cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synonymous Mutation Generator: a web tool for designing RNAi-resistant sequences

Abstract RNA interference (RNAi) is a useful technique for knocking down a protein of interest, allowing for the study of the function of a gene product. However, RNAi techniques are prone to off-target effects, such as non-specific knockdown of genes besides the protein of interest. An important control and companion to RNAi knockdown experiments is the rescue experiment, wherein gene function is restored by expression of an RNAi-resistant construct of the protein of interest. Generating an RNAi-resistant construct of the protein of interest involves generating silent mutations within the coding sequence of the protein so that the resulting amino acid product is the same, but the protein mRNA is no longer a target for the RNAi. Here, Synonymous Mutation Generator, a Python-based web tool that takes an input DNA coding sequence and outputs a synonymous DNA coding sequence that is RNAi-resistant, is described. This web tool should be a useful resource for researchers cloning RNAi-resistant constructs. Synonymous Mutation Generator is easy to use and can be found at jong2.pythonanywhere.com, and the source code is available on GitHub.
Robust Deep Learning for IC Test Problems

Numerous machine learning (ML), and more recently, deep learning (DL) based approaches, have been proposed to tackle scalability issues in electronic design automation, including those in integrated circuit (IC) test. This paper examines state-of-the-art DL for IC test and highlights two critical unaddressed challenges. The first challenge involves identifying fit-for-purpose statistical metrics to train and evaluate ML model performance and usefulness in IC test. Our work shows that current metrics do not reflect how well ML models have learned to generalize and perform in the domain-specific context. From this insight, we propose and evaluate alternative metrics that better capture a model’s likely usefulness in the IC test problem. The second challenge is to choose an appropriate input abstraction so as to enable an ML model to learn robust and reliable features. We investigate how well DL for IC test techniques generalize by exploring their robustness to perturbations that alter a netlist’s structure but do not alter its functionality. This paper provides insights into challenges via empirical evaluation of the state-ofthe- art and offers guidance for future work.
Structure–activity relationship investigation of triazole-based kappa opioid receptor agonists

Select triazole-based small molecules possess potent and selective kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonism. Here, we designed twenty new analogs to investigate the structure–activity relationship effects for all three functional groups attached to the triazole core. We identified specific groups that are critical for KOR potency and further extended the range of moieties explored. These efforts revealed analogs with potency on par with our lead triazole probe molecule, Triazole 1.1, in addition to analogs possessing a spectrum of less potent KOR agonist activity.
An engineer's guide to eXplainable Artificial Intelligence and Interpretable Machine Learning: Navigating causality, forced goodness, and the false perception of inference

Abstract While artificial intelligence (AI), and by extension machine learning (ML), continues to be adopted in parallel engineering disciplines, the integration of AI/ML into the structural engineering domain remains minutus. This resistance towards AI and ML primarily stems from two folds: 1) the fact that coding/programming is not a frequent element in structural engineering curricula, and 2) these methods are displayed as blackboxes; the opposite of that often favored by structural engineering education and industry (i.e., testing, empirical analysis, numerical simulation, etc.). Naturally, structural engineers are reluctant to leverage AI/ML during their tenure as such technology is viewed as opaque. In the rare instances of engineers adopting AI/ML, a clear emphasis is displayed towards chasing goodness metrics to imply “viable” inference. However, and just like the notion of correlation does not infer causation, forced goodness is prone to indicate a false sense of inference. To overcome this challenge, this paper advocates for a modern form of AI, one that is humanly explainable; thereby eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) and interpretable machine learning (IML). Thus, this work dives into the inner workings of a typical analysis to demystify how AI/ML model predictions can be evaluated and interpreted through a collection of agnostic methods (e.g., feature importance, partial dependence plots, feature interactions, SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations), and surrogates) via a thorough examination of a case study carried out on a comprehensive database compiled on reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite laminates. In this case study, three algorithms, namely: Extreme Gradient Boosted Trees (ExGBT), Light gradient boosted trees (LGBT), and Keras Deep Neural Networks (KDNN), are applied to predict the maximum moment capacity of FRP-strengthened beams and the propensity of the FRP system to fail under various mechanisms. Finally, a philosophical engineering perspective into future research directions pertaining to this domain is presented and articulated.
A Cross-Sectional Study of the Relationship Between Abomasal Displacement or Volvulus and Hypocalcemia in Dairy Cattle

The purpose of this study was to compare total serum calcium concentrations of cows diagnosed with abomasal displacement or volvulus with that of unaffected cows from the same herds.
Cellular Effects of 2´,3´-Cyclic Nucleotide Monophosphates in Gram-Negative Bacteria.

