cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A NEW PHYLOGENY FOR CHROMOPHYTE ALGAE USING 16S-LIKE RRNA SEQUENCES FROM MALLOMONAS PAPILLOSA (SYNUROPHYCEAE) AND TRIBONEMA AEQUALE (XANTHOPHYCEAE)1

The 16S-like ribosomal RNA genes from Mallomonas papillosa Harris et Bradley (Synurophyceae) and Tribonema aequale Pascher (Xanthophyceae) were sequenced and compared to those of other eukaryotes. Mallomonas is closely related to Ochromonas (Chrysophyceae) and supports the general hypothesis of a close phylogenetic relationship between the Synurophyceae and Chrysophyceae. Tribonema is specifically related to Costaria costata (C. A. Agardh) Saunders (Phaeophyceae) demonstrating an unexpected phylogenetic relationship between the Xanthophyceae and Phaeophyceae. Distance and parsimony analysis place these four chromophyte genera in a complex evolutionary assemblage that includes the Bacillariophyceae and Oomycetes but excludes the Dinophyceae. The close relationship between the chromophyte algae and the Oomycete fungi supports the hypothesis that protists with tripartite hairs form a natural assemblage.
Enhancing online brand experiences: An application of congruity theory

Abstract Providing a distinctive brand experience is critical to differentiate each hotel brand from others, due to the intangible characteristics of the hotel industry. Rooted in congruity theory, this study investigated how three congruities (i.e., self-image congruity, online–offline brand image congruity, and value congruity) influenced customers’ online brand experiences and their brand trust. Results from this study indicated both self-image congruity and online–offline brand image congruity significantly influenced both customers’ online brand experiences and their trust toward the hotel's brand. Extending brand experience literature and congruity theory, this study suggested hotels should develop a strategy that could capture these three congruity effects in online and offline channels because these effects should be key determinants for customers’ online brand experiences and their responses.
Some effects of computerized literature search systems

Abstract This paper addresses the role of computerized literature search systems (CLS) in the transfer of scientific and technical information (STI). We consider how information acquired through computerized search differs in characteristics and usage from information acquired from other sources. Data was gathered from over 300 engineers and scientists working in five major US corporations involved in R & R work. We found differences between the timing, task use and characteristics of information whose source is a CLS and information whose source is not a CLS. These differences have a variety of implications. We also considered the demographic differences between users and non-users of CLS.
Toward a theory of evolutionary computation.

Abstract We outline a theory of evolutionary computation using a formal model of evolutionary computation – the Evolutionary Turing Machine – which is introduced as the extension of the Turing Machine model. Evolutionary Turing Machines provide a better and a more complete model for evolutionary computing than conventional Turing Machines, algorithms, and Markov chains. The convergence and convergence rate are defined and investigated in terms of this new model. The sufficient conditions needed for the completeness and optimality of evolutionary search are investigated. In particular, the notion of the total optimality as an instance of the multiobjective optimization of the Universal Evolutionary Turing Machine is introduced. This provides an automatic way to deal with the intractability of evolutionary search by optimizing the quality of solutions and search costs simultaneously. Based on a new model a very flexible classification of optimization problem hardness for the evolutionary techniques is proposed. The expressiveness of evolutionary computation is investigated. We show that the problem of the best evolutionary algorithm is undecidable independently of whether the fitness function is time dependent or fixed. It is demonstrated that the evolutionary computation paradigm is more expressive than Turing Machines, and thus the conventional computer science based on them. We show that an Evolutionary Turing Machine is able to solve nonalgorithmically the halting problem of the Universal Turing Machine and, asymptotically, the best evolutionary algorithm problem. In other words, the best evolutionary algorithm does not exist, but it can be potentially indefinitely approximated using evolutionary techniques.
Space and Time Scales in Human-Landscape Systems

Exploring spatial and temporal scales provides a way to understand human alteration of landscape processes and human responses to these processes. We address three topics relevant to human-landscape systems: (1) scales of human impacts on geomorphic processes, (2) spatial and temporal scales in river restoration, and (3) time scales of natural disasters and behavioral and institutional responses. Studies showing dramatic recent change in sediment yields from uplands to the ocean via rivers illustrate the increasingly vast spatial extent and quick rate of human landscape change in the last two millennia, but especially in the second half of the twentieth century. Recent river restoration efforts are typically small in spatial and temporal scale compared to the historical human changes to ecosystem processes, but the cumulative effectiveness of multiple small restoration projects in achieving large ecosystem goals has yet to be demonstrated. The mismatch between infrequent natural disasters and individual risk perception, media coverage, and institutional response to natural disasters results in un-preparedness and unsustainable land use and building practices.
Development of an irradiance sensor network to model photovoltaic plant-average irradiance time series

With exponential growth in in the U.S. utility-scale photovoltaic market, high resolution solar irradiance data and appropriate spatial-temporal models are required to determine the true impact of solar power variability on the grid. This paper describes a new and economical Data Acquisition System (DAS) to collect high resolution solar power data required for high penetration PV integration studies and suggests an empirical model to simulate the plant-average irradiance time series given a single irradiance point sensor.
Polymorphic variation in choline transporter gene (CHT1) is associated with early, subclinical measures of carotid atherosclerosis in humans.

