cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chloroplast Development and Regulation of LHCP-Gene Expression in Greening Cultured Soybean Cells

Ideal conditions for a study of the expression of genes for plastid proteins occur when dark-grown plant seedlings, higher plant cells in culture, or algae are exposed to light which induces the massive formation of functional chloroplasts (ct) in these systems (1). The plant system used here is the soybean line SB-P (2) which is highly chlorophyllous and capable of photoautotrophic growth. With this cell-line, we developed a “greening system” to study light-induced ct development (3) and to determine the molecular basis of controls that regulate the expression of nuclear genes that code ct proteins. Reported here are studies on expression of the nuclear gene(s) coding the polypeptides of the light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b-binding protein (LHCP) complex of photosystem II.
Electronic conduction in amorphous hydrocarbon systems

The behavior of electrons injected into amorphous hydrocarbon systems, such as many polymers and liquids, is of interest from a number of viewpoints. For the purposes of the present symposium it is perhaps sufficient to note that any electronic theory of breakdown of such materials requires a detailed knowledge of electron — molecule interactions and that presently this information is meager.
Targeting the Genetic Resistance of JAK2 and BCR/ABL by TG101348

Abstract 3765 The inherent preponderance of genetic resistance against tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy poses significant challenge for effective treatments. Recent approval of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) inhibitor INCB018424 (Jakafi, ruxolitinib) for the treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) prompted us to identify resistant mutations that may pose clinical challenge. In vitro drug selection screening against two leading JAK2 inhibitors (INCB018424 and TG101348) were performed. Here we show that like other kinase inhibitors, INCB018424 is prone to genetic resistance while TG101348 is recalcitrant to develop in vitro resistance. Sequencing of INCB018424 resistant clones identified 211 amino acid substitutions spanning across FERM, SH2, JH2 and the kinase domain. Biochemical and structural modeling studies of these mutants demonstrate that mutations within the active site confer resistance either by direct steric hindrance or destabilizing the architecture of the active site. And mutations from the allosteric sites destabilize the intermediary state of the active and inactive conformations of JAK2 to which INCB018424 preferentially binds. Furthermore, these resistant variants are cross resistant to other JAK2 inhbitors (Lestaurtinib, CYT-387 and AZD1480). In contrast, these resistant variants are fully sensitive to TG101348 supporting the lack of resistance against this compound as observed during in vitro screening. Structural modeling studies revealed that TG101348 stabilizes the active conformation of the kinase and binds to the substrate-binding pocket. Mutations affecting the substrate-binding pocket may either alter substrate binding/phosphorylation or encode an incompetent kinase that blocks the emergence of resistance. Because JAK2 and BCR/ABL share a common substrate, STAT5, they might have similar architecture of the substrate-binding pocket, which may allow the inhibition of BCR/ABL by TG101348. Indeed, TG101348 can inhibit both native and gatekeeper variants of BCR/ABL and in vitro drug resistant screening failed to develop emergence of resistant clones. These studies provide evidence that the patients developing resistant variants of JAK2 and BCR/ABL can be treated with TG101348 and support for future drug design geared towards targeting the substrate binding sites in other oncogenic kinases for better and sustained therapeutic response. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Myth 3: The Less Government, the Better

Myth: Government economic activities, unlike those of private sector firms, are usually inefficient. Government bureaucrats have neither the expertise nor the incentives to make efficient decisions. Government’s regulations are created to protect the weak and incompetent and stand in the way of innovation and technological progress. America is better off with less government.
Spin physics with laser-pumped helium atoms

With the development of new, tunable lasers at 1083 nm, direct optical pumping of the triplet metastable atoms of helium yields an almost perfectly aligned ensemble. In {sup 3}He the hyperflne interaction and collisions transfer the orientation to the groundstate nuclear spins. The optical pumping process in {sup 3}He is extraordinarily efficient- nearly 2.5 nuclei are oriented per absorbed photon at turn-on. Applications to magnetometry, the production of spin-polarized electron and ion beams, and the development of polarized neutron beams and dense targets will be discussed. The progress of the UNI-Mainz experiment to measure the electric and magnetic form factors of the neutron will be described. In this experiment the polarized {sup 3}He target is mechanically compressed to several atmospheres with minimal loss of nuclear polarization. Extension of this dense nuclear target for use as a neutron spin filter is also in progress. We will also describe the status of our experiment to observe scattering asymmetries of polarized electrons by chiral molecules. Progress on the development of a compact, moderate current, polarized e-beam will be discussed.
The Promissory Character of Adequate Assurances of Performance

