cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The POTRA domains of Toc75 exhibit chaperone-like function to facilitate import into chloroplasts

Protein trafficking across membranes is an essential function in cells; however, the exact mechanism for how this occurs is not well understood. In the endosymbionts, mitochondria and chloroplasts, the vast majority of proteins are synthesized in the cytoplasm as preproteins and then imported into the organelles via specialized machineries. In chloroplasts, protein import is accomplished by the TOC (translocon on the outer chloroplast membrane) and TIC (translocon on the inner chloroplast membrane) machineries in the outer and inner envelope membranes, respectively. TOC mediates initial recognition of preproteins at the outer membrane and includes a core membrane channel, Toc75, and two receptor proteins, Toc33/34 and Toc159, each containing GTPase domains that control preprotein binding and translocation. Toc75 is predicted to have a β-barrel fold consisting of an N-terminal intermembrane space (IMS) domain and a C-terminal 16-stranded β-barrel domain. Here we report the crystal structure of the N-terminal IMS domain of Toc75 from Arabidopsis thaliana, revealing three tandem polypeptide transport-associated (POTRA) domains, with POTRA2 containing an additional elongated helix not observed previously in other POTRA domains. Functional studies show an interaction with the preprotein, preSSU, which is mediated through POTRA2-3. POTRA2-3 also was found to have chaperone-like activity in an insulin aggregation assay, which we propose facilitates preprotein import. Our data suggest a model in which the POTRA domains serve as a binding site for the preprotein as it emerges from the Toc75 channel and provide a chaperone-like activity to prevent misfolding or aggregation as the preprotein traverses the intermembrane space.
Redefining Learning Places in the Emerging Digital Ecosystem

This chapter examines how virtual places may expand rather than merely replicate the physical classroom. Taken as a whole digital learning tools, communities, and networks combine to create a digital learning ecosystem, articulated by both digital and social networks, that is a key location for learning outside of formal institutions. If the mission of liberal arts education is to create lifelong learners, then these learners must learn how to learn through applied, experiential learning activities in the places where they will learn for the rest of their lives. What might that look like and how can we prepare our students for that learning ecosystem in the context of our increasingly digital world?
Approximating Exogenous Variation in R&D: Evidence from the Kentucky and North Carolina SBIR State Match Programs

This paper exploits policy discontinuities at U.S. state borders to examine the effect of R&D investments on innovative projects. We examine the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) State Matc...
Disintegrating Bodies: The Undoing of the Discourse of War in Palleja’s Diario (1865–66)

The opening chapter presents a reading of a diary written by Colonel Leon de Palleja, member of the Uruguayan forces during the Paraguayan War (1864–1870). Colonel Palleja died in this war, in which Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay joined their forces against Paraguay. Far from the nationalistic, simplifying, and fanatic opinions so frequent among the approaches to the conflict in those days (and up to the present), the author argues that in Palleja’s Diario de la campana de las fuerzas aliadas contra el Paraguay, war is narrated as loneliness, abandonment, suffering, and desperation. These chronicles bear witness to the decimation of the Uruguayan soldiers in their voyage to the Paraguayan front. The author discusses the ways in which Palleja’s text undermines the very discourse of war.
The Third World Project of National and Social Liberation

This chapter reviews the Third World project of the national and social liberation of the period 1946 to 1979, formulated by the giants of the anti-colonial struggles of the Third World. It analyzes the derailing of the Third World project, in conjunction with the imposition of the neoliberal project, with the cooperation of accommodationists of the Third World, powerfully criticized by Fidel. This chapter maintains that there has been a renewal of the Third World project of since 1994. In Latin America, a political change has occurred, represented by ALBA, UNASUR, and CELAC. In the Third World as a whole, the renewal is evident in the formation of BRICS and in the retaking of the historic Third World agenda by the Non-Aligned Movement.
Current U.S. State Legislation Related to Food Allergen Management

Significant progress towards implementing laws to improve food allergen and food allergy management in the U.S. has been made in recent years. In particular, many state laws have been enacted that have improved food allergen awareness and accessibility to epinephrine treatment. Within the last eight years, five states have required restaurants to post food allergen signage and/or implement food allergen training for restaurant managers. Progress in schools has been even more widespread: All states now allow students to carry and self-administer epinephrine, and all states except one allow schools to carry stock epinephrine. Many states now require schools to have food allergy management plans. Federal laws that established food allergy as a protected disability (Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act of 2008), improved labeling for packaged foods (Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004) and brought the same level of manufacturing control over food allergens as has previously occurred for foodborne pathogens (Food Safety Modernization Act) helped support state efforts, in part by increasing awareness of food allergies and food allergens. Federal initiatives have also provided example documents (such as the FDA Food Code and food allergy management guidelines) that can be adapted for state use, and have provided financial incentives for states to improve epinephrine availability in schools and school districts to adopt food allergy management guidelines.
Completing the circle.

