cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
2.1 and 1.8 Å Average Cα RMSD Structure Predictions on Two Small Proteins, HP-36 and S15

On two different small proteins, the 36-mer villin headpiece domain (HP-36) and the 65-mer structured region of ribosomal protein (S15), several model predictions from the ab initio approach Rosetta were subjected to molecular dynamics simulations for refinement. After clustering the resulting trajectories into conformational families, the average molecular mechanics--Poisson Boltzmann/surface area (MM-PBSA) free energies and alpha carbon (C(alpha)) RMSDs were then calculated for each family. Those conformational families with the lowest average free energies also contained the best C(alpha) RMSD structures (1.4 A for S15 and HP-36 core) and the lowest average C(alpha) RMSDs (1.8 A for S15, 2.1 A for HP-36 core). For comparison, control simulations starting with the two experimental structures were very stable, each consisting of a single conformational family, with an average C(alpha) RMSD of 1.3 A for S15 and 1.2 A for HP-36 core (1.9 A over all residues). In addition, the average free energies' ranks (Spearman rank, r(s)) correlate well with the average C(alpha) RMSDs (r(s) = 0.77 for HP-36, r(s) = 0.83 for S15). Molecular dynamics simulations combined with the MM--PBSA free energy function provide a potentially powerful tool for the protein structure prediction community in allowing for both high-resolution structural refinement and accurate ranking of model predictions. With all of the information that genomics is now providing, this methodology may allow for advances in going from sequence to structure.
Wavelet-based multi-scale projection method in homogenization of heterogeneous media

Standard homogenization of highly heterogeneous media often filters out the fine scale information, and as a consequence, it produces acceptable results only for certain type of periodic structures. In this work, a wavelet-based multi-scale homogenization is introduced for highly heterogeneous materials where the standard asymptotic technique cannot be effectively applied. A set of scaling and wavelet functions based on the linear hat function and its corresponding wavelet transformation matrix are constructed. The advantages of this wavelet transformation constructed by hat function compared to that formulated using Haar function are identified. The mirror image technique has been employed to preserve the accurate representation of boundary conditions and to avoid numerical oscillation near the boundaries. This wavelet-based multi-scale transformation hierarchically filters out the high-scale components of the solution, and thus provides an effective framework for the multi-scale selection of the most essential scales of the solution.
Two Sides to the Bed: Physician-Patient and Physician-Friend

Errors can happen in the most accomplished of systems, and healthcare providers need a better understanding of what effect these errors have on patients, what we must do to respond to errors, and what we can do to prevent them. The authors describe a medical error from the perspectives of both physician-patient and physician-friend, identifying key “lessons learned” and strategies for preventing similar errors from occurring in other healthcare settings.
‘No whale, no music’: Iñupiaq drumming and global warming

This article explores how climate change has recently influenced the Inupiaq cultural identity as the people of the whales. Their traditional whaling cycle reveals strong indivisibility of music, emotions, and place based human identity. To illustrate such integrity of the Inupiat and their culturally critical bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus), a search was made for specific ways in which climate change influences Inupiaq spiritual and physical ties with the whale in relation to traditional music making. Traditionally, the Inupiat say that it is the whale who brings them music, thus no whale harvest means no music production. However, when the environment is less predictable, the homeland eroded, place based songs gone, and human-whale integrity threatened, how specifically are these changes manifested in the Inupiat-whale relationship? Providing detailed descriptions of 2005–2006 nalukataq (midsummer whale feasts), this article examines how contemporary Inupiat respond to environmental changes in the emotional and cultural dimensions through their music making.
Using Wikis To Develop Collaborative Communities in an Environmental Chemistry Course

Group construction of wikis in an environmental chemistry course provided an effective framework for students to develop and to manage collaborative communities, characterized by interactive projects designed to deepen learning. A sequence of assignments facilitated improvement of the students’ wiki construction and editing skills and these activities additionally spread the workload throughout the semester. Because the student groups selected their own topic for each assignment, the wikis provided some opportunity for students to personalize their course content. The ability to track multiple versions of the wiki allowed the instructor to observe the development of the final product and to attribute contributions to each individual student uniquely, a common concern regarding group work. Links created among the multiple wiki pages lent cohesion to the multiple assignments, created connections between groups, and unified the semester-long course content. The authors acknowledge the use of the graphic from...
Fatty acid ethyl esters, nonoxidative ethanol metabolites, synthesis, uptake, and hydrolysis by human platelets.

