cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kif18A promotes Hec1 dephosphorylation to coordinate chromosome alignment with kinetochore microtubule attachment

Mitotic chromosomes are spatially confined at the spindle equator just prior to chromosome segregation through a process called chromosome alignment. Alignment requires temporal coordination of kinetochore microtubule attachment and dynamics. However, the molecular mechanisms that couple these activities are not understood. Kif18A (kinesin-8) suppresses the dynamics of kinetochore microtubules to promote chromosome alignment during metaphase. Loss of Kif18A function in HeLa and primordial germ cells leads to alignment defects accompanied by a spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC)-dependent mitotic arrest, suggesting the motor also plays a role in regulating kinetochore-microtubule attachments. We show here that Kif18A increases attachment by promoting dephosphorylation of the kinetochore protein Hec1, which provides the primary linkage between kinetochores and microtubules. This function requires a direct interaction between the Kif18A C-terminus and protein phosphatase-1 (PP1). However, the Kif18A-PP1 interaction is not required for chromosome alignment, indicating that regulation of kinetochore microtubule dynamics and attachments are separable Kif18A functions. Mitotic arrest in Kif18A-depleted cells is rescued by expression of a Hec1 variant that mimics a low-phosphorylation state, indicating that Kif18A-dependent Hec1 dephosphorylation is a key step for silencing the checkpoint and promoting mitotic progression. Our data support a model in which Kif18A provides positive feedback for kinetochore microtubule attachment by directly recruiting PP1 to dephosphorylate Hec1. We propose that this function works synergistically with Kif18A9s direct control of kinetochore microtubule dynamics to temporally coordinate chromosome alignment and attachment.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: How Do We Do It?

ECMO support should be considered whenever a critically ill patient has severe respiratory or cardiorespiratory failure and conventional circulatory or respiratory therapy has failed or is anticipated to be inadequate to support vital organ function. Intuitively, like most acute life-supportive interventions, the earlier ECMO support is initiated when required, the more likely a desired clinical outcome can be achieved. Patients considered appropriate for ECMO support should have reversible clinical conditions that are expected to have realistic chances of recovery or have available options for more durable, long-term support when the primary indication is for circulatory failure. The variety of different clinical scenarios in which ECMO support has been utilized has markedly expanded over the last two decades, particularly as management of critically ill patients has improved and ECMO technology continues to evolve and is applied by a wider clinical audience. It is now important for all intensivists to have a basic understanding of ECMO principles and practices and particularly the indications for referral for consideration of ECMO.
Variation of drag, lift and torque in a suspension of ellipsoidal particles

Abstract Previous research has mostly been focused on the drag force in fluid-particle assemblies. However, when the particle geometry is non-spherical, secondary forces and torque may no longer be negligible. In this study particle-resolved simulations are performed to study the drag force, other secondary forces, and torque in flow through a fixed random suspension of ellipsoidal particles with sphericity (ψ = 0.887). The incompressible Navier-Stokes equations are solved using the Immersed Boundary Method (IBM). The suspension of ellipsoidal particles is simulated for solid fraction between 0.1 and 0.35 using 191 to 669 particles, respectively, at low to moderate Reynolds numbers (10 ≤ Re ≤ 200). The results show that the mean drag and lift force and torque with flow incidence angle follow trends similar to that found for isolated particles. However, there are large variations in these quantities under the same conditions of Reynolds number, void fraction, and incidence angle which become more significant as the Reynolds number increases, leading to the conclusion that local flow conditions in the suspension have a large impact on forces and torques experienced by a particle. Secondary lift and lateral forces are compared to the drag force on each particle at the same Reynolds number and solid fraction. The results show that approximately 80% of particles for lift and 60% for lateral force exhibit values 10% (17% for lift and 50% for lateral force) as the Reynolds number increases, leading to the conclusion that neglecting secondary forces could lead to inaccuracies. The mean value of torque coefficient increases with void fraction and decreases with Reynolds number. However, torque on individual particles at the same mean flow conditions show large variations about the mean, even acting in the opposite direction to that indicated by the mean value.
Pixel Based Meshfree Modeling of Skeletal Muscles

This paper introduces the meshfree Reproducing Kernel Particle Method (RKPM) in conjunction with a stabilized conforming nodal integration for 3D image-based modeling of skeletal muscles. This approach allows for construction of simulation model based on pixel data obtained from medical images. The model consists of different materials and muscle fiber direction obtained from Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) is input at each pixel point. The reproducing kernel (RK) approximation also allows a representation of material heterogeneity with smooth transition. A multiphase multichannel level set based segmentation using Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI) and DTI formulated under a modified functional has been integrated into RKPM framework. The use of proposed methods for modeling the human lower leg is demonstrated.
Integrated Model of Written Expression: An Overview