Atherosclerosis is a heritable trait with little known about specific genetic influences on preclinical measures of plaque formation. Based on relations of parasympathetic-cholinergic function to atherosclerosis and to a choline transporter gene [CHT1 (G/T)] polymorphism, we investigated whether the same allelic variant predicts variation in carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaque formation. Carotid IMT and plaque occurrence as well as genotyping for the CHT1 (G/T) variant were measured in a sample (N = 264) of generally healthy adults (age 30–55) of European ancestry. CHT1 GG homozygotes had greater IMT (P < 0.005) and plaque occurrence (P < 0.020) than T allele carriers. This is the first study showing polymorphic variation in the CHT1 gene to predict early, subclinical measures of carotid atherosclerosis which may aid in understanding cholinergic-vagal processes potentially underlying atherosclerotic risk.
Synthesis and Properties of Single-Crystal FeSi Nanowires

We report for the first time the chemical synthesis of free-standing single-crystal nanowires (NWs) of FeSi, the only transition-metal Kondo insulator and the host structure for ferromagnetic semiconductor FexCo1-xSi. Straight and smooth FeSi nanowires are produced on silicon substrates covered with a thin layer of silicon oxide through the decomposition of the single-source organometallic precursor trans-Fe(SiCl3)2(CO)4 in a simple chemical vapor deposition process. Unlike typical vapor−liquid−solid (VLS) NW growth, FeSi NWs form without the addition of metal catalysts, have no catalyst tips, and depend strongly on the surface employed. X-ray spectroscopy verifies the identity and the room-temperature metallic nature of FeSi NWs. Room-temperature electrical transport measurements using NW devices show an average resistivity of 210 μΩcm, similar to the value for bulk FeSi. Investigations into the low-temperature physical properties of the first one-dimensional Kondo insulator and the possible new NW growt...
Spontaneous DNA Mutations Induced by Proton Transfer in the Guanine·Cytosine Base Pairs: An Energetic Perspective

The energetic provisions for Lowdin's DNA mutational mechanism (Lowdin, P. O. Rev. Mod. Phys. 1963, 35, 724) of the formation of substitution DNA mutations were investigated for the guanine·cytosine Watson−Crick base pair. The structures studied involve the canonical base pair (GC1), rare base-pair tautomers that are formed from GC1 by the antiparallel simultaneous transfer of two protons in hydrogen bonds, and ion-pair structures that are formed by the transfer of a single proton. The geometries of these complexes were optimized by ab initio Hartree−Fock (HF) calculations using the 6-31G* basis set. At the same level, harmonic vibrational frequencies were determined. Nonplanar geometries featuring considerable propeller-twist angles and a pyramidal guanine amino group were found for base pairs involving the guanine anion and 6-hydroxyguanine. The relative stabilities and dissociation energies of the base pairs were determined at the higher MP2/6-31G**//HF/6-31G* level of theory. These methods were also u...
CDM model of damage accumulation in laminated composites

A modified version of the Kachanov damage accumulation law is employed to study the damage kinetics in laminated composite materials such as epoxy/graphite laminates.
Empirical Disaggregation of Social Networks: A Study of Ethnic Professional Associations and Entrepreneurship in Silicon Valley

Abstract While the literature of social networks and entrepreneurship has stated the importance of social networks for entrepreneurship, many past empirical studies tended to measure social networks only at the aggregated level. This led to a failure to capture heterogeneity or nonredundancy of networks, and sometimes resulted in empirically confusing verdicts regarding the contribution of social networks to entrepreneurship at a statistical level. We argue that disaggregation of networks is critical and will construct networks at a refined, specific level. With alarge-scale dataset of 2,273 individuals, we test the link between start-up activities and Chinese and Indian ethnic professional associations in Silicon Valley. Our multivariate models find that only a few networks with heterogeneous members correlate positively with entrepreneurship. The results indicate that social networks, a powerful and widely used theoretical construct, are still underdeveloped in both conceptualization and operationalizat...
Constructing grammatical meaning: Isomorphism and polysemy in Czech reflexivization

In a usage-based analysis of four syntactic reflexives in Czech, this paper examines the question of representing speakers’ knowledge of polyfunctional grammatical categories. I argue that the reflexives form a prototype-based network of partially overlapping grammatical patterns, organized by the pragmatic concept of unexpected referential status in agent–patient relations. This concept is manifested in four distinct communicative functions: marking referential identity between agent and patient roles; distancing discourse participants from their involvement in the reported event; recasting a transitive event as a spontaneous change of state; expressing an attitude toward the reported event. Each function is shown to conventionally co-occur with a set of properties involving various combinations of the following: preferences in aspect and transitivity; semantic and/or pragmatic constraints on agents and patients; verb semantics; shifts in modality and pragmatic force; morphosyntactic constraints. Overall, the analysis supports the view that grammatical categories cannot be properly defined outside of broader grammatical context, thus arguing for a constructional approach to linguistic structure and for re-interpreting the principle of isomorphism in terms of ‘constructions’ in the sense of Construction Grammar.
Rat corticotropin-releasing hormone gene: sequence and tissue-specific expression.

