cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neural polarization and routes to depolarization.

Political polarization has intensified in the lead-up to the 2020 US presidential election, with liberal and conservative politicians hurling insults at one another, journalists highlighting ways in which Americans are deeply divided, and parts of the general American public condoning violence if their side does not win the upcoming election. Likewise, in countries around the world, political extremists are gaining political power, the media has zeroed in on division, and individuals perceive deepening political divides. Within this context, Leong et al. (1) report evidence in PNAS for “neural polarization,” or divergent brain activity between self-identified liberals and conservatives, while watching media clips about a salient political issue (immigration). The team focuses on the DMPFC (dorsomedial prefrontal cortex), a brain region that helps people navigate the social world, interpret narratives, and understand others’ mental states and attributions (2). Those with stronger partisan identities had more similar DMPFC activity in response to media coverage of immigration, relative to other members of their own group, and were subsequently more likely to change their attitudes to even more partisan positions. Thus, these findings highlight ways in which strongly identifying with a particular group (such as a political party or position) might color the ways we interpret new information, and the ways we process incoming information may reinforce our existing identities. Is this polarization inevitable? Or is it possible to find common ground to move forward? Inspired by Leong et al.’s (1) findings, we argue that polarization is not inevitable and suggest several points where intervention might be fruitful. Leong et al. (1) start with the idea that people interpret information based on important parts of their identities, with political affiliations as a particularly strong example (e.g., ref. 3). In contrast with work that focuses on the possibility that … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence may be addressed. Email: emily.falk{at}asc.upenn.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Endovascular treatment of recurrent bleeding secondary to pseudoaneurysm, following maxillofacial resection with free flap reconstruction

Abstract Maxillofacial reconstruction with microvascular free tissue transfer is an effective procedure used to correct facial defects following resection of head and neck cancer. Flap failure is uncommon but can occur due to thrombosis, infection, or hemorrhage, and therefore needs to be addressed immediately. We present a case of a 78-year-old man with squamous cell carcinoma who underwent right cheek resection, orbital exenteration and removal of the superior maxillary sinus with left radial forearm free tissue flap reconstruction which was complicated by infection and recurrent, intractable hemorrhage from an internal maxillary artery pseudoaneurysm. Initial management included multiple cautery and ligation attempts, but bleeding recurred despite these measures. Endovascular intervention proved to be an effective and safe treatment, leading to the resolution of bleeding. This report provides rationale for considering endovascular embolization for cases of bleeding following maxillofacial free flap reconstruction.
Abstract PO-037: Leveraging polyamine metabolic stress to enhance sensitivity to epigenetic therapy for prostate cancer

While polyamines are required for proliferation in all cells, the prostate synthesizes and secretes high levels into its lumen, resulting in depletion of intracellular polyamines. To meet polyamine biosynthetic demands, which is enhanced in Prostate Cancer (CaP), there is high flux through one carbon metabolism to provide S’-Adenosylmethionine (SAM), which donates its aminopropyl group to polyamine synthesis. This flux is driven by Spermidine/ Spermine N1-Acetyltransferase (SSAT) which adds acetyl groups to spermidine and spermine, leading to their secretion. To deal with the stress, the methionine salvage pathway (MSP) recycles one carbon units lost during polyamine synthesis back to the methionine cycle for SAM replenishment, by methylthioadenine phosphorylase (MTAP). We have shown increased polyamine catabolism by SSAT stabilization and MTAP inhibition results in cell death in in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo CaP models. We expect the CaP epigenome to be impacted by stressed acetyl-CoA and SAM pools, which are used by chromatin modifying enzymes, and that this stress will alter CaP sensitivity to epigenetic based drugs. While epigenetic therapies are currently being investigated in the clinic for targeting CaP, their success has been limited due to toxicity and non-specificity. We hypothesize that increased flux through polyamine metabolism and one carbon metabolism disrupts SAM and acetyl-CoA pool maintenance, making CaP cells sensitized to therapy targeting their utilization. Our findings suggest that certain histone modifications are affected by treatment with BENSpm in vitro. Additionally, we have found treatment of CaP cells with BENSpm and MTDIA induces significant broad DNA methylation changes. Furthermore, our preliminary data shows that the addition of metabolic therapies, BENSpm and MTDIA, to an epigenetic targeting drug, JQ1, further suppresses CaP growth in vitro. We expect that future studies combining our metabolic therapies with epigenetic drugs targeting acetyl-CoA and SAM usage will maintain anti-tumor efficacy with reduced systemic toxicity. Citation Format: Aryn M. Rowsam, Hayley C. Affronti, Spencer R. Rosario, Mark D. Long. Leveraging polyamine metabolic stress to enhance sensitivity to epigenetic therapy for prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Abstracts: AACR Special Virtual Conference on Epigenetics and Metabolism; October 15-16, 2020; 2020 Oct 15-16. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(23 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-037.
Early mortality and overall survival in acute promyelocytic leukemia: do real-world data match results of the clinical trials?

