cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Doppler Mean Gradient Is Discordant to Aortic Valve Calcium Scores in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Background Doppler mean gradient (MG) may underestimate aortic stenosis (AS) severity when obtained during atrial fibrillation (AF) because of lower forward flow compared with sinus rhythm (SR). Whether AS is more advanced at the time of referral for aortic valve intervention in AF compared with SR is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine flow-independent computed tomographic aortic valve calcium scores (AVCS) and their concordance to MG in AF versus SR in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods Patients who underwent TAVR from 2016 to 2020 for native valve severe AS with left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 50% were identified from an institutional TAVR database. MGs during AF and SR in high-gradient AS (HGAS) and low-gradient AS (LGAS) were compared with AVCS (AVCS/MG ratio). AVCS were obtained within 90 days of pre-TAVR echocardiography. Results Six hundred thirty-three patients were included; median age was 82 years (interquartile range [IQR], 76–86 years), and 46% were women. AF was present in 109 (17%) and SR in 524 (83%) patients during echocardiography. Aortic valve area index was slightly smaller in AF versus SR (0.43 cm2/m2 [IQR, 0.39–0.47 cm2/m2] vs 0.46 cm2/m2 [IQR, 0.41–0.51 cm2/m2], P = .0003). Stroke volume index, transaortic flow rate, and MG were lower in AF (P Conclusions AVCS were higher than expected by MG in AF compared with SR. The very high AVCS in men with AF and HGAS at the time of TAVR suggests late diagnosis of severe AS because of underestimated AS severity during progressive AS and/or late referral to TAVR. Additional studies are needed to examine the extent to which echocardiography may be underestimating AS severity in AF.
Reviewed Work: Trade Wars Are Class Wars: How Rising Inequality Distorts the Global Economy and Threatens International Peace, by Matthew C. Klein and Michael Pettis. Yale University Press,New Haven, 2020, $28, 288pp, ISBN: 9780300244175.

Some countries import more than they export and borrow to make up the difference. Others export more and lend money abroad. The resulting financial imbalances are often blamed for the interrelated ...
Nutritional Support in the Elderly

Nutritional support is different in the elderly because of changes in metabolism and tolerance. It is thus a very specialized field. Here we provide the principles of management and translate them into clinical practice to provide the reader with essential guidelines for if, when, and how nutritional support should be given. Special recommendations are given for end-of-life considerations.
Light-Stimulated Cotyledon Expansion in Arabidopsis Seedlings (The Role of Phytochrome B).

Leaf and cotyledon expansion in dicotyledonous plants is a light-dependent developmental process. The unique role of phytochrome B has been tested by investigating expansion of cotyledons in wild-type and phytochrome-deficient mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. A relatively rapid method for measuring cotyledon area was developed to quantify growth in large populations (average n [greater than or equal to] 100) of wild-type or mutant seedlings under different light and chemical treatments. Three-day-old wild-type (La-er) Arabidopsis seedlings, grown in saturating, low-fluence red light (2–4 [mu]mol m-2 s-1), showed a >250% increase in cotyledon area after 48 h of bright-red light when compared with the phytochrome mutants hy1, hy2, and hy3. An increase in epidermal cell area was observed in wild-type cotyledons but not in hy3, indicating that light-stimulated growth is due in part to cell expansion. The mutant phenotype was rescued by feeding the chromophore precursor biliverdin to the chromophore biosynthesis mutants hy1 and hy6. This treatment did not rescue the hy3 mutant. Since the hy3 lesion is specific to phytochrome B, we conclude that this pigment is involved in the enhancement of cotyledon cell expansion in bright-red light.
Snow Melts in Spring: another look at the North Korean film industry

The North Korean film industry in the 1980s faced optimistic changes in filmic techniques and visual representations with Kim Jong Il's desire to elevate North Korean films to international standards. The greatest impact the film industry has had in its history was the presence of Sin Sang-ok and Choe Eun-hui. The parameters of filmmaking expanded in the areas of budget, studio sets, film locations, sexuality and action sequences. North Korean filmmakers have always navigated their cinematic vision in and through the prescribed political ideology even before the influence of Sin Sang-ok, but the 1980s enabled these filmmakers to express their creativity more openly than they have in the past. Snow Melts in Spring is an exemplary case of the filmmakers’ conscious efforts to limit expressions of political ideology while pushing the boundaries of their creativity with the collaboration of the Chongryun Film Production in Japan.
Interaction of pyridoxal analogues with glutamate apodecarboxylase and aspartate apoaminotransferase.

