cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU‐FF‐T‐601: Dosimetric Effects of Lung Regional Density Variation Based On 4D CT Study

Purpose: To utilize 4DCT imaging to evaluate the effect of lung regional density variation on selection of IMRTtreatment technique for lungcancers.Method and Materials: A Philips Big Bore CT scanner was used to obtain 4D CTimages for 10 lungcancer patients. Two phase‐specific image sets were generated for each patient, one for end‐inspiration (EI) with maximum lung volume, the other for end ‐expiration (EE) with minimum lung volume. IMRT plans generated for each patient based on regular CT were applied to the lung volumes contoured on both EI and EE image sets. Data extracted from dose‐mass histogram calculated at EE were compared to those calculated at EI. Differences in normal lungdose distribution induced by lung density variations from breathing cycle were evaluated. Results: For all 10 patients, there were dose reductions on normal lungtissues if treatments were applied at the end of inspiration. Moreover, lung sparing was more significant if tumors were located near the apex region. Comparing the lungdose in the EI treatment with that in the EE treatment,lung mass receiving at least 20 Gy was reduced by less than 3% if the tumor was located in middle lung or base region; up to 7% if located in the apex region. The reduction was also more pronounced for large size tumors.Conclusion: The variation of lung regional density during breathing cycle is an important factor in IMRTtreatment planning of lungtumors. Higher density in the apex region exposes more lungtissues to radiation if treatments applied at the end‐expiration. Deep inspiration breath‐hold or gated treatment applied at the end‐inspiration should be considered for treatingtumor near apex region. 4D CTimaging provides a useful tool in analyzinglung density that affects dose to normal lungtissues.
Minimal dispersion refractive index profiles

The analogy between optics and quantum mechanics is exploited by considering a 2-D quantum system whose Schroedinger equation is closely related to the wave equation for light propagation in an optical fiber. From this viewpoint, Marcatili's condition for minimal-dispersion-refractive-index profiles, and the Olshansky- Keck formula for rms pulse spreading in an alpha-profile fiber may be derived without recourse to the WKB approximation. Besides affording physical insight into these results, the present approach points out a possible limitation in their application to real fibers.
The Effects of Participation in Decision‐Making on Worker Satisfaction and Productivity: An Organizational Simulation1

Although correlational evidence of a positive relationship between participation in decision-making and satisfaction is relatively consistent, whether participation in decision-making has a causal effect on satisfaction remains unclear. The present research examined, through an organizational simulation in which high and low levels of participation in decision-making were manipulated, the causal effect of participation on satisfaction and productivity. The subjects were 128 male undergraduates randomly assigned to 32 four-person groups. Results of the experiment showed that participation in decision-making had a significant positive effect on satisfaction. In addition, the correlation between perceived influence and satisfaction was positive (r= .31). Contrary to theoretically derived predictions, participation had no impact on productivity.
An Assessment of Operational TIROS–N Temperature Retrievals over the United States

Abstract For a 14-day period in late March and early April 1979, TIROS-N operational soundings have been compared with independent temperature analyses produced by the National Meteorological Center. Over the United States and southern Canada, analyzed layer-mean virtual temperatures were interpolated in space and time to the TIROS-N soundings. Differences between retrieved and analyzed layer temperatures were calculated at each sounding location. Statistical analysis of those differences reveals the following. For this data sample, the average TIROS-N sounding is too warm near the surface, too cool in the mid troposphere and too warm at the tropopause. Soundings made under cloudy conditions, which depend heavily on radiances in the microwave channels, have larger temperature biases than soundings made in clear air. Root-mean-square differences between retrieved and analyzed layer temperatures are generally less than 2°C except in the 1000–850 and 70–50 mb layers, where they are larger. The horizontal cor...
A crabtree effect in amytal- or progesterone-treated ascites tumor cells☆

Abstract The effect of glucose on respiration associated with succinate oxidation was studied with intact ascites tumor cells treated with amytal or progesterone which inhibit the oxidation of reduced diphosphopyridine nucleotide (DPNH). The addition of glucose produced a significant depression in the rate of oxygen consumption associated with succinate oxidation. This inhibitory effect was observed in the presence of uncoupling agents but was partially released by the addition of Tris or phosphate in concentrations with high buffering capacity. Neither glucose in the presence of iodoacetatc nor 2-dcoxyglucose exerted an inhibitory effect on this respiration, a finding which is in contrast to the classic Crabtree effect. Furthermore, in the normal intact cells, glucose partially released the pronounced inhibitory effect of 2-deoxyglucose and vice versa; it is therefore concluded that the inhibitory effect produced by 2-deoxyglucosc differs from that produced by glucose. The data are compatible with the explanation that a factor in this depression of respiration is a change in intramitochondrial pH as a consequence of intracellular acidification.
Are obstetrical personnel required for intraoperative fetal monitoring during nonobstetric surgery