The central questions of contract law and theory focus on the enforceability of promises. For the contract theorist, the question takes the form, why should the law enforce promises? For the lawyer, the question may often be, which promises will the law enforce? For parties to contracts, the salient question is often, what will happen if I (or my counterpart) fail to honor my promise? Implicit in each of these questions is both an ex ante and an ex post perspective: we care about whether certain utterances will be deemed worthy of the law’s attention, but we also care about how the law will respond to a broken promise. For the theorist, the ex ante and ex post questions are often intertwined, for one cannot satisfactorily articulate a rationale for enforcing promises without taking into account the consequences for the promisee if a promise were broken and the law provided no remedy. Students of contract law learn that the doctrinal bases of contractual obligation (consideration, promissory estoppel, unjust enrichment) correspond with the measures of damages (expectation, reliance, restitution). It is thus not surprising that so much scholarly attention is devoted to questions of enforceability and damages. Yet there is one doctrine in contract law that lies at the intersection of these two questions that has received very little attention in literature, and no attention whatsoever for its ex
Organizing Your Schedules and Budgeting Your Time

Do not rush from meeting to meeting. Have your assistant carefully prepare your schedule and be selective about where you go and who you must see. Allow time to think.
Non-Canine Animal Models for Evaluating Antiarrhythmic Efficacy

The most important question in deciding which animal model to employ for a study on the efficacy of an antiarrhythmic agent concerns whether one is screening for a potential antiarrhythmic compound or is testing and evaluating an already proven antiarrhythmic agent. In “screening,” one may have hundreds of agents to analyze and therefore an inexpensive, simple and quick animal model is needed. However, if one is “testing” an already known antiarrhythmic agent then one must use more sophisticated animal models. An important criterion for any non-canine model employed in antiarrhythmic testing is that the model have some direct relationship to the human clinical situation. For example, the antivivisectionists have suggested that tissue cultures of cardiac cells should be utilized for evaluation of antiarrhythmic agents and indeed one can record cardiac pacemaker activity, and even simulated reentry by growing a circuit loop of tissue cultured cardiac cells. Although it is possible to do tissue culture studies on the effects of antiarrhythmic agents, I still believe there are questions as to the relevance of such studies to the clinical situation in man.
Long‐term off‐label dupilumab in pediatric atopic dermatitis: A case series

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Clinical trials of dupilumab have shown efficacy in treating moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in adult patients. While a phase 2 trial of dupilumab has shown efficacy and safety in children, the medication awaits Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, and off-label use is limited by dosing currently available to adults. We present this case series to describe the efficacy and safety profile of off-label dupilumab use in six pediatric patients treated by one provider in a private practice. METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients under the age of 18 receiving dupilumab for AD. Two dosing regimens were used as follows: adult dose for patients ≥ 40 kg and half dose for those < 40 kg. We recorded the investigator's global assessment (IGA) and body surface area (BSA) prior to dupilumab initiation and following treatment. All patients were warned of potential side effects including injection site reaction, conjunctivitis, increased risk of infection, and lack of information about use in children. RESULTS Six pediatric patients were identified with an average age of 10.8 years (range: 7-15). All patients had a decrease in IGA of at least 2 points using biweekly 300 or 150 milligram (mg) doses for an average treatment duration of 8.5 months (range: 6-11). Three patients (50%) had an IGA of 1 after treatment. No side effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS Dupilumab appears to be an effective treatment for AD in pediatric patients. Optimal dose and delivery have yet to be determined.
Modeling the Role of Feedback in the Adaptive Response of Bacterial Quorum Sensing

Bacterial quorum sensing (QS) is a form of intercellular communication that relies on the production and detection of diffusive signaling molecules called autoinducers. Such a mechanism allows the bacteria to track their cell density in order to regulate group behavior, such as biofilm formation and bioluminescence. In a number of bacterial QS systems, including V. harveyi, multiple signaling pathways are integrated into a single phosphorylation-dephosphorylation cycle. In this paper, we propose a weight control mechanism, in which QS uses feedback loops to 'decode' the integrated signals by actively changing the sensitivity in different pathways. We first use a slow/fast analysis to reduce a single-cell model to a planar dynamical system involving the concentrations of phosphorylated signaling protein LuxU and a small non-coding RNA. In addition to identifying the weight control mechanism, we show that adding a feedback loop can lead to a bistable QS response in certain parameter regimes. We then combine the slow/fast analysis with a contraction mapping theorem in order to reduce a population model to an effective single-cell model, and show how the weight control mechanism allows bacteria to have a finer discrimination of their social and physical environment.
Examining Factors Affecting Parental Satisfaction with Speech Therapy in Children with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome.

