cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure of TAR RNA Complexed with a Tat-TAR Interaction Nanomolar Inhibitor that Was Identified by Computational Screening

HIV-1 TAR RNA functions critically in viral replication by binding the transactivating regulatory protein Tat. We recently identified several compounds that experimentally inhibit the Tat-TAR interaction completely at a 100 nM concentration. We used computational screening of the 181,000-compound Available Chemicals Directory against the three-dimensional structure of TAR [1]. Here we report the NMR-derived structure of TAR complexed with acetylpromazine. This structure represents a new class of compounds with good bioavailability and low toxicity that bind with high affinity to TAR. NMR data unambiguously show that acetylpromazine binds only to the unique 5' bulge site to which the Tat protein binds. Specificity and affinity of binding are conferred primarily by a network of base stacking and hydrophobic interactions. Acetylpromazine alters the structure of free TAR less than Tat peptides and neomycin do.
Micro Credit in Chiapas, México: Poverty Reduction Through Group Lending

Micro Credit (MC) programs lend money to poor borrowers using innovative mechanisms such as group lending under joint liability while successfully accounting for the presence of asymmetric information in underdeveloped financial markets. MC programs have achieved what the conventional financial institutions and the government have not been able to: lend to the poor, impressive loan recuperation, and a positive impact in poverty reduction. This article analyzes the performance of ALSOL, an MC program in Chiapas, Mexico, for 2151 participants in urban and rural areas for the time period between July 2000 and July 2001. While loan recuperation is high (95%), administrative costs also remain high. Socially responsible lenders and donors play a key role in providing continuous funding to MC programs and assisting in reducing the level of poverty.
Periphyton Accumulation at Remote Reefs and Shoals in Lake Superior

Abstract Observations made from a submarine showed that the bed-rock surfaces at water depths of about 5 to 14 m on Stannard Rock and Superior Shoal in Lake Superior were covered with a dense, fleece-like blanket of periphyton. Examination of the periphyton revealed it consisted primarily of structurally complex, diverse, diatom communities, but occasional small thalli of the green algae Cladophora and Stigeoclonium were also noted. Extensive windrows of detritus-like material, apparently derived from the local periphyton community, were seen on soft bottoms at depths of about 20 to 60 m near the reefs. Our observations suggested that these periphyton communities may be locally important to the food web at these remote and oligotrophic sites, which are 22 to 77 km from the nearest mainland shore and are surrounded by water at least 140 m deep.
Sustained benefits of oral pentaerythritol tetranitrate on ventricular function in chronic congestive heart failure

The hemodynamic effects of a single oral dose of 80 mg of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) were determined over a 5-hr period in 16 patients with chronic congestive heart failure. PETN decreased (p < 0.05) pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (27 to 18 mm Hb), right atrial pressure (15 to 9 mm Hg), mean systemic arterial pressure (89 to 80 mm Hg), and systemic vascular resistance (1,812 to 1,466 dynes x sec x cm-5). There were increases (p < 0.01) in cardiac index (2.0 to 2.3 l/m2/min), stroke volume index (24 to 28 ml/m2), and stroke work index (25 to 31 gm-m/m2). Peak reduction in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure occurred 2 hr after PETN and hemodynamic effects were still apparent at 5 hr. In nine patients in whom left and right ventricular ejection fractions were determined by radionuclide ventriculography before and after PETN, no changes were found in left ventricular ejection fraction (0.20 to 0.22, p = NS) although there was a modest increase in right ventricular ejection fraction (0.29 to 0.34, p < 0.05). The data indicate that oral PTEN may induce beneficial effects on preload and afterload in congestive cardiac failure that may last 5 or more hours.
Unconditionally Stable ADI/Crank–Nicolson Implementation and Lossy Split Error Revisited

This paper first shows that the existing ADI and CN implementations initiated by Namiki , follows an indirect way of solving a linear system. The ADI and CN update equations can and should be implemented following the standard FDTD formulation where the update equations translate directly from Ampere's and Faraday's laws. The advantages leading to a more complete lossy split error analysis and possibilities of mitigating the numerical errors are also presented. In high loss applications the CN method greatly outperforms the ADI method in terms of accuracy. The root cause of the ADI degradation is discussed.
Movements of Pacific Salmon in Lake Ontario in Spring and Summer: Evidence for Wide Dispersal

ABSTRACT To determine spring and summer movements of Pacific salmon in Lake Ontario, 16 echo (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and 7 Chinook (Q, tshawytscha) salmon were radiotagged and tracked in 1984. Salmon dispersed widely along shore and throughout Lake Ontario, moving as far as 33 km/d and 500 km in 4 months. Salmon generally did not occupy near shore regions after temperatures exceeded 9–10 C, except where winds produced upwellings of cold water near shore in summer. There were no significant differences in distances moved, movement rates or average temperatures occupied by echo (4.0 ± 2.2 km/d, 0.62 ± 0.48 km/h, 9.3 ± 2.1 C) and Chinook (3.2 ± 2.7 km/d, 0.48 ± 0.04 km/h, 11.1 ± 1.9 C). Coho moved nearer to shore and occupied surface waters (r = 0.86) more often than chinook (r = 0.47). Temperatures when salmon were last found were significantly higher for chinook (12.3 ± 2.4 C) than for echo (9.7 ± 2.0 C). However, averaged over species, differences between average (10.1 ± 2.1 C) and last observed (10.7 ± 2....
COLLECTIVE ACTION AND RATIONAL CHOICE: PLACE, COMMUNITY, AND THE LIMITS TO INDIVIDUAL SELF-INTEREST.

