cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lexical, Syntactic, and Stress-Pattern Cues for Speech Segmentation

Many sources of segmentation information are available in speech. Previous research has shown that one or another segmentation cue is used by listeners under certain circumstances. However, it has also been shown that none of the cues are absolutely reliable. Therefore, it is likely that people use a combination of segmentation cues when listening to normal speech. This study addresses the issue of how young adults use multiple segmentation cues (lexical, syntactic, and stress-pattern) in combination to break up continuous speech. Evidence that people use more than one cue at a time was found. Furthermore, the results suggest that people can use segmentation cues flexibly such that remaining cues are relied upon more heavily when other information is missing.
De novo determination of protein backbone structure from residual dipolar couplings using Rosetta.

As genome-sequencing projects rapidly increase the database of protein sequences, the gap between known sequences and known structures continues to grow exponentially, increasing the demand to accelerate structure determination methods. Residual dipolar couplings (RDCs) are an attractive source of experimental restraints for NMR structure determination, particularly rapid, high-throughput methods, because they yield both local and long-range orientational information and can be easily measured and assigned once the backbone resonances of a protein have been assigned. While very extensive RDC data sets have been used to determine the structure of ubiquitin, it is unclear to what extent such methods will generalize to larger proteins with less complete data sets. Here we incorporate experimental RDC restraints into Rosetta, an ab initio structure prediction method, and demonstrate that the combined algorithm provides a general method for de novo determination of a variety of protein folds from RDC data. Bac...
Psychobiological Mechanisms Underlying the Social Buffering of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenocortical Axis: A Review of Animal Models and Human Studies Across Development

Discovering the stress-buffering effects of social relationships has been one of the major findings in psychobiology in the last century. However, an understanding of the underlying neurobiological and psychological mechanisms of this buffering is only beginning to emerge. An important avenue of this research concerns the neurocircuitry that can regulate the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis. The present review is a translational effort aimed at integrating animal models and human studies of the social regulation of the HPA axis from infancy to adulthood, specifically focusing on the process that has been named social buffering. This process has been noted across species and consists of a dampened HPA axis stress response to threat or challenge that occurs with the presence or assistance of a conspecific. We describe aspects of the relevant underlying neurobiology when enough information exists and expose major gaps in our understanding across all domains of the literatures we aimed to integrate. We provide a working conceptual model focused on the role of oxytocinergic systems and prefrontal neural networks as 2 of the putative biological mediators of this process, and propose that the role of early experiences is critical in shaping later social buffering effects. This synthesis points to both general future directions and specific experiments that need to be conducted to build a more comprehensive model of the HPA social buffering effect across the life span that incorporates multiple levels of analysis: neuroendocrine, behavioral, and social.
Effects of rater selection on peer assessment among medical students.

Context Although peer-assessment appears promising as a method to assess interpersonal skills among medical students, results may be biased by method of peer selection, particularly if different kinds of classmates are assigned systematically by different methods. It is also unclear whether students with lower interpersonal skills may be more negative towards their classmates than students with higher levels of interpersonal skills and, if so, how much bias this may introduce into the results of peer assessment. It is also unclear whether low-rated students are more likely to ask to rate one another. Design, Setting, and Participants Participants were 296 medical students from the classes of 2004, 2005 and 2006 at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. All participants were evaluated by between 6 and 12 classmates near the end of both their second and third years. In some classes peer-raters were assigned from class lists, while in other classes students were asked to recommend classmates to rate and be rated by. Main outcome measures Mean numerical ratings of interpersonal-attributes scores received from peers, compared with mean scores simultaneously assigned to peers. We also examined students' selection of peer-raters, as well as scores received by their peer-raters. Results For all 3 classes in both second and third years, students in the lowest quartile of received scores were significantly more likely to simultaneously assign lower scores to their peers. Among third-year students, such low-scoring students were significantly more likely to ask to rate and be rated by other low-scoring students. Among third-year students, low-rated students were more likely to rate and be rated by other low-rated students, irrespective of how rater assignments are made. Most students who were originally in the lowest quartile of received scores remained so after removing the scores assigned by low-rated raters. Among pre-clinical second-year students, however, low-rated students were no more likely than high-rated students to be rated by other low-rated students. Conclusion Students with low levels of peer-assessed interpersonal attributes are more negative in their judgements of classmates. Third-year medical students with low levels of interpersonal attributes are more likely to be rated by other students with low levels of interpersonal attributes, irrespective of method of rater assignment. This effect was not seen in the second year of medical school. Biases in selection of raters among third-year students, however, do not appear to affect the results of peer assessment. Thus, medical schools that choose to institute peer assessment can select the method of peer-rater assignment based on practicality and logistical considerations. Students' affiliations with one another in the third year appear to be related to peer-assessed interpersonal attributes.
Treg-cell expansion: better to be “naive”

