cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DCMDS-RV: density-concentrated multi-dimensional scaling for relation visualization

This paper proposes a novel unsupervised multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) method to visualize high-dimensional data and their relations in a low-dimensional (e.g., 2D) space. Different from traditional MDS approaches where the main purpose is to embed high-dimensional data into a low-dimensional space, this study aims to both embed data into a low-dimensional space and reveal data relations, thus providing better visualization as graph. By taking into account the density relationships inherent in data, this paper proposes a new density-concentrated multi-dimensional scaling algorithm DCMDS-RV to perform visualization of high-dimensional data and their relations. One benefit of the proposed DCMDS-RV algorithm is the ability to embed data more accurately than traditional MDS techniques by using second-order gradient optimization instead of first-order gradient. A key advantage of the presented DCMDS-RV algorithm is the capability to show relations as categorical information. In the resulting embedding, data are compact in clusters. The results demonstrate that the proposed DCMDS-RV algorithm outperforms conventional MDS methods regarding Kruskal stress factor and ACC value. The relations between data as graph are clearly viewed as well.
Associations between reliable changes in depression and changes in BMI, total body fatness and visceral adiposity during a 12-month weight loss trial.

We investigated associations between changes in depression and body composition over a 12-month weight loss trial. Of the 298 adults (BMI > 27 m/kg2), 219 with complete depression and body composition data were included. A 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale measured depression; dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measured body composition. Multinomial logistic regression predicted reliable changes in depression by BMI, body fat (BF) and visceral adiposity (VAT). Multiplicative interaction terms tested modification by sex and ethnicity. Participants with increases in body composition were less likely to experience improvements in depression (BMI: RRR = 0.79 (0.68–0.91), p < 0.01; BF: RRR = 0.97 (0.94 - 0.99), p = 0.01; VAT: RRR = 0.99 (0.98–1.00), p = 0.02), but not worsening of depression (BMI: RRR = 1.29 (0.96–1.73), p = 0.10; BF: RRR = 1.04 (0.99–1.09), p = 0.15; VAT: RRR = 1.01 (1.00–1.03), p = 0.18). Sex and ethnicity interaction terms were not significant. However, the relationship was only significant among females, among non-Latinos for BMI and BF, and among Latinos for VAT. Our study supports the association between depression and obesity and highlights the need for longitudinal studies investigating VAT and depression in diverse ethnic groups.
What Matters Most for Treatment Decisions in Hepatitis C: Effectiveness, Costs, and Altruism.

Comparative evaluations of innovations in hepatitis C virus (HCV) drug therapy typically focus on sustained virologic response (SVR) without addressing psychological and socioeconomic challenges that extend beyond virologic cure. This study aims to identify and prioritize variables important to patients when making the decision to start HCV treatment. A three-round Delphi process was conducted with the first round derived from a systematic literature review and advisory board input, including patients who have been affected by HCV, physicians, pharmacists, and a patient group representative. Delphi panelists were HCV patients who had received treatment or were considering treatment. Panelists were asked about factors influencing their HCV treatment decisions. Thematic analysis of open-ended responses based on grounded theory was used. Agreement with each category and rankings based on order of importance from the patient perspective was reported. Treatment effectiveness (100% agreement), longer life (88%), fear of complications (84%), financial issues (80%), quality of life (100%), and impact on society (80%) were considered important factors to patients in decisions to seek treatment. A fear of harming others (87%) was considered more important than physical symptoms (83%) in terms of patient-reported problems caused by HCV. Medication costs (91%) were identified as the most important costs of having HCV, followed by doctor costs (77%). In addition to treatment effectiveness, patient experiences with financial problems, quality of life, and altruistic desires impact HCV patients’ decisions. The risk of infecting others may motivate patients to seek treatment as much as personally experienced physical symptoms.
Methodology used to modernize the reference amounts customarily consumed/serving size for the nutrition facts label

Abstract The serving size declaration has been an important feature of the Nutrition Facts label since its establishment in 1993, helping consumers compare nutrient values among similar products. Serving sizes must be presented in household measurements based on the Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed (RACCs) per eating occasion for about 140 product categories. RACCs reflect consumption amounts by three age groups in the U.S. population, infants 0 to 12 months, young children 1 through 3 years of age, and individuals aged 4 years and older. Since 1993, these consumption amounts have shown changes. We examined the changes in consumption patterns based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2008, to determine if the 1993 RACCs needed to be amended. Three steps were used in this evaluation process: (1) we determined whether there was an adequate sample size to estimate a current reliable median consumption amount for the product; (2) we determined if the current reliable median consumption amount was significantly different from the 1993 RACCs (at least a 25% difference based on 95% confidence intervals); and (3) we then considered additional factors in a systematic approach. Generally, comparable products, when available, should have similar RACCs, for consumers to compare nutrient values among these products. Twenty RACCs of 45 foods were amended using this methodology.
Pyrrolidinium Ionic Liquid Electrolyte with Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide and Bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide Anions: Lithium Solvation and Mobility, and Performance in Lithium Metal–Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries

A mixture of n-methyl-n-propylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [PYR13][TFSI] and n-propyl-n-methylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, [PYR13][FSI] ionic liquids (ILs) is investigated for lithium–metal batteries. Specifically, the relation among conductivity, solvation structure, and Li⁺ mobility is investigated in a Li/IL/IL type ternary mixture. Li⁺ anion coordination numbers with both [TFSI] and [FSI] in the ternary mixtures are derived from Raman analysis. The Li⁺ transference number was measured by a combination of potentiostatic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The electrochemical stability and transport property of the developed ternary mixture were confirmed with Li–Li symmetrical and Li–LiFePO₄ cells. The ternary system exhibited improved rate capability compared to binary parent electrolytes as well as the state-of-the art carbonate-based electrolyte at −20 °C, and slightly better cycling stability at 25 °C. This study demonstrates the flexibility in tailoring physical properties and the Li⁺ solvation environment by ternary Li/IL/IL mixtures for enhanced battery performance.
Rituximab Use in Four Patients with Acquired vonWillebrand’s Syndrome.

Treating Acquired von Willebrand’s Syndrome (AVWS) is a challenge requiring multiple therapeutic modalities to achieve success in controlling and preventing bleeding episodes. From review of the literature, clinical use of rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, in AVWS has not been reported. We present our experience with four patients treated with rituximab for steroid or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) refractory and/or dependent AVWS associated with IgG monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. Rituximab at a dose of 375mg/m 2 was administered intravenously weekly for 4 consecutive weeks in the first patient. After 3 cycles of rituximab, we observed a correction of her bleeding time to normal, improvement of her prolonged aPTT, a decrease in her monoclonal IgG and cessation of her bleeding episodes for 29 months. She relapsed and was retreated with rituximab at the same dose for 3 cycles with no improvement in aPTT and bleeding time. She has had no further bleeding episodes after compliance with epsilon aminocaproic acid for one year. The second patient received rituximab intravenously at a dose of 375 mg/m 2 weekly for 4 weeks. Prolonged aPTT was unchanged after treatment. He was asymptomatic for 8 months and then received prophylactic IVIG and von Willebrand Factor concentrate (Humate-P) for elective hand surgery. The third patient had a concomitant worsening idiopathic neuropathy and received rituximab 375mg/m 2 intravenously daily for 2 consecutive days two weeks apart for his neuropathy. His neuropathy and prolonged aPTT did not improve and he developed gastrointestinal bleeding 1.5 months later. The fourth patient received rituximab 150mg/m 2 intravenously weekly for 4 consecutive weeks. Prolonged aPTT was unchanged after treatment. He experienced no bleeding symptoms for 38 months. Factor VIII, Ristocetin Cofactor, von Willebrand Antigen and IgG levels were not significantly affected by rituximab use in cases 2–4. Rituximab seemed to be most effective in the first and fourth cases. The dosing and number of cycles is unclear. Success in the first case with multiple cycles of therapy may be needed for response and warrants further evaluation. Additionally, it appears therapy needs to be reinforced with other agents to prevent or stop bleeding. It was well tolerated with no infectious complications in our patients. Only one patient had an infusion related reaction, which did not require stopping therapy. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of rituximab and establish the dosing and treatment duration in AVWS.
A Simulation Approach to Evaluate the Impact of Patterns of Bioanalytical Bias Difference on the Outcome of Pharmacokinetic Similarity Studies.

Pharmacokinetic (PK) similarity studies are vital to assess the biosimilarity of a biosimilar to a reference product. Systematic bias in a bioanalytical method that quantify products could be a potential source of error affecting the variability of the data and influencing the outcome of a PK similarity study. We investigated the impact of six varying patterns of bioanalytical bias difference (biasdiff ) between the similar products on the probability passing the PK similarity test. A population PK model was used to simulate concentration-time profiles for a biosimilar and a reference product and added biasdiff ranging from 030%. The probability of achieving the PK similarity criteria (90% confidence interval between 0.8 and 1.25) for the maximum serum concentration (Cmax ) and area under the curve (AUC) was assessed. The data indicate that an increase in absolute biasdiff between products of ≥ 10% would decrease the power to assess the similarity criteria for Cmax and AUC.
Cancer Cells Don’t Live Alone: Metabolic Communication within Tumor Microenvironments

Solid tumors reside in harsh tumor microenvironments (TMEs) together with various stromal cell types. During tumor progression and metastasis, both tumor and stromal cells undergo rapid metabolic adaptations. Tumor cells metabolically coordinate or compete with their "neighbors" to maintain biosynthetic and bioenergetic demands while escaping immunosurveillance or therapeutic interventions. Here, we provide an update on metabolic communication between tumor cells and heterogeneous stromal components in primary and metastatic TMEs and discuss emerging strategies to target metabolic communications for improved cancer treatments.
Early language measures associated with later psychosis features in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.

