cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Positions in the 30S ribosomal subunit proximal to the 790 loop as determined by phenanthroline cleavage.

Positioning rRNA within the ribosome remains a challenging problem. Such positioning is critical to understanding ribosome function, as various rRNA regions interact to form suitable binding sites for ligands, such as tRNA and mRNA. We have used phenanthroline, a chemical nuclease, as a proximity probe, to help elucidate the regions of rRNA that are near neighbors of the stem-loop structure centering at nt 790 in the 16S rRNA of the Escherichia coli 30S ribosomal subunit. Using phenanthroline covalently attached to a DNA oligomer complementary to nt 787‐795, we found that nt 582‐584, 693‐694, 787‐790, and 795‐797 were cleaved robustly and must lie within about 15 A of the tethered site at the 59 end of the DNA oligomer, which is adjacent to nt 795 of 16S rRNA.
A Variable-Energy Electron Microbeam: A Unique Modality for Targeted Low-LET Radiation

Abstract Sowa, M. B., Murphy, M. K., Miller, J. H., McDonald, J. C., Strom, D. J. and Kimmel, G. A. A Variable-Energy Electron Microbeam: A Unique Modality for Targeted Low-LET Radiation. Radiat. Res. 164, 695–700 (2005). We have designed and constructed a low-cost, variable-energy low-LET electron microbeam that uses energetic electrons to mimic radiation damage produced by γ and X rays. The microbeam can access lower regions of the LET spectrum, similar to conventional X-ray or 60Co γ-ray sources. The device has two operating modes, as a conventional microbeam targeting single cells or subpopulations of cells or as a pseudo broad-beam source allowing for direct comparison with conventional sources. By varying the incident electron energy, the target cells can be selectively exposed to different parts of the energetic electron tracks, including the track ends.
Delay Tolerant Collaborations among Campus-Wide Wireless Users

The ubiquitous deployment of wireless LAN networks are allowing students to embrace laptops as their preferred computing platform. We investigated the viability of building collaborative applications to share contents amongst student groups. In our application scenario, the university will provide wireless infrastructure throughout the campus but not the storage infrastructure required to store the shared contents. Laptops will likely exhibit weak availability. Hence, these collaborative applications need to tolerate long delays in propagating updates amongst the participants. In this paper, we presented a preliminary analysis of message forwarding behavior under realistically resource constrained node scenarios. Our experiments were based on the observed wireless user behavior at the University of Notre Dame. Our experiments showed the inherent limits of epidemic propagation in real campus wireless network scenarios.
Don’t just repeat after me: Retrieval practice is better than imitation for foreign vocabulary learning

Second language (L2) instruction programs often ask learners to repeat aloud words spoken by a native speaker. However, recent research on retrieval practice has suggested that imitating native pronunciation might be less effective than drill instruction, wherein the learner is required to produce the L2 words from memory (and given feedback). We contrasted the effectiveness of imitation and retrieval practice drills on learning L2 spoken vocabulary. Learners viewed pictures of objects and heard their names; in the imitation condition, they heard and then repeated aloud each name, whereas in the retrieval practice condition, they tried to produce the name before hearing it. On a final test administered either immediately after training (Exp. 1) or after a 2-day delay (Exp. 2), retrieval practice produced better comprehension of the L2 words, better ability to produce the L2 words, and no loss of pronunciation quality.
Formulation of Turbulent Fluxes in the Stable Boundary Layer.

Abstract The mixing lengths for heat and momentum are computed from seven levels of eddy correlation data during the Cooperative Atmosphere–Surface Exchange Study-1999 (CASES-99). A number of formulations of the mixing length are evaluated, including surface layer similarity theory, several hybrid similarity theories, a formulation based on the Richardson number, and a formulation based on the local shear. A formulation of the mixing length is examined, which approaches z-less similarity for large z and surface layer similarity close to the ground surface. A generalized version includes a dependence on boundary layer depth, which approaches the usual boundary layer height dependence for neutral conditions. However, for many of the observational cases, a boundary layer did not exist in the usual sense, in that turbulence was generated primarily above the surface inversion layer and occasionally extended downward toward the surface. For these cases, inclusion of z-less turbulence is crucial.
Barriers To B2C Segment Of E-Business

The purpose of this paper is to identify several barriers affecting B2C segment growth and to project technological advances that may soften or eliminate these barriers. Included in the paper is an analysis of the interrelationship between barriers and products. Finally, the paper presents the impact of technology-controlled and human-controlled factors on Internet sale.
Multiple Imprinted Genes Associated with Prader-Willi Syndrome and Location of an Imprinting Control Element

