cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Excision of γ-ray damaged thymine by E. coli extracts is due to the 5′→3′ exonuclease associated with DNA polymerase I

Abstract Extracts of E. coli pol Aexl which contains a temperature sensitive 5′→3′ exonuclease function of polymerase I accomplish the selective excision of products of the 5,6-dihydroxy-dihydrothymine type from γ-irradiated DNA and OsO4-oxidized polyd(A-T) at the permissive temperature (30°) but not at the nonpermissive temperature (42°). The 5′→3′ exonuclease activity of polymerase I, therefore, acts as a repair exonuclease in γ-ray excision repair.
Land Conversion for Solar Facilities and Urban Sprawl in Southwest Deserts Causes Different Amounts of Habitat Loss for Ashmeadiella Bees

Land conversion for human use poses one of the greatest threats to terrestrial ecosystems and causes habitat loss for a myriad of species. The development of large solar energy facilities and urban sprawl are converting wild lands in the Southwest deserts of the USA for human use and resulting in habitat loss for desert species. This is in part due to the Southwest deserts being identified as having high renewable energy potential while urban areas expand into areas supporting high biodiversity. Previous studies have quantified development within some of these biodiversity hotspots, but none have investigated direct species-specific habitat loss for different species of pollinators. Native bees are poorly studied, and therefore it is difficult to know how much habitat has been lost. We quantified the amount of land conversion occurring between 2010 and 2015 in Clark County, NV, Mojave County, AZ, and San Bernardino County, CA to assess direct loss of potential-habitat for species in the Southwest deserts. Using Satellite images, we quantified the direct habitat loss to solar facilities and estimated other land conversion due to urban sprawl using USDA land cover data. We created eco-niche models in MaxENT for ten Ashmeadiella bees, to estimate the amount of direct, potential-habitat loss caused by solar development and urban expansion. Our data suggest species are not equally affected by land conversion in the Southwest deserts and direct, potential-habitat loss to urban sprawl is much greater than the loss due to solar facilities. Furthermore, our data show each species incurs different amounts of habitat loss to both solar development and urban expansion as well as between counties. These results should assist in pollinator conservation program development by illustrating land conversion can vary between local governments and pollinator species.
Abstract MP25: Diet Quality And Resilience: Examining Age Differences In A Cross-sectional Analysis Of The Well For Life Study

Background: Psychological resilience (resilience), defined as the self-reported ability to bounce back from stress, has been associated with diet quality. Despite the importance of resilience to su...
Geographic connectivity and cross-border investment: The Belts, Roads and Skies

Abstract How much have falling transport costs through the diffusion of transport networks contributed to the growth of cross-border investment? Exploring rich cross-country transport network and travel time data and exogenous sources of variations from cost and supply requirements of transportation technology, we show that expanding transport networks have reshaped the spatial organization and distance elasticities of cross-border investments. The proliferation of direct flights, liner shipping, and high-speed rail have flattened the spatial distribution of global investments and contributed to a 27-percent increase in the world's cross-border investment in 2000–2012. The analysis also predicts that the Belt and Road Initiative, the most ambitious transport initiative in recent history, could further raise cross-border investment by 3 percent for participating countries and 1 percent for non-participating countries via network spillovers. The effects vary, however, with market size, regulatory efficiency, and trade integration and are especially vital for developing nations with less attractive market and institutional characteristics.
A Customizable DNA and Microsphere-Based, Magnetically Actuated Microswimmer

Locomoting microscale robots—microswimmers—have the potential to impact numerous applications due to their ability to selectively interact with their environment with microscale control. Previous microswimmer designs lack either submicron-level precision over their construction or instantaneous control over their shape. Thus, existing microswimmer designs limit the control afforded over microswimmer interactions with their environment. This work presents a magnetically actuated microswimmer constructed from DNA and microspheres in a hybrid top-down and bottom-up assembly technique that allows for submicron-level precision over microswimmer body construction. Microscale features were fabricated via two-photon polymerization, from which polydimethylsiloxane templates were molded. Templated assembly by selective removal was used to deposit microspheres of select size and composition into the templates. This technique was confirmed to be size-selective within a population of microspheres. To construct the microswimmer, a ferromagnetic microsphere and a nonmagnetic microsphere were deposited into a template, connected with DNA nanotubes in their arrangement, magnetized, and pulled from the template. We demonstrate instantaneous control over shape changes via expansion and contraction of a microswimmer’s body in an external magnetic field. In a rotating magnetic field of constant magnitude, the microswimmer expanded as the two microspheres separated a distance of 4.1± 0.5 micrometers, approximately the distance between microspheres deposited in the template. In an oscillating magnetic field, the same microswimmer contracted and locomoted 58.8± 0.7 micrometers over 126 seconds. [2020-0183]
Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Prevalence of Serogroups of Escherichia coli Known to Carry Shiga Toxin Genes in Feces of Finisher Pigs.

