cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functional analysis tools for post-translational modification: a post-translational modification database for analysis of proteins and metabolic pathways.

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are critical regulators of protein function, and nearly 200 different types of PTM have been identified. Advances in high-resolution mass spectrometry have led to the identification of an unprecedented number of PTM sites in numerous organisms, potentially facilitating a more complete understanding of how PTMs regulate cellular behavior. While databases have been created to house the resulting data, most of these resources focus on individual types of PTM, do not consider quantitative PTM analyses or do not provide tools for the visualization and analysis of PTM data. Here, we describe the Functional Analysis Tools for Post-Translational Modifications (FAT-PTM) database (https://bioinformatics.cse.unr.edu/fat-ptm/), which currently supports eight different types of PTM and over 49 000 PTM sites identified in large-scale proteomic surveys of the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana. The FAT-PTM database currently supports tools to visualize protein-centric PTM networks, quantitative phosphorylation site data from over 10 different quantitative phosphoproteomic studies, PTM information displayed in protein-centric metabolic pathways and groups of proteins that are co-modified by multiple PTMs. Overall, the FAT-PTM database provides users with a robust platform to share and visualize experimentally supported PTM data, develop hypotheses related to target proteins or identify emergent patterns in PTM data for signaling and metabolic pathways.
Alpha Frequency Entrainment Reduces the Effect of Visual Distractors

Numerous studies have linked alpha frequency (∼10 Hz) visual entrainment to the inhibition of incoming visual information. However, although these studies have provided key evidence for the intrinsic sensitivity of the human brain to incoming alpha frequency signals, they have only examined the negative impact of alpha entrainment on target stimuli. Thus, it remains uncertain whether the perception of distracting or nonimperative stimuli can also be affected by alpha frequency entrainment. In the current study, we address this question using an adapted version of the arrow-based Erikson "flanker" paradigm that incorporates stimuli flickering at two distinct frequencies: 10 Hz (alpha) and 30 Hz. By presenting flickering stimuli in the portions of the visual field where the flanking arrows would soon appear, we aimed to determine whether the frequency of visual entrainment (i.e., 10 Hz vs. 30 Hz) significantly interacted with the congruency of the flanking arrows (representing selective attention processing) using behavioral task performance and neural oscillations as the outcome metrics. Twenty-three healthy adult participants underwent magnetoencephalography during performance of the task. Our results indicated a reduced congruency effect (i.e., a smaller difference between congruent and incongruent trials) in the alpha flicker condition, as compared with the 30-Hz flicker condition, which suggests a robust relationship between alpha entrainment and the active inhibition of distractor stimuli appearing in that portion of the visual field. Supporting this, alpha frequency (but not 30 Hz) entrainment responses in the primary visual cortex also covaried significantly with the behavioral congruency effect.
“You Don’t Understand: He Needs That Bottle”

In this chapter, we will explore a case involving an 18-month-old toddler with obesity and the significant socioeconomic barriers to healthy living for this child and his family. At the conclusion of the case discussion, learners will be able to define childhood obesity; discuss the epidemiology of childhood obesity; understand disparities in obesity by age, race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status within the context of the social determinants of health; identify the short- and long-term health consequences of childhood obesity; discuss the effects of discrimination on obese people; and outline treatment and prevention strategies for obesity.
A Scoping Review of the Evidence Behind Cytochrome P450 2D6 Isoenzyme Inhibitor Classifications

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists 22 medications as clinical inhibitors of cytochrome P450 2D6 isoenzyme, with classifications of strong, moderate, and weak. It is accepted that strong inhibitors result in nearly null enzymatic activity, but reduction caused by moderate and weak inhibitors is less well characterized. The objective was to identify if the classification of currently listed FDA moderate and weak inhibitors is supported by publicly available primary literature. We conducted a literature search and reviewed product labels for area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) fold-changes caused by inhibitors in humans and identified 89 inhibitor-substrate pairs. Observed AUC fold-change of the substrate was used to create an observed inhibitor classification per FDA-defined AUC fold-change thresholds. We then compared the observed inhibitor classification with the classification listed in the FDA Table of Inhibitors. We found 62% of the inhibitors within the pairs matched the listed FDA classification. We explored reasons for discordance and suggest modifications to the FDA table of clinical inhibitors for cimetidine, desvenlafaxine, and fluvoxamine.
Automated machine learning: Review of the state-of-the-art and opportunities for healthcare.

