cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison between Whole Distribution- and Average-Based Approaches to the Determination of Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer Efficiency in Ensembles of Proteins in Living Cells

Current methods for analysis of data from studies of protein-protein interactions using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) emerged from several decades of research using wide-field microscopes and spectrofluorometers to measure fluorescence from individual cells or cell populations. Inherent to most measurements is an averaging of the distributions of FRET efficiencies over large populations of protein complexes, which washes out information regarding the stoichiometry and structure of protein complexes. Although the introduction of laser-scanning microscopes in principle could facilitate quantification of the distributions of FRET efficiencies in live cells, only comparatively recently did this potential fully materialize, through development of spectral- or lifetime-based approaches. To exploit this new opportunity in molecular imaging, it is necessary to further develop theoretical models and methods of data analysis. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we investigated FRET in homogenous and inhomogeneous spatial distributions of molecules. Our results indicate that an analysis based on distributions of FRET efficiencies presents significant advantages over the average-based approach, which include allowing for proper identification of biologically relevant FRET. This study provides insights into the effect of molecular crowding on FRET, and it offers a basis for information extraction from distributions of FRET efficiencies using simulations-based data fitting.
Increase in IFNγ(-)IL-2(+) cells in recent human CD4 T cell responses to 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza.

Human CD4 T cell recall responses to influenza virus are strongly biased towards Type 1 cytokines, producing IFNγ, IL-2 and TNFα. We have now examined the effector phenotypes of CD4 T cells in more detail, particularly focusing on differences between recent versus long-term, multiply-boosted responses. Peptides spanning the proteome of temporally distinct influenza viruses were distributed into pools enriched for cross-reactivity to different influenza strains, and used to stimulate antigen-specific CD4 T cells representing recent or long-term memory. In the general population, peptides unique to the long-circulating influenza A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1) induced Th1-like responses biased toward the expression of IFNγ+TNFα+ CD4 T cells. In contrast, peptide pools enriched for non-cross-reactive peptides of the pandemic influenza A/California/04/09 (H1N1) induced more IFNγ−IL-2+TNFα+ T cells, similar to the IFNγ−IL-2+ non-polarized, primed precursor T cells (Thpp) that are a predominant response to protein vaccination. These results were confirmed in a second study that compared samples taken before the 2009 pandemic to samples taken one month after PCR-confirmed A/California/04/09 infection. There were striking increases in influenza-specific TNFα+, IFNγ+, and IL-2+ cells in the post-infection samples. Importantly, peptides enriched for non-cross-reactive A/California/04/09 specificities induced a higher proportion of Thpp-like IFNγ−IL-2+TNFα+ CD4 T cells than peptide pools cross-reactive with previous influenza strains, which induced more Th1 (IFNγ+TNFα+) responses. These IFNγ−IL-2+TNFα+ CD4 T cells may be an important target population for vaccination regimens, as these cells are induced upon infection, may have high proliferative potential, and may play a role in providing future effector cells during subsequent infections.
Required sequence elements for chloroplast DNA replication activity in vitro and in electroporated chloroplasts

Abstract Two replication origins ( ori s) were previously mapped in each inverted repeat of tobacco chloroplast DNA (ctDNA) and each contains a potential stem-loop forming region. Here, we show that specific 45–285 bp deletions within or near the stem-loop regions in single- ori clones abolish replication activity in vitro. In addition, a double- ori clone with ends within the stem-loop region of both ori s but with the original spacing lacks replication activity in vitro. These results provide support for the involvement of both the stem-loop and flanking sequences in ctDNA replication. Alteration of spacing in double- ori clones affects the mode of replication used in vitro. A clone with a 2.95 kbp deletion between the two ori s replicates by the normal theta mechanism, while a clone with a 6.1 kbp deletion replicates by a rolling circle mechanism, similar to clones that contain a single ori . Similar results were obtained with single- and double- ori constructs after electroporation into isolated intact chloroplasts.
Nuclear-charge distribution and delayed-neutron yields for thermal-neutron-induced fission of 235U, 233U, and 239Pu and for spontaneous fission of 252Cf

Data concerning nuclear-charge distribution in fission are evaluated and reported for thermal-neutron-induced fission of 235U, 233U, and 239Pu and for spontaneous fission of 252Cf. Parameters for the Zp and A′p empirical models, which describe, respectively, charge dispersion for constant mass number and mass number dispersion for constant atomic number, are derived from the evaluated data. The various yields calculated from the models are compared with experimental data, and estimates of uncertainties in the calculated yields are deduced from the results of these comparisons. Evaluated experimental independent yields and errors are supplemented by values estimated from the models, and the combined yield sets are normalized to achieve mass and charge balance and reported as recommended independent-yield sets based on the Zp model. Similarly determined alternative independent-yield sets based on the A′p model are also given. The recommended and alternative independent-yield sets are used to derive element yields, Y(Z), yields for each neutron number, Y(N), and delayed-neutron yields, which require delayed-neutron-emission probabilities, Pn, from another source. Sums of derived delayed-neutron yields are reasonably consistent with experimental values. The systematic trends for nuclear-charge distribution in fission deduced here are compared to those predicted by a scission-point theoretical model, and nuclear temperatures and relative deformations of nascent fragments are discussed.
Turning up the heat on HEVs.