The interaction of a variety of pyridoxal analogues with glutamate decarboxylase and aspartate aminotransferase has been studied. Pyridoxal phosphate N-oxide, N-methylpyridoxal phosphate, 3-O-methylpyridoxal phosphate, 4-de-(formyl)-4-vinyl pyridoxal phosphate, and pyridoxal analogues which contain modified substituents in position 5 (CH2CH2OPO3H2, CH(CH3)OPO3H2, CH2PO3H2, and CH2-CH2COOH) are bound at the pyridoxal phosphate binding site of the enzymes. The reaction of the analogues with the apoenzymes prevented activation with pyridoxal phosphate. Pyridoxal phosphate, pyridoxal phosphate N-oxide, O-methylpyridoxal phosphate, and the homologue of pyridoxal phosphate bind to apodecarboxylase to give absorption spectra characteristic of protonated Schiff bases. The rates of binding, the coenzyme constants, and the activation of the enzymes were determined for the analogues with aspartate apoaminotransferase and glutamate apodecarboxylase. The phosphate group of the coenzyme plays an important role in binding to the enzymes and in maintaining the enzymes and coenzymes in the proper conformation for catalysis. There are more stringent structural requirements for interaction of pyridoxal phosphate with the decarboxylase than with the transaminase. The free phenolic hydroxyl group and the free pyridine ring nitrogen are of importance in the interaction of pyridoxal phosphate with glutamate apodecarboxylase, but not as much as with aspartate apoaminotransferase. However, the phenolic hydroxyl group and the pyridine ring nitrogen are very important in the activation of the transminase. The addition of pyridoxal phosphate N-oxide to apodecarboxylase yields enzyme which is 29% as active as the native holoenzyme. The decarboxylase-N-oxide complex and the native glutamate decarboxylase have similar Km values for glutamate and Ki values for glutarate.
An empirical investigation of factors influencing object-oriented database querying

Object-oriented databases (OODBs) provide an effective means for capturing complex data and semantic relationships underlying many real-world database applications. Because users' interactions with databases have increased significantly in today's era of client–server computing, it is important to examine users' ability to interact with such databases. We investigated a number of factors that potentially affect performance in writing queries on an OODB. First, we evaluated the utility of graphical and textual schemas associated with emerging OODBs from the perspective of database querying. Second, we examined the use of two different strategies (navigation and join) that could be used in writing OODB queries. Third, we examined a number of factors that potentially contribute to the complexity of an OODB query. Our exploratory study examined the performance of 20 graduate students in an experiment in which each participant wrote queries for two problems, one using a graphical OODB schema and the other a textual OODB schema. The participants had no prior exposure to the object-oriented data model. We found that there was no difference in query writing performance (either accuracy or time) using the graphical and textual schemas. Examination of query strategy revealed that a significant number of participants used a join strategy, rather than the navigation strategy that matches the database structure. Use of the join strategy resulted in significantly less accurate and slower query writing than did the navigation strategy. From the viewpoint of complexity, the number of objects referenced in a query, the number of starting points in the “from” clause, and the presence of special operators influenced both the accuracy and time of query writing.
On the Relationships Among Speech, Gestures, and Object Manipulation in Virtual Environments: Initial Evidence

This chapter reports on a study whose goal was to investigate how people make use of gestures and spoken utterances while playing a videogame without the support of standard input devices. We deploy a Wizard of Oz technique to collect audio- video- and body movement-related data on people’s free use of gesture and speech input. Data was collected from ten subjects for up to 60 minutes of game interaction each. We provide information on preferential mode use, as well as the predictability of gesture based on the objects in the scene. The long-term goal of this on-going study is to collect natural and reliable data from different input modalities, which could provide training data for the design and development of a robust multimodal recognizer.
Adaptive ADC design for neuro-prosthetic interfaces: base ADC cell

This paper presents the design of a low power, variable resolution, successive approximation analog-to-digital converter (ADC). This converter will be the base cell in an array of 100 converters intended for use in a neuro-prosthetic implant. The ADC resolution can be varied from 3 to 8 bits in 1 bit steps. Offset cancellation is required for /spl ges/ 7 bit resolution. The power consumption of the base ADC ranges from 0.5/spl mu/W at 3 bit resolution to 0.9 /spl mu/W at 6 bits and to 4 /spl mu/W at 8 bits whilst maintaining INL and DNL < 0.5 bit at 100 kS/s.
Nonlinear characterization of Ge_28Sb_12Se_60 bulk and waveguide devices

Single-mode Ge28Sb12Se60 strip waveguides, fabricated with thermal evaporation and lift-off, were demonstrated at 1.03 µm. The linear and nonlinear optical properties of these waveguides were shown to be similar to bulk samples, with differences attributed to small variations in composition of ~4 atomic % or less. From z-scan measurements at 1.03 µm using circularly polarized, ~200 fs pulses at 374 kHz, Ge28Sb12Se60 was found to have a nonlinear refractive index ~130 x fused silica and a two-photon absorption coefficient of 3.5 cm/GW. Given the large two-photon absorption coefficient, this material shows promise for optical limiting applications at 1 µm.
Cytokine Expression and Cell Activation in Inflammatory Arthritis

