cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A nontraditional computer graphics course for computer science students

The recent theoretical and technological advancement in computer graphics has brought not only exciting changes to the computing field but also new challenges to computer science educators. One of the challenges is effective teaching of computer graphics to computer science students. Several speakers at the SIGGRAPH "91 educators' program addressed various aspects of this theme (Owen, 1991; Schweitzer, 1991; Clevenger, 1991). A SIGGRAPH '92 panel consisting of representatives from academia and industry exchanged ideas and viewpoints on issues ranging from syllabus to the role of graphics in a computer science curriculum. I had the pleasure of being a member of that panel and this paper is a further elaboration of my brief statement in the conference proceedings (Schaller, 1992, 1993).The Department of Computer Science at Queens College offers computer graphics as an elective at the senior level for undergraduate students. The department also offers computer graphics at the graduate level. Since the majority of our graduate students have had no prior training in computer graphics, the two courses do not constitute a one-year sequence and the following considerations are applicable to both cases.The traditional way of teaching computer graphics to computer science students places an emphasis on vector graphics. After some general introduction, discussion typically proceeds to graphical primitives and their attributes, then windowing and geometric transformations, followed by segments and interactive techniques, leading to the use of a standard library such as GKS. Additional 3-D topics may include representation, transformation, projection and hidden surface removal algorithms. Color, and especially shading models, are not discussed until near the end of the semester.While this traditional approach has made invaluable contributions to computer graphics education, it needs to be improved in order to keep up with the rapid growth of the field over the last several years. In the next section, I present a nontraditional syllabus along with a detailed explanation. Sample assignments are in section 3. A comparison of the two syllabi and concluding remarks are in section 4.The computer graphics course described in this paper is quite similar to the course taught by Scott Owen (Owen, 1994).
A PUTATIVE "RIBONUCLEIC ACID MIGRATION FACTOR" IN SERUM*

The processing of ribosomal ribonucleic acid (RNA) and the migration of newly synthesized RNA of several types from nucleus and nucleolus to the cytoplasm are restricted at 27°C. The previously reported failure of efforts to induce, glutamine synthetase at that temperature may be due to the retention by the nucleus of the specific RNA required for induction. At the normal temperature of 37°C serum macromolecules appear to be required for RNA migration. Cohn fraction III of bovine serum restores the RNA distribution pattern observed with whole serum. The exchange of lysine-labeled proteins between the cytoplasm and the nucleus is also altered by low temperature and in serum-free medium at 37°C.
Theoretical assessment of late cardiac complication from endovascular brachytherapy for restenosis prevention

Abstract Purpose. In this study, a theoretical assessment of late cardiac complication from endovascular brachytherapy is performed using the integrated logistic model. Materials and Methods. Calculation were performed for various lengths of Ir-192 sources using α / β = 3.2 for the endpoint of chronic ischemia, TD 50/5 = 7,000 cGy, and TD 5/5 = 5,000 cGy. The dose distribution over a standard heart was divided into volume elements with uniform dose (dose-volume histogram). Using linear-quadratic equation, the dose in each of the volume elements was converted into dose equivalent to standard fractionation external beam irradiation. The normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) for each volume element was calculated and combined together to arrive at the cumulative risk of late cardiac complication. The NTCP was plotted against the dose prescribed at 2-mm radial distance for four treatment lengths. Results. (1) The overall risk of late cardiac toxicity (chronic ischemia within 5 years) was estimated to be less than 1% for current clinical trials using Ir-192. (2) There is a volume effect with higher risk for larger irradiated volume, which can come from longer treatment time, the same dose prescribed at a greater radial distance, and a longer source train. (3) The NTCP vs. dose demonstrates a sigmoidal relationship. There is a threshold dose (about 500 cGy), below which the risk is minimal; the gradient of the curve is greater for longer treatment length. Conclusion. If the prediction from this model is validated with clinical data, it will contribute to guidelines for dose prescription, dose escalation, evaluation of new source design, and multivessel treatment.
Can UG and L1 be distinguished in L2 acquisition

The contribution to L2-acquisition which comes from UG is conceptually distinct from that which comes from L1 (or from L1 and L2 jointly), but it is difficult to tease the two apart. The workings of deep, core principles (e.g., locality and subjacency) are so massively evident in L1 and L2 as to be of questionable use in the search for the contribution which is purely of UG.
When One Plus Zero Is More Than One

A lecture is presented which discusses the bridge between the chemical interactions and the toxicology of sulfur dioxide-aerosol mixtures. The physiological effects on the lungs are examined as a measure of response to sulfur dioxide.
The reactions of ground state Cu+ and Fe+ with the 20 common amino acids

