cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin. V. Influence of ionic strength and thrombin concentration on the effectiveness of certain reversible inhibitors.

Abstract The effectiveness of hexamethylene glycol and urea as reversible inhibitors of the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, as measured by the initial slope of a plot of logarithm of clotting time against concentration or by the minimum inhibiting concentration, is markedly increased by increasing ionic strength and slightly decreased by increasing concentration of thrombin. A similar effect of ionic strength is found for inhibition by pentamethylene glycol and guanidine. The influence of ionic strength is attributed to an enhanced binding of the inhibitor by fibrinogen or intermediate polymers thereof—essentially a salting-out effect.
Carbon Monoxide Induced Ordering of Adsorbates on the Rh(111) Crystal Surface

Abstract We find that the coadsorption of CO with ethylidyne, propylidyne, acetylene, fluorobenzene, benzene, and sodium on the Rh(111) surface induces ordering in the adsorbed overlayer. This phenomenon has been studied using HREELS, LEED, and TDS. HREELS indicates that the adsorbates maintain their molecular integrity when coadsorbed with CO though a change in adsorption site sometimes occurs. In all cases, the C–O stretching frequency of coadsorbed CO is substantially reduced from that of CO adsorbed on clean Rh(111) and ranges from 1410 cm −1 for CO coadsorbed with sodium to 1790 cm −1 for CO coadsorbed with ethylidyne.
Germline stem cells and follicular renewal in the postnatal mammalian ovary

A basic doctrine of reproductive biology is that most mammalian females lose the capacity for germ-cell renewal during fetal life, such that a fixed reserve of germ cells (oocytes) enclosed within follicles is endowed at birth. Here we show that juvenile and adult mouse ovaries possess mitotically active germ cells that, based on rates of oocyte degeneration (atresia) and clearance, are needed to continuously replenish the follicle pool. Consistent with this, treatment of prepubertal female mice with the mitotic germ-cell toxicant busulphan eliminates the primordial follicle reserve by early adulthood without inducing atresia. Furthermore, we demonstrate cells expressing the meiotic entry marker synaptonemal complex protein 3 in juvenile and adult mouse ovaries. Wild-type ovaries grafted into transgenic female mice with ubiquitous expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) become infiltrated with GFP-positive germ cells that form follicles. Collectively, these data establish the existence of proliferative germ cells that sustain oocyte and follicle production in the postnatal mammalian ovary.
Asynchronous interconnection of large-scale photovoltaic plants: site selection considerations

Large-scale penetration of photovoltaic (PV) energy in a distribution network requires careful planning of its location on the distribution network since it evidently demands large space, flexible maintenance access and exposure to driving energy sources such as sunlight for PV plants. Besides that, the technical aspects of the design should consider possible constraints that may introduce inefficiency in the generation or simply unexpected loss in the distribution. This paper addresses the decentralisation requirement for large-scale deployment of PV power sources as it resists the intermittency of the PV output naturally. In this study, a Monte Carlo method was used to justify the validity of this implication. A modified Gaussian distribution function was used to model the random fluctuations of the PV source and was used in the Monte Carlo simulation. The result shows considerable boost in the average power level and suppression of the fluctuation rate while the interconnected sources are uncorrelated.
Proactive inhibition and item similarity in short-term memory

Summary The experiment investigated the effect of proactive inhibition in short-term retention as a function of degree of similarity between the proactive items and the critical test items. When the same class of material, CCC's or NNN's, was used for proactive and test items, marked interference was obtained with as few as three proactive items. No evidence for proactive inhibition was found when the proactive and test items were drawn from different classes of materials, CCC to NNN, or vice versa. There was no evidence that formal similarity (same units in proactive items as in test items) produced greater interference than that obtained from proactive items lacking this formal similarity, but the failure to find any difference may have arisen from the large amount of interference already present.
Irregular Menses Linked to Vomiting in a Nonclinical Sample: Findings from the National Eating Disorders Screening Program in High Schools

Abstract Purpose Using data from an eating disorders screening initiative conducted in high schools across the United States, we examined the relationship between vomiting frequency and irregular menses in a nonclinical sample of adolescent females. Methods A self-report questionnaire was administered to students from U.S. high schools participating in the National Eating Disorders Screening Program in 2000. The questionnaire included items on frequency of vomiting for weight control in the past 3 months, other eating disorder symptoms, frequency of menses, height, and weight. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted using data from 2791 girls to estimate the risk of irregular menses (defined as menses less often than monthly) associated with vomiting frequency, adjusting for other eating disorder symptoms, weight status, age, race/ethnicity, and school clusters. Results Girls who vomited to control their weight one to three times per month were one and a half times more likely (risk ratio [RR] = 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2–2.2), and girls who vomited once per week or more often were more than three times more likely (RR = 3.2; 95% CI = 2.3–4.4), to experience irregular menses than were girls who did not report vomiting for weight control. Vomiting for weight control remained a strong predictor of irregular menses even when overweight and underweight participants were excluded. Conclusions Our study adds to the evidence that vomiting may have a direct effect on hormonal function in adolescent girls, and that vomiting for weight control may be a particularly deleterious component of eating disorders.
Achieving Performance Flexibility In The Intelligent Bandwidth Compression System

