cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Protein-protein interaction in the α-complementation system of β-galactosidase

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses protein–protein interaction in the α-complementation system of β-galactosidase. α-complementation system in β-galactosidase system is a system of protein–protein interaction where active enzyme is formed through the association of two different polypeptide chains encoded by different lacZ alleles. The chapter presents some of the key features of α-complementation. β-galactosidase is a tetrameric enzyme. The rate-determining step in α-complementation is the conversion of inactive dimeric proteins, termed α-acceptors, to catalytically active tetramers. The most thoroughly studied α-donor analyzed in vitro is a cyanogen bromide peptide derived from β-galactosidase, comprising amino acid residues 3–92 of the wild-type protein. Either the M15 protein, lacking residues 11–41, or the M112 protein, with a smaller deletion of residues 23–31, are able to serve as α-acceptors. Immunochemical analyses and amino acid sequence comparisons of the α-donor and α-acceptor molecules suggest that residues 23–31 of β-galactosidase play a critical role in the dimerization of M15 dimers.
Handling Limited Resources in Mobile Computing via Closed-Loop Approximate Computations

Mobile computing is one of the largest untapped reservoirs in today's pervasive computing world as it has the potential to enable a variety of in situ, real-time applications. Yet, this computing paradigm suffers when the available resources—such as energy in the network, CPU cycles, memory, and I/O data rate—are limited. In this paper, the new paradigm of approximate computing is proposed to harness such potential and to enable energy-intensive mobile applications. A reduction in time and energy consumed by an application is obtained via closed-loop approximate computing by decreasing the amount of computation needed; such improvement, however, comes with the potential loss in accuracy. We present our framework on how approximation can be applied at different levels, namely, at the application level and the input data level. The effectiveness of the proposed closed-loop approach is validated both through extensive simulation and testbed experiments by comparing approximate versus exact-computation performance.
Preparation of benzoheterocyclic carbaldeydes

Abstract The preparation of benzoheterocyclic carbaldehydes in the 2-amino-substituted benzothiazole, benzoxazole and benzimidazole series is described. Starting with the methyl-substituted 2-aminobenzoheterocycle, the nitrogen is protected as an N,N-diBoc derivative. Next, free radical halogenation of the methyl group with NBS/AIBN affords the N(Boc)2-protected benzylic dibromide which is directly used in the final step. A mild silver nitrite/dimethylsulfoxide-mediated conversion of the dibromide to the aldehyde functionality completes the process.
Quantifying thermal refugia connectivity by combining temperature modeling, distributed temperature sensing, and thermal infrared imaging

Abstract. Watershed-scale stream temperature models are often one-dimensional because they require fewer data and are more computationally efficient than two- or three-dimensional models. However, one-dimensional models assume completely mixed reaches and ignore small-scale spatial temperature variability, which may create temperature barriers or refugia for cold-water aquatic species. Fine spatial- and temporal-resolution stream temperature monitoring provides information to identify river features with increased thermal variability. We used distributed temperature sensing (DTS) to observe small-scale stream temperature variability, measured as a temperature range through space and time, within two 400 m reaches in summer 2015 in Nevada's East Walker and main stem Walker rivers. Thermal infrared (TIR) aerial imagery collected in summer 2012 quantified the spatial temperature variability throughout the Walker Basin. We coupled both types of high-resolution measured data with simulated stream temperatures to corroborate model results and estimate the spatial distribution of thermal refugia for Lahontan cutthroat trout and other cold-water species. Temperature model estimates were within the DTS-measured temperature ranges 21 % and 70 % of the time for the East Walker River and main stem Walker River, respectively, and within TIR-measured temperatures 17 %, 5 %, and 5 % of the time for the East Walker, West Walker, and main stem Walker rivers, respectively. DTS, TIR, and modeled stream temperatures in the main stem Walker River nearly always exceeded the 21 ∘ C optimal temperature threshold for adult trout, usually exceeded the 24 ∘ C stress threshold, and could exceed the 28 ∘ C lethal threshold for Lahontan cutthroat trout. Measured stream temperature ranges bracketed ambient river temperatures by −10.1 to +2.3 ∘ C in agricultural return flows, −1.2 to +4 ∘ C at diversions, −5.1 to +2 ∘ C in beaver dams, and −4.2 to 0 ∘ C at seeps. To better understand the role of these river features on thermal refugia during warm time periods, the respective temperature ranges were added to simulated stream temperatures at each of the identified river features. Based on this analysis, the average distance between thermal refugia in this system was 2.8 km. While simulated stream temperatures are often too warm to support Lahontan cutthroat trout and other cold-water species, thermal refugia may exist to improve habitat connectivity and facilitate trout movement between spawning and summer habitats. Overall, high-resolution DTS and TIR measurements quantify temperature ranges of refugia and augment process-based modeling.
Learning reciprocal actions for cooperative collision avoidance in quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicles

Abstract The ability to avoid collisions with each other is one of the fundamental requirements for autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to be safely integrated into the civilian airspace, and for the viability of multi-UAV operations. This paper introduces a new approach for online cooperative collision avoidance between quadcopters, involving reciprocal maneuvers, i.e., coherent maneuvers without requiring any real-time consensus. Two maneuver strategies are presented, where UAVs respectively change their speed or heading to avoid a collision. A learning-based framework that trains these reciprocal actions for collision evasion (called TRACE) is developed. The primary elements of this framework include: 1) designing simulated experiments that cover a variety of UAV–UAV approach scenarios; 2) performing optimization to identify speed/heading change actions that satisfy safety constraints while minimizing the energy cost of the maneuver; and 3) using the offline optimization outcomes to train classifier (via ensemble bagged tree) and function approximation (via neural networks and Kriging) models for respectively selecting and encoding the avoidance actions. Trajectory generation and dynamics/controls are incorporated in the simulation environment used for training and testing. Over 90% accuracy in action prediction and over 95% success in avoiding collisions is observed when the trained models are applied to simulated unseen test scenarios.
Demonstrating a conceptual model for multispecies landscape pattern indices in landscape conservation

Our ability to understand the implications of prescriptions for landscape change (i.e., conservation actions) is constrained by the scopes of spatial pattern indices employed to describe landscapes. Most indices are suited for use with a single species or habitat, but the consequences of conservation actions are inherently multispecies. Hence, indices that incorporate information for multiple species are desirable. I describe a conceptual model for multispecies spatial pattern indices that incorporates species-specific habitat definitions and scales of landscape effects. I explore its utility for conservation planning and present insights and suggestions for its application. The conceptual model employs habitat maps and estimates of species’ scales of effect for habitat amount within landscapes surrounding sites. I present three indices rooted in the model: cumulative habitat amount, fragmented species count (FSC), and fragmented species-habitat count (FSHC). Comparisons of FSC and FSHC values at individual sites can reveal areas of high importance for protection as well as a measure of conservation design problem complexity. I demonstrate application of the indices for 40 species within a study area in the northwestern U.S. The indices provided a visualization of spatial patterns in multispecies habitat fragmentation across the study region, revealing areas with relatively high levels of habitat fragmentation and sites where habitat configuration is of high importance for the species analyzed. The conceptual model provides descriptions of landscapes that can provide important context for conservation actions. Implementation may warrant further development, exploration of sensitivities, or case-specific refinements.
Random access DNA memory in a scalable, archival file storage system

ABSTRACT DNA is an ultra-high-density storage medium that could meet exponentially growing worldwide demand for archival data storage if DNA synthesis costs declined sufficiently and random access of files within exabyte-to-yottabyte-scale DNA data pools were feasible. To overcome the second barrier, here we encapsulate data-encoding DNA file sequences within impervious silica capsules that are surface-labeled with single-stranded DNA barcodes. Barcodes are chosen to represent file metadata, enabling efficient and direct selection of sets of files with Boolean logic. We demonstrate random access of image files from an image database using fluorescence sorting with selection sensitivity of 1 in 106 files, which thereby enables 1 in 106N per N optical channels. Our strategy thereby offers retrieval of random file subsets from exabyte and larger-scale long-term DNA file storage databases, offering a scalable solution for random-access of archival files in massive molecular datasets.
Mechanisms of Action and Chemical Origins of Biologically Active Antimicrobial Polymers

The creation of synthetic tissues for patients with traumatic or debilitating injuries and diseases has proven to be a rapidly growing field. Scaffold design plays a crucial role in determining the biocompatibility, function and longevity of these engineered tissues. Biodegradable polymers with high levels of biocompatibility and functional flexibility are currently the primary choice for scaffold construction. Due to the fiscal and healthcare-related costs of replacing scaffolds during the healing process, manufacturing transplants with the ability to withstand foreign infection is tantamount to the success of the field. Antimicrobial polymers (AMPs) can serve as materials for such synthetic transplants. A variety of AMPs bearing different chemical motifs and biological effects have been studied with regard to their viability as biocompatible engineering materials. This review discusses the merits and faults of AMPs in their potential applications toward tissue scaffold design.
Budget Reconciliation Through Dynamic Programming

Budgeting systems for U.S. Army brigade lack transparency. Total daily commits (orders) and obligations (account withdrawals) are logged in spreadsheets that are reviewed by brigade comptrollers, but time delays occur between commits and their corresponding obligations that are not tracked in these spreadsheets. Further complications arise because credits for returned equipment are not accurately identified. It can be difficult for brigade comptrollers to accurately reconcile accounts at the end of a fiscal year, and discrepancies can cause overspending or frozen assets. In this article we derive and implement an algorithm that takes a record of daily commits and obligations over a period of time and utilizes dynamic programming to identify the most likely matching between the two. The algorithm can also estimate the probability distribution of commit-to-obligation delays, thus making it a useful prediction tool. The algorithm can be adapted to a wide range of scenarios. We verify the systems performance through a series of simulations.
Legalizing Legitimate Ink: Licensing and Entry in the Tattooing Industry

Consensus in the legitimacy literature suggests that more legitimacy is always preferred to less. This, however, neglects to consider the cost of different legitimation strategies. We expand upon e...
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and mortality in the United States general population.

