cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multi-Parametric Optimization in Smart Manufacturing & Process Intensification

Abstract Smart Manufacturing and Process Intensification are major initiatives in the US and worldwide in which process systems engineering core areas, such as modelling, optimization, control and data analytics, play key role. In Smart manufacturing real-time optimization and on-line control based on big data analytics and modelling efforts constitute important challenges. In Process Intensification the in-silico modelling, synthesis and optimization of operable and safe process intensification alternatives constitutes a key research direction. Multi-parametric optimization provides a complete map of solutions of an optimization problem as a function of, unknown but bounded, parameters in the model, in a computationally efficient manner, without exhaustively enumerating the entire parameter space. In a Model-based Control framework, multi-parametric optimization can be used to obtain the governing ‘control laws’ – the optimal control/optimization variables as an explicit function of the state variables/parameters. This offers opportunities to (i) significantly accelerate and facilitate real-time/on-line optimization solution strategies - in the context of smart manufacturing applications, and (ii) effectively enable the systematic integration of operability criteria in the synthesis and optimization steps - in the context of process intensification. In this presentation, we will first provide a historical progress report of the key developments in multi-parametric optimization and control. We will then describe PAROC, a systematic framework and prototype software system which allows for the representation, modelling and solution of integrated design, operation and advanced control problems – with focus on sustainable energy systems, smart manufacturing and process intensification.
Non-clairvoyant scheduling of independent parallel tasks on single and multiple multicore processors

Abstract We investigate the problem of non-clairvoyant scheduling of independent parallel tasks on single and multiple multicore processors. For a single multicore processor, we derive an asymptotic worst-case performance bound for a non-clairvoyant offline scheduling algorithm called largest task first (LTF). The result improves our previous result on a single parallel computing system. For multiple multicore processors, we derive an asymptotic worst-case performance bound for the LTF algorithm. To the best of our knowledge, there has been little result on scheduling parallel tasks on multiple parallel computing systems. For multiple multicore processors, we also derive an asymptotic average-case performance bound for a non-clairvoyant online scheduling algorithm called random task first (RTF). The result extends our earlier result on a single parallel computing system. Extensive simulation results are also demonstrated.
Transpiration Mass Spectrometry—A New Thermochemical Tool

Classical vaporization methods such as transpiration and Knudsen or Langmuir effusion have been limited because they do not establish the molecular identity of transport species or because low pressures are necessary to make effusion measurements. We have developed a new technique—Transpiration Mass Spectrometry (TMS)—that overcomes both of these limitations by combining the basic features of transpiration and molecular beam mass spectrometry. With this technique, it is possible to sample reactive gases directly from high-temperature (to 1500 °C), high-pressure (to 10 atm) atmospheres for quantitative characterization with a mass spectrometer. The accuracy of thermochemical data obtained by the TMS method is competitive with that of established lower dynamic range techniques. Examples of application to vaporization of complex silicate slags, glasses, and minerals are considered. Implications and precautions resulting from cooling effects during the sampling process are also discussed.
Clutter-Suppressed, Subsurface Interferometric SAR Imaging of Target Under Slightly Rough Surface

A subsurface interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) imaging technique is proposed for the detection and localization of underground facilities in the presence of a rough ground surface. The new approach consists of a two-step procedure: first, surface clutter suppression is performed with a polarimetric difference operation that does not alter the propagation phase of the target scattered signal; then a subsurface interferometric algorithm is applied to infer target depth by correlating the clutter-suppressed images obtained at two observation angles. The performance of the overall sensing algorithm for scene depth profile mapping from an airborne system is demonstrated with full-wave simulation data.
Mapping Social Movements and Leveraging the U.S. West: The Rhetoric of the Woman Suffrage Map

This case study of the U.S. woman suffrage map in the early twentieth century reveals the political map as an advocacy tool for social movements. By analyzing the suffrage map and its reception, I ...
Metagenome SNP calling via read-colored de Bruijn graphs.

MOTIVATION Metagenomics refers to the study of complex samples containing of genetic contents of multiple individual organisms and, thus, has been used to elucidate the microbiome and resistome of a complex sample. The microbiome refers to all microbial organisms in a sample, and the resistome refers to all of the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes in pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can be effectively used to 'fingerprint' specific organisms and genes within the microbiome and resistome and trace their movement across various samples. However, to effectively use these SNPs for this traceability, a scalable and accurate metagenomics SNP caller is needed. Moreover, such an SNP caller should not be reliant on reference genomes since 95% of microbial species is unculturable, making the determination of a reference genome extremely challenging. In this article, we address this need. RESULTS We present LueVari, a reference-free SNP caller based on the read-colored de Bruijn graph, an extension of the traditional de Bruijn graph that allows repeated regions longer than the k-mer length and shorter than the read length to be identified unambiguously. LueVari is able to identify SNPs in both AMR genes and chromosomal DNA from shotgun metagenomics data with reliable sensitivity (between 91% and 99%) and precision (between 71% and 99%) as the performance of competing methods varies widely. Furthermore, we show that LueVari constructs sequences containing the variation, which span up to 97.8% of genes in datasets, which can be helpful in detecting distinct AMR genes in large metagenomic datasets. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION Code and datasets are publicly available at https://github.com/baharpan/cosmo/tree/LueVari. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Living class in John Updike’s “A&P”