Fever is a beneficial systemic response to infection. Such a thermal increase triggers enhanced lymph node recruitment of lymphocytes by augmenting high endothelial venule expression of the homing molecules ICAM-1 and CCL21.
Deletions of neuraminidase and resistance to oseltamivir may be a consequence of restricted receptor specificity in recent H3N2 influenza viruses

Background Influenza viruses attach to cells via sialic acid receptors. The viral neuraminidase (NA) is needed to remove sialic acids so that newly budded virions can disperse. Known mechanisms of resistance to NA inhibitors include mutations in the inhibitor binding site, or mutations in the hemagglutinin that reduce avidity for sialic acid and therefore reduce the requirement for NA activity.
Structural organization and complete nucleotide sequence of the gene encoding human acid sphingomyelinase (SMPD1).

Abstract Acid sphingomyelinase (ASM; HGMW-approved symbol, SMPD1) is the lysosomal phosphodiesterase that hydrolyzes sphingomyelin to ceramide and phosphocholine. The deficient activity of this enzyme results in Types A and B Niemann-Pick disease (NPD). The full-length cDNA encoding human ASM has been isolated and characterized (E. H. Schuchman, M. Suchi, T. Takahashi, K. Sandhoff, and R. J. Desnick (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 66:8531–8539), and the ASM gene has been localized to chromosomal region 11p15.1–p15.4 (L. V. Pereira, R. J. Desnick, D. Adler, C. M. Disteche, and E. H. Schuchman (1991) Genomics 9:229–234). Using the cDNA as a probe, a genomic clone containing the ASM genomic region was isolated and the complete nucleotide sequence of the human ASM gene, including 1116 and 468 nucleotides upstream and downstream from the ASM coding region, respectively, was determined. This housekeeping gene contained six exons ranging in size from 77 to 773 bp and five introns ranging in size from 153 to 1059 bp. Exon 2 was unusually large and encoded 258 amino acids, or about 44% of the mature ASM polypeptide. The alternatively spliced 172-bp type 1-specific sequence was encoded by exon 3, whereas the type 2-specific sequence was located at the 5′ end of intron 2. An analysis of the intron/exon junctions revealed that there was a weak donor splice site (AAA gtgagg) at the exon 3/intron 3 junction which occasionally leads to alternative splicing of exon 3 and the occurrence of the type 2 and 3 ASM transcripts. A single Alu1 element in the reverse orientation was in intron 2, immediately downstream from the type 2-specific sequence. The regulatory region upstream of the ASM coding sequence was GC rich and contained putative promoter elements, including SP1, TATA, CAAT, NF-1, and AP-1 binding sites. Intriguingly, the ASM genomic region encoded three other long open reading frames (ORFs) which predicted polypeptides of 101, 104, and 158 amino acid residues, respectively.
Does size matter? Men's and women's views on penis size across the lifespan.

The media equate a man’s penis size with his power and masculinity. Views about penis size were assessed in an Internet survey of 52,031 heterosexual men and women. Most men (66%) rated their penis as average, 22% as large, and 12% as small. Self-reported penis size was correlated positively with height and negatively with body fat level. Whereas 85% of women were satisfied with their partner’s penis size, only 55% of men were satisfied with their penis size, 45% wanted to be larger, and 0.2% wanted to be smaller. Satisfaction did not vary across age groups from 18 to 65. Men reporting a larger-than-average penis rated their appearance most favorably, suggesting a possible confidence effect of perceived large penis size.
Blood thyroxine degradation rate of cattle as influenced by temperature and feed intake

Thyroxine I131 disappearance rate (K), PBI, and estimated blood thyroxine degradation rate (TD) were used as parameters of the thyroid function. Results were as follows: (a) cold (1°C) caused a higher thyroid activity (P<.01) as compared to 18°C, (b) the minimum thyroid activity was observed at 35°C, (c) adlibitum feeding caused a higher thyroid function in the cold environment (1°C) than the control-fed group; however, no differences were observed in the hot condition (35°C). Discussion of the different parameters of thyroid activity was presented. The TD estimation was considered to be a good index for quantitative evaluation of the thyroid gland. Mechanisms of feed and temperature effect on thyroid activity were discussed.
Throughput Scaling Laws for Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks

This paper investigates throughput scaling laws for Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs). We show that the road geometry greatly affects the throughput of a VANET. To this end we introduce the notion of sparseness to capture the geometrical properties of roads. We then start by addressing scaling laws for single roads. We shall see that even a single road can have very different scaling behaviors based on its path trajectory. Scaling laws for more complex systems such as downtown grids and general road systems are studied next. Here, the concept of road-connectivity plays a major role in determining the scaling behavior. In our analysis we account for a spectrum of node distributions that represent different vehicular traffic conditions. We also introduce the distance-limited throughput, a notion of throughput especially introduced for VANET-specific applications, and see how it scales in a single road system and in the presence of infrastructure. Our results are obtained by combining geometrical analysis, network flow arguments, and the probabilistic study of VANETs.
Intraoperative suction test as a predictor of velopharyngeal competence.