The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is associated with impaired cognitive functions and increased risk for schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Speech and language deficits are prominent, with evidence of decline anteceding emergence of psychosis. There is paucity of data examining language function in children with 22q11DS with follow-up assessment of psychosis spectrum (PS) symptoms. We examined the association between early language measures, obtained clinically, and PS status, obtained on average 10.1 years later, in 166 youths with 22q11DS, with repeated language testing in 48. Participants were administered the Preschool Language Scale (receptive/expressive), and/or, for school aged children, the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (receptive/expressive), and age appropriate IQ tests. The structured interview for prodromal syndromes (SIPS) assessed PS symptoms. We found that performance on all preschool measures showed age associated decline, and males performed more poorly on core composite (receptive/expressive) and receptive language measures. For language assessment later in childhood, poorer performance was consistently associated with subsequent PS status. Furthermore, steeper age-related decline was seen in the PS group across language measures and marginally for full-scale IQ. These findings suggest that while preschool language testing is useful in characterizing performance decline in individuals with 22q11DS, it does not robustly differentiate those with subsequent PS from those without. However, language testing in the school age population can help identify individuals with 22q11DS who are at risk for psychosis. Such data are needed for elucidating a lifespan trajectory for affected individuals and may help understand pathways to psychosis applicable to the general population.
Efficient Multiway Hash Join on Reconfigurable Hardware

We propose the algorithms for performing multiway joins using a new type of coarse grain reconfigurable hardware accelerator – “Plasticine” – that, compared with other accelerators, emphasizes high compute capability and high on-chip communication bandwidth. Joining three or more relations in a single step, i.e. multiway join, is efficient when the join of any two relations yields too large an intermediate relation. We show at least 130x speedup for a sequence of binary hash joins execution on Plasticine over CPU. We further show that in some realistic cases, a Plasticine-like accelerator can make 3-way joins more efficient than a cascade of binary hash joins on the same hardware, by a factor of up to 45X.
Nanoencapsulated Lauric Acid with a Poly(methyl methacrylate) Shell for Thermal Energy Storage with Optimum Capacity and Reliability

Organic phase change materials (PCMs) show much potential for thermal energy storage, but the liquid leakage tendency limits their practicality. This can be mitigated by encapsulation using a polym...
Abstract PO-049: Inhibiting MNK kinases promotes macrophage immunosuppressive phenotype to limit anti-tumor immunity

Background MAPK-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 and 2 (MNK1 and MNK2) are downstream effectors of the MEK/ERK and p38 MAPK pathways. Increased expression and activity of MNK kinases are linked to tumor growth and therapeutic resistance. Select MNK kinase inhibitors are currently being evaluated in clinical trials for different tumor types. Their immunomodulatory effects in tumors with low infiltrating CD8+ T have not been clearly defined. Methods:In vivo efficacy of MNK kinase inhibitors (CGP57380 and eFT508), either as a single agent or in combination with anti-PD-1 or anti-CSF-1R antibody, was tested in syngeneic mouse models of pancreatic cancer. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were evaluated in vitro for modulation of their polarization by MNK kinase inhibitors and their suppression of co-cultured T cells. Markers of M1/M2 polarization were measured by qRT-PCR. The effects of MNK kinase inhibitors on the expression of select M2 markers were also evaluated in ex vivo slice cultures of human pancreatic tumors. Results: We first found an inverse relationship between MNK kinase activity and CD8+ T cell abundance in human pancreatic tumors. In tumor-bearing mice, while pharmacological inhibition of MNK kinase activity increased CD8+ T cell infiltration, the tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells lacked effector function and failed to mount anti-tumor responses. Mechanistically, we showed that systemic inhibition of MNK kinases increased the expression of several anti-inflammatory genes in BMDMs and potentiated the ability of BMDMs and TAMs to suppress T cell proliferation. Reversal of T cell exhaustion either by an anti-PD-1 antibody or by TAM depletion with an anti-CSF-1R antibody enhanced the anti-tumor efficacy of MNK inhibitors and prolonged animal survival. Importantly, treating ex vivo human pancreatic cancer slice cultures with MNK inhibitors led to increased expression of known immunosuppressive markers in TAMs. Conclusion: Together, these findings provide new insights into the effects of MNK kinase inhibition on CD8+ T cell infiltration and TAM function and identify combination regimens with MNK kinase inhibitors to achieve effective anti-tumor responses in pancreatic cancer patients whose tumors have a low number of functional CD8+ T cells. Citation Format: Thao N. D. Pham, Christina Spaulding, Mario A. Shields, Mahmoud G. Khalafalla, Daniel R. Principe, David J. Bentrem, Hidayatullah G. Munshi. Inhibiting MNK kinases promotes macrophage immunosuppressive phenotype to limit anti-tumor immunity [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer; 2021 Sep 29-30. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(22 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-049.
Tracing chlorine sources of thermal and mineral springs along and across the Cascade Range using halogen concentrations and chlorine isotope compositions