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are major foodborne pathogens and seven serogroups, O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, O145, and O157, that account for the majority of the STEC-associated il...
Inducing spontaneous electric polarizations in double perovskite iodide superlattices for ferroelectric photovoltaic materials

In this work, we use density functional theory calculations to demonstrate how spontaneous electric polarizations can be induced via a hybrid improper ferroelectric mechanism in iodide perovskites, a family well known to display solar-optimal band gaps, to create materials for photoferroic applications. We first assemble three chemically distinct $(A{A}^{\ensuremath{'}})(B{B}^{\ensuremath{'}}){\mathrm{I}}_{6}$ double perovskites using centrosymmetric $AB{\mathrm{I}}_{3}$ perovskite iodides (where $A=\mathrm{Cs}$, Rb, K and $B=\mathrm{Sn}$, Ge) as building units. In each superlattice, we investigate the effects of three types of $A$- and $B$-site cation ordering schemes and three different $B{\mathrm{I}}_{6}$ octahedral rotation patterns. Out of these 27 combinations, we find that 15 produce polar space groups and display spontaneous electric polarizations ranging from 0.26 to $23.33\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{C}/{\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$. Furthermore, we find that a layered $A$-site/rock salt $B$-site ordering, in the presence of an ${a}^{0}{a}^{0}{c}^{+}$ rotation pattern, produces a chiral vortex-like $A$-site displacement pattern. We then investigate the effect of epitaxial strain on one of these compounds, (CsRb)(SnGe)${\mathrm{I}}_{6}$, in layered and rock salt ordered configurations. In both phases, we find strong competition between the cation ordering schemes as well as an enhancement of the spontaneous polarization magnitude under tensile strain. Finally, using a hybrid density functional with fractional Fock exchange, we find the iodide superlattices display semiconducting band gaps ranging from 0.2 to 1.3 eV. These results demonstrate that cation ordering and epitaxial strain are powerful ways to induce and control functionalities in technologically useful families of materials.
BEOL Compatible Dual-Gate Ultra Thin-Body W-Doped Indium-Oxide Transistor with $\mathrm{I}_{\mathrm{on}}=370\mu\mathrm{A}/\mathrm{um}$. SS = 73mV/dec and $\mathrm{I}_{\mathrm{on}}/\mathrm{I}_{\mathrm{off}}$ ratio > 4×109

We experimentally demonstrate BEOL compatible ( $\mathrm{I}_{\mathrm{D},\mathrm{SAT}}$ of $370\mu\mathrm{A}/\mu\mathrm{m}$ , and on-off ratio> 4×109 at $\mathrm{V}_{\mathrm{DS}} =1\mathrm{V}$ and $\mathrm{V}_{\mathrm{GS}}-\mathrm{V}_{\mathrm{T}}=2\mathrm{V}$ We provide insight into the electrostatic gate control efficiency through temperature and frequency dependent admittance measurement. We identify fundamental transport mechanisms that limit electron mobility inamorphous IWO as a function of gate-bias $(\mathrm{V}_{\mathrm{GS}})$ and temperature. Benchmarking shows that IWO DGFET is a promising BEOL transistor for enabling high-performance monolithic three-dimensional (M3D) integrated circuits.
Conceptual considerations for using EHR-based activity logs to measure clinician burnout and its effects.

Electronic health records (EHR) use is often considered a significant contributor to clinician burnout. Informatics researchers often measure clinical workload using EHR-derived audit logs and use it for quantifying the contribution of EHR use to clinician burnout. However, translating clinician workload measured using EHR-based audit logs into a meaningful burnout metric requires an alignment with the conceptual and theoretical principles of burnout. In this perspective, we describe a systems-oriented conceptual framework to achieve such an alignment and describe the pragmatic realization of this conceptual framework using 3 key dimensions: standardizing the measurement of EHR-based clinical work activities, implementing complementary measurements, and using appropriate instruments to assess burnout and its downstream outcomes. We discuss how careful considerations of such dimensions can help in augmenting EHR-based audit logs to measure factors that contribute to burnout and for meaningfully assessing downstream patient safety outcomes.
Fast, high-capacity critical area analysis (CAA) with advanced FINFET defectivity calculation

Systematic defects have drawn a lot of focus from the semiconductor industry, especially in the technology development and early technology ramp. However, random defects are still dominant when the technology is mature and in highvolume manufacturing. Historically, foundries have run critical area analysis on incoming designs in order to identify the yield-limiting failure modes and estimate the yield loss. However, with growing design complexity in advanced technology nodes, the calculation runtime of critical area has increased from hours to days and even week(s). Also FINFET brings their own challenges and new failure modes such as transistor-related defectivity and inter-layer interactions. Meanwhile, it has become more and more challenging to obtain accurate defect density by failure mode. In this paper, GlobalFoundries and Cadence describe the motivations that drove their partnership to develop a new generation of critical area analysis with adaptive sampling to reduce runtime while maintaining accuracy, especially while taking into account connectivity and transistor defectivity. After reviewing the principle and challenges of critical area calculation and yield estimation, two new methodologies of yield modeling using critical area analysis are given to address these challenges. The first methodology avoids the costly and complicated process of defect density calibration. The second methodology fulfills the wafer-based yield projection with critical area normalization and machine learning.
Disentangling high energy chorus elements against structured background interference in the Van Allen radiation belts using braid manifolds

