cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inference of Genetic Regulatory Networks with Recurrent Neural Network Models Using Particle Swarm Optimization

Genetic regulatory network inference is critically important for revealing fundamental cellular processes, investigating gene functions, and understanding their relations. The availability of time series gene expression data makes it possible to investigate the gene activities of whole genomes, rather than those of only a pair of genes or among several genes. However, current computational methods do not sufficiently consider the temporal behavior of this type of data and lack the capability to capture the complex nonlinear system dynamics. We propose a recurrent neural network (RNN) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) approach to infer genetic regulatory networks from time series gene expression data. Under this framework, gene interaction is explained through a connection weight matrix. Based on the fact that the measured time points are limited and the assumption that the genetic networks are usually sparsely connected, we present a PSO-based search algorithm to unveil potential genetic network constructions that fit well with the time series data and explore possible gene interactions. Furthermore, PSO is used to train the RNN and determine the network parameters. Our approach has been applied to both synthetic and real data sets. The results demonstrate that the RNN/PSO can provide meaningful insights in understanding the nonlinear dynamics of the gene expression time series and revealing potential regulatory interactions between genes.
Partial Uniqueness and Obstruction to Uniqueness in Inverse Problems for Anisotropic Elastic Media

We consider the inverse problem of identifying the density and elastic moduli for three-dimensional anisotropic elastic bodies, given displacement and traction measurements made at their surface. These surface measurements are modelled by the dynamic Dirichlet-to-Neumann map on a finite time interval. For linear or nonlinear anisotropic hyperelastic bodies we show that the displacement-to-traction surface measurements do not change when the density and elasticity tensor in the interior are transformed tensorially by a change of coordinates fixing the surface of the body to first order. Our main tool, a new approach in inverse problems for elastic media, is the representation of the equations of motion in a covariant form (following Marsden and Hughes, 1983) that preserves the underlying physics.
An investigation of the relationship between stimulus explicitness and entering behavior in facilitating student achievement.

Summary The purpose of this study was to investigate the relative effectiveness of specific media attributes (visual) on S performance on criterion tests measuring different levels of understanding. One hundred seventy-one Ss were assigned to one of three entering behavior groups (high, middle, and low) as a result of their performance on a pretest designed for this purpose. Ss participated in their respective presentations and received two criterion tests. Analyses indicated that (a) there was a significant relationship between entering behavior and performance on the criterion tests; (b) no significant relationship was found to exist between the level of stimulus explicitness and achievement on the criterion tests; and (c) no significant interactions were found to exist between entering behavior and type of visualization.
Use of 9-Methylfluorene as an Indicator in the Titration of Common Group IA and Group IIA Organometallic Reagents

9-Methylfluorene was tested as an indicator in the titration of commonly used organometallic reagents. This indicator is readily prepared in three steps from fluorenone. In THF solution the deprotonated indicator is red and exhibits a sharp endpoint. The highly basic reagents sec-butyllithium and tert-butyllithium can be titrated in ether solution, where the color of the deprotonated indicator is yellow.
Anatomy and physiology of pain and the management of breakthrough pain in palliative care

The aim of the study was to explore terminally ill patients’ and their families’ experiences of hospital end-of-life care. The study design was a qualitative approach using interpretive phenomenology, which was applied prospectively. Ten patients and their closest family members were recruited in one Swiss university hospital. Data collection included repeated observations, conversations with patients, and interviews with family members. It was found that people led unique lives; when a terminal illness intruded and during hospital stays, they continued to live their particular life. The hospital was experienced differently, as prison, heaven, or necessary sojourn. A caring stance of the professionals was crucial to patients’ and families’ sense of being well cared for. When care providers lacked skills or did not recognize patients and family members as persons, they suffered. In contrast, adequate care interventions improved their quality of life. The experience of being in the hospital cannot be separa...
Effects of H2O vapor on vibrational relaxation in expanding and contracting flows

As opposed to previous explanations based on the effects of anharmonicity of simple diatomic molecules, traces of water vapor are suggested to be the most likely cause of the anomalously fast vibrational relaxation of such gases observed in supersonic and hypersonic nozzles. The mechanism is the strong V-VR coupling with H2O molecules that dramatically facilitates the collisional transfer of vibrational energy. Slight moisture content is thus a real world aspect of gas dynamics that must be considered in characterizations of shock tubes, reflected shock tunnels, and expansion tubes.
Acetylene reduction in black alder seedlings as affected by direct and indirect moisture deficits using a split-pot growing system