Understanding the complexity of written expression and the causes leading to its breakdown have been a concern for many years of professionals working with individuals demonstrating developmental written expression disorders. As the demands of literacy increase within many cultures, the need to understand the processes that impact on the understanding and production of written text become not only of theoretical interest but more of pragmatic necessity. While today only 22% of occupations in the United States require a college education, by the year 2000 more than one-half will necessitate some education beyond high school. Individuals choosing alternative educational routes, while not degree programs as defined by current standards, will be developing literacy skills comparable to the competencies obtained by degree seeking peers. A mastery of basic written expression skills will be a requirement for job success. Difficulty obtaining competence with written discourse is not always due to a developmental or acquired learning disorder; it may be the result of poor instruction, lack of experience in manipulating language structures or the result of overall intellectual or emotional functioning. The purpose of this textbook, however, will be to explore the research pertaining to individuals demonstrating developmental expressive writing disorders.
Optimizing neutron imaging line of sight locations for maximizing sampling of the cold fuel density in inertial confinement fusion implosions at the National Ignition Facility.

Neutron imaging provides a ready measurement of the shape of the “hot spot” core of an inertial confinement fusion implosion. The 14-MeV neutrons emitted by deuterium-tritium reactions are imaged at the National Ignition Facility using a pinhole array onto a scintillator, and the images are recorded on a camera. By changing the gate time of the camera, lower energy neutrons, downscattered by the cold fuel surrounding the hot spot, are recorded. The cold fuel density can be reconstructed using the two images. The kinematics of the scattering coupled with the scattering cross sections restrict the angular extent of the cold fuel sampled, with the backside of the implosion not being sampled at all. This work demonstrates the limited region of the cold fuel measured by the current line of sight (40%). At completion of the three planned lines of sight, 79% of the cold fuel will be sampled.Neutron imaging provides a ready measurement of the shape of the “hot spot” core of an inertial confinement fusion implosion. The 14-MeV neutrons emitted by deuterium-tritium reactions are imaged at the National Ignition Facility using a pinhole array onto a scintillator, and the images are recorded on a camera. By changing the gate time of the camera, lower energy neutrons, downscattered by the cold fuel surrounding the hot spot, are recorded. The cold fuel density can be reconstructed using the two images. The kinematics of the scattering coupled with the scattering cross sections restrict the angular extent of the cold fuel sampled, with the backside of the implosion not being sampled at all. This work demonstrates the limited region of the cold fuel measured by the current line of sight (40%). At completion of the three planned lines of sight, 79% of the cold fuel will be sampled.
Nuclear recoil spectroscopy in an optical trap

We discuss the conditions that allow the observation of nuclear decay recoil for small particles levitated in an optical trap. We report on trapping uranium oxide particles at ambient conditions as a first experimental step.
Interpersonal relationships, digital technologies, and innovation in entrepreneurial ventures

Abstract Innovation research has not presented an integrated model of how knowledge sources emerging from managers' interpersonal relationships facilitate innovation within new ventures. Further, it remains unclear how such knowledge transfer may be shaped by the advance of digital technologies. This study examines how these knowledge sources and the context of the digital technologies in which they are produced influence the quality of knowledge developed by entrepreneurial ventures. Our results show that parent firm and co-inventor innovativeness significantly impact venture knowledge quality, with this benefit significantly enhanced when parents possess superior information technology systems. We also find that geographically proximate innovations provide similar benefits, though they are mitigated in regions with greater adoption of computer technologies. We test our predictions on a sample of 632 biotechnology ventures founded over a ten-year period, tracking their innovations over a subsequent ten-year period. We contribute to research on entrepreneurship, geographic location, and knowledge creation.
Origin of pseudo-dispersion in non-dispersive media by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy

We report the false appearance of dispersion in non-dispersive materials when measured by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. This occurs when the material is measured in reflection geometry and has a bulk metal interface opposite to the incident interface, for example, when a substrate is supported by a metal stage with the THz light incident on it from above. We explain this effect in terms of the frequency-dependent response of the material when it is represented by a shorted transmission line model.
Estimation of solar photovoltaic energy curtailment due to volt–watt control

The widespread deployment of autonomous inverter-based solutions for mitigating voltage and frequency excursions caused by high-penetration photovoltaic (PV) systems has drawn increased attention due to their potential impact on PV production. It is now important to quantify the amount of solar energy curtailed as a result of the activation of inverter-based grid support functions (GSFs). This study proposes a methodology for estimating the impact of volt–watt on customer PV energy curtailment using smart meter voltage data. This method estimates maximum possible curtailment for a given volt–watt curve based on the customer smart meter voltage during the time period of interest. This study compares the proposed methodology with field measurements using irradiance and customer inverter data from Hawaii as well as with results from a previous simulation-driven study on the impact of advanced inverter GSF activation on PV energy curtailment. Results show that the proposed method for estimating lost PV production caused by volt–watt control aligns reasonably well with field measurements and computer simulations for hundreds of customers. The proposed method could be used to estimate customer energy curtailment, which could inform future compensation mechanisms for utilities leveraging customer-sited resources to mitigate high voltage and defer infrastructure upgrades.
Regulatory Focus and Fit Effects in Organizations

