cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 genome evolution exposes early human adaptations

ABSTRACT The set of mutations observed at the outset of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic may illuminate how the virus will adapt to humans as it continues to spread. Viruses are expected to quickly acquire beneficial mutations upon jumping to a new host species. Advantageous nucleotide substitutions can be identified by their parallel occurrence in multiple independent lineages and are likely to result in changes to protein sequences. Here we show that SARS-CoV-2 is acquiring mutations more slowly than expected for neutral evolution, suggesting purifying selection is the dominant mode of evolution during the initial phase of the pandemic. However, several parallel mutations arose in multiple independent lineages and may provide a fitness advantage over the ancestral genome. We propose plausible reasons for several of the most frequent mutations. The absence of mutations in other genome regions suggests essential components of SARS-CoV-2 that could be the target of drug development. Overall this study provides genomic insights into how SARS-CoV-2 has adapted and will continue to adapt to humans. SUMMARY In this study we sought signals of evolution to identify how the SARS-CoV-2 genome has adapted at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. We find that the genome is largely undergoing purifying selection that maintains its ancestral sequence. However, we identified multiple positions on the genome that appear to confer an adaptive advantage based on their repeated evolution in independent lineages. This information indicates how SARS-CoV-2 will evolve as it diversifies in an increasing number of hosts.
Deep Learning for Chondrocyte Identification in Automated Histological Analysis of Articular Cartilage.

Background Histology-based methods are commonly used in osteoarthritis (OA) research because they provide detailed information about cartilage health at the cellular and tissue level. Computer-based cartilage scoring systems have previously been developed using standard image analysis techniques to give more objective and reliable evaluations of OA severity. The goal of this work was to develop a deep learning-based method to segment chondrocytes from histological images of cartilage and validate the resulting method via comparison with human segmentation. Methods The U-Net approach was adapted for the task of chondrocyte segmentation. A training dataset consisting of 235 images and a validation set consisting of 25 images in which individual chondrocytes had been manually segmented, were used for training the U-Net. Chondrocyte count, detection accuracy, and boundary segmentation of the trained U-Net was evaluated by comparing its results with those of human observers. Results The U-Net chondrocyte counts were not significantly different (p = 0.361 in a paired t-test) than the algorithm trainer counts (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.92). The five expert observers had good agreement on chondrocyte counts (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.868), however the resulting U-Net counted a significantly fewer chondrocytes than the average of those expert observers (p < 0.001 in a paired t-test). Chondrocytes were accurately detected by the U-Net (F1 scores = 0.86, 0.90, with respect to the selected expert observer and algorithm trainer). Segmentation accuracy was also high (IOU = 0.828) relative to the algorithm trainer. Conclusions This work developed a method for chondrocyte segmentation from histological images of arthritic cartilage using a deep learning approach. The resulting method detected chondrocytes and delineated them with high accuracy. The method will continue to be improved through expansion to detect more complex cellular features representative of OA such as cell cloning. Clinical Relevance The imaging tool developed in this work can be integrated into an automated cartilage health scoring system and helps provide a robust, objective and reliable assessment of OA severity in cartilage.
The Effects of Laryngoscope Shape and Needle Position on Distal Airway Pressure in Jet Ventilation.

Objectives Laryngoscopes and subglottiscopes of multiple shapes and lengths are used in airway surgery to maintain an open airway; protect the trachea; and provide a place to mount the light, evacuator, and ventilation needle. Despite differences in scopes and ventilation needle mounting positions, the same jet pressures are typically used. We hypothesized that different scopes and scope configurations would affect distal airway pressure magnitude and homogeneity. Study design A laboratory investigation of distal airway pressures in a lung modelduring low frequency jet ventilation. Methods A three-dimensional airway model based on the computed tomography scan of a 15-year old healthy male was fabricated with pressure transducers at the fifth airway generation. A laryngoscope and a subglottiscope were each mounted in the model coaxial with the trachea. Parameters including scope depth and needle mounting position were adjusted, and the effects on distal airway pressure were recorded. Results Changing the scope depth from 1 to 3 cm past the laryngeal inlet had a limited effect on distal airway pressure. Needle mounting angle in the laryngoscope strongly influenced distal airway pressure, with a 7° angle change yielding a 67.5% increase. Compared to a loose needle centered in the trachea 1 cm past the laryngeal inlet, the subglottiscope and laryngoscope showed up to 16% and 150% increases in distal airway pressure, respectively. Conclusion Different scopes or changes in the configuration, such as the needle angle, strongly influence distal airway pressure. Our findings indicate that different jet pressures are required for different scopes and that a stable needle mount is a critical design consideration to prevent changes in minute ventilation due to needle movement. Level of evidence NA (Basic Research) Laryngoscope, 131:E354-E357, 2021.
Physical Prototyping Plans for High Performance

