cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Postmortem Storage on Muscle Protein Degradation: Analysis by SDS‐Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis

Changes in myofibrillar proteins of bovine longissimus and semitendinosus muscles were examined during 14 days of postmortem storage at 2°C by SDS-Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Major changes in both muscles were: (1) appearance of a 95,000-dalton component; (2) gradual disappearance of troponin-T and gradual appearance of a 30,000-dalton component; (3) gradual increase in intensity of a protein around 55,000-daltons; and (4) gradual appearance of a 110,000-dalton component. With the exception of the 95,000-dalton component, the other changes have been reported previously by other authors. At the present time we have no knowledge of the origin of the 95,000-dalton component, but it is known that calcium-activated factor (CAF) is responsible for degradation of troponin-T. Appearance of the 95,000-dalton component during postmortem storage suggests involvement of CAF for increasing tenderness during postmortem storage.
The effects of posture on forearm muscle loading during gripping

The purpose of this study was to quantify the response of the forearm musculature to combinations of wrist and forearm posture and grip force. Ten healthy individuals performed five relative handgrip efforts (5%, 50%, 70% and 100% of maximum, and 50 N) for combinations of three wrist postures (flexed, neutral and extended) and three forearm postures (pronated, neutral and supinated). ‘Baseline’ extensor muscle activity (associated with holding the dynamometer without exerting grip force) was greatest with the forearm pronated and the wrist extended, while flexor activity was largest in supination when the wrist was flexed. Extensor activity was generally larger than that of flexors during low to mid-range target force levels, and was always greater when the forearm was pronated. Flexor activation only exceeded the extensor activation at the 70% and 100% target force levels in some postures. A flexed wrist reduced maximum grip force by 40-50%, but EMG amplitude remained elevated. Women produced 60-65% of t...
Application of high throughput pretreatment and co‐hydrolysis system to thermochemical pretreatment. Part 1: Dilute acid

Because conventional approaches for evaluat- ing sugar release from the coupled operations of pretreat- ment and enzymatic hydrolysis are extremely time and material intensive, high throughput (HT) pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis systems have become vital for screening large numbers of lignocellulosic biomass samples to identify feedstocks and/or processing conditions that significantly improve performance and lower costs. Because dilute acid pretreatment offers many important advantages in rendering biomass highly susceptible to subsequent en- zymatic hydrolysis, a high throughput pretreatment and co- hydrolysis (HTPH) approach was extended to employ dilute acid as a tool to screen for enhanced performance. First, a single-step neutralization and buffering method was devel- oped to allow effective enzymatic hydrolysis of the whole pretreated slurry. Switchgrass and poplar were then pre- treated with 0.5% and 1% acid loadings at a 5% solids concentration, the resulting slurry conditioned with the buffering approach, and the entire mixture enzymatically hydrolyzed. The resulting sugar yields demonstrated that single-step neutralizing and buffering was capable of adjust- ing the pH as needed for enzymatic saccharification, as well as overcoming enzyme inhibition by compounds released in pretreatment. In addition, the effects of pretreatment con- ditions and biomass types on susceptibility of pretreated substrates to enzymatic conversion were clearly discernible, demonstrating the method to be a useful extension of HTPH systems. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012;xxx: xxx-xxx.
Rapid publication: Constitutive expression of a vitamin D 1‐hydroxylase in a myelomonocytic cell line: A model for studying 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D production in vitro

The capacity of the v-myc-transformed, chicken myelomonocytic cell line HD-11 to metabolize 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OHD3) was examined. HD-11 cells produced and secreted a metabolite of 25-OHD3 that was bound with high affinity by receptor for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3]. On normal-phase HPLC, this metabolite cochromatographed with authentic 1,25-(OH)2D3 in both hexane- and methylene chloride-based solvent systems. The 25-OHD3 1-hydroxylation reaction was substrate saturable with a Km of 73 nM 25-OHD3 and a maximal velocity of 167 fmol per 10(6) cells per h. This reaction was inhibited by ketoconazole, a recognized inhibitor of cytochrome P450 mixed-function oxidases including the authentic, renal 25-OHD3 1-hydroxylase. On the other hand, HD-11 cell 1,25-(OH)2D3 production was not affected by the antioxidant DPPD, a known inhibitor of free radical-generated 1,25-(OH)2D3. In addition to synthesizing 1,25-(OH)2D3, this monocyte-macrophage cell line also has the potential to be a target for the hormone; HD-11 cells express high-affinity receptor for 1,25-(OH)2D3 (Kin = 0.06 nM).
A numerical model for the computation of radiance distributions in natural waters with wind-roughened surfaces