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in peripheral blood reflects the balance between systemic inflammation and immunity and is emerging as a prognostic biomarker in many diseases, but its predictive role for mortality in the general population has not been investigated. We analyzed 1999-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey mortality-linked data, followed up until 2015. In participants aged > 30 with measurements of differential white blood cell counts, NLR was calculated and categorized into quartiles. Associations of increased NLR with overall or cause-specific mortality were assessed with Cox proportional hazard regression models, adjusted for potential confounders. Increased NLR was associated with overall mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10-1.17, per quartile NLR) and mortality due to heart disease (1.17, 1.06-1.29), chronic lower respiratory disease (1.24, 1.04-1.47), influenza/pneumonia (1.26, 1.03-1.54) and kidney disease (1.26, 1.03-1.54). NLR was associated with cancer mortality only in the first follow-up year (HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.11-1.98). The association with chronic lower respiratory disease mortality was stronger in individuals with prevalent lung diseases (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.14-1.88, Pinteraction = 0.01), while NLR showed positive associations with mortality from heart disease (1.21, 1.07-1.38) and cerebrovascular disease (1.30, 1.04-1.63) only among individuals without these conditions at baseline. NLR is associated with mortality overall and due to certain causes in the general population. Associations over short follow-up intervals and among individuals with conditions at baseline suggest effects of disordered inflammation and immunity on progression of those conditions, while other associations may reflect contributions to disease etiology.
Yield of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Lower Respiratory Tract Testing After a Negative Nasopharyngeal Test Among Hospitalized Persons Under Investigation for Coronavirus Disease 2019

Among hospitalized persons under investigation for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), more repeated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) after a negative NAAT were positive from lower than from upper respiratory tract specimens (1.9% vs 1.0%, P = .033). Lower respiratory testing should be prioritized among patients displaying respiratory symptoms with moderate-to-high suspicion for COVID-19 after 1 negative upper respiratory NAAT.
Dosimetric Analysis for Predicting Secondary Lymphedema After Radiation for Head and Neck Cancer.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Secondary lymphedema (SL) following radiation (RT) for head and neck (H&N) cancer occurs commonly with multiple adverse consequences1. Primary location, RT dose, months since treatment, and increasing treatment modalities are associated with SL1. We sought to define structures within anatomically relevant compartments and correlate dosimetric parameters of these structures with SL. We hypothesized that SL patients would have received different doses to these structures as compared to patients without SL. MATERIALS/METHODS This single-institution retrospective study was IRB approved. We identified 23 H&N patients referred to Occupational Therapy (OT) for SL management from 2017 - 2019 after completing H&N RT (SL patients). These patients were matched 1:2 to patients having received H&N RT without OT referral (non-SL patients). Matching was based on primary site, treatment paradigm, RT dose, unilateral vs bilateral neck RT, and RT year. For all 69 patients, we contoured 3 structures: anterior neck soft tissue superficial to larynx from the caudal mandible or cranial hyoid inferiorly to C7, soft tissue superficial to the spinous processes from C1-C7, and subcutaneous tissue superficial to bilateral trapezius muscles. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to compare the following dosimetric parameters of Anterior Neck, Spinous Process, and Trapezius structures between SL (n = 23) vs non-SL (n = 46) patients: mean dose, D0.1 cc [Gy], D100% [Gy], and V15 Gy [%] to V50 Gy [%] in 5 Gy increments. Given this exploratory analysis, we did not adjust for multiple comparisons. RESULTS SL and non-SL patients were balanced for age, BMI, smoking, steroid use during RT, primary site, disease stage, treatment paradigm, bilateral vs unilateral neck dissection, radiation dose and unilateral vs bilateral neck RT (all P > 0.2). Vascular comorbidities were imbalanced with SL patients more commonly having both diabetes and hypertension (17%) vs non-SL patients (2%), and non-SL patients more commonly having HTN (41% vs 17%, P = 0.03). Oropharynx was the most common site (61%) followed by oral cavity (20%), larynx (13%), salivary (4%), and cutaneous (1%). Anterior Neck, mean dose (P = 0.03), V15 Gy [%] (P = 0.01), V20 Gy [%] (P < 0.01), V25 Gy [%] (P < 0.01), V30 Gy [%] (P = 0.02), V35 Gy [%] (P = 0.02), and V40 Gy [%] (P = 0.04) were significantly higher in patients with SL. Anterior Neck D100% [Gy] (P = 0.07), Spinous Process D100% [Gy] (P = 0.052), and Trapezius V15 Gy [%] (P = 0.06) trended towards significance. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first investigation of dosimetric parameters associated with SL following H&N RT. Our findings suggest that higher volume of low-mid RT dose within the anterior neck is associated with developing SL. This may be related to circumferential neck dose and/or the role of superficial lymphatics within level VI after H&N RT. These findings warrant prospective validation in a larger cohort, but may be considered in the context of RT treatment planning to minimize SL after RT. (HUM00176639).
Confederate Fortification and Troop Deployment in a Mountain Landscape: Fort Edward Johnson and Camp Shenandoah, April 1862