Unlike the traditional floorplanning approaches that are blind to the underlying complex DSM physical effects, physical prototyping provides a playground where any design trade-off and constraints can be constantly monitored and verified. Moreover, this prototype can be refined using a detail implementation tool without losing consistency of design quality. Therefore, design closure can be achieved with high efficiency and predictability.
All Under Huawei: China’s New Vision for a Tech Sinica

Huawei is a quintessential component and prime beneficiary of China’s grand strategic Belt and Road Initiative. Huawei’s expansion profoundly transforms global political economic order beyond technology. Its 5G enables China to transcend its economic model into data capitalism, and delivers China’s vision as a global AI superpower by 2030. Huawei’s foremost presence across the developing world will drive economic take-offs for the regions against the industrial economies for the first time since the global development disparity was created by the Industrial Revolution. The digital Iron Curtain also falls on Huawei, separating future digital global order into a digital authoritarian bloc and a digital democratic bloc. Tech Sinica, a China-centric digital global order contrived on Huawei’s digital infrastructure, will deploy China’s digital power as its means, and achieve China’s economic predominance and authoritarian political stability as its parallel ends.
FROM TOP-DOWN TO BOTTOM-UP: POLITICAL IMAGE MANAGEMENT AND THE PRESERVATION OF WHITE SUPREMACY THROUGH VISUALS AND MEMES ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

Social media platforms play an increasing role in politics, facilitating the circulation of populist texts disseminated by politicians, official campaign media, and user-generated content, all of which contribute to voters’ perceptions of politicians and political issues. The networks and affordances of social media platforms allow for the development of an individualized, affective connection with voters, which is a particularly important strategy for far-right politicians, who are often stigmatized. Furthermore, social media enables the circulation of user-generated materials in a form of digital political participation, allowing citizens to respond in real-time to political developments. While digital political participation ostensibly offers the potential for the expression of marginalized perspectives, digital texts predominantly emphasize and enforce existing hierarchies, particularly the supremacy of whiteness. This panel explores visuals and memes circulated on social media through the lenses of platform studies, whiteness studies, nostalgia, and Critical Discourse Analysis. By examining both “top-down” media disseminated by public figures and “bottom-up” user-generated content, this panel provides an in-depth understanding of the social media ecosystems that work to preserve and extend far-right values and white supremacy. Rachel Winter focuses on the influence of official campaign materials on user-generated content, as well as the impacts of both on candidate image management and the racial hierarchy of the United States. An analysis of representations of race in user-generated Rafael “Ted” Cruz and Robert “Beto” O’Rourke memes reveals an embedded valuation of whiteness and white supremacy to the detriment of other racial demographics. Political memes collected from Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Reddit uphold the importance of the white racial identity of candidates and, in so doing, attempt to preserve White American identities from the perceived threat of multiculturalism embodied in racially diverse politicians and their constituents. Julia DeCook examines nostalgia and chronotopes in alt-right memes, contending that the emphasis on “tradition” over “progress” is an attempt to unify the alt-right and preserve white identity and supremacy from threats of globalization and feminism. The alt-right creates virtual nation-states that use consistent linguistic strategies to enable these groups to engage in a form of collective action. Examining white supremacist memes from Reddit and Instagram, Panelist 2 explores the ways that time, memory, and the abstract conception of “the past” are used in digital propaganda to appeal to younger voters and emphasize the myth that whiteness must be protected from the threat of multiculturalism.
Role of functional capacity assessment in disability evaluation

Individuals presenting with pain frequently report associated disability. Both pain and disability are complex phenomena. The bio-psycho-social complexity of pain and the different systems of disability make the evaluation of disability a very difficult process. There is a significant mismatch between complaints of pain and pathological process, as pathology can be present without symptoms of pain. Similarly, the subjective complaints of pain are disassociated with objective identification of physical impairment. Finally, the relationship between objective impairment determination and its effects on functional capacities and disability does not have a one-to-one relationship. Patients with pain, especially those with chronic low back pain, have significant impact on healthcare costs and on societal costs due to associated disability. Patients, employers, legal professionals, and physicians alike, are involved in the disability system. Each person is interested in the determination of the functional capacities of the individual with pain, so that appropriate return to work planning can be initiated. Functional capacities assessment have gained in popularity and are frequently accepted by employers and insurance companies alike as an objective approach to assess an individual's functional abilities and potential limitations. This manuscript provides an overview of the complex nature of pain, disability, and the role of functional capacities assessment, as one of the many approaches in the medical determination of disability.
In situ stimulation of aerobic PCB biodegradation in Hudson River sediments

A 73-day field study of in situ aerobic biodegradation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the Hudson River shows that indigenous aerobic microorganisms can degrade the lightly chlorinated PCBs present in these sediments. Addition of inorganic nutrients, biphenyl, and oxygen enhanced PCB biodegradation, as indicated both by a 37 to 55 percent loss of PCBs and by the production of chlorobenzoates, intermediates in the PCB biodegradation pathway. Repeated inoculation with a purified PCB-degrading bacterium failed to improve biodegradative activity. Biodegradation was also observed under mixed but unamended conditions, which suggests that this process may occur commonly in river sediments, with implications for PCB fate models and risk assessments.
Self-induced scrotal hyperthermia in man followed by decrease in sperm output. A preliminary report.

