cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NMR assignments for the telokin-like domain of bacteriophage P22 coat protein

The bacteriophage P22 virion is assembled from identical coat protein monomers in a complex reaction that is generally conserved among tailed, double-stranded DNA bacteriophages and viruses. Many coat proteins of dsDNA viruses have structures based on the HK97 fold, but in some viruses and phages there are additional domains. In the P22 coat protein, a “telokin-like” domain was recently identified, whose structure has not yet been characterized at high-resolution. Two recently published low-resolution cryo-EM reconstructions suggest markedly different folds for the telokin-like domain that lead to alternative conclusions about its function in capsid assembly and stability. Here we report 1H, 15N, and 13C NMR resonance assignments for the telokin-like domain. The secondary structure predicted from the chemical shift values obtained in this work shows significant discrepancies from both cryo-EM models but agrees better with one of the models. In particular, the functionally important “D-loop” in one model shows chemical shifts and solvent exchange protection more consistent with β-sheet structure. Our work will set the basis for a high-resolution NMR structure determination of the telokin-like domain that will help improve the cryo-EM models, and in turn lead to a better understanding of how coat protein monomers assemble into the icosahedral capsids required for virulence.
Estimation sample selection for discretionary accruals models

We examine how the criteria for choosing estimation samples affect the ability to detect discretionary accruals, using several variants of the Jones (1991) model. Researchers commonly estimate accruals models in cross-section, and define the estimation sample as all firms in the same industry. We examine whether firm size performs at least as well as industry membership as the criterion for selecting estimation samples. For U.S. data, we find estimation samples based on similarity in lagged assets perform at least as well as estimation samples based on industry membership at detecting discretionary accruals, both in simulations with seeded accruals between 2% and 100% of total assets and in tests examining restatement data and AAER data. For non-U.S. data, we find industry-based estimation samples result in significant sample attrition and estimation samples based on lagged assets perform at least as well as estimation samples based on industry membership, both in simulations and in tests examining German restatement data, with substantially less sample attrition.
Total Synthesis of Photoactivatable or Fluorescent Anandamide Probes: Novel Bioactive Compounds with Angiogenic Activity

Endocannabinoids are endogenous polyunsaturated fatty acids involved in a multitude of health and disease processes. Recently, several lines of evidence suggest the presence of a novel non-CB1/CB2 anandamide receptor in endothelial cells. Thus, we synthesized two types of photoaffinity probes that contain either an arylazide group or a diazirin moiety, together with a fluorescent analogue. The key steps rely on selective hydrogenation of skipped tetrayne backbones and on copper-mediated cross-coupling reactions between diynic precursors. Three synthetic routes were investigated. In biological functional assays, we found that both the arylazide and the fluorescent probes induced robust increases in matrix metalloprotease activity and produced positive angiogenic responses in in vitro endothelial cell tube formation assays. Irradiation of the arylazide probe nicely enhanced this effect in both HUVEC and CB1-KO HUVEC. These results suggest that the arylazide and the fluorescent probes can be used to identify "non-CB1/CB2 anandamide receptor" from endothelial cells.
Pretreatment with alternate day modified fast will permit higher dose and frequency of cancer chemotherapy and better cure rates

It is established that calorie restriction (CR) increases the resistance of cells to various stressors such as oxidative damage, excitotoxins, mercury and acetaminophen. Alternate day feeding (ADF) may confer greater stress resistance than daily CR of 30% or 40%. A recent study in three strains of mouse showed that a fast of 48 or 60 h prevented toxic effects due to administration of doses 2-4 times the maximum human dose of etoposide, a chemotherapy agent which acts through increased oxidative stress. In addition, mice inoculated with neuroblastoma survived longer when pretreated with fasting, then given high dose etoposide, as well as not exhibiting toxicity. This increased survival was construed as evidence of differential stress resistance between normal and cancer cells, the cancer cells being only partially protected by the pretreatment fast. In clinical practice, increased differential stress resistance could lead to the use of much higher doses of chemotherapy agents, and in the absence of toxicity, make it possible to repeat the treatment to kill residual cancer cells. Humans are unlikely to comply with a total fast of longer than 24 or 48 h, which may be insufficient to activate the same gene expression process. Based on published data we estimate that an optimal time period for development of stress resistance is 2-3 weeks when alternate day feeding is employed. Our previously published experience suggests that 2-3 weeks of alternate day modified fast in which subjects eat ad libitum one day and <20% of one's estimated caloric requirement the next will confer a similar stress resistance. Compliance with this diet is high and greater maintenance of body weight is feasible. We hypothesize that a pretreatment of 2-3 weeks with the alternate day modified fast will improve outcomes in cancer chemotherapy, decreasing morbidity and raising cure rates.
Conceptual organization of case law knowledge bases

