cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NMR structure of the HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein bound to stem-loop SL2 of the psi-RNA packaging signal. Implications for genome recognition.

The RNA genome of the human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) contains a approximately 120 nucleotide Psi-packaging signal that is recognized by the nucleocapsid (NC) domain of the Gag polyprotein during virus assembly. The Psi-site contains four stem-loops (SL1-SL4) that possess overlapping and possibly redundant functions. The present studies demonstrate that the 19 residue SL2 stem-loop binds NC with affinity (K(d)=110(+/-50) nM) similar to that observed for NC binding to SL3 (K(d)=170(+/-65) nM) and tighter than expected on the basis of earlier work, suggesting that NC-SL2 interactions probably play a direct role in the specific recognition and packaging of the full-length, unspliced genome. The structure of the NC-SL2 complex was determined by heteronuclear NMR methods using (15)N,(13)C-isotopically labeled NC protein and SL2 RNA. The N and C-terminal "zinc knuckles" (Cys-X(2)-Cys-X(4)-His-X(4)-Cys; X=variable amino acid) of HIV-1 NC bind to exposed guanosine bases G9 and G11, respectively, of the G8-G9-U10-G11 tetraloop, and residues Lys3-Lys11 of the N-terminal tail forms a 3(10) helix that packs against the proximal zinc knuckle and interacts with the RNA stem. These structural features are similar to those observed previously in the NMR structure of NC bound to SL3. Other features of the complex are substantially different. In particular, the N-terminal zinc knuckle interacts with an A-U-A base triple platform in the minor groove of the SL2 RNA stem, but binds to the major groove of SL3. In addition, the relative orientations of the N and C-terminal zinc knuckles differ in the NC-SL2 and NC-SL3 complexes, and the side-chain of Phe6 makes minor groove hydrophobic contacts with G11 in the NC-SL2 complex but does not interact with RNA in the NC-SL3 complex. Finally, the N-terminal helix of NC interacts with the phosphodiester backbone of the SL2 RNA stem mainly via electrostatic interactions, but does not bind in the major groove or make specific H-bonding contacts as observed in the NC-SL3 structure. These findings demonstrate that NC binds in an adaptive manner to SL2 and SL3 via different subsets of inter and intra-molecular interactions, and support a genome recognition/packaging mechanism that involves interactions of two or more NC domains of assembling HIV-1 Gag molecules with multiple Psi-site stem-loop packaging elements during the early stages of retrovirus assembly.
Minimum-time control of the Acrobot

The Acrobot, a two-link arm that is unactuated at the first joint, is challenging to control because it is an underactuated, nonlinear, continuous system. We describe a direct search algorithm for finding swingup trajectories for the Acrobot. The algorithm uses a lookahead search that maximizes the Acrobot's total energy in an N-step window. Because the controls are extremal and the number of switches in the window limited, the algorithm is fast. Nevertheless, the resulting trajectories are near optimal.
Immunocytochemical localization of the neuron-specific form of the c- src gene product, pp60c-src(+), in rat brain

Neurons express high levels of a variant form of the c-src gene product, denoted pp60c-src(+), which contains a 6 amino acid insert in the amino-terminal half of the c-src protein. We have determined the localization of pp60c-src(+) in neurons using an affinity-purified anti-peptide antibody, referred to as affi-SB12, that exclusively recognizes this neuron-specific form of the c-src gene product. Using affi-SB12, we examined the distribution of pp60c-src(+) by immunoperoxidase staining of sections through adult rat brains, pp60c-src(+) was widely distributed in rat brain and appeared to be differentially expressed in subpopulations of neurons. The majority of immunoreactive neurons was found in the mesencephalon, cerebellum, pons, and medulla. Telencephalic structures that contained substantial populations of pp60c-src(+)-immunoreactive neurons included layer V of the cerebral cortex and the ventral pallidum. Within individual neurons, pp60c-src(+) immunoreactivity was localized to the cell soma and dendritic processes, while labeling of axons and nerve terminals (puncta) was not as readily detected. Dense accumulations of immunoreactive axons were rare, being most prominent in portions of the inferior and superior olive, and in the spinal trigeminal nucleus. While the regional distribution of pp60c-src(+) immunoreactivity does not correlate with any specific neuronal cell type or first messenger system, this unique pattern of expression of pp60c-src(+) suggests the existence of a previously uncharacterized functional organization within the brain. Furthermore, the localization of this neuron-specific tyrosine kinase in functionally important areas of the nerve cell, namely, dendritic processes, axons, and nerve terminals, suggests that pp60c-src(+) may regulate pleiotropic functions in specific classes of neurons in the adult central nervous system.
Effects of Abnormal Flooding Events on Microbial Mat Communities and Aragonitic Stromatolites, Laguna Mormona, Baja California, Mexico: ABSTRACT

