cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Protein Flexibility of the α-Ketoglutarate-Dependent Oxygenase Factor-Inhibiting HIF-1: Implications for Substrate Binding, Catalysis, and Regulation.

Protein dynamics are crucial for the mechanistically ordered enzymes to bind to their substrate in the correct sequence and perform catalysis. Factor-inhibiting HIF-1 (FIH) is a nonheme Fe(II) α-ketoglutarate-dependent oxygenase that is a key hypoxia (low pO2) sensor in humans. As these hypoxia-sensing enzymes follow a multistep chemical mechanism consuming α-ketoglutarate, a protein substrate that is hydroxylated, and O2, understanding protein flexibility and the order of substrate binding may aid in the development of strategies for selective targeting. The primary substrate of FIH is the C-terminal transactivation domain (CTAD) of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF) that is hydroxylated on the side chain of Asn803. We assessed changes in protein flexibility connected to metal and αKG binding, finding that (M+αKG) binding significantly stabilized the cupin barrel core of FIH as evidenced by enhanced thermal stability and decreased protein dynamics as assessed by global amide hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry and limited proteolysis. Confirming predictions of the consensus mechanism, (M+αKG) increased the affinity of FIH for CTAD as measured by titrations monitoring intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence. The decreased protein dynamics caused by (M+αKG) enforces a sequentially ordered substrate binding sequence in which αKG binds before CTAD, suggesting that selective inhibition may require inhibitors that target the binding sites of both αKG and the prime substrate. A consequence of the correlation between dynamics and αKG binding is that all relevant ligands must be included in binding-based inhibitor screens, as shown by testing permutations of M, αKG, and inhibitor.
Does intravenous acetaminophen reduce perioperative opioid use in pediatric tonsillectomy

Abstract Objective Postoperative pain control is of significant interest in pediatric otolaryngology given the safety concerns with opioid use. We sought to determine if addition of intraoperative intravenous acetaminophen decreases perioperative morphine use in pediatric tonsillectomy. Methods This study is a retrospective cohort study performed at a tertiary care academic children's hospital. 166 pediatric patients (aged 1–16 years) who underwent tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy were for review. Seventy-four patients received intraoperative intravenous acetaminophen (intervention cohort), while ninety-two patients served as our control and did not receive any intraoperative intravenous acetaminophen. Perioperative (intraoperative and postoperative) morphine use was our primary outcome measure. Rate of adverse events in the post anesthesia care unit and time for discharge readiness were secondary outcome measures. Wilcoxon two-sample t-test approximation and Fisher's exact test were used for data analyses. Results Patients in the intravenous acetaminophen cohort received less morphine (mg/kg) intraoperatively (0.058 versus 0.070, p = 0.089) and in the post anesthesia care unit (0.034 versus 0.051, p = 0.034) than the control cohort. The median time to discharge readiness for the intravenous acetaminophen and control groups was 108.5 versus 105 min (p = 0.018). There was no adverse respiratory event (oxygen desaturation Conclusion Our findings suggest intraoperative intravenous acetaminophen use in pediatric tonsillectomy can decrease the perioperative use of opioid for optimal pain management.
N-Directed fluorination of unactivated Csp 3 -H bonds

Site-selective fluorination of aliphatic C–H bonds remains synthetically challenging. While directed C–H fluorination represents the most promising approach, the limited work conducted to date has enabled just a few functional groups as the arbiters of direction. Leveraging insights gained from both computations and experimentation, we enabled the use of the ubiquitous amine functional group as a handle for the directed C–H fluorination of Csp3–H bonds. By converting primary amines to adamantoyl-based fluoroamides, site-selective C–H fluorination proceeds under the influence of a simple iron catalyst in 20 minutes. Computational studies revealed a unique reaction coordinate for the catalytic process and offer an explanation for the high site selectivity.
Content-Based Video Transmission over Wireless Channels

This paper describes new schemes for video transmission over wireless channels. Traditionally data was segmented using headers and data type (e.g. motion vectors, low and high frequency DCT coefficients). However, for wireless applications that have very low bandwidths available, a finer granularity of control may be essential. We propose content based approaches for further video segmentation. In particular, frame type, scene changes, and motion based procedures are used to provide finer level of control for data segmentation. We go on to argue that for transport over wireless channels, different video content requires different form of resources to be allocated to it. Joint source/channel coding techniques (particularly class/content/data dependent FEC/ARQ schemes) are used to do resource allocation after initial segmentation. FEC schemes are used to provide class/template dependent error robustness and ARQ techniques give delay control. An experimental simulation platform is used to test the objective (SNR) and subjective effectiveness of proposed algorithms. Based on our initial results from FEC control we argue that introduction of video content into video modeling allows us to define various classes of importance. We believe that by using such techniques we can get better visual quality under the very low bit rates available.
Core 4 elements are associated with readmissions reduction in pediatrics