Regulatory focus theory distinguishes between two different value concerns: promotion concerns with advancement and growth, and prevention concerns with safety and security. Since its publication m...
Comparison Between Online and Classroom Learning for a Boolean Algebra Class

Online learning is useful for expanding educational offerings. This is crucial for institutions with limited space and courses with high demand. Universities still need to be mindful about the quality of their online offerings, and ensure that it meets higher education standards. In this work we present a retrospective comparison between concurrent offerings (one online and one in classroom) of a discrete math course. The online course was carefully designed to be as challenging as the classroom one. We note the key takeaways from the experience.
2 – Femtosecond Optics

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the analysis of a simple Michelson interferometer. The study of the optical systems with femtosecond (fs) pulses helps improve the understanding and performances of these systems in white light. The dispersion of the index of refraction is an important parameter, whose second derivative is positive over the visible spectrum for most transparent materials, corresponding to a positive group velocity dispersion (GVD). There is a sign reversal of the GVD in fused silica around 1.3 μm, which leads to zero dispersion or negative dispersion fibers. In the case of the incoherent radiation, the broadened signal reflects the “stretching” of the statistical fluctuations of the white light. This measurement also provides important information on material properties essential in fs optics. The white light interferometer is an ideal instrument to determine the second- and higher-order dispersions of a sample. The chapter also reviews the interplay of propagation and spectral diffraction effects for Gaussian beams and concludes with a discussion of various problems for studying the Fabry-Perot with gain.
Eye Tracking and Head Movements Detection to Assist People with Disabilities: Unveiled

Many researchers have been devoted in the past two decades to develop technologies that assist people suffering motor disabilities associated with problems in verbal communication. Eye tracking and head movement detection and their use in empowering people with disability have remained interesting subjects especially in the current digital era. Generally, eye tracking involves manipulation through measuring the eye motion or monitoring the activities of the eye. Various researches have used different methods of eye tracking providing evidence that the science is of value to the society in general, and to the disabled individuals, in particular. Their methods have worked with individuals as well as groups. Head movement detection tracking has been found to be a natural way of expressing direction, and as a control technique it has been shown to be simple and effective. This paper surveys the literature on eye-tracking and head movement detection techniques for helping the disabled group.
Overexpression of CD73 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is associated with immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and poor survival.

Abstract Background CD73, a newly recognized immune checkpoint mediator, is expressed in several types of malignancies. However, CD73 expression and its impact on tumor microenvironment and clinical outcomes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remain unclear. Methods This study included two cohorts: 138 patients from our institution (MDA) and 176 patients from TCGA dataset. CD73 expression, CD4+, CD8+, CD21+ and CD45RO + tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry using tissue microarrays. The results of CD73 expression were correlated with clinicopathologic parameters, survival and TILs. Results CD73 overexpression correlated with poor differentiation (P = 0.002) and tumor size (P = 0.049). For CD73-low group, median overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were 26.9 ± 3.8 months and 12.6 ± 2.6 months, respectively, compared to 16.9 ± 4.4 months (P = 0.01) and 7.9 ± 1.2 months (P = 0.01), respectively, in CD73-high group. CD73 was an independent predictor for both RFS (P = 0.02) and OS (P = 0.01) by multivariate variate analysis. Similarly, CD73-high tumors had significantly shorter OS than CD73-low tumors in TCGA dataset (P Conclusions CD73 overexpression is associated with poor differentiation, tumor size, and shorter survival, and is an independent prognostic factor in PDAC patients. CD73 overexpression is associated with decreased CD4+, CD8+ and CD21+ TILs. Our data support that CD73 plays an important role in immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and promote tumor progression in PDAC.
The dark serpent

After reviewing current suggestions for improving the text of Lucr. 3.658, this article argues for accepting Marullus’ serpentem and emending line-final utrumque to et atro. These proposals, the author contends, significantly improve the syntax of a corrupt line that nevertheless has been retained unaltered in several recent texts of the Epicurean poet. As various parallels show, the newly suggested ater is a particularly appropriate term for characterizing the menacing serpent of Lucretius’ poem.
Application of Ultra-Fast High-Resolution Gated-Image Intensifiers to Laser Fusion Studies

Gated—image intensifiers for fast framing have found high utility in laser—target interaction studies in this laboratory. X—ray pinhole camera photographs which can record asymmetries of laser—target interactions have been instrumental in further system design. High—resolution high—speed x—ray images of laser irradiated targets are formed using pinhole optics and electronically amplified by proximity focused channelplate intensifiers before being recorded on film. Spectral resolution is obtained by filtering. In these applications shutter duration is determined by source duration. Electronic gating serves to reduce background thereby enhancing signal—to—noise ratio. Cameras are used to view the self light of the interaction but may also be used for shadowgraphs. Sources for shadowgraphs may be sequenced to obtain a series of pictures with effective rates of 1010 frames/s. Multiple apertures have been used to obtain stereo x—ray views, yielding three dimensional information about the interactions.
A Review of “Lyndon B. Johnson and Modern America”

