cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reinforcement learning for demand response: A review of algorithms and modeling techniques

Abstract Buildings account for about 40% of the global energy consumption. Renewable energy resources are one possibility to mitigate the dependence of residential buildings on the electrical grid. However, their integration into the existing grid infrastructure must be done carefully to avoid instability, and guarantee availability and security of supply. Demand response, or demand-side management, improves grid stability by increasing demand flexibility, and shifts peak demand towards periods of peak renewable energy generation by providing consumers with economic incentives. This paper reviews the use of reinforcement learning, a machine learning algorithm, for demand response applications in the smart grid. Reinforcement learning has been utilized to control diverse energy systems such as electric vehicles, heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, smart appliances, or batteries. The future of demand response greatly depends on its ability to prevent consumer discomfort and integrate human feedback into the control loop. Reinforcement learning is a potentially model-free algorithm that can adapt to its environment, as well as to human preferences by directly integrating user feedback into its control logic. Our review shows that, although many papers consider human comfort and satisfaction, most of them focus on single-agent systems with demand-independent electricity prices and a stationary environment. However, when electricity prices are modelled as demand-dependent variables, there is a risk of shifting the peak demand rather than shaving it. We identify a need to further explore reinforcement learning to coordinate multi-agent systems that can participate in demand response programs under demand-dependent electricity prices. Finally, we discuss directions for future research, e.g., quantifying how RL could adapt to changing urban conditions such as building refurbishment and urban or population growth.
“Engi er allheimskr, ef þegja má”: Women and Silence in the Sagas and þættir of Icelanders

It is well known that women in medieval Iceland had limited opportunity to take part in political and legal affairs, but that often they were able to somewhat influence the political and legal structures affecting their lives by being quite verbal. While acknowleding the importance of women’s words and, by extension, the fact that power is routinely exercized through speech, this article draws attention to the fact that, paradoxically, silence was also an important tool available to women in medieval Iceland. An examination of the Sagas and þaettir of Icelanders reveals that women used and relied on non-verbal expression in their interactions with men in order to achieve their goals. University of Wisconsin—Madison
Using Genomics to Differentiate Multiple Primaries From Metastatic Lung Cancer.

Abstract Introduction Genomic technologies present a promising mechanism of resolving the clinical dilemma of distinguishing independent primary tumors from intrapulmonary metastases in NSCLC. We evaluated the utility of discordant mapping somatic junctions from chromosomal rearrangements in diagnosing metastatic disease compared to the current standard histologic review. Material and Methods Mate-pair sequencing was performed on DNA extracted from 76 distinct tumors from 37 cases of multiple lung cancers. Discordant mapping junctions and chromosomal copy levels were assessed for each tumor. Blood-derived DNA was available on 22 of these cases for germline assessments. A lung cancer next-generation sequencing panel was additionally performed on tumor pairs from 17 patients. Results Whereas mate-pair sequencing was able to classify lineage in all tumor pairs, histologic review appeared to misclassify lineage in 9 of 33 (27%) same-histology tumor pair comparisons. Based on disagreement between the reviewing pathologists, histopathologic lineage was classified as indeterminate in seven cases. In two cases where pathologists agreed on a metastatic call, no shared junctions were found suggesting independent primaries. Although germline junctions passing algorithmic filters were common, on average less than three were present and all had predictable structures of small focal rearrangements or transposons. Evaluation of shared chromosomal copy changes and driver mutations through a lung cancer next-generation sequencing panel, while informative, were nondefinitive in calling lineage in all cases. Conclusions The highly unique nature and prevalence of chromosomal rearrangement in lung cancers provide a useful and definitive technique for calling lineage in multifocal lung cancer.
Channel Flow in Partly Solidified Alloy Systems

Channel segregation is a type of macrosegregation which occurs during alloy solidification in situations where a two phase, solid + liquid, 'mushy zone' exists over a large temperature range for a long period of time. Differences in thermal or solutal expansion or contraction may cause the interdendritic liquid within the mushy zone to differ in density from the bulk liquid and thus provide a driving force for convective flow. The convective flow patterns within the ingot give rise to channels, or streamers, of solute rich material, referred to as 'A' segregates or freckles in the foundry industry, which are left in the ingot after solidification. The defects are observed to run antiparallel to the direction of gravity in the columnar zone of a casting. Although different geometrical configurations are discussed, channels are particularly evident in base chilled configurations where the solute(s) rejected during solidification are less dense than the solvent. Channel segregation has been examined in Pb alloys containing Sn and/or Sb as well as the transparent NH4Cl-H2O system. Channels are shown to originate from liquid perturbations arising from thermosolutal interactions at or near the dendritic interface, and assuming such a model, an analysis of the situation is presented.
An evolving tale of two interacting RNAs—themes and variations of the T‐box riboswitch mechanism

