cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Collective NMR relaxation model applied to protein dynamics.

A new dynamical model for the interpretation of nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation data is presented. It is based on a normal mode description, treating the low frequencies associated with collective motions as adjustable parameters to optimize agreement between calculated and experimental relaxation order parameters. This model provides a compact representation of many aspects of internal dynamics and characterizes motions affecting different spin pairs in a correlated way. Furthermore, it links together dynamical characteristics of different types of NMR observables and allows one to assess vibrational thermodynamic properties. Sample applications are given for a 25-residue zinc-finger peptide.
Pooled Assessment of Computed Tomography Interpretation by Vascular Neurologists in the STRokE DOC Telestroke Network

Background and Purpose The objective of this pooled analysis was to determine the level of agreement between central read and each of 2 groups (spoke radiologists and hub vascular neurologists) in interpreting head computed tomography (CT) scans of stroke patients presenting to telestroke network hospitals. Methods The Stroke Team Remote Evaluation Using a Digital Observation Camera (STRokE DOC and STRokE DOC-AZ TIME) trials were prospective, randomized, and outcome blinded comparing telemedicine and teleradiology with telephone-only consultations. In each trial, the CT scans of the subjects were interpreted by the hub vascular neurologist in the telemedicine arm and by the spoke radiologist in the telephone arm. We obtained a central read for each CT using adjudicating committees blinded to treatment arm and outcome. The data were pooled and the results reported for the entire population. Kappa statistics and exact agreement rates were used to assess interobserver agreement for radiographic contraindication to recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA), presence of hemorrhage, tumor, hyperdense artery, acute stroke, prior stroke, and early ischemic changes. Results Among 261 analyzed cases, the agreement with central read for the presence of radiological rt-PA contraindication was excellent for hub vascular neurologist (96.2%, κ = .81, 95% CI .64-.97), spoke radiologist report (94.7%, κ = .64, 95% CI .39-.88), and overall (95.4%, κ = .74, 95% CI .59-.88). For rt-PA–treated patients (N = 65), overall agreement was 98.5%, and vascular neurologist agreement with central read was 100%. Conclusions Both vascular neurologists and reports from spoke radiologists had excellent reliability in identifying radiologic rt-PA contraindications. These pooled findings demonstrate that telestroke evaluation of head CT scans for acute rt-PA assessments is reliable.
Multiple receptors for dopamine.

Pharmacological and biochemical criteria can be used to separate those dopamine receptors which are linked to the enzyme adenylyl cyclase and those which are not.
Effects of methionine deficiencies on plasma levels of thyroid hormones, insulin-like growth factors-I and -II, liver and body weights, and feed intake in growing chickens

We showed previously that Met deficiency at 0.25% of the diet causes elevations in plasma triiodothyronine (T3) in broilers. In the present study, plasma levels of thyroid hormones as well as insulin-like growth factors (IGF)-I and -II were measured in chicks fed 3 deficient levels of total Met. Control (0.5%) and Met-deficient diets (0.4, 0.3, and 0.2%) were fed to male broilers from 8 to 22 d of age. Additional groups of control chicks were pair-fed with the Met-deficient ones. Chicks receiving 0.4% Met increased feed intake by 10% with no significant change in body weight. The more severe Met deficiencies of 0.3 and 0.2% caused graded reductions in feed intake and weight gain. However, corresponding pair-fed control chicks were significantly heavier. These changes suggest more marked alterations in metabolic processes with 0.3 and 0.2% Met than with 0.4% Met. Liver weights were heavier in chicks fed 0.3 and 0.2% Met but not 0.4%. Plasma T3 was higher in all deficient chicks compared with the free-fed control, which was significant only with 0.3% Met. However, with 0.3 and 0.2% Met, plasma T3 was significantly elevated compared to pair-fed controls. Plasma thyroxine (T4) was lower in all deficient groups, which was significant only with 0.2% Met, whereas no significant differences occurred between deficient chicks and their pair-fed controls. Plasma IGF-I levels were not significantly different, but they were consistently lower in deficient chicks and deserve further study. Plasma IGF-II was significantly less in chicks fed 0.2% Met compared to pair-fed controls suggesting that Met deficiency interferes with IGF-II metabolism. We concluded that a deficit of dietary Met altered plasma T3 and IGF-II levels, but the effect was dependent on the degree of deficiency.
Quantitative Comparison Between Functional Imaging and Single-Unit Spiking in Rat Somatosensory Cortex

