cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
2014 Ebola Outbreak: Media Events Track Changes in Observed Reproductive Number

In this commentary, we consider the relationship between early outbreak changes in the observed reproductive number of Ebola in West Africa and various media reported interventions and aggravating events. We find that media reports of interventions that provided education, minimized contact, or strengthened healthcare were typically followed by sustained transmission reductions in both Sierra Leone and Liberia. Meanwhile, media reports of aggravating events generally preceded temporary transmission increases in both countries. Given these preliminary findings, we conclude that media reported events could potentially be incorporated into future epidemic modeling efforts to improve mid­ outbreak case projections.
136,138Ba(t, p) and the systematics of neutron pairing vibrations at N = 82

Abstract The 136,138 Ba(t, p) reaction has been studied at E t = 17 MeV. The neutron monopole and quadrupole pairing vibration states were located in 138 Ba at 3.612 MeV and 4.043 MeV, respectively. These results, when combined with previous observations in the Ce and Nd isotopes at the N = 82 closed shell, lead to a linear relationship between the two-neutron binding energies and the proton number. Predictions of locations of other pairing vibration states at the N = 82 shell are possible from these relations.
The Devolved Party Systems of the United Kingdom: Sub-national Variations from the National Model

In this article we examine the emerging party systems of the devolved environments, with an eye toward shedding light on the factors that influence the number of parties in a system where parties are already mobilized but the institutional context is new. Our findings demonstrate that electoral rules have an independent effect on the number of parties. More specifically, the use of proportional representation has increased the number of parties. In addition, two social cleavage structure factors appear to affect the design of the party system: class and center– periphery. All of these forces lead to a more complex governing arrangement in the devolved settings than that of the United Kingdom.
Analysis of the vitamin D system in cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas

Background: Increasing evidence points at an important function of vitamin D metabolites for growth regulation in various tissues, and new vitamin D analogs are interesting candidates for the treatment of malignancies, including squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Methods: We have analyzed expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR), vitamin D-25-hydroxylase (25-OHase), 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1α-hydroxylase (1α-OHase), and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-24-hydroxylase (24-OHase) in SCC. Results: Intensity of VDR immunoreactivity was increased in SCCs as compared to normal human skin. VDR staining did not correlate with histological type or grading, nor with markers for proliferation, differentiation, or apoptotic cells. Incubation of SCC cell lines (SCL-1, SCL-2) with calcitriol resulted in a dose-dependent suppression of cell proliferation (approximately up to 30%) in vitro, as measured by a tetrazolium salt (WST-1)-based colorimetric assay. RNA levels for VDR, 25-OHase, 1α-OHase, and 24-OHase were significantly elevated in SCCs as compared to HS, as measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that modulation of VDR expression and local synthesis or metabolism of vitamin D metabolites may be of importance for growth regulation of SCCs. Additionally, SCCs represent potential targets for therapy with new vitamin D analogs that exert little calcemic side effects or for pharmacological modulation of calcitriol synthesis/metabolism in these tumors.
Effect of Ti/Cr content on the microstructures and hydrogen storage properties of Laves phase-related body-centered-cubic solid solution alloys

Abstract A series of BCC/C14 mixed phase alloys with the chemical composition of Ti13.6+xZr2.1V44Cr13.2−xMn6.9Fe2.7Co1.4Ni15.7Al0.3, x = 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12, was fabricated, and their structural, gaseous phase and electrochemical hydrogen storage properties were studied. Raising the maximum pressure for measuring the gaseous hydrogen storage capacity allowed these alloys to reach full activation, and the maximum discharge capacities ranged from 375 to 463 mA h g−1. As the Ti/Cr ratio in the alloy composition increased, the maximum gaseous hydrogen storage capacity improved due to the expansion in both BCC and C14 unit cells. However, reversibility decreased due to the higher stability of the hydride phase, as indicated by the lower equilibrium pressures measured for these alloys. As with most other metal hydride alloys, the electrochemical capacities measured at 50 and 4 mA g−1 fell between the boundaries set by the maximum and reversible gaseous hydrogen storage capacities. The poorer high-rate dischargeability observed with higher Ti/Cr ratios was attributed to the lower surface exchange current (less catalytic). Two other negative impacts observed with higher Ti/Cr ratios in the alloy composition are poorer cycle stability and lower open-circuit voltage.
The role of negative reinforcement; or: Is there an altruist in the house?