Say this about Lyndon B. Johnson: his personality was as capacious as the west Texas of his genesis—with the prickly thorns to match the flora. This stark landscape forms the backdrop for Kevin Fer...
Fully Adaptive Space-Time Processing on nested arrays

This paper describes fully adaptive nonlinear space-time processing on nested arrays. Nested arrays are sparse arrays that in conjunction with nonlinear processing of the received signals enable more adaptive degrees of freedom than a conventional linear beamformer would allow. The Space-Time Adaptive Processing (STAP) architecture proposed in this paper consists of a nested array that samples received pulses on a nested temporal interval. The sparse spatial and temporal sampling pattern of the proposed architecture together with the nonlinear processing performed on the received pulses makes this STAP architecture fundamentally different from conventional STAP arrays. Simulated results for an airborne platform illustrate angle-Doppler nulling performance for illuminated ground clutter and for jamming interference.
International Entrepreneurship and Innovation Scorecards: Examining the Data

The purpose of this report is to demonstrate a scorecard approach for distilling different indicators of entrepreneurship and innovation. We reviewed popular international indices and indicators in an attempt to distill a large sample of indicators into a set of those that closely complement one another. It was presumed that honing in on a smaller set of indicators might be useful for policymakers, and might also help highlight areas deserving further attention from researchers.This report lists the selected countries, discusses the selection process for indicators and scorecard approach, and presents the resulting scorecards. The methodology underpinning the final presented values represents a good faith effort to compile accurate scorecards, but relies on a number of assumptions to produce comparable data values from non-standardized sets of indicators. Thus, we present these findings as exploratory and preliminary. We strongly advise against using this report to compare reported country charts or values, but instead hope that it will serve as a platform for discussions of how to improve entrepreneurship data collection.This report, produced in parallel with efforts by the U.S. Government to support and promote entrepreneurship, coincides with the announcement of the Global Entrepreneurship Research Network (GERN), an international collaboration of organizations working to gain a better understanding of policy barriers and the right policies for fostering entrepreneurship.
Egyptian and foreign cigarettes. I: Determination of trace elements in cigarette filter before and after smoking

The concentration of 27 elements has been measured using neutron activation analysis in a cigarette brand commercially manufactured in Egypt and in three foreign brands available on the Egyptian market. The cigarette components examined were cigarette tobacco, cigarette wrapping paper and cigarette ash. All results are expressed in absolute values per cigarette. The concentration of Al, As, Ba, Br, Cl, Cs, Eu, Fe, Mn, Na, Ni, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sr, Th, Ti and V in the Egyptian cigarette were above the range determined for the foreign brands examined; however, Ce, Co, Cr, Hf, K, La, Mg, Se and Zn were within that range. Except for K, Mn, Ni and Ti, the above conclusions was the same for elements determined in the ash. The wrapping paper used for the Egyptian cigarette contains the lowest quantity of Cl and Mn.
Return Migration When Savings Differ

Continuing immigration of low wage and low skill workers to more developed countries from less developed regions of the world has become an issue of policy debate. Host countries which do not view themselves as countries of immigration are eager to develop incentives which forestall migrants from becoming permanent residents. This paper reports that return migrants with savings have a higher probability of settling in birth place regions which tend to be lagging and less developed regions. Policies which encourage savings among migrants are likely to encourage return migration which is spread across regions of outmigration rather than concentrated in major urban areas. Without savings the rate of return to less developed regions would be extremely low demonstrating the importance of savings to a pattern of balanced return migration. (EXCERPT)
Strain Variation in the Induction of Tolerance by Epicutaneous Application of Trinitrochlorobenzene

It has been postulated that a relationship exists between the density of epidermal Langerhans cells and the capacity of the epidermis to promote the induction of contact sensitization. This postulate was developed, in part, because (1) mouse tail epidermis contains fewer ATPase-positive (presumably Langerhans) cells than does abdominal epidermis, and (2) when tails of C57B1/ 6 mice were painted with dinitrofluorobeuzene (DNFB), the mice were less sensitive than those painted on the abdomen. In addition, tail-painted mice were shown to be tolerant to subsequent attempts at sensitization with DNFB. In this study we found that by painting the tails of mice with the hapten trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB), sensitization was induced in certain mouse strains (BALB/c, A/J, and CBA — haplotypes H-2d, H-2n, H-2k, respectively), but tolerance resulted from painting the tails of other strains (C57Bl/6, C57B1/10, and AB.Y — haplotype H-2b). The ability to become sensitive or tolerant is not related to Langerhans cell density as detected by ATPase staining. While the mechanism for this strain difference in the induction of tolerance is unknown, tolerance induced in C57B1/6 mice is mediated in part by the generation of suppressor cells.
Wound management and the prevention of tetanus.

