cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermolysis of coenzymes B12 at physiological temperatures: activation parameters for cobalt-carbon bond homolysis and a quantitative analysis of the perturbation of the homolysis equilibrium by the ribonucleoside triphosphate reductase from Lactobacillus leichmannii.

Abstract The kinetics of the thermolysis of 5′-deoxyadenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl, coenzyme B12) in aqueous solution, pH 7.5, have been studied in the temperature range 30–85°C using AdoCbl tritiated at the adenine C2 position and the method of initial rates. Combined with a careful analysis of the distribution of adenine-containing products, the results permit the dissection of the competing rate constants for carbon–cobalt bond homolysis and heterolysis. After correction for the temperature-dependent occurrence of the much less reactive base-off species of AdoCbl, the activation parameters for homolysis of the base-on species were found to be ΔH‡homo,on=33.8±0.2 kcal mol−1 and ΔS‡homo,on=13.5±0.7 cal mol−1 K−1, values not significantly different from those determined by Hay and Finke (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 108 (1986) 4820), in the temperature range 85–115°C. In contrast, the heterolysis of base-on AdoCbl was characterized by a much smaller enthalpy of activation (ΔH‡het,on=18.5±0.2 kcal mol−1) and a negative entropy of activation (ΔS‡het,on=−34.0±0.7 cal mol−1 K−1) so that heterolysis, which is minor pathway at elevated temperatures, is the dominant pathway for AdoCbl decomposition at physiological temperatures. Using literature values for the rate constant for the reverse reaction, the equilibrium constant for AdoCbl homolysis at 37°C was calculated to be 7.9×10−18. Comparison with the equilibrium constant for this homolysis at the active site of the ribonucleoside triphosphate reductase from Lactobacillus leichmannii shows that the enzyme shifts the equilibrium constant towards homolysis products by a factor of 2.9×1012 (17.7 kcal mol−1) by binding the thermolysis products with an equilibrium constant of 7.1×1016 M−2, compared to the bonding constant for AdoCbl of 2.4×104 M−1.
Sex-role orientation, intimacy of topic, and target person differences in self-disclosure among women

The focus of the present study was self-disclosure patterns of young women in three types of close relationships: same-sex friend, opposite-sex friend, and romantic partner. The influences of respondents' sex-role orientation and intimacy level of topic on self-disclosure in the three relationships were examined. Androgynous respondents were more willing to disclose than sex-typed and undifferentiated respondents, and disclosure willingness was highest to romantic partner, then to female friend, and least to male friend. Intimacy level of topic interacted with target person so that wider variations in disclosure willingness occured in medium and high intimacy topics. Sex-role orientation interacted with intimacy level of topic so that androgynous respondents were more willing to disclose on high intimacy levels than either undifferentiated or feminine-typed respondents, but the groups did not differ significantly on low or medium intimacy topics. The significant interaction effects indicate that research on self-disclosure patterns needs to address the complexity of factors that may impact on self-disclosure.
The ineffectiveness of recombination in a genetic algorithm for the structure elucidation of a heptapeptide in torsion angle space. A comparison to simulated annealing

Abstract Genetic algorithms comprise a family of stochastic optimization strategies, which are often applied to solve complex optimization problems. The combination of population based search and a recombination operator distinguishes the genetic algorithm from other global optimization techniques that often only comprise a (sophisticated) mutation-selection scheme. Investigations were conducted that suggest, however, that recombination is not always effective, i.e., crossover was unable to recombine the so-called building blocks that should produce improved trial solutions. In this research the contribution of the crossover operation to the performance of the genetic algorithm was examined for a structure elucidation problem of a heptapeptide. In addition, the performance of the genetic algorithm was compared to the alternative simulated annealing strategy. It was shown that the current design of the genetic algorithm did not promote the recombination of building blocks, and was therefore easily outperformed by simulated annealing. The strategy presented to reveal the effectiveness of recombination is straightforward, and can easily applied to other genetic algorithm applications.
SU‐GG‐T‐169: Comparison of the Efficacy of MapCHECK and Portal Dosimetry in the Pretreatment QA of IMRT Treatment Plans

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of MapCHECK and PortalDosimetry in the pretreatment QA of IMRT treatment plans. Method and Materials: MapCHECK contains a 2D array of 445 diodes arranged in a grid of 22 cm × 22 cm to measure and compare pretreatment IMRT dose plans. An Isocentric MapCHECK Fixture holds the MapCHECK with 3 cm of solid water build up securely in the accessory tray and at precisely 100 cm SDD. Varian PortalDosimetry compares an electronic relative dose image acquired from Varian's Portal Vision by IMRT irradiation to a predicted portal dose image calculated by Varian's Eclipse treatment planning system. 3 IMRT treatment fields were selected for this study. The IMRT plans were generated with Eclipse for sliding‐window IMRT dose delivery. For every field, the verification dose computations in Eclipse and the delivered dose measurements on Trilogy unit were made at 0° gantry and 0° collimator angle. The evaluation used gamma criteria of 3%/3mm. Results: The pass rate of each measurement was calculated and compared for both the MapCHECK and PortalDosimetry. Results show that the field 3 has similar pass rate, but the fields 1 and 2 have differences with the maximum variation of up to 6.5%. Both systems give the pass rate within clinical acceptable limitation (>90%). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that both systems are effective in the accurate pretreatment QA of IMRT in a clinical environment. But the pass rates don't show the same trend between them.
Frequency of seizures in patients with newly diagnosed brain tumors: A retrospective review