Zusammenfassung Bei funf Personen wurden Untersuchungen daruber angestellt, inwieweit es moglich ist, die Spermatozoendichte in Ejakulat durch eine selbstinduzierte Hyperthermie des Skrotums zu senken. Methodisch wurde so vorgegangen, das mittels autogener Bio-Feed-Back-Methoden, mit denen man nach Jacobson z. B. die Handtemperatur erhohen kann, die Skrotaltemperatur erhoht wurde. Zunachst wurde uber einen einmonatigen Rhythmus die Erhohung der Handtemperatur trainiert, anschliesend wurde uber 5 Tage die Skrotaltemperaturerhohung trainiert. Bereits eine Woche nach dem ersten Tag der Erhohung der Skrotaltemperatur konnte ein Ruckgang der Spermatozoendichte im Ejakulat festgestellt werden. Es wird die Schlusfolgerung gezogen, das die Skrotaltemperatur willentlich unter Kontrolle gebracht werden kann. Die Reaktion der Spermatozoendichte deutet auf einen Eingriff am Spermatozoentransport ebenso wie an der Spermiogenese hin. Die sexuelle Carenz hatte jeweils zwischen 24 und maximal 48 Std. betragen, die Ejakulate wurden durch Masturbation gewonnen. Auserdem waren die Versuchspersonen gehalten, sich keiner sonstigen Hitzeanwendung (Bad, Sauna etc.) auszusetzen.
Faculty Experiences with Bullying in Higher Education

Although much research has been done on workplace aggression and bullying over the past two decades, academics have paid relatively little attention to bullying in their own institutions. In this article, we discuss what is currently known about bullying in academia, with a particular focus on faculty behavior, and apply empirical and conceptual findings from research on aggression and bullying in other work settings and the significant literature on conflict management in higher education. We begin by describing the nature and prevalence of aggression and bullying in higher education. Drawing on well-established findings from interpersonal aggression research, we discuss several important social, situational, and contextual antecedents to aggression (including academic culture, climate, values, and work practices) and demonstrate how these may serve as causes and consequences of bullying. Embedded in this discussion, we offer a number of specific propositions for future research. We conclude with a discu...
Navigating User Feedback Channels to Chart an Evidence Based Course for Library Redesign

Abstract Objectives – The objective of this project was to redesign library spaces based on the user feedback obtained from a broad complement of feedback channels. The over-arching goal of this project was to develop an evidence based approach to the redesign of library spaces. Methods – Data from user-initiated and library-initiated feedback channels were collected and analyzed to determine priorities for library space changes. Online/onsite suggestions, a library onsite census survey, the LibQUAL+® survey, a whiteboard, ballot voting, and text voting were all used to gather input. A student advisory group was used as a sounding board for planned space changes before a final decision was made. Results – Data produced by different feedback channels varied both in the number of suggestions generated as well as the changes requested. Composite data from all feedback channels resulted in a total of 687 suggestions identifying 17 different types of space changes. An onsite whiteboard, the LibQUAL+® survey, and library census proved the most prolific in producing suggestions. Conclusion – Priorities for space changes were best determined through a composite of suggestions received from all feedback channels. The number of suggestions and requests received that were initiated by users was so small that it had to be supplemented with library-initiated feedback requests. The use of multiple feedback channels enhanced the number, variety, and scope of the suggestions that were received. Similar requests received through multiple feedback channels emphasized their importance to users. Focused follow-up feedback channels were effective in clarifying user suggestions for specific changes.
Structure Functions, the Gluon Density, and PQCD Tests

Measurements of the proton structure function F_2 for 0.11 < Q^2 < 20000 GeV^2 and 1.2 X 10^-5 < x < 0.65 from ZEUS 1994-1997 measurements are presented. From ZEUS 1994 and 1995 F_2 data the slopes d(F_2)/d(ln Q^2) at fixed x and d(ln F_2)/d(ln(1/x)) for x < 0.01 at fixed Q^2 are derived. For the latter E665 data are also used. The transition region in Q^2 is explored using the simplest non-perturbative models and NLO QCD. The data at very low Q^2 <= 0.65 GeV^2 are described successfully by Regge theory. From a NLO QCD fit to ZEUS data the gluon density in the proton is extracted in the range 3 X 10^-5 < x < 0.7. Data from NMC and BCDMS constrain the fit at large x. Assuming the NLO QCD description to be valid down to Q^2 of 1 GeV^2, it is found that the qqbar sea distribution is still rising at small x and the lowest Q^2 values whereas the gluon distribution is strongly suppressed. Preliminary ZEUS 1996-1997 $F_2$ measurements are also presented.
Cellular targets for transformation by the adenovirus E1A proteins

