cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structures of the human peroxisomal fatty acid transporter ABCD1 in a lipid environment

Abstract The peroxisomal very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) transporter ABCD1 is central to cellular fatty acid catabolism and lipid biosynthesis. Its dysfunction underlies toxic cytosolic accumulation of VLCFAs, progressive nervous system demyelination, and neurological impairments including the potentially fatal disease X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD). Molecular details underlying substrate recognition and transport by ABCD1 are poorly understood. Here we determined cryo-EM structures of ABCD1 in phospholipid nanodiscs in a nucleotide bound conformation open to the peroxisomal lumen and an inward facing conformation open to the cytosol at up to 3.5 A resolution that reveal key details of its transmembrane cavity and ATP dependent conformational transitions. We identify structural elements distinguishing ABCD1 from its closest homologs and show that coenzyme A (CoA) esters of VLCFAs modulate ABCD1 activity in a species dependent manner. Together, our data support a transport mechanism where only the CoA moieties of VLCFA-CoAs enter the hydrophilic transmembrane cavity while the acyl chains extend out into the surrounding membrane bilayer, help rationalize disease causing mutations, and provide a framework for ABCD1 targeted structure-based drug design.
Network-based geoforensics: Connecting pollen and plants to place

Abstract Despite the potential for pollen to provide key geographic information, law enforcement agencies have historically underutilized forensic palynology. Pollen samples are rarely collected at crime scenes or on objects of interest, and experts needed to manually identify pollen and its morphological characteristics are often in short supply. Fortunately, the advent of DNA barcoding and metabarcoding is poised to change this, enabling law enforcement agencies to easily and quickly identify individual plant species from mixed pollen samples. However, determining the location of pollen deposition based on identified plant species remains challenging, requiring comprehensive plant geodatabases and complex analytical approaches. This type of analysis is also complicated because pollen samples from forensic objects are not comprehensive. Furthermore, while detecting common plant pollen in a sample is likely, common plants provide less explanatory power due to their ubiquity. Thus, we propose a network-based approach to construct a categorization of ‘forensically-useful’ plants – those species that characterize geographically distinct plant mixes quickly for forensic applications and thus provide significant explanatory power to a geolocation model. The developed tool can better inform more detailed forensic search models, significantly reducing their overall computational burden and enabling high-fidelity forensic computational tools to operate faster, at a higher resolution, and over a more extensive study area.
Institutional betrayal and metacontingencies

Institutions do not always serve the interests of survival, and in many cases they harm and betray their workers. The roots of institutional betrayal are found in the metacontingencies, which are complex combinations of interlocking behavior contingencies that result in aggregate products and incorporate receiving systems. Individuals selected for betrayal have performed recurring operants and components of cooperative behaviors patterned as metacontingencies. They have contributed to the adaptive capabilities of the organization. Their actions would be expected to continue. However, managers may intervene and alter the contingencies and metacontingencies in which workers are involved, resulting in arbitrary obsolescence of workers' functional behaviors. As acts of institutional betrayal are targeted toward workers, they adversely affect others who participate in marginalizing targeted workers. Steps can be taken to measure and monitor institutional betrayal. Managers' interventions in institutional metacontingencies not only harm workers; they also can weaken the response of institutional receiving systems to aggregate products. Cultural selection of products by receiving systems is generally best for institutions and workers.
Computational Analysis of Performance Limiting Factors for the New Solid Oxide Iron-air Redox Battery Operated at 550 °C

Abstract In the present study, the effects of discharge and charge current densities, depth-of-discharge, initial porosity of Redox Cycle Unit (RCU), distance between Reversible Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (RSOFC) and RCU, and kinetic rate constant for the Fe3O4-reduction reaction on the electrochemical performance of a Solid Oxide Iron-Air Redox Battery (SOIARB) operated at 550 °C have been systematically investigated by a newly developed high-fidelity multi-physics model. The results show explicitly that the battery performance is kinetically limited by the Fe3O4-reduction during the charge cycle. The diffusion of Oxygen Shuttle Gas (OSG), i.e. H2-H2O, through the RCU pores and the gap between RSOFC and RCU is sufficiently fast. The most influential parameters on the performance are found to be the charge current density, depth-of-discharge and rate of Fe3O4 reduction. Strategies for design and operation of the SOIARB are subsequently developed with an aim to achieve a balanced energy capacity and cycle efficiency.
Neurocontrol: Methods, models and technologies for manipulating dynamics in the brain

This paper accompanies a tutorial session at the 2015 American Control Conference, and provides a survey of emerging technologies and research problems at the boundary between systems engineering, neuroscience and neural medicine. Emphasis will be placed on both recent theoretical developments - for example, system identification and controllability in neuronal networks - and real-world constraints in applications such as clinical deep brain stimulation, or optical stimulation in experimental neuroscience. Discussion will extend to how these constrains may necessitate the development of entirely new paradigms in systems and control theory that respond to the unprecedented challenges facing neural scientists and engineers.
Endoscopic ventral skull base surgery: Is early postoperative imaging warranted for detecting complications?