A numerical technique is presented for computing radiance distributions in natural waters that have wind-blown surfaces and depth-dependent inherent optical properties. Input to the numerical model consists of the radiance distribution incident on the air-water surface from above, the wind velocity, which specifies the state of randomness of the air-water surface via a wind speed-wave slope spectrum, the volume scattering and volume attenuation functions of the water body as functions of depth and wavelength, and the type of bottom boundary. Primary output from the model consists of directionallv discretized radiances as functions of wavelength, direction, and depth throughout and above the water body. General knowledge of the radiance distribution in a water body is a prerequisite for solving more specific problems, such as those occurring in studies of underwater visibility, remote sensing of the oceans from aircraft or satellites, heating of the upper layers of the oceans, or photosynthesis. Moreover, since radiance is the fundamental radiometric quantity, if the radiance is known then all other quantities of interest, such as the irradiance, are easily obtained. Unfortunately, measurement of radiance is a difficult and expensive task in the ocean environment, and few systematic studies of radiance have been made in natural waters. However, a numerical model has been developed for computing radiance distributions in natural hydrosols, such as lakes and seas, given the inherent optical properties of the hydrosol itself and appropriate boundary conditions at the surface and bottom of the water body, along with the radiance incident on the water surface. This
Algorithmic barriers from phase transitions in graphs

For a number of optimization problems on random graphs and hypergraphs, e.g., k-colorings, there is a very big gap between the largest average degree for which known polynomial-time algorithms can find solutions, and the largest average degree for which solutions provably exist. We study this phenomenon by examining how sets of solutions evolve as edges are added. We prove in a precise mathematical sense that, for each problem studied, the barrier faced by algorithms corresponds to a phase transition in the problems solution-space geometry. Roughly speaking, at some problem-specific critical density, the set of solutions shatters and goes from being a single giant ball to exponentially many, well-separated, tiny pieces. All known polynomial-time algorithms work in the ball regime, but stop as soon as the shattering occurs. Besides giving a geometric view of the solution space of random instances our results provide novel constructions of one-way functions.
Enhanced Kalman Filter Algorithm Using the Invariance Principle

Target tracking in multistatic active sonar systems is often limited in shallow-water environments due to the high level of bottom reverberation that produces false detections. Past research has shown that these false alarms may be mitigated when complete knowledge of the environment is available for discrimination, but these methods are not robust to environmental uncertainty. Recent work has demonstrated the existence of a waveguide invariant for active sonar geometries. Since this parameter is independent of specifics of the environment, it may be used when the environment is poorly known. In this paper, the invariance extended Kalman filter (IEKF) is proposed as a new tracking algorithm that incorporates dynamic frequency information in the state vector and uses the invariance relation to improve tracker discrimination. IEKF performance is quantified with both simulated and experimental sonar data and results show that the IEKF tracks the target better than the conventional extended Kalman filter (CEKF) in the presence of false detections.
Fasting hyperglycemia in the Goto-Kakizaki rat is dependent on corticosterone: a confounding variable in rodent models of type 2 diabetes

SUMMARY The Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat is an inbred model of type 2 diabetes (T2D); GK rats are lean but have hyperglycemia and increased gluconeogenesis. However, fasting hyperglycemia in other commonly used rodent models of T2D is associated with increased corticosterone, and thus the underlying mechanism for hyperglycemia differs significantly from T2D in humans. Information regarding corticosterone in the GK rat is not readily available. We studied 14- to 16-week-old GK rats in comparison with age-matched control Wistar-Kyoto (WK) rats. GK rats had lower body weights (WK: 343±10 g vs GK: 286±9 g, P<0.01), but higher plasma glucose concentrations (WK: 132±1.5 mg/dl vs GK: 210±11.7 mg/dl, P<0.01). This was associated with an ~twofold increase in PEPCK1 expression (P<0.05). However, these findings were also associated with elevations in plasma corticosterone and urinary corticosterone excretion. Ketoconazole (KTZ) treatment in GK rats reduced plasma corticosterone, fasting glucose (GK: 218±15 mg/dl vs GKKTZ: 135±19 mg/dl, P<0.01) and rates of glucose production [GK: 16.5±0.6 mg/(kg-minute) vs GK-KTZ: 12.2±0.9 mg/(kg-minute), P<0.01]. This was associated with an ~40% reduction in hepatic PEPCK1 expression as well as a 20% reduction in alanine turnover. Thus, hypercorticosteronemia might contribute to the diabetic phenotype of GK rats and should be considered as a potential confounder in rodent models of T2D.
Quantitative measurements of cerebral blood flow in volume imaging PET scanners

Quantitative measurements of cerebral blood flow (CBF) are performed in a volume imaging PET scanner by means of moderate activity infusions. In equilibrium infusions, activations are measured by scanning over 10 minutes with 16 minute activations. Typical measured whole brain CBF values are 37/spl plusmn/8 ml/min/100 g, close to the value of 42 ml/min/100 g reported by other groups using this method. For ramped infusions, scanning over 4 minutes with 5 minute activations results in whole brain CBFs of 49/spl plusmn/9 ml/min/100 g, close to the Kety and Schmidt value of 50 ml/min 100 g. Both equilibrium and ramped infusion methods have been used to study face and word memory in human subjects. Both methods were able to detect significant activations in regions implicated in human memory. We conclude that precise quantitation of regional CBF is achieved using both methods, and that ramped infusions also provide accurate measures of CBF. In addition a simplified protocol for ramped infusion studies has been developed. In this method the whole brain tissue time activity curve generated from dynamic scanning is replaced by an appropriately scaled camera coincidence countrate curve. The resulting whole brain CBF values are only 9% different from the dynamic scan and fit results. Regional CBFs (rCBF) may then be generated from the summed image (4.25 minutes) using a count density vs flow lookup table. >
Comparison of inhaled salmeterol and oral zafirlukast in patients with asthma

