cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Resting-state connectivity stratifies premanifest Huntington's disease by longitudinal cognitive decline rate.

Patient stratification is critical for the sensitivity of clinical trials at early stages of neurodegenerative disorders. In Huntington’s disease (HD), genetic tests make cognitive, motor and brain imaging measurements possible before symptom manifestation (pre-HD). We evaluated pre-HD stratification models based on single visit resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) data that assess observed longitudinal motor and cognitive change rates from the multisite Track-On HD cohort (74 pre-HD, 79 control participants). We computed longitudinal performance change on 10 tasks (including visits from the preceding TRACK-HD study when available), as well as functional connectivity density (FCD) maps in single rs-fMRI visits, which showed high test-retest reliability. We assigned pre-HD subjects to subgroups of fast, intermediate, and slow change along single tasks or combinations of them, correcting for expectations based on aging; and trained FCD-based classifiers to distinguish fast- from slow-progressing individuals. For robustness, models were validated across imaging sites. Stratification models distinguished fast- from slow-changing participants and provided continuous assessments of decline applicable to the whole pre-HD population, relying on previously-neglected white matter functional signals. These results suggest novel correlates of early deterioration and a robust stratification strategy where a single MRI measurement provides an estimate of multiple ongoing longitudinal changes.
Monetization of Knowledge in China: A new way for online learning?

This paper introduces monetization of knowledge (MOK), an emerging online learning approach popular in China in recent years. The use of this innovative online learning method is growing among white-collar Chinese workers and appears to play a role in satisfying the needs of lifelong learners.
Chapter 15 – Protection of wood-based materials

Publisher Summary This chapter deals with wood degradation and protection of wood-based materials. Wood degradation can be classified as damage caused by biotic and abiotic agents. Non-living or abiotic agents include weathering, mechanical wear, chemicals, and heat. Biotic agents include bacteria, fungi, insects, marine borers, and woodpeckers. The chapter reveals that wood can be protected against biological degradation by limiting one or more of the four basic factors required for growth—that is, oxygen, temperature, moisture, and food source. Non-durable woods can be supplementally protected with chemicals. This method is known as “wood preservation.” Wood treatment can be divided into short-term protection lasting less than six months and longer-term protection that may need to last 50 or 100 years. The amount of chemical and the depth to which it must be applied to be effective differ substantially from that needed to protect wood exposed in soil in a tropical environment for many years. The chapter describes various treatment methods, such as brushing, dipping or soaking, two-stage dip diffusion, and thermal treatment.
Numerical study of magneto-convection flows in a complex prototypical liquid-metal fusion blanket geometry

Abstract Numerical simulation of time-dependent magneto-convection flows in a liquid metal breeding blanket unit cell prototypical to the geometry of Water-Cooled Lithium-Lead (WCLL) breeding blanket is performed by COMSOL Multiphysics. Its modeling capability for fully coupled magnetohydrodynamic (MHD)/heat transfer flows in a complex geometry under fusion relevant conditions is tested with the demonstration of the main flow features and temperature profiles. Here, the magneto-convection flow in the bulk region is dominated by the effect of natural convection, leading to two columnar-like, counter-rotating circulations which occupy the whole plenum region of the breeding zone along the external magnetic field direction. High velocity flow jets with the magnitude of 1–2 orders greater than inlet velocity are formed near structural walls that are parallel to the applied magnetic field and break into unsteady sidewall vortices that are mainly confined in boundary layers. Due to the buoyancy effect, the hot fluid particles are stratified near the top structure wall where the cooling effect is the least. The calculated maximum temperature at the wall is lower than the structure’s temperature limit but still exceeds the corrosion temperature limit.
Reactivation of Cytomegalovirus following Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation: A Case-Control Study

While cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation occurs in immunocompetent patients who are critically ill and has been associated with worse outcomes, very few cases of CMV reactivation have been reported following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. We aimed to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for CMV reactivation following LVAD implantation. Retrospective chart review of patients who had undergone LVAD implantation between July 2004 and December 2018 was performed. Cases with CMV reactivation post-LVAD were randomly matched (1:2) by sex, LVAD type, and implant year with controls utilizing SAS macros. Fisher's exact and paired sample t-tests were performed to evaluate for differences between categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Days to reactivation post-LVAD implantation were calculated in cases, and the corresponding times post-LVAD implantation were determined in control patients for variable comparisons. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Of the 349 patients reviewed, 208 (59.6%) patients were seropositive for CMV before LVAD implantation. Of these 208 patients, eight (3.8%) had CMV reactivation following LVAD implantation. The median time to CMV reactivation following LVAD implantation was 21.5 days (range, 6-177). Six (75%) patients had CMV viremia, and the other two had colitis and pneumonia without viremia. In comparison to controls, patients with CMV had higher creatinine levels (p = 0.039) and higher RDW (p = 0.05) and were more likely to have received steroids within the previous week (p = 0.028) and to have concurrent bacterial infection (p = 0.001). CMV reactivation following LVAD implantation is more frequent than expected. Early testing, diagnosis, and treatment in at-risk patients (i.e., renal failure, steroid use, elevated RDW) might improve clinical outcomes.
Development and Implementation of a Standardized Education Curriculum for Pediatric Transport

