cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human Reliability-Based MC&A Methods for Evaluating the Effectiveness of Protecting Nuclear Material

Material control and accountability (MC&A) operations that track and account for critical assets at nuclear facilities provide a key protection approach for defeating insider adversaries. MC&A activities, from monitoring to inventory measurements, provide critical information about target materials and define security elements that are useful against insider threats. However, these activities have been difficult to characterize in ways that are compatible with the path analysis methods that are used to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of a site’s protection system. The path analysis methodology focuses on a systematic, quantitative evaluation of the physical protection component of the system for potential external threats, and often calculates the probability that the physical protection system (PPS) is effective (PE ) in defeating an adversary who uses that attack pathway. In previous work, Dawson and Hester observed that many MC&A activities can be considered a type of sensor system with alarm and assessment capabilities that provide reccurring opportunities for “detecting” the status of critical items. This work has extended that characterization of MC&A activities as probabilistic sensors that are interwoven within each protection layer of the PPS. In addition, MC&A activities have similar characteristics to operator tasks performed in a nuclear power plant (NPP) in that the reliability of these activities depends significantly on human performance. Many of the procedures involve human performance in checking for anomalous conditions. Further characterization of MC&A activities as operational procedures that check the status of critical assets provides a basis for applying human reliability analysis (HRA) models and methods to determine probabilities of detection for MC&A protection elements. This paper will discuss the application of HRA methods used in nuclear power plant probabilistic risk assessments to define detection probabilities and to formulate “timely detection” for MC&A operations. This work has enabled the development of an integrated path analysis methodology in which MC&A operations can be combined with traditional sensor data in the calculation of PPS effectiveness. Explicitly incorporating MC&A operations into the existing evaluation methodology provides the basis for an effectiveness measure for insider threats, and the resulting PE calculations will provide an integrated effectiveness measure that addresses both external and insider threats. The extended path analysis methodology is being further investigated as the basis for including the PPS and MC&A activities in an integrated safeguards and security system for advanced fuel cycle facilities.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Reference photon dosimetry data: A preliminary study of in-air off-axis factor, percentage depth dose, and output factor of the Siemens Primus linear accelerator

The dosimetric characteristics for modern computer-controlled linear accelerators with the same make, model, and nominal energy are known to be very similar, as long as the machines are unaltered from the manufacturers original specifications. In this preliminary study, a quantitative investigation of the similarity in the basic photon dosimetry data from the Siemens Primus linear accelerators at eight different institutions is reported. The output factor, percentage depth dose (PDD), and in-air off-axis factor (OAF) for the 6 and 18 MV photon beams measured or verified by the Radiological Physics Center (RPC) were analyzed. The RPC-measured output factors varied by less than about 2 for each field size. The difference between the maximum and minimum RPC-verified PDD values at each depth was less than about 3. The difference between the maximum and minimum RPC-measured in-air OAF was no more than 4 at all off-axis distances considered in this study. These results strongly suggest that it is feasible to establish a reference photon dosimetry data set for each make, model, and nominal energy, universally applicable to those machines unaltered from the manufacturers original specifications, within a clinically acceptable tolerance (e.g., 2). 2003 American College of Medical Physics.
A comparison of cerebrosides, proteolipid proteins, and cholesterol as indices of myelin in the architecture of rat cerebrum.

— —Serial frozen section sampling and microspectrophotometric assays were used to compare the fidelity of cerebrosides, proteolipid proteins (PLP) and cholesterol as indices of myelinated fibres in the somatosensory region of rat cerebrum. Cerebrosides (including sulphatides) were a satisfactory index regardless of the mode of expression. Per unit dry wt., they were lowest in layer II (4 per cent) and increased with the subpial depth to 16 percent in white matter. Elevations were seen at the locations of: the outer tangential plexus (1); the stripe of Kaes-Bechterew (2); the outer and inner stripes of Baillarger (3,4); and the inner tangential plexus (5), respectively. Expression in terms of residue protein, total lipid or DNA gave somewhat sharper profiles of the myeloarchitecture. PLP per unit dry wt. were lowest in layers I, II and III (2 per cent) and increased to 5·5 per cent in white matter. Peaks occurred near (3), (4) and (5). The PLP per cell and per unit residue protein rose six-fold, from the upper layers of cortex to white matter, and depicted the myeloarchitecture more faithfully. In general outline, PLP paralleled cerebrosides in distribution, in contrast with previous findings in human prefrontal cortex. Human cortex may contain more non-myelin PLP in the upper cortical layers owing to its greater wealth of neuropil and synapses. Cholesterol per unit dry weight was a poor index of the myeloarchitecture; it was lowest in layer II (5 per cent) and increased to 13-5 per cent in white matter without revealing the five horizontal bands of myelinated fibres. Expression of cholesterol in terms of total lipid or DNA improved its value as an index, but it was less satisfactory than cerebrosides.
Computational performance of ultra-high-resolution capability in the Community Earth System Model

With the fourth release of the Community Climate System Model, the ability to perform ultra-high-resolution climate simulations is now possible, enabling eddy-resolving ocean and sea-ice models to be coupled to a finite-volume atmosphere model for a range of atmospheric resolutions. This capability was made possible by enabling the model to use large scale parallelism, which required a significant refactoring of the software infrastructure. We describe the scalability of two ultra-high-resolution coupled configurations on leadership class computing platforms. We demonstrate the ability to utilize over 30,000 processor cores on a Cray XT5 system and over 60,000 cores on an IBM Blue Gene/P system to obtain climatologically relevant simulation rates for these configurations.
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer: a review of recent clinical trials.

