cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The identification of the tRNA substrates for the supK tRNA methylase

Purified preparations of the tRNA methylase deficient in supK strains of Salmonella typhimurium transfer methyl groups from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to at least two tRNA species, an alanine tRNA and a serine tRNA. The identity of the tRNA substrates for this enzyme was determined by a change in the elution position of the methyl-labeled tRNA from BND-cellulose columns before and after aminoacylation with a specific amino acid followed by derivatization of the free primary amino group with phenoxy- or naphthoxyacetate. The radioactive methyl group enzymatically added to these tRNAs is both acid and base labile and can be hydrolyzed to a volatile product at pHs above 7.5 and also at pH 1. The methylated 3'-nucleotide isolated from digested tRNA is a pyrimidine derivative and chromatographs like a modified uridylic acid. Its identity has not been established, but it is likely that it corresponds to the methyl ester of V, uridin-5-oxyacetic acid.
The Expanding View of RNA and DNA Function

RNA and DNA are simple linear polymers consisting of only four major types of subunits, and yet these molecules carry out a remarkable diversity of functions in cells and in the laboratory. Each newly discovered function of natural or engineered nucleic acids enforces the view that prior assessments of nucleic acid function were far too narrow and that many more exciting findings are yet to come. This Perspective highlights just a few of the numerous discoveries over the past 20 years pertaining to nucleic acid function, focusing on those that have been of particular interest to chemical biologists. History suggests that there will continue to be many opportunities to engage chemical biologists in the discovery, creation, and manipulation of nucleic acid function in the years to come.
Pruritus in adult burn survivors: postburn prevalence and risk factors associated with increased intensity.

Pruritus (itching) is a common and distressing complaint after injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate self-reported postburn pruritus in a large, multisite cohort study of adult burn survivors. Descriptive statistics, general linear regression, and mixed model repeated measures analyses were employed to test statistical significance. Two cohorts of adult burn survivors were studied. Group 1 participants (n = 637) were injured from 2006 to 2010 and were followed up prospectively for 2 years from the time of injury. Prevalence and severity of pruritus were compared across multiple subgroups. Prevalence of pruritus at discharge, 6, 12, and 24 months following injury were 93, 86, 83, and 73%, respectively. Regression results established that %TBSA-burn and %TBSA-grafted were correlated to itch intensity values. Group 2 participants (n = 336) were injured 4 to 10 years before an assessment using the validated 5-D Itch Scale. Many patients (44.4%) reported itching in the area of the burn, graft, or donor site. Within this group, 76% reported itching for 90% and persisting for >40% of long-term burn survivors. New predictors for postburn itch were identified to include younger age, dry skin, and raised/thick scars. Characterization of the impact of postburn pruritus on leisure, vocation, and sleep are quantified for those long-term survivors suffering from postburn pruritus.
The aftermath of repression: Race and nation in Cuba after 1912

Abstract In 1912, only fourteen years after Cubans fought for independence from Spain under the banner of Jose Marti's ringing statements about a Cuba ‘with all, and for the good of all’ and that ‘to be Cuban is more than being black, more than being white, more than being mulatto’, a predominantly white Cuban government presided over the slaughter of some four to seven thousand blacks, ostensibly in retaliation for a much smaller number attempting to defend the right of an explicitly black political party—the Partido Independiente de Color (PIC)—to participate in elections. These events contributed to a fundamental restructuring of the ways that Cubans spoke publicly about race. The stirring egalitarian rhetoric of the independence era was silenced, and the small political space in which black Cubans had tried to take advantage of this rhetoric and seek their rights in racial terms was closed. Race became a forbidden topic: for blacks, raising the issue of race meant risking being attacked as a 'racist';...
Heuristic Methods for Computer Ethics

The domain of “procedural ethics” is the set of reflective and deliberative methods that maximize the reliability of moral judgment. While no general algorithmic method exists that will guarantee the validity of ethical deliberation, non-algorithmic “heuristic” methods can guide and inform the process, making it significantly more robust and dependable. This essay examines various representative heuristic procedures commonly recommended for use in applied ethics, maps them into a uniform set of twelve stages, identifies common faults, then shows how the resulting stage-by-stage decision-making model could be adapted for general use and for use in computer ethics.
Accurate Representation of the Rail Geometry for Multibody System Applications

