cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reticulate evolution in Conidae: Evidence of nuclear and mitochondrial introgression.

Abstract Conidae is a hyperdiverse family of marine snails that has many hallmarks of adaptive radiation. Hybridization and introgression may contribute to such instances of rapid diversification by generating novel gene combinations that facilitate exploitation of distinct niches. Here we evaluated whether or not these mechanisms may have contributed to the evolutionary history of a subgenus of Conidae (Virroconus). Several observations hint at evidence of past introgression for members of this group, including incongruence between phylogenetic relationships inferred from mitochondrial gene sequences and morphology and widespread sympatry of many Virroconus species in the Indo-West Pacific. We generated and analyzed transcriptome data of Virroconus species to (i) infer a robust nuclear phylogeny, (ii) assess mitochondrial and nuclear gene tree discordance, and (iii) formally test for introgression of nuclear loci. We identified introgression of mitochondrial genomes and nuclear gene regions between ancestors of one pair of Virroconus species, and mitochondrial introgression between another pair. We also found evidence of adaptive introgression of conotoxin venom loci between a third pair of species. Together, our results demonstrate that hybridization and introgression impacted the evolutionary history of Virroconus and hence may have contributed to the adaptive radiation of Conidae.
Dynamics of minimal residual disease in patients with multiple myeloma on continuous lenalidomide maintenance: a single-arm, single-centre, phase 2 trial.

Summary Background Lenalidomide maintenance improves progression-free survival for patients with multiple myeloma, although its optimal duration is unknown. Clearance of minimal residual disease (MRD) in the bone marrow results in superior outcomes, although its attainment or sustainment does not alter clinical decision-making. Studies that have evaluated MRD serially are limited in length. We therefore aimed to evaluate longitudinal changes in MRD-status (dynamics) and their association with progression-free survival in patients with multiple myeloma. Methods In this single-centre, single-arm, phase 2 study, we enrolled patients aged 18 years and older from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York, NY, USA) who had newly diagnosed multiple myeloma following unrestricted frontline therapy and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status of 2 or lower, including patients who started maintenance before study enrolment. All participants received lenalidomide maintenance at 10 mg for 21 days of 28-day cycles until progression or unacceptable toxic effects for up to 5 years on protocol. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival at 60 months per protocol and key secondary endpoints were MRD rates after completion of the 12th, 24th, and 36th cycle of maintenance and the association between progression-free survival and annual measurement of MRD status. MRD was assessed from first-pull bone marrow aspirates at baseline and annually by flow cytometry per International Myeloma Working Group criteria, (limit of detection of at least 1 × 10−5) up to a maximum of 5 years. Patients who completed at least four cycles of treatment were included in the analysis of the primary endpoint, and patients who had completed at least one dose of treatment on protocol were assessable for secondary endpoints. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT02538198 , and is now closed to accrual. Findings Between Sept 8, 2015, and Jan 25, 2019, 108 patients (100 evaluable for the primary endpoint) were enrolled. Median follow-up was 40·7 months (95% CI 38·7–45·0). At 60 months, progression-free survival was 64% (95% CI 52–79). Median progression-free survival was unreached (95% CI unreached–unreached). MRD dynamics were assessed using 340 MRD assessments done over 5 years for 103 evaluable patients. Patients who sustained MRD negativity for 2 years (n=34) had no recorded disease progression at median 19·8 months (95% CI 15·8–22·3) past the 2-year maintenance landmark. By contrast, patients who lost their MRD-negative responses (n=10) were more likely to progress than those with sustained MRD negativity (HR infinite; p Interpretation Serial measurements of MRD allow for dynamic assessment of risk for disease progression. Early intervention should be investigated for patients with loss of MRD negativity. Sustained MRD positivity is not categorically an unfavourable outcome and might portend prolonged stability of low-level disease. Funding Memorial Sloan Kettering and Celgene.
Microscale concert hall acoustics to produce uniform ultrasound stimulation for targeted sonogenetics in hsTRPA1-transfected cells

The field of ultrasound neuromodulation has rapidly developed over the past decade, a consequence of the discovery of strain-sensitive structures in the membrane and organelles of cells extending into the brain, heart, and other organs. Notably, clinical trials are underway for treating epilepsy using focused ultrasound to elicit an organized local electrical response. A key limitation to this approach is the formation of standing waves within the skull. In standing acoustic waves, the maximum ultrasound intensity spatially varies from near zero to double the mean in one half a wavelength, and can lead to localized tissue damage and disruption of normal brain function while attempting to evoke a broader response. This phenomenon also produces a large spatial variation in the actual ultrasound exposure in tissue, leading to heterogeneous results and challenges with interpreting these effects. One approach to overcome this limitation is presented herein: transducer-mounted diffusers that result in spatiotemporally incoherent ultrasound. The signal is numerically and experimentally quantified in an enclosed domain with and without the diffuser. Specifically, we show that adding the diffuser leads to a two-fold increase in ultrasound responsiveness of hsTRPA1 transfected HEK cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate the diffuser allow us to produce an uniform spatial distribution of pressure in the rodent skull. Collectively, we propose that our approach leads to a means to deliver uniform ultrasound into irregular cavities for sonogenetics.
Seascape genomics reveals metapopulation connectivity network of Paramuricea biscaya in the northern Gulf of Mexico

