cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chemical investigations of the giant nerve fibers of the squid: I. Fractionation of dialyzable constituents of axoplasm and quantitative determination of the free amino acids

Abstract By means of preparative paper electrophoresis, the dialyzable portion of the axoplasm of the squid (Loligo pealii and Dosidicus gigas) have been separated into eleven fractions at pH 3.9. The fraction that behaves neutral under these conditions has been further fractionated by electrophoresis at pH 2.4. The resulting fractions were investigated with respect to their content of free amino acids which were determined quantitatively. Arginine, lysine, ornithine were demonstrated, together with a number of neutral amino acids which thus far have not been described in this material. Striking is the fact that the neutral amino acids are present in the axon of the squid Dosidicus gigas in an order of magnitude lower than that of Loligo pealii; its content of taurine is also demonstrably lower. In the fraction that behaves neutral at pH 2.4, peptides of medium chain lengths and of similar amino acid constitution were demonstrated. As yet, relatively little is known about the nature of the individual peptides although it is clear that their presence is not caused by a post-mortem splitting off from proteins. The “neutral” fraction carries with it also a component which, after hydrolysis, yields cysteic acid (but no cysteine or cystine). The substance probably exists in axoplasm as the amide. Its possible significance as an ionogenic substance is pointed out. Of three other components that have been detected for the first time, and whose total concentration is very substantial, one belongs in the class of the quaternary ammonium compounds but little can be said as yet about the nature of the two other components.
Abstract 11717: Statin Therapy Improves Survival in Patients With Severe Pulmonary Hypertension: A Propensity Score Matching Study

Background: Efficacy of statins in improving pulmonary hypertension (PH) and reversing right ventricular hypertrophy has been demonstrated in animal models. They were also shown to reduce pulmonary arterial pressure and improve biomarkers in humans. However, clinical relevance and survival benefit of these findings in patients with PH are unknown. Methods: From January 2002 to August 2012, transthoracic echocardiograms from 3 hospitals of Montefiore Medical Center were reviewed; all consecutive patients with age ≥18 years, severe PH (pulmonary artery systolic pressure ≥60 mmHg) and preserved left ventricular function (ejection fraction ≥50%) were included. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether or not they were on a statin for 12 consecutive months after diagnosis of PH. Propensity score matching including all baseline demographics, comorbidities, labs, lipid profile, and medications with ratio matching of 1 (treated) to 5 (untreated controls) was performed to adjust for differences in bas...
High power novel heterojunction JFETs (HJFETs) grown by MOCVD

The authors report the power performance of a novel InP junction field-effect transistor (JFET) with a p/sup +/-GaInAs heterostructure gate (HJFET). The HJFET structure was grown by non-hydride metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) at atmospheric pressure and at a substrate temperature of 560/spl deg/C using tertiarybutylphosphine, tertiarybutylarsine as the alternative sources for phosphine and arsine, respectively. p/sup +/ GaInAs was used as the gate material, and n InP as the channel. It is shown that both epitaxial layer design, and device geometry play an important role in device performance. HJFETs with superior performance, an easier fabrication process, and scalability to sub-micron gate lengths compared to homojunction JFETs have been demonstrated. >
A Stability Analysis of Circumferential Cracks for Reactor Piping Systems

The high ductility and toughness of the stainless steel reactor piping system have made it virtually certain not to experience unstable crack extension. The present study attempts to provide theoretical assurance that thepiping system will not suffer unstable crack extension even if severe circumferential cracking should occur. The analysis is based on the tearing instability concept and the tearing modulus criterion. Simplifications are conservatively made to facilitate the complicated analysis. The results are presented parametrically in graphical forms for convenience of general use. An application to a specific example is also discussed. The results indicate that the ratio, L/R, is of major importance in consideration of crack stability, where L is the length of the pipe between supports and R is the radius of the pipe. It is shown that unstable crack extension would not occur in stainless steel piping systems designed in accordance with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers' (ASME) code even if severe circumferential flaws were present, provided that the values of L/R are less than about 200. Since the values of L/R for boiling water reactor (BWR) stainless steel piping systems are generally much smaller, large margins against unstable fracture are assured for these systems. When L/R exceeds 200, a more detailed analysis would be necessary to demonstrate crack stability.
A quality improvement project to decrease emergency department and medical intensive care unit transfer times

Abstract Objective To reduce transfer time of critically ill patients from the emergency department (ED) to the medical intensive care unit (MICU). Design A prospective, observational study assessing preimplementation and postimplementation of quality improvement interventions in a tertiary academic medical center. Interventions A team of frontline health care professional including ED, MICU, and supporting services using the clinical microsystems approach mapped out existing practice patterns, determined causes for delays, and used the Plan-Do-Study-Act to test changes. Measurements and Main Results The team identified multiple issues that contributed to delays. These included poor coordination between transport services, respiratory therapy, and nursing in transferring patients from the ED as well delays in identification and transfer of stable MICU patients. These interventions reduced transfer time from 4.2 (3.4-5.7) hours to 2.2 (1.4-3.1) hours (median [interquartile range]; P Conclusion A team made up of frontline health care professionals using a structured quality improvement process and implementing multifaceted, multistage interventions, reduced transfer delays, and length of stay. Added benefits included engagement among members of the 2 microsystems and a more cohesive approach to patient care.
Rab13-dependent trafficking of RhoA is required for directional migration and angiogenesis.