Abstract Objective This work aims to provide a review of the existing literature in the field of automated machine learning (AutoML) to help healthcare professionals better utilize machine learning models “off-the-shelf” with limited data science expertise. We also identify the potential opportunities and barriers to using AutoML in healthcare, as well as existing applications of AutoML in healthcare. Methods Published papers, accompanied with code, describing work in the field of AutoML from both a computer science perspective or a biomedical informatics perspective were reviewed. We also provide a short summary of a series of AutoML challenges hosted by ChaLearn. Results A review of 101 papers in the field of AutoML revealed that these automated techniques can match or improve upon expert human performance in certain machine learning tasks, often in a shorter amount of time. The main limitation of AutoML at this point is the ability to get these systems to work efficiently on a large scale, i.e. beyond small- and medium-size retrospective datasets. Discussion The utilization of machine learning techniques has the demonstrated potential to improve health outcomes, cut healthcare costs, and advance clinical research. However, most hospitals are not currently deploying machine learning solutions. One reason for this is that health care professionals often lack the machine learning expertise that is necessary to build a successful model, deploy it in production, and integrate it with the clinical workflow. In order to make machine learning techniques easier to apply and to reduce the demand for human experts, automated machine learning (AutoML) has emerged as a growing field that seeks to automatically select, compose, and parametrize machine learning models, so as to achieve optimal performance on a given task and/or dataset. Conclusion While there have already been some use cases of AutoML in the healthcare field, more work needs to be done in order for there to be widespread adoption of AutoML in healthcare.
Comparative assessment of accessibility metrics across the U.S.

Abstract Accessibility-related research has advanced considerably since its foundational conception six decades ago. Yet, despite widespread acceptance of the concept, these methods are still rarely used in practical applications among transportation agencies and policymakers. Until recently, the challenges were mainly technical but now they are more practical. Practitioners are often faced with decisions about appropriate methods and metrics, which are difficult to answer from the current literature. This study attempts to produce a clearer understanding of the effects that those decisions have on practical outcomes, based on data spanning many geographies across the U.S. We test a variety of metrics—including different modes, destination types, analytical geographies, and metric definitions—in regions spanning seven states. This study points to several potential best practices, including the use of non-work walking accessibility metrics in multimodal analysis and the use of decay functions in accessibility metrics, and provides a strong foundation for future research.
Excipient Enhanced Growth Aerosol Surfactant Replacement Therapy in an In Vivo Rat Lung Injury Model

Background: In neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, breathing support and surfactant therapy are commonly used to enable the alveoli to expand. Surfactants are typically delivered through liquid instillation. However, liquid instillation does not specifically target the small airways. We have developed an excipient enhanced growth (EEG) powder aerosol formulation using Survanta®. Methods: EEG Survanta powder aerosol was delivered using a novel dry powder inhaler via tracheal insufflation to surfactant depleted rats at nominal doses of 3, 5, 10, and 20 mg of powder containing 0.61, 0.97, 1.73, and 3.46 mg of phospholipids (PL), whereas liquid Survanta was delivered via syringe instillation at doses of 2 and 4 mL/kg containing 18.6 and 34 mg of PL. Ventilation mechanics were measured before and after depletion, and after treatment. We hypothesized that EEG Survanta powder aerosol would improve lung mechanics compared with instilled liquid Survanta in surfactant depleted rats. Results and Conclusion: EEG Survanta powder aerosol at a dose of 0.61 mg PL significantly improved lung compliance and elastance compared with the liquid Survanta at a dose of 18.6 mg, which represents improved primary efficacy of the aerosol at a 30-fold lower dose of PL. There was no significant difference in white blood cell count of the lavage from the EEG Survanta group compared with liquid Survanta. These results provide an in vivo proof-of-concept for EEG Survanta powder aerosol as a promising method of surfactant replacement therapy.
Extensor Mechanism Ruptures and Reruptures: Perioperative Opioid Management.

The purpose of this study was to determine (1) the correlation between preoperative and postoperative opioid use and (2) risk factors associated with rerupture in patients undergoing open extensor mechanism repair. A retrospective review of patients who underwent operative repair of quadriceps or patellar tendon rupture was performed. Patients were classified as opioid nonusers if they had not received any opioid medications in the 3 months before surgery, or as acute users or chronic users if they received at least one opioid prescription within 1 month or 3 months preceding surgery. Clinical records were reviewed for postoperative opioid use within a year after surgery as well as rerupture rates. A total of 144 quadriceps tendon and 15 patellar tendon repairs were performed at a mean age of 56.8 ± 15.1 years and body mass index of 33.2 ± 7.1. The overall rerupture rate was 6%. Diabetes was a significant risk factor for rerupture (56 vs. 19%, p = 0.023). Chronic preoperative opioid users were more likely to continue to use opioids beyond 1 month postoperatively (p < 0.001) as compared with acute or nonopioid users. Chronic preoperative opioid users (relative risk [RR]: 3.53, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.11-5.90) and patients with longer anesthesia time (RR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.00-1.93) required more monthly opioid refills, whereas tourniquet use required fewer opioid refills each month (RR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.37-0.88). Compared with patients without a rerupture, each additional prescription refill after the initial repair in the rerupture group was associated with a 22% higher risk of tendon rerupture (RR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.07-1.39). The chronicity of preoperative opioid intake was found to have a significant effect on postoperative opioid use. This study suggests that there is a higher prevalence of rerupture in patients with prolonged opioid use postoperatively and among diabetics.
A comparison of learning outcomes from two poverty simulation experiences.

