cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The civic elite: A network perspective on elite consolidation among community-based organizations, 1998–2016

Abstract Is an elite consolidating among the leadership of community-based organizations (CBOs) in U.S. cities? Ethnographers identify a privatized turn in urban governance, with some nonprofit civic leaders becoming a cohesive group with enormous influence in local affairs. However, while researchers propose elite consolidation has occurred and created a more hierarchical, technocratic, and unipolar civic field, these structural changes have not been directly assessed. In this paper, I reintroduce an interorganizational network perspective to elite consolidation and evaluate how interlocking directorates among CBOs in Cleveland, OH, and Austin, TX constitute relationships among civic leaders over twenty years. Results indicate boards of directors are constituting a new civic elite, and that hierarchical interlock tendencies doubled in both cities between 1998 and 2016. The core of the networks appear to be organizations traditionally important in urban governance, though, and community analysis reveals power sharing among elite groups in the cities rather than singular dominant communities, indicating as situation of "elitist pluralism." These findings offer a new perspective on the problem of elite consolidation in civil society, and offer a benchmark for future analysis of civic elites.
Rose- and Blue-Colored Glasses: Childhood Exposure to Political Ideology and CEO Overconfidence

Does who makes government policy matter to CEOs? Using data on the birthplace of US CEOs, I show that CEOs who were born in blue (Democrat) states display overconfidence when there is a Democratic president, whereas CEOs who were born in red (Republican) states display overconfidence when there is a Republican president. The effect is strongest when the CEO grew up during a time of high state-level economic growth suggesting the CEO forms a positive association between the party and the party's stewardship of the economy. Surprisingly, however, there is no evidence that CEOs' personal political beliefs predict overconfidence.
TeachActive Feedback Dashboard: Using Automated Classroom Analytics to Visualize Pedagogical Strategies at a Glance

TEACHActive is an automated feedback dashboard that provides instructors with visual classroom analytics about the active learning facilitation strategies they use in their classrooms. We describe TEACHActive system's root requirement of improving pedagogical practices through reflection, the system's process of data flow from an automated observation system, EduSense, to the feedback dashboard, and the technical design of the infrastructure. We designed the TEACHActive dashboard to visualize EduSense's automated observation output and give instructors feedback about their active learning facilitation strategies in their classrooms with the goal of improving their pedagogical practices. We present the TEACHActive prototype development process with three illustrative prototypes.
Towards multi-body multi-rotors for long reach manipulation

We design a novel multi-body Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to be used for long reach manipulation tasks. We consider the modeling and control of a multi-body multi-rotor system in which a horizontally actuated bi-rotor platform is suspended from a larger multi-rotor through a passive revolute joint. We provide dynamic modeling, feedback linearizing control through the use of flat outputs, and an extended high-gain observer (EHGO) based output feedback control design assuming that the system operates in a plane. Simulation results are provided to show the long reach manipulator platform tracking a trajectory. The methods are rigorously analyzed and stability of the closed-loop system under output feedback is proven.
Provisional reduction plating in the treatment of ankle fractures: a technical trick

Reduction plating is a concept used to provisionally maintain reduction in the treatment of various fractures throughout the body. It is often used in challenging fracture patterns where the use of reduction clamps hinders placement of the definitive fixation construct. In this article, we present a technique for fixation of ankle fractures, in which a mini-fragment plate is used to keep provision reduction of the fracture, while the definitive plate is applied. This technique is particularly useful when using a posterolateral one-third tubular plate as your definitive construct. This study provides Level V evidence.
Effects of kinetic mass transfer and transient flow conditions on widening mixing zones in coastal aquifers

[1] The width of a mixing zone between freshwater and seawater is important primarily because it directly reflects the extent of mixing and the growth and decay of the mixing zone indicates changes of the flow regime and water exchange between freshwater and coastal seawater. Wide mixing zones have been found in many coastal aquifers all over the world. However, the mechanisms responsible for wide mixing zones are not well understood. This work examines the hypothesis that kinetic mass transfer coupled with transient conditions, which create the movement of the mixing zone, may widen mixing zones in coastal aquifers. The hypothesis is tested by conducting two-dimensional numerical simulations based on a variable-density groundwater model for a scaled-tank model and a field-scale model. Periodic water levels, representing periodic tidal motion and freshwater table fluctuations, are imposed at the seaward and landward boundary, respectively, which cause the movement of the mixing zone. Both the scaled-tank model and the field model show that the combination of the moving mixing zone and kinetic mass transfer may significantly enhance the extent of mixing and create a wider mixing zone than the models without kinetic mass transfer. In addition, sensitivity analyses indicate that a larger capacity ratio (immobile porosity/mobile porosity) of mass transfer leads to a wider mixing zone, and the maximum width of the mixing zone may be reached for a given capacity ratio when the mean retention time scale in the immobile domain (the reciprocal of mass transfer rate) and the period of water level fluctuations are comparable.
Side-chain cleavage P-450 from bovine adrenocortical mitochondria. Reconstitution of enzyme activity.

