cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the Structures, Dynamics, and Aggregation of Dissolved Organic Matter

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays a significant role in the transport and transformation of pollutants in the aquatic environment. However, the experimental characterization of DOM has been limited mainly to bulk properties, and the molecular-level interactions among various components of DOM remain to be fully characterized. Here, we use molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to probe the structural properties of model DOM systems at atomic detail. The 200 ns simulations, validated by available experimental data, reveal processes and mechanisms by which chemical species (cations, peptides, lipids, lignin, carbohydrates, and some low-molecular-weight aliphatic and aromatic compounds) aggregate to form complex DOM. The DOM aggregates are dynamic, consisting of a hydrophobic core and amphiphilic exterior. The lipid tails and other hydrophobic fragments form the core, with hydrophilic and amphiphilic groups exposed to water, making DOM accessible to both polar and nonpolar species. Thus, the lipid component acts as a nucleator, whereas cations (especially Ca2+) connect the molecular fragments on the surface by coordinating with the O-containing functional groups of DOM. The structural details revealed here provide new insights including surface accessible atoms, overall assemblage, and interactions among the molecules of DOM for understanding the kinetics and mechanisms through which DOM interacts with metal and other contaminants.
The Classical Tradition in Medieval Catalan, 1300–1500: Translation, Imitation, and Literacy

Nos encontramos ante un estudio monografico que consta de dos secciones: la primera constituye un estudio de la historia linguistica, politica y cultural de la zona catalanofona de la Corona de Ara...
The inductively driven transmission line: A passively coupled device for diagnostic applications on the Z pulsed power facility.

The inductively driven transmission line (IDTL) is a miniature current-carrying device that passively couples to fringe magnetic fields in the final power feed on the Z Pulsed Power Facility. The IDTL redirects a small amount of Z’s magnetic energy along a secondary path to ground, thereby enabling pulsed power diagnostics to be driven in parallel with the primary load for the first time. IDTL experiments and modeling presented here indicate that IDTLs operate non-perturbatively on Z and that they can draw in excess of 150 kA of secondary current, which is enough to drive an X-pinch backlighter. Additional experiments show that IDTLs are also capable of making cleaner, higher-fidelity measurements of the current flowing in the final feed.
Association Between Systemic Corticosteroid Treatment for Cutaneous Immune-Related Adverse Events and Survival Outcomes in Patients With Advanced Cancer.

This cohort study investigates the association of systemic corticosteroid exposures with infectious complications and survival outcomes among patients with a cutaneous immune-related adverse event.
Diversification of Academic Surgery, Its Leadership, and the Importance of Intersectionality.

Importance Diversity in academic surgery is lacking, particularly among positions of leadership. Objective To evaluate trends among racial/ethnical minority groups stratified by gender along the surgical pipeline, as well as in surgical leadership. Design, setting, and participants This cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis assessed US surgical faculty census data obtained from the Association of American Medical Colleges faculty roster in the Faculty Administrative Management Online User System database. Surgical faculty members captured in census data from December 31, 2013, to December 31, 2019, were included in the analysis. Faculty were identified from the surgery category of the faculty roster, which includes general surgeons and subspecialists, neurosurgeons, and urologists. Main outcomes and measures Gender and race/ethnicity were obtained for surgical faculty stratified by rank. Descriptive statistics with annual percentage of change in representation are reported based on faculty rank. Results A total of 15 653 US surgical faculty, including 3876 women (24.8%), were included in the data set for 2019. Female faculty from racial/ethnic minority groups experienced an increase in representation at instructor and assistant and associate professorship appointments, with a more favorable trajectory than male faculty from racial/ethnic minority groups across nearly all ranks. White faculty maintain most leadership positions as full professors (3105 of 3997 [77.7%]) and chairs (294 of 380 [77.4%]). The greatest magnitude of underrepresentation along the surgical pipeline has been among Black (106 of 3997 [2.7%]) and Hispanic/Latinx (176 of 3997 [4.4%]) full professors. Among full professors, although Black and Hispanic/Latinx male representation increased modestly (annual change, 0.07% and 0.10%, respectively), Black female representation remained constant (annual change, 0.00004%) and Hispanic/Latinx female representation decreased (annual change, -0.16%). Overall Hispanic/Latinx (20 of 380 [5.3%]) and Black (13 of 380 [3.4%]) representation as chairs has not changed, with only 1 Black and 1 Hispanic/Latinx woman ascending to chair from 2013 to 2019. Conclusions and relevance A disproportionately small number of faculty from minority groups obtain leadership positions in academic surgery. Intersectionality may leave female members of racial/ethnic minority groups more disadvantaged than their male colleagues in achieving leadership positions. These findings highlight the urgency to diversify surgical leadership.
Molecular Genetics of Thyroid Cancer: Pathogenetic Significance and Clinical Applications

