cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Morphological (and not anatomical or reproductive) features define early vascular plant phylogenetic relationships.

Premise Perhaps the most rapid period of vascular plant evolution occurred during the Silurian-Devonian time interval. Yet, few quantitative analyses have established the extent to which anatomical, morphological, or reproductive features contributed to this episode of tracheophyte diversification. Methods Phylogenetic analyses were performed using a newly revised matrix of 54 characters (with 158 character states) of 37 of the best-preserved Paleozoic (predominantly Devonian) plants. Equisetum was included to determine whether it aligns with fossil sphenopsids or taxa collectively considered "ferns". The topology of the 54-character consensus tree was then compared to the topologies generated using only reproductive features (18 characters; 47 character states), only anatomical features (14 characters; 54 character states), only morphological features (22 characters; 57 character states), and the three pairwise combinations (e.g., anatomical and morphological characters). Results The new 54-character tree topology continued to identify a trimerophyte-euphyllophyte clade and a zosterophyllophyte-lycophyte clade emerging from a Cooksonia-rhyniophyte plexus. Equisetum aligned with fossil sphenopsids rather than fern-like fossil taxa. Reproductive characters or anatomical characters analyzed in isolation resulted in nearly complete polytomy. Among the various permutations of the three categories, anatomical and morphological characters when combined provided the best restoration of the 54-character tree topology. Conclusions The phylogenetic relationships among the canonical fossil taxa used in this analysis predominantly reflect morphological trends. Reproductive and anatomical features taken in isolation appear to be evolutionarily conservative characters, i.e., natural selection "sees" the external phenotype.
Enhancement in corrosion resistance and vibration damping performance in titanium by titanium nitride coating

Titanium nitride (TiN) thin films are deposited on titanium (Ti) substrates by pulsed laser deposition and radio frequency magnetron sputtering. The main goal of this research is to improve the corrosion resistance and the vibration damping performance of the Ti substrates by surface modification of the substrates with TiN thin film coatings. Electrochemical results indicate that TiN films bring about a significant improvement in the corrosion resistance of the Ti disks in phosphate buffer saline solution. It is also observed that TiN deposited at room temperature has the best corrosion efficiency in terms of lower corrosion current density and more positive corrosion potential. From the damping measurements, it is observed that the damping ratios of the TiN-coated beams are one to two orders of magnitude greater than those of uncoated ones. Additionally, the damping amplitudes of the TiN coated beams have been observed to return to zero position faster than the uncoated beam. The energy dissipation due to internal friction at the beam-coating interface and inter-lamellae interface within TiN coatings can be the mechanism responsible for reducing vibration amplitudes of TiN-coated beams.
HihO: accelerating artificial intelligence interpretability for medical imaging in IoT applications using hierarchical occlusion

In the medical imaging domain, nonlinear warping has enabled pixel-by-pixel mapping of one image dataset to a reference dataset. This co-registration of data allows for robust, pixel-wise, statistical maps to be developed in the domain, leading to new insights regarding disease mechanisms. Deep learning technologies have given way to some impressive discoveries. In some applications, deep learning algorithms have surpassed the abilities of human image readers to classify data. As long as endpoints are clearly defined, and the input data volume is large enough, deep learning networks can often converge and reach prediction, classification and segmentation with success rates as high or higher than human operators. However, machine learning and deep learning algorithms are complex. Interpretability is not always a product of the classifications performed. Visualization techniques have been developed to add a layer of interpretability. The work presented here builds on a framework for augmenting statistical findings in medical imaging workflows with machine learning results. Utilizing the framework, visualization techniques for the machine learning portion are compared in an application, and a novel, lightweight technique for machine learning visualization is proposed as a means of increasing the portability of machine learning interpretability to Internet of Things applications. The novel visualization, hierarchical occlusion, can improve time to visualization by three orders of magnitude over a traditional occlusion sensitivity algorithm.
Pyomo.GDP: an ecosystem for logic based modeling and optimization development

We present three core principles for engineering-oriented integrated modeling and optimization tool sets—intuitive modeling contexts, systematic computer-aided reformulations, and flexible solution strategies—and describe how new developments in Pyomo.GDP for Generalized Disjunctive Programming (GDP) advance this vision. We describe a new logical expression system implementation for Pyomo.GDP allowing for a more intuitive description of logical propositions. The logical expression system supports automated reformulation of these logical constraints to linear constraints. We also describe two new logic-based global optimization solver implementations built on Pyomo.GDP that exploit logical structure to avoid “zero-flow” numerical difficulties that arise in nonlinear network design problems when nodes or streams disappear. These new solvers also demonstrate the capability to link to external libraries for expanded functionality within an integrated implementation. We present these new solvers in the context of a flexible array of solution paths available to GDP models. Finally, we present results on a new library of GDP models demonstrating the value of multiple solution approaches.
Thoughts on Biosecurity and Biocontainment in Beef Cow-Calf Herds