Organismal adaptations to environmental stimuli are governed by intracellular signaling molecules such as nucleotide second messengers. Recent studies have identified functional roles for the non-canonical 2´,3´-cyclic nucleotide monophosphates (2´,3´-cNMPs) in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. In Escherichia coli, 2´,3´-cNMPs are produced by RNase I-catalyzed RNA degradation, and these cyclic nucleotides modulate biofilm formation through unknown mechanisms. The present work dissects cellular processes in E. coli and Salmonella Typhimurium that are modulated by 2´,3´-cNMPs through the development of cell-permeable 2´,3´-cNMP analogs and a 2´,3´-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase. Utilization of these chemical and enzymatic tools, in conjunction with phenotypic and transcriptomic investigations, identified pathways regulated by 2´,3´-cNMPs, including flagellar motility and biofilm formation, and by oligoribonucleotides with 3'-terminal 2´,3´-cyclic phosphates, including responses to cellular stress. Furthermore, interrogation of metabolomic and organismal databases has identified 2´,3´-cNMPs in numerous organisms and homologs of the E. coli metabolic proteins that are involved in key eukaryotic pathways. Thus, the present work provides key insights into the roles of these understudied facets of nucleotide metabolism and signaling in prokaryotic physiology and suggest broad roles for 2´,3´-cNMPs among bacteria and eukaryotes. IMPORTANCE Bacteria adapt to environmental challenges by producing intracellular signaling molecules which control downstream pathways and alter cellular processes for survival. Nucleotide second messengers serve to transduce extracellular signals and regulate a wide array of intracellular pathways. Recently, 2´,3´-cyclic nucleotide monophosphates (2´,3´-cNMPs) were identified for contributing to the regulation of cellular pathways in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. In this study we define previously unknown cell processes that are affected by fluctuating 2´,3´-cNMP levels or RNA oligomers with 2´,3´-cyclic phosphate termini in E. coli and Salmonella Typhimurium, providing a framework for studying novel signaling networks in prokaryotes. Furthermore, we utilize metabolomics databases to identify additional prokaryotic and eukaryotic species that generate 2´,3´-cNMPs as a resource for future studies.
Greedy Approximation with Respect to the Trigonometric System

The trigonometric system is a classical system that inspired the creation of wonderful deep theories and proofs of a myriad of beautiful difficult theorems. In this chapter we present some results on greedy approximation with respect to the trigonometric system.
Soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics as affected by lipid-extracted algae application

Abstract Algae are being intensively researched as a potential bioenergy feedstock. Although algae are more productive per area of cultivation compared to first-generation biofuel feedstocks, its production may not be economically sustainable without high-value coproducts. One of many possible coproducts is algal residue following lipid extraction that might be used as a soil amendment for agricultural production. This experiment was aimed at determining, under laboratory conditions, the effects of lipid-extracted algae (LEA) ( Nannochloropsis salina ) amendment on soil C and N mineralization, soil microbial biomass, and soil pH and salinity over time. Soil organic C measured 392-d after amending soil with 1.5% or 3.0% LEA (dry weight basis) was increased by approximately 0.2% and 0.3% organic C (OC), respectively, compared to the control. Approximately 50% of added LEA-C was mineralized compared with 65% of added wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) straw-C. Lipid-extracted algae application may be one means of increasing OC; however, problems with excess soil salinity, sodicity, and nitrate-N may occur at high (3.0% or greater) addition rates.
The statistics of NBTI-induced V/sub T/ and /spl beta/ mismatch shifts in pMOSFETs

Negative bias temperature instability (NBTI) is a pFET degradation mechanism that can result in threshold voltage shifts up to 100 mV or more, even in very thin oxide devices. Since analog circuits that utilize matched pairs of devices, such as current mirrors and differential pairs, generally depend on V/sub T/ matching considerably better than this, NBTI-induced V/sub T/ mismatch shift may represent a serious reliability concern for CMOS analog applications. Furthermore, induced /spl beta/ mismatch shift (affecting drain current level at a fixed gate overdrive voltage) may also impact drain current and transconductance mismatch. In this paper, experimental results of the statistics and scaling properties of NBTI-induced V/sub T/ and /spl beta/ mismatch shifts in saturation, and models describing these results, are presented.
Quasiparticle calculations in solids

This chapter provides an overview of quasiparticle calculations in solids, and, in particular, the GW approximation (GWA). A successful approximation for the determination of excited states of solids is based on the quasiparticle concept and the Green function method. The Coulomb repulsion between electrons leads to a depletion of negative charge around a given electron, and the ensemble of this electron and its surrounding positive screening charge forms a quasiparticle. The mathematical description of quasiparticles is based on the single-particle Green function (G), whose exact determination requires complete knowledge of the quasiparticle self-energy ∑. The self-energy ∑ is a non-Hermitian, energy-dependent, nonlocal operator that describes exchange and correlation effects beyond the Hartree approximation. A determination of the self-energy can only be approximate, and a working scheme for the quantitative calculation of excitation energies in metals, semiconductors, and insulators is the so-called dynamically screened interaction or the GWA. The chapter also discusses (1) the physics and extensions of the GWA; (2) numerical aspects of GWA calculations; (3) applications of the GWA to semiconductors, insulators and metals; and (4) the relevance of GWA calculations to optical response. Finally, the chapter presents parallel algorithms both for reciprocal and real-space/imaginary-time GWA calculations and several alternative methods to determine excited states of solids within density functional theory.
Robust system identification for non-persistently exciting input signals

