cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
LANA Binds to Multiple Active Viral and Cellular Promoters and Associates with the H3K4Methyltransferase hSET1 Complex

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a γ-herpesvirus associated with KS and two lymphoproliferative diseases. Recent studies characterized epigenetic modification of KSHV episomes during latency and determined that latency-associated genes are associated with H3K4me3 while most lytic genes are associated with the silencing mark H3K27me3. Since the latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) (i) is expressed very early after de novo infection, (ii) interacts with transcriptional regulators and chromatin remodelers, and (iii) regulates the LANA and RTA promoters, we hypothesized that LANA may contribute to the establishment of latency through epigenetic control. We performed a detailed ChIP-seq analysis in cells of lymphoid and endothelial origin and compared H3K4me3, H3K27me3, polII, and LANA occupancy. On viral episomes LANA binding was detected at numerous lytic and latent promoters, which were transactivated by LANA using reporter assays. LANA binding was highly enriched at H3K4me3 peaks and this co-occupancy was also detected on many host gene promoters. Bioinformatic analysis of enriched LANA binding sites in combination with biochemical binding studies revealed three distinct binding patterns. A small subset of LANA binding sites showed sequence homology to the characterized LBS1/2 sequence in the viral terminal repeat. A large number of sites contained a novel LANA binding motif (TCCAT)3 which was confirmed by gel shift analysis. Third, some viral and cellular promoters did not contain LANA binding sites and are likely enriched through protein/protein interaction. LANA was associated with H3K4me3 marks and in PEL cells 86% of all LANA bound promoters were transcriptionally active, leading to the hypothesis that LANA interacts with the machinery that methylates H3K4. Co-immunoprecipitation demonstrated LANA association with endogenous hSET1 complexes in both lymphoid and endothelial cells suggesting that LANA may contribute to the epigenetic profile of KSHV episomes.
Relationships in Moral Reasoning and Religion Among Members of Conservative, Moderate, and Liberal Religious Groups

Abstract Relationships between moral reasoning and religiosity, religious orientation, age, and education were explored among 210 northwest and central Arkansas participants categorized into conservative, moderate, and liberal religious groups. Correlational analyses for the entire sample yielded evidence of relationships among the variables, although those relationships were not consistent when examined separately within the three groups. In addition, an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) generated evidence of significantly (p < .01) less principled moral reasoning among members of the conservative religious groups. Data analyses provided evidence that with regard to concerns of social justice, aspects of religion may interact with reasoning to enable some individuals to separate religiousness from moral reasoning.
The Effect upon Milk Production and Body Weight of Varying Withdrawal Periods after Thyroactive Supplement Feeding

Summary Withdrawal of 3lb. of thyroactive feed supplement containing 15g. Protamone daily from the ration of cows so fed for 10 to 14 weeks has been compared over periods of 10, 15, 18, 25, and 30 days. Withdrawal in 10 days was accompanied by a sharp drop in milk yield and a temporary period of subnormal production. Less rapid decline was noted in the 15-, 18-, or 25-day withdrawal periods, with little difference in yield decline rates noted between the last two periods. Yields did not drop below estimated normal production after withdrawal periods of 15 days or more. Extending the withdrawal period to 30 days did not prevent a terminal drop from a partially stimulated yield to the estimated normal level. Rapid gains in body weight occurred after thyroactive feeding ceased. These were accompanied by increases in paunch girth large enough to account for nearly all of the weight increase as gastrointestinal fill. The total body water contents during and after treatment were essentially the same in control and treated groups, indicating very minor changes in water balance due to thyroactive feeding.
Natural Ceramide Reverses Fas Resistance of Acid Sphingomyelinase −/− Hepatocytes

The role of the second messenger ceramide in Fas-mediated death requires clarification. To address this issue, we generated hepatocytes from paired acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase; asmase)(+/+) and asmase(-/-) mice. asmase(-/-) hepatocytes, derived from 8-week-old mice, manifested normal sphingomyelin content and normal morphological, biochemical, and biologic features. Nonetheless, ASMase-deficient hepatocytes did not display rapid ceramide elevation or apoptosis in response to Jo2 anti-Fas antibody. asmase(-/-) hepatocytes were not inherently resistant to apoptosis because staurosporine, which did not induce early ceramide elevation, stimulated a normal apoptotic response. The addition of low nanomolar quantities of natural C16-ceramide, which by itself did not induce apoptosis, completely restored the apoptotic response to anti-Fas in asmase(-/-) hepatocytes. Other sphingolipids did not replace natural ceramide and restore Fas sensitivity. Overcoming resistance to Fas in asmase(-/-) hepatocytes by natural ceramide is evidence that it is the lack of ceramide and not ASMase which determines the apoptotic phenotype. The ability of natural ceramide to rescue the phenotype without reversing the genotype provides evidence that ceramide is obligate for Fas induction of apoptosis in hepatocytes.
The influences of conflicting information on novices and loan officers' actions

