cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mediating Molecular Recognition by Methionine Oxidation: Conformational Switching by Oxidation of Methionine in the Carboxyl-Terminal Domain of Calmodulin

The C-terminus of calmodulin (CaM) functions as a sensor of oxidative stress, with oxidation of methionine 144 and 145 inducing a nonproductive association of the oxidized CaM with the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) and other target proteins to downregulate cellular metabolism. To better understand the structural underpinnings and mechanism of this switch, we have engineered a CaM mutant (CaM-L7) that permits the site-specific oxidation of M144 and M145, and we have used NMR spectroscopy to identify structural changes in CaM and CaM-L7 and changes in the interactions between CaM-L7 and the CaM-binding sequence of the PMCA (C28W) due to methionine oxidation. In CaM and CaM-L7, methionine oxidation results in nominal secondary structural changes, but chemical shift changes and line broadening in NMR spectra indicate significant tertiary structural changes. For CaM-L7 bound to C28W, main chain and side chain chemical shift perturbations indicate that oxidation of M144 and M145 leads to large tertiary str...
Spatial recondensation using the Discrete Generalized Multigroup method

Abstract Cross-section recondensation using the Discrete Generalized Multigroup method (DGM) has shown promise in improving coarse group solutions by capturing neighboring spectral effects. However, full consistency with the fine group is only assured when using a spatially flat angular flux approximation, such as used in step difference discrete ordinates. Moving to high order spatial methods, such as characteristic type methods, reveals spatial inconsistencies that exist between the DGM equations and the original fine group equations. We propose two methods to address the spatial inconsistencies between DGM and the fine group equations. The first method introduces local spatial dependence of the angular and scalar fluxes, determined using higher order spatial methods, into the cross section moments and del terms defined in DGM. This provides much better agreement between the DGM solution and the fine group solution for any high order spatial method. Unfortunately, this process introduces significant increases to the required memory storage. This issue can be mitigated to some extent through replacement of storage with on-the-fly calculations and a procedure to do so is outlined as well. The second method defines an exact del term by applying the spatial method to the fine group equations before deriving the DGM equations. This new definition allows for convergence to the exact fine group solution. While these equations need to be built specifically for a given spatial method and still suffer from large storage requirements, higher order spatial methods are no longer required and introducing physics informed approximations should significantly reduce the memory burden.
CAUSE AND EFFECT: GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND THE FINANCIAL CRISIS

ABSTRACT The underlying cause of the financial meltdown was much more mundane than a “crisis of capitalism”: The real origins lay in mostly obscure housing, tax, and regulatory policies of the U.S. government. The Community Reinvestment Act, the affordable‐housing “mission” of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, penalty‐free refinancing of home loans, penalty‐free defaults on home loans, tax preferences for home‐equity borrowing, and reduced capital requirements for banks that held mortgages and mortgage‐backed securities combined with each other to create the incentives for both subprime lending and the housing bubble that eventually led to the financial collapse.
Computer-assisted foreign language learning: Effects of text, context, and gender on listening comprehension and motivation

A computer-based foreign language lesson was developed to study the effects of text, context, and gender on listening comprehension and motivation. A total of 109 fifth grade students responded to spoken commands, with text and a story absent or present. Presenting spoken language with text appeared to assist the development of listening skills. When text was present, students made fewer errors on the subsequent comprehension test and gave higher relevance and confidence motivation ratings than when text was absent. Girls demonstrated higher achievement than did boys and rated the lesson higher, indicating that girls tend to like different kinds of software than do boys. An interaction between context and gender regarding achievement was significant: Girls, but not boys, made fewer errors after a story-embedded lesson.
Building Cultural Responsiveness in Rural, Preservice Teachers Using a Multicultural Children's Literature Project

The purpose of this study was to describe the qualities of preservice early childhood teacher response to a multicultural children's literature project, and to evaluate the project as a means for developing culturally responsive teaching practices in preservice early childhood teachers. Surveys and reflection papers on the project from two reading methods education courses were analyzed, utilizing Irvine's (2003) description of culturally responsive teachers. Student written responses fell into six categories: awareness of teaching materials and culturally specific learning differences, an increase in their own personal cultural knowledge, and a commitment to foster cultural competence in children, build a classroom community and teach for social justice. The responses indicated that the reading of multicultural children's books enabled the future early childhood teachers to identify more closely with people of a culture other than their own and to develop knowledge, empathy, and commitment to improving t...
Molecular determinants in pleckstrin homology domains that allow specific recognition of phosphoinositides

More than 250 pleckstrin homology (PH) domains have been identified in the human proteome. All PH domains studied to date appear to bind phosphoinositides, most binding only weakly and non-specifically. Members of a small subclass of PH domains show both high affinity and specificity for particular phosphoinositides, and recent structural studies have provided detailed views of these specific interactions. We discuss the architecture of the specific phosphoinositide-binding sites of PH domains, and how selectivity can be modulated by sequence changes.
Formation of γ-ketoaldehyde–protein adducts during ethanol-induced liver injury in mice

