cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nucleotide-induced asymmetry within ATPase activator ring drives σ54–RNAP interaction and ATP hydrolysis

It is largely unknown how the typical homomeric ring geometry of ATPases associated with various cellular activities enables them to perform mechanical work. Small-angle solution X-ray scattering, crystallography, and electron microscopy (EM) reconstructions revealed that partial ATP occupancy caused the heptameric closed ring of the bacterial enhancer-binding protein (bEBP) NtrC1 to rearrange into a hexameric split ring of striking asymmetry. The highly conserved and functionally crucial GAFTGA loops responsible for interacting with σ54–RNA polymerase formed a spiral staircase. We propose that splitting of the ensemble directs ATP hydrolysis within the oligomer, and the ring's asymmetry guides interaction between ATPase and the complex of σ54 and promoter DNA. Similarity between the structure of the transcriptional activator NtrC1 and those of distantly related helicases Rho and E1 reveals a general mechanism in homomeric ATPases whereby complex allostery within the ring geometry forms asymmetric functional states that allow these biological motors to exert directional forces on their target macromolecules.
NLP-NG — A new NLP system for biomedical text analysis

NLP-NG is a new NLP system consisting of three components: NG-CORE (language processing), NG-DB (database management), and NG-SEE (interactive visualization and entry). The ultimate goal of NLP-NG is to produce information retrieval systems in which users can choose full-text schema, adding specific items to focus their queries. Schema are created by a normalization process which elides adjunctive constructions as well as replacing items by prototypes. Biomedical text contains domain-specific constructions which are revealed by normalization. NLP-NG is based on Construction Grammar. Computationally, all representations are integer-based, allowing efficient storage, indexing, and retrieval. SEE, an Ajax web browser client, allows developers, linguists, and users to view a corpus and modify its properties. NLP-NG uses a 300 million word BioMed Central corpus. NLP-NG does not focus on specific strategies to extract limited classes of information from papers. Instead, it is a universal approach that can codify a wide variety of text in papers.
A Multimethod Approach to Assessing Dependency: The Early Memory Dependency Probe

The construct validity and clinical utility of the early memory probe assessing aspects of dependency was investigated. Clinical patients' responses to the "feeding, being fed, or eating" probe were compared with Rorschach Oral Dependency (ROD) scale scores (Masling, Rabie, & Blondheim, 1967), as well as theoretically and empirically derived behavioral ratings. Sixty-five psychiatric patients and their therapists participated in the study. Results demonstrated moderate to strong correlations between the early memory scores and the ROD scores, thus demonstrating good concurrent validity. A moderate correlation between the early memory scores and therapists' ratings of key behavioral patterns in therapy support the predictive validity of the early memory probes. The early memory scores also demonstrated discriminant validity when compared with Rorschach object-relational content scales.
Sildenafil citrate: a therapeutic update.

Abstract Background: Since its approval by the US Food and Drug Administration in March 1998, sildenafil citrate has been used by millions of men for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Recent studies and consensus reports have expanded our understanding of its efficacy, safety, contraindications, and drug interactions. Objective: This paper reviews recent studies of the efficacy of sildenafil, its adverse effects and drug interactions, and socioeconomic factors involved in its use, with a focus on specific patient populations (prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, spinal cord injuries, neurologic disorders). Methods: Clinical studies, case reports, and commentaries and editorials concerning sildenafil published in the international literature between January 1999 and August 2000 were identified through searches of MEDLINE®, PREMEDLINE®, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts®, using the terms sildenafil, Viagra , and erectile dysfunction . Results: Sildenafil has demonstrated effectiveness in men with erectile dysfunction associated with prostatectomy, radiation therapy, diabetes mellitus, certain neurologic disorders, and drug therapy (eg, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs]). It has not been as effective in women with sexual dysfunction, with the exception of SSRI-associated sexual dysfunction. Some disorders unrelated to sexual dysfunction (eg, esophageal motility dysfunction) may also respond to sildenafil. In the general population, sildenafil is considered to have an acceptable tolerability profile; however, patients with moderate to severe cardiovascular disease or those taking nitrate therapy are at increased risk for potentially serious cardiovascular adverse effects with sildenafil therapy. In addition, patients taking drugs that inhibit the cytochrome P450 3A4 isozyme, which metabolizes sildenafil, may experience increased drug concentrations and possible toxicity from normal doses of sildenafil. Conclusions: Sildenafil is an effective first-line therapy for erectile dysfunction in men. The decision to prescribe this agent should include such considerations as the cost-risk-benefit balance, patient access, drug distribution pathways, and prescription drug coverage.
Isolation and characterization of the gene encoding the surface membrane 3'-nucleotidase/nuclease of Leishmania donovani.