Angiogenesis requires concomitant remodeling of cell junctions and migration, as exemplified by recent observations of extensive endothelial cell movement along growing blood vessels. We report that a protein complex that regulates cell junctions is required for VEGF-driven directional migration and for angiogenesis in vivo. The complex consists of RhoA and Syx, a RhoA guanine exchange factor cross-linked by the Crumbs polarity protein Mupp1 to angiomotin, a phosphatidylinositol-binding protein. The Syx-associated complex translocates to the leading edge of migrating cells by membrane trafficking that requires the tight junction recycling GTPase Rab13. In turn, Rab13 associates with Grb2, targeting Syx and RhoA to Tyr1175-phosphorylated VEGFR2 at the leading edge. Rab13 knockdown in zebrafish impeded sprouting of intersegmental vessels and diminished the directionality of their tip cells. These results indicate that endothelial cell mobility in sprouting vessels is facilitated by shuttling the same protein complex from disassembling junctions to the leading edges of cells.
Operational aspects associated with strategic layout designs and their effectiveness: a multiple case study

As part of this paper, five different organisations based in the Pittsburgh, PA area and their layout strategies were identified and analysed through both primary and secondary sources. United Parcel Service and their layout strategy for package cars and feeder trucks in and out of the facility were identified. Priority Healthcare Pharmacy is a mail-order pharmacy dedicated to providing patients with specialty medications through home-delivery services. Shipping medications in a timely fashion to patients in need and at the same time ensuring the quality of dispensing the prescription is extremely important to any health provider; hence, the layout of their pharmacy lends hand to meeting these requirements. Verizon Wireless has a number of different facilities in the Pittsburgh area that participate in customer service processes. Their inbound call centre was analysed to determine how their layout contributes to their daily operations. The Mellon Financial Corporation was explored to understand the impact of integrating new technology into their workspace and finally Del Monte's food factory and their product-oriented layout is discussed for their baby food and soup production.
Model Simulations Reveal VCAM-1 Augment PAK Activation Rates to Amplify p38 MAPK and VE-Cadherin Phosphorylation

Our previous work shows that melanoma cells induce VE-cadherin disassembly possibly via binding of their VLA-4 receptors to VCAM-1 receptors on endothelial cells or secretion of chemokines. Interestingly enough we found during junction disassembly Rac/PAK molecules initially reside at endothelial junctions and then dissociate over time in response to VCAM-1 binding. However, other studies have also found that Rac/PAK interactions are mediated by chemokines, in particular, interleukin-8 (IL-8). Currently, studies have focused on the regulation of p38 MAPK via IL-8 and IL-1β signaling; however, the role of VCAM-1 in the regulation of p38 MAPK has not been elucidated. Using computational methods, we found that VCAM-1 binding increases PAK activation rates to augment p38 and VE-cadherin phosphorylation levels downstream. Furthermore, decreasing the PAK off rate resulted in a rapid increase in p38 and VE-cadherin phosphorylation.
The Scattering of Protons by Neutrons

The scattering of neutrons by protons has been investigated by observing recoil proton tracks with a liquid-filled cloud chamber. The neutrons used were produced by bombarding frozen heavy water with 1 Mev deuterons from a small cyclotron. The tracks of 870 recoil protons have been measured. Of these tracks 635 satisfied our length selection criteria and are used as the basis of the calculations. Random track, area, and azimuthal correction factors are calculated and applied. The final curve indicates that the scattering for the energy of neutrons used in this experiment is approximately spherically symmetrical about the center of gravity. This is in agreement with the current theory.
Understanding soft gamma-ray repeaters in the context of the extragalactic radio pulsar origin of gamma-ray bursts

Gamma-ray burst (GRB) sources and soft gamma-ray repeaters (SGRs) may be neutron stars undergoing structural adjustments that produce transient gamma-ray events. A unified scenario is proposed in which young radio pulsars are responsible for SGRs and classical GRB sources. The radiative emission associated with a pulsar 'glitch' is seen as a GRB or an SGR event depending on the direction of our line of sight. Burst spectra, energetics, and statistics of GRBs and SGRs are discussed. It is shown that classical GRB spectra arise from Compton upscattering by charges accelerated along the viewing direction and SGR burst spectra are due to the thermalization of Alfven wave energy away from this direction. If crustal adjustments occur within the first 50,000 years of a pulsar's lifetime, the model predicts two SGR sources within the galaxy, in agreement with current observations.
QUANTIZATION OF THE DAMPED HARMONIC OSCILLATOR

