cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adolescent Preferences for Topics Addressed During Well Visits.

Background Current evidence is limited regarding the topics adolescents want to discuss with clinicians during routine well visits. High school students were surveyed to determine potential adolescent discussion topics, barriers to discussion, and ways to promote dialogue. Methods Surveys were distributed between October 2014 and January 2015 to 102 students in the Verona Area High School in Verona, Wisconsin. Results Of the topics presented, teens preferred to discuss vaccines and mood/stress with their clinicians. Young women were more likely to prefer gender congruent clinicians, especially when discussing sex or body image. The majority of teens felt that information discussed with their physician would be revealed to parents or the authorities. Conclusions In limited time with teens, it is important for clinicians to reinforce confidentiality to gain their trust. Clinicians can improve rapport with adolescents by revealing information about themselves, conveying genuine caring, and considering community involvement. Male clinicians need to work on improving rapport, especially when talking with female adolescents about sex, body image, stress, and mood. Clinicians should consider including mood, stress, and vaccine discussions in their adolescent well visits.
Evolution of the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory

Over the course of nearly 150 years, the clinical laboratory has diagnosed infectious diseases and identified their causative agents using a variety of approaches. These approaches can be broadly placed into three categories: biochemical, or growth-based methods, molecular and genomic diagnostics, and biomarker and serological detection of blood components. The principle of the biochemical approach is based on isolating an unknown microorganism before conducting a series of growth-based and preformed enzyme detection tests to determine an identification and subsequent antimicrobial susceptibilities. The molecular approach is the newest diagnostic approach utilized by the laboratory and is based on detection of the genetic components of an unknown organism, either isolated or directly in a clinical specimen. There are a variety of molecular techniques, with the polymerase chain reaction serving as the bases of most currently available methods. The detection of infection and inflammatory indicators, as well as serological molecules, have been utilized for diagnostic purposes nearly as long as growth-based identification methods. The biomarker approach to infectious disease diagnosis has primarily occurred outside of the traditional microbiology department, usually within chemistry and hematology where large scale automated instruments provide rapid results. With this focus series we present a concise review, with a brief history, of these different approaches by describing their underlying methodology and advantages and disadvantages, while highlighting specific examples of each, and the internal and external factors which influenced their development.
Development of GNC for Optimal Relative Spacecraft Trajectories

Satellite rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) require Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) systems that can effectively and efficiently manipulate a spacecraft's position with respect to another space object. This study develops a modular spacecraft GNC architecture capable of utilizing various combinations of optimal guidance, feedback control, and navigation filtering subsystems. To demonstrate the architecture, the system is implemented in simulation and is shown to be capable of commanding RPO maneuvers in a highly constrained space environment. A complex rendezvous scenario is examined using a variety of controllers, navigation filters, and sensor combinations. The scenario considers two spacecraft: a maneuvering inspector spacecraft, and a non-maneuvering resident space object (RSO). The inspector must navigate through a debris field, avoiding pre-determined keep-out zones while on an optimal path to rendezvous with the RSO. To do this, the proposed GNC architecture operates by tracking an optimal reference trajectory, generated by the guidance subsystem a priori. Two different types of full-state feedback controllers are compared to track the desired trajectory. A full state estimate is provided by any of four different types of navigation filters using simulated measurement information from on-board sensors. Four different types of sensor suites are simulated, capable of producing combinations of position, velocity, angles, and range measurements. Results demonstrate the system's ability to track an optimal trajectory, as well as the ability to quickly and easily modify the architecture using different options for each GNC subsystem. The architecture is intended to serve as a basis for future GNC research for satellite RPO.
Discovery of diffuse optical emission lines from the inner Galaxy: Evidence for LI(N)ER-like gas.

Optical emission lines are used to categorize galaxies into three groups according to their dominant central radiation source: active galactic nuclei, star formation, or low-ionization (nuclear) emission regions [LI(N)ERs] that may trace ionizing radiation from older stellar populations. Using the Wisconsin H-Alpha Mapper, we detect optical line emission in low-extinction windows within eight degrees of Galactic Center. The emission is associated with the 1.5-kiloparsec-radius “Tilted Disk” of neutral gas. We modify a model of this disk and find that the hydrogen gas observed is at least 48% ionized. The ratio [NII] λ6584 angstroms/Hα λ6563 angstroms increases from 0.3 to 2.5 with Galactocentric radius; [OIII] λ5007 angstroms and Hβ λ4861 angstroms are also sometimes detected. The line ratios for most Tilted Disk sightlines are characteristic of LI(N)ER galaxies.
Directing cation-cation interactions in thiamine compounds: Analysis of a series of organic salts based on vitamin B1

