cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural Insights into the Yersinia pestis Outer Membrane Protein Ail in Lipid Bilayers

Yersinia pestis the causative agent of plague, is highly pathogenic and poses very high risk to public health. The outer membrane protein Ail (Adhesion invasion locus) is one of the most highly expressed proteins on the cell surface of Y. pestis, and a major target for the development of medical countermeasures. Ail is essential for microbial virulence and is critical for promoting the survival of Y. pestis in serum. Structures of Ail have been determined by X-ray diffraction and solution NMR spectroscopy, but the protein’s activity is influenced by the detergents in these samples, underscoring the importance of the surrounding environment for structure–activity studies. Here we describe the backbone structure of Ail, determined in lipid bilayer nanodiscs, using solution NMR spectroscopy. We also present solid-state NMR data obtained for Ail in membranes containing lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a major component of the bacterial outer membranes. The protein in lipid bilayers, adopts the same eight-stranded β-...
Design of the I-BoomCopter UAV for environmental interaction

This paper presents the design of the Interacting-BoomCopter (I-BoomCopter) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), designed specifically for environmental interactions. The novel design consists of a horizontally mounted four-blade reversible propeller on a front boom that is attached to a standard tri-rotor UAV configuration. A custom end-effector and force sensor is placed at the end of the front boom for autonomous pushing and pulling interaction tasks. The modeling of the new platform is presented and two prototype versions built, flight tested, and characterized. Finally, the efficacy of the new platform for environmental interactions is evaluated with an autonomous door opening task and a teleoperated door opening and door closing task.
A formal approach to deriving factored evolutionary algorithm architectures

Factored Evolutionary Algorithms (FEA) are a class of evolutionary search-based optimization algorithms that have been applied successfully to various problems, such as training neural networks and performing abductive inference in graphical models. An FEA is unique in that it factors the objective function by creating overlapping subpopulations that optimize over a subset of variables of the function. One consideration in using an FEA is determining the appropriate factor architecture, which determines the set of variables each factor will optimize. In this paper, we provide a formal method for deriving factor architectures and give theoretical justification for its use. Specifically, we utilize factor graphs of variables in probabilistic graphical models as a way to define factor architectures. We also prove how a class of problems, like maximizing NK landscapes, are equivalent to abductive inference in probabilistic graphical models. This allows us to take a factor graph architecture and apply it to NK landscapes and a set of commonly used benchmark functions. Finally, we show empirically that using the factor graph representation to derive factors for FEA provides the best performance in the majority of cases studied.
Data fusion for a vision-aided radiological detection system: Calibration algorithm performance

Abstract In order to improve the ability to detect, locate, track and identify nuclear/radiological threats, the University of Florida nuclear detection community has teamed up with the 3D vision community to collaborate on a low cost data fusion system. The key is to develop an algorithm to fuse the data from multiple radiological and 3D vision sensors as one system. The system under development at the University of Florida is being assessed with various types of radiological detectors and widely available visual sensors. A series of experiments were devised utilizing two EJ-309 liquid organic scintillation detectors (one primary and one secondary), a Microsoft Kinect for Windows v2 sensor and a Velodyne HDL-32E High Definition LiDAR Sensor which is a highly sensitive vision sensor primarily used to generate data for self-driving cars. Each experiment consisted of 27 static measurements of a source arranged in a cube with three different distances in each dimension. The source used was Cf-252. The calibration algorithm developed is utilized to calibrate the relative 3D-location of the two different types of sensors without need to measure it by hand; thus, preventing operator manipulation and human errors. The algorithm can also account for the facility dependent deviation from ideal data fusion correlation. Use of the vision sensor to determine the location of a sensor would also limit the possible locations and it does not allow for room dependence (facility dependent deviation) to generate a detector pseudo-location to be used for data analysis later. Using manually measured source location data, our algorithm-predicted the offset detector location within an average of 20 cm calibration-difference to its actual location. Calibration-difference is the Euclidean distance from the algorithm predicted detector location to the measured detector location. The Kinect vision sensor data produced an average calibration-difference of 35 cm and the HDL-32E produced an average calibration-difference of 22 cm. Using NaI and He-3 detectors in place of the EJ-309, the calibration-difference was 52 cm for NaI and 75 cm for He-3. The algorithm is not detector dependent; however, from these results it was determined that detector dependent adjustments are required.
An action research approach helps develop GIS programs in humanities and social sciences

