Urology Residency.

ABSTRACT Objective To examine trends in underrepresented minority (URM) representation in urology residency. Comparison is made between URM representation in urology residency and URM representation in other surgical fields as well as all medical fields. We hypothesized that percentage of URM in urology has been limited when compared to both surgical fields and all other fields. Material and Methods Data on the race and ethnicity of residents were collected from ACGME Data Resource Books from 2012 to 2017. We defined URM as the aggregate of Asian or Pacific Islander, Hispanic, Black, Native America/Alaskan and Other. The proportion of URM was compared to the proportion of White in urology vs other surgical specialties and all fields of medicine. Analysis consisted of chi-square testing for each year and for all years combined. Results In total, 5005 urology residents, 67,699 surgical residents, and 367,440 residents in all fields were identified. Comparative analysis demonstrated a significantly lower proportion of URM trainees in urology (30.8%) than surgery (33.6%) and all fields (42.3%), P Conclusion The findings demonstrate that URM representation in urology trainees lags behind other fields. Recruitment and selection policies which take into account diversity are needed to improve inclusion of URM into the urologic pipeline and workforce.
Role of the B complex in the genetic control of the Rous sarcoma virus induced tumors in chickens

Recent studies suggest that the gene locus controlling the fate of tumors induced by Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) is linked to the B histo­ compatibility complex. Birds carrying the dominant allele regress the tumor; homozygous recessives being unable to do so, develop large tumors and die. These are called progressors. The Bryan strain of RSV was inoculated into 220 6 week old Leghorns 1 1 2 2 1 9 1 9 homozygous for B B > B B , or B B of which the percentages of progres­ sors were 79, 22 and 56, respectively. The balance of each were regressors and survived. The B^B^ test birds were derived from special matings, i.e., high and low immune responders to the amino acid polymer, GAT. Of 67 tests progeny of the B^B^ GAT-low mating, 63 or 94% proved to be progressors, and 6% were regressors. Of 84 test progeny of the B^B^ GAT-high matings, 67% were progressors, and 33% were regressors. The difference between the high and low GAT responders is highly significant and indicates that the locus controlling the fate of RSV-induced tumors is closely linked to the locus controlling immune response to GAT. The latter maps within the Ir region of the B histocompatibility complex. 60 INTRODUCTION Previous studies have reported evidence for genetic control of resis­ tance and susceptibility to infection frou Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) inoculation in young chickens (Waters and Burmester 1961, Crittenden et al. 1964, Gyles et al. 1968). More recently Collins and co-workers (1977) and Schierman and co-workers (1977) demonstrated that genetic control of the fate of RSV tumors is closely linked to, or within, the B major histo­ compatibility complex. In addition, the Schierman group found that regression of RSV tumors, induced by the Schraidt-Ruppin strain of subgroup B, is determined by a dominant gene designated R-Rs-1^. The recessive allele, designated r-Rs-1^, permits uncontrolled (progressive) tumor growth in homozygous birds. Our study, reported herein, indicates that the RSV genes map within the Ir region of the B complex. In particular, we have found close linkage between the RSV genes, which control tumor regression to subgroup A RSV, and the immune response locus (Ir-GAT), which controls antibody production to the amino acid polymer, GAT^^ (Pevzner et
Modeling the Spatial Consequences of Payday Loan Interest Rate Cap

This study demonstrates the relevance of the spatial analysis in payday loan research and policy design and evaluation. The examination of the interplay between the regulatory and institutional environments and the need for cash permits to show the relevance of the spatial analysis. Results indicate that counties located near borders have more access to payday loans compared to distant counties. Loan acquisition costs resulting from the interest rate cap make it hard for distant Arkansans who desperately need some cash. Payday loan ‘plenty’ is visible around Arkansas borders and loan ‘desert’ is visible in the interior of Arkansas.
Complete Genome Sequence Resource of a Strain of Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens, the Causal Agent of Bacterial Wilt of Common Bean, from Turkey.

Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens is the causal agent of bacterial wilt of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), a disease that can reduce yields of this economically important crop worl...
Special Report from the CDC Antidepressant subclass use and fall risk in community-dwelling older Americans.

Abstract Introduction: Falls among older adults are a significant health concern affecting more than a quarter of older adults (age 65+). Certain fall risk factors, such as medication use, increase fall risk among older adults (age 65+). Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the association between antidepressant-medication subclass use and self-reported falls in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: This analysis used the 2009–2013 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey, a nationally representative panel survey. A total of 8,742 community-dwelling older adults, representing 40,639,884 older Medicare beneficiaries, were included. We compared self-reported falls and psychoactive medication use, including antidepressant subclasses. These data are controlled for demographic, functional, and health characteristics associated with increased fall risk. Descriptive analyses and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted using SAS 9.4 and Stata 15 software. Results: The most commonly used antidepressant subclass were selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) antidepressants (13.1%). After controlling for characteristics associated with increased fall risk (including depression and concurrent psychoactive medication use), the risk of falling among older adults increased by approximately 30% among those who used a SSRI or a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) compared to non-users. The adjusted risk ratio (aRR) for SSRI was 1.29 (95% CI = 1.13, 1.47) and for SNRI was 1.32 (95% CI = 1.07, 1.62). Conclusion: SSRI and SNRI are associated with increased risk of falling after adjusting for important confounders. Medication use is a modifiable fall risk factor in older adults and can be targeted to reduce risk of falls. Practical Applications: Use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors increased the risk of falling in older adults by approximately 30%, even after controlling for demographic, functional, and health characteristics, including depression. Health care providers can work towards reducing fall risk among their older patients by minimizing the use of certain medications when potential risks outweigh the benefits.
Investment in Production Resource Flexibility: An Empirical Investigation of Methods for Planning under Uncertainty

