cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Ice Plant Cometh: Lessons in Abiotic Stress Tolerance

Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, the common ice plant, provides a model for the developmentally and environmentally inducible shift from C3 photosynthesis to Crassulacean acid metabolism. Study of its halophytic (salt tolerant) nature has also yielded crucial insights into abiotic stress biology. In addition, the ice plant serves as an anchor species for genomic studies in the order Caryophyllales in which very few species have been studied at the molecular genetic level. Large-scale expressed sequence tag projects allow comparisons of gene expression in different tissues, organs, and developmental states in stressed and unstressed plants during the life cycle. Microarray analyses pinpoint transcripts affected by abiotic stresses to functionally characterize the essential elements that constitute natural abiotic stress tolerance. Mesembryanthemum features advantages of a small genome, an emerging transformation system, a growing mutant collection, and the potential for bioremediation of salinized soil because of its ability to efficiently sequester salts into vegetative tissues. Disadvantages are the plant's potentially large size at flowering, a 4-month life cycle under growth chamber conditions, and extreme response plasticity to minute perturbations in the environment.
Electrochemical and photophysical properties of mono- and bimetallic ruthenium(II) complexes

Mono- and bimetallic complexes of ruthenium(II) containing 1,10-phenanthroline, and the bidentate, bridging ligands 2,3-bis(2′-pyridyl)pyrazine (dpp) or 2,3-bis(2′-pyridyl)quinoxaline (dpq) have been prepared and characterized. All of the mono- and bimetallic complexes, RuL2BL2+ and L2RuBL- RuL′24+ (L,L′=bpy, phen; BL=dpp, dpq), emit in acetonitrile at room temperature and have excited- state lifetimes in the 20-300 ns range. The lowest energy absorption feature has been assigned as a metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) band localized exclusively on BL (i.e. Ru(II) dπ→+ BLpπ *). Electrochemically, the potential of the Ru(III)/ Ru(II) couple reflects the average ligand environment around the ruthenium center. There are numerous reductions that occur with each complex that are specific to the individual ligands with the reductions for the BLs (dpp and dpq) occurring at less negative potentials than for the L (bpy or phen) ligands. The positions of the absorption, emission and redox couples in these complexes are all consistent with a localized MLCT excited state and little metal- metal interaction in the isovalent Ru(II)/Ru(II) bimetallic complexes. The variety of metal/ligand combinations gives an assorted range of excited-state donor energies and excited-state redox couples. Oxidation of the excited-state species in general parallels the donor energy of the emissive state. Reduction of the excited-state species depends almost exclusively on the energy of the individual π* LUMO in the ground state. The wide variety of excited-state donor energies and redox couples results in a series of complexes that have great potential for studying excited-state energy- and electron- transfer processes.
Empowerment and Condom Use Among Mexican and Mexican American Women in Illinois

This study used a survey of 218 Mexican women living in Illinois to test if measures of women’s empowerment in the economic, sociocultural, interpersonal/relational, and political dimensions influe...
Self-powered, tactile pressure sensing skin using crystalline ZnO nanorod arrays for robotic applications

Large area arrays of ordered ZnO piezoelectric nanorods are developed on flexible substrates towards self-powered sensing skin for robots. The sensor array is designed to measure tactile pressure in the 10 kPa-200 kPa range with 1 mm spatial resolution. A voltage signal in the range of few mV is observed in response to applied pressure. This work represents the first demonstration of perfectly ordered, vertically aligned, crystalline ZnO nanorod arrays, fabricated in polyimides to ensure conformity to non-planar surfaces such as a robot's. The sensors are self-packaged using a flexible substrate and a superstrate. In addition to the novelty of the sensor structure itself, the work includes an innovative low-temperature hydrothermal ZnO growth process compatible with the temperature restrictions imposed by the polyimide substrate/superstrate. Control of nanorod density and placement is achieved using a thermal nanoimprint lithography based template, another novelty of the presented work.
The effects of botulinum toxin on the synthesis, storage and release of acetylcholine.

Abstract Botulinum toxin is a presynaptically-acting polypeptide neurotoxin. The toxin causes an almost complete inhibition of evoked transmitter release from cholinergic nerve endings. Characteristics inhibition by the toxin of the quantal and nonquantal components of resting ACh output have also been described. In this context botulinum toxin has been a valuable probe of the transmitter release process. Under certain circumstances an effect of the toxin on ACh synthesis has also been found. A postulate has been advanced which could account for these multiple actions of botulinum toxin, and several tests of this nodel have been outlined. Regardless of the validity of the proposal, the avenues of pursuit which it suggests could lead to a firmer understanding of the mechanism of action of botulinum toxin and of the functioning of cholinergic nerve terminals.
IA-automorphisms of the free metabelian group of rank 3

Abstract The group of IA-automorphisms of the free metabelian group of rank 3 is not finitely generated.
Agonistic and grooming behavior of captive crowned lemurs (Lemur coronatus) during the breeding season

