cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of the Goethite-water Interface

Classical molecular models of the goethite mineral are presented for both a periodically replicated bulk slab and for a finite fragment. Potential energy functions for the mineral models were developed within the AMBER force field [Cornell, W.D., Cieplak, P., Bayly, C.I., Gould, I.R., Merz, K.M., Ferguson, D.M., Spellmeyer, D.C., Fox, T., Caldwell, J.W. and Kollman, P.A. "A second generation force field for the simulation of proteins, nucleic acids and organic molecules," J. Am. Chem. Soc. 117 (1995) 5179-5197], which facilitates biogeochemical applications. Intramolecular potential parameters were chosen to yield a mineral structure with flexible surface hydroxyl groups. The electrostatic potential for a goethite slab was determined from a periodic Unrestricted Hartree-Fock calculation and used to assign point charges to the mineral atoms. The models were solvated in water and their effect on solution structure is shown to be very similar, predicting oscillations in solvent density near the mineral surfa...
Computer games' influence on scientific and information visualization

The breakneck pace of consumer graphics development has yielded an unexpected dividend: using commodity graphics boards in high-end scientific applications. Historically, the visualization community has been a driving force in high-end computer graphics innovation, fostering technologies that have gradually filtered down to the consumer market. In recent years, however, the financial growth of the computer games market has made it the driving force in the development of consumer graphics applications and hardware. While scientific and information visualization focus on knowledge, computer games focus on play. Thus, the type of play a game depicts strongly affects the graphics it requires. Popular game environments span many classifications, including fast-paced first-person shooting games, massively multiplayer roleplaying games, computer translations of classic board games like chess and backgammon, and construction simulations that let players create a city or even an entire world. Regardless of their differences, each game type facilitates the development of visual thinking concepts. Thinking visually in three dimensions, benefits the sense of wonder and user interaction connected with the application of scientific and information visualization technologies.
First demonstration of megapixel dual-band QWIP focal plane array

Quantum well infrared photodetectors (QWIPs) are well known for their stability, high pixel-pixel uniformity and high pixel operability which are quintessential parameters for large area imaging arrays. In this paper we report the first demonstration of the megapixel-simultaneously-readable and pixel-co-registered dual-band QWIP focal plane array (FPA). The dual-band QWIP device was developed by stacking two multi-quantum-well stacks tuned to absorb two different infrared wavelengths. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the mid-wave infrared (MWIR) band extends from 4.4 – 5.1 µm and FWHM of the long-wave infrared (LWIR) band extends from 7.8 – 8.8 µm. Dual-band QWIP detector arrays were hybridized with direct injection 30 µm pixel pitch megapixel dual-band simultaneously readable CMOS read out integrated circuits using the indium bump hybridization technique. The initial dual-band megapixel QWIP FPAs were cooled to 68K operating temperature. The preliminary data taken from the first megapixel QWIP FPA has shown system NEΔT of 27 and 40 mK for MWIR and LWIR bands respectively.
Does Chlamydia pneumoniae cause coronary heart disease

Evidence continues to accumulate to support a role for Chlamydia pneumoniae in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, and in particular, coronary heart disease. In an analysis of 18 seroepidemiological studies, individuals with high-titer antibodies to Chlamydia pneumoniae have at least a twofold or larger odds ratio for coronary heart disease compared with seronegative individuals. In addition, viable Chlamydia pneumoniae has been cultured directly from atherosclerotic tissue, and has been demonstrated by polymerase chain reaction, immunocytochemistry, and electron microscopy in nearly 50% of atheromatous lesions, but in only 5% of control samples. Chlamydia pneumoniae has been shown to infect and reproduce in vitro in human smooth muscle cells, coronary artery endothelial cells, and macrophages, and has been shown to induce procoagulant activity and platelet adhesion factors known to contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, Chlamydia pneumoniae has been identified in atherosclerotic tissue in two experimental animal models. Finally, two pilot antibiotic trials of post-myocardial infarction patients receiving antibiotics effective against Chlamydia pneumoniae have demonstrated a fivefold reduction in cardiovascular events compared with those patients receiving placebo. Although a causal effect has not been proved, the relationship between Chlamydia pneumoniae and atherosclerosis continues to grow and to stimulate more definitive studies.
Adaptive Edge Histogram Descriptor for Landmine Detection using GPR