Purpose/Objective: Inconsistent transitions of care from the inpatient to outpatient setting may lead to preventable readmissions. Critical elements for safe discharge shown to reduce readmissions at our institution include admission and discharge medication reconciliation, a clinically appropriate follow-up appointment scheduled prior to discharge, and timely completion of a discharge summary (the “Core 4”). Our team sought to increase compliance with the Core 4 elements from a baseline of 30% to 50%, and hypothesized that our 30-day readmission rate would improve. Design/Methods: A multidisciplinary team evaluated baseline Core 4 compliance data and …
Understanding the complexity of the Lévy-walk nature of human mobility with a multi-scale cost∕benefit model

Probability distributions of human displacements have been fit with exponentially truncated Levy flights or fat tailed Pareto inverse power law probability distributions. Thus, people usually stay within a given location (for example, the city of residence), but with a non-vanishing frequency they visit nearby or far locations too. Herein, we show that an important empirical distribution of human displacements (range: from 1 to 1000 km) can be well fit by three consecutive Pareto distributions with simple integer exponents equal to 1, 2, and (>≈) 3. These three exponents correspond to three displacement range zones of about 1 km ≲Δr ≲10 km, 10 km ≲Δr ≲300 km, and 300 km ≲Δr ≲1000 km, respectively. These three zones can be geographically and physically well determined as displacements within a city, visits to nearby cities that may occur within just one-day trips, and visit to far locations that may require multi-days trips. The incremental integer values of the three exponents can be easily explained w...
Sound and Complete Concolic Testing for Higher-order Functions

Higher-order functions have become a staple of modern programming languages. However, such values stymie concolic testers, as the SMT solvers at their hearts are inherently first-order.
Muc16 carboxyl portion expression alternates PI3K/Akt and EGFR/HER2/ERK signal pathways in human ovarian cells

3435 MUC16 (CA125) is a heavily O-glycosylatedtransmembrane mucin family protein and a cell surface marker for ovarian carcinomas and other gynecologic malignancies, distinguished by highly repetitive sequences in the extracellular domain. MUC16 transfection alters tumor growth pattern in xenograft models and in vitro invasion behavior of MUC16-negative ovarian cancer cells. MUC16 expression is also increased cisplatin resistance but the mechanisms and signaling pathwaysof the MUC16 are unclear. We examine the effect of MUC16 on common signal transduction pathways, such as PI3K/Akt and EGFR/HER2/MAPK pathways, which are associated with malignant transformation, invasion and metastasis. We subcloned the truncated MUC16 carboxyl 114 amino acid and 344 amino acid sequences into phrGFP II- C vector and then transfected the MUC16 expression constructs into MUC16-negative ovarian carcinoma cell lines, SKOV3 and A2780, and a transformed human ovarian epithelial cell line, T80. Stable transfectants were selected and enriched by fluorescence activated cell sorting. Western blotting and immunoprecipitation were performed by using cell lysates of cultured transfectants with antibodies against PI3K, Akt, phosphorylated-Akt Ser473, EGFR, HER2, P-HER2/EGFR Tyr1248/Tyr1173, ERK1/2, P-ERK1/2 Thr202/Tyr204, p38 MAPK and P-p38 MAPK Tyr180/Tyr182, GSK3 beta and P-GSK3 beta Ser9, Bad , P-Bad Ser136 and Ser112. Expression of carboxyl MUC16 stimulated phosphrylation of ERK1/2 compared with phrGFP II-C vector transfectants through upregulating phosphorylated HER2/EGFR Tyr1248/Tyr1173, while this effect was inhibited by EGFR tyrosin kinase inhibitor (TKI), gefitinib or MEK inhibitor, U0126. Carboxyl MUC16 also upregulated Akt phosphorylation as well as its downstream GSK3 beta and Bad phosphorylation, and these effects were inhibited by PI3 Kinase inhibitor, LY294002 , but not gefitinib. These results suggest that the expression of carboxyl MUC16 activates MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in SKOV3, A2780 and T80 cells in different mechanisms. The phosphorylation inhibition of ERK by gefitinib but not by LY294002 implies that MUC16 induces MAPK signal upregulation through EGFR/HER2/MAPK in an independent manner from the PI3K/Akt pathway. The biological consequences of the PI3K/Akt and EGFR/HER2/MAPK based signal activation by truncated carboxyl MUC16 are under investigation.
Designing safe programmed molecular systems (keynote)

Molecular programming uses the computational power of DNA and other biomolecules to create nanoscale systems. Many of these will be safety-critical, such as bio-compatible diagnostic sensors and targeted drug-delivery devices. Design of these programmed molecular systems needs to assure safe outcomes from very many, very small, fault-prone components operating simultaneously in a dynamic environment. Some of this can be achieved by adapting existing software engineering methods, but molecular programming also presents new challenges that will require new methods. This talk discusses an example of such a challenge, describes how we design safety-critical building blocks, and presents work in progress to ascertain how robust a molecular program is. Similar approaches also will help design safe non-molecular systems with highly distributed, autonomous, fault-prone components operating in dynamic environments.
National Group Governance in Presidential Elections

