cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
[11]Isolation of candidate genes for inherited diseases: Application to X-linked retinal degenerations

Publisher Summary This chapter describes a general subtraction–selection strategy that has been employed to identify putative candidate gene regions for X-linked retinal diseases. This strategy involves subtraction cloning to reduce the complexity of specific cDNA libraries and utilizes the subtracted probe to isolate genomic clones from specific regions or chromosomes. The chapter also presents the delineation of an efficient hybridization-based sandwich-selection method, which does not employ the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) during any step and allows the isolation of larger-size cDNA clones. In addition, the magnetic capture and filter hybridization methods are modified and large-insert libraries for cDNA selection from cloned genomic regions are used. The identification of genes responsible for inherited diseases is a daunting task because of the enormous size and complexity of the human genome. Subtraction–selection strategy is designed for the isolation of candidate genes from specific regions of human chromosomes and has been employed for identifying X-linked retinal genes. The strategy involves the following steps: (1) the subtraction of cDNA cloning, (2) the isolation of chromosome or region-specific genomic clones using the subtracted cDNA probe, (3) regional localization and microsatellite content analysis of isolated genomic clones, and (4) the identification of transcribed sequences in the genomic clones of interest.
Progress towards prognostic health management of passive components in advanced reactors — Model selection and evaluation

This paper presents recent progress towards developing a prognostic health management framework for passive components of advanced reactors (AR). The focus of this paper is on lifecycle prognostics for passive components using a Bayesian prognostic algorithm that provides a natural framework for incorporating different sources of variability and uncertainties inherent in the operations of AR. High-temperature creep damage, a prototypic failure mechanism in AR materials, is used as the context for this research. A Bayesian model selection approach is implemented to select the appropriate creep degradation model at any given time, using relevant sensor measurements reflecting the material degradation state. The model selection approach, based on reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo methods, is integrated with Bayesian particle filter-based prognostic framework. The proposed approach is evaluated using strain measurements obtained from accelerated creep testing of stainless steel specimens. Results indicate feasibility of the proposed approach in accurately identifying the creep degradation stage from the available measurements at a given time. Effect of uncertainties in material degradation model and measurement noise on the performance of the prognostic algorithm is also investigated.
Structural Proteins of Adenovirus-Associated Virus Type 3

Three major structural proteins were found in adenovirus-associated virus (AAV) type 3H virions which were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The molecular weights of the polypeptides were determined to be approximately 66,000 (VP1), 80,000 (VP2), and 92,000 (VP3). The component having a molecular weight of 66,000 comprised about 80% of the total virion protein in the major AAV-3H particle, and the other two components comprised about 10% each. Proteins of the same molecular weight were found in the minor dense AAV-3H virion, but the 80,000- and 92,000-molecular-weight components were present at about one-half the concentration. The AAV-3H virion contains about 72 molecules of VP1 and 8 and 7 molecules of VP2 and VP3, respectively.
South America: Sociocultural Aspects

Native South American cultures prior to 1492 represented a dynamic mosaic of languages, cultures, social systems, rituals, and power relationships. Long-distance trade – sometimes extending for thousands of miles – combined with bilingualism and multiculturality. By the creation of an empire through conquest, the Inca altered the cultural mosaic in the Andes in the fifteenth century. A new cultural system was violently created by the overseas Spanish and Portuguese empires after 1492 in their conquest and radical colonization of the continent. The Spanish and Portuguese brought black slaves from Africa and from Iberia with them. Many such people escaped to create free, fortified sites where Native American and African American people often collaborated, intermarried, and established political systems on the fringe of the dominant colonial territories. The Spanish initiated an ideology of ethnic blending, called el mestizaje (‘the blending,’ or miscegenation). In the late twentieth century, indigenous and black movements in South America worked against this false imagery and misleading ideology of ethnic blending in their respective nation-states and across national boundaries. Cultural diversification and nationalist centralization characterized the South American nation-states in the late twentieth century as they did during colonial and republican epochs. Such centripetal–centrifugal forces are seen in cultural performances and in social movements. South America, the world's fourth largest continent, is composed of 12 nation-states and 1 territory. The significant differences among these 13 countries are matched by great internal sociocultural and ethnic diversity. Contemporary neoliberal and authoritarian governments strive to centralize and homogenize their populations. Internal cultural, social, and political movements heighten diversity and conflict. The military often plays a strong role in centralizing efforts. In the past decade, new forms of socialism have emerged in some nations that both challenge neoliberalism and at the same time seek to use it creatively for social reforms. The Roman Catholicism of European colonialism historically and culturally shapes the pan-national and internal cultural unity of the 10 Iberian-derived nations. Diversity is especially strengthened by the striking polarization between the small wealthy minority and the large poor majority; by indigenous and Afro-Latin American movements of cultural and ethnic self-affirmation; by the presence of significant ethnic blocs resulting from European migrations since the two World Wars; by the struggles among leftist, rightist, and populist political parties; by the challenge of the twentieth- and twenty-first-century spread of Protestantism; and by the liberal Catholicism of recent reforms.
Successes of an engineering and technology institute for secondary school teachers