Brain tumors may lead to symptomatic epilepsy. A retrospective analysis was undertaken to evaluate the frequency of seizure as the presenting symptom leading to brain tumor diagnosis in adults. One hundred and forty-seven consecutive patients with newly diagnosed brain tumors were analyzed regarding the frequency of seizures as the initial presenting symptoms and those subsequently developing seizures. One hundred twelve patients had primary central nervous system tumors (CNS) and 35 had metastatic lesions. Statistical evaluation was carried out using the Chi-square test with p values of <0.05 considered to be statistically significant. Astrocytomas and meningiomas were the most common primary CNS tumors in this study. Of these, oligodendrogliomas and grade 2 astrocytomas were significantly more likely to present with seizures (p<0.001). Seizures were a frequent presenting symptom, occurring in over 38% of those with primary brain neoplasms and 20% of those with cerebral metastases. Primary location of tumor also correlated amongst primary CNS tumors and was associated with a trend in seizure risk: parietal (80%); temporal (74%); frontal (62%); and occipital (0%) (p<0.5). The findings highlight the importance of obtaining appropriate evaluation for underlying malignancy in adults with new-onset seizures as well as provide more information to the patient for prognosis and counseling.
Object tracking via graph cuts

Most modern tracking techniques assume that the object comprises a large percentage of the image frame, however when the object is contained in a small number of pixels tracking via feature based methods is difficult, because they require a dense feature set which does not exist within small regions. As an alternative to dynamic boundary based methods, which require only a boundary between the object and the background, but often fail in busy enviroments, we propose using a novel graph cuts implemenation to obtain a more robust segmentation. The push-relabel method was chosen because of its lower time complexity. In addition the algorithm was expanded to the RGB color-space. This is done by a probabilistic combination of the RGB pixel values. This addition, by using all the information captured by the camera, allow objects with similar appearances and objects with large variances in color to be segmented. The final addition made to the the push-relabel algorithm is an min-cut approximation method which runs in O(n) time. We show that this formulation of the graph cut algorithm allows for a fast and accurate segmentation at 30 frames per second.
Translational medicine from observation to hypothesis to interpretation

A cancer immune signature implicating good prognosis and responsiveness to immunotherapy was described that is observed also in other aspects of immune-mediated, tissue-specific destruction (TSD). Its determinism remains, however, elusive. On one side it appears that the genetic background of the host’s bears significantly on immune responsiveness, on the other it appears that tumor can behave differently within the same genetic background (as in the case of mixed responses). This apparent paradox can only be explained by a multi-factorial model of cancer immune responsiveness. It should be emphasized that host and cancer genetics are largely overlapping since cancer cells carry the majority of the host’s genetics. Thus, inherited genetic factors may affect the biology of cancer cells besides that of normal cells. It could be postulated that some patients carry a genetic background that make them resistant to immunotherapy by effecting either the biology of the immune response, the biology of the cancer cells or both. On the other hand, “an immune-responsive genotype” may still be limited by the genetics of the tumors: in other words, although the patient may be predisposed to cancer rejection the tumor lacks additional properties necessary for its recognition by the immune response. In this model, a favorable genetic background of the host is necessary but not sufficient for tumor rejection as the possession of a shotgun is necessary to shoot a duck but at the same time a skill in shooting is required. A good example is provided by the analysis of patients with IRF-5 polymorphism; the “immune resistant phenotype” appears to almost exclusively preclude cancer rejection during adoptive therapy with tumor infiltrating lymphocytes; however, “the immune responsive phenotype” can be segregated into two categories; one enriched in patients responding to therapy and the other of non-responding. Although, other host’s genetic factors could be responsible for this sub-classification, it is also possible that, given a favorable genetic background, the genetics of the tumor may become the determining factor. We recognize that this classification of factors that may influence immune responsiveness may be too rigid. In reality, immune responsiveness may depend upon a continuum determined by the interaction of a multitude of factors that for simplicity can be separated into broad categories depending upon the host’s genetic background, somatic mutations, and external factors such as intensity and effectiveness of treatment, general condition of the patient and a multitude of other hidden co-factors. In the presentation at the NY Academy of Sciences we will present our strategy to dissect the question of cancer immune responsiveness by study dynamically the behavior of human cancers under natural conditions on in response to therapy.
Film formation from pigmented latex systems: Drying kinetics and bulk morphologies of ground calcium carbonate/functionalized poly(n-butyl methacrylate-co-n-butyl acrylate) blend films

