cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The women with dysuria

Bacterial cystitis is the most common bacterial infection occurring in women. Thirty percent of women will experience at least one episode of cystitis during their lifetime. About one third of patients presenting with symptoms of cystitis have upper urinary tract infection. A careful history to identify risk factors for subclinical pyelonephritis is important. Symptoms of chronic cystitis accompanied by sterile urine without pyuria may represent interstitial cystitis. Dysuria may also be the principal complaint of women with vaginitis (infectious, atrophic or chemical) or urethritis. A stepwise diagnostic approach, accompanied by inexpensive office laboratory testing, is usually sufficient to determine the cause of dysuria.
Persistence of Delirium after Cessation of Sedatives and Analgesics and Impact on Clinical Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients.

tudy Objective As delirium is a common manifestation in critically ill patients and is associated with worse clinical outcomes, we sought to characterize the reversibility of delirium after discontinuation of sedation and to determine whether sedation-associated delirium that rapidly reverses impacts clinical outcomes. Design Post hoc subgroup analysis of prospectively collected data from a previously published study. Patients Seventy adults admitted to a medical intensive care unit (ICU) between March and July 2012 who required mechanical ventilation with continuous analgesia and/or sedation and underwent a spontaneous awakening trial (SAT). Measurements and Main Results Patients were grouped into four categories: delirium free, rapidly reversible delirium (RRD; defined as delirium always resolving within 4 hours of stopping sedatives), persistent delirium (PD; defined as delirium always persisting for 4 or more hours after stopping sedatives), or mixed delirium (consisting of RRD and PD episodes). The incidence of the four delirium subtypes and their associations with clinical outcomes were evaluated. A validated, guideline-recommended, bedside delirium monitoring instrument—the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU)—was used to assess for the presence or absence of delirium. Clinical outcomes included ventilator-free days at day 28, ICU and hospital length of stay, 28-day mortality, and patient disposition; time to first CAM-ICU becoming negative (delirium free) for a continuous 48-hour duration was also assessed. A total of 103 SATs were performed in the 70 patients. Of the 103 SATs, 28 (27.2%) were CAM-ICU negative prior to the SAT. Of the remaining 75 SATs, PD was present for the majority of SATs (62 [82.7%]); RRD was present after 13 (17.3%) SATs. On a patient level, 17 patients (24.3%) were always delirium free prior to cessation of medications for continuous sedation. Of the 53 patients with delirium before undergoing an SAT, 11 (20.8%) had RRD, 2 (3.8%) had mixed delirium, and 40 (75.5%) had PD. Proportional odds logistic regression adjusting for age, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, sepsis, and preexisting hypertension showed that patients with PD had a higher probability of longer ICU length of stay (odds ratio 4.01 [95% confidence interval 1.36–11.77], p=0.011), but those with RRD did not. Conclusion Despite the cessation of medications for continuous sedation, delirium persisted for the majority of patients and was associated with worse outcomes, which attests to the importance of strategies to minimize sedation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Theory of Transient Excited State Absorptions in Pentacene and Derivatives: Triplet–Triplet Biexciton versus Free Triplets

Recent experiments in several singlet-fission materials have found that the triplet–triplet biexciton either is the primary product of photoexcitation or has a much longer lifetime than believed until now. It thus becomes essential to determine the difference in the spectroscopic signatures of the bound triplet–triplet and free triplets to distinguish between them optically. We report calculations of excited state absorptions (ESAs) from the singlet and triplet excitons and from the triplet–triplet biexciton for a pentacene crystal with the herringbone structure and for nanocrystals of bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl) (TIPS)-pentacene. The triplet–triplet biexciton absorbs in both the visible and the near-infrared (NIR), while the monomer free triplet absorbs only in the visible. The intensity of the NIR absorption depends on the extent of intermolecular coupling, in agreement with observations in TIPS-pentacene nanocrystals. We predict additional weak ESA from the triplet–triplet but not from the triplet, a...
Obtaining Better Sustainability Data for Hedonic Analysis

Abstract Home buyers and policymakers are becoming more conscious about the benefits that green building features can provide society. This has led to the adoption of green building and sustainable design and construction programs in a growing number of cities in the United States. In this paper, we describe the types of data typically available for capturing green features in residential research, which can be used in hedonic pricing models. We describe how GIS technology and a jurisdiction’s mandatory policies can be used to obtain reliable green data. We demonstrate how to combine data on sustainability-related amenities to capture the association between green features and house prices. Following our suggestions should help researchers avoid making erroneous inferences and lead to more reliable estimates of how green amenities are associated with residential home transaction prices.
Updated follow-up of a tolerance protocol in HLA-identical renal transplant pairs given donor hematopoietic stem cells.