Comment on Hoffmann et al, page [4260][1] Human CD45RA+ Treg cells can proliferate in vitro without losing Treg-cell phenotype, suppressive activity, or the expression of lymph node–homing molecules. The interest in regulatory T (Treg) cells has been renewed since Sakaguchi et al[1][2]
Alcohol Consumption and Hypertension

Many observational studies have shown a relationship between three or more alcoholic drinks daily and hypertension. Reduction in alcohol intake is associated with lowering of blood pressure in randomized clinical trials: each drink per day reduction in intake lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure by approximately 1 mm Hg. Although regular alcohol consumption seems to reduce the incidence of atherothrombotic cardiovascular events, excessive alcohol intake increases the risk of many medical and psychosocial problems. For persons with hypertension who drink excessively, average maximum alcohol intake of one drink per day in women and two drinks per day in men is a reasonable goal, if drinking is not otherwise contraindicated.
Rat myocardial cells in vitro: mitosis and differentiated properties.

Ventricular heart cultures were prepared from newborn rats and examined in Rose chambers by high resolution, phase-contrast optics. Details of the procedure are given for obtaining a high yield of myocardial or endothelial cells. Photographic records were obtained of living cells by using photomicrography, cinematography, and high speed filming to document the cytological differences between endothelial and myocardial cells, details of mitosis in the two cell types, and patterns of contractility. Myocardial cells can be distinguished from endothelial cells in the living state by the following criteria; dense cytoplasm; giant and pleomorphic mitochondria or sarcosomes: presence of small, round nuclei; binucleation; one or two round, dense nucleoli; a specialized Golgi apparatus around the nucleus; myofobrils; intercalated discs; myopodia; small, cell size; failure of cell migration; spontaneous contractions; formation of synchronized networks; and flattened appearance with adhesion to other cells during mitosis. Contracting myocardial cells are shown to undergo mitosis. Contractions become weaker at metaphase and then cease at anaphase. Daughter cells may resume contractions. Organized myofibrils are generally not detected during the mitotic periods when contractions are minimal or absent. It is proposed that myofibrils undergo a transient disorganization during mid-mitosis and become reorganized in the daughter cell(s). It is suggested that there is a competition for energy at the time of spindle changes and chromosome movements, so that priority is given to the mitotic process rather than to myofibrillar contractions. Myofibrillogenesis is considered to be a relatively rapid process. The average mitotic time is 2.5 hr fore endothelial cells and 6.1 hr for myocardial cells. Failure of cytokinesis frequently occurs in dividing myocardial cells and results in the formation of binucleated cells. A sequence, is presented of a binucleated myocardial cell which undergoes an abormal multipolar mitosis, leading to polynucleation. Myocardial cells incorporate tritiated thymidine into nuclear DNA. The question of mitosis and differentiation of myocardial cells is reviewed. It is concluded that myocardial cells can no longer be cited in support of the dogma, that differentiated cells do no divide. However, these is a temporary competition between the two phenomena at the metaphase-anaphase stages.
Power Supplies for the Electrochemical Industry- An Economic and Performance Comparison Between Diodes and Thyristors

The rectifier system is one of the key components that make up an electrochemical plant. It must be reliable, economic, and perform to meet both the process requirements and utility regulations. Thyristor. and diode equipment is compared in relation to economy, reliability, efficiency, power factor, and harmonic generation. The aim is to assist electrochemical plant engineer who has the responsibility of writing an equipment specification.
Development of Soils and Communities of Plants and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on West Virginia Surface Mines

Surface mining followed by reclamation to pasture is a major driver of land use and cover change in Appalachia. Prior research suggests that many aspects of ecosystem recovery are either slow or incomplete. We examined ecosystem structure-including soil physical and chemical properties, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) infectivity and community composition, and plant diversity and community composition-on a chronosequence of pasture-reclaimed surface mines and a non-mined pasture in northern West Virginia. Surface mining and reclamation dramatically altered ecosystem structure. Some aspects of ecosystem structure, including many measures of soil chemistry and infectivity of AMF, returned rapidly to levels found on the non-mined reference site. Other aspects of ecosystem structure, notably soil physical properties and AMF and plant communities, showed incomplete or no recovery over the short-to-medium term. In addition, invasive plants were prevalent on reclaimed mine sites. The results point to the need for investigation on how reclamation practices could minimize establishment of exotic invasive plant species and reduce the long-term impacts of mining on ecosystem structure and function.
Efficient transport and distribution of network control information in NBBS

With the advances in fiber-based transmission systems that operate at gigabit rates and with the introduction of high-speed networks, the course of communication and computer technologies has changed forever. This change requires that new attention be focused first on the creation, then on the control of networks, which now contain high-speed links and integrate heterogeneous traffic. IBM's Networking BroadBand Services (NBBS) architecture has been designed to enable this networking revolution and, in particular, is designed for the high-speed, multimedia networks needed by emerging applications. In this paper, we present the Rapid Transport Protocol (RTP). Its simple and efficient mechanisms enable NBBS control information to be transported and distributed, taking advantage of high-speed links by eliminating as much nodal processing as possible. RTP provides point-to-point and point-to-multipoint transport services with a reliable delivery option. In addition, we present a simple and efficient mechanism for fast dissemination of time-critical network configuration and path update messages to every node in an NBBS network, making use of RTP.
15N-edited three-dimensional NOESY-HMQC with water flipback: enhancement of weak labile 1H resonances of protein side chains contacting DNA.