The drying kinetics and bulk morphology of pigmented latex films obtained from poly(n-butyl methacrylate-co-n-butyl acrylate) latex particles functionalized with carboxyl groups and ground calcium carbonate blends were studied. Latex/pigment blends with higher carboxyl group coverage on the latex particle surfaces dried faster than films with few or no carboxyl groups present. The latex/pigment dispersions also dried faster when there was more stabilizer present in the blend system because of the hydrophilic nature of the stabilizer. The net effect of increasing the pigment volume concentration in the blend system was to shorten the drying time. The bulk morphologies of the freeze-fractured surfaces of the pigmented latex films were studied with scanning electron microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that increased surface coverage of carboxyl groups on the latex particles in the latex/pigment blends resulted in the formation of smaller pigment aggregates with a more uniform size distribution in the blend films. In addition, the use of smaller latex particles in the blends reduced the ground calcium carbonate pigment aggregate size in the resulting films. Scanning electron microscopy analysis also showed that when the initial stabilizer coverage on the latex particles was equal to 18%, smaller aggregates of ground calcium carbonate were distributed within the copolymer matrix of the blend films in comparison with the cases for which the initial stabilizer coverage on the latex particles was 8 or 36%. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 2267–2277, 2006
Preparation of thin targets on thin graphite backings by molecular plating

Abstract A technique for preparing thin targets on thin carbon backing based on the method of molecular plating is utilized to prepare targets suitable for nuclear reaction spectroscopy.
The discovery of enzymatic photoreactivation and the question of priority: the letters of Salvador Luria and Albert Kelner.

Abstract Enzymatic photoreactivation of DNA occupies a special place in the history of the DNA repair field. It is indeed the first time that the reversion of alterations in the DNA chemistry leading to lethality was demonstrated. It was soon after shown that this correction is mediated by a specific enzymatic process. A controversy accompanied the events surrounding the `independent'discovery of this phenomenon by A. Kelner and R. Dulbecco. The exchange of letters with S. Luria illustrates the graceful conciliation role played by him in defining appropriate credit.
DNA specificity of the bicoid activator protein is determined by homeodomain recognition helix residue 9

Abstract Formation of anterior structures in the Drosophila embryo requires the product of the gene bicoid . The bicoid protein contains a homeodomain and may exert its effects in early development by regulating transcription of the gap gene, hunchback (hb) . Consistent with this view, we have demonstrated that DNA-bound Bicoid fusion proteins stimulate gene expression. We used the gene activation phenotype in yeast to study DNA recognition by the Bicoid homeodomain. We found that a single amino acid replacement at position 9 of the recognition helix was sufficient to switch the DNA specificity of the Bicoid protein. The altered specificity Bicoid mutants recognized DNA sites bound by Ultrabithorax, fushi tarazu , and other related homeodomain proteins. Our results suggest that DNA specificity in Bicoid and Antennapedia class proteins is determined by recognition helix residue 9.
Adaptive unwrapping for interactive texture painting

We present a method for dynamically generating an efficient texture bitmap and its associated UV-mapping in an interactive texture painting system for 3D models. Typical 3D texture painting programs require the user to explicitly define the underlying UV-mapping from 3D geometry to 2D bitmap prior to painting. This mapping is unchanged by the painting process. However, a predefined UV-mapping can cause distortion at arbitrary locations and waste bitmap memory in unpainted areas. To solve these problems, we propose an adaptive unwrapping mechanism where the system dynamically creates a tailored UV-mapping for newly painted polygons during the interactive painting process. This eliminates the distortion of brush strokes, and the resulting texture bitmap is more compact because the system allocates texture space only for the painted polygons. In addition, this dynamic texture allocation allows the user to paint smoothly at any zoom level. This technique can be efficiently implemented using standard 3D rendering engines, and the painted models can be stored as standard textured polygonal models. We implemented a prototype system, called Chameleon, and our users’ experiences suggest that our technique is very useful for simple painting by casual users.
A new randomness-generating mechanism in forced relaxation oscillations

Abstract This note points out that in a wide class of forced relaxation oscillators the hyperbolic behavior, which has up to now been known to exist only on small set, dominates in the Lebesgue sense in a wide class of relaxation oscillators. This note introduces the simplest physically realistic smooth system where the strange attractor is expected to exist for most (in the Lebesgue sense) parameter values. This phenomenon went unobserved for over half a century since the first work on forced relaxation oscillations by Cartwright, Littlewood and Levinson.
Evaluation of Different Features for Matching Point Clouds to Building Information Models

AbstractWith the increased usage of building information models (BIMs) during construction, has BIM become a medium for delivering as-built building information. It is important to maintain accurate and up-to-date information stored in a BIM so that it can become a reliable data source throughout the service life of a facility. Laser scanning technology is able to capture accurate geometric data in the form of a point cloud and to depict the existing condition of a building. Hence, point cloud data captured by laser scans can be used as references to update a given BIM. An important step during the update process is to match segments of elements captured by a point cloud to building components modeled in a BIM, so that the discrepancies between the two data sets can be identified. Typically, features depicted within point cloud segments and BIM components are used in the matching process. However, understanding is limited regarding which features enable the matching process and how these features perform....
Determinantal formula for the chow form of a toric surface

