cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Towards large-scale validation of protein flexibility using rigidity analysis

Proteins are dynamic molecules involved in virtually every chemical process in our bodies. Understanding how they flex and bend provides fundamental insights to their functions. At the atomic level, protein motion cannot be observed using existing experimental methods. To gain insights into these motions, simulation methods are used. However such simulations are computationally expensive. Rigidity analysis is a fast, alternative graph-based method to molecular simulations, that gives information about the flexibility properties of molecules modeled as mechanical structures. Due to the lack of convenient tools for curating protein data, the usefulness of rigidity analysis has been demonstrated on only a handful of proteins to infer several of their biophysical properties. Previous studies also relied on heuristics to determine which choice of modeling options of important stabilizing interactions allowed for extracting relevant biological observations from rigidity analysis results. Thus there is no agreed-upon choice of modeling of stabilizing interactions that is validated with experimental data. In this thesis we make progress towards large-scale validation of protein flexibility using rigidity analysis. We have developed the KINARI software to test the predictive power of using rigidity analysis to infer biophysical properties of proteins. We develop new tools for curating protein data files and for generating biological functional forms and crystal lattices of molecules. We show that rigidity analysis of these biological assemblies provides structural and functional information that would be missed if only the unprocessed data of protein structures were analyzed. To provide a proof-of-concept that rigidity analysis can be used to perform fast evaluation of in silico mutations that may not be easy to perform in vitro, we have developed KINARI-Mutagen. Finally, we perform a systematic study in which we vary how hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions are modeled when constructing a mechanical framework of a protein. We propose a general method to evaluate how varying the modeling of these important inter-atomic interactions affects the degree to which rigidity parameters correlate with experimental stability data.
The Search for Moderators in Disfluency Research

Summary Recent research has demonstrated that, under the right circumstances, making fonts harder to read can improve educational outcomes. However, the initial demonstrations did not fully map out the boundary conditions for where this effect will and will not be observed. In this paper, we identify some of the most plausible moderators of the effect and provide some cautionary notes on how to interpret and report findings regarding disfluency in education. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epithelial mesothelioma with deciduoid features: report of four cases.

Deciduoid mesothelioma is the designation given to an unusual morphologic variant of epithelial mesothelioma that closely simulates exuberant ectopic decidual reaction. Because all four previously reported cases involved the peritoneum and occurred in young women without a history of asbestos exposu
A local potential energy boundary surface method for power system atability assessment

A necessary and sufficient condition for loss of transient stability is derived that describes a region of instability. A region of stability is also theoretically justified. A local potential energy boundary surface method is then developed based on a cutset energy function and the theoretically based descriptions of the region of stability and region of instability. The PEBS method is applied to a classical transient stability model and determines the critical clearing time extremely accurate. The PEBS method can also be appied to topological transient stability models.
Genetic and Environmental Factors Involved in Increased Resistance of Brook Trout to Sulfuric Acid Solutions and Mine Acid Polluted Waters

Abstract Several strains of hatchery-reared brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill), were exposed to low pH in the laboratory (sulfuric acid solutions) and in the field (mine acid polluted waters). Wild brook trout were also used in some field tests. Tests were both acute and chronic (up to 2 mo). Pronounced strain differences in survival ability were detected among embryonic, juvenile, and adult brook trout in laboratory tests, and among juvenile brook trout in field tests. However, in one case a strain difference in resistance times detected in field tests was not evident in several laboratory studies. A single selection of NYSV strain brook trout for high resistance to sulfuric acid solutions did not yield F1 progeny of greater resistance. Prior exposure to nonlethal acidic conditions also did not enhance resistance of brook trout. In some cases, the fish actually became more sensitive to the low test pH after such a prior exposure. Fish had longer resistance times in sulfuric acid solutions and ...
Light trapping for thin silicon solar cells by femtosecond laser texturing

Femtosecond laser texturing is used to create nano- to micron-scale surface roughness that strongly enhances light-trapping in thin crystalline silicon solar cells. Light trapping is crucial for thin solar cells where a single light-pass through the absorber is insufficient to capture the weakly absorbed red and near-infrared photons, especially with an indirect-gap semiconductor absorber layer such as crystalline Si which is less than 20 µm thick [1–2]. We achieve enhancement of the optical absorption from light-trapping that approaches the Yablonovitch limit [3].
Human telomeric 6; 19 translocation chromosome with a tendency to break at the fusion point.

