cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling a class of geological materials

In this paper we consider the development of rate type viscoelastic models from two different perspectives, using the Helmholtz potential based on the deformation gradient and the rate of entropy production, and the Gibbs potential based on the stress and the rate of entropy production. These two methods are not equivalent and one cannot always be obtained from the other by using a Legendre transformation. Also, it is not even possible for certain classes of materials to define a Helmholtz potential for bodies belonging to such classes, and for certain other classes to define a Gibbs’ potential for bodies belonging to them. The Helmholtz potential formulation has been shown to be capable of modeling generalizations of the Maxwell, Oldroyd-B, Burgers’ models as well as models that can be cast within the context of the conformation tensor. These models can also describe the evolution of the anisotropy of such materials during the deformation process. The Gibbs’ potential formulation is particularly well suited to the development of models wherein the material moduli that characterize the body are dependent on the invariants of the stress. Thus, such models can be used to describe bodies whose material moduli depend on the mean normal stress and could be very useful in characterizing geological materials. Such a framework would also be particularly relevant to describing the problem of compaction of asphalt concrete as the material property of the compacted body would depend on the mean normal stress which effects the compaction.
Multiple short-echo (2.5-ms) quantitation of in vivo sodium T2 relaxation.

The MR behavior of the sodium-23 nucleus in vivo is a complex problem which has generated considerable interest over the last 20 years. Early studies on excised tissue samples revealed that the sodium nucleus exhibited a two-component T2 relaxation. This biexponential T2 relaxation was characterized by a short component with a T2=0.7–4.8 ms, and a long component with a T2=7.0−26.0 ms. We have developed a 3D pulse sequence capable of performing multiple Hahn echo in vivo sodium-23 imaging at echo times as short as 2.5 ms. This sequence obtains the shorter spin echo times by presaturating the spins outside of the desired imaging region, allowing the use of nonselective rf pulses. Using this sequence we have been able to quantify the long and short T2 components of normal brain tissue, vitreous humor of the eye, and a rabbit VX-2 carcinoma. We found that gray matter and white matter of normal brain have a monoexponential T2 relaxation with T2=17.6 ± 2.4 ms. The vitreous humor T2 relaxation is also monoex- ponential with T2=56.8 ± 2.1 ms. However, we find that some of the rabbit VX2 carcinomas exhibit a biexponential T2 decay with a short component of 3.3 ± 4.6 ms and a long component of 22.0 ± 9.0 ms. © 1989 Academic Press, Inc.
The Hunt of King Frederik II of Denmark: Structures and Rituals

The court hunt provided relaxation and vigorous sport in the open air, but it could also be a powerful engine of economic growth. King Frederik II of Denmark and Norway demonstrated this when he reorganized his entire domain to serve the needs of a particular kind of royal hunt. But what was the Great Hunt (storjagt, Hauptjagen) at a northern court of the late sixteenth century? When did this form of hunting make the transition from a fiercely dangerous field sport into a safe and secure public ritual of domination over nature? That question remains elusive.
Fracture Mechanics of Architecture Dependent Fracture in Trabecular Bone Using the Cohesive Finite Element Method

Trabecular bone fracture is closely related to the trabecular architecture and microdamage accumulation. Micro-finite element models have been used to investigate the elastic and yield properties of trabecular bone but have only seen limited application in modeling the microstructure dependent fracture of trabecular bone, [1, 2]. In the presented research a cohesive finite element method (CFEM) based approach that can be used to model microstructure and loading rate dependent fracture in trabecular bone is developed for the first time. The emphasis is on understanding the effect of the rate of loading and its correlation with the bone microstructure on the microdamage accumulation and fracture behavior in the trabecular bone. Analyses focus on understanding the effect of the rate of loading, change in bone tissue properties with aging, and their correlation with the bone microstructure on the microdamage accumulation and the fracture behavior in the trabecular bone.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Effect of Calcium and Magnesium on the Antibacterial Activity of Phenolic Antioxidants Against Staphylococcus aureus A100

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) at 150 ppm, and tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) at 100 ppm, were tested against Staphylococcus aureus A100 in the presence of 50 and 100 mM Ca2+ or Mg2+. The inhibitory activity of BHA was increased by the presence of Ca2+ but not Mg2+ in the suspending buffer. An increase in Ca2+ concentration did not cause additional increase in the activity of this compound. With TBHQ, there was no apparent increase in antibacterial activity by the presence of either Ca2+ or Mg2+.
Transient expression of a p58 protein kinase cDNA enhances mammalian glycosyltransferase activity.

