cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evasion of protective immunity by Borrelia burgdorferi by truncation of outer surface protein B.

Abstract We analyzed variability in outer surface protein B (OspB) from Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb), the causative agent of Lyme disease, to determine how Bb escapes immune destruction. We have shown that vaccination with OspB from Bb strain B31 protected mice from infection with Bb B31 but not against Bb N40. The present study demonstrates that Bb N40 spirochetes which evade vaccination immunity to OspB have a truncated form of OspB, due to a TAA stop codon at nucleotide 577. In contrast, Bb N40 spirochetes that express full-length OspB are unable to infect mice immunized with OspB, analogous to our previous studies with Bb B31. Mapping of the OspB antibody response shows that epitopes in the C terminus of OspB are surface-exposed and bind protective monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. This suggests that the C terminus of OspB is important for eliciting a protective immune response to OspB. Truncation or modification of outer surface proteins that do not bind protective antibody may be a means by which Bb evades host defenses.
What we have learned about antenatal prediction of neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Abstract When extremely preterm birth is anticipated, a reliable estimate of neonatal outcome is essential for the parents and health care providers who face difficult management decisions. Estimates of birth weight and gestational age are most commonly used for this purpose. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units (NICHD MFMU) Network performed an observational study of data available before delivery of infants with birth weights
Placing Children in Special Education: Some Comments:

grams for the Mentally Retarded (Heller, Holtzman, & Messick, 1982), and the papers by Messick (1983) and by Resnick and Finn (1983) summarizing its conclusions, deserve the careful consideration of many audiences. Educational researchers and practitioners in general as well as in special education, the agencies that fund (or should fund) research in this field, the test publishing organizations, and many groups of public officials, administrators, and concerned citizens, most certainly will benefit from the wise, thought-provoking, and thorough review of the issues addressed.
Determinants and Benefits of Household Level Participation in Rural Drinking Water Projects in India

Abstract Using data from households in 45 villages in rural India, this paper finds that wealth, literacy, household and village size are often determinants of two measures of participation in community-based development projects: meeting attendance and capital cost contributions. Using propensity score matching, this study concludes that participation leads to benefits for the households that participate although these benefits are strongest in regions with higher levels of overall participation. This study finds no evidence of elite capture with both poor and wealthy households benefiting from their participation.
Atmospheric parameterization for model-based thermal infrared atmospheric correction of spectral imagery

Model-based atmospheric correction of multi-spectral and hyperspectral imagery (MSI/HSI) typically involves searching through a look-up table (LUT) of potential atmospheric representations for a best fit, based on some fit criterion. These representations are generated using a radiation transport model such as MODTRAN. The parameter space covered by the LUT is defined to cover the likely atmospheric conditions encountered by the sensor that affect observed radiance over the spectral region covered by the sensor. For instance, aerosols play an important role in the visible through SWIR (450-2500 nm) but a minor role in the thermal IR, where water column content and atmospheric temperature are critical. We investigate the sampling and representation of the atmospheric parameter space in the thermal IR as it effects retrieval of the atmosphere. Using the SMACC convex projection technique we evaluate selection of significant basis members from a broadly-based LUT. We apply SMACC selected endmembers to solve for an arbitrary atmosphere.
BINDING SPECIFICITY AND MODULATION OF THE HUMAN APOCIII PROMOTER ACTIVITY BY HETERODIMERS OF LIGAND-DEPENDENT NUCLEAR RECEPTORS

Human apolipoprotein CIII (apoCIII) is a major determinant of plasma triglyceride metabolism. The regulatory elements that control both hepatic and intestinal transcription of the human apoCIII gene are localized between nucleotides -792 and -25 of the apoCIII promoter. Elements important for apoCIII promoter activity are three hormone response elements (HREs) and three SP1-binding sites. Orphan members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily can bind the HREs and strongly enhance or repress apoCIII promoter activity. In the present study we have investigated the ability of ligand-dependent nuclear hormone receptors to bind and modulate the human apoCIII promoter activity. Experiments using DNA binding and competition assays showed that the proximal element B (-87/-72) binds strongly, in addition to HNF-4, ARP-1, EAR-2, and EAR-3, heterodimers of RXRalpha with RARalpha, and less efficiently, homodimers of RARalpha and heterodimers of RXRalpha with T3Rbeta or PPARalpha. Element G (-669/-648), which was shown previously to bind ARP-1 and EAR-3 but not HNF-4, binds strongly heterodimers of RXRalpha with either RARalpha or T3Rbeta. Finally element I4 (-732/-712), which was shown to bind HNF-4, also binds strongly ARP-1 and EAR-3, as well as RXRalpha/RARalpha heterodimers and less efficiently, RXRalpha/T3Rbeta heterodimers. Methylation interference experiments have identified the protein-DNA interactions between different nuclear receptors and the respective HREs on the apoCIII promoter. RXRalpha/RARalpha heterodimers and HNF-4 homodimers bind to DR-1 motifs on elements B and I4, respectively. RXRalpha/T3Rbeta heterodimers and ARP-1 bind to DR-5 and DR-0 motifs respectively on element G. Cotransfection experiments in HepG2 cells showed that RXRalpha or a combination of RXRalpha and RARalpha increased the apoCIII promoter activity approximately 2-fold in the presence of the ligands 9-cis or all-trans RA. In contrast, a combination of RXRalpha and T3Rbeta transactivated the apoCIII promoter 1.5-fold in the presence of 9-cis RA but it repressed the apoCIII promoter activity in the presence of T3. Mutations in the HREs of elements B, G, or I4 or in the SP1-binding site of element H, which abolished the binding of nuclear hormone receptors or SP1 to their cognate site, reduced the promoter strength and exhibited different responses to the ligand-dependent nuclear receptors. The findings suggest that modulation of the apoCIII promoter activity by orphan and ligand-dependent nuclear receptors involves complex interactions among nuclear receptors, SP1 and possibly other factors bound to the enhancer and the proximal promoter region.
Real Exchange Rate Volatility, Economic Growth and the Euro