A Review of: Kong, N., Fosmire, M., & Branch, B. D. (2017). Developing library GIS services for humanities and social science: An action research approach. College & Research Libraries, 78(4), 413-427. http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/crl.78.4.413 Abstract Objective – To develop and improve on geographic information systems (GIS) services for humanities and social sciences using an action research model. Design – Case study. Setting – A public research university serving an annual enrollment of over 41,500 students in the Midwestern United States. Subjects – Faculty members and students in the humanities and social sciences that expressed interest in GIS services. Methods – An action research approach was used which included data collection, analysis, service design, and observation. Interviews with 8 individuals and groups were conducted including 4 faculty members, 3 graduate students, and one research group of faculty and graduate students. Data from interviews and other data including emails and notes from previous GIS meetings were analyzed and coded into thematic areas. This analysis was used to develop an action plan for the library, then the results of the activity were assessed. Main Results – The interviews revealed three thematic areas for library GIS service: research, learning, and outreach. The action plan developed by the authors resulted in increased engagement including active participation in an annual GIS day, attendance at workshops, course-integrated GIS sessions, around 40 consultations on GIS subjects over a two-year period, and increased hits on the Library’s GIS page. Surveys from pre- and post-tests in the workshops increased participants’ spatial awareness skills. Conclusion – Using an action research approach, the authors were able to identify needs and develop a successful model of GIS service for the humanities and social sciences.
Topics in unification grammar parsing

Context-free parsing schemata can be translated straightforwardly into parsing algorithms. Such naive implementations might not be the most efficient parsers, and one can improve the efficiency a lot by adding various kinds of sophistication to the algorithm, but it is obvious how a first, simple implementation can be derived from a parsing schema. For unification grammars, however, it is not self-evident how a parsing schema can be translated to even a prototype parsing algorithm. In this chapter we will discuss various issues that have to be addressed in order to obtain practical parsers for unification grammars.
Gastroesophageal reflux and severe mental retardation.

Recurrent vomiting is very common in children with severe mental retardation. Nutritional deficiencies, anemia, and repeated bouts of aspiration pneumonitis impede the physical development of these children who already have motor defects. Often, this vomiting is written off as psychogenic, and a variety of methods are employed in attempts to overcome it, including antiemetic drugs, punishment, or a permanent nasogastric tube.
Abstract 1844: Centriole amplification sensitizes cells to paclitaxel

Paclitaxel (Taxol) is a widely utilized treatment for primary and metastatic breast cancer. However, only about 50% of patients respond and no predictive biomarker for paclitaxel efficacy is currently available. Identification of a clinically validated predictive biomarker would substantially improve patient outcomes. Aneuploidy, an aberrant chromosome number, was recognized in the late 1800s as a hallmark of tumor cells. This led to the hypothesis that aneuploidy drives tumorigenesis. However, experiments in animal models have shown that the effect of aneuploidy on tumors depends on the rate of ongoing chromosome missegregation, also known as chromosomal instability (CIN). Low rates of CIN are weakly tumor promoting, while high rates of CIN lead to cell death and tumor suppression due to loss of one or more essential chromosomes. Combining two independent insults that each cause low CIN results in high CIN, cell death, and tumor suppression. We have recently shown that, in primary breast cancer patients, paclitaxel does not reach sufficiently high concentrations to cause mitotic arrest, as it does at typically used concentrations in cell culture. Instead, low clinically relevant doses of paclitaxel cause CIN due to multipolar spindles. We hypothesize that a preexisting low rate of chromosomal instability (CIN), which occurs in about 50% of breast tumors, sensitizes cells to paclitaxel treatment, since paclitaxel increases their rate of CIN over a maximally tolerated threshold. Centrosome amplification is common in breast cancer and can cause CIN through induction of multipolar spindles. To test whether CIN induced by centrosome amplification sensitizes cells to low, clinically relevant doses of paclitaxel, we inducibly overexpressed Polo-like kinase 4 (Plk4), the master regulator of centriole duplication, to generate supernumerary centrioles. Plk4 overexpression induced centriole amplification and increased the incidence of multipolar divisions, even in subclinical levels of paclitaxel. Consistent with our hypothesis, CIN induced by supernumerary centrosomes potentiates the decrease in cell viability caused by paclitaxel treatment. Decreased cell viability is accompanied by an increase in mitotic errors, CIN, and cell death and a reduction in the percentage of cycling cells. This data suggests that the subset of patients whose tumors exhibit centrosome amplification prior to treatment may be more likely to benefit from paclitaxel therapy. Citation Format: Amber L. Lasek, Eric M. Britigan, Beth A. Weaver. Centriole amplification sensitizes cells to paclitaxel [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1844.
Enabling selective aerobic oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes by hot electrons in quantum-sized Rh nanocubes

Abstract Selective aerobic oxidation of primary alcohols to aldehydes at low temperature and ambient condition is essential for many value-increasing industrial processes, although the low oxidizing power of the ambient oxygen represents the major challenge to widely implement this important reaction. Herein, we report that the oxidizing power of oxygen adsorbed on quantum-sized Rh nanocubes is significantly enhanced upon photo-illumination to accelerate the oxidation reaction with a selectivity of 100%. Light absorption in the Rh nanocubes anchored on large silica spheres leads to efficient generation of hot electrons in the Rh nanocubes, which are injected into the O–O bonds adsorbed on Rh surface to cleave them into adsorbed oxygen atoms with a much higher oxidizing power. The silica (SiOx) spheres enhance both the light absorption power and colloidal stability of the small Rh nanocubes, making the Rh/SiOx hybrid particles as a unique photocatalyst to readily promote the selective aerobic oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes.
Spontaneous CPT breaking and fermion propagation in the Schwarzschild geometry

