cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Learning and Reusing Explanations

Abstract We need to be able to explain failures for purposes of both learning and planning. Unfortunately, the most widely used method for the construction of explanations, heuristic search, is one of the most costly. In this paper we suggest an alternative approach in which the connections between expectation failures and their causes are saved and reused to explain similar failures that occur in the future. The initial step in this approach is a vocabulary of failure types that is used to organize memories of past explanations.
Implementation of the Robotic Technique in Pancreaticoduodenectomy

The evolution of the robotic platform has made it feasible to perform complex operations in a minimally invasive fashion. The pancreaticoduodenectomy is one of the most complex operations, and its performance with the robotic technique has been achieved so far in very few high-volume academic centers. It is still unclear what is generally required to adopt such advanced techniques to perform efficient and safe hepatobiliary surgery. In the present chapter, we describe our experience, at a tertiary university hospital, on the implementation of the robotic technique in pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Beyond generalization: Enhancing accurate interpretation of flexible models

ABSTRACT Machine learning optimizes flexible models to predict data. In scientific applications, there is a rising interest in interpreting these flexible models to derive hypotheses from data. However, it is unknown whether good data prediction guarantees accurate interpretation of flexible models. We test this connection using a flexible, yet intrinsically interpretable framework for modeling neural dynamics. We find that many models discovered during optimization predict data equally well, yet they fail to match the correct hypothesis. We develop an alternative approach that identifies models with correct interpretation by comparing model features across data samples to separate true features from noise. Our results reveal that good predictions cannot substitute for accurate interpretation of flexible models and offer a principled approach to identify models with correct interpretation.
Traumatic C7-T1 spondyloptosis without neurological injury: Case review and surgical management

Abstract Background and importance Cervical spondyloptosis is defined as >100% anterior or posterior subluxation of the spondyloptotic vertebral body on a subadjacent vertebral body. This often results in severe neurologic deficits; however, this occasionally has been reported in neurologically intact patients. There have only been two cases of spondyloptosis at the cervicothoracic junction reported in the research literature. Clinical presentation A 63-year-old male had complete spondyloptosis at C7-T1 after a ground level fall. The patient did not present with neurologic deficits. The patient underwent a C2-T3 posterior fusion with C3-T1 laminectomy. Post-operative course was complicated by superficial dehiscence and infection with methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, which was managed with incision and drainage along with one week of Cephalexin. At last follow-up, the patient was doing clinically well. Conclusion Early operative intervention without cervical traction and closed reduction pre-operatively in a patient with cervicothoracic spondyloptosis resulted in a good clinical outcome.
Correction: Solid state characterization of oxidized actinides co-crystallized with uranyl nitrate hexahydrate.

Correction for ‘Solid state characterization of oxidized actinides co-crystallized with uranyl nitrate hexahydrate’ by Jeffrey D. Einkauf et al., Dalton Trans., 2020, 49, 608–612.
High-Directivity Beam-Steerable Lens Antenna for Simultaneous Transmit and Receive

A monostatic, dual circularly-polarized, high-directivity, and beam-steerable simultaneous transmit and receive (STAR) antenna subsystem is presented. The proposed antenna utilizes the balanced circulator beam forming network approach and graded index lens antenna to achieve high Tx/Rx isolation and directivity greater than 24dB in the 5G band centered around 28GHz. The used lens feed is a dual-polarized square horn antenna designed to have high cross-polarized isolation, low reflection coefficient, and stable phase center. The beams are steered by mechanically rotating the proposed compact lens. A maximum scan loss of 4.5dB is seen in an 80° conic field of view while preserving system isolation (> 43dB). A full-wave analysis based on Ansys-HFSS is used to demonstrate the performance of the proposed STAR lens antenna subsystem.
Helical polymer self-assembly and chiral nanostructure formation

Since the pioneering efforts of Nolte, Okamoto and Green, the field of chiral helical polymers has made significant inroads. Here, we review recent advances made in the design, production and implementation of helical polymer systems. We examine the corresponding chiral nanoobjects derived from their self-assembly and detail their emergent properties as well as their potentials for the construction of new functional devices. We further note parallels and lessons to be learned from natural systems and discuss new directions and opportunities. Principles of homochiral evolution and hierarchical structuring derived from systematic study are presented. With a particular emphasis on methods for the controlled generation of chiral structures of predefined size and morphology, we review recent efforts to apply polymerization induced self-assembly (PISA) and crystallization driven self-assembly (CDSA) to helical polymers. Material properties including circularly polarized luminescence (CPLu), chemosensory detection, chiral discrimination, multi-stimuli responsiveness, chiral plasmonics, and magnetic and magneto-optical behaviours are discussed.
A warning of earlier snowmelt

Mountain snowpack in western North America is decreasing, and these trends are often reported using amount of maximum annual snowpack. An alternative metric — integrated snowmelt during the accumulation season — finds snowmelt decreases are three times more widespread, suggesting even stronger snow decline.
Using MALDI-FTICR-MS Imaging to Track Low-Molecular-Weight Aromatic Derivatives of Fungal Decayed Wood.