This article uses Beverly Skeggs’ notion of “living class” to explore the ways class perception – and misperception – influences the narrative in John Updike’s short story “A&P.” It suggests that t...
Chapter 8 – Perturbation Theory

Publisher Summary This chapter explains the development of the general path integral technique to give a perturbative representation to the time-ordered products that constitute the dynamics of the S-matrix. The chapter defines the generating functionals for the quantum field theory from the path integral by appending source terms for each field. The chapter further discusses the Becchi, Rouet, Stora, and Tyutin (BRST) invariance of gauge theories and the derivation of the Ward–Takahashi identities for the generating functionals. The chapter explains the method for deriving Feynman rules from the path integral and its application to the derivation of the perturbative representation of several theories. The chapter also introduces the concepts of bare parameters and fields and explains the rudiments of the renormalization group.
AnisoMPM: animating anisotropic damage mechanics

Dynamic fracture surrounds us in our day-to-day lives, but animating this phenomenon is notoriously difficult and only further complicated by anisotropic materials---those with underlying structures that dictate preferred fracture directions. Thus, we present AnisoMPM: a robust and general approach for animating the dynamic fracture of isotropic, transversely isotropic, and orthotropic materials. AnisoMPM has three core components: a technique for anisotropic damage evolution, methods for anisotropic elastic response, and a coupling approach. For anisotropic damage, we adopt a non-local continuum damage mechanics (CDM) geometric approach to crack modeling and augment this with structural tensors to encode material anisotropy. Furthermore, we discretize our damage evolution with explicit and implicit integration, giving a high degree of computational efficiency and flexibility. We also utilize a QR-decomposition based anisotropic constitutive model that is inversion safe, more efficient than SVD models, easy to implement, robust to extreme deformations, and that captures all aforementioned modes of anisotropy. Our elasto-damage coupling is enforced through an additive decomposition of our hyperelasticity into a tensile and compressive component in which damage is used to degrade the tensile contribution to allow for material separation. For extremely stiff fibered materials, we further introduce a novel Galerkin weak form discretization that enables embedded directional inextensibility. We present this as a hard-constrained grid velocity solve that poses an alternative to our anisotropic elasticity that is locking-free and can model very stiff materials.
Letter from the Editor 2020: Annual Summary and Introduction of the Thematic Issue and Guest Editor

This year’s thematic is the seventeenth Immunological Investigations’ thematic issue, and is entitled, “Micro and Nanoparticles in Immune Modulation“. This topic was suggested by the editorial boar...
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in merlins (Falco columbarius) and cross-species amplification in gyrfalcons (F. rusticolus) and peregrine falcons (F. peregrinus).

Merlins, Falco columbarius, breed throughout temperate and high latitude habitats in Asia, Europe, and North America. Like peregrine falcons, F. peregrinus, merlins underwent population declines during the mid-to-late twentieth century, due to organochlorine-based contamination, and have subsequently recovered, at least in North American populations. To better understand levels of genetic diversity and population structuring in contemporary populations and to assess the impact of the twentieth century decline, we used genomic data archived in public databases and constructed genomic libraries to isolate and characterize a suite of 17 microsatellite markers for use in merlins. We also conducted cross-amplification experiments to determine the markers’ utility in peregrine falcons and gyrfalcons, F. rusticolus. These markers provide a valuable addition to marker suites that can be used to determine individual identity and conduct genetic analyses on merlins and congeners.
Molluscicidal Performance of Kae Farang (Gliciridia Sepium, JacqStrudel and Siam Weed (Chromolaena Odorata, Linn.) Leaf Extracts on Golden Snail (Pomacea Caniculata, Linn.)

This study dealt on the efficacy of Kae farang(Gliciridia sepium) and Siam Weed (Chromolaena odorata) leaves extract as organic molluscicide on the Golden snail. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of Glicridia sepium and Chromolaena odorata was done and it showed that there are alkaloids, polyphenols/ tannins, steroids , cyanidin, saponins, and deoxysugars present in the extracts. Phytochemical screening of metabolites was done using the protocols of Guevara, et al. The study used in vitro trials using one (1) liter plastic containers with three(3) replications. Water (T0) from the field where the snails were collected, the aqueous extract of Gliciridia (T1) and Chromolaena (T2)were the treatments in this study. The snails were set in 10 mL water from the source and allowed to be active for overnight to ensure that they are alive. Ten (10) mL of pure extracts were applied to each of the treatments. The snail behavior was observed and noted for every 30 minutes until three hours. After three hours, the mortality rate of the snails was noted. It showed that 100 % of the snails died in the two plant extracts. There were no dead snails in the control treatment (water from the field). In conclusion, kae farang and siam weed extracts are effective as a molluscicide in the in vitro trials. It is therefore recommended that a field study should be done to further test the efficacy of the leaf extracts of both plants on Golden snail. Furthermore, the following studies are recommended: comparison of fresh and dried leaf extracts be done, stored extracts may also be tested compared to extracts fermented for twenty-four ( 24) hours. It is further recommended that Chromolaena extracts will undergo quantitative phytochemical analysis for nitrogen content because of its potential as a fertilizer.
Alleviation of extensive visual pathway dysfunction by a remyelinating drug in a chronic mouse model of multiple sclerosis