Abstract Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States. Therapeutic agents that target the underlying biology of this disease are necessary to improve outcomes. Angiogenesis plays a central role in NSCLC tumor growth and metastases. The vascular endothelial growth factor pathway (VEGF) as a therapeutic target was recently validated in NSCLC. Since then, a multitude of early phase clinical trials that incorporate the use of angiogenesis inhibitors, either as single agents or in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy, have been conducted in advanced, refractory NSCLC. This article reviews these clinical trials with attention to toxicity, efficacy, and direction of further study. The data from these trials suggest that optimal use of anti-angiogenic agents in NSCLC is more likely in combination with standard cytotoxic agents, however the most effective combination with the least toxicity is yet to be determined.
Pericardial coelomic cyst.

SUMMARY A case of pericardial coelomic cyst which was diagnosed pre-operatively is reported. The varied symptomotology, the paucity of physical signs and the importance of the roentgen findings are discussed. The pathogenesis of such cysts and their differential diagnosis is briefly reviewed. Inability to establish a positive diagnosis in all cases stresses the fact that surgical removal should be the only accepted form of treatment.
Security level and adjustment patterns in juvenile institutions

Abstract The security level of coeducational juvenile correctional institutions in the United States influences residents' adherence to the peer culture in ways similar to those found in inmate codes within adult correctional institutions. This study, based on a survey of 515 residents in five training schools in one southeastern state, shows that adherence to the peer culture is greatest within the maximum and minimum security institutions. Elements examined in this study pertaining to peer culture include informant activity among peers, aggression toward peers, distrust of staff, manipulation of staff, and aggression toward staff.
Effects of Reversing Digits Forward and Digits Backward and Strategy Use on Digit Span Performance

The effects on performance of reversing the order of administration of digits forward and digits backward on the Digit Span subtest in relation to what recall strategy was used were explored. The e...
The Revenge of the Humanities: Reality, Rhetoric, and the Politics of Postmodernism

The debate between scientific realists and postmodern relativists has been generally treated as a philosophical disagreement over the status of epistemology. Here, however, I use material from Bourdieuian social theory and science and technology studies to illustrate how both scientific realism and postmodern deconstructionism can be seen as political and organizational strategies used in the historical and ongoing struggle between scientific and literary fields and camps. I argue that just as scientific realism and experimentalism were used to dismiss the knowledge contributions of literary fields and to relegate them to secondary status in the seventeenth century, postmodern deconstructionism and its turn to rhetoric and textualism is now being employed as a strategy to counter the political and intellectual dominance gained by the sciences over the last few centuries.
Father Knows Best: Parishes, Priests, and American Catholic Parishioners' Attitudes Toward Capital Punishment

Public opinion has important implications for capital punishment in the United States. Such opinion formation involves moral judgments irreducible to processing information on the administration of capital punishment or sentencing alternatives. Religious communities play a crucial role in resolving such moral dilemmas and giving meaning to available information. The Catholic Church strongly opposes capital punishment and strives to instruct lay Catholics on this issue. Accordingly, church attendance is associated with less support of the death penalty among Catholics but not among non-Catholics in the general population. Politically and socially conservative Catholic parishioners are more supportive of such punishment, while more religious parishioners report less such support. Parish priests significantly influence death penalty attitudes, in particular among more spiritual parishioners. Black Catholics are more supportive of the death penalty than their non-Catholic counterparts, in part because of a convergence in death penalty attitudes between blacks and whites in predominantly black parishes.
Performance of Uncoated and Coated Capillaries in Free Zone Electrophoresis and Isoelectric Focusing of Proteins

Abstract Separation of standard proteins was compared in uncoated fused silica capillaries and in capillaries coated with a linear polymer covalently attached to the capillary wall. Performance of coated versus uncoated capillaries was assessed for free zone separations and capillary isoelectric focusing. In free zone separations performed under acidic conditions, separation profiles and run-to-run reproducibility were comparable, although resolution was poor in both cases. In free zone separations performed under basic conditions, separation profiles and reproducibility were clearly improved using coated capillaries. Use of coated capillaries was essential for obtaining useful results in isoelectric focusing.
Negotiating old and new ways: contextualizing adapted health care-seeking behaviors of Korean immigrants in Hawaii.