Two pulse sequences are described that employ a modified water flipback technique to enhance the signal intensity of weak side chain resonances at the protein-DNA interface of the vnd/NK-2 homeodomain/DNA complex in an 15N-edited three-dimensional NOESY-HMQC spectrum. The pulse sequences presented employ water flipback pulses at the beginning of the NOESY mixing time, optimizing the direct NOE transfer of magnetization from the water to the protein by maximizing the z-component of the water magnetization. In one of the pulse sequences, radiation damping during the the indirect 1H and 15N evolution times is suppressed. A modified version of the WATERGATE water suppression technique is employed during the HMQC portion of the experiment. The signal enhancement is demonstrated for the resonances of the side chain amide of Asn51, an invariant homeodomain residue whose contact with the DNA is critical for binding. An ancillary advantage of the experiment is the ability to observe NOE transfer of magnetization from water. The information present in the water resonance plane of the three-dimensional spectrum is illustrated in a comparison with the corresponding HMQC spectrum of the protein/DNA complex.
Preferential Growth of Semiconducting Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes by a Plasma Enhanced CVD Method

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) are grown by a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method at 600 °C. The nanotubes are of high quality as characterized by microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and electrical transport measurements. High performance field effect transistors are obtained with the PECVD nanotubes. Interestingly, electrical characterization reveals that nearly 90% of the nanotubes are semiconductors and thus highly preferential growth of semiconducting over metallic tubes in the PECVD process. Control experiments with other nanotube materials find that HiPco nanotubes consist of ∼61% semiconductors, while laser ablation preferentially grows metallic SWNTs (∼70%). The characterization method used here should also be applicable to assessing the degree of chemical separation of metallic and semiconducting nanotubes.
Hybrid domain decomposition algorithms for compressible and almost incompressible elasticity

Overlapping Schwarz methods are considered for mixed finite element approximations of linear elasticity, with discontinuous pressure spaces, as well as for compressible elasticity approximated by standard conforming finite elements. The coarse components of the preconditioners are based on spaces, with a number of degrees of freedom per subdomain which are uniformly bounded, which are similar to those previously developed for scalar elliptic problems and domain decomposition methods of iterative substructuring type, i.e. methods based on nonoverlapping decompositions of the domain. The local components of the new preconditioners are based on solvers on a set of overlapping subdomains. In the current study, the dimension of the coarse spaces is smaller than in recently developed algorithms; in the compressible case all independent face degrees of freedom have been eliminated while in the almost incompressible case five out of six are not needed. In many cases, this will result in a reduction of the dimension of the coarse space by about one half compared with that of the algorithm previously considered. In addition, in spite of using overlapping subdomains to define the local components of the preconditioner, values of the residual and the approximate solution need only to be retained on the interface between the subdomains in the iteration of the new hybrid Schwarz algorithm. The use of discontinuous pressures makes it possible to work exclusively with symmetric, positive-definite problems and the standard preconditioned conjugate gradient method. Bounds are established for the condition number of the preconditioned operators. The bound for the almost incompressible case grows in proportion to the square of the logarithm of the number of degrees of freedom of individual subdomains and the third power of the relative overlap between the overlapping subdomains, and it is independent of the Poisson ratio as well as jumps in the Lame parameters across the interface between the subdomains. Numerical results illustrate the findings. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scatter in repolarization timing predicts clinical events in post-myocardial infarction patients.

Background Increased spatial and temporal dispersion of repolarization contributes to ventricular arrhythmogenesis. Beat-to-beat fluctuations in T-wave timing are thought to represent such dispersion and may predict clinical events. Objective The purpose of this study was to assess whether a novel noninvasive measure of beat-to-beat instability in T-wave timing would provide additive prognostic information in post–myocardial infarction patients. Methods We studied 678 patients from 12 hospitals with 32-lead 5-minute electrocardiogram recordings 6–8 weeks after myocardial infarction. Custom software identified R wave–to–T wave intervals (RTIs) and diastolic intervals (DIs). Repolarization scatter (RTI:DI StdErr ) was then calculated as the standard error about the RTI:DI regression line. In addition, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), short-term heart rate variability (HRV) parameters, and QT variability index were measured. Patients were followed for the composite endpoint of death or life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia. Results After a mean follow-up of 63 months, 134 patients met the composite endpoint. An RTI:DI StdErr >5.50 ms was associated with a 210% increase in arrhythmias or deaths ( P StdErr remained an independent predictor ( P StdErr was also independent of short-term HRV parameters and the QT variability index. Conclusions Increased repolarization scatter, a measure of high-frequency, cycle-length-dependent repolarization instability, predicts poor outcomes in patients after myocardial infarction.
INTERNAL-EXTERNAL CONTROL AND CAUSAL ATTRIBUTIONS OF OWN AND OTHERS' PERFORMANCE

