cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transfer of proteins from the yolk to the chick embryo.

THE transfer of antibodies from the mother to the fœtus in certain mammals, and from the hen to the egg yolk and thence to the embryo in birds, is well established. Whether proteins other than antibodies are thus transferred is still open to question. Despite our lack of knowledge on this topic, it is generally thought, as Buxton1 recently pointed out, that proteins pass from the blood or tissues of the hen as hydrolytic products which are reassembled into proteins within the ovum. Because of the proteolytic activity of the yolk sac and its contents, a similar mechanism is supposed to account for the passage of protein from the yolk into the circulation of the embryo.
Polyatomic SCF calculations with numerical orbitals. I. Introduction and computational experiments on the CYBER 205

We discuss a procedure for calculating numerical Hartree–Fock orbitals that can be applied to polyatomic systems. This approach is formulated in momentum space to avoid Coulomb singularities and uses fast Fourier transforms to solve integral convolutions. Results for a number of simple systems are presented.
Heterogeneous electron-transfer kinetic parameters of metalloproteins as studied by channel-flow hydrodynamic voltammetry

Abstract Channel-flow hydrodynamic voltammetry was used to study the direct electron-transfer reactions of two metalloproteins, myoglobin and cytochrome c, under steady-state conditions at methyl viologen modified (MVM) gold foil electrodes. Utilization of a dual working electrode cell with this technique permitted determination of the heterogeneous electron-transfer kinetics for both the reduction and oxidation of myoglobin. The formal heterogeneous electron-transfer rate constants in pH 7.00 phosphate buffered solutions were found to be 8.9 (±1.5)×10−5 cm s−1 for the reduction, and 7.7 (±1.2)×10−5 cm s−1 for the reoxidation of myoglobin. The transfer coefficient values obtained were 0.21 (±0.01) for the reductive (α) and 0.82 (±0.01) for the oxidative (1−α) electrode reactions. Ionic strength and pH dependences were observed in these direct electron-transfer reactions. Collective current efficiency measurements in the myoglobin experiments indicated that an overall simple charge-transfer process occurred at the respective electrode interfaces. A formal rate constant of 3.4 (±0.2)×10−5 cm s−1 with a transfer coefficient of 0.25 (±0.01) for the reduction (α) of cytochrome c was obtained by this hydrodynamic technique. The use of channel-flow hydrodynamic voltammetry in characterizing an electrode reaction as well as an interpretation of the data presented are discussed.
Children's decision strategies and their adaptation to task characteristics☆

Recent research has established decision making as an important type of strategic problem solving. From this perspective, the present paper examines strategic decision behavior in children and, in particular, the ability to adapt decision strategies to task characteristics. Twelve-year-olds' strategies were identified through analyses of information search patterns with different-sized matrices of information. Using a similar procedure, Payne (1976, Organizational Behavior and Human Performance, 16, 366–387) found that adults shifted to more efficient (but less “optimal”) strategies as task complexity increased. The present study indicates that, by 12 years of age, children understand many of the basic concepts of strategic decision making, such as compensation and elimination, and, like adults, they modify their strategies appropriately in response to complexity. However, their behavior differs from that reported for adults in that the distinctions among specific decision strategies are not clear cut, and there is frequent use of less demanding, cost-cutting strategies even with smaller decision tasks. Memory capacity and topic interest also affect decision strategy. The results support the feasibility of further developmental study of decision strategies. Analytical techniques developed here for use with children may profitably be applied in studies with adults as well.
Serotonin in cisternal cerebrospinal fluid of rhesus monkeys: basal levels and effects of sertraline administration.

Rationale: Studies of rodents suggest that extracellular fluid and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) serotonin (5-HT) concentrations provide a better index of released 5-HT than the frequently obtained measure of CSF 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). The measurement of cisternal CSF 5-HT levels in the monkey might offer a method of assessing the effects of agents and actions on central 5-HT functioning in primate brain. Objective: To address methodological issues related to the determination of monkey cisternal CSF 5-HT and to examine the effects of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) on the measure. Methods: Monkey CSF was obtained by cisternal puncture and 5-HT levels determined by high performance liquid chromatography, after screening for blood contamination. Results: When blood contamination was minimized, a mean (±SD) basal concentration of cisternal CSF 5-HT 87±36 pg/ml (n=13) was observed. Good longitudinal stability (variances of 16 and 20%) of CSF 5-HT was demonstrated in two monkeys sampled over a 3-month period. A two-fold increase in CSF 5-HT was seen in seven animals treated with the SSRI sertraline (20 mg/kg PO, mean treatment period of 12 days): pre- and post-drug 5-HT concentrations were 85±39 and 162±53 pg/ml (P=0.0007); in contrast, levels of 5-HIAA decreased from 40.0±5.7 to 20.4±2.2 ng/ml (P=0.0001). Conclusions: The measurement of monkey cisternal CSF 5-HT appears to provide a useful index of central 5-HT release. Initial results tend to support a role for increased extracellular 5-HT in the mechanism of action of chronically administered SSRIs.
Fully Stressed Design of Frame Structures and Multiple Load Paths

