cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mutagenesis of Essential Functional Residues of Rat Androgen-Binding Protein/Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin

Testicular androgen-binding protein (ABP) and liver (plasma) sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) are extracellular carrier proteins that bind androgens with high affinity. Both proteins are encoded by the same gene and have the same primary amino acid sequence. Previous affinity labeling experiments to identify the steroid-binding site of ABP/SHBG led to ambiguous results, implicating various residues from 134 to near the C-terminus. To aid in elucidation of the essential functional residues of ABP/SHBG, we created mutant rat proteins by deletion and site-directed mutagenesis. The mutants were expressed in COS 7 green monkey kidney cells and analyzed for immunoreactive cellular and medium ABP and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) binding properties. Analysis of truncated ABP proteins revealed that removal of 26 or more residues from the C-terminus eliminates secretion and DHT-binding activity. Alteration of amino acid residues by site-directed mutagenesis from residue 54 to residue 333 resulted in elimination of ...
pRRophetic: An R Package for Prediction of Clinical Chemotherapeutic Response from Tumor Gene Expression Levels

We recently described a methodology that reliably predicted chemotherapeutic response in multiple independent clinical trials. The method worked by building statistical models from gene expression and drug sensitivity data in a very large panel of cancer cell lines, then applying these models to gene expression data from primary tumor biopsies. Here, to facilitate the development and adoption of this methodology we have created an R package called pRRophetic. This also extends the previously described pipeline, allowing prediction of clinical drug response for many cancer drugs in a user-friendly R environment. We have developed several other important use cases; as an example, we have shown that prediction of bortezomib sensitivity in multiple myeloma may be improved by training models on a large set of neoplastic hematological cell lines. We have also shown that the package facilitates model development and prediction using several different classes of data.
Systems analysis: A tool subject or judgment demystified?

The article distinguishes between professional schools and academic disciplines; traces six academic constituents which contribute to the study of the profession of human governance; and criticizes the tendency of systems analysis to become identified with mathematical modeling and thus to obscure both the area in which verbal expression transcends mathematical expression and also the difference between systems modeling as a technique and systems thinking as a conceptual orientation.
Magnetically Tailored, Atmospheric-Pressure Plasmas for Atomic Spectroscopy

Three magnetic field-plasma configurations are used to study the inter-action of external magnetic fields with analytically useful, atmospheric-pressure plasmas. A magnetic field normal to the electric field in the plasma produced by the capacitive discharge vaporization of a thin Ag film is used to obtain an ExB drift motion of the plasma. Photographs show that this drift motion can drastically alter the size, shape, and location of the plasma. The same plasma-generation technique is combined with a nonuniform magnetic field to obtain an adiabatic magnetic-mirror ion trap. Finally, the cylindrically symmetric plasma produced by the capacitive discharge vaporization of a thin metal wire or a bundle of graphite fibers is combined with an axial magnetic field to obtain a theta pinch of the plasma. In all cases, the plasma current is used to generate the magnetic field in a large air-core inductor surrounding the plasma. Radiative and electrical properties of these magnetically modified plasmas will be presented.
Preferential ion and water intake using charged carbon nanotubes

We demonstrate that carbon nanotubes can be used for water and ion separation (and subsequent encapsulation) from a salt solution. Three different electrostatic charge distributions on the nanotubes are considered. These different charge distribution patterns change the nanotube intake effectiveness and induce dissimilar effects on water and ion separation. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate that when either spatially or temporally alternating charge distributions are applied, ion intake into the nanotubes is minimal. Thus, the charge distribution can either be maintained constant (for ion encapsulation) or varied (for water intake) in order to achieve different effects.
Distribution of Major Cations in Estuarine Sediments

This paper reports the measured distribution of major cations in interstitial, exchangeable and non-exchangeable phases of estuarine sediments. The observed changes in ionic ratios result from the valence and dilution effects in the Donnan equilibrium concept according to which the ion ex- changer favors the sorption of divalent ions at the expense of monovalent cations and cations migrate to the outer solution. The above findings have direct application to an interpretation of diagenetic changes in clay minerals.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Real-Time Systems

A high-level real-time programming system called RNet is proposed. The main goal of RNet is to develop and use programing concepts and tools for modeling the behavior of real-time tasks, measuring the real-time characteristics of system resources, validating the specifications, and so on. Part of RNet has already been implemented and the remaining parts are currently under development. It is shown that use of a common time base in distributed systems can simplify various design problems, e.g., process communications and checkpointing. The design simplification in turn reduces time overhead associated with the usual design algorithms, thus making them suitable for real-time applications. Upper bounds on the achievable synchronization accuracy and the functions of a VLSI clock synchronization unit to improve the synchronization accuracy and reduce the CPU load.
Generic framework for design, modeling and simulation of cyber physical systems

