cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The connection between bar strength and circumnuclear dust structure

We present a comparison of bar strength Qb and circumnuclear dust morphology for 75 galaxies in order to investigate how bars affect the centers of galaxies. We trace the circumnuclear dust morphology and amount of dust structure with structure maps generated from visible-wavelength HST data, finding that tightly wound nuclear dust spirals are primarily found in weakly barred galaxies. While strongly barred galaxies sometimes exhibit grand-design structure within the central 10% of D25, this structure rarely extends to within ~10 pc of the galaxy nucleus. In some galaxies, these spiral arms terminate at a circumnuclear starburst ring. Galaxies with circumnuclear rings are generally more strongly barred than galaxies lacking rings. Within these rings, the dust structure is fairly smooth and usually in the form of a loosely wound spiral. These data demonstrate that multiple nuclear morphologies are possible in the most strongly barred galaxies: chaotic central dust structure inconsistent with a coherent nuclear spiral, a grand-design spiral that loses coherence before reaching the nucleus, or a grand-design spiral that ends in a circumnuclear ring. These observations may indicate that not all strong bars are equally efficient at fueling material to the centers of their host galaxies. Finally, we investigate the long-standing hypothesis that SB(s) galaxies have weak bars and SB(r) galaxies have strong bars, finding the opposite to be the case: namely, SB(r) galaxies are less strongly barred and have less dust structure than SB(s) galaxies. In general, more strongly barred galaxies tend to have higher nuclear dust contrast.
Amino acid sequence of the light chain variable region of M511, a phosphorylcholine-binding murine myeloma protein.

Abstract The complete amino acid sequence of the kappa chain variable region from M511, a phosphorylcholine-binding myeloma protein of BALB/c origin, has been determined. This sequence is compared with another kappa chain from myeloma protein, M 167, which belongs to the same subgroup (VK-24) and also binds both phosphorylcholine and choline. M511 differs from M167 at six positions in the light chain variable domain, all of which are located in framework regions. These substitutions, which require only a single nucleotide change, are distinct from those in mouse lambda chains in which amino acid changes occur only in complementarity-determining regions. These framework differences between M511 and M167 are of a conservative nature regarding their effect on secondary structure and thus on the structure of the binding cavity. These findings add additional features to the problem of antibody diversity but do not in themselves settle the issue of somatic versus germ-line theories.
Research on Language Education Through Programmes of Study and Residence Abroad: Recent Publications

Study Abroad and Second Language Use: Constructing the Self. Valerie Pellegrino Aveni. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 2005. Pp. 188. ISBN 0-521-53494-1 (pbk): $34.99. Language Learners in Study Abroad Contexts. Margaret A. DuFon, Eton Churchill (eds). Clevedon: Multilingual Matters. 2006. Pp. 329. ISBN 1-85359-852-6 (pbk): $54.95 Dominant Beliefs and Alternative Voices: Discourse, Belief, and Gender in American Study Abroad. Joan Elias Gore. New York: Routledge Studies in Higher Education. 2005. Pp. 268. ISBN 0-415-97457-7 (hbk): $75.00 Student Mobility and Narrative in Europe: The New Strangers. Elizabeth Murphy-Lejeune. New York: Routledge Studies in Anthropology. 2002. Pp. 275. ISBN 0-415-26179 (hbk): $95.00
Inability of circular mRNA to attach to eukaryotic ribosomes

IN contrast to prokaryotic systems, initiation by eukaryotic ribosomes seems to be restricted to a single site near the 5′-terminus of the message. However, nucleotide sequence analyses have not revealed a common ‘recognition sequence’ within the 5′-proximal portion of eukaryotic messages. We have previously suggested that the position of an AUG codon within a eukaryotic message—rather than the surrounding nucleotide sequence—might be the primary feature defining an initiation site. We proposed1,2 that a 40S ribosomal subunit binds initially at or near the 5′-end of a message and migrates along the RNA chain until the first AUG codon is encountered, whereupon it stops, a 60S subunit joins, and polypeptide synthesis begins. Although this mechanism accounts for many of the peculiarities of eukaryotic translational initiation, it leaves unanswered the question of how ribosomes recognise the 5′-terminus of mRNA. The m7G cap which blocks the end of most eukaryotic messages3 is not, responsible for directing ribosomes to the 5′-terminus since ribosomes initiate at the 5′-proximal AUG even in uncapped or unmethylated RNAs4,5. The ability of ribosomes to select the 5′-end of a message irrespective of its chemical structure (that is, whether the terminus is m7GpppN…, GpppN… or pppN…) is difficult to explain. An intriguing possibility is that eukaryotic ribosomes attach to mRNA by a threading mechanism. A simple prediction of the threading mechanism is that circularisation of a message should abolish its ability to interact with ribosomes. The experiments described below fulfill this prediction. The possibility of threading by prokaryotic ribosomes was ruled out, several years ago, by the demonstration that Escherichia coli ribosomes were able to translate the circular DNA of phage fd6,7. Indeed, the simplest version of a threading mechanism (entry at the 5′-terminus of a message with translation beginning at the first AUG codon encountered by the ribosome) is contradicted by the ability of E. coli ribosomes to initiate at multiple internal sites in poly-cistronic messages, such as bacteriophage R17 RNA. Conversely, the threading mechanism is consistent with the mono-cistronic character of eukaryotic messages.
Active sensor tags for global visibility of asset readiness

