cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ANOTHER MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY GRANTED EUA TO TREAT COVID-19

The Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization to sotrovimab for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in patients at increased risk for progression to severe illness.Sotrovimab is a monoclonal antibody that works directly against the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 to block its attachment and entry into a human cell.
Effects of insect-infested kernels on bulk flow properties of wheat

Abstract Insect damage to kernels during storage affects the processing quality of wheat and as well as bulk wheat properties, which in turn causes hopper flow problems such as funnel flow, ratholing, arching, or flushing. This study focused on kernel damage by Rhyzopertha Dominica F. (lesser grain borer), one of the most commonly found insects in wheat, and resulting changes in physical properties, such as bulk density, tapped density, true density, and angle of repose, and in flow properties, such as basic flowability energy, stability, aeration, compressibility, and permeability. Bulk and tapped densities of sound hard red winter wheat kernels and infested wheat kernels were about 720 kg/m 3 and 775 kg/m 3 , respectively. Compressibility index (CI), Hausner ratio (HR), and angle of repose of infested wheat kernels were higher than for sound hard red winter wheat kernels, indicating decreased flowability. Grain dust and insect-infested kernels could form localized compacted areas within the grain bins, resulting in uneven flow during discharge. Results from this study indicate that the presence of insect-infested kernels could lead to arching and bridge formation in grain bins, thus affecting the flow characteristics of bulk wheat.
The Flashman Papers

(1976). The Flashman Papers. Critique: Studies in Contemporary Fiction: Vol. 18, No. 2, pp. 109-120.
Reported solubilities of 738 pesticide chemicals in water.

There is no single compilation of the solubilities of pesticide chemicals in water, yet both actual and surmised solubility figures are used daily to predict or extrapolate such parameters as systemic penetration into aqueous tissues, distributions from formulations into aqueous spray carriers, transfer coefficients from residence in soils or decomposing vegetation into runoff and ground water, ease of removal from treated commodities by water rinsing, probable water contamination from direct applications or from spillage, and others. Exhaustive search of the literature by titles and by pesticides discloses that comparatively few numerically useful solubilities of pesticide chemicals in water have been recorded, however. As will be discussed later, a description of “slightly soluble” or “practically insoluble” is hardly definitive or even useful. It is hoped that the present exhaustive compilation will stimulate the production of actual solubility data, for even casual examination of the table (Table I) will disclose glaring inconsistencies and lamentable gaps in the literature commonly available to research workers and others interested in even approximate solubility data.
Effects of Late Mergers

Perhaps the single most important component missing from Baade’s famous stellar-populations paper is the cold gas, in both its atomic and molecular forms. This review of the effects of late mergers concentrates on the role that this gas plays in forming new stellar populations and defining the characteristics of merger remnants and of some early-type galaxies.
Escape-Avoidance Learning

Avoidance learning and extinction are typically studied in rats with electric foot-shock as the aversive stimulus. In active avoidance, the rat is often placed in a runway, the floor of which is electrified at one end and is, at least temporarily, safe at the other end. The rat must move to the opposite end to escape or avoid shock. Before shock is delivered, the subject has several seconds in which to respond. A naive subject, however, fails to avoid and is shocked on at least one trial before escaping the shock chamber. Thus traditional avoidance learning always includes escape behavior and is appropriately called escape-avoidance learning.
Treatment of adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) with arthrographic capsular distension and rupture

Sixteen patients with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder were treated in an open trial of capsular distension with intraarticular injection of 30mL of fluid containing 8mL of 1% lidocaine, 2mL of corticosteroid, and 20mL of radiocontrast material. A capsular tear during arthrography occurred in all cases. Rupture usually occurred at the subscapular bursa or the subacromial bursa. Rupture at the distal bicipital sheath occurred in two patients and was not associated with pain relief. Thirteen patients experienced immediate pain relief and increased shoulder mobility. This improvement was maintained over a follow-up interval of 6 months. Disruption of the constricted capsule by hydraulic distension seems to be the mechanism for achieving symptomatic relief in adhesive capsulitis.
An SOM-Hybrid Supervised Model for the Prediction of Underlying Physical Parameters from Near-Infrared Planetary Spectra

Near-Infrared reflectance spectra of planets can be used to infer surface parameters, sometimes with relevance to recent geologic history. Accurate prediction of parameters (such as composition, temperature, grain size, crystalline state, and dilution of one species within another) is often difficult because parameters manifest subtle but significant details in noisy spectral observations, because diverse parameters may produce similar spectral signatures, and because of the high dimensionality of the feature vectors (spectra). These challenges are often unmet by traditional inference methods. We retrieve two underlying causes of the spectral shapes, temperature and grain size, with an SOM-hybrid supervised neural prediction model. We achieve 83.0±2.7% and 100.0±0.0% prediction accuracy for temperature and grain size, respectively. The key to these high accuracies is the exploitation of an interesting antagonistic relationship between the nature of the physical parameters, and the learning mode of the SOM in the neural model.
A Unified Approach to Detecting Spatial Outliers