Abstract The subunit structure of the cytochrome P-450 from bovine adrenocortical mitochondria responsible for the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone (side-chain cleavage) has been studied. Isoelectric focusing in 6 M urea reveals two fractions of identical amino acid composition which differ in apparent isoelectric points and in phospholipid content: fraction SI shows 0.6–1.8 nmol phospholipid per 53 000 daltons and pI approx. 4.0; SII shows 6.6–8.9 nmol phospholipid per 53 000 daltons and pI approx. 7.0. SII can be made to behave on isoelectric focusing like SI by removal of phospholipid and SI like SII when the extracted phospholipid is added to the protein (SI). Enzymatic activity can be restored to SII by addition of heme and to SI by addition of heme together with the phospholipid extracted from P-450 from the fractions SI and SII. This phospholipid contains at least four classes of phospholipid of which two have been tentatively identified as phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. A variety of phospholipids from commercial sources do not permit reconstitution of enzyme activity. Evidence is presented to show that minor contaminants seen on polyacrylamide SDS gels are not essential for enzyme activity nor do they appear greatly to influence enzymatic activity. The possible role of phospholipid in reconstituting cytochrome P-450 activity is considered.
19th Century Judicial Restraint: The Curious Case of Barron V. Baltimore

In 2002, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, John Paul Stevens, famously wrote in a dissenting opinion, that the practice of using the death penalty for offenders under the age of 18 was 'a relic of the past and is inconsistent with evolving standards of decency in a civilized society. We should put an end to this ‘shameful practice.’ Such a legal sentiment concerning the Court’s broad authority to void legislative acts is a far cry from another case, two centuries earlier, wherein another Supreme Court justice, James Iredell famously said that if the United States Congress or any State Legislature passes a law, 'the Court cannot pronounce it to be void, merely because it is, in their judgment, contrary to the principles of natural justice.' Both justices gave their opinions amidst great disagreement over the Court’s authority to rule legislative acts void on grounds outside the text of the Constitution. Today, the debate is framed by advocates of judicial activism and judicial restraint; 200 years ago, there was a similar debate concerning judicial activism - then, around the question of whether judges had the authority to void a legislative act because it violated the principles of natural justice.Many scholars, particularly contemporary advocates of judicial restraint, trace the beginnings of judicial activism to the Progressive Era of the early 20th century. If one limits oneself to the jurisprudence of the Supreme Court, then the claim is, for the most part, persuasive. The paper shows that one of the key decisions accounting for the Court’s relative restraint during the 19th century is the too-often-overlooked 1833 case of Barron v. Baltimore wherein the Court unanimously held that the provisions of the Bill of Rights did not limit the legislative and executive action of the state governments even when such action unambiguously deprived its own citizens of the civil rights and civil liberties explicitly mentioned in the Bill of Rights. This paper places this decision amidst the 19th century judicial debate concerning the Court’s role in the safeguarding of civil rights and civil liberties. The paper considers the Court’s ruling from the standpoint of 19th century legal theory, e.g. federalism and the role of the judiciary, the legislative history of the Bill of Rights, and the ratified text of the Constitution. The paper attempts to show, through an extensive survey of 19th century state court cases, pre and post-Barron, that 19th century judicial activism of the natural justice variety was alive and well. So much so, that an observer at the time would not at all have been surprised if the Court had held that not only does the Bill of Rights apply to the States, but so also do the basic principles of natural justice and civil liberty, whether or not they are explicitly mentioned in the Constitution. In closing, the paper idly speculates at the political and social implications for the ante-bellum and post-bellum periods in the United States had such a ruling been handed down in Barron.
Getting hip to vitamin D: A hospitalist project for improving the assessment and treatment of vitamin D deficiency in elderly patients with hip fracture