By April 1862 Union forces had established control of the headwater streams of the Potomac drainage in what was to become West Virginia and were beginning to move south into the Shenandoah Valley of western Virginia. Threatened by the possible flanking of his Confederate Army at the mountain stronghold of Camp Allegheny, which blocked Union access into the central Shenandoah Valley, General Robert E. Lee ordered the camp commander, General Edward Johnson, to identify and then move to a more defensible position to the east. On 5 April, Johnson’s 4,000-man army began the process of converting the apex of Shenandoah Mountain, 40 mi. to the east of Camp Allegheny, into a complex fortification designed to again prevent Union access into the valley and the important military depot at Staunton, Virginia. For 14 days, the troops worked to fortify the mountain and prepare the encampments needed for their support. Then, in the absence of Johnson and in an environment of rumor and believed Union threat, the military complex was ordered abandoned. In 1998 and 1999 researchers from James Madison University, with support from George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, surveyed, tested, and mapped the earthwork and encampment features of the Fort Edward Johnson-Camp Shenandoah Military Complex. While never actually used in the engagement of the enemy, the archaeological remains provide an invaluable, glimpse into the manner in which the Confederacy adapted fortification and encampment strategies to a mountain landscape.
Abstract 15397: Enhanced AKAP12/GRAVIN Expression Leads to Myocardial Injury by Disrupting Angiogenic Signals Related to HSP/Thioredoxin-1/VEGF Cascade in Type I Diabetic Rats

Background: Our earlier studies showed that AKAP12 and Thioredoxin-Interacting Protein (TXNIP) interfere with HSPA12B-induced angiogenic signaling in rat myocardium. HSPA12B appears to play an essential role in myocardial angiogenesis, which is impaired during diabetes. This study explores the impact of HSPA12B overexpression on heart function, neovascularization, and downstream target proteins, AKAP12, Thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1) and VEGF, in non-diabetic and diabetic animals following myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: Rats were divided into 6 groups: 1) Non-Diabetic Sham (NDS), 2) Non-Diabetic LacZ MI (NDLZMI), 3) Non-Diabetic HSPA12B MI (NDHSPMI), 4) Diabetic Sham (DS), 5) Diabetic LacZ MI (DLZMI), 6) Diabetic HSPA12B MI (DHSPMI). Ad.LacZ/Ad.HSPA12B was administered intramyocardially at 4 sites around the infarct border zone in NDLZMI/DiaLZMI or NDHSPMI/DiaHSPMI animals immediately after permanent LAD ligation. Results: Co-immunoprecipitation followed by immunoblot analysis showed significant increase in HSPA12B/AKAP12 association in diabetic group suggesting that diabetes impairs HSPA12B availability triggering impairment of angiogenesis. This result was also confirmed by docking analysis (insilico models). Trx-1 activity (1.73 fold) along with HSPA12B and VEGF expression was increased in DHSPMI and NDHSPMI compared to respective controls. Both AKAP12 (1.31 fold) and TXNIP (2.22 fold) appeared to be down-regulated in HSPA12B-treated groups compared to controls. Echocardiography demonstrated increased fractional shortening and ejection fraction 4 weeks post-MI in DHSPMI-treated rats compared to DLZMI. Increased capillary and arteriolar density in DHSPMI compared to DLZMI was obesrved by morphometric analysis. In addition Picrosirius red staining documented decreased fibrosis in DHSPMI vs. DLZMI myocardium. Conclusion: Therefore overexpression of HSPA12B enhances neovascularization and cardiac function following MI in diabetic animals by down-regulating Trx-1/TXNIP and HSPA12B/AKAP12 association, resulting in increased HSPA12B, Trx-1 and VEGF. These findings support a role for HSPA12B gene therapy in mitigating the morbid expression of ischemic heart disease in the setting of diabetes.
TH-EF-BRA-05: Investigation of Full Dose Reduction Potential of ASiRâ„¢ for Head CT Protocols in a Predominantly Pediatric Population

Purpose: To ascertain and implement the maximum level of adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASiR) that can be used to establish dose reduced pediatric head CT protocols. Methods: Noise power spectrum (NPS), modulation transfer function (MTF), and qualitative visual assessment were used as image quality metrics to calculate image quality based on filtered back projection (FBP) and ASiR reconstruction. The effect on image quality as a function of level of ASiR implementation and tube current reduction was analyzed by comparing image noise magnitude and frequency, and spatial resolution with similar measured image quality for FBP. Relative patient dose reduction was estimated using both CTDIvol and effective dose calculated using pediatric sized physical anthropomorphic phantoms. Dose reduced protocols were investigated for CT head examinations (i.e. brain, orbits, sinus, maxillary and temporal bones) by implementing ASiR and lowering CT tube current. Results: An analysis of the effects on noise texture from implementation of statistical iterative reconstruction determined that the level of ASiR that correlated closest with FBP for the GE soft reconstruction kernel (for both 100 and 120 kVp) was determined to be 30%, and for the GE standard reconstruction kernel at 100 kVp was 20% ASiR. However, implementation of 60% ASiR (GE soft reconstruction kernel) and 30% ASiR (GE standard reconstruction kernel) led to an average relative reduction in CTDIvol by 40% (range: 30%-47%) and effective dose by 36% (range: 12%-54%) while maintaining the same overall noise magnitude and improving the CNR of the image as compared to FBP. A coarser noise texture was visualized at 60% ASiR. Conclusion: The data in this study are provided to allow customized selection of ASiR implementation relating to acceptable tolerance for change in noise texture appearance in reconstructed images, and level of relative dose reduction for a pediatric population undergoing head CT examination.
A Note on the Anglo-Saxon and Continental Approaches to Europe: Identical in Spirit, Not in Practice