Only if active immunisation against tetanus becomes universal can tetanus be completely eradicated. It behoves a practitioner to ensure that all children in his practice are offered active immunisation and that all those who work in occupations in which contamination with tetanus spores is a liability, should be offered active immunisation. Any patient who is known to have received tetanus antitoxin should receive active immunisation and there is no doubt that adsorbed toxoid is superior to fluid toxoid for this purpose.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery with Neoadjuvant Embolization of Larger Arteriovenous Malformations: An Institutional Experience

Objective. This study investigates the safety and efficacy of a multimodality approach combining staged endovascular embolizations with subsequent SRS for the management of larger AVMs. Methods. Ninety-five patients with larger AVMs were treated with staged endovascular embolization followed by SRS between 1996 and 2011. Results. The median volume of AVM in this series was 28 cm3 and 47 patients (48%) were Spetzler-Martin grade IV or V. Twenty-seven patients initially presented with hemorrhage. Sixty-one patients underwent multiple embolizations while a single SRS session was performed in 64 patients. The median follow-up after SRS session was 32 months (range 9–136 months). Overall procedural complications occurred in 14 patients. There were 13 minor neurologic complications and 1 major complication (due to embolization) while four patients had posttreatment hemorrhage. Thirty-eight patients (40%) were cured radiographically. The postradiosurgery actuarial rate of obliteration was 45% at 5 years, 56% at 7 years, and 63% at 10 years. In multivariate analysis, larger AVM size, deep venous drainage, and the increasing number of embolization/SRS sessions were negative predictors of obliteration. The number of embolizations correlated positively with the number of stereotactic radiosurgeries (). Conclusions. Multimodality endovascular and radiosurgical approach is an efficacious treatment strategy for large AVM.
Use of high technology imaging for surveillance of early stage breast cancer

Guidelines do not support utilization of high technology radiologic imaging (HTRI) for surveillance after curative treatment for early stage breast cancer. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked data were used to identify 25,555 women diagnosed with stage I-II breast cancer between 1998 and 2003 who survived ≥ 48 months from diagnosis without evidence of second primary or recurrent cancer in this interval. HTRI utilization (computerized tomography scanning (CT), bone scan (BS), breast magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography scans) was measured in months 13-48 post-diagnosis. Cases were individually matched to 75,669 female Medicare enrollees without cancer. Factors associated with HTRI utilization were evaluated. Forty percent of women with stage I-II breast cancer and 25% of controls had ≥ 1 HTRI during the surveillance interval (P < 0.001). High utilization rates were observed for CT (30%) and BSs (19%). The proportion of women who had a CT during the surveillance period increased in both cancer survivors and controls. Among breast cancer cases age <80, higher comorbidity index, stage II disease, and more recent diagnosis were independently associated with receipt of HTRI. Paralleling patterns observed in controls, HTRI utilization for surveillance following diagnosis of early stage breast cancer has steadily increased among Medicare beneficiaries. Strategies to foster judicious utilization of HTRI should be a priority.
The retinoid-related orphan receptor alpha (RORA) gene and fear-related psychopathology.

Background: This study followed on findings from a recent genome-wide association study of PTSD that implicated the retinoid-related orphan receptor alpha (RORA) gene (Logue et al., 2012) by examining its relationship to broader array of disorders. Methods: Using data from the same cohort (N¼540), we analyzed patterns of association between 606 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning the RORA gene and comorbidity factors termed fear, distress (i.e., internalizing factors) and externalizing. Results: Results showed that rs17303244 was associated with the fear component of internalizing (i.e., defined by symptoms of panic, agoraphobia, specific phobia, and obsessive–compulsive disorder) at a level of significance that withstood correction for gene-wide multiple testing. Limitations: The primary limitations were the modest size of the cohort and the absence of a replication sample. Conclusions: Results add to a growing literature implicating the RORA gene in a wide range of neuropsychiatric disorders and offer new insight into possible molecular mechanisms of the effects of traumatic stress on the brain and the role of genetic factors in those processes. Published by Elsevier B.V.
A COMPUTATIONAL MODEL FOR THE FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF THERMOPLASTICITY COUPLED WITH DUCTILE DAMAGE AT FINITE STRAINS

SUMMARY An updated Lagrangian implicit FEM model for the analysis of large thermo-mechanically coupled hyperelasticviscoplastic deformations of isotropic porous materials is considered. An appropriate framework for constitutive modelling is introduced that includes a stress-free thermally expanded con9guration and a plastically deformed unstressed damaged con9guration. A two-level iterative scheme is employed at each time increment to solve the 9eld equations governing the conservation of momentum (mechanical step) and the conservation of energy (thermal step) for the coupled thermo-mechanical problem. Exact linearizations for the calculation of the tangent sti=ness are performed in each of these solution steps. A fully implicit, thermo-mechanically coupled and incrementally objective Euler-backward radial return based map is developed for the time integration of the constitutive equations. The present model is used to analyse a number of benchmark examples including metal forming processes wherein temperature and the accumulated damage play an important role in in?uencing the deformation mechanism and the nature of the deformed workpiece. Copyright ? 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comment on "First results of the phase II SIMPLE dark matter search".

