cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alkene Monooxygenase from Xanthobacter Strain Py2

Alkene monooxygenase fromXanthobacter strain Py2 is an inducible enzyme that catalyzes the O2- and NADH-dependent epoxidation of short chain (C2 to C6) alkenes to their corresponding epoxides as the initial step in the utilization of aliphatic alkenes as carbon and energy sources. In the present study, alkene monooxygenase has been resolved from the soluble fraction of cell-free extracts into four components, each of which has been purified to homogeneity, that are obligately required for alkene epoxidation activity. The four required components are 1) a monomeric 35.5-kDa protein containing 1 mol of FAD and a probable 2Fe-2S center; 2) a 13.3-kDa ferredoxin containing a Rieske-type 2Fe-2S cluster; 3) an 11-kDa monomeric protein that contains no detectable cofactors; and 4) a 212-kDa α2β2γ2 multimeric protein containing four atoms of nonheme iron. The 35.5-kDa protein has been characterized as an NADH reductase. The physiological electron acceptor for the reductase was the Rieske-type ferredoxin, which is proposed to be an intermediate electron carrier between the reductase and terminal catalytic component of the system. The 212-kDa protein was specifically inactivated in cell-free extracts by the mechanism-based inactivator propyne, suggesting that it is the catalytic component and contains the active site(s) for O2 activation and alkene epoxidation. The subunit structure and metal analysis of this component suggest that it contains two diiron centers, one for each αβγ protomeric unit. No specific enzymatic activities could be assigned for the 11-kDa protein, but this component was obligately required for steady-state alkene epoxidation. The alkene monooxygenase components were expressed during growth of Xanthobacter Py2 on aliphatic alkenes or epoxides and repressed during growth on other carbon sources. The electron transfer components of alkene monooxygenase were highly specific: other reductase activities present in Xanthobacter were incapable of transferring electrons to the Rieske-type ferredoxin or substituting for the reductase in the alkene monooxygenase complex. Likewise, other bacterial and plant ferredoxins were unable to substitute for the Rieske-type ferredoxin in mediating electron transfer to the oxygenase. The biochemical properties of alkene monooxygenase described in this study suggest that this enzyme combines elements of both the well-characterized aromatic dioxygenase (two-component electron transfer scheme) and methane monooxygenase (small regulatory protein and diiron oxygenase) multicomponent enzyme systems.
Geographic disparities in late-stage breast cancer diagnosis in California

Using cancer registry data for the population of California women aged 67+ with breast cancers, we estimated random intercept logistic models to examine how two socio-ecological predictors (residential isolation and poverty) were associated with probability of late-stage diagnosis for breast cancer. Using the multilevel modeling results, we calculated fully adjusted predicted probabilities associated with women in each Medical Service Study Area (MSSA) in California and classified the areas into two distinct groups: MSSAs with predicted rates below the 25th percentile (presumably the better outcome areas) and MSSAs with predicted rates above the 75th percentile (presumably the worse outcome areas) for two minority groups. Some areas had better outcomes for one group but worse outcomes for the other, suggesting that interventions to improve outcomes need different strategies for different groups in the same areas. Using information from geographic risk factors and multilevel modeling, this study informs interventions designed to reduce disparities in breast cancer outcomes.
Physical and blood contacting characteristics of propyl sulphonate grafted Biomer.

Abstract Propyl sulphonate groups were grafted on to the backbone of Biomer ®, a polyetherurethaneurea, in an attempt to improve its blood-contacting properties. The bulk, surface and blood-contacting properties of this series of sulphonated polymers were evaluated. Differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis indicated that propyl sulphonate incorporation increased the microphase separation of the polymers. The ultimate tensile strength was also increased with sulphonation at the expense of the polymer's extensibility. Dynamic contact angle analysis showed that, in water, the sulphonated Biomer® surfaces were more polar than the Biomer® sample indicating the propyl sulphonate groups were enriched at the surface. Canine ex vivo blood-contacting results showed that the incorporation of propyl sulphonate groups dramatically reduced the number and activation of platelets adherent to the polymer surface. In addition, fibrinogen deposition increased with increasing sulphonate content, despite the low level of platelet activation.
Detection of fast Mg ions using the photon-burst method.

Single magnesium ions at superthermal velocities (200 eV energy) are detected for the first time by the photon-burst method. An optical isotopic resolution of ${g10}^{3}$ is demonstrated.
The application of renal cells in culture in studying drug-induced nephrotoxicity.

