cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Engineered and Native Coenzyme B12-dependent Isovaleryl-CoA/Pivalyl-CoA Mutase

Adenosylcobalamin-dependent isomerases catalyze carbon skeleton rearrangements using radical chemistry. We have recently demonstrated that an isobutyryl-CoA mutase variant, IcmF, a member of this enzyme family that catalyzes the interconversion of isobutyryl-CoA and n-butyryl-CoA also catalyzes the interconversion between isovaleryl-CoA and pivalyl-CoA, albeit with low efficiency and high susceptibility to inactivation. Given the biotechnological potential of the isovaleryl-CoA/pivalyl-CoA mutase (PCM) reaction, we initially attempted to engineer IcmF to be a more proficient PCM by targeting two active site residues predicted based on sequence alignments and crystal structures, to be key to substrate selectivity. Of the eight mutants tested, the F598A mutation was the most robust, resulting in an ∼17-fold increase in the catalytic efficiency of the PCM activity and a concomitant ∼240-fold decrease in the isobutyryl-CoA mutase activity compared with wild-type IcmF. Hence, mutation of a single residue in IcmF tuned substrate specificity yielding an ∼4000-fold increase in the specificity for an unnatural substrate. However, the F598A mutant was even more susceptible to inactivation than wild-type IcmF. To circumvent this limitation, we used bioinformatics analysis to identify an authentic PCM in genomic databases. Cloning and expression of the putative AdoCbl-dependent PCM with an α2β2 heterotetrameric organization similar to that of isobutyryl-CoA mutase and a recently characterized archaeal methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, allowed demonstration of its robust PCM activity. To simplify kinetic analysis and handling, a variant PCM-F was generated in which the αβ subunits were fused into a single polypeptide via a short 11-amino acid linker. The fusion protein, PCM-F, retained high PCM activity and like PCM, was resistant to inactivation. Neither PCM nor PCM-F displayed detectable isobutyryl-CoA mutase activity, demonstrating that PCM represents a novel 5′-deoxyadenosylcobalamin-dependent acyl-CoA mutase. The newly discovered PCM and the derivative PCM-F, have potential applications in bioremediation of pivalic acid found in sludge, in stereospecific synthesis of C5 carboxylic acids and alcohols, and in the production of potential commodity and specialty chemicals.
Predicción de la distribución de un parásito usando el modelo de nicho ecológico, GARP

The ecological niche of a parasite exists only at the nexus of certain abiotic and biotic conditions suitable for both the definitive and intermediate hosts. However, the life cycles of most parasites are not known , or are poorly known, and using known ranges of hosts to find endemic parasitic infections has been difficult. However, with ecological niche modeling, we can create potential range maps using known localities of infection. Testing the validity of such maps requires knowledge of the localities of other parasites with common history. Here, we find that the ecological niche of a tapeworm parasite of voles, Paranoplocephala macrocephala (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae), allows prediction of the presence (in ecological and geographic space) of 19 related parasite species from 3 genera in 23 different hosts throughout the Nearctic. These results give credence to the idea that this group shares similar life cycle requirements despite phylogenetic distance. This work further validates ecological niche modeling as a means by which to predict occurrence of parasites when not all facets of the life cycle are confirmed. Such inductive methods create the opportunity for deducing potential reservoir or intermediate hosts, and complementing studies of parasite biodiversity and community ecology.
Fluorescence of adsorbed protein layers. II: Adsorption of human lipoproteins studied by total internal reflection intrinsic fluorescence

Abstract The total internal reflection intrinsic fluorescence (TIRIF) method was applied to the study of adsorption of intact human lipoproteins. High (HDL) and low (LDL) density lipoproteins were adsorbed separately on two model surfaces: hydrophilic and hydrophobic silica. The adsorption of the two lipoproteins on the two surfaces was different. The lipoprotein adsorption on the hydrophilic surface can be described quantitatively using the transport-limited adsorption model and assuming that the lipoprotein fluorescence quantum yield decrease upon adsorption is constant. The latter was caused by the interactions between the exposed lipoprotein tryptophanyl residues and the surface. The fluorescence emission maximum shift supported this conclusion. The hydrophobic silica surface induced different and probably larger changes in lipoprotein conformation than the hydrophilic silica surface. In the case of HDL adsorption onto the hydrophobic silica surface the adsorption maximum and the subsequent adsorption decrease found in the midcourse of the adsorption indicate preferential surface accumulation of the HDL apo A-II protein.
Work in progress - MUSE - multi-university systems education

An undergraduate track in wireless sensor networks is being developed as a vehicle for learning systems thinking and as an example of complex-engineered designs. This track features (1) online tutorials, (2) a systems-centric, senior technical elective, (3) a culminating capstone design course emphasizing inter-university collaboration, and (4) a hardware/software testbed that is distributed across universities. The project is in its first year and results to date are presented.
Chromatic organization of a cichlid fish retina.