Objective. Korean immigrants have been identified as one of the most disadvantaged ethnic groups in terms of health insurance coverage and health care access in the USA. Korean immigrants enjoyed access to primary and preventive care services in their home country. This study explores how Korean immigrants' health-seeking behaviors are reconstructed by contextualizing their health care experience and adaptation process in Hawaii. Design. Face-to-face individual in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 recently arrived Korean immigrant adults in Hawaii, who were selected by a purposive sampling method. Results. A diminution of seeking professional health care services after immigration was the prominent change in their health care behaviors. They delayed seeking primary care, underused preventive care, extended self-diagnosis and self-treatment, and practiced more treatment- and emergency-oriented care. New immigrants also adopted ethnic enclave health care and transnational health care as alternative st...
SITUATIONAL DESCRIPTIONS OF BEHAVIORAL PROCEDURES: THE IN SITU TESTBED

We demonstrate the In Situ testbed, a system that aids in evaluating computational models of learning, including artificial neural networks. The testbed models contingencies of reinforcement rising an extension of Mechner's (1959) notational system for the description of behavioral procedures. These contingencies are input to the model under test. The model's output is displayed as cumulative records. The cumulative record can then be compared to one produced by a pigeon exposed to the same contingencies. The testbed is tried with three published models of learning. Each model is exposed to up to three reinforcement schedules (testing ends when the model does not produce acceptable cumulative records): continuous reinforcement and extinction, fixed ratio, and fixed interval. The In Sitt testbed appears to be a reliable and valid testing procedure for comparing models of learning.
Social Movements in Tunisia and Egypt: A Tale of Two Revolutions

In this paper, the author addresses the Arab uprisings both in Tunisia and Egypt. He tries to explain to which extent the so called Arab Spring is amongst social movements which joins in global ones related to capitalist world system and to its local allies authoritarian regimes in Middle East and North Africa. Those new social movements could be explained by people outrages due to social inequalities, injustices, and human rights abuses. The uprisings are triggered by outrages and hopes for better society. They are wireless because they were fuelled and framed by new media (Internet, Face Book, Twitter), leaderless in the sense that they sparked collectively and without any ideology, religion, or leader.
The Adenovirus E4 ORF3 Protein Binds and Reorganizes the TRIM Family Member Transcriptional Intermediary Factor 1 Alpha

One of the most interesting functions attributed to the adenovirus early region 4 open reading frame 3 (E4 ORF3) protein is its reorganization of promyelocytic leukemia (PML) protein nuclear bodies. These normally punctate structures are reorganized by E4 ORF3 into tracks that eventually surround viral replication centers. PML rearrangement is an evolutionarily conserved function of E4 ORF3, yet its cause and functional relevance remain mysteries. The E4 ORF3 protein coimmunoprecipitates with the PML protein, yet E4 ORF3 still forms tracks in cells that lack PML. The PML protein is a member of a larger protein family termed tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins. TRIM proteins contain a tripartite domain structure in proximity to their N termini that consists of a RING finger domain, followed by one or two B box domains and a C-terminal coiled-coil domain (collectively termed the RBCC domain). The order and spacing of these domains are evolutionarily conserved and thought to mediate protein-protein interactions and other functions. We implemented a proteomic approach to isolate cellular proteins that bind to E4 ORF3. We identified a novel interaction between E4 ORF3 and another TRIM family member, transcriptional intermediary factor 1 alpha (TIF1α). TIF1α functions by recruiting coactivators and/or corepressors to modulate transcription. The interaction between E4 ORF3 and TIF1α was validated by coimmunoprecipitation and binding of recombinant proteins. Indirect immunofluorescence assays demonstrated that TIF1α is reorganized into track structures that contain PML upon E4 ORF3 expression. The RBCC domain of TIF1α is sufficient for E4 ORF3-induced rearrangement, and TIF1α reorganization is conserved across adenovirus serotypes.
Sequence Requirements for theN-Methyl-d-aspartate Receptor Antagonist Activity of Conantokin-R

Conantokin-R (con-R), a gamma-carboxyglutamate-containing 27-residue peptide, is a natural peptide inhibitor of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) subtype glutamate receptor. Synthetic analogs of con-R were generated to evaluate the importance of the individual structural elements of this peptide in its NMDA receptor antagonist activity, measured by inhibition of the spermine-enhanced binding of the NMDA receptor-specific channel blocker, [(3)H]MK-801, to rat brain membranes. Progressive C-terminal truncations of the 27-residue peptide revealed stages of severe activity loss. These occurred at con-R[1-11] and con-R[1-7], corresponding to the deletions of Leu(12)-Pro(27) and Met(8)-Pro(27) respectively. A second set of analogs featured single Ala substitutions in the fully active con-R[1-17] fragment. The replacement of Met(8) and Leu(12) by Ala resulted in approximate 20- and 55-fold decreases of inhibitor potency, respectively. In addition to these two residues, the only other positions where a single Ala substitution led to substantial losses (from 11-fold to >1000-fold) of activity were those of the first five N-terminal amino acids. Based on the above findings, the binding epitope of con-R was localized to the N-terminal turn of the helix and other residues on one face along two subsequent turns. This contribution pattern of the side chains in activity closely resembles the results obtained with another member of this peptide family, conantokin-T. The secondary structure and metal ion binding properties of the con-R variants were also evaluated using circular dichroism spectroscopy. Divalent cation-dependent increases of alpha-helix content were observed in most analogs. However, analogs with replacement of Gla(11) and Gla(15), as well as truncation fragments shorter than 15 residues, lost the ability to be stabilized by metal ions. These results confirmed the location of the primary divalent cation binding locus at Gla(11) and Gla(15). Additional interactions were indicated by the reduced alpha-helix stability in the Ala analogs of Gla(4), Lys(7), and Arg(14).
Local structure theory: Calculation on hexagonal arrays, and interaction of rule and lattice