Comment on M. Felizardo et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 105, 211301 (2010). The authors of the Letter offer a Reply.
Characteristics of US Health Care Providers Who Counsel Adolescents on Sports and Energy Drink Consumption.

Objective. To examine the proportion of health care providers who counsel adolescent patients on sports and energy drink (SED) consumption and the association with provider characteristics. Methods. This is a cross-sectional analysis of a survey of providers who see patients ≤17 years old. The proportion providing regular counseling on sports drinks (SDs), energy drinks (EDs), or both was assessed. Chi-square analyses examined differences in counseling based on provider characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression calculated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for characteristics independently associated with SED counseling. Results. Overall, 34% of health care providers regularly counseled on both SEDs, with 41% regularly counseling on SDs and 55% regularly counseling on EDs. On adjusted modeling regular SED counseling was associated with the female sex (aOR: 1.44 [95% CI: 1.07–1.93]), high fruit/vegetable intake (aOR: 2.05 [95% CI: 1.54–2.73]), family/general practitioners (aOR: 0.58 [95% CI: 0.41–0.82]) and internists (aOR: 0.37 [95% CI: 0.20–0.70]) versus pediatricians, and group versus individual practices (aOR: 0.59 [95% CI: 0.42–0.84]). Modeling for SD- and ED-specific counseling found similar associations with provider characteristics. Conclusion. The prevalence of regular SED counseling is low overall and varies. Provider education on the significance of SED counseling and consumption is important.
The splicing factor SC35 has an active role in transcriptional elongation

Mounting evidence suggests that transcription and RNA processing are intimately coupled in vivo, although each process can occur independently in vitro. It is generally thought that polymerase II (Pol II) C-terminal domain (CTD) kinases are recruited near the transcription start site to overcome initial Pol II pausing events, and that stably bound kinases facilitate productive elongation and co-transcriptional RNA processing. Whereas most studies have focused on how RNA processing machineries take advantage of the transcriptional apparatus to efficiently modify nascent RNA, here we report that a well-studied splicing factor, SC35, affects transcriptional elongation in a gene-specific manner. SC35 depletion induces Pol II accumulation within the gene body and attenuated elongation, which are correlated with defective P-TEFb (a complex composed of CycT1-CDK9) recruitment and dramatically reduced CTD Ser2 phosphorylation. Recombinant SC35 is sufficient to rescue this defect in nuclear run-on experiments. These findings suggest a reciprocal functional relationship between the transcription and splicing machineries during gene expression.
The maximum order of an element of a finite symmetric group

(1987). The Maximum Order of an Element of a Finite Symmetric Group. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 94, No. 6, pp. 497-506.
Use of Retroactive Pessimism as a Method of Coping with Identity Threat: The Impact of Group Identification

Retroactive pessimism involves retrospectively lowering one’s evaluations of a group’s chances for success after a failed competition. Although past research has substantiated the existence of this strategy, investigators have yet to examine how level of group identifi cation might impact the use of retroactive pessimism. Given that coping with group threat is most prominent among persons with high levels of group identifi cation, we hypothesized that displays of retroactive pessimism would be magnifi ed in persons with strong allegiances to a group. This hypothesis was tested by having supporters of two college basketball teams evaluate the chances for victory for each team both prior to the game between the teams and subsequent to the contest. Regression analyses confi rmed expectations (the greatest magnitude of retroactive pessimism was reported by highly identifi ed supporters of the losing team in their evaluations of the winning team). Subsequent analyses revealed that this effect was not mediated by level of disappointment in the outcome.
Linkage of Type I Interferon Activity and TNF-Alpha Levels in Serum with Sarcoidosis Manifestations and Ancestry

© 2011 Sweiss et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0029126
Evidence for a Surface-Phonon Contribution to Thin-Film Superconductivity: Depression of T c by Noble-Gas Overlayers

When care is taken to prevent contamination, the superconducting transition temperatures of thin Al, Sn, Tl, and amorphous-Bi films are depressed by overlayers of Ne or Ar. For a given film, the ratio of the shift in ${T}_{c}$ produced by Ar to that produced by Ne is observed to be 1.8. The results can be explained in terms of a modification of the phonon spectrum by the presence of the noble gas. A simple model predicts the observed ratio of the effect of Ar to that of Ne and the relative magnitudes of the shifts for the four different metals.
Managerial recruitment and attrition: A policy analysis model