The behavior of a translocation chromosome t(6; 19) in the lymphocytes of a mentally retarded woman with other anomalies has been analyzed. The two chromosomes were attached at the telomeres of their short arms without any apparent deletion. The centromere of chromosome 19 was marked by a primary constriction and the site of the centromere of chromosome 6 by a C-band, but no constriction. The translocation chromosome showed two primary constrictions once in 8,800 metaphases, probably resulting from mitotic crossing-over. One or both chromatids of the translocation chromosome were broken at the attachment point with a frequency of 1/733 cells. In addition, the chromosome was often bent at this point and the translocated chromosomes 19 and 6 showed a differential spiralization. In this characteristic as well as the weakness of the fusion point, this chromosome differed from other translocations; the fusion obviously was not as firm as in translocations in general. The broken-off chromosome 6 did not regain a primary constriction, but had the appearance of a large acentric fragment. The segregation of the translocation chromosome and the fragment gave rise to a complicated mosaicism with various levels of ploidy for the fragment lacking a functional centromere. The data are in quantitative agreement with the equilibrium expectations under the assumption that each fragment goes to either pole at random in mitosis and that cells divide at the same rate regardless of ploidy. The high rate of nondisjunction of the fragment showed that the inactivated centromere of the translocation chromosome did not regain its activity when chromosome 19 with the functional centromere became separated from it. — The fragility and the behavior of the translocation chromosome and the production of telomeric associations are briefly discussed.
The Ethics of Human Studies Research in the 21st Century Some Current Challenges and New Opportunities

Since 1979, the Belmont Report has been the core ethical guide for human and social research in academic and industrial studies, both in the United States and elsewhere. The report's guidelines now form the basis for such oversight in a variety of domains beyond its original purview in the biomedical and behavioral sciences. However, modern research environments introduce numerous new challenges, especially in relation to advanced communications and information technologies. Research in these fields today takes place in a transnational setting of ubiquitous computing and data acquisition in highly-interconnected networks, which are overlaid across varied, and often incompatible, legal regimes and social norms. In this talk, we explore these challenges, with emphasis on virtual worlds, augmented reality, and social networks, especially in an international context, and propose some innovative new opportunities for addressing them.
Steroid metabolism In vitro by the adrenal cortex from male and female monkeys, macca mulatta☆

Abstract 1. 1. Biosynthesis of steroid hormones from radioactive progesterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, androst-4-ene-3, 17-dione and testosterone by the adrenals of male and female Rhesus monkeys was studied. 2. 2. On a comparative basis the adrenals from the female monkeys yielded a higher ratio of estrogens to androst-4-ene-3, 17-dione and/or testosterone among the biosynthetic products. 3. 3. Probably due to the common embryologic origin, the sex chromatin constitution (XX, or XY) reflected is not only in gonadal but also in adreno-cortical enzyme activities. 4. 4. Following gonadectomy, decreased sex difference in the biosynthetic activities of the adrenals was observed.
Application of xenogeneic stem cells for induction of transplantation tolerance: present state and future directions

Xenotransplantation using pig organs provides a possible solution to the severe shortage of allogeneic organ donors, one of the major limiting factors in clinical transplantation. However, because of the greater antigenic differences that exist between different species than within a species, the immune response to xenografts is much more vigorous than to allografts. Thus, tolerance induction is essential to the success of clinical xenotransplantation. Tolerance induced by mixed hematopoietic chimerism across the MHC barrier is remarkably robust, but its ability to induce tolerance across highly disparate xenogeneic barriers remains poorly studied. None of the current available regimens of host conditioning, which permit hematopoietic stem cell engraftment and chimerism induction in allogeneic or closely related (concordant) xenogeneic combinations, has been demonstrated to be effective in establishing porcine hematopoietic chimerism in a discordant xenogeneic species. Unlike bone marrow transplantation within the same species, the innate immune system and the species specificity of cytokines and adhesion molecules essential to hematopoiesis pose formidable obstacles to the establishment of donor hematopoiesis across discordant xenogeneic barriers. The genetic incompatibility between species may also impede xenograft tolerance induction by mixed chimerism. While we remain far from achieving tolerance in clinical xenotransplantation, recent studies using a transgenic mouse model have proven the principle that mixed hematopoietic chimerism may induce mouse and human T cell tolerance to porcine xenografts. This review article focuses on the barriers to porcine hematopoietic engraftment in highly disparate xenogeneic species and the possible application of mixed hematopoietic chimerism to xenograft tolerance induction.
Hydroformylation of propene over palladium trimethylphosphinecarbonyl clusters engaged in zeolite Y

Abstract Palladium trimethylphosphinecarbonyl (TMPC) clusters in zeolite NaY have been studied as catalysts for propene hydroformylation at medium pressure. Compared to Pd/NaY, they showed higher selectivity toward hydroformylation. The reaction network basically consists of two parallel paths, leading to propane and to C4-aldehydes. C7-ketones are formed either from C4-aldehyde and propene, or from adsorbed acyl and alkyl groups. This step is also catalyzed by Pd TMPC clusters; as its rate is high, C7-ketones predominate over C4-aldehydes. Reaction rates and product distributions depend on calcination, reduction and dosage of trimethylphosphine. The catalytic activity decreases with time, presumably owing to decomposition of the Pd TMPC clusters; it is further lowered by addition of triphenylphosphine.
Activities That Strengthen Relational Bonds Between Latter-day Saint Grandfathers and Their Adult Grandchildren

