cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Secondary-ion emission from clean and oxygen-covered beryllium surfaces: II. Energy dependence

Abstract The secondary-ion energy distribution obtained by sputtering clean and oxygen-covered Be has been analyzed in terms of competing processes in secondary ion emission. The ion energy distribution N+(E) has been separated into an ionization coefficient R+(E) and a total energy distribution, N(E), i.e. N+(E) = R+(E) N(E). Experimentally, the dependence of R+(E) on both energy and oxygen coverage indicated a linear superposition of adiabatic tunneling and resonanance ionization processes from clean and oxygen-covered portions of the surface with no contributions to the secondary-ion yield from regions of intermediate coverage. Total energy distributions of sputtered Be atoms have been deduced and the principal features agree with the predictions of the collision cascade sputtering model. Variations of the energy distributions with oxygen coverage are in accord with small changes expected in the surface binding energy as a result of surface oxidation.
Microcomputer-based scalp topography mapping of event-related potentials

A microcomputer-based technique to evaluate the scalp topography of event-related potentials is described. This technique uses only four electrode locations and produces a 24 × 24 element color matrix of the topography of scalp electrical activity across time. The program also displays the coordinates, latency, and value of the maximum point within the matrix. The program is implemented on an Apple II+/IIe computer and is adaptable to other computers with graphic capabilities.
CholMine: Determinants and Prediction of Cholesterol and Cholate Binding Across Nonhomologous Protein Structures

Identifying physiological ligands is necessary for annotating new protein structures, yet this presents a significant challenge to biologists and pharmaceutical chemists. Here we develop a predictor of cholesterol and cholate binding that works across diverse protein families, extending beyond sequence motif-based prediction. This approach combines SimSite3D site comparison with the detection of conserved interactions in cholesterol/cholate bound crystal structures to define three-dimensional interaction motifs. The resulting predictor identifies cholesterol sites with an ∼82% unbiased true positive rate in both membrane and soluble proteins, with a very low false positive rate relative to other predictors. The CholMine Web server can analyze users’ structures, detect those likely to bind cholesterol/cholate, and predict the binding mode and key interactions. By deciphering the determinants of binding for these important steroids, CholMine may also aid in the design of selective inhibitors and detergents ...
Computer evaluation of high-temperature aircraft A-C electrical system designs

This paper describes a design and analog computer study of a high-temperature aircraft a-c electrical system. The study includes an extensive, nonlinear representation of the a-c alternator and shows the effects of temperature, load, and regulator and exciter nonlinear behavior on system stability and transient performance. Torque-limiting techniques are evaluated and a computer approach for study of the reactive load division loop is developed.
Spectral element modeling of semiconductor heterostructures

We present a fast and efficient spectral method for computing the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions for a one-dimensional piecewise smooth potential, as arises in the case of epitaxially grown semiconductor heterostructures. Many physical devices such as quantum well infrared photodetectors and quantum cascade lasers rely upon transitions between bound and quasi-bound or continuum states; consequently it is imperative to determine the resonant spectrum as well as the bound states. Instead of trying to approximate radiation boundary conditions, our method uses a singular mapping combined with deforming the coordinate system to a contour in the complex plane to construct semi-infinite elements of perfectly matched layers. We show that the PML elements need not be based on a smooth contour to absorb outward-propagating waves and that the resonant eigenvalues can be computed to machine precision. A fast means of computing inner products and expectations of quantum mechanical operators with quadrature accuracy in the spectral domain is also introduced.
Jitter Amplification Characterization of Passive Clock Channels at 6.4 and 9.6 Gb/s

Jitter amplification characteristics of different forwarded clock channels at 6.4 and 9.6 Gb/s are illustrated with model correlations. The effect illustrates the need for quarter rate clocking at higher speed, in lossy serial links.
Nonlinear Kinematics of Wheel-Rail Contact

Relations which describe the nonlinear geometry of contact between a railway vehicle wheelset and rail are derived and expanded about the central (rest) positions. These are solved for the rolling and vertical motions, instantaneous left and right wheel rolling radii, angles between the contact and horizontal planes, and lateral and longitudinal creepages The results are given explicitly in terms of the lateral and yawing motions for mildly noncircular wheel and rail profiles. A kinematic (pure rolling) solution is obtained for the case where the wheel profile is sufficiently noncircular to invalidate the classical linear kinematic solution.
Synthesis and axial ligand substitution chemistry of Ru(TTP)(NO)X. Structures of Ru(TTP)(NO)X (X = ONO, OH)