Objectives: This paper explores the relationship between speech therapy intensity and parent satisfaction with speech therapy (ST) in children with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (P-MS), a rare genetic d...
Hydrothermal Crystal Growth of Rare Earth Tin Cubic Pyrochlores, RE2Sn2O7 (RE = La–Lu): Site Ordered, Low Defect Single Crystals

A hydrothermal route to single crystals of rare earth stannates RE2Sn2O7 (RE = La–Lu) in the cubic pyrochlore structure is reported. Growth reactions were performed in aqueous fluids at 700 °C and 200 MPa with CsF mineralizers in concentrations ranging from 0 to 30 M, with 20 M CsF providing the most consistent results. Single crystals of the entire range of lanthanides were grown and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and found to be isostructural in the Fd3m space group. The unit cell sizes range from 10.7106(16) A for La2Sn2O7 to 10.3005(9) A for Lu2Sn2O7. Both the unit cell size and RE–O distances are found to be essentially linear with respect to the ionic radius of the rare earth ion. The high quality diffraction data strongly suggests that there is very little site disorder or lattice defects in the sample. Of particular interest is the synthesis and single crystal growth of Ce2Sn2O7, which represents one of the few f1 pyrochlore samples. Specific heat measurements were obtained dow...
The evaluation of energy saving performance for the modular design centrifugal chiller

The modular concept design and operation of a centrifugal chiller offers the potential of increased cycle efficiency both at full load and off load conditions compared to the single compressor chiller. Modular chiller design is that a smaller, individual chiller can be connected with another, to make a larger capacity system. In the case of a tandem chiller, there would be faced to the higher initial cost or bigger foot print than a single compressor chiller at the same capacity because manufacturing cost, weight and size will be decreased according to increase of the refrigeration capacity. Therefore, it is obvious that a modular chiller have to be improved its efficiency first by both the operation algorithm and major cycle components. Eventually, the efficiency of the modular chiller achieves up to 6% at the full load condition after added series counter flow effect as much as 3% and more 3% added by improved aerodynamic design for impeller. Moreover, maximize off design potential through the capacity combination algorithm as the way of uneven loading makes 24% improved based on AHRI 550/590.
Geometry of escape and transition dynamics in the presence of dissipative and gyroscopic forces in two degree of freedom systems

Abstract Escape from a potential well can occur in different physical systems, such as capsize of ships, resonance transitions in celestial mechanics, and dynamic snap-through of arches and shells, as well as molecular reconfigurations in chemical reactions. The criteria and routes of escape in one-degree of freedom systems have been well studied theoretically with reasonable agreement with experiment. The trajectory can only transit from the hilltop of the one-dimensional potential energy surface. The situation becomes more complicated when the system has higher degrees of freedom since the system state has multiple routes to escape through an equilibrium of saddle-type, specifically, an index-1 saddle. This paper summarizes the geometry of escape across a saddle in some widely known physical systems with two degrees of freedom and establishes the criteria of escape providing both a methodology and results under the conceptual framework known as tube dynamics. These problems are classified into two categories based on whether the saddle projection and focus projection in the symplectic eigenspace are coupled or uncoupled when damping and/or gyroscopic effects are considered. For simplicity, only the linearized system around the saddle points is analyzed, but the results generalize to the nonlinear system. We define a transition region, T h , as the region of initial conditions of a given initial energy h which transit from one side of a saddle to the other. We find that in conservative systems, the boundary of the transition region, ∂ T h , is a cylinder, while in dissipative systems, ∂ T h is an ellipsoid.
Identification of factors needed by a clinical isolate of Acinetobacter baumannii to resist antibacterial compounds

In recent years, Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as a major threat to human health. Yet studies to uncover the molecular mechanisms used by A. baumannii to mediate human infections have only recently begun. For example, the methods used by A. baumannii to resist antibacterial treatment are not fully understood. Using a candidate approach, we sought to identify proteins found in the A. baumannii cell envelope that are important for resistance to antimicrobial compounds. We screened selected mutants in genes needed for assembly of the bacterial cell envelope, biofilm formation, or capsule production for sensitivity to different antibiotics and detergents. Compared to wild-type, these mutants displayed an increased sensitivity to bacitracin yet not to vancomycin, both antibiotics that target the cell wall. Only the ompA and lnt mutants had significantly increased sensitivity to the DNA gyrase inhibitor novobiocin. Similarly, there was also a spectrum of sensitivity to bile salts, with ompA and lnt mutants being most sensitive while pgaA, pgaB, and capA mutants showed a modest growth defect. While we do not fully understand the specificity of these sensitivity profiles, our findings suggest a potential use for these antimicrobial compounds in genetic selections for mutants that disrupt cell envelope biogenesis. This approach could potentially inform future efforts to combat multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter infections.
CORONARY ARTERY CALCIUM SCORE AND ASSOCIATED RISK GROUP CHANGE FROM FIRST TO SECOND SCREEN

Coronary artery calcium score (CAC) measured at a single time point can be used to estimate cardiovascular risk using specified age ranges. The purpose of this study was to examine the change in this risk estimate with serial measurement of CAC. Data was analyzed for patients enrolled in the
Neuropathic pain is associated with poor health-related quality of life in adolescents with sickle cell disease: A preliminary report.

