cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Framework for Spatial-Temporal Cross-Functional Planning of Projects by Highway Agencies

State highway agencies (SHAs) are tasked with providing short- to long-term plans for developing and maintaining transportation infrastructure. In line with this task, often multiple functional groups in SHAs are responsible for allocating funds from multiple categories to a range of infrastructure assets on the same network—a situation that demands highly effective platforms for collaboration. However, the use of heterogeneous information systems challenges efforts to perform a spatial-temporal analysis of candidate projects proposed by these functional groups. To address this challenge, this paper proposes an integrated framework to improve the collaborative planning of highway projects by SHAs. The major steps in the framework include budgeting, identifying and integrating candidate projects, performing a spatial conflict analysis, classifying conflicts, and developing a response action. These steps are repeated iteratively until there are no unplanned spatial conflicts in the final program or scenario. The proposed framework was implemented by developing a tool in a spreadsheet environment via Visual Basic programming. The developed tool was first validated via a Charrette test involving ten participants with a total of close to forty years of project management experience in cross-functional organizations. The second phase of validation involved feedback from six agency experts after case demonstration involving 340 highway projects. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing an integrated platform for different functional groups in SHAs to collaborate more effectively.
Role of Gamma-Carboxyglutamic Acid (GLA) Domain in Phosphatidylserine (PS)-Regulated Activity of Factor IXa.

Abstract Both factors Xa and IXa are vitamin-K-dependent serine proteases that consist of disulfide-linked heavy and light chains. The heavy chain contains the serine protease active site, while the light chain contains the GLA (gamma-carboxyglutamic acid) domain, EGF-I (epidermal growth factor-like region) and EGF-II domains. Effect of PS on FXa: We have extensively studied the interaction of factor Xa with 1, 2-dicaproyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine (C6PS). C6PS is a soluble analogue of phosphatidylserine, which is present in platelet membranes; it serves as a model for the effect of membrane-bound PS on factor Xa activity and structure. We located three C6PS binding sites to different domains of factor Xa using a combination of activity, circular dichroism, fluorescence, and equilibrium dialysis measurements, showing that : i. the Gla domain binds C6PS only in the absence of calcium (kd ∼ 1 mM); ii. a calcium-dependent, regulatory, PS-binding site exists in the EGFN domain when linked by calcium to the Gla domain; and iii. a second calcium-requiring site exists in the EGFC-catalytic domains and shares residues with the substrate recognition site. We have shown that full functional response to C6PS requires linkage of the Gla, EGFNC, and catalytic domains in the presence of calcium. Recently we have observed that the proteolytic activity of des EGFN factor Xa is not affected in the presence of C6PS, locating more precisely a significant component of the PS-triggered regulatory site to the EGFN domain. Efect of PS on FIXa: We have previously reported that C6PS induces a calcium-dependent conformational change in factor IXa that regulates the amidolytic and proteolytic activities. We have also shown that factor IXa binds 2 molecules of C6PS. Here we have examined the role of the GLA domain in this C6PS regulation of factor IXa using a GLA-domainless variant of factor IXa (GD-IXa). In the absence of the GLA domain, binding to C6PS has no effect on the rate of proteolytic or amidolytic activity of GD-IXa toward both factor X and synthetic substrates. The binding of C6PS to GD-IXa studied using intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence (Kd = ∼50μM) was different from that for native factor IXa (Kd = ∼2μM). The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of C6PS under the conditions of these experiments (∼300μM) was much greater than the C6PS concentrations used in our experiments. We conclude that: 1. C6PS does bind to GD-IXa, but at a reduced affinity compared to factor IXa; 2. C6PS does not regulate the amidolytic or proteolytic activities of factor IXa in the absence of GLA domain. This could be due to two C6PS sites existing in FIXa, with the regulatory site requiring the Gla domain (as observed for FXa), or to a requirement for the Gla domain for the regulatory activity of a single site. Future studies looking at the stoichiometry of binding of C6PS with GD-IXa will help distinguish between these possibilities. Supported by Supported by NHLBI (HL 072827).
Influences of age and pubertal status on number of perineuronal nets in the rat medial prefrontal cortex

Abstract The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is a late developing region of the cortex, and its protracted maturation during adolescence may confer a period of plasticity. Closure of critical, or sensitive, periods in sensory cortices coincides with perineuronal net (PNN) expression, leading to enhanced inhibitory function and synaptic stabilization. PNN density is known to increase across adolescence in the male rodent medial PFC (mPFC). However, the trajectory of female PNN development has not been explored nor has the potential role of pubertal onset in PNN expression. Here, we examined rats at four time points spanning adolescent development to quantify the number of PNNs in the mPFC, as well as the total volume of the prefrontal white matter. Additionally, because puberty coincides with broad behavioral and neuroanatomical changes, we collected tissue from age-matched pre- and post- pubertal siblings within a litter. Results indicate that both males and females show an increase the total number of mPFC PNNs and in white matter under the mPFC between postnatal day (P) 30 and P60. Male puberty did not affect PNNs, while female pubertal onset led to an abrupt decrease in the total number of PNNs that persisted through mid-adolescence before increasing at P60. This decrease in female rats may indicate a difference in timing of maximal plasticity between the sexes during adolescence.
Fully-sequential space-filling design algorithms for computer experiments

