cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An evolutionary framework for detecting protein conformation defects

In the medical community, the demand for detecting texture abnormalities related to pathological Protein Conformation Diseases (PCD) has been increasing for years. In this paper, we use the value (V) channel of an HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value) image, which provides a measurable Detection Region of the V Channel (DRVC) for isolating muscular Intranuclear Inclusions (INIs) indicative of Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy (OPMD), one variety of PCD. Derived from the Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF) computation over DRVC (CDF-DRVC), the robust cumulative histogram presents the INIs-texture-carrying intensity data as non-decreasing distributions, leading to an accurate estimation of intensities in the texture feature extraction. Beyond the proposed CDF-DRVC methodology, we introduce a methodology of feature synthesis to enhance the quality of feature representations. The experiments are conducted on irregular microscopic images (where variations in size and shape occur) in the binary classes of healthy and sick cases related to OPMD. The proposed framework achieves a higher accuracy rate for the detection as compared to other methods, and exhibits a detection strategy for other types of PCD in medical applications.
Minimizing the number of voltage sources and fluid reservoirs for electrokinetic valving in microfluidic devices.

A microchip gated valve is demonstrated that uses a single voltage source and three fluid reservoirs. The fluidic valve is a cross intersection, and the channels are dimensioned to perform the appropriate voltage division, simplifying the voltage control hardware. A single voltage source is applied directly to the sample reservoir and through a high-voltage relay to the buffer reservoir, and the waste reservoir is grounded. The volume of sample dispensed is determined by the duration that the high-voltage relay is open. Volumetric reproducibility is demonstrated to be <0.5% relative standard deviation for volumes of ≥20 pL. The valve is tested for the minimum applied voltage necessary for leakage-free operation, i.e., sample diffusing from the cross intersection into the analysis channel. Moreover, appropriate channel dimensions are used to minimize the number of fluid reservoirs allowing effluent from the analysis and waste channels to be combined into a single reservoir.
Placental transfer of sulindac and its active sulfide metabolite in humans.

Abstract OJECTIVE: Our aim was to investigate whether the human placenta is permeableto sulindc or its active sulfide metabolite. STUDY DESIGN: Nine pregnant patients (median gestational age [range]: 31.8 [24.3 to 36.4] weeks) were given a 200 mg oral dose of sulindac 5.5 (4.4. to 6.7) hours before 18 intravascular transfusions for rhesus or Kell alloimmunization. At each procedure maternal and fetal serum levels of sulindac and the active sulfide metabolite were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: The maternal sulfide level was significantly higher than the fetal sulfide levels, but no significant difference was noted between maternal and fetal sulindac levels. The sulfide fetal/maternal ratio was significantly lower than the sulindac fetal/maternal ratio. The sulfide/sulindac ratio was significantly higher in maternal serum versus fetal serum. The sulfide/sulindac ratio correlated with time from drug ingestion to sampling on the maternal side only. In patients studied on more than one occasion no consistent relationship between fetal sulindac, fetal sulfide, or fetal sulfide/sulindac ratio, and gestational age could be demonstrated. CONCLUSION: The placenta is permeable to sulindac but less so to its active surface metabolite. The reduction of sulindac to its active sulfide metabolite is decreased in the human fetus.
The Role of Development on Evolutionary Psychology: Tinbergen Revisited

Evolutionary theory has played a role in human psychological theory, at least since Darwin (1871, 1877). It was taken up by others—for example, Spencer (1878/1898), in his book The Principles of Ps...
Lorentz Violation and the Higgs Mechanism

We consider scalar quantum electrodynamics in the Higgs phase and in the presence of Lorentz violation. Spontaneous breaking of the gauge symmetry gives rise to Lorentz-violating gauge field mass terms. These may cause the longitudinal mode of the gauge field to propagate superluminally. The theory may be quantized by the Faddeev-Popov procedure, although the Lagrangian for the ghost fields also needs to be Lorentz violating.
Problems diagnosing bipolar disorder in clinical practice.

Bipolar disorder is a serious illness resulting in significant psychosocial morbidity and excess mortality. During the past few years, a series of research reports, reviews and commentaries have su...
Necking in plane strain under bending with constant tension

Abstract A s part of a study of failure of plates at built-in supports, modes of plane strain failure under increasing bending with constant tension are calculated for an elastic, power-law plastic material with kinematic hardening. Under increasing bending, the moment reaches a maximum when the bending curvature (normalized by the initial plate thickness) is approximately twice the strain-hardening exponent. At the maximum moment, different boundary conditions result in different failures. Under applied bending moment, rotational instability occurs. Under applied bending angle, stable localized kinking occurs. Kinking leads to high curvatures and then tensile necking. Large further applied bending curvature gives tensile necking. For example, with a strain-hardening exponent of n = 0.1 and a constant tensile force of 90% of that for necking under pure tension, a bending curvature of 0.865 (normalized by the initial plate thickness) is required for tensile instability. For most practical cases (that is, for the radius of curvature greater than the order of thickness), bending decreases the tensile necking force by 7–17% for a strain-hardening exponent of n = 0.2–0.05. Reversal before reaching the maximum moment requires almost the same curvature change to reach a maximum moment as for monotonic loading.
Free and forced obliquities of the Galilean satellites of Jupiter

