cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calculating free-energy profiles in biomolecular systems from fast nonequilibrium processes.

Often gaining insight into the functioning of biomolecular systems requires to follow their dynamics along a microscopic reaction coordinate (RC) on a macroscopic time scale, which is beyond the reach of current all atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. A practical approach to this inherently multiscale problem is to model the system as a fictitious overdamped Brownian particle that diffuses along the RC in the presence of an effective potential of mean force (PMF) due to the rest of the system. By employing the recently proposed FR method [I. Kosztin et al., J. Chem. Phys. 124, 064106 (2006)], which requires only a small number of fast nonequilibrium MD simulations of the system in both forward and time reversed directions along the RC, we reconstruct the PMF: (1) of deca-alanine as a function of its end-to-end distance, and (2) that guides the motion of potassium ions through the gramicidin A channel. In both cases the computed PMFs are found to be in good agreement with previous results obtained by different methods. Our approach appears to be about one order of magnitude faster than the other PMF calculation methods and, in addition, it also provides the position-dependent diffusion coefficient along the RC. Thus, the obtained PMF and diffusion coefficient can be used in an overdamped Brownian model to estimate important characteristics of the studied systems, e.g., the mean folding time of the stretched deca-alanine and the mean diffusion time of the potassium ion through gramicidin A.
The impact of CFD on development test facilities - A National Research Council projection

The results of a National Research Council study on the effect that advances in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) will have on conventional aeronautical ground testing are reported. Current CFD capabilities include the depiction of linearized inviscid flows and a boundary layer, initial use of Euler coordinates using supercomputers to automatically generate a grid, research and development on Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (N-S) equations, and preliminary research on solutions to the full N-S equations. Improvements in the range of CFD usage is dependent on the development of more powerful supercomputers, exceeding even the projected abilities of the NASA Numerical Aerodynamic Simulator (1 BFLOP/sec). Full representation of the Re-averaged N-S equations will require over one million grid points, a computing level predicted to be available in 15 yr. Present capabilities allow identification of data anomalies, confirmation of data accuracy, and adequateness of model design in wind tunnel trials. Account can be taken of the wall effects and the Re in any flight regime during simulation. CFD can actually be more accurate than instrumented tests, since all points in a flow can be modeled with CFD, while they cannot all be monitored with instrumentation in a wind tunnel.
ON STATE EDUCATION STATISTICS

SUMMARY State Education Statistics is a table of information, aggregated to the state level. Its goal appears to be that of a thermometer to measure the health of the American educational system. As such, its usefulness is limited by three problems: Some outcome variables–ACT and SAT test scores–are produced by a highly self-selected sample of individuals, so that the differences observed in outcome can be caused by differences in performance, differences in selection ratio and/or differences in selection rules. We were unable to disentangle these through statistical adjustments. Some input variables were calculated on the population as a whole (i.e., per capita income, average teachers' salary) rather than on the group characterized by the outcome variable (i.e., those individuals taking the SAT). These are often profoundly different and can cause substantial biases in the estimation of statistical measures of the interrelationships among the variables. Some input variables are inappropriately measured or scaled for the purposes intended. For example, teachers' salaries are given in current rather than constant dollars. Thus, one might conclude that over the ten years considered teachers' salaries went up 81%, rather than the more correct conclusion that, in constant dollars, they declined 20%. Among the recommendations proposed to solve these problems is an expansion of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) to allow accurate state estimates of students performance, as well as expanding the range of areas covered to more fully measure the section of the students' population intending postsecondary education.
Multidimensional correlation lattices as an aid to three-dimensional pattern reconstruction

Spatial reconstruction of a three-dimensional object from a set of stereo photographs must begin with the matching of the topological characteristics in one view with those in the other views. A human is usually good at this form of pattern recognition, but he is too slow for some applications. For high-speed processing of bubble chamber photographs it has been necessary to design a computer code that will match the images seen in the various views.
Endogenous phosphorylation of proteins and phosphatidylinositol in the plasma membranes of a human astrocytoma.

Abstract Incubation of plasma membrane preparations from several tissues with [γ- 32 P]ATP resulted in the phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol as well as of proteins. The presence of an active phosphatidylinositol kinase in these membranes was indicated by equal or greater incorporation of 32 P into phosphatidylinositol phosphate than into proteins. Phosphorylation of endogenous protein and lipid substrates by protein and phosphatidylinositol kinases in the plasma membranes of a human astrocytoma was investigated in detail. Maximal protein phosphorylation required the presence of Non-idet-P40 and phosphatase inhibitors (vanadate or fluoride). The rate of protein phosphorylation was greater with Mg 2+ than with Mn 2+ , and phosphoserine accounted for 60% of the radioactivity incorporated into proteins. In the presence of Mn 2+ , phosphorylation of tyrosine was increased and was equal to that of serine phosphorylation (40%). With one exception, the overall pattern of phosphorylated proteins was similar with either Mg 2+ or Mn 2+ . Maximal phosphatidylinositol phosphorylation of the astrocytoma plasma membranes also required detergent and phosphatase inhibitors. However, the enzymatic characteristics of lipid phosphorylation differed from those of protein phosphorylation with respect to divalent cation activation, ATP dependence, and sensitivity to inhibition by p -chloromercuriphenyl sulfonate, quercetin, and nucleoside derivatives. These results suggest that phosphorylation of plasma membrane proteins and phosphatidylinositol is catalyzed by different enzymes. The fact that membrane preparations exhibited phosphatidylinositol kinase activity almost 100,000 times greater than that exhibited by the purified tyrosine kinase of ros gene would exclude this and similar oncogene proteins from making a significant contribution to the overall phosphatidyl-inositol phosphorylation of cell membranes.
No Half Measures: Overcoming Common Challenges to Doing Digital Humanities in the Library

