cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Annotation Transfer for Genomics: Measuring Functional Divergence in Multi-Domain Proteins

Annotation transfer is a principal process in genome annotation. It involves "transferring" structural and functional annotation to uncharacterized open reading frames (ORFs) in a newly completed genome from experimentally characterized proteins similar in sequence. To prevent errors in genome annotation, it is important that this process be robust and statistically well-characterized, especially with regard to how it depends on the degree of sequence similarity. Previously, we and others have analyzed annotation transfer in single-domain proteins. Multi-domain proteins, which make up the bulk of the ORFs in eukaryotic genomes, present more complex issues in functional conservation. Here we present a large-scale survey of annotation transfer in these proteins, using scop superfamilies to define domain folds and a thesaurus based on SWISS-PROT keywords to define functional categories. Our survey reveals that multi-domain proteins have significantly less functional conservation than single-domain ones, except when they share the exact same combination of domain folds. In particular, we find that for multi-domain proteins, approximate function can be accurately transferred with only 35% certainty for pairs of proteins sharing one structural superfamily. In contrast, this value is 67% for pairs of single-domain proteins sharing the same structural superfamily. On the other hand, if two multi-domain proteins contain the same combination of two structural superfamilies the probability of their sharing the same function increases to 80% in the case of complete coverage along the full length of both proteins, this value increases further to > 90%. Moreover, we found that only 70 of the current total of 455 structural superfamilies are found in both single and multi-domain proteins and only 14 of these were associated with the same function in both categories of proteins. We also investigated the degree to which function could be transferred between pairs of multi-domain proteins with respect to the degree of sequence similarity between them, finding that functional divergence at a given amount of sequence similarity is always about two-fold greater for pairs of multi-domain proteins (sharing similarity over a single domain) in comparison to pairs of single-domain ones, though the overall shape of the relationship is quite similar. Further information is available at http://partslist.org/func or http://bioinfo.mbb.yale.edu/partslist/func.
RadICalc: a program for estimating radiation intensity of radionuclide mixtures

RadICalc was developed to address the need for a computer program that could calculate the composition, activity, and measurable radiation of arbitrary radionuclide mixtures over time without significant effort from end-users. It provides an interface to perform decay calculations and can search and display the resulting data in graphical or tabular form. RadICalc can also determine radiation expected at specific masses with user-defined molecules in addition to atomic species for use in mass-based isotope separations for radiometric counting applications, a novel method under development at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
Synthesis and reactivity of a masked PSiP pincer supported nickel hydride

Abstract Tridentate PSiP pincer ligands featuring two phosphine donors and an anionic Si donor have attracted considerable attention in recent years. Here, we report the synthesis of the η3-cyclooctenyl complex, (PhPSiP)Ni(η3-cyclooctenyl) (1; PhPSiP = Si(Me)(2-PPh2–C6H4)2) through the reaction of Ni(COD)2 with PhPSiHP (PhPSiHP = HSi(Me)(2-PPh2–C6H4)2). We propose, that as a result of β-hydride elimination of 1,3-COD, 1 can act as a synthetic equivalent for (PhPSiP)NiH. The reaction of 1 with a variety of different reagents including another equivalent of PhPSiHP to form (PhPSiP)2Ni (2), 1,3-COD and H2, PPh3 to form the Ni(0) species (PhPSiHP)Ni(PPh3) (3) and 1,3-COD and 2,6-lutidine·HCl to generate (PhPSiP)NiCl (4), 1,3-COD and H2 are in agreement with this hypothesis. In addition, in the reaction of 1 with BH3·THF, (PhPSiP)Ni(κ2-BH4) (5) was observed but could not be isolated. This reaction presumably proceeds via (PhPSiP)NiH. This is supported by the observation that the reaction of (CyPSiP)NiH (CyPSiP = Si(Me)(2-PCy2-C6H4)2) with BH3·THF formed (CyPSiP)Ni(κ2-BH4) (6). Catalytic reactions such as alkene isomerization and CO2 reduction using 1 as precatalyst are also consistent with a nickel hydride being accessible. Compounds 1, 2 and 6 were characterized by X-ray crystallography.
Controls on the strength of coupling among climate, erosion, and deformation in two-sided, frictional orogenic wedges at steady state