Biosecurity and biocontainment plans designed by veterinary practitioners for beef cow-calf operations offer promise for increasingly effective health programs. Individualized utilization of practical methods to eliminate or control pathogen exposure in combination with increased herd immunity engages the operation in health programs that effectively reduce risk for health related losses and increase economic returns to the enterprise. Biosecurity and biocontainment principles address elimination of the agent or agents, prevention of contacts that result in transmission of an agent or agents, and increasing animal resistance to disease. Changes and trends in the beef industry suggest these concepts are becoming more applicable, practical and potentially of more value. Biosecurity and biocontainment concepts are being further developed. Additionally, more tools, such as diagnostic tests and epidemiological information, are available. Education and changes in how beef producers address disease control will allow implementation of biosecurity and biocontainment concepts across the industry. Proactive veterinary profession leadership is required for the most successful implementation.
Planning and Constructing Law School Buildings: Ten Basic Guidelines

A law school building project presents an administrator with many unfamiliar challenges. This article highlights some key considerations that may provide administrators, architects and contractors with insights into the process and help avoid common pitfalls. A Top Ten List of important issues is followed by detailed explanations of the factors involved.
A parallel algorithm for functions of triangular matrices

We present a new parallel algorithm for computing arbitrary functions of triangular matrices. The presented algorithm is the first one to date requiring polylogarithmic time, and computes an arbitrary function of ann×n triangular matrix in O(log3n) time using O(n6) processors. The algorithm requires the eigenvalues of the input matrix be distinct, and makes use of the commutativity relationship between the input and output matrices.
Factorization of Positive Definite Kernels

In this chapter we extend the Cholesky factorization for positive block matrices to the case of positive definite kernels. The basic construction exploits the Kolmogorov decomposition and the role of the Schur parameters is also emphasized. Several particular cases are discussed in some details. The connections between Szego polynomials and factorization are presented in Section 3, together with the asymptotic properties of the orthogonal polynomials and properties of the associated Schur parameters. In the last section we explore the connection between the spectral factorization and the maximum entropy principle.
Atrial fibrillation: What are the targets for intervention?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a difficult and growing problem in the population. While medical therapy controls symptoms in many patients, a proportion of individuals with this common arrhythmia cannot be optimally managed with drugs alone. However, truly curative therapy for AF has always been one of the "holy grails" of electrophysiology. The surgical maze procedure was the first to offer permanent maintenance of sinus rhythm in patients with AF but subjected the patient to open heart surgery; a catheter-based translation of the maze procedure served as proof of concept that a catheterization technique could be used to treat AF. Subsequent experience has narrowed the electrophysiologist's attention to ablation of triggers of AF, most often residing in the pulmonary veins, rather than requiring more extensive ablation lines to control the arrhythmia. The following discussion deals with the development and current status of techniques for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation, focusing on determination of appropriate target sites for ablation.
Chapter 3 The History of Art Markets

Abstract Treating markets as arenas where relative advantage is contested, this entry explores the emergence and evolution of Western markets for paintings, 1450–1750, in terms of the players, their creative moves to secure gain, and the rules they devised to maintain order. Primary markets for paintings arose as a derivative of the commission market for one-off, mainly religious paintings in places such as Florence and Bruges, in the second half of the 15th century. Demand from foreign merchants eager to obtain works in the new medium, oil, gave Bruges an edge. So did a demand for easel paintings on thin linen, and even in oil on panel, as cheap substitutes for tapestries. Variety and cost also played a role. Emulation among differently-trained artists generated novel products plus extraordinary cost reductions, and painters discovered a latent demand among the less wealthy. Some novel products were exported, as were new techniques. The retail market in Florence was limited in size and largely confined to serving a need for cheaper versions of unique, public commissions. A mass demand for paintings across the social spectrum occurred principally in Northern cities: e.g., Antwerp, and later Amsterdam, though also in Spain. Resale markets followed retail with a lag, recycled paintings being handled by second-hand clothes dealers. This sequence – commission nexus, cost-reduction and novel sorts of paintings, mass retail, then resale markets – occurred in cities across Europe. As mass markets emerged, so too did specialist dealers. A large part of the entry is devoted to detailing their creative marketing moves. There were tensions as to whether only artists might sell, but demand mostly overrode guild reluctance to relinquish control of distribution. Widespread distribution came to require efficient sales mechanisms, hence public sales and auctions. The entry explores auction rules and techniques within the broader sequence identified above.
Adaptive quadratures over volumes

