cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effective inter-residue contact definitions for accurate protein fold recognition.

Effective encoding of residue contact information is crucial for protein structure prediction since it has a unique role to capture long-range residue interactions compared to other commonly used scoring terms. The residue contact information can be incorporated in structure prediction in several different ways: It can be incorporated as statistical potentials or it can be also used as constraints in ab initio structure prediction. To seek the most effective definition of residue contacts for template-based protein structure prediction, we evaluated 45 different contact definitions, varying bases of contacts and distance cutoffs, in terms of their ability to identify proteins of the same fold. We found that overall the residue contact pattern can distinguish protein folds best when contacts are defined for residue pairs whose Cβ atoms are at 7.0 A or closer to each other. Lower fold recognition accuracy was observed when inaccurate threading alignments were used to identify common residue contacts between protein pairs. In the case of threading, alignment accuracy strongly influences the fraction of common contacts identified among proteins of the same fold, which eventually affects the fold recognition accuracy. The largest deterioration of the fold recognition was observed for β-class proteins when the threading methods were used because the average alignment accuracy was worst for this fold class. When results of fold recognition were examined for individual proteins, we found that the effective contact definition depends on the fold of the proteins. A larger distance cutoff is often advantageous for capturing spatial arrangement of the secondary structures which are not physically in contact. For capturing contacts between neighboring β strands, considering the distance between Cα atoms is better than the Cβ−based distance because the side-chain of interacting residues on β strands sometimes point to opposite directions. Residue contacts defined by Cβ−Cβ distance of 7.0 A work best overall among tested to identify proteins of the same fold. We also found that effective contact definitions differ from fold to fold, suggesting that using different residue contact definition specific for each template will lead to improvement of the performance of threading.
The Relationships of the Level of Response to Alcohol and Additional Characteristics to Alcohol Use Disorders Across Adulthood: A Discrete‐Time Survival Analysis

Background: A low level of response (LR) to alcohol has been shown to relate to a higher risk for alcohol use disorders (AUDs). However, no previous research has examined the association between LR and the development of AUDs in the context of additional robust risk factors for AUDs. This study evaluated whether LR and other related characteristics predicted the occurrence of AUDs across adulthood using discrete-time survival analysis (DTSA). Methods: A total of 297 probands from the San Diego Prospective Study reported on the LR to alcohol, a family history (FH) of AUDs, the typical drinking quantity, the age of drinking onset, the body mass index and the age at the baseline (T1) assessment. Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) were evaluated at the 10-year (T10), T15, T20, and T25 follow-ups. Results: A low LR to alcohol predicted AUD occurrence over the course of adulthood even after controlling for the effects of other robust risk factors. Interaction effects revealed that the impact of FH on AUDs was only observed for subjects with high T1 drinking levels, and probands with high T1 drinking were at high risk for AUDs regardless of their age of onset. Conclusions: The findings illustrate that LR is a unique risk factor for AUDs across adulthood, and not simply a reflection of a broader range of risk factors. The continued investigation of how LR is related to AUD onset later in life will help inform treatment providers about this high-risk population, and future longitudinal evaluations will utilize DTSA to assess rates of AUD remission as well as the onset of drinking outcomes in adolescent samples.
Mutation frequency decline in Escherichia coli B/r after mutagenesis with ethyl methanesulfonate

Nonsense-defective auxotrophic strains of Escherichia coli B/r were used to study mutation frequency decline (MFD) after mutagenesis with ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS). The mutation frequencies for prototrophic revertants that were either converted or de novo glutamine tRNA suppressor mutations declined as treated auxotrophic parental cells were incubated with glucose but without required amino acids (a condition typically producing MFD). The decline for converted suppressor mutations was more rapid than the decline for de novo suppressor mutations after low or moderate EMS treatment, but both suppressor mutation types showed the same slow decline after extensive treatment. The declines for both types of suppressor mutation were eliminated in uvrA-defective cells, and the rapid decline seen for converted suppressor mutations appeared as a slow decline in mfd-defective cells. The results are interpreted that true MFD (the rapid process) affects only the EMS-induced converted glutamine tRNA suppressor mutations. This would account for the rapid decline that is blocked in cells with an mfd defect and in cells with deficient excision repair activity (uvrA or excessive DNA damage). In addition, a second non-specific antimutation mechanism is proposed that is dependent on excision repair only and accounts for the slow decline seen with converted suppressor mutations in some instances and with de novo suppressor mutations at all times. The true MFD mechanism may consist of a physiologically dependent facilitated excision repair specifically for premutational residues located in the transcribed strand of the target DNA sequence (for O6-ethylguanine in cells treated with ethyl methanesulfonate or pyrimidine-pyrimidine photoproducts after UV irradiation).
River-ice ecology. I : Hydrologic, geomorphic, and water-quality aspects

