cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The histone methyltransferase SETD2 couples transcription and splicing by engaging pre-mRNA processing factors through its SHI domain

Heterogeneous ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) are RNA binding molecules that are involved in key processes such as RNA splicing and transcription. One such hnRNP protein, hnRNP L, regulates alternative splicing (AS) by binding to pre-mRNA transcripts. However, it is unclear what factors contribute to hnRNP L-regulated AS events. Using proteomic approaches, we identified several key factors that co-purify with hnRNP L. We demonstrate that one such factor, the histone methyltransferase SETD2, specifically interacts with hnRNP L in vitro and in vivo. This interaction occurs through a previously uncharacterized domain in SETD2, the SETD2- hnRNP L Interaction (SHI) domain, the deletion of which, leads to a reduced H3K36me3 deposition. Functionally, SETD2 regulates a subset of hnRNP L-targeted AS events. Our findings demonstrate that SETD2 by interacting with Pol II as well as hnRNP L, can mediate the crosstalk between the transcription and the splicing machinery.
Developing intrauterine growth curve from two Mayan populations in Guatemala

# Background The purpose of this study was to develop an equation for estimating gestational age using fetal ultrasound measurements specific to women living in the villages of Santiago Atitlan (SA) and San Lucas Toliman (SLT), which sit in the Guatemalan highlands. # Methods This study was a prospective observational study of a Guatemalan obstetric population. Cross-sectional design was used to collect baseline maternal characteristics, whereas fetal ultrasound measurements were collected longitudinally. Guatemalan women were continuously enrolled in this study from January 2010 to May 2013 from four clinics based in SA and SLT. Forward selection and mixed-effect modeling techniques were used. Guatemalan data were extrapolated to the Skupski linear mixed effect model, which was developed using ultrasounds obtained in the United States. # Results 894 Guatemalan women enrolled in this study, with 460 of these women had known ultrasound biometrics. In the final model, 285 women contributed 376 ultrasound measurements, where the average number of ultrasound visits was slightly more than one visit. # Conclusions The intrauterine growth curve generated from these two Mayan populations had notable divergence at later gestation from Skupski curve. This difference may be related to a genetic predisposition, selection bias, environmental factor, or other confounding unidentified variable. Application of this formula longitudinally would help to verify these findings and provide further clarification to the etiology of this possible difference.
The Sense of Place at the End of the World

This article discusses the 2017 document “World Scientists’ Warning to Humanity: A Second Notice” in relationship to the daily life of Appalachia, one of the United States’ most resource rich and yet economically poorest regions.
Data stream event prediction based on timing knowledge and state transitions

We study a practical problem of predicting the upcoming events in data streams using a novel approach. Treating event time orders as relationship types between event entities, we build a dynamic kn...
Automated Indentation Demonstrates Structural Stiffness of Femoral Articular Cartilage and Temporomandibular Joint Mandibular Condylar Cartilage Is Altered in FgF2KO Mice.

ObjectiveEmploy an automated indentation technique, using a commercially available machine, to assess the effect of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) expression on structural stiffness over the sur...
Miami-Dade County Juvenile Weapons Offenders Program (JWOP): a potential model to reduce firearm crime recidivism nationwide.

Introduction Youth firearm violence has been a growing problem in the USA. Several programs across the country aimed at reducing recurrent gun violence in this vulnerable population have published recidivism rates of 40% to 50%. For the past 18 years, the Juvenile Weapons Offenders Program (JWOP) in Miami-Dade County has provided a unique multidisciplinary intervention encompassing 100 hours of violence education, behavioral modification, and social mentoring. The present study defines its outcomes as a national model for youth firearm recidivism prevention. Methods Retrospective analysis of Florida Juvenile Justice Department records from 2008 to 2016 defined a group of youths convicted of firearm-related crimes and subsequently enrolled in the program. Cohorts were those who demonstrated successful completion of the JWOP program versus those who partially completed the program. At 6 and 12 months after release, records were cross-referenced with Florida Department of Justice criminal record system to prospectively capture rates of new all-comer and firearm-specific criminal charges. Results 215 youth were included in the prospectively followed cohort at 6 months and 163 youth followed at 12 months after release. The 6-month recidivism rate for any criminal charge was 20.1% for program completers versus 32.9% for those who did not complete the program (p=0.047). When excluding unarmed criminal offenses, the recidivism rate dropped to 10.1% versus 22.4%, respectively (p=0.008). At 12 months, all-comers recidivism was 33.6% for the GATE program completion cohort versus 50% for the incomplete cohort (p=0.045). When excluding unarmed offenses, the recidivism rates were 18.6% versus 33.9%, respectively (p=0.035). Conclusion The JWOP program has one of the lowest recidivism rates for reoffense for firearm and non-firearm-related offenses. Further investigation into details of the program’s efficacy and its applicability for expansion to other state and national jurisdictions should serve a model for decreasing youth gun violence across the country.
Adaptive Leader-Follower Control for Multi-Robot Teams with Uncertain Network Structure

