cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ER/SR Calcium Pump: Function

The sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ ATPase (SERCA) utilizes ATP for active transport of cytosolic Ca 2+ into membrane-bound intracellular compartments. The catalytic and transport cycle of SERCA includes formation of a phosphorylated enzyme intermediate and protein conformational changes, leading to vectorial translocation of Ca 2+ across the membrane. Intracellular storing of Ca 2+ by SERCA is an integral part of signaling mechanisms for a large number of cellular functions. Ca 2+ signaling and excitation-contraction coupling in cardiac muscle offer a prominent example of SERCA involvement in physiology and pathology.
Toward Tutoring Help Seeking

The goal of our research is to investigate whether a Cognitive Tutor can be made more effective by extending it to help students acquire help-seeking skills. We present a preliminary model of help-seeking behavior that will provide the basis for a Help-Seeking Tutor Agent. The model, implemented by 57 production rules, captures both productive and unproductive help-seeking behavior. As a first test of the model’s efficacy, we used it off-line to evaluate students’ help-seeking behavior in an existing data set of student-tutor interactions, We found that 72% of all student actions represented unproductive help-seeking behavior. Consistent with some of our earlier work (Aleven & Koedinger, 2000) we found a proliferation of hint abuse (e.g., using hints to find answers rather than trying to understand). We also found that students frequently avoided using help when it was likely to be of benefit and often acted in a quick, possibly undeliberate manner. Students’ help-seeking behavior accounted for as much variance in their learning gains as their performance at the cognitive level (i.e., the errors that they made with the tutor). These findings indicate that the help-seeking model needs to be adjusted, but they also underscore the importance of the educational need that the Help-Seeking Tutor Agent aims to address.
Impact of pubertal timing and depression on error-related brain activity in anxious youth.

Anxiety disorders are associated with enhanced error-related negativity (ERN) across development but it remains unclear whether alterations in brain electrophysiology are linked to the timing of puberty. Pubertal timing and alterations of prefrontal and limbic development are implicated in risk for depression, but the interplay of these factors on the ERN-anxiety association has not been assessed. We examined the unique and interactive effects of pubertal timing and depression on the ERN in a sample of youth 10-19 years old with anxiety disorders (n = 30) or no history of psychopathology (n = 30). Earlier pubertal maturation was associated with an enhanced ERN. Among early, but not late maturing youth, higher depressive symptoms were associated with a reduced ERN. The magnitude of neural reactivity to errors is sensitive to anxiety, depression, and development. Early physical maturation and anxiety may heighten neural sensitivity to errors yet predict opposing effects in the context of depression.
Reframing Inclusive Science Instruction to Support Teachers in Promoting Equitable Three-Dimensional Science Classrooms

In A Framework for K-12 Science Education, the National Research Council frames inclusive science instruction as a collection of strategies for teachers to engage students. In this conceptual artic...
Ab initio calculations for crystalline PEO6:LiPF6 polymer electrolytes

Abstract Dry polymer electrolytes have been studied extensively because of their enhanced mechanical properties. Experimental studies have demonstrated that crystalline PEO6:LiPF6 has higher ionic conductivity than that of the amorphous phase, which seemingly contradicts the prevailing theory that amorphous polymer electrolytes have higher conduction performance. Also, the underlying mechanism at the atomic scale has remained elusive. In this work, the atomic and electronic structures of crystalline PEO6:LiPF6 are studied using ab initio density-functional theory. The results agree with experimental measurements. Additionally, the atomic-scale mechanisms of lithium ion transport in the polymer electrolytes are investigated with the climbing nudged elastic band method. The diffusion pathway and activation energy (∼0.87 eV) of lithium ions in crystalline PEO6:LiPF6 are determined.
Implementing Next-Generation Relay Services at Mars in an International Relay Network

Nearly all data acquired by vehicles on the surface of Mars is returned to Earth via Mars orbiters—more than 1.7 TB so far. Successful communication between the various spacecraft is achieved via the careful implementation of internationally recognized CCSDS telecommunications protocols and the use of planning and coordination services provided by NASA’s Mars Program Office and the Multimission Ground Systems and Services (MGSS) Program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA. This modern Mars relay network has evolved since its inception in 2004 with the addition and loss of several missions, but it has fundamentally remained unchanged. Ground interfaces between the various spacecrafts’ mission operation centers on Earth remain largely unique for each participant; each mission maintains its own interfaces with deep-space communications networks (e.g., DSN, ESTRACK), which are similar but still unique; and relay sessions at Mars require careful ground planning, coordination, and implementation. This paper will discuss the existing architecture and consider how several technologies may be applied to the next generation of relay services at Mars. Ultimately, these are expected to lead to the implementation of a delay- and disruption-tolerant network at Mars, a precursor to becoming a major element in an emerging Solar System Internetwork. This chapter, which derives material from a paper the authors delivered at the SpaceOps 2018 conference [1], will discuss several of these pending technologies, which are predicted to be necessary for the next generation of relay activities at Mars.
Integral Relativity - New Cosmological Paradigm for Science of Consciousness Protocols

