cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural basis for the insensitivity of a serine enzyme (palmitoyl-protein thioesterase) to phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride.

Abstract Palmitoyl-protein thioesterase-1 (PPT1) is a newly described lysosomal enzyme that hydrolyzes long chain fatty acids from lipid-modified cysteine residues in proteins. Deficiency in this enzyme results in a severe neurodegenerative storage disorder, infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Although the primary structure of PPT1 contains a serine lipase consensus sequence, the enzyme is insensitive to commonly used serine-modifying reagents phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) and diisopropylfluorophosphate. In the current paper, we show that the active site serine in PPT1 is modified by a substrate analog of PMSF, hexadecylsulfonylfluoride (HDSF) in a specific and site-directed manner. The apparentK i of the inhibition was 125 μm (in the presence of 1.5 mm Triton X-100), and the catalytic rate constant for sulfonylation (k 2) was 3.3/min, a value similar to previously described sulfonylation reactions. PPT1 was crystallized after inactivation with HDSF, and the structure of the inactive form was determined to 2.4 A resolution. The hexadecylsulfonyl was found to modify serine 115 and to snake through a narrow hydrophobic channel that would not accommodate an aromatic sulfonyl fluoride. Therefore, the geometry of the active site accounts for the reactivity of PPT1 with HDSF but not PMSF. These observations suggest a structural explanation as to why certain serine lipases are resistant to modification by commonly used serine-modifying reagents.
Frequency of inhaled metaproterenol in the treatment of acute asthma exacerbation

Acute asthma exacerbations are common complaints in patients who present to the emergency department. A prospective, double-blinded study was designed to evaluate how frequency of dosing of an inhaled β -agonist, metaproterenol (Alupent ® inhalation solution) would affect patient response, length of stay in the ED, and admission rates. Forty-one patients initially received a 0.3-mL dose of nebulized metaproterenol followed by two additional doses of either metaproterenol or saline every 20 minutes. While there was no difference in response (forced expiratory volume in one second) in patients at 30 minutes after their arrival, there was an improved response in the metaproterenol group at 60 and 120 minutes. The length of stay in the ED was approximately the same for both groups. There was no significant difference in admission rates. No increase in undesirable side effects (eg, nausea, tremor, palpitations) was seen in the metaproterenol-treated group. Frequent dosing of metaproterenol is useful in asthmatics having acute exacerbations and leads to rapid improvement without an increase in toxicity.
Complex calculations: how drug use during pregnancy becomes a barrier to prenatal care.

Pregnant women who use drugs are more likely to receive little or no prenatal care. This study sought to understand how drug use and factors associated with drug use influence women’s prenatal care use. A total of 20 semi-structured interviews and 2 focus groups were conducted with a racially/ethnically diverse sample of low-income women using alcohol and drugs in a California county. Women using drugs attend and avoid prenatal care for reasons not connected to their drug use: concern for the health of their baby, social support, and extrinsic barriers such as health insurance and transportation. Drug use itself is a barrier for a few women. In addition to drug use, women experience multiple simultaneous risk factors. Both the drug use and the multiple simultaneous risk factors make resolving extrinsic barriers more difficult. Women also fear the effects of drug use on their baby’s health and fear being reported to Child Protective Services, each of which influence women’s prenatal care use. Increasing the number of pregnant women who use drugs who receive prenatal care requires systems-level rather than only individual-level changes. These changes require a paradigm shift to viewing drug use in context of the person and society and acceptance of responsibility for unintended consequences of public health bureaucratic procedures and messages about effects of drug use during pregnancy.
Impaired adenosine-induced myocardial perfusion in children with mild/moderate aortic stenosis using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging.

Method Children with mild or moderate AS and no coronary stenoses (mean Doppler pressure gradient 20.3 ± 10.4 torr, n=11) were compared to a control group with hemodynamically normal hearts (“C”, pressure gradient 3.2 ± 1.5 torr, n=20). Mean age was 8.4 ± 4.4 years. For resting rest and hyperemia acquisitions the LV myocardium was divided into two slices (apical and basal) and each slice into six regions. The time course of average regional signal intensity during contrast transit was used to quantify absolute flow (ml/g/min) by deconvolution of the tissue curves with the arterial input of contrast. A linear mixed effects statistical model was employed to account for inter-subject variance (AS Vs C) and intrasubject variance (resting/adenosine, slice, and region), and also included interaction terms between AS and C, and treatment.
Selective inhibition of IL-2 gene expression by IL-2 antisense oligonucleotides blocks heart allograft rejection.