BACKGROUND Vitamin D deficiency is common in elderly patients with hip fracture, and clinical practice guidelines recommend screening this population. Our hospitalist group cares for all patients admitted with hip fracture, yet lacked a standardized approach to screening for and treating vitamin D deficiency in this population. OBJECTIVES To standardize and improve the assessment and treatment of vitamin D deficiency in elderly patients with hip fracture. DESIGN Quality improvement implementation. SETTING Tertiary academic hospital. PATIENTS Adults age >50 years with hip fracture. INTERVENTIONS We implemented a computerized hip fracture order set with preselected orders for 25-OH vitamin D level and initial supplementation with 1000 IU/day of vitamin D. We presented a review of the literature and performance data to our hospitalist group. MEASUREMENTS Percentage of patients with acute hip fracture screened for vitamin D deficiency and percentage of deficient or insufficient patients discharged on recommended dose of vitamin D (50,000 IU/wk if level <20 ng/mL). RESULTS The percentage of patients screened for vitamin D deficiency improved from 37.2% (n = 196) before implementation to 93.5% (n = 107) after (P < 0.001). The percentage of deficient or insufficient patients discharged on the recommended vitamin D dose improved from 40.9% to 68.0% (P = 0.008). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency (25-OH vitamin D level <30 ng/mL) was 50.0%. CONCLUSIONS Simple interventions, consisting of a change in computerized order set and presentation of evidence and data from group practice, led to significant improvement in the assessment and treatment of vitamin D deficiency in elderly patients with hip fracture. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:714–719. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
5,6-Di-oxo-1,10-phenanthrolin-1-ium trifluoro-methane-sulfonate.

In the structure of the title salt, C12H7N2O2+·CF3SO3−, the cation participates in hydrogen bonding with the dione group of an adjacent cation as well as with the trifluoro­methane­sulfonate anion. In addition, there is an extensive network of C—H⋯O inter­actions between the cations and anions. There are two formula units per asymmetric unit. The crystal studied exhibits inversion twinning.
Some Generalized BRS Transformations. II A Quantum Gravity Model

Generalized BRS transformations such as introduced in Part I (hep-th/9906245) are applied to a model of quantum gravity. This development is technically complex; but at the least should illustrate how much less rigid and more general of application are the new BRS transformations.
Donors' Preferences and Agent Choice: Delegation of European Development Aid

McLean, Elena V. (2012) Donors’ Preferences and Agent Choice: Delegation of European Development Aid. International Studies Quarterly, doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2478.2012.00727.x © 2012 International Studies Association While delegation to international organizations has received substantial attention in the international relations literature, the issues of institutional choice and delegation levels remain understudied. Existing research examines donor countries’ decision to distribute aid bilaterally or turn to a multilateral organization; this article shifts the focus toward a closely related, but often overlooked, decision that donors need to make—that is, they select an agent from a range of international organizations and determine the level of delegation to a given agent. I argue that in their delegation decisions, donors are guided not only by standard calculations of delegation costs and benefits, but also by policies that international development agencies adopt and implement. These policies are shaped by member governments’ preferences, and a donor country will delegate more to the organizations whose members have foreign policy preferences more in line with the donor country’s own preferences, ceteris paribus. The article presents a set of empirical tests that lend support to this argument. Cross-country data on European development aid given during the period 1960–2000 are used in the analyses.
Which Welfare Work Strategies Work

ployment programs for AFDC clients and highlights the re spective advantages of these programs. The author suggests program changes to improve welfare work strategies. CHANGES IN the Social Security Act during the past 50 years reflect the growing interdependence of work and wel fare policies. The two depression-linked problems of joblessness and impoverish ment initially generated two distinct fed eral efforts at remediation. These responses —social insurance and income assistance
ON THE OPPORTUNITY FOR SEXUAL SELECTION, THE BATEMAN GRADIENT AND THE MAXIMUM INTENSITY OF SEXUAL SELECTION

Bateman's classic paper on fly mating systems inspired quantitative study of sexual selection but also resulted in much debate and confusion. Here, I consider the meaning of Bateman's principles in the context of selection theory. Success in precopulatory sexual selection can be quantified as a "mating differential," which is the covariance between trait values and relative mating success. The mating differential is converted into a selection differential by the Bateman gradient, which is the least squares regression of relative reproductive success on relative mating success. Hence, a complete understanding of precopulatory sexual selection requires knowledge of two equally important aspects of mating patterns: the mating differential, which requires a focus on mechanisms generating covariance between trait values and mating success, and the Bateman gradient, which requires knowledge of the genetic mating system. An upper limit on the magnitude of the selection differential on any sexually selected trait is given by the product of the standard deviation in relative mating success and the Bateman gradient. This latter view of the maximum selection differential provides a clearer focus on the important aspects of precopulatory sexual selection than other methods and therefore should be an important part of future studies of sexual selection.
Linkage of the gene for an autosomal dominant form of juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis to chromosome 9q34.