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses upon the expression and role of cytokines in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that is one of the most intensively studied and best characterized human inflammatory diseases. The study of cytokines in animal models of arthritis and in seronegative arthritis has revealed both similarities and differences with RA. The role of cytokines in animal models and in seronegative arthritis is discussed in the chapter in relation to their role in RA. Experiments with animal models of arthritis and clinical trials with RA patients suggesting that interventions aimed at inhibiting cytokines have significant therapeutic potential represent a particularly exciting development. Several potential problems with therapeutic blockade of cytokine activity include—potential lack of long term efficacy; problems with toxicity; potential need to inhibit multiple cytokines; immune responses against biopharmaceuticals, such as antibodies; unexpected consequences from perturbing cytokine networks; and difficulty in targeting therapy to sites of inflammation, thus avoiding generalized immunosuppression. Some of these problems may be overcome by targeting signaling pathways or transcription factors that are activated by cytokines and may be more amenable to inhibition by more conventional therapeutic agents. An example of a successful application of this approach is the prevention of LPS-induced lethal toxicity in mice by protein tyrosine kinases inhibitors. A greater understanding of which cytokines are the most important in pathogenesis and the mechanisms of cellular responses to these cytokines is useful in guiding the design of effective and safe therapies.
Explaining post-IPO venture performance through a knowledge-based view typology

We extend the knowledge-based view with a new typology and its application to post-IPO firm performance. The typology categorizes knowledge development activity along the dimensions of familiarity (whether the firm has experience with the knowledge or it is new) and source (whether the firm creates it independently or with partners). We use this typology to determine direct and interaction effects of knowledge development activity on survival, RoA, and Tobin's q of newly public firms. Using a sample of 1,056 high-technology manufacturing IPOs in 1990�2005, we find that focused, internal knowledge development correlates with higher performance. We also find a positive interaction effect in combining focused, internal and diversifying, alliance-based knowledge development, and a negative interaction effect in combining diversifying, internal and alliance-based knowledge development.
Second and third-order giant non-linear processes in plasmonic metasurfaces

The performance of many applications in non-linear photonics, such as ultrafast sensing, wave generation, or imaging, has usually been hindered by the small response of conventional non-linear materials [see Boyd, R. Nonlinear Optics 3ed Academic Press (2008)]. Even though the advent of metamaterials has alleviated this situation, thanks to their ability to engineer bulk structures able to overcoming phase-mismatches [see A. Rose, et al. Opt. Mater. Express, 1, 1232 (2011)] or to increase the efficiency in non-linear processes [see C. Argyropoulus et al. Phys. Rev. B., 89, 235401 (2014)], their overall non-linear response is still limited. Recently, a new approach based on combining the field enhancement in plasmonic metasurfaces with the intersubband transitions found in engineered quantum-wells has demonstrated second-order susceptibilities orders of magnitude higher than any other nonlinear response measured in flat structures [see J. Lee et al, Nature. 511, 65 (2014)].
Mercury(II) Oxide–Iodine

(HgO) [21908-53-2] HgO (MW 216.59) InChI = 1S/Hg.O InChIKey = UKWHYYKOEPRTIC-UHFFFAOYSA-N (I2) [7553-56-2] I2 (MW 253.80) InChI = 1S/I2/c1-2 InChIKey = PNDPGZBMCMUPRI-UHFFFAOYSA-N (hypoiodite formation; generation of alkoxyl radicals) Physical Data: see Mercury(II) Oxide and Iodine. Solubility: I2: sol organic solvents (g I2/100 g solvent, 25 °C): benzene (14.09), CS2 (16.47), EtOH (21.43), Et2O (25.20), cyclohexane (2.72), CCl4 (2.60, 35 °C); sol CHCl3, AcOH, glycerol. Form Supplied in: both reagents are widely available. HgO: bright red or orange–red solid; yellow when finely powdered. I2: violet crystals. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: protect from light. Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Gender identity: some thoughts on an old concept.

This paper presentes some issues in defining and researching gender identity. The status of psychological theories of gender identity is discussed.
DHShare: Facilitating student research differently in the digital age

The author argues that shifts in models of research, alongside vast changes in information accessibility, warrant reconsiderations about how we teach students to do research. Several scholars have discussed how technology and the internet impact the way students think on fundamental levels. The author presents a way to facilitate student research differently amidst these changes through DHShare, a scholarly and pedagogical resource for sharing, organizing, and searching link sources about copyright, and for discussing how these sources can be used in the classroom. The author will introduce the project, present the design process for building DHShare, and explore larger implications in relation to research.
Lower Turbulent Zones Associated with Mountain Lee Waves.

Abstract The characteristics of the lower turbulent zone (LTZ) which is associated with mountain lee waves have been investigated through the analysis of aircraft observations made near Boulder, Colo. Numerical filters and statistical analysis techniques have been applied to the data from six cases to yield vertical sections of potential temperature, horizontal wind, and turbulence intensity along the aircraft paths. One case study is presented to illustrate the structure of the LTZ and its changes during a frontal passage. In addition, the main features of all the analyses are summarized in the form of a schematic vertical section. The horizontal dimension of the LTZ varied between 25 and more than 65 km downstream of the first lee wave trough. The vertical dimensions ranged from a few hundred meters AGL at the lee wave troughs to 3 km AGL at the wave crests. Turbulence levels were light, moderate or severe over more than 90% of the total distance flown in the LTZ (nearly 1100 km). Severe turbulence was ...
Simple model of second-harmonic generation.

