cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GPU/CPU Algorithm for Generalized Born/Solvent-Accessible Surface Area Implicit Solvent Calculations.

Molecular dynamics methodologies comprise a vital research tool for structural biology. Molecular dynamics has benefited from technological advances in computing, such as multicore CPUs and graphics processing units (GPUs), but harnessing the full power of hybrid GPU/CPU computers remains difficult. The generalized Born/solvent-accessible surface area implicit solvent model (GB/SA) stands to benefit from hybrid GPU/CPU computers, employing the GPU for the GB calculation and the CPU for the SA calculation. Here, we explore the computational challenges facing GB/SA calculations on hybrid GPU/CPU computers and demonstrate how NAMD, a parallel molecular dynamics program, is able to efficiently utilize GPUs and CPUs simultaneously for fast GB/SA simulations. The hybrid computation principles demonstrated here are generally applicable to parallel applications employing hybrid GPU/CPU calculations.
Chronic Inflammation and Malignancy in Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) associated with multiple colonic and extraintestinal complications, the most severe being the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Compared to the general population, there is an increased risk of CRC associated with UC. Although the pathogenesis of CRC in UC is unknown, most studies have linked it to long-standing inflammation as well as other risk factors such as duration of disease, extent of inflammation, family history of CRC, and coexisting conditions such as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). UC is a life-long disease for which patients enter a vigilant screening program which includes surveillance colonoscopy to promote early detection of CRC yet some controversies exist regarding the cost effectiveness of surveillance colonoscopy and improving survival. Newer modalities such as chromoendoscopy, narrow band imaging, high definition colonoscopy, and confocal microscopy have aided in developing a more targeted approach for early detection of dysplasia in surveillance colonoscopy. This review focuses on the role of chronic colonic inflammation and dysplasia in development of UC-associated CRC and current methods of screening, detection, chemoprevention, and treatment of UC-associated CRC.
CO2 laser welding of galvanized steel sheets using vent holes

Abstract Joining of galvanized steels is a challenging issue in the automotive industry because of the vaporization of zinc at 906 °C during fusion welding of steel (>1530 °C). In this work, hot-dip galvanized steel sheets of 0.68 mm thick (24-gage) were pre-drilled using a pulsed Nd:YAG laser to form vent holes along the weld line and then seam welded in the lap-joint configuration using a continuous wave CO 2 laser. The welds were evaluated through optical and scanning electron microscopy and tensile/hardness tests. The vent holes allowed zinc vapors to escape through the weld zone without causing expulsion of molten metal, thereby eliminating the defects such as porosity, spatter, and loss of penetration. In addition, riveting of welds occurred so long as the weld width was greater than the hole diameter that in turn provided much higher strength over the traditional “joint gap” method.
Effective Enrichment and Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Phosphopeptides Using Mesoporous Metal Oxide Nanomaterials

Mass spectrometry (MS)-based phosphoproteomics remains challenging due to the low abundance of phosphoproteins and substoichiometric phosphorylation. This demands better methods to effectively enrich phosphoproteins/peptides prior to MS analysis. We have previously communicated the first use of mesoporous zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) nanomaterials for effective phosphopeptide enrichment. Here, we present the full report including the synthesis, characterization, and application of mesoporous titanium dioxide (TiO2), ZrO2, and hafnium dioxide (HfO2) in phosphopeptide enrichment and MS analysis. Mesoporous ZrO2 and HfO2 are demonstrated to be superior to TiO2 for phosphopeptide enrichment from a complex mixture with high specificity (>99%), which could almost be considered as a “purification”, mainly because of the extremely large active surface area of mesoporous nanomaterials. A single enrichment and Fourier transform MS analysis of phosphopeptides digested from a complex mixture containing 7% of α-casein ide...
Generalized Anomeric Interpretation of the “High-Energy” N−P Bond in N-Methyl-N‘-phosphorylguanidine: Importance of Reinforcing Stereoelectronic Effects in “High-Energy” Phosphoester Bonds

Electronic structure calculations have been performed on a model N-phosphorylguanidine, or phosphagen, to understand the stereoelectronic factors contributing to the lability of the “high-energy” N−P bond. The lability of the N−P bond is central to the physiological role of phosphagens involving phosphoryl transfer reactions important in cellular energy buffering and metabolism. Eight protonated forms of N-methyl-N‘-phosphorylguanidine have been energy minimized at levels of theory ranging up to B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) and MP2/6-311++G(d,p) to investigate the correlation between protonation state and N−P bond length. Selected forms have also been minimized using the CCSD/6-311++G(d,p) and QCISD/ 6-311++G(d,p) levels of theory. Bulk solvation energies using the polarized continuum model (PCM) with B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) test the influence of the surroundings on computed structures and energies. The N−P bond length depends on the overall protonation state where increased protonation at the phosphoryl group or depr...
Experimental evaluation of the “gastric barrier” in CSF shunt infections