New complexes of the family Ru(TTP)(NO)X, where TTP = tetra-p-tolylporphyrinato dianion, and X = OMe, Cl, OH, SH, S-p-tolyl, O2CH, ONO, ONO2, N3, or NCS, have been prepared by a variety of high-yield metathesis techniques from Ru(TTP)(CO)(MeOH). New complexes have been characterized by IR, NMR, and UV spectroscopies as well as by cyclic voltammetry, elemental analysis, and, in two cases, by X-ray crystallography. The two complexes which have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, the hydroxide and nitrite complexes 6 and 10 both crystallize in the monoclinic space group P21/n and have Z = 6, with two independent metalloporphyrins in the unit cell, one (ordered) lying on a general position and the other (disordered) with the ruthenium on an inversion center. Acid labilization of the methoxide results in facile substitution kinetics at room temperature and with the exception of the sulfhydryl complex, L = SH, the resulting complexes are air stable and thermally robust species. For example, ...
On comprehending a computer manual: analysis of variables affecting performance

Abstract In two experiments novice computer users were taught a text editor from one of a set of manuals describing the commands and their functions. The manuals varied systematically in how information was presented. In Experiment II (the more extensive study) half of the 72 college subjects got the commands via an “abstract syntax”, following the presentation style of the original manual for the system. For the other half of the subjects the commands were presented in a more concrete form. Crossed with the syntax variable was one of manual organization. For half the subjects the manual presented many alternative ways of accomplishing a sub-task as soon as that sub-task was introduced—again following the original design of the manual. For the other half the alternatives were minimized at the introduction of the sub-task, but all were provided before the editing itself began. A third variable was also studied: presence vs absence of a surrogate model (a mental model) for the editor. Half of the subjects were presented with such a model and half were not. A time-stamped keystroke record was kept while the subjects tried to use the editor, and a variety of dependent variables involving accuracy and speed were measured. The results showed significant effects of the manual variables (syntax and organization), though the locus of the effects—the dependent variables influenced—varied between the two independent variables. The surrogate model had little effect. The results are discussed in terms of the planning and execution stages of novices' performance and how the independent variables affect these stages.
Localized electron states in a random stacking of silicon bilayers

The electronic states of randomly stacked Si bilayers are studied using a first-principles linear-combination-of-atomic-orbitals method. States at the conduction-band edge are found to be all highly localized. At the top of the valence band there is a boundary separating strongly localized states from those which are quasidelocalized. A possible experimental test is suggested.
May 2001: 32 year old female with dural mass encircling cervical spinal cord

The May COM. A 32-year-old woman with a history of previous mastoid surgery presented with bilateral extremity weakness and ambulatory instability. MRI revealed a dural-based mass completely encircling the upper cervical spinal cord. Workup was significant for an abnormally elevated c-ANCA, positive at a dilution of 1:128. A portion of the lesion was removed by a posterior surgical approach to decompress the cervical cord. Histologic examination of the dura showed a dense granulomatous infiltrate with vasculitis and giant cells; coupled with the positive c-ANCA, the process was felt to be most consistent with Wegener's granulomatosis. Wegener's granulomatosis infrequently involves the dura or meninges and has not previously been reported to affect dura of the cervical cord. Symptomatic improvement followed surgical decompression and high-dose corticosteroid therapy, with resultant resolution of an elevated c-ANCA titer.
Waterjet-assisted rock cutting systems — the present state of the art

A review of the benefits of assisting mechanical tools, notably drag bits, with moderate pressure waterjets suitably directed with respect to the bit is given. These benefits include reduced bit forces, especially the bit normal force, reduced bit wear, reduced dust make, and reduced incidence of frictional sparking. The research work that has been conducted to date to investigate this phenomenon has been empirical in nature. Experiments are described that extend the data bank of this empirical knowledge. In addition, experiments aimed at gaining a better understanding of the fundamentals of the rock fragmentation process with this hybrid cutting method are outlined.
Singly, doubly, and multiply bottlenecked EPR based on the linear response theory†

Based on the linear response theory, the spin–spin relaxation rate T2−1 of S-state magnetic impurities in metallic hosts is investigated. It is found that the EPR linewidths of S-state impurities in metals developed by Hasegawa (singly bottlenecked EPR) and by Hirst et al. (doubly bottlenecked EPR) can be naturally obtained using physical principles contained in the theory of Moriya and Obata which was originally developed for an insulator. Auf der Grundlage der linearen Responsetheorie wird die Spin–Spin-Relaxationsrate T2−1 von magnetischen Storstellen mit S-Zustand in einigen Metallen untersucht und gefunden, das die EPR-Linienbreiten von S-Zustands-Storstellen, die von Hasegawa (singly bottlenecked EPR) und Hirst et al. (doubly bottlenecked EPR) entwickelt wurde, einfach erhalten werden kann, wenn man von den physikalischen Prinzipien der Theorie von Moriya und Obata Gebrauch macht, die ursprunglich fur Isolatoren entwickelt wurde.
Influence of the high voltage pulse shape on the plasma source ion implantation process

