cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear Systems: Approximating Reach Sets

We describe techniques to generate useful reachability information for nonlinear dynamical systems. These techniques can be automated for polynomial systems using algorithms from computational algebraic geometry. The generated information can be incorporated into other approaches for doing reachability computation. It can also be used when abstracting hybrid systems that contain modes with nonlinear dynamics. These techniques are most naturally embedded in the hybrid qualitative abstraction approach proposed by the authors previously. They also show that the formal qualitative abstraction approach is well suited for dealing with nonlinear systems.
Records of Recovering American Marten, Martes americana , in New Hampshire

Recent and current distribution of state-threatened American Marten ( Martes americana ) in New Hampshire was identified by summarizing 157 occurrence records (1980–2004) in a database and mapped using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Records included visual observations, snow tracks, road kill, trapper captures, systematic live-trapping locations, and other miscellaneous locations. Marten in New Hampshire are now found throughout the White Mountains north to the Canadian border, with the highest relative abundance in the very northern tip of New Hampshire. The recent expansion in the range of Martens includes reproducing females, but a sex ratio biased towards males in some areas suggests that dispersing individuals might inhabit much of the range.
Neurobiology of Cocaine-Induced Organic Brain Impairment: Contributions from Functional Neuroimaging

The present review is directed at imparting the current knowledge regarding functional neuroimaging as a tool for enhancing the understanding of cerebrophysiologic and neurobehavioral consequences of stimulant abuse. Stimulants like cocaine are capable of inducing clinically significant neurocognitive impairment through direct action on the brain, and indirectly through other organs that influence cerebral physiology. Neurochemical dysregulation including profound effects on the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems have substantial physiological and neurobehavioral consequences. Brain hemorrhages, transient ischemic attacks, strokes,and seizures frequently follow cocaine use. The residual cerebropathologic consequences of cocaine are seen only in significant or pronounced brain events when structural neuroimaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are employed. However, recent research with newer functional neuroimaging techniques such as single photon emission, positron emission tomography, and quantitative electroencephalography have revealed high rates of significant alteration in brain function among cocaine users, with negative structural imaging studies. These findings are often associated with impairment on neuropsychological evaluation, also in the absence of positive findings on CT and MRI. Both cerebral metabolic and hypoperfusion anomalies are seen, especially in anterior and temporal brain regions. Observed changes can persist for months, and for some patients, may represent a permanent change in brain functioning.
A Handbook of Children and Young People's Participation: Perspectives from Theory and Practice by Percy-Smith, B. and Thomas, N.

Barry Percy-Smith and Nigel Thomas draw from an impressive group of leading thinkers and practitioners around the world in this edited volume that explores the participation of children and young p...
(R)‐4‐Methylcyclohexylidenemethylcopper

[60164-96-7] C8H13Cu (MW 172.76) InChI = 1S/C8H13.Cu/c1-7-3-5-8(2)6-4-7;/h1,8H,3-6H2,2H3;/t8-; InChIKey = KYCCMACDWSWSBB-YSNGYJEOSA-N (optically active vinylcopper reagent;1 useful in stereospecific synthesis of axially dissymmetric dienes and alkenes1, 2) Solubility: dark black suspensions of the reagent (0.26 M) have been prepared in THF–pentane.1, 2 Preparative Methods: (−)-(R)-(4-methylcyclohexylidene)methyl bromide3, 4 in THF is treated with sec-Butyllithium in pentane at −75 °C to give a solution of (R)-4-methylcyclohexylidenemethyllithium. Addition of 1 equiv of Copper(I) Iodide to this mixture, followed by stirring at −35 °C for 30 min, gives a dark black suspension of (R)-4-methylcyclohexylidenemethylcopper (eq 1).2 (S)-4-Methylcyclohexylidenemethylcopper may be prepared from (+)-(S)-(4-methylcyclohexylidene)methyl bromide3, 4 using a similar procedure.1, 2 (1) Handling, Storage, and Precautions: the reagent is prepared under inert gas atmosphere at temperatures of −35 °C or below. Upon heating to rt, or exposure to oxygen, the reagent decomposes with formation of bis(4-methylcyclohexylidene)ethane. Use in a fume hood.
Preservice Mathematics Teachers' Ambiguous Views of Technology

While the nature of mathematics and the nature of science have received much attention, there is a lack of research on the nature of technology. This study sought to investigate preservice teachers' perceptions about the nature of technology and its role in mathematics education and society. Based on two philosophical theories of technology, the author analyzed 22 preservice teachers' philosophy statements on educational technology and in-depth interviews with 5 of them. The findings reveal that the teachers had ambiguous notions about the characteristics of technology, which were contingent on contexts of technology use, human–machine relationships, and other factors. However, in most cases, they had an instrumental view of technology and a techno-centric mindset. Although the participating teachers were encouraged to reflect on broad socio-cultural issues associated with technology, most of them did not have a linguistic and conceptual framework from which to examine thoroughly how technology might influence human consciousness. As the educational technology and teacher education communities have broadened their understanding of technology and what it takes for an organizational change, preservice teachers need adequate opportunities to explore the pedagogical, epistemological, ontological, and cultural implications of the educational use of technology.
The Rise and Fall of a Successful Mentor Program: What Lessons Can Be Learned?