Abstract The consumption of alcohol is known to have both positive and negative effects on the functioning of the cardiovascular system in general, and on platelet function in particular. Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) are non-oxidative metabolite of ethanol that may mediate the ethanol effect on platelet function leading to either bleeding or clotting. The aim of the current study was to investigate the synthesis, uptake, and hydrolysis of FAEEs by human platelets. Isolated platelets were incubated with ethanol for various times, and FAEE synthesis were measured by gas chromatography mass-spectrometry (GC-MS). In addition, platelets were incubated with 14C-ethyl oleate, and FAEE uptake and hydrolysis were measured. There was significant synthesis of FAEEs by human platelets within 30 min of exposure to ethanol. The major FAEE species formed by human platelets exposed to ethanol were ethyl palmitate and ethyl stearate. FAEE uptake by human platelets showed maximum uptake by 60 s. The majority of FAEEs (50–80%) incorporated into platelets remained intact for up to 10 min. FAEE hydrolysis led to an increase in free fatty acids, with minimal subsequent esterification of the free fatty acids into phospholipids, triglycerides, and cholesterol esters. These studies show that FAEEs, non-oxidative metabolite of ethanol, can be incorporated into, synthesized, and hydrolyzed by human platelets.
The response of maize radicle orientation to soil solution and soil atmosphere

Earlier reports suggest that the orientation of larger roots of maize is to some extent determined by the soil environment, especially water content and texture. Experiments were performed to determine the direct effect of soil water potential, macronutrient concentration, and concentration of oxygen, carbon dioxide, ethylene and nitrous oxide on the plagiotropic orientation of maize radicles. Only carbon dioxide produced a large change, causing roots to orient less vertically downward. However, the concentration necessary to produce a large effect on root angle is greater than theoretical or observed values for aerobic soils. It is concluded that the radicle orientation of maize is not significantly influenced by chemical or atmospheric stimuli under field conditions, and that variations observed must be attributable to the effects of soil temperature16 or the effects of soil mechanical properties.
Mono- and bis-phosphine-ligated H93G myoglobin: spectral models for ferrous-phosphine and ferrous-CO cytochrome P450.

Abstract To further investigate the properties of phosphines as structural and functional probes of heme proteins, mono- and bis-phosphine [tris(hydroxymethyl)phosphine, THMP] adducts of H93G myoglobin (Mb) have been prepared by stepwise THMP titrations of exogenous ligand-free ferric and ferrous H93G Mb, respectively. Bubbling with CO or stepwise titration with imidazole (Im) of the bis-THMP-ligated ferrous protein generated a mixed ligand (THMP/CO or THMP/Im, respectively) ferrous complexes. Stable oxyferrous H93G(THMP) Mb was formed at − 40 °C by bubbling the mono-THMP-Fe(II) protein with O 2 . A THMP-ligated ferryl H93G Mb moiety has been partially formed upon addition of H 2 O 2 to the ferric mono-THMP adduct. All the species prepared above have been characterized with UV–visible (UV–vis) absorption and magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy in this study. The six-coordinate ferrous bis-phosphine and mono-phosphine/CO complexes of H93G Mb exhibit characteristic spectral features (red-shifted Soret/unique-shaped MCD visible bands and hyperporphyrin spectra, respectively) that only have been seen for the analogous phosphine or CO-complexes of thiolate-ligated heme proteins such as cytochrome P450 (P450) and Caldariomyces fumago chloroperoxidase (CPO). However, such resemblance is not seen in phosphine-ligated ferric H93G Mb even though phosphine-bound ferric P450 and CPO display hyperporphyrin spectra. In fact, bis-THMP-bound ferric H93G Mb exhibits MCD and UV–vis absorption spectra that are similar to those of bis-amine- and bis-thioether-ligated H93G Mb complexes. This study also further demonstrates the utility of the H93G cavity mutant for preparing novel heme iron coordination structures.
Styrenic nanocomposites prepared using a novel biphenyl-containing modified clay

Montmorillonite was organically modified using an ammonium salt containing 4-acetylbiphenyl. This clay (BPNC16 clay) was used to prepare polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and high impact polystyrene (HIPS) nanocomposites. Polystyrene nanocomposites were prepared both by in situ bulk polymerisation and melt blending processes, while the ABS and HIPS nanocomposites were prepared only by melt blending. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were used to confirm nanocomposite formation. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to evaluate thermal stability and the flammability properties were evaluated using cone calorimetry. By thermogravimetry, BPNC16 clay was found to show high thermal stability, and by cone calorimetry, a decrease in both the peak heat release rate and the mass loss rate was observed for the nanocomposites.
Sensitivity of the PGF2α- versus carbachol-contracted trachea to relaxation by salbutamol, forskolin and prenalterol

Abstract A comparison has been made of the abilities of salbutamol, forskolin and prenalterol to relax guinea-pig tracheal rings contracted equivalently with either prostaglandin F 2α (PGF 2α ) or carbachol. In the absence of spontaneous tension, 10 −6 M PGF 2α adn 4 × 10 −7 M carbachol induced equivalent contractions on tracheal rings. Tracheal contractions induced by PGF 2α were more sensitive to the relaxant effects of salbutamol, forskolin or prenalterol than were contractions induced by carbachol. Each tracheal relaxant had a lower IC 50 value for inhibiting PGF 2α -induced contractions, and prenalterol (a β-adrenoceptor partial agonist) induced more complete relaxation of PGF 2α - than carbachol-induced tracheal tension. It is concluded that the tracheal relaxant activity of these compounds is in part dependent upon the contractile agent which induces tension, and that the variable sensitivity of different isolated tracheal muscle preparations to the actions of tracheal relaxants may result from differences in the contracting stimulus being antagonized in each of these models.
Risk factors associated with surgical site infection after pediatric posterior spinal fusion procedure.