Using a two fluid model, we investigate the effects on the ion impact energy, of varying the shape of a large, negative, finite rise time, voltage pulse to a planar target. Two pulse shapes are tested, one with exponential shutoff, and one with a powered linear shutoff. For pulse lengths under 50 μs, we find that pulse shaping can be used to make moderate changes in the energy distribution of the implanted ions. For pulse lengths over 50 μs, there is a negligible difference in the ion impact energy distribution for the pulse shapes tested.
Concentration Measurements of CH and OH Radicals in Laminar Biofuel Flames

An investigation to determine the dominant route of NOx formation in biofuel flames and to confirm the relationship of the NOx increase with iodine numbers in fuels has been presented. This is done through the measurement of the concentration of OH and CH radicals, indicators of the formation of NOx through the Zeldovich and Fenimore mechanisms. A laminar partially pre-mixed flame at an initial fuel equivalence ratio (φ) = 7 was used to minimize the effects of fluid mechanics and isolate the effects of fuel chemistry. Three biofuels, with different iodine numbers, were studied: soy methyl ester (SME), canola methyl ester (CME) and methyl stearate (MS). Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) images of hydroxyl radicals (OH) and CH radicals were captured with a diagnostic system consisting of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser and an Optical Parametric Oscillator (OPO) with frequency doubler option (FDO) using proper wavelengths. It was found that the population of OH radicals was low in the flames of all fuels, but s...
The VCG Auction in Theory and Practice

Abstract We describe two auction forms for search engine advertising and present two simple theoretical results concerning i) the estimation of click-through rates and ii) how to adjust the auctions for broad match search. We also describe some of the practical issues involved in implementing a VCG auction.
Family therapy of school-focused problems: A macrosystemic perspective

School-focused problems present an interesting challenge to family therapists in that they take place in a system outside of the family. Treating the family without including the school often leads to a poor outcome. This article presents a macrosystemic model of treatment which views the family and school as an interacting system that maintains the ongoing problem. The therapist intervenes in this larger system by separately treating the family and school, then rejoining them to create a more functional working relationship.
Volatile Compounds Produced by Propionibacterium shermanii

Abstract Gas chromatographic investigation of milk cultures of three strains of Propionibacterium shermanii revealed the production of acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, ethanol, and propanol by all strains. One strain produced dimethyl sulfide in quantities significant from the standpoint of flavor. The ability of all strains to reduce added acetaldehyde or propionaldehyde to the corresponding primary alcohols was demonstrated. Acetone and butanone, however, were not reduced to the corresponding secondary alcohols.
Dynamics on multiple timescales in the RNA-directed RNA polymerase from the cystovirus ϕ6

The de novo initiating RNA-directed RNA polymerase (RdRP), P2, forms the central machinery in the infection cycle of the bacteriophage ϕ6 by performing the dual tasks of replication and transcription of the double-stranded RNA genome in the host cell. By measurement and quantitative analysis of multiple-quantum spin-relaxation data for the δ1 positions of Ile residues that are distributed over the 3D-fold of P2, we find that the enzyme is dynamic both on the fast (ps–ns) and slow (µs–ms) timescales. The characteristics of several motional modes including those that coincide with the catalytic timescale (500–800/s) are altered in the presence of substrate analogs and single-stranded RNA templates. These studies reveal the plasticity of this finely tuned molecular machine and represent a first step towards linking structural information available from a host of crystal structures to catalytic mechanisms and timescales obtained from the measurements of kinetics for homologous systems in solution.
Employment and Adults With Asperger Syndrome

Six adults With Asperger syndrome (AS) Were intervieWed about their experiences regarding employment. Methods included conducting initial and folloW-up intervieWs, either in person, on the phone, or via e-mail. Repeatedly, difficulties and problems interfering With employment success emerged. All of the adults Who Were intervieWed had difficulty finding Work that Was commensurate With their ability levels and had difficulty maintaining jobs. Recommendations for parents and professionals Working With adults With AS are provided.
Feasibility Study of Variance Reduction in the Logistics Composite Model

The logistics composite model (LCOM) is a stochastic, discrete-event simulation that relies on probabilities and random number generators to model scenarios in a maintenance unit and estimate optimal manpower levels through an iterative process. Models such as LCOM involving pseudo-random numbers inevitably have a variance associated with the output of the model for each run. Reducing this output variance can be costly in the additional time needed for multiple replications. This research explores the application of three different methods for reducing the variance of the model's output. The methods include common random numbers, control variates, and antithetic variates. The result is a successful variance reduction in the primary output statistics of interest using the application of the control variates technique, as well as a methodology for the implementation of control variates in LCOM.
Identification of copy number variants in whole-genome data using Reference Coverage Profiles.