Fully-sequential (i.e., with design points added one-at-a-time) space-filling designs are useful for global surrogate modeling of expensive computer experiments when the number of design points req...
FORENSIC: an Online Platform for Fecal Source Identification

Sewage overflows, agricultural runoff, and stormwater discharges introduce fecal pollution into surface waters. Distinguishing these sources is critical for evaluating water quality and formulating remediation strategies. With the falling costs of sequencing, microbial community-based water quality assessment tools are under development. However, their application is limited by the need to build reference libraries, which requires extensive sampling of sources and bioinformatic expertise. Here, we introduce FORest Enteric Source IdentifiCation (FORENSIC; https://forensic.sfs.uwm.edu/), an online, library-independent source tracking platform based on random forest classification and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequences to identify in environmental samples common fecal contamination sources, including humans, domestic pets, and agricultural animals. FORENSIC relies on a broad reference signature database of Bacteroidales and Clostridiales, two predominant bacterial groups that have coevolved with their hosts. As a result, these groups demonstrate cohesive and reliable assemblage patterns within mammalian species or among species sharing the same diet/physiology. We created a scalable and extensible platform that we tested for global applicability using samples collected in distant geographic locations. This Web application offers a fast and intuitive approach for fecal source identification, particularly in sewage-contaminated waters.IMPORTANCE FORENSIC is an online platform to identify sources of fecal pollution without the need to create reference libraries. FORENSIC is based on the ability of random forest classification to extract cohesive source microbial signatures to create classifiers despite individual variability and to detect the signatures in environmental samples. We primarily focused on defining sewage signals, which are associated with a high human health risk in polluted waters. To test for fecal contamination sources, the platform only requires paired-end reads targeting the V4 or V6 regions of the 16S rRNA gene. We demonstrated that we could use V4V5 reads trimmed to the V4 positions to generate the reference signature. The systematic workflow we describe to create and validate the signatures could be applied to many disciplines. With the increasing gap between advancing technology and practical applications, this platform makes sequence-based water quality assessments accessible to the public health and water resource communities.
Simulation Modeling and Line Loss Research Based on Typical Urban Distract Area

At present, there are few simulation models in the research area of transformer district and the main research directions of Pscad-based simulation modeling are in the direction of microgrid and wind power photovoltaic. Since the line area will operate under different working conditions such as different distribution capacity, line parameters and number of users, the line loss will change accordingly. Therefore, it is necessary to build a multi-case simulation platform for line loss in the station area. Based on the massive historical data of typical stations, the design and development of multi-case experimental simulation system in the station area, and the establishment of a software simulation experiment platform, so that it is fully equipped with adjustable capabilities, can fully simulate the operating status of typical urban transformer district.
The science behind vaccine use

Abstract: Vaccines stimulate both innate and adaptive immunity. Innate immune responses promote the response of the adaptive immune system to vaccine antigens. Injected antigens are captured and processed by dendritic cells. This antigen is processed and presented to helper T cells. These, in turn, trigger either a B cell response to make antibodies or a T cell response to generate cell-mediated immunity. Inactivated vaccine antigens are treated as exogenous antigens and trigger a response that is predominantly antibody mediated. Modified live vaccine antigens are treated as endogenous antigens and trigger cell-mediated responses. Both types of vaccine trigger a long-lasting memory cell response that results in prolonged protection against infection.
Tropical Moscow. Narratives of Deep Time in Nineteenth-Century Russia

Abstract The article focuses on the vast topic of geology as it appears in various texts in Russian literature of the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as in art. Among other matters, Theory of Earth, “geognosy” and “stratigraphy” are analyzed along with a large number of literary examples and intercultural parallels. The article includes several historical illustrations.
Biplane Imaging Using Portable Ultrasound Devices for Vascular Access

The use of ultrasound guidance for the placement of difficult IVs, arterial lines, and central venous access has become the standard of care. While imaging quality has improved over the last two decades, the lack of affordability, availability, and training have been major limitations in its routine clinical use. We detail the first reported use of biplane imaging using a portable ultrasound probe for difficult vascular access to increase first past success, efficiency, safety, and sterility during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Amplitude death, oscillation death, and periodic regimes in dynamically coupled Landau–Stuart oscillators with and without distributed delay