Abstract The historical background, rational and experimental evidence for the presence and function of a “gastric barrier” has been reviewed. In vitro and in vivo experiments were carried out to determine the effect of pH on common CSF shunt infecting organisms. A critical pH level of 3.5–3.8 has been established for a successful kill rate after 15 min of exposure, documenting the barrier theory to be a function of pH and time of exposure. The use of low pH supplement feedings (Coca Cola and ginger ale) is feasible and may be desirable. Some possible disadvantages when employed clinically are enumerated.
Reaching the Limit of the Oculomotor Plant: 3D Kinematics after Abducens Nerve Stimulation during the Torsional Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex

Accumulating evidence shows that the oculomotor plant is capable of implementing aspects of three-dimensional kinematics such as Listing's law and the half-angle rule. But these studies have only examined the eye under static conditions or with movements that normally obey these rules (e.g., saccades and pursuit). Here we test the capability of the oculomotor plant to rearrange itself as necessary for non-half-angle behavior. Three monkeys (Macaca mulatta) fixated five vertically displaced targets along the midsagittal plane while sitting on a motion platform that rotated sinusoidally about the naso-occipital axis. This activated the torsional, rotational vestibulo-ocular reflex, which exhibits a zero-angle or negative-angle rule (depending on the visual stimulus). On random sinusoidal cycles, we stimulated the abducens nerve and observed the resultant eye movements. If the plant has rearranged itself to implement this non-half-angle behavior, then stimulation should reveal this behavior. On the other hand, if the plant is only capable of half-angle behavior, then stimulation should reveal a half-angle rule. We find the latter to be true and therefore additional neural signals are likely necessary to implement non-half-angle behavior.
A Direct Simulation Method for Subsonic, Microscale Gas Flows

Microscale gas flows are the subject of increasingly active research due to the rapid advances in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). The rarefied phenomena in MEMS gas flows make molecular-based simulations desirable. However, it is necessary to reduce the statistical scatter in particle methods for microscale gas flows. In this paper, the development of an information preservation (IP) method is described. The IP method reduces the statistical scatter by preserving macroscopic information of the flow in the particles and the computational cells simulated in the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method. The preserved macroscopic information of particles is updated during collisions and is then modified to include the pressure field effects excluded in the collisions. An additional energy transfer model is proposed to describe the energy flux across an interface, and a collision model is used to redistribute the information after both particle?particle and particle?surface collisions. To validate the IP method, four different flows are simulated and the solutions are compared against DSMC results. The results from the IP method generally agree very well with the DSMC results for steady flows and low frequency unsteady flows ranging from the near-continuum regime to the free-molecular regime.
Poly(vinyl pyridine)-based stabilizers for aqueous polypyrrole latices

Abstract The preparation and characterization of sub-micronic polypyrrole latex particles using polymeric stabilizers based on poly(vinyl pyridine) is described. These novel colloidal dispersions enhance the usually limited processability of the electroactive component, and in addition exhibit usefully high solid-state conductivity (∼ 2 Scm −1 ), despite the presence of the insulating stabilizer component. Furthermore, these latices exhibit reversible base/acid induced flocculation-stabilization behavior. The latter phenomenon is of fundamental interest and is expected to have commercial applications. The latices were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, visible absorption spectroscopy. F.T.I.R. and Raman spectroscopy, microanalysis, and compressed pellet d.c. conductivity. Base-induced particle flocculation was studied as a function of latex particle concentration.
Cervical cancer screening continues to limit provision of contraception.

Abstract Purpose Balancing needs for contraception and cervical cancer screening is challenging for clinicians. We assessed US obstetrician/gynecologists' practices regarding requirement of Pap testing before prescribing oral contraceptive or emergency contraceptive pills. Methods Questionnaires structured as clinical vignettes describing women desiring contraception with different risks of cervical dysplasia were mailed to a national sample of 355 obstetrician/gynecologists. Results A minority (3%) of the 185 obstetrician/gynecologists who responded would refill 12 months of oral contraceptives without requiring Pap testing. However, most would provide a limited supply of oral contraceptives until Pap testing could be performed. A substantial proportion (11–16%) would refuse to prescribe emergency contraception to women who they felt required Pap testing. Younger physicians, those practicing in academic settings and those who follow American Cancer Society guidelines were more willing to prescribe contraceptives without Pap testing. Conclusions Cervical cancer screening continues to limit prescription of routine and emergency contraception by many US obstetrician/gynecologists.
Neurotrophin-4/5 Maintains the Cholinergic Phenotype of Axotomized Septal Neurons

We examined the effect of intraseptal or intracerebroventricular (i.c. v.) infusions of NT-4/5 or intraseptal infusions of NGF on the level of immunohistochemical staining of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)and the low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor (LNGFR)in the rat medial septum following unilateral transection of the fimbria. The extent of cell loss in the septum ipsilateral to the lesion, determined by cell counts of ChAT-immunopositive neurons and expressed as a ratio comparing the lesioned to the intact sides, was 0.28 in animals that received an infusion of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The ratios were 0.97 and 1.07 in animals that received an infusion of NT-4/5 into the ipsilateral ventricle and septum respectively. Septal infusions of NGF produced a ratio of ChAT-immunopositive cells of 1.03. The ratios of LNGFR-immunopositive neurons increased from 0.50 in PBS-infused animals to 0.79 and 0.83 in animals infused with NT-4/5 via the i.c. v. infusion of NT-4/5 or septal infusion of NT-4/5 or NGF. As determined by immunohistochemical staining, NT-4/5 infused into the lateral ventricle was detected in the periventricular portions of the forebrain ipsilateral to the infusion, while NT-4/5 or NGF infused intraseptally was detected in much of the septum, bilaterally. Furthermore, exogenous NT-4/5 or NGF was detected in numerous neuronal perikarya in the medial septal and diagonal band nuclei. These data demonstrate that, as with NGF, i.c.v. as well as septal infusions of NT-4/5 can maintain the phenotype of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons following axotomy.
Metastatic metaplastic carcinoma of the breast: Diagnosis by bronchial brush cytology

