cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interactions of the Integrase Protein of the Conjugative Transposon Tn916 with Its Specific DNA Binding Sites

The binding of two chimeric proteins, consisting of the N-terminal or C-terminal DNA binding domain of Tn916 Int fused to maltose binding protein, to specific oligonucleotide substrates was analyzed by gel mobility shift assay. The chimeric protein with the N-terminal domain formed two complexes of different electrophoretic mobilities. The faster-moving complex, whose formation displayed no cooperativity, contained two protein monomers bound to a single DNA molecule. The slower-moving complex, whose formation involved cooperative binding (Hill coefficient > 1.0), contained four protein monomers bound to a single DNA molecule. Methylation interference experiments coupled with the analysis of protein binding to mutant oligonucleotide substrates showed that formation of the faster-moving complex containing two protein monomers required the presence of two 11-bp direct repeats (called DR2) in direct orientation. Formation of the slower-moving complex required only a single DR2 repeat. Binding of the N-terminal domains in vivo could serve to position two Int monomers on the DNA near each end of the transposon and assist in bringing together the ends of the transposon so that excision can occur. The chimeric protein with the C-terminal domain of Int also formed two complexes of different electrophoretic mobilities. The major, slower-moving complex, whose formation involved cooperative binding, contained two protein molecules bound to one DNA molecule. This finding suggested that while the C-terminal domain of Int can bind DNA as a monomer, a cooperative interaction between two monomers of the C-terminal domain may help to bring the ends of the transposon together during excision.
Moral status and personal identity: clones, embryos, and future generations.

In the first part of this article, I argue that even those entities that in their own right and for their own sake give us reason not to destroy them and to help them are sometimes substitutable for the good of other entities. In so arguing, I consider the idea of being valuable as an end in virtue of intrinsic and extrinsic properties. I also conclude that entities that have claims to things and against others are especially nonsubstitutable. In the second part, I argue that cloning poses no threat to the nonsubstitutability of these entities (and in this sense, to the dignity of persons). I also consider the relation between cloning and (what I called) holistic identity, and between the latter and genetic identity. In the concluding part of the article, I try to distinguish cases where identity over time and so-called person-affecting acts have and do not have greater moral significance than nonidentity over time and nonperson-affecting acts. I try to apply my results to cases involving embryos, future generations, and to the so-called Non-Identity Problem.
Light neutrino masses and mixing angles in SO(10) with realistic flavor structure, and the solar neutrino problem

The light neutrino mass spectrum and their mixing angles are investigated in a class of SO(10) models with GRSY seesaw mechanism. The models are motivated by a recent proposal on the structure of the Yukawa couplings postulated from the observed KM angles and the strong CP problem. The scale of GRSY seesaw mechanism is found to be bounded from above by the invisible axion scale, leading to a lower bound on the light neutrino masses, if the strong CP problem is solved by the standard Peccei-Quinn mechanism with the invisible axion. The main results on the light neutrino masses are: 0.18 eV ⩽ mν3 ⩽ 100 eV, mν1/mν2 = O(mu/mc) , and mν2/mν3 = O((mc/mt)(mumc/mt)) for the non-hierarchical structure of the right-handed neutrino mass matrix (MN), and mν2/mν3 = O(mc/mt) for the hierarchical structure of MN. The mixing angles are predicted to be: θeμ ⋍ | me/mμ + eiη'1 O(mu/mc) |, θμ⊥ ⋍ | mμ/m⊥ − eiη2 O(mc/mt) | and θe⊥ ⋍ me/mμθμ⊥, where η'1 and η/2 are some phases. Present experimental constraints on the mixing angles suggest that the phase structures of the lepton mass matrices are similar to those for the quarks if the sum of the light neutrino masses saturates the cosmological mass density bound of 100 eV, implying that νμ−ν⊥ and νe−νμ oscillations may be observable in the next generation of experiments. Regarding the solution to the solar neutrino problem with MSW amplification mechanism, we find that the relevant neutrino oscillation in the sun should be in the νe−νμ channel, instead of the νe−ν⊥ channel which the “naive seesaw” model at the GUT scale predicts. Moreover, for the structure of MN similar to those of quarks, the existence of the fourth generation light neutrino is inevitable, if the cosmological mass density bound is to be saturated by the light neutrino masses and the solar neutrino problem is solved by MSW mechanism. The results obtained in this paper are quite different from and far more interesting than those of the “naive” seesaw model in which MN is assumed to be proportional to the identity matrix and/or the scale of seesaw mechanism is taken to be the GUT scale.
Magnetic bubble domain interactions

Abstract We consider the interaction between cylindrical magnetic (“bubble”) domains and predict a stable triangular lattice configuration in an applied field Hc1
Statistical analysis of the effect of noise injection during neural network training