ABSTRACT While much work on libraries and digital humanities has focused on how to train and encourage individual librarians, we have not paid enough attention to the administrative and institutional factors required to help these professionals succeed. This article outlines some common sources of frustration for library professionals engaged in digital humanities work and offers sketches of some library-based digital humanities programs that are working to address these challenges.
Making connections : cholinesterase-domain proteins in the CNS

Recent studies have highlighted novel functions of a group of cell adhesion molecules during nervous system development. Members of this protein family are characterized by an extracellular domain with sequence homology to cholinesterases and include the neuroligins, synaptic cell adhesion molecules recently implicated in autism, and neurotactin, a cell surface receptor involved in axonal pathfinding. Although these proteins have a structural organization similar to the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, the cholinesterase domain lacks enzymatic activity and functions as a protein-protein interaction motif. This protein family provides a striking example of how the function of a catalytically active domain has evolved to mediate receptor-ligand interactions that regulate morphogenetic processes during development of the nervous system.
Euler and Navier-Stokes leeside flows over supersonic delta wings

Numerical simulations of several distinctly different types of leeside flowfields over higly swept, sharp, leading-edge delta wings in supersonic flow were obtained using Euler and Navier-Stokes solvers. The Euler code was seen to be adequate for predicting primary flow structures (leading-edge vortex and crossflow shock), whereas the Navier-Stokes code was capable of predicting primary and secondary flow structures (i.e., secondary vortex and shock-induced separation). A comparison of laminar and turbulent Navier-Stokes solutions for leading-edge separated flows for which the boundary-layer state was known indicated that the turbulent boundary-layer model is more accurate in predicting the effect of the boundary layer on the flowfield. Also, for several cases, the Navier-Stokes code indicated detailed flow structures not observed in the qualitative experimental data available.
The lipid bilayer as a ‘solvent’ for small hydrophobic molecules

THE cell membrane is viewed at present as a two-dimensional solution in which the lipid bilayer acts as a viscous ‘solvent’ for oriented integral proteins1. Accepting this model as a working hypothesis, questions arise as to the nature of the hydrophobic interior of the bilayer and what rules proteins, lipoproteins, or polypeptides obey in interacting with it. The simplest hypothesis for the interior is that it is equivalent to a bulk alkyl solvent (albeit a very thin one). If this hypothesis is correct, the enthalpy of transfer (ΔH) of a solute molecule (for example, an alkane) from a bulk alkyl solvent to the bilayer interior should be small. That is, the solute-solvent interaction energy should be about the same in the bilayer as in the bulk alkyl. I have examined this hypothesis experimentally by measuring the solubility of n-hexadecane in planar bilayer membranes formed from glycerol-1-monooleate (1-GMO). The acyl chain of 1-GMO is approximately equivalent to 1-heptadecene. The enthalpy of transfer of n-hexadecane from pure liquid into 1-heptadecene can be estimated from solubility parameter theory2 to be only a few calories per mol. Thus, the mixing of n-hexadecane in the bilayer interior should be nearly athermal: I have found, however, that δH is orders of magnitude larger than expected. This result has important implications for understanding the bilayer as a two-dimensional solution.
Omission bias in vaccination decisions: Where's the "omission"? Where's the "bias"?

Abstract Several studies have reported that parents are often reluctant to vaccinate their own or other people’s children, even when the balance of health risks and benefits clearly favors vaccination. This reluctance has been interpreted as a manifestation of “omission bias”, a general tendency to prefer inactive to active options even when inaction leads to worse outcomes or greater risks. The research raises significant public health concerns as well as worries about human decision biases in general. In this paper we argue that existing research on vaccination decisions has not convincingly demonstrated any general reluctance to vaccinate nor has it made the case that such a tendency, if found, would constitute a bias. We identify several conceptual and methodological issues that, we argue, cloud interpretation of earlier studies. In a new questionnaire-based study (Experiment 1) we examined the vaccination decisions of undergraduate students (N=103) and non-student adults (N=192). In both groups a clear majority chose to vaccinate when disease and vaccination risks were balanced. Experiments 2 and 3 identify several problems associated with the measures used in earlier studies, and show how these problems could have led to the misleading appearance of majority anti-vaccination preferences. In our data, vaccination intentions appear to be less a function of generalized preferences for action or inaction than they are of the regret respondents expect to feel if vaccination or non-vaccination were to lead to a poor outcome. Regret-avoiding choices led some respondents to favor vaccination, others to oppose it. In two follow-up studies, few respondents mentioned action or inaction per se in explaining their choices. We conclude that there is no convincing evidence that a generalized “omission bias” plays any important role in vaccination decisions.
Relation of gravidity and age to prognosis and clinical stage in uterine cervix cancer.