Conceptual retrieval requires the computer to have knowledge of legal concepts and issues, and their relationship to the case law collection. This paper discusses the organization of a case law knowledge base in terms of three interacting components: a domain knowledge model defines the basic concepts of a case law domain; individual case descriptors describe the particular constellation of concepts that pertain to each case, organized into a frame-based superstructure according to the legal roles they fill; and issue/case discrimination trees represent the significance of each case relative to a model of the normative relationships of the legal domain. Each of these components is described and justified by showing its contribution to the goal of conceptual retrieval.
A microeconomic model of business growth, decay and cycles

This paper presents a dynamic theory of price, output, working capital and interest for the firm and industry. It yields many of the standard properties of the firm and industry at equilibrium, and in addition, a new microeconomic theory of growth, decay and business cycles. This is achieved by adding a working capital or budget constraint to the conventional atomistic single product firm and assuming a one period input-output lag. The theory leads to a simple but instructive example of a new mathematical system called recursive programming that represents ex ante optimizing while at the same time exhibiting ex post nonoptimality under certain conditions.
Web-Based Robot Programming Environment and Control Architecture

We propose a novel web-based programming architecture for robots. The proposed system offers a web interface that allows users to type their robot control programs, so no development environments and tools need to be installed in the user's computer. From the web control panel, the user can also save, load and execute programs stored in the robot's memory. For the implementation we use a smart phone as the robot's main control computer, so the web server is embedded in the phone, which is fixed to the robot. The system allows different programming languages to be used and also takes advantage of sensors available in the phone.
Molecular population dynamics of DNA structures in a bcl-2 promoter sequence is regulated by small molecules and the transcription factor hnRNP LL

Minute difference in free energy change of unfolding among structures in an oligonucleotide sequence can lead to a complex population equilibrium, which is rather challenging for ensemble techniques to decipher. Herein, we introduce a new method, molecular population dynamics (MPD), to describe the intricate equilibrium among non-B deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) structures. Using mechanical unfolding in laser tweezers, we identified six DNA species in a cytosine (C)-rich bcl-2 promoter sequence. Population patterns of these species with and without a small molecule (IMC-76 or IMC-48) or the transcription factor hnRNP LL are compared to reveal the MPD of different species. With a pattern recognition algorithm, we found that IMC-48 and hnRNP LL share 80% similarity in stabilizing i-motifs with 60 s incubation. In contrast, IMC-76 demonstrates an opposite behavior, preferring flexible DNA hairpins. With 120–180 s incubation, IMC-48 and hnRNP LL destabilize i-motifs, which has been previously proposed to activate bcl-2 transcriptions. These results provide strong support, from the population equilibrium perspective, that small molecules and hnRNP LL can modulate bcl-2 transcription through interaction with i-motifs. The excellent agreement with biochemical results firmly validates the MPD analyses, which, we expect, can be widely applicable to investigate complex equilibrium of biomacromolecules.
Retarded ejaculation: a review

Retarded ejaculation is the persistent difficulty or inability to ejaculate despite the presence of adequate sexual desire, erection, and stimulation. The causes of this dysfunction may be organic, i.e., medical illness or drug ingestion (particularly medications with antiadrenergic effects), the result of surgical interventions, or secondary to inhibiting psychological factors. With regard to psychological determinants, fear, guilt, resentment, and passively have all been implicated, although objective studies are rare. The sexual object choice of men with retarded ejaculation has ben reported by several clinicians and investigators to be other than adult members of the opposite sex, while the marital relationship of these males has been considered etiological in other instances. Outcome assessment to date consists mostly of individual case reports or reports on small groups of patients treated without controls. To some extent, routine reliance on long-term traditional therapy has yielded to shorter, symptomatic learning-based treatments. While improved outcomes have been reported, many patients do not respond well. It is not yet possible to objectively predict succes or failure. Since it is our impression that this sexual dysfunction is more common than previously assumed (or is increasing in frequency), our present lack of data should soon be remedied.
Transient removal of dopamine potentiates the stimulation of prolactin release by TRH but not VIP: stimulation via Ca2+/protein kinase C pathway.

The effectiveness of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) to release prolactin (PRL) after a brief interruption of the tonic inhibitory action of dopamine (DA) w
Coupling of Adjacent Tropomyosins Enhances Cross-Bridge-Mediated Cooperative Activation in a Markov Model of the Cardiac Thin Filament