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the molecular genetics of thyroid cancer and its clinical management. Some of the genes involved in thyroid cancer are: RET, RET/PTC, PTEN, AKT1, TP53, BRAF, and RAS among others and mutations in these genes have been implicated in thyroid carcinogenesis. Analysis of these genes in the germline is crucial for screening of individuals predisposed to thyroid cancer. The clinical significance of germline mutations of RET and PTEN in the context of multiple endocrine neoplasia 2(MEN2) and Cowden syndromes is well established. The oncogene RET is mentioned to be present in medullary as well as a subset of papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) and some PTCs harbor chromosomal inversions or translocations that cause recombination of the RET kinase domain with hererologous genes, thereby generating the RET/PTC chimeric oncogenes. Mutations in BRAF gene is involved in thyroid cancer and the mechanisms of BRAF activation is through an intrachromosomal rearrangement through paracentric inversion of chromosome 7q. The various pathways associated with thyroid cancer pathophysiology and treatment are further discussed.
The Choice of Private versus Public Capital Markets: Evidence from Privatizations

Using a sample of 2477 privatizations from 108 countries that raised $1.2 trillion between 1977 and 2000, we analyze the choice between raising funds in public versus private capital markets. This choice is influenced by capital market, political, and firm-specific factors. Share issue privatizations (sales of shares through public equity markets) are more likely in less developed capital markets, probably as a way to help develop capital markets, and for larger and more profitable state-owned enterprises. In contrast, asset sales (sales to a small group of investors using private capital markets) are more likely to occur where governments respect property rights, and are thus not expected to expropriate the privatized assets.
Pre-transplant vaccination compliance in adult heart and lung transplant recipients.

Background Vaccine preventable diseases can affect solid organ transplant recipients post-transplant. Therefore, the administration of vaccines and assessment of serologic response should be prioritized in the pre-transplant period. Methods This single-center, retrospective study included 349 adult heart or lung transplant candidates between December 1, 2017 and November 30, 2019. We describe vaccination or serologic status for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, tetanus, pneumococcal, influenza and other recommended vaccinations among heart or lung transplant candidates. Results Eighty-two heart transplant candidates (91%) and 77 lung transplant candidates (30%) received an ID consult prior to transplant. More patients completed the pneumococcal series (66.7% vs. 28.6%, p = 0.045) in the heart transplant group that received an ID consult. In the lung transplant group, patients with an ID consult demonstrated higher rates of immunity to hepatitis A (84.4% versus 72.9%, p = 0.047), hepatitis B (75.3% versus 56.9%, p = 0.005), and measles (71.4% vs. 52.5%, p = 0.005) compared to those without. Conclusions Our results demonstrate the value of consulting ID and administering vaccinations in the early evaluation phase, prior to transplant listing. Opportunities remain to better optimize vaccination rates prior to transplant in heart and lung transplant candidates. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Oxidation alters the architecture of the phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase editing domain to confer hyperaccuracy.

High fidelity during protein synthesis is accomplished by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs). These enzymes ligate an amino acid to a cognate tRNA and have proofreading and editing capabilities that ensure high fidelity. Phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase (PheRS) preferentially ligates a phenylalanine to a tRNAPhe over the chemically similar tyrosine, which differs from phenylalanine by a single hydroxyl group. In bacteria that undergo exposure to oxidative stress such as Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, tyrosine isomer levels increase due to phenylalanine oxidation. Several residues are oxidized in PheRS and contribute to hyperactive editing, including against mischarged Tyr-tRNAPhe, despite these oxidized residues not being directly implicated in PheRS activity. Here, we solve a 3.6 A cryo-electron microscopy structure of oxidized S. Typhimurium PheRS. We find that oxidation results in widespread structural rearrangements in the β-subunit editing domain and enlargement of its editing domain. Oxidization also enlarges the phenylalanyl-adenylate binding pocket but to a lesser extent. Together, these changes likely explain why oxidation leads to hyperaccurate editing and decreased misincorporation of tyrosine. Taken together, these results help increase our understanding of the survival of S. Typhimurium during human infection.
Abstract P3-05-20: ESRP1 adds sp(l)ice to endocrine resistance

