cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
AKAP12α, an Atypical Serum Response Factor-dependent Target Gene

We recently identified three AKAP12 isoforms that are differentially regulated by distinct promoters. During a screen to identify molecular determinants distinguishing the activities of these promoters, we found a potential binding site for the serum response factor (SRF) in the promoter of the ubiquitously expressed AKAP12α isoform. SRF is an evolutionarily conserved transcription factor that governs disparate programs of gene expression linked to cellular growth and differentiation. Using a combination of reporter assays and RNA interference, we demonstrate that SRF is required for AKAP12α expression. SRF regulates the activity of the AKAP12α promoter through two conserved CArG boxes that bind SRF with different affinities. Unlike other SRF-dependent genes, AKAP12α is not regulated by growth or differentiation stimuli. Molecular analysis of the AKAP12α SRF-binding sites, or CArG boxes, indicates that sequences flanking these sites are the determinants of sensitivity to SRF-activating signals. Specifically, the AKAP12α CArG boxes are shielded from growth stimulation by the absence of a binding site for Ets transcription factors. Similarly, sensitivity to the differentiation-associated co-factor, myocardin, was also determined by responsive flanking sequence; however, unlike growth stimuli, sensitivity to myocardin was found to also be dependent on a consensus CArG box. Collectively, our data demonstrate that AKAP12α belongs to a novel class of atypical SRF-dependent target genes. Furthermore, we provide new insight into the role of flanking sequences in determining sensitivity to SRF-myocardin activity.
Robust eigenvalue assignment for generalized systems

Abstract In this paper we examine the problem of robust pole placement using state-feedback in generalized systems. We develop a robustness theory for the finite generalized spectrum of the system as a partial problem, and for the “infinite” pole placement problem as a second partial problem where perfect conditioning is always achievable. We also give bounds between the complete closed-loop robust eigenvalue problem and the two partial ones. The basic tool that is exploited in the presented theory, is the concept of chordal metric. In this paper we take advantage of this notion and present a compact theory for the robust eigenvalue assignment problem in generalized systems. The proposed theory is easy to implement, retrieves the results for the state-variable case as a special case, and takes advantage of well-known computational results.
Evaluating Four Storm-Water Performance Metrics with a North Carolina Coastal Plain Storm-Water Wetland

Storm-water best management practices (BMPs) are typically assessed using the performance metric of pollutant concentration removal efficiencies. However, debate exists whether this is the most appropriate metric to use. In this study, a storm-water wetland constructed and monitored in the coastal plain of North Carolina is evaluated for water quality and hydrologic performance using four different metrics: concentration reduction, load reduction, comparison to nearby ambient water quality monitoring stations, and comparison to other wetlands studied in North Carolina. The River Bend storm-water wetland was constructed in spring 2007 and was monitored from June 2007 through May 2008. Twenty-four hydrologic and 11 water quality events were captured and evaluated. The wetland reduced peak flows and runoff volumes by 80 and 54%, respectively. Reductions were significant. Concentrations for the following pollutants increased: total kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), NH4–N, total nitrogen (TN), and total suspended solid...
Further Studies on High Calcium Diets for Turkey Hens

Abstract IN AN experiment conducted to estimate the quantitative requirement of turkey breeder hens for calcium, a significant depression in hatchability was obtained with the two highest levels of calcium, 2.5 and 3.25% (Jensen et al., 1963). Recently Balloun and Miller (1964) also reported a depression in hatchability with a level of 3% calcium, particularly during the last six weeks of the 18 week study. The experiments reported here were conducted to study further the effects of high levels of calcium on hatchability of eggs from turkey breeder hens. PROCEDURE Two experiments were conducted, both involving 120 Broad Breasted Bronze hens randomly distributed into 12 pens of 10 hens each. Each pen was provided with one male and all males were rotated from pen to pen weekly. Shavings were used for litter and the litter was not changed during each experiment. The hens were provided with 14 hours of light daily…
INTERNAL COMPETITION OVER FOREIGN POLICY-MAKING: THE CASE OF U.S. ARMS SALES TO IRAN

Two models of foreign-policy making, the bureaucratic politics model and the royal court model, are helpful in explaining U.S. arms sales to Iran in 1985 and in 1986. The bureaucratic politics model is particularly useful in clarifying both the positions taken by the leaders of the foreign policy bureaucracy to the arms sales proposals and the behavior of these officials as the sales were implemented. However, the royal court model best ac- counts for the decisive role of the president and the deference given to those advisers perceived to be acting in his interests.
Are champions different from non-champions?