Abstract The effects of a distributed ’weak generic kernel’ delay on dynamically coupled Landau–Stuart limit cycle oscillators are considered. The system is closed via the ’linear chain trick’ and the linear stability analysis of the system and conditions for Hopf bifurcations that initiate oscillations are investigated. After reformulation, the effect of the weak generic kernel delay turns out to be mathematically similar to the linear augmentation scheme considered earlier for coupled oscillator systems. For our coupled Landau–Stuart oscillators the distributed delay produces transitions from amplitude death (AD) or oscillation death (OD) to periodic behavior via Hopf Bifurcations, with the delayed limit cycle shrinking or growing as the delay is varied towards or away from the bifurcation point respectively. The transition from AD to OD occurs here via a supercritical pitchfork bifurcation, as also seen previously for some other couplings. In addition, the dynamically coupled Landau–Stuart system has a secondary limit cycle emerging within the OD parameter regime, in contrast to other couplings and systems studied earlier. The various transitions among AD, OD and periodic domains that we observe are more intricate than the simple AD states, and the rough boundaries of the parameter regimes where they occur, predicted by linear stability analysis and experimentally verified in earlier work on dynamically coupled systems. Also, although our delayed system mathematically resembles linear augmentation schemes used earlier, the numerical searches here reveal more complex transitions among various dynamical regimes than the direct AD and OD found in those studies.
Publicly Reported Patient Satisfaction Scores in Academic Otolaryngology Departments.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Despite controversy regarding their impact and validity, there is a rising national focus on patient satisfaction scores (PSS). We describe the landscape of online PSS as posted by academic otolaryngology practices. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cross-sectional study. METHODS Websites of academic otolaryngology programs were reviewed for PSS scores, provider type, and geographic location. Gender was determined by picture or profile pronouns. Years of experience were determined by year of initial American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery certification. We defined PSS derived from Press-Ganey or Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems surveys as "standardized PSS". We determined potential associations between provider characteristics and standardized PSS. RESULTS Out of 115 Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery academic programs, 40 (35%) posted a total of 64,638 online PSS surveys (nonstandardized plus standardized) of 507 unique otolaryngology care providers. Standardized PSS were posted for 473 providers (370 [78%] male; 446 physicians; 27 advanced practice providers). Median overall standardized PSS was 4.8 (interquartile range 4.7-4.9; range 3.8-5.0). PSS were similar between gender, provider type, and years of experience. Male providers had more surveys than female providers (149 vs. 93; P < .01). There was a linear relationship between number of surveys and years of experience (P < .01), but no relationship between number of surveys and overall standardized PSS. CONCLUSIONS Patient satisfaction with otolaryngology providers at academic institutions is consistently high, as demonstrated by high online PSS with little variability. The limited variation in PSS may limit their usefulness in differentiating providers and quality of care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA Laryngoscope, 131:2204-2210, 2021.
CT prediction of the Fuhrman grade of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC): towards the development of computer-assisted diagnostic method

There are distinct quantifiable features characterizing renal cell carcinomas on contrast-enhanced CT examinations, such as peak tumor enhancement, tumor heterogeneity, and percent contrast washout. While qualitative visual impressions often suffice for diagnosis, quantitative metrics if developed and validated can add to the information available from standard of care diagnostic imaging. The purpose of this study is to assess the use of quantitative enhancement metrics in predicting the Fuhrman grade of clear cell RCC. 65 multiphase CT examinations with clear cell RCCs were utilized, 44 tumors with Fuhrman grades 1 or 2 and 21 tumors with grades 3 or 4. After tumor segmentation, the following data were extracted: histogram analysis of voxel-based whole lesion attenuation in each phase, enhancement and washout using mean, median, skewness, kurtosis, standard deviation, and interquartile range. Statistically significant difference was observed in 4 measured parameters between grades 1–2 and grades 3–4: interquartile range of nephrographic attenuation values, standard deviation of absolute enhancement, as well as interquartile range and standard deviation of residual nephrographic enhancement. Interquartile range of nephrographic attenuation values was 292.86 HU for grades 1–2 and 241.19 HU for grades 3–4 (p value 0.02). Standard deviation of absolute enhancement was 41.26 HU for grades 1–2 and 34.66 HU for grades 3–4 (p value 0.03). Interquartile range was 297.12 HU for residual nephrographic enhancement for grades 1–2 and 235.57 HU for grades 3–4 (p value 0.02), and standard deviation of the same was 42.45 HU for grades 1–2 and 37.11 for grades 3–4 (p value 0.04). Our results indicate that absolute enhancement is more heterogeneous for lower grade tumors and that attenuation and residual enhancement in nephrographic phase is more heterogeneous for lower grade tumors. This represents an important step in devising a predictive non-invasive model to predict the nucleolar grade.
Drug interactions with ethanol. Effects on body temperature and motor impairment.