Captive breeding of rare and endangered prosimians may be enhanced by an increased understanding of all aspects of their seasonal mating behavior. In this study, the agonistic and grooming behaior of captiveL. coronatus were studied during their annual breeding season. Between October and March, selected aspects of agonistic and grooming behavior of four male-female groups were recorded. Males initiated significantly more allogrooming than females. The frequency of this behavior pattern increased significantly in the weeks of estrus. Females performed significantly more agonistic behavior patterns than males. The mean frequency of agonistic interactions decreased significantly during the breeding season. In successfully reproducing groups males showed much less agonism towards females, than they did in unsuccessful groups. Inter-specific comparisons demonstrated that the patterns of agonistic interactions during the breeding season are very different among closely related species of lemurids. The conclusions drawn from this study are that captive breeding of crowned lemurs may be enhanced by keeping permanent multi-male, multi-female groups.
A probabilistic method for lattice path enumeration

Abstract A probabilistic method for obtaining functional equations for lattice path enumeration problems is studied.
D1-dopamine receptors activate c-fos expression in the fetal suprachiasmatic nuclei.

Abstract The existence of an activatable dopamine system within the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), the site of a biological clock, was investigated in rats during fetal life. In situ hybridization studies revealed that D1-dopamine receptor mRNA was highly expressed in the fetal SCN and not expressed in other hypothalamic regions. Cocaine injected into pregnant rats or directly into rat fetuses on day 20 of gestation selectively activated c-fos gene expression in the fetal SCN; cocaine did not induce c-fos expression elsewhere in the fetal brain or in the maternal SCN. This cocaine-induced activation of c-fos expression in fetal SCN was mediated in part through D1-dopamine receptors, as the cocaine-induced activation was partially blocked by the D1-dopamine receptor antagonist SCH 23390. In addition, the selective D1-dopamine receptor agonist SKF 38393 induced high levels of c-fos expression in the fetal SCN. The presence of an activatable dopamine system within the fetal SCN provides a mechanism through which maternal signals could entrain the fetal biological clock and through which maternally administered psychotropic drugs could alter normal development of the circadian timing system.
Research by residents: Obstacles and opportunities

As the psychiatric field continues to evolve in a world with nascent mobile technology (Hilty et al., 2014), novel neuroscience and genetic research, and new payment and care models (Fried et al., 2014) it is likely that the psychiatry residents learn today will not match what they will be practicing tomorrow. Residents have the opportunity to help shape that future through conducting research today. While the prospect of research can initially seem daunting to the busy resident, here we examine, from psychiatry residents' perspective, the common pitfalls and rewards of research during residency.
Rocket‐borne spectroscopic measurements in the ultraviolet aurora: The Lyman‐Birge‐Hopfield bands

Ultraviolet emissions from earth aurora were observed at wavelengths between 1675 and 2075 A by a sounding rocket payload launched at Churchill, Canada, on Mar. 28, 1980. The emissions from the Lyman-Birge-Hopfield and Vegard-Kaplan bands of N2 were observed and analyzed to determine the relative populations of the v-prime = 0-6 levels of the a1pi(g) state and the v-prime = 4, 6, 7, and 8 levels of the A3Sigma(+)g state, respectively. The relative population of higher vibrational levels of the A3Sigma(+)g state are consistent with direct excitation and cascade. The relative populations of the vibrationa1 levels of the a1pi(g) state peak at v-prime = 2. Such a distribution has not been observed previously in the aurora.
Nutrient flux in a landscape: Effects of coastal land use and terrestrial community mosaic on nutrient transport to coastal waters

Long-term interdisciplinary studies of the Rhode River estuary and its watershed in the mid-Atlantic coastal plain of North America have measured fluxes of nitrogen and phosphorus fractions through the hydrologically-linked ecosystems of this landscape. These ecosystems are upland forest, cropland, and pasture; streamside riparian forests; floodplain swamps; tidal brackish marshes and mudflats; and an estuarine embayment. Croplands discharged far more nitrogen per hectare in runoff than did forests and pastures. However, riparian deciduous hardwood forest bordering the cropland removed over 80 percent of the nitrate and total phosphorus in overland flows and about 85 percent of the nitrate in shallow groundwater drainage from cropland. Nevertheless, nutrient discharges from riparian forests downslope from croplands still exceeded discharges from pastures and other forests. The atomic ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus discharged from the watersheds into the estuary was about 9 for total nutrients and 6 for inorganic nutrient fractions. Such a low N:P ratio would promote nitrogen rather than phosphorus limitation of phytoplankton growth in the estuary. Estuarine tidal marshes trapped particulate nutrients and released dissolved nutrients. Subtidal mudflats in the upper estuary trapped particulate P, released dissolved phosphate, and consumed nitrate. This resulted in a decrease in the ratio of dissolved inorganic N:P in the estuary. However, the upper estuary was a major sink for total phosphorus due to sediment accretion in the subtidal area. Bulk precipitation accounted for 31 percent of the total nongaseous nitrogen influx to the landscape, while farming accounted for 69 percent. Forty-six percent of the total non-gaseous nitrogen influx was removed as farm products, 53 percent either accumulated in the watershed or was lost in gaseous forms, and 1 percent entered the Rhode River. Of the total phosphorus influx to the landscape, 7 percent was from bulk precipitation and 93 percent was from farming. Forty-five percent of the total phosphorus influx was removed as farm products, 48 percent accumulated in the watershed, and 7 percent entered the Rhode River. These nitrogen and phosphorus discharges into the Rhode River, although a small fraction of total loadings to the watershed, were large enough to cause seriously overenriched conditions in the upper estuary.
Reconstruction of C-1 lateral mass with titanium mesh cage after resection of an aneurysmal bone cyst of the atlas: Case report

Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are rare benign tumors with a prevalence of 0.14 cases per 100,000 people. A majority of cases arise during adolescence, and there is a female predominance. This lesion accounts for 1.4% of all primary bone tumors. Aneurysmal bone cysts occur mainly in the long bones, with spinal involvement in 10-30% of cases. Cervical spine ABCs account for about one-third of spinal ABCs, and atlas involvement occurs in 1% of cases. Resection of ABCs at the atlas is difficult because of the location and the lack of proper instrumentation for reconstruction of C-1. The authors present a case of an ABC at C-1 in a child who underwent resection of the lesion and reconstruction of the lateral mass with a titanium mesh cage.
Characterization of HIV-1 Vpr Nuclear Import: Analysis of Signals and Pathways

While the Vpr protein of HIV-1 has been implicated in import of the viral preintegration complex across the nuclear pore complex (NPC) of nondividing cellular hosts, the mechanism by which Vpr enters the nucleus remains unknown. We now demonstrate that Vpr contains two discrete nuclear targeting signals that use two different import pathways, both of which are distinct from the classical nuclear localization signal (NLS)- and the M9-dependent pathways. Vpr import does not appear to require Ran-mediated GTP hydrolysis and persists under conditions of low energy. Competition experiments further suggest that Vpr directly engages the NPC at two discrete sites. These sites appear to form distal components of a common import pathway used by NLS- and M9-containing proteins. Together, our data suggest that Vpr bypasses many of the soluble receptors involved in import of cellular cargoes. Rather, this viral protein appears to directly access the NPC, a property that may help to ensure the capacity of HIV to replicate in nondividing cellular hosts.
Altered tau and neurofilament proteins in neuro-degenerative diseases: diagnostic implications for Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementias.

The neuronal cytoskeleton is one of the most profoundly altered organelles in late life neurodegenerative disorders that are characterized by progressive impairments in cognitive abilities. The elucidation of the protein building blocks of these organelles as well as advances in understanding how these proteins become altered in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other less common dementing illnesses, i.e., diffuse Lewy body disease (DLBD) or the Lewy body variant of AD (LBVAD), will provide insights into the molecular basis of these disorders. Within, we review evidence that normal adult human tau is abnormally phosphorylated and converted into the subunits of AD paired helical filaments (PHFs), and that Lewy bodies (LBs) represent accumulation of altered neurofilament (NF) triplet subunits. Although the precise biological consequences of PHF and LB formation in neurons is unknown, growing evidence suggests that the formation of PHFs and LBs from normal neuronal cytoskeletal proteins could have deleterious effects on neuronal function and survival. Finally, insights into the composition of PHFs and LBs could lead to the development of novel strategies for the timely and accurate diagnosis of AD, DLBD and the LBVAD.
Multichannel voice activity detection with spherically invariant sparse distributions

We propose a statistical multichannel voice activity detection algorithm by modeling the frequency components of speech signals as sparse multivariate complex distributions. In particular, we formulate a likelihood ratio test by modeling a multichannel speech observation as a spherically invariant random process with a parameter governing its sparseness. In addition, we consider reverberation as a component of the statistical model. Experimental results show that our proposed method significantly reduces false-alarm rate for reverberation tails and that sparse distributions provide higher detection accuracy compared to the traditional Gaussian distribution.
The Ultraviolet, Visible and Infrared Reflectivities of Snow, Sand and Other Substances*

By means of a quartz mercury lamp, a thermocouple and absorbing screens, the diffuse reflectivities in the region λ0.3 to 7μ were measured for snow, sand, crushed quartz, plaster paris, white paper, white cotton cloth, sodium carbonate and sodium chloride. The ultraviolet reflectivity of snow was relatively high, being two to four times that of sand. This gives a physical basis for the current idea that ultraviolet glare may be an important factor in snow blindness.
An approach to calculate the value of a company

Companies need to understand how they are valued. The fundamental reason for this is that investors invest in companies that create the most value. Companies require investment to fund new business and to enable them to play a leading role in the globalization and consolidation of industries. Investors want to invest in the companies that will create the most value. If a company wants to create value, it is essential that they understand how their actions translate into increased value. This paper presents methods and models for valuing a company. A tool based on Microsoft Excel is developed. The tool is currently being piloted with customer engagements in a large IT consulting organization.
Ventilation strategies in gastrointestinal endoscopy