The era of wireless communication and discrete, autonomous sensors platforms is upon us. Advances in radio-frequency (RF) technology from simple two-way personal communications to smart, independent, sensor command, and control units has greatly expanded the applications domain. In the past four years, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) scientists and engineers have developed smart sensor tags (health tags) for the Army to monitor environmental conditions of high value assets over their lifetime (10 yrs). These field tested health tags uniquely identify individual assets, record and store data, run diagnostic and prognostic protocols, identify asset performance status (GO, CAUTION, NO-GO), and provide all this information over a wireless RF link to a portable, hand held reader. Leveraging the innovation achieved for health monitoring tags, the next generation active sensor tag has been developed (FlexiTag) providing reduced tag size and manufacturing cost, greater sensor interface capabilities, and a flexible substrate for surface mount conformity. The design has a greatly reduced part count due to the use of newly available, highly integrated RF chip sets. In addition to asset health monitoring, the new tag platform opens up additional application areas such as TTL (tagging, tracking, and locating), real-time machine fault monitoring, and ad-hoc sensor networking. This paper will compare and contrast the FlexiTag to its predecessors and discuss the current application areas it is being applied to.
Correlation of rangeland cover measures to satellite‐imagery‐derived vegetation indices

Abstract Using field data from the U.S. Army's land inventory and monitoring program, a study was conducted to examine the utility in estimating the quantity of vegetation cover with satellite imagery across a large and complex rangeland. The study area used for this investigation was the U.S. Army's Yakima Training Center in central Washington. The Land Condition‐Trend Analysis (LCTA) program at Yakima Training Center has 202 permanent plots located in a randomly stratified manner across the installation. The principle measures taken along the transects were canopy cover and ground cover. Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery collected in May and August of 1992 was used in the analyses. The satellite data coincided with the beginning and end of the field data collection period and were used to derive various vegetation indices including Ratio, TVI, SAVI, and MSAVI. Analysis of correlation of rangeland cover measures and satellite imagery derived vegetation indices were performed. Correlation between the vegeta...
Understanding the meaning of the shunt fraction calculation

The pulmonary shunt fraction (\({{\dot Qs} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\dot Qs} {\dot Qt}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\dot Qt}}\)) is frequently calculated in critically ill patients to monitor the effectiveness of pulmonary oxygenation. The breathing of pure oxygen often results in higher calculated\({{\dot Qs} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\dot Qs} {\dot Qt}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\dot Qt}}\) values that have been attributed to the development of atelectasis, ventilation-perfusion imbalance, or both. To interpret properly the changes in calculated\({{\dot Qs} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\dot Qs} {\dot Qt}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\dot Qt}}\) that occur when the inspired oxygen fraction is altered, the changes produced in all the variables affecting\({{\dot Qs} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\dot Qs} {\dot Qt}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\dot Qt}}\) must be known. This tutorial presents an in-depth analysis of the four variables affecting the calculation of\({{\dot Qs} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\dot Qs} {\dot Qt}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\dot Qt}}\)\(\dot Vo_2 \) (oxygen uptake),\(\dot Qt\) (cardiac output), Cc'O2(oxygen content in pulmonary end capillaries), and\(C\bar vO_2 \) (oxygen content in mixed venous blood). These variables are related according to the following equation, which derived by combining the Fick and the classic shunt equations:\({{\dot Qs} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\dot Qs} {\dot Qt}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\dot Qt}} = 1 - [({{{{\dot Vo_2 } \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\dot Vo_2 } {\dot Qt}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\dot Qt}})} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{{{\dot Vo_2 } \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\dot Vo_2 } {\dot Qt}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\dot Qt}})} {(Cc'O_2 }}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {(Cc'O_2 }} - C\bar vO_2 )]\). Three-dimensional surface representations relating these variables are also presented to help the reader understand the effects of these variables on the calculated\({{\dot Qs} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\dot Qs} {\dot Qt}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\dot Qt}}\).
Optimization of complex reactor networks—I. Isothermal operation

Abstract In this paper, the synthesis problem of complex nonisothermal reactor networks is addressed. The focus is on developing a superstructure of alternatives for the nonisothermal reactor system, and subsequently formulate and solve the synthesis problem according to the proposed general structure. The nonisothermal case features alternatives related to the type of temperature control for the reactors and includes options for directly or indirectly intercooled or interheated reactors. The approach is applicable to any homogeneous exothermic or endothermic complex reaction and the synthesis problem, formulated as a mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem, can handle both thermodynamic and economic objective functions. The solution of the resulting MINLP problem provides information about the optimal type of temperature control, the optimal temperature profile, the feeding, recycling and bypassing strategy as well as the optimal type and size of the reactor units (CSTR, PFR) to be used. The efficiency of the method is illustrated with three different examples considering complex nonisothermal reaction mechanisms.
The objective structured clinical examination: a step in the direction of competency-based evaluation.