In this article, the authors describe a case in which school district officials used state regulations for new teacher mentoring programs as justification to cut funding and incrementally dismantle a model program.
Gender Development, Institutions, and Level of Economic Development

Gender inequality and the lack of gender development are major problems in developing countries. Neoclassical economics has generally argued that economic development will greatly enhance gender development. However, more recent work has emphasized the role of institutions. In this paper, a distinction is made between malleable institutions and those that change only over long periods of time. Empirical estimations of the impacts of economic development, malleable institutions, and hard-to-change institutions on gender development are carried out. The results indicate that both economic development and reform of malleable institutions are important determinants of relative gender performance. However, non-malleable institutions and cultural practices limit the impact that reform and economic development can have on relative gender performance.
Planning and deployment of collaborative commerce: a conceptual framework and empirical evidences

This paper proposes a conceptual framework for planning and deploying collaborative commerce between business partners. The framework consists of two dimensions: the type of inter-organisational relationship and the level of engagement. The level of engagement is derived from the evolution of organisational computing. The underlying assumption of the conceptual framework is that trust and commitment between business partners is the premise for establishing a long-term collaborative relationship and that existing inter-organisational relationships influence the way collaborative commerce is conducted. Successful cases of collaborative commerce are identified to support the conceptual framework.
Bioavailability of feed grade calcium phosphate incorporated into practical diets for Penaeus vannamei

Practical diets designed for penaeid shrimp are commonly supplemented with phosphorus, which may lead to unnecessary nutrient loading of the culture system and effluent waters as well as unnecessary investments in a nutrient that is not utilized by the culture species. To facilitate the optimization of phosphorus levels in practical shrimp feeds, research was conducted with Penaeus vannamei juveniles to determine the biological availability of two feed-grade calcium phosphate sources. A practical basal diet containing 350 g protein kg−1 diet and 9.8 g P kg−1 diet was formulated using anchovy and soybean meal as the primary protein and phosphorus sources. The basal diet was supplemented with graded levels of phosphorus and offered to juvenile shrimp (0.57 ± 0.017 g) over a 10-week period. Weight gain and estimated feed efficiency values increased with phosphorus supplements, indicating a dietary deficiency of the basal diet. Under the reported conditions, a dietary supplement of 1.4 or 2.3 g P kg−1 diet was required for maximum growth and estimated feed efficiency values if Cefkaphos (primarily monobasic calcium phosphate) or Dynafos (primarily dibasic calcium phosphate) was utilized. Dynafos was determined to have a relative biological value (RBV) of 63.8% of Cefkaphos based on final weights of the shrimp offered diets containing 1.25 g supplemental P kg−1 diet. A similar RBV of 60.9% was estimated based on broken-line analyses of growth data. There were no significant differences in apparent net phosphorus retention (ANPR) for the basal diet (23.1%) or diets supplemented with 1.25 g P kg−1 diet originating from Cefkaphos (25.7%) or Dynafos (17.9%). However, shifts in ANPR values of the diets corresponded to biological availability of the two phosphorus sources.
Long time-series monitoring of the ecosystem at Deception Island, Antarctica: description of instrumentation

A description of the oceanographic instrumentation developed and deployed at Deception Island, Antarctica during the period 9 March 1999 to 20 November 2000 as part of the ERUPT program is presented. This instrumentation includes (1) an autonomous weather station (Terrestrial station) to record daily conditions and ice-cover, (2) an underwater time-lapse camera/sediment trap array to photograph the abundance and movements of bottom-dwelling animals and collect sinking particulate matter, (3) an acoustic array to monitor movements of macrozooplankton and nekton, (4) an autonomous, vertically profiling pump sampler to capture and preserve plankton and nekton from discrete depths, (5) thermistor arrays to record water temperature at various depths, (6) an acoustic Doppler profiler to record current velocities at discrete depths, and (7) a piston-operated grab respirometer to measure sediment community oxygen consumption and recover sediments. The Terrestrial station and thermistor arrays, current meter and grab respirometer were the most successful instruments deployed, producing large data sets. The acoustic array produced some data of limited value, while the camera tripod and pump sampler produced no useful data due to technical and operational problems.
Development of the Concept of Family in Elementary School Children

Abstract Two studies were conducted to examine the relation of age, gender, and family structure to children's understanding of the concept of family. In Study 1, 387 children in Grades 1 through 6 were asked to classify various groupings of individuals as constituting or not constituting a family. Results showed both age and gender differences in children's conceptions of families: Younger children, especially boys, generally used concrete, absolute criteria for defining a family; younger girls were similar to older children in that they were more likely to employ abstract, relational criteria for family definition. Results also showed that children's own family structure was not related to their family definitions. In Study 2, 64 children from the original sample were given a measure of cognitive ability to examine whether differences in cognitive development or differences in socialization were a likely source of younger girls' more advanced understanding. Gender differences in cognitive ability did no...
Resemblance in appearance and the equal environments assumption in twin studies of personality traits

