cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
When Policy Structures Technology: Balancing upfront decomposition and in-process coordination in Europe׳s decentralized space technology ecosystem ☆

Abstract This paper examines the decentralization of European space technology research and development through the joint lenses of policy, systems architecture, and innovation contexts. It uses a detailed longitudinal case history of the development of a novel astrophysics instrument to explore the link between policy-imposed institutional decomposition and the architecture of the technical system. The analysis focuses on five instances of collaborative design decision-making and finds that matching between the technical and institutional architectures is a predictor of project success, consistent with the mirroring hypothesis in extant literature. Examined over time, the instances reveal stability in the loosely coupled nature of institutional arrangements and a trend towards more integral, or tightly coupled, technical systems. The stability of the institutional arrangements is explained as an artifact of the European Hultqvist policy and the trend towards integral technical systems is related to the increasing complexity of modern space systems. If these trends persist, the scale of the mismatch will continue to grow. As a first step towards mitigating this challenge, the paper develops a framework for balancing upfront decomposition and in-process coordination in collaborative development projects. The astrophysics instrument case history is used to illustrate how collaborations should be defined for a given inherent system complexity.
Roentgenologic Examination of the Gallbladder (Cholecystography)

Organic phenolphthalein compounds had previously been injected intravenously into rabbits and dogs and observed to be concentrated into bile fluid. Graham and Cole identified a compound (the calcium salt of tetrabromphenolphthalein) that when given intravenously to patients resulted in “definite and cleanly cut shadows of the gallbladder” in radiographs of the abdomen obtained a few hours later.Their preliminary results suggested that a normal gallbladder is usually visualized, while a pathologic gallbladder is more difficult to observe, and predicted an important diagnostic role for this new roentgenologic examination.See PDF for full text of the original JAMA article.
Proposing an improved optimal LQR controller for frequency regulation of a smart microgrid in case of cyber intrusions

In this paper an isolated microgrid comprising both controllable and uncontrollable sources, such as solar, wind, diesel generator, fuel cell, aqua-electrolyser and hydrogen storage is modeled. After discussing the modeling of the power system and different generating units, two kinds of control approaches have been used and the results have been compared to each other. Firstly, PI controllers have been implemented for controllable sources to damp the frequency oscillations. This control approach is a kind of local approach and just uses the data locally. Secondly, Optimal LQR control algorithm is employed for controlling the system using Particle Swarm Optimization. This control is a full state feedback control which uses all the state of the system and tries to minimize the objective function. PSO technique has been applied to come up with the best control matrices such that the frequency oscillation due to a disturbance in a microgrid is minimized. To establish an efficient resource management strategy, a central controller takes the decisions based on the status of the loads and sources. The status is obtained with the help of multi-agent concept (treating each load and source as an agent) through internet using User Datagram Protocol/Internet Protocol (UDP/IP). The decisions are transmitted to the controllable sources to regulate their power output for damping of frequency deviations following a disturbance. The proposed control approach is tested in presence of different frequency changes in the system including cyber attack effects. The proposed control method is improved by optimizing the frequency sending rate and tested in case of cyber intrusions or malfunctions.
Ranking of input cubes based on their lingering synchronisation effects and their use in random sequential test generation

The authors define the notion of a lingering synchronisation effect. Such an effect occurs when a primary input cube (an incompletely specified primary input vector) determines the state of a circuit for several time units after it is applied. A primary input cube with a lingering synchronisation effect may prevent certain faults from being detected when it appears repeatedly in a test sequence. It should therefore be avoided when the goal is to achieve a high fault coverage. The authors demonstrate that benchmark circuits have primary input cubes with small numbers of specified values (typically one or two), which have lingering synchronisation effects. In some cases, the synchronisation effects linger for large numbers of time units. The authors define a ranking of primary input cubes based on the severity of their lingering synchronisation effects. They describe a random test generation process that avoids primary input cubes with lingering synchronisation effects, and achieves high fault coverage for benchmark circuits. The test generation process uses the severity of the lingering synchronisation effects of the primary input cubes to decide on the ones it should avoid.
Mixture model based contextual image retrieval

Traditional image retrieval techniques search for images without considering the query context. When they are applied to applications like annotating text with images, the results might not be satisfactory because the meaning of a word/phrase varies depending on the context. In this paper, we propose an alternative method to retrieve images based not only on the query but also on the query context. We exploit the text surrounding a query in a document and the disambiguated sense of the query as the query context. We also propose a mixture model to retrieve the context dependent images. Experimental results show that significantly better retrieval performance can be achieved when query context is taken into account.
Hemodynamic Effects of Dexmedetomidine in Critically Ill Neonates and Infants With Heart Disease