The obliquity, or angular separation between orbit normal and spin pole, is an important parameter for the geodynamics of most Solar System bodies. Tidal dissipation has driven the obliquities of the Galilean satellites of Jupiter to small, but non-zero values. We present estimates of the free and forced obliquities of these satellites using a simple secular variation model for the orbits, and spin pole precession rate estimates based on gravity field parameters derived from Galileo spacecraft encounters. The free obliquity values are not well constrained by observations, but are presumed to be very small. The forced obliquity variations depend only on the orbital variations and the spin pole precession rate parameters, which are quite well known. These variations are large enough to influence spatial and temporal patterns of tidal dissipation and tidal stress.
Social status and children's orientations to limited resources.

6-year-old children were paired according to their sociometric status and then confronted with 3 situations in which there was only 1 toy for the 2 children. Children's responses to these limited-resource situations were coded in terms of a scheme reflecting the degree to which each child focused on his or her own concerns and/or those of the other child. Low status dyads were found to compete (i.e., focus on their own interests) more than high status dyads, who exhibited orientations focused more on mutual benefit. The implications of these results as well as the relations among general orientations and dyadic affect are discussed.
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Induces Cytoplasmic Accumulation of TIA-1/TIAR and both Synthesis and Cytoplasmic Accumulation of Tristetraprolin, Two Cellular Proteins That Bind and Destabilize AU-Rich RNAs

Herpes simplex virus 1 causes a shutoff of cellular protein synthesis through the degradation of RNA that is mediated by the virion host shutoff (Vhs) protein encoded by the UL41 gene. We reported elsewhere that the Vhs-dependent degradation of RNA is selective, and we identified RNAs containing AU-rich elements (AREs) that were upregulated after infection but degraded by deadenylation and progressive 3′-to-5′ degradation. We also identified upregulated RNAs that were not subject to Vhs-dependent degradation (A. Esclatine, B. Taddeo, L. Evans, and B. Roizman, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 101:3603-3608, 2004). Among the latter was the RNA encoding tristetraprolin, a protein that binds AREs and is known to be associated with the degradation of RNAs containing AREs. Prompted by this observation, we examined the status of the ARE binding proteins tristetraprolin and TIA-1/TIAR in infected cells. We report that tristetraprolin was made and accumulated in the cytoplasm of wild-type virus-infected human foreskin fibroblasts as early as 2 h and in HEp-2 cells as early as 6 h after infection. The amounts of tristetraprolin that accumulated in the cytoplasm of cells infected with a mutant virus lacking UL41 were significantly lower than those in wild-type virus-infected cells. The localization of tristetraprolin was not modified in cells infected with a mutant lacking the gene encoding infected cell protein 4 (ICP4). TIA-1 and TIAR are two other proteins that are associated with the regulation of ARE-containing RNAs and that normally reside in nuclei. In infected cells, they started to accumulate in the cytoplasm after 6 h of infection. In cells infected with the mutant virus lacking UL41, TIA-1/TIAR accumulated in the cytoplasm in granular structures reminiscent of stress granules in a significant percentage of the cells. In addition, an antibody to tristetraprolin coprecipitated the Vhs protein from lysates of cells late in infection. The results indicate that the Vhs-dependent degradation of ARE-containing RNAs correlates with the transactivation, cytoplasmic accumulation, and persistence of tristetraprolin in infected cells.
Template-constrained cyclic peptide analogues of somatostatin: subtype-selective binding to somatostatin receptors and antiangiogenic activity

Abstract β-Turns are a common secondary structure motif found in proteins that play a role in protein folding and stability and participate in molecular recognition interactions. Somatostatin, a peptide hormone possessing a variety of therapeutically-interesting biological acitivities, contains a β-turn in its bioactive conformation. The β-turn and biological activities of somatostatin have been succesfully mimicked in cyclic hexapeptide analogues. Two novel, structured, non-peptidic molecules were developed that are capable of holding the bioactive tetrapeptide sequence of somatostatin analogues in a β-turn conformation, as measured by somatostatin receptor (SSTR) binding. Template-constrained cyclic peptides in which the ends of the -Tyr- d -Trp-Lys-Val-tetrapeptide were linked by scaffolds based on either an N,N ′-dimethyl- N,N ′-diphenylurea or a substituted biphenyl system ( DJS631 and DJS811 , respectively), bound selectively to mouse SSTR2B and rat and human SSTR5 with affinities as high as 1 nM. DJS811 , at a dose of 3 mg/kg/day, was shown in a mouse Matrigel model to inhibit angiogenesis to a level of 79%. The development of structured turn scaffolds allows β-turn sequences to be contained in the context of a compact structure, with less peptidic nature and potentially greater bioavailability than cyclic hexapeptides. These systems can be used to study the determinants of β-turn formation, as well as to probe the importance of turn sequences occurring in molecular recognition interactions. The antiangiogenic activity of DJS811 suggests that it may have antitumor activity as well. In addition, because SSTR2 is overexpressed on many types of tumors, DJS631 and DJS811 may be useful in the development of agents for tumor imaging or the radiotherapy of cancer.
Psychosocial aspects in pediatric rheumatology.