Abstract The Schwarzschild solution is used as a background metric to analyze the effects of a vector field undergoing spontaneous symmetry breaking in a Standard Model Extension Bumblebee Model. The corresponding back-reaction of the background field expectation value on the metric is calculated, yielding a consistent model for describing CPT-violating effects within the context of pseudo-Riemannian geometry. The Bianchi identities of general relativity and the gauge theory are found to be mutually consistent and yield no conflicts with Riemannian geometry. This fact is demonstrated to second-order in the background field. Fermions with a spin-dependent, CPT-violating coupling to this background field experience altered geodesics relative to the conventional black hole orbital solutions. The spin-dependent corrections to the orbital velocity and precession rate are calculated.
Can We See the US of the Year 2230 in the Japan of 1992

I want to begin my remarks today in a way very uncharacteristic of me: I want to look backwards before I look forwards.
Why the ‘Rule of Law’

The ‘rule of law’ arose in England both because of its cultural heritage of individual liberty and its non-rationalist intellectual heritage. An understanding of and appreciation for this ‘rule of law’ has been limited to legal theorists like Hayek and Oakeshott (and before them Dicey, Leoni, and Fuller) because they opposed the rationalism and scientism that became intellectual orthodoxy since the nineteenth century. No significant place for the rule of law can any longer be found within the mainstream of contemporary legal thought. Hayek and Oakeshott find such a place and articulate a morally significant picture of it. The rule of law enables individuals who have their own ends and commitments to live in peace and voluntary cooperation with their fellows.
D’un impossible retour: théâtralité et spectralité dans Juste la fin du monde de Xavier Dolan

Juste la fin du monde est une reecriture filmique de la piece de Jean-Luc Lagarce. Ce film en huis clos se distingue des autres films de Xavier Dolan par son economie narrative, par la fragmentatio...
Abstract TP279: Brain-Derived Microparticles Mediate Neuroinflammation After Stroke

Background and Purpose: Microparticles (MPs, ~ size between 0.1-1mm) are lipid encased containers, and are involved in intercellular communication and regulate inflammation. Stroke increases brain ...
Click-chemistry enabled directed evolution of glycosynthases for bespoke glycans synthesis

Engineering of carbohydrate-active enzymes like glycosynthases for chemoenzymatic synthesis of bespoke oligosaccharides has been limited by the lack of suitable directed evolution based protein engineering methods. Currently there are no ultrahigh-throughput screening methods available for rapid and highly sensitive single cell-based screening of evolved glycosynthase enzymes employing azido sugars as substrates. Here, we report a fluorescence-based approach employing click-chemistry for the selective detection of glycosyl azides (versus free inorganic azides) that facilitated ultrahigh-throughput in-vivo single cell-based assay of glycosynthase activity. This discovery has led to the development of a directed evolution methodology for screening and sorting glycosynthase mutants for synthesis of desired fucosylated oligosaccharides. Our screening technique facilitated rapid fluorescence activated cell sorting of a large library of glycosynthase variants (>10^6 mutants) expressed in E. coli to identify several novel mutants with increased activity for β-fucosyl-azide activated donor sugars towards desired acceptor sugars, demonstrating the broader applicability of this methodology.
A high-resolution remotely sensed benthic habitat map of the Qatari coastal zone

Abstract A comprehensive, high resolution, ground truthed benthic habitat map has been completed for Qatar's coastal zone and Halul Island. The objectives of this research were to; 1. Systematically compare and contrast pixel- and object-based classifiers for benthic mapping in a limited focus area and then to, 2. Apply these learnings to develop an accurate high resolution benthic habitat map for the entirety of the Qatari coastal zone. Results indicate object-based methods proved more efficient and accurate when compared to pixel based classifiers. The developed country-wide map covers 4500 km2 and underscores the complex interplay of seagrass, macroalgal, and reefal habitats, as well as areas of expansive mangrove forests and microbial mats. The map developed here is a first of its kind in the region. Many potential applications exist for the datasets collected to provide fundamental information that can be used for ecosystem-based management decision making.
Colonization and Movement of Green Fluorescent Protein-Labeled Clavibacter nebraskensis in Maize.

