cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PERMANENT MAGNET LINEAR MOTORS USED AS VARIABLE MECHANICAL DAMPERS FOR VEHICLE SUSPENSIONS

SUMMARY Linear electrodynamic motors consisting of coils of copper wire interacting with magnetic fields produced by permanent magnets can be used to construct mechanical dampers with a damping coefficient which can be rapidly varied by changing the external resistance connected to the coil. Limitations to the use of these variable dampers arise due to the coil's own resistance and mass and the practically achievable magnetic field. A moving coil system is first analyzed and then modifications to the basic results when a moving magnet design is used are given. The results indicate that for the oscillation freauencies tvoicallv encountered in road vehicle suspensions, electrodynamic variable shock absorbers are feasible. A novel coreless design appropriate for use with high energy permanent magnets is proposed which would significantly reduce the weight of the units.
From the Editor---Optimal Betting, Reducing Unnecessary Mammography in Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Product Line Design, and Value of Information

A brief summary of the five papers published in this issue is provided. These papers deal with diverse topics that include: optimal betting behavior in the presence of ambiguity; public policy on screening for breast cancer; product line design; and value of information.
Role of substratum stiffness in modulating genes associated with extracellular matrix and mechanotransducers YAP and TAZ.

Purpose. Primary open-angle glaucoma is characterized by increased resistance to aqueous humor outflow and a stiffer human trabecular meshwork (HTM). Two Yorkie homologues, Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif, encoded by WWTR1 (TAZ), are mechanotransducers of the extracellular-microenvironment and coactivators of transcription. Here, we explore how substratum stiffness modulates the YAP/TAZ pathway and extracellular matrix genes in HTM cells and how this may be play a role in the onset and progression of glaucoma.
United States foreign policy interests in the Antarctic

This paper aims to examine US national interests in the Antarctic as they relate to contemporary American foreign policy objectives in the region. The paper poses two key questions: What are the dimensions of contemporary US national interests in the Antarctic? What possible developments by other Antarctic Treaty parties might undermine the ability of the United States to attain its national interest objectives in the region? The international peace and political stability established in Antarctica by the Antarctic Treaty parties remains indispensable for successful pursuit by the United States of its core interests in the region and has become an important objective in its own right. Continued leadership by the United States in Antarctic matters should continue to well serve US national interests in the Antarctic well into the twenty‐first century.
Inertial survey systems in the geodetic arsenal

After reviewing the overall goals of geodesy, the paper focuses on the unique properties of inertial survey systems in the geodetic arsenal: three-dimensionality; ability to determine relative positions and changes in the anomalous components of the earth’s gravity field; and independence of line-of-sight observations and the effects of refraction, both traditional antagonists in geodetic operations. Inertial survey systems, including field and office computational procedures, are briefly reviewed. Their short-comings are pointed out and certain remedies offered. Future possible improvements in hardware and software, as well as the development of hybrid systems (e.g., with gravity gradiometers), are discussed.
Neuroserpin up-regulation in the Alzheimer's disease brain is associated with elevated thyroid hormone receptor-β1 and HuD expression.

Neuroserpin, the major inhibitor of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in brain, has been shown to be up-regulated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Inhibition of tPA activity leads to reduced brain levels of plasmin, one of the main enzymes responsible for the degradation and clearance of amyloid-beta and its plaques from the brain. Thyroid hormone is one of the few factors known to enhance expression of neuroserpin in neurons. Thyroid hormone acts on neurons by binding to its receptors THR1α and THR1β, which then function in the nucleus to up-regulate the expression of numerous genes including the RNA-binding protein HuD. HuD acts post-transcriptionally to enhance expression of numerous proteins including neuroserpin by stabilizing their mRNAs. A series of Alzheimer’s disease brain tissues were compared to age-matched control brains for their expression of neuroserpin, THRβ1 and HuD by western blotting. Alzheimer’s disease brain tissues with elevated neuroserpin protein also showed increased expression of THRβ1 and HuD. Pair-wise analyses showed significant correlation p-values between neuroserpin, THRβ1 and HuD levels; suggesting that the up-regulation of neuroserpin in Alzheimer’s disease brain may result from an activation of the thyroid hormone response system in these individuals. These findings provide evidence for a potential relationship between thyroid hormone disorders and Alzheimer’s disease.
Illustrated American and the Lakota Ghost Dance