Kidney cells in culture represent one of many in vitro approaches for studying drug-induced nephrotoxicity. Pontential advantages of cell culture systems compared to more traditional in vitro models include a) the ability to examine direct effects at the cellular level, b) extended viability, c) ability for long-term storage, and d) capabilities for automation. Primary cultures of kidney tubules as well as cell lines of kidney origin are currently under evaluation as model systems for the assement of nephrotoxicity. The application of two renal cell systems, rabbit primary proximal tubule cultures and the pig kidney cell line, LLC-PK1, in studying mechanisms of drug-induced nephrotoxicity is described in this communication. Potentially valuable insights intothe renal pathogenesis associated with the antitumor agent, cis-diamminedichloroplatium II, and the aminoglycoside antibiotic, gentamicin, have been obtained utilizing these renal cell models. Challenges in renal cll culture involve the characterization and mainternance of differentiated properties and the development of technologies to a) study bidirectional transport-toxicity of drugs, and b) provide a dynamic vs. static fluid environment as in vivo. Despite these unique challeges as well as the universal challeges involved in extrapolating any in vitro data to the in vivo situation, recent studies indicate that renal cells in culture are useful in the elucidation of mechanisms of drug-induced renal injury.
Reflection of a shock wave from a thermally accommodating wall: Molecular simulation

Reflection of a plane shock wave from a wall has been simulated on a microscopic scale using a direct simulation Monte Carlo technique of the type developed by Bird. A monatomic gas model representing argon was used to describe the fluid medium and a simple one‐parameter accommodation coefficient model was used to describe the gas‐surface interaction. The influence of surface accommodation was studied parametrically by varying the accomodation coefficient from zero to one. Results are presented showing the temporal variations of flow field density, and mass, momentum, and energy fluxes to the wall during the shock wave reflection process. The energy flux was used to determine the wall temperature history. Comparisons with experiment are found to be satisfactory where data are available.
Microcomputer application: an image database system for electron microscopy.

An electron microscopist in a small electron microscopy laboratory that processes 200 cases per year can generate at least 2000 electron micrographs within this time period. These electron micrographs are stored in filing cabinets, which slowly encroach on existing laboratory space. Related image data are often located in separate filing systems. This type of storage system is inefficient for rapid retrieval of sets of electron micrographs for research, teaching, or retrospective review of patient material. An electron microscopy image base, which is implemented on a microcomputer, can provide flexible and simultaneous access to both digitized electron micrographs and their relevant textual data. In addition to the advantage of more efficient retrieval, electronic storage of textual data and digitized electron micrographs also offers the advantage of decreased storage space for this type of data. Implementation of the initial version of the electron microscopy image base demonstrated that future versions ...
Social availability of residual woody biomass from nonindustrial private woodland owners in Minnesota and Wisconsin

An important and potentially underused source of biomass that could be utilized in energy production is from nonindustrial private woodlands. We employ the Theory of Planned Behavior to estimate the social availability of woody biomass as a function of landowner behavior intent, landowner characteristics, forest land characteristics, and biomass price on stated willingness to harvest biomass in conjunction with a commercial timber harvest. A mail survey was administered to 1109 nonindustrial private woodland owners in a 26county region in northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin during the fall of 2009. Using binary logistic regression, we found payment level offered to harvest biomass plays a significant role in landowners’ decisions, but that non-monetary factors are also important. Landowner attitudes and opinions regarding soil impacts, aesthetics, and energy independence were important predictors of stated willingness to harvest. Social norms as manifested through the influence of neighbors were also significant. These findings expand existing research and are useful for profiling nonindustrial private woodland owners to identify sustainable sources of biomass to supply a burgeoning bioenergy sector in the Lake States.
Abnormal activity patterns in premotor cortex during sequence learning in autistic patients

Background Evidence for frontal abnormality in autism has accumulated in recent years. Our own studies have shown abnormal activation in prefrontal cortex during finger tapping and visuomotor coordination. Studies in healthy adults suggest reduced premotor and increased prefrontal activity during advanced learning stages. We examined hemodynamic changes during visuomotor learning in autistic patients. Methods We studied eight high-functioning autistic patients and eight control subjects during learning of an 8-digit sequence over a period of 8 min, using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Results Autistic patients showed overall less prefrontal activation during late visuomotor learning; however, the main finding was a complementary one of enhanced activation in right pericentral and premotor cortex. In the autism group, Brodmann areas 3, 4, and 6 of the right hemisphere became more involved during late learning stages (trials 25–48), compared with early stages (trials 1–24). This effect was not seen in the control group. Conclusions Our findings suggests that in autistic patients 1) primary sensorimotor and premotor cortex, which is normally predominant in early stages of visuomotor learning, plays an atypical role in later stages, even when learning is evident; and 2) handedness and side of execution interact with asymmetry of visuomotor learning activations, contrary to what is seen in normal adults.
Systematic review of the economic value of diarrheal vaccines

Diarrheal disease is a leading cause of child mortality in low-income settings and morbidity across a range of settings. A growing number of studies have addressed the economic value of new and emerging vaccines to reduce this threat. We conducted a systematic review to assess the economic value of diarrheal vaccines targeting a range of pathogens in different settings. The majority of studies focused on the economic value of rotavirus vaccines in different settings, with most of these concluding that vaccination would provide significant economic benefits across a range of vaccine prices. There is also evidence of the economic benefits of cholera vaccines in specific contexts. For other potential diarrheal vaccines data are limited and often hypothetical. Across all target pathogens and contexts, the evidence of economic value focuses the short-term health and economic gains. Additional information is needed on the broader social and long-term economic value of diarrhea vaccines.
Estimation of energy expenditure using CSA accelerometers at hip and wrist sites.