This paper studies the impact of real effective exchange rate volatility on economic growth as well as the euro’s impact on real effective exchange rate volatility. We first show that after a plausible endogeneity correction, real effective exchange rate volatility is negatively associated with growth in a 1980~2011 panel of the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries. A one standard deviation volatility decrease is associated with a two percentage points growth increase. Second, we find that the euro adoption was associated with a decline of 0.4 standard deviations in long-run real effective exchange rate volatility before the Great Recession in 2008~2009. Moreover, while the Great Recession increased real effective exchange rate volatility by 38~189% of the sample mean for the countries outside the eurozone, the real effective exchange rate of the euro adopters were almost completely insulated. We conclude that real effective exchange rate stability may be growth-enhancing in the OECD countries and that the euro have played a growth-enhancing role at least before the recent eurozone debt crisis.
Army women's reasons for condom use and nonuse.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine Army women's condom use patterns, reasons for condom use and nonuse, and what is liked about and problems associated with condom use. Methods Army women ( n = 131) from military posts around the country were recruited. The women ranged in age from 18 to 68 years ( M = 30.5, SD = 10.5). The sample was of mixed ethnicity. Questionnaires were distributed by the units and returned directly to the principal investigator. Participants completed a series of anonymous open- and closed-ended questions regarding their experiences with condoms. Closed-ended questions were analyzed with descriptive statistics and open-ended responses were content analyzed (McLaughlin & Marascuilo, 1990). Conclusions Regular condom use was low in this sample. The most often cited responses as to why women liked using condoms included peace of mind, protection, or ease of use. The most cited problems and subsequent disuse included irritation/inflammation, breakage, improper fit, or ruining the moment. Results differed by consistency of condom use. Regular users of condoms reported a lower percentage of problems using condoms.
The availability of life-saving obstetric services in developing countries: an in-depth look at the signal functions for emergency obstetric care.

Objective: This paper examines the frequency with which a set of life-saving interventions or signal functions was performed to treat major obstetric complications. Methods and results: The basic signal functions include parenteral antibiotics, anticonvulsants and oxytocics, and the procedures of manual removal of the placenta, removal of retained uterine products, and assisted vaginal delivery. Comprehensive functions include the six basic functions, cesarean delivery, and blood transfusions. Data from 1906 health facilities in 13 countries indicate that the most likely functions to be reported are oxytocics and antibiotics. The basic function least likely to be reported is assisted vaginal delivery. Many of the facilities surveyed did not have the infrastructure to perform operations or provide blood transfusions. Conclusions: These data can help governments allocate their budgets appropriately, help policy makers and planners identify systemic bottlenecks and prioritize solutions. Monitoring the performance of the functions informs us of the capacity of the health system to provide key interventions when obstetric emergencies occur.
On the interaction of particles and turbulent fluid flow

Abstract A mathematical model for turbulent two-phase flows is proposed to take into account the effects of both mean and turbulent motion of each phase on the other. The modeled conservation equations are based on a Eulerian approach for the gas and a stochastic Lagrangian approach for the particles. These equations are solved numerically to predict a turbulent round gaseous jet laden with solid particles. Results demonstrate that the model is successful in predicting the significant effects of particles on both mean and turbulence quantities of the carrier phase, and the stochastic approach yields reasonably good predictions of the effects of the gas turbulence on particle dispersion.
Initial incision of the lateral pelvic fascia (LPF), development of a “perirectal pocket,” and ligation of the lateral pedicles in reducing positive margins (PM) during radical prostatectomy (RP)