Metaplastic carcinoma of the female breast is an uncommon lesion that may metastasize to body sites. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of pulmonary metastasis diagnosed on bronchial brush cytology. The patient presented with pulmonary symptomatology 1 yr and 3 mo after a left modified radical mastectomy for breast carcinoma. Bronchoscopic examination revealed an endobronchial lesion partially obstructing the bronchus intermedius. Bronchial brush cytology showed the presence of nonkeratinizing squamous tumor cells admixed with a few scattered clusters of tumor cells with glandular features. Histologic review of the original breast lesion showed a metaplastic carcinoma of the breast with a predominant squamous-cell component. Accurate knowledge of a patient's clinical history is necessary to differentiate a second primary lesion from a metastatic one, particularly when the original lesion is so uncommon.
NMR INVESTIGATIONS OF PROTEIN STRUCTURE

This review first describes techniques and strategies for resonance assignments. Secondly, techniques to obtain structural parameters are reviewed, together with methods to derive structural models. Protein mobility will be discussed only in connection with structural aspects
Dynamics of K+ ion conduction through Kv1.2.

The crystallographic structure of a potassium channel, Kv1.2, in an open state makes it feasible to simulate entire K+ ion permeation events driven by a voltage bias and, thereby, elucidate the mechanism underlying ion conduction and selectivity of this type of channel. This Letter demonstrates that molecular dynamics simulations can provide movies of the overall conduction of K+ ions through Kv1.2. As suggested earlier, the conduction is concerted in the selectivity filter, involving 2–3 ions residing mainly at sites identified previously by crystallography and modeling. The simulations reveal, however, the jumps of ions between these sites and identify the sequence of multi-ion configurations involved in permeation.
A selective α2-adrenergic agonist for cardiac resuscitation

The effects of selective alpha(2)-adrenergic agonist alpha-methylnorepinephrine on the initial success of resuscitation and postresuscitation myocardial function were compared with nonselective alpha- and beta-adrenergic epinephrine in a swine model of cardiac arrest. Epinephrine, the primary pharmacological intervention in the treatment of cardiac arrest, improves immediate outcome. However, epinephrine increases the severity of myocardial dysfunction after cardiac resuscitation. Both inotropic and chronotropic actions provoke disproportionate increases in myocardial oxygen consumption by the ischemic heart, prompting this study, in which we hypothesized that a selective alpha(2)-adrenergic agonist, alpha-methylnorepinephrine (alpha-MNE), would moderate these adverse effects of epinephrine and minimize postresuscitation myocardial dysfunction. After 7 minutes of untreated ventricular fibrillation (VF) in 14 anesthetized male domestic pigs, precordial compression at a fixed rate of 80 compressions/min was begun, along with mechanical ventilation. Either alpha-MNE (100 microg/kg) or epinephrine (20 microg/kg) was administered as a bolus after 2 minutes of precordial compression. After an additional 4 minutes of precordial compression, defibrillation was attempted. Left ventricular systolic and diastolic function was quantitated with the use of transesophageal echo-Doppler imaging. Comparable increases in coronary perfusion pressure to 15 mm Hg were observed after the administration of both drugs. All animals were successfully resuscitated; epinephrine and alpha-MNE were equally quick in restoring spontaneous circulation after 7 minutes of untreated VF. Ejection fraction was reduced by 35% and 14% by epinephrine and alpha-MNE, respectively, after resuscitation. Epinephrine and alpha-MNE increased postresuscitation heart rate by 38% and 15%, respectively. Accordingly, significantly less postresuscitation impairment followed the administration of alpha-MNE. alpha-MNE, a selective alpha-adrenergic agonist, was as effective as epinephrine in restoring spontaneous circulation after 7 minutes of untreated VF in a porcine model for CPR and demonstrated lesser postresuscitation myocardial injury.
Accounting policy decisions and capital market research

Abstract This paper examines methodological problems in measuring the capital market impact of accounting policy decisions. Topics covered include the development of hypotheses about the magnitude and timing of capital market impacts, sample selection issues in control group designs, and the confounding events problem. Reference is made to capital market studies on a variety of accounting policy decisions. Empirical evidence related to studies on the capital market impact of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 19 is also presented.
Lipid and lipoprotein predictors of coronary heart disease in elderly men in the Honolulu Heart Program.

