cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Towards fabless silicon photonics

Silicon photonic devices can be built using commercial CMOS chip fabrication facilities, or 'fabs'. However, nearly all research groups continue to design, build and test chips internally, rather than leveraging shared CMOS foundry infrastructure.
Release of substance P from isolated nerve endings.

DISCOVERED in 1931 by von Euler and Gaddum1 and purified to homogeneity in 1970 by Chang and Leeman2, stance P is an undecapeptide with the sequence H-Arg-Pro-lys-pro-Gln-Gln-Phe-Phe-Gly-Leu-Met-NH2 (ref. 3). Its function is still unknown but the selective distribution of substance P in the nervous system4–6, its localisation in nerve endings (refs 7–9 and our own unpublished results) and its neuropharmacological actions10–14 strongly suggest that substance P may participate, directly or indirectly, in the transmission process of certain neurones. However, if substance P is a neurotransmitter, it must also be released from nerve terminals upon the appropriate stimulation. In this report we present evidence showing that substance P is released from isolated nerve endings by depolarisation with high K+ and that this release is calcium dependent.
Using prior knowledge of human anatomy to constrain MR image acquisition and reconstruction : Half k-space and full k-space techniques

In this note, we demonstrate how to utilize prior knowledge of human cranial anatomy to constrain full k-space and half k-space acquisition and reconstruction of 128 times 128 images. We used a database of magnetic resonance head images to derive new basis functions which represent the most important features of the head. the "training" images were also used to derive formulas for reconstructing head images from a subset of the usual 128 phase-encoded signals and to determine the optimal k-space locations of those signal measurements. We used this algorithm, called Feature-Recognizing MRI, to reconstruct 128 times 128 head images from 50-60% of the signals filling the full k-space. Furthermore, we combined the algorithm with a conventional half k-space technique to create 128 times 128 images from only 60% of the 80 signals required by the usual unconstrained half k-space imaging. Thus, the prior knowledge represented by the image database, together with a half k-space technique, made it possible to construct accurate magnetic resonance images from only 30-40% of the complete set of 128 signals. In other words, a database of head images was used to devise a 1/3 k-space method for imaging the head.
Analysis of the duration, seasonal timing, and location of North Atlantic tropical cyclones: 1950–2002

[1] Many scientists have suggested that a warmer world with elevated atmospheric moisture levels could increase the frequency, intensity, or duration of future tropical cyclones or alter their mean locations. While others have examined historical patterns in tropical cyclone frequency and intensity, and generally found no trends in recent decades, we analyzed tropical cyclone records from the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and tropical sector of the western North Atlantic over the period 1950–2002 with a focus on the duration, seasonal timing, and geographic position of the events. We found no significant trends in the start date, ending date, or duration of the storm season (defined in various ways) and no trends in the average geographic position of the storms. Furthermore, these measures of hurricane season timing and storm locations were not related to regional sea surface temperature or the northern hemispheric or global temperatures.
Machining Dynamics Involving Whirling Part II: Machining Motions Described by Nonlinear and Linearized Models:

The nonlinear model presented in Part I is linearized and numerically evaluated to investigate the impact of linearization on interpreting turning dynamics. As described in Part I, the equations of motion are so derived that the motion of the workpiece machining surface is in the plane orthogonal to the spindle axis and the motion of the tool is along the axis and coupled with the machining surface. The nonlinear 3D model is linearized about an operating point at (0, 0, Z0), where zt = Z0 is the equilibrium location of the tool associated with the (x2= 0, y2= 0) position of the workpiece. The (0, 0, Z0 ) operating point is selected to satisfy the ultimate machining goal for always achieving precise workpiece geometry without surface error and waviness. Taylor series expansion about the operating point is applied to linearize the nonlinear equations of motion. Modifications are also made to the nonlinear tool stiffness term and the cutting force to minimize linearization errors. The mass and stiffness of t...
Biomechanical properties and a kinetic simulation model of the smooth muscle I2 in the buccal mass of Aplysia.

The muscle I2 is a smooth muscle from the buccal mass of the marine mollusc Aplysia californica whose neural control, in vivo kinematics, and behavioral role have been extensively analyzed. In this study, we measured the activation and contractile dynamics of the muscle in order to construct a Hill-type kinetic model of the muscle. This is the first study to our knowledge, of Aplysia muscle contractile dynamics. The isometric force-frequency relationship of I2 had a frequency threshold of about 6–8 Hz, and its force output saturated at 20–25 Hz, properties that match the high frequency (20 Hz) bursts generated by the B31/B32 neurons that innervate it. Peak isometric force was generated at about 118% of the in situ relaxed length. These results and I2's estimated in vivo kinematics suggest that it generates maximum force at the onset of protraction. The muscle tension during iso-velocity lengthening and shortening was an asymmetric function of velocity. Short range stiffness and yielding responses were observed in lengthening, whereas muscle tension decreased smoothly in shortening. These visco-elastic properties suggest that the I2 muscle can serve to brake forceful retraction movements. A Hill-type model, parameterized from the measurements, captured many of the mechanical properties of I2. Our results provide a quantitative understanding of the biomechanical significance of the muscle's neural control and provide a basis for simulation studies of the control of feeding behavior.
A Meson Exchange n n Potential

