cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exploring How Phosphorylation Influences C-I Interaction and Calcium Sensitivity of Troponin by Molecular Dynamics Simulations

During β-adrenergic stimulation, cTnI is phosphorylated by PKA at sites S23/S24, located at the N-terminus of cTnI. This phosphorylation has been shown to decrease KCa, decrease pCa50, and weaken C-I interaction. However, as the N-terminus of cTnI (residues 1-40) has not been resolved, the structural basis of how PKA phosphorylation influences cTn structure and calcium binding still remains elusive. Here, for the first time, we built up the cTn complex structure (including residues cTnC 1-161, cTnI 1-172, and cTnT 236-285) based on Rosevear's NMR structure. To mimic phosphorylation status, we constructed a bis-phosphomimics model by mutating S23/S24 of cTnI to aspartic acid. Then, 150 ns duplicated molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed on both WT and TnI-S23DS24D models. Through residue-residue contact analysis, we found that introducing these two phosphomimic mutations to sites S23/S24 significantly alters the native C-I interaction, except in the switch/inhibitory regions of cTnI. This phosphorylation also leads to the formation of intra-subunit interaction between N-terminus and inhibitory peptide of cTnI. Then, we studied how this phosphorylation influences the calcium handling in site II by calculating the distance between calcium and its coordinating residues. We saw that Ca2+ could coordinate with four residues (D65, D67, D73, E76), and S69 is the most flexible residue, which is in agreement with our previous observation. We also analyzed the interhelical angle and distance between A/B and B/C helices and quantified the exposure of hydrophobic surface in cTnC related to cTnI switch peptide binding. Simulations of an entire cTn complex model and its bis-phosphomimics status can elucidate the dynamic interplay among cTnC, cTnI and cTnT subunits, as well as the cellular progress during β-adrenergic stimulation on a molecular level. HL65497, HL11197 (MR), 8P41GM103426 (AM & AM).
Linear Dynamic Data Fusion Techniques for Face Orientation Estimation in Smart Camera Networks

Face orientation estimation problems arise in applications of camera networks such as human-computer interface (HCI), and person recognition and tracking. In this paper, we propose and compare two collaborative face orientation estimation techniques in smart camera networks based on fusion of coarse local estimates in a joint estimation model at network level. The techniques employ low-complexity methods for in-node face orientation and angular motion estimation to accommodate computational limitations of smart camera nodes. The local estimates are hence assumed coarse and prone to errors. In the joint refined estimation phase, the problem is modeled as a discrete-time linear dynamical system, and linear quadratic regulation (LQR) and Kalman filtering (KF) methods are applied. In the LQR-based analysis, the spa-tiotemporal consistency between cameras is measured by a cost function, which is composed as a weighted quadratic sum of spatial inconsistency, input energy, and in-node estimation error. Minimizing the cost function through LQR provides a robust closed-loop feedback system that successfully estimates the face orientation, angular motion, and relative angular differences to the face between cameras. In the KF-based analysis, the confidence level of each local estimate is used as a weight in the measurement update. This model can be further extended to missing data cases where not all local estimates are collected in the network, hence offering flexibility in communication scheduling between the nodes. The proposed technique does not require camera locations to be known a priori, and hence is applicable to vision networks deployed casually without localization.
Effect of isolation methods and of possible genetic factors on the multiple isoenzymic forms of pig muscle phosphoglucose isomerase

Abstract 1. 1. Pig muscle phosphoglucose isomerase has been found to exist in three isoenzymic forms. 2. 2. Procedural artifacts, such as fractionation and chromatography methods, inadvertent oxidation during preparative work-up and post-mortem aging effects prior to commencement of isolation from the muscle tissue, have been eliminated as causes for the presence of the multiple enzyme forms. 3. 3. Studies on the amino acid and peptide compositions of the individual isoenzymes yielded small, but distinct differences in primary structure. 4. 4. These findings, in conjunction with literature reports on pig breeding studies, are interpreted to suggest that genetic determinants are the primary origin of the isoenzymes with secondary, possibly nongenetic, factors being responsible for the relative distributions of the three enzyme forms.
X-ray structure determination of the cytochrome c2: reaction center electron transfer complex from Rhodobacter sphaeroides.