Abstract Data from the baseline and follow-up examinations of the Honolulu Heart Program (HHP) cohort of 8006 men of Japanese ancestry were used to examine several questions concerning the predictive role of lipids and lipoproteins for incident CHD. For the question “Do serum cholesterol levels measured in middle age predict incident CHD in elderly men 65 years old or older?” the answer was clearly yes. Multivariate relative risks and attributable risks for early and late onset of CHD were similar and statistically significant. For the question “Do serum cholesterol levels measured in the elderly predict subsequent CHD?” the answer again was clearly yes. Multivariate relative risks for elderly men were similar to those for middle-aged men, and attributable risks were consistently higher for elderly men. For the question “Do other lipid or lipoprotein levels measured in the elderly predict incident CHD better than serum cholesterol level?” the answer was no. Multivariate relative risks for low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) and non-high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol were similar to those for total cholesterol. HDL cholesterol was protective for incident CHD, but the patterns were not significant for the elderly. Serum triglyceride level was not a significant predictor of CHD for the elderly. The conclusion was that no matter at what age serum cholesterol was measured, it predicted subsequent CHD in the elderly men in this cohort.
A two column system for complete resolution of NaBH4-reduced cross-links from collagen.

Abstract A two column system is reported for the complete resolution of the intermolecular cross-links in NaBH 4 -reduced collagen. Selected peaks from a single column gradient elution system are rechromatographed on an extended basic column. The system allows one to separate peaks that coelute and thereby make more detailed comparisons of cross-linking in various collagenous tissues.
Sacrifice, Individuation, and the Economies of Genomics

Even as the biotechnological and genomic revolutions have promised spectacular life-saving and life-extending drugs and therapies, social and cultural critics have highlighted injustices associated with contemporary systems of biocommerce, often drawing on concepts of "sacrifice" and "savagery" to highlight social and class inequities. While sympathetic to these critiques, Mitchell argues that the concept of sacrifice is a problematic means for addressing these inequities, for it binds critics to the Enlightenment logic of the systems of biocommerce that they question. After outlining the sacrificial logic of "innovation" that runs through public policy defenses of biocommerce, Mitchell turns to two cinematic depictions of biocommerce (Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park (1993) and Paul W. S. Anderson's Resident Evil (2002)), as well as to philosopher of technology Gilbert Simondon's concept of "individuation," to argue that these films outline an approach to biomedical innovation that allows us to think injustice beyond concepts of sacrifice.
Mucormycosis Manifesting as Proptosis and Unilateral Blindness

. A 51-year-old woman presented to the emergency department (ED) of another institution with sudden onset of blindness in the left eye. The patient was found to have no light perception in the left eye and a marked chemosis occurring several days after a fall. She was transferred to the hospital for ophthalmologic evaluation. Upon careful history and physical examination, the diagnosis of rhinocerebral mucormycosis was considered and urgent ophthalmology and otolaryngology consults were obtained. The patient underwent extensive surgical debridement and pharmacologic treatment. The diagnosis was confirmed by pathological specimens. In this case report, the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, diagnostic workup, and ED management of mucormycosis are discussed, highlighting the possible diagnostic and therapeutic pitfalls that are most pertinent to the emergency physician.
Colchicine and beyond: new options for the treatment of pericarditis.

Dr. Imazio has written a timely review of a fascinating topic, colchicine for the treatment of pericarditis [1]. His article touches on key points relating to the story of how this ancient drug has evolved to be a cornerstone of the treatment of this disorder over just a bit more than a decade. The initial sections reviewing colchicine's history, its mechanism of action, and details of its clinical pharmacology are most useful as cardiovascular specialists treating these patients often do not have a great deal of experience with the drug. It is especially appropriate to have Dr. Imazio's insights because he has led the clinical research that has driven this field. By way of background, roughly 5% of patients presenting to Emergency Departments with non-ischemic chest pain are diagnosed with acute pericarditis [2,3]. However, its true incidence is difficult to quantify, since many cases are undoubtedly never diagnosed. Overall, 80–90% of cases are idiopathic and presumed to have a viral etiology [4]. A recent, large epidemiologic study from Finland [5] established that about two-thirds of patients hospitalized with acute pericarditis are male. However, there are important differences in the epidemiology of pericarditis in the developed versus the third-world countries. Thus, etiologies such as tuberculosis and AIDS-associated are much more common in the third world. Most patients with idiopathic acute pericarditis respond well to a 7–10-day course of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), typically ibuprofen or aspirin [2,3]. However, about 10–30% of patients suffer recurrences [2–4,6], which can be debilitating despite re-treatment with a NSAID and/or addition of a corticosteroid. Thus, there has been an important need to improve the treatment of both initial and recurrent episodes and minimize the chance that future recurrences will occur.
Effect of interfacial kinetic barriers on interface motion in binary diffusion couples

A finite difference scheme is used to examine the effect of misfit strains and interfacial kinetic barriers to the establishment of local thermodynamic equilibrium on the evolution of a coherent interface in a binary diffusion couple. Impediments to the transformation of one phase into the other and to attaining chemical equilibrium at the interface were considered using a matrix of interfacial kinetic coefficients which coupled thermodynamic driving forces with interfacial velocity and fluxes. Interfacial kinetic barriers result in a decrease in the interfacial velocity, a change in temporal power laws, and large shifts in the time-dependent interfacial compositions, sometimes up to 20 at. pct from the time-independent equilibrium values. The interfacial compositions can shift into either the two-phase field or single-phase field depending upon a number of materials parameters, including the initial compositions of the phases comprising the diffusion couple.
Origin of Light-Induced Spin-Correlated Radical Pairs in Cryptochrome