The feasibility of a 1000:1 bandwidth compression ratio for image transmission has been demonstrated and described operationally in a previous paper. For such a system to be practical, it must be flexible enough to deal with wide variations in scene environment. Such flexibility has not been achieved in previous computer vision systems. This paper describes an organization and control methodology for achieving system flexibility. The methodology was successfully incorporated and tested as part of the intelligent bandwidth compression system to provide the system with the capability to deal with diverse scene variations.
Object Digitization for Everyone

Object digitization lets users customize their gameplay experiences, bring the real world into the virtual world, and share more content with others.
Fundus pigmentation and the electroretinographic luminance-response function.

Dark-adapted and light-adapted electroretinogaphic luninance-response functions were recorded from subjects with light or dark fundus pigmentation based on digitized fundus photographs. For dark- and light-adapted electroretinograms, subjects with dark fundi had smaller b-wave amplitudes at all luminance levels. There was no significant difference in b-wave implicit time for the dark-adapted electroretinogram, but there was a significant difference for the light-adapted ERG between the two groups. The results suggest that fundus pigmentation should be considered in the interpretation of electroretinogram results. A possible mechanism for the influence of fundus pigmentation on b-wave amplitude is based on increased resistance associated with melanin.
What time may tell: Towards a new conceptualization of developmental dyslexia

This paper is a written version of the Norman Geschwind Lecture delivered to the International Dyslexia Association on November 13, 1998. The first purpose is a theoretical one: to describe a new conceptualization of reading disabilities, the double-deficit hypothesis, that depicts and integrates work on two core deficits in the phonological system and in processes underlying naming speed. Implications for subtyping, diagnosis, and, in particular, intervention are described. The second purpose is to thank the women and men whose commitment to children with reading disabilities has transformed our field over the last century. Within that double set of purposes, I wish to dedicate this paper to five research teachers whose insights have been the foundation for my work and the efforts of many of us in the field of reading disabilities research: Jeanne Chall, Carol Chomsky, Martha Bridge Denckla, Helen Popp, and especially, Norman Geschwind.
The Cox maze IV procedure: predictors of late recurrence.

Objectives The Cox maze III procedure achieved high cure rates and became the surgical gold standard for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Because of its invasiveness, a more simplified ablation-assisted procedure, the Cox maze IV procedure, has been performed at our institution since January 2002. The study examined multiple preoperative and perioperative variables to determine predictors of late recurrence. Methods Data were collected prospectively on 282 patients who underwent the Cox maze IV procedure from January 2002 through December 2009. Forty-two percent of patients had paroxysmal and 58% had either persistent or long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation. All patients were available for follow-up. Follow-up included electrocardiograms in all patients. Since 2006, 24-hour Holter monitoring was obtained in 94% of patients at 3, 6, and 12 months. Data were analyzed by means of logistic regression analysis at 12 months, with 13 preoperative and perioperative variables used as covariates. Results Sixty-six percent of patients had a concomitant procedure. After an ablation-assisted Cox maze procedure, the freedom from atrial fibrillation was 89%, 93%, and 89% at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. The freedom from both atrial fibrillation and antiarrhythmic drugs was 63%, 79%, and 78% at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. The risk factors for atrial fibrillation recurrence at 1 year were enlarged left atrial diameter ( P = .027), failure to isolate the entire posterior left atrium ( P = .022), and early atrial tachyarrhythmias ( P = .010). Conclusions The Cox maze IV procedure has a high success rate at 1 year, even with improved follow-up and stricter definitions of failure. In patients with large left atria, there might be a need for more extensive size reduction or expanded lesion sets.
Utilizing Process and Content in Designing Paradoxical Interventions.