In the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides, a water soluble cytochrome c_2 (cyt c_2) is the electron donor to the reaction center (RC), the membrane-bound pigment–protein complex that is the site of the primary light-induced electron transfer. To determine the interactions important for docking and electron transfer within the transiently bound complex of the two proteins, RC and cyt c_2 were co-crystallized in two monoclinic crystal forms. Cyt c_2 reduces the photo-oxidized RC donor (D+), a bacteriochlorophyll dimer, in the co-crystals in ∼0.9 μs, which is the same time as measured in solution. This provides strong evidence that the structure of the complex in the region of electron transfer is the same in the crystal and in solution. X-ray diffraction data were collected from co-crystals to a maximum resolution of 2.40 A and refined to an R-factor of 22% (R_(free)=26%). The structure shows the cyt c_2 to be positioned at the center of the periplasmic surface of the RC, with the heme edge located above the bacteriochlorophyll dimer. The distance between the closest atoms of the two cofactors is 8.4 A. The side-chain of Tyr L162 makes van der Waals contacts with both cofactors along the shortest intermolecular electron transfer pathway. The binding interface can be divided into two domains: (i) A short-range interaction domain that includes Tyr L162, and groups exhibiting non-polar interactions, hydrogen bonding, and a cation–π interaction. This domain contributes to the strength and specificity of cyt c_2 binding. (ii) A long-range, electrostatic interaction domain that contains solvated complementary charges on the RC and cyt c_2. This domain, in addition to contributing to the binding, may help steer the unbound proteins toward the right conformation.
Transport near a vertical ice surface melting in water of various salinity levels

Abstract The results of an experimental investigation of the buoyancy driven flow adjacent to a vertical ice surface melting in saline water are presented. Several ambient water salinities, s∞, are studied, namely 14‰, 17‰, 22‰, 30‰ and 35‰. For each salinity level, several ambient water temperatures, t∞, are investigated, ranging from t∞ = − 1.75°C when s∞ = 35‰ to t∞ = 17°C when s∞ = 17‰. Time exposure photographs of the flow field show that several distinctively different regimes of flow occur, depending on both the ambient water salinity level and temperature. At all of the salinities considered in the present study, the flow is observed to be laminar at low ambient water temperatures. This laminar flow is either upward, at the low salinity levels, or bi-directional at the higher salinities. At intermediate ambient water temperatures the flow is observed to be bi-directional and laminar over the lower portion of the ice surface, and upward and turbulent over the top portion of the ice surface. As the ambient water temperature is further increased the flow is seen to split, with a downward moving turbulent layer over the low er portion of the ice surface, and an upward moving layer over the top portion. The complicated nature of this type of flowis due to the interaction of two buoyancy force components, namely that due to salinity gradients and that due to thermal gradients. These forces are aiding or opposing, depending on the ambient water salinity level and temperature. Also, each of these forces exerts itself across a different thickness of the total boundary region. Velocity profiles, measured from the time exposure photographs, are presented and shown to be in good agreement with the analytical results of Carey and Gebhart [1, J. Fluid Mech. 107, 37–55 (1981)]. Measured solid-liquid interface temperatures and inferred interface salinities are also presented for the different salinity levels and ambient water temperatures.
Association Between Telephone Activity and Features of Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background & Aims Telephone communication is common between healthcare providers and patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We analyzed telephone activity at an IBD care center to identify disease and patient characteristics associated with high levels of telephone activity and determine if call volume could identify individuals at risk for future visits to the emergency department (ED) or hospitalization. Methods We performed a prospective observational study in which we categorized telephone calls received by nursing staff over 2 years at a tertiary care IBD clinic (2475 patients in 2009 and 3118 in 2010). We analyzed data on 21,979 ingoing and outgoing calls in 2009 and 32,667 calls in 2010 and assessed associations between clinical factors and logged telephone encounters, and between patterns of telephone encounters and future visits to the ED or hospitalization. Results Telephone encounters occurred twice as frequently as office visits; 15% of the patients generated >10 telephone encounters per year and were responsible for half of all telephone encounters. A higher percentage of these high telephone encounter (HTE) patients were female, had Crohn's disease, received steroid treatment, had increased levels of C-reactive protein and rates of erythrocyte sedimentation, had psychiatric comorbidities, and had chronic abdominal pain than patients with lower telephone encounters. The HTE patients were also more frequently seen in the ED or hospitalized over the same time period and in subsequent years. Forty-two percent of patients with >8 telephone encounters within 30 days were seen in the ED or hospitalized within the subsequent 12 months. Conclusions Based on an analysis of telephone records at an IBD clinic, 15% of patients account for half of all calls. These HTE patients are a heterogeneous group with refractory disease who are likely to visit the ED or be hospitalized.
Identification of active-site residues in Aspergillus ficuum extracellular pH 2.5 optimum acid phosphatase.

Abstract Primary structure elucidation of peptides generated by cyanogen bromide, endoproteinase Glu-C, and clostripain cleavage of an Aspergillus ficuum extracellular pH optimum 2.5 acid phosphatase identified a region which contains the active site of the enzyme. The 23-residue segment contains the fragment RHGXRXP , which is homologous to acid phosphatases from Saccharomyces spp. , Aspergillus ficuum , mammals, and bacteria. Homologous or conservative substitutions are observed in the 10-amino acid fragment preceding this region.
Separation of the high-molecular-weight hydrocarbons of petroleum by a combination of the methods of molecular distillation and chromatography