Traditionally-designed, centralized or decentralized control architectures typically rely on the availability of communication channels between neighboring robots as well as a known, static network structure to tightly coordinate their actions in order to achieve global consensus. Unfortunately, communication constraints and network disconnectivity are key bottlenecks in such approaches, leading to the failure of conventional centralized or decentralized networked controllers in achieving stability and global consensus. To overcome these limitations, we develop a centralized, coordinated-control structure for multi-robot teams with uncertain network structure. Our novel approach enables multi-robot teams to achieve consensus even with disconnected communication graphs. Leveraging model reference adaptive control framework and networked control architectures, we develop a coordinated leader-follower consensus controller capable of overcoming communication losses within the team, handling non-communicative robots, and compensating for environmental noise. We prove the stability of our controller and empirically validate our approach by analyzing the effects of reference graph structures and environmental noise on the performance of robot team for navigation tasks. Finally, we demonstrate our novel controller in a multi-robot testbed.
Methodologies for Generating Brain Organoids to Model Viral Pathogenesis in the CNS

(1) Background: The human brain is of interest in viral research because it is often the target of viruses. Neurological infections can result in consequences in the CNS, which can result in death or lifelong sequelae. Organoids modeling the CNS are notable because they are derived from stem cells that differentiate into specific brain cells such as neural progenitors, neurons, astrocytes, and glial cells. Numerous protocols have been developed for the generation of CNS organoids, and our goal was to describe the various CNS organoid models available for viral pathogenesis research to serve as a guide to determine which protocol might be appropriate based on research goal, timeframe, and budget. (2) Methods: Articles for this review were found in Pubmed, Scopus and EMBASE. The search terms used were “brain + organoid” and “CNS + organoid” (3) Results: There are two main methods for organoid generation, and the length of time for organoid generation varied from 28 days to over 2 months. The costs for generating a population of organoids ranged from USD 1000 to 5000. (4) Conclusions: There are numerous methods for generating organoids representing multiple regions of the brain, with several types of modifications for fine-tuning the model to a researcher’s specifications. Organoid models of the CNS can serve as a platform for characterization and mechanistic studies that can reduce or eliminate the use of animals, especially for viruses that only cause disease in the human CNS.
Decomposing U.S. Water Use Since 1950. Is the U.S. Experience Replicable

Water use in the U.S. has followed a remarkable pattern since 1950, not mimicking the almost uninterrupted 110 percent increase in the size of the U.S. population, the relatively steady 570 percent growth in real GDP, and the 220 percent improvement in per capita GDP. After doubling between 1950 and 1980, the total volume of water withdrawn has stabilized and even decreased in recent years. Our decomposition shows that between 35 and 50 percent of the productivity gains that allowed the U.S. to produce each dollar of its GDP with increasingly less water stems from long-term structural changes of the U.S. economy since 1950 (growing service economy, declining manufacturing and agricultural sectors). The remaining 50 to 65 percent is due to improved production techniques, and in particular due to water productivity improvements in the electricity-generating sector, especially since the mid to late 1970s. We argue that while globalization has helped reduce U.S. water use particularly since 1980, the U.S. ability to import more water-intensive goods is not the main reason U.S. water use plateaued.
Ca2+ spark-dependent and -independent sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ leak in normal and failing rabbit ventricular myocytes

Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ leak is an important component of cardiac Ca2+ signalling. Together with the SR Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA)-mediated Ca2+ uptake, diastolic Ca2+ leak determines SR Ca2+ load and, therefore, the amplitude of Ca2+ transients that initiate contraction. Spontaneous Ca2+ sparks are thought to play a major role in SR Ca2+ leak. In this study, we determined the quantitative contribution of sparks to SR Ca2+ leak and tested the hypothesis that non-spark mediated Ca2+ release also contributes to SR Ca2+ leak. We simultaneously measured spark properties and intra-SR free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]SR) after complete inhibition of SERCA with thapsigargin in permeabilized rabbit ventricular myocytes. When [Ca2+]SR declined to 279 ± 10 μm, spark activity ceased completely; however SR Ca2+ leak continued, albeit at a slower rate. Analysis of sparks and [Ca2+]SR revealed, that SR Ca2+ leak increased as a function of [Ca2+]SR, with a particularly steep increase at higher [Ca2+]SR (>600 μm) where sparks become a major pathway of SR Ca2+ leak. At low [Ca2+]SR (<300 μm), however, Ca2+ leak occurred mostly as non-spark-mediated leak. Sensitization of ryanodine receptors (RyRs) with low doses of caffeine increased spark frequency and SR Ca2+ leak. Complete inhibition of RyR abolished sparks and significantly decreased SR Ca2+ leak, but did not prevent it entirely, suggesting the existence of RyR-independent Ca2+ leak. Finally, we found that RyR-mediated Ca2+ leak was enhanced in myocytes from failing rabbit hearts. These results show that RyRs are the main, but not sole contributor to SR Ca2+ leak. RyR-mediated leak occurs in part as Ca2+ sparks, but there is clearly RyR-mediated but Ca2+ sparks independent leak.
Comparison of the presence-absence and membrane filter techniques for coliform detection in small, nonchlorinated water distribution systems.