The profile of activity across rat somatosensory cortex on stimulation of a single whisker was examined using both intrinsic signal imaging and electrophysiological recording. In the same animals, ...
Load Transfer Issues in the Tensile and Compressive Behavior of Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are considered to be ultra strong and stiff reinforcements for structural composite applications. The load transfer between the inner and outer nanotubes in multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) has to be clearly understood to realize their potential in not only composites, but also other applications such as nano-springs and nano-bearings. In this paper, we study the load transfer between the walls of multiwall nanotubes both in tension and compression using molecular dynamics simulations. It is found that very minimal load is transferred to the inner nanotube during tension. The load transfer in compression of capped nanotubes is much greater than that in tension. In the case of uncapped nanotubes, the inner nanotube is deformed in bending, only after the outer nanotube is extensively deformed by buckling. It is found that the presence of a few interstitial atoms between the walls of multiwall nanotube can improve the stiffness and enhance the load transfer to the inner nanotubes both in tension and compression.
Expression of genetic information contained in the rna of a defective interfering particle of vesicular stomatitis virus

Abstract Extracellular HR Indiana defective interfering (DI) particles were generated by cells coinfected with these particles and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) New Jersey. Proteins of purified isolates of these heterotypically generated DI particles were analyzed by electrophoresis in stacked polyacrylamide gels. Under these conditions, it was possible to demonstrate that the M and G proteins of Indiana and New Jersey serotypes of VSV were present in the isolates. It was shown that the Indiana proteins could not have originated from a low level of Indiana virion contamination in the original HR DI particle inoculum. Proteins of both serotypes were also found in HR DI particle isolates which were repeatedly passed with New Jersey virions. It is concluded that the genetic information of the HR DI particle RNA was transcribed and translated in vivo . Moreover, the results indicated that New Jersey L protein could be utilized in the transcription of HR DI particle RNA and in the formation of hybrid particles. During the course of these studies, electrophoretic differences between the M proteins of two Indiana virions (HR and Gla) were observed.
Mr. Keynes' Consumption Function and The Time-Preference Postulate

The Consumption Function — a "fundamental psychological law," 281. —The time-preference postulate — another "fundamental psychological law," 285. — Is the pure interest rate already zero? 292. — Conclusions, 294.
Codeswitching and generative grammar: A critique of the MLF model and some remarks on “modified minimalism”

This article presents an empirical and theoretical critique of the Matrix Language Frame (MLF) model (Myers-Scotton, 1993; Myers-Scotton and Jake, 2001), and includes a response to Jake, Myers-Scotton and Gross's (2002) (JMSG) critique of MacSwan (1999, 2000) and reactions to their revision of the MLF model as a “modified minimalist approach”. The author argues that although a new structural definition of the Matrix Language (ML) makes the MLF model falsifiable, its empirical predictions are inconsistent with the facts of codeswitching (CS). The author also identifies significant theoretical problems associated with the MLF model, and suggests that it be rejected on empirical and theoretical grounds, and on grounds of scientific parsimony. In addition, the author contends that JMSG's critique of the Minimalist approach to CS rests on conceptually significant misreadings of published research in CS and in the theory of syntax, and that JMSG fail to motivate their central claim, namely, that a Minimalist approach to CS cannot succeed without incorporating the ML construct. It is further shown that an analysis of the CS facts which JMSG consider as their test case may be straightforwardly pursued within the Minimalist Program without appealing to the ML construct or any other aspect of the MLF model. The author concludes with the recommendation that research on CS depart from the formulation of general CS-specific constraints like the MLF model and engage in the task of analyzing language contact phenomena in terms of independently motivated constructs of linguistic theory.
New derivation for the rough-surface reflection coefficient and for the distribution of sea-wave elevations

In the paper a derivation of the rough-surface reflection coefficient for the coherent reflected field is given. The result obtained assumes a plane wavefront incident on a Gaussian collection of sinusoidal surface waves with uniform phase distribution. The theoretical results obtained is compared with experimental data. In addition, the probability density function of sea-wave elevations is obtained.
Electrostatic changes in phosphorylase kinase induced by its obligatory allosteric activator Ca2

Skeletal muscle phosphorylase kinase (PhK) is a 1.3-MDa hexadecameric complex that catalyzes the phosphorylation and activation of glycogen phosphorylase b. PhK has an absolute requirement for Ca2+ ions, which couples the cascade activation of glycogenolysis with muscle contraction. Ca2+ activates PhK by binding to its nondissociable calmodulin subunits; however, specific changes in the structure of the PhK complex associated with its activation by Ca2+ have been poorly understood. We present herein the first comparative investigation of the physical characteristics of highly purified hexadecameric PhK in the absence and presence of Ca2+ ions using a battery of biophysical probes as a function of temperature. Ca2+-induced differences in the tertiary and secondary structure of PhK measured by fluorescence, UV absorption, FTIR, and CD spectroscopies as low resolution probes of PhK's structure were subtle. In contrast, the surface electrostatic properties of solvent accessible charged and polar groups were altered upon the binding of Ca2+ ions to PhK, which substantially affected both its diffusion rate and electrophoretic mobility, as measured by dynamic light scattering and zeta potential analyses, respectively. Overall, the observed physicochemical effects of Ca2+ binding to PhK were numerous, including a decrease in its electrostatic surface charge that reduced particle mobility without inducing a large alteration in secondary structure content or hydrophobic tertiary interactions. Without exception, for all analyses in which the temperature was varied, the presence of Ca2+ rendered the enzyme increasingly labile to thermal perturbation.
High-level expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic studies of the receptor-binding domain of botulinum neurotoxin serotype D.