Abstract Single doese of d-amphetamine, chlorpheniramine or diazepam were combined with ethanol under two conditions: (i) in drug-naive mice and (ii) in mice which had been given a single dose of ethanol 72 hr previously. Ethanol was administered orally at doses of 6.0, 3.0 or 1.5 g/kg; doses of d-amphetamine, chlorpheniramine or diazepam were given intraperitoneally. Three parameters were measured; changes in rectal temperature, forced motor coordination, as evaluated by rotarod performance and concentrations of ethanol in blood. d-Amphetamine and chlorpheniramine attenuated the hypothermia induced by ethanol but had no effect on the motor-impairing effect of ethanol. Hypothermia induced by diazepam was unaffected by ethanol, but the combination appeared to impair maximally rotarod performance. Concentrations of ethanol in blood did not differ between ethanol-naive mice and mice which had received the same dose of ethanol 72 hr previously. Changes in body temperature and intoxication have been attributed to central actions of ethanol; however, the differential results obtained from the interactions between these drugs suggest differing sensitivities of the various systems which are affected by ethanol.
Fatty Acids from Vegetative Cells and Spores of Bacillus stearothermophilus

In spores of Bacillus stearothermophilus produced at 45 and 55 C, branched-chain fatty acids predominated in the former and straight-chain acids in the latter.
2003 in Review: A Synthesis of the Special Education Technology Literature

Despite ready access to technology and the overwhelming amount of information available via the World Wide Web, the professional journal continues to serve as a critical source of information used by researchers and practitioners to stay apprised of current developments in their discipline. To facilitate use of the extant knowledge base, this study utilized research synthesis methods to examine two questions: How widely scattered is the literature on special education technology? and What did we learn in 1999? The table of contents for all 1999 issues of 26 journals in special education technology, special education, and educational technology were studied. The procedures yielded a corpus of 788 articles of which 114 articles (14%) were judged as contributing to the emerging knowledge base on special education technology research and practice and therefore relevant for this review. Analysis of the literature scatter revealed that 92% of the relevant literature could be found in 12 journals and that a core...
Mean-field Monte Carlo method for many-body ground states

A method is described for calculating the exact ground state energy of a many-body system, whether fermion or boson. The Hubbard-Stratonovich representation of the imaginary-time many-body propagator is used to express the ground-state energy as a ratio of two functional integrals. When discretized on a space-time mesh, the Monte-Carlo evaluation of this ratio is equivalent to many TDHF evolutions of the system in a random mean-field. The method is illustrated by application to a many-boson system in one dimension with a zero-range two-body interaction.
A length-scale model for developing turbulent flow in a rectangular duct

A three-dimensional mixing length model is proposed for modeling local Reynolds stress behavior in rectangular ducts of arbitrary aspect ratio. The model is applicable to both developing and fully-developed flows, and can be applied to other 90-degree corner flows with mild streamwise pressure gradients. Comparisons between theory and experiment show that all components of the Reynolds stress tensor are modeled reasonably well, both in the vicinity of a corner and in two-dimensional regions away from the corner.
Spatial-mode multicasting of a single 100-Gbit/s orbital angular momentum (OAM) mode onto multiple OAM modes

A method of spatial mode multicasting in OAM modes spatial-division multiplexing is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. By designing the phase pattern of a phase-only spatial light modulator, the input single spatial mode of 100Gbits/s QPSK signal can be multicasted up to 8 spatial OAM modes with crosstalk lower than -20dB.
Variable protection of β3-integrin–deficient mice from thrombosis initiated by different mechanisms

Platelet integrin αIIbβ3 (GPIIb/IIIa) plays a central role in the initiation of arterial thrombosis, but its contribution to disseminated microvascular thrombosis is less well defined. Therefore, wild-type mice (β3+/+), β3-integrin–deficient mice (β3−/−), and wild-type mice treated with a hamster monoclonal antibody (1B5) that blocks murine αIIbβ3 function were tested in models of large-vessel and microvascular thrombosis. In the large-vessel model, ferric chloride was used to injure the carotid artery, and the time to thrombosis was measured. In β3+/+mice, the median time to occlusion was 6.7 minutes, whereas occlusion did not occur in any of the β3−/− mice tested (P
Sodium-coupled amino acid transport in renal tubule

Amino acids are reabsorbed from the tubular lumen by a saturable, carrier-mediated, concentrative transport mechanism driven by a Na+ electrochemical gradient across the luminal membrane. This process is followed by efflux mainly via carrier-mediated, Na+-independent facilitated diffusion across the basolateral membrane. Individual amino acids may have two or more Na+-dependent transport systems with different kinetic characteristics along the luminal membrane of the proximal tubule, thereby enabling very efficient amino acid reabsorption. Dual Na+-coupled transport pathways for some amino acids located in both the luminal and the peritubular membranes may operate in concert to provide the tubular epithelial cell with essential nutrients. One or more Na+ ions, H+, Cl- and in the case of acidic amino acids, K+ ion, may be involved in the translocation of the carrier complex. For most amino acids this process is electrogenic positive, favored by a negative cell interior. At least seven distinct, but largely interacting, Na+-dependent amino acid transport systems have been identified in the brush border membrane. A diet-induced adaptation in Na+-coupled taurine transport and acidosis-induced adaptive response in Na+-dependent glutamine transport are expressed at the luminal and the basolateral membrane surfaces, respectively. The aminoaciduria of early life may be related to a rapid dissipation of the Na+ electrochemical gradient necessary for amino acid reabsorption.
The woodwork effect in medicaid long-term services and supports.