A systematic investigation of the gas-phase reactions of Cu+ and Fe+ with the 20 common amino acids is reported. Metal ions are formed by laser ablation of a metal target and are trapped in the analyzer cell of a Fourier transform mass spectrometer. By using quadrupolar excitation to axialize the metal ions, tens of thousands of thermalizing collisions occur prior to their reactions with laser-desorbed amino acid neutral molecules. Amino acids with nonpolar side chains are found to be more reactive toward Cu+ and Fe+ than amino acids with polar side chain. Many of the nonpolar amino acids are found to undergo dissociative metal attachment with a neutral loss of 46 u. A 13C-labeling experiment shows that the carboxyl group is lost during dissociative metal attachment to amino acids. Together these results suggest that these metal ions interact primarily with the carboxyl functional group in these molecules.
RECOGNITION OF LOGICAL INTERFACE STRUCTURES TO ENHANCE HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION

The objects of pattern recognition have in the past been primarily physical in nature, describable in terms of some physical units of measurement. The patterns of interest in this paper are conceptual or logical. They are to be representative of structures known to be operative in the human mind. A hybrid technique is proposed, involving the use of structural prototypes from pattern recognition combined with production systems from artificial intelligence. The purpose is to enable the computer interface to observe, detect, identify and anticipate conceptual structures. As a result, the interface system should have a more comprehensive “perspective” on what the user is doing and likely to do next. It should therefore be better prepared to provide him/her with adaptive assistance.
Water-soluble copolymers. X. Copolymers of acrylamide with N-(1,1-dimethyl-3-oxybutyl)acrylamide and N,N-dimethylacrylamide: Solution properties

Proprietes en solution diluee en fonction de la composition, de la temperature, du temps et d'electrolytes ajoutes chlorure de sodium et chlorure de calcium
Synthesis of [1,2-13C2] gly and [2,2-2H2] gly glutathione

[1,2-13C2] Gly and [2,2-2H2] Gly isotopomers of the intracellular tripeptide glutathione were prepared by standard methods of solution phase peptide synthesis. The synthetic products were characterized by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Optical purity was determined by hydrolysis, derivatization of the free amino acids with isopropanol-acetyl chloride and pentafluoropropionic anhydride and NCI/MS with a Chirasil-Val Heliflex column. These compounds should serve as useful tracers for the non-invasive study of glutathione synthesis and turnover rates in humans by GC/MS. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conventional kinesin KIF5B mediates insulin‐stimulated GLUT4 movements on microtubules

Insulin stimulates glucose uptake in muscle and adipose cells by mobilizing intracellular membrane vesicles containing GLUT4 glucose transporter proteins to the plasma membrane. Here we show in live cultured adipocytes that intracellular membranes containing GLUT4–yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) move along tubulin–cyan fluorescent protein-labeled microtubules in response to insulin by a mechanism that is insensitive to the phosphatidylinositol 3 (PI3)-kinase inhibitor wortmannin. Insulin increased by several fold the observed frequencies, but not velocities, of long-range movements of GLUT4–YFP on microtubules, both away from and towards the perinuclear region. Genomics screens show conventional kinesin KIF5B is highly expressed in adipocytes and this kinesin is partially co-localized with perinuclear GLUT4. Dominant-negative mutants of conventional kinesin light chain blocked outward GLUT4 vesicle movements and translocation of exofacial Myc-tagged GLUT4–green fluorescent protein to the plasma membrane in response to insulin. These data reveal that insulin signaling targets the engagement or initiates the movement of GLUT4-containing membranes on microtubules via conventional kinesin through a PI3-kinase-independent mechanism. This insulin signaling pathway regulating KIF5B function appears to be required for GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane.
"With Swords and Clubs ... " — The Setting of Mark's Community and His Critique of Abusive Power

In spite of Kee's argument that Mark originated in rural Syria, Hengel's case for Rome in the turbulent years following Nero is persuasive on internal and external grounds. This Roman setting accounts for Mark's interest in the issue of power. The open power of Jesus stands in contrast to almost all other groups, disciples included. Religious and civil authorities, Jewish and Roman, and notably Pilate illustrate an abusive power that was apparently felt by Mark's community from within and from without. Although rebellious or apocalyptic responses might be expected in such a setting, Mark's theology relativizes power, suggesting a strategy of subversion in the interest of this community's mission of proclaiming the gospel, a mission that precluded withdrawal from a socio-political setting in which oppressive power confronted the life-giving power of Jesus.
Reduced Chemotherapy Duration: A Good Idea?

Over the past three decades, survival outcomes of high-risk stage II and stage III colon cancer have improved with the use of adjuvant chemotherapy. Oxaliplatin and fluoropyrimidine combination regimens, given for 6 months, are the current standard of care. However, chronic peripheral neuropathy can result as a side effect of oxaliplatin use. Investigators have questioned whether the recommended duration of adjuvant therapy is necessary. This review discusses the history of adjuvant therapy for colon cancer and provides a rationale for an ongoing clinical trial collaboration addressing the optimal duration of adjuvant therapy.
Two Strange Health Tribes: The Gnisrun and Enicidem in the United States