Kidney transplant recipients given donor hematopoietic stem cells from their HLA-identical living related donors have now been followed between 5 and 9½ years post-operatively. Recipients who were designated as tolerant (Tol) have remained so since the last report when the 5 year (biopsy associated) milestone was reached. There has been 1 mortality of a Tol patient, unrelated to the study protocol, while 5 (of 15) have remained Tol between 7 and 8½ years post-operatively. There has been continuing elevated T-regulatory (CD4+CD25HighCD127-FOXP3+) cells in PBMC previously reported on. Ten year renal transplant biopsies are tentatively planned.
Leaching Assessment of Eco-Friendly Rubberized Chip Seal Pavement:

Companies in the United States need to mine billions of tons of raw natural aggregate each year. At the same time, billions of scrap tires are stockpiled every year. As a result, replacing the natu...
Associations among eating disorder behaviors and eating disorder quality of life in adult women with anorexia nervosa.

Abstract The study examined associations between eating disorder behaviors measured via ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and eating disorder quality of life (EDQOL) in anorexia nervosa (AN). Women with AN (N = 82) completed an EDQOL measure and two-weeks of EMA. Greater frequency of EMA-assessed restriction and bulimic behavior were independently related to lower EDQOL scores. Lower psychological EDQOL was associated with increased EMA dietary restriction; lower work-related EDQOL was associated with increased EMA binge eating; aspects of EDQOL were unrelated to EMA purging. Findings suggest that severity of restriction and bulimic behaviors may serve as severity indicators of EDQOL in AN.
Symbolic-numeric solution of Ill-conditioned polynomial systems (survey talk overview) (invited talk)

This is a survey talk about some recent symbolic-numeric techniques to solve ill-conditioned multivariate polynomial systems. In particular, we will concentrate on systems that are over-constrained or have roots with multiplicities, and are given with inexact coefficients. First I give some theoretical background on polynomial systems with inexact coefficients, ill-posed and ill-conditioned problems, and on the objectives when trying to solve these systems. Next, I will describe a family of iterative techniques which, for a given inexact system of polynomials and given root structure, computes the nearest system which has roots with the given structure. Finally, I present a global method to solve multivariate polynomial systems which are near root multiplicities and thus have clusters of roots. The method computes a new system which is "square-free", i.e. it has exactly one root in each cluster near the arithmetic mean of the cluster. This method is global in the sense that it works simultaneously for all clusters. The results presented in the talk are joint work with Itnuit Janovitz-Freireich, Bernard Mourrain, Scott Pope, Lajos Ronyai, Olivier Ruatta, and Mark Sciabica.
The Texas High-Precision Radial-velocity Programs

Several different high-precision radial-velocity programs are now underway at The University of Texas. This paper discusses the aspects of these programs that are related to the problem of detection of extrasolar planetary systems. This includes the McDonald Observatory Planetary Search program on the McDonald 2.7-m Harlan Smith Telescope, an accompanying program of high-resolution stellar line profile measurement, the European Southern Observatory planetary search program, the Keck Hyades survey, and the Hobby∙Eberly Telescope planet surveys. Here, we summarize each of these programs, and present recent results from each.
People Skills for Mining Engineers, an Important Addition to the Curriculum

Engineering education is very effective at training students in critical thinking and analytical skills however, these engineers often transition into management in their organization. These roles require an additional set of skills. Obviously an understanding of business and finance is required but even more important is the ability to work effectively with people. Based on their experience in industry and academia the authors have developed methods to introduce these skills to engineering undergraduates. The mining safety and health management course that has been offered for several years at the University of Utah has been modified to include such topics as emotional intelligence, leadership, and corporate culture development. This paper describes those changes and students’ reactions to them.
Conceptualizing Identity Development in Members of Marginalized Groups

Counselors-in-training are often overwhelmed with information, including a plethora of identity development models that describe the experiences of various racial and cultural groups. A thorough gr...
Gentrification and Displacement: Modeling a Complex Urban Process

ABSTRACTTo shed some light on longstanding questions around gentrification, in this research we model environmental gentrification and gentrification-related displacement of residents. We do this t...
Associations of Taking Conflict Personally with Mental and Physical Health: An Allostatic Load Perspective

ABSTRACTBuilding from an allostatic load perspective, this study tested mental and physical health outcomes associated with taking conflict personally. Four hundred and thirty-seven students comple...
Factors affecting cholinesterase activity in aquatic animals

Organophosphorus (OP) insecticides are extensively used to control crop pests, and can enter aquatic systems draining agricultural watersheds. Because OPs are highly toxic to aquatic organisms, monitoring is important, yet difficult due to the low persistence of OPs. Inhibition of activity in cholinesterase (ChE), a group of enzymes targeted by OPs, can be used to monitor exposure to OPs; however, high variability in ChE activity may interfere with the usefulness of this technique. Several potential sources of variation in ChE activity, including water temperature, collection method, and fish sex, were investigated using bluegill collected over two consecutive summers from backwater areas of the upper Mississippi River. No ChE inhibition was found in any of the samples, nor did ChE activity vary significantly by water temperature, collection method, or sex offish. Two methods of euthanasia, spinal cord severing and anesthesia with Finquel©, were compared in bluegill collected from a small lake, to detennine potential effect on cholinesterase activity. The method of euthanasia did not affect ChE activity. Data from bluegill in the euthanasia experiment were pooled with data
Avoidant Attachment: Exploration of an Oxymoron

