cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The influence of house, seller, and locational factors on the probability of sale

Abstract Ability to model the probability of individual house sales would be of benefit in a number of real estate contexts. Existing housing literature models the probability of a house sale using mainly property characteristics or macroeconomic variables. However, the use of only property characteristics typically yields a poor model fit. This study investigates the relative roles of property characteristics, seller mortgage origination variables, and locational factors in terms of explaining the probability of individual house sales. Homeowner information such as their time horizon of staying in the house and their stage in the life cycle should have an important impact on house sale decisions. Although obtaining such information is typically difficult, mortgage choices made at loan origination may help reveal such information. In addition, the measurable characteristics of neighbors and the geographic clustering of house sales, ceteris paribus, may aid in modeling house sales. Incorporating the property characteristics, mortgage origination variables, and locational factors increases the pseudo-R2 of a probit model from under 1 percent when only using property characteristics to over 23 percent when using property, mortgage, and spatial information. The results are consistent through a particularly large housing cycle in both Las Vegas County in Nevada and Maricopa County in Arizona from 2006 to 2010, and for a variety of sub samples.
Cardiovascular disease in young adults with incident ESRD.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death in young adults with incident end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Unlike children with ESRD, young adults with incident ESRD have high prevalence of diabetes, coronary artery disease and heart failure. These cardiovascular risk factors are associated with increased CVD-related hospitalizations and mortality in young adults.
Association of Habitual Daily Physical Activity With Glucose Tolerance and β-Cell Function in Adults With Impaired Glucose Tolerance or Recently Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes From the Restoring Insulin Secretion (RISE) Study

OBJECTIVE We examined the relationship between habitual daily physical activity and measures of glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and β-cell responses in adults with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or drug-naive, recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Participants included 230 adults (mean ± SD age 54.5 ± 8.5 years, BMI 35 ± 5.5 kg/m2; 42.6% women) who underwent a 3-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and hyperglycemic clamp. Wrist accelerometers worn for 7 consecutive days measured total physical activity counts (TAC) (daily mean 233,460 [∼50th percentile for age]). We evaluated whether TAC was associated with fasting plasma glucose, OGTT 2-h plasma glucose or glucose incremental area under the curve (G-iAUC), hyperglycemic clamp measures of insulin sensitivity (steady-state glucose infusion rate/insulin [M/I]) and β-cell responses (acute C-peptide response to glucose, steady-state C-peptide, and maximal β-cell response), and OGTT C-peptide index (ΔC-peptide0–30/Δglucose0–30). RESULTS After adjustments for confounders, there was no association of TAC with fasting plasma glucose, 2-h glucose, or G-iAUC. Higher TAC was associated with higher insulin sensitivity (M/I). After adjusting for M/I, higher TAC was not associated with measures of β-cell response. CONCLUSIONS In adults with IGT or drug-naive, recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes, higher levels of habitual physical activity are associated with higher insulin sensitivity. Further studies are needed to understand why higher levels of physical activity are not associated with better β-cell response.
Utility of Early Postoperative Unstimulated Thyroglobulin in Influencing Decision Making in Patients with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Serum thyroglobulin is used to screen for disease persistence or recurrence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). We sought to assess the utility of early postoperative unstimulated thyroglobulin levels (uTg) as a decision-making tool to guide the use of radioactive iodine (RAI) in PTC patients. We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of patients surgically treated for PTC from 2015 to 2017. We analyzed uTg approximately 6 weeks postoperatively. Patients undergoing total thyroidectomy or completion thyroidectomy were included in the study, and patients were analyzed according to postoperative uTg and receipt of RAI. A total of 255 patients were analyzed, with 134 patients meeting the inclusion criteria. The median postoperative uTg was 0.3 ng/mL. Overall, 49.3% (66/134) of patients achieved the target uTg of ≤ 0.2 ng/mL at a mean time of 7.9 ± 0.3 weeks postoperatively; 60% (40/66) of patients who achieved uTg ≤ 0.2 ng/mL postoperatively did not receive RAI. A uTg ≤ 0.2 ng/mL was maintained at 6 months in 98.1% of patients, including 100% of patients who received RAI and 96.7% of patients who did not receive RAI (p = 0.8). Of those who did not receive RAI, none demonstrated structural disease recurrence on 6-month ultrasound. Patients with early postoperative uTg > 0.2–2.0 ng/mL showed benefit from RAI, while patients with uTg > 2.0 ng/mL did not achieve the targeted uTg level regardless of receipt of RAI. Postoperative uTg may be used to guide the use of RAI. Achieving near-undetectable uTg within 6 weeks postoperatively could aid providers in assessing disease burden and minimize RAI use for patients with a low-risk of disease recurrence. Continued follow-up is necessary to accurately determine long-term outcomes.
Multifidelity Sparse Polynomial Chaos Surrogate Models Applied to Flutter Databases

Multifidelity sparse polynomial chaos expansion (MFSPCE) models of critical flutter dynamic pressures as a function of Mach number, angle of attack, and thickness-to-chord ratio are constructed in ...
The lac repressor hinge helix in context: The effect of the DNA binding domain and symmetry