Objectives/Hypothesis Following endoscopic ventral skull base surgery (EVSBS), it is common practice to obtain early postoperative imaging. The role of postoperative computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in these patients remains unclear. This study aims to determine the clinical utility of early postoperative imaging after EVSBS for detecting postoperative complications. Methods A retrospective chart analysis of 224 cases of purely EVSBS between 2009 and 2014 was performed. Data were collected regarding postoperative CT and MRI as well as hospital course. Interpretations of postoperative imaging were separated into two groups: 1) using radiologist's interpretation alone and 2) using surgeon knowledge of the case in tandem with imaging. Results Postoperative imaging was obtained in 213 cases (204 CT, 170 MRI) within 48 hours of surgery. Interpretation by a radiologist yielded a significantly higher rate of false positives (FP) on CT (15/204) and MRI (8/170) when compared to surgeon interpretation (CT FP =1/204 and MRI FP = 1/170) (P = 0.0004 and P = 0.0366, respectively), as well as a significantly lower rate of true negatives (TN) on CT (172/204 vs. 186/204) (P = 0.0497), whereas MRI data had a similar rate of TN (150/170 vs. 157/170; P = 0.2717). The rate of postoperative complications was 7.14% (16/224). In all cases of postoperative complications that required intervention, patients exhibited clinical symptoms. Conclusion Based on our findings, the benefit of early postoperative imaging to detect complications may be limited. When positive imaging findings were encountered, their value were somewhat negated by preceding clinical symptoms. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 125:1072–1076, 2015
Working Through Ideas, Feelings, and Modifying Controls

Step 7: Information. Outline core patterns of the patient-therapist interactions. Relate the interventions of the therapist and information processing by the patient to changes in state. Describe ways that therapist interventions modify controls. Describe new routes of information processing or behavior sequences as influenced by the therapist or relevant environmental events. This is helped by positing an ideal of a working-through process, indicating by contrast how the patient deflects from this ideal, and how interventions and relationship change the balance of aims. Include process after therapy when data are available.
Sense and Sensitivity--Controlling the Ribosome

What regulates the ribosome, the protein synthesis factory of the cell? In a Perspective, [Sachs and Geballe][1] discuss new findings ([Gong and Yanofsky][2]) that reveal how certain newly forming peptides are able to halt the ribosome from within, for the purpose of controlling gene expression. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/297/5588/1820 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/297/5588/1864
The unreamed tibia nail

In the last 10 years, traumatologists have become more aware of the importance of blood supply to fracture fragments for both the healing of fractures and prevention of infection. Due to our experience with fractures having severely disrupted periosteal blood supply, we are looking more critically at intramedullary reamed nailing as a treatment option. This research was a result of our increased knowledge of the interplay between periosteal and endosteal blood supply.
Monte Carlo method for calculating the electrostatic energy of a molecule

The problem of computing the electrostatic energy of a large molecule is considered. It is reduced to solving the Poisson equation inside and the linear Poisson-Boltzmann equation in the exterior, coupled by boundary conditions. A Monte Carlo estimate for the potential point values, their derivatives, and the energy is constructed. The estimate is based on the walk on spheres and Green's function first passage algorithms; the walk in subdomains technique; and finite-difference approximations of the boundary condition. Results of some illustrative calculations are presented.
Building Family Partnerships: The Journey from Preservice Preparation to Classroom Practice.

This study reports the relationship of an undergraduate course in family and community relations to the teaching practices of 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-year elementary and early childhood education graduates of a mid-sized Midwestern university. Sixty students were surveyed using the Peabody Family Involvement Survey (Katz & Bauch, 1999), with a treatment group (n = 21) having taken the course, and a control group (n = 39) who did not, in order to both quantify and qualify a difference in practices based on preservice preparation. Quantitative measures indicated minimal differences between groups. Qualitatively, however, treatment group members reported engaging families in creative, less standardized levels of involvement than members of the control group. Treatment group members articulated a theoretical and practical understanding of the benefits of family involvement. They emphasized importance of collaboration between home and school, while control group members expressed frequent antagonism and ambivalenc...
Structural insights into neuronal K+ channel-calmodulin complexes.