The future of any country lies in the ability to use its resources to build a strong and competitive economy. The most important resources any country can count on are the young men and women still in secondary schools. By introducing students to the type of work engineers do and by showing them how the principles of science are applied in the real world, students will have a greater appreciation of science and technology. A pilot teacher training workshop was held during July 1995 at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. During the workshop, the teachers learned about engineering concepts and the role of engineers in society. A workbook of suggested engineering discussions and activities was developed and presented to each workshop participant. The results of an evaluation are highly encouraging.
A Review of: “Handbook of Human Factors and Ergonomics by Salvendy, G.”

Preface: This review was written by me for my Website ( www.jnd.org ): hence the informal writing style. Although it is not in the format I would have provided had I done a normal review for this j...
Effect of Gravity Correction on Shoulder Rotation Isokinetic Average Force and Reciprocal Muscle Group Ratios

David H. Perrin, PhD, ATC* • Evan V. Hellwig, PT, ATC* Laurie L. Tis, MEd, ATC* • Byron S. Shenk, EdDt University of Virginia . ------------------This study examined the effect of gravity correction on concentric and eccentric average force of the right and left side shoulder rotator muscles and on the external/internal rotation reciprocal muscle group ratios. Thirty-three males were tested on a Kinetic Communicator dynamometer at 150 deg/sec from a seated position with the shoulder abducted to 90 deg and positioned along the frontal plane. Gravity correction procedures were followed prior to testing, and both the gravity-uncorrected (GU) and gravity-corrected (GC) values were obtained from the dynamometer's software. Paired t-tests indicated the gravity correction procedure increased every value obtained during external rotation and decreased all values obtained during internal rotation. Also, the concentric and eccentric external/internal rotation reciprocal muscle group ratios were all higher as a result of the gravity correction procedure. These findings were consistent with previous reports on the effect of gravity correction on lower extremity muscle groups. In particular, gravity correction significantly added to the muscle group opposed by gravity (external rotators) and detracted from the muscle group assisted by gravity (internal rotators). Therefore correction for the effects of gravity is recommended during isokinetic assessment of the shoulder internal and external rotator muscle groups.
Cyclic nucleotides and the regulation of canine gastric acid secretion.

The response of the cyclic nucleotide system (cAMP, cGMP, adenylate cyclase, guanylate cyclase, and specific phosphodiesterases) to two gastric acid secretagogues, histamine and acetylcholine, and two secretory inhibitors, prostaglandin E2 and secretin, was studiedin vivo andin vitro in canine gastric fundic mucosa. Histamine and acetylcholinein vivo failed to stimulate cAMP but significantly increased cGMP;in vitro they affected neither adenylate cyclase nor guanylate cyclase. Prostaglandin E2 and secretin, however, increased cAMPin vivo and significantly stimulated adenylate cyclasein vitro. Specific phosphodiesterases were unaffected by these compounds. The changes, while not specifically localized to the acid-producing cells, are consistent with the suggestion that the control of canine gastric acid secretion may be mediated by changes in mucosal cAMP and cGMP.
Information Technology Adoption and Political Regimes

What explains the different rates of internet use across nations, otherwise known as the worldwide digital divide? Essentially, this is a question about the determinants of technology adoption, a debate that has been dominated by two schools of thought—one focuses on the characteristics of the technology itself, the other, on the characteristics of the adopting body, that is, the social and institutional context in which adopters operate. This paper attempts to integrate these two theories by focusing on the features of both information technologies and adopting entities. We confirm the well-documented findings that income, trade, infrastructure, market-oriented policies, and political liberties explain one measure of the digital divide. However, we also find a more complex relationship between political liberties and internet adoption. Differences in political liberties do not lead to uniform differences in internet use, as the literature often assumes. Specifically, not all authoritarian regimes discourage internet use similarly. High-income, market-oriented autocratic states are less draconian. Although they fear the political consequences of internet expansion, they also welcome its economic payoffs. We provide quantitative and qualitative evidence that the more authoritarian the country, the stronger the impact of income on internet expansion. This may be beneficial for economic development, but contrary to modernization theories, it may not necessarily bolster forces of democratization in these regimes.
Clinical, biochemical, and genetic characterization of a novel estrogen-dependent inherited form of angioedema.