Abstract The Lac system of genes has been an important model system in understanding gene regulation. When the dimer lac repressor protein binds to the correct DNA sequence, the hinge region of the protein goes through a disorder to order transition. The hinge region is disordered when binding to nonoperator sequences. This region of the protein must pay a conformational entropic penalty to order when it is bound to operator DNA. Structural studies show that this region is flexible. Previous simulations showed that this region is disordered when free in solution without the DNA binding domain present. Our simulations corroborate that this region is extremely flexible in solution, but we find that the presence of the DNA binding domain proximal to the hinge helix and salt make the ordered conformation more favorable even without DNA present.
Tell me what you saw: The usefulness of verbal descriptions for others

Describing what one saw to another person is common in everyday experience, such as spatial navigation and crime investigations. Past studies have examined the effects of recounting on one’s own me...
Locomotion of Linear Actuator Robots Through Kinematic Planning and Nonlinear Optimization

In this article consider a class of robotic systems composed of high-elongation linear actuators connected at universal joints. We derive the differential kinematics of such robots, and show that any instantaneous velocity of the nodes can be achieved through actuator motions if the graph describing the robot's configuration is infinitesimally rigid. We formulate physical constraints that constrain the maximum and minimum length of each actuator, the minimum distance between unconnected actuators, the minimum angle between connected actuators, and constraints that ensure the robot avoids singular configurations. We present two planning algorithms that allow a linear actuator robot to locomote. The first algorithm repeatedly solves a nonlinear optimization problem online to move the robot's center of mass in a desired direction for one time step. This algorithm can be used for an arbitrary linear actuator robot but does not guarantee persistent feasibility. The second method ensures persistent feasibility with a hierarchical coarse-fine planning decomposition, and applies to linear actuator robots with a certain symmetry property. We compare these two planning methods in simulation studies.
Harnessing biological applications of quantum materials: opportunities and precautions

Since the discovery of graphene, research on two-dimensional (2D) quantum materials has generated a plethora of novel materials with the potential to significantly change our lives. Owing to their unique quantum, electronic, and excitonic properties, biosensing and bio-imaging are two specific areas where these quantum materials have started to make a large impact. This article provides a holistic overview into the properties, synthesis methods, biological applications, and toxicology studies of commonly studied quantum materials. Recent research into the biological applications of graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides is highlighted and their unique electronic properties are explored. Though tremendous research is generated in discovering new 2D materials, toxicology studies in the area are lacking. Historically, toxicology studies have lagged significantly behind new material discovery often with dire consequences. The product development cycle of polymeric materials is a testament to the negative consequences of having a reactionary approach to toxicology. With 2D materials set to become a widespread part of everyday life in the near future, we comment on the need for a proactive approach to examining and understanding their toxicology.
A smartphone-based particle diffusometry platform for sub-attomolar detection of Vibrio cholerae in environmental water

Abstract Each year, 3.4 million people die from waterborne diseases worldwide. Development of a rapid and portable platform for detecting and monitoring waterborne pathogens would significantly aid in reducing the incidence and spread of infectious diseases. By combining optical methods and smartphone technology with molecular assays, the sensitivity required to detect exceedingly low concentrations of waterborne pathogens can readily be achieved. Here, we implement smartphone-based particle diffusometry (PD) detection of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) targeting the waterborne pathogen Vibrio cholerae (V. cholerae). By measuring the diffusion of 400 nm streptavidin-coated fluorescent nanoparticles imaged at 68X magnification on a smartphone, we can detect as few as 6 V. cholerae cells per reaction (0.66 aM) in just 35 minutes. In a double-blinded study with 132 pond water samples, we establish a 91.8% sensitivity, 95.2% specificity, and 94.3% accuracy of the smartphone-based PD platform for detection of V. cholerae. Together, these results demonstrate the utility of this smartphone-based PD platform for rapid and sensitive detection of V. cholerae at the point of use.
Nitrous Oxide Dynamics during Denitrification along a Hydrological Gradient of Subtropical Grasslands

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) dynamics during denitrification, including N₂O production and reduction, particularly as related to soil depth, are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the rates of N₂O production and reduction processes at various soil depths along a hydrological gradient in grazed subtropical grasslands. A batch incubation study was conducted on soils collected along a hydrological gradient representing isolated wetland (Center), transient edge (Edge) and pasture upland (Upland) in south‐central Florida. Significantly different N₂O production and reduction rates between hydrological zones were observed for surface soils (0–10 cm) under ambient conditions, with average N₂O production rates of 0.368, 0.178 and 0.003 N₂O‐N kg⁻¹ dry soil h⁻¹ for Center, Edge and Upland, respectively, and average N₂O reduction rates of 0.063, 0.132 and 0.002 N₂O‐N kg⁻¹ dry soil h⁻¹. Nitrous oxide production and reduction in subsurface soils maintained low rates and showed small variations between depths and hydrological zones. Our results suggest that N₂O dynamics were affected by depth, mainly through labile organic carbon (C) and microbial biomass C, being influenced by hydrological zone primarily through soil NO₃‐ content. The spatial distribution of N₂O fluxes from denitrification along the hydrological gradient is likely attributed to the differences in N₂O production and reduction in surface soils.
Neural mechanisms underlying the income-achievement gap: The role of the ventral visual stream.

