cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structures of the Michaelis Complex (1.2 Å) and the Covalent Acyl Intermediate (2.0 Å) of Cefamandole Bound in the Active Sites of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis β-Lactamase K73A and E166A Mutants,

The genome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) contains a gene that encodes a highly active β-lactamase, BlaC, that imparts TB with resistance to β-lactam chemotherapy. The structure of covalent BlaC−β-lactam complexes suggests that active site residues K73 and E166 are essential for acylation and deacylation, respectively. We have prepared the K73A and E166A mutant forms of BlaC and have determined the structures of the Michaelis complex of cefamandole and the covalently bound acyl intermediate of cefamandole at resolutions of 1.2 and 2.0 A, respectively. These structures provide insight into the details of the catalytic mechanism.
How reliable is laparoscopic colorectal surgery compared with laparotomy for octogenarians

Due to the current increased longevity in the elderly population and the increased size of that population, major abdominal intervention is more frequently performed among octogenarians. This study aimed to compare the surgical and postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic colorectal resections with those of open surgery in the octogenarian population. Retrospective analysis based on a prospectively maintained database of octogenarians who underwent laparoscopic or open elective colorectal resections from 2001 to 2008 was performed. Diagnosis, comorbidities, operative data, and early postoperative complications are analyzed in this report. Colon resection was performed for 199 octogenarians, using laparotomy for 116 patients (group 1) and laparoscopic surgery for 83 patients (group 2). The mean age was 84.3 years for the laparotomy patients and 84.7 years for the laparoscopic patients. The American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) scores was comparable between groups 1 and 2. Colorectal adenoma was the most common indication for surgery in both groups: for 77.6% of the group 1 patients and 54.2% of the group 2 patients. Right colectomy was the most frequently performed operation in group 2: for 57.8% of the group 2 patients and 31% of the group 1 patients (p = 0.0003). Open resections had a higher mean blood loss in both group 1 (286 ml) and group 2 (152 ml) (p = 0.0002), and more patients required intraoperative transfusions (p = 0.005) despite similar operative times. The conversion rate in the laparoscopic group was 25.3%. The patients in the laparoscopic group had less morbidity, both overall and clinically, than the open group (p 0.05). The mortality rate was 3.4% in group 1 and 2.4% in group 2. Laparoscopic colorectal resection was effective and safe for octogenarians, with less blood loss and faster postoperative recovery. The morbidity rate is lower than for traditional laparotomy.
Global contour saliency and local colinear interactions.

Our visual system can link components of contours and segregate contours from complex backgrounds based on geometric grouping rules. This is an important intermediate step in object recognition. Th...
Congenital mesonephric blastoma

Congenital mesoblastic nephroma is the most common neoplasm in the neonatal age group. It is generally benign in nature and treatment consists solely of complete excision. Congenital mesoblastic nephroma has been mistaken for Wilms tumor and subsequently overtreated. Awareness of congenital mesoblastic nephroma will aid in giving proper therapy.
Role of Intermolecular Interactions in Determining Structure and Reactivity on Surfaces: Benzenethiol on Rh(111)

The reactions of benzenethiol on clean Rh(111) have been studied using a combination of temperature-programmed reaction, high-resolution electron energy loss, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies...
Repair in infancy of tetralogy of Fallot with absence of the leaflets of the pulmonary valve (absent pulmonary valve syndrome) using a valved pulmonary artery homograft

Two infants, aged eight days and four months, with tetralogy of Fallot and absence of the leaflets of the pulmonary valve, presented with acute respiratory distress and congestive heart failure. Primary repair was performed using a cryopreserved pulmonary arterial homograft. Both infants survived and are doing well three and two years later. A review of the surgical procedures attempted in this symptomatic group of patients is presented together with a discussion of the pathophysiology of this defect.
Overview of modelling and simulation of metal powder bed fusion process at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

AbstractThe metal laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing process uses high power lasers to build parts layer upon layer by melting fine metal powders. Qualification of parts produced using this technology is broadly recognised as a significant challenge. Physics based process models have been identified as being foundational to qualification of additively manufactured metal parts. In the present article, a multiscale modelling strategy is described that will serve as the foundation upon which process control and part qualification can be built. This includes a model at the scale of the powder that simulates single track/single multilayer builds and provides powder bed and melt pool thermal data. A second model computationally builds a complete part and predicts manufactured properties (residual stress, dimensional accuracy) in three dimensions. Modelling is tied to experiment through data mining.
What college women know, think, and do about human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccine.