SWARTZ, A. M., S. J. STRATH, D. R. BASSETT, JR., W. L. O’BRIEN, G. A. KING, and B. E. AINSWORTH. Estimation of energy expenditure using CSA accelerometers at hip and wrist sites. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 32, No. 9, Suppl., pp. S450–S456, 2000.PurposeThis study was designed to establish predicti
Parents' Attitudes toward Family Involvement in Cleft Palate Treatment:

Families exert a powerful influence upon their members and can be a significant resource in cleft palate treatment. The purposes of this study were to gather information about (1) the characteristics and attitudes of families whose children are treated for cleft palate; (2) the extent to which parents participate in decisions about treatment; and (3) parents' ideas about their participation. A 32-item survey questionnaire was distributed to 75 parents in Florida, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania. Forty-two survey forms (56%) were completed and returned for analysis. The majority of parents (57%) were satisfied with their present involvement in team treatment services; however, 36% wished for more involvement, and 7% wished for less involvement.
Viruses as Transneuronal Tracers for Defining Neural Circuits

Live viruses can be used as tools to label chains of neurons and thus to define functionally connected CNS circuits. This review summarizes the background and general principles involved in using the viral tracing technology. An attenuated form of a pig herpes virus, known as the Bartha's K strain of pseudorabies virus, has proven to be a useful type of virus for the analysis of CNS systems in the rat. The properties of this virus and the evidence for its specificity in causing trans-synaptic infections is discussed.
Physical and nutritional properties of catfish roe spray dried protein powder and its application in an emulsion system

Soluble spray dried protein powder (CRP) was made from catfish roe and its physical and nutritional properties were evaluated. An emulsion system (CRPE) was developed using CRP and rheological properties compared with two commercial mayonnaises (RME and RVE). CRP contained 67% protein, 4.5% moisture, 10% ash, and 18.3% fat. CRP had a high content of essential amino acids and desirable mineral contents. Nitrogen solubility, emulsion stability, and fat adsorption values for CRP were 64%, 85.1%, and 5.7 mL/g protein, respectively. CRP protein powder had several of proteins with molecular weights between 40 and 100kDA. Particle size of CRP ranged from 1.9 to 88 lm. The flow behavior index value for CRPE (0.14) was lower (P < 0.05) than RME (0.22) and RVE (0.21). CRPE (1.8) and RVE (2.1) had lower (P < 0.05) viscosity than RME (2.8). Viscoelastic characteristic of the CRP emulsion was greater than the RVE emulsion.
Sulfation of a Nickeliferous Laterite

The sulfur trioxide roasting of a ferruginous, nickeliferous laterite was investigated at temperatures from 500° to 800°C. The kinetics of the fixed bed sulfation appeared to be logarithmic and this was interpreted to indicate a transport controlled process. Reaction rate constants were evaluated and it was found that the time for equivalent sulfation of nickel was more than 5 orders of magnitude greater at 800°C than at 600°C. The composition of the products appeared to dominate the reaction kinetics through changes in their physical nature. Nickel and cobalt sulfated quite rapidly at temperatures from 600° to 700°C but favorable selectivity over iron could be obtained only at temperatures >750°C where the nickel sulfation rate falls off rapidly. A two-step sulfation process was investigated that takes advantage of the rate characteristics of the low temperature process and attains selectivity by reversing the iron reaction at a higher temperature. Approximately 87 pct of the nickel, 97 pct of the cobalt, and 2 pct of the iron were extracted in a two-step process without additives.
Rotavirus vaccines: Successes and challenges

Since 2006, the availability of two new rotavirus vaccines has raised enthusiasm to consider the eventual control and elimination of severe rotavirus diarrhea through the global use of vaccines. Rotavirus remains the most severe cause of acute diarrhea in children worldwide responsible for several hundred thousands of deaths in low income countries and up to half of hospital admissions for diarrhea around the world. The new vaccines have been recommended by WHO for all infants and in more than 47 countries, their introduction into routine childhood immunization programs has led to a remarkable decline in hospital admissions and even deaths within 3 years of introduction. Challenges remain with issues of vaccine finance globally and the problem that these live oral vaccines perform less well in low income settings where they are needed most. Ongoing research that will accompany vaccine introduction might help address these issues of efficacy and new vaccines and novel financing schemes may both help make these vaccines universally available and affordable in the decade.
Comments on Lorentz-Lorenz effects in low energy pion scattering

Abstract The differences between a full Lorentz-Lorenz potential modification, and a ϱ 2 approximation to this modification are examined for low energy pion-nucleus elastic scattering. The relationship between these approaches and the single-scattering impulse approximation is also investigated.
Dynamic neural network control for non-linear systems: optimal neural network structure and stability analysis