Abstract Introduction: Stephenson and Klein have reported reduced PM rates with modification of RP technique involving early incision of LPF and early release of the prostate off the rectum. We report our experience with this technique with additional modification of early ligation of lateral vascular pedicles during RP. Methods: 100 patients underwent RP by single-surgeon for clinically-localized disease. Initial dissection involved early incision of LPF and development of the prostate-rectal plane prior to apical/urethral dissection. This incision is medial to neurovascular bundles (NVB) in a nerve-sparing procedure. After this plane is developed, the prostatic vascular pedicles are divided. Once these maneuvers are also performed contralaterally, the prostate is lifted off the rectum, and gland held in place only by apex and bladder neck. The apical/urethral dissection is then carried out, followed by dissection/transection of seminal vesicles and bladder neck. Results: Pt characteristics include mean age (61), PSA (8.9), and EBL (502cc). Pathologic stage included T2a (11%), T2b (69%), T3a (17%), T3b (3%), N+ (2%). 20 pts had capsular penetration (CP), at posteriolateral (15) and anterior (5) prostate. Overall PM rate was 13%. Location of PM included apex (10), base (2), and posteriolateral (1): No pt had a PM at site of CP. When stratified based on low (pT2, Gleason 7) risk, PM rates were 2.5%, 13.9%, 29.2%, respectively. Reduction in PM and EBL was not associated with increased morbidity (continence, potency). Conclusions: Early incision of LPF, development of a “perirectal pocket,” and ligation of pedicles, results in low PM rate. Early development of the pre-rectal fat plane may allow for more precise dissection below all layers of Denonvilliers fascia and wider tissue margin.
Nanostructured MnO2 for Li batteries

Abstract Nanorods of manganese (IV) oxide of varying dimensions were synthesized by combining sol–gel chemistry and template-based methods, and have been characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, and ICP analysis. Diffraction studies and ICP analysis indicate that the product formed is an α-MnO2 polymorph which crystallizes with hollandite-type structure. Preliminary electrochemical studies on 100 nm diameter nanorods show that these materials are promising candidates for positive electrodes in Li-ion batteries.
Courts, Law, Justice, and Criminal Trials in Saudi Arabia

Criminal Justice in Saudi Arabia cannot be separated from Islam. The general and particular rules of Islamic corpus juris form the Sharia which is the law. Crimes fall into three categories Hudud, Tazir, and Qisas. The courts established in 1928 are divided into three levels—Ordinary Courts, High Courts of Sharia Law, and Court of Causation or Appeals. The trial courts have one or more judges depending on the seriousness of the offense. They hear cases and sentence offenders. Appeals are limited to the more serious cases. Saudi trial procedure is very informal when compared to that in the west. In some cases the legal action must be brought by the victim; in others, any person may bring the action. Often it is brought by the police. Legal representation is discouraged. The defendant is expected to defend himself. Some punishments appear to be harsh by Western standards. Lashings and flogging are common. Amputation and death sentences are limited. In considering Saudi criminal justice, one must always keep...
The effects of dietary nitrogen levels on glycine, formate, and xanthine incorporation into urates in the German cockroach, Blattella germanica L. (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae)

Abstract 1. 1. German cockroaches were injected with either [14C]glycine, [14C]formate, or [14C]xanthine and maintained on different dietary nitrogen levels. They were analyzed for whole body radiolabel retention and incorporation of radiolabel into the urate fraction after feeding on various diets for one to two weeks. Groups of cockroaches were injected with labelled urate precursors and the 14CO2 released was collected. Release of 14CO2 was examined in relation to dietary nitrogen levels. 2. 2. Radiolabelled glycine was metabolized rapidly, some of it being released as 14CO2. There was a direct relationship between 14C incorporation into body urates and maintenance on different dietary nitrogen levels. 3. 3. Radiolabelled formate was rapidly partitioned into body urates by cockroaches maintained on specific diets. Comparatively low levels of 14CO2 were released. 4. 4. Incorporation of 14C-xanthine into urates was found to increase with elevated dietary nitrogen levels. Dietary effects on its metabolism were mirrored by 14CO2 released and other metabolites excreted in the feces.
Semiconducting superlattices templated by molecular assemblies

ORGANIC-INORGANIC nanostructured composites provide a rich source of new materials1–14 for a host of technological applications. For example, the incorporation of organic molecules in an inorganic lattice can toughen an otherwise brittle material15–17, or be used to tailor its electronic properties14, and cooperative interactions between organic and inorganic molecules are being used to generate a range of porous materials for separation and catalytic technologies4–10. Here we describe the growth of stable semiconductor–organic superlattices based on cadmium sulphide and cadmium selenide. The template for the structures is provided by a liquid-crystalline phase formed from non-ionic organic amphiphiles, water and precursor ions for the inorganic semiconductor. Precipitation of the organic–inorganic solid takes place within the ordered environment of the mesophase, and both the symmetry and long-range order of the liquid crystal are preserved. We anticipate that materials of this type can be tailored, through the electronic properties of the organic amphiphiles, for photosynthetic and photocatalytic applications.
Psychologists on the March: Science, Practice, and Professional Identity in America, 1929-1969

