cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FRET Assay for Single Molecule Measurements of Troponin Activation

We seek to understand the energetics and design principle of the TnTmA7 switch and the basis for cooperative activation. Single molecule studies provide the needed resolution, revealing conformational substates in a model-independent manner. Multiple single-cysteine mutants of cardiac TnI (cTnI) and cardiac TnC (cTnC) were engineered to generate an assay to resolve Ca2+- and myosin-dependent conformational substates of cTn in single molecule FRET experiments. Thin filaments were reconstituted from F-actin, Tm, and cTn, which consisted of donor (AlexaFluor 546)-labeled cTnI, acceptor (ATTO655)-labled cTnC, and wt cTnT. Optimized buffer conditions provide stably associated thin filaments at a 1 nM concentration. Complex stability was confirmed by fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS). In the most promising cTn construct, Ca2+ saturation increases the TE by 14%.
Effects of Burimamide, an Antagonist of H-2 Histamine Receptors, in the Gastric Fistula Dog

In 6 dogs with gastric fistula, burimamide, a histamine analog which blocks H-2 histamine receptors, was given in a dose of 500 μg/kg-hr as a background to step-dose responses with histamine (2–100 μg/kg-hr) or with betazole (50–5000 μg/kg-hr). The drug did not change the histamineresponsive H, electrolyte, or pepsin secretion, but did competitively inhibit both H+ and electrolyte responses to betazole, and reduced pepsin secretion by 90%. Three of the dogs in studies using pentagastrin (0.1–5.0 μg/kg-hr) had marked reduction in pepsin output but no effect on H+ or electrolytes by burimamide. With 2-DG stimulation in 3 dogs (1 dose, 100 mg/kg), burimamide had no effect on H+ or pepsin secretion. Larger doses of burimamide, 1–5 mg/kg-hr, produced side effects, especially retching and diarrhea, which precluded studies of these doses.
Hereditary ataxias: overview

The hereditary ataxias are a highly heterogeneous group of disorders phenotypically characterized by gait ataxia, incoordination of eye movements, speech, and hand movements, and usually associated with atrophy of the cerebellum. There are more than 35 autosomal dominant types frequently termed spinocerebellar ataxia and typically having adult onset. The most common subtypes are spinocerebellar ataxia 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7, all of which are nucleotide repeat expansion disorders. Autosomal recessive ataxias usually have onset in childhood; the most common subtypes are -Friedreich, ataxia-telangiectasia, ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 1, and ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 2. Four autosomal recessive types have dietary or biochemical treatment modalities (ataxia with vitamin E deficiency, cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis, Refsum, and coenzyme Q10 deficiency), whereas there are no specific treatments for other ataxias. Diagnostic genetic testing is complicated because of the large number of relatively uncommon subtypes with extensive phenotypic overlap. However, the best testing strategy is based on assessing relative frequencies, ethnic predilections, and recognition of associated phenotypic features such as seizures, visual loss, or associated movement abnormalities.
A Marketing Approach to Recruiting Librarians

SUMMARY Library association publications and newspaper articles point to a growing, nationwide shortage of professional librarians. While low salaries are one cause of the shortage, other factors contribute to the crisis. Results of a survey of library science students in ALA accredited programs in Texas provide a glimpse of what students value when applying for a job and of their perceptions of the major causes of the librarian shortage. The students confirm that libraries must change the way they recruit if they expect to fill their vacancies. Through a marketing approach, libraries can discover and address issues of value to potential employees, resulting in more effective recruiting strategies. Recruiting strategies must emphasize features that help reduce salary disparity. Based upon contact with libraries, human resources offices, and library and information science students, this paper suggests a seven-point formula to assist libraries in developing strategies for successful recruiting.
Heart rate during development in the turtle embryo: effect of temperature.

Growth and development can occur over a wide range of physical conditions in reptiles. Cardiovascular function must be critical to this ability. However, information on cardiovascular function in developing oping reptiles is lacking. Previous work indicated that in reptiles the effects of temperature on growth and metabolism are largely restricted to early development. This study examined whether the previously observed effects of temperature and different perinatal patterns of metabolism observed in amniotic vertebrates are correlated with cardiovascular function. Embryonic and hatchling carcass mass, heart mass and heart rate (HR) were compared for snapping turtle eggs (Chelydra serpentina) incubated at 24° and 29°C. Incubation time was shorter at 29 °C (56.2 days) than at 24 °C (71:1 days). Carcass and heart growth showed a sigmoidal pattern at both temperatures. However, cardiac growth showed a relative decrease as incubation proceeded. Incubation temperature significantly affected the HR pattern during development. The HR of embryos incubated at 24 °C was constant for most of incubation (51.8±4.8 min-1). A small decrease was observed just prior to and a large decrease immediately following hatching (posthatch, 22.3±4.1 min-1). At 29 °C embryonic HR was greater than at 24 °C early in development (72.3±3 min-1). The HR steadily decreased to values equivalent to those at 24 °C. The HRs of 24 °C and 29 °C hatchlings were not different. Cardiac output (estimated as the product of heart mass and HR) increased rapidly during early development and then slowed dramatically at both temperatures. These data are consistent with the suggestion that temperature exerts its effects primarily early in development. Furthermore, the changes in cardiovascular function are correlated with metabolic changes in hatching vertebrates.
Black and white complainants and the police: A comparison of individual and contextual characteristics

