cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
RPL41, a Small Ribosomal Peptide Deregulated in Tumors, Is Essential for Mitosis and Centrosome Integrity

Ribosomal large subunit protein RPL41 is a basic (positively charged) peptide consisting of only 25 amino acids. An antisense-based functional screening revealed that the down-regulation of RPL41 led to an anchorage-independent growth of NIH3T3 cells in soft agar plates. RPL41 depletion with gene-specific small interfering RNA also resulted in malignant transformation of NIH3T3 cells including increased tumor growth in mice. RPL41 deletion was detected in 59% of tumor cell lines by fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses and RPL41 down-regulation in 75% of primary breast cancers by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. These studies suggest a tumor suppression role for RPL41. By mass spectrometry, RPL41 was associated with several cytoskeleton components including tubulin β, γ, and myosin IIA, which was confirmed by Western blot analysis on both cellular lysis and individually in vitro-expressed proteins. RPL41 also bound directly to polymerized tubulins. Cells overexpressing a GFP-RPL41 were resistant to nocodazole-induced microtubule depolymerization. A synthetic RPL41 induced cellular α-tubulin acetylation and G2/M cell cycle arrest. These results indicate a stabilizing role of RPL41 on microtubule. Microtubule spindles are essential for chromosome segregation during mitosis. Cells with RPL41 knock-down showed abnormal spindles, frequent failure of cytokinesis, and formation of polynuclear cells. In interphase cells, RPL41-depleted cells had premature splitting of centrosome. Our results provide evidence that RPL41 is a microtubule-associated protein essential for functional spindles and for the integrity of centrosome and that the abnormal mitosis and disrupted centrosome associated with the RPL41 down-regulation may be related to malignant transformation.
Induction of autoimmune encephalomyelitis and uveitis in B6 and (B6×SJL) mice by peptides derived from myelin/oligodendrocyte glycoprotein

Abstract Previous studies have shown that immunization of the Lewis rat with myelin basic protein (MBP), an encephalitogenic antigen derived from the myelin sheath of the CNS, induced both experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and anterior uveitis (AU). In the current study, we show that a major peptide derived from another encephalitogenic myelin protein—the myelin/oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG35–55)—induced both encephalomyelitis and uveitis in (B6×SJL) F1 and wt-B6 mice. Pathological studies documented that an anterior uveitis was induced by MOG35–55. A similar disease pattern was induced by either active immunization with peptideMOG35–55 (pMOG35–55) or adoptive transfer of MOG35–55-specific T cells. The induced uveitis persisted for >60 days without remission. Our studies demonstrate for the first time that MOG is uveitogenic in mice that express the H-2 b genetic background. This new experimental model should provide a useful tool for the study of the pathogenesis of chronic AU and determination of the pathogenic mechanisms by which a large portion of MS patients develops uveitis.
Setting and counselor type as related to program retention.

Study was made of the relationship between successful treatment outcome and staff: client ratios in two types of treatment settings. Successful treatment was defined as retention in treatment for at least 6 months and program completion. Using a total sample of 5,405 discharged clients, it was found that there were no differences in outcome between community mental health centers and dedicated drug abuse treatment programs for clients whose primary drug of abuse was either an opiate or a nonopiate exclusive of marijuana. Community mental health centers were significantly more likely to retain minority group marijuana clients 6 months or more to treatment completion while dedicated drug abuse programs were significantly more likely to retain White marijuana clients 6 months or more to treatment completion. No differences in outcome were found for any of the three client groups in relation to program emphasis on advanced-degreed professionals as compared to paraprofessionals.
Determining Phase-Energy Coupling Coefficient in Carrier-envelope Phase Measurements

By using two f-to-2f interferometers, we measured the phase-energy coupling coefficient for the first time. The results reveal that a 1% in-loop laser energy change causes a 160 mrad carrier-envelope phase shift to output pulses.
Lck Activity Controls CD4/CD8 T Cell Lineage Commitment

Thymocytes carrying MHC class I–restricted TCRs differentiate into CD8 T cells, while those recognizing MHC class II become CD4 T cells. The mechanisms underlying how MHC class recognition, coreceptor expression, and effector function are coordinated are not well understood. Since the tyrosine kinase Lck binds with more affinity to CD4 than CD8, it has been proposed as a candidate to mediate this process. By using transgenic mice with altered Lck activity, we show that thymocytes carrying a class II–restricted TCR develop into functional CD8 T cells when Lck activity is reduced. Conversely, thymocytes carrying a class I–restricted TCR develop into functional CD4 T cells when Lck activity is increased. These results directly show that quantitative differences in the Lck signal control the CD4/CD8 lineage decision.
Toward high-resolution imaging of DNA