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the scientific literature supports the practice of electronic monitoring of the fetal heart rate (FHR) during nonobstetric surgery. STUDY DESIGN: A search of the literature from 1966 to 1995 was performed using MEDLINE. RESULTS: No fetal hypoxic mortality or morbidity has been documented from nonobstetric surgery without occurrence of a maternal hypoxic complication regardless of the use of FHR monitoring or whether alterations of the FHR occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Fetal monitoring is an indirect assessment of maternal anesthetic and surgical management that is not as specific or effective as direct assessment of the maternal parameters to detect respiratory compromise. Current clinical evidence obtained does not substantiate the need for obstetric personnel to monitor FHR changes during surgical procedures because no change in fetal outcome has been documented.
Darwin and the Galapagos

Charles Darwin's historic visit to the Galapagos Islands in 1835 represents a landmark in the annals of science. But contrary to the legend long surrounding Darwin's famous Galapagos visit, he continued to believe that species were immutable for nearly a year and a half after leaving these islands. This delay in Darwin's evolutionary appreciation of the Galapagos evidence is largely owing to numerous misconceptions that he entertained about the islands, and their unique organic inhabitants, during the Beagle voyage. For example, Darwin mistakenly thought that the Galapagos tortoise–adult specimens of which he did not collect for scientific purposes–was not native to these islands. Hence he apparently interpreted reports of island-to-island differences among the tortoises as analogous to changes that are commonly undergone by species removed from their natural habitats. As for Darwin's finches, Darwin initially failed to recognize the closely related nature of the group, mistaking certain species for the forms that they appear, through adaptive radiation, to mimic. Moreover, what locality information he later published for his Galapagos finch specimens was derived almost entirely from the collections of three other Beagle shipmates, following his return to England. Even after he became an evolutionist, in March of 1837 (when he discussed his Galapagos birds with the eminent ornithologist John Gould), Darwin's theoretical understanding of evolution in the Galapagos continued to undergo significant developments for almost as many years as it took him to publish the Origin of Species (1859). The Darwin-Galapagos legend, with its romantic portrait of Darwin's ‘eureka-like’ insight into the Galapagos as a microcosmic ‘laboratory of evolution’, masks the complex nature of scientific discovery, and, thereby, the real nature of Darwin's genius.
Catalysis of imido group hydrolysis in a maleimide conjugate

Maleimides are often used for biomolecular conjugation with thiols. An underappreciated aspect of the imido group in a maleimide conjugate is its susceptibility to spontaneous hydrolysis, resulting in undesirable heterogeneity. Here, a chromophoric maleimide is used to demonstrate that both molybdate and chromate catalyze the hydrolysis of an imido group near neutral pH. Tungstate and 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine are less effective as catalysts. This work reveals a new mode of chemical reactivity for molybdate and chromate, and provides a strategy for decreasing the heterogeneity of bioconjugates derived from maleimides.
Motor and premotor mechanisms of licking.

Abstract TRAVERS, J.B., DINARDO, L.A. AND KARIMNAMAZI, H. Motor and premotor mechanisms of licking. NEUROSCI BIOBEHAV REV 21(5) 631–647, 1997.—The location, organization and anatomical connections of a central pattern generator (CPG) for licking are discussed. Anatomical and physiological studies suggest a brainstem location distributed within several subdivisions of the medullary reticular formation (RF). The involvement of widespread RF regions is evident from brainstem recording experiments in awake freely moving preparations and studies employing electrical stimulation of the frontal cortex to produce ororhythmic activity. The complex multifunctional properties of RF neurons producing licking are indicated by their activity during licking, swallowing and the rejection of an aversive gustatory stimulus. Anatomical studies place descending inputs to a brainstem CPG for licking to widely distributed areas of both the medial and lateral RF. In contrast, most projections originating from brainstem orosensory nuclei terminate primarily within the lateral RF. Because many pre-oromotor neurons appear concentrated largely in the intermediate zone of the RF (IRt), it is hypothesized that neurons from both lateral and medial sites converge within the IRt to control oromotor function. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.
Xenological constraints on the impact erosion of the early Martian atmosphere

This paper considers impact erosion as the agent of the early Martian atmophere escape, by examining xenon-related constraints imposed on the impact erosion. It is found that, if impact erosion of a planetary atmosphere is important, the remnant atmosphere is likely to fall into one of two qualitatively distinct categories: (1) cometary xenon has an unexpected isotopic composition or (2) factors other than impacts, such as outgassing or recycling, are needed. Neither of these categories can readily account for the present Martian atmosphere.
Periureteral extension of prostatic carcinoma.

Abstract A unique case of bilateral extension of prostatic carcinoma along the ureters up to the renal pelves is described and the related literature reviewed.
The Mycobacterium tuberculosis proteasome: more than just a barrel-shaped protease

In eukaryotes the proteasome is responsible for the degradation of many proteins that are targeted for turnover by post-translational modification with ubiquitin. A similar system was identified in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and has shown to be essential for the pathogenesis of this bacterium. Here, we overview the current information of the Mtb proteasome and discuss the role of this protease in pathogenesis.
Tactile displays: guidance for their design and application.