1. It is shown that a combination of the methods of molecular distillation and chromatography is highly effective in the separation of mixtures of the high-molecular-weight compounds of petroleum into basic structural groups of compounds having similar molecular weights. 2. Monocyclic aromatic compounds have the highest molecular weights and are condensed in the last fraction of the molecular distillation, whereas the paraffin-cycloparaffin compounds are concentrated in the first two fractions. 3. The sulfur compounds are concentrated in the bicyclic aromatic compounds, which indicates that most of the sulfur of the high-molecular-weight compounds of petroleum is found in compounds of the bicyclic aromatic structural groups.
Native defects in InxGa1−xN alloys

Abstract To elucidate the role of native defects in determining the electronic and optical properties of In1−xGaxN, energetic particle irradiation (electrons, protons, and 4He+) has been used to intentionally introduce point defects into InxGa1−xN alloys. Optical absorption, Hall effect, and capacitance–voltage (CV) measurements are used to evaluate properties of these materials. Irradiation produces donor-like defects in InxGa1−xN with x>0.34, while acceptor-like defects form in Ga-rich InxGa1−xN (x
Clinical Studies of Liraglutide, a Novel, Once‐Daily Human Glucagon‐Like Peptide‐1 Analog for Improved Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Liraglutide, a new glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-receptor agonist with 97% homology to human GLP-1, can be administered once/day independent of meals in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Clinical trials have demonstrated its efficacy in controlling hyperglycemia, helping patients achieve hemoglobin A(1c) level goals; in facilitating weight loss, and in improving indexes of beta-cell function when used alone or in combination with metformin, glimepiride, or rosiglitazone. These studies also suggest that liraglutide may be associated with modest improvements in systolic blood pressure. Data from a comparative trial of liraglutide and insulin glargine have suggested that liraglutide provides greater glycemic control with less weight gain, and another study demonstrated that liraglutide provides greater improvements in glycemic control with less hypoglycemia than exenatide and with comparable weight loss. Although liraglutide is well tolerated and is associated with low rates of hypoglycemia, transient and mild nausea can occur when therapy is initiated. However, rates of hypoglycemia appear to be lower and nausea appears to be less persistent with liraglutide than with exenatide. Even though data on the long-term use of liraglutide are still needed, this drug may provide a useful treatment option in patients poorly controlled with dietary modification and exercise and in those whose diabetes is inadequately controlled by oral antidiabetic agents.
Narration and knowledge in direct solicitations

Although narration has been recognized as a complex mode of discourse, its role in professional communication has not been widely studied. This article examines narration in one form of professional communication—direct solicitations— and links narration to an important research issue: the social construction of knowledge, or the social justification of belief, through language. The direct solicitations are described, and the role of narration in justifying belief socially, for direct solicitations, is then discussed by examining narration and analysis as two means for organizing and expressing experience. The interweaving of these two means in direct solicitations is illustrated, but finally the importance of the narrational over the analytic in giving shape and significance to experience is asserted. Thus, the central role narratives play in justifying belief socially, for direct solicitations is described. Three sample narratives from three direct _ solicitations illustrate this discussion.
The generalized analytic signal

Abstract This paper is an explication of the analytic signal in the generalized case, i.e., the analytic signal of a generalized function and of a generalized stochastic process. The contributions of the author are: (1) an L2-theory of distributions which, in the study of the analytic signal, has an advantage over the usual Schwartz-Ito-Gel'fand theory because the Cauchy representation is defined; (2) a proof (Theorem 2.5) that the Schwartz distributions δ, δ+, δ− and ϱ may be extended to the L2-case, expressions (Theorems 2.6 and 2.7) for their Hilbert and Fourier transforms in the L2-case, and expressions (Section 2.1) for their analytic signals; (3) a proof (Theorem 3.3) that an orthogonal L2-process, and therefore the Fourier transform of a second-order stationary stochastic process (Theorem 3.4), is strictly generalized; (4) a representation theorem (Theorem 3.5) which extends the Ito spectral representation theorem for stationary random distributions to the nonspectral, nonstationary, L2-case; (5) expressions for the Cauchy representation (Theorem 3.6) and the analytic signal (Theorem 3.7) of an L2-process; (6) an expression for and the covariance kernel of the analytic signal of white noise (Section 3.4). The word application in the text refers to the application of previously developed concepts.
Atypical antipsychotics and glucose dysregulation: a systematic review

Atypical antipsychotics (AAP) have been widely used for the management of patients with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders since they were introduced during the past decade. AAP, as a class, have demonstrated a significant advantage over conventional antipsychotics in clinical efficacy and lower incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) and tardive dyskinesia (TD). However, there have been numerous case reports, retrospective studies, epidemiological and clinical data suggesting that certain AAP may be associated with a greater risk of metabolic abnormalities than others, including weight gain, hyperlipidemia, and new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). In this article, we review and evaluate recent findings addressing the issue of glucose dysregulation associated with AAP therapy along with the recommendations with a recent consensus conference on this issue. Rational patient monitoring guidelines are also elucidated, particularly for high-risk populations that need more intensive scrutiny during treatment of AAP.
Investigation of virtual dimensionality and Broken Stick Rule for hyperspectral images