Low-molecular-weight (LMW) aromatics are crucial in meditating fungal processes for plant biomass decomposition. Some LMW compounds are employed as electron donors for oxidative degradation in brown rot (BR), an efficient wood-degrading strategy in fungi that selectively degrades carbohydrates but leaves modified lignins. Previous understandings of LMW aromatics were primarily based on “bulk extraction”, an approach that cannot fully reflect their real-time functions during BR. Here, we applied an optimized molecular imaging method that combines matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) with Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS) to directly measure the temporal profiles of BR aromatics as Rhodonia placenta decayed a wood wafer. We found that some phenolics were pre-existing in wood, while some (e.g., catechin-methyl ether and dihydroxy-dimethoxyflavan) were generated immediately after fungal activity. These pinpointed aromatics might be recruited to drive early BR oxidative mechanisms by generating Fenton reagents, Fe2+ and H2O2. As BR progressed, ligninolytic products were accumulated and then modified into various aromatic derivatives, confirming that R. placenta depolymerizes lignin. Together, this work confirms aromatic patterns that have been implicated in BR fungi, and it demonstrates the use of MALDI-FTICR-MS imaging as a new approach to monitor the temporal changes of LMW aromatics during wood degradation.
When disaster strikes in the ring: a 20-year study of head and neck injuries secondary to boxing

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the patterns of head and neck injuries secondary to boxing. Materials and methods We conducted a 20-year retrospective cross-sectional study using the National Electronic Injury Submission System (NEISS). We derived the predictor variables from both patient and injury characteristics. The principal outcome variable was the probability of hospital admission from the ED. We used bivariate analysis to determine if an association existed between two variables of interest. We created a multiple logistic regression model to model the probability of admission using all significant univariate predictors. Results The final sample consisted of 1,919 patients. Children were most likely to injure their heads (P Conclusions Certain age groups were more/less likely to injure a particular anatomical site and more/less likely to incur a particular type of injury. Relative to young adults, seniors had an increased odd of admission. Head injuries had an increased odds of admission relative to mouth injuries. Fractures and internal organ injuries proved to be the most dangerous injuries.
HealthSpot’s Pursuit to Provide Global Healthcare Access Through Telemedicine

HealthSpot Station was a well-received business concept and revolutionary blend of healthcare and technology that minimised cost, hassle, and waiting time to see a doctor. Patients could visit their local pharmacy, enter a private, futuristic-looking, 40 square-foot, blue and white pod, be diagnosed by a doctor via video-conference and receive a prescription all within an average appointment time of 15 minutes. The HealthSpot Station had the potential to provide medicine to the masses, with the kiosks being deployed in developing countries and remote areas of the world. With ‘rave’ reviews from physicians and patients, $54 million in funding from corporations and other influential backers, and a contract with the number three pharmacy chain in the U.S, the HealthSpot Station was destined for success. So why did the company declare Chapter 7 bankruptcy after just five years? Understanding the process and causes provides cautionary insights for innovators within the telemedicine industry, and the lessons learnt may enhance the success of future endeavours. This case study will explore the factors that led to the demise of HealthSpot Inc.
An Approach to Dominant Resource Fairness in Distributed Environment

We study the multi-type resource allocation problem in distributed computing environment. Current approaches that guarantee the conditions of Dominant Resource Fairness DRF are centralized algorithms. However, as P2P cloud systems gain more popularity, distributed algorithms that satisfy conditions of DRF are in demand. So we propose a distributed algorithm that mostly satisfies DRF conditions. According to our simulation results, our distributed dominant resource fairness algorithm outperforms a naive distributed extension of DRF.
Thermal sensor distribution method for 3D Integrated Circuits using efficient thermal map modeling

Three Dimensional Integrated Circuit (3DIC) technology has been introduced to address the interconnect issues in nanometer circuit design that often limit performance improvement and power reduction. However, stacking active layers of silicon will lead to increased power density and overall higher temperatures in a 3D chip implementation for many designs. Thermal sensors are therefore crucial for run-time thermal management of 3DICs. A thermal sensor distribution method customized for 3DICs is introduced in this paper. A new 3D thermal map modeling which facilitates efficient and very fast analyses is embodied in this thermal sensor distribution algorithm. The 3D thermal map modeling is based on scaled hotspot areas, depending on the distance of a stacked layer from the heatsink and also thermal effects of the layers on each other. Our results indicate that for a 4-layer stacked 3DIC, consisting of two layers of quad-core processors and one layer of L2 cache and one layer of main memory, less than 4.4% in maximum sensors reading error can be accomplished with a 53x speedup in the thermal evaluation time and thermal sensor distribution algorithm implementation. Furthermore, the number of needed sensors is 44% lower than that of conventional 2D thermal sensor distribution methods.
The Biomechanical Fidelity of Slope simulation on the Sarcos Treadport Using Whole-Body Force Feedback

