cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phosphorylation of Serine 10 in Histone H3 Is Functionally Linked In Vitro and In Vivo to Gcn5-Mediated Acetylation at Lysine 14

Multiple covalent modifications exist in the amino-terminal tails of core histones, but whether a relationship exists between them is unknown. We examined the relationship between serine 10 phosphorylation and lysine 14 acetylation in histone H3 and have found that, in vitro, several HAT enzymes displayed increased activity on H3 peptides bearing phospho-Ser-10. This augmenting effect of Ser-10 phosphorylation on acetylation by yGcn5 was lost by substitution of alanine for arginine 164 [Gcn5(R164A)], a residue close to Ser-10 in the structure of the ternary tGcn5/CoA/histone H3 complex. Gcn5(R164A) had reduced activity in vivo at a subset of Gcn5-dependent promoters, and, strikingly, transcription of this same subset of genes was also impaired by substitution of serine 10 to alanine in the histone H3 tail. These observations suggest that transcriptional regulation occurs by multiple mechanistically linked covalent modifications of histones.
An extension of a change-point problem

We consider a specific classification problem in the context of change-point detection. We present generalized classical maximum likelihood tests for homogeneity of the observed sample in a simple form which avoids the complex direct estimation of unknown parameters. This paper proposes a martingale approach to transformation of test statistics. For sequential and retrospective testing problems, we propose the adapted Shiryayev–Roberts statistics in order to obtain simple tests with asymptotic power one. An important application of the developed methods is in the analysis of exposure's measurements subject to limits of detection in occupational medicine.
Prevention of Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections Among Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Hospital-acquired infection complicates the care of 30% to 50% of infants born at less than 28 weeks’ gestation and cared for in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Such infections have negative effects on survival, short-term morbidities, and long-term neurodevelopment. Central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are the most common type of hospital-acquired infection among infants in the NICU. Poor neonatal immune defenses, invasive technical care, multiple exposures to antibiotics, prolonged periods without enteral feeding, and pathogenic, hospital-derived microbial species combine to place infants in the NICU at high risk of infection. Multiple studies support the use of bundled care strategies that focus on minimizing pathogenic colonization of the infant, preventing contamination of the central line, decreasing duration of central line use, and using real-time infection surveillance and communication to prevent CLABSIs. Consistent use of best practices can decrease the incidence of CLABSIs among even the most immature infants in the NICU.
Production of the light elements lithium, beryllium, and boron by proton- induced spallation of $sup 14$N

Astrophysically interesting cross sections for the production of isotopes of lithium, beryllium, and boron in the proton-induced spallation of / sup 14/N were measured for proton energies between 17 and 42 MeV. A time-of- flight method was used for mass identification, supplemented at one energy by radioactavity analysis. Gas targets were used throughout. The astrophysical significance of the results is discussed. (auth)
Magnetic Nanoparticle−Peptide Conjugates for in Vitro and in Vivo Targeting and Extraction of Cancer Cells

Magnetic cobalt spinel ferrite nanoparticles coated with biocompatible polygalacturonic acid were functionalized with ligands specific for targeting expressed EphA2 receptors on ovarian cancer cells. By using such magnetic nanoparticle-peptide conjugates, targeting and extraction of malignant cells were achieved with a magnetic field. Targeting ovarian cancer cells with receptor specific peptide-modified magnetic nanoparticles resulted in cell capture from a flow stream in vitro and from the peritoneal cavity of mice in vivo. Successful removal of metastatic cancer cells from the abdominal cavity and circulation using magnetic nanoparticle conjugates indicate the feasibility of a dialysis-like treatment and may improve long-term survival rates of ovarian cancer patients. This approach can be applied for fighting other cancers, such as leukemia, once the receptors on malignant cells are identified and the efficacy of targeting ligands is established.
Tritium recycling and inventory in eroded debris of plasma-facing materials

Damage to plasma-facing components (PFCs) and structural materials due to loss of plasma confinement in magnetic fusion reactors remains one of the most serious concerns for safe, successful, and reliable tokamak operation. High erosion losses due to surface vaporization, spallation, and melt-layer splashing are expected during such an event. The eroded debris and dust of the PFCs, including trapped tritium, will be contained on the walls or within the reactor chamber; therefore, they can significantly influence plasma behavior and tritium inventory during subsequent operations.
Time-series analysis to study the impact of an intersection on dispersion along a street canyon