A quantum theory of damped harmonic oscillators is developed in which the details are not explicitly described, but rather their effects are included through parameters such as viscosity whose values can be determined from experiment and then compared with predictions from microscopic theory. Five references (JFP)
Jewish women physicians in Central Europe in the early twentieth century

Jewish women physicians made up roughly one-fifth of the female physicians in Central Europe in the early twentieth century. To become medical doctors, these women had to overcome educational obstacles, family opposition, misogynism and anti-Semitism. As physicians, Jewish women achieved personal self-fulfilment, economic independence and had a chance to help others, while combining marriage, family and career. Female Jewish physicians successfully practiced medicine in a variety of fields in Central Europe before the Nazi era, and, in many cases, after emigration as well.
Framework for creating a Best-in-Class safety culture

Abstract To answer the question, “What are the practical attributes of Best-in-Class safety management,” consensus principles have been identified and lessons learned harvested from a broad spectrum of organizations with exemplary safety programs. Through years of studying the underpinnings of a strong safety culture, the authors have identified ten attributes that are important to create a Best-in-Class safety culture. Instead of expecting one organization to possess all of the attributes or employ all of the techniques identified, the authors suggest these principles be treated as guidelines that can be used to improve the safety culture in organizations.
Genomic analysis of the carboxylesterases: identification and classification of novel forms

Large species differences in the expression of carboxylesterases (CE) have been described, but the interrelationships of CEs across species are not well characterized. In the current analyses, sequences with genomic structures similar to human CEs were found in piscine, avian, and mammalian genomes. Analyses of these genes suggest that four CE groups existed prior to mammalian divergence, with another form occurring after eutherian-marsupial divergence, yielding five distinct mammalian CE groups. The CE1 and CE2 groupings appear to have undergone extensive gene duplication in species with herbivorous and omnivorous diets underscoring the potential importance of these two groups in xenobiotic metabolism. However, CE3, CE4, and CE5 have remained at one gene per species in almost all observed cases. In avian and piscine genomes, only two CE groupings each were observed in the currently available sequence data. Finally, this study presents considerations for a broader phylogenetic-based nomenclature that could encompass other serine hydrolases in addition to the CEs.
Conformational microheterogeniety in a DNA double helix: Structure of restriction endonuclease Bam H1 recognition site

Abstract Structural studies using 500 MHz 1H NMR spectroscopy on Bam H1 recognition site d(GGATCC)2 in solution at 19° is reported. The resonances from the sugar ring and base protons have been assigned from the 2D-COSY and NOESY spectra. Analyses of the NOESY cross-peaks between the base protons H8/H6 and sugar protons H2′/H2″, H3′ reveal that the nucleotide units G2, A3 and C6 adopt (C3′- endo , χ = 200°–220°) conformation while G1, T4 and C5 exhibit (C2′- endo , χ = 240°–260°) conformation. NMR data clearly suggest that the two strands of d(GGATCC)2 are conformationally equivalent and there is a structural two-fold between the two A-T pairs. The above information and the NOESY data are used to generate a structural model of d(GGATCC)2. The important features are: (i) G1–G2 stack, the site of cleaveage, shows an alternation in sugar pucker i.e. C2′- endo , C3′- endo as in a B-A junction, (ii) G2–A3 stack adopts a mini A-DNA, both the sugars being C3′- endo , (iii) A3–T4 stack, the site of two-fold, displays an A-B junction with alternation in sugar pucker as C3′- endo , C2′- endo , (iv) T4–C5 stack adopts a mini B-DNA both the sugars being C2′- endo and (v) C5–C6 stack exhibits a B-A junction with C2′- endo , C3′- endo sugar puckers. Thus, our studies demonstrate that conformational microheterogeniety with a structural two fold, is present in the Bam H1 recognition site.
BENEFITS FROM WATER CONSERVATION DEPEND ON COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING

: Substantial reductions in municipal water use are feasible without reducing the quality of life. If conservation measures are preplanned, properly engineered, and coordinated, reductions in utility bills for water, waste water, and energy are estimated at $30+per person per year. Installation of devices to reduce water use, engineering plans to prevent malfunctioning of collecting sewers, and engineered process modifications of treatment facilities must be coordinated to achieve full benefits of water conservation. Pollutant discharges to the aquatic environment are reduced in direct proportion to the reduction in water use.
Poor and depressed, the tip of the iceberg: the unmet needs of enrollees in an indigent health care plan.