This paper addresses whether whole-body force feedback on treadmill-style locomotion interfaces can simulate the gravity forces experienced when walking on smooth inclines. By applying horizontal force feedback possible with the active mechanical tether of the Sarcos Treadport, it is shown that the biomechanics of walking are similar under conditions of real slope walking versus tether force walking. These biomechanical results complement previous psychophysical studies which yielded the same result, to conclude definitively that whole-body force feedback can realistically substitute for treadmill tilt.
Implementation of a standards-based pulse oximeter on a wearable, embedded platform

This paper addresses software design considerations in implementing the medical information bus (MIB) standard on a wearable pulse oximeter. Underlying hardware constraints greatly influence software operation and performance. This design uses a PIC18 microcontroller with software written in C. A modified version of an MIB software implementation by Alaris medical systems will run on this hardware/software configuration. A hardware prototype has been created, and the underlying software is currently in development.
International Space Station Radiation Shielding Model Development

The projected radiation levels within the International Space Station (ISS) have been criticized by the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel in their report to the NASA Administrator. Methods for optimal reconfiguration and augmentation of the ISS shielding are now being developed. The initial steps are to develop reconfigurable and realistic radiation shield models of the ISS modules, develop computational procedures for the highly anisotropic radiation environment, and implement parametric and organizational optimization procedures. The targets of the redesign process are the crew quarters where the astronauts sleep and determining the effects of ISS shadow shielding of an astronaut in a spacesuit. The ISS model as developed will be reconfigurable to follow the ISS. Swapping internal equipment rack assemblies via location mapping tables will be one option for shield optimization. Lightweight shield augmentation materials will be optimally fit to crew quarter areas using parametric optimization procedures to minimize the augmentation shield mass. The optimization process is being integrated into the Intelligence Synthesis Environment''s (ISE''s) immersive simulation facility at the Langley Research Center and will rely on High Performance Computing and Communication (HPCC) for rapid evaluation of shield parameter gradients.
Exploiting Free Execution Slots on EPIC Processors for Efficient and Accurate Runtime Profiling

Dynamic optimization relies on runtime profile information to improve the performance of program execution. Traditional profiling techniques incur significant overhead and are not suitable for dynamic optimization. In this paper, we propose a new profiling technique that incorporates the strength of both software and hardware to achieve near-zero overhead profiling. The compiler passes profiling requests as a few bits of information in branch instructions to the hardware, and the hardware uses the free execution slots available in a user program to execute profiling operations. We have implemented the compiler instrumentation of this technique using an Itanium research compiler. Our result shows that the accurate block profiling incurs very little overhead to the user program in terms of the program scheduling cycles. For example, the average overhead is 0.6% for the SPECint95 benchmarks. The hardware support required for the new profiling is practical. We believe this will enable many profile-driven dynamic optimizations for EPIC processors such as the Itanium processors.
Tumor Necrosis Factor α Inhibitor Use and Decreased Risk for Incident Coronary Events in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective To determine the association of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) inhibitors with risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Methods A retrospective cohort of 2,101 incident RA patients was established. Medication exposure was categorized into the following groups: TNFα inhibitors alone or in combination with methotrexate (MTX; aTNF group); MTX alone or in combination with other nonbiologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs; MTX group); and no MTX, nonbiologic DMARDs (reference group). Primary outcome was adjudicated incident coronary artery disease (CAD), defined as myocardial infarction, unstable angina, or coronary revascularization procedure. Secondary outcome was adjudicated incident CVD, defined as a composite of CAD, stroke, transient ischemic attack, abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral arterial disease, or arterial revascularization procedure. Cox regression models were used to calculate the hazard ratio for CAD and CVD for the aTNF and MTX groups compared to the reference group. Results There were 46 incident CAD and 82 incident CVD events. Adjusting for covariates associated with CAD and CVD, the hazard ratio for incident CAD was 0.45 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.21–0.96) for the aTNF group and 0.54 (95% CI 0.27–1.09) for the MTX group compared to the reference group. Use of TNFα inhibitors for >16.1 months was associated with a relative risk for CAD of 0.18 (95% CI 0.06–0.50) and for CVD of 0.31 (95% CI 0.15–0.65) compared to the reference group. A similar, although not significant, trend was seen with the MTX group. Conclusion Use of TNFα inhibitors is associated with a decreased risk for CAD in RA; the risk decreases further with long-term use. This should be considered when weighing the risks versus benefits of these medications.
Effects of wildfire on riparian trees in southeastern Arizona