Calmodulin (CaM) is a ubiquitous intracellular calcium sensor that directly binds to and modulates a wide variety of ion channels. Despite the large repository of high-resolution structures of CaM bound to peptide fragments derived from ion channels, there is no structural information about CaM bound to a fully folded ion channel at the plasma membrane. To determine the location of CaM docked to a functioning KCNQ K+ channel, we developed an intracellular tethered blocker approach to measure distances between CaM residues and the ion-conducting pathway. Combining these distance restraints with structural bioinformatics, we generated an archetypal quaternary structural model of an ion channel–CaM complex in the open state. These models place CaM close to the cytoplasmic gate, where it is well positioned to modulate channel function.
Positive-signal indirect fluorometric detection in ion chromatography

Possibilite d'une detection fluorimetrique indirecte pour des concentrations en ions eluants se situant dans la region d'auto-extinction
Bacterial abundance, biomass, and secondary production along a forest-to-ocean landscape gradient

Abstract Bacterial abundance, biomass, and rates of secondary production were measured at three locations along a transect extending from stream-input areas to near-ocean areas at the North Inlet salt-marsh ecosystem. Bacterial abundances, biomass, and growth rates were low in stream areas compared to abundances, biomass, and growth rates in high-marsh and near-ocean marsh. This general pattern was influenced by tidal events. Bacteria were more abundant and had higher growth rates during low tides than during high tides at high-marsh and near-ocean marsh sites. This pattern was reserved in stream input areas where bacterial abundance and growth rates were higher during high tides than during low tides. Estimates of bacterial secondary production ranged between 1.8 × 107 and 4.5 × 107 cells·1−1·h−1 and significantly covaried with salinity. Covariance of growth rates and salinity suggested that bacterial growth rates were more closely associated with a given water mass than with a particular landscape segment or the characteristics of that landscape segment.
Introducing “Orion” equipment for mechanized guncreting of steel ladles

Industrial operation in steel factories of the “Orion” complex has shown the effectiveness of the plant and of mechanizing the guncreting of steel ladles. The average life of the lining in ladles was increased by 25–50%, the maximum life of 200-ton ladles at the Rustav factory having been brought to 52 heats. A reduction has been achieved in the specific consumption of ladle refractories equal to 1.7–3 kg/ton of steel. At Magnitogorsk they have increased the throughput capacity of steel melting bays by 3% with a reduction in the ladle stock of 11%.
The effects of the amino acid canavanine on Pythium

Abstract The effects of l -canavanine, a toxic amino acid produced by many legumes, on growth and pathogenic activities of several species of Pythium were observed. Growth of seven out of eight isolates tested was significantly enhanced following canavanine treatment. In addition, excised roots of soybean, a non-canavanine-producing legume, and jackbean, a canavanine producer, were treated with the amino acid, inoculated with P. debaryanum and gnotobiotically cultured. The incubation period for disease was unaffected by canavanine treatment of both kinds of plant prior to inoculation. Patterns of post-inoculation growth of canavanine-treated and untreated roots were used to describe disease severity. Results indicated that canavanine treatment increased root disease severity in soybean, but not in jackbean.
In vitro markers to differentiate an avirulent from a virulent strain of aujeszky's disease virus

Abstract The susceptibility of the virulent NIA-2 and avirulent Bartha strains of Aujeszky's disease virus to various physical and chemical methods of inactivation was investigated. Both strains were highly sensitive to UV radiation and to various combinations of trypsin concentration and temperature. The Bartha strain was the more thermostable and pH-sensitive.
Infrared Photometry of β Pictoris Type Systems

We obtained small-aperture (4''–5'' diameter) infrared (2–20 μm) photometry of 10 early-type main-sequence stars with infrared excesses from circumstellar dust. These systems possibly exemplify the β Pictoris phenomenon. We observed them with either the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center bolometer array camera ("Big Mac") or the Infrared Telescope Facility 2–30 μm single-channel bolometer system. Measurements were obtained in the KLMNQ filters and the narrowband (Δλ ≈ 1 μm) 10 μm "silicate" filters. We fitted Kurucz photospheric models to the photometric data to determine excess-emission spectra. We report the nondetection of small-aperture circumstellar dust emission from HR 10 and 21 LMi. We confirmed previous nondetections of near-infrared or 10 μm excess emission from 68 Oph, α PsA, and HR 4796A. We did not detect prominent silicate emission from any of the sources. The spectra of γ Oph, σ Her, HR 2174A, β UMa, and ζ Lep show weak 10 μm excesses. We fitted simple models to these data, together with IRAS excess fluxes, to determine plausible distributions of temperature and density of circumstellar dust grains. Significant quantities of these grains around HR 2174A, ζ Lep, and β UMa are at temperatures similar to terrestrial material in the solar system.
Ab initio simulations of geometrical frustration in supercooled liquid Fe and Fe-based metallic glass

We investigate short range order in liquid and supercooled liquid Fe and Fe-based metallic glass using ab initio simulation methods. We analyze the data to quantify the degree of local icosahedral and polytetrahedral order and to understand the role of alloying in controlling the degree of geometric frustration. Comparing elemental Fe to Cu [P. Ganesh and M. Widom, Phys. Rev. B 74, 134205 (2006)] we find that the degree of icosahedral order is greater in Fe than in Cu, possibly because icosahedral disclination line defects are more easily incorporated into bcc environments than fcc. In Fe-based metallic glass-forming alloys ($\mathrm{FeB}$ and $\mathrm{FeZrB}$) we find that introducing small concentrations of small B atoms and large Zr atoms controls the frustration of local icosahedral order.
Exposure misclassification as a result of free sample drug utilization in automated claims databases and its effect on a pharmacoepidemiology study of selective COX-2 inhibitors.

