cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Output interference, generic resources, and cognitive development

Abstract There are five additional reasons for preferring output-interference explanations over the resources hypothesis: (a) Children's performance on fundamentally decerebrate tasks (e.g., tapping) is impaired by concurrent cognitive activity. (b) Dual-task deficits and memory performance are developmentally dissociated. (c) Available dual-task data are inconsistent with more than one version of the resources hypothesis. (d) Dependencies between children's memories and their reasoning are frequently caused by uncontrolled third variables (e.g., age). (e) Under more rigorous laboratory conditions, children's reasoning is normally independent of their remembering.
Closed form asymptotically efficient estimators based upon order statistics

Abstract An estimation procedure, which is related to Q-Q plotting techniques, is proposed. The technique is easily programmed for distributions such as the three parameter lognormal and Weibull, and can be adapted to cases involving multiple type II censoring.
Preparation of nicotinic-5-2H acid from 5-bromonicotinic acid

Methyl nicotinate-5-2H was prepared in dry tetrahydrofuran by palladium-catalyzed deuterolysis of methyl 5-bromonicotinate. Acid hydrolysis of the crude reaction mixture resulted in a 92% yield of deuterium-labeled nicotinic acid of which 80 mole% was nicotinic-5-2H acid and 12 mole% was nicotinic-5-2H acid containing an additional deuterium atom elsewhere in the molecule. The structure assignment was based on the results of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, ultraviolet spectroscopy, and elemental analysis.
Prevention of Russian Influenza by Amantadine

We tested the effectiveness of amantadine hydrochloride in prevention of illness and infection caused by Russian (h1n1) influenza. The trial lasted seven weeks and was double-blind and placebo controlled. The dosage used was 200 mg daily. Efficacy in prevention of serologically confirmed clinical influenza was 70.7%. Efficacy in prevention of infection, symptomatic or asymptomatic, was 39.4%. Side effects seen were all mild, began within two days of the start of the trial, and terminated rapidly on cessation of prophylaxis. The withdrawal rate attributable to use of amantadine was 6.2%. Those who continued to receive prophylaxis for the remainder of the trial did not exhibit excess side effects. It is concluded that amantadine is safe and effective in prophylaxis of H1N1 strains, as has been shown previously for other subtypes of A influenza.
Multi-element removal from road-deposited sediments using weak hydrochloric acid

Dilute HCl is a widely applied partial digestion procedure in geo-environmental investigations. Concentrations of HCl from 0.07 to 12 M have been applied to digest solid media, either shaken at room temperature ("cold") or heated to temperatures of 80–95 °C ("hot"). From an exhaustive literature survey, 0.5 M HCl was selected as the most appropriate single leach partial digestion procedure for examining potentially contaminated road-deposited sediments (RDSs). Both cold and hot HCl treatments were examined using objective criteria to identify the leach that produced the most environmentally meaningful data. The treatments were judged according to minimal breakdown of the aluminosilicate lattice and/or liberation of refractory-associated fractions of Al, Cr, and Fe; high recoveries for suspected contaminants (Cu, Pb, and Zn); and contaminant concentrations independent of clay content, organic C content, carbonate content, and cation exchange capacity. Based on all criteria, the cold 0.5 M HCl procedure was identified as superior to the hot HCl treatment. The cold treatment showed limited removal of Al, Cr, and Fe from the residual fraction, with the hot treatment having three- to sevenfold greater removal efficiencies. This suggests significant breakdown of structural lattice and liberation of elements from fractions not generally considered environmentally important. Hot HCl removed quantitative amounts of Cu and Zn from the road sediments, indicating structural release. The greater structural breakdown associated with hot HCl is a major disadvantage for studies examining bioavailability. All data point to the superiority of a cold HCl leach for geo-environmental contaminant studies. Electronic supplementary material to this paper can be obtained by using the Springer LINK server located at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00254-002-0598-8
Exchange Rate Risk Pricing by US Equity for US Industrial Portfolios

This article examines the industry wide differences of the exchange rate risk exposure for US industries by estimating Fama-French multifactor model adding exchange rate risk as an additional factor. These time series regressions found statistically significant coefficients of exchange rate risk factor for only seven out of seventeen industries. In addition, the Fama-Macbeth two-stage regression for cross section stock returns found no significant support for existence of risk premium for investors for the exchange rate risk. One possible explanation may be the size of the US equity market, which is so large and offers so many different classes of assets that exchange rate change may be rendered diversifiable. Secondly, the US financial market has extensive forward (future) products for foreign currencies, that it may offer a hedging strategy against sudden exchange rate change. These facets of the US market may explain why, investors do not get any premium in asset market for the exchange rate change risk factor.
Therapeutic strategies employing CD4, the HIV receptor.