We agree with Rachlin's argument that altruism is best understood as a case of self-control, and that a behavioral analysis is appropriate. However, the appeal to teleological behaviorism and the value of behavioral patterns may be unnecessary. Instead, we argue that altruism can generally be explained with traditional behavioral principles such as negative reinforcement, conditioned reinforcement, and rule-governed behavior.
Circular optimal trade-off and distance-classifier correlation filters

We use circular versions of advanced distortion-invariant filters such as optimal trade-off synthetic discriminant function and distance classifier correlation filters to obtain rotation invariance with an optical correlator. The filter noise performance is compared using a common measure of probability of error because the filters have different characteristics. The filters are real-valued so they can be implemented on a variety of SLMs. The circular symmetry of the filters significantly decreases their computational requirement.
Cretaceous rhythmic bedding sequences: a plausible link between orbital variations and climate

Abstract Simple oscillation cycles have been recognized in Cretaceous pelagic sequences as a marked periodicity in carbonate and/or organic carbon content. The estimated periodicities of these cycles resemble Milankovitch-type variations in orbital elements. However, during warm geologic periods the nature of the link between orbital variations and the sedimentary record has been problematic. Climate model studies show that the intensity of continental margin precipitation in specific low latitude regions is a function of land-sea thermal contrast which is sensitive to orbital variations. Cretaceous climate model simulations are characterized by regions of intense precipitation, the locations of which are controlled by geographic configuration. In particular, in the model simulation, the northern margin of the Tethys Ocean has all the climatic characteristics necessary to exhibit a sensitivity to orbital variations. Detailed studies of the biota, sedimentology and geochemistry of the bedding rhythms in Greenhorn Cyclothem in the Western Interior Seaway of North America are best interpreted in terms of variations in precipitation, runoff and stable stratification of the seaway. Combined the geologic and model studies support a link between orbital periodicities, variations of intense precipitation associated with specific paleogeographic situations and Cretaceous bedding patterns. This hypothesis has important implications for the sensitivity of the atmosphere-hydrosphere-lithosphere system to external forcing.
Formation of targeted monovalent quantum dots by steric exclusion

Precise control over interfacial chemistry between nanoparticles and other materials remains a major challenge that limits broad application of nanotechnology in biology. To address this challenge, we used 'steric exclusion' to completely convert commercial quantum dots (QDs) into monovalent imaging probes by wrapping each QD with a functionalized oligonucleotide. We demonstrated the utility of these QDs as modular and nonperturbing imaging probes by tracking individual Notch receptors on live cells.
Bedtime at Nana and Pop’s House

Requires a hug and a kiss From the two year old In Mickey Mouse pajamas, Climbing on my lap, Interrupting the crime-news on T.V., Smack! a kiss on the left ear, Smack! a kiss on the right, "Eye, eye," the imp insists, (Thank goodness for eyeglasses) "Nose, nose," comes the next command. I panic (what to do?!) This adorable, cute, bright, affectionate kid, My own grandchild, Heading for the lips, now! (What a strange ritual The young parents have invented) All I can think of, are GERMS: Giardia, Hemophilus, E. coli, Strep, Staph, and Pneumo, A host of enterorespiratory viruses Multiplying on this adorable child’s pink Mucous membranes, fingertips, His droplets and aerosols a sea of microbes. I suddenly thrust him At arm’s length, crown him With a kiss on the curls Of the cranium, blo A few more long-distanc Kisses as I hand him To his mother (Before any more infestation can occur). I return to the gloomy T.V., Wondering what the incubation Periods are for the most likely Forms of gastroenteritis, hepatitis, Pink eye, U.R.I. and Bronchopneumonia. How fortunate the non-medical Parents and co-grandparents, Who hug, hug; kiss, kiss Without worry or care!
Little science, big science: strategies for research portfolio selection in academic surgery departments.

Objective: To evaluate National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding for academic surgery departments and to determine whether optimal portfolio strategies exist to maximize this funding. Background Data: The NIH budget is expected to be relatively stable in the foreseeable future, with a modest 0.7% increase from 2005 to 2006. Funding for basic and clinical science research in surgery is also not expected to increase. Methods: NIH funding award data for US surgery departments from 2002 to 2004 was collected using publicly available data abstracted from the NIH Information for Management, Planning, Analysis, and Coordination (IMPAC) II database. Additional information was collected from the Computer Retrieval of Information on Scientific Projects (CRISP) database regarding research area (basic vs. clinical, animal vs. human, classification of clinical and basic sciences). The primary outcome measures were total NIH award amount, number of awards, and type of grant. Statistical analysis was based on binomial proportional tests and multiple linear regression models. Results: The smallest total NIH funding award in 2004 to an individual surgery department was a single $26,970 grant, whereas the largest was more than $35 million comprising 68 grants. From 2002 to 2004, one department experienced a 336% increase (greatest increase) in funding, whereas another experienced a 73% decrease (greatest decrease). No statistically significant differences were found between departments with decreasing or increasing funding and the subspecialty of basic science or clinical research funded. Departments (n = 5) experiencing the most drastic decrease (total dollars) in funding had a significantly higher proportion of type K (P = 0.03) grants compared with departments (n = 5) with the largest increases in total funding; the latter group had a significantly increased proportion of type U grants (P = 0.01). A linear association between amount of decrease/increase was found with the average amount of funding per grant and per investigator (P < 0.01), suggesting that departments that increased their total funding relied on investigators with large amounts of funding per grant. Conclusions: Although incentives to junior investigators and clinicians with secondary participation in research are important, our findings suggest that the best strategy for increasing NIH funding for surgery departments is to invest in individuals with focused research commitments and established track records of garnering large and multiple research grants.
The Escherichia coli ClpA molecular chaperone self-assembles into tetramers.