Abstract Black alder seedlings inoculated with one of two strains of nodule endophyte Frankia were used to evaluate the effects of direct soil moisture stress using a split-pot growing system. Seedlings were either watered in both rooting zones (control); watered only in the lower rooting zone (only nodulated root tissue exposed to dry soil); or no water to either rooting zone. The split-pot growing system was successful in exposing nodulated roots of black alder seedlings to dry environments (direct soil moisture stress) while keeping the host plant fully hydrated. There were no significant differences between strains of Frankia in their response to direct soil moisture stress. Transpiration rates and leaf water potentials were similar for well watered controls and seedlings watered only from below. Transpiration rates for seedlings receiving no water were significantly lower (24%) than those of the controls; seedlings watered only from below had a non-significant 3.9% reduction. Despite full shoot hydration, photosynthesis was reduced 56% from control levels when seedlings were watered from below. There were no significant differences for leaf conductance between treatments. Direct soil moisture stress had no significant effect on acetylene reduction. However, acetylene reduction rates for fully stressed seedlings were 44% lower than those of the controls. Direct soil moisture stress or complete plant stress had no significant effect on nodule sugar content.
The incorporation of 32p into the nucleic acids of lymphatic cells in vitro; effect of adrenal cortical hormones (compound F).

Abstract Addition of 32P to suspensions of lymphatic cells of normal and tumor tissues produced its incorporation into the organic acid-soluble phosphorus compounds and into ribonucleic and desoxy-ribonucleic acids. Lack of oxygen inhibited the incorporation of 32P in the cells of appendix, whereas it had little effect in the tumor cells of lymphosarcoma. Fluoride had no effect on the synthesis of organic acid-soluble phosphorus compounds, whereas it inhibited the synthesis of nucleic acids. Dinitrophenol, at concentrations which increased respiration had little effect on nucleic acid synthesis. The relative specific activity of the esterified acid-soluble-P fraction was the same in all three kinds of cells (appendix, spleen, lymphosarcoma), whereas the activity of the nucleic acids was greater in the cells of the appendix. Compound F inhibited the uptake of 32P into the three fractions of phosphorus compounds.
Re)Constructing Ideals of Multicultural Education Through Grow Your Own Teachers

Reflecting on the current status of multicultural education in higher education institutions, we examine Grow Your Own Teachers, a progressive, innovative program that not only embodies and enacts major principles of multicultural education, but also represents an ongoing effort to redefine and revitalize multicultural education within teacher preparation.
Thermosolutal convection in a solution with large negative Soret coefficient

The large negative Soret coefficient of 1N-LiI gives rise in a Rayleigh-Benard experiment to a density distribution which is observed to stabilize the fluid layer for values of the Rayleigh number as large as 196 times the value of 1708 for the onset of convection in a pure fluid. The Soret transport also affects the convective heat flux. A power law relating heat flux and temperature difference is found with the same exponent as is found in pure fluids but with a lower value of the multiplicative constant. The Rayleigh number at the onset of power-law behaviour depends on the Soret coefficient. Three types of oscillation are seen: transient oscillations at onset, low frequency fluctuations at low Rayleigh number, and higher frequency oscillations similar to those observed in pure water. The intermediate state found after onset in NaCl solutions is not found in LiI.
Trends and Future Directions in Nano Structure Based Computing and Fabrication

As silicon CMOS devices are scaled down into the nanoscale regime, new challenges at both the device and system level are arising. While some of these challenges will be overcome in the near future, nanoscale devices will have high manufacturing defect rates and will operate at reduced noise margins, exposing computation to higher soft error rates. Thus, a key challenge for the future will be building fault and defect-tolerant computing systems. Researchers are looking to develop hybrid systems that combine on the same chip CMOS-based circuitry with any number of alternatives, including circuits composed of nanowire or carbon nanotube devices. The big advantage of including these new devices on the same chip is the increased device densities, and potential drop in fabrication costs. On the other hand, integrating very large numbers of devices on a single chip leads to questions of how to manage so many devices with tight constraints on cost, performance, power, and reliability, without having it become a design complexity nightmare. In this paper, we review some key issues and trends arising from nanostructure based computing and fabrication, while providing a few examples of defect-tolerant circuits and architectures currently being proposed as alternatives to "traditional" computing based exclusively on CMOS technology. These include hybrid nanowire/CMOS designs, reconfigurable or redundant architectures, and designs based on probabilistic computing. We end with a discussion on future challenges and direction in nanoscale computing.
Indications for an Extra Neutral Gauge Boson in Electroweak Precision Data

A new analysis of the hadronic peak cross section at LEP 1 implies a small amount of missing invisible width in $Z$ decays, while the effective weak charge in atomic parity violation has been determined recently to $0.6%$ accuracy, indicating a significantly negative $S$ parameter. As a consequence, the data are described well if the presence of an extra ${Z}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ boson, such as predicted in grand unified theories, is assumed. Moreover, the data are now rich enough to study an arbitrary extra ${Z}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ boson and to determine its couplings in a model independent way. An excellent fit to the data is obtained in this case, suggestive of a family nonuniversal ${Z}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ similar to those predicted in a class of superstring theories.
Hemodynamic effects of captopril in pulmonary hypertension of collagen vascular disease.