This article presents two strange health tribes in the United States whose activities, rituals, and beliefs are undoubtedly of much interest to many people. The close interaction between the two tribes with their areas of conflict, historical developments, and professional interests are presented using Horace Miner's Nacirema approach. Readers interested in the health professions will undoubtedly be amused and intrigued with this comparative analysis and relationship between the two tribes. Even the future destiny is elucidated in this account so that the reader can anticipate some of the problems and promises for the future. The author has been a member of one of the tribes for several years.
Automated analysis of interactional synchrony using robust facial tracking and expression recognition

In this paper, we propose an automated, data-driven and unobtrusive framework to analyze interactional synchrony. We use this information to determine whether interpersonal synchrony can be an indicator of deceit. Our framework includes a robust facial tracking module, an effective expression recognition method, synchrony feature extraction and feature selection methods. These synchrony features are used to learn classification models for the deception recognition. To evaluate our proposed framework, we have conducted extensive experiments on a database of 242 video samples. We validate the performance of each technical module in our framework, and also show that these synchrony features are very effective at detecting deception.
The L1 norm of the approximation error for Bernstein-type polynomials

This paper is concerned with the estimation of the L 1 norm of the difference between a function of bounded variation and an associated Bernstein polynomial, and with the analogous problem for a Lebesgue integrable function of bounded variation inside (0, 1). A real-valued function defined in the open interval (0, 1) is said to be of bounded variation inside (0, 1) if it is of bounded variation in every closed subinterval of (0, 1). The class of these functions will be denoted by BV*. To formulate some of the results, we state the following lemma, which is a simple consequence of the well-known canonical representation of a function of bounded variation.
Maximum principles for a class of first-order elliptical systems

where II = (ur , ua ,..., u,) and P and Q are m x m matrices with entries which are complex-valued Cl functions of x = (x1 , x2 ,..., x,). We shall establish a generalized maximum principle for certain classes of equations of the form (1 .I) provided that the solutions are of class C2. It is easy to see that the maximum principle usually associated with secondorder elliptic equations does not hold in general for first-order systems. For example, the function II = D = exp[-$(X2 + r”)] is a solution of the first-order elliptic system UX -v,= -xu+yv v, + I.$ = -xu yv (1.2)
Channelized-ideal observer using Laguerre-Gauss channels in detection tasks involving non-Gaussian distributed lumpy backgrounds and a Gaussian signal

We investigate a channelized-ideal observer (CIO) with Laguerre-Gauss (LG) channels to approximate ideal-observer performance in detection tasks involving non-Gaussian distributed lumpy backgrounds and a Gaussian signal. A Markov-chain Monte Carlo approach is employed to determine the performance of both the ideal observer and the CIO using a large number of LG channels. Our results indicate that the CIO with LG channels can approximate ideal-observer performance within error bars, depending on the imaging system, object, and channel parameters. The CIO also outperforms a channelized-Hotelling observer using the same channels. In addition, an alternative approach for estimating the CIO is investigated. This approach makes use of the characteristic functions of channelized data and employs an approximation method to the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The alternative approach provides good estimates of the performance of the CIO with five LG channels. However, for large channel cases, more efficient computational methods need to be developed for the CIO to become useful in practice.
Data-Driven Benchmarking of Building Energy Efficiency Utilizing Statistical Frontier Models

Frontier methods quantify the energy efficiency of buildings by forming an efficient frontier (best-practice technology) and by comparing all buildings against that frontier. Because energy consumption fluctuates over time, the efficiency scores are stochastic random variables. Existing applications of frontier methods in energy efficiency either treat efficiency scores as deterministic values or estimate their uncertainty by resampling from one set of measurements. Availability of smart meter data (repeated measurements of energy consumption of buildings) enables using actual data to estimate the uncertainty in efficiency scores. Additionally, existing applications assume a linear form for an efficient frontier; i.e., they assume that the best-practice technology scales up and down proportionally with building characteristics. However, previous research shows that buildings are nonlinear systems. This paper proposes a statistical method called stochastic energy efficiency frontier (SEEF) to estimate a bias-corrected efficiency score and its confidence intervals from measured data. The paper proposes an algorithm to specify the functional form of the frontier, identify the probability distribution of the efficiency score of each building using measured data, and rank buildings based on their energy efficiency. To illustrate the power of SEEF, this paper presents the results from applying SEEF on a smart meter data set of 307 residential buildings in the United States. SEEF efficiency scores are used to rank individual buildings based on energy efficiency, to compare subpopulations of buildings, and to identify irregular behavior of buildings across different time-of-use periods. SEEF is an improvement to the energy-intensity method (comparing k · Wh=sq:ft:): whereas SEEF identifies efficient buildings across the entire spectrum of building sizes, the energy-intensity method showed bias toward smaller buildings. The results of this research are expected to assist researchers and practitioners compare and rank (i.e., benchmark) buildings more robustly and over a wider range of building types and sizes. Eventually, doing so is expected to result in improved resource allocation in energy-efficiency programs. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)CP.1943-5487.0000327. © 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
Mental Health Issues and Their Relation to Identity Distress in College Students

This study examined the relation between identity distress and mental health issues in college students. An online survey was utilized to assess whether college students had been diagnosed with or treated for anxiety, depression, substance use, and other mental health issues in the past 12 months. Additionally, identity distress related to long-term goals, friendships, career choice, sexual orientation and behavior, religion, values or beliefs, and group loyalties was assessed. Average identity distress scores were significantly higher for students who had been diagnosed with or treated for a mental health issue. Results also indicated that having been diagnosed with or treated for a mental health issue significantly predicted severe distress related to long-term goals and friendships. Implications of these findings are discussed.
A study of iridectomy histopathologic features of latanoprost- and non-latanoprost-treated patients.

