cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Developmental role and regulation of cortex, a meiosis-specific anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome activator.

During oogenesis in metazoans, the meiotic divisions must be coordinated with development of the oocyte to ensure successful fertilization and subsequent embryogenesis. The ways in which the mitotic machinery is specialized for meiosis are not fully understood. cortex, which encodes a putative female meiosis-specific anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) activator, is required for proper meiosis in Drosophila. We demonstrate that CORT physically associates with core subunits of the APC/C in ovaries. APC/CCORT targets Cyclin A for degradation prior to the metaphase I arrest, while Cyclins B and B3 are not targeted until after egg activation. We investigate the regulation of CORT and find that CORT protein is specifically expressed during the meiotic divisions in the oocyte. Polyadenylation of cort mRNA is correlated with appearance of CORT protein at oocyte maturation, while deadenylation of cort mRNA occurs in the early embryo. CORT protein is targeted for degradation by the APC/C following egg activation, and this degradation is dependent on an intact D-box in the C terminus of CORT. Our studies reveal the mechanism for developmental regulation of an APC/C activator and suggest it is one strategy for control of the female meiotic cell cycle in a multicellular organism.
Ontogeny of flash-evoked potentials in unanesthetized rats☆

The effects of age and stimulation frequency (0.2/sec, 1.0/sec, 2.0/sec, or 4.0/sec) on flash-evoked potentials (FEPs) were investigated in awake, unsedated, unrestrained rats. Animals were tested daily from postnatal day (PND) 8 to PND 20, and every 3 or 4 days thereafter until PND 41. On PND 9, a single negative wave (N1a) was observed following 0.2/sec flash presentation. Animals tested on PND 10 exhibited a positive wave (P2) following the return of peak N1a to baseline. On PND 13 another negative wave (N1) appeared on the leading shoulder of peak N1a. Peak N1 became the dominant negative wave on PND 14. Peak N1a merged into N1 and had disappeared by PND 19. Peak N3 was first observed as a negative shift following peak P2 on PND 15. Peaks N2 and P3 were not observed in the group average waveforms until PND 34. Peak latencies decreased through the fifth postnatal week. Peak amplitudes increased with age until after eye opening (PND 15), but were variable thereafter. No FEPs were observed following higher than 0.2/sec flash presentation until PND 13. Increasing stimulation frequency decreased N1 and P2 peak amplitudes, but had no effect on peak latencies.
Third-time coronary artery bypass grafting: Midterm results

Abstract Minimal data are available regarding the results of patients who have undergone myocardial revascularization more than twice. The records of 13 consecutive patients who underwent a coronary artery bypass procedure for the third time were reviewed. The indication for operation was unstable angina in all patients. All patients were placed on cardiopulmonary bypass through a median stemotomy. The mean number of bypass grafts placed at the third operation was 1.9 (range, 1 to 3 grafts). A new internal mammary artery graft was placed in 6 patients (2 had prior internal mammary artery grafts). Hospital mortality was 7.7% ( 1 / 13 ). The single death was due to incomplete revascularization in a patient with poor distal vessels. Three patients required intraaortic balloon pump support postoperatively, and 2 patients had prolonged ventilatory insufficiency. There have been no late deaths. The 12 survivors have been followed up a mean of 44 months (range, 6 to 90 months). Four remain asymptomatic; 5 have mild angina easily controlled with medication. All except 1 are in improved condition compared with their preoperative status. We conclude that a third myocardial revascularization can be performed with low mortality and morbidity and with the expectation of long-lasting symptomatic improvement.
Knockdown resistance to dichlorodiphenyl-trichloroethane and pyrethroid insecticides in the napts mutant of Drosophila melanogaster is correlated with reduced neuronal sensitivity

Resistance to pyrethroid insecticides and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) was investigated in the napts (no action potential, temperature sensitive) mutant of Drosophila melanogaster. In surface contact bioassays, the napts strain showed threefold resistance to deltamethrin at the LC50 level when compared to susceptible Canton-S flies. Cross-resistance was also observed to DDT and the pyrethroids NRDC 157 [3-phenoxybenzyl [1R,cis]-3-(2,2-dibromovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate], fenfluthrin, and MTI-800 [1-(3-phenoxy-4-fluorophenyl)-4-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-4-methylpentane]. The onset of intoxication by pyrethroids in napts flies was markedly delayed, a finding that is consistent with the existence of a resistance mechanism involving reduced neuronal sensitivity. Resistance at the level of the nerve was confirmed by electrophysiological recordings of spontaneous and evoked activity in the dorsolongitudinal flight muscles of poisoned flies. Preparations from napts insects treated with fenfluthrin displayed longer latencies to the appearance of spontaneous activity and also an absence or reduction in burst discharges compared to equivalent preparations from susceptible individuals. These results are discussed in light of competing hypotheses concerning the mechanism underlying knockdown resistance and reduced nerve sensitivity in insects.
Heteropolyanions in nonpolar solvents as quasi-metalloporphyrins: slow proton transfer and kinetic stabilization of hydroxovanadium(IV)