Citizens have always had an important role in the crime control process; they are most often responsible for the detection of crime. It is imperative, therefore, that citizens perceive police officers to be competent and just in the execution of their duties; in the absence of such confidence, the process suffers. Ironically, the groups which are most often the victims of crime hold the most negative attitudes toward the police. Minorities in urban communities, particularly blacks, fit this pattern. These attitudes appear to be linked to the perception of negative, differential experiences with the police, experiences which often lead to the filing of a formal complaint. Using a data set from the complaint files of a large American city, this article explores the relationship between the attitudes of blacks toward the police, experiences with the police, and complaints lodged against the police.
Phosphorylation of ΔNp63α via a Novel TGFβ/ALK5 Signaling Mechanism Mediates the Anti-Clonogenic Effects of TGFβ

Genetic analysis of TP63 implicates ΔNp63 isoforms in preservation of replicative capacity and cellular lifespan within adult stem cells. ΔNp63α is also an oncogene and survival factor that mediates therapeutic resistance in squamous carcinomas. These diverse activities are the result of genetic and functional interactions between TP63 and an array of morphogenic and morphostatic signals that govern tissue and tumor stasis, mitotic polarity, and cell fate; however the cellular signals that account for specific functions of TP63 are incompletely understood. To address this we sought to identify signaling pathways that regulate expression, stability or activity of ΔNp63α. An siRNA-based screen of the human kinome identified the Type 1 TGFβ receptor, ALK5, as the kinase required for phosphorylation of ΔNp63α at Serine 66/68 (S66/68). This activity is TGFβ-dependent and sensitive to either ALK5-directed siRNA or the ALK5 kinase inhibitor A83-01. Mechanistic studies support a model in which ALK5 is proteolytically cleaved at the internal juxtamembrane region resulting in the translocation of the C-terminal ALK5-intracellular kinase domain (ALK5IKD). In this study, we demonstrate that ALK5-mediated phosphorylation of ΔNp63α is required for the anti-clonogenic effects of TGFΒ and ectopic expression of ALK5IKD mimics these effects. Finally, we present evidence that ultraviolet irradiation-mediated phosphorylation of ΔNp63α is sensitive to ALK5 inhibitors. These findings identify a non-canonical TGFβ-signaling pathway that mediates the anti-clonogenic effects of TGFβ and the effects of cellular stress via ΔNp63α phosphorylation.
Primary prevention services for children and youth

Abstract Described and empirically supported is an interventive model for primary prevention of social and health problems among children and youth. Involving three components—information dissemination, information personalization, and skills acquisition—preventive intervention is delivered through a group training format. Data from two field applications of the model document its feasibility and effectiveness. The first application focuses on helping adolescents prevent unwanted pregnancy; the second on preventing cigarette smoking among preadolescents. In both studies self-report, behavioral, and objective data obtained at program's end and at 6-month follow-up favored trained youths when compared to those in untrained control conditions. The model's adjunctive benefits and directions for further research are discussed.
Early psychosis and employment.

Abstract Background Employment may be an important factor in helping patients with early psychosis to recover rapidly and to avoid involvement in disability and welfare programs. Methods This study followed 351 patients with early psychoses, either primary psychoses or substance-induced psychoses, for two years to examine their patterns of competitive employment in relation to service use, psychosocial outcomes, and disability and welfare payments. Results Workers differed from non-workers at baseline and over two years. At baseline, they had better educational and employment histories, were more likely to have substance-induced psychoses rather than primary psychoses, were less likely to have drug dependence, had fewer negative symptoms, and had better psychosocial adjustment. Over two years, baseline psychosocial differences persisted, and the workers used fewer medications, mental health services, and disability or welfare payments. Conclusions Employment predicts less service use and fewer disability claims among early psychosis patients. Thus, greater attention to supported employment early in the course of illness may reduce federal insurance costs and disability payments.
Theoretical chemi-ionization and recombination cross sections for reactions of Na and K with Cl

Quantum close-coupling techniques employing pseudo-potential derived coupling matric elements between reactant and product states have been used to calculate the crctions for the reactions Na + Cl ⇌ Na+ + Cl− and K + Cl ⇌ K+ + Cl−. The calculations were performed from threshold collision energies to 5.0 eV, allowing the reaction rates to be determined for temperatures T ⩽ 5000°K. Analytical forms for the reaction rates are given. Representative reaction rates at 2000°K for the ionization reactions are k(Na + Cl) = 4.3 × 10−14 cm3/s and k(K + Cl) = 1.0 × 10−13 cm3/s, while for the ion-ion recombination reactions the rates are found to be k(Na+ + Cl−) = 3.7 × 10−9 cm3/s and k(K+ + Cl−) = 8.5 × 10−11 cm3/s. It is believed that the calculated rates are accurate to within a factor of two or three.
The effect of free radical inhibitor on the sensitized radiation crosslinking and thermal processing stabilization of polyurethane shape memory polymers