Objectives To examine the histopathologic features of iridectomy specimens frompatients undergoing glaucoma surgery and to compare histologic abnormalitiesin a group of patients with a history of latanoprost therapy with those ina group of patients who had no history of prostaglandin therapy (controls). Methods Iridectomy specimens and patient history forms were submitted to thecentral Latanoprost Pathology Center. These were independently examined by3 ophthalmic pathologists in a masked fashion. Specimens were evaluated formalignant, premalignant, and other changes including differences in levelsof pigmentation, degrees of cellularity, inflammation, vascular abnormalities,and changes in the iris pigment epithelium. Results Specimens were received from 449 patients with a history of latanoprosttreatment and 142 patients who had no history of treatment with latanoprostor other prostaglandin analogues. No evidence of malignant or premalignantchanges was found. In latanoprost-treated irides, the prevalence of iris freckleswas higher ( P = .001) than in control irides,as was the combined number of stromal fibroblasts and melanocytes ( P P =.35) obtained by immunohistochemical staining techniques betweenthe latanoprost-treated and control groups. Conclusions These findings support previous studies indicating that latanoprost-inducedeye color changes are due to an increased amount of melanin within the irisstromal melanocytes. The increased numbers of freckles may be a focal manifestationof this effect.
Compulsive eating and weight gain related to dopamine agonist use

Dopamine agonists have been implicated in causing compulsive behaviors in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). These have included gambling, hypersexuality, hobbyism, and other repetitive, purposeless behaviors ("punding"). In this report, we describe 7 patients in whom compulsive eating developed in the context of pramipexole use. All of the affected patients had significant, undesired weight gain; 4 had other comorbid compulsive behaviors. In the 5 patients who lowered the dose of pramipexole or discontinued dopamine agonist treatment, the behavior remitted and no further weight gain occurred. Physicians should be aware that compulsive eating resulting in significant weight gain may occur in PD as a side-effect of dopamine agonist medications such as pramipexole. Given the known risks of the associated weight gain and obesity, further investigation is warranted.
DISSIMILAR STRUCTURAL AND CONTROL PROFILES OF EDUCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL ORGANIZATIONS[1]

This article contrasts the characteristic structural and control profiles of educational organizations with those of technical organizations. A group of primary and secondary schools and the operating units of an industrial firm differed both in structural variables and in three activities of control: buffering, smoothing, and forecasting. the article suggests that educational organizations emphasize modes of control that operate on components peripheral rather than central to the organization's technical core.
A fast real-time memory authentication protocol

We propose a new real-time authentication scheme for memory. As in previous proposals the scheme uses a Merkle tree to guarantee dynamic protection of memory. We use the universal hash function family NH for speed and couple it with an AES encryption in order to achieve a high level of security. The proposed scheme is much faster compared to similar schemes achieved by cryptographic hash functions such as SHA-1 due to the finer grain incremental hashing ability provided by NH. This advantage in speed becomes more vivid when the frequency of integrity checks becomes much lower than the frequency of memory updating. This feature is mainly due to the incremental nature of NH. Moreover, we show that with a small variation in the universal hash function family used, we can achieve fast and simple software implementation.
Trends in feedback systems (editorial)

There are a number of new and powerful techniques rapidly being developed for the analysis and synthesis of feedback control systems. Four of these techniques are illustrated by some of the papers in this issue. One of the most fruitful of these is in the field of statistics, and in particular its application to nonlinear systems. R. C. Booton presents a paper which derives the cross-power density spectrum for a component with saturation or clipping. From this cross-power operator one can determine the quantity of output signal which is correlated with the input, the amount of harmonic distortion power present in the output, and an equivalent ?gain? term satisfactory for use in testing for the build-up of periodic oscillations.
Intact canal wall mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty for cholesteatoma in children