Purpose: Johns Hopkins Pediatric Transport arranges transport for over 3,000 pediatric patients annually from 60+ referring healthcare facilities to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Children's Center. In order to expertly triage these patients and safely care for them during transport, team members (nurses, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians) need ongoing cognitive and procedural training. To address this need for consistent education, we recently developed a standardized curriculum, focusing on six topics of interest to pediatric transport: Cardiac Emergencies, Neurologic Emergencies, Respiratory Emergencies, Environmental Emergencies, Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation, and ECMO Transport. Yearly …
Protocol for randomized controlled trial of electric stimulation with high-volt twin peak versus placebo for facial functional recovery from acute Bell's palsy in patients with poor prognostic factors.

BackgroundElectric stimulation (ES) can prevent muscle atrophy and promote tissue healing and therefore may help prevent sequelae of Bell’s palsy but due to lack of high-quality studies, the effect...
Association of Inflammatory Biomarkers with Immunosuppression Management and Outcomes in Kidney Transplant Recipients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplant recipients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are at increased risk for adverse outcomes, such as acute kidney injury (AKI), intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and death. The association of inflammatory biomarkers with outcomes and the impact of changes in immunosuppression on biomarker levels are unknown. METHODS: We investigated factors associated with a composite of AKI, ICU admission, or death, and whether immunosuppression changes correlated with changes in inflammatory biomarkers and outcomes in kidney transplant recipients with a positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Of 59 patients, 50% had estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Patients who discontinued calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) had higher peak high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) than those who maintained the same dose (median, 344; interquartile range [IQR], 145-374 vs median, 41; IQR, 22-116 mg/L, P = .03). Of the patients, 73% were hospitalized, 22% had admissions to the ICU, and 20% died. Of the 56% with AKI, 35% required dialysis. All patients with AKI but without pulmonary manifestations recovered to 10% of baseline creatinine levels. Factors associated with the composite outcome were eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (odds ratio [OR], 5.833; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.880-18.099; P = .002), hs-CRP (OR, 1.011/unit increase; 95% CI, 1.002-1.021; P = .019), white blood cell count (OR, 1.173/unit increase; 95% CI, 1.006-1.368; P = .041), and decreased or discontinued CNI (OR, 4.286; 95% CI, 1.353-13.572; P = .013). eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (OR, 11.176; 95% CI, 1.581-79.001; P = .016), and peak hs-CRP (OR, 1.010/unit increase; 95% CI, 1.000-1.020; P = .049) remained associated with the composite in the multivariable model. CONCLUSIONS: Kidney transplant recipients with COVID-19 have high rates of ICU admissions, AKI, and death. Those with eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m2 are at highest risk. CNI reduction is associated with higher inflammatory biomarkers, correlating with worse outcomes. More studies are needed to determine if this association should drive clinical management.
Regulatory T cells use LAG-3 as the “brake” in autoimmune diabetes but the “accelerator” in tumor environment (IRC4P.487)

Lymphocyte Activation Gene-3 (LAG-3, CD223) is an inhibitory receptor that is expressed upon TCR activation, is highly up-regulated on exhausted conventional T cells, and regulates T cell expansion, homeostasis and function via both cell intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms. LAG-3 is also required for maximal regulatory T cell (Treg) function. Our lab has previously shown that LAG-3 modulates tolerance mechanisms, but the specific function of LAG-3 expressed by Tregs remains unknown. To elucidate the role of LAG-3 in Treg-mediated immune suppression, we generated mice in which active, membrane-expressed LAG-3 is specifically deleted in Foxp3+ Tregs. We used both the non-obese diabetes (NOD) and B6 mouse backgrounds to study the role of LAG-3-deficient Tregs in autoimmune diabetes and B16 melanoma, respectively. Surprisingly, the deletion of LAG-3 in Tregs both protected NOD mice from autoimmune diabetes and resulted in decreased B16 melanoma growth. In an autoimmune environment, the number of Tregs infiltrating the islets was limited by LAG-3, which facilitated the breakdown of self-tolerance. However, in the tumor microenvironment, LAG-3 activity was required for Treg-mediated immune suppression. These data suggest opposing roles for LAG-3 on Tregs in an inflammatory versus an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Therefore, specifically targeting LAG-3 on Tregs may provide a strategy for limiting tumor growth without subsequent development of autoimmunity.
Synthesis and properties of epoxy-episulfide resins