We consider the numerical approximation of volume integrals over bounded domainsD:={D∈R3:H(x>≤0}, whereH:R3→R is a suitable decidability function. The integrands may be smooth maps or singular maps such as those arising in the volume potentials for boundary integral methods. An adaptive extrapolation method is described which is based on some simple quadrature rules. It utilizes an automatic simplicial subdivision of the domain. The method offers improvements over recently given approaches. A special version is offered for the important application of the numerical computation of volume potentials in boundary integral methods. Several examples illustrate the performance of the method.
Forecasting Sales and Price for Existing Single-Family Homes: A VAR Model with Error Correction

In this paper we forecast demand for existing single-family housing in the United States. We first find that sales volume (sales) and median sales price (price) have unit roots. We then find that s...
Persons in a Plan

(1942). Persons in a Plan. The Journal of Health and Physical Education: Vol. 13, No. 6, pp. 349-365.
High-energy cosmology

Our knowledge of the high-energy universe is undergoing a period of rapid change as new astronomical detectors of high-energy radiation start to operate at their design sensitivities. Now is a boomtime for high-energy astrophysics, with new discoveries from Swift and HESS, results from MAGIC and VERITAS starting to be reported, the upcoming launches of the γ-ray space telescopes GLAST and AGILE, and anticipated data releases from IceCube and Auger.
Interorganizational Information Integration in the Criminal Justice Enterprise: Preliminary Lessons from State and County Initiatives

Traditional governmental structures have organized the capture, use, and management of information along agency lines. These "information silos" are not very useful in a dynamic environment. Information integration is considered one of the most significant ways to change the structure and function of public organizations. It has the potential to support the transformation of organizational structures and communication channels between and among multiple agencies working in different locations. This article contributes to this knowledge-building effort by examining the factors that influenced the success of selected criminal justice integration initiatives. Useful integration strategies are also identified.
Purification of Recombinant Proteins from Cultured Mammalian Cells by HaloTag Technology

Cultured mammalian cells provide an environment ideal for producing functional recombinant mammalian proteins. However, low expression levels of recombinant proteins present a challenge for their detection and purification. This unit will focus on HaloTag, a protein fusion tag designed to bind selectively and covalently to a chloroalkane ligand that may be attached to a variety of functional groups, allowing both protein detection and immobilization. Detection of HaloTag-fusion protein is achieved through binding to a fluorescent chloroalkane ligand, enabling rapid optimization of expression levels. HaloTag-based purification uses covalent capture of the HaloTag fusion onto HaloLink resin coupled with proteolytic cleavage to release the protein of interest from the resin. Covalent binding provides efficient protein capture regardless of expression level and eliminates protein loss during washes of the resin and as a result, offers significant improvements in protein recovery and purity over traditional non-covalent approaches.
Partner violence, social support, and distress among inner-city African American women.

This study examined the role of social support in the partner violence–psychological distress relation in a sample of African American women seeking medical care at a large, urban hospital (n = 138). Results from bivariate correlational analyses revealed that partner violence was related to lower perceived social support and greater psychological distress, and lower social support was related to more distress. Furthermore, findings based on path analysis indicated that low levels of social support helped account for battered women's increased distress. Findings point to the need for service providers to screen for partner violence in nontraditional sites, such as hospital emergency rooms, and to address the role of social support resources in preventive interventions with African American battered women.
Mapping genetic determinants for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 resistance to soluble CD4.

Abstract Neutralization of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection with soluble CD4 (sCD4) can be achieved over a broad range of concentrations for different virus strains. Laboratory virus strains passaged in transformed T-cell lines are typically sensitive to sCD4 neutralization, whereas primary virus isolates require over 100-fold-higher sCD4 concentrations. Using recombinant viruses generated from a laboratory strain, HIV-1NL4-3, and a primary macrophagetropic strain, HIV-1JR-FL, we mapped a region of gp120 important for determining sensitivity to sCD4 neutralization. This same region has previously been defined as important for macrophage and transformed T-cell line tropism and includes the V3 neutralization domain but does not include regions of gp120 that have been shown to be most important for CD4 binding.
The underappreciated role of habit in highly reliable healthcare