Artificial SFM images of DNA calculated from molecular models show that very sharp tips are needed if the internal features of DNA molecules are to be resolved. The calculations are based on 'envelope image analysis', which takes into account only the geometric effect of a tip surface sliding over a sample surface. These calculations show that: (1) A tip of about 5 angstroms end radius of curvature is needed to profile the major groove of double stranded B- form DNA, and an even sharper tip is needed to profile the minor groove. A tip of 1.5 angstroms radius fully profiles the major and minor grooves, and distinguishes the phosphate groups along the backbone. A tip of 20 angstroms end radius shows only a smooth cylinder with no internal detail. (2) it is possible to distinguish various conformations of double- stranded DNA if the backbone spacing is resolved. This seems to require at least a 5 angstroms tip. (3) The individual bases of single-stranded DNA are not easily distinguishable even if the DNA is in a conformation where the bases lie flat on the substrate surface, and even if a very sharp 1.5 angstroms tip is used.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Ultrasonic velocity and attenuation determination by laser-ultrasonics

Materials are often characterized by measuring the velocity and attenuation of ultrasonic waves. Laser-ultrasonics, which uses lasers for generation and detection of ultrasound, has several advantages compared to the classical piezoelectric techniques, but the use of lasers is often associated with ill-defined source and receiver characteristics making diffraction effects hard to evaluate. We have identified two regimes which, in practice, allow the measurement of velocity and attenuation: the point source/point receiver and the large uniform source/large uniform receiver regimes. These approaches are discussed and illustrated with several examples of application. Limitations caused by misalignment between the generating and detecting laser spots are also analyzed.
Formation of ordered tetragonal PtCo from epitaxial {Pt}/{Co} multilayers

Abstract Formation of ordered tetragonal PtCo from epitaxial Pt (001) Co (001) multilayers was observed via in situ X-ray diffraction measurements at four different annealing temperatures. The measured activation energy of formation of ordered PtCo is 2.1 ± 0.2 eV. Ordering in the PtCo phase is not complete even after 1100 min annealing at 570°C. Growth proceeds by nucleation of domains less than 10 A in thickness, which thicken at a rate approximately proportional to the square root of time.
Experiments in active vision with real and virtual robot heads

In the emerging paradigm of animate vision, the visual processes are not thought of as being independent of cognitive or motor processing, but as an integrated system within the context of visual behavior. Intimate coupling of sensory and motor systems have found to improve significantly the performance of behavior based vision systems. In order to study active vision systems one requires sensory-motor systems. Designing, building, and operating such a test bed is a challenging task. In this paper we describe the status of on-going work in developing a sensory-motor robotic system, R2H, with ten degrees of freedoms (DOF) for research in active vision. To complement the R2H system a Graphical Simulation and Animation (GSA) environment is also developed. The objective of building the GSA system is to create a comprehensive design tool to design and study the behavior of active systems and their interactions with the environment. GSA system aids the researchers to develop high performance and reliable software and hardware in a most effective manner. The GSA environment integrates sensing and motor actions and features complete kinematic simulation of the R2H system, it's sensors and it's workspace. With the aid of the GSA environment a Depth from Focus (DFF), Depth from Vergence, and Depth from Stereo modules are implemented and tested. The power and usefulness of the GSA system as a research tool is demonstrated by acquiring and analyzing images in the real and virtual worlds using the same software implemented and tested in the virtual world.
Cause-Specific Mortality in Patients with Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Major Salivary Glands

The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and cause of disease-specific death in patients with mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) affecting the major salivary glands. A total of 94 patients with MEC treated at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center between 1985 and 2009 were identified from a preexisting database of 451 patients with major salivary gland cancer. Patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics were recorded from a retrospective analysis of patient charts. There were 49 males (52 %), and the median age was 57 years (range, 9–89 years). Of the 94 patients, 49 % had low, 22 % had intermediate, and 28 % had high-grade carcinoma. Overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Cause of death was determined by chart review. Predictors of DSS were identified by univariate analysis. With a median follow-up of 59 months (range, 1–257), the 5-year OS, DSS, and RFS for all patients were 76 %, 83 %, and 79 %, respectively. DSS was significantly poorer for high-grade MEC compared with low/intermediate-grade MEC (5-year DSS 37 % vs 100 %, P < .001). There were 9 disease-specific deaths. The cause of death in 7 patients was distant metastatic disease with locoregional recurrence accounting for death in only 2 patients. Outcome in patients with mucoepidermoid cancers of the major salivary glands is generally good. Mortality occurs almost exclusively in patients with high-grade tumors. The cause of death in the majority of patients is distant metastatic disease rather than locoregional recurrence.
Group simulation for "authentic" assessment in a maternal-child lecture course