The objective of this study is to examine the geometric description of the spiral sections of railway track systems, in order to correctly define the relationship between the geometry of the right and left rails. The geometry of the space curves that define the rails are expressed in terms of the geometry of the space curve that defines the track center curve. Industry inputs such as the horizontal curvature, grade, and superelevation are used to define the track centerline space curve in terms of Euler angles. The analysis presented in this study shows that, in the general case of a spiral, the profile frames of the right and left rails that have zero yaw angles with respect to the track frame have different orientations. As a consequence, the longitudinal tangential creep forces acting on the right and left wheels, in the case of zero yaw angle, are not in the same direction. Nonetheless, the orientation difference between the profile frames of the right and left rails can be defined in terms of a single pitch angle. In the case of small bank angle that defines the superelevation of the track, one can show that this angle directly contributes to the track elevation. The results obtained in this study also show that the right and left rail longitudinal tangents can be parallel only in the case of a constant horizontal curvature. Since the spiral is used to connect track segments with different curvatures, the horizontal curvature cannot be assumed constant, and as a consequence, the right and left rail longitudinal tangents cannot be considered parallel in the spiral region. Numerical examples that demonstrate the effect of the errors that result from the assumption that the right and left rails in the spiral sections have the same geometry are presented. The numerical results obtained show that these errors can have a significant effect on the quality of the predicted creep contact forces.
Mating Types, Breeding System, Conjuàtion and Nuclear Phenomena in the Marine Ciliate Euplotes cristatus Kahl from the Gulf of Naples

SYNOPSIS. The marine ciliate Euplotes cristatus Kahl (Ciliophora, Hypotrichida), collected off Capri, Gulf of Naples, is described in detail. From populations, 6 different mating types, representing 1 variety or syngen, have been isolated. The breeding relations revealed a multiple mating type system characteristic of other members of the Hypotrichida that have been investigated. Presumably a 7th mating type was found which does not mate with any of the others. Although this may belong to another syngen, it could represent a mating type which has not yet reached sexual maturity or 1 which may be in a period of decline. Animals of different mating type do not mate immediately after being mixed but usually 3 or more hours later. An agglutination reaction involving many specimens is absent. Instead, 2 ciliates engage in a “pairing play” before joining firmly in conjugation. Well-fed or actively feeding and dividing ciliates do not mate; mating occurs only after the food becomes gradually depleted or when the food supply is sharply cut off. All mating types appear to be extremely stable. Neither selfing pairs (intraclonal conjugation) nor autogamy have been observed within any clonal culture during the several years under investigation. Cell-free filtrates from 1 mating type do not elicit mating or induce conjugation with specimens of a different mating type. The general pattern of nuclear events in conjugation and exconjugant reorganization is as follows: 1 preliminary division, 3 pregamic (prezygotic) divisions, fertilization, and generally 1 or occasionally 2 postzygotic divisions. The fate of micronuclear products may be determined by their size and location. Those which are larger and close to the cell membranes of the joined conjugants persist and/or divide. Those which are smaller are carried by cyclosis toward the center of each ciliate and degenerate. The degenerating macronucleus of each conjugant becomes segmented in a more or less uniform manner resulting in 4 subspherical masses. Two become localized in the anterior end of a conjugant and 2 in the posterior end. Those in the posterior end are always the first to degenerate completely and disappear. In nuclear reorganization of the exconjugant, fusion of the macronuclear anlage with parts of the old macronucleus does not occur.
A comparison of self-distraction with self-verbalization under moralistic versus instrumental rationales in a delay-of-gratification paradigm

Delay-of-gratification studies by Mischel and Ebbesen (1970) and Mischel, Ebbesen, and Zeiss (1972) suggest that self-distraction leads to longer delays because the strategy serves to reduce frustration and turn an otherwise aversive waiting task into a pleasant one. Nevertheless, these investigators grant that cognitive strategies such as self-verbalization may also facilitate delay maintenance. Self-verbalization has been demonstrated to be effective in resistanceto-temptation paradigms by Hartig and Kanfer (1973) and Patterson and Mischel (1975, 1976). Its effectiveness in a delay-of-gratification paradigm has been demonstrated by Toner and Smith (1977). The present study compares the two strategies, self-distraction and self-verbalization, in a delayof-gratification paradigm. The influence of instructions to use self-distraction or self-verbalization may depend on whether the rationales contained in those instructions are consistent with the child's own level of moral reasoning. The work of Kohlberg (1969) suggests that the moral reasoning of a 6-year-old is more likely to reflect an instrumental hedonistic orientation, while that of an
A new method for the analysis of equivalent widths and its application to solar photospheric oxygen

Six neutral atomic oxygen Fraunhofer multiplets were observed at nine disk positions at Sacramento Peak Observatory. I filtered the data, corrected them for the instrumental profile and obtained equivalent widths.
A brief history of pulsar time

Radio pulsars were discovered because their sources, spinning neutron stars, keep time with extraordinary precision. Indeed, some rival the very best atomic clocks. But they are not perfect clocks. Allowance must be made for their steady deceleration due to the action of an electromagnetic torque; and some undergo sudden, unpredictable increases in their frequencies, known as glitches. One of the best studied pulsars is PSR0531+21, more famous as the central pulsar of the Crab Nebula - the relic of a supernova explosion observed by Chinese astronomers in AD 1054. A large glitch on 29 August 1989 shortened this pulsar's 33-millisecond period by about 3 nanoseconds, a much bigger jump than in previous glitches. On page 706 of this issue, Lyne, Graham Smith and Pritchard present an analysis of the times of arrival of pulses from this pulsar which suggests a physical description of the interior of the neutron star that is both more complicated and more intriguing than any that has been seen so far.
Communications: Laser radar improvements: As high-power lasers are made smaller, new systems ¿ ranging from simple to complex ¿ are poised to exploit optical radar advantages