Summary We performed genetic mapping studies of an 11-generation pedigree with an autosomal dominant, juvenile-onset motor-systems disease. The disorder is characterized by slow progression, distal limb amyotrophy, and pyramidal tract signs associated with severe loss of motor neurons in the brain stem and spinal cord. The gene for this disorder, classified as a form of juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is designated "ALS4." We performed a genomewide search and detected strong evidence for linkage of the ALS4 locus to markers from chromosome 9q34. The highest LOD score ( Z ) was obtained with D9S1847 ( Z =18.8, recombination fraction of .00). An analysis of recombinant events identified D9S1831 and D9S164 as flanking markers, on chromosome 9q34, that define an ∼5-cM interval that harbors the ALS4 gene. These results extend the degree of heterogeneity within familial ALS syndromes, and they implicate a gene on chromosome 9q34 as critical for motor-neuron function.
Indices of nonlinearity in finger force interaction

Experiments with force production by subsets of fingers within the human hand have shown that finger interaction may be significantly nonlinear. In particular, this nonlinearity is reflected in the phenomenon of force deficit, a drop of the peak force of a finger when several fingers act simultaneously. We describe nonlinear effects in force relations within finger pairs, triplets, etc. Finger forces are represented as the sums of components resulting from force interactions within all subsets of the explicitly involved (master) fingers. The values of these components computed at extreme values of control signals, zero and unity, are taken as indices of such “elementary” force interactions. Indices of the first order reflect purposeful force production by a single master finger and its effects on forces produced by other fingers (enslaving). Indices of the second order reflect additional influences from pairs of simultaneously recruited master fingers, etc. Force interaction indices were computed based on finger forces measured in earlier experiments. Signs of indices alternated with their order, being positive for the indices of the first order (enslaving), negative for the indices of the second order (force deficit), positive for the indices of the third order, and mostly negative for the indices of the fourth order. Indices of the third and fourth orders reflect phenomena of force interaction not reported earlier. The study emphasizes the importance of nonlinear interactions among finger forces and introduces a set of independent indices that can be used to quantify such interactions in different subpopulations and their possible changes with practice and/or rehabilitation of the hand function.
Prohibitin and the senescent phenotype

Prohibitin is an evolutionarily conserved gene that has antiproliferative activity, is ubiquitously expressed, and appears to be essential for cell survival. The gene codes for a 30 kD, post-synthetically modified protein located primarily in the mitochondria. It functionally inhibits cell cycle traverse and DNA synthesis, but its mechanism of action is presently unknown. Prohibitin is proposed to be a member of a new class of tumor suppressor genes whose inhibitory activity plays a role in the dominant senescent phenotype. Its involvement in senescence has been postulated from results obtained from such diverse systems as yeast and human diploid fibroblasts. Additional data show that prohibitin is involved in one of the limited number of pathways that results in the loss of the senescent phenotype and leads to cellular immortalization. Its involvement, however, occurs downstream in the pathway and is postulated to be part of the lost tumor suppressor activities associated with tumorigenicity.
Activation of NK1.1+ T cells in vitro and their possible role in age-associated changes in inducible IL-4 production.

Abstract Interleukin (IL)-12 or IL-4 produced early in an immune response directs the differentiation of naive antigen-activated CD4 + T cells down a Th1 or Th2 pathway. The NK1.1 + subset of T cells promptly produces IL-4 following activation in vivo. We demonstrate here that NK1.1 + T cells can be directly induced to produce IL-4 in vitro when activated under serum-free culture conditions. Platelet-derived growth factor in cell culture medium was inhibitory to the production of IL-4 by NK1.1 + T cells in vitro. Lymphocytes obtained from secondary lymphoid organs of aged mice produced greater quantities of IL-4 following stimulation than lymphocytes from mature adult animals. Aged mice expressed elevated percentages of NK1.1 + T cells in their secondary lymphoid organs and peripheral blood. While this cell type was responsible for the total early IL-4 produced by lymphocytes from mature adult mice, both NK1.1 + and memory phenotype (CD44 high , CD45RB low , NK1.1 − ) T cells from aged donors produced IL-4 following polyclonal T cell activation.
Prader–Willi syndrome and autism spectrum disorders: an evolving story

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is well-known for its genetic and phenotypic complexities. Caused by a lack of paternally derived imprinted material on chromosome 15q11–q13, individuals with PWS have mild to moderate intellectual disabilities, repetitive and compulsive behaviors, skin picking, tantrums, irritability, hyperphagia, and increased risks of obesity. Many individuals also have co-occurring autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), psychosis, and mood disorders. Although the PWS 15q11–q13 region confers risks for autism, relatively few studies have assessed autism symptoms in PWS or directly compared social, behavioral, and cognitive functioning across groups with autism or PWS. This article identifies areas of phenotypic overlap and difference between PWS and ASD in core autism symptoms and in such comorbidities as psychiatric disorders, and dysregulated sleep and eating. Though future studies are needed, PWS provides a promising alternative lens into specific symptoms and comorbidities of autism.
Obesity and Cancer