AbstractDespite geographers' increasing concern with place-based politics, the effects of place-based social relations on collective political action remain largely untheorized. By emphasizing the free rider problem—why a rational, self-interested individual would engage in collective action when his/her impact is negligible and the benefits of collective action are public and free—rational choice theory correctly problematizes collective action. Its reliance on the essentialist homo economicus model of human nature, however, often leads to untenable solutions that do not consider nonstrategic forms of rationality, collective identity formation, and the crucial effects of place-specific social relations. Habermas's The Theory of Communicative Action, in contrast, provides a broader conception of rationality that recognizes communicative as well as strategic and instrumental forms of rationality and focuses on social interaction rather than on isolated individuals. Individuals reach common understandings, ...
Effect of controlled crystallization on the chemical durability of a lead-containing waste glass

A favourable microstructure was tailored by controlled crystallization of a quenched glass made of a combination of metal industry slags and a lead bisilicate frit. The frit was used to simulate a lead-containing waste. In the devitrified glass microstructure, lead-rich glassy pockets were contained in an akermanite (Ca2MgSi2O7) crystalline matrix. Leaching of lead was reduced by a factor of two as a result of devitrification processing; the low-lead crystalline matrix protected the lead-rich pockets from chemical attack.
Longitudinal Test of a Multiple Domain Model of Adolescent Condom Use

A comprehensive multiple domain model (MDM) to understand condom use in adolescents was proposed and tested using structural equation modeling of data at three time points. The proposed model integrates social psychological theory, demographic and personality factors, social environment, and situational/contextual variables. Adolescents who were sexually active at time 2 (6 months after baseline) and time 3 (1 year after time 2) and completed surveys at all three time points were included in the analyses (N = 511). An iterative process of model testing resulted in a structural equation model that provided a good fit to the data (CFI = .92, RMSEA = .04). Models comparing gender and race as moderators also were calculated and supported the generalizability of the model. Results provide support for an MDM that goes beyond traditional social psychological models for a broader understanding of condom use in adolescents. Implications for further theory testing and safer sexual interventions are discussed.
Effects of scale change on distance perception in virtual environments

We conducted a series of experiments to investigate effects of scale changes on distance perception in virtual environments. All experiments were carried out in an HMD. Participants first made distance estimates with feedback in a virtual tunnel (adaptation) and then made distance estimates without feedback in a differently-scaled virtual environment (test). We examined several types of scale changes, including changing the size of (1) the tunnel, (2) the targets, and (3) the separation of the two targets. Changes in target size always affected distance estimates at test. When the targets became smaller, participants overshot distance and when the targets became larger, participants undershot distance. Changes in the size of the tunnel or the separation between the targets (without a change in the size of the targets) had a minimal effect on distance estimates. These results indicate that distance estimates at test were strongly influenced by familiar size cues for distance. The discussion focuses on the stability of calibration processes and mechanisms for cue integration for perceiving distance in virtual environments.
The National Transonic Facility - Status and operational planning

The National Transonic Facility is scheduled to be completed in 1982. Several technical concerns remain, including thermal stress constraints which may limit the rate at which temperatures can be changed, seal performance in the cryogenic environment, and the tunnel process controls which could affect data acquisition rate. The current design affords the capability of dealing with all these concerns if they become problems. The outstanding instrument need is a real-time model surface deformation measurement system. Finally, an examination of the occupancy cost and the cost of liquid nitrogen for high Reynolds number tests indicates that operating costs should not be an inhibiting factor in the use of the facility.
Photocatalytic deposition of gold nanoparticles on electrospun nanofibers of titania

Abstract In this letter, we have demonstrated that gold nanostructures could be selectively deposited on electrospun titania nanofibers through the photocatalytic reduction of HAuCl4 in the presence of an organic capping reagent. Depending on the type and concentration of capping reagent used, gold nanoparticles, fractal nanosheets or nanowires could be obtained. This approach provides a simple route to fabricate metal-decorated titania nanofibers that hold much promise for use in catalysis and chemical sensing.
Wood and stem anatomy of Sarcobatus (Caryophyllales): systematic and ecological implications

xeric Chenopodiaceae (presence of vasicentric tracheids, narrow vessels, short vessel elements, numerous vessels per group, helical sculpturing of vessel walls), but these features could have evolved independently in both suborders. Nonbordered perforation plates, present in Sarcobatus, are widespread in Caryophyllales s.str. and may prove to be a defining feature for the recently expanded Caryophyllales together with the neighbouring order Santalales. A single-layered lateral meristem occurs in genera of Chenopodiinae with successive cambia, but also in genera of Phytolaccineae. Likewise, raylessness occurs in both suborders. Stem and wood anatomy does not provide decisive evidence for placement of Sarcobatus in Phytolaccineae, but it does not provide any evidence against that treatment.
Methods for the simultaneous measurement of pressure differentials and flow in single unbranched vessels of the microcirculation for rheological studies