Abstract Captopril 12.5 to 50 mg as a single dose was given to six patients with pulmonary hypertension secondary to collagen vascular disease. Total pulmonary resistance was decreased in four patients from 19% to 39%, but mean pulmonary artery pressure (63 ± 15 mm Hg) was not decreased, probably because of the concurrent increase in cardiac output from 21% to 52% (2 p
A comparative study of sintered and melt-grown recrystallized YBa2Cu3Ox

This paper compares the properties of yttrium barium cuprate bulk specimens prepared by means of solid-state sintering on one hand and of growth from a largely molten state on the other. The current paper focuses on magnetization measurements at 77 K which show specimens made by the latter method to have high remanence magnetization values.
An on-line interpretive Rorschach approach: Using Exner’s comprehensive system

This paper describes the development of an on-line interactive Rorschach interpretation method for the Exner comprehensive system. The findings of a study to examine the validity of the computer algorithm are reported. These findings suggest that the automated algorithm is able to provide an output report similar in quality to that of an expert clinician. The major strengths of the system were in assessing the person’s psychological state and aiding in the formulation of diagnostic understanding and treatment plans. The major weakness was its limited description of the adaptive capabilities and interpersonal qualities of the person.
Separation of propylene and propane by polyimide hollow-fiber membrane module

Abstract The performance of the polyimide membrane module was investigated for separation of propylene/propane mixtures as a function of temperature, pressure, stage-cut, and feed gas composition. The ideal separation factor (C 3 H 6 /C 3 H 8 ) of polyimide membrane was relatively constant around 15 in the temperature and pressure ranges studied. It was around 3.8 times greater than those of other membranes such as cellulose acetate, silicone rubber, polyethylene, and polysulfone. It was found that experimental data were correlated with the prediction of mathematical models.
The structure of microcomputer file systems

With an understanding of the structure of microcomputer file systems and what causes incompatibilities between them, it is possible to write software that will enable one system to read files written by another—provided they have physically compatible hardware.
Validity Evidence of an Electronic Portfolio for Preservice Teachers

This study applied Messick’s unified, multifaceted concept of construct validity to an electronic portfolio system used in a teacher education program. The subjects included 128 preservice teachers who recently completed their final portfolio reviews and student teaching experiences. Four of Messick’s six facets of validity were investigated for the portfolio in this study, along with a discussion of the remaining facets examined in two previous studies. The evidence provided support for the substantive and generalizability aspects of validity, and limited support for the content, structural, external, and consequential aspects of validity. It was suggested that the electronic portfolio may be used as one requirement for certification purposes, but may not be valid for the purpose of assessing teacher competencies.
A surgical approach to Wilms’ tumour with retrohepatic vena caval extension

Wilms’ tumours (WT) with retrohepatic vascular extension traditionally requires cardiac bypass for complete excision. We share our experience of these complex cases. A retrospective review was performed of children with WT with retrohepatic vascular extension presenting to two UK children’s hospitals. Tumour stage, chemotherapy, level of vascular extension, operative details and complication data were analysed. Ten children were identified. Mean age 6.6 years (range 3.3–8.2 years); tumour side 6 right, 2 left, 2 bilateral. Level of tumour extension was to the right atrium in two, diaphragm in two, hepatic vein (HV) level in four and retrohepatic inferior vena cava (IVC) in one patient. Following chemotherapy it reduced to hepatic veins (5) or below (4). Surgery involved radical nephrectomy and complete mobilisation of the liver off the IVC, which was then clamped, opened and the thrombus excised. There were no intraoperative complications. Mean hospital stay was 9.77 days (7–20 days). Histology showed viable tumour thrombus in six patients. One patient died after 1 year from metastatic disease. Retrohepatic extension of WT can be managed without bypass using pre-operative chemotherapy and by complete liver mobilisation. The tumour was always adherent to IVC and required sharp dissection.
Precision, high dose radiotherapy. II. Helium ion treatment of tumors adjacent to critical central nervous system structures.