Our studies aim to identify the mechanisms and genes involved in genomic imprinting in mammalian development and human disease. Imprinting refers to an epigenetic modification of DNA that results in parent-of-origin specific expression during embryogenesis and in the adult. This imprint is reset at each generation, depending on the sex of the parental gametogenesis. Prader-Willi (PWS) and Angelman (AS) syndromes are excellent models for the study of genomic imprinting in humans, since these distinct neurobehavioural disorders are both associated with genetic abnormalities (large deletions, uniparental disomy, and imprinting mutations) of inheritance in chromosome 15q11-q13, dependent on the parental origin (reviewed in ref. 1). Some AS patients have biparental inheritance, consistent with a single imprinted gene (active on the maternal chromosome), whereas similar PWS patients are not found suggesting that at least two imprinted genes (active on the paternal allele) may be necessary for classical PWS. We have previously shown that the small ribonucleoprotein associated protein SmN gene ( SNRPN ), located in the PWS critical region [2], is only expressed from the paternal allele and is differentially methylated on parental alleles [3]. Therefore, SNRPN may have a role in PWS. Methylation imprints have also been found at two other loci in 15q11-q13, PW71 [4] and D15S9 [5], which map 120 kb and 1.5 Mb proximal to SNRPN , respectively. We have now characterized in detail the gene structure and expression from two imprinted loci within 15q11-q13, SNRPN and D15S9 , which suggests that both loci are surprisingly complex, with important implications for the pathogenesis of PWS.
Digital Rights Management in Multi-Set Authored Elearning Materials

The current state of the art in Learning Management Systems supports the creation of and access to Learning Objects, self-contained digitized learning experiences, each covering a single topic. These Learning Objects are intended to be widely reusable; however, it is unlikely that a given Learning Object will fit the needs of every situation. It is also unrealistic to expect the original author of a Learning Object to modify it on demand to meet the needs of every conceivable educational scenario. More realistically, a new author or set of authors will modify the Learning Object as required. Since rights of authorship are important (particularly where royalties are involved), and neither the original nor the modifying author sets are entitled to claim full authorship of the modified Learning Object, support is required for multi-set authored Learning Objects. In this paper, we describe how current state of the art models and technologies can be extended in novel ways to support multi-set authored Learning Objects.
DARPP-32: from neurotransmission to cancer

// Abbes Belkhiri 1 , Shoumin Zhu 1 and Wael El-Rifai 1,2 1 Department of Surgery, Cancer Biology, and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA 2 Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, USA Correspondence to: Wael El-Rifai, email: // Keywords : DARPP-32, t-DARPP, PPP1R1B, neurotransmission, cancer Received : November 05, 2015 Accepted : January 29, 2016 Published : February 08, 2016 Abstract Dopamine and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein Mr 32,000 (DARPP-32), also known as phosphoprotein phosphatase-1 regulatory subunit 1B (PPP1R1B), was initially discovered as a substrate of dopamine-activated protein kinase A (PKA) in the neostriatum in the brain. While phosphorylation at Thr-34 by PKA converts DARPP-32 into a potent inhibitor of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1), phosphorylation at Thr-75 transforms DARPP-32 into an inhibitor of PKA. Through regulation of DARPP-32 phosphorylation and modulation of protein phosphatase and kinase activities, DARPP-32 plays a critical role in mediating the biochemical, electrophysiological, and behavioral effects controlled by dopamine and other neurotransmitters in response to drugs of abuse and psychostimulants. Altered expression of DARPP-32 and its truncated isoform (t-DARPP), specifically in the prefrontal cortex, has been associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Moreover, cleavage of DARPP-32 by calpain has been implicated in Alzheimer’s disease. Amplification of the genomic locus of DARPP-32 at 17q12 has been described in several cancers. DARPP-32 and t-DARPP are frequently overexpressed at the mRNA and protein levels in adenocarcinomas of the breast, prostate, colon, and stomach. Several studies demonstrated the pro-survival, pro-invasion, and pro-angiogenic functions of DARPP-32 in cancer. Overexpression of DARPP-32 and t-DARPP also promotes chemotherapeutic drug resistance and cell proliferation in gastric and breast cancers through regulation of pro-oncogenic signal transduction pathways. The expansion of DARPP-32 research from neurotransmission to cancer underscores the broad scope and implication of this protein in disparate human diseases.
“Don't Think But Look:” Using Wittgenstein's Notion of Family Resemblances to Look at Genocide

This article contributes to the ongoing and growing scholarly conversation concerning how best to define the term "genocide" following Raphael Lemkin's coining of the term in 1944. The article first shows that the Convention definition ratified in Paris in 1948 was intended solely for juridical purposes and does not reflect Lemkin's deeper understanding of genocide. It then surveys a range of scholarship after Lemkin that argues for alternative definitions of term or even calls for jettisoning the term altogether. While it is acknowledged that a clear definition is imperative in a juridical context, it is argued that there are problems and even dangers in demanding definitional precision. For purposes of coming to terms with the multi- dimensionality and complexities of genocidal events or the genocidal process, Wittgenstein's notion of family resemblance provides an alternative way of seeing genocide that avoids the dangers of definition.
Dissecting the Molecular Structure of the Air/Water Interface from Quantum Simulations of the Sum-Frequency Generation Spectrum