Objective: This article provides an overview of tactile displays. Its goal is to assist human factors practitioners in deciding when and how to employ the sense of touch for the purpose of information representation. The article also identifies important research needs in this area. Background: First attempts to utilize the sense of touch as a medium for communication date back to the late 1950s. For the next 35 years progress in this area was relatively slow, but recent years have seen a surge in the interest and development of tactile displays and the integration of tactile signals in multimodal interfaces. A thorough understanding of the properties of this sensory channel and its interaction with other modalities is needed to ensure the effective and robust use of tactile displays. Methods: First, an overview of vibrotactile perception is provided. Next, the design of tactile displays is discussed with respect to available technologies. The potential benefit of including tactile cues in multimodal inte...
Band-Edge Engineered Hybrid Structures for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Based on SnO2 Nanowires

In this report, we show for the first time that SnO2 nanowire based dye sensitized solar cells exhibit an open circuit voltage of 560 mV, which is 200 mV higher than that using SnO2 nanoparticle based cells. This is attributed to the more negative flat band potential of nanowires compared to the nanoparticles as determined by open circuit photo voltage measurements made at high light intensities. The nanowires were employed in hybrid structures consisting of highly interconnected SnO2 nanowire matrix coated with TiO2 nanoparticles, which showed an open circuit voltage of 720 mV and an efficiency of 4.1% compared to 2.1% obtained with pure SnO2 nanowire matrix. The electron transport time constants for SnO2 nanowire matrix were an order of magnitude lower and the recombination time constants are about 100 times higher than that of TiO2 nanoparticles. The higher efficiency observed for DSSCs based on hybrid structure is attributed to the band edge positions of SnO2 relative to that of TiO2 and faster electron transport in SnO2 nanowires.
The Case for Content Search of VM Clouds

The success of cloud computing can lead to large, centralized collections of virtual machine~(VM) images. The ability to interactively search these VM images at a high semantic level emerges as an important capability. This paper examines the opportunities and challenges in creating such a search capability, and presents early evidence of its feasibility.
S1P1 receptor localization confers selectivity for Gi-mediated cAMP and contractile responses.

Adult mouse ventricular myocytes express S1P1, S1P2, and S1P3 receptors. S1P activates Akt and ERK in adult mouse ventricular myocytes through a pertussis toxin-sensitive (Gi/o-mediated) pathway. Akt and ERK activation by S1P are reduced ∼30% in S1P3 and 60% in S1P2 receptor knock-out myocytes. With combined S1P2,3 receptor deletion, activation of Akt is abolished and ERK activation is reduced by nearly 90%. Thus the S1P1 receptor, while present in S1P2,3 receptor knock-out myocytes, is unable to mediate Akt or ERK activation. In contrast, S1P induces pertussis toxin-sensitive inhibition of isoproterenol-stimulated cAMP accumulation in both WT and S1P2,3 receptor knock-out myocytes demonstrating that the S1P1 receptor can functionally couple to Gi. An S1P1 receptor selective agonist, SEW2871, also decreased cAMP accumulation but failed to activate ERK or Akt. To determine whether localization of the S1P1 receptor mediates this signaling specificity, methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD) treatment was used to disrupt caveolae. The S1P1 receptor was concentrated in caveolar fractions, and associated with caveolin-3 and this localization was disrupted by MβCD. S1P-mediated activation of ERK or Akt was not diminished but inhibition of cAMP accumulation by S1P and SEW2871 was abolished by MβCD treatment. S1P inhibits the positive inotropic response to isoproterenol and this response is also mediated through the S1P1 receptor and lost following caveolar disruption. Thus localization of S1P1 receptors to caveolae is required for the ability of this receptor to inhibit adenylyl cyclase and contractility but compromises receptor coupling to Akt and ERK.
Unitary equivalence: a new twist on signal processing

Unitary similarity transformations furnish a powerful vehicle for generating infinite generic classes of signal analysis and processing tools based on concepts different from time, frequency, and scale. Implementation of these new tools involves simply preprocessing the signal by a unitary transformation, performing standard processing on the transformed signal, and then (in some cases) transforming the resulting output. The resulting unitarily equivalent systems can focus on the critical signal characteristics in large classes of signals and, hence, prove useful for representing and processing signals that are not well matched by current techniques. As specific examples of this procedure, we generalize linear time-invariant systems, orthonormal basis and frame decompositions, and joint time-frequency and time-scale distributions. These applications illustrate the utility of the unitary equivalence concept for uniting seemingly disparate approaches proposed in the literature. >
A multiple-probe approach for robust frequency domain ring oscillator simulation

A new multiple-probe method is presented for simulation of highly nonlinear ring oscillators using the harmonic balance method. This method is robust and efficient compared to the single-probe method and readily converges for a wide range of single-ended and differential ring oscillators with identical or mismatched delay cells.
Scaling of Lift Degradation Due to Antiicing Fluids