In this paper we present a technique for treating relatively small, low grade tumors located very close to critical, radiation sensitive central nervous system structures such as the spinal cord and the brain stem. A beam of helium ions is used to irradiate the tumor. The nearby normal tissues are protected by exploiting the superb dose localization properties of this beam, particularly its well defined and controllable range in tissue, the increased dose deposited near the end of this range (i.e., the Bragg peak), the sharp decrease in dose beyond the Bragg peak, and the sharp penumbra of the beam. To execute this type of treatment, extreme care must be taken in localization of the tumor and normal tissues, as well as in treatment planning and dosimetry, patient immobilization, and verification of treatment delivery. To illustrate the technique, we present a group of 19 patients treated for chordomas, meningiomas and low grade chondrosarcomas in the base of the skull or spinal column. We have been able to deliver high, uniform doses to the target volumes (doses equivalent to 60 to 80 Gy of cobalt-60) while keeping the doses to the nearby critical tissues below the threshold for radiation damage. Follow-up on this group of patients is short, averaging 22 months (2 to 75 months). Currently, 15 patients have local control of their tumor. Two major complications, a spinal cord transection and optic tract damage, are discussed in detail. Our treatment policies have been modified to minimize the risk of these complications in the future, and we are continuing to use this method to treat such patients. We are enthusiastic about this technique, since we believe there is no other potentially curative treatment for these patients.
Investigating resilient high performance reconfigurable computing with minimally-invasive system monitoring

As researchers push for Exascale computing, one of the emerging challenges is system resilience. Unlike fault-tolerance which corrects errors, recent reports suggest that resilient systems will need to continue to make progress on an application despite faults. A first step in developing a resilient system is to have robust, scalable system monitoring. The work described here presents a novel, minimally-invasive system monitor that operates over a separate network. We analytically characterize the performance for an arbitrary set of nodes and demonstrate a working implementation of the design. We argue that the hardware approach is inherently superior to the ad hoc, software techniques currently employed in practice.
The effect of CNS activation versus EEG arousal during sleep on heart rate response and daytime tests

Abstract Objective To induce a heart rate change in normal subjects using auditory stimulation without inducing EEG arousals and to assess the effects on daytime functioning and compare results to auditory stimulation leading to short EEG arousals. Methods Six normal young men initially randomized into two groups (A and B) underwent 4 nights of nocturnal polysomnography (normal sleep on night 1, auditory stimulation without EEG arousal or normal sleep on nights 2 and 3 using Latin square design, and auditory stimulation with EEG arousal on night 4). MSLT and PVT were performed during days following nights 2–4. Results MSLT and PVT results showed significant differences after EEG arousal compared to stimulation without EEG arousal and to normal sleep; there were no significant differences after normal sleep compared to stimulation without EEG arousal. RR interval showed significant differences during undisturbed sleep compared to stimulation without EEG arousal and to stimulation with EEG arousal; RR interval without EEG arousal also differed significantly from RR interval with EEG arousal. Conclusion Activation of the brain-stem can lead to autonomic nervous system (ANS) response without objective consequences the next day. Significance ANS responses induced by auditory stimulation during sleep without EEG arousal do not have the same effects on daytime sleepiness and performance as sleep fragmentation associated with EEG arousals.
Thermal cycle stability of a novel glass-mica composite seal for solid oxide fuel cells : Effect of glass volume fraction and stresses

Abstract A novel glass–mica composite seal was developed based on a previously reported concept of “infiltrated” mica seals for solid oxide fuel cells. Ba–Al–Ca silicate sealing glass powder and Phlogopite mica flakes were mixed at glass volume fractions of 10–50 vol.% to make the glass–mica composite seals. The seals were leak tested for short-term thermal cycle stability as a function of glass volume fraction. Composite seals with 10 and 20 vol.% glass were also leak tested under compressive stresses from 3 to 100 psi and helium pressures of 0.2 or 2 psi. Post-mortem microstructure analyses were used to characterize the fracture (leak path) of the glass–mica composite seals and were related to the high temperature leakages. Open circuit voltage tests on dense 8YSZ electrolyte with the glass–mica composite seal showed very good thermal cycle stability over 250 cycles with minute (
Katrina in Historical Context: Environment and Migration in the U.S.

The massive publicity surrounding the exodus of residents from New Orleans spurred by Hurricane Katrina has encouraged interest in the ways that past migration in the U.S. has been shaped by environmental factors. So has Timothy Egan’s exciting book, The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of those who survived the Great American Dust Bowl. This article places those dramatic stories into a much less exciting context, demonstrating that the kinds of environmental factors exemplified by Katrina and the Dust Bowl are dwarfed in importance and frequency by the other ways that environment has both impeded and assisted the forces of migration. We accomplish this goal by enumerating four types of environmental influence on migration in the U.S.: (1) environmental calamities, including floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes, (2) environmental hardships and their obverse, short-term environmental benefits, including both drought and short periods of favorable weather, (3) environmental amenities, including warmth, sun, and proximity to water or mountains, and (4) environmental barriers and their management, including heat, air conditioning, flood control, drainage, and irrigation. In U.S. history, all four of these have driven migration flows in one direction or another. Placing Katrina into this historical context is an important task, both because the environmental calamities of which Katrina is an example are relatively rare and have not had a wide impact, and because focusing on them defers interest from the other kinds of environmental impacts, whose effect on migration may have been stronger and more persistent, though less dramatic.
Hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus stimulation-induced gastric acid secretion and bradycardia suppressed by oxytocin antagonist