Abstract Research on the innovation process has shown that the presence of an innovation champion—Someone who takes a personal risk to overcome organizational obstacles to innovation—is an important part of the new business development, new technology development, and organizational change processes. Champions play six valuable roles in the innovation process. They provide autonomy from the rules, procedures, and systems of the organization so that innovators can establish creative solutions to existing problems. They gather organizational support for the innovation by building coalitions between managers in different functional areas of the organization. They create loose monitoring mechanisms that allow innovators to make creative use of organizational resources. They establish mechanisms for making consensus decisions on innovations. They use informal methods to persuade other members of the organization to provide support for the innovation, and they protect the innovation team from interference by the organizational hierarchy. Some,but not all managers believe in the desirability of these championing roles.Existing research suggests that managers willing to serve as champions differ in many ways from those who are not. However, almost all of the existing research on championing has been conducted in the United States. This raises two fundamental questions: First, do champions and non-champions differ in their preferences for championing roles? Second, are these differences universal or limited to American culture? This study attempts to answer these questions by comparing the preferences for the six championing roles of individuals with championing experience and those without across 43 organizations and 68 countries. The study shows that individuals with championing experience have significantly different preferences from individuals without championing experience for five of these championing roles—building cross-functional ties, establishing autonomy from organizational norms and rules, enabling innovators to circumvent organizational hierarchy, using informal means to persuade others to support the innovation effort, and building a decision-making mechanism that includes all organization members. These differences exist after controlling for differences in the national culture of the respondents, the companies in which they work, and demographic characteristics. The results of this study suggest that differences in the preferences of champions and non-champions for the behaviors that champions adopt are consistent across cultures.
The role of empathy in improving intergroup relations.

This article analyzes the role that empathy can play in improving intergroup relations. Three types of empathy are defined: cognitive empathy and twotypes of emotional empathy, reactive and parallel. Research indicating that empathy causes prosocial behavior is reviewed, along with studies indicating that training can be used to increase levels of empathic skills. Intergroup relations programs that employ empathy are also reviewed. Studies of the effects of empathizing with outgroup members on prejudice are discussed, andseveral processes by which empathy may mediate changes in prejudice are presented (e.g., reducing perceived dissimilarity and anxiety concerning the outgroup) and cognitive dissonance. The ways in which empathy can be introduced into intergroup relations programs are discussed, along with a series of recommendations for its implementation.
Consanguineous hemolytic uremic syndrome secondary to Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection treated with aggressive therapeutic plasma exchange.

We describe the successful management of an elderly husband and wife with Escherichia coli O157:H7 associated hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) treated with aggressive therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) with replacement with fresh frozen plasma. Following twelve TPEs (three 1.5 volume; nine 1 volume), the husband's platelet count increased from 45 × 109/L to 183 × 109/L. Following ten 1.5 volume TPEs, the wife's platelet count increased from 30 × 109/L to 193 × 109/L. This is the first known occurrence of E. coli O157:H7 associated HUS in an elderly husband and wife successfully treated with aggressive TPE. We conclude that early, aggressive TPE should be considered and may be life-saving for E coli O157:H7 associated HUS in the elderly. J. Clin. Aperesis 16:155–156, 2001 © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
How successfully can academic faculty practices compete in developing managed care markets

The author investigated the range of competitive options available for academic faculty practices and their associated academic medical centers located in health care markets with relatively limited development of managed care plans. Using personal and telephone interviews, he studied two such markets in 1994, one in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and one in Atlanta, Georgia. Representatives of faculty practices in these cities were asked to assess whether their practices would be attractive or unattractive for contracting with managed care providers; eight attributes of faculty practices (e.g., specialist physicians' availability within the group; prices of services offered by the group) were used as criteria. Similarly, representatives of local managed care plans were asked to use the same criteria to indicate what they would consider attractive or not in their local faculty practices when considering a physician services contract with such a practice. In both markets, the image of the academic medical center was generally considered to be a strong asset to the faculty practices. But all sectors also agreed that the nature of practices' utilization management and what was seen as their excessive use of resources in the academic environment were causes for concern. Also, the difference between the practice patterns of managed care physicians and academic faculty physicians was regarded as a cultural one in which traditional patterns of academic training are considered inimical to fostering the prudent management of patients. The findings strongly suggest that opportunities for faculty practices to negotiate with managed care plans and help shape their areas' future health care environments still exist in developing markets throughout the United States. But even those practices with such opportunities cannot succeed without significant internal restructuring to transform themselves to successfully deal with the new world of managed care.
Dynamic stability analysis by the conjugate gradient method

Abstract A method is presented to determine the regions of dynamic instability of a structural system. The finite element method is employed in problem formulation, and the conjugate gradient method is used to compute the boundaries of dynamic instability by minimizing appropriate Rayleigh quotients. The solution of the governing equation is reduced to a problem of finding the frequencies which bound the region of dynamic instability The conjugate gradient method used in the computations has the following advantages: (1) it is not necessary to explicitly invert the stiffness matrix; (2) the computations may be carried out directly from the element stiffness and mass matrices, and therefore, it is not necessary to synthesize the corresponding system matrices; and (3) computer storage required in the computations is less than that required in conventional techniques. An algorithm is presented for computing the boundary frequencies for the first mode of dynamic instability. Higher modes of dynamic instability are computed from a modified algorithm based on revised Rayleigh quotients which sweep out the modes previously calculated. An example, in which the dynamic stability of a plate is established, illustrates the method.
Linear accelerator based stereotactic radiosurgery for melanoma brain metastases.