This paper gives an explicit method for computing the resultant of any sparse unmixed bivariate system with given support. We construct square matrices whose determinant is exactly the resultant. The matrices constructed are of hybrid Sylvester and Bezout type. Previous work by D'Andrea [6] gave pure Sylvester type matrices (in any dimension). In the bivariate case, D'Andrea and Emiris [8] constructed hybrid matrices with one Bezout row. These matrices are only guaranteed to have determinant some multiple of the resultant. The main contribution of this paper is the addition of new Bezout terms allowing us to achieve exact formulas. We make use of the exterior algebra techniques of Eisenbud, Floystad, and Schreyer [10, 9].
First-principles simulation of the UV absorption spectrum of ketene

The absorption spectrum of ketene (CH2CO) in the 145- to 220-nm region is calculated completely from first principles and compared to a recent high-resolution synchrotron radiation experiment J Chem Phys 2002, 117, 4306. The simulations are based on a vibronic model, which is extracted from routinely applicable coupled cluster calculations for electronically excited states. Nonadiabatic effects are assessed by a comparison of the vibronic model simulations with Franck–Condon calculations and are found to be important to understand various aspects of the absorption spectrum of ketene. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2003
Imaging mesoscopic spin Hall flow: Spatial distribution of local spin currents and spin densities in and out of multiterminal spin-orbit coupled semiconductor nanostructures

We introduce the concept of bond spin currents, which describe the spin transport between two sites of the lattice model of a multiterminal spin-orbit (SO) coupled semiconductor nanostructure, and express them in terms of the spin-dependent nonequilibrium (Keldysh) Green functions for the Landauer setup where the nanostructure is attached to many semi-infinite ideal leads terminating in macroscopic thermalizing reservoirs. This formalism is applied to obtain the spatial distribution of microscopic spin currents in a clean phase-coherent two-dimensional electron (2DEG) gas with the Rashba type of SO coupling attached to four external leads. Together with the corresponding spatial profiles of the steady-state spin density, such visualization of the phase-coherent spin flow allow us to resolve several key issues for the understanding of microscopic mechanisms which generate pure spin Hall currents in the transverse leads of ballistic devices due to the flow of unpolarized charge current through their longitudinal leads: (i) while bond spin currents are nonzero locally within the SO coupled sample and neighboring region of the leads even in equilibrium (when all leads are at the same potential), the total spin currents obtained by summing the bond spin currents over any cross section within the leads are zero, so that no spin is actually transported by such equilibrium spin currents; (ii) when the device is brought into a nonequilibrium state (supporting steady-state charge current) by applying the external voltage difference between its longitudinal leads, only the wave functions (or Green functions) around the Fermi energy contribute to the total spin current through a given transverse cross section; (iii) the total spin Hall current is not conserved within the SO coupled region---however, it becomes conserved and physically well-defined quantity in the ideal leads where it is, furthermore, equal to the spin current obtained within the multiprobe Landauer-B\"uttiker scattering formalism in linear response regime. The spatial profiles of the local spin currents and stationary flowing spin densities crucially depend on whether the sample is smaller or greater than the spin precession length, thereby demonstrating its essential role as the characteristic mesoscale for the spin Hall effect in ballistic multiterminal semiconductor nanostructures. Although the static spin-independent disorder reduces the magnitude of the total spin current in the leads, the bond spin currents and spin densities remain nonzero throughout the whole diffusive 2DEG sample.
Could the Functional Future of Bibliographic Control Change Cataloging Work? An Exploration Using Abbott

Abbott's (1988) The System of Professions theory is used to understand how technology has changed cataloging work in academic libraries, and if the functional future of bibliographic control could change cataloging work. Abbott says technology can destroy and create professional work. Technology has somewhat destroyed professional cataloging work by enabling more efficient cataloging processes. Professional cataloging work has been passed to nonprofessional staff and vendors. The Web has created new forms of metadata work, but catalogers and metadata librarians may be competing for it. Cataloging must claim new work to survive.
Gene- and Viral-Based Therapies for Brain Tumors