The degree of connectivity among populations influences their ability to respond to natural and anthropogenic stressors. In marine systems, determining the scale, rate, and directionality of larval dispersal is therefore central to understanding how coral metapopulations are interconnected and the degree of resiliency in the event of a localized disturbance. Understanding these source-sink dynamics is essential to guide restoration efforts and for the study of ecology and evolution in the ocean. The patterns and mechanisms of connectivity in the deep-sea (> 200 meters deep) are largely understudied. In this study, we investigated the spatial diversity patterns and metapopulation connectivity of the octocoral Paramuricea biscaya throughout the northern Gulf of Mexico (GoM). Paramuricea biscaya is one of the most abundant corals on the lower continental slope (between 1200 and 2500 m) in the GoM. The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill (DWH) directly impacted populations of this species and thus are considered primary targets for restoration. We used a combination of seascape genomic analyses, high-resolution ocean circulation modeling, and larval dispersal simulations to quantify the degree of population structuring and connectivity among P. biscaya populations. Evidence supports the hypotheses that the genetic diversity of P. biscaya is predominantly structured by depth, and that larval dispersal among connected populations is asymmetric due to dominant ocean circulation patterns. Our results suggest that there are intermediate unsampled populations in the central GoM that serve as stepping stones for dispersal. The data suggest that the DeSoto Canyon area, and possibly the West Florida Escarpment, critically act as sources of larvae for areas impacted by the DWH oil spill in the Mississippi Canyon. This work illustrates that the management of deep-sea marine protected areas should incorporate knowledge of connectivity networks and depth-dependent processes throughout the water column.
A case report of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction caused by B-cell lymphoma: a rare presentation in an adult patient with pulmonary atresia.

Background Right ventricle outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction is a common long-term complication in adult patients with pulmonary atresia/ventricular septal defect (PA/VSD). Common causes include valve thrombosis, stent fractures, and graft calcification. We present, to the best of our knowledge, the first case of malignant invasion of a Gore-Tex conduit, causing severe right ventricle (RV) failure. Case summary A 30-year-old woman with a history of PA/VSD with major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) presented with worsening dyspnoea and exercise intolerance. In infancy, she underwent unifocalization of the right- and left-sided AP collaterals utilizing an 18 and 16 mm Gore-Tex graft, respectively. At age 7, she had surgical repair with VSD patch closure and placement of a 20 mm right ventricle-pulmonary artery (RVPA) homograft connected to a 20 mm Gore-Tex graft with linkage to the previously placed right and left unifocalization grafts. A transthoracic echocardiogram revealed a severely dilated RV and a heavily calcified RVOT conduit with severe stenosis. Cardiac computed tomography showed a stenotic RVPA conduit with calcified mural mass. She underwent surgical revision of the RVPA conduit with thromboendarterectomy of bilateral pulmonary arteries. Pathology of the removed conduit revealed fibrin-associated Epstein-Barr virus-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (FA DLBCL). Discussion One prior case report has demonstrated invasion of DLBCL involving an aortic synthetic tube graft. However, malignant invasion of the RVOT Gore-Tex conduit has yet to be reported. Pathological review can be essential in guiding management. Malignant invasion of Gore-Tex conduits is a rare phenomenon, but one that should be closely monitored following repair of the RVOT.
Developmental trajectories of driving attention in adolescents: Preliminary findings from REACT.

OBJECTIVE To characterize the trajectory of driving attention as a function of age and driving experience. Hypotheses. The rate of change in driving attention will be greater for 16- compared to 18-year-olds and those acquiring driving experience (vs. non-drivers). Age and driving experience will interact, with the effect of driving experience being stronger among 16- compared to 18-year-olds. METHODS In this longitudinal study, 190 adolescents were enrolled into 4 groups: (1) 16-year-olds and (2) 18-year-olds recruited within 2 weeks of obtaining a full driver's license; (3) 16-year-olds and (4) 18-year-olds with no driving experience (no permit/license, no intention to obtain either over study period). At seven time points over 18 months, participants drove in a high-fidelity driving simulator integrated with eye tracking. Participants completed three experimental drives with three safety critical events and varying cognitive load conditions. Driving attention was measured by vertical and horizontal eye movements, number of glances, and glance length. A multilevel model using SAS PROC MIXED (SAS 9.4) will estimate the baseline intercept and slope of driving attention over time, with baseline age, driving experience, and their interaction serving as predictors of intercept and slope. RESULTS Preliminary analyses suggest driving attention changes over time as a function of age, driving experience, and across cognitive load conditions. CONCLUSIONS Inattention is the primary contributor to motor vehicle crashes. It is critical to gain a clear understanding of how driving attention changes during adolescence, the riskiest developmental period for drivers. Results will reveal how driving impacts attention development through practice, providing a target for intervention.
Kinematics of a Planar Robot with Rolling Contact Joints

