cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The initiation codon AUG binds at a hydrophobic site on yeast 40S ribosomal subunits as revealed by fluorescence studies with bis (1,8-anilinonaphthalenesulfonate)

Binding studies of yeast 40S ribosome with bis (1,8-anilinonaphthalenesulfonate) (bis-ANS) revealed the binding of 3-4 molecules of bis-ANS per ribosome with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 1.45 microM. Binding of AUG to the 40S subunits resulted in a concentration-dependent decrease in the bis-ANS fluorescence without displacing all of the bound bis-ANS from the ribosomes. The residual bis-ANS fluorescence at saturation with AUG corresponds to about 3 molecules of bis-ANS per ribosome. Thus AUG displaces one of the bound bis-ANS molecules. The data suggest that AUG binds at a hydrophobic site on the yeast 40S subunit.
Late talking toddlers may have special genes.

A twin study suggests that different genetic and nongenetic factors operate in the development of typical versus atypical vocabulary skills.
Class Effect of Erythropoietin Therapy on Hemoglobin A1c in a Patient with Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Kidney Disease Not Undergoing Hemodialysis

In patients with diabetes mellitus, hemoglobin A(1c) (A1C) is commonly interpreted as a measure of long-term glycemic control, reflecting a mean glucose level over the previous 2-3 months. Although some reports suggest that treatment with recombinant erythropoietin may affect A1C values in patients undergoing hemodialysis, we know of no evidence to support this interaction in patients with chronic renal insufficiency who are not undergoing hemodialysis. In addition, we know of no evidence specific to the treatment effect of epoetin alfa and/or darbepoetin alfa on A1C. We describe a 64-year-old man with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and anemia who was treated consecutively with epoetin alfa and darbepoetin alfa and experienced a temporal reduction in A1C level to a nadir of 4.4%. Throughout approximately 3 years of treatment with these erythropoietin analogs, the patient's total daily dose of insulin was reduced in response to his decreasing A1C values, despite elevated blood glucose levels and the absence of patient-reported hypoglycemic events. Five months after the patient's erythropoietin therapy was discontinued, his A1C value increased to 8.8%, leading us to conclude that management of the insulin dose may have been different without the falsely lowered A1C levels. Use of the Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale indicated a probable association between this patient's reduced A1C levels and erythropoietin therapy. This case demonstrates that both epoetin alfa and darbepoetin alfa may artificially lower A1C levels in a patient with diabetes who is not undergoing dialysis, and therefore this finding can be interpreted as a class effect. Clinicians should be aware of factors that affect A1C values, specifically erythrocyte life span. In patients receiving erythropoietin, therapeutic decisions should be based on A1C and glucose levels, as well as patient symptoms suggestive of hypo- or hyperglycemia, to avoid therapy changes that could complicate disease management.
Case Study Research: Design and Methods by YIN, ROBERT K

The article reviews the book "Case Study Research: Design and Methods," fourth edition, by Robert K. Yin.
Localized States of a Binary Alloy

The localization phenomena exhibited by a commonly studied model of electrons in a substitutional alloy are found to be much richer than has previously been reported. A nondegenerate tight-binding band arising primarily from one constituent of the alloy is considered. It may possess states localized in small isolated clusters (as studied in percolation theory), and localized states decaying exponentially at large distances (as in the Anderson model), plus a third class of localized states which have not been discussed before. These last states occur at special energies, but are not isolated from the bulk of the material. Examples are constructed, and an approximate calculation of their spectral weight is carried out. This enumeration provides an explanation of the anomalies which have appeared in recent numerical calculations of the density of states of this model. The continuous part of the spectrum also displays surprising behavior, as revealed by numerical calculations. There appears to be a "forbidden energy" at the center of the band, at which the density of states goes continuously to zero. The eigenstates at nearby energies appear to be localized in the Anderson sense. The model exhibits not one, but several pairs of mobility edges, separating localized from extended states. These calculations make available nontrivial exact results for a three-dimensional disordered material, as a test of approximate theories. None of the existing theories predict these effects. In addition, we suggest several real systems in which the new class of localized states, and perhaps the associated effects on the continuous spectrum, can be observed.
Start of structural damage in stucco walls

A wealth of data about the performance of stucco shear walls under cyclic loading has become available since 2001. Stucco and drywall are the only earthquake and wind lateral force-resisting systems in many existing residential buildings, especially single and multi-family homes built before 1980. This paper presents the results of an analysis of cyclic tests conducted at the University of California, Irvine, on solid stucco walls to determine the start of structural damage. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Helix stop signals in proteins and peptides: the capping box.