objective. To identify risk factors associated with surgical site infection (SSI) after pediatric posterior spinal fusion procedure by examining characteristics related to the patient, the surgical procedure, and tissue hypoxia. design. Retrospective case-control study nested in a hospital cohort study. setting. A 475-bed, tertiary care children’s hospital. methods. All patients who underwent a spinal fusion procedure during the period from January 1995 through December 2006 were included. SSI cases were identified by means of prospective surveillance using National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance system definitions. Forty-four case patients who underwent a posterior spinal fusion procedure and developed an SSI were identified and evaluated. Each case patient was matched (on the basis of date of surgery, 3 months) to 3 control patients who underwent a posterior spinal fusion procedure but did not develop an SSI. Risk factors for SSI were evaluated by univariate analysis and multivariable conditional logistic regression. Odds ratios (ORs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and P values, were calculated. results. From 1995 to 2006, the mean annual rate of SSI after posterior spinal fusion procedure was 4.4% (range, 1.1%–6.7%). Significant risk factors associated with SSI in the univariate analysis included the following: a body mass index (BMI) greater than the 95th percentile (OR, 3.5 [95% CI, 1.5–8.3]); antibiotic prophylaxis with clindamycin, compared with other antibiotics (OR, 3.5 [95% CI, 1.2– 10.0]); inappropriately low dose of antibiotic (OR, 2.6 [95% CI, 1.0–6.6]); and a longer duration of hypothermia (ie, a core body temperature of less than 35.5C) during surgery (OR, 0.4 [95% CI, 0.2–0.9]). An American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of greater than 2, obesity (ie, a BMI greater than the 95th percentile), antibiotic prophylaxis with clindamycin, and hypothermia were statistically significant in the multivariable model. conclusion. An ASA score greater than 2, obesity, and antibiotic prophylaxis with clindamycin were independent risk factors for SSI. Hypothermia during surgery appears to provide protection against SSI in this patient population.
Cooperativity in F-Actin: Binding of Gelsolin at the Barbed End Affects Structure and Dynamics of the Whole Filament

Abstract We have studied the effect of gelsolin, a Ca-dependent actin-binding protein, on the microsecond rotational dynamics of actin filaments, using time-resolved phosphorescence (TPA) and absorption anisotropy (TAA) of erythrosin iodoacetamide attached to Cys374 on actin. Polymerization of actin in the presence of gelsolin resulted in substantial increases in the rate and amplitude of anisotropy decay, indicating increased rotational motion. Analysis indicates that the effect of gelsolin cannot be explained by increased rates of overall (rigid-body) rotations of shortened filaments, but reflects changes in intra-filament structure and dynamics. We conclude that gelsolin induces (1) a 10° change in the orientation of the absorption dipole of the probe relative to the actin filament, indicating a conformational change in actin, and (2) a threefold decrease in torsional rigidity of the filament. This result, which is consistent with complementary electron microscopic observations on the same preparations, directly demonstrates long-range cooperativity in F-actin, where a conformational change induced by the binding of a single gelsolin molecule to the barbed end is propagated along inter-monomer bonds throughout the actin filament.
Dynamic test compaction for a random test generation procedure with input cube avoidance

A recent approach to test generation avoids the assignment of certain input values in order not to prevent target faults from being detected. The test generation process based on this approach is efficient; however, it generates large test sets. We develop a dynamic test compaction procedure for this approach. Our goal is to reduce the test set size by increasing the number of faults detected by each test vector, while keeping the computational complexity as low as that of the original procedure. This is achieved by avoiding the assignment of certain input values in order not to prevent subsets of faults from being detected.
Neuroendocrine Expression in Node Positive Prostate Cancer: Correlation With Systemic Progression and Patient Survival

ABSTRACTPurpose: Neuroendocrine cells are ubiquitous but uncommon in benign and neoplastic prostate epithelium, and they are considered important for regulating cell growth and differentiation. The predictive value of neuroendocrine immunoreactivity for patient outcome after radical prostatectomy is uncertain. In this study we determined the expression of 2 important neuroendocrine markers, chromogranin and serotonin, in benign epithelium, primary prostate cancer and lymph node metastases, and correlated cellular expression with patient outcome.Materials and Methods: We studied 196 patients with node positive prostate adenocarcinoma who underwent bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy and radical prostatectomy at Mayo Clinic between 1987 and 1992. Mean followup was 6.8 years (range 0.3 to 11). The cellular expression of chromogranin and serotonin in matched samples of benign tissue, primary prostate cancer and lymph node metastases from the same patients was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining using comme...
Performance of disabled and normal readers on the Bender-Gestalt, Auditory Discrimination Test, and visual-motor matching.