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are highly toxic proteins for humans and animals that are responsible for the deadly neuroparalytic disease botulism. Here, details of the expression and purification of the receptor-binding domain (HCR) of BoNT/D in Escherichia coli are presented. Using a codon-optimized cDNA, BoNT/D_HCR was expressed at a high level (150–200 mg per litre of culture) in the soluble fraction. Following a three-step purification protocol, very pure (>98%) BoNT/D_HCR was obtained. The recombinant BoNT/D_HCR was crystallized and the crystals diffracted to 1.65 A resolution. The crystals belonged to space group P212121, with unit-cell parameters a = 60.8, b = 89.7, c = 93.9 A. Preliminary crystallographic data analysis revealed the presence of one molecule in the asymmetric unit.
Ventilatory response to hypercapnia before and after athletic training

Abstract To assess the effect of athletic training on the slope (S) of the hypercapnic ventilatory response at rest, we prospectively studied 13 untrained young men. S was determined by the slope of the regression ΔV I /Δ Pet CO 2 , calculated between 48 and 63 mm Hg during CO 2 rebreathing. Six of the subjects trained for seven months as intercollegiate rowers while the remaining subjects underwent no traing and served as controls. After training, the rowers had a significant increase in S during hypercapnia. No such change was seen in the untrained controls. These data suggest that athletic training in normal subjects increases CO 2 sensitivity at rest.
An Improved Reciprocal Approximation Algorithm for a Newton Raphson Divider

Newton Raphson Functional Approximation is an attractive division strategy that provides quadratic convergence. With appropriate computational resources, it can be faster than digit recurrence methods if an accurate initial approximation is available. Several table lookup based initial approximation methods have been proposed previously. This paper examines some of these methods and implements a 24 bit divider utilizing a ROM smaller than 1 Kb. A Taylor series based reciprocal approximation method is used that employs a table lookup followed by multiplication. Simulations confirm that the design achieves desired accuracy after one Newton Raphson iteration.
Red blood cell sorting with a multi-bed microfabricated filter

A microfabricated fluidic chip for sorting red blood cells (RBCs) by size has been designed, fabricated and tested. The performance of the chip has been compared against a flow cytometer using samples from identical populations of cells, and statistically significant (p < 0.0005) differences in the measured cell size distributions were observed. The measurement paradigm reported here differs from previously demonstrated devices such as microfabricated Coulter counters or flow cytometers, in that the analysis is inherently parallel and is thus suitable for high throughput, point-of-care analysis. This study is empirical and semi-quantitative. However, important features of RBC trapping are characterized and indications for improved device design are described.
Growth and Catchability of Northern, Florida, and F, Hybrid Largemouth Bass in Texas Ponds

Abstract Fish from two genetically identified populations of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, representing the northern subspecies M. s. salmoides (N × N) and the Florida subspecies M. s. floridanus (F × F), and their reciprocal F1 hybrids (F × N and N × F; female represented first) were stocked in 0.04–0.48-hectare ponds and evaluated for growth, condition, and percent survival during the second year of life. Angling and seine-capture vulnerability were also examined. The F × N cross was significantly heavier and had a significantly higher relative weight (100 [individual weight/standard weight at length]) than the other crosses at the end of the study. The F × F cross was significantly shorter, weighed less, and was in poorer condition than all other crosses. The N × N cross was generally more susceptible to angling than the F × F cross. The F × F cross was significantly less vulnerable to seine capture than the other three crosses.
Controlling Mold on Library Materials with Chlorine Dioxide: An Eight-Year Case Study.

Abstract The University of Oklahoma Libraries uses chlorine dioxide in solution as a wet wipe on moldy books, as a fumigant and in atmosphere—activated gas packs to control mold. Descriptions of the three delivery forms and results are provided. Chlorine dioxide toxicity is compared to some other commonly used preservation treatments.
Ultrasound guidance with nerve stimulation reduces the time necessary for resident peripheral nerve blockade.