Introduction: the psychologists' war 1. Growing pains: after the Great War 2. Mobilizing for World War II: from national defense to professional unity 3. Home fires: women psychologists and the politics of gender 4. Sorting soldiers' psychology as personnel management 5. Applied human relations: The utility of social psychology 6. From the margins: making the clinical connection 7. Engineering behavior: applied experimental psychology 8. A new order: postwar support for psychology 9. Remodeling the academic home 10. The mirror of practice: towards a reflective science 11. Beyond the laboratory: giving psychology away Epilogue: science in search of self.
Worlds Apart: Social Policy Regimes in Latin America

The region of Latin America exhibits significant diversity with regard to the size and scope of social protection programs. In this article, I propose a new way of measuring a country’s “social policy regime,” moving past expenditure-based conceptions of welfare provision to incorporate the coverage of programs. Employing this new measure, I use cluster analysis to demonstrate that Latin American social policy regimes cluster into four distinct categories. I then employ the comparative historical method to test a theory of why countries fall into each of these four categories. The analysis provides evidence that a country’s record of industrialization, the nature of political incorporation, and levels of ethnic and racial diversity are key determinants of the size and scope of Latin America’s social policy regimes.
Using Unstructured Grids for Modeling Densely-Spaced Complex Wells in Field-Scale Reservoir Simulation

Reservoir simulation predominately uses structured grids, but they have difficulties for field-scale simulation with maximum reservoir contact (MRC) wells. In this work, the grid resolution for numerical convergence using structured grids is studied. Results showed that sufficiently fine grid is needed to obtain converged solution. In common practice, the geocellular models are simply upscaled and used in history matching. This study highlights the need for grid resolution to resolve flow dynamics in reservoir simulation and improve well inflow performance calculation. Otherwise, the near-well flow may not have converged and the fidelity of the models for performance prediction is in question. Improving the fidelity of simulation results by adequately modeling the complex multiphasic flow dynamics near complex wells in full-field simulation is of paramount importance nowadays. This work introduces a full-field unstructured gridding method which can optimally place unstructured grid cells where the resolution is needed. The method produces a consistent discretization that is efficient to compute by using a parallel unstructured reservoir simulator. For a giant Middle-East carbonate reservoir that was developed primarily using complex MRC wells, unstructured grid models were used to improve the accuracy of near-well flow and to better represent well inflow performances. The unstructured grid models are compared against the original structured grid models that show computational cost saving and require few grid cells. Simulation results demonstrate an unstructured workflow that is practical and can be used to validate near-well modeling accuracy for the existing structured grid simulation results. The method is particular attractive for situation with denselyspaced complex wells where a structured local grid refinement (LGR) method will be ineffective. An unstructured grid is well suited to honor the near-well flow geometry and to focus grid resolution where it is needed. Perpendicular bisection (PEBI) grids are orthogonal by construction. This reduces computational complexity because two-point flux approximation (TPFA) can be applied. In field-scale simulation, this results in a significant improvement to accuracy and computational cost savings.
Children's play in three American subcultures

Abstract A study was designed to analyze children's play as an index of degree of socialization in three ethnic groups, independent schools, and school programs for exceptional children. Compared with Caucasians, Mexican-American and Negro boys were slightly lower, Mexican-American girls equivalent, and Negro girls markedly lower in late childhood. Independent school comparisons showed small differences between public and Protestant schools, but much greater emphasis on structured play in Catholic schools. There was little difference between normal and gifted, educable mentally retarded, and learning disorder groups, but the trainable mentally retarded were markedly lower.
On the higgins model of glycolysis

A study was made of Higgins' model of glycolysis incorporating molecular diffusion of intermediates, utilizing an earlier conjecture due to Landau. Conditions for the existence of asymptotically stable spatio-temporal periodic solutions are obtained.
Reliability-Based Optimization With Discrete and Continuous Decision and Random Variables

Engineering design problems frequently involve both discrete and continuous random and design variables, and system reliability may depend on the union or intersection of multiple limit states. Solving reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) problems, where some or all of the decision variables must be integer valued, can be expensive since the computational effort increases exponentially with the number of discrete variables in discrete optimization problems, and the presence of both system and component level reliability makes RBDO more expensive. The presence of discrete random variables in a RBDO problem has usually necessitated the use of Monte Carlo simulation or some other type of enumeration procedure, both of which are computationally expensive. In this paper, the theorem of total probability is used to allow for the use of the first-order reliability method in solving mixed-integer RBDO problems. Single-loop RBDO formulations are developed for three classes of mixed-integer RBDO with both discrete and continuous random variables and component and system-level reliability constraints. These problem formulations can be solved with any appropriate discrete optimization technique. This paper develops, for each of the three problem classes, greedy algorithms to find an approximate solution to the mixed-integer RBDO problem with both component and system reliability constraints and/or objectives. These greedy algorithms are based on the solution of a relaxed formulation and require hardly additional computational expense than that required for the solution of the continuous RBDO problem. The greedy algorithms are verified by branch and bound and genetic algorithms. Also, this paper develops three algorithms, which can allow for calibration of reliability estimation with a more accurate reliability analysis technique. These algorithms are illustrated in the context of a truss optimization problem.
Structure-function analysis of the C-terminal domain of CNM67, a core component of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae spindle pole body.