Abstract Objectives This cross-sectional study, guided by Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior, aimed to identify factors that influence the decision to obtain an HPV vaccine among college women and to examine the relationships among these factors. Methods An electronic self-administered survey was utilized to collect data. An email invitation was sent to 3074 college women attending a large, public university in southern California, aged between 18 and 26 years. The email directed the recipient to click on a link to a web-based survey if she wanted to participate in the study. Results Participants in this study were college women ( n = 384; 175 HPV non-vaccinees and 209 HPV vaccinees). Women in this study knew that a Pap test is still needed after HPV vaccination and that the HPV vaccine does not protect against other Sexually Transmitted Infections. Both non-vaccinees and vaccinees had positive attitudes about mandating HPV vaccine. Knowledge and attitudes toward the vaccine were not directly linked to the outcome predictors – intention to obtain the vaccine and vaccine uptake. Attitude about receiving HPV vaccine, subjective norms (complying with the expectations of others), and perceived behavioral control were correlated with the outcome predictors. Subjective norms consistently predicted intention to obtain HPV vaccine and vaccine uptake. Conclusions A proposal to mandate the HPV vaccine among young girls/women was acceptable to this population. Vaccination promotion strategies to increase the vaccine uptake rate among the catch-up group (aged 13–26) should include attention to college women's subjective norms. Health care provider's recommendation and encouragement from significant others (i.e., mother and peers) are critical in order for the college women to obtain the vaccine.
Enalaprilat in hypertensive emergencies

Enalaprilat (MK-422), an intravenously administered angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, which is the parent compound of the oral angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor enalapril (MK-421), was studied in 11 patients with asymptomatic accelerated hypertension. Each patient received an initial intravenous dose of 1 mg, followed at one-hour intervals by enalaprilat 10 mg, furosemide 40 mg, and enalaprilat 40 mg. Six of 11 patients responded with a drop in mean arterial pressure greater than 15 mm Hg to diastolic levels below 110 mm Hg; there were four partial responders and one nonresponder. Pretreatment renins were not predictive of blood pressure response. No patient had any adverse reaction to the drug; there were no significant changes in posttreatment laboratory values. We conclude that enalaprilat is an effective, well-tolerated agent for the treatment of uncomplicated accelerated hypertension and its use does not imperil nonresponding uncomplicated patients.
Nonlinear dynamics and chaos in extrinsic photoconductors

Abstract We present an experimental and theoretical analysis of the nonlinear response of cooled extrinsic Ge photoconductors of the type used to detect far-infrared radiation. State of the art p-type Ge devices with nearly ideal noise performance in the absence of drive show characteristic subharmonic and chaotic nonlinear phenomena when periodically driven, with a corresponding degredation in noise performance by a factor ≈ 104. A systematic series of experiments and corresponding simulations of a standard model of extrinsic photoconductors, including measurings and simulations of the I–V curves, transient and small signal response, as well as the response to periodic drive, identify the physical transport processes responsible: the nonlinear electric field dependence of the rates of free hole capture and impact ionization due to carrier heating at relatively modest applied electric fields E > 0.1 V/cm.
Emerging Global Environmental Governance

Environmental thinking and activism are steadily gaining widespread, even global acceptance, but are often in conflict with economic interests and international politics. Environmental priorities are further challenged by scientific uncertainty involving effects that in some cases will only become manifest far into the future. Nonetheless, accompanying this global environmental awakening has been an extraordinary number of international agreements on a wide range of critical environmental issues. While many of these environmental regimes lack adequate financial support and sanctions for non-compliance, they involve a variety of non-state actors, suggesting meaningful movement towards an evolving, complex form of global environmental governance. Indeed, there are already examples of shared global governance where states have ceded some power to intergovernmental organizations to govern specific environmental issues, and this is almost certain to expand in the future.
3-Trees in polyhedral maps

We show that the vertices of the graph of any polyhedral map on the projective plane, torus or Klein bottle can be covered by a subgraph that is a tree of maximum valence 3. This extends a theorem of the author, who previously proved this theorem for the graphs of 3-dimensional polytopes. Several theorems dealing with paths in polyhedral maps are a consequence of these theorems.
Anxiety sensitivity and CO2 challenge anxiety during recovery: differential correspondence of arousal and perceived control.

Abstract The relations between changes in arousal and perceived control with changes in anxiety-related distress during a 10-min recovery period after exposure to 10% CO 2 -enriched air was examined among community participants ( N = 47) high ( n = 23) and low ( n = 24) in anxiety sensitivity (AS). Rate of decline in arousal was significantly positively associated with rate of decline in anxiety among high and low AS participants when controlling for valence. Rate of increase in perceived control was significantly negatively related to rate of decline in anxiety in the high AS group but not in the low AS group when controlling for valence. These findings suggest that associations between arousal, perceived control, and anxiety-related recovery from a panic-relevant episode of abrupt increases in bodily arousal differ as a function of pre-existing fears of anxiety-related symptoms (i.e., AS). Implications of these findings for disorders associated with elevated AS are discussed.
Cellular mechanics of dentinal bridge repair using 3H-thymidine.