Objectives Five nationally representative U.S. federal data sources consistently showed the link between poverty and poor health outcomes. To determine the modality effective in teaching students about poverty and health, this study compared the attitudes toward poverty of students participating in the Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) and the poverty table-top simulation (Dwell™). Methods In this quasi-experimental study, undergraduate and graduate nursing students and physical therapy students participated in either CAPS or a table-top simulation (TTS) depending on their semester of enrollment in the relevant course. The Undergraduate Perception of Poverty Tracking Survey (UPPTS) was administered before and after each simulation. Results The analysis included 118 matched pairs. Using MANOVA tests, the authors found no group difference in the overall change of attitude after the simulations (p = .232). However, by the subscale analyses, TTS significantly increased students' willingness to help (p = .008, η2 = 0.058) and their empathy toward those living in poverty (p = .039, η2 = 0.039). Conclusion TTS participants had more elements of improvement, but both modalities were found to change participants' attitudes.
Click Conjugation of Boron Dipyrromethene (BODIPY) Fluorophores to EGFR-Targeting Linear and Cyclic Peptides.

Through a simple 1,3-cycloaddition reaction, three BODIPY-peptide conjugates that target the extracellular domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were prepared and their ability for binding to EGFR was investigated. The peptide ligands K(N3)LARLLT and its cyclic analog cyclo(K(N3)larllt, previously shown to have high affinity for binding to the extracellular domain of EGFR, were conjugated to alkynyl-functionalized BODIPY dyes 1 and 2 via a copper-catalyzed click reaction. This reaction produced conjugates 3, 4, and 5 in high yields (70–82%). In vitro studies using human carcinoma HEp2 cells that overexpress EGFR demonstrated high cellular uptake, particularly for the cyclic peptide conjugate 5, and low cytotoxicity in light (~1 J·cm−2) and darkness. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) results show binding affinity of the three BODIPY-peptide conjugates for EGFR, particularly for 5 bearing the cyclic peptide. Competitive binding studies using three cell lines with different expressions of EGFR show that 5 binds specifically to EGFR-overexpressing colon cancer cells. Among the three conjugates, 5 bearing the cyclic peptide exhibited the highest affinity for binding to the EGFR protein.
Citizen engagement body of knowledge – A fuzzy decision maker for index-term selection in built environment projects

Abstract Contribution of citizens is a key factor in the success of urban development projects and the cornerstone of smart cities in general. The domain researchers have attempted to understand the attributes of a meaningful and effective collaboration with citizens and improve the quality of engagement accordingly. With this aim, a rich and extensive literature has been created, covering different aspects of citizen engagement. The subjective-ness and context-sensitivity of involved issues, however, do not allow for a ‘universal’ standard solution to be proposed, even to a similar problem, in different spatiotemporal contexts. In this paper, after an extensive analysis of a broadly inclusive range of existing literature through more than 1092 publications, a conceptual framework is proposed to contextualize citizen engagement in urban projects. Using this framework, a model is trained, with the aid of the fuzzy paradigm to provide fuzzy sets of most relevant keywords for a query regarding citizen engagement in urban projects, and a decision support system is developed to retrieve the most relevant publications, based on the fuzzy inference mechanism. The system provides the most relevant keywords for reviewing the literature, as well as the most related documents, through answering a set of simple questions. The solution is deployed through a user interface, linked to the well-known Elsevier online database Scopus. The developed system can assist researchers and practitioners with retrieving knowledge from the literature, for setting up new projects.
Being Baffled Is [Not] a Virtue

Teaching voice for the performing arts in the middle of a global pandemic has taught me the value of clarity. I want to think I have always valued clarity in education (Sansom 2016), but as with ma...
Nephron-deficient HSRA rats exhibit renal injury with age but have limited renal damage from streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia

The HSRA rat, a novel model of nephron deficiency, provides a unique opportunity to study the association between nephron number and confounding cardiovascular complications that impact kidney heal...
Uniform corrosion of FeCrAl cladding tubing for accident tolerant fuels in light water reactors

Abstract Iron-Chromium-Aluminum (FeCrAl) alloys are candidate materials for light water reactor accident tolerant fuel (ATF) rod cladding because of the unparalleled resistance of these alloys to attack by superheated steam in the case of a loss of coolant accident. Since FeCrAl alloys were never used before in a reactor environment, it was important to characterize their corrosion resistance under simulated reactor normal operation conditions. Tests were conducted for APMT and C26M alloys in three ~300°C water systems (two containing hydrogen and one containing oxygen). Results show that after 12 months of immersion the FeCrAl alloys lose a small amount of mass. The resistance to corrosion is mostly given by the development on the surface of a protective oxide mostly rich in Cr and Al. The mass loss was lower in APMT than in C26M because of the higher Cr content in the former. After 12 months residence in the ~300°C water, the FeCrAl specimens maintained their unequaled resistance to attack by 1200°C steam.
Formation of three-dimensional bicontinuous structures via molten salt dealloying studied in real-time by in situ synchrotron X-ray nano-tomography.