As high-power lasers are made smaller, new systems-ranging from simple to complex-are poised to exploit optical radar advantages.
Finite time stochastic stability and the analysis of tracking systems

A (Liapunov-like) method is presented for obtaining upper bounds of the probability P_{x}{\sup_{T\geq t\geq 0} V(X_{t})\geq\lambda} , where x_{0} = x and x t is a Markov process with either discrete or continuous parameter, and V(\cdot) is some function. Such estimates are the quantity of greatest interest in numerous tracking, control, and reliability studies. The method involves finding suitable (stochastic) Liapunov functions. The results are also results in (what may be termed) finite-time stochastic stability. The theorems are based on some theorems of Dynkin [1]. Several illustrative examples are given.
Overtone spectra of crystalline CaWO4: vibrational exciton density-of-states functions

Abstract The first and second overtone regions of crystalline CaWO 4 are observed by direct infrared absorption. The two band systems reveal the entire vibrational density-of-states, i.e., all k states contribute to the band shape. The first overtone region contains fine structure but in the second overtone region, each combination (overtone) band is made up of only one broad peak. This is interpreted as resulting from the different ways of forming two-way versus three-way combinations of the fundamental k states. The shapes of the overtone bands are used to provide information on the structure of the fundamental exciton bands and on the relative magnitude of interactions along certain directions in the crystal.
Use of pulmonary arterial hypertension-approved therapy in the treatment of non-group 1 pulmonary hypertension at US referral centers.

AbstractPulmonary hypertension (PH) is a frequent complication of left heart disease and parenchymal lung disease, and it portends increased mortality. A growing number of medications are approved for the treatment of World Health Organization (WHO) group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, they are not well studied in PH of other etiologies (WHO groups 2–5). We sought to assess treatment approaches used by PAH referral centers in this diverse group of patients. We developed a semiquantitative online survey designed to evaluate the use of PAH-approved therapy by pulmonary vascular disease centers in the United States for management of non–group 1 PH. Thirty of 50 centers completed the survey. Almost all centers (93%) reported using PAH therapy for patients with non–group 1 PH, including 77% with group 2 PH and 80% with group 3 PH. Elevated transpulmonary gradient or pulmonary vascular resistance and the presence of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction were commonly cited as supporting use of P...
A Musical Learning Algorithm

In this article I describe a computer program called Gradus (after Johann Joseph Fux’s 1725 treatise Gradus ad Parnassum) that initially analyzes a set of model two-voice, one-against-one, first-species counterpoints in order to produce a series of compositional goals. Gradus then attempts to compose goal-correct counterpoints similar to the models using a given fixed voice called a cantus firmus. Initial notes for the new lines of these counterpoints are drawn from pre-compositional seed notes, the choice of which are optimized by consulting the program’s previously saved successful compositions. The article then describes how Gradus, in order to compose more quickly and mistake-free, backtracks from the ‘‘dead ends’’ it encounters, catalogs the conditions that led to these dead ends as rules, and avoids these conditions on subsequent runs with the same cantus firmus until backtracking is no longer necessary. Gradus then uses the rules it collects when encountering new cantus firmi, applying its accumulated experiences to increase the chances that it will succeed. Ultimately, the program learns to compose first-species counterpoint quickly, accurately, and without any need for backtracking. I have based the processes used in Gradus on those that I use when learning or re-learning species counterpoint. This article includes a brief discussion of musical inference and a description of how the learning processes described may be seen as computationally inferring solutions to basic musical problems. The article then concludes with more elaborate examples created by the program, including a fugue exposition and counterpoint in a more dissonant, non-triadic style.
Coronary Venous Retroperfusion for Myocardial Revascularization

Although the use of retrograde arteriovenous bypass perfusion may seem appealing in those patients with diffuse occlusive coronary artery disease in whom arterial bypasses are not possible, the likelihood of success seems small. Experimental evidence indicates that such retroperfusion in opposition to antegrade perfusion causes the myocardium to become hemorrhagic. Further experimental evidence indicates that this damaging effect on the myocardium may be prevented by a second bypass which vents the arterial side to a low-pressure system.
Mechanisms That Enhance Sustainability of p53 Pulses

The tumor suppressor p53 protein shows various dynamic responses depending on the types and extent of cellular stresses. In particular, in response to DNA damage induced by γ-irradiation, cells generate a series of p53 pulses. Recent research has shown the importance of sustaining repeated p53 pulses for recovery from DNA damage. However, far too little attention has been paid to understanding how cells can sustain p53 pulses given the complexities of genetic heterogeneity and intrinsic noise. Here, we explore potential molecular mechanisms that enhance the sustainability of p53 pulses by developing a new mathematical model of the p53 regulatory system. This model can reproduce many experimental results that describe the dynamics of p53 pulses. By simulating the model both deterministically and stochastically, we found three potential mechanisms that improve the sustainability of p53 pulses: 1) the recently identified positive feedback loop between p53 and Rorα allows cells to sustain p53 pulses with high amplitude over a wide range of conditions, 2) intrinsic noise can often prevent the dampening of p53 pulses even after mutations, and 3) coupling of p53 pulses in neighboring cells via cytochrome-c significantly reduces the chance of failure in sustaining p53 pulses in the presence of heterogeneity among cells. Finally, in light of these results, we propose testable experiments that can reveal important mechanisms underlying p53 dynamics.
Models of Genetic Counseling and Their Effects on Multicultural Genetic Counseling