We developed a Markov model of cardiac thin filament activation that accounts for interactions among nearest-neighbor regulatory units (RUs) in a spatially explicit manner. Interactions were assumed to arise from structural coupling of adjacent tropomyosins (Tms), such that Tm shifting within each RU was influenced by the Tm status of its neighbors. Simulations using the model demonstrate that this coupling is sufficient to produce observed cooperativity in both steady-state and dynamic force-Ca2+ relationships. The model was further validated by comparison with reported responses under various conditions including inhibition of myosin binding and the addition of strong-binding, non-force-producing myosin fragments. The model also reproduced the effects of 2.5 mM added Pi on Ca2+-activated force and the rate of force redevelopment measured in skinned rat myocardial preparations. Model analysis suggests that Tm-Tm coupling potentiates the activating effects of strongly-bound cross-bridges and contributes to force-Ca2+ dynamics of intact cardiac muscle. The model further predicts that activation at low Ca2+ concentrations is cooperatively inhibited by nearest neighbors, requiring Ca2+ binding to >25% of RUs to produce appreciable levels of force. Without excluding other putative cooperative mechanisms, these findings suggest that structural coupling of adjacent Tm molecules contributes to several properties of cardiac myofilament activation.
Cigarette smoking during pregnancy in relation to placenta previa

To evaluate the relationship between cigarette smoking and the occurrence of placenta previa, we used interview and medical record data to conduct a case-control analysis of 69 placenta previa cases and 12,351 controls. The unadjusted relative risk estimate of placenta previa for women reported to have "ever smoked" during pregnancy relative to nonsmoking mothers was 1.9 (95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 3.0). The risk rose after adjusting for potential confounders (odds ratio, 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 5.5). In contrast to a previous report, the duration of smoking was not an independent risk factor for placenta previa. These results suggest that cigarette smoking during pregnancy is a determinant of placenta previa. Carbon monoxide hypoxemia, which is one possible mechanism for this association, may result in compensatory placental hypertrophy. Placentas with increased surface areas are more likely to cover the cervical os, causing placenta previa.
Introduction of a Denture Injection System for Use With Microwaveable Acrylic Resins

Recently, an injection system for use with microwaveable denture base resins was introduced. Preliminary evaluation of this system was performed at a university-based dental laboratory. This article provides a description of the complete denture fabrication technique, as well as observations regarding its design and practicality.
Mother Child Synchrony and Communicative Reciprocity in Late-Talking Toddlers

Eighteen mother-child dyads that included 24- to 31-month-old boys who were late talkers were compared in terms of social cues and dyadic synchrony with dyads including normally developing boys mat...
Capgras syndrome in Dementia with Lewy Bodies.

Background Capgras syndrome is characterized by the recurrent, transient belief that a person has been replaced by an identical imposter. We reviewed clinical characteristics of Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) patients with Capgras syndrome compared to those without Capgras. Methods We identified 55 consecutive DLB patients (11 cases with Capgras syndrome (DLB-C) and 44 cases without evidence of Capgras (DLB). Semi-structured interviews with the patient and an informant, neurological exams, and neuropsychological testing were performed. Caregivers were assessed for caregiver burden and depression. Primary comparisons were made between DLB-C and DLB. Exploratory analyses using stepwise logistic regression and bootstrap analyses were performed to determine clinical features associated with Capgras. Results DLB-C patients experienced more visual hallucinations and self-reported anxiety, had higher scores on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory, and were less likely to be treated with cholinesterase inhibitors at time of initial evaluation. Extrapyramidal symptoms and depression were not associated with Capgras. Caregivers of DLB-C patients had higher caregiver burden. DLB-C was associated with self-reported anxiety (OR = 10.9; 95% CI = 2.6-47.6). In a bootstrap analysis, clinical findings that were predictors of Capgras included visual hallucinations (log(OR) = 18.3; 95% CI = 17.9-19.3) and anxiety (log(OR) = 2.9; 95% CI = 0.31-20.2). Conclusions Our study suggests that Capgras syndrome is common in DLB and usually occurs in the presence of anxiety and visual hallucinations, suggesting related etiopathogenesis. Early appreciation of Capgras syndrome may afford the opportunity to alleviate caregiver burden and improve patient and caregiver outcomes.
Strategies for enhancing enrollment in one registered nurse–bachelor of science in nursing program

Abstract Associate degree and diploma graduates make up the largest number of registered nurses (RNs) in today's workforce, and only 16% return to school for a baccalaureate degree. The nursing shortage and the rapid expanding changes in the delivery of health care have created the demand for more nurses prepared at an educational level appropriate for the responsibilities required of them as professional nurses. Cost-effective and flexible RN–bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs are necessary to meet this need. This article describes strategies implemented in one RN–BSN program to enhance RN enrollment.
Simulation of human intravenous and oral pharmacokinetics of 21 diverse compounds using physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling.