This paper examines annual real per capita Medicaid long-term services and supports (LTSS) expenditures (in 2010 $) over the period 1995 to 2010. Medicaid community LTSS expenditures increased substantially. If that trend constituted a woodwork effect, expenditures on institutional services should have declined more slowly than community expenditures increased, resulting in total expenditures increasing over time. Such a woodwork effect is observed for the population with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) but not for the non-IDD population, composed of persons with disabilities other than IDD, including older persons. During this time period, the goals for serving people with IDD changed; institutional and community cost-neutrality rules were relaxed (and with that concerns over a woodwork effect), and instead goals of community involvement and participation were emphasized for all eligible persons. For the non-IDD population, tighter adherence to cost-neutrality rules and controls over nu...
Effects of doxycycline on human prostate cancer cells in vitro

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in older men and the major cause of death from prostate cancer is metastatic disease. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a significant role in the growth, invasion and metastasis of many tumors, including those of the prostate. We previously demonstrated that doxycycline, a synthetic tetracycline, inhibits MMPs and cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in several cancer cell lines. We also demonstrated that in an in vivo model of metastatic breast cancer in athymic mice doxycycline inhibits tumor size and regrowth after resection. In the present study, gelatinolytic activity in the human prostate cancer cell line, LNCaP, was suppressed and significant inhibition of cell growth occurred after exposure to 5 or 10 microg/ml of doxycycline, while cell growth was normal in untreated cells. Radioisotope incorporation into proteins was reduced by doxycycline. DNA fragmentation, consistent with apoptosis, was demonstrated in cells treated with doxycycline. These data suggest that doxycycline may have potential utility in the management of prostate cancer.
DECOMPOSITION OF PLANNING SYSTEMS

While Dantzig and Wolfe have formulated the decomposition algorithm as a computational device, it was subsequently recognized that the principle underlying the algorithm may also be utilized by a planning system to achieve a centralized planning within the framework of a decentralized organizational structure. This paper illustrates the workings of such a planning system and, at the same time, explores some of the problems connected with its actual implementation. The planning system under the study is called the decomposed planning system in order to distinguish it from either the centralized planning or the decentralized planning.
Thermal response of synchronous CHO cells with different shapes.

This study examines the differential heat sensitivity of rounded suspension cells versus flattened monolayer cells. G, populations of two different Chinese hamster ovary lines were used to eliminate possible cell cycle artifacts. The cell populations were heated at 43 and 45d`C. In all cases, cells treated in suspension were less sensitive to heat killing than cells treated as monolayers.
Structure of the enzyme-acyl carrier protein (ACP) substrate gatekeeper complex required for biotin synthesis.

Although the pimeloyl moiety was long known to be a biotin precursor, the mechanism of assembly of this C7 α,ω-dicarboxylic acid was only recently elucidated. In Escherichia coli, pimelate is made by bypassing the strict specificity of the fatty acid synthetic pathway. BioC methylates the free carboxyl of a malonyl thioester, which replaces the usual acetyl thioester primer. This atypical primer is transformed to pimeloyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) methyl ester by two cycles of fatty acid synthesis. The question is, what stops this product from undergoing further elongation? Although BioH readily cleaves this product in vitro, the enzyme is nonspecific, which made assignment of its physiological substrate problematical, especially because another enzyme, BioF, could also perform this gatekeeping function. We report the 2.05-A resolution cocrystal structure of a complex of BioH with pimeloyl-ACP methyl ester and use the structure to demonstrate that BioH is the gatekeeper and its physiological substrate is pimeloyl-ACP methyl ester.
Spelling correction in systems programs

Several specialized techniques are shown for efficiently incorporating spelling correction algorithms into compilers and operating systems. These include the use of syntax and semantics information, the organization of restricted keyword and symbol tables, and the consideration of a limited class of spelling errors. Sample 360 coding for performing spelling correction is presented. By using systems which perform spelling correction, the number of debugging runs per program has been decreased, saving both programmer and machine time.
The RNA-binding protein Celf6 is highly expressed in diencephalic nuclei and neuromodulatory cell populations of the mouse brain