River ice is an integral and important component of the flow regime in cold-regions environments. From a hydrologic perspective, it is known to produce many extremes, such as low-flows and floods, that far exceed those possible under open-water conditions. It can also significantly modify a number of other geomorphic and chemical processes that have important biological implications, such as the erosion and deposition of sediment or the production and transport of oxygen. This paper reviews our current state of knowledge in these areas at various stages of ice-cover development, including freeze-up, main winter, and breakup. Included is a comprehensive reference list, the most complete ever assembled on this subject. This manuscript also provides the context for a companion paper that discusses the biological conditions created by river ice.
Equilibrium geometries of anisotropic surfaces and interfaces

Abstract The geometries of anisotropic surfaces or interfaces in polyphase or polycrystalline microstructures can display a variety of shapes that are locally in equilibrium. Anisotropy introduces edges, corners, and flat facets, as well as new types of multigrain junctions, and requires a re-examination of how we represent geometrical equilibrium. The traditional approach, that begins with the interfacial free energy γ( n ) as a function of interface normal n , assumes knowledge of data that are unlikely to over be available with the required accuracy. However, transforms of γ( n ), notably the Wulff shape W itself, can be easily obtained by experiment and will give many of the same predictions as γ( n ). A particularly useful representation of these data is the n -diagram, a stereographic projection of the interface orientations present at equilibrium. In this paper various examples illustrate the use of these concepts.
Uncertainty Analysis of Static Plane Problems by Intervals

We present a new interval-based formulation for the static analysis of plane stress/strain problems with uncertain parameters in load, material and geometry. We exploit the Interval Finite Element Method (IFEM) to model uncertainties in the system. Overestimation due to dependency among interval variables is reduced using a new decomposition strategy for the structural stiffness matrix and the nodal equivalent load vector. Primary and derived quantities follow from minimization of the total energy and they are solved simultaneously and with the same accuracy by means of Lagrangian multipliers. Two different element assembly strategies are introduced in the formulation: one is Element-by-Element, and the other resembles conventional assembly. In addition, we implement a new variant of the interval iterative enclosure method to obtain outer and inner solutions. Numerical examples show that the proposed interval approach guarantees to enclose the exact system response.
Testosterone metabolism by human lung tissue.

Abstract The metabolism of [7- 3 H(N)]-testosterone by slices of human lung tissue obtained from an adult male at surgery was studied in a time course experiment. The 17β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase activity of human lung was expressed in the synthesis of isotope-labeled 4-androstene-3,17-dione, 5α-androstane-3,17-dione, androsterone and isoandrosterone. The rate of formation of 4-androstene-3, 17-dione followed a linear course for about five min (160 pmol/lOOmg protein/min), while the formation of the other 17-oxosteroid metabolites followed a linear course for about 1 h (5α-androstane-3, 17-dione, 80 pmol/100mg protein/h; androsterone, 2.4pmol/100mg protein/h; isoandrosterone, ∼28 pmol/lOOmg protein/h). Thus, human lung tissue, in vitro , expresses significant 17β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase activity and, notably, a cofactor milieu that favors the 17-oxo over the 17β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreduetion state. This obtains since 5α-dihydrotestosterone formation constituted a very small fraction of total 17-oxosteroid metabolites (∼4.6 pmol/100mg protein/h vs . 2,832 pmol/100mg protein/h). In addition to 17β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase activity, the human lung has demonstrable 5α-reductase, 3β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase and 3α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase activities, findings which support the concept that the lung is a site of metabolism of plasma C 19 -steroids.
Metaphor and Thinking in Science and Religion

Excerpts from Chapters 1 and 3 of New Maps for Old: Explorations in Science and Religion (Gerhart and Russell 2001) explore the ramifications of metaphoric process for changes in thinking, especially those changes that lead to a new understanding of our world. Examples are provided from science, from religion, and from science and religion together. In excerpts from Chapter 8, a double analogy-theology is to science as science is to mathematics-is proposed for better understanding the contemporary relationship between science and religion. A conservation of epistemological sufficiency is disclosed as one moves from mathematics to empirical science to theology-a move from one discipline to another that involves a sacrifice of one aspect of thought to gain another.
Molecular Dynamics Study of the Interfacial Thermal Conductance at the Graphene/Paraffin Interface in Solid and Liquid Phases

By utilizing molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we study the interfacial thermal conductance at the interface of graphene and paraffin. In doing so, we conduct non-equilibrium heat source and sink simulations on systems of parallel and perpendicular configurations in which the heat flow is parallel and perpendicular to the surface of graphene, respectively. For the perpendicular configuration, graphene with different number of layers are considered. The results show that the interfacial thermal conductance decreases with the number of layers and converges to a value which is equal to the obtained conductance by using the parallel configuration. We also study the conductance for the solid phase paraffin. The results indicate that solid paraffin-graphene interfaces have higher conductance values with respect to the corresponding liquid phase systems.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
New rate equation description for lasers with output coupling with application to semiconductor lasers having external injection and conventional or phase-conjugate feedback

A new, broadly applicable technique for obtaining optical rate equations is derived for laser cavities having a variety of possible exterior couplings, including field injection and feedback. The method, based on analytical continuation of the roundtrip condition, retains essential resonator physics over the whole spectral range and all magnitudes of coupling, in contrast to existing rate equations. Injection locking, external feedback, and phase conjugative interaction are discussed as applications.
Homosexuality and neurosis: considerations for psychotherapy.

