cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The tardigrade damage suppressor protein binds to nucleosomes and protects DNA from hydroxyl radicals.

Tardigrades, also known as water bears and moss piglets, are small animals found in many different environments on land and sea. These animals have the remarkable ability to survive extremes including very low temperatures, high levels of radiation and exposure to chemicals that are harmful to other forms of life. Tardigrades have even been found to survive the harsh conditions of outer space. X-rays are a type of radiation naturally produced by lightning strikes and are also found in cosmic rays from outer space. High doses of X-rays can cause genetic mutations that may lead to serious illness or death. This is because when X-rays come into contact with water they split the water molecules to make particles known as hydroxyl radicals, which in turn damage the DNA inside cells. The genomes of animals and plants are made of DNA, which is packaged into a structure called chromatin. Previous studies identified a protein named Dsup in a tardigrade called Ramazzottius varieornatus that can protect human cells from damage by X-rays. However, it was not known whether Dsup binds directly to chromatin or plays a more indirect role in protecting DNA. Chavez, Cruz-Becerra, Fei, Kassavetis et al. used biochemical approaches to study Dsup. Their experiments revealed that Dsup from R. varieornatus binds to chromatin to protect the DNA from damage by hydroxyl radicals, and that the Dsup protein in another tardigrade species also works in a similar way. Further analysis showed that a region of Dsup that is needed to bind to chromatin is very similar to a region that had been previously found only in chromatin-binding proteins from humans and other vertebrates (animals with backbones). This connection between Dsup and vertebrate chromatin-binding proteins remains a mystery. The new findings about tardigrade Dsup may help researchers develop animal cells that live longer under normal or extreme environmental conditions. In this manner, Dsup could be used to expand the range of applications of cells in biotechnology. It could also increase the effectiveness of current methods, such as the production of some pharmaceuticals, that depend upon the use of cultured cells.
Conducting an internal program review in CIS: methods & results

The purpose of this article is to describe the 15 activities we carried out when conducting our own internal CIS program review. This review was aimed at improving our curriculum and instructional practices. In this article, we include excerpts from our finished document as well as other artifacts that will help illustrate our approach. In addition, we note, in hindsight, some of the weaknesses of our review and how we might improve the process next time. Finally, we report what we learned about ourselves and explain why we are hopeful that this process will serve as an impetus for real change.
Raman spectra of atmospheric aerosol particles: Clusters and time-series for a 22.5 hr sampling period

Abstract An automated Aerosol Raman Spectrometer (ARS) was used to measure approximately 100,000 Raman spectra (RS) during a 24-hour sampling period. The approximately 9000 RS that exceeded thresholds for Raman or fluorescence intensity were studied. Unstructured cluster analysis of the initial RS and the RS remaining after approximated fluorescence was removed resulted in clusters which had Raman peaks consistent with quartz, calcite, dolomite, gypsum, anhydrite, iron oxides, biological materials and calcium oxalates, and materials that exhibit D and G bands (e.g., soots). A set of RS which are dominated by a broad fluorescence and include only not-detectable or very small Raman peaks were assigned to a “fluorescent materials” category with approximately 900 spectra. The temporal changes in the numbers of RS consistent with different materials are illustrated. The highest numbers of RS consistent with oxalates appear during the nighttime. The numbers of RS consistent with some type of soot increased during the day. This increase occurred after PM10 concentration increased.
A New Genus and Species of Panaphantina (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae: Euplectitae: Trichonychini) from Australia

A new genus and species of Australian Pselaphinae, tribe Trichonychini, Numinbah insperatus Chandler is described from the southern border area of Queensland.
Differential expression of RECK and matrix metalloproteinases observed between African American and Caucasian metastatic breast cancer cell lines

2978 Platelet-Activating Factor (PAF), an inflammatory bioactive lipid, acts as a mediator of vascularization for tumor growth and metastasis. Invasion of the extracellular matrix by tumor cells requires the activation of the matrix degrading metalloproteinases by intracellular proprotein convertases (PCs) or other metalloproteinases. Furin, a member of the family of subtilisin/kexin-like PCs, is responsible for the activation of precursor pro-proteins to become biologically active. We used the human androgen-insensitive prostate cancer cell line PC-3 as a model system. PAF-induced invasion and migration of PC-3 cells is antagonized upon inhibition of the proprotein convertase furin with its small molecule inhibitor D6R. PAF exposure does not affect the constitutively expressed membrane-bound furin level in PC-3 cells. Furin inhibition has no affect on the expression of PAF-induced TIMP2; however, PAF-stimulated activation of MT1-MMP is antagonized at all time points upon inhibition of furin with D6R. The coordinated PAF-induced expression and activation of TIMP2 and MT1-MMP results in the proteolytic activation of MMP2 in the culture medium, which is attenuated upon inhibition of furin. Our data demonstrate for the first time that PAF-dependent expression and activation of matrix metalloproteinases, resulting in the increased invasion and migration is regulated by furin in human prostatic carcinoma cells.
Impact of treatment line on outcomes with salvage ipilimumab + nivolumab in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).