A model for second-harmonic generation from materials with inversion symmetry is developed. The reflecting medium is treated as an ordered array of localized, polarizable entities and the self-consistent relations between induced multipole moments and local fields are derived. The resulting equations are evaluated for a simple model of an entity's response, yielding microscopic estimates of both surface and bulk susceptibility components. The difficulties of applying the model to describe real materials are discussed.
Complete thyroidectomy in advanced heart disease

Abstract 1. 1. The development of complete thyroidectomy for heart disease is traced. 2. 2. Suggestions are made for the extension of the procedure to the arteriosclerotic, renal, and syphilitic groups with the presentation of case summaries. 3. 3. A routine preoperative, operative, and postoperative regime is detailed. 4. 4. Results in 19 patients are presented. 5. 5. The potential dangers are emphasized. 6. 6. A suggestion is made for more complete thyroidectomies routinely.
Lupus Profundus (Panniculitis): A Potential Mimic of Subcutaneous Panniculitis-like T-Cell Lymphoma

� Lupus profundus is a rare manifestation of cutaneous lupus erythematosus, seen in 1% to 3% of patients. It most commonly presents in association with classic chronic cutaneous lesions of discoid lupus erythematosus; however, such lesions, as well as a clinical history of lupus erythematosus, may be lacking. The differential diagnosis for lymphocytic lobular panniculitides is broad; however, the consideration of subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma is most critical. Recently, there have been several reports emphasizing the overlapping histomorphologic features between lupus profundus and subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma. Although this is controversial, some authors suggest that patients with lupus profundus are at risk for the development of abnormal, clonal T-cell proliferations and/or overt subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma. In cases of atypical lymphocytic lobular panniculitis that fail to meet diagnostic criteria for subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma, patients should be clinically followed indefinitely, as future subcutaneous lymphoma cannot be excluded. (Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2013;137:1211–1215; doi: 10.5858/arpa.2013-0253-CR)
Effects of glycosylated hemoglobin on vascular responses in vitro

Vascular responses to endothelium-dependent vasodilators are greatly impaired in vivo, while isolated blood vessels from animals with diabetes mellitus demonstrate less consistent degrees of impairment. Glycation of proteins, such as hemoglobin, has been implicated in the vascular abnormalities associated with diabetes. Objective: The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that glycosylated hemoglobin is capable of reducing endothelium-dependent vasodilator responses, possibly explaining impaired dilation observed in vivo. Methods: To test this hypothesis, the effect of glycosylated hemoglobin (GH) on vascular responses was studied in several vascular beds, including ventricular microvessels and coronary, mesenteric, femoral, and renal arteries. Coronary arterioles were isolated and mounted between two glass pipettes in a pressurized (30 cmH2O) organ chamber. Isolated artery segments were studied using a standard isometric ring technique. Results: In ventricular microvessels, 10 nM nGH (non-GH) and GH both attenuated the relaxation to Ach. A lower concentration, 1 nM nGH or GH, did not alter dilation to Ach. In coronary, femoral, mesenteric and renal artery segments, endothelium-dependent responses were not altered by the presence of 10 or 100 nM nGH or GH. Conclusion: In coronary microvessels, and coronary, femoral, mesenteric and renal arteries, GH is not responsible for the impaired endothelial function associated with diabetes mellitus.
Synthesis and Characterization of Three-Coordinate and Related β-Diketiminate Derivatives of Manganese, Iron, and Cobalt

Treatment of M{N(SiMe3)2}2 (M = Mn, Fe, Co) with various bulky β-diketimines afforded a variety of new three-coordinate complexes which were characterized by UV−vis, 1H NMR and IR spectroscopy, magnetic measurements, and X-ray crystallography. Reaction of the β-diketimine H(Dipp)NC(Me)CHC(Me)N(Dipp) (Dipp2N∧NH; Dipp = C6H3-2,6-Pri2) with M{N(SiMe3)2}2 (M = Mn or Co) gave Dipp2N∧NMN(SiMe3)2 (M = Mn, 1; Co, 3) while the reaction of Fe{N(SiMe3)2}2 with Ar2N∧NH (Ar = Dipp, C6F5, Mes, C6H3-2,6-Me2, or C6H3-2,6-Cl2) afforded the series of iron complexes Ar2N∧NFe{N(SiMe3)2} (Ar = Dipp, 2a; C6F5, 2b; Mes, 2c; C6H3-2,6-Me2, 2d; C6H3-2,6-Cl2, 2e). This represents a new synthetic route to β-diketiminate complexes of these metals. The four-coordinate bis-β-diketiminate complex Fe{N∧N(C6F5)2}2, 4, was also isolated as a byproduct from the synthesis of 2b. Direct reaction of the Dipp2N∧NLi with CoCl2 gave the “ate” salt Dipp2N∧NCoCl2Li(THF)2, 5, in which the lithium chloride has formed a complex with Dipp2N∧NCoCl throu...
A method for the design of phase-lead demodulating compensators for use in carrier control systems

A fairly new type of compensator for carrier control systems consists of a passive electric network that contains one or more periodically-conducting branches. This type of compensator (referred to as a demodulating compensating network) is superior to other types, used previously, in terms of size, weight, cost, and sensitivity to variations in carrier frequency. Although a detailed analysis of the operation of a demodulating compensating network is usually very tedious, it is possible to describe the effect of such a network in a feedback control system very simply by the use of an equivalent time-invariant passive electric network. A procedure for designing a phase-lead demodulating compensating network to meet specifications on system performance is presented in this paper. In essence, this procedure consists of the following steps. First, the uncompensated frequency response of the system is examined. Then an acceptable and realizable phase and/or gain characteristic is selected. Finally, by the use of design curves, the parameters of the demodulating compensator required to provide the desired frequency response are determined. Numerical examples are included to illustrate the application of the design procedure, and experimental results are reported to reveal the value of the procedure.
The molecular mechanism of the bicarbonate effect at the plastoquinone reductase site of photosynthesis.