We examine several methods for evaluating resource acquisition decisions under uncertainty. Traditional methods may underestimate equipment benefit when part of this benefit comes from decision flexibility. We develop a new, practical method for resource planning under uncertainty, and show that this approach is more accurate than several commonly used methods. We successfully applied our approach to an investment problem faced by a major firm in the aviation information industry. Our recommendations were accepted and resulted in estimated annual savings in excess of $1 million (US). © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 50: 105-129, 2003.
Cytoskeletal diversification across 1 billion years: What red algae can teach us about the cytoskeleton, and vice versa.

The cytoskeleton has a central role in eukaryotic biology, enabling cells to organize internally, polarize, and translocate. Studying cytoskeletal machinery across the tree of life can identify common elements, illuminate fundamental mechanisms, and provide insight into processes specific to less-characterized organisms. Red algae represent an ancient lineage that is diverse, ecologically significant, and biomedically relevant. Recent genomic analysis shows that red algae have a surprising paucity of cytoskeletal elements, particularly molecular motors. Here, we review the genomic and cell biological evidence and propose testable models of how red algal cells might perform processes including cell motility, cytokinesis, intracellular transport, and secretion, given their reduced cytoskeletons. In addition to enhancing understanding of red algae and lineages that evolved from red algal endosymbioses (e.g., apicomplexan parasites), these ideas may also provide insight into cytoskeletal processes in animal cells.
Synthetic Cooling Agents in US-marketed E-cigarette Refill Liquids and Disposable E-cigarettes: Chemical Analysis and Risk Assessment.

Abstract Background Menthol, through its cooling sensory effects, facilitates smoking and tobacco product initiation, which is reflected by the high popularity of mint/menthol-flavored E-cigarettes. More recently, E-cigarette vendors started marketing synthetic cooling agents as additives that impart a cooling effect but lack a characteristic minty odor. Knowledge about content of synthetic coolants in US-marketed E-cigarette products and associated health risks is limited. Methods E-liquid vendor sites were searched with the terms “koolada”, “kool/cool”, “ice”, or WS-3/WS-23, denoting individual cooling agents, and relevant refill E-liquids were purchased. “Ice” flavor varieties of Puffbar, the popular disposable E-cigarette brand, were compared with non-“Ice” varieties. E-liquids were characterized, and synthetic coolants quantified using GC/MS. Margin of exposure (MOE), a risk assessment parameter, was calculated to assess the risk associated with synthetic coolant exposure from E-cigarette use. Results WS-3 was detected in 24/25 of the identified refill E-liquids (24/25), while almost all Puffbar disposables flavor varieties contained WS-23 (13/14), with 5/14 also containing WS-3, in both “Ice”- and non-“Ice” flavors. Modeling consumption of WS-3 from vaped E-liquids resulted in MOEs below the safe margin of 100 for most daily use scenarios (3-mL:14/25 E-liquids; 5-mL:18/25; 10-mL:20/25). MOEs for WS-23 from 11/13 Puffbar products were ≤100 in all use scenarios. Conclusions Synthetic cooling agents (WS-3, WS-23) were present in US-marketed E-cigarettes, at levels that may result in consumer exposures exceeding safety thresholds set by regulatory agencies. Synthetic cooling agents are not only found in mint-or menthol-flavored products, but also in fruit- and candy-flavored products, including popular disposable E-cigarette products such as Puffbar. Implications Synthetic cooling agents are widely used in “kool/cool”- and “ice”-flavored E-liquids and in E-liquids without these labels, both as a replacement for menthol or to add cooling ‘notes’ to non-menthol flavors. These agents may be used to bypass regulatory limits on menthol content in tobacco products. Since synthetic cooling agents are odorless, they may not fall under the category of “characterizing flavor”, potentially circumventing regulatory measures based on this concept. Regulators need to consider the additional health risks associated with exposure to synthetic cooling agents.
Persons in Banking 5.0

This chapter deals with persons. It goes into the details of the new e-competencies or new profiles and of education 5.0. The chapter analyzes in detail the so-called virtual workers, the person-machine integration and their relevance for banking 5.0.
What can astrocytes compute