In recent years, North American civil airworthiness authorities have conducted research to develop the allowance times for aircraft operations in ice-pellet precipitation. These allowance times are critical to ensure the safety and efficient operation of commercial and cargo flights. Wind-tunnel testing with uncontaminated antiicing fluids and fluids contaminated with simulated ice pellets has been carried out to better understand the flowoff characteristics and resulting aerodynamic effects. The percent lift loss was determined at an 8 deg angle of attack and used as one of the evaluation criteria in determining the allowance times. This paper describes how the lift loss was related to the loss in the maximum lift of a Boeing 737-200ADV airplane through the aerodynamic acceptance test performed for fluids qualification. A loss in the maximum lift coefficient of 5.24% on the B737-200ADV airplane (which was adopted as the threshold in the aerodynamic acceptance test) corresponds to a lift loss of 7.3% on t...
Global microRNA depletion suppresses tumor angiogenesis

MicroRNAs delicately regulate the balance of angiogenesis. Here we show that depletion of all microRNAs suppresses tumor angiogenesis. We generated microRNA-deficient tumors by knocking out Dicer1. These tumors are highly hypoxic but poorly vascularized, suggestive of deficient angiogenesis signaling. Expression profiling revealed that angiogenesis genes were significantly down-regulated as a result of the microRNA deficiency. Factor inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), FIH1, is derepressed under these conditions and suppresses HIF transcription. Knocking out FIH1 using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome engineering reversed the phenotypes of microRNA-deficient cells in HIF transcriptional activity, VEGF production, tumor hypoxia, and tumor angiogenesis. Using multiplexed CRISPR/Cas9, we deleted regions in FIH1 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) that contain microRNA-binding sites, which derepresses FIH1 protein and represses hypoxia response. These data suggest that microRNAs promote tumor responses to hypoxia and angiogenesis by repressing FIH1.
Examining the Virtual Subculture of Johns

The growth of the Internet and computer-mediated communications has enabled the formation of a variety of deviant subcultures online, particularly among sexual deviants.This qualitative study examines the subculture of the male heterosexual clients of sex workers by exploring their argot. Using a sample of posts from Web forums in ten U.S. cities, this study identifies three subcultural norms that structure beliefs and attitudes about sex work among johns: experience, commodification, and sexuality. The influence of computer-mediated communications on the formation of subcultures and argot are explored as well.
Nuclear Factor-kappaB Pathway as a Therapeutic Target in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Pharmaceutical and Molecular Validation in Human Cell Lines Using Velcade and siRNA/NF-κB.

Background: Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) is synthesized in the cytoplasm, complexed with its inhibitor, I-κB, and NF-κB is released in an activated (phosphorylated) form following phosphorylation of I-κB and proteasomal degradation of the NF-κBp-κB complex. The free p-NF-κB can then be translocated to the nucleus where it effects transcriptional activation of genes leading to the synthesis of proteins that are generally pro-growth and anti-apoptosis. Objective: To gain insight into the role of the NF-κB pathway in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), we selected two HNSCC cell lines, SCC-15 of lingual origin and FaDu of pharyngeal origin, with constitutively activated (phosphorylated) NF-κB. We assessed the impact of interrupting the NF-κB pathway at the level of proteasomal degradation using Velcade (bortezomib), a proteasome inhibitor, and at the pretranslational level in the synthesis of NF-κB using a small interfering RNA (siRNA). Results: Velcade produced a dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth in both cell lines. At 30 nM, Velcade inhibited cell growth in the SCC-15 cell line by 40%. In both cell lines, Velcade induced nuclear overexpression of p21WAF1, an inhibitor of G1 cell cycle progression, which appeared to be independent of p53 expression. Addition of siRNA augmented the inhibitory effects of Velcade in FaDu cells; siRNA/NF-κB alone led to a 48% decline in basal expression of NF-κB protein levels and effected a 25% inhibition of cell growth. In the presence of Velcade (30 nM), siRNA/NF-κB increased growth inhibition from 43 to 65%. Conclusions: The mechanisms involved in growth inhibitory effects of Velcade on HNSCC cell lines include the NF-κB pathway, suggesting the possible therapeutic use of Velcade or other NF-κB pathway inhibitors (eg, curcumin). The data also suggest that combining siRNA/NF-κB with Velcade might achieve greater reduction in the growth of HNSCC in patients with constitutively activated NF-κB. (received 27 April 2005; accepted 2 May 2005)
Resource heterogeneity affects demography of the Costa Rican ant Aphaenogaster araneoides