Background and Objectives: Educating residents in peripheral nerve blockade may impact the efficiency of a busy regional anesthesia service. Ultrasound guidance may affect the efficiency and effectiveness of nerve block. We examined the impact of ultrasound guidance on resident performance of peripheral nerve block in a regional anesthesia rotation. Methods: An existing de-identified database was used for retrospective analysis of resident performance of interscalene, axillary, femoral, and popliteal nerve blocks, by peripheral nerve stimulator guidance alone and by nerve stimulator aided by ultrasound. The primary variable examined was the time required to perform the block. Others variables included (1) number of needle insertions; (2) proportion of blocks in which there was a blood vessel puncture; and (3) block efficacy. Peripheral nerve-stimulator blocks were guided by surface anatomy and motor stimulation, refined to 0.2 to 0.5 mA of current before injection of local anesthetic, while ultrasound nerve stimulator blocks were confirmed using a current of 0.5 mA. Results: Ultrasound-aided blocks required less time to perform (median = 1.8 min) than nerve stimulator-guided blocks (median = 6.5 min, P Conclusions: During resident teaching, ultrasound-aided peripheral nerve-stimulated block required less time to perform than did nerve-stimulator-guided blocks. Fewer needle insertions were required to perform the ultrasound-guided blocks, and there were fewer blood vessel punctures when ultrasound was used.
A concentrative mechanism for sugars in the chorioid plexus

Abstract The chorioid plexus of the dog incubated in vitro with low concentration of C 14 labeled glucose or galactose concentrates the radioactivity more than 20 fold in the calculated intracellular water. About 2 3 of the radioactivity in the tissue can be recovered as unchanged sugar. Anoxia, dinitrophenol, phlorhizin, lack of sodium, and ouabain inhibit the sugar accumulation. Increasing the concentration of the aldoses in the medium also inhibits the concentrative uptake by the tissue.
Theoretical simulation of temperature distribution in the brain during mild hypothermia treatment for brain injury

Mild or moderate hypothermia (>30°C) has been proposed for clinical use as a therapeutic option for achieving protection from cerebral ischaemia in brain injury patients. In this research, a theoretical model was developed to examine the brain temperature gradients during selective cooling of the brain surface after head injury. The head was modelled as a hemisphere consisting of several layers, representing the scalp, skull and brain tissue, respectively. The dimensions, physical properties and physiological characteristics for each layer, as well as the arterial blood temperature, were used as the input to the Pennes bioheat transfer equation to simulate the steady-state temperature distribution within the brain. Depending on the head surface temperature, a temperature gradient of up to 13°C exists in the brain tissue. The results have shown that the volumetric-averaged brain tissue temperature Tbt, avg for adults and infants can be 1.7 and 4.3°C, respectively, lower than the temperature of the arterial blood supplied to the brain tissue. The location where the probe should be placed to measure Tbt, avg was also determined by the simulation. The calculation suggests that the temperature sensor should be placed 7.5mm and 5.9 mm beneath the brain tissue surface for adults and infants, respectively, to monitor Tbt, avg continuously.
An overnight insulin infusion algorithm provides morning normoglycemia and can be used to predict insulin requirements in noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Initial insulin requirements in noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) are difficult to estimate because of individual variability in insulin sensitivity and secretion. We evaluated a simple, nurse-managed algorithm for overnight delivery of insulin, for its ability to provide morning near-normoglycemia and as a means to predict initial insulin requirements in NIDDM. Twenty-seven patients with poorly controlled NIDDM were studied on 30 occasions. A 12-h iv insulin infusion was begun at 2000 h, and bedside blood glucose concentrations were measured at hourly intervals. The rate of insulin infusion was adjusted according to blood glucose levels. We estimated the preprandial insulin dose requirement for the following day in 16 patients based on overnight insulin requirements to maintain normoglycemia. Preprandial insulin doses were adjusted for prevailing blood glucose concentrations. At 2000 h, the mean (±sem) blood glucose concentration was 265.7 ± 10.8; at 0300 h, it was 122.8± 3.4; and at 0700 h,...
Prospects for biological research in poultry

The present state of the art of biological/physiological research on poultry is described with special emphasis given to future direction. Public policy issues related to agricultural research are ...
Theoretical studies of plasmon resonances in one-dimensional nanoparticle chains: Narrow lineshapes with tunable widths

In this paper we describe a new configuration for producing narrow extinction lineshapes for light scattering from one-dimensional arrays of silver nanoparticles. In this configuration, which is specifically concerned with an array with a finite number of relatively large (radius greater than around 30 nm) nanoparticles, the wavevector of the light is chosen to be parallel to the array axis, while the polarization direction is perpendicular to the array axis. This leads to narrow plasmon/photonic lineshapes when the particle spacing is half the incident wavelength. This effect stands in contrast to the narrow lines previously found for wavevector and polarization vector perpendicular to the array axis, where the optimum spacing is close to the wavelength. The results are rationalized using a semi-analytical evaluation of the coupled dipole interaction, and it is demonstrated that the parallel and perpendicular chains have very different dependence on the number of particles in the chain. Results as a function of chain orientation relative to the wavevector are also considered, as is the possibility of sensing using an array configuration that combines the parallel and perpendicular chain directions.
Comparison of monocular and binocular color matching.

