cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic determinants of swimming motility in the squid light‐organ symbiont Vibrio fischeri

Bacterial flagellar motility is a complex cellular behavior required for the colonization of the light-emitting organ of the Hawaiian bobtail squid, Euprymna scolopes, by the beneficial bioluminescent symbiont Vibrio fischeri. We characterized the basis of this behavior by performing (i) a forward genetic screen to identify mutants defective in soft-agar motility, as well as (ii) a transcriptional analysis to determine the genes that are expressed downstream of the flagellar master regulator FlrA. Mutants with severe defects in soft-agar motility were identified due to insertions in genes with putative roles in flagellar motility and in genes that were unexpected, including those predicted to encode hypothetical proteins and cell division–related proteins. Analysis of mutants for their ability to enter into a productive symbiosis indicated that flagellar motility mutants are deficient, while chemotaxis mutants are able to colonize a subset of juvenile squid to light-producing levels. Thirty-three genes required for normal motility in soft agar were also downregulated in the absence of FlrA, suggesting they belong to the flagellar regulon of V. fischeri. Mutagenesis of putative paralogs of the flagellar motility genes motA, motB, and fliL revealed that motA1, motB1, and both fliL1 and fliL2, but not motA2 and motB2, likely contribute to soft-agar motility. Using these complementary approaches, we have characterized the genetic basis of flagellar motility in V. fischeri and furthered our understanding of the roles of flagellar motility and chemotaxis in colonization of the juvenile squid, including identifying 11 novel mutants unable to enter into a productive light-organ symbiosis.
SU‐GG‐J‐88: Evaluation of Patient Setup Accuracy for Targeted Marrow Irradiation with Image‐Guided Helical Tomotherapy

Purpose: Targeted marrow irradiation (TMI) using intensity‐modulated fields could allow dose escalation while limiting radiation toxicities to critical organs for patients who traditionally would receive total body irradiation. In this study, we evaluated patient setup uncertainties and the efficacy of our image‐guided setup techniques for TMI treatments based on helical tomotherapy megavoltage CTimage registrations.Method and materials: We analyzedimage registrations from 206 treatment fractions for 26 TMI patients. Prior to each treatment fraction, two MVCT scans were performed encompassing the head & neck region and the pelvic region, respectively. image registrations were performed for each scan. The two image registrations were averaged to correct patient setup errors. Results: In the head & neck region, the mean and standard deviation (SD) of setup corrections was 3.5±6.4 mm in the RL direction, −2.4±5.3 mm in the SI direction, −0.7±5.8 mm in the AP direction, and 0±1.2° in roll. In the pelvic region, it was 1.5±7.7 mm in the RL direction, −3.7±5.6 mm in the SI direction, 2.1±5.7 mm in the AP direction, and 0±1.1° in roll. After the two registrations were averaged, it was 2.5±6.6 mm in the RL direction, −3.1±5.1 mm in the SI direction, 0.7±5.1 mm in the AP direction, and 0±0.8° in roll. The residual setup errors in the head & neck region had mean and SD of 1.0±2.5 mm in the RL direction, 0.7±1.9 mm in the SI direction, −1.4±2.7 mm in the AP direction, and 0±0.8° in roll. Conclusion: The two‐scan technique ensured that the superior and inferior portions of the patient bony structure were properly set up in most cases. In cases when the residual setup errors were significant, the superior and inferior segments should be treated separately with separate setup corrections to ensure adequate target volume coverage.
Internet-based knowledge acquisition

Internet tools used as knowledge retrieval mechanisms can be beneficial for knowledge acquisition (KA). This study applies the concepts of decisional guidance and restrictiveness to three commonly used tools to predict perceived information overload, task quality, and task speed for tasks that differ in complexity. In an experimental setting we find that less restrictive pull systems (i.e., web directories and Google search) increased quality in high-complexity tasks over more restrictive push systems (i.e., listservs) and lowered perceived information overload in both low- and high-complexity tasks. In low-complexity tasks, subjects using predefined guidance (i.e., listservs and web directories) performed better and faster than those using participative guidance (i.e., Google search). In high-complexity tasks, participative guidance provided lower perceived information overload and higher task quality. Implications for research and practice are discussed. Highlights? In high-complexity tasks, less restrictive pull systems (i.e., web directories and Google search) increased quality and lowered perceived information overload over more restrictive push systems (i.e., listservs). ? In low-complexity tasks less restrictive pull systems lowered perceived information overload. ? In low-complexity tasks, predefined guidance (i.e., listservs and web directories) performed better and faster than those using participative guidance (i.e., Google search). ? In high-complexity tasks, participative guidance provided lower perceived information overload and higher task quality than predefined guidance.
Addressing some key questions on finance and poverty