Abstract A meson-theoretic model of the intermediate range nucleon-nucleon potential is presented with emphasis placed on the two-pion exchange contribution. The Bethe-Salpeter equation is reduced, by the Blankenbecler-Sugar technique, to a Lippmann-Schwinger equation, from which an approximate nonlocal, energy-dependent potential is obtained. The nucleon-antinucleon pair contribution, which plagues meson-theoretical two-pion calculations, is suppressed by the complex poles of the one-nucleon Green's function. The importance of the retention of the explicit energy dependence of the potential is demonstrated by calculating the off-shell scattering matrices. The potential is presented in a linearized (in energy) form with the core region adjusted to produce a fit to low energy data.
Vaginal opacification during defecography: utility of placing a folded gauze square at the introitus

We evaluated the value of placement of a folded gauze square into the urogenital introitus to improve vaginal opacification in 90 patients who underwent defecography. Of the 50 patients who retained the gauze in the introitus, 96% demonstrated excellent or good vaginal opacification. By contrast, only 75% of the 40 patients who lost the gauze during the study were able to achieve the same level of opacification. This difference was shown to be statistically significant (p < 0.002), suggesting that placement of a folded gauze square in the introitus limits loss of contrast from the vagina, which improves vaginal opacification.
Ostertagia ostertagi: changes in lymphoid populations in the local lymphoid tissues after primary or secondary infection.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to begin to define the changes in the local lymphoid tissues that accompany Ostertagia ostertagi infection in naive and immunized calves. Abomasal lymph nodes were taken from calves beginning as early as 2 days post-infection. Phenotypic changes in the resulting lymphocyte populations were assessed by flow cytometry utilizing monoclonal antibodies specific for the cell surface determinates CD2, CD4, and CD8. Changes in antigen specificity were determined by limiting dilution analysis utilizing antigen derived from fourth-stage O. ostertagi. Primary infection of naive calves caused a rapid 30–40% decrease in the percentage of T cells in the abomasal lymph nodes. This decrease in T cell percentage was due to a decrease in cells bearing the CD4 marker, a marker usually associated with helper T cells. Immunized calves were able to maintain normal T cell percentages of 50–60% for the first 5 weeks of infection. Immunization greatly increased the total number of Ostertagia-specific T cells in the abomasal lymph nodes owing to a marked increase in the size of the lymph nodes. Challenge infection of naive and immunized calves caused an increase in the frequency of parasite-specific T cells in both groups, but the increase was more rapid in the previously immunized calves. Within 5 weeks of infection, Ostertagia-specific cells could not be detected in the abomasal lymph nodes. These results indicate that the critical time period for expansion and regulation of Ostertagia-specific T cells in infected calves is early in the infection at a time that coincides with larval development. In addition, previous exposure to parasite antigens appears to result in more rapid responses and in the maintenance of normal ratios of T cell subpopulations in the draining lymphoid tissues.
The Escherichia coli outer membrane cobalamin transporter BtuB: structural analysis of calcium and substrate binding, and identification of orthologous transporters by sequence/structure conservation.

Gram-negative bacteria possess specialized active transport systems that function to transport organometallic cofactors or carriers, such as cobalamins, siderophores, and porphyrins, across their outer membranes. The primary components of each transport system are an outer membrane transporter and the energy-coupling protein TonB. In Escherichia coli, the TonB-dependent outer membrane transporter BtuB carries out active transport of cobalamin (Cbl) substrates across its outer membrane. Cobalamins bind to BtuB with nanomolar affinity. Previous studies implicated calcium in high-affinity binding of cyanocobalamin (CN-Cbl) to BtuB. We previously solved four structures of BtuB or BtuB complexes: an apo-structure of a methionine-substitution mutant (used to obtain experimental phases by selenomethionine single-wavelength anomalous diffraction studies); an apo-structure of wild-type BtuB; a binary complex of calcium and wild-type BtuB; and a ternary complex of calcium, CN-Cbl and wild-type BtuB. We present an analysis of the binding of calcium in the binary and ternary complexes, and show that calcium coordination changes upon substrate binding. High-affinity CN-Cbl binding and calcium coordination are coupled. We also analyze the binding mode of CN-Cbl to BtuB, and compare and contrast this binding to that observed in other proteins that bind Cbl. BtuB binds CN-Cbl in a manner very different from Cbl-utilizing enzymes and the periplasmic Cbl binding protein BtuF. Homology searches of bacterial genomes, structural annotation based on the presence of conserved Cbl-binding residues identified by analysis of our BtuB structure, and detection of homologs of the periplasmic Cbl-binding binding protein BtuF enable identification of putative BtuB orthologs in enteric and non-enteric bacterial species.
REML Estimation of Covariance Matrices with Restricted Parameter Spaces