When a decision maker takes action to predict a financial event, a distinction can be made between judgments about possible values for the event and decisions that a given prediction is correct. In this study an explanation is proposed for why conflicting information differently influences novices' from loan officers' actions. Sixty-seven MBA students and forty commercial lending officers were told to compare the importance of various information items in forming their decisions about whether a company should receive an unsecured US$1,000,000 line of credit for one year. An important finding of this study is that conflicting information is processed differently between novices and loan officers. Several differences between novices and loan officers' methods of processing information are discussed. This has future implications on how individuals may be trained to handle mixed signals. The conclusion section explains why these differences may occur when subject groups are analyzed in a model setting. The method of modeling is the Partial Least Square (PLS) technique. PLS provides a very important epistemic relation between theoretical and empirical variables. This method embodies two types of epistemic relations: reflective (cognitive processes) and formative (financial statement information), which are necessary to model decision makers' processes and management concepts, respectively. PsycINFO classification: 2240; 2340
Morphological modification in laser-dressed alumina grinding wheel material for microscale grinding

Abstract Laser was explored as a non-conventional dressing tool for alumina grinding wheels. High power Nd:YAG laser was employed to dress alumina grinding wheels. Post laser-dressing pole-figure analysis indicated evolution of planar crystallographic textures in the particles of resolidified surface layer. Evolution of refined and preferably oriented crystallographic planes resulted in formation of individual particles (grains) with sharp vertices and cutting edges. The surface roughness of the dressed wheel was a manifestation of the new morphologically laser modified surface. This modification in morphological features on surface helps maintain a high grinding efficiency. The performance of the laser-dressed grinding wheel was evaluated in comparison to the undressed wheel using a grinding apparatus. The weight loss in the laser-dressed grinding wheels processed at different powers is low as compared to undressed wheel after grinding. Microscale (fine) grinding can be done efficiently using the laser-dressed wheels to produce smooth surface finish on the workpiece material.
Average Value of

Let F be a finite field with q elements, A = FT] the polynomial ring over F, and K = F(T). If m ? A is a square-free polynomial, we denote by Om the integral closure of A in k(formula]). In this paper we determine, roughly speaking, the average value of the size of the groups K2(Om) as m varies of all square-free polynomials of a fixed degree M. The answer is a certain constant times q3(M/2) plus an error term of order qM. The constant is determined precisely.
The interactive effects of housing assistance and food stamps on food spending

Abstract Few studies have examined how housing assistance affects recipients’ well-being and none has examined how participation in other public assistance programs alters these effects. Yet there is considerable overlap between programs and measuring how different program combinations differentially affect well-being is critical to evaluating them. This paper uses a unique dataset, the Panel Study of Income Dynamics with housing assistance recipients identified through address-matches, to take an initial, very exploratory look at whether housing assistance differentially affects one marker of well-being, food expenditures, for food stamp recipients versus non-recipients. The numerous theoretical and empirical challenges confronting such research are discussed and a novel approach for addressing these challenges is developed.
A history of low vision and blind rehabilitation in the United States

The author presents a history of services for the blind and those with low vision in the United States focusing on the areas of orientation and mobility, and rehabilitation teaching. The controversies involving the development of these specialties are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the role of Father Thomas Carroll in the establishment of low vision and blind services for the military and veterans administrations. Published data regarding the past role of ophthalmologists in obtaining low vision services for patients is reviewed. The opportunity for a more active role for ophthalmologic involvement in the rehabilitation of the low vision and blind patient is discussed.
Modeling of finite size effects in resonant tunneling diodes

Abstract We introduce a simple and computationally efficient procedure for modeling the current flowing through a resonant tunneling diode for devices of small lateral dimension. We include effects due to the electrostatic boundary conditions imposed by the method used to define the device dimension. Our technique combines a commercial device simulator with a physics-based parametric procedure for calculating the current distribution laterally across the resonant tunneling diode. For a specific example in which a 200 nm n-type collector is surrounded by p-type regions to confine the current, we find that the peak-to-valley current ratio is degraded from 26 in the absence of two-dimensional effects, to 2.8 when the lateral boundary conditions are included. While our calculation is for a specific method of defining a small tunnel junction, similar effects are expected to occur for most other methods unless special care is taken.
Prototype Perception Predicts (Lack of) Pregnancy Prevention

This research examined the relation between adolescents' perceptions of the prototypical unwed pregnant teenager (or her boy-friend) and their willingness to engage in unprotected sexual intercourse. Two samples of 13- to 15-year-old adolescents were asked how willing they were to engage in unprotected sex with their boy/girlfriend (the criterion variable), their perceptions of the prototypical person who has engaged in the risky behavior, and their intention to use effective contraception. Perceptions of the unwed-parent prototype and perceived similarity to that prototype significantly predicted willingness to engage in unprotected sex, independent of intentions to use effective contraception. A prototype-based model of onset and cessation of risky behavior is discussed.
The transcriptome of the salivary glands of the female western black-legged tick Ixodes pacificus (Acari: Ixodidae).