The ceremonial dance contempo rary reporters dubbed the ghost dance has inspired shelves of books and hundreds of articles, both popular and scholarly. Called the spirit dance by the Lakota, it was part of a revivalist and millennialist move ment sweeping through Native American tribes in the West in the late 1880s and early 1890s. As such, it remains cemented in the coun try's collective consciousness by its association with the Wounded Knee Massacre on December 29, 1890, that inglorious symbol for both the end of the Indian wars and the failure of governmental and reformist policies. Exaggerated news accounts appearing in regional and national newspapers contributed to the hysteria resulting in the tragedy at Wounded Knee. Reporters variously described an "uprising," an "out break," and a "war." "It was none of these—except in the columns of the contemporary press," declared Elmo Watson, the first scholar to look more closely at the sensationalized coverage, with its lurid headlines, hyperbolic reporting, and sometimes invented "news."1 Decades later, William S. E. Coleman, a Drake University professor of theatre arts, inserted excerpts from these news accounts into the running narra tive of his Voices of Wounded Knee (2000). More recently, Rani-Henrik Andersson, a Finnish specialist in North American studies, chronicled coverage by the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Chicago Tri bune, Harper's Weekly, the Omaha Daily Bee, and the Yankton Press and Dakotan in a chapter of his Lakota Ghost Dance of 1890 (2008). However, scholars have yet to examine the images accompanying these accounts with the same scrutiny. Apart from Frederic Remington's art for Harper's Weekly (see Figure 1), few of these illustrations have been discussed at all, and those only in isolation. Lost, then, are the interpretive frames for these images. Today's readers, seeing the images divorced from their original layouts, lack a means to determine how individual newspapers defined or constructed the controversy across a series of issues or within a single number. Missing, too, are the correspondents' stated (or perhaps latent) agen das, which might inflect their readers' interpretations of the artwork. Out of context, the images lack indices of facticity—those means by
Pilocarpine improves recognition of nestmates in young honey bees

Honey bees can distinguish nestmates from non-nestmates, directing aggressive responses toward non-nestmates and rarely attacking nestmates. Here we provide evidence that treatment with pilocarpine, a muscarinic agonist, significantly reduced the number of aggressive responses directed toward nestmates. By contrast, treatment with scopolamine, a muscarinic antagonist, significantly increased attacks on nestmates. Locomotor activity was not altered by these pharmacological treatments. When interpreted in light of known cholinergic pathways in the insect brain, our results provide the first evidence that cholinergic signaling via muscarinic receptors plays a role in olfaction-based social behavior in honey bees.
Phase angle-based power system inter-area oscillation detection and modal analysis

Electromechanical oscillations associated with power system stability problems have been a primary concern of system planning, operation and control for decades. With growing loads, the need for long distance power exchange between power companies leads to the frequent occurrence of instability phenomena including oscillations. The growth of synchrophasor measurement-based Wide-Area Monitoring System (WAMS) technology in recent years provides the platform for real-time system dynamic monitoring and analysis which has never before been realised. The North American Frequency Monitoring Network (FNET), as the only WAMS that covers the entire North American power grid, has the capability to realise accurate, high density, continuous monitoring of large interconnected power system dynamics. This paper presents an automatic power system oscillation detection method based on FNET phase angle measurements. In addition, dynamic characteristics obtained from modal analysis of 28 FNET event cases are also introduced. The technique used for modal decomposition and reconstruction is called the Matrix Pencil method, which comes from the pencil-of-function approach. This is a very computationally efficient and noise robust signal processing method for dynamic information extraction. Inter-area oscillations, which are associated with groups of generators, are the only concern in this paper. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth and properties of Sr2CuO2(CO3) thin films prepared from metal-organic chemical vapor deposition-derived precursor films

Abstract Cuprate oxycarbonate Sr 2 CuO 2 (CO 3 ) thin films have been obtained from the “parent” infinite-layer compound thin films by thermal annealing at 700°C in air. The precursor infinite-layer compound thin films were grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. The effect of oxygen annealing on electronic properties of these films and the attempt of converting the Ca substituted Sr 0.9 Ca 0.1 CuO 2 thin film by annealing in ordinary air are reported. The as-converted Sr 2 CuO 2 (CO 3 ) films are p -type semiconductors with a hole density of 10 19 cm −3 and a room temperature resistivity of 0.1 Ω cm. Annealing in 1.0 atm oxygen at temperatures of 550–700°C decreases the room temperature resistivity to 0.02–0.03 Ω cm and increases the hole concentration to 10 20 –10 21 cm −3 . Metal-like behavior is observed in the transport properties, and a superconducting transition onset is observed at 30 K, with zero-resistivity obtained at 9 K.
Optimization of ventilation systems in office environment, Part II: Results and discussions

Whether one considers the issues related to office workers' well-being and productivity or the issues from an energy and environmental perspective, there are clear evidences in favor of improving the quality of office environment. Part I of this paper proposed a simulation-based optimization approach by using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques in conjunction with genetic algorithm (GA), with the integration of an artificial neural network (ANN) for response surface approximation (RSA) and for speeding up fitness evaluations inside GA loop. In this part, the results from data preparation for ANN model construction, ANN training and testing, and sensitivity analysis (regarding the impact of weighting factors in the objective function on the optimization results) are presented. Final optimization results indicate that the present choices of objective function and optimization approach are able to result in great improvement in the design and operation of ventilation systems in an office environment, with the goal of enhancing the thermal comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ) without sacrificing the energy costs of ventilation.
The impact of anterior cruciate ligament injury on lubricin metabolism and the effect of inhibiting tumor necrosis factor α on chondroprotection in an animal model