Abstract Background: Two genetic forms of hereditary angioedema (HAE) are currently recognized. Both are transmitted in an autosomal dominant manner and are characterized by recurrent episodes of localized angioedema. Involvement of the gut leads to episodes of severe abdominal pain, and laryngeal involvement can lead to airway obstruction and even death. One type results from heterozygosity for a nonexpressed C1 inhibitor allele, and the other results from heterozygosity for a nonfunctional C1 inhibitor allele. Objective: This report identifies a third type of HAE, with a unique estrogen-dependent phenotype. Methods: Detailed medical histories were obtained from family members, and a pedigree was constructed to ascertain the mode of inheritance. Determination of serum complement factors, C1 inhibitor protein, C1 inhibitor function, coagulation factor XII, plasma prekallikrein, high molecular weight kininogen, and selected DNA sequences were performed in affected members by using standard assays. Results: Episodes of angioedema were clinically indistinguishable from those associated with previously described forms of HAE; however, these occurred only during pregnancy or the use of exogenous estrogens. Patients were otherwise asymptomatic, except for one patient who had acetyl salicylic acid/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug–related angioedema later in life. History was available for members spanning 4 generations, and affected individuals were identified in 3 generations. Of 46 family members, phenotype could be determined in 13 members. Seven were affected, and 6 were not. One male of undetermined phenotype was an obligate carrier. The unique estrogen-dependent nature of the phenotype means that the status of several members in the third and fourth generation remains unknown. The disorder appears to be transmitted in an autosomal dominant fashion, although other modes of inheritance cannot be excluded entirely. C1 inhibitor protein, C1 inhibitor function, C2, C4, C1q, coagulation factor XII, prekallikrein, and high molecular kininogen were normal in 3 affected family members during asymptomatic periods. DNA sequencing revealed no abnormality in 3 patients in the coding region of the gene encoding C1 inhibitor or in the 5' flanking regions of the genes encoding C1 inhibitor and factor XII. Conclusions: This family appears to have a novel form of inherited angioedema that does not result from C1 inhibitor deficiency or dysfunction. The phenotype is uniquely estrogen dependent. Implications for diagnosis and treatment are discussed. Further studies are required to define the exact nature of the genetic abnormality involved. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000;106:546-50.)
Finding the Fun and Games in Science Learning

Think back to your high school science class. Can you remember what the average class was like? If your school was like most U.S. high schools, science class probably consisted of memorizing terms, watching dated videos of Bill Nye the Science Guy, and participating in group labs. Some of these labs may have been mildly interesting, but many others may have felt repetitive and recycled-follow the instructions on the handout, write down your hypothesis and observations, and record the end result. Wash, rinse, repeat.
The effects of sintering on the microstructure and properties of sprayed molybdenum

Abstract Post-sintering treatments in hydrogen were applied to free-standing molybdenum shapes fabricated by the oxy-acetylene and arc-plasma flame-spray processes. Hydrogen sintering at 1350°C and 1450°C for periods of 9–48 h yielded substantial improvements in the tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, density and purity of the sprayed deposits. The low impact energy observed in as-sprayed material was retained in the sintered products. Shrinkage was found to be anisotropic and weight loss equivalent to reduction in MoO2 content. The sprayed molybdenum was converted from a columnar structure to one typical of recrystallized molybdenum sheet.
The stereochemistry of linoleic acid tetrabromides

The NMR spectrum of the crystalline tetrabromide obtained from bromination of linoleic acid exhibited an AA ‘XX’ splitting pattern for the C-11 hydrogens, indicative of a racemic structure rather than a meso for the brominated part of the molecule. Thus, the crystalline isomer is a racemic mixture of 9 R, 10 R, 12 R, 13 R-tetrabromooctadecanoic acid and 9 S, 10 S, 12 S, 13 S-tetrabromooctadecanoic acid. The C-11 methylene spectrum of the liquid tetrabromide was treated as an ABX2 pattern; thus, this isomer is a mixture of 9 R, 10 R, 12 S, 13 S-tetrabromooctadecanoic acid and 9 S, 10 S, 12 R, 13 R-tetrabromo-octadecanoic acid.
Four-electron reduction of O2 over multiple CuI centers: Quantum theory

