cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Peptidylprolyl Isomerase Pin1 Directly Enhances the DNA Binding Functions of Estrogen Receptor α.

The transcriptional activity of estrogen receptor α (ERα), the key driver of breast cancer proliferation, is enhanced by multiple cellular interactions, including phosphorylation-dependent interaction with Pin1, a proline isomerase, which mediates cis-trans isomerization of the N-terminal Ser(P)118-Pro119 in the intrinsically disordered AF1 (activation function 1) domain of ERα. Because both ERα and Pin1 have multiple cellular partners, it is unclear how Pin1 assists in the regulation of ERα transactivation mechanisms and whether the functional effects of Pin1 on ERα signaling are direct or indirect. Here, we tested the specific action of Pin1 on an essential step in ERα transactivation, binding to specific DNA sites. DNA binding analysis demonstrates that stable overexpression of Pin1 increases endogenous ERα DNA binding activity when activated by estrogen but not by tamoxifen or EGF. Increased DNA binding affinity is a direct effect of Pin1 on ERα because it is observed in solution-based assays with purified components. Further, our data indicate that isomerization is required for Pin1-modulation of ERα-DNA interactions. In an unbiased in vitro DNA binding microarray with hundreds of thousands of permutations of ERα-binding elements, Pin1 selectively enhances the binding affinity of ERα to consensus DNA elements. These studies reveal that Pin1 isomerization of phosphorylated ERα can directly regulate the function of the adjacent DNA binding domain, and this interaction is further modulated by ligand binding in the ligand-binding domain, providing evidence for Pin1-dependent allosteric regulation of ERα function. Background: Estrogen receptor α (ERα) activity in breast cancer cells is increased by Pin1, an isomerase that alters protein conformation. Results: Pin1-mediated isomerization increases ERα DNA binding affinity. Conclusion: Pin1 allosterically regulates ERα DNA binding directly via isomerization of phosphorylated receptor. Significance: Pin1 regulation of ERα provides a framework for understanding regulation by intrinsically disordered domains on transcription factor function.
Coincident sediment slump/clathrate complexes on the U.S. Atlantic continental slope

High-resolution seismic reflection data recorded on the continental slope off the east coast of the United States have revealed instances of sediment mass movement (slumps) which appear to occur above clathrate accumulations. The slumping is believed to be related to the liberation of free gas by clathrate decomposition and consequent weakening of unconsolidated sediments above the clathrate. Pleistocene sea-level lowering and/or post-Pleistocene bottom water temperature increases may have had a significant role in this process.
Stiffness and Stability Characteristics of Small Satellite Deployables With Integrated Tape-Spring Booms

Currently, the small satellite mechanisms that are used to deploy sensors and antennae in space have been restricted to simple one arm pin jointed members or telescopic mechanisms. This means, to deploy multiple sensors, multiple actuators and controllers are required. However, simple rigid link mechanisms, like the 6-bar hexagonal mechanism described in this paper, give the freedom to incorporate a greater number of sensor platforms in one deployable structure and also helps reduce the number of actuators. In fact, by the use of boom technology, the entire mechanism can be deployed by a single tape-spring boom. Further, to make these structures more robust and stiffer at the joints, rotational springs can be used. In this paper, an attempt is made to study the stiffness and stability of such mechanisms at their equilibrium points. Also since the positions and orientations of the sensor platforms are critical, it is shown through a few examples how these parameters can be adjusted just by tweaking the preloads of the rotational springs. The tape-spring boom — which is bi-stable in nature — offers further stiffness to the structure in its deployed state. It is well known now and also well established by the theory of mechanics of materials that by arranging multiple tape springs in certain orientations within the boom; a boom can be obtained with significant axial and flexural stiffness in its deployed state. Through modal analyses at equilibrium and by looking at the characteristics of the Hessian of the potential energy function, it is also shown how this significantly rigid boom affects the stiffness and stability of the structure. Herein, the force method of matrix analysis for deployable structures is used for analyses. This paper also discusses the possibilities of the system failing due to insufficient actuation force by the boom — the condition where the boom does not reach its second stable position.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Design And Implementation Of Multiple Digital Viewing Stations

The rapid transition of radiology from film to digital imaging leads to new approaches in storing, communicating, displaying, viewing and retrieving diagnostic images. The purpose of this paper is to describe a prototype multiple digital viewing station being designed and implemented in our department as a first major step in this direction. The development involves four phases.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The demonstration in amorphous penicillin of a non‐penicillin factor which enhances its protective action

The presence of a protective enhancement factor in amorphous penicillin has been demonstrated in a large proportion of penicillin samples examined. A method is described for determining the presence of this factor which enhances the activity of penicillin but is itself devoid of in vivo activity.
Long-term effects of adolescent-onset and persistent use of cannabis