Abstract Methods and illustrative applications for in vivo study of the rheological behavior of blood in the microcirculation are presented. Techniques were developed for the simultaneous measurement of pressure differential (drop) and red blood cell velocity in single unbranched microvessels ranging in luminal diameter from 7 to 54 μm. The servo-null micropressure technique was modified by hydraulically coupling two separate systems to a high-resolution differential pressure transducer to facilitate measurement of pressure drops to within ±0.02 cm H 2 O. Simultaneous flow measurements of red cells plus plasma were made by a variation of the “two-slit” photometric technique. Measurements of these parameters and vessel geometry (length and diameter) in the mesentery of the cat permitted computation of rheological parameters such as resistance, resistivity, “apparent viscosity,” and intravascular wall shear stress. The results indicate the persistence of a pulsatile component in pressure drop throughout all levels of the microvasculature. Apparent viscosity was found to increase dramatically in the “true capillaries,” from 1.0 to 5.6 cP, as luminal diameter decreased from 9 μm to the size of a red blood cell, nominally 7 μm. The concomitant rise in capillary wall shear stress was from 18 to 40 dynes/cm 2 . In larger microvessels, flow vs ΔP curves were established and found to be reasonably well represented by a Casson rheological model. Asymptotic apparent viscosities decreased from approximately 3.3 cP in arterioles and venules 45 to 54 μm in diameter to on the order of 2 cP in microvessels from 17 to 23 μm in diameter. For this illustrative sampling of data, wall shear stresses as great as 88 dynes/cm 2 were found in the immediate precapillary vessels, 23 μm in diameter.
Molar heat capacity at constant volume for air from 67 to 300 K at pressures to 35 MPa

Measurements of the molar heat capacity at constant volumeCv for air were conducted with an adiabatic calorimeter. Temperatures ranged from 67 to 300 K, and pressures ranged up to 35 MPa. Measurements were conducted at 17 densities which ranged from gas to highly compressed liquid states. In total, 227Cv values were obtained. The air sample was prepared gravimetrically from research purity gases resulting in a mole fraction composition of 0.78112 N2 + 0.20966 O2 + 0.00922 Ar. The primary sources of uncertainty are the estimated temperature rise and the estimated quantity of substance in the calorimeter. Overall, the uncertainty (± 2σ) of theCv values is estimated to be less than ± 2% for the gas and ±0.5% for the liquid.
Implementing Treatment Guidelines for Type 2 Diabetes in Primary Care

The task of managing the ever-growing problem of type 2 diabetes falls mainly to primary care physicians. The currently available guidelines from the American Diabetes Association and the American College of Endocrinology/American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists aim to improve glycemic control, thus reducing morbidity and mortality associated with this chronic and progressive disease. However, the guidelines differ markedly in focus and depth. This review provides a clear summary of the guidelines and recommends how they can be implemented at the primary care level, explaining the different treatment options and providing practical advice on how commonly encountered situations should be approached in clinical practice. There is also a troubleshooting section on how to overcome obstacles to optimum therapy, and details on implementation strategies that will encourage the aggressive, stringent, and patient-centered, treat-to-target approach recommended in the guidelines.
An Application of Attribute Theory to General Assembly Voting Patterns, and Some Implications

The primary purpose of this study' is to relate a large number of variables, pertaining to the national attributes of the members of the United Nations, to the voting patterns of these members in the 23rd (1968) and 24th (1969) sessions of the General Assembly. This effort may be viewed as a continuation of an earlier one entitled "Predicting Voting Patterns in the General Assembly,"2 based on 1961 and 1963 data.3 Such studies may have importance to notions developed under the titles of social field and attribute theory. More will be said on these implications shortly. In the previous study, mentioned above, "economic development," "democracy," and "U.S. relations" were found to have primary predictive relevance to voting behavior.4 It seems reasonable, therefore, to
A new tool for identifying discrepancies in postacute medications for community-dwelling older adults