Abstract The effects of free radical inhibitor on the electron beam crosslinking and thermal processing stabilization of novel radiation crosslinkable polyurethane shape memory polymers (SMPs) blended with acrylic radiation sensitizers have been determined. The SMPs in this study possess novel processing capabilities—that is, the ability to be melt processed into complex geometries as thermoplastics and crosslinked in a secondary step using electron beam irradiation. To increase susceptibility to radiation crosslinking, the radiation sensitizer pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETA) was solution blended with thermoplastic polyurethane SMPs made from 2-butene-1,4-diol and trimethylhexamethylene diisocyanate (TMHDI). Because the thermoplastic melt processing methods such as injection molding are often carried out at elevated temperatures, sensitizer thermal instability is a major processing concern. Free radical inhibitor can be added to provide thermal stabilization; however, inhibitor can also undesirably inhibit radiation crosslinking. In this study, we quantified both the thermal stabilization and radiation crosslinking inhibition effects of the inhibitor 1,4-benzoquinone (BQ) on polyurethane SMPs blended with PETA. Sol/gel analysis of irradiated samples showed that the inhibitor had little to no inverse effects on gel fraction at concentrations of 0–10,000 ppm, and dynamic mechanical analysis showed only a slight negative correlation between BQ composition and rubbery modulus. The 1,4-benzoquinone was also highly effective in thermally stabilizing the acrylic sensitizers. The polymer blends could be heated to 150 °C for up to 5 h or to 125 °C for up to 24 h if stabilized with 10,000 ppm BQ and could also be heated to 125 °C for up to 5 h if stabilized with 1000 ppm BQ without sensitizer reaction occurring. We believe this study provides significant insight into methods for manipulation of the competing mechanisms of radiation crosslinking and thermal stabilization of radiation sensitizers, thereby facilitating further development of radiation crosslinkable thermoplastic SMPs.
The systematics and evolution of Haplomunna and its relatives (Isopoda, Haplomunnidae, New family)

Summary A re-examination of Haplomunna Richardson (1908) reveals a close relationship between this genus and Munella Bonnier (1896), Abyssaranea Wilson & Hessler (1974) and Thylakogaster ibid. As a consequence, a new family, Haplommunidae, is erected to contain these four genera. The systematic problems with this new grouping, its relation to the Dendrotionidae, and some peculiarities of its members are discussed. A key and the geographical ranges of the four genera are included. A generic diagnosis for Haplomunna is given, and H. caeca (Richardson, 1905) and H. hubbsi, sp. nov. are described.
The effects of mercury on the structure and function of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis in the hamster

The neurons of the arcuate nucleus were studied ultrastructurally in female hamsters that were given saline or 1 mg mercuric chloride/day during one estrous cycle. Membranous whorls, composed of 4–26 concentric layers of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, were found in 7–8% of the neurons of control animals in diestrus (D3) and in proestrus (D4). Whorls were found in 5–16% of the neurons in mercury-treated animals on all days of the experimental period. The whorls appeared to be associated with RER and Golgi bodies. The levels of FSH and LH were measured in the plasma and pituitaries of both groups of animals. There was a significantly higher concentration of FSH in the pituitaries of experimental animals on D3 and of LH on D1C2 of the subsequent cycle; plasma levels of FSH and LH were similar in both groups throughout the experimental period. The relationship between the levels of gonadotropins and the presence of membranous whorls is discussed.
Competition and entrepreneurs' human capital in small business longevity and growth

Abstract An analysis of data on a sample of small-scale manufacturers shows that a business is less likely to survive and grows slower the smaller the average price–cost margin in the industry in which it operates. The probability of survival is also smaller in import competing industries. So is the mean growth rate among survivors. We interpret this as evidence that small businesses are less likely to survive and grow slower in industries where the pressure of competition is stronger. Given competitive pressure and establishment characteristics, the probability of business survival and the expected growth rate conditional on survival both increase with entrepreneurial human capital. This is in the sense that the probability of business survival increases with the number of years of schooling and the number of years of business experience of the entrepreneur as does the expected growth rate conditional on survival. These results are consistent with another finding that unobservable influences on business ...
Carbon-13 NMR assignments in 1,3-cyclohexadiene

Abstract Unambiguous 13 C-NMR assignments for the olefinic carbons of 1,3-cyclohexadiene (in CDCl 3 : δ C(1) = 126.02 ppm and δ C(2) = 124.30 ppm downfield from TMS) have been made by comparison with regioselectively synthesized 2-deuterio-1,3-cyclohexadiene (in CDCl 3 : δ C(1) = 125.88, δ C(3) = 124.22 and δ C(4) = 126.02 downfield from TMS). 1 H-NMR chemical shifts and splittings are shown for both compounds.
Tracing the Path of Oxygen into Birdsfoot Trefoil and Alfalfa Nodules using Iodine Vapor