Local structure theory calculations7 are applied to the study of cellular automata on the two-dimensional hexagonal lattice. A particular hexagonal lattice rule denoted (3422) is considered in detail. This rule has many features in common with Conway'sLife. The local structure theory captures many of the statistical properties of this rule; this supports hypotheses raised by a study ofLife itself(6). As inLife, the state of a cell under (3422) depends only on the state of the cell itself and the sum of states in its neighborhood at the previous time step. This property implies that evolution rules which operate in the same way can be studied on different lattices. The differences between the behavior of these rules on different lattices are dramatic. The mean field theory cannot reflect these differences. However, a generalization of the mean field theory, the local structure theory, does account for the rule-lattice interaction.
CD44 expression in normal and inflamed skin

CD44 is the principal cell surface receptor for hyaluronate. In non-inflamed skin, CD44 expression is limited to the cell membrane of eccrine coil cells. The distribution on these cells is asymmetric, with intense staining on the dermal side and little staining on the luminal side of the coil cell. In skin containing a pathologic process, either inflammatory or neoplastic, CD44 expression can be widespread on the membranes of keratinocytes and on infiltrating lymphocytes in the vicinity of the process. Diverse roles have been proposed for CD44 and largely involve aspects of cellular adhesion in one setting or another. CD44 may identify a more mobile, proliferating keratinocyte that is responding to local injury. In eccrine coil, the stable presence of CD44 on the non-luminal surface of secretory cells indicates an undefined function for CD44 in the generation of eccrine sweat.
Is esophagoscopy alone sufficient for patients with reflux symptoms

Abstract Background Unsedated esophagoscopy with ultrathin endoscopes is a valuable screening modality for Barrett's esophagus, but the stomach and the duodenum cannot be examined completely with the smallest and best tolerated of these endoscopes. There are no data as to how often disease in the stomach and the duodenum would be missed when using this screening strategy. Our hypothesis is that patients with reflux symptoms, in the absence of daily abdominal pain, nausea, or history of ulcer, were unlikely to have clinically significant gastroduodenal disease. Methods Patients scheduled for upper endoscopy at a single outpatient endoscopy unit in a tertiary referral center were screened. The inclusion criterion was reflux symptoms as the primary indication for upper endoscopy. Patients with another valid indication were excluded. A detailed history was recorded and symptom questionnaire completed for each patient before endoscopy; these data were compared with the endoscopy findings. Results A total of 175 patients were included. Indications for upper endoscopy were the following: worsening symptoms (n=74), ongoing reflux despite therapy (n=27), and long-standing reflux (n=74). Major esophageal findings were discovered in 95 patients. In 10 patients, major gastric or duodenal findings were detected as follows: erosive gastritis (n=8), gastric ulcer (n=2), duodenal ulcer (n=2), erosive duodenitis (n=2), and duodenal polyp (n=1). Daily abdominal pain ( p =0.014) or possibly daily nausea ( p =0.028 unadjusted, 0.197 adjusted) was associated with major gastric/duodenal disease. Patients without daily abdominal pain, nausea, or a history of gastric/duodenal ulcer were much less likely to have major disease (0.9%) than patients with one of these predictors (13.2%, p =0.00097). Conclusions Daily abdominal pain and nausea, in combination with a history of ulcer disease, are strong predictors of major gastric or duodenal disease. Patients with reflux without these predictors are highly unlikely to have a major disease involving the stomach or duodenum, and are suitable candidates for esophagoscopy alone.
Cleanability of milk-filmed stainless steel by chlorinated-detergent solution.