Obesity has become the second leading preventable cause of disease and death in the United States, trailing only tobacco use. Weight control, dietary choices, and levels of physical activity are important modifiable determinants of cancer risk. Physicians have a key role in integrating multifactorial approaches to prevention and management into clinical care and advocating for systemic prevention efforts. This article provides an introduction to the epidemiology and magnitude of childhood and adult obesity; the relationship between obesity and cancer and other chronic diseases; potential mechanisms postulated to explain these relationships; a review of recommended obesity treatment and assessment guidelines for adults, adolescents, and children; multilevel prevention strategies; and an approach to obesity management in adults using the Chronic Care Model.
Real-Time Support for Precision Excavation of Radionuclide Contaminated Soils

Traditional approaches to excavation design for sites with radionuclide-contaminated soils generally involve work plans with fixed excavation footprints and post-excavation verification sampling. Recent advancements in real-time data collection systems, combined with data loggers, location control systems, and secure project-support Web sites, allow for an alternative, more precise approach to excavation design and implementation. In this mode, traditional work plans are replaced with dynamic work plans. Excavation efforts are organized by lift, with real-time dig face screening performed and the data for each lift analyzed, before excavation continues. Rather than specifying excavation footprints, dynamic work plans identify the decision logic that will be used to determine footprints based on real-time data collection. The level of investment in excavation support data collection can be balanced against potential cost savings realized through waste stream minimization. Secure project support Web sites ensure that data sets generated during the remediation process are readily accessible to all who need to see them, whether they are on site or not. These include regulators, program managers, and technical support staff. This type of Web site allows for quick problem resolution, increased transparency in field decision making, and more efficient allocation of expensive technical staff time.© 2003 ASME
Black hole entropy from loop quantum gravity in higher dimensions

Abstract We propose a derivation for computing black hole entropy for spherical non-rotating isolated horizons from loop quantum gravity in four and higher dimensions. The state counting problem effectively reduces to the well studied 3 + 1 -dimensional one based on an SU(2)-Chern–Simons theory, differing only in the precise form of the area spectrum.
Renewable energy-aware grooming in IP-over-WDM networks

The optical layer of a network is the energy-efficient technology to provision high bandwidths for data transport. Unfortunately occasional electronic processing, is unavoidable in current networks. This process is much more energy-consuming than the optical transport. Recent research has already yielded great improvements in terms of energy-efficiency. It is, however, observed that increased energy-efficiency typically leads to higher overall energy-consumption. Therefore it is imperative to reduce the environmental impact by additional means: maximizing the use of renewable energy. We present an approach to greenhouse gas (GHG) emission-reducing grooming by considering the heterogeneous distribution of fossil and renewable energy sources. We analyze various two step solutions for the route calculation and lightpath provisioning problem in IP-over-WDM mesh networks. We show that it is possible to reduce GHG emissions at a stable level of energy consumption and improved blocking performance compared to previous energy-efficient solutions.
Sperm proteasomes are responsible for the acrosome reaction and sperm penetration of the vitelline envelope during fertilization of the sea urchin Pseudocentrotus depressus

The roles of sperm proteasomes in fertilization were investigated in the sea urchin Pseudocentrotus depressus. Two proteasome inhibitors, MG-132 and MG-115, inhibited fertilization at 100 μM, whereas chymostatin and leupeptin showed no inhibition. Among three proteasome substrates, Z-Leu-Leu-Glu-MCA showed the strongest inhibition toward fertilization. MG-132 inhibited the egg-jelly-induced, but not ionomycin-induced, acrosome reaction. In addition, MG-132, but not E-64-d, inhibited fertilization of dejellied eggs by acrosome-reacted sperm. MG-132 showed no significant inhibition toward the binding of reacted sperm to the vitelline layer. Proteasomes were detected by Western blotting in the acrosomal contents, which are partially released upon exocytosis. We also found that the inhibition pattern of the caspase-like activity of the proteasome in the acrosomal contents by chymostatin and proteasome inhibitors coincided well with their inhibitory abilities toward fertilization. Furthermore, the vitelline layer of unfertilized eggs appears to be ubiquitinated as revealed by immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. Extracellular ATP, required for the degradation of ubiquitinated proteins by the proteasome, was also necessary for fertilization. These results indicate that the sperm proteasome plays a key role not only in the acrosome reaction but also in sperm penetration through the vitelline envelope, most probably as a lysin, during sea urchin fertilization.
Experimental realization of electromagnetically induced transparency in liquid‐state NMR