Research comparing normal and disabled readers on perceptual tasks is equivocal. Benton (1962) cites inadequate matching of groups on the factor of general intelligence as a reason for the disparat...
ENDOTOXIN, TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR, AND INTERLEUKIN-1 DECREASE HEPATIC SQUALENE SYNTHASE ACTIVITY, PROTEIN, AND MRNA LEVELS IN SYRIAN HAMSTERS

Recent studies have shown that endotoxin (LPS) administration to Syrian hamsters markedly increased hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity, protein mass, and mRNA levels, but only produced a modest increase in hepatic cholesterol synthesis, suggesting that LPS may also influence other key enzymes involved in the regulation of cholesterol metabolism. In the present study, we have examined the effect of LPS and cytokines on the activity, protein mass, and mRNA level of squalene synthase, which is the first committed enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis and is located at a branch point in the mevalonate pathway. Our results demonstrate that LPS administration produces a marked decrease in the mRNA levels of squalene synthase. This decrease in squalene synthase mRNA occurred very rapidly (90 min after LPS) and required relatively small doses of LPS (1 microg/100 gm body weight). LPS also significantly decreased squalene synthase activity and protein mass. Finally, LPS produced a marked decrease in squalene synthase mRNA, activity, and protein levels when the basal levels of squalene synthase expression were increased 4-fold by prior treatment with bile acid binding resin, colestipol. Tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1, which mediate many of the metabolic effects of LPS, also decreased hepatic squalene synthase activity and mRNA levels. Taken together, our results suggest that the discordant regulation of HMG-CoA reductase and squalene synthase during the host response to infection and inflammation may have substantial effects on the regulation of substrate flux into the non-sterol pathways of mevalonate metabolism.
Sponsoring Literacy Studies

In this short essay, I want to consider, first, how literacy studies as a field has been sponsored—What work has been foundational, transformative, and innovative?—and second, to reflect on how my own study of literacy has been sponsored. In particular, I want to think about how Brandt’s concept of “sponsorship” has not only been transformative in conceptualizing the dynamics of literacy, but how it is also useful in addressing questions of equity and diversity within literacy studies. As defined by Brandt, “sponsors of literacy” are “any agents, local or distant, concrete or abstract, who enable, support, teach, and model, as well as recruit, regulate, suppress, or withhold, literacy—and gain advantage by it in some way” (19). It is the first part of this definition that is key to my discussion: How have sponsors who “enable, support, teach, and model” informed what we do as a field broadly, and what I have done in my own work specifically? In theorizing a deep understanding of how literacy is enacted, Brandt has helped us to see that literacy does not simply empower or provide access to resources for individuals, but perhaps most importantly creates a complex web of relationships that may sustain literate action. We might think of sponsorship itself as a literacy practice and as literate action, marshalling resources in order to create opportunities for literacy development.
On the planar stability of rigid-link binary walking robots

A binary walking robot moves as a result of bi-state actuator transitions. Because of the bi-state nature of binary joints, many research results about continuous walking robots cannot be applied to binary walking robots directly. In this paper, a new and simple model of rigid-link binary walking robot is proposed, around which related concepts are introduced, and formulas are derived. Based on this model, general characteristics and limitations of periodic gaits are discussed, and the stability qualities of several straight-line walking periodic gaits are studied in both pitch-greater-than-stroke and stroke-greater-than-pitch cases. Valuable results are obtained from the analysis, which should be followed in the design of rigid-link binary walking robots.
Collective violence caused by climate change and how it threatens health and human rights.

(Collective violence includes violent conflicts between nations and groups, state and group terrorism, rape as a weapon of war, the movement of large numbers of people displaced from their homes, and gang warfare. - WHO) The weight of scientific evidence indicates that climate change is causally associated with collective violence. This evidence arises from individual studies over wide ranges of time and geographic location, and from two extensive meta-analyses. Complex pathways that underlie this association are not fully understood; however, increased ambient temperatures and extremes of rainfall, with their resultant adverse impacts on the environment and risk factors for violence, appear to play key roles. Collective violence due to climate change poses serious threats to health and human rights, including by causing morbidity and mortality directly and also indirectly by damage to the health-supporting infrastructure of society, forcing people to migrate from their homes and communities, damaging the environment, and diverting human and financial resources. This paper also briefly addresses issues for future research on the relationship between climate change and collective violence, the prevention of collective violence due to climate change, and States' obligations to protect human rights, to prevent collective violence, and to promote and support measures to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Language: en
Feasibility and efficacy of pairing fecal immunochemical testing with mammography for increasing colorectal cancer screening among uninsured Latinas in northern Manhattan.