High turnover rates of skilled personnel and instability of employment are problems confronting many industrial and research companies. This paper deals with inputs and outputs of personnel in systems at the organizational level. It develops a dynamic simulation model of managerial recruitment and attrition designed to explain some of the generic sources of these difficulties. The model also provides a vehicle for testing policies to achieve enhanced organizational behavior. In particular, model simulations show how many isolated policies, such as increased effort devoted to training new managers, exert a roughly neutral influence on organizational performance. A combination policy, which deliberately lowers managerial recruitment efforts in periods of low organizational training effectiveness and involves slower allocation of managerial time between training and production, proves much more effective in lowering turnover and decreasing instability. The model is intended to suggest improved policies for recruiting, training, and absorbing skilled personnel in specific organizations.
Genital injury in girls — accidental or not?

For 33 months a prospective study was made of girls attending a paediatric accident and emergency department with genital injury. The clinical features were related to age and the stated mechanism of the injury. Indicators for non-accidental injury were sought. A clear history was given in 82 of 87 girls to account for the findings on examination. Straddle injuries occurred in 74, accidental penetrating injuries in 5, stretch injuries in 3, and 2 had self-inflicted scratch injuries. Sexual abuse was alleged by 3 girls. Surgery was required in 6. Accidental injuries to the genital area are common and should have a clear history, with findings on examination consistent with that history. An absent or vague history or injury to the hymen, fourchette, or perineum must raise suspicions of child sexual abuse.
Microtubule Actin Cross-linking Factor 1 regulates cardiomyocyte microtubule distribution and adaptation to hemodynamic overload.

Aberrant cardiomyocyte microtubule growth is a feature of pressure overload induced cardiac hypertrophy believed to contribute to left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Microtubule Actin Cross-linking Factor 1 (MACF1/Acf7) is a 600 kd spectraplakin that stabilizes and guides microtubule growth along actin filaments. MACF1 is expressed in the heart, but its impact on cardiac microtubules, and how this influences cardiac structure, function, and adaptation to hemodynamic overload is unknown. Here we used inducible cardiac-specific MACF1 knockout mice (MACF1 KO) to determine the impact of MACF1 on cardiac microtubules and adaptation to pressure overload (transverse aortic constriction (TAC).In adult mouse hearts, MACF1 expression was low under basal conditions, but increased significantly in response to TAC. While MACF1 KO had no observable effect on heart size or function under basal conditions, MACF1 KO exacerbated TAC induced LV hypertrophy, LV dilation and contractile dysfunction. Interestingly, subcellular fractionation of ventricular lysates revealed that MACF1 KO altered microtubule distribution in response to TAC, so that more tubulin was associated with the cell membrane fraction. Moreover, TAC induced microtubule redistribution into this cell membrane fraction in both WT and MACF1 KO mice correlated strikingly with the level of contractile dysfunction (r2 = 0.786, p<.001). MACF1 disruption also resulted in reduction of membrane caveolin 3 levels, and increased levels of membrane PKCα and β1 integrin after TAC, suggesting MACF1 function is important for spatial regulation of several physiologically relevant signaling proteins during hypertrophy. Together, these data identify for the first time, a role for MACF1 in cardiomyocyte microtubule distribution and in adaptation to hemodynamic overload.
Modulation of acetylcholine‐activated K+ channel function in rat atrial cells by phosphorylation.

1. In voltage-clamped whole cells dialysed with GTP, extracellular application of ACh elicits an inwardly rectifying K+ current which subsequently decreases to a steady-state level well below the maximally induced current (desensitization). The mechanism of desensitization of the acetylcholine (ACh)-activated K+ channel current was studied in rat neonatal atrial cells at the single-channel level using the patch-clamp technique. 2. In cell-attached patches with ACh in the pipette, a similar pattern of K+ channel current desensitization was present. Single-channel analyses revealed that the initial rapid decrease in channel activity was associated with progressive shortening of the mean open time (tau o) and prolongation of the mean closed time (tau c) of the K+ channel. 3. In excised, inside-out patches with ACh in the pipette, GTP activated K+ channels with a tau o of approximately 1.0 ms. Addition of ATP to the cytosolic surface resulted in progressive increases in tau o (from 1 to 5 ms) and channel activity. These changes are similar but opposite in direction to those observed during the early phase of ACh-induced channel desensitization in cell-attached patches. 4. The effect of ATP on the channel kinetics was abolished in Mg(2+)-free solution AMP-PNP (adenylyl-imidodiphosphate, a non-hydrolysable analogue of ATP), ADP, CTP (cytidine triphosphate), ITP (inosine triphosphate) or UTP (uridine triphosphate) did not alter the channel kinetics, suggesting that the ATP effect on channel gating probably occurs via phosphorylation by a membrane-bound kinase. H-8 (an isoquinolinesulphonamide derivative which inhibits protein kinases A and C) failed to prevent the action of ATP on the channel. 5. The increases in tau o and channel activity produced by ATP could be completely reversed by an elevation of cytosolic [Ca2+] to 3 x 10(-5) M or above. 6. The effect of Ca2+ on the ATP-induced changes in channel kinetics was blocked by sodium vanadate, a general phosphatase inhibitor. Okadaic acid, an inhibitor of protein phosphatase 1 and 2A, did not block the Ca2+ effect. Calmodulin antagonists, N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulphonamide (W-7), trifluoroperazine, and calmidazolium, partially blocked the effect of Ca2+. 7. Alkaline phosphatase (20 units/ml) reversed the ATP-induced increases in tau o and channel activity. These results suggest that the ACh-activated K+ channel can be modulated by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Selective one-step synthesis of dimethoxymethane via methanol or dimethyl ether oxidation on H3+nVnMo12-nPO40 Keggin structures