[1] Many important insights regarding the coupling among climate, erosion, and tectonics have come from numerical simulations using coupled tectonic and surface process models. However, analyses to date have left the strength of the coupling between climate and tectonics uncertain and many questions unanswered. We present an approximate analytical solution for two-sided orogenic wedges obeying a frictional rheology, and in a condition of flux steady state, that makes explicit the nature and sensitivity of the coupling between climate and deformation. We make the simplifying assumption that the wedge grows in a self-similar fashion consistent with Airy isostasy such that topographic taper is invariant with orogen width, tectonic influx rate, and climate. We illustrate first how and why the form of the erosion rule matters to orogen evolution and then derive a physically based orogen-scale erosion rule. We show that steady state orogen width, crest elevation, and crustal thickness are controlled by the ratio of accretionary flux to erosional efficiency to a power dictated by the erosion process. Remarkably, we show that for most combinations of parameters in the erosion law, rock uplift rate is more strongly controlled by erosional efficiency than it is by the accretionary flux. Further, assuming frontal accretion with no underplating, the spatial distribution of erosional efficiency dictates the relative rock uplift rates on the pro-wedge and retro-wedge and the time-averaged trajectories of rocks through the orogen. The restriction to invariant frictional properties is conservative in these respects; systems subject to positive feedback between erosion and rheology will exhibit even stronger coupling among climate, erosion, and deformation than shown here.
3D electrothermal simulation of intracavity-contacted oxide-confined VCSELs operating at room temperature and at 77 K

3D numerical simulation of intracavity-contacted oxide-confined VCSELs operating at cryogenic temperatures is reported. Spatial profiles and 3D distributions of electrical potential, current and ture are calculated. The device geometry is found to cause strong current crowding effects and nonuniformity of injected carrier distribution. Numerical experiments are performed for both spontaneous and stimulated modes of operation, and the results are compared with room-temperature simulation. Improved thermal conduction at low temperatures more than compensates for an increase in electrical resistivity, resulting in a significant reduction of active-region temperature increase at cryogenic temperatures.
Hypothalamic neuropeptide Y levels in weaning offspring of low-protein malnourished mother rats.

Maternal low-protein malnutrition during gestation and lactation (LP) is an animal model frequently used for the investigation of long-term deleterious consequences of perinatal growth retardation. Hypothalamic neuropeptides are decisively involved in the central nervous regulation of body weight and metabolism. We investigated neuropeptide Y (NPY) in distinct hypothalamic nuclei in the offspring of LP mother rats at the end of the critical hypothalamic differentiation period (20th day of life). Weanling LP offspring were underweight (P< 0.001) and hypoinsulinaemic (P< 0.05), while leptin levels were unchanged. NPY was significantly increased in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN) (P< 0.01) and lateral hypothalamic area (P< 0.05) in LP offspring. In contrast, NPY was unchanged in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMN). These observations indicate a leptin-independent stimulation of the orexigenic ARC-PVN axis in undernourished LP rats at weaning. Furthermore a disturbed NPYergic regulation of the VMN is suggested, possibly contributing to alterations of the hypothalamic regulation of body weight and metabolism in LP offspring during life.
Postoperative airway problems in a child with Crouzon's syndrome

SUMMARY A case is reported of a three-year-old boy with Crouzon's syndrome who developed postoperative respiratory problems related to displacement of his tracheostomy tube, complicated by a pneumothorax.
Perforating (through-and-through) injuries of the globe. Surgical results with vitrectomy.

• Fifty-one eyes of 48 patients with perforating (through-and-through) injuries of the globe were treated with vitrectomy during a 12-year period. Functional success was obtained in 32 eyes (63%), anatomic success was obtained in nine eyes (17%), and treatment failed in 10 eyes (20%). In 16 eyes (32%), 20/20 to 20/100 visual acuity was obtained; in 17 eyes (33%), 20/200 to 5/200 visual acuity was obtained; and in 18 eyes (35%), less than 5/200 visual acuity was obtained. The mechanism of injury was an important prognostic indicator of final visual outcome. Eight (62%) of 13 eyes that sustained knife or nail injuries achieved a final visual acuity of 20/50 or better, while only six (16%) with missile injuries achieved a similar level of acuity. Final visual outcome correlated well with the state of the macula and was not predicted by preoperative visual acuity. Despite improvement in surgical techniques and instrumentation, no trend toward improved visual outcomes was identified during the 12-vear period.
Structure of the Cytoplasmic Domain of Erythrocyte Band 3 Hereditary Spherocytosis Variant P327R: Band 3 Tuscaloosa†

Previous studies have shown that a single P327R point mutation in the cytoplasmic domain of band 3 (cdb3) protein, known as band 3 Tuscaloosa, leads to a reduction in protein 4.2 content of the erythrocyte membrane and hemolytic anemia. Recent studies have shown that this point mutation does not dissociate the cdb3 dimer, nor does it lead to large-scale rearrangement of the protein structure (Bustos, S. P., and Reithmeier, R. A. F. (2006) Biochemistry 45, 1026-1034). To better define the structural changes in cdb3 that lead to the hemolytic anemia phenotype, site-directed spin labeling (SDSL), in combination with continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and pulsed double electron-electron resonance (DEER) spectroscopies, has been employed in this study to compare the structure of the R327 variant with wild type P327 cdb3. It is confirmed that the P327R mutation does not dissociate the cdb3 dimer, nor does it change the spatial orientation of the two peripheral domains relative to the dimer interface. However, it does affect the packing of the C-terminal end of helix 10 of the dimerization arms in a subpopulation of cdb3 dimers, it leads to spectral changes at some residues in beta-strand 11 and in the N-terminal end of helix10, and it produces measurable spectral changes at other residues that are near the mutation site. The data indicate that the structural changes are subtle and are localized to one surface of the cdb3 dimer. The spectroscopic description of structural features of the P327R variant provides important clues about the location of one potential protein 4.2 binding surface on cdb3 as well as new insight into the structural basis of the membrane destabilization.
On the evolution of two-dimensional patterns in an inviscid liquid sheet