The purpose of this pilot study was to explore student perceptions and outcomes surrounding the use of a labor and delivery simulation as a midterm exam in a maternal-newborn lecture course. An exploratory case study design was used to gain a holistic view of the simulation experience. Data from focus groups, written debriefings, simulation scoring rubrics, student course evaluations, and other course exams were analyzed using Stake’s case study method. Qualitative analysis revealed four themes: confidence, fairness, reliability, and team effort. Students were able to accurately grade the performance of their group as a whole and complete a group self-debriefing, but quantitative analysis showed that the group scores were significantly higher than other individual course grades. The findings suggested that the group simulation was an authentic assessment of teamwork, but not individual performance. Future research is needed to determine what role simulation and collaborative testing should play in pre-licensure education .
Nucleotide excision repair deficiency causes elevated levels of chromosome gain in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Aneuploidy is the most frequent aberration observed in tumor cells, and underlies many debilitating and cancer-prone congenital disorders. Aneuploidy most often arises as a consequence of chromosomal non-disjunction, however, little is known about the genetic and epigenetic factors that affect the chromosomal segregation process. As many cancer-prone syndromes are associated with defects in DNA repair pathways we decided to investigate the relationship between DNA repair in mutation avoidance pathways, namely base and nucleotide excision, and mismatch repair (MMR), and aneuploidy in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Isogenic haploid and diploid DNA repair deficient yeast strains were constructed, and spontaneous levels of intra- and inter-chromosomal recombination, forward mutation, chromosome gain, and loss were measured. We show that the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway is required for accurate chromosomal disjunction. In the absence of Rad1, Rad2, or Rad4, spontaneous levels of chromosome XV gain were significantly elevated in both haploid and diploid mutant strains. Thus, chromosome gain may be an additional cancer predisposing event in NER deficient patients.
Wave Propagation in a Coaxial Glow Discharge

The propagation of electromagnetic radiation from 500 to 4200 Mc in a coaxial cage transmission line passing through a cylindrical discharge chamber is investigated experimentally. Measurements were conducted in argon, helium, and nitrogen gas at pressures between 0.09 mm Hg and 2 mm Hg for a discharge-electromagnetic radiation interaction length of 30.48 cm. The results are compared with theory using a Lorentzian model to describe the electron motion in the presence of the RF field. A graphical method for determining the plasma frequency and electron momentum transfer collision frequency from measurements of the power transmission coefficient at two different radio frequencies is discussed. A comparison is made between the plasma frequency determined by this method and that obtained by the use of a cylindrical Langmuir probe. The electron momentum transfer collision probability is calculated from the RF and probe data.
On-line ultrasonic density sensor for process control of liquids and slurries

Abstract An on-line ultrasonic density sensor is described in which six transducers are mounted upon a plastic wedge, the base of the wedge being in contact with a liquid or slurry. Ultrasonic beams striking the base at several angles are reflected. The amount of reflection at the plastic–liquid interface depends upon the density of the liquid ρ, the speed of sound c in the liquid, and wedge parameters. By determining the reflection coefficient at two angles, ρ and c can be determined. The sensor can be mounted in a pipeline configuration or submerged for tank applications.
Absorption spectrophotometric study of berkelium(III) and (IV) fluorides in the solid state

Abstract Absorption spectrophotometry has been used to study the dimorphic BkF3 system and BkF4 in the solid state. LaF3-type trigonal BkF3 can be distinguished from YF3-type orthorhombic BkF3 by subtle, but reproducible, differences in their corresponding absorption spectra. This ability emphasizes the sensitivity of absorption spectrophotometric analysis, since both crystal modifications of BkF3 have the same metal ion coordination number of nine. The absorption spectrum of BkF4 (UF4-type monoclinic structure) is reported for the first time.
Questioning Skills among Advantaged and Disadvantaged Children in First Grade

The evaluation of questioning skills among 200 first-grade Ss (100 advantaged and 100 disadvantaged) on the question-asking activity of the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking utilized an 11-category system of classification for analysis. A comparison of the categories indicate that the disadvantaged Ss seem to be at a lower developmental level of question-asking skills than their advantaged counterparts.
Purification of guinea pig liver transglutaminase using a phenylalanine-sepharose 4B affinity column.

Abstract Guinea pig liver transglutaminase has been purified utilizing an improved protocol. The new steps include QAE-Sephadex ion-exchange, hydroxylapatite adsorption, and affinity chromatography using a phenylalanine-Sepharose column. The overall yield for the enzyme was 31%. This new scheme should enable more laboratories to take advantage of the protein crosslinking and labeling properties of transglutaminase.
Meaning of touch: The case of touch from a stranger or same sex person

Two hundred and eight respondents rated what it means to them if they are touched on various areas of their body by either a stranger or a close friend of the same or opposite sex. Male and female respondents agree that (a) touch from a close friend of the opposite sex is pleasant, and (b) touch from a same sex person is unpleasant. However, touch from an opposite-sex stranger, is considered to be unpleasant by women but quite pleasant by men. For women, the meaning of a touch is primarily influenced by how well they know the other person; for men, the meaning is primarily determined by the other person's sex. That the intrusiveness of touch depends on acquaintanceship supports the hypothesis that for psychological comfort the level of intimacy of a) nonverbal behavior and b) the social relationship of two people must be congruent.
Laser stabilization at 1536 nm using regenerative spectral hole burning

