cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
4-Oxalocrotonate tautomerase, a 41-kDa homohexamer: Backbone and side-chain resonance assignments, solution secondary structure, and location of active site residues by heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy

4-Oxalocrotonate tautomerase (4-OT), a homohexamer consisting of 62 residues per subunit, catalyzes the isomerization of unsaturated alpha-keto acids using Pro-1 as a general base (Stivers et al., 1996a, 1996b). We report the backbone and side-chain 1H, 15N, and 13C NMR assignments and the solution secondary structure for 4-OT using 2D and 3D homonuclear and heteronuclear NMR methods. The subunit secondary structure consists of an alpha-helix (residues 13-30), two beta-strands (beta 1, residues 2-8; beta 2, residues 39-45), a beta-hairpin (residues 50-57), two loops (I, residues 9-12; II, 34-38), and two turns (I, residues 30-33; II, 47-50). The remaining residues form coils. The beta 1 strand is parallel to the beta 2 strand of the same subunit on the basis of cross stand NH(i)-NH(j) NOEs in a 2D 15N-edited 1H-NOESY spectrum of hexameric 4-OT containing two 15N-labeled subunits/hexamer. The beta 1 strand is also antiparallel to another beta 1 strand from an adjacent subunit forming a subunit interface. Because only three such pairwise interactions are possible, the hexamer is a trimer of dimers. The diffusion constant, determined by dynamic light scattering, and the rotational correlation time (14.5 ns) estimated from 15N T1/T2 measurements, are consistent with the hexameric molecular weight of 41 kDa. Residue Phe-50 is in the active site on the basis of transferred NOEs to the bound partial substrate 2-oxo-1,6-hexanedioate. Modification of the general base, Pro-1, with the active site-directed irreversible inhibitor, 3-bromopyruvate, significantly alters the amide 15N and NH chemical shifts of residues in the beta-hairpin and in loop II, providing evidence that these regions change conformation when the active site is occupied.
The effects of doctor-patient communication on satisfaction and outcome of care

Abstract From data on a series of 1761 episodes of acute primary care, the chain of relationships between patient expectation, doctor-patient communication, compliance, outcomes of care and satisfaction was examined. Overall few meaningful correlations were found. There was a strong positive relationship between patient satisfaction and functional outcome. Nonetheless, 65% of those patients who failed to regain their usual functional status professed satisfaction with the outcome of their care. Using discriminate analysis, we could predict satisfaction with outcome best by the actual outcome and satisfaction with care. Patient satisfaction with care was in turn best predicted from four variables: satisfaction with outcome, the continuity of care, patient expectation and doctor-patient communication. Implications of both positive and negative findings are discussed.
Mesd binds to mature LDL-receptor-related protein-6 and antagonizes ligand binding

Wnt co-receptors LRP5 and LRP6 are two members of the low-density lipoprotein receptor family. Receptor-associated protein is not only a specialized chaperone but also a universal antagonist for members of the low-density lipoprotein receptor family. Here we test whether Mesd, a newly identified chaperone for members of the low-density lipoprotein receptor family, also binds to mature receptors at the cell surface and antagonizes ligand binding. We found that Mesd binds to cell surface LRP5 and LRP6, but not to other members of the low-density lipoprotein receptor family. Scatchard analysis revealed that Mesd binds cell surface LRP6 with high affinity ( K d ∼3.3 nM). Interestingly, the C-terminal region of Mesd, which is absent in sequences from invertebrates, is necessary and sufficient for binding to mature LRP6, and is required for LRP6 folding. We also found that LRP6 is not a constitutively active endocytosis receptor and binding of the receptor-associated protein to LRP6 partially competes for Mesd binding. Finally, we demonstrated that Mesd antagonizes ligand binding to LRP6 at the cell surface. Together our results show that in addition to serving as a folding chaperone, Mesd can function as a receptor antagonist by inhibiting ligand binding to mature LRP6.
Adiabatic invariance of spin-orbit motion in accelerators

It has been predicted and found experimentally that the polarization direction of particles on the closed orbit of a circular accelerator can be manipulated, without a noticeable reduction of polarization, by means of a slow variation of magnetic fields. This feature has been used to avoid imperfection resonances where the spin precession frequency is close to a multiple of the circulation frequency. As a first step we show that this property is related to an adiabatic invariant of spin motion. The proof is relatively simple since it involves only two frequencies, the spin-rotation frequency and the particle’s rotation frequency on the closed orbit. The invariant spin field (ISF) describes a periodic polarization state of a beam’s phasespace distribution. This ISF leads to a very useful parametrization of coupled spin and orbit dynamics. We prove that this ISF gives rise to an adiabatic invariant of spin-orbit motion. This proof is much more complicated since the orbital frequencies are involved. Because of this adiabatic invariance, a beam’s spin field follows slow changes of the accelerator’s ISF that can occur during a slow acceleration cycle. This feature is essential when high-order spin-orbit resonances are crossed, since it allows polarization that has been reduced at the resonance condition to be recovered, to a large degree, after the resonances have been crossed.
3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM) inhibits the growth and invasion of drug-resistant human cancer cells expressing EGFR mutants