Abstract The authors develop a strategy for intervening into rigidly homeostatic systems. Central to the task is the identification of system rules, which often reveal themselves around “nodal themes.” The authors describe four types of nodal themes and offer clues to identifying them within families. Finally, they suggest ways of using system rules and nodal themes in the development of paradoxical interventions.
Media Reviews: Creede, Colorado History—Insights and Views through Postcards and Photographs

by Charles A. Harbert. Vestige Press, PO Box 311, Wellington, CO 80549. 216 pages; 2010; $39.95 (softbound). Most readers of this magazine are quite familiar with the use of postcards to illustrate...
A proof of principle clinical trial to determine whether conjugated linoleic acid modulates the lipogenic pathway in human breast cancer tissue

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is widely used as a "nutraceutical" for weight loss. CLA has anticancer effects in preclinical models, and we demonstrated in vitro that this can be attributed to the suppression of fatty acid (FA) synthesis. We tested the hypothesis that administration of CLA to breast cancer patients would inhibit expression of markers related to FA synthesis in tumor tissue, and that this would suppress tumor proliferation. Women with Stage I-III breast cancer were enrolled into an open label study and treated with CLA (1:1 mix of 9c,11t- and 10t,12c-CLA isomers, 7.5 g/d) for ≥ 10 days before surgery. Fasting plasma CLA concentrations measured pre- and post-CLA administration, and pre/post CLA tumor samples were examined by immunohistochemistry for Spot 14 (S14), a regulator of FA synthesis, FA synthase (FASN), an enzyme of FA synthesis, and lipoprotein lipase (LPL), the enzyme that allows FA uptake. Tumors were also analyzed for expression of Ki-67 and cleaved caspase 3. 24 women completed study treatment, and 23 tumors were evaluable for the primary endpoint. The median duration of CLA therapy was 12 days, and no significant toxicity was observed. S14 expression scores decreased (p = 0.003) after CLA administration. No significant change in FASN or LPL expression was observed. Ki-67 scores declined (p = 0.029), while cleaved caspase 3 staining was unaffected. Decrements in S14 or Ki-67 did not correlate with fasting plasma CLA concentrations at surgery. Breast tumor tissue expression of S14, but not FASN or LPL, was decreased after a short course of treatment with 7.5 g/day CLA. This was accompanied by reductions in the proliferation index. CLA consumption was well-tolerated and safe at this dose for up to 20 days. Overall, CLA may be a prototype compound to target fatty acid synthesis in breast cancers with a "lipogenic phenotype".
Specificity of the action of cAMP agonists in the induction of RI cAMP-binding protein in mouse neuroblastoma cells

Abstract Differentiation in the mouse neuroblastoma cells is induced by cAMP and is characterized by neurite extension and increased acetylcholinesterase, cAMP-phosphodiesterase, and r i cAMP-binding activities. To gain a better understanding of the regulation of expression and the possible function of the R I cAMP-binding protein in neuroblastoma cell differentiation, we evaluated the specificity of action of cAMP analogues and agents that increased intracellular cAMP concentration in the induction of the 47,000-dalton R I protein. The amount of R I in cell extracts was quantitated by the photoactivated incorporation of 8-N 3 -[ 32 P]cAMP into the 47,000-dalton r I and by ELISA and Western blot techniques. Our results showed that dibutyryl cAMP, forskolin, prostaglandin E 1 , 3-isobutyl-1-methyl xanthine, and papavarine gave a 2- to 4-fold increase in the r I cAMP-binding protein coincident with the expression of various morphological and biochemical differentiation phenotypes in the mouse neuroblastoma cells. However, the effects of 8-bromo-cAMP were different. 8-Bromo-cAMP effectively promoted neurite extension and increased acetylcholinesterase and cAMP-phosphodiesterase activities; however, there was no concomitant increase in the R I cAMP-binding protein. The result raises interesting questions concerning the coupling of expression of the various differentiation phenotypes in the mouse neuroblastoma cells.
Chronic Granulomatous Disease Presenting as Aseptic Ascites in a 2-Year-Old Child

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare inherited immunodeficiency syndrome that results from abnormal nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase function. This defect leads to recurrent catalase-positive bacterial and fungal infections as well as associated granuloma formation. We review the case of a 2-year-old boy who presented with ascites and fever of an unknown origin as manifestations of CGD. Cultures were negative for infection throughout his course, and CGD was suspected after identification of granulomas on peritoneal biopsy. Genetic testing revealed a novel mutation in the CYBB gene underlying his condition. This paper highlights the importance of considering CGD in the differential diagnosis of fever of unknown origin and ascites in children.
Infinite dimensional modules for Frobenius kernels

Abstract We prove that the projectivity of an arbitrary (possibly infinite dimensional) module for a Frobenius kernel can be detected by restrictions to one-parameter subgroups. Building upon this result, we introduce the support cone of such a module, extending the construction of support variety for a finite dimensional module, and show that such support cones satisfy most of the familiar properties of support varieties. We also verify that our representation-theoretic definition of support cones admits an interpretation in terms of Rickard idempotent modules associated to thick subcategories of the stable category of finite dimensional modules.
ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF TOXIC FRACTIONS OF COBRA VENOM

The venom of the cobra, Naja naja, is composed of 3 physiologically identifiable components. The first component appears to produce a loss of cortical electrical activity when injected intravenously into the dog. The second component causes respiratory paralysis. The third component affects the cardiovascular system, ultimately producing irreversible hypotension.
Growth of multiparticle aggregates in sedimenting suspensions