Standard epoxy resins have good mechanical properties, but their prolonged low temperature curing time limits their potential use in clinical applications as well as in many industrial applications. A fast-curing epoxy-episulfide resin has been developed. The get time of epoxy-episulfide made from EPON® 828 ranges from 2 to 10 minutes by changing the ratio of the ingredients. The heat of reaction of this system is low, resulting in low cure shrinkage. Water absorption of the episulfide network is low. The epoxy-episulfide system cured with polyamide curing agent V-40® exhibits two transition temperatures, at about 85 °C and 130 °C, as shown in dynamic mechanical analysis data. In order to solve the long term stability problem of the above episulfides, and also the mixing problem, a lower viscosity resin, Eponex®, was used to make Eponex-sulfide. Eponex-sulfide systems show promise in that they remain in a stable liquid form without epoxy. The other advantages appear to be retained.
Optimum Calibration and Alignment Filter Gains for Minimizing Ballistic Impact Error

The objective of this paper is to show that minimizing the trace of the calibration and alignment error covariance matrix of an inertial ballistic guidance system also minimizes circular error probable (CEP) at the time of impact, independent of in-flight error miss-coefficients. This paper gives a complete derivation of the optimum calibration and alignment gains which minimize the error covariance matrix trace, and then follows with the derivation for minimizing the trace of the impact error covariance matrix. The two are shown to be equivalent.
Abstract P1-11-13: An evaluation of mobile mammography outreach in urban and rural communities

Background: Mobile mammography has been used to reach underserved women in a diverse number of settings. In this work, we demonstrate similarities and differences between rural and urban communities served by a single mobile mammography unit (MMU) affiliated with a comprehensive cancer center in Missouri. Methods: An outreach registry of patients serviced by the MMU was created and includes data from medical records and responses to a brief questionnaire completed at each visit. Data was examined by point of care (urban/rural) to assess the efficacy of mobile mammography as an outreach strategy in each of these environments. Bivariate analyses were used to examine the relationships between demographic characteristics such as age, income, race/ethnicity, education, employment status, marital status, insurance status, and living environment proxy. Results: Between 2006 and 2013, 9480 women received their care on the mobile mammography van. The sample was stratified by point of care (urban vs. rural) served, with majority of the women (86%) residing in urban/suburban St. Louis City/County, and 14% in rural regions. Urban zip codes had a lower percentage of women with income greater than $20,000 (12% v. 21%) and higher percentage of women with income less than $10,000 (49% v. 37%) in comparison to rural communities(p=0.01). There were higher proportions of black women in urban communities (63%) compared to rural communities (10%; p Conclusions: Mobile mammography has the potential to reach a large population of women with limited educational, financial, and healthcare resources. Future studies will be needed to determine if increasing the range and extent of mobile units, such as this one, would be effective in increasing the screening rates of not only women in Missouri, but also in other portions of this country. Citation Format: Lauren Steward, Susan Kraenzle, Bettina Drake, Sarah Lyons, Melody Goodman. An evaluation of mobile mammography outreach in urban and rural communities [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-11-13.
Transcriptional regulation by TrsN of conjugative transfer genes on staphylococcal plasmid pGO1

The major conjugative transfer gene cluster of staphylococcal plasmid pGO1 (trs) consists of 13 open reading frames (trsA to trsM) transcribed from one DNA strand and a single 189-bp open reading frame (trsN) within the first 348 bp of trs that is transcribed divergently. Promoter regions for trsN and trsA partially overlap. TrsN, a 7,181-Da protein, was purified as a fusion to glutathione S-transferase and found to have DNA-binding activity. Increasing concentrations of the fusion protein progressively retarded the gel migration of PCR-generated DNA fragments containing predicted promoters 5' to trsL, trsA, and trsN. The target sequences contained areas of identity, including regions of dyad symmetry, that were protected in DNase I footprinting studies. The binding of TrsN to its trsL target was required for this target DNA to be stably introduced into Staphylococcus aureus on a high-copy-number vector. Provision of excess TrsN from this high-copy-number vector in S. aureus decreased beta-galactosidase activity from a trsL-lacZ transcriptional fusion and decreased pGO1 conjugation frequency. Conversely, both transcription and conjugation increased in the presence of excess trsL target. We propose that TrsN negatively regulates the transcription of genes essential for conjugative transfer by binding to regions 5' to their translational start sites.
Flux-Flow Studies and Stability Criteria of Nb-Ti Strips

One of the aims in the development of stabilized superconductors was the construction of magnets with performance predictable from measurements on short samples. It was believed that when the critical current was exceeded, the stabilized superconductors entered the current sharing regime or flux-flow state which was terminated only when the power dissipation exceeded the maximum heat flux in nucleate boilings q n . Because q n is. geometry dependent [1], environment dependent [2], sensitive to surface conditions [3], and difficult to measure accurately [4], a range of reported values for commercial material was not unduly alarming. However, recent careful measurements with controlled heat transfer conditions have revealed that the stability conditions, even for large copper-to-superconducting ratios, are quite complicated and a knowledge of q n is not always sufficient to explain the take-off or sudden transition from flux flow to complete normality [5].
Simultaneous input and state estimation for linear time-invariant continuous-time stochastic systems with unknown inputs