Blue-light excitation of cryptochromes and homologues uniformly triggers electron transfer (ET) from the protein surface to the flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) cofactor. A cascade of three conserved tryptophan residues has been considered to be critically involved in this photoreaction. If the FAD is initially in its fully oxidized (diamagnetic) redox state, light-induced ET via the tryptophan triad generates a series of short-lived spin-correlated radical pairs comprising an FAD radical and a tryptophan radical. Coupled doublet-pair species of this type have been proposed as the basis, for example, of a biological magnetic compass in migratory birds, and were found critical for some cryptochrome functions in vivo. In this contribution, a cryptochrome-like protein (CRYD) derived from Xenopus laevis has been examined as a representative system. The terminal radical-pair state FAD(•)···W324(•) of X. laevis CRYD has been characterized in detail by time-resolved electron-paramagnetic resonance (TREPR) at X-band microwave frequency (9.68 GHz) and magnetic fields around 345 mT, and at Q-band (34.08 GHz) at around 1215 mT. Different precursor states, singlet versus triplet, of radical-pair formation have been considered in spectral simulations of the experimental electron-spin polarized TREPR signals. Conclusively, we present evidence for a singlet-state precursor of FAD(•)···W324(•) radical-pair generation because at both magnetic fields, where radical pairs were studied by TREPR, net-zero electron-spin polarization has been detected. Neither a spin-polarized triplet precursor nor a triplet at thermal equilibrium can explain such an electron-spin polarization. It turns out that a two-microwave-frequency TREPR approach is essential to draw conclusions on the nature of the precursor electronic states in light-induced spin-correlated radical pair formations.
Evidence for Abnormal Translational Regulation of Renal 25-Hydroxyvitamin D-1α-Hydroxylase Activity in the Hyp-Mouse

Hyp-mice exhibit abnormal regulation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]-1alpha-hydroxylase activity. Previous observations suggest such aberrant modulation is posttranscriptional. To investigate this possibility further, we examined whether hyp-mice manifest abnormal translation of 25(OH)D-1alpha-hydroxylase mRNA. We compared phosphate, parathyroid, and calcitonin effects on renal 25(OH)D-1alpha-hydroxylase protein as well as mRNA and enzyme activity in normal and hyp-mice. We assayed protein by Western blots, mRNA by real-time RT-PCR, and enzyme activity by measuring 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D production. Although phosphate-depleted mice exhibited enhanced enzyme function, with significantly increased mRNA and protein expression, hyp-mice comparably increased mRNA but failed to augment enzyme activity, concordant with an inability to increase protein expression. PTH stimulation increased mRNA and protein expression as well as enzyme activity in normal mice but in hyp-mice, despite effecting mRNA enhancement, did not increment enzyme function or protein. The inability of hypophosphatemia and PTH to increase 25(OH)D-1alpha-hydroxylase activity and protein expression in hyp-mice was not universal because calcitonin stimulation was normal, suggesting proximal convoluted tubule localization of the defect. These data, in accord with absent undue enhancement of protein expression in hyp-mice treated with protease inhibitors, establish that abberrant regulation of vitamin D metabolism results from abnormal translational activity.
The captured imagination [simulation technology for computer games]

Although computer games are now a form of entertainment, they actually grew out of a series of efforts to develop computer-based methods to represent the natural world, abstract complex activity, and analyze organizational problems. The game of chess quickly captured the attention of early computer researchers. Incorporating computer simulation technology in a competitive, interactive story can command a game player's attention indefinitely
Exportability of Films in a Globalizing Market: The Intersection of Nation and Genre

While the dominance of the Hollywood major studios in the global film market is a well-known fact, less is known about the patterns of exportability by film genre and by nation. Here I present data pertaining to cross-national comparisons between France and the United States, as well as relevant global market figures for US films by genre. The findings challenge the assumption that specific genres, notably comedy, do not export. Rather, it appears that most US comedies that are successful in the States, like most other genres of US films, do and are exported. The case for France, however, appears quite different, insofar as the top films, which were overwhelmingly also comedies, did not export. Exports in the French case were more characteristic of niche marketing: namely quality nature films that could be easily translated, and films that fit specific cultural expectations (Barnier and Moine, 2002; Frodon, 1998). This research also suggests that the traditional confrontation of theoretical approaches (cu...
Prospects for accelerated development of high performance structural materials

We present an overview of key aspects for development of steels for fission and fusion energy applications, by linking material fabrication to thermo-mechanical properties through a physical understanding of microstructure evolution. Numerous design constraints (e.g. reduced activation, low ductile–brittle transition temperature, low neutron-induced swelling, good creep resistance, and weldability) need to be considered, which in turn can be controlled through material composition and processing techniques. Recent progress in the development of high-performance steels for fossil and fusion energy systems is summarized, along with progress in multiscale modeling of mechanical behavior in metals. Prospects for future design of optimum structural steels in nuclear applications by utilization of the hierarchy of multiscale experimental and computational strategies are briefly described.
MORPHOLOGY AND ONTOGENY OF THE CORNUAL SINUSES IN CHASMOSAURINE DINOSAURS (ORNITHISCHIA: CERATOPSIDAE)