The performance of adaptive identification algorithms is constrained by the spectral characteristics of the input signals. Too few frequency components may result in parameter wander, and possible instability. Direct sequence spread-spectrum techniques may be used to increase the spectral richness of the training signal. Computer simulations of gradient descent algorithms for FIR (finite impulse response) and IR (infinite impulse response) systems indicate that parameter wander is eliminated and the rate of convergence is dramatically increased. The convergence of least squares algorithms is unaffected, but it is conjectured that their numerical properties are improved. >
Statistical Prediction of the Outcome of a Noncooperative Game

Conventionally, game theory predicts that the joint mixed strategy of players in a noncooperative game will satisfy some equilibrium concept. Relative probabilities of the joint strategies satisfying the concept are unspecified, and all strategies not satisfying it are assigned probability zero. As an alternative, we recast the prediction problem of game theory as statistically estimating the joint strategy, from "data" that consists of the game specification. This replaces the focus of game theory, on specifying a set of "equilibrium" mixed strategies, with a new focus, on specifying a probability density over all mixed strategies. We explore a Bayesian version of such a Predictive Game Theory (PGT). We show that for some games the peaks of the posterior over joint strategies approximate quantal response equilibria. We also show how PGT provides a best single prediction for any noncooperative game, i.e., a universal refinement. We also show how regulators can use PGT to make optimal decisions in situations where conventional game theory cannot provide advice.
The urodele limb regeneration blastema: A self-organizing system: II. Morphogenesis and differentiation of autografted whole and fractional blastemas☆

Abstract Whole limb blastemas of larval Ambystoma maculatum (Shaw) were autografted to the dorsal fin, with or without stump, in order to determine the extent of their ability to self-organize. In addition, proximal and distal fractions and longitudinal fractions of blastemas were autografted to the dorsal fin in order to determine whether the separate fractions would develop autonomously as specific parts of the total regenerate which would normally have been formed in situ . Autografts of all stages of whole blastemas were able to self-organize into all the skeletal and muscular components of the lost limb parts distal to the amputation plane in the absence of the stump. Fractional parts of the blastema were able to develop autonomously into separate parts of the total regenerate corresponding to the level of the blastema from which they were obtained, providing their developmental stability was unaltered by the influence of fresh wound epithelium migrating over the graft. It has been concluded that the blastema, at least from the cone stage on, contains a pattern of discrete and separate parts which make up a wholly self-organizing system.
PEP-II prototype klystron

A 540-kW continuous-wave (cw) klystron operating at 476 MHz was developed for use as a power source for testing PEP-II RF accelerating cavities and RF windows. It also serves as a prototype for a 1.2 MW cw klystron presently being developed as a potential RF source for asymmetric colliding ring use. The design incorporates the concepts and many of the parts used in the original 353 MHz PEP klystron developed sixteen years ago. The superior computer simulation codes available today result in improved performance with the cavity frequencies, drift lengths, and output circuit optimized for the higher frequency. The design and operating results of this tube are described with particular emphasis on the factors which affect efficiency and stability. >
Brouwer Fixed Point Theory

A topological space Y has the fixed point property, abbreviated fpp, if every map (continuous function) f : Y → Y has a fixed point, that is, f(y) = y for some y ∈ Y. The fixed point property is a topological property in the sense that it is preserved by homeomorphisms. That is, it’s easy to see that if a space Y has the fpp and Z is homeomorphic to Y, then Z also has the fpp. The Schauder fixed point theorem, quoted in Chapter 1 as the key to the topological proof of the Cauchy-Peano theorem, states that a compact, convex subset of a normed linear space has the fpp. We’ll prove the Schauder theorem, along with a very useful extension of it, in Chapter 4. The proof is accomplished in two steps: first prove a finite-dimensional version of Schauder’s theorem, then generalize to normed linear spaces in general. This chapter will be devoted to the first of these steps.
On the masses of giant molecular cloud complexes

A method of mass estimation for molecular clouds is presented which is based on approximate balance in the outer cloud layers between the cloud's gravitation, the galactic tide, and internal pressure. The largest observed clouds, which have greatest linear extents of 100 pc, are found to have masses of at least 200,000 solar masses. The cloud masses cannot exceed this lower limit by more than a factor of 3, or the velocity distributions of disk stars would be more relaxed than is actually observed. This implied upper limit to cloud masses combined with the galactic tide may be related to the absence of clouds at galactocentric radii less than 4 kpc. If Sagittarius B2 is bound, its mass must be more than 50 million solar masses.
The Artistic Evolution of David's Oath

Of all the paintings executed by Jacques-Louis David, probably the best known is the Oath of the Horatii (Fig. 1). During its day it created a tremendous stir among both amateur art lovers and critics. While there have been papers written on the origins of the theme of the Oath of the Horatii and the handling of the composition, the evolution of the painting from its genesis to its completion has not as yet been thoroughly investigated. The rational, creative, and thinking processes of this famous Neoclassic French painter are significant. In the present paper we shall attempt to study the reasons for the successive changes David made in the preliminary sketches of the work.
Multi-scale engineering of plant cell cultures for promotion of specialized metabolism.