The rat corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) gene has been isolated and characterized by DNA sequence analysis. The gene exhibits a structural organization similar to that of the human CRH gene. The nucleotide sequence encoding the entire rat CRH precursor is located on the second exon, while exon I encodes the 5′-untranslated region of them RNA. Analysis of the nucleotide sequence homology between the human and rat CRH genes reveals several highly conserved regions including the CRH peptide-encoding sequence and the 5′-flanking sequence. RNA blot analysis demonstrates that CRH mRNA can be observed in numerous regions of the rat brain as well as the spinal cord, adrenal gland, pituitary, and testis.
Apocrine adenoma versus apocrine carcinoma

Two examples of apocrine neoplasm are presented, contrasting the features of an apocrine adenoma with those of a possible apocrine adenocarcinoma. Apocrine adenocarcinoma, distinct from Paget's disease, is a rare neoplasm. Its recognition is complicated by long periods of benign growth and by subtle histologic differences from apocrine adenoma.
Educator and Parent Views of the Effectiveness of Individualized Learning Plans for Students With Disabilities

The purpose of this study was to gather information from educators and parents on their perceptions of the effectiveness of Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs) in assisting students with disabilit...
Characterization of ΔNp63 isoforms in normal cornea and telomerase-immortalized human corneal epithelial cells

Abstract Previous reports have suggested that specific isoforms of the potential stem cell marker p63 may regulate corneal epithelial homeostatic renewal through control of cell proliferation. In this study, we characterized the presence of ΔNp63 isoforms in telomerase-immortalized human corneal epithelial cells (hTCEpi) in comparison to normal human corneal epithelium to validate the hTCEpi cell line as a viable model for the study of p63 isoforms. We further examined roles for ΔNp63 in proliferation and differentiation. For in vitro studies, hTCEpi cells were cultured in serum-free culture media and grown under 0.15 mM calcium or sequential 1.15 mM calcium/air-lifted culture. Fresh donor human corneal tissue was used to assess expression and localization in situ. mRNA and protein levels were assessed by real-time PCR, Immunofluorescence (IF) and Western blotting (WB). ΔNp63 expression levels throughout the cell cycle were assessed by double-labeling with ΔNp63 and Ki-67. In situ, ΔNp63 localized to nuclei throughout the human corneal epithelium and was lost only in superficial cells. WB confirmed the presence of all three ΔNp63 isoforms in the central corneal epithelium and in hTCEpi cells. ΔNp63 mRNA levels decreased when grown on collagen substrate and under increased calcium/air-lifted culture. mRNA and protein levels increased as cells approached confluence, with a significant decrease in post-confluent culture. ΔNp63 expression levels did not vary with the cell cycle, as assessed by Ki-67 labeling. Collectively, the presence of all three ΔNp63 isoforms in hTCEpi cells and in intact cornea validates the use of this cell line for the study of individual isoforms in the corneal epithelium; and these data suggest that expression of ΔNp63 isoforms are not altered as a function of the cell cycle or cell division in subconfluent hTCEpi cells cultured in serum-free media, but demonstrate reduced expression upon contact-inhibited growth down-regulation and differentiation. Significantly, the localization of ΔNp63 in central corneal epithelial cells with a loss of expression in superficial cells suggests that ΔNp63 may play a role in mediating desquamative events at the ocular surface.
Plasma Lipoprotein Metabolism in Familial Lecithin: Cholesterol Acyltransferase Deficiency

Three series of experiments have been performed to study plasma lipoprotein metabolism in familial lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase deficiency. In one series diets that contained little or no long chain triglyceride decreased the concentrations of several of the lipoproteins, particularly including the large unesterified cholesterol- and lecithin-rich lipoproteins in the class of d 1.019–1.063 g/ml. In the second series of experiments post-heparin lipolytic activity was found to increase the concentrations of the same low density lipoproteins in vivo. In the third series of experiments incubation with lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase in vitro was found to decrease the unesterified cholesterol and lecithin of the large low density lipoproteins and to increase the cholesteryl ester of normal-sized very low, low, and high density lipoproteins. These findings are compatible with the concept that the large low density lipoproteins accumulate in the patients' plasma because chylomicron surface lipids ...
Fluorescent-wave-shifters and scintillators for calorimeters

Abstract We have applied the fluorescent-converter technique to the design and construction of a segmented calorimeter. Design criteria are discussed, and detailed measurements are reported on various materials of possible use. BBQ-doped acrylic converter bars were developed for this work; a design using acrylic scintillator and BBQ converter bars gave very good uniformity of response.
The glucogram: A new quantitative tool for glycemic analysis in the surgical intensive care unit.