T-box riboswitches are a widespread class of structured noncoding RNAs in Gram-positive bacteria that regulate the expression of amino acid-related genes. They form negative feedback loops to maintain steady supplies of aminoacyl-transfer RNAs (tRNAs) to the translating ribosomes. T-box riboswitches are located in the 5' leader regions of mRNAs that they regulate and directly bind to their cognate tRNA ligands. T-boxes further sense the aminoacylation state of the bound tRNAs and, based on this readout, regulate gene expression at the level of transcription or translation. T-box riboswitches consist of two conserved domains-a 5' Stem I domain that is involved in specific tRNA recognition and a 3' antiterminator/antisequestrator (or discriminator) domain that senses the amino acid on the 3' end of the bound tRNA. Interaction of the 3' end of an uncharged but not charged tRNA with a thermodynamically weak discriminator domain stabilizes it to promote transcription readthrough or translation initiation. Recent biochemical, biophysical, and structural studies have provided high-resolution insights into the mechanism of tRNA recognition by Stem I, several structural models of full-length T-box-tRNA complexes, mechanism of amino acid sensing by the antiterminator domain, as well as kinetic details of tRNA binding to the T-box riboswitches. In addition, translation-regulating T-box riboswitches have been recently characterized, which presented key differences from the canonical transcriptional T-boxes. Here, we review the recent developments in understanding the T-box riboswitch mechanism that have employed various complementary approaches. Further, the regulation of multiple essential genes by T-boxes makes them very attractive drug targets to combat drug resistance. The recent progress in understanding the biochemical, structural, and dynamic aspects of the T-box riboswitch mechanism will enable more precise and effective targeting with small molecules. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 2019 © 2019 IUBMB Life, 71(8):1167-1180, 2019.
A Multi-Marker Approach to Predict Incident Heart Failure Risk in Chronic Kidney Disease

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with increased risk for heart failure (HF). Several pathophysiologic pathways are activated in CKD which may lead to HF. We sought to study the utility of a multi-marker approach to predict HF risk in CKD. Hypothesis We hypothesized that a multi-marker panel can help identify patients with CKD who are at risk for HF. Methods We studied 3557 patients with CKD (eGFR Results At a median of 8.1 [7.1-8.9] years, 349 had incident HF (9-year cumulative incidence of 13%). In the derivation cohort: CXCL12 (P=0.025), fractalkine (P Conclusions A simple panel of 5 biomarkers (CXCL12, fractalkine, fibrinogen, high-sensitivity troponins, and FGF23) can predict incident HF in patients with CKD. Additional study is needed to define whether HF risk in CKD is driven by single or multiple pathophysiologic mechanisms.
Troponin-T, NT-proBNP, and Serum Creatinine at Presentation Predict Outcomes in Patients with Cardiac Sarcoidosis

Background Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is an uncommon inflammatory cardiomyopathy for which biomarkers have not been well characterized. The aim of this study was to evaluate biomarkers that could be useful for monitoring disease activity and predict outcomes in CS. Methods Patients meeting Heart Rhythm Society criteria for definite and probable CS were evaluated at a single institution (n=232). Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), troponin-T, and creatinine levels among others at presentation were recorded. Biomarkers were stratified by clinical and radiologic variables of interest and evaluated against a primary composite end point of LVAD implantation, heart transplantation, or death and a secondary endpoint of hospitalization free survival. Results Mean values on presentation were: ACE 32.9±28, ESR 12±13, CRP 7.4±19, NT-proBNP 1630±2923, Troponin-T 0.03±0.1, and creatinine 1.12±0.3. ACE levels were associated with the presence of cardiac fibrosis on cardiac MRI (mean difference 14.7, p=0.032). Troponin-T (p=0.006; HR 1.06 per 0.01 ng/mL), NT-proBNP (p=0.0003; HR 1.31 per 1,000 pg/mL), and creatinine (p=0.01; HR 4.02 per mg/dL) were each associated with the primary endpoint (Table 1). After adjustment for preserved versus reduced ejection fraction, NT-proBNP (HR 1.3, CI 1.1-1.5, p = 0.0004), Troponin-T (HR 1.06, CI 1.02-1.1, p = 0.005), and creatinine (HR 4.2, CI 1.5-10.3, p = 0.009) were still associated with the endpoint, confirming the utility of using these biomarkers to predict outcomes despite EF. NT-proBNP, BNP, creatinine, albumin, and calcium were associated with the secondary endpoint (p 0.01) and NT-proBNP > 700 were associated with increased hazard over time; HR 4.3 (CI 1.1 - 17.2), p = 0.03 and HR 3.6 (CI 1.3 - 9.9), p = 0.009, respectively (Figure 1). Conclusion Troponin-T, NT-proBNP, and creatinine at presentation predict outcomes in patients with CS, while ACE levels are associated with MRI fibrosis. Further investigation on the utility of biomarkers for assessment of disease activity and treatment response is warranted.
Longitudinal Characterization of Coccidiosis Control Methods on Live Performance and Nutrient Utilization in Broilers.