Abstract A series of ionic compounds based on the dicationic vitamin B1 structure have been synthesized and characterized. A set of perfluoroalkyl-based anions, each with a distinct structure, were paired with the cations and the solid-state structures of the salts were analyzed via single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Phase transitions and thermal stability of the compounds were examined via dynamic scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. It was found that the salt of the cyclical anion, 1,3-disulfonylhexafluoropropyleneimide [NCyF]−, exhibited higher thermal stability while displaying comparable phase transition temperatures as compared to the linear anionic congeners. The cations within the [NCyF]− compound were found to interact as paired dimers, a form which is not observed in the other ionic species. Hirshfeld surface analyses supplemented with computational studies of the compounds is used to rationalize and evaluate the distinct properties of the compounds arising from changes in anion geometry.
Margin status post cervical conization predicts residual adenocarcinoma in situ and occult adenocarcinoma

Objectives: Adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) of the cervix, a premalignant disease, is increasing in incidence, particularly in women of reproductive age. Controversy remains around fertility preservation treatment for AIS. We sought to determine the incidence of occult cancer coexisting with known AIS and to determine how positive margins on cervical conization correlate with residual disease remaining in situ. Methods: A retrospective chart review utilizing records from a comprehensive cancer center (CCC) was conducted. Charts that had histologically proven adenocarcinoma in situ were abstracted. Data recorded included: histopathology, demographics, treatments, and follow up information. Pertinent data were analyzed with Chi square statistical test. Results: 47 cases met histologic criteria for AIS; median age was 37. 42 patients underwent cervical conizations and 13/42 (48%) patients had positive margins upon conization. 27 of 42 (64%) conization patients underwent hysterectomies. 2/27 patients had invasive cancer (7%). 6/13 (46%) patients with positive margins had residual disease on final hysterectomy, (4/13 had AIS and 2/13 had cancer). In contrast, 0/14 (0%) of patients with negative margins had residual disease. This difference in residual disease stratified by conization margin status was statistically significant, p=0.036, Chi-square 4.41, df = 1. Download : Download high-res image (137KB) Download : Download full-size image Conclusions: Positive margins upon cervical conization were correlated with a high rate of residual adenocarcinoma in situ or invasive cancer. Rate of occult cancer post conization was approximately 7%. Those patients should likely not be treated with observation only. Negative margins were correlated with no residual disease and those patients may be candidates for observation and fertility sparing. Further long-term follow up data is needed.
The Bounded Image Theorem

We assume that the manifold N is connected. The other case is completely similar (with the exception of a few notational differences).
Technology Affordances and Constraints in Management Information Systems (MIS)

Information systems are combinations of devices, software, data, and procedures designed to address the information processing needs of individuals and organizations. Examples include electronic mail and social networking tools as well as enterprise-level applications for financial management, decision-making, production planning, and so forth. The pervasiveness of information systems in organizational practices and daily life makes their study increasingly critical for management theory. There is no single theory of “management information systems.” Rather, the term refers to a broad class of conceptual frameworks developed to understand and explain the design, use, administration, and consequences of information systems. One framework that is used increasingly to study how people and organizations use information systems and how the use of information systems affects individuals, organizations, and their performance, is a framework we refer to as “Technology Affordances and Constraints Theory” (TACT). TACT’s essential premise is that, to understand the uses and consequences of information systems, one must consider the dynamic interactions between people and organizations and the technologies they use. In this entry, we first explain the major theoretical constructs and focus of TACT and then discuss its importance for management theory.
A Cysteine Zipper Stabilizes a Pre-Fusion F Glycoprotein Vaccine for Respiratory Syncytial Virus.

Recombinant subunit vaccines should contain minimal non-pathogen motifs to reduce potential off-target reactivity. We recently developed a vaccine antigen against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which comprised the fusion (F) glycoprotein stabilized in its pre-fusion trimeric conformation by “DS-Cav1” mutations and by an appended C-terminal trimerization motif or “foldon” from T4-bacteriophage fibritin. Here we investigate the creation of a cysteine zipper to allow for the removal of the phage foldon, while maintaining the immunogenicity of the parent DS-Cav1+foldon antigen. Constructs without foldon yielded RSV F monomers, and enzymatic removal of the phage foldon from pre-fusion F trimers resulted in their dissociation into monomers. Because the native C terminus of the pre-fusion RSV F ectodomain encompasses a viral trimeric coiled-coil, we explored whether introduction of cysteine residues capable of forming inter-protomer disulfides might allow for stable trimers. Structural modeling indicated the introduced cysteines to form disulfide “rings”, with each ring comprising a different set of inward facing residues of the coiled-coil. Three sets of rings could be placed within the native RSV F coiled-coil, and additional rings could be added by duplicating portions of the coiled-coil. High levels of neutralizing activity in mice, equivalent to that of the parent DS-Cav1+foldon antigen, were elicited by a 4-ring stabilized RSV F trimer with no foldon. Structure-based alteration of a viral coiled-coil to create a cysteine zipper thus allows a phage trimerization motif to be removed from a candidate vaccine antigen.
Putting Poverty in Museums: Strategies to Encourage the Creation of the For-Profit Social Business