Through there is no correlation between mental illness and homosexuality, there are unique concerns that play a role in symptomatology and psychotherapy around neurotic and characterological issues in gay patients. Homophobia, both in the therapist and in the patient, external and internalized, is the significant ohiddeno factor. Lack of training around transference and countertransference issues with gay patients. Homophobia, both in the therapist and in the patient, external and internalized, is the significant ohiddeno factor. Lack of training around transference and countertransference issues with gay patients and lack of teaching about homosexuality in training programs contribute to the difficulties encountered in psychotherapy with gay people. There are some problems and concerns specific to being homosexual that may bring patients to therapy; ocoming-out,o deciding on sexual orientation, desire to change orientation, and a unique oAIDS neurosis.o The therapist needs to have an objective knowledge ...
Structural properties of perceived power relations in an educational setting

Students' perceptions of the social power of twelve representative figures on the college campus were analyzed using the Tucker-Messick individual differences model for multidimensional scaling. Based upon the work of Cliff and Pennell, the power judgments of four real individuals who spanned the four-dimensional space of individuals were scaled. These perceptual spaces were then interpreted in terms of the other variables studied. Of the four spaces examined, all contained a component which reflected the judged overall power of the figures. For two of the spaces in which subjects were also highly external in their locus of control beliefs, overall power was the only reliable dimension. The remaining two spaces were more complex and contained dimensions reflecting in one case expertise and in the other propinquity as bases of social influence.
Evaluation of autonomy in recent ground vehicles using the autonomy levels for unmanned systems (ALFUS) framework

Over the last few decades, the field of unmanned systems (UMSs) has begun to emerge into a variety of markets. The military has already deployed unmanned air, sea, and ground vehicles. Universities and other research institutions have developed semi-autonomous passenger vehicles that have driven on highways in the U.S. and abroad. The National Aeronautics and Space Administrations (NASA) has developed unmanned rovers that have been navigating the planet Mars for several years. Even the transit and commercial freight market has developed programs for unmanned vehicles research to help solve complex logistics issues.In order to compare the capabilities of unmanned systems in such a wide variety of markets, the Autonomy Levels for Unmanned Systems (ALFUS) framework has been established in a series of workshops. While this framework is still under some development, it can be used in its current state to compare unmanned systems. In this paper, we highlight some of the major accomplishments made in the field of ground vehicle autonomy in particular. We then map the capabilities of these ground vehicles to the ALFUS framework and summarize the resulting trends that occur from this mapping.
Heavy-ion LINAC development for the US RIA project

The Nuclear Science Community in the Unites States has unanimously concluded that developments in both nuclear science and its supporting technologies make building a world-leading Rare-Isotope Accelerator (RIA) facility for production of radioactive beams the top priority. The RIA development effort involves several US Laboratories (ANL, JLAB, LBNL, MSU, ORNL). The RIA facility includes a CW 1.4 GeV driver LINAC and a 100 MV post-accelerator both based on superconducting (SC) cavities operating at frequencies from 48 MHz to 805 MHz. An initial acceleration in both LINACs is provided by room temperature RFQs. The driver LINAC is designed for acceleration of any ion species; from protons up to 900 MeV to uranium up to 400 MeV/u. The novel feature of the driver LINAC is an acceleration of multiple charge-state heavy-ion beams in order to achieve 400 kW beam power. Basic design concepts of the driver LINAC are given. Several new conceptual solutions in beam dynamics, room temperature and SC accelerating structures for heavy ion accelerator applications are discussed.
Acid gel disc electrophoresis of tuber proteins from Solanum species

Abstract Twenty-two Solanum species were compared for possible species-related tuber protein patterns with the use of an acid gel system. From four to fourteen protein bands were present and both inter-species and intra-species band variations were apparent; several bands were present in most species while other bands were more frequent within certain species. Specific banding patterns for sixteen South American and Mexican species were determined. However, no correlation between band patterns and geographic distribution of the species was noted. Preliminary results with the acid gel system are in agreement with the earlier finding, using basic gels, of species-specific tuber protein patterns.
The Identification of New Ethynyl-Substituted and Cyclopenta-Fused Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Products of Anthracene Pyrolysis

Abstract The recent synthesis of new reference standards of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) has enabled us to identify six new PAH species among the products of anthracene, pyrolyzed in argon at temperatures of 1300 to 1500 K. The anthracene product samples are analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with diode-array ultraviolet-visible (UV) detection, and the identifications are made by matching each product component's HPLC elution time and UV absorption spectrum with those of the corresponding reference standard. The newly identified PAH products include 1-ethynylacenaphthylene (C14H8) as well as five cyclopenta-fused PAH (CP-PAH): cyclopenta[cd]fluoranthene (C18H10); dicyclopenta[cd, mn]pyrene, dicyclo-penta[cd,fg]pyrene, dicyclopenta[cd,jk]pyrene (C20H10); and benzo[ghi]cyclopenta[cd]-perylene (C24H12). Undetectable at temperatures < 1300 K, the yields of the newly identified CP-PAH rise quickly with temperature above 1350 K, levelling off somewhat at temperatures approaching...
Sperm morphology, motility, and velocity in naturally occurring polyploid European weatherfish (Misgurnus fossilis L.)