I demonstrate theoretically that calcium waves in astrocytes can compute anything neurons can. A foundational result in neural computation was proving the firing rate model of neurons defines a universal function approximator. In this work I show a similar proof extends to a model of calcium waves in astrocytes, which I confirm in a series of computer simulations. I argue the major limit in astrocyte computation is not their ability to find approximate solutions, but their computational complexity. I suggest some initial experiments that might be used to confirm these predictions.
Contact Invariants in Floer Homology

In a pair of seminal papers Peter Ozsvath and Zoltan Szabo defined a collection of homology groups associated to a 3-manifold they named Heegaard-Floer homologies. Soon after, they associated to a contact structure ξ on a 3-manifold, an element of its Heegaard-Floer homology, the contact invariant c(ξ). This invariant has been used to prove a plethora of results in contact topology of 3-manifolds. In this series of lectures we introduce and review some basic facts about Heegaard Floer Homology and its generalization to manifolds with boundary due to Andras Juhasz, the Sutured Floer Homology. We use the open book decompositions in the case of closed manifolds, and partial open book decompositions in the case of contact manifolds with convex boundary to define contact invariants in both settings, and show some applications to fillability questions.
Shape based segmentation of anatomical structures in magnetic resonance images

Standard image based segmentation approaches perform poorly when there is little or no contrast along boundaries of different regions. In such cases, segmentation is largely performed manually using prior knowledge of the shape and relative location of the underlying structures combined with partially discernible boundaries. We present an automated approach guided by covariant shape deformations of neighboring structures, which is an additional source of prior information. Captured by a shape atlas, these deformations are transformed into a statistical model using the logistic function. Structure boundaries, anatomical labels, and image inhomogeneities are estimated simultaneously within an Expectation-Maximization formulation of the maximum a posteriori probability estimation problem. We demonstrate the approach on 20 brain magnetic resonance images showing superior performance, particularly in cases where purely image based methods fail.
Finding interesting outliers - a Belief Network based approach

Outliers are deviations from the usual trends of data; to discover interestingness among outliers i.e. finding anomalies which are of real-interest for subject matter experts is an active area of research in data mining and machine learning community. Due to its subjective nature, the definition of what amounts to ‘interesting’ varies between domains and subject matter experts. This paper provides an overview of the current state of quantification for measures of interestingness, using Bayesian Belief Networks as background knowledge. Building up on this foundation, we also provide a process flow for ranking outliers based on subject matter expert's apriori interestingness.
Anthropogenic ecosystem fragmentation drives shared and unique patterns of sexual signal divergence among three species of Bahamian mosquitofish.

When confronted with similar environmental challenges, different organisms can exhibit dissimilar phenotypic responses. Therefore, understanding patterns of phenotypic divergence for closely related species requires considering distinct evolutionary histories. Here, we investigated how a common form of human-induced environmental alteration, habitat fragmentation, may drive phenotypic divergence among three closely related species of Bahamian mosquitofish (Gambusia spp.). Focusing on one phenotypic trait (male coloration), having a priori predictions of divergence, we tested whether populations persisting in fragmented habitats differed from those inhabiting unfragmented habitats and examined the consistency of the pattern across species. Species exhibited both shared and unique patterns of phenotypic divergence between the two types of habitats, with shared patterns representing the stronger effect. For all species, populations in fragmented habitats had fewer dorsal-fin spots. In contrast, the magnitude and trajectory of divergence in dorsal-fin color, a sexually selected trait, differed among species. We identified fragmentation-mediated increased turbidity as a possible driver of these trait shifts. These results suggest that even closely related species can exhibit diverse phenotypic responses when encountering similar human-mediated selection regimes. This element of unpredictability complicates forecasting the phenotypic responses of wild organisms faced with anthropogenic change – an important component of biological conservation and ecosystem management.
Belief Revision And Epistemology

Postulational approaches attempt to understand the dynamics of belief revision by appealing to no more than the set of beliefs held by an agent and the logical relations between them. It is argued there that such an approach cannot work. A proper account of belief revision must also appeal to the arguments supporting beliefs, and recognize that those arguments can be defeasible. If we begin with a mature epistemological theory that accommodates this, it can be seen that the belief revision operators on which the postulational theories are based are ill-defined. It is further argued that there is no way to repair the definitions so as to retain the spirit of those theory. Belief revision is better studied from within an independently motivated epistemological theory.
Inflammatory breast cancer: Clinical progress and the main problems that must be addressed

Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare but highly aggressive form of locally advanced breast cancer. Historically, this disease was uniformly fatal; however, with the advent of induction chemotherapy and carefully coordinated multimodality treatment, the prognosis of these patients has improved. This article reviews the clinical characteristics of inflammatory breast cancer and the recent advances in therapy.
Conformations of cyclopropane derivatives: Part II. The structure and absolute configuration of (R)-(+)-1-fluoro-2,2-diphenylclopropanecarboxylic acid