Abstract A series of copper complexes were tested theoretically for oxygen electro reduction, beginning with bare Cu and Cu + centers, with and without N-bearing ligands, and ending with one, two, and three H 2 N–Cu–Imidazole Cu I centers. Adsorption energies for reaction intermediates formed during the four one-electron reduction steps to water were calculated, using B3LYP hybrid density functional theory, and then used in a linear free energy relationship to predict the reversible potential for each step. Cu I sites not poisoned by O(ads), OH(ads), and H 2 O were sought, and so initial screening was based on the predicted reversible potentials for O(ads) reduction to OH(ads) and OH(ads) reduction to H 2 O and the adsorption bond strengths of O 2 and H 2 O. The Cu I centers in H 2 N–Cu–Imidazole and H 2 N–Cu–Imidazole had the best properties in this screening. The former was used to model four-electron reduction by copper laccases, some of which have very little overpotential. On the basis of calculations on a model for 3-Cu I catalytic sites composed of three H 2 N–Cu–Imidazole in loose association, the following conclusions were reached: (i) the reduction potential for OH bonded to the model is higher than calculated for Pt, which is consistent with the higher observed overpotentials for Pt compared to lacasses; (ii) H 2 O bonds weakly to the Cu I centers and does not poison them; (iii) model-dependent heat losses were calculated for non-electron transfer steps and it is shown how they contribute to the overpotential for the overall four-electron reduction. Finally, it is shown that CH 3 S–Cu–(Imidazole) 2 possesses the electron donor–acceptor properties that allow it to be an intermediate in electron transfer to the catalytic site. This study shows that loosely coordinated Cu I centers present opportunities for four-electron oxygen reduction at low overpotential.
ClpXP proteases positively regulate alginate overexpression and mucoid conversion in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Overproduction of the exopolysaccharide alginate and conversion to a mucoid phenotype in Pseudomonas aeruginosa are markers for the onset of chronic lung infection in cystic fibrosis (CF). Alginate production is regulated by the extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factor AlgU/T and the cognate anti-sigma factor MucA. Many clinical mucoid isolates carry loss-of-function mutations in mucA. These mutations, including the most common mucA22 allele, cause C-terminal truncations in MucA, indicating that an inability to regulate AlgU activity by MucA is associated with conversion to the mucoid phenotype. Here we report that a mutation in a stable mucoid strain derived from the parental strain PAO1, designated PAO581, that does not contain the mucA22 allele, was due to a single-base deletion in mucA (DeltaT180), generating another type of C-terminal truncation. A global mariner transposon screen in PAO581 for non-mucoid isolates led to the identification of three regulators of alginate production, clpP (PA1801), clpX (PA1802), and a clpP paralogue (PA3326, designated clpP2). The PAO581 null mutants of clpP, clpX and clpP2 showed decreased AlgU transcriptional activity and an accumulation of haemagglutinin (HA)-tagged N-terminal MucA protein with an apparent molecular mass of 15 kDa. The clpP and clpX mutants of a CF mucoid isolate revert to the non-mucoid phenotype. The ClpXP and ClpP2 proteins appear to be part of a proteolytic network that degrades the cytoplasmic portion of truncated MucA proteins to release the sequestered AlgU, which drives alginate biosynthesis.
The effects of feeding history and environment on condition, body composition and growth of bluegills Lepomis macrochirus.

Initial relative mass (WR ,l owv. high) and energetic trajectory in time (starved v. fed) were experimentally manipulated in bluegill Lepomis macrochirus. Fed fish starting at low WR grew more and gained more WR than fed fish starting at high WR. Similarly, starved fish starting at high WR lost more mass and WR than did starved fish starting at low WR. Temporal changes in other variables did not consistently match that of WR, but, by the end of the experiment, proximate composition showed a high correlation to WR. Regression slopes of WR on proximate composition increased with time in the laboratory. Differences between wild and laboratory fish appeared to result from relaxation of environmental stress. When excess resources are available such that L. macrochirus grow, condition indices will increase, but individual response will depend on initial values and thus past environmental experience.
Repair of tetralogy of Fallot after catheterization-induced complete heart block.

The case of a four-year-old boy with tetralogy of Fallot who developed complete heart block during cardiac catheterization and subsequently underwent surgical repair in the presence of heart block is presented. Return to normal sinus rhythm occurred on the 11th postperative day, and the manner in which increased atrioventricular conduction appeared was documented with the use of a continuous Holter monitor. Placement of a temporary transvenous pacemaker, systemic heparinization in the preoperative period, and the insertion of a permanent epicardial wire during surgery were performed.
Exascale Computing [Guest Editorial]

The guest editors discuss some recent advances in exascale computing, as well as remaining issues.
Enhanced development and differentiation of protoplasts and spores of green and red seaweeds by a Pterocladia agar from New Zealand

Enhanced growth of macroalgae was observed on High Purity Agar, a product of Coast Biologicals Limited of Auckland New Zealand. Increases in rates of cell divisions and tissue differentiation occurred in green and red seaweeds. Protoplasts, spores, and vegetative thalli were all affected. The enhancement of growth and differentiation was concentration dependent, with high concentrations (> 1 %) appearing toxic. Few cells survived on 1 % and 1.5 % agar; over 8 weeks of culture these developed into plantlets six fold larger than those grown on an 0.3 % gel of the same agar, and as much as 11 fold larger than control plants grown on Difco Bacto agar at the same gel concentration. The activity was heat stable, water soluble, and largely bound to the carbohydrate matrix. The chemical nature of the active compound is under investigation.
The human development index: a critical review