The spindle pole body of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has served as a model system for understanding microtubule organizing centers, yet very little is known about the molecular structure of its components. We report here the structure of the C-terminal domain of the core component Cnm67 at 2.3 A resolution. The structure determination was aided by a novel approach to crystallization of proteins containing coiled-coils that utilizes globular domains to stabilize the coiled-coils. This enhances their solubility in Escherichia coli and improves their crystallization. The Cnm67 C-terminal domain (residues Asn-429—Lys-581) exhibits a previously unseen dimeric, interdigitated, all α-helical fold. In vivo studies demonstrate that this domain alone is able to localize to the spindle pole body. In addition, the structure reveals a large functionally indispensable positively charged surface patch that is implicated in spindle pole body localization. Finally, the C-terminal eight residues are disordered but are critical for protein folding and structural stability.
Stimulant use trajectories and the longitudinal risk of heavy drinking: Findings from a rural population-based study

The extant literature offers little information about the longitudinal course of alcohol use among stimulant users, particularly those in rural areas, but it is plausible that reductions in stimulant use are accompanied by increases in heavy drinking. The objective of this study was to examine the longitudinal relationships between heavy drinking days and latent trajectories of powder cocaine, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine use. Participants (n = 710) were identified via Respondent-Driven Sampling in 3 rural communities in each of 3 states, with interviews conducted every 6 months over 3 years. Latent trajectory classes for powder cocaine, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine use were identified by conducting latent class growth analysis (LCGA). Generalized linear models (GLM) were conducted to examine how these latent classes were associated with the number of heavy drinking days in the past 30 days. Heavy drinking days did not significantly change over time when adjusting for covariates. Compared to those with a “fast low” trajectory of crack use, those with “steady high” and “declining” trajectories had more heavy drinking days. Compared to those with a “fast low” trajectory of powder cocaine use, those with a “steady moderate” trajectory had more heavy drinking days. Trajectories of methamphetamine use were not significantly associated with heavy drinking days. In conclusion, heavy alcohol use changes little over time among rural stimulant users. Many rural cocaine users could potentially benefit from interventions aimed at curtailing heavy drinking.
Critical role for intracellular calcium in tight junction biogenesis

Using the Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell “calcium switch,” we have previously demonstrated that, as MDCK cells establish contact and ultimately form tight junctions, there are marked global and localized changes in intracellular calcium at the sites of cell-cell contact (Nigam et al., 1992, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 89:6162–6166). We have now examined whether intracellular Ca++ is critical to the biogenesis of tight junctions by chelating this ion and monitoring the formation of junctions by electrical, immunocytochemical, and biochemical criteria. Intracellular Ca++ was chelated with the cell-permeant chelators, dimethyl-BAPTA-AM and BAPTA-AM. By digital imaging of fura-2 loaded cells, it was demonstrated that both agents efficiently chelated Ca++ during the “switch” in a dose-dependent manner which paralleled their respective in vitro affinities for Ca++. Chelation of Ca++ during the switch markedly attenuated the development of transepithelial electrical resistance (TER), a measure of tight junction assembly. Immunofluorescent staining of the tight junctional protein, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), revealed that chelation of intracellular Ca++ retarded the movement of ZO-1 from intracellular sites to the plasma membrane during the switch. During the development of tight junctions, a fraction of ZO-1 redistributed from the Triton X-100 soluble to the Triton X-100 insoluble pool; chelation of Ca++ during the induction of cell–cell contact prevented this stabilization into the Triton X-100 insoluble fraction. Taken together, these data indicate an important role for intracellular Ca++ in tight junction biogenesis and suggest a specific role for calcium in the early sorting and possible cytoskeletal association of tight junction components. © 1994 wiley-Liss, Inc.
Quantum and classical relativistic energy states in stationary geometries

Abstract The positive and negative root states ( E + , E − ) for a particle moving along a geodesic in a stationary background, introduced by Christodoulou and Ruffini, are here interpreted in the framework of a relativistic quantum field theory. It is shown how E + and E − have to be considered as the classical correspondent of the positive and negative energy states of a quantized field. It is explicitly shown that crossing between the states E + and E − can occur and consequently the necessary condition for particle creation as given by Klein, Sauter, Heisenberg and Euler can be encountered.
Targeting BCL-2 and BCR-Abl Activity in Ph+ALL

s / Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 21 (2015) S185eS205 S190 time to relapse from day 30 post-transplant was 69 days (range 41-230 days). The cumulative incidence of acute GVHD grade II-IV was 44% with 10% grade III-IV. The cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD at 2 years was 48%, with 22% extensive chronic GVHD. Conclusion: In this cohort of patients with AML/ MDS, MCP-1 levels at day 30 post allogeneic HCT in patients who had achieved complete remission and full chimerism were predictive of relapse two months on average prior to overt hematological relapse. Larger studies may find potential role of MCP-1 in predicting relapse post-transplant and development of early strategies for prevention.
Particle model for skyrmions in metallic chiral magnets: Dynamics, pinning, and creep