The alpha-helix [Pauling, L., Corey, R. B., & Branson, H. R. (1951) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 37, 205-211] is a common motif in both proteins and peptides. Despite intense investigation, predictive understanding of helices is still lacking. A recent hypothesis [Presta, L. G., & Rose, G. D. (1988) Science 240, 1632-1641] proposed that the structural specificity of helices resides, in part, in those residues that flank helix termini. If so, then signals that arrest helix propagation--i.e., helix stop signals--should be found among these flanking residues. Evidence is presented for the existence of one such signal, a reciprocal backbone-side-chain hydrogen-bonding interaction, dubbed the capping box. In proteins, the capping box is found uniquely at helix N-termini. In peptides, the capping box can function as a helix stop signal, as shown in the work of Kallenbach and co-workers.
Soil temperature and soil aeration effects on protein and free amino acid concentrations in wheat grain

The root environment of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em Thell) plants was modified with soil temperature and soil aeration treatments for 30 days during the grain filling stage to evaluate the effects of soil temperature and aeration treatments on the protein and free amino acids in the milk and mature stages of wheat grain.
Distortion effects on data pulses in a slow light tunable delay line due to stimulated Brillouin scattering in a highly nonlinear fiber

We experimentally demonstrate an all-optical tunable delay line based on slow light induced by stimulated Brillouin scattering in a highly-nonlinear fiber, and study its distortion effects on data pulses with different pulse widths. (2 pages)
Cell surface APP751 forms complexes with protease nexin 2 ligands and is internalized via the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP)

Abstract The secreted isoforms of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) that contain the Kunitz domain are also known as protease nexin 2 (PN2). Normal proteolytic processing of transmembrane APP, which results in the majority of soluble PN2, cleaves within the Alzheimer's Aβ peptide, precluding Aβ formation. Recent data indicate that soluble PN2 is internalized by cells via the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP), which binds multiple ligands including apolipoprotein E (apoE) [23]. However, soluble PN2 cannot contribute to amyloid accumulation, so we examined whether the unprocessed, transmembrane form of APP751 containing the intact Aβ sequence would form complexes with a PN2 ligand, EGF binding protein (EGFBP), and be internalized by LRP. We found that the addition of EGFBP to cells overexpressing APP751 induced the internalization of this amyloidogenic form of APP. The 39 kDa LRP receptor associated protein (RAP), an antagonist for LRP, blocked the internalization of APP751/PN2, suggesting a common LRP-mediated internalization pathway for both soluble and transmembrane APP751/PN2 after protease complex formation. Previous work has shown that internalization of transmembrane APP can lead to the formation of amyloidogenic carboxyl-terminal fragments and increased secretion of the Alzheimer's Aβ peptide. Our data suggest the protease ligands for PN2 may play an important role in altering APP processing pathways to favor amyloid formation, and that LRP may be a point at which the apoE and amyloid processing pathways intersect.
Nursing research priorities of the National Black Nurses Association.

Abstract The purpose of this article is to describe the nursing research priorities of the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA). The NBNA is a professional nursing association representing more than 150,000 black nurses throughout the United States and the Eastern Caribbean. This article describes knowledge gaps in nursing research and presents various findings from research studies aimed at defining research priorities in nursing. Recommended research priorities are discussed that are directed toward improving the health of African Americans and other vulnerable populations. The NBNA urges the National Institutes of Health to increase funding to support research initiatives with an emphasis on women's health, particularly the health of women from diverse cultures. Nursing research programs are steadily yielding results, which enable the nursing profession to meet the goal of using the programs include identification of research priorities, acknowledging the vast disparity in nursing research today. Nurs Outlook 2001;49:258-62.
Dopamine and Norepinephrine Receptors Participate in Methylphenidate Enhancement of In Vivo Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity

Attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly studied and diagnosed psychiatric disorder in children. Methylphenidate (MPH, e.g., Ritalin) has been used to treat ADHD for over 50 years. It is the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD, and in the past decade it was the drug most commonly prescribed to teenagers. In addition, MPH has become one of the most widely abused drugs on college campuses. In this study, we examined the effects of MPH on hippocampal synaptic plasticity, which serves as a measurable quantification of memory mechanisms. Field potentials were recorded with permanently implanted electrodes in freely-moving mice to quantify MPH modulation of perforant path synaptic transmission onto granule cells of the dentate gyrus. Our hypothesis was that MPH affects hippocampal synaptic plasticity underlying learning because MPH boosts catecholamine signaling by blocking the dopamine and norepinephrine transporters (DAT and NET respectively). In vitro hippocampal slice experiments indicated MPH enhances perforant path plasticity, and this MPH enhancement arose from action via D1-type dopamine receptors and β-type adrenergic receptors. Similarly, MPH boosted in vivo initiation of long-term potentiation (LTP). While there was an effect via both dopamine and adrenergic receptors in vivo, LTP induction was more dependent on the MPH-induced action via D1-type dopamine receptors. Under biologically reasonable experimental conditions, MPH enhances hippocampal synaptic plasticity via catecholamine receptors.
Tetralogy of Fallot with absent pulmonic valve: analysis of 17 patients