Spatial outliers represent locations which are significantly different from their neighborhoods even though they may not be significantly different from the entire population. Identification of spatial outliers can lead to the discovery of unexpected, interesting, and implicit knowledge, such as local instability. In this paper, we first provide a general definition of S-outliers for spatial outliers. This definition subsumes the traditional definitions of spatial outliers. Second, we characterize the computation structure of spatial outlier detection methods and present scalable algorithms. Third, we provide a cost model of the proposed algorithms. Finally, we experimentally evaluate our algorithms using a Minneapolis-St. Paul (Twin Cities) traffic data set.
Structural and Conformational Probing of 2-Acetylaminofluorene-Modified -1, -2 and -3 Slipped Mutagenic Intermediates

2-Acetylaminofluorene (AAF) is a prototype arylamine carcinogen that forms C8substituted dG-adduct (dG-C8-AAF) as a major DNA damage. The bulky dG-C8-AAF lesion is known to induce -1, -2, or -3 frameshift mutations depending on the base sequences around the lesion. We hypothesize that the stability of bulged-out structures slipped mutagenic intermediate (SMI) facilitates primer elongation, hence manifestation of frameshift mutations. The objective of the present study was to probe the structural/conformational basis of various dG-C8-AAF induced frameshift mutations. Here, we describe spectroscopic ( 19 F NMR and CD) and thermodynamic (UV-melting and DSC) studies of several dG-C8-FAAF-modified 16-mer DNA duplexes containing fully-paired, -2, and -3 deletion duplexes on the 5'-CTCTCGATG[FAAF]CCATCAC-3' sequence and -1 deletion duplexes on either the 5'-CTCTCGATG[FAAF]CCATCAC-3' or 5'-CTCTCGGCG [FAAF]CCATCAC-3' sequences. The results were analyzed to determine the conformational and thermodynamic basis of AAF-induced frameshift mutagenesis. We found that the dG-AAF lesion exists in a mixture of external binding B and inserted/bulge conformers and the population of the latter was in order of ‘GC’1(73%) > ‘AT’ -1 (72%) > full (60%) > -2 (55%) > -3 (37%). Thermodynamic stability was found to be in order of -1 deletion > -2 deletion > fully paired > -3 deletion duplexes. These results indicate that the stacked conformer especially in the deletion duplexes is thermodynamically more stable than the conformationally flexible external B-conformer. Previous primer extension results involving the human DNA polymerase η have shown that the frequency of deletion was in order of -1 > -2 > -3. Taken together, our results support the hypothesis that the conformational and thermodynamic stability of the SMI is a critical determinant for the induction of various frameshift mutations.
Variable frequency drive principles and practices (above NEMA) AC motors for variable frequency application

Since AC motors are increasingly used in applications traditionally served by DC motors, a comparison of some characteristics of AC and DC motors seems appropriate. Aspects of motor design and application is reviewed, including typical construction, torque production, equivalent circuits, power and torque density ratings, speed and load ranges. Understanding the effects of variable frequency on the motor's characteristics helps in the selection process of a motor and control unit matched to the application. Depending on the type of inverter, the input voltage and current waveform supplied to the motor will cause some degree of distortion from a pure sine wave. This distortion can be mathematically expressed in terms of harmonics. Harmonic currents create no useful torque at the motor shaft, just additional heating in the motor. The motor application must also be considered. Different load types have different effects on the motor. Constant torque, variable torque, and constant horsepower are the three different load requirements typically considered, and affect motor heating in different ways. While all three are discussed, the primary focus of this paper is on the "constant torque" applications with PWM inverters, as applied to process machines such as paper machines and winders.
Opening of the blood-brain barrier before cerebral pathology in mild hyperhomocysteinemia

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is a risk factor for cognitive impairment. The purpose of this study was to determine the temporal pattern of cerebral pathology in a mouse model of mild HHcy, because understanding this time course provides the basis for understanding the mechanisms involved. C57Bl/6 mice with heterozygous deletion cystathionine β-synthase (cbs+/−; Het) were used as a model of mild HHcy along with their wild-type littermates (cbs+/+; WT). Mice were ‘young’ (5.3±0.2 months of age) and ‘old’ (16.6±0.9 months of age). Blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability was quantified from Evans blue and sodium fluorescein extravasation. Microvascular architecture was assessed by z-stack confocal microscopy. Leukoaraiosis was measured from Luxol fast blue stained slides of paraffin brain sections. Inflammation was quantified using standard antibody-based immunohistochemical techniques. Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze. BBB permeability was significantly greater in Het vs. WT mice at all ages (p<0.05). There were no differences in microvascular architecture among the groups. Compared with all other groups, old Het mice had significantly greater leukoaraiosis, inflammation in the fornix, and cognitive impairment (p<0.05). In mild HHcy, increased permeability of the BBB precedes the onset of cerebral pathology. This new paradigm may play a role in the progression of disease in HHcy.
Diurnal variations in summer season precipitation in India