Abstract Cyclic voltammetry of the heteropolytungstate anions [HxSiW11O39VivO](16-x)− (I, x = 0, 1, 2) in acetonitrile solution demonstrates that proton exchange is slow on the time scale of the voltage sweep (33 mV sec ). Controlled potential reduction of I to [SiW11C39ViiiOH)]6− (II), isolated as the tetra-n-propylammonium salt, proceeds in aqueous solution and II may be transferred into toluene by the use of tetra-n-heptylammonium bromide. An anhydrous solution of II in toluene is oxidized by O2, Br2, or [CoiiiW12O40]5− to metastable [SiW11O39Viv(OH)]5− (III) containing a protonated oxovanadium(IV) moiety. Anion III slowly (1–2 hr) tautomerizes to monoprotonated I in which the proton is bound to a bridging (V-O-W) oxygen. The tautomerization is catalyzed by acids, water, and primary and secondary amines. Treatment of III with SOCl2 leads to [SiW11O39VivCl]5− (IV). Anions I, III, and IV are characterized by cyclic voltammetry and optical and electron spin resonance spectroscopy.
Identification of an RNA-Binding-Loop in the N-Terminal Region of Signal-Recognition-Particle Protein SRP19

Protein SRP19 is a 144-amino-acid polypeptide that associates intimately with the signal-recognition particle RNA (SRP RNA) and serves as an important structural and functional component of the SRP. We investigated the structure and RNA-binding activity of the human SRP19 protein by the use of comparative sequence analysis, high-stringency structure prediction, proteolytic susceptibility, and site-directed mutagenesis. SRP19 was found to consist of two distinct regions (called N-terminal and C-terminal regions) that are separated by a boundary of approximately 12–15 amino acid residues. Both regions contain an α-helix and several β-strands that are connected by loops or turns. In agreement with the hypothetical model, proteolytic susceptibility demonstrated the predominant accessibility of two sites: one in a surface loop of the N-terminal region (YLNNKKTIAEGR33), and another site in the C-terminal tail at residues L129 and E133. The RNA-binding activities of mutant polypeptides with changes of conserved lysines and arginines (mutants K27Q, R33Q and R34Q) demonstrated that the proteolytically accessible loop of the N-terminal region is in direct contact with the SRP RNA. In contrast, alteration of a certain basic amino acid residues in the C-terminal region (R83, K116 and R118), as well as a deletion of four amino acid residues located at the boundary between the two regions, had no effect on the RNA-binding ability. The structural model that emerges from our data is thematically similar to that of ribo-somal protein SS, the N-domain of which contains a loop motif believed to interact with double-stranded RNA. The presence of a similar structural feature in protein SRP19 has significant implications for the structure and function of the SRP19-RNA complex.
Ethnographic Study of Participant Structures in Task Completion: Reinterpretation of “Handicaps” in Mexican Children

Ethnographic studies are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to arrive at the meaning of Interactional events through sociocultural and linguistic cues of observed behavior. Using an ethnographic approach, the present study was conducted in an effort to offer an alternative to many teachers' misinter- pretation of Mexican children's copying as indicating low academic ability and in- appropriate work habits. Through careful observation and recording of the classroom interactions of 7 Mexican students under four different participant struc- tures, copying is shown to be a legitimate activity, based on home socialization patterns that stress collectivity and social cohesiveness. Thus, rather than representing low ability and lack of motivation, copying is considered by Mexican students a constructive approach to intellectual exchanges and the acquisition of new knowledge in a social unit composed of peers. Instructional implications of these findings are drawn. This study offers an alternate interpretation of Mexican children's copying during classroom ac- tivities. In contrast to teachers who misinterpret copying as a practice characterizing dishonest, lazy, and poorly motivated students, these chil- dren view it as an honest practice with clear pedagogical functions obtained through sharing
Patterns of HIV and mental health service integration in New York State

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) creates incentives to coordinate primary care, mental health (MH) care, and addiction services. Integration of clinical HIV and MH services has been shown to improve quality of life and physical and MH of people living with HIV/AIDS. However, few studies have investigated the practice of service integration systematically. We examined the practice patterns of 515 direct service providers in New York State who received training about HIV MH between May 2010 and July 2012. We sought to identify provider and treatment setting characteristics associated with an integrated spectrum of care. Using factor analysis and linear modeling, we found that patterns of service integration varied by type of health-care setting, service setting location, providers' HIV caseload, and the discipline of the provider describing the direct services. Understanding the existing capacities of clinicians providing care in a variety of settings throughout New York will help to guide staffing and linkage...
Measurement of Laser Scattering from Large Free-Electron Wavepackets

We report results from an experimental measurement of laser scattering from free large free-electron wavepackets created through ionization of helium. This measurement confirms earlier theoretical predictions.
The effects of varying toy detail within a prototypical play object on the solitary pretend play of preschool children

