cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A hybrid modeling scheme for soft tissue simulation in virtual reality based medical trainers

Publisher Summary This chapter describes a hybrid-modeling scheme of soft tissue deformation for a virtual reality based medical simulator. By using two different physically based models, it satisfies two competitive requirements of real time performance and accuracy. A local point collocation-based method of finite spheres is coupled with a global boundary element technique to capture local features of the interaction (nonlinearity of the soft tissue) without sacrificing global accuracy. The technique is demonstrated using realistic examples. The physically based techniques found in literature are inherently computationally expensive and real time implementation is not possible without extensive precomputations or gross simplifications. It is well known that soft tissue behavior is highly nonlinear, especially in the vicinity of the surgical tooltip where the deformations are large, and surgical procedures almost always involve cutting. The integral equation formulation reduces the dimensionality of the problem by one and only the surface, instead of the volume, is discretized.
Evaluation of Data Obtained by Reference Methods

The key role of reference methods for measurement of air pollutants in regulatory matters demands that the data obtained in their use be precise and accurate, but no procedures have been established for evaluating its reliability and validity for the intended use. This paper discusses the general principles of reliable analytical measurements and presents guidelines by which the quality of data obtained by reference methods or other procedures may be evaluated.
Subtropical epibenthos varies with location, reef type, and grazing intensity

Abstract Composition of marine epibenthic communities are influenced by both physical and biotic processes. For instance, the larval supply and cues that influence colonization (physical), as well as the growth and mortality of individuals (biotoic), may differ across location and reef type. Determining the relative influence of these processes is important to understanding how epibenthic communities can develop in a region. Using both a partial caging experiment that controlled grazing by urchins and in situ photographic surveys of epibenthic communities, this study examined the relationship between urchin grazing and the composition of epibenthos on natural limestone and artificial reefs in the eastern Gulf of Mexico (eGOM). In the experiment, tiles that were open to urchin grazing had lower percent cover of algae (−12%) and higher cover of crustose coralline algae (CCA) (13%) than those that excluded urchins. Patterns in tile cover were likely the result of CCA either resisting grazing mortality or recolonizing exposed areas after algae were removed. Variation in colonization was observed between inshore and offshore reef groups. Urchin density was positively correlated with the structural complexity of the habitats, which was higher on artificial reefs than natural ones, a factor that potentially had important effects on several observed patterns. Results from photographic surveys indicated that natural reef communities had higher algal cover and lower cover of invertebrates (e.g., corals and hydroids) than artificial reefs. These findings were consistent with previous work conducted in both temperate and tropical ecosystems, and suggested that grazing from urchins plays an important role in shaping epibenthic community structure in the subtropical eGOM.
Improving Wind Forcing with Scatterometer Observations for Operational Storm Surge Forecasting in the Adriatic Sea

Reliable storm surge predictions rely on accurate atmospheric model simulations, especially of the sea surface pressure and wind vector. The Adriatic Sea is among the regional seas of the Mediterranean basin experiencing the highest tidal excursions, particularly in its northern side, the Gulf of Venice, where storm surge predictions are therefore of great importance. Unfortunately, sea surface wind forecasts in the Adriatic Sea are known to be underestimated. A numerical method aiming at reducing the bias between scatterometer wind observations and atmospheric model winds, has been developed. The method is called “wind bias mitigation” and uses the scatterometer observations to reduce the bias between scatterometer observations and the modeled sea surface wind, in this case that supplied by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) global atmospheric model. We have compared four mathematical approaches to this method, for a total of eight different formulations of the multiplicative factor $\Delta ws$ which compensates the model wind underestimation, thus decreasing the bias between scatterometer and model. Four datasets are used for the assessment of the eight different bias mitigation methods: a collection of 29 storm surge events (SEVs) cases in the years 2004–2014, a collection of 48 SEVs in the years 2013–2016, a collection of 364 cases of random sea level conditions in the same period, and a collection of the seven SEVs in 2012–2016 that were worst predicted. The statistical analysis shows that the bias mitigation procedures supplies a mean wind speed more accurate than the standard forecast, when compared with scatterometer observations, in more than 70% of the analyzed cases.
Intra-tracheal gene delivery of aerosolized SERCA2a to the lung suppresses ventricular arrhythmias in a model of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Abstract Background Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) results in right ventricular (RV) failure, electro-mechanical dysfunction and heightened risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD), although exact mechanisms and predisposing factors remain unclear. Because impaired chronotropic response to exercise is a strong predictor of early mortality in patients with PAH, we hypothesized that progressive elevation in heart rate can unmask ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VT) in a rodent model of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH. We further hypothesized that intra-tracheal gene delivery of aerosolized AAV1.SERCA2a (AAV1.S2a), an approach which improves pulmonary vascular remodeling in PAH, can suppress VT in this model. Objective To determine the efficacy of pulmonary AAV1.S2a in reversing electrophysiological (EP) remodeling and suppressing VT in PAH. Methods Male rats received subcutaneous injection of MCT (60 mg/kg) leading to advanced PAH. Three weeks following MCT, rats underwent intra-tracheal delivery of aerosolized AAV1.S2a (MCT + S2a, N = 8) or saline (MCT, N = 9). Age-matched rats served as controls (CTRL, N = 7). The EP substrate and risk of VT were determined using high-resolution optical action potential (AP) mapping ex vivo. The expression levels of key ion channel subunits, fibrosis markers and hypertrophy indices were measured by RT-PCR and histochemical analyses. Results Over 80% of MCT but none of the CTRL hearts were prone to sustained VT by rapid pacing (P Conclusion Aerosolized AAV1.S2a gene delivery selectively to the lungs ameliorates myocardial EP remodeling and VT susceptibility at rapid heart rates. Our findings highlight for the first time the utility of a non-cardiac gene therapy approach for arrhythmia suppression.
The microbiome in asthma: Role in pathogenesis, phenotype, and response to treatment.