How do animals respond to an unpredictably heterogeneous environ- ment? Ants foraging in the leaf litter of tropical wet forests experience unpredict- ably fluctuating food resources. To study how an ant species responds to these changes, foragers were tracked to determine home ranges of 51 colonies of Aphaen- ogaster araneoides, inthree sites ina Costa Ricantropical wet forest. Of these colon- ies 16 were excavated to measure colony size, colony growth, and reproductive investment. These demographic variables were compared with two measures of home range quality: leaf litter dry weight and mass of arthropods. Home range areas of colonies were highly correlated with colony size, and moderately correl- ated with resource abundance. Colony growth was independent of colony size, as is found in other ants in unpredictable environments. The growth of colonies was closely associated with resource abundance. Production of the male reproductive caste was closely tied to the size of a colony rather than growth, but male produc- tion in slow-growing colonies was limited. Colonies foraging within high-quality environments grew at a faster rate, but reproduction was mainly correlated with colony size. Furthermore, it was found that the frequency of foragers in long-term treatment plots with supplemental food and reduced leaf-litter quality was not significantly different from the frequency of foragers in control plots. This rain- forest ant does not modify its home range areas in response to poor environments, and as a result, small-scale environmental heterogeneity strongly determines growth and reproduction.
Systematic analysis of essential genes reveals important regulators of G protein signaling.

Summary The yeast pheromone pathway consists of a canonical heterotrimeric G protein and MAP kinase cascade. To identify additional signaling components, we systematically evaluated 870 essential genes using a library of repressible-promoter strains. Quantitative transcription-reporter and MAPK activity assays were used to identify strains that exhibit altered pheromone sensitivity. Of the 92 newly identified essential genes required for proper G protein signaling, those involved with protein degradation were most highly represented. Included in this group are members of the Skp, Cullin, F box (SCF) ubiquitin ligase complex. Further genetic and biochemical analysis reveals that SCF Cdc4 acts together with the Cdc34 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme at the level of the G protein; promotes degradation of the G protein α subunit, Gpa1, in vivo; and catalyzes Gpa1 ubiquitination in vitro. These insights to the G protein signaling network reveal the essential genome as an untapped resource for identifying new components and regulators of signal transduction pathways.
A comprehensive structure-function analysis of Arabidopsis SNI1 defines essential regions and transcriptional repressor activity

The expression of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in plants involves the upregulation of many Pathogenesis-Related (PR) genes, which work in concert to confer resistance to a broad spectrum of pathogens. Because SAR is a costly process, SAR-associated transcription must be tightly regulated. Arabidopsis thaliana SNI1 (for Suppressor of NPR1, Inducible) is a negative regulator of SAR required to dampen the basal expression of PR genes. Whole genome transcriptional profiling showed that in the sni1 mutant, Nonexpresser of PR genes (NPR1)–dependent benzothiadiazole S-methylester–responsive genes were specifically derepressed. Interestingly, SNI1 also repressed transcription when expressed in yeast, suggesting that it functions as an active transcriptional repressor through a highly conserved mechanism. Chromatin immunoprecipitation indicated that histone modification may be involved in SNI1-mediated repression. Sequence comparison with orthologs in other plant species and a saturating NAAIRS-scanning mutagenesis of SNI1 identified regions in SNI1 that are required for its activity. The structural similarity of SNI1 to Armadillo repeat proteins implies that SNI1 may form a scaffold for interaction with proteins that modulate transcription.
Quasi-likelihood estimation for relative risk regression models

SUMMARY Fo rap rospective randomized clinical trial with two groups, the relative risk can be used as a measure of treatment effect and is directly interpretable as the ratio of success probabilities in the new treatment group versus the placebo group. For a prospective study with many covariates and a binary outcome (success or failure), relative risk regression may be of interest. If we model the log of the success probability as a linear function of covariates, the regression coefficients are log-relative risks. However, using such a log–linear model with a Bernoulli likelihood can lead to convergence problems in the Newton–Raphson algorithm. This is likely to occur when the success probabilities are close to one. A constrained likelihood method proposed by Wacholder (1986, American Journal of Epidemiology123, 174–184), also has convergence problems. We propose a quasi-likelihood method of moments technique in which we naively assume the Bernoulli outcome is Poisson, with the mean (success probability) following a log–linear model. We use the Poisson maximum likelihood equations to estimate the regression coefficients without constraints. Using method of moment ideas, one can show that the estimates using the Poisson likelihood will be consistent and asymptotically normal. We apply these methods to a double-blinded randomized trial in primary biliary cirrhosis of the liver (Markus et al., 1989, New England Journal of Medicine320, 1709– 1713).
Functional Architecture of HCV IRES Domain II Stabilized by Divalent Metal Ions in the Crystal and in Solution