Laguna Mormona (Baja California, Mexico) is a coastal sabkha that contains a variety of microbial (cyanophycean and bacterial) mat communities. Studies conducted during 1971-76 concentrated on the microstructure, macrostructure, and degradation of these microbial mats and aragonitic stromatolites and the information they provide that is relevant to the interpretation of Proterozoic stromatolites, silicified microbial mats, and their contained microfossils. Abnormally high rainfall in 1979-80 flooded the sabkha to depths exceeding 1 m and profoundly affected these microbial communities by lowering the salinity of the water and depositing 5-10 cm of very fine grained, organic-rich mud over most of the microbial mats. The water level has returned to normal, and diatoms, cyan phytes, and bacteria locally form millimeter-thick mats upon this mud in areas that previously contained well-developed mats; however, it is unclear whether these mats will eventually attain the thickness (up to 30 cm) of their predecessors. End_of_Article - Last_Page 267------------
The influence of forager number and colony size on food distribution in the odorous house ant, Tapinoma sessile

Stomodeal trophallaxis plays a major role in ant colony nutrition and communication. While the rate of food distribution at the individual level (worker to worker) is rapid, factors affecting the rate of food distribution at the colony level remain poorly understood. We used the odorous house ant, Tapinoma sessile (Say), as a model species to investigate the factors affecting the rate of spread of liquid carbohydrate food throughout a colony. To track the movement of the food we used protein marking and double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, DAS-ELISA. Increasing colony size while keeping the number of donor workers constant significantly decreased the number of individuals testing positive for the marker. After 8 h of trophallactic interactions with ten donors, 92 ± 5% of recipient workers tested positive in a colony of 125 and 38 ± 5% tested positive in a colony of 1,000. Interestingly, as colony size increased and the percentage of workers testing positive decreased, the proportion of workers actually receiving food increased. Food originating from a single donor fed approximately 12 individuals in colonies comprised of 125 recipients and approximately 38 individuals in colonies comprised of 1,000 recipients. Thus, the per capita consumption of food decreased as colony size increased, most likely because the amount of food reaching the colony was limited. Increasing the number of donors while keeping colony size constant significantly increased the number of recipient ants testing positive for the marker. As the number of donor workers doubled, the percentage of recipients testing positive more than doubled suggesting that the number of individuals receiving food increases with increasing colony size, while the per capita amount of food decreases. When food was available ad libitum and in close proximity to the nest, numerous workers fed directly at the food source. This dramatically increased the rate and the extent of food distribution to both the workers and the queens and colony size had no significant effect on the spread of the marker in the workers or the queens. The rate and the extent of food distribution at the colony level may depend on a number of factors including the number of successful foragers, the size and density of the recipient colony, and the recipient caste.
Interaction of exercise training and chronic NOS inhibition on blood pressure, heart rate, NO and antioxidants in plasma of rats.

Abstract Many individuals with cardiovascular diseases undergo periodic exercise conditioning with or without medication. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of exercise training on BP and HR under the condition of NOS inhibition and to clarify the mechanism of the effect in regard to oxidative stress, antioxidant enzyme activity, and NO production in the plasma of the rat. Fisher 344 rats were divided into four groups: (1) sedentary control, (2) exercise training for 8 weeks, (3) nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) (10mg/kg, s.c. for 8 weeks) and (4) ET + l-NAME. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were monitored weekly for 8 weeks. The animals were sacrificed 24h after last treatments, plasma isolated and analyzed. The results show that exercise conditioning resulted in enhanced NO production (120% of control), GSH levels (110% of control), GSH/GSSG ratio (124% of control) and the up-regulation of catalase (CAT) (225% of control), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (161% of control), glutathione reductase (GR) (142% of control) and glutathione- S -transferase (GST) (189% of control) and depression of malondialdehyde (MDA) (90% of control) and lactate (75% of control) in plasma of the rat. These biochemical changes were accompanied by no significant change in BP but slight increase in HR. Chronic l-NAME administration resulted in depression of NO (84% of control), GSH (90% of control), GSH/GSSG ratio (76% of control), the down-regulation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) (67% of control), GST (74% of control), and GR (90% of control). Plasma CAT and GSH-Px activities, MDA and lactate levels were significantly increased in l-NAME treated rats. The biochemical changes were accompanied by increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Interaction of exercise training and chronic NOS inhibitor treatment resulted in normalization of plasma NO levels, GSH/GSSG ratio, SOD and GST activities, and the up-regulation of, CAT, GSH-Px, and GR activities. The interaction resulted in depletion of plasma MDA levels compared to l-NAME treated group. The biochemical changes were accompanied by decrease in BP and HR compared to l-NAME treated group. The data suggest that the exercise training attenuated the oxidative injury caused by NOS inhibitor by increasing the plasma NO levels, GSH/GSSG ratio and up-regulating the antioxidant enzyme and lowering the BP and HR in the rat.
DNR Tattoos: A Cautionary Tale