Three cellular proteins, including species of 300,000 daltons and 107,000 daltons as well as p105-RB, the product of the retinoblastoma susceptibility gene, stably interact with the adenovirus E1A proteins. To help determine the functional basis of these interactions, the regions of E1A that participate in these interactions were mapped using a series of deletion mutants. The 300,000 dalton and the 107,000 dalton proteins interacted with sequences within amino acids 1 to 76 and 121 to 127, respectively. Interaction with the third cellular protein, p105-RB, required the presence of sequences from two noncontiguous regions of the E1A polypeptide chain, amino acids 30 to 60 and 121 to 127. The regions of E1A that are required for these interactions coincided precisely with the regions of E1A that are required for its transforming function. These results suggest that the interactions with these cellular proteins are fundamental to the transforming activity of E1A.
EFFECTS OF DISLOCATION DISTRIBUTION ON THE SPECIFIC HEAT OF DEFORMED TYPE- II SUPERCONDUCTORS.

The effects of dislocation distribution on the mixed state specific heat of deformed Type II superconductors are considered. Calculations based on a simple model are shown to predict behavior in agreement with reported experimental results for deformed niobium if an internal variation for ϰ of 0.4 caused by dislocation distribution is assumed. The implications of this result for fluxoid pinning in deformed Type II superconductors are discussed. Applications of measurements of the mixed state specific heat of Type II superconductors to the study of imperfections and imperfection distribution are also discussed. Der Einflus einer Versetzungsverteilung auf die spezifische Warme von deformierten Supraleitern zweiter Art im gemischten Zustand wird untersucht. Es wird gezeigt, das Berechnungen, die auf einem einfachen Modell basieren, das Verhalten fur deformiertes Niobium in Ubereinstimmung mit bekannten experimentellen Ergebnissen voraussagen, wenn eine innere Variation von 0,4, die durch eine Versetzungsverteilung verursacht wird, fur ϰ vorausgesetzt wird. Die Folgerungen aus diesem Ergebnis fur die Flusfestsetzung von deformierten Supraleitern 2. Art wie auch die Anwendung der Messung der spezifischen Warme von Supraleitern 2. Art im gemischten Zustand auf die Untersuchung von Defekten und ihrer Verteilung werden diskutiert.
Study of global solutions of parabolic equations viaa priori estimates. Part I: Equations with principal elliptic part equal to the laplacian

We study global solutions of ut=Δu + f(u, Du) with zero boundary data. Under suitable hypotheses on f, we show that an energy, which is roughly the H1 norm of u, cannot change too rapidly. When f depends only on u, this estimate implies that all global solutions are bounded.
A farm in every window: a study into the incentives for participation in the windowfarm virtual community

Virtual communities have great potential in connecting people from different backgrounds and locations and giving them a common space to share, explore, and solve problems. A key factor into whether a virtual community will be successful is user participation. Insight into why users of virtual communities participate, and how to increase this participation is still poorly understood. There is no unifying model or consensus on incentives or incentivization in virtual communities and this makes studying them very difficult. In this paper we describe our study into the incentive structures for members of the Windowfarm virtual community and look into what ways the community could be improved. We explore user incentives using methodology and models from different disciplines and fields, trying to find which of these best explains the behaviors and interactions in the Windowfarm community. We present this as a case study so that other research groups and community leaders can look into and better understand incentives in virtual communities based on the recent work done in this space.
Ocular manifestations of sickle hemoglobinopathies

Abstract Sickle cell disease is a hereditary disorder that is characterized by the production of structurally abnormal hemoglobin molecules. Clinical manifestations depend upon the amount and types of abnormal hemoglobin present. This paper reviews the genetic and molecular basis of sickle hemoglobinopathies and thalassemias including sickle cell anemia, SC disease, sickle cell-Beta Thalassemia and sickle trait. The systemic and ocular manifestations of these diseases are presented. Treatment regimens pertaining to hyphema, proliferative retinopathy, vitreous hemorrhage and retinal detachment are also discussed.
Management of acute tumor lysis syndrome

Abstract Preventative measures are essential to successfully avoid or minimize the severity of ATLS in the high risk patient. Certainly, prophylactic treatment regimens consisting of hydration, alkalinization, and allopurinol play a significant role in the management of these patients. It is also critical to carefully evaluate individuals for potential risk factors that can be modified or removed. Finally, should clinical and/or laboratory symptomatology develop, prompt resolution of electrolyte abnormalities and metabolic derangements is imperative to the well being of the patient with ATLS.
Medium‐Chain Fatty Acids Attenuate Agonist‐Stimulated Lipolysis, Mimicking the Effects of Starvation