It has been known for some time that bicarbonate reverses the inhibition, by formate under HCO3--depletion conditions, of electron transport in thylakoid membranes. It has been shown that the major effect is on the electron acceptor side of photosystem II, at the site of plastoquinone reduction. After presenting a historical introduction, and a minireview of the bicarbonate effect, we present a hypothesis on how HCO3- functions in vivo as (a) a proton donor to the plastoquinone reductase site in the D1-D2 protein; and (b) a ligand to Fe2+ in the QA-Fe-QB complex that keeps the D1-D2 proteins in their proper functional conformation. They key points of the hypothesis are: (1) HCO3- forms a salt bridge between Fe2+ and the D2 protein. The carboxyl group of HCO3- is a bidentate ligand to Fe2+, while the hydroxyl group H-bonds to a protein residue. (2) A second HCO3- is involved in protonating a histidine near the QB site to stabilize the negative charge on QB. HCO3- provides a rapidly available source of H+ for this purpose. (3) After donation of a H+, CO32- is replaced by another HCO3-. The high pKa of CO32- ensures rapid reprotonation from the bulk phase. (4) An intramembrane pool of HCO3- is in equilibrium with a large number of low affinity sites. This pool is a H+ buffering domain functionally connecting the external bulk phase with the quinones. The low affinity sites buffer the intrathylakoid [HCO3-] against fluctuations in the intracellular CO2. (5) Low pH and high ionic strength are suggested to disrupt the HCO3- salt bridge between Fe2+ and D2. The resulting conformational change exposes the intramembrane HCO3- pool and low affinity sites to the bulk phase.
Tie Simplex Based Parameterization for Compositional Reservoir Simulation

In this work, we generalize the Compositional Space Parameterization (CSP) approach, which was originally developed for compositional two-phase reservoir flow simulation. Tie-line based parameterization methods [1]–[3] were motivated by insights obtained from MOC (Method of Characteristics) theory. The MOC based analytical theory [4] has provided deep understanding of the interactions between thermodynamics and flow. In our adaptive framework, tie-lines are used to represent the solution route of multi-component multiphase displacements. The tie-line information is used as a preconditioner for EOS computations in general-purpose compositional flow simulation.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Quasi-Lagrangian Kinetic Energy Budgets of Composite Cyclone-Anticyclone Couplets

Abstract A composite quasi-Lagrangian kinetic energy budget is constructed from four synoptically similar cases of polar air penetration into the Caribbean from off the North American continent. Computations were carried out for both the upstream anticyclone and downstream cyclone accompanying the polar outbreak. Use of the residual technique suggests an average upscale energy exchange of 45.0 W m−2 over the anticyclone volume with a corresponding downscale energy transfer of 59.0 W m−2 over the cyclone volume for the 24 h period centered on the time of furthest southward cold air thrust as defined by the 1000–500 mb thickness patterns. The results also indicate that the vertical flux of kinetic energy ranges from 50 to 100% of the horizontal flux of kinetic energy and is of opposite sign below 400 mb in the cyclone volume. Further-more, during incipient surface cyclogenesis the horizontal boundary flux of 17.7 m m−2 is a signification of the local kinetic energy generation of 24.5 W m−2 whereas in the fo...
Altered consciousness and shock in a malnourished child.

A 3-year 9-month-old child presented unresponsive, dehydrated, and in shock, a consequence, of child neglect, abuse, and starvation. This scenario provides the vehicle for a discussion of three problems which can be precipitated by child neglect, specifically kwashlorkor, central pontine myelinolysis, and intellectual repercussions of malnutrition.
Cryoelectron microscopy and image analysis of the cardiac ryanodine receptor.

Abstract The three-dimensional structure of the cardiac muscle ryanodine receptor (RyR2) is described and compared with its skeletal muscle isoform (RyR1). Previously, structural studies of RyR2 have not been as informative as those for RyR1 because optimal conditions for electron microscopy, which require low levels of phospholipid, are destabilizing for RyR2. A simple procedure was devised for diluting RyR2 (in phospholipid-containing buffer) into a lipid-free buffer directly on the electron microscope grid, followed by freezing within a few seconds. Cryoelectron microscopy of RyR2 so prepared yielded images of sufficient quality for analysis by single particle image processing. Averaged projection images for RyR2, as well as for RyR1, prepared under the same conditions, were found to be nearly identical in overall dimensions and appearance at the resolution attained, ≈30 A. An initial three-dimensional reconstruction of RyR2 was determined (resolution ≈41 A) and compared with previously reported reconstructions of RyR1. Although they looked similar, which is consistent with the similarity found for the projection images, and with expectations based on the 66% amino acid sequence identity of the two isoforms, structural differences near the corners of the cytoplasmic assembly were observed in both two- and three-dimensional studies.
Variation of the pressure dependence of the superconducting transition temperature with x in La 1 - x Sr x CuO 4