Clavibacter nebraskensis causes Goss’s bacterial wilt and leaf blight, a major disease of maize. Infected crop residue is the primary inoculum source and infection can occur via wounds or natural o...
A nonsingular, anisotropic universe in a black hole with torsion and particle production

We consider a universe formed in a black hole in general relativity with spin and torsion. The interior of a Schwarzschild black hole can be represented by the Kantowski–Sachs metric that describes a closed anisotropic universe. We use this metric to derive the Einstein–Cartan field equations with a relativistic spin fluid as a source. We show that torsion may prevent a singularity and replace it with a nonsingular bounce if particle production dominates over shear. Particle production after the last bounce can generate a finite period of inflation, during which the universe expands and isotropizes to the current state. This scenario is only approximate: the Kantowski–Sachs metric is never reached and should be replaced with a more general metric that tends to that of a 3-sphere.
System Description for the CommonGen task with the POINTER model

In a current experiment we were testing CommonGen dataset for structure-to-text task from GEM living benchmark with the constraint based POINTER model. POINTER represents a hybrid architecture, combining insertion-based and transformer paradigms, predicting the token and the insertion position at the same time. The text is therefore generated gradually in a parallel non-autoregressive manner, given the set of keywords. The pretrained model was fine-tuned on a training split of the CommonGen dataset and the generation result was compared to the validation and challenge splits. The received metrics outputs, which measure lexical equivalence, semantic similarity and diversity, are discussed in details in a present system description.
LIGHTNING TALK: Utilizing the Communication Center: A Resource for Students and Faculty: George Mason University

Communication Center Coordinators conducted interviews with the centerâs coaches and students who visited the center. Themes from the interviews indicated students who used the center felt more confident during presentations. Coaches indicated clients who visited multiple times and had specific goals were able to make significant progress with their communication skills. Faculty can meet with the coordinators to determine how to integrate the center into their classes to help students improve their communication skills.
WE-D-303-01: Development and Application of Digital Human Phantoms

Modern medical physics deals with complex problems such as 4D radiation therapy and imaging quality optimization. Such problems involve a large number of radiological parameters, and anatomical and physiological breathing patterns. A major challenge is how to develop, test, evaluate and compare various new imaging and treatment techniques, which often involves testing over a large range of radiological parameters as well as varying patient anatomies and motions. It would be extremely challenging, if not impossible, both ethically and practically, to test every combination of parameters and every task on every type of patient under clinical conditions. Computer-based simulation using computational phantoms offers a practical technique with which to evaluate, optimize, and compare imaging technologies and methods. Within simulation, the computerized phantom provides a virtual model of the patient’s anatomy and physiology. Imaging data can be generated from it as if it was a live patient using accurate models of the physics of the imaging and treatment process. With sophisticated simulation algorithms, it is possible to perform virtual experiments entirely on the computer. By serving as virtual patients, computational phantoms hold great promise in solving some of the most complex problems in modern medical physics. In this proposed symposium, we will present the history and recent developments of computational phantom models, share experiences in their application to advanced imaging and radiation applications, and discuss their promises and limitations. Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the need and requirements of computational phantoms in medical physics research 2. Discuss the developments and applications of computational phantoms 3. Know the promises and limitations of computational phantoms in solving complex problems
When the Inbox Breaks: An Exploratory Analysis of Online Network Breaking News E-mail Alerts

This is the first scholarly look at the breaking news e-mail alerts received daily by millions of subscribers from online news providers—alerts likely to increase with mobile media use. The study took a subscriber's perspective and analyzes 874 such alerts gathered during 26 continuous weeks in 2005 and 2006 from ABCNews.com, CBSNews.com, CNN.com, FoxNews.com, and MSNBC.com. MSNBC sent the highest number of alerts and scored well with readability metrics; it also sent alerts first most often, but those alerts were usually not attributed. CNN sent the fewest alerts, CBS scored poorly with readability, and ABC most often trailed its competitors. One-quarter of all alerts addressed government and politics, followed by crime and international news. The majority of alerts weren't attributed. Also, one-third of all alerts were sent by only one network. The authors discuss research context, practitioner implications, and future research opportunities.
Kinetics and mechanisms of the reactions of alkyl radicals with oxygen and with complexes of Co(III), Ru(III), and Ni(II)

The kinetics of the reactions of C{sub 2}H{sub 5} radical with Co(NH{sub 3}){sub 5}X{sup 2+}, Ru(NH{sub 3}){sub 5}X{sup 2+}, and Co(dmgH){sub 2} (X) (Y) (X = Br, Cl, N{sub 3}, SCN; Y = H{sub 2}O, CH{sub 3}CN) complexes were studied using laser flash photolysis of ethylcobalt complexes. The kinetics were obtained by the kinetic probe method. Some relative rate constants were also determined by a competition method based on ethyl halide product ratios. The kinetics of colligation reactions of a series of alkyl radicals with {beta}-Ni(cyclam){sup 2+} were studied using flaser flash photolysis of alkylcobalt complexes. Again, the kinetics were obtained by employing the kinetic probe competition method. The kinetics of the unimolecular homolysis of a series of RNi(cyclam)H{sub 2}O{sup 2+} were studied. Activation parameters were obtained for the unimolecular homolysis of C{sub 2}H{sub 5}Ni(cyclam)H{sub 2}O{sup 2+}. Kinetic and thermodynamic data obtained from these reactions were compared with those for the {sigma}-bonded organometallic complexes. The kinetics of the unimolecular homolysis of a series of RNi(cyclam)H{sub 2}O{sup 2+} complexes were studied by monitoring the formation of the oxygen insertion product RO{sub 2}Ni(cyclam)H{sub 2}O{sup 2+}. The higher rate constants for the reactions of alkyl radicals with oxygen in solution, as compared withmore » those measured in the gas phase, were discussed. 30 refs.« less
A polymorphism in GABRA2 is associated with the medial frontal response to alcohol cues in an fMRI study.