Since 1990, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has published a series of annual Human Development Reports (HDRs) in which the human development index (HDI) is computed for each country. This index has become an important alternative to the traditional unidimensional measure of development (i.e. the gross domestic product). Although the index still fails to include any ecological considerations, it has broadened the discussion surrounding the evaluation of development. Unfortunately, over the years, the HDRs seem to have become stagnant, repeating the same rhetoric without necessarily increasing the HDI’s utility. This paper evaluates how well these reports have lived up to their own conceptual mandate and assesses the ability of the HDI to further the development debate. We find that the reports have lost touch with their original vision and the index fails to capture the essence of the world it seeks to portray. In addition, the index focuses almost exclusively on national performance and ranking, but does not pay much attention to development from a global perspective. We propose the incorporation of three simple modifications for the index as a first step to overcome these shortcomings. © 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
A NUMERICAL METHOD FOR SOLVING ELLIPTIC BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEMS IN UNBOUNDED DOMAINS

A numerical method for solving elliptic boundary value problems in unbounded domains is described. An artificial boundary near infinity, say a sphere GAMMA/sub R/ of large radius R, and an approximate local boundary condition on GAMMA/sub R/ are introduced. A finite element method is then employed to discretize this approximate problem. Since R must be large in order to estimate the error due to the artificial boundary, the resulting system of linear equations is usually quite large. A description is given on how to reduce the number of linear equations to the asymptotically optimal amount, while optimal error estimates and the sparseness of the matrix are preserved, by grading the mesh systematically in such a way that the element mesh sizes are increased as the distance from the origin increases. Some numerical results are given. 1 table. (RWR)
Congener characteristics influence aversion conditioning to alcoholic beverages in rats.

Abstract Experiment 1 . 120 male rats ( Rattus norvegicus ) received access to either wine, beer or distilled spirits of high or low congener contents prior to an injection of lithium chloride (LiCl). Relative to ingestion-toxin controls (ITCs), aversion effects were greater for wine and beer CSs than for distilled spirits. Aversion effects were similar across congener levels for wine. For beer and distilled spirits, aversion effects were greater, the higher the congener level. Experiment 2 . 30 rats received serial access to high and low congener levels of wine, beer or distilled spirits prior to an LiCl injection. Relative to ITCs, aversion effects were greater for wine and beer CSs than for distilled spirits. However, aversion effects were similar for high and low congener levels of each beverage. Post hoc comparisons between experiments showed that aversion effects for low-congener beverages were greater in Experiment 2 than in Experiment 1. For high-congener beverages, aversion effects increased for wine, remained unchanged for beer and decreased for distilled spirits in Experiment 2 relative to Experiment 1. Together, these studies indicated that congener contents of alcoholic beverages reliably influenced aversion conditioning within and across beverage classes. Conditioning with different congener levels of the same beverage CS generally yielded greater aversion effects than did conditioning with a single congener level of the beverage.
Effect of reduced calcium on excitatory transmitter release at the crayfish neuro-muscular junction

Abstract 1. 1. The effect of decreased [Ca 2+ ] 0 on transmitter release has been studied at the crayfish neuromuscular junction using intra- and extracellular recording of excitatory junctional potentials (e.j.p.'s). 2. 2. Transmitter release decreases linearly as [Ca 2+ ] 0 is lowered from 15·0 to 0·3 mM. 3. 3. In low [Ca 2+ ] 0 only a small fraction of the observed decrease in the e.j.p. amplitude can be attributed to decreases in effective resistance of the muscle membrane and/or synaptic current.
Numerical Simulation of the Mesa-β Scale Structure and Evolution of the 1977 Johnstown Flood. Part III. Internal Gravity Waves and the Squall Line

Abstract The interaction between internal gravity waves and a squall line that developed early in the evolution of the 1977 Johnston flood event is studied based on available surface observations and a three-dimensional model simulation of the flood-related mesoscale convective systems (MCSs). Several experimental simulators are carried out to investigate the mechanisms whereby gravity waves form and obtain energy. Both observations and model simulators of the wave/convection interaction fit certain theories of gravity wave propagation. Following the formation of the squall line, subsequent deep convection typically initiates behind a pressure trough associated with the lint and ahead of or along the axis of the trailing ridge. The zero contours of vertical motion correspond closely to the axis of the surface pressure trough. Positive potential temperature perturbations correspond with descending motion occurring ahead of the trough while negative perturbations occur with increasing ascending motion towar...
Modified null field method in a problem of scattering of SH-waves by a partially debonded elastic inclusion with a piecewise smooth contour

For problems of antiplane shear, we propose a technique for the determination of spectral characteristics of SH-waves scattered by an elastic inclusion of piecewise smooth shape with a crack on the interface of media. The technique is based on using the null field method.
Spontaneous symmetry breaking and quantum Hall effect in graphene

Abstract In this article we briefly review recent experimental and theoretical work on quantum Hall effect in graphene, and argue that some of the quantum Hall states exhibit spontaneous symmetry breaking that is driven by electron–electron interaction. We will also discuss how to experimentally determine the actual manner in which symmetry breaking occurs, and detect the collective charge and neutral excitations associated with symmetry breaking. Other issues will also be briefly mentioned.
EE at work: A job with diversity at Kodak: For Cynthia Bell, the multidisciplinary work at Kodak's research labs was the answer to her quest for a job with variety

When Cynthia Bell interviewed at Kodak's Rochester, N.Y., headquarters during her senior year in college, she found Kodak's Corporate Research Laboratories just right for her. “What I wanted was a company that could offer me variety, so I could sort out what I do best,” says the 25-year-old research scientist.
Photosensitization of transcription by bromodeoxyuridine substitution.