Fully stressed design is an optimization heuristic that is widely practiced for member sizing of frame structures. When performed iteratively, such as with the stress-ratio method, it usually converges rapidly and yields a reasonable structural design. A previous paper has demonstrated that some frame structures are capable of being proportioned in many different ways, each of which is a distinct fully stressed design with a unique load path. Furthermore, many of these fully stressed designs are unstable fixed points under the stress-ratio iteration, and are consequently unobtainable by conventional methodology. This paper relates this behavior to Hardy Cross’s notion of normal, hybrid, and participatory action. Parameter studies reveal that certain combinations of lateral-to-gravity load ratios and height-to-width ratios tend to produce a greater multiplicity of fully stressed designs. The multiple designs are classified according to eight commonly observed material distribution patterns, and their load ...
Average‐case analysis of the bin‐packing problem with general cost structures

We consider a version of the famous bin-packing problem where the cost of a bin is a concave function of the number of items in the bin. We analyze the problem from an average-case point of view and develop techniques to determine the asymptotic optimal solution value for a variety of functions. We also describe heuristic techniques that are asymptotically optimal.
Evidence for a major gene elevating serum bilirubin concentration in Utah pedigrees

In case-control studies, lower serum bilirubin levels have been associated with increased risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD). We have also previously shown that serum bilirubin has a significant polygenic component. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine whether there was statistical evidence for a major gene explaining a significant portion of individual variation in serum total bilirubin levels and whether this gene might alter the risk of CHD. Serum bilirubin measurements were obtained from 1240 adults in 84 Utah pedigrees screened twice: from 1980 to 1983 and again from 1983 to 1986. Bivariate maximum-likelihood segregation analysis of serum bilirubin levels obtained from the two clinic visits indicated that a major gene was responsible for elevated levels in 11.5% of the persons in these pedigrees. Phenotypic variations in visit 1 bilirubin arising from polygenes were highly correlated with the phenotypic variation due to polygenes in visit 2 bilirubin, indicating a stable genetic contribution to bilirubin over 2.5 years of follow-up. The major gene explained 27% and 28% of the variance in bilirubin levels at visit 1 and visit 2, respectively. There were no correlations of unmeasured environmental factors influencing bilirubin between the two clinic visits. At both visits, persons with early CHD had lower levels of bilirubin than unaffected persons ( P <.01). The odds ratio for the risk of CHD in the high-homozygote group was 0.31, P =.09. We conclude that there is a major gene modestly raising serum bilirubin levels. Since cross-sectional data indicate that low serum bilirubin levels increase the risk of CHD, this major gene may be protective against CHD for about 12% of the persons in this study.
Entropy generation and energy conversion rate for the peristaltic flow in a tube with magnetic field

Abstract Impact of entropy generation for the peristaltic flow in a tube is investigated. The entropy generation number due to heat transfer and fluid friction is formulated. The velocity and temperature distributions across the tube are presented along with pressure attributes. Exact analytical solution for velocity and temperature profile is obtained. Velocity, temperature, pressure gradient, pressure rise, Bejan number and streamlines are presented for radius of the tube a , Hartmann number M , amplitude ratio e , Brinkman number B r and flow Q presented graphically. It is found that the entropy generation number attains high values in the region close to the walls of the tube, while it gains low values near the center of the tube.
Visualising "Junk" DNA through Bioinformatics

One of the hottest areas of science today is the field in which biology, information technology,and computer scienceare merged into a single discipline called bioinformatics. This field enables the discovery and analysis of biological data, including nucleotide and amino acid sequences that are easily accessed through the use of computers. As educatorsit is important to provide new challenges for students that incorporate the advancements in the areas of molecularbiology, the human genome project, and computer technology. This learning experience, using bioinformatics, targets advanced high school and college-level students. The activity allows students an opportunity to visualise the amount of non-coding regions existing within a DNA sequence.
Size distribution and morphology of nascent soot in premixed ethylene flames with and without benzene doping

Abstract Particle size distribution functions of nascent soot formed in four burner-stabilized, premixed ethylene–oxygen–argon flames were studied in a spatially resolved manner by online sampling/scanning mobility particle sizer. Particle morphology was analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) of substrate-deposited samples. Two of the four flames were doped with benzene. An aerosol electrometer is introduced to extend the lower detection limit to around 1.5 nm in diameter. The results show that the bimodal behavior of particle size is applicable to all premixed ethylene flames studied. The variation of the size distribution from flame to flame is conclusively attributed to flame temperature variation. Under the condition of an equal carbon concentration, benzene doping leads to negligible changes in the characteristics of the size distribution. For all flames studied, AFM observations show that nascent soot is liquid-like and spreads extensively upon impact on a substrate surface.
Chemoproteomic Analysis of Intertissue and Interspecies Isoform Diversity of AMP-activated Protein Kinase (AMPK)