The traditional membrane filter (American Public Health Association, Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 16th ed., American Public Health Association, Washington, D.C., 1985) and presence-absence (P-A) (J. A. Clark, Can. J. Microbiol. 14:13-18, 1968) techniques for the detection of coliform bacteria were compared in a small nonchlorinated drinking water distribution system by using total positive samples and frequency-of-occurrence analyses. No significant differences (P less than 0.05) were found in detection of the presence of coliform bacteria or in changes in the frequency of occurrence with time. A reduction in P-A sample volume (to 50 ml) was not found to statistically affect the comparative results of traditional membrane filter and P-A tests.
Hopkins, Frederick Gowland

1861–1947British biochemistwho made important contributions to the discovery of vitamins and was a pioneer of dynamic biochemistry. Keywords: tryptophan; vitamins; glutathione
Fast DC large change sensitivity analysis for circuit simulation

Large-change sensitivities are needed in many situations since parameters are subjected to variations that are not small. The authors have implemented three different methods for computing DC large-change sensitivities in SPICE3. An incremental approach is observed to give speed improvements of more than an order of magnitude over a direct and a modified direct approach. It is felt that the accuracy of the method needs to be improved. >
Neuron Research Leaps Ahead

Technologies that reprogram adult dermal cells into motor neurons should advance our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases.
Electrical probing of single-wall carbon nanotubes suspended over trenches

Transport characterization of individual suspended single-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs), spanning 50 /spl mu/m deep trenches and having lengths of up to 100 /spl mu/m, has been performed using a nanoprobe configuration in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). This configuration provides direct electrical contact to, and mechanical manipulation of, the CNT. The carbon nanotubes are grown from catalyst on the insulating SiO/sub 2/ surface of the trench structure via chemical vapor deposition, and span the trenches in the gas flow direction. This approach provides a fundamental investigation of the intrinsic transport properties of the nanotubes without disorder induced by the substrate or chemical residues from conventional lithographic patterning processes. The suspended CNTs are probed in an SEM chamber, and the use of a mobile probe as a gate electrode allows identification of metallic and semiconducting nanotubes. The ability of in-situ manipulation of the CNTs using the probes allows characterization of both unstressed (straight) and stressed (bent) CNTs. Details of the growth and fabrication procedures and characterization of transport on these long, suspended CNTs will be presented.
SequenceL for the Information Power Grid

This paper presents the major language issues facing the development of the Information Power Grid. The paper presents examples of the types of parallelisms desired in the Grid and gives Java solutions to those problems. The Java solutions contain artifacts of the design of parallel solutions. The same problems are recast in the high level language SequenceL, in which parallelisms are implied. The SequenceL approach seems to be a good candidate for a Grid Oriented Language, in that the abstraction relieves the problem solver of much of the burden normally required in development of parallel problem solutions.
Synthetic genetic interactions with temperature-sensitive clathrin in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Roles for synaptojanin-like Inp53p and dynamin-related Vps1p in clathrin-dependent protein sorting at the trans-Golgi network.

Clathrin is involved in selective protein transport at the Golgi apparatus and the plasma membrane. To further understand the molecular mechanisms underlying clathrin-mediated protein transport pathways, we initiated a genetic screen for mutations that display synthetic growth defects when combined with a temperature-sensitive allele of the clathrin heavy chain gene ( chc1-521 ) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Mutations, when present in cells with wild-type clathrin, were analyzed for effects on mating pheromone α-factor precursor maturation and sorting of the vacuolar protein carboxypeptidase Y as measures of protein sorting at the yeast trans -Golgi network (TGN) compartment. By these criteria, two classes of mutants were obtained, those with and those without defects in protein sorting at the TGN. One mutant with unaltered protein sorting at the TGN contains a mutation in PTC1 , a type 2c serine/threonine phosphatase with widespread influences. The collection of mutants displaying TGN sorting defects includes members with mutations in previously identified vacuolar protein sorting genes ( VPS ), including the dynamin family member VPS1. Striking genetic interactions were observed by combining temperature-sensitive alleles of CHC1 and VPS1 , supporting the model that Vps1p is involved in clathrin-mediated vesicle formation at the TGN. Also in the spectrum of mutants with TGN sorting defects are isolates with mutations in the following: RIC1 , encoding a product originally proposed to participate in ribosome biogenesis; LUV1 , encoding a product potentially involved in vacuole and microtubule organization; and INP53 , encoding a synaptojanin-like inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase. Disruption of INP53 , but not the related INP51 and INP52 genes, resulted in α-factor maturation defects and exacerbated α-factor maturation defects when combined with chc1-521. Our findings implicate a wide variety of proteins in clathrin-dependent processes and provide evidence for the selective involvement of Inp53p in clathrin-mediated protein sorting at the TGN.
The solubility of amino acids, diglycine, and triglycine in aqueous guanidine hydrochloride solutions.