Abstract In order to provide constraints on the sources of chlorine in spring waters associated with arc volcanism, the major/minor element concentrations and stable isotope compositions of chlorine, oxygen, and hydrogen were measured in 28 thermal and mineral springs along the Cascade Range in northwestern USA. Chloride concentrations in the springs range from 64 to 19,000 mg/L and δ Cl 37 values range from + 0.2 ‰ to + 1.9 ‰ ( average = + 1.0 ± 0.4 ‰ ), with no systematic variation along or across the arc, nor correlations with their presumed underlying basement lithologies. Additionally, nine geochemically well-characterized lavas from across the Mt. St. Helens/Mt. Adams region of the Cascade Range ( Leeman et al., 2004 , Leeman et al., 2005 ) were analyzed for their halogen concentrations and Cl isotope compositions. In the arc lavas, Cl and Br concentrations from the volcanic front are higher than in lavas from the forearc and backarc. F and I concentrations progressively decrease from forearc to backarc, similar to the trend documented for B in most arcs. δ Cl 37 values of the lavas range from −0.1 to + 0.8 ‰ (average = + 0.4 ± 0.3 ‰ ). Our results suggest that the predominantly positive δ Cl 37 values observed in the springs are consistent with water interaction with underlying 37Cl-enriched basalt and/or altered oceanic crust, thereby making thermal spring waters a reasonable proxy for the Cl isotope compositions of associated volcanic rocks in the Cascades. However, waters with δ Cl 37 values > + 1.0 ‰ also suggest additional contributions of chlorine degassed from cooling magmas due to subsurface vapor–liquid HCl fractionation in which Cl is lost to the aqueous fluid phase and 37Cl is concentrated in the ascending magmatic HCl vapor. Future work is necessary to better constrain Cl isotope behavior during volcanic degassing and fluid–rock interaction in order to improve volatile flux estimates through subduction zones.
Low frequency tracings of precordial displacement and acceleration: technical comparison of various systems.

Abstract Low and ultra low frequency precordial vibrations from areas designated as V E , V 3 and V 4 in conventional electrocardiographic chest leads have been studied by means of five different types of pick-up with RC or electronic band pass filters. Tracings of displacement, velocity and acceleration, recorded in various frequency bands between 0.01 and 100 c.p.s., were compared to different kinds of ballistocardiographic and precordial records. Of the various oscillatory patterns recorded by the different methods (different frequency bands, different pick-ups, and different locations on the wall of the chest), three consistent and reproducible patterns have been selected on the basis of their similarity to the ultra low frequency ballistocardiographic displacement, ultra low frequency ballistocardiographic velocity, or ultra low frequency ballistocardiographic acceleration tracings, respectively. The displacement 0.01 to 100 c.p.s. band-pattern is similar to the mirror image of the ultra low frequency displacement ballistocardiogram. The 5 to 25 c.p.s. band (acceleration) pattern is similar to that of the ultra low frequency lateral or head-foot acceleration ballistocardiogram. The precordial velocity tracing resembles the ultra low frequency velocity ballistocardiogram. Apart from similarity in patterns, the comparison was based also on time measurements related to the electrocardiogram and various pulse tracings. This similarity between precordial and ballistic patterns reveals the basic importance of recording pulsatory vibrations as physically pure aspects of the movement caused by cardiocirculatory mechanisms. It further holds the promise that standardized technics may contribute to the elimination of the disturbing variety of ballistic and precordial tracings.
Aspects of the InfiniBand architecture

The InfiniBand Architecture (IBA) is a new industry-standard architecture for server I/O and inter-server communication. It was developed by the InfiniBandSM Trade Association (IBTA) to provide the levels of reliability, availability, performance, and scalability necessary for present and future server systems, levels significantly better than can be achieved with bus-oriented I/O structures. This paper provides a brief description of IBA.
Increased tyrosine kinase activity in pp60c-src immunoprecipitate from platelet activating factor stimulated human platelets:: In vitro phosphorylation of a synthetic peptide

The involvement of pp60c-src tyrosine kinase was studied in human platelets stimulated with platelet activating factor (PAF). Immunoprecipitation of pp60c-src from platelets followed by immunoblot with pp60v-src monoclonal antibody revealed four protein bands of 60, 56, 50 and 29 kDa as detected by enzymographic web. The phosphorylation of these bands was increased in the pp60c-src immunoprecipitate from PAF stimulated platelets. To assay the tyrosine kinase activity, we used a 13 amino acid synthetic peptide (Arg-Arg-Leu-Ile-Glu-Asp-Ala-Glu-Tyr-Ala-Ala-Arg- Gly) which contains sequences similar to the phosphorylation site on pp60c-src. Incubation of the pp60c-src immunoprecipitate with the peptide and [32P]ATP caused phosphorylation of this peptide in vitro. This peptide phosphorylation was not observed when normal mouse IgG-bound protein(s) was used instead of pp60c-src immunoprecipitate. The peptide phosphorylation was markedly increased by pp60c-src immunoprecipitate obtained from PAF treated platelets. Lyso-PAF had no effect on the phosphorylation. PAF antagonists CV-6209 and WEB-2086 blocked PAF stimulated phosphorylation. This indicated structurally specific and PAF receptor dependency of this response. These results provide direct evidence that PAF stimulation of human platelets increased tyrosine kinase activity in pp60c-src immunoprecipitate.
Time-domain simulation of time-reversed EM pulse propagation in continuous random media for UWB sensing applications