An experiment was conducted to quantify the timing and magnitude of the effects of coccidiosis vaccination on the growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of nutrients and energy, intestinal morphology, and plasma carotenoids and nitric oxide in broilers. Treatment groups consisted of 3 coccidiosis control methods [unvaccinated, unmedicated (NC), in-feed chemical coccidiostat (PC), and live oocyst vaccination (VAC) at day of hatch] administered to male Cobb broilers reared in floor pens. Body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined at 12, 16, 20, 28, and 36 d. Blood and ileal digesta were collected from birds in 10 replicate pens of each treatment at 12, 16, 20, and 36 d to evaluate plasma carotenoid and nitric oxide concentrations and determine nutrient AID and IDE. Jejunal samples were taken at 12, 20, and 36 d for morphological measurements. Oocyst shedding in VAC birds was confirmed by increased oocyst counts and decreased carotenoid concentrations (P 0.05) in nitric oxide concentrations. At 20 d, BWG and FI were lowest (P 0.05). By 28 and 36 d, FCR was higher (P 0.05) to PC birds. At d 12, IDE and AID of nitrogen and ether extract were lower (P 0.05) between PC and VAC birds, whereas AID of ether extract remained lower in VAC birds than PC birds. No differences in AID of nutrients or IDE were observed (P > 0.05) between VAC and PC birds at 20 or 36 d. No differences (P > 0.05) in jejunal morphology were observed at any time point. Overall, VAC elicited a transient reduction in AID and IDE, particularly for lipids, that diminished by d 20.
Rings with arithmetical closure properties relative to the prime spectrum and its complement

Let R be a commutative unital ring, and let Spec(R):=P(R) be the collection of prime ideals of R. Further, let NP(R) denote the collection of proper nonprime ideals of R and set NP(R)1:=NP(R)∪{R}. ...
Managing bark and ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) with semiochemicals

On 14 November 2018, a symposium Managing bark and ambrosia beetles with semiochemicals was held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, at the Joint Meeting of the Entomological Society of America, the Entomological Society of Canada, and the Entomological Society of British Columbia. The focus was on the application of behavioural chemicals for management of bark and ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in conifers and hardwoods in North America and Europe. Contributors included nine invited speakers from Canada, Slovakia, and the United States of America who summarised the current state of knowledge and latest technologies and shared career-long experiences and insights. This special issue features publications derived from those presentations.
Comparative effectiveness of direct oral anticoagulants and warfarin for the treatment of left ventricular thrombus.

Left ventricular (LV) thrombus is a complication of acute endomyocardial injury and chronic ventricular wall hypokinesis, resulting in increased risk of thromboembolic complications. Observational studies support the general safety and efficacy of warfarin for this indication. Limited data exists regarding the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for LV thrombus. This retrospective cohort study sought to compare the incidence of thromboembolic events, bleeding rates, and blood product administration in patients receiving a DOAC versus warfarin. A total of 949 patients met inclusion, 180 (19%) received a DOAC and 769 (81%) warfarin. For the primary endpoint of new onset thromboembolic stroke, no difference existed between treatments (DOAC: 7.8% vs warfarin: 11.7%, p = 0.13). When compared to warfarin, no difference existed in the composite of thromboembolic events (33% vs 30.6%, p = 0.53, respectively) or in GUSTO bleeding (10.9% vs 7.8%, p = 0.40, respectively). More patients on warfarin received blood products compared to those taking a DOAC (25.8% vs 13.9%, p < 0.001). DOACs may be an alternative to warfarin for the treatment of LV thrombus based on a retrospective assessment of thromboembolic events and GUSTO bleeding events within 90 days of diagnosis of LV thrombus. However, further prospective studies are warranted.
Li interaction-induced phase transition from black to blue phosphorene

A comprehensive first-principles calculation has been carried out revealing that at sufficiently high Li concentration and certain well-defined configurations a phase transition from black to blue phosphorene can take place. Blue phosphorene, a newly predicted allotrope of phosphorus, possesses unique crystalline and electronic structure and is a promising candidate, not only for fundamental research but also for electronic and optoelectronic applications. Methods of growing high-quality blue phosphorene layers are highly desirable but challenging. Here, a kinetic pathway to grow blue phosphorene layers from black phosphorene layers via Li intercalation is proposed based on first-principles study. This study pointed out that Li atoms intercalated in black phosphorene could act as a ``catalyst'' in the ``reactive region'' of the lone pair of P atoms, leading to a P-P bond breaking and, subsequently, a local structural transformation from an orthorhombic lattice to an assembly of parallel narrow nanoribbons with rhombohedra-like symmetry. During Li deintercalation, these nanoribbons are self-mended and form blue phosphorene layers. The interlayer distance was found to be 4.60 \AA{} for a double layer with AA stacking and 4.13 \AA{} for a multilayer with ABC stacking, indicating monolayer blue phosphorene can be mechanically exfoliated. This study also points out the possibility of new phases in other systems, where intercalation can lead to an unexpected structural phase transition and even a discovery of novel materials.
Symmetry Controlled Nonlinear Beam Shaping in Engineered Optical Media