The Science of Consciousness, from its neuro-psychological roots, has become a very diverse academic field ranging from the microcosm (quantum biology) to the macrocosm (conscious universe). Ed Mitchell further opened it up as a full-spectrum noetic science embracing the “Real Magic” of clairvoyance, telepathy, psycho-kinesis and the multi-dimensionality of near-death and out-of-body experience. This includes experiential contact with all multi-dimensional intelligent entities.
Brief report: Mutations in SIV Nef that disrupt and restore tetherin downregulation

Abstract The H196 residue in SIVmac239 Nef is conserved across nearly all HIV and SIV isolates, lies immediately adjacent to the AP-2 (adaptor protein 2) interacting domain (ExxxLM195), and is critical for several described AP-2 dependent Nef functions, including the downregulation of tetherin (BST-2/CD317). Surprisingly, many stocks of the closely related SIVmac251 swarm virus harbor a nef allele encoding a Q196, which is associated with loss of multiple AP-2 dependent functions in SIVmac239. Publicly available sequences for SIVmac251 stocks were mined for variants linked to Q196 that might compensate for functional defects associated with this mutation. Variants were engineered into the SIVmac239 parental plasmid and mutant viruses were used to test tetherin downregulatory capacity in primary CD4 T cells using flow cytometry. SIVmac251 stocks that encode a Q196 residue in Nef uniformly also encode an upstream R191 residue. We show that R191 restores the ability of Nef to downregulate tetherin in the presence of Q196. However, a published report showed Q196 commonly evolves to H196 in vivo, suggesting a fitness cost. R191 may represent compensatory evolution to restore the ability to downregulate tetherin lost in viruses harboring Q196.
A Novel Multi-ventilation Technique to Split Ventilators

ABSTRACT Background Despite efforts to initially contain Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), it has spread worldwide and has strained international healthcare systems to the point where advanced respiratory resources and ventilators are depleted. This study aims to explore splitting ventilators, or “multi-ventilation,” as a viable alternative in these demanding times. We investigated whether individualized tidal volume and positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) delivery is possible to lungs of different compliances that are being simultaneously ventilated from one anesthesia ventilator. Methods We performed a controlled experiment in an operating room environment without animal or human participants. Two “test lungs” were connected to distinct modified Y-pieces that were ventilated in parallel from a single anesthesia ventilator. Results Ventilation can be manipulated to qualitatively deliver individually tailored tidal volumes in the setting of varying PEEP and compliance requirements in pressure control mode. Conclusions Splitting ventilators, or “multi-ventilation,” is a viable alternative to acute ventilator shortage during a pandemic. Ventilators can be split for individualized tidal volume and positive end-expiratory pressure delivery in multiple subjects of differing compliances and demographics.
System innovations in open WDM DCI networks

We review the most important WDM system innovations motivated by the evolution of DCI transport. State-of-the-art coherent transmission has already exceeded 6 b/s/Hz in transatlantic deployments. Moreover, the adoption of software innovations in automation and programmability, which DCI pioneered in transport networks, has also simplified operations and enables the emergence of open transport architectures. Combining these advances with emerging network analytic frameworks allows exciting innovations in network design and management optimization.
Nonoperative Treatment of Proximal Hamstring Tendon Tears

Proximal hamstring injuries are particularly challenging. Compared to their more distal counterparts, proximal hamstring injuries have been shown to more severely affect patients’ daily life activities and carry longer recovery periods. If nonoperative treatment is selected, numerous options exist, including various types of physical therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, steroid and platelet-rich plasma injections, and shockwave therapy. These can be used in isolation, or together. Outcomes for appropriately selected nonoperative patients are generally moderate-to-good, though as noted, recovery time can be extensive. Athletes must be counseled appropriately, and reasonable expectations should be set regarding prognosis and return to play.
Experimental Results of a 3-D Millimeter-Wave Compressive Reflector Antenna Imaging System

This letter presents the first experimental results of our three-dimensional (3-D) millimeter-wave compressive reflector antenna (CRA) imaging system. In this prototype, the CRA is 3-D printed and coated with a metallic spray to easily introduce pseudorandom scatterers on the surface of a traditional reflector antenna. The CRA performs a pseudorandom coding of the incident wavefront, thus adding spatial diversity in the imaging region and enabling the effective use of compressive sensing and imaging techniques. The CRA is fed with a multiple-input multiple-output radar, which consists of four transmitting and four receiving ports. Consequently, the mechanical scanning parts and phase shifters, which are necessary in conventional physical or synthetic aperture arrays, are not needed in this system. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the prototype to perform a successful 3-D detection of a T-shaped metallic target.
What Is My Educational Experience? The Use of Autoethnography as an Instructional Tool in an Online Introduction to Educational Leadership Course

The purpose of this book chapter is to discuss the use of autoethnography as an instructional tool to teach social justice in an undergraduate Introduction to Educational Leadership in a Global Society course. After introducing the topic, I provide a background/context for which the course is taught. Then, I briefly discuss the key components of the course content: social justice, critical thinking, connected knowing, and autoethnography. Next, I provide details regarding the course assignment. Finally, this book chapter ends with implications for teaching and learning social justice and equity in higher education.
The Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Children’s Mathematics Performance: A Growth Curve Model