Introduction: De novo or acquired resistance to endocrine therapy limits its utility in a significant number of estrogen receptor (ER) breast cancers. An increasing number of molecular assays predict the likelihood of distant recurrence in tamoxifen-treated patients with node-negative, ER+ breast cancer. However, these do not provide the mechanistic basis for endocrine resistance. It is crucial to identify novel targets and improve the success of endocrine therapies. We previously shown that epithelial splicing regulatory proteins 1 and 2 (ESRP1 and ESRP2), RNA binding proteins that promote splicing, are significantly elevated in cases with high Oncotype DX scores (innate resistance) and in ERα-positive cells with acquired tamoxifen resistance (MCF-7 LCC2 cells) and fulvestrant and tamoxifen resistance (MCF-7/LCC9 cells). The aim of this study was to investigate the ESRP1/ESRP2-regulated alternative splicing events leading to innate and acquired endocrine resistance. Methods: A combinatorial bioinformatics approach was employed to identify genes altered through alternative splicing by ESRP1/ESRP2 in endocrine resistance. Briefly, genes with ESRP1/ESRP2 motifs were screened in the human genome. This data was integrated with tamoxifen-treated datasets, and filtered using protein-protein interactions (PPI; BIOGRID) and clinical outcome (KM plotter. Potential target gene transcripts were further narrowed down using an algorithm based on motif binding location and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) breast cancer datasets with low and high ESRP1 cases. The alternative transcripts were further validated using splice variant specific-custom qRT-PCR in low and high RS Oncotype cases as surrogate for endocrine sensitivity and resistance. Results: Motif analysis in combination with tamoxifen-treated datasets identified 2212 differentially expressed genes. Further collective analysis of number of PPI (>50) and survival data from KM plotter (P Conclusion: ESRP1/ESRP2 by inducing alternative splicing play an important role in tamoxifen resistance and recurrence of ER+ breast cancer. Targeting alternative splicing may offer novel avenues for combating endocrine-resistance in breast cancer. Citation Format: Yesim Gokmen-Polar, Yaseswini Neelamraju, Chirayu Pankaj Goswami, Harikrishna Nakshatri, Sarath Chandra Janga, Sunil Badve. ESRP1 adds sp(l)ice to endocrine resistance [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-05-20.
8 The Roles of Gill Permeability and Transport Mechanisms in Euryhalinity

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the roles of gill permeability and transport mechanisms in euryhalinity. The best-studied examples of the euryhaline species are the members of the families, Salmonidae, Cyprinodontidae, Anguillidae, Pleuronectidae, and Mugilidae. These and various other species are able to maintain quite consistent blood osmolarities and ionic concentrations over a wide range of salinities. Extrinsic factors, such as calcium concentrations, may also play a significant role in determining euryhalinity by the alteration of passive ionic permeability. It appears that prolactin is necessary in lowered salinities for reduction in both ionic and osmotic permeabilities, while epinephrine stimulates an active uptake of at least Na+ and osmotic uptake of water. With the exception of this latter effect, these responses to both hormones are adaptive for osmoregulation in reduced salinities. Data have been accumulating that the mechanisms for NaCl uptake are actually resident in the branchial epithelium of marine fish. The relative roles of efflux versus influx modulation in acclimation to lowered salinities are also discussed in the chapter.
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in Zambia: An Examination of Risk Factors and Gender Perceptions

Abuse of women has reached epidemic proportions in Africa and the literature has revealed that, internationally, between 10% and 52% of women experience this phenomenon. This study examines some so...
Distinct testicular 17-ketosteroid reductases, one in interstitial tissue and one in seminiferous tubules. Differential modulation by testosterone and metabolites of testosterone.

summary The final step in the biosynthesis of testosterone is the reduction of androstenedione, which is catalyzed by the microsomal enzyme 17-ketosteroid reductase. Evidence is presented which suggests that there are two distinct 17ketosteroid reductases in rat testes, one in interstitial tissue and one in seminiferous tubules. The two enzymes have different pH optima, 5.6 for the one from interstitial tissue and 6.5 for the one from seminiferous tubules. At the optimum pH, a 70-fold difference in K, values was observed, 17 tiM for the interstitial tissue enzyme and 0.25 PM for the enzyme from seminiferous tubules. Testosterone and me~boli~s of testosterone have very different effects on each of these enzyme activities. The interstitial tissue enzyme activity is inhibited by testosterone and several &reduced metabolites of testosterone and by estrogens. The most potent inhibitor of the steroids investigated was 5aandrostane-3ol ,l’Ipdiol, followed by l’lfi-estradiol s dihydrotestosterone > testosterone > estrone > estriol. 5~-~drost~e-3~,~7~~iol and 17&estradiol were shown to a&t by competitive ~hibition with apparent I& values of 2.2 and 3.7 PM, respectively. In contrast, it was demonstrated that among the above steroids, only dihydrotestosterone inhibits the 17-ketosteroid reductase activity of seminiferous tubules and this inhibition was only observed at very high concentrations of inhibitor. Testosterone stimulated the 17-ketosteroid reductase activity of seminiferous tubules. 5~-Androst~e-3~,17~diol at low concentrations stim
Interactive material replacement in photographs

Material replacement has wide application throughout the entertainment industry, particularly for post-production make-up application or wardrobe adjustment. More generally, any low-cost mock-up object can be processed to have the appearance of expensive, high-quality materials. We demonstrate a new system that allows fast, intuitive material replacement in photographs. We extend recent work in object selection and fast texture synthesis, as well as develop a novel approach to shape-from-shading capable of handling objects with albedo changes. Each component of our system runs with interactive speed, allowing for easy experimentation and refinement of results.
A brand for all the nations

