cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of volumetric changes of unsaturated polyester resins during curing

Two models were proposed to predict the volume changes that occur during the cure of unsaturated polyester resin/styrene systems. These models are able to account for both thermal expansions/contractions and polymerization shrinkage during processing. One model, which is based on conversion, was developed by combining experimental results from differential scanning calorimetry and dilatometry. The second model is based on radical concentration, and was developed using results from electron spin resonance spectroscopy and dilatometry. Predictions obtained from both models were compared with experimental results and reasonable agreement was obtained.
Timely encouraging letters increase attendance at first consultations at outpatient psychiatric clinics

NOTES The study was ended early because of financial and time constraints. Outpatient clinics included in the study were: addiction (36%), liaison (20%), psychosexual medicine (19%), general adult (17%), chronic fatigue service (7%), women’s service (1%) and self-harm (1%) clinics.
Classroom observations of students with and without ADHD: Differences across types of engagement

Abstract The current study examined the behaviors related to academic engagement exhibited by students with ADHD during instruction in math and reading. A total of 155 students (92 ADHD, 63 recruited controls) in grades 1 through 4 participated in the study. Results revealed that students with ADHD exhibited statistically significant lower rates of academic engagement and higher rates of off-task behaviors than recruited controls and randomly selected peer comparisons. Specifically, students with ADHD exhibited statistically significant lower rates of passive academic engagement (PET) than recruited controls and peer comparisons; however no group differences were found with regard to active engaged time (AET). In addition, students with ADHD exhibited lower rates of AET than PET, a finding observed among both recruited controls and randomly selected peer comparisons. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Elective delivery at less than 39 weeks.

Purpose of review The prevalence and impact of elective deliveries occurring prior to 39 weeks' gestation has been the focus of several important studies published in recent medical literature. Defined as scheduled deliveries in the absence of medical or obstetrical indications, concern has been raised that many of these procedures are not performed within the parameters of existing clinical guidelines. Recent findings The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that no elective delivery should be performed before the gestational age of 39 weeks; however, studies report rates of 28-35.8% of elective deliveries occurring before 39 weeks and reveal that they also contribute to increased rates of late-preterm births (34 0/7-36 6/7 weeks). These deliveries are associated with increased neonatal morbidity, neonatal intensive care unit admissions, and associated hospital costs compared to deliveries (37 0/7-38 6/7 weeks) occurring at 39-40 weeks. Prevention of early-term elective deliveries has not demonstrated an increased risk for stillbirth. The implementation of hospital quality improvement programs has successfully reduced the occurrence of elective early-term and late-preterm deliveries, as well as associated neonatal morbidity and mortality. Summary Improved compliance with ACOG recommendations and a reduction in elective deliveries before 39 weeks can be achieved through the use of quality improvement processes involving education, tracking of data, and strict enforcement of clinical practice policies.
Cigarette smoking is associated with suicidality in bipolar disorder.

Bipolar patients have markedly elevated rates of nicotine dependence (1, 2). Compared to only 12.8% in the general population, 35.3% of those with bipolar I disorder [odds ratio (OR) = 3.9] and 33.4% of those with bipolar II disorder (OR = 3.5) met criteria for nicotine dependence in the prior 12 months (2). Beyond the adverse health implications of smoking, bipolar patients who smoke are at higher risk of suicidal behavior and suicide attempts, independent of substance abuse and anxiety disorder comorbidity (3). Along with severity of depression and having made a prior suicide attempt, smoking was a robust predictor of suicidal behavior following a major depressive episode in bipolar disorder, even after controlling for other factors (4) and regardless of gender (5). Additionally, a study of adolescents with bipolar disorder found that cigarette smoking was independently associated with suicide attempts and substance use disorders (6, 7). It is unclear why smokers with bipolar disorder are more likely to make suicide attempts. Some have suggested that an aggression/impulsivity factor may predispose certain individuals with bipolar disorder to suicidal behavior, substance use disorders, and smoking (4, 8, 9). In a prospective study, hostility predicted suicide attempts in individuals with bipolar disorder, although the relationship between hostility and smoking was not examined (10). In this prospective, longitudinal study of suicidal ideation and behavior in a clinical sample of patients with bipolar disorder, we examined current cigarette smoking using a well-validated measure of suicidal ideation and behaviors at baseline and prospectively at nine-month follow-up, and employed a validated assessment of impulsivity. We hypothesized that smoking would be a significant predictor of suicidality at baseline and at nine-month follow-up.
Undermining the Undermining Effect of Reward on Sustained Interest1