Visual deficits are among the most prevalent symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). To understand deficits in the visual pathway during MS and potential treatment effects, we used experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the most commonly used animal model of MS. The afferent visual pathway was assessed in vivo using optical coherence tomography (OCT), electroretinography (ERG), and visually evoked cortical potentials (VEPs). Inflammation, demyelination, and neurodegeneration were examined by immunohistochemistry ex vivo. In addition, an immunomodulatory, remyelinating agent, the estrogen receptor β ligand chloroindazole (IndCl), was tested for its therapeutic potential in the visual pathway. EAE produced functional deficits in visual system electrophysiology, including suppression of ERG and VEP waveform amplitudes and increased signal latencies. Therapeutic IndCl rescued overall visual system latency by VEP but had little impact on amplitude or ERG findings relative to vehicle. Faster VEP conduction in IndCl-treated mice was associated with enhanced myelin basic protein signal in all visual system structures examined. IndCl preserved retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and oligodendrocyte density in the prechiasmatic white matter, but similar retinal nerve fiber layer thinning by OCT was noted in vehicle and IndCl-treated mice. Although IndCl differentially attenuated leukocyte and astrocyte staining signal throughout the structures analyzed, axolemmal varicosities were observed in all visual fiber tracts of mice with EAE irrespective of treatment, suggesting impaired axonal energy homeostasis. These data support incomplete functional recovery of VEP amplitude with IndCl, as fiber tracts displayed persistent axon pathology despite remyelination-induced decreases in latencies, evidenced by reduced optic nerve g-ratio in IndCl-treated mice. Although additional studies are required, these findings demonstrate the dynamics of visual pathway dysfunction and disability during EAE, along with the importance of early treatment to mitigate EAE-induced axon damage.
Cryptotermes camelus (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae), a new drywood termite species from the Bolivian Chaco.

Cryptotermes Banks, 1906 is the third most diverse kalotermitid genus worldwide after Glyptotermes Froggatt, 1897 and Neotermes Holmgren, 1911, with its greatest diversity found in the Neotropics (Krishna et al. 2013a). Furthermore, the greatest number of species of Cryptotermes are known from the Caribbean Basin (Scheffrahn Křecek 1999, Casala et al. 2016, Scheffrahn 2019). Although Araujo (1977) and Bacchus (1987) list Cryptotermes domesticus (Haviland, 1898) from Trinidad (treated as mainland) and Panama, respectively, Scheffrahn Křecek (1999) and Scheffrahn et al. (2009) doubt the existence of this Asian species in the New World. Without C. domesticus, the total extant Neotropical diversity of Cryptotermes is 29 endemic and three exotic species (Constantino 2020).
MHC Phosphopeptides: Promising targets for immunotherapy of cancer and other chronic diseases.

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-associated peptides have been considered as potential immunotherapeutic targets for many years. MHC class I phosphopeptides result from dysregulated cell signaling pathways that are common across cancers and both viral and bacterial infections. These antigens are recognized by central memory T-cells from healthy donors, indicating that they are considered antigenic by the immune system and that they are presented across different individuals and diseases. Based on these responses and the similar dysregulation, phosphorylated antigens are promising candidates for prevention or treatment of different cancers as well as a number of other chronic diseases.
CFT$_2$ in the Bulk.

We study non-Gaussian bulk 2d CFTs in AdS$_2$ using boundary CFT techniques and recent results in JT/Schwarzian gravity. We highlight the constraints on the operator content of a theory imposed by the boundary conditions by examining the relation between correlator coefficients and OPE coefficients in the presence of a boundary. We then calculate bulk and boundary correlators for various boundary conditions. Schwarzian techniques are used to calculate gravitational correlators perturbatively in $1/c$.
Re: Tool-Kit for Detroit

Detroit is a city defined by making. The refrain “You can get anything made in Detroit” is often quoted today even after the decline and relocation of the automotive industry. Given the condition of Detroit, the state of American manufacturing, and the fact that the city and its fabrication networks are illegible to newcomers and industry outsiders, the Re:Tool-Kit for Detroit research project questions the veracity of this claim. The project asks what can you really get made in Detroit today. Who are the makers operating in the city today? Where are the fabrication shops? How does fabrication shape the city today? And how is theculture of making in Detroit evolving in response to the changes in manufacturing, the rise of digital fabrication, and an influx of artist and craft based making? By mapping the fabrication landscape of the city, and packaging the research in a way that is accessible to designers, and students of art, architecture and design who may not be fabricators, the research seeks to create new opportunities for the under utilized fabrication capacity that already exists in Detroit and to encourage new collaborations between university and city, design and fabrication. Research for this study was gathered through 47 interviews conducted with a range of fabricators. Interviews were recorded and analyzed. Fabrication shops and fabricators were documented photographically and mapped. The research findings have been exhibited at the University of Michigan and will be available in the form of awebsite and a printed (and printable) “toolkit” both of which contains a map, directory, journalistic case studies, and a series of historical vignettes documenting previous examples of industrial production collaborating with art and design in the city of Detroit. The research project has also entered into a partnership with a non-profit “designed to support Detroit’s growing creative economy” called the Detroit Ceative Corridor Center.
ARE SOCIAL IDENTITY MARKERS RELATED TO THE UTILIZATION OF HIP-HOP PEDAGOGY?