Objective To examine the effects of ACL transection (ACLT) in a rat model on lubricin metabolism and its relationship to markers of inflammation and cartilage damage, and to determine if blocking the metabolic effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), by etanercept increases chondroprotection provided by lubricin.
The Raman and infrared spectra of vitreous BeF2

Abstract We report the polarized Raman spectra, the infrared reflectivity and the infrared dielectric constant of vitreous BeF 2 , for vibrational frequencies up to 1500 cm -1 . The high frequency modes of the Raman spectrum are assigned to combination overtones as well as to transverse and longitudinal fundamental vibrations.
Kinetics of the reactions of NCO radicals with H2 and NO using laser photolysis–laser induced fluorescence

Absolute rate constants for the reaction of NCO radicals with hydrogen (k6; T=592–913K) and nitric oxide (k7;T=294–538K) were measured using excimer laser photolysis‐laser induced fluorescence at 416.8 nm. The following Arrhenius expressions summarize the data: k6=1.43×10−11e(−9000±1500)/RT k7=1.69×10−11e(390±320)/RT cm3 molecule−1 s−1. The experimental technique and results are discussed, and the importance of these reactions to combustion chemistry is addressed.
Conjugation and bioactivation of chlorotrifluoroethylene

Abstract Halogenated vinyl cysteine conjugates, which are potent, specific nephrotoxins, have been chemically synthesized from both chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) and trichloroethylene (TCE) but have not been shown to be formed in a biological system. The vinyl cysteine conjugates are stable, but rapidly activated and degraded enzymatically with the release of pyruvate. Increased concentrations of pyruvate after incubation with CTFE may be an indirect index of the formation and bioactivation of a vinyl cysteine conjugate of CTFE. Incubation of CTFE with 10,000 x g rat liver and kidney supernatants resulted in 60 and 100 nmole/mg/hr increases in pyruvate concentration with concomitant depletion of endogenous glutathione. A renal cortex brush border preparation high in C-S lyase activity but deficient in cytosolic transferases did not generate pyruvate during incubation with CTFE. The evidence presented suggests that halogenated vinyl cysteine conjugates are formed in vitro by conjugation of the halogenated ethylene with glutathione which subsequently degrades to form the cysteine conjugate.
Suppression of noise in optical associative memories by real-time thresholding

Associative memories that recognize a pattern based on partial input have numerous applications such as homeland security. Optical implementations of associative memories, for example using computer-generated holograms, have the inherent parallelism as an advantage over software realizations. The nonlinear thresholding operation is a key step in the optical associative memories. A major source error in these memories is the thresholding uncertainties caused by fluctuation, for example in the input illumination or varying degrees of partial obscuration. Here, we show a proof-of-principle demonstration of a new scheme to suppress such errors using real time thresholding and a modified Hopfield associative memory model.
Conducting Polymers: Partially Oxidized Bridge-Stacked Metallophthalocyanines

Abstract The synthesis and characterization of a novel class of polymeric phthalocyanines (Pc), (PcMX)n (M-Al, Ga, Cr; X[dbnd]F and M-Si, Ge, Sn; X[dbnd]0) of exceptional thermal stability are summarized. These materials possess a linear MX backbone surrounded by a sheath of cofacial M-centered Pc rings. (PcAlF)n and (PcGaF)n are sublimable (10−3mmHg,540°C and 430°C, respectively) allowing for thin film formation. Iodine-doping leading to compositions (PcMXIy)n with y ranging from 0.06 to 5.5 is reported. Thermogravimetric analysis has proven useful for iodine analyses and has revealed that the order of thermal stability with regard to loss of iodine is (PcCrFIy)n < (PcGaFIy)n< (PcAlFIy)n < (PcSioIy)n. Raman spectra point to I3-and I5-as the principle polyiodide species, though their relative proportions vary depending on M and doping level. Increases in the electrical conductivity by as much as 109 with maximum conductivities in the range of 0.01–1 ohm−1cm−1 result from iodine doping. Conduction appears ...
Presidents and Assemblies: Constitutional Design and Electoral Dynamics

Part I. Presidential and Parliamentary Democracy: 1. Basic choices in democratic regime types 2. What is presidentialism? Criticisms and responses 3. The constitutional origin and survival of assembly and executive 4. Legislative powers of presidents: veto and decree Part II. Electoral Dynamics of Presidential Democracy: 5. Electoral dynamics: efficiency and inefficiency 6. Electoral rules and the party system 7. Electoral cycles and the party system Part III. Institutiona: Engineering: 8. Semi-presidentialism: the third alternative 9. Electoral cycles in semi-presidential regimes 10. Divided polities and collegial presidencies 11. Conclusions Appendices.
Formulas for modular integration of systems of ode's

Abstract Formulas are presented for modular integration of systems of first or second-order ordinary differential equations which have been separated into subsystems. Using these formulas, each subsystem (or module) may be integrated essentially independently using an appropriate processor or specialized integration technique. Included is a general mathematical procedure for devising formulas for modular integration, depending on the order of accuracy required and other considerations.
Reduction of Spin Polarization near Landau Filling Factor ν = 3 in GaAs/AlGaAs Quantum Wells

