cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the role of phosphorylation in fission yeast Cdc13p/cyclinB function.

The Cdk1p-cyclin B complex drives entry into mitosis in all eukaryotes. Cdc13p is the single essential cyclin in Schizosaccharomyces pombe and a member of the cyclin B family. Cdc13p abundance rises during G2-phase and falls as cells progress through mitosis and G1. Cdc13p degradation, mediated by the anaphase-promoting complex, is an important mechanism of Cdk1p inhibition and mitotic exit. Cdk1p-cyclin B1 complexes shuttle between the nucleus and cytoplasm, and preventing nuclear accumulation of Cdk1p-cyclin B1 in mammalian cells appears to be one mechanism of preventing entry into mitosis during a DNA damage-induced checkpoint delay. In vertebrates, phosphorylation plays a key role in regulating the intracellular distribution of cyclins. Previous mass spectrometric analysis identified sites of Cdc13p phosphorylation. Here, we have confirmed that these sites are the sole in vivo Cdc13p phosphorylation sites and have studied the role that phosphorylation plays in Cdc13p localization and function. Our data indicate that Cdc13p accumulates in the nucleolus in response to G2 checkpoint delays, rather than in the cytoplasm, and that phosphorylation plays no role in Cdc13p localization or function.
Incorporating Performance Reviews into the Business Writing Classroom.

Some instructors undervalue or ignore such short assignments as peer cri tiques, progress memos, and practice documents when they calculate final grades, while others over-emphasize these documents, assigning each a critique and grade, which results in more work for them and re-emphasizes the impor tance of the grade to the student. One strategy for fairly assessing these docu ments is to incorporate them in a performance review at the middle and end of the course. Such a review also helps prepare studerus for the evaluation process they will face and use in the workplace.
Glyconeogenesis, fructose-1,6-diphosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activities of Ascaris lumbricoides adult muscle and larvae.

Abstract 1. 1. Hatched second-stage Ascaris larvae have been shown to contain fructose-1,6-diphosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, both of which are required for glyconeogenesis which, in turn, is required for the proposed pathway for larval metabolism. 2. 2. In contrast to mammalian skeletal and smooth muscle, adult Ascaris muscle possesses both fructose-1,6-diphosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activities. In addition, NaH 14 CO 3 and succinate-2,3- 14 C are incorporated into glycogen when incubated with Ascaris muscle strips. 3. 3. As is the case with the corresponding enzyme from mammalian striated muscle, fructose-1,6-diphophatase preparations from both Ascaris muscle and larvae require Mg 2+ and EDTA for optimal activity, and are inhibited by AMP as well as by high substrate concentrations. 4. 4. Attempts to demonstrate phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity in the smooth muscle, taenia coli, were negative.
The electronic states and luminescence properties of the naphthalene—tetrachlorophthalic anhydride charge-transfer crystal

Abstract The location and characterization of the electronic states of the naphthalene—tetrachlorophthalic anhydride charge-transfer crystal is investigated through the use of tunable laser singlet—triplet excitation, and phosphorescence-microwave double resonance studies. The lowest triplet crystal state is found to be a triplet naphthalene exciton, and its dimensionality is discussed.
Sins of Commission? Understanding Membership Patterns on the United Nations Human Rights Commission

A prominent liberal explanation for why states join international organizations is to advance norms that such organizations represent. The authors examine the patterns of membership on the now-defunct United Nations Human Rights Commission (now the UN Human Rights Council). In regions where democratic norms did not hold sway, members were elected to degrade human rights norms. Illiberal states sought seats to shield themselves or neighbors from censure by the Commission. As regions became more democratic, it became harder for states with poor records to be elected and easier for states with better human rights records to be elected.
Explicit Forward Recursive Estimators for Markov Modulated Markov Processes

A Markov modulated Markov process is a doubly stochastic finite-alphabet continuous-time random process with an underlying hidden Markov chain and an observable conditionally Markov chain. Explicit forward recursions are developed for the conditional mean estimators of the state, number of jumps, and total sojourn time of the underlying chain, and for the conditional number of jumps and total sojourn time of the observable process given any state of the underlying chain. The recursions are derived using the transformation of measure approach, and their explicit forms follow from vectorization and Van Loan's formula for integration of matrix exponentials. The recursions are applicable to Markov modulated Poisson processes. Numerical results from applications of these recursions are also provided.
Pretargeting in tumored mice with radiolabeled morpholino oligomer showing low kidney uptake.