Lady Chalker, the United Kingdom's Minister for Overseas Development, raised a number of fundamental questions in her Opening Remarks to the conference on ‘Finance Against Poverty’. This paper suggests responses to her questions. Among them: (i) There are available guidelines for institutions providing microfinance, and industry standards are emerging; it is not necessary to await charismatic leaders. (ii) There is a clear role for government in microfinance development that includes both aspects of macroeconomic management and the development of a regulatory framework and system of supervision appropriate for institutions providing commercial microfinance. (iii) Experience demonstrates that institutions providing commercial microfinance can become self-sufficient within 2–3 years. (iv) The interest rates that must be charged on loans if the institution is to become profitable must cover all costs, both financial and non-financial. The working poor can afford these rates which are usually below one-sixth of the rates that the poor typically pay to informal commercial lenders. (v) Subsidized credit is capital constrained and can reach relatively few borrowers, usually the local elites; in contrast commercial microcredit, financed by locally mobilized savings, can attain broad coverage among the working poor. The paper also responds to questions about institutional staffing, the effect of microfinance on the poorest of the poor, the roles of donor agencies and banks, and the social and economic benefits of sustainable microfinance.
Titania and alumina ceramic membranes

This paper discusses the physical-chemical properties of γ-Al2O3 and TiO2 ceramic membranes which have been prepared by sol-gel techniques from alkoxide starting materials. Mean pore size and pore size distributions are examined using N2 sorption analysis. Particle size of sols as measured by in situ quasi-elastic light scattering is compared with SEM analysis of sintered membranes. Crack-free unsupported monoliths with thicknesses up to 120 μm have been prepared of γ-Al2O3. Supported TiO2 membranes have been fabricated with thicknesses up to 0.5 μm. The γAl2O3 membranes are obtained from “particulate” sols, while for TiO2 both “particulate” and “polymeric” sols have been used to produce membranes.
Graphics Processing Units and Open Computing Language for parallel computing

Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) have become increasingly powerful over the last decade. Programs taking advantage of this architecture can achieve large performance gains and almost all new solutions and initiatives in high performance computing are aimed in that direction. To write programs that can offload the computation onto the GPU and utilize its power, new technologies are needed. The recent introduction of Open Computing Language (OpenCL), a standard for cross-platform, parallel programming of modern processors, has made a step in the right direction. Code written with OpenCL can run on a wide variety of platforms, adapting to the underlying architecture. It is versatile yet easy to learn due to similarities with the C programming language. In this paper, we will review the current state of the art in the use of GPUs and OpenCL for parallel computations. We use an implementation of the n-body simulation to illustrate some important considerations in developing OpenCL programs.
The effect of positive end-expiratory pressure on regional pulmonary perfusion during acute lung injury

Abstract Purpose: To determine whether positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) would change the altered regional pulmonary perfusion pattern caused by oleic acid (OA)-induced acute lung injury was the aim of this study. Our hypothesis was that fixed intravascular obstruction would not be affected by PEEP, leaving the perfusion pattern unchanged if this was the principal cause of perfusion redistribution after lung injury. Methods: Regional measurements of pulmonary perfusion and lung water concentration (LWC) were obtained both before and after lung injury and before and after PEEP (10 cm H2O) with the nuclear medicine imaging technique of positron emission tomography after injections of H215O in 7 supine anesthetized dogs. Four animals were also treated with meclofenamate to enhance perfusion redistribution after acute lung injury. Results: The application of PEEP before lung injury did not significantly affect the regional perfusion pattern. After administration of OA, LWC increased and fractional flow (without PEEP) decreased to the most edematous lung regions, consistent with perfusion redistribution. With the reapplication of PEEP, the perfusion pattern reverted toward the baseline pattern. The magnitude of this effect was roughly proportional to the effect of PEEP on regional inflation (r = .53), as evidenced by changes in LWC. Conclusions: The reversibility with PEEP of the perfusion pattern caused by acute lung injury suggests that fixed intravascular obstruction is not the principal determinant of perfusion redistribution after OA-induced injury.
Geometry of the September 1971 eruptive fissure at Kilauea volcano, Hawaii