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.1 Healthcare leaders,2 ,3 academics4–7 and regulators,8 ,9 continue to push healthcare organisations to emulate high-reliability organisations (HROs) like aircraft carrier flight decks and nuclear power control rooms10 to solve long-standing quality and safety problems in healthcare delivery. The nearly error-free performance of HROs in trying circumstances is a function of mindful organising—a set of behavioural and cognitive processes by which their members discern latent and manifest threats to reliability and act swiftly to resolve them.11 ,12 Emerging evidence suggests that processes of mindful organising are associated with lower error rates,13–15 more reliable service performance16 and even lower turnover.17 Yet despite persistent calls by influential leaders and promising empirical evidence, there is little indication of highly reliable performance in healthcare generally.8 ,9 ,18 In other words, the pursuit of highly reliable healthcare through mindful organising has become a problematic improvement to the problem of medical error.19 We ask, ‘why does high reliability remain so elusive?’ Fostering improvement often starts with looking at what successful people and organisations consistently do as evidenced by the continuing popularity of Steven Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People 20 or Charles Duhigg's The Power of Habit .21 Similarly, we argue that the continued unreliability of healthcare delivery results from the failure to turn periodic mindful practice into consistent, enduring habit. In other words, we focus on healthcare organisations that either aspire to be highly reliable and/or have attempted to pursue it in some manner but have not achieved reliable performance. For example, hospital executives may consistently emphasise a zero harm goal and frequently talking with frontline care providers about safety (ie, WalkRounds), yet …
Stable Isotopes and Zooarchaeology at Teotihuacan, Mexico Reveal Earliest Evidence of Wild Carnivore Management in Mesoamerica

From Roman gladiatorial combat to Egyptian animal mummies, the capture and manipulation of carnivores was instrumental in helping to shape social hierarchies throughout the ancient world. This paper investigates the historical inflection point when humans began to control animals not only as alimental resources but as ritual symbols and social actors in the New World. At Teotihuacan (A.D. 1–550), one of the largest pre-Hispanic cities, animal remains were integral components of ritual caches expressing state ideology and militarism during the construction of the Moon and the Sun Pyramids. The caches contain the remains of nearly 200 carnivorous animals, human sacrificial victims and other symbolic artifacts. This paper argues the presence of skeletal pathologies of infectious disease and injuries manifest on the carnivore remains show direct evidence of captivity. Stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N) of bones and teeth confirms that some of these carnivores were consuming high levels of C4 foods, likely reflecting a maize-based anthropocentric food chain. These results push back the antiquity of keeping captive carnivores for ritualistic purposes nearly 1000 years before the Spanish conquistadors described Moctezuma’s zoo at the Aztec capital. Mirroring these documents the results indicate a select group of carnivores at Teotihuacan may have been fed maize-eating omnivores, such as dogs and humans. Unlike historical records, the present study provides the earliest and direct archaeological evidence for this practice in Mesoamerica. It also represents the first systematic isotopic exploration of a population of archaeological eagles (n = 24) and felids (n = 29).
Defining the Value of Spine Care to Society

Defining value in spine surgery increasingly considers the patient's perspective, a task that requires quantifying outcomes using validated, patient-derived outcome instruments. Both general and disease-specific instruments have been used to measure outcomes after spinal surgery. Some outcomes instruments can be used to derive a utility score, a metric that grades patient health along a continuous spectrum from 0 to 1. The change in utility score after a procedure and the procedure cost are used to determine the cost per change in utility, a measurement that forms the basis of cost-effectiveness analysis and can be compared between procedures.
Validation of a single‐item measure of burnout against the Maslach Burnout Inventory among physicians

The measurement of burnout among physicians is important because physician well-being has the potential to affect workforce stability and quality of care. In this study, a single-item measure of burnout was validated against the sub-scales of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment). Survey items included the 22-item Maslach Burnout Inventory, a single-item measure of burnout, and other questions regarding demographics, practice characteristics, and occupational satisfaction. The surveys were mailed to Texas Tech University School of Medicine Alumni classes of 1980–1989. The response rate was 43 per cent (n = 307). Pearson correlation coefficients and ANOVA were used to determine the association between the Maslach Burnout Inventory scores and the single-item burnout question. The single-item was correlated at r = 0.64 (p < 0.0001) with emotional exhaustion and the ANOVA yielded an R2 of 0.5 (p < 0.0001). Hence, in surveys of physicians where emotional exhaustion is the primary sub-scale of interest, a single-item measure of burnout may be used as an alternative to the Maslach Burnout Inventory in order to abbreviate survey material and potentially increase response rates among physicians. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Control of the fabrication of long slender workpieces of arbitrary shape. I. Open-loop control of the multi-axis bending process

Computer numerically controlled (CNC) multi-axis bending is a new metal forming technology used to fabricate long slender structural workpieces of arbitrary shape and cross section. Although this process can achieve high levels of flexibility and productivity over conventional forming processes, generating a control program to produce a desired shape is a laborious process involving the trial-and-error by a skilled engineer. A systematic method was developed to replace the manual control method. Since multi-axis bending is inherently a local deformation process, the concept of intrinsic part representation from differential geometry is applied as a basis to develop the part geometric model and process model. After being compensated for springback and die offset, the model is used to compute a set of initial control commands. The effectiveness of the model is demonstrated experimentally.
The impact of the return to lagged reserve requirements on the federal funds market

Abstract We examine the impact on the settlement Wednesday effect in daily fed funds rates following the change from contemporaneous reserve requirements (CRR) to lagged reserve requirements (LRR). The Federal Reserve changed from CRR to LRR, in part, to make it easier for banks to settle their reserve accounts. Our hypothesis is that the switch to LRR will reduce the demand for reserves on settlement Wednesdays, thus reducing the settlement Wednesday effect in fed funds rates. Our empirical results provide strong support for our hypothesis.
Human astrocytoma U251 RNA and genomic brain glycogen phosphorylase sequences.