This paper presents a geometric signal processing technique and related feature representation using braid manifolds to disentangle buried patterns of interest against structured background interference. Specifically, we will explore the theoretical underpinnings of how algebraic geometry, and in particular, braid groups, may be harnessed with traditional signal processing to autonomously create robust training sets and domain-interpretable feature dictionaries for different machine learning architectures. The target application aimed in this work is to autonomously detect chorus elements in the Earth’s Van Allen radiation belts. Understanding chorus wave generation is fundamental to space weather prediction of high-energy "killer electrons" that are well-known to cause long-lasting if not fatal damage to space instrumentation, including defense telecommunication satellites, in the Van Allen radiation belts. Beyond chorus element detection, due to the fundamentally mathematical nature of braided feature engineering, our method is broadly applicable across any remote sensing paradigm, e.g. passive sonar sensing of the marine environment, active sensing of buried underwater mines, acoustic sensing of the dynamic shallow water channel in communication scenarios, etc. Theory and techniques developed will be validated over publicly available magnetospheric data from NASA’s Van Allen Radiation Belts (also known as Van Allen Probes) mission.
Detection of free-living amoebae in domestic cats with and without naturally-acquired keratitis.

Abstract Pathogenic free-living amoebae, most notably Acanthamoeba spp., are important pathogens of the human cornea. The importance of infection with free-living amoebae in cats with keratitis is currently unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of amoeba detection in corneas of cats with naturally-acquired keratitis and in the ocular surface microflora of cats without ocular disease. Clinical ophthalmic and in vivo corneal confocal microscopic examinations were performed on 60 cats with keratitis. Corneal scrapings were analyzed by amoeba culture; cytological evaluation; and Acanthamoeba, Hartmannella, and Vahlkampfia PCR assays. Following ophthalmic examination, conjunctival specimens collected from 60 cats without clinically apparent ocular disease were analyzed similarly. In one cat with ulcerative keratitis, amoeba cysts and trophozoites were detected by in vivo corneal confocal microscopy; an Acanthamoeba sp. was isolated from corneal specimens and detected by Acanthamoeba PCR assay; and suppurative corneal inflammation was present cytologically. An Acanthamoeba sp. was isolated from conjunctival specimens from one cat without clinically apparent ocular disease, but with suppurative inflammation demonstrated cytologically. Both Acanthamoeba isolates belonged to the T4 genotype. Naegleria-like amoebae were isolated in samples from two cats with keratitis and seven cats without clinical ocular disease, but amoebae were not detected by the other assays in these samples. Amoeba detection by culture was significantly (P = 0.01) associated with cytologically diagnosed corneoconjunctival inflammation. This study identified naturally-acquired Acanthamoeba keratitis in cats. Detection of Naegleria-like amoebae in samples from cats with and without keratitis is of uncertain pathological significance.
Method of Characteristics for 3D, Full-Core Neutron Transport on Unstructured Mesh

A myriad of nuclear reactor designs are currently being considered for next-generation power production. These designs utilize unique geometries and materials and can rely on multiphysics effects f...
Supplier-purchaser negotiation

The paper shows results of the first phase of research for the thesis on the logistics controlling. Its aim is to screen part of activities of any company – supplier – customer relation. Systematic evaluation of these negotiations could be one way, how to find the source of savings or improving the company’s situation.
Introduction to Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging: The Nature of the Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent Effect

THE BOLD EFFECT The previous chapters described magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques for measuring cerebral blood flow and blood volume. By introducing contrast agents or manipulating the magnetization of arterial blood before it arrives in a tissue voxel, the MR signal becomes sensitive to aspects of local tissue perfusion. Such techniques are clinically valuable for investigating disorders characterized by perfusion abnormalities, such as stroke and tumors, and these techniques have also seen limited use in investigations of normal brain function. But the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technique that has created a revolution in research on the basic functions of the healthy human brain is based on an intrinsic sensitivity of the magnetic resonance (MR) signal to local changes in perfusion and metabolism. When neural activity increases in a region of the brain, the local MR signal produced in that part of the brain increases by a small amount due to changes in blood oxygenation. This Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent (BOLD) effect is the basis for most of the fMRI studies done today to map patterns of activation in the working human brain. The BOLD effect is most pronounced on gradient echo (GRE) images, indicating that the effect is primarily an increase of the local value of T . The fact that the oxygenation of the blood has a measurable effect on the MR signal from the surrounding tissue was discovered by Ogawa and co-workers imaging a rat model at 7T (Ogawa et al., 1990). They found that the MR signal around veins decreased when the oxygen content of the inspired air was reduced, and the effect was reversed when the oxygen was returned to normal values.
Chapter 44 Pressor Alkaloids