In a 3 × 3 factorial design, 69 subjects with a high, medium, or low perceived internal control on Rotter's I-E scale judged the degree to which they thought three grades on a classroom examination resulted from effort and ability (internal factors) as opposed to type of test and luck (external factors). The three grades were the subject's own grade, the highest grade in class, and the lowest grade in class. Results showed that subjects with a high degree of internal control on the I-E scale attributed all three grades to internal factors significantly more than subjects with a low degree of internal control. Internal attributions were significantly higher for the highest grade in class than for the others.
N-cadherin localization in early heart development and polar expression of Na+,K(+)-ATPase, and integrin during pericardial coelom formation and epithelialization of the differentiating myocardium.

Abstract N-cadherin, a Ca 2+ -dependent cell adhesion molecule, has been localized previously to the mesoderm during chick gastrulation and to adherens junctions in beating avian hearts. However, a systematic study of the dynamic nature of N-cadherin localization in the critical early stages of heart development is lacking. The presented work defines the changes in the spatial and temporal expression of N-cadherin during early stages of chick heart development, principally between Hamburger and Hamilton stages 5–8, 18–29 hr of development. During gastrulation N-cadherin appears evenly distributed in the heart forming region. As development proceeds to form the pericardial coelom (stages 6, 7, and 8, i.e., between 22 and 26 hr of development) N-cadherin localization becomes restricted to the more central areas of the mesoderm. The localization also shows a periodicity that correlates closely with the distance between foci of cavities that eventually coalesce to form the coelom. This distribution suggests that N-cadherin may have a function in the sorting out of somatic and splanchnic mesoderm cells to form the coelom. This separation of the mesoderm in the embryo for the first time physically delineates the precardiac mesoderm population. Concomitant with cell sorting during coelom formation, the precardiac cells change shape and show a distinct polarity as conveyed by (1) the apical expression of N-cadherin on precardiac cell surfaces lining the pericardial coelom, (2) the primarily lateral expression of Na + , -K + -ATPase, and (3) an enrichment of integrin (β1 subunit) on basal cell surfaces. The somatic mesoderm cells apparently down-regulate N-cadherin expression. N-cadherin is also absent from the precardiac cells close to the endoderm. The latter cells eventually form the endocardium, i.e., the endothelial lining of the heart. By contrast, in the tubular, beating heart N-cadherin is found throughout the myocardium. In summary, immunolocalization patterns of N-cadherin during early cardiogenesis suggest that this cell adhesion molecule has a major role in the dynamics of pericardial coelom formation. Subsequently, its continued expression during cell differentiation of the cardiomyocyte to form the myocardium, but not endocardium, suggests N-cadherin is an essential morphoregulatory molecule in heart organogenesis.
An apparatus for determining acuity at low illuminations, for testing the light and color sense and for detecting small errors in refraction and in their correction.

Describes the design and application of an apparatus that was devised in response to a request by the Eye Division of the U. S. Naval Hospital for a means of making a quick and accurate test of acuity at low illumination. Experience has shown, roughly speaking, that only 25-30 per cent, of the men on the battleships have a sufficiently keen acuity at low illuminations to qualify for all branches of the lookout and signal service work. The apparatus provides for a wide range of illumination in just noticeably different steps (beginning at 0.07 meter-candle or lower), with no change in the color value of the light and with a specification at each step of the intensity of light falling on the test-object. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Transannular Nitrone Cycloaddition. A Stereocontrolled Entry to the Spirocyclic Core of Pinnaic Acid

Thermolysis of lactone 18 initiated a stereospecific transannular nitrone−olefin [3 + 2] cycloaddition to yield tetracycle 19. Methanolysis followed by reductive cleavage of the isoxazolidine yield...
Interactions in the tri-n-butyl phosphate-water-diluent system☆

Abstract Tritium tracer techniques have been used to measure the solubility of water in undiluted TBP from 0 to 65°C at unit water activity and as a function of water activity at 25°C; from the latter results, the activity of the solvent has been derived by applying the Gibbs-Duhem relation. The solubility measurements were extended to include TBP- n -octane solutions that were 0.01-1.0 M in TBP, and these values were used to estimate hydration quotients. The solubility of water in undiluted TBP is 3.57 ± 0.02 M at 25°C and decreases slowly with increasing temperature. At constant temperature, the water content decreases rapidly at first and then more slowly with decreasing water activity. The variation of the activity of TBP in the diluent-free water system suggests that the extracted species is TBP·H 2 O, when the loading of TBP is less than 0.5 mole H 2 O per mole of TBP. Results of computer analyses of the solution data can be interpreted in terms of monomeric anhydrous TBP and the formation of the monohydrate TBP·H 2 O, and suggest the additional hydrate species (TBP·H 2 O) 2 , (TBP·H 2 O) 4 , and TBP·2H 2 O, with formation concentration quotients log Q TH = −0.82, log Q (TH) 2 = 1.82, log Q (TH) 4 = −0.39, log Q TH 2 = −1.66.
High-voltage drain extended MOS transistors for 0.18-/spl mu/m logic CMOS process