Using a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with eight Latter-day Saint (LDS) grandfathers and their adult grandsons and adult granddaughters regarding actions they implemented to build and maintain their relational bonds. Both grandfathers’ grandchildren were found to be highly involved in intergenerational relationship-building activities, although gender differences were found among grandsons and granddaughters. Four overall themes emerged as specific activities that promoted closeness within intergenerational relationships. The first three themes included (1) engaging in frequent contact; (2) serving one another; and (3) being a part of a conversational family. The fourth theme specifically involved the infusion of LDS religious principles incorporated into relational-building activities. Implications and future research directions are also discussed.
Day-of-the-week and intraday effects in stock returns

Abstract This study examines day-of-the-week effects using hourly values of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. We find that over the 1963–1983 period the weekend effect has sifted from characterizing active trading on Monday to characterizing the non-trading weekend. Over the early part of our sample period negative returns characterize each hour of trading on Monday, while the return from Friday close to Monday open is positive. In the most recent subperiod, Monday average hourly returns after noon are all positive and the weekend effect is due to negative average returns from Friday close to Monday open.
Gene Duplications and Losses within the Cyclooxygenase Family of Teleosts and Other Chordates

Cyclooxygenase (COX) produces prostaglandins in animals via the oxidation and reduction of arachidonic acid. Different types and numbers of COX genes have been found in corals, sea squirts, fishes, and tetrapods, but no study has used a comparative phylogenetic approach to investigate the evolutionary history of this complex gene family. Therefore, to examine COX evolution in the teleosts and chordates, 9 novel COX sequences (possessing residues and domains critical to COX function) were acquired from the euryhaline killifish, longhorn sculpin, sea lamprey, Atlantic hagfish, and amphioxus using standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and cloning methods. Phylogenetic analyses of these and other COX sequences show a complicated history of COX duplications and losses. There are three main lineages of COX in the chordates corresponding to the three subphyla in the phylum Chordata, with each lineage representing an independent COX duplication. Hagfish and lamprey most likely have traditional COX-1/2 genes, suggesting that these genes originated with the first round of genome duplication in the vertebrates according to the 2R hypothesis and are not exclusively present in the gnathostomes. All teleosts examined have three COX genes due to a teleost-specific genome duplication followed by variable loss of a COX-1 (in the zebrafish and rainbow trout) or COX-2 gene (in the derived teleosts). Future studies should examine the functional ramifications of these differential gene losses.
Tissue Binding Affects the Kinetics of Theophylline Diffusion Through the Stratum Corneum Barrier Layer of Skin

ABSTRACT: New data sets on both (i) equilibrium theophylline (TH) partitioning/binding in stratum corneum and (ii) transient TH diffusion through human epidermis are explained by an extended partition–diffusion model with reversible binding. Data conform to a linear binding isotherm within the tested concentration range (0–2000 μg/mL) with an equilibrium ratio of bound-to-free solute of approximately 1.4. The permeability coefficient for TH is 4.86 × 10 −5 cm/h, and the lag time is 20.1 h. Binding occurs as a slow process, significantly affecting the kinetics of dermal penetration. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 100:2989–2995, 2011
Effect of valproic acid on serotonin metabolism

Abstract The effect of valproic acid (2- n -propyl-pentanoic acid) on serotonin metabolism was examined in rats and mice, since this anticonvulsant has beneficial therapeutic action on human myoclonic disorders which have been associated with brain serotonin deficiency. A single intraperitoneal injection of 400 mg/kg valproic acid decreased total serum tryptophan and increased free serum tryptophan, brain tryptophan and brain 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5HIAA) but had no effect on brain serotonin levels. Brain tryptophan levels returned to normal in mice after chronic administration of valproic acid (400 mg/kg daily for 7 days) but the changes in serum tryptophan and brain 5HIAA persisted. Valproic acid potentiated the anti-myoclonic action of chlorimipramine in a p , p' -DDT-induced animal myoclonus model. Valproic acid may displace protein-bound serum tryptophan thereby increasing brain tryptophan which is converted to serotonin.
A Mechanistic Approach to Predicting the Cutting Forces in Drilling: With Application to Fiber-Reinforced Composite Materials

In this paper models are developed to predict the thrust and torque forces at the different regions of cutting on a drill. The mechanistic approach adopted to develop these models exploits the geometry of the process, which is independent of the workpiece material. The models are calibrated to a particular material using the well-established relationships between chip load and cutting forces, modified to take advantage of the characteristics of the drill point geometry. The models are validated independently for the cutting lips and the chisel edge for drilling both metals and fiber-reinforced composite materials for a wide range of machining conditions and drill geometry. While the cutting-lips model predictions agree well with the experimental data for both materials, only the chisel-edge model proposed for metals agrees well with the experimental data.
Synaptic Mechanisms of Temporal Diversity in the Lateral Geniculate Nucleus of the Thalamus

The lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) contains a unique and numerous class of cells called lagged cells, which introduce a time delay into the neural signal provided to cortex. Previous studies have shown that this delay is dependent on GABA A receptors within the LGN. Furthermore, lagged cells have distinct integrative properties with a slower rising, more sustained, and overall lower firing rates than nonlagged cells. We have recorded intracellularly from lagged cells in the cat LGN and found a unique property of their retinal inputs that underlies both their temporal and integrative visual response properties. Lagged cell EPSPs, which often derive from a single retinal input, have smaller amplitudes, repolarize more quickly, and are followed by a Cl − -dependent hyperpolarization compared with nonlagged cells. The Cl − -dependent hyperpolarization sums early in the visual response generating a powerful synaptic inhibition that coincides with the peak frequency of retinal input and delays the spike response in lagged cells. The hyperpolarization subsides rapidly over ∼20–40 ms allowing for slow summation of the retinal input leading to the visual spike response. Given the tight association of single retinal EPSPs and the following inhibition, we propose that both functional properties result from the triadic circuitry prevalent in the LGN and particularly prominent in lagged X-cells. Thus, our results show for the first time a dynamic interaction of retinal excitation and fast feedforward inhibition that determines the integrative properties and the delay in firing of lagged cells.
Dynamic Light Scattering Microscopy. A Novel Optical Technique to Image Submicroscopic Motions. I: Theory

The theoretical basis of an optical microscope technique to image dynamically scattered light fluctuation decay rates (dynamic light scattering microscopy) is developed. It is shown that relative motions between scattering centers even smaller than the optical resolution of the microscope are sufficient to produce significant phase variations resulting in interference intensity fluctuations in the image plane. The timescale and time dependence for the temporal autocorrelation function of these intensity fluctuations is derived. The spatial correlation distance, which reports the average distance between constructive and destructive interference in the image plane, is calculated and compared with the pixel size, and the distance dependence of the spatial correlation function is derived. The accompanying article in this issue describes an experimental implementation of dynamic light scattering microscopy.
Effects of Therapist Self-Monitoring on Therapeutic Alliance and Subsequent Therapeutic Outcome

Abstract Research suggests that both the development of a therapeutic alliance and the self-reflectiveness of the therapist are important determinants of patient outcome. This study investigated if the therapist's self-reflectiveness might then be used to enhance the development of the therapeutic alliance. Therapist overt self-monitoring of capacities found to be important in effecting positive patient outcome was manipulated to assess its training effects on alliance, outcome, and patient perception of therapist facilitating behaviors. Self-monitoring was not found to significantly affect alliance, outcome, nor patient perception of facilitating behaviors. Alliance and patient “health-sickness” were both found to be predictive of outcome.
Is more always better?: A survey on positional concerns

Abstract We use survey data to provide some empirical information about concerns regarding relative standing. Respondents chose between a world where they have more of a good than others and one where everyone's endowment of the good is higher, but the respondent has less than others. Questions asked about education, attractiveness and intelligence for one's child and oneself, income, vacation time, approval and disapproval from a supervisor, and papers to write. Half of the respondents preferred to have 50% less real income but high relative income. Concerns about position were strongest for attractiveness and supervisor's praise and weakest for vacation time.
Erythrocyte glutathione-peroxidase deficiency.

Summary Glutathione peroxidase deficiency is the most recently described erythrocyte enzyme abnormality. This enzyme occupies a critical position in the pathways leading to the decomposition of peroxides in the erythrocyte. On the basis of our studies of patients with GSH-P deficiency, it appears that a spectrum of disease quite similar to that found in G-6-PD deficiency is present; this includes compensated haemolytic disease, drug-induced haemolysis and neonatal jaundice.
Incorporation of tritiated water into sterol in copper-deficient rats.

The effect of copper deficiency on absolute rates of cholesterol synthesis was investigated in the rat. Male weanling rats were fed semi-purified diets containing adequate (7.13 ppm) or deficient (0.621 ppm) levels of copper for 6 weeks. Copper-adequate and -deficient animals (n = 6/group) were injected intraperitoneally with 50 mCi 3H-labelled water and killed 1 h post-injection. Copper-deficient animals had elevated heart weights and reduced body and spleen weights. Plasma cholesterol levels were significantly elevated and hematocrits were reduced. Absolute rates of carcass cholesterol synthesis per organ were 1.9-fold higher in copper-deficient rats (P less than 0.025). Previous studies have indicated that hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase (E.C.1.1.1.34) activity is increased by copper deficiency; however, de novo synthesis of cholesterol from 3H-labelled water was not significantly elevated in the liver. The present data indicate that newly synthesized cholesterol exported to the plasma was increased 2.1-fold (P less than 0.01) in copper-deficient rats. Since it has been demonstrated that hepatic export of cholesterol is increased with copper deficiency and that the major tissue for export of newly synthesized cholesterol is the liver, we hypothesize that the origin of radiolabeled cholesterol in the plasma was the liver. These data support the hypothesis that elevated levels of hepatic HMG-CoA reductase seen with copper deficiency are associated with an increased rate of whole body and hepatic cholesterol synthesis.
Validation of the hemizona assay (HZA) in a monkey model. II. Kinetics of binding and influence of cryopreserved-thawed spermatozoa.