The binocular mixture of 631 mμ and 533 mμ resulting in a match to 582 mμ was compared with monocular mixtures in normal and color-deviant subjects. A haploscopic type of color-mixing apparatus was used which provided for easy, natural binocular fusion. A photopic adaptation field was also provided. The results were (1) All subjects were able to match 582 mμ binocularly. (2) The monocular mixture contained more 533 mμ than the binocular, the ratio being 1.47:1. (3) The binocular match was on the average 17 times more variable than the monocular. (4) Variability was not due to binocular rivalry, as highly trained subjects who experienced little or no rivalry showed no decrease in variability. From these data it was concluded that (1) Binocular matches are different from monocular, possibly implying different physiological mechanisms for each, and (2) The basic Hering and Young-Helmholtz theories are inadequate to account for the data.
RAPD-based method for cultivar-identification of calla lily (Zantedeschia spp.)

A RAPD-based identification system for calla lily cultivars (Zantedeschia spp.) was constructed after screening 60 arbitrary 10-mer primers. Using this method, two or three sequential PCR reactions enable clear identification of 12 cultivars within several days.
Introduction: Intraoperative spinal imaging and navigation

Image-guided surgery (IGS) has been evolving since the early 1990s and is now used on a daily basis in the operating theater for spine surgery at many institutions. In the last 5 years, spinal IGS has greatly benefitted from important enhancements including portable intraoperative CT (iCT) coupled with high-speed computerized stereotactic navigation systems and optical-based camera tracking technology.
Barnase thermal titration via molecular dynamics simulations: detection of early denaturation sites.

Abstract The thermal stability of barnase has been studied using constant pressure and temperature (CPT) molecular dynamics at different temperatures. Barnase X-ray coordinates were obtained from the Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics (RCSB) Protein Data Bank (PDB code:1rnb). Simulations were performed at 285, 295, 300, 335, 345, and 395 K in explicit water under periodic boundary conditions for 280 ps. For each simulation, conformations were saved every 0.2 ps. Root mean square deviation (RMSD) values were calculated relative to the starting structure at 300 K and at time t = 0. Root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) values were calculated relative to the average structure obtained from the 300 K simulation. Both root mean square deviation and fluctuation analysis indicated the presence of discrete regions of hyper-sensitivity along the barnase polypeptide chain. These regions exhibited spikes in flexibility prior to any global structural changes. The specific changes in barnase backbone flexibility are accompanied by increased phi/psi angle fluctuations. These results suggest the presence of early denaturation sites or denaturation nuclei whose local structure is disrupted prior to global structure disruption. Identification of denaturation nuclei suggests that appropriate amino acid replacements at these sites may lead to the design and development of more stable barnase mutants. This strategy of identifying denaturation nuclei in protein structures may represent a first step in the design of more stable protein structures.
In situ chemical trapping of CO/H2 surface species

Abstract CO hydrogenation reactions over RuKY catalysts were monitored in situ using a novel chemical trapping technique to identify surface species. Study of alterations in the product distribution upon addition of the trapping agent led to a good prediction of the type of reactive surface species thought to be present on the surface of these catalysts. This work represents the first evidence that this chemical trapping technique selectively traps active surface intermediate species. A number of other significant changes in the surface chemistry of the catalysts occurred upon addition of the trapping agent, indicating that the action of the trapping agent appears to be more complex than had previously been suggested. Although these results have uncovered interesting and revealing phenomena, it is evident that additional investigations are needed before the full value and import of this technique as a means of identifying reactive surface species can be fully assessed.
Population genetics of marine species: the interaction of natural selection and historically differentiated populations

Abstract High gene flow, particularly as mediated by larval dispersal, has usually been viewed as sufficient to limit geographic isolation as a major source of population differentiation among marine species. Despite the general observation of relatively little geographic variation among populations of high dispersal marine species many cases of divergence have been observed and natural selection has usually been invoked to explain geographic divergence. Detailed study of several allozyme polymorphisms provided additional evidence that selection may be the predominant force that determines genetic divergence in marine systems. There is, however, growing evidence that marine species with high dispersal are more subdivided than originally thought. The use of multi-locus approaches and the application of molecular techniques have provided new insight into the nature of population divergence in marine species. I argue that (1) many species, which were formerly thought to be unstructured, are in fact subdivided into genetically discrete groups, (2) it is often the case that genetically subdivided populations have distinct evolutionary histories, (3) in many cases, natural selection is the consequence of introgression between these groups, and (4) the combination of molecular assays of both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA and allozyme loci provides the best approach to understanding the evolutionary dynamics of these interacting populations.
Atomic structures of Ti based decagonal approximant phases