Three-dimensional bicontinuous porous materials formed by dealloying contribute significantly to various applications including catalysis, sensor development and energy storage. This work studies a method of molten salt dealloying via real-time in situ synchrotron three-dimensional X-ray nano-tomography. Quantification of morphological parameters determined that long-range diffusion is the rate-determining step for the dealloying process. The subsequent coarsening rate was primarily surface diffusion controlled, with Rayleigh instability leading to ligament pinch-off and creating isolated bubbles in ligaments, while bulk diffusion leads to a slight densification. Chemical environments characterized by X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopic imaging show that molten salt dealloying prevents surface oxidation of the metal. In this work, gaining a fundamental mechanistic understanding of the molten salt dealloying process in forming porous structures provides a nontoxic, tunable dealloying technique and has important implications for molten salt corrosion processes, which is one of the major challenges in molten salt reactors and concentrated solar power plants. Understanding how pores evolve in metals submerged in molten salts is important for nanofabrication technology and molten salt corrosion in nuclear and solar power plants. Here, the authors present an in situ X-ray 3D imaging to directly visualize and quantify the process.
The Telehealth Spine Physical Examination: A Practical Approach Learned During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in the use of telehealth visits across the country to minimize in-person visits and to limit the spread of COVID-19. To date, no standards or outlines for telehealth spine examinations have been detailed and many surgeons simply defer the physical examination when performing telehealth visits. Nevertheless, just as physical examination of the spine is an integral part of live clinical encounters, appropriately modified physical examinations should also be part of virtual visits. Methods In this study we provide our methodology for guiding providers and patients in efficiently performing telehealth spine examinations. Results The study details steps for efficiently performing a physical examination in the telehealth setting. Our written suggestions are supplemented with photographs and video recordings to help streamline the virtual examination. Conclusions An effective and efficient spine physical examination can be performed during telehealth visits. Future directions include verifying the findings from our virtual physical examination with in-person examinations.
Statistical Approaches to Measurement Invariance

This book reviews the statistical procedures used to detect measurement bias. Measurement bias is examined from a general latent variable perspective so as to accommodate different forms of testing in a variety of contexts including cognitive or clinical variables, attitudes, personality dimensions, or emotional states. Measurement models that underlie psychometric practice are described, including their strengths and limitations. Practical strategies and examples for dealing with bias detection are provided throughout. The book begins with an introduction to the general topic, followed by a review of the measurement models used in psychometric theory. Emphasis is placed on latent variable models, with introductions to classical test theory, factor analysis, and item response theory, and the controversies associated with each, being provided. Measurement invariance and bias in the context of multiple populations is defined in chapter 3 followed by chapter 4 that describes the common factor model for continuous measures in multiple populations and its use in the investigation of factorial invariance. Identification problems in confirmatory factor analysis are examined along with estimation and fit evaluation and an example using WAIS-R data. The factor analysis model for discrete measures in multiple populations with an emphasis on the specification, identification, estimation, and fit evaluation issues is addressed in the next chapter. An MMPI item data example is provided. Chapter 6 reviews both dichotomous and polytomous item response scales emphasizing estimation methods and model fit evaluation. The use of models in item response theory in evaluating invariance across multiple populations is then described, including an example that uses data from a large-scale achievement test. Chapter 8 examines item bias evaluation methods that use observed scores to match individuals and provides an example that applies item response theory to data introduced earlier in the book. The book concludes with the implications of measurement bias for the use of tests in prediction in educational or employment settings. A valuable supplement for advanced courses on psychometrics, testing, measurement, assessment, latent variable modeling, and/or quantitative methods taught in departments of psychology and education, researchers faced with considering bias in measurement will also value this book.
Which nudges do people like? A national survey

In surveys, majorities of Americans disapprove of twelve hypothetical nudges (seven involving default rules, five involving education campaigns or disclosure requirements). These results provide an illuminating contrast with the majority support for twenty-two nudges that were also tested, and that are more realistic examples of the kinds of nudges that have been adopted or seriously considered in democratic nations. In general (and with some interesting exceptions), there is a strikingly broad consensus, across partisan lines, about which nudges do and do not deserve support. The best understanding of the data is that people dislike those nudges that (a) promote what people see as illicit ends or (b) are perceived as inconsistent with either the interests or values of most choosers. A ranking of the thirty-four nudges, in terms of their popularity, is provided, along with reports of differences (when they exist) among Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.
New Photosensitizers for PDT