The relation of gravidity and age to prognosis and clinical stage was evaluated in 4,546 primary cases of uterine cervix cancer seen during 1920 through 1953. Maximal survival rates associated with relatively early cancers were observed in patients who had moderate numbers (1, 2, or 3) of pregnancies prior to diagnosis. Lower rates associated with more advanced disease were observed in those with none or many previous pregnancies. These relationships were not observable i n patients in whom cancer was diagnosed after the fifth decade of age. There is a possibility that these clinical alterations may be explained by certain pathophysiologic changes occurring in the cervix with successive pregnancies and age.
2. IN DEFENSE OF PROVINCIALIZING EUROPE: A RESPONSE TO CAROLA DIETZE

This response to Carola Dietze's critique of Provincializing Europe takes up for examination three key expressions or ideas on which the original argument of the book was founded: hyperreal Europe, historicism, and political modernity. I appreciate the spirit of Dietze's engagement with the book, but I show that her critique is based on a degree of misapprehension of these three central ideas. While clarifying the details and the degree of my disagreement with Dietze, I provide my own critique of Dietze's proposal of “equal histories” by arguing that Dietze has not named or explained the unit with respect to which different histories could be considered equal. I also argue that Dietze's proposals about judging societies only by their “own” standards, and basing human dignity on the idea of a “human nature” that could be seen as a “constant,” do not solve the problems she sees with my book and are themselves open to some serious historical and logical criticism.
Titration calorimetry of aqueous alumina suspensions part I. Results and comparison with similar studies

Abstract Titration calorimetry is used to investigate the enthalpies associated with proton adsorption and desorption in aqueous alumina (γ-Al 2 O 3 ) suspensions. Adsorption enthalpies are exothermic and desorption enthalpies endothermic over the pH (4–10) and ionic strength (0.001, 0.01 and 0.1 M NaCl) ranges examined. Below pH 6, enthalpies are constant at about 30 kJ mol −1 H + adsorbed or desorbed (in absolute magnitude) for both alumina samples investigated and titration directions as well as with ionic strength. Above pH 6, enthalpies increase to 40–60 kJ mol −1 (in absolute magnitude) at pH 9.75 and significant differences are observed between ionic strengths, titration directions and the 2 alumina samples titrated. Residual heat and H + consumption or production resulting from the titration of supernatant blank solutions were only important above pH 7. Conceivable dissolved Al hydrolysis and solid-phase dissolution and precipitation reactions are also compared with these blank effects so that the precision and accuracy of the data can be ascertained with more accuracy. It is concluded that the data primarily reflect the enthalpy associated with the proton adsorption and desorption process and that data precision is adequately represented by the estimates resulting from averaging several separate titrations over narrow (0.5 pH unit) pH intervals. The enthalpy values also compare favorably with most of the several previous estimates available for alumina and with analogous dissolved Al hydrolysis reactions.
Preparation of methyl-p14Cd-glucuronate and nuclear magnetic resonance studies of its mono- and di-o-benzylidene intermediates

Abstract A procedure suitable for the synthesis of methyl-labeled methyl d -glucuronate from d -glucuronic acid was devised. The intermediates prepared during the synthesis, 1,2:3,5-di- O -benzylidene-α- d -glucofuranuronic acid and its methyl ester, were determined to exist in an “O-inside” conformation by examination of their n.m.r. spectra. Evidence obtained by n.m.r. and g.l.c. indicated that when a reaction of d -glucuronic acid with benzaldehyde in the presence of anhydrous zinc chloride proceeded for 48 h, the major product was ( 1,2-exo-phenyl )-1,2- O -benzylidene-α- d -glucofuranurono-6,3-lactone, along with a small amount of the (1,2- endo -phenyl)-isomer.
Dynamin:GTP controls the formation of constricted coated pits, the rate limiting step in clathrin-mediated endocytosis.