A three-dimensional model has been used to estimate the location and dimensions of the eruptive fissure for the 24–29 September 1971 eruption along the southwest rift zone of Kilauea volcano, Hawaii. The model is an inclined rectangular sheet embedded in an elastic half-space with constant displacement on the plane of the sheet. The set of “best” model parameters suggests that the sheet is vertical, extends from a depth of about 2 km to the surface, and has a length of about 14 km. Because this sheet intersects the surface where eruptive vents and extensive ground cracking formed during the eruption, this sheet probably represents the conduit for erupted lava. The amount of displacement perpendicular to the sheet is about 1.9 m, in the middle range of values measured for the amount of opening across the September 1971 eruptive fissure. The thickness of the eruptive fissure associated with the January 1983 east rift zone eruption was determined in an earlier paper to be 3.6 m, about twice the thickness determined here for the September 1971 eruption. Because the lengths (12 km for 1983 and 14 km for 1971) and heights (about 2 km) of the sheet models derived for the January 1983 and September 1971 rift zone eruptions are nearly identical, the greater thickness for the January 1983 eruptive fissure implies that the magma pressure was about a factor of two greater to form the January 1983 eruptive fissure. Because the September 1971 and January 1983 eruptive fissures extent to depths of only a few kilometers, the region of greatest compressive stress produced along the volcano's flank by either of these eruptive fissures would also be within a few kilometers of the surface. Previous work has shown that rift eruptions and intrusions contribute to the buildup of compressive stress along Kilauea's south flank and that this buildup is released by increased seismicity along the south flank. Because south flank earthquakes occur at significantly greater depths, i.e., from 5 to 13 km, than the vertical extent of the 1971 and 1983 eruptiv fissures, the depth of emplacement of these eruptive fissures cannot be the main factor in controlling the hypocentral depths of south flank earthquakes. Two possible explanations for the occurrence of south flank earthquakes in the depth range of 5–13 km are (1) a deeper pressure source, possibly related to deeper magma storage within the rift zone, and (2) a lowstrength region located between 5 and 13 km beneath Kilauea's south flank, possibly at the interface between oceanic sediments and the base of the Hawaiian volcanics.
DNA polymerase β ribonucleotide discrimination: insertion, misinsertion, extension, and coding

DNA polymerases must select nucleotides that preserve Watson-Crick base pairing rules and choose substrates with the correct (deoxyribose) sugar. Sugar discrimination represents a great challenge because ribonucleotide triphosphates are present at much higher cellular concentrations than their deoxy-counterparts. Although DNA polymerases discriminate against ribonucleotides, many therapeutic nucleotide analogs that target polymerases have sugar modifications, and their efficacy depends on their ability to be incorporated into DNA. Here, we investigate the ability of DNA polymerase β to utilize nucleotides with modified sugars. DNA polymerase β readily inserts dideoxynucleoside triphosphates but inserts ribonucleotides nearly 4 orders of magnitude less efficiently than natural deoxynucleotides. The efficiency of ribonucleotide insertion is similar to that reported for other DNA polymerases. The poor polymerase-dependent insertion represents a key step in discriminating against ribonucleotides because, once inserted, a ribonucleotide is easily extended. Likewise, a templating ribonucleotide has little effect on insertion efficiency or fidelity. In contrast to insertion and extension of a ribonucleotide, the chemotherapeutic drug arabinofuranosylcytosine triphosphate is efficiently inserted but poorly extended. These results suggest that the sugar pucker at the primer terminus plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis; a 3′-endo sugar pucker facilitates nucleotide insertion, whereas a 2′-endo conformation inhibits insertion.
Hyperkeratotic plaques on the hands

From D O Fo The st Conf Corre D A 52-year-old man with a history of renal cell carcinoma was referred by his oncologist for an eruption on the palmar surface of the left distal fingers. The patient noted the presence of calluses on his fingers for several weeks, with soreness and cracking of the lesions at times. The physical examination revealed hyperkeratotic plaques on an erythematous base overlying the distal palmar second through fourth digits (Fig 1). A few superficial fissures were also noted. The patient’s medical history was significant for hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and renal cell carcinoma. His medications included atenolol, hydrochlorothiazide, glipizide, sunitinib, fenofibrate, and amlodipine.
Theoretical study of the butadiynyl and cyanoethynyl radicals - Support for the identification of C3N in IRC + 10216

Quantum-mechanical calculations, using the matrix Hartree-Fock model, have been performed for the butadiynyl and cyanoethynyl radicals. A rotation constant of 4753 MHz is calculated for C4H, while for C3N the value 4955 MHz is obtained. These may be compared with the rotation constant of 4947.5 MHz derived from the recently observed doublets in the millimeter-wave spectrum of IRC + 10216, suggesting the cyanoethynyl radical as the carrier species of these lines. The electric dipole moment and hyperfine coupling constants of both species are predicted.
Carbon black supercapacitors employing thin electrodes

Abstract Carbon black supercapacitors that employ thin (∼1 μm) electrodes were produced by coating and inkjet printing on a conventional current collector or directly on a separator membrane. The simplicity and diversity of ultrathin electrode fabrication were facilitated by the physical form of carbon black, which can be described as a fine particle of around 100 nm in size. It was established that the performance of carbon black in thin supercapacitor electrodes may be compared with carbon nanotube and graphene materials in those instances where fast frequency response is desired from the supercapacitor. At the same time, the fast response supercapacitors that employ nanotubes and graphenes have presently involved more elaborate fabrication routes. RC time constant of 354 μs and phase angle of −75° at 120 Hz is demonstrated for carbon black supercapacitors that employ SC3 carbon black of 1800 m 2 g −1 surface area.
The primary structure of rat ribosomal protein S19

The covalent structure of rat ribosomal protein S19 was deduced from the sequence of nucleotides in a recombinant cDNA and confirmed from the NH2-terminal amino acid sequence of the protein. Ribosomal protein S19 contains 144 amino acids (the NH2-terminal methionine is removed after translation of the mRNA) and has a molecular weight of 15,944. Hybridization of the cDNA to digests of nuclear DNA suggests that there are 15-18 copies of the S19 gene. The mRNA for the protein is about 640 nucleotides in length. Rat S19 is related to Saccharomyces cerevisiae S16A and to Halobacterium marismortui S12.
3-D Reconstruction for Diverging X-Ray Beams