Abstract The solubilities of amino acids, diglycine, and triglycine have been measured in water and 1 m to 6 m guanidine hydrochloride solutions. Free energies of transfer of amino acid side chains and backbone peptide units from water to guanidine hydrochloride solutions have been calculated from these data. The results show similarity between the patterns of solubilizing effects of guanidine hydrochloride and urea, although guanidine hydrochloride is 2 to 3 times more effective than urea at the same concentrations.
Efficient generation of 3-D images and off-axis projections using a PC-based parallel-processing subsystem

A simple and inexpensive parallel-processing subsystem for the rapid generation and display of 3-D cardiac images from 2-D computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging planes is presented. Parallel versions of algorithms for image interpolation, surface tracking, and 3-D image rendering were developed and implemented using a network of four INMOS transputers which are hosted by a PC-type computer. The subsystem accepts a stack of arbitrarily spaced 2-D image planes and efficiently produces a surface-shaded 3-D orthoprojection image which can then be arbitrarily rotated for viewing. It is concluded that this transputer-based subsystem hosted by a simple PC computer represents a cost-effective alternative to Pixar-style image processing workstations and is capable of generating high-resolution 3-D images in a reasonable amount of time. >
Tumor necrosis factor α signaling in skeletal muscle: effects of age and caloric restriction

Abstract Past the age of 50 years, aging individuals lose muscle mass at an approximate rate of 1–2% per year. This age-related muscle atrophy, termed sarcopenia, can have significant effects on individual health and quality of life and can also impact the socioeconomic status. Sarcopenia is due to both a decrease in the number of fibers and the atrophy of the remaining fibers. The mechanisms causing loss of fibers have not been clearly defined, but may likely involve apoptosis. Elevated levels of circulating tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and adaptations in TNF-α signaling in aged skeletal muscle may be contributing factors for the activation of apoptosis. These adaptations may be fiber-type specific, which could explain the selective loss of type II fibers, vs. type I fibers, in the aging process. Caloric restriction, a proven antiaging intervention, is known to attenuate the loss of muscle mass and function with age. Furthermore, caloric restriction has been shown to attenuate the age-associated adaptations in TNF-α signaling in skeletal muscle, which may be a possible mechanism by which CR prevents apoptosis and the loss of muscle fibers with age. The potential role of TNF-α in the progression of sarcopenia will be discussed, as well as the effects of life-long caloric restriction on TNF-α signaling.
Aseptic isolation of leaf protoplasts from Citrus, Poncirus, Citrus × Poncirus hybrids and Severinia for use in somatic hybridization experiments

Abstract An efficient protocol has been developed for the aseptic isolation of leaf protoplasts from Citrus and citrus relatives. Consistently high yields (2–6 × 10 7 protoplasts/g fresh weight tissue) of leaf protoplasts were isolated from new leaves taken from vigorously growing plants maintained in a growth chamber. Critical parameters included leaf decontamination and reconditioning, the composition of the enzyme cocktail, vacuum infiltration, incubation and clean-up of the resulting protoplasts. The use of leaf protoplasts in fusions with protoplasts isolated from embryogenic callus allowed for the visual identification of heterokaryons and suggests the possible utilization of additional physiological parameters in somatic hybridization selection schemes. Moreover, the number of genotypes which can be utilized in citrus fusion experiments has been greatly increased.
Coaching Sales Performance: A Case Study

Century 21 International, like so many sales organizations, suffered lower productivity and higher attrition from new sales associates than they judged to be acceptable. The answer, Century 21 executives believed, was to develop a twenty-one module, multimedia training program. An external consultant urged them to study the situation prior to committing to any one solution. The results were clear. While new sales people certainly needed to have their field skills “buffed” after going through pre-licensing training and entering the office, that was not their most critical need. Far more important was an in-office support system, someone to tell them how to think through inevitable rejections, how to approach recurring challenges, how to maintain confidence even when sales do not occur, how to prospect portions of the community and how to integrate into the real estate community. The data revealed the need for a solution system comprised of training, incentives, performance support materials, the introduction of a new position, a coach, into each office, and a selection method for that coach. This article describes the front end study, the program, and some of its results in real estate offices across the United States.
Cataclasis and particulate flow in faulted, poorly lithified sediments

Microscopic observations of normal faults in poorly lithified sediments from the Rio Grande rift, New Mexico, USA, reveal that the mode of grain fracture within the fault zones is controlled by mineralogy and relative grain strength. Transgranular fracturing of quartz is rarely observed—quartz typically deforms by flaking of grain edges, feldspar by transgranular fracture facilitated by easy cleavage, and lithic fragments by transgranular fracture or distributed microcracking. Particle size measurements indicate that progressive deformation produces a particle size distribution that can be described by a power-law model, characterized by low D values (1.7–2.1). This indicates a preponderance of large particles with respect to cataclasite produced by constrained comminution (D∼2.6). We interpret these results in terms of cataclastic deformation by controlled particulate flow under low confining pressure, in which extensive transgranular fracturing is not necessary for strain accumulation. This style of cataclastic deformation is different from that observed in crystalline and well lithified sedimentary rocks. It is in part responsible for the characteristic internal structure and hydrologic properties of normal faults in poorly lithified sediments, and thus has implications for diagenetic processes and interpreting fault zone deformation history.
Instant Volumetric Understanding with Order‐Independent Volume Rendering