Quantum interference effects are physical manifestations of the laws of quantum mechanics and provide a tangible link between the microscopic quantum mechanical domain and the macroscopic world that we observe. These phenomena deviate greatly from classical expectations and can be difficult to understand without experimental demonstrations. Here, we suggest an illustrative and accessible means to observe and understand a purely quantum interference effect, electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT), by viewing it from the perspective of quantum information processing (QIP). We also show that NMR, with its accessibility and ability to create pseudo-pure states suitable for qubit manipulation, is an ideal tool for EIT. This article provides a description of EIT in QIP terms, as well as an experimental demonstration of this effect on an NMR spectrometer. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Concepts Magn Reson Part A 30A: 236–245, 2007.
Preferences of the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business

Abstract Business school interest in accreditation by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) has been increasing because of declining enrollment coupled with expanded competition. This article analyzes data for nearly all United States graduate business programs and finds that accreditation status differences for 9 out of 10 schools can be explained by differences in measurable factors such as school size, student GMAT scores, faculty doctorate, and full-timer percentages. We also found that the actual requirements for becoming accredited considerably exceed the standards articulated by the AACSB; most business programs meet the stated standards, yet only two fifths are accredited. With respect to specifics, schools that have higher student GMAT scores, more full-time instructors, and higher faculty PhD levels and/or doctoral programs are more likely to be accredited than those that do not.
Erratum to: Langevin SM, Houseman EA, Christensen BC, Wiencke JK, Nelson HH, Karagas MR, et al. The influence of aging, environmental exposures and local sequence features on the variation of DNA methylation in blood. Epigenetics 2011; 6

Authors Scott M. Langevin and E. Andres Houseman contributed equally and should be listed as joint first authors in Epigenetics Volume 6, Issue 7 in the manuscript: Langevin SM, Houseman EA, Christensen BC, Wiencke JK, Nelson HH, Karagas MR, et al. The influence of aging, environmental exposures and local sequence features on the variation of DNA methylation in blood. Epigenetics 2011; 6:908-19.
SYNTHESIS AND REACTIVITY OF NEW AMINOPENTABORANES

Reactions of 2-XB5H8 (X = Br or Cl) with secondary or tertiary silylamines proceed with elimination of hydrogen halides and/or halosilanes and attachment of amino groups to the clusters. Reaction o...
Factors influencing the marine boundary layer during a cold-air outbreak

The model for the cloud-topped marine boundary layer during a cold air outbreak developed by Stage and Businger (1981a) is used in conjunction with a test profile based on a fall outbreak episode over Lake Ontario to study factors influencing marine boundary-layer evolution. Sensitivity tests are done which show changes in layer evolution resulting from variation of wind speed, radiative sky temperature, water surface temperature, humidity of the shoreline sounding and divergence. The behavior of the layer in the presence of a region of cold-water upwelling near the shore is also investigated. It is found that the main effect of the upwelling region is to delay modification of the boundary-layer air.
Clustering of lung adenocarcinomas classes using automated texture analysis on CT images

ABSTRACT Purpose: To assess whether automated texture analysis of CT images enables discrimination among pathologic classes of lung adenocarcinomas, and thus serves as an in vivo biomarker of lung cancer prognosis. Materials and Methods: Chest CTs of 30 nodules in 30 patients with resected adenocarcinomas were evaluated by a pulmonary pathologist who classified eac h resected cancer according to the Inte rnational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) system. The categories included adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA), lepidic-predominant adenocarcinoma (LPA), and other invasive adenocarcinomas (INV). 3D volumes of interest (VOIs) and 2D regions of interest (R OIs) were then constructed for each nodule. A comprehensive set of N=279 texture parameters were computed for both 3D and 2D regions. Clustering and classification of these parameters were performed with linear discriminant analysis (LDA) using features determined by optimal subsets. Results: Of the 30 adenocarcinomas, there were 13 INV, 11 LPA, 3 MIA, and 3 AIS. AIS and MIA groups were analyzed together. With all 3 classes, LDA classified 17 of 30 nodules correctly using the nearest neighbor (k=1) method. When only the two largest classes (INV and LPA) were used, 21 of 24 nodules were classified correctly. With 3 classes and 2D texture analysis, and when using only the tw o largest groups, LDA was able to correctly classify all nodules. Conclusion: CT texture parameters determined by optimal subset s allows for effective clustering of adenocarcinoma classes. These results suggest the potential use of automate d (or computer-assisted) CT im age analysis to predict the invasive pathologic character of lung nodules. Our approach overcomes the limitations of current radiologic interpretation, such as subjectivity, inter- and intra-ob server variability, and the effect of reader experience. Keywords: Pulmonary nodule, lung cancer, adenocarcinoma, text ure analysis, linear discriminant analysis, computed tomography, classification, computer-aided diagnosis
Ultrastructural variations in the anal papillae of Aedes aegypti (L.) at different environmental salinities