In an effort to assess effective linear dimensionality of hyperspectral images, a notion of virtual dimensionality (VD) has been developed, and it is being used in many papers. In this paper, we argue that VD is not a suitable method for that purpose. We then introduce an alternative method to VD that we call the Modified Broken-Stick Rule. We show a numerical example of implementing the new method on an AVIRIS image (used in previous studies) for which VD cannot be defined.
Comparison of primary and secondary aminosilance coupling agents in anhuydride‐curde epoxy fiberglass composites

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) has been utilized to investigate the interfacial chemical bonding at the interfaces of the aminosilanes and the nedic methyl anhydiride cured epoxy matrix in fiber-reinforced composites. It is found that the nedic methyl anhydride can react with γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) and N-methylaminoproplytrimethoxysilane (MAPS). In comparing the relative reactivities of two coupling agents to the epoxy resin, the secondary aminosilance has a higher reactivity than the primary aminosilance. An elevated temperature is required for the copolymerization to take place between the silane and the epoxy resin. The results indicate that covalent bonds form at the coupling agents. The molecular structure of the interface in MAPS treated fiberglass reinforced composites is different from that of the APS treated fiber composites. In addition, an accelerated copolymerization initiated by the coupling agent treated surface is also found in the resin interphase which may be important in determining the mechanical properties of the composites.
Advanced injection techniques of poly-L-lactic acid: a case-based presentation.

: This article presents a patient who illustrates the current treatment techniques that optimize the efficacy and tolerability of poly-L-lactic acid.
Improving Glycopeptide Synthesis: A Convenient Protocol for the Preparation of β-Glycosylamines and the Synthesis of Glycopeptides

Herein we apply a recently introduced protocol using ammonium carbamate in methanol to the amination of crude chitobiose leading to 1,β-aminochitobiose. This simple, one-step procedure allows a facile preparation of unstable glycosylamines in contrast to the commonly implemented ammonium bicarbonate based amination of water-soluble carbohydrates. The new amination protocol leads to an improved synthesis of the key chitobiosyl-asparagine building block for the SPPS of glycopeptides. The utility of the method is demonstrated with the synthesis of a 39-amino acid glycoprotein.
Quality Improvement for Depression Enhances Long-term Treatment Knowledge for Primary Care Clinicians

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effect of implementing quality improvement (QI) programs for depression, relative to usual care, on primary care clinicians’ knowledge about treatment.
Bounds for natural frequencies, Dunkerley's formula and application to soil–structure interaction

Abstract A new expression for a lower bound for the fundamental natural frequency of a structure is presented and its relationship with Dunkerley's formula is examined. A related improved estimate for the fundamental frequency is also obtained and applied to obtain an approximate expression for the fundamental frequency of a soil–structure system including a 1-DOF structure, a flat rigid foundation, and an elastic soil. The resulting approximation is then compared with the now standard result first obtained by Jennings and Bielak [6]
PLCC: a programming language compiler compiler

This paper describes PLCC, a compiler-compiler tool to support courses in programming languages, compilers, and computational theory. This tool has proven to be useful for implementing interpreters, building compilers, and creating parsers for context-free languages. PLCC is a Perl program that takes an input file that specifies the tokens, syntax, and semantics of a language and that generates a complete set of Java files that implement the semantics of the language. PLCC stands for "Programming Language Compiler-Compiler". PLCC is not intended to be a production-quality tool. Rather, it supports understanding and implementing the essential elements of lexical analysis, parsing, and semantics without having to wrestle with the complexities of dealing with "industrial-strength" compiler-compiler tools. Students quickly learn how to write PLCC "grammar" files for small languages that have straightforward syntax and semantics and use PLCC to build Java-based parsers, interpreters, or compilers for these languages that run out-of-the-box. Input to PLCC is a text file with a token definition section that defines language tokens as simple regular expressions, a syntax section that specifies the grammar rules of an LL(1) language as simple Backus-Naur Form (BNF) productions, and a semantics section that defines the language semantics as Java methods. PLCC generates a set of Java source files that are entirely self-contained and that import only standard elements of 'java.util' in JDK5 and above. For testing purposes, PLCC generates a read-eval-print loop that (1) reads standard input, (2) scans, parses, and evaluates the input, and (3) prints the evaluation to standard output.
Impact of body mass index on perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing major intra-abdominal cancer surgery