The process of multiparticle aggregation in a dilute sedimenting suspension is rigorously simulated, with precise hydrodynamical interactions. The primary particles are monodisperse non-Brownian spheres at zero Reynolds number, with short-range molecular attractions. The rigid aggregates grow, as they settle downwards, by sequential particle addition – a valid assumption for dilute suspensions during the initial stages. The growth starts from doublet–particle interaction, but the indeterminate initial doublet concentration does not affect the results for cluster geometry and settling velocity. A new particle is generated far below a cluster with uniform probability density, and many trial particle–cluster relative trajectories are computed with high accuracy until a collision is found. The new cluster is then assumed to be rigid and allowed to reach a steady sedimentation regime (which is a spiral motion around the axis of steady rotation, ASR) before another particle is added, and so on. The ASR is typically far away from the cluster centre of mass. The Stokes flow solution algorithm for particle–cluster interaction works very efficiently with high-order multipoles (to order 100) and is extended to arbitrarily small particle–cluster separations by a geometry perturbation adapted from the conductivity simulations of Zinchenko (Phil. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. A, 1998, vol. 356, pp. 2953–2998). Clusters are generated to spheres, with extensive averaging over many growth realizations. The fractal scaling for the cluster settling speed is quickly attained once , and the exponent 0.48 is practically independent of the strength of molecular forces. The cluster fractal dimension is predicted to be (in contrast to the existing views that sequential addition can only produce high- clusters). Several average characteristics of the cluster size are also computed. The theoretical settling speed has no adjustable parameters and agrees reasonably well with prior experiments for a moderately polydisperse system in a broad range of cluster sizes.
Clinical effectiveness of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in men: California Men's Health Study

Abstract Objective To examine the effectiveness of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) among approximately 40,000 community-dwelling men aged 45 years and older in the California Men's Health Study (CMHS) cohort. Methods All participants completed an extensive questionnaire at baseline (2002–2003) and were followed for the occurrence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) or all-cause pneumonia hospitalization through the end of 2009. Immunization status and incident IPD and pneumonia cases were ascertained through electronic medical records. The associations between vaccination and IPD or pneumonia hospitalization were assessed using time-dependent Cox proportional models to account for sociodemographics, time-updated vaccination status, and comorbidities. Results The median follow-up period of the 39,222 participants was 7.3 years. Among them, 11,902 (30.3%) had received at least one PPV vaccine at baseline and 7653 (19.5%) received their first PPV vaccine during the follow-up. There were 17 pneumococcal bacteremia cases, 647 hospitalized pneumonia cases, and no pneumococcal meningitis cases. The results suggested a reduced risk of pneumococcal bacteremia among men vaccinated at age ≥65 (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.06–1.91; p = 0.22). PPV vaccination did not show a protective effect against all-cause pneumonia hospitalization (adjusted HR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.02–1.37, p = 0.03) among men vaccinated before 65 years old, but a moderate protective effect was suggested among men without chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases who were vaccinated after 65 years old (adjusted HR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.67–1.06, p = 0.15). Conclusions The findings in this large cohort of men in Southern California suggested a benefit of PPV for protection against pneumococcal bacteremia among men vaccinated at age 65 years and older. PPV might not provide adequate protection against all-cause pneumonia hospitalization among men.
Separation of crack extension modes in orthotropic delamination models

In modeling a crack along a distinct interface between dissimilar elastic materials, the ratio of mode I to mode II stress intensity factors or energy release rates is typically not unique, due to oscillatory behavior of near-tip stresses and displacements. Although methods have been developed for comparing mode mixes for isotropic interfacial fracture problems, this behavior currently limits the applicability of interfacial fracture mechanics in predicting delamination in layered materials without isotropic symmetry. The virtual crack closure technique (VCCT) is a method used to extract mode I and mode II energy release rate components from numerical fracture solutions. Energy release rate components extracted from an oscillatory solution using the VCCT are not unique due to their dependence on the virtual crack extension length, Δ. In this work, a method is presented for using the VCCT to extract Δ-independent energy release rate quantities for the case of an interface crack between two in-plane orthotropic materials. The method does not involve altering the analysis to eliminate its oscillatory behavior and it is similar to existing methods for extracting a mode mix from isotropic interfacial fracture models. Knowledge of near-tip fields is used to determine the explicit Δ dependence of energy release rate parameters. Energy release rates are then defined that are separated from the oscillatory dependence on Δ. A modified VCCT using these energy release rate definitions is applied to results from finite element analyses, showing that Δ-independent energy release rate quantities result. The modified technique has potential as a consistent method for extracting a mode mix from numerical solutions. The Δ-independent energy release rate quantities extracted using this technique can also aid numerical modelers, serving as guides for testing the convergence of finite element models. Direct applications of this work include the analysis of planar composite delamination problems, where plies or debonded laminates are modeled as in-plane orthotropic materials.
The Physiology and Biochemistry of Zooxanthellae Symbiotic with Marine Coelenterates. I. The Assimilation of Photosynthetic Products of Zooxanthellae by Two Marine Coelenterates