The Escherichia coli ATP-dependent protease, ClpAP, is composed of the hexameric ATPase/protein-unfoldase, ClpA, and the tetradecameric proteolytic component, ClpP. ClpP proteolytically degrades folded proteins only when associated with the motor protein ClpA or ClpX, both of which use ATP binding and/or hydrolysis to unfold and translocate proteins into the tetradecameric serine protease ClpP. In addition to ClpA’s role in regulating the proteolytic activity of ClpP, ClpA catalyzes protein unfolding of proteins that display target sequences to “remodel” them, in vivo, for regulatory roles beyond proteolytic degradation. In order for ClpA to bind protein substrates targeted for removal or remodeling, ClpA first requires nucleoside triphosphate binding to assemble into an oligomeric form with protein substrate binding activity. In addition to this nucleotide driven assembly activity, ClpA self-associates in the absence of nucleoside triphosphate binding. An examination of the energetics of the nucleotide d...
In vivo percutaneous absorption studies of volatile organic solvents in hairless mice II. Toluene, ethylbenzene and aniline

Percutaneous absorption studies were conducted with three single-ring, radiolabeled aromatic solvents (benzene derivatives) using a recently described direct method for studying volatile chemicals in hairless mice. Total absorption, determined from the sums of radioactivity found in the excreta, expired breath and carcass, was 2.1%, 3.4% and 4.7% of the nominal dose for toluene, ethylbenzene and aniline, respectively. Breath decay curves indicated that absorption of toluene and ethylbenzene was complete by 15 min after application and that by this time the excretion rate of aniline exceeded the absorption rate. Evaporation rates were used to derive estimated contact times, and these in turn were used in conjunction with the absorbed doses to estimate percutaneous absorption rates. Equivalent dermal exposures (cm2 · min) that would yield body burdens equivalent to those expected following 8-h inhalations at existing US permissible exposure limits during light work were calculated. The data indicate that dermal absorption of these compounds could approach or exceed that from inhalation under some work conditions. Correlations between absorption and various physical properties were evaluated using Spearman's correlation coefficients. The physical properties evaluated included volatility, solubility, octanol/water partition coefficients and melting points. For this limited series of benzene derivatives, two measures of volatility, i.e. vapor pressure and boiling point, were the only physical properties significantly correlated with percutaneous absorption.
The moving spirit

Gravitational Physics of Stellar and Galactic Systems. By William C. Saslaw. Cambridge University Press: 1985. Pp.491. 50, 90.
Multiple‐facility loading under capacity‐based economies of scope

Multiple-facility loading (MFL) involves the allocation of products among a set of finite-capacity facilities. Applications of MFL arise naturally in a variety of production scheduling environments. MFL models typically assume that capacity is consumed as a linear function of products assigned to a facility. Product similarities and differences, however, result in capacity-based economies or diseconomies of scope, and thus the effective capacity of the facility is often a (nonlinear) function of the set of tasks assigned to the facility. This article addresses the multiple-facility loading problem under capacity-based economies (and diseconomies) of scope (MFLS). We formulate MFLS as a nonlinear 0–1 mixed-integer programming problem, and we discuss some useful properties. MFLS generalizes many well-known combinatorial optimization problems, such as the capacitated facility location problem and the generalized assignment problem. We also define a tabu-search heuristic and a branch-and-bound algorithm for MFLS. The tabu-search heuristic alternates between two search phases, a regional search and a diversification search, and offers a novel approach to solution diversification. We also report computational experience with the procedures. In addition to demonstrating MFLS problem tractability, the computational results indicate that the heuristic is an effective tool for obtaining high-quality solutions to MFLS. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 44: 229–256, 1997
Dirty Birds, Filthy Immigrants, and the English Sparrow War: Metaphorical Linkage in Constructing Social Problems

The role of metaphor in the construction of social problems has often been neglected. Yet we believe that the use of metaphorical linkage can help explain how social problems become defined. To explore the role of metaphorical linkage, we examine a controversy that shook the American ornithological world of the late 19th century: The Great English Sparrow War. English sparrows were originally imported to the major American cities of the East, in the early 1850s, to control the infestation of trees by dropworms. These birds adapted successfully, and by the mid-1870s they began to be perceived as a menace to the American ecosystem. As a consequence, a vigorous debate began as to their usefulness or harmfulness, which often exceeded the bounds of scientific discourse. We argue that this controversy over the English sparrow was linked to the controversy over “the new immigration.” A post-bellum America faced the task of rebuilding its moral boundaries after the disruption of the Civil War and in the face of millions of immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe and the Orient. The opponents of the English sparrow drew their imagery from the nativism (anti-foreignism) of the day. They defined the bird as: (1) a foreigner, (2) that competes unfairly with native birds, (3) that has an immoral character, and (4) that needs to be eliminated from the American community of birds. Examining the metaphorical linkages among public concerns of the same period, we suggest, is a fruitful way of examining social problems.
Colored L-l filters and their application in speech pitch detection