In Creating a World Without Poverty, Muhammad Yunus introduces the social business model which aims to provide a social benefit, not just a monetary profit. This model is distinct from a typical non-profit charity because investors expect to eventually recover their financial contributions to the social business. Yunus describes the Danone Communities mutual fund’s ability to protect the company from liability to shareholders for lack of a monetary profit while simultaneously providing food to malnourished children in Bangladesh. This Comment examines two different successful social business structures and argues that companies have yet to embrace this innovative model due to a lack of clear guidelines for this type of business in United States corporate law. The enactment of mutual fund regulations encouraging the creation of this forprofit sustainable social business would allow it to be very successful in re-
Salivary Gland Cancers

Malignant salivary gland tumors are remarkable for their relative infrequency as compared to other solid tumors, and their wide diversity in histologic appearance, clinical presentation, and biologic behavior. By virtue of the slow growth rates of some of these tumors, posttreatment surveillance must continue for a decade or more in order to accrue reliable data regarding locoregional control and survival. Fortunately, useful prognostic information can be derived from assessment of clinical stage, and tumor histology. Keywords: TNM; tumour size; nodal extension; facial nerve involvement; deep invasion; residual disease; histologic subtype; comorbidities; prior radiotherapy; perineural invasion; age; gender
Substance abuse treatment and its association with relapse to alcohol use after liver transplantation

Many liver transplantation (LT) programs require substance abuse (SA) treatment for candidates with a history of alcohol abuse. However, there are no data indicating that SA treatment prevents post-LT alcohol relapse. We examined 118 adults who underwent LT from May 2002 to February 2011 to explore the relationship between SA treatment and post-LT relapse to any alcohol use. Sixty-one patients (52%) with a history of alcohol abuse or dependence received SA treatment before LT. Relapse to any alcohol use was identified in 40 LT recipients (34%). Patients who received SA treatment before LT did not differ significantly in the rate of post-LT alcohol relapse from patients who did not receive treatment before transplantation (30% versus 39%, P = 0.20). However, patients who received SA treatment both before and after transplantation had significantly lower rates of alcohol relapse (16%) than patients who received no SA treatment (41%) or SA treatment only before LT (45%, P = 0.03). Our findings suggest that LT programs should consider placing more emphasis on the continuation of some type of SA treatment after transplantation. Future research should prospectively examine the optimal timing for SA treatment that will attenuate the risk of alcohol relapse after transplantation. Liver Transpl 19:1387–1395, 2013. © 2013 AASLD.
Herpes simplex virus transactivator ICP4 operationally substitutes for the cellular transcription factor Sp1 for efficient expression of the viral thymidine kinase gene.

Abstract The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) ICP4 protein is a transcriptional activator of many eucaryotic RNA polymerase II promoters. The HSV-1 thymidine kinase gene (tk) promoter is induced by ICP4 and contains binding sites for the cellular transcription factors TFIID, Sp1, and CCAAT-binding proteins, each of which affects expression of the tk gene. In this study, the effects of mutations in these sites on the transcription of tk in the presence and absence of ICP4 were determined during viral infection. Only the TATA box was necessary for efficient expression in the presence of ICP4; however, ICP4 apparently can still induce tk transcription even when the TATA box is disrupted. Alteration of the Sp1 sites had a minor effect on ICP4-induced expression in comparison to a large effect in the absence of ICP4, indicating that ICP4 can operationally substitute for the function of the transcription factor Sp1. In addition, tk was still expressed with the kinetics of an early gene in the absence of binding sites for Sp1 and CCAAT-binding proteins.
FLAPW investigation of the stability and equation of state of rectangulated carbon

The rectangulated carbon structure can be formed by buckling the graphene layers of graphite and linking them together with four-membered cyclobutane-like rings. Baughman et al. proposed rectangulated carbon as a candidate for the structure of the transparent phase of carbon that forms upon room temperature compression of graphite. Here we present a full-potential linear augmented plane wave (FLAPW) investigation of the stability and equation of state of rectangulated carbon. The total energy and equation of state of graphite and diamond are also calculated for comparison with rectangulated carbon. The local spin-density approximation (LSDA) and the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) give similar results for diamond and rectangulated carbon, but different results for graphite. The pressure estimated for the transition from graphite to rectangulated carbon using the LSDA is slightly higher than is observed for single crystal graphite. The energy differences between diamond and rectangulated carbon are in accord with earlier calculations. The agreement at 25 GPa between the calculated diffraction pattern for rectangulated carbon and the observed diffraction pattern for transparent carbon is not as good as the agreement at 0.1 MPa.
Tibial axis and patellar position relative to the femoral epicondylar axis during squatting.