e17092Background: With the approval of ipilimumab plus nivolumab (I+N) and other immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) based combinations in the first-line setting, the role of I+N for salvage is of hig...
As-Cast Surface Characterization for Steel Using Disk-Shaped Chemically Bonded Sand Specimens

Chemically bonded sand systems are an important and growing part of foundry technology, and their interaction at the mold–steel interface is of great interest. With today’s emphasis on near-net-shape steel castings, and with ever more stringent casting quality requirements, there is a need to quickly and affordably characterize as-cast surface quality. In addition, characterizing shakeout performance is necessary to meet today’s steel casting efficiency requirements. New AFS standard tests using disk-shaped specimens (AFS 3344-18-S), such as the thermal distortion test (AFS 3350-18-S), have proved to be efficient and effective techniques for detecting anomalies and measuring distortions for chemically bonded sand binder systems. However, these laboratory tests are unable to address all the influences at the mold–steel interface. Furthermore, simulation software is not yet able to predict mold/steel interfacial conditions. Thus, performing actual casting trials remains necessary. This paper aims to investigate, for steel castings, the effects different chemically bonded sand systems have towards shakeout performance and as-cast surface quality. An improved steel casting trial, using disk-shaped specimens, that allows several core specimens to be wetted simultaneously was employed. As-cast surface quality was assessed using a state-of-the-art 3D macroscope. Results suggest that various chemically bonded sand systems provide different shakeout performances and as-cast surfaces.
Hide the Cookie Jar: Nudging Towards Healthy Eating

Eating habits are a big concern among college students, who gain considerable weight by consuming unhealthy food in their first years. As a response, many universities enter into costly programs to alleviate this problem. We study the effect of a simple, cheap option: move unhealthy items out of sight. The opportunity to do this comes from a natural experiment that led a dining hall in the University of New Hampshire to re-locate cookies from a main section in plain sight to a corner away from everyone's way. The cost of cookies did not change, since the dining hall operates as an "all that you can eat" restaurant. Relative to pizza, a product that did not change location, the consumption of cookies dropped by around 14% due to the re-location, with stronger effects on weekdays and lunch. We see this as evidence that simple changes in design can nudge students towards healthy eating.
Genome Sequence of Clostridium sp. Strain P21, a CO-Fermenting Acetogen Isolated from Old Hay.

ABSTRACT Here, we report the genome sequence of Clostridium sp. strain P21, isolated from old hay from Stillwater, Oklahoma. This announcement describes the generation and annotation of the 5.6-Mb genomic sequence of strain P21, which will aid in studies targeting genes involved in the enhancement of acid-alcohol production.
What Can Cloud Observations Tell Us About Climate Variability

Clouds have a large impact on the Earth's radiation budget and hence have the potential to exert strong feedbacks on climate variability and climate change. These feedbacks are not well-understood, so it is essential to investigate observed relationships between cloud properties and other parameters of the climate system. Suitable cloud datasets based on surface observations and satellite observations are described and various advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed. In particular it is noted that significant inhomogeneities likely exist in the datasets which have important implications for studies of climate variability. Recommendations are made for the use of cloud data in future investigations.
Property, Persona, and Publicity

This article focuses on two interconnected problems posed by the growth of online creation. First, unlike analog creations, important digital creations such as emails are mediated and controlled by second parties. Thus although these creations are core intellectual property, they are not treated as such and service providers terminate or deny access to people's property all the time. In addition, when one dies, some service providers refuse to grant heirs access to this property. The uneven and unclear management of these creations means that historians and society in general will lose access to perhaps the greatest chronicling of human experience ever. Put simply, online creation and storage raise fundamental issues regarding the ownership of, dominion over, and preservation of digital property; yet the theoretical basis regarding these issues is unclear. Accordingly, this paper investigates and sets forth the theoretical foundations to explain why and how society should preserve this property. Once the importance of preserving digital artifacts is understood, a familiar problem arises: what normative theory justifies the amount of control the creator or her heirs is given? As such, Part II examines the property, persona, and publicity arguments that the creation of artifacts raise. The paper shows that several theoretical views support the position that in life one has strong economic and non-economic claims for control over one's intangible creations. Yet, the paper finds that historical and literary theory in conjunction with recent economic arguments of Professors Brett Frischmann and Mark Lemley regarding positive externalities generated by access to ideas and information, militate in favor of limits on heirs' control over these creations. Furthermore, insofar as society provides the building blocks from which these creations arise, all the theories show that creations must at some point become part of the commons to enable others to generate new creations. Thus the paper argues against the growth of trademark or trademark-like author's rights which have no temporal limit and offer heirs extreme control over access to and use of an author's work and seeks to balance the interests of creators with society's interest in fostering later expression and creation of new works.
Father Francis M. Craft, Missionary to the Sioux