Background Neuropathic pain is associated with poor health-related quality of life (HRQL) in pain conditions other than sickle cell disease (SCD); this relationship in SCD is unknown. We investigated this relationship and hypothesized neuropathic pain is associated with poor HRQL in adolescents with SCD. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients with SCD ages 13-18 years during baseline health. Primary outcome was HRQL, assessed by the PedsQL SCD Module (child self-report, parent proxy report). PedsQL is scored from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better HRQL. Neuropathic pain was assessed using the painDETECT questionnaire (scored 0-38); higher scores indicated greater likelihood of neuropathic pain. All completed both PedsQL SCD Module and painDETECT questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used and associations between painDETECT and PedsQL Total Score, Pain Impact, Pain and Hurt, and Pain Management and Control Scores were determined via Pearson correlation. Significance was P Results Twelve patients were enrolled. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 15 (14-16.5) years, 75% were female, and 83% were on hydroxyurea. Higher painDETECT scores were significantly associated with lower PedsQL SCD Module child self-report Pain and Hurt Scores (r = -0.68, P = .01). Higher painDETECT scores were also significantly associated with lower PedsQL parent proxy-report Total Scores (r = -0.64, P = .03) and Pain and Hurt Scores (r = -0.67, P = .02). Conclusions These data suggest that adolescents with SCD and neuropathic pain have poor HRQL even in their baseline state of health. Prospective, larger studies are needed to confirm this preliminary finding and explore a multimodal approach for pain assessment in SCD.
Mapping signs and making them stick: discursive power and the semiotic construction of a ‘world’s leader’

As multivalent concepts, projects and formations such as China’s Belt and Road Initiative continue to cleave through new spaces, it is increasingly important to attend to the construction, framing,...
Early-life lead exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders

Lead (Pb2+) exposure is a global public health problem of major proportion with an alarming number of children with blood Pb2+ levels > 10 >g/dL, twice the current CDC reference level for Pb2+ exposure. Mounting evidence from population-based studies suggests an association between chronic early life Pb2+ exposure (CELLE) and psychiatric disorders, specifically schizophrenia (SZ). Preclinical studies suggest a common mechanism in the pathophysiology of CELLE and SZ, NMDA receptor hypofunction. Here we describe human and experimental animal studies providing the evidence for such an association. Further, recent preclinical studies indicate that Pb2+-induced changes in neurotransmitter receptors that mediate the action(s) of drugs of abuse are increased in brain regions associated with addiction circuits in adolescence, a period of increased susceptibility to drug use and abuse and expression of psychiatric disease in humans. In summary, the relationship between the global burden of childhood Pb2+ exposure and the latent onset of psychiatric disorders and predisposition to drug use requires further investigations in human populations.
Repression and Repertoires

We formalize Tilly's (1978, 2006, 2008) concept of repertoires of contentious actions, and analyze how the structure of state repression affects the variety of observed contentious actions. Introducing the notion of repertoire width, we show that when state repression accelerates with higher levels of anti-regime actions, opposition leaders tend to call for many different forms of contentious actions, thereby generating a wider repertoire. In contrast, when repression decelerates with higher contentious actions, opposition leaders tend to call for few different forms of contentious actions, thereby generating a narrower repertoire. This result applies to both Tilly’s "bounded rationality mode," in which opposition leaders must choose from a predetermined set of contentious actions (rigid/strong repertoire); and to his "efficiency model," in which leader can freely innovate and design contentious actions (weak/no repertoire). Methodologically, citizen interactions is modeled as a multi-action global game, and the leader’s problem is a simple mechanism without transfers.
Performance Optimization of the SLEEPIR Sensor Towards Indoor Stationary Occupancy Detection

To enable passive infrared (PIR) sensors to detect stationary occupants, we recently invented a synchronized low energy electronically chopped PIR (SLEEPIR) sensor consisting of PIR sensor, a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) infrared shutter and a driving circuit. By electrically chopping the long-wave infrared (8- $12~\mu \text{m}$ ) radiation received by the PIR sensor, the SLEEPIR sensor can detection both stationary and moving occupants. In this paper, we developed a theoretic model to better understand the output of the SLEEPIR) sensor, and thus optimize its fabrication process and detection performance. The model indicated that its performance is mainly depending on the effective modulation and response time of the PDLC shutter in addition to the time constants of the PIR sensor. We empirically found that the effective modulation and response time are largely dependent on the frequency and amplitude of the driving signal, as well as the mass ratio, cell gap and cooling rate of the PDLC shutter. In the end we obtained optimized parameters that can produce the maximal SLEEPIR output, and experimentally validated our obtained optimal parameters and fabrication conditions.
Commentary on the use of presurgical chemotherapy