The Edge Histogram Detector (EHD) is a landmine detection algorithm for sensor data generated by ground penetrating radar (GPR). It uses edge histograms for feature extraction and a possibilistic K-Nearest Neighbors (K-NN) rule for confidence assignment. To reduce the computational complexity of the EHD and improve its generalization, the K-NN classifier uses few prototypes that can capture the variations of the signatures within each class. Each of these prototypes is assigned a label in the class of mines and a label in the class of clutter to capture its degree of sharing among these classes. The EHD has been tested extensively. It has demonstrated excellent performance on large real world data sets, and has been implemented in real time versions in hand-held and vehicle mounted GPR. In this paper, we propose two modifications to the EHD to improve its performance and adaptability. First, instead of using a fixed threshold to decide if the edge at a certain location is strong enough, we use an adaptive threshold that is learned from the background surrounding the target. This modification makes the EHD more adaptive to different terrains and to mines buried at different depths. Second, we introduce an additional training component that tunes the prototype features and labels to different environments. Results on large and diverse GPR data collections show that the proposed adaptive EHD outperforms the baseline EHD. We also show that the edge threshold can vary significantly according to the edge type, alarm depth, and soil conditions.
Glucocorticoids: Competitive inhibition of glucose transport

Summary Prednisolone competitively inhibits the transport of 2-deoxy-D-glucose by cultured Novikoff rat hepatoma cells without affecting deoxyglucose phosphorylation. The Ki for the inhibition (2 mM) is about the same as the Km for deoxyglucose transport. Transport is maximally inhibited immediately upon addition of the drug. Glucose metabolism by the cells is inhibited in direct proportion to the inhibition of glucose uptake.
Gray wolves not out of the woods yet.

In April 2009, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) removed the northern Rocky Mountain population of gray wolves ( Canis lupus ) from all protections under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Following the ESA's mandate to base listing determinations “solely on the…best scientific and
Current Recommendations for Surveillance and Surgery of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms May Overlook Some Patients with Cancer

The 2012 Sendai Criteria recommend that patients with 3 cm or larger branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMN) without any additional “worrisome features” or “high-risk stigmata” may undergo close observation. Furthermore, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is not recommended for BD-IPMN 3 cm were removed based on size alone. Our results suggest that “larger” size on noninvasive imaging can indicate high-grade/invasive cysts, and EUS-FNA may help identify “smaller” cysts with high-grade/invasive pathology.
Posttranslational Modifications as Modulators of Mechanical Protein Folding

Understanding the molecular basis of muscle elasticity is an important challenge in medicine. For example, mutations in the giant elastic protein titin are implicated in the etiology of dilated cardiomyopathies. We use single molecule force-clamp spectroscopy to study the folding and unfolding dynamics of single polyproteins composed of tandem repeats of titin Ig domains. Protein elasticity is due to the diffusional extension and collapse of a polyprotein along its free energy landscape. Using single molecule force-clamp traces we calculate the free energy of a polyprotein along its stretching coordinate under different mechanical force regimes. At high stretching forces the free energy is dominated by changes in entropy as the molecule unfolds and extends. When the force is quenched, enthalpic interactions become important as the polyprotein slowly progresses from collapsed states to molten globules and then to the mechanically stable native state. We also show that while the polyprotein is in the extended state, cysteine residues that are normally buried become exposed to the solution where they can be post-translationally modified. We have found that S-glutathionylation of such cryptic cysteines greatly decreases the mechanical stability of an Ig domain as well as its ability to fold, favoring more extensible states in titin. Thus, the free energy landscape of a protein extending and folding under force is strongly modulated by the redox state of a cell. We propose that posttranslational modification of cryptic cysteine residues is a major regulatory pathway of tissue elasticity. Accurate predictions of elastic phenotypes in titin will be possible after we fully understand how cellular chemistry modulates the physics of a polypeptide extending under force.
Using abrasive flow machining to seal and finish conformal channels in laminated tooling

Purpose – To determine the feasibility of sealing and finishing conformal cooling/heating channels in profiled edge laminae (PEL) rapid tooling (RT) using abrasive flow machining (AFM).Design/methodology/approach – Sample PEL tools constructed of both aluminum and steel were designed and assembled for finishing by AFM. A simple design of experiments approach was utilized. Output parameters of interest included the material removal, surface roughness improvement and, most importantly, the ability to withstand a pressurized oil leak test.Findings – AFM significantly improved the finish in the channels for aluminum and steel PEL tooling. Leak testing found that AFM also improved the sealing of both stacks at static pressures up to 690 kPa. The steel tooling appeared to benefit more from the AFM process. It has been postulated that the primary cause of the sealing is the plastic deformation of workpiece material in the plowing mode.Research limitations/implications – The conformal channels studied had a simpl...
Enzymes controlling cerebral DNA synthesis: response to 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid and hexachlorophene.