Abstract There are two versions of human brain glycogen phosphorylase (B-GP) cDNA in the literature that differ significantly in their C-terminal coding and 3′ untranslated regions; one isolated from human fetal brain, and the other from human brain astrocytoma cell line U251. A 280 bp absence in the cDNA sequence isolated from human brain astrocytoma cell line U251 changes the predicted protein length from 842 aa (estimated from fetal brain cDNA) to 862 aa. RNA and genomic DNA were isolated from U251 cells and the 280 bp region of interest was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sequence analysis of the amplified region has unexpectedly confirmed the presence of the 280 bp in U251 RNA and genomic DNA. Thus, the predicted protein length of 842 aa, as reported for fetal brain glycogen phosphorylase, is most likely the correct one.
A maximum likelihood estimator for the intervening opportunities model

The purpose of this paper is to derive the maximum likelihood estimator for the intervening opportunities model when zonal data on the number of opportunities and the number of trip ends are available. An approximation to the estimator is also derived and assessed.
Freezing of bacteriophage T4: temperature and rate effects as a function of salt concentration.

Abstract When frozen in dilute NaCl solutions, phages T4B and T4D are much more sensitive to rapid thawing than their corresponding osmotic shock-resistant mutants, T4Bos and T4Dos. We hypothesize that the inactivation of shock-sensitive phage when rapidly warmed is due to the osmotic shock that occurs as salts concentrated during freezing are rapidly diluted during rapid thawing. This hypothesis is strengthened by a genetic analysis demonstrating that a mutant isolated by freezing and rapid thawing is identical to a shock-resistant mutant isolated by osmotic shock. However, in contrast to the situation in dilute solution (
The metamorphosis of Drosophila melanogaster, including an accurately timed account of the principal morphological changes

During the quiescent fourth larval instar the larva of Drosophila becomes loosened from the puparium and takes on the form of a pupa. A large gas bubble is formed within the body during this prepupal period. At the end of this stadium, which lasts 11 1/2 hours at 25°C., it pupates, shedding the prepupal cuticle. The gas bubble is used as a mechanism to separate the cuticie from its hypodermis. Practically all of the tissues undergo histolysis and are replaced by imaginal structures derived from specialized cells. Some of the muscles persist longer than the general mass and perform special functions in the pupa. The sequence of histolytic and histogenetic changes is accurately timed at a constant temperature.
Radiationless energy transfer through a polypeptide chain.

Electronic excitation spectra were measured on a donor-acceptor pair which was separated by oligomers of L-proline of gradually increasing lengths. The logarithmic plot of the transfer efficiency versus the donor-acceptor separation, for (pro)n oligomers with n⩾5, yielded a slope of 5.8 ± 0.3 in good agreement with the theoretical value of 6, predicted by Forster. The above method is suggested as a tool for the estimation of distances between certain chromophoric groups, covalently bound to macromolecules. The use of any stereoregular polymer for calibrating a certain energy donor-acceptor pair is discussed.
Demonstration of T-Cell dysfunction during acute toxoplasma infection☆

Abstract Mice were infected with the virulent RH and the relatively avirulent C56 strains of Toxoplasma gondii (TG). The concanavalin A (Con A)-stimulated lymphoproliferative response of these animals and interleukin-2 (IL-2) production by their lymphocytes were assessed 3 and 6 days postinfection. The proliferative response of splenocytes (SC) and T-enriched cells from all infected groups was significantly ( P
Measured performance and description of the Naval Research Laboratory Solar Coronagraph Optical Test Chamber and instrument clean room

The Naval Research Laboratory recently completed construction of a new instrument handling facility for contamination sensitive optical space flight instruments. The solar instrument test facility includes a clean room for instrument assembly and a relatively large (1.65x104 liters) optical test and calibration vacuum chamber. The performance of each has been verified in preparation for the arrival of the Large Angle Spectrometric Coronagraph (LASCO) instrument. After vacuum conditioning, the chamber had an ultimate pressure of 8 x l0 exp -9 Torr. The chamber ambient vacuum was measured to have no partial pressure peaks greater than 10 exp -10 Torr above 55 atomic mass units as measured with a residual gas analyzer. The clean room was tested and found to be Class 10 in the instrument areas. This paper describes the A-13 clean room and vacuum tank facilities and their experimentally measured performance.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Discussion of "Online tracking of Thévenin equivalent parameters using PMU measurements"