Abstract The effect of expression of a p58 protein kinase on mammalian β-1,4 galactosyltransferase enzyme activity was examined in vitro and in vivo . We found that p58 protein kinase expression enhanced galactosyltransferase enzyme activity approximately three-fold in vivo when compared to reporter gene activity. Galactosyltransferase enzyme activity was also substantially reduced in vitro when dephosphorylated, or when p58 specific antibodies were used to inhibit kinase activity. These results suggest that galactosyltransferase activity is influenced by phosphorylation, and that the p58 protein kinase may mediate this effect.
A new highly potent antagonist of bradykinin.

Abstract We report that the acylation of the N-terminus of [D-Arg 0 ,Hyp 3 ,Thi 5.8 ,D-Phe 7 ]bradykinin, one of the most potent bradykinin antagonists described to date, with 1-adamantane-acetic acid, results in an analogue with more than ten times enhanced potency. The new analogue does not increase the plasma catecholamines, even when administered at doses sufficient to inhibit by more than 90% the vasodepressor response to 250 ng of exogenous bradykinin. This modification suggests new possibilities for the design of even more potent and selective bradykinin antagonists for studying the physiopathology of bradykinin.
Shock wave evolution in a chemically reacting mixture with microstructure

Abstract The evolutionary behavior of one-dimensional shock waves in a chemically reacting mixture possessing a microstructure is described by a shock-evolution equation presented herein. This relation is used in conjunction with experimental results to quantify the shock front chemical reactivity in the granular heterogeneous explosive PBX-9404. The results suggest a chemical reactivity which departs from the classical Arrhenius kinetics description.
A reduced quasi—dimensional model to predict the effect of nozzle geometry on diesel engine performance and emissions:

The predictive capability of the engine cycle simulation previously developed on the basis of a reduced quasi—dimensional combustion model has been enhanced by introducing a new submodel that correlates the discharge coefficient of the injector nozzle with the design variables of the nozzle and injection conditions. This enhancement enables prediction of the effect of microvariations in the injector nozzle hole geometry as well as the variations in the main design parameters on diesel spray evolution and combustion processes. As a result, the engine cycle simulation model can predict changes in engine performance and emissions due to injector nozzle design changes. First, the effect of the chamfer radius of the injector nozzle inlet on the discharge coefficient at various injection pressures was explored by simulating fuel injection in a constant—pressure vessel. The results showed that a larger chamfer radius improves the discharge coefficient and the rounded nozzle inlet can also reduce injector—to—inje...
The Doctor-Patient Relationship: Headed for Impasse or Improvement?

Deterioration and doctor-patient rapport may be due to increased consumerism, a rise in medical technology, and a societal trend towards deprofessionalization. Increased emphasis on doctor-patient rapport during medical training, closer supervision of studied-patient interactions by physicians trained in the biopsychosocial approach, continuing medical education courses to update the practitioner's interpersonal skills, and a change in medical school admission policies are recommended. Increased consumer involvement in individual doctor-patient relationships and in the health care structure may result in greater patient satisfaction and improved health care.
The New Chicago School of Urbanism and the New Daley Machine

In the twentieth century, the “Chicago School” became a primary paradigm of urban studies. The demise of city machine governments, coupled with the changing settlement and business patterns, have r...
New insights into the role of iron in the promotion of lipid oxidation in bulk oils containing reverse micelles.

Formation of physical structures, known as association colloids, in bulk oils can promote lipid oxidation. However, the cause of this accelerated lipid oxidation is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether transition metals were important prooxidants in bulk oils containing reverse micelles produced from 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) and water. The Fe(III) chelator deferoxamine (DFO) increased the oxidative stability of stripped soybean oil (SSO) containing reverse micelles from 2 to 7 days. Because phosphatidylcholine (1,2-dibutyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) that does not form reverse micelles is not prooxidative, these results suggest that the prooxidant activity of DOPC reverse micelles could be due to their ability to concentrate both endogenous iron and lipid hydroperoxides at the water–lipid interface, thereby increasing the ability of iron to decompose lipid hydroperoxides. DFO was also able to improve the activity of α-tocopherol and Trolox in SSO con...
Use of Task-Value Instructional Inductions for Facilitating Engagement and Conceptual Change.