Background: Obesity is an increasingly common serious chronic health condition. We sought to determine the impact of body mass index (BMI) on perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing major intra-abdominal cancer surgery. Methods: A prospective, multi-institutional, risk-adjusted cohort study of patients undergoing major intra-abdominal cancer surgery was performed from the 14 university hospitals participating in the Patient Safety in Surgery Study of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). Demographic, clinical, and intraoperative variables and 30day morbidity and mortality were prospectively collected in standardized fashion. Analysis of variance, Bonferroni multiple comparisons of means tests, and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed. Results: We identified 2258 patients who underwent esophagectomy (n = 29), gastrectomy (n = 223), hepatectomy (n = 554), pancreatectomy (n = 699), or low anterior resection/ proctectomy (n = 753). Patients were stratified by National Institutes of Health (NIH)-defined BMI obesity class, with 573 (25.4%) patients classified as obese (BMI [ 30 kg/m 2 ). There were no differences in mean work relative value units, total time of operation, or length of stay amongst the BMI classes. After adjusting for other risk factors, obesity was not a risk factor for death or major complications but was a risk factor for wound complications. The risk of postoperative death was greatest in underweight patients (odds ratio [OR] 5.24; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7–16.2). Conclusion: In patients undergoing major intra-abdominal cancer surgery, obesity is not a risk factor for postoperative mortality or major complications. Importantly, underweight patients have a fivefold increased risk of postoperative mortality, perhaps a consequence of their underlying nutritional status.
Is time to recurrence after hysterectomy predictive of survival in patients with early stage endometrial carcinoma

Abstract Purpose/objective(s) To determine the prognostic significance of time to recurrence (TTR) on overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) following recurrence in patients with stage I–II uterine endometrioid carcinoma. Materials/methods After IRB approval, we retrospectively identified 57 patients with recurrent endometrioid carcinoma who were initially treated for FIGO 1988 stages I–II between 1987 and 2009. The Kaplan–Meier approach and Cox regression analysis were used to estimate OS and DSS following recurrence and identify factors impacting outcomes. Results Median follow-up times were 54.8months from hysterectomy and 19.8months after recurrence. Median time to recurrence was 20.2months. Twenty-eight (47%) patients had a recurrence Conclusions In our study, the prognostic impact of time to recurrence was less important than the site of recurrence. While not prognostic for the entire cohort or for patients with loco-regional recurrence, TTR
A computational model for color naming and describing color composition of images

The extraction of high-level color descriptors is an increasingly important problem, as these descriptions often provide links to image content. When combined with image segmentation, color naming can be used to select objects by color, describe the appearance of the image, and generate semantic annotations. This paper presents a computational model for color categorization and naming and extraction of color composition. In this paper, we start from the National Bureau of Standards' recommendation for color names, and through subjective experiments, we develop our color vocabulary and syntax. To assign a color name from the vocabulary to an arbitrary input color, we then design a perceptually based color-naming metric. The proposed algorithm follows relevant neurophysiological findings and studies on human color categorization. Finally, we extend the algorithm and develop a scheme for extracting the color composition of a complex image. According to our results, the proposed method identifies known color regions in different color spaces accurately, the color names assigned to randomly selected colors agree with human judgments, and the description of the color composition of complex scenes is consistent with human observations.
Direct Search Methods on Parallel Machines

Direct search methods are methods designed to solve unconstrained minimization problems of the form: $$\mathop {\min }\limits_{x \in {\mathbb{R}^n}} f(x),$$ where f: ℝn → ℝ. These methods are distinguished by the fact that they neither use nor require explicit derivative information; the search for a local minimizer is driven solely by function information. Popular methods in this class include the factorial design algorithm of Box [1], the pattern search algorithm of Hooke and Jeeves [4], and the simplex method of Neider and Mead [5].
Role of the M1 receptor in regulating circadian rhythms.

Cholinergic stimuli are potent regulators of the circadian clock in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Using a brain slice model, we have found that the SCN clock is subject to muscarinic regulation, a sensitivity expressed only during the night of the clock’s 24-h cycle. Pharmacological and signal transduction characteristics are compatible with a response mediated by an M 1 ‐like receptor. Molecular manipulation of muscarinic receptors will provide important insights as to the receptor subtype(s) regulating circadian rhythms. © 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
Evaluation and selection of forward rectifiers for mag amp secondary post regulators

The selection of forward rectifiers for a magnetic amplifier used in post secondary voltage regulation plays a key role in the effective control of the saturable reactor switches. The author examines four types of rectifiers which could be employed in a design and discusses the limiting factors for each type. The rectifiers evaluated are the ultra-fast, fast, Schottky, and power MOSFET synchronous switch rectifiers. It is shown that devices with the lowest forward or reverse capacitance minimise the reset interval disturbance. Diode capacitance is shown to be an important parameter in the design of magamp regulators that employ cores for which the loop is highly square. >
MedSearch: a specialized search engine for medical information

People are thirsty for medical information. Existing Web search engines cannot handle medical search well because they do not consider its special requirements. Often a medical information searcher is uncertain about his exact questions and unfamiliar with medical terminology. Therefore, he prefers to pose long queries, describing his symptoms and situation in plain English, and receive comprehensive, relevant information from search results. This paper presents MedSearch, a specialized medical Web search engine, to address these challenges. MedSearch can assist ordinary Internet users to search for medical information, by accepting queries of extended length, providing diversified search results, and suggesting related medical phrases.
Androit's guide: A flawed classic?