We exploit the synergy between engineered colloidal media and orbital angular momentum (OAM) elliptical and higher order Bessel-Gauss integrated in time beams to study new regimes on nonlinear light matter interactions and on-demand beam shaping.
Classical conditioning of model systems: A behavioral review

The present review examines briefly the history and status of classical conditioning as a means of studying associative learning and assesses the ability of a cross section of model systems to demonstrate associative learning when classical conditioning procedures are employed. It is suggested that model systems that show the emergence of a new (i.e. conditioned) response as a result of being subjected to classical conditioning procedures have unequivocally demonstrated associative learning. In contrast, the ability of model systems to demonstrate associative learning when classical conditioning procedures result in a pairing-specific change in an existing response depends on how associative learning is defined. The advantages of a traditional definition of associative learning for uncovering the neural substrates of learning are discussed.
Front of pack labels enhance attention to nutrition information in novel and commercial brands

Abstract Objectives (1) To assess whether Front-of-Pack (FOP) nutrition labels garner attention more readily than more complete, mandated nutrition information (the Nutrition Facts Panel (NFP), required in the US), and (2) To determine whether label design characteristics, specifically, color coding and/or coding with facial icons, increase attention to the FOP label. Methods In two experiments, we tracked the allocation of attention while participants (n = 125) viewed novel and commercial packages with varied FOP designs using a change detection methodology. Results We found empirical evidence that FOP labels are attended more often, and earlier, than the currently mandated NFP, and that this benefit is due both to its placement on the front of the package and to the design characteristics of the FOP. Specifically, the use of color in FOPs increased attention to the label, but there was no evidence that coding information via facial icons impacted attention. Conclusions Our work supports a growing body of evidence supporting the use of FOP labels to attract attention to nutritional information. Findings may be relevant to inform policy decisions on labeling standards.
Foreign investors, flying geese, and the limits to export-led industrialization in the Dominican Republic

The United States' failed effort to impose an East Asian-style, export-led industrial development regime on the Dominican Republic in the aftermath of the 1965 “Dominican crisis” poses two related empirical puzzles. First, why did the Dominicans reject the widely praised and ultimately rather successful East Asian model? And, second, how did the Dominicans overrule their erstwhile North American overlords? I answer the first question by underscoring the incompatibility of export-led industrialization and the island nation’s prevailing system of patrimonial rule. I answer the second question by illuminating the patrimonial regime's “asymmetrical” desire for independence. And I thereby suggest that the social and political underpinnings of successful export-led industrialization are decidedly more restrictive than the mainstream social science literature would have us believe.
United States Innovations in Healthcare Delivery

Population aging, rapidly increasing costs of healthcare and the growing burden of chronic disease are challenges to health systems worldwide. To meet these challenges will require new approaches to healthcare delivery and comprehensive population health management. Within the context of healthcare reform initiatives, important innovations in delivery system organization in the United States are discussed. The innovations focused on are the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH), the Accountable Care Organization (ACO) and the Population Health Management System (PHMS) combined with new payment arrangements that reward for health outcomes achieved rather than paying a fee for each service rendered. For each of these innovations, the evidence on its performance, the challenges involved, and the factors that might promote greater adoption and diffusion of successful models are reviewed. Finally, the role played by a country’s political system and its associated culture, structural barriers, size and resources, incentive alignment, and leadership are discussed.
Injury Prevention: A Public Health Concern for India

The poor implementation of traffic rules & regulations, heterogeneous mixed traffic, poorly designed roads, traffic vehicles, increasing speed, poor use of protective device such as helmet, drinking and driving, poor visibility, and poor trauma care are a major concern in reducing the prevalence of injuries and related outcome 5 . Looking at the magnitude of the problems, strong public health emphasis is needed in the areas of research, policy development, community education and awareness, and the health care system in India. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v3i3.9189 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2013;3(3): 275-276
Maintenance of axonal conduction and membrane permeability in presence of extensive phospholipid splitting.