The molecular characterization of the air/water interface is a key step in understanding fundamental multiphase phenomena ranging from heterogeneous chemical processes in the atmosphere to the hydration of biomolecules. The apparent simplicity of the air/water interface, however, masks an underlying complexity associated with the dynamic nature of the water hydrogen-bond network that has so far hindered an unambiguous characterization of its microscopic properties. Here, we demonstrate that the application of quantum many-body molecular dynamics, which enables spectroscopically accurate simulations of water from the gas to the condensed phase, leads to a definitive molecular-level picture of the interface region. For the first time, excellent agreement is obtained between the simulated vibrational sum-frequency generation spectrum and the most recent state-of-the-art measurements, without requiring any empirical frequency shift or ad hoc scaling of the spectral intensity. A systematic dissection of the sp...
CONGENITALLY ABSENT RIGHT CORONARY ARTERY IN ADULT

Background: A 44-year-old male patient with atrial fibrillation and cardiac insufficiency (NYHA IV) presented for evaluation for heart transplantation. He was referred for cardiac CT for assessment of potential restrictive cardiomyopathy and evaluation of his right ventricle. Cardiac CT was performed utilizing a dual-source CT scanner. ECG-adapted tube current was used to reduce radiation exposure. No pericardial calcifications were noted. The right atrium and the inferior vena cava were dilated with 82 x 58 mm and 47 mm diameter, respectively. There was no evidence of coronary artery disease.
Antimicrobial peptide resistance of Vibrio cholerae results from an LPS modification pathway related to nonribosomal peptide synthetases

The current pandemic El Tor biotype of O1 Vibrio cholerae is resistant to polymyxins, whereas the previous pandemic strain of the classical biotype is polymyxin sensitive. The almEFG operon found in El Tor V. cholerae confers >100-fold resistance to polymyxins through the glycylation of lipopolysaccharide. Here, we present the mechanistic determination of initial steps in the AlmEFG pathway. We verify that AlmF is an aminoacyl carrier protein and identify AlmE as the enzyme required to activate AlmF as a functional carrier protein. A combination of structural information and activity assays was used to identify a pair of active site residues that are important for mediating AlmE glycine specificity. Overall, the structure of AlmE in complex with its glycyl-adenylate intermediate reveals that AlmE is related to Gram-positive d-alanine/d-alanyl carrier protein ligase, while the trio of proteins in the AlmEFG system forms a chemical pathway that resembles the division of labor in nonribosomal peptide synthet...
Investigation of Charge Transfer Interactions in CdSe Nanorod P3HT/PMMA Blends by Optical Microscopy

CdSe nanorods and dilute poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) dispersed in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films are investigated by wide field fluorescence microscopy and by analysis of single-point time transients. The data depict enhanced band-edge luminescence from nanorod/P3HT films, consistent with filling of CdSe surface traps by static charge transfer from P3HT. Band-edge luminescence from the nanorods is also shown to be enhanced by photoactivated (e.g., dynamic) charge transfer from P3HT to surface trap states on the CdSe nanorods. The role played by charge transfer in enhanced CdSe luminescence is further demonstrated by differences observed in the CdSe nanorod blinking behavior in P3HT and PMMA films.
ECONOMIC BURDEN OF UNDIAGNOSED NONVALVULAR ATRIAL FIBRILLATION IN THE UNITED STATES

Atrial fibrillation (AF) may be clinically silent and remain undiagnosed. To date, no estimates of the direct medical cost of undiagnosed AF exist. We estimated the US incremental cost burden of undiagnosed nonvalvular AF using administrative claims for working age and Medicare patients. To
Perceptions on the State of the Art in Verification and Validation in Cyber-Physical Systems

It is widely held that debugging cyber-physical systems (CPS) is challenging; many strongly held beliefs exist regarding how CPS are currently debugged and tested and the suitability of various techniques. For instance, dissenting opinions exist as to whether formal methods (including static analysis, theorem proving, and model checking) are appropriate in CPS verification and validation. Simulation tools and simulation-based testing are also often considered insufficient for CPS. Many “experts” posit that high-level programming languages (e.g., Java or C#) are not applicable to CPS due to their inability to address (significant) resource constraints at a high level of abstraction. To date, empirical studies investigating these questions have not been done. In this paper, we qualitatively and quantitatively analyze why debugging CPS remains challenging and either dispel or confirm these strongly held beliefs along the way. Specifically, we report on a structured online survey of 25 CPS researchers (10 participants classified themselves as CPS developers), semistructured interviews with nine practitioners across four continents, and a qualitative literature review. We report these results and discuss several implications for research and practice related to CPS.
The AC side output filter design of shunt active power filter