Abstract Background: Salmeterol, a long-acting β 2 -agonist, and zafirlukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, are both indicated for the treatment of asthma in adolescent and adult patients. Objective: We sought to compare the effect of 4 weeks of treatment with inhaled salmeterol xinafoate versus oral zafirlukast in the treatment of persistent asthma. Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group, multicenter clinical trial. Patients, over 80% of whom were on a concurrent inhaled corticosteroid regimen, were treated for 4 weeks with either inhaled salmeterol xinafoate 42 μg twice daily administered by means of a metered-dose inhaler or oral zafirlukast 20 mg twice daily. The primary efficacy measure was morning peak expiratory flow (PEF); secondary efficacy measures included evening PEF, asthma symptom scores, supplemental albuterol use, nighttime awakenings, sleep symptoms, asthma exacerbations, and FEV 1 . Results: Both inhaled salmeterol and oral zafirlukast resulted in within-group improvements from baseline in measures of pulmonary function, asthma symptoms, and supplemental albuterol use. Salmeterol treatment resulted in significantly greater improvements from baseline compared with zafirlukast for most efficacy measurements, including morning PEF (29.6 vs 13.0 L/min; P ≤ .001), percentage of symptom-free days (22.4% vs 8.8%; P ≤ .001), and percentage of days and nights with no supplemental albuterol use (30.5% vs 11.3%; P ≤ .001). There were no differences in safety profiles as assessed by adverse event monitoring. Conclusion: In patients with persistent asthma, most of whom were concurrently using inhaled corticosteroids, treatment with inhaled salmeterol provided significantly greater improvement than oral zafirlukast in overall asthma control over the 4-week treatment period. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;103:1075-80.)
“I Feel Like I’m Safe Again”: A Discussion of Middle Grades Organizational Structures from the Perspective of Immigrant Youth and Their Teachers

AbstractAs the number of immigrants and refugees grows in the United States, the linguistic and cultural diversity that comprises the middle grades classroom continues to increase. Given the need for resources and specific attention to linguistic and cultural strategies for these populations, this three-year ethnographic study examined the schooling experiences of young adolescent immigrant and refugee students in a small town located in a rural state. Historically a homogeneous area, in the last decade this community became a multilingual/multicultural setting. This study documented the schooling experiences of participants using ethnographic methods including participant observation, interviews, and document analysis. The data describe how immigrant and refugee students internalized middle grades organizational structures such as teaming and multiage grouping. The findings suggest much variability among the students’ experiences. Implications for researchers center on expanding the current research base...
HD-Zip Proteins GL2 and HDG11 Have Redundant Functions in Arabidopsis Trichomes, and GL2 Activates a Positive Feedback Loop via MYB23

The class IV homeodomain leucine zipper transcription factor GLABRA2 (GL2) acts in a complex regulatory circuit that regulates the differentiation of trichomes in Arabidopsis thaliana. We describe a genetic interaction with HOMEODOMAIN GLABROUS11 (HDG11), previously identified as a negative regulator of trichome branching. gl2 hdg11 double mutants display enhanced trichome cell-type differentiation defects. Transgenic expression of HDG11 using the GL2 promoter partially suppresses gl2 trichome phenotypes. Vice versa, expression of GL2 under the control of its native promoter partially complements hdg11 ectopic branching. Since gl2 hdg11 and gl2 myb23 double mutants and the triple mutant display similar trichome differentiation defects, we investigated a connection to the R2R3-MYB transcription factor MYB23. We show that MYB23 transcript levels are significantly reduced in shoots from gl2 mutants and that GL2 can drive the expression of a MYB23-promoter fusion to green fluorescent protein. Yeast one-hybrid, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and in planta reporter gene experiments indicate that an L1-box in the MYB23 promoter acts as a GL2 binding site. Taken together, our findings reveal a functional redundancy between GL2 and HDG11, two homeodomain leucine zipper transcription factors previously thought to mediate opposing functions in trichome morphogenesis. A model is proposed in which GL2 transcript levels are maintained through a positive feedback loop involving GL2 activation of MYB23.
A Knowledge Model-driven Recommender System for Business Transformation