Laser frequency stabilization giving a 500-Hz Allan deviation for a 2-ms integration time with drift reduced to 7 kHz/min over several minutes was achieved at 1536 nm in the optical communication band. A continuously regenerated spectral hole in the inhomogeneously broadened ${}^{4}{I}_{15/2}{(1)}^{4}{I}_{13/2}(1)$ optical absorption of an ${\mathrm{Er}}^{3+}:{\mathrm{Y}}_{2}{\mathrm{SiO}}_{5}$ crystal was used as the short-term frequency reference, while a variation on the locking technique allowed simultaneous use of the inhomogeneously broadened absorption line as a long-term reference. The reported frequency stability was achieved without vibration isolation. Spectral hole burning frequency stabilization provides ideal laser sources for high-resolution spectroscopy, real-time optical signal processing, and a range of applications requiring ultra-narrow-band light sources or coherent detection; the time scale for stability and the compatibility with spectral hole burning devices make this technique complementary to other frequency references for laser stabilization.
Molecular pharmacology of muscarinic receptor heterogeneity

Muscarinic receptors can be pharmacologically classified into 3 types at the present time, however, five genes for the receptor have been identified. The muscarinic receptor types have unique antagonist selectivity, distribution and are linked to specific second messenger systems. The interaction between the muscarinic receptor types and G proteins may depend on the systems in which the receptors are integrated. Expression of the cloned gene in mammalian cells will be useful in delineating the relationships between the pharmacological types of muscarinic receptors and their genes and studying the interactions between the receptor, G proteins, and second messenger coupling.
Determination of selenographic positions

The systematic examination of lunar surface characteristics is entering a new phase requiring detailed measurements of position for purposes of cartography, surface and near-surface navigation, and correlation and data reduction of scientific experiments, such as gravimetry, active seismology, geological sampling, etc. A method of obtaining selenographic positions is described in this paper, and an example of the technique is presented.
Nonlinear effects of thermal spikes on the yield of ion sputtering

We develop a semiempirical formula for thermal spikes in the near surface region. The development of a thermal spike is described by the equation of classical heat conduction with the assumption of quasiequilibrium state. A simple Arrhenius behavior is adopted concerning the atomic jumping process to overcome the surface planar potential in the surface thermal spike regions. This theoretical model is compared with experimental data for pure metal and ice targets. It is demonstrated that a thermal spike on the surface has a spherical geometry for cascades with a relatively high damage energy density, but has a cylindrical shape as cascade damage energy goes up even higher. For the cylindrical geometry case, it is likely that the overlapping of subcascades occurs. As a result, it is found that the ion sputtering yield, which is scaled by the atomic density of the target,is proportional to (FD∗)μ, where FD∗ = FD/N, with FD the elastic collision energy deposited per unit path length in the near surface regions and N, the atomic density of the target; U is the sublimation energy of the target materials. The power factor μ equals 1.0 in cascades with a low energy density (the Sigmund linear region), and 73 and 3 for spherical thermal spikes and cylindrical thermal spikes (the nonlinear regions), respectively.
The lattice of semigroup varieties

Semigroups are considered here in terms of the identities which they may satisfy with the emphasis on the identities and on classes of semigroups defined by identities, rather than on the semigroups themselves. These classes, called varieties, form a lattice under inclusion and it is illuminating to interpret properties of semigroup identities and varieties in terms of this lattice, its cardinality, its atoms, its infinite chains, and so on.
Runners adjust leg stiffness for their first step on a new running surface

Human runners adjust the stiffness of their stance leg to accommodate surface stiffness during steady state running. This adjustment allows runners to maintain similar center of mass movement (e.g., ground contact time and stride frequency) regardless of surface stiffness. When runners encounter abrupt transitions in the running surface, they must either make a rapid adjustment or allow the change in the surface stiffness to disrupt their running mechanics. Our goal was to determine how quickly runners adjust leg stiffness when they encounter an abrupt but expected change in surface stiffness that they have encountered previously. Six human subjects ran at 3 m s(-1) on a rubber track with two types of rubber surfaces: a compliant "soft" surface (ksurf = 21.3 kN m(-1) and a non-compliant "hard" surface (ksurf = 533 kN m(-1). We found that runners completely adjusted leg stiffness for their first step on the new surface after the transition. For example, runners decreased leg stiffness by 29% between the last step on the soft surface and the first step on the hard surface (from 10.7 kN m(-1) to 7.6 kN m(-1), respectively). As a result, the vertical displacement of the center of mass during stance ( approximately 7 cm) did not change at the transition despite a reduction in surface compression from 6 cm to less than 0.25 cm. By rapidly adjusting leg stiffness, each runner made a smooth transition between surfaces so that the path of the center of mass was unaffected by the change in surface stiffness.
Use of an in vitro tuberization system to study tuber protein gene expression