Purpose Free drug samples are widely used in clinical practice. We were concerned about free sample drug utilization as a source of misclassification in pharmacoepidemiology research using claims data that may result in biased effect estimates. Methods We investigated the magnitude of potential bias with sensitivity analyses based on a published study that examined cardiovascular risk associated with selective cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors. We derived an estimate of free sample drug utilization with market data for rofexcoxib and calculated sensitivity of the exposure ascertainment method using claims data. We corrected the incidence rate ratio assuming the observed unexposed incidence rate was actually a weighted average rate of the truly unexposed and free sample drug users. The impact of exposure misclassification measured as the percentage change from a corrected to the reported crude incidence rate ratio was examined under a range of free sample drug utilization proportions and unexposed cohort sizes. Results The proportion of free sample drug utilization of all rofecoxib use in our base case scenario was 15.48%, resulting in sensitivity of 84.52% for exposure ascertainment. The magnitude of bias was an underestimation of the unadjusted incidence rate ratio by 0.03%. With a free sample drug utilization proportion of 1.48% and the same unexposed cohort size of 237 975 person-years, the underestimation was 0.003%. If the unexposed cohort were 975 person-years given a 15.48% proportion, the underestimation was 8.82%. Conclusions In the pharmacoepidemiology study, we examined that uses claims data to ascertain drug exposure, our results suggest that adjustment for free sample drug utilization is probably not warranted. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tumor bed expression in xenografted artificial heterogeneous colon tumors

Artificial heterogeneous xenograft tumors (AHTs) were produced by injecting admixtures of two clonal cell lines (A and D) originally isolated from the DLD-1 human colon adenocarcinoma. The volumetric growth of unirradiated pure A or D tumors and 2 different admixtures (approximately 90% A + 10% D or 10% A + 90% D) were compared to growth of similar tumors growing in normal tissue stroma that had received 5, 10, or 15 Gy of X rays 1 day prior to cell injections. The X-irradiations produced a dose dependent delay in growth at sizes of 500 mm3 (designated as the tumor bed effect, TBE) for both pure and admixed tumors of about 2 at 15 Gy. There were no significant differences in TBE among the various groups. Also, determination of tumor cell yields, or colony forming efficiencies, showed no differences among tumors growing in undamaged or damaged stroma. However, beginning at about 20 days postirradiation, there was a significant change in the percentage composition of the tumors growing in the irradiated stroma. Both admixtures became significantly enriched in the subpopulation that was originally predominant. In contrast, the percentage compositions of the admixtures growing in unirradiated stroma remained stable over the duration of the experiment period (to about 70 days postirradiation). We interpret these data to indicate that the radiation damage to the normal tissue produced an intratumor environment leading to competitive exclusion dynamics of the minority subpopulation. Clinical implications of these results are discussed.
The structures and electrochemical reactions of insertion compounds

Abstract Many transition metal chalcogenides react chemically or electrochemically with alkali metals at ambient temperature to form insertion compounds. On reaction, the host structure is reduced and the alkali metal cations occupy interstitial sites in the lattice. The degree of bond breaking and structural rearrangements which occur has an important influence on the utility of such reactions for electrochemical energy storage.
Defining radiographic osteoarthritis for the whole knee

Summary Objective: To determine in the knee which individual radiographic feature or combination of features in the patellofemoral and tibiofemoral joints correlate best with a nonradiographic definition of clinical osteoarthritis in order to recommend a definition of radiographic osteoarthritis for use in studies. Methods: Using data from the Framingham Osteoarthritis Study, we tested the correlation of clinical OA, defined as frequent knee pain plus crepitus, with a variety of definitions of radiographic OA including those based on individual radiographic features, e.g. ≥ grade 2 osteophyte 0–3 scale, and new definitions that included alternative combinations of features, [e.g. either ≥grade 2 osteophyte or joint space narrowing ≥grade 2 (0–3 scale) with a bony feature (such as cyst, sclerosis, or grade 1 osteophyte)]. We performed analyses looking at participants who had obtained both weight-bearing anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs of both knees. Results: In 519 participants, we found that the definitions of radiographic osteoarthritis best correlated with clinical OA were ‘definite osteophyte ≥grade 2' (efficiency 62.4–67.1%) and an ‘alternate definition' of either osteophytes ≥grade 2 or joint space narrowing ≥grade 2 with a bony feature of OA (efficiency 62.8–68.1%). A recursive partitioning analysis selected the ‘alternate definition' as best. Also, we found that adding lateral views to the AP view improved the diagnostic test performance of the best performing radiographic definitions. Conclusion: We suggest that a knee should be characterized as having radiographic OA if there is either an osteophyte of grade 2 or greater severity (0–3 scale) present or the presence of moderate to severe joint space narrowing (≥2 on a 0–3 scale) with co-occurrence of a bony feature in the compartment affected.
Slash and porn: media subversion, hyper-articulation, and parody