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamic effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) infusion on critically ill neonates and infants with congenital heart disease (CHD). The secondary objective of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy profile of the drug in this patient population. A retrospective observational study was conducted in the cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) of a single tertiary care university children’s hospital. The charts of all neonates and infants who received DEX in the authors’ pediatric CVICU between August 2009 and June 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. The demographic data collected included age, weight, sex, diagnosis, and Risk Adjustment in Congenital Heart Surgery (RACHS-1) score. To evaluate the hemodynamic effects of DEX, physiologic data were collected including heart rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), inotrope score, near-infrared spectroscopy, and central venous pressure (CVP). To assess the efficacy of DEX, the amount and duration of concomitant sedation and analgesic infusions over a period of 24 h were examined together with the number of rescue boluses. The potential side effects evaluated in this study included nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, dysrhythmias, neurologic abnormalities, seizures, and signs and symptoms of withdrawal. During the study period, 50 neonates and infants received DEX for a median period of 78 h (range, 40–290 h). These patients had an average age of 3.53 ± 2.64 months and a weight of 4.85 ± 1.67 kg. Whereas 34 patients (68%) received DEX after surgery for CHD, 15 patients (30%) received DEX after heart transplantation. Of these 50 infants, 10 (20%) had a single-ventricle anatomy, whereas 13 (26%) had a risk adjustment score (RACHS-1) in the category of 4–6. The median CVICU stay was 29 days (range, 8–69 days). Despite a significant decrease in heart rate, MAP, inotrope score, and CVP, all the patients remained hemodynamically stable during DEX infusion. There was no substantial difference in major hemodynamic variables between neonates and infants, single- and two-ventricle repair, RACHS 4–6 and RACHS 1–3 categories for patients undergoing surgery, or patients undergoing heart transplantation and patients undergoing other surgical procedures. Dexmedetomidine infusion for neonates and infants with heart disease is safe from a hemodynamic standpoint and can reduce the concomitant dosing of opioid and benzodiazepine agents. Furthermore, DEX infusion may be useful for reducing vasopressor agent dosing in children with catecholamine-refractory cardiogenic shock.
Associations between United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and Internal Medicine In-Training Examination (IM-ITE) scores.

Background Little is known about the associations of previous standardized examination scores with scores on subsequent standardized examinations used to assess medical knowledge in internal medicine residencies.
La1.8Sr0.2Ni1−xCuxO4+δ, (0 ≤x≤ 0.9): magnetization measurements

Abstract Oxides with the general formula La1.8Sr0.2Ni1−xCuxO4+δ, with 0≤x≤0.9, have been prepared as ceramic specimens. Structural studies have been carried out on the entire series. Heat capacity measurements have been carried out in the range 0.5 to 30 K. Magnetization measurements were made in the temperature region 4.2–300 K. None of the samples shows any indication of a transition to the superconducting state down to 4.2 K. Magnetization versus temperature curves do show a peak below 25 K; the peak becomes sharper and moves to lower temperatures with increasing x for x
Lipoamidase activity in human serum is due to biotinidase.

Lipoamidase, as determined by lipoyl-p-aminobenzoic acid (L-pABA) hydrolyzing activity, and biotinidase in human serum have similar pH profiles, molecular weights, thermostabilities, and are similarly inhibited by p-hydroxymercuribenzoate and not inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride. A monospecific polyclonal antibody prepared against biotinidase immunoprecipitated > 95% of serum L-pABA hydrolyzing activity and an identical proportion of biotinidase activity. In addition, children with profound biotinidase deficiency (< 10% normal serum activity) have greatly reduced levels of L-pABA hydrolyzing activity in serum (< 15% of mean normal activity) and obligate heterozygotes have activities intermediate between that of normal and profoundly deficient individuals. These results indicate that most, if not all, of the L-pABA hydrolyzing activity in human serum is due to biotinidase. Moreover, since the Km of L-pABA hydrolysis by serum is high, it is unlikely that lipoic acid is recycled in the serum by biotinidase.
Changes in the darkness of four body features of bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque) during aggressive encounters

The darkness of four body features (general body surface, GBS; lateral stripe pattern, LSP; opercular flap spot, OFS; and dorsal fin-ray spot, DFRS) was observed during the formation of 16 pairwise status relationships among bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque). In eight cases (Method A) an intruder fish was placed into a 110 liter aquarium occupied for 7 previous days by a resident fish. In eight additional cases (Method B) two fish lived on opposite sides of a 110 liter aquarium divided by an opaque screen for 7 days prior to removal of the screen. Dominance was established by one of the fish in all but two cases (both were Method B) and aggressive encounters proceeded through five clearly identifiable stages: (1) a stage of inactivity just after pair formation, (2) a stage in which the fish oriented and approached each other tentatively and without further interaction, (3) a stage in which threat displays are emitted, often by both fish, but no actual body contact occurs, (4) a stage of vigorous attacks, and (5) a stage where one fish is clearly emitting all attacks and where the other fish is fleeing and/or hiding. Darkness of each feature in each fish was evaluated with a statistically reliable three-point scale at each stage during the contest. GBS increased in darkness equally for dominant and submissive fish. LSP, OFS and DFRS became darker in dominant fish and lighter in submissives, suggesting that these three features may have status-related signal value. Method of pair formation did not interact with these effects.
Ability of growth hormone fragments to compete with 125I-iodinated human growth hormone for specific binding to isolated adipocytes of hypophysectomized rats