In the present study, we have analyzed the spatial patterns in the diurnal cycle of precipitation over the Indian subcontinent. We assembled hourly precipitation data for 78 stations spread across the Indian subcontinent for the period 1980 to 2000. On the basis of the results of the first harmonic, we found the presence of a distinct diurnal cycle over most of the Indian subcontinent for frequency, total, and intensity of precipitation events. The standardized amplitudes, indicative of the strength of diurnal cycle over a region, are strongest in peninsular India, with greater than 80% explained variance. The diurnal spatial patterns are broadly a result of the interaction of local orography and convectional processes. The time of maximum precipitation along the west coast is predominantly concentrated a few hours after midnight to predawn hours. The interiors of the subcontinent generally experience late afternoon to early evening showers, which may be attributed to local convective processes. The time of maximum for total amount of precipitation are mostly about half an hour to 1 h before the time of maximum for the frequency. The overall patterns of diurnal cycle were also found to be robust against interannual variations, in the form of ENSO and La Nina years. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society
Inhibition of circulating antibody formation induced by propiomazine and epinephrine combination.

PREVIOUS studies have shown that newborn rabbits, made tolerant to large doses of epinephrine, developed a runting syndrome1, similar to that described in certain species of newborn animals subjected to thymectomy2. There was also an impaired development of lymphoid organs and an inhibition of antibody response following antigenic stimulation1. There was, however, no prolongation of skin homograft survival in these animals.
Participatory Research, Democracy, and Community

Participatory research is people's research. Since our very beginings, we have survived individually and collectively by facing the challenges of life with ingenuity and curiosity, figuring things out, coming up with solutions, and taking needed actions. This is what has made it possible for us to devise technical inventions, to build communities and societies, and to create cultures. Participatory research is a deliberate attempt to recapture this very human activity and help ordinary citizens to carry it out deliberately and with concerted effort. The reason we need to do this now is that, in this age of intense specialization and hierarchical power distribution, we have become too dependent on experts to decide what our needs are and how we should go about meeting them. This is a dangerous tendency because the experts' self interests are not always aligned with the common good of the citizenry.
A computer-controlled wire tension measurement system used in the fabrication of the CDF central drift tube array

Abstract We have developed a sensitive computer-controlled method for measuring the anode wire tensions of individual drift tubes which have a wire support located mid-length along the tube. By resonating the anode wire at higher harmonics of the fundamental resonance frequency, simultaneous measurement of the anode wire tension and verification of the location of the wire support was achieved. The anode wire tension for each drift tube was measured to better than 0.5% accuracy and the location of the anode wire support measured to better than 0.01% for drift tubes 3 m in length. This method was used for measuring the wire tensions of 2226 drift tubes during the fabrication of the CDF central drift tube array.
Viscoelastic behavior of polymers undergoing crosslinking reactions.

Previously a method was developed for predicting the viscoelastic response of polymers undergoing scission reactions. These results are now extended to include crosslinking reactions. As for scission, at any given time the character of the network chains is determined by the instantaneous crosslink density. For scission all chains were assumed to carry the same stress; for crosslinking, however, the stress is distributed between the 'new' and 'old' chains. Equations for calculating the creep response of a system which experiences a step increase in crosslink density are derived.
Membrane currents of spiking cells isolated from turtle retina.

We examined the membrane properties of spiking neurons isolated from the turtle (Pseudemys scripta) retina. The cells were maintained in culture for 1–7 days and were studied with the whole cell patch clamp technique. We utilized cells whose perikaryal diameters were >15 μm since Kolb (1982) reported that ganglion cell perikarya in Pseudemys retina are 13–25 μm, whereas amacrine perikarya are less than 14 μm in diameter.
18-Month study of intravenous immunoglobulin for treatment of mild Alzheimer disease

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) has been proposed as a potential agent for Alzheimer's disease (AD) immunotherapy because it contains antibodies against beta-amyloid (Abeta). We carried out an open label dose-ranging study in 8 mild AD patients in which IVIg was added to approved AD therapies for 6 months, discontinued, and then resumed for another 9 months. Infusions were generally well-tolerated. Anti-Abeta antibodies in the serum from AD patients increased in proportion to IVIg dose and had a shorter half-life than anti-hepatitis antibodies and total IgG. Plasma Abeta levels increased transiently after each infusion. Cerebrospinal fluid Abeta decreased significantly at 6 months, returned to baseline after washout and decreased again after IVIg was re-administered for an additional 9 months. Mini-mental state scores increased an average of 2.5 points after 6 months, returned to baseline during washout and remained stable during subsequent IVIg treatment. Our findings confirm and extend those obtained by Dodel et al. [Dodel, R.C., Du, Y., Depboylu, C., Hampel, H., Frolich, L., Haag, A., Hemmeter, U., Paulsen, S., Teipel, S.J., Brettschneider, S., Spottke, A., Nolker, C., Moller, H.J., Wei, X., Farlow, M., Sommer, N., Oertel, W.H., 2004. Intravenous immunoglobulins containing antibodies against beta-amyloid for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatry 75, 1472-1474] from a 6-month trial of IVIg in 5 AD patients and justify further studies of IVIg for treatment of AD.
Decreased severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis during resveratrol administration is associated with increased IL-17+IL-10+ T cells, CD4- IFN-γ+ cells, and decreased macrophage IL-6 expression.