Wireless technologies have contributed to extensive development of many kinds of applications that enable cost-effective and intelligent monitoring and control of physical environments, objects, activities such as smart buildings, home or industry automation, and remote patient care. These kinds of applications often require support of heterogeneous physical environments and large-scale systems mixing several different types of monitoring and control. In addition to heterogeneity and scalability support, mobility support is crucial in the development of these software systems.Although much research has addressed design, modeling and simulation of such systems, most solutions usually do not cover all requirements from different domains. Rather, these solutions restrict the development environment and reduce flexibility of design by enforcing the use of a specific software platform and tightly-coupled tools.This paper presents problems and challenges of Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) like the aforementioned applications, and discusses features and benefits of a generic framework to enable design, modeling and simulation of large-scale, heterogeneous CPS systems in an integrated manner.
A note on the use of congruent rewards in survey situations

The purpose of this study was to test the possibility of utilizing a reward model to reach segments of the population that ordinarily do not respond well to mail questionnaires or personal interviews. A particularly resistant population sample was chosen to see if a model could be constructed that would (l) be inexpensive and thus within the means of ordinary investigators operating on limited funds, (2) allow for an expansion of the sample without increasing unit cost, (3) secure a high response rate, and (4) yield results comparable to those from studies of similar populations using other methods. Studies of working class persons, other than purely statistical ones, have been scarce. Those that have been done usually involved case studies, covert observations, or participant observational reports. Since many working class, or "hard hat," individuals tend to become steady customers at taverns catering to such clientele, eight working class taverns in five scattered localities were made the target population for the test. All eight taverns were in white neighborhoods; all respondents were white. With the cooperation of the tavern owner, a large sign was placed in a prominent location on the bar, stating, in bold letters, "Get a Free Beer. Ask the Bartender." A sealed medium-sized box with a slit in the top was placed next to the sign. When approached, the bartender explained that to obtain free beer the customer had to agree to fill out a questionnaire, one beer and one questionnaire per subject. No names appeared on the questionnaire. When completed, the questionnaire was personally deposited in the "ballot box." The customer was asked to fill out the questionnaire in its entirety and to answer honestly and candidly. Each bartender was allotted a specific number of blank questionnaires based on his estimate of probable
Right atrial pressure impacts early survival of patients undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation

Purpose To elucidate the impact of right atrial (RA) pressure on early mortality in patients undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation. Materials and Methods In this single institution retrospective study, 101 patients (M:F=59:42, mean age 55 years) who underwent TIPS creation between 1999-2012 and had recorded intra-procedural RA pressures were selected for analysis. Medical record review was used to identify demographic (age, gender), liver disease (Child-Pugh, Model for End Stage Liver Disease or MELD score), and procedure (indication, urgency, stent type, portosystemic gradient or PSG reduction, baseline and post-TIPS RA pressure) data, and the influence of these parameters on 30- and 90-day mortality was assessed using multivariate analysis of variance. Results TIPS were successfully created for variceal hemorrhage (n=47), ascites (n=42), hepatic hydrothorax (n=10), and portal vein thrombosis (n=2). Hemodynamic success was achieved in 99% (100/101), and mean PSG reduction was 13 mm Hg. 30- and 90-day mortality rates were 17% (17/101) and 27% (27/101). Baseline and post-TIPS RA pressure was significantly associated with 30- (P=0.045, 0.044) and 90-day (P=0.029, 0.012) mortality. Mean baseline and post-TIPS RA pressures of living versus dead patients were 12 versus 15 mm Hg and 17 versus 20 mm Hg at both 30- and 90-days. 30- and 90-day mortality in patients with baseline RA pressure ≤14 mm Hg versus ≥15 mm Hg were 12% versus 29% and 21% versus 43%; 30- and 90-day mortality in patients with post-TIPS RA pressure ≤19 mm Hg versus ≥20 mm Hg were 14% versus 22% and 19% versus 41%. Child-Pugh and MELD scores were also associated with 30- and 90-day mortality (P Conclusion Increased RA pressure is a significant prognostic factor for early mortality following TIPS creation. Lower baseline and post-TIPS RA pressures are associated with improved survival. Patient cardiac function and fluid status should thus be optimized prior to TIPS procedures.
Mapping potential foodsheds in New York State: A spatial model for evaluating the capacity to localize food production