${}^{71}\mathrm{Ga}$ NMR spectroscopy was performed on GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells to measure the electron spin polarization for Landau filling factors $0.7\ensuremath{\le}\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{\le}3.5$. A reduction of the spin polarization was observed when $\ensuremath{\nu}$ deviated from 3, suggesting that the effective spin of the charged excitations in the quantum wells was larger than that of a single electron. This finding may be evidence of Skyrmion excitations for $\ensuremath{\nu}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}3$.
Channel-collector transistors

By merging the channel regions of two-junction field-effect transistors with the collector region of a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), one achieves a quasi-cascode configuration called a Channel-Collector Transistor (CCT). Its terminal properties are those of a modified, improved bipolar transistor. Prototype devices have been fabricated with common-emitter current gain (β F ) in excess of 1200 while still maintaining the common-emitter, open-base breakdown voltage (BV CE0 ) greater than 140 V and the output resistance r 0 typically greater than 200 kΩ. The present brief describes an efficient, qualitative equivalent circuit for the structure and also presents an experimental device graphically illustrating the CCT's advantages and disadvantages when compared to a conventional BJT.
Postoperative irradiation for pterygium: Guidelines for optimal treatment

Abstract Purpose: Postoperative adjuvant strontium-90 beta-ray therapy is a proven technique for reducing the recurrence rate of pterygium. A wide variety of doses and fractionation schemes have been used in the application of the radiation. There have been recent reports of significant rates of late-occurring complications after single-fractioned treatment. Compared with a single-dose application, fractionation would only offer a therapeutic benefit if recurrence prevention were an early-responding tissue phenomenon, in contrast to late-responding sequellae. We investigate this point with a view to elucidating better treatment protocols for postoperative beta-ray therapy for pterygium. Methods and Materials: We use the linear-quadratic formalism to analyze published nonrecurrence rates, as a function of dose and fraction number, to obtain a value for the parameter αβ, which is an indicator of whether nonrecurrence is an early or late-responding phenomenon. Results: The estimated value of the linear-quadratic parameter, α,β, is 25 Gy, with 90% confidence limits of ± 9 Gy. This large value unequivocally suggests that nonrecurrence is an early responding phenomenon, implying that fractionation should give an increased therapeutic ratio between nonrecurrence and late sequellae. Conclusions: Compared with a single-fractioned treatment, an improved therapeutic ratio (nonrecurrence vs. complications) would be expected from fractionated application of the beta-ray therapy. Given the parameters obtained from fitting literature data, we calculate guidelines for the dose/fraction schemes that should give equivalent disease control to different single-fraction applications, but should reduce the incidence of late-occurring sequellae.
The Usefulness of Fairings for Moored Subsurface Current Measurements in High Currents

Abstract Moored current meter stations were deployed in the Florida Current with and without fairings on the mooring wire. Fairings used were the rigid plastic snap-on type. An analysis of mooring motion showed that for the faired wire, drag reduction was considerable, reducing the drag coefficient to about 0.4 instead of 1.5–2.0 for the unfaired wire. The average tilt of a mooring near the axis of the stream was 14° with fairings compared to 25° for unfaired wire.
Sildenafil Inhibits Superoxide Formation and Prevents Endothelial Dysfunction in a Mouse Model of Secondhand Smoke Induced Erectile Dysfunction

Purpose: We determined the effect of passive secondhand cigarette smoke on 1) erectile function in vivo, 2) molecular mechanisms involved in penile vascular function, and 3) erectile function and penile molecular signaling in the presence of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor therapy.Materials and Methods: Four groups of mice were used, including group 1—controls, group 2—mice exposed to 3 weeks of secondhand smoke (5 hours per day for 5 days per week), group 3—control plus sildenafil (100 mg/kg per day) and group 4—smoke exposed plus sildenafil (100 mg/kg per day). Cavernous nerve electrical stimulation and intracavernous injection of acetylcholine were done to assess erectile function. Constitutive and inducible nitric oxide synthase activity, reactive oxygen species generation, nitrotyrosine formation and superoxide anion levels were assessed.Results: Decreased erectile responses to cavernous nerve electrical stimulation and impaired endothelium dependent erectile responses to ACh in mice exposed to se...
Haunted by a Peacock: Discovering, Testing, and Generating Rhetoric in Untimely Ways

In this essay, a peacock represents an “untimely” agent of transformation in an Aristotelian-based rhetoric. The peacock refers to a fragment attributed to Antiphon. This essay identifies and develops two untimely historiographical ways for pursuing an answer to the question, how can sophistical fragments in general and Antiphon’s fragment in particular be employed to generate attractive spaces for the future of rhetoric as an art of civic discourse? The essay is divided into four parts. It begins with a methodological introduction to untimely ways of doing historiography followed by a discussion of the fragment about the peacocks. The third part situates the fragment in a “laboratory” where “equipment” is set up to explore the fragment with untimely ways. The last part of the essay describes how if the peacock’s wing were left alone, rhetoric would be better prepared to look outside of itself into new forms for new functions.
The conversion of asperuloside to an optically active prostaglandin intermediate