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of Multiple Sclerosis, is induced after injection of PLP(139-151) myelin peptide in complete Freund's adjuvant into SJL/J mice. During EAE, T cells and macrophages infiltrate the brain, produce cytokines IL-17, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, or IL-6, and bring about autoimmune neuroinflammation. However, infiltrating T cells which simultaneously produce IL-17 and IL-10 or infiltrating CD4(-) NKT cells that produce IFN-gamma protect against EAE. Resveratrol, a plant polyphenol, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. To determine if resveratrol can relieve EAE, SJL/J mice were administered diets enriched in resveratrol at EAE injection. EAE symptoms were significantly less compared with controls in mice fed resveratrol. At day 56 of EAE, splenic T cells from mice fed 0%, 0.04% or 0.08% resveratrol that were restimulated with PLP(139-151) produced similar levels while splenic T cells from mice fed 0.02% resveratrol produced significantly higher levels of IL-17, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha. At peak EAE (day 14), mice fed resveratrol had higher numbers of IL-17+ T cells, IL-17+/IL-10+ T cells, and CD4(-)IFN-gamma+ cells in the brain and spleen compared with controls. Adoptive transfer of day 14 EAE encephalogenic T cells into mice fed resveratrol reduced the severity of EAE. In addition, resveratrol directly suppressed expression of IL-6 and IL-12/23 p40 but increased expression of IL-12 p35 and IL-23 p19 from macrophages. Therefore resveratrol protection against EAE is not associated with declines in IL-17+ T cells but is associated with rises in IL-17+/IL-10+ T cells and CD4(-)IFN-gamma+ and with repressed macrophage IL-6 and IL-12/23 p40 expression.
Landmark selection using homogeneity on nonlinear manifolds for unmixing hyperspectral data

Spectral unmixing methods that exploit nonlinearity in hyperspectral data are promising, but face significant computational challenges. Global dimensionality reduction methods such as ISOMAP have significant computational overhea, while local methods such as Locally Linear Embedding (LLE), are computationally less demanding, but may not be robust. We propose a new landmark selection method for spectral unmixing that exploits spectral and spatial information, and embed it in LLE, resulting in a hybrid method whose structure shares characteristics with both global and local manifolds. Performance of the method is compared to that of several landmark selection methods in terms of mean of reconstruction error and corresponding variance, processing time, and visual inspection of the fully unmixed scene.
On the computational complexity and geometry of the first-order theory of the reals. Par I: Introduction. Preliminaries. The geometry of semi-algebraic sets. The decision problem for the existential theory of the reals

This series of papers presents a complete development and complexity analysis of a decision method, and a quantifier elimination method, for the first order theory of the reals. The complexity upper bounds which are established are the best presently available, both for sequential and parallel computation, and both for the bit model of computation and the real number model of computation; except for the bounds pertaining to the sequential decision method in the bit model of computation, all bounds represent significant improvements over previously established bounds.
Crystal and molecular structure of V‐anhydrous amylose

The conformation and crystalline packing of V-anhydrous amylose has been investigated by a combination of linked atom model building and X-ray diffraction analysis. The unit cell, the P212121 space group, the left-handed sixfold helical conformation with all O(6) in gt rotational positions, and the intrahelical O(2)---O(3) and O(2)---O(6) hydrogen bonds are substantially in agreement with previous studies. A new model for packing of the chains in the unit cell and the presence of crystallographic water is proposed. Packing appears to be stabilized by corner-to-center chain O(2)---O(2) hydrogen bonds. The nature of the transition from the amylose–DMSO complex to Va-amylose was considered and it is shown that the transition involves translation of the amylose chains parallel to the a and b unit cell axes with only slight changes in the orientation of the helix. No significant conformational changes result from the transition.
Mechanical characterization of epoxy composites modified with reactive polyol diluent and randomly-oriented amino-functionalized MWCNTs

Abstract Increased fracture toughness of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) type epoxy resin was obtained without compromising other desired mechanical properties, such as strength and stiffness, by combining the benefits of adding polyether polyol and amino-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (NH 2 -MWCNTs) simultaneously. The effect of concentration on the morphology of three-phase nanotube/polyol/epoxy composites was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mechanical properties were evaluated by three point flexure and single edge notch bend (SENB) fracture toughness tests. Addition of a polyether polyol to the epoxy resin increased mode-I fracture toughness and flexural strain energy, while adversely affecting flexural strength and stiffness. A synergistic effect was observed with the addition of amino-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (NH 2 -MWCNTs) into polyol toughened epoxy, with significant improvements in fracture toughness and strain energy as well as in flexural strength and stiffness. Matrix plastic deformation and lower crosslink density due to polyether polyol in the epoxy system increased toughness while reducing flexural strength and stiffness. However, incorporation of uniformly dispersed 0.3 wt.% loading of NH 2 -MWCNTs into the polyol-toughened epoxy composites improved the mechanical properties as well as fracture toughness, compared with pristine epoxy and polyol-toughened epoxy.
The use of eryopreservation for convenient bioassay of insect organs in vitro