This research examines whether social identity. Markers (e.g., the age, gender) of faculty members are related to teaching rap. And hip-hop within academia. It is argued that hip-hop pedagogy is not yet widely utilized within academia because of cultural hegemony. Two methods were used to produce the data: 1) a Literary analyses analyses and 2) a survey of 107 faculty members. Our principal finding was that nearly 80 percent of the facuity surveyed md1cated a willingness to utilize hip-hop texts and media in their classrooms. While social Identity markers appear influence one's willingness to utilize hip-hop pedagogy, the findings did not medicate that any one social Identity marker _negates one's willingness to utilize such pedagogy. Furthermore, we speculate that hip-hop pedagogy will likely support diversity within the academy when used in the classroom by faculty.
Total Base In Gastric Contents And Gastric Secretion

Excerpt Studies of the gastric juice have centered largely around the question of acidity and little attention has been paid to the base in the gastric secretion. Since Reaumur isolated the gastric...
Chemical modification of α2-adrenoceptors: Possible role for tyrosine in the ligand binding site

Abstract Tetranitromethane (TNM) is a reagent which reacts with the tyrosine and cysteine residues of proteins. Chemical modification of partially purified human platelet α2-adrenoceptors with TNM resulted in an irreversible loss of binding activity. Typically, an 80–90% decrease in binding activity occurred with a 60-min exposure to 320 μM TNM. The loss of α2-adrenoceptor activity caused by TNM could be prevented if α2-adrenergic ligands were present during exposure of the receptor to TNM. The protection afforded by α2-adrenergic ligands was does-dependent and showed a positive correlation with the affinity of the ligand for the α2-adrenoceptor. Prazosin, an α1-specific antagonist, and propranolol, a β-adrenergic antagonist, did not protect α2-adrenoceptors against the inactivation caused by TNM. Saturation curve analysis revealed that the decrease in α2-adrenoceptor activity caused by TNM was due to a decrease in Bmax with no change in Kd. α2-Adrenoceptors were also inactivated with the sulfhydryl-specific reagent phenylmercuric chloride (PMC). The receptor inactivation caused by PMC could be reversed completely by subsequent treatment with dithiothreitol. Treatment of α2-adrenoceptors with combinations of TNM and PMC showed that the receptor inactivation caused by TNM was most likely due to an interaction with tyrosine residues. These results indicate that tyrosine residues have a function in the conformational stability of α2-adrenoceptors and may be directly involved with ligand binding to the receptor.
Urethral injury: Experimental study

Abstract The present experiment was designed to study several challenging therapeutic questions that remain disputable or unanswered: (1) Whether urethral healing post-trauma is influenced by the use of an indwelling urethral stent as an adjunct to suprapubic diversion; (2) the incidence of urethral stricture formation after immediate or delayed urethral repair; (3) the incidence of urethral stricture formation after partial or complete urethral disruption; and (4) further assessment of radiographic findings in urethral injury. Herein is described the final conclusions we found to be relevant to this experiment.
Unusual presentation of three siblings with familial heterozygous hypobetalipoproteinaemia

We describe three siblings with the unusual presentation of manifest steatorrhoea and vitamin E deficiency mimicking homozygous familial hypobetalipoproteinaemia (FHBL) but whose lipid profile (cholesterol and ApoB) was consistent with heterozygous FHBL. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and small intestinal biopsy were normal. We discuss the diagnosis with reference to the relevant literature. Conclusion: although rare, familial hypobetalipoproteinaemia should be considered among the causes of manifest steatorrhoea in childhood even without evidence of failure to thrive. Dietary restriction of fat and high dose vitamin E supplementation improves quality of life by reducing stool frequency and may prevent or delay neurological complications.
Some features of state machines in ORM

ORM provides an excellent approach for information modeling, but to date has been limited mainly to descriptions of static information structures This paper provides an outline of how ORM could be extended to add behavioral descriptions through the use of state machines Most of the discussion is illustrated by an example of how a simple model could be extended in this way Some suggestions are given for an outline process for adding state machine descriptions to ORM models and the developments required to integrate such descriptions into a comprehensive modeling environment.
Adaptive Observer for Active Automotive Suspensions

An adaptive observer for a class of nonlinear systems is developed. Conditions for convergence of state estimates and parameters are presented. The developed theory is used for observer-based parameter identification in the active suspension system of an automobile. The observer uses measurements from two accelerometers and an LVDT. It adapts on dry friction which is usually present in significant magnitudes in hydraulic actuators of active suspensions. Experimental results on a half-car suspension test rig are presented.
Radial diffusion in gel for micro determination of enzymes. II. Plasminogen activator, elastase, and nonspecific proteases.