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutants are associated with resistance to chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies. Here we found that the phytochemical 3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM) can inhibit the growth and also the invasion of breast cancer, glioma, and non-small cell lung cancer cells regardless of which EGFR mutant is expressed and the drug-resistant phenotype. DIM reduced an array of growth factor signaling pathways and altered cell cycle regulators and apoptotic proteins favoring cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Therefore, DIM may be used in treatment regimens to inhibit cancer cell growth and invasion, and potentially overcome EGFR mutant-associated drug resistance.
Optimization of cathode catalyst layer for direct methanol fuel cells. Part I. Experimental investigation

The cathode catalyst layer (CL) in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) has been optimized through a balance of ionomer and porosity distributions, both playing important roles in affecting proton conduction and oxygen transport through a thick CL of DMFC. The effects of fabrication procedure, ionomer content, and Pt distribution on the microstructure and performance of a cathode CL under low air flowrate are investigated. Electrochemical methods, including electrochemical impedance, cyclic votammetry and polarization curves, are used in conjunction with surface morphology characterization to correlate electrochemical characteristics with CL microstructure. CLs in the form of catalyst-coated membrane (CCM) have higher cell open circuit voltages (OCVs) and higher limiting current density; while catalyzed-diffusion-media (CDM) CLs display better performance in the moderate current density region. The CL with a composite structure, consisting both CCM and CDM, shows better performance in both kinetic and mass-transport limitation region, due to a suitable ionomer distribution across the CL. This composite cathode is further evaluated in a full DMFC and the cathode performance loss due to methanol crossover is discussed.
Racialization in Payday Mugging Narratives

As Mexican immigrants move to areas of the United States that have not been home to Latinos, both longstanding residents and newcomers must make sense of their new neighbors. In one East Coast suburb relevant models of identity are sometimes communicated through “payday mugging” stories about African American criminals mugging undocumented Mexican victims. These narratives racialize African Americans and Mexicans in different ways. As payday mugging stories move across narrators from different communities, the racialized characterizations shift. [narrative; speech chains; racialization; Mexican migration]
Salmonella sensing of anti‐microbial mechanisms to promote survival within macrophages

Salmonella enterica is a facultative intracellular pathogen that replicates within macrophages. The interaction of this pathogen with mammalian cells is a complex process involving hundreds of bacterial products that are sensed by and alter mammalian hosts. Numerous bacterial genes and their protein products have been identified that are required for Salmonella to resist killing by host innate immunity and to modify host processes. Many of these genes are regulated by a specific bacterial sensor, the PhoQ protein, which responds to the acidified phagosome environment. PhoQ is a sensor histidine kinase, which when activated in vivo within acidified macrophage phagosomes, regulates cell surface modifications that promote resistance to antimicrobial peptides and oxidative stress, alter the phagosome to promote intracellular survival, and reduce innate immune recognition. In this review, we discuss mechanisms by which Salmonella interacts with macrophages and focus in detail on recent reports describing the role of antimicrobial peptides and pH in PhoQ activation.
Graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate onto lignosulfonate by H2O2–Fe(II) redox system. I. Preparation and characterization of the graft copolymer

Graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate onto lignosulfonate in aqueous medium was investigated. It was found that the H2O2–Fe(II) redox system is very effective for the grafting (Ea = 4.4 kcal/mole). The H2O2/Fe2+ ratio was the most important factor in the graft copolymerization and characteristics of the resultant graft copolymers. In most cases, polymerization for 100 min at 30°C was enough to obtain 80% conversion and 50–60% grafting efficiency. The resultant polymer mixture was subjected to extraction alternately with acetone and water, and the graft copolymer was isolated free from homopolymer and unreacted lignosulfonate. With increasing H2O2/Fe2+ ratio, the grafting ratio showed a maximum at 4, whereas the yield of graft copolymer and number of poly(methyl methacrylate) branches for every building unit of lignosulfonate increased up to a ratio of 4, both values, however, remaining constant above 4. The graft copolymer obtained for the case H2O2/Fe2+ = 4 consisted of one part of lignosulfonate and five parts of poly(methyl methacrylate). The number of branches in the graft copolymer was 6 × 10−3/OCH3 or one every 167 guaiacyl nuclei.
In-store mobile usage