Abstract Unilateral microstimulation of the medial parvocellular division of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN mp ) elicits significant increases in gastric acid secretion and bradycardia. An injection of 25 picomoles of the oxytocin antagonist dET 2 Tyr(Et)Orn 8 Vasotocin (ETOV), suspended in 5 nanoliters of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), into the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMN) immediately preceding microstimulation of the PVN mp suppresses this change in gastric acid secretion and heart rate. The injection of an equal volume (5 nanoliters) of artificial CSF vehicle solution into this region of the DMN, prior to PVN mp microstimulation, has no effect on either the subsequent stimulation-evoked changes in acid secretion or cardiac activity. This suppression of PVN mp stimulation-evoked changes in gastric acid levels and heart rate by the presence of the oxytocin antagonist, ETOV, within the DMN supports the hypothesis that oxytocin may be a neurotransmitter used for descending communication from the PVN mp to neurons within the DMN that regulates these two functions.
The Relative Autonomy of Party Practices: A Counterfactual Analysis of Left Party Ascendancy in Kerala, India, 1934–19401

This article seeks to modify one of the dominant assumptions in the literature on political parties, namely that parties “reflect” the dominant cleavages of a given society. Instead, drawing on the distinction between the concepts of “class structure” and “class formation,” the main argument of this article is that party practices contribute to the formation of “cleavages” and in the process gain ascendancy and hegemony. A party's practices are, however, relatively autonomous from the underlying structures. Through a comparative case study of the ascendancy and rise to hegemony of the precursor to the Communist Party of India (CPI) in Kerala, India, during the nationalist movement of the 1930s and 1940s, this article traces the specific manner in which the party’s own strategies drew upon prevalent structural possibilities, making class a salient cleavage. The methodology of posing historical counterfactual questions is utilized to measure how much difference particular political practices (and not other ...
Enhanced cellular uptake of biotinylated antisense oligonucleotide or peptide mediated by avidin, a cationic protein

The cellular uptake of a model antisense oligonucleotide complementary to 21 bases of the bovine GLUT-1 glucose transporter mRNA and a model vasopressin peptide that were biotinylated, was markedly stimulated by the presence of avidin, a cationic protein. Conversely, the bacteria homologue of avidin, streptavidin, which is a slightly acidic protein, did not facilitate cellular uptake. The avidin-mediated uptake of biotinylated derivatives was competitively inhibited by another cationic protein, protamine, with a Ki of 5 micrograms/ml; was saturable, temperature- and time-dependent; and was associated with endocytosis. The use of the avidin-biotin system provides a new approach to increasing the cellular uptake of antisense oligonucleotides or peptides.
The impact of managerial coaching on learning outcomes within the team context: An analysis

This study investigates the relationship between coaching expertise, project difficulty, and team empowerment on team learning outcomes within the context of a high-performance work team. Variables were tested using multiple regression analysis. The data were analyzed for two groups—team leaders and team members—using t-tests, factor analysis, as well as correlation, regression, and commonality analyses. The results indicate that the independent variable project difficulty explained the most variance in team learning outcomes for team leaders whereas coaching expertise and team empowerment explained the most variance in team learning outcomes for team members. Practical implications include the selection and training of team leaders in managerial coaching and the development of challenging projects in situations where team learning is highly important. Theoretical implications include providing further empirical support for leadership theories, and coaching theory in particular.
Trace-element constraints on accessory-phase saturation in evolved MORB magma

Abstract Despite the rarity or absence of ilmenite, apatite and zircon in MORB glasses, their relative ubiquity in ocean-floor and ophiolitic plutonic rocks indicates that they eventually crystallize in sufficiently evolved magma. We have inferred the following saturation sequence and conditions from experimental, geochemical and petrographic evidence for MOR basaltic glasses, gabbros and plagiogranites: (1) ilmenite crystallizes at 1100°C at the FMQ buffer from a liquid with about 4.0% TiO2 and 300 ppm Zr; (2) apatite crystallizes at 985°C from a liquid with about 0.7% P2O5, 600 ppm Zr, and 200 ppm Y; and (3) zircon crystallizes at about 840°C from a liquid with about 700 ppm Zr and (Na + K+ 2Ca)/(Al*Si)= 2.4. We also show that interpretation of trace elements in whole-rock gabbros with a trapped liquid component may depend critically on whether they formed before or after crystallization of accessory phases. For an element that favors a particular accessory, the concentration in post-saturation gabbros may be inversely correlated with the degree of fractionation of the trapped liquid. Our data for TiO2 and Y in Oceanographer Fracture Zone gabbros illustrate this reversal of normal geochemical patterns for ilmenite and apatite, respectively.
Radiolabeling of the hydrophobic components of lung surfactant with 3-(trifluoromethyl)-3-(m-[125I]iodophenyl)diazirine.