Seventeen patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TF) and absent pulmonic valve were seen at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh from 1958 to 1981. In 7 patients, severe respiratory symptoms developed due to bronchial compression by an aneurysmal pulmonary artery, and 6 died. In 4 patients, moderate respiratory symptoms developed. Six patients remained free of respiratory distress. Medical and surgical management of patients with respiratory distress in infancy has been frustrating and frequently unsuccessful. A 4-month-old infant with respiratory distress underwent complete intracardiac repair with valve insertion and has subsequently survived with relief of symptoms. Considering the high mortality rate in this group of patients, further attempts at aggressive surgical repair in infancy for patients with severe respiratory symptoms is warranted. An anatomic review of pathologic specimens with this anomaly confirmed previous reports of the frequent association of absence of the ductus arteriosus in patients with tetralogy of Fallot and absent pulmonary valve. The exception is noted in patients with discontinuity between the right and left pulmonary arteries in which a ductus arteriosus may be present supplying the isolated left pulmonary artery.
Experimental study of the hydraulic operation of an annular centrifugal contactor with various mixing vane geometries

The annular centrifugal contactor is a combination mixer/centrifuge that has been developed for solvent extraction processes for recycling used nuclear reactor fuel. The experimental observations presented were part of a simulation-focused research effort aimed at providing a more complete understanding of the fluid flow within these contactors to enable further advancements in design and operation of future units and greater confidence for use of such contactors in a variety of other solvent extraction applications. Laser doppler velocimetry (LDV), particle image velocimetry (PIV), pressure measurements, and high-speed video imaging for a range of flow rates and rotor speeds were performed to characterize the flow of water in the annular mixing region of the contactor using three different mixing vane geometries. It was found that the geometry of the mixing vanes has a significant impact on the annular liquid height and general flow in the contactor mixing zone. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Performance and complexity analysis of VLSI multi-carrier receivers for low-energy wireless communications

A high data rate multi-carrier receiver employing orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) for mobile communications requires joint low-power VLSI design optimization of the channel equalizer and demodulator. Although the multi-carrier receiver structure can be greatly simplified by use of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for demodulation, the physical hardware complexity of the FFT is still significant. By introducing a powerful channel equalizer, reduction in FFT complexity can be achieved while maintaining sufficient reception quality. This paper analyzes the performance and hardware complexity of the receiver structure in a multipath communications environment.
How equilibrium prices reveal information in a time series model with disparately informed, competitive traders

Abstract Accommodating asymmetric information in a dynamic asset pricing model is technically challenging due to the problems associated with higher-order expectations. That is, rational investors are forced into a situation where they must forecast the forecasts of other agents. In a dynamic setting, this problem telescopes into the infinite future and the dimension of the relevant state space approaches infinity. By using the frequency domain approach of Whiteman [Linear Rational Expectations Models: A User's Guide, University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis, 1983] and Kasa [Forecasting the forecasts of others in the frequency domain, Rev. Econ. Dynam. 3 (2000) 726–756], this paper demonstrates how information structures previously believed to preserve asymmetric information in equilibrium, converge to a symmetric information, rational expectations equilibrium. The revealing aspect of the price process lies in the invertibility of the observed state space, which makes it possible for agents to infer the economically fundamental shocks and thus eliminating the need to forecast the forecasts of others.
The effect of perches installed in cages on laying hens

The public wants assurances that animals used for food are raised humanely. Conventional cages for egg laying hens do not meet hen's behavioural needs, but cages have potential advantages such as improved liveability and respiratory health because of less aerial ammonia and dust as compared to non-cage systems. Providing amenities to cages might be a compromise that allows hens to reap some of the advantages of conventional cages and also better meet their behavioural needs. This review focuses on the perch as a furnishing and how its design and addition to the cage can affect welfare and production efficiencies of egg laying strains of chickens. Hens should have access to perches because of their high motivation and preference for perching. At night, hens like to perch at the same time which requires a straight perch space of 12 and 15 cm for White Leghorn and brown hybrids, respectively. Besides meeting a behavioural need, perches in cages improve bone strength, but the improvement is not great enough to prevent adult keel fractures and deformities. Perch access improves feather quality for the back but not for other feather tract areas. Foot pad, toe, and nail health are often improved with perch access in cages of smaller group sizes. With the exception of dirty and cracked eggs, perches installed in cages do not deleteriously affect hen performance. Commercial perches are available in different shapes (e.g., round, circular, or mushroom) and compositions (e.g., wood, plastic, or metal). There is no perfect perch relative to its material composition or shape. Wooden perches offer a rougher texture but harbour mites in crevices. Future research should concentrate on perch redesign that avoids slippery surfaces allowing hen's feet to better grip the perch, prevents keel fractures, is easily cleaned, and does not harbour parasites or pathogens.
Enhancing information scent: identifying and recommending quality tags