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a heterotrimeric enzyme that senses and governs changes in the cellular energy balance represented by concentrations of AMP, ADP, and ATP. Each of its three chains (α, β, and γ) exists as either two or three subtypes, theoretically allowing up to 12 different forms of the complete enzyme. Tissue specificity in the distribution of AMPK subtypes is believed to underpin a range of biological functions for AMPK, a central regulator of metabolic function and response. It is of particular interest for drug discovery purposes to compare AMPK isoforms that are most prevalent in human liver and muscle with isoforms present in key preclinical species. To complement immunocapture/immunodetection methods, which for AMPK are challenged by sequence similarities and difficulties of obtaining accurate relative quantitation, AMPK was captured from lysates of a range of cells and tissues using the ActivX ATP probe. This chemical probe covalently attaches desthiobiotin to one or more conserved lysyl residues in the ATP-binding sites of protein kinases, including AMPK, while also labeling a wide range of ATP-utilizing proteins. Affinity-based recovery of labeled proteins followed by gel-based fractionation of the captured sample was followed by proteomic characterization of AMPK polypeptides. In agreement with transcript-based analysis and previous indications from immunodetection, the results indicated that the predominant AMPK heterotrimer in human liver is α1β2γ1 but that dog and rat livers mainly contain the α1β1γ1 and α2β1γ1 forms, respectively. Differences were not detected between the AMPK profiles of normal and diabetic human liver tissues.
Oxygen availability is a major factor in determining the composition of microbial communities involved in methane oxidation

We have previously observed that methane supplied to lake sediment microbial communities as a substrate not only causes a response by bona fide methanotrophic bacteria, but also by non-methane-oxidizing bacteria, especially by members of the family Methylophilaceae. This result suggested that methane oxidation in this environment likely involves communities composed of different functional guilds, rather than a single type of microbe. To obtain further support for this concept and to obtain further insights into the factors that may define such partnerships, we carried out microcosm incubations with sediment samples from Lake Washington at five different oxygen tensions, while methane was supplied at the same concentration in each. Community composition was determined through 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing after 10 and 16 weeks of incubation. We demonstrate that, in support of our prior observations, the methane-consuming communities were represented by two major types: the methanotrophs of the family Methylococcaceae and by non-methanotrophic methylotrophs of the family Methylophilaceae. However, different species persisted under different oxygen tensions. At high initial oxygen tensions (150 to 225 µM) the major players were, respectively, species of the genera Methylosarcina and Methylophilus, while at low initial oxygen tensions (15 to 75 µM) the major players were Methylobacter and Methylotenera. These data suggest that oxygen availability is at least one major factor determining specific partnerships in methane oxidation. The data also suggest that speciation within Methylococcaceae and Methylophilaceae may be driven by niche adaptation tailored toward specific placements within the oxygen gradient.
On the analysis of the unsymmetric successive overrelaxation method when applied to p -cyclic matrices

A Determinantal Invariance, associated with consistently ordered weakly cyclic matrices, is given. The DI is then used to obtain a new functional equation which relates the eigenvalues of a particular block Jacobi iteration matrix to the eigenvalues of its associated Unsymmetric Successive Overrelaxation (USSOR) iteration matrix. This functional equation as well as the theory of nonnegative matrices and regular splittings are used to obtain convergence and divergence regions of the USSOR method.
Genetic effects of LSD-25 on E. coli ☆

Abstract A technique originally described for yeasts in which equilibria established between wild and mutant cells in culture can be used to estimate mutation rate, was tested on wild-type E. coli cells which were treated with varying concentrations of lysergic acid diethylamide. Significant numbers of auxotrophic mutations were produced. The dose-response was found to be linear: the slope of the regression of mutation rate on dose indicates that for each 0.1 mg increment of LSD added to the culture medium, the mutation rate increases by about 0.0001% over the spontaneous level. If a threshold for dose exists, it most likely lies at a concentration below 0.1 mg LSD per ml medium. LSD treatment was also seen to increase generation time although the pattern to this relationship is not clear at this time.
Us, them, and others in management research

The author responds to the article "Titles matter: Addressing the normalization of othering," by C.J. Vinkenburg in a 2014 issue of the journal regarding the use of the terms "they" or "them" in article titles within the "Academy of Management" publications. Topics discussed include the referral to multicultural employees as "they" in an article written by the author, whether the term "they" implies that individuals are members of an outgroup, and how authors can avoid othering in research articles. The author also discusses ways to mitigate the problem of othering in the context of management research.
P68 Role of endothelial H2S in the pathogenesis of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats

Hypertension (HTN) increases the risk for cardiac disease and stroke. Endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), which plays a prominent role in a multitude of pathologies like inflammation/sepsis, hypertension, peripheral and cerebro-vascular, and coronary artery disease, is now well characterized as a physiologic vasodilator [1] . H 2 S is produced by cystathionine- γ -lyase (CSE) in vascular endothelium. It caters to relaxation through sulfhydration (posttranslational modification) of IK, SK and K ATP channels, resulting in vascular smooth muscle cell hyperpolarization. This effect is independent of the Nitric Oxide (NO)/cGMP/PKG axis [2] . Tang et al. studied H 2 S in spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats and demonstrated a loss of CSE/H 2 S in HTN and a decrease in BP (blood pressure) on substitution of H 2 S [3] . Aim To elicit if loss of endogenous H 2 S contributes to the pathogenesis of hypertension. Results Tail cuff was used to measure BP in SHR and control Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats starting at age 4 weeks (w) up until SHRs became hypertensive. Infusion of glybenclamide (20 mg/kg) a K ATP channel blocker, revealed a significant increase in systolic BP (SBP) in 4-week-old SHR (ΔSBP = 43.16 ± 24.24%, n = 5) and 4 w WKY (ΔSBP = 89.97 ± 41.40%, n = 4), while little change was demonstrated in hypertensive 90 w SHR (ΔSBP = 24.07 ± 21.99%, n = 4), measured invasively via aortic catheterization.In a separate experiments, aortic rings isolated from age matched SHRs ( n = 5) and WKYs ( n = 5), were mounted on a myograph, prepared in physiologic buffer at 37 °C, and constricted with phenylephrine (1 μM), for assessment of endothelial function. Acetylcholine (ACH) dependent maximum relaxation on treatment with L-Name (eNOS inhibitor) was modestly attenuated in aortas of 4 w WKY (92.79 ± 2.64–83.26 ± 3.35%), 4 w SHR (83.50 ± 4.47–59.48 ± 8.75%) and 90-week-old WKYs (71.39 ± 15.06–15.77 ± 5.16%). Contrary to that, this response was completely blocked in 90 w SHRs (35.32 ± 5.16–0.24 ± 3.17%). Treatment with propargylglycine (CSE blocker) did not affect ACH mediated maximum relaxation in 90 w SHR (35.32 ± 5.16–29.40 ± 5.86%), but it significantly attenuated the responses in 4 w WKYs (92.79 ± 2.64–56.30 ± 4.55), 4 w SHRs (83.50 ± 4.47–71.63 ± 12.25) and 90 w SHRs (71.39 ± 15.06–8.13 ± 4.61%). Strikingly, rings from normotensive 16 w SHR had a complete L-Name sensitive attenuation of endothelial relaxation (63.25 ± 5.15–2.74 ± 1.75%). Conclusion There appears to be a NO independent component of endothelial relaxation in normotensive blood vessels, which is sensitive to CSE inhibitors and blockage of K ATP channels. This NO independent component of relaxation is absent in HTN and pre-HTN vessels; hence implying that loss of the CSE/H 2 S/K ATP axis could be a mechanism preceding HTN. We aims to measure CSE activity and sulfhydration of Kir 6.1-Cysteine 43 and GAPDH in normotensive/pre and post HTN blood vessels in different animal models of HTN to elicit if CSE/H 2 S/K ATP axis is a potential target for the treatment of hypertension.
Efficacy of nocturnal nasal ventilation in stable, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease during a 3-month controlled trial.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of nocturnal nasal ventilation (NNV) in patients with rigidly defined, severe but stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and hypercapnia. Design By randomization, eligible patients were assigned to an active or a sham treatment arm. Data from these two groups were analyzed statistically. Material and Methods Initially, 35 patients with severe COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV 1 ] of less than 40% predicted) and daytime hypercapnia (arterial carbon dioxide tension [Paco 2 ] of more than 45 mm Hg) were enrolled in a 3-month NNV trial. After a minimal observation period of 6 weeks, 13 patients were judged to be clinically stable and were randomized to NNV (N = 7) or sham (N = 6) treatment, consisting of nightly use of a bilevel positive airway pressure (PAP) device set to deliver an inspiratory pressure of either 10 or 0 cm of water (H 2 O). The device was used in the spontaneous or timed mode and set to a minimal expiratory pressure of 2 cm H 2 O. Patients underwent extensive physiologic testing including polysomnography and were introduced to the bilevel PAP system during a 2.5-day hospital stay. Results The NNV and sham treatment groups were similar in mean age (71.0 versus 66.5 years), Paco 2 (54.7 versus 48.5 mm Hg), and FEV 1 (0.62 versus 0.72 L). Only four of seven patients in the NNV group were still using the bilevel PAP device at the completion of the trial, as opposed to all six patients in the sham group. Only one patient had a substantial reduction in Paco 2 —from 50 mm Hg at baseline to 43 mm Hg after 3 months of NNV. He declined further NNV treatment with bilevel PAP. Sham treatment did not lower Paco 2 . Lung function, nocturnal oxygen saturation, and sleep efficiency remained unchanged in both groups. Conclusion Disabled but clinically stable patients with COPD and hypercapnia do not readily accept and are unlikely to benefit from NNV.
Engineering functionality in the multiferroic BiFeO3--controlling chemistry to enable advanced applications.