Spontaneous polyploidy has been frequently documented in various fish species. This process may lead to disruption in testicular development and function. In the present study, sperm morphology and motility, elements critical to male fertility, were characterized in the naturally occurring triploid (3n) and tetraploid (4n) European weatherfish, Misgurnus fossilis L. (Teleostei, Cobitidae) inhabiting the upper reaches of the Lužnice River in the Czech Republic. Sperm with smaller heads, shorter flagella, and a lower number of mitochondria was observed in 3n specimens compared with 4n, but no differences were observed in size of midpiece or ultrastructure of sperm. Similar to most teleosts, the European weatherfish spermatozoon lacked an acrosome and consisted of a head (containing DNA), a midpiece (containing mitochondria and proximal and distal centrioles), and a flagellum with 9 + 2 microtubular structure. Sperm velocity was significantly lower in individuals with 4n compared with 3n, whereas no difference in sperm motility was observed. The stepwise linear regression reported significant negative correlations between sperm velocity and length of sperm head (r = −0.92, P < 0.01). In conclusion, the data reported no effect of polyploidy on sperm ultrastructure and motility in the European weatherfish, although it can affect sperm velocity, possibly through differences in head size and the number of mitochondria, which provide ATP for sperm movement.
Evaluate bus emissions generated near far-side and near-side stops and potential reductions by ITS: An empirical study

Abstract In this paper, we use second-by-second automatic vehicle location data to estimate bus emissions near far-side and near-side stops. We classify the bus running state near a stop into approach, dwell, and departure. A vehicle specific power approach is used to estimate bus emissions for each state. We show that bus emissions generated near stops can be significantly reduced by using certain intelligent transportation systems techniques.
On fermion polarization effects in lattice gauge theories

Abstract The inclusion of internal fermion loop effects is discussed for the Wilson lattice fermions in SU(3) gauge theories with three flavors. The pseudofermion method is employed for taking into account the fermion determinant in the measure. Results with and without the fermion feedback are compared on a 4 × 4 × 4 × 16 lattice at β = 5.4 and 5.6. While for nonsinglet meson and baryon masses in lattice units the effects of fermion loops are significant, the results suggest that they can largely be accounted for by the change in the lambda parameter.
Methods of Newborn Infant Temperature Monitoring: A Research Review

Although research related to infant temperature measurement has been reported in the nursing literature since 1969, issues regarding site of thermometer placement, resultant normative values, and length of thermometer placement time in full-term and preterm infants still need clarification. This article reviews research findings relevant to temperature monitoring in the newborn, examines the impact of these findings on clinical practice, and identifies areas where further research is needed.
Neuropsychological Deficits Are Not Predictive of Deficient Emotional Self-Regulation in Adults With ADHD

Objective: To investigate whether neuropsychological deficits account for the association between deficient emotional self-regulation (DESR) and ADHD. Method: DESR was identified in adults with and...
Insulin therapy for inpatients with diabetes: Perceptions of resident physicians from disparate geographic training programs

Abstract Background: Improving diabetes management in hospitalized patients will require educational efforts for all practitioners, particularly resident physicians. Thus, a better understanding of residents' beliefs about diabetes in the hospital must be obtained. Objective: The purpose of this article was to compare and contrast perceptions of resident physicians from 2 geographically distinct training programs regarding management of inpatients with diabetes. Methods: Residents from training programs in the southwestern and southeastern United States were surveyed in 2006 and 2007 about their views on the importance of inpatient glucose control, their perceptions about desirable target glucose ranges, and the problems they encountered when trying to manage hyperglycemia in hospitalized patients. Results: Responses were obtained from 52 of 66 residents at site 1 and from 65 of 85 residents at site 2 (N = 117 total respondents; total response, 77%; mean age, 31 years; 48% men; 61% primary care). Combined analyses revealed that respondents believed that glucose control was “very important” in critically ill patients (96%), perioperative patients (82%), and noncritically ill patients (66%). Most residents indicated that they would target a therapeutic glucose range within published recommendations. Less than half felt “very comfortable” managing inpatient hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, subcutaneous insulin, or insulin drips. Respondents were not very familiar with existing institutional policies or preprinted order sets for insulin therapy. The most commonly reported barrier to management of inpatient hyper-glycemia was lack of knowledge about appropriate insulin regimens and their use. Conclusions: Trainees from 2 very different educational programs shared common beliefs, knowledge deficits, and perceived barriers about inpatient glucose management. Our findings indicate that trainees were uncertain about how to use insulin therapy in the hospital. Future inpatient diabetes quality-improvement efforts should focus on development of uniform educational programs targeting the management of inpatient diabetes, particularly as it relates to insulin use.
Rate of mercury loss from contaminated estuarine sediments