Abstract Studies of the metabolism and distribution of lung surfactant are aided by use of radiolabeled surfactant or surfactant components. These studies have often made use of [3H]- or [14C]phosphatidylcholine. Analysis of the lung content of surfactant containing these β-emitting labels usually requires tissue digestion, use of scintillation fluids, and significant correction for quenching of photon production. Because use of a γ-emitting isotope would obviate these requirements, we have investigated the use of 3-(trifluoromethyl)-3-(m-[125I]iodophenyl)diazirine ([125I]TID), a lipophilic photoactivatable compound, to radiolabel pulmonary surfactant. Our results indicate that, during photoactivation, products of [125I]TID are produced that result in radiolabeling of both the lipid and protein components of extracted porcine surfactant. Separation of radiolabeled surfactant from hydrophobic nonlabeling photolysis products was accomplished by gel chromatography. Exposure of surfactant (34 μmol/ml) to [125I]TID under labeling conditions resulted in incorporation of 45.3 ± 5.1% of the radiolabel. Incorporation of radiolabel in the various phospholipids of lung surfactant was approximately equivalent. Lipophilic surfactant apoproteins were also radiolabeled. Finally, both in vitro and in vivo testing of radiolabeled surfactant (0.1 μCi/mg) revealed full retention of surface tension lowering ability.
Inhibition of Aminopeptidase M by Alkyl D-Cysteinates

Ethyl D-cysteinate is a potent competitive inhibitor (Ki = 3.5 x 10(-7) M) of aminopeptidase M. D-cysteine and ethyl L-cysteinate inhibit more than two orders of magnitude less effectively. Inhibition studies on several n-alkyl esters of D-cysteine reveal an optimum at the n-butyl ester (Ki = 1.8 x 10(-7) M). The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the thiol group coordinates to Zn+2 at the active site and the alkyl group occupies the hydrophobic binding site for the side chain of the amino-terminal residue of substrates. Cytosolic leucine aminopeptidase is not significantly inhibited by ethyl D-cysteinate.
Thin-film NiOAl2O3 reaction couples prepared by CVD

Summary A CVD technique for preparing thin-film reaction couples for examination in the TEM has been described. Epitactic relations between NiO, NiAl 2 O 4 and Al 2 O 3 have been studied with this technique. Preferred growth directions in the NiAl 2 O 4 reaction layer have been determined and defects associated with the phase transformation have also been monitored.
Self-care strategies and barriers among kidney transplant recipients: a qualitative study.

Objectives: We investigated kidney transplant recipients' self-reported levels of exercise and fluid intake. We also examined attitudes about, barriers to undertaking, and strategies used to initiate and maintain adequate self-care for fluid intake, exercise and dietary practices.Methods: A qualitative approach was used and supplemented by quantitative data to examine self-care among kidney transplant recipients (n = 82), including a semi-structured interview and survey of physical activity.Results: One-third of patients (33%) reported drinking the recommended 3 L of fluid each day. However, the majority (60%) reported not receiving this or any specific fluid intake recommendation. Twenty percent reported engaging in moderate to regular physical activity while 78% were sedentary. However, many reported that clinicians did not specify the amount of exercise (39%) or did not discuss exercise (15%). Attitudes towards fluid intake, exercise and maintaining a low-salt diet were mostly positive; patients expres...
Adenosine antagonists alter the synaptic response to in vitro ischemia in the rat hippocampus.

Abstract Exposure of the submerged hippocampal slice to in vitro ischemic conditions (superfusion with hypoxic medium lacking glucose) resulted in a progression of changes in the orthodromically evoked response recorded from the CA1 pyramidal region. There was an early depression of the population spike with no change in the presynaptic fiber volley, followed by a transient return of the population spike and, finally, a complete loss of both the population spike and fiber volley. The adenosine A 1 subtype-selective antagonists, 8-phenyltheophylline (8-PT) and 8-cyclopentyltheophylline (8-CPT), greatly attenuated the early depression of the population spike such thatb the initial loss of the population spike was associated with the loss of the fiber volley. This result suggests that the initial loss of synaptic function in the hippocampal slice during exposure to in vitro ischemic conditions is due to increased levels of the inhibitory neuromodulator, adenosine.
The Significant Other Checklist: Measuring the problems experienced by family members of drug users