Growing interest in local food has sparked debate about the merits of attempting to reduce the distance food travels. One point of contention is the capacity of local agriculture to meet the food needs of local people. In hopes of informing this debate, this research presents a method for mapping potential foodsheds, land areas that could theoretically feed urban centers. The model was applied to New York State (NYS). Geographic information systems were used to estimate the spatial distribution of food production capacity relative to the food needs of NYS population centers. Optimization tools were then applied to allocate production potential to meet food needs in the minimum distance possible. Overall, the model showed that NYS could provide 34% of its total food needs within an average distance of just 49 km. However, the model did not allocate production potential evenly. Most NYS population centers could have the majority of their food needs sourced in-state, except for the greater New York City (NYC) area. Thus, the study presents a mixed review of the potential for local food systems to reduce the distance food travels. While small- to medium-sized cities of NYS could theoretically meet their food needs within distances two orders of magnitude smaller than the current American food system, NYC must draw on more distant food-producing resources. Nonetheless, the foodshed model provides a successful template for considering the geography of food production and food consumption simultaneously. Such a tool could be valuable for examining how cities might change their food procurement to curb greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to depletion of petroleum and other energy resources necessary for long-distance transport of food.
Influence of Age on Racial Disparities in Stroke Admission Rates, Hospital Charges, and Outcomes in South Carolina

Background and Purpose— Racial disparities among US stroke patients have been well documented. However, the extent to which disparities in outcomes vary by age is unclear. This study’s goals were to examine the degree of racial disparities in South Carolina between African Americans (AAs) and Caucasian Americans (CAs) in stroke admission rates, hospital charges, and outcomes and to determine whether racial differences varied by age. Methods— From the state hospital discharge database, admissions with a primary diagnosis of stroke discharged from 2002 to 2006 were identified. Age group–specific stroke admission rates, hospital charges, length of stay, intensive care unit utilization, medical complications, and discharge disposition (in-hospital death, discharged home, discharge to rehabilitation facility) were compared between AAs and CAs by multiple-linear or logistic-regression analysis. Results— There were 58 272 stroke admissions during the 5-year period. Stroke admission rates were persistently higher...
Semantic and acoustic analysis of speech by functional networks with distinct time scales

Speech perception requires the successful interpretation of both phonetic and syllabic information in the auditory signal. It has been suggested by Poeppel (2003) that phonetic processing requires an optimal time scale of 25 ms while the time scale of syllabic processing is much slower (150-250 ms). To better understand the operation of brain networks at these characteristic time scales during speech perception, we studied the spatial and dynamic properties of EEG responses to five different stimuli: (1) amplitude modulated (AM) speech, (2) AM speech with added broadband noise, (3) AM reversed speech, (4) AM broadband noise, and (5) AM pure tone. Amplitude modulation at gamma band frequencies (40 Hz) elicited steady-state auditory evoked responses (SSAERs) bilaterally over primary auditory cortices. Reduced SSAERs were observed over the left auditory cortex only for stimuli containing speech. In addition, we found over the left hemisphere, anterior to primary auditory cortex, a network whose instantaneous frequencies in the theta to alpha band (4-16 Hz) are correlated with the amplitude envelope of the speech signal. This correlation was not observed for reversed speech. The presence of speech in the sound input activates a 4-16 Hz envelope tracking network and suppresses the 40-Hz gamma band network which generates the steady-state responses over the left auditory cortex. We believe these findings to be consistent with the idea that processing of the speech signals involves preferentially processing at syllabic time scales rather than phonetic time scales.
Disfluencies, language comprehension, and Tree Adjoining Grammars

Disfluencies include editing terms such as uh and um as well as repeats and revisions. Little is known about how disfluencies are processed, and there has been next to no research focused on the way that disfluencies affect structure-building operations during comprehension. We review major findings from both computational linguistics and psycholinguistics, and then we summarize the results of our own work which centers on how the parser behaves when it encounters a disfluency. We describe some new research showing that information associated with misarticulated verbs lingers, and which adds to the large body of data on the critical influence of verb argument structures on sentence comprehension. The paper also presents a model of disfluency processing. The parser uses a Tree Adjoining Grammar to build phrase structure. In this approach, filled and unfilled pauses affect the timing of Substitution operations. Repairs and corrections are handled by a mechanism we term “Overlay,” which allows the parser to overwrite an undesired tree with the appropriate, correct tree. This model of disfluency processing highlights the need for the parser to sometimes coordinate the mechanisms that perform garden-path reanalysis with those that do disfluency repair. The research program as a whole demonstrates that it is possible to study disfluencies systematically and to learn how the parser handles filler material and mistakes. It also showcases the power of Tree Adjoining Grammars, a formalism developed by Aravind Joshi which has yielded results in many different areas of linguistics and cognitive science.
Multimodal cognitive architecture: making perception more central to intelligent behavior

I propose that the notion of cognitive state be broadened from the current predicate-symbolic, Language-of-Thought framework to a multi-modal one, where perception and kinesthetic modalities participate in thinking. In contrast to the roles assigned to perception and motor activities as modules external to central cognition in the currently dominant theories in AI and Cognitive Science, in the proposed approach, central cognition incorporates parts of the perceptual machinery. I motivate and describe the proposal schematically, and describe the implementation of a bi-modal version in which a diagrammatic representation component is added to the cognitive state. The proposal explains our rich multimodal internal experience, and can be a key step in the realization of embodied agents. The proposed multimodal cognitive state can significantly enhance the agent's problem solving.
Effectiveness of siRNA uptake in target tissues by various delivery methods