Abstract Restricted parameter spaces for covariance matrices, such as ∑ = σ2 I or ∑ = αI + βJ, are often used to simplify estimation. In addition, fixed upper and/or lower bounds may be needed to ensure that estimates satisfy a priori hypotheses. With multivariate variance components models, several covariance matrices need to be simultaneously estimated and, even with a reduced parameter space, estimation can be difficult. In earlier work we have discussed estimation for a widely-used class of models where the variance components matrices need only be nonnegative definite. In this article we extend these results to handle a wide class of restricted parameter spaces. We state the conditions required for a parameterization to be a member of the class, discuss the implementation of the results for several different members of the class, and discuss estimation with both balanced and unbalanced data. We give several examples to demonstrate the results.
Expression of a novel oncofetal mRNA-binding protein IMP3 in endometrial carcinomas: diagnostic significance and clinicopathologic correlations

Insulin-like growth factor-II mRNA-binding protein 3 (IMP3) is a newly identified oncofetal mRNA-binding protein that is involved in embryogenesis and carcinogenesis of some malignant neoplasms. To investigate the diagnostic and clinicopathologic significance of this protein in endometrial carcinomas, we evaluated immunohistochemical expression of IMP3 in the two most common forms of endometrial malignancies, endometrioid adenocarcinoma and serous carcinoma. We selected 167 endometrial adenocarcinoma cases including 122 cases of endometrioid adenocarcinoma and 45 cases of serous carcinoma. Twenty samples of benign endometrium obtained from 20 patients with nonmalignant uterine lesions were used as controls. Positive immunohistochemical stain for IMP3 was identified in all serous carcinoma cases, among which, 39 (86%) and 3 (7%) cases showed IMP3 immunoreactivity in >50%, and 21-50, or 6-20% of tumor cells, respectively. Immunohistochemical reaction intensity for IMP3 was identified to be strong in 38 (84%) and intermediate in 7 (16%) cases of serous carcinoma. Fifty-four (44%) cases of endometrioid adenocarcinoma were negative for IMP3. Thirty (25%), 20 (16%), 10 (8%), and 8 (7%) cases of endometrioid adenocarcinoma demonstrated positive immunoreactivity for IMP3 in 1-5, 6-20, 21-50, and >50% of the tumor cells. Strong IMP3-staining intensity was noted in 34 (28%), intermediate in 26 (21%), and weak in 8 (7%) cases of endometrioid adenocarcinoma. All 20 control cases were negative for IMP3. To compare p53 with IMP3 expressions, we found that 35 (78%) of the serous carcinoma cases showed strong p53 immunohistochemical activity in >50% of the tumor cell nuclei. In contrast, 11 of 112 (10%) endometrioid adenocarcinoma cases demonstrated strong p53 positivity in >50% of the tumor cell nuclei. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate significant expression of IMP3 in serous carcinoma as compared to endometrioid adenocarcinoma (P<0.0001). Expression of IMP3 and p53 may be helpful biomarkers in the distinction of endometrial serous carcinoma from endometrioid adenocarcinoma. In addition, expression of IMP3 in endometrioid adenocarcinoma correlates with higher nuclear and architecture grades of the tumor (P=0.0000 and P=0.0002, respectively).
Rheology and morphology of smectic liquid crystal/polymer blends

Polymers are often blended with additives (e.g., polymers, clays) to produce composite materials having desirable physical properties that reflect synergy between the blend constituents. Though polymer blends with small-molecule nematic liquid crystal phases have been investigated (primarily for displays), related materials containing small-molecule smectic phases have not been reported. Guanidinium alkylbenzenesulfonates (GCnBS, where n is the number of carbons in the alkyl chain), which form stable smectic phases at elevated temperatures because of a robust two-dimensional hydrogen-bonding network of guanidinium ions and sulfonate moieties, were melt-blended with various polymers. Rheological characterization of the blends reveals a yielding behavior, characteristic of the pure GCnBS smectic phases, which becomes more pronounced with increasing GCnBS concentration. Two microstructuresone a continuous polymer phase embedded with GCnBS droplets and the other a continuous GCnBS phase with a discontinuous p...
Discounting of delayed rewards: (A)theoretical interpretation of the Kirby questionnaire

Abstract 111 Participants, recruited from Amazon's MTurk worker pool, completed Kirby's (2009) monetary choice questionnaire, which involves choosing between immediate, but smaller rewards and delayed, but larger rewards. Individual participants’ responses were scored in three ways: first, by calculating the proportion of choices of the delayed rewards; second; using the scoring procedure described by Kirby et al. (1999) to estimate discounting rate (i.e., the value of the k-parameter in a hyperbolic discounting function); and third, using logistic regression to estimate discounting rate ( Wileyto et al., 2004 ). Individuals’ scores calculated using the proportion measure and the logarithms of their estimated k values were very strongly correlated (rs > .97). In addition, the proportions of choices of small, medium, and large amounts of the delayed rewards were strongly correlated (rs > .80). Taken together, these results suggest that the relative ease of calculating the proportion measure does not require sacrificing reliability. Moreover, the proportion measure is atheoretical and very easy to calculate whereas estimating an individual's discounting rate requires assuming a theoretical model that may not be appropriate. Significant differences in the proportion of delayed reward choices were observed between the small, medium, and large delayed reward amounts, with smaller rewards being discounted more steeply than larger ones, replicating previous findings of magnitude effects. These results provide further validation of the proportion of delayed reward choices on the Kirby questionnaire as a measure of individual and group differences in discounting.
The goldfish as a retinex animal