Refinements in therapy for patients with osteosarcoma are needed. Although the prognosis for children with osteosarcoma has improved dramatically in the past two decades, more than one third of children presenting without metastases will relapse after receiving the therapy currently available. Recently, many investigators have recommended the use of presurgical chemotherapy to deliver systemic treatment against micrometastases early in the course of therapy [1]. Although the approach with presurgical chemotherapy actually evolved to facilitate limb-sparing surgery by providing a window of time during which customized endoprosthetic devices could be fabricated, favorable responses in primary tumors of patients treated with presurgical chemotherapy encouraged investigators to approach all patients with presurgical chemotherapy to improve the overall outcome of these patients, whether or not they are candidates for limb-sparing operations. A number of theoretical advantages of presurgical chemotherapy are attractive. Since children undergoing orthopedic surgery spend several weeks recovering from their operation to allow for wound healing prior to the administration of chemotherapy, a period of several weeks is spent without treatment of their known micrometastatic disease. Such a delay is likely to be most critical early in treatment when the burden of micrometastatic disease is high; the administration of presurgical chemotherapy immediately after biopsy but before definitive surgery of the primary tumor thus allows for the earlier institution of systemic chemotherapy against micrometastases known to exist in virtually all patients at diagnosis, increasing the chance that these micrometastases might be eradicated.
Cell Manipulation and Engineering — State of the Art and Future Developments

Within the last 5 years, the new field of somatic cell therapy (SCRx) has gone through exponential growth. This term was coined by the U.S.Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in guidance documents to encompass all materials of cellular or tissue origin used for therapeutic purposes [1]. This included autologous, allogeneic and xenogeneic materials. Initially, human bone marrow was one of the only products other than blood that was processed or manipulated [2]. New sources of stem cells capable of more rapid engraftment with fewer side effects soon followed. During this time period, various regulatory agencies began focusing on these new products, with the growth of both commercial and academic cell processing facilities. Agencies such as the FDA developed practice guidelines for processing these products. When the initial set of guidelines were proposed, it seemed logical that guidelines used for current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) be applied. With the advent of embryonic stem cell research and the literal explosion in new cellular tissues and components, the cGMP format became nearly unobtainable by most academic centers due to cost, physical requirements and regulatory/administrative issues. Now, most researchers hope to process under more generic, good tissue practice (GTP) standards, but even these are quite restrictive.
A physical basis for Pauling's definition of bond strength

The average strength, s, of the bonded interactions comprising a cation containing oxide anion coordination polyhedron and the value of the electron density, ρ(r c ), at the bond-critical points are inversely correlated with bond length. In each case, the observed bond lengths, R, were modeled with power-law expressions defined in terms of s/r and ρ(r c )/r, respectively, where r is the Periodic Table row number of the cation involved in the bonded interaction. On the basis of the close connection between bond strength and the value of the electron density at the bond-critical point, we conclude that bond strength is a direct measure of bond type; the greater its value, the greater the localization of electron density in the binding region and the greater the shared–electron covalent character of the bonded interaction.
Fluid Resuscitation and Immunomodulation in the Critically III

Sepsis, a systemic inflammatory response to infection, is currently the leading cause of death among critically ill patients. In the USA alone, approximately 750,000 cases of sepsis occur each year, at least 225,000 of which are fatal [1]. The incidence of sepsis has increased dramatically in recent decades, largely due to the advancing age of the population, an increased number of invasive procedures being performed and immunosuppressive therapy. This rising sepsis mortality is similar to that observed in Europe and the rest of the world. Despite the use of antimicrobial agents and advanced life-support care, the case fatality rate for patients with sepsis has remained between 30 and 40% for the past three decades. Several billions of dollars have been spent in efforts to improve the survival of patients with sepsis. However, results have been disappointing and many observers argue that our understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of this syndrome is grossly inadequate.
Application of uncertainty analysis of ignition performance to the Engineering Test Reactor

The design of future Engineering Test Reactor (ETR) to demonstrate ignition is complicated by the uncertainties in the projected database for ignited plasmas. Application of uncertainty analysis to ETR design utilizing a figure-of-merit defined as the probability of ignition is presented. Performance evaluation from the uncertainty analysis in density-temperature space can locate an optimum operating window for ignition. 11 refs., 5 figs., 3 tabs.
Fresip: A mission to determine the character and frequency of extra-solar planets around solar-like stars

FRESIP (FRequency of Earth-Sized Inner Planets) is a mission designed to detect and characterize Earth-sizes planets around solar-like stars. The sizes of the planets are determined from the decrease in light from a star that occurs during planetary transits, while the orbital period is determined from the repeatability of the transits. Measurements of these parameters can be compared to theories that predict the spacing of planets, their distribution of size with orbital distance, and the variation of these quantities with stellar type and multiplicity. Because thousands of stars must be continually monitored to detect the transits, much information on the stars can be obtained on their rotation rates and activity cycles. Observations of p-mode oscillations also provide information on their age and composition. These goals are accomplished by continuously and simultaneously monitoring 500 solar-like stars for evidence of brightness changes caused by Earth-sized or larger planetary transits. To obtain the high precision needed to find planets as small as the Earth and Venus around solar-like stars, a wide field of view Schmidt telescope with an array of CCD detectors at its focal plane must be located outside of the Earth's at mosphere. SMM (Solar Maximum Mission) observations of the low-level variability of the Sun (∼1:100,000) on the time scales of a transit (4 to 16 hours), and our laboratory measurements of the photometric precision of charge-coupled devices (1:100,000) show that the detection of planets as small as the Earth is practical. The probability for detecting transits is quite favorable for planets in inner orbits. If other planetary systems are similar to our own, then approximately 1% of those systems will show transits resulting in the discovery of 50 planetary systems in or near the habitable zone of solar-like stars.
Quaternary vegetation and climate change in the western United States: Developments, perspectives, and prospects