Abstract Despite the many similarities between icosahedrally ordered phases in Al- and Ti-transition metal (TM) alloys, decagonal phases have been found only in Al-based systems. The closest Ti-TM decagonal approximant reported in the literature is the Ti-TM-Si λ-phase. Starting with the atomic positions of the b.c.c. TiCrSi α-phase, we develop a stoichiometrically correct atomic model for the λ-phase that accurately predicts the observed selected area diffraction patterns and stereographic Kickuchi band maps, and is in agreement with high-resolution micrographs. We present a fully decorated decagonal glass model with cluster matching rules determined from analysis of the atomic clusters. Diffraction simulations from this model strongly resemble measured diffraction patterns from another decagonal approximant phase, referred to as the δ-phase. High-resolution data from the δ-phase are also presented. Comparisons between the local atomic structures of Al-based decagonal phases and Ti-based decagonal approx...
A simple competitive account of some response properties of visual neurons in area MSTd

A simple and biologically plausible model is proposed to simulate the optic flow computation taking place in the dorsal part of medial superior temporal (MSTd) area of the visual cortex in the primates' brain. The model is a neural network composed of competitive learning layers. The input layer of the network simulates the neurons in the middle temporal (MT) area that selectively respond to the visual stimuli of the input motion patterns with different local velocities. The output layer of the network simulates the MSTd neurons that selectively respond to different types of optic flow motion patterns including planar, circular, radial, and spiral motions. Simulation results obtained from this model show that the behaviors of the output nodes of the network resemble very closely the known responsive properties of the MSTd neurons found neurophysiologically, such as the existence of three types of MSTd neurons that respond, respectively, to one, two, or three types of the input motion patterns with different position dependences, and the continuum of response selectivity formed by the three types of neurons.
FTFlex: accounting for binding site flexibility to improve fragment-based identification of druggable hot spots.

Computational solvent mapping finds binding hot spots, determines their druggability and provides information for drug design. While mapping of a ligand-bound structure yields more accurate results, usually the apo structure serves as the starting point in design. The FTFlex algorithm, implemented as a server, can modify an apo structure to yield mapping results that are similar to those of the respective bound structure. Thus, FTFlex is an extension of our FTMap server, which only considers rigid structures. FTFlex identifies flexible residues within the binding site and determines alternative conformations using a rotamer library. In cases where the mapping results of the apo structure were in poor agreement with those of the bound structure, FTFlex was able to yield a modified apo structure, which lead to improved FTMap results. In cases where the mapping results of the apo and bound structures were in good agreement, no new structure was predicted. Availability: FTFlex is freely available as a web-based server at http://ftflex.bu.edu/. Contact: ude.ub@adjav or ude.ub@sadim Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Detection of miRNAs with a nanopore single-molecule counter

miRNAs are short noncoding RNA molecules that are important in regulating gene expression. Due to the correlation of their expression levels and various diseases, miRNAs are being investigated as potential biomarkers for molecular diagnostics. The fast-growing miRNA exploration demands rapid, accurate, low-cost miRNA detection technologies. This article will focus on two platforms of nanopore single-molecule approach that can quantitatively measure miRNA levels in samples from tissue and cancer patient plasma. Both nanopore methods are sensitive and specific, and do not need labeling, enzymatic reaction or amplification. In the next 5 years, the nanopore-based miRNA techniques will be improved and validated for noninvasive and early diagnosis of diseases.
Redox-sensitive transcriptional control by a thiol/disulphide switch in the global regulator, Spx

The Spx protein is indispensable for survival of Bacillus subtilis under disulphide stress. Its interaction with the alpha-subunit of RNA polymerase is required for transcriptional induction of genes that function in thiol homeostasis, such as thioredoxin (trxA) and thioredoxin reductase (trxB). The N-terminal end of Spx contains a Cys-X-X-Cys (CXXC) motif, which is a likely target for redox-sensitive control. We show here that Spx directly activates trxA and -B transcription by interacting with the RNA polymerase alpha-subunit, but it does so only under an oxidized condition. The transcriptional activation by Spx requires formation of an intramolecular disulphide bond between two cysteine residues that reside in the CXXC motif. The mechanism of Spx-dependent transcriptional activation is unique in that it does not involve initial Spx-DNA interaction.
The Mediterranean diet: Effects on proteins that mediate fatty acid metabolism in the colon

A Mediterranean diet appears to have health benefits in many domains of human health, mediated perhaps by its anti-inflammatory effects. Metabolism of fatty acids and subsequent eicosanoid production is a key mechanism by which a Mediterranean diet can exert anti-inflammatory effects. Both dietary fatty acids and fatty acid metabolism determine fatty acid availability for cyclooxygenase- and lipoxygenase-dependent production of eicosanoids, namely prostaglandins and leukotrienes. In dietary intervention studies and in observational studies of the Mediterranean diet, blood levels of fatty acids do reflect dietary intakes but are attenuated. Small differences in fatty acid levels, however, appear to be important, especially when exposures occur over long periods of time. This review summarizes how fat intakes from a Greek-style Mediterranean diet can be expected to affect fatty acid metabolizing proteins, with an emphasis on the metabolic pathways that lead to the formation of proinflammatory eicosanoids. The proteins involved in these pathways are ripe for investigation using proteomic approaches and may be targets for colon cancer prevention.
Study of the Microstructure of Amorphous Germanium Alloys Using AFM and SAXS