Children from low-socioeconomic status (SES) households on average exhibit lower academic achievement than their higher-SES peers. We investigated a novel hypothesis that differences in early-developing sensory networks-specifically the ventral visual stream (VVS), which is involved in processing visual stimuli-contribute to SES-related disparities in executive functions (EF) and academic outcomes. We used fMRI to investigate SES-related differences in neural function in children (6-8 years, n = 62) during two attentional tasks involving attention to visual information: cued attention and memory-guided attention. Recruitment of VVS during both tasks was associated with EF and academic achievement, and SES-related differences in VVS activation during cued attention were marginally explained by differences in cognitive stimulation. VVS activation during cued attention mediated SES-related differences in academic achievement. Finally, the link between VVS activation during both tasks and academic achievement was mediated by differences in EF. We extend previous work by highlighting that: (i) early-developing visual processing regions play a role in supporting complex attentional processes, (ii) childhood SES is associated with VVS function, which is explained in part by SES-related differences in cognitive stimulation and (iii) provide preliminary evidence that individual differences in VVS function may play a role in the emergence of the income-achievement gap.
Mechanical and Corrosion Response of 316SS in Supercritical CO2

The supercritical carbon dioxide (s-CO2) Brayton cycle is currently being explored as a replacement for the steam Rankine cycle due to its potential for higher efficiency and lower cycle cost. 316 stainless steel is a candidate alloy for use in s-CO2 up to roughly 600 °C, but the mechanical effects of prolonged exposure of base and welded material in s-CO2 have not been analyzed. The potential for carburization makes this an important concern for the implementation of 316 and similar austenitic stainless steels in the s-CO2 environment. In this study, welded and base material of two types of 316–316L and 316H–were exposed in either s-CO2 or argon at 550 °C or 750 °C for 1000 h. 550 °C s-CO2 exposure yielded a thin (< 1 µm) Cr oxide with occasional nodules of duplex Fe oxide and Fe–Cr spinel that were up to 5 microns thick. However, tensile results from s-CO−2 exposure matched those of 550 °C thermal aging in Ar, indicating that no mechanically detrimental carburization occurred in either 316 variant after 1000 h exposure. Conversely, 750 °C s-CO2 exposure produced roughly 10 × the oxide thickness, with a more substantial Fe oxide (3–5 µm) on the majority of the surface and nodules of up to 40 µm thick. In comparison to aged samples, tensile testing of 750 °C CO2-exposed samples revealed ductility loss attributed to carburization. Projections of 316L performance in s-CO2 indicate that mechanically detrimental carburization—equal to that shown here for 750 °C, 1000 h—will likely be present after 7–14 years of service at 550 °C.
Genes, Race, Ancestry, and Identity in Forensic Anthropology: Historical Perspectives and Contemporary Concerns

Forensic anthropology is in the midst of its latest reckoning with the concept of ancestry, particularly insofar as its role in the development of biological profiles for unidentified decedents and...
MARKETING E PROTAGONISMO FEMININO NA ESCOLHA DE PRODUTOS/SERVIÇOS PARA SUPRIR DESEJOS E NECESSIDADES LOCAIS

Em um pais que se discute muito igualdade de genero, adaptar a estrategia de marketing no mercado e essencial. As mulheres sao exigentes e e preciso ter sensibilidade para conseguir atender a este publico e fideliza-lo. Desse modo, foi realizado um estudo com objetivo de identificar qual a preferencia do publico feminino para escolha de produtos/servicos na cidade de Barra de Sao Francisco/ES e regioes vizinhas. Os dados obtidos foram tabulados em uma planilha do programa computacional Microsoft Excel e analisados posteriormente. Participaram da pesquisa 205 mulheres com idades entre 16 a 84 anos e media de idade de 27 anos. Os principais problemas da regiao identificados pelas mulheres entrevistadas foram: saneamento basico; infraestrutura; problemas ambientais; sistema saude precario e desemprego. Para alem da preocupacao estetica e com as marcas dos produtos/servicos, as mulheres demonstraram preocupacao com necessidades fundamentais de carater representativo da coletividade. Palavras-chave : Marketing, mulheres, mercado, produtos/servicos.
A Theory of Unenforced Laws

We consider a government’s interrelated decisions of enacting laws prohibiting harmful behavior and choosing how aggressively to enforce those laws. There are three broad policies available to the government in this regard: not prohibiting the act at all, enacting a law and enforcing it, and enacting a law and not enforcing it. When enactment is costly and a fraction of the population reflexively complies with the law once its enactment has been announced (reflecting an expressive function of law), all three policies may be optimal, depending on the severity of the harm from the act and the fraction of reflexive compliers.
Intelligente Graphik-Arbeitsplätze für 3-D Anwendungen