A 59-year-old man with diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, hypertension and dyslipidemia was admitted to the hospital for a below-the-knee amputation due to chronic non-healing wounds of his lower extremity. Physical examination revealed a “D.N.R.” tattoo on his chest (Fig. 1). Upon reviewing his code status, he indicated that he would want resuscitative efforts initiated in the event of a cardiac or respiratory arrest. However, he did not want prolonged attempts at resuscitation. When asked why his tattoo conflicted with his wishes to be resuscitated, he explained that he had lost a bet playing poker with fellow ancillary hospital staffers while inebriated in his younger years; the loser had to tattoo “D.N.R.” across his chest. His code status was subsequently documented correctly in his medical record with further explanation of his wishes. Despite his comorbidities, he was relatively active in his outside life and was medically stable during his time in the hospital. It was suggested that he consider tattoo removal to circumvent future confusion about his code status. He stated he did not think anyone would take his tattoo seriously and declined tattoo removal. Figure 1. Patient’s “D.N.R.” tattoo.
Identification of CD8+ T cell host factors involved in HIV control

Methods To accomplish this, we performed whole genome transcriptional profiling on sorted epitope-specific CD8 T cells, in the presence and absence of cognate peptide, from a total of 8 B*2705 elite controllers and progressors. Epitope-specific CTLs were isolated using HLA class I tetramers and used to prepare mRNA for evaluation by gene expression profiles using whole genome Illumina bead arrays. Bulk CD8 T cells were used as an internal control for each patient.
A theoretical model for enzymatic catalysis using asymmetric hollow fiber membranes

The behavior of an immobilized enzyme reactor utilizing asymmetric hollow fibers is simulated using a theoretical model. In this reactor, an enzyme solution contained within the annular open-cell porous support structure of the fiber is separated from a substrate flowing through the fiber lumen by an ultrathin dense membrane impermeable to enzyme but permeable to substrate and product. The coupled set of model equations describing the behavior of this reactor represents an extended Graetz problem in the fiber lumen, with diffusion through the ultrathin fiber skin and reaction in the microporous sponge region. Exact analytic expressions for substrate concentration profiles throughout an idealized fiber which incorporate the membrane and hydrodynamic mass transfer resistances are obtained for a first-order enzyme reaction, and numerical techniques for their evaluation are given. This analysis is extended to yield a numerical finite difference solution for nonlinear Michaelis-Menten reaction kinetics, which is shown to agree with the analytic solution, as Km/C0, the ratio of the Michaelis constant to the initial substrate concentration, becomes large (> 100).
Is CEO Pay Too High and Are Incentives Too Low? A Wealth-Based Contracting Framework

Executive Overview In the wake of the recent financial crisis, proposals have been put forward to resolve “problems” with executive pay and incentives. Although these proposals discuss ways firms or regulators might get executives to hold greater incentives, they fail to identify how one should determine whether an executive has enough (or too much) incentives. We lay out an economic framework for thinking about what level of performance-based incentives an executive should have. In doing so, we emphasize how performance-based incentives are linked to executive pay levels, as well as to the level of executives' wealth. We also make clear both the benefits and costs of performance-based incentives.
Improved Meshing Technique for the Engine Exhaust of an Over-the-Wing Engine and Circulation Control Wing Configuration

This paper details the results of ongoing efforts to Improve upon the meshing techniques requIred to produce accurate RANS CFD solutions for attached and separated flows for a Circulation Control aircraft. Work, thus far, under the current NASA Research An­ nouncemant (NRA) project has revolved around an unstructured near-body volume mesh due to Its robustness for complicated geometries. However, It has been found that this technique does a poor job capturing detailed flow features such as the boundary layer, shoar layer, and wake of large velocity-gradient regions. Its hindrance is primarily due to the limitations of current computational resources, thus new techniques are investigated to Improve the qnallty of CFD solutions while not impeding on resources. High quality hybrid near-body volume meshes that combine atructured and unstructured meshing have been utilized to meet tha goals of the project. The area around the engine and clrculatlon control slots serves as the hasis for Improved meshing techniques. So far, a hybrid mesh has been successfully generated around the engine and the results of the CFD solutions have Improved immensely. The focus of this paper is to show a comparison of the quality of the CFD solution of old and new meshing techniques. In addition, preilminary results of a hybrid mesh around the circulation control slots are discussed and will be the focus of future work. It has been determined that the primary meshing software used, ICEM CFD does not allow enough user control to adaquate1y refIoe particular reglons In the flow field, thus, alternative meshing software will have to be explored. Current computing resources limit the total size of the mesh to about 3lI million. However, given this constraint, the results clearly show that the hybrid mesh attains more refIoed and atable CFD solutions.
Microbial Transglutaminase Estimation in Enzyme‐treated Surimi‐Based Products by Enzyme Immunosorbent Assay

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for specific determination of microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) has been developed using its polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. In the assay we calibrated sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS)-denatured MTGase for standard, and the detection limit of the SDS-denatured MTGase was 0.1 μg/mL. When products were extracted with SDS and 2-mercaptoethanol, which assured optimum protein recovery, the assay covered the expected levels for determination of MTGase in surimi-based products. In model kamaboko products, recoveries were 50-71%. When the procedures were applied to commercial products, 0.01-0.18% (w/w) of MTGase were found in the products.
Characterization of Periodontal Structures of Enamelin-Null Mice