The gene CUG-BP, Elav-like factor 6 (CELF6) appears to be important for proper functioning of neurocircuitry responsible for behavioral output. We previously discovered that polymorphisms in or near CELF6 may be associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in humans and that the deletion of this gene in mice results in a partial ASD-like phenotype. Here, to begin to understand which circuits might mediate these behavioral disruptions, we sought to establish in what structures, with what abundance, and at which ages Celf6 protein is present in the mouse brain. Using both a knockout-validated antibody to Celf6 and a novel transgenic mouse line, we characterized Celf6 expression in the mouse brain across development. Celf6 gene products were present early in neurodevelopment and in adulthood. The greatest protein expression was observed in distinct nuclei of the diencephalon and neuromodulatory cell populations of the midbrain and hindbrain, with clear expression in dopaminergic, noradrenergic, histaminergic, serotonergic and cholinergic populations, and a variety of presumptive peptidergic cells of the hypothalamus. These results suggest that disruption of Celf6 expression in hypothalamic nuclei may impact a variety of behaviors downstream of neuropeptide activity, while disruption in neuromodulatory transmitter expressing areas such as the ventral tegmental area, substantia nigra, raphe nuclei and locus coeruleus may have far-reaching influences on overall brain activity.
Iron complexes of new pentadentate ligands containing the 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4-diacetate motif. spectroscopic, electro-, and photochemical studies.

Three new pentadentate, pendent arm macrocycles containing the 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4-diacetate motif have been synthesized, and their coordination chemistry with Fe(III) has been investigated. Eight new octahedral Fe(III) complexes containing chloro, azido, or mu-oxo ligands have been synthesized, five of which have been characterized by X-ray crystallography. Spectroscopic characterization of these octahedral Fe(III) complexes by UV-vis, IR, electrochemistry, EPR, magnetic susceptibility, and zero-field Mossbauer measurements firmly establishes the high-spin state of the iron in all complexes. Electrochemistry studies of the azido-Fe(III) complexes show that they can be reversibly oxidized to the corresponding Fe(IV) species at -20 degrees C, and Fe(II), Fe(III), and Fe(IV) species show characteristic IR and UV-vis profiles. Photolysis of one of the azido complexes was studied as a function of temperature (room temperature vs 77 K) and wavelength (480, 419, and 330 nm). Photoreduction to a high-spin Fe(II) species occurs under all conditions, which is proposed to be the dominant photochemical pathway generally available to high-spin ferric azido complexes.
Immunological and redox biomarkers of neutrophils function in HIV/AIDS disease

Previous investigators have shown that HIV/AIDS disease is associated with persistent bacterial and fungal infection which would otherwise be cleared by a functional innate immune system. These observations support the idea that although HIV virus infects only CD4 T cells, the disease leads to an impairment of both innate and adaptive immune system. Our study hypothesizes that HIV disease and specific treatments thereof (e.g., protease inhibitors) modulate the activity of leukocyte subsets that are not conventional targets for HIV infection, most notably neutrophils. Furthermore, leukocyte (neutrophil) redox and/or functional imbalance underlies important events in HIV disease, including appearance of opportunistic infections. This study of Neutrophils activation of HIV infected patient helped revisit current immunometabolic concepts that fail to explain the whole spectrum of symptoms in HIV disease in vivo. It has revealed new knowledge about how redox changes within HIV infection. In doing so, achieved better understanding of innate immune subsets, especially neutrophils, in the context of HIV disease. Indeed, neutrophils may be impacted by HIV disease progression (i.e., in their function and not only their numbers), but also, HIV disease progression may in turn be impacted by neutrophil dysfunction (i.e., I the context of failed innate immune response to opportunistic pathogens). Hence, our study delineates simple whole blood biomarkers that will ameliorate the clinical monitoring and prognostic capabilities in HIV disease. We determined that HIV patients show redox abnormalities (low glutathione, ROS, etc) in neutrophils (and other blood leukocytes), and some functional abnormalities in granulocytes (activation status, phagocytosis, signaling pathways), that associate with disease and treatment history.
Extended families and perceived caregiver support to AIDS orphans in Rakai district of Uganda.

Abstract Purpose To understand the role of extended family in responding to problems of AID-orphaned children and adolescents in Uganda, the study examines who are the primary caregivers of AIDS-orphaned children and adolescents, what are the types of caregiving provided to orphans and whether the quality of caregiving varies by the primary caregiver's gender and type. Methods The study uses bivariate analyses and mixed effects models utilizing baseline data from a cluster randomized experimental design including 283 orphaned adolescents in Uganda. Results The analysis revealed a generally dominating role of female caregivers for both single and double orphans. In the absence of biological parents — as in the case of double orphans — grandparents' role as caregivers prevail. On average, the study participants indicated receiving the high level of perceived caregiver support: the average score of 3.56 out of 4 (95% CI = 3.5, 3.65). Results of mixed effect models (adjusting for school effects) revealed significant differences in perceived caregiver support by caregiver's gender. Compared to their male counterparts, female participants with whom the child/adolescent lives (B = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.11, 0.34) and women who are currently taking care of a child/adolescent (B = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.05, 0.26) provide greater caregiver support as perceived and reported by a child/adolescent. Similarly, female financiers — compared to male source of financial support — provide greater caregiver support as perceived and reported by a child/adolescent (B = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.04, 0.3). Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that extended families are still holding up as an important source of care and support for AIDS orphaned children and adolescents in Uganda. The findings support the argument about importance of matrilineal and grandparental care for AIDS orphans.
On the extended binomial distribution