Abstract Cone photoreceptors in the retina of the African cichlid fish, Haplochromis burtoni. are arranged in a mosaic pattern: four twin cones arranged in a square around a single central cone. Using a functional cytochemical technique, the two different photopigments in the twin cones are shown to have an alternating symmetry pattern about the central cone. This symmetry pattern produces a uniform distribution of retinal pigment types and is very likely a general principle of retinal organization in fish.
The feasibility of office-based laser-assisted tympanic membrane fenestration with tympanostomy tube insertion: the duPont Hospital experience.

Objective: To determine the feasibility of inserting tympanostomy tubes in children using office-based laser-assisted tympanic membrane fenestration. Methods and materials: Study consisted of a retrospective review of the charts of all children who underwent office-based laser-assisted tympanic membrane fenestration with tympanostomy tube insertion from July 1, 1998 to August 31, 2000. Tetracaine eardrops were used for topical anesthesia. Fenestration was achieved with the OtoLAM flashscanner laser (ESC Sharplan, Yokneam, Israel). Results: Of the 127 patients (185 ears) who underwent laser-assisted tympanic membrane fenestration, 61 ears underwent tympanostomy tube insertion. Ten ears were treated for otitis media with effusion, 43 for recurrent acute otitis media, and eight for acute otitis media not responding to antibiotics. Fifteen ears had purulent effusion, five had a serous effusion, and 23 had mucoid middle ear fluid. Eighteen ears had no middle ear fluid. At the first follow-up visit, all tested ears had hearing of 20 dB or better. Two children had tubes that were blocked. Blockage occurred in ears that required more than one laser firing to penetrate the tympanic membrane. Otorrhea was present in 13 ears (21%). Otorrhea occurred exclusively in ears with purulent or mucoid middle ear fluid. Conclusions: Office-based laser-assisted tympanic membrane fenestration with tympanostomy tube insertion is a safe and effective alternative to tube placement in the operating room. The outcome compares favorably with previously published data.
Saturated two-photon resonance ionization of He(2$sup 1$S)

We have developed a photoionization method for complete conversion of a quantum-selected population to ionization, making possible sensitive and absolute measurement of the selected populations in a gas. Each photoionization involves the absorption of two photons (from a pulsed dye laser), one of which is resonant with an intermediate state. In this demonstration we measured the absolute number of $\mathrm{He}(2^{1}S)$ states per ion pair following interaction of pulses of 2-MeV protons with He.
Do negative affect characteristics and subjective memory concerns increase risk for late life anxiety

To better understand the development and exacerbation of late-life anxiety, we tested a risk model positing that trait negative affect (NA) characteristics would interact with cognitive functioning, thereby increasing some older adults' risk for increased anxiety symptoms. The moderator-mediator model consisted of measures of NA, cognitive functioning, and their interaction, as predictors of later Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale scores (HARS) via a mediational process, subjective memory concerns (SMCs). Older adults (aged 65-years and over; M(age)=76.7 years, SD=6.90 years) completed evaluations four times over approximately 18 months. A latent growth curve model including Anxiety Sensitivity Index total score (ASI), Mattis Dementia Rating Scale-2 (DRS) total raw score, the ASI×DRS interaction, a SMC measure as mediator, HARS intercept (scores at times 3 and 4), and HARS slope provided good fit. The ASI×DRS-2 interaction at Time 1 predicted HARS slope score (β=-.34, p<.05). When ASI score was high, stronger cognitive functioning was associated with fewer anxiety symptoms. The indirect effect of ASI score predicting HARS score 18-months later through the SMC mediator was statistically significant (β=.08, p<.05). Results suggest that the cognitive functioning changes associated with aging might contribute to the development of anxiety symptoms in older adults with specific NA traits. Implications for predicting and preventing late life anxiety disorders are discussed.
Abstract C91: PyVmT luminal and EMT cell lines exhibit characteristic patterns of orthotopic and tail vein metastasis