The identification of DNA copy numbers from short-read sequencing data remains a challenge for both technical and algorithmic reasons. The raw data for these analyses are measured in tens to hundreds of gigabytes per genome; transmitting, storing, and analyzing such large files is cumbersome, particularly for methods that analyze several samples simultaneously. We developed a very efficient representation of depth of coverage (150–1000× compression) that enables such analyses. Current methods for analyzing variants in whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data frequently miss copy number variants (CNVs), particularly hemizygous deletions in the 1–100 kb range. To fill this gap, we developed a method to identify CNVs in individual genomes, based on comparison to joint profiles pre-computed from a large set of genomes. We analyzed depth of coverage in over 6000 high quality (>40×) genomes. The depth of coverage has strong sequence-specific fluctuations only partially explained by global parameters like %GC. To account for these fluctuations, we constructed multi-genome profiles representing the observed or inferred diploid depth of coverage at each position along the genome. These Reference Coverage Profiles (RCPs) take into account the diverse technologies and pipeline versions used. Normalization of the scaled coverage to the RCP followed by hidden Markov model (HMM) segmentation enables efficient detection of CNVs and large deletions in individual genomes. Use of pre-computed multi-genome coverage profiles improves our ability to analyze each individual genome. We make available RCPs and tools for performing these analyses on personal genomes. We expect the increased sensitivity and specificity for individual genome analysis to be critical for achieving clinical-grade genome interpretation.
Flight Dynamics of High Aspect-Ratio Flying Wings

High aspect ratio flying wing configurations have been seen to exhibit significant coupling between flight dynamic and aeroelastic modes. If this coupling is not accounted for during analysis and design, instabilities arising from these may be overlooked and may lead to loss of control during flight. In order to compare flight dynamic characteristics of a deformed flexible configuration to an equivalent rigid body configuration, this paper studies the flight dynamics of curved, rigid flying wings. Establishing a relationship between these two will make it possible to infer the flight dynamics of flexible flying wings from those of equivalent rigid wing configurations.
Activation of the SH2-containing phosphotyrosine phosphatase SH-PTP2 by its binding site, phosphotyrosine 1009, on the human platelet-derived growth factor receptor.

Abstract Much progress has been made in elucidating early events in signal transduction by growth factor receptors with intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity. Upon ligand addition, these receptors dimerize and activate, becoming phosphorylated at a number of tyrosyl residues. These phosphorylation sites serve as docking points for proteins containing src homology-2 (SH2) domains. However, little is known about how phosphotyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), participate in these events. Recently, we and others molecularly cloned a ubiquitously expressed SH2 domain-containing PTP, SH-PTP2 (Syp, PTP1D, PTP2C), and found that it interacts directly with several activated growth factor receptors via its SH2 domains. Using a peptide competition assay, we now demonstrate that the major binding site for SH-PTP2 on the platelet-derived growth factor receptor is phosphotyrosine 1009. Immunoprecipitation studies indicate that SH-PTP2 is the previously unidentified "64-kDa" protein known to bind at this site. Addition of a phosphotyrosyl peptide comprising the region around Tyr-1009 stimulates SH-PTP2 activity 5-10-fold, whereas other phosphotyrosyl peptides from the platelet-derived growth factor receptor have no stimulatory effect. Our data suggest that binding of SH-PTP2 to the activated receptor in vivo should result in stimulation of SH-PTP2 activity.
A Kalman-tracker-based Bayesian detector for radar interference in radio astronomy

Radio astronomical observations of important L-band spectral lines must often be made at frequencies allocated to pulsed air surveillance radar in the 1215-1350 MHz band. Such pulsed interference must be dealt with at the Green Bank Telescope (GBT) and other observatories by "blanking" to remove corrupted data. This paper presents a new algorithm which improves aircraft echo detection by using a Kalman tracker to follow the path of a sequence of echoes. This Bayesian method enables more sensitive weak echo detection. Track information is used to form a spatial prior probability distribution for the presence of echoes in the next antenna sweep. A lower detection threshold is used in higher probability regions to pull out low level pulses without increasing the overall probability of false alarm detection.
Red cell distribution width, inflammatory markers and cardiorespiratory fitness: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Abstract Aims Cardiorespiratory fitness is an important predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Both red cell distribution width (RDW) and inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) have been shown to predict adverse outcomes in patients with heart disease. Methods We utilized pooled data from NHANES 1999–2004 to assess cardiorespiratory fitness in healthy adults 12–49 years old using submaximal exercise. The primary outcome was the estimated maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Low fitness was defined as VO2max Results In our study, we estimated 21.2% of individuals had low fitness. Elevated RDW (>13%) was encountered in 20.4% subjects with low fitness as compared to 14.0% subjects in the control group (p 0.5 mg/dL) was found among 17.4% subjects with low fitness as compared to 12.4% subjects in the control group (p Conclusion In a large representative database of general US population, we observed a significant association between elevated RDW and elevated CRP with low cardiorespiratory fitness.
A Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein A/B-Related Protein Binds to Single-Stranded DNA near the 5′ End or within the Genome of Feline Parvovirus and Can Modify Virus Replication