Abstract We perform an analysis of the pattern formation for a moving sheet of inviscid fluid. The sheet, which is assumed to have an infinite horizontal extent, moves at some prescribed velocity into a passive surrounding gas. The sheet’s thickness is assumed much smaller than the horizontal scale of the fluid motion. By considering a system that is symmetric with respect to the horizontal planes, long scale asymptotics are used to reduce the full governing equations in three dimensions to a set of three coupled nonlinear partial differential equations for the horizontal components of the velocity field and the height of the interface profile. The interfacial conditions consisting of the kinematic and normal stress balance are incorporated into these evolution equations. Investigations are carried out as function of the sole dimensionless parameter, namely the Weber number. A small amplitude stability analysis around the planar gas–liquid interface reveals that wave patterns in the form of traveling plane waves occur subcritically, and are therefore unstable. The reduced evolution equations are solved numerically for fixed values of the Weber number. Since the reduced system of equations is homogeneous, the wave motion is generated by initial conditions. Five initial conditions have been imposed: one-dimensional rolls, two-dimensional squares, two-dimensional hexagons, two-dimensional ridges, and smooth peaks. The ensuing evolution of the liquid sheet’s shape and corresponding flow fields are described by illustrations of the changes in the sheet’s morphology with time.
2010 SSO Presidential Address: Subspecialty Certificate in Advanced Surgical Oncology

To put things in perspective, let me briefly summarize the history of the American Board of Surgery (ABS). It was exactly 100 years ago, in 1910, that Dr. Abraham Flexner, supported by funds from the Carnegie Foundation, recorded the state of affairs of medical training in the USA at the beginning of the century: the quality of medical schools was extremely variable, with some of them based on scientific principles and others completely devoid of proper training, resulting in practitioners of vastly different education and quality. By the same token, there were no standards for training in medicine and surgery or any standards to verify and validate the quality of the individual trainee at the end of specialty training. The field of medicine was in disarray and needed standardization of educational quality and certification of individual competence. The idea of certification by a specialty board was first adopted by the ophthalmology organizations, which formed a specialty board, the American Board for Ophthalmic Examinations, which was incorporated in 1917. By 1933, the name was changed to the American Board of Ophthalmology. The otolaryngologists formed the American Board of Otolaryngology, which was incorporated in 1924. The American Board of Surgery, a private, nonprofit, autonomous organization, was incorporated in 1937. Today the American Board of Surgery is 1 of the 24 boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), and its principal objective is to evaluate the education, training, and knowledge of broadly qualified and responsible surgeons and to issue certificates to all candidates meeting the board’s requirements and satisfactorily completing its prescribed examinations. The ABS considers certification to be voluntary and limits its responsibilities to fulfilling the purposes stated above and not to designate privileges, credentialing or special recognition in the practice of surgery or its subspecialties. In doing so, the ABS serves the public, by guaranteeing that certified surgeons are highly qualified, and it serves the diplomates, by conferring on them recognition of their special skills, training, and knowledge. The founding organizations of the American Board of Surgery were the American College of Surgeons (ACS), the Surgical Section of the American Medical Association (AMA), and the American Surgical Association (ASA), each providing three representatives, plus four regional surgical societies, the New England Surgical Society, the Pacific Coast Surgical Association, the Southern Surgical Association, and the Western Surgical Association, each providing one representative. With the increase in workload created by the growing number of surgeons seeking certification and the process of recertification started in the early 1980s, the ABS has added to the number of directors over the years by inviting representation from other surgical societies: currently 22 national and regional surgical organizations and 3 surgical boards provide 32 directors Society of Surgical Oncology 2010
Effects of lymphocyte activation on transfer RNAs

The influences of mitogen activation on the functional capacity of rat splenic tRNAs were evaluated. The specific amino acid acceptor activity, pmol of a specific amino acid accepted per nmol of tRNA, of isolated splenic tRNAs from in vivo Concanavalin A (37 h)-treated rats were up to 8 times the specific amino acid acceptor activities of splenic tRNAs from control rats. Control splenic tRNAs were treated with purified liver tRNA nucleotidyltransferase in vitro to repair the 3'[CCA] terminus of tRNAs, and subsequently assayed in an aminoacylation reaction. The specific amino acid acceptor activities were slightly increased over those tRNAs not repaired with tRNA nucleotidyltransferase, indicating the presence of a low level of defective but repairable tRNAs in the control rat spleen. Furthermore, our results indicate that cyclosporin A (inhibitor of lymphocyte activation) blocks the Concanavalin A stimulation of tRNA charging ranging from 16 to 93%.
Dual Focus Fluorescence Cross-Correlation Spectroscopy for the Investigation of Biomolecule Folding and Binding in Flowing Liquids

Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy measures the time constants for rate processes giving rise to fluorescence intensity fluctuations observed from one or more microscopic sub-volumes of a nanomolar aqueous solution containing the biomolecules of interest. In our approach, the analyte molecules flow through an electrophoresis capillary under the influence of pressure driven flow or electrophoretic flow and are probed by two spatially offset probe volumes in such a way that the molecules flow sequentially from one probe volume to the next. Fluorescence fluctuations are analyzed from each probe volume independently using autocorrelation analysis, and from the two spatially offset probe volumes using cross-correlation analysis. In this way, we are able to resolve fluorescence fluctuation time constants arising from diffusion, flow, triplet blinking, and conformational fluctuations. Conformational fluctuations are monitored by quenching and unquenching of dye-quencher molecules attached to DNA or RNA hairpin structures and probe the folding and unfolding kinetics of the hairpins. In this presentation, we will discuss recent results that show how base stacking within the loop region of the DNA and RNA hairpins alters the kinetics and thermodynamic stability of the hairpins. We will also discuss binding and unbinding of counterions to individual nucleotides as they flow through the capillary under the influence of an applied electric field. Emphasis will be placed on how the desired information can be extracted using our unique approach to fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.
Molecular simulation of complex systems using massively parallel supercomputers

Massively parallel supercomputers, such as the 150 Gigaflop Intel Paragons located at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories, make possible molecular simulation of systems of unprecedented complexity and realism. We describe some of the issues related to efficient implementation of molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations on massively parallel supercomputers. The application of these methods to the prediction of the rheology of lubricants, polymer blends and high temperature aqueous electrolyte systems will be described.
Three-dimensional stereoscopic display implementation: guidelines derived from human visual capabilities

The benefits and the costs of three-dimensional displays are first discussed. Then the different depth cues which are used to perceive depth are reviewed and the conclusions of psychological studies which have examined these cues in combination are reported. These conclusions generally support an additive linear model of depth perception with heavy weighting given to binocular disparity, motion parallax, and interposition. However, the presence of motion sometimes reduces the salience of disparity. Techniques for implementing both stereoscopic and perspective displays are then reviewed in detail.
Putting the feminism into feminism scales: Introduction of a Liberal Feminist Attitude and Ideology Scale (LFAIS)

A Likert-type scale was developed to provide a feminist attitude measure that taps the domains of gender role attitudes, goals of feminism, and feminist ideology. The development and testing of the scale involved two studies. First, a pilot study was conducted to help generate themes and items for the scale. Second, the validity and reliability of the scale was empirically tested. The pilot study was conducted with two samples, an undergraduate sample (N =99; ethnic breakdown unknown) and a group of participants in a women's studies conference (N =54; ethnic breakdown unknown). Subsequent empirical testing was conducted on two samples, an additional group of undergraduates (N =209; 43% Asian American, 37% Caucasian, 12% Hispanic, 4% African American, 2% Native American) and a subsample of the Women's Studies conference participants (N =25; 79% Caucasian, 17% Asian American, and 4% Hispanic). Results demonstrate that the final 60-item form of the Liberal Feminist Attitude and Ideology Scale (LFAIS) scale and each of its domains are highly reliable. Furthermore, the LFAIS has good convergent, divergent, concurrent, and known-groups validity. The scale was not susceptible to social desirability bias. Although tested on samples with fairly narrow demographics, the LFAIS shows promise as a reliable and valid measure of liberal feminist attitudes for use by researchers interested in an overtly sociopolitical measure of feminist attitudes.
THE SOCIAL BRAIN NETWORK AND HUMAN MORAL BEHAVIOR

The moral nature of humanity has been debated and discussed by philosophers, theologians, and others for centuries. Only recently have neuroscientists and neuropsychologists joined the conversation by publishing a number of studies using newer brain scanning techniques directed at regions of the brain related to social behavior. Is it possible to relate particular brain structures and functions to the behavior of people, deemed evil, who violate all the tenets of proper behavior laid down by ancient and holy texts, prohibiting lying, cheating, stealing, and murder? Is it possible that the recently discovered “mirror neurons” in the brain are the basis for empathy and that deficits in these brain cells lead to severe difficulty in relating socially to other people, including parents and siblings? What do we make of reports that the fusiform face area in the temporal lobe of the brain is specialized for the perception of faces and that defects in this region are seen regularly in individuals who are psychopathic.
On tuning the microarchitecture of an HPS implementation of the VAX

The HPS Microarchitecture has been developed as an execution model for implementing various architectures at very high performance. A considerable amount of effort has gone into the use of HPS as a microarchitecture for the VAX. In this paper, we describe our first full simulation of the micro VAX subset, and report the results of varying (i.e. tuning) certain important parameters.
Medullary carcinoma of the breast: a population-based perspective