Cellular reorganization in the pulp following mechanical pulp exposure involves three steps: First, lysis and macrophage resolution of the clot form; second, there is an invasion of the clot area by fibroblasts and endothelial cells, i.e., formation of granulation tissue; third, an organization and differentiation of these cells into functional odontoblasts occurs as early as 9 days after exposure. Autoradiographic results showed an increased DNA synthesis in the fibroblast and endothelial cell populations which coincided with a histologically-observed increase in those populations. A relative increase in fibroblastic activity, as compared to endothelial cell activity, suggested that fibroblasts may be the cells that replace odontoblasts.
The detection of real and apparent concomitant rotation in a three-dimensional cube: implications for perceptual interactions.

Apparent concomitant rotation, such as that seen when viewers move laterally relative to a depth-reversed three-dimensional wire cube, has been taken as evidence that perceived distance must precede perceived motion, a proposal that is consistent with taking-into-account theories. Another proposal has been that apparent concomitant motion arises from attention to proximal motion and, hence, cannot support general claims about motion perception. In two experiments, moving viewers saw 700-msec exposures of a cube biased to be seen in either veridical or reversed depth. The cube either rotated or remained stationary. Viewers rated the perceived rotation, using a 4-point scale. The results suggested that depth cues interact with other variables before perceived rotation is computed. Surprisingly, rotations that included a substantial apparent concomitant motion component were rated higher than equivalent rotations that included no illusory motion. This asymmetry suggests that taking-into-account theories must be amended.
Preventive agricultural medicine: a student's perspective of farmers' mental health

As a medical student completing a required rural community medicine clerkship, I discovered my home community's concern for mental health of farmers. A local economic downturn affects everyone, but especially the farmers. One farmer had recently committed suicide. Leaning heavily on work presented at a Nebraska summit on the farm crisis and mental health and on the National Rural Health Association issue paper on rural mental health, I found farmer and rural mental health to be a widespread concern, exacerbated by a scarcity of rural mental health resources. In my recommendations for rural Alabama, I endorse recommendations of others, including strengthening the local family physician role as "front door" to the mental health system, outreach with such agents as extension personnel and ministers, and farm crisis hotlines.
Connections of the ventroposterior nucleus of the thalamus with the body surface representations in cortical areas 3b and 1 of the cynomolgus macaque, (Macaca fascicularis)

The somatotopic pattern of the connections of the ventroposterior nucleus of the thalamus with the representations of the body surface in somatic cortical Areas 3b and 1 were investigated in macaque monkeys using the anatomical tracers horseradish peroxidase (HRP), and 3H-proline. These tracers, in combination or separately, were injected into one or more cortical sites, after the skin surface capable of activating neurons at each site had been defined with microelectrode mapping methods. These injection sites were later related to the overall organizations of the two cutaneous representations as determined in more extensive mapping experiments (Nelson et al, '80). Finally, zones of anterograde and retrograde label in the thalamus were located with reference to architectonically defined subnuclei in the ventroposterior nucleus (VP). The results led to the following conclusions. (1) Zones of cells in VP projecting to a given location in either Area 3b or 1 also receive reciprocal projections from the cortical target. (2) A given cortical location typically relates to a disc-shaped or lamellar region in VP with the disc extending rostrocaudally and dorsoventrally, being most narrow in the mediolateral dimension. (3) The representations of the same body surface in Area 1 and Area 3b relate to the same region of VP. However, since fewer cells were generally labeled after Area 1 injections, less dense terminations are suggested from VP to Area 1 than to Area 3b. (4) VP is the major or exclusive relay of somatosensory information to the two cutaneous representations from the thalamus. Labeled neurons or zones of terminations were found outside VP in other parts of the somatosensory thalamus only when injection sites extended into cortex outside Areas 3b and 1. (5) The face, hand, limbs, and foot are represented in a mediolateral sequence of subnuclei within VP. A dorsal capping subnucleus is apparently largely devoted to the axial trunk and perhaps other hairy skin surfaces such as some parts of the proximal surfaces of the limbs. (6) While anterior and posterior surfaces of the hind limb are widely separated by the glabrous foot in the cortical representations, they appear to be represented in adjacent zones in the thalamus.
Pyrosequencing estimates of the diversity of antibiotic resistant bacteria in a wastewater system.