An in-depth look at the complex materials chemistry of multiferroics is undertaken. In the last decade, considerable attention has been focused on the search for and characterization of new multiferroic materials as scientists and researchers have been driven by the promise of exotic materials functionality (i.e., electric field control of ferromagnetism). In this manuscript we develop a picture of multiferroic materials, including details on the nature of order parameters and coupling in these materials, the scarcity of such materials, routes to create and control the properties in these materials, and we finish by investigating such effects in the model multiferroic BiFeO3.
Distributed control plane with spectral fragmentation-aware RMSA and flexible reservation for dynamic multidomain software-defined elastic optical networks

We propose a distributed control scheme utilizing spectral fragmentation-aware RMSA and flexible active/passive reservation mechanism for dynamic multi-domain software-defined elastic optical networks. Our proposed scheme offers significant blocking probability reduction compared to conventional GMPLS/PCE architecture.
Wake-up call: the battle to control sleep

Henry Nicholls discovers that knowledge about the condition he developed in his 20s is being used to induce narcolepsy rather than prevent it
Nek3 kinase regulates prolactin-mediated cytoskeletal reorganization and motility of breast cancer cells

Prolactin (PRL) stimulates the cytoskeletal re-organization and motility of breast cancer cells. During PRL receptor signaling, Vav2 becomes phosphorylated and activated, an event regulated by the serine/threonine kinase Nek3. Given the regulatory role of Vav2, the function of Nek3 in PRL-mediated motility and invasion was examined. Overexpression of Nek3 in Chinese hamster ovary transfectants potentiated cytoskeletal re-organization in response to PRL. In contrast, downregulation of Nek3 expression by small-interfering RNA (siRNA) attenuated PRL-mediated cytoskeletal reorganization, activation of GTPase Rac1, cell migration and invasion of T47D cells. In addition, PRL stimulation induced an interaction between Nek3 and paxillin and significantly increased paxillin serine phosphorylation, whereas Nek3 siRNA-transfected cells showed a marked reduction in paxillin phosphorylation. Analysis of breast tissue microarrays also demonstrated a significant up-regulation of Nek3 expression in malignant versus normal specimens. These data suggest that Nek3 contributes to PRL-mediated breast cancer motility through mechanisms involving Rac1 activation and paxillin phosphorylation.
Effects of the Hood River Conservation Project on electricity use and savings in single-family homes

The Hood River Conservation Project, a major demonstration sponsored by the Bonneville Power Administration, sought to retrofit all the electrically heated homes in Hood River, Oregon. A two-stage approach was used to analyse electricity use and savings for programme participants and for homes in two comparison communities. The first stage converted each year of household monthly electricity billing data into an estimate of weather-adjusted annual electricity use. The second stage pooled these estimates across households and years to develop multivariate regression models of household electricity use. Electricity use before HRCP began (20000 kWh/year in 1982183) was far below planning estimates at the time. Measured reductions in electricity use among participants averaged 2900 kwh, much less than predicted during the energy audits. The combination of low pre-HRCP electricity use and modest savings led to very low levels of post-HRCP usage, below amounts experienced in typical new home construction. The p...
Evidence for a functional interaction between 5-HT1A and 5-HT2 receptors in rats.

Evidence of a functional interaction between serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2 receptor subtypes has been compromised by incomplete experimental designs and conflicting data. To test for such an interaction, combinations of the 5-HT1A agonist 8-OH-DPAT and the 5-HT2 agonist DOI were administered to rats prior to testing of locomotor activity in the Behavioral Pattern Monitor (BPM). The BPM is an activity and holeboard chamber that enables analyses of quantitative and qualitative changes in locomotor and investigatory activity. Dose-response studies of 8-OH-DPAT and DOI alone and in the presence of selected doses of the other drug were performed in order to allow isobolographic analysis, which characterizes the relationship of two drugs as either additive (no interaction), supra-additive, or infra-additive. Rats treated with saline, 8-OH-DPAT (6.25, 12.5, 25, or 50 μg/kg SC), DOI (0.15, 0.3, or 0.6 mg/kg SC), or selected combinations of both drugs were tested in the BPM for 1 h. Isobolographic analysis of the effects on locomotor activity revealed that 8-OH-DPAT and DOI interact in an infra-additive manner. Thus, at a functional level, 5-HT1A and 5-HT2 receptors interact antagonistically in the modulation of locomotor activity.
Self-consistent density functional calculations of the crystal field levels in lanthanide and actinide dioxides

Using a recently developed method combining a nonspherical self-interaction corrected LDA $+$ $U$ scheme and an on-site multibody Hamiltonian [Phys. Rev. B 83, 085106 (2011)], we calculate the crystal field parameters and crystal field (CF) excitation levels of $f$-element dioxides in the fluorite structure with ${f}^{n}$ electronic configurations, including $n=1$ (PaO${}_{2}$, PrO${}_{2}$), $n=2$ (UO${}_{2}$), $n=3$ (NpO${}_{2}$), and $n=4$ (PuO${}_{2}$). It is shown that good agreement with experimental data (within approximately 10--20 meV) can be obtained in all cases. The properties of the multielectron CF ground states are analyzed.
Improving and Communicating Workforce Skills: A Regional Initiative