Complementary high-voltage drain extended (DE) MOS transistors were implemented into Texas Instruments' state-of-the-art production advanced analog and digital 1.5-1.8 V CMOS technology. These transistors allow for 5-V drain operating voltage using the core gate oxide and have drain breakdown voltages BV/sub dss/>10 V. Experimental results along with Suprem4 and MEDICI simulation results are presented to explain their operation. The novel p-channel transistors use an isolated compensated p-well as a drain extension. The n-channel version uses n-well as a drain extension. Experimental test results of I/sub ds/(V/sub ds/,V/sub gs/), I/sub gs/(V/sub ds/), and BV(L) plots demonstrate DE-MOS performance. The work was focused on performance optimization with zero process modification and hence no cost adder.
Axonal and myelin lesions inβ-mannosidosis: Ultrastructural characteristics

Ultrastructural changes in central nervous system (CNS) white matter of three goats affected withβ-mannosidosis were analyzed to further define characteristics and pathogenesis of axonal and myelin abnormalities. The variations in myelin association and contents of axonal spheroids were delineated. The occurrence of spheroids in a 96/150-day fetus documented the early development of these axonal lesions. In regions of severe myelin deficits, the presence of apparently normal axons and a reduction in the number of oligodendrocytes were confirmed. Many remaining cells in myelin-deficient regions were characterized by dark, vacuolated cytoplasm. The occurrence of internodes with myelin sheaths adjacent to internodes without myelin sheaths suggested that an axonal defect is not primarily responsible for the absence of myelin sheaths. A mild myelin deficit in the spinal cord was indicated by the presence of unmyelinated axons. Except for occasional mild cytoplasmic vacuolation, the spinal cord glial cells appeared relatively normal. The findings presented here are consistent with the hypothesis that an oligodendrocyte defect, expressed by regional differences, is a major factor in the pathogenesis of myelin deficiency inβ-mannosidosis.
Range of 1-10 kev Electrons in Solids

The range of 1-10 kev electrons in metals and phosphors has been measured by recording the light output as a function of energy from a sample consisting of a metallic layer deposited on a transparent phosphor layer. The measurements lead to the development of the following range-energy expression: $R=250(\frac{A}{\ensuremath{\rho}{Z}^{\frac{n}{2}}}){E}^{n},$ where $n=\frac{1.2}{(1\ensuremath{-}0.29{log}_{10}Z)}$, $E=\mathrm{energy}\mathrm{in}\mathrm{kev}$, $R=\mathrm{range}\mathrm{in}\mathrm{angstroms}$, and $A$, $\ensuremath{\rho}$, $Z$, have their customary meaning. This differs from the usual range expression in the dependency of $n$ on $Z$. Usually $n$ is assumed to be independent of material. This dependency can be justified on the basis of Bethe's theory of electron stopping power.
Oxidation of glyoxylic acid by cerium(IV): Oxygen-induced enhancement of the primary radical concentration

In order to help understand the role of oxygen in Ce(IV)-induced oxidation of small carbonic acids, we investigated the reaction of glyoxylic acid (HCOCOOH) and Ce(IV) in 1 M sulfuric acid. Spectrophotometric data showed that in excess of glyoxylic acid the consumption of Ce(IV) obeys pseudo-first-order kinetics, with a rate constant of 8.8 L mol-1 s-1 at 25 °C and an activation energy of 80 kJ mol-1. Rapid-flow EPR measurements revealed an approximately 1:2:1 triplet with a g value of 2.0071 ± 0.0005 and a hyperfine splitting of 7.1 ± 0.2 G, assignable to the primary radical formed by abstraction of a hydrogen atom from hydrated glyoxylic acid. The rate constant for the anaerobic self-decay of the radical was measured as approximately 3.7 × 109 L mol-1 s-1. Surprisingly, oxygen had no effect on the Ce(IV) kinetics, while the radical decay was significantly inhibited under aerobic conditions (ratio of experimental rate constants ≈6.3). Amperometric measurements revealed accompanying oxygen consumption. An...
Simple lattice simulation of chiral discrimination in monolayers.