Many researchers have found the photoresponse of germanium-based films to be directly related to the homogeneity of the film’s microstructure, with more homogeneous films having better photoresponse. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) gives the resolution needed for studying microstructure, but is typically limited to imaging films with a thickness of less than 200 nm. Surface measurement by atomic force microscopy (AFM) gives a three-dimensional representation of the film surface and can be used for measuring any thickness film. A more complete idea of the microstructure can be gained by combining AFM with small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements. SAXS measurements yield the size of internal voids or less dense regions and indicate whether the inhomogeneities have a preferred orientation, such as might be associated with columnar growth. Films of amorphous germanium and germanium carbon alloy were grown by the PECVD method from SiH4, GeF4, H2 and CH4 source gases. The films were then characterized using AFM, SAXS, and FTIR. The effect that various growth conditions had on the microstructure and photoresponse will be reported.
The Discrimination between Tornadic and Nontornadic Supercell Environments: A Forecasting Challenge in the Southern United States

Abstract Recent results from storm-scale modeling experiments have suggested that the strength of the 3–7-km storm-relative wind plays a very important role in determining whether or not a storm that already exhibits midlevel updraft rotation will, in fact, develop a persistent low-level mesocyclone, a feature commonly observed prior to tornadogenesis. This concept and others are applied to a total of 73 southern U.S. proximity soundings that have been compiled over a 36-yr period, 1960–95, in an attempt to discriminate between tornadic and nontornadic supercell environments. Of the 73 proximity soundings, 45 were classified as southern plains tornadic and 28 were southern plains nontornadic. The results of this study suggest that strength of the 2–9-km storm-relative wind, when used in combination with some measure of thermodynamic instability, or even the energy–helicity index, has proven to be a good indicator of whether or not an environment is supportive of tornadic supercells. Also, the magnitude of...
Elastic Response of Thermal Spray Deposits under Indentation Tests

The elastic response behavior of thermal spray deposits at Knoop indentations has been investigated using indentation techniques. The ratio of hardness to elastic modulus, which is an important prerequisite for the evaluation of indentation fracture toughness, is determined by measuring the elastic recovery of the in-surface dimensions of Knoop indentations. The elastic moduli of thermal spray deposits are in the range of 12%-78% of the comparable bulk materials and reveal the anisotropic behavior of thermal spray deposits. A variety of thermal spray deposits has been examined, including Al2O3, yttria-stabilized ZrO2(YSZ), and NiAl. Statistical tools have been used to evaluate the error estimates of the data.
Reducing common-mode voltage in three-phase sine-triangle PWM with interleaved carriers

Interleaving pulse width modulation (PWM) waveforms is a proven method to reduce ripple in dc-dc converters. The present study explores interleaving for three-phase motor drives. Fourier analysis shows that interleaving the carriers in conventional uniform PWM significantly reduces the common-mode voltage. New digital signal processor (DSP) hardware supports interleaving directly with changes to just two registers at setup time, so no additional computation time is needed during operation. The common-mode voltage reduction ranges from 36% at full modulation to 67% when idling with zero modulation. Third-harmonic injection slightly reduces the advantage (to 25% at full modulation). However, the maximum RMS common-mode voltage is still less than 20% of the bus voltage under all conditions. The disadvantage of the proposed approach is an increase in current ripple at the switching frequency. Simulations verify the findings. Experiments on a motor drive that uses a commercially available motor-control DSP, connected to a 5 hp motor, agree well with calculations and simulations.
Introduction: Loss of Confidence and Policy Change in the 1970s

The 1970s had at least as powerful an impact on the course of American public policy as the decade that preceded it. Polls showed that confidence in large institutions—including government—was wearing down under the burden of crisis, complexity, scandal, and doubt. Inflation, economic stagnation, and severe oil shortages directly disrupted individual lives. Faith in the future of the nation, its economy, its institutions, and its government eroded.
Banks versus Venture Capital: Project Evaluation, Screening, and Expropriation