The demand for improved workplace skills in the U.S. is rapidly rising, and U.S. industries, employees, and educational systems are struggling to respond. This paper describes the Skills Advantage program, an effort led by employers and facilitated by Kirkwood Community College to address regional employment needs. This work-ready certificate program allows emerging, traditional, and incumbent workers to communicate their skills and skill levels to employers in relationship to the requirements of the workplace. Regional training organizations and community agencies can help improve the capability of the regional workforce by integrating Skills Advantage-related skills instruction to existing programs.
On Using Natural Redundancy for Error Detection

In this paper we develop a simple encoder/decoder pair which utilizes the natural redundancy of a source for error detection. It does so with no loss in rate of transmission and with only minimal hardware cost.
Vitreous Hemorrhage and Retinal Vein Rupture

Purpose/Methods We examined a 23-year-old woman who had a sudden onset of floaters after self-induced emesis. Results/Conclusions Examination showed a dense vitreous hemorrhage originating from a rupture site in the wall of the superotemporal branch vein. We postulate a preexisting weakness in the retinal vein wall as a predisposing factor to rupture. This mechanism may explain some cases of vitreous hemorrhage associated with a Valsalva maneuver.
Reflections on “representations of sets of Boolean functions by commutative rings” by Roman Smolensky

The paper by Roman Smolensky is a nice example of the art of studying mathematical structures that are, on the one hand, motivated by real computational problems but are, on the other hand, not obviously related.
Surface adsorption of DNA to tissue engineering scaffolds for efficient gene delivery

Gene delivery from tissue engineering scaffolds has potential to promote localized transgene expression that can induce the formation of functional tissues. Substrate-mediated delivery, an alternative delivery strategy to sustained release, is based on immobilization of DNA complexes to the polymer surface for subsequent delivery to cells cultured on the substrate. We investigate polyethylenimine (PEI)/DNA complex immobilization and subsequent cellular transfection on tissue engineering scaffolds fabricated from poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG). The properties of the substrate and the complex affect both immobilization and cellular transfection. PLG promotes binding of PEI/DNA complexes, with percent bound independent of the N/P ratio or the DNA dosage. The levels of transgene expression are similar to or greater than control studies based on bolus DNA delivery, with orders of magnitude less DNA. Immobilization also homogeneously distributes the DNA throughout the scaffold, resulting in large numbers of transfected cells (>60%) at low surface quantities (<50 ng). Importantly, this approach can be employed to transfect cells throughout a three-dimensional scaffold. Tissue engineering scaffolds that are prefabricated into various shapes from a range of materials could potentially employ this strategy for numerous applications. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Termediator: early studies in terminological mediation between disciplines

A glossary is a terminological document that binds terms to concepts to illuminate the meaning of the term within in a specific domain. Many of the same terms are bound to different concepts within different domains, which often leads to miscommunications in interdisciplinary projects. How can terminology management tools facilitate communication between domains? Would an application that performs similarity measures between terms in glossaries from different domains provide useful insights? This paper provides a status report on the "Termediator" application that begins this effort in terminology management. Termediator uses a web interface to list the terms, concepts, and similarity measures for thousands of terms compiled from 198 different glossaries. Termediator's results include obvious synonym matches and accurate relevance rankings between non-synonym terms. These results leave us optimistic about the future of terminology management tools that augment interdisciplinary communication through natural language processing.
Comparison of ship dismantling processes in India and the U.S.

This paper compares ship-dismantling processes in India and the U.S. The information for India was collected during an informal visit to the ship dismantling sites in Alang, India. The information for the U.S. was obtained from the MARAD report. For a 10,000-ton passenger ship, the Indian contractor makes a profit of about 24% compared to a loss of about 15% in the U.S. The loss in the US is primarily due to high labor costs, compliance to safety and health regulations and lack of market for used components and scrap metal.© (2004) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Structural Modeling of Dynamic Changes in Memory and Brain Structure Using Longitudinal Data From the Normative Aging Study

This is an application of new longitudinal structural equation modeling techniques to time-dependent associations of memory and brain structure measurements. There were 225 participants aged 30-80 years at baseline who were measured again after a 7-year interval on both the lateral ventricular size and Wechsler memory score. Multiple regression analyses show nonlinear associations with age but no relationships among longitudinal changes. Mixed-effects latent growth curve analyses and analyses based on latent difference scores indicate that longitudinal changes in both variables are reasonably well described by an exponential or dual change model. Bivariate dynamic structural equation modeling analyses indicate age-lagged changes operate in a coupled-over-time fashion, with the brain measure (lateral ventricular size) as a leading indicator in time of memory (Wechsler memory score) declines.
Synthetic studies towards halichondrins

Abstract An efficient, stereocontrolled route to construct the polycyclic ring system found at the C.1–C.15 moiety of halichondrins is reported.
Static optimization of yeild per recruit with reproduction and fishing costs