Abstract Objectives We evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of a program to promote colorectal cancer screening (CRC) among uninsured Latinas receiving mammography through a cancer screening clinic in northern Manhattan. Methods Between August 2009 and March 2010, unscreened, average CRC risk, uninsured Latinas, aged 50–64 years, undergoing mammography received a screening recommendation, education, and fecal immunochemical test (FIT). Socio-demographic information and level of acculturation was collected. Screening compliance was assessed. Results Of 651 Latinas evaluated, 210 were eligible and, of these, 94% ( n = 197) consented to participate; 441 were excluded because they were up-to-date with CRC screening ( n = 130), n = 285) or > 64 ( n = 26) years of age. After intervention, 177 (90%) completed FIT. Within 2 weeks, 87% completed the FIT, and 69% did so with no reminder calls. Acculturation was significantly lower among screeners ( p = 0.014). Compared with non-screeners, screeners were more likely to be foreign-born ( p = 0.009), to speak only Spanish ( p = 0.043), and to prefer to read ( p = 0.037), and think ( p = 0.015) in Spanish. Conclusion This study suggests that pairing CRC education and screening with mammography is both feasible and efficacious.
Obstacle-Sensitive Trajectory Regulation via Gain Scheduling and Semidefinite Programming

The regulation of vehicle trajectories in the vicinity of obstacles must focus on “critical outputs,” which vary as a function of the vehicle's position relative to obstacles as exemplified by the task of parking a car. We present an application of linear parameter-varying techniques to address this problem. We design closed-loop stable, parameter-dependent controllers, whose strategy changes depending on the position of the vehicle in the obstacle environment. We also provide a fast and easy-to-implement algorithm for online controller construction. Last, the proposed approach is demonstrated on a three degrees-of-freedom helicopter.
Space, race, and poverty: Spatial inequalities in walkable neighborhood amenities?

Background Multiple and varied benefits have been suggested for increased neighborhood walkability. However, spatial inequalities in neighborhood walkability likely exist and may be attributable, in part, to residential segregation. Objective Utilizing a spatial demographic perspective, we evaluated potential spatial inequalities in walkable neighborhood amenities across census tracts in Boston, MA (US). Methods The independent variables included minority racial/ethnic population percentages and percent of families in poverty. Walkable neighborhood amenities were assessed with a composite measure. Spatial autocorrelation in key study variables were first calculated with the Global Moran's I statistic. Then, Spearman correlations between neighborhood socio-demographic characteristics and walkable neighborhood amenities were calculated as well as Spearman correlations accounting for spatial autocorrelation. We fit ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and spatial autoregressive models, when appropriate, as a final step. Results Significant positive spatial autocorrelation was found in neighborhood socio-demographic characteristics (e.g. census tract percent Black), but not walkable neighborhood amenities or in the OLS regression residuals. Spearman correlations between neighborhood socio-demographic characteristics and walkable neighborhood amenities were not statistically significant, nor were neighborhood socio-demographic characteristics significantly associated with walkable neighborhood amenities in OLS regression models. Conclusions Our results suggest that there is residential segregation in Boston and that spatial inequalities do not necessarily show up using a composite measure. Comments Future research in other geographic areas (including international contexts) and using different definitions of neighborhoods (including small-area definitions) should evaluate if spatial inequalities are found using composite measures but also should use measures of specific neighborhood amenities.
A family of likelihood ascent search multiuser detectors: approaching optimum performance via random multicodes with linear complexity

Tse and Verdu proved that the global maximum likelihood (GML) detector achieves unit asymptotic multiuser efficiency (AME) in the limit of large random spreading CDMA. In this paper, we show that the wide-sense sequential likelihood ascent search (WSLAS) detectors achieve unit AME with channel load < 1/2 - 1/(4 ln 2) bits/s/Hz. In simulations for random multicode equal-power systems, the WSLAS with a linear per-bit complexity approaches the GML BER in all SNR with channel load as high as 1.05 bits/s/Hz.
Huarochiri: An Andean Society Under Inca and Spanish Rule

Introduction 1. The human landscape 2. The sons of Pariacaca 3. Tribes become peasants 4. The age of the conquerors 5. The colonial system 6. The shrinking web 7. The cutting edge 8. Belief and resistance 9. The challenge to colonialism Conclusion Notes Bibliography Index.
Genetic discrimination in employment is indefensible.

The first of three commentaries on “A Defense of Genetic Discrimination,” from the July-August 2013 issue.
An In Vivo Analysis of the Effect of Season-Long Open-Air Elevation of Ozone to Anticipated 2050 Levels on Photosynthesis in Soybean

Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) is widely recognized, but less appreciated is a concomitant rise in tropospheric ozone concentration ([O3]). In industrialized countries, [O3] has risen by 0.5% to 2.5% per year. Tropospheric [O3] is predicted to reach a global mean of >60 nL L−1 by 2050 with greater averages locally. Previous studies in enclosures suggest that this level of [O3] will decrease leaf photosynthesis, thereby limiting growth and yield of Glycine max L. Merr. SoyFACE (Soybean Free Air gas Concentration Enrichment) is the first facility to elevate atmospheric [O3] (approximately 1.2× current) in replicated plots under completely open-air conditions within an agricultural field. Measurements of gas exchange (assimilation versus light and assimilation versus intercellular [CO2]) were made on excised leaves from control and treatment plots (n = 4). In contrast to expectations from previous chamber studies, elevated [O3] did not alter light-saturated photosynthesis (Asat, P = 0.09), carboxylation capacity (Vc,max, P = 0.82), or maximum electron transport (Jmax, P = 0.66) for the topmost most recently fully expanded leaf at any stage of crop development. Leaves formed during the vegetative growth stage did not show a significant ozone-induced loss of photosynthetic capacity as they aged. Leaves formed during flowering did show a more rapid loss of photosynthetic capacity as they aged in elevated [O3]. Asat, Vc,max, and Jmax (P = 0.04, 0.004, and 0.002, respectively) were decreased 20% to 30% by treatment with ozone. This is noteworthy since these leaves provide photosynthate to the developing grain. In conclusion, a small (approximately 20%) increase in tropospheric [O3] did not significantly alter photosynthetic capacity of newly expanded leaves, but as these leaves aged, losses in photosynthetic carbon assimilation occurred.
Unraveling the mission of FcϵRI on antigen-presenting cells