Purpose: Melanoma is one of the most common malignancies to metastasize to the brain. Many patients with this disease will succumb to central nervous system (CNS) disease, highlighting the importance of effective local treatment of brain metastases for both palliation and survival of the disease. Our objective was to evaluate the outcomes associated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in the treatment of melanoma brain metastases. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 54 patients with a total of 103 tumors treated with SRS. Twenty patients had prior surgical resection and nine patients underwent prior whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT). 71% of patients had active extracranial disease at the time of SRS. Median number of tumors treated with SRS was 1(range: 1-6) with median radiosurgery tumor volume 2.1 cm 3 (range: 0.05-59.7 cm 3 ). The median dose delivered to the 80% isodose line was 24 Gy in a single fraction. Results: The median follow-up from SRS was five months (range:1-30 months). Sixty-five percent of patients had a follow-up MRI available for review. Actuarial local control at six months and 12 months was 87 and 68%, respectively. Eighty-one percent of patients developed new distant brain metastases at a median time of two months. The six-month and 12-month actuarial overall survival rates were 50 and 25%, respectively. The only significant predictor of overall survival was surgical resection prior to SRS. Post-SRS bleeding occurred in 18% of patients and at a median interval of 1.5 months. There was only one episode of radiation necrosis with no other treatment-related toxicity. Conclusion: SRS for brain metastases from melanoma is safe and achieves acceptable local control.
Nothing focuses the mind on productivity quite like the fear of liquidation: Changes in airline productivity in the United States, 2000-2004

Using data envelopment analysis and the Malmquist productivity index, this paper examines changes in the productivity of the major United States passenger airlines from 2000 to 2004. The analysis finds that there was a significant improvement in the productivity of the carriers at transforming labor, fuel and passenger seating capacity into available seat-miles during this period. Most of the productivity improvements came about from the efficiency laggards catching up with the efficiency leaders in the industry. To a lesser extent, the adoption of new technologies improved productivity over this period.
A Lower Bound for the Simplexity of then-Cube via Hyperbolic Volumes

Let T(n) denote the number of n -simplices in a minimum cardinality decomposition of the n -cube into n -simplices. For n? 1, we show that T(n) ?H(n), where H(n) is the ratio of the hyperbolic volume of the ideal cube to the ideal regular simplex. H(n) ?12·6n/2(n+ 1)?n+12n!. Also limn?∞nH(n)]1/n? 0.9281. Explicit bounds for T(n) are tabulated for n? 10, and we mention some other results on hyperbolic volumes.
High-speed architecture for image reconstruction based on compressive sensing

Compressive sensing (CS) is a superior signal sampling strategy that combines sampling and compression. CS-based imaging systems include sampling and reconstruction stages. Currently, the complex task of image reconstruction has only been implemented in software, which can only achieve very limited speed. This paper proposes a high-speed hardware architecture for the reconstruction of compressivelysensed images. The reconstruction algorithm based on the split Bregman method, which solves the l 1 minimization problem, is first simplified to reduce hardware complexity. Then an efficient partial parallel hardware architecture is developed to implement the modified algorithm. With moderate silicon area, the proposed architecture can reconstruct a 128 × 128 image in 3.82×10−2 seconds, which is over 100 times faster than software implementations.
DIFFUSION THROUGH MEMBRANES: EFFECT OF A NONZERO MEMBRANE THICKNESS

Consideration du probleme de la permeation a travers une membrane d'epaisseur arbitraire dans le cas d'une aire correspondant a une faible fraction des sites de permeation. L'utilisation de la fonction de Green permet d'obtenir une solution analytique exacte pour des membranes minces
Advances in MR imaging of vertebral collapse

Vertebral collapse is a frequently encountered entity in clinical practice. While diagnosing acute, benign traumatic types is usually not complicated, difficulties arise in determining the etiology of vertebral collapse when there is no history of significant trauma, especially in older populations. Considering up to one-third of vertebral collapse in patients with a known primary malignancy are benign, 1 the diagnosis becomes even more difficult when there is a history of malignancy. Additionally, because primary cancer patients may be immunocompromised, the possibility of infectious vertebral collapse should also be entertained. The purpose of this article is to review all recent magnetic resonance imaging aspects of differentiating osteoporotic, malignant, and infectious vertebral collapse.
Effect of ovariectomy and estrogen replacement on cardiovascular disease in heart failure-prone SHHF/Mcc- fa cp rats.