: Although physiological control of nodule 02 permeability is an active area of research, the gas diffusion pathway between the atmosphere and the infected zone has not been firmly established. Previous studies have used infiltration of ink or dyes to identify points of entry, but such water-soluble tracers could give a misleading picture of gas diffusion pathways. We therefore used iodine vapor (and its reaction with starch) to trace gas-phase pathways into the infected zone of determinate birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) and indeterminate alfalfa (Medicago sativa) nodules. We also used histochemical methods to identify suberized or lignified layers that could act as barriers to gas diffusion. Birdsfoot trefoil nodules were surrounded by a suberized periderm, but nonsuberized cells and intercellular spaces were observed in the periderm between lenticels and their associated vascular bundles. Iodine entered birdsfoot trefoil nodules only through lenticels. The periderm appears to provide a significant barrier to gas diffusion. Although airspaces were rare in the nodule parenchyma (also referred to as the “inner cortex”), we found some evidence that a few air-filled pathways cross this secondary barrier, also in the vicinity of vascular bundles. Alfalfa nodules were cylindrically surrounded by a suberized endodermis which ended near the meristematic tip; iodine entered principally at the end of the endodermis near the meristem. Future research on physiological control of nodule O2 permeability should concentrate on strategic “choke points”, associated with lenticels in determinate nodules, or in the zone proximal to the meristem in indeterminate nodules.
Effects of Irrelevant Colour Changes on Speed of Name Decisions

Subjects decided if two letter pairs, presented simultaneously, had the same names. Letter case and letter colour were logically irrelevant to the classification, however classification responses w...
3-D motion estimation and online temporal calibration for camera-IMU systems

When measurements from multiple sensors are combined for real-time motion estimation, the time instant at which each measurement was recorded must be precisely known. In practice, however, the timestamps of each sensor's measurements are typically affected by a delay, which is different for each sensor. This gives rise to a temporal misalignment (i.e., a time offset) between the sensors' data streams. In this work, we propose an online approach for estimating the time offset between the data obtained from different sensors. Specifically, we focus on the problem of motion estimation using visual and inertial sensors in extended Kalman filter (EKF)-based methods. The key idea proposed here is to explicitly include the time offset between the camera and IMU in the EKF state vector, and estimate it online along with all other variables of interest (the IMU pose, the camera-to-IMU calibration, etc). Our proposed approach is general, and can be employed in several classes of estimation problems, such as motion estimation based on mapped features, EKF-based SLAM, or visual-inertial odometry. Our simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach yields high-precision, consistent estimates, in scenarios involving both constant and time-varying offsets.
Permeability measurement and scan imaging to assess clogging of pervious concrete pavements in parking lots

This paper describes a study that used permeability measurement along with physical and hydrological characteristics of 20 pervious concrete pavements in parking lots throughout California. The permeability was measured at five locations: the main entrance, an area with no traffic, and three separate measurements within a parking space at each parking lot. Hydrological and physical site characteristics such as traffic flow, erosion, vegetation cover, sediments accumulation, maintenance practice, presence of cracking, rainfall, and temperature data were also collected for each parking lot. These data were used to perform detailed statistical analysis to determine factors influencing changes in permeability and hence assessing possible cause of clogging. In addition, seven representative core samples were obtained from four different parking lots with permeability ranging from very low to very high. Porosity profiles produced from CT scanning were used to assess the possible nature and extent of clogging. Results showed that there is a large variation in permeability within each parking lot and between different parking lots. In general, the age of the parking lot is the predominant factor influencing the permeability. Statistical analysis revealed that fine sediment (particles less than 38 μm) mass is also an important influencing factor. Other influencing factors with lower significance included number of days with a temperature greater than 30°C and the amount of vegetation next to the parking lot. The combined scanned image analysis and porosity profile of the cores showed that most clogging occurs near the surface of the pavement. While lower porosity generally appeared to be limited to the upper 25 mm, in some core samples evidence of lower porosity was found up to 100mm below the surface.
Coral reef fish communities in management systems with unregulated fishing and small fisheries closures compared with lightly fished reefs – Maldives vs. Kenya

1. This study presents a comparison of the benthic cover and fish communities in three widely different management systems: (1) a heavily utilized subsistence fishery (yields >5 Mg km−2 yr−1); (2) moderately sized and well enforced fisheries closures (∼9% of the nearshore area) surrounded by heavy fishing; and (3) a more lightly used management system (yields <5 Mg km−2 yr−1). 2. The objective was to compare management systems of small to moderate-sized closures surrounded by heavy use in Kenya with a large-scale light-use management system in the Maldives. 3. Gross level attributes of the fish community suggest that the Maldives reefs had higher numbers of individuals (30%) and species (15%) than the Kenyan closures. 4. Maldivian reefs had higher abundance of some carnivores such as emperors (Lethrinidae), jacks (Carangidae), triggerfish (Balistidae), and trumpetfishes (Aulostomidae). Half the biomass of fish in the Maldives was, however, composed of surgeonfish (Acanthuridae), which resulted in a higher abundance of herbivores/detritivores than found in Kenyan closures. 5. Apex predator species were not a large portion of the biomass (<10%) in any system and, if remote reefs of the Pacific are examples of undisturbed ecosystems, then neither management system has fully protected apex species. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of peripherally inserted central catheter occlusion by in‐line pressure monitoring