Standard protocols for monitoring wastewater treatment efficacy target Escherichia coli and fecal coliforms. This might not accurately describe risks associated with antibiotic resistance in the bacterial population of treated wastewaters. We modified a standard agar recovery method by amending it with various antibiotics. The resulting bacterial colonies were submitted to 454 pyrosequencing; thus we identified the diversity of culturable antibiotic resistant bacteria from treated and raw wastewaters. This approach produced 209,706 high quality reads of >300 bp. Operational taxonomic units (OTUs) within Proteobacteria dominated the system. The Shannon–Wiener H ′ index showed bacterial populations recovered on ciprofloxacin amended agars to be the least diverse. Principal component analysis of OTU distribution at phylum level showed that Proteobacteria accounted for most of the variability. The same analysis revealed most of the samples to have similar diversities at phylum level being dominated by Proteobacteria, though a few samples, typically recovered from ciprofloxacin or doxycycline amended agars were often dissimilar. Arcobacter spp. or E. coli were dominant in the bacterial communities recovered on agars amended with ciprofloxacin or doxycycline, respectively. Genera containing putative pathogens were mostly representatives of Gamma and Epsilon proteobacteria. Bacterial populations containing multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) in the final treated effluent was a possibility.
Study of Fe, Mn and Eu doped LiNbO3 by combined Rutherford backscattering and nuclear reaction analysis

Abstract Lithium niobate crystals with various dopents, such as Fe (0.3 wt%), Mn (0.1 wt%) and Eu (1 wt%) ions have been successfully grown using the Czochralski technique. The crystals have been cut in suitable sizes and polished. It is essential to know the concentration and location of dopants in the crystal lattice in order to improve the crystal growth parameters to grow large crystals of LiNbO3 with known impurities. Using Li(p,α) nuclear reaction profile the Li in LiNbO3 crystal was located. Using Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), the dopants and their concentration as a function of depth were measured. Using channeling, both RBS channeling and (p,α) channeling the lattice location of impurities and the location of Li in the doped crystal could be identified. The energy of the incident protons is maintained at 1.0 MeV to avoid neutron production.
Continuing education topics of interest to psychiatrists in the APA

Abstract Aprior study by naftulin, Ware, and Myers 1 reported the results of a southwestern survey of psychiatrists that was completed around 1968. They surveyed psychiatrists in central and southern California, Arizona, and Nevada. First, they asked psychiatrists if they were interested in continuing education and for those who were interested, gave them a list of topics that they were to indicate if they would like a separate course and/or a topic within a course for each. Ninety-four percent of the psychiatrists interested in continuing education and, therefore, asked to complete the topical preference section, were from California. Psychiatrists were asked in addition for their topical preference, also their board certification status, and their certainty of participation in a continuing education program. For those who were interested in continuing education, the general basis for their interest was also ascertained. Naftulin et al, followed up the initial letter requesting this information with a second mailing for those who had not responded to the first. Their survey is one of the most complete to date and raises several questions: (1) are other areas of the country similar to California in their interests? and (2) has time changed the interests to other topics? Psychiatric continuing education courses are the second most frequent type offered 2 . In light of this popularity, the current ranking of topics of interest should be of value to the many planners for psychiatric continuing education programs.
172. Neuropeptide Y Y1 Receptor, IL-1 Receptor Type I, and Beta-Adrenergic Receptors modulate P. gingivalis-induced inflammation

Periodontitis is a common polymicrobial inflammatory disease associated with the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) that can lead to tissue destruction and tooth loss. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y1 receptors are present in oral cavity tissues and may play a role in periodontitis-associated inflammation. Specifically, NPY, via Y1 receptors, modulates norepinephrine, via adrenergic receptors, to subsequently modulate proinflammatory cytokines such as IL1-beta. To determine whether NPY, norepinephrine, or IL-1beta in stressed or control mice modulates P. gingivalis-induced inflammation, we manipulated Y1 or adrenergic receptors or used IL-1 Receptor I knockout (IL-1RI-KO) mice in a calvarial inflammation model. We injected live P. gingivalis into tissues over the calvaria of the wild-type or IL-1RI-KO mice. After 24h, proinflammatory gene expression was determined. In non-stressed animals, blockade of Y1Rs or both central and peripheral beta2-ARs potentiated expression of proinflammatory cytokines, while antagonizing peripheral beta-ARs decreased expression. Agonizing alpha1- or beta2-ARs, non-specifically antagonizing alpha-ARs, or antagonizing beta1-ARs decreased expression. Additionally, P. gingivalis-infected IL-1RI-KO mice had decreased proinflammatory gene expression. Stress increased proinflammatory gene expression compared to control infected mice, and this increase could be blocked by antagonizing central and peripheral beta-ARs or IL-1RI. Since NPY, IL-1beta and norepinephrine have been implicated in the stress and inflammation responses, exploring these mechanisms will not only aid in identifying novel therapeutic targets, but also elucidate the connection of stress to periodontal inflammation.
A mandelbrot set for pairs of linear maps

The set of points A ( s )= {± 1 ± s ± s 2 ± s 3 ± … for all sequences of + and −}, generically a fractal. For example A (1/3) is the classical Cantor set and A (1/2 + i/2) is a dragon curve. This set of fractals can be classified in terms of an associated Mandelbrot set D = s ∈ : ¦s¦ A(s) is disconnected. The structure of D and its boundary are investigated.
The importance of incisor positioning in the esthetic smile: The smile arc***