Advances in understanding and controlling genes and their expression have set the stage to alter genetic material to fight or prevent disease with brain tumors being among one of the first human malignancies to be targeted by gene therapy. All proteins are coded for by DNA and most neoplastic diseases ultimately result from the expression or lack thereof with one or more proteins (e.g., coded by oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes, respectively). In theory, therefore, diseases could be treated by expression of the appropriate protein in the affected cells. Gene therapy is an experimental treatment that involves introducing genetic material (DNA or RNA) into cells, and it has made important advances in the past decade. Within this short time span, it has moved from the conceptual laboratory research stage to clinical translational trials for brain tumors. The most efficient approaches for gene delivery are based on viral vectors, which have been proven relatively safe in the CNS, despite occasional cases of morbidity and death in non-neurosurgical trials. However, the human response to various viral vectors can not be predicted in a reliable manner from animal experimentation, nor can size, consistency, and extent of experimental brain tumors in mouse models reflect the large, necrotic, infiltrative nature of malignant gliomas. Furthermore, the problem of delivering genetic vectors into solid brain tumors and the efficiency in situ gene transfer remains one of the most significant hurdles in gene therapy.
Practice Paper of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Abstract: Nutrition and Lifestyle for a Healthy Pregnancy Outcome

Abstract It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that women of childbearing age should adopt a lifestyle optimizing health and reducing risk of birth defects, suboptimal fetal development, and chronic health problems in both mother and child. Components leading to healthy pregnancy outcome include healthy pre-pregnancy weight, appropriate weight gain and physical activity during pregnancy, consumption of a wide variety of foods, appropriate vitamin and mineral supplementation, avoidance of alcohol and other harmful substances, and safe food handling. Nutrition assessment needs to encompass changes in anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical indicators throughout pregnancy. Pregnant women should gain weight according to the 2009 Institute of Medicine Guidelines. Energy needs are no higher than the Estimated Energy Requirement for nonpregnant women until the second trimester; thereafter, the extra energy need per day is 340 kcal and 452 kcal in the second and third trimesters, respectively. Using the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, registered dietitian nutritionists and dietetics technicians, registered, can help pregnant women select a food plan based on age, physical activity, trimester, weight gain, and other considerations. Women are encouraged to participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity spread throughout the week or 30 minutes of moderately intense exercise on most days of the week. When good food choices are made, food consumption to meet extra energy needs and the increased absorption and efficiency of nutrient utilization that occurs in pregnancy are generally adequate to meet most nutrient needs. However, vitamin and mineral supplementation may be important in vulnerable cases including food insecurity; alcohol, tobacco, or other substance dependency; anemia; strict vegetarian (vegan) diet; or poor eating habits. Multiple strategies are needed to support healthy lifestyles for all women, from preconception through the postpartum period. This practice paper supports the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' position paper "Nutrition and Lifestyle for a Healthy Pregnancy Outcome" published in the July 2014 Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics .
Diabolical points and their relation to level crossing

Abstract Diabolical points are studied in a three-level model where two eigenvalues become degenerate as two coupling parameters vary through real values. When the coupling parameters assume complex values it is found that complex curves of double degeneracy emanate from the diabolical points leading to points of triple degeneracy.
Tritium-labeled thymidine clearance from the aqueous humor and uptake in the lens epithelium of the rat eye.

Tritium-labeled thymidine was injected subconjunctivally into the eyes of rats which were 3·5–4·0 months old. Assay of the radioactivity in samples of aqueous humor collected at various times after injection showed that the [ 3 H]thymidine moved very rapidly from the site of injection into the anterior chamber. Maximal radioactivity was observed about 2·5 min after injection. During the next 20–30 min, the [ 3 H]thymidine disappeared from the aqueous humor at a very rapid rate. The initial rate of disappearance appeared to be about 20%/min. By 45 min after injection, the radioactivity in the aqueous humor had decreased to about 10% of the maximum observed. Thereafter, [ 3 H]thymidine disappeared from the aqueous humor at a slower rate (about 3·5%/hr). Autoradiographs of whole mounts of the lens epithelium were prepared from the eyes of other rats sacrificed at various times for 0·5 to 9·0 hr after the injection of [ 3 H]thymidine. The labeling index (number of labeled cells per 1000 cells scored) increased during the first 2 hr and then remained fairly constant from the 2nd through the 9th hr after injection. These results satisfied us that our injection procedure resulted in a pulse labeling of cells in the lens epithelium—i.e., labeling of cells for a time which was short compared to the total cell-cycle time.
"Cultural competence" and informed consent in international health research.

The notion of “cultural competency” in healthcare has gained currency in recent years. Health professionals are expected to be sensitive to the cultural backgrounds and language of their patients. Courses on cultural competency are now routinely offered to physicians, nurses, and others working in health fields. Although the rhetoric of cultural competency has been applied to clinical contexts, little attention has been given to its applicability in health research generally or, more specifically, in international health research. In this paper, I briefly explore the relevance and limitations of cultural competency for informed consent to international health research, particularly in the context of low-resource settings.This paper is based upon material included in Ethical Issues in Research Design and Informed Consent to Biomedical and Social Research in Resource Poor Settings, a monograph by Patricia Marshall (2007) commissioned by the World Health Organization, Ethics, Trade, Human Rights, and Health Law, and Special Topics in Social, Economic, and Behavioral Research Series of Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases. Work on this manuscript was supported by funding from the NIH/National Human Genome Research Institute (PI: Patricia Marshall, 2 R01 HG002207-04), the Center for Genetic Research Ethics and Law, Case Western Reserve University (PI: Eric Jeungst, NIH/National Human Genome Research Institute, P50-HG-03390), and the Case/UHC Center for AIDS Research (CFAR), (PI: Michael Lederman, NIH AI36219). I am grateful to John Stone and Erika Blacksher for their helpful remarks on an earlier version of this manuscript.
John Bahcall and Ray Davis: a Brief Tribute