This paper presents data analysis from the Brooklyn Traffic Real-Time Ambient Pollutant Penetration and Environmental Dispersion (B-TRAPPED) study to assess the transport of ultrafine particulate matter (PM) across urban intersections. Experiments were performed in a street canyon perpendicular to a highway in Brooklyn, NY, USA. Real-time ultrafine PM samplers were positioned on either side of an intersection at multiple locations along a street to collect time-series number concentration data. Meteorology equipment was positioned within the street canyon and at an upstream background site to measure wind speed and direction. Time-series analysis was performed on the PM data to compute a transport velocity along the direction of the street for the cases where background winds were parallel and perpendicular to the street. The data were analyzed for sampler pairs located (1) on opposite sides of the intersection and (2) on the same block. The time-series analysis demonstrated along-street transport, including across the intersection when background winds were parallel to the street canyon and there was minimal transport and no communication across the intersection when background winds were perpendicular to the street canyon. Low but significant values of the cross-correlation function (CCF) underscore the turbulent nature of plume transport along the street canyon. The low correlations suggest that flow switching around corners or traffic-induced turbulence at the intersection may have aided dilution of the PM plume from the highway. This observation supports similar findings in the literature. Furthermore, the time-series analysis methodology applied in this study is introduced as a technique for studying spatiotemporal variation in the urban microscale environment.
Computed radiography versus screen-film mammography in detection of simulated microcalcifications: A receiver operating characteristic study based on phantom images

Rationale and Objectives. The authors compare a 43 μm computed radiographic system with a mammographic screen-film system for detection of simulated microcalcifications in an observer performance study. Materials and Methods. The task of detecting microcalcifications was simulated by imaging aluminum wire segments (200–500 μm in length; 100, 125, or 150 μm in diameter) that overlapped with tissue background structures produced by beef brisket. A total of 288 such simulations were generated and examined with both computed radiography and conventional screen-film mammography techniques. Computed radiography was performed with high-resolution plates, a 43-μm image reader, and a 43-μm laser film printer. Computed radiographic images were printed with simple contrast enhancement and compared with screen-film images in a receiver operating characteristic study in which experienced reader detected and scored the simulated microcalcifications. Observer performace was quantitated and compared by computing the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results. Although the resolution of the computed radiography system was better than that of commercial systems, it fell short of that of screen-film systems. For the 100-μm microcalcifications, the difference in the average area under the curve was not statistically significant, but it was significant for the larger simulated microcalcifications: the average area under the curve was 0.58 for computed radiography versus 0.76 for screen-film imaging for the 125-μm microcalcifications and 0.83 versus 1.00, respectively, for the 150-μm microcalcifications. Conclusion. Observer performance in the detection of small simulated microcalcifications (100–150 μm in diameter) is better with screen-film images than with high-resolution computed radiographic images.
Acute pancreatitis associated with molecular targeted therapies: a retrospective review of the clinico-radiological features, management and outcome.

Abstract Purpose To study the presentation, radiological features, management and outcome of acute pancreatitis detected on imaging in patients receiving molecular targeted therapy (MTT). Materials and methods In this IRB-approved, HIPAA-compliant retrospective study, search of the radiology database from January 2005 through September 2012 revealed 91 cancer patients with radiologic evidence of acute pancreatitis. Of these, 15 patients receiving MTT (7 women, 8 men; mean age 59 years, range 25–84 years) and fulfilling the criteria of acute pancreatitis without any confounding factors were included. Imaging at initial diagnosis of pancreatitis and subsequently were reviewed by three radiologists in consensus; clinical presentation, management, and outcome were documented from the medical record. Results Eleven patients had focal and four had diffuse pancreatitis. The tail of the pancreas ( n = 6) was the most common site of focal pancreatitis. Of the 14/15 patients who underwent CT, modified CT severity index was 2 in 12 patients and 4 in 2 patients. One patient (1/15) who underwent only FDG-PET/CT showed focal pancreatitis. None of the patients had pancreatic necrosis or peripancreatic collections. Findings resolved in all the patients after discontinuation of MTT, except in one patient who died of progressive disease. No radiological or surgical interventions were required in any of the patients. Findings recurred in 4/9 patients (44%) in whom MTT was restarted. Conclusion MTT-associated pancreatitis is usually mild, focal, and managed conservatively with discontinuation of MTT. The imaging findings are subtle and in our study, pancreatitis recurred in 44% of patients after restarting MTT.
Use of coping resources among African American and Latino parents of children with special needs: implication for interventions

Abstract African American and Mexican American children are disproportionately overrepresented among children with learning disabilities. Once identified as learning disabled or having special needs, children of color encounter more deleterious effects in comparison with their White counterparts. The purpose of this study was to take a strength-based approach to examine the coping resources of African American (n = 149) and Mexican American (n = 100) parents of children with special needs. The results from this study demonstrated that there were more similarities than there were differences between the two ethnic groups. This study's findings lend support to an increasing focus on family-centered strength-based approaches to enhancing policy and providing services to families. The implications of the findings may be used to improve the development and implementation of interventions to improve the healthy development of children with special needs.
Measuring the intensity and phase of two ultrashort pulses on a single shot