The smile arc is defined as the relationship of the curvature of the incisal edges of the maxillary incisors and canines to the curvature of the lower lip in the posed smile. The ideal smile arc has the maxillary incisal edge curvature parallel to the curvature of the lower lip. Evaluation of anterior smile esthetics must include both static and dynamic evaluations of profile, frontal, and 45 degrees views to optimize both dental and facial appearance in orthodontic planning and treatment. This article presents the concept of the smile arc and how it relates to orthodontics-from the recognition of its importance, to its impact on orthodontic treatment planning, to how procedures and mechanics are adapted to optimize the appearance of the smile. Three cases are used to illustrate how treatment is directed, emphasizing how facial and smile goal setting go hand in hand.
Is Family Therapy Useful for Treating Children With Anorexia Nervosa? Results of a Case Series

ABSTRACT Objective Research suggests that family-based treatment (FBT) is an effective treatment for adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN). This retrospective case series was designed to examine its usefulness with younger children. Method Data were abstracted from medical records of 32 children with a mean age of 11.9 years (range 9.0-12.9) meeting diagnostic criteria for AN ( n = 29) and eating disorder not otherwise specified-restricting type ( n = 3) who were treated at two sites with FBT. Baseline characteristics, before and after weights, and Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) scores were compared with an adolescent cohort ( N = 78) with a mean age of 15.5 years (range 13.1-18.4) who were treated with FBT. Results Children with AN share most disordered eating behaviors with their adolescent counterparts; however, their EDE scores are significantly lower than adolescents at both pre- and posttreatment assessments. Over the course of treatment with FBT, children showed statistically and clinically significant weight gain and improvements in eating disordered thinking as measured by the EDE. Conclusion FBT appears to be an acceptable and effective treatment for AN in children.
Numerical simulation of Martian dust devils

[1] Large eddy simulations of vertical convective vortices and dust devils in the Martian convective boundary layer are presented, employing a version of the Mars MM5 mesoscale model, adapted to use periodic boundary conditions and run at resolutions of 10 to 100 m. The effects of background horizontal wind speed and shear on dust devil development are studied in four simulations, each extending over the daytime portion of one Martian day. The general vorticity development in all cases is similar, with roughly equal positive and negative vorticity extrema. Two dust devils were found to develop in the highest wind speed case and in a case run without background wind. The dust devil structures were found to agree well qualitatively with terrestrial dust devil observations, including the prediction of greatly diminished vertical velocities in the vortex core. Thermodynamic scaling theory of dust devils was found to provide good prediction of the relationship between central pressure and temperature in the modeled vortices. Examination of the turbulent kinetic energy budgets suggests balance between buoyancy generation and loss through dissipation and transport. The vorticity for the dust devils is provided by twisting of horizontal vorticity into the vertical. The horizontal vorticity originates from horizontal variations in temperature at the lower boundary (thermal buoyancy). While the horizontal winds generated by the modeled dust devils were likely insufficient to lift dust, this study provides a solid starting point for dynamic modeling of what may be an important component of the Martian dust cycle.
Spectrophotometric Determination of Ruthenium Using 1-Pentyl 4,6-Dihydroxy-5-Nitrosopyridine-3-Carboxylate

A method of spectrophotometric analysis for ruthenium, using the reagent 1-pentyl 4,6-dihydroxy-5-nitrosopyridine-3-carboxylate, has been developed. Several interferences are removed by extraction prior to the developemnt of the purple color formed between PDNHPC and ruthenium. The molar absorptivity of the PDHNPC-ruthenium complex is 4.2×104 at 535 nm. The complex forms at a 3∶1 ligand-metal ratio. This procedure provides the most sensitive colorimetric method for the determination of ruthenium.
NEST PREDATION AND COWBIRD PARASITISM IN SONG SPARROWS

Abstract Obligate brood parasitic birds may improve their reproductive success if they cause the failure of nests that they had not parasitized, because many host species renest soon after failed nesting attempts and replacement nests may be available for future parasitism. Presently there is conflicting evidence on a key correlate of this parasite-predator hypothesis, namely whether parasitized nests survive at higher rates than non-parasitized nests. Using data collected by volunteers for the Cornell Nest Record Program and by examining nest survival in a northeastern population of Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia) where parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) was common, I found that parasitized sparrow nests in the nestcard sample were more likely to survive at the early stages of the nesting cycle than non-parasitized nests. In addition, while overall reproductive success in the focal study population did not differ significantly between parasitized and non-parasitized hosts, non-parasit...
Hybrid photonic analog-to-digital conversion using superconducting electronics