Engineering approach for transforming business process and workforce management is an emerging area that is gaining increasing interest for its many promising applications in service science. Yet, three major challenges stand out in engineering any business transformation process. The first challenge is accurate modeling of the transformation knowledge that may be scattered across multiple application domains. The second challenge is efficient and precise real-time evaluation based on the knowledge model. The third challenge will be to generate intelligent recommendations about business transformation that can significantly improve the business process and drive down opportunity costs. This paper proposes an integrated knowledge model-driven recommender system that effectively addresses all of the three abovementioned challenges of modeling, evaluating, and recommending. Using a real-world case study on warranty processing at a major automotive manufacturer, this paper presents a novel business transformation framework that consists of a knowledge model on business value drivers and metrics, an evaluation engine for processing real-time business events, and a recommendation engine that utilizes information obtained from the evaluation engine to suggest new processes and workforce allocation strategy, which can be subjected to a new cycle of modeling and evaluation to complete a feedback loop. Our experimental study using the real-world data results in a "25/75" rule in predictive warranty data processing: 25% of information contains 75% of business information entropy, thereby demonstrating the effectiveness of the system
Group and person attributions in response to criticism of the in-group

This study examined responses to criticism of the in-group as influenced by critic's group membership and justifiability of the criticism. Participants responded to an article in which the author criticized their school. The critic was presented as a student either at the participant's own school (the in-group) or at a college higher or lower in status than the in-group school. The content of the criticism varied by justifiability. Results demonstrate that attributions associated with the person were greater when the critic was a fellow in-group member, and group attributions were stronger when he or she was a student from the higher status school. Neither attribution type dominated in the low-status out-group condition. The content of the criticism did not influence attributions, and harmfulness of the criticism-rather than justifiability-seemed to influence other responses. Associations between type of attributions (group or person) and affective and other perceptual reactions (e.g. anger, perceived accuracy of statements) also differed by the critic's group membership. Implications for intergroup theory and communication in intergroup conflict are discussed.
A GRASP for unitary space-time codes

Unitary space-time codes perform well at high signal-to-noise ratios on MIMO channels even when the propagation coefficients between transmitter and receiver are unknown. One method of constructing unitary space-time constellations uses a random search to find signal constellations that minimize the maximum pairwise correlation between transmitted signals. The work presented here uses a greedy randomized adaptive search procedure (GRASP) for finding good unitary space-time code constellations. Simulation results show that, on average, this technique finds codes with better correlation properties than the random search method. This new search procedure was also used to find signal constellations with better correlation properties than those previously obtained with the random search technique
Temporal frequency spectra of multifrequency waves in turbulent atmosphere

General formulations for temporal frequency spectra of the fluctuations of plane, spherical, and beam waves operating at two frequencies are given based on weak turbulence and frozen-in assumptions. The cross spectra and the coherence are obtained for the amplitude at two frequencies, the phase at two frequencies, and the amplitude at one frequency and the phase at another frequency. The results are examined in detail for plane and spherical waves. For the spectrum of the index of refraction \kappa^{-n} in the inertial subrange, the amplitude spectrum behaves as k^{(5-n)/2} for \omega \rightarrow 0 and k^{2}\omega^{1-n} for \omega \rightarrow \infty . The phase spectrum for \omega\rightarrow 0 and for \omega\rightarrow\infty behaves as k^{2}\omega^{1-n} with different constants. These results agree well with the experimental work of Janes et al. [11] at 9.6 and 34.5 GHz, and explains the ratio of the spectra at two frequencies. Also noted is the experimental slope of -2.6 as and for \omega \rightarrow \infty which may be compared with 1-n = -2.66 using the Kolmogorov spectrum of n = 11/3 . The amplitude and phase coherence are calculated, and the results agree well with the experimental data. This agreement is indicative of the general validity of the theory for frequencies as low as 10\sim30 GHz and the path length as long as 60 km. It is also shown that using the preceding theory, the wind velocity and the structure constant C_{n} can be deduced from the experimental data. Theoretical wind velocity of 15.6 knots obtained from the propagation data compares favorably with the meteorologically measured value of 14 knots, and two values of C_{n} obtained independently from the amplitude and phase measurements closely agree with each other.
Sheet molding compound compression-molding flow

Most available descriptions of sheet molding compound (SMC) flow are based on a generalized Hele-Shaw type model. These analyses have several deficiencies. SMC slip at the wall is neglected, and unrealistic rheological models are used. Consequently, molding pressures are incorrectly predicted but, nonetheless, the fill patterns for thin, large area charges typical of exterior automotive body panels are reasonably well predicted as is shown here by comparison with experiment. Recently, a model has been developed that allows for slip at the wall and assumes extensional resistance controls in the interior of the SMC. The model contains the Hele-Shaw approximation as an extreme case. The predicted molding forces during fill are compared with experiment for some commercial moldings. A dimensionless group to predict when the Hele-Shaw type models fail in predicting the charge shape is developed and its applicability demonstrated.
Simulation results for QAM codes for DS-1 rate in subscriber loop plant (ISDN)