Abstract Sequencing of an Ixodes pacificus salivary gland cDNA library yielded 1068 sequences with an average undetermined nucleotide of 1.9% and an average length of 487 base pairs. Assembly of the expressed sequence tags yielded 557 contigs, 138 of which appear to code for secreted peptides or proteins based on translation of a putative signal peptide. Based on the BLASTX similarity of these contigs to 66 matches of Ixodes scapularis peptide sequences, only 58% sequence identity was found, indicating a rapid divergence of salivary proteins as observed previously for mosquito and triatomine bug salivary proteins. Here we report 106 mostly full-length sequences that clustered in 16 different families: Basic-tail proteins rich in lysine in the carboxy-terminal, Kunitz-containing proteins (monolaris, ixolaris and penthalaris families), proline-rich peptides, 5-, 9.4- and 18.7-kDa proteins of unknown functions, in addition to metalloproteases (class PIII-like) similar to reprolysins. We also have found a family of disintegrins, named ixodegrins that display homology to variabilin, a GPIIb/IIIa antagonist from the tick Dermacentor variabilis. In addition, we describe peptides (here named ixostatins) that display remarkable similarities to the cysteine-rich domain of ADAMST-4 (aggrecanase). Many molecules were assigned in the lipocalin family (histamine-binding proteins); others appear to be involved in oxidant metabolism, and still others were similar to ixodid proteins such as the anticomplement ISAC. We also identified for the first time a neuropeptide-like protein (nlp-31) with GGY repeats that may have antimicrobial activity. In addition, 16 novel proteins without significant similarities to other tick proteins and 37 housekeeping proteins that may be useful for phylogenetic studies are described. Some of these proteins may be useful for studying vascular biology or the immune system, for vaccine development, or as immunoreagents to detect prior exposure to ticks. Electronic version of the manuscript can be found at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/projects/omes/ .
Nonsimultaneous crushing during edge indentation of freshwater ice sheets

Abstract Indentation tests were conducted by pushing segmented indentors into the edge of freshwater ice sheets at different velocities. Ice crushing forces were measured independently in each segment. Results of these tests indicate that there is simultaneous generation of forces on all segments during low-velocity indentation, whereas there is a nonsimultaneous force acting on the segments during high-velocity indentation. For brittle crushing of ice at a high indentation rate, the effective pressures measured during these tests are in the range of pressures measured in the field during the impact of ice floes against large structures. Under the assumption that the size of crushing zones becomes small with increasing indentation speed, a statistical model is used to determine the correlation between the forces measured in different segments in terms of a correlation length parameter. A comparison of the trends in the plots of experimental data with theoretical results shows that the correlation length parameter decreases as the reciprocal of the indentation velocity. Under the assumption of the similarity principle, according to replica modeling, an estimate of the correlation length parameter is empirically obtained in terms of ice thickness and indentation velocity.
AST/RO 13 CO(J = 2-->1) and 12 CO(J = 4-->3) Mapping of Southern Spitzer c2d Small Clouds and Cores

Forty molecular cloud cores in the southern hemisphere from the initial Spitzer Space Telescope Cores-to-Disks (c2d) Legacy program source list have been surveyed in 13CO(2→1), 12CO(4→3), and 12CO(7→6) with the Antarctic Submillimeter Telescope and Remote Observatory (AST/RO). The cores, 10 of which contain embedded sources, are located mostly in the Vela, Ophiuchus, Lupus, Chamaeleon, Musca, and Scorpius complexes. 12CO(7→6) emission was undetected in all 40 clouds. We present data of 40 sources in 13CO(2→1) and 12CO(4→3), significant upper limits of 12CO(7→6), as well as a statistical analysis of the observed properties of the clouds. We find the typical 13CO(2→1) line width to be 2.0 km s-1 for cores with embedded stars and 1.8 km s-1 for all others. The typical 12CO(4→3) line width is 2.6-3.7 km s-1 for cores with known embedded sources, and 1.6-2.3 km s-1 for all others. The average 13CO column density derived from the line intensities was found to be 1.9 × 1015 cm-2 for cores with embedded stars and 1.5 × 1015 cm-2 for all others. The average kinetic temperature in the molecular cores, determined through a large velocity gradient analysis of a set of nine cores, has an average lower limit of 16 K and an average upper limit of 26 K. The average molecular hydrogen density has an average lower limit of 10 2.9 cm-3 and an average upper limit of 103.3 cm-3 for all cores. For a different subset of nine cores, we have derived masses. They range from 4 to 255 M☉. Overall, our c2d sample of southern molecular cores has a range of properties (line width, column density, size, mass, embedded stars) similar to those of past studies.
The Significance of the Theory Analogy in the Psychological Study of Concepts