Ray Davis and John Bahcall inspired a generation of physicists and astronomers, and changed science in important ways. Their deaths in the past year are a great loss.
Optimal ages of vaccination for measles

Abstract A mathematical modeling approach is used to theoretically estimate ages of vaccination which minimize the lifetime expected risk due to measles in a population. In developing countries where there are limited resources for measles vaccination, the calculations show that vaccination of a large fraction at one optimal age is much better than vaccination of half as many children at two ages. Optimal ages of vaccination are calculated from approximate measles seroconversion rate curves and estimated parameter values for Kenya, parts of South America, and the USA.
Resiliency in the Practicing Marriage and Family Therapist

Although burnout in the helping professions is well documented, few studies have examined the phenomenon of the resilient therapist. This study used a grounded theory methodology to construct a theory of therapist resilience. The participants were eight licensed marital and family therapists: five females, three males, all Caucasian, with an average age of 58.9 and an average of 22.6 years of experience who reported feeling energized by the practice of therapy. The theory that was constructed included a central category (Integration of Self with Practice), a paradigm (Trust in Self), and two main categories (Career Development and Practice of Therapy). The process involved an initial calling, a positive agency experience, career corrections, the influence of relationships, and a move to a more flexible environment.
Why Provide an Opinions Section in PLoS Pathogens

Citation: Manchester M (2005) Why provide an opinions section in PLoS Pathogens? PLoS Pathog 1(1): e13.
Commensurate ordering of iron phthalocyanine on Ag(1 1 1) surface

Epitaxial growth of iron phthalocyanine on a silver (1 1 1) surface has been studied with scanning tunneling microscopy in ultrahigh vacuum. While several structures were observed, this report concentrates on what appeared to be the most stable phase. This phase has commensurate two-dimensional ordering with oblique unit vectors (b1, b2) where b1 =5 a1 +2 a2 and b2 =5 a2, where a1 and a2 are unit vectors of Ag(1 1 1) surface. The rotation angle of iron phthalocyanine relative to the silver [1 0 1] direction was determined to be 16.63 from the high-resolution image analysis. The oblique structure is more commensurate than that of iron phthalocyanine on graphite and of copper phthalocyanine on the Ag(1 1 1) surface. The observed FePc on Ag(1 1 1) structure is similar to that of FePc on Au(1 1 1), but has significantly higher surface density. Bias dependence of the images was observed and is consistent with the expected small HOMO–LUMO gap.
Ecological dissonance in decision-making participation systems as a predictor of job satisfaction, involvement, alienation, and formalization

The discrepancy between measures of preferred and actual participation in decision making was used as a measure of ecological dissonance for an organization and then used to assess its relationship to job satisfaction, job involvement, job alienation, and job formalization. Questionnaires were administered to 143 faculty and staff members of Mississippi State University. Correlational analyses indicated mild relationships between the measures of ecological dissonance and job satisfaction, job involvement, job alienation, and job formalization, thus providing support for ecological dissonance theory (see Miller, Topping, & Wells-Parker, 1989). It was concluded that ecological dissonance in participation in decision making was a predictor of workers’ job satisfaction, job involvement, job alienation, and job formalization.
Calcium Mobilization and Muscle Contraction Induced by Acetylcholine in Swine Trachealis.

The roles of Ca2+ mobilization in development of tension induced by acetylcholine (ACh, 0.1–100 µM) in swine tracheal smooth muscle strips were studied. Under control conditions, ACh induced a transient increase in free cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) that declined to a steady-state level. The peak increase in [Ca2+]i correlated with the magnitude of tension at each [ACh] after a single exposure to ACh, while the steady-state [Ca2+]i did not. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ had little effect on peak [Ca2+]i but greatly reduced steady-state increases in [Ca2+]i and tension. Verapamil inhibited steady-state [Ca2+]i only at [ACh]<1 µM. After depletion of internal Ca2+ stores by 10 min exposure to ACh in Ca2+-free solution and then washout of ACh for 5 min in Ca2+-free solution, simultaneous re-exposure to ACh in the presence of 2.5 mM Ca2+ increased [Ca2+]i to the control steady-state level without overshoot. The tension attained was the same as control for each [ACh] used. Continuous exposure to successively increasing [ACh] (0.1–100 µM) also reduced the overshoot of [Ca2+]i at 10 and 100 µM ACh, yet tension reached control levels at each [ACh] used. We conclude that the steady-state increase in [Ca2+]i is necessary for tension maintenance and is dependent on Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated calcium channels at 0.1 µM ACh and through a verapamil-insensitive pathway at 10 and 100 µM. The initial transient increase in calcium arises from intracellular stores and is correlated with the magnitude of tension only in muscles that have completely recovered from previous exposure to agonists.
A Brief Inventory of Interpersonal Problems–Circumplex Using Nonparametric Item Response Theory: Introducing the IIP–C–IRT