Marijuana use has increased over the past 20 y in the United States, and current trends suggest it may continue to rise. Recent polls in the United States suggest that population acceptance is at an all-time high: 56% support the legalization for recreational use and 70% for medical use (http://healthland.time.com/2012/06/14). A survey of secondary school students in the United States (Monitoring the Future: http://monitoringthefuture.org) suggests a resurgence of marijuana use (Fig. 1): after a decade or more of decline to 22% in 1992, the annual prevalence of use in high school senior students climbed to nearly 40% in 2011, with a parallel decrease in perceived risk of regular use from almost 80% to approximately 45% (1). Although short-term trends reveal some temporary decreases (2), the recent trends of increasing use and acceptance of marijuana over the past 5 y (1) heighten the importance of a scientific basis for understanding effects of marijuana (cannabis).
What is this song about anyway?: automatic classification of subject using user interpretations and lyrics

Metadata research for music digital libraries has traditionally focused on genre. Despite its potential for improving the ability of users to better search and browse music collections, music subject metadata is an unexplored area. The objective of this study is to expand the scope of music metadata research, in particular, by exploring music subject classification based on user interpretations of music. Furthermore, we compare this previously unexplored form of user data to lyrics at subject prediction tasks. In our experiment, we use datasets consisting of 900 songs annotated with user interpretations. To determine the significance of performance differences between the two sources, we applied Friedman's ANOVA test on the classification accuracies. The results show that user-generated interpretations are significantly more useful than lyrics as classification features (p < 0.05). The findings support the possibility of exploiting various existing sources for subject metadata enrichment in music digital libraries.
A critical look at gender difference in communication research

In this essay, the assumptions, ideologies, and methodologies that provide the foundation for much of the research conducted on gender differences in interpersonal communication are critically analyzed. (Sociological) gender is often studied as (biological) sex, a pattern that perpetuates misinformation about the meaning of male‐female differences. In addition, the results of many of these studies are generalized, leaving crucial within‐group differences relatively ignored. Researchers also often study gender as a predictor variable, paying less attention to how communication creates gender. Finally, results of gender‐difference studies do not tend to be analyzed or presented critically. Suggestions are offered for undergoing more reflexive reports of gender difference in interpersonal communication.
Decision-making as to type of treatment in a child psychiatry clinic.

What factors influence diagnosticians' judgments when making recommendations? Twenty-eight families seeking treatment were rated on numerous variables, which were then factor analyzed. Two clusters of variables emerged—the first termed the social factor, and the second, the ego factor.
Visualization of multi-dimensional data with vector-fusion

Multi-dimensional entities are modeled, displayed and understood with a new algorithm vectorizing data of any dimensionality. This algorithm is called SBP; it is a vectorized generalization of parallel coordinates. Classic geometries of any dimensionality can be demonstrated to facilitate perception and understanding of the shapes generated by this algorithm. SBP images of a 4D line, a circle and 3D and 4D spherical helices are shown. A strategy for synthesizing multi-dimensional models matching multi-dimensional data is presented. Current applications include data mining; modeling data-defined structures of scientific interest such as protein structure and Calabi-Yau figures as multi-dimensional geometric entities; generating vector-fused data signature fingerprints of classic frequency spectra that identify substances; and treating complex targets as multi-dimensional entities for automatic target recognition. SBP vector data signatures apply to all pattern recognition problems.
Correlation of optical changes in amorphous Ge with enthalpy of relaxation

Ge layers amorphised by silicon ion implantation were ramp-annealed under the same conditions used to measure the enthalpy of relaxation from the as-implanted state to the relaxed amorphous state. The changes in index of refraction n show a good correlation to the change in enthalpy of relaxation. Values of n and extinction coefficient k have been determined from fitting of reflection spectra in the region 4000
On Dark‐Germination and Antheridium Formation in Anemia phyllitidis

Schraudolf's finding is confirmed that gibberellic acid induces antheridia in Anemia phyllitidis and Lygodium japonicum. The activity spectra of gibberellic acid and the native antheridiogen of Anemia phyllitidis are similar: Both induce antheridia in the tested species of the family Schizaeaceae but are inactive towards the tested representatives of other fern families. However, the native antheridiogens of two schizaeaceous species are more species-specific in their action than is gibberellic acid. Anemia medium cancels the light requirement for spore germination as is the case with gibberellic acid. Chromatographic studies indicate that the dark-germination-inducing factor is identical with, or very similar to, the earlier demonstrated antheridiogen. The specificities of the active factors towards dark-germination in A. phyllitidis and L. japonicum are similar to those encountered with antheridium formation. Anemia medium induces dark-germination and induces antheridia on the dark-grown protonemata to a concentration ca. 30 times lower than it induces antheridia on light-grown prothalli. The studies indicate that this differential activity results from a differential competence of the prothalli to react to the active substance in light and darkness.
Inhibition of human lymphocyte activation by wheat germ agglutinin: a model for saccharide-specific suppressor factors.