Abstract We have studied the photosensitization of bacteria and phage by substitution with bromodeoxyuridine and irradiation with near-visible light in the absence of atmospheric oxygen. Our studies of transcription in vivo show that BrdUrd substitution reduces, about sevenfold, the efficiency of DNA-directed RNA production; further, BrdUrd sensitizes transcription capacity to near-visible light irradiation.
Identifying Display Concepts to Support Distributed Collaboration of Unmanned Vehicle Teams

Fleets of unmanned vehicles promise to extend human capabilities in many domains, ranging from search and rescue to intelligence gathering. Achieving the promise of unmanned vehicles places a parti...
‘A Turrible Looking and Furious Anamal’: Comparative Psychology in the Rocky Mountains from Lewis and Clark to Washoe

A preliminary attempt is made to identify the progress of the study of animal behavior, from native bears to imported apes, in the Rocky Mountain region. The survey includes naturalistic encounters, ethological observations, and laboratory studies, but is not a complete enumeration of animal research in the Rocky Mountains.
Aeolian saltation transport rate: an example of the effect of sediment supply

The channel of the Whitewater River near Palm Springs, California, is an excellent location to assess the effect of sand supply and mobility on the quantity of material moved by aeolian saltation. Saltation fluxes at the site taken by Sharp (1964) were compared to the fluxes that would have been produced under ideal conditions for the spectrum of winds inferred for the site. The discrepancy between the two fluxes is, in general, consistent with whose observed elsewhere for similar surfaces. Variations are linked to runoff in the Whitewater River and, hence, the supply of fresh sand.
Partial hexasomy for the Prader-Willi-Angelman syndrome critical region due to a maternally inherited large supernumerary marker chromosome.

Extra copies of the Prader–Willi–Angelman syndrome critical region (PWASCR) have been shown to have detrimental phenotypic effects depending on the parent of origin. Hexasomy for the PWASCR is rare; only 6 cases have been described to date. We report on a 15-year-old girl referred for developmental delay and seizures with a mosaic tricentric small marker chromosome (SMC) 15 identified by routine G-banding chromosome studies. C-banding and FISH confirmed the presence of three chromosome 15 centromeres as well as four copies of the PWASCR on the SMC in approximately 60% of interphase cells. Microsatellite genotyping documented maternal inheritance of the SMC, and methylation-sensitive multiplex ligation-dependent PCR amplification (MS-MLPA) showed that the extra copies of the PWASCR contained on the marker chromosome bear a methylation pattern similar to a normal maternal chromosome, implying maternal inheritance. These findings are consistent with the patient's phenotype as paternal inheritance of such a marker chromosome is thought to be benign. However, this patient's phenotype is the mildest described to date and may be a result of mosaicism for the SMC. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
CORGEN: A FORTRAN-77 generator of standard and non-standard DNA helices from the sequence

An analytical procedure CORGEN generates a variety of DNA double-stranded structures from user-supplied sequence using a nucleic acid database incorporated into a standard FORTRAN-77 program. Alternatively, the cylindrical polar coordinates of DNA components may be supplied from the external table. An algorithm that performs intercalation sites in DNA is described. This procedure can be used to generate complexes of antibiotics with DNA. Non-standard DNA structures can be built by alternating the global helical twist and global helical rise in the regular DNA helix. The procedures described can be used for computer generation of a variety of non-standard DNA structures which can be subjected to molecular mechanics and dynamics simulations.
Compartment pressures after submuscular fixation of proximal tibia fractures

INTRODUCTION Tibial fractures are known to be associated with elevated compartment pressures, which may potentially result in a compartment syndrome. The Tibial Less Invasive Stabilization System (LISS PLT) is an internal fixator device that is designed for fixation of proximal tibia fractures. The technique includes submuscular placement of the implant along the lateral border of the tibia. Such placement of the Tibia LISS into the anterior leg compartment could increase compartment pressures, and therefore increase the risk of compartment syndrome. The objective of this prospective study is to determine whether submuscular placement of a tibia LISS fixator increases compartment pressures and what is the incidence of compartment syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-eight consecutive proximal tibia fractures were fixed using the Tibia LISS (LISS PLT). Compartment pressures in all four leg compartments were measured pre- and postoperatively. Diastolic pressures were recorded and perfusion pressures calculated. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences between pre- and postoperative compartment pressures. One patient out of twenty-eight developed an impending compartment syndrome after placement of the LISS implant. CONCLUSIONS Submuscular fixation of the tibia with the Less Invasive Stabilization System does not cause a significant rise in leg compartment pressures, nor is it associated with an increased incidence of compartment syndrome.
Influence of convection on rod spacing of eutectics