To establish plant culture systems for product synthesis, a multi-scale engineering approach is necessary. At the intracellular level, the influx of ‘omics’ data has necessitated development of new methods to properly annotate and establish useful metabolic models that can be applied to elucidate unknown steps in specialized metabolite biosynthesis, define effective metabolic engineering strategies and increase enzyme diversity available for synthetic biology platforms. On an intercellular level, the presence of aggregates in culture leads to distinct metabolic sub-populations. Recent advances in flow cytometric analyses and mass spectrometry imaging allow for resolution of metabolites on the single cell level, providing an increased understanding of culture heterogeneity. Finally, extracellular engineering can be used to enhance culture performance through media manipulation, co-culture with bacteria, the use of exogenous elicitors or modulation of shear stress.
Model-based color halftoning using direct binary search

In this paper, we develop a model based color halftoning method using the direct binary search (DBS) algorithm. Our method strives to minimize the perceived error between the continuous tone original color image and the color halftone image. We exploit the differences in low human viewers respond to luminance and chrominance information and use the total squared error in a luminance/chrominance based space as our metric. Starting with an initial halftone, we minimize this error metric using the DBS algorithm. Our method also incorporates a measurement based color printer dot interaction model to prevent the artifacts due to dot overlap and to improve color texture quality. We calibrate our halftoning algorithm to ensure accurate colorant distributions in resulting halftones. We present the color halftones which demonstrate the efficacy of our method.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Oligométastases : prise en charge thérapeutique à visée curative ? Radiofréquence pulmonaire

Resume L’ablation tumorale percutanee consiste a detruire une tumeur par des modifications de temperature. Ce que permettent ces techniques peu invasives c’est de traiter efficacement des tumeurs tout en epargnant le parenchyme non tumoral. La faible morbidite est un atout essentiel pour la prise en charge des patients metastatiques dont la maladie est lentement evolutive, et qui necessiteront souvent plusieurs temps de traitement local. La taille de la tumeur et son emplacement peuvent etre des limites a la realisation de ces traitements.
The non-permissive infection of insect (gypsy moth) LD-652 cells by Vaccinia virus.

Abstract The members of Poxviridae family are among the most complex of animal viruses and subfamily members infect both vertebrate ( Chordopoxvirinae ) and invertebrate ( Entomopoxvirinae ) hosts, respectively. Vaccinia virus (VV) is the most commonly studied vertebrate virus and the entomopoxvirus of Amsacta moorei (AmEPV) is the prototypic insect virus. AmEPV, while not able to productively infect vertebrate cells, does enter vertebrate cells and expresses early genes after which the infection aborts although the cells survive (Y. Li, R. L. Hall, and R. W. Moyer. J.Virol. 71(12), 95579562, 1997). We show here that a recombinant VV, containing the lacZ gene regulated by the cowpox virus A-type inclusion (ATI) late promoter, likewise does not productively infect insect cells. Our results suggest that the recombinant VV enters insect cells, host protein synthesis is inhibited, early gene expression is normal, and viral DNA replication occurs as does late protein synthesis. However, little if any proteolytic processing of late viral proteins, typical of morphogenesis, is observed. Electron micrographs of infected cells suggest that while cytoplasmic virosomes (factories) are formed, there is little indication of further morphogenesis or any formation of mature virions. Therefore, while both orthopoxviruses and entomopoxviruses fail to replicate in heterologous hosts, the nature of abortive infections is quite different.
New experimental methods and theory of Raman optical activity

Recent advances have led to dramatic improvements in the measurement of Raman optical activity (ROA). These include the use of new scattering geometries and improvements in polarization modulation methodology and multichannel-detector technology. Several new ROA experimental configurations are selected to illustrate the capabilities of a new ROA instrument constructed recently at Syracuse University. Both general and simplified theoretical expressions are used to identify fundamental aspects of various ROA experiments and to determine preferred configurations for the measurement of ROA. The authors find for their instrument that the optimum configuration is in-phase dual circular polarization (DCPI) ROA in backscattering geometry, as illustrated using (+)-fenchone. DCPI- ROA backscattering spectra are presented for aqueous solutions of L-alanine, glycyl-L-alanine and D-mannose. The large couplet arising from the bands between 800 and 900 cm-1 in the ROA spectrum of alanine is interpreted in terms of coupled methyl rocking and the methyl carbon-carbon stretching internal coordinates. The feasibility of applying ROA to the study of biological molecules is demonstrated by the high quality of the ROA spectra obtained for these molecules.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Hepatectomy for recurrent colorectal liver metastases after radiofrequency ablation.