The use of immunological diversity to generate selective catalysts has come full circle, to the realization that antibodies have an intrinsic catalytic ability to destroy antigens.
Adrenal Insufficiency in Hemorrhagic Shock

Adrenal insufficiency during sepsis is well documented. The association between hemorrhagic shock and adrenal insufficiency is unclear and may be related to ischemia, necrosis, or resuscitation. This study was designed to determine the incidence of relative adrenal insufficiency in hemorrhagic shock. A retrospective review of a prospectively gathered database for patients admitted to the trauma intensive care unit with hemorrhagic shock was undertaken. A random serum cortisol of <25 mcg/dL defined relative adrenal insufficiency. All of the cortisol levels were drawn within the first 24 hours of admission. Data analyzed included demographics, length of stay, injury mechanism, infections, and mortality. Fifteen patients presented with hemorrhagic shock, with 14 of 15 meeting the criteria for relative adrenal insufficiency. The average serum cortisol level was 15.8 (9-26.8). The average APACHE II score was 18.3 (4-33), and the average Injury Severity Score was 22.5 (8-41). The mechanism was blunt trauma in 10 patients and penetrating trauma in 5. The average intensive care unit and hospital length of stay were 13.2 and 27.4 days, respectively. There were five urinary tract infections, four blood stream infections, and two wound infections. Two of the 15 patients died. Relative adrenal insufficiency appears to be common in hemorrhagic shock. Future research is warranted to elucidate the pathophysiology, as well as to prospectively determine which patients may benefit from steroid replacement.
Micromachining of Titanium Alloys

Titanium alloys are widely used in aerospace, automotive, and biomedical industries due to their high specific strength (strength-to-weight ratio), excellent mechanical properties, and outstanding corrosion resistance. Although many of the current industrial applications of titanium alloys are at a larger scale, they can be used for microscale applications as well, especially where lightweight, and biocompatibility of titanium alloys are advantageous. Some of the important applications of microstructures made of titanium alloys are next-generation vascular stents, drug-eluting stents (DES), micro-opto-electromechanical systems (MOEMS), microfluidics, and bio-micro-electromechanical systems (bio-MEMS). In this book chapter, a comprehensive overview on micromachining of titanium alloys has been presented. The available literature on conventional, nonconventional, and hybrid micromachining of various titanium alloys has been covered in this book chapter. Starting on the methodology of the process in each case, the book chapter describes the effects of key machining parameters and performance criterions depending on previous works on those respective fields. In addition, micromachining challenges, such as burr formation, tool wear, property change of recast layer, improper surface finish, etc. have been addressed for each machining process and steps to overcome those issues have been suggested. Finally, a reflection on future research directions on the area of micromachining of titanium alloys has been included at the end of the chapter.
Ethnic matching: A two-state comparison of child welfare workers' attitudes

Abstract The purpose of this study is to explore child welfare workers' perspectives on ethnic matching in child welfare service delivery. Specifically, regarding ethnic matching; the authors investigate worker perceptions of advantages and disadvantages, worker preferences, ‘goodness of fit’ issues, barriers to implementation, enhancement of family engagement, and positive outcomes for families and children of color involved in child welfare services. Using qualitative interviews with child welfare workers who are currently or have recently been employed in public child welfare agencies in two states in the USA, this study provides direct input from frontline personnel and supervisors. A grounded theory analysis of participant responses produced results that reflect the complexities involved with ethnic matching. Themes highlight potential benefits and challenges concerning ethnic matching; along with identification of other issues involved with client outcomes. Study findings also provide contextual information for research, policy making, and practice concerning the manner in which services are provided to children of color, who are currently overrepresented in the system.
Resource acquisition and allocation traits in symbiotic rhizobia with implications for life-history outside of legume hosts.

Resources that microbial symbionts obtain from hosts may enhance fitness during free-living stages when resources are comparatively scarce. For rhizobia in legume root nodules, diverting resources ...
WTO Legal Reform: The Need for Revisiting the Treatment Accorded to China as a Non-Market Economy in Trade Remedies

The case of China’s non-market economy treatment at the WTO might be the typical case where (economic) reality outdoes (legal) theory or, perhaps, expectations. By 2001, when the WTO let China in, its Protocol of Accession (PoA) included special trade remedies provisions regarding China’s economic model. Today, China and other members fight fiercely at WTO, and elsewhere, over the validity and scope of some PoA's expired rules that set out the commitments by which -arguably- China was expected to become a market economy by December 2016. Aimed at contributing to the debate, this paper analyzes and thus proposes elements for a reform to the WTO’s trade remedies legal framework, so as to solve those conflicts by means of multilateral negotiations in lieu of complex judicial adjudications. Negotiation is hence suggested as the most legitimate, pragmatic, and long-lasting means to ensure the preservation of the trade remedies mechanism. Otherwise, the use of de facto measures, coupled with increasing bilateral disputes, shall steadily undermine its creditworthiness.
Particle Accelerators in Space: Recent News from VERITAS