Understanding pathways leading to metastasis remains a primary goal of breast cancer research. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is thought to be critical in this process as tumor cells migrate through the stroma and undergo deformation while passing endothelial cells to enter the circulation. To examine the role of EMT in tumor metastasis, we have developed a number of stable cell lines in polyomavirus middle T (PyVmT) mammary tumors congenic in the C57Bl/6 background. In this study we characterized the metastatic properties of a luminal cell line Py230 and an EMT cell line Py8119, both of which have cancer stem cell properties of self-renewal, differentiation and tumor initiation. Py230 cells form well-differentiated epithelial adenocarcinomas typical of the spontaneous PyVmT model when injected orthotopically. Injection of 1-10 cells at a single site can give rise to 1-2 metastases over a period of approximately 20 weeks, however the number of metastases can be increased and the duration of the experiment reduced, by injecting 106 cells at 4 sites and removing the tumors at 5-6 weeks when they reach 7-8 mm diameter. After an additional 4-5 weeks multiple lung metastases are visible. Multiple lung metastases can also be achieved by tail vein injection of 5 x 105 cells and inflammation plays a role in the growth at this site as a significant reduction in metastasis is observed in mice lacking the inducible nitric oxide synthase. No Py230 tumor metastases are found in other tissues such as liver, kidney or spleen either with orthotopic or tail vein injection. In contrast, Py8119 cells form highly invasive, poorly differentiated claudin low EMT tumors upon injection into the mammary fat pad. The tumors grow rapidly, but excision does not result in lung metastasis despite their highly invasive phenotype, indicating that EMT alone is not sufficient for metastasis from the mammary fat pad. However, when the cells are injected into the tail vein, metastases develop at multiple tissue sites including lung, liver, kidney and spleen. Py8119 cells upregulate markers of EMT including twist, sna1, sna2 and MMP2 in comparison to Py230 cells, but whether Py230 cells undergo transient EMT and MET during metastasis is currently unknown. Additional luminal or EMT cell lines exhibit similar patterns of metastasis to the Py230 and Py8119 cell lines respectively. Since the majority of human breast cancers are luminal and the less frequent claudin low tumors have a poor prognosis, both the Py230 and Py8119 cell lines should be a useful in dissecting pathways of metastasis relevant to human breast cancer. Citation Format: Lesley G. Ellies, Christopher Kuo. PyVmT luminal and EMT cell lines exhibit characteristic patterns of orthotopic and tail vein metastasis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Invasion and Metastasis; Jan 20-23, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(3 Suppl):Abstract nr C91.
The Children's Orientation and Amnesia Test: Educational status is a moderator variable in tracking recovery from TBI

The Children's Orientation and Amnesia Test (COAT) is an objective, standardized means of assessing cognitive functioning in children and adolescents who are in the early stages of recovery from traumatic brain injury. The COAT is composed of 16 items that assess general orientation, temporal orientation, and memory. This study was designed to determine if children who are receiving special education services perform more poorly on the COAT than children who are in the regular classroom. It was found that children receiving special services performed significantly more poorly, and 13% of them were classified in the impaired range, as compared to 3% of the students in the regular classroom. The results provide important reference data for interpreting COAT scores of children with traumatic brain injuries who have either premorbid learning disabilities or other special service needs.
Synapse formation in the olfactory cortex by regenerating optic axons: ultrastructural evidence for polyspecific chemoaffinity.

The optic nerve was severed at its entry into the optic chiasma and implanted into the striatal region of the ipsilateral cerebral hemisphere in adult frogs (Rana pipiens). Regenerating retinal ganglion cell axons, observed by the autoradiographic tracing method and by horseradish peroxidase (HRP) fiber filling, grew anteriorly along the olfactory tracts and posteriorly along the ipsilateral lateral forebrain bundle and stria medullaris. Many of the regenerating axons ultimately joined the ipsilateral optic tract. The optic axons formed terminal plexuses in the olfactory cortex, lateral geniculate complex, pretectum, tectum, and basal optical nucleus but not in the amygdala or other cerebral territories not postsynaptic to the olfactory bulb, nor in the cell groups associated with the lateral forebrain bundle or stria medullaris. Optic axon terminals labeled with HRP were observed by electron microscopy in the ipsilateral olfactory cortex and in the normal projection areas of the optic nerve, although they were misplaced to the ipsilateral side. They contained clear, spherical synaptic vesicles and pale mitochondria and made Gray type I, asymmetric contacts on dendrites. The retinal projection to the olfactory cortex was formed early in regeneration and was maintained to some degree for periods up to 39 weeks. It was absent in a specimen surviving 50 weeks. Retinal innervation appeared earlier in the lateral geniculate complex and pretectum than in the tectum. These observations suggest that regenerating retinal ganglion cell axons have an affinity for neurons in the olfactory cortex, as well as for the neurons in the optic pathway to which they are normally postsynaptic. Unless the apparent selectivity of the aberrant projection is regulated by principles other than those that bring about the reinnervation of the normal optic centers, the data further suggest that the nature of the molecular mechanisms conveying synaptic specificity must be broad enough to permit the formation of limited sets of alternative synaptic connections. The ability to innervate selectively targets other than those normally specified is termed, here, polyspecificity. Since polyspecificity refers to the the affinity of retinal ganglion axons, as a class, for target, structures considered as unit aggregates, it is conceptually different from the graded affinity of ganglion cells in different regions of the retina for target neurons in different regions of the tectum. Hierarchically interactive mechanisms capable of regulating the expression of affinity molecules during development are discussed as a means for restricting the formation or stabilization of nonstandard connection hypothetically made possible by polyspecificity.
Optimal Customer Relationship Management Using Bayesian Decision Theory: An Application for Customer Selection

Abstract This study addresses significant challenges that practitioners face when using customer lifetime value (CLV) for customer selection. First, the authors propose a Bayesian decision theory–based customer selection framework that accommodates the uncertainty inherent in predicting customer behavior. They develop a joint model of purchase timing and quantity that is amenable for selecting customers using CLV. Second, the authors compare performance of the proposed customer selection framework (1) with the current customer selection procedure in the collaborating firm and (2) with different customer-level cost allocation rules that are necessary for computing CLV. The study finds that given a budget constraint, customers selected by means of a Bayesian decision theory–based framework (i.e., using the maximized expected CLV of a customer and the corresponding optimal marketing costs as an estimate of future costs) provide the highest profits. The study provides guidelines for implementation and illustr...
Carvedilol tweaks calcium release to ease arrhythmias