In this paper, I examine the rise in popularity of pornographic parody, and compare it to slash fan fiction. Parody, an imitation that implicitly critiques an original work, is an important element of contemporary media texts. Through satire, parody offers a subtle, yet powerful critique of contemporary culture. Beyond mainstream media texts, parody is also a staple genre of the pornographic canon. Although multiple types of pornographic parodies exist, I concentrate on heterosexual parodies of mainstream film and television made by professional American pornographic film studios. Another media product that demonstrates parody is slash fan fiction, the writing of highly sexualized fan fiction. By queering traditionally masculine texts, slash creates a systematic comment on the patriarchal sexuality of popular culture. I first discuss pornographic parody, specifically focusing on Star Wars XXX. I next claim that a useful lens through which to define and delimit porn parody comes through Bakhtin's notion of...
Validation of an adapted MRI pulse sequence for quantification of fatty infiltration in muscle.

Abstract Purpose The long-term goal of our research is to develop a patient-specific biomechanical model of the supraspinatus muscle and tendon for analyzing the effects of fatty infiltration and pennation angle changes. One input of the model will be the amount and distribution of fat within the muscle. Therefore, the objective of this project was to adapt and validate a novel magnetic resonance imaging pulse sequence for quantifying the extent of fatty infiltration for the supraspinatus muscle. Methods Samples of incremental combinations of muscle and fat from a cow were prepared and scanned with our quantitative MR technique. The MR results were compared to actual fat measurements taken using a Soxtec extraction analyzer. Results The MR fat quantification results closely match those values determined by Soxtec analysis ( R 2 =.98, root mean square deviation=4.9). Conclusions Our MR fat quantification protocol can be used to accurately quantify fatty infiltration in skeletal muscle. This ability to evaluate skeletal muscle tissue noninvasively will improve the efficacy of evaluation of fatty degeneration in assessing tissue quality preoperatively. This can be important in surgical planning of any musculoskeletal repairs, particularly rotator cuff tears.
Quantitative Analysis of Added Ammonium and Nitrate in Silica Sand and Soil Using Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Spectroscopy

Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) in both near infrared (NIR) and mid infrared (MIR) has been previously shown to be effective in quantifying soil nitrogen concentrations when calibrated using numerous field soil samples. However, such an approach incorporates samples that may contain substantial correlations between physical and chemical properties. To address these concerns, the performance of DRIFTS coupled with PLS regression in NIR regions, 5000–4000 cm− 1 (2000–2500 nm) and 6500–5500 cm− 1 (1540–1820 nm), and the MIR region, 3400–2400 cm− 1 (2940–4170 nm), was assessed through analysis of the concentration of ammonium (NH4 +) (0–50 ppm) and nitrate (NO3 −) (0–200 ppm) artificially incorporated into a series of silica sand samples with a consistent particle size. The influence of different particle sizes of sand was also analyzed quantitatively. The Pima clay loam soil was then evaluated with concentration ranges of 0–200 ppm NH4 + and 180–1000 ppm NO3 − added to th...
A spontaneously broken conformal gauge theory of gravitation

Abstract In a fusing of a few attractive ingredients, we consider a spontaneously broken conformal gauge theory of gravitation, with an underlying Riemann-Cartan-Weyl geometry. The theory contains no intrinsic dimensional parameters, is unitary, and has the Schwarzschild metric as the unique spherically symmetric solution of the vacuum field equation (thus guaranteeing agreement with observed gravitational phenomena). The particle content of the theory consists of a massless 2 . graviton, and a super-massive 1 − “conformon”.
A prototype two-partner secretion pathway: the Haemophilus influenzae HMW1 and HMW2 adhesin systems

Nontypable Haemophilus influenzae is a common cause of human disease and initiates infection by colonizing the upper respiratory tract. Adherence to respiratory epithelium is an important step in the process of colonization and is influenced by adhesive proteins called adhesins. In ∼80% of nontypable H. influenzae isolates, the major adhesins are related proteins called HMW1 and HMW2. Here, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of HMW1 and HMW2 as prototype members of the bacterial two-partner secretion pathway and examples of the expanding number of bacterial glycoproteins, highlighting experimental approaches that might be useful in studies of other secreted proteins and glycoproteins.
Keeping Users at the Center: Developing a Multimedia Interface for Informed Consent

Viewing “informing” as a process to protect patients and support autonomy, we undertook a user-centered design process to develop online support for informed consent in pediatric Phase I research trials. Challenges included (a) delivering accurate information to people unfamiliar with medical terminology; (b) delivering this information humanely under time constraints and heightened emotions; (c) allowing users control over the information, while ensuring availability of legally required information. We addressed these challenges through analyses of audience, task, and information design.
Alterations by norepinephrine of cardiac sympathetic nerve terminal function and myocardial β-adrenergic receptor sensitivity in the ferret: Normalization by antioxidant vitamins