Publisher Summary This chapter explores the strengths and shortcomings of the major sources of data on Quaternary vegetation and climate change and discusses the use of models as a means to explore past and potential future environmental changes. The flora and major vegetation types of the western United States are present for several million years. Ongoing changes in atmospheric chemistry, climate, and human activities may lead to major vegetation changes over the coming decades to centuries. The combination of observations from the paleoenvironmental record, modern ecological studies, and modeling now permit assessments of the magnitude of potential future changes in the context of natural variability. They also provide opportunities for hypothesis testing and identification of the processes driving past changes in vegetation and climate. Understanding the dynamics of paleoenvironmental change can contribute to current conservation and natural resource management efforts and will help conservation and natural resource managers anticipate the potential rate, magnitude, and complexity of future vegetation change.
Thrombolytic Retreatment for Coronary Arterial Reocclusion

Thrombolytic therapy, based on its widescale availability, ease of administration, favorable safety profile, and proven efficacy has emerged as the treatment of choice for a majority of patient with acute myocardial infarction, especially those with electrocardiographic ST Segment elevation or bundle branch block presenting within 12 hours of symptom onset.
On the Implementation of MST-Based Heuristics for the Steiner Problem in Graphs

Some of the most widely used constructive heuristics for the Steiner Problem in Graphs are based on algorithms for the Minimum Spanning Tree problem. In this paper, we examine efficient implementations of heuristics based on the classic algorithms by Prim, Kruskal, and Bor?vka. An extensive experimental study indicates that the theoretical worst-case complexity of the algorithms give little information about their behavior in practice. Careful implementation improves average computation times not only significantly, but asymptotically. Running times for our implementations are within a small constant factor from that of Prim's algorithm for the Minimum Spanning Tree problem, suggesting that there is little room for improvement.
Transcriptional control of dacB, which encodes a major sporulation-specific penicillin-binding protein.

Abstract Sporulation-specific sigma factor E (sigma E) of Bacillus subtilis is both necessary and sufficient for transcription of the dacB gene, which encodes penicillin-binding protein 5*. Evidence in support of this conclusion was obtained by primer extension analysis of dacB transcripts and the induction of active sigma E with subsequent synthesis of PBP 5* in vegetative cells.
Vibrations of imperfect laminated panels under complex preloads

Abstract The objective of this paper is to analyze the effect of complex, arbitrary in-plane and out-of-plane loads on the transverse vibrations of thin arbitrarily laminated panels with or without geometric imperfections. The finite-element method is used. A 48 degree-of-freedom thin shell element previously formulated by the senior author is employed. The formulation is general with respect to the boundary conditions, types of imperfections, and number, orientation, and stacking sequence of the lamina. A large radius to thickness ratio is assumed so as to ignore the shear and rotary inertia effects. The results are presented for angle-ply rectangular plates and cross-ply cylindrical panels, with both of these having simply supported edge conditions along all the four edges, and isotropic square plates involving free edges under non-uniform combined loads. The panels are subjected to both axial and shear in-plane stresses. The effects of geometric parameters (aspect ratio, panel curvature, and geometric imperfections) and material properties (varying the number of layers but the same thickness) are examined. The results are presented in the form of frequency-load interaction curves for various geometric parameters. Whenever possible, the present results are compared with those available in the existing literature. A good agreement is observed.
Information extraction from image sequences of real-world facial expressions

Information extraction of facial expressions deals with facial-feature detection, feature tracking, and capture of the spatiotemporal relationships among features. It is a fundamental task in facial expression analysis and will ultimately determine the performance of expression recognition. For a real-world facial expression sequence, there are three challenges: (1) detection failure of some or all facial features due to changes in illumination and rapid head movement; (2) nonrigid object tracking resulting from facial expression change; and (3) feature occlusion due to out-of-plane head rotation. In this paper, a new approach is proposed to tackle these challenges. First, we use an active infrared (IR) illumination to reliably detect pupils under variable lighting conditions and head orientations. The pupil positions are then used to guide the entire information-extraction process. The simultaneous use of a global head motion constraint and Kalman filtering can robustly track individual facial features even in condition of rapid head motion and significant expression change. To handle feature occlusion, we propose a warping-based reliability propagation method. The reliable neighbor features and the spatial semantics among these features are used to detect and infer occluded features through an interframe warping transformation. Experimental results show that accurate information extraction can be achieved for video sequences with real-world facial expressions.
Identities for Deriving Equations of Motion Using Constrained Attitude Parameterizations