Infection of T-lymphocytes and macrophages by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is initiated by binding of the external subunit of the viral envelope glycoprotein (gp120) to CD4 molecules on the target cell membrane (1). Recombinant soluble forms of CD4 retain the capacity for high affinity binding to gp120 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7), suggesting potential therapeutic uses of CD4 derivatives. The diverse concepts for exploiting the CD4/gp120 interaction for therapy are outlined in Figure 1. The initial concept was based on the finding that soluble truncated forms of CD4 (sCD4) are able to neutralize HIV infectivity in vitro (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) (Figure 1A). Several “second generation” applications of this neutralizing concept are under development, including attachment of the CD4 to immunoglobulin constant region sequences (8, 9, 10, 11, 12), or presentation of the CD4 in association with erythrocytes (13). These modifications provide the advantages of increased plasma half-life compared to sCD4, and possibly enhanced efficiency of neutralization due to multivalency. Recent findings indicate that sCD4 is capable of “stripping” gp120 from the envelope glycoprotein complex (14, 15, 16), suggesting that the mechanism of sCD4 neutralization of HIV infectivity might involve more than simple competition for gp120 binding to CD4 on the surface of the target cell.
A Revision of Cretaceous Mantises and Their Relationships, Including New Taxa (Insecta: Dictyoptera: Mantodea)

All genera of Cretaceous mantises are reviewed, and diagnoses of some are revised based on re-examination of type specimens. Five new Mantodea are described from Cretaceous deposits on four continents, including: concretions in limestone from the Santana Formation of northeast Brazil (Aptian, 120 Ma), inclusions in amber from the Raritan Formation of New Jersey, USA (Turonian, 90 Ma), and in amber from undetermined formations of Lebanon (Barremian, 125 Ma) and northern Myanmar (Burma) (approximately early Cenomanian to late Albian, 100 Ma). Prior to this, virtually all of the oldest mantises were from five Cretaceous localities in Eurasia. New Mantodea are Santanmantis axelrodi, n. gen., n. sp. (Brazil); Ambermantis wozniaki, n. gen., n. sp. (New Jersey); Jersimantis burmiticus, n. sp. (Myanmar); and Burmantis asiatica and B. lebanensis, n. gen. and n. spp. (Myanmar and Lebanon, respectively). The first two are based on adults, the last three on nymphs. Cladistic analysis of 26 morphological characters and 20 taxa, including living families and well-preserved fossils, indicates that Cretaceous mantises are phylogenetically basal to all living species and do not belong to the most basal living families Chaeteessidae, Mantoididae, and Metallyticidae. The classification of Cretaceous Mantodea is revised, which includes Santanmantidae, n. fam. and Ambermantidae, n. fam. Stratigraphic and cladistic ranks of taxa, with now improved fossil sampling, indicate that the order Mantodea is relatively recent like Isoptera (termites), with an origin no earlier than Late Jurassic. Superfamily Mantoidea, comprising three families and 95% of the Recent species in the order, radiated in the Early Tertiary to produce the exuberance of forms seen today.
Statistical evaluation and verification of digital simulation models

Abstract In most instances, designers of digital simulation models ignore the statistical design and the statistical implications associated with these models. Most ignore the problem because of the added difficulties related to autocorrelated data. Fishman and Kiviat of the RAND Corporation [33] suggested the use of spectral analysis as a technique for evaluating the significance of statistics emanating from a simulation model, comparing model output with “real-world” data for model verification and comparing model outputs for two or more policy change evaluations. The authors have developed this concept into a synthesized model and verified the model through a spectral analysis on data derived from the Logistics Composite Model (LCOM). LCOM was developed jointly by the RAND Corporation and the Air Force Logistics Command for the purpose of simulating aircraft flight and base support processes in response to mission requirements. Some forty statistics were evaluated through spectral analysis for confidence limits. Further, certain policy changes regarding inventory re-order were implemented and a spectral analysis was performed to judge whether or not the separate results were statistically different.
A small-molecule smoothened agonist prevents glucocorticoid-induced neonatal cerebellar injury

Glucocorticoids are used for treating preterm neonatal infants suffering from life-threatening lung, airway, and cardiovascular conditions. However, several studies have raised concerns about detrimental effects of postnatal glucocorticoid administration on the developing brain leading to cognitive impairment, cerebral palsy, and hypoplasia of the cerebellum, a brain region critical for coordination of movement and higher-order neurological functions. Previously, we showed that glucocorticoids inhibit Sonic hedgehog-Smoothened (Shh-Smo) signaling, the major mitogenic pathway for cerebellar granule neuron precursors. Conversely, activation of Shh-Smo in transgenic mice protects against glucocorticoid-induced neurotoxic effects through induction of the 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2) pathway. Here, we show that systemic administration of a small-molecule agonist of the Shh-Smo pathway (SAG) prevented the neurotoxic effects of glucocorticoids. SAG did not interfere with the beneficial effects of glucocorticoids on lung maturation, and despite the known associations of the Shh pathway with neoplasia, we found that transient (1-week-long) SAG treatment of neonatal animals was well tolerated and did not promote tumor formation. These findings suggest that a small-molecule agonist of Smo has potential as a neuroprotective agent in neonates at risk for glucocorticoid-induced neonatal cerebellar injury.
Autophagy and hepatic stellate cell activation – Partners in crime?