This chapter describes a shared social purpose that is designated as national group governance. This shared purpose develops from social communications about the election by many people, including those who do not vote. Each person who talks to a friend about the forthcoming election contributes to the national group governance and thereby influences the choices by the voters.
CampusLocator: A Mobile Location-Based Service for Learning Resources

Location-based services (LBSs) are impacting different aspects of human's life. To date, different LBSs have been emerged, each supporting a specific application or service. While some LBSs have aimed at addressing the needs of general populations, such as navigation systems, others have been focused on addressing the needs of specific populations, including kids, youths, elderly, and people with special needs. In recent years, interest in taking a LBS approach in education and learning has grown. The main purpose of such educational LBSs is facilitating a means for learners to be more efficient and effective in their learning activities using their location as the underlying information in decision making. In this chapter, we present a novel LBS, called CampusLocator, whose main goal is to assist students in locating and accessing learning resources including libraries, seminars, and tutorials that are available on a campus. © 2011, IGI Global.
Some Ultrastructural Changes in the Brain of Phenylketonuric Rats and Monkeys

Publisher Summary The diseases that cause brain damage because of a metabolic error have received scrutiny by clinicians, biochemists, and neuropathologists among others, such that the different disciplines of medicine have been drawn together by a mutual desire to explain or to correlate the clinical signs and symptoms with more fundamental studies. Although inborn errors of metabolism were first recognized by Garrod the scientific awareness of this concept or practical applications of it were not forthcoming for more than 25 years. Farlling fortunately made a simple observation and identified the disease PKU, which reawakened interest in the inborn errors such that phenylketonuria remains today as the keystone of those diseases, which cause brain damage and mental retardation. The increase in knowledge of both biochemistry and genetics has allowed for interchange of information between the two groups so that the role of the genes in the normal functioning of an enzyme system is better understood. Yet, despite these advances in the biochemical knowledge relating to hereditary diseases, the exact cause of the disordered intellectual function has not been forthcoming. In an attempt to obtain still additional information, which would correlate the biochemical with the pathological findings in the brain, it is now possible to utilize the brains of phenylketonuric rats and monkeys to get preliminary information on ultra microscopic changes of those cellular constituents, which are involved in enzyme activity of brain cell. This report will present preliminary information on alterations in mitochondria, glial cells, and myelin.
First ray kinematics in women with rheumatoid arthritis and bunion deformity: a gait simulation imaging study.

Objective The first ray plays a role in the development of bunion foot deformity, but for unknown reasons. This prospective, cross-sectional study investigated first ray kinematics in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and bunion. Methods Nine participants having RA-bunion were analyzed in comparison to a control group (n = 10). Data were acquired using a magnetic resonance scanner. Conditions were standardized to simulate gait midstance, heel off, and terminal stance. Foot posture (hallux angle, intermetatarsal angle, arch angle, and calcaneus angle) and relative first ray position angles/helical axis parameters registered across gait conditions were measured. An analysis of variance model compared data between groups and across conditions, and correlation assessed the relationship between selected variables. Results Eversion of the calcaneus averaged 9°, and adduction of the first ray was increased (F = 6.29, P = 0.02) by ≥4.6° across conditions in the RA-bunion group. There was an interaction (F = 7.73, P = 0.01) for the first ray axis. Followup comparisons identified increased inclination of the first ray axis over middle stance compared to late stance in the group with RA and bunion. There was moderate correlation (r = −0.42) between the calcaneus angle of eversion and inclination of the first ray axis. Conclusion Optimal treatment for bunion has not been defined. This research identified calcaneus eversion and first ray adduction, as well as inclination of the first ray axis as risk factors of bunion. This result may inform the evaluation and treatment of bunion in women with RA.
Identification of Reverbα as a Novel RORα Target Gene

The nuclear receptor superfamily comprises a large number of ligand-activated transcription factors that are involved in numerous biological processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and homeostasis. ROR(alpha) (NR1F1) and Reverb(alpha) (NR1D1) are two members of this family whose biological functions are largely unknown. In addition, no ligand has been yet identified for these two receptors; therefore, they are referred as orphan receptors. Here, we show that ROR(alpha) and Reverb(alpha) are expressed with a similar tissue distribution and are both induced during the differentiation of rat L6 myoblastic cells. Ectopic expression of ROR(alpha)1 in L6 cells significantly induces Reverb(alpha) expression as demonstrated by Northern blot analysis. Using reverse transcription-PCR to analyze Reverb(alpha) gene expression from staggerer mice, we found that there was a significant reduction of Reverb(alpha) mRNA in the skeletal muscle comparing it with the wild-type mice, which suggests that ROR(alpha) is involved in the regulation of Reverb(alpha) gene expression. Transient transfection assays using the Reverb(alpha) promoter demonstrate that ROR(alpha) regulates the Reverb(alpha) gene at the transcriptional level. Furthermore, mutagenesis experiments indicate that ROR(alpha) regulates Reverb(alpha) transcription via a monomeric ROR response element located in the Reverb(alpha) gene promoter. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays show that ROR(alpha) binds strongly to this site in a specific-manner. Finally, overexpression of GRIP-1/TIF-2, but not SRC-1, potentiates ROR(alpha)-stimulated Reverb(alpha) promoter activity in transient transfection experiments. Together, our results identify Reverb(alpha) as a novel target gene for ROR(alpha).
The acrodermatitis enteropathica mutation transiently affects zinc metabolism in human fibroblasts.

The acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE) mutation has been shown to affect zinc transport in human intestinal biopsies. However, whether the mutation is also expressed in human fibroblasts has not been determined. The activity of the zinc-dependent enzyme, 5' nucleotidase, and cell zinc content were measured in normal and AE fibroblasts 2 and 4 d after subculturing to determine the effect of the AE mutation on zinc metabolism. The activity of 5' nucleotidase in AE cells was 68% of normal at 2 d after subculturing. Although 5' nucleotidase activity had decreased significantly in both normal and AE fibroblasts at 4 d after subculturing, there was no significant difference between the two genotypes. The zinc content of AE fibroblasts was also significantly reduced. Acrodermatitis enteropathica fibroblasts contained 62% less zinc than normal fibroblasts at 2 d. By 4 d the normal fibroblast zinc content had decreased to that of the AE fibroblasts. The uptake and transport of 65 Zn into AE fibroblasts at 2 d was measured because these cells exhibited reduced 5' nucleotidase activity and cell zinc content at this time. The uptake of zinc over a 90-min time period was the same in the two genotypes. However, AE fibroblasts incubated with 2-10 μmol Zn/L for 15 min had significantly slower zinc transport compared with normal fibroblasts. In both genotypes, Michaelis-Menten kinetics were observed. Normal and AE fibroblasts had similar affinities for zinc (K m ), but AE fibroblasts exhibited a V max which was reduced by 38%. These results indicate that the phenotypic expression of the AE mutation occurs in a time-dependent manner, is not restricted to the intestine and is also transiently expressed in human fibroblasts, resulting in abnormal zinc metabolism in these cells.
Unsupervised Induction of a Syntax-Semantics Lexicon Using Iterative Refinement

We present a method for learning syntax-semantics mappings for verbs from unannotated corpora. We learn linkings, i. e., mappings from the syntactic arguments and adjuncts of a verb to its semantic roles. By learning such linkings, we do not need to model individual semantic roles independently of one another, and we can exploit the relation between different mappings for the same verb, or between mappings for different verbs. We present an evaluation on a standard test set for semantic role labeling.
Cellular Composition of Nerve Tissue

Nerve tissue consists of numerous varieties of neurons which are structurally and functionally supported by glial cells of several different types. Other associated cells include ependymal cells (lining ventricular cavities), satellite cells (sensory and autonomic ganglia), and Schwann cells (peripheral nerve myelin).
Fabrication of semiconducting pyrite thin films from hydrothermally synthesized pyrite (FeS2) powder

Thin films of pyrite (FeS2) were fabricated using synthesized nano-particles and their structural, electrical and optical properties were characterized. Initially, pyrite-nano-particles were synthesized by an aqueous hydrothermal reaction. The X-ray diffraction confirmed that synthesized pyrite had a phase pure cubic pyrite structure with the average grain size around 30.0 nm. The pyrite films were fabricated by vacuum thermal evaporation of pyrite nanoparticles followed by a thermal sulfurization process. The as-deposited films have an amorphous structure and the sulfurized films have a cubic pyrite structure. The optical properties exhibited the bandgap closer to previously reported bandgap of pyrite. The photoconductivity of pyrite films was measured under AM1.5G sunlight and infrared (850 nm) light illumination. The photoconductivity data showed that the sulfurized pyrite films were more photoconductive than the as-deposited films.
Cancer Stem Cells

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of cells with the potential to both self-renew – that is, to regenerate themselves – and to differentiate along a particular lineage to give rise to the heterogeneity of cells within tumors. Due to their intrinsic properties, CSCs have reported to be enriched after chemotherapy and radiation treatment, and thus have been hypothesized to be responsible for cancer recurrence. CSCs also may enter the circulatory system and colonize at remote sites, resulting in metastasis. The cell of origin of CSCs remains controversial, as indicated by evidence suggesting an origin from normal stem cells, as well as dedifferentiation from more mature cells. CSCs actively interact with their surrounding microenvironment, the niche. Multiple signaling pathways, many of which are regulated by microRNAs, also have been demonstrated to regulate the activities of both normal and cancer stem cells. Therapeutic targeting of CSCs, as well as the bulk tumor cells, therefore, may be required to eradicate residual disease. Keywords: Cancer stem cell; Tumor-initiating cells; Wnt/s-catenin signaling; Notch signaling; Hedgehog signaling; Radiation and chemotherapy resistance; Limiting dilution transplantation; Sphere assay
HIV broadly neutralizing antibodies and immunological tolerance (VAC7P.988)