D ERIVING the equations of motion of a flight vehicle modeled as a rigid body, a flexible body, or a system composed of many rigid and flexible bodies is necessary for simulation, estimation, and control. There is a wealth of literature devoted to the derivation of the equations of motion using Lagrange’s equation ([1] p. 80), or the quasi-coordinate form of Lagrange’s equation known and the Boltzmann–Hamel equation ([1] p. 227). Although the attitude of one reference frame relative to another is globally and uniquely described by a rotation matrix ([2] p. 14), rotation matrix parameterizations are often used for derivations and computations. Euler angles and Rodrigues parameters are common unconstrained parameterizations, whereas axis/angle parameters and quaternions are well-known constrained parameterizations ([2] pp. 30–31). The novel contribution of this note is the rigorous proof of three identities related to axis/angle and quaternion parameterizations of attitude. When using Lagrange’s equation, the three identities realize a straightforward and concise derivation of the equations ofmotion of a rigid or flexible mechanical system in matrix form without the explicit use of the Boltzmann–Hamel equation or index notation. Highlighting the straightforward use of the identities is, although expected, also a contribution. In particular, the three identities are used to derive the equations of motion of a rigid spacecraft equipped with N thrusters being perturbed by a residual magnetic disturbance torque. The remainder of this note is as follows. After reviewing preliminarymaterial, the three identities are presented. Next, an example highlighting the utility of the three identities is discussed. Finally, the identities are rigorously proven to be true. This note closes with some final remarks. Relevant literature is discussed throughout the note as material is presented.
Nonshock confinement duration and shock- and safebox similarity during escape training in rats

Sixty female hooded rats received 70 shock-escape training trials with shock- and safeboxes similar or dissimilar to each other and nonshock (safebox) confinement durations of 5 sec or 20 sec. (Shockbox confinement duration prior to shock onset was 5 sec.) In each confinement condition performance under the similar shock/safe condition was reliably poorer than that under the dissimilar condition. Safebox confinement duration negligibly affected performance under the dissimilar condition, while in the similar condition increasing confinement duration reliably facilitated performance. Comparisons with control data suggest that facilitation of escape was due to the relative shock-safe confinement duration rather than to absolute safebox confinement.
A new method for fast transforms in parity-mixed PDEs: Part II. Application to confined rotating convection

To demonstrate the utility of the parity filtering methods described by Vasil et al. [G. Vasil, N. Brummell, K. Julien, A new method for fast transforms in parity-mixed PDEs: Part I. Numerical techniques and analysis, J. Comput. Phys. (2008)], we introduce a numerical code designed to solve for Rayleigh-Benard convection in a confined rotating box using the new methods we have formulated. That is, using a straightforward pseudospectral framework, we incorporate techniques for efficiently computing parity-mixed Coriolis accelerations in a time-dependent numerical solver. The goals of the presented numerical code are to provide a tool to investigate aspects of confined rotating convection experiments with a simple model, and to illustrate the application of parity filtering. In our numerical tests, we find that a correct accounting for parity leads to clear and interesting behavior that has been observed in laboratory experiments but that has not been observed in previous numerical simulations in periodic domains.
Synthesis for FPGAs with embedded memory blocks

Embedded memory blocks (EMBs) are used in modern field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) for implementation of on-chip memories or specialized logic functions[1]. In this paper, we propose an integrated approach with structural clustering and functional decomposition to minimize the circuit area using EMBs while preserving the circuit delay. The structural clustering method is based on the concepts of Maximum Fanout Free Cone (MFFC)[5] and Maximum Fanout Free Subgraph (MFFS)[5]. In order to effectively use EMB in large clusters, single-output and multiple-output functional decompositions are used to decompose large clusters so that the encoding functions or base functions can be implemented by EMBs. It also considers multiple EMBs for individual large cluster so that better area reduction can be obtained. We have developed an algorithm called EMB_Syn that can be used as a postprocessing tool in the FPGA synthesis flow. MCNC benchmarks are used to test EMB_Syn on Altera's FLEX10K device family and the experimental results are compared with those by EMB_Pack[8] and SMAP[10]. When EMB_Syn is used as postmapping processing, it shows 45.06% and up to 5.23% improvements over EMB_Pack and SMAP, respectively, in terms of the covered area by EMBs.
The interpretation of Mg2+ binding isotherms for nucleic acids using Poisson-Boltzmann theory