This study investigated the relationship between children’s mathematics performance and physical health using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Kindergarten Class of 2010–2011 (ECLS-K 2011). A two-level hierarchical growth curve model was used to explore the relationships between childhood mathematics performance and childhood health taking moderator effects into consideration. The study results indicate that higher body mass index relates to higher kindergarten mathematics performance, holding all else constant. The results of this study have implications for educators, parents, and health providers in understanding the relationship between mathematics performance and health indicators.
Application of a Panel Method to Aeroelastic Stability of Rotors in Hover

A panel method based on the piecewise constant source and doublet singularities is applied to helicopter rotors in the hovering flight condition to investigate the effects of three-dimensional unsteady aerodynamics on coupled flap-lag-torsion aeroelastic stability using a realistic contracting wake model. The structural model of the elastic blade is a geometrically nonlinear beam model which allows for moderately large deflections. The results are compared with traditional two-dimensional airfoil theory and with experimental data where available.
The Role of Surface Immunoglobulin in the Processing and Presentation of Antigen

Helper T-cell responses to the globular protein antigens studied to date, require the uptake and intracellular processing of the protein by an Ia expressing antigen presenting cell (APC). Processing yields a peptide fragment, containing the T-cell’s antigenic determinant, which is displayed on the APC surface, where it is recognized by the helper T-cell in conjunction with Ia. Most cells which express Ia are competent APC, including macrophages, dendritic cells and B cells (Unanue, 1984). Since, with the exception of B cells, APC do not express immune receptors for antigen, processing can presumably be initiated by a nonspecific, fluid phase pinocytosis of the antigen. However, recent studies have indicated that B cells which bind antigen, or anti-Ig acting as a surrogate antigen, are far more effective APC, capable of maximally activating T-cells requiring many fold less antigen and fewer cells as compared to nonspecific B cells. The evidence suggests that the B-cell surface immunoglobulin serves to concentrate antigen for subsequent processing and/or to signal the cell to increase the level of activities required for its processing and presentation functions. However, the molecular mechanisms by which surface Ig serves to augment presentation remains largely unknown. The results of experiments described here indicate that the surface Ig is not uniquely suited to facilitate antigen processing or presentation, and that antigen artificially bound to other B-cell surface proteins, namely Class I and Class II, is also efficiently presented. In these cases, enhanced antigen presentation appears to be solely a function of the ability of the B cell surface structures to concentrate antigen for processing.
The Failure of Long-Term Capital Management

The recent collapse of the brilliant hedge fund, Long-Term Capital Management, has caused a lot of concern in the financial community. The quants are saddened by the limits of critical thinking and some of the non-quants are claiming that LTCM is just like the rest of them. This article describes the type of trading LTCM may have been doing and shows analytically what may have gone wrong in August, 1998. It formalizes much of the jitter in the papers in order to understand how a sophisticated system could fail, despite not having any major bets in any one market.
Analysis of stable states in global savannas – a response to Staver and Hansen

Staver & Hansen (2015, Global Ecology and Biogeography, doi: 10.1111/geb.12285) comment on our recent paper (Hanan et al., Global Ecology and Biogeography, 2014, 23, 259–263) in which we argue that classification and regression tree methods used with remote sensing data to predict tree cover may bias inference of bifurcations in savanna vegetation communities. While we agree with several of their comments, we remain unconvinced that a remote sensing product based on an inherently discontinuous statistical approach can, or should, be used to test for discontinuities.
Immediate early effector functions of virus-specific CD8+CCR7+ memory cells in humans defined by HLA and CC chemokine ligand 19 tetramers.

Memory T cells exhibit a high degree of heterogeneity in terms of their phenotype and functional characteristics. It has been proposed that the CCR7 chemokine receptor divides memory T cell populations into central memory T cells and effector memory T cells with distinct functions in secondary immune responses. We were interested whether this hypothesis holds true in experiments performed on Ag-specific CD8 + T cells. To identify CCR7 + cells, we engineered a fluorescent ligand for CCR7; results with the new CC chemokine ligand 19 chemotetramer were verified by staining with a CCR7 mAb. Staining with the CC chemokine ligand 19 chemotetramer reveals two subsets within CCR7 + cells: a CCR7 int population containing memory cells and a CCR7 high population containing naive T cells. Phenotypic analysis of MHC class I/peptide tetramer-positive cells revealed that HLA-A2-restricted CMV-specific CD8 T cells exhibit the lowest percentage of CCR7 + cells (0.5–5%), while HLA-A2-restricted flu- and HLA-B8-restricted EBV-specific CD8 T cells showed the highest (45–70%). Intracellular staining of unstimulated cells revealed that both CCR7 int - and CCR7 − -specific CD8 T cells exhibit a detectable level of perforin. Both CCR7 int and CCR7 − Ag-specific CD8 + T cells produced IFN-γ and TNF-α following short-term peptide stimulation. Therefore, our finding that CCR7 + CD8 + T cells are able to exert immediate effector functions requires a substantial revision to the central and effector memory hypothesis.
The Effect of pH on the Rates of Ligand Replacement Reactions of Human Adult and Fetal Hemoglobins and Their Subunits