Abstract Claims about the relative holding-power and play-versatility of low-versus high- realistically detailed replica toy cars were tested in a solitary play environment with and without the use of props using 36 middle-class preschoolers. Results are contrary to traditional claims and suggest that when detail is varied within the toy prototype, highly detailed cars as compared with low-detailed cars had a greater holding power on children's pretend play as evidenced by a greater play elaboration and less distracted behavior with the highly detailed cars. Also, contrary to traditional claims, there were no significant differences in the subjects' play versatility between high- and low-detailed cars. Props in the form of roads had little impact upon the length of time children spent in pretend play; however, props did appear to focus play toward prototypic-theme behaviors.
A 3D transformation of a rigid link system using back propagation

Summary form only given. In this study, a rigid link system with three degrees of freedom was used to assess the ability of a neural net to generalize a transformation between the xyz end-point coordinates of the rigid body and the corresponding joint angles theta /sub 1/, theta /sub 2/ and theta /sub 3/. For this application, distortion can be quantified as a radial displacement between the expected and observed output patterns. A series of training point densities, within the input pattern domain, was used to characterize the interpolative properties of the net. A minimum averaged error term of 3.5 parts per thousand was calculated using a net with 32 middle layer units. >
Synthesis of dityrosine cross-linked peptide dimers using the Miyaura-Suzuki reaction.

Since peroxidase-catalyzed dityrosine formation is inefficient for peptides, we have developed alternative conditions for intermolecular dityrosine formation using the Miyaura−Suzuki reaction. A one-pot reaction is effective for cross-linking short peptides, but longer peptides inhibit the Suzuki step, mandating a traditional two-step procedure using potassium acetate for the Miyaura reaction and potassium carbonate for the Suzuki coupling. These palladium-based methods are complementary to the well-established peroxidase-catalyzed oxidative phenolic coupling of full-length proteins.
Developments in Human Centered Cueing Algorithms for Control of Flight Simulator Motion Systems

The authors conducted further research with cueing algorithms for control of flight simulator motion systems. A variation of the so-called optimal algorithm was formulated using simulated aircraft angular velocity input as a basis. Models of the human vestibular sensation system, i.e. the semicircular canals and otoliths, are incorporated within the algorithm. Comparisons of angular velocity cueing responses showed a significant improvement over a formulation using angular acceleration input. Results also compared favorably with the coordinated adaptive washout algorithm, yielding similar results for angular velocity cues while eliminating false cues and reducing the tilt rate for longitudinal cues. These results were confirmed in piloted tests on the current motion system at NASA-Langley, the Visual Motion Simulator (VMS). Proposed future developments by the authors in cueing algorithms are revealed. The new motion system, the Cockpit Motion Facility (CMF), where the final evaluation of the cueing algorithms will be conducted, is also described.
Cocaine regulation of brain preprothyrotropin-releasing hormone mRNA

: Clinical and preclinical evidence supports a possible role for thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in cocaine action. However, the interaction between cocaine and TRH has not been directly examined. In the following report we describe a solution hybridization RNase protection assay that can sensitively detect mRNA for the TRH precursor, prepro-TRH (ppTRH). Using this assay, we examined ppTRH mRNA levels in rat brain regions implicated in cocaine reinforcement, including the nucleus accumbens, hypothalamus, amygdala, hippocampus, and thalamus. Acute cocaine treatment (15 mg/kg) resulted in significant decreases in ppTRH mRNA levels in the amygdala and hippocampus, but not in the hypothalamus, nucleus accumbens, or thalamus, 45 min postinjection. Chronic cocaine treatment (15 mg/kg twice daily for 14 days) resulted in marked regulation in all regions but the thalamus. Regulation was strongly dependent on the length of cocaine withdrawal and persisted up to 72 h postinjection in the amygdala. These studies support the hypothesis that TRH or other ppTRH-derived peptides are involved in cocaine action, especially in the extrahypothalamic regions of the amygdala and hippocampus.
Shortened and punctured codes and the MacWilliams identities

Abstract We use shortened and punctured codes to give an elementary proof of a combinatorial identity of Brualdi, Pless, and Beissinger from which the MacWilliams identities follow as special cases. We also give a short, mostly combinatorial proof of one form of the MacWilliam identities for binary codes.
Effect of Formulation on Water Activity and Sensory Attributes of Egg Sausage