Abstract Objective To synthesize evidence on the role of microbiota in asthma pathogenesis, phenotype, and treatment outcomes, and to provide perspective on future research directions and challenges. Data Sources Studies identified from a PubMed search, including all or some of the terms “asthma,” “microbiome,” “microbiota,” “gut,” “airway,” “respiratory,” “lung,” “viral,” and “fungal”. Study Selections Studies included and referenced based on the authors' opinion of the study design and methods, value of the research questions, and the relevance of the results to the objective of the article. Results Many studies have demonstrated an important role for intestinal or upper airway microbiota in mediating the pathogenesis of childhood asthma. Fewer but robust studies have implicated a role for lower respiratory tract microbiota in adult asthma phenotype, including effects of treatments. Bacterial and fungal members of the respiratory microbiota are associated with and may drive specific molecular phenotypes of asthma in adults. Conclusion Current evidence supports the role of human microbiota changes in shaping asthma risk, pathogenesis, and clinical presentation. Further understanding of how microbiota functionally mediate these aspects in clinically relevant contexts will require better integration of advanced scientific tools, analytic methods, and well-designed clinical studies. These efforts should be pursued with a systems-level perspective of the complex interactions between human hosts and their microbiomes, and the impact on these interactions of changes in environmental and lifestyle factors across the lifespan.
Thermoplastic prepreg with partially polymerized matrix: Material and process development for efficient part manufacturing

Abstract Extensive use of thermoplastic composites has been restricted by processing challenges emerging from high melt viscosities. We demonstrate the feasibility of thermoplastic prepreg with partially polymerized poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix and carbon fiber reinforcement. The low viscosity pre-polymer resin allowed part consolidation at low temperature and pressure. The chemical kinetics and rheology of PMMA polymerization were characterized, and an aging study was conducted to assess pre-polymer stability. Prepregs were fabricated using lab-scale methods, and a fabrication map was constructed to determine the optimal extent of polymerization for the prepreg. The prepregs were tested for tack and drape at ambient temperature, and thermoformed for microstructural and chemical analysis. The results show that auto-acceleration drives both the rate of polymerization and viscosity evolution, while refrigeration delays pre-polymer out-time effects. The thermoformed laminates exhibited near-zero porosity. This work establishes material and process development guidelines for reactive thermoplastic prepreg, and highlights potential advantages of the proposed prepreg.
A 3-D Rat Brain Model for Blast-Wave Exposure: Effects of Brain Vasculature and Material Properties.

Exposure to blast waves is suspected to cause primary traumatic brain injury. However, existing finite-element (FE) models of the rat head lack the necessary fidelity to characterize the biomechanical responses in the brain due to blast exposure. They neglect to represent the cerebral vasculature, which increases brain stiffness, and lack the appropriate brain material properties characteristic of high strain rates observed in blast exposures. To address these limitations, we developed a high-fidelity three-dimensional FE model of a rat head. We explicitly represented the rat’s cerebral vasculature and used high-strain-rate material properties of the rat brain. For a range of blast overpressures (100 to 230 kPa) the brain-pressure predictions matched experimental results and largely overlapped with and tracked the incident pressure–time profile. Incorporating the vasculature decreased the average peak strain in the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem by 17, 33, and 18%, respectively. When compared with our model based on rat-brain properties, the use of human-brain properties in the FE model led to a three-fold reduction in the strain predictions. For simulations of blast exposure in rats, our findings suggest that representing cerebral vasculature and species-specific brain properties has a considerable influence in the resulting brain strain but not the pressure predictions.
Reconstructing Pleistocene Climatic Change from the Oxygen Isotope Composition of Sediments: A Review

The isotope composition of ocean sediments is the chief data source for Pleistocene climatic changes. It is generally believed that the 18O/16O ratio of a sample indicates the global total of glacial ice at the time the sample was deposited. This is roughly correct, but numerous complicating factors limit the accuracy of the isotope proxies.
Acoustoelectric Amplification in Lateral-Extensional Composite Piezo-Silicon Resonant Cavities