Abstract We measured fire damage to 250 riparian trees in 2003–2004, and again in 2012–2013, in a southeastern Arizona grassland burned by wildfires in 2002, 2009, or both. Following a single fire, combined mortality or survival only by ground-level resprout was 64% for desert willow (Chilopsis linearis), 57% for Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii), 48% for Arizona walnut (Juglans major), 32% for velvet ash (Fraxinus velutina), and 25% for Wright's sycamore (Platanus wrightii). A second fire burned 120 of the trees that happened to have been less damaged by the first fire. Distinctions among species in overall fire damage persisted after the second fire but to a lesser degree. By the conclusion of our study, 26% of the 250 trees had died completely while another 32% survived only as relatively small resprouts. We conclude that the fires substantially reduced both the abundance and crown volume of mature riparian trees in the study area.
Allele-Selective Transcriptome Recruitment to Polysomes Primed for Translation: Protein-Coding and Noncoding RNAs, and RNA Isoforms

mRNA translation into proteins is highly regulated, but the role of mRNA isoforms, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), and genetic variants remains poorly understood. mRNA levels on polysomes have been shown to correlate well with expressed protein levels, pointing to polysomal loading as a critical factor. To study regulation and genetic factors of protein translation we measured levels and allelic ratios of mRNAs and ncRNAs (including microRNAs) in lymphoblast cell lines (LCL) and in polysomal fractions. We first used targeted assays to measure polysomal loading of mRNA alleles, confirming reported genetic effects on translation of OPRM1 and NAT1, and detecting no effect of rs1045642 (3435C>T) in ABCB1 (MDR1) on polysomal loading while supporting previous results showing increased mRNA turnover of the 3435T allele. Use of high-throughput sequencing of complete transcript profiles (RNA-Seq) in three LCLs revealed significant differences in polysomal loading of individual RNA classes and isoforms. Correlated polysomal distribution between protein-coding and non-coding RNAs suggests interactions between them. Allele-selective polysome recruitment revealed strong genetic influence for multiple RNAs, attributable either to differential expression of RNA isoforms or to differential loading onto polysomes, the latter defining a direct genetic effect on translation. Genes identified by different allelic RNA ratios between cytosol and polysomes were enriched with published expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) affecting RNA functions, and associations with clinical phenotypes. Polysomal RNA-Seq combined with allelic ratio analysis provides a powerful approach to study polysomal RNA recruitment and regulatory variants affecting protein translation.
Improving Identification Of Search Terms In The FARS Database

The diversity of language and the evolving nature of accounting terminology make it difficult for users to generate adequate query terms when doing keyword searching in the authoritative accounting literature. This project demonstrates one method of improving identification of retrieval query terms by presenting searchers with lists of terms specific to the Financial Accounting Research System (FARS) database. The results show individuals improve both the number and relevance of possible search terms when provided with lists of potentially appropriate terms.
INTERFACE-BASED DESIGN

Surveying results from [5] and [6], we motivate and introduce the theory behind formalizing rich interfaces for software and hardware components. Rich interfaces specify the protocol aspects of component interaction. Their formalization, called interface automata, permits a compiler to check the compatibility of component interaction protocols. Interface automata support incremental design and independent implementability. Incremental design means that the compatibility checking of interfaces can proceed for partial system descriptions, without knowing the interfaces of all components. Independent implementability means that compatible interfaces can be refined separately, while still maintaining compatibility.
Population expansion in an invasive grass, Microstegium vimineum: a test of the channelled diffusion model.

Aim The greatest biodiversity impact of non-native plant species is caused by rapid expansion of colonist populations. Unfortunately, invasion has rarely been documented in real time at a population scale, and demographic mechanisms of invasion remain unclear. Our goal is to describe real-time expansion of populations, using channelled diffusion as a null model. Location The study examined three populations of the invasive annual grass Microstegium vimineum in mature second-growth forests of south-eastern Ohio and nearby West Virginia, USA. Methods Distributions were recorded in belt transects perpendicular to population edges over a period of 3 years. A second group of belt transects documented spread along five types of potential movement corridor. Observed changes in distribution were compared with predictions from a diffusion model. A seed-sowing experiment tested seed availability, microsite quality and proximity to potential movement corridors as factors controlling population spread. Results Population boundaries showed little change over the study period. Colonization was limited by propagule availability over distances as little as 0.25 m, and to a lesser extent by litter cover. Populations did not advance along several potential movement corridors including unpaved roads, off-road vehicle trails and footpaths. Advance was observed along deer trails and stream courses but did not conform to the wave-form distribution predicted by diffusion theory. During the study, seeds were moved out of experimental plots by sheet flow and minor flooding events along small streams. Main conclusion At a population level, invasion is driven by processes that are episodic in time and non-random in space – probably a common condition in non-native plant species. Spatially realistic models are likely to be more useful than diffusive models in managing invasions at these scales.
Perceptions of non-target confronters in response to racist and heterosexist remarks