In this paper, we present an optimal filter for linear time-invariant continuous-time stochastic systems that simultaneously estimates the states and unknown inputs in an unbiased minimum-variance sense. The optimality of the proposed filter is proven by reduction to an equivalent system without unknown inputs. Then, a second proof is given for a special case by limiting case approximations of the optimal discrete-time filter [1], thus establishing the connection between the continuous- and discrete-time filters. Conditions for the existence of a steady-state solution for the proposed filter are also given. Moreover, we show that a principle of separation of estimation and control holds for linear systems with unknown inputs. An example is given to demonstrate these claims.
Electro-Thermal Simulation Studies for Pulsed Voltage Energy Absorption and Potential Failure in Microstructured ZnO Varistors

Summary form only given. Zinc oxide varistors are ceramic devices made by sintering ZnO powder together with small amounts of other additives such as Bi2O3, MnO2, Co3O4 etc... The presence of Bi-ions trapped at the grain-boundaries are thought to be responsible for a highly nonlinear behavior. The nonlinear current-voltage (I-V) characteristics and excellent energy absorption capabilities, make ZnO varistors very useful as electrical surge arresters. We present a coupled electro-thermal analyses to determine the voltage driven temperature increases and possible impact on material failure in a ZnO varistor. A two-dimensional, random Voronoi network model has been used. The inherently non-linear internal I-V characteristics have been included. A stochastic distribution of grains with varying sizes and barrier breakdown voltages has also been taken into account. The model is time-dependent and includes two-dimensional heat generation and flow. Issues relating to internal heating analyses, time-dependent localized melting, cracking due to thermal stresses, and dynamical evolution towards failure, are addressed. Our results show that application of high voltage pulses can lead to internal ZnO melting. Such phase change is known to permanently damage the non-linear GB chracter associated with the Bi2O3 present in such material. Comparisons between uniform and normally distributed barrier voltages were made. Physically, it was shown that differences would be associated would depend on grain size and the applied bias regime. It has also been shown that reduction in grain size would help lower the maximum internal stress. This is thus a desirable feature, and would also work to enhance the hold-off voltage for a given sample size.
Handle Flags: efficient and flexible selections for inking applications

There are a number of challenges associated with content selection in pen-based interfaces. Supplementary buttons to enter a selection mode may not be available, and selections may require a careful and error prone lasso stroke. In this paper we describe the design and evaluation of Handle Flags, a new localized technique used to select and perform commands on ink strokes in pen-operated interfaces. When the user positions the pen near an ink stroke, Handle Flags are displayed for the potential selections that the ink stroke could belong to (such as proximal strokes comprising a word or drawing). Tapping the handle allows the user to access the corresponding selection, without requiring a complex lasso stroke. Our studies show that Handle Flags offer significant benefits in comparison to traditional techniques, and are a promising technique for pen-based applications.
Analysis of small endogenous RNAs.

Eukaryotic cells express small noncoding RNAs to silence target genes or regulate chromatin domains. MicroRNAs (miRNA) are endogenous small RNAs that are thought to each regulate multiple mRNA targets. To gain a deeper understanding of processes regulated by small noncoding RNAs, techniques are required to identify and detect them. This unit describes standard laboratory methods for and comments about high-throughput technologies for the identification and detection of small RNAs. This unit also outlines a cell-based reporter gene assay for assessing the regulatory potential of a microRNA on a candidate mRNA target. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 81:26.7.1-26.7.15. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: Small RNA; RNAi; miRNA; microRNA regulation; gene silencing
The Blood Volumes of Some Representative Molluscs

1. Individuals of Cryptochiton stelleri, as representatives of the class Placophora, distributed inulin in blood volumes yielding a mean of 43.8% of the wet body weight without shell. Mean cellular water was estimated to be 76%. 2. The two opisthobranch gastropods examined were found to have very large mean blood volumes. Aplysia californicus distributed haemoglobin in 76.2% and mild silver proteinate in 73.1% of the wet body weight. Inulin was distributed in a significantly larger space averaging 79.3% of the body weight, which probably included pericardial and renal spaces. Archidoris sp. distributed inulin in 65.4% of the wet body weight. Mean cellular waters were 74-79% in Aplysia and 83% in Archidoris. 3. Two pulmonate gastropods were studied with inulin which was distributed in a mean space 40.3% of the wet body weight without shell of Achatina fulica, and 36.6% of the wet body weight in Arion ater. The computed cellular waters were 77 and 79%, respectively. 4. Excellent agreement was shown between a marine pelecypod, Mytilus californianus, and a fresh-water pelecypod, Margaritana margaritifera, of similar body size and form. Inulin in the former was distributed in 50.8%, and in the latter inulin and T-1824 in 49% of the wet body weight without shell. The cellular water contents were 80 and 76%, respectively. 5. In a single representative of the Cephalopoda--Octopus hongkongensis, it was possible to demonstrate with T-1824 and with HgS a blood volume averaging 5.8% of the wet body weight, constituting a fluid space distinctly different from the tissue fluid space. Inulin was distributed in the entire extracellular space amounting to 28% of the wet body weight. The cell water which was calculated from the mean values obtained was 77%.
Determination of the Compressive Material Properties of the Supraspinatus Tendon