The importance of phospholipids for the maintenance of axonal conduction and membrane permeability has been investigated by treating squid giant axons with phospholipases, lysosphospholipids and fatty acids. It was found that phospholipase C, from Cloistridium welchii, induces an extensive splitting of axonal phospholipids, without however blocking conduction or increasing the penetration of a lipid-insoluble compound into the axoplasm of squid giant axons. These findings are in sharp contrast with the results obtained with phospholipase A, electrophoretically separated from Ringhals venom, where a close relationship between phospholipid splitting, block of axonal conduction, and increased penetration has been reported. Phospholipase B from bovine pancreas, and D from cabbage, did not markedly hydrolyze the axonal phospholipids nor did they affect conduction or penetration. Both purified lysolecithin and a mixture of lysophosphatides, prepared by the action of venom phospholipase A on the phospholipids of squid axons, blocked conduction and increased penetration into giant axons. In contrast to phospholipase A, which affects giant axons only if surrounded by adhering small nerve fibers, lysolecithin and the lysophosphatide mixture acted equally well on giant axons with or without adhering small nerve fibers. The other product of phospholipase A action, free fatty acids, was inert on the giant axon. On the basis of these and earlier findings, it is concluded that extensive splitting of axonal phospholipids by phospholipases is compatible with maintenance of normal function unless the hydrolytic products are themselves active. This conclusion would explain the marked differences in action found between phospholipases A and C.
Clinical Application of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Management of Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), also termed primary, induction, or preoperative chemotherapy, is traditionally used to downstage inoperable breast cancer. In recent years it has been increasingly used for patients who have operable cancers in order to facilitate breast-conserving surgery, achieve better cosmetic outcome, and improve prognosis by reaching pathologic complete response (pCR). Many studies have demonstrated that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can assess residual tumor size after NAC, and that provides critical information for planning of the optimal surgery. NAC also allows for timely adjustment of administered drugs based on response, so ineffective regimens could be terminated early to spare patients from unnecessary toxicity while allowing other effective regimens to work sooner. This review article summarizes the clinical application of MRI during NAC. The use of different MR imaging methods, including dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, proton MR spectroscopy, and diffusion-weighted MRI, to monitor and evaluate the NAC response, as well as how changes of parameters measured at an early time after initiation of a drug regimen can predict final treatment outcome, are reviewed. MRI has been proven a valuable tool and will continue to provide important information facilitating individualized image-guided treatment and personalized management for breast cancer patients undergoing NAC.
Effects of acid dyes on crystallization and mechanical properties of melt-reprocessed nylon 66

Nylon fibers dyed with different types of acid dyes were melt reprocessed using a compression-molding machine. The crystalline structure and mechanical properties of the melt-reprocessed nylon were experimentally evaluated. It was found that metal complex acid dyes showed much more distinct effects on the structure and mechanical properties of melt-reprocessed nylon than nonmetallized acid dyes. They decreased the crystallization rate of the molten nylon and reduced its crystallinity. They also reduced the imperfect form I structure in the crystalline region. Compression-molded nylon samples showed inferior mechanical properties in the presence of metal complex acid dyes. The coordinate bonds between the Cr3+ ions and amide groups are possibly formed in melt-reprocessed nylon, which could be the reason for the changes in the structure and properties of melt-reprocessed nylon. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 74: 2386–2396, 1999
Combinations of Affinity-Enhancing Mutations in a T Cell Receptor Reveal Highly Nonadditive Effects within and between Complementarity Determining Regions and Chains

Understanding the energetic and structural response to multiple mutations in a protein−protein interface is a key aspect of rational protein design. Here we investigate the cooperativity of combinations of point mutations of a T cell receptor (TCR) that binds in vivo to HLA-A2 MHC and a viral peptide. The mutations were obtained from two sources: a structure-based design study on the TCR α chain (nine mutations) and an in vitro selection study on the TCR β chain (four mutations). In addition to combining the highest-affinity variants from each chain, we tested other combinations of mutations within and among the chains, for a total of 23 TCR mutants that we measured for binding kinetics to the peptide and major histocompatibility complex. A wide range of binding affinities was observed, from 2- to 1000-fold binding improvement versus that of the wild type, with significant nonadditive effects observed within and between TCR chains. This included an amino acid-dependent cooperative interaction between CDR1...
An examination of certain Bayesian methods used in reliability analysis

Abstract In attempting to establish reliability when only a few test items are available, three Bayesian non-parametric formulae have often been applied. After deriving all three, the ‘equivalent sample size’ formula, which relates to extended testing, is shown to be based on a false premise and to be incorrect. The other two formulae are contrasted to their classical counterparts and it is argued, mainly for reasons of consistency and common sense, that the classical formulae should be employed.
Vertex method for computing functions of fuzzy variables

Abstract This paper is to introduce a new approach — the vertex method — for computing functions of fuzzy variables. The method is based on the α-cut concept and interval analysis. The vertex method can avoid abnormality due to the discretization technique on the variables domain and the widening of the resulting function value set due to multi-occurrence of variables in the functional expression by conventional interval analysis methods. The algorithm is very easy to implement and can be applied to many practical problems. Some examples are given to illustrate the applications.
Axl receptor tyrosine kinase stimulated by the vitamin K-dependent protein encoded by growth-arrest-specific gene 6

THE Axl receptor tyrosine kinase was identified as a protein encoded by a transforming gene from primary human myeloid leukaemia cells by DNA-mediated transformation of NIH 3T3 cells1–3. Axl is the founding member of a family of related receptors that includes Eyk4, encoded by a chicken proto-oncogene originally described as a retroviral transforming gene, and c-Mer5, encoded by a human protooncogene expressed in neoplastic B- and T-cell lines. The transforming activity of Axl demonstrates that the receptor can drive cellular proliferation. The function of Axl in non-transformed cells and tissues is unknown, but may involve the stimulation of cell proliferation in response to an appropriate signal, namely a ligand that activates the receptor. We report here the purification of an Axl stimulatory factor, and its identification as the product of growth-arrest-specific gene 6 (ref. 6). This is, to our knowledge, the first description of a ligand for the Axl family of receptors.
Revealing Ligand Binding Sites and Quantifying Subunit Variants of Noncovalent Protein Complexes in a Single Native Top-Down FTICR MS Experiment