Abstract A simple, inexpensive intraoperative test to estimate the probability of adequate speech development following cleft palatal or pharyngeal flap surgery Is described. Its results were reviewed in 151 patients over a 10-year period. The positive predictive value of the testis 92% for not requiring further surgery and 83% for development of adequate speech. The results and their meaning are discussed.
Reply to Comment on “Characteristic polynomials of fullerene cages”

Abstract The characteristic polynomial of one of the fullerene cages considered in Chem. Phys. Letters 198 (1992) 577 is due to the D 3 isomer of C 78 and not the D 3h leapfrog isomer. The points (a)–(c) in the preceeding Comment are well known and in fact have been addressed before by the author elsewhere.
Effect of electrical pulse shape on AVCN unit responses to cochlear stimulation.

Electrical stimulation of the cochlea with a multiple-electrode array is best accomplished using pulsatile instead of continuous stimulation. The optimum shapes of electrical pulses for this purpose are still uncertain due to a lack of knowledge about their stimulation efficiency and requirements of the encoding strategy. We presented an extensive set of charge-balanced, rectangular pulse shapes to the guinea pig cochlea. Durations per phase for these constant-current pulses ranged from 20 ps to 900 ps with initially positive and initially negative polarities. Spike counts from single units in the anteroventral cochlear nucleus differed significantly for different pulse shapes, as did their initial latencies. Implications for stimulation efficiency and encoding strategies are discussed. Cochlear nucleus; Electrical stimulation; Cochlear prosthesis; Single unit; Guinea pig
Neocarzinostatin: an antitumor protein a preliminary x-ray diffraction study.

Abstract The antitumor protein, neocarzinostatin, has been crystallized and examined by X-ray diffraction. Crystals of this globular protein are of space group P2 1 2 1 2 1 with cell parameters a = 27.4A, b = 33.9Aand c = 102.0A. There is one molecule of approximately 27Adiameter per asymmetric unit. Crystals soaked in a K 2 HgI 4 solution give diffraction patterns significantly different from native crystal diffraction patterns.
Examining Urban Students’ Constructions of a STEM/Career Development Intervention Over Time

Using consensual qualitative research, the study examines urban high school students’ reactions to a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) enrichment/career development program, their r...
Bcl-2 is an inner mitochondrial membrane protein that blocks programmed cell death

The t(14; 18) chromosomal translocation of human follicular B-cell lymphoma juxtaposes the bcl-2 gene with the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus. The bcl-2 immunoglobulin fusion gene is markedly deregulated resulting in inappropriately elevated levels of bcl-2 RNA and protein. Transgenic mice bearing a bcl-2 immunoglobulin minigene demonstrate a polyclonal expansion of resting yet responsive IgM-IgD B cells which display prolonged cell survival but no increase in cell cycling. Moreover, deregulated bcl-2 extends the survival of certain haematopoietic cell lines following growth-factor deprivation. By using immunolocalization studies we now demonstrate that Bcl-2 is an integral inner mitochondrial membrane protein of relative molecular mass 25,000 (25k). Overexpression of Bcl-2 blocks the apoptotic death of a pro-B-lymphocyte cell line. Thus, Bcl-2 is unique among proto-oncogenes, being localized to mitochondria and interfering with programmed cell death independent of promoting cell division.
Determination of the mass fraction of crystals in partly frozen hydrocarbon fuels

Abstract The per cent by mass of crystalline solid in a partly frozen hydrocarbon fuel cannot be determined by a filtration experiment alone because the precipitate retained by the filter entraps large amounts of the liquid phase. A technique has been developed which augments the filtration experiment with an independent determination of the amount of liquid in the precipitate and hence allows calculation of the true value of the mass percent of crystalline solid, % S . This method involves the addition to the initial fuel of a small amount of a non-crystallizing dye as a tracer and the determination of the amount of entrapped liquid in the precipitate fraction by a spectrophotometric comparison of the dye concentrations in the precipitate and filtrate. The technique has been tested at several temperatures on both a diesel and a jet fuel. % S increased with decreasing temperature below the melting point. The % S values for the jet fuel were in good agreement with results obtained in another laboratory using a filtration/g.c. analysis method. Precipitates obtained by filtration of the partly frozen fuels were found to contain 50–80% entrapped liquid.
Health Care for Children: A Community Perspective

There are two puzzles about health care for children that need explanation. Why is it the sentimentality Americans express about children has not been backed by solid health care programs? If children are to have good health care, how can a case for their high priority be made, particularly in light of the fact that their health is the best of all age groups in the country? The first question is explored, but the second question is the focus of this paper. A priority system for health care is proposed, and at the same time an argument is presented for why children should have a high priority despite their generally good health.
Centromere: Absence of DNA Replication during Chromatid Separation in Human Fibroblasts

