cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alignment-Free phylogenetic reconstruction

We introduce the first polynomial-time phylogenetic reconstruction algorithm under a model of sequence evolution allowing insertions and deletions (or indels) Given appropriate assumptions, our algorithm requires sequence lengths growing polynomially in the number of leaf taxa Our techniques are distance-based and largely bypass the problem of multiple alignment.
Moving Vehicle Detection and Tracking in Image Sequences

This paper presents an algorithm that tracks moving vehicles in an outdoor environment. The algorithm was developed based on four heuristics derived from the properties of moving vehicles, maximum velocity, small velocity changes, coherent motion, and continuous motion. The algorithm was developed based on four heuristics on moving vehicles, namely maximum velocity, small velocity change, coherent motion and continuous motion. The algorithm has three major computational components, compute pixel motion vectors using a search window and a matching window, eliminate irrelevant moving pixels using a proximity filter and directional filters, and track the moving vehicles through multiple image frames using a proximity filter. The algorithm has been implemented and tested on image sequences taking in outdoor environments. The test results are presented in the paper.
Factorizable amplitude in B 0 →π + π -

Using the measured spectrum shape for $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{B}\ensuremath{\pi}\mathcal{l}\ensuremath{\nu},$ the rate for ${B}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0},$ information on the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element $|{V}_{\mathrm{ub}}|,$ and theoretical inputs from factorization and lattice gauge theory, we obtain an improved estimate of the ``tree'' contribution to ${B}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}.$ We find the branching ratio $\mathcal{B}{(B}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}){|}_{\mathrm{tree}}{=(5.25}_{\ensuremath{-}0.50}^{+1.67})\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ to be compared with the experimental value $\mathcal{B}{(B}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}})=(4.55\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.44)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}.$ The fit implies $|{V}_{\mathrm{ub}}|=(3.62\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.34)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}.$ Implications for tree-penguin interference in ${B}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and for other charmless B decays are discussed.
Rethinking Subsidiarity in International Human Rights Adjudication

This article suggests that a re-evaluation of the principle of subsidiarity is in order. While I make no sweeping claims that the principle of subsidiarity is always preferable or always undesirable, I do suggest that a close look at the myriad ways in which subsidiarity applies reveals that it may sometimes impede, rather than advance, the cause it purports to serve: namely, achieving universality of human rights. This article identifies situations where subsidiarity is more likely to diminish human rights protections that it is to advance them and suggests that subsidiarity should be abandoned or minimized in such areas.
Attitudes as a predictor of college students requesting accommodations

The purpose of the current study was to examine those variables that we postulated as predicting whether a registered college student with a disability would request accommodations in higher education. To achieve this purpose, a variety of predictor variables were considered as predicting whether a student with a disability would decide to request accommodations and analyzed using logistic regression analyses. Results indicate two significant predictors of a college student with a disability requesting accommodations, which were a student's university characteristics (e.g. being large public versus small private) and student attitudes toward requesting accommodations. Results indicate the importance of both personal and environmental factors as influencing a student's behavior of requesting accommodations.
The relationship between employment and veteran status, disability and gender from 2004–2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)

Background In 2011, about 1.8 million or 8 percent of the 22.2 million veterans were women in the US. The unemployment rate for female veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan rose to 13.5%, above the 8.4% for non-veteran adult women. Objective To examine data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), from 2004-2011 to determine the relationship between employment and veteran status, disability and gender. Methods Chi square analysis was used to determine if significant differences existed between the employment rate of female veterans with disabilities and female veterans without disabilities, female non-veterans with disabilities and male veterans with disabilities. Binomial logistic regression analysis was used to determine how veteran status, disability and gender affected the likelihood of not being employed. Results Significant differences were found in employment rate between female veterans with disabilities and female veterans without disabilities, but not when compared to female non-veterans with disabilities or male veterans with disabilities. Disability was the strongest factor increasing the likelihood of not being employed, though veteran status and female gender were also predictive. Conclusions Female veterans with disabilities experience low levels of employment. Policies and programs are needed to address the unique needs of these veterans.
Theoretical calculation of the photo-induced electron transfer rate between a gold atom and a gold cation solvated in CCl4

Abstract A theoretical calculation was performed to evaluate the photo-induced electron transfer (PIET) rate between a gold atom and a gold ion solvated in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in the framework of Marcus electron transfer (ET) theory, including both solvent reorganization effects and electronic wavefunction coupling between the ET diabatic states. A novel component of this work involves calculation of the electronic coupling strength using a recently developed constrained real-time time-dependent density-functional-theory (CRT-TDDFT) method. It is found that the PIET rate reaches its maximum value at the electronic resonance wavelength regardless of the inter-particle separation, suggesting a strong correlation between PIET and light absorption. In comparison with thermally activated electron transfer (TAET) at room temperature, light irradiation is demonstrated to be much more efficient than thermal fluctuations in promoting long-range ET, at least for the most common situations, when the light travelling substantially exceeds thermal energy. This work is the first step towards a quantum theory of plasmon enhanced electron transfer, and the theory can also be used to calculate electron transfer rates quite generally for condensed phase problems.
Tetrahedral transition metal complex spectra: The tetrachloroferrate (III) anion