A simulation method based on cellular automata on a hexagonal lattice is applied to model the behavior of chiral molecules on a surface, such as those in a monolayer of amphiphiles each having a single chiral center. The simulation method includes movement and orientation rules, with the objects (“molecules”) on the lattice vertices possessing three different groups with one group pointing along each edge. Periodic boundary conditions are employed in the simulations. Interaction strengths are calculated between pairs of groups occupying the edges between vertices and summed for the entire system. The model successfully reproduces the formation of domains as a consequence of the movement rule. The movement rule can be adjusted to simulate homochiral discrimination or heterochiral discrimination for the case of racemic mixtures. The orientation rule results in a preference for orientations of the molecules that minimize the total interaction strength.
Mutations of the Membrane-Bound Disulfide Reductase DsbD That Block Electron Transfer Steps from Cytoplasm to Periplasm in Escherichia coli

The cytoplasmic membrane protein DsbD keeps the periplasmic disulfide isomerase DsbC reduced, using the cytoplasmic reducing power of thioredoxin. DsbD contains three domains, each containing two reactive cysteines. One membrane-embedded domain, DsbDbeta, transfers electrons from thioredoxin to the carboxy-terminal thioredoxin-like periplasmic domain DsbDgamma. To evaluate the role of conserved amino acid residues in DsbDbeta in the electron transfer process, we substituted alanines for each of 19 conserved amino acid residues and assessed the in vivo redox states of DsbC and DsbD. The mutant DsbDs of 11 mutants which caused defects in DsbC reduction showed relatively oxidized redox states. To analyze the redox state of each DsbD domain, we constructed a thrombin-cleavable DsbD (DsbDTH) from which we could generate all three domains as separate polypeptide chains by thrombin treatment in vitro. We divided the mutants with strong defects into two classes. The first mutant class consists of mutant DsbDbeta proteins that cannot receive electrons from cytoplasmic thioredoxin, resulting in a DsbD that has all six of its cysteines disulfide bonded. The second mutant class represents proteins in which the transfer of electrons from DsbDbeta to DsbDgamma appears to be blocked. This class includes the mutant with the most clear-cut defect, P284A. We relate the properties of the mutants to the positions of the amino acids in the structure of DsbD and discuss mechanisms that would interfere with the electron transfer process.
Low dissipation nanoscale transistor physics and operations

Power dissipation has recently overtaken performance as the most important challenge in scaling nanoscale transistors. In this paper, we have proposed and preliminarily analyzed novel device concepts to reduce both the off-state leakage dissipation as well as the dynamic power consumption. The off-state leakage can be selectively suppressed using a wide bandgap drain heterojunction architecture. On the other hand, the dynamic power can be reduced using an asymmetric gate biasing scheme. We have also discussed the enabling device physics and operating principles.
Effect of surface condition on the transport properties of tungsten

Measurements are presented of the low-temperature electrical and thermal resistivities ρ andW, of several high-purity, single-crystal tungsten rods of various orientations for which the electron mean free path l is larger than the sample diameterd. For the highest-purity samples oriented with a [110] direction parallel to the rod axis we observe several effects of surface condition on the electron transport properties. First, both the electrical and thermal resistivities areincreased substantially by sandblasting or electroetching the surface andreduced correspondingly by electropolishing the surface. Second, the temperature-dependent part of the electrical resistivity (ρ — ρ 0 ) isreduced by sandblasting or electroetching the surface andincreased by electropolishing the surface. The corresponding effect is not observed for the thermal resistivity. Third, the Lorenz number extrapolated toT=0 K,L(T → 0)=(ρ/WT) 0 , is found to equal the standard valueL 0 =2.445 × 10 −8 W Ω/K2 for the sandblasted or electroetched surface, but is reduced significantly (up to 18%) below this value for the electropolished surface. In the latter case application of a longitudinal magnetic field strong enough to prevent many of the conduction electrons from striking the surface is observed to increaseL(T→0) toL 0, confirming that this is, indeed, a surface effect.
Loose-part signal properties

Abstract Lamb's solution for two-dimensional wave propagation was used to identify plate bending wave characteristics observed in loose part impact signals. The surface displacement wave is shown to have large second derivatives at points that can be used to measure the impact contact time. General features of the initial impact wave shape provide guidance for the use of spectral analysis techniques to identify the contact time and wave arrival time when there is a low signal-to-noise ratio. Improvements in the determination of contact time improve the estimation of loose part mass and energy through the Hertz impact parameters. The shape of the initial impact wave shape can also be used to identify on which side of the plate the impact took place. This information has applications for Loose Part Monitoring System metal impact signal validation and for improved estimation of loose part parameters.
Selection of nonextremal candidates from a random sequence

Problems of optimal choice generally invoke monotone preference functions; consequently, optimal strategies consider stopping the sequence only when extremal (best/worst) or nearly extremal candidates are presented. The objective of the present investigation is to select a candidate representative of the entire sequence. In particular, selection of the median object and selection of any object from a set of middle ranks are considered.
On the utility of proportional mortality analysis.