The one-step selective synthesis of dimethoxymethane (DMM; CH3OCH2OCH3) was achieved by oxidation of dimethyl ether (DME) or methanol (CH3OH) with O2 at low temperatures (453−513 K) on unsupported and SiO2-supported heteropolyacids with Keggin structures [H3+nPVnMo12-nO40 (n = 0−4)]. These materials provide redox and Bronsted acid sites required for bifunctional DMM synthesis pathways. Supported structures at submonolayer coverages (0.1−0.28 Keggin units per nm2) are much more accessible than bulk structures and remove diffusional constraints. Their higher dispersions lead to marked improvements in DMM synthesis rates and selectivities and to lower COx yields using either CH3OH or DME reactants. The presence of H2O during DME oxidation increases DMM synthesis rates because of a consequent increase in the rate of DME hydrolysis reactions, which form CH3OH molecules required as intermediates in the DMM synthesis reaction sequence. Pure CH3OH reactants form DMM at much higher rates than DME reactants. The re...
The contribution of radio-frequency rectification to field-aligned losses of high-harmonic fast wave power to the divertor in the National Spherical Torus eXperiment

The National Spherical Torus eXperiment (NSTX) can exhibit a major loss of high-harmonic fast wave (HHFW) power along scrape-off layer (SOL) field lines passing in front of the antenna, resulting in bright and hot spirals on both the upper and lower divertor regions. One possible mechanism for this loss is RF sheaths forming at the divertors. Here, we demonstrate that swept-voltage Langmuir probe characteristics for probes under the spiral are shifted relative to those not under the spiral in a manner consistent with RF rectification. We estimate both the magnitude of the RF voltage across the sheath and the sheath heat flux transmission coefficient in the presence of the RF field. Although precise comparison between the computed heat flux and infrared (IR) thermography cannot yet be made, the computed heat deposition compares favorably with the projections from IR camera measurements. The RF sheath losses are significant and contribute substantially to the total SOL losses of HHFW power to the divertor f...
Frobenius's Degree Formula and Toda's Polynomials

We discuss a connection between the degree formula of Frobenius in group representation theory and a family of polynomials used by Toda in his proof of the containment PH⊆P #P . The connection gives us a construction and proof of a generalized family of Toda polynomials.
Blind adaptive interference suppression for direct-sequence CDMA

Direct sequence (DS) code division multiple access (CDMA) is a promising technology for wireless environments with multiple simultaneous transmissions because of several features: asynchronous multiple access, robustness to frequency selective fading, and multipath combining. The capacity of DS-CDMA systems is interference-limited and can therefore be increased by techniques that suppress interference. In this paper, we present developments in interference suppression using blind adaptive receivers that do not receive knowledge of the signal waveforms and propagation channels of the interference, and that require a minimal amount of information about the desired signal. The framework considered generalizes naturally to include additional capabilities such as receive antenna diversity. The most powerful application of the methods described here is for linearly modulated CDMA systems with short spreading waveforms (i.e., spreading waveforms with period equal to the symbol interval), for which they provide substantial performance gains over conventional reception. Implications for future system design due to the restriction of short spreading waveforms and directions for further investigation are discussed.
Paleomagnetic and structural evidence for middle Tertiary counterclockwise block rotation in the Dixie Valley region, west-central Nevada

Paleomagnetic data from late Oligocene to early Miocene ash-flow tuffs at four localities in the northern Dixie Valley region, west-central Nevada, indicate that parts of the crust have rotated counterclockwise by at least 25/sup 0/ and perhaps significantly more in late Cenozoic time. Field relations in White Rock Canyon, Stillwater Range, suggest that rotation (1) was accommodated by right-lateral slip on northwest-trending faults, (2) spanned ash-flow tuff emplacement, and (3) probably ceased before eruption of overlying middle Miocene basalts. Accurate estimates of Cenozoic extension, as well as evaluation of earlier Mesozoic structures, must include the strain partitioned into rotation in the area.