Perceived interactivity and compatibility were related to affective involvement.Affective involvement was related to downloading and usage intention.Cognitive involvement was not related to downloading and usage intention.Experiential orientation moderated the effect of affective involvement on intention. The purposes of this study were to examine whether characteristics of mobile location-based services (LBS) retail apps-time convenience, interactivity, compatibility, and effort expectancy were related to consumers' affective and cognitive involvement, which in turn were related to their intention to download and use mobile LBS retail apps. Also investigated was the moderating effect of experiential orientation on the links between consumers' affective and cognitive involvements and usage intention. An online survey was administered to mobile Internet users (n=853) from a U.S. consumer panel. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the proposed model. Perceived interactivity and compatibility were influential antecedents that shaped consumers' affective involvement with mobile LBS retail apps, which in turn influenced their intention to download and use the retail apps. The relationship between affective involvement and usage intention was greater for mobile consumers with high experiential orientation than for those with low experiential orientation.
Reconciling Lujan v. Defenders of Wildlife and Massachusetts v. EPA on the Set of Procedural Rights Eligible for Relaxed Article III Standing

This Note argues that Massachusetts v. EPA expands the set of procedural rights eligible for relaxed Article III standing under the approach introduced in Lujan v. Defenders of Wildlife, while remaining consistent with the underlying structure of that approach. In Part I, this Note assesses the three-part framework for analyzing Article II standing outlined in Lujan, with particular attention to the approach the Lujan Court elaborates for according a relaxation of normal Article III standing requirements for certain kinds of procedural rights claims. In Part II, this Note makes two claims. First, it assesses the way in which Massachusetts approaches Article III standing analysis for procedural rights, and argues that the Massachusetts approach challenges the Lujan approach to procedural rights by expanding it and applying it in a new way. Second, this Note examines how federal court decisions and commentators have analyzed the impact of Massachusetts on standing, and argues that the Massachusetts holding on procedural rights standing has often been omitted or misconstrued. In Part III, this Note identifies the elements of the shared underlying definition of procedural rights in Lujan and Massachusetts, and explains how the Lujan-Massachusetts approach to procedural rights can be used to analyze new cases. This Note then considers the public policy implications entailed by the Lujan-Massachusetts approach to standing for procedural rights claims.
Risk, Risk Orientation and Policy Opinions: The Case of Free Trade

This paper offers a general framework for thinking about how risk orientation influences public policy opinions with a specific focus on free trade. Previous political economy research shows that different segments of society are exposed to different types of economic risks from trade policy but none examines whether individual-level risk acceptance or risk aversion moderates the relationship between risk exposure and free trade opinions. We argue and find that individuals respond to trade risks selectively, depending on both their level of exposure to risk and their attitudes towards risk. The findings have implications for crafting and framing public policies because they highlight how individual characteristics are likely to shape the public response to policy proposals. Our findings suggest that there may be limits, in the aggregate, to the degree to which elites can alter the level of support for policies through framing or through offering risk-mitigating policy provisions.
Chitosan: An Adjuvant with an Unanticipated STING

Adjuvants promote adaptive immunity through the triggering of innate signals that are largely poorly understood. In this issue of Immunity, Lavelle and colleagues describe an unexpected role for the DNA sensing cGAS-STING pathway in the mechanism of action of the Th1 cell-promoting polysaccharide adjuvant chitosan.
Improving Financial and Regulatory Management: Introduction

Government regulation has become one of the most discussed policy areas since the recent financial crisis. This symposium examines policy and managerial issues related to regulatory challenges, especially in the financial sector. This introduction to the symposium reviews major issues in government regulation—including motives, types, and consequences of regulation, inflation and costs, and effectiveness—and summarizes the findings of the four articles in the symposium. In addition to conceptual arguments about the financial crisis and related regulatory and governance challenges, the articles present case studies about citizen participation in regulatory decision-making and the use of e-government to improve transparency in financial industries, and offer suggestions and lessons about regulatory management and reform.
Morphologic Effects of Poliomyelitis Virus upon Motor End Plates in the Monkey.

SummaryCoincident with and shortly following paralysis by poliomyelitis virus with following morphologic changes occur in the motor and plates: 1, disappearance of many endplates resulting in denervation at the myoneural junction; 2, ephemeral appearance of masses of inclusion of bodies, some of which are cross striated, within and near the degenerating motor end plates; 3, differential rates of motor nerve degeneration; 4, degeneration beginning in the motor and plates and proceeding in a centripetal direction in the axis-cylinders of many motor nerves.
Hurricanes not the key to a sustainable coast.

In their discussion of the significance of wetland sedimentation during Hurricanes Rita and Katrina, R. E. Turner and coauthors concluded that “riverine sources bring relatively trivial amounts of inorganic sediments into the marsh” (“Wetland sedimentation from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita,”
Programming by Voice to Support Hour of Code for Children with Motor Disabilities (Abstract Only)

Every December, Code.org provides a set of Hour of Code exercises as part of CS Education week. However, motorically challenged students may be unable to participate because they cannot use the mouse and/or keyboard to interact with the Blockly-based Graphical User Interface and drag-and-drop programming environment. Programming by Voice (PBV) allows users to interact with block-oriented programming environments by speaking their program, rather than using a keyboard and mouse. The Myna tool, a PBV tool that was originally designed for the Scratch programming language, has been modified to work with the Code.org programming environment. Children with a mobility disability can use this tool to experience Code.org's educational opportunities.
An Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of an Advising Survey for Medical and Professional Program Students