Spontaneous calcium release from intracellular stores can trigger irregular heart beats and sudden death. A new study shows that the heart failure drug carvedilol prevents irregular heart beats by a unique action on calcium release channels (pages 1003–1009).
Procedure for processing spectroscopic dispersion vs absorption (DISPA) line shapes

Abstract For a single Lorentzian line, a plot of dispersion versus absorption (DISPA) gives a perfect circle. For any line shape, the magnitude and direction of displacement of an experimental DISPA plot from its reference circle can be used to diagnose the line-broadening mechanism (e.g. multiple peak positions, multiple peak widths, chemical exchange, saturation broadening, etc.), based on the digitized envelope of a single spectrum. The present algorithm generates normalized absorption and dispersion data sets curves from digitized experimental spectra, and displays normalized reference and experimental DISPA curves in both video and hard copy analog recorder form. In order to symmetrize the final display and reduce compu tation time, the procedure first narrows the frequency range to 20 dispersion peak-to-peak widths on either side of the absorption maximum. The absorption and dispersion baselines are then (separately) flattened. The true absorption peak height and position are accurately estimated usinga polynomial approximation near resonance. The algorithm then normalized the baseline-flattened absorption and dispersion data sets, and plots the corresponding DISPA curve superimposed on a reference circle whose diameter is the calculated absorption peak height. Spacing of the displayed DISPA data points automatically increases with the frequency separation from the center of resonance, for faster plotting and reduced redundancy in display. As a Pascal program, the procedure executes directly on a Bruker Aspect 2000 computer, and can readily be adapted to other computers with Pascal compilers.
Influence of pressure on solute retention in liquid chromatography

Abstract Confirming recent, independent experimental results, simple considerations of thermodynamics show that the logarithm of the retention factors of solutes vary linearly with increasing pressure, in the pressure range most commonly used (0–200 atm). The coefficient of this dependence increases linearly with the difference between the partial molar volumes of the solute in the stationary and the mobile phases. For homologues, this coefficient increases linearly with the number of carbon atoms and with the difference, ΔVCH2, between the partial molar volumes of a CH2 group in the two phases. The pressure dependence of the retention factor may be significant because for a C18—methanol system ΔVCH2/VCH2 is of the order of 6%.
Latino Audiences, Racial/Ethnic Identification, and Responses to Stereotypical Comedy

Given the popularity of comedy, humor is an important avenue for examining the racial/ethnic stereotyping effects. Grounded in social identity theory, this study explores the effects of stereotypical comedy on Latino audiences. A 2 × 2 × 2 factorial experiment was conducted to explore how Latino participants’ (N = 150) racial/ethnic identification level (high/low) and comedians’ race/ethnicity (Latino/White) influence evaluations of a target alleged offender (Latino/White) in subsequent scenarios. Findings revealed that participants rated the comedy more favorably when the comedian was Latino compared to when the comedian was White. Moreover, participants with high levels of racial/ethnic identification rated the comedy script as significantly more stereotypical and the White target alleged offender as significantly more culpable than the Latino alleged offender.
B-type natriuretic peptide predicts recurrence of atrial fibrillation after pulmonary vein antral isolation

Background: Recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) occurs in up to 25% of patients after pulmonary vein antral isolation (PVAI). Recently, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) have been associated with AF. We aimed to test the hypothesis that elevated preablation BNP or CRP levels can predict the recurrence of AF post-PVAI. Methods: BNP and CRP levels were prospectively drawn on all patients before ablation on the day of the scheduled procedure. Follow-up was performed by weekly transtelephonic transmissions, even if asymptomatic, for 3 months and scheduled Holter monitoring at follow-up. Uniand multivariate analyses were performed on demographic, clinical and echo data, CRP and BNP to determine predictors of AF recurrence. For regression analysis log BNP and log CRP were used because these values were skewed. Results: Between 3/03 and 1/04, 521 patients underwent PVAI. After 280 136 days of follow-up 20% of patients (102/521) had recurrence of AF, defined as recurrence after 8 weeks post PVAI. There was no difference in gender distribution (25% vs 30% females), hypertension, LV function (55.8 8% vs 55.6 6%), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), left atrial size, history of coronary artery disease (CAD), beta-blocker or pre-procedural antiarrhythmic drug use between the patients who developed recurrence of AF and those who did not. Pre-op plasma BNP and CRP levels were higher in the recurrence group (median 87pg/ml vs 58 pg/ml, Inter Quartile Range, IQR, [44,195] vs [25,114], p 0.005 for BNP and 2.6 mg/l vs 2.1mg/l, IQR [1.15,5.5] vs [1.02,4.4] for CRP). In regression analysis that included age, gender, hypertension, LV function, LVH, left atrial size, CAD, drug use, CRP and BNP levels, only BNP predicted recurrence of AF (Odds Ratio 3.2, 95% CI: 1.7-6.0, p 0.001). Conclusion: Pre-ablation plasma BNP level is an independent predictor of AF recurrence after PVAI. CRP levels were not predictive of recurrence. BNP may be a more sensitive marker of atrial remodeling than CRP, atrial size or LV function. AB8-3
Commentary on "Mediation Analysis and Categorical Variables: The Final Frontier" by Dawn Iacobucci.