A methodology was developed for determining the compressive properties of the supraspinatus tendon, based on finite element principles. Simplified three-dimensional models ure re reated based on anatomical thickness measurements of unloaded supraspinatus tendons over 15 points. The tendon material was characterized as a composite structure of' longitudinally arranged collagen fibers within an extrafibrillar matrix. The matrix was formulated as a hyperelastic material described by the Ogden form of the strain energy potential. The hyperelastic material parameters were parametrically manipulated until the analytical load-displacement results were similar to the results obtaizned from indentation testinrg. In the geometrically averaged tendon, the average ratio of experimental to theoretical maximum indentation displacement was 1.00 (SD: 0.01). The average normalization of residuals was 2.1 g (SD: 0.9 g). Therefjore, the compressive material properties of the supraspinatus tendo'n extrafibrillar matrix were adequately derived with a first-order hyperelastic formulation. The initial comnpressive elastic modulus ranged from 0.024 to 0.090 MPa over the tendon surface and increased nonlinearly with additional compression. Using these material properties, the stresses induced during acromional impingement can be analyzed.
Parent-adolescent agreement concerning adolescents' suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Information on history of suicidal thoughts and behaviors is critical in risk assessment, and multi-informant assessment has been recommended. Despite this, relatively little is known about parent–adolescent agreement regarding adolescent suicidality. To examine the extent and predictors of such agreement, 448 psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents and their parents were administered structured interviews assessing suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts and completed measures of youth internalizing and externalizing behaviors, perceived family social support, and parental distress and psychopathology. Adolescents reported significantly more suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts than parents. Parental history of depression and adolescent perceived family support were associated with significantly greater agreement about suicidality. History of multiple suicide attempts was associated with greater disagreement about suicidality.
Shannon numbers of diffraction images

Abstract The Shannon number S i ( S c ) of an incoherent (coherent) diffraction number is the product of the corresponding point spread function evaluated at the origin of the image coordinates and the object area. The general situation where the point spread function is asymmetric (nonhermitian) is discussed and the Shannon number is expressed in terms of the singular values and singular functions of the convolution kernel integral equation governing image formation. When the point spread function is symmetric, only the singular values enter into the description of the Shannon numbers, and the resultant expressions reduce to three previously discussed (for the coherent situation). New Shannon numbers i , c are introduced which involve only the singular values irrespective of whether the corresponding point spread functions are asymmetric (non-hermitian).
Sleep disruption in PTSD: A pilot study with home‐based polysomnography

Laboratory-based sleep studies have yielded inconsistent results regarding the nature of objective sleep anomalies in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This pilot study aimed at assessing sleep in adult crime victims with PTSD and healthy subjects by using in-home polysomnography. Compared to the control group, PTSD subjects showed longer sleep latency and reduced total sleep time. Ambulatory methods can capture objective signs of sleep disruption and corroborate subjective complaints of disrupted sleep in PTSD.
Synthesis of a 5-methylindolyl-containing macrocycle that displays ultrapotent Grb2 SH2 domain-binding affinity.

The growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (Grb2) is an SH2 domain-containing docking module that represents an attractive target for anticancer therapeutic intervention. Here, a ring-closing metat...
Studies on the replication of the ring opened formamidopyrimidine, Fapy.dG in Escherichia coli.

Fapy.dG is produced in DNA as a result of oxidative stress from a precursor that also forms OxodG. Bypass of Fapy.dG in a shuttle vector in COS-7 cells produces G --> T transversions slightly more frequently than does OxodG (Kalam, M. A., et al. (2006) Nucleic Acids Res. 34, 2305). The effect of Fapy.dG on replication in Escherichia coli was studied by transfecting M13mp7(L2) bacteriophage DNA containing the lesion within the lacZ gene in 4 local sequence contexts. For comparison, experiments were carried out side-by-side on OxodG. The efficiency of lesion bypass was determined relative to that of a genome containing native nucleotides. Fapy.dG was bypassed less efficiently than OxodG. Bypass efficiency of Fapy.dG and OxodG increased modestly in SOS-induced cells. Mutation frequencies at the site of the lesions in the originally transfected genomes were determined using the REAP assay (Delaney, J. C., Essigmann, J. M. (2006) Methods Enzymol. 408, 1). G --> T transversions were the only mutations observed above background when either Fapy.dG or OxodG was bypassed. OxodG mutation frequencies ranged from 3.1% to 9.8%, whereas the G --> T transversion frequencies observed upon Fapy.dG bypass were T transversions.
Metaphors and Metaphysics in Ecology