Es gibt im Wesentlichen drei Bereiche, in denen es wunschenswert ist, dreidimensionale Darstellungen auf einem Graphikbildschirm darzustellen. Dies sind einmal die Analyse, besonders fur Temperatur und Schwingungsverteilungen von komplexen Objekten, die eine raumliche Darstellung der Netzstruktur erfordern. Zum zweiten alle diejenigen Anwendungen im Bereich der mechanischen Konstruktion, wo eine echte 3-D Bearbeitung wegen der Vollstandigkeit der Beschreibung notig oder zumindest vorteilhaft ist und schlieslich der weite Bereich des sogenannten Solid Modeling, d.h. der Darstellung des Objektes in praktisch fotografieahnlicher Qualitat zur Beurteilung der Form, Farbe, des Zusammenpassens, usw. Hierzu gehort z.B. auch der Anlagenbau. Obwohl fur diese Anwendungen eine Vielzahl von Softwarepaketen angeboten wird, kann von einer weiten Verbreitung nicht gesprochen werden. Ein ganz wichtiger Grund besteht darin, das durch die Verfielfachung der Daten bei echten 3-D Darstellungen gegenuber der 2-D Zeichnung und den wesentlich rechnerintensiveren Operationen zur Manipulation der Objekte um ein Vielfaches hohere Prozessorleistungen und Datenubertragungskapazitaten erforderlich sind, soll ein auch nur einigermasen befriedigendes Antwortzeitverhalten erreicht werden.
Whole Exome Profiling of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia

Ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) represents a spectrum of diseases ranging from mild dysplasia to invasive squamous cell carcinoma. OSSN can be successfully managed with surgical excision or with medical therapy. Recently, interferon-α-2b (IFNα-2b) treatment has been established as a standard treatment option for OSSN, eliminating the need for surgical excision. However, approximately 15% of tumors do not respond to the IFNα-2b therapy. 1 It remains unclear which tumor-specific factors may affect treatment response and/or course after treatment. This information is important as it can help individualize therapy. For example, physicians may proceed directly to surgery, or use a different agent, in patients in whom IFNα-2b is unlikely to be effective.
Using Insights from the History of Science to Redefine Patentable Subject Matter Under the IP Clause of the U.S. Constitution

Over the past few years, Congress, the Supreme Court, academics, and the public in the United States have become increasingly concerned with the scope of patentable subject matter. Various critiques based on notions of patent thickets, anti-commons, and upstream patents in particular argue that research is being hindered by excessive patenting of scientific and technological innovation. While empirical evidence supporting these claims is scant - indeed some recent research rebuts the claims - the concern that too much scientific innovation is being patented still resonates across society. This paper argues that a re-examination of the scope of the Progress (or IP) Clause in the U.S. Constitution with the aid of research and insights from the interdisciplinary field of history and philosophy of science opens the door for a new approach to patentable subject matter.
Conformational Properties of Streptokinase

Abstract The conformational properties of streptokinase (SK) have been assessed by the techniques of differential scanning calorimetry, circular dichroism (CD), and through a combinational approach employing several algorithms which are predictive of secondary structural characteristics. In low ionic strength buffers, SK undergoes a reversible two-state thermal transition with a temperature of maximum heat capacity (Tm) of 46.1 +/- 0.9, a delta Hcal of 98 +/- 11 kcal/mol and a delta Hcal/delta HvH of approximately 1. In high ionic strength buffers, similar calorimetric properties were obtained with the exception that the delta Hcal/delta HvH values were considerably less than 1, indicating the existence of an additional irreversible thermally induced alteration in the molecule, most likely resulting in its aggregation. The effect of pH on the thermal unfolding properties of SK was determined. The results demonstrated that single two-state thermal transitions were obtained, with progressively decreasing Tm values, as the pH was reduced from 6.4 to 3.4, indicating a destabilization of the entire molecule at reduced pH. In the alkaline region, between pH 8.4 and 9.4, stabilization of a separate region of the molecule was obtained, as evidenced by an increase in the delta Hcal/delta HvH to values approximating 2. CD analysis was performed in order to estimate secondary structural characteristics of SK. The best fit of secondary structural parameters to the experimental CD spectrum provided estimates of 17% helices, 28% beta-sheet, 21% beta-turns, and 34% disordered structures. Both the intensity of the spectral band at 208 nm and the level of antiparallel beta-sheet strongly suggest that SK is an alpha + beta protein.
Dyspepsia and dyspepsia subgroups: A population-based study

It has been proposed that patients with dyspepsia can be classified into symptom groupings that may represent different pathophysiological entities; however, it remains to be shown that distinct symptom subgroups exist. To estimate the prevalence of dyspepsia (defined as upper abdominal pain) and dyspepsia subgroups, an age- and sex-stratified random sample of Olmsted County, Minnesota, residents, aged 30-64 years, were mailed a valid self-report questionnaire; 82% responded (n = 835). Subgroups were as follows: those with symptoms suggestive of peptic ulceration (ulcerlike dyspepsia), those with gastric stasis (dysmotilitylike dyspepsia), those with gastroesophageal reflux (refluxlike dyspepsia), and the remainder (unspecified dyspepsia). Ulcerlike dyspepsia was the commonest subgroup (prevalence, 16.0/100; 95% confidence interval, 13.4-18.5), but 43% of subjects with dyspepsia could be classified into more than one subgroup. Nearly one third of dyspeptics also had irritable bowel symptoms, but these were not confined to any particular dyspepsia subgroup. Although dyspepsia is very common in the community and the majority have ulcerlike symptoms, there is such overlap among the dyspepsia subgroups that a classification based on symptoms alone in uninvestigated patients may not be useful.
Vibrational spectra of organotin compounds II. Spectra of the methyltin hydrides and methyltin deuterides