Abstract Background: Despite a national focus on the problem of medication safety, few studies have examined the frequency, causes, and factors contributing to discrepancies between the medications prescribed in acute care settings and what elderly patients (age ≥65 years) actually take after their discharge. Objective: The aims of this study were to develop a new instrument, the Medication Discrepancy Tool (MDT), for use by multiple practitioners across the continuum of care and to assess the MDT's reliability among nurses, pharmacists, and physicians, all of whom play a part in the formulation and administration of medication regimens for patients in transition. Methods: The study was conducted in a vertically integrated health care system and at a geriatric clinic in an academic health center. We applied the MDT to a series of 20 clinical vignettes based on actual cases involving older patients discharged from a community hospital to home. The interrater reliability of the MDT was assessed by asking clinicians (2 home health care nurses, 2 doctoral-trained geriatric pharmacists, and 2 physicians) to use this tool to rate the clinical vignettes. Reliability comparisons were then made within and across clinical disciplines. Intrarater reliability was also determined. Results: Across all 3 clinical disciplines, the mean interrater reliability (κ) for the 20 vignettes was 0.56 (15% low agreement, 80% good agreement, and 5% excellent agreement). Within disciplines, the κ statistic was as follows: nurses, 0.68; pharmacists, 0.50; and physicians, 0.64. Intrarater reliability ranged from 0.58 to 0.69. Conclusions: By capturing transition-related medication discrepancies, the MDT fills an important gap in national efforts to promote patient safety. MDT items are actionable at both the patient and system level, suggesting that this tool could be used to foster continuous quality improvement efforts.
Algebraic and graph theoretic characterizations of structured flowchart schemes

Abstract The paper concerns the relationship between graph theoretic and algebraic properties of structured flowchart schemes. For each of ten classes of flowchart schemes defined algebraically, a graph theoretic property is given which characterizes this class. The classes include the Dijkstra schemes, Elgot's CACI and G -schemes, the reducible schemes and Kosaraju's BJn-schemes. For two classes of schemes defined by a graph theoretic property, an equivalent algebraic characterization is found.
On Non-Geostrophic Baroclinic Stability: Part III. The Momentum and Heat Transports

Abstract The results of Parts I and II are used to calculate the transports of heat and momentum that accompany growing baroclinic instabilities in Eady's model. The transports are calculated for both the conventional (“geostrophic”) kind of baroclinic instability and for symmetric instability, without any restriction on the stratification, as measured by the Richardson number. The transports are calculated consistently to second order in the amplitude expansion of stability theory, so that the transports are the sum of an eddy transport term and a mean transport term. The results show that both kinds of instability always transport heat upward and poleward, and always transport zonal momentum downward. Under geostrophic conditions the horizontal transport of zonal momentum depends on the horizontal shear of the basic flow. This shear is neglected in Eady's model so the horizontal momentum transports calculated here only contain the non-geostrophic contribution to the transport. The results show that this...
Closure of persistent tracheocutaneous fistula following ''starplasty'' tracheostomy in children

Summary Objective The “starplasty” technique of pediatric tracheostomy was introduced in 1990 as an alternative pediatric tracheostomy technique associated with several advantages. The only apparent drawback of this technique is the higher incidence of persistent tracheocutaneous fistula following decannulation. Several methods have been proposed for closure of persistent tracheocutaneous fistula in children, including fistulectomy with primary closure and fistulectomy with healing by secondary intent. Some authors advocate placement of a drain at the time of primary closure. We present our experience with closure of persistent tracheocutaneous fistula following starplasty in children over the past 15 years. Methods Ninety-six starplasty procedures were performed on 96 children from 1990 to present, all by the senior author or under the guidance of the senior author. Twenty-eight of these children have been decannulated. Three fistulas closed spontaneously following decannulation. Of the remaining 25 children, 13 have undergone surgical closure of the tracheocutaneous fistula by the senior author. All tracheocutaneous fistula closures were performed as a fistulectomy with primary closure in three layers. Drains were not used in any of the patients. Results There were three minor complications in the postoperative period (wound infection and airway granuloma) and no major complications. None of the patients have experienced any degree of airway stenosis and there was no need for a repeat tracheotomy in any of the tracheocutaneous fistula closure patients. The cosmetic results were deemed to be good. Conclusions “Starplasty” is a safe, reliable pediatric tracheostomy technique that has been shown to decrease the incidence of perioperative morbidity and mortality. The only drawback appears to be a high incidence of postoperative tracheocutaneous fistula. Our method of persistent tracheocutaneous fistula closure following starplasty is safe and effective, with no major complications and no incidence of postoperative airway narrowing.
Inflammatory modulation of HSCs: viewing the HSC as a foundation for the immune response

Cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems are the progeny of a variety of haematopoietic precursors, the most primitive of which is the haematopoietic stem cell. Haematopoietic stem cells have been thought of generally as dormant cells that are only called upon to divide under extreme conditions, such as bone marrow ablation through radiation or chemotherapy. However, recent studies suggest that haematopoietic stem cells respond directly and immediately to infections and inflammatory signals. In this Review, we summarize the current literature regarding the effects of infection on haematopoietic stem cell function and how these effects may have a pivotal role in directing the immune response from the bone marrow.
Phylogenetic Utility and Evidence for Multiple Copies of Elongation Factor-1α in the Spider Genus Habronattus (Araneae: Salticidae)