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) boasts overall survival (OS) of >90% at 3 years and early mortality of <5% in recent clinical trials. Using a large National Cancer Database, we performed analysi...
The Role of Magnetoencephalography and Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography in Evaluation of Children With Drug-Resistant Epilepsy.

Surgery holds the best outcomes for drug-resistant epilepsy in children, making localization of a seizure focus essential. However, there is limited research on the contribution of magnetoencephalo...
Federating trust: network orchestration for cross-boundary zero trust

Zero Trust is an emerging security paradigm that does away with implicit zones of trust commonly employed within static, defense-in-depth, enterprise architectures. One of the core tenets of Zero Trust is that resource access is determined by dynamic policy - an intersection of trust in a user, the supporting application or service, the underlying network, and the devices which hold or process data. Establishing this overall assessment of trust serves well for centralized architectures where an administrator can establish and assess each of these trust enablers, such as in an enterprise network. However, shifting workloads to remote access, bring your own device (BYOD), and cloud hosting of collaborative services, to name a few, all challenge the ability of an administrator to effectively establish a complete Zero Trust architecture due to the inability to fully trust each component. This shift away from centrally managed architectures reveal a significant challenge in achieving complete Zero Trust: security is a function of many interactions, many of which an administer has no control over. Recently the term "Zero Trust 2.0" was coined as an evolution to Zero Trust which establishes identity as the new perimeter via an orchestration layer and machine learning capabilities~\cite{trust}. However, this functionality still remains tied to centrally controlled architectures where an administrator can link together products and solutions to achieve a desired level of security. We argue that this orchestration needs to expand beyond these common enterprise boundaries in a way that trust can be guaranteed across disparate systems, networks, and servicers. Similar to identity federation, where a user can use credentials from one provider to access another competitors platform, federation of trust should serve as a guarantee for security across networks. In the remaining sections we propose what this trust federation mechanism could potentially look like.
Generative AI Models for Drug Discovery

A drug-like-molecule library can contain 1023–1060 molecules, among which only approximately 1012 molecules may be synthesized in labs. However, it is still challenging for researchers to find the most promising candidates among the vast number of synthesizable compounds in a reasonable time. Moreover, although molecules are picked for their predicted bioactivities, their absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties are often difficult to predict and modify. This is often a bottleneck for downstream studies and applications. It would be more productive if candidate molecules are generated, rather than screened from libraries, with suitable ADMET properties as prerequisites at the beginning of the molecule design process. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI)-based generative models have been described for designing drug candidates using prior biological and chemical knowledge. A spectacular example was the use of a combination of AI generative techniques and reinforcement learning by the biotechnology company, Insilico Medicine, to successfully create new DDR1 kinase inhibitors to treat fibrosis in only 21 days. We will describe how reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms can be applied to generative AI for better real-world effectiveness while better utilizing modern distributed hardware assets. In this chapter, we will review simple and advanced AI generative models and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each model.
The Most Important Question.

ABSTRACT End-of-life (EOL) decision making in acute care often requires difficult conversations with and for family members. Planning that may seem clear and obvious to healthcare professionals can cause intense heartache and distress when a patient's needs and desires are not expressed. Nurses can play a significant role in facilitating communication among family members during the EOL.
"You cannot stay in the laboratory forever"*: Taking pig kidney xenotransplantation from the laboratory to the clinic.

Abstract Progress in life-supporting kidney transplantation in the genetically-engineered pig-to-nonhuman primate model has been encouraging, with pig kidneys sometimes supporting life for > 1 year. What steps need to be taken by (i) the laboratory team, and (ii) the clinical team to prepare for the first clinical trial? The major topics include (i) what currently-available genetic modifications are optimal to reduce the possibility of graft rejection, (ii) what immunosuppressive therapeutic regimen is optimal, and (iii) what steps need to be taken to minimize the risk of transfer of an infectious microorganism with the graft. We suggest that patients who are unlikely to live long enough to receive a kidney from a deceased human donor would benefit from the opportunity of a period of dialysis-free support by a pig kidney, and the experience gained would enable xenotransplantation to progress much more rapidly than if we remain in the laboratory.
Electrical, Optical and Magnetic Properties of Polyaniline Processed from Sulfuric Acid and in Solution in Sulfuric Acid

Although polyaniline has been investigated extensively since the beginning of this century,1 it has recently attracted considerable interest as a conducting polymer.2 Among conducting polymers, polyaniline is unique in that its electronic structure and electrical properties can be reversibly controlled both by charge transfer doping (to vary the oxidation state of main chain) and by protonation.3 The wide range of associated electrical, electrochemical and optical properties, coupled with good stability, make polyaniline attractive as an electronic material for potential use in a variety of applications.
Impact of the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation on Tropical Cyclone Activity in the North Atlantic and Eastern North Pacific