Cultures of human fibroblasts were labeled briefly with tritiated thymidine and fixed; autoradiographs were made and exposed for 3½ months. No labeling was noted over the centromere of metaphase or anaphase chromosomes. The technique was sensitive to replication at the centromere of a DNA helix only 2.5 microns long, considerably shorter than the estimated length of a replicon in humans. This suggests that chromatid separation during mitosis is not associated with delayed replication of a short segment of chromosomal DNA.
Robust tracking using local sparse appearance model and K-selection

Online learned tracking is widely used for it's adaptive ability to handle appearance changes. However, it introduces potential drifting problems due to the accumulation of errors during the self-updating, especially for occluded scenarios. The recent literature demonstrates that appropriate combinations of trackers can help balance stability and flexibility requirements. We have developed a robust tracking algorithm using a local sparse appearance model (SPT). A static sparse dictionary and a dynamically online updated basis distribution model the target appearance. A novel sparse representation-based voting map and sparse constraint regularized mean-shift support the robust object tracking. Besides these contributions, we also introduce a new dictionary learning algorithm with a locally constrained sparse representation, called K-Selection. Based on a set of comprehensive experiments, our algorithm has demonstrated better performance than alternatives reported in the recent literature.
Seasonal prevalence of Chondrococcus columnaris infection in black bullheads from Clear Lake, Iowa.

The prevalence of asymptomatic columnaris infection in black bullheads (Ictalurus melas) from Clear Lake, Iowa, during 1971 was the highest during the spring when the lake was warming, very low as summer approached and nil from July 28 through the autumn. The mean condition factor of adult black bullheads decreased through the month of June and fluctuated at a lower level through the remainder of the summer and autumn. Mean hematocrit of adult black bullheads followed the same trend as that of condition factor. A positive correlation was evident between weekly mean condition factor and hematocrit (r = 0.90; P = 0.01).
Localization of the linker domain of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II.

Abstract Electron micrographs of rotary shadowed replicas of α-Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II reveal a flower-shaped multimeric molecule with a central particle surrounded by 8–10 smaller peripheral particles. Peripheral particles are attached to the central particle by thin arms or “linkers.” Movement of peripheral particles to contact each other for autophosphorylation is likely to involve these linkers. It has generally been accepted that the segment 317–328 of the α-subunit constitutes the linker domain. In the present study we test this assumption by generating a mutant lacking the proposed sequence. The mutant has biochemical and morphological properties similar to those of the wild type, and a thin linker is occasionally observed in replicas from either type. The results indicate that the deleted sequence does not correspond to the linker domain. This conclusion, combined with observations from two recent studies which identify the C-terminal domain involved in oligomerization, narrows down the location of the linker domain within the sequence 330–354.
Self‐Deception and Blameworthiness

I argue for the view that whether acting from self-deception forthrightly excuses from blameworthiness, in a manner analogous to the manner in which germane ignorance in cases without self-deception forthrightly excuses, depends fundamentally upon the belief states of the self-deceived agents. What the germane belief states of such agents could be, in turn, is a pivotal function of the nature of self-deception. In addition, I defend the view that the conceptually coherent phenomenon of presumably non-typical self-deception in which the self-deceiver has beliefs whose propositional contents are mutually contradictory, calls into question the popular view that moral blameworthiness requires that one have done something morally wrong, and that moral praiseworthiness requires that one have done something morally obligatory or permissible.
SUBPHOTOSPHERIC CURRENT SYSTEMS AND FLARES

Subphotospheric current systems inferred from recent vector magnetograph observations imply the existence of electric currents penetrating the photosphere and thus flowing deep in the solar convection zone. These currents presumably originate in an internal dynamo that supplies the observed photospheric magnetic fields through the buoyant motions of the initially deeply-buried flux tubes. The coronal fields resulting from this process therefore must carry slowly-varying currents driven by emfs remote from the surface. These currents may then drive solar-flare energy release. This paper discusses the consequences of such a deep origin of the coronal parallel currents. Simple estimates for a large active region suggest a mean current-closure depth of not less than 10,000 km, with a subphotospheric inductance of not less than 100 H and a subphotospheric stored energy of not less than 10 to the 33rd ergs.
Indirect Measurement of Intracellular Conductivity

The apparent resistance of a fluid-filled micropipette depends upon the conductivity of the fluid in which its tip-is immersed. When the electrode is involved in the determination of the impedance of cell membranes, then the intracellular conductivity must be known. Techniques used in large cells require extrusion of intracellular fluid or the simultaneous insertion of two or more electrodes in a single cell, and are not feasible for small cardiac cells. We present an indirect method in which. two unlike electrodes are inserted individually into distinct cells of a given type. The difference in measured resistances is independent of the membrane impedance, and can be calibrated by immersion in a sequence of fluids of known conductivities.
Integrating metastasectomy in the management of advanced urological malignancies-where are we in 2005?