Abstract This study explored the relationship between task values, engagement, and conceptual change. One hundred and sixty-six under graduate students were randomly assigned to one of three task value instructional inductions (utility, attainment, and control) to determine whether induced task values would result in different degrees of engagement and conceptual change when reading a refutation text about the common cold. It was hypothesized that the participants in the utility, attainment, and control conditions would differ in their engagement, and degree of conceptual change. Statistical differences were observed among the participants in the task value and control conditions on perceived engagement as well as conceptual change. The results indicate that the participants who were in the utility condition rated their engagement as significantly higher than those in the control condition. Furthermore, participants in the utility condition demonstrated the greatest degree of conceptual change. The usefulness of task value inductions for facilitating engagement and conceptual change is discussed.
Genetic and Environmental Contributions to the Relationship Between Violent Victimization and Criminal Behavior

Studies have shown that there is a significant association between violent victimization and criminal behavior. One potential explanation for this association is that genetically mediated processes contribute to both violent victimization and criminal behavior. The current study uses data from the twin sample of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (n = 2,568) to examine whether genetic and/or environmental factors explain the correlation between violent victimization and criminal behavior in adolescence and early adulthood. Results from the bivariate genetic analyses reveal that genetic factors explain 39% of the covariance between violent victimization and delinquency in adolescence and 20% of the correlation between violent victimization and criminal behavior in early adulthood. The remaining covariance between violent victimization and criminal behaviors is attributed to the same nonshared environmental factors operating on both. The implications of these findings in relation to the victimization literature are discussed.
A synoptic study of the F2-region of the ionosphere in the Asian zone

Abstract A detailed study of the variation of ƒ 0 F2 at ionospheric stations in the Asian zone shows that the region of maximum ƒ 0 F2 varies with the time of the day as well as with the season. The anomalous belt of the F2-layer develops at the equator near sunrise and slowly expands with the progress of the day, and is most extended during the afternoon hours. Multiple splittings in the F-region and other abnormal P′-ƒ recordings observed at middle latitudes are shown to be associated with some striking features in the synoptic distribution of ƒ 0 F2 . The abnormal recordings can be explained on the basis of horizontal movements in the ionosphere, being in the eastwest direction before sunrise in the morning or after sunset in the evening, and in the north-south direction during the forenoon.
Army Research Laboratory's Advanced Displays and Interactive Displays Fedlab technology transitions

The Advanced Displays and Interactive Displays Federated Laboratory is in its fourth year of a five year research project. Diverse area of research such as intelligent information processing techniques for the display of course of action, augmented reality, tactile displays, bimodal speech recognition and other cognitive engineering result are being readied for transition to various Army customers. In this paper we describe some of the research results along with their potential Army applications.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Form and Function of Poverty: Examining National Identity through Public Housing Architecture

Abstract Lawrence J. Vale tells us that “grand symbolic state buildings need to be understood in terms of the political and cultural contexts that helped to bring them into being,” 1 and that these buildings can help us understand our national identity. But all buildings are part of a broader political and cultural context. Even unimpressive state-funded buildings express meaning about the politics, power, and priorities of a nation. Because these buildings are not purposefully symbolic, their symbolism has the potential to provide a less contrived—though perhaps less appealing—portrayal of the nation in which they are built. Public housing provides an example of this idea. Public housing in the United States is latent with negative meanings that are reinforced and perpetuated by its architecture, siting, and design. This article examines three historical and iconic public housing communities and analyzes the meanings of these spaces through Goodman's four frames of reference—denotation, exemplification, ...
Vitamin K deficiency in the newborn infant: Prevalence and perinatal risk factors

The prevalence of vitamin K deficiency in newborn infants and the influence of perinatal risk factors were studied prospectively in 934 infants. A noncarboxylated prothrombin assay to detect proteins induced in vitamin K absence (PIVKA-II) was used to determine the presence of vitamin K deficiency; of 934 cord blood samples assayed, 2.9% were positive for PIVKA-II (0.015 to 0.15 U/ml). All infants found to have detectable PIVKA-II were born at term. The number of infants positive for PIVKA-II was greater in the group small for gestational age (7.4%) than in those appropriate (2.7%) or large (3.1%) for gestational age. Nine categories of perinatal risk groups were defined: however, the majority of infants who were PIVKA-II positive (63%) were normal. All infants received prophylactic vitamin K, and no infant with PIVKA-II in the cord sample subsequently had clinical bleeding. In two patients the rate of 50% disappearance of PIVKA-II after vitamin K administration approximated 70 hours. Two PIVKA-II positive patients with active bleeding or disseminated intravascular coagulation had an accelerated disappearance of 20 to 40 hours. The long disappearance time of PIVKA-II in a steady state may allow detection of vitamin K deficiency despite administration of vitamin K. The majority of cases of neonatal vitamin K deficiency occurred in normal newborn infants. Therefore, all infants should receive prophylactic vitamin K at birth
Building friendly parsers

An essential part of any interactive programming development system is an incremental parser capable of error recovery. This paper presents a general incremental parser for LR(1) grammars allowing several/any form of modifications in the input program. The parser is suplemented with error recovery routines using an error automaton. Errors can be corrected automatically by recovery routines, or by the user at his request.
The plethystic inverse of a formal power series