Hydrostatic pressure measurements of the superconducting transition temperature were made as a function of x in La 2− x Sr x CuO 4 . A sharp change in the behavior occurs between x = 0.2 and 0.25 in that the pressure derivative goes from positive to essentially zero. This result is discussed in the context of band structure models.
Trivariate spline approximations of 3D Navier-Stokes equations

We present numerical approximations of the 3D steady state Navier-Stokes equations in velocity-pressure formulation using trivariate splines of arbitrary degree d and arbitrary smoothness r with r < d. Using functional arguments, we derive the discrete Navier-Stokes equations in terms of B-coefficients of trivariate splines over a tetrahedral partition of any given polygonal domain. Smoothness conditions, boundary conditions and the divergence-free condition are enforced through Lagrange multipliers. The pressure is computed by solving a Poisson equation with Neumann boundary conditions. We have implemented this approach in MATLAB and present numerical evidence of the convergence rate as well as experiments on the lid driven cavity flow problem.
Precipitation titration of molybdate, tungstate, perrhenate, and fluoride with lead

Abstract The volumetric methods for titrating molybdate and tungstate have been improved by obtaining sharper end points with xylenol orange as the indicator. Two new volumetric methods for determining perrhenate and fluoride have been developed which are based on the formation of a slightly soluble compound with an empirical formula of (PbMoO4)x(PbReO4)yFy + n, where x ≧ y and n = 1, 2, 3, or 4 . Perrhenate, molybdate, or tungstate can be determined in the same solution without separation because molybdate (and/or tungstate) can be titrated with lead at pH 5 to 6 in the absence of fluoride. In the presence of fluoride, perrhenate is coprecipitated with molybdate and lead in an alkaline medium. The same principle used in determining perrhenate may also be used for titrating fluoride when a known amount of molybdate and an excess amount of perrhenate are added. For 0.2 mmole of tungstate or perrhenate, the accuracy is approximately ±1%.
A Third Zinc-binding Domain of Human Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase-1 Coordinates DNA-dependent Enzyme Activation.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) is a chromatin-associated enzyme with multiple cellular functions, including DNA repair, transcriptional regulation, and cell signaling. PARP-1 has a modular architecture with six independent domains comprising the 113-kDa polypeptide. Two zinc finger domains at the N terminus of PARP-1 bind to DNA and thereby activate the catalytic domain situated at the C terminus of the enzyme. The tight coupling of DNA binding and catalytic activities is critical to the cellular regulation of PARP-1 function; however, the mechanism for coordinating these activities remains an unsolved problem. Here, we demonstrate using spectroscopic and crystallographic analysis that human PARP-1 has a third zinc-binding domain. Biochemical mutagenesis and deletion analysis indicate that this region mediates interdomain contacts important for DNA-dependent enzyme activation. The crystal structure of the third zinc-binding domain reveals a zinc ribbon fold and suggests conserved residues that could form interdomain contacts. The new zinc-binding domain self-associates in the crystal lattice to form a homodimer with a head-totail arrangement. The structure of the homodimer provides a scaffold for assembling the activated state of PARP-1 and suggests a mechanism for coupling the DNA binding and catalytic functions of PARP-1.
Bis(imino)pyridine Iron(II) Alkyl Cations for Olefin Polymerization

Treatment of the five-coordinate ferrous dialkyl complex, (iPrPDI)Fe(CH2SiMe3)2 (iPrPDI = ((2,6-CHMe2)2C6H3NCMe)2C5H3N), with [PhMe2NH][BPh4] in the presence of diethyl ether or tetrahydrofuran furnished the corresponding alkyl cations, where the donor ligand is coordinated in the basal plane of a distorted square pyramidal iron(II) alkyl cation. Performing the same reaction with the neutral Lewis acid, B(C6F5)3, induced methide abstraction from a silicon atom followed by rearrangement to afford the base free ferrous alkyl cation, [(iPrPDI)Fe(CH2SiMe2CH2SiMe3)][MeB(C6F5)3]. This complex is active for the polymerization of ethylene and yields polymers that are of higher molecular weight and narrower polydispersity than traditional methylalumoxane-activated catalysts.
Group counseling for overweight and depressed college women: A comparative evaluation

Abstract Behavioral and cognitive-behavioral group programs for weight control were effective in producing weight reductions, as well as alleviating depressed mood, fear of negative evaluations, and social avoidance and distress. Results are discussed in terms of the need to evaluate group process variables in weight control groups
The Role of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase, Rho Family GTPases, and STAT3 in Ros-induced Cell Transformation