Abstract With one exception previous assignments of the electronic spectrum of the tetrahedral tetrachloroferrate(III) anion have relied on spectra taken in solution at room temperature. We report here the low temperature single crystal polarized absorption spectra of tetra(n-butyl) ammonium tetrachloroferrate(III), tetraphenylarsonium tetrachloroferrate(III), and dimethyl-ammonium tetrachloroferrate(III). One new band has been observed and a number of fine structure components have been resolved. The six observed electronic transitions have been fit using three adjustable parameters (B, C/B, Dq) by minimizing the r.m.s. deviation between observed and calculated crystal field energies. It was necessary in these calculations to include the Tree's correction factor for a correct assignment of the spectrum. A complete crystal field spin orbit calculation was performed in an effort to determine the origin of the observed fine structure.
Cell-penetrating quantum dots based on multivalent and endosome-disrupting surface coatings.

We report the development of cell-penetrating quantum dots (QDs) based on the use of multivalent and endosome-disrupting (endosomolytic) surface coatings. Hyperbranched copolymer ligands such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) grafted polyethylenimine (PEI-g-PEG) are found to encapsulate and solubilize luminescent quantum dots through direct ligand-exchange reactions. Because of the positive charges and a “proton sponge effect” associated with multivalent amine groups, this class of ligand-exchanged QDs is able to penetrate cell membranes and is also able to disrupt endosomal organelles in living cells. The grafted PEG segment is essential for reducing the cytotoxicity of PEI as well as for improving the overall nanoparticle stability and biocompatibility. In comparison with previous QDs encapsulated with amphiphilic polymers, the cell-penetrating QDs are smaller in size and are considerably more stable in acidic environments. Cellular uptake and imaging studies reveal that the number of PEG grafts per PEI mole...
THE S-VERSION OF FINITE ELEMENT METHOD FOR LAMINATED COMPOSITES

The s-version of the finite element method is developed for laminated plates and shells. By this technique the global domain is idealized using 2-D Equivalent Single Layer model. The regions where ESL model errs badly in capturing localized phenomena are superimposed by a stack of 3-D elements. Assumed strain formulation and selective polynomial order escalation in the two models, as well as fast iterative procedures, are employed to maintain a high level of computational efficiency.
Ethical decision making: A cross-cultural comparison

The purpose of this study is to compare the ethical decision making of respondents from two different cultures. Perceived organizational support for ethical decision making was also compared. The samples include residents of South Florida, United States of America and Jamaica, West Indies. Respondents were employed full time. Results indicate that for the majority of business dilemmas presented, no significant differences were found. Implications for these findings are discussed.
Evaluation of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging parameters to detect anatomically and hemodynamically significant coronary artery disease.

Background Cardiac magnetic resonance (cMR) perfusion imaging is a promising technique to assess coronary artery disease (CAD). Our objective was to evaluate accuracy of various cMR imaging parameters to detect significant CAD as compared with angiography or fractional flow reserve (FFR). Methods We prospectively enrolled 37 patients who underwent coronary angiography, FFR, and cMR perfusion imaging. Semiquantitative assessments, namely maximum up-slope and peak-intensity indexes, were derived from time-intensity ratios between rest and stress. Myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR), calculated using Fermi deconvolution technique, was the quantitative cMR imaging parameter. Qualitative assessments were visually performed by independent analysts. Accuracy of quantitative, semiquantitative, and qualitative cMR imaging data was compared with quantitative coronary angiography in 108 segments and FFR in 44 segments. Results Sensitivity and specificity for hemodynamically significant CAD (FFR ≤0.75) were 92.9% and 56.7%, respectively, for MPR (cutoff, 2.06). Area under the curve to detect FFR ≤0.75 was 0.78 for MPR ( P P = NS), and 0.66 ( P = NS) for peak intensity. Sensitivity and specificity for anatomically significant CAD (>50% diameter stenosis [DS]) were 87.2% and 49.2%, respectively, for MPR (cutoff, 2.06). Area under the curve was 0.75 for MPR, 0.69 for up-slope, and 0.65 for peak intensity to detect >50% DS (all P 50% DS. Conclusions Myocardial perfusion reserve appears to be the most accurate index to detect anatomical and hemodynamically significant CAD. Standardization of such quantitative methods, with minimal operator dependency, would be useful for clinical and research applications.
Lessons learned on environmental, occupational, and residential exposures from the attack on the World Trade Center.

The aftermath of the attack on the World Trade Center (WTC) has been a very challenging time for our Nation. The events on September 11, 2001 resulted in a rescue effort lasting for several weeks, and a recovery and demolition operation that lasted until May 30, 2002. The magnitude of the physical hazards and challenges posed by the structural debris at ground zero, initially detracted attention from the complex environmental hazards facing the emergency responders, rescuers, construction workers, and site neighbors. Related issues include post-traumatic stress disorder [Kipen and Gochfeld, 2002], and the potential acute and chronic effects caused by the dust/smoke [Lioy et al., 2002].
Chemical homogeneity of groups of terrestrial planets

Compressibility effect on density explaining Mercury-Venus density near equality to earth- Mars-moon, discussing theory of rotational break-up of parent planets
Effects of halothane on mitochondrial ion permeability.