Pheromone glands of the female moth Helicoverpa (Heliothis) armigera and Malpighian tubules of the locust Locusta migratoria migratorioides (R&F) retained partial biological activity after eryopreservation. Pheromone glands were frozen to -70oC in a tissue culture medium (TC-199) containing 10% of the cryoprotectant dimethylsulfoxide. Malpighian tubules, however, required initial preincubation for 24 h in a medium of high osmolarity before being frozen to -70oC in the presence of 10% of the cryoprotectant glycerol. After rapid thawing of both organs, biological activity was compared with the respective fresh organs. Using a radiochemical assay, it was shown that previously frozen pheromone glands were stimulated by pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide to the same degree as fresh pheromone glands. In addition, previously frozen Malpighian tubules were stimulated by an extract of corpora cardiaca to produce c-AMP to the same extent as fresh Malpighian tubules.
Time for a change: What dominance durations reveal about adaptation effects in the perception of a bi-stable reversible figure

The effect of adaptation on the perception of a reversible figure was examined in the context of the so-called "reverse-bias effect" in which prolonged exposure to an unambiguous version of a bi-stable ambiguous stimulus serves to bias an observer to report the alternative version of the subsequently viewed ambiguous stimulus. Exposure to the unambiguous stimulus presumably selectively adapts and weakens the neural structures underlying that particular interpretation of the ambiguous figure. We extended previous research by examining the dominance durations for the two alternatives of the reversible figure (i.e., how long each alternative was perceived when it was dominant) in addition to the measures of response rate and choice preference used by other researchers. We replicated earlier findings with the previously used measures. Interestingly, adaptation with an unambiguous version of the ambiguous stimulus produced an asymmetrical effect on the dominance durations of the subsequently presented ambiguous stimulus, relative to a no-adaptation control. The dominance durations were lengthened for the perceptual organization that was the opposite of the adaptation stimulus while they were relatively unaffected for the perceptual organization that was the same as the adaptation stimulus. Our findings are consistent with the argument that adaptation effects play an important role in perceptual bistability. The asymmetrical dominance-duration findings further suggest that adaptation operates in a perceptual system in which the alternative perceptual representations of an ambiguous figure reciprocally inhibit one another via cross-inhibitory processes, consistent with views developed in other forms of bistable perception (e.g., binocular rivalry).
Creatine Supplementation and Exercise Performance: An Update

Creatine, a natural nutrient found in animal foods, is alleged to be an effective nutritional ergogenic aid to enhance sport or exercise performance. Research suggests that oral creatine monohydrate supplementation may increase total muscle creatine [TCr], including both free creatine [FCr] and phosphocreatine [PCr]. Some, but not all, studies suggest that creatine supplementation may enhance performance in high-intensity, short-term exercise tasks that are dependent primarily on PCr (i.e., < 30 seconds), particularly laboratory tests involving repeated exercise bouts with limited recovery time between repetitions; additional corroborative research is needed regarding its ergogenic potential in actual field exercise performance tasks dependent on PCr. Creatine supplementation has not consistently been shown to enhance performance in exercise tasks dependent on anaerobic glycolysis, but additional laboratory and field research is merited. Additionally, creatine supplementation has not been shown to enhance performance in exercise tasks dependent on aerobic glycolysis, but additional research is warranted, particularly on the effect of chronic supplementation as an aid to training for improvement in competitive performance. Short-term creatine supplementation appears to increase body mass in males, although the initial increase is most likely water. Chronic creatine supplementation, in conjunction with physical training involving resistance exercise, may increase lean body mass. However, confirmatory research data are needed. Creatine supplementation up to 8 weeks has not been associated with major health risks, but the safety of more prolonged creatine supplementation has not been established. Creatine is currently legal and its use by athletes is not construed as doping.
Emissions of organic compounds and trace metals in fine particulate matter from motor vehicles: a tunnel study in Houston, Texas.

Fine particulate matter (PM) samples collected in a highway tunnel in Houston, TX, were analyzed to quantify the concentrations of 14 n-alkanes, 12 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and nine petrol...
Signaling by the Engulfment Receptor Draper: A Screen in Drosophila melanogaster Implicates Cytoskeletal Regulators, Jun N-Terminal Kinase, and Yorkie