Background: Enamelin-null (ENAM−/−) mice have no enamel. When characterizing ENAM−/− mice, alveolar bone height reduction was observed, and it was hypothesized that enamel defects combined with diet are associated with the periodontal changes of ENAM−/−mice. The aim of the present study is to compare the dimension of interradicular bone of ENAM−/− (knock-out [KO]) with wild-type (WT) mice, maintained on hard (HC) or soft (SC) chow.Methods: A total of 100 animals divided into four groups were studied at 3, 8, and 24 weeks of age: 1) KO/HC; 2) KO/SC; 3) WT/HC; and 4) WT/SC. Microcomputed tomography was performed, and the following measurements were made between mandibular first (M1) and second (M2) molars: relative alveolar bone height (RBH), crestal bone width (CBW), bone volume (BV), bone mineral content (BMC), and bone mineral density (BMD). The position of M1 and M2 in relation to the inferior border of the mandible was also determined at 24 weeks. All variables were analyzed by one-way analysis of vari...
Column: NATA Education Think Tank Highlights

The following is a brief review of selected topics discussed on the NATA Think Tank Educator Forum. Only NATA members can access the archived messages and discussions. To view this forum, go to: http://forum.nata.org/thinktanks (login required).
Decoding the content of visual short-term memory under distraction in occipital and parietal areas

Using fMRI multi-voxel pattern decoding, human superior IPS, but not occipital cortex, was found to closely track behavioral measures of information storage in visual short-term memory (VSTM) across distractor presence and predictability. This suggests that superior IPS, and not occipital cortex, has a central role in VSTM storage in the human brain.
A Long-Term Earthquake Rate Model for the Central and Eastern United States from Smoothed Seismicity

Abstract I present a long-term earthquake rate model for the central and eastern United States from adaptive smoothed seismicity. By employing pseudoprospective likelihood testing (L-test), I examined the effects of fixed and adaptive smoothing methods and the effects of catalog duration and composition on the ability of the models to forecast the spatial distribution of recent earthquakes. To stabilize the adaptive smoothing method for regions of low seismicity, I introduced minor modifications to the way that the adaptive smoothing distances are calculated. Across all smoothed seismicity models, the use of adaptive smoothing and the use of earthquakes from the recent part of the catalog optimizes the likelihood for tests with M ≥2.7 and M ≥4.0 earthquake catalogs. The smoothed seismicity models optimized by likelihood testing with M ≥2.7 catalogs also produce the highest likelihood values for M ≥4.0 likelihood testing, thus substantiating the hypothesis that the locations of moderate-size earthquakes can be forecast by the locations of smaller earthquakes. The likelihood test does not, however, maximize the fraction of earthquakes that are better forecast than a seismicity rate model with uniform rates in all cells. In this regard, fixed smoothing models perform better than adaptive smoothing models. The preferred model of this study is the adaptive smoothed seismicity model, based on its ability to maximize the joint likelihood of predicting the locations of recent small-to-moderate-size earthquakes across eastern North America. The preferred rate model delineates 12 regions where the annual rate of M ≥5 earthquakes exceeds 2×10 −3 . Although these seismic regions have been previously recognized, the preferred forecasts are more spatially concentrated than the rates from fixed smoothed seismicity models, with rate increases of up to a factor of 10 near clusters of high seismic activity. Online Material: Figures of minimum-magnitude determination, b -value estimation, and maps of earthquake rate and forecasts, and tables of optimized neighbor numbers and smoothing distances.
Filling the gaps: Policy supports and interventions for scaling up renewable energy development in Small Island Developing States

Abstract SIDS have both opportunities and challenges – economic, social and environmental vulnerability – for low carbon development. Economically, they are highly dependent on international trade; they have limited domestic markets, too small to provide significant scale economies; their exports are constraint by their isolation and remote location. We provide an overview of current energy situation in SIDS, their goals to adopt low carbon economic development paths, policies already in place or required to achieve the goals and challenges to implement their plans and strategies. The focus is on energy policy landscape that needs to be addressed in order to scale-up renewable energy technologies needed to stimulate low carbon economic growth. We find that SIDS face four key barriers to renewable energy development: information to improve the energy information network by strengthening existing information systems and building awareness of renewable energy; financing mechanisms for renewable energy projects, including regional loan structures and technical assistance to banks; policy supports to implement regulatory frameworks that enable renewable energy development; and building technical capacity among players in the renewable energy field. We recommend “policy enablers” that underlie what could positively impact on renewable energy goals and more broadly energy efficiency and climate change.
Interpretations and methods: Towards a more effectively self-correcting social psychology

Abstract We consider how valid conclusions often lay hidden within research reports, masked by plausible but unjustified conclusions reached in those reports. We employ several well-known and cross-cutting examples from the psychological literature to illustrate how, independent (or in the absence) of replicability difficulties or questionable research practices leading to false positives, motivated reasoning and confirmation biases can lead to drawing unjustified conclusions. In describing these examples, we review strategies and methods by which researchers can identify such practices in their own and others' research reports. These strategies and methods can unmask hidden phenomena that may conflict with researchers' preferred narratives, in order to ultimately produce more sound and valid scientific conclusions. We conclude with general recommendations for how social psychologists can limit the influence of interpretive biases in their own and others' research, and thereby elevate the scientific status and validity of social psychology.
Effectiveness trial of an indicated cognitive-behavioral group adolescent depression prevention program versus bibliotherapy and brochure control at 1- and 2-year follow-up.