It is commonly accepted that the modification of the weights during training of an Artificial Neural Network can be augmented by addition of a random element chosen from various distributions. This technique, referred to as Noise Injection, allows the training process to stochastically traverse a larger subset of the sample space, as well as escape from local minima. This paper examines the effect of noise injection on the training cycle of feedforward neural networks. Emphasis is placed on the gradient descent weight modification technique of the backpropagation model. Statistical examination is made of the distribution of the effect within the topology of the weight space, upon the inputs to individual units, upon training time, and on the total error of the network. Since the weights of the network can be considered together as an n-tuple, injection of noise can be statistically examined within that n- dimensional space. It is shown that, for stochastically independent random distributions, the effect on this weight space and on the inputs to individual units is dependent upon the number of weights in the network. The multivariate distribution of the vector modification during training becomes increasingly distorted as the network size increases, such that noise injection has a more significant, and less stable, effect. Problems with traditional approaches are examined and an alternative noise injection method based on network size is presented.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Short-term changes in histomorphometric and biochemical turnover markers and bone mineral density in estrogen-and/or dietary calcium-deficient rats.

Both estrogen and dietary calcium deficiencies are important risk factors in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. We used an animal model of postmenopausal osteoporosis to study histomorphometric and bone turnover markers and bone mineral changes induced by short-term (1 month) estrogen and/or dietary calcium deficiency in the mature rat. Seven groups of rats were studied: 1) basal; 2) sham, fed a calcium-deficient diet (0.1% Ca, Sham-LoCa); 3) sham, fed a regular-calcium diet (1.0% Ca, Sham-RCa); 4) ovariectomy (ovx), on a calcium-deficient diet (Ovx-LoCa); 5) ovx, on a regular-calcium diet (Ovx-RCa); 6) ovx, on a calcium-deficient diet with estrogen replacement (Ovx-LoCa-Est); and 7) ovx, on a regular-calcium diet with estrogen replacement (Ovx-RCa-Est). When compared with sham-operated animals on a regular calcium diet (Sham-RCa), either deficiency alone elevated the turnover markers osteocalcin (BGP) (Sham-LoCa 24.5%; Ovx-RCa 54.7%) and pyridinoline (Sham-LoCa 48.3%, Ovx-RCa 112.3%). Reductions in cancellous bone mass (Cn-BV/TV, Sham-LoCa -26.5%, Ovx-RCa -41.1%) and trabecular connectivity (Node.Node, Sham-LoCa -54.5%, Ovx-RCa -62.6%) were observed. Combined deficiencies (Ovx-LoCa) showed a greater change (BGP, +66.0%; pyridinoline +117.7%; Cn-BV/TV -64.4%; Nd.Nd -95.6%). Estrogen treatment was effective in preventing bone loss from both estrogen and calcium deficiencies.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
SHADOWS: Self-healing complex software systems

As software systems grow in size and complexity, their vulnerability to faults increases, and their reliability and manageability deteriorate. Software assurance methods which aim to alleviate this problem do not scale well. Careful design can also help eliminating faults, yet some are never addressed at design time. Software self-healing is an emerging approach to tackling this problem. Self-healing solutions presented to date commonly solve a single class of problems, or they are not applicable in production environments. The SHADOWS project focuses on self-healing of complex industrial systems. It introduces innovative technologies to enable self-healing of classes of problems not solved elsewhere. It integrates these technologies into a common solution. It further validates the solution in industrial environments. Initial results of this evaluation indicate clear advantages of SHADOWS self-healing technologies.
Perturbation method analysis of AC-induced corrosion

A nonlinear model for corrosion of metals subjected to alternating voltage (AV) induced corrosion that includes the elements corresponding to the polarization resistance, the double layer capacitance and the solution resistance is developed. The results show that corrosion of materials under AC conditions is greatly enhanced by the peak potential and by an increase in the ratio of the anodic-to-cathodic Tafel slope. The AC-induced corrosion rate: (i) decreases with the frequency of the applied signal and with an increase in the DC corrosion potential, (ii) is independent of the DC corrosion rate, and (iii) increases with the peak potentials of the AV signal.
Reliability Features of Large Load Commutated Inverter Drives and Some Cautions in Their Application

The special features built into load commutated inverter (LCI) drives to satisfy the demand of the paper industry for extreme reliability in critical utility type drives are examined. Examples of special circuit arrangements, redundancy, derating, and diagnostics will be discussed. Special attention will be given to the features which help make these large ac inverter drives nearly "uninterruptible." In addition to reliability, two areas of concern in applying LCI drives- harmonics and shaft torque pulsations?briefly addressed. The harmonic and torque pulsations are not considered to be problems, per se, but characteristics of the drives which must be recognized and dealt with. While LCI's do deliver the economic and functional benefits claimed by the suppliers, users are cautioned not to overlook these characteristics (harmonics and torque pulsations) in their enthusiasm to apply these new ac drive systems.
Solvation thermodynamics: theory and applications.