The movement of organic compounds between endosymbiotic zooxanthellae and their marine coelenterate hosts was studied in the sea anemone, Anthopleura elegantissima (Brandt) (Anthozoa, Actiniaria) and the zoanthid, Palythoa townsleyi (Walsh and Bowers) (Anthozoa, Zoanthidea). In both animals, $^{14}$C photosynthetically fixed by the algae moved into the animal tissues. In Anthopleura, this represents 45 to 50% of the total photosynthetic fixation in 24 h and, in Palythoa, 20 to 25%. The fixed $^{14}$C accumulated by the animal tissues becomes incorporated principally into animal lipid and protein. The significance of translocation to the animal hosts is discussed.
Predicting Algorithm Accuracy with a Small Set of Effective Meta-Features

We revisit 26 meta-features typically used in the context of meta-learning for model selection. Using visual analysis and computational complexity considerations, we find 4 meta-features whose values are directly relevant to certain ranges of predictive accuracy for 7 learning algorithms on 135 UCI datasets. Discretization of these 4 meta-features based on thresholds derived from our analysis significantly boosts the accuracy of the meta-level classification task.
An RFID-Based Platform Supporting Context-Aware Computing in Complex Spaces

Ubiquitous computing promises to both assist us in everyday tasks and enhance our capabilities. Key elements towards fulfilling this goal are exploiting the physical and logical context in which computation occurs, in order to scope the interaction between users and applications. In this paper we describe an RFID-based platform allowing mobile entities to transparently associate with ubiquitous applications running within complex physical spaces. Entity- application associations occur only for applications within a physical space whose services are within predefined sets specified by an entity for that space type. Mobile entities in our platform are uniquely identified by a temporary ID, and further characterized by a set of attributes describing the above-mentioned set of services. Computation is mediated through the exchange of protocol messages guarded by such attributes. Furthermore, relevant application state is distributed on each mobile entity through a set of messaging boards, enabling a targeted form of communication and cooperation among ubiquitous applications. In this paper we report on our experience experimenting with this platform. Our initial results indicate that this platform is suitable for current RFID technology and exhibits low-cost, scalability and privacy.
α‐α linking motifs and interhelical orientations

While the geometry and sequence preferences of turns that link two β-strands have been exhaustively explored, the corresponding preferences for sequences that link helical structures have been less well studied. Here we examine the interhelical geometry of two connected helices as a function of their link's length. The interhelical geometry of a helical pair appears to be significantly influenced by the number of linking residues. Furthermore, for relatively short link lengths, a very limited number of predominant conformations are observed, which can be categorized by their ϕ/ψ angles. No more than two predominant linking backbone conformations are observed for a given link length, and some linking backbone conformations correlate strongly with distinctive interhelical geometric parameters. In this study, sequence and hydrogen-bonding patterns were defined for predominant interhelical link motifs. These results should assist in both protein structure prediction and de novo protein design. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Potential role for intraoperative gamma probe identification of normal parathyroid glands.

Abstract Background Patients undergoing central neck surgery are at risk for hypoparathyroidism. We hypothesized that gamma probe identification of sestamibi-labeled parathyroid glands might help maximize parathyroid preservation. Methods Records of 351 patients who underwent central neck surgery were reviewed. A subgroup of patients underwent sestamibi injection followed by gamma probe-directed parathyroid gland identification. Results Operation was performed for malignancy in 73% of patients and represented a reoperation in 34%. Persistent hypoparathyroidism was more common in patients who underwent reoperation versus a primary operation (6.8% versus 1.7%; P = 0.02). Thirteen patients underwent gamma probe-directed identification of sestamibi-labeled parathyroid glands; in 6 of these patients, sestamibi-labeled parathyroid glands were salvaged from the resected specimens and autografted. None of these 13 patients developed persistent hypoparathyroidism. Conclusions Patients undergoing reoperative central neck surgery are at increased risk for postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Gamma probe-directed salvage of sestamibi-labeled parathyroid glands may help maximize parathyroid preservation, especially in complex or reoperative central neck surgery.
Age, Product Nutrition, and Label Format Effects on Consumer Perceptions and Product Evaluations

Nutrition label format effects across different levels of product nutrition value and groups of younger (under 58 years; average 46 years) and older consumers (58 years or more; average 70 years) are examined using a 3 × 2 × 2 experimental design. Age interacts with nutrition level in affecting nutrition evaluation measures with older consumers displaying smaller differences in nutrition attitude and purchase likelihood for a low versus a high nutrition value product. Older consumers also perceive all labels as more difficult to understand. Consumer performance on judgment tasks vary across label formats and nutrition value manipulations. Implications for consumer welfare and future research are offered.
A study of learning and motivation in a new media enriched environment for middle school science