“Native” mass spectrometry (MS) has been proven to be increasingly useful for structural biology studies of macromolecular assemblies. Using horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase (hADH) and yeast alcohol dehydrogenase (yADH) as examples, we demonstrate that rich information can be obtained in a single native top-down MS experiment using Fourier transform ion cyclotron mass spectrometry (FTICR MS). Beyond measuring the molecular weights of the protein complexes, isotopic mass resolution was achieved for yeast ADH tetramer (147 kDa) with an average resolving power of 412,700 at m/z 5466 in absorption mode, and the mass reflects that each subunit binds to two zinc atoms. The N-terminal 89 amino acid residues were sequenced in a top-down electron capture dissociation (ECD) experiment, along with the identifications of the zinc binding site at Cys46 and a point mutation (V58T). With the combination of various activation/dissociation techniques, including ECD, in-source dissociation (ISD), collisionally activated dissociation (CAD), and infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD), 40% of the yADH sequence was derived directly from the native tetramer complex. For hADH, native top-down ECD-MS shows that both E and S subunits are present in the hADH sample, with a relative ratio of 4:1. Native top-down ISD of the hADH dimer shows that each subunit (E and S chains) binds not only to two zinc atoms, but also the NAD/NADH ligand, with a higher NAD/NADH binding preference for the S chain relative to the E chain. In total, 32% sequence coverage was achieved for both E and S chains.
The choice of trial functions in the perturbation-variation method

Nonlinear variational trial function for atomic hydrogen dynamic polarizability, discussing first order perturbed wave function and perturbation- variation method
An Evaluation of the Value of Harvest Restrictions in Managing Crappie Fisheries

Abstract We used an equilibrium yield model to simulate the effect of reducing exploitation on yield and average weight of white crappies Pomoxis annularis, based on empirical growth data and various levels of conditional natural mortality. Modeling indicated that reducing exploitation would likely increase yield as fish growth increased and natural mortality decreased; however, reducing exploitation would not substantially affect yield when conditional natural mortality exceeded 30–40%, regardless of growth. For instance, a 250-mm minimum length limit provided higher yield than a 200-mm minimum length limit only if growth was above average and conditional natural mortality was less than 30–40%. Average weight of crappies harvested increased with growth and length at recruitment to the fishery but decreased with exploitation and conditional natural mortality. Our results suggest that a length limit could improve both yield and average weight for crappie fisheries only if growth is rapid and natural mortal...
Intrusion of Associative Distractors into Conceptual Performance by Acute Schizophrenics: Role of Associative Strength

37 acute schizophrenic patients were given a test measuring the extent to which associatively linked distractors intruded inappropriately into the formation of concepts. The test was administered both on admission to the hospital and after 6 wk. of phenothiazine or placebo treatment. Distractors were divided into four levels ranging from strong to weak associative linkages with relevant concept words. Stronger associative linkages in distractors were associated with more conceptual errors at both the pre- and post-treatment points (p < .001). These findings provide further support for the view that cognitive pathology in schizophrenia is characterized by pathological distractibility rather than loss in “abstract attitude.”
Panic disorder in public sector primary care: Clinical characteristics and illness severity compared with mainstream primary care panic disorder

The prevalence of anxiety disorders is increased among low-income individuals, who are more likely to seek mental health care in medical as opposed to specialty settings because of limited insurance access and restricted availability of public sector mental health resources. However, little is known about the clinical characteristics and illness severity of anxiety disorders in this setting. We studied the clinical characteristics of low-income compared with middle-income primary care panic patients. Clinical, functional, and service use measures obtained at baseline interview in 39 panic disorder patients seen in one public sector medical clinic were compared with 76 patients seen in two middle-income clinics. All patients were participants in a randomized effectiveness pharmacotherapy trial [Roy Byrne et al., Arch Gen Psychiatry 2001;58:869–876]. Public sector patients were more often older, male, single, unemployed, of lower income, and non-Caucasian ethnicity. They had more severe clinical symptoms, more medical comorbidity, worse physical and role health status, and more emergency room visits. Low income and unemployment accounted for most of the differences in non-anxiety–related measures. However, type of clinic still contributed independently to the greater severity of specific measures of panic/anxiety (Panic Disorder Severity Scale and Marks Fear Scale scores), suggesting that the increased stress and limited social resources associated with low-income and disadvantaged status may have more specific effects on anxiety than other aspects of psychopathology. Depression and Anxiety 17:51–57, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The significance of lymphocytosis in congenital hypoplastic anemia

Two infants with congenital hypoplastic anemia had an unusual number of lymphocytes in their peripheral blood and in the bone marrow. This caused an erroneous diagnosis of acute lymphocytic leukemia to be made in the first case and inappropriate therapy to be administered for three months. The second of these cases provided an unusual opportunity to study human erythrocyte precursor dynamics. Serial bone marrow aspirates, obtained after institution of treatment with a corticosteroid, revealed an initial increase in labeled lymphocytes, a concomitant decrease in their number, and the subsequent appearance of erythroid elements. These findings suggest that cells classified morphologically as lymphocytes may serve as erythroid precursors in human beings.
Allowed N-glycosylation sites on the Kv1.2 potassium channel S1-S2 linker: implications for linker secondary structure and the glycosylation effect on channel function.