SummaryBackground: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are being increasingly used in neonatal practice. Their use is not without technical difficulty. This report describes the use of continuous pressure monitoring to detect catheter occlusion in critically ill neonates. Methods: In-line venous pressure of the PICC line was monitored by pressure transducer in neonates; 28-gauge 20 cm PICC or 29-gauge 25 cm PICC were used. Results: In-line pressure of the PICC was monitored 64 times in 50 neonates. Increases in the in-line pressure were observed when the catheter tip was against the vessel wall and the catheter was obstructed partially or completely. Decreases were observed when the infusion syringe was changed and when an inappropriate infusion rate was set. Two infants experienced marked variations of blood pressure due to intermittent catheter occlusion of the tip against the vessel wall. These infants were receiving dopamine via a PICC line. Conclusions: In critically ill infants, in-line pressure monitoring of the PICC is helpful in detecting the occlusion of the catheter.
Structural influence of cabin floor on sound transmission into propeller aircraft - Analytical investigations

The structural influence of the cabin floor on the transmission of low frequency propeller noise into aircraft interiors has been examined using a simplified analytical model. The response amplitudes and distributions of shell displacement and internal acoustic pressure are examined for various frequencies and floor configurations. In general, at lower frequencies the floor exerts little structural influence on the transmission of acoustic energy to the interior. However, as the frequency nears half the cylinder ring frequency the floor can be seen to significantly alter the internal pressure distributions and response.
Towards a computationally efficient approach for improving target tracking using grid-based methods

Although the Kalman filter is efficient and effective for computing state estimates of a moving target, it can produce poor results when tracking a maneuvering target. The problem is that the Kalman filter must employ large plant noise and/or large tracking gates to keep the target in track. This can result in larger errors in the state estimate as well as larger uncertainties in these estimates. To track these maneuvering targets, a better approach would be to exploit the kinematic constraints of the target to restrict the state estimates to only those where the target transition was possible. Unfortunately, the Kalman filter cannot fully capture the physical constraints of the target motion. To address this problem, several alternative approaches have been pursued including Kalman filter variants, particle filters, and gridbased filters. Although grid-based filters can be effective, it seems they have been avoided due to their perceived exponential computational requirements. A new approach for using a grid-based filter has been developed that can track targets moving in two dimensions by using a well-confined, two-dimensional grid. As a result, this grid-based approach is enormously more computationally efficient and can effectively exploit the kinematic constraints of the target. This paper describes this grid-based filter, along with the inclusion of the kinematically-constrained target motion model. The paper will then compare the tracking performance of this filter against a Kalman filter for maneuvering target scenarios. The improved target state estimations from this grid-based filter will be shown and analyzed via Monte Carlo analysis.
Phospholipid transfer protein can transform reconstituted discoidal HDL into vesicular structures

Abstract The present study investigated the effect of phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) on transformation of discoidal HDL (d-HDL) to vesicular structures by using primarily KBr density gradient centrifugation, non-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, and electron microscopy. The incubation of reconstituted d-HDL preparations containing apo-AI with PLTP resulted in the formation of vesicular structures differing in hydrated densities and sizes. The extents of transformation were dependent upon PLTP concentrations and incubation times. Substantial transformations occurred, even with plasma concentrations of PLTP, within 4 h of incubation at 37°C. After 8 h of incubation, almost 80% of d-HDL was converted to vesicular structures with a hydrated density of 1.07 g ml −1 . The d-HDL-vesicle transformation appeared to be triggered by the PLTP-mediated displacement of apo-AI. This apo-AI displacement might have led to the fusion of transiently produced apo-AI deficient particles, producing thermodynamically stable vesicular structures. The cross-linking of apo-AI in d-HDL almost completely prevented d-HDL-vesicle transformation. The addition of free apo-AI to the PLTP/d-HDL incubation mixtures also greatly reduced the transformation. The conversion of smaller vesicles of density 1.07 g ml −1 to larger vesicles of density 1.05 g ml −1 also seemed to have been affected by PLTP-mediated apo-AI displacement. We described the possible implications of the transformation of d-HDL into vesicular structures in lipid and lipoprotein transport processes under physiological and pathological conditions.
Novel TUBB4A mutations and expansion of the neuroimaging phenotype of hypomyelination with atrophy of the basal ganglia and cerebellum (H‐ABC)