Abstract The rate of O2 dissociation with CO replacement in the presence of dithionite and the rate of CO replacement by NO have been measured at 20° for human adult and fetal hemoglobins and their isolated subunits over a pH range from 6 to 9. The rates of these reactions for the isolated subunits are pH dependent, as are the rates for the fully liganded structures of the tetrameric hemoglobins. However, the pH dependence exhibited by the isolated subunits is different from that of the tetramer. Although there is no simple relationship between the kinetic properties of the isolated subunits and those of the tetramer, a modification of the intrinsic properties of a subunit is clearly reflected in a similar modification of the properties of the ligand-saturated tetramer. The enthalpy values of these replacement reactions are reported for human adult hemoglobin and its subunits.
Overview of Fan-out Wafer Level Package (FO-WLP)

IC packaging technology has been evolving fast and diversely in the past decade, from high-end to low-end application, such as 3D IC integration with TSV, 2.5D with TSV-Si interposer, Package-on-Package (PoP), Fan-Out Wafer-Level-Package (FO-WLP), and so on. Among the various technologies, FO-WLP get significant attention with its high-degree heterogeneous integration capability, small form factor, and total reduced system cost. FO-WLPs cover wide range of applications, e.g., FPGA, GPU, networking, smartphone / tablet Application Processor (AP), Base Band (BB) module, RF / WiFi module, Power Amplifier (PA) module, etc. There are two categories of FO-WLP, one is characterized with molding encapsulant plus wafer-like process; the other one is characterized with PCB-like (or substrate-like) process. In order to distinguish the two categories, the later one is called Panel FO-WLP, while the former one is still called FO-WLP. According to the nature of wafer-like processed FO-WLP, it possesses fine-line-fine-space, typically 1um ∼ 5um, and small via capability, which implies the package could accommodate more I/Os, better electrical performance, and thus high-end to mid-range application. Nevertheless Panel FO-WLP uses substrate-like process, it cannot provide too fine-line trace, typically the line width is wider than 10um, but with lower cost. Thus, its application is limited to mid-range to low-end devices. For FO-WLP, several companies have its own intellectual proprietary (IP), such as Infineon's eWLB (embedded Wafer Level Ball Grid Array), Freescale's RCP (Redistributed Chip Package), and TSMC's InFO WLP (Integrated Fan-Out WLP). For Panel FO-WLP, the same, each company has its own IP: such as Imbera's 1MB (Integrated Module Board), AT&S's ECP (Embedded Components Packaging), ASE's a-EASI (advanced — Embedded Assembly Solution Integration), and J-Devices' WFOP (Wide Strip Panel Fan-out Package). This paper will review and compare the major players' package construction, their process uniqueness, and discuss the potential extension and application of the FO-WLPs.
A Study of Post-Accident Molten Fuel Downward Streaming through the Axial Shield Structure in the Liquid-Metal Fast Breeder Reactor

A two-dimensional transient freezing model is developed to study the dynamics of solidification of a fluid flowing in a cylindrical channel, the walls of which are cooled below the freezing temperature of the fluid. The model is applied to the case of molten fuel flowing downward through the coolant channels in the lower shielding structure of current liquid-metal fast breeder reactor designs subsequent to a hypothetical core meltdown accident. The results indicate that under post-accident conditions, a high potential exists for rapid relocation of significant quantities of core debris across the shield structure.
Review and Analysis of an Energy Efficiency Incentive Program for Commercial Buildings

ABSTRACT A program with 13 participants provided reimbursement for improvements to decrease energy use largely in commercial and not-for-profit buildings, but also in two government buildings. Electricity and natural gas savings were determined by modeling the energy use by accounting for changes in weather for the 12 months previous to the improvements, and then predicting energy use for the 12 months immediately after the improvements using the same model. The threshold for verifiable energy savings resulting from building improvements was a maximum uncertainty of 50 percent at the 68 percent confidence level. Improvements involving original furnace or air conditioner replacement resulted in significant and verifiable reductions in energy use. Energy savings due to lighting improvements were verified for only one of seven buildings in which lighting was upgraded. Verifiable results were obtained in buildings with constant usage patterns, hours of operation, and equipment. Significant changes not related...
Local Immunity to Bacteroides gingivalis in Periodontal Disease

The histopathologic status of gingival tissue was assessed according to the criteria of Page and Schroeder. Rhodamine-labeled bacteria were used to assess the antigenic specificity of plasma cells in the tissue. Examination of tissue sections revealed that 31.6% of plasma cells in the advanced lesions bound the labeled bacterium, compared with only 3.1% of the cells in the early lesions. These results indicate that local immunity to Bacteroides gingivalis is greater in the more advanced than in the earlier forms of periodontal disease.
Faculty Rewards for Community Service Activities: An Update