A laboratory-based study was performed to describe the tibial axis and patellar position relative to the femoral epicondylar (FE) axis during squatting. During the squat, the angle between the tibial and FE axes averaged 90.5°, and 66% of internal rotation of the tibia occurred before 15° flexion. In the mid-sagittal plane of the femur, the patella followed a circular arc, and mediolateral patellar shift averaged 4.3 mm. These findings can be used as the basis for development of new total knee arthroplasty components that recreate normal patellofemoral kinematics, and may provide important guidelines for alignment of the tibial and femoral components. The perpendicular relationship between the tibial and the FE axes may be useful in locating the FE axis intraoperatively. The reduced mediolateral shift of the patella suggests that alignment of the femoral component with the FE axis will aid patellar tracking about a circular arc with small deviations in the medial-lateral direction.
High resolution negative tone molecular resist based on di-functional epoxide polymerization

There is an urgent demand for higher performance resists with superior resolution, sensitivity, and line edge roughness for both electron-beam and extreme ultraviolet lithography applications. Chemically amplified resists provide superior sensitivity compared to non-chemically amplified resists, but often suffer from resolution limitations and poor line edge roughness. A new class of negative tone chemically amplified molecular resists has been developed based on epoxide cross-linking that combines high sensitivity with low line edge roughness and excellent resolution. The most recent compound of this class (2-Ep) simultaneously demonstrates resolution of 25nm half-pitch, sensitivity of 38@mC/cm^2, and line edge roughness (3@s) of 2.9nm under 100keV e-beam exposure.
Being on This Boat: The Provision of Culturally Competent Mental Health Services to People Living with HIV/AIDS

Many HIV-infected individuals experience varying degrees of stigma on the basis of multiple aspects of their identity. Cultural competence for this population must address all of the ways that clients experience stigma, including not only race and ethnicity but also gender, economic status, sexual orientation, geography, drug use, and physical health status. This article reports on an evaluation study of a mental health program for people living with HIV/AIDS. Findings suggest that social service agencies need to be responsive to all aspects of a client's identity. Implications for practice with this multidimensional population are also discussed.
Petrous anatomy for middle fossa approach.

Objective The objective was to describe the relationship of anatomical landmarks required for the middle fossa approach to lesions of the petrous apex and internal auditory canal (IAC). Landmarks for safe identification of the IAC are defined, as are two zones (safe zones I and II) anterior and posterior to the IAC. Study Design Temporal bone anatomical study. Methods Ten temporal bones underwent high-resolution computed tomography followed by wet bench dissection. A set of 39 different distances between vital structures was measured, where possible, from both radiology films and under the microscope. Mean, median, minimum, and maximum measurements of all distances were determined. Angular measurements were made using a specially designed instrument. Results Measurements were made in an anatomical position to mimic the middle fossa surgical technique. Measurements are presented for the superior surface of the temporal bone from the sigmoid sinus and inner table to vital structures, from the anterior and posterior petrous apex, and from the IAC. Conclusions Petrous apex anatomical knowledge is required for the safe middle fossa approach to the IAC and petrous apex. Two safe zones are defined that should prevent damage to the cochlea and the superior semicircular canal.
Heat therapy in the management of heart failure

Heart failure remains a health care epidemic, and additional complementary therapies beyond pharmaceuticals and devices are needed. Using heat therapy or topical thermal therapy is an ancient therapeutic approach for the treatment of heart failure. Currently, there are several studies reporting salutary effects of heat therapy in patients with heart failure using either dry heat or water immersion therapies. The authors describe an additional theoretic construct using topically applied heat pads that might be a simple and economic approach to affect heat therapy as an adjunct for many patients. Hopefully future studies will continue to explore heat therapy as adjunctive care for heart failure patients.
DNA polymerase activity associated with purified Kilham rat virus.

RNA tumour viruses contain an enzyme which can transcribe DNA from an RNA template1,2, an endonuclease and a DNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity3,4. RNA polymerase has been reported in vaccinia virus5,6, reovirus7,8 and cytoplasmic polyhidrosis virus9. I wish to describe a DNA polymerase activity associated with a highly purified preparation of the parvovirus, Kilham rat virus (KRV), which is thus the first report of a DNA polymerase associated with a DNA virus. KRV, a small virus first isolated from a rat sarcoma10, is antigenically related to the H viruses isolated from human transplantable tumours11. Those parvoviruses which have been characterized all contain single stranded DNA with molecular weights of 1.5 to 2.5 × 106 (refs. 12,13 and 14).
Effect of electron beam irradiation on quality indicators of peanut butter over a storage period

Abstract Electron beam (e-beam) irradiation is an effective non-thermal processing step for the reduction of Salmonella in peanut butter. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of e-beam irradiation on quality indicators of peanut butter. Peanut butter samples were exposed to a range of e-beam doses and examined over a 14-day period at 22 °C. Colour analysis ( L ∗ , a ∗ , b ∗ ), spreadability, peroxide values (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances test (TBARS) for lipid oxidation were monitored, fatty acid and amino acid profiles were verified and protein degradation was determined by sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE). Changes in colour, PV, and TBARS were observed as e-beam dose increased. No significant changes in spreadability were observed ( P > 0.05). When applied to peanut butter, e-beam irradiation will produce significant changes in quality indicators; future studies should include sensory evaluation and consumer acceptance studies.
Behavioral management of children's distress during painful medical procedures.