Abstract Design techniques for non-linear dynamic systems are closely related to their stability properties. Stability results can be used to design a reliable controller. This paper discusses the stability analysis of the dynamic neural network control (DNNC). The results from DNNC stability analysis will be used to define the neural network stability index (NNSI). The NNSI is a practical index which in current form can only be used with DNNC structures. The NNSI can be used to determine the optimal DNNC network structure. In addition, we will provide guidelines for the design of an optimal DNNC network structure for the conventional neural network structure for model-based control strategies. In this study, DNNC will be designed for a non-isothermal CSTR as an example of a wide class of non-linear processes.
Large eddy simulation of turbulent channel flow using an algebraic model

An algebraic model from the constitutive equations of the subgrid stresses has been developed. This model has an additional term in comparison with the mixed model, which represents the backscatter of energy explicitly. The proposed model thus provides independent modelling of the different energy transfer mechanisms, thereby capturing the effect of subgrid scales more accurately. The model is also found to depict the flow anisotropy better than the linear and mixed models. The energy transfer capability of the model is analysed for the isotropic decay and the forced isotropic turbulence. The turbulent plane channel flow simulation is performed over three Reynolds numbers, Re τ = 180, 395 and 590
Oncogenic miRNAs and the perils of losing control of a stem cell's epigenetic identity.

Pathways that regulate epigenetic control of stem cell identity are critical to the molecular etiology of cancer. In back-to-back articles in Cell and Cell Stem Cell, Song et al. identify miR-22 as both a repressor of TET proteins and a powerful oncogene in the mammary epithelium and hematopoietic system.
Enzymic reduction of free fatty aldehydes in bovine cardiac muscle.

Abstract The reduction of fatty aldehydes to fatty alcohols by a soluble enzyme in bovine cardiac muscle has been demonstrated. The enzymic activity is precipitable between 38–95% saturation with ammonium sulfate. NADPH is the required cofactor for this reduction. The reaction is irreversible under the conditions employed in this assay.
Compound odontoma of the maxilla

Abstract A case of compound odontoma has been presented, and its variations have been discussed.
Structure-based drug design identifies novel LPA3 antagonists

Abstract Compound 5 ([5-(3-nitrophenoxy)-1,3-dioxo-1,3-dihydro-2-isoindol-2-yl]acetic acid) was identified as a weak selective LPA3 antagonist (IC50 = 4504 nM) in a virtual screening effort to optimize a dual LPA2 and 3 antagonist. Structure-based drug design techniques were used to prioritize similarity search matches of compound 5. This strategy rapidly identified 10 novel antagonists. The two most efficacious compounds identified inhibit activation of the LPA3 receptor by 200 nM LPA with IC50 values of 752 nM and 2992 nM. These compounds additionally define changes to our previously reported pharmacophore that will improve its ability to identify more potent and selective LPA3 receptor antagonists. The results of the combined computational and experimental screening are reported.
CAN EARLY FAMILY FORMATION EXPLAIN THE LOWER EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT OF U.S. CONSERVATIVE PROTESTANTS

Using nationally representative data, this article assesses whether the timing of life course transitions (i.e., marriage and childbirth) can explain the lower educational attainment of individuals raised in conservative Protestant (CP) households. A key finding is that early family formation affects educational attainment for both white and black women raised in CP households. For white women, the timing of family formation, net of controls, reduces the negative effect of childhood CP to insignificance. For black women, the timing of family formation reduces but does not eliminate the negative effect. For black men and white men, the negative effect of childhood CP on adult educational attainment is explained away by control variables.
Vascular angiotensin-converting enzyme 2: lord of the ring?

See related article, pages 888–897 Through the actions of its main biological peptide, angiotensin (Ang) II, the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) has been implicated in atherosclerosis.1,2 The proatherogenic effect of Ang II may involve a variety of proinflammatory mechanisms that are largely independent from its effect on blood pressure.1 Ang II promotes monocyte and endothelial cell activation, as well as leukocyte recruitment and adhesion to the atherosclerotic plaque.3 This peptide also increases vascular oxidative stress, an effect that may also contribute to atherogenesis.4 The formation of Ang II by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-dependent and ACE-independent pathways has been viewed as the main determinant of systemic and local Ang II levels. With the discovery of ACE2, an enzyme that degrades Ang II, there has been increased interest in the regulation of Ang II levels through the degradation pathway.5,6 ACE2 is a homolog of ACE that cleaves the octapeptide Ang II into Ang-(1-7) by removing a single amino acid phenylalanine from its C-terminal end.7,8 Because of its ability to degrade Ang II, ACE2 is viewed as a counter-regulator of Ang II overactivity.8,9 This property could have therapeutic implications. We suggested that ACE2 could be renoprotective, especially when associated with low levels of ACE.10 Increasing evidence suggests that ACE2 plays a protective role in cardiovascular disease and other pathologies.5,11 In this issue of Circulation Research , Thomas et al12 report their findings of a cross between atherosclerosis-prone apolipoprotein (Apo)E knockout (KO) and ACE2 KO mice to study the effects of ACE2 deficiency on the development of atherosclerosis. Genetic ACE 2 ablation led to enhanced vascular inflammation and plaque formation in ApoE KO mice. In ApoE-replete mice, ACE2 deficiency was also associated with increased expression of …
Hand gesture recognition using Kinect