The larvae of Aedes aegypti (L.) absorb water and inorganic ions from a hypotonic environment through their anal papillae. The ultrastructure of the epithelial cells of the anal papillae of A. aegypti was studied in larvae raised in different salinities. The larvae were reared in NaCl solutions having salinities of 0·039%, 0·67%, and 1·02% NaCl. The anal papillae of fourth-instar larvae were fixed in buffered glutaraldehyde followed by buffered osmium tetroxide, and embedded in Epon 812 for electron microscope studies. In the larvae raised in hypotonic solution of 0·039% NaCl, the plasma membrane on the cuticular surface of the epithelial cells is arranged into folds. The mitochondria lie in close association with these folds. The plasma membrane on the basal surface of the cells invaginates to form an anastomosing network. In the larvae raised in an approximately isotonic solution containing 0·67% NaCl, and in the hypertonic solution containing 1·02% NaCl, the surface of the plasma membrane on the cuticular surface of the epithelial cells is comparatively reduced as compared with that of the animals raised in the hypotonic solution. Fewer mitochondria lie between the folds of the plasma membrane. This study suggests that the intake of the inorganic ions through the anal papillae may be regulated by variations in the surface area of the plasma membrane on the cuticular surface of the epithelial cells.
A hypothesis testing framework for evaluating ecosystem model performance

Model evaluation is argued to necessitate the use of a hypothesis testing framework instead of the use of goodness-of-fit (GOD) against time series data. A test statistic T is developed, based on model deviation from expected system behaviors. If a model does not exceed the error bounds on expected behavior, then we cannot say that it differs from the real system. Precision is measured not by degree of fit to a set of data but by the precision (width of confidence limits around) the expected system behavior. Implementation of this approach is enhanced by development of new test criteria that evaluate biological and ecological realism based on aggregate indices, failure modes, extreme condition tests, and others. Model performance is assessed by the extent to which the model falls within these expected bounds. Using this test statistic as a basis, revised approaches to sensitivity and uncertainty analysis are recommended. Factors not addressed by these techniques require structural analysis, which is based on comparisons between models with different structures. The application of the advocated approach should enhance confidence in ecosystem models applied to policy issues such as natural resource management or global change impacts.
Ampicillin effects on five recombinant Escherichia coli strains: Implications for selection pressure design

Emploi de 2 methodes experimentales differentes pour analyser la relation entre pression de selection appliquee et nombre de copies du gene de selection (gene qui, lorsqu'il est exprime, dote les cellules-hotes du phenotype selectionne). Le systeme consiste en une souche recombinante de E. coli resistante aux antibiotiques β-lactames par la β-lactamase exprimee a partir d'un gene plasmidique
Use of optical biosensors for the study of mechanistically concerted surface adsorption processes.

The advent of commercial optical biosensors, such as the BIAcore from Pharmacia and IAsys from Affinity Sensors, has made available to the biochemist a powerful means to examine and characterize the interaction of biological macromolecules with a binding surface. By analysis of the kinetic and equilibrium aspects of the observed experimental adsorption isotherms, rate and affinity constants can be determined. This Review focuses on pertinent aspects of the technology and its use for the performance and quantitative characterization of some various types of mechanistically concerted adsorption behavior.
Post-auricular dermoid cyst with intracranial extension—A rare finding

Summary Dermoid cysts are rare soft tissue tumours which usually present at birth. Intracranial extension is a rare occurrence but has been described in temporal, nasal and scalp lesions. However, to date there has been no report in the literature of a post-auricular dermoid cyst with intracranial extension. We report such a case in a 12-year-old male.
Ultrastructure of some Cambrian palynomorphs from the Bright Angel Shale, Arizona, USA

Abstract Palynomorphs with complex resistant walls have been recovered from several Cambrian deposits in the continental United States. Those recovered from the Bright Angel Shale of Arizona typically preserve both a primary wall, and an outer envelope (synoecosporal wall) that encloses multiple spore-like bodies within. At least three distinct types of primary walls, are recognized with the TEM: 1) a unilaminate wall with a smooth inner surface and a sculptured outer surface, 2) a wall of three unornamented laminae of very uniform thickness, and, 3) a thicker wall with multiple thin, lightly-staining layers embedded in a darker matrix. This third type of primary wall bears a strong resemblance to those of certain Lower Devonian hilate cryptospore monads from the Welsh Borderlands. No extant algae produce spores with walls as thick or as complex, suggesting that these Cambrian palynomorphs were the desiccation-resistant spores of cryptogams belonging to the charophyte–embryophyte lineage. Multilaminate spore walls, which are characteristic of some extant liverworts and Paleozoic cryptospores, may have evolved via the fusion of separate, multiple laminae. This appears to be the primitive plant sporoderm type, but it may have evolved asynchronously with respect to the evolution of the embryophytic development of the sporophyte in land plants.
Structure analysis of peptide deformylases from Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Thermotoga maritima and Pseudomonas aeruginosa: snapshots of the oxygen sensitivity of peptide deformylase.