This paper develops colored L-l filters with tap bias and evaluates their performance in nonlinear system modeling and speech pitch detection. L-l filters are nonlinear weighted sum based filters that jointly exploit the temporal and rank orderings of observation samples. The use of joint ordering allows L-l filters to effectively process nonstationary signals with heavy tailed distributions. Utilizing this method of incorporating temporal and rank order information, however, requires N/sup 2/ parameters to describe a window size N filter. This polynomial growth in the number of filter parameters limits the use of L-l filters to applications that can be satisfactorily addressed with moderate sized windows. It is shown here that performance increases in temporal-rank order filters can often be achieved by expanding the window size. A method for reducing the L-l filter parameter space, and thus relaxing the window size limitations, is developed through the use of group theory based coloring, or quantization, of rank order information. Additionally, the modeling ability of colored L-l filters is improved through the simple inclusion of tap biases. Optimization procedures are developed for determining filter tap weights and biases as well as the rank order coloring. It is shown that the window size/rank order quantization tradeoff has advantages in many applications and that the inclusion of tap bias results in improved nonlinear system modeling. Finally, a method for utilizing colored L-l filters in the determination of glottal closure instants (GCIs) for speech pitch period identification is developed. Results presented show that this method is a more accurate GCI indicator than a commonly used wavelet approach and requires less processing time.
Cloaking via change of variables for the Helmholtz Equation in the whole space

This paper is devoted to the study of a cloaking device that is composed of a standard near cloak based on a regularization of the transformation optics, i.e., a change of variables that blows up a small ball to the cloaked region, and a fixed lossy layer for the Helmholtz equation in the whole space of dimension 2 or 3 with the outgoing condition at infinity. We establish a degree of near invisibility, which is independent of the content inside the cloaked region, for this device. We also show that the lossy layer is necessary to ensure the validity of the degree of near invisibility when no constraint on physical properties inside the cloaked region is imposed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rethinking classical internal forces for active contour models

The classical active contour model has two basic internal forces: tension and curvature. These forces are included to provide cohe sion, equal control point spacing, and locally smooth shape. These classical internal forces have undesirable attributes that are in conflict with these original desired characteristics. Tension evenly spaces the control points, but also causes the models to collapse in weak image gradients. Curvature produces locally smooth curvature, but it does so by forcing the model toward a straight line. The paper returns to the original active contour model motivations to reformulate these internal forces. The desired properties are achieved without the introduction of unwanted model behavior A new spacing force and a new constant change in curvature force are introduced and their performance characteristics are discussed. The paper includes experimental results that demonstrate the efficacy and performance of the proposed reformulations.
Spatial Organization of GaSe Quantum Dots: Organic/Semiconductor Liquid Crystals

Mixed liquid crystals consisting of the smectic-A phase of 8CB and 8 nm GaSe nanoparticles have been formed and studied using static and time-resolved optical polarization spectroscopy. The mixture...
Peroxyacetic Acid: A Useful Cooxidant for the Ruthenium Tetroxide Oxidation of N-Sulfonylsulfilimines

Abstract The oxidation of a wide variety of N-sulfonylsulfilimines to the corresponding sulfoximines is described. The oxidation involves the use of peroxyacetic acid as a cooxidant for the actual oxidant, ruthenium tetroxide, in a biphasic media.
All numbers are not equal: An electrophysiological investigation of small and large number representations

Behavioral and brain imaging research indicates that human infants, humans adults, and many nonhuman animals represent large nonsymbolic numbers approximately, discriminating between sets with a ratio limit on accuracy. Some behavioral evidence, especially with human infants, suggests that these representations differ from representations of small numbers of objects. To investigate neural signatures of this distinction, event-related potentials were recorded as adult humans passively viewed the sequential presentation of dot arrays in an adaptation paradigm. In two studies, subjects viewed successive arrays of a single number of dots interspersed with test arrays presenting the same or a different number; numerical range (small numerical quantities 1-3 vs. large numerical quantities 8-24) and ratio difference varied across blocks as continuous variables were controlled. An early-evoked component (N1), observed over widespread posterior scalp locations, was modulated by absolute number with small, but not large, number arrays. In contrast, a later component (P2p), observed over the same scalp locations, was modulated by the ratio difference between arrays for large, but not small, numbers. Despite many years of experience with symbolic systems that apply equally to all numbers, adults spontaneously process small and large numbers differently. They appear to treat small-number arrays as individual objects to be tracked through space and time, and large-number arrays as cardinal values to be compared and manipulated.
Inferring User Interests on Tumblr