The equal environments hypothesis of twin methodology was examined for the variable of similarity of appearance as it affects the personality ratings of young twins. There were two separate samples, the first with 95 pairs of same-sex twins and the second with 111 pairs. The average age of the twins in both samples was 3 1/2 years. Mothers rated their twins on four personality traits and on confusability of appearance. Not surprisingly, identical twins were markedly more similar in appearance than fraternal twins. The effect of this inequality on the personality ratings of the two types of twins was examined by correlating ratings of similarity of appearance with the absolute difference on the four personality traits for each pair of twins. None of the correlations was significant for the identical twins, suggesting that greater resemblance in appearance in identical twins does not make them more similar in personality. Indeed, the data suggested a contrast effect in which identical twins who were easily mistaken in appearance tended to be rated asless similar in personality. Thus, although similarity of appearance may create unequal environments for the two types of twins, it does not appear to bias twin studies in the direction of inflated heritabilities, at least for rating studies of the personality of young twins.
SELENIUM CONTENT OF FRESH EGGS.

IN a recent communication, Taussky et al. reported on the selenium content of fresh eggs from normal and dystrophic chickens1. A finding of considerable interest in their work was that yolk, although comprising only about one-third of the weight of the whole egg, contained most of the selenium in comparison with the white.
Testing of the portal hypothesis: analysis of a V32G, F57G, K58G mutant of the fatty acid binding protein of the murine adipocyte.

The portal region of fatty acid binding proteins is hypothesized to function as a dynamic aperture, controlling accessibility of external ligands to the internal fatty acid binding cavity. To test this hypothesis, a triple mutant of the murine FABP4 has been developed (V32G, F57G, K58G, referred to as the portal mutant) that is predicted to constitutively enlarge the opening due to a reduction in the molecular dimensions of the side chains of key portal amino acids. The portal mutant was purified from expressing Escherichia coli, its stability was evaluated, and the thermodynamics and kinetics of ligand binding were compared to that of wild-type protein. Introduction of the three amino acid substitutions caused no significant change in the stability of the protein with a free energy of unfolding of 13.7 kJ/mol as compared to 14.0 kJ/mol for the wild-type protein. The portal mutant exhibited a modest decrease (4-fold) in ligand binding affinity using the fluorescent probe 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic ac...
Spirometra mansonoides: Lectin analysis of tegumental glycopeptides

Abstract Teguments from spargana of Spirometra mansonoides were disrupted and removed using 0.2% Triton ×-100. Tegumental fractions were obtained by differential centrifugation and the proteins and glycoproteins of this surface layer were partially characterized in 9 to 20% linear gradient sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide slab gels. Electrophoretic analysis of the microtriches (brush border) and vesicular fractions revealed nine polypeptides that were common to these tegumental fractions. The polypeptide composition of the microtriches and vesicular fractions differed qualitatively and with respect to the relative concentrations of certain polypeptides. Glycopeptides of the microtriches and vesicular fractions were identified by the direct application of the following fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated lectins to slab gels: concanavalin A, wheat germ agglutinin, Ricinus communis agglutinin-120, soybean agglutinin, and Ulex europaeus agglutinin-1. The major polypeptides associated with the tegument were found to be glycopeptides. U. europaeus agglutinin-1 failed to label any tegumental glycopeptides. Based on the different sugar specificities of the lectins tested, the oligosaccharide chains of tegumental glycoproteins of S. mansonoides may contain the following carbohydrates: d -mannose, d -glucose, N -acetyl- d -glucosamine, N -acetylneuraminic acid, d -galactose, and N -acetyl- d -galactosamine.
Implementing and testing the tabu cycle and conditional probability methods

The purpose of this paper is to describe the implementation and testing of the tabu cycle method and two variants of the conditional probability method. These methods were originally described in Glover and Laguna [Tabu search. Boston: Kluwer Academic Publishers; 1997] but have been largely ignored in the tabu search literature. For the purpose of testing, we employ a single-attribute implementation of a short-term memory procedure for the solution of a single machine scheduling problem. Computational experiments that employ instances with up to 200 jobs reveal the usefulness of the tabu cycle and the conditional probability methods as viable alternatives for managing the short-term memory in a tabu search implementation.
Isolation and partial characterization of proteoglycans from sheep lung parenchyma.