Abstract Stainless steel test plates, with and without pretreatment in 100 ppm chlorine, were filmed with cold raw milk and washed by 16 detergents at 0.35% concentration. The detergents ranged from 0.016 to 0.102%, active alkalinity and 0 to 100 ppm available chlorine. Plates filmed with milk only were cleaned effectively by each nonchlorinated detergent, but high soil build-up, appearing as blue-brown color, accumulated when washed in alkaline solutions containing 25 ppm available chlorine. Less build-up occurred from 50 and 54 ppm chlorine and none from 75 and 100 ppm. Plates filmed with milk following pretreatment with 100 ppm chlorine accumulated high build-up when washed by alkaline detergent solutions. High build-up occurred as well using alkaline solutions supplemented with 25 ppm, and somewhat less with 50 ppm. None occurred when alkaline solutions contained 75 and 100 ppm chlorine. Soil build-up was caused by adhesive nonsoluble chloro-protein occurring in low concentration of chlorine ions. When the concentration of chlorine ions increased to 75 and 100 ppm the chloro-protein was solubilized and nonadhesive.
Ethnic Identity Gratifications Selection and Avoidance by African Americans: A Group Vitality and Social Identity Gratifications Perspective

Abstract This study explores the relatively new idea that individuals engage with media in an effort to meet their social identity needs. Specifically, the study broadens the social identity gratifications (SIG) approach to the domain of ethnicity by examining how African Americans’ ethnic identity gratifications selection and avoidance are related to their perceptions of ingroup vitality. Two mediation models involving level of ethnic identification are proposed. Although the model of television selection is not supported, the model of television avoidance is supported. Implications and future research are discussed.
Indices of Dehydration Among Frail Nursing Home Patients: Highly Variable but Stable over Time

OBJECTIVE: To determine changes in standard laboratory measures of dehydration among residents of a nursing home care unit (NHCU) over a 6-month period. DESIGN: A prospective cohort analytic study. SETTING: A 130-bed NHCU in a Department of Veterans Affairs Hospital. PATIENTS: Fifteen infirm but stable male residents (mean age 77 years; range (R) 62–93) on one ward of the NHCU. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We studied prospectively for 6 months the serum osmolality (osm), serum sodium (Na), blood urea nitrogen/creatinine (BUN/Cr) ratios and weight (wt) for 15 patients of the NHCU. None of the patients was acutely ill during the study period or exhibited clinical signs of dehydration. RESULTS: Mean serum osm at baseline: 291.6 mOsm/kg (R 278 to 300); 3 months: 291.5 mOsm/kg (R 276 to 301); 6 months: 291.3 mOsm/kg (R 283–300) were all similar. Forty percent (6/15) of patients had at least one high normal/elevated reading (≥ 295 mOsm/kg) during the study. Three patients (20%) had readings of ≥ 300 mOsm/kg, but none of these patients had either concurrent increased serum Na (≥ 146 mmole/L) or BUN/Cr ratios (≥ 25). Mean serum Na at baseline: 143.0 mmole/L (R 139–148); 3 months: 142.1 mmole/L (R 138–149); 6 months: 142.9 mmole/L (R 137–150) were all similar. Sixty percent (9/15) of the patients maintained normal (nl) serum Na levels throughout the study. The relationship between the change in serum Na and serum osm levels from baseline to 6 months was not significant (r = 0.242). BUN/Cr ratios ranged from 12–34 over the study period with 3 of 15 patients (20%) demonstrating elevated ratios consistently throughout the study without clinical evidence of dehydration. Only two patients had both high nl/elevated serum osm and elevated serum Na, although both had nl BUN/Cr ratios. Neither of these patients was thought by staff to be clinically dehydrated. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated none of the laboratory measures changed significantly over time (serum osm: F(2,28) < 1; Na: F(2,28) < 1; BUN/Cr: F(2,228) < 1). There was no significant change in weight between the baseline and six month readings. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that in the presence of clinical stability, long-term care residents may have a serum osm in the high normal/elevated range without overt clinical evidence of dehydration, an accompanying elevated Na, or BUN/Cr ratio. This may indicate a different central osm setting for these residents as the serum osm appeared to be stable for each resident over time. These data also suggest that measures of serum osm, Na, and BUN/Cr in the long-term care setting may accurately predict future laboratory values in an individual patient if baseline values are drawn when the patient is not acutely ill.
The Prediction of the Index at Graduation from the Grades in Seven Required Courses

GUIDANCE IS an essential function of education, particularly at the guidance level. Guidance consists of the appraisal of needs, abilities, and interests of the individual in order to give him aid and counsel concerning his needs, to point out his capacities and to aid him in making adjustments and decisions which will contribute to his growth and success as a person. The various as pects of guidance render it important that the educator be able to predict aca demic achievement. Especially is the prediction of academic success impor tant as a means both of selecting students for admission to graduate school and of determining the proper placement of individual students within curricula and courses. A major factor in determining academic success is the attain ment of the student at graduation from college. Satisfactory achieve ment in college constitutes a basic step toward success in the graduate school curric ulum. Accordingly, educators, particularly at the graduate level, are becoming increasingly aware of the value and significance of prognostic procedures for guidance purposes and particularly for the selection of graduate students. Thus, many measures have been utilized to determine the abilities, aptitudes, and interests of college graduates with the proper placement of individual per sons, the objective. Furthermore, prognostic methods have been widely used for the purpose of ascertaining the advisability of an individual college gradu ate pursuing a scholarly career and likewise as a means of predicting success in graduate school. The prediction of scholastic success in graduate school is a major need, which is of primary significance both to the individual student, and also to the college. Satisfactory achievement at graduation is one of the first steps to ward success in other deviations of the scholastic field. Unless the individual can perform satisfactorily the work that is required in the undergraduate course, the question of ultimate success in graduate work need not be raised. Hence, time and effort might be spared for professors as well as for stu dents, if the individual could be informed early in his college career of his chances for success in scholastic work on the graduate level. This means of advising the applicant for graduate school should be of great advantage to the student in terms of time and money saved for those who have not the necessary
Offspring growth in the California gull: reproductive effort and parental experience hypotheses