Hypomyelination with atrophy of the basal ganglia and cerebellum (H-ABC) has recently been associated with a single heterozygous p.D249N mutation in TUBB4A. We describe two novel mutations in this gene. A p.C239F mutation was found in one of the originally described H-ABC patients, for whom we provide follow-up 11 years after the original publication. The second novel mutation, p.R262H, was found in a patient with a typical clinical presentation for H-ABC, but with a novel neuroimaging phenotype, given the absence of atrophy of the putamen and caudate nucleus despite 7 years of follow-up. The recent recognition of TUBB4A mutations as the underlying etiology of H-ABC will likely lead to the identification of subtler clinical and neuroimaging presentations of this disorder, like in our third patient. Thus mutations in this gene should be suspected in any patient with hypomyelination, regardless of the long-term presence of neostriatal atrophy. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chemoprophylaxis and suppressive therapy in the management of urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections are among the most common infectious diseases encountered in domiciliary and hospital practice. The ease of treatment and prophylaxis depends on host factors and the nature of invading microbe. Prophylaxis is often effective in preventing infection from exogenous or endogenous sources. It is useful in females with frequent, recurrent infections, in males with a persistent prostatic focus, in renal transplant recipients, and following instrumentation of the urinary tract. It is often useful in children with vesico-ureteral reflux and in patients undergoing urological operations. It is ineffective in patients with long-term indwelling catheters. A wide variety of prophylactic tactics is available. These are designed to meet the special needs of individual patients. Patient counselling is a key feature of a good prophylactic regimen. Desirable features of antimicrobial drugs used for prophylaxis include good oral absorption, minimum toxicity, high concentrations in the urine, minimum potential for development of resistance and low cost. Suppressive therapy is often ineffective and cannot substitute for corrective surgical procedures. It is important to recognize microbial failure and to avoid unnecessary therapy.
A new semicrystalline, thermoplastic polyimide for carbon fiber-reinforced composites

Abstract A new semicrystalline polyimide (PI-2) has been prepared from 1,3-bis(4-aminophenoxy)-2,2-dimethylpropane and 3,3′,4,4′-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride. The polymer, which has a glass transition temperature of 230°C and a melting point of 335°C, displays outstanding toughness with a fracture energy of 4·28 KJ/m 2 . The toughness may be associated with the polymer's unique morphology, which consists of randomly stacked, ribbon-like lamellae. A reactive precursor approach has been used to prepare carbon-fiber reinforced composites that display interlaminar fracture energies ( G 1C ) as high as 1·81 KJ/m 2 .
Lethal syndrome of skeletal dysplasia and progressive central nervous system degeneration

We describe 3 sibs (2 males and 1 female) with multiple congenital anomalies, poor growth, seizures, and progressive central nervous system (CNS) degeneration leading to death in infancy. Radiographic changes in all 3 were similar, and included moderate shortness of long bones, platyspondyly, and hypoplastic pelvis. Autopsies showed diffuse encephalomyelopathy and enlargement of the lateral and third ventricles. Lysosomal enzyme activities were normal. Collagen type II analysis on 2 of the sibs indicated normal collagen. Chromosomes appeared normal. Even though the radiographic and chondroosseous morphologic findings in these sibs have a certain similarity to Dyggve-Melchior-Clausen syndrome, their clinical course does not fit this condition. These infants appear to represent a new syndrome of bone dysplasia and CNS degeneration inherited as an autosomal recessive trait.
The flatiron mutation in mouse ferroportin acts as a dominant negative to cause ferroportin disease

Ferroportin disease is caused by mutation of one allele of the iron exporter ferroportin (Fpn/IREG1/Slc40a1/MTP1). All reported human mutations are missense mutations and heterozygous null mutations in mouse Fpn do not recapitulate the human disease. Here we describe the flatiron (ffe) mouse with a missense mutation (H32R) in Fpn that affects its localization and iron export activity. Similar to human patients with classic ferroportin disease, heterozygous ffe/+ mice present with iron loading of Kupffer cells, high serum ferritin, and low transferrin saturation. In macrophages isolated from ffe/+ heterozygous mice and through the use of Fpn plasmids with the ffe mutation, we show that Fpnffe acts as a dominant negative, preventing wild-type Fpn from localizing on the cell surface and transporting iron. These results demonstrate that mutations in Fpn resulting in protein mislocalization act in a dominant-negative fashion to cause disease, and the Fpnffe mouse represents the first mouse model of ferroportin disease.
Solving the low dimensional Smoluchowski equation with a singular value basis set

Reaction kinetics on free energy surfaces with small activation barriers can be computed directly with the Smoluchowski equation. The procedure is computationally expensive even in a few dimensions. We present a propagation method that considerably reduces computational time for a particular class of problems: when the free energy surface suddenly switches by a small amount, and the probability distribution relaxes to a new equilibrium value. This case describes relaxation experiments. To achieve efficient solution, we expand the density matrix in a basis set obtained by singular value decomposition of equilibrium density matrices. Grid size during propagation is reduced from (100–1000)N to (2–4)N in N dimensions. Although the scaling with N is not improved, the smaller basis set nonetheless yields a significant speed up for low-dimensional calculations. To demonstrate the practicality of our method, we couple Smoluchowsi dynamics with a genetic algorithm to search for free energy surfaces compatible with the multiprobe thermodynamics and temperature jump experiment reported for the protein α3D. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
Studies on ECHO 4 virus (Picornavirus group) and its intracellular development.