Objective The main goal of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of a brief group cognitive-behavioral (CB) adolescent depression indicated prevention program through 2-year follow-up, relative to CB bibliotherapy and brochure control, when high school personnel recruited students and delivered the program. Method Three hundred seventy-eight adolescents (M age = 15.5, SD = 1.2; 68% female, 72% White) with elevated self-assessed depressive symptoms who were randomized to CB group, CB bibliotherapy, or educational brochure control were assessed at pretest, posttest, and 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month follow-up. Results By 2 years postintervention, CB group participants showed significantly lower major depressive disorder (MDD) onset versus CB bibliotherapy (10% vs. 25%, respectively; hazard ratio = 2.48, p = .006), but the incidence difference relative to brochure controls (17%) was nonsignificant; MDD incidence for bibliotherapy and brochure controls did not differ. Although CB group participants showed lower depressive symptoms at posttest versus brochure controls, there were no effects for this outcome or for social adjustment or substance use over 2-year follow-up. Moderator analyses suggested that participants with higher baseline depressive symptoms showed greater long-term symptom reductions in the CB group intervention versus bibliotherapy. Conclusions The evidence that a brief CB group intervention delivered by real-world providers significantly reduced MDD onset versus CB bibliotherapy is potentially encouraging. However, the lack of MDD prevention effects relative to brochure control and lack of long-term symptom effects (though consistent with results from other depression prevention trials), suggest that the delivery of the CB group should be refined to strengthen its effectiveness.
Real-Time Extended Kalman Filter Stability Indicator

Two sets of theoretical tools for building a real-time stability indication system for discrete-time Extended Kalman Filters (EKFs) are developed. The first set of tools can be used to calculate bounds on the mean and covariance at the end of each time step after propagating the states through nonlinear state transition equations. The second set of tools gives suggested modifications to the user-defined control actions to drive down the covariance matrix and enhance the observability of the states. This is useful to actively safeguard the stability of the estimator in the future, while only allowing local deviations from the user-defined input. Both sets of tools are implemented in a case study.
The elusive diagnosis of leprosy.

As the incidence of tuberculosis decreased the last 10 years, new cases of leprosy increased. The highest incidence of new cases in the United States was reported in Texas. It may be that with the decline of tuberculosis, the natural ecology of mycobacteria is reversed, and if measures are not taken, the leprosy/tuberculosis ratio may again favor leprosy.
Introduction: Rome Re-imagined

This introductory chapter provides an overview of the book, which maps outsiders' and insiders' understandings of the strengthening of papal authority, the battle against corruption in the Church, and the revival of classical culture, that began at the end of the eleventh century and gathered force during much of the twelfth. The ways in which twelfth-century Rome, with its ancient history, classical and Christian monuments, and reasserted papal power evoked diverse reactions in the minds of outsiders are brilliantly investigated in the book. Opening the ears to the voices of Jew and Muslim, Englishman, Spaniard, German, and Byzantine-as well as local Christians-the book, thus, provide a new account of the City and the reform movement centered in it that were, themselves, fundamentally multi-vocal. Keywords:christians; jew; muslim; papal authority; Rome
Maturation of the Analysis

An interesting trend has developed over time concerning analysis of the disruptive behavior conundrum (Table 4.1). Historically, the issue raised tended to focus on a single person or behavior rather than on an interface between a system and multiple participants in the event. It was felt that this behavior was a problem resting solely with the physician, and therefore the disruptive physician label was applied. It became recognized, however, that perhaps it was not the individual who was undesirable but rather the behavior itself, and so the use of the descriptor disruptive physician behavior replaced the disruptive physician label.
Bridging Technical Eclecticism and Theoretical Integration: Assimilative Integration

Assimilative integration is a new type of psychotherapy integration introduced by Messer in 1992. This paper explains the “where, what, when, and how” of this integrative route, outlines its advantages and weaknesses, and discusses areas for potential assimilative practice in various models of therapy. Following a brief review of the current status of psychotherapy integration and its practices, assimilative integration is conceptualized as a “mini theoretical integration” and as “theoretical eclecticism”; it is offered as a bridge between theoretical integration and technical eclecticism. Assimilative integration is proposed as the best theoretically and empirically based integrative approach available at this time, particularly for therapists who have been trained in a single mode of therapy before they became integrationists.
Experimental and Computational Forensics Characterization of Weapons-Grade Plutonium Produced in a Fast Reactor Neutron Environment

A terrorist attack using an improvised nuclear device is one of the most serious dangers facing the United States. The work presented here is part of an effort to improve nuclear deterrence by deve...
Scn2b Deletion in Mice Results in Ventricular and Atrial Arrhythmias