The paper points out that PMU measurements cannot be used directly to estimate TEC parameters due to the phase drift brought about by the continuous change of frequency in real power systems. Therefore, a method has been presented to eliminate the effect of the phase drift and to synchronize the PMU measurements so that the synchronized samples can be used to identify TEC.
Family Functioning and Coping Behaviors in Parents of Children with Autism

We analyzed family dynamics and coping behaviors of parents with a child with an autistic spectrum disorder. Previous research suggests that moderate levels of cohesion and adaptability are associated with higher levels of positive coping, and that the more coping strategies a family implements, the greater their satisfaction with family functioning. Using a family systems approach, the relationships among the familial variables of cohesion, adaptability, and social support were evaluated for their contributions to coping in the family unit. We also compared the responses of mothers and fathers. Surprisingly, for these parents of children with autism, those who rated their family as enmeshed implemented more positive coping strategies than did those from other cohesion styles. This finding suggests that the enmeshed style may be more adaptive for a family that encounters extreme challenges. Notably, mothers and fathers agreed on all variables except for perception of social support from family and friends. Mothers perceived more social support from family and friends. The results lead to several interesting suggestions for future research.
Methionine Inhibits Autophagy and Promotes Growth by Inducing the SAM-Responsive Methylation of PP2A

Autophagy is a process of cellular self-digestion induced by various forms of starvation. Although nitrogen deficit is a common trigger, some yeast cells induce autophagy upon switch from a rich to minimal media without nitrogen starvation. We show that the amino acid methionine is sufficient to inhibit such non-nitrogen-starvation (NNS)-induced autophagy. Methionine boosts synthesis of the methyl donor, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). SAM inhibits autophagy and promotes growth through the action of the methyltransferase Ppm1p, which modifies the catalytic subunit of PP2A in tune with SAM levels. Methylated PP2A promotes dephosphorylation of Npr2p, a component of a conserved complex that regulates NNS autophagy and other growth-related processes. Thus, methionine and SAM levels represent a critical gauge of amino acid availability that is sensed via the methylation of PP2A to reciprocally regulate cell growth and autophagy.
Debugging Ada Tasking Programs

Debuggers for parallel programs have to be more than passive information gatherers-they should automatically detect errors. Powerful task debuggers for Ada can be constructed by extending existing tools that detect deadlock.
Why are so many biological systems periodic

The ubiquity of oscillations in biological systems is well established. Oscillations are observed in all types of organisms from the simplest to the most complex. Periods can range from fractions of a second to months or years. From time to time, it has been suggested that many biological oscillations are the result of the breakdown of effective self-regulation. The opposite view is defended here. It is argued that most periodic behavior is not pathological but rather constitutes the normal operation for these systems. They are present because they confer positive functional advantages for the organism. The advantages fall into five general categories: temporal organization, spatial organization, prediction of repetitive events, efficiency and precision of control.
A spectroscopic assignment technique for membrane proteins reconstituted in magnetically aligned bicelles

Oriented-sample NMR (OS-NMR) has emerged as a powerful tool for the structure determination of membrane proteins in their physiological environments. However, the traditional spectroscopic assignment method in OS NMR that uses the “shotgun” approach, though effective, is quite labor- and time-consuming as it is based on the preparation of multiple selectively labeled samples. Here we demonstrate that, by using a combination of the spin exchange under mismatched Hartmann-Hahn conditions and a recent sensitivity-enhancement REP-CP sequence, spectroscopic assignment of solid-state NMR spectra of Pf1 coat protein reconstituted in magnetically aligned bicelles can be significantly improved. This method yields a two-dimensional spin-exchanged version of the SAMPI4 spectrum correlating the 15N chemical shift and 15N–1H dipolar couplings, as well as spin-correlations between the (i, i ± 1) amide sites. Combining the spin-exchanged SAMPI4 spectrum with the original SAMPI4 experiment makes it possible to establish sequential assignments, and this technique is generally applicable to other uniaxially aligned membrane proteins. Inclusion of an 15N–15N correlation spectrum into the assignment process helps establish correlations between the peaks in crowded or ambiguous spectral regions of the spin-exchanged SAMPI4 experiment. Notably, unlike the traditional method, only a uniformly labeled protein sample is required for spectroscopic assignment with perhaps only a few selectively labeled “seed” spectra. Simulations for the magnetization transfer between the dilute spins under mismatched Hartmann Hahn conditions for various B 1 fields have also been performed. The results adequately describe the optimal conditions for establishing the cross peaks, thus eliminating the need for lengthy experimental optimizations.
Color appearance : Maxwellian vs. Newtonian views