2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic acid and hexachlorophene are potent inhibitors of ribonucleotide reductase from developing brain. The inhibition was partially reversed by Fe2+. Administration of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid to pregnant rats resulted in inhibition of fetal cerebral ribonucleotide reductase assayed in vitro. 2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic acid did not inhibit cerebral DNA polymerase or thymidine kinase while 10−5 – 10−4 M hexachlorophene inhibited DNA polymerase.
Survey of Directors of Respiratory Therapy Departments Regarding the Future Education and Credentialing of Respiratory Care Students and Staff

OBJECTIVE: Information and opinions were sought on the need for graduating and practicing respiratory therapists to obtain 66 competencies necessary for practice in 2015 and beyond, the required length of respiratory care programs, the educational needs of practicing therapists, current and future workforce positions, and the appropriate credential needed by graduating therapists. METHODS: Survey responses from respiratory therapy department directors or managers are the basis of this report. After pilot testing and refining the questions, a self-administered, Internet based, American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) endorsed survey was used to gather information from 2,368 individuals designated as respiratory therapy department directors or managers in the AARC membership list as of May 2010. RESULTS: A total of 663 valid survey responses (28.0%) were received. On average, the vacancy rate of surveyed hospitals was only 0.81 full-time equivalents (FTEs). Responses by directors on 66 competencies described in the second 2015 conference as needed by graduate and practicing respiratory therapists indicated 90% agreement on 37, between 50% and 90% agreement on 25, and CONCLUSIONS: There was good agreement that graduate and practicing therapists should obtain the vast majority of the 66 competencies surveyed and that the entry level credential should be the RRT. Similar numbers of managers favored an entry level baccalaureate degree as favored an associate degree.
Common mechanism unites membrane poration by amyloid and antimicrobial peptides

Poration of bacterial membranes by antimicrobial peptides such as magainin 2 is a significant activity performed by innate immune systems. Pore formation by soluble forms of amyloid proteins such as islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) is implicated in cell death in amyloidoses. Similarities in structure and poration activity of these two systems suggest a commonality of mechanism. Here, we investigate and compare the mechanisms by which these peptides induce membrane leakage and bacterial cell death through the measurement of liposome leakage kinetics and bacterial growth inhibition. For both systems, leakage occurs through the nucleation-dependent formation of stable membrane pores. Remarkably, we observe IAPP and magainin 2 to be fully cross-cooperative in the induction of leakage and inhibition of bacterial growth. The effects are dramatic, with mixtures of these peptides showing activities >100-fold greater than simple sums of the activities of individual peptides. Direct protein–protein interactions cannot be the origin of cooperativity, as IAPP and its enantiomer D-IAPP are equally cross-cooperative. We conclude that IAPP and magainin 2 induce membrane leakage and cytotoxicity through a shared, cross-cooperative, tension-induced poration mechanism.
Psychosocial and biological influences on menstruation: synchrony, cycle length, and regularity

The purpose of the study was to determine some psychosocial and biological variables as predictors of menstrual synchrony, menstrual cycle length, and menstrual regularity. One-hundred-and-seventy subjects at two all-women colleges kept monthly menstrual records and answered questions about their backgrounds, menstrual histories, and social habits. They also took the Personality Research Form E. Subsets of the total subject group were used in different analyses. Both psychosocial and biological factors were found to predict individual differences in menstrual synchrony among 80 of the women studied. In a group of 144 women, cycle length and cycle regularity were found to depend, in part, on age at menarche. Psychosocial and personality traits also predicted cycle length and regularity. As a group, 86 women did not significantly synchronize their cycles with those of their roommates, although there was a trend towards synchrony. Certain characteristics particular to this sample may have accounted for this finding, including cycles that were relatively long and irregular compared with those reported in other studies. The results support the concept that menstrual cycle variables depend on personality and psychosocial factors as well as on biological ones.
Effects of peripheral substituents and axial ligands on the electronic structure and properties of iron phthalocyanine.

The effects of peripheral substituents and axial ligands on the electronic structure and properties of iron phthalocyanine, H16PcFe, have been investigated using a DFT method. Substitution by electron-withdrawing fluorinated groups alters the ground state of H16PcFe and gives rise to large changes in the ionization potentials and electron affinity. For the six-coordinate adducts with acetone, H2O, and pyridine, the axial coordination of two weak-field ligands leads to an intermediate-spin ground state, while the strong-field ligands make the system diamagnetic. The electronic configuration of a ligated iron phthalocyanine is determined mainly by the axial ligand-field strength but can also be affected by peripheral substituents. Axial ligands also exert an effect on ionization potentials and electron affinity and can, as observed experimentally, even change the site of oxidation/reduction.
Higher Order Transitions in the EPR Spectrum of Fe3+ in MgO