Abstract The authors of this article report the findings from a replication of their research on the importance placed on various faculty activities by graduate deans and directors. In particular, community service activities were assessed as to their perceived significance. Similarities and changes since the earlier research are discussed in relation to current trends and issues within higher education.
Phosphoramidates VII. DETERMINATION OF KINETIC PARAMETERS AND SUBSTRATE INTERRELATIONSHIPS FOR THE PHOSPHORYL TRANSFER ENZYME FROM ESCHERICHIA COLI

Abstract A highly purified phosphoryl transfer enzyme obtained from Escherichia coli catalyzes the transfer of phosphoryl groups from phosphoramidate, glucose 1-phosphate, and glucose 6-phosphate to either water or to glucose and structurally related hexoses. The various phosphoryl donor substrates have been shown to be mutually competitive inhibitors in kinetic studies, and product-labeling experiments have confirmed this finding. Evidence for the intermediate formation of a phosphorylated enzyme which was shown to be acid-, but not alkali-, labile has been obtained. It is suggested that the several transfer processes catalyzed by this enzyme are mediated by a common phosphoryl intermediate.
Jet cooled cavity ringdown spectroscopy of the A˜2E″←X˜2A2′ transition of the NO3 radical

The A˜2E″←X˜2A2′ spectrum of NO3 radical from 7550 cm−1 to 9750 cm−1 has been recorded and analyzed. Our spectrum differs from previously recorded spectra of this transition due to jet-cooling, which narrows the rotational contours and eliminates spectral interference from hot bands. Assignments of numerous vibronic features can be made based on both band contour and position including the previously unassigned 301 band and several associated combination bands. We have analyzed our spectrum first with an independent anharmonic oscillator model and then by a quadratic Jahn-Teller vibronic coupling model. The fit achieved with the quadratic Jahn-Teller model is excellent, but the potential energy surface obtained with the fitted parameters is in only qualitative agreement with one obtained from ab initio calculations.
Semiparametric estimation of treatment effects given base-line covariates on an outcome measured after a post-randomization event occurs

Summary. We consider estimation, from a double-blind randomized trial, of treatment effect within levels of base-line covariates on an outcome that is measured after a post-treatment event E has occurred in the subpopulation PE E that would experience event E regardless of treatment. Specifically, we consider estimation of the parameters 'y indexing models for the outcome mean conditional on treatment and base-line covariates in the subpopulation P E* Such parameters are not identified from randomized trial data but become identified if additionally it is assumed that the subpopulation P'- of subjects that would experience event E under the second treatment but not under the first s empty and a parametric model for the conditional probability that a subject experiences event E if assigned to the first treatment given that the subject would experience the event if assigned to the second treatment, his or her outcome under the second treatment and his or her pretreatment covariates. We develop a class of estimating equations whose solutions comprise, up to asymptotic equivalence, all consistent and asymptotically normal estimators of 7y under these two assumptions. In addition, we derive a locally semiparametric efficient estimator of y. We apply our methods to estimate the effect on mean viral load of vaccine versus placebo after infection with human immunodeficiency virus (the event E) in a placebo-controlled randomized acquired immune deficiency syndrome vaccine trial.
The Realize middleware for replication and resource management

The Realize middleware manages the resources of CORBA distributed systems for soft real-time applications, and replicates CORBA objects to provide high availability and fault tolerance. By measuring the usage of the resources and by monitoring the behavior of the application, Realize allocates the objects to the processors and schedules the tasks in order to balance the load and to meet soft real-time deadlines. By using totally ordered multicast messages, Realize maintains the consistency of the replicas of the objects. The difficult issues of distribution, real-time scheduling, replication, consistency, and fault detection and recovery are handled by Realize and are hidden from the application programmer.
Influence of the impact parameter on element distributions in dissipative heavy-ion collisions

The $^{209}\mathrm{Bi}$+ $^{136}\mathrm{Xe}$ reaction at laboratory bombarding energies of 940, 1130, and 1422 MeV is interpreted on the basis of a phenomenological classical model and a diffusion model for damped collisions. Initial angular momenta, interaction times, and charge diffusion coefficients are deduced with the above models from experimental data reported previously. The bombarding energy dependence of the model parameters and the effect of deformation on the dinuclear system in the exit channel are discussed. An analytical relation is suggested between the variance ${{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{Z}}^{2}$ of the element distribution and the ratio $\frac{E}{{l}_{g}}$, where $E$ is the measured final total kinetic energy and ${l}_{g}$ is the grazing orbital angular momentum. This semiempirical formula is applied to sixteen heavy-ion systems at bombarding energies well above the Coulomb barrier. In a plot of $\mathrm{ln}{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{Z}}^{2}$ versus $\frac{E}{{l}_{g}}$ all the experimental data fall on parallel lines with displacements that are reasonably well correlated with $\frac{{E}_{0}}{{l}_{g}}$, where ${E}_{0}$ is the bombarding energy in the c.m. system. In a model-dependent explanation of this empirical relation, evidence is found that the variance of the element distributions ${{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{Z}}^{2}$ is determined by the initial relative angular momentum $\frac{l}{{l}_{g}}$.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{209}\mathrm{Bi}$($^{136}\mathrm{Xe}$,HI), ${E}_{\mathrm{lab}}=940, 1130, \mathrm{and} 1422$ MeV; deduced initial angular momentum, interaction time and charge diffusion coefficient; strongly damped reaction; systematics of heavyion reaction data.
Arginine/serine-rich domains of the su(wa) and tra RNA processing regulators target proteins to a subnuclear compartment implicated in splicing