Draper, the Drosophila melanogaster homolog of the Ced-1 protein of Caenorhabditis elegans, is a cell-surface receptor required for the recognition and engulfment of apoptotic cells, glial clearance of axon fragments and dendritic pruning, and salivary gland autophagy. To further elucidate mechanisms of Draper signaling, we screened chromosomal deficiencies to identify loci that dominantly modify the phenotype of overexpression of Draper isoform II (suppressed differentiation of the posterior crossvein in the wing). We found evidence for 43 genetic modifiers of Draper II. Twenty-four of the 37 suppressor loci and 3 of the 6 enhancer loci were identified. An additional 5 suppressors and 2 enhancers were identified among mutations in functionally related genes. These studies reveal positive contributions to Drpr signaling for the Jun N-terminal Kinase pathway, supported by genetic interactions with hemipterous, basket, jun, and puckered, and for cytoskeleton regulation as indicated by genetic interactions with rac1, rac2, RhoA, myoblast city, Wiskcott–Aldrich syndrome protein, and the formin CG32138, and for yorkie and expanded. These findings indicate that Jun N-terminal Kinase activation and cytoskeletal remodeling collaborate in Draper signaling. Relationships between Draper signaling and Decapentaplegic signaling, insulin signaling, Salvador/Warts/Hippo signaling, apical-basal cell polarity, and cellular responses to mechanical forces are also discussed.
Mechanisms of hemolysis with mitral prosthetic regurgitation : study using transesophageal echocardiography and fluid dynamic simulation

Objectives. The aims of this study were to define the hydrodynamic mechanisms involved in the occurrence of hemolysis in prosthetic mitral valve regurgitation and to reproduce them in a numeric simulation model in order to estimate peak shear stress. Background. Although in vitro studies have demonstrated that shear stresses >3,000 dynes/cm2are associated with significant erythrocyte destruction, it is not known whether these values can occur in vivo in conditions of abnormal prosthetic regurgitant flow. Methods. We studied 27 patients undergoing reperattion for significant mitral prosthetic regurgitation, 16 with and 11 without hemolysis. We classified the origin and geometry of the regurgitant jets by using transesophageal echocardiography. By using the physical and morphologic characteristics defined, several hydrodynamic patterns were simulated numerically to determine shear rates. Results. Eight (50%) of the 16 patients with hemolysis had paravalvular leaks and the other 8 had a jet with central origin, in contrast to 2 (18%) and 9 (82%), respectively, of the 11 patients without hemolysis (p = 0.12, power 0.38). Patients with hemolysis had patterns of flow fragmentation (n = 2), collision (n = 11) or rapid acceleration (n = 3), whereas those without hemolysis had either free jets (n = 7) or slow deceleration (n = 4) (p < 0.001, power 0.99). Numeric simulation demonstrated peak shear rates of 6,000, 4,500, 4,500, 925 anda50 dynes/cm2in these five models, respectively. Conclusions. The distinct patterns of regurgitant flow seen in these patients with mitral prosthetic hemolysis were associated with rapid acceleration and deceleration or high peak shear rates, or both. The nature of the flow disturbance produced by the prosthetic regurgitant lesion and the resultant increase in shear stress are more important than the site of origin of the flow disturbance in producing clinical hemolysis.
Experience with Zr-Al getter pumps in the ISX-B tokamak

Abstract Zr-Al getter pumps have been used in the ISX-B tokamak in connection with a series of pump limiter experiments. Experience with these pumps in this environment has revealed several problems that may limit their usefulness under typical tokamak operating conditions. Although the pumps perform satisfactorily while in operation with hydrogenic pumping speeds of 1–2 × 10 3 L/s at pressures of ∼10 mtorr, some unknown mechanism, on occasion, slightly activates pumps that had been previously passive. Such behavior precludes the use of any operations that require high hydrogen pressures in the torus. Additionally, discharge cleaning operations in ISX cannot be safely carried out after the pumps are fully activated. Filling the torus to a pressure of 13 torr for calibration of the Thomson scattering system at a time when the pumps were unknowingly active caused the destruction of both pumps from hydrogen embrittlement.
Locating Structures in Aerial Images

A technique for locating desired structures utilizing user specified information about properties of these structures and their relationships with other more easily extracted objects is described. An edge-based and region-based technique is used for scene segmentation. Experimental results of the processing of aerial pictures are presented.
Long-term efficacy of mexiletine alone and in combination with class la antiarrhythmic drugs for refractory ventricular arrhythmias

The efficacy of mexiletine used alone, and in combination with a class Ia antiarrhythmic drug, was assessed in 159 previously drug-refractory patients with ventricular tachycardia (VT) during serial electrophysiologic studies and during long-term (5-year) clinical follow-up. Electrically-inducible ventricular tachycardia was suppressed by mexiletine alone in 23% of patients tested, and a combined antiarrhythmic drug regimen was effective in 29% of the trials performed. Mexiletine was much more likely to be effective in patients presenting with nonsustained VT or ventricular fibrillation than in patients with sustained VT (p less than 0.005). After 1 and 4 years of treatment, 18% and 42% of the patients treated with mexiletine alone had died suddenly or suffered recurrent symptomatic VT, compared to 11% and 25% of patients treated with the combined antiarrhythmic drug regimens (p = NS). Mexiletine therapy was associated with frequent, though readily reversible, adverse reactions. However, mexiletine treatment had to be discontinued permanently in 8 of 92 patients (9%) because of intolerable side effects. We conclude that the added efficacy and possible improved arrhythmia-free survival associated with combining mexiletine with a class Ia agent should be further investigated.
A practical approach to scheduling a multistage, multiprocessor flow-shop problem