Background The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education is embarking on the major task of a paradigm shift in graduate education in the direction of competency-based medical education and evaluation of outcomes. The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), a measure of clinical competence that focuses on outcomes via observable behaviors, is gaining national recognition. Objective To review the pediatric literature relevant to the OSCE. Method A MEDLINE search from the date of the original report of the OSCE (1975) to the present was performed. All English-language studies regarding the use of the OSCE in pediatric education published in the United States and Great Britain were reviewed. Main Outcome Measures Reliability and validity of the OSCE were examined. Use of standardized pediatric patients was discussed. Results A greater number of stations and similarity between tasks at different stations increased the reliability of the OSCE. A greater number of stations increased sampling of material and content validity. Correlation between the OSCE and precertification examinations ranged between 0.59 and 0.71, with P ≤.01. Correlation between the OSCE and monthly clinical evaluations was much lower (0.39-0.57), but still statistically significant at P ≤.05. Gaps between expected and actual performance were documented. Overall, the experience of being a standardized patient was viewed as positive by children and their parents. Conclusions With appropriate attention to design, acceptable reliability and validity can be achieved for the OSCE. Significant correlations between the OSCE and precertification examinations as well as monthly clinical evaluations were found, the former being stronger than the latter. We conclude that the combination of the OSCE, standardized board examinations, and direct observation in the clinical setting has the potential to become the "gold standard" for measuring physician competence.
Resonant Particle Heating of an Electron Plasma by Oscillating Sheaths

The first unambiguous measurements of a bounce-resonance effect in a non-neutral plasma are presented. Two striking signatures are observed when a magnetized electron column is heated by oscillating an end sheath. First, the heating rate increases by a factor of ${10}^{4}$ as the oscillation frequency is increased by a factor of 10 near the thermal electron bounce frequency. Second, the heating is enhanced when the sheaths at both ends are oscillated out of phase, but is suppressed when they are in phase. The measured rates are in quantitative agreement with a resonant particle heating theory.
Teaching lean management using experiential methods to improve learning

This paper describes two exercises that are used together within a graduate-level operations management course to enhance learning. The exercises consist of the following components: 1) an in-class service process simulation and value stream mapping exercise; 2) a team-based analysis of a real world service process using principles learned during the in-class simulation. Lean management principles form the basis of the simulation and project and also represent the overarching theme of the course. Students learn to apply lean methods to an actual process, get enthused about applying lean tools in their workplace, and gain experience serving in a business consulting role. To measure the effectiveness of the teaching methods, the proportion of correct responses to four short answer questions testing lean management knowledge were compared across six different sections of the course.
Validity of etiological diagnosis of pneumonia in children by rapid typing from nasopharyngeal mucus

Summary Nasopharyngeal mucus obtained through the nares and emulsified in0.2 c.c. of pneumococcus broth serves as excellent material for direct typing of pneumococci and H. influenzae by the Neufeld method. Cultures of this material show a striking predominance of the etiological agent. Three hundred and seventy-seven patients have been studied by this method: 317 cases, or 84 per cent, were diagnosed in less than twelve hours; 258 cases, or 68 per cent, diagnosed in thirty minutes; 60 cases showed negative results in twelve hours, but within a twenty-four-hour period, 55 per cent of these showed a predominance of Streptococcus hemolyticus by culture. Establishment of the etiological agent by the method outlined hasbeen satisfactory even when carried out by a number of observers and in most instances upon one specimen of nasopharyngeal mucus. Twenty-seven of the ninety-eight lung punctures yielded positive cultures. The organisms isolated are listed. There were no instances of empyema following lung puncture. Two patients developed pneumothorax subsequent to lung puncture, but both recovered uneventfully within a ten-day period. The objective evidence available in forty-five cases showed confirmation in forty-three, indicating 95 per cent agreement. The experience with lung puncture indicates that it is a relativelyharmless procedure.
Close is not enough: SNARE-dependent membrane fusion requires an active mechanism that transduces force to membrane anchors.