Abstract An Extended Binomial random variable tallies the number of successes in n dichotomous and independent experiments with unequal probability of success in each trial, however. The paper describes situations where an Extended Binomial distribution arises and suggests an algorithm for computing its values.
Analytic MP2 frequencies without fifth-order storage. Theory and application to bifurcated hydrogen bonds in the water hexamer

Abstract An obstacle to obtaining vibrational frequencies of large molecules via second-order Moller—Plesset (MP2) theory has been the need to store transformed electron repulsion integral derivatives in the molecular orbital (MO) basis. A semi-direct algorithm for eliminating this fifth-order storage is described in which small batches of MO integral derivatives are made at a time, their contributions to the MP2 second derivatives are evaluated, and then they are discarded. No extra computation is required. We locate and characterize a transition structure of the water hexamer cluster which exhibits a bifurcated hydrogen bond structure, at the MP2/6–31 + G* level of theory.
On the conditional equivalence of chemical loading and mechanical loading on articular cartilage

Abstract Osmotic pressure loading of articular cartilage has been customarily invoked to be equivalent to mechanical loading. In the literature, this equivalence is defined by the amount of water squeezed from the tissue, i.e. if the amount of water content lost by these two modes of loading are the same, it has been generally regarded that the two loadings are equivalent. This assumption has never been proven. Using the water content lost concept, in this paper, we derived the exact conditions under which an osmotic pressure loading of cartilage can be considered to be equivalent to a mechanical loading. However, the mechanical loading condition satisfying this equivalancy criterion, i.e. an isotropic loading delivered via a porous–permeable rigid platen uniformily applied all around the specimen, is not practically achievable. Moreover, even if this were achieved experimentally, the interstitial fluid pressure caused by the two loading conditions are not the same. This result has important ramifications for interpretation of experimental data from mechanical stimulations of cartilage explant studies.
On the p-fluorotoluene 2710-Å band system

Abstract The 2710-A electronic band system of p -fluorotoluene vapor has been photographed at high resolution, and new vibronic band measurements are reported. A partial analysis of the vibrational structure in the 2710-A band system shows that there are several groups of strong vibronic bands appearing at multiples of about 400 cm −1 above the origin band. These transitions appear to terminate on strongly coupled vibronic levels involving totally symmetric vibrations of the excited electronic state. The doubled argon laser 5145-A line pumps such vibronically coupled states corresponding to transitions in one of these groups. The free jet laser excitation spectrum of the supercooled molecule was recorded in the region of the doubled argon 5145-A laser line. This spectrum and the static gas spectra show, contrary to assumptions by previous investigators, that the overlap of the doubled 5145-A line with the strong vibronic bands at about 1988 cm −1 above the origin is only partial.
Accommodating uncertainty in software design

Recognition that most software is domain dependent (DD) is extremely important because the most commonly used software life-cycle models are not adequate for DD software. The nature of DD software, and the need to manage its life cycle effectively, calls for a new approach to software design and the implementation of software development environments.
Crystal structure and morphology of poly(ethylene terephthalate) single crystals prepared by melt polymerization

Abstract Lamellar single crystals of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) have been prepared by our confined thin film melt polymerization method between glass at polymerization temperatures of 150° to 225°C. (010) twinned crystals are frequently observed among these lamellae, especially for those prepared at higher temperatures. Based on [001] and [101] electron diffraction patterns, with a total of 25 independent reflections, the lattice parameters are determined as a = 4.657, b = 5.836, c = 10.831 A;α = 96.26°,β = 128.30°, and γ = 106.62° with a calculated density of 1.559 g/cm3 for a “perfect” PET single crystal. Chain packing and molecular conformation in the triclinic unit cell (Pi) were simulated by the Cerius2 modeling software.
Epidemiology can help predict urban water system failures

A broken water pipe can mean flooded streets, damaged property, disrupted traffic, and income loss for local businesses. In the summer of 2009, the water system of Los Angeles experienced an unprecedented 75 of these water main blowouts. Notably, two transmission mains burst just days apart.
Platelet and whole blood serotonin content in depressed inpatients: correlations with acute and life-time psychopathology.