The GTPase dynamin is essential for receptor-mediated endocytosis, but its function remains controversial. A domain of dynamin, termed the GTPase effector domain (GED), controls dynamin's high stimulated rates of GTP hydrolysis by functioning as an assembly-dependent GAP. Dyn(K694A) and dyn(R725A) carry point mutations within GED resulting in reduced assembly stimulated GTPase activity. Biotinylated transferrin is more rapidly sequestered from avidin in cells transiently overexpressing either of these two activating mutants (Sever, S., A.B. Muhlberg, and S.L. Schmid. 1999. Nature. 398:481–486), suggesting that early events in receptor-mediated endocytosis are accelerated. Using stage-specific assays and morphological analyses of stably transformed cells, we have identified which events in clathrin-coated vesicle formation are accelerated by the overexpression of dyn(K694A) and dyn(R725A). Both mutants accelerate the formation of constricted coated pits, which we identify as the rate limiting step in endocytosis. Surprisingly, overexpression of dyn(R725A), whose primary defect is in stimulated GTP hydrolysis, but not dyn(K694A), whose primary defect is in self-assembly, inhibited membrane fission leading to coated vesicle release. Together, our data support a model in which dynamin functions like a classical GTPase as a key regulator of clathrin-mediated endocytosis.
A new DFT-based frequency estimator for single-tone complex sinusoidal signals

Frequency estimation for single-tone complex sinusoidal signals under additive white Gaussian noise is a classical and fundamental problem in many applications, such as communications, radar, sonar and power systems. In this paper, we propose a new algorithm by interpolating discrete Fourier transform (DFT) samples. Different from other existing interpolation methods for frequency estimation, our algorithm is based on a much simpler expression and has mathematically tractable bias expression in closed form, which can potentially assist future bias correction. Simulations confirm that our proposed algorithm outperforms all existing alternatives in the literature with comparable complexity.
The standard potential for the hydrogen-silver, silver chloride electrode in synthetic seawater

Abstract The characterization of acid-base equilibria in seawater requires the measurement of the pH using buffers that have been calibrated using the H2, Pt Ag, AgCl electrode system. The calculation of the pH of these buffers and the dissociation constants of acids in seawater requires a knowledge of the standard potential for seawater with added HCl. In this study we present measurements of the standard potential for the AgCl(s) + 1 2 H 2 (g) ⇎ Ag(s) + HCl(aq) cell reaction in synthetic seawater from 0 to 55°C and at salinities from 5 to 45. The measurements were made at various concentrations of HCl and the results extrapolated to the pure medium. The extrapolations were made by using the total proton scale, m ∗ (H + ) = m (H + ) + m (HSO 4 − ) . The measured emf values and the extrapolated standard cell potentials in seawater were in excellent agreement (±0.04 mV) with measurements of Khoo et al. and Dickson. The combined data can be used to evaluate the dissociation constants of acids and bases in seawater and to characterize the pH of seawater buffers for measurements at sea. Pitzer equations for seawater have been formulated from 0 to 55°C and I = 0 to 4 m that can be used to estimate the emf values for these solutions. The calculated emf values agree with the measured values in seawater without sulfate to ±0.08 mV. To make the estimates in seawater with sulfate it was necessary to use the experimental emf values to derive Pitzer parameters for Mg-HSO4− interactions. These parameters yield emf values that agree with the measured values on the average to ±0.06 mV from 0 to 45°C, S = 5 to 35, and added H+ to 0.04 mol/kg.
Architecture and Psychology

The activity of designing begins with contexualised problems. These are usually heuristic concepts that enable the designer to proceed to a solution. He must understand the complex cultural categor...
Formation and Closure of Microchannels in Skin Following Microporation

To characterize the microchannels created in hairless rat skin by microneedles and investigate their closure following exposure to different occlusive conditions. Maltose microneedles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The microchannels created and their closure when exposed to different conditions was investigated using a variety of techniques. Microscopic imaging indicates a pyramidal geometry of maltose microneedles with an average length of 559 ± 14 μm and tip radius of 4 μm. Upon insertion into skin, they created microchannels with an average surface diameter of 60 μm and an average depth of 160 ± 20 μm as observed by histological sectioning and confocal microscopy. Skin recovers its barrier function within 3–4 hrs, and microchannels closed within 15 hrs of poration when exposed to environment. However, when occluded, the microchannels remained open for up to 72 hrs in vivo, as observed by calcein imaging, transepidermal water loss measurements and methylene blue staining. Maltose microneedles penetrated the stratum corneum barrier and created microchannels in skin which completely close within 15 hrs after poration. However, under occluded conditions, barrier recovery can be delayed for up to 72 hrs in vivo.
Network Bridging Potential in Later Life: Life-Course Experiences and Social Network Position

Objective. Much work in social gerontology has examined older adults' social connectedness, but we know little about the extent to which older adults occupy positions of power and independence in their networks. The author uses health and life-course frameworks to understand older adults' prospects of occupying bridging positions between otherwise unconnected individuals. Methods. Egocentric social network data were collected from a nationally representative sample of 3,005 older adults between the ages of 57 and 85 in 2005-2006. A series of multivariate regression analyses was used to examine how health and life-course factors relate to bridging. Results. Age is not significantly associated with bridging. However, retirees and people with poor health are less likely to have bridging potential. At the same time, widows are more likely to serve as bridges. Discussion. The discusses the need for more dialogue between social network researchers and social gerontologists to help explain older adults' bridging prospects.
The cost-effective integration of microcomputers into a campus computing environment