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the pressor alkaloids. Certain alkaloids which occur in plants or animals are capable of raising blood pressure-hence pressor alkaloids. Some of them, particularly the aromatic and aliphatic amines when administered to the animal body, elicit responses of the visceral organs similar to those evoked by stimulation of sympathetic nerves. They are, therefore, called sympathomimetic amines. Their general effects are dilatation of the pupil, acceleration of the heart rate, relaxation of the bronchioles, constriction of blood vessels, and inhibition of gastrointestinal peristalsis. The rise of blood pressure may be due to constriction of blood vessels, or stimulation of the heartbeat, or both. A number of the pressor alkaloids and many of their synthetic analogs are widely used in medicine. The literature on the entire group of these substances is so extensive that it is impossible to quote all the important references.
Fundamentals of Controlled/Living Radical Polymerization

Principles and special features of controlled/living radical polymerization (CRP) processes such as nitroxide-mediated polymerization (NMP), organometallic radical polymerization (OMRP), and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and degenerative transfer (DT) processes such as reversible addition-fragmentation transfer (RAFT) systems are discussed. CRP is critically compared with conventional radical polymerization. Proportion of terminated chains in CRP as a function of polymerization rate, conversion, targeted degree of polymerization, and monomer concentration is described and compared for ATRP and DT processes. Concept of persistent radical effect is introduced and its application to determine equilibrium constants in NMP and ATRP is presented. Current challenges and future perspectives are briefly discussed. Keywords: controlled radical polymerization; living radical polymerization; ATRP; NMP; OMRP; RAFT; persistent radical effect
Ectopic ACTH syndrome. Diagnostic and therapeutic aspects

Summary Twenty-five patients were identified with non-pituitary, nonadrenal ACTH-secreting tumors (bronchial carcinoid, bronchial small cell carcinoma, pancreatic islet cell carcinoma, medullary thyroid carcinoma, thymic carcinoids, metastatic adenocarcinoma, and pancreatic cystadenoma). Clinical features were weakness, hypertension, cushingoid appearance, peripheral edema, personality disorders, and hyperpigmention. Biochemical features were a markedly increased urinary free cortisol level (all patients), hypokalemia (71 percent of patients), and an elevated ACTH level (72 percent of patients). Surgical therapy consisted of bilateral total adrenalectomy (56 percent of patients). Twelve percent underwent transsphenoidal hypophysectomy and 36 percent had excision of their tumor. No surgical therapy was undertaken in 28 percent. Bilateral total adrenalectomy in patients with a slow-growing malignancy or an unknown tumor secreting ACTH is beneficial in relieving symptoms and prolonging life. Excision of nonmalignant ACTH-producing tumors yields an excellent long-term prognosis.
Correlation of the Hipparcos and Allegheny Observatory Parallax Catalogs

No significant difference is found between the systems of the Hipparcos and Allegheny Observatory MAP parallax catalogs. The correlation of the parallaxes of 63 stars common to both programs is 0.9995 ± 0.0001, with an average standard deviation of the difference of 00023. While there is no indication of systematic difference in the two programs, our study suggests that the formal errors in one or both catalogs are somewhat underestimated.
A Faster One-Dimensional Topological Compaction Algorithm

We consider the problem of one-dimensional topological compaction with jog insertions. Combining both geometric and graph theoretic approaches we present a faster and simpler algorithm, improving over previous results. The compaction algorithm takes as input a sketch consisting of a set F of features and a set W of wires, and minimizes the horizontal width of the sketch while maintaining its routability. The algorithm consists of the following steps: constructing a horizontal constraint graph, computing all possible jog positions, computing the critical path, relocating the features and reconstructing a new sketch homotopic to the input sketch suitable for detailed routing. The algorithm runs in O(|F| · |W|) worst-case time and space, which is asymptotically optimal in the worst case. Experimental results are also presented.
Conformationally restricted analogs of the direct thrombin inhibitor FM 19.

Abstract The serine protease thrombin plays several key roles in the clotting cascade within the hemostatic system, such as in fibrin formation and platelet activation. Thus, development of an inhibitor that binds to the enzyme’s active site (a direct thrombin inhibitor) offers an approach for the treatment of thrombus-associated diseases. Previous structure–activity relationship studies originally based on the bradykinin breakdown product Arg-Pro-Pro-Gly-Phe (RPPGF) led to the development of lead compound FM 19 ( d -Arg-Oic-Pro- d -Ala-Phe(p-Me)-NH2). The recently determined X-ray structure of FM 19 in the active site of thrombin has revealed sites of modification to potentially improve inhibition. In this study, we report the synthesis and biological characterization of nine peptides that replace only the d -Arg residue of the FM 19 sequence, investigating ways to add conformational restriction, modification of the basic moiety at the end of the side chain, and removal of the charge from the N-terminus. Two of these peptides, 6 and 7 (IC50 values of 0.51 and 0.45 μM, respectively), show similar potency to the best compounds in the FM 19 series reported thus far.
Validity and factor structure of the AUSCAN Osteoarthritis Hand Index in a community-based sample