Abstract Our universe carries a small but important population of highly energetic denizens: supernova remnants with fast shocks, pulsars with powerful winds, intensely-interacting binary systems built from a compact object and a massive star, relativistic jets launched by supermassive black holes. All of these environments conspire to generate populations of nonthermal particles, and observations of the very high energy (VHE; E > 100 GeV) gamma rays produced by these particles are gradually revealing the methods by which Nature accelerates cosmic rays, as well as the ways in which those cosmic rays escape and diffuse into the interstellar medium. These observations include studies of cosmic-ray acceleration in the supernova remnants Cassiopeia A and IC 443, follow-up of unidentified HAWC sources, and the remarkable Fall 2017 periastron passage of VER J2032+4127, the 50-year-period binary system containing PSR J2032+4127 and a Be star. Fast TeV gamma-ray flares coincidental with the emergence of superluminal radio knots from the blazar BL Lac can be interpreted in terms of a coherent scenario of jet particle flow and radiation. The recent TeV gamma-ray discovery of the radio galaxy 3C 264 adds a new member to the small population of off-axis jets available for study. Meanwhile, the direct detection for the first time of gravitational wave (GW) transients by Advanced LIGO has motivated searches for their electromagnetic counterparts at all wavelengths. Neutrino astronomy is an emerging area of study in high-energy astrophysics, and astrophysical neutrinos are natural cousins of VHE gamma rays. The VERITAS gamma-ray observatory has an active program of follow-up observations in the directions of potentially astrophysical high-energy neutrinos detected by IceCube, as well as in the direction of GW transients. In this talk, we discuss recent results from the VERITAS galactic, extragalactic, and multi-messenger Follow-up programs.
An analytical formulation of isotope fractionation due to self-shielding.

Abstract Isotope fractionation due to photochemical self-shielding is believed to be responsible for the enrichment of inner solar system planetary materials in the rare isotopes of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen relative to the Sun. Self-shielding may also contribute to sulfur isotope mass-independent fractionation in modern atmospheric sulfates, although its role in the early Earth atmosphere has not yet been convincingly established. Here, I present an analytical formulation of isotopic photodissociation rate coefficients that describe self-shielding isotope signatures for 3 and 4-isotope systems broadly representative of O and S isotopes. The analytic equations are derived for idealized molecular spectra, making an analytic formulation tractable. The idealized spectra characterize key features of actual isotopologue spectra, particularly for CO and SO2, but are applicable to many small molecules and their isotopologues. The analytic expressions are convenient for evaluating the magnitude of isotope effects without having to pursue involved numerical solutions. More importantly, the analytic expressions illustrate the origin of particular isotope signatures, such as the previously unexplained large mass-dependent fractionation associated with photodissociation of optically-thick SO2. The formulation presented here elucidates the origin of some of these important isotopic fractionation processes.
Research opportunities in the study of B2B new ventures: Perspectives from the entrepreneurship literature

Abstract The goal of this article is to identify research opportunities for scholars interested in B2B new ventures. The author focuses on opportunities that arise from a consideration of three important topics in the entrepreneurship literature: business model development, venture legitimacy, and top management teams. It is argued that significant opportunities exist for research that expands our understanding of (1) entrepreneurial paths from initial means to a fully specified business model, (2) the design of a portfolio of legitimation strategies, and (3) the impact of top management team characteristics and processes on venture characteristics, venture performance, and top management team outcomes.
Validation of Critical Ages in Regional Adult Brain Maturation