Recently spin textures called skyrmions have been discovered in certain chiral magnetic materials without spatial inversion symmetry, and they have attracted enormous attention due to their promising application in spintronics since only a low applied current is necessary to drive their motion. When a conduction electron moves around the skyrmion, its spin is fully polarized by the spin texture and acquires a quantized phase; thus, the skyrmion yields an emergent electrodynamics that in turn determines skyrmion motion and gives rise to a finite Hall angle. As topological excitations, skyrmions behave as particles. In this paper we derive the equation of motion for skyrmions as rigid point particles from a microscopic continuum model and obtain the short-range interaction between skyrmions and the interaction between skyrmions and defects. Skyrmions also experience a Magnus force perpendicular to their velocity due to the underlying emergent electromagnetic field. We validate the equation of motion by studying the depinning transition using both the particle and the continuum models. By using the particle description, we explain the recent experimental observations of the rotation of a skyrmion lattice in the presence of a temperature gradient. We also predict quantum and thermal creep motion of skyrmions in the pinning potential.
Zoological Medicine and Public Health

Public-health issues regarding zoological collections and free-ranging wildlife have historically been linked to the risk of transmission of zoonotic diseases and accidents relating to bites or injection of venom or toxins by venomous animals. It is only recently that major consideration has been given worldwide to the role of the veterinary profession in contributing to investigating zoonotic diseases in free-ranging wildlife and integrating the concept of public health into the management activities of game preserves and wildlife parks. At the veterinary undergraduate level, courses in basic epidemiology, which should include outbreak investigation and disease surveillance, but also in population medicine, in infectious and parasitic diseases (especially new and emerging or re-emerging zoonoses), and in ecology should be part of the core curriculum. Foreign diseases, especially dealing with zoonotic diseases that are major threats because of possible agro-terrorism or spread of zoonoses, need to be taught in veterinary college curricula. Furthermore, knowledge of the principles of ecology and ecosystems should be acquired either during pre-veterinary studies or, at least, at the beginning of the veterinary curriculum. At the post-graduate level, master's degrees in preventive veterinary medicine, ecology and environmental health, or public health with an emphasis on infectious diseases should be offered to veterinarians seeking job opportunities in public health and wildlife management.
Human somatotropin. Noncovalent interaction of two thrombin fragments restores receptor-binding activity.

Two thrombin fragments of reduced carbamidomethylated human somatotropin containing the full primary structure of the native hormone (residues 1–134 and 135–191) were shown to give a recombinant with the same receptor-binding activity as reduced-carbamidomethylated somatotropin as tested on rabbit liver and mammary gland membranes.
A hydrophobic self-assembled monolayer with improved adhesion to aluminum for deicing application

A previously developed laser-generated stress wave procedure for measuring the tensile strength of ice/solid interfaces was used to study the effectiveness of a self-assembled monolayer of dimethyl-n-octadecilcholorsilane (DMOCS) in providing a hydrophobic surface to a 6061 Al alloy. In this experiment, a laser-induced compressive stress wave travels through a substrate disc that has a layer of ice grown on its front surface. The compressive stress pulse reflects into a tensile wave from the free surface of ice and pulls the ice/Al interface apart at a sufficiently high amplitude. The interface strength was calculated using a wave mechanics simulation, with the interferometrically recorded free surface velocity of a bare Al substrate (measured under identical ice spallation conditions) as an input. The tensile strength of the ice/DMOCS interface at −10°C was found to be 131 MPa, which is the lowest among all surfaces tested to date, which include, as-received Al surfaces (274 MPa), surfaces prepared with chemical and mechanical polishing (181 MPa), and PMMA-coated (190 MPa) and polyimide-coated (177 MPa) Al surfaces. The two methyl groups attached to the outer end of the carbon chain in the DMOCS coating provide a completely hydrophobic surface, while its silane group at the bottom most end reacts with the adsorbed hydroxyl groups on the aluminum surface to form a strong Si to Al covalent bond. Thus, DMOCS coatings present an appealing alternative to various presently available ice mitigating surface strategies, by providing a longer-lasting surface with the highest hydrophobicity possible.
Sound Targets: Music and the War in Iraq