Purpose – This paper aims to explain the emergence of the World Heritage Site (WHS) designation as a de facto brand. Branding provides a framework for managing the image of a place and is an important component of destination marketing. The WHS “brand” is of importance to developing nations because it is available without cost. The study examines the evolution of the WHS program with a focus on emerging markets. It seeks to identify economic, political and other factor which dispose emerging countries to seek WHS designations.Design/methodology/approach – This study is based on a multivariate analysis of data on 48 emerging countries in which their predisposition to seek WHS designations is predicted by indicators measuring: on‐going involvement with tourism, number of existing WHS sites, level of democratization, and the Human Development Index. The dataset is used to test four hypotheses.Findings – The analysis identified two significant statistical relationships: first, the number of existing WHS is, a...
SENIOR MANAGEMENT, THE LOCUS OF DECISION MAKING AND THE MANAGEMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT

An earlier study (Lucas, 1984), while finding support for theHickson (1971) framework for organizational power, found that departmentmanagers in three major industrial firms rated their information servicesdepartment as the least critical of five departments, for success in theirindustry. This study polled 37 plant managers from the same firms. Plantmanagers, like their department manager counterparts, considered theinformation services department least critical for success. Centralizationof decision making was found to be positively related to informationservices department power. Finally, implications of the study on distributedversus centralized information processing are discussed.
“Recent Developments in High-Pressure Rheology of Lubricants”

The rheological response of lubricants to a combination of shear and hydrostatic pressure has held the interest of tribologists working in elastohydrodynamics since it became accepted that thin lubricant films transfer the shear between solids in concentrated contact. Recently developed techniques allow us to probe the shear and bulk behavior of liquids at pressures and rates which overlap the conditions of lubricated concentrated contact. Results of high-pressure rheometry can be used to successfully predict EHD traction. It is now possible to actually view liquids in shear and in compression at high-pressure. Although with the proper assumptions valid traction predictions can be obtained using the concept of homogeneous shear in the load bearing region, flow visualization results require that we rethink previously held concepts of non-Newtonian flow at high-pressure.
Ploidy Variation in Plants

Evidence from genome sequences of many plant species indicate that all plants have had a cyclical history of doubling of chromosome numbers, followed by gene deletions back to a near diploid level. Recent cases of increases in genome copy number are generally considered to comprise ploidy variation. Ploidy variation involves changes in the number of whole sets of chromosomes. Aneuploid variation involves changes in the number of individual chromosomes. The two types of chromosomal changes have different consequences for gene expression patterns. Key concepts: An increase in whole genome chromosome sets is a recurring process in plant evolution followed by deletion of genes back to a near diploid level. Recent genome doubling can consist of genomes from slightly diverged species and are referred to as allopolyploids. Recent genome doubling within a species is referred to as autopolyploids. Allopolyploids and autopolyploids have different genetic behaviours. Cell size increases with the number of genomes present, as does gene expression in general. Aneuploidy is the change in copy number of part of the genome. Aneuploidy produces greater changes in gene expression than does ploidy variation. Keywords: ploidy; aneuploidy; chromosomes; genomes; gene expression
Functional recovery from lesions in the escape system of the cockroach

1. The cellular basis of the behavioral correction of the cockroach's turning response was studied. 2. Intracellular recordings from cockroaches whose left cercus was ablated were obtained from the left and right giant interneurons (GI's) both before and after the period of behavioral recovery. 3. Five of the seven identified left GI's (no.'s 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6) significantly enhanced their responses to wind (Fig. 1 and 2). The other two (no.'s 4 and 7) did not change significantly (Fig. 2). 4. GI's 1, 2, 3, and 6 recovered about 25% of their normal responses. Their normal characteristic directional curves were well restored (Fig. 3). 5. The major, and possibly the only, source of sensory information to the recovered GI's was the right cercus (Fig. 4). 6. The responses of all the right GI's but one (no. 4) did not change (Fig. 5). Thus the normal left/ right balance of GI activity was partially restored. 7. The number of action potentials in the GI's after the period of behavioral recovery is sufficient to produce turning behavior similar to that of day 30 animals (Figs. 6 and 7). 8. The response latency of axons in the left connective relative to those in the right connective was also greatly improved (Fig. 8). Both the restoration of the balance between the number of action potentials in the left and the right connectives, and the improvement in the relative latency may cooperate in producing the behavioral recovery. 9. Synaptic events that could underlie these physiological changes are discussed.
Synaptotagmin I is a molecular target for lead

Lead poisoning can cause a wide range of symptoms with particularly severe clinical effects on the CNS. Lead can increase spontaneous neurotransmitter release but decrease evoked neurotransmitter release. These effects may be caused by an interaction of lead with specific molecular targets involved in neurotransmitter release. We demonstrate here that the normally calcium-dependent binding characteristics of the synaptic vesicle protein synaptotagmin I are altered by lead. Nanomolar concentrations of lead induce the interaction of synaptotagmin I with phospholipid liposomes. The C2A domain of synaptotagmin I is required for lead-mediated phospholipid binding. Lead protects both recombinant and endogenous rat brain synaptotagmin I from proteolytic cleavage in a manner similar to calcium. However, lead is unable to promote the interaction of either recombinant or endogenous synaptotagmin I and syntaxin. Finally, nanomolar concentrations of lead are able to directly compete with and inhibit the ability of micromolar concentrations of calcium to induce the interaction of synaptotagmin I and syntaxin. Based on these findings, we conclude that synaptotagmin I may be an important, physiologically relevant target of lead.
Computing symmetric wavelet transforms using DCT and DST