Tropical cyclones (TCs) are among the most devastating weather systems affecting the United States and Central America (USCA). Here we show that the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO) strongly modulates TC activity over the North Atlantic (NA) and eastern North Pacific (eNP). During positive IPO phases, less (more) TCs were observed over NA (eNP), likely due to the presence of stronger (weaker) vertical wind shear and the resulting changes in genesis potential. Furthermore, TCs over NA tend to keep their tracks more eastward and recurve at lower latitudes during positive IPO phases. Such variations are largely determined by changes in steering flow instead of changes in genesis locations. Over the eNP, smaller track variations are observed at different IPO phases with stable, westward movements of TCs prevailing. These findings have substantial implications for understanding decadal to inter-decadal fluctuations in the risk of TC landfalls along USCA coasts.
Distal revision of ventriculoperitoneal shunts using a peel-away sheath: Technical note

The authors describe a new technique for revision of an occluded distal ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter that obviates the need for laparotomy or trocar insertion into the peritoneal cavity. The authors review their early experience with 34 patients suffering from a distal ventriculoperitoneal shunt failure and treated with this technique. There were no incidents of intraabdominal injury or wound complications. In 2 patients conversion to a minilaparotomy was required for safe placement of the shunt. Proper peritoneal placement was confirmed with abdominal radiographs in all cases. This technique has been safe and effective and may be considered an alternative to traditional laparotomy or laparoscopic methods.
Muscle is the major source of plasma gelsolin.

Abstract Gelsolin, a Ca2+- and polyphosphoinositide-regulated actin-binding protein, is unique among vertebrate proteins in being both cytoplasmic and secreted. Plasma gelsolin, present at greater than 200 micrograms/ml in human plasma, may have a protective function by promoting the clearance of actin filaments released during tissue injury. Although there is evidence that smooth muscle tissues and HepG2 cells synthesize plasma gelsolin, the predominant secretory source is hitherto unknown. We report here that skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscles have large amounts of plasma gelsolin mRNA and devote 0.5-3% of their biosynthetic activity to plasma gelsolin, whereas liver makes relatively little. Since skeletal muscle accounts for a large fraction of body mass and total protein synthesis, it is the major source of plasma gelsolin.
Liability: You Could Be Sued!

(1978). Liability: You Could Be Sued! Journal of Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 49, No. 5, pp. 17-18.
Perspectives on Creole Genesis and Language Acquisition

Creolists tend to view the genesis of creole languages as more complicated than do other linguists. While most linguists define creoles as those languages which originate as pidgins and then acquire native speakers, creolists have long questioned the plausibility of this claim and debated alternate theories of genesis among themselves. Universalism (Bickerton, 1981; Bickerton, 1984), posits Chomskyan language universals to account for creole formation within a second-language acquisition (SLA) framework. Substratism (Lefebvre, 1998; Lumsden, 1999) acknowledges the SLA framework set forth by universalism but goes farther in allowing for the influence of the first languages of the creolizing community on the emerging language. This paper examines these two theories, and findings from SLA research are used to critique their respective positions. Additionally, an apparent dichotomy presented by these theories is explored. The complementary hypothesis (Mufwene, 1996; Mufwene, 1999; Mufwene, 2001), which retains an SLA-oriented approach to the theory of creole language origins, is presented as a viable alternative to the question of genetics. Since creoles do not appear to form along strictly first-language acquisition lines, SLA researchers would benefit from exploring the vast body of creolist literature which assumes and proves an SLA framework in the formation of these languages.
Dual Decomposition for Parsing with Non-Projective Head Automata

This paper introduces algorithms for non-projective parsing based on dual decomposition. We focus on parsing algorithms for non-projective head automata, a generalization of head-automata models to non-projective structures. The dual decomposition algorithms are simple and efficient, relying on standard dynamic programming and minimum spanning tree algorithms. They provably solve an LP relaxation of the non-projective parsing problem. Empirically the LP relaxation is very often tight: for many languages, exact solutions are achieved on over 98% of test sentences. The accuracy of our models is higher than previous work on a broad range of datasets.
Impact of dual-chamber permanent pacing in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with symptoms refractory to verapamil and beta-adrenergic blocker therapy.