Background RNA interference offers clinical potential as a therapeutic modality for a variety of diseases; the efficacy of in vivo delivery remains poorly understood. The purpose of our study was to compare and contrast short interfering RNA (siRNA) uptake in vivo using various delivery techniques. Methods DY547- and rhodamine-labeled siRNA was administered to mice by one of four delivery methods: (1) hydrodynamic intravenous tail vein injection, (2) standard intravenous tail vein injection, (3) intraperitoneal injection, and (4) rectal administration. Mice were killed over a time course; representative tissue samples were collected and analyzed using fluorescent microscopy to determine siRNA uptake. Results siRNA uptake was noted in the liver, kidney, pancreas, spleen, and bone marrow by both hydrodynamic and standard IV injection. siRNA uptake was detected in the spleen, liver, and bone marrow after intraperitoneal administration. Rectal administration resulted in siRNA uptake in the spleen, bone marrow, and colon. Conclusion Our results demonstrate differential siRNA uptake depending on delivery technique. Importantly, our results demonstrate the potential of siRNA as a systemic therapeutic option in vivo for selected disease processes.
Dictyostelium cells bind a secreted autocrine factor that represses cell proliferation

Dictyostelium cells secrete the proteins AprA and CfaD. Cells lacking either AprA or CfaD proliferate faster than wild type, while AprA or CfaD overexpressor cells proliferate slowly, indicating that AprA and CfaD are autocrine factors that repress proliferation. CfaD interacts with AprA and requires the presence of AprA to slow proliferation. To determine if CfaD is necessary for the ability of AprA to slow proliferation, whether AprA binds to cells, and if so whether the binding requires the presence of CfaD, we examined the binding and effect on proliferation of recombinant AprA. We find that the extracellular accumulation of AprA increases with cell density and reaches a concentration of 0.3 μg/ml near a stationary cell density. When added to wild-type or aprA- cells, recombinant AprA (rAprA) significantly slows proliferation at 0.1 μg/ml and higher concentrations. From 4 to 64 μg/ml, the effect of rAprA is at a plateau, slowing but not stopping proliferation. The proliferation-inhibiting activity of rAprA is roughly the same as that of native AprA in conditioned growth medium. Proliferating aprA- cells show saturable binding of rAprA to 92,000 ± 11,000 cell-surface receptors with a K D of 0.03 ± 0.02 μg/ml. There appears to be one class of binding site, and no apparent cooperativity. Native AprA inhibits the binding of rAprA to aprA- cells with a K i of 0.03 μg/ml, suggesting that the binding kinetics of rAprA are similar to those of native AprA. The proliferation of cells lacking CrlA, a cAMP receptor-like protein, or cells lacking CfaD are not affected by rAprA. Surprisingly, both cell types still bind rAprA. Together, the data suggest that AprA functions as an autocrine proliferation-inhibiting factor by binding to cell surface receptors. Although AprA requires CfaD for activity, it does not require CfaD to bind to cells, suggesting the possibility that cells have an AprA receptor and a CfaD receptor, and activation of both receptors is required to slow proliferation. We previously found that crlA- cells are sensitive to CfaD. Combined with the results presented here, this suggests that CrlA is not the AprA or CfaD receptor, and may be the receptor for an unknown third factor that is required for AprA and CfaD activity.
Second-harmonic generation in molybdenum disulfide

We report the experimental observation and analysis of optical second-harmonic generation in the 3R and 2H polytypes of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) by a fundamental excitation wavelength of 1064 nm. We include an extension from the literature to account for multiple reflections of the fundamental, anisotropic optical constants, and strong absorption of the second harmonic to deduce the second-order nonlinear dielectric susceptibilities. We observe a bulk nonlinearity of |d21|=500±200 pm/V for 3R-MoS2. The absence of a signal from 2H-MoS2, a centrosymmetric stacking polytype, is consistent with |deff|<5×10-2 pm/V.
Additivity of values for apparent and standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids in mixed diets fed to growing pigs