Is membrane fusion an essentially passive or an active process? It could be that fusion proteins simply need to pin two bilayers together long enough, and the bilayers could do the rest spontaneously. Or, it could be that the fusion proteins play an active role after pinning two bilayers, exerting force in the bilayer in one or another way to direct the fusion process. To distinguish these alternatives, we replaced one or both of the peptidic membrane anchors of exocytic vesicle (v)- and target membrane (t)-SNAREs (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein [NSF] attachment protein [SNAP] receptor) with covalently attached lipids. Replacing either anchor with a phospholipid prevented fusion of liposomes by the isolated SNAREs, but still allowed assembly of trans-SNARE complexes docking vesicles. This result implies an active mechanism; if fusion occurred passively, simply holding the bilayers together long enough would have been sufficient. Studies using polyisoprenoid anchors ranging from 15-55 carbons and multiple phospholipid-containing anchors reveal distinct requirements for anchors of v- and t-SNAREs to function: v-SNAREs require anchors capable of spanning both leaflets, whereas t-SNAREs do not, so long as the anchor is sufficiently hydrophobic. These data, together with previous results showing fusion is inhibited as the length of the linker connecting the helical bundle-containing rod of the SNARE complex to the anchors is increased (McNew, J.A., T. Weber, D.M. Engelman, T.H. Sollner, and J.E. Rothman, 1999. Mol. Cell. 4:415-421), suggests a model in which one activity of the SNARE complex promoting fusion is to exert force on the anchors by pulling on the linkers. This motion would lead to the simultaneous inward movement of lipids from both bilayers, and in the case of the v-SNARE, from both leaflets.
Is genetically engineered technology a good alternative to pesticide use: the case of GE eggplant in India

Are pesticides used efficiently in eggplant cultivation? Is Genetically Engineered (GE) eggplant a good alternative to pesticide use? Building on the literature on damage control specification for production functions, we estimated the pesticide productivity for eggplant, using data from a farm-level survey conducted in Maharashtra, India. Even though the intensity of pesticide use by Open Pollinated Variety (OPV) growers is less relative to hybrid growers, the average use of pesticides is substantially greater than the estimated optimum use levels. We then used Bt trial plot data to estimate the potential benefits that Bt technology might provide in terms of reduction in pesticide application. If the adoption of GE eggplant reduces the pesticide use by 52%, as is reported from the field trials of GE eggplant, that will result in a saving of Rs. 6844/acre for hybrid growers and Rs. 2784/acre for OPV growers. Results from our study suggest that GE technology provides a good alternative to pesticide use for farmers in developing countries such as India.
Ca2SiO3OHF—A high-pressure phase with dense calcium polyhedral packing and tetrahedral silicon

The composition and structure of a new phase crystallizing in high-pressure experiments in the system CaO-Ca(OH) 2 -CaF 2 -SiO 2 are described. The composition is on the join Ca 2 SiO 3 (OH) 2 -Ca 2 SiO 3 F 2 , with the relative amounts of OH and F near 50/50 from electron probe microanalysis, or near the ideal midpoint composition Ca 2 SiO 3 OHF. The symmetry is monoclinic, space group P 2 1 / c , with a = 5.8111(7), b = 10.6050(13), and c = 6.6968(8) A, and β = 102.025(3)°, V = 403.65(8) A 3 , Z = 4. In the structure isolated SiO 3 OH tetrahedral groups occupy narrow linear channels whose axes lie along a . The channels are lined by two types of eight-coordinated CaO 5 OHF 2 polyhedra that share edges and faces. The axes of the channels lie on a nearly hexagonal array in the b - c plane, leading to a c p / b ratio of 0.618, close to the ideal ratio of 0.577 for a hexagonal array. However, there is no simple packing rule for either the cation or anion array. Although the channels are arranged in a nearly hexagonal fashion, the overall symmetry of the structure is not hexagonal, but instead has 5-rings of calcium polyhedra around the channels. The calcium atoms lie on a 5-3-5-3 net of triangles and pentagons that can be compared to the α-U 3 O 8 net.
Base + Add-on Pricing in Extremely Competitive Categories

Firms have typically relied on the base + add-on pricing model to stimulate ratings in extremely competitive categories like mobile applications. In most cases, the base is the basic version of the product and is offered for free or at a very low price. Product complements or additional product features serve as the add-ons. The standing assumption seems to be that the low base price encourages acquisition and use of the product followed by purchase of the add-ons. Eventually, this should increase both the valence and volume of ratings posted by consumers and, hence, lead to higher sales. The relationship between prices, valence, and volume of ratings, however, is yet to be formally tested in the literature. This is the focus of our research. Specifically, we investigate the relationships between various combinations of base and add-on prices and the valence and volume of ratings. Our investigation is based on a conceptual framework in which prices play both informative and allocative roles and are also maintained in mental accounts by consumers. The framework leads us to six research questions which we investigate empirically in a setting of over 9,000 mobile apps. Our results suggest that a combination of low base and high add-on prices will lead to high valence and volume of ratings. Interestingly, we find that the widely used combination of low base and low add-on prices will result in low valence and volume of ratings. This pricing option is, therefore, not attractive for firms. Our key finding, therefore, is that the classic low base + high add-on pricing model is the best option to generate high volumes of positive word of mouth from consumers. Firms, therefore, should not rely on lowering both base and add-on prices to stimulate consumer ratings even in extremely competitive categories. We also develop additional pricing implications of our findings for products in extremely competitive categories via a simulation of the effects of switching between price combinations.
Implementation and Use of Direct-Flow Connections in a Coupled Ground-Water and Surface-Water Model