Background: The importance of predicting human pharmacokinetics during compound selection has been recognized in the pharmaceutical industry. To this end there are many different approaches that are applied. Methods: In this study we compared the accuracy of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) methodologies implemented in GastroPlus™ with the one-compartment approach routinely used at Pfizer for human pharmacokinetic plasma concentration-time profile prediction. Twenty-one Pfizer compounds were selected based on the availability of relevant preclinical and clinical data. Intravenous and oral human simulations were performed for each compound. To understand any mispredictions, simulations were also performed using the observed clearance (CL) value as input into the model. Results: The simulation results using PBPK were shown to be superior to those obtained via traditional one-compartment analyses. In many cases, this difference was statistically significant. Specifically, the results showed that the PBPK approach was able to accurately predict passive distribution and absorption processes. Some issues and limitations remain with respect to the prediction of CL and active transport processes and these need to be improved to further increase the utility of PBPK modelling. A particular advantage of the PBPK approach is its ability to accurately predict the multiphasic shape of the pharmacokinetic profiles for many of the compounds tested. Conclusion: The results from this evaluation demonstrate the utility of PBPK methodology for the prediction of human pharmacokinetics. This methodology can be applied at different stages to enhance the understanding of the compounds in a particular chemical series, guide experiments, aid candidate selection and inform clinical trial design.
Large-scale phosphoproteome of human whole saliva using disulfide–thiol interchange covalent chromatography and mass spectrometry

Abstract To date, only a handful of phosphoproteins with important biological functions have been identified and characterized in oral fluids, and these include some of the abundant protein constituents of saliva. Whole saliva (WS) samples were trypsin digested, followed by chemical derivatization using dithiothreitol (DTT) of the phospho-serine/threonine-containing peptides. The DTT–phosphopeptides were enriched by covalent disulfide–thiol interchange chromatography and analysis by nanoflow liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI–MS/MS). The specificity of DTT chemical derivatization was evaluated separately under different base-catalyzed conditions with NaOH and Ba(OH) 2 , blocking cysteine residues by iodoacetamide and enzymatic O-deglycosylation prior to DTT reaction. Further analysis of WS samples that were subjected to either of these conditions provided supporting evidence for phosphoprotein identifications. The combined chemical strategies and mass spectrometric analyses identified 65 phosphoproteins in WS; of these, 28 were based on two or more peptide identification criteria with high confidence and 37 were based on a single phosphopeptide identification. Most of the identified proteins (∼80%) were previously unknown phosphoprotein components. This study represents the first large-scale documentation of phosphoproteins of WS. The origins and identity of WS phosphoproteome suggest significant implications for both basic science and the development of novel biomarkers/diagnostic tools for systemic and oral disease states.
Multiplatform sampling (ship, aircraft, and satellite) of a Gulf Stream warm core ring

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the ability to meet the need to measure distributions of physical and biological properties of the ocean over large areas synoptically and over long time periods by means of remote sensing utilizing contemporaneous buoy, ship, aircraft, and satellite (i.e., multiplatform) sampling strategies. A mapping of sea surface temperature and chlorophyll fields in a Gulf Stream warm core ring using the multiplatform approach is described. Sampling capabilities of each sensing system are discussed as background for the data collected by means of these three dissimilar methods. Commensurate space/time sample sets from each sensing system are compared, and their relative accuracies in space and time are determined. The three-dimensional composite maps derived from the data set provide a synoptic perspective unobtainable from single platforms alone.
A larger role for microgrids

In this paper the technical constraints imposed by the growing needs of distributed generation, DER, and demanding PQR requirements, the microgrid concept is evolving toward a potentially versatile solution. The growing body of technical publications includes analytical modeling that defines the theoretical basis; computer simulation studies that verify operation and performance: and laboratory-scale, community-scale, and utility-scale demonstrations and pilot projects that add field experience to theory and simulation. Similarly, vigorous efforts are underway to expand microgrid economic and regulatory analysis capability, but challenges remain. At the policy level, significant changes will be needed to facilitate capture of the benefits of microgrids.
Project Management in Libraries

Abstract One issue that has emerged in relation to the increased emphasis on project management in organizations is the importance of educational preparation and training in the principles and techniques of project management for those who have such responsibilities. The research indicates the need for a more enhanced focus on project management in degree programs and in professional development. The research presented here addresses the importance of project management in libraries and the extent to which graduate programs in library and information science provide such preparation. The results reflect the overall focus on the importance of management principles, including the coverage of specialized aspects of management, such as human resources and financial management, and the limited focus on project management in library and information science programs. The aspects of project management, which are addressed in the curricula are discussed, as is the need for project management expertise for large-an...
Extracorporeal Pringle for laparoscopic liver resection