Hand gesture recognition (HGR) is an important research topic because some situations require silent communication with sign languages. Computational HGR systems assist silent communication, and help people learn a sign language. In this article, a novel method for contact-less HGR using Microsoft Kinect for Xbox is described, and a real-time HGR system is implemented. The system is able to detect the presence of gestures, to identify fingers, and to recognize the meanings of nine gestures in a pre-defined Popular Gesture scenario. The accuracy of the HGR system is from 84% to 99% with single-hand gestures, and from 90% to 100% if both hands perform the same gesture at the same time. Because the depth sensor of Kinect is an infrared camera, the lighting conditions, signers' skin colors and clothing, and background have little impact on the performance of this system. The accuracy and the robustness make this system a versatile component that can be integrated in a variety of applications in daily life.
The power spectra of good codes for partial response channels

In this paper, we investigate the second-order statistics of the matched information rate code (MIRC) sequence. Recently, a serial concatenation coding scheme was proposed to approach the capacity of a partial response (PR) channel, which is a basic model for digital recording systems. In this paper, we compute the power spectral density (p.s.d.) of the suboptimal binary input process concentrate in the frequency band where the water-filling solution(Gaussian channel) does not vanish and has low-powers(but not zero) at channel spectral nulls.
Matrix Multiplication Using Quantum-Dot Cellular Automata to Implement Conventional Microelectronics

Quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) shows promise as a postsilicon CMOS, low-power computational technology. Nevertheless, to generalize QCA for next-generation digital devices, the ability to implement conventional programmable circuits based on nor, and , and or gates is necessary. To this end, we devise a new QCA structure, the QCA matrix multiplier (MM), employing the standard Coulomb blocked, five quantum-dot QCA cell and quasi-adiabatic switching for sequential data latching in the QCA cells. Our structure can multiply two N × M matrices, using one input and one bidirectional input/output data line. The calculation is highly parallelizable, and it is possible to achieve reduced calculation time in exchange for increasing numbers of parallel MM units. We show convergent, ab initio simulation results using the intercellular Hartree approximation for one, three, and nine MM units. The structure can generally implement any programmable logic array or any matrix multiplication-based operation.
Cerebrovascular Function in Pregnancy and Eclampsia

Hypertension is one of the most common medical complications of pregnancy that affects both fetal and maternal health and is often life threatening.1,2 Multiple maternal organs are affected by hypertension in pregnancy, including the brain in the form of eclampsia.1–4 Eclampsia is a leading cause of maternal death, with classic neurologic symptoms that include headaches, nausea, vomiting, cortical blindness, coma, and convulsions.5–9 Although numerous organs are affected by hypertension in pregnancy, cerebrovascular involvement is the direct mechanism of death in ≈40% of patients.6,7 The major cerebrovascular changes in eclampsia have been shown to be similar to those described for hypertensive encephalopathy, including loss of cerebral blood flow (CBF) autoregulation, hyperperfusion, and edema.8–12 In support of this concept, clinical and neuroimaging findings during eclampsia are consistent with edema, which is thought to result from a rapid rise in blood pressure that causes forced dilatation of cerebral vessels, breakthrough of autoregulation, and blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption.12–15 In fact, the neurologic symptoms of eclampsia are often interpreted as a form of hypertensive encephalopathy.8,16–18 It is well known that pregnancy is associated with significant cardiovascular adaptation of both local and systemic circulations.2,19–22 Although the vascular changes that occur during pregnancy have been the subject of intense study in many organs, the effect of pregnancy and hypertension during pregnancy on the cerebral circulation is just coming to be understood. This review focuses on structural and functional changes in the cerebral circulation during normal pregnancy and the postpartum state that may contribute to the development of eclampsia, including changes in CBF autoregulation and cerebrovascular resistance (CVR) that enhance BBB permeability and hydrostatic brain edema. In addition, how hypertension during pregnancy, being somewhere between acute and chronic hypertension, affects the cerebral circulation is discussed. Eclampsia is defined in the …
MIXED MOTIVES AND RACIAL BIAS The Impact of Legitimate and Illegitimate Criteria on Decision Making

Recent high-profile court rulings addressing the influence of illegitimate information—such as race—on decision making have highlighted the difficulty of establishing whether and when discrimination has occurred. One factor complicating such efforts is that decision makers are often simultaneously influenced by racial and nonracial information. The authors examined the psychological processes underlying such mixed-motive decision making, demonstrating how legitimate information can be manipulated to justify preferences based on illegitimate factors such as race. Study 1 showed that Black candidates were favored over White candidates in hypothetical college admissions decisions, although participants justified their decisions using nonracial information, and further showed that participants’ levels of prejudice predicted both which candidate was chosen and how those choices were justified. Study 2 demonstrated that these justifications were not simply strategic and post hoc but also occurred as a natural part of the process of evaluating candidates. Discussion focuses on policy and legal implications for employment discrimination, affirmative action, and courtroom proceedings.
Chief Executive Officer The Need to Be Healthy