We investigate the (retro)focusing resolution of UWB TR electromagnetic (EM) pulses in continuous random media with respect to statistical parameters of the media by means of numerical simulations employing the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. We verify that multiple scattering in the intervening random medium produces super-resolution, i.e. a better focusing resolution of the retrofocused EM waves than is achievable according to the classical diffraction limit (in homogeneous media). The effects of (de)polarization on the retrofocusing resolution of time reversed EM waves are also considered with no analogy in the acoustic case.
The role of tilted heating in the evolution of the MJO

There has been much discussion about the role of tilted heating in the evolution of the MJO. It is believed that the inability of many general circulation models to produce a robust MJO is directly related to deficiencies in the model-produced tropical heating distributions. Given the MJO's importance in tropical climate, we need to better understand what heating distributions are required in climate models to produce strong MJOs. This study addresses the role of tilted heating in the Community Atmospheric Model version 4 (CAM4). Idealized and observed heating distributions are added to the tropical atmosphere in CAM4. These include heating that tilts westward with height in the lower and upper atmosphere, as well as various tilted and untilted heating in the form of either idealized blobs or observations derived from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Precipitation Radar and the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project. We find that low-level heating ahead of the MJO convective center is critical for the initial strengthening and later maintenance of the MJO. However, tilted heating is not necessary to simulate a realistic MJO. In addition, excess upper level heating, whether tilted or not, appears to degrade the MJO signal, although Rossby wave modes are evident only in runs with additional upper level heating. Kelvin waves are evident during strong MJOs for all simulations but are only visible over the central Pacific. Results suggest that accurate shallow convective parameterizations may be more important than deep convective ones in the evolution of the MJO.
Evolutionary Puzzles: An Introduction to Genome Rearrangement

This paper is intended to serve as an introduction to genome rearrangement and its use for inferring phylogenetic trees. We begin with a brief description of the major players of the field (chromosomes, genes, etc.) and the types of mutations that can affect them, focussing obviously on genome rearrangement. This leads to a simple mathematical representation of the data (the order of the genes on the chromosomes), and the operations that modify it (inversions, transpositions, and translocations).We then consider the problem of inferring phylogenetic (evolutionary) trees from genetic data. We briefly present the two major approaches to solve this problem. The first one, called distance matrix method, relies on the estimation of the evolutionary distance between each pair of species considered. In the context of gene order data, a useful measure of evolutionary distance is the minimum number of basic operations needed to transform the gene order of one species into that of another. This family of algorithmic problems has been extensively studied, and we review the major results in the field.The second approach to inferring phylogenetic trees consists of finding a minimal Steiner tree in the space of the data considered, whose leaves are the species of interest. This approach leads to much harder algorithmic problems. The main results obtained here are based on a simple evolutionary metric, the number of breakpoints.Throughout the paper, we report on various biological data analyses done using the different techniques discussed. We also point out some interesting open problems and current research directions.
From Ionizing Radiation to Photosynthesis

This chapter focuses on the driving forces of the origin and the evolution of the early anoxygenic photosynthesis before the onset of the oxygenic cyanobacterial photosynthesis 2.8–2.4 billion years ago. The early Earth conditions were sustained by the global cycling of carbon dioxide among the atmosphere, primordial crust, and the ocean. High-energy ultraviolet radiation played a decisive role in this interaction, maintaining the temperature of the ocean and promoting mildly oxidizing conditions in the atmosphere and the upper layers of the ocean. Constrained by the sterilizing effect of the UV radiation and the evaporating consequences of the Late Heavy Bombardment, chemolithotrophic life was likely to emerge at the seafloor under excess of carbon dioxide and a constant flux of reducing hydrothermal fluids. Trophic diversification had launched the expansion of the chemolithotrophic lineages to the photic zone. Alternative hypotheses of the terrestrial origin of life with implications for the origin of photosynthesis are discussed. The review reconstructs the development of the ancient photosynthetic habitats under the strong selective pressure of the UV radiation and discusses available hypotheses of the origin of photosynthesis with regard to emergence of workable photosynthetic mechanism. The evolution of the homodimeric proto-photosystem and its divergence to the homodimeric iron–sulfur-type and the homodimeric quinone-type reaction centers were probably driven by the availability of the exogenous electron donors in a series of ecological successions from the oceanic photic zone to the shallow water habitats and microbial mats. This process had eventually resulted in the advent of independence of the photosynthetic organisms from the geochemical conditions in cyanobacterial lineages that were able to oxidize water.
Animalizing India: emerging signs of an unruly market