It is shown here that the fast digital convolution technique used for parallel x-ray beams can be used also to reconstruct a density function for diverging x-ray beams. This technique when combined with what was called previously a generalized ???-filter yields good accuracy, a flexibility to cope with noise and a substantial reduction in the x-ray dosage. Finite field transforms and zero-order interpolation can be used also to improve the speed of the x-ray reconstruction process. Tests based on these methods are performed on an ideal phantom. A detailed comparison is made between a system using diverging beams, and a system using parallel beams with simulated data.
Analysis of taurine in feline plasma and whole blood by liquid chromatography with fluorimetric detection and confirmation by thermospray mass spectrometry.

Abstract A liquid chromatographic method with fluorimetric detection was developed to measure taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) in feline plasma and whole blood. Plasma or lysed whole blood was diluted with a mixture of acetonitrile-methanol-triethylamine-water (25:22:3:50, v/v), filtered through a 10 000 dalton exclusion filter and derivatized with dansyl chloride for 30 min at room temperature. Dansyl taurine was separated from other compounds by reversed-phase liquid chromatography using an octadecyl column and a methanol-acetic acid-triethylamine (30:0.5:0.025, v/v) aqueous mobile phase. The effluent was monitored fluorimetrically at an excitation wavelength of 329 nm and an emission wavelength of 530 nm. The presence of mono-dansylated taurine in feline plasma was confirmed by thermospray mass spectrometry. The limit of detection was 16 nmol/ml and the detector response was linear from 40 to 4000 nmol/ml taurine.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer and Development of Brain Metastases: Risk Factors and Outcomes

Brain metastases are associated with significant morbidity. Minimal research has been conducted on the risk factors for and incidence of brain metastases in women with inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). 210 women with Stage III or IV IBC diagnosed from 1997–2011 were identified. Competing risk analysis and competing risks regression were used to calculate the incidence of brain metastases and identify significant risk factors. After a median follow-up in surviving patients of 2.8 years (range 0.6–7.6) and 3.3 years (range 0.2–14.5) in the 47 and 163 patients with (MET) and without (non-MET) metastatic disease at diagnosis, 17 (36 %) and 30 (18 %) developed brain metastases, respectively. The cumulative incidence at 1, 2, and 3 years was 17 % [95 % confidence interval (CI), 8–30], 34 % (95 % CI, 20–48), and 37 % (95 % CI, 22–51) for the MET cohort. The corresponding non-MET values were 4 % (95 % CI, 2–8), 8 % (95 % CI 5–13), and 15 % (95 % CI, 10–22). Once non-MET patients developed extracranial distant metastases, the subsequent 1, 2, and 3 years cumulative incidence of brain metastases was 18 % (95 % CI, 10–28), 25 % (95 % CI, 15–36), and 31 % (95 % CI, 20–43). On multivariate analysis, brain metastases were associated with younger age [hazard ratio (HR), 0.73; 95 % CI, 0.53–1.00; P = 0.05] and distant metastases at diagnosis (HR, 2.33; 95 % CI, 1.11–4.89; P = 0.03). The incidence of brain metastases is high in women with IBC. Particularly for patients with extracranial distant metastases, routine screening with magnetic resonance imaging should be considered.
Computerized scientific exhibit in radiology: a valuable format for delivering scientific information.

The computerized scientific exhibit (CSE) is gaining acceptance as a tool for delivering scientific information at meetings of radiologic societies. CSEs allow presentation of more material in a more space-efficient manner than do conventional exhibits, and the viewer can control the order and detail in which material is reviewed. As a disadvantage, currently, the radiologist must use a support team and learn new tools to create a CSE. The preparation and cost may also be greater. Meeting attendees must overcome a reluctance to use computers to benefit from a CSE. Creation of a CSE has design, production, and presentation phases. A team of content authors, software author, graphics acquisition person, and project manager works together through brainstorming, conceptual ordering, storyboarding, prototyping, and selection of authoring tools to design the exhibit. Production must include use of common word processing and image file formats, as well as standardization of image resolution. Accurate equipment s...
Organization of the murine reduced folate carrier gene and identification of variant splice forms

