cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Serine ADP-ribosylation marks nucleosomes for ALC1-dependent chromatin remodeling

Serine ADP-ribosylation (ADPr) is a DNA damage-induced post-translational modification catalyzed by the PARP1/2:HPF1 complex. As the list of PARP1/2:HPF1 substrates continues to expand, there is a need for technologies to prepare mono- and poly-ADP-ribosylated proteins for biochemical interrogation. Here we investigate the unique peptide ADPr activities catalyzed by PARP1 in the absence and presence of HPF1. We then exploit these activities to develop a method that facilitates installation of ADP-ribose polymers onto full-length proteins with precise control over chain length and modification site. A series of semi-synthetic ADP-ribosylated histone proteins are prepared which demonstrate that ADPr at H2BS6 or H3S10 converts nucleosomes into robust substrates for the chromatin remodeler ALC1. Importantly, we found ALC1 selectively remodels "activated" substrates within heterogeneous nucleosome populations and that nucleosome serine ADPr is sufficient to stimulate ALC1 activity in nuclear extracts. Our study identifies a biochemical function for nucleosome serine ADPr and describes a method that is broadly applicable to explore the impact that site-specific serine mono- and poly-ADPr have on protein function.
Is ‘Genocide’ an Anachronistic Concept for the Study of Early Modern Mass Killing?: Is ‘Genocide’ an Anachronistic Concept?

Is it anachronistic to apply the term ‘genocide’, coined in 1943, to ancient or early modern mass killings, even to those that might fit the mid-twentieth- century definition? Historians must analyse actions and events of the pre-modern era in the context of cultural stipulations discussed at the time, and of knowledge paradigms then available. To assess people's actions by standards understood in that era, it is important to determine whether a pre-modern understanding of the concept of genocide existed. Long before that term, earlier terms such as ‘general massacre’ conveyed similar meanings, along with four much older, related terms – holocaust, extermination, crimes against humanity, and war crimes – which also conveyed pre-modern concepts of the crimes involved. This essay traces the historical lineage and usage of those terms in European and transnational contexts, and argues that conceptions of genocide long pre-dated the coining of the term. Genocide did occur in early modern times, though it was neither normal practice nor universally permitted and often provoked dissent. The essay concludes that a grasp of the concept and its moral implications long preceded both our word for it and its 1950 legal codification as an international crime. The essay then critiques common misunderstandings of that legal definition: that it refers to the crime's effect rather than the perpetrator's intent; that it is too broad for historians to use; that only a state can commit genocide; that it must involve the participation of an entire ethnic group; and that it must be complete, not partial.
With All Deliberate Speed: NLRB v. Canning and the Case for Originalism

Record numbers of Americans are renouncing their citizenship. California’s citizens have amassed enough signatures to place on the 2016 ballot a proposal to divide California into six separate states. At least 34 states recently called for a second constitutional convention. Several states have ignored or enacted laws defying Supreme Court precedent. One has threatened to secede. Former Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens has responded to this crisis by calling for the addition of six constitutional amendments, several of which expand federal authority. That, in a nutshell, is the problem. This Article argues that, to remedy the imbalance in power between the federal and state government, democracy should be more localized, not centralized. If states were divided into local, or mini-democracies, citizens might have a stronger voice in governance. If mini-democracies were comprised of members of difference races, ethnicities, income brackets, and sexual orientations instead of homogenous and entrenched majorities, laws might reflect the diverse perspectives of its citizens. If wealthy citizens and corporations could not buy access to lawmakers, inequality might lessen. Most importantly, if the Supreme Court rejected living constitutionalism and allowed local lawmakers to craft their own unenumerated rights jurisprudence, citizens might be allowed to meaningfully self-govern. Is any of this possible? Yes. The Constitution — and originalism — makes it possible. Right now, however, the concept of local democracies and participatory governance is little more than an aspiration. Democracy has become a privilege for the wealthy, a mere aspiration for the middle class, and a pipe dream for the poor. As democracy becomes more illusory and inequality widens, the ‘American dream’ is becoming just that: a dream.
Reference models in the electronic library: The Miller Learning Center at the University of Georgia

Purpose – This study aims to describe reference service activity within a learning commons at a large research university. The researchers tested several reference models in order to explore new ways of providing research support to their patrons within the electronic library. The aim was to discover student responses to different models and to investigate patron need of, and desire for, research support at the learning commons.Design/methodology/approach – The researchers combined measurements of type and frequency of reference traffic both in person and through their online chat reference service. They also gathered quantitative and qualitative information during the reference model experiments and through a survey of patrons in order to discover patron use of, and thoughts concerning, reference service in the electronic library.Findings – Results from reference model experiments and a survey of patrons show that there is indeed an audience for research assistance in the electronic library and that in‐p...
Trade Policy and Market Structure Interactions in Developing Countries

This paper shows that the presence of quotas on imported inputs that are based on installed capacity can lead to capacity underutilization in manufacturing industries of developing countries. A replacement of such quotas by tariffs leads to full capacity utilization under assumptions of both perfectly and imperfectly competitive markets. Furthermore, such a policy also eliminates strategic advantages for oligopolistic firms that arise in quota-based regimes.
Composition of the human placenta; vitamin content.