UNLABELLED PURPOSE OF THIS ARTICLE: To review recent publications examining psychosocial adjustment to and coping with a pediatric rheumatic disease. RECENT FINDINGS The articles discussed illustrate important areas of psychological vulnerability and potential risk for disturbance in affected children and adolescents within their environment. SUMMARY Children and adolescents with rheumatic diseases and their families face a multitude of psychosocial challenges. Some of these are related to the illness directly, some to treatment. There is need for more systematic research, including multicenter studies, to identify psychosocial needs of patients and their families.
Computational and statistical efficiency of semiparametric gls estimators

In this note, we report a dramatic improvement in the computational efficiency of semiparametric generalized least squares(SGLS) estimation. Computation of SGLS estimates no longer presents serious problems with data sets of moderate size. We also correct a numerical error in the standard errors of the SGLS estimates reported in our recent paper in this journal (Horowitz and Neumann, 1987). The corrected standard errors of SGLS are comparable to those we reported for quantile estimates.
Rethinking How to Promote Maternity Care-Seeking: Factors Associated With Institutional Delivery in Guinea

This article presents findings from a study on women's delivery care-seeking in two regions of Guinea. We explored exposure to interventions promoting birth preparedness and complication readiness among women with recent live births and stillbirths. Using multivariate regression models, we identified factors associated with women's knowledge and practices related to birth preparedness, as well as their use of health facilities during childbirth. We found that women's knowledge about preparations for any birth (normal or complicated) was positively associated with increased preparation for birth, which itself was associated with institutional delivery. Knowledge about complication readiness, obstetric risks, and danger signs was not associated with birth preparation or with institutional delivery. The study findings highlight the importance of focusing on preparation for all births—and not simply obstetric emergencies—in interventions aimed at increasing women's use of skilled maternity care.
Female-Specific Increase in Primordial Germ Cells Marks Sex Differentiation in Threespine Stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)

Gonadal sex differentiation is increasingly recognized as a remarkably plastic process driven by species-specific genetic or environmental determinants. Among aquatic vertebrates, gonadal sex differentiation is a frequent endpoint in studies of endocrine disruption with little appreciation of underlying developmental mechanisms. Work in model organisms has highlighted the diversity of master sex-determining genes rather than uncovering any broad similarities prompting the highly conserved developmental decision of testes versus ovaries. Here we use molecular genetic markers of chromosomal sex combined with traditional histology to examine the transition of the bipotential gonads to ovaries or testes in threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus). Serially-sectioned threespine stickleback fry were analyzed for qualitative and quantitative indications of sexual differentiation, including changes in gonadal morphology, number of germ cells and the incidence of gonadal apoptosis. We show that threespine stickleback sampled from anadromous and lacustrine populations are differentiated gonochorists. The earliest sex-specific event is a premeiotic increase in primordial germ cell number followed by a female-specific spike in apoptosis in the undifferentiated gonad of genetic females. The data suggest that an increase in PGC number may direct the undifferentiated gonad toward ovarian differentiation.
Widespread Triggering of Nonvolcanic Tremor in California

We identified seven locations on or near the transform plate boundary in California where nonvolcanic tremor was triggered by the 2002 Denali earthquake. This result implies that the conditions essential for nonvolcanic tremor exist in a range of tectonic environments. Models explaining tremor typically require conditions endemic to subduction zones, that is, high temperatures and fluid pressures, because previously tremor was nearly exclusively documented in subduction zones. The absence of tremor in geothermal areas is inconsistent with such models. Additionally, we found no correlation between creeping or locked faults and tremor, contrary to predictions of frictional models of tremor.
Hydrogen gas yields in irradiated room-temperature ionic liquids

Abstract Yields of H2 produced by electron beam irradiation were investigated in a series of room-temperature ionic liquids comprising 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium, 1-hexyl-4-(dimethylamino)pyridinium, 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium, triethylammonium or trioctyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium cations associated with bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion. The G(H2) values ranged from 2.6×10−8 mol/J for the imidazolium and pyridinium-based ionic liquids to 2.5×10−7 mol/J for the phosphonium liquid. These results correlate well with yields of gaseous hydrogen in studies of nonionic aliphatic and aromatic organic compounds.
A diode laser study of the product branching ratio of the CH+N2O reaction