Abstract A decade ago, the discovery of the high-affinity receptor for IgE (FcϵRI) on epidermal Langerhans cells documented the end of the dogma that FcϵRI is only expressed on effector cells of anaphylaxis. Since then, the functional significance of this receptor on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) has been an area of intense research work. Scientists have focused on a better understanding of the molecular structure, regulation, and role of FcϵRI on APCs in the human immune system. Insights into the cellular events linked to the activation of APCs on ligation of FcϵRI by IgE and allergens might provide the basis for new aspects in the pathophysiology of allergic diseases and the design of future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This review is dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the discovery of FcϵRI on APCs and describes the numerous areas of research in this field. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2003;111:38-44.)
Mixed state of a lattice d-wave superconductor

We study the mixed state in an extreme type-II lattice ${d}_{{x}^{2}\ensuremath{-}{y}^{2}}$-wave superconductor in the experimentally most relevant regime of intermediate magnetic fields ${H}_{c1}⪡H⪡{H}_{c2}$. We analyze the low energy spectrum of the problem, dominated by nodal Dirac-like quasiparticles with momenta near ${\mathbf{k}}_{F}=(\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}{k}_{D},\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}{k}_{D})$, and find that the spectrum exhibits characteristic oscillatory behavior with respect to the product of ${k}_{D}$ and magnetic length $l$. The Simon-Lee scaling, predicted in this regime, is satisfied only on average, with the magnitude of the oscillatory part of the spectrum displaying the same ${l}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ dependence as its monotonous ``envelope'' part. In general, the spectrum obeys a scaling law ${E}_{n\mathbf{k}}=(\ensuremath{\hbar}{v}_{F}∕l){\mathcal{E}}_{n}(\mathbf{k}l,t∕\ensuremath{\Delta},{k}_{D}l)$, where $\mathcal{E}$ is a dimensionless universal $2\ensuremath{\pi}$-periodic function of ${k}_{D}l$. The oscillatory behavior of the spectrum is due to the internodal interference enhanced by the singular nature of the low-energy eigenfunctions near vortices. Our results constitute an example of a finite size scaling of the Dirac-type quantum criticality. We also study a separate problem of a single vortex piercing an isolated superconducting grain of size $L\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}L$. Here we find that the periodicity of the quasiparticle energy oscillations with respect to ${k}_{D}L$ is doubled relative to the case where the field is zero and the vortex is absent, both such oscillatory behaviors being present at the leading order in ${L}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. Finally, we review the overall features of the tunneling conductance experiments in $\mathrm{Y}{\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{7\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\delta}}$ (YBCO) and ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{2}\mathrm{Ca}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{8+\ensuremath{\delta}}$ (BSCCO), and suggest an interpretation of the peaks at $5--20\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{meV}$ observed in the tunneling local density of states in these materials. We find that in the case of a pure $d$-wave superconducting order parameter with featureless vortex cores, the zero bias conductance peak (ZBCP) appears only on the sites that are the immediate nearest neighbors of vortex locations, while all the other sites in the close vicinity of vortices exhibit no such ZBCP and instead display pronounced peaks at subgap energies, typically at about a half or less of the coherence peak energy. Furthermore, we find that the on-site ZBCP can be strongly suppressed by enhanced local pairing near a vortex.
In vivo cortisol administration suppresses the in vitro primary immune response of winter flounder lymphocytes

Abstract Prolonged (24-day) administration of cortisol to adult winter flounder, Pleuronectes americanus , was found to decrease the in vitro primary immune response of splenic lymphocytes as measured by the passive haemolytic plaque assay. Intraperitoneal implantation of fish with cortisol mixed into a vegetable shortening and cocoa butter vehicle resulted in elevated serum cortisol levels that were within physiological ranges. Existing techniques for piscine lymphocyte culture were modified for use with winter flounder. Longer durations of elevated serum cortisol in the fish produced a more marked suppression of the plaque-forming cell (PFC) response. The suppression was evident as early as 10 days postimplantation when winter flounder cultures were stimulated for 14 days with trinitrophenyl-keyhole limpet haemocyanin (TNP-KLH). Suppression of the PFC response was not apparent until 17 days postimplantation in those cultures stimulated with trinitrophenyl-lipopolysaccharide (TNP-LPS) and was less apparent when the culture period was lengthened from 9 days to 14 days. Our results indicate that the in vitro primary PFC response can be used to evaluate the presence of chronic stress in fish.
Optimal placement of wavelength converters in trees and trees of rings