Abstract On the basis of cohort growth and survival data, yield-per-recruit analysis determines the effect of varying fishing mortality and age of first capture on biomass yield from a cohort. However, it does not account for their effect on reproduction, and hence future recruitment. We present here a method of accounting for the impact of exploitation on recruitment by including its effect on egg production. The values of fishing mortality rate and upper and lower age limits that maximize revenues minus costs of fishing, while holding cohort egg production constant, are determined for a range of values of cohort egg production. From the range of optimal policies that result from different specified values of egg production, a manager can select the policy that reflects the desired degree of conservatism regarding cohort egg production. We show that conditions on age limits imply that an upper age limit will rarely be optimal. The effects on optimal policy of including the cost of fishing and accounting for reproduction are related to the commonly used F 0.1 rule.
An Assessment of the Trait Validity of Cognitive Age Measures

We extend the concept of cognitive age and assess the internal validity of a direct, multiple-item approach to its measurement. A multitrait–multimethod matrix consisting of the correlations between average cognitive age, ideal age, and least desired age, as measured by three methods (semantic differential, ratio, and Likert scales), was developed and analyzed using three models: confirmatory factor analysis, correlated uniqueness, and direct product. The correlated uniqueness model performed well in terms of goodness-of-fit, and the results provide evidence of convergent and discriminant validity, as well as the strength of age traits, relative to methods, in explaining matrix variance. Also, the semantic differential scale performed best in explaining the trait variance of a composite of cognitive age measures. The findings provide strong support for the internal validity of the cognitive age concept and the use of the semantic differential as the scale of choice for cognitive age research.
Total Synthesis and Bioactivity of 18(R)-Hydroxyeicosapentaenoic Acid

Resolvins are family of lipid mediators derived from omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are generated during the resolution phase of acute inflammation. Resolvin E1 is biosynthesized from eicosapentaenoic acid via 18(R)-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (18R-HEPE) in the Cox-2 and lipoxygenase mediated pathway and has proven to exhibit potent anti-inflammatory activity. We report herein the first total chemical synthesis of 18R-HEPE and demonstrate that this compound displays in vivo bioactivity by blocking neutrophil infiltration in a murine model of zymosan-induced peritonitis.
Effect of temperature stress on circulating biogenic amines in bovine

A sensitive, simple and selective chromatographic method using high performance liquid chromatography was developed to measure circulating levels of histamine (HI), norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) as indicators of response to thermal stress in two breeds of cattle. Duplicate exposures for 8 hr to 13 degrees C resulted in significantly elevated plasma NE and DA in longhorns but not in Herefords and suggest a relatively greater sensitivity to the cold (13 degrees C) in the longhorn. Environmental temperatures of 32 and 42 degrees C significantly increased rectal temperatures of both breeds with much higher rectal temperatures in Herefords. The 32 and 42 degrees C effects on circulating NE and DA of Herefords were highly significant but not in the longhorn. However, heat stress significantly elevated HI and 5-HT in the longhorn which may account for their relatively greater heat tolerance based on their lower rectal temperatures.
Selenium and Sulfur Trichalcogenides from the Chalcogenide Exchange Reaction

Various selenium- and sulfur-containing volatiles have been detected and characterized as products of chalcogen exchange reactions. The formation of all possible selenium- and sulfur-containing trichalcogenide isomers (−SeSS−, −SSeS−, −SeSeS−, −SeSSe− and −SeSeSe−) was observed at room temperature in the solutions containing diselenide and trisulfide. Because of the low activation barrier of the selenium exchange reaction, these species are expected also to form in biological systems in the presence of diselenides and higher sulfides. Methyl and ethyl derivatives of these species were characterized using gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry with electron impact, chemical, and field ionization. Rearrangements of triselenides lead also to the formation of isomeric branched-structure triselenides, selanadiselenides. Because of the very similar structural properties, the behavior of these novel species was studied under various ionization modes (EI+, CI+, EI−, and CI−).
Role of the null space of the DRM in the performance of modulated polarimeters

Imaging polarimeters infer the spatial distribution of the polarization state of the optical field as a function of time and/or wavelength. A polarimeter indirectly determines the polarization state by first modulating the intensity of the light field and then demodulating the measured data to infer the polarization parameters. This Letter considers passive Stokes parameter polarimeters and their inversion methods. The most widely used method is the data reduction matrix (DRM), which builds up a matrix equation that can be inverted to find the polarization state from a set of intensity measurements. An alternate strategy uses linear system formulations that allow band limited reconstruction through a filtering perspective. Here we compare these two strategies for overdetermined polarimeters and find that design of the null space of the inversion operator provides degrees of freedom to optimize the trade off between accuracy and signal-to-noise ratio. We further describe adaptive filtering techniques that could optimize the reconstruction for a particular experimental configuration. This Letter considers time-varying Stokes parameters, but the methods apply equally to polarimeters that are modulated in space or in wavelength.
Rebels and Robbers: Violence in Post‐Colonial Angola – By Assis Malaquias

In this book the author provides a wide‐ranging analysis of the conditions that led to violence and corruption in Angola from the 1970s to 2004. The book consists of nine chapters. The first two ch...
Hydroxyl Groups in the ββ Sandwich of Metallo-β-lactamases Favor Enzyme Activity: A Computational Protein Design Study