Purpose. We tested the effects of selective inhibition of interleukin (IL)-2 gene expression by IL-2 antisense oligonucleotide (oligo) with phosphorothioate (PS)/ phosphodiester (PD)/2'-methoxyethyl (ME) modifications (17359) on T-cell function and the survival of heart allografts in mice. Methods. The PS- (17328) or PS/PD/ME- (17359) IL-2 oligo was electroporated to mouse T cell lymphoma cells (TIB 155) stimulated with concanavalin A (Con A). Expression of IL-2 was analyzed by an ELISA spot assay and a reverse transcript polymerase chain reaction method. C3H (H-2 k ) mice transplanted with BALB/c (H-2 d ) heart grafts were treated i.v. with a 7-day osmotic pump with 20 mg/kg 17359 alone or in combination with sirolimus (SRL). Results. In comparison with untreated controls, 500 to 2000 nM 17328 inhibited IL-2 protein production by 21.8% to 47.2%, whereas 500 to 2000 nM 17359 did so by 35.5% to 83.5% (both P<0.001). In vivo, 20 mg/kg 17359 prolonged survivals to a mean survival time (MST) of 18.3±2.6 days (P<0.001) in comparison with only 8.2±0.8 days in untreated controls. Although 0.2 mg/kg SRL alone produced a MST of 18.8±6.0 days (P<0.01), addition of 20 mg/kg 17539 synergistically extended survivals to 54.3±12.1 days (P<0.001). As expected, IL-2 mRNA, but not IL-7, IL-9, or IL-15 mRNA, was reduced in allografts from recipients treated with 17359 compared with untreated controls. Lymph node cells from the same recipients displayed reduction in proliferative response to donor alloantigen and in generation of alloantigen-specific cytotoxic T cells. Conclusion. Selective inhibition of IL-2 mRNA in vivo inhibits T-cell function and extends allograft survival.
The Relationship Between Service Learning and Research

In Fall 2006, a faculty member in George Washington University's University Writing 20 (UW20) program began incorporating service learning into her theme-based first-year writing course. Along with her librarian partner, they linked two research assignments to the service work of the students. An end-of-semester survey was administrated over three semesters with one question asking if the student's research process was affected by their service experience. In reviewing and analyzing student comments, four themes emerged: increased motivation, use of numerical data and primary sources, increased knowledge in approaching and limiting topics, and the potential for bias.
Autonomic nervous system function and aging: response specificity.

Age differences in autonomic nervous system response patterns were investigated to determine if there was an age-related increase in the tendency to respond to multiple stimuli with a consistent response hierarchy (individual consistency). Five stimuli were administered in a Latin Square design—mental arithmetic, cold pressor, isometric exercise, comic slide, and time estimation. A warning tone was presented before each stimulus. Physiological measures included heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, skin potential, breathing rate, and digital blood flow. To compare responses in different systems, responses were standardized according to the formula, Z = [50 + 10 (X − M)]/σ, where Z is the standardized score, X is the difference between stimulation and warning levels, M is the average response for that system, and σ is the square root of the mean square for error from the analysis of variance computed for each response system. A matrix was generated for each subject which included his Z scores from the six response systems for the five stimuli. Intraclass correlations were then computed. Individual consistency significantly increased with increasing age (r= .33, p<.005).
HYBRID INTEGRATION USING SILICA-ON-SILICON OPTICAL MOTHERBOARDS

Silicon micromachining can be used to fabricate motherboards onto which optical, optoelectronic and electronic components can be aligned using low-cost passive alignment techniques. Further functionality can be added by incorporating planar silica waveguides, which route the optical signal within the motherboard and may also perform optical processing functions. This paper begins by describing some motherboard elements developed at BT Laboratories, then discusses examples of two modules which have been fabricated, combining several of these elements to form optical sub-systems.
Effects of western Corn Belt cropping systems on agroecosystem functions

Agricultural sustainability is enhanced by management practices that optimize the performance of multiple agroecosystem functions. The performance of western Corn Belt cropping systems was evaluated based on four agroecosystem functions: food production, raw materials production, nutrient cyding, and greenhouse gas regulation. A simple multiattribute ranking procedure was used to quantify agroecosystem performance using data from a long-term cropping systems experiment near Mead, NE. Treatments included in the procedure were continuous corn (Zea mays L.) (CC), corn-soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (C-SB), corn-oat (Avena sativa L.) + clover [80% sweet dover (Melilotus officinalis L.) and 20% red clover (Trifolium pratense L.)]-sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]-soybean (C-OCL-SG-SB), and corn-soybean-sorghum-oat + clover (C-SB-SG-OCL) each at three N fertilization levels (ZERO, LOW, and HIGH). Based on treatment averages of soil and crop indicators from 1983 to 1998, agroecosystem performance scores ranged from 66.6 to 77.3, with a least significant difference (LSD) between treatments of 2.2 (P < 0.05). Treatments with the highest scores included C-OCL-SG-SBILOW (77.3), C-SB/LOW (76.9), CC/LOW (76.7), CC/HIGH (76.6), and C-SB-SG-OCL/LOW (75.3). Among these treatments, those fertilized at the LOW N rate attained high scores through moderate performance in all four agroecosystem functions. The CC/ HIGH treatment, however, attained a high score solely through its superior capacity to be highly productive, as its scores for the two environmental quality-related functions were the lowest among all treatments. Correlations between production- and environmental protection-related functions were negative, emphasizing the importance of employing management practices that are productive yet minimize deleterious environmental impacts.
Bracing for collateral ligamentinjuries of the knee