Abstract Measures of adult feeding and foraging behaviour in the California gull, Larus californicus , were related to the growth of their offspring. Offspring showed significantly higher growth when average feeding interval, a measure of the time interval between feedings, and feeding latency following foraging decreased. The amount of time parents foraged was positively related to offspring growth and negatively correlated with average feeding interval. Either (1) increased foraging efficiency with parental age, or (2) increased reproductive effort with age, could explain age-related differences in patterns of feeding behaviour and their impact on offspring growth. However, data on foraging time support only the hypothesis of increased reproductive effort with parental age.
Enabling Biophysical Characterization of Intrinsically Disordered Protein Ensembles

Elucidating structural details of protein conformations and its relation to protein function is a forefront area in structural biology. In this project, we will investigate nuclear co- activator binding domain (NCBD), an intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) implicated in acute myeloid/lymphatic leukemia (AML/ALL), which has the propensity to adopt extended conformations in unbound form and undergoes synergistic folding with substrate specific conformations when bound. Since IDPs like NCBD are highly flexible, their full conformational range is not observable by any one structure determination technique. We have developed a novel, integrated experimental and computational technique to elicit high-resolution structural details of such IDP ensembles. Specifically, we have (1) developed methods to prepare amino-acid-type selectively deuterated NCBD and utilize SANS contrast variation techniques to refine high-resolution conformational ensembles; (2) constructed parallel ensemble simulation strategies on heterogeneous computer architectures to generate millisecond timescale atomistic simulations; and (3) designed Bayesian inference techniques for statistical characterization of IDP conformational ensembles. The integrated approach enables accurate understanding, simulation and prediction of recognition mechanisms of NCBD under physiological condition.
Progressive Cyclic Nucleotide-induced Conformational Changes in the cGMP-dependent Protein Kinase Studied by Small Angle X-ray Scattering in Solution

Small angle scattering data from bovine lung type Ialpha cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) in the absence of cGMP show the protein to have a highly asymmetric structure with a radius of gyration (Rg) of 45 A and a maximum linear dimension (dmax) of 165 A. The addition of cGMP induces a marked conformational change in PKG. The Rg and dmax increase 25-30%, and the protein's mass moves further away from the center of mass; this results in an even more asymmetric structure. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy data suggest that the conformational change induced by cGMP binding is primarily due to a topographical movement of the structural domains of PKG rather than to secondary structural changes within one or more of the individual domains. Each monomer of the dimeric PKG contains one high and one low affinity cGMP-binding site. A prominent increase in the asymmetry of PKG occurs with binding to high affinity cGMP-binding sites alone, but the full domain movements require the binding to both sets of sites. These conformational changes occurring in PKG with the progressive binding of cGMP to both sets of cGMP-binding sites correlate with past data, which have indicated that cGMP binding to both sets of sites is required for the full activation of the enzyme. These results provide the first quantitative measurement of the overall PKG structure, as well as an assessment of the structural events that accompany the activation of a protein kinase upon binding a small molecular weight ligand.
INTERFERENCE BETWEEN POLIOVIRUS RIBONUCLEIC ACIDS.

Using insoluble facilitators of infection with RNA, the addition of infective RNA preparations, obtained with phenol by either the extractive or monophasic method, from poliovirus of one antigenic type to inocula containing infective RNA from poliovirus of another antigenic type resulted in a large reduction in the number of plaques produced by the latter. Such “interference” was reciprocal. RNA preparations obtained from control uninfected cells were comparatively weak “interferers”; and when extractions with phenol were used in obtaining such control RNA preparations, their capacity to interfere was very low. Under the same conditions, interference with intact polioviruses by poliovirus RNA preparations was small or zero. The amount of interference was markedly dependent on the order of addition of the two RNA preparations to the facilitator. Treatment of poliovirus RNA preparations with ribonuclease reduced their interfering capacity.
Ethanol-Mediated Regulation of Cytochrome P450 2A6 Expression in Monocytes: Role of Oxidative Stress-Mediated PKC/MEK/Nrf2 Pathway