Abstract The reactions of CH and CD radicals with N 2 O were studied at room temperature by an excimer photolysis/infrared absorption technique, using multiphoton photolysis of CHBr 3 or CDBr 3 at 248 nm. Two product channels were detected: HCN+NO in 72±4% yield, and CO+H+N 2 in 28±4% yield. No detectable change in the branching ratios upon deuteration was observed.
A model-based interface development environment

The author describes Mobi-D (Model-Based Interface Designer), a comprehensive environment that supports user-centered design through model-based interface development. In the Mobi-D paradigm, a series of declarative models, such as user-task, dialog, and presentation, are interrelated to provide a formal representation of an interface design. This contrasts to model-based systems, which use only one or two models in isolation and have no explicit notion as to how the various model elements are organized into an interface design.
Decomposition of a Cu-Ni-Cr ternary alloy

Abstract Atom-probe field-ion microscopy (APFIM) was employed to study the phase separation process in a Cu-33.3at%Ni-1.7at%Cr ternary alloy. Formation of the coherent second phase was clearly observed after aging for 15 min at 823 K. Although no discrete precipitates were recognized in the Ne-ion image before 15 min aging, APFIM results showed a broadening in the concentration fluctuations. A grand-canonical (Gaussian) distribution was used to described the time evolution of the frequency distribution of Ni in the composition profiles. From the logarithmic plot of the relative change in variance versus aging time, the relaxation time for the clustering of Ni was determined.
Modular construction of A1+xM4-2xM'7+xSe15 (A = K, Rb; M = Pb, Sn; M' = Bi, Sb) : A new class of solid state quaternary thermoelectric compounds

Five isostructural compounds, K1.25Pb3.5Bi7.25Se15 (I), K1.46Sn3.09Bi7.45Se15 (II), Rb1.45Pb3.1Sb7.45Se15 (III), K1.45Pb3.1Sb7.45Se15 (IV), and K2.15Pb1.7Sb8.15Se15 (V) were prepared by the molten flux method as silver rodlike air-stable crystals. They all crystallize in the monoclinic space group P21/m with a = 17.4481(8) A, b = 4.1964(2) A, c = 21.695(1) A, β = 98.850(1)° for I, a = 17.454(5) A, b = 4.201(1) A, c = 21.760(6) A, β = 98.550(5)° for II, a = 17.3160(7) A, b = 4.1406(2) A, c = 21.6401(8) A, β = 99.139(1)° for III, a = 17.1204(6) A, b = 4.1568(2) A, c = 21.6362(8) A, β = 98.706(1)° for IV, and a = 17.167(4) A, b = 4.1494(9) A, c = 21.684(5) A, β = 98.664(3)° for V (Z = 2 for all compounds). The general formula A1+xM4-2xM‘7+xSe15 (A = K, Rb; M = Pb, Sn; M‘ = Bi, Sb) is derived from a large degree of variability in composition that is expressed in terms of mixed occupancy among A+, M2+, and M‘3+ atoms. The structure type has a three-dimensional framework assembled from NaCl- and Bi2Te3-type mod...
The Impact of Service-Learning on Ethnocentrism in an Intercultural Communication Course

This study analyzes a project involving students enrolled in an intercultural communication class that employs service-learning. Participants were given the Generalized Ethnocentrism (GENE) scale developed by Neuliep and McCroskey at the beginning and conclusion of a semester of service-learning with a cultural group different than their own. Results indicate a significant decrease in ethnocentrism from the beginning to the end of the semester. Analysis of students' written reflections about their service experiences reinforces the conclusion that service-learning played a part in reducing ethnocentrism. Although further research is needed to provide a control for the manipulation, there is a preliminary indication that service-learning with diverse cultures may provide a type of consistent, deep, and meaningful contact that leads to lower levels of ethnocentrism.
Low-cost power amplifiers with silicon transistors

Characteristics of silicon and germanium power transistors used in power output stages of audio amplifiers are discussed. The higher junction temperature and lower I CBO of silicon are the major advantages. A high-voltage class A audio amplifier with the advantages of a direct-coupled drive circuit is discussed. Low-cost semiconductors are used to replace electrolytic capacitors. The advantages of transformerless push-pull circuits and capacitive vs. direct coupling to the load are also discussed. Both 2\frac{1}{2} -watt and 20-watt circuits are described and shown to give high performance and to protect the output transistors against overdrive.
Raman spectroscopy and time-resolved photoluminescence of BN and BxCyNz nanotubes

We report Raman and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopic studies of multiwalled BN and BxCyNz nanotubes. The Raman spectroscopy shows that the as-grown BxCyNz nanotubes are radially phase separated into BN shells and carbon shells. The photoluminescence decay process is characterized by two time constants that are attributed to intra- and inter-BN sheet charge recombination, respectively. A comparison of the photoluminescence of BN nanotubes to that of hexagonal BN is consistent with the existence of a spatially indirect band gap in multiwalled BN nanotubes as predicted by theory.
The relationship of manual dexterity and knowledge to performance of oral hygiene.