Abstract Injury to the collateral ligaments of the knee is an extremely common occurrence in today's athletic population.Injuries to the knee can occur during both contact and noncontact sports. As a result, many attempts have been made to design braces for prophylaxis against injury, protection of the healing ligament, and stability of the ligamentously deficient knee. The efficacy and role of prophylactic braces have perhaps come under the most scrutiny. Biomechanically, testing has shown them to be of only questionable value in reducing the stress and load on the medial supporting structures of the knee. Clinically, with regard to their usefulness, there appear to be conflicting data as well. However, there does appear to be some support for their efficacy in reducing the incidence of injury on defensive players and all linemen in football. Physiologically, there are multiple studies that have proven brace wear to result in an adverse effect on both performance and energy use; this must also be considered before use. Injuries to the lateral side of the knee are far less common. Currently, there are no good studies that support brace wear for prophylaxis against injury to the lateral structures of the knee. Additionally, there is also no evidence to support the use of functional bracing in the chronically unstable knee. Current recommendations are for consideration of use of a prophylactic brace with a unilateral biaxial design for football players. Specifically, defensive position players and all linemen may gain the greatest benefit. The use of bilateral-hinge-design braces may be equally efficacious, but cost-prohibitive. The use of functional bracing for the chronically unstable knee is controversial with unsupported efficacy. Therefore, use for these indications should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Terminal addition, the Cambrian radiation and the Phanerozoic evolution of bilaterian form.

SUMMARY We examine terminal addition, the process of addition of serial elements in a posterior subterminal growth zone during animal development, across modern taxa and fossil material. We argue that terminal addition was the basal condition in Bilateria, and that modification of terminal addition was an important component of the rapid Cambrian evolution of novel bilaterian morphology. We categorize the often-convergent modifications of terminal addition from the presumed ancestral condition. Our focus on terminal addition and its modification highlights trends in the history of animal evolution evident in the fossil record. These trends appear to be the product of departure from the initial terminal addition state,as is evident in evolutionarypatterns within-fossilgroups such as trilobites, but is also more generally related to shifts in types of morphologic change through the early Phanerozoic. Our argument is contingent on dates of metazoan divergence that are roughly convergent with the first appearance of metazoan fossils in the latest Proterozoic and Cambrian, as well as on an inference of homology of terminal addition across bilaterian Metazoa.
Structure of the Ni sites in hydrogenases by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Species variation and the effects of redox poise

Structural information obtained from the analysis of nickel K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopic data of [NiFe]hydrogenases from Desulfovibrio gigas, Thiocapsa roseopersicina, Desulfovibrio desulfuricans (ATCC 27774), Escherichia coli (hydrogenase-1), Chromatium vinosum, and Alcaligenes eutrophus H16 (NAD+-reducing, soluble hydrogenase), poised in different redox states, is reported. The data allow the active-site structures of enzymes from several species to be compared, and allow the effects of redox poise on the structure of the nickel sites to be examined. In addition, the structure of the nickel site obtained from recent crystallographic studies of the D. gigas enzyme (Volbeda, A.; Charon, M.-H.; Piras, C.; Hatchikian, E. C.; Frey, M.; Fontecilla-Camps, J. C. Nature 1995, 373, 580−587) is compared with the structural features obtained from the analysis of XAS data from the same enzyme. The nickel sites of all but the oxidized (as isolated) sample of A. eutrophus hydrogenase are quite similar. The ni...
Predicting Future Traffic Congestion from Automated Traffic Recorder Readings with an Ensemble of Random Forests

Predicting future traffic congestion has the potential to decrease travel times by improving GPS navigation and enhancing traffic flows. This paper describes a methodology developed to predict future automated traffic recorder (ATR) readings with current and recent ones from local ATRs. Data was preprocessed by down sampling the simulated ATR signals. Additional training sets were created by resampling the ATR signals at incremental offsets. Regression Random Forests were trained to predict future ATR recordings, and an ensemble of Random Forests created with different preprocessing techniques was formed. This ensemble performed within the top 1% in one track of the 2010 IEEE ICDM Contest: Tom Tom Traffic Prediction for Intelligent GPS Navigation, improving 43.4% on the baseline algorithm.
Cavity size effects on CESR in simple metals. I. theory

Abstract CESR lineshapes are calculated including microwave cavity size effects. In the diffusion regime, broadening occurs for spin diffusion lengths comparable with cavity dimensions. In the Fermi liquid regime, broadening and lineshift are functions of Landau parameters and magnet angle.
Adoption Counseling as a Professional Specialty Area for Counselors

Adoption is an area of professional specialization that has resided primarily with social workers. However, with some additional training, many counselors can acquire the expertise to provide service to members of the adoption triad: birthparents, adoptive parents, and adoptees. This article provides an overview of the major issues that may arise in the lives of triad members and suggests ways in which counselors can be equipped to respond to those issues.
Ultrastructural observations of cotyledons in dry and developing seeds of round and wrinkled lines ofPisum

Abstract Ultrastructural differences between round and wrinkled seeds of Pisum lines have been studied both in dry seeds and during their development. The greatest difference was found in the appearance of the starch grains which were intact in the round dry seeds, but broken or fragmented in wrinkled dry seeds. A gradual disintegration of starch granules was found to occur in developing wrinkled seeds. An early digestion of starch grains in wrinkled seeds is proposed.
Identification of toxinogenic C. diphtheriae with fluorescent antitoxin: demonstration of its nonspecificity.