Abstract The suppressive effect of wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) on lectin-stimulated blastogenesis and immunoglobulin production was studied. Addition of WGA at 10 μg/ml inhibited phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-, concanavalin-A (Con-A)-, and pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-induced mitogenic responses by 70–80%. PWM-driven immunoglobulin synthesis was suppressed by 45% with WGA. The inhibitory effects of WGA were not due to cell death or to interference with lectin binding at the cell surface. Inhibition was dependent on the presence of WGA in the cell culture during the first 24 hr of mitogen exposure and was observed in cultures of both monocytedepleted peripheral blood mononuclear cells as well as T-cell-enriched populations. WGA-induced inhibition of blastogenesis was blocked by the addition of N -acetylglucosamine (GluNAc) which prevents WGA binding to the cell surface. WGA was found to mimic the suppressive effect of a soluble immune suppressor supernatant (SISS) derived from Con-A-activated mononuclear cell cultures. PHA responses were inhibited by 80 and 95% with SISS and WGA, respectively. The inhibition by both WGA and SISS was totally reversed with addition of GluNAc. Furthermore, WGA and SISS demonstrated competition for the same cell surface receptor site. WGA may therefore be useful as an in vitro model of a saccharide-specific, biologically relevant, soluble mediator for the investigation of mechanisms of immunologic suppression.
Probabilistic quantifiers and games

We consider inclusion relations among a multitude of classical complexity classes and classes with probabilistic components. A key tool is a method for characterizing such classes in terms of the ordinary quantifiers 3 and V together with a quantifier 3+, which means roughly “for most,” applied to polynomial-time predicates. This approach yields a uniform treatment which leads to easier proofs for class-inclusion and hierarchy-collapse results. Furthermore, the method captures some recently introduced game classes and game hierarchies. This survey also includes a charting of class-inclusion and oracle-based separation results. @?I 1988 Academic Press. Inc.
A balanced accuracy fitness function leads to robust analysis using grammatical evolution neural networks in the case of class imbalance

Grammatical Evolution Neural Networks (GENN) is a computational method designed to detect gene-gene interactions in genetic epidemiology, but has so far only been evaluated in situations with balanced numbers of cases and controls. Real data, however, rarely has such perfectly balanced classes. In the current study, we test the power of GENN to detect interactions in data with a range of class imbalance using two fitness functions (classification error and balanced error), as well as data re-sampling. We show that when using classification error, class imbalance greatly decreases the power of GENN. Re-sampling methods demonstrated improved power, but using balanced accuracy resulted in the highest power. Based on the results of this study, balanced error has replaced classification error in the GENN algorithm
Microarray analysis of prostate cancer progression to reduced androgen dependence: Studies in unique models contrasts early and late molecular events

Three unique variants of the CWR22 human prostate cancer xenograft model (CWR22LD1, LD2, and LD3) with a decrease in dependence on androgens were selected under noncastrate conditions, i.e., by outgrowth after transplantation into male NCR (AT) nu mice without testosterone supplementation. These variants were unable to grow in castrated male mice. For comparison, a second set of variants with even less dependence on androgens (castrate-resistant) were derived following outgrowth from CWR22 (CWR22Rv1 and RC) or CWRLD1 (CWR22RS) after transplantion in castrated male mice. The androgen receptor (AR) gene in the CWR22LD variants was transcriptionally active and was neither mutated nor significantly overexpressed compared to CWR22. Oligonucleotide microarray analysis showed distinctly different profiles of dysregulated gene expression among the CWR22LD variants. Groups of only 26-41 genes were dysregulated greater than threefold with a different proportion of up versus downregulated genes in each variant. Only one of the castrate-resistant variants (CWR22Rv1) had a highly overexpressed AR gene but AR in this variant and the two other castrate-resistant variants, CWR22 RS and RC, was not mutated beyond that seen in CWR22. In contrast to the CWR22LD variants, a total of 342, 295, and 222 genes were dysregulated at least threefold in CWR22Rv1, CWR22RS, and CWR22RC, respectively, differing as well in the proportion of up versus downregulated genes. Many of the genes dysregulated in CWR22LD1, LD2, and LD3 were further dysregulated in CWR22Rv1, RC, or RS. The most downregulated gene was microseminoprotein beta (MSPB). Along with cyclin D1, the most upregulated gene by an order of magnitude compared to other upregulated genes was hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) (scatter factor). These results suggest that the onset in the loss of androgen dependence in CWR22 proceeds through multiple pathways and does not require any direct change in the status of AR. However, upregulation of other survival pathways like that involving HGF in these studies could co-activate AR signaling. The endogenous overexpression of genes regulating sterol biosynthesis also observed in castrate-resistant CWR22 variants delineated a clinically relevant, compensatory mechanism for overcoming androgen deprivation reaffirming a central role for AR signaling in this process.
Self-generated distraction in erectile dysfunction: The role of attentional processes