Background: The results of surgery for recurrent colorectal liver metastases (CLM) after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) have not been evaluated. Methods: From 1993 to 2009, data on patients who underwent resection or RFA for recurrent CLM were collected prospectively. Inclusion criteria for this study were RFA as initial treatment for CLM and resection of recurrent CLM after RFA. Postoperative results and oncological outcomes were analysed. Results: Twenty-eight patients (median number of tumours 1 (1–3), median size 2·8 (2·0–4·0) cm) met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 22 had recurrence at the site of RFA only, two developed new lesions, whereas four had both recurrent and de novo metastases. At the time of resection, patients had a median of 1 (1–13) CLM with a median maximum tumour diameter of 5·0 (1·8–11·0) cm, significantly larger than at the time of RFA (P = 0·021). Ninety-day postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were 46 per cent (13 of 28) and 7 per cent (2 of 28) respectively. After a median follow-up of 35 (0–70) months, 3-year overall and disease-free survival rates calculated by Kaplan–Meier analysis were 60 and 29 per cent respectively. Plasma carcinoembryonic antigen level over 5 ng/ml at the time of resection and a rectal primary tumour were associated with worse survival (P = 0·041 and P = 0·021 respectively). Conclusion: Resection for recurrence after RFA is associated with significant morbidity and modest long-term benefit. Copyright © 2011 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Web montage: a dynamic personalized start page

Despite the connotation of the words "browsing" and "surfing," web usage often follows routine patterns of access. However, few mechanisms exist to assist users with these routine tasks; bookmarks or portal sites must be maintained manually and are insensitive to the user's browsing context. To fill this void, we designed and implemented the montage system. A web montage is an ensemble of links and content fused into a single view. Such a coalesced view can be presented to the user whenever he or she opens the browser or returns to the start page. We pose a number of hypotheses about how users would interact with such a system, and test these hypotheses with a fielded user study. Our findings support some design decisions, such as using browsing context to tailor the montage, raise questions about others, and point the way toward future work.
Tuna Resources of the Tropical and Sub-Tropical Western Atlantic

Abstract Eight species of tunas and bonitos are known to occur in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and adjacent Atlantic waters. Seven of these have been utilized, at least on a small scale, in commercial packs of canned tuna. Gulf and Caribbean catches of some species have been processed for the first time as recently as 1955. The presence of tuna as a widely distributed resource available to longlines was demonstrated by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service exploratory fishing vessel Oregon in 1954 and 1955, supporting the views of a few earlier observers that the rare appearance of large numbers of tuna in Gulf and Caribbean offshore waters indicated the existence of a diverse but substantial sub-surface population. Effective exploitation of the resource and the development of a prosperous longline fishery probably depends on many factors, not limited to, but including the development of a stable market at locations convenient to fishermen and rapid extension of our knowledge of the areas and seasons ...
Concise RLT forms of binary programs: A computational study of the quadratic knapsack problem

The reformulation-linearization technique (RLT) is a methodology for constructing tight linear programming relaxations of mixed discrete problems. A key construct is the multiplication of “product factors” of the discrete variables with problem constraints to form polynomial restrictions, which are subsequently linearized. For special problem forms, the structure of these linearized constraints tends to suggest that certain classes may be more beneficial than others. We examine the usefulness of subsets of constraints for a family of 0–1 quadratic multidimensional knapsack programs and perform extensive computational tests on a classical special case known as the 0–1 quadratic knapsack problem. We consider RLT forms both with and without these inequalities, and their comparisons with linearizations derived from published methods. Interestingly, the computational results depend in part upon the commercial software used. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2010
Relationships With Important Nonparental Adults and Positive Youth Development: An Examination of Youth Self-Regulatory Strengths as Mediators

Youth relationships with important nonparental adults (INAs) influence adolescent development. However, prior studies have not simultaneously examined the quantity and quality of INA relationships in predicting youth outcomes, nor have prior studies considered mediators of these constructs. In a sample of tenth through twelfth graders, we modeled the relationships among quantity and quality of INA relationships, intentional self-regulation, hopeful future expectations, and the Five Cs of positive youth development. Hopeful future expectations mediated relations between quantity and youth confidence, character, and caring and between emotional closeness and youth confidence. Finally, youth intentional self-regulation predicted changes in character.
Enzyme's black box cracked open

Polyketide synthase enzymes make compounds from molecules that synthetic chemists can't easily control. The basis of the enzymes' ability to use such unstable precursors has been laid bare.
Dramatic Red-Shifted Fluorescence of [2.2]Paracyclophanes with Peripheral Substituents Attached to the Saturated Bridges

A bridge-substituted [2.2]paracyclophane obtained from the organic solid state exhibits a dramatic red shift in fluorescence relative to [2.2]paracyclophane. A further red shift occurs upon alkylation of the pyridylcyclobutyl bridges. Our results demonstrate that [2.2]cyclophanes substituted at the bridge, despite not being attached via the extended pi-system, are promising building blocks in the development of optical materials.
Proton permeation into single vesicles occurs via a sequential two-step mechanism and is heterogeneous.