Some aspects of the brain change volume at a fairly constant rate across the life span, i.e. linear maturation rate with respect to age, whereas other aspects of the brain change volume at different rates for younger versus older age ranges, i.e. nonlinear changes. Various forms of nonlinear maturation likely reflect different biological mechanisms such that theoretical distinctions between maturation patterns ought to be considered. Simulated data with known maturation patterns and a single critical age characterizing a qualitative change in maturation were used to establish the validity of a nonparametric fitting method, the smoothing spline, combined with processing steps for determining the form of the pattern and the associated critical age. Multiple classes of models were assessed, including model-free, bottom up approaches. Three categories of maturation patterns were explored: U-shaped, with a change in direction; sigmoidal, with an isolated period of change; accelerating, with changes in amplitude but not direction. As noise is a limiting factor in curve fitting, smoothing splines were fit to data with idealized low and realistic noise levels. The smoothing spline was shown to contain the relevant information to extract the critical ages of all maturation patterns in the form of derivative zero points, but the previously proposed method of using third derivative zero points worked only for the accelerating category. Therefore, an additional classification step was included to first determine the category of maturation pattern. Classification accuracy and identification of the calculated critical age within 5 years of the actual critical age was found to be perfect for low noise and high for realistic noise levels. To demonstrate the applicability of the method, a reevaluation of published biological data previously analyzed using third derivative zero points to determine critical ages was carried out for 17 aspects of MRI scans from 1100 subjects. For a majority of nonlinear areas, new critical ages were identified. Further modifications to the analysis procedure could include a wider set of maturation patterns and the inclusion of multiple critical ages to help determine distinctions between brain areas in the timing of developmental or degenerative events that influence their volume.
Prevalence and Causes of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage in Children

PURPOSE Subconjunctival hemorrhage (SCH) is an easily diagnosed ocular finding that may result from traumatic or medical causes. SCH has been reported as a sign of occult abusive injury, but there are limited published data about SCH during childhood. We sought to determine the prevalence and causes of SCH in children. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of children seen by pediatric ophthalmologists in an outpatient setting over a 4-year period. Reasons for examination included the wide variety of disorders evaluated by pediatric ophthalmologists, including amblyopia, strabismus, blurry vision, …
Development assistance and Boserupian intensification under geopolitical isolation: The political ecology of a crop-livestock integration project in Burundi

Abstract While the New Green Revolution for Africa, a donor supported approach emphasizing high external input agriculture, has been in vogue in many African countries, politically isolated states like Burundi face a different set of constraints and opportunities. Due to political irregularities, international human rights concerns, and tensions with its neighbors, Burundi has been increasingly isolated from international markets. This isolation, combined with poor households more limited access to credit, means that agricultural development actors must consider different approaches to improving agricultural production and household food security. One such initiative, known as the Crop Livestock Integration Project (CLiP), focused on crop-livestock integration and intensification using locally available and affordable resources. An assessment conducted by the author in late 2016 suggests that CLiP was promoting an agroecological model of pro-poor, Boserupian intensification that makes sense in a place like Burundi. While this innovation was occurring under very challenging political economic circumstances in Burundi, and was contested within the International Crop Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) hierarchy, it may serve as a model for promoting resilience and food security at the community level in a variety of contexts. This case is also an interesting example of how agricultural development approaches are often co-produced as their conception and implementation are modified across multiple scales, and how agricultural development knowledge is contested or subverted within an international development institution.
Effect of atomic layer deposited Al2O3 and subsequent annealing on the nanomechanical properties on various substrates

This paper studies the effect of atomic layer deposited Al2O3 and consequent annealing on the mechanical properties on different substrates. Uniform Al2O3 thin film with a thickness of ~ 100 nm was deposited on different substrates including Si (100), Al2O3 (0001), and yttria-stabilized zirconia (100). Nanoindentation results indicate that the deposition of Al2O3 layer reduces the film-substrate system mechanical properties including hardness (from ~ 9.6–24.5 to ~ 9.1–17.0 GPa), elastic modulus (from ~ 140.7–254.0 to ~ 132.5–240.4 GPa), and fracture toughness (from ~ 0.87–1.26 to ~ 0.36–0.98 MPa√m) for each substrate. Meanwhile, peeling and fracturing of the thin film can also be observed after nanoindentation. Subsequent 10 min annealing at 1000 °C in argon leads to the crystallization of the deposited Al2O3 thin film, therefore, enhance the film-substrate system mechanical properties (hardness ~ 15.9–24.8 GPa, elastic modulus ~ 228.0–356.8 GPa). The annealing process can also increase the adhesion force between the thin film and consequently no cracks after nanoindentation.
Factors associated with hospitalization in patients (pts) with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (LA-HNSCC) treated with definitive chemoradiation (CRT).

e18035Background: Definitive CRT is the standard of care for LA-HNSCC and associated with mucosal toxicity and treatment-related morbidity. Nutritional support via gastrostomy tube (G-tube) during ...
CLAMP regulates zygotic genome activation in Drosophila embryos