Nonparametric item response theory methods were applied to the responses of 1,000 college students on the 64 items of the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems-Circumplex (IIP-C; Alden, Wiggins, & Pincus, 1990) to develop an abbreviated 32-item version of the instrument. In a separate validation sample of 981 students, the newly selected scale items did not show evidence of differential item functioning across males and females. There was high convergence found between the new scales and IIP-C parent scales, along with commensurate or improved fits to the circular structural model relative to the full scale and its existing brief derivatives-the IIP-32 and the IIP-SC. Results provide evidence that the new brief scales can improve the level of precision and information yielded in brief assessments of interpersonal problems without gender bias.
Hydrogen generation from methanol oxidation on supported Cu and Pt catalysts: Effects of active phases and supports

Catalytic partial oxidation (CPO) of methanol was studied over Cu/ZnO and Pt/ZrO2 catalysts. These catalysts gave different results, with Cu/ ZnO producing more CO2 and Pt/ZrO2 producing more CO. To explain this difference, the kinetics of four reactions (CPO, methanol decomposition (MD), methanol steam reforming (MSR), and water-gas shift (WGS)) were measured and used in a packed-bed model of the experimental reactor. For both catalysts, oxidation reactions were much faster than other reactions, so oxidation dominates the process until all of the oxygen is consumed. Once oxygen was depleted, MD dominated on Pt/ZrO2, keeping selectivity of CO high. On Cu/ZnO, however, MD was much slower, so MSR and WGS were dominant after oxygen had been consumed. In addition, deactivation of Cu/ZnO was investigated and it can be attributed to the existence of CH3O species or formate ions on the catalyst’s surface. The effect of catalyst support was studied by adding ceria to Pt/ZrO2. While ceria addition appeared to enhance the importance of WGS, increased ceria loading led to higher selectivities of CO2 and H2O. # 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
ZAP-70 is constitutively associated with tyrosine-phosphorylated TCR ζ in murine thymocytes and lymph node T cells

Studies with T cell lines and clones have shown that engagement of the TCR results in the tyrosine phosphorylation of the TCR subunits. This leads to the recruitment of the ZAP-70 protein tyrosine kinase, an interaction involving the two SH2-domains of ZAP-70 with tyrosine-phosphorylated zeta and CD3. However, as previously described, murine thymocytes and lymph node T cells express a constitutively tyrosine-phosphorylated zeta subunit in the basal state. Here, we show that a fraction of ZAP-70 molecules are constitutively associated with tyrosine-phosphorylated zeta. TCR ligation promotes a large increase in the tyrosine phosphorylation of ZAP-70 as well as other TCR subunits. Genetic studies reveal that the constitutive ZAP-70 association with tyrosine-phosphorylated zeta does not absolutely require either TCR or coreceptor interactions with MHC molecules.
Temporal Changes and Prescribed-Fire Effects on Vegetation and Small-Mammal Communities in Central Appalachian Forest, Creek, and Field Habitats

We quantified changes in vegetation and small-mammal communities over a 3-year period in paired creek, forest, and field sites in the central Appalachian Mountains. Prescribed burns were applied to field sites in 2008. Data were collected at all sites during summers of 2008 (pre-burn for fields), 2009 (ca. 2–4 months post-burn for fields), and 2010 (ca. 14–16 months post-burn for fields). In 19,640 trap-nights across 3 years, we captured 605 individuals of 14 small-mammal species. Sorenson index showed substantial differences in mammal communities between 2008 pre-burn and 2009/2010 post-burn fields (<10% similarity for all pre- to post-burn comparisons). Creek and forest habitats showed markedly greater year-to-year similarities (46–82%). Unlike mammals, vegetation and habitat structure showed little change over time. Minimal changes in preand post-burn fields suggest that field vegetation at these sites recovered rapidly after the low-intensity surface fires. In contrast, fire appears to have had a profound effect on small-mammal communities in fields, as documented by dramatic temporal changes in species composition and abundance and little evidence of recovery after 16 months postburn. As many managed fields in this region are burned on 3-year rotations, this potential impact of prescribed fire on small-mammal communities is important. Additional studies are needed to determine whether small-mammal populations are strongly affected by conditions during prescribed burns (i.e., direct effects on species mortality and emigration), or if the changes we observed reflect natural cyclical patterns (annual or multi-annual periodicities) in these populations.
The Churning Time of Milk Fat at Different Temperatures