We compared fresh and frozen—thawed cynomolgus monkey spermatozoa tight binding to the zona pellucida under hemizona assay (HZA) conditions. Monkey oocytes were recovered after superovulation and stored in salt solution. Matching hemizonae were obtained by micromanipulation. Semen, obtained by electroejaculation, was used fresh or was cyropreserved, thawed, and washed by swim-up separation. At the standard initial dilution of 500,000 motile sperm/ml (or 5 × 104 motile sperm/hemizona), binding was significantly higher for fresh sperm (P = 0.00004). For frozen—thawed samples, there was a linear increase in the number of tightly bound sperm with increasing sperm concentration (r = 0.95). At 1.5 × 106 motile sperm/hemizona, binding of frozen—thawed spermatozoa was similar to that of fresh at a standard concentration. Kinetic studies showed peak binding at 1 hr of gametes coincubation. We conclude that, in this monkey model, the HZA is a valuable bioassay for evaluation of sperm binding to the zona pellucida, the initial requisite for fertilization and embryo development.
Changes in colored or flavored food preferences in chickens as a function of shock

Twenty-four two-week old chicks were first tested to determine which of two mashes, differing either in color or in taste only, was preferred; Ss were then trained such that the Experimentals received a painful leg shock when they ate their preferred food, while the Controls were either shocked in the absence of the test food or not shocked. Feeding on the nonpreferred food went undisturbed in all three groups. Several posttraining tests were given to detect any changes in colored or flavored food preferences. Electric shock proved to be an effective noxious stimulus for changing food preferences based on visual cues but not for those distinguishable by taste alone.
Comparison of corn steep liquor with other nutrients in the fermentation of D-xylose by Pichia stipitis CBS 6054

Pichia stipitis CBS 6054 ferments D-Xylose to ethanol in a medium containing corn steep liquor as the only source of nitrogen, amino acids, vitamins and other nutrients. The ethanol yield and fermentation rate compare favorably to those obtained with media containing more expensive sources of nitrogen, vitamins and amino acids. Corn steep liquor is a good source of nutrients that can support growth and fermentation activity of this xylose fermenting yeast.
The endocrine prevention of breast cancer

A clear explanation for the high incidence of breast cancer in modern women is now possible. The risk of breast cancer rises steeply from menarche until menopause. Associated with the reproductive process, the ovary, including the corpus luteum, produces substantial amounts of estrogen and progesterone, both of which induce growth of the breast epithelium. This sex-steroid-driven breast epithelial cell proliferation increases the risk of carcinogenesis by accelerating the occurrence of somatic genetic errors. Postmenopausally, as there is little cell proliferation, the breast epithelium is more “resistant” to mutagenic effects, and breast cancer risk rises at a low rate. Unfortunately, the genetic errors accumulated during the premenopausal period are not lost following menopause, and breast cancer risk remains high. Sex-steroid antagonists, such as tamoxifen, may reduce breast cancer incidence both by blocking breast epithelial cell proliferation and by direct antitumor effects on clinically occult breas...
An effect of cell-culture passage on ultraviolet-enhanced viral reactivation by mammalian cells.

Abstract The ability of ultraviolet-irradiated African green monkey kidney cells to reactivate UV-damaged herpes simplex virus was tested over a range of 57 passages (24–81). Several types of controls were employed to minimize daily variations. The results indicate that in this system cells demonstrate an increasing efficiency to reactivate UV-damaged virus until approx. passage 60, followed by a decrease in this ability beyond this passage. Chromosome counts at selected passages revealed no significant change in chromosome number as a function of passage. The mechanism(s) or factor(s) causing this effect are unknown.
Health Programming for Clergy: An Overview of Protestant Programs in the United States

The health of clergy is important, and clergy may find health programming tailored to them more effective. Little is known about existing clergy health programs. We contacted Protestant denominational headquarters and searched academic databases and the Internet. We identified 56 clergy health programs and categorized them into prevention and personal enrichment; counseling; marriage and family enrichment; peer support; congregational health; congregational effectiveness; denominational enrichment; insurance/strategic pension plans; and referral-based programs. Only 13 of the programs engaged in outcomes evaluation. Using the Socioecological Framework, we found that many programs support individual-level and institutional-level changes, but few programs support congregational-level changes. Outcome evaluation strategies and a central repository for information on clergy health programs are needed.
Premise, Promise, and Potential Limitations of Invasive Devices to Treat Hypertension