The concentration of mercury in contaminated estuarine sediments of Bellingham Bay, Washington was found to decrease with a half-time of about 1.3 yr after the primary anthropogenic source of mercury was removed. In situ measurements of the mercury flux from sediments, in both dissolved and volatile forms, could not account for this decrease. This result suggests that the removal of mercury is associated with sediment particles transported out of the study area. This decrease was modeled using a steady-state mixing model. Mercury concentrations in anoxic interstitial waters reached 3.5 μg/l, 126 times higher than observed in the overlying seawater. Mercury fluxes from these sediments ranged from 1.2 to 2.8 × 10−5 ng/cm2/sec, all in a soluble form. In general, higher Hg fluxes were associated with low oxygen or reducing conditions in the overlying seawater. In contrast, no flux was measurable from oxidizing interstitial water having mercury concentrations of 0.01-0.06 μ/l.
The pluripotent transcriptome

Pluripotent stem cells, such as Embryonic Stem cells, have the extraordinary ability to give rise to all cell types of the body, and hold great potential for regenerative medicine. Pluripotent stem cells are derived from in vitro culture of early embryos or by over-expression of specific transcription factors in somatic cells. In recent years great progress has been made towards understanding the molecular basis of pluripotency. The transcriptomes of various pluripotent stem cell lines have been examined in order to identify molecular mechanisms that control self-renewal and pluripotency. These studies have begun to reveal the components and architecture of the transcriptional regulatory networks of pluripotency, and suggest that transcription factors maintain the pluripotent state in the backdrop of a loose, accessible chromatin. Such a chromatin state may allow for increased global transcription, resulting in the expression of many novel and as yet uncharacterized transcripts. Fluctuations in the transcriptional networks may alternate pluripotent stem cells between states with distinct probabilities for self-renewal or differentiation. In this chapter, we review studies of the transcriptome of pluripotent stem cells, highlight intriguing transcriptional similarities between pluripotent stem cells, cancer cells and the germline, and discuss future avenues of research.
Institutionalizing Peace: Power Sharing and Post-Civil War Conflict Management

This article examines how power-sharing institutions might best be designed to stabilize the transition to enduring peace among former adversaries following the negotiated settlement of civil wars. We identify four different forms of power sharing based on whether the intent of the policy is to share or divide power among rivals along its political, territorial, military, or economic dimension. Employing the statistical methodology of survival analysis to examine the 38 civil wars resolved via the process of negotiations between 1945 and 1998, we find that the more dimensions of power sharing among former combatants specified in a peace agreement the higher is the likelihood that peace will endure. We suggest that this relationship obtains because of the unique capacity of power-sharing institutions to foster a sense of security among former enemies and encourage conditions conducive to a self-enforcing peace.
Field evaluations of concentrated spray applications of microencapsulated sex pheromone for codling moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae).

The application of a microencapsulated (MEC) sex pheromone formulation (Checkmate CM-F) for codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), in low volume, concentrated sprays was evaluated in a series of small plot and grower trials in apple, Malus domestica Borkhausen, and pear, Pyrus communis L. Preliminary tests found that MEC sprays applied at 172–207 kilopascals in 12–23 liters/ha deposited the highest density of microcapsules per leaf. The addition of a latex sicker did not increase the deposition of microcapsules. Small plot tests in 2004 compared the effectiveness of two low-volume sprayers against a standard high-volume spray (926 liters/ha) applied at 1,379 kilopascals. Moth catches and fruit injury were significantly lower in plots treated with the low-volume sprays compared with plots treated with the standard sprayer. These results suggest that concentrating the MEC formulation increases the deposition of microcapsules and improves its effectiveness. Larger trials were conducted with a low-volume sprayer in 4-ha plots within commercial apple (2005–2006) and pear orchards (2005) paired with similar plots treated with hand-applied pheromone dispensers. Levels of fruit injury were not significantly different between pheromone treatments in any of the three tests. Moth catches, however, were significantly higher in the MEC- versus the dispenser-treated apple plots in 2005. No difference was found in the fruit injury levels in MEC-treated apple orchards in 2005 caused by irrigation method, but moth catches were significantly higher in overhead versus undertree orchards. The advantages and current limitations of using MEC sex pheromone sprays to supplement current grower’s management strategies for codling moth is discussed.
Nutritional effectors of hepatic steatosis induced by parenteral nutrition in the rat.