The correlations between manual dexterity test scores and oral hygiene scores and the correlations between the level of oral hygiene knowledge and oral hygiene scores were investigated in 59 students. Oral hygiene was measured by a modified Loe and Silness plaque index. The buccal and lingual plaque scores were considered together as were the mesial and distal scores. Dexterity was measured by a peg board test and oral hygiene knowledge was measured by a 15 question multiple choice test. Each subject was shown two audiovisual programs on oral hygiene. Plaque scores were measured at the beginning of the study, at 7 days (immediately after carrying out oral hygiene) and at 14 days. Manual dexterity of the right or preferred hand showed significant statistical correlations with all oral hygiene scores except the 14 day interproximal score. There was no significant correlation between left or nonpreferred hand on any of the plaque scores. A correlation was seen between knowledge of oral hygiene (as measured by the multiple choice test) and several of the oral hygiene scores. These correlations were less significant than that seen between dexterity and oral hygiene.
Supporting Interpersonal Interaction during Collaborative Mobile Search

O-SNAP is a mobile application that explicitly supports in-person collaborative search by enabling users to physically signal their willingness to share and by facilitating face-to-face search-related communication. The Web extra at http://youtu.be/AKoITuxB9BY is a video in which author Meredith Ringel Morris discusses scenarios that can prompt collaborative information seeking.
Electron-spin-resonance determination of the internal field within the superconductor YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7

An electron-spin-resonance method was developed for measuring the strength of the magnetic field at the surface of a superconductor located in an external magnetic field. This method was used to determine the temperature dependence of the susceptibility of ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$ in a 0.3-T magnetic field.
Comparison of vespid venoms collected by electrostimulation and by venom sac extraction.

Abstract Venoms of three vespid species, yellow jacket, bald-faced hornet, and yellow hornet, obtained by either electrostimulation or venom sac extraction were compared with regard to their enzymatic activity, antigenicity, and allergenicity. Phospholipase A, phospholipase B, and hyaluronidase enzymatic activities were present in all six preparations. The activity of venom sac extracts lay in the range found in different batches of venoms obtained by electrostimulation for each species. Analysis of sera from vespid-sensitive patients in the radioallergosorbent test (RAST) with discs coupled with either venom sac extracts or venoms obtained by electrostimulation showed a good correlation of the results within all three species (r = 0.95). In RAST inhibition the potency of venom sac extracts and venom obtained by electrostimulation was similar for each species. Analysis of rabbit antisera to the six preparations revealed similar patterns in immunoelectrophoresis and identity reactions between the major antigens within each species. Tissue protein contamination was detected in all venom sac extracts but not in venoms obtained by electrostimulation.
Grain boundary segregation in solution-treated Nimonic PE16 during neutron irradiation

Abstract Solute segregation at grain boundaries has been examined in solution-treated Nimonic PE16 after irradiation in EBR-II to fluences of 6 and 10 × 1022 n/cm2 (E > 0.1 MeV) in the temperature range 425–650°C. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry shows grain boundary enrichment of Ni, Ti, Al and Si and depletion of Fe and Cr in samples irradiated at temperatures above 510°C. Electron microscope examinations further show that a continuous 30 nm thick layer of γ' forms at grain boundaries and at incoherent twin boundaries in samples irradiated at temperatures at and above 510°C and that antiphase boundaries are clearly revealed in superlattice dark-field images of the γ'. The thickness of the radiation-induced γ' layer at boundaries do not appear to be sensitive to irradiation temperature and neutron fluence. In addition to γ', M23C6 particles also precipitate at grain and at incoherent twin boundaires and the precipitate size depends on the irradiation temperature and the neutron fluence. The post-irradiation ductility degradation of this alloy at elevated temperatures is attributed to the brittle cleavage failure of the continuous γ' layer present at the grain boundaries.
Post-translational modification regulates prostaglandin D2 synthase apoptotic activity: characterization by site-directed mutagenesis.

Lipocalin-type prostaglandin D2 synthase (L-PGDS) is a highly glycosylated protein found in several body fluids. Elevated L-PGDS levels have been observed in the serum of patients with renal impairment, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Recently, we demonstrated the ability of L-PGDS to induce apoptosis in a variety of cell types including epithelial cells, neuronal cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect several site-directed mutations had on L-PGDS-induced apoptosis in order to identify potential sites of regulation. Point mutations created in a glycosylation site (Asn51), a protein kinase C phosphorylation site (Ser106), and the enzymatic active site (Cys65) all inhibited L-PGDS-induced apoptosis as determined by both terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) and caspase-3 activity. We also compared the L-PGDS isoforms present in GK rat serum to WKY control serum using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and observed distinct differences which vanished after PNGase F glycolytic digestion. We conclude that post-translational modification of L-PGDS, by either glycosylation or phosphorylation, enhances its apoptotic activity and inhibits VSMC hyperproliferation and postulate that this process is altered in type 2 diabetes.
Nucleosome and chromatin fiber dynamics