The method of frequency-resolved optical gating (FROG) allows one to measure the amplitude and phase of an arbitrary femtosecond pulse on a single laser shot. An extension of this method, which we call twin recovery of excitation E-fields using FROG (TREEFROG) allows one to measure two separate laser pulses. The two dissimilar pulses are used to generate a single `TREEFROG trace' from a simple experimental apparatus, and the two pulse electric fields are determined using a modified FROG pulse-retrieval algorithm.
BETHE-BLOCH STOPPING POWER PARAMETERS FOR POLYSTYRENE, KAPTON, AND MYLAR

Values of several parameters appearing in the modified Bethe–Bloch theory must be known if one is to calculate the stopping power for a given projectile–target combination within the energy interval of applicability of the theory. In the course of the past several years, the author has established values for kapton and mylar target materials through fits of experimental data with the modified Bethe–Bloch theory. During the past year, several sets of measurements of polystyrene stopping powers for light projectiles have been studied so as to extract values of Bethe–Bloch parameters also for this target material. Results of these studies, including uncertainties in the parameter values that reflect the number and accuracy of the measurements analyzed, are summarized in this presentation. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 65: 997–1003, 1997
The Application of Aerospace Technology to Patient Monitoring

It is the purpose of this paper to review briefly those technological developments arising from the need to measure man in space, which are presently applicable to measuring human subjects here on earth or have future potential for these purposes.
Neuropsychology and Vascular Dementia

AbstractNeuropsychological impairments associated with vascular dementia (VaD) remain a challenge to diagnose and treat. Available diagnostic tests and screening by competent, knowledgeable, and experienced neuropsychologists are useful clinically in delineating individual VaD cases. Pharmaceutical treatment remains equivocal, and may not be responsive to individual needs and family issues. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, an integrative approach to treating both cognitive impairments and personality changes, offers hope and potential improvement by incorporating a variety of techniques. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation improves self-esteem and outlook and provides professional communication with families to allow the development of an understanding of the disorder, to fulfill needs, and to furnish appropriate guidance in the care of their relatives. Gains may be short-lived if the disease progresses rapidly, but they prevail with a slower rate of cognitive decline. The benefits of Neuropsychological R...
The effect of pressure on the volume and lattice parameters of ruthenium and iron

Abstract The volume changes and lattice parameters of ruthenium and iron have been measured to 400 kbars pressure. The compressibility of ruthenium is comparable to that of rhodium and molybdenum, c / a decreases slightly at low pressures and then increases rapidly to the highest pressures obtained. Iron has a phase transition at 130 kbars and 25°C. The high pressure phase is hcp . Compressibilities of both the bcc and hcp phases compare well with data obtained from shock velocities, c / a for the hcp phase decreases very rapidly with increasing pressure to 400 kbars.
The Role of Glenohumeral Capsular Ligaments in Internal and External Rotation of the Humerus

The purpose of this study was to define the relationship between internal and external rotation of the humerus and the lengths of the anterior and posterior components of the glenohumeral capsuloligamentous complex. Six cadaveric shoulders (with intact ligaments and humeri) were stripped of all muscles. Each shoulder was mounted in its correct anatomic position. The extent of internal and external rotation of the humerus was then measured 36 times (at 10 degrees intervals in a 360 degrees humeral cone of motion). One component of the glenohumeral capsuloligamentous complex was lengthened, and the humeral rotation was again measured 36 times. The process of lengthening was done by cutting the ligament and replacing it with a beaded chain and catches sutured across the joint. The process of lengthening each component was repeated in 12 combinations, each with a different anterior and posterior component length. Humeral rotation was measured 36 times using a specially designed goniometer. The length of the anterior component of the glenohumeral capsuloligamentous complex most affected external humeral rotation, and the length of the posterior component most affected internal humeral rotation. However, the lengths of both the anterior and posterior components shared in limiting rotation at a number of positions.
Inhibition of Histidine Decarboxylase by Imidazole Derivatives

A series of 4-imidazolylmethyl arylsulfides, sulfoxides, and sulfones and two carbon isosteres of 4-imidazolylmethylphenyl sulfide (I) were synthesized and tested for inhibition of histidine decarboxylase from rat stomach. None of these analogs of I met the criterion of a potent and specific inhibitor of histidine decarboxylase.
A review of the electro-optical properties and their modification by radiation in polymer-dispersed liquid crystals and thin films containing CdSe/ZnS quantum dots

Abstract This review summarizes our results on the electro-optical properties of switchable periodic structures holographically synthesized in polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) and of thin polymer films containing CdSe/ZnS quantum dots. In particular, we discuss the (1) effects of the microstructure and gamma-radiation on the electro-optical properties of PDLCs, (2) switching characteristics of PDLC-based periodic structures, as well as of complementary “reverse-mode” structures, and (3) effects of simultaneous irradiations by the 532-nm laser and gamma-rays on the photoluminescence characteristics of thin films containing CdSe/ZnS quantum dots.
Optics: Ultrafast X-ray photography.