In order to resolve the problems of grid side current distortion amplification and damping resistance heating,an engineering design method of active power filter ac side output filter was proposed.Second order high-pass filter was selected as the topology of active power filter output filter.This paper discussed the design method of output filter based on comprehensive consideration of switching ripple current filtering,total harmonic distortion(THD),var of capacitor,power loss of output filter through theoretical analysis and simulation.The proposed method was used to design an output filter for a 50 kVA shunt active power filter.The results show that current ripple remains 1/4 of that before filtering,grid current THD rises about a point and damping resistor heating is controlled effectively through bypassing more than 90% frequency current.The results prove the validity of the proposed method.
EOSINOPHILIC GRANULOMA OF THE UPPER GI TRACT: A REPORT OF 3 CASES.

Three cases of eosinophilic granuloma of the upper gastrointestinal tract have been presented. A brief review reveals that the entity can simulate ulceration of either the stomach or duodenum, polyp, or carcinoma. Though numerous cases have been reported, the etiology remains unknown.
Optimal Fixed Interval Satellite Range Scheduling

The satellite scheduling community has provided several algorithms for allocating interaction windows between ground stations and satellites, from simple greedy approaches to more complex hybrid-genetic techniques. Single-location ground station problems, where requests have fixed time intervals and no priorities, are known to be solvable in polynomial time. To the best of our knowledge, no algorithm has been provided yet for solving multiple-location, prioritized scheduling problems optimally. We present an optimal polynomial time algorithm for a fixed number of ground stations (or satellites), based on a modified algorithm from the general scheduling literature. We conclude the paper by simulating the cases that demonstrate that the new optimal algorithm outperforms the reference greedy and genetic algorithms.
The open approach to mitral commissurotomy.

During the 10 year period to be reported, 1,092 operations were performed on the mitral valve at our institution. As the first half of the 10 year period progressed, the closed technique was used less and less, being reserved for patients with more favorable valves. However, the method still constituted 50 per cent for the period. During that 5 year period, the mortality rate was 4 per cent for the closed and 11 per cent for the open technique—a combined rate of 7.5 per cent. During the second 5 year period, the open technique was used exclusively, with a single death—a mortality rate of less than 1 per cent. The improved results for mitral commissurotomy in the second 5 year period were no doubt due to better selection of patients for the procedure, the freer replacement of badly diseased valves, and improvements in postoperative care. The operative and late deaths (5.3 per cent) in the open group have been analyzed. Of the surviving patients, all but 1 have been followed, and 73 per cent have been restored to Class 1 of the New York Heart Association.
Computational closed-loop controller design for active de-icing of wind turbines using distributed resistive heaters and temperature sensors

This paper explains the development of a numerical approach for the computational implementation of closed-loop active de-icing using distributed resistive heating and temperature sensing. The optimization tool in ANSYS is used for calculation of the optimal values of controller parameters. The results are presented for a continuous proportional controller and a pulsed proportional controller on a segment of a rotating 1.5 MW wind turbine blade. The results show that despite the simplicity of the controller scheme, its de-icing time is about 4 times faster than a constant heat flux thermal actuation with the same amount of total energy consumption while significantly reducing the maximum applied temperature to the blade structure. The results show that larger controller gains need to be selected for those heaters that are closer to the blade leading edge due to the larger amount of convective heat loss in that region.
The themes of Johannine theology

PRESUPPOSITIONS Every theology or system of thought takes for granted presuppositions or axioms that are regarded as generally held or uncontestable. In John certain inherited beliefs are treated as givens. That is, they are regarded as true, even if their meaning must be debated, inasmuch as the coming of Jesus Christ has upset all human presuppositions, axioms, and expectations. For John, Jesus Christ is the negation and judgment of this world insofar as it is independent of, and over against, God. God To mention God invites the question of the sense in which the existence and rule of God are axiomatic for the Fourth Gospel. Obviously, if the fourth evangelist were asked whether he believed in God, he would affirm such belief, but might counter by asking the questioner what God he or she believes in and how that belief could be validated. The fundamental question of the Fourth Gospel is the question of God, not whether a god exists but who is God and how God reveals himself. Thus the fundamental question or issue of the Gospel can be stated as the nature of revelation. What God is revealed, and how is God revealed? Should one answer for John that the God revealed is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as Moses and David, that answer would be correct as far as it goes.
An LP lower bound for rate distortion with variable side information

We consider a rate distortion problem with side information at multiple decoders. Several lower bounds have been proposed for this general problem or special cases of it. We provide a lower bound for general instances of this problem, which was inspired by a linear-programming lower bound for index coding, and show that it subsumes most of the lower bounds in literature. Using this bound, we explicitly characterize the rate distortion function of a problem which can be seen as a Gaussian analogue of the “odd-cycle” index coding problem.
The Role of Executive Functioning in Adolescent Rumination and Depression

