cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Binding Affinities for Sulfonamide Inhibitors with Human Thrombin Using Monte Carlo Simulations with a Linear Response Method

The binding of sulfonamide inhibitors to human thrombin is examined to evaluate the viability of calculating free energies of binding, deltaGb, utilizing Monte Carlo (MC) statistical mechanics with a linear response approach. Coulombic and van der Waals energy components determined from MC simulations of the bound and unbound inhibitors solvated in water plus a solvent-accessible surface area term, as an index for cavity formation, were correlated with the free energies of binding for the inhibitor MD-805 and six derivatives. The best correlations yield an average error of 0.8 kcal/mol for the seven binding affinities, which cover an observed range of 6.0 kcal/mol. The MC simulations also provided insights into the interactions occurring in the active site and the origins of variations in deltaGb. Equatorial placement of the carboxylate group at C2 in the piperidine ring of the inhibitors causes electrostatic destabilization with the side chain of Glu-H192, while axial disposition of the C4-methyl group reduces favorable hydrophobic interactions in the P-pocket of the enzyme.
The RES/EPRI concensus - fire probabilistic risk assessment method *

Abstract The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research (RES) and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), in cooperation with nuclear utilities in the U.S., embarked on a joint effort to document and demonstrate state of the art fire probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) methods. The principal objective of this project, known as the Fire Risk Requantification Study, was to develop a technical basis and guidance to clarify issues affecting application of fire risk methods. The project culminated in the publication of a joint RES/EPRI consensus FPRA method. The methodology document was finalized in September 2005 and is now being used to support a range of risk informed/performance based (RI/PB) applications in nuclear power plant fire protection.
An empirical analysis of NATE: Network Analysis of Anomalous Traffic Events

This paper presents results of an empirical analysis of NATE (Network Analysis of Anomalous Traffic Events), a lightweight, anomaly based intrusion detection tool. Previous work was based on the simulated Lincoln Labs data set. Here, we show that NATE can operate under the constraints of real data inconsistencies. In addition, new TCP sampling and distance methods are presented. Differences between real and simulated data are discussed in the course of the analysis.
Parenteral antibiotics and carbohydrate intolerance in term neonates.

• To evaluate the effects of parenteral antibiotics on carbohydrate tolerance, fecal reducing substances, stool frequency, and dietary manipulation were monitored in two groups of term neonates. The first group (n 25) consisted of neonates receiving parenteral ampicillin sodium and gentamicin sulfate. A second group (n=25) of matched neonates not receiving antibiotics served as controls. Most of the neonates were fed a standard lactose-containing formula and the remainder were breast-fed. Stool frequency, presence of fecal reducing substances, and requirement for dietary manipulation were significantly greater in neonates receiving antibiotics compared with controls. Infants manifesting symptomatic carbohydrate intolerance while receiving parenteral antibiotics may benefit either from receiving lactose-free formula or from decreasing the intake of lactose for the duration of antibiotic therapy. ( AJDC 1986;140:111-113)
Superior Mesenteric Vein Aneurysm: A Case Report

A 46-year-old female was found to have a saccular superior mesenteric vein (SMV) aneurysm on computed tomography (CT) scan during workup for abdominal pain. It measured 3.5 cm in diameter. The SMV aneurysm was successfully resected, and the SMV was repaired with femoral vein patch angioplasty. She was placed on coumadin for 3 months. At follow-up, the vein patch repair was patent and the patient was doing well with complete resolution of her abdominal pain.
Conservation of Functionally Important Global Motions in an Enzyme Superfamily across Varying Quaternary Structures

The α-d-phosphohexomutase superfamily comprises enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism that are found in all kingdoms of life. Recent biophysical studies have shown for the first time that several of these enzymes exist as dimers in solution, prompting an examination of the oligomeric state of all proteins of known structure in the superfamily (11 different proteins; 31 crystal structures) via computational and experimental analyses. We find that these proteins range in quaternary structure from monomers to tetramers, with 6 of the 11 known structures being likely oligomers. The oligomeric state of these proteins not only is associated in some cases with enzyme subgroup (i.e., substrate specificity) but also appears to depend on domain of life, with the two archaeal proteins existing as higher-order oligomers. Within the oligomers, three distinct interfaces are observed, one of which is found in both archaeal and bacterial proteins. Normal mode analysis shows that the topological arrangement of the oligomers permits domain 4 of each protomer to move independently as required for catalysis. Our analysis suggests that the advantages associated with protein flexibility in this enzyme family are of sufficient importance to be maintained during the evolution of multiple independent oligomers. This study is one of the first showing that global motions may be conserved not only within protein families but also across members of a superfamily with varying oligomeric structures.
Development of a high solid-angle silicon detector array for measurement of transfer reactions in inverse kinematics