Chromosomal DNA is packaged into condensed nucleoprotein suprastructures, yet the DNA can be accessed as needed within this structural context. Recently, progress has been made concerning how the nucleosomal subunits of chromatin fibers are disassembled and reassembled in vitro and in vivo. At the level of the chromatin fiber, the conformational organization of condensed 30 nm secondary structures has been elucidated. A great deal of progress also has been made toward understanding how chromatin architectural proteins, such as MeCP2, MENT, polycomb and HP1α, assemble different specific types of secondary and tertiary chromatin structures. The emerging picture is that the inherent dynamics of nucleosomal assemblages at all structural levels are a key link between the condensed domains found in eukaryotic genomes and the functions that take place within them.
Cell type-specific Rab32 and Rab38 cooperate with the ubiquitous lysosome biogenesis machinery to synthesize specialized lysosome-related organelles

Lysosome-related organelles (LROs) exist in specialized cells to serve specific functions and typically co-exist with conventional lysosomes. The biogenesis of LROs is known to utilize much of the common protein machinery used in the transport of integral membrane proteins to lysosomes. Consequently, an outstanding question in the field has been how specific cargoes are trafficked to LROs instead of lysosomes, particularly in cells that simultaneously produce both organelles. One LRO, the melanosome, is responsible for the production of the pigment melanin and has long been used as a model system to study the formation of specialized LROs. Importantly, melanocytes, where melanosomes are synthesized, are a cell type that also produces lysosomes and must therefore segregate traffic to each organelle. Two small GTPases, Rab32 and Rab38, are key proteins in the biogenesis of melanosomes and were recently shown to redirect the ubiquitous machinery—BLOC-2, AP-1 and AP-3—to traffic specialized cargoes to melanosomes in melanocytes. In addition, the study revealed Rab32 and Rab38 have both redundant and unique roles in the trafficking of melanin-producing enzymes and overall melanosome biogenesis. Here we review these findings, integrate them with previous knowledge on melanosome biogenesis and discuss their implications for biogenesis of other LROs.
Forage quality of five cool-season grasses. II. Species effects

A 2-year field experiment was conducted on established stands of smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), timothy (Phleum pratense L.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) to evaluate maturity effects on quality. Herbage was sampled on seven dates during spring and early summer. Species did not differ in total N and all declined in N with shoot maturation. Timothy was highest in average in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) at 661 g kg−1 and orchardgrass was lowest at 615 g kg−1. Reed canarygrass and tall fescue declined more rapidly in IVDMD with maturation than timothy and smooth bromegrass. Orchardgrass had the highest average neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentration at 624 g kg−1. Tall fescue had the lowest average NDF concentration, at 576 g kg−1, but reed canarygrass increased more rapidly in NDF with maturation than smooth bromegrass and timothy. Results of this experiment indicate that reed canarygrass and, to a certain extent, tall fescue changed more rapidly in IVDMD, NDF and acid detergent fibre (ADF) with maturation than the other species and thus would need to be utilized at an earlier stage of maturity to obtain forage of similar quality. Timothy and smooth bromegrass declined least rapidly in quality. Timothy had the highest average IVDMD, but tall fescue had a lower average NDF concentration indicating that species differences also exist in cell-wall digestibility.
A new species and new sections of Rhipidocladum (Poaceae: Bambusoideae)

Rhipidocladum longispiculatum, a woody bamboo from the montane forests of Colombia, is described and illustrated. A classification of Rhipidocladum into three sections is proposed based on differences in internode structure, culm leaves, fimbriae of the foliage leaf sheaths, inflorescences, spikelet bracts, and foliar anatomy and micromorphology. Rhipidocladum section Rhipidocladum is distinguished by the zigzag rachis of the inflorescence and obtuse spikelet bracts, and includes only one species, R. harmonicum. Section Didymogonyx is characterized by alternating long and short internodes, and includes R. longispiculatum and R. geminatum. Section Racemiflorum is distinguished by its relatively long culm leaf blades, racemiform inflorescences, and mucronate or aristate spikelet bracts; the remainder of the species of the genus are classified within this section. A review of morphology, foliar anatomy, and micromorphology ofthe Arthrostylidiinae, the subtribe to which Rhipidocladum belongs, is presented. The problem of generic classification within the subtribe is discussed with respect to its mosaic pattern of morphological and anatomical variation.
Preparation and properties of laser dye-ORMOSIL composites

Various organic laser dyes have been incorporated into organically modified silicates (ORMOSILs), derived from polydimethylsiloxane and tetraethoxysilane. These sol-gel derived PT-ORMOSILs proved to be good hosts for the laser dyes in terms of stability and optical gain. Some of the dyes, for example, Rhodamine 610, Rhodamine 620, and Rhodamine 640, have shown higher stability in PT-ORMOSILs than in methyl alcohol. The stability of Rh6G in a PT-ORMOSIL is 76% higher in dry nitrogen than in air, because of the contribution of oxygen and/or moisture to the dye degradation processes. The fluorescence intensity for Rh610 was enhanced by a factor of 3.9 as the temperature was cooled from room temperature to 77 K.
Genetic transformation of midgut bacteria from the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta).