Abstract A bijective definition of Littlewood's plethysm of symmetric functions in terms of unlabelled colored combinatorial structures is introduced. The plethystic inverse is understood by examining associated partially ordered sets and using Mobius inversion techniques.
Cratering and cosmogenic nuclides

A simple probabilistic model was constructed for the average value of a cosmogenic nuclide as a function of depth in a regolith. An arbitrary function was chosen for the size distribution of craters. The resulting integro-differential equation was found to reduce in limiting cases to: 1) the marching equation with a characteristic residence time, and 2) to the diffusion equation. The regolith diffusion constant is shown to be a simple integral of the cratering rate weighted by geometrical terms. This formal treatment provides a direct and general connection between cosmogenic nuclides and cratering rates and crater population in a simple analytical form. The validity of this model remains to be tested.
Impact into lunar regolith inhibits high‐velocity ejection of large blocks

[1] Our data suggest that the presence of a layer of regolith covering the lunar surface results in a portion of the high-velocity ejection phase occurring in the fine-grained regolith, reducing the population of large blocks available for ejection at high velocities. This conclusion is supported by a study of boulder distributions around 10 lunar craters. The boulder ejection velocities were calculated by applying crater ejecta scaling relations and assuming a ballistic trajectory. Regolith depths were estimated by analyzing the morphology of small craters (tens of meters in diameter). Because both meteorites and distant secondary craters are produced by solid fragments within the highest-velocity ejecta, we conclude that less regolith cover at the impact site will favor the formation of meteorites and distant secondary craters.
Local Public Health Delivery of Maternal Child Health Services: Are Specific Activities Associated with Reductions in Black–White Mortality Disparities?

To identify which MCH services delivered by local health departments (LHD) appear associated with reducing differences in Black–White mortality. We used a time-trend design to investigate relationships between change in MCH activities provided by LHDs in 1993 and in 2005 and changes in 1993–2005 Black–White mortality disparities. Secondary data were analyzed for 558 US counties and multi-county districts. Independent variables included the six MCH services provided by LHDs and captured in the 1993 and 2005 NACCHO Profile of Local Public Health Departments surveys. MCH service variables represented change in each service from 1993 to 2005. Control variables included selected LHD characteristics and county-level socioeconomic, demographic, and health provider resource data. Absolute change in Black and White mortality rates and changes in the mortality disparity “gap” between these rates in 1993 and 2005 were examined as dependent variables. Among the MCH services examined, prenatal care had a significant beneficial relationship with Black all-age mortality change and with reducing the mortality “gap.” Family planning services had a beneficial relationship with reducing the mortality “gap” for females in the jurisdictions in the study sample. WIC services indicated the most consistently beneficial relationship with both Black mortality and White mortality change, but these changes did not influence the mortality “gap” during the study period. LHD delivery of family planning and prenatal care by LHDs appears related to reductions in Black–White mortality disparities. Implications of this study suggest the importance of certain MCH services for reducing Black–White mortality disparities.
Characterization of Sublethal Microcystin-LR Exposure in Mice

Microcystin-LR (MCLR) is a potent hepatotoxin produced by the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa. The histology of acute lethal toxicity has been well characterized, but histology is limited regarding sublethal exposure. Balb/C mice were given a single sublethal dose of MCLR (45 microg/kg) and euthanized at 2, 4, 12, and 24 hours after exposure. Centrilobular to midzonal hepatocellular hypertrophy with loss of cytosolic vacuolation consistent with glycogen depletion occurred at 2 hours. At 4 hours, central lobular hepatocytes exhibited eccentric areas of eosinophilic cytoplasmic condensation that were partially aggregated around the outer nuclear membrane. The areas were weakly positive for cytokeratin and somewhat resembled the Mallory bodies of alcoholic human hepatitis. Small numbers of apoptotic hepatocytes were seen at 24 hours. The toxin was detectable by immunohistochemistry (IHC) as early as 2 hours and was colocalized with the areas of hepatocellular hypertrophy. Intense nuclear staining occurred at 4 hours; this was no longer evident after 12 hours. Strong staining of apoptotic bodies occurred at 24 hours. Mice that received two daily doses had a marked increase in apoptotic hepatocytes in the centrilobular areas. Lesions at four and seven doses consisted of marked hepatocytomegaly and karyomegaly with parenchymal disarray and cytosolic vacuolation. IHC revealed diffuse staining throughout the liver parenchyma consistent with toxin accumulation. An anti-MCLR monoclonal antibody detected bands at the 40-kDa mark in nuclear extracts that were identified as protein phosphatases 1 and 2A by western blotting, consistent with a covalent interaction between MCLR and nuclear protein phosphatases.
Application of the military computer family architecture selection criteria to the PR1ME P400