Abstract The principle of radial diffusion in substrate containing agar gel has been applied for quantitation of proteolytic activity in small volumes (2 μl). Urokinase, elastase, α-chymotrypsin, trypsin, and other proteases have been investigated. Clearing zones in the agar gel indicate the presence of the enzyme. A linear relationship was found between the logarithm of the proteinase concentrations and the diameters of the clearing zones for urokinase, elastin, and α-chymotrypsin. The trypsin standard curve represents a curved line in the semilogarithmic system. The reproducibility of these micro methods is satisfactory. They are suitable for the analysis of biological fluids, especially viscous secretions, and for screening of large numbers of chromatography fractions. The micro radial diffusion of enzymes in gel is a simple and time-saving method that does not require expensive equipment.
Is climate sensitivity related to dynamical sensitivity? A Southern Hemisphere perspective

This study examines whether the spread in the climate sensitivity of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) models also captures the spread in the Southern Hemisphere dynamical response to greenhouse gas forcing. Three metrics are proposed to quantify the “dynamical sensitivity” of the Southern Hemisphere: the poleward expansion of the Hadley circulation, the poleward expansion of the subtropical dry zone, and the poleward shift of the midlatitude jet. In the CMIP5 abrupt 4 × CO2 integrations, the expansion of the Hadley circulation is well correlated with climate sensitivity in all seasons; in contrast, the shifts in the subtropical dry zone and midlatitude jet are significantly correlated with climate sensitivity only in summer and fall. In winter, those responses are more strongly linked to the control climatology in each model. Thus, a narrow focus on traditional climate sensitivity alone might miss out on important features of the atmospheric circulation's response to increasing greenhouse gases, particularly in the extratropics.
On the Role of Variable Latent Periods in Mathematical Models for Tuberculosis

The qualitative behaviors of a system of ordinary differential equations and a system of differential-integral equations, which model the dynamics of disease transmission for tuberculosis (TB), have been studied. It has been shown that the dynamics of both models are governed by a reproductive number. All solutions converge to the origin (the disease-free equilibrium) when this reproductive number is less than or equal to the critical value one. The disease-free equilibrium is unstable and there exists a unique positive (endemic) equilibrium if the reproductive number exceeds one. Moreover, the positive equilibrium is stable. Our results show that the qualitative behaviors predicted by the model with arbitrarily distributed latent stage are similar to those given by the TB model with an exponentially distributed period of latency.
Ion-surface interactions: I. Rate equations for reneutralization

Abstract Recent work by Sroubek and Falcone [Surf. Sci. 166 (1986) L136] describes the role of electron diffusion in the vicinity of sputtered adatom using a rate equation approach. Their model, though inexact, has the potential for explaining the low velocity anomaly in Yu's [Phys. Rev. Lett. 47 (1981) 1325] data for the sputtering of oxygen from niobium and vanadium surfaces. Here we show how one can derive the rate equation from microscopic equations of motions. We show how a contact potential for the ion-surface interaction is essential for arriving at their equation. This results in the time dependence of the electron occupation number for the affinity level of the desorbing ion.
Aeroacoustics: Acoustic wave propagation; Aircraft noise prediction; Aeroacoustic instrumentation

The papers in this volume deal with recent research into acoustic-wave propagation through the atmosphere and progress in aeroacoustic instrumentation, facilities, and test techniques. Topics include the propagation of aircraft noise over long distances in the lower atmosphere, measured effects of turbulence on the rise time of a weak shock, sound scattering from atmospheric turbulence, saturation effects associated with sound propagation in a turbulent medium, and a computer model of the lightning-thunder process. Other papers discuss the development of a computer system for aircraft noise prediction; aircraft flyover noise measurements; and theories and methods for the prediction of ground effects on aircraft noise propagation, for the prediction of airframe aerodynamic noise, for turbine noise prediction, and for combustion noise prediction. Attention is also given to the use of Hartmann generators as sources of high-intensity sound in a large absorption flow-duct facility, an outdoor jet noise facility, factors in the design and performance of free-jet acoustic wind tunnels, and the use of a laser shadowgraph for jet noise diagnosis.
Unexpectedly rapid F 19 spin-lattice relaxation in CaF 2 below 1 K

The spin-lattice relaxation time ${T}_{1}$ of $^{19}\mathrm{F}$ in undoped ${\mathrm{CaF}}_{2}$ single crystals was measured at temperatures T between 0.010 and 1.2 K in field strengths ${B}_{0}$ from 0.15 to 1.1 T. At the lowest temperatures ${T}_{1}$ was found to be orders of magnitude shorter than expected on the basis of previous experiments (at higher temperatures) and theories. The results fit the empirical expression 1/${T}_{1}$=1.7 exp[-6.8(${B}_{0}$/T${)}^{0.26}$] ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$. The mechanism of the relaxation is unknown.
Taking aim at Mer and Axl receptor tyrosine kinases as novel therapeutic targets in solid tumors