BACKGROUND Patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with symptoms refractory to drugs (beta-blockers or verapamil) are candidates for cardiac surgery (left ventricular septal myectomy or mitral valve replacement). The present study examines prospectively the ability of dual-chamber (DDD) pacing to improve symptoms and relieve left ventricular outflow obstruction in such patients. METHODS AND RESULTS Forty-four consecutive patients with obstructive HCM who had failed to benefit from pharmacotherapy underwent treadmill exercise tests, echocardiography, and cardiac catheterization before and 1.5-3 months after implantation of a DDD pacemaker. Symptoms (angina, dyspnea, palpitations, presyncope, and syncope), New York Heart Association functional class status (1.7 +/- 0.7 versus 3.4 +/- 0.5, p less than 0.00001), and exercise durations were improved at follow-up evaluation. This was associated with significant reduction in left ventricular outflow tract gradient (38 +/- 38 versus 87 +/- 43 mm Hg, p less than 0.0001) and significant increases in cardiac output and systemic arterial pressures. Notably, when pacing was discontinued and comparisons were made in sinus rhythm, treadmill exercise durations were greater and left ventricular outflow tract gradients were less at the follow-up evaluation compared with the baseline study. CONCLUSIONS DDD pacing is an effective alternative to surgery in most patients with obstructive HCM with drug-refractory symptoms. The beneficial effects of pacing continue to be evident when pacing is acutely discontinued.
A market-based computational approach to collaborative organizational learning

We draw upon the concepts of knowledge market, organizational tacit knowledge, credit assignment, and single-loop learning in proposing a market-based conceptual model for collaborative organizational learning. Our proposed model is characterized by the local competition among seller agents and the global collaboration among winner agents in forming a plan, through a chain of ‘upstream–downstream’ working relationship, for task accomplishment. This feature is achieved through three closely coupled processes: the expert selection process, the capital reallocation process, and the plan formation process. Our model is intended for multiple-step learning environment in which each task consists of a sequence of single-step learning tasks. Learning at the global level is the result of a sequence of nested single-loop learning at the local level.
Shared decision making in clinical medicine: past research and future directions

Abstract Content: Shared medical decision making is a process by which patients and providers consider outcome probabilities and patient preferences and reach a health care decision based on mutual agreement. Shared decision making is best used for problems involving medical uncertainty. During the process the provider-patient dyad considers treatment options and consequences and explores the fit of expected benefits and consequences of treatment with patient preferences for various outcomes. This paper reviews the literature on shared medical decision making. Several questions are considered. Although several studies suggest that patients do not want to be involved in decision making, these studies typically fail to separate decisions about technical aspects of treatment from preferences for outcomes. There is considerable evidence that patients want to be consulted about the impact of treatment. Studies on the acceptability of shared decision making for physicians have produced inconsistent results. Shared decision making is more acceptable to younger and better-educated patients. It remains unclear whether shared decision making requires expensive video presentations or whether the same results can be obtained with simpler methods, such as the decision board. We conclude that shared medical decision making is an important development in health care. More research is necessary to identify the effects of shared decision making on patient satisfaction and health outcomes. Further, more research is necessary in order to evaluate the most effective methods for engaging patients in decisions about their own health care.
Intrinsically Conducting Polymer Networks of Poly(thiophene) via Solid-State Oxidative Cross-Linking of a Poly(norbornylene) Containing Terthiophene Moieties

Herein we describe the preparation of intrinsically conducting poly(thiophene) via two different routes: solution- and solid-state cross-linking of terthiophene moieties. The solution-state cross-linking of terthiophene moieties was performed using conventional electrochemical polymerization in which insoluble cross-linked polymer was precipitated onto the electrode from electrolyte solution of the monomer by oxidative coupling of terthiophene units in the monomer, 5-norbornene-endo-2,3-bis(methylene-3‘-[2,2‘:5‘,2‘ ‘]-terthiophene acetate). In the alternative route, a precursor polymer, poly(norbornylene), prepared from the ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of 5-norbornene-endo-2,3-bis(methylene-3‘-[2,2‘:5‘,2‘ ‘]-terthiophene acetate), was coated on either a conducting or insulating surface, and then the terthiophene units were cross-linked to form intrinsically conductive polymer (ICP) via electrochemical and chemical oxidation, respectively. More highly conjugated ICP was observed by perfor...
Cirrus clouds: Their role in climate and global change☆

Abstract Cirrus clouds are high, cold clouds composed of asymmetric ice particles. Along with low marine stratus, they are the principal cloud type controlling the Earth's radiation budget. Thin cirrus clouds cause a net heating of the Earth because they allow visible sunlight to pass almost unhindered while at the same time absorbing and reradiating infrared radiation from the surface below. Cirrus clouds are also far more widespread than previously believed. Cirrus cloud climatologies have been examined based on ground observations, limb scanning, and down-looking satellite sensors. The global frequency of occurrence for cirrus clouds over land is between 28 and 42%. The zonal average frequency of occurrence for cirrus clouds varies from 7 to 61%. These values vary depending on geographic location and season, with some locations having persistent cirrus coverage while others have infrequent coverage. Although clearly evident trends are present in the geographical cirrus occurrence, month-to-month and year-to-year variations are so large that the statistics can only be used for the probabilistic assessments, not predictive purposes. In this paper we survey cirrus clouds and their radiative properties in terms of climate feedback, discuss multispectral cirrus cloud observations and review the latest satellite cloud climatologies.
Measuring Emergent Organizational Properties A Structural Equation Modeling Test of Self- Versus Group-Referent Perceptions