This paper describes a rubber manufacturing system and the numerous technological, operating and quality constraints governing its scheduling process. The complex system resembles a flow-shop problem where all jobs share the same general processing order on a progression of machines. The manufacturing system is defined in terms of production stages and parallel processing lines. One stage can process two or more jobs simultaneously. Jobs are often split on the last stage so that two or more parallel processing lines process the same job simultaneously. The scheduling for such a multistage, multiprocessor flow shop is dominated by the quality constraints. A pragmatic approach is provided in which a schedule is constructed through extensive iterations of analysis and simulation.
Conditions for space-charge reversal at thermionic heterojunctions designed for ballistic electron injection

Semiconductor heterojunctions (HJs) have been used as injectors for ballistic electrons in high-speed devices. It was found that the charge state of the HJ has a significant influence on the ballistic-electron-injection process. The Al/sub x/FGa/sub 1-x/As/GaAs HJ was used as the demonstration system. A self-consistent ensemble Monte-Carlo formulation has been used in the quantitative calculations and simple model as an intuitive explanation. The state of the narrow-gap semiconductor can be changed from accumulation to depletion with one or several of the following: applied voltage, temperature, of Al mole fraction. The ballistic-electron fraction can vary by a factor of 3 depending on this space charge. >
Extreme Poisson's ratios and related elastic crystal properties

With the aim of understanding anisotropic crystals that possess a negative Poisson's ratio and to lay a foundation for investigating molecular mechanisms, we discuss the definition of the ratio and establish conditions on the compliance that govern its sign. We derive results on orientation averaging that are useful in the context of anisotropy and helpful in the investigation of isotropic polycrystals. We discuss α-cristobalite, a polymorph of silicon dioxide that possesses interesting negative ratio properties in single crystals and hypothetical polycrystals. In this connection, we draw attention to the transverse compliance as an alternative and simpler metric for gaging the ratio and for orientation averaging. For α-cristobalite, we arrive at new results for the directions that yield the most negative Poisson's ratio. This result should be of value in divining the underlying molecular mechanism that explains the negative values of Poisson's ratio in α-cristobalite, a crystal of tetragonal symmetry that possesses six independent elastic constants.
A negative correlation between sunshine and conceptions in the USA, 1967–1972

Abstract Six years of data on hours of sunshine and number of births in 47 states of the USA were inspected beginning in January, 1967, for sunshine, and in October, 1967, for births. For each of the states, jackknife estimates of the cross‐correlation were obtained. Statistically significant and negative correlations were found in most states with a general trend of a weaker relationship in more northern latitudes. The intensity of the sunlight increases with decreasing latitude, matching the increase in the range of births that occurs at lower latitudes. Other seasonal rhythms in humans are briefly reviewed, and the ubiquity of circadian rhythms and photoperiodism in both plants and animals is noted. In mammals, seasonal events are controlled by melatonin, and the possible relevance of this control system to humans is discussed.
The Columbine High School Massacre and criminal justice system response: an exploratory case study

Framed in the situational criminological perspective, this case study examines the effect of the Columbine High School Massacre on a pretrial services unit. The massacre decreased intakes into the jail, increased the proportion of persons detained for violent crimes, and made bond commissioners less willing to facilitate the release of persons arrested for violent crimes. Pretrial release rates for domestic and other violence-related cases were not affected. Implications for situational criminological theory and criminal justice system policy are discussed.
BRAF: A Driver of the Serrated Pathway in Colon Cancer

In this issue of Cancer Cell, Rad and colleagues report findings that underscore the importance of oncogenic BRAF mutation coupled with microsatellite instability, p16Ink4a inactivation, and p53 mutation in the serrated pathway of colon cancer development. These findings provide translational insights into potential therapeutic intervention for BRAF mutant colon cancers.
Re-forming the internet with its end users

Almost a quarter of the world's population—1.4 billion people — now use the Internet, and are thus tapping into mankind's most exciting technology for communication, collaboration, organization, and mass coordination of behavior towards shared goals. However, the websites that coordinate and broadcast this information are controlled and created by a relatively small cabal of programmers — there are only a few million software engineers in the world.
Induction of hepatitis by JNK-mediated expression of TNF-alpha.