The spectrum of the Δms = 3, 4, and 5 transitions of Fe3+ in single crystals of MgO has been measured. A computer was used to solve the secular equation of the spin Hamiltonian appropriate for Fe3+ in a cubic site in MgO. A table of the angular dependence of the energy levels as a function of magnetic field in the dimensionless quantities W/a vs. g β H/2a is given for g β H/2a between 1.30 and 2.50. The experimental data for the angular dependence of these lines is compared with the calculated values and the agreement found to be within experimental error. Es wurde das Spektrum der Δms = 3, 4 und 5-Ubergange von F3+-Ionen in MgO-Kristallen untersucht. Die Sakulargleichung des Spin-Hamilton-Operators fur das Fe3+-Ion auf einem kubischen Gitterplatz in MgO wurde mit einem Rechenautomaten gelost. Die Winkel abhangigkeit der Energieniveaus als Funktion vom Magnetfeld wird in den dimensionslosen Grosen W/a uber g β H/2a fur die g β H/2a-Werte zwischen 1,30 und 2,50 in einer Tabelle angegeben. Die experimentellen Werte fur die Winkelabhangigkeit dieser Linien werden mit den berechneten Werten verglichen. Die Ubereinstimmung ist innerhalb der experimentellen Fehlergrenzen befriedigend.
From charcot to lou gehrig: deciphering selective motor neuron death in als

Since its description by Charcot more than 130 years ago, the mechanism underlying the characteristic selective degeneration and death of motor neurons in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis has remained a mystery. Modern genetics has now identified mutations in two genes — SOD1 and ALS2 — as primary causes of the disease, and has implicated others as potential contributors. Insights into these abnormalities, together with errors in the handling of synaptic glutamate and the potential excitotoxic response that this alteration provokes, have provided leads for the development of new strategies to identify an as yet elusive remedy for this progressive, fatal disorder.
Transport Coefficients near the Liquid-Gas Critical Point

A perturbation theory for the determination of transport coefficients near the critical point is presented. This perturbation theory is based upon processes in which one transport mode decays into several low-wave-number modes. Scaling-law concepts are used to calculate the order of magnitude of the matrix elements and frequency denominators which appear in this theory. This permits the estimation of the order of magnitude of the transport coefficients near the critical point. In particular, this approach indicates that the thermal conductivity should diverge roughly as ${(T\ensuremath{-}{T}_{c})}^{\frac{\ensuremath{-}2}{3}}$ on the critical isochore and coexistence curve, while the viscosity $\ensuremath{\eta}$ should be either weakly divergent or strongly cusped at the critical point. On the other hand, the bulk viscosity $\ensuremath{\zeta}$ should diverge roughly as ${(T\ensuremath{-}{T}_{c})}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ for low frequencies, and as ${(T\ensuremath{-}{T}_{c})}^{\frac{\ensuremath{-}2}{3}}$ for higher frequencies on the critical isochore near the critical point. Specific predictions are made for these quantities in terms of critical indices, and the connection between these relations and the scaling of frequencies is discussed.
Geometric spanners: Recent results and open directions

The last few years have witnessed a substantial amount of work on geometric spanners due to their important applications in network communications, and in particular, in wireless communications. The topic of geometric spanners is very rich spanning several areas of computer science, including computational geometry, graph theory, and distributed computing. In the current paper, we report on some of the recent progress made on geometric spanners. We also list important questions about geometric spanners that are currently open.
The distribution of income, value of time, and the demand for real balances☆

Abstract This paper tests for the effects of income distribution and real wage rates on households ' real transactions balances using U.S. annual data far the 1947–1988 period. Tests of cointegration reveal support for stable real transactions balances only when these two variables are included in the model. Thus, the apparent rise in income inequality and fall in real wage rates over the past two decades may have contributed to instability in transactions cash balances.
Inter-study variability in CMR measurements of right ventricular volume, mass and ejection fraction in tetralogy of fallot: a prospective observational study.

Background Cardiac MRI (CMR) is commonly used for serial monitoring of right ventricular (RV) size and function in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). However, the inter-study variability of these measurements is not known, which hinders accurate interpretation of serial changes. In this study we prospectively assessed the inter-study variability of CMR measurements of RV size and function in TOF patients. Methods Patients with repaired TOF referred for a clinically indicated CMR examination at our institution were prospectively enrolled. ECG-gated steady-state free precession cine imaging of ventricular long- and short-axis planes was obtained on a 1.5 T scanner. Immediately after the conclusion of the examination, patients returned for a second study performed by a different technologist. Ventricular size and function data from both short-axis image sets were analyzed by a single observer and compared using Bland-Altman analysis with calculation of a repeatability coefficient (2SD of difference between studies), and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Results
Cocaine craving: An evaluation across treatment phases

This study examined the relationship between verbal reports of craving and actual cocaine use across different treatment phases using a longitudinal design. Participants (n = 32) were cocaine-dependent patients who completed an inpatient chemical dependency program and then participated in an 8-week outpatient relapse prevention program. Craving ratings and urine samples were collected during hospitalization, at 12 weekly outpatient treatment sessions, and at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24-week follow-up. Craving increased significantly from inpatient to outpatient treatment. Cocaine-abstinent participants reported lower craving across outpatient treatment and follow-up compared to moderate and heavy cocaine users. The overall relationship between craving and total proportion of cocaine positive urines was highly significant. Implications of these findings for advancing our theoretical and practical knowledge about craving and cocaine use, are explored.
Effective ultraviolet irradiation of platelet concentrates in teflon bags