Summary Two unrelated pre-mRNA splicing regulators- suppressor-of-white-apricot ( su(w a ) ) and transformer ( tra )-contain distinctive, ∼120 amino acid arginine/ serine (RS)-rich domains. Deletion of the su(w a ) RS domain eliminates function. Replacement with the tra RS domain restores su(w a ) function to nearly wild-type levels. Replacement with a 10 amino acid simple nuclear entry signal allows partial, inefficient function. Thus, the su(w a ) RS domain apparently serves a generic function(s) subsuming nuclear entry. Moreover, immunocytochemical studies demonstrate that both RS domains specifically direct localization of a fused reporter protein to a punctate subnuclear comportment shown previously to be enriched in several constitutive splicing components. We propose that RS domains are a new class of targeting signals directing concentration of proteins in a subnuclear compartment implicated in splicing metabolism.
The use of a Markov model in assessment of alternate faculty personnel policies

This study demonstrates the usefulness of the Markov modeling technique for analysis of alternative faculty personnel policies at a university. The necessary faculty flow model and transition matrix are developed with limited resources and only two years of time-series data. By making adjustments to the input vector (those entering the university) and the transition matrix, faculty personnel policy decisions are simulated and their outcomes, in terms of important faculty characteristics, are determined. Six hiring and retirement policies at a major university are assessed utilizing this procedure. The results that are presented provide an illustration of the nature of the information which can be obtained from this procedure.
Mutagenic outcome of the urinary carcinogen 4-aminobiphenyl is increased in acidic pH

One of the carcinogens from cigarette smoke, 4-aminobiphenyl, is excreted in urine as 4-N-hydroxyl aminobiphenyl metabolite conjugates that undergo pH mediated activation to nitreneum ions leading to bladder tumorigenesis via DNA adduct formation. We hypothesize that changing the pH of smokers' urine might impact the mutagenic outcome. 4-NOHABP was synthesized (∼98% purity), structure confirmed by TLC and NMR; mutagenic activity, assessed by the Ames test, was measured after pre-incubation in buffer solutions or human urine at pH 4, 6, 7 and 8. An inverse correlation was observed between number of histidine revertant colonies and pH (r(2)=0.89), 4-NOHABP exhibiting significant mutagenicity at pH 4.0 (P<0.05).
A note on asymptotically flat spaces. II

After brief reviews of the Geroch and spin-coefficient formalism approaches to null infinity, we present a dictionary which translates between the two formalisms.
Paternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 15 in a child with angelman syndrome

Angelman and Prader-Willi syndromes are clinically distinct neurobehavioral disorders most commonly resulting from large deletions of chromosome 15q11-q13. The deletions arise differentially during maternal or paternal gametogenesis, respectively. A subgroup of patients with either syndrome have no apparent deletion, and because many such patients with Prader-Willi syndrome display inheritance of two copies of chromosome 15 from the mother only (uniparental disomy; UPD), we suggested that paternal UPD might be found in patients with Angelman syndrome. We report here clinical, cytogenetic, and molecular evidence on the 1 patient with paternal UPD for chromosome 15 who was found in our study population. This represents, to our knowledge, the first patient with paternal UPD to be studied with DNA probes from the chromosome 15q11-q13 critical region. In contrast to our findings for patients with Prader-Willi syndrome, in which maternal UPD was common, our data demonstrate that paternal UPD is infrequent in patients with Angelman syndrome.
Use of a time-flow study to improve patient waiting times at an inner-city academic pediatric practice.

Objectives To use findings from a time-flow study at an academic pediatric practice to restructure practice patterns and to repeat the time-flow study to evaluate consequent changes in patient waiting times, total visit times, and room and nursing time usage rates. Design A before-and-after time-flow evaluation of patient waiting times, total visit times, and room and nursing time usage rates. Setting An inner-city academic pediatric practice located at a community health center affiliated with a major urban academic teaching hospital. Patients All patients visiting the pediatric practice during the weeks of April 26 through 30, 1999, and March 24 through 28, 2000. Interventions Initial time-flow findings generated in telephone messaging, provider scheduling, nursing location, and provider and preceptor documentation. Main Outcome Measures Patient waiting times, total visit times, room usage rates, and nursing time usage rates. Results After the implementing of practice changes, mean total visit time declined from 91.9 to 78.3 minutes. Mean waiting time to be called by the nurse decreased 3.2 minutes, mean time spent with the provider decreased 4.6 minutes, and mean time to wait for a preceptor decreased by 8.8 minutes. Multivariate analysis controlling for visit type, provider type, and the type of postvisit interventions found that mean time of visit decreased by 13.6 minutes. Room and nursing time usage rates, resident satisfaction, and quality-of-care indicators remained largely unchanged. Conclusions Time-flow studies can be useful instruments for academic ambulatory practices to identify and ameliorate practice inefficiencies without sacrificing quality of teaching or patient care.
TRANSFUSION TRANSMITTED HEPATITIS C AND NON-A, NON-B, NON-C