Prognostic factors specific to medullary carcinoma of the breast (MCB) are unknown. Our objective was to identify patient and tumor factors predictive of overall survival (OS) in a large cohort of MCB patients. The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was used to identify patients with MCB diagnosed from 1988 to 2004. Patient, tumor, and treatment factors were compared by univariate analysis via the Kaplan–Meier method and survival differences detected using the log-rank test. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model controlled for patient age, race, type of surgery, radiotherapy, tumor size, number of lymph node metastases (LNM), lymph node yield (LNY), estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) status, and extent of disease. On univariate analysis of 3,348 patients, factors influencing OS included age, race, tumor size, ER status, type of surgery, radiotherapy, LNM, LNY, and extent of disease (P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, advancing age (P < 0.001), black race (P < 0.001), regional metastases (P < 0.001), distant metastases (P < 0.001), increasing tumor size (P < 0.001), ER positivity (P = 0.003), and increasing LNM (P < 0.001) were associated with decreased OS. An OS benefit was seen in PR-positive patients (P = 0.002) and in those with increasing LNY (P < 0.001). Even among node-negative patients, increasing LNY was associated with improved OS (P < 0.001). Tumor size, LNM, regional and distant metastases, PR status, age, and race are important prognostic factors in MCB. ER positivity was associated with decreased OS, which may reflect inaccuracy in diagnosing MCB or a significant biologic variant. The improved OS seen with increasing LNY in node-negative patients suggests MCB may be currently understaged.
Nanosystem Implementation Using Nanochannels of Nanoporous Membranes

We are currently developing a novel fabrication technique for the implementation of nanosystems utilizing the nanochannels in nanoporous membranes. The technique is CMOS-compatible and has the potential for volume commercial manufacturing. The technique is based on the anodization, or electrolytic oxidation, of a thin film of aluminum to form a nanoporous alumina membrane, which is used as a guide to implement the nanosystems. The underlying principle of the fabrication technique is that when aluminum is anodized in a suitable acidic electrolyte under controlled conditions, it oxidizes to form a hydrated aluminum oxide (alumina) containing a two dimensional hexagonal array of cylindrical pores. The pore diameter and the inter-pore spacing depend on the anodization conditions and the substrate parameters, and can be varied between 4 nm to 100s of nm; the pores can be several microns deep. Due to the excellent periodicity of the pores, and the ability to control the pore diameters, such anodized alumina films can be used as templates for the fabrication of periodic arrays of nanostructures. In fact, the pores in alumina templates have been used to synthesize a variety of metal and semiconductor nanostructures. In addition, the template can also be used as a mask for pattern transfer to create periodic arrays of pores on a substrate. While most of the work in this field has focused on bulk aluminum, the use of a bulk aluminum substrate precludes most photonic and electronic applications. To overcome this, we have developed a thin film alumina template technology that allows the fabrication of nanoporous membranes consisting of nanochannels with diameters ranging between 4 nm to 10s of nm. By using a novel process, we convert the nanoporous templates into an array of nanochannels supported by the membrane. These nanochannels are then used as guides to deposit nanoparticles (nanodots, nanotubes and nanopillars) to form the desired nanosystem. The nanoparticles are primarily deposited by electrophoretic techniques. We are currently using this technique to implement nanosystems based on CdSe quantum dots and carbon nanotubes with applications in broad ranging fields including multispectral detectors, photonics, gas sensors and high efficiency solar cells. In this paper, we provide a description of the fabrication technique as well as some of the nanosystems currently under development.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
The effect of polarity of the initial phase of a biphasic shock waveform on the defibrillation threshold of pectorally implanted defibrillators.

The effect of initial phase polarity on the DFT of two pectorally implanted biphasic ICDs was tested in a randomized, prospective manner at the time of implantation. Twenty-two consecutive patients with VT or VF who received either the Medtronic PCD 7219C fewel device (10 patients) or PCD 7219D fewel device (12 patients) were studied. DFT testing was performed in a standard step-down manner. Both initial phase polarities—initial defibrillation current flowing from active can/SVC coil (± subcutaneous patch) to the RV coil (RV-) or from RV coil to active can/SVC coil (RV+)—were tested in random order. The mean DFT achieved with RV+ compared with RV- was lower for the 7219C patient group (6.6 ±3.1 vs 10.8 ± 5.5 J; P = 0.007). A similar trend was observed forthe 7219D group, though the difference did not reach statistical significance (12.0 ± 4.0 vs 16.3 ± 7.3 J; P = 0.07). Seven of the 10 patients in the 7219C group had a lower DFT with RV+, while the initial phase polarity made no difference in 3. In the 7219D group, 7 patients had a lower DFT using RV+, 2 patients had a lower DFT using RV-, and the initial phase polarity made no difference in 3. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that changing the polarity of the initial phase of a biphasic shock wave form can have a significant impact on the DFT achieved at the time of ICD implantation.
Adaptation at the edge: when the system is complex, the stakes high, and the operator novice