Potential distribution and coupling parameter theories are combined to interrelate previous solvation thermodynamic results and derive several new expressions for the solvent reorganization energy at both constant volume and constant pressure. We further demonstrate that the usual decomposition of the chemical potential into noncompensating energetic and entropic contributions may be extended to obtain a Gaussian fluctuation approximation for the chemical potential plus an exact cumulant expansion for the remainder. These exact expressions are further related to approximate first-order thermodynamic perturbation theory predictions and used to obtain a coupling-parameter integral expression for the sum of all higher-order terms in the perturbation series. The results are compared with the experimental global solvation thermodynamic functions for xenon dissolved in n-hexane and water (under ambient conditions). These comparisons imply that the constant-volume solvent reorganization energy has a magnitude of...
P -values in genomics: Apparent precision masks high uncertainty

Scientists often interpret P-values as measures of the relative strength of statistical findings. This is common practice in large-scale genomic studies where P-values are used to choose which of numerous hypothesis test results should be pursued in subsequent research. In this study, we examine P-value variability to assess the degree of certainty P-values provide. We develop prediction intervals for the P-value in a replication study given the P-value observed in an initial study. The intervals depend on the initial value of P and the ratio of sample sizes between the initial and replication studies, but not on the underlying effect size or initial sample size. The intervals are valid for most large-sample statistical tests in any context, and can be used in the presence of single or multiple tests. While P-values are highly variable, future P-value variability can be explicitly predicted based on a P-value from an initial study. The relative size of the replication and initial study is an important predictor of the P-value in a subsequent replication study. We provide a handy calculator implementing these results and apply them to a study of Alzheimer's disease and recent findings of the Cross-Disorder Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. This study suggests that overinterpretation of very significant, but highly variable, P-values is an important factor contributing to the unexpectedly high incidence of non-replication. Formal prediction intervals can also provide realistic interpretations and comparisons of P-values associated with different estimated effect sizes and sample sizes.
Developmental diethylstilbestrol exposure alters genetic pathways of uterine cytodifferentiation

The formation of a simple columnar epithelium in the uterus is essential for implantation. Perturbation of this developmental process by exogenous estrogen, such as diethylstilbestrol (DES), results in uterine metaplasia that contributes to infertility. The cellular and molecular mechanism underlying this transformation event is not well understood. Here we use a combination of global gene expression analysis and a knockout mouse model to delineate genetic pathways affected by DES. Global gene expression profiling experiment revealed that neonatal DES treatment alters uterine cell fate, particularly in the luminal epithelium by inducing abnormal differentiation, characterized by the induction of stratified epithelial markers including members of the small proline-rich protein family and epidermal keratins. We show that Msx2, a homeodomain transcription factor, functions downstream of DES and is required for the proper expression of several genes in the uterine epithelium including Wnt7a, PLAP, and K2.16. Finally, Msx2-/- uteri were found to exhibit abnormal water trafficking upon DES exposure, demonstrating the importance of Msx2 in tissue responsiveness to estrogen exposure. Together, these results indicate that developmental exposure to DES can perturb normal uterine development by affecting genetic pathways governing uterine differentiation.
The key to rhodopsin function lies in the structure of its interface with transducin

Light activated rhodopsin functions by catalyzing the exchange of GTP for GDP on numerous copies of transducin. Peptide mapping has shown that at least six regions, three on rhodopsin and three on the transducin alpha subunit, are involved in the active interface between the two proteins. The most informative structural studies of rhodopsin should include focus on the transducin interaction.
Screening low-risk individuals for coronary artery disease.

A large proportion of cardiovascular events occur in individuals classified by traditional risk factors as “low-risk.” Efforts to improve early detection of coronary artery disease among low-risk individuals, or to improve risk assessment, might be justified by this large population burden. The most promising tests for improving risk assessment, or early detection, include the coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, the ankle-brachial index (ABI), and the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). Data regarding the role of additional testing in low-risk populations to improve early detection or to enhance risk assessment are sparse but suggest that CAC and ABI may be helpful for improving risk classification and detecting the higher-risk people from among those at lower risk. However, in the absence of clinical trials in this patient population, such as has recently been proposed, we do not recommend routine use of any additional testing or screening in low-risk individuals at this time.
Ontogeny of insulin-like growth factor 1 in a rabbit model of growth retardation.