Abstract Synthesis of optically active intermediate 1a for PGF2α or (+)-11-deoxy-11α-hydroxymethyl PGF2α from asperuloside is described.
The Shaping of Conflict in the Space of Flows

L'A. aborde des questions concernant les oppositions, les fautes, les exclusions et les conflits engendres par la nouvelle societe, structuree et contrainte par les divisions de l'ancienne. Sont abordes les nouvelles formes de pauvrete, le systeme d'education dual, les nouvelles lecons de l'experience des immigrants, les formes de communication chez les exclus et les possibilites d'un changement social dans l'actuelle societe d'information
Disturbance of the dentinal smear layer by acidic hemostatic agents

The pH of nine commonly used hemostatic agents was measured. Three measurements were recorded for each solution, and values ranged from 0.7 to 2.0. The effect of exposure to one hemostatic material, ferric sulfate solution (Fe2(SO4)3), on the dentinal smear layer was investigated. Prepared extracted teeth were exposed for periods ranging from 30 seconds to 5 minutes to an acidic ferric sulfate-based hemostatic agent. A smear layer was clearly demonstrated on a control specimen; however, the dentinal smear layer was rapidly removed by exposure to the hemostatic agent, and peritubular dentin was lost after prolonged exposure.
China's satellite parties

This is the most up-to-date assessment of all aspects of the People's Liberation Army. Leading specialists on the Chinese military cover military leadership, defense doctrine and military readiness, preparations for high-tech warfare, military expenditure, military logistics, the scientific and technological base for defense procurement, and China's security concerns in Northeast Asia.
Electrodermal Recovery Rate in a Schizophrenic Population

Studies by AX and Bamford (1970) and by Gruzelier and Venables (1972) showed that schizophrenics had faster electrodermal recovery rates than normals. This appeared paradoxical in view of the apparent association of fast recovery with goal-oriented behavior. However, it seemed possible that their results reflected the greater effect of their aversive test situations on the control groups as compared to schizophrenics, since it has been shown that aversive stimuli tend to cause slowing of recovery. It was therefore predicted that for non-aversive stimuli and tasks demanding goal-orientation the results would be reversed and schizophrenics would have slower recovery rates than normals. The present study examined recovery rate for 28 hospitalized schizophrenics, free of medication, and 27 controls, under non-aversive conditions, i.e. mild stimuli, rest, or simple tasks, as well as one aversive situation, the cold pressor test. For the non-aversive situations, the schizophrenics had significantly slower recovery rates. For the aversive situation there was no significant difference. Results are consistent with the interpretation that schizophrenics usually have slower recovery than normals but may be less susceptible than normals to the slowing effects of aversive elements in the stimulus situation.
Art and illegality on the Weimar stage: The dances of Celly de Rheydt, Anita Berber and Valeska Gert

This essay explores the representations of crime and madness in the work of three German dancers during the interwar years. Before World War I, public displays of nudity were illegal, but after 191...
THE HEART IN THALASSEMIA MAJOR: AN ECHOZARDIOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT

14 patients (pts.), 3 to 27 years of age, were studied with M-mode echocardiography. 6 years ago transfusions (tx) were increased to maintain the pre-tx Hgb level above 10.5 g% with total iron loads (TIL) via tx of 35 to 508 g. The pts. were divided into Group A (7 pts. with TIL 120 g). Two pts. had arrhythmias, and 3 had congestive failure with 2 deaths. The remainder had no cardiac symptoms. Positive echo findings are summarized below:
Time-marching Euler analysis of ducted-propellers

A time-accurate solution procedure and its application to ducted-propeller configuration is described in this article. Three-dimensional unsteady Euler equations are solved using a hybrid scheme to reduce the computational time and memory requirements. The solution procedure is applied to a ducted-propeller obtained by enclosing an eight-bladed SR7 advanced propeller within a duct with NACA 0003 airfoil cross section, operating in a steady axisymmetric flowfield. The performance characteristics are compared with other published numerical results. The effect of tip-gap is found to be significant on performance and flow characteristics.
Structural basis for T cell recognition of altered peptide ligands: a single T cell receptor can productively recognize a large continuum of related ligands.