Following liver injury, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) lose their characteristic lipid droplets to differentiate into extracellular matrix producing myofibroblasts. Activation of HSCs is considered one of the main mechanisms contributing to the development of hepatic fibrosis in chronic liver diseases [1]. Although several key pathways for HSC activation, such as TGFb and PDGF have been identified, there is still a lack of clinically applicable approaches to target HSCs for anti-fibrotic therapies. Identification of additional pathways involved in HSC activation may reveal more suitable anti-fibrotic targets than those already identified. The study by Thoen et al. in this issue of the Journal of Hepatology investigates the role of autophagy in HSC activation and the loss of HSC lipid stores, one of the most characteristic features of the HSC activation process [2]. Like most biological systems, cells need to degrade many of their components thus allowing for constant turnover and renewal of proteins and organelles, and adaptation to changing conditions. Degradation occurs through two specific machineries – the proteasome and the lysosome [3]. The proteasome degrades proteins that are specifically tagged by markers such as ubiquitin, allowing this precise proteolytic machinery to recognize proteins destined for degradation. The lysosome is able to degrade various cellular components through different processes termed macroautophagy, microautophagy, and chaperone-mediated autophagy [4]. These three types of autophagy differ from each other in terms of the delivery method of the ‘‘cargo’’ to the lysosome, and their selectivity for specific types of cargo. The study by Thoen et al. focuses on macroautophagy, a catabolic process in which the cargo is first sequestered inside double-membrane vesicles called autophagosomes and then fused to lysosomes [4]. After degradation, resulting amino acids or other small molecules are released back into the cytoplasm and can be used for various purposes including energy harvest [4,5]. Accordingly, macroautophagy (referred hereafter as ‘‘autophagy’’) is increased in nutrient poor states, or stress conditions [4,5]. Increased autophagy has also been described in cell death and may, therefore, play a dual
Long‐term effectiveness of US 1 crossing project in reducing florida key deer mortality

Deer–vehicle collisions (DVCs) are the primary source of mortality for the endangered Florida Key deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium). Of these collisions, >50% occur on United States Highway 1 (US 1), the primary roadway connecting the islands in the Florida Keys, USA. The DVCs on the 5.6-km section of US 1 on Big Pine Key are responsible for approximately 26% of annual Key deer mortality, but extensive urban development along this highway segment complicates efforts to reduce DVCs using traditional methods (e.g., fencing, underpasses). In 2002, a continuous 2.6-km system of 2.4-m fencing, 2 underpasses, and 4 experimental deer guards was completed. We evaluated the long-term effectiveness of these highway improvements in reducing DVCs within an urban landscape. Deer used the underpasses all 7 postconstruction years (2003–2009) with dramatic increases in use over the course of the project. Roadway fencing largely eliminated deer intrusion onto the fenced area of US 1. Although well-maintained fencing effectively restricted deer movement onto the fenced section of US 1 (73–100% decline), other sections of US 1 experienced increases in DVCs. Overall, highway improvements along the US 1 corridor were effective in reducing Key deer mortality over the long-term. The success of deer guards in preventing deer access into the fenced section of US 1 supported the feasibility of implementing similar wildlife exclusion projects in other urban areas. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Design of self-localization strategies for networks of underwater drifters

Our understanding of many ocean processes hinges on collection of spatially-rich data. To this end, future underwater sensing systems are envisioned to consist of a large number of devices that collaborate to collect data, as opposed to stand alone systems. Knowing the position of devices while submerged is crucial to deduce spatial information about the processes being sensed. For this purpose position-estimation algorithms can be used, which largely rely on inter-node distance estimates obtained from time-of-flight (TOF) measurements. Further, since node positions continuously change under the impact of ocean currents, distance estimation has to be repeated periodically. We consider two approaches to obtain distance estimates: a traditional link-based approach and another using broadcast. The latter scheme takes advantage of the fact that multiple nodes require to estimate distances with their neighbors at around the same time. We present a framework to evaluate the relative performance of broadcast and link-based ranging for the specifics of any mobile system. We further show that with the advent of cheap and accurate clocks, broadcast ranging is favored. By using such clocks, broadcast ranging can potentially reduce the energy consumed for distance-estimation to 9% of that in a link-based scheme.
Rapid cloning of high-affinity human monoclonal antibodies against influenza virus