This article describes the first single-vesicle study of proton permeability across the lipid membrane of small (∼100 nm) uni- and multilamellar vesicles, which were composed of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC). To follow proton permeation into the internal volume of each vesicle, we encapsulated carboxyfluorescein, a pH-sensitive dye whose fluorescence was quenched in the presence of excess protons. A microfluidic platform was used for easy exchange of high- and low-pH solutions, and fluorescence quenching of single vesicles was detected with single-molecule total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy. Upon solution exchange and acidification of the extravesicular solution (from pH 9 to 3.5), we observed for each vesicle a biphasic decay in fluorescence. Through single-vesicle analysis, we found that rate constants for the first decay followed a Poisson distribution, whereas rate constants for the second decay followed a normal distribution. We propose that proton perm...
Taint Hearings to Attack Investigative Interviews: A Further Assault on Children's Credibility

Prosecution plays an important role in protecting children from sexual abuse. In such litigation, defense attorneys frequently attack the way children are interviewed by professionals. The attack on interviews assumed new dimensions with the New Jersey Supreme Court's 1994 decision in State v. Michaels, where the court created a procedure that allows defense attorneys to request pretrial taint hearings to challenge investigative interviews of children. This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of taint hearings as well as the legal standard that should govern such hearings. The article concludes with a call to increase the number of professionals who are qualified and willing to serve as expert witnesses to defend competent interview practices.
The effect of low dose heparin therapy on complication and survival rates in horses following exploratory celiotomy

A randomised, blind prospective study was performed to evaluate effects of low dose heparin therapy on complication and survival rates in 33 horses following exploratory celiotomy. Four horses had non-strangulating lesions and seven had strangulating lesions of the small intestine, 19 had non-strangulating lesions of the large intestine, and three had duodenitis-proximal jejunitis. Eighteen required an enterotomy or intestinal resection and anastomosis. Sixteen received heparin subcutaneously (66 iu/kg every 12 h) post operatively and 17 received a saline placebo for a mean of 3.7 days. There was a significant (P < 0.01) mean decrease in PCV (29.1 per cent) in the heparin group. No significant differences in complication or survival rates were seen between groups. Long term follow-up was obtained for 10 horses in each group. There were no significant differences between groups.
Nutritionists In The Field Of Genetics: Their Roles, Reimbursement Procedures, And Educational Needs

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To identify training, and reimbursement mechanisms available to nutrition personnel serving genetics patients. The Nutrition Management Committee of the Southeastern Regional Genetics Group (SERGG) conducted a national survey of 157 nutritionists involved in providing nutrition services to individuals with genetic disorders treated by dietary intervention. The purpose of this survey was to identify and characterize the level of clinical expertise, professional roles, reimbursement strategies, and future education needs of these professionals. The response rate was 57% (n=89). Of these, 99% were registered dietitians and 40% had state licensure. Although final degrees ranged from bachelor to doctorate degrees, the majority (62%) had master degrees and 21% had advanced certification in a specialty area. The respondents' roles were equally divided between acute and long-term care. Direct reimbursement was received by only 18%; 35% received indirect reimbursement and 26% participated in a packaged reimbursement system for nutrition services. Direct encounters (face-to-face procedures) were billed by half of those surveyed. Indirect encounters (non-face-to-face procedures) were felt to be of equal importance, especially for follow-up and monitoring. However, few reported reimbursement for indirect encounters, indicating a need for greater awareness of the crucial role of the nutritionist in the prevention of morbidity and mortality in many genetic disorders. Survey results documented the nutritionists' perceived need for further education in a variety of forms. The majority expressed the need for short-term training (no more than 1-2 weeks) due to demanding work schedules. The results of this survey document the important role of the specialized nutritionist in the field of genetics, and the desire among this group of professionals for more educational and reimbursement opportunities.
Institutional support for computing faculty research productivity: does gender matter?