In wavelength-routed optical networks, wavelength converters can potentially reduce the requirement on the number of wavelengths. The problem of placing a minimum number of wavelength converters in a WDM network so that any routing can be satisfied using no more wavelengths than if there were wavelength converters at every node was raised in Wilfong et al. (1998) and shown to be NP-complete in general WDM networks. Recently, it was proved in Kleinberg et al. (1999) that this problem is as hard as the well-known minimum vertex cover problem. In this paper, we further their study in two topologies that are of more practical concrete relevance to the telecommunications industry: trees and tree of rings. We show that the optimal wavelength converter placement problem in these two practical topologies are tractable. Efficient polynomial-time algorithms are presented.
Liver X Receptor Signaling Pathways and Atherosclerosis

First discovered as orphan receptors, liver X receptors (LXRs) were subsequently identified as the nuclear receptor target of the cholesterol metabolites, oxysterols. There are 2 LXR receptors encoded by distinct genes: LXRα is most highly expressed in the liver, adipose, kidney, adrenal tissues, and macrophages and LXRβ is ubiquitously expressed. Despite differential tissue distribution, these isoforms have 78% homology in their ligand-binding domain and appear to respond to the same endogenous ligands. Work over the past 10 years has shown that the LXR pathway regulates lipid metabolism and inflammation via both the induction and repression of target genes. Given the importance of cholesterol regulation and inflammation in the development of cardiovascular disease, it is not surprising that activation of the LXR pathway attenuates various mechanisms underlying atherosclerotic plaque development. In this brief review, we will discuss the impact of the LXR pathway on both cholesterol metabolism and atherosclerosis.
A Technique for Improving the Accuracy of Finite Element Solutions for Magnetotelluric Data

Summary This paper develops a finite element method which gives accurate numerical approximations to magnetotelluric data over two-dimensional conductivity structures. The method employs a simple finite element technique to find the field component parallel to the strike of the structure and a new numerical differentiation scheme to find the field component perpendicular to strike. Examples show that the new numerical differentiation scheme is a significant improvement over the standard finite element procedure when meshes of poor quality are used. Algorithms for incorporating the differentiation scheme into the finite element matrix equation and for computing partial derivatives of magnetotelluric data with respect to mesh parameters are derived in order to simplify the computation needed to do the inverse problem.
RKHS approach to detection and estimation problems--I: Deterministic signals in Gaussian noise

First it is shown how the Karhunen-Loeve approach to the detection of a deterministic signal can be given a coordinate-free and geometric interpretation in a particular Hilbert space of functions that is uniquely determined by the covariance function of the additive Gaussian noise. This Hilbert space, which is called a reproducing-kernel Hilbert space (RKHS), has many special properties that appear to make it a natural space of functions to associate with a second-order random process. A mapping between the RKHS and the linear Hilbert space of random variables generated by the random process is studied in some detail. This mapping enables one to give a geometric treatment of the detection problem. The relations to the usual integral-equation approach to this problem are also discussed. Some of the special properties of the RKHS are developed and then used to study the singularity and stability of the detection problem and also to suggest simple means of approximating the detectability of the signal. The RKHS for several multidimensional and multivariable processes is presented; by going to the RKHS of functionals rather than functions it is also shown how generalized random processes, including white noise and stationary processes whose spectra grow at infinity, are treated.
Plant washing as a pest management technique for control of aphids (Homoptera: Aphididae).

Changes in aphid presence following plant washings were evaluated on hibiscus plants, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L., that supported natural aphid infestations—primarily melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover. Type of plant module (such as stems, tight buds, open flowers, and sepal caps) and percent of module’s surface covered by aphids were recorded for each branch tip on every plant. Plant washing was done with tap water, applied for 30 s three times a week for 3 wk. Aphid presence was recorded each week. Aphid presence on plant structures immediately before and after a single 30-s wash treatment was also examined. In the 3-wk study, mean percent coverage of plant parts with aphids was significantly affected by wash treatment, plant module type, and their interactions, as well as by time and the interaction of time with wash treatment. By the third week, unwashed plants had 33.1% of stems and branch tips scoring >5% coverage with aphids, and 17.9% of unwashed stems and branch tips had 20% or more of their surface area covered by aphids. Washing plants prevented aphid coverage from ever exceeding the 5% class on all module types. In the second experiment, buds and stems with high numbers of aphids before washing generally experienced notable declines with a single wash. When the prewash coverage was 10% or greater, reduction in coverage ranged from 50 to 100% of the prewash amount. In 64% of the cases, the reduction in coverage was 75% or more of the prewash amount. Plant washing can provide a viable means of management for small, soft-bodied arthropods such as aphids.
Microanalytical characterization of slagging deposits from a pilot-scale combustor