Ceratopsids, horned herbivorous ornithischians from the Cretaceous of North America, are unique among dinosaurs in the form and expression of their cranial ornamentation. All ceratopsid genera possess a bony parieto-squamosal frill that projects over the neck region and some degree of development of nasal and orbital horns. These horns vary in form and location, from low bosses (e.g., Pachyrhinosaurus Sternberg, 1950) to long, conical horns (e.g., Triceratops Marsh, 1889 postorbital horns). Internal structural changes occurred along with these extreme external modifications of the skull (Forster, 1996). A frontal sinus complex occupies space variably involving the postorbital, frontal, parietal, supraoccipital, and exoccipital bones of the skull roof in ceratopsid dinosaurs (Fig. 1.1; Forster, 1996). These sinuses are relatively small, simple chambers in most members of the two ceratopsid clades Chasmosaurinae and Centrosaurinae (Lehman, 1990). However, the frontal sinuses reach large proportions in some species, with a portion of the sinuses extending into the base of the postorbital horncores (Forster, 1996; Sampson et al., 1997; Lehman, 1998). Forster (1996) termed this part of the sinus complex the “cornual” sinus, analogous to the cornual diverticulum of the frontal sinuses in bovid mammals (e.g., domesticated goats; Nickel et al., 1973). Marsh (1887) was the first to note cornual sinuses in a large chasmosaurine (USNM 1871, probably a specimen of Triceratops or Torosaurus Marsh, 1891; personal observation). Sampson et al. (1997) described small cornual sinuses in the centrosaurines Achelousaurus Sampson, 1995, Einiosaurus Sampson, 1995, and Pachyrhinosaurus . Other authors noted similar cornual sinuses in the chasmosaurines Pentaceratops Osborn, 1923, Torosaurus , and Triceratops , but cornual sinus morphology has not been described fully for any chasmosaurine (Hatcher et al., 1907; Forster, 1996; Lehman, 1998). This note describes chasmosaurine cornual sinuses in detail, using undescribed …
The Impact of Sex, Puberty, and Hormones on White Matter Microstructure in Adolescents

Background During adolescence, numerous factors influence the organization of the brain. It is unclear what influence sex and puberty have on white matter microstructure, as well as the role that rapidly increasing sex steroids play. Methods White matter microstructure was examined in 77 adolescents (ages 10-16) using diffusion tensor imaging. Multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the relationships between fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) and sex, puberty, and their interaction, controlling for age. Follow-up analyses determined if sex steroids predicted microstructural characteristics in sexually dimorphic and pubertal-related white matter regions, as well as in whole brain. Results Boys had higher FA in white matter carrying corticospinal, long-range association, and cortico-subcortical fibers, and lower MD in frontal and temporal white matter compared with girls. Pubertal development was related to higher FA in the insula, while a significant sex-by-puberty interaction was seen in superior frontal white matter. In boys, testosterone predicted white matter integrity in sexually dimorphic regions as well as whole brain FA, whereas estradiol showed a negative relationship with FA in girls. Conclusions Sex differences and puberty uniquely relate to white matter microstructure in adolescents, which can partially be explained by sex steroids.
Comparative Fermentations of Bovine Colostral Milk

Abstract Mixtures of equal portions of colostrum from the first six milkings from each of six cows were allowed to ferment for 28 days with and without additions of fresh colostrum on days 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 15, and 16. The additions of fresh colostrum did not affect markedly pH, titratable acidity, or concentrations of lactic, acetic, and butyric acids. Total solids decreased with time for both treatments. Total nitrogen remained constant throughout storage, but the concentration of nonprotein nitrogen increased for both treatments and was greater for fermentations to which fresh colostrum was added periodically. In a second trial, colostrum was fermented naturally or with cultured buttermilk (1% vol/vol), blood (10% vol/vol) or propionic acid (1.5% vol/vol) added. Storage time was 28 days for all but the colostrum-blood mixture which became putrid after 15 days and was discarded. At the end of the fermentation period, naturally fermented colostrum and that with cultured buttermilk were similar in pH and content of nonprotein nitrogen, ammonia, lactic, acetic, and butyric acids. Colostrum treated with propionic acid changed little in pH and titratable acidity over the 28 days of storage. Nonprotein nitrogen was less in acid-treated colostrum than in other fermentations.
Teaching a New View of Women's Sexual Problems