Abstract Greater than 90% of the proteoglycans of sheep lung parenchyma, as measured by uronic acid, were solubilized employing a sequential procedure with guanidine hydrochloride, dithiothreitol and Triton X-100. The amounts solubilized were 68.7%, 16.2% and 5.9%, respectively. The guanidine hydrochloride extract was chromatographed using DEAE-cellulose in urea and eluted with increasing concentrations of NaCl. A major fraction (containing a 6.5-fold enrichment of uronic acid) was obtained with 0.5 M NaCl and further purified by Sepharose Cl-6B chromatography in guanidine hydrochloride. To demonstrate the presence of protein-linked glycosaminoglycans, the void volume peak containing protein and uronic acid was digested with papain and rechromatographed. Evidence for the presence of proteoglycans was obtained by observing an almost complete loss of uronic acid in the void volume and the appearance of a uronic acid peak in the included volume, migrating in the sam area as single-chain glycosaminoglycans. Electrophoretic migration and disappearance of bands in electrophoresis after digestion with specific mucopolysaccharide lyases indicated that the small amount of uronic acid remaining in the void volume was hyaluronic acid whereas the included volume contained hyaluronic acid, heparan sulfate, chondroitin sulfates and/or dermatan sulfate.
A PHASE-PLANE DESCRIPTION OF NONLINEAR TRAVELING WAVES IN BUBBLY LIQUIDS

One-dimensional traveling wave solutions to the fully nonlinear continuity and Euler equations in a bubbly liquid are considered. The elimination of velocity from the two equations leaves a single nonlinear algebraic relation between the pressure and density profiles in the mixture. On assuming the bubbles to have identical size and taking the volume fraction of bubbles in the medium to be small, an equation of state which relates the mixture pressure to the density and its first two material time-derivatives is derived. When this equation of state is linearized and combined with the laws of conservation of mass and momentum, a nonlinear, second-order, ordinary differential equation is obtained for the density as a function of the single traveling wave coordinate. A phase-plane analysis of this equation reveals the existence of two fixed points, one of which is a saddle and the other a node. A single trajectory connects the two fixed points and corresponds to a traveling shock wave solution when the Mach number of the wave, defined as the ratio of traveling wave speed to the low-frequency speed of sound in the bubbly liquid, exceeds unity. The analysis provides a qualitative explanation of the oscillations behind shocks seen in experiments on bubbly liquids.
Working Class Growing Pains

Sociologist Jennifer M. Silva examines how working-class men and women navigate the transition to adulthood amid economic insecurity and social isolation. She finds that young adults experience fea...
DIVERGENCE AMONG BARKING FROGS (ELEUTHERODACTYLUS AUGUSTI) IN THE SOUTHWESTERN UNITED STATES

Barking frogs (Eleutherodactylus augusti) are distributed from southern Mexico along the Sierra Madre Occidental into Arizona and the Sierra Madre Oriental into Texas and New Mexico. Barking frogs in Arizona and most of Texas live in rocky areas in oak woodland, while those in New Mexico and far western Texas live in rodent burrows in desertscrub. Barking frogs in each of the three states have distinct coloration and differ in sexually dimorphic characters, female vocalization, and skin toxicity. We analyzed advertisement call variation and conducted a phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial DNA sequences (ND2 and tRNA regions) for barking frogs from these three states. Advertisement calls of frogs from Arizona were significantly longer in duration, higher in frequency, and had longer duration pulses than those of frogs from either New Mexico or Texas; frogs from these latter two sites were indistinguishable in these call variables. Phylogenetic analysis showed deep divisions among barking frogs from th...
Nonlinear spatial encoding by retinal ganglion cells: when 1 + 1 ≠ 2

The integration of signals originating at different times and/or locations defines the stimulus features extracted and represented by a sensory system. As such, understanding this issue is central to understanding sensory coding. Here, we focus on spatial integration by ganglion cells, the output
Cellular organization and fruit ripening

Two major theories have been adduced through the years to explain the climacteric rise in respiration during the ripening of fruits. On the one hand, the climacteric has been imputed to a surge of protein synthesis1–4. On the other, the climacteric has been attributed to a breakdown in “organization resistance”5,6. Ethylene is considered as a causative endogenous ripening agent7.
FATAL CARDIOMYOPATHY IN CYTOCHROME OXICASE DEFICIENCY: LIGHT MICROSCOPIC, HISTOCHEMICAL, BIOCHEMICAL AND AQQR ELECTRONMICROSCOPIC STUDY

A black male and a white female neonate presented with respiratory distress, profound metabolic acidosis and progressive cardiac failure. Cytochrome oxidase deficiency was demonstrated in skeletal muscles in both cases. Both babies were treated with L-carnitine without response and died after 18 days. On postmortem examination, hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy was found to be the main cause of their demise. Histologic brain studies showed focal gliosis and lesions suggestive of Leigh's disease were absent. Light and electron microscopic examinations, histochemical and biochemical studies were performed on cardiac muscle and skeletal muscles in both cases, and mitochondrial enzyme profile on fibroblast culture in one case. Fatal cardiomyopathy occurring in infancy is known to be associated with several metabolic disorders, notably Pompe's disease and system carnitine deficiency. Cardiomyopathy associated with cytochrome oxidase deficiency, a recently described mitochondrial disorder associated with early death in infancy, has not been described. Cytochrome oxidase deficiency needs to be included in the increasing list of causes of Cardiomyopathy, especially those occurring in early childhood.
Fatal left main coronary artery embolism from aortic valve endocarditis following cardiac catheterization