A rolling contact joint is formed when two adjacent links roll without slip over each other. When the rolling profiles are circular, the joint can be physically realized by a pair of revolute joints coupled by gears or cables. In this paper, we investigate the forward and inverse kinematics of a planar three degree-of-freedom serial chain with rolling contact joints that have equal circular profiles. We show analytically and geometrically that there are 16 inverse kinematic solutions.
Restructuring and privatization

Abstract Too often, State oil companies are inefficient monopolies, vulnerable to government interference and tempted to consume an inordinate part of the oil rent they generate. While outright privatization may not be feasible for political, cultural or economic reasons, selling part of the company's ownership to local or foreign stockholders, transnationalization, and entering into joint ventures with foreign companies could be ways to increase the efficiency of these Stateowned enterprises. In every case, the solution lies in increasing the competition to which the company is exposed.
“I, being a member of the Junior Red Cross, gladly offered my services”: Transnational practices of citizenship by the international Junior Red Cross youth

The International School Correspondence Program (ISCP) was one of just a few Junior Red Cross (JRC) programs that were designed to bring pupils from different parts of the globe together outside of the work of war relief. A valuable, primary source publication that documented the activities of the ISCP is entitled Our Book Our Very Own Book (1937). This collection of schoolwork and memories is examined here as a means to explore an expanded notion of social service activities performed by youth during the inter-war period. The article is divided into two interrelated sections that outline the establishment of the JRC ISCP as a transnational organization for youth and then explores their recollections of citizenship and service. The article begins with the historical context and purpose of the JRC, first in North America, then internationally. Active citizenship was an important component for JRC programs and the addition of the ISPC provided a means to transmit a JRC understanding of active citizenship in...
An experimental approach to simultaneous structure/control design using rapid recursive prototype modification

This paper describes an experimental recursive method for simultaneously changing both the mechanical structure and control of a positioning system in order to improve the system's overall control performance. A method is devised which allows a robotic system to improve its control performance through concurrent repetitive reinforcement of its structure and optimization of its control gains. To expedite the process of modifying a prototype structure, a method for coating the structure with steel-reinforced epoxy is developed. A recursive algorithm, based on a gradient descent method and a parameter estimation theory, is developed to determine both the optimal incremental structure changes and the required control parameter changes. The resultant changes are then immediately implemented by using the epoxy reinforcement coating method as well as by changing the control gains. The entire process consisting of experimental evaluation, data analysis, and structure reinforcement is repeated until the task performance is improved to the desired level.
Biosynthesis of Streptomycin: IV. FURTHER STUDIES ON THE BIOSYNTHESIS OF STREPTIDINE AND N-METHYL-l-GLUCOSAMINE

Abstract scyllo-Inositol was shown to be a precursor of the streptidine moiety of streptomycin. Addition of scyllo-inositol-2-3H to cultures of Streptomyces griseus resulted in a 7.1 to 7.8% incorporation of tritium into the streptomycin synthesized by the organism. All of the incorporated tritium was found in the streptidine portion of the molecule. Evidence is presented that S. griseus synthesizes myo-inositol from d-glucose and that the organism interconverts myo-inositol and scyllo-inositol. The implications of these findings are discussed. The biosynthesis of the N-methyl-l-glucosamine moiety of streptomycin from d-glucose, l-glucose, and d-glucosamine by S. griseus has been studied. d-Glucoses, labeled with 14C in positions 1,2, 3–4, or 6, were given to cultures of S. griseus. The distributions of label found in the N-methyl-l-glucosamine moiety of the streptomycin synthesized further support a mechanism involving multiple inversion of the asymmetrical carbon atoms of d-glucose to from the l-sugar. l-Glucose-1-14C was administered to S. griseus. No incorporation of isotope into streptomycin was detected. Evidence was also obtained that d-glucosamine plays a role in the synthesis of N-methyl-l-glucosamine. Administration of d-glucosamine-1-14C to cultures resulted in greater percentage incorporation of isotopic carbon into the N-methyl-l-glucosamine moiety of the antibiotic than seen with d-glucose-1-14C under similar conditions. Degradation studies disclosed that the major concentration of incorporated label was in carbon 1 of the N-methyl-l-glucosamine moiety.
Human dendritic cells induce B-cell responses to polysaccharide antigens (1004.2)

Background: Carbohydrates mediate host-pathogen interactions and play prominent roles in cancer and inflammatory diseases. The large majority of carbohydrates directly activate B cells without T ce...
Who Cares About Courts? Creating a Constituency for Judicial Independence in Africa