Of all the western frontier figures who played a role in the lives of the Sioux, perhaps none was more intriguing, eccentric, or controversial than Father Francis M. Craft (1852-1920). Both fearless and compassionate, Father Craft ministered to the Sioux for two decades during the turbulent years after Sitting Bull surrendered at Fort Buford in 1881. After recovering from a severe injury at Wounded Knee in 1890, he struggled to found an Indian order of nuns and railed against government policies that, he contended, encouraged the corruption and degradation of Indians. Thomas W. Foley's well-researched and balanced account of Father Craft's fascinating life examines his key role in Sioux and missionary history, his dedication to Indian causes, and his lifelong struggle against stereotypes and prejudice, which challenged many in the church and the federal government and led to accusations of insanity from his powerful critics.
The Synergy of Family and Neighborhood on Rural Dating Violence Victimization

INTRODUCTION: Rural adolescents are at high risk for dating violence victimization (DVV), which has serious negative consequences. Understanding more about the conditions that increase DVV risk for rural adolescents is needed to inform prevention efforts. In response to calls for examining the influence of upper levels of the social ecology on adolescent dating violence, this study examined whether associations between the family context and physical DVV were conditioned by the characteristics of the neighborhoods in which the family resided. METHODS: Data were from a multi-wave longitudinal study of 3,236 rural adolescents nested in 65 block groups, which defined neighborhoods. Data were collected between 2003 and 2005. Multilevel growth curve modeling was conducted in 2014 to test hypothesized synergistic effects of the family and neighborhood on trajectories of physical DVV from grade 8 to 12. RESULTS: Low parental closeness was a DVV risk in residentially stable (pCONCLUSIONS: Findings demonstrate the importance of considering the family and neighborhood, and particularly their synergistic effects in efforts to prevent adolescent DVV. Language: en
Variation in health care worker removal of personal protective equipment

In the current era of emerging pathogens such as Ebola virus, removal of personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial to reduce contamination of health care workers. However, current removal practices are not well described. We undertook a systematic evaluation of health care worker removal of PPE for contact isolation to examine variation in removal procedures. Findings indicate that under usual conditions, only about half of health care workers correctly remove their PPE, and very few remove their PPE in the correct order and dispose of it in the proper location.
The rise of Astyanax cavefish

Numerous animals have invaded subterranean caverns and evolved remarkably similar features. These features include loss of vision and pigmentation, and gains in nonvisual sensation. This broad convergence echoes smaller-scale convergence, in which members of the same species repeatedly evolve the same cave-associated phenotypes. The blind Mexican tetra of the Sierra de El Abra region of northeastern Mexico has a complex origin, having recurrently colonized subterranean environments through numerous invasions of surface-dwelling fish. These colonizations likely occurred ∼1-5 MYa. Despite evidence of historical and contemporary gene flow between cave and surface forms, the cave-associated phenotype appears to remain quite stable in nature. This model system has provided insight to the mechanisms of phenotypic regression, the genetic basis for constructive trait evolution, and the origin of behavioral novelties. Here, we document the rise of this model system from its discovery by a Mexican surveyor in 1936, to a powerful system for cave biology and contemporary genetic research. The recently sequenced genome provides exciting opportunities for future research, and will help resolve several long-standing biological problems. Developmental Dynamics 244:1031-1038, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Colormute: Race Talk Dilemmas in an American School

Colormute: Race Talk Dilemmas in an American School. Mica Pollock. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2004. 268 pp.
A variable-temperature nanostencil compatible with a low-temperature scanning tunneling microscope/atomic force microscope

We describe a nanostencil lithography tool capable of operating at variable temperatures down to 30 K. The setup is compatible with a combined low-temperature scanning tunneling microscope/atomic force microscope located within the same ultra-high-vacuum apparatus. The lateral movement capability of the mask allows the patterning of complex structures. To demonstrate operational functionality of the tool and estimate temperature drift and blurring, we fabricated LiF and NaCl nanostructures on Cu(111) at 77 K.
Brandeis v. Cohen et al.: The Distancing from Israel Debate

This paper comments upon the two lead articles in the Contemporary Jewry analysis of the Israel distancing hypothesis—the contrasting interpretations of Steven Cohen and Ari Y. Kelman who argue that Jewish Americans, especially younger Jewish adults and the intermarried, are becoming increasingly distant from Israel, and the rejoinder by Theodore Sasson, Charles Kadushin and Leonard Saxe from Brandeis University, who argue that “… neither the scholarly literature nor survey evidence consistently supports the view that attachment to Israel is declining among American Jews.” After discussing some methodological shortcomings in the data used in both the Cohen–Kelman and the Sasson–Kadushin–Saxe papers, as well as the reality that the emergence of J-Street as an alternative and younger-Jewish-adult-oriented supporter (and critic) of Israel may reflect a qualitative change in younger Jewish adult perspectives on Israel, this commentary focuses upon the puzzling reality that the authors of the two articles present essentially the same data, yet come to radically different conclusions. Both groups of researchers demonstrate that younger Jews are less likely to be strongly attached to Israel; both note that the intermarried are less connected to Israel; both note that the majority of American Jews still feel connected to and support Israel. The Cohen–Kelman articles interpret these data as reflecting generational changes; Sasson–Kadushin–Saxe interpret the data in a life-cycle change model. The authors of this commentary offer another interpretation, one which focuses upon the methodological problems inherent in using the American Jewish Committee’s annual surveys of American Jewish opinion.
Paving a New Frontier: Near-Death Experiences and the Unspoken Aspect of What Researchers Have Faced, and Continue to Face