We have recently shown that accumulation in mouse kidneys of technetium-99m labeled phosphorodiamidate morpholinos (MORFs) increases with the number of cytosines in the base sequence. To improve tumor/kidney ratios in tumored mice, pretargeting studies were performed with a cytosine-free MORF. An 18-mer MORF (5′-TCTTCTACTTCACAACTA) was conjugated to the anti-CEA antibody MN14 (Immunomedics) and administered to nude mice bearing LS174T tumors. Thereafter, the 99mTc-labeled cytosine-free cMORF (5′-TAGTTGTGAAGTAGAAGA-amide-MAG3) was administered. For comparison, the identical study was repeated but with our original pair of 18-mer MORFs (5′-GGGTGTACGTCACAACTA-conjugated MN14 and 99mTc-labeled 5′-TAGTTGTGACGTACACCC-amide-MAG3). Surface plasmon resonance was used to show that the hybridization affinities of the original and the modified pair of MORFs were essentially equal. Hybridization of the cytosine-free cMORF-99mTc to MN14-MORF was demonstrated in vitro by size-exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography. At 3 h, kidney levels in normal mice were 2.0%ID/organ for the modified cMORF vs. 4.1%ID/organ for the original cMORF sequence, while at 24 h, these values were 0.9% vs 1.8%ID/organ. Pretargeting studies in tumored mice receiving 25 μg of conjugated antibody, 0.5 μg of labeled cMORF 48 h later, followed by imaging and sacrifice at 3 h showed that kidney levels were reduced using the cytosine-free cMORF. Moreover, tumor accumulation was about 3.6%ID/g and was independent of sequence. The whole-body images clearly reflected the improved tumor to kidney ratios. By choosing a cytosine-free base sequence for pretargeting studies, kidney accumulation of cMORF-99mTc was reduced without adversely influencing tumor accumulation. The lowering of kidney radioactivity levels in this way may be important to reduce toxicity to this organ in connection with pretargeting radiotherapy studies.
Molecular cloning, sequencing, and expression of equine interleukin-6

Abstract Equine interleukin-6 (IL-6) cDNA was amplified from mitogen-stimulated equine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using consensus sequence primers. The 727 bp amplified cDNA contains the entire coding region for equine IL-6 and includes 118 bases in the 3′ non-translated region. The coding sequence translates to a protein of 208 amino acids with a predicted 28 amino acid leader sequence. The mature protein of 180 amino acids has a predicted molecular mass of 20 471 Da without post-translational modifications. The amino acid sequence of equine IL-6 displays between 46 and 84% similarity to other mammalian IL-6 sequences. Expression of equine IL-6 in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells yielded a supernatant that supported the proliferation of B9 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment of B9 cells with an anti-IL-6 receptor antibody ablated the response to the recombinant equine IL-6.
Tunable stimulus-responsive friction mechanisms of polyelectrolyte films and tube forests

The pH-responsive frictional behavior of layer-by-layer assembled poly(allylamine hydrochloride) and poly(acrylic acid) multilayers is quantified in different geometric forms of a continuous planar film and anisotropic tube forests. A mechanistic change from surface adhesion dominated frictional behavior to visco/poroelasticity-governed shear occurs for the planar film upon pH-stimulus. This pH-dependent friction can be further controlled by the discrete anisotropic geometry of the tube forest, which introduces additional friction due to asymmetric deformation of the discrete bending of the tubes during lateral motion. This study provides important insights into the design of polyelectrolyte-based coatings with a wide range of controllable surface frictional properties, tuned via interactions between the inherent stimulus-responsive material behavior and the microgeometry of the anisotropic tube forest.
The prevalence of shunt-treated hydrocephalus: a mathematical model.

Abstract Background The aim of the study was to create a mathematical model that reproduces the prevalence of shunt-treated hydrocephalus in the United States over the years and predicts trends in the near future. Methods A structured search was performed of the English language literature for case series reporting rates of shunt insertion and revision, shunt removal, and patient mortality. A meta-analytic model was constructed to pool data from multiple studies and to calculate these rates at various time intervals. Separate Markov models were used to predict numbers of shunts at any one time for children ( Results Prevalence rates predicted by the model agree closely with those reported in the literature. However, the model's structure creates considerable variability around point estimates. Conclusions The model gives a comprehensive view of the prevalence of shunt-treated hydrocephalus in both children and adults from 1955 to the present. This model may prove useful in predicting resource use and needs for patients with hydrocephalus.
Interparticle interaction effects in the magnetic properties of NiO nanorods

Magnetic properties of nanorods of NiO (diameter ≈5nm and average aspect ratio ≈12), with and without oleic acid coating, are reported. Temperature variations (5 to 300 K) of the magnetization and electron magnetic resonance (EMR) spectra were measured to determine the respective blocking temperatures Tb(m) and Tb(EMR). The following differences are noted: (1) Tb(m) is reduced from 230 K (uncoated) to 85 K (coated) for H=25Oe(2.5mT); (2) Decrease of Tb(m) with H is weaker and the ratio Tb(EMR)∕Tb(m) is smaller for the uncoated particles. These differences are due to stronger interparticle interaction present in the uncoated particles.
Well-posedness of a structural acoustics control model with point observation of the pressure

Abstract We consider a controlled and observed partial differential equation (PDE) which describes a structural acoustics interaction. Physically, this PDE describes an acoustic chamber with a flexible chamber wall. The control is applied to this flexible wall, and the class of controls under consideration includes those generated by piezoceramic patches. The observation we consider is point measurements of acoustic pressure inside the cavity. Mathematically, the model consists of a wave equation coupled, through boundary trace terms, to a structurally damped plate (or beam) equation, and the point controls and observations for this system are modeled by highly unbounded operators. We analyze the map from the control to the observation, since the properties of this map are central to any control design which is based upon this observation. We also show there exists an appropriate state space X , so that if the initial state is in X and the control is in L2, then the state evolves continuously in X and the observation is in L2. The analysis of this system entails a microlocal analysis of the wave component of the system, and the use of pseudodifferential machinery.
Evaluation of Alternative Instructional Programs for Graduate Education.