A primary concern during laparoscopic liver resection (lapLR) is hemorrhage during parenchymal transection. Intermittent pedicle clamping is an effective method to minimize blood loss during open liver surgery; however, inflow occlusion techniques are challenging to reproduce during laparoscopy. The purpose of this study is to describe the safety and efficacy of a facile method for Pringle maneuver during lapLR. 154 patients who underwent lapLR from 2007 to 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. For Pringle, the hepatoduodenal ligament is encircled with an umbilical tape which is externalized through a flexible Rumel tourniquet running alongside a port used for the operation. The internal end of the catheter is close to the pedicle and the external end is extracorporeal, allowing for easy external occlusion. Patients who underwent Pringle Maneuver (PM, n = 88) were compared to patients who had “No Occlusion” (NO, n = 66) with respect to patient characteristics, operative outcomes, changes in postoperative liver function, and complications. Annual placement of the tourniquet and vascular occlusion increased from 35.7 to 82.8 % (p = 0.004) and 21.4 to 62.1 % (p = 0.02), respectively. Median occlusion time was 24 min (IQR 15–34.3, min 5, max 70). Peak transaminase levels were comparable between groups (AST 298 ± 32 vs 405 ± 47 U/L, p = 0.15; ALT 272 ± 27 vs 372 ± 34 U/L, p = 0.14, NO and PM, respectively). Postoperative transaminase and bilirubin levels for both groups were not significantly different with similar recovery to baseline. Subgroup analysis of cirrhotic patients who underwent Pringle demonstrated similar transaminase profiles compared to non-cirrhotic patients. There were two conversions (1.3 %) and postoperative 30-day mortality was 0.65 %. Extracorporeal tourniquet placement in lapLR is a quick and safe method of gaining control for inflow occlusion. Routine adoption of laparoscopic Pringle maneuver facilitates low conversion rates without liver injury.
Eigenmaps and minimal and bandlimited immersions of graphs into Euclidean spaces

We introduce concepts of minimal immersions and bandlimited (Paley–Wiener) immersions of combinatorial weighted graphs (finite or infinite) into Euclidean spaces. The notion of bandlimited immersions generalizes the known concept of eigenmaps of graphs. It is shown that our minimal immersions can be used to perform interpolation, smoothing and approximation of immersions of graphs into Euclidean spaces. It is proved that under certain conditions minimal immersions converge to bandlimited immersions. Explicit expressions of minimal immersions in terms of eigenmaps are given. The results can find applications for data dimension reduction, image processing, computer graphics, visualization and learning theory.
Emergence of U.S. Organic Agriculture—Can We Compete? Discussion

The theme of this session is the expansion and market competitiveness of organic agriculture. Because no single definition exists in economics or agriculture of the terms competitiveness and organics, let me start by offering some definitions. The National Organic Standards Board defines organic agriculture as an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. The focus of the definition is on ecologically compatible production systems, not on the product itself, or allowable (or nonallowable) specific inputs. In contrast, a discussion on markets and competitiveness focuses on the product itself. In an introductory economics textbook, competitiveness is defined as striving among a number of rivals in a contest aimed at purchasing or selling a particular product (Bronfenbrenner, Sichel, and Gardner). Firms producing organic products compete with one another for a share of the organics market, but the arena for the contest is much more cen-
Initial influence of fertilizer nitrogen types on water quality

Using different sources of nitrogen as fertilizers in nursery ponds may affect water quality and plankton responses. We evaluated water quality variables and plankton population responses when using different nitrogen sources for catfish nursery pond fertilization. We compared calcium nitrate (12% N), sodium nitrite (20% N), ammonium chloride (26% N), ammonium nitrate (34% N) and urea (45% N) in 190-L microcosms at equimolar nitrogen application rates. Sodium nitrite-fertilized microcosms had higher nitrite and nitrate levels during the first week; no other differences in the water quality were detected among fertilizer types (P>0.05). No differences in green algae, diatoms or cyanobacteria were detected among treatments; desirable zooplankton for catfish culture was increased in urea-fertilized microcosms. Based on these results, any form of nitrogen used for pond fertilization should perform similarly without causing substantial water quality deterioration. Ammonium nitrate and urea contain a higher percentage of nitrogen, requiring less volume to achieve dosing levels. If both urea and ammonium nitrate are available, we recommend using the one with the least cost per unit of nitrogen. If both types of fertilizer have an equal cost per unit of nitrogen, we recommend using urea because of the potential advantage of increasing desirable zooplankton concentrations.
Phased Antenna Array Based on Nonlinear Delay Line Technology

True time delay(TTD) technology is necessary when beam scanning capability over broad bandwidth is required. The use of transmission lines periodically loaded with diodes, which is referred to as nonlinear delay line(NDL) technology, has been studied at UC-Davis and has been successfully demonstrated in phased antenna arrays, both in hybrid and monolithic embodiments.
Second harmonic generation in thermally-poled lead-glass: silica waveguides

Thermal poling of silica:lead-glass:silica waveguides formed by laser ablation (Pb glass) and evaporation is reported. The nonlinearity is larger than in silica, is localized within the Pb-glass layer, and is stable against UV exposure.
Monodisperse, high refractive index, highly charged ZnS colloids self assemble into crystalline colloidal arrays

We developed an efficient synthesis of monodisperse, highly surface charged, high refractive index ZnS spherical particles by using a gel–sol method. Concentrated solutions of zinc–ammonia–NTA (nitrilotriacetic acid) were reacted with thioacetamide in the presence of gelatin which stabilized the growing particles. We dramatically increased the particle surface charge density by condensing silica and silylated phosphonate groups on the particle surface. These monodisperse highly charged ZnS particles are somewhat porous and have a refractive index of 1.868. These are the highest refractive index, monodisperse, highly charged spherical particles to self assemble into non-close-packed crystalline colloidal arrays which Bragg diffract light.
Design Visualization:A Media Effects Approach