Research has underscored the importance of adolescence in the development of depression and its associated key risk factors, namely rumination. Recently, there has been an emphasis on exploring the neuropsychological correlates of depression and rumination, including the role of executive functioning (EF). However, research has yet to fully elucidate the relationship among these constructs from a developmental perspective. The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between various components of EF, rumination, and depression among a normative sample of adolescents. A secondary aim of this study was to examine whether rumination mediates the relationship between EF and depression. Multiple regression analyses indicated a significant association between perseveration, set-shifting and inhibitory impairments and increased depressive symptomatology. Set-shifting deficits were also associated with higher levels of rumination. Additionally, rumination significantly mediated the relationship between impaired set-shifting and depressive symptoms. These findings add to the limited extant literature examining the associations among these constructs in a non-clinical sample of adolescents. Further, this study is the first to examine the mediating effects of rumination in youth.
Real Time LP Decoding of LDPC Codes for High Correction Performance Applications

The alternate direction method of multipliers is a recent linear programming error correcting approach which improves the decoding performance of LDPC codes compared with the best BP decoding techniques. In this letter, an efficient implementation of the ADMM LP decoding algorithm on a multicore architecture is presented. Its throughput performance level is about one order of magnitude higher than related works on the same multicore target. The proposed decoder’s throughput reaches up to 100 Mb/s which makes it viable for real time applications with tough error correction requirements.
Word Play: Scaffolding Language Development Through Child-Directed Play

Play is an important activity in young children’s lives. It is how children explore their world and build knowledge. Although free play, which is play that is totally child directed, contributes to children’s learning, self-regulation and motivation, adults’ participation in children’s play is critical in their development, especially their language development. Guided by children, adults can help scaffold children’s language, and especially their learning. We suggest that adults scaffold children’s language during play by using research based strategies such as asking questions that invite extended responses and new inquiry, provide meaningful feedback and effectively use wait time, which provides children with the opportunity to respond to adults’ comments and questions. The goal is to provide adults with strategies to scaffold children’s language development during play while allowing children to direct their own play activities.
Identifying potential utility of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta: An autopsy study.

BACKGROUNDResuscitative thoracotomy (RT) has been the standard therapy in patients with acute arrest due to hemorrhagic shock. However, with the development of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA), its role as a potential adjunct to a highly morbid intervention such as R
Reconceptualizing Autism: An Alternative Paradigm for Social Work Practice

Autism is a complex, often misunderstood condition. More than a neurological disorder, autism can also be viewed as a different cognitive style or an alternative way of perceiving and reacting to t...
Increased litter size in Rambouillet sheep: I. Estimation of genetic parameters.

The variance and covariance components needed to estimate heritabilities of and genetic correlations among litter size, ovulation rate, scrotal circumference, and BW in a flock of Rambouillet sheep were estimated using REML via an expectation-maximization type algorithm. The heritability estimates from univariate analyses were .14, .21, .25, .36, and .15 for litter size, ovulation rate, scrotal circumference, 180-d BW of females, and 180-d BW of males, respectively, and average heritability estimates from bivariate analyses were .19, .20, .20, .34, and .10 for litter size, ovulation rate, scrotal circumference, 180-d BW of females, and 180-d BW of males, respectively. The genetic correlation between litter size and ovulation rate was near unity. Body weight in ewes had a moderate genetic correlation with both litter size (.22) and ovulation rate (.20) and a low residual correlation with both litter size (.03) and ovulation rate (.09). The genetic correlation between BW in rams and scrotal circumference was 0, whereas the residual correlation was .71. The genetic correlations of scrotal circumference with litter size and ovulation rate were -.25 and +.20, respectively.
Glutamate metabolism in primary cultures of rat brain astrocytes: rationale and initial efforts toward developing a compartmental model.

During the past 20 years, there has been a tremendous increase in neuroscience research and in the amount of information known about the brain. However, there is a great need to integrate the many bits of knowledge about subcellular processes and molecular mechanisms into the broader context of cellular function and into an overall picture of the dynamic neuronal/glial interactions essential for brain function. The area of brain energy metabolism and neurotransmission has undergone a dramatic resurgence in recent years. It is a field replete with exciting new findings that have overturned long-held ‘dogmas’ and contributed greatly to our understanding of how closely disturbances in energy metabolism are associated with clinical conditions that involve neurodegeneration. The rapid advances in this field are a result of sophisticated methodologies including 13C, 15N, 31P, and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and GC/MS, in vivo microdialysis, implantable electrodes capable of measuring metabolite changes in real time, in vivo imaging, and molecular biology techniques. These techniques have enabled researchers to ask more complex questions about mechanisms underlying metabolic alterations in both normal and pathological conditions.
Simple, Rapid Method for Determination of Total Extractable Fat in Canned Pet Foods