A super-fast, lensless microscope has been developed that works by decoding the diffraction patterns of bright, laser-like flashes of X-rays. This advance should enable ultrafast events at the nanoscale to be recorded.
RGD mounted on an L-proline scaffold

The construction of an L-proline scaffold that enforces a defined beta-turn loop for RGD is reported. A key feature was the use of SASRIN (super acid sensitive resin) that allowed solid-phase synthesis of the tetrapeptide. A HATU-induced cyclization of the sequence was successful, followed by a single acid-promoted deprotection of the final product.
Spontaneous self-rolling of aluminum (001)/(111) textured bilayer nanofilms into nanotubes and nanocoils

We report molecular dynamics simulation studies demonstrating the feasibility of a design methodology for forming metallic nanotubes and nanocoils via spontaneous self-rolling-up of free-standing, initially planar (0 0 1)/(1 1 1) bilayer nanofilms. Our studies on aluminum reveal that bilayer self-rolling is controlled by both energetic and kinetic processes accompanying the spontaneous structural reorientation of the (0 0 1) oriented top layer to the (1 1 1) orientation of the substrate layer. The radii of the resulting structures are determined by bilayer thickness and temperature.
Self-Esteem, Depression, and Alcohol Dependency among High School Students

123 high school students completed the short form of the Cooper-smith Self-esteem Inventory—School Form and its Lie scale, Beck's Depression Inventory, and an Alcohol Dependency Scale. Analyses of ...
A139: Body Mass Index and Height Change Over Time in Childhood‐Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Cohort

Background/Purpose: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can lead to significant morbidity and mortality related to coronary artery disease. Obesity is an additional risk factor for cardiovascular disease that appears to be more prevalent in this population. Obesity in SLE has been linked to decreased health-related quality of life, functional limitations, pain, fatigue, diabetes mellitus, and increased malignancies. In addition, growth retardation is an important aspect to consider in a child or adolescent that is exposed to corticosteroids. Growth failure has been a proposed addition to the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI) to modify this validated scale for childhood-onset SLE (cSLE). There is limited data discussing change in growth parameters over time in cSLE patients, which our study sought to do. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on patients diagnosed with SLE prior to age 18 who were followed in the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Rheumatology Clinic for at least one year between January 1999 and August 2012. Weight and height were collected two times per year. Body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) and percentiles of measurements for age were calculated based on sex-specific growth references from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for patients 2 to 20 years old. Additional information collected included age of diagnosis, medication use, presence of lupus nephritis, and items of disease damage based on the SDI. Results: Analysis was performed on 75 patients with mean disease duration of 4.55 years. There were 685 growth for age percentile values recorded. Mean BMI percentage per age at diagnosis was 64.81 compared to 76.31 at the 610 follow-up visits, which was statistically significant (p < 0.001). At diagnosis, 33.3% of patients were overweight (≥85–95% BMI for age), obese (≥95–99% BMI for age), or severely obese (≥99% BMI for age) versus 49.3% at last available follow-up visit. Sixty-eight percent of patients had at least one BMI measurement out of the normal range. Mean percent height for age at diagnosis was 64.21 versus 46.58 at follow-up visits (p < 0.001). Eight of the seventy-five patients had growth percentiles <5% at last follow-up visit. Conclusion: A majority of our cSLE population was overweight or obese during at least one time period. In addition, BMI statistically increased from diagnosis to follow-up visits. Growth failure was present in greater than 10% of the population, and percent height for age statistically decreased after diagnosis as well. Interventions related to healthy living habits and medication adjustments should be made to address these important growth issues that can have long-standing complications.
Discrimination and Categorization of Actions by Pigeons

Recognizing and categorizing behavior is essential for animals (e.g., during mate selection, courtship, and avoidance of predators). In a study examining if and how animals classify different actions, a go/no-go procedure was used to train 4 pigeons to discriminate among "walking" and "running" digital animal models (each portrayed from 12 different viewpoints). Action discrimination acquired for two models significantly transferred to six novel animal models moving in novel and biomechanically characteristic ways. Randomization of frame order in the animated sequences, stimulus inversion, and static presentation all disrupted this discrimination, whereas changes in the direction and speed (both increases and decreases) of the actions did not. These results suggest that the pigeons discriminated the behaviors on the basis of generalized recognition of the models' sequence of poses across time and provide the best evidence yet that animals use action categories to identify contrasting behavioral units.
Beyond Blue Chip: Issuer Standing to Seek Injunctive Relief Under Section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5 Without the Purchase or Sale of Security