This paper proposes an integrative approach in the evaluative phase of the design process, incorporating concepts, methodologies and measurement strategies that are well established in media psychology. The paper suggests a variable-centered approach for conceptualizing visualization technologies and to evaluate their potential to simulate architectural experience. Psychophysiological measures are introduced to capture the affective component of the architectural experience facilitated by visualization tools such as virtual reality. These are important in order to empirically evaluate the experiential aspects of an architectural space through visualization. Ideas are illustrated with examples drawn from prior and ongoing research collaboration between an architectural visualization lab and a media effects research lab.
Volumetric harmonic brain mapping

We developed two different techniques to study volume mapping problem in Computer Graphics. The first one is to find a harmonic map from a 3 manifold to a 3D solid sphere and the second is a sphere carving algorithm which calculates the simplicial decomposition of volume adapted to surfaces. In this paper, we apply these two techniques to brain mapping problem. We use a tetrahedral mesh to represent the brain volume. The experimental results on both synthetic and brain volume data are reported. We suggest that 3D harmonic mapping of brain volumes to a solid sphere can provide a canonical coordinate system for feature identification and segmentation, as well as anatomical normalization.
Evidence for stages of meditation in early Taoism

The role of some form of breathing meditation in most of the world's great mystical traditions has long been known, but few have seen much evidence for this in early Taoism. By ‘early Taoism’ I mean the formative stages of the tradition, from its mysterious origins to the completion of the Huai-nan-Tzu (139 B.C.). Perhaps scholars have seen so little evidence of meditative practice in early Taoism because they have tended to focus almost exclusively on its famous foundational works, Lao-Tzu and Chuang-Tzu and have, furthermore, tended to treat them as works of abstract philosophy. In my research I have been particularly interested in the experiential basis of the philosophy found in the Lao-Tzu and the Chuang-Tzu and in a variety of other related texts that have hitherto been generally overlooked as sources for early Taoism. In order to clarify the context for the present investigation of meditative stages, I would like to present briefly the most relevant hypotheses from this research:
PRINCIPAL DIATOMS OF MAJOR WATERWAYS OF THE UNITED STATES

The National Water Quality Network was established by the Public Health Service to secure data on water quality of the major waterways of the United States. This paper has been made possible by the aquatic biology studies carried on through the Network, which include radiological, bacteriological, organic, and inorganic chemical and physical parameters. As of 1 July, 1961, water samples for plankton analysis were being collected semimonthly from 86 stations. These samples are shipped to the PHS laboratory of the National Water Quality Network at Cincinnati where counts of different kinds of organisms are made to determine their proportional abundance, their seasonal variations, and differences in population densities at various stations. The determination of species composition of diatoms by proportional counting became a routine function after the more abundant and widely distributcd species cncountercd at stations of this Network had hecn determined. Grateful acknowledgment is given to Dr Charles W. Reimer, assistant curator of limnology, Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, and Dr Matthew Hohn, Central Michigan University, for identifying some of the species of diatoms, and to Drs C. M. Tarzwell and C. M. Palmer of the R. A. Taft Sanitary Engineering Center, who were in charge of the plankton program when it was initiated in 1957.
Biodistribution of Radioiodinated Adenovirus Fiber Protein Knob Domain after Intravenous Injection in Mice

The knob domains from the fiber proteins of adenovirus serotypes 2 and 12 were labeled with radioiodine and then injected into the bloodstreams of mice. Knob proteins with functional binding sites for the coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR) were cleared rapidly from the circulation, with radioactivity appearing predominantly in the stomach, while knob mutants unable to bind to CAR remained in the blood circulation for a prolonged period. The clearance of radiolabeled wild-type knob from the blood was slowed by coinjecting an excess of unlabeled wild-type knob protein. An earlier study showed that (99m)Tc-labeled knob protein with intact CAR-binding activity also cleared rapidly from the blood circulation of mice, with radioactivity accumulating predominantly in the liver (K. R. Zinn et al., Gene Ther. 5:798-808, 1998). Together these results suggest that rapid clearance of knob protein from the blood results from specific binding to CAR in the liver and that the bound knob then enters a degradative pathway. The elevated levels of radioiodine in the stomach observed in our experiments are consistent with deiodination of labeled knob by dehalogenases in hepatocyte microsomes and uptake of the resultant free radioiodine by Na/I symporters in the gastric mucosa. Although CAR has been shown to localize in tight junctions of polarized epithelial cells, where it functions in intercellular adhesion, the results of our study suggest that a subset of CAR molecules in the liver is highly accessible to ligands in the blood and able to rapidly deliver bound ligand to an intracellular degradative compartment.
A single mode of canalization