Leishmania donovani and related trypanosomatid protozoa possess an externally oriented surface membrane enzyme capable of hydrolyzing both 3′-nucleotides and nucleic acids. By virtue of these activities, this 3′-nucleotidase/nuclease (3′-NTNu), previously shown to be analogous to fungal and plant class-I single-strand-specific nucleases, is thought to play a critical role in the salvage of purines, essential for the survival of these organisms. The 43-kDa 3′-NTNu was purified from L. donovani promastigotes and trypsin treated. Four of the released tryptic peptide fragments yielded amino-acid sequence information (Pept-1 to Pept-4) which provided the basis for the preparation of oligonucleotide primers used for PCR amplification of an approx. 300-bp DNA fragment. This fragment was cloned, sequenced and used to probe a genomic L. donovani cosmid library. Nucleotide sequence analysis of a 4.5-kb SmaI fragment, isolated from a cosmid clone, revealed an open reading frame (ORF) of 1434 nt encoding a 477-amino-acid protein. Pept-1 to Pept-4 were mapped onto the ORF-deduced protein sequence. Peptides corresponding to Pept-1 to Pept-4 were synthesized and used to immunize rabbits. The resulting anti-peptide antibodies recognized the 43-kDa protein on Western blots and immunoprecipitated the native 3′-nucleotidase activity from L. donovani membrane extracts. Further, the ORF-deduced protein shared significant sequence identity with the S1 and P1 fungal nucleases of Aspergillus oryzae and Penicillium citrinum, respectively. Cumulatively, these results demonstrated that the ORF corresponded to a gene for the L. donovani 3′-nucleotidase/nuclease. In Northern blots a nucleotide probe specific for the 3′-NTNu gene hybridized to a single 2.5-kb messenger RNA. Results of Southern blot analyses were consistent with the 3′-NTNu being encoded by a single copy gene. These data constitute the first report of the gene for this unique trypanosomatid surface membrane enzyme.
George, Wicksell and Gaffney: a three‐factor model of the boom and bust cycle

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast three‐factor models of boom and bust from Henry George, Knut Wicksell and Mason Gaffney.Design/methodology/approach – The approach takes the form of an analysis and discussion and mathematical appendix.Findings – It was found that gaffney modifies and incorporates features of both George and Wicksell into his own model.Practical implications – The works of George, Wicksell and Gaffney are highly relevant, especially given the current economic crisis.Originality/value – The paper should be useful both to historians of economic thought and contemporary economists. It brings together ideas that have been neglected in recent years, and contributes to the understanding of economic crises.
Observation of deformation and transformation behavior of retained austenite in a 0.14C-1.2Si-1.5Mn steel with ferrite-bainite-austenite structure

Abstract A 0.14wt.%C-1.21wt.%Si-1.57wt.%Mn steel was intercritically annealed at 770°C for 5 min and then isothermally held at 400°C for 4 min followed by oil quenching to room temperature. The as-annealed microstructure consisted of 75% ferrite, 13% bainite, and 12% retained austenite. The steel was used to establish a microscopic method to identify retained austenite, and to observe the deformation and transformation behavior of the retained austenite with tensile deformation. Submicron-sized articles of retained austenite could be distinguished from ferrite, bainite and martensite in light microscopy when etched with 5% nital followed by etching in a 10% sodium metabisulphite solution. The retained austenite particles were observed in three types of locations: type I at ferrite grain boundaries always in contact with bainite; type II at ferrite grain boundaries out of contact with bainite; and type III within ferrite grains. It was also observed that the larger retained-austenite particles transformed more easily to martensite during deformation at room temperature. Even after deformation to a tensile strain greater than 32%, about 4% of the retained austenite remained, and the retained-austenite particles were observed in the deformed structure.
The effects of motivational interviewing on physiological outcomes

Abstract This study examined the effects of a motivational interviewing (MI) intervention on physiological outcomes among hyperlipidemic persons randomly assigned to an MI ( n = 12) or an attention–control (AC; n = 12) group. Lipid and cardiorespiratory fitness levels were measured pre- and postintervention. The MI intervention was significant in reducing total cholesterol and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol but not in increasing VO 2max when compared with the AC group. Contrary to what was expected, the MI intervention significantly reduced high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol. Although this study was limited by a small sample size, findings suggested that an MI telephone session can have a positive effect on lipid profiles and fitness levels.
Elucidating the Role of the Proximal Cysteine Hydrogen Bonding Network in Ferric Cytochrome P450cam and corresponding mutants using Magnetic Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy

Although extensive research has been performed on various cytochrome P450s, especially Cyt P450cam, there is much to be learned about the mechanism of how its functional unit, a heme b ligated by an axial cysteine, is finely tuned for catalysis by its second coordination sphere. Here we study how the hydrogen-bonding network affects the proximal cysteine and the Fe−S(Cys) bond in ferric Cyt P450cam. This is accomplished using low-temperature magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy on wild-type (wt) Cyt P450cam and on the mutants Q360P (pure ferric high-spin at low temperature) and L358P where the “Cys pocket” has been altered (by removing amino acids involved in the hydrogen-bonding network), and Y96W (pure ferric low-spin). The MCD spectrum of Q360P reveals fourteen electronic transitions between 15200 and 31050 cm−1. Variable-temperature variable-field (VTVH) saturation curves were used to determine the polarizations of these electronic transitions with respect to in-plane (xy) and out-of-plane (...
Psychosocial Work Factors and Shoulder Pain in Hotel Room Cleaners