The objective of this experiment was to determine whether the digestibility of CP and AA in a mixed diet fed to growing pigs is better predicted when based on standardized ileal digestibility coefficients (SID) or apparent ileal digestibility coefficients (AID). Eight growing pigs (initial BW = 92.1 ± 3.19 kg) were surgically equipped with a T-cannula in the distal ileum and arranged in an 8 x 8 Latin square design with eight diets and eight periods. Three of the diets contained corn, soybean meal (SBM), or canola meal (CM) as the sole source of CP and AA. Four mixed diets also were formulated using corn and soybean meal (CS); corn and canola meal (CCM); soybean meal and canola meal (SCM); or corn, soybean meal, and canola meal (CSCM). A N-free diet was used to measure the basal ileal endogenous losses (IAA end ) of CP and AA. Pigs were fed each of the eight diets during one 7-d period, and ileal digesta were collected during two 10-h periods on d 6 and 7. The AID values were calculated for CP and AA in all diets, except the N-free diet. By correcting the AID for IAA end , the SID for CP and AA in each of the seven protein-containing diets were calculated. As expected, the AID for CP and the majority of AA were greater in SBM than in corn and CM (P < 0.05); however, the SID for CP and most AA did not differ between corn and SBM. For the majority of the AA, SID were less (P < 0.05) in CM than in the other two ingredients. Using the AID and the SID that were measured for CP and AA in corn, SBM, and CM, the AID and the SID in the four mixed diets were predicted and compared with the measured values for these diets. For the three mixed diets containing corn, the measured AID for CP and most AA were greater (P < 0.05) than the predicted AID, but with a few exceptions, no differences between predicted and measured values for SID were observed. For the diet based on SCM, there were no differences between predicted and measured values regardless of the procedure used, except for the AID of Ser. The results of this experiment demonstrate that the digestibility coefficients for a mixed diet containing low-protein feed ingredients, such as corn, are more accurately predicted using SID than AID.
Governing Poverty Amidst Plenty: Participatory Development and Private Philanthropy

This paper explores the current debates surrounding how large-scale poverty programs structure the actions and strategies of regional community-based institutions. I specifically interrogate how processes of professionalization and ‘participatory’ ideas promoted through public and private funders are negotiated by institutional ‘grantees’, and ultimately structure the ways in which historic social movement organizations build institutions and organizing strategies. A review of the major debates surrounding ‘participatory development’ in the fields of critical development studies and American poverty scholarship is approached through a specific case study in California’s Central Valley. By highlighting the case of the historic Farm Worker Movement and its’ legacy institutions I show how social movement actors negotiate theories of participation, institutional structures, and regional alliances promoted through public and private funding. It is argued that organizing the poor through participatory philanthropic initiatives provides a certain range of opportunities as well as firm limits to changing the political-economic relationships that produce regional poverty. Both the consensus based approach popular with the most recent philanthropic initiatives and the self-help model of the 1960s bring a certain range of political openings and firm limits proscribed by what funders will and won’t do in the context of funding social movement institutions to confront structures of economic inequality produced through industrial capital.
Environmental Compliance and Ethics: A Case Study at a Facility of the US Army Corps of Engineers in Oregon

In November 1994, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) conducted an environmental audit of the North Pacific Division Laboratory in Troutdale, Oregon. The North Pacific Division Laboratory performed geotechnical and chemical testing of materials for government agencies for the period 1948–1997. The audit results revealed serious deficiencies in environmental management and compliance that posed threats to human health, safety, and the environment. Specifically, the North Pacific Division Laboratory had nine “Major Findings” and one “Significant Finding.” Major Findings require action, but not necessarily immediate action, whereas Significant Findings require immediate attention. Types of deficiencies at the facility included unlabeled and improperly stored hazardous waste in storage sheds, an improperly abandoned and contaminated water supply well, illegal discharge of chemical wastewater into a local drainage ditch, and a non-permitted landfill containing buried 55-gallon drums of unknown substances. Chemicals commonly used at the North Pacific Division Laboratory included petroleum products, heavy metals, organic solvents, and chemical reagents. Following unsuccessful attempts to communicate the North Pacific Division Laboratory's noncompliance issues through normal USACE channels, one author (Jeffrey A. Hepler) exercised provisions afforded under the Whistleblower Protection Act and contacted the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. This paper discusses the sequence of events that led to the eventual closure of the North Pacific Division Laboratory and provides recommendations for environmental professionals involved in environmental auditing and compliance. These recommendations include examining the efficacy of existing environmental management plans, utilizing professional and independent auditors, changing audit frequencies from five to three years, and reporting audit results directly to senior management.
Democratiziation and the Jews: Munich, 1945–1965 . By Anthony D. Kauders. Lincoln, Nebraska: University of Nebraska Press. 2004. Pp. 326. $60.00. ISBN 0-8032-2763-9.