This study explores three ways in which music is used by American soldiers involved in the Iraq war: as an inspiration for combat, as a psychological tactic, and as a form of soldiers' expression. My analysis focuses on the popular music genres of metal and rap, because these styles appear to be used prominently in relation to these three areas of study. Like other popular music genres, metal and rap are part of a larger system of cultural beliefs that project certain power relations, and the essay examines how aspects of these ideologies, such as themes of power, of chaos, violence, survival, and others, operate within the context of music and the war in Iraq.
Identification and Characterization of a Vibrio cholerae Gene, mbaA, Involved in Maintenance of Biofilm Architecture

The formation of biofilms is thought to play a key role in the environmental survival of the marine bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Although the factors involved in V. cholerae attachment to abiotic surfaces have been extensively studied, relatively little is known about the mechanisms involved in the subsequent maturation of the biofilms. Here we report the identification of a novel gene, which we have named mbaA (for maintenance of biofilm architecture), that plays a role in the formation and maintenance of the highly organized three-dimensional architecture of V. cholerae El Tor biofilms. We demonstrate that although the absence of mbaA does not significantly affect the initial attachment of cells onto the surface, it leads to the formation of biofilms that lack the typical structure, including the pillars of cells separated by fluid-filled channels that are evident in mature wild-type biofilms. Microscopic analysis indicates that the absence of mbaA leads to an increase in the amount of extracellular matrix material in the biofilms. The predicted mbaA product is a member of a family of regulatory proteins, containing GGDEF and EAL domains, suggesting that MbaA regulates the synthesis of some component of the biofilm matrix.
A real-world, multicenter assessment of drugs requiring weight-based calculations in overweight, adult critically ill patients.

Prescribing appropriate doses of drugs requiring weight-based dosing is challenging in overweight patients due to a lack of data. With 68% of the US population considered overweight and these patients being at an increased risk for hospitalization, clinicians need guidance on dosing weight-based drugs. The purpose of this study was to identify “real-world” dose ranges of high-risk medications administered via continuous infusion requiring weight-based dosing and determine the reasons for dosing changes (ineffectiveness or adverse drug reactions). A prospective, multicenter, observational study was conducted in four intensive care units at three institutions. A total of 857 medication orders representing 11 different high-risk medications in 173 patients were reviewed. It was noted that dosing did not increase in proportion to weight classification. Overall, 14 adverse drug reactions occurred in nine patients with more in overweight patients (9 of 14). A total of 75% of orders were discontinued due to ineffectiveness in groups with higher body mass indexes. Ineffectiveness leads to dosing adjustments resulting in the opportunity for medication errors. Also, the frequent dosing changes further demonstrate our lack of knowledge of appropriate dosing for this population. Given the medications’ increased propensity to cause harm, institutions should aggressively monitor these medications in overweight patients.
Pulsed laser desorption near a jet orifice: Concentration profiles of entrained perylene vapor

We have investigated the entrainment in a jet expansion of material vaporized with a laser pulse from a surface below but closely adjacent to the jet orifice. Jets of He and Ar were used as carriers, and perylene was the test substance. Its distribution in space and time far from the nozzle was measured by laser-induced fluorescence and one-dimensional imaging with an optical multichannel analyzer. The width of the perylene concentration profile was found to be much narrower than the width of the gas expansion, especially in He. This makes it possible to extract a useful portion of the entrained material through a skimmer. Depending on the values of experimental parameters, the center of the profile first appears above, on, or below the jet axis and then moves lower with time. Effects of several parameters on shape and time-dependent position of the profile were investigated. The results can be used to optimize the overlap of the concentration pulse with a skimmer or other probe.
A global structural optimization technique using an interval method

This paper deals with a global optimization scheme for structural systems that require finite element analysis to evaluate the constraints or the objective function. The paper proposes a strategy for finding the global optimum using an interval method in conjunction with a multipoint function approximation. The highly nonlinear and nonconvex objective and constraint functions are first represented in the design space using linear and adaptive local approximations and these approximations are blended globally with the use of proper weighting functions. The interval method is then employed to trace the global optimum in the approximated function space. The procedure is tested with several examples with known global solutions and it is successfully applied to optimize the fiber-orientation angles of laminated composite plates for minimum deflections.
Design and defect tolerance beyond CMOS

It is well recognized that novel computational models, devices and technologies are needed in order to sustain the remarkable advancement of CMOS-based VLSI circuits and systems. Regardless of the models, devices and technologies, any enhancement/replacement to CMOS must show significant gains in at least one of the key metrics (including speed, power and cost) for at least a subset of application domains currently employing CMOS circuits. In addition, effective defect tolerant techniques are a critical factor for the successful adoption of any new computing device due to the fact that nano-scale structures will have defect rates much higher than today's CMOS chips. The task of identifying application domains that could benefit the most from a new model/device/technology and ensuring that the resultant system meets functional requirements in the presence of defects requires synergistic efforts of physical scientists, and circuit and system design researchers.This paper contains a collection of three contributions-each focusing on one particular emergent technology-presenting a basic introduction on the technologies, some of their unique features in contrast with CMOS, potential application domains for these technologies, and new opportunities that they may bring forward in defect tolerance design. The contributions include both traditional and nontraditional state representations which use either electronic or magnetic interactions.
The effect of tax elasticity on government spending