The evolution of mechanisms underlying the buffering of the phenotype against genetic and environmental influences has received much theoretical and experimental attention, yet many issues remain unresolved. Here, we consider the kinds of biological process that are likely to promote this buffering, or canalization, and the circumstances under which the evolution of these mechanisms will be favored. We conclude that evolution should produce a single mode of canalization that will buffer the phenotype against all kinds of perturbation, and that the major fitness benefit driving the fixation of canalizing alleles derives from a reduction in environmental influences on phenotypic variation.
Comparison of shared memory and distributed memory parallelisation strategies for grid-based weather forecast models

We have parallelized a grid-based weather forecast model called SEQN using two programming models: shared memory and message passing. By shared memory we mean programming in standard Fortran 77 with directives for parallelism, such as is found on the Kendall Square Research KSR1 parallel supercomputer. For message passing we used the distributed memory Intel Paragon. We have benchmarked both versions of the code on the respective machines, and have run the message passing version on the KSR1 in order to directly compare performance and evaluate the cost of portability. In addition we present first results from the KSR2. >
Analyzing the Impact of Fault-tolerant BIST for VLSI Design

This paper examines fault-tolerant DfT (Design for Test) circuits as an effective approach for improved reliability and lower defective parts per million (DPPM). The paper provides a comprehensive examination of one alternative, quadded gate, inter-leaved node logic design. Quadded DfT circuitry is compared to circuitry with no fault tolerance in terms of area, power and performance. Ever shrinking device sizes are challenging the reliability limits and testing capabilities of a modern day integrated circuit (IC). Parametric variations, higher gate counts and lower pin counts render fault avoidance techniques ineffective and make fault detection an engineering challenge. Higher defect rates and Ultra Large Scale Integration (ULSI) will require bigger and complex DfT circuitry. This will result in more chips being rejected due to DfT failures. Fault-tolerant DfT directly translates to shorter time-to-market, increased reliability and improved yield learning.
Rapid Zinc Phosphide Trace Analysis in Agricultural Commodities by Phosphine Generation, Toluene Trapping, and Gas Chromatography

A method is described for the analysis of the rodenticide zinc phosphide (Zn3P2, CAS Registry No. 1314-84-7) in various agricultural food commodities as well as for certain animal stomach contents. The method involves reacting the sample with aqueous H2SO4 and toluene in a volatile organic analysis vial. The H2SO4 hydrolyzes Zn3P2 to phosphine gas (PH3), which is trapped in toluene. The sample vials are centrifuged to break the emulsion formed by mixing, and the toluene layer is then analyzed by gas chromatography. PH3 is detected with a thermionic nitrogen-phosphorus detector or a flame photometric detector. This method is capable of detecting quantities as low as 5n g of Zn3P2/g of sample. The method has been validated for blueberry, cantaloupe, cucumber, hay grass, potato, raspberry, snap bean, soybean, spinach, and squash.
Can Patients Comprehend the Educational Materials that Hospitals Provide about Common IR Procedures

Abstract Purpose To assess the readability of online education materials offered by hospitals describing commonly performed interventional radiology (IR) procedures. Materials and Methods Online patient education materials from 402 hospitals selected from the Medicare Hospital Compare database were assessed. The presence of an IR service was determined by representation in the Society of Interventional Radiology physician finder directory. Patient online education materials about (i) uterine artery embolization for fibroid tumors, (ii) liver cancer embolization, (iii) varicose vein treatment, (iv) central venous access, (v) inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement, (vi) nephrostomy tube insertion, (vii) gastrostomy tube placement, and (viii) vertebral augmentation were targeted and assessed by using six validated readability scoring systems. Results Of 402 hospitals sampled, 156 (39%) were presumed to offer IR services. Of these, 119 (76%) offered online patient education material for one or more of the eight service lines. The average readability scores corresponding to grade varied between the ninth- and 12th-grade levels. All were higher than the recommended seventh-grade level ( P Conclusions A majority of hospitals offering IR services provide at least some online patient education material. Most, however, are written significantly above the reading comprehension level of most Americans. More attention to health literacy by hospitals and IR physicians is warranted.
Engineering Applications of Biomolecular Motors

Biomolecular motors, in particular motor proteins from the kinesin and myosin families, can be used to explore engineering applications of molecular motors in general. Their outstanding performance enables the experimental study of hybrid systems, where bio-inspired functions such as sensing, actuation, and transport rely on the nanoscale generation of mechanical force. Scaling laws and theoretical studies demonstrate the optimality of biomolecular motor designs and inform the development of synthetic molecular motors.
Is a conservative approach justified in penetrating liver injury