This study examines middle school students’ learning and motivation as they engaged in a new media enriched problem-based learning (PBL) environment for middle school science. Using a mixed-method design with both quantitative and qualitative data, we investigated the effect of a new media environment on sixth graders’ science learning, their motivation, and the relationship between students’ motivation and their science learning. The analysis of the results showed that: Students significantly increased their science knowledge from pretest to posttest after using the PBL program, they were motivated and enjoyed the experience, and a significant positive relationship was found between students’ motivation scores and their science knowledge posttest scores. Findings were discussed within the research framework.
COMMD proteins: COMMing to the scene

COMM Domain-containing or COMMD proteins are a recently discovered group of factors defined by the presence of a unique motif in their extreme carboxy termini (Copper metabolism MURR1, or COMM domain). This protein family is comprised of ten members which are widely conserved throughout evolution and share certain functional properties. At the present time, a number of seemingly discrete functions have been ascribed to these factors. These include the regulation of such events as the activity of the transcription factor NF-κB, copper homeostasis, the function of the epithelial sodium channel, and cell proliferation. A unifying mechanism that would explain all these events is lacking at the moment, but recent studies suggest that regulation of the ubiquitin pathway may be the basis of many of the functions of the COMMD protein family.
Feedback neural nets for associative memories-an overview and some new results

This paper presents an overview for the existing synthesis procedures and some new developments for associative memories using feedback neural networks. Specifically, existing results including the outer product method, the projection learning rule, the eigenstructure method, and the sparse design method are reviewed for a class of feedback neural networks. Under certain sparsity constraints on the interconnection matrix, the class of neural networks considered herein becomes neural networks (called cellular neural networks) whose dynamics can be completely specified by a cloning template which specifies the weights from every neuron to its local neighborhood. We develop a design algorithm which makes it possible to determine in a systematic manner cloning templates for neural networks with or without symmetry constraints on the interconnection weights.
Cell Crawling: First the Motor, Now the Transmission

Cell crawling is thought to be the result of three coordinated motility behaviors: ( a ) protrusion and adhesion of the front end, probably driven by actin assembly; ( b ) traction force that leads to the advance of the nucleus and bulk cytoplasm; and ( c ) release and retraction of the tail in most
Clinical outcomes of linezolid vs vancomycin in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ventilator-associated pneumonia: retrospective analysis.

Background: Vancomycin has been the treatment standard for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, but clinical efficacy is limited. We report outcomes of a cohort with MRSA ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) treated with vancomycin vs linezolid. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 113 participants with MRSA VAP confirmed by bronchoscopy who have been initiated on therapy with either vancomycin or linezolid within 24 hours after bronchoscopy and completed ≥7 days of therapy during their hospitalization from July 2003 to June 2007. The primary endpoints were hospital survival and clinical cure, defined as resolution of signs and symptoms of VAP or microbiological eradication after completion of therapy along with clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS) ≤6 at day 7 of therapy. Results: At hospital discharge, 23/27 (85.2%) of linezolid and 72/86 (83.7%) of vancomycin recipients had survived (P = .672). In comparison to linezolid recipients, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for survival...
Progesterone and Placentation Increase Secreted Phosphoprotein One (SPP1 or Osteopontin) in Uterine Glands and Stroma for Histotrophic and Hematotrophic Support of Ovine Pregnancy

Secreted phosphoprotein one (SPP1, osteopontin) may regulate conceptus implantation and placentation. We investigated effects of progesterone (P(4)) and the conceptus on expression and localization of SPP1 in the ovine uterus. Steady-state levels of SPP1 mRNA in the endometrium of unilaterally pregnant ewes did not differ significantly between nongravid and gravid horns within their respective days of pregnancy; however, levels did increase as pregnancy progressed. SPP1 mRNA was detectable in the glandular epithelium (GE) of both nongravid and gravid horns via in situ hybridization. SPP1 protein was localized to the apical surface of the luminal epithelium of both nongravid and gravid uterine horns. Gravid horns exhibited extensive stromal SPP1 on Days 40 through 120, whereas SPP1 was markedly lower in the stroma of nongravid uterine horns through Day 80 of pregnancy. By Day 120, stromal expression of SPP1 between nongravid and gravid horns was similar. Long-term P(4) treatment of ovariectomized ewes induced SPP1 in the uterine stroma and GE. A bioactive 45-kDa SPP1 fragment was purified from uterine secretions and promoted ovine trophectoderm cell attachment in vitro. Interestingly, increased stromal cell expression of SPP1 was positively associated with vascularization as assessed by von Willebrand factor staining. Finally, ovine uterine artery endothelial cells produced SPP1 during outgrowth into three-dimensional collagen matrices in an in vitro model system that recapitulates angiogenesis. Collectively, P(4) induces and the conceptus further stimulates SPP1 in uterine GE and stroma, where SPP1 likely influences histotrophic and hematotrophic support of conceptus development.
Comparison of boundary correction factor solutions for two symmetric cracks in a straight-shank hole