Summary The previously reported effects of halothane to inhibit the mitochondrial oxidation of NAD-linked substrates, enhance the rate of succinate oxidation, and stimulate ATPase activity, suggest an action similar to that of agents which uncouple oxidative phosphorylation. Since it is likely that uncoupling agents facilitate transmembrane proton transport, the effects of halothane on the permeability of rat liver mitochondria were investigated. Halothane (2 mM) induced passive mitochondrial swelling in isotonic sodium nitrate and potassium chloride. Concentrations greater than 8.3 mM induced very rapid swelling, but much higher concentrations (20 mM) were necessary to produce swelling in sucrose. This tends to support the concept that some of the effects of halothane may be secondary to a direct effect on membranes.
A simple condition implying rapid mixing of single-site dynamics on spin systems

Spin systems are a general way to describe local interactions between nodes in a graph. In statistical mechanics, spin systems are often used as a model for physical systems. In computer science, they comprise an important class of families of combinatorial objects, for which approximate counting and sampling algorithms remain an elusive goal. The Dobrushin condition states that every row sum of the "influence matrix" for a spin system is less than 1 - epsiv, where epsiv > 0. This criterion implies rapid convergence (O(n log n) mixing time) of the single-site (Glauber) dynamics for a spin system, as well as uniqueness of the Gibbs measure. The dual criterion that every column sum of the influence matrix is less than 1 - epsiv has also been shown to imply the same conclusions. We examine a common generalization of these conditions, namely that the maximum eigenvalue of the influence matrix is less than 1 epsiv. Our main result is that this criterion implies O(n log n) mixing time for the Glauber dynamics. As applications, we consider the Ising model, hard-core lattice gas model, and graph colorings, relating the mixing time of the Glauber dynamics to the maximum eigenvalue for the adjacency matrix of the graph. For the special case of planar graphs, this leads to improved bounds on mixing time with quite simple proofs
Reduced Concentrate for Holstein First-Calf Heifers

Abstract To examine the consequences of reducing annual concentrate in the diet of lactating first-calf heifers we fed forage (.63 urea-treated corn silage, .37 wilted grass silage) free choice during lactation and concentrate to appetite during wk 1 to 8 postpartum with ceilings of 1 kg concentrate for each 2.5, 3.5, or 4.5 kg milk produced on the preceding day. Concentrate actually consumed in wk 1 to 8 was totaled, and three times that amount was allocated over wk 9 to 44 postpartum by weekly, stepwise, percentage reductions common to all treatments. Reducing concentrate significantly decreased absolute intake of dry matter (primarily concentrate portion), milk yield, and income above feed cost. In wk 1 to 24 postpartum, for each kilogram decrease of daily intake of dry matter from concentrate, forage dry matter increased about .66 kg and total intake of dry matter decreased about .33 kg. Body weight, length of lactation, and milk composition were not significantly different among treatments. Heifers fed not more than 1 kg concentrate for each 2.5 kg milk during wk 1 to 8 postpartum consumed 2029 kg concentrate and produced 6553 kg milk for a lactation.
Characterization of a membrane-based, electrochemically driven pumping system using aqueous electrolyte solutions.

Electrokinetic flow provides a mechanism for a variety of fluid pumping schemes. The design and characterization of an electrochemically driven pump that utilizes porous carbon electrodes, iodide/triiodide redox electrolytes, and Nafion membranes is described. Fluid pumping by the cell is reversible and controlled by the cell current. Chronopotentiometry experiments indicate that the total available fluid that can be pumped in a single electrolysis without gas evolution is determined solely by the initial concentration of electrolyte and the applied current. The magnitude of the fluid flow at a given current is determined by the nature of the cation in the electrolyte and by the water absorption properties of the Nafion membrane. For 1 M aqueous electrolytes, pumping rates ranging from 1 to 14 μL/min were obtained for current densities of 10−30 mA/cm2 of membrane area. Molar volume changes for the I3-/I- redox couple and for the alkali cation migration contribute little to the observed volumetric flow rat...
Resilience to exercise detraining in healthy older adults.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of stopping and restarting two types of exercise programs in older adults. DESIGN: A controlled, longitudinal study that utilized random assignment of volunteers. Treatments were exercise programs designed to improve cardiovascular or neuromuscular fitness. MEASUREMENTS: Dependent variables measured before and after implementation of treatments were: maximum oxygen consumption, oxygen pulse, treadmill and cycle training workloads, quadriceps isokinetic peak torque, quadriceps isokinetic total work, and quadriceps training workload. MAIN RESULTS: Exercise training was highly effective in improving cardiovascular endurance or muscular strength. Ten weeks of exercise detraining resulted in small losses in newly gained cardiovascular capacity but more noticeable losses in muscular strength. Exercise retraining was accomplished easily using cardiovascular or resistive exercises. The functional benefits of restarting a cardiovascular exercise program appeared additive despite a 10-week intervening period of exercise detraining. In this age group, cardiovascular exercise produced limited improvements in muscular strength, and resistive exercise training positively influenced cardiovascular exercise performance. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults are fairly resilient to 10 weeks of cardiovascular detraining and retain newly gained muscular strength for at least 5 weeks, despite an interruption of formal exercise. An occasional missed exercise session or temporary cessation of habitual exercise should not be a cause for distress in exercising older adults. Instead, they should realize the ease with which they may restart their exercise program and also appreciate the generalizable fitness benefits that can be ascribed to becoming more active. J Am Geriatr Soc 43: 209–215, 1995.
The Policy Requirements of Gene-Environment Research