Rapid, visual understanding of volumetric datasets is a crucial outcome of a good volume rendering application, but few current volume rendering systems deliver this result. Our goal is to reduce the volumetric surfing that is required to understand volumetric features by conveying more information in fewer images. In order to achieve this goal, and in contrast with most current methods which still use optical models and alpha blending, our approach reintroduces the order-independent contribution of every sample along the ray in order to have an equiprobable visualization of all the volume samples. Therefore, we demonstrate how order independent sampling can be suitable for fast volume understanding, show useful extensions to MIP and X-ray like renderings, and, finally, point out the special advantage of using stereo visualization in these models to circumvent the lack of depth cues. Categories and Subject Descriptors: I.3.3 [Computer Graphics]: Picture/Image, Generation, I.3.7 [Computer Graphics]: Three-Dimensional graphics and realism.
Frequent CpG Island Methylation in Serrated Adenomas of the Colorectum

Serrated adenomas are characterized by a saw-toothed growth pattern with epithelial dysplasia (intraepithelial neoplasia). The CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) is a recently described mechanism for tumorigenesis in colorectal carcinomas and adenomas characterized by methylation of multiple CpG islands. The role of these epigenetic alterations in the pathogenesis of serrated adenomas is not clear. We therefore evaluated CIMP in 22 sporadic serrated adenomas and 6 serrated adenomas with multiple (6 to 10) hyperplastic polyps, including 5 with admixed hyperplastic glands and adenomatous glands, and compared the results with 34 conventional adenomas. Bisulfite methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction was used for the p16 and hMLH1 genes, and three MINT (methylated in tumor) loci (MINT1, MINT2, and MINT31). Patients with sporadic serrated adenomas had a higher frequency of hyperplastic polyps (1.3 ± 1.6) as compared to patients with tubular adenomas (0.4 ± 0.9, P = 0.02). Mean number of methylated sites was significantly higher in sporadic serrated adenomas (2.0 ± 1.7) than in tubular adenomas (0.8 ± 0.9, P = 0.00001). Sporadic serrated adenomas had significantly more frequent methylation of MINT1 (48%, 10 of 22) and MINT2 (71%, 15 of 21) than tubular adenomas (9%, 3 of 34, P = 0.001; and 18%, 6 of 34, P = 0.0001), respectively. Concordant methylation of two or more sites (CIMP-high) was also more frequent in sporadic serrated adenomas (68%, 15 of 22) than in tubular adenomas (18%, 6 of 34, P = 0.0005). All five serrated adenomas with admixed hyperplastic glands and adenomatous glands were CIMP-high. Our results indicate that CpG island methylation is common in sporadic serrated adenomas and may play an important role in their pathogenesis.
Pressure dependence of superconductivity in single-crystal Bi2(Sr, Ca)3Cu2O8

Abstract The pressure dependence of the superconducting transition temperature (T c ) of a single-crystal sample of Bi 2 (Sr, Ca) 3 Cu 2 O 8 was measured up to 42 Kbar. T c first increased slightly with pressure, reaching a maximum at around 10 Kbar, and then decreased with increasing pressure at a rate of about 0.05 K/Kbar. This non-linear pressure dependence of T c is discussed within a two-dimensional BCS model, and within two of the resonating-valence-bond models of high-T c superconductivity.
Compact Quantum Groups and GroupoidC*-Algebras

Abstract We study simple compact matrix quantum groups in the context of groupoid C *-algebras and obtain explicit descriptions of the structure of the C *-algebra of quantum SU ( n ) and a concrete formula for its Haar functional.
A doctor's dilemma: the case of William Harvey's mentally retarded nephew.

In June 1637 William Harvey petitioned the Court of Wards and Liveries, a legal incompetency court in early modern England, for a grant of the custody of his mentally disabled nephew, William Fowke. ‘Idiocy’ and ‘lunacy’ were the two medico-legal categories for insanity used by the Court and Harvey requested that his nephew be inspected for idiocy. However, the legal and administrative history of the Court indicates that in the 1630s idiocy (but not lunacy) grants were prejudicial to the assets and economic security of retarded persons. Since petitioners' wishes, more than clinical status, usually determined the diagnostic label assigned to referred individuals, idiocy grants were not sought by persons of some social standing. Harvey's idiocy referral probably reflects his allegiance to his own clinical observations in the face of opposing social norms and family advantage.
Effects of shock intensity on avoidance responding in a shuttlebox to serial CS procedures

Previous work with a shuttlebox avoidance task has found that when serial CS procedures (e.g., tone followed by lights) are compared to nonserial CS procedures (e.g., tone), the serial procedures result in a longer mean avoidance response latency, with most of the avoidance responses occurring to the last stimulus introduced into the sequence (S2). The present study was an attempt to determine whether this serial CS delayed-responding effect could be altered by manipulating the shock intensity. Two serial CS procedures (S1 /S2, S1 /S1 S2) were tested at three shock levels (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mA). Shock level was not found to have a reliable effect on any of the avoidance response indices analyzed. An important difference, however, did emerge between the two serial CS procedures tested. The theoretical implications of the finding were discussed.
What we have learned from 3D andr, z intense-beam simulations using the WARP code