Abstract The commentary discusses several topics in Dr. Iacobucci's article on mediation analysis with categorical variables including the lack of equivalency of mediated effect measures, ab , and c – c ′, that are algebraically equivalent in ordinary least squares regression models. The commentary raises the issue of correlated mediation coefficients and presents formulas to include the correlation in the test of significance. References to new developments in causal mediation analysis for categorical variables are given and the importance of programs of research to establish a mediation theory is emphasized.
Green's function Monte Carlo method with exact imaginary-time propagation.

We present a general formulation of the Green's function Monte Carlo method in imaginary-time quantum Monte Carlo which employs exact propagators. This algorithm has no time-step errors and is obtained by minimal modifications of the time-independent Green's function Monte Carlo method. We describe how the method can be applied to the many-body Schr\"odinger equation, lattice Hamiltonians, and simple field theories. Our modification of the Green's function Monte Carlo algorithm is applied to the ground state of liquid ${}^{4}\mathrm{He}.$ We calculate the zero-temperature imaginary-time diffusion constant and relate that to the effective mass of a mass-four ``impurity'' atom in liquid ${}^{4}\mathrm{He}.$
Stress effect on the via crack of IMD structure in scrubber processing

The necessity to decrease silicon wafer-processing temperatures substantially has stimulated research into new and innovative technique for the formation of thin dielectric films. A photo-decomposition technique using nitric oxide (NO) is one such promising method. Thermally NO-grown and NO-annealed dielectric films have already shown very encouraging physical and electrical properties. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of UV irradiation on the growth kinetics and on the electrical and physical characteristics of these thin dielectrics and to simulate the decomposition of NO molecules that occurs thermally above 1000 degrees C. Methods using UV and vacuum UV light generated from low-pressure mercury or deuterium lamps to stimulate the growth of ultrathin dielectric films are described. Thin dielectrics were prepared by irradiating a UV beam on the heated silicon substrate covered by a thin layer of nitric oxide gas at different temperatures for various lengths of time. The films grown under the low- pressure mercury lamp displayed a much faster growth rate than under the deuterium lamp. The electrical characteristics of the films grown using a deuterium lamp show encouraging results compared to the low-pressure mercury. Compositions of the various dielectrics formed under the two UV sources were studied using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). MIS devices were fabricated using these films as gate insulators and were electrically characterized. Electrical and physical characterization revealed good film qualities, rendering this new UV-NO dielectric growth technique promising for low temperature semiconductor processing.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
You better be honest: Discouraging free-riding and false-reporting in mobile crowdsourcing

Crowdsourcing is an emerging paradigm where users can pay for the services they need or receive rewards for providing services. One example in wireless networking is mobile crowdsourcing, which leverages a cloud computing platform for recruiting mobile users to collect data (such as photos, videos, mobile user activities, etc) for applications in various domains, such as environmental monitoring, social networking, healthcare, transportation, etc. However, a critical problem arises as how to ensure that users pay or receive what they deserve. Free-riding and false-reporting may make the system vulnerable to dishonest users. In this paper, we aim to design schemes to tackle these problems, so that each individual in the system is better off being honest. We first design a mechanism EFF which eliminates dishonest behavior with the help from a trusted third party for arbitration. We then design another mechanism DFF which, without the help from any third party, discourages free-riding and false-reporting. We prove that EFF eliminates the existence of free-riding and false-reporting, while guaranteeing truthfulness, individual rationality, budget-balance, and computational efficiency. We also prove that DFF is semi-truthful, which discourages dishonest behavior such as free-riding and false-reporting when the rest of the individuals are honest, while guaranteeing budget-balance and computational efficiency. Performance evaluation shows that within our mechanisms, no dishonest behavior could bring extra benefit for each individual.
A Theoretical Comparison of Tsunamis from Dislocations and Landslides

We use simple physical models to evaluate and compare the orders of magnitude of the energy generated into a tsunami wave by seismic dislocations and underwater slumps. We conclude that the two sources can generate tsunamis of comparable total energy. However, the slumping source is shown to be fundamentally dipolar in nature, which results in a low-frequency deficiency in the far-field. These simple conclusions corroborate the interpretation of the 1998 Papua New Guinea tsunami as being generated by an underwater slump.
Fabrication of Cu-induced networks of linear nanostructures on different length scales