Abstract The present paper reviews the available literature on relevant maintaining factors in sexual dysfunction, focusing on definitions of sexual performance anxiety. Empirical studies have defined anxiety as elevated sympathetic arousal or as a cognitive state involving selective attention. These are reviewed, with particular reference to observed differences in patterns of response with sexually functional and dysfunctional men. Overall, investigations which have operationalized anxiety as increased autonomic activity appear to produce inconsistent effects on tumescence, while studies examining various attentional states indicate that cognitive interference may be more salient in diminishing arousal. Important response dimensions in sexual dysfunction may include self-generated distracting thoughts and diminished awareness of affective states, which reduce physiological arousal presumably through distraction. Implications for sex therapy are discussed, including future directions for conceptualizing the influence of sexual desire on treatment outcome.
Temperature preference in golden hamsters.

Abstract The preference of pre- and post-hibernative hamsters for relatively cool (8 °C) or relatively warm (19 °C or 24 °C) environmental temperatures was tested in a T-maze using the method of forced choice to equate number of visits to, and total time spent in, each environment. The findings of the experiment were (1) pre-hibernative hamsters show a marked preference for an 8 °C environment to either a 19 ° or 24 °C environment, and (2) following arousal there occurs a shift in preference on the part of the hamsters to a 24 °C environment over one of 8 °C. The significance of these results is discussed in terms of possible purposive thermoregulatory behaviours.
Transport of oxygen by the blood of the land crab, Gecarcinus lateralis.

Parameters relating to transport of oxygen were measured in the pericardial blood and venous outflow from the first walking leg of Gecarcinus lateralis . O2-equilibrium curves of the hemocyanin of G. lateralis were found to be sigmoid and, at 27°C and pH 7.45, to have a half-saturation pressure of about 17 mm Hg oxygen. Average partial pressures of oxygen as measured by O2-electrode were 32 mm Hg in pericardial blood and 9 mm Hg in the venous samples. Analysis of the O2-content in corresponding samples by the Van Slyke technique revealed an average of 2.17 volumes % O2-capacity for whole blood, 1.45 volumes % for pericardial blood, and 0.61 volumes % for venous blood. Estimates based on the Van Slyke analyses indicated an average pO2 of 29 and 14 mm Hg in pericardial and venous samples, respectively. These figures agree fairly well with those obtained by means of O2-electrodes. Of the oxygen carried to the tissues, about 94% is carried as oxyhemocyanin and about 6% is carried in physical solution. As the blood passes through the gills, the hemocyanin, on an average, becomes 80–85% saturated with oxygen and returned from the tissues 18–45% saturated with oxygen. These results indicate that the blood of G. lateralis has a higher O2-capacity than the blood of most other decapod crustaceans for which similar information is available. In addition, the blood of G. lateralis transports more oxygen to the tissues per unit volume than do other crustacean bloods.
Processing effects on four prebiotic carbohydrates supplemented in an extruded cereal and a low pH drink

AbstractPrebiotic carbohydrates are added as functional ingredients to a variety of processed foods. Data on the stability of prebiotics during food processing in complex matrices remain limited. The objective of this project was to determine the stability of fructooligosaccharides (FOS), inulin, galactooligosaccharides (GOS), and resistant starch (RS2), when added as ingredients (1% w/w) to an extruded cereal and a low pH drink. The cereal was prepared using different screw speeds and barrel temperatures. GOS was not affected by any of the extrusion conditions, whereas inulin decreased significantly at 140 and 170°C. FOS levels decreased in all extrusion conditions, while resistant starch (RS) unexpectedly increased for each of the parameters. The low pH drink was prepared with different sucrose to corn syrup solids (S:CSS) ratios (1:2, 1:1, 2:1) at pH 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0. The 1:1 S:CSS drink at pH 3.0, negatively impacted FOS and inulin. Moreover, FOS levels decreased when exposed to 1:2 S:CSS (pH 3.5 and...
Pathologic classification of soft tissue sarcomas.

A number of immunological markers and chromosomal abnormalities are described to aid in the diagnosis, prognosis and management of soft tissue sarcomas. Although the chromosomal abnormalities may be specific in some cases, they have only been reported in small series or single cases and their significance has not yet been established. None of the immunological markers described is either entirely specific or sensitive for a particular tumor type, and virtually none of these immunological reagents is currently approved for diagnostic use despite their widespread applications in pathology. They function in a supporting role to conventional tissue pathology, grading, and pathological and clinical staging of soft tissue sarcomas. Antibodies employed as an aid in diagnosis of soft tissue tumors should always be run in panels and never as single tests. New immunological markers and chromosomal abnormalities in soft tissue sarcomas should be carefully evaluated for their specificity and sensitivity and their usefulness in diagnosis and prognosis. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Multilevel facility layout