Dr. Paul Wise began with a brief overview of policy formation, specifically that related to child development. He then delved into the changing taxonomy of disease and its implications for policy. He concluded by stressing the need for frameworks for collective action to reframe policy in terms of gene-environment interactions.To watch Dr. Wise’s presentation, please see the Panel 4 "Google Video posting.":http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1375553372274016362&hl=en Panel 4 also features presentations by Dr. Richard Sharp of the Cleveland Clinic on "Disease Advocacy and Contested Environments" and by Professor Sara Shostak of Brandeis University on "Sealing Complexity: Genetics, Social Structure and Policy Environments."To view more of the Capturing Complexity Symposium, please see the Panel 5 "Google Video posting,":http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2359679706574224441&hl=en featuring Drs. Marc Feldman and Paul Ehrlich of Stanford University and Sir Michael Rutter of the Institute of Psychiatry, London. Dr. Feldman explored the lack of consideration of environmental influences in recent genome-wide association studies. Dr. Ehrlich also stressed the importance of the environment, and Sir Rutter concluded by responding to evocative topics brought up earlier in the Symposium such as personalized insurance policies, causation models and translational research.To view the final deliberative discussion, involving all panelists and moderated by Professor Hank Greely, JD, please see the Panel 6 "Google Video posting.":http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7026328789822465424&hl=en
Re-examination of an early model of two-electron atoms

Abstract A classical model for the helium atom, originally proposed in 1920 by Irving Langmuir, is re-examined. This model gives surprisingly good energies over a wide range of nuclear charges. In the limit of very large nuclear charge, agreement with the Wilson-Sommerfeld quantization rules is seen. A discussion of stable and unstable orbits is given.
Comparison of MALDI-TOF-MS and HPLC-ESI-MS/MS for Endopeptidase Activity-Based Quantification of Anthrax Lethal Factor in Serum

Diagnosing and treating anthrax at the earliest stage of disease is critical. We developed a method to diagnose anthrax at early stages of infection by detecting anthrax lethal factor (LF) at the attomol/mL level in plasma or serum. This method uses antibody capture and quantification of LF endoproteinase activity by isotope dilution matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS). Many public health laboratories do not use MALDI-TOF-MS; thus, we have adapted the LF method for detection by electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem MS (MS/MS), which allowed comparison of both MS platforms for LF quantification. Calibration curves were linear from 0.05−2.5 ng/mL when measured after 2 h and from 0.005−1.0 ng/mL after 18 h incubation time. The limit of detection was 0.005 ng/mL using a 200 μL sample. The coefficient of variation for quality control samples was 6−12% for both MS platforms. Samples used to perform cross-validation included 158 serum samples from a stud...
Hybrid parallel computing of minimum action method

In this work, we report a hybrid (MPI/OpenMP) parallelization strategy for the minimum action method recently proposed in [17]. For nonlinear dynamical systems, the minimum action method is a useful numerical tool to study the transition behavior induced by small noise and the structure of the phase space. The crucial part of the minimum action method is to minimize the Freidlin-Wentzell action functional. Due to the fact that the corresponding Euler-Lagrange equation is, in general, highly nonlinear and of high order, we solve the optimization problem directly instead of discretizing the Euler-Lagrange equation to provide a general but equivalent numerical framework. To enhance the efficiency of the minimum action method for general dynamical systems we consider parallel computing. In particular, we present a hybrid parallelization strategy based on MPI and OpenMP. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed parallelization strategy.
FETAL LLAMAS GIVE HYPOXIA THE COLD SHOULDER

![Figure][1] HYPOXIA TOLERANCE While the mammalian brain is considered to be highly sensitive to low oxygen (hypoxia), not all animals at all life stages are equally vulnerable to hypoxic stress. In fact, some mammals are highly adapted to low oxygen conditions. Diving marine mammals and
Quantitation of trace metals in liquid samples by dried-droplet laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