At a time when many American legal scholars are turning away from courts, stressing the development of legal norms outside of the judiciary, Jennifer Widner offers us a contrasting perspective on the centrality of courts to democracy in her powerful history of the role of courts and judicial review in democratization in Africa, Building the Rule of Law: Francis Nyalali and the Road to Judicial Independence in Africa (Norton & Company, Inc., 2001). As this review essay illustrates, Widner focuses on the role of one judge, a man who would see himself as embodying the role in Tanzania that Chief Justice John Marshall had played in the United States. As he worked to carve out a role for courts in the politics of Tanzania, Francis Nyalali focused especially on the importance of public support for the courts, on creating a constituency for judicial review. Creating a public that cared about courts, was, for Nyalali, an essential component of democratic government. Faced with an attack on judicial autonomy early in his tenure as Chief Justice of the High Court of Tanzania, Nyalali confronted a dilemma that has troubled other judges in other regimes. What should a judge do when he finds himself presiding in a system that is itself unjust? Is it best to resign so as not to confer legitimacy on an illegitimate system? Or is it better to stay on, and to ameliorate the system's faults to the extent he can? Nyalali chose instead a third path. He took his case to the political process, and worked to generate a constituency for judicial review in Tanzania. In this way, Widner's study illuminates a general point about courts and judges as strategic political actors. In this story the focus of strategic politics is not a particular external agenda; the objective instead is to create a political space for courts and judicial review. The notion of courts reaching out to the public runs directly contrary to some American perspectives on the judicial role. However, this essay argues, Widner helps us to see the way public opinion plays a role in judicial development, at least for courts at a comparatively early stage in institutional development. This history helps us to take seriously the question of whether a public constituency should be very much on the agenda of courts interested in maintaining their own legitimacy.
Nrk2b-mediated NAD+ production regulates cell adhesion and is required for muscle morphogenesis in vivo: Nrk2b and NAD+ in muscle morphogenesis.

Abstract Cell–matrix adhesion complexes (CMACs) play fundamental roles during morphogenesis. Given the ubiquitous nature of CMACs and their roles in many cellular processes, one question is how specificity of CMAC function is modulated. The clearly defined cell behaviors that generate segmentally reiterated axial skeletal muscle during zebrafish development comprise an ideal system with which to investigate CMAC function during morphogenesis. We found that Nicotinamide riboside kinase 2b (Nrk2b) cell autonomously modulates the molecular composition of CMACs in vivo. Nrk2b is required for normal Laminin polymerization at the myotendinous junction (MTJ). In Nrk2b-deficient embryos, at MTJ loci where Laminin is not properly polymerized, muscle fibers elongate into adjacent myotomes and are abnormally long. In yeast and human cells, Nrk2 phosphorylates Nicotinamide Riboside and generates NAD+ through an alternative salvage pathway. Exogenous NAD+ treatment rescues MTJ development in Nrk2b-deficient embryos, but not in laminin mutant embryos. Both Nrk2b and Laminin are required for localization of Paxillin, but not β-Dystroglycan, to CMACs at the MTJ. Overexpression of Paxillin in Nrk2b-deficient embryos is sufficient to rescue MTJ integrity. Taken together, these data show that Nrk2b plays a specific role in modulating subcellular localization of discrete CMAC components that in turn plays roles in musculoskeletal development. Furthermore, these data suggest that Nrk2b-mediated synthesis of NAD+ is functionally upstream of Laminin adhesion and Paxillin subcellular localization during MTJ development. These results indicate a previously unrecognized complexity to CMAC assembly in vivo and also elucidate a novel role for NAD+ during morphogenesis.
Skyrmion–anti-Skyrmion annihilation with ω mesons

We study numerically the annihilation of an $\ensuremath{\omega}$-stabilized Skyrmion and an anti-Skyrmion in three spatial dimensions. To our knowledge this is the first successful simulation of Skyrmion\char21{}anti-Skyrmion annihilation which follows through to the point where the energy is carried by outgoing meson waves. We encounter instabilities similar to those encountered is earlier calculations, but in our case these are not fatal and we are able to simulate through this process with a global energy loss of less than $8%$ and to identify robust features of the final radiation pattern. The system passes through a singular configuration at the time of half-annihilation. This is followed by the onset of fast oscillations which are superimposed on the smoother process which leads to the appearance of outgoing waves peaked at roughly $45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$ to the incident direction. We investigate the two prominent features of this process: the proliferation of small, fast oscillations and the singular intermediate configuration. We find that our equations of motion allow for a regime in which the amplitude of certain small perturbations increases exponentially. This regime is similar but not identical to the situation pointed out earlier regarding the original Skyrme model. We argue that the singularity may be seen as the result of a pinch effect similar to that encountered in plasmas.
Performance prediction-How good is good?