In fact, some research has suggested that being overweight or obese affects the chief executive officer’s perceived leadership ability and job-related stamina. In addition, some literature suggests that there is an increased perception that chief executive officers who are overweight or obese are considered less effective in their job-related responsibilities. These perceptions indicate that the current obesity epidemic in our country is now affecting workplace perceptions and may indirectly or directly affect perceived effectiveness of individuals in key leadership positions. Perception may not be factual, but perception is definitely considered “real” to the individual who is the perceiver. Competence perception is not the same as measurable leadership outcomes for chief executive officers, but is something that is critical. Therefore, even if these beliefs are not based on evidence,
LPS preconditioning redirects TLR signaling following stroke: TRIF-IRF3 plays a seminal role in mediating tolerance to ischemic injury

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is activated in response to cerebral ischemia leading to substantial brain damage. In contrast, mild activation of TLR4 by preconditioning with low dose exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) prior to cerebral ischemia dramatically improves outcome by reprogramming the signaling response to injury. This suggests that TLR4 signaling can be altered to induce an endogenously neuroprotective phenotype. However, the TLR4 signaling events involved in this neuroprotective response are poorly understood. Here we define several molecular mediators of the primary signaling cascades induced by LPS preconditioning that give rise to the reprogrammed response to cerebral ischemia and confer the neuroprotective phenotype. C57BL6 mice were preconditioned with low dose LPS prior to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Cortical tissue and blood were collected following MCAO. Microarray and qtPCR were performed to analyze gene expression associated with TLR4 signaling. EMSA and DNA binding ELISA were used to evaluate NFκB and IRF3 activity. Protein expression was determined using Western blot or ELISA. MyD88-/- and TRIF-/- mice were utilized to evaluate signaling in LPS preconditioning-induced neuroprotection. Gene expression analyses revealed that LPS preconditioning resulted in a marked upregulation of anti-inflammatory/type I IFN-associated genes following ischemia while pro-inflammatory genes induced following ischemia were present but not differentially modulated by LPS. Interestingly, although expression of pro-inflammatory genes was observed, there was decreased activity of NFκB p65 and increased presence of NFκB inhibitors, including Ship1, Tollip, and p105, in LPS-preconditioned mice following stroke. In contrast, IRF3 activity was enhanced in LPS-preconditioned mice following stroke. TRIF and MyD88 deficient mice revealed that neuroprotection induced by LPS depends on TLR4 signaling via TRIF, which activates IRF3, but does not depend on MyD88 signaling. Our results characterize several critical mediators of the TLR4 signaling events associated with neuroprotection. LPS preconditioning redirects TLR4 signaling in response to stroke through suppression of NFκB activity, enhanced IRF3 activity, and increased anti-inflammatory/type I IFN gene expression. Interestingly, this protective phenotype does not require the suppression of pro-inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, our results highlight a critical role for TRIF-IRF3 signaling as the governing mechanism in the neuroprotective response to stroke.
Observe-and-explain: A new approach for multiple hypotheses tracking of humans and objects

This paper presents a novel approach for tracking humans and objects under severe occlusion. We introduce a new paradigm for multiple hypotheses tracking, observe-and-explain, as opposed to the previous paradigm of hypothesize-and-test. Our approach efficiently enumerates multiple possibilities of tracking by generating several likely dasiaexplanationspsila after concatenating a sufficient amount of observations. The computational advantages of our approach over the previous paradigm under severe occlusions are presented. The tracking system is implemented and tested using the i-Lids dataset, which consists of videos of humans and objects moving in a London subway station. The experimental results show that our new approach is able to track humans and objects accurately and reliably even when they are completely occluded, illustrating its advantage over previous approaches.
Parks, People, and Forest Protection: An Institutional Assessment of the Effectiveness of Protected Areas

Summary Are parks effective in forest conservation? This study examines data from 163 forests in 13 countries to determine the necessity of legally established protected areas for forest conservation and alternative conditions and institutions that may conserve forests. The results show no statistically significant differences in forest conditions between legally protected forests and forests governed by users who establish and recognize forest rules. Furthermore, higher levels of vegetation density and significantly more forest rules exist in areas not legally protected. The dearth of rules in protected areas suggests that parks may not be the optimal governance structure for promoting local conservation.
Performance analysis of a correlation-based optical flow algorithm under noisy environments

This paper presents the performance test and analysis of a correlation-based optical flow estimation (CBOFE) algorithm, the Camus method, under various noisy environments. The noise sensitivity of the original algorithm is tested under different noise sources such as additive Gaussian, bit quantization multiplicative noises and combinations of multiplicative and additive noises. We show the efficiency of pre-filtering under different noisy environments. The SNR equations are derived for various additive and multiplicative noise cases for analyzing the performance degradation. The simulation results show that the multiplicative noise is comparable to additive noise if the standard deviations of noises are scaled to the same percentage of the full range of signal.
Phylogenetic analysis of Shiga toxin 1 and Shiga toxin 2 genes associated with disease outbreaks