The development of high quality radioactive beams, such as those at the HRIBF at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, has made possible the measurement of transfer reactions in inverse kinematics on unstable nuclei. Measurement of (d,p) reactions on neutron-rich nuclei yield data on the evolution of nuclear structure away from stability, and are of astrophysical interest due to the proximity of suggested nuclear burning paths in the astrophysical r-process in supernovae. Experimentally, (d,p) reactions on heavy (Z = 50) fission fragments are complicated by the strongly inverse kinematics, and the relatively low beam intensities. Consequently, ejectile detection with high resolution in position and energy, a high dynamic range and a high solid angular coverage is required. The Oak Ridge Rutgers University Barrel Array (ORRUBA) is a new silicon detector array currently under construction, optimized for the measurement of (d,p) reactions in inverse kinematics. It consists of two rings of silicon detectors, providing a high solid angular coverage for angles symmetrically forward and backward of 90°. Resistive strip detectors are used to obtain high precision position and energy measurement of reaction ejectiles.
Application of a joint tracking and identification method to dismount targets

This paper presents a method for tracking dismounts/humans in a potentially dense clutter background. The proposed approach uses Multiple Hypothesis Tracking (MHT) for data association and Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) filtering. The problem is made difficult by the presence of random and persistent clutter, such as produced by moving tree branches. There may also be moving targets (such as vehicles and animals) that are not of interest to the user of the tracking system, but that must be tracked in order to separate these targets from the targets of interest. Thus, a joint tracking and identification method has been developed to utilize the features that are associated with dismount targets. This method uses a Dempster-Shafer (D-S) approach to combine feature data to determine the target type (dismount versus other). Feature matching is also included in the computation of the track score used for MHT data association. The paper begins by giving an overview of the features that have been proposed in the literature for distinguishing humans from other types of targets. These features include radar cross section, target dynamics, and spectral and gait characteristics. For example, the number of secondary peaks around the main peak corresponding to the mean Doppler shift is one feature that is sent to the tracker. A large number of secondary peaks will be an indication that the observation is from an animal, rather than a vehicle. Also, if spectral analysis of the variation in Doppler shift due to torso motion yields a distinct periodic pattern with a peak at about 2 Hz, this can be used to identify the target as a human and, along with the target speed, may even be used as a target signature. The manner in which these features are estimated during signal processing and how this data is included in the track score is described. A test program conducted to produce data for analysis and development is described. Typical results derived from real data, collected during this test program, are presented to show how feature data is used to enhance the tracking solution. These results show that the proposed methods are effective in separating the tracks on dismounts from those formed on clutter and other objects.
Self-diffusion of beryllium in unirradiated beryllium oxide

Abstract Diffusion of beryllium-7 through polycrystalline unirradiated specimens of BeO was studied as a preliminary step to a study of diffusion in irradiated material. Beryllium-7 was deposited on one end of cylindrical specimens by exchange and adsorption from aqueous solution. The depth of penetration perpendicular to the surfaces of deposition was determined after annealing the specimens at definite, pre-determined conditions. A simple lapping device of high precision was developed to determine penetration depths. For the polycrystalline cold-pressed and sintered BeO studied, the diffusion behaviour between 1150 and 1800° C is described by the empirical relation: D = 2.49 × 10 −3 exp (− 62.5 × 10 3 RT ) cm 2 /sec. A diffusion model is proposed based on movement of beryllium ions via lattice interstices to vacancy sites which suggests identical activation energies for diffusion in both a and c directions in single crystals and predicts an activation energy of the correct order of magnitude. Furthermore the model predicts that the frequency factor in the direction perpendicular to the c axis should be about 50 percent higher than that parallel to the c axis.
Radiation-transfer modeling of snow-pack photochemical processes during ALERT 2000

Abstract The delta-Eddington radiation transfer model is used to calculate actinic fluxes and photolysis rates within the snow pack during the ALERT 2000 field campaign. Actinic fluxes are enhanced within the snow pack due to the high albedo of snow and conversion of direct light to diffuse light. The conversion of direct to diffuse light is highly dependent on the solar zenith angle, as demonstrated by model calculations. The optical properties of Alert snow are modeled as 100 μm radius ice spheres with impurity added to increase the absorption coefficient over that of pure water ice. Using these optical properties, the model achieves good agreement with observations of irradiance within the snow pack. The model is used to calculate the total actinic flux as a function of solar zenith angle and depth for either clear sky or cloudy conditions. The actinic flux is then used to calculate photochemical production of nitrogen oxides from nitrate photolysis assuming that nitrate in snow has the same absorption cross section and quantum yield in snow as in aqueous solution. Assuming all photo-produced nitrogen oxides are released to the gas phase, we derive a maximal flux of nitrogen oxides (NOx+HONO and possibly other products) from the snow pack. The value of this maximal flux depends critically on the assumed quantum yield for production of NO2, which is unknown in ice. Depending on the assumed quantum yield, the calculated maximal flux varies between values four times smaller than the observed NOx+HONO flux to five times larger than the NOx+HONO flux. Therefore, it appears that the calculated flux is in approximate agreement with the observations with a great need for improved understanding of nitrogen photochemistry in snow.
Diagnosis and treatment of bisphosphonate-induced atypical femoral fractures