Objective. To establish the mortality and morbidity associated with major penetrating liver injuries and to describe the nature and treatment of complications related to these injuries. We postulated that there had been a trend toward less radical initial surgery, as well as an increased utilization of modern imaging techniques in both diagnosing and treating postoperative complications following penetrating liver trauma. Design. A retrospective survey of medical records and radiology files. Setting. A university trauma center in an urban setting. Patients. Of the 188 patients admitted to our trauma center with penetrating liver trauma between April 1988 and December 1991, 36 had major liver trauma (grades 3 through 5) and are described in this report. Main Outcome 4easures. The mortality rate, type of operative treatment, and the nature and treatment of complications for each grade of major liver injury. Results. The mortality rate from major liver injuries was 17%. Surgical techniques employed primarily consisted of the use of hemostatic agents and cautery, simple suturing, direct vessel ligation, and packing. Fifty-two percent of the survivors had major complications related to the liver injury itself, but only two required operative therapy. The remaining patients were successfully treated with interventional radiologic techniques. Conclusions. The morbidity and mortality following major penetrating liver injuries remain significant. The majority of hepatobiliary complications can be successfully managed without further surgery but require the combined efforts of the surgeon and interventional radiologist.
Assessment of Oocyte Quality Following Repeated Gonadotropin Stimulation in the Mouse

The present study assessed the effects of repeated ovarian stimulation on oocyte quality. Female mice were stimulated with eCG and hCG at 1-wk intervals for 4 wk. Germinal vesicle (GV)-stage oocytes were evaluated in relation to size, somatic cell association, and chromatin organization after each week of stimulation. In addition, ATP content and expression of meiotic competence were monitored in GV and in vivo (IVO) or in vitro (IVM)-matured oocytes. The developmental competence of ovulated oocytes was determined after in vitro fertilization and embryo culture, and reproductive outcome was evaluated after mating following repeated cycles of stimulation. In GV oocytes, the degree of somatic cell association, size, and timing of transcriptional repression were altered when comparing repeated with single cycle(s) of stimulation. Meiotic competence expression was unaffected for IVO oocytes while IVM oocytes exhibited a progressive decrease in meiotic competence with repeated stimulation. The ATP content of immature and IVO oocytes decreased with repeated stimulation. Although after one cycle of stimulation ATP content was lower in IVM than IVO oocytes, IVM oocytes exhibited stable levels of ATP across cycles of stimulation. Last, the in vitro developmental competence of IVO oocytes retrieved after repeated stimulation was not significantly different, and in vivo, similar implantation and resorption rates were observed following mating of animals subjected to repeated stimulation. Therefore, despite measurable consequences of repeated stimulation on specific parameters of follicular oocyte quality, compensatory mechanisms may exist in vivo to optimize the developmental competence of ovulated oocytes in the mouse.
Q-MKL: Matrix-induced Regularization in Multi-Kernel Learning with Applications to Neuroimaging

Multiple Kernel Learning (MKL) generalizes SVMs to the setting where one simultaneously trains a linear classifier and chooses an optimal combination of given base kernels. Model complexity is typically controlled using various norm regularizations on the base kernel mixing coefficients. Existing methods neither regularize nor exploit potentially useful information pertaining to how kernels in the input set 'interact'; that is, higher order kernel-pair relationships that can be easily obtained via unsupervised (similarity, geodesics), supervised (correlation in errors), or domain knowledge driven mechanisms (which features were used to construct the kernel?). We show that by substituting the norm penalty with an arbitrary quadratic function Q ≽ 0, one can impose a desired covariance structure on mixing weights, and use this as an inductive bias when learning the concept. This formulation significantly generalizes the widely used 1- and 2-norm MKL objectives. We explore the model's utility via experiments on a challenging Neuroimaging problem, where the goal is to predict a subject's conversion to Alzheimer's Disease (AD) by exploiting aggregate information from many distinct imaging modalities. Here, our new model outperforms the state of the art (p-values ≪ 10-3). We briefly discuss ramifications in terms of learning bounds (Rademacher complexity).
Kinetics of the Hydrogen Electrode Reaction on Platinum in Alkaline Solutions at Elevated Temperatures

The kinetics of the hydrogen electrode reaction on a platinized nickel electrode in alkaline solutions over a wide temperature range from ambient up to 220oC have been investigated employing a controlled hydrodynamic cell. Due to the reversible nature of this reaction, the generalized Butler-Volmer equation was used in optimization upon the polarization data, so as to account for kinetic, thermodynamic, and mass transfer effects. The extracted model parameters are compared with those for other forms of platinum electrode, and platinized nickel shows excellent electrocatalytic activity as demonstrated by the exchange current density. The extracted apparent transfer coefficients for hydrogen evolution and hydrogen oxidation are temperature-dependent, while the apparent Tafel slope of the hydrogen evolution reaction is temperature-independent (approximately 120mV/dec), which is most probably due to two parallel reactions occurring at the interface with different rates and activation energies. An Arrhenius analysis yields an activation energy of 17.3 kJ/mole for the hydrogen electrode reaction on platinized nickel in alkaline solution.