Ethanol metabolism promotes the formation of a variety of reactive aldehydes in the liver. These aldehydes can rapidly form covalent protein adducts. Accumulating evidence indicates that these protein adducts may contribute to ethanol-mediated liver injury. Overproduction of gamma-ketoaldehydes, levuglandins (LGs) and isolevuglandins, is implicated in the pathogenesis of several chronic inflammatory diseases. gamma-Ketoaldehydes can form protein adducts orders of magnitude more quickly than 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) or malondialdehyde. We hypothesized that ethanol-induced oxidative stress in vivo results in overproduction of LGE(2)- and iso[4]LGE(2)-protein adducts in mouse liver. Female C57BL/6 mice were allowed free access to an ethanol-containing diet for up to 39 days or pair-fed control diets. Pathological markers of ethanol-induced hepatic injury including serum alanine aminotransferase, hepatic triglyceride, and CYP2E1 were elevated in response to ethanol feeding. Ethanol-induced formation of iso[4]LGE(2)-, LGE(2)-, and 4-HNE-protein adducts in mouse liver was dependent on both dose and duration of ethanol feeding. Deficiency of cyclooxygenase 1 or 2 did not prevent ethanol-induced iso[4]LGE(2) or LGE(2) adducts in the liver, but adduct formation was reduced in both TNFR1- and CYP2E1-deficient mice. In summary, ethanol feeding enhanced gamma-ketoaldehyde-protein adduct production via a TNFR1/CYP2E1-dependent, but cyclooxygenase-independent, mechanism in mouse liver.
Independent association between obstructive sleep apnea and noncalcified coronary plaque demonstrated by noninvasive coronary computed tomography angiography.

Background: Coronary artery atherosclerosis has been associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, the type and severity of plaque formation have not been characterized. This study evaluated the association of coronary noncalcified plaques and severity of stenosis in patients with OSA. Hypothesis: Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of 81 patients, 49 with OSA and 32 without OSA, who had undergone multidetector-row helical computed tomography scanning. The board-certified radiologist was blinded to the diagnosis of OSA and reviewed the scans for plaque characterization, severity of stenosis, and number of vessels involved. Results: Of the 81 patients reviewed, the mean apnea-hypopnea index in the OSA group was 42.2 vs 7.5 in the non-OSA group. The groups did not significantly differ in the distribution of comorbid conditions. We found that among the patients with OSA, 63% had noncalcified/mixed plaques, as opposed to 16% in the non-OSA group (P < 0.0001), with unadjusted odds ratio of 9.3 (3.0, 28.4). After adjustment for other risk factors such as age, sex, race, hypercholesterolemia, and history of smoking, the association remained strong, with an odds ratio of 7.0 (1.9, 26.5; P < 0.05). Conclusions: Our study finds that the frequency of noncalcified/mixed plaques is much higher in patients with OSA than in non-OSA patients. Patients with OSA also have more severe stenosis and a higher number of vessels involved. This study adds to a growing body of data regarding our understanding of the association of OSA and atherosclerosis. Dr. Sharma, Dr. Schoepf, Mr. Parker, Mr. Abro, and Mr. Armstrong contributed to data collection and analysis, drafting of the manuscript, and final approval. Dr. Gebregziabher contributed to data analysis, drafting of the manuscript, and final approval. Dr. Sharma had access to and takes responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis. The authors of this manuscript have certified that they comply with the principles of ethical publishing (Shewan LG, Coats AJ. Ethics in the authorship and publishing of scientific articles. Int J Cardiol. 2010;144:1-2.). The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Multi-Task Bayesian Compressive Sensing Exploiting Intra-Task Dependency

In this letter, we propose a multi-task compressive sensing algorithm for the reconstruction of clustered sparse entries based on hierarchical Bayesian framework. By extending a paired spike-and-slab prior to a general multi-task model, the proposed algorithm has the capability of modeling both inter-task and intra-task dependencies of the observation data. The latter is achieved by imposing a clustered prior on non-zero entries and finds applications in radar where targets exhibit spatial extent. Simulation results verify that the proposed algorithm outperforms state-of-the-art group sparse Bayesian learning algorithms.
Identification of the naturally processed form of hen egg white lysozyme bound to the murine major histocompatibility complex class II molecule I-Ak.