This paper presents an integrated approach to the cost-effective support of microcomputers and their applications in an actual campus environment. Hardware and software standards, departmental LAN's, a campus network, large central computers, and organized training and consulting are used together to support many microcomputers efficiently, allowing more users and applications to be supported on the same budget. A well-known, public-domain networking package was extended to provide a crucial missing link in the plan. Such practical considerations of organized support can be of interest and value to the designers of the small systems of tomorrow.
Weapons of mass migration: forced displacement, coercion, and foreign policy (Cornell studies in security affairs)

Weapons of mass migration: forced displacement, coercion, and foreign policy (Cornell studies in security affairs), by Kelly M. Greenhill, Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 2010, xi + 342 pp., ...
Structural Change Quantification in Rotor Systems Based on Measured Resonance and Antiresonance Frequencies

A structural change quantification methodology is proposed in which the magnitude and location of a structural alteration is identified experimentally in a rotor system. The resonance and antiresonance frequencies are captured from multiple frequency response functions and are compared with baseline data to extract frequency shifts due to these features. The resulting expression contains sufficient information to identify the dynamic characteristics of the rotor in both the frequency and spatial domains. A finite element model with carefully selected tunable parameters is iteratively adjusted using a numerical optimization algorithm to determine the source of the structural change. The methodology is experimentally demonstrated on a test rig with a laterally damaged rotor and the frequency response functions are acquired through utilization of magnetic actuators positioned near the ball bearings.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Evaluation of the Impact of a Diabetes Education Curriculum for School Personnel on Disease Knowledge and Confidence in Caring for Students

BACKGROUND: School personnel may lack knowledge of diabetes and be unprepared to address the needs of students with type 1 diabetes. This project evaluated the effectiveness of a type 1 diabetes education program for school personnel on increasing knowledge of diabetes and confidence in caring for students with diabetes. METHODS: Two types of diabetes education programs were created for school personnel. The basic program provided a 60-minute overview of diabetes. The expanded program, intended for volunteer health aides, provided participants with a more in-depth overview of diabetes during a 180-minute session, including demonstrations of how to assist students with insulin injections. Instruments were created to assess changes in diabetes-related knowledge and confidence in caring for students. Separate knowledge instruments were created for the basic and expanded programs. Knowledge instruments were administered before and after delivery of the education programs to both groups. Confidence instruments were administered before and after for persons completing the expanded program. RESULTS: A total of 81 school personnel participated in the basic (N = 44) or expanded programs (N = 37). Overall knowledge regarding diabetes significantly increased in both the basic and expanded programs from baseline (p < .001). Confidence in caring for students with diabetes also increased from pretest to posttest, both for overall confidence and each individual item (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Educational programs offered for school personnel can lead to increased knowledge and increased confidence in caring for students with diabetes, which may assist school personnel in addressing the needs of students with diabetes.
A Contract for Change in Diabetes Self-Management: Case Report

Written contracting can be an effective supplement to patient education. This case report demonstrates the development and use of a contract between the diabetes educator and CR, a 34-year-old certified public accountant. CR achieved better glucose control through the process of contracting and insulin adjustment. The contract was designed to be clear, fair, and honest—three essential components of a contract. As CR met each of the specific contractual goals, he was rewarded with an educator's time and praise. Through a systematic process of education, contracting, and follow-up, CR was able to obtain the desired outcome of better glucose control.
Non-isothermal transformation-mismatch plasticity: modeling and experiments on Ti-6Al-4V

Transformation-mismatch plasticity (or transformation superplasticity) is a deformation mechanism occurring in materials undergoing a thermally-induced solid-state phase transformation, while subjected to an external stress. The classic model of this phenomenon, due to Greenwood and Johnson (Proc. Roy. Soc. Lond., 283A, pp. 403–422, 1965), is limited to the description of strain increments developed after isothermal transformations, as for pure, allotropic metals. In the present work we generalize this model to the case of a non-isothermal transformation, which is applicable to polymorphic alloys displaying a broad range of transformation temperatures. Experiments conducted on Ti–6Al–4V are used to validate the new generalized model, which predicts the strain developed after each thermal cycle, the contributions of the transformations on heating and cooling, and the kinetics of strain evolution during an individual cycle.
Induction of heat-shock protein synthesis in chondrocytes at physiological temperatures