Themetaphor of attachment,whichBowlby (1969/1982) used to characterize the emotional bond between an infant and his or her primary caregiver, implies proximity, affection, and being “fastened on” (Oxford AmericanDictionary, 1980). How then could an attachment be “avoidant”? How could a magnet attracted to iron be, at the same time, repelled by it? Although the imagery seems improbable, one of Ainsworth’smajor categories of infant attachment to mother was avoidant (Ainsworth, Blehar, Waters & Wall, 1978). This designation was based on the infant’s behavior in a laboratory assessment procedure called the strange situation (Ainsworth et al., 1978).
Longitudinal link between trait motivation and risk-taking behaviors via neural risk processing

Prior research has emphasized the importance of the motivational system in risky decision-making, yet the mechanisms through which individual differences in motivation may influence adolescents' risk-taking behaviors remain to be determined. Based on developmental neuroscience literature illustrating the importance of risk processing in explaining individual differences in value-based decision making, we examined risk processing as a potential mediator of the association between trait motivations and adolescents' risk-taking behaviors. The sample consisted of 167 adolescents (47% females) annually assessed for three years (13-14 years of age at Time 1). Approach and avoidance motivations were measured using adolescent self-report. Risk preference was estimated based on adolescents' decisions during a modified economic lottery choice task with neural risk processing being measured by blood-oxygen-level-dependent responses in the bilateral insular cortex for chosen options. Adolescents' risk-taking behaviors were assessed by laboratory-based risky decision making using the Stoplight task. Longitudinal mediation analyses revealed a significant indirect effect of approach motivation, such that higher motivation was correlated with increases in risk-taking behaviors via decreases in neural activation in the bilateral insular cortex during risk processing. The findings illustrate a neural pathway through which approach motivation is translated into the vulnerability to risk taking development.
Case Study on the Neuropsychology of Hypersexual Behavior

The literature on hypersexual behavior following acquired brain injury consists of single or small case series with findings often difficult to reconcile, due to non-systematic, clinical descriptions of the behavior and its associated neurocognitive factors across authors. The objective of this study was to advance an understanding of the behavioral manifestations and neuropathology of acquired hypersexual behavior via literature review with an illustrative case study including pre- and post-onset neuropsychological test results. The case involved acquired hypersexual behavior with an increased ease of arousal manifested as constant verbal demands upon his wife, sexually explicit talk, and insatiable performance followed bithalamic strokes in a 44-year-old male. Neuropsychological testing showed a dense anterograde amnesia and less severe executive impairment. Co-occurring compulsive eating and anosognosia were also observed. The hypersexual behavior and compulsive eating were interpreted as resulting from a disconnection syndrome that separated mesiotemporal limbic structures from orbitofrontal control. It was not part of a generalized disinhibition, as the behaviors that showed a post-injury increase were highly specific. This is consistent with dual control theoretical models of human sexuality whereby the human sexual response involves an interaction between independent sexual excitatory and inhibitory processes. Many questions about acquired hypersexual behavior remain, especially why it so rarely occurs even in cases of bilateral orbitofrontal and temporal injury. A large-scale, multi-site, prospective study to measure prevalence within the overall context of acute frontotemporal injury, although practically difficult to organize, would be informative.
Formulation of SiO2/oil nanolubricant for metal forming using hydrodynamic cavitation:

A novel hydrodynamic cavitation–based dispensing process was developed to disperse SiO2 nanoparticles into the base oil, and the effects of process parameters on dispersity and tribological propert...
A randomized trial of permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless persons with high use of publicly funded services.