Background—Chronic excessive norepinephrine (NE) causes cardiac sympathetic nerve terminal abnormalities, myocardial β-adrenergic receptor downregulation, and β-adrenergic subsensitivity. The present study was carried out to determine whether these changes could be prevented by antioxidants. Methods and Results—Ferrets were administered either NE (1.33 mg/d) or vehicle by use of subcutaneous pellets for 4 weeks. Animals were simultaneously assigned to receive either antioxidant vitamins (β-carotene, ascorbic acid, and α-tocopherol) or placebo pellets. NE increased plasma NE 4- to 5-fold but had no effect on heart rate, heart weight, arterial pressure, or left ventricular systolic function. However, myocardial NE uptake activity and NE uptake-1 site density were reduced, as well as cardiac neuronal NE, tyrosine hydroxylase, and neuropeptide Y. In addition, there was a decrease in myocardial β-adrenergic receptor density with a selective decrease of the β1-receptor subtype, reduction of the high-affinity si...
Bench Level Automotive EMC Validation Test Laboratory Challenges and Preferences

Automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers of electrical and electronic subsystems are required to perform bench level electrical and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) validation testing. This is an important process that requires a significant investment in time and money. In an effort to improve the efficiency of testing, a survey was developed to gain an understanding of the challenges faced by test laboratories and also their preferences. This paper summarizes the results of the survey. Given the amount of time and money spent annually for the type of testing considered, the results suggest that pursuing improvements will result in a long term savings for the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), suppliers, and labs involved. In order to increase test efficiency, the OEMs, suppliers, and laboratories will need to work together to better prepare test plans and test setups. It is suggested that the results of this survey are used to prioritize the improvement activities. Index Terms—Test, Laboratories, Bench Level, Component, Subsystem, Automotive, Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), Validation
Permissible bounds on the coefficients of approximating polynomials

THEOREM A. Let f E C[O, I], f(0) = 0. Let r] > 0 and let (w&Y0 be any sequence of positive numbers with the property wiJk -+ co. Then there exist polynomials P,(x) = CL=, a&x” with 1 a& 1 0 and (&) be given. Define
The Synthesis of Stochastic Circuits for Nanoscale Computation

Emerging technologies for nanoscale computation such as self-assembled nanowire arrays present specific challenges for logic synthesis. On the one hand, they provide an unprecedented density of bits with a high degree of parallelism. On the other hand, they are characterized by high defect rates. Also they often exhibit inherent randomness in the interconnects due to the stochastic nature of self-assembly. We describe a general method for synthesizing logic that exploits both the parallelism and the random effects. Our approach is based on stochastic computation with parallel bit streams. Circuits are synthesized through functional decomposition with symbolic data structures called multiplicative binary moment diagrams. Synthesis produces designs with randomized parallel components—and operations and multiplexing—that are readily implemented in nanowire crossbar arrays. Synthesis results for benchmarks circuits show that our technique maps circuit designs onto nanowire arrays effectively.
The Doctor of Arts Program

Three Doctor of Arts degree programs are offered at the University of Illinois, Chicago Circle. Students in the programs must prepare themselves both as scientists, and as instructional developers. Four special courses provide students with a grounding in instructional design, using media, and evaluating products and are the core of the program that is designed to produce university instructors that are strongly oriented toward the task of improving instruction and well prepared to do so.
No relationship between gastric pH, small bowel bacterial colonisation, and diarrhoea in HIV-1 infected patients

Background/Aims Conclusive studies of small bowel bacterial overgrowth in patients with HIV-1 infection are limited. The relation was therefore determined between the quantity and species of bacteria in the proximal small intestine of HIV-1 infected patients and the presence of diarrhoea, gastric acidity, severity of immune deficiency, and clinical outcome. Methods Bacteria in the duodenal fluids obtained endoscopically from 32 HIV-1 infected patients, 21 of whom had diarrhoea, and seven control subjects without HIV-1 risk factors were quantified and speciated. Gastric pH was determined at the time of endoscopy. Clinical follow up was performed to assess outcome. Results Oropharyngeal Gram positive cocci were present in fluids from 28 patients (88%). Gram negative aerobic or facultatively anaerobic bacteria were present in fluids from 12 patients (38%), and strict anaerobes were detected in six patients (19%), but for both groups colony counts infrequently exceeded 10 4 colony forming units/ml. The number and species of bacteria did not correlate with the presence of diarrhoea, gastric pH, or CD4 lymphocyte count. Conclusions Small bowel bacterial overgrowth is not common in HIV-1 infected patients, regardless of the presence of diarrhoea, and is not associated with hypochlorhydria.
Refractory compound based on low modulus water glass for ramming linings of arc melting furnaces

The acid linings of the walls of e lectr ic arc furnaces in mos t factor ies are made from dinas. In the walls of arc furnaces the r e f r ac to ry operates in par t icular ly severe conditions. When the furnace is charged from the top the rate of change of tempera ture in the s t ructure is more than 1000~ and so the brick lining of the walls usually has a low res is tance -severa l tens of melts. The repa i r to the brick s t ructure is costly in labor and the consumption of expensive re f rac tor ies .
Modelling and control issues for automated highway systems