Ecological science has at one time or another deemed nature a machine, an organism, a community, or a system. These metaphors do not refer to any metaphysical entity, but are useful fictions in terms of how they reflect the beliefs and values held by members of a scientific and cultural community. First I trace the history of ecological metaphors from the metaphysical and cultural perspectives. Then I document a gradual transition from a belief in structural natural order to a belief in conceptual natural order. Finally, I conclude by arguing that the metaphysical allegiances of ecological theories have largely been shaped by aesthetic considerations.
Design of adaptive feedforward algorithms using internal model equivalence

The paper investigates the design of adaptive feedforward cancellation (AFC) algorithms with sinusoidal regressors for repetitive control. Such adaptive algorithms are equivalent to linear controllers based on the internal model principle (IMP). Using this equivalence and root locus rules, the phase advance of the regressor of the adaptive algorithm can be chosen to maximize the phase margin at low gains. A surprising result is that selecting the optimal phase advance is equivalent to placing a zero in the open right half-plane in certain cases. A complete design and analysis for the compensation of a single-frequency periodic disturbance is done. A new variation of the AFC algorithm is also developed in which the adaptive portion acts in parallel with a feedthrough term. the IMP equivalent of this algorithm has two zeros instead of one. Analysis and simulation show this method to have superior convergence and robustness properties when compared with the method having no feedthrough term. Discrete time versions of the algorithms are briefly considered.
Calorie Labeling on Menus and Menu Boards--Reply

In Reply We share the concerns of Ms Sarink and colleagues that calorie menu labelling may have a more positive effect among individuals with higher incomes. We agree that research on menu labeling should investigate the possibility of disparate responses by income. However, these concerns remain theoretical. Prior studies of calorie labeling, including those cited by Sarink et al, have not demonstrated a clear link between income and response to labeling. For example, Bollinger et al1 found a greater decline in calories per transaction postlabeling in Starbucks restaurants located in higher- vs lower-income zip codes. However, they did not have individual-level income data. In stratified analyses in the study by Krieger et al,2 calorie labeling was associated with a decline in fast-food meal calories purchased in census tracts that were both low-income and diverse but not in other tracts. However, the differences-indifferences analyses directly comparing tracts that were low income and diverse with other tracts found no significant differences prelabeling vs postlabeling by type of tract. They also did not have individual-level income data. Even if menu labeling leads to differential response by income, the income disparity in fast-food consumption may blunt some of this effect. Using data from the 2007-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, Fryar and Ervin3 reported that low-income young adults aged 20 to 39 years consumed more calories from fast food (16.6% of all calories consumed) than those with a higher income (13.8%). No difference by income was evident for older adults. Even if low-income individuals respond less to calorie labeling, they may be exposed to it more frequently and have more opportunity to see and use this information. However, this potential effect may be isolated to young adults, who consume the most fast food and are the only age group with differential consumption by income. As we described in our Viewpoint, restaurants appear to be responding to labeling by decreasing the calorie content of items.4 A recent study of 66 chain restaurant menus found that new items introduced in 2013 had 56 fewer calories (on average) compared with items offered in 2012 that were no longer on the menu in 2013.5 Because the federal calorie labeling law has still not been implemented, these changes cannot be clearly linked to calorie labeling but could be a development in anticipation of labeling. If this trend expands after labeling, this effect might lead to greater reductions in fast-food calories than the changes that customers make in response to labeling. All fast-food restaurant customers likely would eat fewer calories as a result of default changes in calorie content, regardless of their individual characteristics. As we stated, calorie labeling is a first step that should be accompanied by broad policy change to encourage lower calorie consumption. We agree with Sarink et al that if evidence emerges to suggest disparities in response by income or overall ineffectiveness of menu labeling, other complementary strategies should be considered.
Directed Movement of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells on Gradient-Compliant Hydrogels†

Current solutions in the treatment of cardiovascular disease include angioplasty and the insertion of stents, but a large number of these cases result in restenosis. Biomaterial coatings that control vascular smooth muscle cell migration are therefore desirable. In this study, we describe a novel method to create substrata with defined gradients in mechanical compliance using photopolymerization and patterning. Cell speed was found to be 53 ± 2.6 μm/h on a substrate with a Young's modulus of 15 kPa compared to 40 ± 3.1 μm/h for a 28 kPa substratum (P < 0.005). We demonstrate that vascular smooth muscle cells undergo direct migration on radial-gradient-compliant substrata from soft to stiff regions of the substrate and that cells accumulate in the stiff regions after 24 h. Our results show that the pattern of the compliance gradient is important and that substrate compliance may be a key design parameter for modulation of cell migration for vascular tissue engineering applications.
Micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography analysis of the behavior of bilirubin in micellar solutions