Coronary artery embolization has been associated with sudden cardiac death. It is more commonly seen with aortic valve endocarditis. It manifests as acute myocardial ischemia or infarction, causing instability of the cardiac rhythm, which may be fatal. We report a patient with aortic valve endocarditis who had sudden cardiac death following coronary angiography. Autopsy revealed embolic occlusion of the left main coronary artery.
A mathematical model of the effector cell response to cancer

We develop a simple, experiment-based, mathematical model of the effector cell response to cancer. Our goal is to develop a model that could be used to predict and understand the factors that influence the outcome of an antitumor response. The model focuses on the progression of a tumor due to its growth rate, and the growth rate, carrying capacity, and cytolytic activity of the effector cells. In addition, the mathematical analysis may be extended to include the impact of immunosuppressive factors on the effector-cell/tumor-cell interaction or be used to quantify the extent of immunosuppression on the effector function. The model was tested using in vitro experimental data and found to predict cytolytic activity.
Ethylene signaling and response: where different regulatory modules meet

The structural simplicity of the gaseous hormone ethylene stands in contrast with the complexity of the physiological processes ethylene regulates. Initial studies suggested a simple linear arrangement of signaling molecules leading from the ethylene receptors to the EIN3 family of transcription factors. Recent discoveries have substantially changed this view. Current models suggest existence of a complex signaling pathway composed of several phosphorylation cascades, feedback-regulated transcriptional networks, and protein and mRNA turnover regulatory modules. Interactions between ethylene and other signals determine which of the ethylene-mediated responses get activated in a particular cell at a particular time. Tissue-specific regulation of auxin biosynthesis, transport, and response by ethylene is emerging as a key element in this signal integration process.
The absence of genotypic diversity in a successful parthenogenetic invader

Invasiveness might depend on the ability of genetically diverse populations of exotic species to adapt to novel environments, which suggests a paradox since exotic species are expected to lose genetic diversity when introduced. The apparent need for genetic diversity is particularly important for exotic species that lack bi-parental reproduction and genetic recombination. We used genetic marker studies to determine the genotypic diversity of invasive US populations of the clonal New Zealand mudsnail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum). We report here on a three-pronged survey of allozyme, microsatellite DNA, and mitochondrial DNA genetic markers of invasive populations with a focus on the western US. Combining the three types of genetic markers, we discovered four distinct genotypes of P. antipodarum. These results show that only one genotype (US 1) occupied the vast majority of the western US range, and a second occurred in the Great Lakes in the eastern US (US 2). Two other genotypes occurred in the western US (US 1a and US 3), but were restricted to populations near the presumed source of invasion in the middle Snake River, ID. These results suggest that P. antipodarum spread across a broad geographic range in the western US from a single introduced source population, and that the populations are comprised of a single clonal lineage.
Design of Non-Standard Insulin Analogs for the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus

Structure-based protein design has enabled the engineering of insulin analogs with improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. Exploiting classical structures of zinc insulin hexamers, the first insulin analog products focused on destabilization of subunit interfaces to obtain rapid-acting (prandial) formulations. Complementary efforts sought to stabilize the insulin hexamer or promote higher-order self-assembly within the subcutaneous depot toward the goal of enhanced basal glycemic control with reduced risk of hypoglycemia. Current products either operate through isoelectric precipitation (insulin glargine, the active component of Lantus; Sanofi-Aventis, Paris, France) or employ an albumin-binding acyl tether (insulin detemir, the active component of Levemir; Novo-Nordisk, Basvaerd, Denmark). In the past year second-generation basal insulin analogs have entered clinical trials in an effort to obtain ideal flat 24-hour pharmacodynamic profiles. The strategies employ non-standard protein modifications. One candidate (insulin degludec; Novo-Nordisk a/s) undergoes extensive subcutaneous supramolecular assembly coupled to a large-scale allosteric reorganization of the insulin hexamer (the TR transition). Another candidate (LY2605541; Eli Lilly and Co., Indianapolis, IN, USA) utilizes coupling to polyethylene glycol to delay absorption and clearance. On the other end of the spectrum, advances in delivery technologies (such as microneedles and micropatches) and excipients (such as the citrate/zinc-ion chelator combination employed by Biodel, Inc., Danbury, CT, USA) suggest strategies to accelerate PK/PD toward ultra-rapid-acting insulin formulations. Next-generation insulin analogs may also address the feasibility of hepatoselective signaling. Although not in clinical trials, early-stage technologies provide a long-range vision of “smart insulins” and glucose-responsive polymers for regulated hormone release.
Efficient aminoacylation of tRNALys,3 by human lysyltRNA synthetase is dependent on covalent continuity between the acceptor stem and the anticodon domain