In an experiment designed to test color constancy in a situation comparable to that used in E. H. Land's experiments with human observers, goldfish were trained to approach a particular color within a richly colored but variable "Mondrian" background. They retained the ability to identify colors accurately even when the spectral composition of the illuminant was radically altered in generalization tests. Since the behavior of fish resembles that of human beings in these tests, Land's retinex theory seems to apply to a relatively primitive vertebrate as well as to humans.
Centralized Digital Picture Processing System For Cardiac Imaging

We have designed and implemented a system for the centralized acquisition, display, analysis and archiving of diagnostic cardiac medical images from x-ray fluoroscopy, two-dimensional ultrasonography and nuclear scintigraphy. Centered around a DLC PUP 11/34 minicomputer with an existing gamma camera interface, we have added a closed-circuit television system with a 256x512x8-bit video digitizer and image display controller to interface the video output of the fluoroscope and ultrasonograph. A video disc recorder (under computer control) is used as an input and playback buffer, allowing for data transfer to and from digital disc drives. Thus, real-time video digitization is possible for up to ten seconds of incoming RS-170-compatible video. The digitizer separates video fields at real-time into two 256x256x8-bit refresh memories, providing 60Hz temporal resolution. Generally, however, we choose to record at non-real-time rates to encompass more than ten seconds. In addition to I/O software controlling data acquisition ana playback, we have developed a versatile data analysis package (offering such capabilities as image algebra, Fourier analysis and convolutional filtering), as well as interactive data reduction subroutines (such as region-of-interest definition, profile plotting and regional extraction of statistical and probabilistic information). We have found the system useful for standard cardiac image analysis, for simultaneous display of images from the three modalities, for picture storage and retrieval, and as a research tool. future plans include the addition of intelligent terminals at each modality and progression to a 32-bit machine for the central processor.
Corticotropin-releasing factor inhibits antigen-induced plasma extravasation in airways.

We investigated the potential of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) to reduce neurogenic plasma extravasation in sensitised guinea pig airways evoked by antigen challenge. Inhalation of 5% ovalbumin for 2 min in the presence of phosphoramidon (2.5 mg/kg, i.v.) increased extravasation of Evans blue dye in the trachea and main bronchi. The increase in plasma extravasation induced by antigen challenge was significantly reduced by pretreatment with CRF (30 nmol/kg, i.v.) (73% in the trachea and 42% in the main bronchi). The inhibition of plasma extravasation by CRF (30 nmol/kg, i.v.) alone was not different from the inhibition induced by the combination of CRF and the tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist, CP-99,994 (4 mg/kg, i.v.) (73% in the trachea and 38% in the main bronchi). CRF (30 nmol/kg, i.v.) inhibited by 32% in the trachea and by 43% in the main bronchi plasma extravasation induced by aerosolised bradykinin but did not reduce the plasma extravasation caused by aerosolised substance P in the presence of phosphoramidon. These findings suggest that CRF reduces ovalbumin-induced plasma extravasation in guinea pig airways by inhibiting the release of tachykinins from primary sensory nerves.
The Principal as Practical Inquirer: Looking for Workable Answers:

Here is an article designed to encourage principals to think about how they might help teachers use the findings of educational research in their classrooms, and how they might help their schools generate their own situation-specific research that has immediate application to school administrative or classroom problems.
Postural control in children with and without neurofibromatosis type 1

Previous research has evaluated the motor proficiency of children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and found delays on the balance subtest. However the balance subtest was found to have low sensitivity for identifying balance impairments. This study examines the differences in postural control between children with NF1 and peers with typical development using a force plate. A single limb stance test on a force plate was completed for all participants. The force plate variables, center of pressure maximum distance in the anterior/posterior direction (COPmax A/P) and center of pressure velocity (COPvel A/P) were compared between groups. The NF1 group's performance was significantly poorer than the control group in both COPmax A/P (p=.01) and COPvel A/P (p=.01). When separated into specific age ranges, only the children in the NF1 group between 5 and 12years of age demonstrated statistically significant differences in the COP variables. The COP variables for the 13- to 18-year-old group were not significantly different. These results indicate that young children with NF1 have poor postural control. However, postural control appears to improve with maturation.
Role of structural degradation in the loss of serological activity of ovalbumin irradiated with gamma-rays.