Abstract Peptide deformylase (PDF) has received considerable attention during the last few years as a potential target for a new type of antibiotics. It is an essential enzyme in eubacteria for the removal of the formyl group from the N terminus of the nascent polypeptide chain. We have solved the X-ray structures of four members of this enzyme family, two from the Gram-positive pathogens Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus , and two from the Gram-negative bacteria Thermotoga maritima and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Combined with the known structures from the Escherichia coli enzyme and the recently solved structure of the eukaryotic deformylase from Plasmodium falciparum , a complete picture of the peptide deformylase structure and function relationship is emerging. This understanding could help guide a more rational design of inhibitors. A structure-based comparison between PDFs reveals some conserved differences between type I and type II enzymes. Moreover, our structures provide insights into the known instability of PDF caused by oxidation of the metal-ligating cysteine residue.
Complexity science: Implications for forecasting

The Curious Behavior of Complex Systems The most exciting development in the systems area in recent years is that of complexity science, focusing on nonlinear, dynamic, complex adaptive systems (CAS). It has clearly recognized the move beyond the constraints of traditional analysis, which, in the Introduction to this issue, we termed the technical/analytic or T perspective. The Santa Fe Institute’s John Casti observes that twentieth-century science has demonstrated the limits of scientific knowledge ([1], pp. 196–198). Godel’s Incompleteness Theorem, Turing’s Halting Theorem, and Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle all underscore the fact that knowledge of the real world cannot be satisfactorily attained by means of the world of mathematics as it exists today. But it does not mean that the human mind and its creative capability are necessarily subject to these constraints. Nonlinear systems may be (1) stable, that is, converging to an equilibrium; (2) oscillating stably; (3) chaotic within predictable boundaries; or (4) diverging unstably. In the chaotic state the system appears to exhibit paradoxical behavior: it is deterministic because it is fixed by equations and yet it incorporates randomness. It may be orderly and suddenly become chaotic or vice versa. The system is exceedingly sensitive to initial conditions, making the use of historical data as a basis for forecasting dubious at best [2]. Casti sees complex systems as either nonadaptive or adaptive. The former are characterized by the ability to see the whole picture, permit no rule changes, and can be described effectively by available predictive mathematical models. An example is astronomy. The latter, CAS, cannot see the whole picture, permit rule creation or change, and are adaptive. They tend to be medium-sized, that is, not describable either by few variables or by a very large number (and thus not amenable to statistical approaches). As Casti admits, there is no theory yet for such systems—“we’re not even
The hunt for permanent electric dipole moments

The search for permanent electric dipole moments in non-degenerate systems has become a very active field of research in recent years. The experimental sensitivity has reached limits to probe physics beyond the Standard Model with high accuracy. This talk will review and summarize some of the ongoing efforts.
Bulk nanostructured materials by large strain extrusion machining

Large strain extrusion machining (LSEM) is presented as a method of severe plastic deformation for the creation of bulk nanostructured materials. This method combines inherent advantages afforded by large strain deformation in chip formation by machining, with simultaneous dimensional control of extrusion in a single step of deformation. Bulk nanostructured materials in the form of foils, plates, and bars of controlled dimensions are shown to result by appropriately controlling the geometric parameters of the deformation in large strain extrusion machining.
Practical Therapeutic Guidelines for the Chemotherapy of Malignant Gliomas

The treatment of patients with malignant gliomas is palliative and encompasses surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Evaluation of failure probability via surrogate models

Evaluation of failure probability of a given system requires sampling of the system response and can be computationally expensive. Therefore it is desirable to construct an accurate surrogate model for the system response and subsequently to sample the surrogate model. In this paper we discuss the properties of this approach. We demonstrate that the straightforward sampling of a surrogate model can lead to erroneous results, no matter how accurate the surrogate model is. We then propose a hybrid approach by sampling both the surrogate model in a ''large'' portion of the probability space and the original system in a ''small'' portion. The resulting algorithm is significantly more efficient than the traditional sampling method, and is more accurate and robust than the straightforward surrogate model approach. Rigorous convergence proof is established for the hybrid approach, and practical implementation is discussed. Numerical examples are provided to verify the theoretical findings and demonstrate the efficiency gain of the approach.