The computational issues for symmetric wavelet transforms are investigated. We present a novel frequency-domain algorithm using the discrete cosine transforms (DCTs) and discrete sine transforms (DSTs). A high efficiency is achieved when this algorithm is applied to signals of finite duration, especially images.
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Glycohydrolase Activity in Guinea Pig Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes

An enzyme is present in extracts of guinea pig polymorphonuclear leukocytes which can catalyze the hydrolysis of pyridine nucleotides. The enzyme is equally active toward nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) or NAD phosphate, has an acid pH optimum, and is inhibited by either nicotinamide or isonicotinic acid hydrazide. This enzyme might be involved in the regulation of the pyridine nucleotide concentration within the leukocyte.
The dimensionality of discrete factor analyses

This article discusses a solution to Coombs’s project of a discrete, ordinal factor analysis for dichotomous data that is structurally homologous to Galois lattice analysis and to other related algebraic approaches. It compares this approach to the better known “biorder” approach to the same problem. In contrast to the biorder approach which is NP-hard, here the set of minimal solutions can be determined with a reasonably simple coloration algorithm. The dimensionality of the resulting solution may be larger than that retrieved by the closely related biorder approach, but the underlying space may be more parsimonious in that there are fewer possible regions. In a class of reasonably important cases, the two are equivalent.
A Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitor Impairs Ligament Healing in the Rat:

Celecoxib was the first of a new class of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) specific inhibitors, marketed as having the same antiinflammatory efficacy as other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs without their increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration. Among the widest uses of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs is in the treatment of acute soft tissue injuries. Although the benefits of celecoxib have been shown when used for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, we are unaware of any studies concerning its effect on soft tissues. We used the surgically incised medial collateral ligament of male Sprague-Dawley rats as an experimental model for acute ligament injuries to investigate the effects of celecoxib on ligament healing. Fifty rats underwent surgical transection of the right medial collateral ligament. Postoperatively, half were given celecoxib for the first 6 days of recovery, the other half were not. The animals were sacrificed 14 days after the operation, and both the injured and uninjured medial collateral ligaments were mechanically tested to failure in tension. Celecoxib-treated/injured ligaments were found to have a 32% lower load to failure than untreated/injured ligaments. The results of this study do not support use of cyclooxygenase-2 specific inhibitors in the treatment of ligament injuries.
Determinants of Clearance of Tissue-type Plasminogen Activator and their Pharmacologic Implications

Early reocclusion occurs in a significant minority of patients in whom thrombolysis with tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) is initially successful. The present study was undertaken in view of the likelihood that prolongation of the half-life of t-PA may decrease the incidence of reocclusion by increasing the interval over which therapeutic blood levels remain in the circulation and to characterise the extent of interdependence of clearance of pharmacologic concentrations of t-PA and complex formation of t-PA with plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) shown previously to be pivotal in binding of physiologic concentrations of PAI-1 to Hep G2 cells in vitro. A t-PA mutant was constructed in which the active site serine was changed to threonine to virtually abolish enzymatic activity and diminish inhibition of t-PA by PAI-1. It was used also to determine whether the half-life of the mutant in the circulation was changed as a result and to define the extent to which the capacity for inhibition of t-PA by PAI-1 influenced the clearance of pharmacologic concentrations of t-PA in vivo. The results indicate that effects on clearance of pharmacologic concentrations of t-PA in vivo of modification of the active site domain involved in interaction of t-PA with PAI-1 are much less important quantitatively than are influences of glycosylation or other domains. They demonstrate that modifications of glycosylation influence clearance through mechanisms independent of alterations of inhibition of t-PA by PAI-1. They suggest that development of novel variants of t-PA with specific, pharmacologically attractive properties can be targeted independently toward influencing interactions with PAI-1 or toward modifying clearance.
Diffusion barriers on Cu surfaces and near steps

This paper reports a molecular statics study of Cu surface diffusion barriers, particularly the facet–facet and step–facet barriers. The study focuses on two high-symmetry surfaces or facets, Cu{111} and Cu{100}. Our results show that these two barriers are distinct from conventional step barriers and are independent of facet size once it is beyond three atomic layers. Usually, the facet–facet barrier is substantially larger than diffusion barriers on flat surfaces or down monolayer steps, and the step–facet barrier is substantially larger than diffusion barriers along or across monolayer steps. Exceptions do exist. When two Cu{100} facets are involved, the two barriers decrease as the size of the ending facet increases from one layer to two layers, and then increase from two to three (or more) layers. As a result of the large facet–facet and step–facet barriers, surfaces of Cu thin films are of the order of 100 nm. The small facet–facet and step–facet barriers between two Cu{100} facets, when the ending facet is two to three layers, make it difficult to form another Cu{100} facet near one Cu{100} facet. For the same reason, nanowires along 100/{100} on the Cu{100} are unlikely, while nanowires along 110/{111} are feasible.
Seismic mitigation of bridges using smart restrainers