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to examine the differences in two delivery systems of instruction for graduate business programs. Multiple regression analysis is the formal model used to attempt to isolate the vagaries of the two instructional systems. The hypothesis to be examined is that there is no difference in the performance of students regardless of the instructional format in which they participate. A sample of graduate student records was taken in order to test this hypothesis. The evidence from this sample indicates that the formal hypothesis can be rejected and therefore, the differences in instructional formats is significant in the ability of students to perform in academic pursuits.
Employment retention of health care providers in frontier areas of Alaska.

Objectives. The objectives of this study were to: describe the length of employment of health care providers in rural Alaska; assess whether there are differences in length of employment among community health aides, medical doctors, and nurses; and determine whether provider length of employment is significantly increased following implementation of telemedicine. Study Design. We conducted a prospective cohort study of length of employment among health professionals in rural Alaska, and identified the cohort based on current employment status of community health aides, medical doctors, and nurses. Methods. Employment data were collected from four Alaska Native regional health corporations. Kaplan-Meier product-limit survival analysis was used to assess employment length. The Mantel-Haenszel log-rank test was used to test the difference between retention (survival) curves among doctors, nurses, and community health aides for all four regional health corporations combined. Data included provider hire date, termination date, and position title. Fifty seven percent of the data points were right-hand censored. Results. The community health aides (median (Mdn) = 1186 days) were retained significantly longer than either the doctors (Mdn = 596 days), or the nurses (Mdn = 408 days), who were not significantly different from each other (log-rank χ2 (2, N = 996) = 68.30, p = 0.0001). Conclusions. Our findings document that community health aides in the region retain their jobs significantly longer than doctors and nurses. Findings highlight the problem of providing an adequate health work force in rural areas. (Int J Circumpolar Health 2003; 62(4):423-435) Keywords: retention, rural health, telemedicine
FP with data abstraction and strong typing

This paper begins by presenting arguments for including data abstraction and compile time type checking in functional programming languages, and discussing in general terms the mechanisms required to provide support for these features. It then goes on to present brief introductions to the algebraic style of formally specifying abstract data types and to the FP style of writing functional programs. The middle section describes a version of FP that includes type checking and data abstraction. The key to this is the development of a framework for describing the FP type system in terms of the already existing algebra of FP programs. The paper concludes with an example program illustrating the style of FP programming made possible by our extensions.
Cytosolic 25-hydroxycholesterol binding activity of Chinese hamster ovary cells

Abstract DEAE-Sephadex chromatography of cytosols of Chinese hamster ovary cells incubated with tritium-labeled 25-hydroxycholesterol shows a peak of specific binding activity. This binding activity can be assayed by determining the amount of labeled 25-hydroxycholesterol in cytosol which is refractory to adsorption to activated charcoal at high specific activity but can be made to adsorb to charcoal in the presence of a 50-fold excess of unlabeled 25-hydroxycholesterol. The binding activity shows positive cooperatively (Hill coefficient = 2.3 ± 0.3) and high affinity (dissociation constant = 1.4 × 10−7 m ). Inactivation of binding by trypsin or boiling suggests that the binding activity is a protein. The sedimentation coefficient of the binding activity is 5 S. Binding of 25-hydroxycholesterol is competitive with several other sterols and correlates well with the concentrations of these compounds that inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis.
A study on quality-adjusted impact of time lapse on iris recognition

Although human iris pattern is widely accepted as a stable biometric feature, recent research has found some evidences on the aging effect of iris system. In order to investigate changes in iris recognition performance due to the elapsed time between probe and gallery iris images, we examine the effect of elapsed time on iris recognition utilizing 7,628 iris images from 46 subjects with an average of ten visits acquired over two years from a legacy database at Clarkson University. Taken into consideration the impact of quality factors such as local contrast, illumination, blur and noise on iris recognition performance, regression models are built with and without quality metrics to evaluate the degradation of iris recognition performance based on time lapse factors. Our experimental results demonstrate the decrease of iris recognition performance along with increased elapsed time based on two iris recognition system (the modified Masek algorithm and a commercial software VeriEye SDK). These results also reveal the significance of quality factors in iris recognition regression indicating the variability in match scores. According to the regression analysis, our study in this paper helps provide the quantified decrease on match scores with increased elapsed time, which indicates the possibility to implement the prediction scheme for iris recognition performance based on learning of impact on time lapse factors.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy before transhiatal esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma

Recent efforts to improve survival in patients with esophageal carcinoma have combined both systemic and local therapy. From October 1985 to October 1987, 43 patients with local-regional esophageal cancer (adenocarcinoma in 21, squamous cell in 22) were treated with cisplatin, vinblastine, and 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy concurrent with 4,500 cGy radiation therapy for 21 days before transhiatal esophagectomy 3 weeks later. Two patients died of chemotherapy/radiation therapy toxicity. Forty-one completed preoperative chemotherapy/radiation therapy. At operation, 2 patients had incurable metastatic disease; 39 underwent transhiatal esophagectomy. Eleven patients had no residual tumor in the resected specimen for a 27% (11 of 41) pathological complete response rate. Preoperative chemotherapy/radiation therapy resulted in no increased perioperative morbidity as compared with our historical controls. One patient died postoperatively of an unrecognized brain metastasis (2% operative morbidity). At a median follow-up of 27 months, 20 patients (47%) are alive and clinically disease-free and 21 have died, 19 from progression of their carcinoma. The median survival time for all 43 patients is 29 months (Kaplan-Meier estimate), and cumulative survival is 72% at 12 months, 60% at 24 months, and 46% at 36 months. All 11 patients with a complete response are alive at a median follow-up of 36 months, and all are disease-free. The 2-year survival of 60% of this group as compared with 32% in our earlier patients treated with transhiatal esophagectomy alone suggests that intensive combined modality therapy improves survival in these patients. A randomized prospective trial is now in progress.
Magnetoplasma equilibria with planar symmetry

Equilibria of magnetoplasma with planar symmetry are presneted. Among the equilibria illustrated are configurations of plasmas confined inside a cylindrical wall and plasma in a double-inverse-pinch device.
432 LOW PLASMA DHEA AND DHEA SULFATE IN PROGERIA. DIMINISHED RESPONSE TO CORTROSYN

Progeria (Hutchinson-GiIford syndrome) manifests with apparent accelerated aging during youth. We studied a 21 mo. old female with marked growth retardation (Ht. 76cm, <2SD, Wt. 6.5 Kg <2SD), alopecia, small face, micrognathia, pinched nose and sclerodermic like changes of the skin. Osteoporotic changes were measured by the radiographic photodensitometry of Colbert et al, and compared to age and sex norms (25.7 vs 30-40 nl range). Pituitary and thyroid hormones were within normal limits (hGH 1.8 ng/ml; FSH 3.8 and LH 2.6 mIU/ml; Prolactin 8.0 ng/dl; TSH lμU/ml; T4 9.1 and T3 180 ng/dl). Insulin2.0μU/ml, Estrogens 1.7ng/dl. DHEA and DHEA sulfate have been reported to markedly decrease with normal aging. To study them in progeria we stimulated the patient's adrenals with 0.125 mg of cortrosyn I.M.(Organon Labs.) and 3 normal controls (Ages 5-9 yr.). Twenty-four hour urinary 17KS before were 0.4 and after 0.5 mg/24 hr. (controls 0.9 and 3.3); DHEA 0: 35 vs 190±72; 1 hr. 70 vs 256±70; 2 hr 35 vs 279±41 and 12 hr. 35 vs 226±186 ng/dl. DHEA-S O: undetectable = 0 vs 28+14; 1 hr 0 vs 29+21; 2 hr 0 vs 32±14; 12 hr 0 vs 26±20 mcg/dl. We concluded that there is a marked decrease in basal and post ACTH stimulation of DHEA and DHEA sulfate in our progeria patient. A deficienty of adrenal androgens might explain the growth retardation and osteoporosis seen in progeria. DHEA has been reported to have antiaging effects It's deficiency in progeria might not only be important as a biochemical marked for the disease but might also contribute to the premature aging.
Coupling of sloshing and orbit dynamics-driven reaction force fluctuations in response to impulse with various rotating speeds

Coupling of sloshing dynamics within a partially filled rotating dewar of superfluid helium II with orbit dynamics is investigated in response to lateral impulse. The study considers such points as how the rotating bubble of superfluid helium II reacts to the impulse in microgravity, how amplitudes of the slosh reaction force and torque fluctuate with growth and decay of disturbances, how these disturbances in fluid systems coupled with orbit dynamics with various rotating speeds differ in frequencies of sloshing modes excited in terms of differences in rotating speeds and how sloshing of orbit dynamics differ with and without a baffle. The numerical computation of sloshing dynamics is based on the non-inertial frame spacecraft-bound coordinate system. Results of the simulations are illustrated.
Molecular dynamics on interface and nanoscratch mechanisms of alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers.

The interface dynamics and nanoscratched mechanisms of alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers (SAM) chemisorbed on a gold surface are investigated using molecular dynamics simulation. The characteri...
Variable Selection in Nonparametric Classification via Measurement Error Model Selection Likelihoods.

