cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tandem phosphorylation within an intrinsically disordered region regulates ACTN4 function

Phosphorylated residues occur preferentially in the intrinsically disordered regions of eukaryotic proteins. In the disordered amino-terminal region of human α-actinin-4 (ACTN4), Tyr 4 and Tyr 31 are phosphorylated in cells stimulated with epidermal growth factor (EGF), and a mutant with phosphorylation-mimicking mutations of both tyrosines exhibits reduced interaction with actin in vitro. Cleavage of ACTN4 by m-calpain, a protease that in motile cells is predominantly activated at the rear, removes the Tyr 4 site. We found that introducing a phosphomimetic mutation at only Tyr 31 was sufficient to inhibit the interaction with actin in vitro. However, molecular dynamics simulations predicted that Tyr 31 is mostly buried and that phosphorylation of Tyr 4 would increase the solvent exposure and thus kinase accessibility of Tyr 31 . In fibroblast cells, EGF stimulation increased tyrosine phosphorylation of a mutant form of ACTN4 with a phosphorylation-mimicking residue at Tyr 4 , whereas a truncated mutant representing the product of m-calpain cleavage exhibited EGF-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation at a background amount similar to that observed for a double phosphomimetic mutant of Tyr 4 and Tyr 31 . We also found that inhibition of the receptor tyrosine kinases of the TAM family, such as AXL, blocked EGF-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of ACTN4. Mathematical modeling predicted that the kinetics of phosphorylation at Tyr 31 can be dictated by the kinase affinity for Tyr 4 . This study suggests that tandem-site phosphorylation within intrinsically disordered regions provides a mechanism for a site to function as a switch to reveal a nearby function-regulating site.
Origin and evolution of the genetic code: The universal enigma

The genetic code is nearly universal, and the arrangement of the codons in the standard codon table is highly nonrandom. The three main concepts on the origin and evolution of the code are the stereochemical theory, according to which codon assignments are dictated by physicochemical affinity between amino acids and the cognate codons (anticodons); the coevolution theory, which posits that the code structure coevolved with amino acid biosynthesis pathways; and the error minimization theory under which selection to minimize the adverse effect of point mutations and translation errors was the principal factor of the code's evolution. These theories are not mutually exclusive and are also compatible with the frozen accident hypothesis, that is, the notion that the standard code might have no special properties but was fixed simply because all extant life forms share a common ancestor, with subsequent changes to the code, mostly, precluded by the deleterious effect of codon reassignment. Mathematical analysis of the structure and possible evolutionary trajectories of the code shows that it is highly robust to translational misreading but there are numerous more robust codes, so the standard code potentially could evolve from a random code via a short sequence of codon series reassignments. Thus, much of the evolution that led to the standard code could be a combination of frozen accident with selection for error minimization although contributions from coevolution of the code with metabolic pathways and weak affinities between amino acids and nucleotide triplets cannot be ruled out. However, such scenarios for the code evolution are based on formal schemes whose relevance to the actual primordial evolution is uncertain. A real understanding of the code origin and evolution is likely to be attainable only in conjunction with a credible scenario for the evolution of the coding principle itself and the translation system.
A Power-Law Formulation of Laminar Flow in Short Pipes

In the quantification of air flow through penetrations in buildings, it is necessary to be able to characterize the flow without detailed knowledge of the geometry of the paths. At the conditions typical of buildings, the flow regime is partially developed laminar flow. This report develops a theoreticfal description of the hydrodynamic relationship based an a power-law representation between the air flow and applied pressure for laminar flow in short pipes
Shocks and sonic booms in the intracluster medium: x-ray shells and radio galaxy activity

Motivated by hydrodynamic simulations, we discuss the X-ray appearance of radio galaxies embedded in the intracluster medium (ICM) of a galaxy cluster. We distinguish three regimes. In the early life of a powerful source, the entire radio cocoon is expanding supersonically and hence drives a strong shock into the ICM. Eventually, the sides of the cocoon become subsonic and the ICM is disturbed by the sonic booms of the jet’s working surface. In both of these regimes, X-ray observations would find an X-r ay shell. In the strong shock regime, this shell will be hot and relatively thin. However, in the weak shock (sonic-boom) regime, the shell will be approximately the same temperature as the undisturbed ICM. If a cooling flow is present, the observed shell may even be cooler than the undisturbed ICM due to the lifting of cooler material into the shell from the inner (cooler) regions of the cluster. In the third and final regime, the cocoon has collaps ed and no well-defined X-ray shell will be seen. We discuss ways of estimating the power and age of the source once its regime of behavior has been determined. Subject headings: galaxies: jets, galaxies: clusters: general, hydrodynami cs, shock waves
Urinary tract infections per se do not cause end-stage kidney disease