A new, discrete sample introduction approach based on laser ablation (LA) is described for the quantitation of several trace metals in aqueous samples by ICPMS. Dried microdroplets of sample, previously mixed with a sodium acetate matrix, were quantitatively ablated from a polystyrene substrate. Calibration via the method of standard additions or isotope dilution provided accurate results for Ni, Cd, and Pb in drinking water and Se in a yeast extract. Compared to conventional solution nebulization, LA sample introduction provided a 2−7-fold enhancement in absolute sensitivity and transport efficiency of 2−14% for the elements examined. Estimated detection limits are 1−7-fold poorer for the dried-droplet LA technique, primarily a result of degraded precision arising from counting statistics limitations for discrete sample introduction. On the basis of the several-second half-width of the resulting transient signals, sample throughput can be in the range of 250 samples per hour. Additionally, integration of...
Prosaccades and antisaccades to onsets and color singletons: evidence that erroneous prosaccades are not reflexive

In the present study participants searched for an onset target or a color singleton target and were required to execute a saccade toward (prosaccade) or away (antisaccade) from the search target. The results showed that participants often made erroneous saccades toward the onset or color singleton when they were the search target in the antisaccade condition, but not when they were presented as task-irrelevant distractors. This suggests that task-relevance plays a critical role in the production of erroneous prosaccades and provides evidence that these saccades are not completely reflexive. Furthermore, it was found that the antisaccade cost (latency difference between prosaccades and antisaccades) was greater for color singleton search targets than for onset search targets. The present findings have implications for our understanding of the processes involved in the programming of antisaccades and the causes of erroneous prosaccades.
The Bounds of Cognition

Recent work in cognitive science has suggested that there are actual cases in which cognitive processes extend in the physical world beyond the bounds of the brain and the body. We argue that, while transcranial cognition may be both a logical and a nomological possibility, no case has been made for its current existence. In other words, we defend a form of contingent intracranialism about the cognitive.
General managers’ and chief operating officers’ evaluations of private club boards of directors

Abstract Boards of directors play important roles in private clubs, especially in member-owned clubs. Resource dependence framework views the club board as an important provider of resources, knowledge, and support. Using a sample of 286 general managers (GMs) and chief operating officers (COOs), this study examined the relationships among a club's board development program, the GMs’/COOs’ perception of board performance, and the GMs’/COOs’ satisfaction with the boards of directors. This study also found that a second-order three-factor model of club board performance, consisting of strategies and policy making, external relations, and stewardship, was the best fit to the data. All hypotheses from the proposed model were supported, showing that a board development program influenced club board performance directly. Board performance also had direct and positive influence on the GMs’/COOs’ satisfaction with the board.
Role of High-Fidelity Escherichia coli DNA Polymerase I in Replication Bypass of a Deoxyadenosine DNA-Peptide Cross-Link

Reaction of bifunctional electrophiles with DNA in the presence of peptides can result in DNA-peptide cross-links. In particular, the linkage can be formed in the major groove of DNA via the exocyclic amino group of adenine (N6-dA). We previously demonstrated that an A family human polymerase, Pol ν, can efficiently and accurately synthesize DNA past N6-dA-linked peptides. Based on these results, we hypothesized that another member of that family, Escherichia coli polymerase I (Pol I), may also be able to bypass these large major groove DNA lesions. To test this, oligodeoxynucleotides containing a site-specific N6-dA dodecylpeptide cross-link were created and utilized for in vitro DNA replication assays using E. coli DNA polymerases. The results showed that Pol I and Pol II could efficiently and accurately bypass this adduct, while Pol III replicase, Pol IV, and Pol V were strongly inhibited. In addition, cellular studies were conducted using E. coli strains that were either wild type or deficient in all three DNA damage-inducible polymerases, i.e., Pol II, Pol IV, and Pol V. When single-stranded DNA vectors containing a site-specific N6-dA dodecylpeptide cross-link were replicated in these strains, the efficiencies of replication were comparable, and in both strains, intracellular bypass of the lesion occurred in an error-free manner. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that despite its constrained active site, Pol I can catalyze DNA synthesis past N6-dA-linked peptide cross-links and is likely to play an essential role in cellular bypass of large major groove DNA lesions.
A swelling model for stoichiometric SiC at temperatures below 1000°C under neutron irradiation

Abstract A simple phenomenological model for the saturation swelling below 1000°C of neutron-irradiated silicon carbide (SiC) is presented in this paper. Under fast neutron irradiation, SiC is known to undergo volumetric expansion (swelling) which quickly saturates at a fast fluence of approximately 1025 n/m2 for irradiation temperatures below 1000°C. A previous model due to Balarin attributes swelling to lattice dilation as a result of single point defects. We show in this paper that the experimentally observed linear temperature dependence of saturation swelling can be explained in terms of the formation and growth of small interstitial clusters, resulting directly from collision cascades initiated by energetic neutrons. These loops grow by absorption of mobile carbon interstitials and their composition is subject to stoichiometry constraints, requiring absorption of slower silicon interstitials. Because of cascade re-solution events, the density of loops decreases sharply with temperature as a result of overlap of cascades with larger size loops at higher temperatures. The average radius of these loops increases with temperature. Volumetric swelling is shown to obey a linear temperature dependence as a consequence of the strong decrease in density and the simultaneous increase in average radius, and to saturate with fluence. The model is shown to be consistent with experimental observations. In the temperature range below 500–600°C, swelling seems to be dominated by single point defects, or defect clusters containing only a few atoms, in accordance with the explanation offered by Balarin.
Thermodynamics of apatite crystal growth and dissolution