The U.S. Geological Survey's MODFLOW finite-difference ground-water flow model has been coupled with three surface-water packages–the MODBRANCH, River, and Stream packages–to simulate surface water and its interaction with ground water. Prior to the development of the coupling packages, the only interaction between these modeling packages was that leakage values could be passed between MODFLOW and the three surface-water packages. To facilitate wider and more flexible uses of the models, a computer program was developed and added to MODFLOW to allow direct flows or stages to be passed between any of the packages and MODFLOW. The flows or stages calculated in one package can be set as boundary discharges or stages to be used in another package. Several modeling packages can be used in the same simulation depending upon the level of sophistication needed in the various reaches being modeled. This computer program is especially useful when any of the River, Stream, or MODBRANCH packages are used to model a river flowing directly into or out of wetlands in direct connection with the aquifer and represented in the model as an aquifer block. A field case study is shown to illustrate an application.
Functional characterization of ttmM unveils new tautomycin analogs and insight into tautomycin biosynthesis and activity.

The biosynthetic gene cluster for tautomycin (TTM), a potent protein phosphatase (PP) inhibitor has recently been characterized. Inactivation of ttmM, which encodes a putative C3′ hydroxylase, afforded mutant SB6005 which accumulated three new 3′-deshydroxy TTM analogs, supporting the function of TtmM and the previously proposed linear pathway for TTM biosynthesis. Bioassays reveal the importance of the C3′ OH moiety in PP inhibition and that PP inhibition is not the exclusive mechanism driving TTM-induced cell death.
Frequency chirp effects in electromagnetically induced transparency

We consider the effects of the time-dependence of the frequency of a probe field in a three-level system when the probe field is scanned in frequency. We find that, under conditions of weak coupling and probe fields, the resonance can show ringing when the scan rate is greater than the ground state recovery time.
THE EFFECTS OF TAXES ON BUSINESS POLICIES AND PRACTICES IN GREAT BRITAIN

THOUGH LAW AND ECONOMICS are kindred disciplines, lawyers and economists are too often disinclined to look over each other's shoulders. To each the other speaks an alien tongue, and communication is at best imperfect. We lawyers, though we pride ourselves on our mastery over facts, are often poorly equipped to pursue the inductive process because we have only nodding acquaintance with empirical and statistical methods. We tend to rely upon experience haphazardly acquired because we lack the facilities and capacities for scientific accumulation of data. From intuitive premises we often proceed, with inconsequential brilliance, to deductive conclusions which may become the law of the case or the law of the land. Economists, on the other hand, are adept in the development of empirical data and in the use of statistical method. But the adept are too often adroit, and the product of economic inquiry may be nothing more than a mantle to cloak the author's prejudices or predilections. Only other economists can penetrate the disguise. Frequently the unmasking process is, of necessity, as intricate and opaque as the disguise itself, and merely replaces the old cloak with a new one. The outlander is left in such a state of bewilderment that he has no other recourse than to ignore the contenders and fall back on his own imperfect resources. For a disturbing array of examples of this process one need only examine the minutes of evidence and the several thousand pages of witnesses' memoranda assembled by the British Royal Commission on the Taxation of Profits and Income.' With full knowledge of my limitations in judging the matter, I suggest that the evidence of the economists was of little more use to the Commission than was that of the opposing industry and labor witnesses. Once one knows a little of the background of the particular witness concerned, it requires as little penetration to predict the conclusions of the economist as
Visualization of freezing damage. II. Structural alterations during warming.

Abstract There is a growing amount of indirect evidence which suggests that the loss in viability of rapidly cooled cells is due to recrystallization of intracellular ice. This possibility was tested by an evaluation of the formation of morphological artifacts in rapidly cooled cells to determine whether this process can account for the loss in viability. Samples of the common yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae were frozen at 1.8 or 1500 °C/min, and the structure of the frozen cells was examined by the use of freeze-fracturing techniques. Other cells cooled at the same rate were warmed to temperatures ranging from −20 ° to −50 °C and then rapidly cooled to −196 °C, a procedure that should cause small ice crystals to coalesce by the process of migratory recrystallization. Cells cooled at 1500 °C/min and then warmed to temperatures above −40 °C formed large intracellular ice crystals within 30 min, and appreciable recrystallization occurred at temperatures as low as −45 °C. Cells cooled at 1.8 °C/min and warmed to temperatures as high as −20 °C underwent little structural alteration. These results demonstrate that intracellular ice can cause morphological artifacts. The correlation between the temperature at which rapid recrystallization begins and the temperature at which the cells are inactivated indicates that recrystallization is responsible for the death of rapidly cooled cells.
Model of the Nogo: Nogo Receptor Complex