Many cases of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) result from placental insufficiency, but the molecular signals accompanying this event are unknown. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a potent mitogen for fetal tissues and is lowered in the serum of human infants with IUGR. The rabbit provides an optimal model for the study of IUGR based on fetal position. To determine if IGF-1 expression is altered in the growth-retarded fetus, this naturally occurring rabbit model of IUGR was used. Four fetal rabbit pairs were harvested on Days 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, and 31 of their normal 31-day gestation; they were identified based on uterine position as normal or growth retarded. Fetal weight was recorded and the serum, amniotic fluid, liver, kidney, and small intestine (SI) were collected. The SI was divided into three equal segments: proximal, middle, and distal. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to measure IGF-1/β-actin mRNA densitometric band ratios in all tissues. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used to measure IGF-1 protein levels in the serum and amniotic fluid. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and the paired Student's t test. Weights were decreased in fetuses with IUGR at all time points (P < 0.05), further validating this rabbit model in the study of IUGR. Liver, proximal, and distal SI IGF-1 mRNA decreased during late gestation (P < 0.01). Kidney IGF-1 mRNA increased throughout late gestation (P < 0.01). Compared with their normal counterparts, fetuses with IUGR had a trend toward decreased IGF-1 mRNA in the kidney, liver, and SI at all time points, reaching significance in the liver on Day 27 (P = 0.002). Serum IGF-1 decreased throughout gestation in all fetuses (P < 0.05). Compared with normal fetuses, fetuses with IUGR had lower serum IGF-1 at all time points, reaching significance at Day 27 (P = 0.02). Amniotic fluid IGF-1 was lower in fetuses with IUGR than in normal fetuses, though not quite reaching significance. Compared with normal fetuses, growth-retarded fetal rabbits trend toward depressed liver, kidney, and intestinal expression of IGF-1 mRNA and lower serum and amniotic fluid IGF-1 protein. Serum IGF-1 levels correlate with fetal weight change. Further studies and potential manipulation of fetal IGF-1 are warranted to investigate potential prenatal intervention in the treatment of IUGR.
Assessment of Mother-Child Interaction in Preschoolers with Behavior Problems

Abstract Sixty-four mothers and children, aged 24 to 54 months, were studied in three groups: a clinically-referred group of children with behavior problems, a clinic group with behavior problems and delayed development, and a matched comparison group. Mother-child dyads were seen in a session adapted from a problem-solving procedure and were scored on their approach to tasks, relationship, and separation-reunion behavior. Mothers reported on children's behavior using a Problem Behavior Checklist. Results showed that behavior of dyads varied as a function of problem group. Clinic mothers were less supportive and helpful in assisting their children than comparison group mothers. Clinic children had difficulty in relationships with their mothers but only delayed children had difficulty with the tasks. Children's behaviors reported on the Checklist tended to match their behavior as observed in the play session. Discriminant analysis predicted problem group for 93% of the dyads. Semistructured play assessment can be an easily used diagnostic tool for understanding the role of the relationship in children's problem behavior.
A distinction between the effects of sentential speaking rate and semantic congruity on word identification

It is well known that numerous aspects of sentential context can influence the manner in which a word within the sentence is identified. We investigated two such contextual effects, that of the speaking rate of the sentence in which the target word occurs and that of the semantic congruence between the sentence and the target word. We observed that although the two effects are similar on the surface, in that each is realized as a change in the identification of acoustically ambiguous (but not unambiguous) items along a speech series, they are strikingly different in their susceptibility to changes in task demands. Specifically, changes in the task that readily eliminate the semantic congruity effect do not serve to eliminate the rate effect, suggesting that the two effects arise at different stages of analysis. The implications of this finding for models of speech processing are discussed.
Turbulent thermal blooming

Most system analyses of CW high-power lasers propagating in the atmosphere assume a simple additive linear relation of the impact of thermal blooming and optical turbulence in the atmosphere to the propagated laser beam spreading. In other words, both effects are treated as if they would follow Gaussian statistics in an RMS sense. While the statistics of optical propagation in a turbulent atmosphere can be modeled as Gaussian to first order, thermal blooming is a deterministic nonlinear optical phenomenon. To the best of our knowledge, there is no reason for adding linearly the beam spreading due to these two optical effects. In fact, assuming no interplay in the presence of a strong nonlinear optical interaction is counter-intuitive. As a result, we have performed extensive numerical Monte-Carlo optical wave-propagation simulations, >50,000 realizations, in the presence of thermal-blooming and atmospheric turbulence to varying degrees. During the propagation, the amplitude and the phase of a high power laser field are coupled by the interplay of diffraction, refractive turbulence and thermal blooming. In some cases, we have observed in our numerical experiments a strong coupling between turbulence and nonlinear thermal blooming.
Simulation of Ball-Bearing Lubrication With a Rolling-Disk Apparatus

Ball bearing lubrication simulation by rolling disk apparatus, emphasizing surface slip and related thermal effects alterable by geometric expansion
A simple coarse-graining technique for the Monte Carlo evaluation of highly oscillatory integrals

Abstract A simple technique for conditioning highly oscillatory integrands to make them suitable for Monte Carlo evaluation is presented and investigated numerically for one-dimensional problems. The technique involves averaging the integrand uniformly over a local region if the integrand is oscillating rapidly. In regions of slow oscillation the unconditioned integrand is employed. The averaging region is chosen to be one oscillation. We argue that the proper choice of the averaging region is important in determining the suitability of the conditioned integrand for use in Monte Carlo calculations.
Quantifying Turfgrass Color Using Digital Image Analysis