Pre-existing neutralizing antibody provides the first line of defence against pathogens in general. For influenza virus, annual vaccinations are given to maintain protective levels of antibody against the currently circulating strains. Here we report that after booster vaccination there was a rapid and robust influenza-specific IgG+ antibody-secreting plasma cell (ASC) response that peaked at approximately day 7 and accounted for up to 6% of peripheral blood B cells. These ASCs could be distinguished from influenza-specific IgG+ memory B cells that peaked 14-21 days after vaccination and averaged 1% of all B cells. Importantly, as much as 80% of ASCs purified at the peak of the response were influenza specific. This ASC response was characterized by a highly restricted B-cell receptor (BCR) repertoire that in some donors was dominated by only a few B-cell clones. This pauci-clonal response, however, showed extensive intraclonal diversification from accumulated somatic mutations. We used the immunoglobulin variable regions isolated from sorted single ASCs to produce over 50 human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that bound to the three influenza vaccine strains with high affinity. This strategy demonstrates that we can generate multiple high-affinity mAbs from humans within a month after vaccination. The panel of influenza-virus-specific human mAbs allowed us to address the issue of original antigenic sin (OAS): the phenomenon where the induced antibody shows higher affinity to a previously encountered influenza virus strain compared with the virus strain present in the vaccine. However, we found that most of the influenza-virus-specific mAbs showed the highest affinity for the current vaccine strain. Thus, OAS does not seem to be a common occurrence in normal, healthy adults receiving influenza vaccination.
Price fluctuations and Market Activity

We empirically quantify the relation between trading activity — measured by the number of transactions N — and the price change G(t) for a given stock, over a time interval [t, t + Δt]. We relate the time-dependent standard deviation of price changes—volatility—to two microscopic quantities: the number of transactions N(t) in Δt and the variance W 2(t) of the price changes for all transactions in Δt. We find that the long-ranged volatility correlations are largely due to those of N. We then argue that the tail-exponent of the distribution of N is insufficient to account for the tail-exponent of P{G > x}. Our results suggest that the fat tails of the distribution P{G > x} arises from W, which has a power-law distribution with an exponent consistent with that of G.
Identification of Serine 643 of Protein Kinase C-δ as an Important Autophosphorylation Site for Its Enzymatic Activity

To investigate the role of serine/threonine autophosphorylation of protein kinase C-δ (PKC-δ), we mutated serine 643 of PKC-δ to an alanine residue (PKC-δS643A). Two different expression vectors containing PKC-δS643A mutant cDNAs were transfected and expressed in 32D myeloid progenitor cells.In vitro autophosphorylation assays demonstrated 65–83% reduction in autophosphorylation of PKC-δS643A in comparison to wild type PKC-δ (PKC-δWT). The enzymatic activity of PKC-δS643A mutant as measured by phosphorylating the PKC-δ pseudosubstrate region-derived substrate was also reduced more than 70% in comparison to that of PKC-δWT. In vivo labeling and subsequent two-dimensional phosphopeptide analysis demonstrated that at least one phosphopeptide was absent in PKC-δS643A when compared with PKC-δWT, further substantiating that serine 643 is phosphorylated in vivo. Localization and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-dependent translocation and tyrosine phosphorylation of PKC-δS643A were not altered in comparison to PKC-δWT, indicating that mutagenesis did not affect the structural integrity of the mutant protein. 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-mediated monocytic differentiation of 32D cells overexpressing PKC-δS643A mutant protein was impaired in comparison to that of PKC-δWT transfectant. Taken together, our results demonstrate that serine 643 of PKC-δ is a major autophosphorylation site, and phosphorylation of this site plays an important role in controlling its enzymatic activity and biological function.
Can the cold tolerance of C4 photosynthesis in Miscanthus×giganteus relative to Zea mays be explained by differences in activities and thermal properties of Rubisco?

The previous investigations show that the amount and activity of Rubisco appears the major limitation to effective C(4) photosynthesis at low temperatures. The chilling-tolerant and bioenergy feedstock species Miscanthus x giganteus (M. x giganteus) is exceptionally productive among C(4) grasses in cold climates. It is able to develop photosynthetically active leaves at temperatures 6 degrees C below the minimum for maize, and achieves a productivity even at 52 degrees N that exceeds that of the most productive C(3) crops at this latitude. This study investigates whether this unusual low temperature tolerance can be attributed to differences in the amount or kinetic properties of Rubisco relative to maize. An efficient protocol was developed to purify large amounts of functional Rubisco from C(4) leaves. The maximum carboxylation activities (V(max)), activation states, catalytic rates per active site (K(cat)) and activation energies (E(a)) of purified Rubisco and Rubisco in crude leaf extracts were determined for M. x giganteus grown at 14 degrees C and 25 degrees C, and maize grown at 25 degrees C. The sequences of M. x giganteus Rubisco small subunit mRNA are highly conserved, and 91% identical to those of maize. Although there were a few differences between the species in the translated protein sequences, there were no significant differences in the catalytic properties (V(max), K(cat), and E(a)) for purified Rubisco, nor was there any effect of growth temperature in M. x giganteus on these kinetic properties. Extracted activities were close to the observed rates of CO(2) assimilation by the leaves in vivo. On a leaf area basis the extracted activities and activation state of Rubisco did not differ significantly, either between the two species or between growth temperatures. The activation state of Rubisco in leaf extracts showed no significant difference between warm and cold-grown M. x giganteus. In total, these results suggest that the ability of M. x giganteus to be productive and maintain photosynthetically competent leaves at low temperature does not result from low temperature acclimation or adaptation of the catalytic properties of Rubisco.
The saving decline: Macro-facts, micro-behavior