Abstract Several noncovalent complexes of large fragments of human GH, which are less active than native human GH in stimulating glucose metabolism in adipose tissue of hypophysectomized rats, were tested for their ability to compete with 125 I-iodinated human GH for specific binding to isolated adipocytes of hypophysectomized rats. The complexes tested were A (residues 1–134 + residues 141–191; S -carbamidomethylated), B (residues 1–134 + residues 135–191; S -carbamidomethylated) and C (residues 1–134 + residues 135–191; S -carboxymethylated). When compared to native human GH, the complexes were less active in competing with 125 I-iodinated human GH for specific binding to adipocytes, and their order of potency in the binding assay (A > B > C) was similar to that of their respective activities in stimulating glucose metabolism in isolated adipose tissue of hypophysectomized rats.
Effects of zinc deficiency on rat parotid gland.

Hitherto, the effect of zinc deficiency on the rat parotid gland was not known. Male rats were fed cither a low zinc diet (0.4–0.8 ppm Zn) or a zinc adequate diet (approximately 40 ppm Zn) for 35–42 days. The experimental animals exhibited retarded body growth, anorexia, loss of hair and decreases in plasma and hair zinc levels. In comparison to the ad libitum controls, the parotid glands of the pair-fed group showed a decrease in cell number, but an increase in cell mass, protein and amykisc content. In the parotid glands of the experimental group, cell number was comparable to the pair-fed group, but there was a decrease in cell mass and protein content as compared to the pair-fed group. These findings suggest that zinc deficiency and its associated reduced food intake impair growth of the parotid gland and, further, that zinc deficiency per se appears to lead to a diminution in gland protein synthesis. It is proposed that a compromise in parotid gland function could be a contributory factor underlying the increased susceptibility to dental caries known to occur in zinc deficiency.
Optimal proportioning of an insulated earth cylinder for storage of solar heat

Abstract A technique is illustrated, by means of an example, for optimally proportioning the insulated boundaries of a partially-insulated volume of earth for solar heat storage. The required equations for heat loss rates are determined from electrolytic tank models.
Outdoor sources of indoor air pollution

Conservation measures that seal a building, like storm window installation, can significantly reduce its energy requirements. These measures also protect its occupants from air pollutants having outdoor sources but amplify any harmful effects of those generated indoors. Using these Fourier series techniques and an approximation of outdoor pollution peaks by step functions, we obtained the following results: the average daily concentration indoors is the same as outdoors for any pollutant with no indoor sinks if inside and outside air are assumed uniform (that is, well mixed). However, lowering a building's air exchange rate 4-fold will still protect its occupants from outdoor pollution sources, but only if the outdoor peak or variation above its average is much greater than its average, and the peak is short-lived.
Fault Severed Aquifers Along the Perimeters of Wyoming Artesian Basins

The mountain uplifts which border the major artesian basins of Wyoming are asymmetric antiforms bounded on one flank by large displacement Laramide thrust faults. These thrusts sever the hydraulic continuity of aquifers, thereby creating separate circulation systems in the hanging wall and foot wall blocks. Fault severing of the Paleozoic aquifers can be identified by (1) potentiometric discontinuities across the faults, (2) water quality contrasts across the faults, and (3) geothermally heated waters in the foot wall blocks. Isolated but active circulation systems develop in the hanging wall blocks in which good permeabilities and good quality water prevail. In contrast the foot walls are generally characterized by poor permeabilities and poor water qualities. Fault severing of the Paleozoic aquifers in the Wyoming foreland province is a significant factor because nearly half of the basin perimeters are fault severed. The result is that exploration for large-volume, good-quality supplies must focus on the hanging wall blocks in the fault severed environments.
1H NMR Study of Hydrogen Abstraction in Model Compound Mimics of Polymers

Small molecules representing common synthetic polymers were subjected to photochemically induced hydrogen abstraction by benzophenone. Reactions were monitored using 1 H NMR to query the factors that influence preferential abstraction of protons in unique chemical environments. Differences in bond dissociation energies do not fully explain the observed hydrogen abstraction preferences. To that end, we identify contributions to abstraction from prereactive complexation, radical stability, steric effects and charge transfer effects. Using representative small molecule model compounds in lieu of polymeric materials is a novel approach to understanding photochemical reaction in polymers; however, it cannot probe the contributions of macromolecular effects—e.g. polymer rigidity or side chain and backbone mobility—to preferential hydrogen abstraction.
Effect of soil moisture and temperature during fallow on survival of contrasting isolates of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Many arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal species have worldwide distributions. However, it is not clear whether such species have adapted to local conditions. We compared the responses of mesic temp...
Software Fault Prevention by Language Choice: Why C is Not My Favorite Language

How much does the choice of a programming language influence the prevalence of bugs in the resulting code? It seems obvious that at the level at which individuals write new programs, a change of language can eliminate whole classes of errors, or make them possible. With few exceptions, recent literature on the engineering of large software systems seems to neglect language choice as a factor in overall quality metrics. As a point of comparison we review some interesting recent work which implicitly assumes a program must be written in C. We speculate on how reliability might be aected by changing the language, in particular if we were to use ANSI Common Lisp.
Selenite and Ca2+ homeostasis in the rat lens: effect on Ca-ATPase and passive Ca2+ transport.