The objective of this study was to determine the frequency with which urinary tract infection (UTI) in the absence of concomitant underlying abnormalities caused end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The records of 102 patients with ESRD (disease necessitating dialysis and/or transplant) seen at Children’s Mercy Hospital during a 10-year period (1986 – 1995) were reviewed. Obstructive uropathy, aplastic/hypoplastic/dysplastic kidneys, polycystic kidney disease, congenital nephrotic syndrome, acquired glomerulonephritis, idiopathic interstitial nephritis, hemolytic uremic syndrome, and a variety of systemic conditions were the cause of ESRD in 99 children; 3 children had reflux nephropathy, 1 of whom had no history of a UTI and another who had a single, afebrile UTI. A girl with a history of recurrent UTIs since 4 years of age had an elevated serum creatinine and grade II – III bilateral vesicoureteric reflux when evaluated at 8 years of age. She had ureteral reimplantations and control of the infections, but progressed to ESRD. This child appears to be the only 1 of 102 children who developed ESRD because of acquired renal injury in which UTIs were an important contributing factor.
Quenched QCD at finite density.

Simulations of quenched QCD at a relatively small but [ital nonzero] chemical potential [mu] on 32[times]16[sup 3] lattices indicate that the nucleon screening mass decreases linearly as [mu] increases predicting a critical chemical potential of one-third the nucleon mass, [ital m][sub [ital N]]/3, by extrapolation. The meson spectrum does not change as [mu] increases over the same range, from zero to [ital m][sub [pi]]/2. Past studies of quenched lattice QCD have suggested that there is phase transition at [mu]=[ital m][sub [pi]]/2. We discuss a number of technical reasons why standard lattice simulation techniques suffer from greatly enhanced fluctuations and finite size effects for [mu] ranging from [ital m][sub [pi]]/2 to [ital m][sub [ital N]]/3. We find evidence for such problems in our simulations, and suggest that they can be surmounted by improved measurement techniques, which should enable us to extend our calculations to the interesting domain [ital m][sub [pi]]/2[lt][mu][lt][ital m][sub [ital N]]/3.
How to accurately extract the running coupling of QCD from lattice potential data

By (a) using an expression for the lattice potential of QCD in terms of a continuum running coupling and (b) globally parameterizing this coupling to interpolate between 2- (or higher-) loop QCD in the UV and the flux tube prediction in the IR, we can perfectly fit lattice data for the potential down to one lattice spacing and at the same time extract the running coupling to high precision. This allows us to quantitatively check the accuracy of 2-loop evolution, compare with the Lepage-Mackenzie estimate of the coupling extracted from the plaquette, and determine the scale r 0 ten times more accurately than previously possible. For pure SU(3) we find that the coupling scales on the percent level for β ≥ 6.
Ni- and Pd-catalyzed synthesis of substituted and functionalized allylic boronates.

Two highly efficient and convenient methods for the synthesis of functionalized and substituted allylic boronates are described. In one procedure, readily available allylic acetates are converted to allylic boronates catalyzed by Ni/PCy3 or Ni/PPh3 complexes with high levels of stereoselectivity and in good yields. Alternatively, the borylation can be accomplished with commercially available Pd catalysts [e.g., Pd2(dba)3, PdCl2, Pd/C], starting with easily accessed allylic halides.
A reassessment of the sea-star orders Valvatida and Spinulosida

Summary Affinities of a number of sea star families belonging to the orders Valvatida and Spinulosida have long been considered problematic. Characters traditionally used in ordinal recognition are discussed and it is concluded that primary emphasis has been placed on features readily subject to convergent evolution. In the past, skeletal morphology has received relatively little taxonomic emphasis, but these data are used here to argue in favour of the transfer of the Ganeriidae, Asterinidae and Poraniidae from the Spinulosida to the Valvatida. Revised characterizations and familial content for the Valvatida and Spinulosida are suggested.
Subsampling extremes: From block maxima to smooth tail estimation

We study a new estimator for the tail index of a distribution in the Frechet domain of attraction that arises naturally by computing subsample maxima. This estimator is equivalent to taking a U-statistic over a Hill estimator with two order statistics. The estimator presents multiple advantages over the Hill estimator. In particular, it has asymptotically C^~ sample paths as a function of the threshold k, making it considerably more stable than the Hill estimator. The estimator also admits a simple and intuitive threshold selection rule that does not require fitting a second-order model.
Carbonylation of Epoxides to Substituted 3-Hydroxy-δ-Lactones