Research has established that targets who express disagreement with prejudicial comments directed toward their social group may be viewed negatively by those they confront or by members of social outgroups. Less research has examined how non-target individuals who confront prejudicial remarks are perceived. The current studies were designed to examine how non-targets who confronted racist (Study 1) and heterosexist (Study 2) comments would be perceived as a function of the level of offensiveness of the comment and the confrontation style used. The studies also examined whether confronting behavior would affect perceptions of the individual who made the prejudicial comment. Undergraduate participants read vignettes depicting a situation with a high or low offensive prejudicial comment in which a non-target individual confronted assertively, unassertively, or not at all. Participants provided judgments of both individuals. Results indicated that non-targets who confronted highly prejudicial comments either assertively or unassertively were liked and respected more than those who failed to confront. Additionally, commenters who were assertively confronted were respected less than commenters who were not. These findings suggest that non-targets may be especially effective in confronting prejudicial comments, as they do not suffer the same negative consequences as targets who confront. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From Bricolage to Collage: The Making of Decisions at a Weather Forecast Office

This article elaborates the process of decision making in organizational environments characterized by disciplined improvisation. Building on an ethnography of forecasting operations at the National Weather Service, it introduces “collage” as a mediating concept between information bricolage and the forging of a decision. The concept of collage serves to (1) heuristically frame decision making as a process of assembling, appropriating, superimposing, juxtaposing, and blurring of information; and (2) externalize into digital practices of screenwork the cognitive labor of merging and distilling complex data into a provisionally coherent decision.
Heat Transfer of Laminar Mist Flow in Tubes

Connective heat transfer of laminar mist flow is analyzed for constant wall temperature and constant heat flux conditions, respectively. The diminishing of droplet size, the increasing of vapor velocity, and the dilution of droplet density along the tube are considered in the present study. Calculations are performed from the inlet of thermal entrance region to the final fully developed single phase flow of vapor at the far downstream. Non-dimensional parameters influencing mist flow heat transfer are revealed and discussed. Fundamental heat transfer behavior of mist flow is studied and the results appear as an extension of our present understanding of single phase flow heat transfer.
Benthic macroinvertebrate responses to increasing levels of cattle grazing in Blue Ridge Mountain streams, Virginia, USA.

The relationship between benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages and cattle density was assessed from fall 2002 through spring 2004 in five small streams that represented a gradient of cattle grazing intensity. All study stream reaches were in pasture with no woody riparian vegetation, but varied in the intensity of cattle grazing (0 cattle ha−1 at site 1 to 2.85 cattle ha−1 at site 5). Regression analysis indicated highly significant and strong macroinvertebrate metric responses to cattle density during most sampling periods. The majority of metrics responded negatively to increased grazing, while a few (total taxa richness, number of sensitive taxa, and % collector filterers) increased along the gradient before declining at the most heavily grazed sites. Total number of sensitive taxa and % Coleoptera had the strongest relationship with cattle density throughout the study period. During some sampling periods, nearly 80% of the variation in these metrics was explained by cattle density. The elmid beetle, Oulimnius, had a particularly strong negative response to the grazing gradient. Study site groupings based on taxa composition, using detrended correspondence analysis (DCA), indicated that benthic samples collected from the reference site and light rotational grazing site were more similar in macroinvertebrate taxa composition than samples collected from the intermediate grazing and heavy grazing sites. Our findings demonstrate that biological integrity, as measured by benthic macroinvertebrate metrics and assemblage composition, is highly related to cattle density in small streams in the Blue Ridge mountains, Virginia, USA. This suggests that the degree of agricultural intensity should be given consideration in stream assessments, as well as land use planning and regulatory decisions.
Structure and mutation of a gene encoding a Mr 33,000 phycocyanin-associated linker polypeptide.

The gene encoding a phycocyanin-associated linker polypeptide of Mr 33000 from the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 was found to be located adjacent and 3′ to the genes encoding the α and β subunits of phycocyanin. The identity of this gene, designated cpcC, was proven by matching the amino-terminal sequence of the authentic polypeptide with that predicted by the nucleotide sequence. A cpcC mutant strain of this cyanobacterium was constructed. The effect of the mutation was to prevent assembly of half the total phycocyanin into phycobilisomes. By electron microscopy, phycobilisomes from this mutant were shown to contain rod substructures composed of a single disc of hexameric phycocyanin, as opposed to two discs in the wild type. It was concluded that the Mr 33000 linker polypeptide is required for attachment of the core-distal phycocyanin hexamer to the core-proximal one. Using absorption spectra of the wild type, CpcC−, and phycocyanin-less phycobilisomes, the in situ absorbances expected for specific phycocyanin-linker complexes were calculated. These data confirm earlier findings on isolated complexes regarding the influence of linkers on the spectroscopic properties of phycocyanin.
Genetic polymorphism at the CLOCK gene locus and major depression.