Inferring user interests is one of the core tasks for online social media services. It has direct impacts on personalization, recommendation and many other features for enhanced user experience. In this work, we proposed a novel bi-relational graph model to discover individual users’ topics of interest from Tumblr, which is one of the most popular microblogging services. The proposed graph model contains two sub-graphs: one corresponds to users and the other corresponds to topics. Such a representation allows for effective exploitation of both user homophily relation and topic correlation simultaneously. This is in contrast with previous work where these two factors are considered in isolation. Subsequently, the user interest discovery problem is formulated as a multi-label learning problem on the bi-relational graph, with the goal to estimate the optimized associations between user nodes and topic nodes across the two sub-graphs. Our experiment is carried out with the complete data collected from Tumblr for a full month. To our knowledge, this work is the first attempt to conduct large-scale user interest inference on the platform.
The Formation and Morphology of Stress Induced Voids in Thin Narrow Aluminum Lines

Thin, narrow, lines were reactive ion etched from a highly textured aluminum film deposited on (100) silicon substrates; some arrays of lines were covered with a passivation layer of silicon nitride. Passivated and unpassivated lines were heat treated at 400°C. Voids were present in nitride covered lines which were aged for over three months at room temperature as well as in nitride covered lines examined immediately after heat treatment. Voids were not visible in bare, heat treated lines. Void nucleation occurred at the points of intersection of grain boundaries with line edges and growth appeared to follow grain boundaries.
Hierarchical Genetic Organization of Human Cortical Surface Area

Surface area of the cerebral cortex is a highly heritable trait, yet little is known about genetic influences on regional cortical differentiation in humans. Using a data-driven, fuzzy clustering technique with magnetic resonance imaging data from 406 twins, we parceled cortical surface area into genetic subdivisions, creating a human brain atlas based solely on genetically informative data. Boundaries of the genetic divisions corresponded largely to meaningful structural and functional regions; however, the divisions represented previously undescribed phenotypes different from conventional (non-genetically based) parcellation systems. The genetic organization of cortical area was hierarchical, modular, and predominantly bilaterally symmetric across hemispheres. We also found that the results were consistent with human-specific regions being subdivisions of previously described, genetically based lobar regionalization patterns.
Strong Arguments, Weak Evidence

Sweeping, swashbuckling arguments that reject dominant modern theories and invoke alternatives with intuitive plausibility: those are the virtues of Ned Lebow's Why Nations Fight. I like the book. ...
Flexor reflex responses triggered by imposed knee extension in chronic human spinal cord injury

Hypersensitivity of the flexor reflex pathways to input from force-sensitive muscle afferents may contribute to the prevalence and severity of muscle spasms in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). In this study, we triggered flexor reflexes with constant velocity knee movements in 15 subjects with SCI. Ramp and hold knee extension perturbations were imposed on one leg while the hip and ankle were held in an isometric position using an instrumented leg brace. Knee, ankle and hip torque responses and electromyograms from six muscles of the leg were recorded following controlled knee extension at four different velocities. Tests were conducted with the hip in both flexed and extended positions. During the movement into knee extension, a velocity-dependent stretch reflex, represented by a progressively increasing knee flexion torque, was observed. In addition, another type of reflex that resembled a flexor reflex (flexion of the hip and ankle) was also triggered by the imposed knee extension. The magnitude of the ankle dorsiflexion torque responses was significantly correlated to the stretch reflex torque at the knee in 9 of the 15 subjects. We concluded that stretch reflexes initiate a muscle contraction that then can contribute to a flexor reflex response, possibly through muscle group III/IV afferent pathways. These results suggest that spasticity in SCI consists of a myriad of complex reflex responses that extend beyond stretch reflexes.
Muscle contributions to whole-body sagittal plane angular momentum during walking

Walking is a complex dynamic task that requires the regulation of whole-body angular momentum to maintain dynamic balance while performing walking subtasks such as propelling the body forward and accelerating the leg into swing. In human walking, the primary mechanism to regulate angular momentum is muscle force generation. Muscles accelerate body segments and generate ground reaction forces that alter angular momentum about the body’s center-of-mass to restore and maintain dynamic stability. In addition, gravity contributes to whole-body angular momentum through its contribution to the ground reaction forces. The purpose of this study was to generate a muscle-actuated forward dynamics simulation of normal walking to quantify how individual muscles and gravity contribute to whole-body angular momentum in the sagittal plane. In early stance, the uniarticular hip and knee extensors (GMAX and VAS), biarticular hamstrings (HAM) and ankle dorsiflexors (TA) generated backward angular momentum while the ankle plantar flexors (SOL and GAS) generated forward momentum. In late stance, SOL and GAS were the primary contributors and generated angular momentum in opposite directions. SOL generated primarily forward angular momentum while GAS generated backward angular momentum. The difference between muscles was due to their relative contributions to the horizontal and vertical ground reaction forces. Gravity contributed to the body’s angular momentum in early stance and to a lesser extent in late stance, which was counteracted primarily by the plantar flexors. These results may provide insight into balance and movement disorders and provide a basis for developing locomotor therapies that target specific muscle groups.
Functional Interaction of Monoubiquitinated FANCD2 and BRCA2/FANCD1 in Chromatin