Background: Significant evidence has accumulated to suggest an association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the GABRA2 gene and alcoholism. However, research has yet to show an association between these polymorphisms and the human brain’s reward system function. In this study, we stratified subjects who had participated in an fMRI study of alcohol cue responses according to their genotype at a SNP in GABRA2 (rs279871) shown to be associated with alcohol dependence (Edenberg et al., 2004). Methods: Genotyping showed 13 subjects to be homozygous for the high-risk allele (AA), and 23 subjects to be heterozygous (AG). In fMRI, subjects were exposed to the aromas of their preferred alcoholic drink odors (AO), as well as to appetitive control odors (ApCO) under both alcohol intoxication and placebo control conditions. Results: Homozygous AA subjects had a larger [AO > ApCO] response than did AG subjects in medial frontal cortical areas thought to code reward value. However, AG subjects had a larger [AO > ApCO] effect in the ventral tegmental area. Alcohol intoxication did not alter these group differences. Conclusions: These are the first data to suggest that GABRA2 genotype could affect the brain’s responses to cues associated with alcohol.
Influence of a Phonon Bath on Electronic Correlations and Optical Response in Molecular Aggregates

A generating function algorithm that allows the calculation of the optical response of coupled exciton-phonon systems is developed. For a model of assemblies of three-level molecules coupled via dipole interaction and interacting linearly with nuclear degrees of freedom, we derive a closed set of equations of motion for five generating functions representing the exact response to third order in the external field. These are equivalent to an infinite hierarchy of equations of motion for phonon-assisted variables. Starting with the equations for the generating functions, several reduction schemes are derived. By eliminating the phonon degrees of freedom in favor of self-energies, the Haken-Strobl model of relaxation is recovered as a limiting case. A set of time-local equations is presented extending the Haken-Strobl treatment by keeping the temperature dependence as well as the excitonic signatures of the phonon self-energies. Finally, we derive equations that interpolate between the coherent and incoherent limits of exciton propagation and properly include the two exciton dynamics.
Creating Minimum Harm Practice ( MiHaP): a concept for continuous improvement.

The author asks for the attention of leaders and all other stakeholders to calls of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Institute of Medicine (IOM), and the UK National Health Service (NHS) to promote continuous learning to reduce harm to patients. This paper presents a concept for structured bottom-up methodology that enables and empowers all stakeholders to identify, prioritize, and address safety challenges. This methodology takes advantage of the memory of the experiences of all persons involved in providing care. It respects and responds to the uniqueness of each setting by empowering and motivating all team members to commit to harm reduction. It is based on previously published work on “Best Practices Research (BPR)” and on “Systematic Appraisal of Risk and Its Management for Error Reduction (SARAIMER)”. The latter approach, has been shown by the author (with Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) support), to reduce adverse events and their severity through empowerment, ownership and work satisfaction. The author puts forward a strategy for leaders to implement, in response to national and international calls for Better health, Better care, and Better value (the 3B’s of healthcare) in the US Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This is designed to enable and implement “ A promise to learn- a commitment to act”. AHRQ has recently published “A Toolkit for Rapid-Cycle Patient Safety and Quality Improvement” that includes an adapted version of SARAIMER.
Interactions among polymorphisms in folate-metabolizing genes and serum total homocysteine concentrations in a healthy elderly population

Background Homocysteine concentrations are influenced by vitamin status and genetics, especially several polymorphisms in folate-metabolizing genes. Objective We examined the interactions and associations with serum total homocysteine (tHcy) and folate concentrations of polymorphisms in the following folate-metabolizing genes: methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), reduced folate carrier 1 (RFC1), and glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII). Design Healthy volunteers (436 men and 606 women; mean age: 77.9 y) were randomly selected from among residents of Oxford, United Kingdom. We determined the individual effects and interactions of the MTHFR 677C-->T, MTHFR 1298A-->C, RFC1 80G-->A, and GCPII 1561C-->T polymorphisms on serum tHcy and folate concentrations. Results Subjects with the MTHFR 677TT genotype had higher serum tHcy concentrations than did those with the MTHFR 677CC genotype (P C, RFC1 80G-->A, and GCPII 1561C-->T polymorphisms had no individual effects on serum tHcy or folate concentrations. There was no interactive effect of the MTHFR 677C-->T and MTHFR 1298A-->C polymorphisms on tHcy concentrations. An interaction (P = 0.05) was observed between the MTHFR 677TT and RFC1 80GG genotypes, whereby persons with this genotype combination had a mean (+/-SEM) serum tHcy concentration (18.5 +/- 1.2 micromol/L) that was 5.1 micromol/L greater than the mean value of 13.4 +/- 0.2 micromol/L for the whole population. Conclusions Folate and tHcy concentrations were not affected individually by the MTHFR 1298A-->C, RFC1 80G-->A, or GCPII 1561C-->T polymorphisms or by combinations of the MTHFR 677C-->T and MTHFR 1298A-->C genotypes. An interaction between the MTHFR 677TT and RFC1 80GG genotypes was observed whereby persons with this combination had higher serum tHcy.
A new method for manufacturing composite ingot of 3004/4045 aluminum alloy