Author(s): Burgel, Barbara Jean | Advisor(s): White, Mary C | Abstract: PSYCHOSOCIAL WORK FACTORS AND SHOULDER PAIN IN HOTEL ROOM CLEANERSBarbara J. BurgelAims: To measure, among hotel room cleaners, the relationship between psychosocial work factors (job strain, iso-strain, and effort-reward imbalance [ERI]) and severe shoulder pain, controlling for selected socio-demographic, behavioral, anthropometric, biomechanical, and hotel factors. Background: Hotel room cleaners have physically demanding jobs that place them at high risk for work-related shoulder pain (WRSP). Biomechanical factors have been associated with WRSP. Psychosocial work factors, including job strain (high psychological demand with low decision latitude), iso-strain (job strain with low coworker and supervisor support), and ERI (high effort with low rewards), may also play a role in WRSP, but this is not well studied. Methods: 941 of 1,276 (74%) hotel room cleaners from 5 hotels in Las Vegas completed a survey in 2002. Of them, 493 with complete data for the shoulder pain outcome, the 3 key psychosocial independent variables, and 17 covariates were included in logistic analyses using Stata, Version 9.2.Results: Fifty-six percent (n=274) reported WRSP in the prior 4-weeks. The sample was female (98%), Latina (78%), married/partnered (69%), born outside the USA (85%), and age 41 (SD 9.67). On average, participants had worked as a room cleaner 7.74 (SD 5.41) years, 40.26 hours (SD 11.00) per week, and made 19.35 beds/day (SD 6.72). In fully adjusted models, job strain and iso-strain were not associated with WRSP. However, ERI was significantly associated with WRSP: those with an ERI score greater than 1.0 had 3 times the odds of reporting severe shoulder pain, after adjusting for age, years of education, caregiving at home, current smoking and alcohol, height, number of years worked as a room cleaner, number of hours worked/week, number of beds made/day, and physical workload, work intensification and ergonomic indices (AOR 2.98, 95% CI 1.93-4.59, p=0.000). Implications for nursing: These findings will aid occupational health professionals in developing "healthy work" policies to prevent WRSP. Creative job design and an enhanced reward system for hotel room cleaners may help to achieve a better balance between effort and rewards of work.
Frontolimbic Response to Negative Feedback in Clinical Depression.

Functional neuroimaging suggests that limbic regions of the medial frontal cortex may be abnormally active in individuals with depression. These regions, including the anterior cingulate cortex, are engaged in both action regulation, such as monitoring errors and conflict, and affect regulation, such as responding to pain. The authors examined whether clinically depressed subjects would show abnormal sensitivity of frontolimbic networks as they evaluated negative feedback. Depressed subjects and matched control subjects performed a video game in the laboratory as a 256-channel EEG was recorded. Speed of performance on each trial was graded with a feedback signal of A, C, or F. By 350 ms after the feedback signal, depressed subjects showed a larger medial frontal negativity for all feedback compared with control subjects with a particularly striking response to the F grade. This response was strongest for moderately depressed subjects and was attenuated for subjects who were more severely depressed. Localization analyses suggested that negative feedback engaged sources in the anterior cingulate and insular cortices. These results suggest that moderate depression may sensitize limbic networks to respond strongly to aversive events.
Quantitative detection of 4-hydroxyequilenin–DNA adducts in mammalian cells using an immunoassay with a novel monoclonal antibody

Estrogen–DNA adducts are potential biomarkers for assessing the risk and development of estrogen-associated cancers. 4-Hydroxyequilenin (4-OHEN) and 4-hydroxyequilin (4-OHEQ), the metabolites of equine estrogens present in common hormone replacement therapy (HRT) formulations, are capable of producing bulky 4-OHEN–DNA adducts. Although the formation of 4-OHEN–DNA adducts has been reported, their quantitative detection in mammalian cells has not been done. To quantify such DNA adducts, we generated a novel monoclonal antibody (4OHEN-1) specific for 4-OHEN–DNA adducts. The primary epitope recognized is one type of stereoisomers of 4-OHEN–dA adducts and of 4-OHEN–dC adducts in DNA. An immunoassay with 4OHEN-1 revealed a linear dose–response between known amounts of 4-OHEN–DNA adducts and the antibody binding to those adducts, with a detection limit of approximately five adducts/108 bases in 1 µg DNA sample. In human breast cancer cells, the quantitative immunoassay revealed that 4-OHEN produces five times more 4-OHEN–DNA adducts than does 4-OHEQ. Moreover, in a mouse model for HRT, oral administration of Premarin increased the levels of 4-OHEN–DNA adducts in various tissues, including the uterus and ovaries, in a time-dependent manner. Thus, we succeeded in establishing a novel immunoassay for quantitative detection of 4-OHEN–DNA adducts in mammalian cells.
Copper ion-sensing transcription factor Mac1p post-translationally controls the degradation of its target gene product Ctr1p.