Abstract The rates of dissolution and crystal growth of hydroxyapatite, Ca5(PO4)3OH, are subjects of considerable interest because of their involvement in many biological and commercial processes. An important factor governing these rates can be the composition of the quasi-saturated solution immediately adjacent to the crystal surface which acts as a boundary condition for diffusion, especially in unstirred systems. The composition of this saturated solution is shown to shift along the isotherm, depending on the relative rates of diffusion of Ca and PO4. Steady state is achieved when the Ca/P rate-of-diffusion ratio reaches 5 3 . These processes should be first studied in the simplest system, Ca(OH)2H3PO4H2O, because this reduces the number of variables to a minimum, and in the pH range 3.5 to 6.0 where the Ca/P concentration ratio is fixed at ∼ 1 2 by electroneutrality. The complications resulting from the presence of additional components, such as strong and weak acids and a swamping electrolyte, are discussed.
Dark current analysis and characterization of In/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/As/InAs/sub y/P/sub 1-y/ graded photodiodes with x>0.53 for response to longer wavelengths (>1.7 mu m)

The dark current properties of In/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/As photodiodes, where x is varied from 0.53 to 0.82 for extending the long wavelength cutoff from 1.7 to 2.6 mu m, are described. Detailed analyses of optoelectrical parameters of In/sub 0.82/Ga/sub 0.1/As photodiodes are presented. Dark current, which is a critical parameter and limits the operation of the photodiode, is analyzed and compared with the experimental values. Typical characteristics of photodiodes with cutoff wavelengths of 1.7 mu m (x=0.53), 2.2 mu m (x=0.72), and 2.6 mu m (x=0.82) are presented. The typical and best values of the dark currents obtained are presented. >
Operational Codes and the 1916 Easter Rising in Ireland: A Test of the Frustration–Aggression Hypothesis

The frustration–aggression hypothesis has largely been ignored in scholarly literature regarding the examination of political elites. We investigate this hypothesis through a quantitative operational code and historical analysis of the Irish 1916 Easter Rising against the United Kingdom. The article looks at the effect of frustration levels of rebel leaders James Connolly, head of the Irish Citizen Army, and Patrick Pearse, leader of the Irish volunteers. Findings show that both leaders were frustrated, particularly Pearse, whose policies changed from peace to violence over a four-year period that coincided with a rise in his level of frustration. The findings in this paper support the frustration–aggression hypothesis, and may provide insights into aggressive actions by state actors, malcontents, and leaders of the oppressed.
Development and Implementation of a Model to Improve Identification of Patients Infected with HIV Using Diagnostic Rapid Testing in the Emergency Department

Objectives Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to expand in nontraditional risk groups, and the prevalence of undiagnosed infection remains relatively high in the patient populations of urban emergency departments (EDs). Unfortunately, HIV testing in this setting remains uncommon. The objectives of this study were 1) to develop a physician-based diagnostic rapid HIV testing model, 2) to implement this model in a high-volume urban ED, and 3) to prospectively characterize the patients who were targeted by physicians for testing and determine the proportions who completed rapid HIV counseling, testing, and referral; tested positive for HIV infection; and were successfully linked into medical and preventative care. Methods An interdisciplinary group of investigators developed a model for performing physician-based diagnostic rapid HIV testing in the ED. This model was then evaluated using a prospective cohort study design. Emergency physicians identified patients at risk for undiagnosed HIV infection using clinical judgment and consensus guidelines. Testing was performed by the hospital's central laboratory, and clinical social workers performed pretest and posttest counseling and provided appropriate medical and preventative care referrals, as defined by the model. Results Over the 30-month study period, 105,856 patients were evaluated in the ED. Of these, 681 (0.64%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.60% to 0.69%) were identified by physicians and completed rapid HIV counseling, testing, and referral. Of the 681 patients, 15 (2.2%; 95% CI = 1.2% to 3.6%) patients tested positive for HIV infection and 12 (80%; 95% CI = 52% to 96%) were successfully linked into care. Conclusions A physician-based diagnostic HIV testing model was developed, successfully implemented, and sustained in a high-volume, urban ED setting. While the use of this model successfully identified patients with undiagnosed HIV infection in the ED, the overall level of testing remained low. Innovative testing programs, such as nontargeted screening, more specific targeted screening, or alternative hybrid methods, are needed to more effectively identify undiagnosed HIV infection in the ED patient population.
Evidence for a biopsychosocial influence on shoulder pain: pain catastrophizing and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) diplotype predict clinical pain ratings