Background—Mutations in SCN2B, encoding voltage-gated sodium channel β2-subunits, are associated with human cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation and Brugada syndrome. Because of this,...
Karasu, Sylvia R. & T. Byram Karasu. THE ART OF MARRIAGE MAINTENANCE

Karasu, Sylvia R. & T. ByramKarasu. THE ART OF MARRIAGE MAINTENANCE. Lanham, MD: Jason Aronson, USA, 2005. $24.95. (Price from publisher and from Amazon, paperback)The title is at once attractive. The authors coin the term "MarriageSense" which they define as an "understanding and appreciation for what marriage entails for each spouse" (p. 3). In the world of self-help marriage education, this book presents a very distinctive contrast. The authors' approach is largely rooted in evolutionary psychological and biological perspectives, as opposed to the more common cognitive-behavioral, communication systems, and humanistic psychology approaches of other books in the marketplace. The authors present an interesting and often entertaining integration of scholarly perspectives with the literary and sacred.The book has many strengths. Each chapter begins with a opening main idea statement which serves as a helpful take-home idea for the reader as well as an introduction and invitation of things to come. Chapters contain strategically placed, shaded boxes containing bulleted ideas comprised of punch-line points as well as helpful advice. Chapters teem with many clear examples and illustrations of occasionally complex ideas. The book contains an extensive bibliography which reflect and support the professional perspectives of the authors, thus the ideas presented are well-researched and thoughtful. The common biological/hormonal analyses of marital issues are among most useful and unique contributions of the book.From a scholarly perspective, The Art of Marriage Maintenance raises come concerns. While the bibliography is extensive, overall the book makes greater use of book-length works as references and less reliance on refereed work appearing in scientific journals. Some of the book-length sources lack scientific rigor and credibility (e.g., John Gray's Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus has been widely criticized by scholars). Many of the ideas are clearly theoretical rather than empirically demonstrated (e.g., references to Freudian perspectives occasionally occur). The chapter on communication in marriage, while interestingly written, seems to overexaggerate and overgeneralize differences between men and women, and relies on older book-length work (i.e., Deborah Tannen's 1990 work) to bolster its assertions. Most notably, the book does not draw on decades of mainstream refereed scholarship that exists on the anatomy of healthy marriages. …
Aspirin Use Reduces the Risk of Aggressive Prostate Cancer and Disease Recurrence in African-American Men

Background: Men of African descent experience a disproportionately high prostate cancer mortality. Intratumoral inflammation was found to be associated with aggressive prostate cancer. We and others have shown that prostate tumors in African-American (AA) patients harbor a distinct immune and inflammation signature when compared with European-American (EA) patients. These observations suggest that inflammation could be a driver of aggressive disease in men of African descent, leading to the hypothesis that an anti-inflammatory drug like aspirin could prevent disease progression.Methods: We examined the relationship between aspirin use and prostate cancer in the NCI-Maryland Prostate Cancer Case-Control Study consisting of 823 men with incident prostate cancer (422 AA and 401 EA) and 1,034 population-based men without the disease diagnosis (486 AA and 548 EA).Results: We observed a significant inverse association between regular aspirin use and prostate cancer among AA men. Stratification of AA patients by disease stage showed that daily and long-term (>3 years) aspirin use significantly decreased the risk of advanced disease [adjusted ORs for T3/T4 disease: 0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.17-0.73; and 0.22, 95% CI, 0.08-0.60, respectively], but not early-stage disease (T1/T2). Regular aspirin use also reduced disease recurrence in AA men.Conclusions: Regular aspirin use is associated with a decreased risk of advanced stage prostate cancer and increased disease-free survival in AA men.Impact: Regular aspirin use before and after a prostate cancer diagnosis may prevent the development of aggressive disease in AA men who are at risk of a lethal malignancy. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(6); 845-53. ©2017 AACR.
Race, violence and neoliberalism: crime fiction in the era of Ferguson and Black Lives Matter

ABSTRACTThis paper uses recent instances of police killings of African-American men, and of the retaliatory violence that has flared up in cities across the US, and of the emergence of Black Lives ...
Initial Experience Using a High-Definition 3-Dimensional Exoscope System for Microneurosurgery.

Background The operative microscope and endoscope have significantly advanced modern neurosurgery. These devices are nonetheless limited by high costs and suboptimal optics, ergonomics, and maneuverability. A recently developed extracorporeal telescope ("exoscope") operative system combines characteristics from both the operative microscope and endoscope and provides an affordable, portable, high-definition operative experience. Widespread use of exoscopes in neurosurgery has previously been limited by a lack of stereopsis with 2-dimensional(2-D) monitors. Objective To assess the surgical potential of a novel, 3-D, high-definition (4K-HD) exoscope system. Methods Assess dissection time and visualization of critical structures in a series of human cadaveric cranial neurosurgical approaches with the 3-D 4K-HD exoscope as compared to a standard operating microscope. Results Dissection times and visualization of critical structures was comparable with the 3-D 4K-HD exoscope and a standard operating microscope. The low-profile exoscope nonetheless allowed for larger operative corridors, enhanced instrument maneuverability, and less obstruction in passing instrumentation. The large monitor also resulted in an immersive surgical experience, and gave multiple team members the same high-quality view as the primary operator. Finally, the exoscope possessed a more ergonomically favorable setup as compared to the traditional microscope, allowing the surgeon to be in a neutral position despite the operative angle. Conclusion The novel 3-D 4K-HD exoscope system possesses favorable optics, ergonomics, and maneuverability as compared to the traditional operating microscope, with the exoscope's shared surgical view possessing obvious educational and workflow advantages. Further clinical trials are justified to validate this initial cadaveric experience.
Halogen Bonds Formed between Substituted Imidazoliums and N Bases of Varying N-Hybridization