This article provides an overview of the growing pains associated with paving a new scientific frontier, and challenges researchers have faced in the past, and continue to face in the field of near-death experiences. Some of the key challenges surround researching a subjective experience in an objective way, disclosure barriers from NDErs, research issues that may arise, in addition to stigmatization that may be associated with being a NDE researcher from mainstream science and educational institutions. NeuroQuantology | June 2012 | Volume 10 | Issue 2 | Page 210-215
Application of in-Air PIXE for Corrosion-Erosion Studies of Metal Surfaces

Two methods are presented to demonstrate the usefullness of In-air PIXE for studying enviromental corrosion and erosion of metal surfaces. (1) Surface adsorption of corrosive vapors on gases in the ppm range is detected with the In-air PIXE technique. The adsorbed chlorine and Argon can be pumped away with moderate (200°C) heating of the metal surface. Therefore such investigation can only be done with the In-air PIXE. (2) Airborne particulates with high velocity, such as sands in the desert wind, can erode metal surface. They can also imbed foreign materials into the metal surface. Those foreign materials may lead to surface corrosion. Metal surface and the glass beads of a sand-blaster, before and after sandblasting, were examined with In-air PIXE to show its sensitivity and the ease with which it can detect minute quantities taken off or imbedded into the metal surface after just a short blasting time.
Brain-reactive antibodies in sera of aging non-human primates

Abstract Previous studies in our laboratory demonstrated an age-related increase in the brain-reactive antibodies in sera of aging mice. The present paper deals with the study of brain-reactive antibodies in sera of non-human primates (Macaca namestrina) of three age groups (4, 10 and 20 years) by an indirect immunofluorescence method. The results indicated a progressive increase in the serum levels of these antibodies with advancing age. Since all three age groups examined demonstrated brain-reactive antibodies in sera, the age of onset of these antibodies could not be determined in these animals. It has been suggested that the formation of these antibodies could be evidence of autoimmune reactions which might play a significant role in neuronal degeneration during aging.
Litigation on behalf of victims of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. The experience from the USA.

Background: For a quarter of a century, lawsuits have been filed on behalf of individuals who have been harmed by exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). Methods: A review of hundreds of legal cases where exposure to ETS was the basis for the lawsuit was undertaken. The history of ETS-based lawsuits was categorised and analysed. Results: While ETS-based lawsuits have arisen in a variety of divergent settings, there have been an increasing number of instances in which individuals have achieved relief from exposure to ETS and or monetary compensation for having been so exposed. Such successful outcomes make it easier for others to achieve similar results through litigation. Conclusion: Lawsuits will probably continue to be a viable remedy in assisting those being harmed by exposure to ETS, both inside and outside the USA.
The Vector Mesotron

The wave equations of Proca for a vector mesotron (spin 1) are specialized first to the case in which there is no magnetic field, and then to that in which the field is central. The wave functions satisfy fourth-order homogeneous differential equations. For the states $l=j\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1$, it is simpler to consider two simultaneous second-order differential equations in two unknowns (see Eqs. (19) and (21) of this article). For a coulomb field, the form of the radial functions at $r=0$ is established as $u=\mathrm{exp}[\frac{\ensuremath{-}aL}{{r}^{\frac{1}{2}}}]{r}^{\ensuremath{\beta}}f$, where $a=2{(z\ensuremath{\alpha})}^{\frac{1}{2}}{[j(j+1)]}^{\frac{1}{4}}$, ${L}^{2}=\frac{\ensuremath{\hbar}}{\mathrm{Mc}}$, $M$ = rest mass of mesotron, $f$ is an ascending power series in $r$, $\mathrm{ze}$ is the charge on the coulomb source, $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ is the fine-structure constant $\frac{{e}^{2}}{\ensuremath{\hbar}c}$, and $\ensuremath{\beta}$ is a constant which can be determined.
The ultrastructure of oriented cells and extracellular materials between developing feathers

Abstract Regions between dermal condensations of early feather germs have been examined with the electron microscope. Fibroblasts in such places become elongated and oriented so as to point from one condensation toward the next. Bundles of collagen and anchor filaments occur near such cells. There is no unique orientation of the collagen, however; some bundles do parallel the intercondensation axis, but just as many run at a variety of angles to it. Intracellular microtubules and fine filaments parallel the long axis of the elongate fibroblasts. The basis of cell and collagen orientation and the possible significance of the orientation are discussed. On the basis of current information, it can only be hypothesized that the fibroblasts and some collagen bundles may orient between condensations in response to the same factors that determine feather germ pattern on the embryo.
Stability of imperfect laminated cylinders - A comparison between theory and experiment