Using loss-of-function mutants of Ros and inducible epidermal growth factor receptor-Ros chimeras we investigated the role of various signaling pathways in Ros-induced cell transformation. Inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway with the MEK (MAP/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase) inhibitor PD98059 had little effect on the Ros-induced monolayer and anchorage-independent growth of chicken embryo fibroblasts and NIH3T3 cells even though more than 70% of the MAPK was inhibited. In contrast, inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway with the drug LY294002, a dominant negative mutant of PI3K, Deltap85, or the phosphatidylinositol phosphatase PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted in chromosome ten) resulted in a dramatic reduction of v-Ros- and epidermal growth factor receptor-Ros-promoted anchorage-independent growth of chicken embryo fibroblasts and NIH3T3 cells, respectively. Parallel and downstream components of PI3K signaling such as the Rho family GTPases (Rac, Rho, Cdc42) and the survival factor Akt were all shown to contribute to Ros-induced anchorage-independent growth, although Rac appeared to be less important for Ros-induced colony formation in NIH3T3 cells. Furthermore, the transformation-attenuated v-Ros mutants F419 and DI could be complemented by constitutively active mutants of PI3K and Akt. Finally, we found that overexpressing a constitutively active mutant of STAT3 (STAT3C) conferred a resistance to the inhibition of Ros-induced anchorage-independent growth by LY294002, suggesting a possible overlap of functions between PI3K and STAT3 signaling in mediating Ros-induced anchorage-independent growth.
Resolving the discrepancies among nucleic acid conformational analyses.

Growing interest in understanding the relationship between the global folding of nucleic acids and the sequence-dependent structure of individual base-pair steps has stimulated the development of new mathematical methods to define the geometry of the constituent base-pairs. Several approaches, designed to meet guidelines set by the nucleic acid community, permit rigorous comparative analyses of different three-dimensional structures, as well as allow for reconstruction of chain molecules at the base-pair level. The different computer programs, however, yield inconsistent descriptions of chain conformation. Here we report our own implementation of seven algorithms used to determine base-pair and dimer step parameters. Aside from reproducing the results of individual programs, we uncover the reasons why the different algorithms come to conflicting structural interpretations. The choice of mathematics has only a limited effect on the computed parameters, even in highly deformed duplexes. The results are much more sensitive to the choice of reference frame. The disparate schemes yield very similar conformational descriptions if the calculations are based on a common reference frame. The current positioning of reference frames at the inner and outer edges of complementary bases exaggerates the rise at distorted dimer steps, and points to the need for a carefully defined conformational standard.
The relationship between measures of subjective and economic well-being: A new look

The objective of this research is to examine the importance of variable specification in using economic variable to explain the variance in individual's perceived (1) overall psychological, (2) economic, and (3) non-economic well-being. Results indicate that careful specification of economic variables improves the explained variance of perceived subjective well-being. Specification of dependent variable, life satisfaction, based on a domain-specific scale, proves superior to using the response to the global satisfaction question, “How do you feel about life as a whole?’ Economic variables prove significant in explaining both perceived economic and non-economic domains of life satisfaction. Although its overall effect on life satisfaction is negative, increased family size is found to enhance non-economic life satisfaction, while detracting from economic aspects of life satisfaction.
Investigation of Absorption and Scattering Properties of Soot Aggregates of Different Fractal Dimension at 532 nm Using RDG and GMM

Radiative properties of numerically generated fractal soot aggregates of different fractal dimensions were studied using the numerically accurate generalized Mie-solution method (GMM) and the Rayleigh-Debye-Gans (RDG) approximate theory. Fractal aggregates of identical prefactor but different fractal dimensions, namely, 1.4, 1.78, and 2.1, were generated numerically using a tunable algorithm of cluster–cluster aggregation for aggregates containing up to 800 primary particles. Radiative properties of these aggregates were calculated at a wavelength of 532 nm assuming a soot refractive index of 1.6 + 0.6i. Four commonly used structure factors in the RDG approximation were used to investigate the effect of structure factor on the differential and total scattering cross-sections and the asymmetry factor. The differential and total scattering properties calculated using the RDG approximation become increasingly sensitive to the structure factor with increasing the fractal dimension. Primary particle interactio...
InAs-based plasmon-waveguide interband cascade lasers

Interband cascade (IC) lasers take advantage of the broken band-gap alignment in type-II quantum wells to reuse injected electrons in cascade stages for photon generation with high-quantum efficiency, while retaining interband transitions for photon emission without involving fast phonon scattering. Over the past several years, significant progress has been made in developing efficient IC lasers, particularly in the 3-4 μm region where continuous wave (cw) operation was achieved at above room temperature with low power consumption. In this paper, we report our recent efforts in the development of IC lasers at longer wavelengths (4.3-7.5 μm) based on InAs substrates and plasmon-waveguide structures. Cw operation of plasmon-waveguide IC lasers has been achieved at temperatures up to 184 K near 6 μm. Also, improved thermal dissipation has been demonstrated with the use of the plasmon waveguide structure.
Research Spotlight: Tiny features influence large-scale flow through an aquifer

[1] Modeling large-scale effects from small-scale influences is a delicate act. For example, even when researchers know small changes can make a big difference, attempts to predict the outcome of the diffusion of a solute through an aquifer can be hindered by the amount of data needed to run the simulation. Ronayne et al. seem to have cracked the scaling code by building a new model that allows them to accurately simulate the transport of a previously injected bromide tracer through an aquifer in Mississippi by relying on simple geologic measurements collected near the surface. Their model works by using geologic data to infer submeter-sized changes in porosity and permeability that exist within the layers of an aquifer—cores drilled throughout the aquifer reveal that such variation exists in the aquifer's layers. (Water Resources Research, doi:10.1029/2010WR009348, 2010)
Engineering the just war: examination of an approach to teaching engineering ethics.