Calcium permeability was significantly increased in lenses from rats 36 h following a single injection of a cataractogenic dose of sodium selenite (30 nmol/g body weight) and this permeability returned to control values by 72 h post-injection (PI). The greater Ca2+ permeability could be partially reversed by incubating lenses in medium containing 2 mM dithiothreitol (DTT). Estimations of Ca-ATPase activity revealed the greatest level occurred in the epithelial layer and that the nucleus had no detectable activity. By 48 h PI both Ca2+-pump activity and the Ca2+-dependent ATP hydrolytic activity were less compared to controls in membrane preparations from rat lenses. Only the hydrolytic activity could be partially restored by treatment with 5 mM DTT. Both permeability and active Ca2+ transport were affected by selenite in a manner that would lead to increased Ca2+ accumulation in lenses from rats treated with selenite. It is suggested that the oxidative damage that accompanies in vivo exposure to selenite ...
Interstrain differences of in vitro metabolic stability and impact on early drug discovery

With the extensive use of different strains of mice and rats in in vivo efficacy models, lack of relevant metabolic clearance data among strains has been a concern. Metabolic clearance is an important parameter impacting drug discovery, and it is often used as a compound selection filter. Metabolically stable compounds are often preferred, and will have a better chance to achieve the desired exposure in vivo. The present study examined strain differences in mouse and rat, using 96 compounds which spanned a wide range of intrinsic clearances. The in vitro clearances were determined using liver microsomes from commonly used strains of mouse (BALB/c, C57BL/6J, and CD-1) and of rat (Sprague-Dawley, Fischer, and Wistar Han). There were few discrepancies in the interpretation of the in vitro intrinsic clearance results within species for the 96 compounds tested in mouse and rat liver microsomes. This data gives us confidence that the phase I hepatic clearance can be determined using only one strain of mouse or rat liver microsomes.
Sports medicine pearls and pitfalls: Athletic performance after blood donation

Introduction Recreational runners and cyclists ask me if donating blood will slow them down in their weekend racing. Sure, I tell them, but only for a week or two, and donating is worth it. Blood donors are community helpers. Not long ago, I was asked: If an NFL team sponsors a community blood drive, can players who donate a pint of blood on Tuesday play to their full ability in a game 5 days later? That one is harder to answer. First, some background.
USING TECHNOLOGY SUPPORTED STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE PRE-SERVICE TEACHER PREPARATION IN SOCIAL STUDIES

The National Assessment of Educational Progress shows that many US students are deficient in core knowledge in geography, civics and current events. In this paper, a professor of social studies methods describes an action research project developed to assess and improve teacher candidates’ knowledge in these areas. The article explains how data were collected, analyzed and interpreted to yield three concrete, easy to implement teaching strategies that substantially improved students’ knowledge in geography, civics and current events. These strategies can be used in other subject areas as well. The research method and the resulting three strategies are described in detail.
Accuracy Enhancement of Fringe-Projection Based 3-D Imaging

In this paper, we present a simple yet robust scheme to enhance the accuracy of fringe-projection-based 3-D imaging. With the proposed scheme, the relative 3-D imaging accuracy can reach 1/20,000.
Molecular Constants for the v=0, b1Σg+ Excited State of O2: Improved Values Derived from Measurements of the Oxygen A-Band Using Intracavity Laser Spectroscopy

Abstract High-resolution intracavity laser spectroscopy (ILS) absorption measurements have been made on the b – X oxygen electronic transition (the A-band) which has bandheads occurring in the region of 13 165 cm −1 . The positions of the lines were determined to an accuracy that is based on calibration with I 2 absorption lines using the Laboratoire Aime Cotton (Orsay) Atlas as reference. Based on the ILS measurements and the more accurately determined positions given by L. R. Brown and C. Plymate ( J. Mol. Spectrosc. 199 , 166–179 (2000)) and with the 3 Σ g − ground state molecular constants fixed at the values determined by G. Rouille et al. ( J. Mol. Spectrosc. 154 , 372–382 (1992)), the following values (in cm −1 ) were found for the molecular constants: T 0 =13122.2524(1); B 0 =1.391244(2); D 0 =5.352(4)×10 −6 ; and H 0 =−1.2(2)×10 −11 . These results are compared with values derived from fits of the line positions listed in several other studies of this transition.
Multicultural Initiatives Across Educational Contexts in Psychology: Becoming Diverse in Our Approach