The purpose of this note is to propose a breakdown of the European concept into different sub-categories, based upon the different stages of the European integration process. In doing so, it is easier to understand the political differences and debate between an allegedly Anglo-Saxon approach and a Continental one. This note challenges the usual definition of the Anglo-Saxon and Continental approaches, and highlights the usual misconceptions and misunderstandings of the European economic goal.
Amplification Product Inactivation

“With great power comes great responsibility.” This popular Spider Man movie quote infers the relationship between molecular nucleic acid amplification methods and amplification product inactivation procedures. The “power” is the ability of molecular amplification methods to produce billions of copies of nucleic acid from one template strand. This technique has been modified and adapted to serve as a means to detect viral and bacterial nucleic acids in clinical settings. The use of molecular methods is constantly evolving and expanding in its utility in this arena. With these methods, it is possible to detect small amounts of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in an infant’s cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with suspected meningitis [1]. With the detection of HSV in the CSF, antiviral therapy can be continued with confidence that the therapy is preventing brain damage that can be caused by HSV [2]. Before the advent of nucleic acid amplification techniques, there was little to no chance of recovering the virus from this sample type with traditional viral laboratory methods [3]. Empiric antiviral therapy was either continued or stopped without objective data upon which to base the decision.
Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms and prostate enlargement in the primary care setting.

Summary Purpose: Men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) from benign prostatic hyperplasia often do not discuss their symptoms with their primary care physicians (PCPs). The primary objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of LUTS, prostate enlargement, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ≥ 1.5 ng/ml in men visiting their PCP and to assess patients’ intent to discuss LUTS with their PCP. Methods: Men over age 50 presenting for a routine office visit at one of six PCP offices during the 8-week data collection period were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. Men with prostate cancer, bladder cancer, indwelling urethral catheter or previous pelvic irradiation were excluded. Four hundred and forty-four men were enrolled and completed a self-administered questionnaire [including the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)], provided a blood sample for PSA, and underwent a digital rectal examination (DRE), with the prostate classified as enlarged or non-enlarged by their PCP. Results: Forty-two per cent of men had IPSS > 7; 48% had an enlarged prostate based on DRE and 43% had PSA ≥ 1.5 ng/ml. Twenty-nine per cent (n = 129) of men had IPSS > 7 and enlarged prostate or PSA ≥ 1.5 ng/ml. Of these men, 33% (n = 42) intended to discuss their symptoms with their PCP. Conclusions: Although a significant percentage of men in this older population had enlarged prostate and LUTS, only one-third of them intended to discuss their symptoms with their physician. PCPs may need to increase efforts to detect LUTS and enlarged prostate in older men.
The Competitiveness of Archaic Practices: Towards a Theory of Institutional Stability and Institutional Change

From a theoretical point of view, explaining institutional stability and institutional change has remained a difficult task. The new institutional economics initially identified economic efficiency as the main driver of institutional change. In more recent times, it has been recognized that efficiency considerations alone don't always account for institutional change, and that the direction of change may significantly be affected by cultural factors and cognitive limitations. Conceptualizing these seemingly intuitive notions has proven very difficult. In this paper, I introduce the concepts of mutually reinforcing practices and of belief networks to explain several to account both for institutional stability and institutional change. I illustrate the usefulness of these concepts by focusing on several puzzling practices of marine insurance. I show that transaction costs and cognitive limitations are poor explanations of the entrenched nature of these institutions. I demonstrate that networks of beliefs and practices are a better explanation of the stability of these institutions. In a second step, I focus on two critical events, the crisis of the international maritime industry and exogenous regulatory and economic shocks, as an opportunity to better understand the mechanisms of institutional change. Central to this discussion are two questions: why did these changes occurred only in the late 20th century and not earlier, and what may account for the direction of the observed institutional change. I show that neither efficiency nor power explain this institutional transition. I identify three key factors that have triggered this transition, generalized uncertainty, periodicity, and economic impact. Finally, I provide some evidence for the hypothesis that updated practices of marine insurance are compatible with an institutional transition that minimizes changes to existing belief networks.
An electrophoretic ink for all-printed reflective electronic displays