The macro-saving rate is decomposed into micro-components and a procedure developed to calculate household saving rates using income and expenditure shares, found with survey data for 1950, 1961, 1972 and 1980 to 2005. Low, middle and high income saving rates are calculated under alternative conditions: with income and expenditure shares alone, with changes in assets and liabilities added, with constant aggregate income, and for age-income groups. Problems of apparently excessive dissaving rates are considered. Overall, despite stable high income saving, collapsing middle income saving and increasing low income dissaving precipitated the decline in aggregate saving.
The Existence of a Possible Short-Loop Negative Feedback Action of LH in Proestrous Rats

The responsiveness of the hypothalamus to electrochemical stimulation (ECS) and of the pituitary to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) was examined following either endogenous LH release or exogenous LH infusion on the afternoon of proestrus in rats that had received Nembutal to block the LH surge. In all animals, sequential jugular blood samples were taken and LH was determined by radioimmunoassay. Unilateral ECS of the medial preoptic area (MPOA) resulted in a peak plasma LH of 121.1 ± 8.6 ng/ml 120 min after stimulation; ECS of the contralateral MPOA of the same animals at 200 min resulted in a peak plasma LH of 66.9 ± 5.6 ng/ml or half that obtained following the first ECS. To eliminate a pituitary role in this phenomenon, 250 ng LHRH was given iv at 200 min following unilateral MPOA-ECS. The peak in plasma LH following LHRH (510.7 ± 60 ng/ml) was not depressed and, in fact, was significantly greater than that obtained in response to LHRH without prior ECSinduced LH release (143.9 ± 19.6 ng/...
Understanding the role of self-esteem in managing communication quality

This paper presents an overview of the ways in which self-esteem operates in employee communication. As they develop effective communication skills, managers need to consider the consequence of stress on employee self-esteem and performance. Persons with high self-esteem are less likely to experience workplace demands as stressful and are better able to respond effectively to those demands. This paper discusses the relationship among self-esteem, occupational stress, and communication quality, then recommends ways in which self-esteem can be enhanced through employee communication. >
The gas‐phase ligand exchange reactions of cobalt and zinc acetylacetonate, hexafluoroacetylacetonate, and trifluorotrimethylacetylacetonate complexes

The gas-phase ligand exchange reactions between Co(II) and Zn(II) complexes containing the acetylacetonate (acac), hexafluoroacetylacetonate (hfac), and trifluorotrimethylacetylacetonate (tftm) ligands were investigated using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The gas-phase mixed ligand products of [Cu(acac)(tftm)]+, [Ni(acac)(tftm)]+, [Cu(hfac)(tftm)]+, and [Ni(hfac)(tftm)]+ were formed following the co-sublimation of either homo-metal or hetero-metal precursors and are reported herein for the first time. The fragmentation patterns of these mixed ligand species along with those of Cu(tftm)2 and Ni(tftm)2 are also presented. The collision cell of the instrument was utilized to examine the gas-phase reactions between mass-selected ions and specific neutral target compounds. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of euthanasia and trap–neuter–return (TNR) programs in managing free-roaming cat populations

Global estimates of the number of domestic cats (Felis catus) are >400 million. Issues associated with free-roaming cats are of global importance because of animal-welfare and public-health concerns and impacts on native wildlife through predation, competition and disease transmission. In the United States, proposed control solutions for managing urban free-roaming cat populations include euthanasia and trap–neuter–return (TNR) programs. We evaluated control methods using a demographic population model for a 25-year period, with parameters estimated from an unmanaged, free-roaming cat population in Texas. We modelled euthanasia and TNR at 25%, 50% and 75% implementation rates and a 50 : 50 combination of euthanasia and TNR at 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% implementation rates for 0%, 25% and 50% maximum immigration rates. We compared final population size, total number of cats treated and treatment effort relative to population reduction. Population decreases were comparable among euthanasia, TNR and a 50 : 50 combination for all treatment rates when the immigration rate was 0%; however, they were higher for euthanasia at 25% and 50% maximum immigration rates. Euthanasia required higher treatment effort than TNR. Our results indicate that immigration must be prevented and high (>50%) treatment rates implemented to reduce free-roaming cat populations.
Analysis of the GMPLS Control Plane Security

This paper examines Generalized MultiprotocolLabel Switching (GMPLS) control plane security bycontrasting the GMPLS control plane security mechanismsto the ATM control plane security mechanisms. Thesecurity mechanisms available in the GMPLS control planeare presented; thereafter the ATM control plane securitymechanisms are examined and contrasted with the GMPLScontrol plane mechanisms. This demonstrates how the singlesecurity solution of the ATM control plane provides asimple, consistent and comprehensive set of security servicesas compared to the GMPLS control plane securitymechanisms which are implemented on a protocol byprotocol basis. We conclude by noting that implementationof GMPLS control plane security mechanisms isadministratively complex and suggest the adoption of asingle security solution for the GMPLS control plane andrequirements for such a solution.
Enzymatic transformations of thio acids and thio esters