Atypical femoral fractures, deformities of the subtrochanteric region of the femur identified with plain anteroposterior or lateral lower extremity radiographs and characterized by a specific fracture pattern, are uncommon manifestations in osteoporotic patients. However, the high prevalence of these fractures in patients receiving long-term bisphosphonate therapy led to the many investigations of this association. The purpose of this article is to evaluate and address the link between this fracture type with long-term bisphosphonate therapy, outline the clinical scenario and better define treatment options for optimal care and recovery. In order to do this, a PubMed search was carried out for significant articles using the following keywords: ‘alendronate’, ‘fracture’, ‘atypical’ and ‘femur’.
GDB: The Human Genome Database

The Genome Database (GDB, http://www.gdb.org ) is a public repository of data on human genes, clones, STSs, polymorphisms and maps. GDB entries are highly cross-linked to each other, to literature citations and to entries in other databases, including the sequence databases, OMIM, and the Mouse Genome Database. Mapping data from large genome centers and smaller mapping efforts are added to GDB on an ongoing basis. The database can be searched by a variety of methods, ranging from keyword searches to complex queries. Major functionality extensions in the last year include the ongoing computation of integrated human genome maps, called Comprehensive Maps, and the use of those maps to support positional queries and graphic displays. The capabilities of the GDB map viewer (Mapview) have been extended to include map printing and the graphical display of ad hoc query results. The HUGO Nomenclature Committee continues to curate the proposed and official gene symbols and related data in collaboration with GDB. As genome research shifts its emphasis from mapping to sequencing and functional analysis, the scope of the GDB schema is being extended. We are in the process of adding representations of gene function and expression, and improving our representation of human polymorphism and mutation.
Understory cover crops in pecan orchards: Possible management systems

Annual legumes and mixtures of annual legumes and grasses can perform several functions as understory cover crops in pecan orchards, such as providing nitrogenrich organic matter to improve soil fertility, or by sustaining lady beetles and other arthropods that may aid the biological control of pecan pests. Remaining questions concern selection of appropriate plant materials; whether to use cover crops singly or in mixtures; how to ensure reseeding as well as a substantial N contribution; whether, when, and how to use mowing and tillage; and fertilization options. Different considerations apply when dealing with cool- vs. warm-season cover crops. With minor adjustments, growers could adapt present cultural practices to include cool-season cover crops. These could be used throughout the orchard, by establishing appropriate self-reseeding species and avoiding both excessive mowing and indiscriminate placement of N-rich fertilizers. Within alleys, alternating 2-m strips of cool-season cover crops could be tilled in mid to late April or allowed to mature. The tilled strips would supply N to pecan trees immediately, whereas the adjoining untilled (remnant) strips could be mowed after seed is mature, to ensure dispersal of seed and reestablishment of cover crops over the entire alley. Cool-season annual legumes that die or are killed in late spring will probably furnish N and other nutrients at a suitable time, particularly in orchards with sprinkler irrigation. Warm-season cover crops, if desired, should be restricted to alleys to reduce possible competition with pecan. Alleys provide better illumination than do tree rows during periods when pecan trees are in leaf, and the tillage mentioned above will encourage emergence of warm-season cover crops. If these die or are killed in late summer or early fall, timing of N release may not be optimal, in the absence of adequate irrigation. Many options and tradeoffs need to be explored before choosing a cover-crop system. Attimes, several objectives may appear to conflict, and even delicately-managed mixtures of species may not fulfill all the desired functions.
Research in Action Assessment and Treatment of Child Sexual Abusers

Selected recent studies on child sexual abusers and abuser treatment are reviewed from the perspective of their implications for patient assessment and treatment. Emphasis is placed on the settings in which studies are conducted and the corresponding treatment settings to which they might be generalized. It is suggested that clinicians be aware of the vast diversity in the abuser population and the corresponding need to individualize treatment appropriate to their own clientele. Recidivism outcome studies are reviewed from the perspective of their contribution to questions of which sorts of treatments appear to be effective with which populations, rather than whether they do or do not support a generalized conclusion regarding treatment efficacy. Studies addressing the scope of deviance, nonsexual antisocial behavior, treatment outcome, prediction of compliance, and the question of coerced treatment are examined.
A 36-Year-Old Man With AIDS and Relapsing, Nonproductive Cough

A rapidly progressive, fatal recrudescence of pulmonary Kaposi sarcoma developed in an HIV-infected man who was receiving corticosteroids for treatment of an immune reconstitution syndrome secondary to Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary infection. We discuss the implications for current diagnosis and management of HIV-associated pulmonary diseases.
Low­income Housing in Chinese Cities: Policies and Practices