Background : Glycemic control is an important aspect of patient care in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU). This is a pilot study of a novel glycemic analysis tool - the glucogram. We hypothesize that the glucogram may be helpful in quantifying the clinical significance of acute hyperglycemic states (AHS) and in describing glycemic variability (GV) in critically ill patients. Materials and Methods: Serial glucose measurements were analyzed in SICU patients with lengths of stay (LOS) >30 days. Glucose data were formatted into 12-hour epochs and graphically analyzed using stochastic and momentum indicators. Recorded clinical events were classified as major or minor (control). Examples of major events include cardiogenic shock, acute respiratory failure, major hemorrhage, infection/sepsis, etc. Examples of minor (control) events include non-emergent bedside procedures, blood transfusion given to a hemodynamically stable patient, etc. Positive/negative indicator status was then correlated with AHS and associated clinical events. The conjunction of positive indicator/major clinical event or negative indicator/minor clinical event was defined as clinical match. GV was determined by averaging glucose fluctuations (maximal - minimal value within each 12-hour epoch) over time. In addition, event-specific glucose excursion (ESGE) associated with each positive indicator/AHS match (final minus initial value for each occurrence) was calculated. Descriptive statistics, sensitivity/specificity determination, and student's t-test were used in data analysis. Results : Glycemic and clinical data were reviewed for 11 patients (mean SICU LOS 74.5 days; 7 men/4 women; mean age 54.9 years; APACHE II of 17.7 ± 6.44; mortality 36%). A total of 4354 glucose data points (1254 epochs) were analyzed. There were 354 major clinical events and 93 minor (control) events. The glucogram identified AHS/indicator/clinical event matches with overall sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 65%. We noted that while the mean GV was greater for non-survivors than for survivors (19.3 mg/dL vs. 10.3 mg/dL, P = 0.02), there was no difference in mean ESGE between survivors (154.7) and non-survivors (160.8, P = 0.67). Conclusions: The glucogram was able to quantify the correlation between AHS and major clinical events with a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 65%. In addition, mean GV was nearly two times higher for non-survivors. The glucogram may be useful both clinically (i.e., in the electronic ICU or other early warning systems) and as a research tool (i.e., in model development and standardization). Results of this study provide a foundation for further, larger-scale, multi-parametric, prospective evaluations of the glucogram.
COMPARISON OF A HERCULEX HYBRID WITH CAPTURE TREATMENTS FOR CONTROL OF FIRST-GENERATION EUROPEAN CORN BORERS, 2001

Our experiment involved the evaluation of two formulations of Capture (pyrethroid insecticide) and one transgenic hybrid Herculex I for control of first-generation Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner) larvae near Cavour South Dakota. Evaluations were carried out by supplementing natural European corn borer (ECB) background levels with artificial infestations. Plants in the whorl stage were marked and infested with O. nubilalis larvae on 19 and 20 Jul. Chemical treatments were applied on 17 Jul at whorl (approximately 5 days before tassel) stage of corn physiological development. These insecticides were applied to single row (25 ft long; spaced 30 inch apart) plots in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Granules were directed into corn plant whorls using a pneumatic applicator powered by a 3.5 horsepower engine mounted on a Hahn highboy. Noble metering units attached to a modified chain-driven apparatus regulated the amount of granules released into the pneumatic applicator. Liquid treatments were applied to corn plant whorls using a single-nozzle CO2-propelled backpack sprayer system. Approximately one month following insecticide applications, 10 corn stalks were chosen from previously marked plants in each plot. Each plant was split vertically and examined for O. nubilalis tunneling damage. The number and length of O. nubilalis cavities were analyzed using the SAS GLM procedure with means being compared by using the LSD test.
"Gene-swap knock-in" cassette in mice to study allelic differences in human genes.

Genetic differences in environmental toxicity and cancer susceptibility among individuals in a human population often reflect polymorphisms in the genes encoding drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs), drug transporters, and receptors that control DME levels. This field of study is called "ecogenetics", and a subset of this field--concerning genetic variability in response to drugs--is termed "pharmacogenetics". Although human-mouse differences might be 3- to perhaps 10-fold, human interindividual differences can be as great as 20-fold or more than 40-fold. It would be helpful, therefore, to study toxicokinetics/pharmacokinetics of particular environmental agents and drugs in mice containing these "high-" and "low-extreme" human alleles. We hope to use transgenic "knock-in" technology in order to insert human alleles in place of the orthologous mouse gene. However, the knock-in of each gene has normally been a separate event requiring the following: (a) construction of the targeting vector, (b) transfection into embryonic stem (ES) cells, (c) generation of a targeted mouse having germline transmission of the construct, and (d) backcross breeding of the knock-in mouse (at least 6-8 times) to produce a suitable genetically homogeneous background (i.e., to decrease "experimental noise"). These experiments require 1 1/2 to 2 years to complete, making this very powerful technology inefficient for routine applications. If, on the other hand, the initial knock-in targeting vector might include sequences that would allow the knocked-in gene to be exchanged (quickly and repeatedly) for one new allele after another, then testing distinctly different human polymorphic alleles in transgenic mice could be accomplished in a few months instead of several years. This "gene-swapping" technique will soon be done by zygotic injection of a "human allele cassette" into the sperm or fertilized ovum of the parental knock-in mouse inbred strain or by the cloning of whole mice from cumulus ovaricus cells or tail-snip fibroblasts containing the nucleus wherein each new human allele has already been "swapped." In mouse cells in culture using heterotypic lox sites, we and others have already succeeded in gene swapping, by exchanging one gene, including its regulatory regions, with a second gene (including its regulatory regions). It is anticipated that mouse lines carrying numerous human alleles will become commonplace early in the next millennium.
Spodumene as a Flux Component in Sanitary Chinaware Bodies