Cognitive systems engineering explores how experts adapt to dynamic systems in highly technical domains. In a series of interviews, we looked at how patients with type 2 diabetes attempt to manage their own dynamic blood glucose regulatory system. In this paper, we identify the limitations of explicit knowledge and of rules-based and procedures-based instruction for managing blood glucose levels. Next, we outline the roles of problem detection and identification, sensemaking, decision making, and planning/replanning in system control. Finally, we suggest the potential power of mental models as a foundation for self-regulation. This investigation of an uncommon domain supports the generality of the control challenges under presented by uncertainty, complexity, and high stakes. It also suggests instructional strategies that might better help people with type 2 diabetes with critical self-management. Language: en
Medial septal lesions, radial arm maze performance, and sympathetic sprouting: a study of recovery of function

Long-Evans rats received septal lesions or sham operations and were tested for performance in a radial arm maze, level of activity and water intake in order to test whether recovery of function was mediated by sprouting of peripheral sympathetic fibers. Animals receiving septal lesions displayed an initial deficit in radial arm maze performance followed by recovery. No critical changes occurred in activity level and no recovery was seen in water intake. Subsequent superior cervical ganglionectomies had no effect on recovery of radial arm maze performance. There was a significant relationship between behavioral recovery and the degree of hippocampal AChE depletion. It is concluded that recovery of radial arm maze performance is not mediated by sympathetic sprouting following septal lesions but might be mediated by residual septohippocampal fibers.
Honokiol is a Potent Scavenger of Superoxide and Peroxyl Radicals

Honokiol, a compound extracted from Magnolia officinalis, has antitumor and antiangiogenic properties in several tumor models in vivo. Among the downstream pathways inhibited by honokiol is nuclear factor kappa beta (NFkappabeta). A prime physiologic stimulus of NFkappabeta is reactive oxygen species. The chemical structure of honokiol suggests that it may be an effective scavenger of reactive oxygen species. In this work, we have studied the reactions of honokiol with superoxide and peroxyl radicals in cell-free and cellular systems using electron spin resonance (ESR) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques. Honokiol efficiently scavenged superoxide radicals in xanthine oxidase and cytochrome P-450 cell-free systems with the rate constant 3.2x10(5)M(-1)s(-1), which is similar to reactivity of ascorbic acid but 20-times higher than reactivity of vitamin E analog trolox. Honokiol potently scavenged intracellular superoxide within melanoma cells. In addition, honokiol scavenged peroxyl radicals generated by 2,2'-azo-bis(2-amidinopropane hydrochloride) (AAPH). The rate constant of the reaction of honokiol with peroxyl radicals (1.4x10(6)M(-1)s(-1)) was calculated from the competition with spin trap 5-(ethoxycarbonyl)-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (EMPO), and was found close to reactivity of trolox (2.5x10(6)M(-1)s(-1)). Therefore, honokiol is an effective scavenger of both superoxide and peroxyl radicals, which may be important for physiological activity of honokiol.
Determination of uranium in zircon

Abstract A routine fluorimetric procedure is described for the determination of trace amounts of uranium in zircon. It employs the direct extraction of uranyl nitrate with ethyl acetate using phosphate as a retainer for zirconium. Submicrogram amounts or uranium are separated in the presence of 100,000 times the amount of zirconium. The modified procedure has been worked out using synthetic mixtures of known composition and zircon. Results of analyses have an accuracy of 97–98% of the contained uranium and a standard deviation of less than 2.5%.
Ultrafast Nonlinear Spectroscopic Techniques in the Gas Phase and Their Density Matrix Representation

We survey the possible time-resolved three pulse nonlinear spectroscopic techniques and their application to gas-phase samples. The role of each of the interacting electric fields is specified, and the nature of the signal is interpreted using the density matrix representation. Simulations of these nonlinear optical signals are based on the perturbative solution of the Liouville equation for the density matrix to third order in the applied fields. We present closed expressions for the integrated and frequency dispersed signals that identify the type of molecular response for each technique and give the signal dependence on the various time delays between laser pulses. We choose a simple experimental system, two-electronic states coupled to a single vibrational mode of diatomic iodine, with weak dephasing, to illustrate various molecular polarization responses in four-wave mixing experiments including pump−probe, reverse transient grating, and photon echo. These signals and their simulations illustrate how...
Structure and activity of enzymes that remove histone modifications

The post-translational modification of histones plays an important role in chromatin regulation, a process that insures the fidelity of gene expression and other DNA transactions. Equally important as the enzymes that generate these modifications are the enzymes that remove them. Recent studies have identified some of the enzymes that remove histone modifications and have characterized their activities. In addition, structural and biochemical studies of these enzymes have focused on the histone lysine deacetylases HDAC8 and sirtuins, and on the arginine and lysine demethylases PAD and BHC110/LSD1, respectively. These new findings may be used as a context to present new information that contributes to our understanding of chromatin regulation, and to pose remaining questions pertaining to the activities of these enzymes and the roles they play in chromatin regulation.
The Purse Is Not Enough: Modeling Professional Golfers Entry Decision