Summary Objective The AUStralian CANadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index (AUSCAN) is a self-report assessment of hand pain, stiffness, and function. Prior studies have examined its validity in small clinical samples and family-based samples. This study examined measurement properties of the AUSCAN in a large, community-based sample, extending knowledge about the scale's generalizability. Methods Participants ( N =1730, mean age=61 years, 65% female, 30% African American) were enrolled in the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project. We examined the internal consistency, construct validity, and factor structure of the AUSCAN among the total sample, as well as in subgroups according to gender, race, presence of hand pain, and presence of radiographic hand osteoarthritis (OA). Results Internal consistency was high for the total scale and subscales among the full study sample and all subgroups (Cronbach's alphas=0.89–0.96). Construct validity was also supported, as grip and pinch strength were more strongly correlated with the AUSCAN function subscale than with the pain and stiffness subscales. Factor analysis showed that for the full sample and most subgroups, all pain items loaded on one factor (standardized regression coefficients 0.59–0.81) and all function items loaded on another (standardized regression coefficients 0.61–0.78), supporting the intended subscale structure of the scale. However, for African Americans, a different factor pattern emerged, with three function items loading on a factor with the pain items. Conclusions Results support the validity of the AUSCAN in a general sample of adults, as well as across demographic and clinical subgroups, although the subscale structures differed slightly by race.
Mean flow and turbulence measurements in a half-delta wing vortex

A subsonic experimental study has been conducted to examine the mean and turbulent properties of a single longitudinal vortex generated by a half-delta wing. Measurements were made on fine cross-plane grids at seven streamwise locations using hot cross-wires. The evaluated streamwise vorticity contours indicated that the initially distorted vortex at a streamwise station equivalent to a half wing height became round by about three wing heights. In this initial transition region, where the vortex was still rolling-up, the peak vorticity dropped by about 50% following a X-1/2 decay. In this region, the generator wake remained distinct from the region of maximum vorticity, although the two regions were seen to slowly merge together. The Reynolds stress contours were also distorted initially with the maximum values occurring in the generator wake region, rather than in the vortex core, but these also decayed rapidly. Downstream of the transition region, the vortex appeared to reach an equilibrium state with the regions of maximum vorticity and turbulent kinetic energy coincident and the levels approximately constant with increasing streamwise distance. Comparison with previous data on vortices produced by double-branched generators further confirmed that the present vortex had achieved a fully developed state, and in a relatively short streamwise distance.
Transient behavior of superfluid turbulence in a large channel.

The transient behavior of superfluid turbulence is studied theoretically and experimentally with the aim of understanding the disagreement between vortex-tangle theory and past measurements of free vortex-tangle decay in superfluid {sup 4}He. Scaling theory is extended and large-scale simulations based on the reconnecting-vortex model are carried out. These imply that the Vinen equation should be a reasonable approximation even for rather large transients, and predict definite values for the Vinen parameters. Direct measurements of the vortex-tangle response to a sudden change in the driving velocity are seen to be in reasonable agreement with these predictions. It is found, however, that when the vortex tangle is allowed to decay farther toward zero, it eventually crosses over into a state of anomalously slow decay, which appears to be that observed in previous experiments. We argue that this regime should be interpreted in terms of a coupled-turbulence state in which random superfluid and normal-fluid motion interacts with the vortex tangle, the whole system decaying self-consistently at a rate controlled by the normal-fluid viscosity. Several additional qualitative observations which may be relevant to the question of how the vortex tangle is initiated are also reported.
Short Deceleration Time of Mitral Inflow E Velocity: Prognostic Implication with Atrial Fibrillation Versus Sinus Rhythm☆☆☆★

The present study retrospectively identified 367 patients who had restrictive physiology as defined by deceleration time < or = 130 msec; 293 were in sinus rhythm (SR) (194 men and 99 women; mean age 64 +/- 14 years) and 74 were in atrial fibrillation (AF) (51 men and 23 women; mean age 72 +/- 11 years; p < 0.001). Both groups had similar underlying diagnoses and no significant difference in Doppler indices (E wave, 96 +/- 23 vs 99 +/- 22 cm/sec in SR and AF, respectively; deceleration time, 116 +/- 12 vs 116 +/- 13 msec; and left ventricular outflow tract time velocity integral, 14.8 +/- 4.8 vs 14.5 +/- 4.4 cm). Left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly lower in SR patients (29% +/- 16% vs 39% +/- 20%; p = 0.0003). There were 120 deaths (41%) in the SR group and 35 (47%) in the AF group (median follow-up for both groups, 2.2 years). Restrictive physiology as defined by Doppler echocardiography (deceleration time < or = 130 msec) appears to predict a similar poor prognosis with AF as with SR.
miR-337-3p and Its Targets STAT3 and RAP1A Modulate Taxane Sensitivity in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers

NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer) often exhibits resistance to paclitaxel treatment. Identifying the elements regulating paclitaxel response will advance efforts to overcome such resistance in NSCLC therapy. Using in vitro approaches, we demonstrated that over-expression of the microRNA miR-337-3p sensitizes NCI-H1155 cells to paclitaxel, and that miR-337-3p mimic has a general effect on paclitaxel response in NSCLC cell lines, which may provide a novel adjuvant strategy to paclitaxel in the treatment of lung cancer. By combining in vitro and in silico approaches, we identified STAT3 and RAP1A as direct targets that mediate the effect of miR-337-3p on paclitaxel sensitivity. Further investigation showed that miR-337-3p mimic also sensitizes cells to docetaxel, another member of the taxane family, and that STAT3 levels are significantly correlated with taxane resistance in lung cancer cell lines, suggesting that endogenous STAT3 expression is a determinant of intrinsic taxane resistance in lung cancer. The identification of a miR-337-3p as a modulator of cellular response to taxanes, and STAT3 and RAP1A as regulatory targets which mediate that response, defines a novel regulatory pathway modulating paclitaxel sensitivity in lung cancer cells, which may provide novel adjuvant strategies along with paclitaxel in the treatment of lung cancer and may also provide biomarkers for predicting paclitaxel response in NSCLC.
Modeling semi-simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of ethanol production from cellulose

Using a highly refined standard cellulose (microcrystalline cellulose, (Avicel PH101)), the kinetics of the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of cellulose to ethanol was studied with a prior hydrolysis phase (semi-simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSSF)) conducted under optimal conditions for enzymatic hydrolysis. Four cases have been studied: 24-h pre-hydrolysis + 48-h SSF (SSSF 24), 12-h pre-hydrolysis + 60-h SSF (SSSF 12), 72-h SSF, and 48-h hydrolysis + 24-h fermentation. SSSF 24 produced higher yield and higher productivity of ethanol than the other operating modes. A coupled set of differential equations were developed to describe the change rates of cellobiose, glucose, microorganism, ethanol, glycerol, acetic acid, and lactic acid concentrations in the batch operation of separate hydrolysis and SSF of ethanol production from Avicel PH101. The model parameters were determined by a MATLAB program based on the batch experimental data of the SSSF. The analysis of the reaction rates of cellobiose, glucose, cell, and ethanol using the model showed that the conversion of cellulose to cellobiose was the rate-controlling step in the SSSF process of ethanol production from cellulose. The batch SSSF model was extended to the continuous and fed-batch operating modes. For the continuous operation in the SSSF, the productivity of SSSF 24 was much higher than that of SSSF 12 though the ethanol concentrations of both cases have not a great difference.
Products of the gas‐phase photooxidation reactions of 1‐propanol with OH radicals

An experimental investigation of the hydroxyl radical initiated gas-phase photooxidation of 1-propanol in the presence of NO was carried out in a reaction chamber using gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The products identified in the OH radical reactions of 1-propanol were propionaldehyde and acetaldehyde, with corresponding formation yields of 0.719 ± 0.058 and 0.184 ± 0.030, respectively. Errors represent ±2σ. The experimental product yields were compared to predictions made using chemical mechanisms. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 31: 810–818, 1999
Neutron line-width of longitudinal phonons in solid helium

Abstract The uncertainty in frequency of phonons due to anharmonic three-phonon processes calculated for solid helium is found to be larger than the uncertainty observed experimentally. This discrepancy is attributed to dispersion.
Stability and sudden change in interpersonal and international affairs

This paper was developed with the aim of contributing to theory about the relations between pairs of nations. Nevertheless, its focus is considerably broader, involving relations between two parties (i.e., decisionmaking units) of any kind, whether nations, organizations, groups, or individuals. Quite clearly there are differences among the kinds of parties just enumerated. But there are also similarities which, hopefully, make it possible (and if possible indeed desirable) to develop broader generalizations embracing all kinds of parties.
Sequence Learning in 4-Month-Old Infants: Do Infants Represent Ordinal Information?

This study investigated how 4-month-old infants represent sequences: Do they track the statistical relations among specific sequence elements (e.g., AB, BC) or do they encode abstract ordinal positions (i.e., B is second)? Infants were habituated to sequences of 4 moving and sounding elements—3 of the elements varied in their ordinal position while the position of 1 target element remained invariant (e.g., ABCD, CBDA)—and then were tested for the detection of changes in the target’s position. Infants detected an ordinal change only when it disrupted the statistical co-occurrence of elements but not when statistical information was controlled. It is concluded that 4-month-olds learn the order of sequence elements by tracking their statistical associations but not their invariant ordinal position.
Finite Deformation Analysis of Pressure-Shear Plate Impact Experiments on an Elastohydrodynamic Lubricant

Pressure-shear plate impact experiments on an elastohydrodynamio lubricant (5P4E) are interpreted by means of a full finite deformation analysis of stress wave propagation in an elastic/viscoplastic material. The elastic response is modeled as that of a neo-Hookean solid, modified to include compressibility in such a way that the shock velocity increases linearly with increasing particle velocity; the viscoplastic response is modeled by means of a thermal activation model in which the activation energy is taken to be pressure dependent. The parameters in the elasticity relation are determined from the rising part of the transmitted stress profiles, which are related to transit times for multiple reverberations through the thickness of the lubricant layer. The parameters in the viscoplastic model are determined from the shear stress transmitted after nominally homogeneous states of stress are established through the thickness of the lubricant. Good agreement between measured and computed wave profiles is obtained over the entire range of pressures used in the experiments.
On the Behavior of Large-Amplitude Baroclinic Waves