: Many psychologists think that concepts should be understood on analogy with the terms of scientific theories, yet the significance of this claim has always been obscure. In this paper, I clarify the psychological content of the theory analogy, focusing on influential pieces by Susan Carey. Once plainly put, the analogy amounts to the view that a mental representation has its semantical properties by virtue of its role in a restricted knowledge structure. One of the commendable things about Carey's work is that, unlike many other psychologists who appeal to the theory analogy, she takes seriously the need to specify how these structures are constrained. At the same time, the constraints she offers are insufficient. Her account also faces challenges from recent work in the semantics of natural kind terms.
Hop2-Mnd1 Condenses DNA to Stimulate the Synapsis Phase of DNA Strand Exchange

Hop2-Mnd1 is a meiotic recombination mediator that stimulates DNA strand invasion by both Dmc1 and Rad51. To understand the biochemical mechanism of this stimulation, we directly visualized the heterodimer acting on single molecules of duplex DNA using optical tweezers and video fluorescence microscopy. The results show that the Hop2-Mnd1 heterodimer efficiently condenses double-stranded DNA via formation of a bright spot or DNA condensate. The condensation of DNA is Hop2-Mnd1 concentration-dependent, reversible, and specific to the heterodimer, as neither Hop2 nor Mnd1 acting alone can facilitate this reaction. The results also show that the rate-limiting nucleation step of DNA condensation is overcome in the presence of divalent metal ions, with the following order of preference: Mn2+>Mg2+>Ca2+. Hop2-Mnd1/Dmc1/single-stranded DNA nucleoprotein filaments also condense double-stranded DNA in a heterodimer concentration-dependent manner. Of importance, the concentration dependence parallels that seen in DNA strand exchange. We propose that rapid DNA condensation is a key factor in stimulating synapsis, whereas decondensation may facilitate the invasion step and/or the ensuing branch migration process.
The Connection Between Young's Rule for Apparent Molar Volumes and a Young's Rule for Density

It is shown that the Young's rule approximation for apparent molar volumes is equivalent to a Young's rule approximation for density, provided that volumetric concentrations are used. If the densities of the constituent binary solutions are evaluated at the molar ionic strength S of the ternary solution, for example, then $$d(S) = y_1 d_1 (S) + y_2 d_2 (S)$$ where the y i are ionic strength fractions. However, if the binary solution densities d i are evaluated at the same total equivalent concentration E of the ternary solution, then the coefficients of di become equivalent fractions, etc. A small correction term can be included to improve agreement with experiment, and the results are easily extended to multicomponent systems. This form of the density rule does not follow from Young's rule if the various quantities are in molality or other mass units. Relations among various types of apparent volumes are clarified. Three binary evaluation strategies are considered for both volume and mass units, based on evaluating binary solution densities at constant molarity, constant equivalents, and constant ionic strength. Some binary approximation examples are given for aqueous solutions.
Neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation, tumor subtypes, and causes of death after non-metastatic invasive breast cancer diagnosis: a multilevel competing-risk analysis

The purpose of this study is to examine the associations of neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype with causes of death [breast cancer (BC)-specific and non-BC-specific] among non-metastatic invasive BC patients. We identified 3,312 patients younger than 75 years (mean age 53.5 years; 621 [18.8 %] TNBC) with first primary BC treated at an academic medical center from 1999 to 2010. We constructed a census-tract-level socioeconomic deprivation index using the 2000 U.S. Census data and performed a multilevel competing-risk analysis to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) of BC-specific and non-BC-specific mortality associated with neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation and TNBC subtype. The adjusted models controlled for patient sociodemographics, health behaviors, tumor characteristics, comorbidity, and cancer treatment. With a median 62-month follow-up, 349 (10.5 %) patients died; 233 died from BC. In the multivariate models, neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation was independently associated with non-BC-specific mortality (the most- vs. the least-deprived quartile: HR = 2.98, 95 % CI = 1.33–6.66); in contrast, its association with BC-specific mortality was explained by the aforementioned patient-level covariates, particularly sociodemographic factors (HR = 1.15, 95 % CI = 0.71–1.87). TNBC subtype was independently associated with non-BC-specific mortality (HR = 2.15; 95 % CI = 1.20–3.84), while the association between TNBC and BC-specific mortality approached significance (HR = 1.42; 95 % CI = 0.99–2.03, P = 0.057). Non-metastatic invasive BC patients who lived in more socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods were more likely to die as a result of causes other than BC compared with those living in the least socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods. TNBC was associated with non-BC-specific mortality but not BC-specific mortality.
Synthesis, characterization and structure of cis and trans cobalt(III) bis chelates of 2-methyl-1,3-propanediamine, a prochiral sinambic ligand