Several plastic materials used in blood storage were evaluated for their ability to transmit ultraviolet B (UVB) light. A plastic bag manufactured from sheets of transparent Teflon efficiently (78-86%) transmitted UVB light and was employed in subsequent functional studies of lymphocytes and platelets exposed to UVB light while contained in these bags. In vitro experiments showed a UVB dose-dependent abrogation of lymphocyte responder and stimulator functions, with concurrent preservation of platelet aggregation responses. In a phase I pilot study, UVB-treated platelet concentrates were administered to four bone marrow transplant recipients. Adverse effects attributable to the transfusions were not observed, and patients showed clinically effective transfusion responses. No patient developed lymphocytotoxic HLA or platelet antibodies. These studies suggest that platelets can be effectively irradiated with UVB light in a closed system. However, numerous variables, including container material, volume and composition of contents, steady exposure versus agitation, and exact UV wavelength, must be considered.
Integrated system for consumable yield analysis

This paper will give an overview on the approach to provide an integrated system for consumable yield analysis at GLOBALFOUNDIRES to support rapid new product ramp, technology development and yield excursion analysis. The business drivers for such a system will be reviewed, and insight will be given into the integration components, software architecture, challenges, and the implemented and proposed solutions. The paper will conclude with a discussion of yield analysis approaches using the system.
Plant Biotechnology and Its Application to Agriculture

The predicted expansion of plant genetic engineering has occurred since publication of the Spinks Report, but routes to profit have emerged much more slowly than the media predicted. The U.K. made a strong start in the science but its position relative to the U.S.A. has declined because of the relatively massive investment in the U.S.A. by industry and the public sector. An impressive list of plant species have been transformed with new genes over the past few years. Of relevance to agriculture, genes have been identified, isolated, characterized, reconstructed and inserted into plants that confer tolerance to some leading herbicides, insect pests and viruses. Some field trials of the engineered plants have been carried out. Field trials of genetically engineered potato plants have been undertaken in the U.K. The conditions under which genetically engineered plants are to be released into commercial agriculture is currently a very important topic of debate. The detection of favourable genotypes in plant breeding programmes is currently time consuming and expensive in some instances. The ability to assay genetic variation in all regions in the genome by restriction fragment length polymorphism mapping is providing promise to plant breeding programmes for identifying favourable genotypes.
In vivo Nuclease Hypersensitivity Studies Reveal Multiple Sites of Parental Origin-Dependent Differential Chromatin Conformation in the 150 Kb SNRPN Transcription Unit

Human chromosome region 15q11-q13 contains a cluster of oppositely imprinted genes. Loss of the paternal or the maternal alleles by deletion of the region or by uniparental disomy 15 results in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) or Angelman syndrome (AS), respectively. Hence, the two phenotypically distinct neurodevelopmental disorders are caused by the lack of products of imprinted genes. Subsets of PWS and AS patients exhibit 'imprinting mutations', such as small microdeletions within the 5' region of the small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide N ( SNRPN ) transcription unit which affect the transcriptional activity and methylation status of distant imprinted genes throughout 15q11-q13 in cis. To elucidate the mechanism of these long-range effects, we have analyzed the chromatin structure of the 150 kb SNRPN transcription unit for DNase I- and Msp I-hypersensitive sites. By using an in vivo approach on lymphoblastoid cell lines from PWS and AS individuals, we discovered that the SNRPN exon 1 is flanked by prominent hypersensitive sites on the paternal allele, but is completely inaccessible to nucleases on the maternal allele. In contrast, we identified several regions of increased nuclease hypersensitivity on the maternal allele, one of which coincides with the AS minimal microdeletion region and another lies in intron 1 immediately downstream of the paternal-specific hypersensitive sites. At several sites, parental origin-specific nuclease hypersensitivity was found to be correlated with hypermethylation on the allele contributed by the other parent. The differential parental origin-dependent chromatin conformations might govern access of regulatory protein complexes and/or RNAs which could mediate interaction of the region with other genes.
Self-scheduling on distributed-memory machines

The authors present a general approach of self-scheduling a non-uniform parallel loop on a distributed-memory machine. The approach has two phases: a static scheduling phase and a dynamic scheduling phase. In addition to reduce scheduling overhead, using the static scheduling phase allows the data needed by the statically scheduled iterations to be prefetched. The dynamic scheduling phase balances the workload. Data distribution methods for self-scheduling are also the focus of this paper. The authors classify the data distribution methods into four categories and present partial duplication, a method that allows the problem size to grow linearly in the number of processors. The experiments conducted on a 64-node NCUBE show that as much as 79% improvement is achieved over static scheduling on the generation of a false-color image.
Predation on copepods by an Alaskan cladorhizid sponge