Summary1. Immunofluorescent staining of various Corynebacteria and other microorganisms with fluorescein labelled diphtheria antitoxin resulted in staining of toxinogenic and atoxinogenic strains of C. diphtheriae, as well as of certain other Corynebacteria and unrelated microorganisms. 2. Specificity of this staining for identification of toxinogenic C. diphtheriae could not be improved by alterations in conditions of staining, or by chemical manipulation of antitoxin solutions. 3. This lack of specificity is felt to be due to multiple non-antitoxic (accessory) antibodies present in the antitoxin preparations which cross-react with a variety of bacterial antigens. 4. It is suggested that stainable diphtheria toxin may not be present at or on the surface of viable, intact diphtheria organisms, and specific identification of toxinogenic C. diphtheriae by fluorescent antitoxin may not be possible. 5. On the basis of data presented here, this technic as currently described would seem to offer little more tha...
Identification of a receptor-independent activator of G protein signaling (AGS8) in ischemic heart and its interaction with Gβγ

As part of a broader effort to identify postreceptor signal regulators involved in specific diseases or organ adaptation, we used an expression cloning system in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to screen cDNA libraries from rat ischemic myocardium, human heart, and a prostate leiomyosarcoma for entities that activated G protein signaling in the absence of a G protein coupled receptor. We report the characterization of activator of G protein signaling (AGS) 8 (KIAA1866), isolated from a rat heart model of repetitive transient ischemia. AGS8 mRNA was induced in response to ventricular ischemia but not by tachycardia, hypertrophy, or failure. Hypoxia induced AGS8 mRNA in isolated adult ventricular cardiomyocytes but not in rat aortic smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, or cardiac fibroblasts, suggesting a myocyte-specific adaptation mechanism involving remodeling of G protein signaling pathways. The bioactivity of AGS8 in the yeast-based assay was independent of guanine nucleotide exchange by Gα, suggesting an impact on subunit interactions. Subsequent studies indicated that AGS8 interacts directly with Gβγ and this occurs in a manner that apparently does not alter the regulation of the effector PLC-β2 by Gβγ. Mechanistically, AGS8 appears to promote G protein signaling by a previously unrecognized mechanism that involves direct interaction with Gβγ.
Videoendoscopic distortion correction and its application to virtual guidance of endoscopy

Modern video based endoscopes offer physicians a wide-angle field of view (FOV) for minimally invasive procedures, Unfortunately, inherent barrel distortion prevents accurate perception of range. This makes measurement and distance judgment difficult and causes difficulties in emerging applications, such as virtual guidance of endoscopic procedures. Such distortion also arises in other wide FOV camera circumstances. This paper presents a distortion correction technique that can automatically calculate correction parameters, without precise knowledge of horizontal and vertical orientation. The method is applicable to any camera-distortion correction situation. Based on a least-squares estimation, the authors' proposed algorithm considers line fits in both FOV directions and gives a globally consistent set of expansion coefficients and an optimal image center. The method is insensitive to the initial orientation of the endoscope and provides more exhaustive FOV correction than previously proposed algorithms. The distortion-correction procedure is demonstrated for endoscopic video images of a calibration test pattern, a rubber bronchial training device, and real human circumstances. The distortion correction is also shown as a necessary component of an image-guided virtual-endoscopy system that matches endoscope images to corresponding rendered three-dimensional computed tomography views.
Trans-boundary Movement of Hazardous Waste: Evidence from a New Micro Data in the European Union

The paper explores a new micro dataset on the export of hazardous waste generated in Europe. A total of 16 745 industrial facilities generated hazardous waste in 2009 out of which 1 272 exported some or all of the waste. A measure of the export intensity of facilities is introduced by using export of hazardous waste as a percentage of total hazardous waste generated. The study finds that 96% of the export stays within Europe and rarely goes to developing countries. The major driving force behind firms' decision to export hazardous waste may be the stringency of general environmental policies as well as the introduction of regulations and tax bases specific to waste disposal. Furthermore, the availability of sufficient waste management and recycling centers increases competition and decreases the cost of waste management, reducing the need to export hazardous wastes.
Changes in Health Care Spending and Quality for Medicare Beneficiaries Associated With a Commercial ACO Contract