In the continuing quest for informative genes for use in molecular systematics, the protein-coding gene Elongation factor-1alpha (EF-1alpha) has rapidly become one of the most prevalent "single-copy" nuclear genes utilized, particularly in arthropods. This paper explores the molecular evolutionary dynamics and phylogenetic utility of EF-1alpha in the salticid spider genus Habronattus. As has been reported for other arthropod lineages, our studies indicate that multiple (two) copies of EF-1alpha exist in Habronattus. These copies differ in intron structure and thus in size, making it possible to easily separate PCR amplification products. We present data for an intronless EF-1alpha copy for three Habronattus species. The presence of nonsense mutations and generally elevated rates of amino acid change suggest that this copy is evolving under relaxed functional constraints in Habronattus. A larger taxon sample (50 species plus outgroups) is presented for an EF-1alpha copy that includes both intron and exon regions. Characteristics of both regions suggest that this is a functional, orthologous copy in the species sampled. Maximum-likelihood relative-rate comparisons show that exon third codon sites are evolving more than 100 times as fast as second codon sites in these sequences and that intron sites are evolving about twice as fast as exon third sites. In combination, the EF-1alpha data provide robust, species-level phylogenetic signal that is largely congruent with morphologically well supported areas of Habronattus phylogeny. The recovery of some novel clades, and the unexpected fragmentation of others, suggests areas requiring further phylogenetic attention.
High-affinity binding site for a specific nuclear protein in the human IgM gene

Nature 314, 289–292 (1985) Lines 8 and 9 of Fig. 3 should read "in the absence (lane 4) or presence (lane 3) of the".
The combinatorial synthesis and evaluation of functional materials

Abstract In order to increase the rate of materials discovery and optimization, as well as increase our understanding of increasingly complex modern materials, we have developed the strategyies and technologies for the combinatorial synthesis and evaluation of functional materials. In this approach large collections (libraries) of different materials are rapidly synthesized, processed and screened for specific properties of interest.
From The Fairground Booth to Futurism: The Sartorial and Material Estrangement of Masquerade

In the same way that the Futurists aggressively reworked the purpose of literary language, severing it from its representational responsibilities and freeing it from symbolic signification, avant-garde artists overturned assumptions about clothing and cosmetics. This article examines the unconventional, at times outlandish and subversive, strategies of representing, clothing and adorning the human body, such as those on display among members of the avant-garde in daily life, on the theater stage, and at costume balls of the period. It focuses on the trope of paper/cardboard costumes and proxies in Blok's The Fairground Booth, the Paper Ball organized to celebrate the play's premier, Mayakovsky's Vladimir Mayakovsky: A Tragedy, and the real-life costume balls taking place in Moscow and St. Petersburg. It argues that the avant-garde reconceptualization of physical appearance and treatment of the body as an artistic canvas relied on the principle of applying or using materials unexpectedly, thereby disrupting traditional, culturally determined assumptions about aesthetics and form-function relationships.
Synthesis of a new bisbinaphthyl macrocycle for enantioselective fluorescent recognition

Condensation of the acyclic (S)-bisbinaphthyl dialdehdye (S)-7 with one equivalent of (R,R)-1,2-diphenylethylene diamine leads to the formation of a new bisbinaphthyl macrocycle, (S)-3. This compound is an analog of the previously reported bisbinaphthyl macrocycle (S)-1. Although (S)-3 only contains half of the functional groups of (S)-1, it still shows significant enantioselectivity in the fluorescent recognition of mandelic acid. An ef of up to four has been observed, which is much higher than the acyclic analog (S)-2. This study provides a better understanding of this class of chiral fluorophores.
Cell-free transfer of the vesicular stomatitis virus G protein from an endoplasmic reticulum compartment of baby hamster kidney cells to a rat liver Golgi apparatus compartment for Man8-9 to Man5 processing.

Abstract We report the reconstitution of the transfer of a membrane glycoprotein (vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein, VSV-G protein) from endoplasmic reticulum to Golgi apparatus and its subsequent Man8-9GlcNAc2 to Man5GlcNAc2 processing in a completely cell-free system. The acceptor was Golgi apparatus from rat liver immobilized on nitrocellulose. The endoplasmic reticulum donor was from homogenates of VSV-G-infected BHK cells. Nucleoside triphosphate plus cytosol-dependent transfer and processing of radiolabeled VSV-G protein was observed with donor from BHK cells infected at 37°C with wild-type VSV or at the permissive temperature of 34°C with the ts045 mutant. With Golgi apparatus as acceptor, specific transfer at 37°C in the presence of nucleoside triphosphate was eightfold that at 4°C or in the absence of ATP. About 40% of the VSV-G protein transferred was processed to the Man5GlcNAc2 form. Processing was specific for cis Golgi apparatus fractions purified by preparative free-flow electrophoresis. Fractions derived from the trans Golgi apparatus were inactive in processing. With the ts045 temperature-sensitive mutant, transfer and processing were much reduced even in the complete system when microsomes were from cells infected with mutant virus and incubated at the restrictive temperature of 39.5°C but were able to proceed at the permissive temperature of 34°C. Thus, Man8-9GlcNAc2 to Man5GlcNAc2 processing of VSV-G protein occurs following transfer in a completely cell-free system using immobilized intact Golgi apparatus or cis Golgi apparatus cisternae as the acceptor and shows temperature sensitivity, donor specificity, requirement for ATP, and response to inhibitors similar to those exhibited by transfer and processing of VSV-G protein in vivo.
Longitudinal Gompertzian analysis of adult mortality in the U.S. 1900-1986.