Four groups of body compositions involving partial replacement of feldspar by spodumene were investigated. In the first group the firing temperature was maintained constant and the clay content was increased at the expense of the flux. In the second group the flint, clay, and total flux (flux was 20y0 of the body) contents were held constant and spodumene replaced 19, 30, and 40y0 of the total flux. In the third group the flux content containing varying proportions of spodumene was increased from 20 to approximately 40% of the body at the expense of flint and the firing temperature was lowered. In the fourth group miscellaneous bodies containing a variety of fluxes, including flotation soda feldspar, nepheline syenite, talc, and whiting in addition to the potash feldspar and spodumene, were tested. The spodumene appeared to have little advantage in lowering the maturing temperature of the 20% flux bodies; however, a spodumene: feldspar ratio of 30:70 appeared to lengthen the firing range. The effectiveness of the spodumene increased as the total flux was increased. A body containing 27% of flux matured at cone 11–12 when potash feldspar alone was used and at cone 8 when 8% of the feldspar was replaced by spodumene. A body containing spodumene, talc, and nepheline syenite matured at cone 3–4 and had a fired modulus of rupture in excess of 10,000 lb. per sq. in. The small amounts of spodumene (up to 8% of the body) had no apparent effect on the stability of the casting slips or similar properties.
The Natural Realm of Social Law

This paper proposes criteria for distinguishing those types of social forms that are susceptible to lawlike explanation from those that are susceptible to interpretive accounts. The main criterion concerns the rankability of choice alternatives. The choice process is modeled as having two subprocesses. The first subprocess is a rational one in which unacceptable decision alternatives are eliminated, reducing the universe of alternatives to the set of interchangeably acceptable options, termed the admissible set. In the second subprocess, an arbitrary choice is made from the admissible set. In rational-choice settings, the admissible set consists of just one element, the optimum. However, this is clearly not the only possibility, as the example of language, with its plurality of interchangeable phonemic options, bears witness. The fundamental concept: At one extreme—the extreme of language—the admissible set is large and the arbitrary-choice subprocess dominates the rational-choice subprocess. At the other...
Decerebrate posturing misinterpreted as seizure activity

Sudden onset of tonic muscular contraction and loss of consciousness is most often caused by an epileptic seizure. In a seizure, however, the tonic muscular contraction is usually followed by interrupted jerking movements. When the motor pattern remains one of tonic contraction, a different underlying mechanism implying a separate differential diagnosis and therapeutic plan must be considered. Failure to make this distinction clearly may lead to neurologic catastrophe.
Collagen helix stabilization by hydroxyproline in (Ala-Hyp-Gly)n.

Abstract (Ala-Hyp-Gly)n was synthesized and fractionated to yield three fractions in the molecular weight range 10,000 to 2,500. Optical rotatory and circular dichroism measurements indicated the collagen-like properties of this polymer in contrast to those reported for (Ala-Pro-Gly)n. We conclude that hydroxyproline contributes to collagen-helix stability in general, independent of the presence of an adjacent proline residue as in previously studied synthetic polypeptides. (Pro-Hyp-Gly)n showed identical circular dichroism spectra whether polymerized via the nitrophenyl ester or tetraethylpyrophosphite.
The threshold effect of a nonlinear learning algorithm for pattern recognition

Abstract This paper deals with a nonlinear learning algorithm characterized by a threshold effect. The algorithm is derived in relation to a learning process in pattern recognition where steps must be taken to minimize the effect of spurious samples carrying unreliable information. With the assumption of a multivariate normal density for each pattern population, the nonlinear algorithm reduces to discarding the spurious samples with a threshold element and in the meantime performing an ordinary linear algorithm for the remaining samples. Optimal properties of this algorithm are studied and a criterion for selecting a proper threshold is discussed. A computer-simulated experiment in character recognition is presented to illustrate a possible application for the nonlinear algorithm. Results of this experiment have shown significant improvement over an ordinary linear algorithm in handling character samples with various imperfections due to the poor quality in writing or printing encountered in practice.
Simple Estimators of the Intensity of Seasonal Occurrence