Abstract RT-PCR analysis of the reduced folate carrier (RFC) from L1210 and murine erythroleukemia cells led to the identification of three clones which appeared to result from the use of alternative splice sites. The nucleotide sequence of each splice form predicts a protein that contains at least the first 7 transmembrane domains of the parental RFC protein followed by a novel hydrophilic carboxyl terminus of 33, 72, or 105 amino acid residues. Sequence analysis of cDNA clones isolated from murine liver and the results of 5′-RACE from L1210 cells indicated that RFC also utilizes alternate 5′-terminal exons. To understand how the alternatively spliced RFC transcripts and multiple 5′-termini were generated, the genomic organization of RFC was determined. The gene is comprised of at least 8 exons, the first two of which encode the alternative 5′ termini. Based on sequence identity with cDNAs encoding RFC from hamster and rat, however, it appears that additional 5′ exons may be present. Two of the RFC splice variants result from the use of a cryptic splice donor site within exon 4 and the third results from the use of a cryptic splice acceptor site within exon 5. In addition, the splice variant form that encodes the largest protein also utilizes an alternative exon located between exons 5 and 6. The apparent use of alternative transcriptional start sites and the identification of several RFC splice forms raises the possibility that unique RFC molecules may be generated that exhibit tissue- or cell line-specific distribution.
Using Microsoft Excel[R] to Calculate Descriptive Statistics and Create Graphs

Descriptive statistics and appropriate visual representations of scores are important for all test developers, whether they are experienced testers working on large-scale projects, or novices working on small-scale local tests. Many teachers put in charge of testing projects do not know why they are important, however, and are utterly convinced that they lack the mathematical ability to address the matter anyway. This article begins by explaining why descriptives need to be calculated in the first place, and then discusses ways in which to display data visually, and how to do this using Microsoft Excel® spreadsheet software. The article then addresses three types of descriptive statistics: measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, and indicators of the shape of the distribution. It discusses some basic points about interpreting them and then provides simple instructions for calculating them in Excel. The article assumes that readers are not particularly familiar with Excel and does not assume ...
Diminished cartilage creep properties and increased trabecular bone density following a single, sub-fracture impact of the rabbit femoral condyle

Traumatic injury to articular cartilage can lead to post-traumatic arthritis. We used a custom pendulum device to deliver a single, near-fracture impact to the medial femoral condyles of rabbits. Impact was localized to a region ∼3 mm in diameter, and impact stress averaged ∼100 MPa. Animals were euthanized at 0, 1, and 6 months after impact. Cartilage mechanical properties from impacted and sham knees were evaluated by creep-indentation testing, and periarticular trabecular bone was evaluated by microCT and histomorphometry. Impact caused immediate and statistically significant loss of cartilage thickness (−40% vs. sham) and led to a greater than twofold increase in creep strain. From 0 to 6 months after impact, the ability of cartilage to recover from creep deformation became significantly impaired (percent recovery different from control at 1 and 6 months). At 1 month, there was a 33% increase in the trabecular bone volume fraction of the epiphysis beneath the site of impact compared to control, and increased bone formation was observed histologically. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that a single, high-energy impact below the fracture threshold leads to acute deleterious changes in the viscoelastic properties of articular cartilage that worsen with time, while at the same time stimulating increased bone formation beneath the impact site. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1307–1314, 2010
The massachusetts institute of technology mass spectrometry school.

The events that led to the establishment of organic and biochemical mass spectrometry at MIT by the author in 1958, and its growth over the past three and one-half decades are briefly chronicled. A major emphasis is placed on the work with graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who were educated in the field and in turn further contributed to the training of others. An attempt is made at the construction of a genealogy encompassing − 7 to + 2 generations (the author representing 0).
Probing glycosyltransferase activities with the Staudinger ligation.

The development of rapid screening methods for probing glycosyltransferase activities is essential for advancing the field of glycobiology. While assays for specific glycosyltransferases exist, there is no generalizable method that can be applied across the enzyme superfamily. Herein we describe a novel glycosyltransferase assay that exploits their unnatural substrate tolerance and the unique chemical reactivity of the azide. We applied this “azido-ELISA” to the family of polypeptide α-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferases (ppGalNAcTs), all of which were able to transfer N-azidoacetylgalactosamine (GalNAz) from the unnatural nucleotide sugar donor UDP-GalNAz. The azide was detected and quantified by Staudinger ligation with a phosphine probe in a microtiter plate format. This approach should be applicable to any glycosyltransferase or group-transfer enzyme that tolerates unnatural azido substrates.
ATHENA: The Analysis Tool for Heritable and Environmental Network Associations

Motivation: Advancements in high-throughput technology have allowed researchers to examine the genetic etiology of complex human traits in a robust fashion. Although genome-wide association studies have identified many novel variants associated with hundreds of traits, a large proportion of the estimated trait heritability remains unexplained. One hypothesis is that the commonly used statistical techniques and study designs are not robust to the complex etiology that may underlie these human traits. This etiology could include non- linear genegene or geneenvironment interactions. Additionally, other levels of biological regulation may play a large role in trait variability. Results: To address the need for computational tools that can explore enormous datasets to detect complex susceptibility models, we have developed a software package called the Analysis Tool for Heritable and Environmental Network Associations (ATHENA). ATHENA com- bines various variable filtering methods with machine learning tech- niques to analyze high-throughput categorical (i.e. single nucleotide polymorphisms) and quantitative (i.e. gene expression levels) predictor variables to generate multivariable models that predict either a cat- egorical (i.e. disease status) or quantitative (i.e. cholesterol levels) outcomes. The goal of this article is to demonstrate the utility of ATHENA using simulated and biological datasets that consist of both single nucleotide polymorphisms and gene expression variables to identify complex prediction models. Importantly, this method is flexible and can be expanded to include other types of high-through- put data (i.e. RNA-seq data and biomarker measurements). Availability: ATHENA is freely available for download. The software, user manual and tutorial can be downloaded from http://ritchielab.psu. edu/ritchielab/software.
Virtual Simulation and Augmented Interfaces for Business Models with Focus on Banking and Retail