Abstract The effect was investigated of sodium chloride (1.5, 3.0, 4.5%), hydrolyzed plant protein (2.0, 3.0, 4.0%), and whey (2.0, 3.0, 4.0%) on the water activity of egg sausage. Egg sausage, similar to breakfast sausage, contains approximately 44% whole egg, 24% pork fat and 18% mechanically deboned spent fowl meal. Water activity was determined using an electric hygrometer. Both sodium chloride and hydrolyzed plant protein significantly lowered water activity whereas whey did not. Mean water activity values ranged from .855 to .937. A sensory evaluation was performed in order to determine the highest level of each solute that could be used without impairing the taste and texture of the product. The combination of test variables most preferred was 1.5% sodium chloride, 3.0% hydrolyzed plant protein, and 2.0% whey and had a water activity of .925. This water activity is below that required for growth of Clostridium botulinum.
Simultaneous determination of L-693,612, a topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, and two potential metabolites in human whole blood by ion-pair high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract A method for the simultaneous determination of a topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, L-693,612, and two of its potential metabolites in human whole blood is described. The analytes are isolated from the matrix via liquid-liquid extraction with a mixture of toluene, ethyl acetate and isopropanol (49:50:1, v/v/v). The analytes are then back extracted into dilute phosphoric acid prior to injection into the HPLC system. A cyano column (Zorbax SB-CN, 150 × 4.6 mm) with a mobile phase of phosphoric acid(0.085%)-acetonitrile (73.5:26.5) containing 10 mM sodium decane sulfonate and adjusted to pH 3 is used for the analysis. Detection is based on UV absorbance at 252 nm. The assay was found to be linear in the concentration range of 5–500 ng/ml for each analyte when 1-ml aliquots of whole blood were extracted.
Differential expression of myc family genes during murine development

The myc family of cellular oncogenes contains three known members. The N-myc and c-myc genes have 5'-noncoding exons, strikingly homologous coding regions, and display similar oncogenic potential in an in vitro transformation assay. The L-myc gene is less well characterized, but shows homology to N-myc and c-myc (ref. 6; also see below). c-myc is expressed in most dividing cells, and deregulated expression of this gene has been implicated in the development of many classes of tumours. In contrast, expression of N-myc has been found only in a restricted set of tumours, most of which show neural characteristics; these include human neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma and small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). L-myc expression has so far been found only in SCLC. Activated N-myc and L-myc expression has been implicated in oncogenesis; for example, although N-myc expression has been found in all neuroblastomas tested, activated (greatly increased) N-myc expression, resulting from gene amplification, is correlated with progression of the tumour. We now report that high-level expression of N- and L-myc is very restricted with respect to tissue and stage in the developing mouse, while that of c-myc is more generalized. Furthermore, we demonstrate that N-myc is not simply a neuroectoderm-specific gene; both N- and L-myc seem to be involved in the early stages of multiple differentiation pathways. Our findings suggest that differential myc gene expression has a role in mammalian development and that the normal expression patterns of these genes generally predict the types of tumours in which they are expressed or activated.
Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist

Several studies have employed confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to examine the latent structure of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist (PCL; Weathers, Litz, Herman, Huska, & Keane, 1993), a measure that assesses PTSD symptomatology. Findings have failed to support the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text revision [DSM–IV–TR]; American Psychiatric Association, 2000) PTSD model, consisting of reexperiencing, avoidance/numbing, and arousal factors, and no consensus has emerged regarding the best fitting alternative model. Additionally, most studies have utilized homogeneous trauma samples. This study used CFA to examine the PCL factor structure in a sample with exposure to various traumatic events. Superior fit was demonstrated by a model specifying reexperiencing, avoidance, dysphoria, and arousal factors.
A New Mechanism of Stabilization of Large Decahedral Nanoparticles

The stability of decahedral shaped nanoparticles depends upon size. Ino and Marks introduced new mechanisms for the stabilization of decahedra nanoparticles which involves the faceting and the formation of surfaces different of {111}. These mechanisms have relevance for small size nanoparticles; however, they do not explain, thoroughly, how decahedral particles can grow up to 300 nm or more. Here, we report new mechanisms that help stabilize very large decahedral. With the use of aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy, we observed the formation of high index facets, determined to be of the {511} family, on all five sides of the particles. Surface dislocations strings are also observed. In addition, surface reconstruction of the {001} surfaces can also be observed in two different orientation: with hexagonal strings along the [110] and along the [410] directions.
TU-C-L100J-06: Pediatric Organ Dose Measurements in Axial and Helical Multi-Slice CT

Purpose: To determine radiation dose to specific organs in a pediatric phantom from a CT scan, and to determine if there is a significant difference between: axial (step and shoot) and helical acquisitions, when using very similar photon flux values (effective mAs). Method and Materials: An anthropomorphic pediatric phantom (5 year old equivalent) was used to investigate organ dose at the surface and internal to the phantom. The phantom contains four different tissue equivalent materials: soft tissue, bone, brain, and lung, and was imaged on a 64‐channel CTscanner with a head protocol [axial and two helical scans (pitch = 0.516 and 0.984)], and a chest protocol [axial and three helical scans (pitch = 0.516, 0.984, and 1.375)]. Effective mAs was kept constant (within 3%) for head and chest protocols. Dose measurements were acquired using thermoluminescent dosimeter(TLD)powder in capsules placed in the phantom sections in plug holes. The organs of interest for this study were: brain, both eyes, thyroid, sternum, both breasts, and both lungs.Results: All axial organ dose measurements were significantly higher (p 0.05) in organ dose values between the pitch values 0.516 and 0.984 for both head and chest scans. The chest organ dose measurements obtained using a pitch of 1.375 were significantly higher (p<0.05) than the other helical pitches used for chest scans (attributed to the automatic selection of the large focal spot). Conclusion: Communications with the vendor indicate that there are likely physical explanations for the difference observed in organ doses due to axial versus helical acquisitions. It is unclear if this difference in organ dose is unique to this scanner design, because dose measurements are not typically performed in helical scan mode and have not been investigated using other scanner models.
Neighborhood satisfaction, functional limitations, and self-efficacy influences on physical activity in older women