Nodal cuttings from micropropagated potato plantlets give rise to microtubers when placed on Murashige and Skoog medium containing 6% sucrose and 2.5 mg/liter kinetin and incubated in the dark at 19 degrees C. Microtubers produced from the cultivar Superior were shown to contain the same characteristic group of proteins as field-grown tubers. As with field-grown tubers, the 40,000-dalton major tuber glycoprotein, patatin, accumulated to high levels in microtubers, reaching 3.7 +/- 0.2 mg/g fresh weight after 90 d. Also in agreement with field-grown plants, stems and leaves of micropropagated plantlets did not contain detectable levels of patatin, but small amounts of an electrophoretically distinct form accumulated transiently in roots. Patatin mRNA is readily detectable in developing microtubers 15 d after transfer of the cuttings to inductive medium. Patatin mRNA was also present in roots, but as with field-grown plants, was 50- to 100-fold less abundant and could be distinguished from that in tubers by primer extension. Microtuber development and patatin accumulation were inhibited by gibberellic acid.
TH‐C‐AUD‐03: Impact of Respiratory Motion On Helical Tomotherapy Dose Delivery: A Phantom Study with 3‐D Volumetric Dose Measurements

Purpose: To investigate the impact of respiratory motion on helical tomotherapy dose delivery with 3D volumetric dose measurements. Method and Materials: Two helical tomotherapy plans were generated for a polystyrene box phantom with simulated target and critical organs using different filed width. Respiratory motion was simulated by a sinuosoidal motion of 15mm longitudinal and 5mm lateral ranges at 15cycle/min. Tight longitudinal and transverse motion margins of 7mm and 3mm, respectively, were used to expand CTV to PTV. Each plan was delivered to the phantom with and without motion for various numbers of fractions for a total of 16 factions. 3D volumetric doses were measured with films in the transverse planes every 6mm throughout the phantom. These volumetric doses were imported to a treatment planning system for analysis. Dose distributions and Dose‐volume‐histograms were compared between the plans and the measurements as well as between measurements with and without motion. V98, and V100 were also examined for the CTV and PTV. Results: The doses delivered to the stationary phantom agreed with the treatment plan. The dose delivered to the moving phantom maintained the general shape of the dose distribution in the treatment plan but was affected by the motion. At some spots, the dose discrepancy between deliveries with and without phantom motion could be up to 20%. Dose distributions and DVHs showed that dose coverage to the PTV was noticeably compromised. In some cases, V98 was reduced by over 7% and V100 over 9% compared to those of stationary phantom measurements. However, the coverage of CTV remained as good as the plan and the stationary measurement, with practically no change in V98 and V100. Conclusion: Respiratory motion can cause significant dose error in helical tomotherapy. However, adequate motion margins on the target can substantially reduce the motion effect on target dose coverage.
Simplified procedures for estimating band and total emissivities of polyatomic molecules

We present a qualitative description of the essential physical ideas which we have used in obtaining a successful molecular description of Hottel's empirical emissivity charts for CO2, H2O, and for CO2−H2O mixtures.
SU-FF-T-214: Evaluation of Heterogeneity Effect in Intra-Operative HDR (IOHDR) Brachytherapy Dose Calculation Using Monte Carlo Simulation and GAFCHROMIC EBT Film Measurement

Purpose: Investigate the heterogeneity effect due to air cavity and lead sheets in intro‐operative High‐Dose‐Rate (IOHDR) brachytherapydose calculation using Monte Carlo(MC) simulation and GAFCHROMIC EBT film measurement. Method and Materials: The organs‐at‐risk (OARs) in IOHDR treatment are usually pushed away from applicators and covered by lead sheets. The dose estimations to OARs are affected by local heterogeneities like air gap and lead sheets and difficult to calculate by conventional treatment planning systems, where infinitely homogeneous water environment is assumed. This study used both MC simulation and Gafchromic film measurement to access the heterogeneity effect of dose calculations in a phantom setting. Nine 5×5cm2 sloid water slabs, each 2mm thick, were put on a 30×30×20cm3 solid water phantom. Gafchromic EBT films were place at 0, 4, 8 12 mm depth between the slabs. The Ir‐192HDR source was place 19 mm above the slabs in the air. 0–3 lead sheets, each 0.9mm thick, were placed directly on top of the slabs. MC Photo Transport code (PTRAN) was used to simulate doses at each film positions and compared with film measurements. Results: The MC simulation agrees with film measurements within 5% except data points directly under lead sheets where dose enhancement by secondary electrons was not simulated in PTRAN. The heterogeneity correction factor (HCF), defined as dose ratio of with and without lead sheets at surface of the slabs is 147%, 121% and 96%, for 1–3 lead sheets respectively. At 4–12mm depth in water slabs, the HCFs are approximately 81%, 65% and 53% for 1–3 lead sheets. Conclusion: Significant dose enhancement was found directly under lead sheets. HCF data obtained in this study can be used to estimate doses to OARs in IOHDR treatment. The MC simulation was proved to be useful to calculate doses to OARs at complex clinical settings.
Molecular mechanics of silk nanostructures under varied mechanical loading