A hybrid analog-to-digital converter is described that uses photonic waveform sampling coupled with superconducting electronics for quantization and conversion to a binary format. The architecture scheme exploits extremely low clock jitter, amplitude stability, and a picosecond sampling aperture from the photonic system and magnetic flux quantization and high-speed digital logic in the superconducting system. The operational speed of the conversion is primarily limited by the maximum speed of the superconducting logic elements.
BUDGET DEFICITS AND INTEREST RATES: THE US EVIDENCE SINCE 1946

Many economists believe that federal government's budget deficits result in higher interest rates. This increase in interest rates can stifle private investment and impede the real rate of economic growth for the economy. This paper examines the potential impact of federal budget deficits on long-term interest rates for corporate bonds. The study is based on post-war annual US data, and employs a standard demand-supply model. The empirical results in our study provide evidence that the increasing budget deficits lead to higher interest rate for corporate bonds. In this regard, our study supports arguments for the crowding out theory.
Communication management using abstraction in distributed bayesian networks

Techniques were developed in previous work for managing communication in a controlled satisficing manner in two layer distributed Bayesian Networks. DEC-MDPs were used to sequence the information transferred in order to guarantee the required confidence level. In this paper, we introduce multiple abstraction layers into the Distributed Bayesian Network as a way of carrying more useful information in transmitted data to further reduce the number of messages that need to be sent. An algorithm is developed to automatically generate appropriate abstraction data. Techniques are introduced to effectively incorporate this abstraction data set into the DEC-MDP framework. We show that the appropriate addition of abstraction data actions simplifies the DEC-MDP while reducing the expected communication cost. This work provides us with a formal view of the use of abstraction in agent cooperation and begins to give us an understanding of when the less abstract data needs to be transmitted.
Vibrational frequency shifts and relaxation rates for a selected vibrational mode in cytochrome C.

The vibrational energy relaxation of a selected vibrational mode in cytochrome c—a C-D stretch in the terminal methyl group of Met80—has been studied using equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation and normal mode analysis methods. As demonstrated in the pioneering work of Romesberg and co-workers, isotopic labeling of the C-H (to C-D) stretch in alkyl side chains shifts the stretching frequency to the transparent region of the protein's density of states, making it an effective and versatile probe of protein structure and dynamics. Molecular dynamics trajectories of solvated cytochrome c were run at 300 K, and vibrational population relaxation times were estimated using the classical Landau-Teller-Zwanzig model and a number of semiclassical theories of resonant and two-phonon vibrational relaxation processes. The C-D stretch vibrational population relaxation time is estimated to be T1 = 14–40 ps; the relatively close agreement between various semiclassical estimates of T1 lends support to the applicability of those expressions. Normal mode calculations were used to identify the dominant coupling between the protein and C-D oscillator. All bath modes strongly coupled to the C-D stretch are in close proximity. Angle bending modes in the terminal methyl group of Met80 appear to be the most likely acceptor modes defining the mechanism of population relaxation of the C-D vibration.
Experimental transplantation of human fetal and adult pancreatic islets.

We examined morphology and function following transplantation of human fetal islet-like clusters (ICCs) in nude mice and compared the functional efficiency of human adult islets and fetal ICCs after transplantation. To assess the optimal site we first transplanted ICCs under the kidney capsule, pancreas, lung, and liver in nude mice. Grafts to the kidney and pancreas matured functionally and morphologically, as evidenced by a 4-fold increase in C peptide after glucose stimulation and the presence of insulin in the grafts of all animals. Grafts to the lung, liver, and spleen did poorly; C peptide was only measurable in two of eight, two of five, or three of five of mice grafted to the lung, liver, or spleen, respectively. Using chemically diabetic nude rats as recipients, we were able to restore normoglycemia using 15,000 ICCs/kg. Lastly, when transplanted under the kidney capsule of normal nude mice, ICCs had significantly higher insulin contents and C peptide release than equivalent grafts of adult islet...
CMOS-based resonant sensors

The paper provides an overview of resonant sensors based on CMOS technology. Applications of these sensors range from inertial sensors to chemical/biochemical sensors, from atomic force microscopy to high-frequency filters. CMOS technology enables to co-integrate the resonant microstructures with necessary analog and digital circuit functions. The paper discusses CMOS-based fabrication approaches for resonant sensors, possible sensing and actuation schemes, suitable resonator materials, geometries and vibration modes. Two CMOS-based microsystems are highlighted: (i) a resonant chemical sensor and (ii) a resonant magnetic field sensor
Fold-accommodation faults