Sometimes, without recourse to controlling rewards, it is difficult to secure desirable behaviors. Yet, much work has demonstrated the damaging effect that such rewards can have on subsequent independent interest in the reward-induced behavior. Therefore, one who feels required to use controlling rewards to increase desirable action in another faces a dilemma: Failing to employ the rewards means foregoing the desired conduct in the immediate situation, hut applying them risks undermining the other's long-term interest in the conduct. We tested a technique designed to avoid this dilemma by (a) providing a controlling reward to obtain the desired action, but (b) then attributing the action to an abiding trait of the actor. Using this technique, we were able to reverse the damaging impact of a controlling reward on children's motivation to write well.
On the structure of rhinovirus 1A

Abstract Conditions for the propagation, plaque assay, and purification of radioactively labeled rhinovirus 1A are described. Purified virus was free of empty capsids. It sedimented as a single peak at a rate indistinguishable from that of type 1 poliovirus and ME virus on density gradients. Treatment at pH 4, which left ME virus intact, completely disrupted rhinovirus 1A to produce largely insoluble products. Buoyant density measurements in cesium chloride confirmed that rhinovirus 1A is denser (d = 1.386) than ME virus (d = 1.342). Analysis of purified rhinovirus 1A on SDS-polyacrylamide gels revealed five components; of these, four with apparent molecular weights of 33,800, 29,500, 26,000 and 7000, respectively, were present in roughly equimolar proportions. Roughly 1 30 th as much of the fifth component, weighing about 36,700 daltons, was observed. This distribution of polypeptides, which is similar to that of ME virus and of poliovirus, supports the notion that all three viruses represent a common structural archetype. Thus acid lability and high buoyant density which is characteristic of rhinoviruses cannot be attributed to any gross differences from other picornaviruses in size or number of polypeptide chains in the virion. It is proposed that the rhinoviral capsid is comprised of 60 identical four-chain subunits each weighing about 96,000 daltons. Assuming an RNA content of 30–32% this model predicts that the size of the virion is 8.4 × 106 daltons and the size of the RNA is 2.6 ± 0.1 × 106 daltons.
Miscibility studies in polymer-diluent blends and segmented block copolymers via high-resolution carbon-13 solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Abstract Miscibility in blends and short-segmented block copolymers has been studied at the molecular level with the aid of high-resolution solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (n.m.r.) spectroscopy. The spectroscopic results are in agreement with those from differential scanning calorimetry (d.s.c.). The blend of poly(methyl methacrylate) and 2,2′-dinitrobiphenyl is completely miscible. This is a consequence of near-neighbour interactions between diluent molecules and the pendant groups of the macromolecular chain. The polyether-polyester block copolymers (duPont's Hytrel copolymers) are incompletely phase-separated. Supporting evidence is derived from the observation of n.m.r. signals due to polyester segments dissolved in the polyether-rich mobile domains. As the overall polyester content of the copolymer is increased, molecular mobility in both the crystalline and amorphous domains becomes more restricted. This conclusion is based upon the effect of composition on the proton spin-lattice relaxation times in the rotating frame of reference. Finally, proton dipolar communication via spin diffusion within the soft segment becomes more efficient as the fraction of uncrystallized polyester segments in the polyether-rich domains increases.
Mutation detection of immunoglobulin V-regions by DHPLC.

Abstract One of the key features in the affinity maturation of antibodies is somatic hypermutation of the variable regions of immunoglobulin genes. The mutations that occur in immunoglobulin genes are detected by direct sequencing of cloned polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. The frequencies of mutations in vivo are generally high enough to provide sufficient numbers of point mutations in order to generate large databases that can be analyzed in various ways. Recently, the mechanisms of variable (V)-region hypermutation have been studied in tissue culture systems and transgenic mice where mutation occurs at frequencies that are ∼10-fold lower than the estimated in vivo rate. Identifying mutations by brute force sequencing of PCR products in comparative studies is limiting when trying to determine if there are statistically significant differences. Here we describe a high throughput technique that can facilitate the identification of immunoglobulin V-regions that contain one or more mutations before sequencing. This technique, known as denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC), utilizes a standard HPLC apparatus with a column that binds double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). In this study, we have successfully detected ∼90% of previously sequenced mutated V-regions by DHPLC. Our results show that we were able to detect mutations throughout a 321-base pair (bp) region of the Ricin 45 immunoglobulin (Ig) V-region. Also, with the use of this assay, we have been able to detect mutations in multiple clones of different immunoglobulin genes.
MAMMALIAN HAIR DIAMETER AS A POSSIBLE MECHANISM FOR HOST SPECIALIZATION IN CHEWING LICE

We examined the relationship between mammalian hair diameter and body mass at several taxonomic levels (interordinal, intrafamilial, intrageneric, and intraspecific) and showed a significant, positive allometric relationship between hair diameter and body size at all taxonomic levels examined. The allometric coefficient (α) ranged from 0.13 to 0.33. Within pocket gophers (Geomyidae), a significant positive relationship exists between hair diameter and rostral groove dimensions of their chewing lice, Geomydoecus, which use the rostral groove to grasp hairs of their host. Coupled with previous evidence of a strong allometric relationship between rostral groove width and louse body size, our findings suggest that hair diameter of the host is an important determinant of body size in chewing lice that parasitize pocket gophers.
Solvent Induced Crack-Like Defects in Adhered Polyimide Films