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a newly developed instrument intended to measure faculty competence as it pertains to their role as advisors, particularly in medical and professional programs. A total of 166 students completed the Faculty Advisor’s Skills and Behaviors Inventory (FASBI). The psychometric properties of the FASBI were evaluated using the Rasch Rating Scale Model. Results indicate the FASBI is a psychometrically-sound instrument capable of producing valid and reproducible measures.
In vivo Airway Imaging with High-speed Ultrahigh-resolution Endoscopic OCT

In vivo sheep airways were imaged at 20 frame/second with a second generation high-speed, ultrahigh -resolution distal scanning catheter operating at 800 nm. An axial resolution of 2.6 µm was achieved.
PROGRESSIVE EVALUATION OF THE NEWBORN INFANT.

The transition period from intra-uterine to extra-uterine life is complex and influenced by many factors.Rapidity of physiologic change; history of pregnancy, labor and delivery; gestational age; and the infant's course since birth must be considered in an adequate evaluation of the newborn.Optimum evaluation of the newborn would include serial examinations (1) in the delivery room, using the Apgar scoring system, (2) during the day of delivery, and (3) after the infant is 24 hours old.
Stochastic Model of Streamer Growth in Air for a Rod-plate Gap and Its Application

The model of discharge in long air gaps under impulse voltages in the engineering model stage and physical model stage is analyzed.A stochastic model which combines the traditional streamer theory and fractal growth theory is developed to simulate the growth process of positive streamer in a rod-plane gap.The first corona inception voltage is calculated on the basis of the classical streamer theory.The space potential distribution and the streamer formation time are chosen as control variables of the growth process,and the charge transport in the streamer channel is calculated by solving the Poisson's equation,continuity equation and Ohm's law simultaneously.When the streamer reaches the plate,the bounds which have the maximum inner channel electric field are selected as the primary discharge path in the streamer zone.This model can represent the total charge accumulation of the streamer zone,the distribution of breakdown time and the trajectory of the discharge.The fractal dimensions of the primary discharge calculated by this model are consistent with the experiment results,and the calculation results of strike probability distribution based on this model for a rod-conductor-plate gap are consistent with the experiment ones.
Application of 90° Phase Conversion and Waveform Classification Techniques in the Northwest of Beier Reservoir Prediction

In recent years,special seismic processing technology and oil and gas reservoir prediction technology are continuously developed and applied,90 ° phase conversion and waveform classification techniques is one of them,90 ° phase conversion objective is make seismic reflection in-phase axis and the center of major geological thin sand layer correspond and make the seismic-phase have the lithological formations significance; compared with the traditional division of seismic facies,The biggest advantage of waveform classification is no more well informed,fully utilizing the wealth of seismic information,quickly identify the purpose of the abnormal characteristics of the region after the combination of geological results of more detailed study. The technique is applied to predict channel and sand body in the northwest of Beier area.On the based of combining the typical characteristics of wells and seismic response,an accurate portrayal of the river flat distribution patterns is achieved the phase diagram converted into seismic reservoir sedimentation micro-phase diagram and provide the evidences for drilling disposition.
Partial-breast radiation for early staged breast cancers: hypothesis, existing data, and a planned phase III trial

This review of clinical data from partial-breast treatment studies discusses results from a single institution's experience using brachytherapy catheters, the MammoSite balloon (Proxima Company, Alpharetta, GA), and three-dimensional external beam partial-breast treatment. Rationale, techniques, dose schedules, and available results are presented. Intra-operative single-dose radiation to the lumpectomy site is also reviewed. The National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) and Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) cooperative groups are opening a phase III trial to compare partial-breast treatment to the standard 5- to 6-week course of whole-breast radiation. The design of this study is also presented in this review.
Stabilization and Improvement of a Promising Influenza Antiviral: Making a PAIN PAINless

The viral envelope protein hemagglutinin (HA) plays a critical role in influenza entry and thus is an attractive target for novel therapeutics. The small molecule tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) has previously been shown to bind to HA and inhibit HA-mediated entry with low micromolar potency. However, enthusiasm for the use of TBHQ has diminished due to the compound’s antioxidant properties. In this work we show that the antioxidant properties of TBHQ are not responsible for the inhibition of HA-mediated entry. In addition, we have performed a structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis of TBHQ derivatives. We find that the most promising compound, 3-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenol, exhibits enhanced potency (IC50 = 0.6 μM), decreased toxicity (CC50 = 340 μM), and increased stability (t1/2 > 48 h). Finally, we have characterized the binding properties of 3-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenol using NMR and molecular dynamics to guide future efforts for chemical optimization.
Immunolocalization and regulation of iron handling proteins ferritin and ferroportin in the retina