Fanconi anemia (FA) is an autosomal recessive cancer susceptibility syndrome with at least 11 complementation groups (A, B, C, D1, D2, E, F, G, I, J, and L), and eight FA genes have been cloned. The FANCD1 gene is identical to the breast cancer susceptibility gene, BRCA2. The FA proteins cooperate in a common pathway, but the function of BRCA2/FANCD1 in this pathway remains unknown. Here we show that monoubiquitination of FANCD2, which is activated by DNA damage, is required for targeting of FANCD2 to chromatin, where it interacts with BRCA2. FANCD2-Ub then promotes BRCA2 loading into a chromatin complex. FANCD2−/− cells are deficient in the assembly of DNA damage-inducible BRCA2 foci and in chromatin loading of BRCA2. Functional complementation with the FANCD2 cDNA restores BRCA2 foci and its chromatin loading following DNA damage. BRCA2−/− cells expressing a carboxy-terminal truncated BRCA2 protein form IR-inducible BRCA2 and FANCD2 foci, but these foci fail to colocalize. Functional complementation of these cells with wild-type BRCA2 restores the interaction of BRCA2 and FANCD2. The C terminus of BRCA2 is therefore required for the functional interaction of BRCA2 and FANCD2 in chromatin. Taken together, our results demonstrate that monoubiquitination of FANCD2, which is regulated by the FA pathway, promotes BRCA2 loading into chromatin complexes. These complexes appear to be required for normal homology-directed DNA repair.
Plasminogen Activator System in Human Coronary Atherosclerosis

Altered coronary artery expression of plasminogen activator (PA) system components may predispose to thrombosis and modulate the vascular response to injury. By immunohistochemistry, we studied the expression of PAs (tPA and uPA), their major physiological inhibitor (PAI-1), and a receptor for uPA (uPAR) in human coronary arteries with either pure fibrointimal proliferation (n = 15) or developed atherosclerotic plaques (n = 10). Overall, the degree of staining showed the following rank order: PAI-1 > tPA > uPAR > uPA. A similar pattern was seen in two normal coronary arteries. There were no significant differences in the extent of staining in any vascular compartment between atherosclerotic arteries and those with only fibrointimal proliferation. However, the ratio of intimal to medial expression of tPA (P = .001) and uPAR (P = .004) was significantly increased in atherosclerotic arteries, with a similar trend for uPA (P = .069) but not for PAI-1 (P = .73). Four of 10 atherosclerotic arteries had higher uPAR expression in the intima than in the media, whereas none of the 15 arteries with only fibrointimal proliferation had this pattern (P < .01). Dual labeling studies demonstrated colocalization of all four PA system components in endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and macrophages, with a predominance of PAI-1. Thus, coronary arteries with a wide range of vascular pathology express an abundance of antifibrinolytic potential with enhanced local expression of profibrinolytic proteins, mainly within atherosclerotic plaques.
A multistage linear array assignment problem

Implementation of certain algorithms on parallel computing architectures may involve partitioning contiguous elements into a fixed number of groups, each to be handled by a single processor. We wish to find an assignment of elements to processors that minimizes the sum of the maximum workloads experienced at each stage. This problem may be viewed as a multiobjective network optimization problem. Polynomially-bounded algorithms are developed for the case of two-stages, whereas the general problem, for an arbitrary number of stages, is shown to be NP-hard. Heuristic procedures are therefore proposed and analyzed for the general problem. Computational experience with one of the exact algorithms, incorporating certain pruning rules, is presented for a variety of test problems. Empirical results also demonstrate that one of the heuristic procedures is especially effective in practice.
Adaptive successive interference cancellation for the IS-95 uplink

In this paper we examine an adaptive successive interference canceler (ASIC) that can separate direct-sequence code-division-multiple-access (DS/CDMA) signals for the IS-95 (Interim Standard 95) uplink under near-far conditions, i.e., without power control. The ASIC employs a multistage architecture where each stage consists of a conventional matched filter (MF) detector with equal gain combining (EGC), followed by an adaptive interference canceler (AIC) that is adjusted by the least-mean-square (LMS) algorithm to track time-varying multipath channels. Variants of the basic ASIC architecture which exploit the specific structure of the IS-95 uplink traffic channel are also discussed. The bit-error-rate (BER) performance of the ASIC is compared with that of other interference cancelers, demonstrating the effectiveness of the ASIC for near-far scenarios.
A brief self-help toolkit intervention for gambling problems: a randomized multisite trial