Importance of the field: Axl and/or Mer expression correlates with poor prognosis in several cancers. Until recently, the role of these receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) in development and progression of cancer remained unexplained. Studies demonstrating that Axl and Mer contribute to cell survival, migration, invasion, metastasis and chemosensitivity justify further investigation of Axl and Mer as novel therapeutic targets in cancer.Areas covered in this review: Axl and Mer signaling pathways in cancer cells are summarized and evidence validating these RTKs as therapeutic targets in glioblastoma multiforme, NSCLC, and breast cancer is examined. A discussion of Axl and/or Mer inhibitors in development is provided.What the reader will gain: Potential toxicities associated with Axl or Mer inhibition are addressed. We propose that the probable action of Mer and Axl inhibitors on cells within the tumor microenvironment will provide a therapeutic opportunity to target both tumor cells and the stromal components...
Superoxide dismutases: role in redox signaling, vascular function, and diseases.

Abstract Excessive reactive oxygen species Revised abstract, especially superoxide anion (O2•−), play important roles in the pathogenesis of many cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension and atherosclerosis. Superoxide dismutases (SODs) are the major antioxidant defense systems against O2•−, which consist of three isoforms of SOD in mammals: the cytoplasmic Cu/ZnSOD (SOD1), the mitochondrial MnSOD (SOD2), and the extracellular Cu/ZnSOD (SOD3), all of which require catalytic metal (Cu or Mn) for their activation. Recent evidence suggests that in each subcellular location, SODs catalyze the conversion of O2•− H2O2, which may participate in cell signaling. In addition, SODs play a critical role in inhibiting oxidative inactivation of nitric oxide, thereby preventing peroxynitrite formation and endothelial and mitochondrial dysfunction. The importance of each SOD isoform is further illustrated by studies from the use of genetically altered mice and viral-mediated gene transfer. Given the essential role...
Recent progress in understanding the imaging and metrology using the helium ion microscope

Nanotechnology is pushing imaging and measurement instrument technology to high levels of required performance. As this continues, new barriers confronting innovation in this field are encountered. Particle beam instrument resolution remains one of these barriers. A new tool for imaging and metrology for nanotechnology is the scanning Helium Ion Microscope (HIM). The HIM is a new approach to imaging and metrology for nanotechnology which may be able to push this barrier lower. As a new methodology, it is just beginning to show promise and the number of potentially advantageous applications for nanotechnology and nanometrology has yet to be fully exploited. This presentation will discuss some of the progress made at NIST in collaboration with the manufacturing community in understanding the imaging and metrology for this new technology.
Chemical speciation of iron in Antarctic waters surrounding free-drifting icebergs

Abstract Free-drifting icebergs in the Southern Ocean may serve as an important source of iron (Fe) to surrounding waters. We studied the chemical speciation of Fe in the waters around several Antarctic icebergs during cruises to the Scotia and Weddell Seas in June 2008 and March 2009. Iron(II) was measured by flow injection chemiluminescence, and Fe-binding ligands were determined following the cruises via competitive ligand equilibrium–cathodic stripping voltammetry. Iron(II) concentrations were significantly higher within 1 km of the nearest iceberg (146 ± 11 pM; 12 ± 0.8% of total dissolved Fe (DFe)) compared to farther stations (66 ± 12 pM; 4 ± 1% of DFe). Iron(II) concentrations were significantly positively correlated with incident light levels, indicating a photochemical source. However spatial Fe(II) gradients were statistically significant even after accounting for light effects and were stronger than gradients in DFe or phytoplankton biomass. Iron(II) was also higher at deeper depths along the iceberg face, suggesting Fe(II) is directly released from ice-rafted minerals. Total Fe-binding ligand concentrations were significantly higher closer to icebergs in the fall but not in the winter, when plankton biomass and grazing activity were substantially lower. Ligands were always present in excess of DFe, but ligands were more fully titrated with DFe in the fall. Ligand/DFe ratios were relatively low (1.2–1.7) compared to other Southern Ocean studies, suggesting that ligands were mostly titrated and additional Fe inputs would be prone to scavenging. Conditional stability constants of ligands (K′, with respect to Fe′) ranged from 1011.9 to 1012.9. Macrozooplankton grazing pressure was also elevated near icebergs and may have served as a source of Fe(II) and ligands. Icebergs appear to affect, directly and indirectly, the speciation of Fe in surrounding waters with potential implications for bioavailability and scavenging behavior.
The carbon stars—An astrophysical enigma

Abstract This paper discusses our present knowledge of the objects which define the “carbon star problem”. It is shown that these stars do not comprise a homogeneous group; the characteristics of three different types of “non-typical” carbon stars are summarized. Following a general discussion of the problem of the classification of the “typical” carbon stars, a number of special problems are considered, several of which present profitable fields for further research.
Transcriptional changes in macrophage TNF-α expression following dimethylnitrosamine exposure in vivo