The prediction of performance of parallel algorithms mapped to parallel computers is addressed. Performance prediction models are parameterized by the algorithms, mapping, and target machine. A mechanism for comparing the accuracy of the models that establishes a partial order between them is proposed. >
I. Inverse Compton origin of pulsar \gamma-ray emission. II. Reconnection model of Crab flares

I. There is growing evidence that pulsars' high energy emission is generated via Inverse Compton mechanism. II. The particles producing Crab flares, and possibly most of the Crab Nebula's high energy emission, are accelerated via reconnection events, and not at shock via Fermi mechanisms.
Effect of Bt Maize and Soil Insecticides on Yield, Injury, and Rootworm Survival: Implications for Resistance Management

A 2-yr field experiment was conducted to determine the effects on Diabrotica spp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) of an insecticidal seed treatment (Poncho 1250, (AI)/clothianidin) and a granular insecticide (Aztec 2.1G, (AI)/tebupirimphos and cyfluthrin) alone and in combination with maize producing the insectidical toxin Cry3Bb1 derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Yields for Bt maize plots were significantly greater than for non-Bt maize; however, insecticides did not significantly affect yield. Insecticides significantly decreased root injury in non-Bt maize plots, but there were no significant differences in root injury between Bt maize with or without either insecticide. Maize producing the Bt toxin Cry3Bb1 and the soil-applied insecticide Aztec significantly decreased survival of western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte), while only Bt maize significantly decreased survival of the northern corn rootworm (Diabrotica barberi Smith & Lawrence). For both species, Bt maize and each of the insecticides delayed emergence. In the absence of density-dependent mortality, Bt maize imposed 71 and 80% reduction in survival on the western corn rootworm and the northern corn rootworm, respectively. The data from this study do not support combining insecticide with Bt maize because the addition of insecticide did not increase yield or reduce root injury for Bt maize, and the level of rootworm mortality achieved with conventional insecticide was likely too low to delay the evolution of Bt resistance. In addition, delays in emergence from Bt maize combined with insecticides could promote assortative mating among Bt-selected individuals, which may hasten resistance evolution.
The Myxococcus xanthus wbgB gene encodes a glycosyltransferase homologue required for lipopolysaccharide O-antigen biosynthesis

Myxococcus xanthus is a gram-negative soil bacterium that initiates a complex developmental program in response to starvation. A transposon insertion (Tn5-lac Ω109) mutant with developmental deficiencies was isolated and characterized in this study. A strain containing this insertion mutation in an otherwise wild-type background showed delayed developmental aggregation for about 12 h and sporulated at 1–2% of the wild-type level. Tn5-lac Ω109 was found to have disrupted the M. xanthus wbgB gene, which is located 2.1 kb downstream of the M. xanthus lipopolysacharide (LPS) O-antigen biosynthesis genes wzm wzt wbgA. The deduced polypeptide sequence of WbgB shares significant similarity with bacterial glycosyltransferases including M. xanthus WbgA. The wbgB::Tn5-lac Ω109 mutant was found to be defective in LPS O-antigen synthesis by immunochemical analysis. Further mutational analysis indicated that the defects of the wbgB::Tn5-lac Ω109 mutant were not the result of polar effects on downstream genes. Various motility assays demonstrated that the Tn5-lac Ω109 mutation affected both social (S) and adventurous (A) gliding motility of M. xanthus cells. The pleiotrophic effects of wbgB mutations indicate the importance of LPS O-antigen biosynthesis for various cellular functions in M. xanthus.
Multipole amplitudes in the one-photon radiative transitions of the singlet D state of charmonium.

We calculate in potential models the angular momentum helicity amplitudes and from them the radiation multipole amplitudes of the one-photon radiative transitions of the charmonium singlet [ital D] state, namely, 1 [sup 1][ital D][sub 2][r arrow]1 [sup 1][ital P][sub 1]+[gamma] and 1 [sup 1][ital D][sub 2][r arrow]1 [sup 3][ital S][sub 1]+[gamma]. The [ital M]2 and the [ital E]3 multipole amplitudes in the parity-changing transition [sup 1][ital D][sub 2][r arrow][sup 1][ital P][sub 1] are of order [ital v][sup 2]/[ital c][sup 2] compared to the [ital E]1 amplitude and are independent of the specific potential we use. They only depend on [ital k]/[ital m] where [ital k] is the photon energy and [ital m] is the mass of the quark. On the other hand the [ital M]1, [ital E]2, and [ital M]3 multipole amplitudes in the parity-conserving transition [sup 1][ital D][sub 2][r arrow][sup 3][ital S][sub 1] are all of order [ital v][sup 2]/[ital c][sup 2] and depend on radial integrals which could depend on the potentials. We numerically evaluate these multipole amplitudes in the potential model of Gupta, Radford, and Repko and find that the [ital E]2 amplitude is the most dominant one. We also calculate the decay rate for the transitionmore » 1 [sup 1][ital D][sub 2][r arrow]1 [sup 3][ital S][sub 1]+[gamma] and find it to be about 63 keV. So if the 1 [sup 1][ital D][sub 2] state of charmonium is narrow, as expected in potential models, this transition will have a significant branching ratio, although the most dominant transition is probably 1 [sup 1][ital D][sub 2][r arrow]1 [sup 1][ital P][sub 1]+[gamma].« less
Fluorocarbon−Organosilicon Copolymer Synthesis by Hot Filament Chemical Vapor Deposition

Hot-filament chemical vapor deposition has been used to deposit copolymer thin films consisting of fluorocarbon and organosilicon groups from hexafluoropropylene oxide (HFPO) and hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane (D3). This method offers an easy route to the production of such copolymers as the process does not require a solvent and can be performed in a single step. The presence of covalent bonds between the fluorocarbon and organosilicon moieties in the thin films has been confirmed by infrared spectroscopy; X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS); and solid-state 19F, 13C, and 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The film structure consists of chains with linear and cyclic siloxane groups and CF2 groups as repeat units. Cross-linking and termination occur mainly via the siloxane units.
Spin Gaps in a Frustrated Heisenberg Model for CaV4O9.