A method for manufacturing composite ingot of 3004/4045 aluminum alloy using direct-chill (DC) casting was introduced. The casting process, the temperature distribution near the composite interface and the macro- and microstructures were investigated. The results show that composite interface is well-bonded, planar and clean with little evidence of porosity, which belongs to a kind of metallurgical bonding. Also semi-solid layer with a certain thickness is formed under the effect of cooling plate, which can ensure the realization of casting process of composite ingot.
Investigation of intramolecular proton migration in a series of model, metal-cationized tripeptides using in situ generation of an isotope label.

In this study we used an isotope label, generated in situ, to investigate intramolecular proton migration or scrambling during formation of [b2+17+Li]+ products by collision-induced dissociation (CID) of Li+-cationized tripeptides. To generate the isotope label, we used a McLafferty-type rearrangement of N-terminally acetylated, C-terminal peptide tert-butyl esters in which all amide positions were exchanged with deuterium. Using a set of small, model peptides, we show that intramolecular proton scrambling occurs during CID, particularly amongst adjacent sites along a peptide backbone, on the time scales employed for low-energy collisional activation in an ion-trap mass spectrometer. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THE ASSOCIATED PRIMES OF LOCAL COHOMOLOGY MODULES OVER RINGS OF SMALL DIMENSION

Let R be a commutative Noetherian local ring of dimension d, I an ideal of R, and M a finitely generated R-module. We prove that the set of associated primes of the local cohomology module H i I (M) is finite for all i≥ 0 in the following cases: (1) d≤ 3; (2) d= 4 and $R$ is regular on the punctured spectrum; (3) d= 5, R is an unramified regular local ring, and M is torsion-free. In addition, if $d>0$ then H d − 1 I (M) has finite support for arbitrary R, I, and M.
Faculty employment in criminology and criminal justice: Trends and patterns

This study examines emerging academic employment trends in criminology and criminal justice. Specifically, longitudinal content analysis was conducted on job listings published throughout the 1995–99 academic years. The primary purpose was to identify specialized areas of expertise most commonly desired or required by employing academic institutions and to explore trends by geographic region, timing of advertisement, department or program area, type of employer, and type of position available. Findings benefit doctoral students and current faculty members seeking appointment to other academic institutions by alerting them to developing market demands. The academic community and its institutions benefit from sensitization to the prevailing contemporary paradigm affecting the field of criminology and criminal justice, the level of demand for various specializations, and the importance of timing advertisements at national and regional levels.
Bravo capsule pH monitoring.

Placement of the BravoTM pH capsule is a fast and relatively comfortable alternative to conventional catheter pH monitoring. It requires the same preprocedure preparation as conventional catheter placement and only adds approximately 5 min to a standard endoscopy. I usually place the capsule during endoscopy or shortly after endoscopy as long as measurement of the distance from the incisors to the squamocolumnar junction (SCJ) has been made within a reasonable time period. Sedation is generally the choice of the patient, however, most subjects tolerate unsedated placement with application of cetacaine spray.
Molecular g-value, magnetic susceptibility anisotropy, and molecular quadrupole moment in OCSe

Abstract The molecular Zeeman effect has been observed in 16 O 12 C 80 Se and 16 O 12 C 76 Se. The molecular g -value are g ⊥ = −0.01952 ± 0.0001 and g ⊥ = −0.01969 ± 0.0001 respectively. The magnetic susceptibility anisotropy, which is independent of the center of mass, is χ ⊥ −χ | = (10.06 ± 0.18) × 10 −6 erg/G 2 mole. The molecular quadrupole moment in 16 O 12 C 80 Se is Q | = −(0.32 ± 0.24) × 10 −26 esu cm 2 . An upper limit is given for the nuclear magnetic shielding anisotropy at the 77 Se nucleus in OC 77 Se.
Avermectins in arthropod vector management - prospects and pitfalls

The proven impact of avermectins against a wide variety of arthropod vectors suggests that this new family of compounds holds promise in reducing the incidence of vector-borne disease. Experimentally, decreased survival and abundance of various vector species indicate that certain vector populations may be so manipulated. In addition, sublethal effects on individuals include lengthened development, decreased fecundity and diminished parasite uptake. Enthusiasm must be cautious, given possible impacts on non-target species and the eventual development of resistance. Here Mark Wilson emphasizes that the present challenge is to study how this new toxin may be integrated into vector-management schemes that already employ multiple, diverse interventions. Ultimately, the value of such action must be measured not simply in terms of reduced vector abundance, but also with the more complex equation of reduced parasite transmission in mind.
A vision of hand surgery over the next 25 years.