Abstract A murine B-cell lymphoma bearing the class II major histocompatibility complex molecule I-Ak was cultured with the protein antigen hen egg white lysozyme (HEL). The I-Ak molecules were purified, and their associated peptides were extracted for characterization. Five HEL peptides were identified. Four contained the 10 amino acid residues HEL 52-61 (DYGILQINSR) but were heterogeneous in length and flanking residues. This core sequence is known to confer a high binding affinity for I-Ak. One additional peptide contained the amino acid residues HEL 48-60. These data demonstrate that the HEL epitope containing residues 52-61 is the most abundant HEL epitope presented on the major histocompatibility complex of the antigen-presenting cells and consequently explains its immunodominance.
Recognizing and Treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder

BackgroundBody dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a relatively common and often-disabling obsessive compulsive spectrum disorder that often goes unrecognized in clinical practice.MethodsThe present review examines the clinical features of BDD, its relationship to other disorders, and what is known about effective treatment.ResultsBDD consists of a distressing and impairing preoccupation with imagined or slight defects in appearance that can focus on any body area. Insight is usually poor or absent; nearly half of patients are delusional. Typical associated behaviors include skin picking, mirror checking, excessive grooming, and camouflaging. It appears that higher doses of serotonin reuptake inhibitors and longer treatment trials than those used for many other psychiatric disorders, including depression, are often needed to effectively treat BDD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy also appears efficacious and is currently considered the psychotherapy of choice for BDD. Core techniques are cognitive restructuring, beh...
A look at ‘overshooting’ in a two-tier float exchange rate system

Abstract This note examines the celebrated ‘overshooting’ hypothesis in the context of a two-tier float exchange rate regime. It is shown that monetary expansion leads to depreciation of both spot exchange rates and there is a presumption in favor of financial exchange rate ‘overshooting’.
The effect of very early cleft palate closure on the need for ventilation tubes in the first years of life

The otologic consequences associated with cleft palates are well known. Closure of palatal clefts within the first weeks of life has many potential benefits, including improved feeding and cosmesis. The potential otologic benefits of very early closure are not known. Eighteen newborns have undergone closure of their palatal clefts within the first month of life with subsequent otolaryngology follow-up through our craniofacial center. Thirteen (72%) of the 18 still required placement of ventilation tubes during their first 3 years of life because of persistent effusion (for more than 120 days) or recurrent infection (more than four episodes in 6 months or more than six episodes in 12 months). Very early cleft palate closure may not significantly alter the need for ventilation tubes in children with palatal clefts.
Integrated circuits metering for piracy protection and digital rights management: an overview

This paper presents an overview of hardware and Integrated Circuits (IC) metering methods. IC metering or hardware metering refers to tools, methodologies, and protocols that enable post-fabrication tracking of the ICs. Metering enables prevention and detection of overbuilt and counterfeit ICs in the dominant semiconductor contract-foundry model. Post-silicon identification and tagging of the individual ICs fabricated by the same mask is a precursor for metering: In passive metering, the ICs are specifically identified, either in terms of their functionality, or by other forms of unique identification. The identified ICs may be matched against their record in a pre-formed database that could reveal unregistered ICs or overbuilt ICs (in case of collisions). In active metering, not only the ICs are uniquely identified, but also parts of the chip's functionality can be only accessed, locked (disabled), or unlocked (enabled) by the designer and/or IP rights owners using a high level knowledge of the design not transferred to the foundry. We provide a systematic overview of the field, along with a taxonomy of available methods.
Respiratory responses of excised gills of the stout razor clam, Tagelus plebeius solander, to acute temperature changes throughout the year☆

Abstract 1. 1. The exponent ( b ) relating metabolic rate to dry weight in excised gills of Tagelus plebeius is not maintained constant throughout the seasons or upon acute exposure to temperatures of 9–34°C. 2. 2. Acclimation (11–29°C) and test (9–34°C) temperatures have a significant effect (α = 0.01) on the mean rate of oxygen uptake by the gills. 3. 3. Positive seasonal thermal acclimation is observed up to acclimation temperatures of 19.5–20°C, which is also the temperature of minimum respiratory response to all acute test temperatures. 4. 4. Regions of thermal metabolic insensitivity are seen over small acute temperature ranges near the acclimation temperatures.
Automating the residential thermostat based on house occupancy

With the monthly bill provided by the energy company, a homeowner is given the total amount energy consumed in the home. This is, however, a comprehensive sum and does not inform the homeowner which devices are using large amounts of energy. Data provided by the ecoMOD energy monitoring system show that the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system consumes approximately fifty percent of the total energy required in the home. Additionally, a significant portion of the HVAC system's energy consumption occurs during the periods of time in which the house is unoccupied and the HVAC system use could be minimized. To help limit this unnecessary use, the team is designing an automated thermostat that operates based on the house occupancy. Using a combination of carbon dioxide sensors and motion detectors to determine the occupancy of the house, the thermostat will adjust the temperature inside the home. When the homeowner reenters the home, the thermostat will return to the original set point. With such a system, the burden of constantly adjusting the thermostat to reflect changes in house occupancy will be removed. This will help to lower monthly bills, paving an avenue toward energy sustainability.
Antimycobacterial efficacy of silver nanoparticles as deposited on porous membrane filters.