We describe a scenario of tag use and an empirical study of tags as socio-cognitive artifacts providing information scent. We articulated a three-step use scenario of tags, and used it to conceptualize tag "quality" as determined by use. We designed and conducted a user study to explore what attributes of tags and taggers predict the user-rated "quality" of tags. We found that frequency best predicted tag quality, while information entropy provided further refinement. We found that people rated our identified quality tags as higher in quality than general tags. But these identified quality tags were not perceived as better than self-generated tags. We derived a regression model for tag quality and discussed implications for social computing.
Therapy resistant cancer stem cells have differing sensitivity to photon versus proton beam radiation

Background: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play an important role in non–small-cell lung cancer recurrence and metastasis. We sought to determine whether CSC-like cells respond differentially to proton and photon beam therapies. Methods: CSC-enriched cells from paclitaxel-resistant human H460 and A549 cell lines were irradiated with the same relative biological effectiveness dose and analyzed for cell viability, clonogenic survival, apoptosis, cell migration, cell invasiveness, tumor sphere formation, and CSC markers. The intracellular concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured before and after irradiation. Results: Compared with photons, protons caused significantly lower cell viability in chemoresistant cells and, in CSC-like cells, significantly lower clonogenic survival, invasiveness, and number of tumor spheres; less migration and CSC markers (coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor, β-catenin, and side population cells); more apoptosis; and higher ROS level. CSC-like cells contained less than half the ROS levels of parental cancer cells or normal human bronchial epithelial cells. Conclusions: CSC-like cells may be more sensitive to irradiation with protons than photons. The increased sensitivity could be caused by the greater ROS generated by protons. Because chemoresistant CSCs play an important role in tumor recurrence, protons may be more effective than photons in eliminating recurrent or persistent non–small-cell lung cancer.
A large randomized clinical trial of a silver-impregnated urinary catheter : lack of efficacy and staphylococcal superinfection

purpose The antibacterial activity of silvercontaining compounds has recently been employed in constructing medical devices, such as vascular and urinary catheters, that may be effective in blocking infection. The present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a silver oxide-coated urinary catheter. patients and methods A total of 1,309 hospitalized patients who required placement of an indwelling urinary catheter for 24 hours or longer were randomly assigned to receive either a silicone catheter coated externally with 5% silver oxide or a standard silicone elastomercoated latex catheter. Daily catheter-urine specimens were collected aseptically and catheter-care violations were monitored daily for the duration of the catheterization. results Bacteriuria developed in 85 of 745 patients (11.4%) in the silver-coated catheter group and in 73 of 564 patients (12.9%) in the control group ( P = 0.45). In women who did not receive antibiotics, the rates were 29.3% and 30.4%, respectively ( P = 0.98). In men who did not receive antibiotics, the rate of bacteriuria was significantly higher with the silver-coated catheter (29.4% compared to 8.3%, respectively, P = 0.02). Staphylococcal species were isolated more often from the silver-coated catheter group than from the control group (25% versus 8% of all isolates, respectively, P = 0.002). conclusions This study, the largest ever reported evaluating any silver-impregnated device, has not only failed to demonstrate the efficacy of silver in prevention of catheterassociated bacteriuria, as suggested in prior studies, but it has also shown a significantly increased incidence of bacteriuria in male patients and a significantly increased occurrence of staphylococcal bacteriuria. These results suggest the need for caution and for similar large-scale trials before silver-containing compounds are widely used for preventing deviceassociated infections, both in vascular and urinary catheters.
Characterization of fungal biofilms within a municipal water distribution system.

Biofilms of a municipal water distribution system were characterized to assess the occurrence of fungi within surface matrixes. Densities of filamentous fungi ranged from 4.0 to 25.2 CFU cm−2, whereas yeast densities ranged from 0 to 8.9 CFU cm−2. Observations by scanning electron microscopy further suggested that spores, not hyphae or vegetative cells, comprised the primary source of viable propagules.
Characterization of laser-induced air plasmas via third harmonic generation

Third harmonic generation by a femtosecond probe intersecting a laser-induced air plasma is measured and a general model developed to describe such signal. The electron density distribution and nonlinear coefficient of the plasma are determined.
Probing changes in neural interaction during adaptation

A procedure is developed to probe the changes in the functional interactions among neurons in primary motor cortex of the monkey brain during adaptation. A monkey is trained to learn a new skill, moving its arm to reach a target under the influence of external perturbations. The spike trains of multiple neurons in the primary motor cortex are recorded simultaneously. We utilize the methodology of directed transfer function, derived from a class of linear stochastic models, to quantify the causal interactions between the neurons. We find that the coupling between the motor neurons tends to increase during the adaptation but return to the original level after the adaptation. Furthermore, there is evidence that adaptation tends to affect the topology of the neural network, despite the approximate conservation of the average coupling strength in the network before and after the adaptation.
The tensin-3 protein, including its SH2 domain, is phosphorylated by Src and contributes to tumorigenesis and metastasis