Historically, much attention has been given to the multifaceted problems experienced by drug abusers. Recently, greater attention has been given to the family members of drug abusers, but unfortunately, most of this attention has focused on family relationships and has overlooked the problems experienced by family members of drug users (DUs). To date, there is no psychometrically sound, multidimensional assessment tool available to systematically assess the economic, behavioral, and psychological problems encountered by these family members. This study presents the findings associated with the initial measurement development phase of such an assessment tool. The initial results are promising, suggesting that the Significant Other Checklist (a) has reasonable initial subscale reliability estimates, (b) assesses problem domains that are relevant to family members of DUs, and (c) is able to identify important group similarities and differences among family members of DUs.
Anterior dental cutting at Laetolil

No evidence supports the interpretation of malocclusion in the LH-14 right P,. The pattern of anterior cutting shown in the younger Laetolil specimens has its analogue in the deciduous dentitions of Pongo. In a recent paper White (1981) asserts that the occlusal wear on the right P, of LH-14 is the result of malocclusion. We find this to be demonstrably incorrect. Although LH-14 is a set of isolated teeth (White, 1977; Wolpoff, 1979), there is evidence indicating that nothing is abnormal about the positioning of this tooth in the tooth row. The mesial interproximal facet is in a normal position, its buccal border is just below the most inferior extension of the mesial ridge, and the facet extends for about 2 mm lingually. There is a corresponding distal facet on the lower right canine which matches the P3 facet when these teeth are in a normal alveolar position. There are a number of facets on or adjacent to the distal surface of the right P3. Of these, the only one to cover the entire height of the distal face is a concave facet somewhat displaced lingually from the center of the tooth. We believe this is the contact facet for the P,. It is relevant that the most lingual aspect of the distal interproximal facet on the LH-14 P3 is also concave. Buccal to this LH-14 P, contact facet are three contiguous, lightly polished facets that extend across most of the remaining distal P3 face. These facets, convex on the vertical axis, extend somewhat superiorally onto the occlu- sal surface, and consequently could not have been formed by interproximal attrition after the tooth had erupted. We believe that the most lingual (concave) facet represents the mesial buccal contact for a P, which was rotated clockwise (as seen from above) out of its normal position. In the ab- sence of the actual LH-14 P, this is impossible to prove, although there is evidence for another occlusal anomaly in this dentition. However, if correct, this rotation would expose the distal buccal face and edge of the P, to pos- sible occlusal contact with the maxillary teeth, thereby accounting for the two lightly pol- ished, convex facets described above. If the P, were in normal position, the P, would have to be rotated to account for these facets, but the mesial contact with the canine argues against this alternative. The second interpretation is supported by White (1980), who does not recognize the implications of the normally positioned mesial contact facet.
A study of out-of-turn interaction in menu-based, IVR, voicemail systems

We present the first user study of out-of-turn interaction inmenu-based, interactive voice-response systems. Out-of-turn interaction is atechnique which empowers the user (unable to respond to the current prompt) totake the conversational initiative by supplying information that is currentlyunsolicited, but expected later in the dialog. The technique permits the userto circumvent any flows of navigation hardwired into the design and navigatethe menus in a manner which reflects their model of the task. We conducted alaboratory experiment to measure the effect of the use of out-of-turninteraction on user performance and preference in a menu-based, voice interfaceto voicemail. Specifically, we compared two interfaces with the exact samehierarchical menu design: one with the capability of accepting out-of-turnutterances and one without this feature. The results indicate that out-of-turninteraction significantly reduces task completion time, improves usability, andis preferred to the baseline. This research studies an unexplored dimension ofthe design space for automated telephone services, namely the nature ofuser-addressable input (utterance) supplied (in-turn vs. out-of-turn), incontrast to more traditional dimensions such as input modality (touch-tone vs.text vs. voice) and style of interaction (menu-based vs. natural language).
Lessons on Conditional Gene Targeting in Mouse Adipose Tissue

Conditional gene targeting has been extensively used for in vivo analysis of gene function in adipocyte cell biology but often with debate over the tissue specificity and the efficacy of inactivation. To directly compare the specificity and efficacy of different Cre lines in mediating adipocyte specific recombination, transgenic Cre lines driven by the adipocyte protein 2 (aP2) and adiponectin (Adipoq) gene promoters, as well as a tamoxifen-inducible Cre driven by the aP2 gene promoter (iaP2), were bred to the Rosa26R (R26R) reporter. All three Cre lines demonstrated recombination in the brown and white fat pads. Using different floxed loci, the individual Cre lines displayed a range of efficacy to Cre-mediated recombination that ranged from no observable recombination to complete recombination within the fat. The Adipoq-Cre exhibited no observable recombination in any other tissues examined, whereas both aP2-Cre lines resulted in recombination in endothelial cells of the heart and nonendothelial, nonmyocyte cells in the skeletal muscle. In addition, the aP2-Cre line can lead to germline recombination of floxed alleles in ∼2% of spermatozoa. Thus, different “adipocyte-specific” Cre lines display different degrees of efficiency and specificity, illustrating important differences that must be taken into account in their use for studying adipose biology.
Model-Driven Designs of an Oscillating Gene Network