I report results of a density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) study of a model for the two-dimensional spin-gapped system ${\mathrm{CaV}}_{4}{\mathrm{O}}_{9}$. This study represents the first time that DMRG has been used to study a two-dimensional system on large lattices, in this case as large as $24\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}11$, allowing extrapolation to the thermodynamic limit. I present a substantial improvement to the DMRG algorithms which makes these calculations feasible.
Canine heartworms in experimental cardiac and pulmonary surgery

Summary Upon receiving an intravenous extract of Dirofilaria immitis , 75% of dogs with microfilaria of Dirofilaria immitis and 21% of dogs without demonstrable microfilaria had an anaphylactoid reaction. This response is typical of the “homologous blood reaction.” Of available dogs in the Jackson area 55% had microfilaria antibodies in the blood stream. Dogs susceptible to the “homologous blood reaction” were desensitized by treatment with increasing doses of heartworm extract on 3 successive days. This prevented the frequently fatal liver reaction with splanchnic congestion and impaired venous return seen in susceptible dogs when transfused with blood obtained from dogs containing heartworms. This desensitization procedure is recommended for use in all dogs to be used in surgical procedures involving homologous blood transfusion or exchange.
Narco‐traffic and guerrilla warfare: A new symbiosis

This paper considers the role of drug lords in narco‐trafficking. The model is of a three‐person game with a two‐stage structure. The first stage is the war between the guerrillas and the government, while the second stage is the relationship between the participants in the guerrilla war and the drug lords, where the drug lords act as Stackelberg leaders with the government and the guerrillas acting as Stackelberg followers. The dynamics of the model imply that the drug lords can achieve their own preferred outcome by appropriate transfers to one side or the other in the guerrilla war.
Atomic model of decagonal quasicrystal approximants and phasons

Abstract We investigate the atomic structure of model decagonal quasicrystals. Periodic crystalline structures which share the local structure of the decagonal phase model may represent equilibrium phases to which the quasicrystal transforms at low temperatures. Rearrangements of atoms within the unit cells constitute a ‘phason flip’ and result in only modest alterations of the local structure. Reconstructed electron densities reveal double peaks which appear to correspond to these phason displacements.
Coarse-Graining Protein Structures With Local Multivariate Features from Molecular Dynamics

A multivariate statistical theory, local feature analysis (LFA), extracts functionally relevant domains from molecular dynamics (MD) trajectories. The LFA representations, like those of principal component analysis (PCA), are low dimensional and provide a reduced basis set for collective motions of simulated proteins, but the local features are sparsely distributed and spatially localized, in contrast to global PCA modes. One key problem in the assignment of local features is the coarse-graining of redundant LFA output functions by means of seed atoms. One can solve the combinatorial problem by adding seed atoms one after another to a growing set, minimizing a reconstruction error at each addition. This allows for an efficient implementation, but the sequential algorithm does not guarantee the optimal mutual correlation of the sequentially assigned features. Here, we present a novel coarse-graining algorithm for proteins that directly minimizes the mutual correlation of seed atoms by Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. Tests on MD trajectories of two biological systems, bacteriophage T4 lysozyme and myosin II motor domain S1, demonstrate that the new algorithm provides statistically reproducible results and describes functionally relevant dynamics. The well-known undersampling of large-scale motion by short MD simulations is apparent also in our model, but the new coarse-graining offers a major advantage over PCA; converged features are invariant across multiple windows of the trajectory, dividing the protein into converged regions and a smaller number of localized, undersampled regions. In addition to its use in structure classification, the proposed coarse-graining thus provides a localized measure of MD sampling efficiency.
The Impact Load on Containment Rings During a Multiple Blade Shed in Aircraft Gas Turbine Engines

In the event of a multiple blade shed in an aircraft gas turbine engine, the impact load upon the containment ring is critical. A complete understanding of this load is necessary to design optimal rings, which are strong enough to contain blade fragments without incurring excess weight penalties. In this study a description of a multiple blade shed and subsequent ring failure is given. A finite element analysis of actual engine experiments is then used to determine the impact load on containment rings during a multiple blade shed. The situation modeled here is one where the initial blade fragments are contained but subsequent blade failures create large hoop stresses that result in brittle tensile failures in the ring.Copyright © 1991 by ASME
Experimental study of an unsteady separating boundary layer