A multi-dimensional discrete-particle simulation code, WARP, and its application to heavy-ion fusion beams is described. The code's 3D package combines features of an accelerator code and a particle-in-cell plasma simulation, and can efficiently track beams through many lattice elements and around bends. The code'sr, z package allows one to follow beams over very long times and models the accelerating module impedances. A number of applications are presented. These have led to an improved understanding of: beam equilibria, and the approach to equilibrium; longitudinal beam dynamics and stability; electrostatic quadrupole (ESQ) injector aberrations; bending and recirculation of space-charge-dominated beams; and the drift-compression process. The code is being used for accelerator design, as well as for theoretical investigations.
Antenatal Treatment of Central Nervous System Defects: Current and Future Developments in Experimental Therapies

Pathogenesis and intrauterine treatment of central nervous system defects are described. Current and future developments in fetal therapies and/or surgical correction of malformations and stem cell en
Deep Level Derivative Spectroscopy Of Semiconductors By Wavelength Modulation Techniques

An infrared wavelength modulated absorption spectrometer capable of measuring changes in the absorption coefficient of levels of 10-5 cm-1 in the spectral range 0.2-20 microns was employed to study bulk and surface absorption in semiconductors. The results of the study of deep levels in semi-insulating GaAs, surface layers on Si, GaAs, and HgCdTe, oxygen complexes in floating-zone silicon, and determination of strain in ion implanted layers are presented.
Preparation and characterization of polycarbonates from 2,4,8,10‐tetraoxaspiro[5,5]undecane‐3‐one (DOXTC)‐trimethylenecarbonate (TMC) ring‐opening polymerizations

The new cyclic carbonate monomer 2,4,8,10-tetraoxaspiro [5,5] undecane-3-one (DOXTC) was prepared in > 80% yield by the reaction of 1,3-dioxane-5,5-dimethanol with ethyl chloroformate in tetrahydrofuran (THF). DOXTC homopolymerization and copolymerizations with trimethylene carbonate (TMC) were carried out using aluminoxanes (methyl and isobutyl) as catalysts. The copolymer yields normally exceeded 90%. Carbon-13 ( 13 C) nuclear magnetic resonance ( NMR ) at 62.5 MHz resolved copolymer dyad sequences. Comparison of the fraction of dyad sequences determined by 13 C-NMR and calculated assuming a Bernoullian distribution showed that propagation statistics were approximately random for copolymerizations carried out at both 90 and 140°C. Studies by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that the DOXTC homopolymer, as well as the copolymers with high DOXTC content (F DOXTC to F TMC ≥ 7: 3), were semicrystalline. The DOXTC homopolymer had a peak melting temperature of 202°C, enthalpy of fusion of 75 J/g, and a glass transition temperature of 36°C. For copolymers with F DOXTC to F TMC ≥ 9/1, crystallization exotherms were observed both during the second heating, as well as cooling (10°C/min) DSC scans. The relationship between the copolymer glass transition and composition was in agreement with that predicted by the Fox equation. Comparison of the wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) patterns of the DOXTC homopolymer with F DOXTC to F TMC of 7: 3 and 9: 1 showed that the former sample had more pronounced and better resolved crystalline reflections. These results suggest that the DOXTC homopolymer has well-ordered crystalline domains and high sample crystallinity. By increasing the molar content of 1,3-dioxane side groups in DOXTC-TMC copolymers from 0 to 50%, the water uptake by the corresponding films was increased from 5.1 to 19% (w/w).
China's legislative system and information: An overview

Abstract China's legislative system has gone through significant reforms since the end of the 1970s. These reforms have changed the legislatures and the legislative process considerably and have led to an increase in legislative publications that had been very limited since 1949. Research on China's legal system has tended to discuss the reforms and the system rather than legislative information and access to it. This study attempts to provide an overview of the new legislative system in China and the types of documents produced by legislative organs. Important electronic and print resources offering access to these publications are also introduced.
An algorithm for the indentification of a class of nonstationary systems

The paper is concerned with the problem of identification of the innovations model of a class of non-stationary stochastic processes. It is proposed that the time varying state transition matrix in the companion form be estimated first from the equivalent ARMA model. The result may then be used for estimating the time varying gain matrix and the innovations variance. The results of application of the proposed algorithm to a segment of a real speech signal are presented in order to illustrate the results.
On the structure of chemisorbed acetylene and ethylene on Ni, Pd and Pt surfaces