This paper argues that the low-income housing programme in China has so far failed to provide adequate housing for the poor for three main reasons: the central government's failure to define a clear mission; a lack of commitment from local governments; and an exclusionary policy towards migrants. A systematic review of low-income housing policy in China shows that the central government juggles its economic and socio-political goals thereby causing constant changes in low-income housing policy. Meanwhile, the existing public finance system, the performance evaluation system and localization in policy implementation have all resulted in a lack of commitment from local governments to low-income housing. Inadequate provision is made worse by problems with allocation. Despite encouraging changes since 2010, many factors underlying the government's failures remain unchanged, thus the fate of low-income housing remains uncertain.
Realizing high performance multi-radio 802.11n wireless networks

We explore the design of a high capacity multi-radio wireless network using commercial 802.11n hardware. We first use extensive real-life experiments to evaluate the performance of closely located 802.11n radios. We discover that even when tuned to orthogonal channels, co-located 802.11n radios interfere with each other and achieve significantly less throughput than expected. Our analysis reveals that the throughput degradation is caused by three link-layer effects: (i) triggering of carrier sensing, (ii) out of band collisions and (iii) unintended frequency adaptation. Using physical layer statistics, we observe that these effects are caused by fundamental limitations of co-located radios in achieving signal isolation. We then consider the use of beamforming antennas, shielding and antenna separation distance to achieve better signal isolation and to mitigate these problems. Our work profiles the gains of different physical isolation approaches and provides insights to network designers to realize high-performance wireless networks without requiring synchronization or protocol modifications.
Heritable Changes in R-Locus Expression in Maize in Response to Environment

is a basic assumption in genetics that hereditary units cannot be altered from ‘:en eration to generation by means of environment. This assumption has resisted serious experiniental questioning for the past 50 years because one or more critical components has always been lacking in experimental designs. With the availability of the paramutational system, it has become possible, in maize inbreds, to inquire whether heritable environmental effects can be assayed in the pigment expression of a single gene. Operationally, the gene is known through its expression, the phenotype; heritable phenotypic changes, regardless of how these changes are caused, will be an argument for a change in the gene. BRINK (1956) reported in studies of the R locus in maize that the R allele, responsible for kernel color, could be changed in its ability to produce pigment by possing the R gene thrcugh a heterozygote with its allele Rat (stippled). When R is removed from the ,TiRSt combination, less pigment is noted in the following generations. The effect is called paramutation by BRINK. The significance of the paramutation phenomenon to the work presented here is that (1) a change has been directed at a specific gene. (2) the change occurs in a high frequencyloo%, and (3) the change in R expression is heritable (found in all offspring with R) .
Intracardiac Echocardiographic Guidance During Transcatheter Device Closure of Atrial Septal Defect and Patent Foramen Ovale

Objectives To describe our experience with intracardiac echocardiographic (ICE) guidance during transcatheter device closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) and to describe a detailed stepwise approach for performing ICE examinations. Patients and Methods We reviewed the ICE results of all patients who underwent transcatheter device closure of ASD/PFO at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn, between October 2000 and November 2002. Conscious sedation was used, and all ICE studies were performed using a diagnostic ultrasound catheter. Results Ninety-four patients (47 male; median age, 51 years [range, 17-81 years]) underwent ICE during transcatheter device closure of ASD/PFO. Total procedure time was 128 minutes (range, 27-320 minutes). ICE identified a previously unrecognized anatomical diagnosis in 32 of 94 patients. An additional ASD or PFO was found in 16 patients; a redundant atrial septum or an atrial septal aneurysm was found in 12 patients. There were few ICE complications (4%): 3 patients developed atrial fibrillation, and 1 developed supraventricular tachycardia; of these 4, 2 resolved spontaneously, and 2 required cardioversion with no recurrence. Conclusion ICE provides anatomical detail of ASD/ PFO and cardiac structures facilitating congenital cardiac interventional procedures. ICE eliminates major drawbacks related to the use of transesophageal echocardiographic guidance for transcatheter device closure of ASD/ PFO, specifically problems related to airway management. Finally, ICE gives the interventional cardiologist the ability to control all aspects of imaging without relying on additional echocardiographic support. We believe that ICE should be considered the preferred imaging technique for guidance of transcatheter device closure of ASD/PFO in adults and larger pediatric patients.
Bias of estimates of the number needed to treat

There are several commonly used measures of association between treatment and control event rates in the population (piT and piC, respectively). One such measure, the number needed to treat (NNT) indicates the number of patients, on average, who must be treated in order to prevent one additional adverse event, and is equal to 1/(piC - piT). Because the population values piC and piT are unknown, the sample proportions (rates) pC and pT are used as estimates. The precision of a sample-based estimator is usually exhibited in terms of confidence intervals. However, the accuracy of the estimator (i.e., its bias) is often ignored. The purpose of the present study is to examine the degree of bias. Using exact calculations based on the binomial theorem, we determined the bias of an estimate of NNT conditional on pC not equal pT, and the bias of an adjusted estimator of the NNT for various sample sizes (n= 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100) and population parameters (0.01 < or = piC < or = 0.9; 0.01 < or = piC - piT < or = 0.8). The magnitude and non-monotonic nature of the bias are due to the NNT scale. The bias of the adjusted estimator can be approximated for some studies using the tabular results in this analysis.
Force Ratios, Arms Imports and Foreign Aid Receipts in the Developing Nations