Abstract Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy revealed that the deposition Cu onto VSe 2 substrates in ultra-high vacuum leads to the self-organized formation of linear nanostructures, nanowires and nanotunnels, on the substrate surface. The nanowires and nanotunnels are approximately equi-axed and form networks with a mesh width much larger than their diameter. Surprisingly, systematic increase of the Cu coverage studied here does not simply increase the thickness of the nanowires and nanotunnels, but induces the formation of further, distinct networks with increased feature size and increased mesh width. At very high Cu coverages, eventually, we obtained a hierarchy of apparently independent nanowire and nanotunnel networks on different length scales. A model is presented for the micromechanism that leads to this complex arrangement of nanostructures.
Junction characteristics of pulsed laser deposition grown Gd2O3 on p-silicon

Abstract Thin film of gadolinium oxide (Gd 2 O 3 ) is grown on p-silicon using pulsed laser deposition technique. The current–voltage characteristics of the device show non-linear behavior. The values of various junction parameters such as ideality factor, barrier height and series resistance are determined using different techniques. There is a good agreement between the junction parameters obtained from these methods. The ideality factor and barrier height is estimated to be 2.26 and 0.33 eV, respectively.
Relationship between prorenin, IGF-I, IGF-binding proteins and retinopathy in diabetic patients

Plasma prorenin and renin, serum insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and IGF-binding protein (IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-3) concentrations were measured in 22 randomly selected male and female patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or non-IDDM (NIDDM). Plasma prorenin concentration was significantly elevated in patients with proliferative retinopathy (1869.5±785.0 mUL−1, mean±SEM) compared to patients with nonproliferative retinopathy (325.5±73.2 mUL−1, P<0.003) and those without retinopathy (318.6±47.3 mUL−1, P<0.007). Similarly, serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) concentration in patients with proliferative retinopathy (216.3±21.5 μgL−1) was significantly higher than in patients with nonproliferative retinopathy (126.3±14.85 μgL−1, P<0.004) and without retinopathy (135.2±37.26, P<0.05). There was moderately strong positive correlation between plasma prorenin and serum IGF-I concentrations (r=0.56, P<0.01). Plasma prorenin concentration was uninfluenced by change in renal function (creatinine clearance, serum creatinine or BUN), but IGF-I levels were inversely related to creatinine clearance (r=0.67, P<0.002). There was no demonstrable relationship between IGF-binding proteins and prorenin or renin concentrations. In view of some overlap between plasma prorenin and serum IGF-I concentrations in diabetic patients with proliferative and nonproliferative retinopathy, measurement of both markers may be more useful in predicting the development of proliferative retinopathy in patients with diabetes mellitus than either measurement alone.
Resolved: Low-dose prednisone is indicated as a standard treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

It is known and has been repeatedly demonstrated that low doses of prednisone or prednisolone (10 mg daily or 5 mg bid) will control most of the inflammatory features of early polyarticular rheumatoid arthritis (Table 2). Also, low doses of prednisolone are known to retard the bony damage of rheumatoid arthritis, and thus these are the original disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Glucocorticoids are potent antiinflammatory and immunosuppressive agents by virtue of their repression of the genomic expression by transcriptional interference, inhibiting such proinflammatory proteins as COX-2, IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, TNFalpha, and adhesion molecules. Nature has produced an ideal antiinflammatory and immunosuppressive agent, namely glucocorticoids, and it is up to us to use it in appropriate situations (e.g., active early inflammatory polyarticular rheumatoid arthritis) and in low doses, frequently daily divided doses. Low doses of glucocorticoids (prednisone or prednisolone) accomplish everything NSAIDs or COX-2 inhibitors accomplish but with more antiinflammatory effects, fewer side effects, and much less expense. It is certainly possible (but not precisely tested) that low doses of prednisone (prednisolone) enhance the effects of other DMARDs, including anti-TNF agents. The side effects of low-dose glucocorticoids are minimal. By using concomitant calcium and vitamin D and monitoring bone status with DEXA scans, the osteopenia potential of low doses of prednisone will be minimal. The use of low-dose prednisone without NSAIDs will put the patient at very little risk for stomach ulceration and bleeding.
Experimental Identification of Component Parameters for Multiple-Evaporator Vapor Compression Refrigeration Cycle

Vapor compression refrigeration cycles have become a promising alternative for high-heat-flux electronic cooling. Still, this area of research lacks the modeling and control design tools to facilitate its practical implementation. At Rensselaer simulation models for system level design and algorithms for temperature control are being developed to bridge that gap. However, these models need to be validated by experimental results. Since the models are not entirely based on first-principle equations, the empirical relations should be matched to the particular experimental setup used for validation. Therefore, the first step towards validation is the identification of empirical parameters that are intrinsic to the experimental apparatus and are required for the simulation. Consequently, this paper presents the experimental identification of the expansion valve coefficient, and the compressor’s volumetric efficiency used in the model. Experiments are performed at different expansion valve openings and different compressor speeds until steady-state is reached. The steady-state data is used to obtain the expansion valve coefficients, and the compressor’s volumetric efficiency. Finally, the data is used to obtain correlations, which are adequately accurate with reasonable computation cost, for each of the evaluated parameters to be incorporated into the simulation model.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Le décubitus ventral : procédure et rôle infirmier