The evluation criteria and procedures developed by the Army-Navy Comittee on military computer family architecture selection and utilized by that committee in the evaluation of nine candidate architectures were applied to the PR1ME 400 computer system. The result of this project provided a better understanding of the PR1ME 400 architecture, while at the same time, highlighted some of the problems in interpreting the committees' evaluation criteria and the problems in applying in such an evaluation procedure.
Increasing the Selectivity of Drug Discrimination Procedures

In an attempt to increase the selectivity of drug discrimination, rats were trained to discriminate LSD (0.08 mg/kg) from a group of "other" compounds consisting of cocaine (10 mg/kg), pentobarbital (5 mg/kg), and saline. Acquisition of this LSD-other discrimination was rapid (31 days) in chambers equipped with retractable levers and did not differ significantly from that of a group of animals trained to discriminate LSD from saline (26 days). In substitution (generalization) tests, hallucinogens such as LSD, DMT, and DOM mimicked LSD in a dose-dependent manner in both groups. The designer drug (+/-)MDMA substituted for LSD in the LSD-other group (ED50 = 1.38) but did not substitute for the training drug in the LSD-ND group; neither (+) MDMA nor PCP mimicked LSD in either group. Most importantly, lisuride, quipazine, and yohimbine, drugs that have been described as "false positives," substituted for LSD in animals trained to discriminate LSD from saline (ED50s = 0.012, 1.662, 2.344, respectively), but not in animals trained to discriminate LSD from other drugs. Thus, the LSD-other training procedure can be described as more selective than the standard drug-ND procedure.
Similarity between children's and adults' adjective responses to noun stimuli

This analysis examined similarities between fifth-graders' and adults' sensory-adjective type responses to common noun stimuli. Similarity was determined by the identical and different responses given to each stimulus as well as their respective response strengths. Ninety-nine nouns from Underwood and Richardson's adult norms were presented to 232 fifth-graders. Response hierarchies to each stimulus were obtained and compared with response hierarchies of adults for the same stimulus words. Results showed a moderately high degree of similarity between adults' and children's responses.
The Ramsey Rule Reconsidered

The Ramsey rule for optimal excise taxation suggests that goods should be taxed in inverse proportion to their elasticities of demand. This analysis shows that when the political process that deter...
Designing interband and intersubband quantum well lasers

Reports of new and improved semiconductor lasers incorporating quantum well (QW) active layers continue to appear. Of particular note has been the extension of the wavelength range over which electrically driven devices can operate at room temperature. At the short wavelength end near 0.4 /spl mu/m, we have the InGaN MQW laser which operates based on electron energy transitions between conduction and valence bands (interband lasers). At the long wavelength end near 11.5 /spl mu/m, we have the InGaAs MQW laser (the quantum cascade laser) which operates based on electron energy transitions between subbands in the conduction band (intersubband lasers). In designing interband lasers, one usually assumes that the carriers in the quantum wells occupy energy levels determined by the Fermi-Dirac distribution and that optical gain is achieved based on nonequilibrium quasi-Fermi level concepts. For intersubband lasers, one usually ignores the Fermi-Dirac distribution and utilizes four level laser concepts instead. In the tutorial, the methods used to estimate threshold current density for both laser types will be outlined and the reasons for the different approaches discussed.
The financial structure of startup firms: The role of assets, information, and entrepreneur characteristics

Using the Kauffman Firm Survey, we examine how characteristics of a startup’s assets, information about the startup, and entrepreneur attributes relate to financial structure at inception. Startups with more physical assets or those where the entrepreneurs have other similar businesses are more likely to use external debt in the financial structure since these assets have a high liquidation value. Startups with human capital embodied in the entrepreneur or intellectual property assets have a lower probability of using debt, consistent with the higher asset specificity and lower collateral value of these assets. Startups characterized as small, unincorporated, solo, first-time, or home-office-based are more likely to be financed by self, family and friends, and importantly through credit cards, as these have both highly specific assets and information opacity. More educated founders and non-African American founders are more likely to be financed by external sources. Controlling for other attributes of the startup, the financial structure of women-owned startups does not differ from that of other startups. Hi-tech startups’ financial structure differs significantly from that of startups in other business sectors.
PDLIM2 restricts Th1 and Th17 differentiation and prevents autoimmune disease