Abstract We discuss the evolution of baroclinic waves which develop as instabilities of a two-layer fluid contained in a rapidly rotating cylinder and driven by differential rotation of the upper contact lid. Laboratory ex- periments were carried out by slowly increasing the system Rossby number Ro[ =ω/(2Ω] at various values of the internal Froude number F[=(4ω2L/gHΔp/p. We found previously that the flow was axisymmetric if Ro was small enough but that non-axisymmetric wave motions appeared spontaneously at certain critical Rossby numbers, depending on geometry, Ekman number, and F. For nearly critical values the waves are steady, but as Ro becomes large (and before the flow becomes turbulent) either amplitude or frequency modulation (vacillation) of the wave envelope is observed. In this paper we give some details of these observed modulations. Frequency-amplitude vacillation appears to be due to a nonlinear, quasi-geostrophic wave selection process which possesses limit cycle solutions. The amplitude va...
Proton magnetic resonance study of rubidium bisulfate

Abstract The second moment of the proton magnetic resonance spectrum and the proton spin-lattice relaxation time as a function of temperature in polycrystalline rubidium bisulfate have been experimentally determined. The results agree with i.r. and RS studies in that the transition from paraelectic to ferroelectric is caused by a combination of slow proton tunneling and SO4 deformation.
Gunshot Injuries to the Thoracolumbar Spine

Gunshot wounds to the spine are a common cause of spinal cord injury. The thoracolumbar area is the second most commonly injured region of the spine by gunshot wounds and is the focus of this article. In this article, the authors discuss the fundamentals of ballistics and tissue injury, involved in both low- and high-velocity gunshot wounds to the thoracolumbar spine. A discussion of the diagnostic and therapeutic tools involved in the management of these injuries is undertaken. Furthermore, the approach to the patient with a thoracolumbar gunshot wound is presented. Management must start with maintenance of airway, breathing, and circulation, and proceed with physical examination, laboratory, diagnostic imaging, and medical and surgical interventions. Tetanus prophylaxis and antibiotic administration for 7-14 days are imperative. Surgical debridement and surgical stabilization are rarely necessary in low-velocity, low-energy civilian gunshot wounds. Indications for surgery include wartime gunshot wounds, progression of neurologic deficit, persistent cerebrospinal fluid fistula, cauda equina syndrome with mass effect from bullet or bone fragments, and intracanalicular bullets between T12 and L4.
Socio-Cultural Variables and Economic Success: Evidence from Italian Provinces 1951-1991

Italy makes for an interesting case-study of the impact of socio-cultural variables on economic performance: under a common institutional framework differences in socio-cultural attitudes across Italian provinces correspond to large differences in their economic success. We analyze the effects of social variables on long-run provincial economic performance during Italy's era of economic take-off (1951-1991). Since socio-cultural traits in Italy are deeply rooted in local history and traditions, we argue that their persistence produces an (at least partly) exogenous determinant of economic prosperity. While we find rather weak evidence that civic involvement (Social Capital as defined in Putnam, 1993) fosters economic success, we do find strong evidence that the presence of organized crime (proxied by murder rates at the beginning of the period) is associated with low economic development, even after controlling for other economic and geographic factors.
Knowing left from right: the molecular basis of laterality defects

The apparent symmetry of the vertebrate body conceals profound asymmetries in the development and placement of internal organs. Asymmetric organ development is controlled in part by genes expressed asymmetrically in the early embryo, and alterations in the activities of these genes can result in severe defects during organogenesis. Recently, data from different vertebrates have allowed researchers to put forward a model of genetic interactions that explains how asymmetric patterns of gene expression in the early embryo are translated into spatial patterns of asymmetric organ development. This model helps us to understand the molecular basis of a number of congenital malformations in humans.
Comfort Level and Loudness Matching for Continuous and Interrupted Signals

A series of studies was conducted to investigate previously reported intensity differences found between interrupted and continuous tonal signals when normal listeners tracked loudness on a Bekesy-...
Companion Animals as Selfobjects

ABSTRACTThis research examined whether self psychology could be systematically applied to human–animal relationships. Twenty-four semi-structured interviews were conducted, which consisted of 16 questions designed to illuminate selfobject needs. The interviews were intended to identify whether the horse/dog/cat/rabbit was a selfobject, that is, a provider of self-cohesion, self esteem, calmness, soothing, and acceptance, for the participant and, if so, whether the primary type(s) of selfobject was mirroring, idealizing, or twinship. Results revealed that self psychology could be applied successfully to human–animal relationships, that it could usually be determined whether the animal served a selfobject function, and that selfobject type was generally able to be established. In this sample, animals rivaled and even surpassed humans in their ability to provide important selfobject needs.
Efficient Guidance in finite time flow fields