Embryonic patterning is critically dependent on zygotic genome activation (ZGA). In Drosophila melanogaster embryos, the pioneer factor Zelda directs ZGA, possibly in conjunction with other factors. Here, we have explored the novel involvement of Chromatin-Linked Adapter for MSL Proteins (CLAMP) during ZGA. CLAMP binds thousands of sites genome-wide throughout early embryogenesis. Interestingly, CLAMP relocates to target promoter sequences across the genome when ZGA is initiated. Although there is a considerable overlap between CLAMP and Zelda binding sites, the proteins display distinct temporal dynamics. To assess whether CLAMP occupancy affects gene expression, we analyzed transcriptomes of embryos zygotically compromised for either clamp or zelda and found that transcript levels of many zygotically activated genes are similarly affected. Importantly, compromising either clamp or zelda disrupted the expression of critical segmentation and sex determination genes bound by CLAMP (and Zelda). Furthermore, clamp knockdown embryos recapitulate other phenotypes observed in Zelda-depleted embryos, including nuclear division defects, centrosome aberrations, and a disorganized actomyosin network. Based on these data, we propose that CLAMP acts in concert with Zelda to regulate early zygotic transcription.
Effective and Trustworthy Implementation of AI Soft Law Governance

This special issue (in cooperation with the IEEE Technology and Society Magazine , December 2021) is dedicated to examining the governance of artificial intelligence (AI) through soft law. This kind of law is considered “soft” as opposed to “hard” because it comes in the form of governance programs whose goal is to create substantive expectations that are not directly enforceable by government [1] , [2] . Soft law materializes out of necessity to enable a technological innovation to thrive and not be hampered by disparate heterogeneous practices that may negatively impact its trajectory, causing a premature “valley of death” exit scenario [3] . Soft laws are meant to be “just in time” to grant industry fundamental guidance when dealing with complex socio-technical assemblages that may have significant socio-legal implications upon diffusion into the market. Anticipatory governance is closely connected with soft law, in that intended and unintended consequences of a new technology may well be anticipated and proactively addressed [4] .
A Critical Review of Aroma Therapeutic Applications for Textiles

The aim of this study was to review and assess the development of aroma therapeutic applications in textile products. Recent studies have shown that aroma-enhanced textiles are being developed in the areas of sustainability, environmental consciousness, health and well-being, and enhanced brand awareness. Some essential oils, which can be used to infuse textiles with aromas, are also known to have antimicrobial properties that are useful for medical textile applications. A summary presents some conclusions about the current state of knowledge in this area and provides suggestions for applications and integration in consumer products.
An Introduction to the Fundamentals and Implementation of Wireless Local Positioning Systems

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction WLPS Structure WLPS Performance Investigation Adaptive BF Techniques Novel DOA and TOA Estimation Algorithms WLPS Design and Structure Conclusions Acknowledgments References
Inactivation of Clostridium botulinum type A neurotoxin by trypsin and purification of two tryptic fragments. Proteolytic action near the COOH-terminus of the heavy subunit destroys toxin-binding activity

Limited treatment of Clostridium botulinum type A neurotoxin with trypsin resulted in the cleavage of the heavy (95000 Da) subunit at approximately the mid-position and a loss of toxic activity. The rate of toxicity loss was considerably faster than that of mid-chain cleavage; thus a loss of toxicity in excess of 90% was accompanied by only 30-35% mid-chain cleavage of the heavy subunit. A study of the binding of 125I-labelled neurotoxin to rat brain synaptosomes showed the loss of toxicity on trypsin treatment to be paralleled by a loss of toxin binding to rat brain synaptosomes suggesting the presence of at least two sites of tryptic action on the 95000-Da binding subunit. Prolonged treatment of the neurotoxin with trypsin resulted in the complete digestion of a 46000-Da fragment of the heavy subunit, leaving intact a soluble fragment of approximately 105000 Da containing the light subunit linked to the remaining (49000-Da) portion of the heavy subunit. This fragment exhibited less than 0.01% of the original toxicity and gave immunoprecipitation reactions indistinguishable from the native toxin. The 49000-Da portion of the heavy chain was purified from the 105000-Da fragment of the toxin and the sequence of the first 35 amino acids determined. The sequence of the first 10 residues was found to be identical to that previously reported for the heavy subunit showing that the 49000-Da fragment represents the NH2-terminal portion of the heavy chain and that this region is resistant to tryptic action. It is suggested that the primary site(s) of tryptic action on the heavy subunit of botulinum type A neurotoxin is close to the COOH terminus and that cleavage of the polypeptide chain in this region results in a loss of toxic activity mediated by the destruction of the neurotoxin-binding site.
An X‐Ray Absorption Edge Detector for High‐Resolution Measurement of Undulator Effective K‐Parameter

The spectrum of angle-integrated undulator radiation displays a sharp edge at every harmonic photon energy. A technique utilizing this feature to measure minute changes in K-parameters of an undulator in a free-electron laser has been proposed. To date, this technique requires the use of crystal monochromators as bandpass filters whose energy centroid depends on the incident angle of the x-ray beam. In this work we propose to use the absorption edge of an appropriate element as an energy-selective detector whose response is truly independent of the angle of the x-ray beam, and hence independent of electron beam direction and emittance. We will discuss the basic design concept of the detection system and illustrate its projected performance with computer simulations.
Comparison of point counts and territory mapping for detecting effects of forest management on songbirds