In this work, evidence for acoustoelectric (AE) amplification in lateral-extensional thin-film piezoelectric-on-silicon (TPoS) resonant cavities for the first time is demonstrated. Due to the piezoelectric coupling, an evanescent electromagnetic wave is induced in the silicon (Si) layer that is a part of the resonant cavity, exchanging momentum with the carriers. Therefore, by injecting an electric current in this layer, the acoustic equivalent of Cherenkov radiation – AE amplification – can be realized. Such phenomenon is observed in a 1 GHz TPoS resonant cavity in which lateral field excitation is utilized to excite the acoustic wave.
A review of level set methods to model interfaces moving under complex physics: Recent challenges and advances

Abstract Level set methods, and their descendents, have been valuable in providing robust numerical algorithms for tracking the dynamics of evolving interfaces moving under complex physics and have been instrumental in shedding light on a variety of scientific problems. Application areas include fluid mechanics, materials sciences, biology, and chemistry, as well as in engineering and industry such as semiconductor manufacturing, the design of commercial inkjet plotters, and the dynamics of industrial foams. To handle increasingly complex and intricate interface dynamics problems, a set of mathematical, algorithmic, and numerical challenges had to be overcome in order to extend the basic level set methodology, introduced in Osher and Sethian (1988) . In this review article, we discuss how each of those challenges were tackled and show examples of how the resulting advances in core methodologies have been used to compute a variety of complex problems in computational physics.
Long-Term Synergistic Regulation of Ionic Channels by C-Kinase and Ca2+/CaM-Type II Kinase

The distinct molecular identities of ionic channels within biological membranes are now being revealed. The acetylcholine receptor, a ligandgated cation channel, was solubilized and purified from post-synaptic membranes of the ray Torpedo californica (Karlin, 1980; Changeux, 1981). Entire amino acid sequences for all of the acetylcholine receptor subunits were deduced from DNA sequence analysis of cDNA clones (Numa et al., 1983). Similarly, the voltage-sensitive Na+ channel from rat brain has been solubilized and purified to homogeneity, and shown to consist of α (Mr 260,000), β1 and β2(Mr 39,000 and 37,000, respectively) subunits (Agnew et al., 1980; Weigele and Barchi, 1982; Hartshorne and Catterall, 1984). Consistent with the heterogeneity of tetrodotoxin binding sites, presence of at least three distinct Na+ channels (I, II and III) in rat brain was suggested from a sequencing study of cDNA clones obtained from three distinct mRNAs for the α-subunit (Noda et al., 1986). The Ca2+ channel (a dihydropyridine-sensitive class) was also purified (Curtis and Catterall, 1985). None of the known K+ channels have yet been purified, probably due to the unavailability of high affinity neurotoxins and a K+ channel abundance which is small in comparison to that of the Na+ channel and the acetylcholine receptor.
Understanding and Improving Privacy 'Audits' Under FTC Orders

This new white paper, entitled “Understanding and Improving Privacy ‘Audits’ under FTC Orders,” carefully parses the third-party audits that Google and Facebook are required to conduct under their 2012 Federal Trade Commission consent orders. Using only publicly available documents, the article contrasts the FTC’s high expectations for the audits with what the FTC actually received (as released to the public in redacted form). These audits, as a practical matter, are often the only “tooth” in FTC orders to protect consumer privacy. They are critically important to accomplishing the agency’s privacy mission. As such, a failure to attend to their robust enforcement can have unintended consequences, and arguably, provide consumers with a false sense of security. The paper shows how the audits are not actually audits as commonly understood. Instead, because the FTC order language only requires third-party “assessments,” the companies submit reports that are termed “attestations.” Attestations fundamentally rely on a few vague privacy program aspects that are self-selected by the companies themselves. While the FTC could reject attestation-type assessments, the agency could also insist the companies bolster certain characteristics of the attestation assessments to make them more effective and replicate audit attributes. For example, the FTC could require a broader and deeper scope for the assessments. The agency could also require that assessors evaluate Fair Information Practices, data flows, notice/consent effectiveness, all company privacy assurances, and known order violations. With an entirely new set of FTC commissioners scheduled to take the helm by May, the agency could also pursue a more dramatic course correction. For example, the commission could release unredacted assessments, have assessors directly report to the agency (instead of the company being assessed), more concretely encourage those reporting violations, create incentives for companies to self-report violations, impose Board of Director responsibility for assessments, clarify that a third-party assessment is not a safe harbor, and build an internal task force to fully evaluate privacy order provisions, especially of course the third-party assessment. Simply “staying the course” puts consumers – and potentially democracy writ large – in an untenable situation, with real-world consequences. It’s time to dive deeply into understanding these third-party privacy assessments and consider meaningful proposals for their improvement. The FTC is an extraordinary agency, and it is more than capable of rising to this challenge.
Using Object Tracking Techniques to Non-Invasively Measure Thoracic Rotation Range of Motion