Abstract Predictions for hand surgery advances over the first 25 years of the new millenium are made. Anticipated changes are categorized as societal, technologic, and research with clinical applications. Certainly advances in computer science and molecular biology will affect all aspects of our lives. Within hand surgery, tissue engineering, materials science, and nanotechnology offer great promise. (J Hand Surg 2001;26A:3-7. Copyright © 2001 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.)
On rotationally invariant vector fields in the plane

This work is concerned with global properties of a class of ℂ-valued vector fields in the plane which are rotationally invariant. It is shown that the finite type rotationally invariant vector fields have global first integrals. We also study the global hypoellipticity and global solvability properties of these vector fields.
Modeling of additive effects on the electroplating of a through-hole

A mathematical model of copper plating of a through-hole is developed which relates uniformity of deposition to bulk electrolyte composition, applied potential difference, aspect ratio, through-hole diameter, and deposition kinetics. The electrochemical transport equations governing plating in a through-hole are solved assuming that the fluid within the through-hole is stagnant. Conditions for uniform plating are determined both for Butler-Volmer kinetics considering the effects of dissociation of bisulfate ions in the electrolytic solution and for kinetics limited by complexation of cupric ions with an adsorbed neutral additive species.
Vitamin D insufficiency and schizophrenia risk: Evaluation of hyperprolinemia as a mediator of association

Abstract 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) deficits have been associated with schizophrenia susceptibility and supplementation has been recommended for those at-risk. Although the mechanism by which a deficit confers risk is unknown, vitamin D is a potent transcriptional modulator and can regulate proline dehydrogenase ( PRODH ) expression. PRODH maps to chromosome 22q11, a region conferring the highest known genetic risk of schizophrenia, and encodes proline oxidase, which catalyzes proline catabolism. l -Proline is a neuromodulator at glutamatergic synapses, and peripheral hyperprolinemia has been associated with decreased IQ, cognitive impairment, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia. We investigated the relationship between 25(OH)D and schizophrenia, comparing fasting plasma 25(OH)D in 64 patients and 90 matched controls. We then tested for a mediating effect of hyperprolinemia on the association between 25(OH)D and schizophrenia. 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in patients, and 25(OH)D insufficiency associated with schizophrenia (OR 2.1, adjusted p = 0.044, 95% CI: 1.02–4.46). Moreover, 25(OH)D insufficient subjects had three times greater odds of hyperprolinemia than those with optimal levels (p = 0.035, 95% CI: 1.08–8.91), and formal testing established that hyperprolinemia is a significantly mediating phenotype that may explain over a third of the effect of 25(OH)D insufficiency on schizophrenia risk. This study presents a mechanism by which 25(OH)D insufficiency confers risk of schizophrenia; via proline elevation due to reduced PRODH expression, and a concomitant dysregulation of neurotransmission. Although definitive causality cannot be confirmed, these findings strongly support vitamin D supplementation in patients, particularly for those with elevated proline, who may represent a large subgroup of the schizophrenia population.
Mannitol metabolism in the phytopathogenic fungus Alternaria alternata.

Abstract Mannitol metabolism in fungi is thought to occur through a mannitol cycle first described in 1978. In this cycle, mannitol 1-phosphate 5-dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.17) was proposed to reduce fructose 6-phosphate into mannitol 1-phosphate, followed by dephosphorylation by a mannitol 1-phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.22) resulting in inorganic phosphate and mannitol. Mannitol would be converted back to fructose by the enzyme mannitol dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.138). Although mannitol 1-phosphate 5-dehydrogenase was proposed as the major biosynthetic enzyme and mannitol dehydrogenase as a degradative enzyme, both enzymes catalyze their respective reverse reactions. To date the cycle has not been confirmed through genetic analysis. We conducted enzyme assays that confirmed the presence of these enzymes in a tobacco isolate of Alternaria alternata. Using a degenerate primer strategy, we isolated the genes encoding the enzymes and used targeted gene disruption to create mutants deficient in mannitol 1-phosphate 5-dehydrogenase, mannitol dehydrogenase, or both. PCR analysis confirmed gene disruption in the mutants, and enzyme assays demonstrated a lack of enzymatic activity for each enzyme. GC–MS experiments showed that a mutant deficient in both enzymes did not produce mannitol. Mutants deficient in mannitol 1-phosphate 5-dehydrogenase or mannitol dehydrogenase alone produced 11.5 and 65.7 %, respectively, of wild type levels. All mutants grew on mannitol as a sole carbon source, however, the double mutant and mutant deficient in mannitol 1-phosphate 5-dehydrogenase grew poorly. Our data demonstrate that mannitol 1-phosphate 5-dehydrogenase and mannitol dehydrogenase are essential enzymes in mannitol metabolism in A. alternata, but do not support mannitol metabolism operating as a cycle.
The relation between physical assault and psychological functioning in a sample of university women, and the relative effects of physical and sexual assault