Cytochrome P450 2A6 (CYP2A6) is known to metabolize nicotine, the major constituent of tobacco, leading to the production of toxic metabolites and induction of oxidative stress that result in liver damage and lung cancer. Recently, we have shown that CYP2A6 is induced by ethanol and metabolizes nicotine into cotinine and other metabolites leading to generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in U937 monocytes. However, the mechanism by which CYP2A6 is induced by ethanol is unknown. In this study, we have examined the role of the PKC/Nrf2 pathway (protein kinase C-mediated phosphorylation and translocation of nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 to the nucleus) in ethanol-mediated CYP2A6 induction. Our results showed that 100 mM ethanol significantly induced CYP2A6 mRNA and protein (~150%) and increased ROS formation, and induction of gene expression and ROS were both completely blocked by treatment with either a CYP2E1 inhibitor (diallyl sulfide) or an antioxidant (vitamin C). The results suggest the role of oxidative stress in the regulation of CYP2A6 expression. Subsequently, we investigated the role of Nrf2 pathway in oxidative stress-mediated regulation of CYP2A6 expression in U937 monocytes. Our results showed that butylated hydroxyanisole, a stabilizer of nuclear Nrf2, increased CYP2A6 levels >200%. Staurosporine, an inhibitor of PKC, completely abolished ethanol-induced CYP2A6 expression. Furthermore, our results showed that a specific inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) (U0126) completely abolished ethanol-mediated CYP2A6 induction and Nrf2 translocation. Overall, these results suggest that CYP2E1-mediated oxidative stress produced as a result of ethanol metabolism translocates Nrf2 into the nucleus through PKC/MEK pathway, resulting in the induction of CYP2A6 in monocytes. An increased level of CYP2A6 in monocytes is expected to further increase oxidative stress in smokers through CYP2A6-mediated nicotine metabolism. Thus, this study has clinical relevance because of the high incidence of alcohol use among smokers, especially in HIV-infected individuals.
The origin, development and regulation of osteoclasts

Osteoclasts, the multinucleated cells primarily responsible for dissolution of bone tissue, form by fusion of precursors that circulate in the bloodstream. A variety of factors have been shown to affect the mature osteoclast and its progenitor cell, such as calcium-regulating hormones, products of the immune system, and constituents of the arachidonic acid cascade. To date, however, the osteoclast precursor has not been identified. Furthermore, there is limited information on the factors that influence osteoclast development and regulation, reflecting in part the paucity of data on the osteoclast cell surface. Recent progress in understanding osteoclasts formation and function is discussed.
Electroconvulsive shock: sustained decrease in norepinephrine uptake affinity in a reserpine model of depression.

Abstract Electroconvulsive shock was given once daily for 9 consecutive days to chronically reserpinized mice. Shocked mice explored more actively than controls in an open field 18–20 hours after the last shock, suggesting a reversal of reserpine “depression”. The apparent Km for the high-affinity active uptake of norepinephrine into crude synaptosome-rich homogenates of their cerebral cortices was higher. This suggested that repeated electroconvulsive shock lowered affinity for norepinephrine uptake. The Vmax for norepinephrine uptake was also elevated, suggesting that the number of uptake sites had increased as well.
ION THERMAL DIFFUSION IN THE TEXAS EXPERIMENTAL TOKAMAK

Profiles of the ion thermal diffusion coefficient χi have been determined experimentally for several TEXT plasma discharges. In the confinement region, the inferred values of χi are larger than the values predicted by neoclassical theory by a factor of two to six. No evidence of a reduction of thermal losses through the ion channel is found after injection of hydrogen pellets. The inferred electron thermal conductivities are larger than the ion thermal conductivities by an average factor of three. The anomaly in χi is compared with transport coefficients predicted by different models that describe the ηi instability.
Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci May Obtain Nutritional Support by Scavenging Carbohydrate Fragments Generated During Mucin Degradation by the Anaerobic Microbiota of the Colon

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) is an important nosocomial pathogen that colonizes the intestinal tract. The substrates that provide nutritional support for VRE in the colon are not known. We tested the hypothesis that enzymatic breakdown of complex polysaccharides and glycoconjugates by other members of the indigenous microbiota could provide a source of nutrients for VRE. Nine vancomycin-resistant E. faecium strains were unable to ferment complex plant polysaccharides or hog gastric or bovine submaxillary mucin; however, each of the strains was able to ferment monosaccharides that are components of mucins and plant polysaccharides. Preincubation of hog gastric mucin with partially purified enzyme mixtures obtained from supernatants of Ruminococcus torques or a human stool specimen resulted in release of monosaccharides that supported growth of VRE. These results suggest that enzymatic breakdown of complex polysaccharides such as mucin by members of the indigenous microbiota may provide a source ...
A simulation-based tutorial system for exploring parallel distributed processing