Abstract Copper ion uptake must be regulated to avoid both deficiency and excess because its essential yet toxic biological nature depends on the concentration. Yeast copper uptake is controlled at both the transcriptional and post-translational levels. The transcription ofCTR1 and CTR3, encoding high affinity copper ion transporters, is regulated by the copper ion-sensing transcription factor Mac1p through the cis-acting copper ion-responsive elements in CTR1 and CTR3 promoters. Ctr1p is known to undergo degradation in cells exposed to high copper levels. We report that Mac1p is also required for copper-dependent Ctr1p degradation. Both mutations within a conserved copper ion binding motif, the “Cu-fist” in the Mac1p DNA-binding domain, and within a metal ion binding motif, REP-III located in the cytosolic domain of Ctr1p, cause defects in Ctr1p turnover. Furthermore, we show that the Mac1p limits intracellular copper accumulation likely by controlling Ctr1p degradation. The findings have uncovered an unprecedented mechanism by which a transcription factor not only regulates its target gene transcription but also controls the degradation of its target gene product.
Comparison of Methods Used to Predict the Burn Injuries in Tests of Thermal Protective Fabrics

A study was conducted to compare the two methods, Henriques Burn Integral and Stoll criteria, in thermal protective performance evaluation on firefighter clothing composites exposed to various thermal hazards. The thermal hazards that the firefighter may encounter during fire fighting are low level thermal radiation and high intensity flashover fire. With the simulation of these thermal hazards in the lab, the heat flux behind exposed clothing composites are characterized with flux rise rate and peak heat flux. Comparisons were performed on the prediction differences of clothing system made using Henriques Burn integral and Stoll criteria under different conditions. The study demonstrated that in some cases less difference is predicted by the two methods, while in other cases a significant difference is observed. Several recommendations were made for the qualitative prediction of garment and fabric thermal protective performance under different situations.
Changing compliance to the American College of Gastroenterology guidelines for the management of variceal hemorrhage: a regional survey.

Changing Compliance to the American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines for the Management of Variceal Hemorrhage: A Regional Survey
Basic fibroblast growth factor promotes in vivo cerebral angiogenesis in chronic forebrain ischemia

This experiment was designed to determine if intraventricular administration of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) could promote cerebral angiogenesis in a model of mild chronic forebrain ischemia. Wistar rats underwent bilateral carotid artery ligation. Animals received intraventricular injections of bFGF every 4 days for 28 days. Basic fibroblast growth factor caused a significant dose-dependent increase in capillary density compared to ischemic controls in all regions examined. These results support the hypothesis that chronic intraventricular administration of bFGF induces in vivo cerebral angiogenesis.
Why Punish? Social reciprocity and the enforcement of prosocial norms

Recently economists have become interested in why people who face social dilemmas in the experimental lab use the seemingly incredible threat of punishment to deter free riding. Three theories with evolutionary microfoundations have been developed to explain punishment. We survey these theories and use behavioral data from surveys and experiments to show that the theory called social reciprocity in which people punish norm violators indiscriminately explains punishment best.
Nutrition suggestions for the prosthetic patient

Abstract The importance of dietary instruction for the prosthetic patient was discussed. A dietary plan was presented and a method suggested by which the diet can be supplemented. The value of using a dietary supplementation was discussed and evaluated.
Screening and surveillance of colorectal cancer

Although colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, it is preventable. Screening modalities include fecal occult blood testing, flexible sigmoidoscopy, double-contrast barium enema, and colonoscopy. Colonoscopy allows effective detection and removal of precursor adenomatous polyps and is the dominant CRC screening modality. Emerging technologies include CT and MR colonography and fecal DNA tests. Effective and cost-effective surveillance after polypectomy and curative CRC resection requires balancing the protective effect of polypectomy while maximizing intervals between examinations; thus, estimation of the risk of recurrence determines the intensity of surveillance for individual patients.
Male choice on the basis of female melanin pattern in Pieris butterflies

Abstract In field experiments, males of the closely related butterflies Pieris occidentalis and P. protodice significantly preferred conspecific females with the typical dorsal melanin pattern versus conspecifics that were unusually heavily melanized. Male P. occidentalis discriminated against heterospecific relative to conspecific females, while male P. protodice displayed no interspecific mate choice. In both species, intraspecific male mating preferences may be adaptive, and in P. occidentalis may oppose sexual selection generated by female choice.
Impacts of Pleistocene glaciation on large-scale groundwater flow and salinity in the Michigan Basin