Analysis of mortality data for the United States from 1900 through 1986 demonstrates near perfect Gompertzian mortality rate distributions for adult American men and women. In the U.S. between 1900 and 1986, annual age-adjusted mortality rate distributions were determined by a fixed common intersect point (for men, the mortality rate at age 87.41 years was 18,810/100,000; for women, the extrapolated mortality rate at age 108.69 years was 75,365/100,000) and a variable environmental factor. Despite living in the same environment, the environmental factor contributing to adult mortality is at present significantly less for women than men. However, analysis predicts that in an environment less conducive to human survival than has existed in the United States during this century, the environmental factor contributing to adult mortality was less for men than women. The study further implies that as the environment becomes more favorable for human survival, men will experience an effective lowering of their theoretical maximal life span toward a limit of 87.4 years. The calculated maximal life span for men has already decreased 7 years during this century. This negative effect of a more favorable environment also occurs in women, although the theoretical maximal life span in women is lowered only toward a limit of 108.7 years.
Computed Tomography-Based Anatomic Assessment Overestimates Local Tumor Recurrence in Patients With Mass-like Consolidation After Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Purpose To investigate pulmonary radiologic changes after lung stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), to distinguish between mass-like fibrosis and tumor recurrence. Methods and Materials Eighty consecutive patients treated with 3- to 5-fraction SBRT for early-stage peripheral non-small cell lung cancer with a minimum follow-up of 12 months were reviewed. The mean biologic equivalent dose received was 150 Gy (range, 78-180 Gy). Patients were followed with serial CT imaging every 3 months. The CT appearance of consolidation was defined as diffuse or mass-like. Progressive disease on CT was defined according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1. Positron emission tomography (PET) CT was used as an adjunct test. Tumor recurrence was defined as a standardized uptake value equal to or greater than the pretreatment value. Biopsy was used to further assess consolidation in select patients. Results Median follow-up was 24 months (range, 12.0-36.0 months). Abnormal mass-like consolidation was identified in 44 patients (55%), whereas diffuse consolidation was identified in 12 patients (15%), at a median time from end of treatment of 10.3 months and 11.5 months, respectively. Tumor recurrence was found in 35 of 44 patients with mass-like consolidation using CT alone. Combined with PET, 10 of the 44 patients had tumor recurrence. Tumor size (hazard ratio 1.12, P =.05) and time to consolidation (hazard ratio 0.622, P =.03) were predictors for tumor recurrence. Three consecutive increases in volume and increasing volume at 12 months after treatment in mass-like consolidation were highly specific for tumor recurrence (100% and 80%, respectively). Patients with diffuse consolidation were more likely to develop grade ≥2 pneumonitis (odds ratio 26.5, P =.02) than those with mass-like consolidation (odds ratio 0.42, P =.07). Conclusion Incorporating the kinetics of mass-like consolidation and PET to the current criteria for evaluating posttreatment response will increase the likelihood of correctly identifying patients with progressive disease after lung SBRT.
Host Specificity of S. scabiei var. canis (Acari: Sarcoptidae) and the Role of Host Odor

Unsuccessful attempted transfers of Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis from one host species to another indicate that permanent transfer does not occur readily, even among animals that may interact closely. Permanent infestations of S. scabiei var. canis could not be established on sheep, goat, calf, or cat hosts. However, permanent infestations were established on the laboratory rabbit, and temporary infestations lasted at least 10 wk on some other atypical hosts. Temporarily infested atypical hosts could serve as temporary reservoirs of S. scabiei for natural hosts. In behavioral-choice experiments, S. scabiei var. canis responded to odors of hosts on which it could not become established. These results indicate that host odor is not a factor that determines host specificity.
Genomic evidence of rapid, global-scale gene flow in a Sulfolobus species

Local populations of Sulfolobus islandicus diverge genetically with geographical separation, and this has been attributed to restricted transfer of propagules imposed by the unfavorable spatial distribution of acidic geothermal habitat. We tested the generality of genetic divergence with distance in Sulfolobus species by analyzing genomes of Sulfolobus acidocaldarius drawn from three populations separated by more than 8000 km. In sharp contrast to S. islandicus, the geographically diverse S. acidocaldarius genomes proved to be nearly identical. We could not link the difference in genome conservation between the two species to a corresponding difference in genome stability or ecological factors affecting propagule dispersal. The results provide the first evidence that genetic isolation of local populations does not result primarily from properties intrinsic to Sulfolobus and the severe discontinuity of its geothermal habitat, but varies with species, and thus may reflect biotic interactions that act after propagule dispersal.
Analysis of Travelling-Wave Inverted-Gate Field-Effect Transistors