Invasive device-based therapies for drug-resistant hypertension are undergoing active clinical investigation. The two approaches are 1) permanent implantation of a carotid baroreceptor pacemaker and 2) radiofrequency catheter ablation of the renal nerves. Both are designed to reduce the sympathetic nervous system component of drug-resistant hypertension. Several excellent comprehensive articles have reviewed each of these devices separately. In contrast, this brief article aims to provide a conceptual framework for evaluating the premise, promise, and potential limitations of both invasive antihypertensive therapies.
Modeling and control of DFIG-based large offshore wind farm with HVDC-link integration

This paper presents an analysis and a power coordination technique for a Doubly-Fed Induction Generator (DFIG)-based wind farm with HVDC-link integration. Control and operation of both rotor-side converter (RSC) and grid-side converter (GSC) are analyzed. The RSC control loop tracks maximum wind power and controls stator flux linkage. The GSC control loop maintains stator terminal voltage and dc-link voltage between the RSC and the GSC. Line-commutated converter (LCC)-based HVDC transmission system is used for grid integration. The main control philosophy of the HVDC link is that firing angle of the rectifier is adjusted base on bus voltage magnitude. While the wind speed changes, through the rectifier control loop, dc voltage at the sending end of HVDC-link will vary with the firing angle, thus power balance of the AC and DC sides is achieved. Matlab/Simulink tests for a 2 MW DFIG with simplified HVDC-link model are performed to confirm the analysis and operation principle.
Liquidlike atomic environments act as plasticity carriers in amorphous silicon

Molecular-dynamics simulation of amorphous silicon (a-Si) using the Stillinger-Weber potential reveals the existence of two distinct atomic environments: one solidlike and the other liquidlike. The mechanical behavior of a-Si when plastically deformed to large strain can be completely described by the mass fraction $\ensuremath{\phi}$ of liquidlike material in it. Specifically, samples with higher $\ensuremath{\phi}$ are more amenable to plastic flow, indicating that liquidlike atomic environments act as plasticity ``carriers'' in a-Si. When deformed under externally applied constant pressure, all a-Si samples converge to a unique value of $\ensuremath{\phi}$ characteristic of steady-state flow.
Deterministic graphical games

Abstract This paper gives a simple algorithm for solving a class of graphical games where infinite play is possible.
Neurocutaneous melanosis is associated with tethered spinal cord

Purpose Neurocutaneous melanosis (NCM) is a rare congenital disorder occurring in children born with multiple or large congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) in association with melanocytic deposits in the leptomeninges. Multiple associations between NCM and other syndromes or neurologic abnormalities have been reported. Of note, there exists a possible association between NCM and tethered cord (TC).
A threshold model of social contagion process for evacuation decision making

Individual evacuation decisions are often characterized by the influence of one's social network. In this paper a threshold model of social contagion, originally proposed in the network science literature, is presented to characterize this social influence in the evacuation decision making process. Initiated by a single agent, the condition of a cascade when a portion of the population decides to evacuate has been derived from the model. Simulation models are also developed to investigate the effects of community mixing patterns and the initial seed on cascade propagation and the effect of previous time-steps considered by the agents and the strength of ties on average cascade size. Insights related to social influence include the significant role of mixing patterns among communities in the network and the role of the initial seed on cascade propagation. Specifically, faster propagation of warning is observed in community networks with greater inter-community connections.
Sediment Oxygen Demand in the Central Basin of Lake Erie

Three separate procedures were used to estimate the sediment oxygen demand (SOD) in the central basin of Lake Erie and were compared with other estimates determined previously and with historical data. First, whole core incubations involved sealing sediment cores at 12°C to ensure no interaction between the overlying water and the atmosphere and monitoring continuously to define the linear disappearance of oxygen. Second, sediment plugs were placed inside flow-through reactors and the influent and effluent concentrations were monitored to obtain steady-state reaction rates. Third, an extensive data set for the central basin of Lake Erie was compiled for input into the diagenetic BRNS model, and the SOD was calculated assuming all primary redox reactions, but no secondary reactions. All three procedures produced estimates of SOD that were in reasonable agreement with each other. Whole core incubations yield an average SOD of 7.40 × 10−12 moles/cm2/sec, the flow-through experiments had an average SOD of 4.04 × 10−12 moles/cm2/sec, and the BRNS model predicts an SOD of 7.87 × 10−12 moles/cm2/sec over the top 10 cm of sediment and appears to be calibrated reasonably well to the conditions of the central basin of Lake Erie. These values compare reasonably well with the 8.29 × 10−12 moles/cm2/sec obtained from diffusion modeling of oxygen profiles (Matisoff and Neeson 2005). In contrast, values reported from the 1960s to 1980s ranged from 10.5–32.1 × 10−12 moles/cm2/sec suggesting that the SOD of the central basin has decreased over the last 35 years, presumably, in response to the decrease in phosphorus loadings to Lake Erie. However, since hypoxia in the hypolimnion persists these results suggest that improvement in hypolimnetic oxygen concentrations may lag decreases in loadings or that the hypolimnion in the central basin of Lake Erie is simply too thin to avoid summer hypoxia during most years.
Development of a polyaniline-based optical ammonia sensor

Abstract A polyaniline film was deposited on polyethylene surface by chemical oxidation of aniline monomer at room temperature. The ammonia gas sensing capabilities of the polyaniline film were studied using absorption spectroscopy method. A significant change was observed in the absorption spectra of the film after it was exposed to ammonia gas. The optical ammonia gas sensors have a response time of less than 15 s and a fast regeneration time of less than 2 min at room temperature. The sensors have a detection limit of 1 ppm (v/v) for ammonia, with a linear dynamic range from 180 to 18 000 ppm.
Studies of the inhibitory action of guanidine on poliovirus multiplication in cell cultures.