Genetic analysis in both mouse and Drosophila has indicated that the product of the CLOCK gene is an essential component of a circadian rhythm timing system. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), T3111C, in the 3′ flanking region of the human CLOCK gene has been identified. Homozygotes or heterozygotes for the 3111C allele have been reported to have higher mean scores on a measure of evening preference for activity (vs. morning preference) than subjects homozygous for the 3111T allele. Since major depression is hypothesized to be closely linked to circadian rhythms, we explored whether this polymorphism might be related to susceptibility to major depression. We also ascertained allele frequency in an African-American control population, to begin to evaluate population variation at this locus. CLOCK T3111C allele frequencies were determined in 280 European American (EA) subjects, 143 with a history of major depression and 137 screened controls, and in 58 African American (AA) screened control subjects, using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) – restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method. There was no significant difference between EA depressed and control subjects in allele frequency. There was a significant difference in allele frequency between EA and AA subjects, demonstrating a potential for population stratification. In none of these groups were significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium found. The present data do not support an association between CLOCK gene alleles at the T3111C locus and major depression. Am. J. Med. Genet. (Neuropsychiatr. Genet.) 96:418–421, 2000. Published 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Insights into molecular interactions between the juxtamembrane and kinase subdomains of the Arabidopsis Crinkly-4 receptor-like kinase

Arabidopsis CRINKLY4 (ACR4), a receptor-like kinase required for plant growth and development, possesses an extracellular ligand binding domain, a transmembrane helix, and an intracellular domain (ICD). The ICD contains the juxtamembrane (JMD) and the C-terminal (CTD) subdomains, which flank the core kinase domain (KD), with at least 16 autophosphorylation sites. Phosphorylation sites are often docking sites for the modification-dependent recruitment of interacting proteins that orchestrate many downstream signaling events. In this context, we have specifically probed the role of the two phosphorylation sites Ser(475) and Thr(478) in the JMD using mutagenesis and phage-peptide screening techniques. Thus, naive and phosphorylated 15-mer peptides derived from the JMD were panned against a 21-amino acid random phage peptide library. The phosphorylated peptide preferentially recognized the consensus sequence LxSLL. This sequence harbors the LxxLL motif, a known protein-protein interaction motif that is also present in the N-terminal lobe of the KD. We demonstrate the binding of JMD peptides to the KD and also show through kinetic analyses of mutants that phosphorylation of Ser(475) and Thr(478) in the JMD is necessary for optimal substrate phosphorylation in vitro. Our experiments suggest that an intramolecular interaction can occur between the JM and the N-terminal lobe of the KD.
Origin of sex for error repair. I. Sex, diploidy, and haploidy.

Genetic damage is a fundamental problem for living systems. Recombination can repair a damaged gene, so long as there is an undamaged copy of the gene available in the cell. This requires that the cell be diploid for the damaged locus. During sex, outcrossing generates the diploid state by temporarily fusing two haploid cells (as in the case of meiosis) or by bringing DNA into the cell from outside (as in the case of bacterial transformation). But why should cells alternate between the haploid and diploid states in the first place? Why not just remain diploid, if damage repair is the only problem for a cell? The goal of our work is to understand if the problem of genetic damage would select for diploidy or for the alternation between diploid and haploid states--that is, sex--early in the history of life. Using mathematical models we study competition between asexual haploids (termed "haploids"), sexuals (termed "sexuals"), and asexual diploids (termed "diploids"). Haploid cells are efficient replicators, while diploid cells are resistant to damage. A sexual may combine the advantages of both: spending much of its life cycle in the haploid state, then temporarily fusing to become diploid, followed by splitting to the haploid state. During the diploid state DNA damage can be repaired, since there are two copies of the gene in the cell and one copy is presumed to be undamaged. We describe the competition in terms of mathematical models, employing five rate parameters which represent the life processes of cells most probably active at the time that sexuality arose: birth and death; genomic damage (for the haploids alone); and, for the sexual cell, fusion and splitting. Parameter space bifurcation diagrams for the equilibria are drawn in the three-dimensional space of damage, splitting, and fusion, and solutions of the equations (i.e., the outcomes of the competition) are described in terms of them. It turns out that those three parameters suffice to give an essentially complete description of the qualitative behavior possible, since one parameter can be scaled out of the equations we ultimately consider, and the other permits generic analysis, for the range of parameter values of interest, at a fixed value of that parameter. Each type of cell has a region of the parameter space that it occupies exclusively (given its initial presence in the competition). The haploid can win only in environments characterized by low damage (relative to mortality), while the diploid can win only in environments characterized by high damage (relative to mortality).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Albumin marks pseudopodia of astrocytoma cells responding to hepatocyte growth factor or serum.