Why do some start-up firms raise funds from banks and others from venture capitalists? To address this question, I study a model in which the venture capitalist can evaluate the entrepreneur's project more accurately than the bank but can also threaten to steal it from the entrepreneur. Consistent with evidence regarding venture capital finance, the model implies that the characteristics of a firm financing through venture capitalists are relatively little collateral, high growth, high risk, and high profitability. The model also suggests that tighter protection of intellectual property rights encourages entrepreneurs to finance through venture capitalists. SINCE 1980 THE U.S. VENTURE capital industry has grown dramatically. Venture capitalists are known to play a crucial role in incubating new firms by supplying them with equity capital. Banks, too, are an important source of funds for new firms. But banks seem slower than venture capitalists in meeting the financial needs of new firms. According to Ueda (2002), indicators of bank lending to small firms are constant or even fall after 1977, whereas venture capital investment is almost 100 times larger in 2001 than it was in 1977. To understand this trend in which venture capital financing has grown significantly relative to bank financing, I develop a simple model of the trade-offs involved between financing through a bank and through a venture capitalist. The bank is less informed than either the entrepreneur or the venture capitalist, and as a result must attempt to induce self-selection for the profitable entrepreneur, make use of collateral, and demand higher payments from the profitable entrepreneur in order to break even. On the other hand, when they meet, the venture capitalist and the entrepreneur become equally informed about the project, but the venture capitalist may be able to undertake the project
Placing Deviance in a Legal and Local Context: A Multilevel Analysis of Cigarette Use in the European Union

Though it has produced a high-quality body of research, the study of substance use has remained highly individualized in its focus. This paper adds further sociological understanding to that research. Using hierarchical models, the following explores how institutional and criminological theories can be incorporated into substance use research by examining cigarette smoking at 3 levels of variation. Two main findings emerge. First, national legal context plays a role in understanding individual-level probabilities of substance use, even after controlling for individual and local characteristics. For example, lower probabilities of smoking occur where there are smoking bans and minimum purchase ages. Second, the effects of local context, such as unemployment and the percentage of young people, exhibit significant effects on individual-level cigarette use.
Computing spanners of asymptotically optimal probabilistic roadmaps

Asymptotically optimal motion planning algorithms guarantee solutions that approach optimal as more iterations are performed. Nevertheless, roadmaps with this property can grow too large and unwieldy for fast online query resolution. In graph theory there are many algorithms that produce subgraphs, known as spanners, which have guarantees about path quality. Applying such an algorithm to a dense, asymptotically optimal roadmap produces a sparse, asymptotically near optimal roadmap. Experiments performed on typical, geometric problems in SE(3) show that a large reduction in roadmap edges can be achieved with a small increase in path length. Online queries are answered much more quickly with similar results in terms of path quality. This also motivates future work that applies the technique incrementally so edges that won't increase path quality will never be added to the roadmap and won't be checked for collisions.
Thyroid hormone components are expressed in three sequential waves during development of the chick retina.

Background Thyroid hormone (TH) is an important developmental regulator in many tissues, including the retina. TH is activated locally via deiodinase 2 (Dio2), and it is destroyed by deiodinase 3 (Dio3). The TH receptors, TRa and TRb, mediate TH activity through hormone and DNA binding, and interactions with transcription regulators.
Persistent Elevation of Factor VIII and Long-term Patient Outcomes in Ischemic Stroke (P3.076)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between long-term outcomes and persistent FVIII elevation. BACKGROUND: Elevation of coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) is a risk factor for ischemic stroke. Prior research demonstrated that FVIII is persistently elevated in the majority of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We sought to compare long-term outcomes of patients who had persistently elevated FVIII with those who had normalization of FVIII after AIS. DESIGN/METHODS: From our stroke registry, all AIS patients admitted between 07/2008-05/2014 with elevated FVIII levels were eligible if repeat FVIII levels, drawn at least 7 days post-discharge, were measured. Patients with FVIII levels >150[percnt] were categorized as elevated. The primary outcome was change in modified Rankin scale (mRS) score between baseline and follow-up comparing transient (tFVIII) and persistent (pFVIII) elevation groups. RESULTS: Among 1,631 AIS cases, 106 patients had initially elevated FVIII levels and repeat FVIII levels obtained >7 days post-discharge. A total of 84 (79.3[percnt]) of patients had pFVIII. Time from initial FVIII measurement to second FVIII measurement was not significantly different between tFVIII and pFVIII groups (77 vs 94 days, p=0.9255). Discharge mRS was significantly higher at discharge (3 vs 2, p=0.0436), but not at follow-up (2 vs 2, p=0.0513), in patients with pFVIII. The change in mRS between baseline and follow-up was not significantly different between the two groups (p=0.9935). However, the proportion of patients with mRS 4-6 at follow-up was significantly higher in patients with pFVIII (19.1[percnt] vs 0.0[percnt], p=0.0173). CONCLUSIONS: In our study population, persistent elevation in FVIII was not associated with the magnitude of improvement in mRS between baseline and follow-up, but was associated with increased frequency of moderate-to-severe disability or death at time of follow-up. Persistent versus transient elevation in FVIII may have long-term functional implications. Disclosure: Dr. Samai has nothing to disclose. Dr. Boehme has nothing to disclose. Dr. George has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dowell has nothing to disclose. Dr. Schluter has nothing to disclose. Dr. El Khoury has nothing to disclose. Dr. Martin-Schild has received personal compensation for activities with Genentech as a speakers bureau participant.