Abstract Environmental mycobacteria pose a significant health burden. Non-tuberculous mycobacteria infections have been traced to water treatment networks, where mycobacterial biofilms are ubiquitous. Filters that remove potential pathogens have significant medical applications. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that an antibacterial silver nanoparticle (AgNP) coating can prevent colonization and growth of a mycobacterial biofilm on a filter material. The antibacterial efficacy of commercially available AgNPs was measured against Mycobacterium avium , Mycobacterium smegmatis , and Mycobacterium marinum after 48 h in liquid culture. Nanoparticles were deposited on micro-porous track etched polycarbonate membranes. The growth of biofilms on the membranes was observed by microscopy and counting colony forming units. M. smegmatis was most susceptible to AgNPs, with a 98.7% reduction at 100 μM AgNP concentration. M. avium was reduced by 97.3% at 539 μM AgNP after 48 h. Deposited nanoparticles inhibited colonization and growth for both M. smegmatis and M. avium on the membrane surface. Similar to the liquid culture, M. avium (84.2% survival) was more resistant than M. smegmatis (0.03% survival).
MicroRNA-320 Is Involved in the Regulation of Cardiac Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Targeting Heat-Shock Protein 20

Background— Recent studies have identified critical roles for microRNAs (miRNAs) in a variety of cellular processes, including regulation of cardiomyocyte death. However, the signature of miRNA expression and possible roles of miRNA in the ischemic heart have been less well studied. Methods and Results— We performed miRNA arrays to detect the expression pattern of miRNAs in murine hearts subjected to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) in vivo and ex vivo. Surprisingly, we found that only miR-320 expression was significantly decreased in the hearts on I/R in vivo and ex vivo. This was further confirmed by TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function approaches were employed in cultured adult rat cardiomyocytes to investigate the functional roles of miR-320. Overexpression of miR-320 enhanced cardiomyocyte death and apoptosis, whereas knockdown was cytoprotective, on simulated I/R. Furthermore, transgenic mice with cardiac-specific overexpression of miR-320 revealed an increased...
Fifteen-minute consultation: The child with short stature

Short stature can be a cause of distress for children and families. It is not usually pathological, but it is important to identify treatable conditions. This article presents a systematic approach to the evaluation of a child with short stature, covering differential diagnoses, first line investigations and indications for treatment with growth hormone.
Rutin and Total Quercetin Content in Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.)

The aim of the study was to confirm the presence of rutin, one of the most common quercetin glycosides, and other quercetin derivatives in plants of genus Amaranthus, to investigate the influence of the species and variety on rutin distribution in the plant and content changes during growing season. The rutin content was determined by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography in individual plant parts at the beginning of the growth, at the flowering stage and at the maturity stage of five Amaranthus species. The total quercetin content was determined by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography too. The rutin content in amaranth ranged from 0.08 (in seeds) to 24.5 g/kg dry matter (in leaves). Comparison of the determined total quercetin content and the calculated content of quercetin released from rutin did not prove important presence of quercetin or other quercetin derivatives than rutin. Only amaranth leaves sampled at the maturity stage probably contained quercetin or quercetin derivatives. Significant differences in the rutin content were established among species and as well varieties. Amaranthus hybrid and A. cruentus were the best sources of rutin.
Religious Change and Historical Reflection in Anakalang, West Sumba, Indonesia

Religious conversion juxtaposes new beliefs and practices with previous ones, the relationship between the old and new often put in terms of substitution, superimposition, renaming, or rejection. Conversion in Anakalang, a district of West Sumba in the Indonesian Province of Nusa Tenggara Timur, differs from many of the situations of recent religious change in Southeast Asia in that it is not motivated primarily by the demands of creating a distinctive ethnic identity, differentiating status groups within a single society, or compelling personal visions. This paper focuses on some of the ramifications that religious change has for Anakalangese understandings of history and tradition. In contrast to many students of ethnicity and religion elsewhere in Southeast Asia, I would argue that in Sumba, at the present historical moment, identity formation and boundary maintenance do not serve as major motives and are not sufficient explanations for local historical responses to religious change. The need for an explicit “identity” may not be given requiring no further explanation, for it arises under specific historical and political circumstances.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus megaterium Podophage Palmer

ABSTRACT Bacillus megaterium has been widely used as a research tool for decades. Its use is on the rise as a recombinant protein production host and as a bioremediation bacterium. Bacteriophages against this bacterium may have biotechnological applications. Here, we describe the novel podophage Palmer, which infects B. megaterium.
Hirudin binding reveals key determinants of thrombin allostery.