The author presents some of the simulation results when the transmission rate is enhanced to the primary rate. A series of results indicating the degradation of the 16 and 64 point quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) constellations as the echo cancellation is reduced from 60 dB to 40 dB is given. The improvements as the loop configuration is altered to conform to the shorter carrier serving area (CSA) loops in the US are summarized. The results presented are indicative of typical CSA loop performance in US and Canada, and those of Australia, where fewer loop discontinuities and bridged taps are encountered. In Europe, the loops are also short with fewer discontinuities and few, if any, bridged taps. >
The paperless office: facts and fictions

With the advent of computers, many have anticipated the realization of the "paperless" office. Despite the technology that makes an electronic office feasible, the proliferation of paper continues. The paper suggests a "less" paper office serves as a more realistic goal than the "paperless" office. Case examples show two organizations attempts to use technology to reduce paper: one successfully, one unsuccessfully. The author suggests a three phase implementation strategy to help organizations use technology to reduce paper and costs and increase productivity.
An Opportunity Analysis Framework for Apparel Retailing in India: Economic, Social, and Cultural Considerations for International Retail Firms

Despite seemingly large market potential, little is known about the scope of opportunities and threats for international apparel retailers seeking to enter the growing Indian retail arena.A low level of organized retail penetration, coupled with an ineffective supply chain, characterizes the infrastructure of the Indian retail industry.Analysis of the current state of Indian retail, along with opportunities and threats to growth, would have immense significance for international retailers vying to enter the Indian market.This paper presents a conceptual framework that offers advice for international corporations regarding successful entry and sustainability in India. Using a metatheory approach, a series of testable propositions are presented in relation to opportunities for international retail development in the Indian apparel retail sector. Propositions are guided by theoretical perspectives from Rostow (1960) and Dunning (1988, 1993, 1995). Discussion and implications of the resulting opportunity anal...
Grain-Boundary Segregation and Final-Stage Sintering of Y2O3

The addition of ThO2 to Y2O3 inhibits grain growth during sintering and allows the sintering process to proceed to theoretical density by maintaining a high diffusion flux of vacancies from the pores to the grain boundaries. The inhibition of grain growth is accomplished by the segregation of ThO2 solute at the grain boundaries, causing a decrease in the grain-boundary mobility. The segregation of ThO2 at the grain boundaries can be inferred from the results of the microhardness and grain-growth studies presented. Further evidence for segregation is provided by quenching experiments and surface activity experiments.
Defining mesenchymal stromal cells responsiveness to IFNγ as a surrogate measure of suppressive potency

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) are being developed as a transfusional product to treat immune and inflammatory disorders. However, results of industry-sponsored randomized clinical trials that have utilized MSC-like cells have not met primary end points of efficacy for treatment of GvHD or inflammatory bowel disease. A better understanding of MSC mechanism of action would best inform future development strategies. MSC's immunosuppressive potential is markedly augmented by licensing by the proinflammatory cytokine, IFNγ. In the present review, we analyze the effect of MSC preparation methods on MSC's responsiveness to IFNγ and immune plasticity. The concept of prelicensing with IFNγ on MSC's immunosuppressive, engraftment and therapeutic potential is also discussed. Rec.6/10/2014, Acc.8/18/2014, pp168-175
Eugenics and equality: does the Constitution allow policies designed to discourage reproduction among disfavored groups?

The word "eugenics" invokes disturbing images of Nazi euthanasia and Chinese forced sterilization programs. Although many Americans probably assume that eugenic practices would not be allowed within the United States, eugenics has a long history in American policy, and variants of eugenic polices are a significant, ongoing feature of our political landscape. Current equal protection jurisprudence neither acknowledges nor accounts for this phenomenon, and explicitly eugenic laws are arguably constitutional under the Supreme Court's current jurisprudence. Eugenic policies are inherently subordinating, as they place lower values on the lives of those targeted. Nevertheless, the constitutional principle addressing equality, the Equal Protection Clause,1 offers very limited protection against eugenic policies, because current jurisprudence focuses on non-differentiation by race, sex, and other protected classifications. This Note illustrates the danger of equal protection jurisprudence that ignores subordination. Scholars have argued for an anti-subordination framework for equal protection, identifying seemingly subordinating practices that were upheld under equal protection challenges and showing how an antisubordination norm would lead to better results in these cases. This Note goes a step further, analyzing eugenic policies, which have not been challenged recently, but seem to be consistent with the current understanding of equal protection even though they are clearly subordinating. The case that the current understanding of equal protection is inadequate is reinforced by examining historical and current eugenic policies, which are largely outside the scope of equal protection despite their long and continuing history of use to subordinate unpopular groups. A reformulation of equal protection that protects against subordination of any disadvantaged group rather than merely protecting against differentiation along racial and certain other lines would rectify this problem.
Oligopurine.oligopyrimidine tracts do not have the same conformation as analogous polypurine.polypyrimidines.