The importance of endogenous and exogenous estrogen levels to the development of cardiovascular disease in women in controversial. The purpose of our study was to examine the effect of estrogen on the development of hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, ventricular function, and gene expression for atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and components of the renin angiotensin system in spontaneously hypertensive heart failure rats (SHHF/Mcc- facp). Development of hypertension was prevented in 3-month-old ovariectomized rats receiving subcutaneous 17 beta -estradiol implants (EST) compared to ovariectomized (OVX) and controls (CON). EST had the least left ventricular hypertrophy, CON were intermediate, and OVX had the most (P<0.05), correlating well with systolic blood pressure. OVX had significantly lower percentage V(1)myosin isoform compared to EST and CON, indicating reversion to a more immature phenotype associated with hypertrophy. Similarly, OVX had decreased percentage left ventricular shortening fraction by echocardiography compared to EST and CON. These changes were not accompanied by alterations in plasma ANP, or in expression of mRNA for left ventricular ANP, renal renin, or hepatic angiotensinogen. Serum angiotensin converting enzyme activity was lower in EST compared to CON or OVX. When 17 beta -estradiol was given to 17-month-old rats that had naturally ceased estrous cycling, there was no effect on hypertension, progression of cardiac functional decline, or survival. In conclusion, estradiol treatment given prior to the development of hypertension in SHHF prevented left ventricular hypertrophy and hypertension. Development of congestive heart failure was not delayed if 17 beta -estradiol was begun in the post-menopausal period. Effectiveness of estrogen therapy may depend on age or whether hypertension is already established at the time treatment is begun.
Antagonistic chromatic mechanisms in photoreceptors of the parietal eye of lizards

Photoreceptors are the first in the chain of neurons that process visual information. In lateral eyes of vertebrates, light hyperpolarizes rod and cone photoreceptors that synapse onto bipolar and horizontal cells in the first synaptic layer of the retina. The sign of the photoreceptor signal is either conserved or inverted in bipolar cells, resulting in chromatically dependent depolarizing and hyperpolarizing responses to visual stimuli. Visual information is then conveyed to the second synaptic layer for encoding and transmission to the brain by ganglion cells. The parietal (third) eye of lizards does not contain bipolar cells or other interneurons. Photoreceptors synapse directly onto ganglion cells and yet, even in the absence of interneurons, antagonistic chromatic mechanisms modulate the ganglion cell responses. We report here that chromatic antagonism in the third eye originates in the chromatically dependent hyperpolarizing and depolarizing response of the photoreceptors to light. We also suggest that the antagonistic nature of these photoresponses may provide lizards with a mechanism for the enhanced detection of dawn and dusk.
Single Molecule Imaging of the Calcium Ion Regulation of Nuclear Pore Passive Permeability

Nuclear pore complex (NPC) is the sole pathway for direct communication between the cytoplasm and the nucleoplasm of eukaryotic cell. Based on the criteria of the molecular size exclusion, the NPC allows unregulated passive diffusion of small molecules (< 40 kDa) and facilitated translocation of larger molecules (up to 50 MDa). While recent evidence suggests a third transport mode: Ca2+ regulated transport. In details, the nuclear pore permeability can be regulated by Ca2+ stored in the lumen of nuclear envelope and endoplasmic reticulum. However, the mechanism of Ca2+ regulated transport remains poorly understood. Here we applied a speedy single molecule fluorescence microscopy to characterize the dependence of the nuclear pore passive permeability on the Ca2+ store concentration by snapshots of real-time transient movements of 3 - 40 kDa dextran molecules through the NPCs. We observed novel features under real-time trafficking conditions that escape detection by ensemble measurements: decreased amount of Ca2+ in the store induced restricted passive diffusion of dextran molecules with longer diffusion times and lower transport efficiencies through the NPCs. Dextran molecules cannot penetrate deeply into the nuclear pore and the majority were rejected or trapped by likely barriers formed on both sides of NPCs when the stored calcium was significantly depleted. Our results suggest that a filamentous structure that occludes the NPC may be altered by the depletion of calcium in the store.
Characterization of RBSOA of high power bipolar transistors using a nondestructive tester

Reverse-bias safe operating area (RBSOA) of high power Darlington transistors are characterized using a 120A/1000V nondestructive reverse-bias second breakdown tester designed and fabricated at VPI&SU. Elaborate RBSOA characteristics are generated with different forward/reverse base drives and collector current levels. The effects of elevated case temperature and second-base drive on RBSOA of four-terminal Darlington devices are also discussed.
Motor control of schizophrenics--II. Manual control and tracking: sensory and motor deficits.

Abstract Manual control and tracking of 12 acute and chronic schizophrenics was tested for comparison with their performance in oculomotor tracking. Schizophrenics tended to be slower in a non-timed, non-tracking hand movement, and chronics made even slower movement when the experimental room was illuminated than when it was darkened. Chronics also had a significantly higher reaction time than normal controls. When tracking a constant-velocity visual target, all schizophrenics were significantly slower than normals to high-velocity (50° and 60°/s) targets only. When tracking a sinusoidally moving target, schizophrenics were not less accurate over-all but they showed less improvement than normals when room illumination gave visual information about background and hand position. This complex group of motor deficiencies of schizophrenics, along with their oculomotor control problems, suggests that they have sensory processing, attentional, and motor planning problems when performing orienting tasks.
Outcome of splenectomy in children younger than 4 years with sickle cell disease.