Objective/Hypothesis: Cases of cholesteatoma in pediatric patients were reviewed to determine which factors influence the outcome of surgical treatment. Cholesteatoma is considered a more aggressive disease in children than in adults. The outcomes of intact canal wall (ICW) mastoidectomy and canal wall down (CWD) mastoidectomy were assessed, as comparisons of different surgical technique. Study Design: A retrospective analysis of all cases of pediatric cholesteatoma treated at a single institution by the senior author (P.R.L.) over a period of 11 years was conducted. Methods: Patient information was collected from an otology database, patient records, and audiology files. Results: Sixty-six patients, aged 10 months to 18 years, were treated and followed for an average of 37.7 months (range 12.2 months to 12. 5 y). ICW mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty was the primary surgical treatment in 41 patients. Nineteen percent had residual disease at a planned second stage surgery and 22% developed recurrent cholesteatoma for a total recidivism rate of 41%. A SRT of less than 30 dB HL was achieved in 75% of these patients. Seventeen patients underwent CWD mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty initially. Two patients (12%) had residual cholesteatoma found at a planned second state procedure, and no recurrent cholesteatoma was encountered Seventy-two percent maintained a SRT of less than 30 dB HL. Conclusions: These results support the continued use of ICW mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty for pediatric cholesteatoma. If planned second stage surgery is necessary, the long-term results of an ear with useful hearing and few problems with chronic medical care are gratifying. For reasons of anatomy or in an only hearing ear, CWD mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty provides a safe ear and good hearing results. Mastoid cavity care must be maintained indefinitely in many cases.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Is Trapped by Acidic but Not by Neutralized Human Cervicovaginal Mucus

To reliably infect a primate model for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), approximately 10,000-fold more virus must be delivered vaginally than intravenously. However, the vaginal mechanisms that help protect against HIV are poorly understood. Here, we report that human cervicovaginal mucus (CVM), obtained from donors with normal lactobacillus-dominated vaginal flora, efficiently traps HIV, causing it to diffuse more than 1,000-fold more slowly than it does in water. Lactobacilli acidify CVM to pH approximately 4 by continuously producing lactic acid. At this acidic pH, we found that lactic acid, but not HCl, abolished the negative surface charge on HIV without lysing the virus membrane. In contrast, in CVM neutralized to pH 6 to 7, as occurs when semen temporarily neutralizes the vagina, HIV maintained its native surface charge and diffused only 15-fold more slowly than it would in water. Thus, methods that can maintain both a high lactic acid content and acidity for CVM during coitus may contribute to both vaginal and penile protection by trapping HIV before it can reach target cells. Our results reveal that CVM likely plays an important but currently unappreciated role in decreasing the rate of HIV sexual transmission.
Assessing the role of Pseudomonas aeruginosa surface-active gene expression in hexadecane biodegradation in sand.

Low pollutant substrate bioavailability limits hydrocarbon biodegradation in soils. Bacterially produced surface-active compounds, such as rhamnolipid biosurfactant and the PA bioemulsifying protein produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can improve bioavailability and biodegradation in liquid culture, but their production and roles in soils are unknown. In this study, we asked if the genes for surface-active compounds are expressed in unsaturated porous media contaminated with hexadecane. Furthermore, if expression does occur, is biodegradation enhanced? To detect expression of genes for surface-active compounds, we fused the gfp reporter gene either to the promoter region of pra, which encodes for the emulsifying PA protein, or to the promoter of the transcriptional activator rhlR. We assessed green fluorescent protein (GFP) production conferred by these gene fusions in P. aeruginosa PG201. GFP was produced in sand culture, indicating that the rhlR and pra genes are both transcribed in unsaturated porous media. Confocal laser scanning microscopy of liquid drops revealed that gfp expression was localized at the hexadecane-water interface. Wild-type PG201 and its mutants that are deficient in either PA protein, rhamnolipid synthesis, or both were studied to determine if the genetic potential to make surface-active compounds confers an advantage to P. aeruginosa biodegrading hexadecane in sand. Hexadecane depletion rates and carbon utilization efficiency in sand culture were the same for wild-type and mutant strains, i.e., whether PG201 was proficient or deficient in surfactant or emulsifier production. Environmental scanning electron microscopy revealed that colonization of sand grains was sparse, with cells in small monolayer clusters instead of multilayered biofilms. Our findings suggest that P. aeruginosa likely produces surface-active compounds in sand culture. However, the ability to produce surface-active compounds did not enhance biodegradation in sand culture because well-distributed cells and well-distributed hexadecane favored direct contact to hexadecane for most cells. In contrast, surface-active compounds enable bacteria in liquid culture to adhere to the hexadecane-water interface when they otherwise would not, and thus production of surface-active compounds is an advantage for hexadecane biodegradation in well-dispersed liquid systems.
Structural Insights into the Catalytic Mechanism of Escherichia coli Selenophosphate Synthetase