Abstract The Raman spectrum of (CH 3 ) 2 SnH 2 and the infrared spectra from 2 to 28 microns of (CH 3 ) 2 SnH 2 , (CH 3 ) 2 SnD 2 , (CH 3 ) 3 SnH, (CH 3 ) 3 SnD, and CH 3 SnH 3 were observed. For each of these molecules, the observed wave numbers were assigned to the fundamental modes of vibration or to combinations and overtones of fundamental frequencies. The interaction between methyl groups and the rest of the molecule is small. Comparison of the results obtained for this series of tin compounds with the spectra of analogous or related compounds of C, Si, or Ge reveals several trends which are useful in correlation work.
Estimating Adverse Events After Gastrostomy Tube Placement.

Abstract Objective Gastrostomy feeding tube placement in children is associated with a high frequency of adverse events. This study sought to preoperatively estimate postoperative adverse events in children undergoing gastrostomy feeding tube placement. Methods This was an observational study of children who underwent gastrostomy with or without fundoplication at 1 of 50 participating hospitals, using 2011–2013 data from the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric. The outcome was the occurrence of any postoperative complications or mortality at 30 days after gastrostomy tube placement. The preoperative clinical characteristics significantly associated with occurrence of adverse events were included in a multivariate logistic model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was computed to assess model performance and split-set validated. Results A total of 2817 children were identified as having undergone gastrostomy tube placement. The unadjusted rate of adverse events within 30 days after gastrostomy tube placement was 11%. Thirteen predictor variables were identified. Notable preoperative variables associated with a greater than 75% increase in adverse event rate were preoperative sepsis/septic shock (odds ratio [OR], 10.76, 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.84–30.17), central nervous system tumor (OR, 3.36; 95% CI, 1.42–7.95), the primary procedure as indicated by the current procedural terminology (CPT) linear risk variable (OR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.50–2.49), severe cardiac risk factors (OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.17–3.03), and preoperative seizure history (OR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.38–2.62). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.71 with the derivation data set and 0.71 upon split-set validation. Conclusions Preoperatively estimating postoperative adverse events in children undergoing gastrostomy tube placement is feasible.
Biosocial bases of violence

One of the most surprising features of research on violence is the discrepancy between the belief that a biosocial approach to violence is important and noteworthy (Mednick & Christiansen, 1977), and the reality that there are few good examples of ongoing biosocial research into the origins of antisocial and violent behavior (Brennan & Raine, 1995). One reason for the dearth of empirical biosocial research may be due to the fact that this approach has not previously been clearly enunciated, with numerous conceptual and theoretical issues requiring clarification.
Synthesis, NMR and structure of oligonucleotide phosphorodithioates

Abstract Thiophosphoramidite as well as thiophosphoramidate chemistry has been used to prepare dithiophosphate analogues of oligonucleotides. The 1 H and 13 P resonances of the 3′-thymidine phosphorodithioate decamer d(CGCTpS − 2 TpS − 2 AAGCG) were assigned by two-dimensional NMR and the solution structure determined
10 Things I've Learned About Teaching Online

Michelle Everson has been teaching online for five years. Here, she shares the top 10 best practices she has learned about online teaching.
Conformational analysis of apolipoprotein A-I and E-3 based on primary sequence and circular dichroism

The primary and secondary structure of human plasma apolipoprotein A-I and apolipoprotein E-3 have been analyzed to further our understanding of the secondary and tertiary conformation of these proteins and the structure and function of plasma lipoprotein particles. The methods used to analyze the primary sequence of these proteins used computer programs: (a) to identify repeated patterns within these proteins on the basis of conservative substitutions and similarities within the physicochemical properties of each residue; (b) for local averaging, hydrophobic moment, and Fourier analysis of the physicochemical properties; and (c) for secondary structure prediction of each protein carried out using homology, statistical, and information theory based methods. Circular dichroism was used to study purified lipid-protein complexes of each protein and quantitate the secondary structure in a lipid environment. The data from these analyses were integrated into a single secondary structure prediction to derive a model of each protein. The sequence homology within apolipoproteins A-I, E-3, and A-IV is used to derive a consensus sequence for two 11 amino acid repeating sequences in this family of proteins.
SHP-2 Regulates Cell Growth by Controlling the mTOR/S6 Kinase 1 Pathway

Cell growth (accumulation in cell mass) ensues through the promotion of macromolecular biosynthesis. S 6 ribosomal kinase 1 (S6K1), which is activated by the mammalian target of rapamycin, is critical for cell growth. The early events that control S6K1 signaling remain unclear. Here we show that SHP-2 suppresses S6K1 activity under conditions of growth factor deprivation. We show that under conditions of growth factor deprivation, S6K1 activity was increased in fibroblasts lacking functional SHP-2 and in cells where knock down of SHP-2 expression was established by small interference RNA. Consistent with these findings, fibroblasts lacking functional SHP-2 exhibited increased cell size as compared with wild type cells. Growth factor deprivation reduces cellular energy, and the energy-sensing 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) negatively regulates S6K1. We found that SHP-2 promoted AMPK activity under conditions of growth factor deprivation (low energy), suggesting that SHP-2 negatively regulates S6K1 via an AMPK-dependent pathway. These results implicate SHP-2 as an early mediator in the S6K1 signaling pathway to limit cell growth in low energy states.
Differences between nicotine and cocaine-induced conditioned place preferences