PDLIM2 is essential for the termination of the inflammatory transcription factors NF-κB and STAT but is dispensable for the development of immune cells and immune tissues/organs. Currently, it remains unknown whether and how PDLIM2 is involved in physiologic and pathogenic processes. Here we report that naive PDLIM2 deficient CD4+ T cells were prone to differentiate into Th1 and Th17 cells. PDLIM2 deficiency, however, had no obvious effect on lineage commitment towards Th2 or Treg cells. Notably, PDLIM2 deficient mice exhibited increased susceptibility to experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE), a Th1 and/or Th17 cell-mediated inflammatory disease model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Mechanistic studies further indicate that PDLIM2 was required for restricting expression of Th1 and Th17 cytokines, which was in accordance with the role of PDLIM2 in the termination of NF-κB and STAT activation. These findings suggest that PDLIM2 is a key modulator of T-cell-mediated immune responses that may be targeted for the therapy of human autoimmune diseases.
Both low birthweight and high birthweight are associated with cognitive impairment in persons with schizophrenia and their first-degree relatives

BackgroundBoth low birthweight and high birthweight have been associated with an increased risk for schizophrenia and cognitive impairments in the general population. We assessed the association between birthweight and cognitive performance in persons with schizophrenia and their unaffected first-degree relatives.MethodWe investigated a population-based family sample comprising persons with schizophrenia (n = 142) and their unaffected first-degree relatives (n = 277). Both patients and relatives were interviewed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders, Clinician Version (SCID-CV) and a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery was administered. Information on birthweight was obtained from obstetric records. We used generalized estimating equation (GEE) models to investigate the effect of birthweight, as a continuous variable, on cognitive functioning, adjusting for within-family correlation and relevant covariates.ResultsBoth low birthweight and high birthweight were associated with lower performance in visuospatial reasoning, processing speed, set-shifting and verbal and visual working memory among persons with schizophrenia and their unaffected first-degree relatives compared to individuals with birthweight in the intermediate range. The group × birthweight interactions were non-significant.ConclusionsBoth low birthweight and high birthweight are associated with deficits in cognition later in life. Schizophrenia does not seem to modify the relationship between birthweight and cognition in families with schizophrenia.
Robustness of birth-death and gain models for inferring evolutionary events.

Phylogenetic birth-death models are opening a new window on the processes of genome evolution in studies of the evolution of gene and protein families, protein-protein interaction networks, microRNAs, and copy number variation. Given a species tree and a set of genomic characters in present-day species, the birth-death approach estimates the most likely rates required to explain the observed data and returns the expected ancestral character states and the history of character state changes. Achieving a balance between model complexity and generalizability is a fundamental challenge in the application of birth-death models. While more parameters promise greater accuracy and more biologically realistic models, increasing model complexity can lead to overfitting and a heavy computational cost. Here we present a systematic, empirical investigation of these tradeoffs, using protein domain families in six metazoan genomes as a case study. We compared models of increasing complexity, implemented in the Count program, with respect to model fit, robustness, and stability. In addition, we used a bootstrapping procedure to assess estimator variability. The results show that the most complex model, which allows for both branch-specific and family-specific rate variation, achieves the best fit, without overfitting. Variance remains low with increasing complexity, except for family-specific loss rates. This variance is reduced when the number of discrete rate categories is increased. Model choice is of greatest concern when different models lead to fundamentally different outcomes. To investigate the extent to which model choice influences biological interpretation, ancestral states and expected events were inferred under each model. Disturbingly, the different models not only resulted in quantitatively different histories, but predicted qualitatively different patterns of domain family turnover and genome expansion and reduction. The work presented here evaluates model choice for genomic birth-death models in a systematic way and presents the first use of bootstrapping to assess estimator variance in birth-death models. We find that a model incorporating both lineage and family rate variation yields more accurate estimators without sacrificing generality. Our results indicate that model choice can lead to fundamentally different evolutionary conclusions, emphasizing the importance of more biologically realistic and complex models.
SplitPocket: identification of protein functional surfaces and characterization of their spatial patterns

SplitPocket (http://pocket.uchicago.edu/) is a web server to identify functional surfaces of protein from structure coordinates. Using the Alpha Shape Theory, we previously developed an analytical approach to identify protein functional surfaces by the geometric concept of a split pocket, which is a pocket split by a binding ligand. Our geometric approach extracts site-specific spatial information from coordinates of structures. To reduce the search space, probe radii are designed according to the physicochemical textures of molecules. The method uses the weighted Delaunay triangulation and the discrete flow algorithm to obtain geometric measurements and spatial patterns for each predicted pocket. It can also measure the hydrophobicity on a surface patch. Furthermore, we quantify the evolutionary conservation of surface patches by an index derived from the entropy scores in HSSP (homology-derived secondary structure of proteins). We have used the method to examine ∼1.16 million potential pockets and identified the split pockets in >26 000 structures in the Protein Data Bank. This integrated web server of functional surfaces provides a source of spatial patterns to serve as templates for predicting the functional surfaces of unbound structures involved in binding activities. These spatial patterns should also be useful for protein functional inference, structural evolution and drug design.
What's for dinner?: Entner-Doudoroff metabolism in Escherichia coli.