A unified approach to the analysis the traveling-wave Inverted-Gate FET (INGFET) is presented. The equivalent circuit parameters of the GaAs Inverted-Gate FET, with submicron gate-length, is obtained using a two-dimensional computer model which takes into account the non-stationary electron dynamics. The parameters of the passive transmission line, corresponding to the INGFET, are obtained using a quasi-TEM wave approach. The conductor losses of this structure are estimated using the Incremental-Inductance Rule. The coupled mode theory is used to derive the wave equation describing this traveling-wave transistor. The results show the existence of a fast growing mode along the device electrodes. It is also shown that this mode can be excited alone by appropriate matching and feeding arrangements. Improper matching and feeding lead to a narrower bandwidth due to the resonance phenomenon of the resulting standing wave.
Marine natural products-inspired phenylmethylene hydantoins with potent in vitro and in vivo antitumor activities via suppression of Brk and FAK signaling

Breast and prostate cancers are among the most common cancers worldwide with devastating statistics for the metastatic, chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-resistant phenotypes. Novel therapies interfering with new and/or multiple pathways involved in the pathology of cancer are urgently needed. Preliminary results showed that the marine natural product Z-4-hydroxyphenylmethylene hydantoin (PMH, ) and its 4-ethylthio-analog (SEth, ) promoted tight junction formation and showed anti-invasive and anti-migratory activities in vitro against metastatic prostate cancer cells and inhibited tumor growth and micrometastases in distant organs in orthotopic and transgenic mice models. This study focuses on the design and synthesis of second-generation PMHs with enhanced antitumor activities. A series of substituted benzaldehydes was selected based on earlier SAR studies and reacted with hydantoin to yield 11 new compounds . Compounds were evaluated for their antiproliferative, antimigratory and anti-invasive properties in vitro against the human mammary and prostate cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and PC-3, respectively. A Western blot analysis of the most active analog showed its ability to suppress the expression of the total levels of c-Met and FAK, with subsequent reduction of their phosphorylated (activated) levels in MDA-MB-231 cells. In addition, also inhibited Brk, paxillin and Rac1 phosphorylation. was formulated using hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin (HPCD) to improve its solubility and was further evaluated in a nude mice xenograft model using MDA-MB-231/GFP cells. PMH reduced breast tumor growth and suppressed Ki-67, CD31, p-Brk and p-FAK expression in tumor samples. Thus, is a potential lead for the control of invasive breast malignancies.
A single-step polymerization method for poly(β-amino ester) biodegradable hydrogels

Abstract A novel one-step method for the preparation of poly(β-amino ester) hydrogels has been developed. The one-step method utilizes a Michael type addition reaction between a difunctional diacrylate and a tetrafunctional primary diamine to create a crosslinked biodegradable hydrogel. It was shown that the molar ratio of the reactive acrylate to amine controlled the extent of polymerization and crosslinking density of the hydrogel system, which enabled for the end properties of the network (e.g., swelling, degradation, and mechanical) to be tuned.
Shear Flow Generation in Stellarators - Configurational Variations

Plasma momentum transport within magnetic surfaces plays a fundamental role in a number of toroidal plasma physics issues, such as turbulence suppression, impurity transport, bootstrap current generation and the shielding of resonant magnetic error field perturbations. Stellarators provide opportunities for improved understanding of plasma flow effects because (a) new forms of quasi-symmetry (e.g. helical, poloidal) can be produced that differ significantly from the tokamak and (b) symmetry-breaking effects (always present to some degree) reduce the close coupling between parallel and cross-field transport characteristics of symmetric systems. External control coils can also be used to further enhance or suppress such effects. A method has been developed to evaluate the variation of neoclassical self-generated plasma flows in stellarators both within and across magnetic surfaces. This introduces a new dimension into both the optimization of stellarators and to the improved understanding of the existing confinement database. Application of this model to a range of configurations indicates that flow directionality and shearing rates are significantly influenced by the magnetic structure. In addition, it is demonstrated that flows in stellarators are sensitive to profile effects and the presence of external momentum sources, such as neutral beams.
Model-Driven Development with eUML-ARC

Model-Driven Development (MDD) with eUML-ARC uses a synthesis of executable UML and the ARC (Agent, Role, Coordination) programming model. An entity in the ARC model is composed of concurrent role-based agents, enabling collaboration-based design and exposing both inter-entity and intra-entity parallelism, thereby facilitating the development of software systems that execute efficiently on multi-core hardware. Concurrency in eUML-ARC is based on the Actor model, which provides a simpler and more formal treatment of concurrency than found in standard UML or other approaches to executable UML. The coordination required by collaboration-based designs is separated from other computation and enacted by coordination agents upon coordinated role-based agents. In this paper, we examine the distinguishing features of the eUML-ARC approach to MDD, including the support for hierarchical state machines, the simplified concurrency model, the structure of the ARC model, and coordination viewed as an orthogonal concern. As a case study, a benchmark system is specified as an eUML-ARC model and deployed to a multi-core computer.
Power-Efficient and High-Performance Multi-level Hybrid Nanophotonic Interconnect for Multicores