Thrombin exists in two allosteric forms, slow (S) and fast (F), that recognize natural substrates and inhibitors with significantly different affinities. Because under physiologic conditions the two forms are almost equally populated, investigation of thrombin function must address the contribution from the S and F forms and the molecular origin of their differential recognition of ligands. Using a panel of 79 Ala mutants, we have mapped for the first time the epitopes of thrombin recognizing a macromolecular ligand, hirudin, in the S and F forms. Hirudin binding is a relevant model for the interaction of thrombin with fibrinogen and PAR1 and is likewise influenced by the allosteric S→F transition. The epitopes are nearly identical and encompass two hot spots, one in exosite I and the other in the Na+ site at the opposite end of the protein. The higher affinity of the F form is due to the preferential interaction of hirudin with Lys-36, Leu-65, Thr-74, and Arg-75 in exosite I; Gly-193 in the oxyanion hole; and Asp-221 and Asp-222 in the Na+ site. Remarkably, no correlation is found between the energetic and structural involvements of thrombin residues in hirudin recognition, which invites caution in the analysis of protein-protein interactions in general.
Single and Binge Methamphetamine Administrations Have Different Effects on the Levels of Dopamine D2 Autoreceptor and Dopamine Transporter in Rat Striatum

Methamphetamine (METH) is a central nervous system psychostimulant with a high potential for abuse. At high doses, METH causes a selective degeneration of dopaminergic terminals in the striatum. Dopamine D2 receptor antagonists and dopamine transporter (DAT) inhibitors protect against neurotoxicity of the drug by decreasing intracellular dopamine content and, consequently, dopamine autoxidation and production of reactive oxygen species. In vitro, amphetamines regulate D2 receptor and DAT functions via regulation of their intracellular trafficking. No data exists on axonal transport of both proteins and there is limited data on their interactions in vivo. The aim of the present investigation was to examine synaptosomal levels of presynaptic D2 autoreceptor and DAT after two different regimens of METH and to determine whether METH affects the D2 autoreceptor-DAT interaction in the rat striatum. We found that, as compared to saline controls, administration of single high-dose METH decreased D2 autoreceptor immunoreactivity and increased DAT immunoreactivity in rat striatal synaptosomes whereas binge high-dose METH increased immunoreactivity of D2 autoreceptor and had no effect on DAT immunoreactivity. Single METH had no effect on D2 autoreceptor-DAT interaction whereas binge METH increased the interaction between the two proteins in the striatum. Our results suggest that METH can affect axonal transport of both the D2 autoreceptor and DAT in an interaction-dependent and -independent manner.
An exponential model for the spectrum of a scalar time series

SUMMARY Existing procedures for obtaining linear prediction formulae for time series may be placed in two categories. The first consists of methods which involve fitting parametric models of the autoregressive or autoregressive moving average type. The second involves the factorization of an estimated spectral density function; this is essentially a nonparametric procedure. The procedure suggested in this paper contains elements of both of the above. Formally, it involves fitting a model with a finite number of parameters. However, the model is formulated explicitly in terms of the spectral density function, and may also be viewed as a spectrum factorization method. The model has been fitted to various series considered by other authors, and the quality of the fit is compared with that obtained with conventional models using the same number of parameters. Asymptotie properties of the parameter estimates have been used to assess the nonparametric spectrum factorization techniques proposed by other authors.
Estimation of non-occurrence probability in periodic model

Dimitrov and Khalil (1992) introduced a class of new probability distributions for modeling environmental evolution with periodic behavior. One of the key parameters in these distributions is α, the probability that the event being studied does not occur. In that article the authors derive an estimator for this parameter assuming a series of conditions. In this article it is shown that the estimator is valid under more general conditions, i.e. same of the assumptions are not necessary. It is shown that under the assumption that the elapsed time measured from the starting point of a period until the first occurrence time of the event given that the event occurred in this cycle is related to α, an approximate maximum likelihood estimator of a is proposed. The large sample properties of the estimator are discussed. Monte Carlo study is done for supporting the theoretical results.
Bowel complications after prolene hernia system (PHS) repair: a case report and review of the literature

The advent of mesh devices allowed for tension-free inguinal hernia repairs and a subsequent reduction in the rate of recurrences. In 1993, Rutkow and Robbins introduced the plug-and-patch repair method whereby the hernia defect is filled with a mesh plug. This new procedure led to new technique-specific complications. Here, we report the case of a man who presented with obstructive symptoms and pain at the site of his inguinal hernia repair performed with the Prolene Hernia System® 18 months prior. At laparotomy, he was found to have a small bowel obstruction and perforation due to mesh contact with the small bowel and colon. The literature is reviewed for cases of bowel complications due to mesh plugs. Based on reported complications, three recommendations can be made to avoid or reduce the risk of this complication. First, the pre-peritoneal dissection should be performed carefully with particular attention to identify and repair any tears of the peritoneum. Secondly, the mesh plug should not be placed too deep within the defect. Finally, the plug should be secured to reduce the possibility of mesh migration.
Que Sera, Sera: Evolution of the Swine H1N1 Influenza A Virus