T cells recognize short linear peptides bound to major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-encoded molecules. Subtle molecular changes in peptide antigens produce altered peptide ligands (APLs), which induce different T cell responses from those induced by the antigenic ligand. A molecular basis for how these slight molecular variations lead to such different consequences for the T cell has not been described. To address this issue, we have made amino acid substitutions at the primary T cell receptor (TCR) contact residue of the murine hemoglobin determinant, Hb(64-76)/I-Ek and produced 12 peptides that interact with the TCR of the T cell clone 3.L2. The 3.L2 T cell responds to these peptides, which vary 1 million-fold in their activity, and enables them to be ranked according to their relative ability to signal through the 3.L2 TCR. Such a ranking reveals that the ability of the 3.L2 T cell to respond to these peptides depends on how well the structure of the side chain at the primary TCR contact site mimics that of the Asn residue present in the antigenic ligand. The reactivity of the 3.L2 T cell also depends on an MHC contact residue that is next to the primary TCR contact residue, suggesting that conformation of the Asn side chain is also important. By using nonnatural amino acids at a TCR contact residue, we have demonstrated that APLs can be rationally designed based on structure. These data are consistent with a model in which the affinity of a peptide-MHC complex for the TCR determines how the T cell will respond.
Impact of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score on the Success of Endovascular Reperfusion Therapy

Background and Purpose—In acute ischemic stroke patients treated by intravenous thrombolysis, a diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) is an independent factor of functional outcomes. Our aim was to assess the impact of pretreatment DWI-ASPECTS on outcomes after endovascular therapy, with a specific emphasis on recanalization. Methods—We analyzed data collected between April 2007 and March 2013 in a prospective clinical registry of acute ischemic stroke patients treated by endovascular approach. Every patient with a documented internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery occlusion who underwent an acute DWI-MRI before treatment was eligible for this study. The primary outcome was a favorable outcome defined by modified Rankin Scale of 0 to 2 at 90 days. Results—Two hundred ten patients were included and median DWI-ASPECTS was 7 (interquartile range, 4–8). DWI-ASPECTS ≥5 was the optimal threshold to predict a favorable outcome (area under the ...
Effects observed during subchronic administration of l-alpha-acetylmethadol (LAAM) to guinea pigs.

ABSTRACT1-Alpha acetylmethadol in water was administered by gavage to male and female guinea pigs over a period of 4 weeks: Mondays and Wednesdays, 2 mg/kg; Fridays, 3 mg/kg. Appropriate volumes of water were administered to control animals on the same schedule. Treated animals consumed significantly less feed (p<.05) and weighed less (p<.05) than control animals. After 4 weeks, heart rates in treated animals were less than heart rates in control animals (p<.05). There was a higher mortality rate associated with the treated group. Dry and dull coats, runny or loose stools, scabs and sores, and alopecia were observed frequently in the treated group of animals.
Experimental implementations of multiwavelength photonic packet switches

Photonic packet switches offer the high speed, data rate and format transparency, and flexibility required by future computer communications and cell-based telecommunications networks. We review the experimental progress in multiwavelength photonic packet switches with an emphasis on all-optical guided wave systems. The term all-optical implies that the data portion of a packet remains in an optical format from the source to the destination. While the data remains all-optical, both optical and optoelectronic techniques have been used to process packet routing functions based on extremely simple routing protocols. An overview of the design issues for all-optical photonic packet switching is given and contrasted to electronic packet switch implementations. Low level functions that have been experimentally implemented include routing, contention resolution, synchronization, and header regeneration. System level demonstrations, including centralized photonic switching and distributed all-optical multihop networks, are reviewed.
The Cardiotoxic Potential of the 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonist Antiemetics: Is There Cause for Concern?

Purpose. To review and evaluate the potential cardiac effects of 5-HT3 antiemetic treatment in patients who may be predisposed to cardiac complications resulting from malignancy, cytotoxic oncologic regimens, or preexisting comorbid conditions. Design. A literature review was conducted on the negative cardiovascular effects of chemotherapeutic agents, and, more specifically, on the cardiac interactions of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists commonly used to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Results. Clinical studies in healthy subjects have reported electrocardiograph changes following administration of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. However, there are limited data on the use of 5-HT3 antiemetics when administered with cardiotoxic chemotherapy. Nonetheless, the development of significant electrocardiograph changes with some agents may indicate a potential for significant cardiac effects in patients, particularly those who may be predisposed to cardiac complication. Conclusions. As the predicted human life span increases, clinicians will be treating a larger, older oncology population. Because two of the most common major comorbidities are cardiovascular related, we need to be acutely aware of the toxic effects of chemotherapy, as well as the possible cardiac interaction of supportive agents, specifically the 5-HT3 antiemetics. Until more data are made available, the best antiemetic option for patients receiving emetogenic and cardiotoxic chemotherapy may be the agent with the fewest apparent cardiac effects. The Oncologist 2002;7:65-72
Merchandise Exports and Job Quality, Evidence From the States

This article examines the relationship between state exports and job quality across the 50 American states. An occupational distribution index is calculated and used as a proxy for state job quality. An 8-year data panel is used to estimate the impacts of exports and several control variables on the magnitude of the occupational distribution index. The article finds a nonlinear relationship between exports and job quality. Beyond some level, further increases in exports seem to have a negative impact on state job quality. Cursory attention is paid to state-by-state trends in the occupational distribution index. Secondary findings based on the model provide further insight into economic development strategies.
Geomorphic and climatic change over the past 12,900 yr at Swiftcurrent Lake, Glacier National Park, Montana, USA