Different measuring instruments, such as a goniometer, have been used by clinicians to measure a patient's ability to rotate their thoracic spine. Despite the simplicity of goniometers, this instrument requires the user to decipher the resulting measurement properly. The correctness of these measurements are imperative for clinicians to properly identify and evaluate injuries or help athletes enhance their overall performance. This paper introduces a goniometer-free, noninvasive measuring technique using a Raspberry Pi, a Pi Camera module, and software for clinicians to measure a subject's thoracic rotation range of motion (ROM) when administering the seated rotation technique with immediate measurement feedback. Determining this measurement is achieved by applying computer vision object tracking techniques on a live video feed from the Pi Camera that is secured on the ceiling above the subject. Preliminary results using rudimentary techniques reveal that our system is very accurate in static environments.
Reduction of the molecular hamiltonian matrix using quantum community detection

Quantum chemistry is interested in calculating ground and excited states of molecular systems by solving the electronic Schrodinger equation. The exact numerical solution of this equation, frequently represented as an eigenvalue problem, remains unfeasible for most molecules and requires approximate methods. In this paper we introduce the use of Quantum Community Detection performed using the D-Wave quantum annealer to reduce the molecular Hamiltonian matrix in Slater determinant basis without chemical knowledge. Given a molecule represented by a matrix of Slater determinants, the connectivity between Slater determinants (as off-diagonal elements) is viewed as a graph adjacency matrix for determining multiple communities based on modularity maximization. A gauge metric based on perturbation theory is used to determine the lowest energy cluster. This cluster or sub-matrix of Slater determinants is used to calculate approximate ground state and excited state energies within chemical accuracy. The details of this method are described along with demonstrating its performance across multiple molecules of interest and bond dissociation cases. These examples provide proof-of-principle results for approximate solution of the electronic structure problem using quantum computing. This approach is general and shows potential to reduce the computational complexity of post-Hartree-Fock methods as future advances in quantum hardware become available.
Direct unfolding of RuvA-HJ complex at the single-molecule level.

Abstract The repair of double-stranded DNA breaks via homologous recombination involves a four-way cross-strand intermediate known as Holliday junction (HJ), which is recognized, processed, and resolved by a specific set of proteins. RuvA, a prokaryotic HJ-binding protein, is known to stabilize the square-planar conformation of the HJ, which is otherwise a short-lived intermediate. Despite much progress being made regarding the molecular mechanism of RuvA-HJ interactions, the mechanochemical aspect of this protein-HJ complex is yet to be investigated. Here, we employed an optical-tweezers-based, single-molecule manipulation assay to detect the formation of RuvA-HJ complex and determined its mechanical and thermodynamic properties in a manner that would be impossible with traditional ensemble techniques. We found that the binding of RuvA increases the unfolding force (Funfold) of the HJ by ∼2-fold. Compared with the ΔGunfold of the HJ alone (54 ± 13 kcal/mol), the increased free energy of the RuvA-HJ complex (101 ± 20 kcal/mol) demonstrates that the RuvA protein stabilizes HJs. Interestingly, the protein remains bound to the mechanically melted HJ, facilitating its refolding at an unusually high force when the stretched DNA molecule is relaxed. These results suggest that the RuvA protein not only stabilizes the HJs but also induces refolding of the HJs. The single-molecule platform that we employed here for studying the RuvA-HJ interaction is broadly applicable to study other HJ-binding proteins involved in the critical DNA repair process.
Pure peptides from amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) proteins inhibit LOX-1 receptor and cellular markers associated with atherosclerosis development in vitro

Abstract The objectives were to evaluate and to compare the effect of pure peptides from amaranth proteins on markers that promote atherosclerosis, in vitro. Amaranth pure peptides with potential anti-atherosclerotic effect, HGSEPFGPR, RPRYPWRYT and RDGPFPWPWYSH, were studied using lipopolysaccharide-induced THP-1 human macrophage-like cells. Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (LOX-1) expression was reduced by peptides HGSEPFGPR (83%), RDGPFPWPWYSH (49%) and RPRYPWRYT (63%); while intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) was reduced by peptides RDGPFPWPWYSH (27%) and RPRYPWRYT (39%); and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression was reduced by 52% (HGSEPFGPR), 41% (RDGPFPWPWYSH) and 29% (RPRYPWRYT). Using confocal microscopy, peptide HGSEPFGPR reduced LOX-1, ICAM-1 and MMP-9 expression by 74%, 59% and 80%, respectively. RPRYPWRYT reduced LOX-1, ICAM-1 and MMP-9 expression by 48%, 49% and 71%, respectively. RPRYPWRYT reduced MCP-1 and TGF-β cellular protein expression (74% and 78%, respectively); 89% (IL-6 and IL-1α); 83% (IFN-γ); 87% and 58% (TNF-α and TNF-β). HGSEPFGPR showed significant reduction of 27%, 31%, 41%, 57%, and 61% for GRO-α, MCP-1, IL-6, IL-1α, and RANTES, respectively. HGSEPFGPR showed better interactions with LOX-1 crystal structure than RPRYPWRYT. Amaranth pure peptides reduced the expression of proteins associated with LOX-1 signaling pathway, in vitro.
Food Habits of the Rocky Mountain Whitefish, Prosopium williamsoni

From May through October 1970 the food habits of the Rocky Mountain Whitefish, Prosopium williamsoni, were studied in conjunction with the National Park Service policy of increasing knowledge of the organisms found in Grand Teton National Park. Project Number 174.
Etching SiO2 Films in Aqueous 0.49% HF