It is well accepted that dysfunction in the blood brain barrier (BBB) allows permeation of albumin from the bloodstream into astrocytic brain tumors, especially glioblastomas, the most aggressive astrocytomas. In vitro, bovine serum albumin (BSA) aids functional cell assays by maintaining cytokines and growth factors in solution and delivering its cargo of fatty acids. Earlier, we showed that BSA was prominent in lysates prepared from pseudopodia formed by U87 astrocytoma cells. The present studies investigated the association of albumin with pseudopodia formed by U87 and LN229 astrocytoma cells. With hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) stimulation, cell migration was enhanced and BSA, especially its dimerized form, was prominent in pseudopodia compared to unmigrated cells on one-dimensional gels and immunoblots. When lysates were equalized for levels of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, the rise for BSA levels in pseudopodia vs migrated cells was comparable or greater than levels noted for established pseudopodial proteins, β-actin and ezrin. The increase for dimerized BSA in pseudopodia compared to unmigrated cells was greater than the rise in levels of β-actin, ezrin, HGF, and phosphorylated Met when pseudopodia were harvested from filters with 1 μm pores using either cell line. Fluorescein (F)-labeled BSA co-localized with HGF on actin-rich cellular protrusions and with CM-DiI labeled pseudopodial plasma membranes. The F-BSA highlighted small, individual pseudopodial profiles more so than complex pseudopodial networks (reticulopodia) or unmigrated cells. Labeled human serum albumin also decorated pseudopodia preferentially. Albumin's association with pseudopodia may help to explain its selective accumulation in astrocytomas in vivo. The leaky BBB permits serum albumin to enter the microenvironment of astrocytomas thus allowing their invasive cells contact with serum albumin as a source of fatty acids that would be useful for remodeling cell membranes in pseudopodia. Thus, albumin potentially aids and marks invasion as it accumulates in these tumors.
Improving mass-wasting inventories by incorporating debris flow topographic signatures

Debris flows are a prevalent and destructive mass-wasting type in many mountainous regions throughout the world, yet the recent identification of a debris flow topographic signature has not been incorporated into landslide inventories. We have detected this signature in a digital elevation model of the mountainous Oconaluftee River basin of the southern Appalachians, USA, where we have conducted mass-wasting inventories. We evaluate the applicability of this topographic signature in debris flow mapping efforts using inventories created by semiautomated classification of topographic derivative and vegetation index maps. Debris flow detection was increased by 12 % when the inventory was limited to the portion of the landscape that exhibits the debris flow topographic signature. The extent of drainages with this topographic signature, which have areas of 6 to 35 km2, is corroborated by analyses of channel form, knickpoint and bedrock distributions, and hypsometry. This mass-wasting inventory technique provides a more focused approach to statistically characterize the land surface, which resulted in increased inventory proficiency across a landscape with an extensive and relatively well-documented debris flow history.
Modifying milk fat composition of dairy cows to enhance fatty acids beneficial to human health

There is increased consumer awareness that foods contain microcomponents that may have beneficial effects on health maintenance and disease prevention. In milk fat these functional food components include EPA, DHA, and CLA. The opportunity to enhance the content of these FA in milk has improved as a result of recent advances that have better defined the interrelationships between rumen fermentation, lipid metabolism, and milk fat synthesis. Dietary lipids undergo extensive hydrolysis and biohydrogenation in the rumen. Milk fat is predominantly TG, and de novo FA synthesis and the uptake of circulating FA contribute nearly equal amounts (molar basis) to the FA in milk fat. Transfer of dietary EPA and DHA to milk fat is very low (<4%); this is, to a large extent, related to their extensive biohydrogenation in the rumen, and also partly due to the fact that they are not transported in the plasma lipid fractions that serve as major mammary sources of FA uptake (TG and nonesterified FA). Milk contains over 20 isomers of CLA but the predominant one is cis-9,trans-11 (75-90% of total CLA). Biomedical studies with animal models have shown that this isomer has anticarcinogenic and anti-atherogenic activities. cis-9,trans-11-CLA is produced as an intermediate in the rumen biohydrogenation of linoleic acid but not of linolenic acid. However, it is only a transient intermediate, and the major source of milk fat CLA is from endogenous synthesis. Vaccenic acid, produced as a rumen biohydrogenation intermediate from both linoleic acid and linolenic acid, is the substrate, and delta9-desaturase in the mammary gland and other tissues catalyzes the reaction. Diet can markedly affect milk fat CLA content, and there are also substantial differences among individual cows. Thus, strategies to enhance milk fat CLA involve increasing rumen outflow of vaccenic acid and increasing delta9-desaturase activity, and through these, several-fold increases in the content of CLA in milk fat can be routinely achieved. Overall, concentrations of CLA, and to a lesser extent EPA and DHA, can be significantly enhanced through the use of diet formulation and nutritional management of dairy cows.
Advanced fuelling system for ITER

Abstract Steady-state high-performance discharges in reactors, such as the Advanced Tokamak (AT) scenarios would rely on optimized density and pressure profiles that must be maintained. This maximizes the bootstrap current fraction, reduces reactor recycling power and reduces thermal stresses. Other than a system for the balance of current drive not provided by bootstrap current drive, no other sources of input power, such as from neutral beams, are allowed. For these systems, a precision fuelling system would be the ideal way to control the fusion burn by controlling and maintaining the required pressure profile. This requires a fuelling system that is capable of depositing fuel at any radial location within the plasma while at the same time not altering the density profile to a level that degrades the required pressure profile. Present fuelling systems are incapable of meeting these requirements. An advanced fuelling system based on Compact Toroid injection has the potential to meet these needs while simultaneously providing a source of toroidal momentum input. Description of a conceptual Compact Toroid fueller for ITER is presented in conjunction with a plan for developing this much needed technology.
Transmission, photoconductivity, and the experimental band gap of thermally grown Si O 2 films