In cell lines from advanced lung cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma, endogenous tensin-3 contributes to cell migration, anchorage-independent growth, and tumorigenesis. Although SH2 domains have not been reported previously to be phosphorylated, the tensin-3 SH2 domain is a physiologic substrate for Src. Tyrosines in the SH2 domain contribute to the biological activity of tensin-3, and phosphorylation of these tyrosines can regulate ligand binding. In a mouse breast cancer model, tensin-3 tyrosines are phosphorylated in a Src-associated manner in primary tumors, and experimental metastases induced by tumor-derived cell lines depend on endogenous tensin-3. Thus, tensin-3 is implicated as an oncoprotein regulated by Src and possessing an SH2 domain with a previously undescribed mechanism for the regulation of ligand binding.
Preparing teachers to create a mainstream science classroom conducive to the needs of English‐language learners: A feminist action research project

A feminist action research team, which consisted of a science educator, an English-language learner (ELL) educator, a fi rst-year science teacher, and a graduate assistant, set a goal to work together to explore the process a beginning teacher goes through to establish a classroom conducive to the needs of middle-level ELL learners. Th e guiding questions of the study were answered by gathering a wealth of data over the course of 5 months and taken from the classroom, planning sessions, and researchers and students. Th ese data were collected by observations, semistructured interviews, and written document reviews. Th e progressive analysis ultimately revealed that: (a) successful strategies a beginning teacher must utilize for teaching middle-level ELL children in a mainstream classroom involve complex structural considerations that are not part of the teacher's preparation; (b) learning increases for all children, but there are diff erences in learning achievement between ELL and non-ELL children; and (c) student and peer feedback proved to be an eff ective means of enhancing the growth of a beginning teacher seeking to increase her skills in teaching ELL learners. Th e experiences and fi ndings from this project have implications for teacher preparation programs committed to preparing educators to teach science to all children. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 42: 1013-1031, 2005
Electronic measurement of bubble stretch-out velocity on a chevron detector

A direct measurement of bubble stretch-out velocity on a chevron detector can be performed by studying the detector signal as a function of the number of periods over which stretch-out has taken place. For about a 10% range of bias field, a long stretched out domain will shrink into a bubble without popping when the rotating field is turned off. When the rotating field is turned back on, the bubble will expand and will give a detector signal proportional to its stretched out length. A velocity can be calculated from the rate, of detector signal increase per number of chevron periods allowed for expansion. The stretch-out velocity is related to drive and bias field amplitude. An estimate of domain mobility can be made by fitting to a simple model experimental velocity dependence on drive and bias fields. Data from three different garnet materials with stretch-out velocities between 2000 and 5800 cm/s at 35 Oersted peak triangular drive show that meaningful comparisons between different materials can be made.
Characterization of cholecystokinin receptors on rat pancreatic membranes.

In the present study cholecystokinin (CCK) binding to its receptors on rat pancreatic membranes was characterized by the use of biologically active radioiodinated CCK33prepared by conjugation of [125I]Bolton-Hunter reagent ([125I]BH) to CCK33. At pH 7.4 and 24 C, the binding of 25 pM [125I]BHCCK to pancreatic receptors was maximal after 120 min and reversible upon the addition of 1 μM unlabeled ligand. [125I]BHCCK binding was also tested in membrane preparations from a variety of tissues, but specific binding was found only in the pancreas and cerebral cortex. Scatchard analysis of the pancreas binding data revealed a single class of CCK-binding sites, with a Kd of 1.35 nM and a binding capacity of 204 fmol/mg protein. Optimal [125I]BH-CCK binding required 5 IDM Mg2+ and 1 mM EGTA; in contrast, monovalent cations (either Na+ or K+) inhibited binding. [125I]-BH-CCK binding exhibit d an acid pH optimum of 5.5; the increase in binding at this pH was due primarily to an increase in capacity (to 399 fmol/mg pr...
Fabrication of Perpendicular Ba-Ferrite Films by Magnetron Sputtering with in Situ Process

Barium ferrite films (BaFe12O19) with perpendicular orientation are attractive candidates for microwave device applications and ultrahigh density perpendicular recording. An in situ annealing process is developed for the deposition of Barium ferrite films by rf magnetron sputtering. The substrates are held at temperatures of 550 to 600°C during the sputtering. After the deposition, the substrate temperature is immediately raised to 900°C in the vacuum chamber in Ar and O2 atmosphere. c-axis orientated films are obtianed. The films exhibit coercivity value of 4270 Oe and squareness of 0.87 in perpendicular direction.
The 3D revolution: CAD access for all!