Recent earthquakes in the US and Japan have highlighted the vulnerability of bridges to collapse due to excessive movement at the hinges as a result of bearing and restrainer failure. Conventional hinge restrainers used in the US and Japan do not provide adequate protection from unseating, which can lead to collapse of bridges. This paper investigates the efficacy of using 'smart restrainers' to reduce the seismic vulnerability of bridges. The use of shape memory alloy devices as replacements for conventional restrainers are investigated as a method of improving the seismic response of bridges. Analytical studies show that these deices, used as passive dampers, are effective in both limiting the relative displacement between frames, and reducing the negative effects of pounding of bridge decks. In addition, by concentrating damage and energy dissipation in controlled locations, these devices can be used to reduce the demand on individual frames in multiple-frame bridges. Comparisons with conventional restrainers show that the 'smart restrainers' are more effective for a wide range of ground motions and bridge types than current restrainers.
Complications of radiation therapy: adult bone.

T HE skeletal effects of radiation are dependent upon many variables, but the pathologic features are consistent. Radiation may cause immediate or delayed cell death, cellular injury with recovery, arrest of cellular division, or abnormal repair with neoplasia.‘* Fabrikant et al. administered bone-seeking isotopes to rats and caused changes similar to those seen in humans, namely growth and modeling disturbances, bone necrosis, and neoplasia.’ The effects of radiation in childhood are discussed elsewhere in this Seminar and hence are not included in this paper. Hypoplasia of the ilium and scoliosis secondary to abnormal vertebral configuration are characteristic roentgen features.21’23
Gender roles, computer attitudes, and dyadic computer interaction performance in college students

Females tend to score lower than males on measures of computer aptitude and attitudes. This study examined the potential effects of several mediating factors, sex of experimenter, sex of experimental partner, sex typing (Bem Sex Role Inventory score), and level of past experience, on a computer interaction task involving a dyad. College students, drawn from a primarily white college population, after completing paper-and-pencil measures assessing computer experience, computer attitudes, and gender roles, participated in a computer task involving drawing up to ten prescribed geometric patterns on a computer screen. Research assistants recorded the number of correctly completed patterns and videotaped participant interaction through a one-way mirror. Males reported experiencing more computer involvement than females. For males, past computer experience and masculinity were correlated with more positive computer attitude scores. For females, only past computer experience related to more positive computer attitude scores. Analyses of the computer interaction variable indicated that participants asked male research assistants significantly more questions than female research assistants. Several interaction effects were also found.
Kneading sequences of strange adding machines

Abstract A strange adding machine is a non-renormalizable unimodal map, f , with critical point c , such that f | ω ( c ) is topologically conjugate to an adding machine map. In this paper we characterize the kneading sequence structure for all strange adding machines.
Fiscal Vulnerabilities and Risks from Local Government Finance in China

China weathered the global financial crisis better than most, thanks to a large and timely stimulus. This stimulus, however, was mainly in the form of off-budget infrastructure spending and thus not visible in the headline fiscal data. We construct a time series for the augmented fiscal deficit and debt - augmented to include off-budget activity - that better illustrates the counter-cyclical role of fiscal policy. The results also show that the augmented fiscal deficit and debt are both considerably higher than the headline government data suggest. Nonetheless, at around 45 percent of GDP, the augmented debt is still at a manageable level.
Inhibition of papain by nitriles: Mechanistic studies using NMR and kinetic measurements

N-(N-acetyl-1-phenylalanyl)aminoacetronitrile is an inhibitor of papain. With 13C NMR spectroscopy we have shown that a reversible covalent adduct is formed with papain. The reversible nature of the covalent-adduct formation was demonstrated with NMR saturation-transfer technique using a DANTE pulse for selective excitation. In addition the covalent adduct was displaced with an aldehyde inhibitor to regenerate the nitrile compound. No hydrolysis of the nitrile was observed. The covalent adduct is most likely a thioimidate formed between the essential thiol and the nitrile. Several p-nitroanilide substrates and their corresponding nitrile inhibitors were examined. A correlation between Ki and kcat/Km was observed. This finding together with the fact that the pH dependence of Ki parallels that of kcat/Km suggests that the interaction of nitriles and papain has considerable transition-state character. In contrast, a nitrile was shown to be an ineffective inhibitor of alpha-chymotrypsin.
Infant contrast detectors are selective for direction of motion