Spider dragline silk is a self-assembling tunable protein composite fiber that rivals many engineering fibers in tensile strength, extensibility, and toughness, making it one of the most versatile biocompatible materials and most inviting for synthetic mimicry. While experimental studies have shown that the peptide sequence and molecular structure of silk have a direct influence on the stiffness, toughness, and failure strength of silk, few molecular-level analyses of the nanostructure of silk assemblies, in particular, under variations of genetic sequences have been reported. In this study, atomistic-level structures of wildtype as well as modified MaSp1 protein from the Nephila clavipes spider dragline silk sequences, obtained using an in silico approach based on replica exchange molecular dynamics and explicit water molecular dynamics, are subjected to simulated nanomechanical testing using different force-control loading conditions including stretch, pull-out, and peel. The authors have explored the effects of the poly-alanine length of the N. clavipes MaSp1 peptide sequence and identify differences in nanomechanical loading conditions on the behavior of a unit cell of 15 strands with 840-990 total residues used to represent a cross-linking β-sheet crystal node in the network within a fibril of the dragline silk thread. The specific loading condition used, representing concepts derived from the protein network connectivity at larger scales, have a significant effect on the mechanical behavior. Our analysis incorporates stretching, pull-out, and peel testing to connect biochemical features to mechanical behavior. The method used in this study could find broad applications in de novo design of silk-like tunable materials for an array of applications.
Improving nurses' responses toward substance-misusing patients: a clinical evaluation project

Practitioners in acute and primary care settings often fail to identify and intervene with chemically dependent patients. Counterproductive attitudes, lack of knowledge, and poor clinical skills impede early identification, treatment, and referral. In response to these problems, an educational intervention was designed to improve practicing nurses' recognition of and responses to substance-misusing patients. Results of the pretest posttest comparison group evaluation suggest that educational interventions were influential in improving nurses' confidence in caring for substance misusing patients. Although data reflecting changes in attitudes were less compelling, the improvement in treatment optimism is a positive change that has important clinical implications.
Single-port cholecystectomy: small scar, short learning curve.

Background This past year has borne witness to the acceptance of single-port laparoscopic surgery into mainstream clinical practice. This study describes a surgeon’s experience with single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy and delineates a learning curve for this technically demanding procedure utilizing improvements in operative time as a proxy for technical facility.
Complexity and healing relationships.

The Institute of Medicine's first simple rule for quality health care is a long-term healing relationship; and the first aim for a quality health care system is patient-centered care.1 The Association of American Medical Colleges' Medical School Objective Project urged faculties to teach interpersonal and communication skills.2 The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education accredits residency programs based, in part, on their demonstration of residents' competence in interpersonal and communication skills.3 Similarly, the American Board of Medical Specialties' member boards include communication skills in the criteria for certification and recertification.4 Yet the scientific and theoretical basis for these recommendations remains sparse.
A Comparison of Hybridization between Mottled Ducks ( Anas fulvigula )and Mallards ( A. platyrhynchos ) in Florida and South Carolina using Microsatellite DNA Analysis

Interspecific hybridization has been implicated in population declines for some waterfowl species within the mallard complex, and hybridization with mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) is currently considered the largest threat to mottled ducks (A. fulvigula), one North American member of that complex. We assessed genetic variation among 225 mottled ducks and mallards using five microsatellite loci, and detected significant overall differences between these species within two geographic areas. We characterized hybridization in Florida, where mottled ducks are endemic and mallards are beginning to appear on the breeding grounds, and in South Carolina, where mottled ducks were introduced outside their native range. We used Bayesian genetic mixture analysis in an attempt to distinguish between these closely related species. In Florida, we detected two distinct genetic groups, and 10.9% of our samples from Florida mottled ducks were inferred to have been hybrids. In contrast only 3.4% of Florida mallards were inferred to have been hybrids, suggesting asymmetric hybridization. Populations from different geographic areas within Florida exhibited hybridization rates ranging from 0% to 24%. These data indicate a genetic component would be appropriate in actively managing interspecific hybridization in Florida mottled ducks. In contrast, South Carolina mottled ducks and mallards cannot be differentiated.
Formation of PCDDF in municipal solid waste incinerators: laboratory and modeling studies