Abstract This essay will discuss the evolution of the Andriot family's major bibliographic work, the rationale for its use in government information bibliography, and how the Andriot family can improve its Guide to U.S. Government Publications to make it a more widely accepted resource.
Fast synthetic vision, memory, and learning models for virtual humans

The paper presents a simple and efficient method of modeling synthetic vision, memory, and learning for autonomous animated characters in real time virtual environments. The model is efficient in terms of both storage requirements and update times, and can be flexibly combined with a variety of higher level reasoning modules or complex memory rules. The design is inspired by research in motion planning, control, and sensing for autonomous mobile robots. We apply this framework to the problem of quickly synthesizing from navigation goals the collision-free motions for animated human figures in changing virtual environments. We combine a low level path planner, a path following controller and cyclic motion capture data to generate the underlying animation. Graphics rendering hardware is used to simulate the visual perception of a character, providing a feedback loop to the overall navigation strategy. The synthetic vision and memory update rules can handle dynamic environments where objects appear, disappear, or move around unpredictably. The resulting model is suitable for a variety of real time applications involving autonomous animated characters.
Recognizing Homicide as a Public Health Threat Toward an Integration of Sociological and Public Health Perspectives in the Study of Violence

This article establishes the burden of violent mortality worldwide and discusses the possibility of integrating public health and sociological criminology in the study of violence. First, vital statistics data are employed to outline the worldwide burden of violent mortality and reveal nations and population subgroups that exhibit high rates of homicide victimization. Second, the contributions of sociological criminology and public health to the study of violence are described. In general, the sociological approach provides a theoretically driven understanding of the causal structure of the social processes that generate variation in homicide rates. The public health perspective, on the other hand, employs a wide variety of methods to present concrete intervention strategies to reduce and prevent harm. Integration of these two approaches should result in theoretical advancement in our comprehension of the causes of lethal violence and in practical applications that will reduce the excess morbidity and mortality due to violence and the public health burden it presents.
Comparative Gene Evolution in Haemosporidian (Apicomplexa) Parasites of Birds and Mammals

Haemosporidian parasites of birds and mammals reproduce asexually inside nucleated and nonnucleated host erythrocytes, respectively. Because of these different parasite environments and because bird parasites are paraphyletic, we evaluated whether patterns of parasite molecular evolution differ between host groups. We compared two mitochondrial (mt) genes and one apicoplast gene across mammal Plasmodium, bird Plasmodium, and bird Parahaemoproteus. Using a molecular phylogenetic approach, we show that the parasite mt cytochrome b (cyt b), mt cytochrome oxidase I (COI), and the apicoplast caseinolytic protease C (ClpC) exhibit similar levels of sequence divergence, yet each gene tree presents a strikingly different pattern of internal versus terminal branch lengths. In cyt b, the ratio of nonsynonymous (NS)-to-synonymous substitutions (d N /d S ) is markedly elevated along the internal branch linking mammalian and avian parasites despite the sister relationship between mammal and bird Plasmodium. This is not the case for either COI or ClpC. When NS substitutions are excluded from the parasite cyt b alignment, the resulting phylogenetic tree resembles that of COI (both with and without NS substitutions). The high d N /d s ratio in the cyt b branch separating avian and mammalian parasites and a mammal-parasite codon bias suggest that adaptive evolution has distinguished mammal and bird parasites.
Design of a new prosthetic alignment adaptor with quantitative alignment and height adjustment

Current alignment of transtibial prostheses is based on the prosthetist's subjective opinion and on trial and error fittings. The adaptors used to align prostheses are inexact, time-consuming to operate, and do not allow height adjustment. The primary objectives of this design project were to 1) develop an alignment adaptor that allows a prosthetist to quickly and effectively align the device based on a patient's gait and stance, and 2) provide the ability to quantify the patient's specific alignment. Using computer aided design (CAD), finite element analysis (FEA), and computer aided manufacturing (CAM), a new alignment adaptor was designed and manufactured using a novel pin configuration that allows for independent height adjustment. The prototype will be tested in a prosthetist's office using two AMTI AccuSway force platforms to measure the forces, moments, and center of pressure distributions during stance and gait. Results will be used to compare three situations on each patient: no alignment, alignment with gold standard device, and alignment with new prototype. Additionally, surveys will be conducted of the prosthetist and patient to obtain qualitative feedback. The design is innovative in its quantization and height adjustment, and results of the testing are expected to show improvement over current adaptors.
Bayesian clustering for unsupervised estimation of surface and texture models