When thin adhered films of a polyimide (Ciba-Geigy XU-293) on rigid substrates are immersed in xylene, defects, that look like cracks to the naked eye, are formed. These defects are caused by the presence of the combination of the equibiaxial tension in the film and the xylene. The stress comes from the solvent loss and the thermal expansion mismatch between the substrate and the film. The defects are found to be local deformation zones, showing considerable optical anisotropy and a microstructure strongly influenced by the adhesion condition to the substrate. Although they retain a smooth surface on the face in contact with the substrate in the bonded regions, the deformation zones release a significant amount of stress. The stress released is measured by a photoelastic technique and is found to be in excellent agreement with that calculated from the local thickness change assuming simple elasticity. These deformation zones grow at a speed that is independent of their length and initiation time but increase rapidly with film thickness from a threshold at a thickness of about 3 microns. The observed thickness effect can be explained by a fracture mechanics analysis of adhered films where, unlike the case in free films, the energy release rate, G, is independent of crack length but varies with film stress and linearly with film thickness.
Ultrasound – an alternative healing method for nonunions?

Several years ago, low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (frequency 1.5 MHz; signal burst width 200 μs; signal repetition frequency 1 KHz; intensity 30 mW/cm2) was shown to accelerate fresh fracture healing both clinically and experimentally. On the basis of a prescription use registry, this paper reports on the use of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in the therapy of 951 delayed unions and 366 nonunions. The overall success rate for delayed unions was 91% (average healing time 129 ± 2.7 days) and for nonunions 86% (average healing time 152 ±¶5.3 days). Stratifying the data, it becomes clear that patient medication with calcium channel blockers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and steroids is a negative predictor for healing nonunions, as well as renal or vascular insufficiency. Patients who were smokers during ultrasound therapy had lower healing rates than those who never smoked. When comparing the patients of our own clinic treated with low-intensity ultrasound under study conditions which demonstrate that if healing was achieved it was an effect of the ultrasound therapy to the worldwide prescription use registry, no difference was seen in healing rate, healing time, or fracture age. Therefore, the results of these two populations support each other. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound may provide a method of nonoperative treatment of great promise for healing disorders. Determination of ranking of this new method should be done within the near future.
Chemical Mapping of Planetary Surfaces

Two instruments, the gamma-ray spectrometer and the X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, are uniquely suited to the chemical mapping of planetary surfaces from orbit. Through their detection of characteristic line spectra they measure the concentrations of a suite of elements in each area overflown. Multielement chemical maps derived from these remote measurements are used in the construction of evolutionary models of planetary bodies and of the solar system as a whole. The NaI(T1) gamma-ray spectrometer and a gas proportional X-ray spectrometer were flown over 20 percent of the lunar surface during the Apollo 15 and 16 missions. These instruments measured chemical differences across the boundaries of known lunar provinces and revealed several new features of lunar-surface composition. Advanced spectrometers which are under development for future missions are able to educe much more information in a given time span than the Apollo instruments. They may be used in possible future missions such as Lunar Polar Orbiter, a Mars orbiter, a Mercury orbiter, outer planet satellite missions, rendezvous with asteroids and cometary nuclei, and surface-penetrating planetary probes.
Performance-complexity tradeoffs for several approaches to ATR from SAR images

The performance of an automatic target recognition (ATR) system for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images is generally dependent upon a set of parameters which captures the assumptions made approximations made in the implementation of the system. This set of parameters implicitly or explicitly determines a level of database complexity for the system. A comprehensive analysis of the empirical tradeoffs between ATR performance and database complexity is presented for variations of several algorithms including a likelihood approach under a conditionally Gaussian model for pixel distribution, a mean squared error classifier on pixel dB values, and a mean squared error classifier on pixel quarter power values. These algorithms are applied under a common framework to identical training and testing sets of SAR images for a wide range of system parameters. Their performance is characterized both in terms of the percentage of correctly classified test images and the average squared Hilbert-Schmidt distance between the estimated and true target orientations across all test images. Performance boundary curves are presented and compared, and algorithm performance is detailed at key complexity values. For the range of complexity considered, it is shown that in terms of target orientation estimation the likelihood based approach under a conditionally Gaussian model yields superior performance for any given database complexity than any of the other approaches tested. It is also shown that some variant of each of the approaches tested delivers superior target classification performance over some range of complexity.
Regulation of Early Tomato Fruit Development by the Diageotropica Gene