A new human influenza A virus (IAV) strain of swine-like origin emerged in Mexico and the United States in March and April of 2009 [1]. The virus disseminated globally with sufficient celerity that on June 11, 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the Flu Pandemic Alert Level to Phase 6, officially designating a new global pandemic. At this time there were 30,000 confirmed cases in 74 countries. Less than a month later (as of July 1, 2009), the WHO confirmed over 77,000 cases with 332 deaths. The collaborative nature of the global response to the outbreak has been remarkable. Within days of the initial reporting of the virus, researchers completely sequenced the genome of several viral isolates and posted the sequences on the internet. Sequences of new isolates continue to be uploaded daily on websites such as the Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data (http:platform.gisaid.org) and the National Center for Biotechnology Information (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genomes/FLU/SwineFlu/html). Nearly in real time, phylogeneticists identified the complex origins of the virus. Within weeks, a vaccine seed stock was isolated, and the private and public sector began intense collaborative efforts to produce a vaccine post-haste [2]. This is the first major introduction of a pandemic influenza strain since 1977, and the first to benefit from the biotechnology revolution. Those looking to defend the investment of world governments into biomedical research have another shining example of the enormous payoff in both lives and money gained from achieving a better understanding of biology. Retrospectively, concerns over the pandemic potential of avian IAVs prepared society well for the current pandemic, as recently upgraded resources have played critical roles in monitoring and responding rapidly. Scientists, physicians, administrators, and politicians who fought for these resources deserve the gratitude of their nations. Clearly, appropriate actions have been taken to limit disease and death associated with the new virus. The contrast with the 1918 pandemic, whose causative agent was not known for 13 years, could not be starker. Despite our advances, it is critical to recognize that today, as in 1918, humanity can neither control nor predict the genetic and antigenic evolution of this virus. Here we discuss factors in the evolution of 2009 swine-origin H1N1 IAV (hereafter referred to as S-IAV-2009).
State Programs to Promote the Growth of Innovative Firms in the United States – A Taxonomy

This article provides an overview of state programs designed to promote innovation– especially to those targeted at growing innovative firms throughout the United States. It argues that governments can best promote business growth by improving the working of the output and resource markets so that entrepreneurs can exploit the market opportunities and that by investing in the resource markets to increase the supply of resources, innovative entrepreneurs can successfully develop new products at low costs.
Changes in the Distribution of Rain Frequency and Intensity in Response to Global Warming

AbstractChanges in the frequency and intensity of rainfall are an important potential impact of climate change. Two modes of change, a shift and an increase, are applied to simulations of global warming with models from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). The response to CO2 doubling in the multimodel mean of CMIP5 daily rainfall is characterized by an increase of 1% K−1 at all rain rates and a shift to higher rain rates of 3.3% K−1. In addition to these increase and shift modes of change, some models also show a substantial increase in rainfall at the highest rain rates called the extreme mode of response to warming. In some models, this extreme mode can be shown to be associated with increases in grid-scale condensation or gridpoint storms.
Protecting the integrity of an entire file system

This paper describes Arbre, a file system designed to run on untrusted remote storage connected to a server by networking fabrics. Arbre structures all blocks as a tree, and stores a pointer pointing to a block and a cryptographic hash of the block's contents together. This scheme allows Arbre to protect the integrity of the entire file system rather than the integrity of each block or each file individually. In addition, the root of a tree is not written to disk after until all modified data are written to disk, and modified data are always written to new locations on disk. With this scheme, in the event of a system failure, both meta-data and file-data are maintained in a consistent state, and there is no possibility that users see any inconsistency between contents of a block and its hash.
Sudden cardiac death prediction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy using late gadolinium enhancement: trouble in paradise?

There has been a resurgence of interest in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in recent years due to improved anatomical delineation using cardiac MR (CMR), as well as improvements in invasive techniques and the advent of implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs). Image-based phenotyping has enabled better identification of those at risk and reassurance of those spared.1 Dedicated HCM centres are gaining prominence and facilitating centralised access to all aspects of diagnosis, treatment and prevention. While many aspects of HCM are becoming better understood, there are still many unanswered questions related to the field. The rare, but tragic, consequences of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in HCM mean that every effort needs to be made to accurately stratify those at risk. The difficulty in this delineation is highlighted by the multiple parameters currently recommended for risk classification. No single parameter is able to provide with certainty an accurate and reliable measure to calibrate SCD risk. While ICDs have revolutionised the management of this patient cohort, there are associated problems related to device infection, inappropriate firing and cost, which preclude ICD adoption as a general panacea. The exact cause of SCD in this population remains incompletely defined. This relates in part to the heterogeneous nature of disease expression. In subjects with severe LV hypertrophy and severe symptomatic LV outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction, the cause of their hemodynamic instability is clear, and ICD implantation and invasive therapies to relieve LVOT obstruction are easy to justify. However, other variants are less clear-cut and important questions remain. What is the prognosis for subjects with minimal hypertrophy but dynamic LVOT obstruction with systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve (SAM) and provocable gradients with exercise or amyl nitrate? Does apical hypertrophy have a lower risk of SCD due to less LVOT obstruction? What is the significance of isolated papillary …
The structure of the cytochrome p450BM-3 haem domain complexed with the fatty acid substrate, palmitoleic acid