Hematoporphyrin derivative (HpD), the most extensively studied photosensitizer used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) to-date suffers from a number of drawbacks which include only a modest absorption band at 630nm,1 a region at the lower end of the red region. Searches for more efficient photosensitizers for PDT have therefore centered on compounds absorbing at the higher end of the red region (650–750nm) where tissue penetration of light is greater. Potential photosensitizers currently under investigation include the phthalocyanines2, chlorins (eg. Pheophorbide3 and chlorin e6 derivative4) and the purpurins.5 We have also recently suggested that verdins may also be suitable candidates for PDT6 and now present further evidence to substantiate this claim.
Radiation Preservation of Foods and Nature of Microbial Radiation Resistance

Although a patent was issued in 1929 for the use of radiation as a means of preserving foods, it was not until shortly after World War II that this method of food preservation received any serious consideration. Although the application of radiation as a food preservation method has been somewhat slow in reaching its maximum potential use, the full application of this method presents some interesting challenges to food microbiologists and other food scientists.
Transcriptome-wide Analysis Reveals Hallmarks of Human Intestine Development and Maturation In Vitro and In Vivo

Human intestinal organoids (HIOs) are a tissue culture model in which small intestine-like tissue is generated from pluripotent stem cells. By carrying out unsupervised hierarchical clustering of RNA-sequencing data, we demonstrate that HIOs most closely resemble human fetal intestine. We observed that genes involved in digestive tract development are enriched in both fetal intestine and HIOs compared to adult tissue, whereas genes related to digestive function and Paneth cell host defense are expressed at higher levels in adult intestine. Our study also revealed that the intestinal stem cell marker OLFM4 is expressed at very low levels in fetal intestine and in HIOs, but is robust in adult crypts. We validated our findings using in vivo transplantation to show that HIOs become more adult-like after transplantation. Our study emphasizes important maturation events that occur in the intestine during human development and demonstrates that HIOs can be used to model fetal-to-adult maturation.
Effect of nicotine upon uterine blood flow in the pregnant rhesus monkey

Acute effects of nicotine upon the uterine blood flow, blood pressure, maternal and fetal acid-base state, and oxygenation were determined in eight pregnant rhesus monkeys near term. Nicotine was infused intravenously to the mother in a dose of 100 microgram/kg per body weight/minute over 20 minutes. The flow rate was measured with the use of the electromagnetic flowmeter. Significant decrease in the uterine arterial blood flow rate, as much as 38% of the control value, was observed during the first 15 minutes of the infusion while aortic pressure increased by 14%. Acidosis and hypoxia resulted in the fetus. Considered together with our previously reported data, the present investigation appears to indicate that the adverse effects of nicotine to the fetus are due to the combined effects of the reduced uterine blood flow and the transmitted nicotine to the fetus.
Operators' Improvisation in Complex Technological Systems: Successfully Tackling Ambiguity, Enhancing Resiliency and the Last Resort to Averting Disaster

Complex safety-critical technological systems breakdowns, which are often characterized as ‘low probability, high consequence’, could pose serious threats for workers, the local public, and possibly neighboring regions and the whole country. System designers can neither anticipate all possible scenarios nor foresee all aspects of unfolding emergency. Front-line operators’ improvisation via dynamic problem solving and reconfiguration of available recourses provide the last resort for preventing a total system failure. Despite advances in automation, operators should remain in charge of controlling and monitoring of safety-critical systems. Furthermore, at the time of a major emergency, operators will always constitute the society's both the first and last layer of defense; and it is eventually their improvisation and ingenuity that could save the day.
Workload Evolution on the Cornell Theory Center IBM SP2

The Cornell Theory Center (CTC) put a 512-node IBM SP2 system into production in early 1995, and extended traces of batch jobs began to be collected in June of that year. An analysis of the workload shows that it has not only grown, but that its characteristics have changed over time. In particular, job duration increased with time, indicative of an expanding production workload. In addition, there was increasing use of parallelism.
Determination of the oxidation states of manganese in brain, liver, and heart mitochondria

Excess brain manganese can produce toxicity with symptoms that resemble those of Parkinsonism and causes that remain elusive. Manganese accumulates in mitochondria, a major source of superoxide, which can oxidize Mn2+ to the powerful oxidizing agent Mn3+. Oxidation of important cell components by Mn3+ has been suggested as a cause of the toxic effects of manganese. Determining the oxidation states of intramitochondrial manganese could help to identify the dominant mechanism of manganese toxicity. Using X-ray absorbance near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy, we have characterized the oxidation state of manganese in mitochondria isolated from brain, liver, and heart over concentrations ranging from physiological to pathological. Results showed that (i) spectra from different model manganese complexes of the same oxidation state were similar to each other and different from those of other oxidation states and that the position of the absorption edge increases with oxidation state; (ii) spectra from intramitochondrial manganese in isolated brain, heart and liver mitochondria were virtually identical; and (iii) under these conditions intramitochondrial manganese exists primarily as a combination of Mn2+ complexes. No evidence for Mn3+ was detected in samples containing more than endogenous manganese levels, even after incubation under conditions promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. While the presence of Mn3+ complexes cannot be proven in the spectrum of endogenous mitochondrial manganese, the shape of this spectrum could suggest the presence of Mn3+ near the limit of detection, probably as MnSOD.
Keeping the motivation going