Color is a major component of the aesthetic quality of turf and often evaluated in field studies. Digital image analysis may be an improved, objective method to quantify turf color. Studies were conducted to determine if digital image analysis with SigmaScan software (SPSS, Chicago, IL) was capable of: (i) accurately determining the hue, saturation, and brightness (HSB) levels of Munsell Plant Tissue color chips, (ii) quantifying visual color differences among zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica Steud.) and creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds. { = A. stolonifera var. palustris (Hods.) Farw.}} plots receiving various N treatments, and (iii) quantifying genetic color differences among bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) cultivars. Digital images of turf plots were analyzed with SigmaScan software to determine average HSB levels for each image. A dark green color index (DGCI) was created from HSB values for direct comparison with visual ratings. Digital image analysis accurately quantified the HSB levels (r 2 = 0.99, 0.96, and 0.97, respectively) of Munsell color chips corresponding to turf colors. Significant HSB differences were present among N treatments in creeping bentgrass, while only significant hue differences existed in zoysiagrass. Significant hue and saturation differences were present among bermudagrass cultivars. There was strong agreement between DGCI values and visual ratings. The relative variances of the HSB and DGCI were significantly less than the variance associated with multiple raters. This evaluation technique may facilitate objective comparisons of turf color across researchers, locations, and years when images are collected under equal lighting conditions (i.e., the use of an artificial light source at night or in an enclosed system).
Revision Frontal Sinusotomy Using Stepwise Balloon Dilation and Powered Instrumentation

Objectives/Hypothesis: To report a novel approach toward revision frontal sinusotomy using a technique of balloon dilation followed by the use of powered instrumentation. Study Design: Case report. Methods: The frontal sinus outflow tract location was first confirmed with image guidance and then dilated with a balloon to address the soft tissue stenosis. Subsequently, the drill was introduced to accomplish a Draf 2B frontal sinusotomy. Results: An advantage of initial balloon dilation of the frontal sinus outflow tract was to quickly address the soft tissue stenosis with minimal tissue trauma and therefore less bleeding. This subsequently enabled insertion and clear visualization of the entire drill bit within the inferior aspect of the frontal outflow tract. The increased visualization makes other instrumentation safer as well, and avoids relatively blind removal of scar tissue that could result in inadvertent entry into the orbit or skull base. Conclusions: We describe the utility of the balloon as a tool for revision frontal sinusotomy to efficiently and safely allow subsequent instrumentation of the frontal outflow tract with larger more aggressive instruments, such as the drill. We have found this to be a safe and effective technique provided proper preoperative patient selection and assessment for limiting factors. Laryngoscope, 2010
Determination of leucogentian violet and gentian violet in catfish tissue by high-performance liquid chromatography with visible detection.

A sensitive analytical procedure for the determination of residues of leucogentian violet (LGV) and gentian violet (GV) in catfish tissue is presented. Frozen (−20°C) catfish fillets were cut into chunks and then blended in a Waring blendor. A 10-g amount of catfish muscle tissue was homogenized and extracted with acetonitrile-buffer, partitioned against methylene chloride, and cleaned up on tandem neutral alumina and propylsulfonic acid cation-exchange solid-phase extraction cartridges. Samples of 100 μl (0.5 g equiv.) were chromatographed isocratically in 15 min using an acetonitrile-buffer mobile phase on a cyano phase column in-line with a post-column PbO2 oxidation reactor. The PbO2 post-column reactor efficiently oxidized the LGV to the chromatic GV permitting visible detection at 588 nm for both LGV and GV. Linearity was demonstrated with standards over the range 0.5–50 ng per injection. Recoveries of LGV and GV from catfish tissues fortified at 20, 10, and 1 ng/g were 83.1 ± 1.2, 78.4 ± 4.0, 84 ± 8 and 92.7 ± 1.8, 95.0 ± 2.2, 93 ± 2 (mean ± S.D., n = 4), respectively.
Tree–Shrub Interactions During Early Secondary Forest Succession in Uganda

One of the greatest challenges for ecologists this century will be restoring forests on degraded tropical lands. This restoration will require understanding complex processes that shape successional pathways, including interactions between trees and other plants. Shrub species often quickly invade disturbed tropical lands, yet little is known about whether they facilitate or inhibit subsequent tree recruitment and growth. We examined how shrubs and other vegetation (e.g., vines, grasses, herbs) affect tree recruitment, survival, and growth during the first 6 years of forest succession in Kibale National Park, Uganda. The study was undertaken in two recently logged exotic softwood plantations. We studied the successional trajectories in two recently logged areas that varied in their initial densities of trees and shrubs. Analyses suggested tree seedling presence and density were not strongly related to shrub density or height during succession. Tree sapling presence and density were positively significantly related to shrub density and height. We found little response in the tree community to experimental shrub removal, and although removal of all nontree vegetation temporarily enhanced tree growth, the effect disappeared after 2 years. Some early-successional trees benefited from reduced competition, whereas some mid-successional trees benefited from the presence of other vegetation. Some specific tree species responded strongly to vegetation removal. We interpret our findings in light of designing manipulations promoting forest restoration for biodiversity conservation and conclude with four tentative guidelines: (1) manage at the species level, not the community level; (2) increase facilitation for seedlings, reduce competition for saplings; (3) be cautious of assumptions about plant interactions; and (4) be adaptable and creative with new strategies when manipulations fail.
Magnetic resonance imaging of coronary atherosclerosis.