The relative importance of three nutritional variables, nonprotein energy level, glucose-lipid calorie distribution and amino acid nitrogen level, in contributing to the steatosis that develops during a short course of parenteral nutrition was studied in intravenously fed rats. Eight infusates were tested that contained various combinations of glucose, lipid emulsion and amino acids. The infusate nonprotein energy level was the predominant effector of liver lipid content. The excessive energy level was associated with significant increments in steatosis, ranging from a 26% increase for high-fat, adequate-nitrogen infusates to a 95% increase for low-fat, adequate-nitrogen infusates. An interaction of amino nitrogen level and glucose-lipid calorie distribution also affected the severity of steatosis. The steatosis observed with inadequate-nitrogen infusates was accentuated in combination with the high-fat calorie distribution and was attenuated with the low-fat calorie distribution. The most striking effect...
Optical Characterization of Carrier Localization, Carrier Transportation and Carrier Recombination in Blue-Emitting InGaN/GaN MQWs

Carrier localization, transportation and recombination in blue-emitting InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells were analyzed using temperature-dependent photoluminescence spectroscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy and time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL). The temperature-dependent shift of PL intensity was fitted with Arrhenius equation and explained using two non-radiative channels, which are related with thermal activation of carriers from different confining potentials. The S-shaped shift of PL peak energy and inverse-S-shaped shift of PL full width at half maximum were explained with carrier localization and carrier transportation. The TRPL spectra taken at several different places from bright region to dark region in the confocal microscopic image showed that the fast decay life-time τ1 increases with decreasing PL intensity, indicating a higher carrier transportation rate at bright region, while the slow decay life-time τ2 decreases with decreasing PL intensity, indicating a higher probability of non-radiative recombination at dark region. © The Author(s) 2014. Published by ECS. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (CC BY, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted reuse of the work in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. [DOI: 10.1149/2.0011502jss] All rights reserved.
Clusters of biotin-responsive genes in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Effects of biotin in cell signaling are mediated by transcription factors such as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) and Sp1/Sp3 as well as by posttranslational modifications of DNA-binding proteins. These signaling pathways play roles in the transcriptional regulation of numerous genes. Here we tested the hypothesis that biotin-dependent genes are not randomly distributed in the human genome but are arranged in clusters. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from healthy adults before and after supplementation with 8.8 micromol/day biotin for 21 days. Cells were cultured ex vivo with concanavalin A for 3 hours to stimulate gene expression. Abundances of mRNA encoding approximately 14,000 genes were quantified by both DNA microarray and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The expression of 139 genes increased by at least 40% in response to biotin supplementation, whereas the expression of 131 genes decreased by at least 40% in response to biotin supplementation. The following clusters of biotin-responsive genes were identified: 1) 16% of biotin-responsive gene products localized to the cell nucleus; at least 28% of biotin-responsive genes play roles in signal transduction (these findings are consistent with a role for biotin in cell signaling); and 2) of the biotin-responsive genes, 54% clustered on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 11, 12, and 19, whereas no biotin-responsive genes were found on chromosomes 10, 16, 18, 21, and heterosomes. This suggests that position effects play a role in biotin-dependent gene expression. Collectively, these findings suggest that the human genome contains clusters of biotin-dependent genes.
Multi-object detection and behavior recognition from motion 3D data

This paper presents methods for 3D object detection and multi-object (or multi-agent) behavior recognition using a sequence of 3D point clouds of a scene taken over time. This motion 3D data can be collected using different sensors and techniques such as flash LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging), stereo cameras, time-of-flight cameras, or spatial phase imaging sensors. Our goal is to segment objects from the 3D point cloud data in order to construct tracks of multiple objects (i.e., persons and vehicles) and then classify the multi-object tracks as one of a set of known behaviors, such as “A person drives a car and gets out”. A track is a sequence of object locations changing over time and is the compact object-level information we use and obtain from the motion 3D data. Leveraging the rich structure of dynamic 3D data makes many visual learning problems better posed and more tractable. Our behavior recognition method is based on combining the Dynamic Time Warping-based behavior distances from the multiple object-level tracks using a normalized car-centric coordinate system to recognize the interactive behavior of those multiple objects. We apply our techniques for behavior recognition on data collected using a LIDAR sensor, with promising results.
Functionalizing polymer surfaces by field-induced migration of copolymer additives: Role of shear fields

Flow-induced migration polyethylene-co-methacrylic acid (PE-co-MA) and polystyrene-b-polydimethylsiloxane (PS-b-PD MS) copolymer additives in commercial long-chain branch polyethylene (PE) and narrow-molecular distribution polystyrene (PS) hosts was investigated in a capillary flow device. Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and Dynamic Contact Angle (DCA) measurements were used to characterize surface composition of polymer specimen following extrusion through metallic dies with various length-to-diameter (L/D) ratios, (1100 ⩽ L/D ⩽ 3000). Results from experiments covering a broad range of shear rates and polymer residence times in the dies are reported. Provided that the polymer residence time in the die is sufficiently long, shear is found to increase the concentrations of low molecular weight copolymer additives on the host polymer's surface. The surface composition of copolymer additive is found to vary strongly with the wall shear rate and die L/D ratio. Decreasing the die diameter at fixed flow rate is found, for example, to be a more effective method for enhancing transport of additive to a polymer's surface than increasing shear rate at fixed diameter. A mechanism based on shear-induced diffusion is proposed to explain the observed migration.
Plaque disruption by coronary computed tomographic angiography in stable patients vs. acute coronary syndrome: a feasibility study.