Depression is a leading cause of disability [World Health Organization (WHO), 2001] with economic costs exceeding $63 billion per year in the US [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), 1999]. The challenges of treating depression among the poor are compounded by broader social needs. This study examined the prevalence of depression and psychosocial needs among enrollees in an indigent health care plan. Results indicated clinical levels of depression were present in 28.6% of respondents (n=1,405). Depressed respondents were significantly more likely (p<0.001) to have co-occurring alcohol (OR=1.78; CI95=1.32–2.40), drug (OR=2.67; CI95=1.80–3.98), and health (OR=5.44; CI95 = 4.12–7.19) problems compared to non-depressed respondents. Significantly more social needs were also associated with depression. Depressed respondents averaged 7.8 needs compared to 3.6 among non-depressed respondents. Needs included a significantly increased likelihood (p<0.001) of lacking sufficient food (OR=2.56; CI95=1.97–3.34), shelter (OR=3.67; CI95=2.23–6.05), or money (OR=3.18; CI95= 2.39–4.23) and having more legal (OR=2.95; CI95=2.22–3.92) and family (OR=3.00; CI95=2.32–3.86) problems. The high rates of co-occurring social needs among individuals with clinical depression underscores the need for comprehensive, coordinated care in order to improve their quality of life and also reduce high utilization of crisis management services.
Understanding primary care physicians' treatment of chronic low back pain: the role of physician and practice factors.

Background. An increasing number of Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom veterans experience chronic pain. Despite treatment guidelines, there is wide variation in physicians' approaches to pain treatment, and many physicians are unsure of the best treatment approach. Research has examined factors associated with opioid prescribing, but there is little information on physician characteristics that predict patterns of clinical responses to pain. Objectives. To identify patterns in primary care physicians' treatment decisions for nonmalignant chronic pain, and identify physician and practice characteristics that predict treatment decision patterns. Methods. A national sample of 381 primary care physicians who responded to a mailed vignette involving a veteran with chronic low back pain (LBP) were categorized into latent classes by clinical actions taken to treat the pain. The associations between newly derived treatment patterns and physician and practice characteristics were examined with multivariate models. Results. Latent class analysis identified three treatment approaches: 1) Multimodal/Aggressive (14%); 2) Low Action (38%); and 3) Psychosocial/Non-Opioid (48%). In a multivariate model, treatment pattern was associated with demographic and personality factors; opioid-related attitudes, beliefs, and concerns; perceptions of the patient; availability of resources; and practice characteristics. Conclusions. There may be distinct patterns in primary care physicians' responses to patients with chronic pain. Relatively few physicians use the multimodal approach endorsed by proponents of the biopsychosocial model of pain treatment. Several physician and practice characteristics predict patterns of clinical action.
In brief: Mayfield et al. Classification: carpal dislocations and progressive perilunar instability.

According to Melsom and Leslie, the earliest description of perilunate dislocation was by Malgaigne in 1855, before the advent of radiography [7]. It later was described by Cousins, Destot, de Quervain, and others [7]. According to Melsom and Leslie [7] Tavernier reported the first series in 1906. Many years later, in 1968, the concept of the proximal row as an intercalated segment was described by Fisk [7]. In 1972, Linscheid et al. [4] modified the concept to develop models of dorsal and volar intercalated instability. The ligamentous pathoanatomy and classification of these injuries, however, had not been well described. In 1980, Mayfield et al. [5] performed a cadaveric study to better delineate the pathoanatomy and classify the degree of carpal instability after perilunate injury. Purpose
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Experience with the transapical approach, alternate access sites, and concomitant cardiac repairs

Objectives Transapical transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TA-TAVR) is a viable treatment option for selected high-risk elderly patients. We analyzed the 30-day mortality and perioperative complications, focusing on the "learning curve" since our first TA procedure in 2007. We also introduce unique cases, demonstrating new possibilities for alternate access sites and concurrent cardiac interventions using the apical approach. Methods From February 2007 to May 2013, 150 patients underwent TA-TAVR (mean age, 81.4 ± 7 years; mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons score, 9.8 ± 3.5). We compared 2 groups (group A, n = 65, procedures from February 2007 to December 2010; group B, n = 85, procedures from January 2011 to May 2013). Results Five deaths (3.3%) occurred within 30 days, with a decrease in 30-day mortality between the 2 groups (group A, n = 4, 6.2%; group B, n = 1, 1.2%) that became significant at 1 year (log-rank, P = .002). Severe bleeding from the apex (group A, 4.6%; group B 4.4%) and deployment of >1 valve (group A, 7.6%; group B, 10.5%) was similar in both groups. Valve embolization was less frequent in group B (group A, 4.6%; group B, 2.4%). Postoperative complications in groups A and B included stroke (3.1% vs 0%), renal failure (9.3% vs 4.7%), and permanent pacemaker implantation (6.1% vs 5.9%). No myocardial infarctions occurred in either group. Two patients received simultaneous aortic and mitral valve implantation; 1 patient undergoing TA-TAVR also underwent distal arch and descending aorta repair; all had favorable outcomes. With a further 25 TA-TAVR since May 2013, the overall mortality is 2.9% (5/175). Conclusions Although working with the fragile apical tissues in high-risk elderly patients remains a challenge, we have demonstrated a reduction in mortality and complications with increasing experience in TA-TAVR. We have successfully demonstrated novel combined procedures and uses for the transapical approach and alternate access sites, which should continue to be explored.
Measurement of Catalytic Reaction Kinetics for Adsorbed Enzyme Monolayers.