Objective To examine whether randomization to permanent supportive housing (PSH) versus usual care reduces the use of acute health care and other services among chronically homeless high users of county-funded services. Data sources Between 2015 and 2019, we assessed service use from Santa Clara County, CA, administrative claims data for all county-funded health care, jail and shelter, and mortality. Study design We conducted a randomized controlled trial among chronically homeless high users of multiple systems. We compared postrandomization outcomes from county-funded systems using multivariate regression analysis. Data collection We extracted encounter data from an integrated database capturing health care at county-funded facilities, shelter and jails, county housing placement, and death certificates. Principal findings We enrolled 423 participants (199 intervention; 224 control). Eighty-six percent of those randomized to PSH received housing compared with 36 percent in usual care. On average, the 169 individuals housed by the PSH intervention have remained housed for 28.8 months (92.9 percent of the study follow-up period). Intervention group members had lower rates of psychiatric ED visits IRR 0.62; 95% CI [0.43, 0.91] and shelter days IRR 0.30; 95% CI [0.17, 0.53], and higher rates of ambulatory mental health services use IRR 1.84; 95% CI [1.43, 2.37] compared to controls. We found no differences in total ED or inpatient use, or jail. Seventy (37 treatment; 33 control) participants died. Conclusions The intervention placed and retained frequent user, chronically homeless individuals in housing. It decreased psychiatric ED visits and shelter use, and increased outpatient mental health care, but not medical ED visits or hospitalizations. Limitations included more than one-third of usual care participants received another form of subsidized housing, potentially biasing results to the null, and loss of power due to high death rates. PSH can house high-risk individuals and reduce emergent psychiatric services and shelter use. Reductions in hospitalizations may be more difficult to realize.
Inactivation of aflatoxin producing molds by selected and broadband infrared wavelength treatments, and the effects of the treatments on rice milling quality

This study investigated the impacts of selected and broadband infrared (IR) wavelength treatments with tempering step on inactivation of aflatoxigenic molds and the treatments’ effects on head rice yield (HRY). Rough rice was treated with different IR intensities, product‐to‐emitter gaps, and heating durations. Afterward, the samples were tempered at 60°C for 4 hr. Selected IR wavelength treatment at intensities of 15.71 and 10.08 kW/m² for 20 and 30 s resulted in complete aflatoxigenic mold inactivation; broadband IR wavelength treatment with intensity of 10.84 kW/m² for 30 s resulted in 1.09 log (cfu/g) reduction in aflatoxigenic mold load. Selected IR wavelength treatment (15.71 kW/m² for 30 s) resulted in 7 percentage points reduction in the mean HRY. Incorporating a tempering step into treatments at IR intensities of 15.71, 10.08, 7.27, and 4.13 kW/m² resulted in a complete aflatoxigenic mold inactivation. Also, tempering increased the mean HRY of the treated samples. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: After optimizing the IR parameters tested in this study, the selected IR equipment can be scaled up and commercialized. This novel technique can be used to effectively inactivate aflatoxigenic molds and prevent aflatoxin accumulation on rice, while preserving the milling quality of rice.
Fishers as foragers: Individual variation among small-scale fishing vessels as revealed by novel tracking technology

Abstract Effective fisheries management requires an understanding of fisher behavior. Though vessel tracking systems are increasingly used to describe the movements and activities of industrial fishing fleets, their use has been limited within the small-scale fisheries employing the vast majority of the world’s capture fishers. Here we combine novel vessel tracking technology with logbook data to conduct a high-resolution analysis of behavior and decision-making within a small-scale fishery. Our results indicate significant heterogeneity in fisher behavior, catch composition, and profits within a small-scale fleet operating in the central Gulf of California, even amongst fishing vessels using similar gear types. The weekly home ranges (75 % Kernel Utilization Distribution) occupied by fishers spanned 1.5–1121.8 km2 across 13 vessels, while weekly profits ranged from -1810 to 26,160 pesos. Differences in the spatial interactions and catch profiles of observed vessels revealed the existence of behavioral associations linked with distinct fishing strategies. After identifying and describing the contextual factors driving such heterogeneity among vessels using hook and line fishing gear, we interpret emergent patterns and processes using insights from foraging theory and marine social science. In illustrating the applications and opportunities presented by recent advances in vessel tracking technology, we argue for the use of spatially explicit analytical approaches in assessing behavioral diversity within small-scale fisheries and in designing robust and equitable management strategies.
Are There Mobile Applications Related to Nail Disorders

The role of mobile applications (apps) for patient education is expanding, with little inquiry evaluating the quantity and quality of nail disorder apps. Our objective was to investigate iOS (Apple's iPhone Operating System) and Android apps to determine the types of nail health apps that are available for patient education. A standard app analytics and market data tool was used to search and analyze iOS and Android nail apps for several nail health, psoriasis, and hair loss keywords.
Domain decomposition in the GPU-accelerated Shift Monte Carlo code

Abstract The GPU solver within the Shift continuous-energy Monte Carlo neutron transport code has been extended to provide domain decomposition in addition to domain replication to enable the solution of problems with memory requirements exceeding the capacity of a single GPU. The strategy follows the Multiple Set, Overlapping Domain (MSOD) approach that is used in Shift’s CPU solver and integrates into the event-based algorithm used for Shift’s GPU solver. Furthermore, the ability to assign processors to spatial domains non-uniformly has been maintained. Two different approaches for communicating particle data between domains are considered, and multiple criteria for load balancing problems have been investigated. Numerical results are presented for both fresh and depleted small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) cores. A parallel efficiency of approximately 80% was achieved with up to 16 spatial domains measured relative to full domain replication. A scaling study on the Summit supercomputer demonstrates a weak scaling parallel efficiency of over 90% on over 24000 GPUs.
Cataract inhibitors: Present needs and future challenges.