Abstract This paper describes a new teaching manual containing a dozen classroom activities dealing with women's sexuality, especially the meaning and medicalization of sexual problems. The manual is part of a multidisciplinary academic/activist educational campaign, www.fsd-alert.org (“fsd” = female sexual dysfunction). The manual offers the educator 12 experiential activities for classes or workshops. The exercises cover clinical, political, sociological, business, and consumer viewpoints regarding women's sexual problems. Each exercise contains objectives, materials, procedures, discussion questions, and educator resources. An extensive resource appendix includes a wide variety of materials for use with the manual or further study. RESOURCE REVIEWED: A NEW VIEW OF WOMEN'S SEXUAL PROBLEMS: A DYNAMIC TEACHING MANUAL, Tiefer, Leonore, Peggy Brick, and Meg Kaplan. 2003, 70 pp.
Vertical distribution of benthic infauna in continental slope sediments off Cape Lookout, North Carolina

Abstract The vertical distribution of 30 species of benthic infauna from continental slope (583–3000 m) sediments off Cape Lookout, North Carolina was closely correlated with feeding types. Carnivores, omnivores, filter feeders, and surface deposit feeders were mostly concentrated in the upper 0–2 cm of the cores. The depth distribution of subsurface deposit feeders was more variable, even among related taxa.
Identification and elimination of fluorescent surface-damage precursors on DKDP optics

Fluorescing surface defects that led to damage upon 351-nm laser exposure below 7 J/cm2 (3-ns) in DKDP optics were reported in these proceedings by this group a year ago. Subsequent laser damage experiments have correlated the density of these damage precursors to single-pont diamond finishing conditions. Every diamond-finishing schedule contains brittle-mode cutting and ductile-mode cutting in a taper-down sequence. Finishing experiments have traced the occurrence of these defects to insufficient ductile-mode removal of subsurface damage incurred during piror brittle-mode cutting. Additionally, a correlation between defect fluorescence, laser-induced damage, and defect meorphology has been established. Laser-induced damage tests also suggest a correlation between growth method and damage probability. Current experiments indicate that damage-prone defects can be minimized with the proper choice of diamond finishing conditions.
Diffraction grating scanners using polysilicon micromotors

This paper describes polysilicon micromotors with single and pyramidal diffraction grating elements fabricated on the polished surface of large-area rotors for optical scanning applications. While taking full advantage of planar processing, such scanners have high-quality scan profiles, good efficiency, meter working distances, and multiple out of plane beam diffraction orders. Chemical-mechanical polishing was used to reduce the 5-/spl mu/m-thick polysilicon rotors' average surface roughness from 420 /spl Aring/ to below 17 /spl Aring/, with less than 1500-/spl Aring/ film removal, improving the optical performance of the gratings as well as the definition, delineation, and side wall quality of the device features. Self-assembled monolayers (SAM) were found to improve the overall micromotor's dynamic performance. SAM-coated scanners could operate at voltages as low as 15 V and maximum operational speeds of 5200 rpm. The gratings were tested optically at 633-nm wavelength and were verified to have spatial periods of 1.80 and 3.86 /spl mu/m, closely matching their design values. Stepping and continuous mode dynamic operation of the scanners was demonstrated with visible diffraction orders at meter distances away.
An Ada based approach to factory scale MAP network simulaton

A methodology for the direct application of the Ada language to the problem of simulating a factory scale map network is presented. Some unique capabilities of Ada are compared to the facilities offered by existing simulation languages. The technique is illustrated with an example and some of the internal components are described.
Effects of habitat size and isolation on species immigration–extinction dynamics and community nestedness in a desert river system

SUMMARY 1. Habitat fragmentation is one of the major causes of local and regional species extinctions in fresh-water ecosystems. To predict future trends in community composition, and the potential sequence ofextinctions due to fragmentation of the river continuum, it is important to understand how habitatsize and isolation affect the dynamics of species immigrations and extinctions and patterns of abun-dance and occupancy.2. We examined ﬁsh immigration and extinction rates, and abundance and occupancy patterns, inrelation to habitat isolation, size and variability in the Rio Grande and its tributaries in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas, U.S.A.3. Our results indicated that as habitat isolation increased in tributaries, ﬁsh immigration and extinc-tion rates and riverine species abundances decreased. Fish assemblages showed signiﬁcant nestedsubset patterns across the study sites, and the inﬂuence of habitat size and isolation on the nestedsubset patterns varied with spatial scale. Certain non-native ﬁsh taxa were idiosyncratic, reducingthe strength of the nested subset pattern.4. The high temporal species turnover in connected habitats was related to the movement of riverineﬁsh species between the mainstem and mouths of tributaries. High persistence of spring-adaptedspecies decreased extinction rate in isolated habitats.5. Increasing the spatial scale of the study system probably resulted in an increased ability to detectdispersal limitation between the mainstem and its tributaries. Large, deep pools decreased localextinction of certain native ﬁsh taxa in upstream tributaries. The deviation from the nested subsetpattern was attributed to the unique regional occupancy of non-native ﬁsh taxa that could be associ-ated with their artiﬁcial introduction into this system.6. Our results suggest that increased habitat fragmentation by human activities can accelerate theregional extinction of certain native ﬁsh taxa and the dominance of ecologically tolerant, possiblynon-native ﬁsh, leading to a decline in regional diversity.Keywords: community nestedness, desert ﬁsh, habitat isolation, habitat size, immigration-extinction
The selection of efficient implementations for a high-level language