Summary These experiments indicate that for milk or cream having a fat content within the range 4.1 – 40.0 per cent there is little difference in the time required to churn at a given temperature. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the effect of the physical state of the fat upon the churning time. In both cases the curves were shifted to the left when the fat was completely melted by warming to 45° C. and then cooled to churning temperature and held for 30 minutes before shaking. Evidence is given also that there is an optimum relationship between the amounts of liquid and solid fat for churning to take place. If the amount of either is increased from this value, the churning time is lengthened. When the fat becomes totally liquid or totally solid there is no churning.
Inheritance of Sexual Maturity in Male Chickens and Turkeys

Abstract Jones and Lamoreux (1942, Poultry Sci. 21: 173) found that in two strains of Leghorns, respectively selected for high and for low egg production, the yield of semen obtained by artificial stimulation of males also differed significantly. Their first semen collections were made when the cockerels were 12 weeks of age. At that time the proportion of males yielding semen was somewhat greater in the high than in the low egg production line though the difference was not significant. The yield, however, even at that early age was significantly greater in the former. Jones and Lamoreux interpreted these results as a reflection of the difference in rate of sexual maturity between the two lines. In order to establish whether there are inherited differences in the age of sexual maturity as measured by age at the first appearance of semen, tests with chickens and with turkeys were undertaken. Although the data . . .
Unique Replacement Method Developed for the U.S. Navy’s Newest Gas Turbine Powered Warship

The Navy’s newest big-deck Amphibious Assault Ship, LHD 8 Makin Island, is currently under construction and scheduled for delivery in late 2008. LHD 8 utilizes a gas turbine propulsion system that replaces the steam propulsion system used on the previous seven ships of the class. LHD’s are similar in design to aircraft carriers with a full length flight deck and island to the starboard side. Additionally the LHD 8 machinery spaces are directly below storage decks for mission equipment. Because of internal arrangements and the convoluted routes of the intake ducting the traditional method of removing the gas turbines through the superstructure via shore side crane was not possible. The LHD 8 will utilize a method of change out from within the ship. The paper will discuss the design considerations involved in developing this changeout method as well as a review and discussion of the physical changeout demonstration conducted by the shipbuilder. The paper will discuss the design development process such as the environmental qualifications of ship hardware, ship integrity and survivability, special tooling developed for LHD 8, differences from the traditional changeout methods as well as the US Navy’s maintenance philosophy for this ‘first-of-class’ ship design. Included in the paper will be ship drawings, photos and diagrams of the change out hardware, removal routes, special tooling and support equipment.
Comparison of Hydrogenation and Dehydrogenation Behavior and Coal Conversion Activity upon the Addition of Coal for Supported and Unsupported Molybdenum Catalysts

Two-ring aromatic compounds were used to study catalytic hydrogenation. In the absence of coal, conventional supported catalysts resulted in higher levels of aromatic hydrogenation than unsupported...
The Impact of Publishing Foodservice Inspection Scores

ABSTRACT The publishing of food safety inspection scores in the media has been the subject of much debate and controversy among consumers, health inspectors, and reporters. Part of the debate centers around whether publishing the results of health inspections by the media influences foodservice establishments to gain better scores, since the media influence consumers' decisions as to whether or not to patronize an establishment. Using a case study approach, the health inspection scores obtained from Tippecanoe County, Indiana, US are analyzed prior to and after media reporting began to determine if the publishing of scores does impact the scores foodservice establishments receive. The results show that overall inspection scores and individual inspector's inspection scores increased and the number of consumer complaints to the health department decreased. This suggests that the reporting of restaurant inspections in the media not only provides information to consumers, but may also impact the inspection pr...
Correlation filter for target detection and noise and clutter rejection

This study was motivated by the infrared search and tracking (IRST) project. The investigation seeks to develop a technique that could detect the presence of a moving target in a cloud cluttered environment. Particularly, the signals, noise and clutters are unknown to the system. Thus, the correlation technique for image processing was developed, demonstrating its ability to detect moving targets of one pixel in size such as missiles and planes. A real-time image processor using this correlation technique was implemented. A Panoramic Imaging System, a 512 by 480 image processor at 30 frames per second was demonstrated. The demonstrated imaging system was operating at 120 mops (million operations per second) using an assembly- line processor architecture. The successful investigation of the correlation technique for image processing led to the developments of a correlation filter and the inspiration to develop the generalized filter. From the investigation, the author found that the Kalman filter, the Weiner filter and the correlation filter are special cases of a generalized filter. These filters can be related through a cost function in the constrained gain matrix of a generalized filter. However, in developing the correlation filter and the real-time imager, the correlation filter was observed to be a very effective noise and clutter rejecter and yet a very powerful detector. The filter was successfully applied to detection of pixel sized targets in noisy and cluttered IR images. Also it has been successfully applied to detection of intruders in cluttered, trees and bushes, video and IR images in security systems. This paper presents the derivation of the correlation filter for detection and estimation of unknown signals in unknown noise. Several noise rejection and cluttered rejection examples are presented.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
From research to policy: choosing questions and interpreting the answers.

Research can contribute to policy by asking good questions, using the best methods we have, and being ready when the policy issues arise.