Fold-accommodation faults are secondary faults that accommodate strain variations related to structural and stratigraphic position during fold evolution. Four main types of fold-accommodation faults are commonly found. Out-of-syncline and into-anticline thrusts form primarily because of an increase in bed curvature within fold cores, although differential layer-parallel strain at different scales also contributes to fault slip. Depending on the kinematic evolution of the major fold, the thrusts may propagate along the steep or gentle limb of an asymmetric fold or along the hinge of symmetric folds. Wedge thrusts are primarily formed in competent units because of variations in penetrative layer-parallel strain between adjacent units. Limb wedges occur as hanging-wall and/or footwall fault-bend and fault-tip folds, whereas hinge wedges occur as multiple nested faults that tend to thicken the more competent units. Forelimb and backlimb thrusts form by a variety of mechanisms. Forelimb space-accommodation thrusts are low-displacement thrusts that resolve strain discontinuities resulting from increased curvature in fold cores. Forelimb shear thrusts form in the late stages of folding because of rotation and layer-parallel extension on the steep forelimbs of folds. Most backlimb thrusts originate as out-of-syncline thrusts. They may eventually link with forelimb thrusts to form forelimb-backlimb thrusts. Back thrusts accommodate hanging-wall strain during the formation of fault-related folds. They either form selectively in competent units or propagate through the section at the same rate as the main thrust. Although fold-accommodation faults are secondary features, they are important elements that define the geometry and size of structural traps in fold-thrust structures. Accurate mapping of these structures is therefore critical in interpreting the structural geometry of fold and thrust belts. Shankar Mitra holds the Monnett Chair and Professorship of Energy Resources at the University of Oklahoma. He received his Ph.D. in structural geology from Johns Hopkins University in 1977. He spent 19 years at ARCO Research and Exploration as senior and principal research geologist, director of Structural Geology, manager of Geological Research, and senior exploration research advisor. His primary research interests are in the development of structural concepts and methods and their application to exploration and production problems. He is a recipient of AAPG's Wallace Pratt and Cam Sproule awards.
Archaeocalamites from the upper Mississippian of Arkansas

Smoot, E.L., Taylor, T.N. and Serlin, B.S., 1982. Archaeocalamites from the Upper Mississippian of Arkansas. Rev. Palaeobot. Palynol., 36: 325--334. Petrified Archaeocalamites fragments are described from the Mississippian of Arkansas. Anatomical features of the wood of stems and rhizomes are detailed. Based on these characters the Arkansas specimens are placed in the taxon A. esnostensis (Ren.) Leistikow.
Divided America: The Ferocious Power Struggles in American Politics

Divided America: The Ferocious Power Struggles in American Politics. By Earl and Merle Black. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2007. 286p. $26.00. Earl and Merle Black have delivered another insightful book that describes contemporary politics by examining historical trends. They argue that the proper understanding of American politics—from election to policy—requires a regional analysis. In their own words: “Important geographical divisions, we believe, are at the heart of the very close national battles between Democrats and Republicans. American politics becomes much more interesting—and easier to understand—when the party battles are examined region by region” (p.xi). Their five regions are the South, Northeast, Pacific Coast, Midwest, and Mountains/Plains.
Randomized controlled trial of the Tobacco Tactics website versus 1-800-QUIT-NOW telephone line among Operating Engineers

Materials and methods Smokers attending workplace safety training groups were randomized to either the Tobacco Tactics website with nurse phone counseling and access to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or to the 1-800-QUIT-NOW telephone line which provided an equal number of phone calls and NRT. Participating Operating Engineers completed a baseline survey as well as mailed surveys at 30-days and 6-months. Urinary cotinine tests were used to verify 6-month smoking status. The outcomes were compared using c2 tests, t-tests, mixed models, generalized mixed models, and logistic regression models.
A technique for the visualization and analysis of cardiac wall motion by two-dimensional echocardiography

A technique is presented that can be used in the visualization and analysis of cardiac wall motion abnormalities by digital two-dimensional echocardiography. This technique is based on the use of a curvature function extracted from the endocardial boundary locations and can be used for shape or shape change analysis of the heart. The authors call the locations of high absolute curvature landmarks. Identification of landmarks on the endocardial boundary provides a simplified but powerful description of the boundary that allows visualization and analysis of wall motion. The simplification of the heart beating process is an excellent tool for the identification of infarcted areas of the heart. >
Digitizing of radiographs with a flatbed scanner.

Abstract Objectives: Flatbed scanners with the transparency scanning option can be used to digitize radiographs. The physical performance of this type of scanner was studied with regard to the digitizing of radiographs, including the dynamic range, the reproducibility and the homogeneity. Methods: An Artix ArtiScan (Artix Technologies Inc., Milpitas, CA, USA) flatbed scanner with imaging editing software Aldus PhotoStyler (Aldus Corporation, Seattle, WA, USA) was used to digitize a stepped exposure image on Kodak T-MAT G films (Kodak, Rochester, NY, USA). The stepped exposure image was scanned at various locations and with different scanning settings. The pixel values of the resulting digital images were analysed. The stepped exposure image was also scanned by a laser densitometer to measure the optical densities of the steps on the film for comparison. Results: Using the default scanning settings, the digitized images had pixel values distributed in a narrower range than that of the optical density values of the films. The range of the pixel values was widened by increasing the scanning time. Even then, the resulting pixel value profile was not identical to the optical density profile measured on film. The characteristic curve of this digitizing system was steeper than that of the film. Different pixel value distributions were obtained when the stepped exposure image was scanned at different positions on the scanning field, and when scans were obtained at different times. Reproducible results could be acquired when the images were scanned in the same area of the scanning field without changing the scanning settings and after the power had been on for a few minutes. Conclusions: In order to obtain digitized radiographs of any reliability from flatbed scanners, these should be carefully calibrated at the operating conditions.
MdmX Is Required for p53 Interaction with and Full Induction of the Mdm2 Promoter after Cellular Stress