The vegetative phenotype of the auxin-resistant diageotropica ( dgt ) mutant of tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) includes reduced gravitropic response, shortened internodes, lack of lateral roots, and retarded vascular development. Here, we report that early fruit development is also dramatically altered by the single-gene dgt lesion. Fruit weight, fruit set, and numbers of locules and seeds are reduced in dgt . In addition, time to flowering and time from anthesis to the onset of fruit ripening are increased by the dgt lesion, whereas ripening is normal. The dgt mutation appears to affect only the early stages of fruit development, irrespective of allele or genetic background. Expression of members of the LeACS (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase, a key regulatory enzyme of ethylene biosynthesis) and LeIAA ( Aux/IAA , auxin-responsive) gene families were quantified via real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in both dgt and wild-type fruits, providing the first analysis of Aux/IAA gene expression in fruit. The dgt lesion affects the expression of only certain members of both the LeACS and LeIAA multigene families. Different subsets of LeIAA gene family members are affected by the dgt mutation in fruits and hypocotyls, indicating that the DGT gene product functions in a developmentally specific manner. The differential expression of subsets of LeIAA and LeACS gene family members as well as the alterations in dgt fruit morphology and growth suggest that the early stages of fruit development in tomato are regulated, at least in part, by auxin- and ethylene-mediated gene expression.
Closed loop vibrational control: state and output feedback stabilizability

Linear plants with control signals entering the open-loop dynamics as amplitudes of periodic zero-average functions are considered. The stabilizability properties of such plants by state-space and output feedback controllers are analyzed. >
Multilevel priority scheme for fiber-optic code division multiple access (CDMA) packet networks

A multilevel priority scheme for fiber-optic CDMA is proposed. Users are divided into groups with different transmission power levels. Since the inherent properties and signal processing of the conventional communication channels are different from those of the fiber-optic channels, new code sequences must be constructed for fiber-optic applications. Furthermore, fiber-optic systems can be modeled as positive systems. Therefore, the packets from higher power groups can transmit successfully with higher probability than those from lower power groups. This implies that packets with higher power levels have higher priority than those packets with lower power levels. The goal of this research is to analyze the performance of fiber-optic CDMA packet networks using code sequences with given orthogonality properties. >
Adsorption of basic dye onto activated carbon prepared from durian shell: Studies of adsorption equilibrium and kinetics

Abstract An activated carbon was prepared from durian shell and used for the removal of methylene blue from aqueous solutions. The activated carbon was prepared using chemical activation method with potassium hydroxide as the activating agent. The activation was conducted at 673.15 K for 1 h with mass ratio of chemical activating agent to durian shell 1:2. Batch kinetics and isotherm studies were conducted to evaluate the adsorption behavior of the activated carbon from durian shell. The adsorption experiments were carried out isothermally at three different temperatures. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm model were used to describe the equilibria data. The Langmuir model agrees with experimental data well. The Langmuir surface kinetics, pseudo first order and pseudo second order models were used to evaluate the kinetics data and the rate constant were also determined. The experimental data fitted very well with the Langmuir surface kinetics and pseudo first order model.
Attempts to Establish a Risk by Analogy

In this paper, we argue that risk in a new situation can be calculated by comparison with the most closely analogous previous situation that we can find. In many cases, such as automobile accidents, we argue that this year is analogous to preceding years. With toxic chemicals the analogy is less direct—we compare with other toxic chemicals or with chemicals shown to be toxic in other species. Because the unreliability or uncertainty of the analogy can be high, it is necessary to use less sensitive, but more reliable, methods of estimating risk to prevent continued use of a hazardous material, and subsequent tragedy if the hazard should turn out to be unexpectedly large. This suggests more robust techniques to reduce the regret, or societal cost of being wrong, because increased sensitivity is sometimes attained at the expense of sampling error.
Eps15 Homology Domain-NPF Motif Interactions Regulate Clathrin Coat Assembly during Synaptic Vesicle Recycling

Although genetic and biochemical studies suggest a role for Eps15 homology domain containing proteins in clathrin-mediated endocytosis, the specific functions of these proteins have been elusive. Eps15 is found at the growing edges of clathrin-coated pits, leading to the hypothesis that it participates in the formation of coated vesicles. We have evaluated this hypothesis by examining the effect of Eps15 on clathrin assembly. We found that although Eps15 has no intrinsic ability to assemble clathrin, it potently stimulates the ability of the clathrin adaptor protein, AP180, to assemble clathrin at physiological pH. We have also defined the binding sites for Eps15 on squid AP180. These sites contain an NPF motif, and peptides derived from these binding sites inhibit the ability of Eps15 to stimulate clathrin assembly in vitro. Furthermore, when injected into squid giant presynaptic nerve terminals, these peptides inhibit the formation of clathrin-coated pits and coated vesicles during synaptic vesicle endocytosis. This is consistent with the hypothesis that Eps15 regulates clathrin coat assembly in vivo, and indicates that interactions between Eps15 homology domains and NPF motifs are involved in clathrin-coated vesicle formation during synaptic vesicle recycling.
Development and Validation of the Food-Craving Inventory