The RNA genome of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) contains an internal ribosome entry site (IRES), which binds to the hostcell 40S ribosomal subunit and initiates protein translation in the absence of most initiation factors. Recruitment of the ribosomal subunit to the HCV RNA is driven by the high affinity of the IRES–40S interaction. The IRES sequence adopts a highly ordered secondary structure (Figure 1a). The three-dimensional architecture of the IRES is dominated by independently folding RNA domains. Structures of IRES–40S complexes have been studied by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) revealing the overall shape of the RNA. Higher-resolution structures of individual subdomains, including II and IIIa–e, have been determined by crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. Cryo-EM studies revealed that the domain II, which plays an important structural role in HCV translation, adopts an L-shaped conformation that directs the apical hairpin loop IIb to overlap with the ribosomal E site in the proximity of the P site. Binding of domain II induces a conformational change in the 40S head and closes the messenger RNA (mRNA) binding cleft. NMR studies suggested that subdomain IIa might be a flexible hinge whose bent state is stabilized by binding of divalent metal ions. To investigate the molecular architecture of the IRES domain II kink and its metal-ion-dependent stabilization, we have used X-ray crystallography and structure-guided incorporation of fluorescent labels. For X-ray crystal structure determination (see Figure S4 and Table S1 in the Supporting Information), an oligonucleotide (IIa-1) was used that contained residues 49–69 and 100–115 of the HCV IRES (Figure 1). The overall structure of the RNA revealed a bent architecture for the IIa subdomain. The two stems that are flanking the internal bulge are arranged at a right angle (Figure 1b). The upper stem (residues 58–69/100–110) forms a continuous helix that contains both standard and noncanonical base pairs that adopt cis-Watson–Crick geometries. U106 is looped out from the stem to allow continuous stacking of the flanking base pairs. The arrangement of residues of the internal bulge introduces a right-angled bend in the RNA
Kinetics of microstructure rearrangement during annealing of cold‐drawn isotactic polypropylene

The microstructure of polypropylene, annealed after cold drawing to an oriented state, was examined using density measurements and small- and wide-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS and WAXS) techniques. SAXS patterns were obtained after annealing (in an oil bath), and during annealing (of samples annealed in a furnace placed directly in the x-ray beam). Data, for isothermal annealing, showed an increase in SAXS intensity, in crystal perfection, and in density over the observed time range, but no change in long spacing during the same period. Long spacing, SAXS intensity, and density were all strongly dependent upon annealing temperature, increasing at higher temperatures. Upon annealing the elastic modulus and yield strength dropped below the as-drawn values in an immeasurably short time, and did not appear to change thereafter during the time range examined. The decrease was more marked for higher-temperature annealing. The kinetics of the micro-structural changes are compared qualitatively to the predictions of nucleation and growth theory and of spinodal decomposition. The defects in the microstructure are considered as the “solute molecules” of the spinodal model. The experimental results do not agree neatly with either model. However, a nonequilibrium thermodynamic approach appears to be the more promising. It is suggested that the kinetics of mechanical property change may be due to different rates of migration for different defect species.
Stochastic and Other Extensions

In this concluding chapter, we extend the DP L P model/algorithm and associated decision support system in order to incorporate uncertainty of data. Motivation for D L P optimization under certainty (stochastic extension of the model) can be found in Chapter 6, Subsection 6.2.2.
Drowning Digitally? How Disequilibrium Shapes Practice in a Blended Learning Charter School.

Background/ContextBlended learning—a learning model in which online learning is combined with face-to-face instruction to provide a more personalized learning experience for students—has shown enor...
MODELING EXCAVATION PROCESS USING DYNAMIC MODELING APPROACH

The dynamics of the excavation process affect the performance of resources involved in the operations. This is significant for the reasons: (1) most of excavation work requires costly resources such as excavators and trucks; (2) the overall performance of the process depends on the performance of such resources; and (3) there are intricate interdependencies among resources. In order to incorporate analysis of such dynamics in managing excavation operations, an approach based on dynamic process modeling and simulation is presented. This approach provides critical operational information for effective planning and control of the process, including the progress and corresponding schedule of the overall process and the efficiency of individual resources over time and at the completion that can be used to find a balanced combination of resources. To demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed approach focusing on excavation in building construction an application example is presented.
OII-A-2

BACKGROUND Based on the results of the Phase 2 trials in insomnia patients, one out of 2 compounds was to be selected for further development. A CUI was developed based on data from Compound 1. The CUI is an integrated measure of clinical benefit/risk over the dose-range and was proposed as a tool to compare compounds. METHODS The attributes of an ideal agent were identified and included 5 measures of efficacy (e.g. sleep onset, maintenance, quality, sleep stages) and 2 measures of carryover (morning) sedation. These attributes were ranked as a percentage for their relative importance based on market research. Dose-response analyses were conducted on each endpoint and each scale was normalized based on clinically meaningful differences. CUI was calculated over the dose-range. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to test for clinically meaningful changes in CUI. Bootstrap parameters of the dose-response curves were used to build confidence intervals. RESULTS The shape of the CUI-dose relationship was different for Compound 1 and 2. Peak CUI (80% CI) was 0.345 (0.25–0.43) and 0.436 (0.35–0.52), respectively. Although CUI was greater for Compound 2, peak CUI was observed at doses that were not considered viable. CONCLUSIONS A CUI was used as a novel approach for decision making. CUI is helpful to characterize optimal dose range and is particularly useful when decisions are based on trade-offs amongst multiple clinical endpoints. Development of Compound 2 was discontinued based on these results. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 79, P3–P3; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2005.12.011
Effect of Mg Oxidation Degree on Rashba-Effect-Induced Torques in Ta/CoFeB/Mg(MgO) Multilayer