Purpose CNS iron accumulation is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases, including age-related macular degeneration. Intracellular overload of free iron is prevented, in part, by the iron export protein, ferroportin, and the iron storage protein, ferritin. The purpose of this study was to assess retinal localization and regulation of ferroportin and ferritin. Methods Normal murine retinas were analyzed by immunohistochemistry to localize ferroportin, cytosolic ferritin, and mitochondrial ferritin, with double-labeling using cell-specific markers to identify cell types. Retinas deficient in the ferroxidases, ceruloplasmin and hephaestin, accumulate iron in their retinas and RPE, while retinas deficient in iron regulatory proteins (IRPs) lack the ability to regulate several proteins involved in iron metabolism; retinas from these knockout mice along with their age matched wild type littermates were also examined to study regulation of ferritin and ferroportin. To enable visualization of label in the retinal pigment epithelial cells, sections from pigmented mice were bleached with H2O2 prior to IHC, a novel use of this technique for study of the RPE. Results In normal retinas, cytosolic ferritins were found predominantly in rod bipolar cells and photoreceptors. Ferroportin was found in RPE and Muller cells. Iron accumulation in mice deficient in ceruloplasmin and hephaestin was associated with upregulation of ferritin and ferroportin. Mice deficient in IRPs showed upregulation of ferritin and ferroportin, likely because of their inability to repress translation. Conclusions Normal retinas contain ferritin and ferroportin, whose levels are regulated by iron-responsive, iron regulatory proteins. Ferroportin colocalizes with ceruloplasmin and hephaestin to RPE and Muller cells, supporting a potential cooperation between these ferroxidases and the iron exporter. Cytosolic ferritin accumulates in rod bipolar synaptic terminals, suggesting that ferritin may be involved in axonal iron transport. Mitochondrial ferritin increases with iron accumulation, suggesting a role in iron storage.
Endoscopic techniques in tympanoplasty and stapes surgery.

Purpose of reviewTotal endoscopic ear surgery is becoming more popular given the improved visualization of the middle ear and its related pathology as compared to the microscope. Whereas the endoscope has been used for close to two decades in cholesteatoma surgery with several significant studies, f
Nanolasers grown on polycrystalline silicon

MOCVD growth of single crystalline GaAs-based nanoneedle/nanopillar lasers on polycrystalline silicon is demonstrated. Superior material quality, high density and light trapping capability make these structures on polysilicon-based substrates attractive for low-cost and high-efficiency photovoltaic applications.
Remedies for Corruption in Government Contracting

Bribery in public contracting is a serious problem, particularly in many developing countries. The trend in the law applicable to contracts between governments and foreign firms is to refuse to enforce contracts procured through bribery. This zero-tolerance approach is misguided. Proof that a firm obtained a contract through bribery does not necessarily indicate the extent to which the firm has fallen short of its obligations to combat bribery. Specifically, the zero-tolerance approach does not take into account the extent to which the firm has not only attempted to prevent bribery but also monitored and punished employees who engage in bribery, cooperated with law enforcement authorities, and created value for the government in the course of performing its side of the contract. Subjecting bribe-payers to liability that is more proportional to fault seems preferable on a number of grounds.
Flow-directed synthesis of spatially variant arrays of branched zinc oxide mesostructures

The use of fluid flow to control crystal morphology during the liquid-phase synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials is a relatively under explored approach. Synthetic strategies that take advantage of flow effects present the opportunity to tune several parameters (e.g., flow velocity and direction) in addition to conventional growth parameters (e.g., time, temperature, chemistry, and concentration), and thus enable additional levels of control in the bottom-up synthesis of nanomaterials. The current work reports the application of microfluidics to the rational synthesis of spatially variant arrays of branched zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods with predictable morphological and compositional characteristics. Specifically, the dislocation driven growth rates of branches within ZnO nanorod arrays was rationally controlled using dynamic, high-velocity precursor flow, yielding ZnO mesostructures with morphology that depended on the location within the arrays. This approach compliments current synthetic strategies and is generally applicable to a range of materials with a diverse set of functional properties (e.g., optical, magnetic, electronic) and applications.
Malaria in Children

Malaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in endemic areas, leading to an estimated 438,000 deaths in 2015. Malaria is also an important health threat to travelers to endemic countries and should be considered in evaluation of any traveler returning from a malaria-endemic area who develops fever. Considering the diagnosis of malaria in patients with potential exposure is critical. Prompt provision of effective treatment limits the complications of malaria and can be life-saving. Understanding Plasmodium species variation, epidemiology, and drug-resistance patterns in the geographic area where infection was acquired is important for determining treatment choices.
Chapter 4 – The Spatial Analyses of Data Fields