It is recognized that conventional radiograph arteriography cannot image plaque directly or provide prognostic information based on plaque characterization. Noninvasive, high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the potential to image coronary plaque and to determine its composition and microanatomy. This review summarizes the rationale for coronary plaque imaging and describes the characteristics of plaque using existing MRI techniques. Current and future applications of MRI, including the development of new contrast agents, targeted molecular imaging, and the application of MRI to percutaneous coronary intervention, are also discussed.
Study of some of the Parameters involved in Split-stream Chromatographic Injection

THE two essential requirements placed on a split-stream injector are that: (1) the injected sample be uniformly distributed in the split stream as the splitting point is reached; (2) the width of the splitted portion entering the column be appreciably smaller than the eventual width of all the eluted components.
Asymptotic stability of the Euler-Bernoulli beam with boundary control

Abstract We show that under appropriate conditions a Euler-Bernoulli beam, clamped at one end, with boundary controls at the other end, can be made uniformly, exponentially stable. The method can also be applied to multibeam structures with controls either at the end or somewhere along the structure.
Optimization for Object Localization of the Constrained Algebraic Reconstruction Technique

A method for optimizing image- recovery algorithms is presented that is based on how well the specified task of object localization can be performed using the reconstructed images. The task performance is numerically assessed by a Monte Carlo simulation of the complete imaging process including the generation of scenes appropriate to the desired application, subsequent data taking, image recovery, and performance of the stated task based on the final image. This method is used to optimize the constrained Algebraic Reconstruction Technique (ART), which reconstructs images from their projections under a nonnegativity constraint by means of an iterative updating procedure. The optimization is performed by finding the the relaxation factor, which is employed in the updating procedure, that yields the minimum rms error in estimating the position of discs in the reconstructed images. It is found that the optimum operating points for the best object localization are essentially the same as those obtained earlier when the performance of simple object detection is to be optimized.
Multireference configuration interaction and second-order perturbation theory calculations for the 1 3A″, 1 1A″, and 1 1A′ electronic states of vinylnitrene and vinylphosphinidene

Abstract MRCI and CASPT2 calculations from a (4, 4) MCSCF active space predict both vinylnitrene and vinylphosphinidene to have 3 A″ ground states. For vinylnitrene, the lowest open-shell singlet ( 1 A″) and closed-shell singlet ( 1 A′) states lie 15 and 40 kcal/mol higher in energy, respectively. The corresponding relative singlet energies in vinylphosphinidene are 17 and 23 kcal/mol, respectively. The reduced separation between the singlet states in H 2 CCHP compared to H 2 CCHN is attributed to decreased conjugation between the double bond and the pnictogen atom in the phosphinidene.
OUTBURST-RELATED PERIOD CHANGES OF RECURRENT NOVA CI AQUILAE

Pre-outburst and post-outburst light curves and post-outburst eclipse timings are analyzed to measure any period (P) change related to nova CI Aql's outburst of early 2000 and a mean post-outburst dP/dt, which then lead to estimates of the accreting component's rate of mass (M) change and its overall outburst-related change of mass over roughly a decade of observations. We apply a recently developed procedure for unified analysis of three timing-related data types (light curves, radial velocities, and eclipse timings), although with only light curves and timings in this case. Fits to the data are reasonably good without need for a disk in the light-curve model, although the disk certainly exists and has an important role in our post-outburst mass flow computations. Initial experiments showed that, although there seems to be an accretion hot spot, it has essentially no effect on derived outburst-related ΔP or on post-outburst dP/dt. Use of atomic time (HJED) in place of HJD also has essentially nil effect on ΔP and dP/dt. We find ΔP consistently negative in various types of solutions, although at best only marginally significant statistically in any one experiment. Pre-outburst HJD {sub 0} and P results are given, as are post-outburst HJD {submore » 0}, P, and dP/dt, with light curves and eclipse times as joint input, and also with only eclipse time input. Post-outburst dP/dt is negative at about 2.4σ. Explicit formulae for mass transfer rates and epoch-to-epoch mass change are developed and applied. A known offset in the magnitude zero point for 1991-1994 is corrected.« less
Instructional Units of Death Education: The Impact of Amount of Classroom Time on Changes in Death Attitudes.