The current rapid expansion of biological knowledge offers a great opportunity to rationally engineer biological systems that respond to signals such as light and chemical inducers by producing specific proteins. Turning on and off the production of proteins on demand holds great promise for creating significant biotechnological and biomedical applications. With successful stories already registered, the challenge still lies with rationally engineering gene regulatory networks which, like electronic circuits, sense inputs and generate desired outputs. From the literature, we have found kinetic and thermodynamic information describing the molecular components and interactions of the transcriptionally repressing lac, tet, and ara operons. Connecting these components in a model gene network, we determine how to change the kinetic parameters to make this normally nonperiodic system one which has well-defined oscillations. Simulating the designed lac-tet-ara gene network using a hybrid stochastic-discrete and stochastic-continuous algorithm, we seek to elucidate the relationship between the strength and type of specific connections in the gene network and the oscillatory nature of the protein product. Modeling the molecular components of the gene network allows the simulation to capture the dynamics of the real biological system. Analyzing the effect of modifications at this level provides the ability to predict how changes to experimental systems will alter the network behavior, while saving the time and expense of trial and error experimental modifications.
Balancing physiology, anatomy and immersion: how much biological fidelity is necessary in a medical simulation?

ABSTRACTPhysiology and anatomy can be depicted at varying levels of fidelity in a medical simulation or training encounter. Another factor in a medical simulation concerns design features intended to engage the learner through a sense of immersion. Physiology can be simulated by various means including physiology engines, complex state machines, simple state machines, kinetic models, and static readouts. Each approach has advantages in terms of complexity of development and impact on the learner. Such factors are detailed within the article. Various other biological, hardware-based, and virtual models are used in medical training with varying levels of fidelity. For many medical simulation-based educational experiences, low-fidelity approaches are often adequate if not preferable.
Genome–wide Association Scan Identifies Variants near Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) Genes on Chromosome 11q21–22 Strongly Associated with Serum MMP–1 Levels

Background— Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 may play a role in cardiovascular disease susceptibility by influencing plaque rupture via its ability to degrade extracellular collagens. Methods and Results— We performed a genome-wide association analysis of circulating MMP-1 levels using 500 K single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to identify genes influencing variation in serum MMP-1 levels in 778 healthy Amish adults. Serum MMP-1 levels, logarithm transformed, and adjusted for age and sex, were screened for association with SNPs using mixed-model variance components to account for familial relatedness. Median MMP-1 level was 3.05 ng/mL (interquartile range: 1.82 to 5.04 ng/mL) with an estimated heritability of 81% ( P <0.0001). Serum MMP-1 levels were strongly associated with a cluster of 179 SNPs extending over an 11.5-megabase region on chromosome 11q. The peak association was with rs495366 ( P =5.73×10−34), located within the region between MMP-1 and MMP-3 and having a minor allele frequency of 0.36. Two other SNPs within the 11q region, rs12289128 and rs11226373, were strongly associated with MMP-1 levels after accounting for rs495366 ( P ≤10−7). These 3 SNPs explained 31% of the variance in MMP-1 levels after adjusting for age and sex. Conclusions— This study provides strong evidence that the serum MMP-1 level is highly heritable and that SNPs near MMPs on chromosome 11q explain a significant portion of the variation in MMP-1 levels. Identification of the genetic variants that influence MMP-1 levels may provide insights into genetic mechanisms of cardiovascular disease. Received November 12, 2008; accepted April 30, 2009. # CLINICAL PERSPECTIVE {#article-title-2}
Specifying, Interpreting and Detecting High-level, Spatio-Temporal Composite Events in Single and Multi-Camera Systems

Detecting and tracking moving objects are important and challenging problems which have attracted much attention from the research community. However, in most cases, it is not enough to only track the objects. The goal should be to detect the occurrences of events of interest, which is important for applications such as video surveillance, video browsing and indexing. Yet, event detection introduces the challenge of providing the flexibility to specify customized events with varying complexity, and entering them to a system in a generic way. The event definitions should not be pre-defined and hard-coded. We introduce a spatio-temporal event detection system which lets the users to specify multiple composite events of high-complexity, and then detects their occurrence automatically. Events can be defined on a single camera view or across multiple camera views. Semantically higher level event scenarios can be built by using the building blocks, which we call the primitive events, and combining them by operators. More importantly, the newly defined composite events can be combined with each other. This layered structure makes the definition of events with higher and higher complexity possible. The event definitions are written to an XML file, which is then parsed and communicated to the tracking engines running on the videos of the corresponding cameras. With the proposed system, we have reached the next level and managed to go from detecting "a person exiting the building" to detecting "a person coming from the south corridor of the building and then exiting the building".