In both buffered (40% NH 4 F) and unbuffered 0.49% HF the thickness removed of undensified tetraethylorothosilicate (TEOS) is extremely linear vs. time with a slope (etch rate) near 140 A/min. A 97 A y-intercept (corresponding to etch during the transfer and rinse) is found with buffering ; this zero-time intercept is only 13 A without the NH 4 F buffer. Thus it is impossible to etch less than 97 A of TEOS in 40 weight percent (w/o) buffered hydrofluoric acid; for borophosphosilicate glass the minimum exceeds 140 A. Buffering increases the etch rate of thermal oxide from 20 to 65 A/min, but the y-intercept is invariant. The etch rate of BPSG in 0.49% HF is independent of buffering until the NH 4 F level exceeds 15 w/o, while TEOS and thermal oxide etch rates increase by a factor of five over the same range. The selectivity of TEOS to thermal oxide is strongly time dependent in both buffered and unbuffered HE The rinse rate for TEOS in BHF does not depend on the flow velocity of the rinse water ; stagnant water shows identical results with high flow rates. The large zero intercept with buffering is the result of the fact that etch rates increase significantly as water is added to the carry-over etchant during the rinse. It is only after dilution has approached 80% that the etch rates finally maximize and begin to drop toward zero.
Haar’s Simple Wavelets

This chapter explains the nature of the simplest wavelets and an algorithm to compute a fast wavelet transform. Such wavelets have been called “Haar’s wavelets” since Haar’s publication in 1910 (reference [19] in the bibliography). To analyze and synthesize a signal—which can be any array of data—in terms of simple wavelets, this chapter employs shifts and dilations of mathematical functions, but does not involve either calculus or linear algebra.
Home Alone and Other Inadequately Supervised Children

This study examined the relationship between a mother's motivation, capacities, and opportunities, and how much supervision her children received. Ninety-five mothers who adequately supervised their children were compared with a demographically comparable sample of 37 mothers who did not. Mothers who provided inadequate supervision were less motivated, had fewer problem-solving and social skills, and were more likely to move, be homeless, and have inadequate housing. No differences were found between the groups on perceived social support. Families with supervision problems tended to have an adult or child in the family with one or more problems. A discriminant analysis showed that less education and poorer problem-solving skills made the largest contribution to the function. Language: en
The phylogeny of diving beetles (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) and the evolution of sexual conflict

A model of evolution based on conflicts of interest between the sexes over mating decisions is examined in relation to diving beetles (Dytiscidae). The model predicts the following evolutionary sequence: (1) cost to females of mating increases, (2) females evolve behavioural resistance to male mating attempts, (3) males evolve devices to overcome female resistance, and (4) females evolve morphological counter-adaptations to the male devices. This model is tested using species of Dytiscidae, in which (1) some species have a very long mating duration while others mate quickly, (2) females of some species resist male mating attempts by swift and erratic swimming when seized by a male, (3) males of some species possess a grasping device in the form of sucker-shaped setae on the legs used to adhere to the pronota or elytra of females prior to mating, and (4) females of some species have a modified dorsal cuticle with irregular sculpturing which appears to interfere with the male adhesive setae. The predicted order of evolution of some of these features was tested in a cladistic analysis of 52 taxa in Dytiscidae and Hygrobiidae using characters from adult and larval morphology and a portion of the gene wingless. The combined analysis resulted in nine most parsimonious cladograms. The consensus cladogram of these indicates that male sucker setae arose a single time in a clade of Dytiscinae. Nested within this clade are five groups with an independently derived, modified dorsal cuticle in females. This pattern of characters in Dytiscinae is consistent with the prediction implied by the model of sexual selection. The utility of wingless as a marker for phylogenetic analysis of diving beetles is discussed, and the resulting phylogeny is compared with previous analyses and current classification. © 2003 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2003, 79, 359–388.
Astronomical Input to Image Processing Astronomical Output from Image Processing

This paper discusses some aspects of image processing — first with a high level look at image processing, its inputs, outputs and operations. Then, a specific research project is examined to illustrate how various image processing functions are used to derive results from image data. The project is the construction of a catalog of galaxies from photographic plates. The functions illustrated include correcting for the nonlinear plate response, modelling and removing the background with a polynomial, removing bright objects, histograms, smoothing, object detection, object parameter estimation, and manipulation of tabular data.
Homocysteine and cysteine synthetases of Neurospora crassa. Purification, properties, and feedback control of activity.