Abstract In previous studies, we found differences between nicotine and cocaine-induced changes in the levels of neurotransmitters in various brain areas, which suggested differences in their reward – preference mechanisms. The present study was based on the idea that drug preference is modulated by a number of different factors, among them several neurotransmitters and their receptors, and antagonists of specific receptors will influence preference. We also assumed that the factors (components of reward mechanisms) involved are different in the case of different drugs. We compared the inhibition of nicotine preference with cocaine preference. We assayed preference as conditioned place preference (CPP) and measured CPP inhibition by receptor subtype antagonists using mice. In general, induced CPP of cocaine was stronger than of nicotine as shown by more time spent in the nonpreferred area after conditioning with cocaine. We measured inhibition by four antagonists: mecamylamine, atropine, SCH23390, and phentolamine: antagonists respectively of nicotinic, and muscarinic acetylcholine, dopamine D1, and α noradrenergic receptors. The inhibition by the antagonists of cocaine CPP was lower in most instances than that of nicotine CPP. Atropine and SCH23390 inhibited nicotine and cocaine CPP approximately to the same degree, while the inhibition by mecamylamine and phentolamine of nicotine CPP was 100%; that of cocaine was 20% and 0, respectively. We conclude that several receptor systems and transmitters play a role in drug preference, some represent essential elements or circuits, some may be only required partially or their role can be partially substituted. The composition of such systems is different for different drugs – in the present study, some of the components influencing CPP are different for nicotine as opposed to cocaine.
Three-particle model of the pion-nucleon system

A relativistic, three-particle model of the pion-nucleon system is constructed in the instant form of relativistic quantum mechanics using the Bakamjian-Thomas procedure. The model space includes subspaces for the nucleon $(N)$, the resonances $\ensuremath{\Delta}={P}_{33}(1232)$, ${P}_{11}(1440)$, ${D}_{13}(1520)$, ${S}_{11}(1535)$, and ${S}_{31}(1620)$, as well as $\ensuremath{\pi}N$, $\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\Delta}$, $\ensuremath{\eta}N$, and $\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\pi}N$ subspaces. The model specifies a Poincar\'e invariant mass operator that includes vertex interactions that couple the various subspaces, as well as renormalization terms. Projection operator techniques are used to reduce the equations arising from this mass operator to a set of three-dimensional Lippmann-Schwinger integral equations that couple only the $\ensuremath{\pi}N$, $\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\Delta}$, and $\ensuremath{\eta}N$ channels. After a partial wave analysis these three-dimensional equations simplify to three coupled, one-dimensional integral equations for each partial wave. The mass operator interactions are derived from effective, hadronic Lagrangians that introduce a set of coupling constants. Cutoff functions are introduced to take into account the nonelementary nature of the particles in the model. These cutoff functions introduce a set of cutoff masses. The coupling constants, cutoff masses, and bare baryon masses are determined by fitting to a partial wave analysis of pion-nucleon elastic scattering up to a c.m. energy of $W=1550$ MeV.
Complement component C5 deficiency reduces edema formation in murine ligation-induced acute pancreatitis.

Abstract The complement cascade is activated in humans and animals with acute pancreatitis. Activation of complement component C5 liberates C5a, C5a-desarg, and terminal complement complexes (TCCs) that increase capillary permeability, edema, and leukocyte chemotaxis at injured sites. Complement activation plays a major role in pathogenesis of capillary leak and edema formation in severe acute pancreatitis; however, the contribution of C5(C5a/C5a-desarg, TCCs) has not been defined. Using Hc gene mutant mice lacking circulating C5, the role of C5 in ligation-induced acute pancreatitis was evaluated. We performed the following experiments: C5-sufficient ( Hc 1 / Hc 1 ) and C5-deficient ( Hc 0 / Hc 0 ) mice had bile and pancreatic ducts ligated. Sham-operated mice had ducts dissected but not ligated. Mice were killed at 4, 8, and 24 hr after bile–pancreatic duct ligation. Serologic and morphologic evidences of acute pancreatitis were evaluated. Pancreatic edema was assessed using analysis of pancreatic water content, histologic edema score, and determination of wet weight ratio. After 4, 8, and 24 hr of bile–pancreatic duct ligation, hyperamylasemia and histologic changes of acute pancreatitis were observed in both C5-deficient and C5-sufficient mice. Edema developed in all mice with acute pancreatitis. However, when compared to C5-sufficient mice, mice deficient in C5 developed significantly less pancreatic edema at both 8 and 24 hr of bile–pancreatic duct ligation. This difference was not observed 4 hr after induction of acute pancreatitis. We conclude that C5 contributes to edema formation in murine ligation-induced acute pancreatitis. The presence of an early C5-independent phase, in conjunction with the observation of significant edema in mice deficient in C5, suggests there are other mediators of edema formation in this acute pancreatitis model.
A self-testing nonincreasing order checker

In this paper, we design a new class of self-testing checkers, self-testing nonincreasing order checkers, for the first time. The self-testing nonincreasing order checker is a critical component to design concurrent checking VLSI sorters because it is capable of checking whether an arbitrary long sequence of numbers has been sorted, as well as testing itself during normal system operation.
The inner plexiform layer in the retina of the cat: electron microscopic observations.