N-glycosylation is a post-translational modification that plays a role in the trafficking and/or function of some membrane proteins. We have shown previously that N-glycosylation affected the function of some Kv1 voltage-gated potassium (K+) channels [Watanabe, Wang, Sutachan, Zhu, Recio-Pinto and Thornhill (2003) J. Physiol. (Cambridge, U.K.) 550, 51-66]. Kv1 channel S1-S2 linkers vary in length but their N-glycosylation sites are at similar relative positions from the S1 or S2 membrane domains. In the present study, by a scanning mutagenesis approach, we determined the allowed N-glycosylation sites on the Kv1.2 S1-S2 linker, which has 39 amino acids, by engineering N-glycosylation sites and assaying for glycosylation, using their sensitivity to glycosidases. The middle section of the linker (54% of linker) was glycosylated at every position, whereas both end sections (46% of linker) near the S1 or S2 membrane domains were not. These findings suggested that the middle section of the S1-S2 linker was accessible to the endoplasmic reticulum glycotransferase at every position and was in the extracellular aqueous phase, and presumably in a flexible conformation. We speculate that the S1-S2 linker is mostly a coiled-loop structure and that the strict relative position of native glycosylation sites on these linkers may be involved in the mechanism underlying the functional effects of glycosylation on some Kv1 K+ channels. The S3-S4 linker, with 16 amino acids and no N-glycosylation site, was not glycosylated when an N-glycosylation site was added. However, an extended linker, with an added N-linked site, was glycosylated, which suggested that the native linker was not glycosylated due to its short length. Thus other ion channels or membrane proteins may also have a high glycosylation potential on a linker but yet have similarly positioned native N-glycosylation sites among isoforms. This may imply that the native position of the N-glycosylation site may be important if the carbohydrate tree plays a role in the folding, stability, trafficking and/or function of the protein.
Addressing fluorogenic real-time qPCR inhibition using the novel custom Excel file system 'FocusField2-6GallupqPCRSet-upTool-001' to attain consistently high fidelity qPCR reactions

The purpose of this manuscript is to discuss fluorogenic real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) inhibition and to introduce/define a novel Microsoft Excel-based file system which provides a way to detect and avoid inhibition, and enables investigators to consistently design dynamically-sound, truly LOG-linear qPCR reactions very quickly. The qPCR problems this invention solves are universal to all qPCR reactions, and it performs all necessary qPCR set-up calculations in about 52 seconds (using a pentium 4 processor) for up to seven qPCR targets and seventytwo samples at a time - calculations that commonly take capable investigators days to finish. We have named this custom Excel-based file system “FocusField2-6GallupqPCRSet-upTool-001” (FF2-6-001 qPCR set-up tool), and are in the process of transforming it into professional qPCR set-up software to be made available in 2007. The current prototype is already fully functional.
Mutant aminopeptidases in pisum II. Nuclear gene control of a mitochondrial isozyme

Abstract The isozymes of aminopeptides (AmP) of Pisum sativum have been separated by horizontal starch gel electrophoresis. The subcellular distribution of the different AmP isozymes was established by differential centrifugation. One isozyme, m-AmP, was found to be exclusively associated with the mitochondria. Electrophoretic variants of this isozyme were found among several inbred strains tested. Crosses beteween strains with different m-AmP patterns resulted in progeny with phenotypic patterns distributed according to Mendelian ratios. Hence, the mitochondrially associated m-AmP isozyme is not coded by mitochondrial DNA, but is under nuclear gene control.
Amino acids can induce nondisjunction during maturation of mammalian oocytes in vitro.