Background Perceptions of one's environment and functional status have been linked to physical activity in older adults. However, little is known about these associations over time, and even less about the possible mediators of this relationship. We examined the roles played by neighborhood satisfaction, functional limitations, self-efficacy, and physical activity in a sample of older women over a 6-month period.
Changes in Camera Visibility Affect Measured Marker Motion

Motion analysis is an important tool for biomechanical studies and its accuracy and reliability for large-volume applications, such as gait labs, is well-established. Previous work has offered a comparison of commercially available systems.[1] No work to date has quantified the error in position of a given tracking marker caused by its removal from the view of one or more cameras, either by obstruction or by the data being removed during the image reconstruction process. This issue is critical to the tracking of extremely fine movements such as the travel of the radial head on the capitellum during elbow motion. Due to anatomical constraints, markers must frequently be placed a distance away from the body of interest and must be smaller than those conventionally used in gross motion analysis. The nature of the motion may not permit all cameras to view all markers all of the time. For example, a specimen may itself obstruct a camera’s view during certain motions.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Relation between reported maternal caffeine consumption during pregnancy and neonatal state and heart rate

Regression analyses showed that prenatal caffeine exposure in 50 neonates was predictive of higher heart rates overall and during quiet and active sleep after the effects of alcohol, nicotine and SES, and maternal age were statistically controlled. Separate effects also showed that lower SES was related to higher neonatal heart rates.
Hybrid quantum-well system for wavelength-channel selection

We consider a hybrid quantum-well structure consisting of regions whose properties alternate between active Raman gain and electromagnetically induced transparency. We present both analytical and numerical results that indicate a large light beam defection using spatially inhomogeneous pump and control lasers. We show well-isolated on-chip wavelength selection or channeling capabilities without light field attenuation or distortion, demonstrating the advantages of the system for possible important applications in integrated circuits for optical telecommunications.
Pseudo-1D magnetic order and fluctuation behavior of 3d-dopants in superconducting YBa2Cu3−xFexO7+δ

Abstract It is shown that Fe substituents in the Cu(1) site of YBa 2 Cu 3− x Fe x O 7 ( x =0.15, 0.30) magnetically order into quasi-1D chains with strong intrachain but weak interchain coupling. The strong fluctuation behavior expected in low-dimensional systems above and below T N is observed via characteristics relaxation in the Mossbauer line width near T N . The temperature dependence of the magnetic subspectra representing Fe ions with various local oxygen environments fit to a 2D-Ising model with a ratio of the anisotropic exchange between the two directions of the order of (0.5-1.0)×10 -3 . The concentration dependence of the relative occurrence of various magnitudes of the local dopant magnetization is related to a short-range chemical order which determines the magnetic chain size and defines the correlation lengths. Evidence is given that the presence of rare earth magnetic moments in the Y-site affects the character of the magnetic interaction in the Cu(1)-site.
The real-time analysis of gases by direct sampling–mass spectrometry: elemental and molecular applications

Real-time analysis of gases for volatile organic compounds or elements is required for a number of applications. Direct sampling-mass spectrometry (DS-MS) is one approach to solve these analytical problems. This article reviews various instrumental configurations and applications of DS-MS. Inlet systems employed for DS-MS include membranes, microtrap interfaces, atmospheric sampling glow discharge ionization, atmospheric pressure ionization, microwave plasma ionization, and capillary restrictors. The use of laser-based ionization methods for DS-MS is described, including resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization and single photon ionization.
The phosphine depression in flame atomic spectrometry

The presence of PH3 in C2H2 can cause serious depressions of analyte atomic signals in air/C2H2 and N2O/C2H2 flames. In elements other than those in group 1a and 1b, a refractory metal-phosphorus-oxygen compound is formed during analyte desolvation and appears to slow the vaporization process. Data is presented describing the magnitude of the PH3 depression for elements routinely determined in these flames. The effects of the PH3 depression for these elements are compared to H3PO4 depressions, and the success of using chelating agents (EDTA) to reduce the depression is explored. Deviations from mathematical models describing the PH3 effect are discussed, and the possibility of incomplete PH3 combustion occurring in the flames is explored.
132 Impact of sticky end length on the diffraction of self-assembled DNA crystals