This theoretical paper examines challenges to multicultural genetic counseling, counseling between culturally different clients and counselors, in the context of Kessler's typology of models of genetic counseling (Kessler S (1997) J Genet Counsel 6:287–295). It is suggested that challenges such as resistance to multicultural genetic counseling education may be due to conceptions about genetic counseling as a biomedical field that transcends questions of culture as well as lack of multicultural training or prejudice. Directions for future research and recommendations for multicultural genetic counseling education are briefly explored.
Multiscale Vascular Surface Model Generation From Medical Imaging Data Using Hierarchical Features

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of blood flow from image-based patient specific models can provide useful physiologic information for guiding clinical decision making. A novel method for the generation of image-based, 3-D, multiscale vascular surface models for CFD is presented. The method generates multiscale surfaces based on either a linear triangulated or a globally smooth nonuniform rational B-spline (NURB) representation. A robust local curvature analysis is combined with a novel global feature analysis to set mesh element size. The method is particularly useful for CFD modeling of complex vascular geometries that have a wide range of vasculature size scales, in conditions where 1) initial surface mesh density is an important consideration for balancing surface accuracy with manageable size volumetric meshes, 2) adaptive mesh refinement based on flow features makes an underlying explicit smooth surface representation desirable, and 3) semi-automated detection and trimming of a large number of inlet and outlet vessels expedites model construction.
Toward Defining, Measuring, and Evaluating LGBT Cultural Competence for Psychologists

A central part of providing evidence-based practice is appropriate cultural competence to facilitate psychological assessment and intervention with diverse clients. At a minimum, cultural competence with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people involves adequate scientific and supervised practical training, with increasing depth and complexity across training levels. In order to further this goal, we offer 28 recommendations of minimum standards moving toward ideal training for LGBT-specific cultural competence. We review and synthesize the relevant literature to achieve and assess competence across the various levels of training (doctoral, internship, post-doctoral, and beyond) in order to guide the field towards best practices. These recommendations are aligned with educational and practice guidelines set forth by the field and informed by other allied professions in order to provide a roadmap for programs, faculty, and trainees in improving the training of psychologists to work with LGBT individuals.
Immunoassay of peanut allergens in food-processing materials and finished foods

To quantitate trace amounts of peanut allergens in food-processing materials and finished foods, we established a solid-phase radioimmunoassay inhibition using pooled sera from five peanut-sensitive subjects and a roasted peanut-meal extract covalently linked to polyacrylamide beads. Test samples were extracted, dialyzed, lyophilized, and reconstituted at 10 to 225 mg of dry weight per milliliter concentrations. The peanut-allergen content of test samples was expressed relative to a reference extract of roasted peanut meal that was assigned an arbitrary potency of 100,000 U/ml. In confectionary products spiked with varying quantities of peanut (0.7% to 0.0175%), the recovery of peanut allergen ranged from 31% to 94%. The sensitivity of the assay was 2.5 U/mg of dry weight from these samples (0.00875% peanut). Peanut allergens were undetectable in virgin vegetable oil used to roast peanuts, but 600 to 7600 U/mg of dry weight were present in oil after varying periods of use. The allergen content of used oil was reduced to 8 U/mg of dry weight by filtration and steam cleaning. The availability of such assays provides a means of monitoring finished food products for potential allergens. This monitoring in turn will provide the means to correlate symptoms experienced by sensitive patients with the exact quantity of allergen ingested. At the present time, there is little information on the quantities of ingested peanut allergen that pose risks to peanut-sensitive subjects.
Optimal constellation labeling for iteratively decoded bit-interleaved space-time coded Modulation

We consider the design of iteratively decoded bit-interleaved space-time coded modulation (BI-STCM) over fast Rayleigh-fading channels with N/sub t/ transmit and N/sub r/ receive antennas. We propose the design criterion to achieve the largest asymptotic coding gain inherited in the constellation labeling. In particular, for orthogonal space-time block codes, the labeling design criterion reduces to maximizing the (-N/sub t/N/sub r/)th power mean of the complete set of squared Euclidean distances associated with all "error-free feedback" events in the constellation. Based on this power mean criterion, we show that the labeling optimization problem falls into the category of quadratic assignment problems for constellations of any shape and with an arbitrary number of transmit and receive antennas. For a set of practical values of N/sub t/ and N/sub r/, we present optimal labeling maps for 8-PSK, 16-QAM, and 64-QAM constellations.
Occupancy of a single anesthetic binding pocket is sufficient to enhance glycine receptor function