Platelet or whole blood serotonin content did not differ significantly in patients with major depression compared to healthy controls, but within the patient group, platelet serotonin levels correlated negatively with severity of depression (r = -0.49, p = 0.007). Levels were 39% lower in patients who had made a suicide attempt compared to nonattempter patients (47.2 +/- 27.3 versus 77.6 +/- 41.7 ng/10(8) platelets, p = 0.04). Conversely, comorbid borderline personality disorder (85.3 +/- 41.5 ng/10(8) platelets) was associated with 31% greater platelet serotonin content than nonborderline patients (58.9 +/- 31.1 ng/10(8) platelets) and 27% greater than healthy controls (62.4 +/- 19.8 ng/10(8) platelets). A pronounced seasonal variation in whole blood and platelet serotonin content was found in both patients and controls, largely due to lower levels in summer. Excluding cases tested in the summer abolished the statistically significant differences in patients with and without comorbid borderline personality disorder (BPD). Nevertheless, BPD attempters had lower serotonin levels than BPD nonattempters but higher serotonin levels than non-BPD attempters. Current hostility and a life-time history of aggression were positively correlated with platelet serotonin content (r = 0.44, p = 0.04 and r = 0.41, p = 0.06). This study provides evidence for an association between lower platelet serotonin content and depression and suicidal behavior, and association of higher platelet serotonin content and comorbid borderline personality disorder and behavior traits such as aggressivity. Language: en
Asymmetric impacts of two herbivore ecotypes on similar host plants

Ecotypes may arise following allopatric separation from source populations. The simultaneous transfer of an exotic plant to a novel environment, along with its stenophagous herbivore, may complicate more traditional patterns of divergence from the plant and insect source populations. 2. The present study evaluated herbivory effects by two Cyrtobagous salviniae ecotypes on two species of Salvinia :t he largerS. molesta and the smaller S. minima. Evaluations were based on relative growth rates, biomass production, coverage, and nutrient cycling in a series of complementary and comparative laboratory and outdoor tank experiments. 3. In general, the experiment results indicated that the smaller Florida ecotype of C. salviniae impacted both Salvinia species more than the larger Brazil ecotype. Herbivory, especially by the Florida ecotype, also improved water quality and accelerated nutrient cycling by increasing the rates of litterfall from the standing crops of salvinia. 4. The smaller size of the Florida ecotype may be adaptive by allowing maximal exploitation of host plants via internal larval feeding, which presumably reduces predation risk while increasing damage to the plant. These findings provide support for relying on the suppressive effects of the Florida ecotype in Florida, rather than introducing the Brazil ecotype to counter new infestations of S. molesta.
Aqueous-only, pH-induced nanoassembly of dual pKa-driven contraphilic block copolymers

pH-Responsive block copolymers, having two segments with functionalities of differing pKa, were prepared by NMP, providing a “green” route to the assembly of core–shell functionalizable nanostructures.
Chemiionization and ion-molecule reactions in fuel-rich acetylene flames

Abstract The objective of this study is to model the appearance and behavior of combustion-generated ions in rich flames of acetylene. A one-dimensional, laminar, flat flame of acetylene was developed that combines reactions for oxidation, pyrolysis, chemiionization, proton transfer, ion-molecule reactions, and charge recombination relevant to rich acetylene combustion. Four possible chemiionization reactions, CH +O⇄ CHO + + e − CH ∗ + O ⇄ CHO + + e − CH ∗ + C 2 H 2 ⇄C 3 H 3 + + e − C 2 +CH 3 ⇄ C 3 H 3 + + e − are included in the model. Ions other than CHO+ and C3H3+ are assumed to form by proton transfer or by a series of ion-molecute reactions. The proposed model predicts total ion concentrations reasonably well over a wide range of stoichiometries. Total ion concentrations are very sensitive to the rate of the CH∗ + O chemiionization reaction. The dominant ion, C3H3+, is found to be produced from CHO+ by ion-molecule reactions rather than by direct chemiionization. Computations show that only a limited number of ionic reactions are equilibrated in the flames. The ratio of large ions to small ions is predicted to increase sharply as the critical equivalence ratio for soot formation is approached.
The crystal structure of pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase in a closed conformation

Abstract Background: Pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase (PYNP) catalyzes the reversible phosphorolysis of pyrimidines in the nucleotide synthesis salvage pathway. In lower organisms (e.g. Bacillus stearothermophilus ) PYNP accepts both thymidine and uridine, whereas in mammalian and other higher organisms it is specific for thymidine (designated thymidine phosphorylase, TP). PYNP shares 40% sequence similarity (and presumably significant structural similarity) with human TP, which has been implicated as a growth factor in tumor angiogenesis. It is thought that TP undergoes a major conformational change upon substrate binding that consequently produces an active conformation. Results: The crystal structure of PYNP from B. stearothermophilus with the substrate analog pseudouridine in its active site has been solved to 2.1 a resolution. This structure confirms the similarity of PYNP to TP and supports the idea of a closed active conformation, which is the result of rigid body movement of the α and α / β domains. The active-site cleft, where the pyrimidine and phosphate substrates bind, is between the two domains. The structure reveals an asymmetric dimer in which one subunit is fully closed and the other is only partially closed. Conclusions: The closed conformation of PYNP serves as a good model to better understand the domain movement and overall function of TP. Active-site residues are confirmed and a possible mechanism for substrate binding and subsequent domain movement is suggested. Potent inhibitors of TP might have significant therapeutic value in various chemotherapeutic strategies, and the structure of PYNP should provide valuable insight into the rational design of such inhibitors.