Abstract The purpose of the current study was to develop and assess the efficacy of a psychological intervention program to reduce the behavioral distress of pediatric cancer patients undergoing highly-painful medical procedures (bone-marrow aspirations and lumbar punctures) which are required for the diagnosis and treatment of their disease. The psychological intervention was delivered to 5 patients ages 3 1 2 –7yr within the context of a staggered baseline design. Results suggested that the program was effective at reducing behavioral distress for all 5 patients during the initial intervention. However, 1 S showed some regression of intervention effects during a second treatment session. Possible alternative explanations for the results obtained were discussed and implications for future research were presented.
Shape-selective covalent binding in bulk, microporous imprinted silica

Abstract The first demonstration of shape-selective covalent binding in bulk, microporous imprinted silica is provided. The synthetic approach utilizes acid-catalyzed sol–gel hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate with a carbamate-based organosilane imprint for synthesis of hybrid organic–inorganic materials. Cleavage of the immobilized imprint carbamate synthesizes isolated primary or secondary amines within templated pockets that are complementary to the imprint size and shape. Two chiral imprints are investigated. The imprint based upon a phenyl alcohol leaves an achiral primary amine after carbamate deprotection, while the imprint based upon a proline scaffold leaves behind a chiral secondary amine after carbamate deprotection. Binding selectivity of the imprinted silicas is investigated via the covalent attachment of racemic isocyanate mixtures for simultaneous assessment of shape-selectivity and enantioselectivity. Shape-selectivity for the binding of α-methylbenzyl isocyanate over a 1-naphthyl homologue was observed across a range of materials. Investigation of the origin of selectivity by using particles of varying size shows that the selectivity partially arises from bulk sieving effects of mass transport limitations in the material network. However, due to significant particle size distributions, it is possible that the system exists in an intermediate regime where binding results are a complex mixture of sieving and shape-selective imprinted site effects. The results are consistent with the previous observation that amines in bulk, microporous imprinted silica are isolated and have been confined to a microporous network. This confinement of the bulky imprints, which would be difficult to accomplish via a post-synthetic grafting procedure, illustrates the synthetic utility of the imprinting method.
Conjugate forced convection in crossflow over a cylinder array with volumetric heating

Numerical simulation of steady forced convection heat transfer in a laminar flow field over an infinite (periodic) and finite in-line array of cylinders is performed. The cylinders are arranged with a pitch to diameter ratio of two, and are heated internally with a uniform distribution of heat sources. The conjugate heat transfer problem is described by two coupled energy equations (one for the fluid, the other for the solid) and the Navier-Stokes equations. This system is solved on curvilinear coordinates via a finite-difference iterative scheme and a domain decomposition procedure. By varying the ratio of fluid-to-solid thermal conductivity (FS) between 0.01 and 100, a parametric study of heat exchange between the solid and fluid (as expressed by the Nusselt number) is reported for Reynolds numbers between 100 and 400 and Prandtl number equal to 0.71. Our results reveal that the internal heat generation case is profoundly different from that of the isothermal cylindrical array if FS is larger than unity. As FS approaches extreme values, e.g. 0.01 (or 100), the temperature field can be approximated by invoking simpler models, e.g. local thermal equilibrium (or concentric) model.
On the effects of relative prices and effective exchange rates on trade flows of LDCs

(1989). On the effects of relative prices and effective exchange rates on trade flows of LDCs. Applied Economics: Vol. 21, No. 11, pp. 1447-1463.
Predictive and Feedback Performance Errors Are Signaled in the Simple Spike Discharge of Individual Purkinje Cells

The cerebellum has been implicated in processing motor errors required for on-line control of movement and motor learning. The dominant view is that Purkinje cell complex spike discharge signals motor errors. This study investigated whether errors are encoded in the simple spike discharge of Purkinje cells in monkeys trained to manually track a pseudorandomly moving target. Four task error signals were evaluated based on cursor movement relative to target movement. Linear regression analyses based on firing residuals ensured that the modulation with a specific error parameter was independent of the other error parameters and kinematics. The results demonstrate that simple spike firing in lobules IV–VI is significantly correlated with position, distance, and directional errors. Independent of the error signals, the same Purkinje cells encode kinematics. The strongest error modulation occurs at feedback timing. However, in 72% of cells at least one of the R 2 temporal profiles resulting from regressing firing with individual errors exhibit two peak R 2 values. For these bimodal profiles, the first peak is at a negative τ (lead) and a second peak at a positive τ (lag), implying that Purkinje cells encode both prediction and feedback about an error. For the majority of the bimodal profiles, the signs of the regression coefficients or preferred directions reverse at the times of the peaks. The sign reversal results in opposing simple spike modulation for the predictive and feedback components. Dual error representations may provide the signals needed to generate sensory prediction errors used to update a forward internal model.
Teaching the "hybrid approach": a novel swine model of muscular ventricular septal defect.