Induction of heat-shock protein (HSP) synthesis is demonstrated in cultured calf-chondrocytes at temperatures shown to occur in normal human cartilage during experiments subjecting intact cadaverous hip joints to the parameters of level walking. A 70,000 MW heat-shock protein (HSP-70) is synthesized by chondrocytes at temperatures above 39 degrees C, while induction of synthesis of a 110,000 MW HSP only occurs at temperatures of 45 degrees C or greater. These differences in critical temperatures for induction, and data showing differences in kinetics of induction and repression of synthesis, suggest that there are differences in the mechanism of induction of the two HSPs. The duration of HSP synthesis and inhibition of synthesis of normal cellular proteins is directly proportional to the duration and magnitude of the temperature rise. Possible relationships between these new findings and the initiation and progression of degenerative joint disease are discussed.
Numerical evidence for a conjecture in real algebraic geometry

Homotopies provide computational evidence for a challenging instance of a conjecture about whether all solutions are real. By a homotopy we mean a family of polynomial systems that describes algebraically the geometric transition from an easier configuration in special position into the general configuration for the problem we want to solve. The solutions to our problem lie at the end of the solution paths we trace with numerical continuation methods starting at the solutions of the easier, special problem. The numerical difficulties are overcome if we work in the true synthetic spirit of the Schubert calculus, selecting the numerically most favorable equations to represent the geometric problem. Since a well-conditioned polynomial system allows perturbations on the input data without destroying the reality of the solutions we obtain not just one instance, but a whole manifold of systemsthat satisfy the conjecture. Also an instance that involves totally positive matrices has been verified. The optimality ...
Adaptive Control for a Microgravity Vibration Isolation System

Most active vibration isolation systems that try to a provide quiescent acceleration environment for space science experiments have utilized linear design methods. In this paper, we address adaptive control augmentation of an existing classical controller that employs a high-gain acceleration feedback together with a low-gain position feedback to center the isolated platform. The control design feature includes parametric and dynamic uncertainties because the hardware of the isolation system is built as a payload-level isolator, and the acceleration Sensor exhibits a significant bias. A neural network is incorporated to adaptively compensate for the system uncertainties, and a high-pass filter is introduced to mitigate the effect of the measurement bias. Simulations show that the adaptive control improves the performance of the existing acceleration controller and keep the level of the isolated platform deviation to that of the existing control system.
Effects of gonadal hormones and ACTH on the nature and rates of secretion of adrenalcortical steroids by the rat.

Corticosterone (Cpd. B) secretion in adrenal venous blood of rats was measured by acid fluorescence and total steroid secretion by a modified Porter-Silber reaction. Ovariectomy is followed by decreased output as indicated by both techniques. Secretion of Cpd. B is depressed proportionately more than that of total steroids. Following administration of ACTH, Cpd. B secretion remained lower in ovariectomized rats, while total steroid secretion was increased to the same level as that in ACTH-stimulated controls. In male rats, no change in Cpd. B secretion rate was observed after castration alone. Total steroid output was elevated, resulting in a lower Cpd. B:total steroid ratio in orchiectomized rats also. After stimulation with ACTH, Cpd. B secretion was lower in castrates but total steroid secretion was equalized so that no change was observed in their ratio. Cortisone administration to intact male and female rats depressed steroid output but Cpd. B secretion was decreased more than total steroid secretion...
Unionization of institutions: a therapeutic event.

Unionization of public employees, especially institutional personnel, is a phenomenon of recent origin. The entire service sector in increasingly sensitized to this activity. Personnel problems of institutions and rapid technological and communication changes are isolated to suggest reasons unions are increasingly attracted to and simultaneously welcomed by many employees. The conventional managerial wisdom of resisting unions is challenged by considering the therapeutic potential for patients and employees that may accompany broad-scale organization of institutional employees. Improvement of the “power balance” between professionals and subprofessionals is viewed as instrumental in strengthening the psychological bond between patients and employees, and mutual union-management interest areas are delineated to suggest an improved collective bargaining approach.
Pathogensis and Local Drug Delivery for Prevention of Vascular Access Stenosis

A well-functioning vascular access is essential for hemodialysis in end-stage kidney disease patients. Synthetic grafts are more prone to the development of stenosis than native fistulas. Most of the stenosis is caused by neointimal hyperplasia localized at the outflow tract, which is perpetuated by continuous stimuli, such as blood flow disturbance, graft material bioincompatibility, and repeated needle puncture. Hyperplasia formation is also enhanced by the trauma of angioplasty. Recent work suggests that angiogenesis and the migration and proliferation of fibroblasts in the adventitia are important for the pathogenesis of neointimal hyperplasia. Therefore, the perivascular sustained delivery of antiproliferative drugs is a rational approach to inhibit hyperplasia associated with hemodialysis grafts. Because of the chronic nature of the stimuli, strategies that allow for the ready replenishment of the drug depot are preferable and are currently under development.
Towards an AIDS vaccine: the role of primate models.