A method of calculating the maximum-likelihood clustering for the unsupervised estimation of polynomial models for the data in images of smooth surfaces or for range data for such surfaces is presented. An image or a depth map of a region of smooth 3-D surface is modeled as a polynomial plus white noise. A region of physically meaningful textured-image such as the image of foliage, grass, or road in outdoor scenes or conductor or lintburn on a thick-film substrate is modeled as a colored Gaussian-Markov random field (MRF) with a polynomial mean-value function. Unsupervised-model parameter-estimation is accomplished by determining the segmentation and model parameter values that maximize the likelihood of the data or a more general Bayesian performance functional. Agglomerative clustering is used for this purpose. >
Regions of toxin A involved in toxin A excretion in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Abstract Toxin A is excreted by Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a mature 66,583-dalton protein. In this study, we used molecular cloning and deletion analysis to define specific regions of the toxin molecule involved in its excretion. Subclones that express either the amino terminus, the carboxy terminus, or toxin A molecules with internal deletions were constructed. The hypotoxigenic mutant PAO-T1 was used as a host for the expression of the toxin constructs. When overexpressed (by the presence of extra copies of the toxin A-positive regulatory gene, regA, in trans), toxin A-cross-reactive materials produced by most of these constructs were detected in the supernatant of PAO-T1. The supernatant of P. aeruginosa PAO-T1 contained proteolytic activity that degraded toxin A-derived products but not the intact toxin molecule. A single SalI intragenic deletion (coding for the leader peptide, the first 30 amino acids, and the last 305 amino acids of the toxin) resulted in a relatively stable product in the supernatant of PAO-T1. The product of the carboxy terminus construct (which codes for the last 305 amino acids of the toxin) was detected in the lysate of PAO-T1 only. The data suggest that the amino terminus region of toxin A (the leader peptide plus the first 30 amino acid of the mature protein) is sufficient for its excretion, and that a second region, amino acids 309 through 413, protects an internally truncated toxin A molecule from the proteolytic activity in the supernatant of P. aeruginosa PAO-T1.
Topical rapamycin therapy to alleviate the cutaneous manifestations of tuberous sclerosis complex: a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of topically applied rapamycin.

Facial angiofibromas are disfiguring facial lesions, present in up to 80% of patients with tuberous sclerosis complex. Recent elucidation of the complex cell signaling pathways that are disrupted in tuberous sclerosis indicates that rapamycin may be successful in alleviating the appearance of these lesions. The objectives of the current study were to evaluate the safety of topically applied rapamycin in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex and to determine its potential effectiveness in treatment of facial angiofibromas. The study was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study performed at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Study subjects were recruited from the patient populations at the University of Texas Tuberous Sclerosis Center of Excellence. All subjects were over the age of 13 years and had a diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis complex. Subjects were excluded if they were using any form of rapamycin or if they were pregnant. Study subjects applied the study product to their facial angiofibromas nightly for a duration of 6 months. The investigational product contained one of three doses of rapamycin compounded with Skincerity®: (i) no rapamycin; (ii) 1 mg of rapamycin per 30 cc (0.003%); or (iii) 5 mg of rapamycin per 30 cc (0.015%). Plasma rapamycin concentrations were measured monthly to test for systemic absorption. Complete blood counts were performed monthly to test for anemia, neutropenia, or thrombocytopenia. Upon completion of the trial, subjects were asked if the formulation had improved the appearance of their facial angiofibromas. Twenty-three subjects completed the study. There was no detectable systemic absorption of rapamycin (all blood concentrations were <1.0 ng/mL). There were no significant changes in white blood cell, red blood cell, or platelet counts. Seventy-three percent of subjects in the treatment arms versus 38% of subjects in the placebo arm reported a subjective improvement in the appearance of their facial angiofibromas. The application of low-dose topical rapamycin (0.003–0.015%) to the face can safely decrease the appearance of facial angiofibromas in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01031901
The roles of the Drosophila JAK/STAT pathway.

The JAK/STAT signal transduction pathway has been conserved throughout evolution such that true structural and functional homologues of components originally identified in vertebrate systems are also present in the model genetic system Drosophila melanogaster .I n addition to roles during larval hematopoiesis reminiscent of the requirement for this pathway in mammalian systems, the JAK/STAT pathway in Drosophila is also involved in a number of other developmental events. Recent data has demonstrated further roles for the JAK/STAT pathway in the establishment of sexual identity via the early embryonic expression of Sex lethal, the segmentation of the embryo via the control of pair rule genes including even skipped and the establishment of polarity within the adult compound eye via a mechanism that includes the four jointed gene. Use of the powerful genetics in the model organism Drosophila may identify new components of the JAK/STAT pathway, define new roles for this pathway, and provide insights into the function of this signal transduction system. Here we review the roles of STAT and its associated signaling pathway during both embryonic and adult stages of Drosophila development and discuss future prospects for the identification and characterization of novel pathway components and targets. Oncogene (2000) 19, 2598‐2606.
Scale-up of Hollow Fiber Extractors