A comparison between analytical results (critical loads) and experimental results (buckling loads) is presented for imperfect, laminated, circular, cylindrical, thin shells. The loading consists of uniform axial compression and torsion, applied individually and in combination (load cases for which results are published in the open literature). The imperfection shape and amplitude of the experimental results are explicitly given for some data and not for others. In the latter case, the comparison is qualitative. The theoretical results are obtained from a solution methodology that was developed and previously reported by the authors. It is based on nonlinear kinematic relations, linearly elastic material behavior, and the usual lamination theory. The comparison serves as an experimental verification for the analytical solution scheme.
CYTOLOGICAL EVIDENCE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PLANT VIRUS RIBONUCLEIC ACID IN THE NUCLEUS.

Abstract Living cells in hand sections of tobacco plants, recently infected with tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and tomato spotted wilt virus (TSW), were examined in the living state or fixed and stained to reveal ribonucleic acid (RNA). Ribonuclease was used in conjunction with staining to characterize the RNA. Two forms of TMV and defective mutants of one, the tobacco form, and mild strains of TSW that caused mainly chlorotic symptoms were used. Cycles of change in the nucleolus of infected cells were followed in phase microscopy by the apparent emission of material optically less dense than the nucleoplasm. Images of stained sections indicated that this material was RNA. Emission varied according to the virus isolate examined. The strain TMV-U5 differed from the common tobacco strain, TMV-U1. In recent U5 infections, RNA-staining material was found only in the nucleus, and aggregated whole virus was found outside in the cytoplasm. It was concluded that U5 virus was finally synthesized in the nucleus or near its perimeter. TMV-U1 RNA seemed to originate in the nucleolus and pass into the cytoplasm, where it was found in material from which the X-bodies originated. As these masses circulated in the cytoplasm they acquired in part the staining reactions of whole virus, and small aggregates of virus particles began to appear. Uncombined RNA-containing material came together in X-bodies. The defective mutants of TMV had two kinds of material in the cell, one protein-like that appeared in linear or gel-like aggregates, and the other staining like RNA. The RNA again appeared to arise from the nucleolus and pass into the cytoplasm, sometimes mixing with the virus protein gel. It could be removed by RNase without affecting the underlying structure. TSW also gave images suggesting nucleolar emission of RNA, but all virus material in the cell was RNase sensitive. If whole virus covered by a protein coat was formed, the protein did not protect it from digestion by the enzyme.
Biosynthesis of asparagne from β-L-[14C15N]cyanoalanine in Lathyrus sylvestris W. seedlings origin of the amide nitrogen

β-L-[1415N]Cyanoalanine administered to Lathyrus sylvestris W. seedlings formed asparagine with complete retention of cyano nitrogen. The β-cyanoalanine pathway for the young plant may be a means of conserving nitrogen as well as of detoxifying cyanide. The required β-L-[C15N]cyanoalanine was synthesized by hydrogenolysis of carbobenzoxy-L-β-[C15N]cyanoalanine benzyl ester, prepared by dehydration of known carbobenzoxy-L-[amide-15N]asparagine benzyl ester. (15NH4)2SO4 was the source of 15N.
Multi-attribute dimensions of service quality in the fast food restaurant industry

Abstract As the fast food restaurant industry grows in the Western industrialized world, it has also become increasingly competitive. In such an environment, marketers are concerned about how to increase or maintain market share through better service quality and effective segmentation strategies. This paper reports a two-phase exploratory study conducted to determine the dimensions of service quality in the fast food industry, from the consumer's perspective. Factor analysis revealed 10 dimensions made up of 57 different attributes. The 10 dimensions were able to discriminate among three groups of fast food patrons, namely: frequent, less frequent, and more frequent patrons. Managerial implications of these findings, for market segmentation, targeting, positioning, and promotional strategies are discussed.
The effect of neonatal gene therapy on skeletal manifestations in mucopolysaccharidosis VII dogs after a decade.

Abstract Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) VII is a lysosomal storage disease due to deficient activity of β-glucuronidase (GUSB), and results in glycosaminoglycan accumulation. Skeletal manifestations include bone dysplasia, degenerative joint disease, and growth retardation. One gene therapy approach for MPS VII involves neonatal intravenous injection of a gamma retroviral vector expressing GUSB, which results in stable expression in liver and secretion of enzyme into blood at levels predicted to be similar or higher to enzyme replacement therapy. The goal of this study was to evaluate the long-term effect of neonatal gene therapy on skeletal manifestations in MPS VII dogs. Treated MPS VII dogs could walk throughout their lives, while untreated MPS VII dogs could not stand beyond 6 months and were dead by 2 years. Luxation of the coxofemoral joint and the patella, dysplasia of the acetabulum and supracondylar ridge, deep erosions of the distal femur, and synovial hyperplasia were reduced, and the quality of articular bone was improved in treated dogs at 6 to 11 years of age compared with untreated MPS VII dogs at 2 years or less. However, treated dogs continued to have osteophyte formation, cartilage abnormalities, and an abnormal gait. Enzyme activity was found near synovial blood vessels, and there was 2% as much GUSB activity in synovial fluid as in serum. We conclude that neonatal gene therapy reduces skeletal abnormalities in MPS VII dogs, but clinically-relevant abnormalities remain. Enzyme replacement therapy will probably have similar limitations long-term.
WHEN THUE-MORSE MEETS KOCH