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to develop and validate the Food-Craving Inventory (FCI), a self-report measure of specific food cravings. Research Methods and Procedures: In a preliminary study, participants (n = 474) completed the initial version of the FCI. The results from this study were used in developing the revised FCI. Participants (n = 379) completed the revised FCI in the primary study designed to develop a self-report measure of specific food cravings. Results: Common factor analysis yielded four conceptual factors (subscales) that were interpreted as high fats, sweets, carbohydrates/starches, and fast-food fats. Confirmatory factor analysis found that the four factors could be modeled as dimensions (or first-order factors) of a higher order construct—food craving. Test–retest and internal consistency analyses indicated good reliability for the total score and each of the subscales. Subscale scores were compared with scores on the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire and a conceptual measure of food craving. We found support for the content, concurrent, construct, and discriminant validity of the FCI. Discussion: The FCI was found to be a reliable and valid measure of general and specific food cravings. The FCI can be used in research related to overeating and binge eating. Also, it may be useful in treatment studies that target obesity and/or food cravings.
Changes in Parental Depression Symptoms during Family Preservation Services.

OBJECTIVES: Parental depression symptoms often change over the course of child welfare family preservation and parenting services. This raises the question of whether certain processes in family preservation services might be associated with depression symptom change. This study tests three correlational models of change among family preservation service participants: (a) changes in depression symptoms are one facet of broad general changes in wellbeing; (b) the quality of the home visitor-client relationship is associated depression symptom changes; and (c) linking parents to adjunctive services is associated with symptom changes. METHODS: Participants were 2,175 parents in family preservation services, largely for child neglect, who were surveyed using standard measures at pre-treatment, post-treatment and 6 month follow-up. Change patterns were evaluated using growth models, including bivariate parallel and multivariate second-order models. RESULTS: Parallel growth was noted among depression symptoms and changes in social, economic, familial, and parenting domains. A second order change model positing a global change pattern fit the data well. Working alliance had a modest association with improvement, but successful linkage to outside mental health services was not associated with improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in diverse indicators of wellbeing follow a global pattern which might support use of less complex rather than more fully comprehensive service plans. Findings about lack of adjunctive usual care mental health service benefit may be related to uncontrolled factors and this is a topic in need of additional study. Language: en
Incidental finding of splenic artery aneurysm on lumbosacral spine radiograph.

A 55-year-old woman with a past medical history of hypertension presented to the Emergency Department after suffering a fall. She reported falling from a standing position while attempting to hoist a garbage bag into a dumpster; she landed on her buttocks. After the fall she reported immediately being able to ambulate without assistance, however with considerable pain in her lumbosacral area. She denied loss of consciousness, head injury, dizziness, abdominal pain, vomiting, or other injuries. Vitals signs at triage were: blood pressure 171/84 mm Hg, heart rate 98 beats/min, temperature 36.8 C (98.3 F) oral, respirations 18 breaths/min, and oxygen saturation 99% on room air. On physical examination, no abdominal tenderness was noted. Distal sensation, motor function, reflexes, and pulses were intact in bilateral lower extremities, and without signs of trauma. There was significant tenderness with palpation of the sacrum and coccyx in the midline without step-offs. There was no midline lumbar spine tenderness. An anterior, posterior, and lateral view radiograph of the lumbosacral spine was performed to rule out fracture (Figures 1, 2). Subsequently, computed tomography angiography (Figure 3) was performed to evaluate the finding of a possible splenic artery aneurysm on plain films.
Disulfide Bonding within Components of the Chlamydia Type III Secretion Apparatus Correlates with Development

Chlamydia spp. exhibit a unique biphasic developmental cycle whereby infectious elementary bodies (EBs) invade host epithelial cells and differentiate into noninfectious, metabolically active reticulate bodies (RBs). EBs posses a unique outer envelope where rigidity is achieved by disulfide bonding among cysteine-rich envelope-associated proteins. Conversely, these disulfide bonds become reduced in RBs to accommodate vegetative growth, thereby linking the redox status of cysteine-rich envelope proteins with progression of the developmental cycle. We investigated the potential role of disulfide bonding within the chlamydial type III secretion system (T3SS), since activity of this system is also closely linked to development. We focused on structural components of the T3S apparatus that contain an unusually high number of cysteine residues compared to orthologs in other secretion systems. Nonreducing SDS-PAGE revealed that EB-localized apparatus proteins such as CdsF, CdsD, and CdsC form higher-order complexes mediated by disulfide bonding. The most dramatic alterations were detected for the needle protein CdsF. Significantly, disulfide bonding patterns shifted during differentiation of developmental forms and were completely reduced in RBs. Furthermore, at later time points during infection following RB to EB conversion, we found that CdsF is reoxidized into higher-order complexes. Overall, we conclude that the redox status of specific T3SS apparatus proteins is intimately linked to the developmental cycle and constitutes a newly appreciated aspect of functionally significant alterations within proteins of the chlamydial envelope.
A 23.6 GHz sub-half-micrometer E/D MODFET divide-by-32/64 static prescaler