The substrate-bound structures of two cytochrome P450s, P450cam and P450eryF, are known. While these structures reveal important features that control substrate specificity, the problem of how conformational changes allow for substrate entry and product release remains unsolved. The structure of the haem domain of the bacterial fatty acid hydroxylase, P450BM-3, previously was solved in the substrate-free form. Unlike the substrate-bound P450cam and P450eryF structures, the substrate access channel is open in substrate-free P450BM-3. Here we present the X-ray structure of P450BM-3 at 2.7 A bound with a fatty acid substrate, palmitoleic acid. A comparison of the substrate-bound and -free forms reveals major conformational differences and provides the first detailed picture of substrate-induced conformational changes in a P450.
Correlated helium and lead isotope variations in Hawaiian lavas

Variations in ^3He/^4He ratios among Hawaiian shield-building and pre-shield basalts are correlated with variations in ^(208)Pb/^(204)Pb and ^(206)Pb/^(204)Pb ratios. Using this correlation, the ^3He/^4He ratio of Hawaiian lavas can be predicted to within 2.9 R_A (mean deviation) between 7 and 32 R_A based only upon the lead isotope composition. This level of prediction is as good as can be expected based upon the precision of lead isotope ratio measurements. This correlation demonstrates a coupling of volatile and nonvolatile elements in the sources of Hawaiian basalts and allows the nonvolatile-element characteristics of the high-^3He/^4He component of the mantle sources of Hawaiian lavas to be defined. This result confirms and extends previous inferences based upon correlations between helium and strontium isotope ratios in individual suites of Hawaiian lavas. The source of high ^3He/^4He ratios in Hawaiian lavas has a higher time-integrated Th/U ratio than the sources of Pacific mid-ocean ridge basalts, consistent with it being a mixture containing primitive mantle or having differentiated in two or more stages from primitive mantle.
Active stereo vision for improving long range hearing using a Laser Doppler Vibrometer

Laser Doppler Vibrometers (LDVs) have been widely applied for detecting vibrations in applications such as mechanics, bridge inspection, biometrics, as well as long-range surveillance in which acoustic signatures can be obtained at a large distance. However, in both industrial and scientific applications, the LDVs are manually controlled in surface selection, laser focusing, and acoustic acquisition. In this paper, we propose an active stereo vision approach to facilitate fast and automated laser pointing and tracking for long-range LDV hearing. The system contains: 1) a mirror on a Pan-Tilt-Unit (PTU) to reflect the laser beam to any locations freely and quickly, and 2) two Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras, one of which is mounted on the Pan-Tilt-Unit (PTU) and aligned with the laser beam synchronously. The distance measurement using the stereo vision system as well as triangulation between camera and the LDV laser beam allow us to fast focus the laser beam on selected surfaces and to obtain acoustic signals up to 200 meters in real time. We present some promising results with the collaborative visual and LDV measurements for laser pointing and focusing in order to achieve long range audio detection.
CARBON BALANCE OF ALASKAN TUNDRA AND TAIGA ECOSYSTEMS: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Abstract During the Holocene, a great amount of carbon has been stored in the peaty soils beneath the wet coastal tundra at Barrow, Alaska, and in the wet peatlands of the bottomland taiga near Fairbanks, Alaska. On the basis of fossil pollen, plant macrofossil spectra, and present vegetation, an attempt is made to estimate rough carbon budgets for the present and during the last 5000 years at these sites. Carbon capture and carbon accumulation rates have varied cyclically in the past at both sites. However, both tundra and taiga have remained sinks for atmospheric CO 2 through this time. In view of the probable warming of these climates due to increasing atmospheric CO 2 concentrations, future fates of this carbon, now stored in permafrost, are in doubt. Future carbon balances may be quite different from those that have prevailed during the Holocene and at present. These ecosystems may well become carbon sources rather than remain carbon sinks. The use of field and phytotron simulation experiments is suggested as well as the use of mathematical models in attempting to predict the future of these carbon-rich ecosystems in the 21st and 22nd centuries.
The Caenorhabditis elegans aristaless Orthologue, alr-1, Is Required for Maintaining the Functional and Structural Integrity of the Amphid Sensory Organs

The homeobox-containing aristaless-related protein ARX has been directly linked to the development of a number of human disorders involving mental retardation and epilepsy and clearly plays a critical role in development of the vertebrate central nervous system. In this work, we investigate the role of ALR-1, the Caenorhabditis elegans aristaless orthologue, in amphid sensory function. Our studies indicate that ALR-1 is required for maintenance of the amphid organ structure throughout larval development. Mutant analysis indicates a progressive loss in the amphid neurons' ability to fill with lipophilic dyes as well as a declining chemotactic response. The degeneration in amphid function corresponds with a failure of the glial-like amphid socket cell to maintain its specific cell shape and cell-cell contacts. Consistent with ALR-1 expression within the amphid socket cell, our results indicate a cell autonomous role for ALR-1 in maintaining cell shape. Furthermore, we demonstrate a role for ALR-1 in the proper morphogenesis of the anterior hypodermis. Genetic interaction tests also suggest that ALR-1 may function cooperatively with the cell adhesion processes in maintaining the amphid sensory organs.
Plant metabolomics—meeting the analytical challenges of comprehensive metabolite analysis