The efficiency of engineering applied to civilian projects sometimes threatens to run away with the social agenda, but in military applications, engineering often adds a devastating sleekness to the inevitable destruction of life. The relative crudeness of terrorism (e.g., 9/11) leaves a stark after-image, which belies the comparative insignificance of random (as opposed to orchestrated) belligerence. Just as engineering dwarfs the bricolage of vernacular design—moving us past the appreciation of brush-strokes, so to speak—the scale of engineered destruction makes it difficult to focus on the charred remains of individual lives.
Heritability and Longitudinal Stability of Impulsivity in Adolescence

Impulsivity is a multifaceted personality construct that plays an important role throughout the lifespan in psychopathological disorders involving self-regulated behaviors. Its genetic and environmental etiology, however, is not clearly understood during the important developmental period of adolescence. This study investigated the relative influence of genes and environment on self-reported impulsive traits in adolescent twins measured on two separate occasions (waves) between the ages of 11 and 16. An adolescent version of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) developed for this study was factored into subscales reflecting inattention, motor impulsivity, and non-planning. Genetic analyses of these BIS subscales showed moderate heritability, ranging from 33–56% at the early wave (age 11–13 years) and 19–44% at the later wave (age 14–16 years). Moreover, genetic influences explained half or more of the variance of a single latent factor common to these subscales within each wave. Genetic effects specific to each subscale also emerged as significant, with the exception of motor impulsivity. Shared twin environment was not significant for either the latent or specific impulsivity factors at either wave. Phenotypic correlations between waves ranged from r = 0.25 to 0.42 for subscales. The stability correlation between the two latent impulsivity factors was r = 0.43, of which 76% was attributable to shared genetic effects, suggesting strong genetic continuity from mid to late adolescence. These results contribute to our understanding of the nature of impulsivity by demonstrating both multidimensionality and genetic specificity to different facets of this complex construct, as well as highlighting the importance of stable genetic influences across adolescence.
Product modularity: Definitions and benefits

The present paper presents an overview of existing research on the definition of modular product design and its benefits. Modularity has been discussed in terms of product development for quite some time. In recent years, the discussions have increased. The development of metrics and methods has also increased. However, these metrics and methods are often based on different definitions and varying goals. Understanding what modularity is and why it is useful is the foundation of modular product design. The purpose of this paper is to examine the existing literature and draw conclusions about where consensus exists and areas for further discussion. The relationship to product platform planning is also shown. This overview shows that there is a clear consensus on the point of independence of form and function. Within this definition, there is a strong pressure to extend modularity beyond form-function concerns and out across the life-cycle. Additionally, there is pressure to look at similarity or compatibili...
Molecular Dynamics Trajectory Compression with a Coarse-Grained Model

Molecular dynamics trajectories are very data intensive thereby limiting sharing and archival of such data. One possible solution is compression of trajectory data. Here, trajectory compression based on conversion to the coarse-grained model PRIMO is proposed. The compressed data are about one third of the original data and fast decompression is possible with an analytical reconstruction procedure from PRIMO to all-atom representations. This protocol largely preserves structural features and to a more limited extent also energetic features of the original trajectory.
Capabilities and management utility of recreation impact monitoring programs.

A recreation impact monitoring system was developed and applied in 1984–1986 and in 1991 to all backcountry river-accessed campsites within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Results suggest that actions implemented by park managers in response to problems identified by the initial survey were highly effective in reducing resource degradation caused by camping. In particular, the elimination of some designated campsites and installation of anchored firegrates reduced the total area of disturbance by 50%. Firegrate installation provided a focal point that increased the concentration of camping activities, allowing peripheral areas to recover. As suggested by predictive models, additional resource degradation caused by increased camping intensities is more than offset by improvements in the condition of areas where use is eliminated. The capabilities and management utility of recreation impact monitoring programs, illustrated by the Delaware Water Gap monitoring program, are also presented and discussed.
A Compendium of Geochemistry: From Solar Nebula to the Human Brain

Over the past decade, interest in the biogeosciences has expanded at a remarkable rate. This approach to the study of the Earth is by its very nature interdisciplinary and requires an enormous wealth of knowledge. It also requires the ability to make connections between various natural systems and processes. Over a slightly longer period, there has been a widespread effort to document the so-called ‘average’ composition of geologic and biologic units. In a sense, Li has now helped us to take full advantage of this effort and bring this knowledge to bear on questions arising in the biogeosciences. That is because in his new book, A Compendium of Geochemistry: From Solar Nebula to the Human Brain, he has amassed an exhaustive list of data sets, gathered from numerous sources, and documenting the composition of the natural universe.