Selenophosphate synthetase (SPS) catalyzes the synthesis of selenophosphate, the selenium donor for the biosynthesis of selenocysteine and 2-selenouridine residues in seleno-tRNA. Selenocysteine, known as the 21st amino acid, is then incorporated into proteins during translation to form selenoproteins which serve a variety of cellular processes. SPS activity is dependent on both Mg(2+) and K(+) and uses ATP, selenide, and water to catalyze the formation of AMP, orthophosphate, and selenophosphate. In this reaction, the gamma phosphate of ATP is transferred to the selenide to form selenophosphate, while ADP is hydrolyzed to form orthophosphate and AMP. Most of what is known about the function of SPS has derived from studies investigating Escherichia coli SPS (EcSPS) as a model system. Here we report the crystal structure of the C17S mutant of SPS from E. coli (EcSPS(C17S)) in apo form (without ATP bound). EcSPS(C17S) crystallizes as a homodimer, which was further characterized by analytical ultracentrifugation experiments. The glycine-rich N-terminal region (residues 1 through 47) was found in the open conformation and was mostly ordered in both structures, with a magnesium cofactor bound at the active site of each monomer involving conserved aspartate residues. Mutating these conserved residues (D51, D68, D91, and D227) along with N87, also found at the active site, to alanine completely abolished AMP production in our activity assays, highlighting their essential role for catalysis in EcSPS. Based on the structural and biochemical analysis of EcSPS reported here and using information obtained from similar studies done with SPS orthologs from Aquifex aeolicus and humans, we propose a catalytic mechanism for EcSPS-mediated selenophosphate synthesis.
A comparison of average rates of alluvial erosion between the south‐western and south‐eastern United States

Alluvial channel bed incision and bank widening have been reported in both the south-western and south-eastern US throughout the past century. Distinct regional differences in climate and landscape properties likely influence the rate of erosion. This study discusses regional differences in hydraulic driving forces and substrate resistance and tests the hypothesis that regional differences exist in average rates of channel incision, bank erosion, and knickpoint retreat. Specifically, we hypothesize that erosion rates are higher in south-western US streams and reason that this is because of greater flood magnitudes and limited substrate resistance. A review of the literature documenting incision, bank erosion, and knickpoint retreat, however, indicates that intra-regional differences are larger than inter-regional differences and that average rates in the south-western US are either statistically similar or less than the rates in parts of the south-eastern US. This could either be a result of strong intra-regional hydroclimatic and substrate variability or because average erosion rate may not be an appropriate metric for inter-regional comparisons because of the variability between case studies associated with the field methods to measure erosion, duration of study period, and time since disturbance to the channel. Nevertheless, these findings provide a basis for future evaluations of the relative importance of different controls on driving and resisting forces in these and other landscapes characterized by rapid channel incision and arroyo formation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cross-layer resource allocation for delay constrained wireless video transmission

We consider a set of wireless stations that transmit and receive real-time video over a wireless channel. In our analysis, each video packet experiences a single flat fading state (block fading model) and additive Gaussian noise. We assume that the flat fading parameters are known at both transmitter and receiver sides and that each packet is sufficiently long such that, through error correction, it it possible to recover it correctly at the receiver end. Under an analogous model optimal rate allocation policies have been developed in an information theoretic framework. These policies maximize aggregate throughput or minimize queueing delays, but do not explicitly consider the application layer parameters in the rate allocation. We are interested in developing the framework to derive the optimum rate adaptation for video sources and evaluating the aggregate PSNR achievable with an optimal cross-layer design combining application-MAC-PNY layers.
Longitudinal analysis of domain-level breast cancer literacy among African-American women

Functional breast cancer literacy was assessed among African-American women and measured at the domain level over time. We used the Kin Keeper(SM) Cancer Prevention Intervention to educate 161 African-American women on three domains of breast cancer literacy: (i) cancer awareness, (ii) knowledge of breast cancer screening modalities and (iii) cancer prevention and control. A breast cancer literacy assessment was administered pre- and post-educational intervention at two time points followed by another assessment 12 months after the second intervention. Generalized estimating equations were specified to predict the probability of correctly answering questions in each domain over time. Domain-level literacy differentials exist; at baseline, women had higher test scores in the breast cancer prevention and control domain than the cancer awareness domain (odds ratio = 1.67, 95% confidence interval 1.19-2.34). After Kin Keeper(SM) Cancer Prevention Intervention, African-American women consistently improved their breast cancer literacy in all domains over the five time stages (P < 0.001) though at different rates for each domain. Differences in domain-level breast cancer literacy highlight the importance of assessing literacy at the domain level. Interventions to improve African-American women's breast cancer literacy should focus on knowledge of breast cancer screening modalities and cancer awareness domains.
Tests of photomultipliers for astronomical pulse-counting applications

An apparatus is described for testing photomultiplier tubes to be used in an astronomical spectrophotometer. The wide differences in residual nonthermal dark current (after refrigeration) found among photomultiplier tubes with very similar rated characteristics require that each cell intended for faint-light astronomical applications be individually selected. The better CsSb and trialkali tubes which we tested have residual dark currents extrapolated to zero bias respectively in the range 2–6 and 15–30 counts/sec; unfortunately this residual component is usually also somewhat nonstatistical in character. Further general conclusions from our tests are presented, together with specific data for cells including relative-sensitivity scans of photosurfaces.
Staged repair of thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms using the elephant trunk technique: a consecutive series of 215 first stage and 120 complete repairs.