Neural connections of cells ramifying in the inner plexiform layer of the cat retina have been studied by serial section electron microscopy. Flat cone bipolars and invaginating cone bipolars segregate their axon terminals to different sublaminae of the IPL (sublaminaa and sublaminab, respectively) where they relate to different subtypes of the same class of ganglion cell (a andb types respectively).
On the adaptive stabilization of linear systems

Abstract The problem of adaptively stabilizing a linear system to zero is addressed. A new result is presented, showing that a finite family of linear systems is adaptively stabilizable if and only if the family is simultaneously stabilizable in the wellknown algebraic sense. This result is all the more surprising as the observations available consist of the signal corrupted by additive white Gaussian noise.
Predicting outcomes of case based legal arguments

In this paper, we introduce IBP, an algorithm that combines reasoning with an abstract domain model and case-based reasoning techniques to predict the outcome of case-based legal arguments. Unlike the predictions generated by statistical or machine-learning techniques, IBP's predictions are accompanied by explanations.We describe an empirical evaluation of IBP, in which we compare our algorithm to prediction based on Hypo's and CATO's relevance criteria, and to a number of widely used machine learning algorithms. IBP reaches higher accuracy than all competitors, and hypothesis testing shows that the observed differences are statistically significant. An ablation study indicates that both sources of knowledge in IBP contribute to the accuracy of its predictions.
Chemical stability and surface stoichiometry of vanadium oxide phases studied by reactive molecular dynamics simulations

Abstract Compositional stability of various vanadium oxides and oxide growth on vanadium surfaces have been studied using reactive molecular dynamics simulation methods. Vanadium dioxide (VO 2 ), sesquioxide (V 2 O 3 ), pentoxide (V 2 O 5 ), and hexavanadium tridecaoxide (V 6 O 13 ) are studied in bulk crystalline and thin film structures, investigating charge distribution and pair distribution functions of particle interactions. The stability is estimated to be pentoxide, hexavanadium tridecaoxide, sesquioxide, and dioxide respectively in decreasing order in thin film structures. We then analyze oxide growth kinetics on vanadium (100) and (110) surfaces. The oxidation rate, stoichiometry, charge distribution, and the effect of surface orientation on kinetic phenomena are noted. In the early stages of surface oxidation of our simulation configurations, sesquioxide is found to be the dominant component. The modeling and simulation results are compared with experiments where available.
Proline Isomer-Specific Antibodies Reveal the Early Pathogenic Tau Conformation in Alzheimer's Disease

cis-trans isomerization of proteins phosphorylated by proline-directed kinases is proposed to control numerous signaling molecules and is implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's and other diseases. However, there is no direct evidence for the existence of cis-trans protein isomers in vivo or for their conformation-specific function or regulation. Here we develop peptide chemistries that allow the generation of cis- and trans-specific antibodies and use them to raise antibodies specific for isomers of phosphorylated tau. cis, but not trans, p-tau appears early in the brains of humans with mild cognitive impairment, accumulates exclusively in degenerated neurons, and localizes to dystrophic neurites during Alzheimer's progression. Unlike trans p-tau, the cis isomer cannot promote microtubule assembly, is more resistant to dephosphorylation and degradation, and is more prone to aggregation. Pin1 converts cis to trans p-tau to prevent Alzheimer's tau pathology. Isomer-specific antibodies and vaccines may therefore have value for the early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Slavery in the Americas: A Comparative Study of Virginia and Cuba

In this first detailed comparison of the workings and effects of slavery in two New World colonies, Herbert Klein dramatically confirms formerly untested theories about institutional differences in Latin American and North American slavery. He explains in large measure why blacks have achieved greater social integration and occupational mobility in Latin America than they have in the North. Similar in their racial proportions and in their plantation agriculture, Cuba and Virginia make excellent comparative models. Mr. Klein's pathbreaking analysis considers legal structures, religion, economic development, and the position of freedmen. His conclusions provide essential background for understanding some of the complexities of contemporary race relations.
Creep rupture of brittle matrix composites reinforced with time dependent fibers: Scalings and Monte Carlo simulations