Abstract The structure of (R)-(+)-1-fluoro-2,2-diphyenylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid hereafter referred to as (1)) has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Crystals of (1) are orthorhombic, space group P212121, with cell constants: a = 6.172(9) A, b = 7.890(2) A and c = 27.091(7) A; cell volume, V = 1319.29 A3 and density (calc; z = 4 molecules per unit cell) = 1.290 g cm−3. A total of 1889 reflections were recorded in the range 4° 2δ(I). The refinement converged at R = 0.0448 and Rw = 0.0329. The molecule will be visualized as follows: the plane of the carboxylic group (defined by O1,O2,C1) is nearly orthogonal to the plane of the cyclopropane ring (dihedral angle 99.05°) while the dihedral angles between the two phenyl rings and the cyclopropane ring are, respectively, 117.77° and 63.16°. The carboxylic group is not in the bisecting conformation (with respect to the angle C4C2C3) as shown by the values of the torsional angles (−19.68°) and O2C1C2C4 (50.35°). This is a n hindrance between the cis-phenyl ring (C11, C12⋯C16) and the COOH substituent adjacent to it. One of the bonds within the cyclopropane ring is longer than the other two (1.563(9), 1.496(9), 1.494(8) A), the longer one being associated with the disubstituted carbons. The two CO bonds are 1.290(9) and 1.195(7) A, which are within the normally expected values. The rest of the bond lengths and angles are also normal. The molecules are hydrogen bonded into infinite chains running along the length of the a (shortest) axis of the lattice, the O⋯O distance being 2.638 A and the O1H and H⋯O2 distances being, respectively, 0.85(6) and 1.89(6) A. The O1H ⋯O angle is 146(7)°.
Role of nuclear pore complex in simian virus 40 nuclear targeting.

Abstract Cytoplasmically injected simian virus 40 (SV40) virions enter the nucleus through nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) and can express large T antigen shortly thereafter (J. Clever, M. Yamada, and H. Kasamatsu, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88:7333-7337, 1991). The nuclear import of the protein components of introduced SV40 was reversibly arrested by chilling and energy depletion, corroborating our previous observation that the nuclear entry of injected SV40 is blocked in the presence of wheat germ agglutinin and an antinucleoporin monoclonal antibody (mAb414), general inhibitors of NPC-mediated import. The nuclear accumulation of virion protein components and large T antigen in nonpermissive NIH 3T3 cells was similar to that in the permissive host, indicating that the ability to use NPCs as a route of nuclear entry appears to be a general property of the injected virus. Injected virions were capable of completing their lytic cycle and forming plaques in permissive cells. During the early phase of SV40 infection, the cytoplasmic injection of mAb414 effectively blocked nuclear T-antigen accumulation for up to 8 h of infection but had very little effect after 12 h of infection. The time-dependent interference with nuclear T-antigen accumulation by the antinucleoporin antibody is consistent with the hypothesis that the infecting virions enter the nucleus through NPCs. The interference study also suggests that the early phase of infection consists of at least two steps: a step for virion cell entry and intracytoplasmic trafficking and a step for virion nuclear entry followed by large-T-antigen gene expression and subsequent nuclear localization of the gene product. Virions were visualized as electron-dense particles in ultrathin sections of samples in which transport was permitted or arrested. In the former cells, electron-dense particles were predominantly observed in the nucleus. The virions were distributed randomly and nonuniformly in the nucleoplasm but were not observed in heterochromatin or in nucleoli. In the latter cells, the electron-dense particles were seen intersecting the nuclear envelope, near the inner nuclear membrane, and in NPCs. In tangential cross sections of NPCs, which appeared as donut-shaped structures, a spherical electron-dense particle was observed in the center of the structure. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that NPCs were selectively decorated with 5-nm colloidal gold particles-anti-Vp1 immunoglobulin G at the cytoplasmic entrance to and in NPCs, confirming that the morphologically observed electron-dense particles in NPCs contain the viral structural protein. These results support the hypothesis that the nuclear import of SV40 is catalyzed through NPCs by an active transport mechanism that is similar to that of other karyophiles.
Mapping of functional and antigenic domains of the alpha 4 protein of herpes simplex virus 1.

Abstract Monoclonal antibodies to alpha 4, the major regulatory protein of herpes simplex virus 1, have been shown to differ in their effects on the binding of the protein to its DNA-binding site in the promoter-regulatory domain of an alpha gene. To map the epitopes, we expressed truncated genes in transient expression systems. All 10 monoclonal antibodies tested reacted with the N-terminal 288-amino-acid polypeptide. To map the epitopes more precisely, 29 15-mer oligopeptides, overlapping by five amino acids at each end, were synthesized and reacted with the monoclonal antibodies. The nine reactive monoclonal antibodies were mapped to seven sites. Of the two monoclonal antibodies which blocked the binding of alpha 4 to DNA, one (H950) reacted with oligopeptide no. 3 near the N terminal of the protein, whereas the second (H942) reacted with oligopeptide no. 23 near the C terminus of the 288-amino-acid polypeptide. In further tests, oligopeptide no. 19 was found to compete with two host proteins, designated as alpha H1 and alpha H2-alpha H3, for binding to DNA as well as to retard DNA in a band shift assay, whereas oligopeptides no. 26, 27, and 28 enhanced the binding of alpha 4 to DNA. Moreover, oligopeptide no. 27 was also found to retard DNA in a band shift assay. Polypeptide no. 19 competed with alpha 4 for binding to DNA, whereas no. 27 neither enhanced nor competed with the binding of the host polypeptide alpha H1 to its binding site in the promoter-regulatory domain of an alpha gene, but did enhance the binding of the alpha H2-alpha H3 protein to its binding site. In contrast to these results, the truncated alpha 4 polypeptide, 825 amino acids long, bound to the viral DNA, whereas a shorter, 519-amino-acid-long, truncated polypeptide did not. The 825-amino-acid polypeptide was previously shown to induce in transient expression of a late (gamma 2) viral gene.
Is couponing an effective promotional strategy? An examination of the Procter & Gamble zero-coupon test