Glaciated alpine landscapes are sensitive to changes in climate. Shifts in temperature and precipitation can cause significant changes to glacier size and terminus position, the production and delivery of organic mass, and in the hydrologic energy related to the transport of water and sediment through proglacial environments. A sediment core representing a 12,900-yr record collected from Swiftcurrent Lake, located on the eastern side of Glacier National Park, Montana, was analyzed to assess variability in Holocene and latest Pleistocene environment. The spectral signature of total organic carbon content (%TOC) since ~ 7.6 ka matches that of solar forcing over 70–500 yr timescales. Periodic inputs of dolomite to the lake reflect an increased footprint of Grinnell Glacier, and occur during periods when sediment sinks are reduced, glacial erosion is increased, and hydrologic energy is increased. Grain size, carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratios, and %TOC broadly define the termination of the Younger Dryas chronozone at Swiftcurrent Lake, as well as major Holocene climate transitions. Variability in core parameters is linked to other records of temperature and aridity in the northern Rocky Mountains over the late Pleistocene and Holocene.
Mobile mammography: a model program for medically underserved women.

A mobile mammography program in Miami, Florida, has been in operation for the past 5 years, targeting older socioeconomically disadvantaged and minority women.
Photothermal phase-shift spectroscopy in a flowing medium: experiment

Photothermal phase-shift signals in a flowing medium have been observed and found to be consistent with the theoretical predictions.
Hebbian Learning in Spiking Neural Networks With Nanocrystalline Silicon TFTs and Memristive Synapses

Characteristics similar to biological neurons are demonstrated in SPICE simulations of spiking neuron circuits comprised of submicron nanocrystalline silicon (nc-Si) thin-film transistors (TFTs). Utilizing these neuron circuits and corresponding device models, the properties of a two-neuron network are explored. The synaptic connection consists of a single nc-Si TFT and a memristor whose conductance determines the synaptic weight. During correlated spiking of the pre- and postsynaptic neurons, the strength of the synaptic connection increases. Conversely, it is diminished when the spiking is uncorrelated. This synaptic plasticity and Hebbian learning are essential for performing useful computation and adaptation in large-scale artificial neural networks. The importance of the result is augmented by the fact that these properties are demonstrated using models based on measured data from devices with potential for 3-D integration into a nanoscale architecture with extremely high device density.
Modeling and analysis of CCI holography

The basic principles of chrono-coherent imaging (CCI), a recently developed technique for medical imaging at optical wavelengths, are reviewed. A mathematical model of the image formation process is presented. This model can serve as a basis for image reconstruction and restoration algorithms. At present, it is being used to study various aspects of the process that are difficult to address by experimental methods. An example of this is the effect of various system parameters on image resolution. This is illustrated with an analysis of resolution as a function of the duration and incident angle of imaging pulses. >
Job-Type Variations and Antecedents to Intention to Leave: A Content Approach to Turnover

Studies concerned with variables involving an individual's decision to leave an organization are categorized into process and content aspects. Variations in previous tests of causal content models are discussed. It was hypothesized that job type acts as a moderating factor affecting the variables indicated as important in the intention-to-leave decision. The results of this study support the hypothesis. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Homelessness and discharge delays from an urban safety net hospital.

Objectives Homelessness is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, as well as increased rates of hospitalizations. Once hospitalized, homeless patients have longer hospital stays than housed persons, and hospital costs have been found to be increased for homeless patients. We sought to describe hospital discharge delays for nonmedical reasons and their relationship to the housing status of participants. Study Design Retrospective chart review of admissions and discharges between January 1 and June 30, 2009 at a large, urban safety net hospital. Methods All inpatients who experienced discharge delays for nonmedical or external causes were participants, and the main measures included length of and reasons for discharge delay. Results Persons identified as homeless constituted 106 (42.9%) of the discharge delays. Homeless patients were younger, more likely to be male, and more likely to be uninsured than housed patients. The unadjusted median number of delay days was significantly longer for homeless (8 days) than housed patients (4 days) (p Discussion Among patients without psychiatric diagnoses who are medically ready for discharge, homeless patients experience more frequent and longer discharge delays than housed patients. Medical respite care has the potential to decrease unnecessary hospitalization days and improve access to after-hospital services that have proven to be beneficial for this population. Further prospective study of discharge delays may help to establish the cost-effectiveness of respite care.
Aortofemoral or femoropopliteal revascularization? A prospective evaluation of the papaverine test

Abstract Proper selection of suprainguinal vs. infrainguinal arterial revascularization in patients with multilevel disease requires hemodynamic assessment. In such patients hemodynamic evaluation of the aortoiliac system cannot be made accurately with either arteriography or current noninvasive techniques. One hundred six lower extremities underwent preoperative triplane arteriography, measurement of Doppler-derived segmental blood pressures, measurement of common femoral intra-arterial pressure, and intra-arterial injection (30 mg) of the vasodilator papaverine hydrochloride prior to arterial bypass. Common femoral intra-arterial pressure was monitored continuously before and after papaverine injection. The resting femoral/brachial pressure index (FBI) and the maximum change in this index (%δFBI) following papaverine injection were calculated. To be considered improved postoperatively, claudicants required an increase in treadmill walking time of ≥50%, whereas patients operated on for limb salvage required an increase in the thigh/brachial pressure index (TBI) of ≥0.15 for suprainguinal revascularizations and an increase of TBI to ≥0.9 for infrainguinal revascularizations. In the first 41 extremities (phase I), receiver operator characteristic analysis revealed a %δFBI ≥ 15% to be optimal in the detection of hemodynamically significant aortoiliac disease. In phase II (65 limbs) this discriminant value for %δFBI was assessed prospectively. In phase I, in which the choice of supra- vs. infrainguinal bypass was determined arteriographically, only 80% of the extremities were improved; in phase II, in which supra- vs. infrainguinal bypass was determined by the papaverine test, 98% of extremities were improved (p
Environmental condition-dependent effects on a heritable, preferred male trait