Abstract For nine human placentas the average fresh weight was 583 Gm., the dry weight was 72 Gm. The average content of total thiamine was 256 migrograms; of free thiamine, 84 mmg.; total riboflavin, 820 mmg.; free riboflavin, 296 mmg.; niacin, 1.99 mg.; pantothenic acid, 1,535 mmg.; firmly bound biotin, 8.9 mmg.; and of loosely bound biotin, 2.0 mmg. Per 100 Gm. of fresh weight the average content was: total thiamine, 47 mmg.; free thiamine 15 mmg.; total riboflavin, 151 mg.; free riboflavin, 54 mmg.; niacin, 1.99 mg.; pantothenic acid, 279 mmg.; firmly bound biotin, 1.6 mmg.; and loosely bound biotin, 0.4 mmg.
Arterial mechanics in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Mechanical properties, hydraulic conductivity, and two-phase (solid/fluid) finite element models.

To characterize the interaction between mechanical and fluid transport properties in hypertension, we measured in vivo elastic material constants and hydraulic conductivity in intact segments of carotid arteries in normal and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). With the use of a finite element model, the arterial wall was modeled as a large-deformation, two-phase (solid/fluid) medium, which accounts for the existence and motion of the tissue fluid. Measurements of internal diameter and transmural pressures were obtained during continuous increases in pressure from 0 to 200 mm Hg. Strain and stress components were calculated based on a pseudostrain exponential energy density function. To measure the hydraulic conductivity, segments of the carotid artery were isolated, filled with a 4% oxygenated albumin-Tyrode's solution, and connected to a capillary tube. The movement of the meniscus of the capillary tube represented the fluid filtration across the artery. To study the influence of transmural pressure on hydraulic conductivity, measurement of fluid filtration across the arterial wall was obtained at transmural pressures of 50 and 100 mm Hg. The material constants in the SHR (n = 9) were higher (p less than 0.05 for all variables) than in normal rats (n = 10): c = 1,343 +/- 96 versus 1,158 +/- 65 mm Hg, b1 = 1.84 +/- 0.24 versus 1.22 +/- 0.22, b2 = 0.769 +/- 0.114 versus 0.616 +/- 0.11, b3 = 0.017 +/- 0.005 versus 0.0065 +/- 0.002, b4 = 0.206 +/- 0.04 versus 0.083 +/- 0.03, b5 = 0.0594 +/- 0.007 versus 0.0217 +/- 0.006, and b6 = 0.22 +/- 0.09 versus 0.123 +/- 0.02, respectively. The hydraulic conductivity of the total wall, calculated from the filtration data, was lower (p less than 0.05) at both 50 and 100 mm Hg in the SHR (n = 6) compared with normal rats (n = 7): 1.12 +/- 0.31 x 10(-8) and 0.72 +/- 0.23 x 10(-8) versus 1.95 +/- 0.53 x 10(-8) and 1.35 +/- 0.47 x 10(-8) cm/(sec.mm Hg), respectively. The intergroup comparisons between 50 and 100 mm Hg in both SHR and normal rats were also different (p less than 0.05). The finite element model was used to predict tissue fluid pressure distribution, tissue fluid velocity distribution, and total Cauchy stress gradients developed in the arterial wall during fluid pressurization in both species.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Use of nonpharmacologic treatment approaches in patients with heart failure.

Abstract Background Patient education has been shown to beneficially impact the utilization of medical resources and certain outcomes in patients hospitalized with heart failure (HF). Little data are, however, available about the implementation of patient education and counseling of patients with HF in the community setting. The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the extent of health care provider recommendations for the monitoring or modification of lifestyle approaches or dietary factors in patients with new onset HF discharged from all greater Worcester (MA) hospitals in 2000. Methods The study sample consisted of 2411 metropolitan Worcester residents hospitalized at all 11 area medical centers with acute HF. Based on the review of medical records, we examined provider recommendations for the monitoring or modification of 5 lifestyle factors including salt restriction, dietary changes, increased physical activity, limitation of fluids, and daily monitoring of weight in hospital survivors of HF. Results Among all patients, approximately 22% were recommended to change either no or 1 lifestyle related factor, 2 in every 5 patients received recommendations to alter any 2 lifestyle characteristics, while 1 in 6 were counseled about the importance of monitoring or modifying 4 or more lifestyle or dietary factors. Physician counseling was associated with several demographic and clinical factors. Documentation of none or few patient education recommendations was also associated with the failure to receive multiple effective medical therapies for HF. Conclusions The results of our community-wide investigation suggest that considerable opportunity remains for the more effective hospital counseling of patients with acute HF.
The relationship between head and neck position and endotracheal tube intracuff pressure in the pediatric population