The activity of the tumor suppressor p53 is tightly controlled by its main negative regulator, Mdm2, which inhibits p53's transcriptional activity and targets it for degradation via the proteasome pathway. The closely related Mdm2 homolog, MdmX, is also considered to be a general inhibitor of transactivation by p53, through binding to the p53 activation domain. We show here that, unexpectedly, upon DNA damage and ribosomal stress, MdmX plays a positive role in p53-mediated activation of the Mdm2 gene, but not of numerous other p53 target genes including p21. Downregulation of MdmX results in lower levels of mature and nascent Mdm2 transcripts following cellular stress. This correlates with a longer p53 half-life following DNA damage. In vitro, Mdm2 inhibits the binding of p53 to DNA to a much greater extent than does MdmX, although MdmX does not stimulate p53 interaction with Mdm2 promoter DNA. Strikingly, however, MdmX is required for optimal p53 binding to the Mdm2 promoter in vivo. Thus, we have described a new mechanism by which MdmX can suppress p53, which is through transcriptional activation of p53's principal negative regulator, Mdm2.
Intersubject Variability of Brain Glucose Metabolic Measurements in Young Normal Males

This study evaluates intersubject variability on regional glucose metabolic values in a group of 50 healthy right-handed males between 20 and 40 yr of age. Methods: Brain glucose metab olism was measured using PET and 2-deoxy-2[18F]fluoro-Dglucose under resting conditions and was separately assessed for subjects in their twenties (n = 34) and those in their thirties (n = 16). Results: Regional brain metabolic values showed significant intersubject variability with coefficients of variation (CV) that ranged between 11.1% to 15.2% (twenties) and 7.2% to 12.6% (thirties). Relative measures (regional/global)were less variable than absolute measures and the CV ranged between 4.1% to 8.3% (twenties) and 3.9% to 10% (thirties). Whereas global brain metabolic rate for subjects in their twenties was not significantly different from that of subjects in their thirties, the metabolic rate in left frontal regions was significantly lower in the older subjects. Conclusion: The correlations between age and absolute and relative metabolism in the left frontal region were r = 0.438, p < 0.002 and r = 0.447, p < 0.001, respectively.This study shows significant intersubject variability for regional brain
Recurrent tectonics in a cratonic setting: An example from northwestern Ohio

Structural, stratigraphic, and sedimentologic relations in northwest Ohio indicate that this part of the craton was the site of recurring tectonic activity throughout much of the Paleozoic. The locus of much of this activity was the Bowling Green fault, a complex north-trending zone of diverse fault types. At least six episodes of displacement can be documented, most of which involved vertical displacement along steeply dipping faults. The youngest structures in the fault zone are southwest-directed thrusts. Faulting began as early as the Ordovician Period and continued possibly as late as the Cenozoic Era. Abrupt thickness changes, isopach and structure-contour trends, intraformational unconformities, and soft-sediment deformation structures in Ordovician and Silurian units are attributed to syn-depositional deformation associated with the Bowling Green and related faults. Silurian paleogeography in the region also was affected by ongoing tectonic activity. The location of the Bowling Green fault and the cause for its long history of displacement appear to be related to the underlying Grenville front. Stresses associated with orogenic activity in the Appalachians, lithospheric flow, or forebulge migration were localized by the front and resulted in displacements in the overlying Paleozoic strata along and adjacent to the Bowling Green fault.
Safety Effects of Fixed Automated Spray Technology Systems

Fixed automated spray technology (FAST) has emerged as a solution to provide quick, effective service delivery to high-risk locations prone to icy conditions or with high traffic volumes. The Colorado Department of Transportation has installed and used FAST on bridges since 1998, with 32 units currently installed on bridges around the state. There is some concern regarding the effectiveness of FAST in reducing accidents during winter weather. Previous studies of FAST have considered the changes to crash occurrence following deployment, but these studies were basic and compared seasonal figures or rates without accounting for site conditions. To address this shortcoming, an observational before–after study with the empirical Bayes technique was used to determine the effect of FAST systems on crash frequencies. The results revealed that at sites where crashes were reduced, FAST systems contributed to an annual reduction of 2% on multilane rural highways, 16% to 70% on urban Interstates, 31% to 57% on rural ...