It is generally thought that many human antibodies (Ab) that neutralize multiple clades of HIV-1 (bnAbs) are self-reactive. We previously identified kynureninase as the primary self-antigen recognized by 2F5, suggesting that generation of Ab to the 2F5 epitope of HIV-1 may be proscribed by immune tolerance, a notion supported by impaired B-cell development in mice expressing the 2F5 VH and VL regions. However, there is a lack of quantitative and systemic assessment of polyreactivity among HIV bnAbs. In addition, it is unknown whether other classes of HIV-1 bnAbs and non-neutralizing antibodies are also influenced by immunological tolerance. Here, we used protein microarrays to assess bnAb binding to over 9,600 human proteins and compared bnAb binding profiles to HIV non-neutralizing antibodies. We found that bnAbs as a class are more autoreactive and more polyreactive than non-neutralizers. Interestingly, 4 of 7 CD4bs bnAbs screened from 2 distinct lineages (VRC01, VRC02, CH103 and CH106) bind human protein ubiquitin ligase E3A (UBE3A). We confirmed this crossreactivity in ELISA, and demonstrated that UBE3A competitively inhibits gp120 binding to VRC01. Our results demonstrate that HIV-1 bnAbs are significantly more polyreactive and self-reactive than non-neutralizers, which may subject them to immunological tolerance control in vivo. Our identification of UBE3A as a self-antigen of bnAbs provides a mechanism for the rarity and delayed development of certain CD4bs bnAbs.
Exchange rate and price level determination in a stochastic equilibrium model

Abstract This paper analyzes a stochastic general equilibrium model of the open economy under floating exchange rates. It is shown that increased integration of the domestic economy with the rest of the world—whether integration is considered from the viewpoint of financial or commodity markets—has differential impacts upon price and exchange rate variability with the impacts depending further upon the source of variability.
Vicariance biogeography of the open-ocean Pacific

Abstract The first cladogram to treat oceanic water masses as distinct geographic units presents a ‘hydrotectonic’ history of Pacific surface water masses. It is used to test the idea that the oceanographic subdivision of the surface waters of the Pacific Basin into separate water masses shaped pelagic biogeographic patterns in much the same way that the tectonic fragmentation of Pangea influenced biogeographic patterns on land. The historical water-mass relationships depicted by the surface water-mass cladogram resemble modern pelagic biogeographic regions. The prediction that the cladistic phylogenies of monophyletic groups having allopatric taxa in three or more surface water masses will be consistent with the topology of the surface water-mass cladogram is met by the pelagic fish genera Stomias and Evermanella .
Is breast-feeding a substitute for contraception in family planning?

Using data from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey, I disentangle the complex interrelationship between breastfeeding, postpartum amenorrhea, and choice of contraceptive method. I find evidence that women substitute breast-feeding for contraception. Further, endogeneity bias, if not controlled, would cause the relationship to be slightly overstated. In addition, the results suggest that although increased education and income result in decreased breast-feeding, any effect on fertility will be offset by changes in contraceptive use.
Integrated optics ring-resonator chemical sensor with polymer transduction layer

An integrated optics chemical sensor based on a ring resonator with an ethyl cellulose polymer coating has been demonstrated. The measured sensitivity to isopropanol in air is 50 ppm-the level immediately useful for health-related air quality monitoring. The resonator was fabricated using SiO2 and SixNy materials. The signal readout is based on tracking the wavelength of a resonance peak. The resonator layout optimisation for sensing applications is discussed.
Large Single-Phase Motors for Low Starting Torque Application

Large single-phase motors (15-50 hp) have been developed. These are capacitor start-capacitor run squirrel-cage induction motors. They are designed with very low inrush current and have low starting torque. Breakdown torque and full-load (FL) performance are normal for single-phase motors. These motors are specifically designed for crop dryer fans, irrigation pumps, forage blowers, liquid manure pumps, any application where low starting torque (50-percent FL) is sufficient.
Discourse, reflection and commitment

In response to William Rehg’s and Barbara Fultner’s criticisms, I clarify and extend some arguments found in my book Reflection Revisited. I first redescribe how Hegel’s critique of Kant’s theory o...
Embryotoxic action of methyl mercury on coho salmon embryos.

Environmental levels of heavy metals like mercury have increased significantly over the last 100 years in response to anthropogenic activities. More recently the increase in acid precipitation may make the situation worse in that it appears to increase the production of methyl mercury (MeHg) in the surface waters and benthic regions. Concentrations of mercury in surface waters are normally relatively low in the ng/L range, yet levels of mercury in fish tissue in the mg/L range are not uncommon. There have been several well-publicized accounts of acute mercury poisoning from consuming highly contaminated fish. Less is known about the health risks associated with consumption of fish with low levels of mercury contamination. Human embryos are especially sensitive to MeHg's teratogenic effects. For example, psychomotor retardation is a common outcome of fetal MeHg exposure. Such neural effects may be the result of abnormal migration of neurons during development. A number of different species have been utilized to investigate the effects of mercury on teleost development. Coho salmon, like all teleostean embryos possess mitotic cells that provide a useful model for the study of MeHg teratogenesis. Due to their large size, coho salmon embryos are easily observed and maintained in the laboratory.more » In addition large numbers of eggs are available from one female thus minimizing effects of variability among individuals. The objective of the present study is to characterize the toxic levels of MeHg and study their uptake. In addition some of the teratogenic effects of MeHg on coho salmon embryos will be described. 16 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.« less
Bandwidth Maximization Using Vehicle Arrival Functions