Role of Structural Degradation in the Loss of Serological Activity of Ovalbumin irradiated with Gamma-Rays
The Preterm Lung and Airway: Past, Present, and Future

The tremendous advancement that has occurred in neonatal intensive care over the last 40–50 years can be largely attributed to greater understanding of developmental pathobiology in the newborn lung. Nonetheless, this improved survival from respiratory distress syndrome has been associated with continuing longer-term morbidity in the form of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). As a result, neonatal lung injury is a renewed focus of scientific interest. The onset of such an injury may begin in the delivery room, and this has generated interest in minimizing oxygen therapy and aggressive ventilatory support during the transition from fetal to neonatal lung. Fortunately, antenatal steroid therapy and selective use of surfactant therapy are now widely practiced, although fine tuning of this therapy for selected populations is ongoing. Newer therapeutic approaches address many aspects of BPD, including the pro-inflammatory component that characterizes this disorder. Finally, there is a greater need to understand the epidemiology and pathogenesis of the longer-term respiratory morbidity, most notably asthma, that persists in the preterm survivors of neonatal intensive care.
Stability of body image and body image dissatisfaction in American college students over about the last 15 years

It is widely assumed that body image dissatisfaction is increasing, particularly in females. We examined data from comparable samples, University of Pennsylvania introductory psychology students, over a span of about 15 years (1983-1984 versus 1995-1998). Ratings of current and ideal body figure were obtained using silhouettes, along with self-reported height and weight. While males always had a much smaller discrepancy between current and ideal than females, levels of dissatisfaction and gender differences in satisfaction have remained the same in these samples. This finding contrasts with the conclusion of a meta-analysis by Feingold and Mazzella in 1998 (Psychological Science 9 (3), 190-195), which indicates an increased difference in body image satisfaction between men and women over the last two decades. Possible accounts for this difference in results are discussed.
Indigenisation of Social Work Knowledge: An Exploration of the Process

The concept of indigenisation of social work knowledge has been widely used in relation to issues surrounding technology transfer and goodness-of-fit with the recipient of this knowledge. In this research, the authors present an analysis of the process by which social work technology in alcoholism treatment is transferred from the United States to India and indigenised to suit the socio-cultural context. Using qualitative methods, the study interprets the process by which local Indian knowledge is creatively used to culturally construct a model of intervention that is suitable for local Indian needs.
Aging impairs smooth muscle-mediated regulation of aortic stiffness: a defect in shock absorption function?

Increased aortic stiffness is an early and independent biomarker of cardiovascular disease. Here we tested the hypothesis that vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contribute significantly to aorti...
SAPPER: subgraph indexing and approximate matching in large graphs

With the emergence of new applications, e.g., computational biology, new software engineering techniques, social networks, etc., more data is in the form of graphs. Locating occurrences of a query graph in a large database graph is an important research topic. Due to the existence of noise (e.g., missing edges) in the large database graph, we investigate the problem of approximate subgraph indexing, i.e., finding the occurrences of a query graph in a large database graph with (possible) missing edges. The SAPPER method is proposed to solve this problem. Utilizing the hybrid neighborhood unit structures in the index, SAPPER takes advantage of pre-generated random spanning trees and a carefully designed graph enumeration order. Real and synthetic data sets are employed to demonstrate the efficiency and scalability of our approximate subgraph indexing method.
Temperature-aware computing: Achievements and remaining challenges

Total power dissipation in the next-generation processors is projected to reach 200 W/cm2. Such high power densities coupled with complex integration of devices, results in high heat dissipation on-chip. Therefore, thermal management and temperature-aware computing techniques are critical in designing energy-efficient systems. In this tutorial, we present temperature modeling, floorplanning, design-time and run-time thermal management techniques to alleviate thermal hotspots. Accurate thermal modeling and prediction mechanisms are critical to invoke the right thermal management decisions. Design-time techniques focus on thermal-aware floor planning and thermal sensor placement. Run-time techniques have two primary goals: to reduce temperature and to maintain a uniform thermal profile by reducing power consumption. We introduce run-time mechanisms such as adaptive thermal management policies; modulating cooling mechanisms for heat balancing, and thermal design considerations for emerging technologies. This tutorial will consist of four parts that cover different aspects of the thermal management design paradigms, as presented below.
Variable Water Flow Pumping for Central Chilled Water Systems

A new variable water (VW) flow system for chilled water system application is presented. Design, operational, and control issues are discussed. Analytical models of pump power and evaporative temperature are developed. The VW systems consume considerably less pump and compressor energy than the primary secondary (PS) systems under partial load conditions for most existing chillers. The VW system consumes less compressor energy since it results in higher refrigerant temperature in the evaporator. The VW systems also have the decoupling capability of the primary and secondary pumping systems.
COMPUTER RATE OF RETURN ANALYSIS OF MIXED CAPITAL PROJECTS

ABSTRACT Computer codes for the routine implementation of tbe Teichroew-Robicheck-Montalbano (TRM) rate-of-return formulation are presented. Project cash flow sequences are classified as one of the four TRM cases and then analyzed. Project investment rates (PIR) are calculated for user specified minimum attractive rates of return.
Electrical conduction in evaporated amorphous silicon films