LEI, TIANGUANG, WEISHENG XIE, JIANRONG HAN, BARBARA E. CORKEY, JAMES A. HAMILTON, AND WEN GUO. Medium-chain fatty acids attenuate agoniststimulated lipolysis, mimicking the effects of starvation. Obes Res. 2004;12:599 – 611. Objective: To test the hypothesis that incorporation of medium-chain fatty acids (FAs) into adipocyte triglycerides alters intracellular lipolysis. Research Methods and Procedures: 3T3-L1 adipocytes were pretreated with octanoate for various incubation periods. After the removal of exogenous FAs, cells were incubated with different lipolytic agonists. To determine the effects on lipolysis, we measured the following: the release of glycerol and FAs, lipase activity, protein levels of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), and perilipin A; translocation of HSL; phosphorylation of perilipin A; and levels of cellular adenosine triphosphate, cyclic adenosine monophosphate, and H2O2. To compare the effects of starvation with those caused by octanoate pretreatment, we measured glycerol release and H 2 O 2 generation in rat adipocytes of starved donors. Results: Pretreatment of adipocytes with octanoate in vitro increased basal lipolysis but decreased the cellular response for agonists. The same effects were seen in starvation in vivo. Preincubation with octanoate for 48 hours did not affect basal lipase activity, HSL, and perilipin protein levels, but it reduced agonist-stimulated perilipin phosphorylation and HSL translocation toward fat droplets. This was associated with a reduction in basal cellular adenosine triphosphate levels and agonist-stimulated cyclic adenosine monophosphate generation. Starvation and octanoate pretreatment both increased intracellular H 2O2 concentrations, which might also contribute to the inhibition on agoniststimulated lipolysis. Discussion: Pretreatment with octanoate seems to induce changes in adipocyte lipolysis in a pattern mimicking the effects of starvation. Such changes could contribute, in part, to weight loss in animals and humans associated with dietary medium-chain FAs.
Pathogenesis of Virus-Induced Diabetes in Mice

Male CD-1 mice were challenged with a diabetogenic strain (E2) of coxsackievirus B4 (CVB4). At 7 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after inoculation, mean histopathologic scores, postprandial blood glucose levels, and serum levels of antibody to islet cells were significantly elevated and mean fasting serum insulin levels significantly reduced in infected mice versus uninfected controls (P < .001 for each). At 7 weeks after infection, viral RNA, but not protein or infectious virus, was demonstrated in the pancreases of most infected mice. The pancreases of 4 of 12 and 0 of 10 infected animals were positive for viral RNA at 6 months and at 1 year after infection, respectively. Interferon-gamma-stimulated peritoneal macrophages were cytotoxic to islet cells with and without sera with high titers of islet cell autoantibody (ICA). Thus, islet cell destruction in mice infected with CVB4 strain E2 is associated with chronic islet cell inflammation, elevation of islet cell antibody, and prolonged presence of viral RNA in the pancreas. Stimulated peritoneal macrophages lyse islet cells directly and by an antibody-dependent mechanism.
Sharing of HLA haplotype by parents of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Forty-four families were studied for the relationships between HLA and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Nine families had more than 1 member with SLE; haplotype sharing between SLE patients within a family was no greater than expected by chance. Fourteen of 236 relatives had antinuclear antibodies (ANA); the frequency of haplotype sharing between SLE patients and ANA-positive relatives was no greater than expected by chance. One HLA-A,B haplotype was shared by 7 of 35 parent pairs, a frequency (20%) significantly greater (P = 0.004) than in 2 groups of normal controls (3.1% and 5%). These data provide evidence for HLA-linked genes operating recessively in the expression of SLE.
The effects of season and hydrologic and chemical loading on nitrate retention in constructed wetlands: a comparison of low- and high-nutrient riverine systems

Abstract We compared the nitrate removal efficiency of two constructed wetlands receiving ambient river water to one constructed municipal wastewater treatment wetland over the same 2-year period in central Ohio, USA. The wastewater wetland represents a high-nutrient system, with an average nitrate plus nitrite load of 12.3 kg N ha -1 day −1 and an average nitrate and nitrite inflow concentration of 12.5 mg N l −1 . The riverine wetland loadings and concentrations were approximately 60% lower (4.6–4.7 kg N ha −1 day −1 and 4.6 mg N l −1 ). Percent nitrate removal by mass ranged from 29% in the wastewater wetland to 37–40% in the riverine wetlands, although differences in retention varied widely by season and were not statistically significant among the wetlands. Retention efficiency was considerably lower in all three wetlands during floods; nitrate outflow was as much as 400% greater than inflow during some flood events. We developed a simple Vollenweider-type model of nitrate retention based on seasonal temperature, hydraulic loading, and nitrate loading. The model is general enough to be useful in describing nitrate retention in both high and low-loaded wetlands and was calibrated and validated with extensive field data. The model was used to predict wetland nitrate removal efficiency as the hydrologic and nutrient conditions change. The ability to make such predictions could be valuable in the design, construction, and management of wetlands for nutrient removal.
Sgt1 Dimerization Is Required for Yeast Kinetochore Assembly

The kinetochore, which consists of DNA sequence elements and structural proteins, is essential for high-fidelity chromosome transmission during cell division. In budding yeast, Sgt1 and Hsp90 help assemble the core kinetochore complex CBF3 by activating the CBF3 components Skp1 and Ctf13. In this study, we show that Sgt1 forms homodimers by performing in vitro and in vivo immunoprecipitation and analytical ultracentrifugation analyses. Analyses of the dimerization of Sgt1 deletion proteins showed that the Skp1-binding domain (amino acids 1–211) contains the Sgt1 homodimerization domain. Also, the Sgt1 mutant proteins that were unable to dimerize also did not bind Skp1, suggesting that Sgt1 dimerization is important for Sgt1-Skp1 binding. Restoring dimerization activity of a dimerization-deficient sgt1 mutant (sgt1-L31P) by using the CENP-B (centromere protein-B) dimerization domain suppressed the temperature sensitivity, the benomyl sensitivity, and the chromosome missegregation phenotype of sgt1-L31P. These results strongly suggest that Sgt1 dimerization is required for kinetochore assembly.
Designing and remotely testing mobile diabetes video games.