Abstract Cis and trans isomers of [Co(metn)2Cl2]+ (metn = 2-methyl-1,3-propanediamine) have been prepared and characterized. Owing to the presence of rotationally nonequivalent donor atoms in the prochiral ligand, three diastereomers are possible for the cis isomer (C2(anti), C2(syn), and C1) and two diastereomers are possible for the trans complex (C2h and C2ν). A crystal structure of the purple compound [Co(metn)2Cl2]Cl· 1 4 CH3OH shows the presence of both the cis C2(anti) and trans C2h isomers. An uncompleted structure determination on green [Co(metn)2Cl2](H3O)Cl2 ·H2O reveals only the trans C2h isomer. X-Ray crystallography also shows a flattening of the 6-membered metn chelate ring compared with that of 1,3-propanediamine. Though 13C NMR spectra of trans-[Co(metn)2Cl2]+ show no evidence for more than one isomer in solution, this may be due to undetectably small chemical shift differences between the two diastereomers possible. IR spectra indicate a solid state cis to trans rearrangement of [Co(metn)2Cl2]+ in the presence of KBr.
Phonon mediated helium atom transmission through superfluid helium four

We report results of experiments in which pulses of helium vapor with translational energies of 3 K are directed at a thin film of superfluid helium at a temperature of about 0.2 K suspended over a cesium covered orifice in a platinum film. The response of the superfluid film was detected by a super-conducting titanium bolometer placed on the side of the film opposite to that of the source. For films of approximately 1 mm in thickness we find no response of the bolometer within the limits of our detector. However, for films of less than 100μ thickness, we find a response which is of the same temporal shape, but smaller in amplitude, than that of the orifice when it is not covered with superfluid helium. We interpret these results to mean that we are seeing phonon mediated transmission in the thin films. Roton and condensate mediated transmission amplitudes for these conditions are apparently too small for us to detect in any of the films. This result is consistent with the theoretical results of Sobnack and Inkson [M. B. Sobnack, J. C. Inkson, and J. C. H. Fung, Phys. Rev. B 60, 3465 (1999)] concerning the amplitude of roton to atom and photon to atom conversion as a function of the atomic energy.
What good are facts? The “drug” value of money as an exemplar of all non-instrumental value

An emotional value for money is clearly demonstrable beyond its value for getting goods, but this value need not be ascribed to human preparedness for altruism or play. Emotion is a motivated process, and our temptation to “overgraze” positive emotions selects for emotional patterns that are paced by adequately rare occasions. As a much-competed-for tool, money makes an excellent occasion for emotional reward – a prize with value beyond its tool value – but this is true also of the other facts by which we pace our emotions.
Improving the Accuracy of Group Judgment: A Process Intervention Combining Group Facilitation, Social Judgment Analysis, and Information Technology

Interacting groups fail to make judgments as accurate as those of their most capable members due to problems associated with both interaction processes and cognitive processing. Group process techniques and decision analytic tools have been used with groups to combat these problems. While such techniques and tools do improve the quality of group judgment, they have not enabled groups to make judgments more accurate than those of their most capable members on tasks that evoke a great deal of systematic bias. A new intervention procedure that integrates group facilitation, social judgment analysis, and information technology was developed to overcome more fully the problems typically associated with interaction processes and cognitive processing. The intervention was evaluated by testing the hypothesis that groups using this new procedure can establish judgment policies for cognitive conflict tasks that are more accurate than the ones produced by any of their members. An experiment involving 16 four- and five-member groups was conducted to compare the accuracy of group judgments with the accuracy of the judgments of the most capable group member. A total of 96 participants (48 males and 48 females) completed the individual part of the task; 71 of these participants worked in groups. Results indicated that the process intervention enabled small, interacting groups to perform significantly better than their most capable members on two cognitive conflict tasks (p < .05). The findings suggest that Group Decision Support Systems that integrate facilitation, social judgment analysis, and information technology should be used to improve the accuracy of group judgment.
FINITE SUBNORMAL COVERINGS OF CERTAIN SOLVABLE GROUPS

A group is said to have a finite covering by subgroups if it is the set theoretic union of finitely many subgroups. A theorem of B. H. Neumann[11] characterizes groups with finite coverings by prop...
Development of conditioned suppression and associated cardiovascular responses in the monkey.

Abstract Rhesus monkeys were trained in a discriminated conditioned emotional response paradigm, and the temporal development of bar press suppression, heart rate, arterial blood pressure, and aortic blood flow conditioned responses (CR) was studied. General activity was monitored by an accelerometer attached to the restraining chair and via closed circuit television. Several patterns of development of the CR complex were apparent. The initial appearance of any of the cardiovascular CRs was not consistently related to the first appearance of conditioned suppression or any other CR. The steady-state sustained cardiovascular CR consisted of an increase in abdominal aortic blood flow; an increase in systolic, diastolic and pulse pressures; and a heart rate response which was an increase, a decrease or no change depending on the pattern of somatic activity exhibited during bar press suppression.
Photosynthetic assimilation and carbohydrate allocation of Quercus rubra seedlings in response to simulated herbivory