Enzyme-catalyzed esterifications of thio and carboxylic acid analogues and thiotransesterifications are studied using a commercial immobilized Mucor mieheilipase preparation in an organic solvent. For identical conditions, thio acids are found to react with butanol at rates much faster than those for the corresponding carboxylic acids, suggesting that these substrates could be used to increase the rate of lipase-catalyzed ester syntheses. Enzymatic reactions of butanol and (S) -3-(acetylthio) -2-methylpropionic acid were found to occur via a complex mechanism leading to the formation of multiple products. This reaction appears to occur in a sequential manner, following a parallel-consecutive mechanism yielding initially the carboxylic acid butyl ester and later the deacetylated thiomethylpropionic acid butyl ester.
A Survival Schema Theory for Recombination

The motivation for the original schema analysis of Holland (1975) was to compute the expected number of instances of hyperplanes at time t + 1, given their number at time t.
Systems biology of the structural proteome

The success of genome-scale models (GEMs) can be attributed to the high-quality, bottom-up reconstructions of metabolic, protein synthesis, and transcriptional regulatory networks on an organism-specific basis. Such reconstructions are biochemically, genetically, and genomically structured knowledge bases that can be converted into a mathematical format to enable a myriad of computational biological studies. In recent years, genome-scale reconstructions have been extended to include protein structural information, which has opened up new vistas in systems biology research and empowered applications in structural systems biology and systems pharmacology. Here, we present the generation, application, and dissemination of genome-scale models with protein structures (GEM-PRO) for Escherichia coli and Thermotoga maritima. We show the utility of integrating molecular scale analyses with systems biology approaches by discussing several comparative analyses on the temperature dependence of growth, the distribution of protein fold families, substrate specificity, and characteristic features of whole cell proteomes. Finally, to aid in the grand challenge of big data to knowledge, we provide several explicit tutorials of how protein-related information can be linked to genome-scale models in a public GitHub repository ( https://github.com/SBRG/GEMPro/tree/master/GEMPro_recon/). Translating genome-scale, protein-related information to structured data in the format of a GEM provides a direct mapping of gene to gene-product to protein structure to biochemical reaction to network states to phenotypic function. Integration of molecular-level details of individual proteins, such as their physical, chemical, and structural properties, further expands the description of biochemical network-level properties, and can ultimately influence how to model and predict whole cell phenotypes as well as perform comparative systems biology approaches to study differences between organisms. GEM-PRO offers insight into the physical embodiment of an organism’s genotype, and its use in this comparative framework enables exploration of adaptive strategies for these organisms, opening the door to many new lines of research. With these provided tools, tutorials, and background, the reader will be in a position to run GEM-PRO for their own purposes.
Effect of intravenously administered amino acids on blood ammonia.

Summary1. Glycine, alanine or an acid hydrolysate of casein were intravenously infused in dogs over a 2-hour period, and the concentrations of ammonia, urea and amino acid nitrogen in the blood were determined at 30-minute intervals. 2. At rates of infusion of glycine above 1 mg amino N, kg min. significant increases in blood ammonia occurred, which were directly related to amounts of glycine infused. At the maximum infusion rate used (7 mg amino N kg/min.) the dog expired in respiratory failure at the end of the 2-hour infusion. The results of these experiments indicate that the toxicity attributed to rapid rates of infusion of glycine may actually be due to ammonia intoxication. 3. After administration of a casein hydrolysate increases in blood ammonia were less and those of urea were greater than predicted from administration of glycine at comparable rates. This suggests that certain amino acids in the mixture decrease blood ammonia levels by enhancing urea production.
Abstract 2163: Microtubule-dependent regulation of a constitutively active androgen receptor splice variant