Our laboratory has reported a self-assembled 3-D crystal based on a DNA tensegrity triangle. The tensegrity triangle is a rigid DNA motif with three-fold rotational symmetry consisting of three helices whose axes are directed along three linearly independent directions (1). The triangles form a crystalline lattice stabilized via sticky ends (2). The length of the sticky ends reported previously was two nucleotides (nt) GA:TC. Although diffracting to 4 A resolution at the APS-ID19 beam line, they diffract only to 4.9 A at the NSLS-X25 beam line. In the current study, we have analysed the effect of sticky end length and sequence on crystal formation and the resolution of the X-ray diffraction pattern on NSLS-X25. Tensegrity triangle motifs having 1-, 2-, and 3-nt sticky ends have all formed crystals. X-ray diffraction data from the same beam line revealed that the crystal resolution was somewhat better for the 2-nt sticky end having an AA:TT base pair (4.75 A) than GA:CT and CC:GG (8.0 A). Moreover, the 1-n...
Studies on the mechanism of calcium and magnesium absorption in germfree rats

Abstract The effect of intestinal microflora on the activities of brush border Ca 2+ -ATPase, Mg 2+ -ATPase, and alkaline phosphatase, and mucosal calcium-binding protein activity in the small intestine was studied to elucidate whether the increased absorption of calcium and magnesium in the germfree rats is mediated through an increase in the activities of above enzymes. The pH optimum values of Ca 2+ -ATPase, Mg 2+ -ATPase, and alkaline phosphatase for germfree and conventional rats were comparable. The brush border protein concentration in both germfree and conventional rats was maximal in the duodenum and decreased distally. Germfree rats showed an increase of brush border protein content in the jejunum and ileum. Germfree status resulted in a significant increase of brush border Ca 2+ -ATPase, Mg 2+ -ATPase, and alkaline phosphatase activities in the small intestine. The calcium-binding protein activity of the mucosal preparations of small intestine was increased under the germfree conditions. These results indicate that the enhanced levels of intestinal brush border Ca 2+ -ATPase, Mg 2+ -ATPase and alkaline phosphatase together with mucosal calcium-binding protein might be responsible for increased calcium and magnesium absorption observed in germfree rats.
Improving residents’ teaching skills: A program evaluation of residents as teachers course

Background: The role of residents as teachers is recognized as an important part of medical education. However, residents may not possess the practical skills needed to teach medical students effectively.Aim: In response to a Liaison Committee on Medical Education citation concerning surgery residents’ teaching skills, the University of Louisville School of Medicine instituted a campus-wide residents as teachers program based on the bringing education and service together curriculum.Methods: This evaluation plan is grounded on Kirkpatrick's four levels model. Levels 1 and 2 data included post-session learner questionnaires (2007 and 2008) and open-ended facilitator questionnaires (2008). Levels 3 and 4 data included third year medical students’ responses to CourseEval® questions on residents as teachers (2005–2006 and 2007–2008) and data from third year medical student focus groups (2008).Results: Levels 1 and 2 data analysis showed statistically significant improvements from session to session in Year I ...
Combined Atom-Probe and Electron Microscopy Characterization of Fine Scale Structures in Aged Primary Coolant Pipe Stainless Steel

The capabilities and complementary nature of atom probe field-ion microscopy (APFIM) and analytical electron microscopy (AEM) for the characterization of finescale microstructures are illustrated by examination of the changes that occur after long term thermal aging of cast CF 8 and CF 8M duplex stainless steels. In material aged at 300 or 400°C for up to 70,000 h, the ferrite had spinodally decomposed into a modulated fine-scaled interconnected network consisting of an iron-rich α′ phase and a chromium-enriched α phase with periodicities of between 2 and 9 nm. G-phase precipitates 2 to 10 nm in diameter were also observed in the ferrite at concentrations of more than 10 21 m −3 . The reported degradation in mechanical properties is most likely a consequence of the spinodal decomposition in the ferrite.
To batch or not to batch

When designing steady-state computer simulation experiments, one is often faced with the choice of batching observations in one long run or replicating a number of smaller runs. Both methods are potentially useful in simulation output analysis. We give results and examples to lend insight as to when one method might be preferred over the other. In the steady-state case, batching and replication perform about the same in terms of estimating the mean and variance parameter, though replication tends to do better than batching when it comes to the performance of confidence intervals for the mean. On the other hand, batching can often do better than replication when it comes to point and confidence-interval estimation of the steady-state mean in the presence of an initial transient. This is not particularly surprising, and is a common rule of thumb in the folklore.
Detecting functional modules in the yeast protein--protein interaction network

Motivation: Identification of functional modules in protein interaction networks is a first step in understanding the organization and dynamics of cell functions. To ensure that the identified modules are biologically meaningful, network-partitioning algorithms should take into account not only topological features but also functional relationships, and identified modules should be rigorously validated. Results: In this study we first integrate proteomics and microarray datasets and represent the yeast protein--protein interaction network as a weighted graph. We then extend a betweenness-based partition algorithm, and use it to identify 266 functional modules in the yeast proteome network. For validation we show that the functional modules are indeed densely connected subgraphs. In addition, genes in the same functional module confer a similar phenotype. Furthermore, known protein complexes are largely contained in the functional modules in their entirety. We also analyze an example of a functional module and show that functional modules can be useful for gene annotation. Contact: [email protected] Supplementary Information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online
Preservation of Force Output Through Progressive Reduction of Stimulation Frequency in Human Quadriceps Femoris Muscle