The decline in the incidence of TAH from 1985-1990 was considerable and based on a variety of interventions that led to increasingly intensive scrutiny of potential donors. The decline in incidence observed since 1990, and particularly since 1992, has been truly extraordinary and based principally on the introduction of specific assays to detect carries of HCV. We are now at a time when the incidence of TAH is approaching zero and is almost certainly under 0.5% per transfusion episode. Such low rates have called into question the continued need for surrogate assays even though it is now clear that such assays played an important role in the prevention of hepatitis C prior to the introduction of HCV-specific assays. It is possible that anti-HBc testing may be abandoned as a surrogate, but retained as a specific marker for HBV infection. The retention of ALT testing may ultimately depend on whether there is another clinically significant human hepatitis agent (HFV). At present, there is only indirect and inconclusive evidence for such an additional agent and questions regarding its clinical relevance.
Association between weight and risk of crash-related injuries for children in child restraints.

Objective: To determine the association between weight and the risk of injury in motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) for children 1 through 8 years of age who were using child restraints.
A bibliography of quantifier elimination for real closed fields

A basic collection of literature relatlng to algorithmic quantifier elimination for real closed fields is assembled.
Incorporation of Fluorescently Tagged Chemokine Receptor 5 (CCR5) into Membrane Nanoparticles

Nanoscale apolipoprotein bound bilayers (NABBs) are soluble phospholipid bilayers encapsulated by the amphipathic helical protein apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I). NABBs, unlike detergent micelles and liposomes, provide a homogenous, native-like membrane environment to study structure-function relationships of membrane proteins. NABBs have previously been employed to study G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) such as rhodopsin and CCR5, but the approach was limited by poor expression of Apo A-I and low yields of GPCR incorporation. To address these shortcomings, we have engineered several synthetic genes of Apo A-I derived from zebrafish that express at higher levels in E. coli as compared to older Apo A-I variants. The size of the NABBs can be controlled by changing the length of Apo A-I, an additional advantage that will enable study of receptor oligomerization. We intend to use this platform in conjunction with single molecule fluorescence techniques to study GPCR-ligand interactions, focusing on the chemokine receptors CCR5 and CXCR4. The endogenous ligands of these receptors - including RANTES (CCR5) and CXCL12 (CXCR4) - have been shown to prevent HIV particle entry, but the kinetics and structural determinants of binding are poorly characterized. We show receptor labeling with Alexa 488 and 647 using unnatural amino acid mutagenesis and SNAP-tag technologies followed by incorporation into NABBs. The assemblies have been characterized by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. Future experiments will use multicolor total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy and fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS) to determine the kinetics of ligand binding and the stoichiometry of the signaling complex. These parameters will shed light on the mechanism of class A GPCR activation and could potentially inform future development of HIV entry blockers.
Comparison of 4 Direct Coombs' Test Methods with Polyclonal Antiglobulins in Anemic and Nonanemic Dogs for In-Clinic or Laboratory Use

Background Difficulties with the direct antiglobulin test (DAT) and its apparent lack of sensitivity and specificity for immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) in dogs have raised skepticism regarding its diagnostic value. Objective To compare different DATs and other hematologic parameters in dogs. Animals Anticoagulated blood samples from 59 nonanemic and 46 anemic dogs (± IMHA) from a research colony and veterinary clinics. Methods Prospective observational study: Immunochromatographic strip, gel microcolumn, and capillary techniques were compared with standard microtiter DAT using 2 polyvalent antiglobulins. Spherocytosis, autoagglutination, osmotic fragility, and clinical data were assessed. Results Blood samples from all 59 nonanemic dogs were DAT-. Among 46 anemic dogs, 33 were suspected of IMHA, but only 20 were DAT+. Old and new DAT methods yielded comparable and consistent results even after storage of chilled blood samples for 1 week. Spherocytosis and autoagglutination (that did not persist after washing) were noted in 15 and 16 DAT+ dogs, respectively. The other 26 anemic dogs, including 21 previously transfused dogs and 4 with autoagglutination, tested DAT- by the other methods. Osmotic fragility was increased in 70% (19/27) of anemic and all 15 DAT+ dogs tested. Limited follow-up testing revealed DAT+ results for 3–70 days. Conclusions and Clinical Importance The novel strip and capillary DAT methods are promising adjunct in-clinic tools. Despite prior immunosuppressive treatment and presence of autoagglutination, the DAT was positive in anemic dogs with IMHA. Transfusion did not cause false DAT+ results. Our results support DAT as a cornerstone in the diagnosis of canine IMHA.
The National Employer Survey: Employer Data on Employment Practices