In this paper, we reveal a remarkable connection between the Thue-Morse sequence and the Koch snowflake. Using turtle geometry and polygon maps, we realize the Thue-Morse sequence as the limit of polygonal curves in the plane. We then prove that a sequence of such curves converges to the Koch snowflake in the Hausdorff metric. In the final section we consider generalized Thue-Morse sequences and provide a characterization of those that encode curves converging to the Koch snowflake.
Impact of group size on the effectiveness of a resuscitation simulation curriculum for medical students.

Background: Simulation requires involvement from participants. However, it is unknown to what extent simulation effectiveness is a function of the number of participants. Purpose: This study assessed the impact of varying group size on medical students’ subjective experience of simulation and on postsimulation exam performance. Methods: Medical students were randomly assigned to groups of 2, 3, or 4. Retrospective assessment was done through a survey assessing confidence and knowledge as it relates to resuscitation and statements related to group size. Performance on a postsimulation exam was analyzed. Results: There were significant increases in students’ confidence and knowledge following simulation. There were no significant differences in student perception of the effectiveness or realism of the simulation or in performance on the postsimulation exam as a function of group size. Conclusions: Students feel that simulation is an effective way to learn medical knowledge. Varying group size had no effect ...
Structural evolution of the protein kinase-like superfamily.

The protein kinase family is large and important, but it is only one family in a larger superfamily of homologous kinases that phosphorylate a variety of substrates and play important roles in all three superkingdoms of life. We used a carefully constructed structural alignment of selected kinases as the basis for a study of the structural evolution of the protein kinase–like superfamily. The comparison of structures revealed a “universal core” domain consisting only of regions required for ATP binding and the phosphotransfer reaction. Remarkably, even within the universal core some kinase structures display notable changes, while still retaining essential activity. Hence, the protein kinase–like superfamily has undergone substantial structural and sequence revision over long evolutionary timescales. We constructed a phylogenetic tree for the superfamily using a novel approach that allowed for the combination of sequence and structure information into a unified quantitative analysis. When considered against the backdrop of species distribution and other metrics, our tree provides a compelling scenario for the development of the various kinase families from a shared common ancestor. We propose that most of the so-called “atypical kinases” are not intermittently derived from protein kinases, but rather diverged early in evolution to form a distinct phyletic group. Within the atypical kinases, the aminoglycoside and choline kinase families appear to share the closest relationship. These two families in turn appear to be the most closely related to the protein kinase family. In addition, our analysis suggests that the actin-fragmin kinase, an atypical protein kinase, is more closely related to the phosphoinositide-3 kinase family than to the protein kinase family. The two most divergent families, α-kinases and phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinases (PIPKs), appear to have distinct evolutionary histories. While the PIPKs probably have an evolutionary relationship with the rest of the kinase superfamily, the relationship appears to be very distant (and perhaps indirect). Conversely, the α-kinases appear to be an exception to the scenario of early divergence for the atypical kinases: they apparently arose relatively recently in eukaryotes. We present possible scenarios for the derivation of the α-kinases from an extant kinase fold.
The “Big Picture” of Education: A K-12 Teacher Preparation Program

Abstract This article is about research which investigated a unique K-12 teacher preparation program and its impact on preservice teacher development. The program was nested within a Professional Development Site that includes three inner-city public schools and a large urban university in Southern California. We surveyed preservice teachers at the end of their program, reviewed supervisor evaluations, and interviewed administrators at the three schools. Qualitative analysis of survey results suggests that the K-12 program influenced preservice teachers in three major areas, centering on 1) seeing the “whole picture” of public education; 2) developing insights about children across the K-12 spectrum; and 3) learning various strategies, procedures, and techniques from colleagues at all grade levels. On a numerical ranking, 96% of the student teachers ranked their program high (4 or 5 on a 5-point scale), and administrators were uniformly positive, offering important comments regarding the strengths of the ...
The infrared and Raman spectra of cyclobutane-1, 3-dione

Abstract The infrared spectrum of cyclo butane-1, 3-dione has been obtained from 33 to 4000 cm −1 , together with the Raman spectrum of the solid. The data are consistent with D 2 h symmetry (planar symmetrical ring). The symmetric carbonyl stretch is 55 cm −1 higher than the anti-symmetric one. The out-of-plane ring puckering vibration is assigned to a band at 98 cm −1 in the solid and 102 cm −1 in saturated CCl 4 solution.
On the Formation of Filament Channels