Magnesium ions play a crucial role in the structural integrity and biological activity of nucleic acids. Experimental thermodynamic descriptions of Mg(2+) interactions with nucleic acids in solution have generally relied on the analyses of binding polynomials to estimate the energetic contributions of diffuse and site-bound ions. However, since ion binding is dominated by long-range electrostatic forces, such models provide only a phenomenological description of the experimental Mg(2+) binding data and provide little insight into the actual mechanism of the binding equilibria. Here, we present a rigorous theoretical framework based on the non-linear Poisson-Boltzmann (NLPB) equation for understanding diffuse ion interactions that can be used to interpret experimental Mg(2+) binding isotherms. As intuitively expected, in the NLPB model binding is simply the total accumulation of the ion around the nucleic acid. Comparing the experimental data to the calculated curves shows that the NLPB equation provides a remarkably accurate description of Mg(2+) binding to linear polynucleotides like DNA and poly(A x U) without any fitted parameters. In particular, the NLPB model explains two general features of magnesium binding; the strong dependence on univalent salt concentration, and its substantial anticooperativity. Each of these effects can be explained by changes in the Mg(2+) distribution around the polyion under different solution conditions. In order to more fully understand these different aspects of magnesium binding, the free energy of Mg(2+) binding, DeltaGMg, is calculated and partitioned into several salt-dependent contributions: the change in the electrostatic interaction free energy of the charges, DeltaDeltaGE.D (including Mg(2+)-phosphate, Mg(2+)-Mg(2+), Mg(2+)-Na(+), Na(+)-Na(+), Na(+)-phosphate interactions, and similar contributions for Cl(-)) and the cratic free energies of (re)organizing the MgCl2 and NaCl atmospheres, DeltaG(Mg)org and DeltaDeltaG(Na)org, respectively. For the systems studied here, DeltaGMg is strongly influenced by entropic free energy changes in the distributions of both NaCl and MgCl2, DeltaG(Mg)org and DeltaDeltaG(Na)org. From this analysis, we also raise the possibility that coions added with the magnesium salt might play an important role in the overall stability of nucleic acids under some conditions.
Outcomes of 1½- or 2-ventricle conversion for patients initially treated with single-ventricle palliation.

Objective As outcomes for the Fontan procedure have improved, it has become more difficult to select between a single-ventricle repair or biventricular repair for patients with complex anatomy and 2 ventricles. However, late complications after the Fontan procedure remain a concern. Our strategy, which has favored an aggressive preferential approach for biventricular repair in these patients, has also been applied to patients initially treated on a single-ventricle track elsewhere. Methods Nine patients (4 male patients) who had previously undergone the Fontan procedure (n = 3) or bidirectional cavopulmonary shunting (n = 6) with intent for a later Fontan procedure were referred to our center for complex 1½- or 2-ventricle repair over the last 10 years. Indications for conversion in these patients were protein-losing enteropathy (n = 2), pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (n = 1), and preference for biventricular anatomy (n = 6). The conversion mainly consisted of takedown of the Fontan procedure or bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt connection, reconstruction of 1 or both of venae cavae, creation of an intraventricular pathway for left ventricular output, and placement of a right ventricle–pulmonary artery conduit (Rastelli-type operation). Results Five patients underwent 1½-ventricle repair, and 4 had complete biventricular repair. Median cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic crossclamp times were 202 minutes (range, 169–352 minutes) and 129 minutes (range, 100–168 minutes), respectively. There were 2 early deaths and 1 late death. At a median follow-up of 27 months (range, 3.3–99.8 months), all survivors are in New York Heart Association class I. Conclusions Patients initially treated with intent to perform single-ventricle palliation can be converted to 1½- or 2-ventricle physiology with acceptable outcomes.
Cevimeline (Evoxac ®) Overdose

Cevimeline (Evoxac ®) is an oral muscarinic agent that has been recently approved for the treatment of xerostomia in the setting of Sjogren's syndrome. Its toxicity in overdose has not been reported in the medical literature to date. We report a previously healthy patient who intentionally ingested approximately 10 mg/kg of cevimeline and presented with symptoms of muscarinic excess and mental status depression. The patient recovered uneventfully after receiving activated charcoal and supportive care. This report describes the first documented cevimeline overdose.
2-D unitary matrix pencil method for efficient direction of arrival estimation

In this study, we extended the one-dimensional (1-D) unitary matrix pencil method (UMP) [N. Yilmazer, J. Koh, T.K. Sarkar, Utilization of a unitary transform for efficient computation in the matrix pencil method to find the direction of arrival, IEEE Trans. Antennas Propagat. 54 (1) (2006) 175-181] to two-dimensional case, where 2-D matrix pencil (MP) method are used to find the 2-D poles corresponding to the direction of arrival (DOA), azimuth and elevation angles, of the far field sources impinging on antenna arrays. This technique uses MP method to compute the DOA of the signals using a very efficient computational procedure in which the complexity of the computation can be reduced significantly by using a unitary matrix transformation. This method applies the technique directly to the data without forming a covariance matrix. Using real computations through the unitary transformation for the 2-D matrix pencil method leads to a very efficient computational methodology for real time implementation on a DSP chip. The numerical simulation results are provided to see the performance of the method.