Educational context plays a role in promoting and maintaining multicultural competence. Whereas in the past decade psychology has considered the impact of multiculturalism in educational training; however, less attention has been paid to the institutional contexts that house these efforts. In this paper, four professional psychologists with expertise in multicultural education enumerate the barriers they encountered as they attempted to establish culture-centered educational contexts. Focusing on three specific educational contexts (a psychology department, a training clinic, and a medical setting), they provide insightful and compelling narratives that educators can relate to and apply to their own institutions. The article concludes with recommendations.
Motivational and Other Sources of Work Accomplishments in Mid–Life: A Longitudinal Study

ABSTRACT Earned Income and work accomplishment were determined at age 41 for 89 adults whose mothers had been interviewed for their child-rearing practices when the adults were 5 years old. At age 31, in spontaneous thought but not self-report, n Achievement predicted earned income and socialized power motivation predicted work accomplishment at age 41. Hardships (or “bad breaks”) during childhood and adolescence predicted work outcomes for both men and women, as did education for men. Parenting achievement pressure in the first 2 years of life was associated with adult n Achievement and earned income, while moderate encouragement of assertiveness by mothers who were warm to boys and cool to girls was associated with adult socialized power motivation and work accomplishment. Controls for social class of origin, IQ, temperament, and education did not explain the relations between parenting, motivation, and work outcomes, although education played a larger role for men than women who worked both inside and outside the home.
Risk-adjusted sequential probability ratio test control chart methods for monitoring operator and institutional mortality rates in interventional cardiology.

Background The objective of this study was to evaluate risk-adjusted sequential probability ratio test control charts for the detection of significant discrepancies between institution or individual interventional cardiologist postprocedural mortality rates and national or local event rate expectations. Methods Eight thousand nine hundred forty-two percutaneous coronary interventional procedures were performed by 27 operators between January 1, 2002, and November 30, 2006. The institution-based evaluation included all procedures, and the individual-based evaluations included 8750 procedures performed by 18 operators who had each done at least 100 PCI procedures. Risk-adjusted sequential probability ratio test control charts were developed to assess whether the odds ratios (ORs) for death were >2.0 for α = β = 0.10. The American College of Cardiology 1.1 prediction model was used to risk-adjust both the institution and individuals, and an additional local model was used for individuals. Results After national risk adjustment, the local institution did not show mortality of more than a 1.5 OR. Two operators had a >2.0 mortality OR after national risk adjustment, and one of those remained elevated after local risk adjustment. Of 18 operators, 10 had insufficient data to allow us to accept or reject the hypothesis of increased risk. Conclusions The local institution performed within national expectations, but 1 operator was identified as having poor performance, which prompted an in-depth review of that operator's cases. The review revealed that the operator had an unusually high number of patients who presented with risk factors not included in the risk-adjustment models. This study highlights the utility of risk-adjusted sequential probability ratio test as a method for outcomes monitoring and quality control in interventional cardiology.
Using online tutors for learning - what do students think?

Educators and researchers in various disciplines are developing online tutors to help students learn. Such tutors often promote active learning and problem-based learning. They facilitate individualized learning and provide instant feedback. What do students think about their experience using such online tutors? Do they think that the tutors help them learn? Do their opinions reflect their experience using the tutors? Do they feel favorably about using online tutors? In this paper, we attempt to answer these questions based on our evaluations of two tutors that we have developed for programming topics. We believe that our results will be of interest to developers of online tutors who are interested in the affective learning of their students.
Compression of text and binary files using adaptive Huffman coding techniques

The authors measure the amount of compression that can be accomplished by the use of Huffman coding, and the effects of adaption based on the statistics of the input file. The coding algorithm has been designed to generate codes for character strings instead of for a single character. Each compressed file has a unique set of Huffman codes. The results of using adaptive Huffman coding algorithm has demonstrated that the larger the file the more useful the technique for compression. Also, the results show that the amount of memory that can be saved is up to 55.0% when text file is being used, and up to 40.9% when binary image file is being used. >
Random neural networks with state-dependent firing neurons

This letter studies the properties of the random neural networks (RNNs) with state-dependent firing neurons. It is assumed that the times between successive signal emissions of a neuron are dependent on the neuron potential. Under certain conditions, the networks keep the simple product form of stationary solutions and exhibit enhanced capacity of adjusting the probability distribution of the neuron states. It is demonstrated that desired associative memory states can be stored in the networks.
An aggregated interaction matrix algorithm