We address the question of how male and female computing faculty in the U. S. and Canada perceive research requirements and institutional support for promotion and tenure. Via a survey sent to approximately 7500 computing faculty at the 256 institutions that participate in the annual Taulbee Survey, our results identify differences in reported tenure and promotion requirements, including the number of publications required during the probationary period, the importance of the scope of publication venues, the importance of publishing in non-refereed journals, and the importance of collaborative presentations. Differences were also discovered in institutional support and the satisfaction levels with that support. The study finds that some misperceptions may exist about promotion and tenure requirements among female faculty while at the same time female faculty feel more supported by their institutions.
A method to determine the number of DNA replicating units in cultured mammalian cells

The DNA replication of HeLa S3 cells was examined, using the equilibrium density-gradient centrifuge technique with [14C]bromouracil deoxyriboside to form and detect the DNA of hybrid density (one light—one heavy strand). When the cells were prelabeled for one generation time, (twenty-four hours) or more with [3H]thymidine, followed by a two- or three-hour incubation with [14C]BUdR,‡ the results showed, as expected, the presence of the hybrid band, as indicated by the 14C counts, and the normal band, as indicated by the bulk of the tritium counts. Accompanying the 14C-labeled peak was a small tritium-labeled peak indicative of the fraction of the prelabeled DNA that was hybridized. When the [14C]BUdR incubation (two to three hours) was preceded by a pulse label with [3H]thymidine of thirty minutes or less, a high fraction of the tritium counts appeared at densities intermediate between the hybrid (14C) and normal ( O.D. 260 mμ) peaks, with the remainder at densities representing normal DNA. It was shown that this distribution was not due to carry-over from a pool of tritiated precursors of DNA, but to an end-to-end association of tritium and density ([14C]BUdR) label. This finding was used to estimate that the number of replicating sites per cell is 103 to 104. This estimate was used to show that the upper limit of the average molecular weight of the DNA in the replicating unit of HeLa S3 is about 1010 daltons; it may be much lower than this if the number of growing points at any one instant is considerably fewer than the total number of replicating units in the cell.
On the incremental validity of MMPI-2 Psychopathology-5 scales over the revised NEO Personality Inventory scales for predicting personality disorders.

The hypothesis that the MMPI-2 Psychopathology-5 scales are better predictors of personality disorders than the Revised NEO Personality Inventory scales was tested using Personality Adjective Checklist personality disorder scales with a 9-point response format. The three inventories were completed by 258 introductory psychology students (113 men and 145 women) for partial course credit. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed for predicting each Personality Adjective Checklist scale by entering the Revised NEO Personality Inventory scales as a set in the first step and the Psychopathology-5 scales as a set in the second step. Incremental validity of the Psychopathology-5 scales over the Revised NEO Personality Inventory scales for predicting each Personality Adjective Checklist scale was measured by the R2 change at the end of the second step in the hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Incremental validity values ranged from .01 to .09, with a median of .03, and were significant for only five Personality Adjective Checklist scales. Such results provided very little support for the hypothesis of relative superiority of the Psychopathology-5 scales over the Revised NEO Personality Inventory domain scales for predicting personality disorders.
A life history of Carex lasiocarpa Ehrh. ramets

Abstract Temporal properties of the ramet dynamics of Carex lasiocarpa Ehrh. were studied for 2 years in permanent quadrats established in a fen in south-central New York State, U.S.A. Individual shoots were marked at time of emergence and their height and condition monitored at 2–4-week intervals until death. Shoot flux was high, with shoots emerging and dying throughout the growing season. The timing of births and deaths was not synchronized and patterns of births and deaths varied between the 2 years. Shoot density was highest in October and lowest in late autumn and early spring of both years. Only 1% of the shoots flowered. A large proportion of the annual populations of ramets overwintered and completed their life cycles the following year. The proportion of overwintering shoots in a cohort had a marked effect on patterns of longevity observed among cohorts, cohort survivorship curves and population structure. We develop the concept of effective life span to compare cohorts emerging at different times of the year.
The role of syndicate structure in bank underwriting

Abstract The re-entry of banking organizations into securities underwriting raises concerns over the possibility of banks using their lending-generated private information to benefit themselves and the issuing firm at the expense of investors. This paper illustrates the use of syndicate structure by lending banks to credibly commit against such opportunistic behavior and to exploit their proprietary information to lower issuance cost for borrowing firm issuers. We show that lending banks predominantly comanage with a high reputation nonlending underwriter. We present evidence that, relative to investment banks, comanaging issues allows lending banks to lower issuance costs for borrowing firms.
Real Time Satellite Position Determination for TDMA Systems

A real time satellite position determination method using a single reference station is presented. The satellite position is determined from these three parameters: the distance between the reference station and the satellite that can be obtained by a single-hop measurement, the elevation angle, and the azimuth angle obtained from the antenna encoder. The error of the transmit frame delay is determined from the position equations, together with other possible errors. The accuracy is about ± 42 symbols for a 90 Mbit/s timedivision multiple access (TDMA) system using an encoder with a ± 0.001 A resolution.
Video-assisted thoracoscopic repair of a lung hernia in a child.

Abstract Pulmonary intercostal hernias are extremely rare. They have been reported to occur in children after blunt trauma to the chest wall as a result of disruption of intercostal muscle fibers. We present a case of a left anterior chest lung hernia caused by blunt handlebar chest trauma in a 13-year-old boy treated with placement of a mesh using a video-assisted thoracoscopic approach.
A hairless mouse model for assessing the chronic toxicity of topically applied chemicals.