The ability of tracts of synthetic oligopurine · oligopyrimidines containing both adenosine and guanosine residues to approach the conformation of analogous polypurine · polypyrimidines has been examined as a function of tract length by CD spectroscopy. Tracts of up to 19 contiguous, alternating dA and dG residues yield CD spectra that are distinctly different from that of the analogous alternating polymer. Thus the structural changes reflected in the unusual CD spectrum of poly[d(AG)] · poly [d(CT)] must require even longer tract lengths. Tracts of contiguous adenosines flanked by guanosine residues were seen to approach the CD spectrum of poly[dA] · poly[dT] quite slowly as a function of tract length, requiring more than 24 contiguous adenosines to give CD spectra similar to the homopolymer. These results lead us to the conclusion that oligopurine tracts in vivo are not well modeled by synthetic polypurine · polypyrimidines with one or two base pair repeating units.
Compensation of Dispersion and Nonlinear Impairments Using Digital Backpropagation

Optical fiber transmission is impacted by linear and nonlinear impairments. We study the use of digital backpropagation (BP) in conjunction with coherent detection to jointly mitigate dispersion and fiber nonlinearity. We propose a noniterative asymmetric split-step Fourier method (SSFM) for solving the inverse nonlinear Schrodinger equation (NLSE). Using simulation results for RZ-QPSK transmitted over terrestrial systems with inline amplification and dispersion compensation, we obtain heuristics for the step size and sampling rate requirements, as well as the optimal dispersion map.
Identification of Putative Cytoskeletal Protein Homologues in the Protozoan Host Hartmannella vermiformis as Substrates for Induced Tyrosine Phosphatase Activity upon Attachment to the Legionnaires' Disease Bacterium, Legionella pneumophila

Summary The Legionnaires’ disease bacterium, Legionella pneumophila, is a facultative intracellular pathogen that invades and replicates within two evolutionarily distant hosts, free living protozoa and mammalian cells. Invasion and intracellular replication within protozoa are thought to be major factors in the transmission of Legionnaires’ disease. We have recently reported the identification of a galactose/ N -acetyl- D -galactosamine (Gal/GalNAc) lectin in the protozoan host Hartmannella vermiformis as a receptor for attachment and invasion by L . pneumophila (Venkataraman, C., B.J. Haack, S. Bondada, and Y.A. Kwaik. 1997. J . Exp . Med . 186:537‐547). In this report, we extended our studies to the effects of bacterial attachment and invasion on the cytoskeletal proteins of H . vermiformis . We first identified the presence of many protozoan cytoskeletal proteins that were putative homologues to their mammalian counterparts, including actin, pp125 FAK , paxillin, and vinculin, all of which were basally tyrosine phosphorylated in resting H . vermiformis . In addition to L . pneumophila ‐induced tyrosine dephosphorylation of the lectin, bacterial attachment and invasion was associated with tyrosine dephosphorylation of paxillin, pp125 FAK , and vinculin, whereas actin was minimally affected. Inhibition of bacterial attachment to H . vermiformis by Gal or GalNAc monomers blocked bacteria-induced tyrosine dephosphorylation of detergent-insoluble proteins. In contrast, inhibition of bacterial invasion but not attachment failed to block bacteria-induced tyrosine dephosphorylation of H . vermiformis proteins. This was further supported by the observation that 10 mutants of L . pneumophila that were defective in invasion of H . vermiformis were capable of inducing tyrosine dephosphorylation of H . vermiformis proteins. Entry of L . pneumophila into H . vermiformis was predominantly mediated by noncoated receptor-mediated endocytosis (93%) but coiling phagocytosis was infrequently observed (7%). We conclude that attachment but not invasion by L . pneumophila into H . vermiformis was sufficient and essential to induce protein tyrosine dephosphorylation in H . vermiformis . These manipulations of host cell processes were associated with, or followed by, entry of the bacteria by a noncoated receptor-mediated endocytosis. A model for attachment and entry of L . pneumophila into H . vermiformis is proposed.
An Abstract Model of Society

Roughly, we imagine a society as a group of individuals that may be confronted with different sets of conditions or circumstances and that react to each of these sets of conditions or circumstances by selecting and implementing, every time that such set of conditions or circumstances occurs, a joint action drawn from the set of actions which are available when each set of circumstances occurs.
Elevator System Configuration Optimization

This paper presents a screening model useful for finding optimal elevator system configuration in tall buildings. The model utilizes a dynamic programming approach to find the least area-consuming solution for the morning peak upwards traffic. The results of some typical hypothetical cases were found to generate reasonable configurations. Several examples are given to show the capabilities of the model and its applicability.
Abstract W P308: Racial Disparities in IV rt-PA Use Persist at Primary Stroke Centers