RESULTS Before entering the AQC, total quarterly spending per beneficiary for the intervention group was $150 (95% CI, $25-$274) higher than for the control group and increased at a similar rate. In year 2 of the intervention group’s exposure to the AQC, this difference was reduced to $51 (95% CI, −$109 to $210; P = .53), constituting a significant differential change of −$99 (95% CI, −$183 to −$16; P = .02) or a 3.4% savings relative to an expected quarterly mean of $2895. Savings in year 1 were not significant (differential change, −$34; 95% CI, −$83 to $16; P = .18). Year 2 savings derived largely from lower spending on outpatient care (differential change, −$73; 95% CI, −$97 to −$50; P < .001), particularly for beneficiaries with 5 or more conditions, and included significant differential changes in spending on procedures, imaging, and tests. Annual rates of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol testing differentially improved for beneficiaries with diabetes in the intervention group by 3.1 percentage points (95% CI, 1.4-4.8 percentage points; P < .001) and for those with cardiovascular disease by 2.5 percentage points (95% CI, 1.1-4.0 percentage points; P < .001), but performance on other quality measures did not differentially change. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The AQC was associated with lower spending for Medicare beneficiaries but not with consistently improved quality. Savings among Medicare beneficiaries and previously demonstrated savings among BCBS enrollees varied similarly across settings, services, and time, suggesting that organizational responses were associated with broad changes in patient care.
The Disability Voice in American Politics: Political Participation of People With Disabilities in the 1994 Election

The health of a democracy depends on citizen involvement in political life. Unfortunately, not all citizens have an equal voice in American governance. Previous research has demonstrated that indiv...
Evaluating the effect of a multi-faceted intervention on the CD4 counts of triply diagnosed AIDS patients

Abstract Introduction AIDS patients dealing with drug addiction and homelessness are known as triply diagnosed. This is a very delicate sub-population of the AIDS community as its members deal with more co-morbidities and worse outcomes. Methods A study was conducted to determine what interventions were most likely to improve health conditions, namely CD4 count, of these patients. Results It was found that patients with higher primary care appointment attendance enjoyed the largest increase in CD4 count over 6 months at an average of +118 cells/mm3. Anti-retroviral (ARV) therapy status was shown to be the least effective with an average change in CD4 count of +12.67 cells/mm3. Conclusion This study reflects the importance of strong continuous support from the primary care doctor in the care of triply diagnosed AIDS patients. Although Q3 ARV therapy and counseling are important, they are not enough to ensure the best outcome for the patient.
Cardiac disease, anxiety, and sexual functioning

Despite the growing amount of reseach on cardiac disease and sexual dysfunction, few empirical studies have been published on the overlap of these 2 areas. In particular, previous research has noted that the overall attainment of social and occupational adjustment for patients with cardiac disease remains a challenge. Emotional distress of sufficient intensity to receive a psychiatric diagnosis has been estimated to be as high as 37-58% in patients after myocardial infarction (MI). In fact, numerous studies have concluded that failure to adjust socially or to return to normal activity levels is more strongly related to psychological distress than to the extent of the organic disease itself. These factors, either pre-existing or after onset of psychological morbidity, are highly likely to influence sexual adjustment of the cardiac patient. This article reviews the role of anxiety as a risk factor for the development of cardiac disease, as a comorbid condition, and the role anxiety may play in the development of sexual difficulties. The complicated association between psychological distress, previous sexual adjustment, organic factors, and existing family supports should be considered in cardiac rehabilitation.
Cellular organization and ferritin uptake in the mid‐gut epithelium of a moth, Ephestia kühniella

The fine structure of the mid-gut epithelium and regenerative cells of larvae of a moth (Ephestia kuhniella) is described. Particular attention is paid to the absorptive and goblet cells and their lateral junctions; these features are discussed in terms of the digestive and regulatory functions of the epithelium. One digestive pathway has been investigated with the aid of ingested ferritin; intake of this marker by endocytosis and the evident involvement of Golgi vesicles in the transformation of endocytic vesicles into multivesicular bodies, together with the fate of the latter, are discussed in terms of the digestive function of this part of the alimentary tract and of the lysosome concept.
Anisotropic LMN dielectronic resonances from ratios of magnetic-dipole lines

Signatures of multi-keV $LMN$ dielectronic resonances in highly charged $3{d}^{n}$ ions of tungsten were detected in the intensity ratios of extreme-ultraviolet magnetic-dipole lines within ground configurations. The measurements were performed with an electron beam ion trap at beam energies of about 6 keV. Large-scale collisional-radiative modeling incorporating magnetic sublevels of autoionizing levels showed the significance of anisotropy effects due to the monodirectional propagation of the electron beam. The observation method allows simultaneous resolved registration of dielectronic resonances from several ions.
A method for partial-memory incremental learning and its application to computer intrusion detection