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the basic concepts of the general inverse problem and sets up the solution system for two different applications in physical oceanography. It also reviews data techniques and procedures designed to reduce spatially distributed data to a level that can be visualized easily by the analyst. A common method for deriving a gridded set of data is simply to average the available data over an arbitrarily selected rectangular grid. This averaging grid can lie along any chosen surface but is most often constructed in the horizontal or vertical plane. Objective analysis is an estimation procedure, which can be specified mathematically. The form of objective analysis most widely used in physical oceanography is that of least squares optimal interpolation, more appropriately referred to as Gauss–Markov smoothing, which is essentially an application of the linear estimation (smoothing) techniques. Empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis is used for compressing the variability in time-series data. There are two primary methods for computing the EOFs for a grid of time series of observations. One of the methods is the scatter matrix method, which uses a “brute force”computational technique to obtain a symmetric covariance matrix that is then decomposed into eigenvalues and eigenvectors using standard computer algorithms. Another method is the computationally efficient singular value decomposition (SVD) method, which derives all the components of the EOF analysis without computation of the covariance matrix.
Remote Sensing of Forest Biomass

Forest biomass reflects sequestration or release of carbon between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere. Measuring the size and complexity of forest biomass over large areas can enable us to better understand the environmental processes, availability of renewable energy, and global carbon cycle. This chapter reviews recent progress in measuring forest biomass from remote sensing. In quantifying forest biomass, forest properties are often characterized from three types of remote sensing data. Passive optical spectral reflectances are sensitive to vegetation structure (leaf area index, crown size and tree density), texture and shadow. Radar data measure dielectric and geometrical properties of forests. Lidar data characterize vegetation vertical structure and height. Because these instruments have their advantages and disadvantages in reflecting forest properties, data fusion techniques can combine data from multiple sensors and related information from associated databases to achieve improved accuracy in biomass estimation. The remote sensing data or derived forest attributes are commonly correlated to forest biomass using empirical regression models, non-parametric methods, and physically-based allometric models. Although forest biomass is widely estimated at various scales from remote sensing data, models tend to underestimate large biomass densities and overestimate small ones because of saturation issues. Finally, the assessment and validation of forest biomass obtained from remote sensing is critical because current biomass estimates at large area are of large uncertainties.
Tissue Engineering of Ligaments and Tendons

Tissue engineering is a creative process where cells, scaffolds, and growth factors are combined to form a construct that can be used to replace or regenerate injured tissues. Cells that are specific to the tissue of interest can be used (for ligament, one might select the fibroblast) or can be earlier progenitor cells (e.g., mesenchymal stem cells) that can be coerced into turning into fibroblasts. Cells can also be implanted with a scaffold or encouraged to come into a scaffold from the local environment in situ. Scaffolds can be mechanically strong, particular for replacing load bearing structures, or they can be purely biologic in function, for example, when supplementing a suture repair where the sutures will carry the load. The desired signaling molecules may be multiple and complex as presented in the prior chapter on wound healing; thus, autologous cells capable of releasing these factors over days to weeks might be useful as sustained delivery systems.
InP-Based Quantum Dot Lasers

Abstract Quantum dot-based lasers have long been predicted to have interesting properties as well as performance advantages over more conventional quantum well-based devices. The development of InP-based quantum dot lasers for use in the 1.55 μm wavelength range is discussed here. The growth of high-quality quantum dots in this wavelength range is first described, followed by their use for laser-type applications. The performance of simple Fabry–Perot lasers is discussed with demonstrations of their high-speed dynamics and advantages for amplifier applications. The large spectra bandwidth of the gain and fast dynamics are used to produce record short pulse widths and high-repetition rate mode-locked lasers. The quantum dot gain medium is also demonstrated to have interesting properties for single frequency lasers, with very narrow linewidths and high side-mode suppression ratios. Although still in its infancy, InP-based quantum dot lasers are already demonstrating high performance as well as novel characteristics.
A Biological Basis for the Linear Non-Threshold Dose-Response Relationship for Low-Level Carcinogen Exposure

There is no escaping the need to quantitatively assess the risks from low-level carcinogen exposure in order to judge how much regulatory effort is appropriate to reduce cancer hazards to acceptable levels. However, it is clearly recognized that the levels of exposure and the associated cancer risks from contamination of the environment by carcinogens are almost invariably far below the level which are directly measurable either by animal experiments or epidemiological studies in exposed human populations. We are therefore forced to use mathematical extrapolation models to define the relationship between dose and effect at levels which can never be ascertained directly. There are a number of mathematical extrapolation models which fit dose-response data for tumor induction and yet which predict risks differing by order of magnitude at very low levels of exposure.1 None of these models has a sound basis in biological fact since we do not understand the pathogenesis of neoplasia at the cellular level. Perhaps the most plausible is the linear non-threshold dose-response model which was first adopted for use in the assessment of cancer risks from ionizing radiation2 and then more recently from chemical carcinogens.3 Its plausibility rests largely on the association between tumorigenicity and mutagenicity as common manifestations of genotoxicity and the linearity at low dose levels of the dose-response relationships for mutagenicity by ionizing radiation4 and chemicals.5
In vivo evaluation of the new PHIL low viscosity in a swine rete mirabile model.