From the Hα archive of the Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO) we have selected three examples showing fibril structures that change their orientation, over 1 or 2 days, from nearly perpendicular to nearly parallel to the polarity inversion line (PIL). In one case, the filament channel forms within a single decaying bipole; in the other two cases, it forms along the boundary between an active region and its surroundings. Comparing the Hα filtergrams with magnetograms from the Michelson Doppler Imager (MDI), we find that the fibrils become aligned with the PIL as supergranular convection brings opposite-polarity magnetic flux together; shearing motions along the PIL, when present, act mainly to accelerate the rate of diffusive annihilation. We conclude that the reorientation of the fibrils is due to the cancellation and submergence of the transverse field component (B⊥), leaving behind the preexisting axial field component (B∥). The latter may have been generated by photospheric differential rotation over longer timescales, or else was already present when the flux emerged. The filament channel forms slowly if B∥/B⊥ is initially small, as along the internal neutral line of a newly emerged bipole, but may appear within hours if this ratio is initially substantial, as where the dipole-like loops of an active region curve around its periphery. In all of our examples, filaments form within a day or so after the fibrils become aligned with the PIL, while barbs appear at a later stage, as flux elements continue to diffuse across the PIL and cancel with the majority-polarity flux on the other side.
Directional Converter Arm Method for Surface and Interfacial Tension Measurements with a Top-Loading Balance.

Abstract A method is described for utilizing a top-loading balance, with a directional converter arm, in vertical-pull surface force measurements. The Padday rod-pull technique, the du Nouy ring method, and the Wilhelmy plate method are utilized with rods, thin-walled tubes, wire rings, and plates either rigidly attached to the converter arm or hanging freely from a hook at the end of the arm. The robustness, large weighing capacity, and accuracy of top-loading balances make them ideally suited for a variety of types of surface and interfacial tension measurements. The converter arm method can be used with a stainless steel rod (3–7 mm in diameter) in vertical-pull surface tension measurements, with samples having volumes of only a few tenths of a milliliter. Measurements on very small liquid volumes are feasible because the rod is firmly attached to the converter arm rather than hanging freely as in measurements with balances mounted above the sample; therefore, the rod cannot swing toward and attach to the wall of small sample tubes. Automation of force and height measurements with the converter arm/top-loading balance method is straightforward.
Temozolomide after radiotherapy for newly diagnosed high-grade glioma and unfavorable low-grade glioma in children.

Chemotherapy is commonly used in the treatment of children with high-grade glioma, although its usefulness is uncertain. We conducted a multi-institutional study to evaluate the efficacy of temozolomide given after radiotherapy in children with newly diagnosed high-grade glioma and unfavorable low-grade glioma (gliomatosis cerebri or bithalamic involvement). Optional window therapy of intravenous irinotecan (10 doses of 20 mg/m2 per cycle × 2) was given over 6 weeks. The 5-day schedule of temozolomide (200 mg/m2 per day) started 4 weeks after the completion of radiotherapy and continued for a total of 6 cycles. Thirty-one eligible patients (median age: 12.3 years) participated. Tumors most commonly involved cerebral hemispheres (n = 13, 42%) and thalamus (n = 14, 45%). Whereas six patients underwent radical resection, the remainder had limited surgery, including biopsy (n = 14, 45%). The predominant histologic diagnoses were glioblastoma multiforme (n = 15, 48%) and anaplastic astrocytoma (n = 10, 32%). Two patients had bithalamic grade II astrocytoma. Twenty-seven patients received radiotherapy (median dose: 59.4 Gy), including craniospinal irradiation in 3 because of leptomeningeal spread. Four patients did not receive radiotherapy in this study because of consent withdrawn (n = 2), toxicity during window therapy (n = 1), or at the physician’s discretion (n = 1). Twenty-three patients received 112 cycles of temozolomide therapy. The 2-year progression-free and overall survival estimates were 11 ± 5% and 21 ± 7%, respectively. Although the heterogeneity of prognostic factors in our patients made assessment of treatment outcome more difficult, the addition of 6 cycles of temozolomide after radiotherapy did not seem to alter the poor outcome of these patients.
“To be or not to be a profession: The military case”

(1985). “To be or not to be a profession: The military case”. Defense Analysis: Vol. 1, No. 3, pp. 147-171.
Inhibition by β-carbolines of monoamine uptake into a synaptosomal preparation: Structure-activity relationships

The potency of a series of β-carboline compounds to inhibit 3H-serotonin (3H-5-HT) uptake into a synaptosomal suspension from mouse brain was studied. The in vitro structure-activity study showed the tetrahydro-β-carbolines to be the most potent inhibitors compared to unsaturated β-carbolines. In vitro inhibition of 3H-norepinephrine (3H-NE) and 3H-dopamine (3H-DA) uptake was determined for some tetrahydro-β-carbolines, and the degree of inhibition of uptake of these amines was less than that for 3H-5-HT (EC50s being 5–13 times those for 3H-5-HT). The tetrahydro-β-carbolines were also found to effectively inhibit 3H-5-HT but not 3H-NE or 3H-DA uptake when they were administered intra-peritoneally. These results suggest that the behavioral effects of the tetrahydro-β-carbolines which have been reported previously may be due to a relatively selective involvement of the serotonergic neurotransmitter system.
Effect of polymeric structure on the permeation rate in standard reference material sulfur dioxide permeation tubes