SummaryBackground Over the past few years, there has been a change in clinical practice with a transition to the use of cuffed instead of uncuffed endotracheal tubes (ETTs) in pediatric patients. These changes have led to concerns regarding unsafe intracuff pressures in pediatric patients, which may result in postoperative morbidity. To avoid these issues, it is generally suggested that the intracuff pressure be maintained at ≤30 cmH2O. The current study prospectively assesses the changes in intracuff pressure related to alterations in head and neck position in pediatric patients. Methods Patients less than 18 years of age, undergoing surgery, requiring endotracheal intubation with a cuffed ETT were eligible for inclusion. No alteration in the technique of anesthetic induction or maintenance was required for the study. Following endotracheal intubation and inflation of the cuff with the head and neck in a neutral position, the intracuff pressure was measured. The intracuff pressure was then subsequently measured with the head turned to the right, head turned to the left, head and neck flexed, and head and neck extended. Results A total of 200 patients were included in the study resulting in a total of 1000 intracuff pressure readings. When compared to the neutral position, the intracuff pressure increased in 545 instances (68.1%) with changes in position of the head and neck. An increase in intracuff pressure was noted more frequently and to the greatest degree with head and neck flexion. The pressure decreased in 153 instances (19.1%), most frequently with neck extension. Conclusion Significant changes in the intracuff pressure occur with changes in head and neck position. In several cases, this resulted in a significant increase in the intracuff pressure. For prolonged cases with the head and neck turned from the neutral position, the intracuff pressure should be measured following patient positioning to ensure that the intracuff pressure is within the clinically recommended range.
Causes and Reduction of Math Anxiety in Preservice Elementary Teachers

Abstract This study analyzed the math anxiety levels of 53 elementary preservice teachers before and after a mathematics methods course. Additional information was gathered about factors that played a part in creating their math anxiety. Interviews were conducted with those showing the greatest math anxiety differences between pretest and posttest scores. The study showed that there was a significant reduction in the level of math anxiety at the end of the methods course. Factors causing the original anxiety centered around an emphasis on right answers, word problems, fear of making mistakes, timed tests, and confidence levels. Math anxiety levels were discussed with the preservice teachers at the end of the study. It is recommended that preservice teachers be made aware of their individual levels of math anxiety and learn ways of preventing their own negative dispositions toward mathematics from being transmitted to their future elementary students.
Measuring the Motivation to Charter: An Examination of School Sponsors in Texas

ABSTRACT Charter school reforms are predicated on the existence of motivated groups or individuals that create these public schools of choice. Rhetoric concerning charter schools largely takes for granted the supply side and assumes that market forces will compel educational entrepreneurs to open schools. We argue that the motivations of charter school founders are variable and have important implications for the charter school landscape. Examining data on charter school sponsors in Texas, we estimate the impact of sponsor characteristics on the makeup of the student populations these schools serve. We apply a latent class analysis to measure motivation as an underlying variable whose outcomes we observe as qualitatively different sponsors. The analysis distinguishes between three groups of sponsors: those motivated in their capacity as school districts, those seeking to provide a general alternative to traditional district-run public education, and those offering a special service. The results suggest to...
Religiosity is associated with affective and immune status in symptomatic HIV-infected gay men.

This study examines the relationship between religiosity and the affective and immune status of 106 HIV-seropositive mildly symptomatic gay men (CDC stage B). All men completed an intake interview, a set of psychosocial questionnaires, and provided a venous blood sample. Factor analysis of 12 religiously oriented response items revealed two distinct aspects to religiosity: religious coping and religious behavior. Religious coping (e.g., placing trust in God, seeking comfort in religion) was significantly associated with lower scores on the Beck Depression Inventory, but not with specific immune markers. On the other hand, religious behavior (e.g., service attendance, prayer, spiritual discussion, reading religious literature) was significantly associated with higher T-helper-inducer cell (CD4+) counts and higher CD4+ percentages, but not with depression. Regression analyses indicated that religiosity's associations with affective and immune status was not mediated by the subjects' sense of self-efficacy or ability to actively cope with their health situation. The associations between religiosity and affective and immune status also appear to be independent of symptom status. Self-efficacy, however, did appear to contribute uniquely and significantly to lower depression scores. Our results show that an examination considering both subject religiosity as well as sense of self-efficacy may predict depressive symptoms in HIV-infected gay men better than an examination that considers either variable in isolation.
Geometric Focusing of 20-GW Proton Beams with Use of a Magnetically Insulated Diode

We have obtained initial geometric-focusing results using high-current (approximately-greater-than100 kA) magnetically insulated diode. At the line focus, current densities over 300 A/cm/sup 2/ have been obtained with a radial compression of about 10. Results for propagation of the intense beams are in excellent agreement with geometric single-particle predictions.
Inclusive (p, p′) reactions at medium energies

Abstract By extending the formalism of Krimm et al. so that spin-dependent amplitudes can be used in the multiple-scattering treatment of the A (p, p′)X reactions, 12 C(p, p′) data at E p = 800 MeV were analyzed. Reasonably good fits to data were obtained for both cross sections and analyzing powers.
Role of mathematical models in assessment of risk and in attempts to define management strategy