Abstract The Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR) is a commonly used epidemiologic tool for evaluating a test population with respect to a standard. Computation of the measure requires that the size and demographic composition of the test population-at-risk (PAR) be known. In the absence of this knowledge of the PAR, some have turned to evaluations based on proportional mortality rates, a method which is generally regarded as deficient because of the inability of relative measures to provide information about absolute rates. Often, the ratio of the cause-specific SMR to the underlying ‘force of mortality’ (i.e. the SMR for all causes) is of interest; this ratio is referred to herein as the relative SMR (RSMR). It is shown in this paper, both empirically and in a theoretical framework, that the RSMR is close in value to the (age) standardized proportional mortality ratio (SPMR), this closeness being expressible in the form of a ‘confidence interval’ involving the SPMR. Computation of the SPMR does not require knowledge of the PAR.
Total Synthesis of (±)-Cylindrospermopsin

The first total synthesis of the novel hepatotoxin (±)-cylindrospermopson (1) has been accomplished in 20 steps from 4-methoxy-3-methylpyridine (12) in 3.5% overall yield. The substituted piperidine A ring 19 was generated stereospecifically by a four-step sequence using the addition of trimethylsilylethynylmagnesium bromide to 12 to give 16 and stereospecific addition of vinylcuprate to 16 to form 17. The reaction of diamine 26 with cyanogen bromide produced the cyclic guanidine C ring of 27. The key step in the synthesis was bromination of ketone 31, followed by hydrogenation to liberate the free guanidine, which underwent an intramolecular SN2 reaction to form the tetrahydropyrimidine ring B of 32. Further hydrogenation reduced the ketone to yield 42% of 32 containing the fully functionalized tricyclic system and protected hydroxymethyluracil side chain of cylindrospermopsin. Hydrolysis of the pyrimidine in concentrated hydrochloric acid and selective monosulfation completed the synthesis of cylindrosp...
Antegrade catheter technique to dissolve uric acid ureteral calculi.

Abstract A technique to dissolve uric acid calculi by sodium bicarbonate irrigation via nephrostomy tube and antegrade catheter placement in the ureter is described. This method combines the advantages of continuous lavage of the ureter with proximal diversion and drainage of the renal pelvis without the need for lower urinary tract manipulation. The technique also should lend itself to lavage for dissolution of cystine and struvite ureteral calculi.
Delayed-Acceleration Feedback for Active-Multimode Vibration Control of Cantilever Beams

We present a single-input single-output multimode delayed-feedback control methodology to mitigate the free vibrations of a flexible cantilever beam. For the purpose of controller design and stability analysis, we consider a reduced-order model consisting of the first n vibration modes. The temporal variation of these modes is represented by a set of nonlinearly-coupled ordinary-differential equations that capture the evolving dynamics of the beam. Considering a linearized version of these equations, we derive a set of analytical conditions that are solved numerically to assess the stability of the closed-loop system. To verify these conditions, we characterize the stability boundaries using the first two vibration modes and compare them to damping contours obtained by long-time integration of the full nonlinear equations of motion. Simulations show excellent agreement between both approaches. We analyze the effect of the size and location of the piezoelectric patch and the location of the sensor on the stability of the response. We show that the stability boundaries are highly dependent on these parameters. Finally, we implement the controller on a cantilever beam for different controller gain-delay combinations and assess the performance using time histories of the beam response. Numerical simulations clearly demonstrate the controller ability to mitigate vibrations emanating from multiple modes simultaneously.© 2007 ASME
Regulation of Baboon Fetal Ovarian Development by Placental Estrogen: Onset of Puberty Is Delayed in Offspring Deprived of Estrogen In Utero

Using the baboon as a model for studies of human reproductive biology, we previously showed that placental estrogen regulates fetal ovarian follicle development. In this study, offspring of baboons untreated or treated in utero with the aromatase inhibitor letrozole (estradiol reduced >95%) or letrozole and estradiol were reared to adulthood to determine whether estrogen programming of the fetal ovary impacted puberty and reproduction in adulthood. All offspring exhibited normal growth and blood pressure/chemistries. Puberty onset in untreated baboons (43.2 ± 1.4 mo) was delayed (P < 0.01) in animals of letrozole-treated mothers (49.0 ± 1.2 mo) and normal in offspring of mothers treated with letrozole and estradiol (42.7 ± 0.8 mo). During the first 2 yr postmenarche, menstrual cycles in estrogen-suppressed animals (43.2 ± 1.3 days) were longer (P < 0.05) than in untreated baboons (38.3 ± 0.5 days) or those treated with letrozole and estrogen (39.6 ± 0.8 days). Moreover, in estrogen-suppressed offspring, serum levels of estradiol were lower and follicle-stimulating hormone greater (P < 0.05) in the follicular and luteal phases, and the elevation in luteal-phase progesterone extended (P < 0.02). Thus, puberty onset was delayed and menstrual cycles prolonged and associated with altered serum hormone levels in baboon offspring that developed in an intrauterine environment in which estradiol levels were suppressed. Because puberty and follicle development, as shown previously, were normal in baboons treated in utero with letrozole and estradiol, we propose that fetal ovarian development and timely onset of puberty in the primate is programmed by fetal exposure to placental estrogen.
An experimental apparatus to simulate body-powered prosthetic usage: Development and preliminary evaluation.