This paper describes a partial-memory incremental learning method based on the AQ15c inductive learning system. The method maintains a representative set of past training examples that are used together with new examples to appropriately modify the currently held hypotheses. Incremental learning is evoked by feedback from the environment or from the user. Such a method is useful in applications involving intelligent agents acting in a changing environment, active vision, and dynamic knowledge-bases. For this study, the method is applied to the problem of computer intrusion detection in which symbolic profiles are learned for a computer system's users. In the experiments, the proposed method yielded significant gains in terms of learning time and memory requirements at the expense of slightly lower predictive accuracy and higher concept complexity, when compared to batch learning, in which all examples are given at once.
Developing 226Ra and 227Ac age-dating techniques for nuclear forensics to gain insight from concordant and non-concordant radiochronometers

The model age or ‘date of purification’ of a nuclear material is an important nuclear forensic signature. In this study, chemical separation and MC-ICP-MS measurement techniques were developed for 226Ra and 227Ac: grand-daughter nuclides in the 238U and 235U decay chains, respectively. The 230Th–234U, 226Ra–238U, 231Pa–235U, and 227Ac–235U radiochronometers were used to calculate model ages for CRM-U100 standard reference material and two highly-enriched pieces of uranium metal from the International Technical Working Group Round Robin 3 Exercise. Results demonstrate the accuracy of the 226Ra–238U and 227Ac–235U chronometers and provide information about nuclide migration during uranium processing.
Cenozoic mineral deposits and subduction-related magmatic arcs in Mexico

Spatial distribution of isotopic ages of igneous rocks in northern Mexico shows that a magmatic arc commenced at 140 m.y. B.P. near a paleotrench, progressed 1,000 km eastward by 40 m.y. B.P., and then regressed to within 200 km of the continental margin by 18 m.y. B.P. During progression, a calcic and calc-alkaline continental-margin volcano-plutonic regime developed, but farther east, high-K calc-alkaline and alkaline facies formed in northeastern Mexico and west Texas. Following regression, calc-alkaline volcanism was renewed on the Pacific margin at ∼18 m.y. B.P. and continued until cessation of subduction by initiation of transform movements between Pacific and American plates. Benioff zone depth estimates from K 57.5 relationships suggest decreasing dip during progression and a variable-dip, variable-depth regime from 140 to 16 m.y. B.P. Both the dip-angle-convergence-rate relationship and independent convergence rates require increasing convergence but decreasing sinking rates of subducted oceanic slab from 80 to 42 m.y. B.P., followed by decreasing convergence and sinking rates from 42 to 16 m.y. B.P. Changes in subduction dynamics are attributed to plate reorganization at 44 m.y. B.P. and the approach of the East Pacific Rise. Differing hydrothermal ore assemblages in zones subparallel to the paleotrench are constrained by magma distribution in space and time Cu-(Mo-W) ores (106 to 40 m.y. old) in calc-alkaline magmas formed during progression, whereas Mo and CaF 2 deposits coincide with the alkaline belt during arc stillstand above the deepest subduction depths, and Pb-Zn-Ag deposits (49-26 m.y. B.P.) were formed during late arc progression and early regression. These geodynamic variations, plus Sr, Rb, and S isotopic characteristics of the arc terrane, suggest that processes associated with subduction and some crustal contamination, rather than local compositional anomalies in crust or mantle, account for different magma and mineral-deposit suites. Southern Mexico exhibits Fe and Cu zones, whereas the overlapping calc-alkaline trans-Mexican-Chiapanecan arc of late Miocene to Holocene age contains several base- and precious-metal deposits.
Preparing Special Education Mentors Using Classroom Artifacts as a Vehicle for Learning About Teaching

The authors examine a project that focuses on preparing special educators to mentor preservice teachers throughout their preparation program, instead of mostly at the end of their program. Through use of classroom literacy artifacts, mentors are prepared in how to guide novices as they transition through coursework and into classroom practice. Fifteen mentors participate in the yearlong project and have regular interactions with preservice teachers through campus field advisories. Responses regarding the selection, preparation, and discussion of the artifact are collected. Findings indicate that mentors can select and use artifacts that illustrate teaching complexities. Also, pre-service teachers value the discussions surrounding the artifacts and say it helped them learn about teaching students with disabilities. Although helpful as a way to focus on learning to teach students with disabilities, the artifact is still only a resource. Key to its usefulness is work with mentors to help them select, plan, and discuss the artifact.
Secrecy Capacity per Unit Cost

The concept of channel capacity per unit cost was introduced by Verdu in 1990 to study the limits of cost-efficient wide-band communication. It was shown that orthogonal signaling can achieve the channel capacity per unit cost of memoryless stationary channels with a zero-cost input letter. This paper introduces a concept of secrecy capacity per unit cost to study cost-efficient wide-band secrecy communication. For degraded memoryless stationary wiretap channels, it is shown that an orthogonal coding scheme with randomized pulse position and constant pulse shape achieves the secrecy capacity per unit cost with a zero-cost input letter. For general memoryless stationary wiretap channels, the performance of orthogonal codes is studied, and the benefit of further randomizing the pulse shape is demonstrated via a simple example.
Optimization of Integrated Urban Wet-Weather Control Strategies