The objective of this research is to map the e owe eld around the trailing edge of a hydrofoil subject to transverse gust loading, to provide guidance for the formulation of an appropriate Kutta condition for inviscid solution methods. The hydrofoil is equipped with a trailing edge that incurs boundary-layer separation over the last few percent of the chord. Mean and unsteady velocity proe les are presented for the Reynolds number of 3 :8 £ 10 6 and reduced frequency of 3.6. The location of the separation point in steady e ow is identie ed, and the region of the separation trajectory in unsteady e ow is seen. The magnitude and phase of the unsteady circulation and lift are found and compared to those values predicted by linearized methods.
Progress towards small molecule menin-mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) interaction inhibitors with in vivo utility

A series of substituted hydroxymethyl piperidine small molecule inhibitors of the protein-protein interaction between menin and mixed lineage leukemia 1 (MLL1) are described. Initial members of the series showed good inhibitory disruption of the menin-MLL1 interaction but demonstrated poor physicochemical and DMPK properties. Utilizing a structure-guided and iterative optimization approach key substituents were optimized leading to inhibitors with cell-based activity, improved in vitro DMPK parameters, and improved half-lives in rodent PK studies leading to MLPCN probe ML399. Ancillary off-target activity remains a parameter for further optimization.
Cobalt(III)hexaammine-dependent photocrosslinks in the hairpin ribozyme.

Abstract We have utilized the hairpin ribozyme, an RNA enzyme whose structure has been solved by high-resolution methods, to develop a new tool for mapping nucleobase–stacking interactions and potential metal-binding sites in RNA molecules. This tool involves the photoactivation of a specifically bound cobalt(III)hexaammine molecule at wavelengths corresponding to excitation of the metal ion complex only; no base excitation is involved. The photoexcitation initiates a process which strongly promotes the formation of a novel covalent bond or crosslink between one base (termed the “first base”), which is close in space to the excited cobalt(III)hexaammine complex, and another base upon which the first base is closely stacked. These crosslinked species can be isolated and sequenced; their activities can be analyzed to ensure that the crosslinked structures represent an active conformation of the molecule. We have shown that, as in electron transfer in DNA, several criteria must be met to result in the successful formation of these crosslinks. These include the appropriate oxidation potential of the first donor base, the stacking and close interaction of the two donor bases involved in the crosslink, and the binding of a specific cobalt(III)hexaammine molecule to the first donor base. Additionally, we have determined that this crosslinking is pH-sensitive, although the cause of this sensitivity remains unknown. This tool has proven useful in the past for the analysis of the hairpin ribozyme folded structure, and has been applied to identify potential metal-binding sites on the hairpin and extended hammerhead ribozymes.
The number of eigenvalues of a tensor

Abstract Eigenvectors of tensors, as studied recently in numerical multilinear algebra, correspond to fixed points of self-maps of a projective space. We determine the number of eigenvectors and eigenvalues of a generic tensor, and we show that the number of normalized eigenvalues of a symmetric tensor is always finite. We also examine the characteristic polynomial and how its coefficients are related to discriminants and resultants.
Predictive and Perceived Empathy as Predictors of Leadership Style

Research on leadership has suggested a possible relationship between style of leadership and being able to understand the viewpoints of others. The present investigation sought to determine the rel...
Primary Cilia: Cellular Sensors for the Skeleton

The primary cilium is a solitary, immotile cilium that is present in almost every mammalian cell type. Primary cilia are thought to function as chemosensors, mechanosensors, or both, depending on cell type, and have been linked to several developmental signaling pathways. Primary cilium malfunction has been implicated in several human diseases, the symptoms of which include vision and hearing loss, polydactyly, and polycystic kidneys. Recently, primary cilia have also been implicated in the development and homeostasis of the skeleton. In this review, we discuss the structure and formation of the primary cilium and some of the mechanical and chemical signals to which it could be sensitive, with a focus on skeletal biology. We also raise several unanswered questions regarding the role of primary cilia as mechanosensors and chemosensors and identify potential research avenues to address these questions.
Metabolic radiolabeling techniques for identification of prenylated and fatty acylated proteins

Lipid modifications of proteins can be detected by incubation of cultured cells with radioactive precursors followed by detergent extraction of protein and analysis of the extract by SDS-PAGE and fluorography. Identification of particular proteins requires immunoprecipitation, affinity purification, or differential expression (such as overexpression) before SDS-PAGE analysis. The purpose of this article is to present a brief description of protein acylation and prenylation modifications that have been observed and the details of how to detect the modifications by metabolic radiolabeling of cellular proteins.
Comparison of psychophysical and electrophysiologic measures of channel interaction

Abstract All multi-channel cochlear implants operate on the premise that each electrode stimulates relatively independent neural populations. However, it is likely that the population of nerve fibers that responds to stimulation on one electrode is not completely distinct from the population of fibers that responds to stimulation on another electrode. The extent of channel interaction in a particular cochlear implant has the potential to significantly impact performance. We have been examining channel interaction physiologically using the electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP). In this study, we compare physiological measures to psychophysical measures obtained using a forward masking paradigm. We hypothesize that the physiological and psychophysical measures of channel interaction should be related. Preliminary data from nine adult Nucleus 24 patients suggest such a correlation may exist.
Binding of calcium and zinc to the acetylcholine receptor purified from Torpedo Californica