Control of spin–orbit torques (SOTs) in heavy metal/ferromagnetic metal/oxide structures is critical to the realization of promising SOT magnetic random access memory devices. In this paper, the SOT-induced effective fields in Ta/CoFeB/Mg(MgO) structures with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) were investigated through the low-current-induced lock-in technique. This paper demonstrates that the industrially preferred MgO preparation method allows us to readily manipulate the oxidation degree of the Mg(MgO) and produce a significant effect on the SOT as well as PMA. Importantly, the ratio of the field-like torque to the damping-like torque efficiency can be controlled without thinning or oxidizing the bottom Ta layer, which is the source of spin-Hall-effect-induced damping-like torque. The achieved ratio of $\sim 2.5$ satisfies the condition that is necessary for the SOT-induced switching without an external magnetic field based on the recently proposed half-precessional switching mechanism.
Does the requirement of an engagement partner signature improve financial analysts’ information environment in the United Kingdom?

I investigate the effect of requiring the audit engagement partner (EP) to sign the audit report on financial analysts’ information environment in the United Kingdom (U.K.). To control for the effect of confounding concurrent events, I use a control sample of firms listed in France, Germany, and the Netherlands that had already implemented the EP signature requirement at least 2 years prior to the adoption date in the U.K. I find that, relative to this control sample, U.K. firms experienced a significant increase in analyst following and a significant decrease in analysts’ absolute forecast errors and forecast dispersion from a 2-year pre- to 2-year post-signature period. The results are robust to a battery of sensitivity tests such as varying both pre- and post-signature windows and using different measurements of outcome variables. In general, my findings indicate that adopting the EP signature requirement leads to the improvement in analysts’ information environment in the U.K., and this improvement is partially influenced by an improvement in audit quality. These results provide timely ex-ante empirical evidence to the ongoing debate over whether passing a similar requirement in the U.S., proposed by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, benefits investors and other financial statement users.
Family Roles in a 20-Year Perspective

Of the many remarkable insights which have come our way as a legacy bestowed on the intellectual arena by the women’s movement, two have been most impressive: Matina Horner’s (1970) pointing to the complexity of women’s motives regarding achievement, and the demonstration by Louise Tilly and her students (Moch, 1976; Tilly & Scott, 1978) that industrialization not only failed to destroy the family, but actually strengthened family bonds in certain ways for certain people.
“You need to be an advocate for yourself”: Factors associated with decision-making regarding influenza and pneumococcal vaccine use among US older adults from within a large metropolitan health system

ABSTRACTIn the United States, influenza and pneumonia account significantly to emergency room use and hospitalization of adults >65 y. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends use of the annual influenza vaccine and 2 pneumococcal vaccines for older adults to decrease risks of morbidity and mortality. However, actual vaccine up-take is estimated at 61.3% for pneumococcal vaccines and 65% for influenza vaccine in the 2013–2014 season. Vaccine up-take is affected by multiple socio-cultural and economic factors including general healthcare access and utilization, social networks and norms, communication with health providers and health information sources, as well as perceptions related to vaccines and targeted diseases. In this study, 8 focus group discussions (total N = 48) were conducted with adults 65+ years living in urban and suburban communities in the Detroit Metropolitan Area. The research objective was to increase understanding of barriers and facilitators to vaccine up-take in thi...
The role of test-retest reliability in measuring individual and group differences in executive functioning.

Abstract Background Studies testing for individual or group differences in executive functioning can be compromised by unknown test-retest reliability. New method Test-retest reliabilities across an interval of about one week were obtained from performance in the antisaccade, flanker, Simon, and color-shape switching tasks. There is a general trade-off between the greater reliability of single mean RT measures, and the greater process purity of measures based on contrasts between mean RTs in two conditions. The individual differences in RT model recently developed by Miller and Ulrich was used to evaluate the trade-off. Results Test-retest reliability was statistically significant for 11 of the 12 measures, but was of moderate size, at best, for the difference scores. The test-retest reliabilities for the Simon and flanker interference scores were lower than those for switching costs. Comparison with existing methods Standard practice evaluates the reliability of executive-functioning measures using split-half methods based on data obtained in a single day. Our test-retest measures of reliability are lower, especially for difference scores. These reliability measures must also take into account possible day effects that classical test theory assumes do not occur. Conclusions Measures based on single mean RTs tend to have acceptable levels of reliability and convergent validity, but are “impure” measures of specific executive functions. The individual differences in RT model shows that the impurity problem is worse than typically assumed. However, the “purer” measures based on difference scores have low convergent validity that is partly caused by deficiencies in test-retest reliability.
Job Satisfaction and the Priority of Valuing People

The servant leadership literature has a growing body of evidence pointing to the positive relationship between servant leadership and job satisfaction. Because many of these studies have focused on...
A modular-architecture controller for CNC systems based on open-source electronics