Background: Primary Stroke Centers (PSCs) utilize more recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) than non-PSCs. The impact of PSCs on racial and ethnic disparities in rt-PA usage is unknown. We sought to evaluate for differential access to PSCs and disparities in rt-PA use using an administrative database. Methods: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was used from 2004-2010, limited to states that publicly reported both hospital identity and race/ethnicity. Patients ≥18 years with a primary ICD9 diagnosis of ischemic stroke (433.x1, 434.x1, 436) were included. Data from The Joint Commission was used to identify PSCs and determine if evaluating hospitals were certified at admission. Rt-PA was defined by ICD9 code 99.10. Multivariable models were constructed, additionally adjusting for year, age, sex, insurance, medical comorbidities, a DRG-based mortality risk indicator, ZIP code median income, and hospital characteristics. Results: Data from 26 states met eligibility criteria, including 304,152 dischar...
The Generation of Clear Air Turbulence by Nonlinear Waves

The structure of the critical layer in a stratified shear flow is investigated for finite-amplitude waves at high Reynolds numbers. Under such conditions, which are characteristic of the Clear Air Turbulence environment, nonlinear effects will dominate over diffusive effects. Nevertheless, it is shown that viscosity and heat-conduction still play a significant role in the evolution of such waves. The reason is that buoyancy leads to the formation of thin diffusive shear layers within the critical layer. The local Richardson number is greatly reduced in these layers and they are, therefore, likely to break down into turbulence. A nonlinear mechanism is thus revealed for producing localized instabilities in flows that are stable on a linear basis. The analysis is developed for arbitrary values of the mean flow Richardson number and results are obtained numerically.
CF RISE: Implementing a Clinic-Based Transition Program

During the period of healthcare transition, adolescents should increase responsibility for managing their health. Transition services are associated with improved outcomes; however, many youth with chronic conditions such as cystic fibrosis (CF) are not receiving guideline-based transition services. Individual CF centers have transition programs, yet no specific program is widely disseminated. A transition program CF: Responsibility, Independence, Self-care, Education CF RISE was recently developed and implemented at 10 CF centers. We conducted a process evaluation of CF RISE implementation based on the Consolidated Framework of Implementation Research (CFIR). CF healthcare providers (23/25 [95%]) from the 10 sites completed an online survey about their experiences 6 months after initiating the program. Open-ended survey questions were coded into central themes addressing domains of implementation. Providers reported that CF RISE facilitated communication with the family, particularly the knowledge and sk...
Students' Ideas about How and Why Chemical Reactions Happen: Mapping the conceptual landscape

Research in science education has revealed that many students struggle to understand chemical reactions. Improving teaching and learning about chemical processes demands that we develop a clearer understanding of student reasoning in this area and of how this reasoning evolves with training in the domain. Thus, we have carried out a qualitative study to explore students reasoning about chemical causality and mechanism. Study participants included individuals at different educational levels, from college to graduate school. We identified diverse conceptual modes expressed by students when engaged in the analysis of different types of reactions. Main findings indicate that student reasoning about chemical reactions is influenced by the nature of the process. More advanced students tended to express conceptual modes that were more normative and had more explanatory power, but major conceptual difficulties persisted in their reasoning. The results of our study are relevant to educators interested in conceptua...
A feasibility study of unconventional planar ligand spacers in chalcogenide nanocrystals

The solar cell efficiency of chalcogenide nanocrystals (quantum dots) has been limited in the past by the insulation between neighboring quantum dots caused by intervening, often long-chain, aliphatic ligands. We have conducted a computationally based feasibility study to investigate the use of ultra-thin, planar, charge-conducting ligands as an alternative to traditional long passive ligands. Not only might these radically unconventional ligands decrease the mean distance between adjacent quantum dots, but, since they are charge-conducting, they have the potential to actively enhance charge migration. Our ab initio studies compare the binding energies, electronic energy gaps, and absorption characteristics for both conventional and unconventional ligands, such as phthalocyanines, porphyrins and coronene. This comparison identified these unconventional ligands with the exception of titanyl phthalocyanine, that bind to themselves more strongly than to the surface of the quantum dot, which is likely to be less desirable for enhancing charge transport. The distribution of finite energy levels of the bound system is sensitive to the ligand’s binding site and the levels correspond to delocalized states. We also observed a trap state localized on a single Pb atom when a sulfur-containing phenyldithiocarbamate (PTC) ligand is attached to a slightly off-stoichiometric dot in a manner that the sulfur of the ligand completes stoichiometry of the bound system. Hence, this is indicative of the source of trap state when thio-based ligands are bound to chalcogenide nanocrystals. We also predict that titanyl phthalocyanine in a mix with chalcogenide dots of diameter ∼1.5 A can form a donor–acceptor system.
Simulations of unsteady behavior in under-expanded supersonic rectangular jets

This study is a continuation of efforts to understand unsteady phenomena that contribute to the production and propagation of jet noise. These phenomena include the production and interaction of large-scale coherent structures and how they contribute to small-scale turbulence that produces the jet mixing noise. These phenomena also include the interaction of shock waves with the jet shear layer, which generates shock-associated noise and screech in under-expanded supersonic jets. The fluctuation in flow quantities, such as pressure and velocity, associated with these phenomena are the unsteady mechanisms responsible for the production and propagation of jet noise. Therefore, accurate simulation of these flow phenomena is essential for noise prediction. Time accurate numerical simulation of a supersonic under-expanded jet is performed by solving the two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations. Time averaged results are used to investigate various characteristics of the jet flow such as jet spreading rate, shock-cell structure, and turbulent intensity levels. Unsteady behavior of the jet and the noise production mechanisms are illustrated using visualization of the numerical results. The turbulent behavior of the flow is studied through two-point spacetime correlation of fluctuating quantities. The results show the capability of the present formulation to resolve the complex features of supersonic jets.
Sperm competition in the soybean looper (Lepidoptera : noctuidae)