Abstract The performance of a commercial-scale hollow fiber extraction system was investigated by the Separations Research Program (SRP) at the University of Texas at Austin. In this work, hexanol was extracted from water into octanol using a large-scale extraction/distillation system. In the membrane extractor studies, the octanol-rich phase was fed on the tube-side while in the packed column studies, the octanol-rich phase was chosen as the dispersed phase. This chemical system was selected because of its high solute distribution coefficient. As a result, the required solvent to feed ratio was low which creates hydraulic problems for conventional dispersive extractors such as the packed column. Under identical operating conditions, the mass transfer performance of the hollow fiber extractor compared favorably with that of a commercial-scale type 2 structured packing. A height equivalent to a theoretical stage (HETS) of 1.5 meters was obtained with the membrane extractor as compared to 15 meters for the ...
The photophysics of monomeric bacteriochlorophylls c and d and their derivatives: properties of the triplet state and singlet oxygen photogeneration and quenching

Measurements of pigment triplet-triplet absorption, pigment phosphorescence and photosensitized singlet oxygen luminescence were carried out on solutions containing monomeric bacteriochlorophylls (Bchl) c and d, isolated from green photosynthetic bacteria, and their magnesium-free and farnesyl-free analogs. The energies of the pigment triplet states fell in the range 1.29-1.34 eV. The triplet lifetimes in aerobic solutions were 200-250 ns; they increased to 280 +/- 70 microseconds after nitrogen purging in liquid solutions and to 0.7-2.1 ms in a solid matrix at ambient or liquid nitrogen temperatures. Rate constants for quenching of the pigment triplet state by oxygen were (2.0-2.5) x 10(9) M-1 s-1, which is close to 1/9 of the rate constant for diffusion-controlled reactions. This quenching was accompanied by singlet oxygen formation. The quantum yields for the triplet state formation and singlet oxygen production were 55-75% in air-saturated solutions. Singlet oxygen quenching by ground-state pigment molecules was observed. Quenching was the most efficient for magnesium-containing pigments, kq = (0.31-1.2) x 10(9) M-1 s-1. It is caused mainly by a physical process of singlet oxygen (1O2) deactivation. Thus, Bchl c and d and their derivatives, as well as chlorophyll and Bchl a, combine a high efficiency of singlet oxygen production with the ability to protect photochemical and photobiological systems against damage by singlet oxygen.
The spectroscopy and photochemistry of naturally occurring and synthetic chromenes.

— –All naturally occurring and synthetic chromenes studied exhibit photochromism at — 196°C and in some cases at room temperature. Chromenes containing a coumarin moiety have the least photochemistry and also exhibit the strongest emissions. Chromenes containing a hydroxyl group ortho to an acetyl group exhibit solely a phosphorescence. Lapachenole (a 7,8-benzochromene) shows the most rapid and highest percentage conversion to the colored form and no emission. Photocolored form of evodione can be produced by a triplet energy transfer from benzophenone.
Understanding How Domestic Abuse Is Associated With Greater Depressive Symptoms in a Community Sample of Female Primary Care Patients Does Loss of Belongingness Matter

This study examined the relationship between domestic abuse, belongingness, and depressive symptoms in a community sample of 71 female primary care patients. As expected, domestic abuse was associated with greater depressive symptoms. Results from conducting mediation analyses, including bootstrapping techniques, provided strong convergent support for a model in which the hypothesized effect of domestic abuse on depressive symptoms in women is mediated by a loss of belongingness. Noteworthy, even after controlling for content overlap between measures of belongingness and depressive symptoms, the mediation model remained significant. Some implications of the present findings are discussed.
Provocation and the Strategy of Terrorist and Guerrilla Attacks

Violent nonstate groups are usually weaker than the states they target. Theory suggests that groups carefully condition their choice of tactics on anticipated state response. Yet scholars know very little about whether and how groups strategically plan attacks in anticipation of state response. Scholars do not know if and under what conditions groups employ violent tactics to provoke or avoid a forceful state response, although extant theory is consistent with both possibilities. Relatedly, there is little systematic evidence about why groups choose terrorist or guerrilla tactics and how this choice relates to anticipated state response. I develop a theoretical and empirical model of the interaction between groups and states that generates unique evidence on all three fronts. Using data on attacks in Western Europe from 1950 to 2004, I show that guerrilla attacks are sometimes associated with provoking forceful state response, whereas terrorist attacks are generally associated with avoiding forceful response. Groups effectively choose their tactics to avoid forceful state responses that are too damaging for themselves but provoke forceful responses that disproportionately harm civilians. These findings survive several robustness and model specification tests.
Treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in the Very Young Child

Important developmental differences in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in very young children (ages 4–8) may be observed when compared to older children and adolescents. Although findings are preliminary, the chapter discusses the nature, contributing factors, and treatment of OCD in young children. Treatment modifications and considerations are highlighted by a case study. Further research is needed to establish the etiology and pathogenesis of the disorder as well as efficacious treatments within this population.