An application-ready prescaler with performance competitive with state-of-the-art R&D dividers was designed to be a high-performance replacement for standard ECL parts in instruments. It is fabricated in a proven self-aligned contact sub-half-micrometer GaAs-based enhancement/depletion-mode (E/D-mode) MODFET IC process that utilizes sidewall-spacer self-alignment technology to obtain 0.3-0.5 mu m gate length with conventional high-throughput contact lithography. With pseudomorphic InGaAs channels, 30 MHz to 23.6 GHz prescaler operation is demonstrated at room temperature. The performance improves at 0 degrees C, while at 70 degrees C the upper frequency typically drops by 2 GHz. Correct high-speed pulse-mode operation requires (1) presetting which does not degrade the performance and (2) suppression of self-oscillation during quiet periods between pulse bursts. The circuit design provides for both, and pulse-mode operation without ringing, or pulse loss, at 22.4 GHz (present testing limit) has been confirmed. >
Low-Speed Wind Tunnel Testing via Designed Experiments: Challenges and Ways Forward

Engineers with experience in ground test can attest that, although the confines of wind tunnels permit low noise testing, what is lacking many times are efficient test plans and the full use of the massive amount of data collected. From the perspective of industrial statisticians and engineers specializing in efficient design of experiments via statistical methods, the wind tunnel environment offers unique challenges for determining a bestpractices approach to test design. Both variants of practitioners have realized the benefit of adapting classical statistically-based experimental design techniques to wind tunnel testing. With this general approach to test, the number of tests required is significantly reduced, the true underlying cause/effect relationship between aircraft configuration and aerodynamic performance is realized and uncertainty can be precisely determined in the presence of testing condition alterations. This paper makes use of case studies to discuss and illustrate the conditions common in low-speed wind tunnel testing which require adaptations to standard experimental design application. Remedies for each of these conditions based on methods successfully used elsewhere are provided.
The role of positron emission tomography in the evaluation of seizure disorders

We studied patients with partial and primary generalized seizures using fluorine-18-labeled 2-fluorodeoxyglucose and positron emission tomography. Interictal studies of patients with partial seizures showed regions of focal or lateralized hypometabolism in 15 of 17 patients with unilateral electroencephalographic foci. Several patients had more than one hypometabolic region. In 1 patient PET ypometabolism was contralateral to the electroencephalographic epileptic focus. Six of 10 patients without definite electroencephalographic foci also showed unilateral PET hypometabolic regions. PET during complex partial seizures in 3 patients showed hypermetabolism at the site of the hypometabolic focus. A postictal scan in 1 patient showed extension of interictal temporal hypometabolism to the frontal lobe as well. Interictal scans in 8 patients with primary generalized seizures did not reveal any hypometabolic regions. One patient scanned during an attack of absence status epilepticus showed a slight decrease in metabolic rate compared to the interictal scan. Temporal lobectomy has been performed in 6 patients with focal PET hypometabolism. PET may obviate the need for depth electrode study in some patients with intractable partial seizures.
Compounded Versus Proprietary Sincalide for Evaluation of Gallbladder Ejection Fraction

OBJECTIVETo report a comparison of compounded and proprietary sincalide in the evaluation of gallbladder ejection fraction during hepatobiliary scintigraphy.CASE SUMMARIESTwo patients were referred to nuclear medicine with symptoms consistent with hepatobiliary dysfunction. Both underwent hepatobiliary scintigraphy to evaluate anatomic and physiologic tract patency of the hepatobiliary system. Compounded sincalide, an adjuvant pharmaceutical used to evaluate gallbladder ejection fraction, was infused during hepatobiliary scintigraphy, and gallbladder ejection fractions were 11% and 24%, respectively. Hepatobiliary scintigraphy was repeated on both patients 72 hours later with proprietary sincalide used as the adjuvant pharmaceutical. The gallbladder ejection fractions were 32% and 72%, respectively.DISCUSSIONThe use of sincalide to evaluate gallbladder ejection fraction in hepatobiliary scintigraphy is widely accepted in the surgical and nuclear medicine community. In late 2001, the sole manufacturer of s...
Focused Belief Propagation for Query-Specific Inference

With the increasing popularity of largescale probabilistic graphical models, even “lightweight” approximate inference methods are becoming infeasible. Fortunately, often large parts of the model are of no immediate interest to the end user. Given the variable that the user actually cares about, we show how to quantify edge importance in graphical models and to significantly speed up inference by focusing computation on important parts of the model. Our algorithm empirically demonstrates convergence speedup by multiple times over state of the art.
Tunneling studies of mesoscopic all-NbN junctions