Risk assessment of food-borne carcinogens is becoming a common practice at FDA. Actual risk is not being estimated, only the upper limit of risk. The risk assessment process involves a large number of steps and assumptions, many of which affect the numerical value estimated. The mathematical model which is to be applied is only one of the factors which affect these numerical values. To fulfill the policy objective of using the "worst plausible case" in estimating the upper limit of risk, recognition needs to be given to a proper balancing of assumptions and decisions. Interaction between risk assessors and risk managers should avoid making or giving the appearance of making specific technical decisions such as the choice of the mathematical model. The importance of this emerging field is too great to jeopardize it by inappropriately mixing scientific judgments with policy judgments. The risk manager should understand fully the points and range of uncertainty involved in arriving at the estimates of risk which must necessarily affect the choice of the policy or regulatory options available.
Interpreting WISC-R Profiles: Reliability of Subtest Composites:

The reliability of subtest composites corresponding to the abilities and influences included in Kaufman's (1979) system for interpreting Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised profiles wa...
The "N + 7 rule" for tibial tunnel placement in endoscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Tibial tunnel placement during endoscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction has received increased emphasis in the recent literature. Appropriate tunnel length is a critical technical consideration. A tunnel that is too short results in graft extrusion, necessitating supplemental fixation techniques. A tunnel that is too long may make distal fixation and femoral tunnel placement difficult. A simple rule is proposed that allows for correct tunnel length and allows placement of the bone plug consistently within the tibial tunnel, allowing interference screw fixation.
Insulin Stimulates Lipoprotein Lipase Activity and Synthesis in Adipocytes from Septic Rats

Abstract Gram-negative sepsis suppresses lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity in adipose tissue which contributes, in part, to the altered clearance of triglycerides. The suppression in LPL activity occurs when plasma insulin concentrations are elevated and insulin-stimulated glucose utilization is impaired. This study was planned to evaluate whether the presence of insulin resistance was responsible for the decrease in adipose LPL activity. Adipocytes were isolated from epididymal fat pads 24 h after inducing sepsis in male Lewis rats by intravenous injection of 4 × 108colonies of liveEscherichia coli/100 g body wt. The decrease in heparin-releasable (HR) LPL activity in adipocytes from the septic rats was evident at the time of isolation and maintained in a 20-h culture. After overnight incubation with insulin (10−8M), HR LPL activity was stimulated to a greater extent in adipocytes from septic rats (298%) than in adipocytes from control rats (88%). The insulin stimulation of LPL activity during sepsis could not be attributed to insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) as adipocytes from septic rats appeared to be IGF-I resistant. Insulin-treatment (10−8M) increased LPL synthesis 99% in adipocytes from control rats and 136% in adipocytes from septic rats. Insulin treatment also led to a 65 and 62% increase in LPL mass in adipocytes from control and septic rats, respectively. These findings indicate that the sepsis-induced decrease in adipose LPL is not due to insulin resistance with respect to LPL. The insulin stimulation of LPL activity in adipocytes from septic rats appears to be mediated by an increase in LPL synthesis.
An evaluation of the genetic structure and post-introduction dispersal of a non-native invasive fish to the North Island of New Zealand

The efficacy of invasive species management is dependent on a thorough understanding of the size, origin, and genetic structure of invasive populations. We evaluated the genetic diversity and structure of the western mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis, across the North Island of New Zealand in an effort to better understand the genetic structure and post-introduction dispersal mechanisms of this highly invasive estuarine species. We found clear evidence of founder effects and significant genetic structure for populations derived from populations initially established in New Zealand in the 1930s. Our findings indicate that G. affinis populations have succeeded through a combination of localized dispersal and human-assisted colonization. Additionally, we identify a series of populations in one region that are apparently genetically isolated from the other regions. This area could thus represent a “significant eradication unit” where re-colonization is unlikely. Our results highlight the utility and value of molecular tools as an efficient method to facilitate a richer understanding of the nature and condition of invasive species while identifying definitive management objectives.
Photochemically deposited surface relief gratings of an azo-dye-labeled phospholipid from the aqueous phase

Surface relief holographic gratings are fabricated on the polybutadiene-coated walls of a cell filled with an aqueous solution of an azo-dye-labeled phospholipid. A low power (2 mW) 488 nm argon ion laser wavelength is used. Laser-excited azo dye reacts to produce a permanent surface-relief pattern on the polybutadiene substrate. Gratings are recorded for varying concentrations of the phospholipid solution as well as laser intensity. Lithographic masks are used to show that the photochemical pattern on the substrate is an exact replica of the light intensity distribution, and so the technique can be used for holographic recording as well as for biomolecular applications.
Searching ordered structures

Abstract Suppose distinct real numbers are assigned to the elements of a finite partially ordered set P in an order preserving manner. The problem of determining the fewest numbers of comparisons required to locate a given number x in P is investigated. Some general bounds are provided for the problem and analyzed in detail for the case that P is a product of chains and that P is a rooted forest.
Cerebrovascular Resuscitation after Polytrauma and Fluid Restriction