Resume Le decubitus ventral est une technique simple et efficace pour traiter les hypoxemies severes de patients atteints de syndrome de detresse respiratoire aigue. Elle necessite une implication forte des soignants et repose sur une reflexion prealable formalisee par une procedure ecrite detaillant non seulement la manœuvre de retournement mais aussi les moyens a mettre en œuvre pour limiter les complications. La technique s’articule autour de deux temps forts : la phase de preparation qui conditionne le bon deroulement du retournement puis l’installation et la surveillance du patient qui determinent la tolerance et la prevention des risques potentiels.
Determinants of successful groundcover restoration in forests of the Southeastern United States

Abstract Restoration is a time-consuming and expensive endeavour. As such, it is a field that could benefit immensely from the adoption of an adaptive management approach, where knowledge gained from previous experiences is incorporated into future planning efforts. However, meta-analyses that synthesise results obtained over large spatial scales are rarely conducted, hindering the ability of restoration practitioners to learn from mistakes and successes of others. We present a case study of groundcover restoration in the southeastern United States as an example of the wealth of information that can be obtained from a synthesis of existing data. This example is characteristic of many restoration endeavours in that a large number of decisions must be made during the restoration process. We used Classification and Regression Trees (CART) to identify those restoration activities that most often lead to successful groundcover establishment in forests of the Southeastern US. The most important factors in determining mean survivorship of plants established through outplanting included planting season, the presence of existing canopy cover, and the use of prescribed fire after planting. These three factors alone explained 28% of the variation in mean survivorship (pPRE = 0.28, model PRE = 0.32). In contrast, the single greatest predictive variable in the establishment density of seeds sown on restoration sites was the use of herbicide prior to planting which explained 30% of the variation in establishment rate (pPRE = 0.30, model PRE = 0.38). Based on these analyses, we describe simple, discrete recommendations that should improve the survival and establishment of native plant species in restoration sites across the southeastern coastal plain of the US. We also discuss the utility of CART in distilling large volumes of existing data into easily interpretable recommendations.
Differential response to 1,3-bis (2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea in drug-resistant and -sensitive 9L rat brain tumor cells pretreated with α-difluoromethylornithine and 6-thioguanine

Pretreatment of 9L cells with either alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), which depletes intracellular levels of polyamines, or 6-thioguanine (6TG), which substitutes for guanine in DNA, potentiates the cytotoxic effects of 1,3-bis (2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU). We examined the effects of these 2 agents in combination on the cytotoxicity of BCNU in sensitive (9L) and resistant (BTRC-19) rat brain tumor cell lines. 9L cells were incubated with 0.2 microM 6TG for 72 hr; during the last 48 hr, 1 mM DFMO was added to cell cultures. The cytotoxicity of BCNU in pretreated cells was increased in an additive manner compared with the effects of each agent alone. Results of experiments in which the BCNU-resistant BTRC-19 cell line was treated similarly showed that only 6TG enhanced BCNU cytotoxicity. Flow cytometry studies showed that these effects are not related to cell-cycle processes.
The effects of collision energy and ion vibrational excitation on proton and charge transfer in H2++N2, CO, O2

The effects of vibrational excitation of reagent ions and collision energy on the proton and charge transfer reactions of H2+ and D2+ with N2, CO, and O2 have been investigated using a method combining photoionization and a radio frequency guided ion technique. For proton transfer the H2++N2 results are quite similar to the H2++Ar system; proton and charge transfer channels are closely coupled for kinetic energies above 3 eV. In contrast, for H2++CO, the vibrational dependence of proton transfer is quite weak. For the H2++O2 case, evidence is seen for direct competition between the charge and proton transfer process. A simple model for charge transfer is used to assess the importance of energy resonance and Franck–Condon effects. In these simple molecular systems, the energy defect is found to be most important to charge exchange, although Franck–Condon factors play a substantial role.
Reorganization of Michigan's Dairy Herd Improvement Association

The organizational structure of Dairy Herd Improvement Associations has remained essentially the same since the first Association was organized in Newaygo County, Michigan, in 1905. However, during this time, record information has expanded, the role of the supervisor and procedures followed in providing service have changed and, certainly, required reports and procedures for an organization to conduct its business have vastly changed. Reorganization. In view of this situation, a resolution was passed at an annual meeting of Michigan Dairy Herd Improvenlent Association delegates in March, 1966, for a study comnfittee to propose by-law changes of the existing state organization for consideration at the next annual meeting. Meetings were held throughout the state to inform Associaion members of proposed changes and an opportunity for discussion provided pr ior to their voting at the annual meeting in March, 1967. Seventy per cent of the votes cast approved reorganization. The major change in operation as a result of reorganization is that over-all management is the responsibility of the state organization. This includes a) employment of supelwisors, b) maintaining all financial records, c) providing all equipment and supplies, d) operation of testing laboratories, and e) responsibility for computing records. With the state organizaiton assuming all financial responsibilities, local treasury balances were transferred to the state organization treasury and these funds earmarked for the purchase of fringe benefits for supervisors. Objectives. With this minimum background statement as to situation and operation procedure, further comments will be directed to the assigned discussion of over-all objectives of reorganization and progress made to date. Major objectives and evaluation of progress since reorganization follow.
Factors affecting substrate cooperativity of rat liver tryptophan hydroxylase.