The manufacturing industry has invested vast amounts of resources in the deployment and use of solid modeling technology. Although expensive to generate and potentially very valuable in many product related activities, 3D models have rarely been exploited to support product management, documentation, collaborative review, and promotion, because they were only accessible to trained designers equipped with expensive graphics workstations. Intranet access, popular 3D exchange formats, and affordable 3D graphics chips permit to download and view 3D models using a personal computer. Although these basic capabilities are revolutionizing the entertainment and marketing industry and have reduced the cost of a design station, they are of little help to non-designers in the manufacturing industry. The author articulates a vision where 3D data is available and exploited at all phases of a product life cycle. The paper investigates the shortcomings of the current technology, identifies the fundamental research issues, and reviews recent advances in 3D data compression, in the automatic generation of levels-of-detail for interactive rendering, and in the innovative exploitation of 3D input devices for an intuitive and effective navigation.
Directions for technology CAD

Major changes have occurred in the technology CAD field in recent years-trends that promise to significantly increase roles for TCAD tools. Emerging trends in statistical design, interconnect engineering, and automated technology optimization are analyzed, together with their implications on TCAD modeling.
Profilin Regulates F-Actin Network Homeostasis by Favoring Formin over Arp2/3 Complex

Fission yeast cells use Arp2/3 complex and formin to assemble diverse filamentous actin (F-actin) networks within a common cytoplasm for endocytosis, division, and polarization. Although these homeostatic F-actin networks are usually investigated separately, competition for a limited pool of actin monomers (G-actin) helps to regulate their size and density. However, the mechanism by which G-actin is correctly distributed between rival F-actin networks is not clear. Using a combination of cell biological approaches and in vitro reconstitution of competition between actin assembly factors, we found that the small G-actin binding protein profilin directly inhibits Arp2/3 complex-mediated actin assembly. Profilin is therefore required for formin to compete effectively with excess Arp2/3 complex for limited G-actin and to assemble F-actin for contractile ring formation in dividing cells.
A Theorem of I. Schur and Its Impact on Modern Signal Processing

An algorithm of Schur for characterizing power series that are bounded in the unit circle is shown to have applications to a variety of problems in science and engineering. These include speech analysis and synthesis, inverse scattering, decoding of error-correcting codes, synthesis of digital filters, modeling of random signals, Pade approximation for linear systems, and zero location of polynomials.
Aging: The Reality “Anti-Aging” Is an Oxymoron

No intervention will slow, stop, or reverse the aging process in humans. Whether anti-aging medicine is, or is not, a legitimate science is completely dependent upon the definition of key terms that define the finitude of life: longevity determination, aging, and age-associated diseases. Only intervention in the latter by humans has been shown to affect life expectancy. When it becomes possible to slow, stop, or reverse the aging process in the simpler molecules that compose inanimate objects, such as machines, then that prospect may become tenable for the complex molecules that compose life forms. Most of the resources available under the rubric "aging research" are not used for that purpose at all, thus making the likelihood of intervention in the process even more remote. If age changes are the greatest risk factor for age-associated diseases (an almost universal belief), then why is the study of aging virtually neglected?
STRELKOVIMERMIS AMPHIDIS N. SP. FROM CHIRONOMID ADULTS EMERGING FROM LAKE ITASCA AND LONG LAKE, MINNESOTA

Mermithid nematodes, Strelkovimermis amphidis n. sp., emerged from chironomid imagos from Lake Itasca in Minnesota in the fall of 1996, 1997 and from Long Lake in the fall of 1998. The species is distinguished from the other 11 members of the genus by the long cephalic papillae, absence of an excretory pore, pointed termini in both sexes, large amphids, body diameter decrease at the vulva, long vagina, and the absence of lateral genital papillae. Strelkovimermis amphidis n. sp. is the fifth member of this genus recorded from Lake Itasca. The presence of and nature of the bursal sleeve is suggested as a useful distinguishing characteristic. The ratios involving spicule axis length, diameter of the body at the genital pore, and the length of the tail are also discussed in distinguishing species of Strelkovimermis. An expanded key to the species of Strelkovimermis is included.
Evaluating nursing hours per patient day as a nurse staffing measure.

Aims To identify the techniques used to measure nurse staffing and to evaluate the reliability, validity and limitations of nursing hours per patient day (NHPPD). Background Numerous studies have attempted to identify appropriate nurse staffing levels; however, variations in nurse staffing measures may have caused inconsistent findings regarding the relationships between nurse staffing and quality of care. Evaluation Seventeen studies using nurse staffing measures were reviewed. Key issues Six common nurse staffing measures were identified: nurse-to-patient ratios, full-time equivalents, NHPPD, skill mix, nurse-perceived staffing adequacy and nurse-reported number of assigned patients. Conclusions Among nurse staffing measures, NHPPD is the most frequently used and is considered to be highly beneficial. This measure shows some evidence of high inter-rater reliability. The predictive validity of NHPPD for patient falls is high, whereas that for pressure ulcers is low. Implications for nursing management For NHPPD to be applied more effectively as a nurse staffing measure, there is a need for additional reliability testing in various types of units with large sample sizes; further validity research for additional patient outcomes; appropriate adjustments in its application to capture variations in the characteristics of nurses, patients and hospital units; and a consistent data collection procedure.
Use of three-dimensional ultrasonography in differentiating craniosynostosis from severe fetal molding.