Abstract A detailed study has been made of two strains of ECHO 4 (Picornavirus Group) virus, one of which is not readily neutralized even with homologous antisera. The intracellular development of the prototype Pesascek strain and of the DuToit strain was followed in monkey kidney cultures. Cells infected with either strain began to produce viral antigen at approximately 3 hours after inoculation, as measured by immunofluorescence. The time course and sequence of viral antigen formation was identical in cells infected with each strain. Cytoplasmic RNA increased 2 hours earlier in cells infected with the DuToit strain over those infected with the Pesascek. The virus was purified by density gradient centrifugation and its nucleic acid was shown to be RNA. The buoyant density of particles of both strains is 1.35 in cesium chloride. Electron microscopic examination of ultrathin sections of infected cells has revealed small spherical particles of size range of 17–19mμ.
ACTH Measured by Immunoradiometric Assay (IRMA) Offers Similar Diagnostic Accuracy Compared with Radioimmunoassay (RIA) During the Differential Diagnosis of Cushing's Syndrome

Measurement of plasma ACTH levels by RIA was originally used to identify adrenal causes (AA) of Cushing's syndrome (CS) and for the differential diagnosis of ACTH-dependent CS with ovine corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation testing and inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS). It is unclear whether diagnostic criteria developed with RIA also work for IRMA. Methods: ACTH was measured by RIA and IRMA (Covance Laboratories, Vienna VA) in paired samples i.) basally (63 Cushing's disease (CD), 5 AA, 2 ectopic CS (EAS) and 37 non-CS patients) ii.) in 44 CD patients following CRH (1 μ g/kg i.v.) iii) in 6 EAS and 17 CD patients during IPSS. Results were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlations, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, linear regression and McNemar's test. Results: i)Basal RIA and IRMA results were highly correlated (r = 0.9, p 2.0 before or ≥3.0 after CRH, IRMA had the same sensitivity (100%) but higher specificity (100% vs 83%, p = 1.0) vs. RIA. Conclusion: ACTH measured by IRMA correlates closely to RIA values and offers similar diagnostic accuracy during the CRH and IPSS testing. However in ACTH samples < 15 pg/ml IRMA probably offers better diagnostic accuracy.
Picture Indexing and Abstraction Techniques for Pictorial Databases

We present an approach for picture indexing and abstraction. Picture indexing facilitates information retrieval from a pictorial database consisting of picture objects and picture relations. To construct picture indexes, abstraction operations to perform picture object clustering and classification are formulated. To substantiate the abstraction operations, we also formalize syntactic abstraction rules and semantic abstraction rules. We then illustrate by examples how to apply these abstraction operations to obtain various picture indexes, and how to construct icons to facilitate accessing of pictorial data.
Interpolating cathode pad readout in gas proportional detectors for high multiplicity particle tracks

Experiments which are planned for the Superconducting Super Collider and the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider will involve interactions in which detectors will identify and localize hundreds or even thousands of particle tracks simultaneously. Most types of conventional position sensitive, proportional detectors with projective geometry are not able to unravel the individual tracks in these environments. We have been investigating several forms of subdivided cathode readout to address this problem. We report here on geometric charge division using chevron shaped cathode pads which lie in rows underneath each anode wire. Investigations have quantified the nonlinear effects due to avalanche angular localization, and how these become negligible with proper design of the cathode pad. Differential nonlinearity of ±5%, and position resolution in the region of 50 μm rms, have been achieved.
An “Epidemic” Model of Adolescent Cigarette Smoking

The prevalence of regular smoking increases rapidly during adolescence. We applied modeling methods from the study of epidemic infectious disease to smoking behavior. Our “epidemic” models dealt with the process of transition among four states: nonsmoker (susceptible), trier (exposed), regular smoker (infected), and ex-smoker (recovered). The best fitting model was one in which the transition from nonsmoker to trier was a social contagion process where nonsmokers contacted either triers or regular smokers. All other transitions were treated as constant rate processes in which a constant proportion of eligible individuals made the transition in a given year. The recursive equation model embodying these assumptions was able to predict accurately the proportion of adolescents in each state in Grades 6–11. Our results support a “stage” model of smoking, suggesting that different psychological and physiological processes are involved in the initiation of smoking than in developing a habit of regular smoking. A possible sex difference was found in the non-contact transition between trier and smoker states, with the transition being more probable in females than in males.
Multicore processor cluster based sleep transistor sizing considering delay profile

This paper proposed a novel method to size the sleep transistor by considering the slack time of the gates in non-critical path in delay profile. The circuit topology was considered to calculate the switching factor, which consequently gave us a more accurate estimation of gates' discharge current. We implemented our method on a 4-bit adder. The proposed switching factor calculation could provide a more accurate estimation of switching current. In consideration of the slack time based on the delay profile, the equivalent worst case discharge current can be reduced, so that the number and the total size of sleep transistors can be dramatically reduced. In theory, the size of sleep transistor can be saved by up to a factor of 3, depending upon the design. In this paper, we also extended the sleep transistor sizing techniques into general multicore architecture. As an example, we modeled nine cores in design. Each core is assumed with different speed degradation allowed to process work loads with various performance requirements. Thus, a balanced design between power dissipation and circuit performance can be maintained.1
Asymptotic solutions for the unsteady Graetz problem