Prostate cancer progression is dependent on androgens and can be suppressed by androgen ablation. Androgen deprivation provides palliation but not cure in men with prostate cancer, and the disease progresses to a castrate-resistant stage (CRPC), which is often accompanied by molecular alterations in the androgen receptor (AR). Recently, an AR splice variant lacking the ligand binding domain was found in human prostate tissue. This AR variant (ARv567) was not expressed in normal prostate epithelium, suggesting that the presence of a constitutively active splice variant of the AR arises following castration and plays a role in the progression of prostate cancer. Work from our lab shows that taxanes, used in CRPC treatment, impair the ligand-induced nuclear accumulation of full-length AR (AR-FL) and hence its transcriptional activity. We also show that AR trafficking towards the nucleus occurs along microtubules (MTs) with the aid of the dynein motor protein using a variety of assays including co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence and microtubule co-sedimentation. In order to identify the minimum AR domain that mediates MT binding we have generated deletion mutants of the AR, and are testing their MT binding ability both in cells and in vitro. We have extended these studies to the clinically relevant AR splice variant ARv567, and showed that it binds MTs as evidenced by microtubule co-sedimentation assays and live cell imaging. Next we sought to determine the dynamics of AR-FL and variant nuclear accumulation in relation to taxane-induced MT stabilization. To do so we microinjected GFP-tagged AR-FL or GFP-tagged ARv567 into the nucleus of PC3 cells stably expressing mCherry tubulin and monitored the effect of taxane treatment on MT dynamics and AR nuclear translocation using live-cell confocal microscopy. This study revealed rapid AR-FL nuclear accumulation within 30 min of R1881 treatment, while it did not induce further nuclear accumulation of the variant, consistent with the lack of ligand binding domain in ARv567. On the other hand, taxane pre-treatment attenuated the nuclear accumulation of both AR-FL and ARv567, suggesting that functional MTs are required for AR9s nuclear transport in a ligand independent manner. Interestingly, we observed that the presence of the variant sensitizes cells to taxane treatment as seen by greater decreases in tumor volumes in response to taxanes in xenografts expressing variant vs those with AR-FL. Taken together, these data, reveal a new mechanism of regulation of AR activity in prostate cancer. Further elucidation of this mechanism may help us better understand the molecular basis of clinical response to taxane treatment in CRPC. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2163. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2163
LARIAT: The Endo-Epicardial Technique for Left Atrial Appendage Exclusion

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a cardiac rhythm disorder and is associated with increased risk of stroke [1]. The prevalence of AF is rapidly increasing and current projections indicate a prevalence of 6.7 million AF patients in the U.S. in the year 2010 and this is projected to increase to 12.1–15.9 million by the year 2050 [2]. Annual healthcare bill for managing AF patients is estimated to be in the range of $6–$26 billion [3]. Oral anticoagulation with warfarin and novel oral anticoagulants (Apixaban, Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban, Edoxaban) are effective for preventing thromboembolic events in AF [4–8]. Complications such as bleeding and need for frequent testing (warfarin) to maintain therapeutic anticoagulation levels are the barriers for using these agents and are therefore not suitable for all patients. Several different percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) exclusion devices (PLAATO, WATCHMAN, Amplatzer Cardiac Plug, Coherex Wavecrest) have been developed for use in AF patients who are at increased risk of stroke and also have contraindications to anticoagulation with promising results [9–12]. These devices have been shown to have comparable efficacy to warfarin in preventing thromboembolism [13]. However, all the above devices need to be implanted within the LAA and run the risk of embolization and infection. The LARIAT is a novel percutaneous endo-epicardial LAA exclusion device that leaves behind just an epicardially placed suture around the ostium of the LAA without the need for any endovascular device. Below we discuss the LARIAT device, method of implantation, the efficacy, and its role in rhythm management in detail.
Simulation and Analyses of Influence of UHV Cup-Tower's Assembly and Erection on Construction

Ultra High Voltage(UHV) transmission tower has new structure and bigger size than towers in lower voltage level.Some experience of tower construction can not meet the need of UHV construction.In order to overcome the lack of construction experience and academic research,the construction load's affect on the built-up structures was researched,taking the cup-tower in the 1000kV UHV Alternating Current(AC) transmission pilot project,from South Shanxi province to Jinmen via Nanyang as research object,a numerical simulation method was applied to make a finite element analysis on the construction technics,such as internal load of tower body sheet at the moment of being picked up and installation method of mid-overhanging with large mass and edge overhanging structure.Reseaech result indicates that,the tower body sheet should be reinforced when lifting off;it is better to fit the mid-overhanging by frontal piece and back piece;edge overhanging structure can be installed via cross arms and bracket of earthing wire.Some advice was made to reinforce local structure.The numerical simulation on construction of transmission tower can make up the lack of construction experience,and the simulation result provides construction with feasible advice.
Regulation of Drug Disposition Gene Expression in Pregnant Mice with Car Receptor Activation.

More than half of pregnant women use prescription medications in order to maintain both maternal and fetal health. The constitutive androstane receptor (Car) critically affects the disposition of chemicals by regulating the transcription of genes encoding metabolic enzymes and transporters. However, the effects of Car activation on chemical disposition during pregnancy are unclear. This study aims to determine the degree to which pregnancy alters the expression of drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters in response to the pharmacological activation of Car. To test this, pregnant C57BL/6 mice were administered IP doses of vehicle, or a potent Car agonist, TCPOBOP, on gestation days 14, 15 and 16. Hepatic mRNA and protein expression of Car target genes (phase I, II and transporters) were quantified on gestation day 17. Pregnancy-related changes, such as induction of Cyp2b10, Ugt1a1 and Sult1a1 and repression of Ugt1a6, Gsta1, Gsta2 and Mrp6, were observed. Interestingly, the induction of Cyp2b10, Gsta1, Gsta2 and Mrp2–4 mRNAs by TCPOBOP was attenuated in maternal livers suggesting that Car activation is impeded by the biochemical and/or physiological changes that occur during gestation. Taken together, these findings suggest that pregnancy and pharmacological activation of Car can differentially regulate the expression of drug metabolism and transport genes.
Income Distribution, Poverty and Living Standard