The rapid column method described, unlike AOAC method 7.056, determines both neutral ("crude") and total fat in canned pet foods, and uses nonflammable solvent mixtures and simple laboratory equipment. Neutral fat values are obtained by eluting the column with dichloromethane, whereas total fat values are determined by using dichloromethane-methanol (9 + 1). For 7 samples analyzed in triplicate, fat ranged from 2.9 to 10.8%. Neutral fat values by the dry column method were significantly lower (P less than 0.05) than were those by 7.056 (6.29 vs 6.49), although these differences were practically unimportant. Total fat determinations by the dry column method and by 7.056 yielded overall means of 7.40 and 6.49%, respectively. The 0.91% mean difference is significant (P less than 0.01) and represents a more complete extraction of polar lipids by the proposed method.
Customizable neuro-mechanical model of a hemiplegic elbow interacting with a pseudoelastic dynamic orthosis

This paper presents a clinically-oriented mathematical model of the elbow, capable to simulate treatment scenarios, particularly in the case of orthotic therapy by pseudoelastic stretching braces. The model is divided into two patient-customizable lumped-parameter subsystems to include spinal mono- and poly-synaptic reflexes, joint contracture, muscle co-contraction, dystonia and spasticity on one side; plastic remodeling and therapeutic variables, on the other. An example of simulation is presented mimicking application of the NiTi-based brace EDGES during 1 month, 12h/day on a mock chronic hemiplegic subject. The model can be used to plan brace prescription and foresee patient-specific results.
Roles of Cations in the Structure, Stability and Condensation of DNA

Divalent metal cations alter DNA structure by inducing helix-to-coil transitions, right- to left-handed helical transitions in alternating GC sequences, multi-stranded helical complexes in guanine tandem repeats, non-specific aggregation at elevated temperatures, and condensation of the polynucleotide chain in solutions of low dielectric constant. The ability of a divalent metal cation to influence DNA structure makes it a potential modulator of DNA function. It is therefore important to identify the metal-ion binding sites of DNA and determine how binding may affect secondary and tertiary structures. DNA-metal cation interactions and their effects on DNA structure have been investigated by a variety of techniques, including vibrational spectroscopy. Literature surveys are given elsewhere.1–3 Here, we have employed Raman spectroscopy to assess nucleic acid binding sites and to characterize and compare the perturbations to DNA secondary and tertiary structures induced in DNA by alkaline earth ions (Sr2+, Ba2+, Mg2+ and Ca2+) and transition metal ions (Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Pd2+, Cu2+ and Cd2+).3 The large body of experimental data has been synthesized into correlation plots which reveal relationships between perturbations of structure-sensitive Raman bands and the types of metal ions involved. We have utilized double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) of two different sizes: a mononucleosomal calf-thymus DNA fragment of 160 base pairs (bp) and genomic calf thymus DNA comprising fragments greater than 23 kbp. The role of Mg2+ in stabilizing the condensed state of dsDNA in the bacteriophage P22 capsid is also considered.
Rationale for Individualizing Interventions to Promote Adjustment to the Nursing Home

This study was designed to determine whether certain variables were predictors of nursing home residents' membership in groups representing qualitative categories of nursing home adjustment. Responses of 186 residents to an open-ended question about how they handled the change to nursing home life were coded as very good, fair, or poor; an adjustment variable was created on the basis of this classification. Analysis of variance of random samples from each adjustment group showed that affect and social support varied significantly with adjustment. However, when discriminant analysis was applied, the three groups could not be differentiated using measure of affect, life satisfaction, social support, participation in the decisions leading to admission, nursing home satisfaction, or health. Based on the conclusion that adjustment to the nursing home is a unique experience for each individual, strategies were proposed for individualizing interventions to enable adjustment.
Isoxazolo[3,4-d]pyridazinones positively modulate the metabotropic glutamate subtypes 2 and 4

Abstract Isoxazolo[3,4-d] pyridazinones ([3,4-d]s) are selective positive modulators of the metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) subtypes 2 and 4, with no functional cross reactivity at mGluR1a, mGLuR5 or mGluR8. Modest binding for two of the [3,4-d]s is observed at the allosteric fenobam mGluR5 site, but not sufficient to translate into a functional effect. The structure activity relationship (SAR) for mGluR2 and mGluR4 are distinct: the compounds which select for mGluR2 all contain fluorine on the N-6 aryl group. Furthermore, the [3,4-d]s in this study showed no significant binding at inhibitory GABAA, nor excitatory NMDA receptors, and previously we had disclosed that they lack significant activity at the System Xc-Antiporter. A homology model based on Conn’s mGluR1 crystal structure was examined, and suggested explanations for a preference for allosteric over orthosteric binding, subtype selectivity, and suggested avenues for optimization of efficacy as a reasonable working hypothesis.
The planned destruction of Chinatowns in the United States and Canada since c.1900

Unlike virtually all other old immigrant enclaves in North American cities, the historic downtown Chinatowns of big cities in the United States and Canada largely survive, though not for lack of pl...
Using DNA methylation to validate an electronic medical record phenotype for smoking.