This report describes a reproducible swine model for creating muscular ventricular septal defects (VSDs). The model not only facilitates the development and modification of hybrid techniques for closing muscular VSDs, but also serves as a teaching tool that allows operators to become accustomed to the specific technical requirements necessary when using the hybrid approach to perform perventricular VSD device closure. The authors’ institutional experience using this novel animal model is presented.
Centromeric Chromatin: Histone deviants

Highly variant histones are targeted to specialized chromatin domains, such as the centromere where they have an essential role in the segregation of sister chromatids at mitosis.
Cations M2(O2CtBu)4+, Where M = Mo and W, and MoW(O2CtBu)4+. Theoretical, Spectroscopic, and Structural Investigations

With the aid of density function theory, the molecular and electronic structures of the molecules Mo 2 (O 2 CMe) 4 , MoW(O 2 CMe) 4 , and W 2 (O 2 CMe) 4 and their single-electron oxidized radical cations have been determined; this includes calculated observables such as v(MM) and the δ → δ* electronic transition energies. The calculated properties are compared with those for the corresponding pivalates, M 2 (O 2 C t Bu) 4 (M = Mo or W) and MoW(O 2 C t -Bu) 4 and their radical cations prepared in situ by oxidation with Cp 2 FePF 6 . The EPR spectra of the radical cations are also reported. The EPR spectrum of the MoW(O 2 C t Bu) 4 + cation reveals that the unpaired electron is in a polarized MM δ orbital having 70% Mo and 30% W character. The MM stretching frequencies show good correlation with the MM bond lengths obtained from single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies of MoW(O 2 C'Bu) 4 , W 2 (O 2 C'Bu) 4 , and W 2 (O 2 C t Bu) 4 + PF 6 - compounds, along with previously reported structures. These data provide benchmark parameters for valence trapped dicarboxylate bridged radical cations of the type [( t BuCO 2 ) 3 M 2 ] 2 (μ-O 2 C-X-CO 2 ) + (X = conjugated spacer).
Biosynthesis of 17β-estradiol and Its Binding to Specific Receptors in Human Gingiva

An increased biosynthesis of 17β-estradiol was found by microsomes obtained from the inflamed human gingivae when compared to those from healthy and hyperplastic tissues. In contrast, binding of estradiol to cytoplasmic receptors was increased only in hyperplastic tissue and was independent of the amount of estradiol formed.
Transient structure of vortex breakdown on a delta wing

The transient relaxation process of the leading-edge vortex on a delta wing pitched to high angle of attack is quantitatively characterized using high-image density particle image velocimetry. Instantaneous distributions of azimuthal vorticity and patterns of sectional streamlines over an entire plane allow definition of a new, rapidly evolving mechanism at the onset of vortex breakdown; it marks the transition from a relatively high to low upstream propagation speed of the breakdown.
Design and synthesis of photoaffinity-labeling ligands of the L-prolyl-L-leucylglycinamide binding site involved in the allosteric modulation of the dopamine receptor.

Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2 (PLG), in addition to its endocrine effects, possesses the ability to modulate dopamine D2 receptors within the central nervous system. However, the precise binding site of PLG is unknown. Potential photoaffinity-labeling ligands of the PLG binding site were designed as tools to be used in the identification of the macromolecule that possesses this binding site. Six different photoaffinity-labeling ligands were designed and synthesized on the basis of the γ-lactam PLG peptidomimetic 1. The 4-azidobenzoyl and 4-azido-2-hydroxybenzoyl photoaffinity-labeling moieties were placed at opposite ends of PLG peptidomimetic 1 to generate a series of ligands that potentially could be used to map the PLG binding site. All of the compounds that were synthesized possessed activity comparable to or better than PLG in enhancing [3H]-N-propylnorapomorphine agonist binding to dopamine receptors. Photoaffinity ligands that were cross-linked to the receptor preparation produced a modulatory effect that was ei...
Issues in using robots for electronics assembly

Abstract This paper addresses some of the many problems that exist in using robotics for inserting electronic components into printed circuit boards. A number of laboratory experiments were conducted, using an IBM 7535 robot, to evaluate the effect of several systems factors on successful component insertion rates. The results of these experiments are used to point to directions of further research in the evolution of systems that use robots and other automatic equipment in a flexible manufacturing environment.
Intelligent call routing: optimizing contact center throughput