Received January 25, 2001, from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Burns and Allen Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California (D.K., T.S., L.D.P.); and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California (D.K., L.D.P.). Revision requested January 26, 2001. Revised manuscript accepted for publication February 5, 2001. This study was supported in part by National Institutes of Health grant HD22657 and a grant from Medison America Inc (Pleasantville, CA). Address correspondence and reprint requests to Deborah Krakow, MD, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, SSB-369, Los Angeles, CA 90048. Abbreviations 3D, three-dimensional; 2D, two-dimensional
Adults who snore.

PREVIEWMost snorers aren't as severely affected as the character in Dickens' Pickwick Papers (after whom Pickwickian syndrome was named), whose employer claimed that he “goes on errands asleep, and snores as he waits at table.” But many people who snore have their sleep disrupted and are drowsy the next day. Add apnea to the nighttime din, and the patient may be headed for serious vascular problems. Dr Lindblom explains how to decide when a snorer should undergo sleep testing and what treatment options are available.
Professionalism and Advocacy at Trial - Real Jurors Speak in Detail About the Performance of Their Advocates

If law is an art, which surely it is, juries provide a canvas upon which trial lawyers have the potential to create their greatest works of professionalism. This article discusses whether that potential is being realized, and whether attorneys have an equal opportunity to do so. "Each year in the United States, nearly 32 million people are randomly selected and summoned to serve as jurors in the approximately 150,000 jury trials that take place in state and federal courts. About 1.5 million will ultimately be sworn as trial jurors." Among these are the 955 real jurors who responded in the survey that this article centers around. The fact that jurors play such a major role in the legal system, not only because of their numbers but because of the impact they have on the lives of so many, warrants the need for as much empirical research about them as possible. The analyses in this article accomplish this purpose by considering numerous variables of attorneys' performance, as well as examining the relationships between performance and results in both criminal and civil cases. Although it is outside the scope of this article to compile jury research results, pertinent studies will be discussed to place the results of this survey in context. Following the Introduction, Part II provides the organization and methodology of the survey, including how its statistical analyses were done. Then, Part III describes and discusses the importance of what the jurors reported in eleven different areas of trial performance. Part IV analyzes the jurors' findings as to their attorneys' performance in relation to the attorneys' sex, race, and age. Part V focuses on the jurors’ perceptions of their attorneys' opening statements and closing arguments, and particularly on what effects these may have had on the verdicts these jurors returned.
Simulations of Peptide-Graphene Interactions in Explicit Water

The interaction of graphene with biomolecules has a variety of useful applications. In particular, graphitic surfaces decorated with peptides are being considered for high performance biochemical sensors. The interaction of peptides with graphene can also provide insight into the binding behavior of larger biomolecules. In this investigation, we have computed the binding enthalpies of a series of GXG tripeptides with graphene using classical molecular dynamics. Explicit water molecules were included to capture the effect of solvent. Of the twenty amino acid residues examined (X in GXG), arginine, glutamine, and asparagine exhibit the strongest interactions with graphene. Analysis of the trajectories shows that the presence of graphene affects the peptide conformation relative to its conformation in solution. We also find that the peptides favor the graphene interface predominantly due to the influence of the solvent, with hydrophilic residues binding more strongly than hydrophobic residues. These results ...
DIRECTIONAL COUPLER ELECTROOPTIC MODULATOR IN AlGaAs/GaAs WITH LOW VOLTAGE-LENGTH PRODUCT

Electrooptic III-V directional couplers have been demonstrated both in multiple quantum well (MQW) and bulk systems [1]-[4]. The results indicate that the MQW devices exploiting the quantum-confined Stark effect and other quadratic electrooptic effects have much shorter device lengths as well as lower voltage-length (VL) products than those of the bulk devices. However, MQW devices are wavelength and temperature dependent, and have high propagation losses (~ 20-40 dB/cm) [2]. The linear electrooptic bulk waveguide devices, employing the Pockels effect away from the bandgap, are fairly insensitive to wavelength and temperature changes and are able to exhibit low loss. In this paper, we present a directional coupler electrooptic modulator in epitaxilly-grown bulk AlGaAs/GaAs, for which we have experimentally achieved a voltage-length product of only 7.0 V-mm, and a propagation loss of 3.4 dB/cm at 0.83 μm wavelength.
Experimental models in epilepsy