A validated, scalable approach to characterizing (phenotyping) smoking status is needed to facilitate genetic discovery. Using established DNA methylation sites from blood samples as a criterion standard for smoking behavior, we compare three candidate electronic medical record (EMR) smoking metrics based on longitudinal EMR text notes. With data from the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS), we employed a validated algorithm to translate each smoking-related text note into current, past or never categories. We compared three alternative summary characterizations of smoking: most recent, modal and trajectories using descriptive statistics and Spearman's correlation coefficients. Logistic regression and area under the curve analyses were used to compare the associations of these phenotypes with the DNA methylation sites, cg05575921 and cg03636183, which are known to have strong associations with current smoking. DNA methylation data were available from the VACS Biomarker Cohort (VACS-BC), a sub-study of VACS. We also considered whether the associations differed by the certainty of trajectory group assignment (<0.80/≥0.80). Among 140 152 VACS participants, EMR summary smoking phenotypes varied in frequency by the metric chosen: current from 33 to 53 percent; past from 16 to 24 percent and never from 24 to 33 percent. The association between the EMR smoking pairs was highest for modal and trajectories (rho = 0.89). Among 728 individuals in the VACS-BC, both DNA methylation sites were associated with all three EMR summary metrics (p < 0.001), but the strongest association with both methylation sites was observed for trajectories (p < 0.001). Longitudinal EMR smoking data support using a summary phenotype, the validity of which is enhanced when data are integrated into statistical trajectories.
On the Destabilizing Effect of Liquids in Various Vehicles∗ (part 1)

SUMMARY The unrestrained free surface of a liquid has an alarming propensity to undergo large excursions for even very small motions of the container. This fact may endanger the stability, as well as the riding and maneuvering quality of the vehicle considerably. It is particularly true for fuel- or cargo tanks of automotive vehicles, railroad tank cars, for fuel tanks of large ships and tankers, for which violent sea conditions at times result in fairly large amplitudes of pitching, heaving and rolling, as well as for airplanes and spacevehicles flying through atmospheric disturbances. The response of liquids contained in cargo- or fuel tanks is therefore of quite some concern, especially in those cases where the sloshing liquid masses occupy a large amount of the total mass of the vehicle. For this reason the theory of liquid motion with a free surface is presented for containers of various geometries. Forces and moments of the liquid exerted upon the vehicle are presented and a simple mechanical model ...
Reliable LC-MS Multiattribute Method for Biotherapeutics by Run-Time Response Calibration

A major challenge of a mass-spectrometry-based quantitative multiattribute method (MAM) for biotherapeutics is its high variability between instruments. For reproducible attribute measurements, not only is a similar instrument model required, but the instruments must also be tuned to the same condition. This poses great long-term challenges, considering the rapid development of new instrumentations. In addition, differences in digestion efficiency, peptide recovery, and artificial modifications during sample preparation also contribute to variability between laboratories. To overcome these challenges, new mathematical methods are developed to calculate the attribute abundance in the sample, using the reference standard (RS) material as calibrant. Most quality attributes in the RS remain constant throughout the life of the standard, and therefore, the RS can serve as a calibrant to correct for the difference between instruments or sample preparation procedures. Because RS data are usually collected in a MAM assay, no additional work is required from the analyst. Data from a large number of attributes demonstrated that these methodologies greatly reduced instrument-to-instrument and sample preparation variabilities. With these methodologies, a consistent instrument model and sample preparation procedure is no longer a requirement. As a result, changes in digestion procedure and advances in instrumentations will not significantly affect the assay result.
Detailed PDE Analysis

Abstract The PDEs are studied in detail, including the derivatives in space and time. Linear diffusion based on Fick's first law and nonlinear chemotaxis diffusion are both evaluated and displayed. For the latter, the contribution of the elements of the 3 x 3 diffusivity tensor is demonstrated.
Ribosome Collisions Result in +1 Frameshifting in the Absence of No-Go Decay

During translation, an mRNA is typically occupied by multiple ribosomes sparsely distributed across the coding sequence. This distribution, mediated by slow rates of initiation relative to elongation, ensures that they rarely collide with each other, but given the stochastic nature of protein synthesis, collision events do occur. Recent work from our lab suggested that collisions signal for mRNA degradation through no-go decay (NGD). We have explored the impact of stalling on ribosome function when NGD is compromised and found it to result in +1 frameshifting. We used reporters that limit the number of ribosomes on a transcript to show that +1 frameshifting is induced through ribosome collision in yeast and bacteria. Furthermore, we observe a positive correlation between ribosome density and frameshifting efficiency. It is thus tempting to speculate that NGD, in addition to its role in mRNA quality control, evolved to cope with stochastic collision events to prevent deleterious frameshifting events.
The Minimum Number of Attempts for a Reliable Isometric Strength Test Score