Pleistocene melting of kilometer-thick continental ice sheets significantly impacted regional-scale groundwater flow in the low-lying stable interiors of the North American and Eurasian cratons. Glacial meltwaters penetrated hundreds of meters into the underlying sedimentary basins and fractured crystalline bedrock, disrupting relatively stagnant saline fluids and creating a strong disequilibrium pattern in fluid salinity. To constrain the impact of continental glaciation on variable density fluid flow, heat and solute transport in the Michigan Basin, we constructed a transient two-dimensional finite-element model of the northern half of the basin and imposed modern versus Pleistocene recharge conditions. The sag-type basin contains up to approximately 5 km of Paleozoic strata (carbonates, siliciclastics, and bedded evaporites) overlain by a thick veneer (up to 300 m) of glacial deposits. Formation water salinity increases exponentially from 350 g l−1 TDS at over 800 m depth. Model simulations show that modern groundwater flow is primarily restricted to shallow glacial drift aquifers with discharge to the Great Lakes. During the Pleistocene, however, high hydraulic heads from melting of the Laurentide Ice Sheet reversed regional flow patterns and focused recharge into Paleozoic carbonate and siliciclastic aquifers. Dilute waters (<20 g l−1 TDS) migrated approximately 110 km laterally into the Devonian carbonate aquifers, significantly depressing the freshwater-saline water mixing zones. These results are consistent with 14C ages and oxygen isotope values of confined groundwaters in Devonian carbonates along the basin margin, which reflect past recharge beneath the Laurentide Ice Sheet (14–50 ka). Constraining the paleohydrology of glaciated sedimentary basins, such as the Michigan Basin, is important for determining the source and residence times of groundwater resources, in addition to resolving geologic forces responsible for basinal-scale fluid and solute migration.
Optical properties of stratified media with exponentially graded refractive index.

Reflectance and transmittance of electromagnetic radiation from an exponentially graded-index multilayer dielectric structure are investigated theoretically. It is shown that such a structure maximizes the optical transmission in the case in which this transmission is approximated by summing intensities. Transmittance and reflectance of coherent radiation are also calculated for both thick and thin layers and are compared with the ones obtained by incoherent summation.
Targeting metabolism for lupus therapy

Drugs that correct defects in T cell metabolism may prove to be promising treatments for lupus.
On Cooperative Caching in Wireless P2P Networks

Some recent studies have shown that cooperative cache can improve the system performance in wireless P2P networks such as ad hoc networks and mesh networks. However, all these studies are at a very high level, leaving many design and implementation issues unanswered. In this paper, we present our design and implementation of cooperative cache in wireless P2P networks. We propose a novel asymmetric cooperative cache approach, where the data requests are transmitted to the cache layer on every node, but the data replies are only transmitted to the cache layer at the intermediate nodes that need to cache the data. This solution not only reduces the overhead of copying data between the user space and the kernel space, it also allows data pipelines to reduce the end-to-end delay. We also study the effects of different MAC layers such as 802.11 based ad hoc networks and multi-interface multi-channel based mesh networks, on the performance of cooperative cache. Our results show that the asymmetric approach outperforms the symmetric approach in traditional 802.11 based ad hoc networks by removing most of the processing overhead. In mesh networks, the asymmetric approach can significantly reduce the data access delay compared to the symmetric approach due to data pipelines.
Magnetic nanoparticles with functional silanes: evolution of well-defined shells from anhydride containing silane

Modification of iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized by high temperature solvothermal routes is carried out using two silanes: (i) N-(6-aminohexyl)-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (AHAPS) where only one end of the molecule reacts with the surface Fe–OH groups and (ii) 3-(triethoxysilyl)propylsuccinic anhydride (SSA) where both ends are reactive with Fe–OH. Depending on the NP synthesis protocol, the amount of surface OH groups on the NPs may differ, however, for all the cases presented here, the comparatively low OH group density prevents a high density of AHAPS coverage, yielding NP aggregates instead of single particles in aqueous solutions. Alternatively, use of SSA containing two terminal functionalities, anhydride and siloxy, which are both reactive towards the NP surface, results in the formation of discrete dense polymeric shells, providing stability of individual NPs in water. The mechanism of the SSA shell formation is discussed. The evolution of the chemical transformations leads to shells of different thickness and density, yet this evolution can be halted by hydrolysis, after which the NPs are water soluble, negatively charged and exhibit excellent stability in aqueous media.
Damped and persistent oscillations in a simple model of cell crawling

A very simple, one-dimensional, discrete, autonomous model of cell crawling is proposed; the model involves only three or four coupled first-order differential equations. This form is sufficient to describe many general features of cell migration, including both steady forward motion and oscillatory progress. Closed-form expressions for crawling speeds and internal forces are obtained in terms of dimensionless parameters that characterize active intracellular processes and the passive mechanical properties of the cell. Two versions of the model are described: a basic cell model with simple elastic coupling between front and rear, which exhibits stable, steady forward crawling after initial transient oscillations have decayed, and a poroelastic model, which can exhibit oscillatory crawling in the steady state.
Inherent Anticipation in the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industries

Pharmaceutical and biotech research often involves discovering new properties of, or new methods to use, existing compositions. The doctrine of inherent anticipation, however, prevents the issuance and/or validity of a patent for discoveries deemed to have been implicitly disclosed in the prior art. This can be a barrier to patent rights in these technologies. Inherent anticipation therefore creates uncertainty for patent protection in the pharmaceutical and biotech sciences. Despite this uncertainty, Federal Circuit jurisprudence provides guidance on the boundaries of the inherent anticipation doctrine. In view of the case law, certain strategies may be employed to protect inventions that may potentially be viewed as inherent in the prior art.
Currency Preferences in a Tri-Polar Model of Foreign Exchange