Abstract Filtered He II (hv = 40.8 eV) photoemission spectra for acetylene and ethylene molecularly chemisorbed at T ∼ 100 K on Ni(111), Ni(110), Pd(111) and Pt(111) have been obtained. The resulting vertical ionization potentials are presented and used within the framework of an approximate model to obtain information of the geometric structure of these molecules. Two initial state effects are discussed which are found to be important in deducing the molecular structures. These include an initial state shift of the lowest lying carbon-2s derived orbital and a metal atom induced shift of the σCC valence orbital for strongly distorted species. The magnitudes of both effects are estimated — the latter using Hartree — Fock LCAO calculations of Be interacting with acetylene or ethylene. The deduced geometries of chemisorbed ethylene are found to differ only slightly from those determined without considering these effects, but for acetylene two classes of structures are found. One class of structures is weakly distorted while the other is strongly distorted (∼sp2.5 hybridization). The latter structure is consistent with recent vibrational loss studies of chemisorbed acetylene on Ni(111) and Pt(111). In contrast to chemisorbed acetylene, chemisorbed ethylene on Ni shows relatively weak distortions. More subtle crystallographic and structural effects for acetylene and ethylene on (111), (100) and (110) Ni surfaces are also discussed.
Neuronal Mechanisms Underlying Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: The Influence of Arousal on Prefrontal Cortical Function

Neuropsychological and imaging studies indicate that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with alterations in prefrontal cortex (PFC) and its connections to striatum and cerebellum. Research in animals, in combination with observations of patients with cortical lesions, has shown that the PFC is critical for the regulation of behavior, attention, and affect using representational knowledge. The PFC is important for sustaining attention over a delay, inhibiting distraction, and dividing attention, while more posterior cortical areas are essential for perception and the allocation of attentional resources. The PFC in the right hemisphere is especially important for behavioral inhibition. Lesions to the PFC produce a profile of distractibility, forgetfulness, impulsivity, poor planning, and locomotor hyperactivity. The PFC is very sensitive to its neurochemical environment, and either too little (drowsiness) or too much (stress) catecholamine release in PFC weakens cognitive control of behavior and attention. Recent electrophysiological studies in animals suggest that norepinephrine enhances “signals” through postsynaptic α2A adrenoceptors in PFC, while dopamine decreases “noise” through modest levels of D1 receptor stimulation. α2A-Adrenoceptor stimulation strengthens the functional connectivity of PFC networks, while blockade of α2 receptors in the monkey PFC recreates the symptoms of ADHD, resulting in impaired working memory, increased impulsivity, and locomotor hyperactivity. Genetic alterations in catecholamine pathways may contribute to dysregulation of PFC circuits in this disorder. Medications may have many of their therapeutic effects by optimizing stimulation of α2A adrenoceptors and D1 receptors in the PFC, thus strengthening PFC regulation of behavior and attention.
Folate-dependent enzymes in cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells: induction of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate homocysteine cobalamin methyltransferase by folate and methionine.

Abstract The effects of media vitamin B 12 (CNB 12 ), l -methionine, folic acid, dl-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MeH 4 folate), homocysteine, and other nutrients on four one-carbon enzymes in cultured Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were examined. Excess 10 m m methionine elevates the amount of B 12 methyltransferase 1.8 – 2.3-fold at media folate concentrations of 0.2 – 2.0 μ m . Conversely, excess 100 μ m folic acid increases the amount of B 12 holoenzyme by 2.4 – 3.0-fold when the medium contains 0.01 – 0.1 m m methionine. These increases in B 12 methyltransferase promoted by 100 μ m media folate and 10 m m methionine are inhibited by cycloheximide. 5-MeH 4 folate will support growth and induce methyltransferase synthesis more efficiently than folic acid. Upon transfer to methionine-free media, wild-type CHO cells will survive and can be repeatedly subcultured in the absence of exogenous methionine, provided it is supplemented with 1.0 μ m CNB 12 , 0.1 m m homocysteine, and 100 μ m folic acid or 10 μ m dl-5-MeH 4 folate. No growth occurs if homocysteine is omitted, but a requirement for added CNB 12 does not become evident until the cells have undergone at least two or three divisions. Survival upon transfer from 0.1 m m methionine-containing to methionine-free media is dependent upon the B 12 holomethyltransferase content of the cells used as an inoculum. Inoculum cells must have been previously grown in media supplemented with 1.0 μ m CNB 12 to stabilize and convert apo- to holomethyltransferase, and 100 μ m folate (or 10 μ m dl-5-MeH 4 folate) to induce maximal enzyme-protein synthesis. Transfer to methionine-deficient medium does not result in more than a 20–25% increase in the cellular B 12 enzyme content over the level already induced by 100 μ m folate in 0.1 m m methionine-supplemented media. A mutant auxotroph CHO AUXB1 with a triple growth requirement for glycine + adenosine + thymidine (McBurney, M. W., and Whitmore, G. F. (1974) Cell , 2 , 173) cannot survive in media lacking exogenous methionine. High concentrations of media folic acid or dl-5-MeH 4 folate fail to induce elevated amounts of B 12 methyltransferase in this mutant. Excess 10 m m medium methionine does, however, elevate its B 12 enzyme as in the parent CHO cells. An additional mutant AUXB3 that requires glycine + adenosine (McBurney, M. W., and Whitmore, G. F. (1974) Cell , 2 , 173) barely survives in methionine-deficient media. It has a folate-induced B 12 enzyme level intermediate between wild-type CHO cells and AUXB1. The level of B 12 methyltransferase induced by high media folate concentrations is a critical determinant of CHO cell survival in methionine-free media.
Some physical models of the reaction-diffusion equation, and coupled map lattices