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to acknowledge and provide tips for ongoing motivation needs of an organization. Design/methodology/approach – This article discusses several examples in the literature regarding motivational elements. Findings – This article advocates for seeking new approaches to motivating employees as financial concerns deepen. Originality/value – This is the author's point-of-view and experience.
Cleavage of NH bonds by active oxygen on Ag(110): II. Selective oxidation of ethylamine to acetonitrile

Abstract The adsorption of ethylamine on Ag(110) and its reaction with adsorbed oxygen was studied with temperature programmed reaction spectroscopy (TPRS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electron energy loss vibrational spectroscopy (EELS). Adsorption of ethylamine on the clean Ag(110) surface proceeds at 110 K without dissociation. Desorption from the multilayer occurs at 160 K, and a series of broader desorption peaks from monolayer states are observed from 150 to 400 K. The chemical shift of the N(1s) X-ray photoelectron spectrum indicates that ethylamine bonds through the nitrogen lone pair in the monolayer. The reaction of ethylamine with adsorbed oxygen starts with the formation of adsorbed CH3CH2NH and adsorbed hydroxyl groups upon adsorption at 110 K. These species undergo further reaction to yield water from 280 to 370 K, and hydrogen, acetonitrile, and regenerated ethylamine at 370 K. Acetonitrile is the only carbon-containing product observed (other than ethylamine), indicative of highly selective bond breaking processes. Deuterium labeling experiments showed that preadsorbed oxygen activates the NH bonds, leading to water formation, while the hydrogen product evolved at higher temperatures originates from the carbon skeleton via CH bond metallation by the silver surface. Disproportionation of CH3CH2NH groups was identified. Ethylamine is formed by rate-limiting CH bond cleavage of adsorbed CH3CH2N. No evidence was found for the activation of either CC or CN bonds, and the surface metallation of NH bonds does not occur.
GaAs IC technology, circuits, and systems

Current commercial GaAs IC technology is reviewed along with IC yield and reliability. Standard digital products and standard-cell ASICs, (application-specific integrated circuits) are described. CRAY-3 GaAs implementation is discussed as a system application. >
Golay complementary sequences for OFDM with 16-QAM

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is a common technique in multicarrier communications. Whereas most results so far relate 4-PSK-based OFDM, this article introduces a new approach using the 16-QAM scheme.
Basilar artery to bilateral posterior cerebral artery 'Y stenting' for endovascular reconstruction of wide-necked basilar apex aneurysms: report of three cases

AbstractEndovascular reconstruction of basilar artery (BA) apex aneurysms has been augmented by adjunctive techniques such as balloon and stent assistance. We present three cases of a wide-necked BA apex aneurysm involving the bilateral P1 segments of both posterior cerebral arteries (PCAs) treated by placement of BA to PCA stents bilaterally in a 'Y' configuration to reconstruct the BA apex for effective coil embolization. Three patients (aged 70, 65 and 37 years) with wide-necked basilar artery aneurysms presented for endovascular treatment. All aneurysms had necks that involved the bilateral P1 segments. Each patient was deemed an appropriate candidate for endovascular reconstruction. Patients were pretreated with clopidogrel (75 mg) and aspirin (325 mg) each day for 3 days prior to the procedure. Following induction of general anesthesia, access to the right femoral artery was obtained by placement of a 6F sheath. Intravenous heparin was administered to achieve an activated coagulation time (ACT) of a...
Regulation of cyclin D1/Cdk4 complexes by calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase I.

The selective inhibitor of the multifunctional calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinases (CaMK), KN-93, arrests a variety of cell types in G1. However, the biochemical nature of this G1 arrest point and the physiological target of KN-93 in G1 remain controversial. Here we show that in WI-38 human diploid fibroblasts KN-93 reversibly arrested cells in late G1 prior to detectable cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (cdk4) activation. At the KN-93 arrest point, we found that cyclin D1/cdk4 complexes had assembled with p21/p27, accumulated in the nucleus, and become phosphorylated on Thr-172, yet were relatively inactive. Additional examination of cdk4 complexes by gel filtration analysis demonstrated that, in late G1, cyclin D1-containing complexes migrated toward lower molecular weight (Mr) fractions and this altered migration was accompanied by the appearance of two peaks of cdk4 activity, at 150-200 and 70 kDa, respectively. KN-93 prevented both the activation of cdk4, and this shift in cyclin D1 migration and overexpression of cyclin D1/cdk4 overcame the KN-93 arrest. To determine which multifunctional CaMK acts in G1, we expressed kinase-deficient forms of CaMKI and CaMKII. Overexpression of kinase-deficient CaMKI, but not CaMKII, prevented cdk4 activation, mimicking the KN-93 arrest point. Therefore, we hypothesize that KN-93 prevents a very late, uncharacterized step in cyclin D/cdk4 activation that involves CaMKI and follows complex assembly, nuclear entry, and phosphorylation.
Premixed Combustion in a Periodic Flow Field. Part I: Experimental Investigation