An optimization method for urban wet-weather control (WWC) strategies is presented. The developed optimization model can be used to determine the most cost-effective strategies for the combination of centralized storage-release systems and distributed on-site WWC alternatives. The two major components of the model are an objective function that evaluates the cost of a given option and a process simulator that describes the production function. The data for developing the production function are generated by running process simulation models that provide estimates of performance for specified values of the inputs. In earlier research, a prespecified number of simulations were run and then an analytical function was fitted to the database. Typically, the fitted function did not approximate the data well, and manual graphical procedures or numerical analysis software had to be used to approximate the response surface. This paper presents a much improved version of this approach wherein an optimizer is used t...
A deeply integrated adaptive GPS-based navigator with extended range code tracking

This paper presents a new approach to GPS-based navigation which offers significant improvement in antijam capability over traditional designs. The algorithms may be implemented at low cost in software in existing and future GPS receivers using, as inputs, postcorrelation I and Q data and, optionally, raw data from other sensors. Traditional systems are not optimal at high jammer-to-signal (J/S) ratios as a consequence of modular design, use of traditional fixed-gain or gain-scheduled tracking loops, and use of artificial moding logic. The approach described here employs a nonlinear filter that operates efficiently at all J/S levels. Filter gains continuously adapt to changes in the J/S environment, and the error covariance propagation is driven directly by measurements to enhance robustness under high jamming and dynamics conditions. Extended-range correlation may be optionally included to increase the code tracking loss-of-lock threshold under high jamming scenarios. Computational complexity is comparable to an extended Kalman filter. Results of hardware-in-the-loop simulations are presented which demonstrate improvements of 15 dB or more in antijam capability relative to traditional designs.
Attributes of a surgical chairperson associated with extramural funding of a department of surgery

Abstract Background Chairpersons of surgery departments are key stakeholders and role models and leaders of research in academic medical institutions. However, the characteristics of surgical chairpersons are understudied. This study aimed to investigate the association between the personal academic achievement of a surgical chairperson and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding of the department. Methods We calculated the Hirsch index (H-index), a measure of research productivity, for chairpersons of surgery of the top 90 research medical schools that were ranked by U.S. News & World Report. Specialty training, y as chairperson, location, and NIH institutional and department funding were analyzed. Nonparametric tests and linear regression methods were used to compare the different groups. Results Of the 90 chairpersons, 20 positions for chairs (22%) are either recent ( 49) (coefficient 0.32, P = 0.02). Conclusions The research productivity of a chairperson is the only personal attribute of those studied that is associated with the departmental NIH funding. This suggests the important role an academically productive surgical leader may play as a champion for the academic success of the department.
Clomiphene‐lnduced Mood Swings

A study of couples' perceptions of infertility treatment with clomiphene (clomiphene citrate) revealed mood swings in 9 out of 14 women using the drug. This paper describes the mood swings and the responses of women and their spouses. Three phases of mood swing response emerged from the data: lacking awareness of the relation of the mood swings to the drug; gaining awareness of that relation; and managing the mood swings. The results of the study provide important information for nurses counseling couples who are experiencing clomiphene-induced mood swings.
Obstruction of Dengue Virus Maturation by Fab Fragments of the 2H2 Antibody.

The 2H2 monoclonal antibody recognizes the precursor peptide on immature dengue virus and might therefore be a useful tool for investigating the conformational change that occurs when the immature virus enters an acidic environment. During dengue virus maturation, spiky, immature, noninfectious virions change their structure to form smooth-surfaced particles in the slightly acidic environment of the trans-Golgi network, thereby allowing cellular furin to cleave the precursor-membrane proteins. The dengue virions become fully infectious when they release the cleaved precursor peptide upon reaching the neutral-pH environment of the extracellular space. Here we report on the cryo-electron microscopy structures of the immature virus complexed with the 2H2 antigen binding fragments (Fab) at different concentrations and under various pH conditions. At neutral pH and a high concentration of Fab molecules, three Fab molecules bind to three precursor-membrane proteins on each spike of the immature virus. However, at a low concentration of Fab molecules and pH 7.0, only two Fab molecules bind to each spike. Changing to a slightly acidic pH caused no detectable change of structure for the sample with a high Fab concentration but caused severe structural damage to the low-concentration sample. Therefore, the 2H2 Fab inhibits the maturation process of immature dengue virus when Fab molecules are present at a high concentration, because the three Fab molecules on each spike hold the precursor-membrane molecules together, thereby inhibiting the normal conformational change that occurs during maturation.
Analgesia, sedation, and neuromuscular blockade during targeted temperature management after cardiac arrest

The approach to sedation, analgesia, and neuromuscular blockade during targeted temperature management (TTM) remains largely unstudied, forcing clinicians to adapt previous research from other patient environments. During TTM, very little data guide drug selection, doses, and specific therapeutic goals. Sedation should be deep enough to prevent awareness during neuromuscular blockade, but titration is complex as metabolism and clearance are delayed for almost all drugs during hypothermia. Deeper sedation is associated with prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) and ventilator therapy, increased delirium and infection, and delayed wakening which can confound early critical neurological assessments, potentially resulting in erroneous prognostication and inappropriate withdrawal of life support. We review the potential therapeutic goals for sedation, analgesia, and neuromuscular blockade during TTM; the adverse events associated with that treatment; data suggesting that TTM and organ dysfunction impair drug metabolism; and controversies and potential benefits of specific monitoring. We also highlight the areas needing better research to guide our therapy.
Classification of Disorders