Metallo-β-lactamases challenge antimicrobial therapies by their ability to hydrolyze and inactivate a broad spectrum of β-lactam antibiotics. The potential of these enzymes to acquire enhanced catalytic efficiency through mutation is of great concern. Here, we explore the potential of computational protein design to predict mutants of the imipenemase IMP-1 that modulate the catalytic efficiency of the enzyme against a range of substrates. Focusing on the four amino acid positions 69, 121, 218, and 262, we carried out a number of design calculations. Two mutant enzymes were predicted: the single mutant S262A and the double mutant F218Y-S262A. Compared to IMP-1, the single mutant (S262A) results in the loss of a hydroxyl group and the double mutant (F218Y-S262A) results in a hydroxyl transfer from position 262 to position 218. The presence of both hydroxyl groups at positions 218 and 262 was tested by examining the mutant F218Y. Kinetic constants of IMP-1, the two computationally designed mutants (S262A and F218Y-S262A), and the hydroxyl addition mutant (F218Y) were determined with seven substrates. Catalytic efficiencies are highest for the enzyme with both hydroxyl groups (F218Y) and lowest for the enzyme lacking both hydroxyl groups (S262A). The catalytic efficiencies of the two enzymes with one hydroxyl group each are intermediate, with the F218Y-S262A double mutant exhibiting enhanced hydrolysis of nitrocefin, cephalothin, and cefotaxime relative to IMP-1.
Glycosidases in normal and scrapie mouse brain.

— The pH optima of ten glycosidases have been determined in normal and scrapie-affected mouse brain. The enzymes α-mannosidase, α-glucosidase and β-glucosidase displayed two peaks of enzyme activity over the pH range examined. There is a significant increase in the activity of the enzymes α-mannosidase, β-glucuronidase, N-acetyl β-D-glucosaminidase, N-acetyl β-galactosaminidase, β-glucosidase (pH 4.1), α-fucosidase and β-xylosidase in the brains of mice clinically affected with scrapie, whilst only α-mannosidase (pH 4.1), β-glucuronidase, N-acetyl-β-D-glucosinidase and N-acetyl-β-D-gaiactosaminidase are elevated before mice exhibit signs of the disease.
A Rabbit Ventricular Action Potential Model Replicating Cardiac Dynamics at Rapid Heart Rates

Mathematical modeling of the cardiac action potential has proven to be a powerful tool for illuminating various aspects of cardiac function, including cardiac arrhythmias. However, no currently available detailed action potential model accurately reproduces the dynamics of the cardiac action potential and intracellular calcium (Cai) cycling at rapid heart rates relevant to ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. The aim of this study was to develop such a model. Using an existing rabbit ventricular action potential model, we modified the L-type calcium (Ca) current (ICa,L) and Cai cycling formulations based on new experimental patch-clamp data obtained in isolated rabbit ventricular myocytes, using the perforated patch configuration at 35–37°C. Incorporating a minimal seven-state Markovian model of ICa,L that reproduced Ca- and voltage-dependent kinetics in combination with our previously published dynamic Cai cycling model, the new model replicates experimentally observed action potential duration and Cai transient alternans at rapid heart rates, and accurately reproduces experimental action potential duration restitution curves obtained by either dynamic or S1S2 pacing.
Sequenzverteilung in Copolymeren Chemische Untersuchungen

Zur Untersuchung der Sequenzverteilung in Copolymeren stehen mehrere Verfahren zur Verfugung, aber keines von ihnen kann in allen Fallen routinemasig angewendet werden. Die Einfuhrung der „Blockzahl” (run number) erlaubt eine einfache Behandlung der Ergebnisse solcher Studien. Alle bisher erhaltenen Resultate sind mit der klassischen Theorie der Copolymerisation in Einklang zu bringen.
Coordinating Cognitive Assistance With Cognitive Engagement Control Approaches in Human–Machine Collaboration

In human-machine collaboration, automated machines may assist operators in a variety of ways. However, chaotic assistance may lead to negative consequences, which makes the achievement of effective coordination of the different types of assistance all the more important. This paper discusses the classification of assistance on a cognitive basis and a method of coordinating assistance. Cognitive assistance is viewed as a 2-D problem, consisting of when to provide assistance (a control problem) and what assistance to provide (an interface problem). This paper further proposes dynamically controlling cognitive engagement levels to meet the demands of maintaining performance. Cognitive engagement control determines the appropriate moment to provide the proper level of cognitive assistance. To validate the above approach, a driving assistance experiment was conducted on a driving simulator. In the experiment, an intelligent assistance system monitored the real-time driving performance of human drivers, e.g., time headway and lateral deviation. Because of the importance of visual attention in driving performance, the system monitored the cognitive engagement status of drivers by measuring their eye movements with an eye tracker. Through five sessions of car-following driving tests, the coordinated cognitive assistance (named adaptive assistance) was compared with four other types of cognitive assistance: no aid, soft aid , soft intervention, and hard intervention. The experimental results confirmed that coordinated cognitive assistance is the most effective approach to provide assistance in both primary and secondary tasks. It also appears to be more enjoyable and less intrusive when compared with other individual types of cognitive assistance.