In this work, we probe the role of the anticodon in tRNA recognition by human lysyl-tRNA synthetase (hLysRS). Large decreases in aminoacylation efficiency are observed upon mutagenesis of anticodon positions U35 and U36 of human tRNA(Lys,3). A minihelix derived from the acceptor-TPsiC stem-loop domain of human tRNA(Lys,3)was not specifically aminoacylated by the human enzyme. The presence of an anticodon-derived stem-loop failed to stimulate aminoacylation of the minihelix. Thus, covalent continuity between the acceptor stem and anticodon domains appears to be an important requirement for efficient charging by hLysRS. To further examine the mechanism of communication between the critical anticodon recognition elements and the catalytic site, a two piece semi-synthetic tRNA(Lys, 3)construct was used. The wild-type semi-synthetic tRNA contained a break in the phosphodiester backbone in the D loop and was an efficient substrate for hLysRS. In contrast, a truncated variant that lacked nucleotides 8-17 in the D stem-loop displayedseverely reduced catalytic efficiency. The elimination of key tRNA tertiary structural elements has little effect on anticodon-dependent substrate binding but severely impacts formation of the proper transition state for catalysis. Taken together, our studies provide new insights into human tRNA structural requirements for effective transmission of the anticodon recognition signal to the distal acceptor stem domain.
Mechanics of blastopore closure during amphibian gastrulation

Abstract Blastopore closure in the amphibian embryo involves large scale tissue reorganization driven by physical forces. These forces are tuned to generate sustained blastopore closure throughout the course of gastrulation. We describe the mechanics of blastopore closure at multiple scales and in different regions around the blastopore by characterizing large scale tissue deformations, cell level shape change and subcellular F-actin organization and by measuring tissue force production and structural stiffness of the blastopore during gastrulation. We find that the embryo generates a ramping magnitude of force until it reaches a peak force on the order of 0.5 μN. During this time course, the embryo also stiffens 1.5 fold. Strain rate mapping of the dorsal, ventral and lateral epithelial cells proximal to the blastopore reveals changing patterns of strain rate throughout closure. Cells dorsal to the blastopore, which are fated to become neural plate ectoderm, are polarized and have straight boundaries. In contrast, cells lateral and ventral to the blastopore are less polarized and have tortuous cell boundaries. The F-actin network is organized differently in each region with the highest percentage of alignment occurring in the lateral region. Interestingly F-actin was consistently oriented toward the blastopore lip in dorsal and lateral cells, but oriented parallel to the lip in ventral regions. Cell shape and F-actin alignment analyses reveal different local mechanical environments in regions around the blastopore, which was reflected by the strain rate maps.
Multidisciplinary Critical Care and Intensivist Staffing Results of a Statewide Survey and Association With Mortality

Purpose:The role of multidisciplinary teams in improving the care of intensive care unit (ICU) patients is not well defined, and it is unknown whether the use of such teams helps to explain prior research suggesting improved mortality with intensivist staffing. We sought to investigate the association between multidisciplinary team care and survival of medical and surgical patients in nonspecialty ICUs.Materials and Methods:We conducted a community-based, retrospective cohort study of data from 60 330 patients in 181 hospitals participating in a statewide public reporting initiative, the California Hospital Assessment and Reporting Taskforce (CHART). Patient-level data were linked with ICU organizational data collected from a survey of CHART hospital ICUs between December 2010 and June 2011. Clustered logistic regression was used to evaluate the independent effect of multidisciplinary care on the in-hospital mortality of medical and surgical ICU patients. Interactions between multidisciplinary care and in...
Selection of Optimal Wavelet Bases for Image Compression using SPIHT Algorithm

This paper presents the performance of several wavelet basesin SPIHT coding. Two types of wavelet bases are tested for SPIHT algorithm i.e. orthogonal and biorthogonal wavelet bases. The results of using coefficients of these bases are compared on the basis of Compression Ratio and Peak Signal to Noise Ratio. The paper shows that use of biorthogonal wavelets bases is better than orthogonal wavelet bases. Out of biorthogonal wavelets, bior 4.4 shows good results in SPIHT coding.
DistancePPG: Robust non-contact vital signs monitoring using a camera

Vital signs such as pulse rate and breathing rate are currently measured using contact probes. But, non-contact methods for measuring vital signs are desirable both in hospital settings (e.g. in NICU) and for ubiquitous in-situ health tracking (e.g. on mobile phone and computers with webcams). Recently, camera-based non-contact vital sign monitoring have been shown to be feasible. However, camera-based vital sign monitoring is challenging for people with darker skin tone, under low lighting conditions, and/or during movement of an individual in front of the camera. In this paper, we propose distancePPG, a new camera-based vital sign estimation algorithm which addresses these challenges. DistancePPG proposes a new method of combining skin-color change signals from different tracked regions of the face using a weighted average, where the weights depend on the blood perfusion and incident light intensity in the region, to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of camera-based estimate. One of our key contributions is a new automatic method for determining the weights based only on the video recording of the subject. The gains in SNR of camera-based PPG estimated using distancePPG translate into reduction of the error in vital sign estimation, and thus expand the scope of camera-based vital sign monitoring to potentially challenging scenarios. Further, a dataset will be released, comprising of synchronized video recordings of face and pulse oximeter based ground truth recordings from the earlobe for people with different skin tones, under different lighting conditions and for various motion scenarios.
Formation of a zwitterionic donor–acceptor compound based on N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine and 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoperfluoro-p-quinodimethane