Background and aim:Harness fitting in the body-powered prosthesis remains more art than science due to a lack of consistent and quantitative evaluation. The aim of this study was to develop a mechanical, human-body-shaped apparatus to simulate body-powered upper limb prosthetic usage and evaluate its capability of quantitative examination of harness configuration.Technique:The apparatus was built upon a torso of a wooden mannequin and integrated major mechanical joints to simulate terminal device operation. Sensors were used to register cable tension, cable excursion, and grip force simultaneously.Discussion:The apparatus allowed the scapula to move up to 127 mm laterally and the load cell can measure the cable tension up to 445 N. Our preliminary evaluation highlighted the needs and importance of investigating harness configurations in a systematic and controllable manner.Clinical relevance:The apparatus allows objective, systematic, and quantitative evaluation of effects of realistic harness configurati...
Group methods of increasing hypnotic susceptibility.

Abstract Previously successfid general-relaxation training and specific task training procedures for increasing hypnotic susceptibility were modified in order to allow group administration. Both procedures significantly increased posttraining hypnotic susceptibility scores on the Stanford Hypnotic Suceptibility scale Form A and on the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C (Weitzenhoffer & Hilgard, 1959,1962). Comparison between the training procedures indicated superiority for the specific training on Form A scores and no significant difference on Form C scores.
Influenza diagnosis and treatment in children: a review of studies on clinically useful tests and antiviral treatment for influenza.

Background.Prompt testing for influenza can help guide clinical management of patients with suspected influenza. Three antiviral medications, amantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir, are approved for treatment of influenza in children. Rimantadine and ribavirin have also been used.Objectives.To review
The effects of alcohol and extreme provocation on the use of a highly noxious electric shock.

Intoxicated and nonintoxicated subjects were given the opportunity to administer a potentially injurious level of shock to an opponent who behaved in either a provocative or an extremely provocative manner. The provocative opponent attempted to administer high-intensity shocks to the subject. The extremely provocative opponent attempted to administer high-intensity shocks and the potentially injurious level of shock. The intoxicated subjects in the extreme provocation condition evidenced the greatest increase in the use of the potentially injurious shock. It was concluded that aggression is a function of the interaction of alcohol consumption and level of provocation.
Your best life: mindfulness--the end of suffering.

After another demanding day on call at the hospital or seeing patients in the office, it is easy for a physician to ignore his or her loved ones at home. As a practicing orthopaedic surgeon, I understand this predicament. Our fatigue consumes us. We see others as a burden – one more demand in a day full of seemingly insurmountable expectations. In order to properly care for our patients at the office and our loved ones at home, we must first take care of ourselves. Ignoring our own needs for the greater good of our patients is noble, but misguided. The consequences – burnout, failed relationships, and illness – are real [9], and have been well publicized [1]. Failure to manage our own emotions and relationships contributes to professional dissatisfaction, leaves us vulnerable to divorce and social isolation, and may even contribute to depression and substance abuse [1, 5, 6, 9]. We simply cannot give what we do not possess. Like a two-pack-a-day smoker in 2014, we are aware of the problems, but are perhaps unwilling to change our ways, chalking up unfulfilled personal lives to just being “the way it is.” But it does not have to be this way. Your Best Life will address and examine some of the psychological, biologic, social, and spiritual aspects of attaining wellness and integrating more self-care into one’s life. I will begin with a basic explanation of mindfulness, defined as the practice of living in the moment.
AN EVALUATION OF BAUM ET AL.'S ASSESSMENT OF THE GENOMIC SYSTEM OF CLASSIFICATION IN THE TRITICEAE

We have critically evaluated Baum, Estes, and Gupta's (1987) assessment of the genomic system of classification in the tribe Triticeae. They have raised some valid concerns about basing a taxonomic classification on genome relationships. However, some of their objections are ill-founded. Baum et al.'s contention that genome analysis can only supplement other criteria in assessing phylogeny is inaccurate. Genome analysis by itself has yielded extremely useful information on phylogenetic relationships in the Triticeae, and their assertion that an individual morphological trait be given the same weight as genomic relatedness is not tenable. Moreover, these authors have adopted cladistic algorithms in the Triticeae, an analysis appropriate only in groups where reticulation has not occurred. Evolution in the Triticeae is highly reticulate, the main sources ofreticulation being allopolyploidy and homoploid recombinational speciation. BAUM, ESTES, AND GUPTA (1987) have attempted to assess the value of the genomic system of classification proposed by Love (1982, 1984) and Dewey (1984) for the tribe Triticeae of the Poaceae. The authors have raised some valid concerns about basing a taxonomic classification on genome relationships. However, some of their objections are debatable. Admittedly, genome analysis can be subjective at times and has certain limitations, as do most other biosystematic criteria. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach to taxonomic classification is certainly advisable. How