Spontaneous breathing is the default mode of ventilation for procedures in gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. Sedative–hypnotic medications profoundly impair respiratory control and airway patency. Fundamental physiology of hypoventilation is reviewed in the context of the patient presenting for interventional endoscopy. The endoscopy setting presents unique challenges for airway management and ventilation. These include a shared airway, patient-positioning, and out-of-Operating Room location. Strategies to support airway patency, oxygenation, and ventilation that are commonly employed in the controlled setting of the operating room can be effectively adapted to the GI endoscopy suite. Techniques discussed include nasal airway devices/CPAP, pressure-support ventilation, jet ventilation, and inhaled mask anesthesia. Endoscopic procedures are amenable to a variety of approaches for airway management, maintenance of oxygenation, and ventilation. Important considerations include (1) patient comorbidities, (2) nonstandard positioning, (3) the concept of a shared airway, (4) anesthetic-associated respiratory depression and upper airway collapse, and (5) type and duration of the procedure (lower endoscopy, upper endoscopy, or ERCP). This review provides practical strategies while addressing elements of basic physiology for the anesthesia provider in the GI endoscopy setting.
Parallel constraint distribution in convex quadratic programming

We consider convex quadratic programs with large numbers of constraints. We distribute these constraints among several parallel processors and modify the objective function for each of these subproblems with Lagrange multiplier information from the other processors. New Lagrange multiplier information is aggregated in a master processor and the whole process is repeated Linear convergence is established for strongly convex quadratic programs by formulating the algorithm in an appropriate dual space. The algorithm corresponds to a step of an iterative matrix splitting algorithm for a symmetric linear complementarity problem followed by a projection onto a subspace.
The Hot Strip Mill Looper System

In the modern hot strip mill, the loopers establish a low and relatively constant level of tension between stands. This aids in minimizing width deviation, and provides an isolated environment for the operation of automatic gage control equipment at each stand. The looper also serves to keep all stands of a mill in synchronism during speedup and slowdown when metal is in the mill. The flexibility of control which is inherent in adjustable-voltage looper systems permits the incorporation of a number of features which contribute to the effectiveness of the drive. Static and dynamic characteristics of electric hot strip mill looper systems are reviewed.
Analysis of liquid–vapor pulsating flow in a U-shaped miniature tube

Liquid–vapor pulsating flow in a vertically placed U-shaped miniature tube is investigated numerically. The two sealed ends of the U-shaped tube are the evaporator sections and the condenser section is located in the middle of the tube. The governing equations, obtained by analyzing the conservation of mass, momentum, and energy of the liquid and vapor plugs, are nondimensionalized and the pulsating flow is described by five nondimensional parameters. The numerical solution is obtained by employing an implicit scheme. The effects of various nondimensional parameters on the performance of the pulsating heat pipe were investigated. The empirical correlations of the amplitude and circular frequency of oscillation were also obtained. 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Application of Multivariate Modeling for Radiation Injury Assessment: A Proof of Concept

Multivariate radiation injury estimation algorithms were formulated for estimating severe hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome (H-ARS) injury (i.e., response category three or RC3) in a rhesus monkey total-body irradiation (TBI) model. Classical CBC and serum chemistry blood parameters were examined prior to irradiation (d 0) and on d 7, 10, 14, 21, and 25 after irradiation involving 24 nonhuman primates (NHP) (Macaca mulatta) given 6.5-Gy 60Co Υ-rays (0.4 Gy min−1) TBI. A correlation matrix was formulated with the RC3 severity level designated as the “dependent variable” and independent variables down selected based on their radioresponsiveness and relatively low multicollinearity using stepwise-linear regression analyses. Final candidate independent variables included CBC counts (absolute number of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and platelets) in formulating the “CBC” RC3 estimation algorithm. Additionally, the formulation of a diagnostic CBC and serum chemistry “CBC-SCHEM” RC3 algorithm expanded upon the CBC algorithm model with the addition of hematocrit and the serum enzyme levels of aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase. Both algorithms estimated RC3 with over 90% predictive power. Only the CBC-SCHEM RC3 algorithm, however, met the critical three assumptions of linear least squares demonstrating slightly greater precision for radiation injury estimation, but with significantly decreased prediction error indicating increased statistical robustness.
Negative-pressure wound therapy and external fixation for infection and hematoma after hallux abducto valgus surgery.

Hematoma refers to the collection or extravasation of blood, usually clotted, in a closed tissue space. It is caused by leakage from local vessels damaged by blunt trauma, local injury, or surgical dissection. In the postoperative phase, a hematoma often results in edema, pain, wound dehiscence, infection, and scarring of the surgical wound. We describe a 44-year-old woman who developed severe complications, including hematoma, abscess, failure of internal fixation, and loss of soft-tissue structures, after hallux abducto valgus surgery. Hospitalization was required for infection control, soft-tissue coverage through negative-pressure wound therapy, and first metatarsophalangeal joint stabilization through external fixation. Early recognition of the signs of infection and hematoma can help decrease the incidence of postoperative complications. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 97(5): 410–414, 2007)
Microstructures and Properties of Three Composites of Alumina, Mullite, and Monoclinic SrAl2Si2O8