A number of models are surveyed which appear in physics, biology, chemistry, and other areas and which are described by a reaction-diffusion equation. The corresponding coupled map lattice (CML) system is obtained by discretizing this equation. These CMLs are classified by the type of the dynamics of the local map. Several different types of behavior are observed: Morse-Smale type systems, systems with attractors, and systems with Smale horseshoes.
High-resolution optical coherence tomography visualization of LASIK flap displacement

Uneventful myopic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) was performed in both eyes of a 33-year-old woman. Two weeks after LASIK, examination of the left eye revealed flap striae radiating inferonasally from the superior hinge. The flap was relifted and repositioned to remove the irregular astigmatism and reduce the striae. Before the flap was relifted, Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) showed the gap at the temporal flap, which had not been detected by biomicroscopy. After the flap was relifted, FD-OCT documented that the gap was closed. High-resolution FD-OCT was helpful in the visualization and management of flap displacement.
The Role of Coaching in Student Teams: A "Just-in-Time" Approach to Learning.

This article focuses on methods to improve student satisfaction and learning in team projects. The article describes in detail three sequential modules that the instructor can present in class to improve student team performance and learning: (a) starting student teams off on the right foot, (b) helping teams manage diversity and conflict, and (c) helping students learn from their teamwork experience. The article also highlights the role of the teacher as a learning coach during the teambuilding process, tying specific classroom behaviors to each of the three instructional modules. The discussion is supported by survey results on student teams involving 76 business school faculty and 199 undergraduate students. The article concludes that student team projects constitute a valuable peer-centered learning experience only when instructors are active coaches, giving just-in-time feedback and providing focused and concrete guidance at strategic intervals during the semester.
Association/Dissociation of the Nucleotide-Binding Domains of an ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) Exporter during the ATP Hydrolysis Cycle

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins constitute one of the largest protein families, and most are membrane transport proteins. Eukaryotic exporters in this group, including the multidrug resistance protein P-glycoprotein, have been linked to chemotherapy resistance due to their extrusion of anticancer agents from cells. Like its prokaryotic homolog MsbA, P-glycoprotein has a functional core composed of two transmembrane domains and two nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs). Substrate transport is driven by ATP hydrolysis, but the mechanism of hydrolysis is controversial. The proposed mechanisms can be broadly classified as: 1) monomer-dimer models, where alternating access depends on a large separation of the NBDs (up to 50 angstroms) during the ATP binding/hydrolysis cycle, or 2) constant-contact models, where the NBDs remain associated during the cycle. To address the ABC exporters' mechanism, we used lanthanide-based resonance energy transfer (LRET) to follow the intra-molecular movements of MsbA during the ATP binding/hydrolysis cycle. Although the MsbA NBDs sample three discrete positions during the cycle, the average NBD separation decreases dramatically after the addition of ATP to the Apo (nucleotide-free) protein. ATP binding reduced the predominant NBD separation distance from 50 to 35 angstroms. ATP hydrolysis elicited by MgATP relaxed a fraction of the NBD dimer population towards the Apo state. These steady-state distance measurements are consistent with a monomer-dimer model. The correlation between rates of NBDs dissociation (determined from kinetic LRET measurements) and ATP hydrolysis are consistent with monomer-dimer models, where the NBDs dissociate during each hydrolysis cycle. This work was supported by a grant from CPRIT grant RP101073 and an American Heart Association Pre-doctoral Fellowship 11PRE7360046 to RSC.
Circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis

Objective. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between preclinical circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and RA in two nested case–control studies within the prospective cohort Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and NHS II (NHSII). Methods. We included 166 women with RA and blood specimens collected 3 months to 16 years prior to the first RA symptom and 490 matched controls (3:1, matched on age, date of blood draw, hormonal factors). We calculated the odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI for incident RA using conditional logistic regression multivariable adjusted models, including additional covariates for smoking status, parity and breastfeeding, alcohol consumption, BMI, median income and region of residence in the USA. We repeated analyses stratified by time from blood draw to RA diagnosis (3 months to <4 years or ≥4 years) and meta-analysed estimates from the two cohorts using fixed effects models. Results. Incident RA was confirmed in 120 NHS [mean age 63.8 years (s.d. 8.2)] and 46 NHSII participants [mean age 48.5 years (s.d. 4.7)]. Mean time from blood draw to RA diagnosis was 7.8 years (s.d. 4.2) for NHS and 4.2 years (s.d. 2.0) for NHSII participants. Meta-analysis of crude and multivariable-adjusted conditional logistic models did not show significant associations between circulating 25(OH)D and RA. However, among NHSII women with blood drawn between 3 months and <4 years prior to RA diagnosis, there was a 20% decreased risk of RA associated with each 1 ng/ml increase in 25(OH)D [OR 0.80 (95% CI 0.64, 0.99)]. Conclusion. We did not observe a significant association between circulating 25(OH)D levels and RA, except for among a small subset of NHSII women with levels measured closest to RA diagnosis.