This Article explores whether a corporate issuer has standing to seek injunctive relief under section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5 without the purchase or sale of a security. Section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5 are catch-all provisions that are commonly used to remedy a wide variety of securities fraud. The purchase or sale of a security is viewed by many as an integral requirement for bringing an action under these provisions. This article discusses the validity of a lesser known method for a corporate issuer to defend against stock manipulation by seeking injunctive relief in cases in which the issuer neither purchased nor sold securities based on an alleged deception. The Supreme Court has never ruled on whether a corporate issuer can have standing to seek injunctive relief under section 10(b) and rule 10b-5 without a purchase or sale of a security. However, for a variety of reasons, the Supreme Court is unlikely to hold that such standing exists. An exception to the purchaser-seller requirement is justified for a corporate issuer seeking injunctive relief because of the nature of injunctive relief, the injury to the issuer, and the role of the issuer as best champion of its shareholders. However, the Court will likely deny the existence of such standing because of the Supreme Court's aversion to broadening standing under section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5, the possible misuse of issuer standing by directors and officers, and interpretation of section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5 in the context of the 1933 Act and the 1934 Act. The best solution may be for Congress to amend section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5 to allow an issuer standing to seek injunctive relief without the purchase or sale of a security. Based on previous attempts to amend the jurisdictional reach of section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5, however, Congress may be reluctant to alter either of these provisions.
Nucleotide recognition in the ATP-grasp protein carbamoyl phosphate synthetase

Synthesis of carbamoyl phosphate by carbamoyl phosphate synthetase (CPS) requires the coordinated utilization of two molecules of ATP per reaction cycle on duplicated nucleotide-binding sites (N and C). To clarify the contributions of sites N and C to the overall reaction, we carried out site-directed mutagenesis aimed at changing the substrate specificity of either of the two sites from ATP to GTP. Mutant design was based in part on an analysis of the nucleotide-binding sites of succinyl-CoA synthetases, which share membership in the ATP-grasp family with CPS and occur as GTP- and ATP-specific isoforms. We constructed and analyzed Escherichia coli CPS single mutations A144Q, D207A, D207N, S209A, I211S, P690Q, D753A, D753N, and F755A, as well as combinations thereof. All of the mutants retained ATP specificity, arguing for a lack of plasticity of the ATP sites of CPS with respect to nucleotide recognition. GTP-specific ATP-grasp proteins appear to accommodate this substrate by a displacement of the base relative to the ATP-bound state, an interaction that is precluded by the architecture of the potassium-binding loop in CPS. Analysis of the ATP-dependent kinetic parameters revealed that mutation of several residues conserved in ATP-grasp proteins and CPSs had surprisingly small effects, whereas constructs containing either A144Q or P690Q exerted the strongest effects on ATP utilization. We propose that these mutations affect proper movement of the lids covering the active sites of CPS, and interfere with access of substrate.
CULTURAL VARIATION IN PERSONAL NAME PATTERNS IN THE EASTERN UNITED STATES

The hypothesis that patterns in choice of given-names may prove to be the single most nearly ideal measure for analyzing spatial and temporal variation in total cultural systems has been explored through the statistical manipulation of sample data on frequency of principal male names in sixteen counties in the Eastern United States in 1790 and 1968. This material appears to meet quite admirably at least five of the criteria for such a measure: ubiquity, durability, simplicity, purity (freedom from contamination by noncultural factors), and accessibility. Regionalization of the sample counties by numerical taxonomy and the use of factor analysis confirmed and extended previous published statements about the existence of three basic early American culture areas: New England, the Midland, and the South. Factor analysis of personal name variance also indicated a number of structural elements—temporal, ethnic, religious, and residential—in addition to the regional, and the possibility that their further study might be geographically rewarding. The problem of whether different American places are becoming more or less alike culturally was tested, and the results lean toward the convergence hypothesis although the findings are still ambiguous.
Characterizing Phase-Only fMRI Data with an Angular Regression Model

FMRI voxel time series are complex-valued with real and imaginary parts that are usually converted to magnitude-phase polar coordinates. Magnitude-only data models that discard the phase portion of the data have dominated fMRI analysis. However, when such analyses are performed, the data that is discarded may contain valuable biologic information that is not in the magnitude data. This biologic information from BOLD fMRI data may be vascular [Menon RS. Postacquisition suppression of large-vessel BOLD signals in high-resolution fMRI. Magn Reson Med 2002;47(1):1-9] or neuronal [Bodurka J, Jesmanowicz A, Hyde JS, Xu H, Estowski L, Li S-J. Current-induced magnetic resonance phase imaging. J Magn Reson 1999;137(1):265-71] in origin. When phase-only time series that discard the magnitude portion of the data have been analyzed, ordinary least squares (OLS) regression has been the technique of choice. However, OLS models may fit poorly when phase-wrap or low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is present. We have explored alternatives to the OLS model which will account for the angular response of the phase while also allowing us the flexibility to develop similar hypothesis tests. We adopt an angular regression model by Fisher and Lee [Fisher NI, Lee AJ. Regression models for an angular response. Biometrics 1992;48:665-77] for our analysis and show its improvement over the OLS model at low SNR in terms of both parameter estimation and inferences. We found an improvement in parameter estimation along with modeling for the Fisher and Lee method in simulated data while detailing potential benefits when used with experimentally acquired data. Finally, we look at a map of the statistics testing the association of the observed voxel phase time course and the reference function in our acquired data. This shows the possible detection of biological information in the generally discarded phase.
A multiple instance learning approach for landmine detection using Ground Penetrating Radar