Abstract Cataracts result from opacification of the ocular lens and represent the leading cause of blindness worldwide. After surgical removal of the diseased lens material and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens, up to 50% of cataract patients develop a secondary lens defect called posterior capsular opacification (PCO). While vision can be restored in PCO patients by a laser-mediated capsulotomy, novel therapies involving inhibition of aldose reductase are now being developed to prevent PCO development and complications of laser capsulotomy. A question we wished to address was whether cataract surgeons believe there is an unmet need for a preventative PCO therapy, whether they would prescribe such a therapy were it available, and to assess their perceptions regarding the benefits of and obstacles to adopting novel PCO therapies in the place of laser capsulotomy. We gathered perspectives from adult, pediatric, and veterinary cataract surgeons using an online questionnaire. From 161 surgeon responses, we found that the majority of adult, pediatric, and veterinary cataract surgeons (78% n = 35, 88% n = 37, and 96% n = 71 respectively) believed there is an unmet need for preventative PCO therapy, with more than 95% expressing interest in incorporating such therapy into surgical protocols. Perceived benefits included optimizing visual outcomes, avoiding the need for additional procedures, eliminating complications related to neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser, preserving the posterior capsule particularly in patients receiving multifocal intraocular lens implants, providing a viable solution for PCO in animals, and using it in developing countries that lack access to neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet lasers. Perceived obstacles included potential lack of reimbursement by insurance companies, and the need for strong efficacy and safety profiles. Among adult surgeons, 70% (n = 31) indicated that preventative PCO therapy could add value to premium intraocular lens packages. Our studies revealed that cataract surgeons overwhelmingly support the development of preventative PCO therapy, and that clinical trials will play a critical role to test the safety and efficacy of specific therapeutic agents.
Influence of heme propionates on the nitrite reductase activity of myoglobin.

Abstract The heme propionates in myoglobin (Mb) form a H-bonding network among several residues within its second-sphere coordination, providing a key structural role towards Mb's functional properties. Our work aims to understand the role of the heme propionates on the nitrite reductase (NiR) activity (e.g. reduction of NO2− to NO) of this globin by studying an artificial dimethylester heme-substituted horse heart Mb (DME-Mb). The minor structural change brought about by esterification of the heme propionates causes the NiR rate to increase by more than over two-fold (5.6 ± 0.1 M−1 s−1) relative to wildtype (wt) Mb (2.3 ± 0.1 M−1 s−1). The lower pKa observed in DME-Mb may enhance the tendency of His64 towards protonation, therefore increasing the NiR rate. In addition, the nitrite binding constant (Knitrite) for DME-MbIII is greater than wt MbIII (350 M−1 versus 120 M−1). The disparity in the NiR activity correlates with the differences in electrostatic behavior, which influences the system's reactivity towards the approaching NO2− ion, and thus the formation of the FeII-NO2− intermediate.
Digital assemblages, information infrastructures, and mobile knowledge work:

We theorize mobile knowledge workers’ uses of digital and material resources in support of their working practices. We do so to advance current conceptualizations of both “information infrastructur...
Symbols that Speak: Christ and His Word in El Salvador

Since the beginning of the colonial era, Christian imagery has dominated hegemonic discourse in El Salvador. Initially, images of Christ as the suffering servant and Biblical promises of the afterlife allowed the Catholic Church to facilitate the domination of the majority of the population by an agricultural oligarchy. The meanings associated with these symbols mirrored an unequal social structure. By the twentieth century, the structure itself reached its breaking point and the symbols acquired new meanings. Initially through Liberation Theology, and then through the device of another symbol, the Martyr, Christ spoke of the need to reformulate an unjust society by dividing its resources equitably. During and following the Civil War, however, a new group of believers emerged. Evangelical Christianity eschews physical symbols. Physical images (sculptures, pictures, even images on a candle) are forbidden. Use of Christ images by the Catholic Church is regarded as an abomination. Evangelicals de-legitimize the old symbols, and create new symbolic language to create an “authentic” divinity. Repentant Catholics must “wash themselves in the blood of the lamb,” or submit themselves before “the Lion of the tribe of Judah.” Christ also becomes the symbolic actor in life narratives, so that events are told and retold in ways in which Christ himself becomes an active player in the story. Both the rejection of images and the adoption of symbolic narratives create social distinctions between Evangelicalism and Catholicism.
Stimulating Microenterprise Growth: Results from a Loans, Grants and Training Experiment in Uganda