Introduction The artificial regeneration of oaks (Quercus spp.) can supplement deficient natural regeneration, yet growth and physiology of newly planted seedlings are often negatively affected by animal herbivory. Alternative nursery stock types with improved stress resistance may help improve regeneration success.
Vision-aided inertial navigation for power line inspection

We present a stereo vision-aided inertial navigation system and demonstrate its potential in power line inspection at close range using an unmaned aerial vehicle. This is made possible by recent developments in visual odometry and a newly proposed algorithm for the loose coupling of an inertial measurement unit and visual odometry. Our experiments show promising results.
Symmetries in action: on the interactive nature of planning constraints for bimanual object manipulation

An important functional question for understanding how people perform physical actions is to understand how they manipulate objects. Previous research suggests that people prefer to move their hands symmetrically. For bimanual object manipulation, such symmetry may take on several forms, however. Actions may be symmetrical when objects are grasped (start symmetry), when they are placed on their target locations (target symmetry), and/or relative to the objects being moved (object symmetry). We studied how these forms of symmetry influenced grasp selection when participants moved two plungers from two start locations to two target locations. We varied the heights of these locations across conditions. The grasp locations participants adopted indicated a preference for object symmetry. This preference was even stronger when initial symmetry coincided with object symmetry. These results provide a tractable illustration of how multiple planning constraints may interact to give rise to both regularity and flexibility in motor behavior.
HIV TAT Protein Transduction Domain Mediated Cell Binding and Intracellular Delivery of Nanoparticles.

Intracellular delivery of non-transported therapeutic agents has traditionally been thought possible only for low molecular weight (<500 DA) hydrophobic molecules. Higher molecular weight agents including oligonucleotides, proteins, DNA, liposomes, and nanoparticles do not readily enter the cytoplasm. However, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) trans-acting transcriptional activator (TAT) protein enters the cytosol by way of an 11 amino acid cationic peptide (TATp). When this cationic sequence is attached to a variety of small pharmacological agents, including paramagnetic ions[1,2] and proteins,[3–6] they are delivered into cells. Further, TATp modification of large cargo, such as proteins, polymers, and nanoparticles, may enable them to internalize into cells as well. The size limitations for cargo delivered by a single TATp are currently undetermined, but multiple TATp attached to polymers, nanoparticles, liposomes, and phage can definitely mediate their internalization. This process appears to follow an endocytotic or potocytic pathway and does not directly transfer the cargo into the cytoplasm of the cell. Here we review recent publications in which multiple TATp have been attached to and resulted in the successful intracellular delivery of nanoparticles.
Radiation Performance of Polarization Selective Carbon Nanotube Sheet Patch Antennas

Carbon nanotube (CNT) sheet patch antennas are explored through simulation, fabrication, and measurement to evaluate the performance of the CNT material as an RF radiator. The thickness of the CNT sheet was found to have a significant impact on the radiation performance of the patch antenna due to the material skin depth, with an ~ 5.5-dB improvement to the realized gain achieved when the CNT sheet thickness was increased from 0.5 μm to 5 μm, likely due to lower surface impedance. The 5 μm-CNT sheet patch antenna exhibited 2.1-dBi total realized gain compared with 5.6-dBi realized gain for baseline copper patch antenna yielding a 3.5-dB reduction attributable to the material substitution. A unique polarization sensitivity behavior was seen by adjusting the alignment of the CNTs within the CNT sheet patch structure. Optimal RF performance was observed when the CNTs within the sheet material were aligned with the E-plane of the patch antenna. When the CNT alignment was orthogonal to that of the E-plane of the patch antenna, the realized gain was reduced by over 8 dB. The input reactance changes from inductive to capacitive due to the geometry and alignment of the CNTs within the patch.
Analytic morphomics identifies predictors of new-onset diabetes after liver transplantation.

UNLABELLED Among liver transplant recipients, development of post-transplant complications such as new-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) is common and highly morbid. Current methods of predicting patient risk are inaccurate in the pre-transplant period, making implementation of targeted therapies difficult. We sought to determine whether analytic morphomics (using computed tomography scans) could be used to predict the incidence of NODAT. We analyzed peri-transplant scans from 216 patients with varying indications for liver transplantation, among whom 61 (28%) developed NODAT. Combinations of visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, and psoas area were considered in addition to traditional risk factors. On multivariate analysis adjusting for usual risk factors such as type of immunosuppression, subcutaneous fat thickness remained significantly associated with NODAT (OR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.00-1.88, p = 0.047). Subgroup analysis showed that patients with later-onset of NODAT had higher visceral fat, whereas subcutaneous fat thickness was more correlated with earlier-onset of NODAT (using 10 months post-transplant as the cut-off). CONCLUSION Analytic morphomics may be used to help assess NODAT risk in patients undergoing liver transplantation.
Longitudinal effects of age at onset and first drinking situations on problem drinking