Abstract This paper compares the mode I boundary correction factor solutions for two symmetric elliptical cracks emanating from a straight-shank hole. A variety of methods were used to generate the solutions. A global–intermediate–local hierarchical approach was developed using the finite element method (FEM). Comparisons were made with the following methods: the FEM with the equivalent domain integral, semi-empirical stress-intensity factor (SIF) equations, the finite element alternating method, the boundary element method (BEM) with the crack opening displacement approach, the BEM using special crack-tip elements, and the three-dimensional weight function method. The SIF solutions were within a band of ±3% about the average solution.
Polymerization of vinylcyclopropanes. II

1,5-Type polymerization of vinylcyclopropane proceeding by the opening of both the double bond and the cyclopropane ring was found. Some other vinylcyclopropane derivatives, 1,1-dichloro-2-vinylcyclopropane, 1,1-dibromo-2-vinylcyclopropane, isopropenylcyclopropane, 1-methyl-1-vinylcyclopropane, 1,1-dichloro-2-methyl-2-vinylcyclopropane, and cis- and trans-1-chloro-2-vinylcyclopropane, were investigated. The observation of infrared spectra, NMR spectra, and other data indicated that the radical polymerization of these compounds gave principally 1,5-type polymer, while in cationic polymerization 1,2-type was predominant. The behavior of the polymerization was discussed in terms of the stability of a cyclopropylcarbinyl ion or radical which is formed in the initiation and propagation steps.
Microfluidic Injector Models Based on Artificial Neural Networks

Lab-on-a-chip (LoC) systems can be functionally decomposed into their basic operating devices. Common devices are mixers, reactors, injectors, and separators. In this paper, the injector device is modeled using artificial neural networks (NNs) trained with finite element simulations of the underlying mass transport partial differential equations (PDEs). This technique is used to map the injector behavior into a set of analytical performance functions parameterized by the system's physical variables. The injector examples shown are the cross, the double-tee, and the gated-cross. The results are four orders of magnitude faster than numerical simulation and accurate with mean square errors (MSEs) on the order of $10^-4$ . The resulting NN training data compare favorably with experimental data from a gated-cross injector found in the literature.
Subject-specific planning of femoroplasty: A combined evolutionary optimization and particle diffusion model approach

A potential effective treatment for prevention of osteoporotic hip fractures is augmentation of the mechanical properties of the femur by injecting it with agents such as (PMMA) bone cement – femoroplasty. The operation, however, is only in research stage and can benefit substantially from computer planning and optimization. We report the results of computational planning and optimization of the procedure for biomechanical evaluation. An evolutionary optimization method was used to optimally place the cement in finite element (FE) models of seven osteoporotic bone specimens. The optimization, with some inter-specimen variations, suggested that areas close to the cortex in the superior and inferior of the neck and supero-lateral aspect of the greater trochanter will benefit from augmentation. We then used a particle-based model for bone cement diffusion simulation to match the optimized pattern, taking into account the limitations of the actual surgery, including limited volume of injection to prevent thermal necrosis. Simulations showed that the yield load can be significantly increased by more than 30%, using only 9 ml of bone cement. This increase is comparable to previous literature reports where gross filling of the bone was employed instead, using more than 40 ml of cement. These findings, along with the differences in the optimized plans between specimens, emphasize the need for subject-specific models for effective planning of femoral augmentation.
Matrix metalloproteinases in ascending aortic aneurysms: bicuspid versus trileaflet aortic valves.

Background Abnormal matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) expression contributes to the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Recent data suggest that MMP-2 and MMP-9 may also play a role in thoracic aortic disease. We sought to determine (1) whether ascending aortic aneurysms are associated with increased MMP expression and (2) whether aortic inflammation and MMP expression differ between patients with congenital bicuspid aortic valves (BAVs) and those with trileaflet aortic valves (TAVs). Materials and methods Samples of ascending aortic aneurysms were obtained from 29 patients; 14 patients had BAVs and 15 had TAVs. Control ascending aorta was obtained from 14 organ donors or heart transplant recipients. Aortic histology and immunohistochemistry were performed to evaluate elastin degradation, inflammatory changes, and MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression. Aortic levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 were measured using ELISA. Results Aneurysms in the TAV patients exhibited marked inflammation, high CD68 expression, diminished elastin content, increased MMP-9 expression, and normal MMP-2 levels. In contrast, BAV aneurysms were characterized by a relative lack of inflammation, preservation of elastin content, normal MMP-9 levels, and elevated MMP-2 expression. TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 levels were not significantly different among the three groups. Conclusions Ascending aortic aneurysms exhibited increased MMP expression. The pattern of MMP expression and the degree of inflammation, however, differed between aneurysms associated with BAVs and those with TAVs. Variations in the molecular mechanisms underlying different types of thoracic aortic aneurysms warrant further investigation.
Low-frequency 1/f noise in bismuth selenide Topological Insulators