The recursive aggregate T matrix algorithm (RATMA) has been developed to solve for the scattering solution of N subscatterers with reduced computational complexity. For a general scattering problem, a scatterer is first decomposed into N subscatterers which are non-overlapping before the RATMA is applied. In computational electromagnetics, a scatterer is often discretized by using subdomain basis functions which are overlapping, essentially decomposing a scatterer into a set of overlapping subscatterers, as in the method of moments. We describe an improved RATMA which allows for overlapping subscatterers. >
Semiempirical QM/MM potential with simple valence bond (SVB) for enzyme reactions. Application to the nucleophilic addition reaction in haloalkane dehalogenase

We present a method for the correction of errors in combined QM/MM calculations using a semiempirical Hamiltonian for enzyme reactions. Since semiempirical models can provide a reasonable representation of the general shape of the potential energy surface for chemical reactions, we introduce a simple valence bond-like (SVB) term to correct the energies at critical points on the potential energy surface. The present SVB term is not a stand-alone potential energy function, but it is used purely for introducing small energy corrections to the semiempirical Hamiltonian to achieve the accuracy needed for modeling enzymatic reactions. We show that the present coupled QM-SVB/MM approach can be parameterized to reproduce experimental and ab initio results for model reactions, and have applied the PM3-SVB/MM potential to the nucleophilic addition reaction in haloalkane dehalogenase. In a preliminary energy minimization study, the PM3-SVB/MM results are reasonable, suggesting that it may be used in free energy simulations to assess enzymatic reaction mechanism.
Influence of Infant Feeding Method on Postpartum Relapse of Mothers With MS

In an effort to determine relapse rates in breast-feeding and non—breast-feeding mothers with multiple sclerosis (MS) as well as differences in symptom prevalence between relapsing and non-relapsing mothers, weekly diaries through the first six postpartum months were kept by mothers to record the frequency and percentages of infant feeding by breast or formula and health problems that the mothers experienced. Of 140 mothers who breast-fed their infants, 35 (25%) experienced at least one neurologist-confirmed MS relapse during the first six months and 47 (33.6%) during the 12-month period; for non—breast-feeding mothers, 18 (51.4%) experienced relapse by six months and 22 (61.1%) by 12 months. MS relapse during pregnancy predicted increased relapse during the first three postpartum months while an increased percentage of infant feedings by breast predicted decreased relapse. Relapse the year before pregnancy and during pregnancy predicted increased relapse during the four- to six-month postpartum period. L...
POU-III Transcription Factors (Brn1, Brn2, and Oct6) Influence Neurogenesis, Molecular Identity, and Migratory Destination of Upper-Layer Cells of the Cerebral Cortex

The upper layers (II-IV) are the most prominent distinguishing feature of mammalian neocortex compared with avian or reptilian dorsal cortex, and are vastly expanded in primates. Although the time-dependent embryonic generation of upper-layer cells is genetically instructed within their parental progenitors, mechanisms governing cell-intrinsic fate transitions remain obscure. POU-homeodomain transcription factors Pou3f3 and Pou3f2 (Brn1 and Brn2) are known to label postmitotic upper-layer cells, and are redundantly required for their production. We find that the onset of Pou3f3/2 expression actually occurs in ventricular zone (VZ) progenitors, and that Pou3f3/2 subsequently label neural progeny switching from deep-layer Ctip2(+) identity to Satb2(+) upper-layer fate as they migrate to proper superficial positions. By using an Engrailed dominant-negative repressor, we show that sustained neurogenesis after the deep- to upper-layer transition requires the proneual action of Pou3fs in VZ progenitors. Conversely, single-gene overexpression of any Pou3f in early neural progenitors is sufficient to specify the precocious birth of Satb2(+) daughter neurons that extend axons to the contralateral hemisphere, as well as exhibit robust pia-directed migration that is characteristic of upper-layer cells. Finally, we demonstrate that Pou3fs influence multiple stages of neurogenesis by suppressing Notch effector Hes5, and promoting the expression of proneural transcription factors Tbr2 and Tbr1.
2-Selenouridine triphosphate synthesis and Se-RNA transcription

Selenouridine ( Se U) is one of the naturally occurring modifications of Se-tRNAs ( Se U-RNA) at the wobble position of the anticodon loop. Its role in the RNA-RNA interaction, especially during the mRNA decoding, is elusive. To assist the research exploration, herein we report the enzymatic synthesis of the Se U-RNA via 2-selenouridine triphosphate ( Se UTP) synthesis and RNA transcription. Moreover, we have demonstrated that the synthesized Se UTP is stable and recognizable by T7 RNA polymerase. Under the optimized conditions, the transcription yield of Se U-RNA can reach up to 85% of the corresponding native RNA. Furthermore, the transcribed Se U-hammerhead ribozyme has the similar activity as the corresponding native, which suggests usefulness of Se U-RNAs in function and structure studies of noncoding RNAs, including the Se-tRNAs.
Religiosity and resilience in persons at high risk for major depression

Background Few studies have examined religiosity as a protective factor using a longitudinal design to predict resilience in persons at high risk for major depressive disorder (MDD).
Spiroplasma penaei sp. nov., associated with mortalities in Penaeus vannamei, Pacific white shrimp