The cJun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway has been implicated in the development of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -dependent hepatitis. Indeed, JNK may play a critical role in hepatocytes during TNF-stimulated cell death in vivo. To test this hypothesis, we examined the phenotype of mice with compound disruption of the Jnk1 and Jnk2 genes. Mice with loss of JNK1/2 expression in hepatocytes exhibited no defects in the development of hepatitis compared with control mice. In contrast, mice with loss of JNK1/2 in the hematopoietic compartment exhibited a profound defect in hepatitis that was associated with markedly reduced expression of TNFα. Together, these data indicate that JNK is required for TNFα expression, but JNK is not required for TNFα-stimulated death of hepatocytes. Indeed, TNFα-induced similar hepatic damage in mice with hepatocyte-specific JNK1/2-deficiency and control mice. These observations confirm a role for JNK in the development of hepatitis, but identify hematopoietic cells as the site of the essential function of JNK.
The dark side of dioxygen biochemistry

The cellular biochemistry of dioxygen is Janus-faced. The good side includes numerous enzyme-catalyzed reactions of dioxygen that occur in respiration and normal metabolism, while the dark side encompasses deleterious reactions of species derived from dioxygen that lead to damage of cellular components. These reactive oxygen species have historically been perceived almost exclusively as agents of the dark side, but it has recently become clear that they play beneficial roles as well.
The renaissance in electrical education

The electrical engineering curriculum of 25 years ago is compared with that of today. The differences in 60-cycle and high-frequency training are presented and stress is laid on the need for training of electronics in the fundamental area.
Insight into F plasmid DNA segregation revealed by structures of SopB and SopB–DNA complexes

Accurate DNA segregation is essential for genome transmission. Segregation of the prototypical F plasmid requires the centromere-binding protein SopB, the NTPase SopA and the sopC centromere. SopB displays an intriguing range of DNA-binding properties essential for partition; it binds sopC to form a partition complex, which recruits SopA, and it also coats DNA to prevent non-specific SopA–DNA interactions, which inhibits SopA polymerization. To understand the myriad functions of SopB, we determined a series of SopB–DNA crystal structures. SopB does not distort its DNA site and our data suggest that SopB–sopC forms an extended rather than wrapped partition complex with the SopA-interacting domains aligned on one face. SopB is a multidomain protein, which like P1 ParB contains an all-helical DNA-binding domain that is flexibly attached to a compact (β3–α)2 dimer-domain. Unlike P1 ParB, the SopB dimer-domain does not bind DNA. Moreover, SopB contains a unique secondary dimerization motif that bridges between DNA duplexes. Both specific and non-specific SopB–DNA bridging structures were observed. This DNA-linking function suggests a novel mechanism for in trans DNA spreading by SopB, explaining how it might mask DNA to prevent DNA-mediated inhibition of SopA polymerization.
Session 21 overview: Successive-approximation ADCs

For many years, successive-approximation ADCs have been the standard architecture for very-low-power and low-speed applications. For moderate-to-high speed applications, other ADC structures such as flash and pipeline have been traditionally the architecture of choice. However, in the recent past, the increasing speed of devices in scaled CMOS technologies has enabled successive-approximation ADCs to penetrate the medium-to-high-speed application domains. Additionally, the lower intrinsic gain of transistors and opamps in scaled CMOS has made the successive-approximation structures more appealing, because in most such implementations an opamp is often not required. Therefore, much recent research activity has been invested in this type of ADCs. In this session, newest advancements in SAR ADCs that push resolution, FoM, and/or speed to the next level are presented.
Extraction chromatographic methods in the sample preparation sequence for thermal ionization mass spectrometric analysis of plutonium isotopes.

A sample preparation sequence for actinide isotopic analysis by thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) is described that includes column-based extraction chromatography as the first separation step, followed by anion-exchange column separations. The sequence is designed to include a wet ashing step after the extraction chromatography to prevent any leached extractant or oxalic acid eluent reagents from interfering with subsequent separations, source preparation, or TIMS ionization. TEVA resin and DGA resin materials, containing extractants that consist only of C, N, O, and H atoms, were investigated for isolation of plutonium. Radiotracer level studies confirmed expected high yields from column-based separation procedures. Femtogram-level studies were carried out with TIMS detection, using multiple monoisotopic spikes applied sequentially throughout the separation sequence. Pu recoveries were 87% and 86% for TEVA and DGA resin separations, respectively. The Pu recoveries from 400 μL anion-exchange co...
GOOD HEALTH AND THE BRIDGING OF STRUCTURAL HOLES

Abstract Bridges that span structural holes are often explained in terms of the entrepreneurial personalities or rational motivations of brokers, or structural processes that lead to the intersection of social foci. I argue that the existence and use of bridges in interpersonal networks also depends on individuals’ health. Poor health may make it more difficult to withstand the pressures and to execute some of the common tasks associated with bridging (e.g., brokerage). I examine this possibility using egocentric network data on over 2500 older adults drawn from the recent National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP). Multivariate regression analyses show that both cognitive and functional health are significantly positively associated with bridging, net of sociodemographic and life-course controls. The relationship between functional (kinesthetic) health and bridging appears to be partially mediated by network composition, as older adults who have poorer functional health also tend to have networks that are richer in strong ties. Several potential mediation mechanisms are discussed. Cognitive function remains significantly associated with bridging net of network composition, suggesting that the inherent challenges of maintaining bridging positions may be more difficult to cope with for those who have cognitive impairments than for those who have functional impairments such as limited mobility. An alternative explanation is that cognitively impaired individuals have more difficulty recognizing (and thus strategically using) bridges in their networks. Theoretical implications and possibilities for future research are discussed.