Topological insulators is a newly discovered class of materials with the Dirac cone type dispersion at the surface and conventional band in the volume of the material. We present results of the study of the low-frequency excess noise in thin films made of Bi 2 Se 3 topological insulator material. The films were prepared through mechanically cleavage from the bulk crystal via the “graphene-like” exfoliation procedure. We verified the quality and crystallinity of Bi 2 Se 3 samples with the micro-Raman spectroscopy. Our fabricated devices have linear current voltage characteristics in the low bias region with the current fluctuation noise spectral density SI proportional to 1/f for frequency f less than 10 kHz. The noise spectral density SI showed the square law dependence on the source-drain current and changed from about ∼10−22 to 10−18 A2/Hz as current changes form ∼10−7 to 10−5 A. Our results can be used for understanding electron transport and trap dynamics, and for reducing low-frequency noise in topological insulator devices.
Symbiosis and the survival of science education

The current financial climate both at the Federal level and at the state level has resulted in severe cut backs in services to teachers. There are few programs in many states designed to keep teachers up to date on new developments in their sciences. The marine related industries need to plan now for meeting future needs by actively supporting educational programs designed to improve and update current science education at the pre-college level. The magnitude of the problem demands immediate action. This paper proposes a model for cooperation between marine industries and the educational community to stimulate inservice training for teachers.
The efficiency of C4 photosynthesis under low light conditions: assumptions and calculations with CO2 isotope discrimination

Leakiness (φ), the proportion of carbon fixed by phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylation that leaks out of the bundle-sheath cells, determines C 4 photosynthetic efficiency. Large increases in φ have been described at low irradiance. The underlying mechanisms for this increase remain uncertain, but changes in photorespiration or the energy partitioning between the C 4 and C 3 cycles have been suggested. Additionally, values of φ at low light could be magnified from assumptions made when comparing measured photosynthetic discrimination against 13 C (Δ) with the theoretical formulation for Δ. For example, several simplifications are often made when modelling Δ to predict φ including: (i) negligible fractionation during photorespiration and dark respiration; (ii) infinite mesophyll conductance; and (iii) CO 2 inside bundle-sheath cells (C s ) is much larger than values in mesophyll cells (C m ). Theoretical models for C 4 photosynthesis and C 4 Δ were combined to evaluate how these simplifications affect calculations of Δ and φ at different light intensities. It was demonstrated that the effects of photorespiratory fractionations and mesophyll conductance were negligible at low light. Respiratory fractionation was relevant only when the magnitude of the fractionation factor was artificially increased during measurements. The largest error in estimating φ occurred when assuming C s was much larger than C m at low light levels, when bundle-sheath conductance was large (g s ), or at low O 2 concentrations. Under these conditions, the simplified equation for Δ overestimated φ, and compromised comparisons between species with different g s , and comparisons across O 2 concentrations.
Small intestine perforation in a 58-year-old man with Darier disease after 25 months of oral acitretin therapy

Darier disease is a rare autosomal dominant disease characterized by abnormal keratinization of the epidermis, mucosa, and nails. Acitretin, an aromatic form of tretinoin, is widely prescribed in the treatment of Darier disease. However, significant adverse effects can occur and there have been reports associating intestinal inflammation with retinoid therapy. We report the case of a 58-year-old man who developed a small intestine perforation after 2 years of acitretin treatment. Having excluded other common causes, we suspected that the small intestine perforation could be the result of severe inflammation of small intestine due to the long-term use of acitretin. Given the significance of this potential morbidity, it would seem prudent to monitor acitretin treatment for treating Darier disease by paying more attention to clinical symptoms such as abdominal pain or bloody stool.
STAREX SELF-REPAIR ROUTINES: SOFTWARE RECOVERY IN THE JPL-STAR COMPUTER

Software recovery after fault detection and hardware self-repair in the JPL-STAR computer is described in the context of the self-repair routines in STAREX, the resident executive for the computer. The JPL-STAR computer is a fault-tolerant digital computer which includes hardware self-repair c apability. The software self-repair routines augment the hardware selfrepair features by controlling the memory configuration, handling state vector storage for user programs, and resuming computation after self-repair. A definition of software coverage and an empirical method of measuring it are given. age of STAREX is considered. Finally, the software cover