In recent years, most companies now interact with their customers for businesses purposes through contact or call centers. Substantially, customers now perceive a company through their interaction with Customer Services Representatives (CSR's) in their centers. The CSR has become the key role and channel in maintaining brand reputation and ensuring customer retention. Explicitly, in a contact center environment Customer and CSR are the two main transactional entities, and business development depends on their interaction. Contact center management routinely adopts numerous processes to enhance centre services by training their CSRs, call recording for quality monitoring, acquiring customer feedback after the call, and assessing similar factors. However, these factors are often inadequate in advancing the customer experience, due to operational scale and being exclusively focused on the telephone as the medium for interaction. Every contact center strives to maximize its value through, improved customer satisfaction, retention and first call resolution; and minimized communication expenditures, for example, call handling time or talk time. Smart call routing can manage these improvements to enhance overall customer experience, leading to sales and maintained quality of service.The CSR to Customer call-outcome is the critical success factor (CSF) to improvement and optimization. This paper considers a new operational model for achieving significantly improved call-outcomes.A call outcome in contact center environment is most typically random, like flipping a coin, to tell whether a call achieves a sale or not. This random outcome can be made more certain if predicted and optimized by exploiting personal chemistry as a critical factor. Fortunately contact centers are more controlled environments within which to gain psychographic and demographic insights to gauge customer/CSR chemistry.This paper proposes that descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytical techniques can be applied to psychographic and demographic insights; to find the ideal mapping between them. By using those techniques, the model shows a ten to fifteen percent improvement in call-outcomes.
Violations of Hund's rule in molecules — where to look for them and how to identify them

Abstract Violations of Hund's rule are predicted to be found in D 4 h cyclobutadiene (CBD), D 8 h cyclooctatetraene (COT), and in non-Kekule hydrocarbon diradicals that have disjoint NBMOs. In D 4 h CBD the singlet is calculated to lie below the triplet by − ΔE ST = 6.3 kcal mol −1 at the CAS-SDCI + (Q)/6-31G ∗ level of theory. This value is bracketed by the CASSCF and CASPT2N values of, respectively, − ΔE ST = 10.6 and 4.0 kcal mol −1 . For D 8 h COT CASSCF, CASPT2N and MR-(π-SD, σ-S)CI + (Q)/6-31G ∗ calculations give, respectively, − ΔE ST = 15.8, 6.7 and 8.5 kcal mol −1 . In both [4 n ]annulenes the geometry of highest symmetry is the equilibrium geometry of the triplet but the transition state for bond shifting in the singlet. Consequently, the “bond-alternation” vibration, which shortens half the CC bonds and lengthens the other half, has a relatively high frequency in the triplet but an imaginary frequency in the singlet. As a result, zero-point vibrational energy corrections increase − ΔE ST by ca. 2 kcal mol −1 in both antiaromatic annulenes. The role of calculations in assigning the electron photodetachment spectrum of COT − and thereby confirming experimentally that D 8 h COT really does violate Hund's rule is discussed. CASPT2N calculations of UV spectra are shown to be useful for deciding whether the singlet or triplet state is responsible for the UV-Vis spectrum of non-Kekule hydrocarbon diradicals. Comparison of the spectra calculated for the singlet and the triplet states of 1,2,4,5-tetramethylenebenzene (TMB), 4,5-dimethylenecyclopentane-1,3-diyl (DMCPD) and 2,3-dimethylenecyclohexane1,3-diyl (DMCHD) with those observed indicates that TMB has a singlet ground state but that DMCPD and DMCHD both have triplet ground states.
Nonpoint sources as external threats to coastal water quality: Lessons from park service experience

Abstract Program design for nonpoint source control is considered through an analogous problem, external threats to national parks. Nonpoint sources are diffuse land activities that degrade water quality, and recent federal legislation seeks to limit them in coastal areas. External threats occur outside a park boundary but affect the purposes for or resources within the park. They have been subject to federal management for many decades. Nonpoint sources are a class of external threat. Therefore, programs to limit them should consider techniques used in park protection. These park techniques include “hard approaches,”; which rely on power, usually through legal devices, and “soft approaches,”; which utilize shared values and objectives. Among the techniques presented, a linked approach, as exemplified at the Cape Cod National Seashore, appears most promising. In a linked approach, if a soft approach fails, the manager of the protected unit is empowered to take an alternative hard action to protect the res...
NoRD: Node-Router Decoupling for Effective Power-gating of On-Chip Routers

While power-gating is a promising technique to mitigate the increasing static power of a chip, a fundamental requirement is for the idle periods to be sufficiently long to compensate for the power-gating and performance overhead. On-chip routers are potentially good targets for power optimizations, but few works have explored effective ways of power-gating them due to the intrinsic dependence between the node and router -- any packet (sent, received or forwarded) must wakeup the router before being transferred, thus breaking the potentially long idle period into fragmented intervals. Simulation shows that directly applying conventional power-gating techniques would cause frequent state-transitions and significant energy and performance overhead. In this paper, we propose NoRD (Node-Router Decoupling), a novel power-aware on-chip network approach that provides for power-gating bypass to decouple the node's ability for transferring packets from the powered-on/off status of the associated router, thereby maximizing the length of router idle periods. Full system evaluation using PARSEC benchmarks shows that the proposed approach can substantially reduce the number of state-transitions, completely hide wakeup latency from the critical path of packet transport and eliminate node-network disconnection problems. Compared to an optimized conventional power-gating technique applied to on-chip routers, NoRD can further reduce the router static energy by 29.9% and improve the average packet latency by 26.3%, with only 3% additional area overhead.
HCV Enters the Twenty-First Century