Sperm use patterns in the soybean looper, Pseudoplusia includens (Walker), were examined with electrophoretic enzyme markers. Sixteen of 18 females mated more than once in a laboratory setting; of these, 5 mated four times, 3 mated three times, and 8 mated twice. Nine females met the experimental criteria for paternity analysis using a maximum likelihood method. Paternity probabilities indicated that, after a second mating, most females (five) primarily use the sperm from the first male for fertilization of their eggs. This pattern varied, however: two females showed a small amount of sperm mixing and two showed second male sperm precedence. Benefits to females of multiple mating do not appear to be related to sperm replenishment but may instead occur to provide additional nutrients from spermatophores or to compensate for infertile initial matings.
On the Impacts of Power Outages during Hurricane Sandy-A Resilience-Based Analysis

The dependence on continuous availability of power for day-to-day functioning and sustenance of life is more critical today than ever before. A prolonged loss of power is no longer just an inconvenience, but brings normal life to a standstill. When Hurricane Sandy hit the U.S East Coast in October 2012, many lost their homes and properties due to the flooding and severe winds. However, a significant impact was the power outages to over 8 million customers across 21 states, for days and even weeks. This paper takes a systems view of these power outages from supply and demand sides, from a quantitative resilience perspective. The focus of this study is on the resilience action that enables restoration of the disrupted system. Generic resilience framework and metrics are used as the basis for the resilience analysis; the observations, lessons learnt, and recommendations based on this analysis are expected to improve recovery from large-scale power outages resulting from any disruptive event in future.
Varenicline increased smoking cessation at 24 weeks in patients hospitalized with ACS and motivated to quit

Source Citation Eisenberg MJ, Windle SB, Roy N, et al; EVITA Investigators. Varenicline for smoking cessation in hospitalized patients with acute coronary syndrome. Circulation. 2016;133:21-30. 265...
USDA-CSREES National Research Initiative: Support for Agricultural Research – The competitive grants program in the United States

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) supports extramural agriculturally related science through the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES). The mission of CSREES is “to advance knowledge for agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, and communities.” All CSREES programs support one or more of six strategic goals: 1. Enhance International Competitiveness of American Agriculture 2. Enhance the Competitiveness and Sustainability of Rural and Farm Economies 3. Support Increased Economic Opportunities and Improved Quality of Life in Rural America 4. Enhance Protection and Safety of the Nation’s Agriculture and Food Supply 5. Improve the Nation’s Nutrition and Health 6. Protect and Enhance the Nation’s Natural Resource Base and Environment While CSREES supports extramural research, education, and extension through several different funding mechanisms, herein we will focus on competitive grants. The National Research Initiative (NRI) Competitive Grants Program is the USDA’s major competitive grants program and is administered by CSREES. The NRI provides funding for work on a wide range of research and integrated research, education, and extension activities. Topics range from animal agriculture, to plant science, microbiology, natural resources, and the environment, human nutrition and food safety, economics, and rural sociology. Rigorous peer review, a hallmark of the NRI, facilitates the identification of grant proposals with the greatest merit and contributes to the outstanding scientific reputation of the program. NRI funding is provided to US institutions, organizations, and
Clinical Communities at Johns Hopkins Medicine: An Emerging Approach to Quality Improvement

Article-at-a-Glance Background Clinical communities are an emerging approach to quality improvement (QI) to which several large-scale projects have attributed some success. In 2011 the Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality established clinical communities as a core strategy to connect frontline providers from six different hospitals to improve quality of care, patient safety, and value across the health system. Clinical Communities Fourteen clinical communities that presented great opportunity for improvement were established. A community could focus on a clinical area, a patient population, a group, a process, a safety-related issue, or nearly any health care issue. The collaborative spirit of the communities embraced interdisciplinary membership and representation from each hospital in each community. Communities engaged in team-building activities and facilitated discussions, met monthly, and were encouraged to meet in person to develop relationships and build trust. After a community was established, patients and families were invited to join and share their perspectives and experiences. Enabling Structures The clinical community structure provided clinicians access to resources, such as technical experts and safety and QI researchers, that were not easily otherwise accessible or available. Communities convened clinicians from each hospital to consider safety problems and their resolution and share learning with workplace peers and local unit safety teams. Conclusion The clinical communities engaged 195 clinicians from across the health system in QI projects and peer learning. Challenges included limited financial support and time for clinicians, timely access to data, limited resources from the health system, and not enough time with improvement experts.