Concerns about the quality of the United States workforce, especially employers' investment in their workers, was the general driving force behind the National Employer Survey (NES). An issue of concern was the extent to which employers were providing skills for their employees and a study undertaken by the National Centre for the Educational Quality of the Workforce (EQW) at the University of Pennsylvania surveying employees found variations in responses on the extent of training. A need for data was also generated by the growing interest in high-performance work organisation practices. Data from the various NES surveys helps to address a considerable gap in the understanding of workplace issues. This article outlines the following surveys: the 1994 NES; the 1997 NES (NES II); the 1998 School-to-work Supplement; and the 2000 NES (NES II).
Perceptions regarding the ease of use and usefulness of health information exchange systems among medical providers, case managers and non-clinical staff members working in HIV care and community settings

Abstract Purpose The objective of this paper is to describe how members of HIV patients’ care teams perceived the usefulness and ease of use of newly implemented, innovative health information exchange systems (HIEs) in diverse HIV treatment settings. Five settings with existing electronic medical records (EMRs) received special funding to test enhancements to their systems. Participating clinics and community-based organizations added HIEs permitting bi-directional exchange of information across multiple provider sites serving the same HIV patient population. Methods We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews and quantitative web-based surveys with case managers, medical providers, and non-clinical staff members to assess the systems’ perceived usefulness and ease of use shortly after the HIEs were implemented. Our approach to data analysis was iterative. We first conducted a thematic analysis of the qualitative data and discovered that there were key differences in perceptions and actual use of HIEs across occupational groups. We used these results to guide our analysis of the quantitative survey data, stratifying by occupational group. Results We found differences in reports of how useful and how well-used HIEs were, by occupation. Medical providers were more likely to use HIEs if they provided easier access to clinical information than was present in existing EMRs. Case managers working inside medical clinics found HIEs to be less helpful because they already had access to the clinical data. In contrast, case managers working in community settings appreciated the new access to patient information that the HIEs provided. Non-clinical staff uniformly found the HIEs useful for a broad range of tasks including clinic administration, grant writing and generating reports for funders. Conclusion Our study offers insights into the use and potential benefits of HIE in the context of HIV care across occupational groups.
Magnetic susceptibility for Ne derived from small-angle electron scattering data.

A calculation of for Ne from 35-keV electron scattering data is given. The result is compared with the former experimental value given by the diamagnetic susceptibility. The scattering result agrees with the theoretical calculations involving configuration-interaction wave functions but differs from the experimental value.
Markets of sorrow, labors of faith: New Orleans in the wake of Katrina

Markets of Sorrow, Labors of Faith: New Orleans in the Wake of Katrina is not easily classified as a book about public health. Then again, medical anthropologist Vincanne Adams has never confined h...
Moisture plumes above thunderstorm anvils and their contributions to cross-tropopause transport of water vapor in midlatitudes

Water vapor in the lower stratosphere may play significant roles in the atmosphericradiative budget and atmospheric chemistry; hence it is important to understand itstransport process. The possibility of water vapor transport from the troposphere to thestratosphere by deep convection is investigated using three-dimensional, nonhydrostatic,quasi-compressible simulations of a Midwest severe thunderstorm. The results show thatthe breaking of gravity waves at the cloud top can cause cloud water vapor to be injectedinto the stratosphere in the form of plumes above a thunderstorm anvil. Meteorologicalsatellites and aircrafts have observed such plumes previously, but the source of watervapor and the injection mechanism were not identified. The present results reveal thatthere are two types of plumes, anvil sheet plumes and overshooting plumes, in thisinjection process and that the process is diabatic. A first-order estimate of this plumetransport of water vapor per day from the upper troposphere to the lower stratosphere wasmade assuming that all thunderstorms behave the same as the one simulated. Other tracechemicals may also be similarly transported by the same mechanism.
Volatility Relationship between Crude Oil and Petroleum Products

This paper utilizes calculated historical volatility and GARCH models to compare the historical price volatility behavior of crude oil, motor gasoline and heating oil in U.S. markets since 1990. We incorporate a shift variable in the GARCH/TARCH models to capture the response of price volatility to a change in OPEC’s pricing behavior. This study has three major conclusions. First, there was an increase in volatility as a result of a structural shift to higher crude oil prices after April 1999. Second, volatility shocks from current news are not important since GARCH effects dominate ARCH effects in the variance equation. Third, persistence of volatility in all commodity markets is quite transitory, with half-lives normally being a few weeks.
Numerical methods for evaluating the derivatives of eigenvalues and eigenvectors

Two numerical methods are presented for computing the derivatives of eigenvalues and eigenvectors which do not require complete solution of the eigenvalue problem if only a few derivatives are sought. The 'iterative' method may be used to find the first derivative of one or all of the eigenvectors together with the second derivative of their eigenvalues in a self-adjoint system. If the left- and right-hand eigenvectors are known, the first derivative of the eigenvector corresponding to the largest eigenvalue and the second derivative of the largest eigenvalue may be obtained for a nonself-adjoint system. The 'algebraic' method may be used to find all orders of the derivatives, provided they exist, without requiring the left-hand eigenvectors.