Abstract Recent laboratory results on the formation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans ( PCDD F ) are reviewed, with emphasis on heterogeneous, fly ash-mediated reactions. The well-studied de novo synthesis yields PCDD F ratios less than one, a value frequently found in municipal solid waste incinerators. Its apparent rate cannot, however, explain PCDD F - formation in incinerators during flue gas residence times. Reactions of chlorophenols yield PCDD, either in the solid or gas phase, and are much faster, but generally lead to PCDD F ⪢ 1 at comparable temperatures. PCDF-yields from chlorobenzenes are much lower under comparable conditions, but increase at higher temperatures. Different experimental combustion systems have proven that PCDD F can form rapidly at rates comparable to apparent incinerator rates, i.e., formation during flue gas passage from the furnace through the air pollution control device. The properties of fly ash play an important role in determining rates and yields, but there is at present hardly a quantitative link between fly ash physical/chemical properties and chemical reactivity. Some success has been achieved in applying a modified four-step model of PCDD-formation to incinerator data. The concept of active and superactive sites on fly ash is introduced, it may be useful in future experimental designs. For future control approaches that are not add-on oriented a better understanding of the time/temperature history of fly ash formation and the intrinsic kinetics of precursor reactions is required.
The U.S. national nanotechnology infrastructure network and support of photonics research and development

A major challenge in science and engineering research and development at the nano-scale, and particularly for photonics, is the availability of infrastructure that allows easy and quick implementation of structures, devices, or more complex systems necessary for making rigorous measurements, other exploratory directions of interest, and building of assemblies that utilize techniques from multiple disciplines. The experiments connect across length scales - nanometers and up, employ a variety of materials and techniques of assembly and patterning, and require a complex mix of knowledge that are derived from other research areas and tools that are demanding in skills and are hard to access. The National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (NNIN; www.nnin.org) is funded by the United States National Science Foundation and is a partnership of open shared facilities across the country that enables the national and international community to pursue research and technology development that can benefit from nanotechnology. The NNIN provides easy hands-on access to external users, remote usage, staff support, low-cost usage, knowledge infrastructure, and brings together an extensive coordinated array of instruments for fabrication, synthesis, and characterization together with other infrastructure resources. Particularly relevant to photonics is the ability to combine optical quality materials and fabrication techniques with ultra-sensitive characterization and application to biology, fluidics, and problems of interest in optical and electronic communication. Integration to the smallest length scales through synthesis and electron-beam lithography, growth and deposition of a variety materials with controlled properties, patterning of complex shapes in the three-dimensions, connecting such structures, characterization, and the ability to achieve this quickly and at low cost is essential to successful university research and industrial innovation. NNIN tool resources that span focused-ion beam, electron microscopy, spectroscopic techniques, etc. for characterization; synthesis, growth, deposition, etc. for assembling; ultra-high resolution lithography, etching, etc. for patterning; all enable the researcher to focus on their own research interest by leveraging the NNIN infrastructure. Access of NNIN is designed for ease of use - quick access (typically, 2 weeks), strong support (direct staff and web-based interactions), and remote execution for simple projects.
The role of vitamin D in asthma

Objective To review the current literature on vitamin D and asthma, discussing the possible roles of vitamin D on asthma pathogenesis and the potential consequences of vitamin D deficiency. Data Sources PubMed database was searched from 1950 to 2009. Keywords used included asthma , vitamin D , inflammation , airway smooth muscle and cytokines . Study Selection Articles were selected based on relevance to the subject. Results Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with epidemiologic patterns observed in the asthma epidemic. Vitamin D deficiency is more common with obesity, African American ethnicity, and westernization of countries with higher-risk populations for asthma. Evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased airway hyperresponsiveness, lower pulmonary functions, worse asthma control, and possibly steroid resistance. Lung epithelial cells express high baseline levels of 1α-hydroxylase. This allows the conversion of inactive calcidiol to active calcitriol locally within the lung. Calcitriol has been shown to inhibit the synthesis and release of certain cytokines, such as RANTES, platelet-derived growth factor, and matrix metalloproteinases, from bronchial smooth muscle cells, thereby leading to decreased lung inflammation and smooth muscle cell proliferation. Vitamin D also increases synthesis of interleukin 10 by CD4 + CD25 + Foxp3 + T-regulatory cells and dendritic cells, while concurrently inhibiting dendritic cell activation by downregulating expression of costimulatory molecules CD40 and CD80/86. Vitamin D is also capable of inducing the expression of several anti-infective molecules, such as cathelicidin. Thus, vitamin D has a number of biologic effects that are likely important in regulating key mechanisms in asthma. Conclusions We hypothesize that vitamin D supplementation may lead to improved asthma control by inhibiting the influx of inflammatory cytokines in the lung and increasing the secretion of interleukin 10 by T-regulatory cells and dendritic cells.
The Normalization of Corrupt Business Practices: Implications for Integrative Social Contracts Theory (ISCT)