We have investigated game design and usability for three mobile phone video games designed to deliver diabetes education. The games were refined using focus groups. Six people with diabetes partici...
On the origin of cell walls and of lattice misorientations during deformation

The purpose of this note is to outline a view of the mechanism by which cell walls form during the course of strain hardening and dynamic recovery. This mechanism would lead one to expect that the cell walls are polarized, in the sense that there tends to be an excess of one sign of dislocation on one side of the cell wall, and of the other sign on the other side. The rearrangement of dislocations in such a cell wall into lower-energy configurations by static or further dynamic recovery could eventually lead to a pair of subboundaries of opposite sign. The misorientation between the cell wall interior and the cells on either side should then be larger than between the cells themselves. This mechanism could help explain some inconsistencies between x-ray and TEM observations of misorientations, and could contribute to a theory of “nucleation” for recrystallization. In addition, the polarity of the cell walls may be linked to the Bauschinger effect and should disappear upon subboundary formation.
IMPACT OF THE ENERGY CRISIS ON TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

Transportation has become an indispensable part of the American civilization, with an average ownership rate of one registered vehicle for every two persons. A negative by-product of this affluence is vehicle accidents, resulting in an annual loss of $20 billion in property damage and injury-related costs. There are other welfare losses not monetized in this estimate, including the psychic aspects of pain and suffering, time delays, and premature death. Recent shortages of gasoline and other fuels have inflicted economic hardships and general nuisances on a large segment of society. Yet, despite an overriding concern with these adversities, there are also favorable aspects of the energy crisis. Reduced speed limits and more cautious driving by an energy-conscious public have contributed to striking declines in the highway death toll. This study analyzes the dynamic trends of highway accidents as affected by energy shortages. State-by-state variations of accident rates are explained in terms of mandatory speed limits, reductions in gasoline sales, the voluntary cooperation of the public in conserving energy, as well as other factors. Economic losses incurred by various accidents are cited, and welfare gains from traffic safety enhancement are estimated at the national level.
Uptake and storage of Thorotrast by the rodent yolk sac placenta: an electron microscopic study.

Electron microscopy was used to investigate the uptake and storage of electrondense particulate matter by the rodent yolk sac placenta. Pregnant hamsters were given single intra-uterine injections of Thorotrast on day 13, 14 or 15 of gestation and killed at intervals between 15 minutes and 48 hours thereafter. Electron microscopic examination of yolk sacs removed from the injected animals revealed the rapid and progressive uptake of the tracer particles by the visceral epithelial cells of these fetal membranes. Pinocytic vacuoles (phagosomes) containing Thorotrast were visible in the apical cytoplasm of epithelial cells as early as 15 minutes after injection and became increasingly abundant in these cells at later post-injection intervals up to 18 hours. Epithelial cells which became fully engorged with Thorotrast vacuoles exhibited various pathologic changes, possibly caused by the interference of the metabolically inert metal particles with intracellular digestive mechanisms (the lysosome system). There was no evidence, however, of transport of Thorotrast particles through or between the yolk sac epithelial cells. The connective tissue spaces and blood vessels of the yolk sac, as well as underlying fetal compartments, were free of the tracer particles at all observed intervals after injection.
Construction and validation of a brief self-report scale of self-management practices

Abstract This article reports the development of a brief self-report instrument for assessing the application of self-management practices in people's daily lives. Strategies described in Manage Your Life (4th ed.) were translated into a 48-item instrument and administered to a primary sample of 735 college students and nonstudent adults. Secondary samples of 239 students and 55 nonstudent adults were used in the test-retest reliability and convergent validity assessment of the instrument. A series of factor analyses and validity assessments reduced the instrument to 16 items encompassing four factors. Findings indicated that the final scale (entitled Lifestyle Approaches) is strong in each of the following psychometric areas: internal consistency, test-retest reliability, convergent validity, concurrent validity, and discriminant validity. The scale has been related to both physical and psychological health variables.
Mnemonic elaboration and recency judgments in children