Liquid SO2 sealed into tubes made of a fluorocarbon copolymer permeates the walls of the tube at a temperature-dependent but accurately reproducible rate. Sulfur dioxide dispensers made in this way are called permeation tubes and are useful for calibrating instruments that measure SO2 concentrations in air. The National Bureau of Standards calibrates SO2 permeation tubes and makes them available as Standard Reference Materials. The permeation rate in a batch of nominally identical tubes varies enough that each Standard Reference Material tube must be individually calibrated. Changes in the length or radial dimensions of the tubes are much too small to explain most of this variation. An excellent (negative) correlation is found between the measured permeation rate and the density of the polymer (or weight per unit length). Since both the measured density and the permeation rate for this semi-crystalline polymer depend upon morphological factors, but in different ways, x-ray diffraction measurements of the thickness and orientation of the lamellar crystals were made and a mathematical model was set up to identify the morphological factors which can cause variations in the permeation rate.
Muscle-sparing blepharoplasty: a prospective left-right comparative study.

Background Standard upper blepharoplasty involves removal of both the skin and a portion of the underlying orbicularis oculi muscle. The senior author had observed sluggishness of eyelid closure, lagophthalmos as well as varying degrees of eye irritation in certain patients during the early postoperative period. He postulated that these findings could be due to orbicularis muscle excision. He therefore undertook a prospective study 27 years ago comparing standard blepharoplasty on one eyelid to skin-only excision on the fellow eyelid. Methods A randomized, prospective, single-blinded study was designed using the fellow eye as an internal control. 22 patients undergoing upper blepharoplasty procedure requiring greater than 5 mm of skin resection and with no history of ophthalmologic disease, dry eye, or previous eyelid surgery were selected. Upper blepharoplasty was performed with skin-only removal on one side, and combined skin-muscle removal on the other side. Patients were evaluated until six months after surgery except for two patients who were lost to follow-up after three months. Sluggish eyelid closure, lagophthalmos, dry eye and aesthetic result were outcome measures scored by patient survey, the operating surgeon, and a blinded expert panel. Results There were comparable aesthetic outcomes in both eyelids. The incidence of sluggish eyelid closure, lagophthalmos and dry eye syndrome were significantly higher in eyelids where wide segments of muscle had been resected. Conclusions Muscle-sparing upper blepharoplasty produces similar aesthetic outcomes as conventional blepharoplasty, while significantly reducing the complications of sluggish eyelid closure, lagophthalmos and dry eye disease. The authors therefore recommend muscle-sparing upper blepharoplasty.
Selecting a scale, the conformal convergence problem and R2 terms

Abstract The Einstein-Hilbert action contains negative norm terms such as the conformal factor's kinetic energy. These can be canceled by the ghosts associated with recoordinatization invariance except when one destroys that invariance by introducing a lattice (cutoff). Regulation of gravitation by a lattice cutoff leads to a functional integral which does not converge on the conformal factor. Convergence of the integral can be insured by introducing a potential depending on the flat background lattice metric, but it can also be achieved by introducing higher order (curvature squared) terms in the action. Such a term together with the usual linear term selects a scale which can be used to single out a special size for the lattice. This ties together renormalization and gravitation in an interesting way.
Three-dimensional vision: requirements and applications in a space environment

Various approaches to three-dimensional vision in space are reviewed with emphasis on the redundant 3D vision system designed for the Center for Intelligent Robotic Systems for Space Exploration. The system uses a controllable subset of five cameras, programmable structured light patterns, and sophisticated calibration routines. The design emphasizes real-time operation, human supervisory intervention, and the use of 3D vision to enhance the performance of cooperating robotic arms. Two methods of estimating the location of a point using 3D vision are discussed.
A DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOR NONLINEAR SERIAL DEPENDENCE IN TIME SERIES FITTING ERRORS

. Time series analysts have begun to consider the applicability of nonlinear models. In order for nonlinear models to be accepted by practitioners, practicai tests must be avilable to test for the presence of nonlinearity in both raw time series and in the residuals from fitted models. A diagnostic test, based on the bispectrum, for the presence of nonlinear serial dependence in these time series is investigated here using artificial data. Detection of such nonlinear dependence is taken to indicate that nonlinear modelling methods are necessary. The theory behind the test is reviewed and simulations driven by pseudorandom numbers are presented for a variety of models and sample sizes. The simulations indicate that the test has substantial power for many models. In addition, theoretical and empirical results are presented which show that the bispectral diagnostic test is equally powerful for both the source series and for the fitting errors from a line& model. Thus, while the test is suitable for use as a diagnostic test on the fitting errors of linear time series models, prior linear modeling of the time series is not required.