Globally, priority for technology solutions is towards launching strategic cost restructuring in sourcing, processes and infrastructure. Banking and retail business drivers are explored in context of a maturity model to better understand future needs. Cost reduction and richer user experiences are identified as the primary objectives for banking and retail. Simulation and augmentation of business infrastructure can reduce cost and launch innovative solutions to market that would ease the challenge of servicing the millennial population. The study proposes a logical solution to create futuristic organizations by integrating virtual simulation, augmented interfaces and IT systems to meet the emerging challenges in retail and banking.
Influence of habitat amount, arrangement, and use on population trend estimates of male Kirtland's warblers

Kirtland’s warblers (Dendroica kirtlandii) persist in a naturally patchy environment of young, regenerating jack pine forests (i.e., 5–23 years old) created after wildfires and human logging activities. We examined how changing landscape structure from 26 years of forest management and wildfire disturbances influenced population size and spatial dispersion of male Kirtland’s warblers within their restricted breeding range in northern Lower Michigan, USA. The male Kirtland’s warbler population was six times larger in 2004 (1,322) compared to 1979 (205); the change was nonlinear with 1987 and 1994 identified as significant points of change. In 1987, the population trend began increasing after a slowly declining trend prior to 1987, and the rate of increase appeared to slow after 1994. Total amount of suitable habitat and the relative area of wildfire-regenerated habitat were the most important factors explaining population trend. Suitable habitat increased 149% primarily due to increasing plantations from forest management. The relative amount and location of wildfire-regenerated habitat modified the distribution of males among various habitat types, and the spatial variation in their abundance across the primary breeding range. These findings indicate that the Kirtland’s warbler male population shifted its use of habitat types temporally and spatially as the population increased and as the relative availability of habitats changed through time. We demonstrate that researchers and managers need to consider not only habitat quality, but the temporal and the spatial context of habitat availability and population levels when making habitat restoration decisions.
Metastasis of Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor to the Adenohypophysis

An adult male mixed-breed dog had a transmissible venereal tumor of the penis and prepuce that metastasized to the adenohypophysis local and regional lymph nodes, kidney, liver, and spleen,
Ferroelectric thin films

Summary form only given. A very wide range of both vapor- and liquid-phase deposition techniques were applied to produce crystalline films of composition in a lead zirconate:lead titanate solid solution system. At compositions close to the morphotropic phase boundary, a regimen which shows excellent piezoelectric properties in the bulk ceramic films with high permittivity ( epsilon /sub 33/-1350 epsilon /sub 0/) at room temperature and large switchable electric polarization (P/sub r/ approximately 35 mu C/cm/sup 2/) were fabricated by several groups. Progress toward the use of ferroelectric films, in combination with silicon micromachining, for a wide range of piezoelectric microsensors, micro-actuators and micromotors is reviewed. In view of the very high electric strength alternative electrorestrictive electromechanical coupling appears attractive. >
The superior temporal sulcus differentiates communicative and noncommunicative auditory signals

Processing the vocalizations of conspecifics is critical for adaptive social interaction. A species-specific voice-selective region has been identified in the right STS that responds more strongly to human vocal sounds compared with a variety of nonvocal sounds. However, the STS also activates in response to a wide range of signals used in communication, such as eye gaze, biological motion, and speech. These findings raise the possibility that the voice-selective region of the STS may be especially sensitive to vocal sounds that are communicative, rather than to all human vocal sounds. Using fMRI, we demonstrate that the voice-selective region of the STS responds more strongly to communicative vocal sounds (such as speech and laughter) compared with noncommunicative vocal sounds (such as coughing and sneezing). The implications of these results for understanding the role of the STS in voice processing and in disorders of social communication, such as autism spectrum disorder, are discussed.
CONDITIONS OF FORMATION OF THE GAS DEPOSITS IN THE DNEPROVSK-DONETS BASIN

The major part of the gas resources of the Dneprovsk-Donets basin, concentrated in the southeast of the region, is associated with a complex of Late Carboniferous-Early Permian age, predominantly redbeds and extraordinarily poor in organic matter. In the northwest, these sediments are associated with oil deposits and in the central part of the basin with oil and gas deposits. The hydrocarbons in this complex undoubtedly entered from underlying petroleum source beds. An analysis of the observed zonation of hydrocarbons in the Upper Carboniferous-Lower Permian sequence leads to the conclusion that it was controlled to a decisive degree by the kind of original organic matter in the underlying sequences. These deposits offer an interesting history of interacting tectonic and hydrodynamic processes. 9 references.
Spectral resonance of nanoscale bowtie apertures in visible wavelength