This article examines the labor supply of the top golfers on the American PGA tour from 1997 to 2003. Three hypotheses are proposed about the participation rates of these players to show that the purse alone is not enough to explain entry. The participation rate proves to be influenced by the characteristics of other tournaments and seasonal effects. The participation rate and the purse are shown to have an endogeneity problem. And players prefer to play golf tournaments that they have played in before and played well.
Effect of varying amounts of polyunsaturated fat and α-tocopherol on plasma and red cell content of α-tocopherol in the rat

Abstract The response of erythrocyte and plasma α-tocopherol levels to changes in dietary linoleate and vitamin E was studied in rats. Sixty wealing rats were fed a diet composed of 15.5% fat made up of a mixture of hydrogenated coconut oil and corn oil to give three levels of linoleic acid (3, 6, 9% by wieght) and three levels of α-tocopherol (30, 50, 100 mg/kg food) in the different experiments. After 8 weeks, blood was drawn by heart puncture, separated and analyzed for α-tocopherol in plasma and erythrocytes. Increased dietary linoleate resulted in a reduced α-tocopherol content of both plasma and red cells. However, only in the red cells were the changes significant when subjected to two way analysis of variance (p
Neglected issues at the third United Nations Law of the Sea Conference

Abstract Despite long years of negotiation, the question of “neglected” issues in the third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III) was deemed sufficiently important by the Law of the Sea Institute to devote to the subject its entire twelfth annual conference. The present authors were asked to provide an organizing paper for the conference. This is a revised version of that paper. Since our responsibility was to survey the range of possible charges of “neglect” we have included more than we would personally have deemed “neglected”. The discussion is divided into two main parts. In the first section “neglect” is treated as a policy decision not to chose certain policy options. In the second section UNCLOS “neglect” as possible failure of the delegates to do their duty (in six particular sub-categories) is addressed. In the first half of the paper, seven issues that were essentially unaddressed by UNCLOS III are examined within a typology designed to try to better understand the reasons for neglect. Non-nodule resource recovery in the international area, and management of energy resources beyond the 200-mile economic zone and/or the continental margin are said to be unaddressed because too little was known to consider these as the subject of regulation or management. Problems of polar regions and more stringent control of military uses of the ocean in the international areas are claimed to be “neglected” because the issues were too delicate or political. Finally, some analysts see management of multiple-use problems in the North Sea, control of airspace, and surface navigation as unaddressed issues because UNCLOS is an inappropriate forum for dealing with them in the detail they deserve. In the second half of the paper the authors utilize a Bayesian computer model of the negotiations originally developed by Friedheim and Joseph Kadane. If neglect is viewed as dereliction, such issues as land-base pollution sources, whaling, and islands interests might be seen as “neglected”. Additionally, there is an attempt to identify the interests, both nation-state and group, that may be considered neglected. Here the authors emphasize the potential consequences of UNCLOS III neglect of interests of the Geographically Disadvantaged States. The final section of the paper views the bargaining opportunities either lost or ignored by the conference. This analysis consists of attempts to compare various negotiating positions and draft treaties, by use of the model, to determine the nature and strength of support for each. A concluding table outlines a general structure of a treaty that might be more acceptable, under the criteria specified, to the greatest number of participating states.
Structures of triclinic mono- and di-N-acetylglucosamine: lysozyme complexes--a crystallographic study.

Abstract N -acetylglucosamine and di- N -acetylglucosamine bind to lysozyme in the triclinic crystal form. Attempts to bind tri- N -acetylglucosamine were unsuccessful. Difference syntheses showed both GalNAc ‡ and di-GalNAc to be bound as the β-anomers, and revealed shifts in the positions of some of the lysozyme atoms. As was found in the binding studies with tetragonal lysozyme, the side chain of Trp62 moved toward the bound inhibitor. The carbonyl oxygen atom of Ala107 appeared to shift slightly, but there was no suggestion of movement in the lobes of the molecules as was evident in the tetragonal crystals.
Nasopharyngeal acute phase cytokines in viral upper respiratory infection: impact on acute otitis media in children.

BACKGROUND The role of acute phase cytokines generated in the nasopharynx during viral upper respiratory infection (URI) in subsequent development of acute otitis media (AOM) has not been examined. METHODS We studied 326 virus-positive URI episodes in 151 children aged 6-36 months. Nasopharyngeal secretions collected within 1 to 7 days of URI onset were studied for viruses by conventional and molecular techniques, and for concentrations of IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNFalpha by multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Children were followed up for 28 days to document AOM complication. RESULTS IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNFalpha concentrations correlated positively with each other (P<0.001). IL-6 and TNFalpha concentrations were higher in males than in females (P=0.01 and 0.02). IL-6 and TNFalpha concentrations were inversely correlated with age (P=0.02 and 0.05). IL-6 concentrations correlated positively with duration of fever (P=0.006) and correlated negatively with the number of days of URI symptoms (P=0.026). Furthermore, IL-6 concentrations were significantly higher during adenovirus and influenza virus URIs as compared with enterovirus and rhinovirus URIs (P<0.01). IL-1beta concentrations were higher during URI episodes with AOM than those without AOM (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS We found IL-6 nasopharyngeal secretions concentrations to be higher with adenovirus and influenza infection, and in children with systemic febrile response during URI. However, IL-1beta was found to play a more important role in the development of AOM after URI. Additional studies are needed to further define the role of acute phase cytokines in virus-induced AOM.
Multicast Routing for Decentralized Control of Cyber Physical Systems with an Application in Smart Grid