Using the relationships among ridge regression, LASSO estimation, and measurement error attenuation as motivation, a new measurement-error-model-based approach to variable selection is developed. After describing the approach in the familiar context of linear regression, we apply it to the problem of variable selection in nonparametric classification, resulting in a new kernel-based classifier with LASSO-like shrinkage and variable-selection properties. Finite-sample performance of the new classification method is studied via simulation and real data examples, and consistency of the method is studied theoretically. Supplementary materials for the article are available online.
A (heat) shock to the system promotes peripheral nerve regeneration

Peripheral nerves are easily damaged, resulting in loss of motor and sensory function. Recovery of motor and sensory function after peripheral nerve injury is suboptimal, even after appropriate surgical repair. This is due to the slow rate of axonal elongation during regeneration and atrophic changes that occur in denervated Schwann cells and target muscle with proximal lesions. One way to solve this problem is to accelerate the rate at which the axons regenerate. In this issue of the JCI, Ma and colleagues show that this can be achieved in mice by overexpression of heat shock protein 27, providing hope for enhanced functional recovery in patients after peripheral nerve damage.
Comparison of the Diuretic Activities of Benzimidazolyl-toluenesulfonamide Compounds and Acetazolamide

The diuretic activities of α-(2-benzimidazolyl) p -toluenesulfonamide (BTS) and α-(5-methyl-2-benzimidazolyl)- p -toluenesulfonamide (MBTS) were compared with the diuretic activity of acetazolamide using a rat diuretic assay. Acetazolamide was about 83 times more potent than BTS and about 56 times more potent than MBTS on a weight basis. Both BTS and MBTS exhibited a greater kaluretic action than acetazolamide when equivalent natruretic doses were employed, suggesting that BTS and MBTS affect renal distal tubular mechanisms to a greater degree than acetazolamide.
Intravitreal Bevacizumab in the treatment of neovascular glaucoma secondary to central retinal vein occlusion: a case report

Every eye with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is at risk for developing neovascular glaucoma (NVG). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been shown to play a key role in the development of NVG in CRVO. Bevacizumab (Avastin; Genentech, San Francisco, CA) is a recombinant monoclonal antibody binding all isoforms of VEGF. Several studies have demonstrated intravitreal bevacizumab-induced regression of iris and angle neovascularisation associated with NVG. A 74 year old female presented with acute onset decreased vision in the right eye. Ophthalmic exam revealed acute non-ischemic CRVO in the right eye. A month later, follow up exam showed progression into ischemic CRVO and secondary NVG, which was successfully treated with intravitreal Bevacizumab followed by pan retinal photocoagulation (PRP). Our case report highlights the use of intravitreal Bevacizumab in combination with PRP for the treatment of NVG secondary to CRVO.
Electronic measuring technique to simplify testing of mirrors

Abstract A measurement system is described in which optical and mechanical measurements of parts are performed automatically. Product inspection time is reduced tenfold. The automatic feature removes operator fatigue and judgement calls in marginal areas. Measurement repeatability is substantially improved.
Gender Discrimination in the Construction Industry: The Case of Two Cities in India

The Indian construction industry has inherent gender biases owing to the perceived nature of work and mainstream notion of it being a male-dominated industry. Women construction workers are trapped...
A generic simulator for continuous flow manufacturing

The incorporation of concepts such as flexible manufacturing (FMS), computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM), just-in-time (JIT), and total quality control (TQC) in modern manufacturing environments render simulation modeling of such systems a complex and time consuming task. Continuous flow manufacturing (CFM) is a manufacturing strategy that employs the above concepts. This paper describes a generic simulator for modeling CFM systems. The simulator allows the details of the system to be represented parametrically, following a “core” modeling approach to represent the manufacturing logic. The focus in developing the simulator has been to represent the complex physical and operational characteristics of CFM systems in a realistic manner. In addition, quick and easy model development without involving repetitive programming for similar CFM systems has been an important consideration.
“Starring” Madhuri as Durga: The Madhuri Dixit Temple and Performative Fan-Bhakti of Pappu Sardar