Purpose: Removal of the spleen in patients younger than 4 years has been reported to carry an increased risk of postsplenectomy sepsis and has not been universally accepted. We reviewed our experience with splenectomy in children with acute splenic sequestration crisis (ASSC) younger than 4 years. Methods: The study involved retrospective review of demographic and operative data, number of ASSC, operative complications, infections, and death. Results: From 1993 to 2008, 53 patients (28 males, 25 females) younger than 4 years had open (43.8%) or laparoscopic (56.6%) splenectomy after one or more events of ASSC. Six (11.3%) were younger than 18 months, 28 (52.8%) were 18 to 24 months old, and 21 (39.6%) were 24 to 48 months old. Operative complications were diaphragm laceration (laparoscopy, n = 3; 5.7%) and reoperation for bleeding (open, n = 1; 1.8%). Length of stay was similar for laparoscopic (3.6 days) vs open (3.8 days) splenectomy. Mean postoperative follow-up was 5.6 years. In 353 postsplenectomy admissions, 3 (5.7%) patients had positive blood cultures requiring treatment. Three (5.7%) patients died within the 15-year study period; one (1.8%) had documented pneumococcal sepsis. Discussion: The advantage of early splenectomy may outweigh the risks of long-term transfusion. Splenectomy in young children with sickle cell disease carries a low risk of postsplenectomy sepsis with appropriate vaccination and prophylactic antibiotics. We conclude that splenectomy in young children with ASSC is safe and effective, especially with penicillin prophylaxis and improved vaccination strategies.
Secondary structure of a KCNE cytoplasmic domain.

Type I transmembrane KCNE peptides contain a conserved C-terminal cytoplasmic domain that abuts the transmembrane segment. In KCNE1, this region is required for modulation of KCNQ1 K+ channels to afford the slowly activating cardiac IKs current. We utilized alanine/leucine scanning to determine whether this region possesses any secondary structure and to identify the KCNE1 residues that face the KCNQ1 channel complex. Helical periodicity analysis of the mutation-induced perturbations in voltage activation and deactivation kinetics of KCNQ1-KCNE1 complexes defined that the KCNE1 C terminus is α-helical when split in half at a conserved proline residue. This helical rendering assigns all known long QT mutations in the KCNE1 C-terminal domain as protein facing. The identification of a secondary structure within the KCNE1 C-terminal domain provides a structural scaffold to map protein–protein interactions with the pore-forming KCNQ1 subunit as well as the cytoplasmic regulatory proteins anchored to KCNQ1–KCNE complexes.
Atom beam velocity measurements using phase choppers

We describe a new method to measure atom beam velocity in an atom interferometer using phase choppers. Phase choppers are analogous to mechanical chopping discs, but rather than being transmitted or blocked by mechanical choppers, an atom receives different differential phase shifts (e.g. zero or ? radians) from phase choppers. Phase choppers yield 0.1% uncertainty measurements of beam velocity in our interferometer with 20?min of data and enable new measurements of polarizability with unprecedented precision.
A Question of Ethics—Publication Policy and Animals in Research

Few of us enjoy having our behaviors—or worse, our sense of ethical action—held up to external examination, but most of us are better off for such tests of principles and practice. Osborne and coll...
Interruption-similarity effects during discourse processing

We examined the effect of interruption on reading to determine if discourse processing is susceptible to similarity-based interference. Participants read pairs of passages, either one before the other (in the continuous condition) or with the sentences of the two passages interleaved (in the interruption condition). In addition, the similarity of the types of passages (narrative or expository) in a pair was manipulated. Performance was measured with self-paced reading time of the sentences and with accuracy in answering comprehension questions. In two experiments, interruption slowed the reading of text sentences; this effect of interruption was greatest when the interrupting text was of the same style as the primary text (an interruption-similarity effect). We discuss these results with respect to current models of the role of working memory in discourse processing.
Polarized-neutron reflectometry

Abstract Polarized-neutron specular reflectometry (PNR) was developed in the 1980s as a means of measuring depth-resolved magnetization in flat films with characteristic thicknesses from 2 to 5000 A. PNR has been widely used to study homogeneous and heterogeneous magnetic films, as well as superconductors. Starting from simple profiles, and gradually solving structures of greater complexity, PNR has been used to observe or clarify phenomena as diverse as the magnetism of very thin films, the penetration of fluxoids in superconductors, and the magnetic coupling across non-magnetic spacers. Although PNR is considered to be a probe of depth-dependent magnetic structure, laterally averaged in the plane of the film, the development of new scattering techniques promises to enable the characterization of lateral magnetic structures. Retaining the depth-sensitivity of specular reflectivity, off-specular reflectivity can resolve in-plane structures over nanometer to micron length scales. Presently limited by the neutron fluxes available, neutron reflectivity is expected to blossom in the next century, thanks to the increased brightness of the neutron beams, due not only to continuing improvements in neutron optics, but especially to the advent of second-generation spallation neutron sources.
Modeling, estimation and control of neurons and neuronal networks