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a reduction in the pulse frequency on the fatigue rate of human quadriceps femoris muscle during intermittent (8-second) contractions. Twelve healthy subjects each participated in two experimental sessions. Thirty cycles (cycle time: 8 seconds "on"/12 seconds "off") were applied during each session. During one session, a frequency of 60 pulses per second (pps) was used for all trains. During the other session, the subjects were stimulated with 60 pps for the first train. The stimulating frequency of each train was then progressively reduced, in 5-pps steps, for contractions 2, 3, 5, 8, 12, and 20. By the fifth contraction, the differences in average force produced by the 60-pps trains and the reduced-frequency trains were significant. The difference between the two conditions increased, with the variable-frequency protocol producing 46% more force than the constant-frequency protocol during the last contraction. These results showed that, compared with a constant pulse frequency, reducing the pulse frequency during a fatiguing contraction can markedly decrease the rate of force fatigue of skeletal muscle. This finding suggests that a variable-frequency protocol, similar to the one used in this may prove to be a more effective pattern of stimulation for activation of skeletal muscle than the traditionally used constant-frequency protocol.
Folate Reductase and Specific Dihydrofolate Reductase Activities of the Amethopterin-Sensitive Streptococcus faecium var. durans

Preliminary evidence is presented that indicates that the dihydrofolate reductase activity of amethopterin-sensitive Streptococcus faecium var. durans ATCC 8043 is separable into two dihydrofolate reductases, one of which also reduces folate.
A new species of Heliscomys and recognition of the Family Heliscomyidae (Geomyoidea: Rodentia)

ABSTRACT Excellent material, including two partial skulls, of the geomyoid rodent Heliscomys is the basis for a new species (H. ostranderi), and allows the recognition of a new family, the Heliscomyidae, which includes Heliscomys Cope and Apletotomeus Reeder. Heliscomyidae, an early offshoot of the Geomyoidea, is not ancestral to any later geomyoids. Two lineages of Heliscomys are recognized, one distinguished by reduction in size and specialization of the premolars, and the other (which includes H. ostranderi) by enlargement of the premolars and development of stylar cusps on the upper molars.
Validation of a preclinical spinal safety model: effects of intrathecal morphine in the neonatal rat.

The therapeutic ratio for intrathecal morphine (toxic dose/antinociceptive dose) was at least 300 at P3 and at least 20 at P21 (latter doses limited by side effects). These data provide relative efficacy and safety for comparison with other analgesic preparations and contribute supporting evidence for the validity of this preclinical neonatal safety model.
When Collections of Creatives Become Creative Collectives: A Field Study of Problem Solving at Work

This paper introduces a model of collective creativity that explains how the locus of creative problem solving shifts, at times, from the individual to the interactions of a collective. The model is grounded in observations, interviews, informal conversations, and archival data gathered in intensive field studies of work in professional service firms. The evidence suggests that although some creative solutions can be seen as the products of individual insight, others should be regarded as the products of a momentary collective process. Such collective creativity reflects a qualitative shift in the nature of the creative process, as the comprehension of a problematic situation and the generation of creative solutions draw from---and reframe---the past experiences of participants in ways that lead to new and valuable insights. This research investigates the origins of such moments, and builds a model of collective creativity that identifies the precipitating roles played by four types of social interaction: help seeking, help giving, reflective reframing, and reinforcing. Implications of this research include shifting the emphasis in research and management of creativity from identifying and managing creative individuals to understanding the social context and developing interactive approaches to creativity, and from a focus on relatively constant contextual variables to the alignment of fluctuating variables and their precipitation of momentary phenomena.
Negotiating Reductions in Agricultural Support: Implications of Technology and Factor Mobility

This paper highlights the joint significance of agricultural technology and factor mobility in determining the impact of changing support policies. The impact of across-the-board reductions in farm support on output, exports, employment, and land values will vary systematically across countries, depending on their relative reliance on export, output, and input subsidies. Furthermore, considerable maneuvering room exists, even after an aggregate reduction in support is agreed upon. For example, the aggregate U.S. producer subsidy equivalent could be reduced, while leaving unchanged the demand for farm labor, by shifting the mix of remaining subsidies toward inputs which are complementary
iWarp: an integrated solution to high-speed parallel computing

iWarp is a system architecture for high speed signal, image and scientific computing. The heart of an iWarp system is the iWarp component: a single chip processor that requires only the addition of memory chips to form a complete system building block, called the iWarp cell. Each iWarp component contains both a powerful computation engine (20 MFLOPS) and a high throughput (320 MBytes/sec), low latency (100-150 ns) communication engine for interfacing with other iWarp cells. Because of its strong computation and communication capabilities, the iWarp component is a versatile building block for various high performance parallel systems. These systems range from special purpose systolic arrays to general purpose distributed memory computers. They are able to support both fine-grain parallel and coarse-grain distributed computation models simultaneously in the same system. An iWarp system can include a large number of cells; the initial iWarp demonstration system consists of an 8x8 torus of iWarp cells, delivering more than 1.2 GFLOPS. It can be expanded to include up to 1,024 cells. This paper describes the iWarp architecture and how it supports various communication models and system configurations.
Neuromuscular relationships in a muscle having segregated motor endplate zones. II. The response to partial denervation.