Color appearance can be studied using either Maxwellian-view optical systems or natural viewing (Newtonian-view). We show that the results are not precisely comparable when the natural pupil is appreciably larger than the entrance pupil of the Maxwellian beam. The wavelength for any given hue that is obtained from one viewing system is not the same as that obtained from the other viewing system: for the same hue, the required wavelength under Newtonian view is longer than under Maxwellian view.
Ultraviolet radiation and the development of non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancer : clinical and experimental evidence

Clinical and experimental evidence explaining and supporting the role of UV radiation as a causal factor for the induction and promotion of nonmelanoma and malignant melanoma skin cancer are presented
In search of D-σ-A molecular rectifiers: the D-σ-A system derived from triptycenequinone and tetrathiafulvalene

Abstract Several D-σ-A compounds (4a, 4b, 6a, and 6b) have been synthesized, which contain a sterically hindered quinone tethered by a tetramethylene chain to a substituted tetrathiafulvalene (TTF). Compounds 6a and 6b show a dramatic increase (≈450 mV) in the oxidation potential of the dipyrrolo-TTF unit, suggestive of considerable electron withdrawal through the σ bridge. Monolayers of 4b and 6b are metastable at the air–water interface.
Preliminary results of non-contact THz imaging of cornea.

This paper presents a novel THz optical design that allows the acquisition of THz reflectivity maps of in vivo cornea without the need for a field flattening window and preliminary imaging results of in vivo rabbit cornea. The system’s intended use is to sense small changes in corneal tissue water content (CTWC) that can be precursors for a host of diseases and pathologies. Unique beam optics allows the scanning of a curved surface at normal incidence while keeping the source detector and target stationary. Basic system design principles are discussed and image sets of spherical calibration targets and corneal phantom models are presented. The presented design will enable, for the first time, non-contact THz imaging of animal and human cornea.
Characterization of the first enzyme in 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid metabolism

This paper reviews the properties of the Alcaligenes eutrophus JMP134 tfdA gene product, the enzyme responsible for the first step in 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) biodegradation. The gene was overexpressed in Escherichia coli and several of its enzymatic properties were characterized. Although this enzyme catalyzes a hydroxylation reaction, it is not a monooxygenase. Rather, TfdA is an Fe(II) and alpha-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase that metabolizes the latter cosubstrate to succinate and carbon dioxide. A variety of other phenoxyacetates and alpha-ketoacids can be used by the enzyme, but the greatest catalytic efficiencies were found using 2,4-D and alpha-ketoglutarate. The enzyme possesses multiple essential histidine residues, whereas catalytically essential cysteine and lysine groups do not appear to be present.
Identification of a subregion within rat neostriatum for the dopaminergic modulation of lateral hypothalamic self-stimulation.

Abstract Experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that the involvement of neostriatal dopaminergic transmission in lateral hypothalamic self-stimulation might be specific to a striatal subregion. Crystalline application of dopamine or d -amphetamine increased self-stimulation rate only when made to ventral anterior striatum (VAS); more dorsal or posterior applications were ineffective. A comparison of dose-response functions for dopamine using solution injections in VAS and posterior striatum (PS) confirmed that only VAS was responsive. Injections or applications of 6-hydroxydopamine suppressed responding only when made into VAS. Haloperidol injections decreased responding only for VAS and not PS injection sites. Applications or injections of scopolamine often increased responding when made into VAS, but this effect was unreliable. Applications or injections of scopolamine to more posterior sites consistently suppressed responding. It was concluded that dopaminergic transmission in VAS, alone among the striatal sites tested, is facilitatory on hypothalamic self-stimulation. The effects of drug applications to nucleus accumbens were generally similar to VAS, and it was suggested that these areas may be functionally similar. An examination of the known afferents to VAS indicated that this area of neostriatum, like n. accumbens, may be influenced by activity in limbic structures. This anatomy may help provide an understanding of how neostriatum, traditionally considered to have a motor function, might be involved in central reward processes.
Innovation and Idea Flow at U.S. International Campuses

This article explores some of the components of innovation that U.S. universities abroad can seize, or in some cases have seized, upon to maximize information flow, productivity, and idea generation at their overseas institutions. Using research in psychology, education, economics, and other fields, the article identifies the following as among the contributing factors to innovation: regular congregation among members of knowledge communities, commingling with others for extended periods of time, retrieval of information from other knowledge ecosystems, and professional efficacy. Attention is given to discussing how U.S. campuses abroad are in a unique position to nourish such components of innovation.
Bluetongue Virus Infection: Pathologic Responses of Nervous Systems in Sheep and Mice

Lesions caused by bluetongue virus infection of the central nervous systems of sheep and mice vary with age of the host. The character of the lesions appears to be influenced by the stage of immunological maturity of the infected animals.
Contrast Ultrasound Imaging of the Carotid Artery Vasa Vasorum and Atherosclerotic Plaque Neovascularization