In this tutorial, we will introduce different models of neurons and networks of neuronal populations that are commonly used in the field of computational neuroscience. We will cover biophysical-based models of neurons and hybrid models of neural networks. We will discuss algorithms to estimate parameters of these models and describe their use in various applications including characterization of neurons in diseased networks (e.g. Parkinson's disease, epilepsy) and the effect of deep brain stimulation control. Below is a list of 4 lectures and descriptions.
Methods and programs for analysis of fluid-structure systems

Abstract Computational algorithms for the analysis of fluid and structural dynamics are reviewed, with particular emphasis on methods that are employed or of potential benefit in reactor safety analysis, where coupled fluid-structure analyses are of interest. The fluid dynamics algorithms are classified according to time integration methods, mesh descriptions, and compressible/incompressible flow, while the structural dynamics algorithms are summarized from the view-points of time integration and the types of nonlinearities which can be treated. Alternative means of coupling these various fluid and structures algorithms are examined. Finally the principal features of some existing programs are summarized.
Permanent magnet trap for cold atoms

We report the trapping of neutral atoms in a permanent magnet trap. Approximately 1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{8}$ ground-state lithium atoms have been confined in a nonzero magnetic-field minimum produced by six permanent magnets in an Ioffe configuration. These atoms have a kinetic temperature of 1.1 mK and a peak density of approximately 3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{9}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$. The trapped-atom lifetime is 240 s, limited by collisions with background gas. This trap provides an environment in which quantum-statistical effects, atomic collisions, and other ultralow-temperature phenomena can be studied.
Shaped Pulses for Selective Inversion in Solid-State Deuteron NMR Spectroscopy

Abstract Double sideband modulation and pulse shaping can be combined to improve the performance of selective pulses in solid-state deuteron NMR. Efficient off-resonance selective inversion of deuterons requires simultaneous irradiation of both spin-1 transitions, i.e., at symmetric offsets from the Larmor frequency (ν 0 ± Δ). This is best accomplished with double-sideband-modulated pulses. Frequency-selective profiles can be improved by shaping the RF pulses. A variety of commonly used selective pulse shapes are evaluated for their applicability to solid-state deuteron powder patterns. A new pulse shape is introduced; the squared isosceles triangle. Generally, pulses with low bandwidth–duration product, such as the Gaussian envelope, are found to be the most effective for selective inversion in solid-state 2 H NMR. This is a consequence of the large inhomogeneous quadrupolar interaction and fast, anisotropic spin–spin relaxation.
Prohylactic Penicillin in Anterior Ocular Transplantation Technic in Mice.

SummaryOf 192 mice with anterior chamber implants of newborn mouse lung. 97 were treated with systemic penicillin. An additional 193 mice were prepared with corneoscleral incisions into the anterior ocular chamber and 95 of this group received systemic penicillin. Beginning on the day of operation. penicillin was given in 5.000 unit doses over a 3-day period. The eyes were enucleated after an interval of 8 days. and studied microscopically. Seventy percent of mice receiving penicillin exhibited inflammation and/or infection in the transplanted eye, while 65% of the untreated mice with transplants had inflammatory and or an infectious response in the transplanted eye, the difference not being statistically significant. We may conclude that prophylactic penicillin at the therapeutic levels utilized is of no value in reducing the inflammatory response in the experimental anterior chamber technic of lung transplantation in the mouse eye.The author wishes to acknowledge the valuable assistance of Drs. B. L. Se...
Three-Dimensional Graphics for Scientific Data Display and Analysis

Techniques for displaying scientific data in three dimensions are examined using a variety of real examples. Among the types of plots illustrated are: three-dimensional scatterplots, combined surface/contour plots, and combined surface/point displays. A variety of useful features which will enhance the utility of these plots is illustrated. Such displays have proved extremely valuable in providing insights into many problems of chemometrics.
Pomalidomide for the management of refractory multiple myeloma

Purpose The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, safety, dosage and administration, and place in therapy of pomalidomide for the management of refractory multiple myeloma are reviewed. Summary Pomalidomide is a second-generation immunomodulatory agent that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of multiple myeloma refractory to both lenalidomide and bortezomib, with or without the addition of dexamethasone. The overarching mechanism of action is thought to be antiproliferative and directly cytotoxic to malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. Clinical trials have demonstrated both safety and efficacy with the 4-mg dose given orally on days 1–21 of a 28-day cycle with the possible addition of dexamethasone 40 mg weekly. The most common nonhematologic toxicities found in clinical trials were fatigue, pneumonia, and deep vein thrombosis. The most common hematologic toxicity was neutropenia, which was the only dose-limiting factor of pomalidomide. In order to be able to prescribe and dispense pomalidomide, physicians, patients, and pharmacies must enroll in an FDA-mandated risk evaluation and mitigation strategy program due to the drug’s teratogenic effects. Future studies will evaluate the use of pomalidomide with other oncolytic agents, as well as combination regimens with proteasome inhibitors, such as bortezomib, for the management of multiple myeloma. Conclusion Pomalidomide when administered with weekly low-dose dexamethasone appears to be both safe and effective for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma in patients who have had disease progression after completing treatment with bortezomib, lenalidomide, or both.
Ternary behavior and systematic nanoscale manipulation of domain structures in P3HT/PCBM/P3HT-b-PEO films