The enzymatic synthesis of homocysteine (from homoserine and H2S) and cysteine (from serine and H2S) has been demonstrated in Neurospora crassa. Purification and properties of the enzyme, or enzymes, are described. Both homocysteine and cysteine synthetase are subject to end product feedback control by methionine, which appears to be noncompetitive inhibition. Repression of both activities by methionine and repression of cysteine synthetase by cysteine and homocysteine synthetase by homocysteine were observed. Regulation of both activities by cystathionine via its cleavage products, cysteine or homocysteine, is described. Cystathionineless and homocysteineless mutants grown with limiting methionine have both homocysteine and cysteine synthetase, or synthetases, with specific activities much lower than that of wild type grown in the presence of equivalent methionine. When the mutants and wild type are grown in the presence of limiting homocysteine, the specific activities for cysteine synthetase in both mutants are lower than that in wild type, and homocysteine synthetase is nearly totally repressed in both mutants. Cysteine mutants have cysteine synthetase and homocysteine synthetase with specific activities of the same magnitude as those for wild type grown with equivalent cysteine supplement. The demonstration of homocysteine and cysteine synthetase, or synthetases, permits the concept of direct and separate biosynthetic pathways for cysteine and methionine in Neurospora and obviates the requirement for cystathionine for forward transsulfuration.
Expression of the human placental folate receptor transcript is regulated in human tissues. Organization and full nucleotide sequence of the gene.

The primary structures of the human KB cell (FR-KB1) folate receptor (FR) and of a human placental (FR-P2) FR, proteins important in cellular accumulation of folates, have been deduced from cDNA sequences. Herein, we report a novel human FR cDNA (FR-P3) isolated from a placental library and the chromosomal organization of the human FR-P3 gene. Compared to the FR-P2 cDNA, the composite 1084 base-pair (bp) FR-P3 cDNA is homologous, but contains a unique 5′ terminus and sequence differences within the open reading frame (ORF) and at the exon I-II junction. Polymerase chain reaction and RNase protection assays demonstrate that the FR-P3 cDNA represents the major transcript, and suggest that the FR-P2 cDNA is encoded by an independent FR gene. The nucleotide sequences of two non-overlapping human genomic clones contain the FR-P3 gene, which spans 5148 bp, is composed of five exons, and is polymorphic relative to 5′ restriction sites. The transcript size (1084 bp) predicted from structural analysis of the FR-P3 gene correlates with the size (1100 bp) determined by Northern blots. Based on RNase protection assays, both FR-P3 and FR-KBl transcripts are expressed in human fetal and adult tissues, and the abundance of each transcript varies among the tissues studied. These results indicate that the FR transcripts are products of independent, conserved genes; that neither FR gene is preferentially expressed during fetal development; and that specific FR transcripts are differentially expressed in human tissues, suggesting that transcription of each FR gene is regulated independently. The isolation of the FR-P3 gene will permit functional analysis of the cis and trans regulatory elements of the FR-P3 gene and the mechanisms involved in tissue-specific FR gene expression.
State of the art in prosthetic wrists: Commercial and research devices

The human wrist contributes greatly to hand mobility and manipulation capabilities in healthy individuals, but both the commercial and research domains have often overlooked prosthetic wrists in favor of terminal device development. In this paper, we review the current state of the art of in a wide variety of passive, body powered and active wrists from both the prosthetics industry and research community. We primarily focus on the mechanical design and kinematic arrangement of these systems, giving details of articulation methods and specifications where possible. Among other take-aways, the review shows that very few powered wrists are available commercially, all of which are single-DOF, that multi-DOF wrist designs are most often serial chain systems, and that there seems to be opportunities for the development of body-powered wrist devices or wrists with a parallel kinematic architecture. Additionally, of the three DOF of the human wrist, radial/ulnar deviation is least commonly implemented in hardware.
Chapter 1 The Structure and Synthesis of C19-Diterpenoid Alkaloids

Publisher Summary Since the early 1800s, the alkaloids (nitrogenous organic bases) isolated from plants of the Delphinium and Aconitum genera (Ranunculaceae) and more recently the Garrya genus (Garryaceae) and Inula royleana (Compositae) have been of interest because of their pharmacological properties, complex structures, and interesting chemistry. Biogenetically, these diterpenoid alkaloids are possibly formed in nature from tetracyclic or pentacyclic diterpenes in which the nitrogen atom of β -aminoethanol, methylamine, or ethylamine is linked to C-19 and C-20 in the C 20 -diterpenoid skeleton and C-17 and C-19 in the C 19 -diterpenoid skeleton to form a substituted piperidine ring. These diterpenoid alkaloids may be divided into two broad groups: those based on a hexacyclic C 19 -skeleton, and those based on a C 20 -skeleton. The C 19 -alkaloids are commonly called aconitines, and all possess the aconitine, the lycoctonine, or the heteratisine skeleton. Usually in the literature, the C 19 -diterpenoid alkaloids are referred to as either aconitinetype or lycoctonine-type alkaloids without structural differentiation. This practice sometimes creates confusion, therefore, this chapter has divided the C 19 -diterpenoid alkaloids into three categories, defined as follows: (1) Aconifine-type ; (2) Lycoctonine –type ; and (3) Heterutisine-type. These alkaloids possess the skeleton of heteratisine, in which a lactone moiety is always present.
Improving diabetes patient outcomes: Framing research into the chronic care model