A new bacterial strain, designated SHRIMPT, isolated from the haemolymph of the Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei, was serologically distinct from other spiroplasmas. Cells of this strain were helical in form and variable in length. Examination by electron microscopy revealed wall-less cells delineated by a single cytoplasmic membrane. The organisms grew well in M1D media supplemented with 2 % NaCl. Strain SHRIMPT grew at temperatures of 20–37 °C, with optimum growth occurring at 28 °C. The strain catabolized glucose and hydrolysed arginine, but did not hydrolyse urea. The G+C content of the DNA was 29±1 mol%. Strain SHRIMPT (=ATCC BAA-1082T=CAIM 1252T) is designated the type strain of a novel species, Spiroplasma penaei sp. nov., which represents a new subgroup (I-9) of the group I spiroplasmas.
BDNF contributes to angiotensin II‐mediated reductions in peak voltage‐gated K+ current in cultured CATH.a cells

Increased central angiotensin II (Ang II) levels contribute to sympathoexcitation in cardiovascular disease states such as chronic heart failure and hypertension. One mechanism by which Ang II increases neuronal excitability is through a decrease in voltage-gated, rapidly inactivating K+ current (IA); however, little is known about how Ang II signaling results in reduced IA. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has also been demonstrated to decrease IA and has signaling components common to Ang II. Therefore, we hypothesized that Ang II-mediated suppression of voltage-gated K+ currents is due, in part, to BDNF signaling. Differentiated CATH.a, catecholaminergic cell line treated with BDNF for 2 h exhibited a reduced IA in a manner similar to that of Ang II treatment as demonstrated by whole-cell patch-clamp analysis. Inhibiting BDNF signaling by pretreating neurons with an antibody against BDNF significantly attenuated the Ang II-induced reduction of IA. Inhibition of a common component of both BDNF and Ang II signaling, p38 MAPK, with SB-203580 attenuated the BDNF-mediated reductions in IA. These results implicate the involvement of BDNF signaling in Ang II-induced reductions of IA, which may cause increases in neuronal sensitivity and excitability. We therefore propose that BDNF may be a necessary component of the mechanism by which Ang II reduces IA in CATH.a cells.
Increased Dietary Salt Intake Does Not Influence Influenza A Virus–Induced Disease Severity in Mice

Abstract Influenza viruses are pathogens of significant public health importance. The influence of nutritional status on severity of disease has become increasingly recognized. In particular, high dietary salt intake has been linked to cardiovascular disease, but the effects on infectious diseases have not been studied. This study investigated the impact on influenza-induced morbidity and mortality in mice fed isocaloric diets containing 10-fold increments of sodium by altering the salt levels. Following infection, despite higher levels of IFN-gamma cytokine in the lung as well as virus-neutralizing antibody in the serum of mice fed the lowest salt level, the amounts of dietary salt intake had no substantial impact on the disease severity or the ability to respond immunologically to the infection.
Toxicity of Biorational Insecticides to Bemisia argentifolii (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) on Tomato Leaves

Bioassays were conducted to test the toxicity of insecticide leaf residue to adults, and contact toxicity to eggs and nymphs of silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia argentifolii Bellows & Perring. Four insecticides were tested : insecticidal soap (Sunspray oil), mineral oil (MPede), extract of Nicotiana gossei Domin (a detergent-like acylsugar), and bifenthrin (a pyrethroid). Purified tap water was used as a control. Bioassays of adults were conducted by dipping whitefly-free tomato leaves into serial dilutions of the insecticides, air-drying for prescribed periods, and exposing adults to leaves in large cup cages for 24 h. Residues of Sunspray oil caused greatest mortality to adults for up to 5 d after treatment, and the LC 50 of 24 h residue to adults was 0.029%. Two-hour leaf residues of bifenthrin at the field rate (0.06 g [AI]/liter) or higher (0.12-0.24 g [AI]/liter) gave >68% mortality of adults, but efficacy was reduced with residues of 24 h (LC 50 =0.034 g [AI]/liter) or older. Dried residues of insecticidal soap and N. gossei extract were not effective on adults. Contact bioassays were also conducted on tomato leaves infested with uniform cohorts of eggs or nymphs. Response patterns to insecticides were similar among developmental stages of the whitefly, with young nymphs being the most susceptible, followed by older nymphs and eggs. LC 50 s of Sunspray oil to young and old nymphs were 0.032 and 0.088%, and of bifenthrin were 0.001 and 0.106 g (AI)/liter, respectively. Insecticidal soap and N. gossei extract were all effective on young nymphs, even at very low rates (LC 50 , 0.15% and 0.08 g [AI]/liter, respectively), but had no significant effect on eggs. N. gossei extract was effective on older nymphs at low rates (LC 50 = 0.14 g [AI]/liter), whereas insecticidal soap was not (LC 50 =0.51%).
Microfluidic CODES: a scalable multiplexed electronic sensor for orthogonal detection of particles in microfluidic channels