Two studies conducted in Massachusetts and Nevada evaluated the efficacy of a self-help toolkit for problem gambling. Individuals concerned about gambling-related problems, in response to public notices and newspaper advertisements, volunteered for a randomized trial of the self-help toolkit, Your First Step to Change: Gambling. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 conditions: (a) a printed toolkit, (b) the toolkit and a brief guide to the toolkit’s content, or (c) assignment to a wait-list condition. Participants, 145 in Massachusetts and 170 in Nevada, reported their gambling behavior, beliefs and attitudes about chance, and recent and planned help seeking at baseline, 88% at 1 month later, and 79% at 3 months later. Findings for the complete and intent-to-treat analyses at both sites indicated that participants significantly improved. At the end of the study period, significantly more toolkit recipients than control group participants reported recently abstaining from gambling. Minimally invasive, self-directed resources like this self-help toolkit can assist remediating gambling-related problems among gamblers who do not engage in formal treatment.
Design and Evaluation of a Personal Dry-Ice Cooling Jacket

A personal dry-ice cooling jacket for workers in industrial heat stress environments was developed following three stages of prototype design and evaluation. Model-B2 was evaluated in two laboratory heat stress environments (dry-bulb temperatures of 35 and 45 °C) on two male subjects pedalling 60 minutes. Garment variables were dry-ice surface area and pocket insulation.Mean heart rate throughout the 60 minute exposure was 14 beats/min less with the jacket in the 45 °C environment and 18 beats/min less in the 35 °C environment. Mean rate of sweat loss was 0.06 kg/hr·m2 less with the jacket at 45 °C and 0.21 less at 35 °C. Mean rectal temperature was 0.61 °C less with the jacket at 45 °C and 0.49 °C less at 35 °C. Both the head and arm temperatures were significantly cooler while wearing the jacket. Oxygen uptake was 24% higher with the jacket, suggesting that heat production by non-shivering thermogenesis may occur when the jacket is worn. Dry-ice surface area affected skin and rectal temperatures.
Experimental production of extra- and intra-articular fractures of the os calcis

Although studies have been conducted in the past to duplicate traumatic fractures of the os calcis, biomechanical force data as a function of extra- and intra-articular fractures are not available. Consequently, in this study, a dynamic single impact model was used to provide such information. Using intact human cadaver lower extremities, impact loading was applied to the plantar surface of the foot using a mini-sled pendulum equipment. The proximal tibia was fixed in polymethylmethacrylate. Following impact, pathology to the os calcis was classified into intact (no injury; 14 cases), and extra-articular (6 cases) and intra-articular (6 cases) fractures. Peak dynamic forces were used to conduct statistical analysis. Mean forces for the intact and (both) fracture groups were 4144 N (standard error, SE: 689) and 7802 N (SE: 597). Mean forces for the extra- and intra-articular fracture groups were 7445 N (SE: 711) and 8159 N (SE: 1006). The peak force influenced injury outcome (ANOVA, p<0.005). Differences in the forces were found between intact and injured specimens (p<0.01); intact specimens and specimens with extra-articular pathology (p<0.001); intact specimens and specimens with intra-articular pathology (p<0.005). The present experimental protocol, which successfully reproduced clinically relevant os calcis pathology, can be extended to accommodate other variables such as the simulation of Achilles tendon force, the inclusion of other angles of force application, and the application of the impact force to limited regions of the plantar force of the foot in order to study other injury mechanisms.
The Use of Multiculturally-Competent Research Methods to Promote Social Justice in Counseling and Psychology

Social justice enjoys a long history in the fields of counseling and psychology. Despite this, several authors have noted barriers to a more thorough integration of a social justice orientation into these fields. With this special issue we attempt to address some of these barriers by focusing on the ways that research may be used to promote social justice. Specifically, we aim to guide counselors and psychologists in the production and consumption of research that promotes social justice by modeling this research and providing recommendations for implementing it. With five interrelated papers, including this introduction paper and a conclusion paper, we hope to meet three major goals. First, we intend to extend the existing awareness and understanding of research that promotes social justice, especially where understudied populations (e.g., those experiencing material poverty, immigrants, people of color, LGBTQ individuals) are concerned. Second, we hope that by engaging in a discussion of socially just research we highlight one means of strengthening the relationship between research and practice. Third, we intend to offer “best practices” recommendations. In working toward these three goals, we hope to encourage rigor and a high standard for socially just research as well as an appreciation of diverse methodologies.
Bayesian Estimation of the Three-Parameter Multi-Unidimensional Model

Fully Bayesian estimation has been developed for the two-parameter multi-unidimensional IRT model. The extension of the algorithm to the three-parameter multi-unidimensional model is straightforward. Earlier work on unidimensional models indicates that with an additional pseudo-chance-level parameter, three-parameter models are more complicated than two-parameter models and noninformative prior distributions for certain item parameters create problems in the convergence of the Markov chain. Monte Carlo simulations were carried out to evaluate the performance of fully Bayesian estimation for the three-parameter multi-unidimensional model. The results suggest that similar to previous findings with unidimensional models, informative priors have to be specified for item parameters to ensure convergence. However, the intertrait correlation can be correctly estimated, which makes the model practically useful.
Non-cyclic formylated dipyrromethanes as phosphate anion receptors