Background Edwards's method is a widely used approach for fitting a sine curve to a time-series of monthly frequencies. From this fitted curve, estimates of the seasonal intensity of occurrence (i.e., peak-to-low ratio of the fitted curve) can be generated.
Electrostatic Interactions Modulate the Structure and Dynamics of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is an intrinsically disordered, 37 residue neuropeptide that acts as a potent vasodilator. It is a member of the calcitonin peptide (Ct) family, together with amylin, calcitonin and adrenomedullin. Understanding how sequence variations affect the conformation and dynamics of these genetically and functionally related IDPs is of considerable interest. While the secondary structural preferences of these peptides have been experimentally determined, the tertiary structural preferences are more challenging to detect due to fast reconfigurations of the backbone over a wide range of conformations, and to the very low solubility of certain Ct family peptides. High resolution time-resolved techniques are needed.We use a nanosecond-resolved spectroscopic technique based on tryptophan triplet quenching by cystine to detect tertiary contact formation in CGRP under varying solvent and temperature conditions. Using this technique we had previously found that conserved structural elements of amylin and CGRP induce compact states, characterized by short end-to-end distances(1,2). Here we compare contact formation rates of wild type and mutant CGRPs with different net charge. We find that electrostatic interactions modulate the degree of compaction of CGRP. The observed difference between CGRP and amylin can be rationalized in terms of electrostatic interactions. Interestingly, even with a net charge of +6, CGRP remains more compact in aqueous solvent than in denaturant with high ionic strength, indicating strong attractive intra-molecular interactions. Overall our data are consistent with a common mechanism driving compaction in CGRP and amylin, with electrostatic interactions modulating the degree of compaction in CGRP. We discuss our findings in relation to secondary structural preferences of these peptides and discuss their possible functional role.1 Vaiana S.M. et al. Biophys. J. 97 2009.2 Sara M. Sizemore et al.2012 Biophys. J, Supplement, Abstract.
Endocrine Therapy for Metastatic Disease: Reversing Resistance

Growth factor receptor signaling plays a key role in endocrine resistance to therapy for metastatic breast cancer. These molecular pathways provide a unique target for new therapeutic approaches to reverse resistance. In this review, we provide a background discussion on the mechanisms of resistance, and then proceed to describe recent clinical trials involving the use of growth factor receptor inhibitors to improve patient outcome in metastatic hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer. We demonstrate incremental improvements in outcome for patients with HR-positive metastatic breast cancer with combination therapy involving growth factor inhibitors and endocrine therapies. It remains unclear which patients with HR-positive metastatic breast cancer benefit from these combined approaches, and further research will focus on this issue. Understanding the mechanisms of endocrine resistance will undoubtedly lead to the development of new agents that can improve outcome for patients with this disease.
An enhanced algorithm for wave information extraction from X-band nautical radar images

In this paper, an enhanced band-pass filtering algorithm based on the 3-D Fourier transform is presented to extract ocean wave information from X-band nautical radar images. After the current velocity is determined by an iterative least-squares method with appropriate thresholds, the components of the image spectra will be classified as the fundamental, the firstorder harmonic waves and noise. In the proposed algorithm, only the fundamental components are used for wave spectra and parameter retrieval. The modified wave algorithm is first tested via numerical simulation. Further validation is then performed using field data. Unlike the previous wave analysis research that is conducted with horizontally polarized radar data, here, vertically polarized radar data is used. Retrieved results show good agreement with in-situ values obtained using a TRIAXYS wave buoy.
The Viability of a Nonenzymatic Reductive Citric Acid Cycle – Kinetics and Thermochemistry

The likelihood of a functioning nonenzymatic reductive citric acid cycle, recently proposed as the precursor to biosynthesis on early Earth, is examined on the basis of the kinetics and thermochemistry of the acetate → pyruvate → oxaloacetate → malate sequence. Using data derived from studies of the Pd-catalyzed phosphinate reduction of carbonyl functions it is shown that the rate of conversion of pyruvate to malate with that system would have been much too slow to have played a role in the early chemistry of life, while naturally occurring reduction systems such as the fayalite–magnetite–quartz and pyrrhotite–pyrite–magnetite mineral assemblages would have provided even slower conversions. It is also shown that the production of pyruvate from acetate is too highly endoergic to be driven by a naturally occurring energy source such as pyrophosphate. It is thus highly doubtful that the cycle can operate at suitable rates without enzymes, and most unlikely that it could have participated in the chemistry leading to life.
Results of Excision of Advanced Epithelial Downgrowth