Background There are few reproducible models of blast injury, so it is difficult to evaluate new or existing therapies. We developed a clinically relevant polytrauma model to test the hypothesis that cerebrovascular resuscitation is optimized when intravenous fluid is restricted. Study design Anesthetized swine (42±5 kg, n=35) received blasts to the head and bilateral chests with captive bolt guns, followed by hypoventilation (4 breaths/min; FiO 2 =0.21). After 30 minutes, resuscitation was divided into phases to simulate typical prehospital, emergency room, and ICU care. For 30 to 45 minutes, group 1, the control group (n=5), received 1L of normal saline (NS). For 45 to 120 minutes, additional NS was titrated to mean arterial pressure (MAP) > 60 mmHg. After 120 minutes, mannitol (1g/kg) and phenylephrine were administered to manage cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) > 70 mmHg, plus additional NS was given to maintain central venous pressure (CVP) > 12 mmHg. In group 2 (n=5), MAP and CPP targets were the same, but the CVP target was>8 mmHg. Group 3 (n=5) received 1 L of NS followed only by CPP management. Group 4 (n=5) received Hextend (Abbott Laboratories), instead of NS, to the same MAP and CPP targets as group 2. Results Polytrauma caused 13 deaths in the 35 animals. In survivors, at 30 minutes, MAP was 60 to 65 mmHg, heart rate was >100 beats/min, PaO 2 was 5 mmol/L. In two experiments, no fluid or pressor was administered; the tachycardia and hypotension persisted. The first liter of intravenous fluid partially corrected these variables, and also partially corrected mixed venous O 2 , gastric and portal venous O 2 , cardiac output, renal blood flow, and urine output. Additional NS (total of 36±1 mL/kg/h and 17±6 mL/kg/h, in groups 1 and 2, respectively) correlated with increased intracranial pressure to 38±4 mmHg (group 1) and 26±4 mmHg (group 2) versus 22±4 mmHg in group 3 (who received 5±1 mL/kg/h). CPP was maintained only after mannitol and phenylephrine. By 5 hours, brain tissue PO 2 was>20 mmHg in groups 1 and 2, but only 6±1 mmHg in group 3. In contrast, minimal Hextend (6±3 mL/kg/h) was needed; the corrections in MAP and CPP were immediate and sustained, intracranial pressure was lower (14±2 mmHg), and brain tissue PO 2 was> 20 mmHg. Neuropathologic changes were consistent with traumatic brain injury, but there were no statistically significant differences between groups. Conclusions After polytrauma and resuscitation to standard MAP and CPP targets with mannitol and pressor therapy, we concluded that intracranial hypertension was attenuated and brain oxygenation was maintained with intravenous fluid restriction; cerebrovascular resuscitation was optimized with Hextend versus NS; and longer term studies are needed to determine neuropathologic consequences.
Attributing responsibility for child maltreatment when domestic violence is present

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to examine factors that influence how child welfare workers attribute responsibility for child maltreatment and child safety in cases involving domestic violence. Methods The study used a factorial survey approach, combining elements of survey research with an experimental design. Case vignettes were constructed by randomly assigning characteristics to vignettes believed to be related to assessments about responsibility for child maltreatment. Public child welfare workers were systematically sampled and asked to rate vignettes on male and female caregivers’ responsibility for child maltreatment and concerns for safety. Results The presence of domestic violence significantly affected workers’ assessments of the attribution of responsibility and concern for child safety, more so than variables related to child maltreatment. Responsibility for exposing a child to domestic violence differed for males and females, with more factors explaining female responsibility. Substance use by either caregiver was significant in attributing responsibility for physical harm, not watching the child closely enough, and concern for child safety, but not for exposure to domestic violence. Conclusions Domestic violence appeared to heighten workers’ assessments of responsibility for child maltreatment and concerns about child safety, taking precedence over the characteristics of the child maltreatment itself. Battering tends to work against the domestic violence victim in terms of the attribution of responsibility. A greater number of factors affect female responsibility for exposing a child to domestic violence than male responsibility, even though in every case the male was the designated domestic violence batterer.
On the relative importance of paramagnetic relaxation and diffusion‐mediated susceptibility losses in tissues

Susceptibility agents such as dysprosium may reduce the apparent T2 of a tissue by inducing magnetic field gradients so that diffusion of water molecules causes dephasing of the transverse magnetization. Gadolinium has a susceptibility that is about 30% lower than dysprosium, so that diffusion losses are expected to be only half as big, but it also may produce paramagnetic relaxation by dipolar interactions. The relative importance of these two processes is dependent on several parameters, including the metal concentration, pulse sequence timing, field strength, and the permeability of tissue interfaces to water exchange. The conditions under which exchange-mediated dipolar interactions are less important than diffusion losses have been derived for capillary borne contrast agents in realistic situations.
Structural foundations of resting-state and task-based functional connectivity in the human brain