This paper describes a three-dimensional numerical model to study the influence of convection on the rod-like microstructure of an eutectic system. This model is based on a central finite difference approach. By applying it, the average concentration near the solid/liquid interface of a growing rod-like eutectic was determined for eutectic compositions C(e) of 0.03, 0.05, and 0.10. Following Jackson and Hunt (1966), the average interfacial composition was converted to a change of undercooling at the interface and, finally, to spacing between the rods. The change in rod spacing with increasing intensity of convection was calculated assuming the eutectic grows at minimum interfacial undercooling. It was confirmed that an increase in convection should coarsen the microstructure (i.e., the rod spacing increases with increasing intensity of stirring).
Plasma Membrane Vesicle Critical Temperature Scales with Growth Temperature in a Zebrafish Cell Line

Giant plasma membrane vesicles (GPMVs) isolated from mammalian cell lines contain coexisting liquid phases at low temperature, a single liquid phase at elevated temperatures, and undergo robust micron-sized critical fluctuations near the miscibility transition which is typically close to room temperature. In past work, we have measured the temperature dependence of critical composition fluctuations and speculated that mammalian cells tune their membrane composition to maintain a room temperature critical point in order to experience <100nm super-critical composition fluctuations under growth conditions of 37°C [1]. Here, we present evidence that cells actively tune membrane critical temperatures (Tc) to a specific temperature difference below growth temperatures by preparing GPMVs from ZF4 cells, a zebrafish cell line that is capable of growing at temperatures ranging between 20° and 32°C. As was the case in mammalian cell lines, ZF4 cells produce GPMVs with coexisting liquid phases at low temperature and micron-sized critical fluctuations near the miscibility transition. ZF4 derived GPMVs transition temperatures shift to lower values when cells are grown at lower temperature, such that Tc was 16.8±1.2°C below growth temperatures for ZF4 cells grown between 20 and 32°C. We also examined the time-course of Tc adjustment by preparing GPMVs from cells adapted for growth at 28°C then subsequently grown at 20°C. Transition temperatures adjust with a time-constant of 1.5 days, in good correspondence with the doubling time under these growth conditions.1.S.L. Veatch, P. Cicuta, P. Sengupta, A. Honerkamp-Smith, D. Holowka, B. A. Baird. ACS Chem Biol. 2008 3(5):287-93. (2008)
Myelin basic protein interacts with the myelin-specific ganglioside GM4

Demyelinated plaques in multiple sclerosis have decreased amounts of both myelin basic protein and sialosylgalactosylceramide (GM4), a ganglioside specifically localized in myelin and oligodendroglia of the central nervous system. We have found that myelin basic protein is capable of releasing large quantities of entrapped [14C]glucose from multilamellar liposomes containing GM4. If the conformation of GM4 in liposomal membranes resembles that of GM4 in its natural environment, basic protein and GM4 may be associated within the myelin sheath of the central nervous system and their interaction altered in demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Fabrication of ceramic composites: forced CVI

Abstract Forced chemical vapor infiltration (FCVI) is being developed as an efficient means for producing thick-wall ceramic matrix components. Recent efforts have focussed on process scale-up, modeling and the properties of the resultant material. Disks 24.6 cm in diameter and 1.27 cm thick have been produced. Composites of Nicalon TM fibers and SiC matrix have exhibited 480 MPa strength in flexure.
A Study in Tornado-Like Vortex Dynamics

Abstract Fine-resolution calculations using an axisymmetric numerical model of the flow within a Ward-type vortex chamber are discussed. Particular attention is paid to the vortex-ground interaction. Variations in the swirl ratio S from zero to unity lead to radically different vortex structure in the “corner” region (i.e., near r = z = 0). For S Lt; 1, a concentrated vortex forms in the upper chamber but not in the corner. At moderate S, we observe vortex breakdown, large-amplitude inertial waves, and very intense swirling motion in the corner. When S = 1, the central downdraft penetrates to the lower surface and the vortex breakdown occurs within the boundary layer. These results are consistent with experimental observations and suggest the explanation of a number of observed facets of tornadoes.
Sweets for a Bitter End: Lung Cancer Cell–Surface Protein Glycosylation Mediates Metastatic Colonization

Glycosylation is one of the most predominant forms of cell-surface protein modifications, yet its deregulation in cancer and contribution to tumor microenvironment interactions remain poorly understood. In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Reticker-Flynn and Bhatia characterize an enzymatic switch in lung cancer cells that triggers aberrant surface protein glycosylation patterns, adhesion to lectins on the surface of inflammatory cells, and subsequent metastatic colonization of the liver.
Notification of the next phase of waiver terminations in the implementation of NRC regulatory authority for certain naturally occurring and accelerator-produced radioactive material.