Introduction Few liquid embolic materials are available for treatment of arteriovenous malformations. We describe the in vivo experience with the new PHIL low viscosity (LV) liquid embolic agent in a swine rete mirabile model. Methods Eight swine were treated. Two animals underwent embolization of a rete with PHIL LV and the contralateral rete with Squid 12 (euthanized the same day). Six animals underwent embolization of the right rete: two with balloon flow arrest (euthanized at 14 d) and four with a microcatheter alone (euthanized at 14 and 90 d). Performance characteristics of the embolic agents were evaluated. Microscopic and histological analysis of the harvested retia was performed. Macroscopic examinations and high contrast digital-based radiographs of the central nervous system were obtained. Results We did not experience any technical complication during embolization of each rete. Overall occlusion ability, on/off injection and ease to retrieve the microcatheter/balloon with PHIL LV were optimal. Fluoroscopic visualization of the PHIL LV cast was adequate to optimal. Average embolization time with flow arrest was 9.5 min versus 19.5 min with microcatheter plugging. Embolizations with PHIL LV required less volume and were shorter when compared to Squid 12. Subacute (14 d) and chronic (90 d) microscopic and histological analysis demonstrated minimal inflammatory changes in the perivascular tissues and permanent occlusion of the embolized vasculature. Conclusion In this swine rete model, the new PHIL LV embolic agent had an excellent embolization performance. Vessels embolized remained occluded up to 90 d from the procedure with minimal inflammatory changes.
Worldwide Prevalence of Childhood Hypertension

The prevalence of hypertension in childhood has been gaining interest worldwide. Reports of blood pressure (BP) levels in childhood populations describe a prevalence of hypertension that varies among different countries. Despite regional differences in the reported prevalence of abnormal BP, at least 10% of the children have BP levels that are at risk for hypertension. Elevated BP is strongly associated with excess adiposity. Largely due to the childhood obesity epidemic, the prevalence of primary hypertension in youth has increased in the past few decades. Prospective cohort studies with repeated examinations from childhood to early adulthood demonstrate that individuals with elevated BP in childhood are at the greatest risk for hypertension in early adulthood. BP levels that exceed the 90th percentile of current normative BP data are indicative of the early phase of primary hypertension and designate a heightened risk for future cardiovascular disease.
Molecular allelokaryotyping of mantle cell lymphoma

1731 Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is one of the refractory lymphomas which mainly develops in elderly patients. MCL has a characteristic chromosomal translocation, t(11;14)(q13;q32) resulting in high expression of the cyclin D1. Karyotyping of MCL usually reveals additional chromosomal abnormalities. Genetic abnormalities in MCL have not been fully examined as yet. Recently, single nucleotide polymorphism genomic microarray (SNP-chip) has been developed and used for screening of genetic abnormalities in cancer cells, allowing us to detect deletions, duplications/amplifications, and allelic imbalance without genomic loss, so-called uniparental disomy (UPD) over the whole genome at the molecular level. We named this technique “molecular allelokaryotyping”. We performed molecular allelokaryotyping on 33 cases of MCL [28 cases of primary tumor and 5 MCL cell lines (Rec1, HBL2, SP49, Jeko1, NEBC1)] using Affymetrix 250k GeneChip. All cases showed genetic abnormalities as detected by SNP-chip analysis. Presence of t(11;14)(q13;q32) was confirmed by FISH and/or karyotyping and expression of cyclin D1 protein in MCL cells was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining in the clinical samples. All cases showed genetic abnormalities as detected by SNP-chip analysis. Four well-known genomic abnormalities including deletion of INK4A/ARF (5/5 in cell line, 6/28 in primary MCL : 33 %), duplication/amplification of MYC (2 cell lines and 3 primary MCL), abnormalities (deletion or UPD) of ATM (3 cell lines and 4 primary MCL), and abnormalities (deletion or UPD) of TP53 (3 cell lines and 9 primary MCL) were detected. Recurrent deletions were detected at 1p, 1q, 6q, 13q; and recurrent duplications/amplifications were identified at 3q, 7p, 11q22, 13q, 15q, 18q. Several of these commonly amplified regions included known oncogenes: 3q26-qter had PI3KCA and BCL6; 11q13 contained cyclin D1; 13q31 had miR-17-92 cluster; 18q21 contained BCL2 and MALT1. Although homozygous deletion of BIM has been reported in MCL, we only found it deleted in 2 MCL cell lines (SP49, Jeko1), but not in primary MCL samples. UPD was detected at 1p36.11-pter, 1p11-pter, 4p15.2-pter, 6p12.1-pter, 8p12-pter, whole chromosome 9, 11q13.5-q23.3, 17p11.2-pter (3 cases), 19p13.12-pter, and 22q13.1-qter. 17p UPD involved TP53 and 11q UPD encompassed ATM; these two tumor suppressor genes may be targets of these two UPD regions. Interestingly, UPD of 19p region led to homozygous deletion of 19p13.3 involving TNF super family 7, 9, and 14. UPD regions may contain, as yet undetected mutated genes important to development of MCL. Taken together, MCL has a number of previously undiscovered genetic abnormalities detected by SNP-chip analysis, and further accumulation of samples will narrow the commonly deleted and amplified regions, leading to identification of novel oncogenic or tumor suppressor genes involved in lymphomagenesis of MCL.
Drying shrinkage of alkali-activated cements: effect of humidity and curing temperature