Abstract DMN exposure has been shown to increase macrophage cytotoxic activity against tumor targets both in vitro and in vivo. Since the production and expression of the macrophage-derived cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is associated with such anti-tumor activity, studies were performed to determine whether changes in TNF-α gene transcription and biosynthesis resulted following DMN exposure. Thioglycollate-elicited macrophages obtained from DMN-exposed animals displayed enhanced levels of constitutively expressed TNF-α transcripts compared to vehicle controls. Northern blot analysis of the time course expression of TNF-α following endotoxin (1 μg/ml) stimulation in vitro showed a significantly greater induction of TNF-α transcripts in macrophages from DMN-exposed than control animals, with peak levels detected between 30 and 120 min. Maximum endotoxin-induced TNF-α secretion occurred later than the accumulation of the transcripts, with greater secretion observed between 120 and 360 min. In contrast to endotoxin, stimulation with IFN-γ (100 U/ml) produced no changes in the level of TNF-α transcripts. However, stimulation of macrophages with IFN-γ did greatly enhance the surface expression of membrane-bound TNF-α in cells from the DMN-treated animals. Supernatants from media and endotoxin stimulated macrophage were tested for TNF-α activity against WEHI-164 cells. In media alone, a five-fold increase in TNF-α activity was observed at 6 h in supernatants from macrophage obtained from DMN-exposed animals compared to the vehicle group. Treatment of supernatants with either superoxide dismutase (SOD) or catalase to remove reactive oxygen products did not alter their lytic capacity. However, addition of a neutralizing murine-anti-TNF-α antibody reduced the lytic capacity of the supernatants by 90% in both treatment groups. Accumulation of IL-1β transcripts gradually increased over the 6 h with a concomitant increase in secreted IL-1β that was identical in both DMN and vehicle groups. These results demonstrate that DMN exposure: (1) enhances the expression of TNF-α in peripheral macrophages by transcriptional regulatory mechanism(s) and, (2) does not alter the expression or secretion of IL-1β.
Long QT syndrome in African-Americans.

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a relatively rare, autosomal dominant genetic disorder affecting the heart’s electrical activity with an estimated frequency of about 1 in 5,000 people.1 The disorder is mainly caused by mutations in genes that code for protein subunits of cardiac ion channels with resultant delay in ventricular repolarization from reduced ion-channel currents. Patients with LQTS are at high risk for syncope, episodes of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (torsades de pointes), and sudden cardiac death.2 Clinically, LQTS is identified by abnormal prolongation of the QT interval on the ECG. Long QT syndrome has been studied in Caucasian, Japanese, and Chinese populations, but no previous study has examined African-American patients with LQTS. In our study, we evaluated the risk factors for cardiac events and the clinical course of LQTS in African-American patients and compared the findings to Caucasians with this disorder.
Cellular distribution of iron in the brain of the Belgrade rat.

Abstract In this study, we investigated the cellular distribution of iron in the brain of Belgrade rats. These rats have a mutation in Divalent Metal Transporter 1, which has been implicated in iron transport from endosomes. The Belgrade rats have iron-positive pyramidal neurons, but these are fewer in number and less intensely stained than in controls. In the white matter, iron is normally present in patches of intensely iron-stained oligodendrocytes and myelin, but there is dramatically less iron staining in the Belgrade rat. Those oligodendrocytes that stained for iron did so strongly and were associated with blood vessels. Astrocytic iron staining was seen in the cerebral cortex for both normal rats and Belgrade rats, but the iron-stained astrocytes were less numerous in the mutants. Iron staining in tanycytes, modified astrocytes coursing from the third ventricle to the hypothalamus, was not affected in the Belgrade rat, but was affected by diet. The results of this study indicate that Divalent Metal Transporter 1 is important to iron transport in the brain. Iron is essential in the brain for basic metabolic processes such as heme formation, neurotransmitter production and ATP synthesis. Excess brain iron is associated with a number of common neurodegenerative diseases. Consequently, elucidating the mechanisms of brain iron delivery is critical for understanding the role of iron in pathological conditions.
A frame-level data re-use & mode decision strategy for H.264/AVC encoders

The H.264/AVC video compression standard exhibits excellent compression ratio due to many new features compared with its previous counterparts. Among these features, multiple reference inter-prediction and variable block-size play very important roles. However, their implementations require high memory access bandwidth. For real-time implementation, it is critical to reduce the memory access bandwidth. For this purpose, this paper presents a Partial Forward Processing Algorithm (PFPA) for frame-level data re-use and a mode decision strategy. Simulation results show that up to 2/3 of the original memory access bandwidth can be saved when using five reference frames with a search range of [-64,64]. The new mode decision method avoids sharply increased memory size used to store intermediate processing results and at the same time, the PSNR for the decoded sequence is very close to the optimal result produced by the reference software JM9.0 provided by the Joint Video Team (JVT) [1].
Synthesis, structure, and magnetic behavior of (LaxCe1−x)1.33Pt4Ga10 (0 ⩽ x ⩽ 1)