Abstract Binding of [65Zn++] and [45Ca++] to the acetylcholine (ACh)-receptor, purified from the Torpedo electric organ, was studied by equilibrium dialysis. Whereas [65Zn++] bound to 56 nmoles of sites per mg protein with a dissociation constant of 2.5 × 10−6M, no binding of [45Ca++] at concentrations up to 10−3M could be detected with this method. However, the binding of [acetyl-3H]choline to the receptor was blocked equally by very high Zn++ or Ca++ concentrations, and the Ki for this low affinity binding was 7 × 10−3M. The high affinity binding of [65Zn++] to the receptor was blocked best by Cd++ then Co++ and Mn++, but least by Mg++ and Ca++. When the purified ACh-receptor itself was analyzed for the presence of cations by atomic absorption, it was discovered that 4.7% of its weight was due to bound Ca++ that could not be removed even by extensive dialysis. When Ca++-free solutions (containing 1 mM EDTA) were used during purification, 0.6% of the molecular weight of the receptor was still due to bound Ca++. This was equivalent to 15 moles of Ca++ for each mole of ACh bound at saturation. It is suggested that the source of this Ca++ is endogenous, and that it is tightly bound to the ACh-receptor molecule.
Glycemic Control and Weight Reduction Without Causing Hypoglycemia: The Case for Continued Safe Aggressive Care of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Avoidance of Therapeutic Inertia

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major and growing concern in the United States, in large part because of an epidemic of obesity in America and its relation to type 2 DM. In affected patients, postprandial glucose may be an early indicator of glucose intolerance or a prediabetes condition, which may be a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than impaired fasting glucose level. Treating patients who have early signs of hyperglycemia, including elevated postprandial glucose level, with intensive glucose control that does not lead to weight gain, and ideally may be associated with weight reduction, may be vital to preventing or reducing later cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Because hypoglycemia is an important complication of current DM treatments and may cause acute secondary adverse cardiovascular outcomes, not causing hypoglycemia is mandatory. Given that weight loss can significantly lower cardiovascular risk and improve other cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 DM and that medications are available that can result in weight reduction without leading to hypoglycemia, the successful treatment of patients with type 2 DM should be individualized and should address the complete pathophysiologic process. This review is a hypothesis article that presents arguments against general approaches to the treatment of type 2 DM. An algorithm is presented in which the goal for managing patients with type 2 DM is to lower the blood glucose level as much as possible for as long as possible without causing hypoglycemia. In addition, body weight should ideally be improved, reducing cardiovascular risk factors and avoiding therapeutic inertia.
Pricked Letters and Ultimate Ratios

IT is the purpose of this note to point out an earlier use of “pricked letters” to denote infinitesimals and of the phrase “prime and ultimate ratios” than is recorded in our histories of mathematics.
High-resolution CCD still/video and still-still/video systems

This paper will describe two electronic camera systems which use a common CCD sensorbut in different modes. The first system is a black and white Still IVideo System and the secondsystem is a color Still-Still IVideo System. Although both systems are distinctly different in theirmodes of operation, they use many of the same components to achieve their goals.The first camera system is a black and white system designed for still imaging with highresolution and video capability. The system utilizes a CCD with approximately 600K pixels in thestill mode with high sensitivity and outstanding uniformity. Because of the modularity of thesystem, applications in wide varying fields is possible with great flexibility. This part of the paperwill describe the parts of the system, some test results and some selected applications.The CCD used in the system is a frame transfer type with two field memories using virtualphase technology made by Texas Instruments. The imager is 2/3 inch format with 1 1mm diagonaland 1 134 x 486 active pixels in the still mode (1 134x972 pixels available in an interlace mode).Thedevice's noteworthy characteristics have been high sensitivity, low dark current and excellentuniformity.High sensitivity has allowed for picture taking with available light indoors and low darkcurrent allows still image capture compatibility with low rate data handling for storage. Theexcellent uniformity characteristics has allowed the avoidance of correction circuitry or correctionsoftware in the system in the generation of high quality hardcopy.(figures 1 and 2)The 8801 CCD Still IVideo System consists of a camera, a control unit, and a printer usingPolaroid type 53 or55
Internet Recruiting in the Banking Industry

The Internet has brought about changes in the job search and application process. For this article, recruiters at several large commercial banks in the US were inter viewed on the usage of Internet recruiting tools. The interviews identified a number of trends that are fairly uniform across these banks, including the following:1. Recruiters are using the Internet at an increasing rate.2. While job site services are popular, most recruiters we interviewed preferred using the corporate Website.3. The percentage of Internet-recruited applicants actually hired varies widely and is still a small percentage of the whole.4. Diversity programs are not hampered by Internet recruiting.