In our previous study we isolated 10 bacterial species from fourth-instar larval midguts of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. Here we report the genetic transformation and reintroduction of three species (Kluyvera cryocrescens, Serratia marcescens, and isolate 38) into the fire ant host. All three species were transformed with the plasmid vector, pZeoDsRed. High expression levels of DsRed were observed and the plasmid is maintained in these bacteria at 37°C in the absence of antibiotic selection for at least 9 days of subculturing. The transformed bacteria were successfully reintroduced into fire ant larvae and survived in the fire ant gut for at least 7 days. Upon pupal emergence, 7 days after reintroduction, transformed bacteria can still be isolated, however, most were passed out in the meconium. We further demonstrated that the engineered bacteria could be spread within the colony by feeding this meconium to naive larvae with the aid of worker fire ants.
Metabolic symbiosis in cancer: refocusing the Warburg lens.

Using relatively primitive tools in the 1920s, Otto Warburg demonstrated that tumor cells show an increased dependence on glycolysis to meet their energy needs, regardless of whether they were well-oxygenated or not. High rates of glucose uptake, fueling glycolysis, are now used clinically to identify cancer cells. However, the Warburg effect does not account for the metabolic diversity that has been observed amongst cancer cells nor the influences that might direct such diversity. Modern tools have shown that the oncogenes, variable hypoxia levels, and the utilization of different carbon sources affect tumor evolution. These influences may produce metabolic symbiosis, in which lactate from a hypoxic, glycolytic tumor cell population fuels ATP production in the oxygenated region of a tumor. Lactate, once considered a waste product of glycolysis, is an important metabolite for oxidative phosphorylation in many tissues. While much is known about how muscle and the brain use lactate in oxidative phosphorylation, the contribution of lactate in tumor bioenergetics is less defined. A refocused perspective of cancer metabolism that recognizes metabolic diversity within a tumor offers novel therapeutic targets by which cancer cells may be starved from their fuel sources, and thereby become more sensitive to traditional cancer treatments. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The evaluation of physical exam findings in patients assessed for suspected burn inhalation injury.

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the utility of singed nasal hair (SN), carbonaceous sputum (CS), and facial burns (FB) as indicators of burn inhalation injury, when compared to the accepted standard of bronchoscopic diagnosis of inhalation injury. An institutional review board approved, retrospective review was conducted. All patients were suspected to have burn inhalation injury and subsequently underwent bronchoscopic evaluation. Data collected included: percent burn TBSA, burn injury mechanism, admission physical exam findings (SN, CS, FB), and bronchoscopy findings. Thirty-five males and twelve females met inclusion criteria (n = 47). Bronchoscopy was normal in 31 patients (66%). Data were analyzed as all patients and in subgroups according to burn TBSA and an enclosed space mechanism of injury. Physical exam findings (SN, CS, FB) were evaluated individually and in combination. Overall, the sensitivities, specificities, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values calculated were poor and inconsistent, and they did not improve within subgroup analysis or when physical findings were combined. Further statistical analysis suggested the physical findings, whether in isolation or in combination, have poor discrimination between patients that have and do not have inhalation injury (AUC .05) and poor agreement with the diagnosis made by bronchoscopy (κ .05). This remained true in the subgroup analysis as well. Our data demonstrated the findings of SN, CS, and FB are unreliable evidence for inhalation injury, even in the context of an enclosed space mechanism of injury. Thus, these physical findings are not absolute indicators for intubation and should be interpreted as one component of the history and physical. Language: en
Analysis of landmarks in recognition of face expressions

Facial expression is a powerful mechanism used by humans to communicate their emotions, intentions, and opinions to each other. The recognition of facial expressions is extremely important for a responsive and socially interactive human-computer interface. Such an interface with a robust capability to recognize human facial expressions should enable an automated system to effectively deploy in a variety of applications, including human computer interaction, security, law enforcement, psychiatry, and education. In this paper, we examine several core problems in face expression analysis from the perspective of landmarks and distances between them using a statistical approach. We have used statistical analysis to determine the landmarks and features that are best suited to recognize the expressions in a face. We have used a standard database to examine the effectiveness of landmark based approach to classify an expression (a) when a face with a neutral expression is available, and (b) when there is no a priori information about the face.
Use of filtration and buffers in raw sugar colour measurements.