Several myelin-associated proteins, the neurite outgrowth inhibitor (Nogo), myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), and oligodendrocyte-myelin glycoprotein (OMgp), contribute to inhibit central nerve system (CNS) regeneration after injuries; mainly by blocking axonal regrowth. The neurite outgrowth inhibitor (Nogo-A) is a multi-domain transmembrane (TM) protein. The loop domain, connecting the two hydrophobic C-terminus TM helices, is referred to as Nogo-66. The inhibitory effect of Nogo is established when Nogo-66 binds to its receptor (NgR) on the axon. Based on mutagenesis studies performed in our lab, residues Ser 38, Asn 39, Ser 40, Leu 42, Arg 53 and Arg 54 affected the binding of Nogo-66 to NgR. Arg 53 and Arg 54 are among the most affected residues. On the other hand, combinatorial studies on NgR, Asp 111, Asp 114, Asp 163 are the most residues contributing to the interaction of NgR with Nogo-66 (1). To confirm this observation, High Ambiguity Driven Docking (HADDOCK) expert interface server was used (2). As starting structures for docking studies, we used the crystal structure of NgR (PDB id 1OZN) and the NMR solution structure of Nogo-66 (PDB id 2KO2). The complex structures resulted from HADDOCK studies were in agreement with our mutagenesis studies and provide insight into the mechanism of inhibition.References:1. Bernhard Schimmele and Andreas Pluckthun Identification of a functional epitope of the Nogo receptor by a combinatorial approach using ribosome display. Journal of molecular biology(2005).doi:10.1016/j.jmb.2005.06.073.2. S.J. de Vries, M. van Dijk and A.M.J.J. Bonvin “The HADDOCK web server for data-driven biomolecular docking.” Nature Protocols, 5, 883-897 (2010).
Entrainment of refrigerated air curtains down a wall

Abstract Refrigerated air curtains are used in open supermarket display cases as a barrier between the warm ambient air and the cold refrigerated air. Entrainment of ambient air into the curtain by shear layer mixing contributes to both the sensible and the latent heat load on the display case. To better understand the fluid dynamics which govern entrainment, velocity and temperature measurements of the curtains were made in a refrigerated display case, which was modified to allow a more fundamental flow. In particular, a vertical solid wall was installed to approximately represent a fully-stocked configuration. As such, negatively-buoyant wall jets (with high inflow turbulence) in the Reynolds number range of 4200–8000 and in the Richardson number range of 0.13–0.58 were examined. To define the air curtain vortex structures, flow visualization of the curtain interface was employed. The results of which showed that the entrainment of the ambient air was found to be governed by a variety of eddy engulfing structures. Particle Image Velocimetry was used to examine the velocity profiles of the air curtains in a non-intrusive manner, the measurements of which indicated negatively-buoyant acceleration following the jet exhaust, followed by a more linear curtain growth characteristic of isothermal wall jets. In addition, thermocouples were used to obtain the net increase in temperature of the curtain due to entrainment, where it was found that the dimensionless thermal energy loss decreased with decreasing Reynolds number.
Good things come in small packages: exosomes, immunity and cancer.

“Think of the toddler years as a wacky and crazy - but short - period of time,... see past the chaos of it, and you'll see that good things truly do come in small packages.” - Paula Spencer Scott
On training targets for supervised speech separation

Formulation of speech separation as a supervised learning problem has shown considerable promise. In its simplest form, a supervised learning algorithm, typically a deep neural network, is trained to learn a mapping from noisy features to a time-frequency representation of the target of interest. Traditionally, the ideal binary mask (IBM) is used as the target because of its simplicity and large speech intelligibility gains. The supervised learning framework, however, is not restricted to the use of binary targets. In this study, we evaluate and compare separation results by using different training targets, including the IBM, the target binary mask, the ideal ratio mask (IRM), the short-time Fourier transform spectral magnitude and its corresponding mask (FFT-MASK), and the Gammatone frequency power spectrum. Our results in various test conditions reveal that the two ratio mask targets, the IRM and the FFT-MASK, outperform the other targets in terms of objective intelligibility and quality metrics. In addition, we find that masking based targets, in general, are significantly better than spectral envelope based targets. We also present comparisons with recent methods in non-negative matrix factorization and speech enhancement, which show clear performance advantages of supervised speech separation.
The molecular basis of bacterial-insect symbiosis