The purpose of this work was to characterize a set of deposit samples with respect to their compositions, phases present, and morphology. An understanding of how these properties change as a deposit grows is essential to developing a physical picture of deposit behavior, especially transitions in behavior from heterogeneous agglomerations of particles to highly sintered particles, or even a completely homogeneous molten phase that assimilates all impacting particles. Indeed, these deposit properties are of primary importance in determining the effect of deposition on heat transfer through the water wall, and on the removability of the deposit. These properties must be understood and quantified in order to predict deposition behavior.
A transfer function approach for predicting rare cell capture microdevice performance

Rare cells have the potential to improve our understanding of biological systems and the treatment of a variety of diseases; each of those applications requires a different balance of throughput, capture efficiency, and sample purity. Those challenges, coupled with the limited availability of patient samples and the costs of repeated design iterations, motivate the need for a robust set of engineering tools to optimize application-specific geometries. Here, we present a transfer function approach for predicting rare cell capture in microfluidic obstacle arrays. Existing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools are limited to simulating a subset of these arrays, owing to computational costs; a transfer function leverages the deterministic nature of cell transport in these arrays, extending limited CFD simulations into larger, more complicated geometries. We show that the transfer function approximation matches a full CFD simulation within 1.34 %, at a 74-fold reduction in computational cost. Taking advantage of these computational savings, we apply the transfer function simulations to simulate reversing array geometries that generate a "notch filter" effect, reducing the collision frequency of cells outside of a specified diameter range. We adapt the transfer function to study the effect of off-design boundary conditions (such as a clogged inlet in a microdevice) on overall performance. Finally, we have validated the transfer function's predictions for lateral displacement within the array using particle tracking and polystyrene beads in a microdevice.
NMR spectroscopy in inhomogeneous B0 and B1 fields with non-linear correlation

Resolved NMR spectra from samples in inhomogeneous B0 and B1 fields can be obtained with the so-called "ex situ" methodology, employing a train of composite or adiabatic z-rotation RF pulses to periodically refocus the inhomogeneous broadening during the detection of the time-domain signal. Earlier schemes relied on a linear correlation between the inhomogeneous B0 and B1 fields. Here the pulse length, bandwidth, and amplitude of the adiabatic pulses of the hyperbolic secant type are adjusted to improve the refocusing for a setup with non-linear correlation. The field correlation is measured using a two-dimensional nutation experiment augmented with a third dimension with varying RF carrier frequency accounting for off-resonance effects. The pulse optimization is performed with a computer algorithm using the experimentally determined field correlation and a standard adiabatic z-rotation pulse as a starting point for the iterative optimization procedure. The shape of the z-rotation RF pulse is manipulated to provide refocusing for the conditions given by the sample-, magnet-, and RF-coil geometry.
Enhanced Photothermal Effects and Excited-State Dynamics of Plasmonic Size-Controlled Gold–Silver–Gold Core–Shell–Shell Nanoparticles

The synthesis, characterization, and excited-state dynamics of colloidal gold–silver–gold core–shell–shell nanoparticles are reported. These plasmonic nanoparticles are spherical in shape with uniform shells. The plasmonic extinction peak wavelengths can be controlled over the visible and near-infrared regions by varying the thicknesses of the gold and silver shells. These unique spectroscopic properties make these nanoparticles potential candidates for biologically relevant applications including photothermal cancer therapy and biosensing. The ratio of the gold shell thickness to the overall particle size shows a linear dependence with the position of the plasmon extinction peak wavelength. Temperature measurements after laser irradiation show that the colloidal core–shell–shell nanoparticles have a higher photothermal effect compared to spherical gold nanoparticles and gold nanorods. Transient absorption measurements determine that the phonon–phonon scattering lifetime is considerably faster in the core...
On Generalized Fibonacci Numbers

(1971). On Generalized Fibonacci Numbers. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 78, No. 10, pp. 1108-1109.
State Building Through Partnership: Delegation, Public-Private Partnerships, and the Political Development of American Imperialism, 1898–1916

In the first decades of the twentieth century, the United States transformed itself from a commercial republic into a major international actor and acquired its first overseas colonies and dependencies. This article investigates the role of public-private partnerships between American state officials and American financiers in the management and expansion of American empire. Confronted with tepid support from Congress for further imperial expansion and development, colonial bureaucrats looked to investment bankers to accomplish goals for which they lacked the financial capacity and political support to achieve independently. These partnerships were soon formalized as “Dollar Diplomacy,” an arrangement that would govern America's imperial strategy in the Caribbean. This article highlights two theoretical processes: (1) the downstream effects of congressional delegation decisions and their role in motivating institutional adaptations, and (2) the formation of public-private partnerships as an alternative means of state development, and the unique pitfalls of this approach. To illustrate these mechanisms, this article presents historical narratives, based largely on archival research, on the emergence of this Dollar Diplomacy partnership in the formal American colonies, the spread of this system of imperialism to the Caribbean, and its partial collapse during the early Wilson administration.