Shiga toxins 1 and 2 (Stx1 and Stx2) are bacteriophage-encoded proteins that have been associated with hemorrhagic colitis, hemolytic uremic syndrome and other severe disease conditions. Stx1 and Stx2 are genetically and immunologically distinct but share the same compound toxin structure, method of entry and enzymatic function. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using Stx1 and Stx2 amino acid and nucleotide sequences from 41 strains of Escherichia coli, along with known stx sequences available from GenBank. The analysis confirmed the Stx1 and Stx2 divergence, and showed that there is generally more sequence variation among stx2 genes than stx1. The phylograms showed generally flat topologies among our strains' stx1 and stx2 genes. In the stx2 gene, 39.5% of the amino acid sites display very low nonsynonymous to synonymous substitution ratios. The stx1 and stx2 genes used in this phylogenetic study show sequence conservation with no significant divergence with respect to place or time. These data could indicate that Shiga toxins are experiencing purifying selection.
Biochemical Mechanisms for Regulating Protrusion by Nematode Major Sperm Protein

Crawling motion is ubiquitous in eukaryotic cells and contributes to important processes such as immune response and tumor growth. To crawl, a cell must adhere to the substrate, while protruding at the front and retracting at the rear. In most crawling cells protrusion is driven by highly regulated polymerization of the actin cytoskeleton, and much of the biochemical network for this process is known. Nematode sperm utilize a cytoskeleton composed of Major Sperm Protein (MSP), which is considered to form a simpler, yet similar, crawling motility apparatus. Key components involved in the polymerization of MSP have been identified; however, little is known about the chemical kinetics for this system. Here we develop a model for MSP polymerization that takes into account the effects of several of the experimentally identified cytosolic and membrane-bound proteins. To account for some of the data, the model requires force-dependent polymerization, as is predicted by Brownian ratchet mechanisms. Using the tethered polymerization ratchet model with our biochemical kinetic model for MSP polymerization, we find good agreement with experimental data on MSP-driven protrusion. In addition, our model predicts the force-velocity relation that is expected for in vitro protrusion assays.
Research Note: Comparison of Restricted and Increasing Light Programs for Male Broiler Performance and Carcass Yield

Abstract The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of restricted or increasing light with conventional near continuous light for improving performance of male broilers. Fifty day-old male broiler chicks (Cobb × Arbor Acres) were placed in each of 16 light-controlled chambers. Four chambers were randomly assigned to each of four light treatments: 1) 23 h light (L):l h dark (D) (23L); 2) 16L:8D (16L); 3) 14L:10D (14L); or 4) 23L:1D from Days 1 to 3, 6L:18D from Days 4 to 13, 10L:14D from Days 14 to 20, 14L:10D from Days 21 to 27, 18L:6D from Days 28 to 34, and 23L:1D from 35 to 49 days of age (INC). Ten birds per chamber were randomly selected for processing at 49 days of age. Treatments 16L, 14L, and INC had lower mortality than Treatment 23L (3.0, 3.5, and 3.5 versus 9%, respectively). There was a significant overall treatment effect for BW with Treatment 23L having greatest BW from 7 to 42 days; however, BW was not significantly (P ≥ .05) different at 48 days (2,924, 2,912, 2,850, and 2,884 g for Treatments 23L, 16L, 14L, and INC, respectively). Tender yield (per lean carcass weight) was greater in Treatment 23L than in Treatment 14L (4.64 versus 4.42%, respectively), and a converse relationship existed for drumstick yield (14.44 versus 15.07%, respectively). Fillet yield was greater in Treatment 23L than in Treatments 16L, 14L, and INC (20.06 versus 18.86, 18.94, and 19.04%, respectively). Restricted light programs (14L and 16L) were as efficacious as increasing light (INC) for improving broiler livability but had a similar negative influence on breast meat yield.
HYBUD: An Energy-Efficient Architecture for Hybrid Parallel Disk Systems

In the past decade parallel disk systems have been highly scalable and able to alleviate the problem of disk I/O bottleneck, thereby being widely used to support a wide range of data-intensive applications. Optimizing energy consumption in parallel disk systems has strong impacts on the cost of backup power-generation and cooling equipment, because a significant fraction of the operation cost of data centres is incurred by energy consumption and cooling. Although flash memory is very energy- efficient compared to disk drives, flash memory is too expensive to use as a major component in large-scale storage systems. In other words, it is not a cost-effective way to make use of large flash memory to build energy-efficient storage systems. To address this problem, in this paper we proposed a hybrid disk architecture or HYBUD that integrates a non-volatile flash memory with buffer disks to build cost-effective and energy-efficient parallel disk systems. While the most popular data sets are cached in flash memory, the second most popular data sets can be stored and retrieved from buffer disks. HYBUD is energy efficient because flash memory coupled with buffer disks can serve a majority of incoming disk requests, thereby keeping a large number of other data disks in the low-power state for longer period times. Furthermore, HYBUD is cost-effective by the virtue of inexpensive buffer disks assisting flash memory to cache a huge amount of popular data. Experimental results demonstratively show that compared with two existing non-hybrid architectures, HYBUD provides significant energy savings for parallel disk systems in a very cost effective way. Keywords-hybrid parallel disk systems; flash drives; buffer disks; energy conservation; I/O performance
Three-Body Forces in Nuclei