Focusing on recent artistic and photojournalistic portraits of India as an animal – an elephant or tiger – that wanders alone or sometimes with another animal companion – dragon or panda bear – called China, this article analyzes the ways in which India's potential as an emerging market and a rising power is being conjured in the popular aesthetics of magazine and nonfiction book covers. Even as an outpouring of verbal discourse from business and policy experts has hailed an India that is transitioning from a peripheral Third-World nation to a rising power, a steady stream of visual illustrations, including, those that deploy animal avatars, has sought to illuminate the vicissitudes of India's newfound economic recognition. Ultimately, my article's tracking of the visual semiotics of India's animal imprints seeks to get inside an economy of appearances in which zoological embodiments arbitrate this non-Western nation's prospects for entering economic globalization's newly minted scale of “emerging market.”
Blind deconvolution of sources from the transmission responses of one-dimensional inhomogeneous continuous and discrete layered absorbing media

Non-destructive testing and reconstruction of lossy non-uniform transmission lines require solving inverse scattering problems for inhomogeneous one-dimensional (1D) lossy media. Often the source waveform used to probe the medium is unknown, since it cannot be measured separately. This paper shows that the blind deconvolution problem of reconstructing both an unknown source and an unknown lossy 1D medium can be solved, provided the medium absorption is sufficiently large. We generalize the minimum-phase property of the transmission response to a more severe property for lossy media. We also show how partial knowledge of the source can be used to reconstruct low-loss and lossless 1D media. Both discrete and continuous 1D layered media are considered. Numerical examples are presented.
Endometrial Angiogenesis: From Physiology to Pathology

Numerous factors have been implicated in angiogenesis. This article concentrates on the expression of the major angiogenic factors, namely, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the angiopoietins in the human endometrium. Particular emphasis is placed on the expression of the angiopoietins and their physiological and pathological expression.
Dynamic mitral regurgitation without regional wall motion abnormality.

i s A55-YEAR-OLD white man was transferred from an outside hospital with complaints of chest tightness and pain radiating to his jaw and left arm. These symptoms were associated with shortness of breath and diaphoresis. A cardiac catheterization revealed triplevessel coronary artery disease (75% stenosis in the left anterior descending artery, 80% stenosis in the left circumflex artery near the takeoff of the obtuse marginal artery, and 80% stenosis in the right coronary artery). A transthoracic echocardiogram showed normal left ventricular (LV) function and mitral valve leaflets that were mildly thickened with normal mobility and trivial-to-mild mitral regurgitation (MR) (Video 1 [supplementary videos are available online]). The patient consented to coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The patient underwent uneventful anesthetic induction. The initial intraoperative transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) showed normal LV systolic function with impaired relaxation by mitral inflow pulse-wave and tissue Doppler studies. Two-dimensional echocardiographic examination revealed the mitral valve leaflets as mildly thickened, with normal coaptation in the midesophageal 4-chamber, 2-chamber, and long-axis views. Annular dimensions in the midesophageal commissural and long-axis views were measured at 3.6 and 3.3 cm, respectively. Color-flow Doppler interrogation of the mitral valve in the midesophageal views showed a trivial centrally directed MR jet. The right ventricular function was normal with a mild central tricuspid regurgitation jet. Approximately 1 hour after the induction of anesthesia, before the sternotomy incision, an abrupt increase in the mean pulmonary arterial pressures (PAPs) (mmHg) from the mid-20s to the mid-60s occurred. At about the same time, the heart rate (beats/min) changed from the 50s to the 70s, without any associated ST-T wave changes on the electrocardiogram. The mean arterial pressures (mmHg) ranged from the 60s to the 90s. On the TEE, this corresponded with the appearance of a severe centrally directed MR jet along with a systolic reversal of the pulmonary venous flow (Video 2 and Figs 1 and 2). The mechanism of the MR involved symmetric tethering of both the anterior and posterior leaflets, with a complete lack of coaptation and restricted leaflet motion. Although there was no obvious regional wall motion abnormality (RWMA), there were subtle decreases in the global left and right ventricular contractility. The decreased right ventricular contractility was associated with a worsening of the central tricuspid regurgitant jet.
Heritability of directional and fluctuating asymmetry for mandibular characters in random‐bred mice

In bilateral characters, two kinds of asymmetries are common: fluctuating asymmetry (FA), or nondirectional variation between left and right sides, and directional asymmetry (DA), in which one side is consistently larger than the other. FA has been extensively used as a measure of developmental stability because of its presumed environmental basis whereas DA has not typically been recommended because it has been presumed to have at least some genetic basis. To test these two hypotheses, heritabilities were calculated via parent–offspring regression for both DA and FA in 10 triply measured mandible characters in random-bred mice. Midparent estimates of heritabilities of DA in the 10 characters were quite low (mean = 0.06), but significant for one character as well as the sum of the DA values over all characters (0.21). Midparent estimates of heritability of FA in the 10 characters also were low (mean = 0.03), but not significant for any individual character or the sum of the FA values over all characters. Heritabilities of developmental stability calculated from heritabilities and repeatabilities of FA in the mandible characters were higher in magnitude (mean of midparent estimates = 0.45), but all still were not statistically significant. It was concluded that both hypotheses were supported, but that genetic variation in DA was so small that the potential for DA as an indicator of developmental stability should be explored.
Syntheses and Biological Activity Studies of Novel Sterol Analogs from Nitroso Diels-Alder Reactions of Ergosterol