The purpose of this study was to describe aspects of the first alcohol-use experience, and examine the predictive relations among age of first use, context of alcohol use initiation, and problem dr...
The role of dynamics in computer vision and image processing

Dynamic vision and imaging systems can substantially improve our quality of life. However, key issues that must be addressed in order to realize this potential are their fragility when used in unstructured environments and their need to process vast amounts of data in real time. The realization that most actionable information embedded in imaging data can be compactly encapsulated in dynamic models of relatively low order provides a powerful insight to address these issues. As we show in this paper, system theoretic tools allows to recast a wide range of dynamic vision problems into a computationally tractable optimization form. These ideas are illustrated with several applications including tracking, segmentation, and texture analysis/synthesis.
Design of aperture coupled microstrip antenna array fed by dielectric image line

A novel design for a linear array of microstrip antennas, aperture coupled to a dielectric image line has been developed. The design is based on a simplified theory to determine the impedances of the antennas at their apertures, and in turn, the coupling to each antenna from the image line. The theory developed is verified using an eight-element linear array and the experiment results are very good. >
Error detection in 2-D Discrete Wavelet lifting transforms

Discrete Wavelet transform is a powerful mathematics technique which is being adopted in different applications including physics, image processing, biomedical signal processing, and communication. Due to its pipelined structure and multirate processing requirements, a single numerical error in one stage can easily affect multiple outputs in final result. In this paper, we propose a weighted checksum code based fault tolerance technique for 2-D discrete wavelet transform. The technique encodes the input array at the 2-D discrete wavelet transform algorithm level, and algorithms are designed to operate on encoded data and produce encoded output data. The proposed encoding technique can perfectly fit into the lifting structure and existing general purpose 2-D discrete wavelet lifting VLSI architectures, without significant modification and overhead. We present the mathematics proof of this coding technique and show this technique can detect the errors in 2-D wavelet transforms. The hardware overhead using this technique is significantly lower than existing methods.
The accusative and infinitive in Latin: a refractory complement clause

In this paper I set out to show that, contrary to expectation, Subject-to-Object Raising does not form part of the derivation of Accusative and Infinitive (A&I) complements in Latin: and that this, coupled with the apparent NP-status of these complements, causes some difficulties for two of the current ‘schools’ of transformational-generative grammar, namely Generative Semantics/Relational Grammar, and Chomsk's Extended Standard Theory.After a brief note on the use of intuition in analysing a dead language, the basic positions of the above two schools are given, together with certain distinctions and terminology relevant to the Latin data under consideration.
Reasoning about the relations between relations.

Relations can hold between relations, as in assertions such as: Cordelia loves Lear more than Goneril does. Naive reasoners can make inferences that depend on these higher order relations, which are vital for science and mathematics, but no existing theory explains such inferences. The present paper presents a theory based on mental models of the situations under description, and it reports four experiments corroborating the theory. Experiment 1a showed that the difficulty of such inferences from two premises depends on the integration of the information from the premises into a single model. The same result held in Experiment 1b, even when individuals were not permitted to make written workings. Experiment 2 required the participants to think aloud, and their protocols revealed that they developed three main strategies. Experiment 3 biased the development of these strategies, showing that individuals assemble them “bottom up” from various tactical steps.
Optical pulse propagation in the tight-binding approximation

We formulate the equations describing pulse propagation in a one-dimensional optical structure described by the tight binding approximation, commonly used in solid-state physics to describe electrons levels in a periodic potential. The analysis is carried out in a way that highlights the correspondence with the analysis of pulse propagation in a conventional waveguide. Explicit expressions for the pulse in the waveguide are derived and discussed in the context of the sampling theorems of finite-energy space and time signals.
A branched inverted-F antenna for dual band WLAN applications

The 2.4 GHz ISM band has become very popular and is now widely used for several wireless communication standards, such as Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11b. For higher data rates, IEEE 802.11a devices in the 5.15-5.35 GHz band are required. For world-wide applications, an antenna covering the 5.15-5.85 GHz range is needed. The design and analysis of a new dual band antenna are presented. The proposed antenna is targeted for the 2.4-2.5 GHz and 5.15-5.35 GHz bands. The antenna is suitable for use in hand-held or other mobile devices and offers advantages in size, cost, and performance. The antenna can be built on a single-sided printed circuit board (PCB) or stamped from thin sheet metal. The antenna can also be built as an on-board antenna to reduce manufacturing costs. Future study will concentrate on extending the antenna bandwidth to cover the 5.15-5.85 GHz frequency range.
Stress Response Signaling Pathways May Lead to Mitochondrial Biogenesis

Diabetes, a worldwide epidemic, represents a major public health problem and the vast majority of the patients with diabetes presents with insulin resistance, a fundamental manifestation of this disease. Insulin resistance impairs glucose uptake into skeletal muscle, which takes up about 80% of postprandial glucose in healthy individuals (1). Thus, skeletal muscle plays an indispensable role in maintaining glucose homeostasis. However, the mechanisms underlying the development of insulin resistance remains poorly understood, which perhaps accounts for the lack of effective therapies. Mitochondria, where low levels of superoxide radicals are constitutively generated as a by-product of electron transport, serve as the powerhouse and are also considered a main source for overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) triggered by diabetes (2,3). Oxidative stress is a key pathological signal leading to diabetes complications (4,5). It has been disappointing that broad-spectrum antioxidant therapies have not been effective in improving outcomes in high-risk patients, including patients with diabetes (6), when used as primary prevention, suggesting that detailed knowledge of oxidative injury mechanisms is necessary to develop …
Children's Motivation toward Science across Contexts, Manner of Interaction, and Topic.