Abstract Recency judgments in second and fourth grade Ss were examined when contextual or spatial locations were correlated with sequential order. No age differences were apparent when the cues were not available; however, unlike fourth grade Ss, the younger Ss failed to take advantage of the additional cues when they were provided. In Experiment 2, second grade Ss were successfully trained to use the appropriate strategy, suggesting that the age related deficiency was one of production rather than mediation. The effectiveness of mnemonic elaboration as an aid to recall of order information was established, together with the short-term efficiency of training such mnemonic strategies in young children who do not adopt them spontaneously. The data support the hypothesis that memory tasks are developmentally sensitive when a deliberate mnemonic strategy can be applied but insensitive to developmental differences when no strategy is appropriate.
On the characteristics of amorphous UFe alloys formed by liquid quenching vs. irradiation techniques

Abstract Amorphous alloys based on a U-14.3 at. % Fe alloy have been prepared by a liquid quenching and/or irradiation technique. The resulting amorphous alloys, as characterized by x-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry data, are similar but not identical. When compared to the liquid-quenched glass, the irradiated material shows a less intense, broader first peak in the interference function data and a larger, narrower exothermic peak upon crystallization. We conclude that the much higher “effective quench rates” inherent in fission fragment bombardment can produce an amorphous metal with a structure characterized by a reduced degree of short range order when compared to a liquid-quenched glass. The irradiated amorphous alloy is probably not a glass in the sense that the structure of a glass is closely related to that of the supercooled liquid which preceded it in its formation; it is more like a different amorphous solid requiring further structural characterization for a description. These results also indicate that the structure of liquid quenched glasses will be affected by subsequent fission fragment irradiation.
Cofinite modules and local cohomology

Abstract We show that if M is a finitely generated module over a commutative Noetherian local ring R and I is a dimension one ideal of R (i.e., dim R I = 1 ), then the local cohomology modules H I i ( M ) are I -cofinite; that is, Ext R j ( R I , H I i (M)) is finitely generated for all i , j . We also show that if R is a complete local ring and P is a dimension one prime ideal of R , then the set of P -cofinite modules form an abelian subcategory of the category of all R -modules. Finally, we prove that if M is an n -dimensional finitely generated module over a Noetherian local ring R and I is any ideal of R , then H I n ( M ) is I -cofinite.
An Unusual Inhibition of an Anti‐P1

Tests for unexpected antibodies using commercially prepared red blood cells demonstrated no agglutination even though crossmatching and testing with saline washed commercially prepared reagent red blood cells identified an anti-P1. This antibody was inhibited when tested with red blood cells suspended in a modified Alsever's solution and several commercially prepared reagent red blood cell diluents. The inhibitory substance was identified as inosine. Hypoxanthine, adenine, and thymine also inhibited the anti-P1. Partial inhibition was produced by uracil, 5-methylcytosine, and xanthine. No other example of anti-P1 has been found to exhibit this unusual inhibiting characteristic.
Toward an improved global network for determination of tropospheric ozone climatology and trends

An examination of typical tropospheric ozone variability on daily, monthly, annual and interannual timescales and instrumental precision indicates that the current ozonesonde network is insufficient to detect a trend in tropospheric ozone of ≤1% per year at the 2σ level even at stations with records a decade in length. From a trend prediction analysis we conclude that in order to detect a 1% per year trend in a decade or less it will be necessary to decrease the time between observations from its present value of 3–7 days to 1 day or less. The spatial distribution of the current ozonesonde stations is also inadequate for determining the global climatology of ozone. We present a quantitative theory taking into account photochemistry, surface deposition, and wind climatology to define the ‘effectively sampled region’ for an observing station which, used in conjunction with the instrumental precision and the above prediction analysis, forms the basis for defining a suitable global network for determining regional and global ozone climatology and trends. At least a doubling of the present number of stations is necessary, and the oceans, most of Asia, Africa, and South America are areas where more stations are most needed. Differential absorption lidar ozone instruments have the potential for far more frequent measurements of ozone vertical profiles and hence potentially more accurate climatology and trend determinations than feasible with ozonesondes but may produce a (fair weather) biased data set above the cloud base. A strategy for cloudy regions in which either each station utilizes both lidars and sondes or each station is in fact a ‘doublet’ comprised of a near-sea-level lidar and a proximal-mountain-top lidar could serve to minimize this bias.
Recent results on the preparation and properties of Li-Containing Cu alloys

Copper-lithium alloys are of interest in fusion applications because of their previously observed capability of forming self-sustaining secondary-ion emitting lithium overlayers on predominantly copper substrates. Large quantities (up to 250 g) of material containing up to about 12 at% Li have been successfully prepared by melting samples in boron nitride crucibles in a resistance heated furnace. In order to obtain a uniform lithium concentration, remelting or annealing treatments are necessary. Metallographic examination has revealed that single-phase homogeneous alloys exist only up to a concentration of about 8 at% Li. However, the thermodynamic stability of these solid solutions has not been determined. Preliminary studies have been performed on the color changes observed upon reaction of these alloys with gaseous oxygen at elevated temperatures.
Minority carriers in graphite and the H -point magnetoreflection spectra