A scanning tunneling microscope was used to position a NbN tip near a NbN thin film sputtered on a Si substrate. Measurements at 4.2 K clearly show an energy gap of 5.0 mV. The Coulomb blockade of tunneling and the Coulomb staircase, formed by single-electron charging of the central electrode of a double capacitor system consisting of a substrate, a particle lodged in the oxide, and a tip, were observed at a number of points on the film. Experiments were repeated at room temperature. Fitting I-V and dI/dV-V curves to theory yields capacitances on the order of 5*10/sup 19/ to 2*10/sup -18/ F. The granular nature of the sputtered NbN greatly facilitates formation of the requisite double junction structure. >
A leaner, more efficient, available copy protocol

Available copy protocols provide the highest data availability and data reliability of all replication protocols that do not regenerate failed replicas. Unfortunately, all existing implementations of available copy protocols either rely on complex procedures for ascertaining which replicas are up to date after a total failure or have to wait for the recovery of all failed sites. We present a simple technique for efficiently implementing the available copy protocol. Our protocol does not require version numbers and maintains only n+log(n) bits of state per replica. We also show under standard Markovian assumptions that our new protocol provides the same data availability as the best feasible implementations of the available copy protocol.
Definability in the lattice of equational theories of semigroups

We study first-order definability in the lattice L of equational theories of semigroups. A large collection of individual theories and some interesting sets of theories are definable in L. As examples, if T is either the equational theory of a finite semigroup or a finitely axiomatizable locally finite theory, then the set fT;T @ g is definable, where T @ is the dual theory obtained by inverting the order of occurences of letters in the words. Moreover, the set of locally finite theories, the set of finitely axiomatizable theories, and the set of theories of finite semigroups are all definable.
Decomposition techniques for the solution of large-scale scheduling problems

With increased product specialization within the chemical-processing industries, the ability to obtain production schedules for complex facilities is at a premium. This article discusses ways of quickly obtaining solutions for industrially relevant, large-scale scheduling problems. A number of time-based decomposition approaches are presented along with their associated strengths and weaknesses. It is shown that the most promising of the approaches utilizes a reverse rolling window in conjunction with a disaggregation heuristic. In this method, only a small subsection of the horizon is dealt with at a time, thus reducing the combinatorial complexity of the problem. Resource- and task-unit-based decompositions are also discussed as possible approaches to reduce the problem to manageable proportions. A number of examples are presented throughout to clarify the discussion.
Bordering and Ordering the Twenty-first Century: Understanding Borders

Gabriel Popescu, Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield, 2012. Reviewed by Tatiana Zhurzhenko There is a joke that old people from Transcarpathia like to tell: it is about having lived in three different sta...
A fast and efficient method for reliability evaluation of interconnected power systems-preferential decomposition method

In the simultaneous decomposition-simulation (SiDeS) method, efficiency of the decomposition process decreases rapidly as the sets get decomposed into smaller probability sets. This is because, the number of states being classified as acceptable sets or identical area loss-of-load sets in generation deficient areas is small and consequently, the number of sets which are generated for a given threshold probability is large. The number of sets generated has serious implications on the memory requirements and frequency calculations which depend on the examination of subset intersection. In the new preferential simultaneous decomposition-simulation (PreSiDeS) method, five concepts have been introduced which improve the efficiency of the decomposition process. A characteristic value is assigned to each of the areas for the maximum state of the set depending on excess generation or deficient generation. Then the maximal flow algorithm is performed to utilize generation, first from excess generation areas and then from deficient generation areas. This increases the states in deficient generation areas being classified as acceptable sets or identical area loss-of-load sets to more than one state. Also in the decomposition of loss-of-load sets, if all the areas which have deficient generation are loss-of-load, then the neighboring help to these areas is reduced to zero which increases the states in identical area loss-of-load set being generated. Application of these concepts to the decomposition process results in much fewer sets and improves the efficiency of the decomposition phase. >
The Role of the Zeta Chain in the Expression, Structure and Function of the T Cell Receptor

The T Cell Antigen Receptor (TCR) is an extremely complex cell surface receptor that plays a key role in both the development and mature function of the immune system serving the dual functions of antigen recognition and transmembrane signaling1,2. The overall structure of the receptor and how it generates appropriate physiologic transmembrane signals is the object of studies in our laboatory. Two types of components make up the TCR: I) clonotypic chains (Ti alpha and beta or Ti gamma and delta) provide the recognition function and antigen-MHC specificity of the receptor; and 2) non-polymorphic chains (CD3) most likely determine the signalling capacity of the receptor. The receptor is defined structurally by the non-covalent assemblage of a clonotypic heterodimer with the complete set of CD3 chains. This requisite co-assembly is underscored by the fact that the lack of any of the above components leads to a deficiency in the surface expression of the multichain complex. The most recently characterized component of the receptor complex is the zeta chain3–5. This was first observed in murine and subsequently found in human T cells. Zeta is a 16 kD protein as determined by migration on SDS-PAGE. It is found only in T cells and exists primarily as a homodimer. Its pI of 8.2–8.3 makes it the most basic of all of the components of the surface TCR and it carries no N-linked carbohydrate as determined by both metabolic labeling and treatment with endoglycosaminidases.
Abstract 1002: Deletion of GCN5 confers sensitivity to the histone deacetylase inhibitor CG-1521.