The maximal isometric strength test is widely used in general, athletic, and clinical populations. However, this test has often been used without considering how many trials are needed or appropriate to obtain reliable test scores. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the maximal isometric strength test in upper and lower body for the purpose of determining the reliability of best isometric strength score and the ideal number of trials for a reliable test score. One hundred and twelve healthy adults were assigned to four different groups (elbow flexion with the vertical and horizontal forearm positions, knee flexion, and knee extension). After familiarization, all participants performed three maximal isometric voluntary contractions with the designated muscle group. The reliability of best isometric strength test score was calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) from a one-way ANOVA model. The Spearman–Brown prophecy formula was used to identify the minimum number of trials needed. The reliability of the best maximal isometric strength test scores out of three trials were high (ICC = 0.92 to 0.98). At least two trials of maximal isometric strength test for knee flexion and one trial for elbow flexion and knee extension would be necessary to achieve an acceptable reliability coefficient of 0.80. In addition, one trial of elbow flexion would be enough for women, but men would need two trials. Our results suggest that overall, at least two trials would be necessary to test isometric strength in upper and lower body muscles in both sexes.
Application of a multi-sector parabolic equation approach to compute acoustic scattering by non-canonically shaped impenetrable objects

While parabolic equation (PE) methods have seen great use in ocean acoustic waveguide propagation, it is not as widely known that a multi-sector PE method, originally proposed by Levy and Zaporozhets [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 103, 735–741 (1998)], can be applied to compute the scattered field about an object. Previous work was only able to benchmark the method with canonical geometries. In this talk, we demonstrate favorable agreement between free-field PE-based and finite-element based computations, the latter being taken as a benchmark, in two and three dimensions for non-canonically shaped impenetrable objects. Run-time scaling comparisons are also presented, which demonstrate the great advantage of the PE method in the high-frequency limit when a target is several or more wavelengths long. We also show how wide-angle PE and multiple-scattering corrections can be incorporated to treat concave scatterers. [Work sponsored by the Office of Naval Research.]While parabolic equation (PE) methods have seen great use in ocean acoustic waveguide propagation, it is not as widely known that a multi-sector PE method, originally proposed by Levy and Zaporozhets [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 103, 735–741 (1998)], can be applied to compute the scattered field about an object. Previous work was only able to benchmark the method with canonical geometries. In this talk, we demonstrate favorable agreement between free-field PE-based and finite-element based computations, the latter being taken as a benchmark, in two and three dimensions for non-canonically shaped impenetrable objects. Run-time scaling comparisons are also presented, which demonstrate the great advantage of the PE method in the high-frequency limit when a target is several or more wavelengths long. We also show how wide-angle PE and multiple-scattering corrections can be incorporated to treat concave scatterers. [Work sponsored by the Office of Naval Research.]
Emotion regulation dynamics predict substance use in high-risk adolescents.

Abstract Emotional factors such as stress and anxiety contribute to risk of substance use in adolescents. Descriptive measures of within-person affect variability are often used to predict morbidity, but indices derived from theoretical models may provide more interpretable alternatives. A continuous-time state-space model of emotion regulation as closed-loop feedback control was used to estimate the homeostatic tendency of affect in each of 94 adolescent participants. The resulting indices of emotion regulation were then compared to within-person affect sum score means and standard deviations in predicting total counts of nicotine, alcohol, and cannabis use. Model-based emotion regulation was significantly associated with lower frequencies of nicotine, alcohol, and cannabis use, while mean negative affect sum score was associated with higher frequencies. Model comparisons revealed that while model-based predictors and descriptive statistics explained similar amounts of variance in substance use, the explained variance proportions were independent between the approaches. The greatest predictive value was achieved by a combined model with both sets of affect indices. We conclude that theoretically defined and model-estimated individual characteristics may serve an important role in conceptualizing and predicting substance use behavior.
The German Shakespeare

Over The past four hundred years, Shakespeare has played a significant role within a European framework, particularly, where a series of political events and ideologies were being shaped. The birth of the nation during the late 18th and 19th centuries, the first and second world wars, the process of European unification during the 1990s, are a case in point. This part challenges the idea of an all-encompassing universal Shakespeare by demonstrating that Shakespeare and his plays transmitted across different histories, languages, and traditions meant something significantly different in these geographical contexts. Rejecting the existence of a universally absolute and singular Shakespearean meaning, I attempt to demonstrate that Shakespeare is always what he is imagined to be in a cultural and historical context. The various local and national appropriations and the universality of the cultural icon, “Shakespeare”, clash in the daily practice of interpreting, performing, and teaching his plays. This paper discusses Shakespeare’s appropriation and performance in East Germany. It focuses on the theatrical production and its cultural context in this country.