Heterodimers are constructed containing imidazolium and its halogen-substituted derivatives as Lewis acid. N in its sp3, sp2 and sp hybridizations is taken as the electron-donating base. The halogen bond is strengthened in the Cl < Br < I order, with the H-bond generally similar in magnitude to the Br-bond. Methyl substitution on the N electron donor enhances the binding energy. Very little perturbation arises if the imidazolium is attached to a phenyl ring. The energetics are not sensitive to the hybridization of the N atom. More regular patterns appear in the individual phenomena. Charge transfer diminishes uniformly on going from amine to imine to nitrile, a pattern that is echoed by the elongation of the C-Z (Z=H, Cl, Br, I) bond in the Lewis acid. These trends are also evident in the Atoms in Molecules topography of the electron density. Molecular electrostatic potentials are not entirely consistent with energetics. Although I of the Lewis acid engages in a stronger bond than does H, it is the potential of the latter which is much more positive. The minimum on the potential of the base is most negative for the nitrile even though acetonitrile does not form the strongest bonds. Placing the systems in dichloromethane solvent reduces the binding energies but leaves intact most of the trends observed in vacuo; the same can be said of ∆G in solution.
Radiative cooling of swept-up gas in AGN-driven galactic winds and its implications for molecular outflows

We recently used hydro-chemical simulations to demonstrate that molecular outflows observed in luminous quasars can be explained by molecule formation within the AGN wind. However, these simulations cover a limited parameter space, due to their computational cost. We have therefore developed an analytic model to follow cooling in the shocked ISM layer of an AGN wind. We explore different ambient densities ($1-10^{4} \, \rm{cm}^{-3}$), density profile slopes ($0-1.5$), AGN luminosities ($10^{44}-10^{47} \, \rm{erg} \, \rm{s}^{-1}$), and metallicities ($0.1-3 \rm{Z}_{\odot}$). The swept up gas mostly cools within ~1 Myr. Based on our previous simulations, we predict that this gas would produce observable molecular outflows. The instantaneous momentum boost initially increases as the outflow decelerates. However, it reaches a maximum of $\approx$20, due to work done against the gravitational potential. The predicted time-averaged observational estimate of the molecular outflow momentum boost reaches a maximum of $\approx1-2$, partly due to our assumed molecular fraction, 0.2, but also because the instantaneous and observational, time-averaged definitions are not equivalent. Thus recent observational estimates of order unity momentum boosts do not necessarily rule out energy-driven outflows. Finally, we find that dust grains are likely to re-form by accretion of metals after the shocked ISM layer has cooled, assuming that a small fraction of dust grains swept up after this layer has cooled are able to mix into the cool phase, and assuming that grain growth remains efficient in the presence of the strong AGN radiation field. This would enable rapid molecule formation, as assumed in our models.
Eigenstate-specific temperatures in two-level paramagnetic spin lattices.

Increasing interest in the thermodynamics of small and/or isolated systems, in combination with recent observations of negative temperatures of atoms in ultracold optical lattices, has stimulated the need for estimating the conventional, canonical temperature Tcconv of systems in equilibrium with heat baths using eigenstate-specific temperatures (ESTs). Four distinct ESTs—continuous canonical, discrete canonical, continuous microcanonical, and discrete microcanonical—are accordingly derived for two-level paramagnetic spin lattices (PSLs) in external magnetic fields. At large N, the four ESTs are intensive, equal to Tcconv, and obey all four laws of thermodynamics. In contrast, for N < 1000, the ESTs of most PSL eigenstates are non-intensive, differ from Tcconv, and violate each of the thermodynamic laws. Hence, in spite of their similarities to Tcconv at large N, the ESTs are not true thermodynamic temperatures. Even so, each of the ESTs manifests a unique functional dependence on energy which clearly spe...
Experimental study of interfacial structure of horizontal air-water two-phase flow in a 101.6 mm ID pipe