The experience of pain is believed to be influenced by social, cultural, environmental, psychological, and genetic factors. Despite this assertion, few studies have included clinically relevant pain phenotypes when investigating interactions among these variables. This study investigated whether psychological variables specific to fear-avoidance models and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) genotype influenced pain ratings for a cohort of patients receiving operative treatment of shoulder pain. Patients (n=58) completed questionnaires and had COMT genotype determined pre-operatively. Then, shoulder pain ratings were collected 3-5 months post-operatively. This cohort consisted of 24 females and 34 males, with mean age of 50.3 (SD=15.0) and pre-operative pain rating of 4.5/10 (SD=1.8). The frequency of COMT diplotypes was 34 with "high COMT activity" (LPS group) and 24 with "low COMT activity" (APS/HPS group). Preliminary analysis indicated that of all the fear-avoidance variables considered (fear of pain, kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, and anxiety), only pain catastrophizing was a unique contributor to clinical pain ratings. A hierarchical regression model indicated that an interaction between pain catastrophizing and COMT diplotype contributed additional variance in pre-operative pain ratings. The pain catastrophizingxCOMT diplotype interaction demonstrated predictive validity as patients with high pain catastrophizing and low COMT activity (APS/HPS group) were more likely (RR=6.8, 95% CI=2.8-16.7) to have post-operative pain ratings of 4.0/10 or higher. Our findings suggest that an interaction between pain catastrophizing and COMT diplotype has the potential to influence pain ratings in patients seeking operative treatment of their shoulder pain.
Increase in non-contrast computerized tomography scans of the head following popular media stories about head injury.

Author(s): Pirotte, Matthew J; Courtney, D Mark; Schmidt, Michael J; Mersey, Rachel Davis | Abstract: Introduction: On March 18, 2009, actress Natasha Richardson died after a head injury. It is possiblethat the rate of patients presenting with mild head injury and receiving computed tomographies (CTs)may have been influenced by the Richardson event. We hypothesized that there was a statisticallysignificant increase in the rate of census-adjusted head CTs performed for mild trauma after March16, 2009, compared to prior to this date.Methods: We included all with a non-contrast head CT performed from the emergency department(ED) between March 1and April 15, 2009, for minor trauma. The primary outcome was the censusadjustedrate of head CTs per time (# of head CTs/census). We compared the census adjusted ratefor the 2 weeks prior to 2 weeks after the accident. To document media dissemination we searchedLexis-Nexis for news stories mentioning “Richardson.”Results: In the 2 weeks prior to March 16, 2009, the census-adjusted rate was 0.81% (95% CI0.54–1.16) and there were no stories. The first media reports appeared on March 16, 2009, (n = 19)and quickly doubled (n = 40, n = 43) over the subsequent 2 days. The rate of CTs nearly doubledduring the 2 weeks post accident 1.46% (1.10–1.91%). This absolute increase in rate percentagewas statistically significant. (0.65%; 0.17 to 1.14%).Conclusion: The percentage of all ED patients seen with mild trauma tested with head CT almostdoubled when comparing the pre-Richardson accident vs. post time periods. There was an increasein media reports of the accident that occurred rapidly after the event and peaked on day 3. [West J Emerg Med. 2012;13(6):548-550]
Targeting γ-herpesvirus 68 Bcl-2 mediated down-regulation of autophagy

γ-herpesviruses (γHVs) are common human pathogens that encode homologs of the anti-apoptotic cellular Bcl-2 proteins, which are critical to viral reactivation and oncogenic transformation. The murine γHV68 provides a tractable in vivo model for understanding general features of these important human pathogens. Bcl-XL, a cellular Bcl-2 homolog, and the murine γHV68 Bcl-2 homolog, M11, both bind to a BH3 domain within the key autophagy effector Beclin 1 with comparable affinities, resulting in the down-regulation of Beclin 1-mediated autophagy. Despite this similarity, differences in residues lining the binding site of M11 and Bcl-XL dictate varying affinities for the different BH3 domain-containing proteins. Here we delineate Beclin 1 differential specificity determinants for binding to M11 or Bcl-XL by quantifying autophagy levels in cells expressing different Beclin 1 mutants and either M11 or Bcl-XL, and we show that a G120E/D121A Beclin 1 mutant selectively prevents down-regulation of Beclin 1-mediated autophagy by Bcl-XL, but not by M11. We use isothermal titration calorimetry to identify a Beclin 1 BH3 domain-derived peptide that selectively binds to M11, but not to Bcl-XL. The x-ray crystal structure of this peptide bound to M11 reveals the mechanism by which the M11 BH3 domain-binding groove accommodates this M11-specific peptide. This information was used to develop a cell-permeable peptide inhibitor that selectively inhibits M11-mediated, but not Bcl-XL-mediated, down-regulation of autophagy.
Pentagastrin-stimulated DNA synthesis in mouse gut is influenced by the circadian system