Phage display of cDNA clones prepared from feline cells was used to identify host cell proteins that bound to DNA-containing feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) capsids but not to empty capsids. One gene found in several clones encoded a heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP)-related protein (DBP40) that was very similar in sequence to the A/B-type hnRNP proteins. DBP40 bound specifically to oligonucleotides representing a sequence near the 5′ end of the genome which is exposed on the outside of the full capsid but did not bind most other terminal sequences. Adding purified DBP40 to an in vitro fill-in reaction using viral DNA as a template inhibited the production of the second strand after nucleotide (nt) 289 but prior to nt 469. DBP40 bound to various regions of the viral genome, including a region between nt 295 and 330 of the viral genome which has been associated with transcriptional attenuation of the parvovirus minute virus of mice, which is mediated by a stem-loop structure of the DNA and cellular proteins. Overexpression of the protein in feline cells from a plasmid vector made them largely resistant to FPV infection. Mutagenesis of the protein binding site within the 5′ end viral genome did not affect replication of the virus.
A different lens: Changing perspectives using Photo-Elicitation Interviews

The purpose of this systematic literature review is to document how scholars in various fields have used Photo-Elicitation Interview (PEI), explain the benefits and obstacles to using this method, and explain how and why education researchers should use PEI. The key features of PEI are that a researcher or participant takes pictures about a research topic that are then used to elicit dialogue during an interview. The results of our review suggest that education scholars and school practitioners can use PEI methods to better understand school communities and the children, parents, and school staff who inhabit them. Utilizing this technique, the research community will be better positioned to speak on behalf of school stakeholders when contributing to policy discussions and when seeking solutions to improving schools.
Overexpression of Apolipoprotein E3 in Transgenic Rabbits Causes Combined Hyperlipidemia by Stimulating Hepatic VLDL Production and Impairing VLDL Lipolysis

The differential effects of overexpression of human apolipoprotein (apo) E3 on plasma cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism were investigated in transgenic rabbits expressing low ( 20 mg/dL) levels of apoE3. Cholesterol levels increased progressively with increasing levels of apoE3, whereas triglyceride levels were not significantly affected at apoE3 levels up to 20 mg/dL but were markedly increased at levels of apoE3 >20 mg/dL. The medium expressers had marked hypercholesterolemia (up to 3- to 4-fold over nontransgenics), characterized by an increase in low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, while the low expressers had only slightly increased plasma cholesterol levels. The medium expressers displayed an 18-fold increase in LDL but also had a 2-fold increase in hepatic very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) triglyceride production, an 8-fold increase in VLDL apoB, and a moderate decrease in the ability of the VLDL to be lipolyzed. However, plasma clearance of VLDL was increased, likely because of the increased apoE3 content. The increase in LDL appears to be due to an enhanced competition of VLDL for LDL receptor binding and uptake, resulting in the accumulation of LDL. The combined hyperlipidemia of the apoE3 high expressers (>20 mg/dL) was characterized by a 19-fold increase in LDL cholesterol but also a 4-fold increase in hepatic VLDL triglyceride production associated with a marked elevation of plasma VLDL triglycerides, cholesterol, and apoB100 (4-, 9-, and 25-fold over nontransgenics, respectively). The VLDL from the high expressers was much more enriched in apoE3 and markedly depleted in apoC-II, which contributed to a >60% inhibition of VLDL lipolysis. The combined effects of stimulated VLDL production and impaired VLDL lipolysis accounted for the increases in plasma triglyceride and VLDL concentrations in the apoE3 high expressers. The hyperlipidemic apoE3 rabbits have phenotypes similar to those of familial combined hyperlipidemia, in which VLDL overproduction is a major biochemical feature. Overall, elevated expression of apoE3 appears to determine plasma lipid levels by stimulating hepatic VLDL production, enhancing VLDL clearance, and inhibiting VLDL lipolysis. Thus, the differential expression of apoE may, within a rather narrow range of concentrations, play a critical role in modulating plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels and may represent an important determinant of specific types of hyperlipoproteinemia.
Electronic monitoring reveals highly variable adherence patterns in patients prescribed ivacaftor.

Background Previous studies of CF treatments have shown suboptimal adherence, though little has been reported regarding adherence patterns to ivacaftor. Electronic monitoring (EM) of adherence is considered a gold standard of measurement.
Electronic Structures and Spin Density Distributions of BrO2 and (HO)2BrO Radicals. Mechanisms for Avoidance of Hypervalency and for Spin Delocalization and Spin Polarization

The results are reported of an ab initio study of bromine dioxide BrO2, 1, and of the T-shaped trans- and cis-dihydroxides 2 and 3 of dihydrogen bromate (HO)2BrO. The thermochemistry has been explored of potential synthetic routes to (HO)2BrO involving water addition to BrO2, hydroxyl addition to bromous acid HOBrO, 4, protonation/reduction of bromic acid HOBrO2, 5, via tautomers 6–8 of protonated bromic acid, and by reduction/protonation of bromic acid via radical anion [HOBrO2]−, 9. The potential energy surface analyses were performed at the MP2(full)/6-311G* level (or better) and with the consideration of aqueous solvation at the SMD(MP2(full)/6-311G*) level (or better), and higher-level energies were computed at levels up to QCISD(full,T)/6-311++G(2df,2pd)//MP2. The addition of RO radical to bromous acid or bromite esters and the reduction of protonated bromic acid or protonated bromate esters are promising leads for possible synthetic exploration. Spin density distributions and molecular electrostati...
MicroRNA-mediated dysregulation of neural developmental genes in HPRT deficiency: clues for Lesch–Nyhan disease?