It has for many years been an ambition of researchers in display media to create a flexible low-cost system that is the electronic analogue of paper. In this context, microparticle-based displays1,2,3,4,5 have long intrigued researchers. Switchable contrast in such displays is achieved by the electromigration of highly scattering or absorbing microparticles (in the size range 0.1–5 μm), quite distinct from the molecular-scale properties that govern the behaviour of the more familiar liquid-crystal displays6. Microparticle-based displays possess intrinsic bistability, exhibit extremely low power d.c. field addressing and have demonstrated high contrast and reflectivity. These features, combined with a near-lambertian viewing characteristic, result in an ‘ink on paper’ look7. But such displays have to date suffered from short lifetimes and difficulty in manufacture. Here we report the synthesis of an electrophoretic ink based on the microencapsulation of an electrophoretic dispersion8. The use of a microencapsulated electrophoretic medium solves the lifetime issues and permits the fabrication of a bistable electronic display solely by means of printing. This system may satisfy the practical requirements of electronic paper.
A Health Assessment Survey of Veteran Students: Utilizing a Community College-Veterans Affairs Medical Center Partnership.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess health status among student veterans at a community college utilizing a partnership between a Veterans Affairs Medical Center and a community college. Participants: Student veterans at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio, in January to April 2013. Methods: A health assessment survey was sent to 978 veteran students. Descriptive analyses to assess prevalence of clinical diagnoses and health behaviors were performed. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess for independent predictors of functional limitations. Results: 204 students participated in the survey (21% response rate). Self-reported depression and unhealthy behaviors were high. Physical and emotional limitations (45% and 35%, respectively), and pain interfering with work (42%) were reported. Logistic regression analyses confirmed the independent association of self-reported depression with functional limitation (odds ratio [OR] = 3.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4–7.8, p < 0.05, and C statist...
A scheduling quasi-minmax MPC for LPV systems

Presents a scheduling model predictive controller for constrained discrete linear parameter variable (LPV) systems. At each sampling time the parameters of the LPV plant are measured and their future values are assumed to vary arbitrarily inside a specified polytope. Given this information along with the current state the algorithm minimizes online an upper bound on the quasi-worst case infinite horizon objective function subject to input and output constraints. The first computed input is implemented and the calculations are repeated at the next sampling time. Optimization can be solved by semi-definite programming including constraints that are expressed as LMIs (linear matrix inequalities) and is convex. The resulting receding horizon controller guarantees stability if the optimization has a feasible solution.
Production of L-asparagine by tumor cells and the effect of asparagine analogs.

Abstract A rapid assay of the ability of intact cells (10–50 mg) to synthesize l -asparagine and l -aspartic acid, and its application to the evaluation of potential asparagine analogs has been devised. Washed cell preparations were incubated at 37° in Eagle's medium (supplemented with l -glutamine, 2 mM, and l -aspartic acid, 0.05 mM), and the amounts of l -asparagine and l -aspartic acid formed were determined with an enzymatic assay. Murine tumor cells resistant to l -asparaginase produced 1.0 to 1.6 nmoles l -asparagine/mg cells/hr, while sensitive cells produced less than 0.1 nmole/mg cells/hr. The newly synthesized l -aspartic acid was largely localized m the cells; the newly synthesized l -asparagine, however, was distributed both in the cells and in the medium. 5-Diazo-4-oxo- l -norvaline (0.5 mM) and 5-chloro-4-oxo- l -norvaline (0.05 mM) inhibited l -asparagine biosynthesis by P815Y ascites cells 88 and 95 per cent respectively; no significant inhibition of l -aspartic acid biosynthesis was observed with either analog. 5-Bromo-4-oxo- l -norvaline (0.1 mM) caused 78 per cent inhibition of l -asparagine biosynthesis, but also reduced the biosynthesis of l -aspartic acid to 52 per cent.
Classical model studies of dissociation following linear to bent triatomic photoexcitation

Abstract Using classical trajectory calculations, we show that photodissociation involving a transition from a linear ground state to a bent excited state can account for the gross structure in the rotational distributions of the CN fragment from ClCN and ICN. If one excited state dominates in the ICN spectrum, its potential energy surface must be characterized by a bending angle near but not equal to the linear configuration.
Clinical course of Tourette syndrome.

Abstract Objective Tourette syndrome (TS) is a childhood-onset neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by multiple motor and vocal tics lasting at least a year in duration. Children with TS often experience comorbid conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention-deficit disorder. The goal of this article was to review the long-term clinical course of tics and comorbid conditions in children with TS. Method We conducted a traditional literature search to locate relevant articles regarding long-term outcome and prognosis in TS and tic disorders. Results Tics typically have an onset between the ages of 4 and 6 years and reach their worst-ever severity between the ages of 10 and 12 years. On average, tic severity declines during adolescence. By early adulthood, roughly three-quarters of children with TS will have greatly diminished tic symptoms and over one-third will be tic free. Comorbid conditions, such as OCD and other anxiety and depressive disorders, are more common during the adolescence and early adulthood of individuals with TS than in the general population. Conclusion Although tics are the sine qua non of TS, they are often not the most enduring or impairing symptoms in children with TS. Measures used to enhance self-esteem, such as encouraging strong friendships and the exploration of interests, are crucial to ensuring positive adulthood outcome in TS.
Fractionation of Shope papilloma virus in cesium chloride density gradients