The Edge Histogram Detector (EHD) is a well-researched and tested algorithm that has been integrated into fielded systems for landmine detection using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) sensor. It uses edge histogram based features and a possibilistic K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) classifier. Due to the inherent static data representation and static classifier architecture, the EHD may not be very effective in detecting targets with large variations in shape and size. In this paper, we propose a more flexible approach that is based on multiple instance learning. First, we summarize the training data and identify representative mine alarms. This summarization step could be achieved using one or multiple feature representation to capture different characteristics of the data. The identified prototypes, also called bags of mines, will be used to map the alarms to a feature space that improves the discrimination between mines and clutter objects. The second step of our approach consists of building a classifier on the mapped feature space. We experiment with two different classifiers. The first one is a simple linear classifier that compares the features in the mapped space. The second classifier is based on learning Relevance Vector Machines (RVM) in the sparse mapped space. Our initial experiments on large and diverse Ground Penetrating Radar data collections show that the proposed approach can outperform the baseline EHD.
Synaptic events that generate fast oscillations in piriform cortex

Prominent, odor-evoked, fast (40–60 Hz) oscillations have been reported in the olfactory bulb and piriform (primary olfactory) cortex of both awake-behaving and anesthetized animals. The present study used current source-density analysis to examine the origin of the fast oscillations evoked by single weak shocks to afferent fibers. These shock-evoked oscillations closely resemble those evoked by odor. The results revealed that each cycle of the oscillatory field potential was generated by a stereotyped series of membrane currents similar to those previously characterized in the nonoscillatory response to strong afferent fiber shocks. Each cycle began with a strong inward current in layer la identified as an EPSC mediated by afferent fibers in distal apical dendrites of pyramidal cells. This afferent input was followed by a strong inward current in layer Ib identified as an EPSC mediated by intrinsic association fibers in middle apical dendritic segments. These excitatory events were followed by a smaller inward current at the depth of pyramidal cell somata (layers II and superficial III) that may be the depolarizing Cl(-)-mediated IPSC previously identified in the strong-shock response. Based on an analysis of the timing of the EPSCs it was concluded that the weak shock-evoked oscillation is generated in the olfactory bulb and that the resulting periodic activity in afferent fibers drives the oscillation in the piriform cortex.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Identifying proteins for microbiosensor applications

Experiments with two classes of protein, namely, nutrient transport proteins of the gram-negative bacteria and monoclonal antibodies, are reported. Initial experiments indicate that immobilization of antifluorescein antibodies causes a decrease in affinity. The decrease in affinity appears to be antibody-dependent. Experiments with a phosphate transport system protein indicate that the immobilization chemistry is important in designing sensors with low-background, nonspecific adsorption. Experiments with the phosphate transport protein also indicate that it will be possible to fabricate bioreactors for the continuous production of proteins that are useful for microbiosensor applications. >
Creating the invisible man

Our recent research has shown that skin becomes temporarily transparent when a hyper-osmotic agent such as glycerol is introduced into the tissue. Local dehydration and index matching reduce light scattering which increases the penetration depth of collimated light. We have shown that when glycerol is applied to in vivo hamster skin, the resulting transparency is sufficient to allow visualization of blood vessels, and there is a temporary reduction in local blood flow. The reduced blood flow combined with greater light delivery significantly reduces the laser fluence rate [W/cm 2 ] required to coagulate dermal blood vessels.
Polyglycerol-Dendronized Perylenediimides as Stable, Water-Soluble Fluorophores

The synthesis and photophysical properties of water-soluble, fluorescent polyglycerol-dendronized perylenediimides 1-4 are reported. The polyglycerol dendrons, which are known to be highly biocompatible, are found to confer high water-solubility on the perylenediimide in aqueous media while retaining its excellent fluorescent properties. Furthermore, intramolecular cross-linking of the polyglycerol dendrons using the ring-closing metathesis reaction not only enhances the photostability but also reduces the size of perylenediimide-cored dendrimers. The permeability of the various dendritic shells is probed using heavy metal ion quenchers and compared to non-dendritic but water-soluble perylenediimide 5.
Gendered Governing? Women's Leadership Styles and Participatory Institutions in Brazil