Coupons have been a promotional strategy for more than 100 years. Today, it is estimated that 3000 manufacturers print 310 billion coupons. While coupons are believed to be effective in enticing consumers to try and to continue to buy a product, fewer than 2% of distributed coupons are redeemed, leading manufacturers and retailers to question how effective couponing really is in today's market-place. In response to this decline in redemption, packaged goods giant Procter & Gamble experimented with eliminating coupons in test markets during 1996. Are coupons still an effective promotional device? That is what this paper will discuss,while attempting to explain the strategy behind the zero-coupon test and examining the lessons learned.
Cadmium effects on influx and transport of mineral nutrients in plant species

Abstract Solution culture experiments were conducted under controlled environmental conditions to determine the effects of cadmium(II) [Cd(II)] activity (0, 8, 14, 28, 42, and 54 μM) on influx (IN) into roots and transport (TR) from roots to shoots of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) in ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), maize (Zea mays L.), white clover (Trifolium repens L.), and cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.). Shoot and root dry matter (DM) decreased with increased external Cd, and plant species differed extensively. Ryegrass and cabbage were relatively tolerant to Cd toxicity compared to white clover and maize. Influx and TR of Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ca, and Mg were lower with increasing external Cd compared to controls, and species also differed. Influx and TR of P were enhanced in each species with up to 14 μM Cd, decreased in white clover and cabbage at higher Cd levels, while in maize and ryegrass continued to increase...
The Src tyrosine kinase pathway regulates thecal CYP17 expression and androstenedione secretion

In order to evaluate the role of Src tyrosine kinase in thecal cell steroidogenesis, a pharmacological approach was utilized by treating enriched populations of mouse ovarian theca-interstitial cells in vitro with a direct Src kinase inhibitor, PP2. Inhibition of Src with PP2 increased both basal and forskolin-stimulated androstenedione secretion, and increased cytochrome P450 17-alpha hydroxylase-lyase (CYP17) promoter activity and steady state mRNA. PP2 did not change thecal levels of StAR mRNA. Inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase, a downstream regulator of Src activity, using PD98059 also increased forskolin-stimulated secretion of androstenedione above forskolin alone, but had no effect on basal secretion of androstenedione. Src inhibition increased mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 protein and decreased phosphorylation of SF-1, which correlated with increased CYP17 promoter activity and mRNA levels. These results implicate Src tyrosine kinase in the regulation of CYP17 and thecal androgen secretion.
A Thermal LBGK Model for Large Density and Temperature Differences

We present a new lattice-Boltzmann method for hydrodynamic simulations, which is capable of handling very large density and temperature gradients. Unlike other LBGK models, the discrete velocities we used center at the local mean flow velocity, and their values vary according to the local temperature. The adiabatic index of the gas can be easily controlled by a parameter.
Recommendation-based geovisualization support for reconstitution in critical infrastructure protection

Protecting critical infrastructure systems, such as electrical power grids, has become a primary concern for many governments and organizations across a variety of stakeholder perspectives. Critical infrastructures involve multidimensional, highly complex collections of technologies, processes, and people, and as such, are vulnerable to potentially catastrophic failures on many levels. Moreover, cross-infrastructure dependencies can give rise to cascading effects with escalating impact across multiple infrastructures. Critical infrastructure protection involves both safeguarding against potential disaster scenarios and effective response in the aftermath of infrastructure failure. Our research is developing innovative approaches to modeling critical infrastructures in order to support decision-making during reconstitution efforts in response to infrastructure disruptions. By modeling the impact of infrastructure elements, both within and across infrastructures, we can recommend focus areas for reconstitution resources across different stakeholders in the context of their current goals. An interactive geovisualization interface provides a natural context for this infrastructure analysis support. This paper presents an overview of our approach and the GIS modeling environment under development for decision support in critical infrastructure reconstitution.
Electrophoretic studies of interactions between proteolytic enzymes and inhibitors