In cyber physical systems, communication is needed for conveying sensor observations to controllers; thus, the design of the communication sub-system is of key importance for the stabilization of system dynamics. In this paper, multicast routing is studied for networking of decentralized sensors and controllers. The challenges of uncertain destinations and multiple routing modes, which are significantly different from traditional data networks, are addressed by employing the theories of hybrid systems and linear matrix inequalities, thus forming a novel framework for studying the communication sub-system in cyber physical systems. Both cases of neglible delay and non-negligible delay are discussed. The proposed framework is then applied in the context of voltage control in smart grid. Numerical simulations using a 4-bus power grid model show that the proposed framework and algorithm can effectively stabilize cyber physical systems.
The puzzling unit root in the real interest rate and its inconsistency with intertemporal consumption behavior

Abstract Previous studies of real interest rates generally have great difficulty rejecting unit-root dynamics, especially for industrial countries. The apparent unit-root behavior is puzzling because it contradicts both standard intertemporal asset pricing models and the Fisher effect. In examining international data for both industrial and developing countries, this study uncovers new evidence supporting the Fisher effect. It shows that structural change in real interest rate dynamics can be responsible for the observed unit-root behavior. When a mean shift is permitted under the alternative hypothesis, strong evidence against unit-root dynamics is unveiled for both industrial and developing countries. The cross-country findings provide wide support for the Fisher effect and resolve the puzzling inconsistency with intertemporal consumption behavior.
On Development of Autonomous HAHO Parafoil System for Targeted Payload Return

Proceedings of the 22nd AIAA Aerodynamic Decelerator Systems Technology Conference, Daytona Beach, FL, March 25-28, 2013.
Magnetotransport studies of a single nickel nanowire

The diameter dependent magnetoresistance of a single Ni nanowire (i.e. 200 and 30 nm diameter) bridging microfabricated Ni electrodes was investigated at temperatures ranging from 10 to 300 K. Overall, the magnetotransport behaviour of single Ni nanowires was similar to the results for thin films, except that the magnitudes of transverse magnetoresistance and longitudinal magnetoresistance differed from the values for thin films when the diameter of the nanowire was small. The difference might be attributed to a change in the stress anisotropy of the nanowire from a tensile stress induced by a thermal expansion mismatch between the nanowire and the Si substrate or different magnetocrystalline anisotropy. Based on the angle dependent switching field, the magnetization reversal mechanism of 30 and 200 nm nanowires at 10 K was determined to be the curling mode, and the size of the curling nucleation is smaller than the diameter of the nanowire.
Rethinking the Decline in Social Capital

This study investigates trends in social capital in the United States since the 1970s. The literature suggests that variations in social capital are associated with both individual attributes and m...
A rodent model of myocardial infarction for testing the efficacy of cells and polymers for myocardial reconstruction

We have developed a robust rat model of myocardial infarction (MI). Here we describe the step-by-step protocol for creating an ischemia-reperfusion rat model of MI. We also describe how to deliver therapeutic injections of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) together with fibrin, to show an application of this model. In addition, to confirm the presence of fibrin and cells in the infarct, visualization of MSCs and fibrin by histological techniques are also described. The ischemia-reperfusion MI model can be modified and generalized for use with various injectable polymers, cell types, drugs, DNA and combinations thereof. The model can be created in 7 days or less, depending on the timing of therapeutic intervention.
Temporal compatibility in dual motor tasks II: Simultaneous articulation and hand movements

Simultaneous articulation did not interfere with hand responses if the responses shared the same time period. Otherwise there was marked interference even after performance had stabilized with practice. These results generalized previous findings for simultaneous left-and right-hand responses (Klapp, 1979) to show that even highly distinctive responses can be generated in parallel only if they have compatible timing.
Disseminating Information and Soliciting Input during Planned Organizational Change Implementers’ Targets, Sources, and Channels for Communicating

This study examined implementers’ uses of channels to disseminate information to and solicit input from staff members during planned change. How communication was differently directed to paid and volunteer staff and the degree to which channel use is predictive of implementers’assessments of success of change efforts was also assessed. Implementers of 89 planned change efforts across a wide variety of geographic and business sectors served as respondents for the study. Potential applications of findings for organizational practitioners are discussed.
On the Limits of Social Science Evidence: Educational Policy Making and the Courts.

As courts increasingly make de facto public policy, what is the appropriate role for the social scientist?