Understanding the features of science learning experiences that organize and motivate children at early ages can help educators and researchers find ways to ignite interest to support future passion and learning in the sciences at a time when children's motivation is declining. Using a sample of 252 fifth- and sixth-grade students, we systematically explore differences in children's motivations toward science experiences across context (formal, informal, neutral), manner of interaction (consuming new knowledge, analyzing, action), and topic (e.g., biology, earth science, physics). Motivations toward science were most influenced by topic. Responses were generally consistent across context and manner of interaction. Implications for science education, as well as measurement and assessment methodology, are discussed.
Entropy Estimations Using Correlated Symmetric Stable Random Projections

Methods for efficiently estimating Shannon entropy of data streams have important applications in learning, data mining, and network anomaly detections (e.g., the DDoS attacks). For nonnegative data streams, the method of Compressed Counting (CC) [11, 13] based on maximally-skewed stable random projections can provide accurate estimates of the Shannon entropy using small storage. However, CC is no longer applicable when entries of data streams can be below zero, which is a common scenario when comparing two streams. In this paper, we propose an algorithm for entropy estimation in general data streams which allow negative entries. In our method, the Shannon entropy is approximated by the finite difference of two correlated frequency moments estimated from correlated samples of symmetric stable random variables. Interestingly, the estimator for the moment we recommend for entropy estimation barely has bounded variance itself, whereas the common geometric mean estimator (which has bounded higher-order moments) is not sufficient for entropy estimation. Our experiments confirm that this method is able to well approximate the Shannon entropy using small storage.
Forward to the Past: The Intractable Problems of Romania's Media System

Romania's accession to European Union membership in January 2007 did not inhibit the country's corrupt political and media elites from turning back the clock on the already disappointing evolution ...
Abstract 594: Characterization of Anti-thrombotic and Anti-inflammatory Properties of New Synthetic, Protamine Reversible Low Molecular Weight Heparin

Low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) are carbohydrate-based anticoagulants clinically used to treat thrombotic disorders; however, lack of full reversibility with protamine and clearance by kidney limit treatment options. Recently we have developed a chemoenzymatic method to synthesize a new synthetic dodecasaccharide (12mer) with high anti-factor Xa (FXa) activity which was protamine reversible in vitro and in vivo. In the current study, we further characterized the pharmacokinetic, anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory properties of this compound using various mouse models. First, time course (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8 hours, n=4) and dose response (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2.0 mg/kg, n=4) studies in C57Bl/6J mice showed that FXa activity was inhibited by 12mer in vivo and the half-life of the compound injected s.c. at the dose of 1.5 mg/kg was 3 hours. 12mer was cleared from the circulation by 8 hours. Furthermore, fibrin accumulation observed in the femoral vein 60 minutes after electrolytic injury (2.99 ± 1.16; p<0.05; n...
Gender and Negotiation in Model UN Role-Playing Simulations

This article reports on the relationship between gender and participation at the 2010 Southwest Florida Model United Nations (SWFLMUN). Three major findings emerge from this research: (1) Even though more females participated in the SWFLMUN than males, males accounted for most of the speeches and played more decisive roles in the formulation of the committee resolutions; (2) male and female delegates employed similar negotiating styles; and (3) surveys administered to delegates suggest that males and females derived about the same amount of satisfaction from the conference but that males, paradoxically, were more likely to report barriers to participation than females. These results leave the impression that gender is a significant, but unremarked factor in shaping participation. These findings are discussed with respect to a normative conception of Model UN (MUN) as a mode of global citizenship. MUN is designed to overcome national ethnocentrism by affirming the existence of multiple perspectives on worl...
Calcium and the Production of Endothelium-Derived Vasoactive Factors

Endothelial cells play a major role in the local control of the vascular system. They form a semipermeable barrier which regulates the exchange of nutrients and waste products between the blood and the underlying smooth muscle. These cells also influence the tone of the blood vessel wall, in part, by releasing potent and short-lasting relaxing factors such as prostanoids, nitric oxide and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor, as well as contractile factors such as thromboxane/endoperoxides, superoxide anions, and endothelin(s). The present review will discuss the biological properties of the vasoactive factors and emphasize the importance of calcium ions for both the production of the factors by the endothelial cells and the modulation of the vascular tone that they achieve.