This paper reopens the subject of currency preferences while modeling the exchange rates among three major currencies - the US dollar, the euro and the Japanese yen. The exchange rate model presented in this paper includes not only traditional determinants of bilateral exchange rates but incorporates third-currency effects in addition. The obtained estimation results are interpreted from the perspective of possible currency substitution and complementarity relationships. We find evidence of currency complementarity between the yen and the euro, and currency substitution of the dollar for both the euro and the yen. The estimated third-currency effects are consistent with our findings on currency substitution and complementarity among the three major currencies.
The Thermo-Acidophilic Cyanidiophyceae (Cyanidiales)

Extremophiles are organisms that thrive in environments previously thought inhospitable to life because the physicochemical characteristics fall outside the range tolerated by human cells. These types of environments are usually fatal to most eukaryotes, but have been shown to host a diverse group of prokaryotes that rely on specialized enzymes for survival. Extremophiles are permanently exposed to harsh environmental conditions and are categorized according to their ability to thrive in a specific type of niche. For example, thermophiles grow at temperatures above 50°C, psycrophiles prefer temperatures below 15°C, piezophiles are pressure-lovers, halophiles are found in high salt concentrations, whereas acidophiles and alkaliphiles thrive at an extreme pH of ≤ 3 and ≥ 10, respectively. These taxa are found in hot and cold deserts, hot springs, salt lakes, in sulfide mines, or near deep-sea vents all around the world. It has been speculated that if extraterrestrial life exists, it would be in the form of an extremophile.
Field Investigation of Mating Behaviour of Agrilus cyanescens and Agrilus subcinctus

We examined mate-finding behaviour in Agrilus subcinctus Gory (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) and Agrilus cyanescens Ratzeburg (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in ash (Fraxinus L. (Oleaceae)) stands in the Great Lakes region of the United States of America. Dead specimens of both species were affixed to ash foliage to serve as models to test visual stimulation of aerial attraction of males. The models were washed in dichloromethane to remove cuticular lipids or were left unwashed, to test for the presence of close-range pheromonal cues. Males of both species located females via a visually guided aerial approach from up to 1 m above females, similar to the behaviour of Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire. When male A. subcinctus or A. cyanescens made contact with females, contact sex pheromones mediated subsequent copulation behaviour. During their visually mediated airborne descent and landing, male A. cyanescens landed directly on female models; whereas, male A. subcinctus landed significantly more often on the leaf surface supporting a model. Male A. subcintus performed precopulatory pounce behaviour on female models after assessing surface chemical cues with their antennae. Male A. cyanescens landed upon a variety of models, but after landing, rejected a significant proportion of models lacking female A. cyanescens cuticular lipids.
A robust clock synchronization algorithm for wireless sensor networks

Recently, the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) and Cramer-Rao Lower Bound (CRLB) were proposed with the goal of maximizing and assessing the synchronization accuracy in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Because the network delays may assume any distribution and the performance of MLE is quite sensitive to the distribution of network delays, designing clock synchronization algorithms that are robust to unknown network delay distributions appears as an important problem. By adopting a Bayesian framework, this paper proposes a novel clock synchronization algorithm, called Iterative Gaussian Mixture Kalman Particle Filter (IGMKPF), which is shown to achieve good and robust performance in the presence of unknown network delay distributions. The Posterior Cramer-Rao Bound (PCRB) and the Mean-Square Error (MSE) of IGMKPF are evaluated and shown to exhibit improved performance and robustness relative to MLE.
Towards an algorithmic theory of robustness

Let /spl Sigma/ be the set of stable linear time invariant autonomous systems, equipped with a stability robustness measure /spl rho/. Let /spl Tscr//sub /spl Ascr// be the measure of the computational efficiency of the algorithm /spl Ascr/that verifies the stability of the elements of /spl Sigma/. We demonstrate the existence of a natural robustness measure /spl rho/, algorithm /spl Ascr/, and a monotonically increasing function h, such that for all stable /spl Sscr//spl isin//spl Sigma/.
Effects of water in simulated borosilicate-based nuclear waste glasses on their properties

The effects of water on the properties of simulated nuclear waste glasses were investigated. Water content in the glasses was varied by melting under different water vapor pressures and subsequently determined by IR spectroscopy. Water was found to deteriorate chemical durability of the glasses determined by the product consistency test (PCT) using powder specimens but not by the MCC-1 test using bulk specimens. Water in the glasses also decreased the glass transition temperature. By contrast, the effects of water on glass melt properties were smaller. Electrical conductivity changed only slightly, and viscosity remained unchanged within experimental error.
Re: CYP2D6 Genotyping and the Use of Tamoxifen in Breast Cancer