We report spectroscopic measurements of transmitted field through bowtie-shaped nanoscale apertures in visible wavelength region. Resonance in these apertures and its relation with the aperture geometry are investigated. The near-field spectral response is also investigated using finite difference time domain (FDTD) computation and compared with the spectroscopic measurements. The dependences of the peak wavelength and peak amplitude on the geometry of the bowtie aperture are illustrated. Design rules are proposed to optimize the bowtie aperture for producing a sub-wavelength, high transmission field.
α-Tubulin K40 acetylation is required for contact inhibition of proliferation and cell–substrate adhesion

Acetylation of α-tubulin on lysine 40 marks long-lived microtubules in structures such as axons and cilia, and yet the physiological role of α-tubulin K40 acetylation is elusive. Although genetic ablation of the α-tubulin K40 acetyltransferase αTat1 in mice did not lead to detectable phenotypes in the developing animals, contact inhibition of proliferation and cell-substrate adhesion were significantly compromised in cultured αTat1(-/-) fibroblasts. First, αTat1(-/-) fibroblasts kept proliferating beyond the confluent monolayer stage. Congruently, αTat1(-/-) cells failed to activate Hippo signaling in response to increased cell density, and the microtubule association of the Hippo regulator Merlin was disrupted. Second, αTat1(-/-) cells contained very few focal adhesions, and their ability to adhere to growth surfaces was greatly impaired. Whereas the catalytic activity of αTAT1 was dispensable for monolayer formation, it was necessary for cell adhesion and restrained cell proliferation and activation of the Hippo pathway at elevated cell density. Because α-tubulin K40 acetylation is largely eliminated by deletion of αTAT1, we propose that acetylated microtubules regulate contact inhibition of proliferation through the Hippo pathway.
Dying and Grieving Seen Through a Unitary Lens

In this column, Todaro-Franceschi presents a unitary view of energy, grounded within Rogers' (1992) science of unitary human beings, that supports a new view of dying and grieving, one based on the assumption that energy transforms, but is never lost. She briefly discusses her research on synchronicities related to dead loved ones as a basis for a new healing modality for the bereaved. Pilkington summarizes five studies on the lived experience of grieving within Parse's human becoming theory that were conducted either by her or William Cody. The unified description that emerged can assist nurses in being truly present with those who are grieving a loss.
The effect of the duration of the warning signal on extinguishing avoidance responses in Fischer344 rats

Whenever an animal fails to respond during extinction trials in a discriminative avoidance procedure, shocks are omitted and the warning signal is terminated arbitrarily after some fixed interval. This experiment examined the effects of variations in the duration of this interval on the performance of inbred rats of the Fischer344 strain during shuttlebox extinction trials. Immediately following training to a criterion level of performance, the Ss were divided into four groups on the basis of the duration (ranging from 5 to 20 sec) of the warning signal before its arbitrary termination. The probability of responding during such extinction trials was an increasing monotonic function of the duration of this interval.
An Outbreak of Type C Botulism in Pheasants and Subsequent Occurrence in Chickens

Botulism is an intoxication caused by an exotoxin of Clostridium botulinurn. The exotoxin acts at the peripheral cholinergic nerve terminus by blocking the release of acetylcholine. Action at the motor end plate results in muscle paralysis. In birds, paralytic signs progress cranially from the legs to wings, neck, and eyelids. In fatal cases, death results from cardiac and respiratory failure. Type C toxin is the major cause of avian botulism. The present case involved pheasants and then chickens subsequently placed in the same pen. A game bird breeder reported to the Turlock Branch of the California Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory System (CVDLS) that 90 of 115 46-month-old Ringneck pheasants had died (78% mortality) over a period of 2 days. The carcasses of 40 birds that had died the first day had not been removed from the pen until the second day, when another 50 birds died. The birds exhibited leg weakness leading to paralysis before death. There was a history of cannibalism in the flock. Four pheasants (1 live, 3 dead) and 4 blood samples were submitted to the laboratory. The live bird was recumbent with a flaccid neck and semiclosed eyelids. Only 5 pheasants survived to the following day: 1 bird with signs of paralysis and 4 that were taken out of the pen because they were badly pecked. The owner was advised to submit the bird with signs of paralysis. On presentation, this bird was sitting on its hocks with the eyelids semiclosed, but it did not have a flaccid neck. The pheasants were kept in a newly built 13.7x 4.9-m pen with a dirt floor. Two large Eucalyptus trees provided shade. Hawks and owls would roost regularly in those trees. The dirt of the floor had been tilled and mixed with fallen leaves, creating a mulch-like litter. A brush pile inside the pen provided cover. The birds were fed commercial quail feed. Quail, kept in a separate area of the farm, were fed the same feed and had no signs of disease. Water for the family and the birds was obtained from a well. Water for the pheasants was placed in the pen in a 37.8 liter galvanized tank that was filled and cleaned regularly. Because of an ammonia buildup in a chicken enclosure, the owner decided to place 60 chickens in the vacant pheasant pen. One week after the chickens had been placed in the pheasant pen, 10 of 60 chickens began exhibiting a variety of clinical signs, including drooping wings, eyelids semiclosed, unsteady gait, and shaking legs. When 1 of the chickens stopped walking, its neck would fall slowly until the beak touched the ground. Some birds, although alert, were sitting
Effects of finite chain extensibility on the stress fields near the tip of a mode III crack