Almost one-third of Americans infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and 7 million worldwide are coinfected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). The principal route of HCV spread in the US is injection drug use but there are recent reports of outbreaks of acute HCV infection among HIV-infected men who have sex with men. With increased survival as a result of highly active antiretroviral therapy, HCV-associated liver disease has become a leading cause of death in HIV-infected individuals. Currently, telaprevir and boceprevir, both NS3/NS4A inhibitors that significantly improve sustained response when added to pegylated interferon and ribavirin, are approved only for HCV monoinfection. The optimal combination of agents, therapy durations and the timing of treatment remain major challenges in coinfected patients.
Serum Amyloid A, but Not C-Reactive Protein, Stimulates Vascular Proteoglycan Synthesis in a Pro-Atherogenic Manner

Inflammatory markers serum amyloid A (SAA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are predictive of cardiac disease and are proposed to play causal roles in the development of atherosclerosis, in which the retention of lipoproteins by vascular wall proteoglycans is critical. The purpose of this study was to determine whether SAA and/or CRP alters vascular proteoglycan synthesis and lipoprotein retention in a pro-atherogenic manner. Vascular smooth muscle cells were stimulated with either SAA or CRP (1 to 100 mg/L) and proteoglycans were then isolated and characterized. SAA, but not CRP, increased proteoglycan sulfate incorporation by 50 to 100% in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.0001), increased glycosaminoglycan chain length, and increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) binding affinity (K(d), 29 microg/ml LDL versus 90 microg/ml LDL for SAA versus control proteoglycans; P < 0.005). Furthermore, SAA up-regulated biglycan via the induction of endogenous transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta. To determine whether SAA stimulated proteoglycan synthesis in vivo, ApoE(-/-) mice were injected with an adenovirus expressing human SAA-1, a null virus, or saline. Mice that received adenovirus expressing SAA had increased TGF-beta concentrations in plasma and increased aortic biglycan content compared with mice that received either null virus or saline. Thus, SAA alters vascular proteoglycans in a pro-atherogenic manner via the stimulation of TGF-beta and may play a causal role in the development of atherosclerosis.
The Inverse Segal–Bargmann Transform for Compact Lie Groups

In this paper I give a new inversion formula (Theorem 1) for the generalized Segal–Bargmann transform introduced in B. C. Hall,J. Funct. Anal.122(1994), 103–151. The inversion formula may be viewed as a formula for theinverseheat operator for a compact Lie group. I then use this formula to give a new direct proof of the unitary of theK-invariant form of the Segal–Bargmann transform (Theorem 2). The proof of the inversion formula relies on an identity (Theorem 5) which relates the Laplacian for a compact Lie groupKto the Laplacian for the non-compact dual symmetric space KC/K.
Change in Surface Area of Anthracite on Heat Treatment

Maggs1 and Malherbe2, among others, have shown that coal behaves as a molecular sieve material. That is, the adsorption of nitrogen and argon at 77° K. is restricted because of activated diffusion into pores of molecular dimensions and gives data only on the readily accessible macropore area of coal. From heats of wetting and gas-adsorption data at higher temperatures, the macropore area is shown to represent an insignificant part of the total surface area of most coals.
Solvent isotope effect on the microstructure and rheology of cationic worm-like micelles near the isotropic-nematic transition

D2O–H2O isotope substitution is commonly used to study self-assembled surfactant mesophases by nuclear magnetic resonance and small angle neutron scattering, but the effects of this substitution are not trivially predictable. Here, we study the solvent isotope substitution (D2O–H2O) at the isotropic to nematic (I-N) transition and the associated rheology and shear banding behavior of one of the simplest shear-banding wormlike micellar solution models: the aqueous salt-free CTAB solutions. Linear and nonlinear rheology as well as flow birefringence and particle image velocimetry measurements are used to characterize the CTAB/H2O system at compositions and temperatures near the I-N transition. These measurements are compared to previous reports for CTAB in D2O and H2O. Substantial isotope effects are observed when H2O is substituted by D2O at comparable molar concentrations. These are: (1) an increase of about 10 °C or equivalent decrease of 0.002 mole fractions in the equilibrium I-N transition, (2) a significant broadening of the shear banding region for both the range of shear rate and the composition. These effects are consistent with the greater polarity of D2O compared to H2O, which results in a stiffening of the WLM in D2O. This is confirmed by measurements of the persistence length from flow-birefringence.