Deep water cladorhizids are now generally thought to be carnivorous. While the methods of prey capture have been established for species of Asbestopluma, and perhaps Chondrocladia, information is sparse for species of Cladorhiza. The external morphology of the deep-sea Alaskan species, Cladorhiza corona, was examined immediately after collection, and then again later using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All sponges examined had captured, and in most cases, fully encased, prey items which for the most part consisted of planktonic copepods. The hypothesis of this paper is that the primary process of prey capture is by means of a sticky substance and that prey stick to the sponge on contact. The abundant cladorhizid anisochelae do not seem to be arranged in a manner such that they can be used for prey capture as has been seen in Asbestopluma. Digestion of the prey occurs in a temporary cavity created by migrating sponge cells. Within this cavity lipid from the copepod is liberated, then absorbed and transported to the central part of the sponge. It is not known how much of the remaining tissue of the copepod is digested. Copepods have very high lipid content so their capture would provide the sponge with abundant energy from each prey item. The sponges seem to have their highest density in areas where bottom flow and migrating copepod numbers are both high.
Bit reduction support vector machine

Support vector machines are very accurate classifiers and have been widely used in many applications. However, the training and to a lesser extent prediction time of support vector machines on very large data sets can be very long. This paper presents a fast compression method to scale up support vector machines to large data sets. A simple bit reduction method is applied to reduce the cardinality of the data by weighting representative examples. We then develop support vector machines which may be trained on weighted data. Experiments indicate that the bit reduction support vector machine produces a significant reduction in the time required for both training and prediction with minimum loss in accuracy. It is also shown to be more accurate than random sampling, when the data is not over-compressed.
Epiphyte host preferences and host traits: mechanisms for species-specific interactions

We investigated species-specific relationships among two species of vascular epiphytes and ten host tree species in a coastal plain forest in the southeastern United States. The epiphytes Tillandsia usneoides and Polypodium polypodioides were highly associated with particular host species in the field, but host traits that favored colonization were inadequate to fully explain the epiphyte-host associations for either epiphyte. Field transplant experiments that bypassed epiphyte colonization demonstrated that the growth of epiphytes was significantly higher on host tree species that naturally bore high epiphyte loads than on host species with few or no epiphytes. These species-specific relationships were highly correlated with the water-holding capacity of the host tree's bark. Positive and negative effects of throughfall, light attenuation by the canopy, and bark stability did not explain the overall patterns of host specificity, but did correlate with some epiphyte-host species relationships. The relative importance of particular host traits differed between the "atmospheric epiphyte" Tillandsia, and the fern Polypodium, which roots in the bark of its hosts. Species-specific interactions among plants, such as those described here, suggest that communities are more than individualistic assemblages of co-occurring species.
“Clark/dysplastic” nevi with florid fibroplasia associated with pseudomelanomatous features

Background Melanocytic nevi may exhibit histologic features in common with cutaneous melanoma, creating diagnostic difficulties. Objective We sought to assess the clinical behavior of melanocytic nevi with pseudomelanomatous features in association with dermal fibrosis. Methods Forty-two melanocytic nevi with pronounced fibrosis and associated pseudomelanomatous changes were collected and studied clinically and histologically. Results The fibrosis was centrally located and laminated in appearance. It imparted a trizonal appearance: a junctional component with prominent single cells and/or irregular nests, underlying fibrosis, and a mature dermal component. No recurrence or metastases were evident over an average follow-up period of 2 years. Limitations The follow-up period was short. Conclusions The central location and laminated appearance of the fibrosis suggest that this may represent the extreme end of a spectrum of fibroplastic changes in "Clark/dysplastic" nevi. Adjacent features of "Clark/dysplastic" nevi and limitation of pseudomelanomatous features to the perifibrotic focus are important in accurately identifying these lesions. Although melanocytic nevi with exaggerated fibroplasia may show foci with melanoma-like features, they do not appear to exhibit aggressive clinical behavior.
REDUS: finding reducible subspaces in high dimensional data

Finding latent patterns in high dimensional data is an important research problem with numerous applications. The most well known approaches for high dimensional data analysis are feature selection and dimensionality reduction. Being widely used in many applications, these methods aim to capture global patterns and are typically performed in the full feature space. In many emerging applications, however, scientists are interested in the local latent patterns held by feature subspaces, which may be invisible via any global transformation.In this paper, we investigate the problem of finding strong linear and nonlinear correlations hidden in feature subspaces of high dimensional data. We formalize this problem as identifying reducible subspaces in the full dimensional space. Intuitively, a reducible subspace is a feature subspace whose intrinsic dimensionality is smaller than the number of features. We present an effective algorithm, REDUS, for finding the reducible subspaces. Two key components of our algorithm are finding the overall reducible subspace, and uncovering the individual reducible subspaces from the overall reducible subspace. A broad experimental evaluation demonstrates the effectiveness of our algorithm.
An investigation into the performance of composite hat stringers incorporating nanocomposites using a multiscale framework