We revisit the offset optimization problem for maximization of two-way progression bands. A new formulation is proposed relying on the concepts of relative offset and vehicle arrival functions. Vehicle arrival functions represent the probability that a vehicle reaches a given intersection at a given time. Relative offsets are the displacement of the arrival functions with respect to a moving coordinate frame. An explicit formula for the bandwidth is derived based on these two quantities. The bandwidth maximization problem is then formulated as an unconstrained nonlinear program. The cases of pulse and Gaussian arrivals are considered in detail. Numerical techniques are proposed for both that return globally optimal solutions with small computational cost.
Building Empirical Models for Data from Factorial Designs with Time Series Responses: Toward Fraud Prevention and Detection

This paper examines how four factors (audit fee, penalty, required testing, and internal control strength) affected the percentage of times fraud was committed and detected in an experimental economics study. A factorial experiment resulted in time-series responses in each cell, with the factors' effects and interactions possibly a function of time. We introduce novel techniques for empirical model building and analysis for this type of data. The experiment indicated that the lowest fraud committed occurred when all four factors were high. The highest fraud detection occurred when internal control was low and the remaining factors were high.
Properties of a transparent polycarbonate copolyester blend

In recent years only a few totally new plastics have been developed, since suppliers are finding it quicker and less expensive to tailor existing resins to meet the requirements of a specific application by alloying. The properties of an alloy of polycarbonate and a proprietary copolyester have been fully characterized. Thermal analysis shows that the polymers are miscible in all proportions. Transparency, glass transition temperature, barrier properties, tensile, and flexural properties of the alloy all fall between those of the neat components. Certain synergistic properties were observed upon blending the polycarbonate and polyester. The tendency of the blend not to yellow during γ-sterilization is remarkably better than can be predicted by an additive relationship. Chemical resistance of the blends behaves in a similar manner. The excellent balance of properties exhibited by the blend such as transparency, impact strength, γ-radiation resistance, and chemical resistance makes it useful in applications such as medical disposables and filter bowls.
Study of behavioral factors associated with psychiatric rehospitalization

Archival data from daily logs maintained at a private proprietary home were tracked from four to 29 weeks prior to psychiatric rehospitalization for ten deinstitutionalized adult females and ten nonhospitalized controls. Three raters coded behavioral incidents into ten categories. The rehospitalized women had significantly more incidents than did the controls, including more affective disturbances (depression, anxiety, anger, and interpersonal concerns) and more attempts to secure psychiatric rehospitalization. The rehospitalized group also exhibited symptomatic behavior for a greater number of weeks than did the control group, suggesting that the symptom pattern was probably detectable long before rehospitalization was necessary. Peaks in incidence frequency often occurred several weeks prior to rehospitalization.
Material identification and classification in hyperspectral imagery using the normal compositional model

The normal compositional model (NCM) simultaneously models subpixel mixing and intra-class variation in multidimensional imagery. It may be used as the foundation for the derivation of supervised and unsupervised classification and detection algorithms. Results from applying the algorithm to AVIRIS SWIR data collected over Cuprite, Nevada are described. The NCM class means are compared with library spectra using the Tetracorder algorithm. Of the eighteen classes used to model the data, eleven are associated with minerals that are known to be in the scene and are distinguishable in the SWIR, five are identified with Fe-bearing minerals that are not further classifiable using SWIR data, and the remaining two are spatially diffuse mixtures. The NCM classes distinguish (1) high and moderate temperature alunites, (2) dickite and kaolinite, and (3) high and moderate aluminum concentration muscovite. Estimated abundance maps locate many of the known mineral features. Furthermore, the NCM class means are compared with corresponding endmembers estimated using a linear mixture model (LMM). Of the eleven identifiable (NCM class mean, LMM endmember) pairs, ten are consistently identified, while the NCM estimation procedure reveals a diagnostic feature of the eleventh that is more obscure in the corresponding endmember and results in conflicting identifications.
What is an adequate treatment in convulsive therapy

The parameters of the induction of an effective electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatment are poorly defined. We find variations in outcome, with changes in electrode placement and energy levels, despite measures of motor seizure duration greater than 25 s. To maximize the outcome of ECT, attention is again focused on the electrophysiologic and biochemical features of seizures, much as Ottosson studied them in 1960.
Behavioral operations: The state of the field

Abstract The field of behavioral operations has matured into an established area within the discipline of operations management. The field fills an essential void by laying the micro-foundations for the broader discipline of operations management. As such, the field examines a variety of topics and is methodologically diverse.
Conformation of a trans-Diaxial decalin analog of acetylcholine