Even in March 2008, the sweltering heat of Tatanagar was overwhelming. This was my second visit to the city after being here three years ago in 2005. My objective was to visit the Madhuri Dixit Temple dedicated to Bollywood film star, Madhuri Dixit, and to follow up on the second round of interviews with its owner cum "priest," Pappu Sardar. As I stepped out of the cab, a beaming Pappu Sardar greeted me. I was still exchanging pleasantries, when out of nowhere a group of journalists armed with cameras started clicking my photographs with him. Seeing the bewilderment on my face, Pappu Sardar calmly said, "There are five news channels and ten newspaper journalists waiting to interview you." Considering my humble academic background, I could not understand any reason why the press would be interested in interviewing me: except for the fact that I was conducting research on Pappu Sardar' s temple. In three years, his celebrity status and the Madhuri Dixit Temple have acquired national proportion. As I politely refused the news channels, an enthusiastic reporter from the Telegraph came and sat next to me and said, "It's strange that you come all the way from US to do research on Pappu Sardar! To be frank, he is weird and does weird things in the name of Madhuri. In fact, he is only popular among the masses, the elite of the city think he is crazy." The next day's Telegraph flashed the story, "Madhuri Mania Inspires US Researcher."2 As I read the article, I was taken aback to find out how I had been (mis)quoted for speaking about Pappu Sardar' s activities as "absurd" and about his "persisting eccentricities." I remembered the uneasiness of the journalist and her description of Pappu Sardar as "weird," and yet by publishing the story, she was aiding his popularity. The media has played a significant role in sensationalizing Pappu Sardar' s public worshiping of a Bollywood star as a Hindu goddess.3 The Madhuri Dixit Temple is actually an eatery or a chaat-shop4 owned by Pappu Sardar, which also functions as a space to conduct his devotional activities for his cinematic
Near-rings with identities on dihedral groups

Normal right submodules and right ideals need not coincide in an arbitrary near-ring. Berman and Silverman (1) have shown that in a near-ring (N, +, ·) with a two-sided zero (i.e. x · 0 = 0 · x = 0, for all x ∈ N) a right ideal is also a right submodule. If (N, +, ·) is in fact a distributively generated near-ring, then all normal right submodules are also right ideals. (See (5).)
Experience with irrigation-water forecasting in upper Columbia drainage-basin during 1940

Our last attempts to forecast water-supplies based on snow-surveys, April 1, 1940, appear to have been fairly successful considering the respective length of the snow-survey record and the unusual weather conditions that prevailed last winter and the preceding fall. Only a few examples can be given, because for most of our streams the runoff has not yet been completed. Weather conditions made the forecasting mare difficult than usual last year, because the fall of 1939 was unusually dry, the winter was abnormally warm and wet, and the snow-covered areas were much smaller than usual. These factors were weighted by considering the dry fall as entirely nullified by the wet winter and by accepting as unaffected by winter melting the snow at the higher elevations only. Without exception our forecasts were low, which indicates that these, conditions were weighted at least in the right direction.
Dilemmas of 19th-century Liberalism among German Academic Chemists: Shaping a National Science Policy from Hofmann to Fischer, 1865-1919

This paper's primary goal is to compare the personalities, values, and influence of August Wilhelm Hofmann and Emil Fischer as exemplars and acknowledged leaders of successive generations of the German chemical profession and as scientists sharing a 19th-century liberal, internationalist outlook from the German wars of unification in the 1860s to Fischer's death in 1919 in the aftermath of German defeat in World War I. The paper will consider the influence of Hofmann and Fischer on the shaping of national scientific institutions in Germany, from founding of the German Chemical Society in 1867 to the first institutes of the Kaiser Wilhelm Society founded in 1911, their academic leadership in other areas including the shaping of a successful academic-industrial symbiosis in organic chemistry, and finally their response to war as a force disruptive of scientific internationalism. All of these developments posed serious dilemmas, exacerbated by emerging strains of nationalism and anti-Semitism in German society. Whereas Hofmann's lifework came to a relatively successful end in 1892, Fischer was not so fortunate, as the war brought him heavy responsibilities and terrible personal losses, but with no German victory and no peace of reconciliation--a bleak end for Fischer and the 19th-century liberal ideals that had inspired him.
Can genetics and genomics nursing competencies be successfully taught in a prenursing microbiology course

In recognition of the entry into the era of personalized medicine, a new set of genetics and genomics competencies for nurses was introduced in 2006. Since then, there have been a number of reports about the critical importance of these competencies for nursing practices and about the challenges of addressing these competencies in the preservice (basic science) nursing curriculum. At least one suggestion has been made to infuse genetics and genomics throughout the basic science curriculum for prenursing students. Based on this call and a review of the competencies, this study sought to assess the impact of incorporation of genetics and genomics content into a prenursing microbiology course. Broadly, two areas that address the competencies were incorporated into the course: 1) the biological basis and implications of genetic diversity and 2) the technological aspects of assessing genetic diversity in bacteria and viruses. These areas address how genetics and genomics contribute to healthcare, including diagnostics and selection of treatment. Analysis of learning gains suggests that genetics and genomics content can be learned as effectively as microbiology content in this setting. Future studies are needed to explore the most effective ways to introduce genetics and genomics technology into the prenursing curriculum.
Blossom Tree Graphical Models

We combine the ideas behind trees and Gaussian graphical models to form a new nonparametric family of graphical models. Our approach is to attach nonparanormal "blossoms", with arbitrary graphs, to a collection of nonparametric trees. The tree edges are chosen to connect variables that most violate joint Gaussianity. The non-tree edges are partitioned into disjoint groups, and assigned to tree nodes using a nonparametric partial correlation statistic. A nonparanormal blossom is then "grown" for each group using established methods based on the graphical lasso. The result is a factorization with respect to the union of the tree branches and blossoms, defining a high-dimensional joint density that can be efficiently estimated and evaluated on test points. Theoretical properties and experiments with simulated and real data demonstrate the effectiveness of blossom trees.
A service acquisition mechanism for server-based heterogeneous distributed systems