Abstract In order to investigate the presence of directionally selective mechanisms in 3-month-old infants, we employed a summation-near-threshold paradigm previously developed for studies of adult vision (Levinson & Sekuler, 1975 Journal of Physiology (London) , 250, 347–366); Watson, Thompson, Murphy & Nachmias, 1980 Vision Research, 20, 341–347). The degree of contrast summation occurring between two sinusoidal gratings moving in opposite directions was determined by comparing the contrast threshold for a compound stimulus (a counterphase-reversing grating) with the contrast threshold for one of its components (a single moving grating). Using the forced-choice preferential looking (FPL) technique, contrast thresholds were obtained for both counterphase and single moving gratings within individual infant subjects. Data were collected at several speeds, ranging from 2.8 to 66.8°/sec (temporal frequency range: 0.7–16.7 Hz). At slow speeds, infants' thresholds were approximately equal for counterphase and moving gratings, indicating that non-directional mechanisms were responsible for detection. At an intermediate speed (22.3°/sec), thresholds were nearly twice as high for counterphase gratings as for single moving gratings, indicating the existence of directionally selective mechanisms at detection threshold for this speed. For faster speeds, relative thresholds for the two types of stimuli fell between the two extremes; a model incorporating probability summation between directionally selective mechanisms was sufficient to account for the data. These results demonstrate that, at speeds greater than or equal to 22.3°/sec (t.f. = 5.6 Hz), 3-month-old infants possess directionally selective mechanisms at threshold.
Convergence of Solutions of the Landau Equations in the Collisionless Limit

This paper addresses the question: when the frequency of collisions vanishes, will the solutions of the Landau system converge to the solutions of the Vlasov system? We give a positive answer to the question for solutions satisfying certain regularity conditions.
Exploring the relationships between collective efficacy, perceptions of success, and team attributions.

Abstract We examined the influence of collective efficacy and subjective interpretations of success/failure on team causal attributions. The participants were 71 male and female high school athletes on 20 track relay teams. Before a selected competition, participants completed a collective efficacy questionnaire. Then, immediately after their race, they were administered a modified version of the revised Causal Dimension Scale-II. A multi-level framework was employed to assess collective efficacy as an individually held perception and as a shared team belief. The individual perceptions of team success/failure significantly predicted the locus of causality and stability dimensions, whereas aggregated collective efficacy emerged as a significant team level predictor of average stability. Individual perceptions of collective efficacy were significantly related to team control and this relationship was moderated by the sex of the team. The findings indicate that collective efficacy beliefs held by athletes an...
Latino Immigrants in the United States

Ronald L. Mize and Grace Pena Delgado discuss a host of topics pertaining to immigrant disenfranchisement in Latino Immigrants in the United States. While much immigration literature from the USA f...
Developmental lead exposure causes spatial learning deficits in adult rats

Groups of male rats exposed to lead (Pb) during different developmental periods were tested as adults in a water maze. A highly significant (P < 0.01) impairment in water maze performance was measured in rats exposed to Pb only during gestation and lactation (maternal exposure). At the time of testing (100-106 days old), blood and brain Pb concentrations were at control levels. Significant impairments (P < 0.05) were also present in rats continuously exposed to Pb from conception through adulthood. Post-weaning Pb exposure alone did not result in impaired performance despite significantly elevated blood and brain Pb levels at the time of testing. This study supports the hypothesis that a window of vulnerability to Pb neurotoxicity exists in the developing brain and that Pb exposure can result in long-term cognitive deficits.
Progressive Systemic Sclerosis

uthor queries to Agnes Fogo, MD, Department of Patholog E-mail: Agnes.Fogo@vanderbilt.edu ney Dis. 34(2):E4-E5. y the National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Else 6/$36.00 oi.org/10.1053/S0272-6386(13)90019-6 Fig 1. In progressive systemic sclerosis, many features overlap with those seen in malignant hypertension, with fibrinoid necrosis of vessels. There may also be fibrin thrombi extending into glomeruli, overlapping with the lesions typical of thrombotic microangiopathy. However, in typical progressive systemic sclerosis, injury often extends to larger vessels, contrasting the typical predominance of glomerular involvement in thrombotic microangiopathy. An uninvolved interlobular artery and an interlobular artery with extensive fibrinoid necrosis are shown in longitudinal section, with only ischemic changes in glomeruli. (Jones’ silver stain, original magnification 3200).
Effects of advection on the seasonal abundance patterns of three species of planktonic calanoid copepods in Dabob Bay, Washington

Abstract The copepodid stage abundances of Calanus marshallae, Calanus pacificus and Metridia pacifica in Dabob Bay, Washington were followed through two years. Based on the species' life histories, vertical distributions, abundances inside and outside the bay, and the hydrographic setting, times when advection was important were explored. During the first study-year, 1973, advection acted to keep the copepod concentrations inside and outside Dabob Bay similar through the early summer. During the summer, a period of very little advective exchange, the copepod concentrations diverged at the two stations. In the fall, when advection picked up again, the copepod concentrations at the two stations once again became similar. During the summer of the other study-year, 1982, flow of deep water into Dabob Bay occurred. This may have caused some of the differences observed in the abundances of the copepods during the summer of 1982 vs 1973. Due in part to the advective events, the seasonal abundance patterns of the copepods could not be predicted based upon their locally expressed life history patterns. The most striking example of this was C. pacificus. Its population decreased during the spring and increased during the fall, despite having its major reproductive peak in the spring. Advective effects clearly contributed to this.
Starting a robotic program in general thoracic surgery: why, how, and lessons learned.