Magnetic resonance imaging enables the noninvasive mapping of both anatomical white matter connectivity and dynamic patterns of neural activity in the human brain. We examine the relationship between the structural properties of white matter streamlines (structural connectivity) and the functional properties of correlations in neural activity (functional connectivity) within 84 healthy human subjects both at rest and during the performance of attention- and memory-demanding tasks. We show that structural properties, including the length, number, and spatial location of white matter streamlines, are indicative of and can be inferred from the strength of resting-state and task-based functional correlations between brain regions. These results, which are both representative of the entire set of subjects and consistently observed within individual subjects, uncover robust links between structural and functional connectivity in the human brain.
OASIS State of the Art Software for Optical Analysis

In 1983, Rocketdyne Division of Rockwell International constructed the OASIS code in support of the Air Force to meet increasing needs for diffractive optical system analysis. The OASIS code (Optical Analysis Software for Interactive Systems) was developed to meet these needs in the context of new supercomputer environments. From its inception, the code was anticipated to be a highly interactive analysis tool featuring the basic required physics, plus generality and flexibility. A valuable teaching tool, the code is command line driven and offers complete documentation.
Biomimetic Simulation of Free Radical-Initiated Cascade Reactions Postulated To Occur at the Active Site of Ribonucleotide Reductases1

Treatment of 5‘-O-nitro esters of nucleosides with tributylstannane and AIBN at elevated temperatures caused β-scission of the resulting 5‘-oxygen radical to give formaldehyde and dehomologated ery...
Use of helical computed tomography for imaging the pediatric cervical spine.

Objective To determine the differences in resource utilization and radiation exposure between conventional radiography (ConvRad) and helical computed tomography (HCT) when used to survey the pediatric cervical spine (CSp). Methods Patients aged 0-14 years who required CSp radiographic evaluation in addition to cranial CT were prospectively enrolled and assigned to undergo either HCT or ConvRad with adjunctive linear tomography. Outcomes of medication usage, emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS), cervical spine radiation exposure, and imaging resource use (relative value unit [RVU]) were compared between the two groups. Data were analyzed by regression analysis with adjustment for confounders. Results Of 136 patients, 64 and 72 patients were assigned to the ConvRad group and HCT group, respectively. At the discretion of the trauma team, 34% of the patients enrolled crossed between the two study arms. Odds ratio (OR), based on original assignment, was 0.8 (95% CI = 0.4 to 1.8) for difference in medication usage between the two groups. Mean LOSs were 259 minutes (95% CI = 124 to 394) and 183 (95% CI = 166 to 200) minutes for HCT and ConvRad, respectively. CSp imaging RVUs were 5.5 (95% CI = 5.1 to 5.8) for HCT and 4.0 (95% CI = 3.3 to 4.6) for ConvRad. Mean CSp radiation doses were 389 mRem (95% CI = 346 to 432) for HCT and 294 mRem (95% CI = 245 to 343) for ConvRad. Adjustment for confounders did not change the direction of the results. Conclusions As a modality to screen the pediatric CSp for blunt-force trauma, HCT results in increased radiation exposure and radiology resource use without a reduction in sedation usage or time in the ED.
Inter-simple-sequence-repeat (ISSR) polymorphisms are useful for finding markers associated with disease resistance gene clusters

We describe a simple and new approach, based on inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs), for finding markers linked to clusters of disease resistance genes. In this approach, simple sequence repeats (SSR) are used directly in PCR reactions, and markers found to be linked to disease resistance genes provide important information for the selection of other sequences which can be used with PCR to find other linked markers. Based on an ISSR marker linked to a gene of interest, many new markers can be identified in the same region. We previously demonstrated that ISSR markers are useful in gene tagging and identified a marker, UBC-855500, linked to the gene for resistance to fusarium wilt race 4 in chickpea. This ISSR marker provided the information used in the present study for selecting other primers which amplified a region linked to the gene for resistance to fusarium wilt race 4. The primers were based on homology with the (AC)n sequence and were used for PCR amplifications. Changes in the sequence were at the anchor region of the primers. The repeat (AC)8T amplified a marker, UBC-8251200, which was located 5.0 cM from the gene for resistance to fusarium wilt race 4 and was closer than other markers. These results indicated that ISSR markers can provide important information for the design of other primers and that by making changes at the 3′ and 5′ anchors close linkage to the desired gene can be found. The approach allows rapid scanning of the targeted region and may provide important information for genome analysis of plant species.
Application of reliability analysis method to fusion component testing

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to discuss a basic reliability analysis method that is beneficial to fusion component test planning. Emphasis is placed on formulating the problem to be solved and on determining the required test time and the number of test articles needed to verify a performance or a failure criterion. While an increasing failure rate is likely to be the case for the fusion component resulting from irradiation effects, analysis is performed to show how the life characteristics impact the test requirements. Taking into account the available data from similar technology experiences, calculations based on the Bayesian approach indicate a possible saving on the test time requirement.
Determinants of primary success in elective percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty for significant narrowing of a single major coronary artery