Purpose: In the past patients with metastatic cancer were considered incurable and they were not candidates for surgical management of metastases. However, experience with testicular cancer has shown that metastasectomy can often be the final, critical step in achieving disease-free status. We summarized the most current data on metastasectomy for advanced urological malignancies.Materials and Methods: We performed an extensive review of the literature from 1990 to the present using MEDLINE. Only original reports were included with an emphasis on specific malignancies and specific sites of metastasis.Results: There is increasing evidence that patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma and bladder carcinoma can be cured by surgical resection of metastases, usually combined with systemic therapy. The ideal patient has responded to systemic therapy and has few metastatic sites.Conclusions: Metastasectomy should frequently be done in patients with advanced testicular cancer and it should increasingly be co...
High Resolution Anoscopy Findings for Men Who Have Sex with Men: Inaccuracy of Anal Cytology as a Predictor of Histologic High-Grade Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia and the Impact of HIV Serostatus

We compared the pathological diagnoses obtained by anal Papanicolaou (Pap) smear with those obtained by anal biopsy or by surgical excision for 153 men who have sex with men (MSM). Analysis of these paired specimens showed that anal Pap smears were an inaccurate predictor of high-grade anal dysplasia, regardless of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serostatus. The presence of any abnormal anal cytological finding indicates a potential for high-grade dysplasia on histological examination of MSM.
ACQUISITION OF REGIONAL AIR QUALITY MODEL VALIDATION DATA FOR NITRATE, SULFATE, AMMONIUM ION AND THEIR PRECURSORS

An intensive field study was conducted throughout California's South Coast Air Basin to acquire air quality model validation data for use with aerosol nitrate formation models. Aerosol nitrate, sulfate, ammonium, other major ionic aerosol species, nitric acid gas and ammonia were measured concurrently at ten sites for forty-eight consecutive hours during the period 30–31 August 1982. Ozone, NO and NO_x were measured at all locations, and PAN was measured at Pasadena and Riverside, completing a nitrogen balance on the air masses studied. The product of the measured nitric acid and ammonia concentrations ranged from less than 1 ppbv^2 to greater than 300 ppbv^2 during the experiment, providing a wide range of conditions over which comparisons can be drawn between chemical equilibrium calculations and experimental results. The ionic material in the aerosol phase was chemically more complex than is assumed by present theoretical models for the equilibrium between NH_3, HNO_3 and the aerosol phase, and included significant amounts of Na^+, Ca^(2+), Mg^(2+), K^+ and Cl^− in addition to NH_4^+, SO_4^(2−) and NO_3^−. Results of the experiment showed that aerosol nitrate levels in excess of 20 μm^(−3) accumulated in near-coastal locations in the morning of 31 August, followed by subsequent transport across the air basin. Trajectory analysis showed that the afternoon aerosol nitrate peak observed inland at Rubidoux near Riverside was associated with the same air mass that contained the high morning nitrate levels near the coast, indicating that description of both transport and atmospheric chemical reactions is important in understanding regional nitrate dynamics.
Comments on the derivation of the mixing angles

Abstract It is pointed out that Fritzsch's derivation of the mixing angles for a six-quark theory based on a SU(2) L × SU(2) R × U(1) model is in error. The correct formula for the mixing angles differs significantly from Fritzsch's results.
Sober and Wilson on Psychological Altruism

In their marvelous book, Unto Others: The Evolution and Psychology of Unselfish Behavior, Sober and Wilson identify two distinct problems of altruism.1 The problem of Evolutionary Altruism (EA) "is to show how behaviors that benefit others at the expense of self can evolve;" (17) group selection is the key to the solution of this problem. The problem of Psychological Altruism (PA) is to determine whether people "have altruistic desires that are psychologically ultimate." (201) After carefully considering the arguments of both psychologists and philosophers, Sober and Wilson render the verdict "not proven." But just in the nick of time, evolutionary biology rides to the rescue; it succeeds where psychology and philosophy fail in vindicating our good nature. In this paper, I will discuss Sober and Wilson's treatment of PA.
The fate of RNA degradation products in starved cultures of Tetrahymena pyriformis W.

SYNOPSIS The RNA content of a population of Tetrahymena pyriformis W was followed during the growth phases of the culture. The cellular RNA levels were found to reach a maximum in early log phase and to decrease throughout the remainder of the log and deceleration phases. There was a 25% decrease in RNA amount when cells in late stationary phase were compared to those in deceleration. This loss of RNA was mimicked when cells from the deceleration phase were suspended in a non-nutrient buffered medium. Procedures were established to determine RNA content and the intra- and extracellular distribution of RNA degradation products, namely purine and pyrimidine bases and orthophosphate. Balance sheets are presented to show that the decrease in RNA levels was accompanied by an equivalent increase in purine and pyrimidine bases and phosphorus derivatives. The validity of the procedures employed was demonstrated. The influence of magnesium, cholesterol and glucose on the cells suspended in a non-nutrient buffer was examined. Each was found to affect the ultimate distribution of RNA products in a characteristic fashion suggesting that each compound acts by a different mode of action.
Estimating above-ground carbon biomass in a newly restored coastal plain wetland using remote sensing.