Point counts are commonly used to assess changes in bird abundance, including analytical approaches such as distance sampling that estimate density. Point-count methods have come under increasing scrutiny because effects of detection probability and field error are difficult to quantify. For seven forest songbirds, we compared fixed-radii counts (50 m and 100 m) and density estimates obtained from distance sampling to known numbers of birds determined by territory mapping. We applied point-count analytic approaches to a typical forest management question and compared results to those obtained by territory mapping. We used a before–after control impact (BACI) analysis with a data set collected across seven study areas in the central Appalachians from 2006 to 2010. Using a 50-m fixed radius, variance in error was at least 1.5 times that of the other methods, whereas a 100-m fixed radius underestimated actual density by >3 territories per 10 ha for the most abundant species. Distance sampling improved accuracy and precision compared to fixed-radius counts, although estimates were affected by birds counted outside 10-ha units. In the BACI analysis, territory mapping detected an overall treatment effect for five of the seven species, and effects were generally consistent each year. In contrast, all point-count methods failed to detect two treatment effects due to variance and error in annual estimates. Overall, our results highlight the need for adequate sample sizes to reduce variance, and skilled observers to reduce the level of error in point-count data. Ultimately, the advantages and disadvantages of different survey methods should be considered in the context of overall study design and objectives, allowing for trade-offs among effort, accuracy, and power to detect treatment effects.
Simulation graphical modeling and analysis (SIGMA) tutorial

SIGMA ( Sigma ), an interactive graphics approach to teaching discrete event simulation, is described. Sigma is specifically designed to make learning the fundamentals of simulation modeling easy. Sigma can automatically translate a simulation model into Pascal or C source code that can be compiled and run on a wide variety of computers. It is possible to represent systems in all of the conventional discrete event worldviews with Sigma . The viewpoint is the modeler's choice, not a dictate of the language. Sigma combines the modeling advantages of using network flow process and logic diagrams with the generality and flexibility of explicit event scheduling. The complete source code for Sigma -generated simulation models is available to students. Although Sigma is elementary, it is completely general; any discrete event simulation (indeed, any computer program) can be created using Sigma . >
Fetal DNA in maternal plasma: the plot thickens and the placental barrier thins.

In this issue of the Journal,Lo et al. (1998) describe their experiences with the novel application of a real-time quantitative PCR assay designed to measure the concentration of fetal DNA in maternal plasma and serum samples. Their system, which uses a 5′ nuclease and fluorescent primers, permits continuous optical monitoring of the progress of an amplification reaction, and it is sensitive enough to detect the DNA in the equivalent of 1 male fetal cell against a background of 12,800 female-genome equivalents.
Interaction of estrogen receptors α and β with estrogen response elements

To understand how estrogen-responsive genes are regulated, we compared the abilities of estrogen receptors (ERs) alpha and beta to bind to and activate transcription through the consensus vitellogenin A2 ERE and the imperfect pS2, vitellogenin B1, and oxytocin (OT) EREs. Transient transfection experiments demonstrated that ERalpha and ERbeta induced the highest levels of transcription with the A2 ERE, intermediate levels of transcription with the OT ERE, and low levels of transcription with the pS2 and B1 EREs. ERalpha and ERbeta had higher affinities for the A2 ERE than for any of the three imperfect EREs but similar affinities for the pS2, B1, and OT EREs in gel mobility shift assays. ERalpha had a higher affinity and was a more potent activator of transcription than ERbeta. Interestingly, protease sensitivity assays demonstrated that A2, pS2, B1, and OT EREs induced distinct changes in ERalpha and ERbeta conformation thereby providing different functional surfaces for interaction with regulatory proteins involved in control of estrogen-responsive genes.
Research and education in physical acoustics at the University of Mississippi, USA

Abstract The University of Mississippi provides graduate education for a significant fraction of US students pursuing careers in physical acoustics. The education program emphasizes traditional physics coursework with research opportunities in acoustics. Research is conducted in a new, dedicated state-of-the-art research facility with access to modern data acquisition and analysis systems. Research projects include agroacoustics, outdoor sound propagation, thermoacoustics, acoustically active surfaces, active noise control, nondestructive testing and machine perception and non-linear acoustics.
Molecular Cloning and Expression of Receptor Peptides That Block Human Cytomegalovirus/Cell Fusion