Clinical and angiographic characteristics, procedural details and outcome were analyzed in 2,677 consecutive patients who underwent elective single-artery, single-lesion percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) between December 1980 and May 1987. Primary success was achieved in 2,479 (93%) patients. The primary success rate was significantly lower during the first period, when nonsteerable systems were used (73%), than in later periods (94%) (p less than 0.0001), when steerable and low-profile systems became available. Univariate analysis revealed the following variables as predictors of lower primary success: totally obstructed arteries (p less than 0.0001), presence of calcium in the narrowing (p = 0.002), prior myocardial infarction (p = 0.005), stenoses located in the right coronary artery (p = 0.02), narrowings between 90 and 99% in diameter (p = 0.02) and patients older than 60 years of age (p = 0.07). Multivariate analysis revealed the following 4 independent predictors of lower primary success: 100% obstruction (p less than 0.0001), calcium (p = 0.005), previous myocardial infarction (p = 0.029) and patients older than 60 years of age (p = 0.036). With present technology, single-narrowing elective PTCA can be performed with a high success rate in most patients. Although total occlusion, presence of calcium, older age and history of myocardial infarction influence the outcome unfavorably, PTCA can still be performed with acceptable primary success rates.
Infarction and rupture of the heart.

THE normal cardiac pump adapts remarkably well to peripheral demands, which vary continuously and are often extreme. By shortening its sarcomeres further and more forcefully, it quickly delivers increased flow at high pressures, but in so doing it subjects its wall to considerable systolic stress. How do the thinner surfaces of this hollow muscular pump normally avoid systolic bulging, and why may they rupture when infarcted? Normal cardiac muscle consists largely of myofibrils and mitochondria.1 At rest its compliance is midway between that of collagen and that of elastin. With activation and formation of rigid actin–myosin cross-links, it becomes 10 . . .
Self-regulated learning: Implications for the design of instructional media☆

Abstract This paper describes the implications of principles derived from cognitive social learning theory and Vygotsky's socially oriented developmental perspective for the design of technology-based instructional materials. Vygotsky's ideas about the kinds of experience that facilitate intellectual growth in the “zone of proximal development” suggest that contemporary mathematics instruction (usually characterized by presentations to large groups, or by individualized instruction dominated by worksheets) deny students opportunities for individual interaction with and supportive guidance by adult experts or competent peers. It is proposed that such instruction fails to support the transfer of regulatory responsibility from teacher to student. The derivation of design specifications for the use of instructional technologies to overcome these limitations of contemporary instruction in mathematics is described. Instructional materials designed to promote self-regulation strategies as well as procedural and declarative knowledge in mathematics are presented.
Design and synthesis of a helix heparin-binding peptide.

Elaboration of heparin-protein-binding interactions is necessary to understand how heparin modulates protein function. The heparin-binding domain of some proteins is postulated to be a helix structure which presents a surface of high positive charge density. Thus, a synthetic 19-residue peptide designed to be alpha-helical in character was synthesized, and its interaction with heparin was studied. The peptide was shown to be 75% helix by circular dichroism (CD) spectrometry in neutral pH buffer (at 2 degrees C); helicity increased to nearly 85% under high ionic strength conditions or to nearly 100% in 75% ethanol. Increasing the temperature of the solution caused a change in the spectral envelope consistent with a coil transition of the peptide. The midpoint of the transition (i.e., the temperature at which the helix content was determined to be 50%) was 25 degrees C, and the determined van't Hoff enthalpy change (delta HvH) was 3.2 kcal/mol of peptide. By CD, heparin increases the helix content of the peptide to 100% and increases the apparent thermal stability of the peptide by about 1 kcal/mol. The melting point for the helix/coil transition of the heparin-peptide complex was 50 degrees C. The thermal coefficient of the transition (approximately 300 deg.cm2.dmol-1.degree C-1) was essentially the same for the peptide alone or the peptide-heparin complex. Dissociation of the complex under high ionic strength conditions was also observed in the CD experiment. Biological assays showed less heparin-binding activity than expected (micromolar KD values), but this was attributed to the absence of critical lysyl residues in the peptide.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Contemporary Management of Symptomatic Lumbar Disc Herniations

Lumbar disc herniations are common clinical entities that may cause lumbar-related symptoms. The spectrum of treatment options is geared toward a patient's clinical presentation and ranges from nothing to surgical intervention. Many lumbar disc herniations cause no significant symptoms. In studies of asymptomatic individuals who have never experienced lumbar-related symptoms, 30% have been reported to have major abnormality on magnetic resonance imaging. The mainstay of treatment of patients with symptomatic disc herniations is accepted to be nonoperative (as long as there are no acute or progressive neurologic deficits); this includes medications, physical therapy, and potentially lumbar injection. For patients with symptomatic disc herniations who fail to respond appropriately to conservative measures, surgical intervention may be considered. For this population, lumbar discectomy is considered to be a good option.
A levels approach to student perceptions of leadership

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore student perceptions of instructor leader behaviors from a levels of analysis perspective. Analyses were conducted to determine if an average leadership style, a vertical dyad linkages style, or a leader‐member exchange leadership style operated within the college context.Design/methodology/approach – Students in a mid‐sized, public university completed surveys to assess perceptions of instructors' intellectual stimulation and individualized consideration leader behaviors. Within and between analysis was used to determine how leadership operates within this educational environment.Findings – Results suggest that a leader‐member exchange relationship exists between students and instructors. For leadership to have any effect on students at the instructor level, a dedication to giving instructors the freedom to express their individual beliefs and values must be in place before students can take advantage of an instructor's unique approach to leadership.Resear...
Activity, molecular forms, and cytochemistry of cholinesterases in developing rat diaphragm.