A simultaneous model for the force ratio, arms imports, and foreign aid receipts is estimated for a sample of seventy-six developing nations and the period 1978-84. Regression diagnostics are applied to identify outlier nations and to assess the sensitivity of the estimated coefficients to multicollinearity and influential observations. The influence diagnostics reveal that the inferences drawn from the empirical analysis are conditional on the composition of nations in the sample. In particular, the statistically significant, direct relationship between real per capita arms imports and foreign aid receipts found for the full sample of seventy-six countries largely reflects the influence of the half-dozen Middle Eastern nations in the sample. The key determinants of the force ratio (armed forces per thousand population) are per capita income and security concerns. Moreover, there are significant differences in the response of the force ratio to income across several of the major regions of the developing world. The force ratio, in turn, is the primary determinant of the level of arms imports. There is evidence of a strong import substitution effect for those developing nations exporting arms. And, whether the US or the USSR is the principal supplier of arms appears to make a difference for the volume of arms transfers. Foreign aid receipts do correspond to need, as measured by an international human suffering index. Nevertheless, outside of the Middle East, where aid flows are correlated with arms imports, a considerable portion of the aid is unexplained by the regression model.
From Genes to Brain to Antisocial Behavior

This review summarizes recent brain-imaging and molecular-genetic findings on antisocial, violent, and psychopathic behavior. A “genes to brain to antisocial behavior” model hypothesizes that specific genes result in structural and functional brain alterations that, in turn, predispose to antisocial behavior. For instance, a common polymorphism in the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene has been associated with both antisocial behavior and also reductions in the volume of the amygdala and orbitofrontal (ventral prefrontal) cortex—brain structures that are found to be compromised in antisocial individuals. Here I highlight key brain regions implicated in antisocial behavior, with an emphasis on the prefrontal cortex, along with ways these areas give expression to risk factors for antisocial behavior. Environmental influences may alter gene expression to trigger the cascade of events that translate genes into antisocial behavior. Neuroethical considerations include how responsibility and punishment should be de...
Musculoskeletal symptoms of the neck and upper extremities among Iowa dairy farmers.

Background The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) among U.S. dairy farmers is relatively unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of neck and upper extremity MSS, and to examine associations between symptoms and dairy operation activities among dairy farmers. Methods Questionnaires were mailed to randomly selected dairy farmers in the State of Iowa, USA. Demographic, site specific MSS, and dairy operation activity information was obtained. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated with logistic regression adjusting for potential confounders. Results Among the participants (N = 341), shoulder MSS were reported most frequently (54%). Neck MSS were significantly associated with manually feeding (ORadj = 2.29; 95% CI = 1.09–4.80) and tractors use (ORadj = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.05–4.50). Also, wrist/hand MSS were associated with manually cleaning animal stalls (ORadj = 1.96; 95% CI = 1.06–3.63). Conclusions Neck and upper extremity MSS were common and associated with common dairy farming practices. Future studies need to more accurately assess exposures to physical risk factors for MSS so ergonomic interventions can be developed. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:443–451, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Neurobiology of Filial Learning

Early filial learning evokes clear neural changes in the developing brain. Anatomy and function in the developing olfactory, auditory, and visual systems change following early learning. Since this type of learning seems critical for the survival of the young, the mechanisms of such plasticity should be clear and reliable. In each sensory modality examined, both distinct changes in the brain and the reliable nature of learning through early experience have become evident with experimental analysis.
Orientation of the central pair complex during flagellar bend formation in Chlamydomonas.

Thin section electron micrographs of rapidly fixed Chlamydomonas cells were used to establish a relationship between flagellar bends and orientation of the central pair microtubule complex. Using conditions that preserve flagellar waveforms during both forward swimming (asymmetric bends) and backward swimming (symmetric bends), we found that central pair orientation differs in bent regions and straight regions. During forward swimming, a plane through the two central pair microtubules is parallel to the bend plane throughout principal bends, in both effective stroke and recovery stroke phases of the beat cycle. In these curved segments, the C1 microtubule always faces the outer edge of the curve. This parallel orientation twists in straight regions both proximal and distal to bends. During backward swimming episodes induced by photoshock, when Chlamydomonas flagella beat with principal and reverse bends of similar magnitude, the central pair twists by 180 degrees between successive bends. These observations support a model in which central pair orientation in Chlamydomonas is linked to doublet-specific dynein activation, and bend propagation is linked to rotation of the central pair complex. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 56:120 –129, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Motivational Beliefs and Perceptions of Instructional Quality: Predicting Satisfaction with Online Training