The reaction of the donor N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD) with the acceptor 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoperfluoro-p-quinodimethane (TCNQF4) has led to the isolation of a novel type of zwitterionic donor–acceptor compound whose structure has been determined by X-ray crystallography.
Nasal solitary chemoreceptor cell responses to bitter and trigeminal stimulants in vitro

Nasal trigeminal chemosensitivity in mice and rats is mediated in part by epithelial solitary chemoreceptor (chemosensory) cells (SCCs), but the exact role of these cells in chemoreception is uncle...
The nexus between systemic inflammation and disordered coagulation in sepsis

The innate immune system is designed as an early defense system that recognizes and clears potential microbial invaders. The coagulation system co-evolved with the innate immune system from a common ancestral cellular origin, and these two systems continue to exhibit a remarkable degree of integration in their signaling pathways and regulatory circuits following tissue injury and microbial invasion. Inflammatory mediators generate procoagulant signals and intravascular thrombosis activates multiple components of the innate immune system. The success of recombinant human activated protein C for the treatment of human septic shock is likely attributable to its combined effects as an endogenous anticoagulant and an anti-inflammatory molecule. Further advances in the management of severe infections may accrue with a better understanding of the integral link between coagulation and innate immunity.
Cost Differences After Initial CT Colonography Versus Optical Colonoscopy in the Elderly.

Rationale and Objectives To compare differences in Medicare costs 1 year after initial computed tomographic colonography (CTC) or initial optical colonoscopy (OC). Materials and Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of asymptomatic Medicare outpatients aged ≥66 years who received initial CTC ( n = 531) or OC ( n = 17,593) between January 2007 and December 2008; initial OC patients were matched on county of residence and year of screening. Outcomes included differences in total inpatient and outpatient Medicare costs 1 year after initial CTC or OC and differences in outpatient testing of potential findings in the colon, abdomen, pelvis, and lungs. Results Higher adjusted costs per patient were revealed in the year after initial CTC compared to initial OC for outpatient testing related to potential colonic ($50; 95% confidence interval [CI], $12–$88; P = .010) and extracolonic findings ($64; 95% CI, $23–$106; P = .002). However, there were no differences in adjusted total costs per patient in the year after either modality ($2065; 95% CI, $1672–$5803; P = .28). Similarly, adjusted costs did not differ between cohorts for inpatient ($267; 95% CI, $1017–$1550; P = .68) or outpatient care ($2828; 95% CI, $311–$5966; P = .08). Conclusions Despite higher adjusted costs of outpatient testing potentially related to colonic and extracolonic findings among asymptomatic elderly patients 1 year after initial CTC compared to OC, we found no differences in adjusted total, inpatient, or outpatient costs between cohorts. Although Medicare does not cover screening CTC, our results suggest that these modalities generate comparable downstream costs to payers.
The use of analysis of covariance to increase precision with DMFS measures

For an experimental study with pre- and post-DMFS measures two methods of analysis were compared with respect to precision. It is shown that for large sample size, the analysis of covariance with the post-DMFS measure as criterion and the pre-DMFS measure as the covariate will be more precise than the analysis of variance of increment scores as the value of beta differs from 1. When beta is approximately 1, the two techniques will have essentially the same precision. The dental researcher interested in precision is advised, therefore, to use analysis of covariance with the pre-DMFS measure as the covariate and the post-measure as criterion rather than the traditional analysis of variance of increment scores. For large sample size, the precision of the former will tend to be at least that of the latter. The researcher is not encouraged to use analysis of covariance with the increment as the criterion; if the procedure increases precision over analysis of variance of the increments, it merely indicates that analysis of covariance (with the post-measure as criterion) should have been used originally.
Transmembrane signals mediating neural peptide secretion: role of protein kinase C activators and arachidonic acid metabolites in luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone secretion.

The present experiments were designed to determine the effects of different activators of protein kinase C on the secretion of LHRH from median eminence nerve terminals incubated in vitro. The release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a metabolite of arachidonic acid intimately involved in the secretion of LHRH, was also evaluated. Synthetic diacylglycerol [1,2-didecanoylglycerol (DiC10)] significantly enhanced PGE2 release in a concentration-dependent manner. Blockade of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity nullified this effect. LHRH release, on the other hand, was not increased by DiC10. However, in the presence of a lipoxygenase inhibitor, DiC10 produced a concentration-related increase in LHRH release, which paralleled that in PGE2. Phospholipase C (PLC) increased both PGE2 and LHRH secretion. Again, blockade of the lipoxygenase pathway enhanced the release of LHRH by PLC without affecting the stimulated secretion of PGE2. A phorbol ester, phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu), markedly increased LHRH secretion whil...
Novel antibodies to synuclein show abundant striatal pathology in Lewy body diseases