AIDS has become a global pandemic comparable in its impact to the great plagues of history; an estimated 30 million people worldwide are infected with HIV approximately 15000 people are infected each day and AIDS is almost 100% fatal when untreated. Although highly effective antiretroviral drugs are available to treat HIV/AIDS the approximately $10000 cost per person treated makes the therapy available in only relatively wealthy countries. The development and general dissemination of an effective vaccine against HIV/AIDS is the only possibility of controlling the pandemic in countries where most infections are currently occurring. Efforts to develop a vaccine began immediately after HIV was identified in 1983-84 and led to the production of a first generation of vaccines tested in humans. However it appears that these first generation vaccines will not confer the necessary protection against HIV but more will be learned of their potency after the completion of efficacy trials which will probably begin during 1998. The disappointing immunological and protective response of humans to the recombinant env proteins has discouraged many biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies from pursuing the research and development of AIDS vaccines. The author discusses the use of primate models in the study of candidate immunogens which may be developed into vaccines for the protection of humans. Specifically he considers whether it is possible or necessary to induce sterilizing immunity against SIV or HIV which immune mechanisms are involved in the protection of vaccinated primates the role of mucosal immunity in an AIDS vaccine and the likely components of a program for vaccine development.
Microanalytical quantitation of serum lipids by thin-layer chromatography utilizing an automated applicator.

Abstract A simple, accurate and convenient method for simultaneously quantitating triglycerides, free fatty acids, and free and esterified cholesterols on a micro-sample of human serum is presented. The method involves the utilization of an automated thin-layer plate applicator which also eliminates the necessity of a separate step for deproteinization.
Knowledge Restructuring in Biology: Testing a Punctuated Model of Conceptual Change

Emerging from a human constructivist view of learning and a punctuated model of conceptual change, these studies explored differences in the structural complexity and content validity of knowledge about prehistoric life depicted in concept maps by learners ranging in age from approximately 10 to 20 years. Study 1 (cross-age) explored the frequencies of concepts, relationships, levels of hierarchy, branching, and cross-links in concept maps drawn by students in grades 5, 8, 11, 13, and 14. The results provide some support for a punctuated model of conceptual change. Study 2 (longitudinal) explored the same frequencies on repeated occasions among students enrolled in a college course on prehistoric life, and documented the shift in frequencies of “novice” and “expert” concepts occurring during the semester. The results suggest that college students engage in much restructuring of their knowledge frameworks during the period of a semester. Together, the two studies raise questions about common classroom practices that encourage the rote learning of biology and geology concepts at all levels.
Early Neoproterozoic origin of the metazoan clade recorded in carbonate rock texture: COMMENT

[Neuweiler et al. (2009)][1] present petrographic work from three carbonate bioherms: from modern, Paleozoic, and Neoproterozoic aged material. They argue that, in the three case studies, there is textural evidence for calcification of sponge extracellular collagenous matrix (ECM), pushing back the
I Can't be me without my people: Julia Alvarez and the Postmodern Personal Narrative

Julia Alvarez uses autobiographical narratives to expose plural models of group formation and community identity in her novels to complicate the stability of history, autobiography, and fiction. This deployment of the autobiographical narratives helps to foreground her construction of a transnational Dominican Republic that is based on a transformative history of the self. As a result of the real trauma inflicted on Dominicans in both the island and US contexts, a linear, univocal history of the nation can no longer be constructed. Alvarez foregrounds the internal problematics of historical narratives through the self-conscious blending of genres. By situating historical considerations in her novels as much more than mere “setting,” Alvarez complicates what constitutes a “valid” historical narrative.
Sedimentation of Casein Micelles During the Storage of Ultra-High Temperature Milk Products—a Calculation

Abstract Calculations have been made on the tendency of casein micelles in stored milk to sediment under the force of gravity in the absence of stirring effects such as convection or mechanical agitation. The calculations show that even native micelles have a tendency to sediment during several months of storage and to produce a small layer of sedimented material; the effect of diffusion is insufficient to compensate for this sedimenting tendency. Sedimentation is especially pronounced in concentrated milks. The effect of even small increases in the molecular weight of the casein micelles is to increase the sedimentation rate significantly. Possible consequences of the formation of sediment in this way are discussed.
Wide Band Ferrite Beam Current Monitors

A ferrite electron beam current monitor has been developed for use with the NBS Linac. This monitor is useful at the fast rise times (< 5 ns) needed for the short pulsing of the linac and also gives good flat top response for the long pulse (up to 5 ?s) work. The low frequency response is achieved by using ferrite with a large ? (= 5000) and a large number of turns (100). At the higher frequencies the core plays a very small role and the structure acts as an air core transformer. The main difficulty observed with other types of ferrite transformer monitors has been ringing due to coil resonances, making these transformers unsuitable for use with fast rise times. This ringing has been eliminated by the placement of damping resistors around the coil and tying them to a common but independent annular ring adjacent to the coil.
Differences in Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and Suicide Attempts in Adolescents