Three composites that were 96% alumina were mixed and uniaxially dry-pressed into bars and pellets; all had monoclinic SrAl2Si2O8 as an intergranular phase. The diffraction patterns, microstructure, density, dielectric properties, strength, and toughness were measured. The first composition, which contained crystalline SrCO3, Al2O3, and SiO2, in a 1:1:2 molar ratio, as the 4% component, densified but was generally inferior to the second and third compositions, which contained strontium aluminosilicate (SrAlxSiyOz, SAS) glass as the 4% component, in terms of mechanical properties, defects, and monoclinic SrAl2Si2O8 transformation. The second composition, which lacked B2O3, was very tough and was comparable to commercial alumina, in terms of the dielectric constant. The third, which contained 0.068% of B2O3 that was dissolved in the SAS glass as a sintering aid, had high strength and toughness and no macroscopically visible defects. Mullite formed, in addition to monoclinic SrAl2Si2O8 in all three composites. Alumina–monoclinic SrAl2Si2O8 composites of the third composition had room-temperature properties that were comparable to commercial aluminas that contained 96% alumina and also had potential for mechanical and refractory applications.
Phase Transitions of Single Salt Particles Studied Using a Transmission Electron Microscope with an Environmental Cell

The hygroscopic behavior of 0.1 to 4 μ m NaBr, CsCl, NaCl, (NH4)2SO4, and KBr particles were monitored using a transmission electron microscope (TEM) equipped with an environmental cell into which gases can be introduced. This instrument, commonly called an environmental transmission electron microscope or ETEM, allowed us to observe phase transitions and behavior of small particles at relative humidities between 0 and 100%. We used deliquescence relative humidity and efflorescence relative humidity values from the literature for each salt to calibrate the relative humidity in the environmental cell. Using our methodology, we reliably and accurately measured the phase transitions and hygroscopic behavior of inorganic particles with the ETEM.
Leu-8 and Leu-9 antigen phenotypes: Immunologic criteria for the distinction of mycosis fungoides from cutaneous inflammation

The distinction of mycosis fungoides from reactive cutaneous inflammation can be difficult. Unfortunately, since many reactive processes exhibit predominantly a mature helper T cell phenotype similar to that expressed by most cases of mycosis fungoides, standard immunologic marker studies have not been very helpful in differential diagnosis. To determine whether novel immunophenotypic criteria could be developed that correlate with the diagnosis of cutaneous involvement by mycosis fungoides, we studied the expression of Leu-8 and Leu-9 antigens by T cells in forty-one skin biopsy specimens from twenty-seven patients with mycosis fungoides and thirty-four skin biopsy specimens from thirty-three controls with a variety of benign cutaneous diseases. These antigens are expressed by the majority of normal T cells in the blood and lymphoid tissues but are often absent in T cell lymphomas or expressed by only a minority of tumor cells. Semiquantitative grading of the percentage of Leu-8 + and Leu-9 + T cells in our patients revealed that deficiency of these antigens (i.e., expression by ⩽33% of T cells) was more prevalent among mycosis fungoides patients than among controls and became more specific for mycosis fungoides as the percentage of Leu-8+ and Leu-9+ T cells decreased. In initial biopsies, ⩽33% of T cells were Leu-8+ in 82% of mycosis fungoides patients versus 15% of controls, while ⩽10% of T cells were Leu-8+ in 52% of mycosis fungoides patients versus only 3% of controls. Similarly, ⩽33% of T cells were Leu-9+ in 59% of mycosis fungoides patients versus 3% of controls while ⩽10% of T cells were Leu-9+ in 41% of mycosis fungoides patients versus 0% of controls. Concurrent or serial biopsies obtained in eleven patients showed either phenotype stability or a trend toward development of Leu-8 or Leu-9 deficiencies over time. Deficiency of Leu-8 or Leu-9 occurred at all clinicopathologic stages of mycosis fungoides studied (la through III) and in individual lesions ranging from poikilodermatous patches to advanced tumors. In contrast, expression of Leu-8 and Leu-9 by the majority of T cells was much more common in controls than in mycosis fungoides patients (85% vs 11%). These findings indicate that major differences in cellular antigen expression exist between benign and malignant cutaneous T cell infiltrates. Furthermore, they indicate that immunophenotypic criteria may prove useful in distinguishing mycosis fungoides from cutaneous inflammation.
High-sensitivity sequencing of large proteins: Partial structure of the rapamycin-FKBP12 target

We report on studies leading to refinements of various steps of the protein internal sequencing process. Specifically, the developments comprise (1) higher-sensitivity chemical sequencing through background reduction; (2) improved peptide recovery from rapid in situ digests of nanogram amount, nitrocellulose-bound proteins; and (3) accurate UV spectroscopic identification of Trp- and Cys-containing peptides. In addition, we describe strategies for 2-dimensional liquid chromatographic peptide isolation from complex mixtures and a multi-analytical approach to peptide sequence analysis (Edman sequencing, matrix-assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry, and UV spectroscopy). Both strategies were applied in tandem to the primary structural analysis of a gel-purified, 250-kDa protein (mammalian target of rapamycin-FKBP12 complex), available in low picomolar quantities only. More than 300-amino acids worth of sequence was obtained in mostly uninterrupted stretches, several containing Trp, Cys, His, and Ser. That information has allowed the matching of a biological function of a mammalian protein to a yeast gene product with a well-characterized mutant phenotype. The results also demonstrate that extended chemical sequencing analysis (e.g., 26 successive amino acids) is now feasible, starting with initial yields well below 1 pmol.
Notch-1 regulates transcription of the epidermal growth factor receptor through p53