Aberrant histone post-translational modifications including acetylation are common in human cancers and result in dysregulation of gene expression. Histone acetylation is regulated by histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) and HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) are promising anticancer therapeutics. Our laboratory has focused on studying the effects of hydroxamic acid based HDACis including TSA, SAHA and CG-1521. We have previously shown that CG-1521 induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in various cell lines of breast and prostate cancer. The purpose of this study is to gain insight into the mechanism of the HDAC inhibitor CG-1521 and identify potential combinatorial drug targets. We have employed a whole genome yeast deletion library screen to determine which gene deletions confer sensitivity and resistance to CG-1521. 407 sensitive and 80 resistant strains were identified. We used gene ontology enrichment analysis to determine which pathways are modulated by CG-1521. Sensitive strains are highly enriched in processes regulating chromatin remodeling and transcription. The list of resistant strains contains many genes involved in the regulation of transcription and tRNA modification. Deletions of components of the SAGA HAT complex are highly overrepresented in the sensitive strains, including the catalytic subunit Gcn5. It appears that the SAGA complex is required to reduce the effect of CG-1521 on cell growth. Cell cycle analysis shows that CG-1521 treatment in Saccharomyces cerevisiae results in G1 arrest in both the wild type and the gcn5Δ strain. The gcn5Δ strain displays increased sensitivity to CG-1521 induced cell death compared to the wild type strain. In contrast to the highly sensitive gcn5 deletion strain, a yeast strain expressing a catalytically inactive variant of the Gcn5 protein is less sensitive to CG-1521. This indicates that functions other than the acetyltransferase activity are partially sufficient to attenuate the effects of CG-1521. We have identified that disruption of the SAGA HAT complex can sensitize cells to CG-1521 and are validating whether loss of the human Gcn5 homologs, Gcn5 and PCAF, also confers sensitivity to CG-1521 in breast cancer cell lines. Taken together, our work suggests that the combination of selective HAT and HDAC inhibitors might be effective for the treatment of cancer. Citation Format: Ann-Christin Gaupel, Thomas J. Begley, Martin P. Tenniswood. Deletion of GCN5 confers sensitivity to the histone deacetylase inhibitor CG-1521. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1002. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1002
In Defense of the Harem: Intraspecific Aggression by Male Water Mites (Acari: Unionicolidae)

Territoriality of males of the freshwater mite Unionicola formosa constitutes the defense of a harem of up to several dozen females. The agonistic behavior of males results in mortality in the laboratory and may explain the uniformity of their distribution in the field. One consequence of this intrasexual aggression is the probable reproductive success of harem masters.
Rapid Co-Design of Electro-Mechanical Specifications for Robotic Systems

Recent advances in design, fabrication, and programming technologies enable the rapid digital manufacturing of functional robotic systems. Novices can quickly fabricate mechanical frames thanks to 3D printers and cut-and-fold techniques and quickly program the control behavior of a robot using modern software environments. However, there is still not a systematic way to design custom printed circuit boards (PCB). In this work, we propose a hierarchical approach that allows casual users to quickly and easily create PCBs. A drag-and-drop graphical interface allows users to intuitively assemble PCBs from a library of predesigned, parameterized components, and a script-based infrastructure automatically composes all of the electronic systems based on user inputs. The final output is a fabrication-ready electronic design. Within this framework, we also propose a verification analysis that allows the user to quickly check that the developed design conforms to electrical constraints like voltage, current, and power limitations. Finally, we validate the proposed co-design environment with experimental results through the realization of a teleoperated segway robot.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Q-band EPR spectroscopy of photogenerated quartet state organic nitreno radicals.

Q-band 34 GHz EPR spectra are reported for quartet state 2-(para-nitrenophenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole-3-oxide-1-oxyl and 3-(para-nitrenophenyl)-1,5,6-triphenylverdazyl reactive intermediates generated from the corresponding azido precursors under frozen matrix photochemical conditions, in situ in a Q-band resonator. Comparison of the Q-band spectra to those generated under conventional X-band (9–10 GHz) conditions shows the much superior resolution of transitions in the g > 2 region of the former. Spectral transitions assigned by line shape simulation yield the zero field splittings for the nitreno-radical species.