Many would agree that learning on the Web – a highly autonomous learning environment – may be difficult for individuals who lack motivation and self-regulated learning skills. Using a social cognitive view of academic motivation and self-regulation, the objective of the present study was to investigate the relations between students’ motivational beliefs, their perceptions of the learning environment and their satisfaction with a self-paced, online course. Service academy undergraduates (n = 646) completed a questionnaire following online training. Pearson correlations indicate that task value, self-efficacy and perceived instructional quality were significantly positively related to each other and to students’ overall satisfaction with the self-paced, online course. Additionally, results from a three-step hierarchical regression reveal that task value, self-efficacy and instructional quality were significant positive predictors of students’ satisfaction; the final regression model accounted for approximately 54% of the variance in the outcome measure. These findings support and extend prior research in traditional classrooms and online education in university settings, indicating that military students’ motivational beliefs about a learning task and their perceptions of instructional quality are related, in important ways, to their overall satisfaction with online instruction. Educational implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
THREE DIMENSIONAL INTERPRETATIONS OF SINGLE-WELL ELECTROMAGNETIC DATA FOR GEOTHERMAL APPLICATIONS

An efficient 3-D electromagnetic (EM) inversion algorithm has been developed for geothermal applications and tested successfully using a set of single-hole EM logging data. The data was collected at an oil field undergoing CO2 injection in southern California using a single-hole EM tool, Geo-BILT, developed by Electromagnetic Instruments, Inc (EMI). The tool is equipped with a multi-component source, and multi-component receivers at different separations. The inversion result provides a reasonable electrical conductivity image to a distance of 10 m from the well, and illustrates several zones with lateral conductivity variations that could not be resolved with traditional induction logging tools. The successful case study demonstrates potential applications of the tool and software for characterizing fracture systems in geothermal reservoirs.
Fluids in the anterior part of the optic nerve in health and disease

New techniques have recently made it possible to study the flow of fluids (blood, axoplasm, and interstitial fluid) in the anterior part of the optic nerve. Blood flow has been reviewed previously; axoplasm and interstitial fluid are considered in this review. General concepts of axoplasmic transport (anterograde and retrograde) are outlined, and the role of axoplasmic transport in the pathogeneses of optic disc edema of various types, in glaucoma, and in ischemic and toxic optic neuropathies is discussed. The probable sources of interstitial fluid in the anterior part of the optic nerve are capillaries in the nerve itself, peripapillary choroid, vitreous, cerebrospinal fluid and possibly axoplasm in the local axons; the flow is defined by various barrier systems. The role of the interstitial fluid in the pathogeneses of optic edema (and associated phenomena) and in serous retinal detachment in the macular region associated with optic disc pit is discussed. Its involvement in the process of diffusion of retrobulbar medication into the optic nerve and vitreous is also considered.
Controlled release of lipopolysaccharide in the subarachnoid space of rabbits induces chronic vasospasm in the absence of blood.

Abstract Objective Leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions appear to play a role in the development of vasospasm after SAH. Using a purely inflammatory protein, LPS, we evaluated the effect of inflammation on the development of chronic vasospasm in the absence of blood and compared it to SAH-induced vasospasm in rabbits. Methods Lipopolysaccharide was incorporated into EVAc polymers to produce 20% LPS/EVAc polymers (wt/wt). Rabbits (n = 23) were randomized to 4 experimental groups: (1) empty polymer (n = 6), (2) SAH (n = 5), (3) 0.7 mg/kg polymeric LPS dose (n = 6), and (4) 1.4 mg/kg polymeric LPS dose (n = 6). Blood and polymers were inserted into the cisterna magna. The rabbits were killed 3 days postoperatively, and the basilar arteries were harvested for morphometric analysis. Clinical response and lumen patencies were analyzed using ANOVA and a post hoc Newman-Keuls Multiple Comparisons test. Results Significant narrowing of the basilar artery was observed by insertion of 20% LPS/EVAc polymers into the subarachnoid space at a polymeric dose of 1.4 mg/kg (actual dose, 66 μ g kg −1 d −1 ) (75.4% ± 4.2%; P P μ g kg −1 d −1 ) (85.2% ± 2.6%; P > .05). Symptoms associated with SAH were noted in 50% of the rabbits in the 0.7 mg/kg LPS group and in 100% of rabbits in the 1.4 mg/kg LPS group. Conclusion Controlled release of LPS into the subarachnoid space of rabbits produced chronic vasospasm in a dose-dependent manner. At a polymeric dose of 1.4 mg/kg, LPS-induced vasospasm was equivalent to that induced by SAH. This suggests that LPS and SAH may induce vasospasm through similar mechanisms and provides further evidence that inflammation plays a central role in the etiology of chronic vasospasm.
Advances in Interferometric Metrology