Abstract The capacity factor of bilirubin is determined by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MECC) techniques in three different surfactant systems. The capacity factor of bilirubin in cholic acid, taurocholic acid, and taurochenodeoxycholic acid solutions are compared to each other as a function of pH. The pH range studied is 6.5 to 9.5 which includes the pH range of bile, and includes the most likely p K a values of bilirubin carboxyl groups. MECC techniques are used to estimate these apparent p K a values for bilirubin as well as to determine the capacity factors for the separate ionization states of bilirubin in the three different surfactants. Due to the complexity of the bilirubin—bile salt system, it appears as though it is not possible to use MECC to accurately determine the bilirubin apparent p K a values. Separations are performed in 75 μm capillaries, typically 36 to 52 cm in length. UV detection, electrokinetic injection, and run voltages of 7 kV are typical. Solutions of 25 m M of each bile salt are prepared in a 20 m M phosphate—borate buffer system.
Absence seizures with evolution into generalized tonic-clonic activity: clinical and EEG features.

Summary: Purpose: To report the clinical and electrographic features of absence seizures evolving into generalized tonic-clonic (GTC) activity in six patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Methods: All patients were referred for evaluation of refractory seizures and underwent video-EEG monitoring after discontinuation of their antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). We analyzed the video-EEG recordings for seizure semiology as well as ictal and interictal activity. We also reviewed the initial clinical data in all patients. Results: All patients were women, with a mean age of 27 years (range, 14–43 years). The mean age at seizure onset was 12 years (range, 5–15 years). Family history was positive for epilepsy in four patients. All patients had recorded seizures with an onset that was characteristic of generalized absence clinically and electrographically, with evolution into GTC activity. The EEG onset was with generalized 2.5- to 5-Hz spike-and-wave discharges, with evolution into faster rhythmic activity. Interictal EEG recordings showed generalized 2- to 5-Hz spike-and-wave discharges. All had normal background activity. All patients were treated with divalproex monotherapy. Five patients have been seizure free, and one had a single breakthrough GTC seizure during a follow-up period of 12–36 months. Conclusions: GTC activity may evolve from typical absence seizures. This seizure type should be included in the International Classification of Seizures. Its recognition and distinction from complex partial seizures with secondary generalization are important for appropriate therapy.
A simplified technique for conditioning respiratory mouth movements in fish

This report describes a simple technique and restraining device for investigating classically conditioned inhibition of respiration in the fish. The restraining device is seen as having wide applicability for investigations which necessitate the immobilization of the S.
Measurement of the Dynamic Bulk and Shear Response of Soft Human Tissues

Traditionally, Kolsky bars are used to study the dynamic response of hard materials in uniaxial compression, tension or torsion. We present modifications to the technique that allow loading of a soft tissue specimen in (a) hydrostatic compression and (b) simple shear. The first modification is designed to determine the pressure vs. volume behavior of each material, and thence to extract a measure of the dynamic compressibility or equivalently of the bulk modulus. The second modification is designed to develop the shear stress versus shear strain behavior for a near-simple shear experiment. The critically important questions of the proper acquisition of human tissue samples and protocols for appropriate experimentation have also been addressed. The experimental techniques and the results are discussed in detail and the results compared to finite element simulations. We present examples of the dynamic response of typical tissue simulants as well as human liver and stomach tissues.
Plane-wave spectrum representation of a field in a magnetoionic medium due to a plane distribution of source currents

The fields due to a plane distribution of source currents are formulated, in terms of three-dimensional Fourier transforms, to yield equivalent results obtainable from a representation in terms of an angular spectrum of plane waves introduced by Clemmow. Certain difference in the present field expressions and those given by Clemmow in a recent paper are discussed.
In situ practice collector

An in situ benthic particle collector has been developed and constructed. The ultimate use of the collector is to provide seasonal rates for the input of particulates to the oceanic benthic enivronment. We plan to test the hypothesis that rapid, down-slope run-off of suspended organic-rich continental shelf sediments and offshore transport of organic detrital particles derived from the coastal upwelling ecosystem off Oregon provide the food source for the highly abundant slope-base benthic fauna. The particle collection system consists of three basic parts: 1) the particle collector with the capacity of three 4.5 m2collecting surfaces that sequentially roll up for storage, 2) duplicate electronically-timed explosive releases with anchor, and 3) the subsurface flotation unit with radio beacon, flashing stobe light, and radar reflector. The particle collector is designed to remain moored just above the sea floor for up to three months. During this time, three sequential samples can be collected. Exposure times are equal for each of the sample surfaces; however, the duration of the sample exposure period is easily adjusted from hours to months.
Predictive Validity of the Graduate Record Examination and the Miller Analogies Tests

For a sample of 63 graduate students, 33 of whom did complete and 30 of whom did not complete a doctoral program in Educational Administration at the State University of New York at Albany, statistically nonsignificant point biserial coefficients of 0.140 and 0.087 were determined respectively for the total scores on the aptitude portion of the Graduate Records Examination and scores on the Miller Analogies Test relative to the dichotomous criterion of completion or lack of completion.
Multi-aspect range profile extrapolation for the shooting and bouncing ray technique