This article presents a simulation-based tutorial system for exploring parallel distributed processing (PDP) models of information processing. The system consists of software and an accompanying handbook. The intent of the package is to make the ideas underlying PDP accessible and to disseminate some of the main simulation programs that we have developed. This article presents excerpts from the handbook that describe the approach taken, the organization of the handbook, and the software that comes with it. An example is given that illustrates the approach we have taken to teaching PDP, which involves presentation of relevant mathematical background, together with tutorial exercises that make use of the simulation programs.
Supporting Fatherhood Before and After It Happens

Today’s father is not your father’s father. There are 70.1 million fathers in the United States,1 with 24.7 million part of married couples with children aged <18 years. Although 40% of children are born to unmarried couples, father involvement in all families has never been higher. From 1965 to 2011, fathers have more than doubled their involvement, both in time spent with their children in child care and time spent doing housework.2 Fathers’ expectations for their involvement are also high, with nearly all fathers attending the birth of their child and having positive expectations for their future involvement with their child, regardless of marital status.3,4 The past decade has expanded our understanding of mental health among fathers. We know paternal depression seems to affect 5% to 10% of fathers in the postpartum period,5 that there is an increase in paternal depressive symptom scores in the first 5 years after the birth,6 and 21% of fathers will have experienced depression by the time their child is 12 years of age.7 We know children with depressed fathers are more likely to … Address correspondence to Craig Garfield, MD, MAPP, Departments of Pediatrics and Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Medical Social Sciences, 633 St Clair, Suite 19-059, Chicago, IL 60611. E-mail: c-garfield{at}northwestern.edu
TEThered to Runx: novel binding partners for runx factors.

Abstract RUNX transcription factors reside in the nuclear matrix where they integrate numerous signaling pathways to regulate gene expression and affect tissue development, regeneration, and tumorigenesis. An affinity purification and proteomic experiment was performed to identify novel Runx2 binding partners. The interactions between Runx2 and two nuclear factors (Ddx5 and CoAA) identified in this screen were previously described. Coactivator activator (CoAA) bound the DNA binding domain of Runx2 and prevented Runx-driven gene expression. The YxxQ motif in CoAA was required for Runx2 interactions. Members of the FET/TET family of proteins, including FUS/TLS and EWSR1, contain a similar motif and were hypothesized to interact with Runx2. Here, we provide evidence that FUS/TLS, EWSR1, and the Ewing's sarcoma t(12;21) fusion protein EWS–FLI bind Runx2 and alter its transcriptional activity. Potential roles of protein complexes containing FET/TET and RUNX family members during tumor formation and mesenchymal progenitor cell differentiation are discussed.
A 16-to-18GHz 0.18-m Epi-CMOS Divide-by-3 Injection-Locked Frequency Divider

A new injection-locked frequency divider (ILFD) topology is proposed for divide-by-odd-number operation. An 18 GHz divide-by-3 prototype is implemented using 0.18mum standard digital CMOS with low-resistivity substrate. It achieves 1 GHz locking range with 3.4dBm injection power, which increases to 3.2GHz with built-in tuning. The phase noise is close to theoretical value of 9.5dB down from input
Relation of ongoing deformation rates to the subduction zone process in southern Alaska

The rate and orientation of ongoing strain associated with subduction of the Pacific plate and the accretion of the Yakutat terrane to southern Alaska has been estimated at 13 sites from Global Positioning System measurements made in June 1993 and 1995. Along the Gulf of Alaska coast near Cape Yakataga, the average rate of deformation, relative to Fairbanks, was ≈38 mm/yr at N32°W. Further inland, above the region where the dip of the downgoing Pacific plate changes from about 10° to >30°, the deformation rate was ≈12mm/yr at N26°W. In the Sourdough/Paxson area, the deformation rate drops to 2–5 mm/yr and suggests a low short-term deformation rate across the Denali fault. Elastic straining of the overriding plate due to back-slip on a main thrust zone with an average dip of about 10° can account for the overall rate and distribution of short-term compressional strain across south central Alaska. Above the transitional region between unstable and stable sliding we suggest that strain associated with ≈15 mm/yr of right-lateral strike-slip occurs also. If the strain accumulated since the two 1899 earthquakes (both MW=8.1) from the offshore Pamplona fault zone to south of the Border Ranges fault (down-dip width ≈100 km) was seismically released on a single fault it would correspond to a M=8.1 earthquake.
Chemiluminescence of polysiloxane cushions: Correlation with physical properties

Relations entre la chimiluminescence et la resistance a la compression de coussins cellulaires utilises pour maintenir les formes et les positions relatives de pieces a dilatation thermique differente
Singularity-free workspace design for the translational 3-UPU parallel robot

While a number of researchers have published results in the area of parallel robot singularity determination and the a posteriori elimination of these singularities, far less work has been published in the area of singularity free workspace design. Several researchers have committed substantial funds to design hardware prototypes that have proven worthless because of unavoidable singularities. This trend, if carried over to industrial applications, could prove especially detrimental to the future of applied parallel robotics. A comprehensive and straightforward design strategy that guarantees a singularity free workspace for the translational 3-UPU mechanism is presented in this paper.