Substituted 3-hydroxy-δ-lactones (3HLs) are valuable intermediates in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and other biologically active natural products. Herein we report the first example of the catalytic carbonylation of substituted homoglycidols to 3HLs using HCo(CO)4. Upon optimization of the catalyst and reaction conditions, a functionally diverse set of 3HLs was prepared. Mechanistic insight was gained by observation of the carbonylation reaction using in situ IR spectroscopy, and we propose a mechanism that is consistent with previously studied epoxide carbonylation systems.
New Synthesis of Analogues of the Antihypertensive Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Irbesartan

Abstract A simple and new synthetic approach to various analogues of Irbesartan is described. DRL Pub. No. IPDO‐IPM 00018
Activation of the C–C bond provides a molecular basis for structure sensitivity in metal catalysis

The catalytic activation of hydrocarbon C–H and C–C bonds converts petroleum into fuels and chemicals. Understanding of the structural and electronic effects that control the catalysis has been a goal of researchers for decades. A focal issue concerns the number of metal atoms in a catalytic site required for C–C bond rupture1,2. Metal surfaces catalyse alkane hydrogenolysis (C–C bond breaking), but the catalytic sites are poorly defined3,4; soluble, structurally defined transition metal complexes are not known to catalyse this reaction. Here we present evidence demonstrating that isolated mononuclear rhenium complexes on the surface of MgO catalyse alkene hydrogenation, but not C–C bond rupture; in contrast, ensembles consisting of three of the same rhenium complexes catalyse both alkene hydrogenation and rupture of the C–C bond of cyclopropane. These results provide a molecular foundation for structure sensitivity in surface catalysis and point the way to design of multicentre catalytic sites on surfaces5–7.
Distal biceps tendon reconstruction in chronic ruptures.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the results of anatomic reattachment with reconstruction of the distal biceps tendon using an Achilles tendon allograft in 7 male patients with chronic distal biceps ruptures. Through a 1-incision anterior approach, the tendon allograft was attached to the bicipital tuberosity by using suture anchors and then secured to the biceps remnant. Follow-up averaged 29 months. Mean elbow flexion was 145°, an extension deficit of 20° was observed in 1 patient, and mean pronosupination was 170°. All patients had 5/5 strength in flexion and supination on manual testing, and all returned to their employment. Mean supination strength was 87% of the contralateral healthy extremity. Six achieved an excellent and 1 a good rating in the Mayo elbow performance score. No complications were encountered. This technique is an excellent alternative to nonanatomic reattachment to the brachialis muscle for patients with high functional demands in pronosupination.
Computerized air combat simulation - A digital approach and its application

The air-to-air capabilities of foreign threat aircraft have improved at the same time that the development cost of domestic fighters has spiraled upward. These two factors have combined to regenerate interest in the simulation of air combat. In this article, a comparison of two simulation approaches, analog and digital is given, and a currently operating threedimensional digital program, ATAC/FW, is examined. The general approach, the program structure, and the variety of output forms are discussed. In application, this program has demonstrated considerable versatility, believability, reliability, and economy in numerous design studies. Four examples of these studies are presented.
On the Accuracy of Rolling Bearing Fatigue Life Prediction

Ball and roller bearings are designed to meet endurance requirements basically determined according to the Standard fatigue life calculation method. This method is based on the Lundberg-Palmgren fatigue life theory as modified by reliability, material, and lubrication factors. As application load and speed requirements have increased, the Lundberg-Palmgren method has resulted in bearings of increased size, adding unnecessarily to the size and weight of mechanisms. This is a critical design situation for weight and size-sensitive components such as aircraft gas turbine engines and helicopter power transmissions. The bearing life prediction method developed by loannides and Harris recognizes the existence of a fatigue limit stress. If the stresses an operating bearing experiences do not exceed the limit stress, the bearing can achieve infinite life. In any case, the method tends to predict longer lives than the Lundberg-Palmgren method. This paper evaluates the life prediction accuracies of the Lundberg-Palmgren and loannides-Harris methods by comparing lives calculated according to these methods and to those actually experienced in 62 different applications. As a result of the investigation, the loannides-Harris method is shown to more accurately predict bearing fatigue endurance.
Invariants of Spin Three-Manifolds From Chern–Simons Theory and Finite-Dimensional Hopf Algebras