Abstract The current work seeks to investigate the interfacial structure and establish an extensive experimental database in horizontal air–water two-phase flow in a 101.6 mm inner diameter pipe. A wide range of flow configurations are studied including bubbly, plug and slug flows. A flow visualization study using the high-speed video camera enables qualitative description of bubbly-to-plug and bubbly-to-slug transitions, while the database of local time-averaged two-phase flow parameters obtained by the four-sensor conductivity probe enables quantitative study on the evolution of the flow. Detailed measurements across the flow area are performed for nine test conditions at three different axial locations downstream of the inlet. Using this database, the effects of superficial liquid and gas velocities, and development length on the evolution of interfacial structure are investigated. Similar characteristics are observed as in a counterpart 38 mm ID horizontal two-phase flow facility, which include (1) the bubbles are found to be more concentrated near the top wall in bubbly flow as superficial liquid velocity decreases at a constant superficial gas velocity, while increasing superficial gas velocity promotes the growth of bubble layer thickness; (2) in bubbly-to-plug transition, the void fraction of small bubbles decreases and the size of small bubbles increases, while in bubbly-to-slug transition, opposite trends are observed. Meanwhile, different characteristics on the evolution of the interfacial structure are also observed, which indicates the effect of increasing pipe diameter. The bubbly-to-plug/slug transition is found to shift to higher superficial liquid velocities as pipe diameter increases. It is observed that the gas phase is more concentrated near the top wall in the large diameter pipe. As a result, the distance between bubbles is smaller and there is a higher chance for bubbles to coalesce into large bubbles. The critical void fraction where the bubbly-to-plug/slug transition initiates decreases as pipe size increases.
Word sense and case slot disambiguation

The tasks of disambiguating words and determining case are similar and can usefully be combined. We present two cooperating mechanisms that each work on both tasks: MARKER PASSING finds connections between concepts in a system of frames, and POLAROID WORDS provide a protocol for negotiation between ambiguous words and cases. Examples of each in action are given. The cooperating mechanisms allow linguistic and world knowledge to be unified, frequently eliminate the need to use inference in disambiguation, and provide a usefully constrained model of disambiguation.
Meta-Cognitive Myopia and the Dilemmas of Inductive-Statistical Inference

Abstract What I have come to call “meta-cognitive myopia” (MM), using a term once suggested by Robyn Dawes, is the phenomenon that people are pretty accurate in utilizing even large amounts of stimulus information, whereas they are naive and almost blind regarding the history and validity of the stimulus data. This uncritical reliance on the information given is the most conspicuous when the task context makes it crystal-clear that the stimulus data should not be trusted. In the introduction, MM is located within a broader framework of meta-cognition research, and several examples are provided to illustrate the phenomenon. The central message is laid out that MM offers an alternative account of many biases in judgment and decision making, which have been traditionally explained in terms of capacity constraints, limited reasoning ability, motivational forces, or severely biased environmental input. The explanatory power of the MM construct, and its theoretical potential to predict new findings, is then demonstrated in a major review section with reference to five paradigms: inability to discard irrelevant information; utilization of selectively sampled information; conditional inference biases; sample-size neglect; and myopia for the impact of aggregation levels. The final discussion is concerned with the learning origins of MM and the question of why evolution did not equip Homo sapiens with more effective meta-cognitive tools. An analysis of the costs and benefits will reveal that MM may serve important adaptive functions, and that eliminating MM may have maladaptive effects. Nevertheless, in the context of many real decision problems, the costs and irrational consequences of MM cannot be denied. The final discussion therefore focuses on possible ways to avoid and alleviate MM and its irrational consequences.
Lessons in Leadership from Isaiah

The present social and economic situation in the United States does not bode well for what the future may have in store for this great nation. Income inequality and stagnation, skyrocketing deficits, health care, and education seem to be listlessly addressed, when they should be the defining bullets of the national dialogue. This is not the first great empire to be in danger of an interior collapse; numerous ancient empires have succumbed to such a breakdown. This paper will examine the words of Isaiah, whose prophecy of impending doom as well as hope, is relevant to Americans today as it was to ancient Israel more than 2,700 years ago. America can restore its once esteemed status and moral leadership by heeding the words of this old and wise prophet. One of his key messages was: “No peace and prosperity without economic and social justice."
Acetaminophen and protein thiol modification.

Acetaminophen (4′-hydroxyacetanilide, APAP) is a widely-used analgesic and antipyretic drug which, while considered to be safe at therapeutic doses, can cause acute hepatic centrilobular necrosis in both humans and experimental animals when consumed in large doses (Boyd and Bereczky, 1966; Prescott et al., 1971; for a review see Hinson, 1980). In a series of classic studies (Mitchell et al., 1973a,b; Jollow et al., 1973, 1974; Potter et al., 1973, 1974), protein thiol group arylation by a reactive quinone imine metabolite of APAP was implicated in the pathogenesis of hepatotoxicity. Indirect evidence to support the hypothesis that cysteinyl thiol groups were arylated was provided by mass spectral characterization of thioether metabolites of acetaminophen (Jollow et al., 1974; Knox and Jurand, 1977; Nelson et al., 1981), and the 3-position of the aromatic ring was determined by 1H and 13C-NMR to be the site of conjugation with glutathione (Hinson et al., 1982). A few years later (Streeter et al., 1984; Hoffman et al., 1985), cysteinyl thioether conjugates at the same position of the aromatic ring were characterized as the major protein bound residues of acetaminophen.