As suicide attempts and self-injury remain predominant health risks among adolescents, it is increasingly important to be able to distinguish features of self-harming adolescents from those who are at risk for suicidal behaviors. The current study examined differences between groups of adolescents with varying levels of self-harmful behavior in a sample of 373 high school students with a mean age of 15.04 (SD = 1.05). The sample was 48% female and the distribution of ethnicity was as follows: 35% Caucasian, 37.2% African-American, 16% Multi-ethnic, 9.2% Hispanic, and 2.3% Asian. The sample was divided into three groups: no history of self-harm, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) only, and NSSI in addition to a suicide attempt. Differences in depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, social support, self-esteem, body satisfaction, and disordered eating were explored. Results indicated significant differences between the three groups on all variables, with the no self-harm group reporting the lowest levels of risk factors and highest levels of protective factors. Further analyses were conducted to examine specific differences between the two self-harm groups. Adolescents in the NSSI group were found to have fewer depressive symptoms, lower suicidal ideation, and greater self-esteem and parental support than the group that also had attempted suicide. The clinical implications of assessing these specific psychosocial correlates for at-risk adolescents are discussed.
Elastase activated liposomal delivery to nucleated cells

The specific activation of liposomes for delivery has been explored by enzyme mediated cleavage of a peptide substrate covalently conjugated to a fusogenic lipid. We have previously shown an elastase sensitive peptide conjugated to 1, 2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine [corrected] (DOPE) could be activated by enzymatic cleavage, triggering liposome-liposome lipid mixing and fusion with erythrocyte ghosts (Pak et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 1372 (1998) 13-27). Further optimization of this system has been aimed at obtaining substrate cleavage at or below physiological elastase levels and to demonstrate triggered delivery to living cells. Therefore a new peptide-lipid, MeO-suc-AAPV-DOPE (N-methoxy-succinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Val-DOPE), has been developed that exhibits greater sensitivity and selectivity for elastase cleavage and subsequent conversion to DOPE. This peptide-lipid was used with DODAP (dioleoyl dimethylammonium propane, a pH dependent cationic lipid) in a 1:1 mol ratio with the expectation that endocytosis would lead to a liposome with an overall positive charge if enzymatic cleavage had occurred. Elastase treated liposomes displayed pH dependent enhancement of binding, lipid mixing, and delivery of 10000 MW dextrans, relative to untreated liposomes, when incubated with HL60 human leukemic cells. Heat denatured elastase did not activate DODAP/MeO-suc-AAPV-DOPE liposomes, indicating enzymatic activity of elastase is necessary. Liposomes bound to ECV304 endothelial cells at physiological pH could be activated by elastase to deliver an encapsulated fluorescent probe, calcein, into the cell cytoplasm. These results suggest enzyme substrate peptides linked to a fusogenic lipid may be used to elicit specific delivery from liposomes to cells.
Migratory Gold Resistive Shorts: Chemical Aspects of a Failure Mechanism

Integrated-circuit devices using the Ti/W/Au metal system are subject to failure mechanisms based on electrolytic corrosion. The migratory gold resistive short (MGRS) failure mode is one example of this mechanism and results in the formation of filamentary or dendritic deposits of gold between adjacent stripes. on the IC chip. This reaction requires the presence of a sufficient amount of water, a bias voltage between adjacent stripes, and the activation of the cathodic (-) stripe. Gold ions are transported from anode to cathode through a film of moisture adsorbed on the surface of the chip; halide ions are probably involved in the transfer. Their presence is verified experimentally by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Some of the chemical and electrostatic factors involved in the MGRS mechanism are discussed in this paper, including the questions of a threshold level of moisture and contamination.
Cheater Detection in Vehicular Networks

In this paper, we focus on congestion cheaters in vehicular networks who report non-existing high-way congestion information. In this solution, we require each vehicle to only detect its local highway traffic pattern to detect congestion and then identify cheaters. Vehicles can broadcast a congestion event to other vehicles. However, a rogue vehicle can also broadcast a bogus congestion message in order to get advantage over other vehicles for malicious purposes. To address this cheating problem, we develop a cheater detection protocol, in which each vehicle only depends on local velocity and distance measurements to validate the congestion event sent by a vehicle. Our presented protocol is based on the traffic flow theory to detect the Kinematic wave caused by congestion. The presented cheater detection solution is effective in that it only requires vehicles to communicate with its neighboring vehicles without relying on a centralized controlled congestion detection and prediction system.
Theoretical investigation of flame propagation through compositionally stratified methane–air mixtures

Flame propagation speeds in compositionally stratified methane–air mixtures were theoretically calculated as a function of the equivalence ratio distribution in the unburnt mixture and compared with experimental results. A solution of non-adiabatic flame propagation under a quasi-steady approximation was able qualitatively to describe the experimentally observed characteristics of flame speeds in stratified mixtures, which were flame speed increase in the vicinity of the flammability limits as well as for high equivalence ratio gradients. However, this analysis failed to provide quantitative agreement with the experimental results. In order to address this, the cumulative heat support effects on flame temperature, depending on the history of flame propagation, had to be accounted for. Quantitative agreement with the experiments was achieved, especially for propagation in lean mixtures.