This article presents a theoretical rationale and empirical evidence regarding the validity of scores obtained from two competing approaches to operationalizing scale items to measure emergent orga...
Analysis of vapor phase adsorption equilibrium of 1,1,1-trichloroethane on dry soils

Abstract The migration and fate of volatile organic pollutants in soils are highly dependent on their vapor-phase sorptive behavior. The objective of the research presented in this paper was to investigate the vapor-phase adsorption/desorption equilibrium of 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA) on dry soils. A gravimetric adsorption apparatus was developed and used to generate adsorption/desorption isotherms of TCA at 288, 293 and 298 K on two soil samples, obtained from Visalia-California and Times Beach-Missouri, with different physical/chemical characteristics. The influences of temperature and soil properties were investigated. Isosteric heats of adsorption were calculated and heat curves were established. The experimental data were correlated by well-known vapor phase isotherm models including the Polanyi Potential, the BET, and the GAB models. Equilibrium isotherms of TCA on both soils were Type II, characterizing vapor condensation to form multilayers, and they exhibited hysteresis upon desorption. A positive correlation between the soil's specific surface area and its sorption capacity was observed. Clay content and pore size were also dominating factors. Thermal data showed that the adsorption of TCA vapor on soil was primarily due to physical forces and both samples exhibited energetically heterogeneous surfaces. Results followed the Potential Theory satisfactorily and led to a single temperature-independent characteristic curve for each soil-TCA pair. The BET model gave an accurate data fit for up to 40% of the saturation pressure, while the GAB model provided a superior fit of the data for the entire relative pressure range.
Electroexcitation of Particle-Hole States in O 16

Abstract : The paper presents experimental data and theoretical results for electroexcitation of T=1 particle-hole states in 016.
Posttranscriptional regulation of Git1p, the glycerophosphoinositol/glycerophosphocholine transporter of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Glycerophosphoinositol (GroPIns) and glycerophosphocholine (GroPCho) are the products of phospholipase-B mediated deacylation of phosphati- dylinositol and phosphatidylcholine, respectively. GroPIns and GroPCho are transported across the Saccharomyces cerevisiae plasma membrane into the cell via the transporter encoded by GIT1. Previous studies have shown that GIT1 expression is regulated by inorganic phosphate (P i ) availability through the transcription factors Pho2p and Pho4p. We now report that posttranscriptional mechanisms also regulate Git1p activity in response to Pi availability. Mutations that inhibit endocytosis and vacuolar proteolysis inhibit Git1p degradation, indicating that Git1p down- regulation involves internalization and subsequent degradation in the vacuole. Similar to the eVect seen with P i , provision of cells with high levels of the Git1p substrates, GroPIns and GroPCho, posttranscription- ally downregulates Git1p activity. Unlike P i , high levels of GroPCho and GroPIns do not repress GIT1 pro- moter-driven reporter gene activity. These results indi- cate that Git1p transport activity is regulated at multiple levels by P i availability. In addition, the results indicate that the Git1p substrates (and alternate phos- phate sources) GroPIns and GroPCho behave dis- tinctly from Pi in their ability to aVect GIT1 expression.
Using participatory research in community consortia development and evaluation: Lessons from the beginning of a story

This article explores the first eighteen months of the development of a community-based consortium project that employs the methodology of participatory action research. Using the Community-Based Consortia Development (CBCD) framework to identify critical phase-specific issues, the author illustrates the applicability of lessons learned from the project to the utilization of the participatory philosophy and process for the empowerment of communities.
Are Alternative Sources of Official Crime Data Interchangeable? A Note on Inter-Agency Consistency:

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the decision to use one source of official data in lieu of another affects the assessment of social policy on crime. Specifically, we examine the e...
Studies on the Catalytic Activity of Zirconia Promoted with Sulfate, Iron, and Manganese