This paper presents an approach to solve multilevel facility layout problems when the traveling times between departments are nonlinear. The objective is to obtain a solution that minimizes the total expected cost of movement, such that all the space requirements are satisfied. Due to the complexity of the problem a heuristic is developed so that a good solution can be obtained in an acceptable computational time.
The effect of copper content and degree of recrystallization on the fatigue resistance of 7XXX-type aluminum alloys II. Fatigue crack propagation

Abstract The effect of the copper content (from 0.01 to 2.1%) and of the degree of recrystallization (DR) (from 5 to 67%) of four Al6Zn2MgxCuT651 alloys on their fatigue crack propagation (FCP) behavior was investigated in dry air, in distilled water and in a 3.5% NaCl solution. The fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR) decreases with decreasing copper content in dry air; however, in corrosive environments the FCGR decreases with increasing copper content for a stress intensity range δK > 7.5 MPa m 1 2 . These results are interpreted in terms of the characteristics of the crack path and of deformation-environment interactions. The influence of the Dr on the FCGR also depends on the deformation mode and on the test environment but was only minor under our experimental conditions. Hydrogen embrittlement is believed to be associated with environmentally accelerated FCP.
Graphene Terahertz Plasmon Oscillators

In this paper we propose and discuss coherent terahertz sources based on charge density wave (plasmon) amplification in two-dimensional graphene. The coupling of the plasmons to interband electron-hole transitions in population inverted graphene layers can lead to plasmon amplification through stimulated emission. Plasmon gain values in graphene can be very large due to the small group velocity of the plasmons and the strong confinement of the plasmon field in the vicinity of the graphene layer. We present a transmission line model for plasmon propagation in graphene that includes plasmon dissipation and plasmon interband gain due to stimulated emission. Using this model, we discuss design for terahertz plasmon oscillators and derive the threshold condition for oscillation taking into account internal losses and also losses due to external coupling. The threshold condition is shown to depend on the ratio of the external impedance and the characteristic impedance of the plasmon transmission line. The large gain values available at terahertz frequencies in graphene can lead to integrated oscillators that have dimensions in the 1-10 mum range.
Maternal perception of neighborhood safety as a predictor of child weight status: The moderating effect of gender and assessment of potential mediators.

Objective. To determine if there is a relationship between maternal perception of neighborhood safety in 3rd grade and weight status in 5th grade children, to test if gender moderates this relation...
Beta oxidation of fatty acids.

Dans cette revue generale on essaie de mettre en evidence les progres realises dans l'etude de la β oxydation des acides gras. On traite l'activation de l'internalisation des acides gras au niveau des cellules animales; on developpe la β oxydation au niveau de la mitochondrie, son activation, sa regulation et son inhibition. La β oxydation dans les peroxysomes et chez Echerichia coli est aussi presentee, a la fin on fait un apercu sur les maladies non hereditaires liees a l'oxydation des acides gras
An algorithm for selecting and sequencing statements as a basis for a problem-oriented programming system

This paper presents the basis for such a system. A variant of the algorithm outlined here has been coded and tested; however time limitations prevent the detailed discussion of the full system. We present here a simplified version with a few remarks on extensions. The system presented here is believed to be unique. Bobrow1 has proposed a system wherein a set of simultaneous equations are stored and a list of “wanted” variables presented. The return is a list of values of the “wanted” variables; either numeric or algebraic values. This differs from our system, where the output is an executable program for calculating “wanted” variables, wherein specific values of variables are not entered until run time. Veronis2 devised a scheme for using the computer to write the repetitive FORTRAN statements required for a program to solve simultaneous ordinary differential equations. Again, this differs considerably from the system presented here.
Searching for Patterns in Random Sequences

In a probability-guessing paradigm, participants predict which of two events will occur on each trial. Participants generally frequency match even though frequency matching is nonoptimal with random sequences. The optimal strategy is to guess the most frequent event, maximizing. We hypothesize that frequency matching results from a search for patterns, even in random sequences. Using both callisotomy patients and patients with frontal brain damage, Wolford, Miller, and Gazzaniaga (2000) found frequency matching in the left hemisphere but maximizing in the right hemisphere. In this paper, we show that a secondary task that competes for left hemisphere resources moves the participants toward maximizing but that a right-hemisphere task preserves frequency matching. We also show that a misunderstanding of randomness contributes to frequency matching.
Free amino acids in the hemolymph of the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana L.