In this paper, an effort has been made to investigate the incorporation of carbon nanotubes in structural composites in order to improve damage characteristics, such as delamination. The nanocomposite material is introduced in the damage-prone regions of complex aerospace stiffener sections; the methodology proposed is an alternative to traditional approaches used to suppress delamination in composites, such as the use of metallic fittings. Numerical simulations are conducted using a multiscale modeling framework. The effective properties of the nancomposites are computed using a micromechanics-based approach and the results are compared with those obtained using a Kalman filter algorithm. The information is then used to analyze the structural response of a hat stringer using detailed finite element models. The stringer is analyzed under different loading conditions and varying levels of defects in the structure. Results obtained indicate that the use of nanocomposites improves the structural performance ...
JMJD2A Is a Novel N-CoR-Interacting Protein and Is Involved in Repression of the Human Transcription Factor Achaete Scute-Like Homologue 2 (ASCL2/Hash2)

Corepressor N-CoR (nuclear receptor corepressor) and the highly related protein SMRT (silencing mediator of retinoid and thyroid hormone receptor) play important roles in different biological processes including proliferation, differentiation, and development. Understanding the biological function of these corepressors requires identification and characterization of their interacting proteins. Here we report the characterization of a novel N-CoR-interacting protein, JMJD2A (previously known as KIAA0677). JMJD2A is an evolutionarily conserved nuclear protein containing many functionally unknown domains. JMJD2A directly interacts with the N-terminal region of N-CoR through a small NID (N-CoR interaction domain) both in vitro and in vivo. Despite its copurification with N-CoR, JMJD2A is not a core subunit of the stable multiprotein N-CoR complex and is not required for N-CoR-mediated repression by thyroid hormone receptor. By chromatin immunoprecipitation cloning, we identified the human achaete scute-like homologue 2 (ASCL2/Hash2) gene as a gene regulated by JMJD2A. ASCL2 is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor whose mouse homolog is encoded by an imprinted gene highly expressed during the development of extraembroynic trophoblast lineages but repressed in other tissues and is essential for proper placental development. We demonstrated that JMJD2A selectively represses the expression of the ASCL2 gene but not other imprinted genes in the same imprinted locus in HeLa cells and that this repression required a functional N-CoR complex and the tandem Tudor domain of JMJD2A. Like N-CoR, JMJD2A is widely expressed in various mouse tissues. Our data indicate that JMJD2A makes use of the N-CoR complex to repress transcription and suggest that JMJD2A together with N-CoR could play a role in repressing ASCL2 expression in various tissues.
Biodegradation of neutralized sarin

This research investigated the biotransformation of IMPA, the neutralization product of the nerve agent Sarin, by a microbial consortia. As mandated by the Chemical Weapons Convention signed by 132 countries in 1993, all chemical warfare agents are to be destroyed within ten years of ratification. Technologies must be developed to satisfy this commitment. This paper presents data from a biodegradation kinetics study and background information on the biological transformation of IMPA. Microbial transformation of organophosphate nerve agents and organophosphate pesticide intermediates can be incorporated into a treatment process for the fast and efficient destruction of these similar compounds. Sarin (isopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate), also known as GB, is one of several highly neurotoxic chemical warfare agents that have been developed over the past 50 to 60 years. Four mixed cultures were acclimated to the Sarin hydrolysis product, isopropyl methylphosphonic acid (IMPA). Two of these cultures, APG microorganisms and SX microorganisms, used IMPA as the sole phosphorus source. Extended exposure to IMPA improved the cultures' abilities to degrade IMPA to form methylphosphonic acid (MPA) and inorganic phosphate. The presence of free phosphate in the reactor suppressed the degradation of IMPA. IMPA did not inhibit either cultural consortia within the tested concentration range (0 to 1250 mg/L). The numax was 120.9 mg/L/day for the SX microorganisms and 118.3 mg/L/day for the APG microorganisms. Initial IMPA concentrations of 85 to 90 mg/L were degraded to nondetectable levels within 75 h. These results demonstrate the potential for biodegradation to serve as a complementary treatment process for the destruction of stockpiled Sarin.
Double-entrapment radial tunnel syndrome

A symptomatic double-level entrapment of the posterior interosseous branch of the radial nerve is described. In addition to the more common level of compression at its entrance into the supinator, the posterior interosseous nerve may be entrapped at its exit from the supinator or at multiple levels.
The Role of Education in American Indian Self‐Determination: Lessons from the Ramah Navajo Community School

Since 1975 the Indian Self-Determination and Educational Assistance Act has enabled American Indian communities to enact self-determination through community-based schooling. In this study conducted by a Navajo researcher, the Ramah Navajo community defined self-determination and how it was operationalized within the community and school. The study demonstrates how education based on Navajo epistemology has been integral to self-determination at Ramah, underscoring the importance of incorporating Native American epistemologies in schooling for Indigenous students.
Household Wealth Trends in the United States, 1962 to 2013: What Happened over the Great Recession?