Abstract We present a new assay based on total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) to quantify the catalytic activity of adsorbed enzyme monolayers on macroscopically flat surfaces. The need for such an assay derives from a general shortage of assay methods that are sufficiently sensitive to measure reaction kinetics for just a single monolayer of enzymes. The assay is based on the enzymatic conversion of a soluble, nonfluorescent fluorogenic substrate reagent to a soluble, highly fluorescent product. The reaction occurs at the solid–liquid interface where the enzymes are adsorbed. Fluorogenic substrates are introduced to the adsorbed layer by convective diffusion from solutions undergoing steady laminar slit flow. The exponentially decaying evanescent wave that is produced by total internal reflection serves as a “spectroscopic ruler” to resolve the spatial concentration profile of fluorescent products in solution near the interface. By measuring the steady-state fluorescence signal as a function of the Peclet number that characterizes mass transfer conditions in the experiment, it is possible to determine the enzymatic reaction rate. Here we present the development of the method and its application to a test system of β-galactosidase adsorbed to methylated silica surfaces. Compared to the enzymatic rate constants for this enzyme in free solution, adsorption decreased the Michaelis–Menten rate constant k cat by a factor of 10 and increased the equilibrium binding constant K m by a factor of 4.5. Thus the intrinsic activity of the enzyme, as represented by the ratio k cat / K m , decreased 45-fold due to adsorption.
Optimizing the Shear Beam of a Non-Pneumatic Wheel for Low Rolling Resistance

The design requirements of a low rolling loss non-pneumatic wheel are determined through a systematic optimization approach. In order to reduce the rolling resistance, linear elastic materials are considered instead of elastomers. To achieve an adequate compliance level, a metamaterial needs to be designed. The required metamaterial properties are determined as a result of an optimization where the metamaterial tensor components as well as the geometric dimensions are the design variables. This way the metamaterial can be designed such that the overall behavior of the non pneumatic wheel achieves the best performance in terms of compliance and contact patch pressure distribution. The resulting constitutive metamaterial properties of the shear layer can be used as prescribed constitutive properties to tailor the periodic mesostructure of a material by means of topology optimization.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Mixtures of granular materials

Abstract Balance laws are given for a mixture of granular materials of a type described by Goodman and Cowin. Constitutive equations are given for the case of two dry granular constituents, and consequences of the entropy principle are found.
Visual signal detection in structured backgrounds. IV. Figures of merit for model performance in multiple-alternative forced-choice detection tasks with correlated responses.

Many investigators are currently developing models to predict human performance in detecting a signal embedded in complex backgrounds. A common figure of merit for model performance is d′, an index of detectability that can be mathematically related to the proportion correct (Pc) when the responses of the model are Gaussian distributed and statistically independent. However, in many multiple-alternative forced-choice (MAFC) detection tasks, the target appears in one of M different locations within an image. If the image contains slow spatially varying luminance changes (low-pass noise), the pixel luminance values at the possible signal locations are correlated and therefore the model/human responses to the different locations might also be correlated. We investigate the effect of response correlations on model performance and compare different figures of merit for these conditions. Our results show that use of the standard d′ index of detectability assuming statistical independence can lead to erroneous underestimates of Pc and misleading comparisons of models. We introduce a novel figure of merit dr′ that takes into account response correlations and can be used to accurately estimate Pc. Furthermore, we show that dr′ can be readily related to the standard index of detectability d′ by dr′=d′/1-r, where r is the correlation between the responses in any MAFC detection task. We illustrate the use of the theory by computing figures of merit for two linear models detecting a signal in one of four locations within medical image backgrounds.
Depression in caregivers of demented patients is associated with altered immunity: impaired proliferative capacity, increased CD8+, and a decline in lymphocytes with surface signal transduction molecules (CD38+) and a cytotoxicity marker (CD56+ CD8+)

Changes in relevant immune parameters, including function, were found to be associated with depression in elderly caregiver wives of demented patients. We studied the relationship between immune cell phenotype and T cell proliferative capacity of such caregivers to levels of stress and depression over the course of a support group intervention. The data indicate the strongest association between depression (of all stress parameters) and impaired T cell proliferative capacity. Depression was also most strongly (of stress parameters) associated with a shift in T cell populations with an increase in CD8+ T cells, and a reduced percentage of CD38+ cells in both CD8+ and CD4+ T cell populations. Since CD38 is a signal transduction factor, it was interesting that a decreased percentage of CD38+ cells correlated with impaired T cell function (proliferation). Another significant difference was the reduction in natural killer (NK) cells as well as the percentage of the CD56+ component of the CD8+ population. This latter subset is important in MHC-unrestricted cytotoxicity, and has been found expanded in healthy centenarians. This study shows that both chronic stress, and depression in particular, and age have deleterious effects on T cells, and together could significantly contribute to the higher risk of disease and mortality associated with being a caregiver of a demented individual.
Chemically accurate protein structures: validation of protein NMR structures by comparison of measured and predicted pKa values.