AbstractThis paper reviews the modelling and control issues relevant to automated highway systems (AHSs). Following a clarification of the definition of AHSs and an identification of its unique characteristics, the bulk of the paper addresses the methods and available tools for design and evaluation of AHSs. This review is subdivided by layers of a hierarchical system architecture in order to reduce the topic to manageable dimensions. The paper concludes with an identification of some of the key continuing research needs in AHSs.
Neuromodulation based control of autonomous robots in ROS environment

The paper presents a control approach based on vertebrate neuromodulation and its implementation on autonomous robots in the open-source, open-access environment of robot operating system (ROS) within a cloud computing framework. A spiking neural network (SNN) is used to model the neuromodulatory function for generating context based behavioral responses of the robots to sensory input signals. The neural network incorporates three types of neurons- cholinergic and noradrenergic (ACh/NE) neurons for attention focusing and action selection, dopaminergic (DA) neurons for rewards- and curiosity-seeking, and serotonergic (5-HT) neurons for risk aversion behaviors. The model depicts description of neuron activity that is biologically realistic but computationally efficient to allow for large-scale simulation of thousands of neurons. The model is implemented using graphics processing units (GPUs) for parallel computing in real-time using the ROS environment. The model is implemented to study the risk-taking, risk-aversive, and distracted behaviors of the neuromodulated robots in single- and multi-robot configurations. The entire process is implemented in a distributed computing framework using ROS where the robots communicate wirelessly with the computing nodes through the on-board laptops. Results are presented for both single- and multi-robot configurations demonstrating interesting behaviors.
Last Chance to Observe: Assessing Residency Preparedness Following the 4th-Year Subinternship

Background: The subinternship is an integral part of the 4th year of medical school. There is little description of innovations aimed at assessing the preparedness and confidence of graduating students as they move on the next step in their training. Description: An innovation including an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) at the conclusion of the subinternship was designed. We focused on key themes of transitions of care, communication within the health care system, and communication with patients and providers. Evaluation: A pre- and postsurvey addressed student self-perceived skill, confidence, and overall perception of importance. Improvement (p < .05) was seen across all themes from pre- to postsurvey, with more favorable scores on the postsurvey. Conclusions: A subinternship innovation including an OSCE was feasible and had a positive effect on student assessment, perception and confidence. As the landscape of medical education evolves, assessing students’ preparedness for residency w...
The Art of Data Augmentation

The term data augmentation refers to methods for constructing iterative optimization or sampling algorithms via the introduction of unobserved data or latent variables. For deterministic algorithms, the method was popularized in the general statistical community by the seminal article by Dempster, Laird, and Rubin on the EM algorithm for maximizing a likelihood function or, more generally, a posterior density. For stochastic algorithms, the method was popularized in the statistical literature by Tanner and Wong's Data Augmentation algorithm for posterior sampling and in the physics literature by Swendsen and Wang's algorithm for sampling from the Ising and Potts models and their generalizations; in the physics literature, the method of data augmentation is referred to as the method of auxiliary variables. Data augmentation schemes were used by Tanner and Wong to make simulation feasible and simple, while auxiliary variables were adopted by Swendsen and Wang to improve the speed of iterative simulation. In...
DNA synthesis, methylation and degradation during conjugation in Tetrahymena thermophila

We have investigated the timing of DNA synthesis, methylation and degradation during macronuclear development in the ciliate, Tetrahymena thermophila. DNA synthesis was first detected in the anlagen early in macronuclear development, but the majority of DNA synthesis occurred later, after pair separation. Anlagen DNA was first detectably methylated at GATC sites 3-5 hours after its synthesis. Once initiated, de novo methylation was rapid and complete, occurring between 13.5 and 15 hours of conjugation. The level of methylation of GATC sites was constant throughout the remainder of conjugation, and was similar to that in mock-conjugated cells. Degradation of DNA in the old macronucleus and DNA synthesis in the anlagen began at about the same time. Upon pair separation, less than 20% of old macronuclear DNA remained. A small percentage of nucleotides prelabeled prior to conjugation were recycled in the developing anlagen.
The clinical diagnosis of dermatological lesions of the face and oral cavity. II

Abstract Four groups of systemic diseases whose cutaneous manifestations occur frequently about the face and oral cavity are discussed in this paper. Particular emphasis is placed on the characteristic dermadromes of these diseases.
High-temperature characterization and comparison of 1.2 kV SiC power MOSFETs

The aim of this work is to characterize and compare the high-temperature performances of the latest generation 1.2 kV Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFETs from three well-known manufacturers: Cree, ROHM, and GE. A complete static characterization is performed from 25 °C to 200 °C, including threshold voltage, specific on-resistance, leakage current, junction capacitances, and internal gate resistance. The dynamic performance of each device is evaluated through double-pulse tests conducted from 25 °C to 200 °C. From these double-pulse tests, the switching losses are computed.
Personal characteristics and depression-related attitudes of older adults and participation in stages of implementation of a multi-site effectiveness trial (PRISM-E).