Certain chromosomal disorders in mammalian embryos are traceable to meiotic errors during oocyte maturation. This report evaluates the influence of amino acids on meiotic maturation in vitro of oocytes from pigs, hamsters, and rats. The results indicate that maturing porcine oocytes respond not only to 1-glutamine (1-gln) but also to 1-isoleucine (1-ileu) in complex or chemically defined media by exhibiting significantly (P < .05) increased incidences of nondisjunction when compared with oocytes in control medium. Nondisjunction was highly correlated (r = 0.981) with dose of 1-gln in porcine oocytes (incidences of maturing oocytes exhibiting nondisjunction were 19.3%, 39.7%, 41.5%, 66.2%, and 88.5% at l-gln concentrations of 0 mM, 0.5 mM, 1.0 mM, 3.0 mM and 10.0 mM, respectively). Hamster oocytes also exhibited significantly (P < .05) increased nondisjunction when cultured in medium containing l-gln (52% of maturing cumulus-enclosed oocytes exhibited nondisjunction in medium with 3.0 mM l-gln vs. 6.3% in control medium). Denuded hamster oocytes also responded to l-gln (35% exhibited nondisjunction in 4.0 mM l-gln, 8% in control medium). In contrast the incidence of nondisjunction in rat oocytes was not increased significantly by l-gln over a concentration range of 0–12.0 mM. This study demonstrates that maturing oocytes respond to certain environmental conditions by undergoing chromo-somally abnormal maturation. Specifically, amino acids can induce nondisjunction when present in elevated concentrations during oocyte maturation. The amino acid influence not only was dose dependent for porcine oocytes but also was species specific. These findings suggest that an unbalanced maternal environment might promote chromosomally abnormal meiotic maturation in vivo, and that culture media must be carefully selected to allow chromosomally normal oocyte maturation in vitro. This study defines a potentially useful experimental system for the further analysis of nondisjunction in mammalian oocytes.
Prolactin levels in Western Lowland gorillas

Hyperprolactinemia is known to cause menstrual irregularity and infertility in humans. However, little is known about the role of prolactin in menstruation and fertility in Western Lowland gorillas. To create a database of prolactin values in gorillas, we have performed immunoassays on serum specimens dating back to 1983 from nine female gorillas at the Brookfield Zoo. We matched these samples with documented behavioral data to correlate menstrual timing. In addition, we ran other reproductive hormones both to aid in determining the phase of the menstrual cycle and to evaluate the effect of the prolactin on suppression of these hormones during the premenarchal and postpartum phases. We found that values for luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol and progesterone cycle in very similar patterns to humans. Based on the 59 available samples, prolactin was found to be higher in gorillas than in humans in nearly every phase of the menstrual cycle (range 49.9–93.7 ng/mL) and such levels do not appear to alter the reproductive axis as it does in humans. Thus, prolactin may have a different impact on fertility in gorillas than it does in humans. Am. J. Primatol. 70: 897–900, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
UDP-sugar pyrophosphorylase is essential for pollen development in Arabidopsis.

Arabidopsis UDP-sugar pyrophosphorylase (AtUSP) is a broad substrate enzyme that synthesizes nucleotide sugars. The products of the AtUSP reaction can act as precursors for the synthesis of glycolipids, glycoproteins, and cell wall components including pectin and hemicellulose. AtUSP has no close homologs in Arabidopsis and its biological function has not been clearly defined. We identified two T-DNA insertional mutant lines for AtUSP, usp-1 and usp-2. No homozygous individuals were identified and progeny from plants heterozygous for usp-1 or usp-2 showed a 1:1 segregation ratio under selection. Despite decreased levels of both AtUSP transcript and USP activity (UDP-GlcA→GlcA-1-P), heterozygous plants were indistinguishable from wild type at all stages of development. Reciprocal test crosses indicated the source of the segregation distortion was lack of transmission through the male gametophyte. Analysis of pollen tetrads from usp-1 in the quartet background revealed a 2:2 ratio of normal:collapsed pollen grains. The collapsed pollen grains were not viable as determined by Alexander’s viability and DAPI staining, and pollen germination tests. The pollen phenotype of usp-1 was complemented by transformation of usp-1 with the AtUSP cDNA sequence. Surface and ultrastructural analyses of pollen from wild-type and usp mutants demonstrated that the mutation had no apparent effect on the outer wall (exine) but prevented the synthesis of the pectocellulosic inner wall (intine). Evidence presented here shows that AtUSP has a critical role in pollen development.
Status of bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) calibration standards development

In response to the current need for physical standards for the calibration of bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) instruments, NIST has initiated a program to develop such calibration standards. Black glass was selected as a candidate material. An assortment of black glass samples were prepared using optical finishing techniques. BRDF profiles of these samples were measured and showed promising results for use in calibration. Some BRDF profiles are presented in this paper as well as the status of the program and future work that will be performed.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Fluid-structure interaction modeling of ringsail parachutes

In this paper, we focus on fluid–structure interaction (FSI) modeling of ringsail parachutes, where the geometric complexity created by the “rings” and “sails” used in the construction of the parachute canopy poses a significant computational challenge. It is expected that NASA will be using a cluster of three ringsail parachutes, referred to as the “mains”, during the terminal descent of the Orion space vehicle. Our FSI modeling of ringsail parachutes is based on the stabilized space–time FSI (SSTFSI) technique and the interface projection techniques that address the computational challenges posed by the geometric complexities of the fluid–structure interface. Two of these interface projection techniques are the FSI Geometric Smoothing Technique and the Homogenized Modeling of Geometric Porosity. We describe the details of how we use these two supplementary techniques in FSI modeling of ringsail parachutes. In the simulations we report here, we consider a single main parachute, carrying one third of the total weight of the space vehicle. We present results from FSI modeling of offloading, which includes as a special case dropping the heat shield, and drifting under the influence of side winds.