New tetrakis- and hexakis(1H-pyrrole-2-carbaldehyde) anion receptors are described. The anion binding properties of these receptors were studied in organic media and in the solid state. The receptors displayed good affinity for the dihydrogenphosphate and pyrophosphate anions (as the tetrabutylammonium salts) in chloroform even in the presence of a polar protic solvent, methanol. Solution phase spectroscopic analyses proved consistent with the binding mode seen in single crystal structural studies of the dihydrogenphosphate and pyrophosphate complexes and provided support for the contention that these receptors undergo conformational reorganization in order to accommodate the bound oxoanions both in chloroform solution and in the solid state.
Visualizing Innovative Uses of Technology and Devices for Engaging College Students in Active Learning

This session will provide attendees with several new ideas and examples for using older and newer types of technology and devices in order to appeal to the visual learner in every student. As descr...
““Serious Play,”” Performance, and the Lied: The Stäägemann Schööne Müüllerin Revisited

Abstract In her 1997 study Schubert, Muuller, and Die schoone Muullerin , Youens describes the collaborative Liederspiel (song play) that served as Wilhelm Muuller9s model for his poetic cycle Die schoone Muullerin and Schubert9s more familiar work. This study removes Schubert and his masterwork from the picture to reconsider the Liederspiel as a sociable, performative event and address persistent questions concerning the self, its expression and development, and communicative relationships between selves as mediated through singing lyric poetry. Building upon Youens9s suggestion that the event constituted ““serious play,”” the article considers the implications of such play for understanding the event and for performance-focused analyses of the Lied generally. ““Serious play”” thus operates in multiple registers, referring to the playful activity of the salon participants themselves; the discourses of ““Idealist play”” and of ““role play””; and importantly to the necessarily ““playful”” approach that I take to the mobile types of evidence at hand. The first section examines the culture within the Staagemann salon in relation to Berlin salon life before and immediately after the Napoleonic Wars, with special attention to the role of gender and related cultural expectations within the salons. The second section considers Schleiermacher9s theory of free sociability as inspired by Romantic salon culture and the broader question of free play as viewed through (historical) idealist and more current critical lenses. After a brief description of the events, poetry, and music of the Liederspiel , the following sections analyze how Wilhelm Muuller and Luise Hensel negotiated their way through Idealist play and role play in a salon colored by the growing limitations of Biedermeier culture and particularly the gender roles attending it. By thus viewing the Liederspiel events as multifaceted ““serious play,”” it becomes possible to advance a new approach to the sung performance of lyric poetry that builds upon but extends the more work-centered text-music approach to the Lied that has dominated the past several decades of research on the genre.
Synthesis of 4,4-Dimethoxybut-1-Yne

4,4-Dimethoxybut-1-yne is a valuable difunctional synthetic building block which incorporates a masked aldehyde carbonyl group and terminal alkyne within a four-carbon chain. To date this versatile synthon has found application as a key intermediate in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds, functionalized alkenes, and several classes of biomolecules including carbohydrates, polyketides, and lipids. This article reports an efficient route to the formation of 4,4-dimethoxybut-1-yne, which was employed as a key building block in the tandem benzannulation/cyclization strategy for the synthesis of highly substituted indoles developed.
Feeling good about hard-target-kill capability

Policy makers put forth elaborate military and political rationales for building nuclear weapons. But close examination of one key policy reveals conflicts in the arguments—and a strong, underlying psychological component.
The Effects of Temperament on Behavior in Pediatric Dentistry of Preschool Children

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of temperament on behavior in pediatric dentistry of preschool children.The Chinese Preschool Children's Temperament Scale(CPTS) was administered to the parents of 218 healthy children(aged from 3 to 7 years) receiving initial dental treatments.The children's behaviors were rated by two pediatric dentists according to the Frankl Behavior Rating Scale.The results showed that the temperament could influence a child's specific behaviors in the dental environment.High scores of adaptability,approach/withdraw and quality of mood were significantly related to dental behavior-management problems(DBMP).Children regarded as of difficult or slow temperament by the parent were at significantly greater risk of DBMP.Boys were at significantly greater risk of DBMP than girls.The findings of the present study provided some useful information for pediatric dentists on how to deal with the children with DBMP,which had important clinical values in managing children's behaviors in the dental environment.
Renovascular Hypertension Associated with a Pelvic Kidney and Multicystic Dysplasia

We report on a 9-year-old boy with severe hypertension due to a variant of fibromuscular dysplasia of the renal artery supplying a functioning pelvic kidney. The other kidney proved to be a nonfunctioning multicystic remnant and several other congenital abnormalities of the genitourinary tract were present. Corrective vascular surgery was followed by normalization of arterial pressure and significant reduction of plasma renin activity. This is the first case report of renovascular hypertension due to renal artery stenosis in a single functioning pelvic kidney.