A new method is presented for evaluating the quality of protein structures obtained by NMR. This method exploits the dependence between measurable chemical properties of a protein, namely pK a values of acidic residues, and protein structure. The accurate and fast empirical computational method employed by the PROPKA program ( http://www.propka.chem.uiowa.edu ) allows the user to test the ability of a given structure to reproduce known pK a values, which in turn can be used as a criterion for the selection of more accurate structures. We demonstrate the feasibility of this novel idea for a series of proteins for which both␣NMR and X-ray structures, as well as pK a values of all ionizable residues, have been determined. For the 17 NMR ensembles used in this study, this criterion is shown effective in the elimination of a large number of NMR structure ensemble members.
Geoid height anomalies over the Cape Verde Rise

Geoid height anomalies, as determined by satellite altimetry, suggest that the Cape Verde Rise is in local isostatic equilibrium, supported by a low-density root of altered lithosphere. A depth anomaly map shows the Cape Verde Rise to be approximately 1600 km wide and 2km high. Removal of a quadratic surface from the observed geoid heights leaves a residual positive anomaly with the same shape as the rise and an amplitude of about 8 m. The ratio of residual geoid height anomaly to depth anomaly is consistent with an isostatic root only 40 km deep on average.
Abstract 2193: Colorectal cancer risk associated with alcohol intake is modified by common genetic variants in one-carbon metabolism: the Multiethnic Cohort Study

Background: Epidemiologic studies have observed that higher alcohol intake is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer and that the effects of alcohol may vary by common genetic polymorphisms in one-carbon metabolism enzymes, most notably MTHFR. Experimental studies demonstrated alcohol may impair the activity of some of the enzymes involved in the pathway. We examined common functional genetic variants in key one-carbon metabolism enzymes and their interactions with alcohol intake in association with the risk of colorectal cancer in a prospective study. Materials and Methods: We conducted a study within the Multiethnic Cohort on 1,670 incident colorectal cancer (932 male, 738 female) cases and 2,532 controls that were frequency-matched based on baseline age (45-75), sex and race/ethnicity (African American, white, Japanese American, Latino and Native Hawaiian). Alcohol intake was estimated from a self-administered food frequency questionnaire. Reported functional variants were genotyped in BHMT, CBS, CHDH, MTHFD1, MTHFR, MTR, MTRR, PEMT, and TCN2, using TaqMan assays. Logistic regression was performed to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the associations adjusted for age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Results: In the nested case-control subset, as in the entire cohort, alcohol intake was associated with an elevated risk of colorectal cancer [ORs for Conclusions: Our findings provide further support that alcohol intake may increase the risk of colorectal cancer in part through its antagonistic effects on one-carbon metabolism, especially among carriers of susceptibility genotypes for key enzymes. Citation Format: Unhee Lim, Lynne R. Wilkens, Maarit Tiirikainen, Carol J. Boushey, Laurence N. Kolonel, Loic Le Marchand. Colorectal cancer risk associated with alcohol intake is modified by common genetic variants in one-carbon metabolism: the Multiethnic Cohort Study. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 2193. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2193
Connections: New Ways of Working in the Networked Organization

From the Publisher: Computer networking is changing the way people work and the way organizations function. "Connections" is an accessible guide to the promise and the pitfalls of this latest phase of the computer revolution.
Three‐dimensional geometric and structural symmetry of the turkey ulna

Structural models of long-bone preparations usually assume left-right symmetry of contralateral bones under normal (baseline) conditions. To obtain insight on how this assumption affects the detection of subtle changes (as from functional adaptation), we formally examined the three-dimensional geometric and structural symmetry of paired long bones, using contemporary image reconstruction and stress analysis techniques. Nine pairs of ulnae from normal male turkeys were reconstructed computationally from serial transverse images obtained by either (a) mechanical sectioning and digital photographic imaging or (b) computed tomography. Computed tomography scans allowed greater precision in reconstruction than did digitally imaged photographs. Left-right comparisons of parameters of geometric symmetry (from computed tomography reconstructions) revealed average differences in whole bone volume and whole bone principal moments of inertia of 3.6 and 3.0%, respectively. Differences in bone curvature were indexed as noncolinearity of left compared with (mirrored) right centroidal axes, giving a disparity of 0.7 +/- 0.3 mm. Within the longitudinal central 20% of the diaphysis (the customary region for histomorphometry), average left-right differences in cross-sectional area and area principal moments of inertia for computed tomography images were 4.7 and 5.0%, respectively. The overlap of longitudinally paired cross sections of the mid-diaphysis, aligned at common centroids and oriented in the respective principal inertial directions, was greatest (as much as 95%) in the central 20% of the diaphysis. Paired three-dimensional finite element models demonstrated nearly identical left and right stress/strain fields throughout the ulnar diaphyses for both compressive and torsional loading. Our data suggest that the assumption of contralateral geometric symmetry in long bones should be judged in the context of the specific attribute of symmetry under consideration; however, we conclude that for purposes of finite element modeling the assumption of symmetry is reasonable.
ACP Journal Club. Review: Current drug treatments do not reduce mortality in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Source Citation Raghu G, Collard HR, Egan JJ, et al; ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT Committee on Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. An official ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT statement: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Evidence-bas...
ASYMMETRIC, COUPLED TRANSPORT OF HEAT AND MASS IN A DUCT