Insects provide experimentally tractable and cost-effective model systems to investigate the molecular basis of animal–bacterial interactions. Recent research is revealing the central role of the insect innate immune system, especially anti-microbial peptides and reactive oxygen species, in regulating the abundance and composition of the microbiota in various insects, including Drosophila and the mosquitoes Aedes and Anopheles. Interactions between the immune system and microbiota are, however, bidirectional with evidence that members of the resident microbiota can promote immune function, conferring resistance to pathogens and parasites by both activation of immune effectors and production of toxins. Antagonistic and mutualistic interactions among bacteria have also been implicated as determinants of the microbiota composition, including exclusion of pathogens, but the molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Some bacteria are crucial for insect nutrition, through provisioning of specific nutrients (e.g., B vitamins, essential amino acids) and modulation of the insect nutritional sensing and signaling pathways (e.g., insulin signaling) that regulate nutrient allocation, especially to lipid and other energy reserves. A key challenge for future research is to identify the molecular interaction between specific bacterial effectors and animal receptors, as well as to determine how these interactions translate into microbiota-dependent signaling, metabolism, and immune function in the host.
A Review of Poultry Nutritional Research Published in 1971

(1973). A Review of Poultry Nutritional Research Published in 1971. World's Poultry Science Journal: Vol. 29, No. 1, pp. 18-46.
Stream-of-Variation Theory for Automotive Body Assembly

Abstract Manufacturing systems usually consist of processes and machines in a multi-leveled hierarchy. As a result, dimensional variation in the final product is accumulated as the product moves along the manufacturing system. This paper discusses the prediction and diagnosis of dimensional variation in a multi-leveled automotive body assembly system. By combining engineering structural models with statistical analysis, the evolution of the variability and stiffness characteristics of sheet metal parts is studied in terms of assembly configurations, i.e., serial or parallel. The diagnosability of serial and parallel assembly systems is evaluated. These results are integrated with correlation clustering to form a complete diagnostic strategy. Predicting and diagnosing variation in a multi-leveled manufacturing system constitute the two aspects of what we call the “Stream-of-Variation Theory.”
The role of lava erosion in the formation of lunar rilles and Martian channels

Abstract Lava tubes and channels develop around active sources of low viscosity lava. The channels normally form without erosion; however, sustained flow can result in the incision of a lava channel and simulation of fluvial erosion features. Lava erosion by means of thermal incision was modelled by computer, erosion rates calculated, and these compared with rates observed terrestrially. Lunar sinuous rilles are examined in light of the proposed lava erosion. The mechanism explains many features of lunar rilles that were heretofore puzzling and implies erosion rates comparable to terrestrial rates. Many Mars channels also appear to form by the action of lava; however, the larger, more spectacular Mars channels do not appear to have been formed by the same process.
Suicidal thinking among adolescents with a history of attempted suicide.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the risk of suicidal plans and ideation, depression, and other factors (low self-esteem, loneliness, fatalism, pessimism) among adolescents with a lifetime history of attempted suicide. METHOD: A self-administered questionnaire was used in a school-based survey of five middle schools (grades 6 through 8) enrolling 6,400 students. Usable questionnaires were obtained from 5,423 (85.3%). Data were obtained on a wide range of constructs including recent and lifetime suicide attempts, recent and lifetime suicide plans, recent ideation, symptoms of DSM-IV major depression, self-esteem, pessimism, loneliness, and fatalism. RESULTS: Data on crude prevalence showed thoughts about death, wishing to be dead, thoughts of suicide, and suicide plans were all significantly higher among youths with a history of attempts. Suicidal thinking was related to being more lonely, more fatalistic, and more pessimistic, and to less self-esteem, in addition to depression and a history of attempts. Multivariate analyses revealed the strongest factors associated with current suicidal thinking were history of attempts (odds ratio [OR] = 3.50), depression (OR = 5.34), and recent life stress (OR = 2.64). Compared with youths with none of the factors examined, those with six or more were at extreme risk (OR = 67.87). CONCLUSIONS: The strong association between history of suicide attempts, current ideation, and depression indicates that past suicide attempts occur in the context of other signs of psychosocial dysfunction. Given the paucity of epidemiological data on the natural history of suicidal behaviors among youths, more epidemiological studies of the antecedents and consequences of the range of suicidal behaviors among children and adolescents are needed. Given the high risk of subsequent suicidal behaviors by youths who have attempted but not completed suicide, this constitutes a high-risk population on which future research should focus. Language: en
Relationship of melanocyte-stimulating hormone to photoreceptor damage.