Plant metabolomics has benefited from a rich array of pre-existing methodological approaches and bioanalytical knowledge for the characterization of the many chemically diverse classes of metabolites. While the field has pushed the implementation of unbiased and generally applicable strategies for metabolite extraction, fractionation and detection, significant challenges in fundamental activities such as compound identification and quantification still exist. This review provides an introduction to metabolomics terminology, methods and resources and discusses analytical limitations. Progress in the application of stable isotope dilution and stable isotopic metabolic labeling to metabolite identification and quantification are discussed. New strategies to address spatial distribution of metabolites via mass spectrometry-based imaging are also reviewed.
Effects of variations in male copulatory behavior on ovulation and implantation in prairie voles, Microtus ochrogaster

The relationships between parameters of male copulatory behavior and ovulation and implantation were examined for Microtus ochrogaster. One ejaculatory series is sufficient for induction of ovulation and implantation, and a second series does not elicit any increase in either the probability of ovulation or the number of corpora lutea and implanted embryos. Within the first ejaculatory series, the probability of ovulation increases with increased numbers of intromissions and intravaginal thrusts. Mounting without vaginal penetration is not sufficient to induce ovulation. It is suggested that Microtus species display a coadaptation of male copulatory behavior and stimulation requirements of the female reporductive system.
Two Assays for Urinary N-Acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase Compared

In the course of investigating the exposure of gold miners and other workers to mercury, investigators at the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) measured urine N -acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG; EC 3.2.1.52) activity to monitor for renal injury (1)(2)(3). Numerous methods are available for the urinalysis of NAG activity (4). Most of the analyses for the NIOSH studies were performed by Pacific Toxicology Laboratories, using the Kamiya Biomedical Company reagent set, which was based on NAG-catalyzed hydrolysis of 6-methyl-2-pyridyl- N -acetyl-1-thio-β-d-glucosaminide to 6-methyl-2-pyridinethiol. However, while planning our most recent investigational visit to a gold mine, we learned that the Kamiya Biomedical reagent set was temporarily out of stock. Consequently, we decided to perform the analyses in-house using the reagent set manufactured by Boehringer Mannheim Biochemica, which we had used previously for the determination of NAG in rats. This reagent set is based on NAG-catalyzed hydrolysis of the sodium salt of 3-cresolsulfonphthaleinyl- N -acetyl-β-d-glucosaminide to give 3-cresol purple (3-cresolsulfonphthalein, sodium salt). Because the two assays are based on the hydrolysis of different substrates, and in light of the differences reported among four NAG assays (including the 3-cresol purple) (5), we suspected that the 3-cresol purple assay might not give NAG activity results equivalent to those obtained by the 6-methyl-2-pyridinethiol assay used in …
GENERALIZATIONS OF THE KOCH CURVE

We present an iterative method to define a two-parameter family of continuous functions fa,θ: I → ℂ such that f1/3,π/3 is the Koch curve. We consider the two-cases θ = π/3 and θ = π/4 of these generalized Koch curves fa,θ(I). In each case we determine the pivotal value of a, the largest value of a for which the corresponding curve is not simple. We give characterizations of the double points of the curve (points on the curve that have two inverse images). In the case where θ = π/3 double points are vertices of equilateral triangles. When θ = π/4 the double points form Cantor sets in the plane. We conclude with a more general result that proves that if the fixed set (attractor) of an iterated function system is connected, then it is a curve.
The effect of ambient ozone and humidity on the performance of nylon and Teflon filters used in ambient air monitoring filter-pack systems

Nylon and Teflon filter media are frequently used for monitoring ambient air pollutants. These media are subject to many environmental factors that may influence adsorption and retention of particulate and gaseous nitrogenous pollutants. This study evaluated the effects of ozone and humidity on the efficacy of nylon and Teflon filters used in the US dry deposition monitoring network. Ozone was shown to reduce retention of nitric acid on nylon filters and high humidity was shown to dramatically increase retention on nitrate on Teflon filters.
Effects of White-tailed Deer on Tsuga canadensis Regeneration: Evidence of Microsites as Refugia from Browsing

Abstract Both herbivory and windthrow disturbances have individually been shown to dramatically alter the structure and composition of forest communities; however, the interaction of these two factors has scarcely been examined. Windthrow disturbance creates microsites such as fallen logs and treefall mounds and pits that may hinder movement and limit visibility of large mammals, thereby reducing the impact of browsing by white-tailed deer. In an old growth Pennsylvania forest that was severely wind-damaged in 1985, a previous study based on sampling in 1994 demonstrated reduced browsing and greater Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr seedling density on treefall mounds (Long et al., 1998). In this study we surveyed mounds to see if they continue to be effective browsing refugia 9 y later. We also determined whether other types of microsites and nearby microsites provide protection from browsing and tested for an associational density refuge, whereby seedlings of a preferred species are less browsed when surrounde...