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) were studied in the diaphragm of early postnatal rats, using radiometric determination of enzyme activities, velocity sedimentation for separation of molecular forms, and electron microscopic cytochemistry to localize enzymes. AChE activity did not change significantly during the first 2 months after birth. The level of 16 S AChE was high at early stages, but decreased to adult levels between days 19 and 32 after birth. In newborn and 8-day-old rats, 16 S and 13 S AChE were present in both endplate and extrajunctional muscle. In newborn muscle, BuChE activity was higher than AChE activity, but decreased 6-fold by day 32. Newborn muscle contained 16 S, 10 S, and 4 S BuChE. The principal form throughout development was 4 S BuChE, but all forms diminished as total BuChE activity decreased with maturation. At early postnatal neuromuscular junctions, end product of both AChE and BuChE was present in the cleft, as well as in Schwann cells. More Schwann cells were present in early stages than in later stages, and this might account for part of the later decrease of BuChE activity measured biochemically.
Scalable internet threat monitoring

In the time is takes to read this sentence, the Slammer worm was able to probe over a hundred million Internet hosts. Worse, this attack was both trivial and unsophisticated. Indeed, the ability to easily compromise tens of thousands of Internet hosts has emerged as the backbone of a criminal economy that includes SPAM, denial-of-service extortion, phishing, piracy and on-line identity theft. Keeping up with such prodigious speed and such broad reach continues to present new challenges for network monitoring and defense. This talk focuses on these scaling challenges in the context of two concrete systems: Earlybird - a line-rate system for automatically inferring signatures for new network worms in seconds, and Potemkin - a high-fidelity honeyfarm system designed to efficiently scale to millions of live hosts.
Colonoscopy is superior to neostigmine in the treatment of Ogilvie's syndrome.

Abstract Background Colonic pseudo-obstruction in critically ill patients may lead to devastating colonic perforation. Neostigmine is often the first-line intervention, because colonoscopy is more invasive and labor intensive. Methods A retrospective 10-year review at a tertiary medical center identified 100 patients with Ogilvie's syndrome, in whom treatment course and clinical and radiographic response were evaluated. Results Colonoscopy was significantly more successful than neostigmine (defined as no further therapy) after 1 or 2 interventions (75.0% vs 35.5%, P = .0002, and 84.6% vs 55.6%, P = .0031, respectively). One colonoscopy was more effective than 2 neostigmine administrations (75.0% vs 55.6%, P = .044). Clinical response (poor, fair, or good) was significantly better after colonoscopy than neostigmine after 1 or 2 interventions ( P = .0028 and P = .00079). Cecal diameters decreased significantly more after colonoscopy than neostigmine (from 10.2 ± .5 cm to 7.1 ± .4 cm vs from 10.5 ± .5 cm to 8.8 ± .5 cm, P = .026). Neostigmine administration before colonoscopy did not affect outcomes. There were 3 perforations (3.7%): 1 each after colonoscopy, neostigmine, and no intervention. Neostigmine dose or repetition did not affect radiographic ( P = .41) or clinical ( P = .31) response. Conclusions Colonoscopy is superior to neostigmine for Ogilvie's syndrome and should be considered first-line therapy, although neostigmine is useful in select patients and repeat interventions.
Wisdom revisited: a case study in normative theorizing

Extensive discussions of practical wisdom are relatively rare in the philosophical literature these days. This is strange given the theoretical and practical importance of wisdom and, indeed, the etymology of the word “philosophy”. In this paper, we remedy this inattention by proposing a methodology for developing a theory of wisdom and using this methodology to outline a viable theory. The methodology we favor is a version of wide reflective equilibrium. We begin with psychological research on folk intuitions about wisdom, which helps us to avoid problems caused by reliance on the possibly idiosyncratic intuitions of professional philosophers. The folk theory is then elaborated in light of theoretical desiderata and further empirical research on human cognitive capacities. The resulting view emphasizes policies that the wise person adopts in order to cope with the many obstacles to making good choices.
New Views into the Prostate Cancer Genome

Genomic analysis of prostate cancer has not answered key clinical questions such as "Which tumors are likely to recur?" or "Which pathways should we target for treatment?" The study by Taylor et al., initiated by the late William Gerald, published in this issue of Cancer Cell is a game changer.