The Entner-Doudoroff (ED) pathway was first discovered in 1952 in Pseudomonas saccharophila (21) and several years later was shown to be present in Escherichia coli (23). Although generally considered to be restricted to gram-negative bacteria, the ED pathway is present in all three phylogenetic domains, including the most deeply rooted Archaea (18). The ubiquity of the ED pathway suggests that it is of far greater importance in nature than was previously recognized. In fact, a recent essay on the evolution of glycolytic pathways suggested that the ED pathway predates the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway (60). E. coli is generally recognized as a member of the normal gastrointestinal microbiota and is extremely versatile, with the ability to grow on many of the nutrients that can be found there (45). But what exactly are the nutrients preferred by E. coli to support its growth in the intestine? And what about growth of E. coli outside of the intestine? Certainly E. coli spends periods of time in aquatic, aerobic habitats when it is in between host intestinal tracts. Mounting evidence suggests that sugar acid metabolism via the ED pathway is important for growth of E. coli in both intestinal and aquatic habitats. The role of the ED pathway, especially with regard to colonization of the mammalian large intestine, will be discussed below. The biochemistry and physiology of sugar acid metabolism in E. coli are very well understood, and several newly discovered genes encoding sugar acid transporters, associated regulatory proteins, and a novel pathway for sugar acid catabolism have been identified as a result of the E. coli genome project (12). Homology searches reveal that the genes of the ED pathway are present on several other genomes (Table 1), and it is becoming clear that there will be additional, perhaps even novel, sugar acid catabolic pathways revealed by analysis of these genomes. OVERVIEW OF THE ED PATHWAY The ED pathway can be properly considered as one of three pathways found in nature, in addition to the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas and pentose phosphate pathways, that feed into the “bottom half” of glycolysis, which is central to all of intermediary metabolism (18, 28). The overall schemes of the ED and Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathways are quite similar: 6-carbon sugars are primed by phosphorylation and subsequently cleaved by aldolase enzymes into two 3-carbon intermediates (Fig. 1). The primary distinction between the two pathways lies in the nature of the 6-carbon metabolites that serve as substrates for aldol cleavage: for the ED pathway this intermediate is 2-keto-3-deoxy-6-phosphogluconate (KDPG). The first of the two key enzymes is unique to the ED pathway, 6-phosphogluconate dehydratase (Edd), which catalyzes a dehydration of 6-phosphogluconate to form KDPG. The second enzyme of the ED pathway, KDPG aldolase (Eda), catalyzes an aldol cleavage of KDPG to form pyruvate and glyceraldehyde3-phosphate. The triose phosphate intermediate is further metabolized by the glycolytic pathway and provides energy via substrate-level phosphorylation.
From engineering management/R&D management, to the management of innovation, to exploiting and exploring over value nets: 50 years of research initiated by the IEEE-TEM

We now have the research-based insights and tools to help firms to both innovate and exploit today's success, as well as explore into the future to sustain tomorrow's success. We have deep insights into managerial and organizational dynamic capabilities. Our field has the tools to help managers diagnose to roots of engineering and innovation pathologies, as well as to take strategic action to shape the nature of technological change and in turn, innovation streams. Yet, while our field knows much about the phenomena of engineering and innovation management, we do not have substantial impact on the actual practice of engineering/innovation management.
3D PIC simulations of large-radius, annular E-beams in low-pressure air

Summary form only given. High-current relativistic electron beams (e-beams) produced on the Saturn pulsed power accelerator at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) can be used to generate high dose bremsstrahlung radiation. Typically, multiple concentric ring diodes on Saturn produce currents up to 10 MA at voltages of about 1.6 MV. To study the beam characteristics and transport efficiencies in gas channels at various pressures ranging from 1 to 20 Torr, two- and three-dimensional PIC simulations using LSP have been performed in air-filled gas channels with R/sub channel/ = 15 cm and L/sub channel/ = 10-15 cm./sub ./ Injected current densities up to 75 kA/cm/sup 2/ with angular half-angle divergence ranging from 5/spl deg/ - 30/spl deg/ were tested. Self-fields, collisions, and ionization / recombination physics were modeled in the gas channel self-consistently using a tenuous medium model. Two-dimensional (2D) simulations demonstrated 90 - 100% transport efficiencies in these channels with gas pressures in the range of 5 - 15 Torr. However, experiments at 5 Torr showed that efficiency degraded after 5 cm of transport, suggesting limitations of the 2D modeling. Here, 3D simulations using LSP suggest the influence of a Weibel-like instability in low-divergence (5/spl deg/ half-angle) injections that leads to filamentation of the e-beams; warmer injections (up to 30/spl deg/ half angle) can help avoid this filamentation instability on the time scale of the simulations. Filamentation of the annular beams and limited current neutralization in low-pressure gases lead to beam-to-beam interaction and subsequent loss of beam transport efficiency. In simulations with injections into un-ionized 5 Torr air, annular beam transport was lost after 5 cm, consistent with experimental observations. Simulated initial "seed" ionization of up to 1% raised plasma conductivity to provide better current neutralization and transport. Transport efficiency and annular beam transport quality versus pre-ionization level, injection divergence half-angle, and pressure will be shown.
A comparison of different murine models for cytomegalovirus-induced sensorineural hearing loss.