Clones expressing a partial human cytomegalovirus putative fusion receptor were selected by binding specifically to monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies that mimic glycoprotein H. cDNA was isolated from 2 of the clones (131 and 611) and fused in frame with the glutathione S-transferase gene in a pGEX-4T-1 vector. Two purified peptides (FR131 and FR611) were produced: both were shown to bind specifically to the monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies and inhibit virus/cell fusion and viral plaque formation in a specific and dose-dependent manner. This is the first demonstration of cloned peptides encoding a putative cell membrane receptor that are able to block cytomegalovirus infection.
A Structured Vector Space Model for Word Meaning in Context

We address the task of computing vector space representations for the meaning of word occurrences, which can vary widely according to context. This task is a crucial step towards a robust, vector-based compositional account of sentence meaning. We argue that existing models for this task do not take syntactic structure sufficiently into account. We present a novel structured vector space model that addresses these issues by incorporating the selectional preferences for words' argument positions. This makes it possible to integrate syntax into the computation of word meaning in context. In addition, the model performs at and above the state of the art for modeling the contextual adequacy of paraphrases.
Accurate surface reconstruction of large 3D objects from range data

An algorithm for 3D surface reconstruction of large objects using a structured light pattern ranging system is presented. Highly accurate industrial inspection applications have been constrained by the limited range resolution and accuracy of current ranging devices and techniques. To overcome the limited range resolution, the ranging sensor uses a small field-of-view and multiple views. The proposed algorithm fuses surface data patches from the views to construct a large object surface. The algorithm also increases the accuracy of the reconstructed object with efficient numerical analysis and pre-processing. Experimental results show that the algorithm and the current sensor setup can reconstruct an object for inspection applications with the accuracy of approximately 1 mil (2.54 μm ) tolerance.
ADAM2 interactions with mouse eggs and cell lines expressing α4/α9 (ITGA4/ITGA9) integrins: implications for integrin-based adhesion and fertilization.

Background Integrins are heterodimeric cell adhesion molecules, with 18 α (ITGA) and eight β (ITGB) subunits forming 24 heterodimers classified into five families. Certain integrins, especially the α4/α9 (ITGA4/ITGA9) family, interact with members of the ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloprotease) family. ADAM2 is among the better characterized and also of interest because of its role in sperm function. Having shown that ITGA9 on mouse eggs participates in mouse sperm-egg interactions, we sought to characterize ITGA4/ITGA9-ADAM2 interactions.
Patients With Mental Health Needs Are Engaged In Asking Questions, But Physicians’ Responses Vary

Increased patient engagement is of particular interest regarding patients with mental health needs, given the high burden of mental illness in the United States and the potential for greater patient engagement to improve health outcomes. Little is known about the extent to which these patients ask questions of their physicians; how physicians respond; and what the relationship is between patients’ questions and visit outcomes. We conducted in-depth mixed-method analyses of 322 audio recordings of primary care visits by people with mental health needs. We found that patients asked many questions—a median of fifteen per visit—but that they were more likely to ask about biomedical topics, such as diabetes, than about mental health topics. Patients received highly varied responses from physicians. Our findings suggest that efforts aimed at improving patient engagement should move beyond simply encouraging patients to ask questions. The goal should also be to support physicians in recognizing patients’ concern...
An expert system for generation of machine inputs for laser-based multi-directional metal deposition

Abstract Laser-based multi-directional metal deposition (LBMDMD) is a very effective way of fabricating a part directly from its digital model. The method, however, requires a lot of human intervention during the process planning. Driven by already developed expert systems for the process planning in Computer Aided Design (CAD) and manufacturing, this paper intends to suggest a task framework for the automation of the process planning for LBMDMD using principles of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The process can be divided into distinct steps, and geometric reasoning can be applied to determine a set of facts and rules for the automation. The principles of first order logic are applied for the representation and further simplification of the process into a set of “if–then” based rules. This paper explains the framework, the facts, and the rule base used for the process planning.
A new generalized likelihood ratio philosophy

A new philosophy for designing detection devices is presented which embodies some of the better features of the classical generalized likelihood ratio test and the classical Bayes test. A feature of the new Bayes generalized likelihood ratio test is that it provides a unified procedure for utilizing parameter estimates in detector design. Its use depends on the existance of an asymtotically unbiased estimator for the unknown parameters. If such an estimator is easily implemented, then the new test should be particularly attractive.
Hyperbranched fluoropolymer-polydimethylsiloxane-poly(ethylene glycol) cross-linked terpolymer networks designed for marine and biomedical applications: heterogeneous nontoxic antibiofouling surfaces.