It has been claimed that the accelerated growth in Bangladesh since 1990 has significantly reduced poverty and improved indicators of living standard. Some of the evidence in favor of these claims is well known. Since 1991/92 the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and the World Bank have collaborated in measuring the incidence of poverty.1 They have shown a steady decline in the proportion of population in poverty especially since the year 2000. There has been impressive reduction in infant mortality, increase in life expectancy, improvement in the status of women and increase in educational enrolment, especially at the primary and secondary levels. In many of these indicators Bangladesh has overtaken India, a country with nearly twice the per capita income at comparable purchasing power, inviting bemused admiration from numerous analysts.2
Scarless Wound Healing

This chapter provides an introduction to the mechanism of adult wound healing and scar formation and also highlights regenerative healing and scar reduction theory. Adult wound healing is described as a sequence of temporally overlapping phases that include inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Disruption of the vascular network within cutaneous wounds results in platelet aggregation and the formation of a fibrin-rich clot, which protects from further extravasation of blood or plasma. The presence of macrophages in the wound marks the transition between the inflammatory phase and the proliferative phase of wound healing, which begins around day four to five post-injury in uninfected open wounds. Granulation tissue begins to form and is a loose network of collagen, fibronectin, and hyaluronic acid, embedding a dense population of macrophages, fibroblasts, and neovasculature. Corticosteroids are used commonly to treat symptomatic scars, and triamcinolone is the most common agent used. The mechanism of action is multifactorial. The inflammatory response is globally decreased, which secondarily decreases collagen synthesis and increases collagen degradation. Corticosteroids also inhibit fibroblast proliferation and TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 expression by keratinocytes. 5-FU has shown significant efficacy in combination with corticosteroids alone or with corticosteroids and laser therapy. The mechanism of action occurs primarily through inhibition of fibroblast proliferation and TGF-β1-induced collagen synthesis. Imiquimod 5% cream is a topical agent that enhances local production of immune-stimulating cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor, interleukins, and interferons.
Fabrication and Characterization of Nanostructured Cathodes for Li-Ion Batteries

Li-ion batteries have emerged as a leading energy storage technology for several applications including portable electronics devices and electric vehicles. Rigorous efforts are made to develop these batteries with higher energy density, higher power density, and better cycling stability while reducing cost and environmental impact. To better understand how electrode microstructure contributes to the electrode performance, the spinel LiMn2O4 (LMO) cathode material was prepared using a template-assisted sol-gel synthesis method. This method involves soaking of polycarbonate template membranes in the precursor solution followed by drying, to remove the solvent. The dried templates containing precursor materials were etched in an oxygen plasma to remove the template, and the nanostructured electrode formed was then calcined to convert these nanostructures to spinel LiMn2O4. Simultaneously, powdered LMO was prepared using the same synthesis procedure, but without the aid of a template to control electrode morphology. A series of tests were performed to study the effect of processing conditions on the structure and morphology of the nanostructured electrodes. The resulting electrodes were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) in support of efforts to understand the effects of process parameters on the electrochemical performance of the electrode. The template assisted synthesis approach yielded an electrode of well-defined nanotubules. Extending the template soaking time was found to provide better definition of individual tubule structures. Increasing calcination temperature was found to create a better defined spinel structure for the LMO. These observations provide insight into process parameters relevant to electrode preparation and substrate selection when producing nanostructured electrodes using template-assisted methods.Copyright © 2016 by ASME
Transmisión intrafamiliar de Shigella flexneri después de un brote en una guardaría de Cali

En una guarderia para ninos de 3 a 7 anos se estudio un brote de diarrea febril, debido a alimentos manipulados por una portadora convaleciente de Shigella flexneri. Se averiguo si habia habido casos secundarios clinicos en las casas de los 56 ninos enfermos a raiz de este brote y en las familias que compartian servicios sanitarios y cocinas, y solo se encontro transmision importante en los miembros mas inmediatos de la familia. Este hecho sugiere que la introduccion de Shigella en la familia no es facil y que seria posible reducir la transmision intradomiciliaria de Shigella flexneri evitando su introduccion con medidas tales como provision adecuada de agua y control de alimentos.
Overwintering and Cold Tolerance of Bemisia argentifolii (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) in Coastal South Carolina

Populations of Bemisia argentifolii Bellows and Perring in the Charleston, SC area declined sharply during December and remained low through March and April in a two-year study (1991–92). Populations of this whitefly increased slowly during spring with highest populations on collard (Brassica) and potato. Infestations of B. argentifolii were present in 13 of 14 greenhouses at 10 commercial nurseries that were monitored. Eggs were more cold-tolerant than adults and nymphs, respectively, at temperatures of −2°, − 6°, and −10°C.