Background We report our experience in starting a robotic program in thoracic surgery. Methods We retrospectively reviewed our experience in starting a robotic program in general thoracic surgery on a consecutive series of patients. Results Between February 2009 and September 2010, 150 patients underwent robotic operations. Types of procedures were lobectomy in 62, thymectomy in 30, and benign esophageal procedures in 6. No thymectomy or esophageal procedures required conversion. One conversion was needed for suspected bleeding for a mediastinal mass. Twelve patients were converted for lobectomy (none for bleeding, 1 in the last 24). Median operative time for robotic thymectomy was 119 minutes, and median length of stay was 1 day. The median time for robotic lobectomy was 185 minutes, and median length of stay was 2 days. There were no operative deaths. Morbidity occurred in 23 patients (15%). All patients with cancer had R0 resections and resection of all visible mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes. Conclusions Robotic surgery is safe and oncologically sound. It requires training of the entire operating room team. The learning curve is steep, involving port placement, availability of the proper instrumentation, use of the correct robotic arms, and proper patient positioning. The robot provides an ideal surgical approach for thymectomy and other mediastinal tumors. Its advantage over thoracoscopy for pulmonary resection is unproven; however, we believe complete thoracic lymph node dissection and teaching is easier. Importantly, defined credentialing for surgeons and cost analysis studies are needed.
Inverse Reaction Chromatography. 2. Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange with Silanol Groups on the Surface of Fumed Silica

Hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange between silanol groups on the surface of fumed silica, and deuterium oxide in the carrier gas, has been studied by a GC/MS chromatographic method using a residual gas analyzer as the mass sensitive detector (MSD) in GC/MS. The response of the MSD to the injection of deuterium oxide (DOD) at the inlet of the column packed with a mixture of fumed silica with inert silica particles showed water (HOH), HOD, and DOD. Each of their elution profiles were found to agree semiquantitatively with those obtained by computer simulation in the companion paper (Bakaev, V. A. J. Phys. Chem. C 2009). The concentration of silanol groups on the silica surface could be obtained from this experiment, and yielded a reasonable value. The rate constant of H/D exchange was also evaluated by comparison of computer simulation with experiment. It is concluded that this method can be applied to the study of other oxides surfaces, and possibly to various organic molecules, including biomolecules, adsorbed on solid surfaces.
A developmental view of faith.

It will seem obvious to almost everyone in the twentieth century that the church needs to take seriously issues having to do with moral and religious development, and it will seem equally obvious that psychology is the dis cipline that is best able to inform us about these issues. Developmental psy chology has made great advances since the turn of the century, and the church has made ready use of its findings, especially in the area of educational meth ods and curriculum planning. It is important to remember, however, that the concept of development, so central to our view of man today, is relatively new in the history of man's self-understanding. Erik Erikson, a leading develop mental theorist, notes that "one may scan work after work on history, society, and morality and find little reference to the fact that all people start as chil dren and that all peoples begin in their nurseries."1 He might well have added theology and philosophy to his list. All of us tend to take the concept of a long childhood for granted. In a fascinating historical study of the subject entitled Centuries of Childhood (London, Jonathan Cape, 1962), Philippe Aries forces one to recognize that developmental considerations are very new to our pres ent historical and cultural context. Earlier efforts at human self-understand
Multiplicity of the afferent pathways mediating the exercise pressor reflex

The cardiovascular responses to isometric contraction of the triceps surae muscle of one leg were determined before and after transecting the ipsilateral L7 or L6 and S1 spinal roots. Sectioning only the L7 spinal root slightly attenuated the pressor, but not the heart rate response induced by skeletal muscle contraction, while cutting the L6 and S1 spinal roots (L7 intact) had no effect on the cardiovascular changes. This indicates that there is multiplicity in neural afferent pathways that mediate the exercise pressor reflex.
Influence of Surface Relaxation on X-Ray Topographic Imaging of Interfacial Dislocations in Heterosystems

The influence of surface relaxation on the imaging of dislocations in thin single crystal films, using white beam synchrotron radiation topography in grazing Bragg-Laue geometry, has been assessed. The predicted visibility of dislocation images on grazing Bragg- Laue topographs, for the particular case of interfacial edge dislocations in a GaAs/Si heterostructure, is shown to be strongly influenced. Agreement between predicted and observed visibility could only be obtained by incorporating the surface relaxation effects, which thus strongly influence the depth sensitivity of the technique, i.e. the ability to pinpoint the depth of a dislocation. Dislocation image widths are also influenced by these effects.