Abstract We report the results of measurement and analysis of the electrical conductivity as a function of temperature and anneal for amorphous silicon films. The resistivity of the films between 77 and 300°K increasesc with annealing. Refractory electrodes were used. The extrapolated portions of T − 1 4 fits to the log of the conductivity give physically unreasonable parameters for the T − 1 4 formula.
The Role of Pro20 in the Isomerization of MyotoxinafromCrotalus viridis viridis:Folding and Structural Characterization of Synthetic Myotoxinaand Its Pro20Gly Homolog

Abstract Biochemical characterization has established the presence of two conformational forms of myotoxina.To test the hypothesis that this may be due tocis-transisomerization at Pro20, synthetic versions of myotoxinaand its Pro20→Gly structural homolog were folded, then purified using a two-step cation-exchange/reverse-phase perfusion chromatography method. The disulfide bond configuration for the folded proteins was found to be the same as that of native myotoxina.CE and RP-HPLC revealed that folded synthetic myotoxinaexists in two conformations while the Pro20→Gly homolog exists in only one, supporting the hypothesis thatcis-transisomerization at Pro20 is the source of the myotoxinaconformational heterogeneity.
Abstract A41: The ASK1/IKK signaling axis mediates crosstalk between inflammation and apoptosis

Inflammation plays a well-established role in the promotion of tumorigenesis. The inflammatory response is mediated in large part by the inhibitor of kappa b (IKK) and nuclear factor κB (NfκB) signaling pathway. This signaling pathway can promote inflammation induced-tumorigenesis and inhibit apoptosis through protection against reactive oxygen species (ROS). The action of ROS is in part controlled by the apoptosis signal regulating kinase 1 (ASK1). ASK1 activation can initiate pro-apoptotic signaling cascades through mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) and p38. Improper regulation of ASK1 has been implicated in a wide array of diseases, including cancer. NfκB promotes tumor growth through activation of pro-growth and survival genes and decreases apoptosis through impairing JNK activation. This work has identified an unexpected, direct, non-genetic method of cell death inhibition by an upstream regulator of NfκB, IKK. We have found that IKK can phosphorylate ASK1 Ser967, which leads to the recruitment of 14–3–3 proteins, decreased ASK1 kinase activity and ASK1-mediated apoptosis. To further elucidate the relationship between ASK1 and IKK, the interaction interface was identified and the consequences on ASK1-mediated signaling were studied. IKK and ASK1 were shown to interact in cells by immunoprecipitation of both overexpressed and endogenous proteins. Furthermore, the direct interaction between these kinases was confirmed through time resolved – fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET). The ASK1/IKK interaction interface was dissected through iterative deletional mutagenesis and protein complementation assays. ASK1 activity was assessed by measuring H2O2 induced apoptosis, neurite outgrowth of ASK1-inducible cells, and phosphorylation of ASK1 Ser967 and downstream targets under several IKK states. IKK prevented stress-induced dephosphorylation of ASK1 and inhibited ASK1 mediated apoptosis. These data suggest the existence of an IKK/ASK1 signaling node that negatively regulates apoptosis in response to pro-survival conditions. Characterization of this interaction could lead to development of targeted agents for ASK1 and IKK related diseases. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2011;4(10 Suppl):A41.
A manpower analysis of private practice dentistry thru simulation

A simulation model of solo private practice dentistry has been developed to evaluate the effects of introducing expanded function auxiliary personnel. The model permits the experimental investigation of a variety of staffing patterns and facility configurations. Four task assignment schemes are examined over 208 experiments. Results indicate increases in net revenue of 118% can be realized by the addition of expanded function auxiliary personnel.
An investigation of the relationship between scientific reasoning, conceptual knowledge and model formulation in a naturalistic setting

Abstract This study examined the reasoning discourse of two pairs of ninth grade students in the Midwestern region of the United States. The purposes of the study were to elucidate specific types of reasoning strategies that students use in ordinary classroom activities and compare the reasoning strategies used in an activity that required little domain‐specific knowledge to one that required extensive domain‐specific knowledge. Interpretive techniques were used to explore the students’ thinking represented in discourse, writing and interviews. Results indicated that successful model formulation forboth activities involved: recognizing the tenative nature of existing models; identifyinglaboratory observations as evidence and using evidence to modify existing models; and coordinating all mutually consistent knowledge propositions into a coherent new model. Forthe activity requiring substantial conceptual knowledge, both the generation of relevantknowledge propositions and their coordination with laboratory...
A ray-tracing method based on the triangular grid approach and application to propagation prediction in urban environments

This paper presents a fast ray-tracing procedure based on triangular division of the propagation environments. Unlike other accelerating methods that are mostly based on pre-establishment of visibility, this method does not require knowledge of the position information of the base station and/or receiving antennas and is thus more general. Although the triangulation is done in a two-dimensional (2-D) plane, this method is suitable for three-dimensional (3-D) simulations when a proper data structure for buildings is constructed. Validation results show good agreement between calculated and measured data from the European COST 231 project. The improvement in the computational efficiency is clearly demonstrated in examples.
Evaluation of Cruzia americana, Turgida turgida, and Didelphostrongylus hayesi Infection in the Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) and Risk Factors Along the California Coast