Developing accurate but inexpensive methods for estimating above-ground carbon biomass is an important technical challenge that must be overcome before a carbon offset market can be successfully implemented in the United States. Previous studies have shown that LiDAR (light detection and ranging) is well-suited for modeling above-ground biomass in mature forests; however, there has been little previous research on the ability of LiDAR to model above-ground biomass in areas with young, aggrading vegetation. This study compared the abilities of discrete-return LiDAR and high resolution optical imagery to model above-ground carbon biomass at a young restored forested wetland site in eastern North Carolina. We found that the optical imagery model explained more of the observed variation in carbon biomass than the LiDAR model (adj-R2 values of 0.34 and 0.18 respectively; root mean squared errors of 0.14 Mg C/ha and 0.17 Mg C/ha respectively). Optical imagery was also better able to predict high and low biomass extremes than the LiDAR model. Combining both the optical and LiDAR improved upon the optical model but only marginally (adj-R2 of 0.37). These results suggest that the ability of discrete-return LiDAR to model above-ground biomass may be rather limited in areas with young, small trees and that high spatial resolution optical imagery may be the better tool in such areas.
Identification of CrkL-SH3 binding proteins from embryonic murine brain: implications for Reelin signaling during brain development.

The Crk and Crk-like (CrkL) adaptor proteins play important roles in numerous signaling pathways, bridging tyrosine kinase substrates to downstream signaling effectors by virtue of their phosphotyrosine-binding SH2 domains and their effector-binding SH3 domains. Critical to understanding the diverse roles of Crk/CrkL is the identification of tissue- and signal-specific tyrosine phosphorylated substrates to which they are recruited and the tissue-specific effector proteins they chaperone into signaling complexes. Crk and CrkL are known biochemically and genetically to be essential mediators of Reelin/Disabled-1 (Dab1) signaling which governs proper mammalian brain development. Multimeric Reelin clusters its receptors as well as the receptor-bound intracellular scaffolding protein Dab1. Clustering induces Fyn/Src-dependent Dab1 tyrosine phosphorylation which recruits Crk/CrkL and SH3-bound effectors. Previously 21 Crk/CrkL-SH3 binding proteins were identified from diverse cell types. We present here the proteomic identification of 101 CrkL-SH3 binding proteins from embryonic murine brain. The identified proteins are enriched in the Crk/CrkL-SH3 binding motif and signaling activities regulating cell adhesion and motility. These results suggest Reelin-induced Dab1 tyrosine phosphorylation may generate a multi-faceted signaling scaffold containing a rich array of Crk/CrkL-SH3 binding effectors and may explain a growing diversity of cellular activities suggested to be influenced by Reelin/Dab1 signaling.
A portable environment for developing parallel FORTRAN programs

Abstract The emergence of commercially produced parallel computers has greatly increased the problem of producing transportable mathematical software. Exploiting these new parallel capabilities has led to extensions of existing languages such as FORTRAN and to proposals for the development of entirely new parallel languages. We present an attempt at a short term solution to the transportability problem. The motivation for developing the package has been to extend capabilities beyond loop based parallelism and to provide a convenient machine independent user interface. A package called SCHEDULE is described which provides a standard user interface to several shared memory parallel machines. A user writes standard FORTRAN code and calls SCHEDULE routines which express and enforce the large grain data dependencies of his parallel algorithm. Machine dependencies are internal to SCHEDULE and change from one machine to another but the users code remains essentially the same across all such machines. The semantics and usage of SCHEDULE are described and several examples of parallel algorithms which have been implemented using SCHEDULE are presented.
The Staphylococcus aureus pathogenicity island 1 protein gp6 functions as an internal scaffold during capsid size determination

Abstract Staphylococcus aureus pathogenicity island 1 (SaPI1) is a mobile genetic element that carries genes for several superantigen toxins. SaPI1 is normally stably integrated into the host genome but can become mobilized by “helper” bacteriophage 80α, leading to the packaging of SaPI1 genomes into phage-like transducing particles that are composed of structural proteins supplied by the helper phage but having smaller capsids. We show that the SaPI1-encoded protein gp6 is necessary for efficient formation of small capsids. The NMR structure of gp6 reveals a dimeric protein with a helix–loop–helix motif similar to that of bacteriophage scaffolding proteins. The gp6 dimer matches internal densities that bridge capsid subunits in cryo-electron microscopy reconstructions of SaPI1 procapsids, suggesting that gp6 acts as an internal scaffolding protein in capsid size determination.
Can maternal vitamin e supplementation prevent lung hypoplasia in the nitrofen-induced rat model of congenital diaphragmatic hernia?