Abstract 1. 1. Free amino acids of the hemolymph of the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana, were determined quantitatively by the column chromatographic method of Moore, Spackman, and Stein. 2. 2. Sixteen amino acids [aspartic acid, threonine, serine, glutamic acid, proline, glycine, alanine, valine, methionine (and methionine sulfoxide), isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, lysine, histidine, arginine] were present in the high concentrations characteristic of insect hemolymph. 3. 3. Taurine was also present in low concentration. Cystine was consistently absent. 4. 4. Total concentrations were comparable with those of other relatively primitive insects (e.g. walking-stick and dragonfly) but were only one-third to one-half those of holometabolous insects (e.g. silkworm and honeybee). 5. 5. The data suggest that individual and total amino acid concentrations are not closely regulated in this insect.
A theoretical model of the inner proton radiation belt

[1] A theoretical calculation provides inner radiation belt proton intensities as a function of time and of the three adiabatic invariants, M, K, and L, in the kinetic energy range from ∼10 MeV to ∼4 GeV and the L range from 1.1 to 2.4. Long residence times for trapped protons of up to several thousand years require similarly long input time series for the geomagnetic field, solar activity, and solar proton fluences. Additional inputs include galactic cosmic ray spectra, nuclear scattering cross sections, and the neutral and plasma densities in the atmosphere, ionosphere, and plasmasphere. Trapped proton sources are cosmic ray albedo neutron decay (CRAND), calculated from a Monte Carlo particle transport simulation, and solar proton injection using a derived empirical injection efficiency that is ∼10−4 at 10 MeV. Radial diffusion provides inward transport of injected solar protons. Calculated intensities at energies ≲100 MeV and for L ≳ 1.3 are dominated by solar protons, CRAND being the dominant source otherwise. Losses are by ionization of the neutral atmosphere, energy transfer to plasma electrons, and inelastic nuclear scattering. Numerical trajectory tracing determines trapping limits and drift shell averages of the albedo neutron intensity and of neutral and plasma densities for loss rate calculations. Geomagnetic secular variations cause adiabatic energy and drift shell changes. Intensities are greater than they would be in a constant geomagnetic field by factors up to ∼10, a result of long proton residence times and the presently decreasing geomagnetic dipole moment.
Environmentally Responsible Air and Ground Transportation

Among all modes of transportation, travel by airplanes and automobiles continues to experience the fastest growth. Currently, there are approximately 500,000 air vehicles (335,000 Active General Aviation Aircraft, 18,000 Passenger Aircraft, 90,000 Military Aircraft, 27,000 Civil Helicopters, and 30,000 Military Helicopters), and 750 million ground vehicles in service worldwide. They are responsible for 50% of petroleum (oil) consumption and 60% of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions worldwide. These numbers are forecasted to double by 2050. Therefore the environmental issues such as noise, emissions and fuel burn (consumption), for both airplane and ground vehicles, have become important for energy and environmental sustainability. This paper provides an overview of specific energy and environmental issues related to both air and ground transportation. For air transportation, topics dealing with noise and emissions mitigation by technological solutions including new aircraft and engine designs/technologies, alternative fuels, and materials as well as examination of aircraft operations logistics including AirTraffic Management (ATM), Air-to-Air Refueling (AAR), Close Formation Flying (CFF), and tailored arrivals to minimize fuel burn are discussed. The ground infrastructure for sustainable aviation, including the concept of ‘Sustainable Green Airport Design’ is also covered. For ground vehicles, the technologies related to reduction in energy requirements such as reducing the vehicle mass by using the high strength low weight materials and reducing the viscous drag by active flow control and smoothing the operational profile, and reducing the contact friction by special tire materials are discussed along with the portable energy sources for reducing the GHG emissions such as low carbon fuels (biofuels), lithium-ion batteries with high energy density and stability, and fuel cells.
The end of social work: neoliberalizing social policy implementation

Over the last few decades, the human services have been transformed, not just in the United States, but also in other countries where pressure grows to emulate the United States in a globalizing world. Neoliberal organizational reforms, like devolution, privatization and performance management, have been joined with paternalist policy tools, like sanctions, or financial penalties for noncompliant clients, to create a flexible but disciplinary approach to managing the populations being served. Neoliberal paternalism represents a society-wide movement to marketize the operations of social service organizations more generally, so that they inculcate in clients a market compliant orientation aimed at making them less dependent on the shrinking human services and more willing to accept the positions allotted to them on the bottom of the socio-economic order. This analysis compares welfare-to-work in Florida and drug treatment in Delaware. We find numerous parallels, including most especially: (1) deskilling in...
The β‐barrel finder (BBF) program, allowing identification of outer membrane β‐barrel proteins encoded within prokaryotic genomes

Many outer membrane proteins (OMPs) in Gram-negative bacteria possess known β-barrel three-dimensional (3D) structures. These proteins, including channel-forming transmembrane porins, are diverse in sequence but exhibit common structural features. We here report computational analyses of six outer membrane proteins of known 3D structures with respect to (1) secondary structure, (2) hydropathy, and (3) amphipathicity. Using these characteristics, as well as the presence of an N-terminal targeting sequence, a program was developed allowing prediction of integral membrane β-barrel proteins encoded within any completely sequenced prokaryotic genome. This program, termed the β-barrel finder (BBF) program, was used to analyze the proteins encoded within the Escherichia coli genome. Out of 4290 sequences examined, 118 (2.8%) were retrieved. Of these, almost all known outer membrane proteins with established β-barrel structures as well as many probable outer membrane proteins were identified. This program should be useful for predicting the occurrence of outer membrane proteins in bacteria with completely sequenced genomes.
Geometric Differences of the Mitral Apparatus Between Ischemic and Dilated Cardiomyopathy With Significant Mitral Regurgitation Real-Time Three-Dimensional Echocardiography Study