Objectives/Hypothesis To compare three different inoculation techniques for the development of cytomegalovirus (CMV)-induced sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in a mouse model. Study Design A prospective experimental animal study. Methods BALB/c mice underwent inoculation using green fluorescent protein-expressing mouse cytomegalovirus (mCMV-GFP) via transtympanic (TT), intraperitoneal (IP), or intracranial (IC) routes. Control mice received an equal volume of saline. Hearing thresholds were measured using both distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) and evoked auditory brainstem response studies (ABR). Cochleas were harvested for histological examination and cytocochleogram. Results No mice in the TT or IP groups showed significant hearing loss. All infected mice in the IC group showed significantly elevated ABR and DPOAE thresholds at 4 weeks of age. Ten mice (55%) had profound hearing loss (≥80 dB) at 4 weeks of age, while the other eight mice (45%) initially showed moderate hearing loss (≤20 dB), which progressed to profound hearing loss by 6 to 8 weeks. Asymmetric hearing loss was seen in 40% of the mice. Temporal bone histology showed diffuse loss of outer hair cells (OHC). Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled virus was abundant in the spiral ganglion and adjacent to the scala tympani at the basal region of the cochlea at 7 days postinjection, and devoid of GFP labeling by 14 days postinfection. Conclusions Intracerebral injection of mCMV preferentially causes mCMV-mediated hearing loss relative to IP or TT injections. These results are consistent with the hearing loss reported in human congenital infection and may have implications for understanding the pathophysiology of CMV-mediated labyrinthitis. Level of Evidence N/A. Laryngoscope, 123:2801–2806, 2013
Kinematics of the cercopithecine foot on arboreal and terrestrial substrates with implications for the interpretation of hominid terrestrial adaptations

The stereotyped characterizations of quadrupedal foot postures were tested by examining the kinematics of the cercopithecine foot on arboreal and terrestrial supports. Strictly arboreal species were compared with semi-terrestrial species for Cercopithecus, Cercocebus, Lophocebus, and Papio, in semi-natural or experimental settings. Results indicate that the kinematics of the cercopithecine arboreal quadruped differ in degree from stereotypical expectations for an arboreal quadruped. The relatively extended, adducted limb movements of the cercopithecines and the emphasis on the central digit as the functional axis of the foot suggest convergence with terrestrial mammalian cursors, and differ from the platyrrhine or colobine arboreal quadruped. The characteristics of the quadrupedal terrestrial primate foot contrast with the very unique pattern seen in the hominid foot. These contrasts provide a new perspective from which to interpret the hominid adaptation, in which the functional axis has remained fixed between the first and second digits. This pattern differs from virtually all other terrestrial mammals. The influence of bipedalism on this functional pattern is examined.
Synthetic idiotypes: The third hypervariable region of murine anti-dextran antibodies

Synthetic peptides with the sequence of the third hypervariable region of either M104 or J558 murine myeloma proteins have been used to immunize rabbits. Most of the resulting antisera distinguished the two proteins in a specific manner corresponding to the sequence of the immunizing peptide. Thus synthetic peptides have been used to elicit antisera specific for particular idiotypes. These studies have significant implications for our understanding of the molecular basis of idiotypy.
Interjudge agreement in classifying students as learning disabled

Eighteen judges with backgrounds in assessment, decision making, and learning disabilities were asked to use an array of information to differentiate learning disabled and nonlearning disabled students. Each judge was provided with forms containing information on 42 test or subtest scores of 50 school-identified LD students and 49 non-LD students. Judges were extremely inaccurate in their classifications and in little agreement with each other. Also, it appeared that different judges emphasized different factors when making their decisions. The results suggest that, given current definitions of the condition called “learning disabilities,” there is considerable doubt that school personnel can accurately and reliably identify such students.
Regulation of types I and III NOS in ovine uterine arteries by daily and acute estrogen exposure.

Nitric oxide contributes to estrogen-mediated uterine vasodilation; however, the nitric oxide synthases (NOS) involved and their location within uterine arteries are incompletely documented. We inv...