Abstract Three separate experiments involving intact, sham-operated and hypophysectomized albino rats, examined the relationship of α-MSH to the severity of photically-induced retinal damage. α-MSH was administered at 1430 hours and 0900 hours, when endogenous MSH levels are different, and continuously by osmotic minipumps. α-MSH was ineffective in enhancing or reducing photoreceptor damage under these experimental conditions. A highly significant reduction in outer nuclear layer and total retinal thicknesses occurred in intact and hypophysectomized rats exposed to continuous illumination as compared to those in cyclic photoperiod. Hypophysectomy provided a significant degree of protection to the retina from photic damage.
Estradiol to aged female or male mice improves learning in inhibitory avoidance and water maze tasks

Although 17beta-Estradiol (E2) improves cognitive performance of aged female mice, its mnemonic effects when administered post-training to aged male mice have not been examined. E2 (10 microg, SC) or oil vehicle was administered to intact, 24-month-old female or male congenic (primarily C57BL/6 background) mice immediately after training in the inhibitory avoidance or water maze tasks. Following behavioral testing, effects of 1 or 24 h of E2 exposure on hippocampal levels of E2 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were examined. Female and male mice administered E2 showed significantly better performance in the inhibitory avoidance task than did vehicle-administered mice. When tested 24 h after training, mice that received E2 had significantly longer latencies to cross-over to the shock-associated side of the chamber than did vehicle-administered mice. Female or male mice administered E2 showed significantly better performance in the reference memory aspect of the spatial water maze task. When tested 30 min after training, mice administered E2 had shorter latencies to, and spent longer swimming in, the quadrant that the hidden platform had previously been located in. E2 administration produced physiological levels of E2 in the hippocampus 1 and 24 h after E2. BDNF levels in the hippocampus were decreased following 1 h of E2 exposure compared to vehicle. These findings suggest that E2 to female and male mice may overcome age-related deficits in reference memory in an emotional or spatial learning task.
Vaccine Mandates Are Justifiable Because We Are All in This Together

Influenza is a deadly disease. Every year, in the United States, 200,000 people are hospitalized with influenza and 23,000–33,000 people die of the disease (Heron 2008). Unimmunized health care wor...
Lysate microarrays enable high-throughput, quantitative investigations of cellular signaling

Lysate microarrays (reverse-phase protein arrays) hold great promise as a tool for systems-level investigations of signaling and multiplexed analyses of disease biomarkers. To date, however, widespread use of this technology has been limited by questions concerning data quality and the specificity of detection reagents. To address these concerns, we developed a strategy to identify high-quality reagents for use with lysate microarrays. In total, we tested 383 antibodies for their ability to quantify changes in protein abundance or modification in 20 biological contexts across 17 cell lines. Antibodies yielding significant differences in signal were further evaluated by immunoblotting and 82 passed our rigorous criteria. The large-scale data set from our screen revealed that cell fate decisions are encoded not just by the identities of proteins that are activated, but by differences in their signaling dynamics as well. Overall, our list of validated antibodies and associated protocols establish lysate microarrays as a robust tool for systems biology.
Economic Human Rights Violations Experienced by Women With Children in the United States

In 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the United Nations. Economic human rights are expressed in Articles 23, 25, and 26. The UDHR requires that poverty be seen not just as an unfortunate living condition but also as a violation of human rights. In this study, 20 women with children were educated about the UDHR and interviewed in order to understand their stories of poverty through the lens of rights violations. Implications for reframing poverty as a rights violations and how social workers can advocate for policies that promote the well-being of families are discussed.
NUMERICAL STUDY OF HEAT AND MOMENTUM TRANSFER IN CHANNELS WITH WAVY WALLS

A two-dimensional steady developing fluid flow and heat transfer through a periodic wavy passage were studied numerically for a fluid with a Prandlt number of 0.7 and compared to flow through a corresponding straight (parallel-plate) channel. Sinusoidal and arc-shaped configurations were studied for a range of geometric parameters. At low Reynolds number, the two geometric configurations showed little or no heat transfer augmentation in comparison with a parallel-plate channel. In some cases the heat transfer enhancement ratios were as high as 80% at higher Reynolds number. An increase in either the height ratio or the length ratio for both sine and arc-shaped configurations resulted in a decrease in the recirculation size and strength. Periodically fully developed flow was attained downstream of the first module of the six modules considered in this study.
Approximate Query Processing Using Multilayered Data Model to Handle Environmental Constraints, Privacy and Avoiding Inferences

In this paper, we describe a query approximation system which uses the Multi-Layered Database (MLDB), a collection of summarized relational data generated using domain-based concept hierarchies. The system generates approximate answers to queries to handle environmental constraints and access control levels, thus preserving the privacy and security of data. Using concept hierarchy (CH), we generalize attributes to transform base relations to different layers of summarized relations corresponding to access control levels. The summary databases thus formed are the compression of the tuples in the main database using the CH constructed using the domain set. The query is rewritten by traversing the MLDB layers according to the user's access control level. We present summarization methods, query rewriting algorithms, implementation and experimental results of the system. In addition, we analyze some of the known inferences in Multi Level Secure (MLS) databases and then proceed to explore their effects on an approximate query processor that uses the MLDB model. The common relationships among inferential queries are found by analyzing them, and are used in possible solutions to detect and prevent inference problems. These patches are added to the query processor in MLDB to form a system that provides approximate results by preserving privacy and at the same time block the possible inferences. We have observed that these extra patches introduce only very small overheads in the MLDB generation and query processing.