Nanophase separation plays a critical role in the performance of donor–acceptor based organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices. Although post-fabrication annealing is often used to enhance OPV efficiency, the ability to exert precise control over phase separated domains and connectivity remains elusive. In this work, we use a diblock copolymer to systematically manipulate the domain sizes of an organic solar cell active layer at the nanoscale. More specifically, a poly(3-hexylthiophene)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (P3HT-b-PEO) diblock copolymer with a low polydispersity index (PDI = 1.3) is added to a binary blend of P3HT and 6,6-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) at different concentrations (0–20 wt%). Energy-filtered TEM (EFTEM) results suggest systematic changes of P3HT distribution as a function of block copolymer compatibilizer concentration and thermal annealing. X-ray scattering and microscopy techniques are used to show that prior to annealing, active layer domain sizes do not change substantially as compatibilizer is added; however after thermal annealing, the domain sizes are significantly reduced as the amount of P3HT-b-PEO compatibilizer increases. The impact of compatibilizer is further rationalized through quantum density functional theory calculations. Overall, this work demonstrates the possibility of block copolymers to systematically manipulate the nanoscale domain-structure of blends used for organic photovoltaic devices. If coupled with efficient charge transport and collection (through judicious choice of block copolymer type and composition), this approach may contribute to further optimization of OPV devices.
Relative Reactivity Trends OP High Temperature Superconductor Phases

Many of the high temperature superconductor phases degrade rapidly when in the presence of water, acids, carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide. In order to foster more rapid developments in the area of high-Tc research, it will be necessary to acquire a more complete understanding of the surface chemistry of these superconducting materials. In this paper, the relative reactivity of the common cuprate phases toward water is reported. X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy measurements are utilized here to establish the reactivity trends.
Minimal Hearing Loss: Implications and Management Options for Educational Settings

Audibility, which refers to the ability of sound to be heard, is not sufficient for listening and learning environments, such as school classrooms. Speech intelligibility, not audibility, is the ke...
Structural Analysis of Charge Discrimination in the Binding of Inhibitors to Human Carbonic Anhydrases I and II

Despite the similarity in the active site pockets of carbonic anhydrase (CA) isozymes I and II, the binding affinities of benzenesulfonamide inhibitors are invariably higher with CA II as compared to CA I. To explore the structural basis of this molecular recognition phenomenon, we have designed and synthesized simple benzenesulfonamide inhibitors substituted at the para position with positively-charged, negatively-charged, and neutral functional groups, and we have determined the affinities and X-ray crystal structures of their enzyme complexes. The para-substituents are designed to bind in the midsection of the 15 A deep active site cleft, where interactions with enzyme residues and solvent molecules are possible. We find that a para-substituted positively-charged amino group is more poorly tolerated in the active site of CA I compared with CA II. In contrast, a para-substituted negatively-charged carboxylate substituent is tolerated equally well in the active sites of both CA isozymes. Notably, enzyme-inhibitor affinity increases upon neutralization of inhibitor charged groups by amidation or esterification. These results inform the design of short molecular linkers connecting the benzenesulfonamide group and a para-substituted tail group in “two-prong” CA inhibitors: an optimal linker segment will be electronically neutral, yet capable of engaging in at least some hydrogen bond interactions with protein residues and/or solvent. Microcalorimetric data reveal that inhibitor binding to CA I is enthalpically less favorable and entropically more favorable than inhibitor binding to CA II. This contrasting behavior may arise in part from differences in active site desolvation and the conformational entropy of inhibitor binding to each isozyme active site.
Functional analysis of arylamine N -acetyltransferase 1 ( NAT1 ) NAT1*10 haplotypes in a complete NATb mRNA construct