The Notch pathway plays a key role in the development and is increasingly recognized for its importance in cancer. We demonstrated previously the overexpression of Notch-1 and its ligands in gliomas and showed that their knockdown inhibits glioma cell proliferation and survival. To elucidate the mechanisms downstream of Notch-1 in glioma cells, we performed microarray profiling of glioma cells transfected with Notch-1 small interfering RNA. Notable among downregulated transcripts was the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), known to be overexpressed or amplified in gliomas and prominent in other cancers as well. Further studies confirmed that Notch-1 inhibition decreased EGFR messenger RNA (mRNA) and EGFR protein in glioma and other cell lines. Transfection with Notch-1 increased EGFR expression. Additionally, we found a significant correlation in levels of EGFR and Notch-1 mRNA in primary high-grade human gliomas. Subsequent experiments showed that p53, an activator of the EGFR promoter, is regulated by Notch-1. Experiments with p53-positive and -null cell lines confirmed that p53 partially mediates the effects of Notch-1 on EGFR expression. These results show for the first time that Notch-1 upregulates EGFR expression and also demonstrate Notch-1 regulation of p53 in gliomas. These observations have significant implications for understanding the mechanisms of Notch in cancer and development.
Rats are not aversive when exposed to 60-Hz magnetic fields at 3.03 mT.

Thirty-two male rats were tested in two replicates of an experiment to determine whether body currents induced by 60-Hz magnetic fields might lead to avoidance behavior comparable to that which results from exposure to strong 60-Hz electric fields. The test apparatus was a two-compartment Plexiglas shuttlebox enclosed in a sound-attenuating plywood chamber, which in turn was encompassed by two copper bus bars that, when energized, served as a source of 60-Hz magnetic fields. Location of the rat, and traverse activity in the shuttlebox were monitored by nine infra-red photo detectors equally spaced along the length of the apparatus. Rats were divided into 2 groups: 1 group of rats (n = 8 per group per replicate) was sham exposed while rats in the other group (n = 8 per group per replicate) were exposed to a 3.03 mT (30.3 G), 60-Hz magnetic field whenever they traversed to or were located on the side (L or R) predetermined as the exposed side. To control artifact incident to side preference, the side exposed (L or R) was alternated over the exposed rats. Each rat was tested individually in a 1-h session. A 2-factor ANOVA (exposed vs. control, replicate 1 vs. replicate 2) failedmore » to reveal any significant effects due to either factor or to an interaction between factors. These data demonstrate that rats do not avoid exposure to 60-Hz magnetic fields at a flux density of 3.03 mT and further imply that the avoidance by rats of high level 60-Hz electric fields is mediated by something other than the internal body currents induced by the exposure.« less
Computer-Assisted Attribute-Coincidence Mapping (ACM) in the Search for Massive-Sulfide Exploration Targets in Appalachian Devonian Rocks: ABSTRACT

Attribute-coincidence mapping (ACM) is a powerful tool commonly used by geologists when they visually compare map data from diverse sources by use of a series of transparent overlays. The same geologists using computer-assisted ACM (particularly the MAPSS=MAGIC software system) can consider, evaluate, and replot or store for later retrieval many more kinds of data with less time and effort than with manual methods. Because the MAPSS=MAGIC system organizes and manages information by orthogonal patterns, standard CRT terminals or high-speed line printers enable users to view complex grid-cell patterns of derivative maps almost instantaneously, and thus facilitate rapid decision making. ACM with the MAPSS=MAGIC system can be used at any scale to compute, analyze, and plot derivative patterns. For regional analysis the standard U.S. Geol. Survey 7 ½-minute quadrangle is used as the information cell for data manipulation. A demonstration of the system shows map patterns of some of the various attributes of sediment-associated massive-sulfide ore deposits that have been combined through ACM to identify potential exploration targets in Appalachian Devonian rocks. The massive-sulfide model was developed by the West German Federal Geol. Survey and recently modified by Wedow for computer use by the U. S. Geol. Survey. This ACM study of the Appalachian Devonian has revealed several significant exploration targets. End_of_Article - Last_Page 538------------
Learning compositional sparse models of bimodal percepts

Various perceptual domains have underlying compositional semantics that are rarely captured in current models. We suspect this is because directly learning the compositional structure has evaded these models. Yet, the compositional structure of a given domain can be grounded in a separate domain thereby simplifying its learning. To that end, we propose a new approach to modeling bimodal percepts that explicitly relates distinct projections across each modality and then jointly learns a bimodal sparse representation. The resulting model enables compositionality across these distinct projections and hence can generalize to unobserved percepts spanned by this compositional basis. For example, our model can be trained on red triangles and blue squares; yet, implicitly will also have learned red squares and blue triangles. The structure of the projections and hence the compositional basis is learned automatically for a given language model. To test our model, we have acquired a new bimodal dataset comprising images and spoken utterances of colored shapes in a table-top setup. Our experiments demonstrate the benefits of explicitly leveraging compositionality in both quantitative and human evaluation studies.
Abstract 100: Clinical impact of United States Preventive Services Task Force screening recommendations for abdominal aortic aneurysm: Analysis of Nationwide Inpatient Sample data