This paper presents a mechanism that facilitates and enhances the use of independently administered remote network servers in the presence of server interface heterogeneity. The mechanism is designed under the client-service model, which extends the client-server model with an abstraction of service to decouple abstract server capabilities from concrete server interface specifics such as server interface binding protocols and the interface operation invocation protocols. The mechanism selects servers, accommodates server interface heterogeneity, and handles server access failures as per the abstract server capabilities desired by the client. It could return the identity of the server used for each service access invocation to facilitate billing, refining service specifications, and reporting server-specific errors. This paper also illustrates a C library interface to this mechanism, and describes a language veneer over the C programming language demonstrating how a typed procedural language could be extended by a few language constructs to support the mechanism under the client-service model. In this language, server capabilities are referenced by abstract data type (ADT) objects, and are accessed by invoking the objects' interface operations using a call-by-value-result paradigm. >
A Unique ALCAPA Variant in a Neonate

Anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a rare congenital anomaly present in approximately one in 300,000 live births. Here, we present a unique ALCAPA variant identified in a neonate. The left anterior descending artery originated posterolaterally on the main pulmonary artery, and the circumflex originated separately from the distal right pulmonary artery. doi: 10.1111/jocs.12079 (J Card Surg 2013;28:306–308)
Cis and Trans Regulatory Effects Contribute to Natural Variation in Transcriptome of Drosophila melanogaster

The dissection of intraspecific variation in transcriptome is a central theme of many recent quantitative genomic analyses. Transcript level variation has been attributed to factors at the gene itself (cis) and elsewhere in the genome (trans). Previous analyses of Drosophila intraspecific transcriptome variation pointed toward a larger contribution of trans factors. However, data from other genera, and from interspecific comparisons within Drosophila, are more consistent with a major role for cis factors. We investigated the relative amount of cis and trans variation in Drosophila melanogaster, using whole-genome expression from an oligonucleotide microarray in the 2 extensively studied genotypes Ore and 2b3, and 6 recombinant inbred (RI) lines derived from these parents. We examined 2 types of models to decompose cis and trans contributions to genetic variation in transcript level: 1) an infinitesimal model assuming that the transcription variation is highly polygenic and due to many small effects and 2) contrast models assuming that a few large effects contribute to the transcriptional variation. We explicitly fitted cis-by-trans interactions and extended our analyses to consider regulation of alternatively spliced transcripts. We estimated that approximately 10% of the transcriptome was differentially regulated among the lines. We were able to identify cis and trans effects that contribute to this differential regulation for 1,340 genes. Our analyses revealed numerous cis effects (90%) but much fewer trans effects, perhaps due to reduced power of detection for trans effects. In addition, we identified 15 genes that have alternative splice variants differentially regulated in cis.
Human immunodeficiency virus infection: In situ polymerase chain reaction localization in human placentas after in utero and in vitro infection

Abstract Objective: We compared localization of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 within human placentas infected in utero with localization within human placental explants infected in vitro. Study Design: Placental tissues from 3 cases of vertical transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 were studied. Human placental explants from 6 term pregnancies not complicated by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection were infected in vitro with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Ba-L . Sections from each placental explant and each placenta infected in utero were analyzed for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 localization by means of in situ polymerase chain reaction. Results: Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 was primarily localized within syncytiotrophoblast, Hofbauer cells, and extravillous mononuclear cells in placental tissue sections from cases of in utero infection. Within placental explants human immunodeficiency virus type 1 deoxyribonucleic acid was found in syncytiotrophoblast and Hofbauer cells. The distributions of viral localization were similar in placentas infected in utero and placental explants infected in vitro. Conclusion: Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 can be localized to specific human placental cells (eg, syncytiotrophoblast) after either in utero or in vitro infection, which demonstrates the specificity and selectivity of human immunodeficiency virus infection in the human placenta. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;182:207-13.)
Direct myocardial revascularization and therapeutic angiogenesis.

Interest in direct myocardial perfusion began when Pratt, in 1898, observed persistent myocardial contraction for several hours in ex vivo feline ventricles directly perfuse through the semilunar valves. In 1933 Wearn described ‘myocardial sinusoids’ bathing reptilian ventricular myocytes that do not contain any significant blood supply from the coronary vasculature, eluting the possibility of direct myocardial perfusion via channels from the ventricles. Sen later tested this theory by mechanically creating channels, through direct needle puncture (acupuncture) in the myocardium; short-term reduction in the magnitude of myocardial infarcts and decreased mortality in the treatment group were observed. However, many newly created channels closed with scar tissue over time. Interest in direct myocardial revascularization was revived in the 1970s when lasers were shown to create channels with minimal damage to surrounding tissues. Direct myocardial revascularization, either surgical or catheter-based, is the creation of communicating channels between the left ventricular cavity and ischaemic myocardial tissues via transmyocardial revascularization and percutaneous transmyocardial revascularization modalities. In transmyocardial revascularization (Fig. 1), channels are created directly from the epicardium to the endocardium of the chronically ischaemic, yet viable (hibernating) left ventricular myocardium using lasers or via mechanical means (needle puncture) during open chest surgery. Although the method used in channel creation is similar in percutaneous transmyocardial revascularization (Fig. 2), channels are produced from the endocardium to the ischaemic myocardium using
Fuel treatment effects on snags and coarse woody debris in a Sierra Nevada mixed conifer forest