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to elucidate the geometric differences of the mitral apparatus in patients with significant mitral regurgitation caused by ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM-MR) and by idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM-MR) by use of real-time 3D echocardiography (RT3DE). METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-six patients with ICM-MR caused by posterior infarction, 18 patients with DCM-MR, and 8 control subjects were studied. With the 3D software, commissure-commissure plane and 3 perpendicular anteroposterior (AP) planes were generated for imaging the medial, central, and lateral sides of the mitral valve (MV) during mid systole. In 3 AP planes, the angles between the annular plane and each leaflet (anterior, Aalpha; posterior, Palpha) were measured. In ICM-MR, Aalpha measured in the medial and central planes was significantly larger than that in the lateral plane (39+/-5 degrees, 34+/-6 degrees, and 27+/-5 degrees, respectively; P 0.05). In DCM-MR, both Aalpha (38+/-8 degrees, 37+/-9 degrees, and 36+/-7 degrees, P>0.05) and Palpha (59+/-6 degrees, 58+/-5 degrees, and 57+/-6 degrees, P>0.05) revealed no significant differences in the 3 planes. CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of MV deformation from the medial to the lateral side was asymmetrical in ICM-MR, whereas it was symmetrical in DCM-MR. RT3DE is a helpful tool for differentiating the geometry of the mitral apparatus between these 2 different types of functional mitral regurgitation.
Factors related to undiagnosed asthma in urban adolescents: a multilevel approach.

Abstract Purpose We report the results of a school-based asthma case-identification survey to determine the prevalence and predictors of possible undiagnosed asthma in a population of urban adolescents. Methods During school years 2006–2008, middle school students in Oakland, California, completed a brief survey adapted from the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Children. Students were classified into one of three categories: no asthma, current asthma, or possible undiagnosed asthma. Students reported demographic information and residential address, which was geocoded and matched tract-level data from the US Census 2000, Oakland land use designations, public and assisted housing locations, and distance from closed-access roadways. Logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with possible undiagnosed asthma. Results Of the 4,017 students who completed the survey, 4.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.1, 5.5) were classified as possible undiagnosed asthma. Female students (odds ratio: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.07, 2.19) and students who resided in an urban residential area (odds ratio: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.05, 4.05) had significantly increased odds of classification as "possible undiagnosed asthma" compared to current asthma. Percentage of noncitizen recent immigrants in a census tract was related to increased odds of possible undiagnosed asthma. Residence in a census tract with older residential units was significantly associated with decreased odds of undiagnosed asthma. Conclusions In urban settings, school-based asthma surveillance can aid in the identification of children with possible undiagnosed asthma. Implementation of a geographic information systems framework can enhance the identification of demographic and physical environmental factors associated with possible undiagnosed asthma.
Novel γ-secretase modulators: a review of patents from 2008 to 2010.

Introduction: The amyloid precursor protein is first cleaved by β-secretase to generate a 99-residue membrane-bound CTF (C99 or β-CTF), which is subsequently cleaved by γ-secretase to generate amyloid β (Aβ) peptides and the APP intracellular domain. The amyloidogenic Aβ42 has attracted considerable attention because it is thought to be the most pathogenic species associated with Alzheimer's disease progression. New classes of compounds, called γ-secretase modulators (GSMs), have been shown to selectively lower Aβ42 production without shutting down key γ-secretase-dependent signaling pathways. This has become an important therapeutic strategy aimed at modulating Aβ production. Areas covered: The progress on the clinical development of γ-secretase inhibitors is briefly covered in this review, followed by a discussion of the potential differentiating attributes of GSMs. Then, the patent literature covering novel GSMs is reviewed, focusing on patents from 2008 to 2010. Expert opinion: Much progress has been ...
Latina patient perspectives about informed treatment decision making for breast cancer.

Objective To evaluate Latina breast cancer patient perspectives regarding informed decision making related to surgical treatment decision making for breast cancer.
Social sensitivity correlations with the effectiveness of team process performance: an empirical study

Teamwork is essential in industry and a university is an excellent place to assess which skills are important and for students to practice those skills. A positive teamwork experience can also improve student learning outcomes. Prior research has established that teams with high levels of social sensitivity tend to perform well when completing a variety of specific, short-team, collaborative tasks. Social sensitivity is the personal ability to perceive and understand the feelings and viewpoints of others, and it is reliably measurable. Our hypothesis is that, social sensitivity can be a key component in positively mediating teamwork task activities and member satisfaction. Our goal is to bring attention to the fact that social sensitivity is an asset to teamwork. We report the results from an empirical study that investigates whether social sensitivity is correlated with the effectiveness of processes involved in teamwork and team member satisfaction in an educational setting. The results support our hypothesis that the social sensitivity is highly correlated with team effectiveness. It suggests, therefore, that educators in computer-related disciplines, as well as computer professionals in the workforce, should take the concept of social sensitivity seriously as an aid or obstacle to team performance and the teamwork experience.
"They Don't Want Anything to Do with You": Patient Views of Primary Care Management of Chronic Pain