I propose that the emphasis on “authentic” norms in the ISCT literature does not encompass the possibility of community norms that facilitate and maintain corrupt behavior. To fill this gap, I build on the normalization of corruption literature to present a typology of community norms that distinguishes between authentic, behavioral, and aspirational norm types as well as between illegitimate, authentic norms and illegitimate, behavioral norms. By refining the terminology used to evaluate community norms, I propose that ISCT can be more easily applied to cases of systemic corruption.
Role of aphid predator guild in controlling spirea aphid populations on apple in West Virginia, USA

Abstract Spirea aphid populations and their predators were studied on apple to identify predators of importance in controlling aphid populations. Methods included random and non-random sampling from apple orchards in West Virginia, USA, sentinel aphid colonies, laboratory feeding studies, and predator exclusion studies. Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), chrysopids (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), and Orius insidiosus (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) were the most abundant predators associated with spirea aphid colonies on apple. Parasitoids were all but absent in the study. Abundance of all predators was density dependent with greater responses to aphid populations at the orchard scale than to tree or individual colony scales. A. aphidimyza, O. insidiosus, chrysopids, and syrphids (Diptera) had the greatest degree of density dependence on aphid populations, and spiders showed inverse density dependence. Exclusion of predators with both cages and insecticides produced significantly higher aphid populations. Because of high abundance, good synchrony with aphid populations, and high impact per individual, H. axyridis adults were the most important spirea aphid predator on apple.
CRYSTAL STUDIES OF B-DNA : THE ANSWERS AND THE QUESTIONS

The history of DNA crystallography is reviewed and is followed by discussion of the methods used for structure determination. The features of B-DNA molecular and crystal structures are described. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biopoly 44: 23–44, 1997
Implant Isolation of Silicon Two-Dimensional Electron Gases at 4.2 K

Successful lateral electrical isolation of silicon 2-D electron gases (2DEGs) at liquid helium temperature (4.2 K) by ion implantation is demonstrated. The sheet resistance of the implanted regions can be achieved as high as 1 ×1013 Ω/□ at 4.2 K. Thermal stability up to 550°C makes the technique compatible with most subsequent processing steps to fabricate silicon quantum devices. It has also been confirmed that the 2DEG quality is not degraded by the ion implantation, based on a comparison of Hall mobility of implant-isolated samples with conventional reactive-ion-etching-defined samples.
Half-micrometre-base lateral bipolar transistors made in thin silicon-on-insulator films

NPN and PNP lateral bipolar transistors having a base length shorter than 0.5 μm have been made in thin (100 nm) silicon-on-insulator films. Current gains of 75 and 40 have been obtained in NPN and PNP devices, respectively. Measurements indicate a base generation lifetime of 1 μs, and leakage currents of a fraction of a picoampere have been measured. The device fabrication is compatible with an SOI CMOS fabrication process.
Ordered fast Fourier transforms on a massively parallel hypercube multiprocessor

Design alternatives for ordered Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) algorithms were examined on massively parallel hypercube multiprocessors such as the Connection Machine. Particular emphasis is placed on reducing communication which is known to dominate the overall computing time. To this end, the order and computational phases of the FFT were combined, and the sequence to processor maps that reduce communication were used. The class of ordered transforms is expanded to include any FFT in which the order of the transform is the same as that of the input sequence. Two such orderings are examined, namely, standard-order and A-order which can be implemented with equal ease on the Connection Machine where orderings are determined by geometries and priorities. If the sequence has N = 2 exp r elements and the hypercube has P = 2 exp d processors, then a standard-order FFT can be implemented with d + r/2 + 1 parallel transmissions. An A-order sequence can be transformed with 2d - r/2 parallel transmissions which is r - d + 1 fewer than the standard order. A parallel method for computing the trigonometric coefficients is presented that does not use trigonometric functions or interprocessor communication. A performance of 0.9 GFLOPS was obtained for an A-order transform on the Connection Machine.
Types and Life Cycles of Centrioles of Flagellates

SUMMARY. Two centrioles, an old one and a new one, are always present in the resting cell. From prophase onward two new ones and two old ones are present. Beginning with the resting stage, five types of centriole life cycles are described and compared with one another: In type 1, both centrioles are elongate; in type 2, the old one is long and the new one, which is short, elongates in prophase; in type 3, both are short, both elongate in prophase, and both, except for their anterior tips, degenerate in late telophase; in type 4, both are long but in prophase their distal ends become free of the rest of the centrioles, these ends migrate to center or posterior end of cell, where, after they produce the achromatic figure and it completes its function in nuclear division, they degenerate; in type 5, both are short and neither elongates at any stage of its life cycle. New centrioles are produced by the anterior ends of old ones. In their first generation, centrioles produce only extranuclear organelles (flagella, parabasals, axostyles, etc.); in their second and later generations, they produce only the achromatic figure (gametogenesis in Trichonympha and reorganization in Barbulanympha and Rhynchonympha are exceptions to this rule). The distal ends of centrioles in some types of cycles are surrounded by centrosomes; in others they are not. In one type of centriole life cycle a small central spindle is present in the resting cell in two genera; in the other types this is not the case.