Abstract (La x Ce 1 − x ) 1.33 Pt 4 Ga 10 (0 ⩽ x ⩽ 1), synthesized with excess Ga flux, crystallize in the P 6 3 / mmc space group, Z = 1, with lattice parameters a = b ∼ 4.3 and c ∼ 16.5 A for the entire range of the solid solution. Single-crystal diffraction and electron microscopy methods show that La substitution within the solid solution does not lead to systematic decrease in unit cell dimensions. The crystal structure of (La x Ce 1 − x ) 1.33 Pt 4 Ga 10 (0 ⩽ x ⩽ 1) can be viewed as a combination of RE 2 Ga 3 ( A ) and double Pt 2 Ga 4 ( B ) layers stacked along the c axis in an ABAB sequence. Ce 1.33 Pt 4 Ga 10 exhibits a large negative Weiss constant, θ W = −87.2 K, but does not reveal any signature of magnetic ordering. An examination of zero-field-cooled and field-cooled magnetization curves and AC susceptibility at low temperatures excludes a possible formation of spin-glass state down to 1.8 K. These findings support an earlier suggestion that Ce 1.33 Pt 4 Ga 10 might exhibit non-Fermi liquid behavior.
Children's information retrieval behavior: A case analysis of an OPAC

This article reports research that explored children's information retrieval behavior using an online public access catalog (OPAC) in an elementary school library. The study considers the impact of a variety of factors including user characteristics, the school setting, interface usability, and information access features on children's information retrieval success and breakdown. The study reports the overall patterns of children's behavior that influence success and breakdown in information retrieval as well as findings about the intentions, moves, plans, strategies, and search terms of children in grades one through six. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Sleep and wakefulness in female rats during pregnancy.

Abstract Sleep patterns were studied throughout pregnancy in female rats. The percentages of time spent in wakefulness, NREM sleep and REM sleep remained relatively constant from the beginning of pregnancy until shortly before delivery. For a period of approximately 15 hr prior to the onset of parturition there was an increased wakefulness and a decrease in both types of sleep. However, REM sleep decreased proportionally more than NREM sleep. During parturition the females were almost constantly awake allowing little time for NREM sleep and none for REM sleep. Soon after the end of parturition the amounts of NREM and REM sleep rose quickly to reach levels comparable to those obtained during pregnancy. The significance of these results is described in terms of the hormonal and nonhormonal events occurring at the time of parturition.
Comparison of Real-Time Intraoperative Ultrasound-Based Dosimetry With Postoperative Computed Tomography-Based Dosimetry for Prostate Brachytherapy

Purpose To evaluate whether real-time intraoperative ultrasound (US)-based dosimetry can replace conventional postoperative computed tomography (CT)-based dosimetry in prostate brachytherapy. Methods and Materials Between December 2001 and November 2002, 82 patients underwent 103 Pd prostate brachytherapy. An interplant treatment planning system was used for real-time intraoperative transrectal US-guided treatment planning. The dose distribution was updated according to the estimated seed position to obtain the dose–volume histograms. Postoperative CT-based dosimetry was performed a few hours later using the Theraplan-Plus treatment planning system. The dosimetric parameters obtained from the two imaging modalities were compared. Results The results of this study revealed correlations between the US- and CT-based dosimetry. However, large variations were found in the implant-quality parameters of the two modalities, including the doses covering 100%, 90%, and 80% of the prostate volume and prostate volumes covered by 100%, 150%, and 200% of the prescription dose. The mean relative difference was 38% and 16% for doses covering 100% and 90% of the prostate volume and 10% and 21% for prostate volumes covered by 100% and 150% of the prescription dose, respectively. The CT-based volume covered by 200% of the prescription dose was about 30% greater than the US-based one. Compared with CT-based dosimetry, US-based dosimetry significantly underestimated the dose to normal organs, especially for the rectum. The average US-based maximal dose and volume covered by 100% of the prescription dose for the rectum was 72 Gy and 0.01 cm 3 , respectively, much lower than the 159 Gy and 0.65 cm 3 obtained using CT-based dosimetry. Conclusion Although dosimetry using intraoperative US-based planning provides preliminary real-time information, it does not accurately reflect the postoperative CT-based dosimetry. Until studies have determined whether US-based dosimetry or postoperative CT-based dosimetry can better predict patient outcomes, the American Brachytherapy Society recommendation of CT-based postimplant dosimetry should remain the standard of care.
Tryptophan analogues form adducts by cooperative reaction with aldehydes and alcohols or with aldehydes alone: possible role in ethanol toxicity.

Abstract Previous work showed that the exocyclic amino groups of nucleic acid components react quickly at ambient temperature with acetaldehyde and ethanol to yield mixed acetals [R-NH-CH(CH3)-O-C2H5]. We now find that the same type of reaction occurs readily with the nitrogen of 3-substituted indoles (e.g., indole-3-acetic acid and N-acetyltryptophan), analogues of the amino acid tryptophan. In contrast, unsubstituted indole reacts very rapidly at the carbon in ring position 2 or 3 with acetaldehyde to form bis(indolyl)ethane without ethanol entering into the reaction. Product structures have been confirmed by fast atom bombardment MS and 1H NMR. The former reaction occurs optimally in 30-50% aqueous solution below pH 4. It also proceeds more slowly and with reduced yields in aqueous media at more neutral pH. This reaction may be of biological concern, as it supplies a mechanism for protein modifications with possible toxic effects in human tissues where ethanol is metabolized.