Numerous biophysical and biochemical assays rely on spatial manipulation of particles/cells as they are processed on lab-on-a-chip devices. Analysis of spatially distributed particles on these devices typically requires microscopy negating the cost and size advantages of microfluidic assays. In this paper, we introduce a scalable electronic sensor technology, called microfluidic CODES, that utilizes resistive pulse sensing to orthogonally detect particles in multiple microfluidic channels from a single electrical output. Combining the techniques from telecommunications and microfluidics, we route three coplanar electrodes on a glass substrate to create multiple Coulter counters producing distinct orthogonal digital codes when they detect particles. We specifically design a digital code set using the mathematical principles of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) telecommunication networks and can decode signals from different microfluidic channels with >90% accuracy through computation even if these signals overlap. As a proof of principle, we use this technology to detect human ovarian cancer cells in four different microfluidic channels fabricated using soft lithography. Microfluidic CODES offers a simple, all-electronic interface that is well suited to create integrated, low-cost lab-on-a-chip devices for cell- or particle-based assays in resource-limited settings.
Computer Simulations of Non-Newtonian Fluid Flow in Rectangular Cavity

In this paper we present the results of the CFD simulations of the non-Newtonian fluid flow in rectangular cavity. FLOW-3D commercial software (Flow-Simulations, Inc.) has been used to predict flow velocity distributions and pressure losses when non-Newtonian fluid flows through the square cavity.© 2002 ASME
Cycle life prediction of LiFePO_4 Li-ion battery based on MIV Algorithm and BP Neural Network

In order to deal with the declining of cycle life of lithium batteries and to predict their cycle life more accurately, a circulation test of charging and discharging during the whole lifecycle of lithium iron phosphate batteries was conducted and related performance parameter was got. Then a life prediction model was proposed based on the analytical method of BP network analysis. Based on the prediction model, the algorithm of mean influencing value(MIV) was applied to filter the input parameters of the model. The results indicate that the prediction model of cycle life of lithium batteries established possesses a higher precision, which is in accord with the actual running characteristic of the batteries and is of significance to solve the problems of long period and high cost of assessment of battery life.
Frontline Science: Sphingosine rescues burn-injured mice from pulmonary Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection

Burn patients with concomitant pulmonary Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infection have mortality rates as high as 50%, despite antibiotic therapy. Sphingosine is generated from ceramide via ceramidase and has been reported to have antimicrobial properties. We observed a reduction in sphingosine and a concurrent increase in ceramide in bronchial epithelial cells after burn injury. After PA inoculation, these mice had a significant decrease in survival compared to noninjured mice. However, when injured mice were pretreated with sphingosine or neutral ceramidase and subsequently infected, mortality and bacterial levels were robustly reduced. We further observed that sphingosine directly kills PA. Together, these results demonstrate that reduction in sphingosine is associated with an increased susceptibility to pulmonary infection after burn injury. Restoration of sphingosine levels through direct sphingosine administration or conversion of the increased ceramide to sphingosine by neutral ceramidase reduces mortality and mitigates pulmonary infection after burn injury.
If Content Is King then e3 Instruction Is Queen

The Internet is a wonderful vehicle for presenting information, lots and lots of information. But information alone is not instruction. When content information is accompanied by appropriate learning activities then more effective, efficient, and engaging learning is promoted. Too much so-called instruction consists of mostly content information. This instruction can be significantly improved by the addition of appropriate demonstration that shows learners how to use the information. Instruction can be further improved by adding appropriate application which requires learners to identify new instances of a given object or event or to actually execute a series of steps to complete some complex task or solve a problem. While the addition of appropriate demonstration and application learning activities will significantly improve the instruction, an even more dramatic improvement results from instruction that is organized in the context of a progression of increasingly complex instances of a problem to be solved or a task to be completed.
Hemorrhagic encephalopathy from acute baking soda ingestion

Baking soda is a readily available household product composed of sodium bicarbonate. It can be used as a home remedy to treat dyspepsia. If used in excessive amounts, baking soda has the potential to cause a variety of serious metabolic abnormalities. We believe this is the first reported case of hemorrhagic encephalopathy induced by baking soda ingestion. Healthcare providers should be aware of the dangers of baking soda misuse and the associated adverse effects.
Pure Nash Equilibrium in a Capacitated Selfish Resource Allocation Game

A resource allocation game with identical preferences is considered where each player, as a node of an undirected unweighted network, tries to minimize his or her cost by caching an appropriate resource. Using a generalized ordinal potential function, a polynomial time algorithm is devised in order to obtain a pure-strategy Nash equilibrium (NE) when the number of resources is limited or the network has a high edge density with respect to the number of resources. Moreover, an algorithm to approximate any NE of the game over general networks is provided, and the results are extended to games with arbitrary cache sizes. Finally, a connection between graph coloring and the NE points has been established.