The catalytic properties of iron- and manganese-promoted sulfated zirconia (SFMZ) for the isomerization of n-butane to isobutane are investigated using various catalyst pretreatments and reaction conditions. The n-butane isomerization reactivity at 30{degrees}C is effected by calcination of the catalyst at 650{degrees}C in helium and vacuum treatment at room temperature indicating that superacidity is not likely to be responsible for activity. In addition, SFMZ samples exposed to dry air at over 450{degrees}C are more active than those calcined in helium at a reaction temperature of 30{degrees}C (n-butane conversions of 18.7% vs 0.4%) suggesting the presence of an active site involving a metal {open_quotes}oxy{close_quotes} species. The oxy species is capable of reacting CO to CO{sub 2} at room temperature and is present at a number density of 10-15 {mu}mol/g. At a reaction temperature of 100{degrees}C, SFMZ catalysts calcined in air then activated in helium show similar reactivities to those activated in air up to a preheating temperature of 450{degrees}C; above 450{degrees}C the metal oxy species is formed and provides additional activity (n-butane conversions of 37.1% in air vs 15.4% in He for calcinations at 650{degrees}C). The nature of the active sites on SFMZ are investigated using temperature-programmed desorption of substituted benzenes. Themore » liberation of CO{sub 2} and SO{sub 2} in the benzene TPD profile of SFMZ is attributed to the oxidation of benzene at the redox-active metal sites, resulting in the subsequent decomposition of the reduced iron (II) sulfate. Data from the TPD studies do not suggest the presence of superacidity on SFMZ that could contribute to the low-temperature n-butane isomerization activity. Instead, a bifunctional mechanism that involves a combination of a redox-active metal site and an acid site in close proximity is proposed. 62 refs., 17 figs., 4 tabs.« less
Alternative splicing regulatory network reconstruction from exon array data

Abstract Pre-mRNA alternative splicing (AS) allows individual genes to produce multiple types of mRNA and associated protein isoforms. While AS regulation enables the production of the hundreds of thousands of types of proteins needed for the normal functioning of the human cell, it also presents many opportunities for the onset of cancer and other diseases. The AS process is known to be regulated by a group of serine/arginine rich (SR) proteins, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs), and small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) particles through a complex assembly. Each gene-exon is regulated by one or multiple splicing regulators, from which one may hypothesize the existence of an alternative splicing regulatory network (SRN). The SRN contains a list of gene-exons, for each of which the factors that up/down regulate them are provided. Since defects in the SRN play key roles in human disease, a reconstruction of human SRN could be used to facilitate the design of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. In this paper, we present a methodology to automate genome-wide SRN reconstruction. We construct SRN based on an extensive correlation analysis of human exon expression microarray data, conventional gene expression microarray profiles, and an experimentally verified AS and transcriptional regulatory interaction training set. This SRN reconstruction methodology is demonstrated and software (AutoNet) that automates the reconstruction of SRN is developed. A genome-wide SRN was constructed for normal human cells and an assessment of the reliability of each predicted interaction is provided. Human SRN we constructed are free available from our web portal: https://ruby.chem.indiana.edu/scorenfl/srn_results/lookup0.php
A simple and rapid procedure for the gas-chromatographic determination of methylmercury in biological samples

The relative simplicity of this procedure allows easy routine application to a wide range of environmental samples. Up to 32 samples daily can be analyzed by a skilled technician, almost twice the number possible with most other published procedures. In addition, smaller amounts of reagents and organic solvent are required, and high levels of sensitivity and reliability are achieved.
Appropriating the actions of another: Implications for children's memory and learning.

Perspectives on reality monitoring and sociocultural learning were integrated in four studies of children's memory of contributions to the outcomes of collaborative exchanges. Children made collages with an adult, and were later surprised with a reality-monitoring task in which they were asked to remember who placed particular pieces on the collage. In three of the four studies, 4-year-olds were more likely to claim they contributed pieces that the adult actually contributed rather than the reverse (Experiments 1–3). This bias was interpreted as evidence for appropriation , a process in which individuals adopt another person's actions as their own. The extent to which children committed misattribution errors depended on their involvement as decision makers (Experiments 1 and 3) and on the outcomes of the collages themselves (Experiment 2). Importantly, misattribution errors were not simply an expression of encoding failures or response biases (Experiment 4). Implications of these findings for children's memory and learning are discussed.
1H NMR relaxation in urea

Abstract Proton NMR spin–lattice relaxation times T1 were measured for urea as a function of temperature. An activation energy of 46.3 ± 4.7 kJ/mol was extracted and compared with the range of 38–65 kJ/mol previously reported in the literature as measured by different magnetic resonance techniques. In addition, proton NMR spin–lattice relaxation times in the rotating frame T1ρ were measured as a function of temperature. These measurements provide acquisition conditions for the 13C and 15N CP/MAS spectra of pure urea in the crystalline phase.
The Immunobiology of HLA-B27: Variations on a Theme