Objectives: Repair ofthoracic aneurysms (TA) involvingthe ascending, arch, and descendingaorta resultsinsubstantial morbidityand mortality. This study evaluates outcomes with a two-stage elephant trunk (ET) technique. Methods: Two hundred and fifteen consecutive patients (pts) underwenttotalarchreplacementusinganET(02/90—09/06).Onehundredandthirty-ninepts(65%),groupPC(plannedcompletion;medianage68; 28—86 years), had extensive descending TA (O 5 cm) or dissections requiring complete repair. Seventy-six pts (35%), group CS (close surveillance; medianage:68;20—87years),hadlessseveredistaldilatation(O 5 cm),andhadclosefollow-upafterETratherthanplanneddistalrepair.Results: HospitalmortalityingroupPCpts(descendingO:6.2 1.2 cm)was6.5%(9/139)followingET.IngroupCSpts(descendingO:4.1 0.7 cm),hospital mortalityafterETwas5.3%(4/76);4.7%(10/215)hadstrokesbutsurvived.Eighty-sixpercent(112/130)ofgroupPCptswhosurvivedproximalrepair returnedforplannedsurgical(101)orendovascular(11)completionafteramedianof56(0—2189)days.Hospitalmortalityfordistalrepairwas7.5% (9/120); two ETstage two pts (2%) developed paraplegia. Eighty-nine percent (16/18; descending O: 6.9 1.0 cm) of group PC pts who did not undergo planned completiondieda median of5.4 (1.2—91.1)months after ETstage one. Overall cumulative survivalingroup PC, which includes pts dyingbeforeorwithoutstagetwo,was69%after1,and55%after5years.SurvivalingroupCSptswas88%at1,and57%at5years.EightptsingroupCS subsequently underwent distal repair, but 22/76 (29%) group CS pts who survived ET stage one died during follow-up despite surveillance. Conclusions:ThelowmortalityafterstageonejustifiesliberaluseoftheETtechniquetofacilitatefutureopenorendovascularTArepairofthedistal aorta.The5-yearcumulativemortalitycurves,however,suggestthatstagedrepairofextensiveTAissuperiortoone-steprepaironlyifstagetwocan
Gata6 regulates aspartoacylase expression in resident peritoneal macrophages and controls their survival

The transcription factor Gata6 regulates proliferation and differentiation of epithelial and endocrine cells and cancers. Among hematopoietic cells, Gata6 is expressed selectively in resident peritoneal macrophages. We thus examined whether the loss of Gata6 in the macrophage compartment affected peritoneal macrophages, using Lyz2-Cre x Gata6flox/flox mice to tackle this issue. In Lyz2-Cre x Gata6flox/flox mice, the resident peritoneal macrophage compartment, but not macrophages in other organs, was contracted, with only a third the normal number of macrophages remaining. Heightened rates of death explained the marked decrease in peritoneal macrophage observed. The metabolism of the remaining macrophages was skewed to favor oxidative phosphorylation and alternative activation markers were spontaneously and selectively induced in Gata6-deficient macrophages. Gene expression profiling revealed perturbed metabolic regulators, including aspartoacylase (Aspa), which facilitates generation of acetyl CoA. Mutant mice lacking functional Aspa phenocopied the higher propensity to death and led to a contraction of resident peritoneal macrophages. Thus, Gata6 regulates differentiation, metabolism, and survival of resident peritoneal macrophages.
NEW MATERIAL OF MESADACTYLUS ORNITHOSPHYOS, A PRIMITIVE PTERODACTYLOID PTEROSAUR FROM THE UPPER JURASSIC OF COLORADO

The Dry Mesa Dinosaur Quarry in western Colorado is characterized by a high diversity of vertebrate fossils, including pterosaur remains. Most of the pterosaur material has been referred to the species Mesadactylus ornithosphyos. Since its original description, additional material of this pterosaur has been uncovered. The new material includes the first described well-preserved basicranium of a Jurassic pterodactyloid pterosaur from North America and several appendicular elements. The cervical vertebra described previously was CT-scanned to reveal a complicated internal pneumatic system that can be compared to the avian system.
Coordinating the Congress: Explaining Caucus Persistence in the United States House

This paper represents a first-cut look at a new dataset of the compete membership of legislative caucuses in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993-2010 (103 rd -111 th Congresses). We develop a theory that describes the conditions under which caucuses should be expected to persist over time, based on the benefits caucuses are known to provide to their members. We ask and answer questions about whether caucuses persist more when there is greater diversity in its party and committee representation, when the caucus members are more active in terms of sponsorship and cosponsorship of bills, when the caucus co-chairs represent both parties, and when the caucus is large. Our findings suggest that caucuses play a strong role in helping legislators to coordinate legislative activities, but provide almost no support for the idea that causes serve only as a weak signaling mechanism to constituents.
Pricing Banner Advertisements in an Online Social Network