This is a review of some aspects of three body forces in nuclei. In particular, I will try to explain why three body forces may play a more important role in nuclear structure than is generally thought to be the case. Among other things I will discuss some exciting new developments in several areas which bear on this problem, namely the relativistic theory of nuclear matter, and the tensor interaction at short distances.
Rheological properties, low-temperature cracking resistance, and optical performance of exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets modified asphalt binder

Abstract The purpose of this study is to use multiple-layer graphite nanoplatelets to modify the asphalt due to the special features of the graphite nanoplatelets. These include the high optical absorption, self-lubrication, and high thermal stability and conductivity. The graphite nanoplatelets with different weight contents (1% and 2%) were slowly added into the asphalt. The modified asphalt binder was mixed in the high shear mixer. Different tests were used to evaluate the properties of the modified asphalt binder, including the Rotational Viscometer (RV), Modular Compact Rheometer (MCR), Asphalt Binder Thermal Cracking (ABCD) Test, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and electromagnetic radiation absorption tests. The test results demonstrate that 1) the viscosity of the modified asphalt binder increases at various temperatures and the activation energy of the modified asphalt binder decreases compared to the control one; 2) the complex shear modulus of the modified asphalt binder also rises at different temperatures and frequencies and the high-temperature of the modified asphalt binder improves; 3) the cracking temperatures, fracture stresses, and strains of the modified asphalt binder improve and the low-temperature performance of the modified asphalt binder is enhanced; 4) the aging groups increase in the modified asphalt binder and more aging groups in asphalt may help to increase the resistance to the rutting and moisture damage in asphalt mixtures; and 5) the absorption of lights with different wavelengths increases in the modified asphalt binder compared to the control one. Therefore, the resistance to rutting and cracking of graphite nanoplatelets modified asphalt binder is improved and they can be applied to the field for different purposes considering the advanced properties.
Biosystematics of Dannella and Related Subgenera of Ephemerella (Ephemeroptera: Ephemerellidae)

The subgenera Attenella, Eurylophella, Dannella , and Timpanoga of the genus Ephemerella form a monophyletic group of subgenera whose interrelationships are retraced phylogenetically. Dannella and the more highly derived Timpanoga form sister groups divergent from the highly derived Eurylophella , while Attenella is more ancestral in origin. Ephemerella (Dannella) provonshai sp. n. shares an immediate common ancestor with E. simplex . The adult stage of E. lita is described for the first time, and keys and comparisons are given for the species of Dannella . Phylogenetic data substantiate the subgeneric classification of the last 18 years and permit certain biogeographic inferences.
Abstract 1380: Mechanisms of resistance to antiangiogenic therapy in preclinical models of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)

Purpose: The Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is ubiquitously expressed and targeted with FDA-approved agent bevacizumab in many types of cancer including colon, lung and renal carcinoma. In head and neck cancer, bevacizumab is under active clinical investigation. However, its efficacy in most cases is limited, with only modest response rates observed in the clinical trials. These incomplete drug responses suggest the presence of alternative signaling mechanisms that compensate for VEGF blockade. The proinflammatory cytokine, Interleukin 8 (IL-8) is known to promote tumor angiogenesis, and is coexpressed with VEGF in HNSCC. Hence, IL-8 signaling may be a possible mechanism of resistance to anti-VEGF therapy. Experimental Design: In this study, we assessed the efficacy of bevacizumab in preclinical HNSCC models to identify tumors that were sensitive or resistant to the treatment. In order to identify potential mediators of bevacizumab resistance, we evaluated the angiogenic profile of HNSCC cells from the non-isogenic pair of sensitive and resistant cell lines by performing angiogenesis antibody array. We further examined the potential contribution of IL-8 signaling to the in vivo growth of bevacizumab-resistant xenografts, using shRNA-mediated knockdown of the IL-8 gene. Results: HNSCC cell lines showed a range of response to bevacizumab in vivo. Interestingly, the resistant cell lines expressed high levels of proangiogenic factors including IL-8, IL-1a and VEGF compared to the sensitive cell lines. Further, combined inhibition of VEGF and IL-8 in the resistant xenografts resulted in a significant reduction in tumor volume and microvessel density compared to targeting VEGF alone. Conclusions: Our results indicate that HNSCC xenografts display a differential response to anti-VEGF therapy. IL-8 was the most differentially expressed protein in the angiogenic signature of the bevacizumab-resistant and sensitive cells. Finally, abrogation of IL-8 signaling sensitized the resistant xenografts to anti-VEGF therapy. These findings suggest that IL-8 may be associated with anti-VEGF resistance in HNSCC. Hence, co-targeting of VEGF and IL-8 may improve antiangiogenic therapeutic efficacy. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1380. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1380