Three nematodes, Turgida turgida, Cruzia americana, and Didelphostrongylus hayesi, have been documented to cause morbidity and mortality in the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana). The present study was designed to determine the frequency of infection of these nematodes in opossums at 2 study sites in California and to determine if there are risk factors associated with shedding of eggs or larvae in the feces. Turgida turgida and C. americana adults were found in 84.4% (stomach; n = 45) and 62.5% (intestinal wash and feces; n = 16) of sampled opossums. Eggs were present in opossum feces (n = 105) less frequently (40% T. turgida and 35.2% C. americana). Didelphostrongylus hayesi larvae were found in 79.0% of opossum feces examined (n = 105). Adult age and wet season (December through April) were significant predictive factors for the presence of T. turgida eggs, whereas the dry season (May through November) was significantly associated with the presence of C. americana eggs in feces. Adult opossums were more likely to have eggs and larvae from all 3 nematodes in the feces.
Host fidelity over geologic time: restricted use of oaks by oak gallwasps

Oaks and their associated gallwasps are often cited as a classic example of coevolution in a plant-insect system. Therefore, it is expected that these gallwasps should demonstrate a high degree of host fidelity over their evolutionary history. To test this, we studied 25 fossil floras from the Oligocene through Pliocene of the western United States. Galls were found on the leaves of Quercus simulata-type Knowlton, 1898 and Q. pollardiana-type (Knowlton) Axelrod, 1940, and match previously reported galls of the form genus Antronoides Waggoner and Poteet, 1996. These fossil leaf-galls are similar to those made on oaks by modern Cynipini wasps, and were restricted to two oak species. Galls are present on these oaks in western floras for a span of 30 million years, indicative of remarkable host fidelity through time. The distribution of galled leaves from across the western United States indicates that the radiation of this group of gallwasps occurred more or less simultaneously across a wide geographic area.
Biomechanical factors determining postural stability at the elbow joint

The ability to maintain stable elbow postures by open-loop muscle stimulation was analyzed with a musculoskeletal model. To achieve equilibrium, the net joint torque must be zero. For the equilibrium to be stable, the total stiffness must be positive. The net joint torque and stiffness are due to the force and stiffness of the muscles acting at the elbow joint. The mechanical properties of muscles were modeled with Hill-type models. The force and stiffness of muscles with significant elbow actions were transformed to joint torques and stiffnesses through angle dependent moment arms. Although muscle stiffness is positive, the stiffness at the joint can be negative because of angle dependent moment arms. At some joint postures, no combination of the muscles can produce stable equilibrium. Thus, equilibrium must be achieved with feedback (or reflexes) or by muscle mechanical properties not captured by Hill-type muscle models. >
Molecular cloning and sequencing of infC, the gene encoding translation initiation factor IF3, from four enterobacterial species.

Translation initiation factor IF3 plays a crucial role in initiation of protein synthesis in bacteria. In order to elucidate the IF3 structural elements required for these functions, the evolutionary conservation of IF3 and its gene, infC, was investigated. Homologous infC sequences from Salmonella typhimurium, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens and Proteus vulgaris were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction and sequenced. Analysis of these sequences, as well as that from Bacillus stearothermophilus, revealed several regions (e.g. residues 62–73 and 173–177) of absolute sequence conservation, suggesting an important role for these regions in IF3 function.
The Six Languages of Social Work

This article describes the six languages that scientifically minded and practice-competent social workers need to be fluent in: the lay language of the client, the abstract language of the theorist, the empirical and often quantitative language of the researcher, the categorical language of the information scientist, the technical terminology or jargon used by helping professionals, and the preferential language that conveys values. It is the thesis of this article that social workers need multilingual and translingual proficiency in moving rapidly back and forth among these languages for maximum effectiveness and humane service.
Family Member Presence During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Survey of US and International Critical Care Professionals

Objective Recent international emergency cardiovascular care (ECC) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines have recommended that health-care professionals allow family members to be present during resuscitation attempts. To assess whether critical care professionals support these recommendations, we surveyed health-care professionals for their opinions regarding family-witnessed resuscitation (FWR). Methods We surveyed health-care professionals attending the International Meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians in San Francisco, CA, from October 23 to 26, 2000, about their CPR experience, their opinions on FWR, and demographic characteristics. The opinions of physicians, nurses, and other allied health professionals were compared, and differences in opinions based on demographics were examined. Results Five hundred ninety-two professionals were surveyed. Fewer physicians (20%) than nurses and allied health-care workers combined (39%) would allow family member presence during adult CPR (p = 0.0037 [χ 2 test]). Fourteen percent of physicians and 17% of nurses would allow a family presence during pediatric CPR. There was a significant difference among the opinions of US professionals, based on regional location. Professionals practicing in the northeastern states were less likely than other US professionals to allow FWR during adult or pediatric resuscitations (p = 0.016 and p 2 test]). Midwestern professionals were more likely than others to allow family members to be present during an adult resuscitation, when compared to professional in the rest of the nation (p = 0.002 [χ 2 test]). Health-care professionals disapproving of family member presence during CPR did so because of the fear of psychological trauma to family members, performance anxiety affecting the CPR team, medicolegal concerns, and a fear of distraction to the resuscitation team. Conclusions Our evaluation indicated that the majority of critical care professionals surveyed do not support the current recommendations provided by the ECC and CPR guidelines of 2000.
Identification and Pharmacokinetics of Novel Alkylresorcinol Metabolites in Human Urine, New Candidate Biomarkers for Whole-Grain Wheat and Rye Intake