Synthesis of terpolymer coatings composed of hyperbranched fluoropolymers cross-linked with bisamino-propyl poly(ethylene glycol) and bisamino-propyl polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was performed to generate antibiofouling surfaces. Nanoscale imaging and surface spectroscopy confirmed that this system possessed complex surface topographies and chemical compositions. Surface complexity was determined to be due to molecular interactions, phase segregation, and compositional gradients arising between the three components. A clear difference in surface behavior was observable before and after exposure to water. Antibiofouling characteristics were investigated by bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption studies; the terpolymer coating displayed a 60% greater resistance to protein adsorption in comparison to the fouling of a commercial antibiofouling silicone coating. The unique surface topography, topology, and chemical heterogeneity expressed at a variety of scales provide a robust regime for the generation of hardy...
The effect of the structure of the chlorometallate anion on the thermal stability and infra-red spectra of p-dimethylamino-benzene diazonium chlorometallate complexes

Abstract Anhydrous complex diazonium salts were prepared by the reaction of p -dimethylamino-benzenediazonium chloride and the anhydrous chlorides of Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Sn(IV), Sb(V), Te(IV) and Hg(II). The decomposition temperatures of these compounds are a function of the structure of the chlorometallate complex anion. The infra-red spectra of the compounds indicate shifts in the nitrogen-nitrogen stretching frequency which can also be correlated with their structure.
Using Technology to Connect in Romantic Relationships: Effects on Attachment, Relationship Satisfaction, and Stability in Emerging Adults

This exploratory path analysis was designed to identify significant associations among technology use and relationship variables in a population of emerging adults. Two hundred seventy-six young people between the ages of 18 and 25 in committed relationships completed survey questions about ways they connect with their partners using technology. Actor and partner effects were obtained. A measure of attachment behaviors in relationships was tested as a mediator. Results indicate that attachment behaviors were universally associated with relationship satisfaction and stability for both men and women. No significant associations were found with social networking sites. Male texting frequency was negatively associated with relationship satisfaction and stability scores for both partners while female texting frequency was positively associated with their own relationship stability scores. Texting to express affection was associated with higher reported partner attachment for both men and women. For men, textin...
Hybrid Digital-Optical Processors: A Performance Assessment

Hybrid digital-optical processors are designed to use the best features of their components; the speed of an analog optical processor and the accuracy of the digital processor; to overcome the accuracy limitations of analog systems and the relatively slower speed of digital systems. The application of hybrid processors to the solution of systems of linear algebraic equations using the bimodal algorithm is shown by analysis to be potentially more rapid than exclusively digital processing only when the range of significant system eigenvalues is at least two times less than the linear dynamic range of the analog optical processor provided the proper preconditioning is employed. Thus, while performance is significantly improved by preconditioning and by maximizing the accuracy of the analog optical processor, only a limited number of problems - those with a small range of eigenvalues - can be efficiently solved to high accuracy using the hybrid processor. This precludes its use as a replacement for a digital processor. The hybrid processor may find applications as an adjunct to analog optical processor. However, by design the hybrid processor has increased complexity and reduced speed with respect to the simple analog optical processor. These sacrifices may not be justified in real-time applications to which an optically-based processor would be uniquely suited.
Plutonium disproportionation: Pitzer parameters or precipitates?

The behavior of dissolved pentavalent plutonium in the presence of hydrous plutonium oxides has recently been described in terms of Pitzer parameters. The observations can be explained by a conventional approach. The alternative perspective does not use the irreversible oxygen/water couple and it is easier to understand than virial expansions and Pitzer coefficients.
Phylogenetic relationship of Alexandrium monilatum (Dinophyceae) to other Alexandrium species based on 18S ribosomal RNA gene sequences

The phylogenetic relationship of Alexandrium monilatum to other Alexandrium spp. was explored using 18S rDNA sequences. Maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis of the combined rDNA sequences established that A. monilatum paired with Alexandrium taylori and that the pair was the first of the Alexandrium taxa to diverge, followed by Alexandrium margalefii. All three are members of the Alexandrium subgenus Gessnerium Halim nov. comb.
Controlling Oligonucleotide Surface Density in Light-Directed DNA Array Fabrication

Over the past two decades high-density DNA arrays have developed into a central technology for nucleic acid analyses. Important application areas include whole-genome gene expression studies, high throughput analyses of single nucleotide polymorphisms, and, most recently, the determination of binding site specificities for transcription factors and other critical elements involved in gene regulation. A key parameter in the performance of DNA arrays is the density of the surface-bound oligonucleotides, which strongly affects both thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of DNA hybridization. In this report, we describe an approach for the control of oligonucleotide density in photolithographically fabricated DNA arrays, based upon a controlled UV light deprotection procedure. Modulation of the UV exposure permits a desired degree of deprotection of surface synthesis sites; a subsequent capping reaction to inactivate the exposed sites leaves only a desired fraction of active sites remaining for synthesis, corresponding to a lower oligonucleotide density. It is shown that the procedure is reasonably general, in that it is readily transferable to alternative substrate materials with similar results.