Models for the evolution of female mating preferences suggest that preferred male traits may be condition dependent. In the field cricket, Gryllus integer, a preferred male trait (calling-bout
A computational framework for the regularization of adjoint analysis in multiscale PDE systems

This paper examines the regularization opportunities available in the adjoint analysis and optimization of multiscale PDE systems. Regularization may be introduced into such optimization problems by modifying the form of the evolution equation and the forms of the norms and inner products used to frame the adjoint analysis. Typically, L2 brackets are used in the definition of the cost functional, the adjoint operator, and the cost functional gradient. If instead we adopt the more general Sobolev brackets, the various fields involved in the adjoint analysis may be made smoother and therefore easier to resolve numerically. The present paper identifies several relationships which illustrate how the different regularization options fit together to form a general framework. The regularization strategies proposed are exemplified using a ID Kuramoto-Sivashinsky forecasting problem, and computational examples are provided which exhibit their utility. A multiscale preconditioning algorithm is also proposed that noticeably accelerates convergence of the optimization procedure. Application of the proposed regularization strategies to more complex optimization problems of physical and engineering relevance is also discussed.
Optical fiber corrosion sensor based on laser light reflection

The development of an optical fiber corrosion sensor based on the principle of light reflection is presented in this paper. The sensor consists of an optical fiber reflection sensor and a tube/film subassembly formed by welding a sacrificial metallic film to a steel tube. One side of the sacrificial metallic film is finely polished and is isolated from the environment while the other side is exposed to the corrosive environment. The corrosion pits initiated at the exposed film surface slowly penetrate the sacrificial film as the exposure time increases. The corrosion pits that reach the polished surface reduce the surface reflectivity of the polished surface. This decrease in reflectivity is detected by the optical fiber reflectivity sensor. To interrogate multiple sensors at one time, a sensor multiplexing scheme was implemented. The principles of operation, packaging, and characterization of the corrosion sensors are presented.
Identification of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) in aggressive prostate cancer by paradigm analysis.

5006 Background: Integrative analysis that combines expression data, copy number variation, sequence, and epigenetic data with thousands of known biological interactions can help identify strong biological associations and novel “genotype to phenotype” associations. Methods: We performed multi-dataset differential expression analysis with Statistical Analysis of Microarrays (SAM) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) across 10 publicly-available PCa microarray datasets to identify genes and pathways differentially expressed between local (n=471) and metastatic (n=220) PCa. We used PARADIGM, an integrated pathway analysis method, on PCa tumor samples with mRNA expression, copy number variation, and TMPRSS2:ERG fusion status data to infer differential fusion gene-related “activities” for pathway features (genes, protein complexes, etc) within a “Superimposed Pathway” representing a comprehensive collection of genetic interactions currently containing 20,314 known interactions among 16,362 concepts represe...
Band structure in /sup 80/Kr

The levels of $^{80}\mathrm{Kr}$ have been investigated using in-beam $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-spectroscopy techniques via the $^{70}\mathrm{Zn}(^{12}\mathrm{C},2n)^{80}\mathrm{Kr}$ reaction with 38.4 MeV $^{12}\mathrm{C}$ ions. The energies, relative intensities, and angular distributions of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays were measured. The proposed level scheme shows four bands: three of even parity and one of odd parity. Two-quasiparticle-plus-rotor calculations for $^{80}\mathrm{Kr}$ suggest that the even-parity band built on the (${8}^{+}$) state at 3701.6 keV has primarily a proton ${({g}_{\frac{9}{2}})}^{2}$ configuration and the odd-parity band built on the ${5}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ state at 2861.0 keV has an essentially pure two-quasiproton $({f}_{\frac{5}{2}},{g}_{\frac{9}{2}}){5}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ configuration. The observed backbending in the yrast band is attributed to the crossing of the ground band and the excited positive-parity band.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{70}\mathrm{Zn}(^{12}\mathrm{C},2n)$, $E=33.0\ensuremath{-}38.4$ MeV; measured ${E}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$, ${I}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$, $\ensuremath{\gamma}(\ensuremath{\theta})$ DCO; deduced $^{80}\mathrm{Kr}$ levels, $J$, $\ensuremath{\pi}$, and $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ branching; performed two-quasiparticle-plus-rotor model calculations.