Small enterprises may face a number of challenges to growth, including capital constraints, lack of skills and poor self-control. This paper presents the results of a randomized experiment involving microenterprise owners in Uganda designed to explore these constraints. Individuals from a pool of business owners who expressed interest in expanding their enterprises were randomly selected to receive loans, cash grants, business skills training or a combination of these programs. Participants were then followed quarterly to determine the short-run eects on business and household outcomes. I nd that six and nine months after the interventions, men with access to loans with training report 54% greater prots. This eect increases slightly over time
Learning—to and from—the Visual Critique Process

Understanding how to critique visual images can be beneficial for faculty teaching in art, design, or visual communication fields, but also for any faculty who use images to teach course content.
Learning to Play the Back Wall in Racquetball

(1979). Learning to Play the Back Wall in Racquetball. Journal of Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 50, No. 5, pp. 36-36.
Structural basis for nucleotide exchange in heterotrimeric G proteins

G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) relay diverse extracellular signals into cells by catalyzing nucleotide release from heterotrimeric G proteins, but the mechanism underlying this quintessential molecular signaling event has remained unclear. Here we use atomic-level simulations to elucidate the nucleotide-release mechanism. We find that the G protein α subunit Ras and helical domains—previously observed to separate widely upon receptor binding to expose the nucleotide-binding site—separate spontaneously and frequently even in the absence of a receptor. Domain separation is necessary but not sufficient for rapid nucleotide release. Rather, receptors catalyze nucleotide release by favoring an internal structural rearrangement of the Ras domain that weakens its nucleotide affinity. We use double electron-electron resonance spectroscopy and protein engineering to confirm predictions of our computationally determined mechanism.
Alcohol and Other Drug Problems Among Southeast Asians

ABSTRACT Alcohol abuse and alcoholism are significant problems among Southeast Asians resettled in the United States. Contributing factors include experiences of trauma during the refugee and resettlement experience and traditional beliefs about alcohol as a health-promoting substance. The need for routine screening for alcohol and other drug problems is highlighted and culturally sensitive assessment and intervention methods are described. Clinical vignettes illustrate assessment issues.
Molecular cloning and nucleotide sequence of cDNAs encoding the precursors of rat long chain acyl-coenzyme A, short chain acyl-coenzyme A, and isovaleryl-coenzyme A dehydrogenases. Sequence homology of four enzymes of the acyl-CoA dehydrogenase family.

Abstract cDNAs encoding the entire coding regions of the precursors (p) of rat long chain acyl-CoA (LCAD), short chain acyl-CoA (SCAD) and isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase (IVD) have been cloned and sequenced. Three cDNAs for rat liver LCAD together cover a 1440-base pair region. These cDNAs encode the entire 430-amino acid sequence of pLCAD, including the 30-amino acid leader peptide and the 400-amino acid mature LCAD. A single 1773 base pair cDNA for rat SCAD covers the entire coding region (414 amino acids), including the 26-amino acid leader peptide and the 388-amino acid mature peptide. Four identified IVD cDNAs, when combined, encompass a 2104 base region, and encode 424 amino acids including a 30-amino acid leader peptide and the 394-amino acid mature peptide. The identities of all cDNA clones have been confirmed by matching the amino acid sequences predicted from the respective cDNAs to the amino-terminal and tryptic peptide sequences derived from the corresponding purified rat enzyme. Comparison of the sequences of four rat acyl-CoA dehydrogenases, including LCAD, MCAD, SCAD, and IVD, and two of their human counterparts (MCAD and SCAD) reveals a high degree of homology (57 invariant and 92 near invariant residues: 30.6-35.4% of identical residues in pairwise comparisons), suggesting that these enzymes belong to a gene family and have evolved from a common ancestral gene.
NO-mediated activation of heme oxygenase: endogenous cytoprotection against oxidative stress to endothelium

We investigated the effect of nitric oxide (NO) on the induction of the stress protein heme oxygenase and its protective role in vascular endothelial cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide. Treatment of porcine aortic endothelial cells for 6 h with the NO-releasing compounds (0.1-1 mM) sodium nitroprusside (SNP), S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), and 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1) resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in heme oxygenase activity. At 1 mM, the activity of heme oxygenase was augmented 8.5-fold with SNP, 5.8-fold with SNAP, and 5.7-fold with SIN-1 over the control value. In contrast, endothelial cells exposed to 100 microM S-bromoguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, a tissue-permeable analogue that mimics the action of guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, did not show any change in heme oxygenase activity. Activation of the inducible NO synthase by the synergistic action of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (250 ng/ml) and interferon-gamma (100 U/ml) also increased endothelial heme oxygenase activity by 3.2-fold (P < 0.05 vs control). Methylene blue (1 microM), an inhibitor of both NO synthase and guanylate cyclase activities, completely abolished this effect. Cells previously exposed to SNAP and SIN-1 exhibited a significant protection against the cytotoxicity mediated by hydrogen peroxide (250 microM) (P < 0.05). Conversely, SNP did not show any protective effects, possibly because of catalytic iron released during its chemical decomposition. In fact, the iron chelator deferoxamine (5 mM) completely suppressed the SNP-mediated cytotoxicity and partially attenuated the activity of heme oxygenase to a level equal to that mediated by SIN-1 and SNAP. These results indicate that NO is a determinant in the modulation of the activity of heme oxygenase leading to a major resistance of the endothelium to oxidative stress.
Electrically active polymers: an overview