The cranial belly of the anterior gracilis muscle of the rat has two discrete motor endplate zones. A promixal zone is innervated by short branches of the obturator nerve, and a distal zone is innervated by (usually) two longer branches. Each muscle fiber is innervated at a single motor endplate although a substantial number lie within both endplate zones. In addition, motor units are divided between the two zones. In order to dissociate the role of the denervated endplate from that of the denervated muscle fiber in the promotion of motoneuron sprouting, the distal endplate zone in this model was denervated and the response at the proximal zone was studied. Comparisons were made with partial denervation of the muscle by division of the L4 ventral ramus and with partial denervation of the distal endplate zone. Denervation of the distal endplate zone produced profuse terminal sprouting at the proximal zone whereas division of L4 predominantly produced nodal sprouting at both zones. Partial denervation of the distal zone resulted in nodal sprouts in that zone and again mainly terminal sprouts at the proximal zone. The repeated association of terminal sprouting with division of the motor axons supplying the distal zone together with the knowledge that motor units are distributed between the two zones led to the conclusion that the terminal sprouting was stimulated by the reduction in size of motor units rather than by the presence of denervated muscle fibers in the vicinity of the endplates.
HOLMIUM LASER LITHOTRIPSY FOR EJACULATORY DUCT CALCULI

A 12-year-old boy with a history of myelomeningocele pre- sented with the inability to self-catheterize. The urethral catheter passed to a point of resistance and drained approx- imately 40 ml. of urine. Further catheter manipulation failed to drain the bladder completely. The patient had begun to use the Credemaneuver to empty the bladder. Retrograde ure- thrography with an antegrade voiding study revealed a nor- mal urethra with reflux into the ejaculatory ducts. Imaging with contrast medium confirmed that calcific densities on preliminary images were within the ejaculatory ducts. The patient underwent cystoscopy. The posterior urethra was dilated with patulous ejaculatory duct orifices and an elevated bladder neck. Closer inspection within the left ejac- ulatory duct using a 17Fr cystoscope revealed a large cavity filled with calculi and a false passage. The patient and family were counseled about the risk of infertility due to ejaculatory duct obstruction as the result of calculous treatment but they elected to proceed with therapy. Laser lithotripsy was performed using a 320 mm. holmium laser fiber through the 17Fr cystoscope. The left ejaculatory duct was entered and several large calculi were fragmented and retrieved using a helical stone basket. Analysis demon- strated a calcium phosphate stone composition. Cystoscopy 3 weeks later showed a small stone fragment, which was removed. The enlarged ejaculatory duct cavity was fulgurated using a 3Fr Bugbee electrode and a Foley catheter remained indwelling for 1 week. Repeat cystoscopy due to continued difficult catheter passage revealed a small left ejaculatory duct orifice with no calculi, false passage or stricture. Currently catheterization is successful using a 16Fr catheter. DISCUSSION
Root contours of two-dimensional prediction polynomials

Two-dimensional signals with linear move-out appear in many array signal processing applications such as wide-band direction finding, ground clutter in airborne radar systems, seismic data and so on. We present a simple approach to modeling 2-D signals with linear move-out characteristics. Linear prediction is used to examine the various regions of support for the all-pole modeling of these signals. In addition, the relationship between the slope of the signal and the model parameters is derived and extensions to other regions of support, such as elliptical are presented.
Human-caused fires limit convection in tropical Africa: First temporal observations and attribution

It is well established that smoke particles modify clouds, which in turn affects climate. However, no study has quantified the temporal dynamics of aerosol-cloud interactions with direct observations. Here for the first time, we use temporally offset satellite observations from northern Africa between 2006 and 2010 to quantitatively measure the effect of fire aerosols on convective cloud dynamics. We attribute a reduction in cloud fraction during periods of high aerosol optical depths to a smoke-driven inhibition of convection. We find that higher smoke burdens limit upward vertical motion, increase surface pressure, and increase low-level divergence—meteorological indicators of convective suppression. These results are corroborated by climate simulations that show a smoke-driven increase in regionally averaged shortwave tropospheric heating and decrease in convective precipitation during the fire season. Our results suggest that in tropical regions, anthropogenic fire initiates a positive feedback loop where increased aerosol emissions limit convection, dry the surface, and enable increased fire activity via human ignition.