This paper considers the problem of identifying an efficient set of implementations for the abstract constructs in a very high level program description. LIBRA is a system that prunes and expands a tree of partially implemented program descriptions, given a set of refinement rules for generating the tree. Several sets of rules group, order, and select refinements. The analysis of the cost of a program (or program part) at any level of refinement is maintained for cost comparisons between different refinements, for bottleneck identification, and for branch and bound search.
People in videos from people in pictures

We propose an appearance based model for face recognition in news videos using an enormously large databank of still images. This is a step towards building an elaborate face-query system using multimodal audio-visual data. We use the fact that faces of the same person appear similar than of different people. We preprocess the videos, apply feature extraction, feature matching and a unique parallel line matching algorithm to develop a simple yet a powerful face recognition system. We tested our approach on real world data and the results show good performance both for high resolution still images and low resolution news videos without involving any training or tasks like face rectification, warping etc. It can be incorporated as part of a larger multimodal news video analysis system with problems of time alignment between text and faces. Our results show that this simple approach also works well where video modality is the only source of information.
Dynamic Effects in Microparticle Pull-Off Using an AFM

We report a series of measurements aimed at understanding the dynamics of microparticle detachment from surfaces. Microparticles were adhered to AFM cantilever tips and load/displacement curves were obtained while the particles were repeatedly attached and detached from the surface with frequencies ranging from 1 to 30 Hz. Particles ranging in size from 1 to 30 micrometers and composed of alumina and polystyrene were studied. For each particle studied, a decrease in the pull-off force was consistently observed with increasing measurement frequency, indicating a dynamic effect that is not accounted for by equilibrium adhesion models. We present a lumped mass model of the canitilever/particle/surface system to definitively rule out the possibility that bulk inertial effects within the particle or cantilever may be responsible at these time scales. Furthermore, we ensured dry conditions for each experiment making it unlikely that humidity effects, such as water bridge formation, could have been responsible. ...
α,ω-Disubstituted polymethylpolyphosphonates and polyphenylpolyphosphonates from condensation polymerization

Condensation polymerization of phosphonates through formation of POP linkages has been achieved by (1) volatilization of methyl chloride from mixtures of CH3P(O)Cl2 with CH3P(O)(OCH3)2; (2) volatilization or chemical removal of water from CH3P(O)(OH)2; and (3) volatilization of HCl from mixtures of CH3P(O)Cl2 with CH3P(O)(OH)2 or C6H5P(O)Cl2 with C6H5P(O)(OH)2. Depending on the proportions of the reagents, the polymerization products consist of various mixtures of chain molecules of the type for R = CH3 and X = OCH3, Cl, or OH, or for R = C6H5, x = Cl or OH. 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was used to investigate both the polymethylpolyphosphonates and the polyphenylpolyphosphonates; and 1H NMR of the CH3P and CH3O moieties was also used to study the polymethylpolyphosphonates. In the methoxyl-terminated polymethylpolyphosphonates, which was the system studied most extensively, no detectable amounts of cyclic molecules were found at equilibrium, but a crystalline methylphosphonic anhydride, CH3PO2, exhibited some ring structures. The equilibrium size distributions gave evidence that the sorting of the mono- and difunctional phosphorus-based units making up the oligomeric chains is affected by neighboring units. Kinetic measurements demonstrated that the condensation polymerization is a complicated process involving considerable scrambling of terminal groups with bridging oxygen atoms.
Identification of BACE1 cleavage sites in human voltage-gated sodium channel beta 2 subunit

Background: The voltage-gated sodium channel b2 subunit (Navb2) is a physiological substrate of BACE1 (b-site APP cleaving enzyme) and g-secretase, two proteolytic enzymes central to Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis. Previously, we have found that the processing of Navb2 by BACE1 and g-secretase regulates sodium channel metabolism in neuronal cells. In the current study we identified the BACE1 cleavage sites in human Navb2. Results: We found a major (147-148 L↓M, where ↓ indicates the cleavage site) and a minor (144145 L↓Q) BACE1 cleavage site in the extracellular domain of human Navb2 using a cell-free BACE1 cleavage assay followed by mass spectrometry. Next, we introduced two different double mutations into the identified major BACE1 cleavage site in human Navb2: 147LM/VI and 147LM/AA. Both mutations dramatically decreased the cleavage of human Navb 2b y endogenous BACE1 in cell-free BACE1 cleavage assays. Neither of the two mutations affected subcellular localization of Navb2 as confirmed by confocal fluorescence microscopy and subcellular fractionation of cholesterol-rich domains. Finally, wildtype and mutated Navb2 were expressed along BACE1 in B104 rat neuroblastoma cells. In spite of a-secretase still actively cleaving the mutant proteins, Navb2 cleavage products decreased by ~50% in cells expressing Navb2 (147LM/VI) and ~75% in cells expressing Navb2 (147LM/AA) as compared to cells expressing wildtype Navb2. Conclusion: We identified a major (147-148 L↓M) and a minor (144-145 L↓Q) BACE1 cleavage site in human Navb2. Our in vitro and cell-based results clearly show that the 147-148 L↓M is the major BACE1 cleavage site in human Navb2. These findings expand our understanding of the role of BACE1 in voltage-gated sodium channel metabolism.