Previous research argues that the leadership styles of men and women differ significantly, with women’s styles being more inclusive and participatory. I test this argument by examining whether women elected officials are more likely to increase citizen participation using data on the adoption of two different types of participatory institutions in Brazilian municipalities: participatory budgeting and participatory policy councils. Results suggest that women leaders are not inherently more participatory than men. Rather, the decision to initiate participation in a certain policy area appears to be a strategic choice. Mayors of both genders are likely to initiate participation in policy areas that appeal to constituents of the opposite gender and counter stereotypes: men are more likely to adopt participatory councils for women’s rights, children’s rights, and health care, while women are more likely to adopt a council for sports. These findings suggest that women’s styles of leadership are not inherently m...
Learning with limited numerical precision using the cascade-correlation algorithm

A key question in the design of specialized hardware for simulation of neural networks is whether fixed-point arithmetic of limited numerical precision can be used with existing learning algorithms. An empirical study of the effects of limited precision in cascade-correlation networks on three different learning problems is presented. It is shown that learning can fail abruptly as the precision of network weights or weight-update calculations is reduced below a certain level, typically about 13 bits including the sign. Techniques for dynamic rescaling and probabilistic rounding that allow reliable convergence down to 7 bits of precision or less, with only a small and gradual reduction in the quality of the solutions, are introduced. >
Sirtuin1 in tracheal aspirate leukocytes: possible role in the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants.

Objective: To study the association between Sirtuin1 (Sirt1), a class III histone deacetylator, in tracheal aspirate (TA) leukocytes and the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature infants and modulation of Sirt1 with dexamethasone (Dex) use. Design/methods: Serial TA samples were collected on days 1, 3, 5 and 7 from ventilated premature neonates. Sirt1 was localized by immunocytochemistry and quantified on a scale of 0–4 by blinded observers. BPD was defined as the need of supplemental oxygen at 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA). Results: A total of 130 TA samples were collected from 51 infants (mean ± SD: GA 25.5 ± 1.4 w, BW 762 ± 174 g). Eleven infants survived without BPD and 40 infants died before 36 weeks PMA or developed BPD. Sirt1 was localized in the cytoplasm and nuclei of mononuclear (MONO) as well as polymorphonuclear cells. Sirt1 was significantly more localized in the nuclei of MONO cells in infants without BPD compared to infants who developed BPD or died before 36 weeks...
Feral swine damage and damage management in forested ecosystems.

Invasive feral swine (Sus scrofa) cause deleterious impacts to ecosystem processes and functioning throughout their worldwide distribution, including forested ecosystems in the United States. Unfortunately, many feral swine damage management programs are conducted in a piecemeal fashion, are not adequately funded, and lack clearly stated or realistic objectives. This review paper identifies damage caused by feral swine to forest resources and presents techniques used to prevent and control feral swine damage. Concluding points related to planning a feral swine damage management program are: (1) the value of using a variety of techniques in an integrated fashion cannot be overstated; (2) there is value in using indices for both feral swine populations and their damage pre and post management activities; (3) innovative technologies will increasing be of value in the pursuit of feral swine damage reduction; and (4) though not appropriate in every situation, there is value in involving the public in feral swine damage management decisions and activities.
Moraxella atlantae bacteraemia in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosis.

Summary We describe the first reported case of human infection caused by Moraxella atlantae (formerly known as CDC group M-3) and its successful treatment with intravenous cefuroxime. The isolation and identification of this species, as well as the pathogenesis of the infection, are discussed. It is recommended that isolates of Moraxella species be speciated so that the epidemiological characteristics and pathogenesis of the infections caused by the various species may be understood more completely.
Work in progress - a study on the effectiveness of an innovative research program for urban high school students

To increase minority high school studentspsila interest in STEM, an innovative outreach program has been developed in the Center for Layered Polymeric Systems. The Polymer Envoys Program features a two year research internship where local students are matched with graduate student mentors, and participate in STEM research beginning the Fall of their junior year and concluding the Spring of their senior year. A study is being used to determine the effectiveness of this program. Issues considered include initial selection of schools and student participants, experiences of program participants, related academic choices made during high school, and post-program choices made regarding college and major. Questionnaires and informal observations indicate that this program has had very positive results in its implementation to date. While many students initially indicated minimal experience with research and technical communication, within one year all made significant improvements. This change was self-reported on surveys, and observed in studentspsila oral and written communication assignments. Additionally, positive changes were observed in studentspsila academic and career aspirations through experiences in the program.
The effect of intensive risk factor management in type 2 diabetes on inflammatory biomarkers.