Colour, an important parameter in quality evaluation of raw sugar solutions, is sensitive to and greatly affected by pH and turbidity of the solutions. Buffers and filtration were used to control the problematic colour fluctuations due to the above factors. The buffers used to maintain pH included glutaric acid, citric acid, 3-(N-morpholino)-2-hydroxy-propane sulphonic acid (MOPSO), triethanolamine (TEA) and tris-hydroxymethy-aminomethane (Tris). The turbidity was minimised by using glass-fibre filters with a 0·7-μm pore size in series. The results showed that by using MOPSO buffer and three glass-fibre filters in series, the effect of pH and turbidity on colour measurement of raw sugar solutions can be minimised. MOPSO buffer combined excellent pH stabilisation at pH 7·00 and limited colour alteration. © 1997 SCI.
Information processing and Bayesian analysis

Abstract Science involves learning from data. Herein this process of learning or information processing is considered within the context of optimal information processing, as in Zellner (1988,1991,1997). Information criterion functionals are formulated and optimized to provide optimal information processing rules, one of which is Bayes’ theorem. By varying the inputs and using alternative side conditions, various optimal information processing rules are derived and evaluated. Generally output information = input information for these rules and thus they are 100% efficient learning rules. When different weights or costs are associated with alternative inputs, “anchoring” like effects, much emphasized in the psychological literature are the results of optimal information processing procedures. Further, dynamic information processing results are reviewed and extensions noted. Last, some implications of the information processing approach for learning from data will be discussed.
A Possible Ultra-Micro Biodetection Method for Androgens

VERY young guppies (Lebistes reticulatus) will give a visible morphological reaction to extremely low concentrations of methyl testosterone in the water in an aquarium. Observations indicate that individuals 1–5 days of age are sensitive to concentrations of this steroid in the order of 10−12 M, and thus to quantities in the µµgm. range, if not lower.
Chemistry. A new twist on molecular shape.

What are the forces that control the twisting and folding of molecules into complex shapes? Don't look for the answers in your organic chemistry textbook.
Ordinals and ordinal functions representable in the simply typed lambda calculus

Abstract We define ordinal representations in the simply typed lambda calculus, and consider the ordinal functions representable with respect to these notations. The results of this paper have the same flavor as those of Schwichtenberg and Statman on numeric functions representable in the simply typed lambda calculus. We define four families of ordinal notations; in order of increasing generality of the type of notation, the representable functions consist of the closure under composition of (1) successor and α ↦ ωα, (2) addition and α ↦ ωα, (3) addition and multiplication, and (4) addition, multiplication, and a “weak” discriminator.
Provider response to different formats of the adult immunization schedule.

Background Providers’ failure to administer vaccines in accordance with established recommendations is a well-recognized barrier to national immunization efforts. This study evaluated the ease of use of two different formats of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) adult immunization schedule by physicians in private practice, where the majority of adult immunizations are administered. Methods A series of focus groups was conducted with 94 physicians and other clinical staff in 11 private practices (family medicine and internal medicine) in six U.S. cities. Each session was based on a structured set of questions that explored barriers to adult immunizations, followed by three mock clinical scenarios to examine how each of two graphical depictions of the 2003–2004 adult immunization schedule (one from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and the other from the Immunization Action Coalition) might facilitate assessments of recommended immunizations. Group dialogue and individual participants’ written responses to the scenarios and the alternate schedule formats were analyzed. Results Providers perceived multiple barriers to adult immunization independent of immunization schedule formats, chiefly patients’ low interest in immunization and refusal of vaccines. Most participants were not familiar with either format of CDC’s adult immunization schedule before the study, but quickly developed strong preferences for one versus the other (usually the second format that they encountered). About half of the providers changed their vaccine recommendations for clinical scenarios when they consulted either schedule format, although some of the changes were not clinically appropriate. Participants suggested several ways to enhance the availability of the information contained in the schedule formats, especially through electronic means. Conclusions This qualitative study suggests ways in which graphic depictions of an adult immunization schedule may address adult immunization barriers. Greater provider familiarity with schedule formats will be critical to their appropriate application in clinical encounters.
Genetic mechanisms of lifespan extension by dietary restriction

Dietary restriction (DR) is the most robust environmental method of lifespan extension in species as diverse as yeast, worms, fruit flies and rodents. Here we discuss the genetic mechanisms that have been proposed for slowing the rate of aging by DR in various organisms. Understanding these genetic pathways will not only yield excellent research tools for understanding the biological mechanisms of aging but might also serve as potential drug targets for delaying age-related diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegeneration.
Entrepreneurship and the consequences of healthcare policy

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the long-run impact of federal government healthcare subsidies on the level of entrepreneurship as measured by self-employment. Design/methodology/approach – Using annual healthcare and employment data from 1948 through 1999, the paper empirically examines the relationship between the growth in employer-provided healthcare and the rate of self-employment as a share of the non-agriculture, civilian labor force. Findings – The regression results imply that there is a consistent effect that has appeared over time – where federal healthcare subsidies have disproportionately benefitted larger firms, contributing to the decline in the rate of self-employment, within-firm innovation, and factor mobility over time. Research limitations/implications – The research in this study is limited by the examination of self-employment only and a constant institutional structure across all states, only varying across time for the entire USA. In addition, an empirical study l...