Analysis of the $H$-point magnetoreflection spectra of graphite is shown to be sensitive not only to the magnitude, but also to the sign of the Slonczewski-Weiss-McClure band parameter $\ensuremath{\Delta}$. The demonstration that $\ensuremath{\Delta}$ is small and negative provides a definite assignment for the larger of the minority de Haas-van Alphen periods to the Brillouin-zone corner, the $H$-point. This assignment is in good agreement with other experimental data.
Regional Influences and Environmental Policymaking: a study of Acid Rain

This study uses a four-region classification of states to investigate the impact of regionalism on the acid rain policy debate. Using multiple regression analyses and controlling for such factors as total pollution emissions, coal production, and precipitation pH, it was found that a state's activity level with respect to involvement in the acid rain policy debate was significantly influenced by both its commitment to environmental protection and its regional differentiation.
THE MAKING OF MONETARY POLICY: DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS*

At the present time Federal Reserve policy-making may be viewed as having a two-part structure. First, based on a four to eight quarter economic forecast, the Fed selects a target rate of money growth. Second, based on a short-term money market forecast, the Fed selects a Federal funds rate range thought to be consistent with the money growth target. The procedure followed in selecting the money growth target is “state-of-the-art” but the policy implementation based on controlling the Federal funds rate has permitted an undesirable pro-cyclical behavior of the money stock.
Application of capillary electrophoresis to the development and evaluation of aptamer affinity probes

Nucleic acid aptamers can exhibit high binding affinities for a wide variety of targets and have received much attention as molecular recognition elements for enhanced biosensor performance. These aptamers recognize target molecules through a combination of conformational dependent non-covalent interactions in aqueous media which can be investigated using capillary electrophoresis-based methods. In this paper we report on the results of our studies of the relative binding affinity of Campylobacter jejuni aptamers using a capillary electrophoretic immunoassay. Our results show preferential binding to C. jejuni over other common food pathogen bacteria. Capillary electrophoresis can also be used to develop new aptamer recognition elements using an in vitro selection process known as systematic evolution of ligand by exponential enrichment (SELEX). Recently, this process has been adapted to use capillary electrophoresis in an attempt to shorten the overall selection process. This smart selection of nucleic acid aptamers from a large diversity of a combinatorial DNA library is under optimization for the development of aptamers which bind to Army-relevant targets. This paper will include a discussion of the establishment of CE-SELEX methods for the future development of smart aptamer probes.
Thermophoretic transport in the outside vapor deposition process

Abstract A study has been made of the flow, heat transfer and thermophoretic deposition to a circular boule in respect to the outside vapor deposition (OVD) process. Numerical solutions of the governing conservation equations have been obtained utilizing a non-orthogonal curvilinear coordinate grid. The particle deposition rate and the variation of the deposition efficiency are investigated for a range of parameters relative to the OVD process. The interaction of the jet-like torch flow with the target and the surroundings results in a flow, heat transfer and particle transport to the circular target that are quite different from that for uniform flow. The increase in the concentration prior to the target is an important factor in determining the particle deposition rate. The effects of buoyancy augment the deposition rate. Larger values of the average Nusselt number and the efficiency are obtained for a cold target. For a hot target, the local Nusselt number becomes negative over the leeward side and a particle-free layer is formed. For the particle jet, the concentration and the deposition rate rapidly decrease downstream from the stagnation point. The deposition efficiency is greatly reduced when the torch is not aligned with respect to the target. Increasing the speed of the gas flow increases the average Nusselt number, but reduces the efficiency. Higher efficiency is obtained for a higher torch temperature. The efficiency is slightly increased for a larger target. Increasing the distance between the torch and the target and increasing the rotational speed of the boule slightly reduce the efficiency.
Activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase by lipopolysaccharide in human neutrophils requires nitric oxide-dependent cGMP accumulation

Abstract This study examined the signal transduction pathway(s) leading to phosphorylation of p38 in human neutrophils stimulated with lipopolysaccharide and formyl peptides. Blockade of the nitric oxide (NO) pathway in neutrophils with the NO synthase inhibitorN-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester or by treatment with the NO scavenger 2-phenyl-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide attenuated phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 in response to lipopolysaccharide but not fMet-Leu-Phe. Using the NO releasing agentsS-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine and sodium nitroprusside it was determined that nitric oxide is sufficient to cause an increase in phosphorylation of p38. Increasing cellular cGMP with phosphodiesterase inhibitors, by stimulation of soluble guanylyl cyclase with YC-1 or with exogenous dibutyryl cGMP resulted in mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase 3,6 (MEK3,6) activation and phosphorylation of p38. This phenomenon was specific for MEK3,6, because these agents had no effect on the phosphorylation state of MEK1,2. A role for protein kinase G but not protein kinase A downstream of lipopolysaccharide but not formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine was shown using the specific inhibitors KT5823 and H89, respectively. These data indicate that activation of p38 by fMet-Leu-Phe and lipopolysaccharide involve different mechanisms, and that activation of protein kinase G by NO-dependent stimulation of guanylyl cyclase is necessary and sufficient for phosphorylation of p38 downstream of lipopolysaccharide.