This paper examines the impact of social capital on advertisement prices in an online social network. Specifically, I show that a widely-employed measure of social capital - network constraint - explains variation in prices of 846 banner advertisements appearing within a social network formed by 89 'Liberal' and 84 'Conservative' weblogs. As predicted, weblogs that bridge 'structural holes' between otherwise disconnected segments of the network command significantly higher prices for their advertisements.
Investigating the Role of Haptic Stimulation in Mobile Meditation Tools

Previous studies have shown that mindfulness meditation and paced breathing are effective tools for stress management. There are a number of mobile applications currently available that are designed to guide the breath to support mindfulness meditation and paced breathing practices. However, these focus mainly on audio/visual cues and are mostly non-interactive. Our goal is to develop a mobile meditation tool focusing on haptic cues. To investigate the effectiveness of the system, we conducted user studies. This study explores the following questions: How effective is haptic guidance on its own? And how may the addition of haptic feedback enhance audio based guidance? Preliminary analysis support the value of haptic guidance in mobile meditation tools.
Tau and Charm Results from CLEO

The CLEO-II detector has accumulated a sample of approximately 6 fb-1, corresponding to approximately 20 Million total e+e- →hadrons events. This large integrated luminosity comprises ~6 Million c\(\bar c\) and ~ Million ττ pair events. We herein focus on recent results in the charm and the tau sectors from CLEO - the observation of new excited charmed baryons and the study of inclusive charged kaon production in three-prong tau decays; other CLEO results can be found in other contributions to this conference, or from the CLEO homepage (http://www.lns.cornell.edu) With a silicon detector now in place, and a doubling of the event sample used for these analyses, CLEO should have many more tau and charm results for summer 1998, and beyond.
Septic shock caused by Elizabethkingia meningoseptica: a case report and review of literature

A 70-year-old woman, resident of a nursing home presented with complaints of fever for 1 day. Initial history, physical examination and laboratory tests were consistent with the diagnosis of systemic inflammatory response syndrome; blood culture from peripheral and central perm catheter were sent. Patient was started on empiric antibiotics and aggressive hydration. Blood cultures from peripheral access and central perm catheter grew Elisabethkingia meningoseptica on the second day. Patient was transferred to the intensive care unit for septic shock where patient needed vasopressors. Antibiotics were switched to intravenous trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, perm catheter was removed and catheter tip culture was sent. Catheter tip grew E meningoseptica (45 colony forming units). Patient showed excellent treatment response to intravenous trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and was weaned off pressors on day 4 with uneventful stay afterwards.
Psychosexual Symbolism in the Handwriting of Men and Women

It was hypothesized that handwriting would reflect psychosexual differences in self-gender representations. The letter “I” was examined as potentially most representative of self for the ratio of h...
Epidermal growth factor receptors in placentae and fetal membranes from hypertension-complicated pregnancies

Epidermal growth factor receptor concentrations (EGFR) in placentae and fetal membranes from 25 normal and 25 hypertension-complicated pregnancies were analysed by a radioreceptor technique. Higher EGFR concentrations were found in placentae from hypertension-complicated pregnancies than in those from normal pregnancies (median 125.0 fmol/mg protein, range : 33.4-190.7 versus median 50.3 fmol/mg protein, range 21.4-184.0) (P = 0.0002). EGFR concentrations were significantly lower in fetal membranes than in placental tissue, both in normal membranes (median 31.7, range 4.8-92.0 versus median 50.3, range 21.4-184.0) (P = 0.0004) and in hypertension-complicated pregnancies (median 65.0, range 16.8-125.0 versus median 125.0, range 33.4-190.7) (P = 0.0001). A statistically significant inverse correlation between EGFR concentrations and gestational age was found in placentae (r = 0.53, P = 0.0061) and fetal membranes (r = 0.56, P = 0.0032) from hypertension-complicated pregnancies. Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that hypertensive disease is more closely associated with EGFR concentrations than gestational age and fetal weight in placental tissue and fetal membranes. Our findings suggest that hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are associated with elevated EGFR concentrations in both the placenta and fetal membranes.
K-Edge Absorption Spectra of Free and Bound Potassium Ion

It is difficult to use the conventional method, such as NMR, to study the chemical shift of potassium. K-edge absorption spectra are useful because (i) the spectra reflect the final state (the initial state being well defined) and (ii) for potassium the ligand field theory is applicable. The K-edge absorption spectra of potassium ions in various molecular complexes were measured using synchrotron radiation1 (see Fig. 1). In each of these molecular complexes, the potassium ion is surrounded by six oxygen atoms. The point group symmetry of the coordination geometry is Oh in valinomycin, D3 in cryptate and D6h in 18-crown-6. However, the symmetry is somewhat approximate since these ion-carrying molecules are rather deformable. The EXAFS analysis of these molecular complexes showed that the K-0 distances are nearly the same (~5.2 au) in all cases. Therefore, variations of the near edge absorption spectra mainly reflect differences in local chemical environments such as the coordination geometry. If the absorbing atom is highly ionic as in the present case, the Z + 1 analogy2 has been a useful guidance for identifying low-lying absorption peaks.