Abstract Heat transfer to a Poiseuille flow in a tube is studied under transient conditions, resulting from a step increase in wall temperature at time θ = 0 for z > 0, where z is the axial distance. Asymptotic solutions for small time or large axial distance, and for small axial distance, are obtained. In the former case, the solution is seen to be exactly independent of axial distance. In the latter case, the solution is independent of time for z ⪡ θ , and independent of axial position for z > θ ; between these two limits, the solution is a function of both time and axial position.
The social bases of disciplinary knowledge and practice in productive disciplinary engagement

Abstract In this commentary regarding the four articles in this special issue, I focus on three inter-related issues for Productive Disciplinary Engagement (PDE). First, I consider the disciplinary aspects of engagement as related to teaching and learning science. Second, across the four studies, I note the importance of the discursive work needed to frame the disciplinary inquiry in an educational community through the establishment of norms and practices for interaction. Third, conclude by considering the implications for PDE of social nature of scientific knowledge.
Nouns are not always learned before verbs : Evidence from Mandarin speakers' early vocabularies

This article examines D. Gentner's (1982) claim that nouns are universally predominant in children's early vocabularies. When a conservative method of counting nouns was used, 9 out of 10 22-month-old monolingual Mandarin-speaking children produced more verbs or action words than nouns or object labels in their naturalistic speech. When a more liberal definition of nouns was used, neither a noun nor a verb bias was found. Importantly, there was no difference in the type-token ratios of the children's use of nouns and verbs. Thus, a sampling bias type of explanation cannot explain the prevalence of verbs in these data. Instead, these data suggest the importance of variety of linguistic and sociocultural input factors in early word learning.
Security of Cyber-Physical Systems: A Generalized Algorithm for Intrusion Detection and Determining Security Robustness of Cyber Physical Systems using Logical Truth Tables

The recent proliferation of embedded cyber components in modern physical systems [1] has generated a variety of new security risks which threaten not only cyberspace, but our physical environment as well. Whereas earlier security threats resided primarily in cyberspace, the increasing marriage of digital technology with mechanical systems in cyber-physical systems (CPS), suggests the need for more advanced generalized CPS security measures. To address this problem, in this paper we consider the first step toward an improved security model: detecting the security attack. Using logical truth tables, we have developed a generalized algorithm for intrusion detection in CPS for systems which can be defined over discrete set of valued states. Additionally, a robustness algorithm is given which determines the level of security of a discrete-valued CPS against varying combinations of multiple signal alterations. These algorithms, when coupled with encryption keys which disallow multiple signal alteration, provide for a generalized security methodology for both cyber-security and cyber-physical systems.
Marked γδ T-Cell Decrease in Peripheral Blood of Patients with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC)

PBC is a cholestatic liver disease of unknown etiology with autoimmune features that is often associated with other autoimmune diseases. We analyzed peripheral blood T-cell subsets in patients groups with PBC (n = 11), non-PBC hepatobiliary disease (n = 11) and an age and sex matched control group (n = 11) by two color FACS-analysis. Seven out of eleven PBC patients exhibited markedly lowered and nearly undetectable levels of y8 T-cells (< 0.8%). None of the individuals in the non-PBC hepatobiliary disease (HBD) gkroup or the normal control group had y8 values below 1%. The other four individuals in the PBC group had γδ values within the normal range. Overall, the PBC group had a statistically significant, lowered mean percentage of γδ T-cells (L.50%) as compared to the hepatobiliary disease group (3.76%) and the control group (4.22%, p = 0.01). The percentages of CD4+ and CD8 + and αβ TCR + CD4-CD8 − double negative cells in PBC patients did not differ from the control group. PBC patients with normal γδ ...
Anillin: a pivotal organizer of the cytokinetic machinery

Cytokinesis is a dynamic and plastic process involving the co-ordinated regulation of many components. Accordingly, many proteins, including the putative scaffold protein anillin, localize to the cleavage furrow and are required for cytokinesis, but how they function together is poorly understood. Anillin can bind to numerous other furrow components, including F-actin, septins and myosin II, but its molecular functions are unclear. Recent data suggest that anillin participates in a previously unrecognized Rho-dependent pathway that can promote the association of anillin with the plasma membrane, septins, myosin II and microtubules. Studies using the inhibitor of F-actin assembly, Lat A (Latrunculin A), have revealed that these associations occur independently of F-actin; indeed they appear to be stabilized by the loss of F-actin. This pathway may explain previously described requirements for anillin in maintaining stable furrow positioning and for forming a stable midbody, and supports the notion that anillin is a central organizer at the hub of the cytokinetic machinery.