Abstract In the thirty years since the initial discovery of a striking association between HLA-B27 and susceptibility to ankylosing spondylitis, numerous hypotheses have been proposed to explain the role of this molecule in the pathogenesis of spondyloarthropathies. In the past few years the focus has shifted from one centered largely on the physiological peptide-presenting function of HLA-B27, to include ideas based on aberrant aspects of its immunobiology. This has been driven in part by results from animal models of HLA-B27-associated disease where CD8+ T cells do not appear to be playing a major role in pathogenesis. In addition, the HLA-B27 heavy chain is unusual in that it has a tendency to misfold in the endoplasmic reticulum and to form disulfide linked heavy chain dimers that can be expressed on the cell surface. Although the data suggest misfolding and cell surface dimerization are fundamentally different processes, it appears that certain structural features of the heavy chain are common to both. Potential links between these aberrant characteristics of HLA-B27 and inflammatory disease are discussed in this and other reviews in this issue. Herein we consider how protein misfolding affects cell function through the activation of an 'unfolded protein response' and/or an 'ER overload response', and the potential impact on the immune system. Despite significant advances in the treatment of spondyloarthropathies over the past few years, a better understanding of pathogenesis is likely to improve outcome by identifying ways to provide greater and more sustained clinical responses.
Quantized linear MIMO precoding for multiuser downlink systems

We treat the problem of sum-rate maximization via scheduling and linear precoding in multi-user (MU-) MIMO systems with quantized feedback. We formulate the optimal quantized linear precoder design problem and provide the numerical procedure for finding the solution. We also provide a simple scheduling scheme that exploits the multi-user diversity gain. It is demonstrated that, with or without scheduling, the proposed optimal linear precoding scheme achieves a significant gain over the conventional linear precoder designs with similar feedback overhead such as the zero-forcing precoder. Moreover, although the proposed quantization codebook design improves the performance of other existing MU-MIMO precoding schemes, the performance gain offered by it is typically much higher when it is coupled with the proposed linear precoding design.
Three-Portal Technique for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Use of a Central Medial Portal

Standard endoscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is performed with the use of 2 arthroscopic portals. The surgical error most commonly associated with ACL reconstruction is improper positioning of the tunnel. Errors in femoral tunnel position may be related to poor visualization of the lateral wall. When anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstruction is performed, proper visualization of the lateral wall is essential to ensure correct placement of both tunnels. We propose the use of a central portal, in addition to more standard anterolateral and anteromedial portals, to enhance visualization of the lateral wall. In addition, the arthroscope can be moved interchangeably throughout the portals during the procedure for improved viewing during specific steps. An accessory anteromedial portal placed inferiorly and medially allows placement of the femoral tunnels while providing a high central anteromedial portal for best visualization of the lateral wall. As a result, no notchplasty is required, and a more anatomic reconstruction can be performed.
DISC ELECTROPHORESIS ON POLYACRYLAMIDE GELS OF SERUM MUCOIDS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH SELECTED CHRONIC DISEASES.

Summary A reproducible method is described for fractionating the seromucoid component of human serum by disc electrophoresis with polyacrylamide gels. Preliminary results suggest there may be at least five distinct patterns of the seromucoid fractions in testing sera from healthy individuals and patients with a variety of diseases. The significance of differences in patterns remains to be determined.
A career stage analysis of career and organizational commitment in nursing

Abstract A sample of 520 full-time hospital staff nurses responded to a survey directed toward identifying and partially validating the dimensions of commitment relevant to the nursing profession. Using items from established commitment instruments, career commitment and three components of organizational commitment (affective-organizational, continuance, and normative) were partially validated by (1) comparing them to standard measures of affect and (2) examining their relative strength in nurses in different career stages. Two definitions of career stage—based on age and professional tenure—were employed. As predicted, results showed that (1) affect measures were most strongly associated with career and affective-organizational commitment and (2) reports of continuance commitment and normative commitment significantly increased with career stage, but career commitment remained constant. Results for affective-organizational commitment were mixed, varying by career stage criterion. The implications for employing a cross-sectional career stage analysis in lieu of a longitudinal design are discussed.
Enhancing the specification of node mobility in Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks using the Motion Planning Framework

When modeling and simulating Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (MANETs), the importance of the represented mobility of the nodes has too often been downplayed: oversimplified, contrived to relatively simplistic random motion, and limited to a small set of notional motion patterns. Even when realistic motion is used, the scenarios are often highly static and deterministic. As such, there exists a need to be able to clearly define the motion of nodes in more complex patterns: both in the context of conceptual testing patterns, and also in realistic operational scenarios. This work introduces the features and usability of a ongoing development effort termed the Motion Planning Framework created by the US Naval Research Laboratory. The framework enables modelers, independent of a specific simulation environment, to succinctly express the motion of nodes in a scenario. The extensible language permits users to quickly and universally create arbitrarily complex node movements representing scenarios that more aptly represent real world behavior or more appropriately exercise a given system under test. This work introduces our approach towards creating this framework and gives several examples of how the language can be used.
The Implications of Hospital Acquired Adverse Events on Mortality, Length of Stay and Costs for Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer

Purpose: The incidence of hospital acquired adverse events in radical cystectomy and their implications for hospital outcomes and costs remain poorly described. We describe the incidence of hospital acquired adverse events in radical cystectomy, and characterize its relationship with in-hospital mortality, length of stay and hospitalization costs.Materials and Methods: We identified 10,856 patients who underwent radical cystectomy for bladder cancer at 1,175 hospitals in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2001 to 2008. We used hospital claims to identify adverse events for accidental puncture, decubitus ulcer, deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium difficile, surgical site infection and sepsis. Logistic regression and generalized estimating equation models were used to test the associations of hospital acquired adverse events with mortality, predicted prolonged length of stay and total hospitalization costs.Results: Hospital acquired adverse even...
The use of the heteropoly acids, H3PMo12O40 and H3PW12O40, for the enhanced electrochemical oxidation of methanol for direct methanol fuel cells

Abstract Polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy experiments were performed on a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) incorporating the heteropoly acids (HPAs) phosphomolybdic acid, H 3 PMo 12 O 40 , (HPMo) or phosphotungstic acid, H 3 PW 12 O 40 , (HPW) in the anode Pt/C catalyst layer. Both HPW-Pt and HPMo-Pt showed higher performance than the Pt control at 30 psig of backpressure and at ambient pressure. Anodic polarizations were also performed, and Tafel slopes were extracted from the data between 0.25 V and 0.5 V. At 30 psig, Tafel slopes of 133 mV/dec, 146 mV/dec, and 161 mV/dec were found for HPW-Pt, HPMo-Pt and the Pt control, respectively. At 0 psig, the Tafel slopes were 172 mV/dec, 178 mV/dec, and 188 mV/dec for HPW-Pt, HPMo-Pt and the Pt control. An equivalent circuit model, which incorporated constant phase elements (CPEs), was used to model the impedance data. From the impedance model it was found that the incorporation of HPAs into the catalyst layer resulted in a reduction in the resistances to charge transfer. This shows that these two heteropoly acids do act as co-catalysts with platinum for methanol electrooxidation.
Technical problems in the construction of a map to zone the earthquake ground-shaking hazard in the United States

Abstract Zoning of the earthquake ground-shaking hazard — the division of a region into geographic areas having a similar relative severity or response to ground shaking — has been a goal in the United States for about fifty years. During this period, two types of ground-shaking hazard maps have been constructed. The first type assumes that, except for scaling differences, approximately the same effects that occurred in historic earthquakes will occur in future earthquakes. The second type integrates historic seismicity data and geologic information and uses probabilistic concepts to estimate the characteristics of future ground shaking within specific exposure times. Construction of zoning maps on both a national and regional scale requires innovative research and good data to resolve technical issues about seismicity, the earthquake source, seismic wave attenuation, and local ground response. Because of unresolved issues, implementation in building codes has proceeded fairly slowly.
Coarsening of γ in Ni-Al alloys aged under uniaxial compression: I. Early-stage kinetics

Abstract The kinetics of coarsening of γ′ precipitates under applied compressive stress were investigated in monocrystalline Ni–Al alloys (nominal composition 13.36 at.% Al) aged at 640 °C. The specimens tested were doubly tapered cylinders or right circular cylinders. The maximum stress used was ~150 MPa; plastic deformation was less than 4% at the longest aging time (1021 h). The scatter in the data was large and is attributed to experimental factors discussed in the text. We find that compressive stress retards the kinetics of coarsening by 20–25% at 150 MPa. The particle size distributions become broader as the stress increases. We attribute the slower kinetics under compressive stress to its effect on the coefficient of diffusion of Al. A semiquantitative model in support of this idea is the subject of a companion paper.
Swimming with sharks: Occupational mandate and the film composer in Hollywood

The role of the Hollywood film and television composervis-a-vis the client-employer illustrates some classic occupational conflicts. The composer-artist works for a businessman, who generally has no knowledge of composing. The role of each party needs to be defined and negotiated before a composition is written. The task itself, the composition, also has to be negotiated subject to many contingencies. This paper examines these points and ends with a discussion of occupational mandate.
Accuracy Reliability Sensitivity Analysis of Power Servo Tool Holder

To analyze the effect of the manufacture and assembly errors on the accuracy reliability of power servo tool holder, the accuracy reliability sensitivity is investigated in this work. The accuracy reliability model of power servo tool holder is introduced firstly. The sensitivity analysis theory of the reliability perturbation method is given. Then, the method is applied to the reliability sensitivity of the power servo tool holder of which the type is SFW25 and the importance order of the manufacture and assembly errors for the accuracy reliability is obtained. It offers the guide for improving the accuracy reliability of the considered power servo tool holder.