We study path planning for small vehicles in strong, spatially complex, time-varying flow fields. Of particular interest is how optimal trajectories relate to flow structures and might be approximated heuristically. Toward this end, we focus on cases where the only concern is the position at some fixed final time, and the control effort. This allows a natural coordinate transformation for the optimal control problem in terms of the so-called flow map. In the transformed coordinates the flow is zero, but the control input (the velocity of the vehicle relative to the flow) is multiplied (and, in more than 1 dimension, rotated) by a time-varying matrix-the Jacobian of the flow map. The definition of what we call the pulled back end cost function provides additional insight and leads to a simple but effective “Lagrangian heuristic control” law, which, in 1d at least, reduces to the optimal control for the case of linear time-invariant flows and quadratic end costs. We demonstrate this control and compare it to the optimal control by solving the associated Hamiltonian Jacobi Bellman (HJB) equation backwards in time with an adaptive 1d grid.
Gender Differences in Predictors of Treatment Attrition with High Dose Naltrexone in Cocaine and Alcohol Dependence

Recently, we reported that naltrexone at 150 mg/day significantly decreased cocaine and alcohol use for men but not women with co-occurring cocaine and alcohol dependence. The present study is an exploratory investigation of predictors that explain the different gender responses to naltrexone, with a particular focus on differential predictors of treatment attrition. No significant predictors were associated with treatment discontinuation in men. Women, however, were more likely to discontinue treatment when reporting severe pre-treatment psychiatric problems or nausea while in treatment. Further research on the impact of pre-treatment and in-treatment gender differences with naltrexone is warranted.
The frequency of pregnancy and exposure to cytomegalovirus infections among women with a young child in day care.

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of pregnancy and exposure to cytomegalovirus (CMV) among mothers contemplating a possible additional pregnancy and with a child less than 2 years of age in group day care. Study Design We performed a prospective observational study that included a demographic questionnaire and serologic and virologic monitoring of mothers and their children in day care. Results Of 60 women, 62% were seronegative and 20% had a child shedding CMV. Of the 60 women, 23 women or 38% (95% CI, 0.27-0.51) became pregnant on average 10 months after enrollment. During pregnancy, 8 or 35% (95% CI, 0.19-0.55) of these pregnant women had a child in day care who shed CMV. Conclusion These results illustrate the potential magnitude of the public problem associated with exposure to a silent viral infection during pregnancy. Our data, when extrapolated to the US population, estimate that every 2 years between 31,000 and 168,000 susceptible pregnant women will be exposed to CMV by an infected child.
The Clinical Outcome of Patellofemoral Arthroplasty

Patellofemoral arthroplasty has a long record of use in the treatment of isolated patellofemoral arthritis, with outcomes influenced by patient selection, surgical technique, and trochlear implant design. The trochlear components have evolved from inlay-style to onlay-style designs, which have reduced the incidence of patellar instability. Minimizing the risk of patellar instability with onlay-design patellofemoral arthroplasties has enhanced mid-term and long-term results and leaves progressive tibiofemoral arthritis as the primary failure mechanism beyond 10 to 15 years.
Greasing the gears of potassium channels.

Enzymatic conversion of sphingomyelin to ceramide-1-phosphate in the external leaflet of the cellular membrane has now been shown to markedly facilitate opening of classical voltage-activated potassium channels. This discovery raises the possibility that lipids may have more prominent roles in the gating mechanism of these important ion channels than was previously appreciated.
Efficacy of verapamil in chronic, recurrent ventricular tachycardia

Abstract Verapamil, 0.25 mg/kg, was given to 24 patients with chronic, recurrent ventricular tachycardia (VT) whose clinical tachyarrhythmias were reproduced at electrophysiologic study. Seven patients (29%) responded acutely to verapamil: VT was not inducible in 5 and spontaneously terminated within 5 seconds of induction in 2 patients in whom it was previously sustained. Four of the 7 responders had no identifiable structural heart disease, and 3 had coronary artery disease. Responders were younger and had better left ventricular function than did nonresponders. Long-term therapy with verapamil, attempted in 5 of the 7 responders, was effective in 3, ineffective in 1, and of uncertain efficacy in 1. Verapamil therapy was discontinued because of worsened congestive heart failure in 2 patients. The short-term efficacy of verapamil in these patients compares favorably with the efficacy of other antiarrhythmic agents against VT induction in patients with long-term, recurrent, drug-refractory VT. The short-term efficacy of verapamil correlated with its long-term efficacy. These observations provide preliminary evidence that verapamil may be useful in the treatment of some patients with recurrent VT. When standard drugs are not effective, verapamil should be given a trial, especially in young patients with good left ventricular function.
PLANNING TO FIND THE REFERENTS OF NOUN PHRASES

Finding the referent of a definite noun phrase is a classic problem in natural language processing. Most work assumes that when a program begins to analyze an utterance, it already has the knowledge it needs for identifying referents. If a robot accepts commands in natural language, this assumption may not hold. Suppose a user says, “Go get the book on the table in room 3,” but the robot has never been in room 3, so it lacks the knowledge it needs to identify the referent of “the book on the table in room 3.” To gain this knowledge, the robot must travel to room 3 and search. This article describes a simulated robot that accepts commands in English and actively searches for the referents of definite descriptions.