Abstract Guanidine, (NH 2 ) 2 CNH, is an effective inhibitor of poliovirus multiplication in monkey kidney cell cultures. As little as 60 μg per milliliter of guanidine · HCI reduces the growth of virus to 10 −5 to 10 −6 of control values. Attenuated types 1 and 2 vaccine strains have a different guanidine “marker” from wild, virulent strains, in that they are inhibited to a greater degree. However, the attenuated type 3 oral vaccine strain has the same guanidine “marker” as the virulent strains, being inhibited only to the same degree. In contrast to its potent inhibition of poliovirus, guanidine has relatively small effect on other enteroviruses (ECHO 6, 7, 8, 12, and Coxsackie B6). Both the cytopathic changes and the production of infective poliovirus are inhibited by guanidine. The compound appears to have the capacity to act early or late in the growth cycle of the virus. It can inhibit the production of antigenic viral protein and the increase in acridine orange-staining cytoplasmic RNA associated with poliovirus infection.
Generation of field‐aligned currents and Alfvén waves by 3D magnetic reconnection

We have carried out a three-dimensional compressible MHD simulation to study the generation of field-aligned currents (FAC's) and Alfven waves by magnetic reconnection for locally antiparallel magnetic fields across the current sheet. Reconnection is triggered by a localized resistivity. The results indicate that both FAC's and Alfven waves are generated by the three-dimensional reconnection process. Two pairs of FAC's are generated on each side of current sheet. The polarities of the resulting FAC pair in the leading bulge region are opposite to those of a FAC pair in the trailing quasi-steady region. It is further found that a large portion of the FAC's (∼40%) is located in the closed field line region. We examine the Walen relation between FAC and parallel vorticity and find that Alfven waves are generated and propagate away from the reconnection site. We discuss the relevance of our results to the observed Region 1 FAC's at noon.
Intermittency and multifractality in e + e − annihilation

Detailed properties of intermittency and multifractality associated with multiplicity fluctuations in ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ annihilation are investigated in the framework of the Monte Carlo code JETSET for the Lund parton shower model. Dependences on energy, rapidity window width, and multiplicity are found to be very complicated. In order to extract the underlying essence of the fractal behavior, an exhaustive study is made to uncover universal properties of the intermittency indices and multifractal spectra. The latter is found to be more amenable to universal description, independent of the details of the experimental parameters.
Adrenal Function in Normal Women and Women with the Poly cystic Ovary Syndrome

The role of the adrenal gland in the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO) was reassessed. A series of C19 and C21 steroids and pituitary hormones was investigated by measurements of serum cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), an-drostenediol (Adiol), androstenedione (A), testosterone (T), pregnenolone (Pe), 17-hydroxypregnenolone (17Pe), progester-one (Po), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17Po), DHEA sulphate, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), LH, FSH, and PRL in nine normal women in the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle and nine women with PCO. Fluctuations of C19 and their C21 precursors were determined during the 24-h endogenous ACTH swings. The responses to dexamethasone suppression and to subsequent stimulation with two small pulses (200 ng/1.5 m2) of ACTH (to assess adrenal sensitivity) and an infusion (20 μg/2 h) of ACTH (to assess adrenal capacity) were analyzed. Significantly elevated basal levels of A, T, 17Po, and LH were found in the PCO group. In the normal subjects, a circadian rhythm s...
Decreased expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells in human atherosclerotic plaque.

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) plays an important role in migration, cell cycle progression and survival of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). We investigated the specific localization of IGF-1 and its receptor (IGF-1R) and their association with apoptosis and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in early and advanced atherosclerotic lesions. Human atherosclerotic plaques (n=23) from patients undergoing aortic, carotid or femoral arterial surgery were studied. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization revealed significantly higher expression of IGF-1 and IGF-1R in the media than in the intima of early atherosclerotic lesions (P<0.01). Medial VSMC positive for BAX, a proapoptotic protein of the B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (BCL2) family, showed colocalization of IGF-1. Apoptosis, as detected by DNA in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase end labeling (TUNEL), was not present in these early lesions. In advanced atherosclerotic plaques, the expression of IGF-1 and IGF-1R was significantly lower in the intimal regions with macrophage infiltration than in those without macrophage infiltration or than in the media (P<0.01). Furthermore, IGF-1 and IGF-1R immunoreactivity was markedly lower in intimal TUNEL-positive VSMC compared with intimal BAX-positive and medial VSMC (P<0.01). We conclude that IGF-1 and IGF-1R expression are reduced in the deep intima of early atherosclerotic lesions and in areas of advanced plaques with macrophage infiltration. Since IGF-1 is a potent survival factor for VSMC, poor expression of IGF-1 and IGF-1R in intimal regions with macrophage infiltration would likely contribute to triggering VSMC apoptosis potentially leading to plaque weakening, plaque rupture and acute coronary events.
Classical Congruences for Parameters in Binary Quadratic Forms