A range profile extrapolation scheme is presented for the shooting and bouncing ray (SBR) technique to compute multi-aspect data from the ray tracing information at one angle. We derive an approximate, closed form formula for computing the change in ray path length as a function of incident angle. This extrapolation scheme allows a set of near-by target signatures, viz. range profiles, to be approximately calculated using the ray-tracing information from only the central angle. Several extrapolation results are presented to demonstrate the performance of the extrapolation scheme.
Sudden rotation calculations of the H + H2(υ = 1, f = 0) reaction

Abstract Reaction cross sections are calculated with the sudden rotation (IOS) approximation for the H + H2(υ = 1, f = 0) exchange reaction, for total energies between 0.9 and 1 eV. It is found that product H2(υ′ = 1) is favored over H2(υ′ = o).
Extremal Kähler metrics and Bach–Merkulov equations

Abstract In this paper, we study a coupled system of equations on oriented compact 4-manifolds which we call the Bach–Merkulov equations. These equations can be thought of as the conformally invariant version of the classical Einstein–Maxwell equations. Inspired by the work of C. LeBrun on Einstein–Maxwell equations on compact Kahler surfaces, we give a variational characterization of solutions to Bach–Merkulov equations as critical points of the Weyl functional. We also show that extremal Kahler metrics are solutions to these equations, although, contrary to the Einstein–Maxwell analogue, they are not necessarily minimizers of the Weyl functional. We illustrate this phenomenon by studying the Calabi action on Hirzebruch surfaces.
Syntheses, Structures, and Reductive Elimination Studies of Six-Membered Diaryl Platinacycle Complexes

The six-membered platinacycles PtL2(C6H4XC6H4) (X = CH2, O, NMe; L = PEt3, L2 = 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane (dppp), 4,4′-bis-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine (tBu2bpy)), have been prepared from cis-PtL2Cl2 and the appropriate dilithio reagents. Reductive elimination studies on the platinacycles with L = PEt3 show that the bridging group (X) dramatically influences the reductive elimination rate. Thermodynamic activation parameters were determined for the platinacycles and showed a ΔH⧧ trend X = NMe ≪ O < CH2 with an essentially zero value for ΔS⧧. Rate constants at 95 °C show over a million-fold increase on going from X = CH2 to X = NMe. DFT calculations support direct elimination without phosphine ligand loss and indicate a progressively earlier transition state in the series X = CH2, O, NMe. The earlier transition state and the accelerated rate are associated with the beginning of aromatization in the eliminating organic unit. Computed thermodynamic activation parameters are in good agreement with the e...
Cost-effective conservation planning: lessons from economics.

Economists advocate that the billions of public dollars spent on conservation be allocated to achieve the largest possible social benefit. This is “cost-effective conservation”—a process that incorporates both monetized benefits and costs. Though controversial, cost-effective conservation is poorly understood and rarely implemented by planners. Drawing from the largest publicly financed conservation programs in the United States, this paper seeks to improve the communication from economists to planners and to overcome resistance to cost-effective conservation. Fifteen practical lessons are distilled, including the negative implications of limiting selection with political constraints, using nonmonetized benefit measures or benefit indices, ignoring development risk, using incomplete cost measures, employing cost measures sequentially, and using benefit indices to capture costs. The paper highlights interrelationships between benefits and complications such as capitalization and intertemporal planning. The paper concludes by identifying the challenges at the research frontier, including incentive problems associated with adverse selection, additionality, and slippage.
Modeling the Augmentation System of a Radar Target

The objective of the high-altitude supersonic target (HAST) radar augmentation system is to simulate the radar cross section (RCS) of a real target. The system is, therefore, of the active transponder type with various radiating antennas simulating the dominant scattering centers on the real target. We develop a system model, which when combined with the measured RCS of the HAST vehicle, simulates the RCS of the real target. Comparisons with measurements illustrating the success of the simulation program are given.
Biochemical properties of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D receptors

Abstract 1α,25-Dihydroxy vitamin D3 interacts with a number of tissues in a manner analogous to that proposed for classical steroid hormones. The initial step in this process is the intracellular binding of the steroid to a cytoplasmic receptor protein. These proteins have been identified and partially characterized in a number of tissues from both birds and mammals. Intestine, bone, parathyroid glands, kidney and pancreas have all been shown to possess a 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 receptor with a molecular weight of about 70–80,000 and a sedimentation coefficient of 3.2–3.7S. These macromolecules stereospecifically bind 1α,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 with a KD of about 10−10 M. All of the receptors tested have similar association and dissociation rate constants and possess a cysteine residue which is required for ligand binding activity. The similarities in these receptors from different tissues and different species suggest homologous, although not necessarily identical, mechanisms underlying the mode of action of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in each of its target tissue cells.