Mutations in the gene encoding the purine biosynthetic enzyme hypoxanthine–guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) cause the intractable neurodevelopmental Lesch–Nyhan disease (LND) associated with aberrant development of brain dopamine pathways. In the current study, we have identified an increased expression of the microRNA miR181a in HPRT-deficient human dopaminergic SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Among the genes potentially regulated by miR181a are several known to be required for neural development, including Engrailed1 (En1), Engrailed2 (En2), Lmx1a and Brn2. We demonstrate that these genes are down-regulated in HPRT-deficient SH-SY5Y cells and that over-expression of miR181a significantly reduces endogenous expression of these genes and inhibits translation of luciferase plasmids bearing the En1/2 or Lmx1a 3′UTR miRNA-binding elements. Conversely, inhibition of miR181a increases the expression of these genes and enhances translation of luciferase constructs bearing the En1/2 and Lmx1a 3′UTR miRNA-binding sequences. We also demonstrate that key neurodevelopmental genes (e.g. Nurr1, Pitx3, Wnt1 and Mash1) known to be functional partners of Lmx1a and Brn2 are also markedly down-regulated in SH-SY5Y cells over-expressing miR181a and in HPRT-deficient cells. Our findings in SH-SY5Y cells demonstrate that HPRT deficiency is accompanied by dysregulation of some of the important pathways that regulate the development of dopaminergic neurons and dopamine pathways and that this defect is associated with and possibly due at least partly to aberrant expression of miR181a. Because aberrant expression of miR181a is not as apparent in HPRT-deficient LND fibroblasts, the relevance of the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells to human disease remains to be proven. Nevertheless, we propose that these pleiotropic neurodevelopment effects of miR181a may play a role in the pathogenesis of LND.
Observation of Berry’s Geometric Phase by Neutron Interferometry

On the 25th anniversary of Berry’s historic papers on the geometric phase, I discuss here our neutron interferometry experiment in which this phase is clearly separated from the dynamical phase. The connection of this experiment to the observation of the sign reversal of the wave function of a fermion during a 2π precession in a magnetic field by three groups independently in 1975 is discussed.
Call admission policies based on calculated power control setpoints in SIR-based power-controlled DS-CDMA cellular networks

In this paper, we develop call admission control algorithms for SIR-based power-controlled DS-CDMA cellular networks. We consider networks that handle both voice and data services. When a new call (or a handoff call) arrives at a base station requesting for admission, our algorithms will calculate the desired power control setpoints for the new call and all existing calls. We will provide necessary and sufficient conditions under which the power control algorithm will have a feasible solution. These conditions are obtained through deriving the inverse of the matrix used in the calculation of power control setpoints. If there is no feasible solution to power control or if the desired power levels to be received at the base station for some calls are larger than the maximum allowable power limits, the admission request will be rejected. Otherwise, the admission request will be granted. When higher priority is desired for handoff calls, we will allow different thresholds (i.e., different maximum allowable power limits) for new calls and handoff calls. We will develop an adaptive algorithm that adjusts these thresholds in real-time as environment changes. The performance of our algorithms will be shown through computer simulation and compared with existing algorithms.
Differences in amino acid content of preimplantation mouse embryos that develop in vitro versus in vivo : in vitro effects of five amino acids that are abundant in oviductal secretions

Although it is now well established that amino acids can improve preimplantation development of mouse embryos in vitro, the mechanisms by which they influence development have not been determined. To investigate these mechanisms, we compared the contents of seven abundant amino acids (alanine, aspartate, glutamate, glutamine, glycine, serine, and taurine) in 4-8-cell embryos and blastocysts developing in vivo with the contents in those developing from the 2-cell stage in vitro. We also studied the effects of five amino acids (alanine, glutamate, glutamine, glycine, and taurine) that are abundant in the oviductal lumen on the amino acid content of embryos developing in vitro. Blastocysts that developed in vitro contained about six times more alanine and about one-sixth as much taurine as blastocysts that developed in vivo, but they contained about the same amounts of glycine and serine. In the presence of glycine and four other abundant amino acids in oviductal secretions, however, blastocysts that developed in vitro had higher levels of both glycine and serine than those that developed in vivo. In contrast, glycine either alone or in combination with the other amino acids reduced the alanine content of blastocysts developing in vitro to nearer that of blastocysts developing in vivo. Similarly, taurine in the medium allowed blastocysts developed in vitro to increase their content of this amino acid to normal levels. The levels of taurine and, somewhat surprisingly, glutamine and glycine became abnormally low in embryos within 24 h of the onset of in vitro culture in medium that did not contain the amino acid. These results could, in part, account for the reduced viability of embryos that develop in vitro and for the beneficial effects of taurine, glutamine, and glycine in culture. We also detected a decrease in the glutamine, glutamate, and aspartate content of blastocysts as they approached implantation in vivo. These decreases may result from uterine suppression of the activities of the Na+-dependent systems that transport amino acids in blastocysts. Regulation of the levels of these amino acids in and around blastocysts may contribute to chemical signaling among uterine and embryonal tissues near the time of implantation.
Five-factor model personality traits, spirituality/religiousness, and mental health among people living with HIV.