Donald Berry in his recent editorial (1) regarding the role of CYP2D6 and tamoxifen highlights several controversies that exist in the clinical and biomarker field for women with breast cancer. The International Tamoxifen Pharmacogenomics Consortium (ITPC) was formed with the intent to aggregate, curate, and analyze the data available in published breast cancer studies with the hope of answering the question, “Should CYP2D6 genotyping guide the use of tamoxifen in breast cancer?” The ITPC analyzed nearly 5000 patients regarding the association between CYP2D6 and clinical outcomes (2). These data demonstrated that CYP2D6 genotype was associated with the risk of recurrence or death in those patients who received tamoxifen monotherapy for 5 years but not in patients who received different doses or duration of tamoxifen or those who received chemotherapy along with tamoxifen. We are in agreement with Berry that further research is required to understand these complex relationships, and our intent has always been that others will be able to use the ITPC dataset to understand the data as fully as possible in conjunction with their own research efforts. The complete dataset of genotypes and clinical variables, the analysis code, and the full analyses are transparently available at PharmGKB (http://www.pharmgkb.org). Although we disagree with Berry about his conclusion in answering the all-important question of whether CYP2D6-guided genotype therapy is appropriate, we invite other researchers and practitioners to examine the data from their own perspectives and engage in ongoing efforts to use these data to the benefit of patients with breast cancer.
Inhibition of Cytochrome P450 Enzymes by the E- and Z-Isomers of Norendoxifen

Aromatase catalyzes the conversion of testosterone to estradiol and is the main source of endogenous estrogen in postmenopausal women. Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are used to treat postmenopausal women with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer. Norendoxifen [4-(1-(4-(2-aminoethoxy)phenyl)-2-phenylbut-1-en-1-yl)phenol], an active metabolite of the selective estrogen receptor modulator tamoxifen, has been shown to be a potent competitive AI, with an IC50 of 90 nM. To obtain data relevant to the clinical use of norendoxifen, the primary objective of this study was to investigate norendoxifen’s inhibitory capability on enzymes related to drug-drug interactions. We determined the inhibitory ability of norendoxifen against important drug-metabolizing cytochrome P450 enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and CYP2C19, to establish the potency of norendoxifen as a potential cause of drug-drug interactions. A second objective was to determine the effects of E- and Z-norendoxifen on the inhibition of these enzymes to further characterize the isomers’ selectivity. The inhibitory abilities of E-, mixed, and Z-norendoxifen against recombinant aromatase (CYP19), CYP1A2, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and CYP2C19 were tested using microsomal incubations. Mixed norendoxifen inhibited these enzymes with Ki values of 70 ± 9, 76 ± 3, 375 ± 6, 829 ± 62, and 0.56 ± 0.02 nM, respectively. E-Norendoxifen had a 9.3-fold-higher inhibitory ability than Z-norendoxifen against CYP19, while E- and Z-norendoxifen had similar potencies against CYP1A2, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and CYP2C19. These results suggest that norendoxifen is able to act as a potent AI, and that its E-isomer is 9.3-fold more potent than the Z-isomer.
Call-type classification and unsupervised training for the call center domain

We describe recent experiments in call-type classification and acoustic modeling for speech recognition in the call center domain. We first describe the CU Call Center Corpus, a database of human-to-human conversations recorded from an information technology (IT) help desk call center located on the University of Colorado campus. Next, we describe our analysis and labeling of the recorded conversations into a hierarchical taxonomy of the call types. We consider four methods for call-type classification and provide initial experiments illustrating classification error rates for this new task domain. It is shown that lightly supervised training based on using the output from an automatic speech recognizer in conjunction with supervised labeling of calls by call-type can substantially reduce classification error rates and development efforts when only limited training data are available. A call-type classification error rate of 24% is achieved using a classifier based on support vector machines. Finally, we consider issues related to unsupervised acoustic and language model training for improved call transcription and point to directions for future work.
A stitch in time saves nine: suture technique does not affect intestinal growth in a young, growing animal model.

Abstract Background Although this issue remains unexamined, pediatric surgeons commonly use simple interrupted suture for bowel anastomosis, as it is thought to improve intestinal growth postoperatively compared to continuous running suture. However, effects on intestinal growth are unclear. We compared intestinal growth using different anastomotic techniques during the postoperative period in young rats. Methods Young, growing rats underwent small bowel transection and anastomosis using either simple interrupted or continuous running technique. At 7-weeks postoperatively after a four-fold growth, the anastomotic site was resected. Diameters and burst pressures were measured. Results Thirteen rats underwent anastomosis with simple interrupted technique and sixteen with continuous running method. No differences were found in body weight at first (102.46 vs 109.75g) or second operations (413.85 vs 430.63g). Neither the diameters (0.69 vs 0.79cm) nor burst pressures were statistically different, although the calculated circumference was smaller in the simple interrupted group (2.18 vs 2.59cm; p=0.03). No ruptures occurred at the anastomotic line. Conclusions This pilot study is the first to compare continuous running to simple interrupted intestinal anastomosis in a pediatric model and showed no difference in growth. Adopting continuous running techniques for bowel anastomosis in young children may lead to faster operative time without affecting intestinal growth.
Selection Effects and Economic Sanctions