Recent studies suggest a role for antioxidants in the prevention of pulmonary hypoplasia associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). We studied the effects of vitamin E in the nitrofen-rat model of CDH. After an initial fast, timed-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were gavage-fed nitrofen at gestational day 11 (term is 22 d). On the same day, one group was given a s.c. injection of vitamin E in alcohol; a second group was given an injection of alcohol alone. A third group received no treatment (control). Fetuses were delivered on day 21, and static pressure-volume curves were measured by immersion. Lungs were analyzed for total DNA and protein content by standard methods. A total of 203 fetuses were studied. Of 151 nitrofen-exposed fetuses, 77% had CDH; 92% of these were right-sided. CDH was present in 82% of vehicle-treated fetuses and 71% of vitamin E–treated fetuses (p = 0.17). Nitrofen-exposed fetuses not only were smaller than control fetuses but also had disproportionately smaller lungs and poorer lung function, even when CDH was absent; however, lung function was worse when CDH was present. Vitamin E treatment did not improve either lung growth or function, although there was a trend toward less CDH. We have shown, for the first time, that the lung hypoplasia seen in nitrofen-exposed rat fetuses is associated with a dramatic reduction in static lung function, even when CDH is not present. Finally, our findings support the notion that lung hypoplasia in the nitrofen-rat model is independent of CDH formation.
Revisiting Reflection: Utilizing Third Spaces in Teacher Education

AbstractMuch has been written about the importance of reflective practice. What is missing is reflective work on the part of teacher educators to address the mismatch between university-based methods courses and the realities of classroom life. With examples from a third grade mathematics classroom as well as a university-based mathematics methods course, this article explores ways educators can employ third space theory as a way to engage in purposeful reflection into their teaching practices.
Experimental comparison of inquiry and direct instruction in science

There are continuing educational and political debates about ‘inquiry’ versus ‘direct’ teaching of science. Traditional science instruction has been largely direct but in the US, recent national and state science education standards advocate inquiry throughout K‐12 education. While inquiry‐based instruction has the advantage of modelling aspects of the nature of real scientific inquiry, there is little unconfounded comparative research into the effectiveness and efficiency of the two instructional modes for developing science conceptual understanding. This research undertook a controlled experimental study comparing the efficacy of carefully designed inquiry instruction and equally carefully designed direct instruction in realistic science classroom situations at the middle school grades. The research design addressed common threats to validity. We report on the nature of the instructional units in each mode, research design, methods, classroom implementations, monitoring, assessments, analysis and projec...
Too much, too late: Aggressive measures and the timing of end of life care discussions in women with gynecologic malignancies.

Abstract Objective This study describes the patterns of end of life (EOL) discussions and their impact on the use of aggressive measures in women with terminal gynecologic malignancies at a single institution. Methods An IRB-approved retrospective chart review identified 136 patients who died of gynecologic cancer between 2010 and 2012 with at least one interaction with their oncologists in the last 6months of life. Aggressive measures were defined as chemotherapy within the last 14days of life, emergency department (ED) visits, hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions within the last 30days of life, and inpatient deaths. The frequency and timing of EOL conversations were recorded. Utilization of hospice care was also described. Results In the last 30days of life, 54 (40%) patients were evaluated in the ED, 67 (49%) were admitted into hospital, and 16 (12%) were admitted to the ICU. Thirteen patients (10%) had chemotherapy in the last 14days of life. Ninety-seven (71%) patients had a documented EOL conversation, eighteen (19%) as outpatients, and 79 (81%) as inpatients. Thirty (22%) patients died in the hospital. At the time of death, 55 (40%) patients were enrolled in outpatient hospice care. The mean amount of time in hospice was 28days. Conclusions End of life care discussions rarely occurred in the outpatient setting or >30days before death. Inpatient encounters led to discussions about hospice and code status. Evaluation in the ED frequently resulted in escalation of care. Earlier EOL care discussions resulted in less aggressive measures.
Fourier and Other Transform Methods

The Fourier transform is a basic tool for optical diffraction, interferometry, sky mapping, laser resonance, tomography, and other fields. Chemical analysis using Fourier transform spectroscopy and optical signal processing are traditional one-dimensional applications, while in fiber-optic transmission and optical analogue computing, the fractional Fourier transform is a new tool. Applications of other transforms (Abel, Hankel, Hartley, Radon) are also described. Mathematical definitions and properties are tabulated for reference. Keywords: transforms; interferometry; coherence; fractional Fourier transform; tomography; projection-slice theorem; nulling interferometry; volume rendering; Abel transform; Hankel transform; Hartley transform; Radon transform
Roadmap-based flocking for complex environments