A series of novel sterol analogs was prepared using nitroso Diels-Alder reactions with ergosterol. Most cycloaddition reactions proceeded in an excellent regio- and stereoselective fashion. Further N-O bond cleavage of cycloadducts generated compounds with biological activity in PC-3 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines.
Secret Agents in the Library: Integrating Virtual and Physical Games in a Small Academic Library

While the literature on active learning in libraries is bountiful, few articles focus on game-based learning in the library classroom. At Lycoming College, students in three classes of freshman composition were given a computer-based game in place of a lecture. The game was intended to present traditional learning objectives in a fun format and it required students to interact with physical library materials as well as the online game. Students' responses and quiz results show that this game is an effective method of instruction.
Visual Utility for the Localization of Corona-Accelerated Nuclei

The proton prediction system developed by Smart and Shea (Smart, D. E, and Shea, M. A., "PPS76—A Computerized 'Event Mode' Solar Proton Forecasting Technique," Solar Terrestrial Prediction Proceedings, edited by R. E Donnelly, Vol. 1, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Environmental Research Lab., U.S. Dept. of Commerce, 1979, pp. 406-423) provides the approximate magnitude of the fluxes of solar-flare-ejected protons in the vicinity of the Earth. A system is described that extends Smart and Shea's work in that it predicts fluxes of such protons at arbitrary points of the inner heliosphere near the plane of the solar equator. It has interactive graphical components that enhance the user's overall perception of a flare's effects upon the solar system while also providing precise user-requested data. The flux predictions of the system agree well with proton fluxes as measured by various spacecraft. Results are given. A database of flare events is maintained and can be used for a retroactive analysis when it is desired to know the magnitudes of potential proton fluxes due to a previous flare.
RuIII(hedta) as an oxygen atom transfer catalyst in the epoxidation of stilbenes

Abstract RuIII(hedta) and RuIII((CH3)2edda)+ (hedta3−=N-hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetate; (CH3)2edda2−=N, N− dimethethylethylenediamine-N, N−diacetate) catalyze the epoxidation of cis-stilbene and trans-stilbene using tert- butylhydroperoxide (t-BuOOH) as the oxygen source. Prior spin-trapping studies have documented the existence of LRuIIIO ↔ LRuIVO·− ↔ LRuVO2− character in the species obtained from RuIIIL and to-BuOOH (L=polyam- inopolycarboxylate ligands related to edta4−). The O-atom complex, LRuIIIO, appears responsible for the epoxidation of stilbenes. Yields as high as 63.5% cis-stilbene oxide plus 11.0% trans-stilbene oxide from cis-stilbene and 65.1% cis-stilbene oxide from trans-stilbene (with no trans-stilbene oxide) are formed in the epoxidation reactions. Secondary oxidations of the epoxide products produce between 4 to 8% benzaldehyde depending on conditions. The product distribution using the RuIIIL/t-BuOOH catalyst requires at least three epoxidation pathways: (i) concerted transfer of the oxenoid oxygen to the stilbene nucleophile; this process is favored for cis-stilbene; (ii) an outer-sphere electron transfer from the stilbene to LRuIIIO forming a carbon-centered cation radical adjacent to LRuIIIO·−; this radical pair may couple directly for cis-stilbene or after a rapid isomerization of the trans- stilbene radical; (iii) an acyclic pathway which has both free radical and carbocation resonant character; this allows for isomerism of cis-stilbene to trans-stilbene oxide products. RuIIIO(hedta) is also observed to cleanly oxidize benzaldehyde to benzoic acid, sec-phenetyl alcohol to acetophenone, and benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde and benzoic acid. Cyclohexene is hydroxylated and further oxidized to 2-cyclohexene-1-one.
Advance Your Freedom: Race, Enterprise, and Neoliberal Governmentality on From G’s to Gents

The surge of U.S. reality television shows focused on “making over” contestants has paralleled the decline of the welfare state, the eradication of Affirmative Action, and the rise of the prison-industrial complex. This article examines MTV’s From G’s to Gents to consider questions of neoliberal governmentality and race. By analyzing the show’s relationship to the prison system, enterprise culture, and heteronormativity, I argue that the show functions as a technology that governs black freedom under neoliberalism.
A capsid-modified adenovirus vector devoid of all viral genes: assessment of transduction and toxicity in human hematopoietic cells