Advanced epithelial downgrowth was excised in 14 patients. The technique involved excision under direct observation of the epithelium found as bands in the anterior chamber and as membranes in the front and back of the iris, over the ciliary body, on the front and back surfaces of intraocular lenses, and over the vitreous face. In the first nine cases, cryoapplication was used to destroy the epithelium on the back of the cornea. In three patients, in spite of repeated applications, the epithelium was unaffected by freezing. In these cases the epithelial downgrowth was excised by scraping it free from the back of the cornea. In four eyes the whole cornea was removed both for visualization of the extent of the growth of the epithelium throughout the anterior and posterior chamber and to scrape the epithelium free. Thereafter the cornea was replaced. Eleven of the 14 eyes have remained free of epithelial downgrowth from 18 months to eight years postoperatively. Penetrating corneal transplantations were performed in six eyes because of corneal edema; these have remained transparent. Although two eyes have vision better than 20/40, the majority have 20/200.
Continuity properties of real/complex mu

The structured singular value as an important linear algebra tool to study a class of matrix perturbation problems is addressed. It is useful for analyzing the robustness of stability and performance of uncertain, linear systems. It has been pointed out by B. Barmish et al. (28th IEEE CDC Proceedings, 1989) that, in general, the structured singular value is a discontinuous function of its argument. The author shows that if complex uncertainties are included (besides real uncertainties), then, under mild conditions, the structured singular value becomes a continuous function of the argument. >
Therapeutic Liposomal Dry Powder Inhalation Aerosols for Targeted Lung Delivery

Therapeutic liposomal powders (i.e., lipospheres and proliposomes) for dry powder inhalation aerosol delivery, formulated with phospholipids similar to endogenous lung surfactant, offer unique opportunities in pulmonary nanomedicine while offering controlled release and enhanced stability. Many pulmonary diseases such as lung cancer, tuberculosis (TB), cystic fibrosis (CF), bacterial and fungal lung infections, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) could greatly benefit from this type of pulmonary nanomedicine approach that can be delivered in a targeted manner by dry powder inhalers (DPIs). These delivery systems may require smaller doses for efficacy, exhibit reduced toxicity, fewer side effects, controlled drug release over a prolonged time period, and increased formulation stability as inhaled powders. This state-of-the-art review presents these novel aspects in depth.
STRUCTURE OF INTERCELLULAR JUNCTIONS IN DIFFERENT SEGMENTS OF THE INTRAPULMONARY VASCULATURE

Freeze-fracture studies have shown that there is a segmental differentiation of the structure of intercellular junctions of intraacinar pulmonary vessels. Tight junctions vary in complexity, being composed in the arterial segment of the most highly interconnected and most numerous (two to seven) rows of tight junction particles, which are present in E face grooves. In capillaries, they consist of one to three rows of particles, which, in the venular segment, show some discontinuities. Tight junctions in intraacinar veins consist of one to five rows of particles in the E face. Large gap junctions are numerous and are intimately associated with arterial tight junctions. They are absent from capillaries, and are fewer in number and smaller in size in veins than in arteries. The above observations suggest that, as in the systemic circulation, the venular segment is likely to be the most permeable to small, water-soluble solutes. The presence of numerous gap junctions, particularly in the arteries, suggests that in this segment there is a high degree of electrotonic and/or metabolic coupling between endothelial cells.
Slippage control for a smart prosthetic hand prototype via modified tactile sensory feedback

The human hand is one of the most complex structures of the human body, having the fingers that possess one of the highest numbers of nerve endings in the body. The hand, with its nerve endings has the capacity for the richest tactile feedback with excellent positioning capabilities. The existing hand control methods used in controlling smart prostheses have many drawbacks and need improvements. This paper proposes a new technique of controlling slippage, which is one of the major drawbacks for a prosthetic hand. A fuzzy logic control algorithm with multiple rules is designed along with a modified tactile sensory system for feedback. The slippage control acts as a complementary control system to the EMG or EEG based position control. A 5 Degrees of Freedom (DOF) hand was used which has one micro servo motor as actuator for each finger. A force sensing resistor is modified and used as a slippage sensor. First we use a reference EMG signal for getting the 5 DOF hand to grip an object, using position control. Then a slip is induced and we see the slippage control strategies work to hold the grasp. The results based on the plain sensory system and the modified system are discussed. Finally the advantages of the entire slippage control system are highlighted.
Experts Caution About Potential Increased Risks From Space Weather

The backdrop for a 4 June Space Weather Enterprise Forum included a May 2013 report by the insurance company Lloyd's, “Solar storm risk to the North American electric grid,” which warns that a geomagnetic storm similar to a strong event in 1859 (the Carrington Event, named after British astronomer Richard Carrington, who observed it) could put 20–40 million Americans at risk of a power outage that could extend from a few days to several years, with enormous societal and economic impacts.
Stochastic optimal control of ultradiffusion processes with application to dynamic portfolio management

We consider theoretical and approximation aspects of the stochastic optimal control of ultradiffusion processes in the context of a prototype model for the selling price of a European call option. Within a continuous-time framework, the dynamic management of a portfolio of assets is effected through continuous or point control, activation costs, and phase delay. The performance index is derived from the unique weak variational solution to the ultraparabolic Hamilton-Jacobi equation; the value function is the optimal realization of the performance index relative to all feasible portfolios. An approximation procedure based upon a temporal box scheme/finite element method is analyzed; numerical examples are presented in order to demonstrate the viability of the approach.
The SNM Practice Guideline on Breast Scintigraphy