Cardiovascular disease is associated with the aging of the population, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. Therefore, it is important to develop non-invasive imaging systems to detect “at-risk” populations. New data suggest that contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CU) imaging of the carotid arteries enhances luminal irregularities (i.e., ulcers and plaques), improves near-wall, carotid intima-media thickness, and uniquely permits direct, real-time visualization of neovasculature of the atherosclerotic plaque and associated adventitial vasa vasorum. With continued clinical investigation, CU imaging of the carotid artery may afford an effective means to non-invasively identify atherosclerosis in “at-risk” populations while providing new standard for therapeutic monitoring.
Modeling of 1,3-hexadiene, 2,4-hexadiene and 1,4-hexadiene-doped methane flames: Flame modeling, benzene and styrene formation

In this work, we have developed a detailed chemical kinetic model and reacting flow simulation for the hexadiene-doped 2-d methane diffusion flames studied experimentally by McEnally and Pfefferle. The GRI-Mech 2.11 methane oxidation and Lawrence Livermore butane oxidation mechanisms were used as the base mechanism to which hexadiene chemistry generated by Reaction Mechanism Generator (RMG) was added. Some important chemically activated pathways leading to aromatic species formation, including the reactions on C{sub 5}H{sub 7}, C{sub 6}H{sub 10}, C{sub 6}H{sub 9}, C{sub 6}H{sub 7}, C{sub 8}H{sub 8} and C{sub 8}H{sub 9} potential energy surfaces, are examined in great detail using quantum chemistry (CBS-QB3) and master equation analysis as implemented in Variflex. An efficient program to solve the doped methane diffusion flame was developed. The solver uses the method of lines to solve the species mass balance equation arising in the diffusion flame. It assumes that the temperature and velocity profiles of the doped flame are the same as those of the undoped flame. The mole fractions of various species as predicted by our model are compared to the experimentally measured mole fractions. The agreement between theory and experiments is quite good for most molecules. The added hexadiene dopants to the flamemore » decompose to produce significant amount of cyclopentadienyl radical, which combines with methyl radical to produce benzene. We also show that styrene is formed primarily by recombination of cyclopentadienyl and propargyl radicals, a pathway which to our knowledge, has not been included in prior flame simulations. (author)« less
Unequal specific uptake rates of α- and β-glucose by yeast andE.coli

The specific uptake rate of α-glucose by yeast (S. cerevisiae) and recombinant yeast is higher than that of β-glucose. On the other hand, the specific uptake rate of α-glucose byE.coli and recombinantE.coli is less than that of β-glucose. These results imply that the unequal specific uptake rates of optical isomers of glucose should be included in modeling and optimizing high-cell density fermentations, fed batch fermentations, and immobilized cell systems, where cell density is maintained high and glucose concentration is low.
Surgical sutures and infection: A biomaterial evaluation

A standardized readily reproducible experimental model has been developed to assess the relative importance of the chemical and physical configuration of sutures as determinants of early infection in contaminated wounds. The chemical structure of the suture appeared to be the most important factor in the development of surgical infection. The incidence of infection in contaminated tissues containing either polypropylene sutures or nylon sutures was lower than the infection rate of tissues subjected to any other nonabsorbable suture. Among the absorbable sutures, polyglycolic acid (PGA) sutures evoked the least inflammatory response. The infection rate of contaminated tissues containing the PGA sutures was not significantly different from the incidence of infection of tissues subjected to the least reactive nonabsorbable sutures. The physical configuration of the suture played a relatively unimportant role in the development of early infection. The infection rate of contaminated tissues containing monofilament nonabsorbable sutures did not differ significantly from the incidence of infection of tissues subjected to multifilament sutures made from the same material. Coating the multifilament suture with either silicone, wax, or Teflon did not alter the incidence of early infection in the contaminated tissue. Finally, the presence of even the least reactive suture in contaminated subdermal tissue potentiated the development of infection.
Female drinking and driving: Recent trends in North Carolina

Data on driver licensing, DWI arrests, crashes, and fatalities in the State of North Carolina from the mid-70s to the mid-80s are analyzed to examine trends in drinking and driving by women. Findings presented are based on rates per licensed driver. Results suggest that more women are driving and are experiencing greater exposure to the hazards of drinking and driving. DWI arrest rates for women increased by 43% while rates for men decreased by 9%. Likewise, the proportion of legally intoxicated drivers among women is increasing. Women account for a growing proportion of alcohol-related (A/R) crashes and their involvement in single vehicle nighttime crashes is increasing. A dramatic decrease was observed in A/R fatalities in the male licensed driving population. This decrease was not paralleled by women. Authors conclude women will make up an increasing proportion of those arrested and convicted for DWI and will have more A/R crashes. Findings have implications for the design and implementation of education, deterrence, enforcement, and rehabilitation programs.