The advent of organic materials for electroluminescent devices has allowed a wide variety of applications in displays, communications, sensors, and the like. The demonstration of organic magnetic materials has offered the challenge of finding polymer (organic) materials in which there is sufficient electronic exchange as well as stability, both thermally and chemically. The intrinsically conductive and semiconductive polymers have allowed designers the liberties of flexibility and conductivity to meet needs from batteries to solar cells. This paper gives an overview of this search past, present, and future and the synthesis of promising new complex polymer building blocks which can yield conductive, semiconductive, luminescent, ferro-, ferri-, and superparamagnetic materials for devices of the future in power, storage, displays, and communications devices. The use of these materials to produce electrically active polymeric materials has changed our way of thinking about how to fabricate devices with properties hertofore unrealizable.
Coherence and the judgment of spatial displacements in retinitis pigmentosa.

Abstract We used a motion coherence paradigm to test the hypothesis that patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) have difficulty discriminating the direction of spatial displacements because of a random loss of motion-sensitive units owing to cone photoreceptor dropout. Minimum ( D min ) and maximum ( D max ) displacement thresholds of patients with typical RP or Usher syndrome were compared with those of age-similar, visually normal subjects. Two-frame random dot cinematograms were used, in which a group of target dots, which comprised 40–100% of the dot array in steps of 20%, were displaced in one of four directions, whereas the non-target dots were randomly repositioned between frames. Reducing the dot coherence in this way increased D min and reduced D max for both the RP patients and control subjects. Furthermore, the displacement thresholds of the RP patients were displaced laterally from normal along a log coherence axis, consistent with the hypothesis that the patients had a reduced effective (intrinsic) coherence. However, the displacement thresholds of control subjects, when measured at a reduced coherence, did not mimic those of RP patients at full coherence when both groups were tested with a range of dot contrasts and dot areas. These apparently discrepant findings can be reconciled if it is assumed that the patients’ effective coherence varies with stimulus visibility.
Epigenetic lesions causing genetic lesions in human cancer: promoter hypermethylation of DNA repair genes

The existence of genetic alterations affecting genes involved in cellular proliferation and death, such as TP53 and K-ras, is one of the most common features of tumour cells. Recently, gene inactivation by promoter hypermethylation has been demonstrated. Methylation is the main epigenetic modification in mammals and abnormal methylation of the CpG islands located in the promoter region of the genes leads to transcriptional silencing. Examples include the p16INK4a, p15INK4B, p14ARF, Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL), the oestrogen and progesterone receptors, E-cadherin, death associated protein (DAP) kinase and the first tumour suppressor gene described, retinoblastoma (Rb) gene. In most cases, methylation involves loss of expression, absence of a coding mutation and restoration of transcription by the use of demethylating agents. However, is there a linkage between genetic and epigenetic alterations? Our results show one side of this puzzle demonstrating that epigenetic lesions drive genetic lesions in cancer. Four specific epigenetic lesions, promoter hypermethylation of the DNA mismatch repair gene hMLH1, the DNA alkyl-repair gene O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), the detoxifier glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) and the familial breast cancer gene BRCA1 may lead to four specific genetic lesions, microsatellite instability, G to A transitions, steroid-related adducts and double-strand breaks in DNA. This is probably only the beginning of an extensive list of epigenetic events that change and make the genetic environment of the transformed cell unstable.
Genetic co-variation of survivorship and other fitness indices in Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract Adult longevity is genetically correlated with larval viability and developmental rate, and with adult fecundity and reproductive homeostatic ability in Drosophila melanogaster. More longevous strains are more viable as larvae and are more able to maintain high levels of fecundity throughout life, with less variation in fecundity due to environmental variation, than are less longevous strains. These results suggest that longevity is directly related to reproductive or Malthusian fitness and to homeostatic ability, and that natural selection must favor the evolutionary accumulation of longevity assurance factors in Drosophila melanogaster.
Stellar activity at radio wavelengths

Hundreds of stars have now been detected at radio wavelengths. At least four processes are believed to cause the radio emission: thermal bremsstrahlung, gyrosynchrotron, cyclotron maser, and plasma radiation. Here the characteristics of the various classes of detected stars are reviewed, along with the putative reasons for the radio emission. The classes of stars described include: single stars, binaries containing two main sequences and/or giant stars, binaries containing one white dwarf, and binaries containing one neutron star or black hole.
High temperature lithium/sulfide batteries