Abstract This paper addresses statistical aspects of the lifetime in creep rupture of unidirectional composites having brittle matrices reinforced with brittle fibers. Time dependence enters through the fibers, which fail following a probability model due to Coleman, involving power law dependence on stress level, Weibull shape and a memory integral of the load history. The creep rupture model has many features similar to the model for composite strength of earlier work, which involves quasiperiodic cracking of the matrix, frictional sliding of fibers in fiber break zones, and fiber bridging of matrix cracks in a global load-sharing framework. No time dependence is assumed at the fiber-matrix interface, though progressive slippage does occur in time as fibers fail and load is redistributed. Starting from an “equivalent” short term strength model we identify characteristic strength and length scales which depend on strain rate and other model parameters. We are then able to identify a characteristic length for the composite for purpose of developing a scaling analysis relating parameters of strength to creep-rupture lifetime. Through Monte Carlo simulation we are able to establish key parametric relationships and distributional forms not accessible through analysis. The power law scaling that allows us to write the lifetime of a single fiber in terms of the ratio of the load level to the short term strength is preserved remarkably well in the composite, though with a different power law exponent. An interesting and unexpected result is the emergence of an asymptotic log-normal distribution for the lifetime of a composite of characteristic length in contrast to the asymptotic normal distribution for strength. We also study through analysis and simulation the size effect relating composite lifetime distribution and its median to overall composite volume.
Inhibition of ras-induced proliferation and cellular transformation by p16INK4

The cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) regulates progression through the G1 phase of the cell cycle. The activity of CDK4 is controlled by the opposing effects of the D-type cyclin, an activating subunit, and p16INK4, an inhibitory subunit. Ectopic expression of p16INK4 blocked entry into S phase of the cell cycle induced by oncogenic Ha-Ras, and this block was relieved by coexpression of a catalytically inactive CDK4 mutant. Expression of p16INK4 suppressed cellular transformation of primary rat embryo fibroblasts by oncogenic Ha-Ras and Myc, but not by Ha-Ras and E1a. Together, these observations provide direct evidence that p16INK4 can inhibit cell growth.
Competitive adsorption of organic compounds by microbial biomass

Abstract This study investigated the effect of competitive adsorption of liquid organic compounds on inactive microbial biomass in bisolute solution systems. Phenol‐nitrophenol, phenol‐ chlorophenol, nitrophenol‐chlorophenol, and chlorobenzene‐ethylbenzene systems were selected for the analysis. The experimental results suggest that although the amount of each solute adsorbed on the biomass can be reduced significantly by the presence of a second solute, the combined adsorptive capacity was greater than that for either of the individual substances from its pure solution. The octanol/water partition coefficient(Kow) indicates the relative extent of adsorption better than the aqueous solubility(S).
CHARACTERISTICS OF USDA UTILITY COW BEEF SUBJECTED TO BLADE TENDERIZATION AND HYDRODYNAMIC SHOCK WAVES

Longissirnus lumbonun samples were removed 24 h postmortem from six U.S. Utility carcasses to be utilized in determining the effects of tenderness enhancement methods and aging time on quality attributes of beg. Within each sample, sections were randomly assigned to hydrodynamic shock waves (HSW). blade tenderization (BT), a combination of BT and HSW (HSBT). or no treatment (C). Steaks within each treatment (excluding HSW) were aged for 7 and 14 days. Sensory evaluation included subjective ratings for myofibrillar tenderness, connective tissue amount, and overall tenderness. Objective measurements included thaw and cooking losses, shear force, and standard plate count. HSW and HSBT were effective in decreasing (P 0.05) by any treatments.
Green's function theory of electrical and thermal transport in single-wall carbon nanotubes

The temperature dependencies of electrical conductivity and thermopower are studied for single-wall carbon nanotubes using a Green's-function theory developed to incorporate band structure, dielectric function, and electron-phonon interaction effects. Armchair and zigzag tubes are considered. They exhibit quite different temperature dependencies of the transport coefficients. Some experimental results are compared with the present calculations.
Branched-chain fatty acid biosynthesis in Escherichia coli

β-Ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) synthase III (KASIII) catalyzes the first elongation step in straight-chain fatty acid (SCFA) biosynthesis in Escherichia coli. Overproduction of the corresponding KASIII gene, or the Brassica napus KASIII gene has previously been observed to lead to an increase in the amount of shorter-chain fatty acids produced by E. coli. In this study it is shown that overexpression of the KASIII gene, which initiates branched-chain fatty acid (BCFA) in Streptomyces glaucescens, does not lead to a change in the fatty acid profiles of E. coli. E. coli produces trace levels of BCFAs when grown in the presence of isobutyric acid, but the amounts of these are not significantly altered by expression of the S. glaucescens KASIII gene. In contrast, the amounts of BCFAs produced from isobutyryl CoA in vitro by E. coli cell-free extracts can be increased at least four-fold by the presence of the S. glaucescens KASIII. These observations suggest that in vivo production of isopalmitate by E. coli expressing the S. glaucescens KASIII is limited by availability of the appropriate BCFA biosynthetic primers. Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology (2001) 27, 246–251.
Lower bound on the amount of crustal shortening, in the central Bolivian Andes

Balanced cross sections across the Cordillera Oriental and Subandean zone of the central Bolivian Andes indicate that crustal shortening probably has played the dominant role in orogeny in this convergent margin setting. A minimum amount of shortening, 210 km, is documented, which can account for two-thirds of the present-day crustal cross-sectional area along a transect spanning the entire mountain range. Substantial crustal shortening may also require loss of the lower lithosphere to the asthenosphere. A large, minimum amount of crustal shortening in the Bolivian Andes shows, contrary to common assumptions about orogeny, that (1) magmatic addition may be volumetrically less important in orogeny in Andean-type margins and (2) crustal shortening is not uniquely associated with continental or island-arc collision.