The purpose of this study was threefold: to determine the prevalence and descriptive characteristics of physically abusive relationships in a sample of university women, to identify the psychological correlates of physical abuse and the relative effects of physical and sexual assault on psychological functioning, and to determine the relationship between psychosocial functioning and various abuse characteristics. Fifteen percent of respondents had been physically assaulted in the course of their lifetime, with 4% of women assaulted in the last year. The risk of physical assault increased with closer relationship intimacy, and with a history of prior assault. Results indicate that physical assault constitutes a mild concurrent risk factor for psychological dysfunction among nonclinical women. Social cognitive variables appeared to moderate victims' response to physical assault, as the subjective perception of threat was related to poor social adjustment in several areas. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Management of Infants and Children 3 to 36 Months of Age With Fever Without Source

The evidence and guidelines presented in this article are meant to assist clinicians who manage children with FWS. However, physicians may choose to individualize therapy based on unique clinical circumstances or to adopt a variation of these guidelines based on a different interpretation of the evidence concerning these issues. No guidelines can eliminate all risk nor confine antibiotic treatment only to children likely to have occult bacteremia. The optimal management strategy reduces risk to a minimum at a reasonable cost and can be used in most practice settings.
An investigation of the use of goal programming to fit response surfaces

Abstract This paper deals with the development and implementation of goal programming models for fitting response surfaces where the observed data are characterized by certain peculiarities, such as the existence of ‘outliers’. A factorial statistical experiment is designed to compare (through Multivariate ANOVA) various forms of the goal programming algorithm with the traditional ordinary least squares method. The comparison is based on both the speed of convergence of the proposed algorithms and the accuracy of the estimated optimum solution relative to the true optimum of a pre-specified theoretical response surface. Results indicate that two different goal programming methods — each involving two secondary criteria — achieved a more accurate estimated solution than did the ordinary least squares method. This advantage is realized at the expense of slower convergence speed, however.
Perspectives of staff nurses toward patient- and family-initiated call light usage and response time to call lights

This survey study describes nurses' perspectives about call light usage and response time. Staff perceived call lights as being patient safety related (52%) and meaningful (81.6%), and answering calls prevented them from doing the critical aspects of their role (43.8%). Staff's perspectives toward call lights should be surveyed on a regular basis.
The Brownian Bridge Does Not Offer a Consistent Advantage in Quasi-Monte Carlo Integration

The Brownian bridge has been suggested as an effective method for reducing the quasi-Monte Carlo error for problems in finance. We give an example of a digital option where the Brownian bridge performs worse than the standard discretization. Hence, the Brownian bridge does not offer a consistent advantage in quasi-Monte Carlo integration. We consider integrals of functions of d variables with Gaussian weights such as the ones encountered in the valuation of financial derivatives and in risk management. Under weak assumptions on the class of functions, we study quasi-Monte Carlo methods that are based on different covariance matrix decompositions. We show that different covariance matrix decompositions lead to the same worst case quasi-Monte Carlo error and are, therefore, equivalent.
Performance optimization algorithm for DDR interface

While the demand for memory capacity and performance continues to increase, current DDR memory implementations start to encounter limitations. At high data rates of 533MT/s and above, it becomes increasingly difficult to support different combinations of DDR raw card types on the same platform due to the possible variations in load. This paper outlines a method of maximizing the DDR bus performance by utilizing hardware circuitry in the memory controller in connection with software algorithms to adjust the DDR transaction timing relationships based on the populated memory configuration. The algorithm also compensate for the effects of ageing over the lifetime of the part. The techniques used in this work are related to DDR-2 but could also be applicable to DDR-3 and future technologies.
Fusion neutron irradiation induced ordering and defect production in Cu3Au at high temperatures

We irradiate three Cu/sub 3/Au alloys different degrees of initial long-range order at temperatures between 300K and 434K. The resistivity of samples is monitored during irradiation and related to the long-term order parameter by the Muto relation. The results show that the ordering rate, which is proportional to the concentration of freely migrating vacancies, increases at the beginning and then decreases later with fluence. The decrease is a result of the continuous production of sinks in the form of dislocation loops. The effect of sinks on vacancy annihilation in some cases causes a reversed temperature dependence of ordering rate. The free vacancy production rate and the rate of sink production are determined using an ordering kinetics theory. The results of the 14 MeV neutron irradiations are compared to those obtained in other neutron spectra and particle irradiations. The estimated free vacancy production rate is also compared to the primary defect production rate measured at 4.2K in disordered samples.
The Job Satisfaction of Expatriate American Managers

This paper presents the results of a study concerned with the need satisfactions of Americans who are assigned to international managerial positions. The results of the study indicate that regional location and prior international work experience influence the job satisfaction of overseas managers. It is suggested that jobs in different parts of the world may be viewed differently because of previous international work experience, career aspiration and control exerted by the parent organization.