Purpose: To review recent research findings that improve outcomes for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and frame them within the chronic care model (CCM). Data sources: Published research studies and research reviews from multiple computerized databases were examined regarding care of patients with T2DM. Conclusions: Improving outcomes for patients with chronic diseases such as T2DM is a healthcare system imperative. Disease management must shift from an incomplete and scattered focus on episodic care to a comprehensive model of care such as offered by the CCM. This model emphasizes the essential elements of health organization, clinical information systems, decision support, delivery system design, self-management support, and community required to effectively improve care for these patients. Implications for practice: Understanding the comprehensive elements needed for quality chronic disease care is essential to improving outcomes. As new interventions for improving T2DM outcomes become available, the nurse practitioner (NP) must be able to evaluate these as they relate to elements of care that comprise the CCM. Framing new research interventions into this model allows the NP to assume a multifaceted leadership role in improving the care and outcomes of these patients.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor promotes the survival and sprouting of serotonergic axons in rat brain

A pathology of brain serotonergic (5-HT) systems has been found in psychiatric disturbances, normal aging and in neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Despite the clinical importance of 5-HT, little is known about the endogenous factors that have neurotrophic influences upon 5-HT neurons. The present study examined whether chronic pain parenchymal administration of the neurotrophins brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) or NGF could prevent the severe degenerative loss of serotonergic axons normally caused by the selective 5-HT neurotoxin p-chloroamphetamine (PCA). The neurotrophins (5-12 micrograms/d) or the control substances (cytochrome c or PBS vehicle) were continuously infused into the rat frontoparietal cortex using an osmotic minipump. One week later, rats were subcutaneously administered PCA (10 mg/kg) or vehicle, and the 5-HT innervation was evaluated after two more weeks of neurotrophin infusion. As revealed with 5-HT immunocytochemistry, BDNF infusions into the neocortex of intact (non-PCA-lesioned) rats caused a substantial increase in 5-HT axon density in a 3 mm diameter region surrounding the cannula tip. In PCA-lesioned rats, intracortical infusions of BDNF completely prevented the severe neurotoxin-induced loss of 5-HT axons near the infusion cannula. In contrast, cortical infusions of vehicle or the control protein cytochrome c did not alter the density of serotonergic axons in intact animals, nor did control infusions prevent the loss of 5-HT axons in PCA-treated rats. NT-3 caused only a modest sparing of the 5-HT innervation in PCA-treated rats, and NGF failed to prevent the loss of 5-HT axon density. The immunocytochemical data were supported by neurochemical evaluations which showed that BDNF attenuated the PCA-induced loss of 5-HT and 5-HIAA contents and 3H-5-HT uptake near the infusion cannula. Thus, BDNF can promote the sprouting of mature, uninjured serotonergic axons and dramatically enhance the survival or sprouting of 5-HT axons normally damaged by the serotonergic neurotoxin PCA.
Label-free in vivo imaging of myelinated axons in health and disease with spectral confocal reflectance microscopy

We report a newly developed technique for high-resolution in vivo imaging of myelinated axons in the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerve that requires no fluorescent labeling. This method, based on spectral confocal reflectance microscopy (SCoRe), uses a conventional laser-scanning confocal system to generate images by merging the simultaneously reflected signals from multiple lasers of different wavelengths. Striking color patterns unique to individual myelinated fibers are generated that facilitate their tracing in dense axonal areas. These patterns highlight nodes of Ranvier and Schmidt-Lanterman incisures and can be used to detect various myelin pathologies. Using SCoRe we carried out chronic brain imaging up to 400 μm deep, capturing de novo myelination of mouse cortical axons in vivo. We also established the feasibility of imaging myelinated axons in the human cerebral cortex. SCoRe adds a powerful component to the evolving toolbox for imaging myelination in living animals and potentially in humans.
Rabbit-mouse hybridomas secreting intact rabbit immunoglobulin

Rabbit-mouse hybridomas offer the potential for production of monoclonal rabbit antibodies by immortal cell lines. In previous studies, it was possible to produce and stabilize rabbit-mouse hybrid cells secreting either a rabbit heavy or light chain. These have been useful for structural characterization of the individual rabbit immunoglobulin polypeptides and for isolation of large amounts of immunoglobulin mRNA for molecular studies. For some studies, however, it would be useful to have intact rabbit immunoglobulin molecules comparable to the myeloma proteins available in the human and mouse. The availability of rapid, sensitive and specific assays for rabbit heavy and light chains and allotypes located on specific chains has now permitted the early identification of clones secreting intact rabbit immunoglobulin. Vigorous cloning efforts have resulted in isolation and partial stabilization of three such clones. The first, H105, secretes a product with a kappa light chain bearing the b6 allotype and a mu-chain bearing the a1 allotype. Biochemical and serologic analyses of the product show that it is secreted as a fully assembled IgM pentamer and that the rabbit heavy and light chains are covalently associated. No rabbit J-chain gene was detected in H105 by Southern blot analysis. The second hydridoma, H134, secretes a product with a mol. wt of 150 K, consisting of a b4 light chain and an a1 heavy chain. The third, H171, secretes an alb4 IgG with antibody specificity for group C streptococcal carbohydrate. An additional rabbit-mouse hybridoma, H89, have been produced which secretes a rabbit heavy chain lacking group a allotypic activity. The rabbit heavy chain, which is associated with a mouse light chain, has an N-terminal amino acid sequence identical to a2-positive molecules although thorough serologic analysis revealed no group a allotypic activity.
Jewish success and the great american celebration: the cold war vs. the world war in social science