Abstract Alcohols and volatile anesthetics enhance the function of inhibitory glycine receptors (GlyRs). This is hypothesized to occur by their binding to a pocket formed between the transmembrane domains of individual α1 GlyR subunits. Because GlyRs are pentameric, it follows that each GlyR contains up to five alcohol/anesthetic binding sites, with one in each subunit. We asked how many subunits per pentamer need be bound by drug in order to enhance receptor-mediated currents. A cysteine mutation was introduced at amino acid serine 267 (S267C) in the transmembrane 2 domain as a tool to block GlyR potentiation by some anesthetic drugs and to provide a means for covalent binding by the small, anesthetic-like thiol reagent propyl methanethiosulfonate. Xenopus laevis oocytes were co-injected with various ratios of wild-type (wt) to S267C α1 GlyR cDNAs in order to express heteromeric receptors with a range of wt:mutant subunit stoichiometries. The enhancement of GlyR currents by 200 mm ethanol and 1.5 mm chloroform was positively correlated with the number of wt subunits found in heteromeric receptors. Furthermore, currents from oocytes injected with high ratios of wt to S267C cDNAs (up to 200:1) were significantly and irreversibly enhanced following propyl methanethiosulfonate labeling and washout, demonstrating that drug binding to a single subunit in the receptor pentamer is sufficient to induce enhancement of GlyR currents.
Precambrian Structural History of the Hudson Highlands Near Bear Mountain, New York

Detailed field and petrofabric studies of the Precambrian gneisses in the Bear Mountain area of the Hudson Highlands metamorphic complex indicate two distinct episodes and styles of folding. The first produced isoclinal folds whose original orientations were modified by subsequent folding. This early deformation and concomitant metamorphism produced the well-developed regional foliation and much of the compositional layering characteristic of Highlands gneisses. The second phase produced more open folds of a larger scale with axes plunging 30°-45° toward N. 35°-45° E. This superposed folding is responsible for the dominant northeast trend of Highlands structures. Hornblende and sillimanite c-axes parallel axes of both fold systems, and orientations of quartz (0001) and poles to biotite (001) also reflect both periods of movement. This suggests that both events occurred under similar metamorphic conditions and probably during a single episode of metamorphism. Though other parts of the Highlands have not yet been studied in detail, structural data of other workers suggest a similar history elsewhere.
Chemical durability of Dicor and lithia-based glass-ceramics

Abstract Objectives. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of a nucleation agent (P2O5) and a colorant/nucleation agent (AgNO3) on the chemical durability of Li2O Al2O3 CaO SiO2 (LACS) glass-ceramics in 4% HAc solution, deionized-distilled water, and in pH buffer solutions of pH 1, pH 9, and pH 11. Methods. Glass powder [27.8 mol% Li2O, 2.5% Al2O3, 5.9% CaO, and 63.8% SiO2 (LACS)] was melted, poured into a cylindrical graphite mold (16 mm diameter), cooled, cut into 2.2 mm thick disks, polished through 1200 grit SiC, nucleated at 510°C for 3 h, and crystallized at 650°C for 6 h. Dynamic corrosion tests of LACS glass-ceramic, LACS glass-ceramic containing 1.0 mol% P2O5 (LACSP), LACS glass-ceramic containing 0.78 mmol% AgNO3 (LACSAg), and Dicor control specimens were performed in a shaker-bath unit at 80°C at a shaker speed of 30 cycles/min for periods of up to 15 d. Differences in mean weight loss and ionic concentration were analyzed for statistical significance (p = 0.05) using ANOVA and the Turkey's Studentized Range Test. Results. The mean weight loss over 15 d in 4% HAc increased in the following order: LACS (0.21 ± 0.02 mg/cm2), LACSAg (0.25 ± 0.05 mg/cm2), and Dicor (0.27 ± 0.05 mg/cm2). The differences in mean values were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The amounts of Li+ leached in 32 mL of pH1 and pH11 buffer solutions were 3.1 ± 0.3μg/cm2/mL and 243 ± 49.0 μg/cm2/mL, respectively, for the LACS group, and 3.0 ± 0.6 μg/cm2/mL and 166 ± 28.0 μg/cm2/mL for the LACSAg group. The differences in mean values are not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The high chemical durability in acidic environments of LACS glass-ceramics without P2O5 and their decreased durability at pH values of 9 and above were confirmed by SEM observations of the exposed surfaces. Significance. The weight loss for the three glass-ceramic systems was highest in pH 11 buffer solution, which represents an unlikely in vivo environment. From a toxicological viewpoint, the maximum amount of Li+ released from 28 fully dissolved crowns of LACS glass-ceramic at a temperature of 80°C (which is greater than any temperature experienced in the oral cavity) is approximately 1.2 mg; this amount appears to be below the daily limit of 2 mg allowable from food sources.
Syndecan-1 regulates αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrin activation during angiogenesis and is blocked by synstatin, a novel peptide inhibitor