Alkali-activated concrete (AAC) is a recycled and low-CO2 alternative to ordinary portland cement (OPC) concrete. One challenge with AACs is their propensity to shrinkage and cracking. In this work, drying shrinkage of four different structural-grade AACs was studied, namely: an activated class F fly ash, an activated slag, and two activated fly ash/slag blends. All four binders and a control OPC binder had the same (liquid/solid)vol and initial porosity. Drying shrinkage and mass loss of paste prisms were monitored as a function of time, relative humidity (RH), and the preceding moist-curing temperature. The results show that all AACs moist cured at 23 °C (73 °F) showed high shrinkage in comparison with the OPC binder and the shrinkage increased with higher proportions of fly ash. Steam curing at 60 °C (140 °F) substantially reduced the shrinkage of fly ash-rich mixtures, but it was less effective for slag-rich mixtures. Slag mixtures showed a significant time dependent response (creep), where the pastes continued to shrink after their mass loss had reached equilibrium.
A Comparison Between Station Observations and Reanalysis Data in the Identification of Extreme Temperature Events

While many studies comparing atmospheric reanalysis and surface observations have focused on the similarity of mean fields, trends, or frequencies of extreme events, very few have assessed...
Global CNS correction in a large brain model of human alpha-mannosidosis by intravascular gene therapy

Intravascular injection of certain adeno-associated virus vector serotypes can cross the blood-brain barrier to deliver a gene into the CNS. However, gene distribution has been much more limited within the brains of large animals compared to rodents, rendering this approach suboptimal for treatment of the global brain lesions present in most human neurogenetic diseases. The most commonly used serotype in animal and human studies is 9, which also has the property of being transported via axonal pathways to distal neurons. A small number of other serotypes share this property, three of which were tested intravenously in mice compared to 9. Serotype hu.11 transduced fewer cells in the brain than 9, rh8 was similar to 9, but hu.32 mediated substantially greater transduction than the others throughout the mouse brain. To evaluate the potential for therapeutic application of the hu.32 serotype in a gyrencephalic brain of larger mammals, a hu.32 vector expressing the green fluorescent protein reporter gene was evaluated in the cat. Transduction was widely distributed in the cat brain, including in the cerebral cortex, an important target since mental retardation is an important component of many of the human neurogenetic diseases. The therapeutic potential of a hu.32 serotype vector was evaluated in the cat homologue of the human lysosomal storage disease alpha-mannosidosis, which has globally distributed lysosomal storage lesions in the brain. Treated alpha-mannosidosis cats had reduced severity of neurological signs and extended life spans compared to untreated cats. The extent of therapy was dose dependent and intra-arterial injection was more effective than intravenous delivery. Pre-mortem, non-invasive magnetic resonance spectroscopy and diffusion tensor imaging detected differences between the low and high doses, and showed normalization of grey and white matter imaging parameters at the higher dose. The imaging analysis was corroborated by post-mortem histological analysis, which showed reversal of histopathology throughout the brain with the high dose, intra-arterial treatment. The hu.32 serotype would appear to provide a significant advantage for effective treatment of the gyrencephalic brain by systemic adeno-associated virus delivery in human neurological diseases with widespread brain lesions.
The impact of an autonomy-supportive yoga intervention on self-determination in adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the impact of an autonomy-supportive yoga intervention on the self-determination of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Research supports the use of autonomy-supportive interventions to increase positive health outcomes with this population. The present study utilized a qualitative approach with eight subjects participating in semi-structured qualitative interviews. Content analysis identified support for three themes related to the impact of yoga: autonomy, relatedness, competence. The results suggested that the yoga intervention may support self-determination for adults with IDD, as the participants’ responses demonstrated increased feelings of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The results also indicated that an autonomy-supportive yoga intervention can be achieved with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by targeting the key constructs of autonomy, relatedness, and competence.
Legal Origin and Economic Growth

Legal origin cannot explain economic growth. Although common law countries have experienced higher growth rates since 1960, this advantage disappears when one controls for the dominant pre-independence colonial power or for human capital in 1960. Legal origin and colonial history are strongly correlated. Nearly all common law countries are former English colonies, and nearly all civil law countries were colonized by France, Spain or Portugal. Therefore, unless one controls for other aspects of colonial policy - such as education - differences between countries are likely to be misattributed to differences in their legal systems. In addition, the process of colonization was not random. Apparent differences in the economic performance of former colonies may be explicable as effects of initial geographic and climatic conditions.