Abstract Electrophoresis in starch or polyacrylamide gels was found to be an efficient method for studying the interactions between proteolytic enzymes and protein inhibitors. Complexes of bovine trypsin were demonstrated with ovomucoids of chicken, turkey, ring-necked pheasant, and with soybean trypsin inhibitor. Complexes of bovine α-chymotrypsin were demonstrated with ovomucoids of golden pheasant, Lady Amherst pheasant, ring-necked pheasant and turkey and with potato chymotrypsin inhibitor. Chemical modification of the enzymes or inhibitors by acetylation or iodination influenced the interactions. DIP-chymotrypsin, chymotrypsinogen A, or chymotrypsinogen B did not form complexes. Mixtures of α-chymotrypsin with ovomucoids of turkey or ring-necked pheasant had additional components which were either absent, or present in much lower amount, in mixtures with the other ovomucoids. These additional components were not seen in moving-boundary electrophoresis.
Seidel aberrations of the Gabor superlens

Equations are presented for the third-order Seidel aberrations of the Gabor superlens (GSL) as a function of microtelescope channel position within the aperture array. To reveal the origin and form of increasing aberration with channel height, Seidel coefficients are derived as a function of the accumulating pitch difference between the lens arrays and the aberrations present in the centered channel. Two- and three-element Gabor lenses are investigated and their aberrations are expressed as a function of first-order design parameters. The derived theory is then compared to a real ray trace simulation to demonstrate the accuracy of third-order aberration theory to predict GSL image quality.
Models for the directed evolution of bacterial allelopathy: bacteriophage lysins

Microbes produce a variety of compounds that are used to kill or suppress other species. Traditional antibiotics have their origins in these natural products, as do many types of compounds being pursued today in the quest for new antibacterial drugs. When a potential toxin can be encoded by and exported from a species that is not harmed, the opportunity exists to use directed evolution to improve the toxin’s ability to kill other species—allelopathy. In contrast to the typical application of directed evolution, this case requires the co-culture of at least two species or strains, a host that is unharmed by the toxin plus the intended target of the toxin. We develop mathematical and computational models of this directed evolution process. Two contexts are considered, one with the toxin encoded on a plasmid and the other with the toxin encoded in a phage. The plasmid system appears to be more promising than the phage system. Crucial to both designs is the ability to co-culture two species/strains (host and target) such that the host is greatly outgrown by the target species except when the target species is killed. The results suggest that, if these initial conditions can be satisfied, directed evolution is feasible for the plasmid-based system. Screening with a plasmid-based system may also enable rapid improvement of a toxin.
Effect of atropine injected into the nucleus tractus solitarius on the regulation of blood pressure

Abstract Previous experiments have demonstrated that stimulation of muscarinic cholinergi receptors in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) of the rat decreases arterial blood pressure and heart rate. The present studies were designed to examine the role of cholinergic mechanisms in the NTS in the tonic regulation of arterial pressure and the baroreceptor reflex. Atropine injected into the NTS of chloralose-anesthetized rats produced a dose-dependent inhibition of cardiovascular responses elicited by injection of acetylcholine into the same site; 240 pmol atropine eliminated acetylcholine-evoked responses. Atropine also increased arterial blood pressure but only at higher doses. Even larger doses of atropine were required to alter cardiovascular responses elicited by electrical stimulation of the aortic depressor nerve. Methylatropine injected into the NTS also blocked acetylcholine-evoked responses but, in contrast to the actions of atropine, did not increase arterial pressure in the dose range required to block acetylcholine-evoked responses. Furthermore, a dose of methylatropine (1 nmol) capable of blocking acetylcholine-evoked cardiovascular responses did not alter aortic depressor nerve-evoked cardiovascular responses. This lack of an effect of methylatropine on arterial pressure and aortic depressor nerve-evoked responses was not due to limited diffusion of the drug within the NTS since 1 nmol methylatropine completely blocked acetylcholine-evoked responses even when injected 0.5 mm distant from the site of acetylcholine injection. These results suggest that cholinergic mechanisms in the NTS are not involved in the tonic regulation of cardiovascular function or the baroreceptor reflex. Furthermore, these results highlight the importance of characterizing doses of drugs used in microinjection studies.
Electron energy loss spectroscopy of copper-oxygen systems at the Cu L-edge

Abstract Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) experiments were performed on the copper-oxygen system in conjunction with a cuprous oxide intergranular phase which has been identified in the YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−x superconductor system. The objective was to confirm the +1 oxidation state necessary in the copper to achieve the stoichiometry predicted by energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and crystallography from electron microdiffraction. The near edge structure of the copper L 2,3 edge was studied for samples of pure Cu, CuO, Cu 2 O, and YBa 2 Cu 3 7−x intergranular phase. The near edge region is region is dominated by white lines in the oxidized stage and their ratios are quite adequate for valence determination. Analysis of the resulting spectra bore out the predicted results.
Multi-robot flooding algorithm for the exploration of unknown indoor environments

In this paper we study the problem of multi-robot exploration of unknown indoor environments that are modeled as trees. Specifically, our approach consider that robots deploy and communicate with active landmarks in every intersection they encounter. We present a novel algorithm that is guaranteed to completely explore any tree with m edges and diameter D, by allowing k robots to be fed into the tree one at a time. We prove that the exploration time of the algorithm grows in linear proportion with the size of the tree and is not bigger than D+m. Simulation results are presented that corroborate the theoretical analysis.
A numerical method for accurately approximating multivariate normal probabilities