Syndecan-1 (Sdc1) is a matrix receptor shown to associate via its extracellular domain with the alpha(v)beta(3) and alpha(v)beta(5) integrins, potentially regulating cell adhesion, spreading, and invasion of cells expressing these integrins. Using Sdc1 deletion mutants expressed in human mammary carcinoma cells, we identified the active site within the Sdc1 core protein and derived a peptide inhibitor called synstatin (SSTN) that disrupts Sdc1's interaction with these integrins. Because the alpha(v)beta(3) and alpha(v)beta(5) integrins are critical in angiogenesis, a process in which a role for Sdc1 has been uncertain, we used human vascular endothelial cells in vitro to show that the Sdc1 regulatory mechanism is also required for integrin activation on these cells. We found Sdc1 expressed in the vascular endothelium during microvessel outgrowth from aortic explants in vitro and in mouse mammary tumors in vivo. Moreover, we show that SSTN blocks angiogenesis in vitro or when delivered systemically in a mouse model of angiogenesis in vivo, and impairs mammary tumor growth in an orthotopic mouse tumor model. Thus, Sdc1 is a critical regulator of these two important integrins during angiogenesis and tumorigenesis, and is inhibited by the novel SSTN peptide.
Modeling of Channel Formation in Organic Field Effect Transistors

We report results of two-dimensional electrostatic modeling for (top-contact) organic field effect transistors, focusing on the formation of the conductive channel. The effect on channel formation of the choice of the source and drain contact metal is investigated. High work function metal (e.g., gold) source and drain contacts produce a conducting p-type region near these contacts. In contrast, low work function metal source and drain contacts (e.g., magnesium) lead to depleted regions. In the center of the device, between the source and drain contacts, the channel carrier density at a fixed gate bias is determined by the work function of the gate contact material, and is essentially independent of the metal used to form the source and drain contacts. The dependence of the transistor threshold voltage on the gate contact metal work function and the device implications of the spatial variation of the induced charge density are discussed.
Controlled equalization of multi-carrier CDMA in an indoor Rician fading channel

In this paper, a novel digital modulation technique called Multi-Carrier Code Division Multiple Access (MC-CDMA) is analyzed. With MC-CDMA, each data symbol is transmitted at multiple subcarriers with each subcarrier modulated by "1" or "-1" based on a spreading code. Analytical results are presented on the performance of this modulation/multiple access scheme in the downlink of an indoor wireless Rician fading channel. The performance of a controlled equalization technique that attempts to restore the orthogonality between users is evaluated. >
A new continuously differentiable friction model for control systems design

For high-performance engineering systems, model-based controllers are typically required to accommodate for the system nonlinearities. Unfortunately, developing accurate models for friction has been historically challenging. Typical models are either discontinuous and many other models are only piecewise continuous. Motivated by the fact that discontinuous and piecewise continuous friction models are problematic for the development of high-performance continuous controllers, a new model for friction is proposed in this paper. This simple continuously differentiable model represents a foundation that captures the major effects reported and discussed in friction modeling and experimentation. The proposed model is generic enough that other subtleties such as frictional anisotropy with sliding direction can be addressed by mathematically distorting this model without compromising the continuous differentiability
Diffusion tensor fractional anisotropy of the normal-appearing seven segments of the corpus callosum in healthy adults and relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients.

Purpose To investigate the utility of whole-brain diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in elucidating the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) using the normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) of the corpus callosum (CC) as a marker of occult disease activity. Materials and Methods A high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and optimized entire brain DTI data were acquired in 26 clinically-definite relapsing and remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients and 32 age-matched healthy adult controls. The fractional anisotropy (FA) values of seven functionally distinct regions in the normal-appearing CC were compared between patients and controls. Results This study indicates that 1) there was a gender-independent FA heterogeneity of the functionally specialized CC segments in normal volunteers; 2) FA in the MS group was significantly decreased in the anterior (P = 0.0039) and posterior (P = 0.0018) midbody subdivisions of the CC, possibly due to a reduction of small-caliber axons; and 3) the FA of the genu of the CC was relatively intact in the MS patients compared to the healthy age-matched controls (P = 0.644), while the splenium showed an insignificant trend of reduced FA values (P = 0.248). The decrease in FA in any of the CC subdivisions did not correlate with disease duration (DD) or the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score. Conclusion The preliminary results are consistent with published histopathology and clinical studies on MS, but not with some published DTI reports. This study provides insights into the pathogenesis of MS, and the role played by compromised axonal integrity in this disease. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2005;21:735–743. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Nonequatorial Launching to Equatorial Orbits and General Nonplanar Launching

The general problem of launching out of the plane of an orbit is investigated by considering first the problem of launching from an arbitrary point on earth to a given equatorial orbit. A simplified analysis using a spherical, nonrotating earth model with no atmosphere is discussed. Generalized curves showing the interrelationship of ideal velocity to burnout conditions and the true heading to burnout conditions are presented for several values of launch latitude and several orbit altitudes. From these, a curve for each orbit altitude showing the minimum ideal velocity as a function of launch latitude is derived. Curves for time and angular range of the ascent trajectory for several orbit altitudes also are included. A method is given for using these curves when the desired circular orbit is inclined.
Couple relationships: a missing link between adult attachment and children's outcomes.