Mutually dependent heat and mass transfer for laminar gas flow in a parallel-plate channel is investigated analytically. Sublimation occurs at one of the channel walls, while the other wall is nonsubliming. Both walls are thermally insulated from the external environment. The analysis of the problem requires simultaneous treatment of the energy and mass diffusion equations, with coupling provided by the boundary conditions. Mathematical expressions are derived and numerical results are presented for various quantities that characterize the heat and mass transfer processes. Comparisons are made with the case of symmetric transfer (i.e., both walls actively participating). In general, unsymmetric transfer is found to slow down the axial development of the temperature and mass fraction fields. On a fait une analyse du transfert de la chaleur et de la masse (deux facteurs inter-dependants dans le cas d'un ecoulement laminaire de gaz dans un canal a plateaux paralleles. La sublimation ne s'est faite que sur une paroi du canal; les deux parois etaient isolees au point de vue thermique du milieu externe. L'analyse du probleme a exige le traitement simultane des equations de diffusion d'energie et de masse, les conditions-limites formant un raccord. On a deduit des expressions mathematiques et presente des resultats numeriques pour differentes qunntites qui caracterisent les procedes de transfert de la chaleur et de la masse. On a fait des comparaisons avec le cas du transfert symetrique (ou les deux parois out une participation active). En general, on a trouve que le transfert asymetrique ralentissait le developpement axial des champs de temperature et de friction de masse.
Electrochemical deposition of CdO on anodized TiO2 nanotube arrays for enhanced photoelectrochemical properties

Fabrication of titanium dioxide nanotube (TNT)–cadmium oxide (CdO) composite array by galvanostatic deposition technique through careful optimizations of the deposition parameters has been performed. Three different morphologies, nanocrystallites, layered, and particle agglomerate, of the CdO are obtained depending on the deposition time. The TNT/CdO composite arrays, as formed, showed significant enhancement in photoelectrochemical properties compared to pure TNT. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the nanocrystallite morphology of the CdO is the best choice for this particular application.
Experiences of Social Discrimination Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Shanghai, China

In China, men who have sex with men (MSM) are at increasingly high risk for HIV. However, prevention efforts targeting this population may be hindered because of the stigma associated with homosexuality in traditional Chinese culture. We conducted qualitative interviews with 30 MSM in Shanghai to better understand the types and sources of stigma and discrimination and how MSM respond to them. The stigma associated with homosexuality can be traced back to four culturally based factors: social status and relationships, the value of family, perceptions of immorality and abnormality, and gender stereotypes of masculinity. In particular, the centrality of the family and the importance of maintaining key relationships caused stress and anxiety, contributing to more frequent encounters with felt stigma. In response, MSM often evaded the scrutiny of family members through various tactics, even prompting some to leave their rural homes. Implications of these findings on HIV/AIDS prevention are discussed.
Use of synthetic discriminant functions for handwritten-signature verification

Handwritten-signature verification is treated as a two-class synthetic discriminant function (SDF) problem. Images of valid and casually forged signatures are collected and binarized, using an electronic digitizing camera. Performance of this approach with a small number of valid signatures in the training set is examined, and substantial improvement is demonstrated when forgeries are included in the set. In particular, the equal-error rate for the SDF classifier with forgeries included is shown to average ~ 4% across nine different subjects. The effects of image preprocessing on false acceptance and true rejection rates are examined. The use of alternatives to forged signatures in the training matrix is explored. Finally, SDF performance is shown to deteriorate when the tested forgeries are produced with some a priori knowledge of the target signature.
Optimal payment sharing mechanism for renewable energy aggregation

Renewable energy aggregation has been introduced as a solution to reduce the uncertainty of this type of sources. In this work we propose a new mechanism to share the profit of the aggregate amongst individual producers. Calculating optimal contract for individual producers and the aggregate is the first requirement in order to propose a payment sharing mechanism that has been addressed in the literature. Different researchers utilized various methods from coalitional game theory to statistical methods to introduce payment sharing mechanisms. In this work we propose a novel payment sharing mechanism that maximizes the aggregate profit in first place. The payments to the individuals are based on their actual production instead of the expected. We also show that this method will pay more to the individuals in average compared to previous methods.
Multi-institutional retrospective cohort study of spontaneous pneumothorax

Spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) affects only a subset of patients in a variety of disorders. This multi-institutional study attempted to identify unique clinicopathologic features of spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) in a large cohort. A total of 111 cases from 109 patients were retrieved from 3 institutions over an 11-year period: 27 women, 82 men. 66 were smokers, 16 were non-smokers, 27 unknown. Sixty-six cases (61%) had identifiable disorders (secondary SP). Seven patients had a family history of lung disease: 2 of pneumothorax, 2 of lung cancer, and 1 each of emphysema, COPD, and not further classified. Forty-three cases (32 men, 11 women) were primary. The average age was 28 (men) and 37 (women). 17 smoked, 14 were non-smokers, and 12 unknown. In 26%, a unique recently described entity, pneumothorax-associated fibroblastic lesion (PAFL), was noted. 16% of this subset also had cellular alveolar septae. Abundant intraalveolar macrophages were noted in 12 cases. Five cases of unknown etiology had extensive bullous lung disease not otherwise classified. One patient had unusual cellular areas suggestive of LAM but negative for HMB-45. In conclusion, several distinct morphologic lesions were identified: PAFL, a subset with cellular septae, and a third with numerous intraalveolar macrophages.
Diagnostic approaches to the patient with suspected food allergies.

Adverse food reactions may be secondary to food allergy (hypersensitivity) or food intolerance. The clinical manifestations of food allergies depend on the target organ affected. Gastrointestinal, respiratory, and cutaneous symptoms are the most common of the clinical responses. The medical history, physical examination, and various in vivo or in vitro tests are useful in the diagnostic evaluation. Double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenges are the standard for diagnosis of food allergies. Presumptive diagnosis of food allergy based on patient history and on results of skin test or radioallergosorbent test is no longer acceptable, except in cases of severe anaphylaxis after an isolated ingestion of a specific food. Uniess the physician provides an unequivocal diagnosis of food allergy, people will continue to alter their eating habits on the basis of misconceptions of food allergy.
Design and evaluation of Driver's SEAT: A car steering simulation environment for upper limb stroke therapy

Hemiplegia, affecting approximately 75p of all stroke survivors, is a common neurological impairment that results in upper and lower limb sensory and motor deficits. Recovery of coordinated movement of both upper limbs is important for bilateral function and promotes personal independence. This paper describes the philosophy and design of Driver's Simulation Environment for Arm Therapy, a one-degree-of-freedom robotic device that uses a modified Constraint-Induced therapy paradigm to promote coordinated bilateral movement in the upper limbs. Baseline force and tracking data for four neurologically unimpaired subjects who completed bilateral and unilateral steering with the impaired arm using the device are presented.
Prestressed curved actuators: characterization and modeling of their piezoelectric behavior

ABSTRACT Pre-stressed curved actuators consist of a piezoelectric ceramic (lead zirconate titanate or PZT) sandwiched between various substrates and other top layers. In one configuration, the substrates are stainless steel with a top layer made with aluminum (THUNDER). In another configuration, the substrates and top are based on fiberglass and carbon composite layers (Lipca-C2). Due to their enhanced strain capabilities, these pre-stressed piezoelectric devices are of interest in a variety of aerospace applications. Their performance as a function of electric field, temperature and frequency is needed in order to optimize their operation. During the processing steps, a mismatch between the properties of the various layers leads to pre-stressing of the PZT layer. These internal stresses, combined with restricted lateral motion, are shown to enhance the axial displacement. The goal is to gain an understanding of the resulting piezoelectric behavior over a range of voltages, and frequencies. A nonlinear model, which quantifies the displacements generated in THUNDER actuators in response to applied voltages for a variety of boundary conditions, is developed. The model utilizes a hysteretic electric field-polarization relationship and predicts displacements based on the geometry and physical characteristics of the actuator components. The accuracy of the model and associated numerical method is demonstrated through comparison with experimental data. Keywords: piezoelectric actuators, Lipca, Thunder, displacement performance
Cost Competitive Implementation of Community Shared Microgrids

Microgrids are systems of linked distributed energy (DE) generation sources that provide power for a relatively small number of users. In this work, we show how microgrids can be used to reduce emissions and deliver power with an annual amortized cost that is competitive with grid power. To perform the analysis, average hourly electrical load profiles for residential customers in Washington, DC were obtained from the utility company (Pepco). Hot water and heating fuel consumption is modeled computationally using prototype building characteristics. The energy consumption data is then used with a computer-based model to analyze grid-tied microgrids. The DE sources examined in this work are photovoltaic arrays and combined heat and power (CHP). The cost and CO2 emissions for the microgrid are compared to the case where power is drawn solely from the grid. We show that when DE capacity is optimally utilized, the microgrid is cost competitive, and the cost to reduce emissions is lowered.Copyright © 2008 by ASME