Modern electronics, computers, and software have made interferometry an extremely powerful tool in many fields including the testing of optical components and optical systems. This paper will discuss some of the recent advances in reducing the sensitivity of phase-shifting interferometers to vibration.
Amyloid Oligomer Formation Probed by Water Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Formation of amyloid oligomers, the most toxic species of amyloids in degenerative diseases, is critically coupled to the interplay with surrounding water. The hydrophobic force driving the oligomerization causes water removal from interfaces, changing the surface-hydration properties. Here, we show that such effects alter the magnetic relaxation response of local water in ways that may enable oligomer detection. By using water proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we measured significantly longer transverse magnetic relaxation (T2) times in mixtures of serum and amyloidogenic Aβ1-42 peptides versus similar concentration solutions of serum and nonamyloidogenic scrambled Aβ42-1 peptides. Immunochemistry with oligomer-specific antibodies, electron microscopy and computer simulations demonstrated that the hyperintense magnetic signal correlates with Aβ1-42 oligomerization. Finding early biophysical markers of the oligomerization process is crucial for guiding the development of new noninvasive imaging techniques, enabling timely diagnosis of amyloid-related diseases and pharmacological intervention.
Object Spaces: An Organizing Strategy for Biological Theorizing

A classic analytic approach to biological phenomena seeks to refine definitions until classes are sufficiently homogenous to support prediction and explanation, but this approach founders on cases where a single process produces objects with similar forms but heterogeneous behaviors. I introduce object spaces as a tool to tackle this challenging diversity of biological objects in terms of causal processes with well-defined formal properties. Object spaces have three primary components: (1) a combinatorial biological process such as protein synthesis that generates objects with parts that are modular, independent, and organized according to an invariant syntax; (2) a notion of “distance” that relates the objects according to rules of change over time as found in nature or useful for algorithms; (3) mapping functions defined on the space that map its objects to other spaces or apply an evaluative criterion to measure an important quality, such as parsimony or biochemical function. Once defined, an object space can be used to represent and simulate the dynamics of phenomena on multiple scales; it can also be used as a tool for predicting higher-order properties of the objects, including stitching together series of causal processes. Object spaces are the basis for a strategy of theorizing, discovery, and analysis in biology: as heuristic idealizations of biology, they help us transform inchoate, intractable problems into articulated, well-structured ones. Developing an object space is a research strategy with a long, successful history under many other names, and it offers a unifying but not overreaching approach to biological theory.
Work, Postsecondary Education, and Psychosocial Functioning Following the Transition From High School:

Through a two-wave panel study of emerging adults, the authors examine how living situation, work and school roles, and experiences in those roles affect psychosocial functioning following the transition from high school. Enrollment in college programs and fulltime work are associated with lower levels of depressed mood and more positive quality of life. Disruptions in work roles (getting fired, an unwanted period of unemployment) are linked to higher levels of depressed mood, heavy episodic drinking, and poorer quality of life; the negative effects of disruptions in postsecondary schooling are confined to heavy episodic drinking. Open-ended data support the view that ongoing responsibilities are important for emerging adults'sense of progress toward adulthood. Findings linking heavy episodic drinking to problems in role functioning inform recent debates concerning the developmental import of alcohol use, suggesting that heavy drinking is not developmentally harmless.
The Screening Asia Conference 2010: an update.

The conference was the first of its kind in a series of trend-setting conferences conceived and organized by Select Biosciences. The conference was held in the state-of-the-art Matrix Building, Metropolis. The topics covered were grouped into the following half-day sessions: high-content screening, high-throughput screening, RNAi screening, novel drug-discovery techniques and assay development, and screening natural extracts and small molecules. Petr Bartunek (Group Leader, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Prague, Czech Republic), Rathnam Chaguturu (Director, High-Throughput Screening Laboratories, University of Kansas, USA) and Paul Orange (Business Leader, Bio-Discovery, PerkinElmer) were the keynote speakers. The conference attendees were from academia and the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. The Screening Asia 2010 was designed to address, from a regional and international perspective, how best to approach the one issue that has been at the forefront of the drug-discovery endeavors: who is be...
Continental Shelf Baroclinic Instability. Part II: Oscillating Wind Forcing

AbstractContinental shelf baroclinic instability energized by fluctuating alongshore winds is treated using idealized primitive equation numerical model experiments. A spatially uniform alongshore wind, sinusoidal in time, alternately drives upwelling and downwelling and so creates highly variable, but slowly increasing, available potential energy. For all of the 30 model runs, conducted with a wide range of parameters (varying Coriolis parameter, initial stratification, bottom friction, forcing period, wind strength, and bottom slope), a baroclinic instability and subsequent eddy field develop. Model results and scalings show that the eddy kinetic energy increases with wind amplitude, forcing period, stratification, and bottom slope. The dominant alongshore length scale of the eddy field is essentially an internal Rossby radius of deformation. The resulting depth-averaged alongshore flow field is dominated by the large-scale, periodic wind forcing, while the cross-shelf flow field is dominated by the edd...
Identification of human melanoma initiating cells