This chapter focuses on how sociocultural factors affect the classification of psychiatric disorders. It will include how clinicians perceive and categorize mental disorders, their views on nosological terms for certain disorders, and how they respond to the classification of mental disorders. Based on clinical experience, psychiatrists have noted that certain neuropsychiatric disorders become prevalent at particular times and then fade away within a century or so. There is also a wide gap between the way French and Anglo-American psychiatrists handle the classification of disorders. Based on their philosophical orientation, the French approach is much more abstract in conceptualizing and defining disorders than the Anglo-American, which searches for precise descriptions and concrete criteria. This demonstrates differences in national character as well as professional orientation. The classification system is also affected by the actual situation in the society, where due to social circumstances in certain periods of time, certain psychiatric disorders may become more prevalent, and deserve more attention during those times. The psychiatric classification system tends to be directly or indirectly affected by social factors, including political ideology, patterns of clinical practice, and the legal system, as well as the medical system itself. In some countries, particularly autocratic ones, the psychiatric classification system may be forced to make modifications to fit the political ideology.
Malic enzyme tracers reveal hypoxia-induced switch in adipocyte NADPH pathway usage

The critical cellular hydride donor NADPH is produced through various means, including the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (oxPPP), folate metabolism and malic enzyme. In growing cells, it is efficient to produce NADPH via the oxPPP and folate metabolism, which also make nucleotide precursors. In nonproliferating adipocytes, a metabolic cycle involving malic enzyme holds the potential to make both NADPH and two-carbon units for fat synthesis. Recently developed deuterium ((2)H) tracer methods have enabled direct measurement of NADPH production by the oxPPP and folate metabolism. Here we enable tracking of NADPH production by malic enzyme with [2,2,3,3-(2)H]dimethyl-succinate and [4-(2)H]glucose. Using these tracers, we show that most NADPH in differentiating 3T3-L1 mouse adipocytes is made by malic enzyme. The associated metabolic cycle is disrupted by hypoxia, which switches the main adipocyte NADPH source to the oxPPP. Thus, (2)H-labeled tracers enable dissection of NADPH production routes across cell types and environmental conditions.
Abstract 188: EphrinA1 induces microRNA-302b expression in malignant mesothelioma cells and suppresses tumor growth via repression of Mcl-1 gene

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Introduction: EphA2 is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) and is over expressed in malignant mesothelioma (MM). In earlier studies we demonstrated that receptor EphA2 activation with ephrinA1 suppressed growth of MM. In addition there is evidence that ephrin ligand induces some MicroRNAs expression in cancer cells. MicroRNAs belonging to the miR-302 family are emerging as key players in the control of proliferation and cell fate determination during differentiation. However, the mechanisms whereby EphrinA1 activation attenuates the MM cell growth are not clear. Our study identified a novel mechanism of Ephrin-A1 tumor suppressor signaling in MM cells. Ephrin-A1 activation up regulates miR-302b expression in MM cells and attenuates tumor growth via repression of Mcl-1. Methods: MM cell lines (CRL-2081 and CRL-5830) were activated with recombinant-Ephrin-A1 for the indicated period of time. The expression of miR-302b was analyzed by quantitative real time RT-PCR, and the expression Mcl-1 was analyzed by RT-PCR, immuno-blotting and Immunofluorescence staining. To confirm that Ephrin-A1 regulates the expression of Mcl-1 mRNA through miR302-b up regulation, cultured cells were transfected with and without miR302-b and miR-302b inhibitor prior to activation. The cell proliferation and tumor growth was measured by WST-1 and 3 D matrigel assay in vitro assays respectively. Luciferase assay was performed to confirm the binding of miR-302b to the 3′UTR of Human Mcl-1. Results: Ephrin-A1 activation induced several fold increases of miR-302b expression in MM cells when compared to resting cells. In Ephrin-A1 activated MM cells, Mcl-1 expression was significantly down regulated when compared to resting cells. Moreover, Ephrin-A1 activation significantly inhibited MM cell proliferation and tumor growth. The present data suggests that Ephrin-A1 targets MM cells by inducing the expression of miR-302b and inhibits MM cell and tumor growth by targeting Mcl-1 protein. Conclusion: Our data suggest that over expression of Mcl-1 enhances tumor proliferation in MM cells. During Ephrin-A1 activation miR-302b expression is up regulated in MM cells. The up regulation of miR-302b leads to repression of Mcl-1 gene and attenuation of tumor growth. EphrinA1 could be a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of MM. Funding Source: NIR and RC1 Department of Health Florida; VA Merit Review Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 188. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-188