Abstract A kinetic study of the partially purified phenylalanine-tryptophan hydroxylase system of rat liver has been undertaken. Under defined experimental conditions the tryptophan response plots exhibit sigmoidal kinetics. The apparent cooperativity is sensitive to temperature and certain “desensitizing” agents. In addition, certain analogs of tryptophan, notably 5-fluorotryptophan and 7-azatryptophan, greatly stimulate the hydroxylation of tryptophan (up to 20-fold) when the concentration of reduced pteridine cofactor is present at moderate concentrations. Phenylalanine and thienylalanine also enhance the hydroxylation of tryptophan at high pteridine levels. These findings are discussed with respect to the proposal that separate binding sites (catalytic and allosteric sites) exist on the quaternary enzyme protein, and that various effectors (including certain tryptophan and phenylalanine analogs), upon preferential combination with the allosteric site(s), exert a modulating influence on the substrate binding and on the consequent catalysis at the catalytic sites.
Stream Processing Based Intelligent Transport Systems

In this paper, we present a Fleet Management Center application implemented using a stream processing infrastructure we call System S. System S enables the deployment of large scale applications with mechanisms for sharing multi-party data sources, software components, and even intermediate results. This approach significantly reduces the cost of software integration, and ownership, the major factor in Intelligent Transportation Systems. In addition, the system includes an adaptive data source management that determines the list of relevant data sources based on the current locations of the entities monitored or managed by the applications.
Readability of Expository Paragraphs with Identical or Related Sentence Topics

Summary.-This research is part of an attempt to discover significant factors of readability for connected expository prose. Keeping the content of expository paragraphs identical, I varied their forms using the Functional Sentence Perspeaivists' rule for relating old and new information within the sentences of connected discourse. Rule-governed forms had identical or dosely related sentence topics; variants had only remotely related sentence topics. In three tests involving subjective readability judgments, a very significant number of the 455 total high-school subjects found the rule-governed forms more readable than their variants. Thus there is reason to believe that the relationship between sentence topics is probably a very important factor of readability for expository prose.
Deformation, restructuring, and un-jamming of concentrated droplets in large-amplitude oscillatory shear flows

We employ large-amplitude shear oscillation light scattering (SOLS) to study average droplet deformation and positional restructuring in concentrated uniform oil-in-water emulsions. Three dimensionless scattering intensity anisotropy factors, defined using the primary and secondary Bragg peaks, which can result from partial shear-induced ordering, reflect the phase-dependent droplet deformation and tilting. These factors distinguish the soft force-chain buckling regime, where shear disorders the droplets, from the sliding hexagonally-close-packed layer regime, where shear induces positional order. Near and above the jamming limit of spherical particles, the shear-induced structures depend sensitively on the droplet volume fraction and the shear history.
Regional Manifold Learning for Disease Classification

While manifold learning from images itself has become widely used in medical image analysis, the accuracy of existing implementations suffers from viewing each image as a single data point. To address this issue, we parcellate images into regions and then separately learn the manifold for each region. We use the regional manifolds as low-dimensional descriptors of high-dimensional morphological image features, which are then fed into a classifier to identify regions affected by disease. We produce a single ensemble decision for each scan by the weighted combination of these regional classification results. Each weight is determined by the regional accuracy of detecting the disease. When applied to cardiac magnetic resonance imaging of 50 normal controls and 50 patients with reconstructive surgery of Tetralogy of Fallot, our method achieves significantly better classification accuracy than approaches learning a single manifold across the entire image domain.
Zonal Wind Calculations from Mars Global Surveyor Accelerometer and Rate Data

TheMars Global Surveyor spacecraft was initially placed into a high-eccentricity, nearly polar orbit about Mars with a 45-h period. To accomplish the science objectives of the mission, a 2-h circular orbit was required. Using a method known as aerobraking, numerous passes through the upper atmosphere slowed the spacecraft, thereby reducing the orbital period and eccentricity. To successfully perform aerobraking, the spacecraft was designed to be longitudinally, aerodynamically stable in pitch and yaw. Because the orbit was nearly polar, the yaw orientation of the spacecraft was sensitive to disturbances caused by the zonal components of wind (east to west or west to east) acting on the spacecraft at aerobraking altitudes. Zonal wind velocities were computed by equating the aerodynamic and inertia-related torques acting on the spacecraft. Comparisons of calculated zonal winds with those computed from the Mars thermospheric general-circulation model are discussed.