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A serendipitous survey of prediction algorithms for amyloidogenicity

Protein aggregation and/or amyloid formation is an important intrinsic constraint on protein sequence evolution1–4, the focus of a variety of cellular housekeeping operations5, a significant challenge in biotechnology6–9 and a component of the molecular mechanisms of a number of important human neurodegenerative diseases10,11. Significant effort has been expended in developing an understanding of the molecular determinants of protein aggregation, and in particular in devising algorithms that might be predictive for the propensity of amino acid sequences to aggregate12–20. The fundamental approaches taken in both the development of these algorithms and their validation differ considerably. Empirical assessments of these algorithms have been limited, however, and, where attempted, have in some cases been restricted to amino acid compositions that are highly favorable in promoting aggregation. Recently, we defined several contributions of the short, 17-amino acid peptide segment called httNT, which is located at the N-terminus of the Huntington's disease protein huntingtin (htt), to spontaneous amyloid formation by N-terminal fragments of htt such as htt exon121–26. For example, we found that the httNT segment, as part of exon1-like fragments, greatly enhances nucleation of amyloid growth by the adjacent polyglutamine (polyQ) segment, without itself becoming incorporated into amyloid21–23. We also found that the httNT sequence alone, as a separate peptide, is an effective, if transient, inhibitor of amyloid nucleation by exon1-like fragments25. As part of an effort to determine the molecular basis for this inhibition, we generated a series of scrambled variants of the httNTQ sequence25. Most of these sequences were well-behaved under our experimental conditions and could be evaluated as inhibitors in our experiments. Some of them could not be evaluated, however, because they themselves undergo efficient spontaneous growth of β-aggregates under our experimental conditions. This was especially intriguing because the WT httNT sequence by itself aggregates very slowly and only at high concentrations, and then only to form α-helix rich oligomers22,23. It struck us that the behavior of this set of scrambled peptides might serve as a good test for how well previously described amyloid prediction algorithms can predict facile amyloid formation in a novel series of sequences not designed for that purpose. In this paper we report the spontaneous aggregation tendencies of the full set of scrambled sequences and evaluate how well a number of recently described predictive algorithms are able to distinguish aggregating peptides from peptides that remain soluble under physiological conditions. The results show that the available algorithms are only modestly successful at predicting amyloid propensity under conditions approaching physiological. In fact, it is not clear that any of these algorithms is capable of evaluating kinetics constraints on amyloid formation, even among sequences that might be capable of achieving snug steric zipper27, amyloid-like packing arrangements.
A Sparse Factorization for Fast Computation of Localizing Modes

Localizing modes provide an effective basis for developing efficient, error-controlled factorizations of the dense matrices encountered in integral equation formulations of wave phenomena at low to moderate frequencies. An essential component of these factorization algorithms is the numerical determination of the underlying localizing modes. This communication describes the details of an efficient procedure for computing the so-called non-overlapping, localizing modes. The principle component of the procedure is a QR-like factorization of the sparse multilevel data structure used to compress discrete integral operators. Numerical examples demonstrate the performance of the algorithm.
Problem solving and classical genetics: Successful versus unsuccessful performance†

Expert-novice problem-solving research is extended in this study to include classical genetics. Eleven undergraduates (novices) and nine graduate students and instructors (experts) were videotaped as they solved moderately complex genetics problems. Detailed analysis of these “think aloud” protocols resulted in 32 common tendencies that could be used to differentiate between successful and unsuccessful problem solvers. Experts perceive a problem as a task requiring analysis and reasoning and they tend to use a knowledge-development (forward-working) approach. They make frequent checks on the correctness of their work, use accurate and detailed bookkeeping procedures, and have a broader range of heuristics to apply to the problem. It is clear that studying problem solving using the expert/novice design requires that the problems be difficult enough to require more than more recall and yet simple enough to allow novices a chance for solution. Applying elementary probability concepts seemed to be the most difficult aspect of many of the genetics problems, even for the experts.
The Impact of Teasing and Bullying on Schoolwide Academic Performance

Hierarchical regression analyses conducted at the school level found that the perceived prevalence of teasing and bullying was predictive of schoolwide passing rates on state-mandated achievement testing used to meet No Child Left Behind requirements. These findings could not be attributed to the proportion of minority students in the school, student poverty, school size, or personal victimization, which were statistically controlled for. Measures of the prevalence of teasing and bullying were obtained from a statewide survey of 7,304 ninth-grade students and 2,918 teachers aggregated into school-level scores for 284 Virginia high schools. These results support the need for greater attention to the effect of teasing and bullying on high school student performance on high-stakes testing.
Changes in water structure induced by a hydrophobic solute probed by simulation of the water hydrogen bond angle and radial distribution functions.

Abstract In order to better characterize changes in water structure induced by a hydrophobic solute the oxygen–oxygen and hydrogen–hydrogen radial distribution functions ( g oo ( r ), g hh ( r )) and the hydrogen bond angle distribution function p(θ) for water molecules in the first hydration shell of the tetramethyl ammonium (TMA) cation were computed using Monte Carlo simulations. g oo ( r ) and g hh ( r ) were corrected for the effect of solute volume exclusion on the local solvent density so that intrinsic structural changes independent of local solvent density variations could be detected. Comparison of g hh ( r ) of TMA's first hydration shell water with g hh ( r ) for bulk water shows subtle but clear evidence of structure formation induced by the ion. These changes in g hh ( r ) are very similar to those seen experimentally for larger tetra-alkyl ammonium ions in previous neutron diffraction experiments. Larger changes in p(θ) in the first hydration shell of TMA were seen. Comparison of changes in p(θ) with changes in g oo ( r ) and g hh ( r ) show that the angle distribution function provides the most sensitive way to analyze water structure changes associated with hydrophobic solvation.
Two-dimensional Simulation of Horseshoe and Parallel Actuators inside a Micro Geometry