Abstract Virus particles prepared from extracts of glycerinated Shope papilloma tissue of wild cottontail rabbits by means of three alternate low and high speed sedimentations were not uniform in the electron microscope. Variations in size and electron density were seen in negative-contrast preparations. When such particles were centrifuged to equilibrium in a cesium chloride density gradient they separated into four layers corresponding to densities of about 1.29, 1.32, 1.33, and 1.34. Ultraviolet absorption studies, infectivity tests, and the homogeneity of the particles were consistent with the thesis that the most dense particles contained the highest proportion of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and were probably the complete virus. The intermediate layers appeared to have less DNA, and the top layer little or none. In electron micrographs the most dense particles were uniform. Their surfaces were composed of an estimated 60 to 70 capsomeres. The particles in the intermediate layers showed various degrees of emptiness at their centers. The lightest particles appeared to be loose aggregates of capsomeres. When the particles were exposed to fresh cesium chloride, they appeared to become more fragile, many of them disintegrating into free capsomeres on the electron microscope grid. These subunits of the protein coat had a structure suggestive of hollow cylinders or cups. Subunits of the viral core could not be definitely characterized in density gradients or visualized by means of the electron microscope.
Accumulation and physiological effects of methyl mercury hydroxide on maize seedlings

Abstract Significant accumulation and translocation of mercury occurred when maize seedlings were germinated in various concentrations of methyl mercury hydroxide (MMH). Severe stunting of seedlings resulted, and their isolated mitochondria did not respire normally. In vitro MMH inhibited photosynthesis by chloroplasts, and phosphate uptake by mitochondria. Malate and ascorbate oxidation were blocked by MMH in vitro but not NADH2 or succinate oxidation. All inhibitions were readily reversed with cysteine.
Informal Labor and Social Relations in Northern Malawi: The Theoretical Challenges and Implications of Ganyu Labor for Food Security*

Food insecurity is a problem faced by smallholder farmers in Malawi. In any given year between 70 and 85 percent of households run out of food stocks several months prior to the next harvest. Once food stocks are depleted many households obtain food by doing ganyu, a type of piecework labor. Limited research has been carried out on ganyu. This paper uses qualitative data to examine ganyu in relation to food security in one area of northern Malawi. Using the livelihoods framework, I argue that the most common form of ganyu is both a livelihood strategy and a measure of vulnerability, rather than a type of social capital as suggested by other authors. High reliance on ganyu points to increased social stratification related to a rise in smallholder tobacco production. Women in female-headed households appear to rely more on ganyu than in married households. Policy implications of these findings are considered.
An exploratory model for predicting post-consumer recycled PET content in PET sheets

Abstract An exploratory model for determining post-consumer recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) content in PET sheets for one specific stream of mechanically recycled PET (RPET) was developed. Six kinds of PET sheets with varying percent of virgin (V) and recycled (R) PET contents (i.e., 100V, 80V20R, 60V40R, 40V60R, 20V80R, and 100R PET) were commercially extruded. The optical, thermal, physicomechanical and barrier properties of the PET sheets were evaluated as function of RPET content. Differences were found between the sheets for UV and visible light absorption in the regions 200–350 nm and 670–700 nm, respectively. Intrinsic viscosities of 100V and 100R PET sheets were different. A censored normal multiple linear regression model including thermal, physical, optical and barrier properties was the best-fit model to predict VPET and RPET content in PET sheets.
Geodermis: biomimicry of distributed sensing for earth-based buildings

The issue of sustainable development in building engineering has been discussed since the early 90’s. The current research seeks to aid in this endeavor by reducing the heating and cooling loads on a building through its envelope, more specifically the wall material. The problem as viewed by most researchers is that the most common building materials, such as concrete and steel, allow for easy heat and mass transfer into buildings. Researchers now look to earth-based materials as passive building materials for increased thermal regulation. The building envelope of earth-based materials is an important buffer for heat and mass transfer into the building environment, but is a part of a bigger picture, which includes hygrothermal loads from the occupants and other facets of the indoor environment, as well as the mechanisms that regulate the indoor environment. This research looks at the soil-based building materials in different light. Our premise is that an understanding of the analogies between thermoregulatory systems in skin, plant, and soils, would inspire us to use soils as intelligent materials in stabilized earth construction with their pore geometries engineered based on these analogies. This biomimetic approach of developing “geodermis” can be broken into two smaller problems: (1) “sensory/nervous systems” to collect and process surrounding hygrothermal data, and (2) “motor system” for semi-active hygrothermal control with the combination of passive regulation by soil and active regulation based on the information from the sensory/nervous system. The Auto Modulating Pattern Detection Algorithm (AMP) is a novel bio-inspired model-free data processing technique that extends the Hilbert-Huang Transform method to detect a “small” but important intermittent event of interest that is usually masked by “dominant” environmental disturbances in various monitoring applications. With AMP, higher detectability can be achieved by: (1) amplifying the amplitude of the pattern-changing event’s frequency characteristics in the time-frequency domain, (2) reducing the baseline frequency fluctuation in the time-frequency domain, and (3) increasing the temporal resolution of the energy-time-frequency domain signal.
Nanopore Diffusion Rates for Adsorption Determined by Pressure-Swing and Concentration-Swing Frequency Response and Comparison with Darken's Equation