![Figure][1] This month's issue of Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology includes the SNM Practice Guideline for Breast Scintigraphy with Breast-Specific γ-Cameras 1.0 ([1][2]). This guideline concisely summarizes the clinical indications for the type of radionuclide breast imaging known as
A hand-held speech-to-speech translation system

Recent advances in the processing capabilities of personal digital assistants (PDAs) have enabled the creation of an end-to-end speech translation system which is completely hosted on an off-the-shelf PDA. Specifically, the system presented includes an HMM-based large vocabulary continuous speech recognizer using statistical n-grams, a translation system, and, a speech synthesis system that outputs speech in the target language. This paper describes the detailed architecture of our system and the functionality of its main components, focusing on the optimization efforts employed to achieve real time results on such a limited platform. In a preliminary evaluation, the PDA system is found to achieve comparable performance with the corresponding system developed for desktop computers.
Rapid adaptation of pancreatic exocrine function to short-term alcohol feeding in rats

Background: Chronic alcohol consumption increases the risk of pancreatitis in humans. Functional hyperstimulation/hypersecretion of the pancreas during chronic alcohol consumption a
Partially Mismatched Transplantation and Human Leukocyte Antigen Donor-Specific Antibodies

Abstract The presence of donor human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-specific antibodies (DSA) increases engraftment failure risk in partially HLA-mismatched, or HLA-haploidentical, allogeneic marrow (alloBMT) transplantation. As pre-existing sensitization to HLA antigens is not well characterized among candidates for HLA-haploidentical alloBMT, we retrospectively evaluated both the incidence and relative strength of DSA in this patient population. Based on correlations of solid-phase antibody assays on the Luminex (Luminex, Austin, TX) platform with actual crossmatch tests, DSA were characterized as weak for results that were consistent with negative flow cytometric crossmatch results or as moderate-to-strong for results consistent with positive flow cytometric or cytotoxicity crossmatches. We evaluated 296 alloBMT candidates; 111 (37.5%) were female. DSA were detected in 43 (14.5%) candidates, mostly among female candidates (42.9% female versus 12.5% male). Moderate-to-strong DSA strength was more frequently encountered when directed against haploidentical donors as compared with mismatched unrelated donors. DSA were most commonly detected in female patients directed against their children. Because the presence of DSA has been considered prohibitive for HLA-mismatched alloBMT, we additionally report a desensitization methodology used to reduce DSA to negative or weak levels, ie, levels well below those detectable in a flow cytometric crossmatch. Nine patients without other available donors underwent desensitization. Eight who reduced their DSA to negative or weak levels proceeded to alloBMT and achieved full donor engraftment. These data support routine DSA evaluation in all patients considered for mismatched alloBMT; however, for patients with no other viable options, desensitization to weak or negative DSA levels may afford the opportunity for successful transplantation.
Relationships between Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether Concentrations in House Dust and Serum

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been measured in the home environment and in humans, but studies linking environmental levels to body burdens are limited. This study examines the relationship between PBDE concentrations in house dust and serum from adults residing in these homes. We measured PBDE concentrations in house dust from 50 homes and in serum of male−female couples from 12 of the homes. Detection rates, dust-serum, and within-matrix correlations varied by PBDE congener. There was a strong correlation (r = 0.65−0.89, p < 0.05) between dust and serum concentrations of several predominant PBDE congeners (BDE 47, 99, and 100). Dust and serum levels of BDE 153 were not correlated (r < 0.01). The correlation of dust and serum levels of BDE 209 could not be evaluated due to low detection rates of BDE 209 in serum. Serum concentrations of the sum of BDE 47, 99, and 100 were also strongly correlated within couples (r = 0.85, p = 0.0005). This study provides evidence that house dust is a primar...
Linkages and imports: A comparative study of India and Pakistan

Summary This paper takes a critical look at the notion of linkages as guides to sectoral expansion in less developed countries. In particular a distinction is drawn between gross linkages (typically defined on the inverse of the Leontief technology matrix) and net linkages defined on the ‘domestic inverse’. It is argued that for economies which exhibit a persistent dependence on intermediate and capital goods imports, the latter may be the appropriate concept for identifying sources of induced economic development. Using data for India and Pakistan it is shown that the two concepts imply very different ranking of sectors, thus providing an important qualification for using gross linkages as a form of investment criterion.
Scheduling and communication in MetaH

This paper describes certain aspects of an architecture description language (MetaH) and associated toolset used to specify, analyze, and automatically assemble software for real-time, fault-tolerant, secure, multi-processor systems. One goal in the design of this language and toolset was to provide design-time analysis that accurately characterizes the behavior of the actual implementation. Currently, our toolset consists of tools to automatically assemble the application software and to perform a real-time schedulability analysis for that application. >