Biomarkers of dietary intake are prominent tools in nutritional research. The alkylresorcinol metabolites 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,5-DHBA) and 3-(3,5-dihydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid (3,5-DHPPA) have been proposed as exposure biomarkers of whole-grain (WG) wheat and rye intake. However, the profile of alkylresorcinol metabolites is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the metabolism of alkylresorcinols in mice and in humans, while further determining urinary pharmacokinetics of the novel alkylresorcinol metabolites to explore their potential as biomarkers of WG wheat intake. Utilization of the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry approach resulted in 10 alkylresorcinol metabolites identified in mice and in humans, including 3 phenolic acids and 7 of their phase II conjugates. Among them, 2 novel metabolites were discovered: 5-(3,5-dihydroxyphenyl)pentanoic acid (3,5-DHPPTA) and 2-(3,5-dihydroxybenzamido)acetic acid (3,5-DHBA glycine). The structures of these 2 metabolites were confirmed by comparing with authentic standards synthesized in-house. In the pharmacokinetic study, a group of 12 volunteers consumed a polyphenolic-restricted diet for 4 d before ingesting WG wheat bread containing 61 mg of alkylresorcinols. Urine samples were collected for 32 h, and alkylresorcinol metabolites were quantified with HPLC-coulometric electrode array detection. The mean urinary excretion rates and mean apparent half-life of 3,5-DHPPTA, 3,5-DHBA glycine, 3,5-DHBA, and 3,5-DHPPA at each time point were determined. Our results suggest that 3,5-DHPPTA and 3,5-DHBA glycine may be used in combination with 3,5-DHBA and 3,5-DHPPA as potential biomarkers to increase the accuracy of recording WG wheat and rye intake in epidemiologic studies. Further validation of 3,5-DHPPTA and 3,5-DHBA glycine as potential biomarkers is warranted.
Impact of chromated copper arsenate (CCA) in wood mulch.

The production of landscape mulch is a major market for the recycling of yard trash and waste wood. When wood recovered from construction and demolition (C&D) debris is used as mulch, it sometimes contains chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood. The presence of CCA-treated wood may cause some potential environmental problems as a result of the chromium, copper, and arsenic present. Research was performed to examine the leachability of the three metals from a variety of processed wood mixtures in Florida. The mixtures tested included mixed wood from C&D debris recycling facilities and mulch purchased from retail outlets. The synthetic precipitation leaching procedure (SPLP) was performed to examine the leaching of chromium, copper and arsenic. Results were compared to Florida's groundwater cleanup target levels (GWCTLs). Eighteen of the 22 samples collected from C&D debris processing facilities leached arsenic at concentrations greater than Florida's GWCTL of 50 μg/l. The mean leachable arsenic concentration for the C&D debris samples was 153 μg/l with a maximum of 558 μg/l. One of the colored mulch samples purchased from a retail outlet leached arsenic above 50 μg/l, while purchased mulch samples derived from virgin materials did not leach detectable arsenic (<5 μg/l). A mass balance approach was used to compute the potential metal concentrations (mg/kg) that would result from CCA-treated wood being present in wood mulch. Less than 0.1% CCA-treated wood would cause a mulch to exceed Florida's residential clean soil guideline for arsenic (0.8 mg/kg).
Integrated Smart Grid Hierarchical Control

A previous paper presented a new smart grid infrastructure for active distribution systems that will allow continuous and accurate monitoring of distribution system operations and customer utilization of electric power. This paper presents the utilization of this system for the purpose of optimizing the operation of the system over a rolling planning horizon. Specifically, we propose the use of a hierarchical optimization method that optimizes the operation of the system by scheduling the operation of various resources with storage capability. The hierarchical method has three levels: (a) distribution feeder optimization, (b) substation level optimization, and (c) system optimization. At the lowest level (feeder optimization) the problem is formulated as a quadratic optimization problem that is solved via barrier methods. At the higher levels the problem is formulated as a stochastic dynamic programming problem. The proposed method captures the uncertainty associated with many resources in the system resulting from the integration of renewables. Finally, a method is proposed for the business case analysis of the benefits of the proposed scheme and results for a hypothetical system are presented.