5003 Tumor initiating cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation, which are responsible for tumor growth, have been identified in human hematological malignancies and solid cancers. If such minority populations are associated with tumor progression in human patients, specific targeting of tumor initiating cells could provide for a novel strategy to eradicate cancers currently resistant to systemic therapy. Here, we identify a subpopulation enriched for human malignant melanoma initiating cells (MMIC) defined by expression of the chemoresistance mediator ABCB5 and show that specific targeting of this tumorigenic minority population inhibits tumor growth. ABCB5+ tumor cells detected in human melanoma patients display a primitive molecular phenotype and correlate with clinical melanoma progression. In serial human to mouse xenotransplantation experiments, ABCB5+ melanoma cells possess greater tumorigenic capacity than ABCB5- bulk populations and re-establish clinical tumor heterogeneity. In vivo genetic lineage tracking demonstrates a specific capacity of ABCB5+ subpopulations for self-renewal and differentiation, because ABCB5+ cancer cells generate both ABCB5+ and ABCB5- progeny, whereas ABCB5- tumor populations give rise, at lower rates, exclusively to ABCB5- cells. In an initial proof-of-principle analysis designed to test the hypothesis that MMIC are also required for growth of established tumors, systemic administration of a monoclonal antibody directed at ABCB5, shown capable of inducing antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity in ABCB5+ MMIC, exerted tumor-inhibitory effects. Identification of tumor initiating cells with enhanced abundance in more advanced disease but susceptibility to specific targeting via a defining chemoresistance determinant has important implications for cancer therapy.
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Modulation of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans Initiation of HeLa 299 Cell-Associated Biofilm

Although herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1), and type-2 (HSV-2), Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans co-habit the oral and genital mucosa, their interaction is poorly understood. We determined the effect HSV has on bacterial and/or fungal adherence, the initial step in biofilm formation. HeLa229 cells were infected with HSV-1 (KOS) gL86 or HSV-2 (KOS) 333gJ (-) at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 50 and 10. S. aureus (ATCC 25923) and/or C. albicans (yeast forms or germ tube forms) were co-incubated for 30 min (37 °C; 5 % CO2; 5:1 organism: HeLa cell ratio; n = 16) with virus-infected HeLa cells or uninfected HeLa cell controls. Post-incubation, the monolayers were washed (3x; PBS), lysed (RIPA), and the lysate plated onto Fungisel and/or mannitol salts agar for standard colony count. The level of HeLa-associated S. aureus was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) for both HSV-1- and HSV-2-infected cells, as compared to virus-free HeLa cell controls (38 and 59 % of control, respectively). In contrast, HSV-1 and HSV-2 significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced HeLa cell association of C. albicans yeast forms and germ tube approximately two-fold, respectively. The effect of S. aureus on germ tube and yeast form adherence to HSV-1- and HSV-2-infected cells was specific for the Candida phenotype tested. Our study suggests that HSV, while antagonist towards S. aureus adherence enhances Candida adherence. Furthermore, the combination of the three pathogens results in S. aureus adherence that is either unaffected, or partially restored depending on both the herpes viral species and the fungal phenotype present.
Chest physical therapy for acute atelectasis. A report on its effectiveness.

The term atelectasis is derived from the Greek words “ateles” (imperfect) and “ektasis” (expansion) and refers to a condition in which one or more segments or lobes of the lung are collapsed. Atelectasis, or pulmonary collapse, can be caused by compression of the lung parenchyma (such as by increased pleural fluid or pneumothorax) or, more often, by an obstructed airway (the result of secretions or tumor). Atelectasis caused by retained secretions is not an uncommon complication in both the postsurgical and the seriously ill nonsurgical patient. Although bronchial drainage, percussion, and vibration have been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications,1 documentation supporting the use of these modalities in the treatment of acute atelectasis remains sparse.2 The purpose of this paper is to report nine episodes of acute atelectasis in five patients and their resolution by bronchial drainage, manual percussion, and vibration (BDPV).…
Inverted V sign.

Despite the ever-increasing utilization of CT, a supine abdominal radiograph can still be the ‘‘presenting’’ imaging study for patients with acute abdominal pain. Although less sensitive than upright or left lateral decubitus views, a supine frontal abdomen view thus can present the initial opportunity to detect pneumoperitoneum [1]. Among the many described radiographic signs is an ‘‘inverted V’’ visible in the pelvis (Fig. 1). Superomedially directed oblique lines are thought to represent gas outlining peritoneal folds that overlie either the obliterated umbilical arteries [2], or the inferior epigastric arteries [3]. As with any imaging evidence of pneumoperitoneum, the inverted V should prompt a search for perforated viscus.