Decades of research have established links between parents' working models of attachment to their parents and their children's adaptation. This Special Issue focuses on the question of the mechanis...
Discovering Web Services Based on Functional Semantics

With the rapid development of web services technologies, discovering web services is becoming the most urgent problem to be resolved. The existing web service discovery methods are not mature, and cannot cope with the requests from different fields very well. In this paper we suggest an effective and feasible approach of web service discovery based on functional semantics. We define web services functional semantic description that provides a unified manner to semantically describe the function of web service for service providers and customers. In order to avoid semantic heterogeneity, we build domain-oriented functional ontology and propose semantic annotation mechanism. Then we describe the matching algorithm. Finally we evaluate the performance of our algorithm by an experimental setup. The results of the experiment prove that our approach is feasible and effective.
Destination Loyalty Formation and Travelers’ Demographic Characteristics: A Multiple Group Analysis Approach

The objective of the study was to offer a systematic approach to examine the potential differences in loyalty formation process across different demographic groups. A multiple group analysis in LIS...
Family mode deactivation therapy ( Fmdt) as a contextual treatment

Mode Deactivation Therapy (MDT) was developed as a third wave therapy approach to cater for the challenging population of adolescents with conduct and oppositional behavior problems, emotion dysregulation, physical and sexual aggression, and other complex comorbid psychopathologies. The theoretical construct of MDT is based on the Beck's Mode Model and the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with elements of Functional Ana- lytic Psychotherapy (FAP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness. The methodology is based on the fundamental proposition that core beliefs based on an individual interpretation of past experiences regulate thoughts, emotions, and feelings when activated by a trigger event. This may lead to aberrant behaviors when cognitive processes are distorted. MDT has proven very successful in practice to balance the dichotomous thinking of the client by exploring positive alternatives on a continuum and realigning perceptions. Family MDT (FMDT) is especially valuable in a family therapy context as the family unit's experiences and interactions inarguably have an integral influence on the youth's beliefs and behavior. MDT is a structured and sequential process, although sufficiently flexibility to utilize continuous feedback loops to optimize the case conceptualization and treatment plan. Evidence is provided to support the claim that MDT is superior to Treatment as Usual (TAU) in treating the target population in an outpatient and residential setting with their families.
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) packaging size limit

Hepatitis A virus (HAV), an atypical Picornaviridae that causes acute hepatitis in humans, grows poorly in cell culture and in general does not cause cytopathic effect. Foreign sequences have been inserted into different parts of the HAV genome. However, the packaging size limit of HAV has not been determined. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the maximum size of additional sequences that the HAV genome can tolerate without loosing infectivity. In vitro T7 polymerase transcripts of HAV constructs containing a 456-nt fragment coding for a blasticidin (Bsd) resistance gene, a 1,098-nt fragment coding for the same gene fused to GFP (GFP-Bsd), or a 1,032-nt fragment containing a hygromycin (Hyg) resistance gene cloned into the 2A-2B junction of the HAV genome were transfected into fetal Rhesus monkey kidney (FRhK4) cells. After antibiotic selection, cells transfected with the HAV construct containing the resistance gene for Bsd but not the GFP-Bsd or Hyg survived and formed colonies. To determine whether this size limitation was due to the position of the insertion, a 606 bp fragment coding for the Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) internal ribosome entry site (IRES) sequence was cloned into the 5' nontranslated (NTR) region of HAV. The resulting HAV-IRES retained the EMCV IRES insertion for 1-2 passages. HAV constructs containing both the EMCV IRES at the 5' NTR and the Bsd-resistance gene at the 2A-2B junction could not be rescued in the presence of Bsd but, in the absence of antibiotic, the rescued viruses contained deletions in both inserted sequences. HAV constructs containing insertions of approximately 500-600 nt but not 1,000 nt produced viable viruses, which indicated that the HAV particles can successfully package approximately 600 nt of additional sequences and maintain infectivity.
Human β-Cell Proliferation and Intracellular Signaling: Part 3