Optical transmission and photoconductivity spectra (7-14 eV) and the field dependence of photoconductivity are presented for thermally grown (amorphous) Si${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ films. It is argued that the clearest experimental determination of the band gap in Si${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ can be obtained from the field dependence of photoconductivity and its similarity to internal photoemission; a band gap of 9.3 eV for amorphous Si${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ is deduced from the data. In view of this result some recent experimental band-gap determinations are criticized and the literature on this subject is examined. The transmission experiments were performed on thin thermally grown (amorphous) Si${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ films (450-5000 \AA{}) produced by etching off the silicon substrate and using a fabrication method which is described in detail. The photoconductivity measurements were performed on Al-Si${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$-Si structures (Si${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$: 600-3500 \AA{}). Diode experiments for detecting photoluminescence and possibly excitons are also described. The upper limit on photoluminescence yield was determined as \ensuremath{\sim}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$.
Small Plate Tectonics in the Northeastern Pacific

Lithospheric plate motions in the northeastern Pacific were complicated at about 2.5 m.y. B.P. by the movement along a major northeast-trending fault cutting Cascadia Basin. An estimate of the slip rate along this fault gives critical information on the relative motions of four geometrically interdependent blocks. The fault is presently inactive. Seventy km of slip along this fault during 2 m.y. or less gives an average slip rate of about 3-5 cm/yr or greater, and resulting plate motions suggest a significantly greater rate of net subduction along the continental margin off Oregon than off Washington and Vancouver Island. Subduction rate off Oregon is less sensitive to slip rate along this fault than is subduction off Washington.
A Low-Cost, Portable System for High-Speed Multispectral Optical Imaging

A simple new approach to multispectral optical imaging is presented that utilizes camera-synchronized LED illumination for high-speed acquisition. The developed system is also portable and very low-cost compared to conventional implementations of multispectral imaging.
Bridging the Marketing Gap: A Review of How to Think Like a Behavior Analyst: Understanding the Science That Can Change Your Life by Jon Bailey and Mary Burch

The field of applied behavior analysis has suffered from a relative dearth of user-friendly books appropriate to a lay audience. Bailey and Burch's book fills this niche with a work that is both entertaining and informative. The book is reviewed in terms of the strengths and limitations of its content, as well as in the context of the importance of effective marketing of behavior analysis.
Combining Utilization Management and Discharge Planning

Utilization management and discharge planning are two essential functions for all healthcare facilities. In many hospitals, these two jobs are performed by personnel from two separate departments. This article describes the methodology and benefits of a project that combined the functions of utilization management and discharge planning.
Determination of nanogram amounts of catecholamine metabolites in amniotic fluid

Abstract Amniotic fluid samples obtained from 15–25 weeks of gestation were analyzed for catecholamine metabolites. The average levels obtained were 4.26 ng/ml for normetanephrine, 58.4 pg/ml for norepinephrine, 187.8 pg/ml for epinephrine and 975.4 pg/ml for dopamine. Gas liquid chromatographic assays for free and total 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethylene glycol gave the following values, respectively 3.93 ng/ml and 5.54 ng/ml.
Ascorbic acid and mineral composition of longan (Dimocarpus longan), lychee (Litchi chinensis) and rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) cultivars grown in Hawaii

Abstract Longan ( Dimocarpus longan ), lychee ( Litchi chinensis ), and rambutan ( Nephelium lappaceum ) cultivars were harvested from different locations in Hawaii and analyzed for vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and mineral content. Longan fruit had the highest vitamin C content (60.1 mg/100 g fresh weight) among the three specialty fruits tested. Average ascorbic acid content was 27.6 mg/100 g for lychees and 36.4 mg/100 g for rambutans. Vitamin C content was 63.3 and 55.3 mg/100 g for the longan cultivars, Biew Kiew and Sri Chompoo, respectively. For rambutans, vitamin C content ranged from 22.047.8 mg/100 g for the six cultivars tested. The early maturing lychee cultivar, Kaimana, had an average ascorbic acid content of 33.2 mg/100 g, and the later maturing Groff and Bosworth-3 cultivars had 21.2 and 22.5 mg/100 g, respectively. No correlation was found between ascorbic acid and total soluble solids (TSS) content. Longans were a good source of K (324.9 mg/100 g) and Cu (0.26 mg/100 g). Consumption of lychee fruit (100 g) would meet 2–4% of the daily recommended intake (DRI) for six minerals (P, K, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn), and 22% of the DRI for Cu. Rambutan fruit had 20% of the DRI for Cu and 8–10% of the DRI for Mn. In general, fruit mineral content was not associated with soil mineral content.