a b s t r a c t Aims: To determine whether intensive risk factor management reduced markers of inflammation in middle-aged and older people with type 2 diabetes who either had, or were at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and whether these effects were mediated by adiposity. Methods: The Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) trial was a multicenter double 2 by 2 factorial randomized controlled trial of 10,251 middle-aged and older people who had type 2 diabetes, a GHbA1c of 7.5% or greater, and evidence of CVD or CVD risk factors. Biomarkers were assessed in a subset of 562 participants. Intervention effects on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were tested using linear regression models. Results: A significantly lower average hs-CRP was noted in the intensive versus the standard glycemic group ( p = 0.029). Adjusting for change in BMI or waist circumference resulted in larger differences in adjusted hs-CRP ( p < 0.001 and p < 0.002, respectively) between the glycemic intervention groups. Conclusions: Intensive glycemic control was associated with a reduction in hs-CRP in this study population. Intervention associated increases in adiposity suppressed the beneficial effect of intensive glycemic control on lowering hs-CRP.
A Methodology for Estimating the Mechanical Properties of Oxides at High Temperatures

There are few data regarding the temperature dependence of elastic and related properties of materials. This paper describes a semiquantitative basis for estimating such properties in oxide materials to temperatures even approaching their melting points. The various elastic constants are shown to correlate with the field strength of the cationic species, and on Vo, the apparent atomic volume of oxygen. The value of Vo is readily determined from crystallographic data. High-temperature diamond pyramid hardness measurements are shown to correlate with Vo and to provide additional information regarding the structural stability of materials at high temperature. The various refractory oxides are analyzed using these approaches, allowing identification of oxides that appear to be exceptionally strong, stiff, and creep resistant at high temperature.
The role of personality in the selection of a major: With and without vocational self-efficacy and interests

Abstract The purpose of this study is to examine the role of personality traits measured by the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ; Tellegen, 2000 , Tellegen and Waller, 2008 ) in selecting educational majors. Personality traits were examined alone, and with the combination of Holland’s hexagonal confidence domains, as measured by the general confidence themes (GCT) of the Skills Confidence Inventory (SCI; Betz, Borgen, & Harmon, 2005 ), and Holland’s interest domains, as measured by the general occupational themes (GOTs) of the 2005 Strong Interest Inventory (SII; Donnay, Morris, Schaubhut, & Thompson, 2005 ). Personality traits significantly contributed to the discrimination of nine educational major families in a sample of 368 undergraduate decided students. When the set of confidence and interest scales was added to the personality traits, the conservative jack knife hit rate was almost doubled.
Atmospheric Ammonia is Detrimental to the Performance of Modern Commercial Broilers

Atmospheric ammonia inhibits broiler performance. Quantified effects are based on older genetic stock with a BW of 2000 g at 7 wk. In contrast, modern genetic stock reaches 3200 g at 7 wk of age. To assess the impact on present day broilers, 2 trials were conducted exposing male broilers to graded levels (0, 25, 50, and 75 ppm) of aerial ammonia from 0 to 4 wk of age. Sixty, 1-d-old chicks were placed in environmentally controlled chambers, weighed weekly as a group, and processed with yield determined at 7 wk of age. Final BW was significantly depressed by 6 and 9% for the 50 and 75 ppm concentrations of ammonia as compared with 0 ppm. Also, mortality was significantly greater at the 75 ppm ammonia concentration, 13.9% compared with 5.8% for the 0 ppm treatment. Percentage yield of deboned meat per bird decreased slightly with increasing exposure to ammonia but was not statistically significant. Although current genetic stock reaches growout weights that are approximately 60% greater than those 2 decades ago, the relative quantified effects of ammonia exposure were similar. Additionally, statistical analysis of the results provided a simple equation, presented herein, for predicting the decline in BW of male broilers after exposure to ammonia.
Clinical Trials: Should You Participate?

Clinical trials are important to the advancement of modern medicine. Often, there are questions regarding the safety of drugs or devices for the researcher and the subject to consider. This article will provide an overview of clinical trials research and how one can consider participation in a clinical trial. Web sites referenced are for individuals who have brain, spinal cord, and other neuromuscular disorders. The general resources listed provide insights for others to apply on an individual basis.
Employee mental health treatment seeking: Perceptions of responsibility and resilience

ABSTRACTThis study examined how seeking treatment for mental health problems developed as a result of occupational stressors in extreme (military) and typical (civilian) work environments affect perceptions of employee resilience and responsibility for mental health symptoms. Utilizing a 2 × 2 × 2 design, vignettes described either military or civilian employees experiencing mental health symptoms, who had or had not experienced high levels of work stressors, and either did or did not seek treatment. One hundred and seventy undergraduate students then rated the vignette character’s resilience and responsibility for symptoms. Results indicated that stressor exposure decreased perceptions of responsibility for military employees, but not for civilian employees. In addition, employees who sought treatment were rated as more resilient. These results indicate that seeking mental health treatment is not associated with adverse perceptions of the employee by others. Discussion of the results focuses on how getti...