Gastrin is trophic for rodent gut mucosa. Proglumide, a competitive inhibitor of gastrin, can exert an antitrophic effect and can block pentagastrin-stimulated DNA synthesis. We have examined the influence of the circadian system on pentagastrin-stimulated DNA synthesis in the murine stomach (glandular and nonglandular stomach) and colon. We studied 224 male CD2F1 mice divided into four groups. Group A was ad lib fed (controls). Groups B, C, and D received 6-9 intraperitoneal injections of either NaCl, pentagastrin or pentagastrin + proglumide, at 8-h intervals prior to sacrifice. Mice from each group (A-D) were killed (by cervical dislocation) at 3-h intervals for 24 h. Incorporation of tritiated thymidine (DNA synthesis) was measured, and significant (p less than 0.001) circadian rhythms were found, which were not eliminated after treatment with either pentagastrin or pentagastrin + proglumide. DNA synthesis in the glandular stomach increased significantly after treatment with pentagastrin , but only during the span of time when DNA synthesis was increasing also in control mice; it had no effect at other times. Proglumide blocked the effect of pentagastrin only during the time of increasing DNA synthesis; it had no effect at other times. The identical regimen given at different times in the circadian cycle yielded significantly different results. In the intact animal, studies on the effects of various stimulators or inhibitors of DNA synthesis should be time-qualified.
Phosphatidylinositol Phosphate Kinase Type Iγ Directly Associates with and Regulates Shp-1 Tyrosine Phosphatase

Tyrosine phosphorylation plays a critical role in many regulatory aspects of cellular signaling, and dephosphorylation of phosphotyrosine residues is crucial for termination of signals initiated by tyrosine kinases. Previous work has shown that the tyrosine kinase Src phosphorylates Tyr644 on phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase type I (PIPKI) gamma661 in a focal adhesion kinase-dependent manner. Phosphorylation of this residue is essential for high affinity binding of PIPKI gamma661 to the focal adhesion protein talin and for targeting of PIPKI gamma661 to focal adhesions. A yeast two-hybrid screen performed with the C-terminal 178-amino acid tail of PIPKI gamma661 identified an interaction with the phosphatase domain of the tyrosine phosphatase Shp-1. The interaction between PIPKI gamma661 and Shp-1 was confirmed via co-immunoprecipitation from HEK293 cell lysates. In addition, Src-phosphorylated PIPKI gamma661 is a substrate for Shp-1, and Shp-1 modulates both the association between PIPKI gamma661 and talin and the targeting of PIPKI gamma661 to focal adhesions in mammalian cells. Finally, we showed that Shp-1 phosphatase activity is inhibited by the product of PIPKI gamma661, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, in vitro. These combined results suggest a model in which the reciprocal actions of Src tyrosine kinase and Shp-1 tyrosine phosphatase dynamically regulate the association between PIPKI gamma661 and talin.
Effect of Partial Devitrification on the Electrical Resistivity of Sodium‐Bearing Glasses

The effect of partial devitrification on the electrical resistivity of three sodium-bearing glasses has been determined. Resistance measurements were made over a range of temperatures from 130° to approximately 550°C. The resistivity of the glasses studied was found to be influenced by partial devitrification; the nature of this change was found to be proportional to the change in Na2O content of the glassy phase remaining after devitrification. The results show that the change in resistivity can be predicted by phase equilibrium diagrams.
Work in progress — Using cognitive development approaches in teaching electrical engineering concepts

This paper reviews and presents efforts to add cognitive development for learning and verbalizing concepts, as well as the technical foundation and advanced body of knowledge in electrical engineering. We show examples of utilizing this process and bringing cognitive approaches to traditional electrical engineering courses. For effective delivery we need to modify our approach to help students create better mental representations of the core concepts. Practical examples are introduced to demonstrate how this can enhance the students thinking, learning, problems solving and help them become more effective lifelong learners.
Laser Doppler measurements of cutaneous blood flow in ageing mice and rats

Laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) is a non-invasive technique that measures capillary blood perfusion parameters (blood flow, volume and velocity) and can be used non-invasively to evaluate the effects of ageing on cutaneous blood perfusion. Male Fischer-344 rats (R) of 1, 2, 3, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 months and C57BL/6N mice (M) 1, 2, 3, 9, 15, 19 and 22 months (n = 6/mo) were used. Animals were anesthetized with ketamine/xylazine and LDV-measured blood flow was made on the backs of all animals. Five readings for each parameter were recorded in order to obtain a mean value of the individual. Skin biopsies (4 mm) were removed after LDV for assessing epidermal and dermal thickness and number of epidermal cell layers. The number of viable epidermal layers in M remained constant while in R it decreased with age. Epidermal thickness in both M and R decreased from 2-3 months and then remained constant. Dermal thickness decreased from 3 to 22 months in M, and increased in R from 1 to 2 months and remained constant. Blood flow of M increased between 1 and 2 months, remained constant to 19 months, then increased at 22 months; flow in R was constant except at 2 months. Thus age differences in epidermal and dermal thickness, and blood flow of M and R occur and should be considered when evaluating cutaneous toxicity studies in different-aged animals. These changes may potentially alter dermal absorption and/or distribution of xenobiotics.