Background No study has assessed attitudes about depression and its treatment and participation at each step of recruitment and implementation of an effectiveness trial. Our purpose was to determine the association between personal characteristics and attitudes of older adults about depression with participation at each step of the Primary Care Research in Substance Abuse and Mental Health for the Elderly (PRISM-E) treatment effectiveness trial.
Computing geographic nearest neighbors using monotone matrix searching (preliminary version)

We present an O(N log2N) divide-and-conquer algorithm for solving the all pairs geographic nearest neighbor problem (GNN) for a set of N sites in the plane under any Lp metric, 1 ≤ p ≥ ∞. This algorithm uses the monotone matrix searching technique of Aggarwal et. al. In addition, our method yields an O(N logd-1N) expected time algorithm for the d-dimensional GNN problem. We also discuss the applications of GNN approach to rectilinear Steiner trees.
Single-electron soliton avalanches in tunnel-junction arrays

Numerical modeling of correlated single-electron tunneling in uniform two-dimensional arrays of small conducting islands separated by tunnel junctions shows the possibility of soliton-antisoliton avalanches. Though the time duration of any avalanche and the total charge, $\ensuremath{\Delta}Q=ne,$ transferred across the array during the avalanche are always finite in arrays with length N larger than certain critical value ${N}_{c}$ and large width M, the avalanche magnitude n may be exponentially large, resulting in particular in a giant increase of shot noise. Thermal fluctuations gradually suppress the avalanche effect. Background charge disorder may lead (in larger arrays) to a gradual change of avalanche character and to a crossover from the avalanche-induced shot noise to $1/f$-type noise.
Effect of Electrical Stimulation Duration to Elicit Growth of Neurons

Injuries to the peripheral nervous system (PNS) affect numerous people worldwide. Endogenous electrical currents are important during development and may influence axonal re-growth to aid recovery following injury. Electrical stimulation for 8 hours with 50 mV/mm has been previously shown to influence neurite re-growth and this was further enhanced by co-stimulation with Schwann cells (SC). The optimal duration for electrical stimulation is not known and therefore this study examines neuronal morphology and outgrowth in response to electrically stimulated SC following a shorter 1 hour stimulation at 50 mV/mm. Primary dissociated dorsal root ganglion neurons were seeded on the electrically stimulated SC. Results indicate that the electrically stimulated SC elicited greater total neurite outgrowth by 2.05-fold compared to unstimulated control populations with no directional bias. Application of electrical stimulation in vivo could aid neuron regrowth to PNS injuries.
Noninvasive in vivo tomographic optical imaging of cellular morphology in the breast: Possible convergence of microscopic pathology and macroscopic radiology

This article presents a pilot study of multispectral diffuse optical tomography for noninvasively imaging volume fraction and mean size of cellular scattering components in the breast. Cellular morphology images for a total of 14 cases (four malignant breast and ten benign lesions) were obtained. Analyzing the images based on the pathological findings of the cases studied, we found that light scattering in the breast was contributed from both the nucleus and organelles such as mitochondria and nucleolus. Based on the image analysis of these 14 cases, we found that the differences in the mean size and volume fraction between the malignant and benign lesions are significant. The contrast ratio of the average mean size and volume fraction between malignant and benign lesions were calculated to be 3.38 and 2.63. These initial results suggest that cellular mean size and volume fraction may be two new criteria that could be used to differentiate malignant from benign lesions.
Variability among Turkey Embryos at Twenty-Four Hours of Incubation with Respect to Hatchability

Abstract A NUMBER of workers have observed marked differences in the rate of development of avian embryos at the time the eggs are laid. These differences, in part at least, are known to be associated with the length of time that an egg remains in the oviduct and the position of the egg in the clutch. Differences in development of different embryos led Hutt and Pilkey (1929–1930) to postulate that the fact that eggs laid in the morning hatched better than those laid in the afternoon was due to differences in the degree of embryonic development. They thought that embryos in eggs laid in the morning were, on the whole, further advanced at the time of laying than those laid in the afternoon and therefore had already passed a critical stage associated with gastrulation. Nicolaides (1933) and Hays and Nicolaides (1934) made cytological studies of the blastodiscs of eggs from . . .
Temperature trends in the United States

Linear temperature trends and their uncertainties from data at 359 recording stations in the contiguous United States are investigated. A statistical model is developed that accounts for changes in the site location of each station, the seasonal means and variances inherent in monthly temperature series, and the temporal and spatial correlations found in such data. Least squares estimates of the seasonal trend parameters in the model are derived, as well as appropriate standard errors that take into account the site changes, periodicities and temporal correlations present in the data. The estimates and their standard errors at each station are then spatially analyzed to identify geographical patterns of temperature change across the United States. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.