Inefficient gene transfer has limited the success of gene therapy in the hematopoietic system. Here we develop a novel chimeric adenovirus (Ad) vector containing Ad serotype 11 fiber-modified capsids and E1/E3 deleted viral genomes (Ad5/11) or genomes devoid of all viral genes (ΔAd5/11). The capsid-modified vectors transduced human hematopoietic cells more efficiently than the unmodified Ad5-based vector. The absence of viral genes from the ΔAd5/11 vector allowed for transduction without the associated toxicity seen with the first-generation E1/E3 deleted vector. Chimeric vectors were used for transient expression of the ecotropic retrovirus receptor (ecoR) in Mo7e cells (a CD34-positive, c-Kit-positive, growth-factor-dependent human cell line) as a model for human hematopoietic progenitor cells. Expression of ecoR conferred susceptibility to subsequent retroviral transduction. The ΔAd5/11 vector used to express ecoR allowed for expansion of retrovirally transduced cells, whereas transduction with the first-generation Ad5/11 vector resulted in cytotoxicity and, over time, loss of cells expressing the retrovirus-vector-derived transgene.
Structure of langmuir-blodgett films of disk-shaped molecules determined by atomic force microscopy.

Monolayer Langmuir-Blodgett films of a discotic mesogen have been studied with atomic force microscopy (AFM). These measurements confirm the "edge on" arrangement for the disk-shaped molecules suggested by surface pressure—area isotherms and show that the molecules form columns that are separated by 17.7 angstroms ± 10 percent. Column alignment is found to be predominantly along the film deposition direction, with an angular spread of 35°. The AFM images also show that the mean disk separation within the columns is 5.1 ± 1.3 angstroms, in good agreement with x-ray diffraction (XRD) results. Roomtemperature XRD measurements on bulk samples of the same material indicate a disordered-hexagonal liquid crystalline mesophase, with a column-to-column spacing of 19.9 ± 0.2 angstroms.
Is load control suitable for fracture-energy measurements for concrete?

Sixteen notched concrete beams with\(\frac{{a_o }}{w} = 0.3\), 0.5, 0.7 were tested in three-point bending—eight in strain control and eight in load control. The time to peak load was kept approximately the same for both cases for a given notch depth. The load-displacement traces were very similar and equivalent energy values agreed well in most cases. However the fracture-energy values based on the RILEM proposed specification were affected by the type of response control used.
Nicotine as a discriminative stimulus in rats depleted of norepinephrine or 5-hydroxytryptamine.

Rats were trained to make a specific behavioral response in a T-maze apparatus conditional upon whether they were injected with 0.4 mg/kg nicotine or saline. Depletion of brain levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine by orally administered para-chlorophenylalanine had no significant effect on the rats' ability to discriminate nicotine. However, both insoluble alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine and its ester, at intraperitoneal doses of 90 and 135 mg/kg, respectively, significantly decreased discrimination of nicotine at 180 and 270 min post-administration. At these doses and times, saline discrimination was not altered. The experimental evidence indicates that nicotine's CNS cueing effect is mediated by norepinephrine, and this is discussed in light of the Burn and Rand hypothesis. It is proposed that, nicotine may act on a specific nicotine-sensitive cholinergic receptor in the CNS, which causes release of norepinephrine which, in turn, produces the interoceptive cueing effect that enables the rats to make the appropriate behavioral response.
Stochastic simulation of the partition mechanism with a heterogeneous surface phase

A three-dimensional stochastic model of chromatography has been used to determine the effect of multiple sites on the partition mechanism. The effect of additional sites on mass transfer rates, zone profiles, and their statistical moments are investigated as a function of the partition coefficient, diffusion coefficient, and interfacial barrier to mass transfer. These studies have demonstrated that changes in the partition coefficient alone are not sufficient to alter the system response from that of a single site. Changes in the diffusion coefficient and the barrier to mass transfer do cause changes in the response compared to that of a single site. The zone profiles produced by the systems become more asymmetric as the difference between the diffusion coefficients or the barriers to mass transfer increases. The site with the slower mass transfer rate plays the dominant role in the total system response.
AFM Visualization and Force Spectroscopy of Clathrin Triskelia

We have applied atomic force microscopy (AFM) and single molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) to characterize the structure and molecular mechanics of clathrin triskelia. The latter are the basic building blocks of the protein coat surrounding plasma-membrane-derived vesicles involved in receptor-mediated endocytosis. Here we resolve variable profiles of individual triskelia on mica surfaces for the first time by AFM, at a resolution comparable to that of electron microscopy. Classical three-leg, filamentous pin-wheel shapes, as well as dimers and non-planar triskelion conformations, are readily observed. Time sequences of AFM images clearly demonstrate conformation fluctuations in single triskelia when the latter are in physiological solutions. Additionally, AFM SMFS reveals, also for the first time, a series of internal energetic barriers that characterize triskelion heavy chain domain folding, corresponding to numerous alpha-helix hairpins of ca. 30 amino acid residues, and variable unfolding of larger, cooperative hairpin domains up to the size of the known repeating motif of ca. 145 amino acid residues. The dynamic domain rupture force ranges from a few 10s pN to over 500 pN, increasing continuously as the stretching loading rate changes over the range from 100 to 105 pN/s. The results once again show AFM to be a powerful tool for biomedical imaging and nanometric single molecule characterizations.