We examined the association between five-factor personality domains and facets and spirituality/religiousness as well as their joint association with mental health in a diverse sample of people living with HIV (n = 112, age range 18 – 66). Spirituality/religiousness showed stronger associations with Conscientiousness, Openness, and Agreeableness than with Neuroticism and Extraversion. Both personality traits and spirituality/religiousness were significantly linked to mental health, even after controlling for individual differences in demographic measures and disease status. Personality traits explained unique variance in mental health above spirituality and religiousness. Further, aspects of spirituality and religiousness were found to mediate some of the links between personality and mental health in this patient sample. These findings suggest that underlying personality traits contribute to the beneficial effects of spirituality/religiousness among vulnerable populations.
Backoff-based priority schemes for IEEE 802.11

Backoff-based priority scheme for IEEE 802.11 are achieved by differentiating the minimum backoff window size, the backoff window-increasing factor, and the maximum backoff stage. An analytical model is proposed to study the performance of backoff-based priority schemes in terms of saturation throughput and saturation delay. Simulations are conduced to validate the analytical results. Results of this paper are beneficial in designing good prioritized QoS parameters.
A Generic Road-Following Framework for Detecting Markings and Objects in Satellite Imagery

In order to construct algorithmic solutions to the problem of geolocalization of user-generated photographs and videos, one must first populate a geographic database with the different types of objects and markings that are likely to be seen in the photographs and videos. Toward that end, this paper presents a framework for detecting and labeling objects in satellite imagery. The objects that we are interested in are characterized by low-level features that exist mostly at or beyond the limits of spatial resolution in the satellite images. To deal with the challenges posed by the extraction of such features from satellite imagery, we confine our search to the vicinity of the OpenStreetMap (OSM) delineated roads in a geographic area. The OSM roads are projected into the satellite images through inverse orthorectification. As an illustration of the performance of the object detection framework presented in this paper, our system can detect pedestrian crosswalks in a 200000 sq. km. region of Australia (that is covered by 222 satellite images) with a recall rate of 63% and a precision of 89% (evaluated on a 100 sq. km. subregion). All of the computer processing for this result takes a total of 6 h on our in-house cloud computing framework that consists of five nodes, each an off-the-shelf high-end PC class workstation.
The association of cancer and allergic symptoms among female adult participants aged >=40 years in NHANES III

e22060 Background: The contribution of inflammation to carcinogenesis has been reported. Allergic diseases are now recognized as a systemic inflammatory process. We investigated whether common alle...
Definition of a Commercial Beekeeping Region

An attempt to analyse the development of commercial honey production in the United States and to account for some of the changes in the location of commercial beekeeping which have occurred. Certain changes in plans for the advancement of beekeeping are suggested.
Appendicitis in the young child: A continuing diagnostic challenge

ObjectiveThe purpose of this review was to examine the presenting signs and symptoms of children 5 years of age or less who underwent operation for appendicitis. In addition, we sought to determine the rate of perforation of the appendix and the effect on outcome in this age group.MethodsMedical rec
Effects of Selected Midwestern Larval Host Plants on Performance by Two Strains of the Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) Parasitoid Cotesia melanoscela (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

The effects of gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), larval diet on parasitism rates and performance by 2 strains of the larval parasitoid Cotesia melanoscela Ratzeburg were studied in laboratory trials. Gypsy moth larvae that were parasitized by C. melanoscela strains from France and South Korea, and an unparasitized control group, were allowed to develop on foliage from 5 tree species (red oak, tamarack, sugar maple, hybrid poplar clone NC5271, and white pine) and synthetic diet. Food plant had a significant effect on gypsy moth relative growth, development time, and pupal weight. Gypsy moth food plant affected C. melanoscela development time and size. Host plant influenced percentage of parasitism, but this effect varied between blocks. Parasitoid strain was a major factor in development time, size, and host selection, but was of marginal influence on parasitism rates and sex ratio. Plant suitability to gypsy moth, both in host species and phenology, was the strongest underlying factor in C. melanoscela parasitoid success, development time, and size. Plant and strain effects on C. melanoscela may be important factors in guiding biological control efforts against gypsy moth.
Hierarchical Porous and High Surface Area Tubular Carbon as Dye Adsorbent and Capacitor Electrode