The present study sought to provide a better understanding of the impact instructional time devoted to death education had on death attitudes. The study incorporates a three-group experimental research design with repeated measures. Three experimental groups of college students randomly were assigned to one of three short units of death education. The groups varied in terms of the amount of instructional time they were given. One group received three class sessions of death education, while the other two groups received six and nine classes, respectively. Only in the group that received nine class sessions of death education were death attitudes changed significantly. Such changes occurred on one dimension of death attitudes. Results suggest that very brief units of death education are not effective in changing attitudes. When attitude change is deemed important, the most rational length of time to devote to death education is roughly nine class sessions. Even then, attitudes related to death may be affected only partially.
ICG-loaded polymeric nanocapsules functionalized with anti-HER2 for targeted fluorescence imaging and photodestruction of ovarian cancer cells

Optical nano-materials present a promising platform for targeted molecular imaging of cancer biomarkers and its photodestruction. Our group is investigating the use of polymeric nanoparticles, loaded with indocyanine green, an FDA-approved chromophore, as a theranostic agent for targeted intraoperative optical imaging and laser-mediated destruction of ovarian cancer. These ICG-loaded nanocapsules (ICG-NCs) can be functionalized by covalent attachment of targeting moieties onto their surface. Here, we investigate ICG-NCs functionalized with anti-HER2 for targeted fluorescence imaging and laser-mediated destruction of ovarian cancer cells in vitro. ICG-NCs are formed through ionic cross-linking between polyallylamine hydrochloride chains and sodium phosphate ions followed by diffusion-mediated loading with ICG. Before functionalization with antibodies, the surface of ICG-NCs is coated with single and double aldehyde terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG). The monoclonal anti-HER2 is covalently coupled to the PEGylated ICG-NCs using reductive amination to target the HER2 receptor, a biomarker whose over-expression is associated with increased risk of cancer progression. We quantify uptake of anti-HER2 conjugated ICG-NCs by ovarian cancer cells using flow cytometery. The in-vitro laser-mediated destruction of SKOV3 cells incubated with anti-HER2 functionalized ICG-NCs is performed using an 808 nm diode laser. Cell viability is characterized using the Calcein and Ethidium homodimer-1 assays following laser irradiation. Our results indicate that anti-HER2 functionalized ICG-NCs can be used as theranostic agents for optical molecular imaging and photodestruction of ovarian cancers in-vitro.
Frequency range size and the frequency range constraint in auditory perception by European starlings ( Sturnus vulgaris )

We report data bearing on the ability of European starlings to generalize a serial auditory pitch pattern discrimination from one frequency range to another. In earlier research (e.g., Hulse & Cyrix, 1985), European starlings failed to generalize such a discrimination from one 1-octave range of frequencies to another 1-octave range above or below the initial training range. The starlings thus demonstrated a hitherto unknown phenomenon, thefrequency range constraint. In the present research, we first explored the frequency limits over which the range constraint might hold. The constraint was obtained after initial training in both a narrow (1÷2-octave) and a wide (3-octave) training range. The latter range encompasses a substantial portion of the entire frequency range audible to starlings. Therefore, the constraint is independent of the size of the training range. No known principles of stimulus discrimination or generalization account for the constraint. We also obtained further evidence on starlings’ sensitivity to relative pitch in auditory pattern perception. We used probe stimuli to explore pattern discrimination in narrow local regions of the wide frequency range. The probe data showed that, in spite of the frequency range constraint, the starlings were able to process pitch patterns on a relational basis. The results join earlier data indicating that both absolute and relative pitch processing may be involved in the natural auditory communication of songbirds.
Multiparametric MRI of prostate cancer: An update on state‐of‐the‐art techniques and their performance in detecting and localizing prostate cancer

Magnetic resonance (MR) examinations of men with prostate cancer are most commonly performed for detecting, characterizing, and staging the extent of disease to best determine diagnostic or treatment strategies, which range from biopsy guidance to active surveillance to radical prostatectomy. Given both the exam's importance to individual treatment plans and the time constraints present for its operation at most institutions, it is essential to perform the study effectively and efficiently. This article reviews the most commonly employed modern techniques for prostate cancer MR examinations, exploring the relevant signal characteristics from the different methods discussed and relating them to intrinsic prostate tissue properties. Also, a review of recent articles using these methods to enhance clinical interpretation and assess clinical performance is provided. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:1035-1054. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A potential function for protein folding