We carried out a detailed analysis of the asymptotic stress and deformation fields at the tip of a mode III crack in a hyperelastic solid described by Gent's model. This model accounts for finite chain extensibility so that the deformation everywhere in the solid, including the crack tip, is bounded. We also present an exact solution for the ‘small-scale yielding’ problem where the region of large deformation is small compared with specimen dimensions. Our result shows that the crack tip stress field is non-separable. In addition, an infinite number of parameters are needed to completely specify the angular variation of crack tip stress field.
Elastomers for Static Seals at Cryogenic Temperatures

An elastomer O-ring lightly squeezed against a flat surface makes an excellent seal at ordinary temperatures, as has been amply demonstrated by the widespread acceptance of O-ring seals for countless applications. It is natural to hope that similar simple seals can be used for service at cryogenic temperatures. When an ordinary O-ring seal cools, however, the elastomer becomes brittle at some temperature not far below room temperature, then shrinks until it loses contact with the flat surface and the seal fails. If an O-ring seal is to hold at cryogenic temperatures, a way must be found to maintain the contact between the flanges and O-ring as the parts cool.
Structure-activity relationships and mode of action of 5-mercapto-substituted oligo- and polynucleotides as antitemplates inhibiting replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

Introduction of a reactive 5-mercapto group into some of the cytosine and/or uracil bases of various oligo- and polynucleotides by partial thiolation resulted in several potent inhibitors of the replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in primary human lymphocytes. These compounds exhibited little if any toxicity against uninfected peripheral blood mononuclear cells and showed 15 to 75 times higher antitemplate activity against a p66/p51 HIV-1 recombinant reverse transcriptase (RT) than against the DNA polymerase alpha from human lymphocytes. In contrast, the unthiolated oligo- and polynucleotides are void of antitemplate activity, and their apparent inhibitory effect on HIV-1 closely paralleled their toxicity for the cells. Partially thiolated poly(dC) (MPdC) was the most potent of all the compounds tested against HIV-1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (50% effective concentration, 1.8 micrograms/ml or 0.019 microM), while showing low cytotoxicity (greater than 100 micrograms/ml). The corresponding unmodified poly(dC) showed no anti-HIV-1 activity at 50 micrograms/ml but had pronounced cytotoxicity. MPdC was also a potent inhibitor of HIV-1 RT (50% inhibitory concentration, 0.30 micrograms/ml). The inhibitory activities of thiolated homooligo(dCs) against both HIV-1 replication and HIV-1 RT increased with increasing chain length. The heterooligonucleotides included in this study were designed as structural analogs of portions of the natural primer of HIV-1 RT, i.e., tRNA(3Lys). An 18-mer analog of the 3' terminus, complementary (antisense) to the primer-binding site of the HIV-1 genome, was attached to an oligo(dC) tail and 5-thiolated; this increased its activity and decreased its toxicity. This compound will serve as a new lead in the development of more effective antitemplates against HIV-1.
Immigration Policies Outside of the United States

Migration is a rapidly emerging field of study for disciplines such as political science, public policy, public administration, international relations (Hollifield 2008, 183). A few political studies of immigration were conducted in the 1970s (Castles and Kosack 1973; Freeman 1979), however, migration studies remained on the margins of political science until the 1990s. Recently studies have focused upon questions such as how to control immigration (Brochman and Hammar 1999; Cornelius et al. 2004), how immigration impacts international relations (Rudolph 2006), and the effect of immigration on citizenship, national identity and rights (Freeman 2004). Some migration studies have been comparative in nature
Signal reconstruction under finite-rate measurements: Finite-horizon navigation application

In this paper, we study finite-length signal reconstruction over a finite-rate noiseless channel. We allow the class of signals to belong to a bounded ellipsoid and derive a universal lower bound on a worst-case reconstruction error. We then compute upper bounds on the error that arise from different coding schemes and under different causality assumptions. We then map our general reconstruction problem into an important control problem in which the plant and controller are local to each other, but are together driven by a remote reference signal that is transmitted through a finite-rate noiseless channel. The problem is to navigate the state of the remote system from a nonzero initial condition to as close to the origin as possible in finite-time. Our analysis enables us to quantify the tradeoff between time horizon and performance accuracy which is not well-studied in the area of control with limited information as most works address infinite-horizon control objectives (eg. stability, disturbance rejection).