Flocking behavior is very common in nature, and there have been ongoing research efforts to simulate such behavior in computer animations and robotics applications. Generally, such work considers behaviors that can be determined independently by each flock member solely by observing its local environment, e.g., the speed and direction of its neighboring flock members. Since flock members are not assumed to have global information about the environment, only very simple navigation and planning techniques have been considered for such flocks. In this paper, we investigate how the addition of global information in the form of a roadmap of the environment enables more sophisticated flocking behaviors. In particular, we study and propose new techniques for three distinct group behaviors: homing, exploring and shepherding. These behaviors exploit global knowledge of the environment and utilize knowledge gathered by all flock members. This knowledge is communicated by allowing individual flock members to dynamically update the shared roadmap to reflect (un)desirable routes or regions. We present experimental results showing how the judicious use of simple roadmaps of the environment enables more complex behaviors to be obtained at minimal cost.
Bone Mineral Density With Lamotrigine Monotherapy for Epilepsy

Bone mass, largely accumulated during childhood and adolescence, may be reduced in patients with epilepsy as a result of epilepsy or of antiepileptic medications. Enzyme-inducing medications increase bone-turnover markers, although the effects of newer medications on bone accrual are not well-defined. Total z-score bone mineral density was measured in 13 children, treated with lamotrigine monotherapy, who had never been exposed to other medications, and compared with 36 control subjects and 40 patients exposed to polytherapy. All patients were normally ambulatory and had similar physical activity and calcium intake. The z-scores of bone mineral density for lamotrigine and control subjects were similar (0.52 ± 0.76 versus 0.49 ± 0.7) and higher than those receiving polytherapy for 1-5 years (0.14 ± 0.8, P = 0.12) and ≥6 years (-0.27 ± 01.15, P
Regulation of P450c17 Expression in the Early Embryo Depends on GATA Factors

The enzyme P450c17 is required for glucocorticoid, sex steroid, and some neurosteroid biosynthesis. Defective human P450c17 causes sexual infantilism and 46,XY sex reversal but is compatible with life, whereas ablation of the corresponding mouse gene causes embryonic lethality at around E7. Normal mouse embryos express P450c17 protein and activity in the embryonic endoderm at E7. Adult adrenal and gonadal steroidogenesis requires steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1), but SF-1 is not expressed in the early mouse embryo. We show that P450c17 is expressed in differentiated mouse parietal and visceral endoderm lineages, in cultured mouse F9 embryonic carcinoma stem cells, in mouse embryonic stem cells, and in cultured mouse P19 stem cells. Bases −110 to −55 (which contain an SF-1 site and two potential GATA sites) of the rat cyp17 gene confer promoter activity in F9 cells. Overexpression of SF-1 has no effect, whereas overexpression of GATA4 in F9 cells increases transcription from −110/−55 fused to a reporter and increases endogenous P450c17 mRNA. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays show that GATA4 binds to −215/+55 of mouse cyp17. Stimulating F9 cells with retinoic acid and cAMP differentiates them into visceral and parietal endoderm. Commensurate with cell differentiation, quantitative PCR showed increased GATA4 and GATA6 mRNAs, temporally followed by increased P450c17 mRNA. Small interfering RNA inhibition of GATA4 or GATA6 in undifferentiated or differentiated F9 cells diminished endogenous cyp17 expression. Thus, P450c17 is expressed in mouse embryonic stem cells, its expression increases upon differentiation to an early embryonic endoderm lineage, and GATA4/6 are responsible for activation of P450c17 gene expression at this early stage of embryonic development.
Evidence for shortening the time interval of prostaglandin after mifepristone for medical abortion

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to compare regimens that shorten the interval between mifepristone and the prostaglandin misoprostol or gemeprost for medical abortion. Methods The Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and MEDLINE were systematically searched for the words mifepristone and abortion . Only randomized controlled trials comparing different mifepristone regimens with either misoprostol or gemeprost were included. The outcome was a complete abortion not requiring surgical evacuation. Results Five randomized trials were identified and all were published since 1999. Four were from the United States and three had enrollments of >1000. The route of administration of the prostaglandin was used vaginally, except in one study where misoprostol was divided in two doses 2 h apart. Four studies provided information about a 1-day interval and two trials provided information about an interval of 6���8 h evaluating mifepristone 200 mg and misoprostol 800 ��g vaginally. There were no significant differences noted between the current 2-day interval compared with the 1-day interval. There was one study suggesting no difference with an interval of 6���8 h. Conclusions The interval between mifepristone and misoprostol 800 ��g vaginally can be decreased from 48 to 6���8 h without loss of efficacy.
The future grid to enable sustainable energy systems

This panel session outlines the Power System Engineering Research Center's (PSERC) new initiative funded by the US Department of Energy (DOE) to investigate requirements for a systematic transformation of today's electric grid to enable high penetrations of sustainable energy systems. A giant transformation in the electric grid is underway. The grid is evolving away from a network-architecture with relatively few large, hierarchically-connected, tightly synchronized energy resources supplying large, medium, and very many small passive consumers. It is evolving toward a network driven by many highly variable distributed energy resources mixed with large central generation sources, energy storage, and responsive users equipped with embedded intelligence and automation to meet their unique energy needs while co-existing and interacting within a complex dynamic network system. This panel session will highlight the various activities in the initiative and outline the activities in the different thrust areas and broad analysis topics.