The sociology of ethnicity has thus far escaped the critical analysis that, in the last few years, has laid bare intellectual, social, and ideological premises of mainstream sociology. This paper partially remedies that neglect, apply ing a sociology of knowledge to one perspective segment of the sociology of ethnicity: the sociology of American Jewry. For 20 years, social scientists have painted two starkly different portraits of the position of Jews in American society. These two portraits will be contrasted, and their incon sistencies explained in terms of differing social contexts and common methodological framework and social perspective.
Arthritis and immunodeficiency

Summary A single case of chronic polyarthritis has been observed among 35 immunodeficient patients. Six additional patients have had transient arthritis or arthralgia, and two have had other musculoskeletal problems. This observation is not in accord with the high prevalence of chronic arthritis previously reported among immunodeficient patients. The reasons for this disparity are not obvious.
Hologram recording in du Pont's new photopolymer materials

New families of transmission and reflection holographic photopolymer materials and their performance are described. The materials are composed of polymeric binders, monomers, initiation system, and sensitizing dyes. The physical and holographic properties may be controlled by choice of components. Photopolymerization and diffusion of monomers is the proposed mechanism for recording of refractive index modulation. The materials are sensitized from the Uv to the red with typical exposure energies form 10 to 100 mJ/cm2. Hologram recording consists of exposure, UV cure, and heat processing. Significant refractive index modulation occurs during exposure. Processed holograms are insensitive to humidity and temperature. Holographic properties and performance of various formulations are discussed, as well as applications of these materials.
Abstract 2483: Transgenic mice to evaluate the role of S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase in skin carcinogenesis

To evaluate the role of S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (AdoMetDC) and altered polyamine levels in mouse skin carcinogenesis, we utilized the tetracycline-regulated system to produce conditional expression of AdoMetDC in basal keratinocytes. AdoMetDC is a key enzyme in polyamine biosynthesis and it catalyzes the decarboxylation reaction converting AdoMet to dcAdoMet. dcAdoMet provides the aminopropyl groups for the synthesis of the higher polyamines spermidine and spermine from the precursor putrescine. Therefore, elevated AdoMetDC activity may promote the synthesis of higher polyamines at the expense of putrescine, and increased putrescine levels are tightly linked to tumor promotion in mouse skin. AdoMetDC activity is also known to be induced by the tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). To make the DNA construct for microinjection, human AdoMetDC cDNA was inserted into the TetO vector followed by an internal ribosome entry site and luciferase coding sequence. Potential founder mice were crossed to mice with skin-specific expression of tetracycline-regulated transcriptional activator (tTA) directed by bovine keratin 5 (K5) promoter elements to generate K5-tTA/TetO-AdoMetDC bitransgenic mice. Transgene expression has been characterized by in vivo bioluminescent imaging of luciferase activity, in vitro luciferase activity as well as AdoMetDC activity assay and Western blotting in 7 week old mice. In bitransgenic mice, AdoMetDC is constitutively expressed in the skin and expression can be repressed by exposure to the tetracycline analogue doxycycline (Dox). In untreated bitransgenic mice generated from two founder lines, we saw a massive increase in luciferase activity and these mice have a thin fur phenotype. Minimal transgene expression is detected in either single transgenic TetO-AdoMetDC or Dox-treated bitransgenic mice. Untreated bitransgenic mice from one founder line exhibit a 7.2- fold increase in AdoMetDC activity in epidermis, a 7.8-fold increase in dermis, and dcAdoMet levels are also elevated by 8.0-fold in dermis. Effects of AdoMetDC overexpression on TPA induced polyamine biosynthesis and susceptibility to 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene/TPA carcinogenesis are now being investigated. These mice with regulated AdoMetDC expression in the skin provide a valuable model system to evaluate the role of AdoMetDC and polyamines in skin carcinogenesis. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2483.
Empowering salespeople: Personal, managerial, and organizational perspectives

The traditional seven steps of personal selling have remained virtually unchanged since the early 1900s. Meanwhile, the actual roles and duties of salespeople have pushed far into customer relationship management (CRM). Psychologically and professionally, salespeople need greater empowerment for their expanding CRM responsibilities. However, empowerment is a complex process requiring several individual, managerial, and organizational changes for successful implementation. As part of the empowerment process for its salespeople, companies need to provide supporting structures, processes, and incentives for customer-oriented behavior. At the same time, the Internet and other telecommunications advances in the macroenvironment are accelerating empowerment changes in personal selling—mainly on the customer side of the exchange. To effectively and efficiently carry out their growing yet still poorly defined CRM roles, salespeople need to be comprehensively empowered, trained, motivated, and rewarded. Companies that most effectively empower their salespeople should reap substantial rewards in profitability and loyalty from both their salespeople and customers. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.