Intracytoplasmic inclusions composed of alpha-synuclein (alpha-syn) are characteristic of neurodegenerative Lewy body disorders. Using novel monoclonal antibodies raised against altered alpha-syn, we uncovered an unprecedented and extensive burden of alpha-syn pathology in the striatum of Lewy body disorders. The highest density of striatal pathology was observed in patients with a combination of Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies or pure dementia with Lewy bodies, and these alpha-syn aggregates may contribute to the parkinsonism seen in these disorders.
Endoscopic detection of dysplasia in patients with Barrett's esophagus using light-scattering spectroscopy

Abstract Background & Aims: We conducted a study to assess the potential of light-scattering spectroscopy (LSS), which can measure epithelial nuclear enlargement and crowding, for in situ detection of dysplasia in patients with Barrett's esophagus. Methods: Consecutive patients with suspected Barrett's esophagus underwent endoscopy and systematic biopsy. Before biopsy, each site was sampled by LSS using a fiberoptic probe. Diffusely reflected white light was spectrally analyzed to obtain the size distribution of cell nuclei in the mucosal layer, from which the percentage of enlarged nuclei and the degree of crowding were determined. Dysplasia was assigned if more than 30% of the nuclei exceeded 10 μm and the histologic findings compared with those of 4 pathologists blinded to the light-scattering assessment. The data were then retrospectively analyzed to further explore the diagnostic potential of LSS. Results: Seventy-six sites from 13 patients were sampled. All abnormal sites and a random sample of nondysplastic sites were reviewed by the pathologists. The average diagnoses were 4 sites from 4 different patients as high-grade dysplasia (HGD), 8 sites from 5 different patients as low-grade dysplasia (LGD), 12 as indefinite for dysplasia, and 52 as nondysplastic Barrett's. The sensitivity and specificity of LSS for detecting dysplasia (either LGD or HGD) were 90% and 90%, respectively, with all HGD and 87% of LGD sites correctly classified. Decision algorithms using both nuclear enlargement and crowding further improved diagnostic accuracy, and accurately classified samples into the 4 histologic categories. Conclusions: LSS can reliably detect LGD and HGD in patients with Barrett's esophagus. GASTROENTEROLOGY 2000;119:677-682
Financial crisis and global imbalances: its labour market origins and the aftermath

The objective of this paper is to articulate how the 2007--09 economic crisis is rooted in the uneven income distribution and inequality caused by the current finance-led model of growth. The process of financialisation that took place in the 1980s in the USA and then in the European Union was coupled with labour flexibility, wage moderation and soaring profits. The flexibility agenda of the labour market and the end of wage increases, along with the contraction of indirect wages (i.e. public social expenditure), diminished workers' purchasing power. This was partly compensated with increased borrowing opportunities and the boom of credit consumption, all of which helped workers to maintain unstable consumption capacity. However, in the long term, unstable consumption patterns derived from precarious job creation, job instability and poor wages have weakened aggregate demand. Hence, labour market issues such as flexibility, uneven income distribution, poor wages and the financial crisis are two sides of the same coin. Both have a direct impact on the economic crisis and the current global imbalances. Copyright The Author 2012. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Cambridge Political Economy Society. All rights reserved., Oxford University Press.
Hands-On Water Purification Experiments Using the Adaptive WaTER Laboratory for Undergraduate Education and K-12 Outreach

A bench-top educational system, the Adaptive Water Treatment for Education and Research (WaTER) Laboratory, has been developed as part of a year-long capstone design project. The Adaptive WaTER Lab teaches students about the effectiveness of various water purification techniques. Stackable housings employ six different filtration and purification methods including: sediment filtration, carbon filtration, chemical disinfection, reverse osmosis, forward osmosis, and ultraviolet light disinfection. Filtration pressure is supplied by a hand or foot pump, and two rechargeable batteries are required for the UV sterilization unit. The advantages and limitations of each technique are investigated, with learning performance criteria measured by knowledge of: material costs, contaminant removal or neutralization capabilities (from large sediment to bacteria and viruses to chemicals), robustness and longevity, and power requirements and efficiencies. Finally, suitable combinations of treatment techniques are studied for specific contamination issues, with the ultimate goal of producing potable water. The importance of sustainable water use is also discussed. Background information and suggested experiments are introduced through accompanying educational packets. This system has had a successful impact on undergraduate education. The metrics of success include a published journal article, an awarded EPA P3 educational grant and a pending patent for the undergraduates involved in the development of the Lab. Other undergraduates are currently involved in a design for manufacturability study. Finally, the Lab has served as a demonstration tool in a new interdisciplinary engineering course “Integrated Approaches to Sustainable Development.” The Adaptive WaTER Lab has also been used in hands-on outreach to over 300 underrepresented K-12 students in the Houston area. Two high school students borrowed the original prototype of the Lab to use in an Earth Day demonstration, and one student recently worked on an individual project using the Lab. Because the Lab is portable and requires only human and solar power (to recharge the batteries via a solar backpack), it is also ideal for educational efforts in developing nations. Labs are currently being produced for outreach and donation via three international projects to install water purification systems and/or educational Labs in schools and clinics in Mexico, Lesotho and Swaziland, in collaboration with the Beyond Traditional Borders and Rice 360 health initiatives.Copyright © 2008 by ASME