I look at wealth trends from 1962 to 2013, particularly for the middle class. Asset prices plunged between 2007 and 2010 but then rebounded from 2010 to 2013. The most telling finding is that median wealth plummeted by 44 percent between 2007 and 2010, almost double the drop in housing prices. Wealth inequality, after almost two decades of little movement, was up sharply from 2007 to 2010. This sharp fall in median net worth and rise in overall wealth inequality are traceable primarily to the high leverage of middle-class families, the high share of homes in their portfolio, and the plunge in house prices. Rather remarkably, median (and mean) wealth did not essentially change from 2010 to 2013 despite the rebound in asset prices. The proximate cause was the high dissavings of the middle class. Wealth inequality also remained largely unchanged.
Discovering Characterization Rules from Rankings

For many ranking applications we would like to understand not only which items are top-ranked, but also why they are top-ranked. However, many of the best ranking algorithms (e. g., SVMs) are black boxes that give little information about the factors for their rankings. We describe and demonstrate a new approach that can work in conjunction with any ranking algorithm to discover explanations for the items at the top of the rankings. These explanations are in the form of rules expressed as boolean combinations of attribute-value expressions. These rules are discovered by contrasting attributes of items drawn from both the top and bottom of a ranking list, looking for items that have high leverage, corresponding to rules with broad coverage and sharp differentiations. We include empirical results to demonstrate the utility of our method.
Being a professional

Various aspects of being a professional are discussed in this paper. These include personal qualities, lifetime professional development, professional responsibilities, job responsibilities, service, and a balanced life style.
Blood Supply Chains

In this chapter, we develop a blood supply chain generalized network optimization model. The model captures the perishability of this lifesaving product through the use of arc multipliers. It contains discarding costs associated with waste/disposal, handles uncertainty associated with demand points, assesses costs associated with shortages/surpluses at the demand points, and quantifies the supply-side risk associated with procurement and other supply chain activities. A case study illustrates the applicability of the analytics framework.
A formal, computational theory of multiple-goal pursuit: integrating goal-choice and goal-striving processes.

Understanding the processes involved when pursuing multiple goals over time is a central question for motivational theorists. A dynamic, computational model integrating theories of goal striving and goal choice is presented to account for data emerging from Schmidt and DeShon’s (2007) multiple-goalpursuit protocol. The simulated results match the results reported in their study, including the finding that relative discrepancy from the goals positively predicted resource allocation early on but negatively predicted it toward the end of the session. Variance in parameters in the model also accounted for individual differences found in the data. Discussion focuses on the theoretical contribution of formally integrating elements of self-regulation theories, further empirical work needed to test the model, and further theoretical work needed to continue the integration process exemplified here.
Complications, salvage, and enhancement of local flaps in facial reconstruction

Complications are part of every surgical procedure and their occurrences are inevitable if the surgeon performs enough operations during his/her lifetime. Learning how to prevent complications and how to manage them when they occur are as important as learning how to perform any given surgical procedure. This is especially true in facial reconstruction with local flaps, as complications threaten not only the functional restoration of the integrity, but also the cosmetic appearance of the patient. This article describes common complications and their underlying mechanisms seen in facial reconstruction with local flaps as well as their treatment or prevention, when possible.
Morphologic Criteria for the Diagnosis of Prostatic Adenocarcinoma in Needle Biopsy Specimens

Abstract Context.—The diagnosis of prostate adenocarcinoma in needle core biopsy specimens is based on multiple diagnostic criteria and supportive features, most of which have been defined mainly from observations in transurethral resection and prostatectomy specimens. There is little information on the frequency with which diagnostic and supportive features of prostate cancer occur within benign glands. The few reports dealing with diagnostic criteria of cancer in needle biopsies have been largely confined to analysis of selected cases that posed particular diagnostic difficulty. Objective.—To analyze the frequency with which numerous diagnostic or supportive features of prostate cancer occur in an unselected, consecutively performed series of 18-gauge prostate needle biopsy specimens. Design.—Two hundred fifty consecutive 18-gauge prostate needle biopsy specimens (150 malignant and 100 benign) were evaluated, using hematoxylin-eosin–stained histologic sections. Results.—The frequency of the histologic f...
Grain Size Effects on the Adhesion of Thin Ductile Films

Grain size can be controlled by varying the process conditions used to deposit the film and post growth processing. This study examines how the grain size will impact the mechanical properties, hardness and adhesion, of thin ductile films on brittle substrates. The grain structures of copper and tin films were examined using OIM and AFM. The interfacial fracture toughness of each film was calculated using a tungsten overlayer and mechanics based models. The hardnesses of the films were correlated to the measured interfacial fracture toughness, and demonstrate that increased hardness correlates to an increased sensitivity to the Mode II component of loading.