Abstract Open control architectures regain relevance with the new revolution of open source electronics. This paper presents the general ideas, examples of implementation and latest advances of a new, open architecture controller for CNC systems based on open source electronics. The multiprocessor and distributed architecture of this controller leverages the power of platforms like Arduino or TI Launchpad to realize CNC systems of increased computational resources, closed-loop position of the tool, smoother motions and higher feeds. Additionally, this work demonstrates the first steps in the development of virtual machine as a new software component of the architecture. A “tight binding” between the real and virtual machines will delineate the path for realistic, machine monitoring, remote operation and process planning environment.
Associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the bovine prolactin gene with phenotypic traits in beef cattle

Abstract Fall-calving Angus-based cows (n = 170 unique cows; 400 calving records during three years) were used to determine prolactin (Prl) genotype and haplotype effects on phenotypic traits. Genomic DNA, from buffy coat, was genotyped at three Prl SNP sites (C1286T, A1134T, and G8398A). Traits of interest were: pre-breeding body condition score (BCS) and weight, Julian calving date, calf birth weight, cow weight and BCS at weaning, calf weaning weight, adjusted 205-day weight and cow efficiency. Hair coat scores were determined each year in May, June, and July. Heterozygous cows at SNP C1286T had a lower (P 0.10) phenotypic traits. Six haplotypes were identified: CAG (n = 107), TAA (n = 173), CTG (n = 50), TTA (n = 32), TAG (n = 50), and TTG (n = 37); n represents total number of records for that haplotype during 3-year study. Calving percentage for CAG cows was greater (P
Non-invasive repair of an iatrogenic tibial artery branch pseudoaneurysm after intramedullary nailing.

Abstract Tibial fractures are a commonly seen injury in orthopedic surgery. Intramedullary nailing is considered the standard of care, as complications are rare. Those of a vascular nature, including iatrogenically induced pseudoaneurysms of the tibial artery have been previously described in the literature, however each reported case has required surgical repair. In the current case, we describe a repair of a tibial artery branch pseudoaneurysm, after direct contact with an interlocking screw from tibial intramedullary nailing, via ultrasound-guided thrombin injection. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of a tibial artery pseudoaneurysm repaired non-surgically. This adds support to the promising literature on non-invasive repair of orthopedically related pseudoaneurysms.
WAKEFULNESS CAUSED BY CAFFEINE.

Certain psychotropic effects of caffeine were investigated in doubleblind placebo-controlled experiments with 230 medical students. 1. Caffeine prolonged the time required to fall asleep and disturbed the soundness of sleep when administered in a dose of 150 or 200 mg in decaffeinated coffee shortly before bedtime. 2. Caffeine caused distinctly less wakefulness in subjects who habitually drank a great deal of coffee. 3. Some subjects among those who drank most coffee manifested morning headache after about 18 hours abstinence and this headache was prevented by a single dose of 150 mg the previous evening. 4. An interesting “reverse placebo effect” was revealed, whereby subjects receiving known caffeine tended to minimize its sleep-disturbing effects. 5. Important advantages in the use of medical students as subjects in experiments of this kind are pointed out, quite apart from any didactic value of such exercises.
Measuring Stage of Change for Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in 9- to 12-Year-Old Girls

This paper presents results of the pilot-testing of a stage of change measure for eating fruit and vegetables (FV reported barriers decreased. Stepwise discriminant analyses between Precontemplation and Contemplation stages identified fruit preferences and barriers differentiating the two stages for fruit consumption and subjective norms and self-efficacy differentiating the two stages for vegetable consumption. Barriers and F&V preparation responsibilities/skills were significant between the Contemplation and the Action stages for both fruit and vegetable consumption, with the additional variable of subjective norms for fruit stage and vegetable preferences for vegetable stage. Findings support the use of this measure to identify stage for children's adoption of F&V consumption behavior and as a guide for intervention development.
Health Care Access and Health Behavior Quality of Life among Hispanic/Latino-American Cancer Survivors

The aim of this study was to examine whether physical and mental healthrelated quality of life (HRQoL) of Hispanic/Latino-American cancer survivors differed based on age, sex, income, health behaviors (current exercise, current smoking, recent alcohol use, and recent binge drinking), and access to health care (health care coverage, have a doctor/primary care provider, and physical checkup in last 12 months). A secondary analysis of the 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey was performed among Hispanic/Latino-American adults (N = 1642). Those reporting the highest physical and mental HRQoL were female, age 65 years or older, who practiced healthy behaviors, had access to health care, and an income of $20,000 or greater. Having health care access positively impacted physical HRQoL but did not impact mental HRQoL. The findings of this study can be used by community health professionals working with the cancer survivorship population. Oncology and primary care physicians may apply information to deliver high quality care specific to the needs of Hispanic/Latino-American cancer survivors. Researchers may use this information to develop evidence-based interventions specific to the needs of the Hispanic/Latino American cancer survivorship population.