The three-dimensional structure of 3(a)-dimethylamino-2(a)-acetoxy-trans-decalin methiodide was determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The spatial disposition of the N+—C—C—O grouping of atoms was found to be anticlinal (147°). A conformation of + 150 ± 15° for this linkage is felt to be one of a number of factors important in influencing the muscarinic potency and hydrolytic activity of a cholinergic ligand.
Extraction of parametrically defined geometric primitives

Extraction is a generalization of fitting, and is sometimes given the name robust fitting. In ordinary fitting the assumption is made that all the points belong to the curve or surface being fit. In extraction, or robust fitting, this assumption does not hold. Thus an extraction routine must return not only the equation of the best primitive (curve or surface), but also which of the data points are described by this primitive. We give a short description of our extraction algorithm which is based on random sampling. Previously we have shown how our extraction algorithm can deal with curves and surfaces defined implicitly. In this paper we extend this algorithm to curves and surfaces defined parametrically. Being able to extract curves and surfaces defined both implicitly and parametrically makes this algorithm unique. We show a number of experimental results that demonstrate the extraction algorithm in operation.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Temperature Dependence of Magneto-rheological Materials

The properties of magneto-rheological (MR) materials are temperature dependent. Compared to MR fluids, MR greases (MRGs) are more sensitive to temperature due to their inherent behavior of carrier materials. In this study, MRGs are studied to examine the temperature effect on their yield stress and apparent viscosity. Experimental data are obtained for magnetic fields ranging from 0.14 T to 0.53 T and temperatures ranging from 10°C to 70 °C. It is observed that temperature has a significant effect on the field-induced yield stress of MRGs. A new yield stress model, based on an extended Herschel—Bulkley constitutive relation, in which the shear yield stress is a function of magnetic field and temperature, is proposed. Excellent agreement between the theoretical results and experimental data is obtained.
Histopathological alterations associated with Perkinsus spp. infection in the softshell clam Mya arenaria

La presence de Perkinsus spp. a ete constatee dans environ 12 % (28/240) des palourdes (Mya arenaria) recoltees dans le fleuve Chester, dans la partie haute de la Baie de Chesapeake. L'infection semble d'evolution benigne chez l'hote, avec encapsulation des parasites. L'infection parait essentiellement localisee aux branchies; cependant, le parasite a egalement ete observe dans les glandes digestives, les gonades et le rein, et occasionnellement dans le tissu et les sinus des muscles adducteurs. Des grappes de cellules protozoaires sont typiquement incluses dans un substrat amorphe PAS positif et entourees d'une ou plusieurs couches de granulocytes. Dans les infections importantes, on observe a la fois des cellules de Perkinsus spp.encapsulees et des cellules libres dans le tissu atteint, formant des aggregats de differentes tailles. Le parasite se propage dans les tissus de M. arenaria par schizogonie. La presence d'encapsulations de grande taille dans des organes vitaux comme les branchies et les gonades est susceptible d'affecter la croissance et la fertilite des palourdes atteintes.
Prevalent cartilage damage and cartilage loss over time are associated with incident bone marrow lesions in the tibiofemoral compartments: the MOST study.

Summary Objective To assess the association of prevalent cartilage damage and cartilage loss over time with incident bone marrow lesions (BMLs) in the same subregion of the tibiofemoral compartments as detected on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods The Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study is an observational study of individuals with or at risk for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Subjects whose baseline and 30-month follow-up MRIs were read for findings of OA were included. MRI was performed with a 1.0 T extremity system. Tibiofemoral compartments were divided into 10 subregions. Cartilage morphology was scored from 0 to 6 and BMLs were scored from 0 to 3. Prevalent cartilage damage and cartilage loss over time were considered predictors of incident BMLs. Associations were assessed using logistic regression, with adjustments for potential confounders. Results Medially, incident BMLs were associated with baseline cartilage damage (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.9 [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.0, 5.1]), incident cartilage loss (7.3 [95% CI 5.0, 10.7]) and progression of cartilage loss (7.6 [95% CI 5.1, 11.3]) Laterally, incident BMLs were associated with baseline cartilage damage (4.1 [95% CI 2.6, 6.3]), incident cartilage loss (6.0 [95% CI 3.1, 11.8]), and progression of cartilage loss (11.9 [95% CI 6.2, 23.0]). Conclusion Prevalent cartilage damage and cartilage loss over time are strongly associated with incident BMLs in the same subregion, supporting the significance of the close interrelation of the osteochondral unit in the progression of knee OA.
Dimensions of need for power: Personalized vs. socialized power in female and male managers

Sex differences in two dimensions of need for Power—Socialized Power (s Pwr) and Personalized Power (p Pwr)—were examined for a sample of 124 managerial women and men. Correlations with job satisfaction were analyzed as well as the ability of two versions of the thematic apperception test (TAT) to measure both s Pwr and p Pwr. Results show that female managers are higher than male managers in the “desirable” s Pwr need and the same in the “less desirable” p Pwr. Socialized Power correlates significantly with job satisfaction for the males, but not for the females. Personalized Power shows no significant correlation for either gender. Both versions of the TAT are interchangeable and scores are comparable for s Pwr and p Pwr.
Anomaly detection in rolling element bearings via hierarchical transition matrices