Introduction: An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is defined when infra-renal aortic diameter is at least 3.0 cm. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommended in 2005 that all men between the ages of 65 to 75 years who have ever smoked should be screened once for AAA by abdominal ultrasonography. However, the clinical impact of these recommendations are unknown. Methods: We queried Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project’s Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) data for AAA and AAA rupture using ICD9 codes 441.4 and 441.3 respectively. The NIS represents 20% of all hospitals data in the US. All the data was extracted for years 2000-2010. Total hospitalizations and in-hospital mortality for pre-screening years (2000-2004) was compared with post-screening years (2006-2010) for both AAA and AAA rupture. Results: A total of 527,801 hospitalizations secondary to AAA and AAA rupture were analyzed for the study period. Hospitalizations from AAA decreased from 61.72 to 58.77 per 10,000 total hospitalizations with in-hospital mortality decreasing from 3.5% to 2.12% (p value 0.05). Decrease in mortality was uniform in all age and gender sub-groups. The hospitalizations from AAA rupture decreased from 9.51 to 7.03 per 10,000 total hospitalizations (p<0.001) with mortality decreasing from 49.9% to 44.6% (p value <0.001). On sub-analysis decrease in hospitalizations was reciprocated in 65-84 age group (70.08 to 64.94 per 100 AAA rupture admissions, p value <0.001) and males (73.23 to 71.7 per 100 AAA rupture admissions, p value <0.001). However, hospitalizations from AAA rupture increased in age group 45-64 (14.41 to 15.43 per 100 AAA rupture admissions, p value <0.001), age 84+ (15.21 to 19.2 per 100 AAA rupture admissions, p value < 0.001) and females (26.28 to 28.28 per 100 AAA rupture admissions, p value <0.001). In-hospital mortality from AAA rupture decreased in all age and gender sub-groups independently. Conclusion: Our study reveals that post screening recommendations, hospitalizations for AAA decreased significantly in the age group 65-84 years. Also, hospitalizations from AAA rupture decreased in males and age group 65-84, with increase in other age sub groups (45-64 and 84+) and females. Thus, screening recommendations have resulted in decreased hospitalizations in specified age-gender subgroup likely from early recognition and better control of risk factors as outpatient. Our study also makes case to consider extension of recommendations to include other susceptible groups though prospective studies might be needed to support the data.
Keynote speech 2: Role of FPGA in semiconductor industry and how it enables technology innovation

This talk will focus on providing an insight into semiconductor economy. Secondly, to look into how the FPGA will alter the semiconductor playing field. And finally, the talk is concluded by looking into the emerging opportunity for technology breakthrough based on FPGA.
Exploring Novel Feedstocks and Technologies for Advanced Biofuels: The Promises of Algae

Biofuels are classified into first, second, and advanced generation, based on their current commercial development. Conversion of algal biomass into advanced biofuels is part of the effort to find alternative feedstocks and solar-to-fuel technologies that do not compete with food for arable land, opposed to energy crops currently dominating the biofuel industry.
Application of elastic intramedullary nailling in pediatric long bone fractures

Objective To study the application of elastic intramedullary nails to treat the pediatric limbs long bone fractures,and assess the curative effect.Methods Through retrospective analysis 172 cases of pediatric limbs long bone fractures had been treated with elastic intramedullary nailing in our hospital,between 2005.9～2008.3.In this group there were 16 cases were humerus fractures,31cases were rule or radius fractures,78 cases were femur fractures and 47 cases were tibia fractures.We reviewed the union of fractures and the condition of function.Results 172 cases all have been followed up over 6 months to 30 months,the average was 1 years and 2 months.165 cases were recovery excellent(the rate was 95.93%),7 cases were fine.All of them were primary healing,none of them has bone infection or bone un-union.All of them have not found nails breakdown,fractures displace again or refracture after removed the nails.Conclusion Flexible intramedullary nails crossing fixation is a safe,convenient and volant therapy method for pediatric long bone fractures,especially for limbs long bone fractures,so it is effective therapeutic approach,as limbs long bone transaction fractures、multi-section and complex injury.Compared to the orthodox technique as epithesis or gypsum fixation or open reduction,this technique has many fortes,such as small skin wound,tiny tissue damage,not damage the epiphyseal plate,not influence blood circulation in marrow,fractures recovery fast,short period in hospital,the nails pull out convenience and child easy tolerance.So it is effective therapeutic approach for pediatric limbs long bone fractures.
Strengthen the Construction and Improve Teaching Quality of Common Elective Courses

Illustrates the importance of the construction of common elective courses, and analyzes the practical problems in our school. The corresponding measures are put forward to strengthen the construction and the teaching quality of common elective courses.
RACE AND RECOGNITION: THE TIME OF OUR SINGING

Literature affords the opportunity to consider the racial fear, hatred and hostility that can flare in moments when the otherness in the human face occludes the common bonds that join us together. Richard Powers' (2003) compelling novel, The Time of Our Singing, highlights ways in which racial tensions continue to haunt us, impeding the efforts of successive generations to heal the wounds and move forward. In the novel, the parents' efforts to move "beyond race" leave their children utterly unprepared for the ways in which race informs and obstruct their experience, as what has been denied returns to haunt them.
Polymorphisms in the transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) gene are associated with type 2 diabetes in the Amish: replication and evidence for a role in both insulin secretion and insulin resistance.