N-acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1) catalyzes N-acetylation of arylamines as well as the O-acetylation of N-hydroxylated arylamines. O-acetylation leads to the formation of electrophilic intermediates that result in DNA adducts and mutations. NAT1*10 is the most common variant haplotype and is associated with increased risk for numerous cancers. NAT1 is transcribed from a major promoter, NATb, and an alternative promoter, NATa, resulting in messenger RNAs (mRNAs) with distinct 5'-untranslated regions (UTRs). To best mimic in vivo metabolism and the effect of NAT1*10 polymorphisms on polyadenylation usage, pcDNA5/Flp recombination target plasmid constructs were prepared for transfection of full-length human mRNAs including the 5'-UTR derived from NATb, the open reading frame and 888 nucleotides of the 3'-UTR. Following stable transfection of NAT1*4, NAT1*10 and an additional NAT1*10 variant (termed NAT1*10B) into nucleotide excision repair-deficient Chinese hamster ovary cells, N- and O-acetyltransferase activity (in vitro and in situ), mRNA and protein expression were higher in cells transfected with NAT1*10 and NAT1*10B than in cells transfected with NAT1*4 (P < 0.05). Consistent with NAT1 expression and activity, cytotoxicity and hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase mutants following 4-aminobiphenyl exposures were higher in NAT1*10 than in NAT1*4 transfected cells. Ribonuclease protection assays showed no difference between NAT1*4 and NAT1*10. However, protection of one probe by NAT1*10B was not observed with NAT1*4 or NAT1*10, suggesting additional mechanisms that regulate NAT1*10B. The higher mutants in cells transfected with NAT1*10 and NAT1*10B are consistent with an increased cancer risk for individuals possessing NAT1*10 haplotypes.
Leaf abscission in Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) is due to loss of highly de-esterified homogalacturonans in the middle lamellae

 Premise of study: Abscission zones (AZ) are sites where leaves and other organs are shed. Investigating the AZ by classical biochemical techniques is diffi cult due to its small size and because the surrounding tissue is not involved in abscission. The goals of this study were to determine whether AZ cell walls are chemically unique from the other cells of the petiole, perhaps making them more susceptible to enzymatic degradation during abscission and to identify which cell wall polysaccharides are degraded during abscission.  Methods: A battery of antibodies that recognize a large number of cell wall polysaccharide and glycoprotein epitopes was used to probe sections of the Impatiens leaf AZ at several time points in the abscission process.  Key results: Prior to abscission, the walls of the AZ cells were found to be similar in composition to the walls of the cells both proximal and distal to the AZ. Of all the epitopes monitored, only the highly de-esterifi ed homogalacturonans (HG) of the middle lamellae were found to be reduced post-abscission and only at the plane of separation. More highly esterifi ed homogalacturonans, as well as other pectin and xyloglucan epitopes were not affected. Furthermore, cellulose, as detected by an endoglucanase-gold probe and cellulose-binding module staining, was unaffected, even on the walls of the cells facing the separation site.  Conclusions: In the leaf abscission zone of Impatiens , wall alterations during abscission are strictly limited to the plane of separation and involve only the loss of highly de-esterifi ed pectins from the middle lamellae.
Electroacupuncture Attenuates Inflammation in a Rat Model

Background: Acupuncture has traditionally been used in China and is being increasingly applied in Western countries to treat a variety of conditions, including inflammatory disease. However, clinical trials investigating the effectiveness of the anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture have yielded inconsistent results, and the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture-produced anti-inflammation are unclear. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of electroacupuncture (EA) on inflammation in a rat model. Materials and methods: Four experiments were conducted on male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 8–9 per group). Inflammation was induced by injecting complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) subcutaneously into the plantar surface of one hind paw of the rat. Experiment 1: To determine the effect of EA (10 and 100 Hz) versus sham treatment on inflammation. Experiment 2: To investigate the involvement of the adrenal glands on the effect of EA treatment using adrenalectomized (ADX) rats. Experiment 3: To determine the effects ...
Effects of controlled heat stress on ovarian function of dairy cattle. 1. Lactating cows.

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of controlled heat stress on ovarian function of lactating dairy cows. Estrus was synchronized (estrus = d 0), and cows were randomly assigned to either heat stress (n = 11; 29°C, 60% relative humidity) or thermoneutral (n = 11; 19°C, 60% relative humidity) treatment. For cows undergoing heat stress, ambient temperature (19°C) was increased from d 11 to 13 of the estrous cycle (3.3°C/d increase) and remained at 29°C until d 21. Beginning on d 11, the growth and regression of ovarian follicles and corpora lutea were measured by using ultrasonography. Blood was collected daily by coccygeal venipuncture for measurement of serum concentrations of progesterone and estradiol. The second wave dominant follicle was more likely to ovulate in cows in the thermoneutral treatment than in cows undergoing heat stress (91 vs. 18% ovulation, respectively). Patterns of follicular growth in cows under-going heat stress were associated with decreased serum estradiol from d 11 to 21 and on the day of luteolysis. The average day of luteolysis was delayed by 9 d in heat-stressed cows. Conclusions were that follicular growth and development and luteolytic mechanisms were compromised in heat-stressed cows; as a result, luteolysis was delayed, and second wave dominant follicles did not ovulate.
Mindfulness Meditation Reduces Implicit Age and Race Bias: The Role of Reduced Automaticity of Responding

Research has shown that mindfulness can positively affect peoples’ lives in a number of ways, including relying less on previously established associations. We focused on the impact of mindfulness ...