Several scholars have tried to import arguments about selection effects from the literature on deterrence crises into the context of studies of economic sanctions. They claim that datasets of economic sanctions episodes oversample highly motivated target states, because less motivated targets should be expected to concede invisibly at the threat stage, before sanctions are imposed. As a result, they claim that sanctions are really more effective than they appear. However, the structure of the strategic interaction in economic sanctions cases does not exactly mirror the structure in deterrence crises, so we should not expect to find the same selection effect. This article explains the differences and their implications for empirical studies of economic sanctions effectiveness.
On accurate and precise generation of generalized Poisson variates

AbstractThis article is concerned with comparison of a few random variate generation techniques for the generalized Poisson distribution. An evaluation is conducted on the degree of proximity between the estimates for its two distributional parameters and first four moments, and the specified or computed true population values via commonly accepted accuracy and precision measures in a simulated setting.
A pilot study of sequential therapy with zidovudine plus acyclovir, dideoxyinosine, and dideoxycytidine in patients with severe human immunodeficiency virus infection.

A pilot study was initiated to explore a sequential combination antiretroviral regimen in 21 patients with AIDS or advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, who had received little or no prior anti-HIV therapy. The mean entry CD4 cell count was 184/mm3. Patients received 3-week cycles consisting of zidovudine plus acyclovir, dideoxyinosine, and dideoxycytidine for 1 week each. Overall, the regimen was well tolerated for up to 3 years. The principal toxicities were anemia, nausea, and vomiting; 1 patient developed retinal lesions. The mean CD4 cell count reached a peak of 64 cells/mm3 above baseline at week 8 (P = .005 compared to baseline) and remained above baseline for > 40 weeks. Patients also gained weight and had decreases in serum HIV p24 antigen. Eight patients developed opportunistic infections or tumors. Only 4 patients died during 3 years of follow-up. This regimen appears to be generally tolerable and to have anti-HIV activity. Additional studies will be needed, however, to learn how to best combine the available agents in patients with HIV infection.
Melting Velocity Measurements in Silicon

Melting velocities in silicon were measured on a picosecond time scale by employing pump-probe and self-reflectivity measurements. The pump laser was a 40 picosecond XeCl excimer (308 nm) and the probe a dye laser at 600 nm. Samples were phosphorous doped silicon wafers. Average melt-in velocities as high as 800 m/s were observed. Best fit to the data was achieved with an asymmetric transient state theory model.
Interstellar Molecular Hydrogen

The dominant photodissociation process for H2 under interstellar conditions is absorption in the lines of the ultraviolet Lyman bands at 912 A < λ < 1108 A and re-emission into the continuum at λ ~ 1600 A. It is shown that 40% of all upward transitions in this band lead to emission into the continuum of the ground state and therefore dissociation of the molecule. The photodissociation rate is calculated and the theory is developed for the abundance of interstellar H2. It is shown that interstellar space will be divided into atomic and molecular regions in a manner analogous to the division between HII and HI regions. The molecular regions will exist only where the rate of formation of H2 is sufficiently great to build up a self-shielding layer. This is expected in cold clouds with number densities greater than 100 atoms cm-3. Normal regions of interstellar space will have an extremely small abundance of molecular hydrogen.
Explosive hazard detection using synthetic aperture acoustic sensing

In this paper, we develop an approach to detect explosive hazards designed to attack vehicles from the side of a road, using a side looking synthetic aperture acoustic (SAA) sensor. This is done by first processing the raw data using a back-projection algorithm to form images. Next, an RX prescreener creates a list of possible targets, each with a designated confidence. Initial experiments are performed on libraries of the highest confidence hits for both target and false alarm classes generated by the prescreener. Image chips are extracted using pixel locations derived from the target’s easting and northing. Several feature types are calculated from each image chip, including: histogram of oriented gradients (HOG), and generalized column projection features where the column aggregator takes the form of the minimum, maximum, mean, median, mode, standard deviation, variance, and the one-dimensional fast Fourier transform (FFT). A support vector machine (SVM) classifier is then utilized to evaluate feature type performance during training and testing in order to determine whether the two classes are separable. This will be used to build an online detection system for road-side explosive hazards.
Investigation on A Food Poisoning Induced by Diarrheagenic Escherichia Coli and Vibrio Parahaemolyticus

[Objective]To identify the cause of an food poisoning with 166 cases.[Methods]The detection was based on GB/T4789-2003" Microbiological Examination of Food Hygiene" and other standards.[Results]Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli was detected in the rectal swab samples of 3 kitchen workers and 1 copy of kitchen cleaning swab samples and the rectal swab samples of 2 patient.Vibrio parahaemolyticus was detected in the rectal swab samples of 3 patients and 3 copies of kitchen cleaning swab samples and 5 food samples left.[Conclusion]Through field investigation,epidemiological analysis,clinical manifestations and detection results,the incident is identified as a food poisoning induced by Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli and Vibrio parahaemolyticus.