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 gave the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) authority over certain naturally occurring and accelerator-produced radioactive material (NARM). The NRC published its final rule implementing this authority in the Federal Register on October 1, 2007 (72 FR 55863). The
Disk edema and peripheral neuropathy

Abstract A 55-year-old woman presented with an eight-year history of progressive gait dysfunction and a 2–3 week history of horizontal diplopia. Examination of the patient revealed acute papilledema, intermittent esotropia, and upper and lower motor neuron findings in her lower extremities. CT scan of the head showed communicating hydrocephalus. A spinal cord tumor extending from T11 to L3 was visualized by MR imaging of the spine. All of her symptoms, except for a left foot drop, resolved with aggressive removal of the tumor, which was a myxopapillary ependymoma. Mechanisms of the neuro-ophthalmic picture and treatment of this syndrome are discussed.
Reciprocal stimulation of GTP hydrolysis by two directly interacting GTPases

The Escherichia coli guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-binding proteins Ffh and FtsY have been proposed to catalyze the cotranslational targeting of proteins to the bacterial plasma membrane. A mutation was introduced into the GTP-binding domain of FtsY that altered its nucleotide specificity from GTP to xanthosine triphosphate (XTP). The mutant FtsY protein stimulated GTP hydrolysis by a ribonucleoprotein consisting of Ffh and 4.5S RNA in a reaction that required XTP, and it hydrolyzed XTP in a reaction that required both the Ffh-4.5S ribonucleoprotein and GTP. Thus, nucleotide triphosphate hydrolysis by Ffh and FtsY is likely to occur in reciprocally coupled reactions in which the two interacting guanosine triphosphatases act as regulatory proteins for each other.
A generalized method for 3D object location from single 2D images

Abstract A method is presented to solve for the three-dimensional (3D) object position and orientation from single two-dimensional (2D) images based on a systematic hierarchy of features: primitive features, generalized features, and compound structures. A virtual viewpoint analysis shows that a feature-centered coordinate system allows us to drastically reduce the mathematical complexity of the inverse projection problem for higher order curves. At the heart of the matchings are the matching functions for primitive features, which are: point-to-point correspondence, line-to-line correspondence, and ellipse-to-ellipse correspondence. Parametric matching by generalized features is used to solve for viewpoints at any stage of matching. The generalized features can be viewed as the generalization of features used by previous researchers. The matching method goes “top-down” and then “bottom- up”, if necessary. Models of the objects are analyzed first. In the top-down process, search starts from the most complex features to the least complex features. In the bottom-up process, the least complex generalized features are used to solve for initial viewpoints. The viewpoints are further refined by matching the compound structures which are obtained by merging the consistent generalized features. The contributions include: (1) solving the problem of ellipse-to-ellipse correspondence, thus extending the class of recognizable objects; (2) the generalized features can assume various configurations, thus enabling the system to detect a multitude of features; (3) parametric matching instead of point-point matching makes the algorithm robust; (4) the top-down-bottom-up strategy combines efficiency with robustness.
Recovery from PTSD following Hurricane Katrina.

Background: We examined patterns and correlates of speed of recovery of estimated posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among people who developed PTSD in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Method: A probability sample of prehurricane residents of areas affected by Hurricane Katrina was administered a telephone survey 7-19 months following the hurricane and again 24-27 months posthurricane. The baseline survey assessed PTSD using a validated screening scale and assessed a number of hypothesized predictors of PTSD recovery that included sociodemographics, prehurricane history of psychopathology, hurricane-related stressors, social support, and social competence. Exposure to posthurricane stressors and course of estimated PTSD were assessed in a follow-up interview. Results: An estimated 17.1% of respondents had a history of estimated hurricane-related PTSD at baseline and 29.2% by the follow-up survey. Of the respondents who developed estimated hurricane-related PTSD, 39.0% recovered by the time of the follow-up survey with a mean duration of 16.5 months. Predictors of slow recovery included exposure to a life-threatening situation, hurricane-related housing adversity, and high income. Other sociodemographics, history of psychopathology, social support, social competence, and posthurricane stressors were unrelated to recovery from estimated PTSD. Conclusions: The majority of adults who developed estimated PTSD after Hurricane Katrina did not recover within 18-27 months. Delayed onset was common. Findings document the importance of initial trauma exposure severity in predicting course of illness and suggest that pre- and posttrauma factors typically associated with course of estimated PTSD did not influence recovery following Hurricane Katrina. Depression and Anxiety 0:1-8, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Language: en
Identifying patients at increased risk for unplanned readmission.

Background:Reducing readmissions is a national priority, but many hospitals lack practical tools to identify patients at increased risk of unplanned readmission.Objective:To estimate the association between a composite measure of patient condition at discharge, the Rothman Index (RI), and unplanned