Network-on-Chips (NoCs) are becoming the defacto standard for interconnecting the increasing number of cores in chip multiprocessors (CMPs) by overcoming the scalability and wire delay problems of shared buses. However, recent research has shown that future NoCs will be limited by power dissipation and reduced performance forcing architects to explore other technologies that are complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) compatible. In this paper, we propose ET-PROPEL (Extended Token based Photonic Reconfigurable On-Chip Power and Area-Efficient Links) architecture to utilize the emerging nanophotonic technology to design a high-bandwidth, low latency and low power multi-level hybrid interconnect that balances cost and performance. We develop our interconnect at three levels: at the first level (x) we design a fully connected network for exploiting locality; at the second level(y), we design a shared channel using optical tokens to reduce power while providing full connectivity and at the third level (z), we propose a novel nanophotonic crossbar that provides scalable bisection bandwidth. The first two levels are combined into T-PROPEL(token-PROPEL, 64 cores) and four separate T-PROPELs are combined into ET-PROPEL (256 cores). We have simulated both T-PROPEL and ET-PROPEL using synthetic and SPLASH-2 traffic, where our results indicate that T-PROPEL and ET-PROPEL significantly reduce power(10-fold) and increase performance (3-fold) over other well known electrical and photonic networks.
The role of work identity in women's adjustment to divorce.

A study of the role of employment in the divorce adjustment of 40 women found work identity to be associated with higher self-esteem and lower distress. Four established components of work identity-meaningfulness, social interaction/support, productivity, and positive distraction-were assessed via qualitative analyses ; links among various life contexts were examined ; and postdivorce changes explored. Results support the role of work identity in divorced women's adjustment.
Contaminant levels in colonial waterbirds from Green Bay and Lake Michigan, 1975-80

Residues of organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), polychlorinated styrenes (PCSs), and mercury were measured in the eggs of 10 species of colonial waterbirds nesting in areas around Green Bay or Lake Michigan from 1975 to 1980. Residues also were measured in the carcasses and brains of black-crowned night-herons (Nycticorax nycticorax). The highest residues were of PCBs, DDE, mercury, and dieldrin; for some species, levels of these chemicals possibly were high enough to have caused reproductive effects. Other organochlorine pesticides were found at low levels. Only trace amounts of PCSs and PBBs were found. Eggs of herring gulls (Larus argentatus) collected in 1977 from an island in Lake Michigan contained an average of 100 ppm PCBs and 33 ppm DDE; this was the most-contaminated species. Cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis), the only bird that is not a fish eater, contained only small quantities of DDE and mercury.
Land as fictitious commodity: the continuing evolution of women's land rights in Uganda

In sub-Saharan Africa, colonial influences have altered traditional practices as a way to manage that which Polanyi labeled as ‘fictitious commodities’ of land, labor, and money. Land has now become a highly marketable commodity and an intrinsic part of the global economy. Over the past century, Uganda's land rights have evolved from communal rights to that of male-dominated, individual ownership practices that have excluded women. Despite constitutional provisions, which confer title of both a deceased husband's property rights and equal rights to property within a marriage to a wife, postcolonial patriarchal tradition prevails. This article examines historical changes in land rights in Uganda and discusses the impact of shifts in land rights from communal ownership to individual tenure, altering power structures and attempting to create marketable land title. The Ugandan women's movement's opposition to policies and implementation of laws that exclude women has been unable to facilitate the required cha...
Autonomous pedestrian localization technique using CMOS camera sensors

We present a pedestrian localization technique that does not need infrastructure. The proposed angle-only measurement method needs specially manufactured shoes. Each shoe has two CMOS cameras and two markers such as LEDs attached on the inward side. The line of sight (LOS) angles towards the two markers on the forward shoe are measured using the two cameras on the other rear shoe. Our simulation results shows that a pedestrian walking down in a shopping mall wearing this device can be accurately guided to the front of a destination store located 100m away, if the floor plan of the mall is available.
Transcriptional Organization and Physiological Contributions of the relQ Operon of Streptococcus mutans

The molecular alarmone (p)ppGpp functions as a global regulator of gene expression in bacteria. In Streptococcus mutans, (p)ppGpp synthesis is catalyzed by three gene products: RelA, RelP, and RelQ. RelA is responsible for (p)ppGpp production during a stringent response, and RelP is the primary source of (p)ppGpp during exponential growth, but the role of RelQ has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we analyzed the four-gene relQ operon to establish how these gene products may affect homeostasis and stress tolerance in the dental caries pathogen S. mutans. Northern blotting and reverse transcriptase PCR demonstrated that relQ is cotranscribed with the downstream genes ppnK (NAD kinase), rluE (pseudouridine synthase), and pta (phosphotransacetylase). In addition, a promoter located within the rluE gene was shown to drive transcription of pta. Inactivation of relQ, ppnK, or rluE did not significantly affect growth of or stress tolerance by S. mutans, whereas strains lacking pta were more sensitive to acid and oxidative stresses. Interestingly, introduction of an rluE deletion into the pta mutant reversed the deleterious effects of the pta mutation on growth and stress tolerance. Accumulation of (p)ppGpp was also decreased in a pta mutant strain, whereas inactivation of relQ caused enhanced (p)ppGpp synthesis in exponential-phase cells. The results reveal an important role for the relQ operon in the expression of traits that are essential for persistence and pathogenesis by S. mutans and provide evidence for a molecular connection of acetate and (p)ppGpp metabolism with tolerance of acid and oxidative stresses.