Abstract A Taylor series expansion of the multivariate normal integral is used to calculate the value of the integral over rectangular regions. Interval analysis and automatic differentiation provide self-validation for calculated probabilities. In examples, the Taylor series approximation gives more accurate results than the algorithm of Schervish (1984).
SLA-driven applicability analysis for patch management

To strengthen patch management, organizations are required not only to focus on sole patch management on single server, machine or application servers, but also to consider other IT system management processes as well because patch management relies on them to be efficient. Processes such as inventory, system configurations, risk management, change management, system audit, and business cost on policy and SLA should be evaluated and enhanced together with patch management; appropriate applicability assessment of patch should be built in and coordinated with all these processes to make patch management a safe, reliable and efficient process to carry out its high profile tasks. This paper presents a patch management framework based on SLA-driven patch applicability analysis. It provides automatic patch applicability analysis and risk assessment for supporting business-impact analysis and logical control during patch process. Experimental results collected from the simulation on realistic business services case study show that SLA-driven patch applicability analysis based patch management outperforms traditional patch management.
Hydrogen concentration profiles and chemical bonding in silicon nitride

The complementary techniques of nuclear reaction analysis and infrared absorption were used to study the concentration profiles and chemical bonding of hydrogen in silicon nitride for different preparation and annealing conditions. Silicon nitride prepared by chemical vapor deposition from ammonia-silane mixtures is shown to have hydrogen concentrations of 8.1 and 6.5 at.% for deposition temperatures of 750 and 900‡C, respectively. Plasma deposition at 300‡C from these gases result in hydrogen concentrations of ~22 at.%. Comparison of nuclear reaction analysis and infrared absorption measurements after isothermal annealing shows that all of the hydrogen retained in the films remains bonded to either silicon or nitrogen and that hydrogen release from the material on annealing is governed by various trap energies involving at least one Si-H and two N-H traps. Reasonable estimates of the hydrogen release rates can be made from the effective diffusion coefficient obtained from measurements of the spreading of the implanted hydrogen distribution upon annealing.
Enhancing Business Communication with Group Decision Support Systems.

Group Decision Support Systems are helping many orga nizations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of group meetings. In addition, multilingual Group Decision Support Systems can support groups using many differ ent languages by automatically translating group mem bers' comments. In this paper, we describe this new technology and demonstrate how it can enhance business communication.
Inactivation of the 5-HT(7) receptor partially blocks phencyclidine-induced disruption of prepulse inhibition.

Background Studies have implicated the serotonin (5-HT) 7 receptor in physiological and pathophysiological phenomena, including thermoregulation, central control of micturition and locomotion, regulation of circadian rhythm, sleep, and depression. Further, several antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs have high affinity for the 5-HT 7 receptor. Methods We examined the role of 5-HT 7 receptors in a rodent analogue of sensorimotor gating deficits in schizophrenia: phencyclidine (PCP)-induced disruption of prepulse inhibition (PPI) of acoustic startle. We used mice lacking the 5-HT 7 receptor due to a targeted inactivation of this receptor gene and the selective 5-HT 7 receptor antagonist SB-269970. Results SB-269970 did not affect either baseline PPI or PCP-disrupted PPI. There was no difference between 5-HT 7 +/+ and 5-HT 7 −/− mice in startle reactivity or PPI regardless of prepulse intensity (74–82 dB), interstimulus interval (25–500 msec), or pulse intensity (90–120 dB). Nevertheless, disruption of PPI produced by PCP (10 mg/kg) in wild-type mice was reduced in 5-HT 7 −/− mice, although it was not affected by the 5-HT 7 antagonist SB-269970. By contrast, the PPI-disruptive effects of apomorphine (5 mg/kg) and amphetamine (7.5 mg/kg) were comparable in both genotypes. Conclusions The results indicate a partial role for the 5-HT 7 receptor in the glutamatergic PPI model of sensorimotor gating deficits in schizophrenia that is sensitive to atypical antipsychotics and no involvement of this receptor in the dopaminergic PPI model that is sensitive to typical antipsychotics. Thus, the 5-HT 7 −/− mice may provide a useful tool to study the role of 5-HT 7 receptor in the action of atypical antipsychotic drugs and schizophrenia.
Alcoholics Anonymous Science Update: Introduction to the Special Issue

In most developed nations, alarming increases in the prodigious economic, social, and medical burden attributable to alcohol and other drug misuse has opened the door for greater coordination among...
Socioeconomic Indexes for Occupations: A Review, Update, and Critique

Following a review of the history and sources of socioeconomic indexes for occupations, we estimate a new set of indexes for 1990 Census occupation lines, based on relationships between the prestige ratings obtained by Nakao and Treas in the 1989 General Social Survey and characteristics of occupational incumbents in the 1990 Census. We also investigate theoretical and empirical relationships among socioeconomic and prestige indexes, using data from the 1994 General Social Survey. Many common occupations, especially those held by women, do not fit the typical relationships among prestige, education, and earnings. The fit between prestige and socioeconomic characteristics of occupations can be improved by statistical transformation of the variables. However, in rudimentary models of occupational stratification, prestige-validated socioeconomic indexes are of limited value. They give too much weight to occupational earnings, and they ignore intergenerational relationships between occupational education and occupational earnings. Levels of occupational education appear to define the main dimension of occupational persistence across and within generations. We conclude that composite indexes of occupational socioeconomic status are scientifically obsolete.
Dynamics of reassembled thioredoxin studied by magic angle spinning NMR: snapshots from different time scales.