An experimental investigation into the detailed mixing, combustion and ignition processes occurring in a flow field under the influence of resonant acoustic perturbations has been performed. These acoustic perturbations were created by a pulse combustor of the "Helmholtz" type. Cycle-resolved ensemble-averaged measurements of the velocity field, combined with instantaneous images of chemiluminescence and of schlieren, are presented. During the first two-thirds of the resonant cycle the inlet jet forms a well-defined toroidal vortex that is phase-locked with the combustor cycle. This toroidal vortex is responsible for the convection and mixing of the reactants with the residual hot products. Although chemiluminescence is always present in quiescent regions of the combustor, none exists in the region of the reactants during injection. Moreover, the combustion of the fresh reactants begins late in the cycle along the outer edges of the rolled up toroidal vortex, and not in the quiescent regions of the flow. The combustion of the reactants moves into the center of this toroidal vortex where rapid uniform ignition and subsequent combustion of the fresh reactants occurs. This flow field is dominated by a strong toroidal vortex which entrains on a large scale and mixes on a fine scale the fresh reactants with the residual hot products, preparing them for a rapid, almost Volumetric, combustion process initiated by thermal and/or radical ignition.
Relationship between folding and function in a sequence-specific miniature DNA-binding protein.

Previously, we have described a miniature protein-based approach to the design of molecules that bind DNA or protein surfaces with high affinity and specificity. In this approach, the small, well- folded protein avian pancreatic polypeptide acts as a scaffold to present and stabilize an R-helical or PPII-helical recognition epitope. The first miniature protein designed in this way, a molecule called p007, presents the R-helical recognition epitope found on the bZIP protein GCN4 and binds DNA with nanomolar affinity and exceptional specificity. In this work we use alanine-scanning mutagenesis to explore the contributions of 29 p007 residues to DNA affinity, specificity, and secondary structure. Virtually every residue within the p007 R-helix, and most residues within the p007 PPII helix, contribute to both DNA affinity and specificity. These residues include those introduced to make specific and nonspecific DNA contacts, as well as those that complete the miniature protein core. Moreover, there exists a direct correlation between the affinity of a p007 variant for specific DNA and the ability of that variant to select for specific DNA over nonspecific DNA. Although we observe no correlation between R-helicity and affinity, we observe a limited correlation between R-helicity and sequence specificity that emphasizes the role of coupled binding/folding in the function of p007. Our results imply that formation of a highly evolved set of protein‚DNA contacts in the context of a well-packed hydrophobic core, and not the extent of intrinsic R-helical structure, is the primary determinant of p007 function.
Photomultiplier Tube System for the Daya Bay Experiment

Abstract The Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment is designed to measure sin 2 ( 2 θ 13 ) to 0.01 by performing a relative measurement of electron antineutrino events via inverse β decay in the near and far detectors. The antineutrino detectors will be placed in water pools and surrounded by at least 2.5m of water to suppress background. The water pools also serve as Cherenkov detectors for tagging cosmic-ray muons that can generate background. Details of the photomultiplier tube assemblies used in the antineutrino detectors and the water Cherenkov counters are presented.
Three-dimensional assessment of bone turnover using computed microtomography and laser-scanning confocal microscopy

Objective: Metabolic activity in trabecular bone is an important indicator in the therapy of bone diseases like osteoporosis. It is reflected by the amount of osteoid (young, not yet mineralized bone) and young calcified tissue (YCT). Our aim was to replace standard 2D histomorphometry with a 3D approach for osteoid and YCT measurement. Measurement Methods: Excised lumbar vertebrae of 5 ovariectomized (OVX) and 5 control rats were 3D-scanned with computed micro-tomography ((mu) CT, isotropic spatial resolution 20 micrometer3) and laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM, 20X magnification, 1X1X2 micrometer3 spatial resolution). (mu) CT shows trabecular bone structure; LSCM shows osteoid and YCT by fluorescent light. Image Processing Methods: The fraction of bone to tissue volume (BV/TV) and the number of trabeculae (Tb.N) were calculated from globally thresholded (mu) CT images. LSCM images were enhanced using top-hat transform, globally thresholded and morphologically closed. Separate regions were labeled by volume growing. We measured feature volume to background volume ratio and number of features per unit volume. Results and Conclusions: In the specimens obtained from the OVX rats, a significant increase in the volume fractions of osteoid and YCT could be seen. The (mu) CT-LSCM approach presents a significant improvement over time-consuming, standard histomorphometry. The image processing for both modalities could be achieved automatically.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Metamaterial-based imaging for potential security applications