A study of the dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuators for micro-scale applications is reported. Traditional macroscale DBD actuators suffer from relatively small actuation effect as characterized by small induced force density and resulting flow velocity. As a remedy we propose micro-scale plasma actuators that may induce orders of magnitude higher force density. We study the physics of such actuation using a Multi-scale Ionized Gas (MIG) flow code based on the high-fidelity finite-element procedure. First, a twodimensional volume discharge with nitrogen as a working gas is investigated using a firstprinciples approach solving coupled system of hydrodynamic plasma equations and Poisson equation for ion density, electron density, and electric field distribution. The quasi-neutral plasma and the sheath regions are identified. As the gap between electrodes is reduced, the sheath structure dominates the plasma region. Second, we simulate a first generation plasma micropump. We solve multi-scale plasma-gas interaction inside a two-dimensional cross-section of the micro-scale pump geometry. The result shows that a reasonable mass flow rate can be pumped using a set of small active electrodes.
Contemporary Qatari Marriage Practices: Education And Marriageability For Modern Qatari Women

The past three generations of Qataris have witnessed unprecedented economic, social and cultural changes. The juxtaposition of economic growth and social conservatism causes many conflicts or gaps between traditional values and the opportunities offered by modernity; perhaps one of the most startling examples of this is the current generation of Qatari females who are attending university, preparing for professional fields, and still expected to fulfill traditional gender roles as wives and mothers, within the same time frame as their own mothers or grandmothers. Within a kinship or tribal society, where relationships are determined by exchanges between families, marriage is a symbolic institution as much as a social one; the exchange of partners is a private act that has public significance with socio-economic ramifications. Marriage is a way of maintaining and enforcing social order, particularly the behavior of women by patriarchal societies; therefore it is at the very heart of traditional society. This study examines whether the tertiary education of Qatari women in co-educational settings is impacting the institution of marriage within a patriarchal Arab society. Does the level of a woman's education hamper or enhance her marriage prospects? This question is particularly relevant given the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030) which outlines human capacity building as central to the development of the nation and another example of the explicitly stated intentions of the State of Qatar in investing in a knowledge based economy. The research team has studied marriage practices from 2000-2012 through surveys, focus groups, interviews, and the analysis of marital documents to analyze the way attitudes towards educated women as prospective brides. Over 350 Qatari women from a variety of academic institutions in Qatar, including Hamad Bin Khalifa University branch campuses, Qatar University, College of the North Atlantic Qatar, and the Community College of Qatar were surveyed. 150 women from these institutions also participated in focus group interviews. The findings interpret the broader social ramification of balancing the education of women within the expectations of traditional gender roles during state-building.
VITAMIN B6 IN FARM ANIMAL NUTRITION AND PETS.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the deficiency symptoms and requirements for vitamin B 6 in those animals where the well-being of the animal is of primary concern. This includes primarily farm animals and pets. The functions of vitamin B 6 in biochemical systems, pathology of vitamin B 6 deficiency, and metabolic interrelationships with other nutrients are discussed to understand and define dietary requirements for this vitamin by the various species of animals. The primary stimulus for nutrition research with farm animals is the economical production of meat, milk, and eggs. As the well-being of the animal is entirely compatible with economical production, this approach is not so different from that taken with pets and humans. Obvious specific symptoms of vitamin B 6 deficiency usually do not occur unless the deficiency is severe. The earliest gross evidence of dietary inadequacy in young growing animals is a reduction in growth rate and food consumption or utilization and with breeding animals, a reduction in reproductive performance. These symptoms are not specific, and the traits upon which they are based are not entirely predictable even under normal conditions; therefore, unless they are observed under controlled experimental conditions such symptoms may remain undetected.
Quantitative Measurement of Atherosclerosis by Angiography: Implications for Primary Prevention

There are two ways to test therapy for atherosclerosis in man: trials which measure cardiovascular death rates and trials that measure the rate of change in atherosclerotic lesions. Mortality-based trials require large study groups and relatively long periods of observation. Lesion tracking trials require fewer study subjects and shorter periods of observation, but are dependent on valid reliable assessment of lesion changes. To date, coronary angiography has been the major endpoint measure used in lesion trials. This review covers factors which influence the performance of angiography.
Optimal Eccentricity Vector for Disposal of Low and Medium Earth Orbiting Satellites