Aims This study was designed to determine whether coronary CT angiography (CTA) can detect features of plaque disruption in clinically stable patients and to compare lesion prevalence and features between stable patients and those with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods We retrospectively identified patients undergoing CTA, followed by invasive coronary angiography (ICA) within 60 days. Quantitative 3-vessel CTA lesion analysis was performed on all plaques ≥25% stenosis to assess total plaque volume, low attenuation plaque (LAP, <50 HU) volume, and remodelling index. Plaques were qualitatively assessed for CTA features of disruption, including ulceration and intra-plaque dye penetration (IDP). ICA was employed as a reference standard for disruption. A total of 145 (94 ACS and 51 stable) patients were identified. By CTA, plaque disruption was evident in 77.7% of ACS cases. Although more common among those with ACS, CTA also detected plaque disruption in 37.3% of clinically stable patients ( P < 0.0001). Conclusions Clinically stable patients commonly manifest plaques with features of disruption as determined by CTA. Though the prevalence of plaque disruption is less than patients with ACS, these findings support the concept that some clinically stable patients may harbour ‘silent’ disrupted plaques. These findings may have implications for detection of ‘at risk’ plaques and patients. [10.1093/ehjci/jev307][1] [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1093/ehjci/jev307
Pervasive Developmental Delay in Children Presenting As Possible Hearing Loss

Objective/Hypothesis: Children who fail to develop adequate language skills and/or appropriate social skills by age 2 years often are referred to the department of otolaryngology for otolaryngologic examination and evaluation of possible hearing deficits. Discovering a gross disparity between hearing function and language ability often uncovers an underlying developmental disorder satisfying criteria for diagnosis on the spectrum of autism and pervasive developmental delay (PDD). The otolaryngologist has a unique opportunity to identify these autistic children and initiate their evaluation and management. Study Design: Retrospective review. Methods: Review of charts of children referred over the past 4 years to the Department of Otolaryngology for possible hearing loss identified 15 children who were later diagnosed with PDD. Results: Fifteen children initially referred for hearing evaluation were subsequently identified with a diagnosis of PDD. Males outnumbered females 4 to 1, with the average age of referral being 2 years. One third of the patients displayed middle ear disease that improved with PE tube placement. One third of the patients showed brainstem conduction dysfunction on auditory brainstem evoked response testing. Conclusions : Children with developmental delays, especially higher functioning ones, may present with a myriad of language and communication deficits that are often mistakenly attributed to hearing loss. Otolaryngologists and audiologists can assist in their early identification and appropriate referral for therapy.
Effects of attachment-focused versus relationship skills-focused group interventions for college students with insecure attachment patterns

This study tested the attachment issues segment of Kilmann's (1996) manualized attachment-focused (AF) group intervention. College students with insecure adult attachment patterns were randomly assigned into either a manualized attachment-focused group or into a manualized relationship skills-focused (RS) group. A no-intervention control condition (NC) was recruited in the same manner. Between pre- and post-testing, AF and RS participants reported decreased agreement with dysfunctional relationship beliefs. AF participants also reported higher self-esteem, decreased angry reaction, and increased control of anger. RS participants reported improved interpersonal styles. At the 15-18-month follow-up, AF and RS participants reported increased self-awareness and positive relationship expectations and experiences, while NC participants reported no positive changes.
Insulin-like growth factor promotes engraftment, differentiation, and functional improvement after transfer of embryonic stem cells for myocardial restoration.

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) promotes myocyte proliferation and can reverse cardiac abnormalities when it is administered in the early fetal stage. Supplementation of a mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC) suspension with IGF-1 might enhance cellular engraftment and host organ-specific differentiation after injection in the area of acute myocardial injury. In the study reported here, we sought to enhance the restorative effect of ESCs in the injured heart by adding IGF-1 to the injected cell population. Green fluorescent protein (GFP)–labeled sv129 ESCs (2.5 × 105) were injected into the ischemic area after left anterior descending (LAD) artery ligation in BalbC mice. Recombinant mouse IGF-1 (25 ng) was added to the cell suspension prior to the injection (n = 5). Echocardiography was performed before organ harvest 2 weeks later. The degree of restoration (ratio of GFP+ to infarct area), expression of cardiac markers by GFP+ cells, inflammatory response, and tumorigenicity were evaluated. Mice with LAD ligation only (n = 5) and ESC transfer without IGF-1 (n = 5) served as controls. ESCs formed viable grafts and improved cardiac function. Left ventricular wall thickness was higher in the IGF-1 group (p = .025). There was a trend toward higher fractional shortening in the IGF-treated group. Histological analysis demonstrated that IGF-1 promoted expression of α-sarcomeric actin (p = .015) and major histocompatibility complex class I (p = .01). IGF did not affect the cellular response to the donor cells or tumorigenicity. IGF-1 promotes expression of cardiomyocyte phenotype in ESCs in vivo. It should be considered as an adjuvant to cell transfer for myocardial restoration.
Effects of Prenatal Drug Exposure on Neurobehavioral Functioning in Young Infants