Hierarchically porous tubular carbon (HPTC) with large surface area of 1094 m2/g has been successfully synthesized by selectively removing lignin from natural wood. No templates or chemicals are involved during the process. By further KOH activation, surface area of activated HPTC reaches up to 2925 m2/g. These materials show unprecedented high adsorption capacity toward organic dyes (methylene blue, 838 mg/g; methyl orange, 264 mg/g) and large electrochemical capacitance of >200 F/g. The sustainable feature of the wood precursor and demonstrated superior adsorption and energy storage properties allow promising applications of the processed materials in energy and environmental related fields.
A template independent, rifampicin sensitive poly (A)·poly (U) synthesizing activity present in Bacillus subtilis

Abstract A template independent poly (A)·poly (U) synthesizing activity has been isolated from Bacillus subtilis . This activity is eluted from a DNA-cellulose column along with DNA-dependent RNA polymerase. The column fractions which exhibit this activity contain RNA polymerase holoenzyme plus a polypeptide which is slightly larger than sigma factor; pure RNA polymerase holoenzyme did not synthesize poly (A)·poly (U). The activity was dependent on the presence of ATP, UTP, and Mn++ (Mg++ could not substitute), and was inhibited by rifampicin, streptolydigin, and Cibacron Blue. The incorporation of nucleotides was not linear with time, but appeared after a lag period. The results suggest that a modified form of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase analogous to Escherichia coli holoenzyme II is catalyzing the synthesis of poly (A)·poly (U).
Structure and Properties of [8]BN-Circulenes: Inorganic Analogues of [8]Circulenes

Structure and properties of [8]BN-circulenes are calculated using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT). Structurally they are similar to [8]circulenes but exhibit different electronic and optical properties. For example, carbon circulenes emit in the visible region while BN-circulenes exhibit higher emission energies which fall in the UV region. Tuning of molecular properties was examined by derivatization of [8]BN-circulenes, analogous to that in tetraoxa and tetrathio derivatives. Such materials may be used in optical devices and serve as an alternative to organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs). Absorption in the UV region by [8]BN-circulenes suggests that such compounds may be an excellent candidate for UV-light protection.
VIII. Limitations of the Study

Due to the selection of cases from the FBI’s Automated Case Support, the sample was not randomly selected. The method of identifying subjects included specific query terms to isolate potential suicides. Following the offender’s suicide, law enforcement investigators would most likely fill out the appropriate documentation to close the file. If the offender’s suicide was not specifically documented using one of the search terms, the case might not have been identified. Additionally, due to the size constriction, this sample does not accurately represent suicides across the country, and hence, the suicides of CSOs cannot be generalized to other similar offenders.
Adverse Outcomes With Use of Hydralazine and Nitrate Combination Therapy in Hospitalized Older Non-black Patients With Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFREF)

Background: A combination of hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate is recommended to self-described African American patients with HFrEF receiving optimal therapy with ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, unless contraindicated. We examined the association of the use of both hydralazine and nitrates
Analysis of Global Horizontal Irradiance in Version 3 of the National Solar Radiation Database

Abstract We report an analysis that compares global horizontal irradiance (GHI) estimates from version 3 of the National Solar Radiation Database (NSRDB v3) with surface measurements of GHI at a wide variety of locations over the period spanning from 2005 to 2012The NSRDB v3 es. timate of GHI are derived from the Physical Solar Model (PSM) which employs physics-based models to estimate GHI from measurements of reflected visible and infrared irradiance collected by Geostationary Operational Envonment Satellites (GOES) and several other data sourcesir . Because the ground measurements themselves are uncertain our analysis does not establish the absolute accuracy for GHI. However by examining the comparison for trends and for PSMconsistency across a large number of sites, we may establish a level of confidence in GHI PSMand identify conditions which indicate opportunities to improve PSM. We focus our evaluation on annual and monthly insolation because these quantities directly relate to prediction of energy production from solar power systems. We find that generally, PSMGHI exhibits a bias towards overestimating insolation, on the order of 5% when all sky conditions are considered, and somewhat less (~3%) when only clear sky conditions are considered. The biases persist across multiple years and are evident at many locations. In our opinion the bias originates with and we view as less credible that the bias stems from PSMcalibration drift or soiling of ground instruments. We observe that GHI may significantly underestimate monthly insolationPSM in locations subject to broad snow cover. We found examples of days where PSM GHI apparently misidentified snow cover as clouds, resulting in significant underestimates of GHI during these days and hence leading to substantial understatement of monthly insolation.Analysis of PSM GHI in adjacent pixels shows that the level of agreement between PSM GHI and ground data can vary substantially over distances on the order of 2 km. We conclude that the variance most likely originates from dramatic contrasts in the ground’s appearance over these distances.