Let Q(?k) be an imaginary quadratic field with discriminant ?k and class number h, with k?3, 4, or 8. Let p be a prime such that (?kp)=1. There are integers C, D, unique up to sign, such that 4ph=C2+kD2, p?C. Stickelberger gave a congruence for C modulo p which extends congruences of Gauss, Jacobi, and Eisenstein. Stickelberger also gave a simultaneous congruence for C modulo k, but only for prime k. We prove an extension of his result that holds for all k, giving along the way an exposition of his work.
Determinants of international credit allocation: An analysis of US lending by Japanese banks, 1988 to 1994

Abstract The central issues addressed are the extent and causes of interdependency between Japanese banks' domestic and US lending. We examine hypotheses that domestic and US credit allocations by Japanese banks during the late 1980s and early 1990s are related through their mutual dependence on capital availability, and that the unique information role of banks as financial intermediaries leads to complementarity between their domestic and international lending. Both hypotheses receive support. Related conclusions are that economic and regulatory conditions in Japan strongly influence the extent of Japanese banks' US lending.
Is Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Lobectomy Better? Quality of Life Considerations

Video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy has controversial advantages over traditional open surgical approaches. Subjective concerns such as pain, dyspnea, physical functioning, and overall satisfaction generally favor VATS but vary depending on survey timing. Independence, a major quality of life component, favors video-assisted thoracic surgery because fewer objective hospital and discharge resources are needed because pulmonary function, activity level, muscle strength, and walking capacity are better. Video-assisted thoracic surgery often hastens return to work and facilitates adjuvant chemotherapy or subsequent urgent surgical procedures. Video-assisted thoracic surgery–related quality of life benefits are amplified by advanced age (or other frailties) and reduced by advanced cancer stage or comorbid illness.
Knockdown of FIBRILLIN4 gene expression in apple decreases plastoglobule plastoquinone content.

Fibrillin4 (FBN4) is a protein component of plastoglobules, which are antioxidant-rich sub-compartments attached to the chloroplast thylakoid membranes. FBN4 is required for normal plant biotic and abiotic stress resistance, including bacterial pathogens, herbicide, high light intensity, and ozone; FBN4 is also required for the accumulation of osmiophilic material inside plastoglobules. In this study, the contribution of FBN4 to plastoglobule lipid composition was examined using cultivated apple trees in which FBN4 gene expression was knocked down using RNA interference. Chloroplasts and plastoglobules were isolated from leaves of wild-type and fbn4 knock-down trees. Total lipids were extracted from chloroplasts and plastoglobules separately, and analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Three lipids were consistently present at lower levels in the plastoglobules from fbn4 knock-down apple leaves compared to the wild-type as determined by LC-MS multiple ion monitoring. One of these species had a molecular mass and fragmentation pattern that identified it as plastoquinone, a known major component of plastoglobules. The plastoquinone level in fbn4 knock-down plastoglobules was less than 10% of that in wild-type plastoglobules. In contrast, plastoquinone was present at similar levels in the lipid extracts of whole chloroplasts from leaves of wild-type and fbn4 knock-down trees. These results suggest that the partitioning of plastoquinone between the plastoglobules and the rest of the chloroplast is disrupted in fbn4 knock-down leaves. These results indicate that FBN4 is required for high-level accumulation of plastoquinone and some other lipids in the plastoglobule. The dramatic decrease in plastoquinone content in fbn4 knock-down plastoglobules is consistent with the decreased plastoglobule osmiophilicity previously described for fbn4 knock-down plastoglobules. Failure to accumulate the antioxidant plastoquinone in the fbn4 knock-down plastoglobules might contribute to the increased stress sensitivity of fbn4 knock-down trees.
Effect of friction on matrix damage in unidirectional composites

An analytical model is developed for the study of fracture behavior of unidirectional composites containing a transverse crack and longitudinal damage. Of particular interest is the effect of friction on the growth of longitudinal matrix damage. A consistent shear lag constitutive relationship is employed to take into account the load carrying capacity of the matrix. The resulting governing equations are solved numerically. The initiation as well as stable growth of matrix damage can be predicted in terms of composite microstructural properties and damage configuration. The results show that the high stress region at the tip of a longitudinal matrix split influences the failure of the adjoining fibers. The introduction of friction within the matrix split in the form of a closed crack retards the split growth.