In the newborn period, infants prenatally exposed to cocaine and other drugs show low scores on the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale. Beyond that period, research is limited on the effects of prenatal drug exposure on neurobehavioral functioning. In this study we compared infants exposed to cocaine and other drugs and control infants from low socioeconomic backgrounds on measures of neurobehavioral functioning during neuromotor assessment at 1, 4 and 7 months of life. None of the measures of neurobehavioral functioning showed any significant group differences. This study did not support the hypothesis of disrupted neurobehavioral functioning beyond the neonatal period in infants exposed to drugs prenatally.
CpG DNA modulates interleukin 1β-induced interleukin-8 expression in human bronchial epithelial (16HBE14o-) cells

Recognition of repeat unmethylated CpG motifs from bacterial DNA through Toll-like receptor (TLR-9) has been shown to induce interleukin (IL)-8 expression in immune cells. We sought to investigate the role of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) on a human bronchial epithelial cells. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis were used to determine expression of TLR-9 in human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE14o-). Cells were treated with CpG ODN in the presence or absence of IL-1β and IL-8 protein was determined using ELISA. In some cases cells were pretreated with chloroquine, an inhibitor of TLR-9 signaling, or SB202190, an inhibitor of the mitogen activated protein kinase p38, prior to treatment with IL-1β and CpG. TLR9 siRNA was used to silence TLR9 prior to treatment with IL-1β and CpG. IκBα and p38 were assessed by Western blot, and EMSA's were performed to determine NF-κB activation. To investigate IL-8 mRNA stability, cells were treated with IL-1β in the absence or presence of CpG for 2 h and actinomycin D was added to induce transcriptional arrest. Cells were harvested at 15 min intervals and Northern blot analysis was performed. TLR-9 is expressed in 16HBE14o- cells. CpG synergistically increased IL-1β-induced IL-8 protein abundance, however treatment with CpG alone had no effect. CpC (a control ODN) had no effect on IL-1β-induced IL-8 levels. In addition, CpG synergistically upregulated TNFα-induced IL-8 expression. Silencing TLR9 using siRNA or pretreatment of cells with chloroquine had little effect on IL-1β-induced IL-8 levels, but abolished CpG-induced synergy. CpG ODN had no effect on NF-κB translocation or DNA binding in 16HBE14o- cells. Treatment with CpG increased phosphorylation of p38 and pretreatment with the p38 inhibitor SB202190 attenuated the synergistic increase in IL-8 protein levels. Analysis of the half-life of IL-8 mRNA revealed that IL-8 mRNA had a longer half-life following the co-treatment of CpG and IL-1β compared to treatment with IL-1β alone. Together, these data demonstrate that CpG modulates IL-8 synthesis in the presence of a pro-inflammatory mediator utilizing TLR9 and post-transcriptional mechanisms involving the activation of p38 and stabilization of IL-8 mRNA.
The place of the osteoplastic flap in the endoscopic era: indications and pitfalls.

Objectives/hypothesis To evaluate the osteoplastic flap (OPF) procedure for frontal sinus pathology at our institution, including indications, revisions, obliteration vs. nonobliteration, and obliteration materials. Study design Single-institution retrospective review from 1998 to 2013. Methods Current Procedural Terminology codes identified all OPF procedures. Demographic data, diagnoses, previous frontal procedures, obliteration materials, and outcomes were evaluated. Diagnoses were divided into two groups: inflammatory (refractory sinusitis, mucoceles, surgical material infections) and noninflammatory (tumors, cerebrospinal fluid leaks). Results Fifty-seven patients underwent 73 OPF procedures: 36 obliterative and 37 nonobliterative/unobliterative. Inflammatory indications accounted for 76% of obliterated patients, but only 38% of nonobliterative procedures. Ten patients (17.5%) required revision, 90% of whom had an OPF for inflammatory indications. Only one patient who underwent an OPF procedure for noninflammatory pathology required revision. Twenty-four percent of patients obliterated with bone cement ultimately required complete removal to resolve infection. Conclusions The OPF approach is still valuable for pathology refractory to or inaccessible to endoscopic approaches. Infectious etiologies have a much higher revision rate. Careful selection of pathologies can reduce revision rates, but in some cases a repeated OPF procedure is the only viable alternative. When bone cement becomes infected the only resolution is complete removal.