One of the most difficult problems in computational chemistry is the prediction of the three-dimensional structure of a protein molecule given only its amino acid sequence. Although there are several programs for calculating the empirical or quantum mechanical energies, and there are more programs for either minimizing the energy as a function of conformation or for simulating the dynamics of a system of molecules, these approaches generally fail either to locate the known native conformation of small proteins and/or show that the native structure is preferred over alternative conformations. In this paper, we present the latest extension of our ongoing effort to devise an empirical potential function that correctly discriminates between the native and essentially all other conformations for more than one protein. Furthermore, the potential incorporates such a simplified description of the polypeptide chain that there is hope for locating nearly the global minimum as a means of predicting globular protein conformation. The current potential function has been parameterized to agree with the crystal structures of crambin and avian pancreatic polypeptide and [lie parameters thus derived are able to correctly predict the native conformations of apamin and mellitin. The key to this accomplishment is a novel nondifferentiable optimization approach to solving the nonlinear program for determining the parameters.
Energy cost for estimation in multihop wireless sensor networks

This paper addresses a transmission energy problem for estimation in multihop wireless sensor networks. We consider two very different schemes of estimation: progressive estimation and consensus estimation. Progressive estimation is designed for networks about which a central planner knows a routing tree and all channel state information. Consensus estimation is commonly known for more dynamic networks. In this paper, we develop energy planning algorithms to minimize the transmission energy cost for both schemes, and compare their energy costs. This study shows that the total energy cost for consensus estimation can be much higher than that for progressive estimation, but the peak energy for the former is less than that for the latter.
Modeling and simulation in agricultural pest management

This paper introduces some of the mathematical problems associated with the control of agricultural insect pests. The view advocated here is that since agricultural crops are managed biological systems, much of the applied mathematics developed for biological systems may be used in pest control. The problem is broken into three components (1) strategy selection, (2) tactics selection, and (3) state estimation. The concept of strategy selection is illustrated through a discussion of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) as a means of population suppression. Tactics selection is illustrated by a discussion of the scheduling of pesticide applications. The concept of state estimation is illustrated through two examples. The first example is a discussion of sequential sampling for pests to determine if the pest density has crossed an economic threshold. The second example is a discussion of information provided by trapping for pests when trying to determine the extent of an infestation.
Protons in Al doped BaZrO3 escape dopant traps to access long range proton conduction highways

abstract Article history:Received 17 January 2013Received in revised form 18 May 2013Accepted 21 May 2013Available online 13 June 2013Keywords:Proton conductionAluminumYttriumDopantPerovskiteLong range pathways A combination of electronic structure methods, graph theory, and kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) shows thatdoping BaZrO 3 with aluminum instead of yttrium at the Zr site changes the long range proton conductionpathways by altering local geometry. When the zirconium ion is replaced by the smaller aluminum ion,there is a small contraction which decreases the degree of octahedral tilting possible. The decreased octahe-dral tilting results in a greater contrast in energies close to the dopant and farther from it. The greater con-trast leads to such high barriers to escape the dopant region that the most probable long range protonconduction pathways avoid the dopant region. KMC trajectories show long periods of proton trapping nearthe dopant followed by rare excursions away from it during which the proton accesses the high probabilitylong range proton conducting pathways enabling long range conduction. In contrast, in yttrium dopedsystems where the barrier to get away from the dopant is lower, earlier work has shown that the probablelong range proton conducting pathways include sections near the dopant.© 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Micromethod for determination of specific gravity of tissues.

SummaryThe copper sulfate method of determining the specific gravity of blood has been applied to fresh tissues. A number of factors influencing the determinations have been studied. Comparison of this method with that based on Archimedes principle have shown the copper sulfate method to be decidedly superior.
Computer code for depth distribution of energy deposition by heavy ion bombardment

Abstract For bombardment by a heavy-ion beam, we have written a FORTRAN computer code which yields the distribution of energy deposited into elastic atomic collisions as a function of penetration depth. Our aim has been to develop a simple package, inexpensive to run, that could be operated with little or no previous experience. Our calculation is based on an approximation of Kulcinski et al., refined to include the theory of Lindhard et al. which accounts for cascade energy loss to electronic collisions. Range calculation are obtained from the code of Johnson and Gibbons, which our code incorporates. The results of our code are compared with existing calculations of Brice and of Sigmund et al.
Rapid prototyping and evaluation of in-vehicle interfaces

As driver distraction from in-vehicle devices becomes an increasingly critical issue, researchers have aimed to establish better scientific understanding of distraction along with better engineering tools to build less distracting devices. This article presents a new system, Distract-R, that allows designers to rapidly prototype and evaluate new in-vehicle interfaces. The core engine of the system relies on a rigorous cognitive model of driver behavior which, when integrated with models of task behavior on the prototyped interfaces, generate predictions of driver performance and distraction. Distract-R allows a designer to prototype basic interfaces, demonstrate possible tasks on these interfaces, specify relevant driver characteristics and driving scenarios, and finally simulate, visualize, and analyze the resulting behavior as generated by the cognitive model. The article includes three modeling studies that demonstrate the system's ability to account for various aspects of driver performance for several types of in-vehicle interfaces. More generally, Distract-R illustrates how cognitive models can be used as internal simulation engines for design tools intended for nonmodelers, with the ultimate goal of helping to understand and predict user behavior in multitasking environments.