Two flow-through frequency response methods of concentration-swing frequency response (CSFR) and pressure-swing frequency response (PSFR) are applied to study the adsorption of chloroethane on BPL activated carbon over a wide range of concentrations. Chloroethane at low concentrations in helium, 500 ppmv and 10 mol %, are studied using CSFR. Two models which treat an adsorption bed with axial dispersion or a simplified well-mixed concentration have been developed for both isothermal and nonisothermal conditions. The results show that heat effects can be negligible for the CSFR method. Pure chloroethane at relatively high concentrations is studied using PSFR. The experimental data are described well by a nonisothermal nanopore diffusion model. The diffusivities obtained from these two distinct methods are identical for the same concentration. The modeling of the concentration behavior depends quite sensitively on the isotherm model and obeys Darken's equation for the D−R isotherm. The results show that the...
Prenatal Ethanol Exposure Selectively Reduces the mRNA Encoding α‐1 Thyroid Hormone Receptor in Fetal Rat Brain

Some of the developmental defects characteristic of congenital or experimental hypothyroidism are also observed in children or experimental animals prenatally exposed to ethanol, suggesting that a subset of neurological defects attributable to ethanol exposure are produced by interfering with thyroid hormone action. In this article, we tested whether an ethanol treatment regimen known to produce neurological damage in rats can alter the expression of the mRNAs encoding the thyroid hormone receptor isoforms (TR alpha-1, TR alpha-2, and TR beta-1) in the fetal rat brain neocortex and hippocampus. Rats were fed an ethanol-containing diet beginning on gestational day (G) 6 and continuing until sacrifice on G15, G17, or G21; controls included animals pair-fed a liquid control diet or fed lab chow. Ethanol selectively reduced the expression of TR alpha-1 mRNA in the neocortex and hippocampus on G21, compared with pair-fed and control fetuses. In contrast, pair-feeding selectively reduced TR alpha-2 mRNA in both neocortex and hippocampus on G21, and increased TR beta-1 mRNA on G17. These data support the hypothesis that ethanol may interfere with thyroid hormone action during fetal brain development. In addition, these data indicate that ethanol and pair-feeding exert independent effects on thyroid hormone receptor expression in the developing brain.
RATE CONSTANTS FOR THE GAS-PHASE REACTIONS OF ALKANES WITH CL ATOMS AT 296 2 K

Rate constants for the gas-phase reactions of the Cl atom with a series of alkanes have been determined at 296 ± 2 K using a relative rate method. Using a rate constant for the Cl atom reaction with n-butane of 1.94 × 10−10 cm3 molecule−1 s−1, the rate constants obtained (in units of 10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1) were: 2-methylpentane, 25.0 ± 0.8; 3-methylpentane, 24.8 ± 0.6; cyclohexane, 30.8 ± 1.2; cyclohexane-d12, 25.6 ± 0.8; 2,4-dimethylpentane, 25.6 ± 1.2; 2,2,3-trimethylbutane, 17.9 ± 0.7; methylcyclohexane, 34.7 ± 1.2; n-octane, 40.5 ± 1.2; 2,2,4-trimethylpentane, 23.1 ± 0.8; 2,2,3,3-tetramethylbutane, 15.6 ± 0.9; n-nonane, 42.9 ± 1.2; n-decane, 48.7 ± 1.8; and cis-bicyclo[4.4.0]decane, 43.1 ± 0.8, where the indicated errors are two least-squares standard deviations and do not include the uncertainties in the n-butane rate constant. These data have been combined with rate constants obtained previously for ten C2C7 alkanes and this entire data set has been used to develop an estimation method allowing the room temperature rate constants for the reactions of the Cl atom with alkanes to be calculated. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Disposition of imatinib and its metabolite CGP74588 in a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia and short-bowel syndrome

Imatinib mesylate, licensed to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia and gastrointestinal stromal tumors, is metabolized by means of cytochrome P450 3A and excreted primarily in the bile. Although the bioavailability of imatinib mesylate is more than 97%, the exact gastrointestinal site of its absorption is unknown. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to quantitate imatinib and its metabolite CGP74588 in the plasma and jejunostomy output of a patient with newly diagnosed chronic myelogenous leukemia. She had previously lost most of her small bowel and all of her colon as a result of mesenteric artery thrombosis and radiation-induced colitis and/or proctitis. Imatinib pharmacokinetics in plasma indicated that approximately 20% of the patient's 400-mg dose was absorbed. The jejunostomy output contained 338 mg of imatinib, which was consistent with 320 mg of a nonabsorbed dose plus approximately 23% of the absorbed dose being excreted unchanged in the bile. These data indicate the importance of considering gastrointestinal anatomic abnormalities or disease states when oral imatinib is dosed.