Abstract Rolling element bearings are critical components in nearly all rotating machinery. Even small physical defects can reduce the reliability and lifespan of these devices. Such defects create anomalous patterns in the bearing vibration signature. These patterns can be used to predict component failure and allow preventative maintenance. Previous work has attempted to perform anomaly detection in vibration data from rolling element bearings. This paper presents a novel approach to anomaly detection in bearing signatures using a Hierarchical Transition Matrix Model (HTMM) combined with dimensionality reduction through Symbolic Aggregate Approximation (SAX) and Discrete Wavelet Transforms (DWT). This new method is validated through both simulated and experimental data. Simulated data is generated to demonstrate strong robustness against noise and high dimensionality, and an empirical dataset (into which defects were introduced manually) demonstrates application to real-world data sources. In a ground truth meta-tagged study, our method outperforms other approaches in both speed and accuracy, automatically detecting anomalies in small spans ( 99%) in real time.
The Keplerian Map for the Planar Restricted Three-Body Problem as a Model of Comet Evolution

Abstract We examine the evolution of highly eccentric, planet-crossing orbits in the planar restricted three-body problem (Sun, planet, comet), using a simple Keplerian map in which the comet energy changes instantaneously at perihelion by an amount depending only on the azimuthal angle between the planet and the comet at the time of perihelion passage. This approximate but very fast mapping allows us to explore the evolution of large ensembles of long-period comets. We compare our results on comet evolution with those given by the diffusion approximation and by direct integration of comet orbits. Our mapping suggests that at long times the number of surviving comets on highly eccentric, planet-crossing orbits may be determined by resonance sticking rather than a random walk.
Speech and language functions that require a functioning Broca's area

A number of previous studies have indicated that Broca's area has an important role in understanding and producing syntactically complex sentences and other language functions. If Broca's area is critical for these functions, then either infarction of Broca's area or temporary hypoperfusion within this region should cause impairment of these functions, at least while the neural tissue is dysfunctional. The opportunity to identify the language functions that depend on Broca's area in a particular individual was provided by a patient with hyperacute stroke who showed selective hypoperfusion, with minimal infarct, in Broca's area, and acutely impaired production of grammatical sentences, comprehension of semantically reversible (but not non-reversible) sentences, spelling, and motor planning of speech articulation. When blood flow was restored to Broca's area, as demonstrated by repeat perfusion weighted imaging, he showed immediate recovery of these language functions. The identification of language functions that were impaired when Broca's area was dysfunctional (due to low blood flow) and recovered when Broca's area was functional again, provides evidence for the critical role of Broca's area in these language functions, at least in this individual.
Dynamic intensity factors for an interface flaw extending at a non-uniform rate

Two initially undisturbed dissimilar elastic half-spaces are perfectly bonded along half of their interface and separated by a semi-infinite flaw along the remainder. Induced by time-independent anti-plane tractions applied at the flaw edge and subsequently distributed over the newly-created surfaces, the flaw starts from rest and extends along the interface at a non-uniform rate, giving rise to wave motion in the half-spaces. By first examining the same flaw extending at a constant rate and then suddenly halting, conclusions are reached which lead to the derivation of the dynamic intensity factors for the stress and difference in the particle velocities at the edge of the non-uniformly extending flaw.
Elastic Instabilities of Polymer Solutions in Cross-Channel Flow

When polymer molecules pass near the hyperbolic point of a microchannel cross flow, they are strongly stretched. As the strain rate is varied at low Reynolds number (< 10(-2)), tracer and particle-tracking experiments show that molecular stretching produces two flow instabilities: one in which the velocity field becomes strongly asymmetric, and a second in which it fluctuates nonperiodically in time. The flow is strongly perturbed even far from the region of instability, and this phenomenon can be used to produce mixing.
Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography Enhances Diagnostic Accuracy of Supramitral Ring

Real time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) allows for accurate morphological characterization of congenital heart disease and complements two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography. Accurate evaluation of the mitral valve and supramitral ring prior to surgery aids the surgeon in successful resection of the ring and repair of associated mitral valve abnormalities. We report a case of congenital mitral valve stenosis from a supramitral ring in a young child using real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography.
Women, War, and Winning Elections: Gender Stereotyping in the Post-September 11th Era:

Scores of political science studies reveal that female candidates fare as well as their male counterparts. But the percentage of citizens willing to support a woman presidential party nominee has significantly decreased over the last two years. Based on the results of a Knowledge Networks national random sample survey, this article offers the first empirical examination of the manner in which the atmosphere of war might affect women candidates’ electoral prospects. I find that citizens prefer men’s leadership traits and characteristics, deem men more competent at legislating around issues of national security and military crises, and contend that men are superior to women at addressing the new obstacles generated by the events of September 11, 2001. As a result of this gender stereotyping, levels of willingness to support a qualified woman presidential candidate are lower than they have been for decades. These findings carry broad implications for the study of women and politics. If women fare as well as ...