Objective. Chronic pain is one of the most frequent complaints of patients in primary care, yet both patients and providers report low satisfaction with chronic pain care. This study was designed to explore the views held by a diverse sample of patients with chronic pain complaints about their care experiences to identify ways to improve care. Design. Qualitative analysis of 17 patient focus groups (size 3-7 participants). Groups used struc- tured questions and were tape recorded, tran- scribed, and coded using qualitative software. Eleven groups were conducted in English, six groups in Spanish.
Omic research in termites: an overview and a roadmap

Many recent breakthroughs in our understanding of termite biology have been facilitated by “omics” research. Omic science seeks to collectively catalog, quantify and characterize pools of biological molecules that translate into structure, function and life processes of an organism. Biological molecules in this context include genomic DNA, messenger RNA, proteins and other biochemicals. Other permutations of omics that apply to termites include sociogenomics, which seeks to define social life in molecular terms (e.g., behavior, sociality, physiology, symbiosis, etc.) and digestomics, which seeks to define the collective pool of host and symbiont genes that collaborate to achieve high-efficiency lignocellulose digestion in the termite gut. This review covers a wide spectrum of termite omic studies from the past 15 years. Topics covered include a summary of terminology, the various kinds of omic efforts that have been undertaken, what has been revealed, and to a limited degree, what the results mean. Although recent omic efforts have contributed to a better understanding of many facets of termite and symbiont biology, and have created important new resources for many species, significant knowledge gaps still remain. Crossing these gaps can best be done by applying new omic resources within multi-dimensional (i.e., functional, translational and applied) research programs.
Does recruitment method make a difference? Effects on protocol retention and treatment outcome in elderly depressed patients.

Abstract The specific aim of this study was to contrast effects of recruitment method (solicited, referred) on demographic, psychosocial, medical, and treatment outcome measures in an ongoing clinical trial of maintenance therapies in late-life depression. Data from 125 elderly patients (56 solicited via media campaign, 69 clinically referred) with recurrent, unipolar major depression were available for analysis. Several statistical contrast procedures, including group f tests, x 2 tests, survival analysis, and logistic regression, were used to assess differences in patient profiles related to method of recruitment. Referred patients included a higher proportion of African Americans and had a lower level of education, fewer economic resources, and higher chronic medical burden. Solicited patients had been in the index episode longer than the referred patients at the time of protocol entry and were 3.4 times more likely to have experienced a "provoking agent" (severe life event or chronic difficulty) during the 6 months that preceded the onset of depressive symptoms. In contrast to these demographic and illness history differences, there were no differences in treatment response rates or time to response related to recruitment method. Solicited patients had an overall treatment response rate of 71% versus 62% in the referred group. Median time to response was 14.3 weeks in the solicited group and 13.6 weeks in the referred group. These results suggest that the inclusion of solicited patients in geriatric depression clinical trials does not bias short-term treatment outcome.
Introducing Middle School Students to Engineering Principles Using Educational Bridge Design Software

In an effort to motivate middle school students to consider future careers in engineering, an educational outreach program was developed and implemented during National Engineers Week. The outreach program concentrated on bridge engineering and was presented within one day to the entire eighth grade student population of the local public school system. The program began with a presentation on careers in engineering with a particular emphasis placed on bridge engineering. Fundamental engineering concepts used in bridge design were then explained. The students used these concepts to design a single-span truss bridge using an educational bridge design software program. Finally, a bridge design competition was held in which the students attempted to optimize the design of their bridge.
Convergent and Discriminant Validation of Two Methods of Assessing Three Academic Traits

A refined and extended analysis of variance (ANOVA) approach was used to investigate the pattern of relationships among arithmetic ability, reading ability, and general ability as assessed by teacher ratings and standardized tests. The subjects were 54 educable mentally retarded children who were rated and tested annually for 3 years. The tests proved to have much higher convergent and discriminant validity than the ratings, and to be much less affected by method bias. These differences are seen as reflecting the natural superiority of standardized tests over teacher ratings for most purposes.
Metropolitan Structure and Systemic Performance the Case of Police Service Delivery

Does the organization of systems of agencies for the delivery of public services affect the quantity and quality of services supplied? If so, in what ways? Do different forms of organization lead to differences in costs for the same quantity and quality of service? Can, for example, changes in the current structure of police service delivery arrangements in metropolitan areas be expected to produce changes in police performance or the cost of policing? If so, in what directions?