In this paper, we present two different types of THz spatial light modulators (SLMs) that use dynamic metamaterials (MMs) to enable multiplex imaging. One imaging setup consists of a doped semiconducting MM as the SLM, with multi-color super-pixels composed of arrays of electronically controlled metamaterial absorbers (MMAs). Our device is capable of modulation of THz radiation at frequencies up to 12 MHz with maximum modulation depths over 50%. We have also implemented a different system enabling high resolution, high-fidelity, multiplex single pixel THz imaging. We use optical photoexcitation of semiconductors to dynamically tune the electromagnetic properties of MMs. By copropagating a THz and collimated optical laser beam through a high-resistivity silicon (Si) wafer with a MM patterned on the surface, we may modify the THz transmission in real-time by modifying the optical power. By further encoding a spatial pattern on the optical beam, with a digital micro-mirror device (DMD), we may write masks for THz radiation.
A management approach for allocating instrument development resources

Abstract The Cassini Science Management Plan was developed for NASA's Cassini mission to Saturn to assist the Science Instrument Manager in guiding the development of the spacecraft's science payload. This plan, unlike previous development approaches, allocated the entire mass, power, data rate and budget resources for the science instruments to the Principal Investigators. The result removed the Cassini Project from adjudicating and reallocating resources for instrument development problems. Instrument development problems that did occur were resolved by the Principal Investigators themselves through the use of a ‘resource exchange’. The exchange allowed Principal Investigators to submit ‘bids’ (i.e. a request for resources) to a database. Principal Investigators were allowed to barter their own resources with other investigators. The resulting exchange or multilateral trade allowed the investigators to reallocate their resource to ‘better’ their current position.
A Dutch elm disease resistant triploid elm

A naturally occurring triploid elm hybrid was found in the American elm, Ulmusamericana L., planting on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Chromosome examinations of mitosis in root tips and meiosis in pollen mother cells showed a chromosome complement of 2n = 3x = 42. The chromosome alignment at meiotic metaphase I was predominantly 14 bivalents and 14 univalents, indicating that one parent was an American elm, which contributed the bivalents through autosyndetic pairing. When DNA underwent restriction digestion with HindIII and probed with a 9.5-kilobase cloned ribosomal DNA fragment from pea, Pisumsativum L., the triploid hybrid showed a band not found in American elms. Seed from the open-pollinated parent tree had low viability and seedlings were highly variable in height, leaf size, and shape. The small leaves of some seedlings suggest that the other parent was a species with leaves smaller than American elm. The hybrid was found to be resistant to Ophiostomaulmi (Buis.) Nannf. When twig crotches ...
THE ADRENAL CORTEX OF THE PANTOTHENIO ACID-DEFICIENT RAT: EOSINOPHILE AND LYMPHOCYTE RESPONSES1–2

THE importance of pantothenic acid in the maintenance of the adrenal cortex of the rat has been known on morphological grounds since the initial observations of Daft and Sebrell (1939) Nelson (1939), Daft et al. (1940), and Ashburn (1940). More recently the histological changes occurring in the adrenal of the pantothenic acid-deficient rat have been reported in some detail by Deane and McKibbin (1946), who have described such changes as hypertrophy, depletion of sudanophilic and “ketosteroid” substances, and focal necrosis, hemorrhage and fibroblastic activity. As noted by previous observers, these changes appear to affect predominantly the zona fasciculata and the zona reticularis. Surprisingly few functional studies of the adrenal cortex of the pantothenate-deficient rat have been reported. Gaunt et al. (1946) have shown that deficiency of this vitamin increases the sensitivity of the rat to water intoxication as compared to pair-fed controls. This increased sensitivity could be abolished, however, if t...
Gender and depression

Abstract The most common forms of affective disorder are ‘major depression' and ‘bipolar disorder' (i. e. major depression plus mania occurring at some time in the person's life). There is now consistent evidence from epidemiological, family and clinical studies that the rates of major depression are about twofold higher among women than men, and that the sex ratios of bipolar disorder are equal. Many explanations, including artifactual, psychosocial, genetic, endocrine, have been offered to account for these findings. Recent improvements in the specification and reliability of psychiatric diagnosis have accelerated these research efforts. The evidence suggests that these findings are not an artifact of differences between the sexes in reporting or seeking help. There are no definitive psychosocial explanations. Two studies suggest that genetic transmission per se cannot account for the sex difference. There is increasing interest in endocrine explanations. Demographic changes are of likely importance. Research in these areas must also take into consideration two recent findings: a birth cohort effect (as in increasing rates of major depression and earlier age of onset in the birth cohorts born after World War II) and the heterogeneity of major depression, i.e. major depression may consist of etiologically distinct subgroups. It is highly unlikely that any one explanation will account for all these phenomena or that all types of depression will be associated with the same risk factors.
Implementation by demand mechanisms

This paper introduces a class of implementation mechanisms for exchange economies, calleddemand mechanisms. Each agent “demands” a consumption bundle, and equilibria are situations where each agent receives the bundle he asked for. A simple necessary and sufficient condition for implementation by a demand mechanism is derived.