Elasticity measures the extent to which a tax structure generates revenue in response to increases in taxpayer income without a change in statutory tax rates. While elasticity depends in part on propensities to engage in taxable activity, its main dependency across political units in the United States is on the progressivity of the income tax. States with highly progressive income taxes tend to have elastic tax structures. It has been proposed that greater elasticity in the tax structure generates a greater volume of public spending [3, 5, 12]. This proposal generally rests on the concept of 'fiscal illusion', the illusion being that if the legislature does not enact a statute raising tax rates, taxes have not increased. It follows that states with elastic tax structures experience greater increases in tax revenues without having to go through the throes of a tax increase, and those states will spend more. We admit to being supportive of the idea that elasticity drives spending. We also admit to the usual discomfort that economists feel when they lean on notions conflicting with the assumptions of 'rationality' that undergird the conventional utilitarian analysis. But, we proceed with the hope that there will be a reconciliation of this conflict. One could build a competing theory based on public choice notions to explain the hypothesis that elasticity breeds spending. Assuming that the median voter prevails, it is obvious that we could specify individual demand functions for public goods such that if cost allocation were made progressive to income, spending increases would result. But, there is difficulty in propping up such a notion in the face of Tiebout mobility [11 ]. Similarly, if we assumed that tax sharing arrangements were prescribed
The effects of deep damp melting on mantle flow and melt generation beneath mid-ocean ridges

We explore the implications of experimental constraints on mantle rheology and the thermodynamics of melting for mantle flow and melt generation beneath a mid-ocean ridge. Numerical models are used to investigate the effects of (1) rheologies affected by dehydration during melting, the presence of melt, and a transition in creep mechanism to grain boundary sliding, and (2) variations in the rate of melt production. Water in the mantle deepens the peridotite solidus, producing a region of damp melting between approximately 70 and 120 km depth. Extraction of water during melting can increase mantle viscosity by as much as two orders of magnitude. At the same time, the presence of melt can decrease the mantle viscosity. A decrease in recrystallized grain size due to the presence of melt can promote a transition in the dominant deformation mechanism to grain boundary sliding limited by creep on the easiest slip system for olivine, resulting in an additional order of magnitude decrease in viscosity. The increase in viscosity associated with dehydration significantly inhibits buoyant mantle flow in the dry melting region. However, buoyantly driven flow is predicted in the damp melting region if the viscosity in this depth interval is on the order of 1018 Pa s; a viscosity this low can be achieved if a transition to grain boundary sliding occurs after the onset of damp melting. Previous models suggest that crustal thickness variation with spreading rate is a consequence of conductive cooling at the top of the melting region. If melt productivity is higher, so that more melt is produced at greater depth, then the influence of spreading rate on crustal thickness is reduced even in the absence of buoyant upwelling. Rheology has a significant effect on the size and shape of the melting region and the strain distribution beneath the ridge at a given spreading rate. For example, buoyant upwelling in the damp melting region localizes melt production and induces a region of strong elongation in finite strain ellipses between 50–120 km, offering an explanation for the apparent difference in seismic anisotropy inferred from body and surface waves in the MELT experiment. The models indicate that the magnitudes of the effects of buoyant flow in the damp melting region become increasingly prominent at slower spreading ridges. If lattice preferred orientations produced by deep buoyant flow are incorporated into the lithosphere as it thickens by conductive cooling, then anisotropy in old lithosphere may be greater for lithosphere created at slower spreading rates.
Routine heat inactivation of serum reduces its capacity to promote cell attachment.

Heat inactivation (56 degrees C for 40 min) of bovine calf serum was shown to diminish its capacity to promote the attachment of cells to plastic or glass surfaces. This effect was not observed in stationary cultures (culture dishes) but became manifest under conditions in which the cells were subjected to a small amount of liquid shear force, i.e. by growing cells in roller bottles or culture tubes. Of four cell lines tested on bovine calf serum (SV-BHK, BALB-3T3, CV-1, and FS-4) SV-BHK and CV-1 cells showed the greatest sensitivity to loss of attachment-promoting activity. Fetal bovine serum also seemed to be affected by heat inactivation but to a lesser degree than bovine calf serum. Treatment of vessel surfaces with either unheated calf serum or specific attachment factors (gelatin, poly-D-lysine, and fibronectin) greatly increased cell attachment in the presence of heat inactivated serum. Heat inactivation did not seem to affect the ability of cells to grow after attachment. Of the four cell lines tested, the normal human fibroblast line (FS-4) was shown to be most effective at conditioning medium and restoring its capacity to promote the attachment of all four cell lines.