Snags and coarse woody debris are important elements of the structure and function of mixed conifer forests in the Sierra Nevada. In this paper, we report on the impacts of several replicated fuel treatments including, prescribed fire, commercial thinning (crown thinning and thinning from below) followed by rotary mastication of understory trees, mechanical followed by prescribed fire, and control, on snag and CWD quantity and structure. Post-treatment, the density of snags greater than 15 cm DBH in decay class 1 significantly increased in fire only and mechanical plus fire treatments compared with mechanical only and control treatments. Snag volumes (m 3 ha � 1 ) were not significantly different between treatments for all decay classes. CWD (density, percent cover, volume) in decay classes 1 and 2 was not significantly altered by any treatment when aggregated across all diameter classes. Volume of CWD in decay class 3 was significantly reduced in the fire only treatment when compared to controls. Density and volume of CWD in class 4 was significantly reduced in mechanical plus fire and fire only treatments when compared with the controls and mechanical only treatments. Retention of large CWD levels may benefit some wildlife species short-term but increases in fire hazards and increased difficulties in fire control are the negative consequence. High overall fuel loads also increase the probability of snag and CWD consumption when an area inevitably burns. The influences of altering snag and CWD characteristics should be analyzed in the context of long-term forest management goals, including the reintroduction of fire as an ecosystem process and creation of forest structures that can incorporate wildfire without tree mortality outside a desired range. # 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Poverty and lung health

The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) held its 40th World Conference on Lung Health in Cancun, Mexico, between 3 and 7 December 2009. It was attended by over 2000 delegates from 104 countries around the world. The conference featured four stimulating plenary sessions and an extensive selection of scientific symposia. A total of 1125 abstracts were also presented from five broad categories: clinical trials and TB basic science, clinical research for treatment and care, epidemiology, education, advocacy and social issues, and policy and program implementation. In addition, the conference was preceded by a series of well-attended postgraduate courses and workshops.
Production Process for Manufactured Housing

A manufactured home is completely built in a controlled factory environment. Despite a large share of the market, the manufactured housing industry has a long way to go towards streamlining its production process. The objective of this paper is to map the production process of a manufactured housing factory and to demonstrate via simulation how the process can be improved. The produc- tion process including assembly, feeder, and storage stations were mapped using data from several manufactured housing plants and in-depth case studies at two plants in northern Indiana. The case study plants were also used for collecting cycle-time data for developing the simulation model for the roofing process. Subsequently, four "what if" scenarios were conducted to illustrate potential improvements to the production process. The efforts presented in this paper are part of on-going research sponsored by the National Science Foundation under the Partnership for Advancement of Technology in Housing (PATH) initiative.
Sigma-delta modulation of multi-phase high frequency converters

A power conversion control architecture is proposed that merges advanced digital modulation techniques, high frequency resonant converters, and multi-phase converters. If a converter's switching frequency is high enough, the converter may be turned on and off quickly to modulate power flow. The proposed system is composed of several high frequency converters connected in parallel, only a few of which are active at a given time to regulate the output voltage. The number of active converters is determined through a sigma-delta modulation process. The specific converter enable signals are generated by a balancing algorithm that ensures approximately equal effective duty ratio and switching frequency for all phases. An output voltage regulator, here implemented as a PI loop, completes the system. The method has been simulated for an eight-phase closed-loop system. Experimental results are shown for a four-phase open-loop system with an external command that corresponds to the effective duty ratio of the power converters.
Relationships, Environment, and the Brain: How Emerging Research is Changing What We Know about the Impact of Families on Human Development

Recent research is providing family therapists with new information about the complex interaction between an individual's biological makeup and his/her social and physical environment. Family and social relationships, particularly during sensitive periods early in life, can affect a child's biological foundation. Additionally, stress during the early years can have a lasting effect on an individual's physical and mental health and contribute to the onset of severe mental illness. Community programs have been developed to intervene early with families who have an at-risk child to prevent or minimize the onset of mental illness including providing partnerships with at-risk mothers of infants to shape attachment relationships. Programs are also developing individual and family interventions to prevent the onset of psychosis. Practicing family therapists can incorporate emerging neuroscience and early intervention research and leverage the growing base of community programs to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of mental health outcomes for clients. Additionally, family therapy education programs should broaden student training to incorporate the growing body of information about how family relationships affect individual mental health development.