Abstract Bipolar LiAl/FeS and LiAl/FeS2 batteries are being developed for electric vehicle (EV) applications by Argonne National Laboratory. Current technology employs a two-phase Li alloy negative electrode, low melting point LiCl—rich LiClLiBrKBr molten salt electrolyte, and either an FeS or an upper-plateau (UP) FeS2 positive electrode. These components are assembled in an “electrolyte-starved” bipolar cell configuration. Use of the two-phase Li alloy (α + β LiAl and Li5Al5Fe2) negative electrode provides in situ overcharge tolerance that renders the bipolar design viable. Employing LiCl rich LiClLiBrKBr electrolyte in “electrolyte-starved” cells achieves low-burdened cells that possess low area-specific impedance; comparable to that of flooded cells using LiClLiBrKBr eutectic electrolyte. The combination of dense U.P. FeS2 electrodes and low-melting electrolyte produces a stable and reversible couple, achieving over 1000 cycles in flooded cells, with high power capabilities. In addition, a family of stable chalcogenide ceramic/sealant materials was developed that produce high-strength bonds between a variety of metals and ceramics, which renders lithium/iron sulfide bipolar stacks practical. Bipolar LiAl/FeS and LiAl/FeS2 cells and four-cell stacks using these seals are being built and tested in the 13 cm diameter size for EV applications. To date, LiAl/FeS cells have achieved 240 W kg−1 power at 80% depth of discharge (DOD) and 130 Wh kg−1 energy at the 25 W kg−1 rate. LiAl/FeS2 cells have attained 400 W kg−1 power at 80% DOD and 180 Wh kg−1 energy at the 30 W kg−1 rate. When cell performance characteristics are used to model full-scale EV and hybrid vehicle (HV) batteries, they are projected to meet or exceed the performance requirements for a large variety of EV and HV applications.
Whitehead’s “Actual Occasion”

In Whitehead’s philosophy, as this was developed in Process and Reality and in his later works, the “actual occasion” is presented as the pivotal actuality in the world and in human experience.
Parallel unstructured volume rendering in ParaView

ParaView is a popular open-source general-purpose scientific visualization application. One of the many visualization tools available within ParaView is the volume rendering of unstructured meshes. Volume rendering is a technique that renders a mesh as a translucent solid, thereby allowing the user to see every point in three-dimensional space simultaneously. Because volume rendering is computationally intensive, ParaView now employs a unique parallel rendering algorithm to speed the processes. The parallel rendering algorithm is very flexible. It works equally well for both volumes and surfaces, and can properly render the intersection of a volume and opaque polygonal surfaces. The parallel rendering algorithm can also render images for tiled displays. In this paper, we explore the implementation of parallel unstructured volume rendering in ParaView.
Influence of Aboveground Biomass Removal on Nitrogen Mineralization in a Restored Tallgrass Prairie

Prescribed burning in prairies influences soil nitrogen (N), which is the primary nutrient that limits plant growth and is an important factor in plant competition and diversity. The primary objective of the experiment described here was to better understand the changes in net N mineralization that occur after a fire. We compared soil properties after a fire with those following vegetation removal by mowing and raking in a restored prairie in southeastern Minnesota. The treatments occurred in the spring of two consecutive years. Calcium oxide, burnt lime, was added to some of the raked plots in the first year to mimic the deposition of basic cations during a fire, which cause an increase in soil pH. Aboveground biomass removal by raking or by burning had similar effects on soil moisture, temperature, and inorganic N. The removal treatments caused warmer and drier soil than in the untreated plots. The change in net N mineralization after raking was unaffected by the addition of lime. In the first year, with low rainfall, removal caused net N mineralization rates similar to those in the untreated controls, but during the second year, with heavy rainfall, net N mineralization rates were significantly higher after removal. We predict that if water is sufficient, increased soil temperature after biomass removal will increase soil microbial activity and net N mineralization, but during drought, water will limit microbial activity. Furthermore, depending on soil N concentrations, which are very high at this study site, altered soil microbial activity will have variable effects on net N mineralization.
COMNET III: object-oriented network performance prediction

COMNET III predicts the performance of communication networks using object-oriented simulation analysis. No programming is requires to use the standard package. For situations where a developer wishes to customize or fine-tune some aspects of the standard model, a MODSIM-based object-oriented development environment is provided for overriding the behaviour of COMNET III objects. Model builders can add parameterized objects or their own customized objects to object libraries. COMNET III provides an integrated graphical environment for model creation, execution and analysis that permits interaction with the model while it executes. In addition to modelling the operation of a network and its protocols in satisfying demands for data transport, COMNET III also models the scheduling of applications on end-systems and the use of processing, storage and transport resources during application execution. A COMNET III model may consist of hierarchically-defined subnetworks.