INTRODUCTION Epilepsy is an heterogeneous collection of neurological disorders that have in common a transient and recurrent hypersynchronous activation of large populations of neurons in distinct focal areas or in the entire brain. DEVELOPMENT Research into the cellular mechanisms of epilepsy focuses on understanding. 1. The alterations on cellular and network excitability, and 2. The mechanisms of hypersynchronization. Several different animal models exist that mimic different types of focal and generalized epilepsy in humans. Hypothesis derived from such models is helping to design more effective therapies.
A Study of Information Seeking Behavior Using Physical and Online Explorations

People have their behavioral patterns, through which they determine how to seek and use information. People also exhibit established mobility pattern in their everyday lives. Meanwhile, the modern technologies such as smartphones, wearable devices, and eye trackers have allowed researchers to collect personal, contextual, and cognitive information of users, and create behavioral models from different perspectives. Considering the analogy between information exploration and geographical exploration, I want to identify the interconnections between these behaviors and predict individuals? search behavior using personal and contextual signals. The proposal uses a mixed-method approach that involves a four-week field study, a game study, and a lab study, collecting data from 40 participants through mobile device, eye tracker, online logs, and weekly diary.
Adrenoceptor Mechanisms in the Outflow Channels of Normal and Glaucomatous Eyes

Norepinephrine is synthesized and stored in the terminals of the adrenergic neuronal network that innervate the iris, the ciliary processes, and the channels draining the aqueous humor (3). The release of norepinephrine from presynaptic sites results in an interaction with specific membrane receptors, and it is the molecular configuration of these adrenergic receptors that determines their structural specificity. This molecular specificity also determines the pharmacologic activity of both adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists. This paper deals with our present knowledge of the adrenergic receptor mechanism that modulate the flow resistance of the outflow channels in normal and glaucomatous eyes.
High-Fat Diet-Induced Complement Activation Mediates Intestinal Inflammation and Neoplasia, Independent of Obesity

Obesity and related metabolic disturbances are closely associated with pathologies that represent a significant burden to global health. Epidemiological and molecular evidence links obesity and metabolic status with inflammation and increased risk of cancer. Here, using a mouse model of intestinal neoplasia and strains that are susceptible or resistant to diet-induced obesity, it is demonstrated that high-fat diet-induced inflammation, rather than obesity or metabolic status, is associated with increased intestinal neoplasia. The complement fragment C5a acts as the trigger for inflammation and intestinal tumorigenesis. High-fat diet induces complement activation and generation of C5a, which in turn induces the production of proinflammatory cytokines and expression of proto-oncogenes. Pharmacological and genetic targeting of the C5a receptor reduced both inflammation and intestinal polyposis, suggesting the use of complement inhibitors for preventing diet-induced neoplasia. Implications: This study characterizes the relations between diet and metabolic conditions on risk for a common cancer and identifies complement activation as a novel target for cancer prevention. Mol Cancer Res; 14(10); 953–65. ©2016 AACR.
The extracellular matrix patch implanted in the right ventricle evaluated with cardiovascular magnetic resonance protocol to assess regional physio-mechanical properties.

OBJECTIVES An extracellular matrix patch was implanted in the porcine right ventricle for in situ myocardial regeneration. A newly developed cardiovascular magnetic resonance protocol was utilized to investigate the regional physio-mechanical function of the patch. METHODS Cardiovascular magnetic resonance was performed at 60-day after the porcine right ventricular wall full thickness substitution with an extracellular matrix cardiac patch (n = 5). Dacron patches and remote normal right ventricle served as control (n = 5/each). Late gadolinium enhancement, strain encoding and rest perfusion were measured for scar/patch detection, regional contractility and tissue perfusion. Image analyses were performed by two observers to validate interobserver reproducibility. RESULTS All imaging sequences were successfully obtained. The patches were located with late gadolinium enhancement imaging in 95% accuracy. All the parameters demonstrated significant differences among extracellular matrix, Dacron and normal myocardium (P < 0.05), which correlated with histological findings, including constructive remodelling with nascent myocardium and profound vasculogenesis/angiogenesis in extracellular matrix patches, and scar formation in Dacron. Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated good interobserver reproducibility with minimal bias (strain encoding/peak strain: mean difference = -0.32%, 95% limits of agreement = -1.2 to 0.57, correlation = 0.97; rest perfusion/relative maximum upslope: mean difference = -0.74, 95% limits of agreement = -2.0 to 0.53, correlation = 0.92), along with excellent correlation obtained from linear regression (strain encoding: R2 = 0.93; rest perfusion: R2 = 0.85). CONCLUSIONS With the cardiovascular magnetic resonance protocol, we successfully confirmed early signs of functional myocardial regeneration in implanted extracellular matrix patches. This approach is promising in assessing in situ regional physio-mechanical properties and degree of regeneration of implanted tissue-engineered materials.