The current study examines the issue of disposal for LEO and MEO satellites. The analysis shows that there is a desirable eccentricity vector orientation for disposal of LEO satellites and rocket bodies that will cause the long-term minimum perigee altitude to be lower than the mean potentially by tens of kilometers. This may enhance the speed at which low altitude LEOs decay into the atmosphere by several months. Similarly, there are favorable orientations of the eccentricity vector that will keep MEOs (and high altitude LEOs) at a safer distance above their previous operational regime for a longer period of time. Both orientations can be achieved for a similar disposal cost in fuel as would otherwise be used in a normal disposal profile. Nomenclature
Getting in Sync: Faculty and Employer Perceptions from the National Study of EC2000*

This study compares the changes in programs and courses reported by Chairs and faculty with the assessments of new engineering hires reported by employers in a national study of engineering accreditation. Employers report that new engineers demonstrate adequate competency in foundational science, math, and technical skills—and program Chairs and faculty report little change in their courses and program curricula in these areas. In the areas where employers perceive the need for more attention to skill building, such as communication, teamwork, and use of modern engineering tools, faculty and Chairs report the greatest increases in curricular emphasis.
Diffusibility of Blame: Effects on Persistence in a Project

The article provides information on a study which investigated the effects of the diffusion of blame on commitment to a previously chosen course of action. A discussion is presented about the importance of wise resource allocation and the difficulty faced by executives forced to shut down a failing program. Psychological factors influencing managerial decisions regarding personal projects are examined. The authors examine the diffusion of blame related to an employee strike on commitment to a given project.
Survey on Contents of Lead and Arsenic in Health Foods in One District of Beijing from 2003 to 2006

Objective To master contents of lead and arsenic in health foods in a district of Beijing.Method The samples were treated by wet digestion. And the lead contents of samples were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and the arsenic contents of samples were determined by double path hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry.Results The results showed that the lead or arsenic contents of samples in heath foods exceeded standard value.Conclusion It was suggested that the quality supervison of all kinds of heath foods should be strengthened to guaranty the benefits of consumers.
Sampling Method of Dibutyl Phosphate (DBP) in The Air of Workplace

[Objective]To develop a sampling method of the Dibutyl Phosphate(DBP)in the air of workplace.[Methods] With a dust sampler,an amount of air was collected in sample materials,eluting with solvent,appropriate eluate were derived with silanization and analyzed on capillary pillar GC.Condition of DBP sampling was investigated.[Results]The dichloride ethylene tiny bore filter or polypropylene filter was selected as sampling materials,it was used to collect 5～50 L air by the sampler at 5～10 L/min velocity.30-minute-eluting with acetonitrile was best choice.The wash efficiency achieved 99.0%～102%.The stability of sampling and solution were good,their DBP decline rates in 7 day were less than l%.The lowest examination density of the sampling method could reach to 0.005 mg/m3.The four kinds of possible interference materials like tributyl phosphate(TBP)were not able to influence DBP measurement.[Conclusion]This method meets the request of sampling of DBP in the air of workplace.
Expression of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 in Rat Model with Acute Intrahepatic Cholestatic Hepatic Injury

Objective To explore the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1) in rat model with acute intrahepatic cholestatic hepatic injury and its significance.Methods A single dose(50 mg/kg) of α-naphthylisothiocyanate(ANIT) was administered by gavage to each experimental rat to induce intrahepatic cholestasis.The specimens of hepatic tissue and serum were collected from rats at 24,48,and 72 h after intoxication.The value of ICAM-1 mRNA and serum total bilirubin(TB),direct bilirubin(DB),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),glutamyltranspeptidase(GGT) were assayed by real-time PCR and fully-auto chemistry analyzer,respectively.Hepatic tissue were examined by pathologic method.SPSS 12.0 software was used to analyze the data.Results Of model group at 24,48,72 h after intoxication,the values of ICAM-1 mRNA were 3.43±0.58,5.32±0.67,2.54±0.41,respectively,which were higher than those of control group(Pa0.05).In model group at 24,48 h after intoxication,the value of ICAM-1 mRNA was positively correlated to that of serum TB,DB,ALT,GGT(Pa0.05);In model group at 72 h after intoxication,the value of ICAM-1 mRNA had no correlation to that of serum TB,DB,ALT,GGT(Pa0.05);In model group at 24,48,72 h after intoxication,the value of ICAM-1 mRNA was positively correlated to the degree of pathological injury in hepatic tissue(Pa0.05).Conclusions Acute intrahepatic cholestatic hepatic injury induced by ANIT results in alterations of ICAM-1 gene expression in hepatic tissue.ICAM-1 is involved in pathological progress of intrahepatic cholestatic hepatic injury.
Understanding the Capacity for Exercise in Post-Bariatric Patients.

Purpose The aim of this study is to conduct a pilot randomized trial testing an exercise program specifically adapted for post-bariatric patients.