Abstract An enormous number of synthetic chemicals are incorporated in topical drugs, cosmetics and toiletries. These have the potential to cause irritant reactions when chronically applied to human skin. In predictive tests for assessing the irritancy potential of these chemicals, haired species, especially rabbits, guinea pigs and mice, have figured prominently. Customarily these tests, including the renowned Draize rabbit test, have entailed a single acute exposure or at most daily exposures over a few weeks. Estimation of inflammation and tissue injury in these models have relied on visual assessment. We submit that this approach is no longer acceptable. Visual assessments are unreliable. Reactions which are scored equivalently by the naked eye may differ strikingly when examined histologically. Moreover, tissue injury may be present in clinically normal skin. Short-term results, even when abetted by routine histological evaluations, cannot predict the degree of injury from long-term exposures. Cosmetics and toiletries, for example, are used daily for decades, often over most of the lifespan of persons who are well groomed. We present the hairless mouse as a convenient, reliable model for assessing the chronic toxicity of diverse chemicals. Histological examination enables a detailed description of the different tissue components which participate in the complex cascade of changes that comprise the inflammatory response.
Epidemiological Characteristics of Scrub Typhus in Korea, 2009

Objectives Currently, the incidence of scrub typhus has increased in urban areas. In this study, we described the epidemiological characteristics of scrub typhus cases reported in the urban areas of Korea in 2009.
Understanding Team Adaptability: Initial Theoretical and Practical Considerations

Team adaptability is just beginning to be understood by researchers. Team training, team effectiveness, and adaptability have provided researchers with a pool of evidence that can be leveraged into...
Plasma excitation dependence on voltage slew rates in 10-200 Torr argon-nitrogen gas mixture DBD

An argon–nitrogen gas mixture dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) excited by fast rise time (~20 ns) and slow rise time (~100 ns) 3–5 kV high-voltage pulses was investigated in the pressure range 10–200 Torr. Time resolved emission intensities of Ar (2p1–1s2), Ar (2p9–1s5), N2 (C 3Πu–B 3Πg) and were recorded while the applied voltage was kept constant during measurements. The influence of different applied voltages and nitrogen concentrations on the observed emission spectra was also obtained. The reduced electric field, E/n, was derived from the ratio of the measured emission intensities by comparing excitation rates calculated using the BOLSIG+ code. The corresponding electron excitation energies, , were obtained. For the fast-pulse excited DBD, was in the range 6–8 eV and it decreased by about 0.5 eV for the lower voltage slew rate excitation under the same experimental conditions. The ionization rates were also derived from the corresponding E/n. The pulsed DBD plasma processes with different voltage slew rates were analyzed based on the dependence of the observed emission spectra and on the discharge operating parameters. The discharge voltage, current and power deposition were also estimated from applied voltage and current measurements.
Cloning and expression of Shaker α- and β-subunits during inner ear development

Sensory cells of the chicken cochlea exhibit different ion channels relative to their position along the epithelium. One of these channels conducts an A-type potassium current which is found primarily in `short' hair cells. Here, we report the first full length cloning and developmental expression of Shaker genes from this endorgan. Clones were obtained by screening a chicken (Gallus gallus) cochlea cDNA library, using probes made from RHK1 (i.e., Kvα1.4) cDNA, a Shaker homologue isolated from rat heart, and hKvβ1.2 cDNA, a β homologue isolated from human heart. Sequence analysis revealed a chick homologue of Kvα1.4, with a deduced amino acid similarity of 76–79% to mammalian Kvα1.4, and a chick homologue of Kvβ1.1, with a similarity of 95% to mammalian Kvβ1.1. In addition, we isolated a variant of cKvα1.4 (cKvα1.4(m)) that differs in its untranslated regions and shows complete similarity in its coding region, except for the deletion of a single nucleotide. During development of the inner ear, reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) studies show that the β-subunit is expressed as early as embryonic day 3, whereas α- and β-subunits are coexpressed on embryonic days 7 to 10, 14, and in adult.
Conformational investigation of a novel dipeptide based molecular scaffold

The conformational features of a novel, dipeptide-based molecular scaffold are described. Four model systems of a trisubstituted 1,4-diazepine-3-one system, varying in the chirality and amino acid within the ring system, have been investigated by high-resolution NMR and metric-matrix distance geometry calculations. Because of the small number of protons within the scaffold, nuclear Overhauser effects provide only limited conformational information. Instead, extensive use of scalar1H−H1 and1H−13C coupling constants was utilized in the refinement. The resulting conformations of the model systems provide insigh into the expected topological orientation of the amino acids or chemical functionalities and attached to the seven-membered ring system, the first step of the utilization of this scaffold in the rational design of peptidomimetics.