Transcription factor 7-like 2 ( TCF7L2 ) regulates genes involved in cell proliferation and differentiation. The TCF7L2 gene is located on chromosome 10q25 in a region of replicated linkage to type 2 diabetes. Recently, a microsatellite marker in intron 3 (DG10S478) and five correlated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in Icelandic individuals that showed strong association with type 2 diabetes, which was replicated in Danish and European-American cohorts. We genotyped four of the SNPs (rs7901695, rs7903146, rs11196205, and rs12255372) in Amish subjects with type 2 diabetes ( n = 137), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT; n = 139), and normal glucose tolerance (NGT; n = 342). We compared genotype frequencies in subjects with type 2 diabetes with those with NGT and found marginal association for rs7901695 ( P = 0.05; odds ratio [OR] 1.51); comparison between NGT control subjects and the combined type 2 diabetes/IGT case group showed strong association with rs7901695 and rs7903146 ( P = 0.008–0.01; OR 1.53–1.57) and marginal association with rs11196205 and rs12255372 ( P = 0.07 and P = 0.04, respectively). In an expanded set of 698 Amish subjects without diabetes, we found no association with insulin and glucose levels during a 3-h oral glucose tolerance test. We also genotyped these SNPs in nondiabetic, non-Amish subjects ( n = 48), in whom intravenous glucose tolerance tests were performed, and found an association between rs7901695 and rs7903146 and insulin sensitivity ( P = 0.003 and P = 0.005, respectively) and disposition index ( P = 0.04 and P = 0.007, respectively). These data provide replicating evidence that variants in TCF7L2 increase the risk for type 2 diabetes and novel evidence that the variants likely influence both insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity.
On modeling and sensitivity of via count in SOC physical implementation

As VLSI technology nodes scale down, via defects are becoming a major yield concern. Thus, via estimation modeling is becoming more important for yield analysis. In this paper, the recent via distribution model of is revisited and analyzed, and possible inaccuracies and deficiencies are pointed out and experimentally verified. Then, a new taxonomy of via modeling approaches is presented, including analytical, netlist-based, and placement-based approaches. We focus on placement-based via estimation, and propose and validate a new model using real industry chips and public-domain testcases. Experimental results show that our via modeling approach is more accurate than the previous via distribution model.
The effects of electroconvulsive shock on catecholamine function in the locus ceruleus and hippocampus

Repeated electroconvulsive shock (ECS) treatment (once per day for 7 days) produced a significant increase in tyrosine hydroxylase activity, GTP-cyclohydrolase activity and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) levels in the locus ceruleus and hippocampus from 1 to 4 days after the last treatment. These changes may be responsible for, or contribute to, the antidepressant effect of ECS treatment.
The Place of Human Language in the Animal World

Animals across a broad range of species convey meaning through their communicative behavior. The meaning we convey in our use of human language must be seen as jointly contributed by the semantics of the words, phrases, and sentences employed and the pragmatics of the situation in which the communication occurs. Much discussion of animal communicative behavior has sought to analyze it by attributing semantic content to particular signals: such an approach, for instance, characterizes the treatment of vervet monkey alarm calls as “functionally referential.” Some scholars have offered a formal semantics for the signaling behavior of other monkeys. In contrast, a growing trend in the animal behavior literature rejects the attribution of properly semantic content to such signals, arguing that the meaning they convey should be attributed to their pragmatic value in particular contexts. Following a review of the known properties of animal communication systems, the applicability of this account is assessed in terms of the partitioning of semantics and pragmatics proposed by Moeschler and others.
Mark Tedeschi, Eugenia: a true story of adversity, tragedy, crime and courage

In Eugenia, Crown Prosecutor Mark Tedeschi, a prominent Australian barrister, explores the events surrounding the arrest and incarceration of Harry Crawford in July 1920, a man charged with the mur...
Acute effects of particulate matter pollution on daily emergency ambulance dispatches due to neurological diseases in one haze polluted city of the North China

OBJECTIVE To access the relationship between ambient particulate matter( PM_(2. 5)and PM_(10)) concentration and daily emergency ambulance dispatches due to neurological diseases in one city of the North China. METHODS Semi-parametric generalized additive model was used to analyze the relationship between particulate matter( PM_(2. 5)and PM_(10)) concentration and daily emergency ambulance dispatches due to neurological diseases from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2015 after adjustment for time trends, weather conditions and "days of the week". RESULTS An 10 μg/m~3 increase in the lag 03 day concentration of PM_(2. 5)corresponded to increase of 0. 75%( 95% CI0. 34%-1. 17%) in daily emergency ambulance dispatches due to neurological diseases, and an 0. 35%( 95% CI 0. 05%-0. 66%) increase correspondence for PM_(10) in the lag04. CONCLUSION Outdoor particulate matter( PM_(2. 5)and PM_(10)) concentration is significantly associated with increased risk of emergency ambulance dispatches due to neurological diseases in the North China.