Solid-state NMR spectroscopy can be used to probe internal protein dynamics in the absence of the overall molecular tumbling. In this study, we report (15)N backbone dynamics in differentially enriched 1-73(U-(13)C,(15)N)/74-108(U-(15)N) reassembled thioredoxin on multiple time scales using a series of 2D and 3D MAS NMR experiments probing the backbone amide (15)N longitudinal relaxation, (1)H-(15)N dipolar order parameters, (15)N chemical shift anisotropy (CSA), and signal intensities in the temperature-dependent and (1)H T(2)'-filtered NCA experiments. The spin-lattice relaxation rates R(1) (R(1) = 1/T(1)) were observed in the range from 0.012 to 0.64 s(-1), indicating large site-to-site variations in dynamics on pico- to nanosecond time scales. The (1)H-(15)N dipolar order parameters, , and (15)N CSA anisotropies, delta(sigma), reveal the backbone mobilities in reassembled thioredoxin, as reflected in the average = 0.89 +/- 0.06 and delta(sigma) = 92.3 +/- 5.2 ppm, respectively. From the aggregate of experimental data from different dynamics methods, some degree of correlation between the motions on the different time scales has been suggested. Analysis of the dynamics parameters derived from these solid-state NMR experiments indicates higher mobilities for the residues constituting irregular secondary structure elements than for those located in the alpha-helices and beta-sheets, with no apparent systematic differences in dynamics between the alpha-helical and beta-sheet residues. Remarkably, the dipolar order parameters derived from the solid-state NMR measurements and the corresponding solution NMR generalized order parameters display similar qualitative trends as a function of the residue number. The comparison of the solid-state dynamics parameters to the crystallographic B-factors has identified the contribution of static disorder to the B-factors. The combination of longitudinal relaxation, dipolar order parameter, and CSA line shape analyses employed in this study provides snapshots of dynamics and a new insight on the correlation of these motions on multiple time scales.
SEARCH FOR CHARGED PARTICLES WITH REST MASS BETWEEN THAT OF THE ELECTRON AND MUON

Singly charged particles with rest mass between that of the electron and muon, produced by electro-magnetic pair production, were searched for at the 1-BeV Stanford Electron Accelerator. The experiment had high sensitivity and when combined with theoretical electrodynamics results, rules out the existence of any but very short-lived particles in the range from 1 to $175 {m}_{e}$.
27-day variation of solar radio flux at 10.7 cm and 20 cm

Abstract It is shown that the 27-day Fourier components in the time variations of solar radio fluxes on 10.7 cm and 20 cm differ in phase. The 10.7 cm flux reaches its maximum, on the average, 1.1 days earlier than the 20 cm flux.
Small signal ac equivalent circuit modelling of the series resonant converter

The small signal dynamics of the series resonant converter are investigated using an equivalent circuit modelling approach. The converter input and output ports behave essentially as nonideal current sources, so the most suitable form is the two-port y parameter model. Two such models are proposed: a continuous time version valid for low perturbation frequencies, aand a discrete time version which models the inherent sampling in the converter and is valid for any perturbation frequency less than the switching frequency. Experimental verification of the control to output transfer function and the output impedance is presented, and good agreement between theory and experiment is obtained.
Time-resolved Hyperspectral Diffuse Optical Tomography: proof of concept

We present a novel time-resolved Diffuse Optical Tomography system based on widefield illumination and wide-field hyperspectral detection. Preliminary phantom studies are conducted to show its potential for 3D fast tomographic imaging.
Structure of Zirconium-Exchanged H-ZSM5 Prepared by Vapor Exchange of ZrCl4

Zr dimers (Zr2O32+) interacting with two exchange sites and uniform in structure were prepared by grafting anhydrous ZrCl4(g) onto H-ZSM5 followed by hydrolysis and dehydration. This method led to selective exchange, without concurrent formation of crystalline ZrO2 aggregates, ubiquitously formed via aqueous exchange because of the slow diffusion of aquo oxo-ions within small channels. ZrCl4(g) reacts with acidic OH groups to form HCl and ZrCl3+-ZSM5 species. This exchange stoichiometry was confirmed by the number of HCl molecules evolved during hydrolysis, a process that forms ZrO(OH)+ species. These species then dehydroxylate via condensation with vicinal ZrO(OH)+ to form (OZr−O−ZrO)2+ species interacting with two exchange sites and containing one bridging O-atom. This exchange process is consistent with the number of residual OH groups titrated by D2 and with the intensity of O−H infrared bands. X-ray diffraction, 27Al nuclear magnetic resonance, and infrared spectra showed that the exchange process di...