This is the third in a series of Perspectives on intracellular signaling pathways coupled to proliferation in pancreatic β-cells. We contrast the large knowledge base in rodent β-cells with the more limited human database. With the increasing incidence of type 1 diabetes and the recognition that type 2 diabetes is also due in part to a deficiency of functioning β-cells, there is great urgency to identify therapeutic approaches to expand human β-cell numbers. Therapeutic approaches might include stem cell differentiation, transdifferentiation, or expansion of cadaver islets or residual endogenous β-cells. In these Perspectives, we focus on β-cell proliferation. Past Perspectives reviewed fundamental cell cycle regulation and its upstream regulation by insulin/IGF signaling via phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling, glucose, glycogen synthase kinase-3 and liver kinase B1, protein kinase Cζ, calcium-calcineurin–nuclear factor of activated T cells, epidermal growth factor/platelet-derived growth factor family members, Wnt/β-catenin, leptin, and estrogen and progesterone. Here, we emphasize Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription, Ras/Raf/extracellular signal–related kinase, cadherins and integrins, G-protein–coupled receptors, and transforming growth factor β signaling. We hope these three Perspectives will serve to introduce these pathways to new researchers and will encourage additional investigators to focus on understanding how to harness key intracellular signaling pathways for therapeutic human β-cell regeneration for diabetes.
Mobile Whole Slide Imaging (mWSI): a low resource acquisition and transport technique for microscopic pathological specimens

The Open Mobile Telepathology System (OMT) is a combination of two components, the Pocket Electronic Health Record (pEHR) and the Mobile Whole Slide Imaging (mWSI) app. This system was created over the course of this study to help reduce the cost of telepathology in developing countries. The affordable system as described will help to expedite the diagnostic process in low-resource environments and provide more patients with better health outcomes. The OMT system offers a number of advantages to the standard Whole Slide Imaging machines. It can be deployed at a fraction of the cost, the images are more easily transportable at an average image size of less than 500 MBs and any worker, even someone without any knowledge of pathology, can perform the scans; also, components can be replaced and upgraded at a minimal cost, offering a large advantage to low resource and rural environments. The OMT system utilises a standard light microscope with a custom built 3D adaptor and the iPhone 5s. Acquired mWSIs can be transported through the cloud using the pEHR database and accessed through web and mobile platforms. Therefore it can be used in any part of the world with an Internet connection. The study follows the step-by-step process used to acquire mWSIs of various stains including H&E stains, and thin preps. The results of the tests have been found to be of a diagnostic quality and the imaging process as described has been optimised and standardised over the course of the 2-year study.
The Supreme Court's Certiorari Decisions: Conflict as a Predictive Variable

In the period from 1947 to 1976, the United States Supreme Court has denied certiorari in more than half the cases involving conflict with Supreme Court precedent or intercircuit conflict. In both instances, the denial rate has been higher in the Burger Court than in the Vinson and Warren Courts and denial has been greater for intercircuit conflict cases than for cases in which the ruling in the lower court was in conflict with one or more Supreme Court precedents. When conflict was conceptualized as a predictor of decision and examined along with federal government as petitioning party, economic issues, and civil liberty issues, it was found to have 4 to 7 times the predictive power of the other variables combined for the Vinson and Warren Courts. For the Burger Court, the petitioning party variable was found to be a better predictor than conflict, but conflict was a much better predictor than the subject variables. Discriminant function models using the four predictor variables were able to account for up to 36.9% of the variance in the Supreme Court's certiorari decisions, almost all of which was the result of the contributions made by the conflict and party factors.
‘Not Always One and the Same Thing’: The Registration of Tuberculosis Deaths in Britain, 1900–1950

Au XIX e siecle, la tuberculose n'existait pas car on ne savait pas la diagnostiquer. A la fin du XIX e siecle et au debut du XX e , le taux de mortalite due a la tuberculose est plus precis car le developpement de la technologie et particulierement de la radiologie, permet de diagnostiquer la maladie
The Conidial Stage of Uncinula Necator

Published illustrations of the conidiophores of Uncinula necator show differences which could be of generic or specific rank. It has not been determined whether these differences in the illustratio...
Overcoming translational barriers impeding development of Alzheimer's disease modifying therapies.

It has now been ~ 30 years since the Alzheimer's disease (AD) research entered what may be termed the 'molecular era' that began with the identification of the amyloid β protein (Aβ) as the primary component of amyloid within senile plaques and cerebrovascular amyloid and the microtubule-associated protein tau as the primary component of neurofibrillary tangles in the AD brain. These pivotal discoveries and the subsequent genetic, pathological, and modeling studies supporting pivotal roles for tau and Aβ aggregation and accumulation have provided firm rationale for a new generation of AD therapies designed not to just provide symptomatic benefit, but as disease modifying agents that would slow or even reverse the disease course. Indeed, over the last 20 years numerous therapeutic strategies for disease modification have emerged, been preclinically validated, and advanced through various stages of clinical testing. Unfortunately, no therapy has yet to show significant clinical disease modification. In this review, I describe 10 translational barriers to successful disease modification, highlight current efforts addressing some of these barriers, and discuss how the field could focus future efforts to overcome barriers that are not major foci of current research efforts. Seminal discoveries made over the past 25 years have provided firm rationale for a new generation of Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapies designed as disease modifying agents that would slow or even reverse the disease course. Unfortunately, no therapy has yet to show significant clinical disease modification. In this review, I describe 10 translational barriers to successful AD disease modification, highlight current efforts addressing some of these barriers, and discuss how the field could focus future efforts to overcome these barriers. This article is part of the 60th Anniversary special issue.