Abstract A version of Kirby calculus for spin and framed three-manifolds is given and is used to construct invariants of spin and framed three-manifolds in two situations. The first is ribbon *-categories which possess odd degenerate objects. This case includes the quantum group situations corresponding to the half-integer level Chern–Simons theories conjectured to give spin TQFTs by Dijkgraaf and Witten (1990, Commun. Math. Phys. 129 , 393–429). In particular, the spin invariants constructed by Kirby and Melvin (1991, Invent. Math. 105 , 473–545) are shown to be identical to the invariants associated to SO(3). Second, an invariant of spin manifolds analogous to the Hennings invariant is constructed beginning with an arbitrary factorizable, unimodular quasitriangular Hopf algebra. In particular a framed manifold invariant is associated to every finite-dimensional Hopf algebra via its quantum double, and is conjectured to be identical to Kuperberg's noninvolutory invariant of framed manifolds associated to that Hopf algebra.
Euler Complexes and Geometry of Modular Varieties

There is a mysterious connection between the multiple polylogarithms at N-th roots of unity and modular varieties. In this paper we "explain" it in the simplest case of the double logarithm. We introduce an Euler complex data on modular curves. It includes a length two complex on every modular curve. Their second cohomology groups recover the Beilinson-Kato Euler system in K_2 of modular curves. We show that the above connection in the double logarithm case is provided by the specialization at a cusp of the Euler complex data on the modular curve Y_1(N). Furthermore, specializing the Euler complexes at CM points we find new examples of the connection with geometry of modular varieties, this time hyperbolic 3-folds.
Some Novel Propositions Concerning Problem Solving

-This paper presents a framework describing a sequential processing model of an individual's possible response pattern to a novel task. The framework is generally distinct from prior models of decision making which focused primarily upon the final stage of problem-solving activity. The perspective argues that several stages of cognitive processing must be completed prior to selection of a solution. It is proposed that selection of a solution follows (1) the construction of a mental representation of the problem confronting the individual together with the identification of an ideal point consisting of problem criteria and ( 2 ) the calling into consciousness of alternative concepts perceived to have attributes corresponding to problem criteria. These concepts are the perceived potential solutions to the problem. The discussion describes the possible functioning of these two cognitive activities.
A Temporal Perspective of Merger and Acquisition and Strategic Alliance Initiatives Review and Future Direction

The incorporation of a temporal perspective in merger and acquisition (M&A) and alliance research has gained increasing popularity. Since a temporal perspective focuses on the management of time and its consequences, it contributes a unique value proposition to the M&A and alliance stream of research. Over the past 30 years researchers have explored a wide variety of topics and methodological approaches. As a result, research evidence has progressed in a somewhat fragmented manner where its cumulative impact is difficult to discern. The purpose of this review is to systematically assess the underlying logic and contributions of a temporal lens for the M&A and alliance literature as well as identify core temporal constructs, mechanisms, relationships, and promising research directions. The authors’ review of 144 published articles not only catalogs the state of the art and accumulated knowledge but also identifies critical hurdles that need to be addressed to chart future research directions.
Information-theoretic approach to quantum error correction and reversible measurement

Quantum operations provide a general description of the state changes allowed by quantum mechanics. The reversal of quantum operations is important for quantum error–correcting codes, teleportation and reversing quantum measurements. We derive information–theoretic conditions and equivalent algebraic conditions that are necessary and sufficient for a general quantum operation to be reversible. We analyse the thermodynamic cost of error correction and show that error correction can be regarded as a kind of `Maxwell demon', for which there is an entropy cost associated with information obtained from measurements performed during error correction. A prescription for thermodynamically efficient error correction is given.
A Model of Corn and Soybean Shipments on the Ohio River

This paper estimates the demand for corn and soybean shipments on the Ohio River during the 1992-2004 period. Using monthly data, OLS (with Newewy-West standard errors) parameters estimates were obtained for the explanatory variables. Results indicate that Ohio River corn and soybean shipments are significantly and positively affected by one month lagged shipments, corn and soybean stocks in the Ohio River production region, and corn and soybean exports from lower Mississippi River Gulf ports. Some empirical support was found for a significant negative relationship between Ohio River corn and soybean shipments and ocean shipping freight rates from lower Mississippi River Gulf ports to Japan. Indiana corn prices did not significantly affect Ohio River corn and soybean shipments.
Localized temperature control of microwave-assisted cure in SCRIMP-manufactured composites

This paper describes current efforts to apply spatially and temporally localized microwave processing techniques to ensure uniformity of material properties in polymer composite materials. In large polymer composite structures, high temperatures caused by exothermic resin cure can degrade the mechanical properties of the composite. In this work, resin cure temperature data was obtained during microwave processing from a series of thermocouples embedded at various lateral locations relative to the microwave source and uniformly through the thickness of the composite structure. Using this temperature information, the potential for localized microwave-accelerated cure to reduce the occurrence of material degradation from resin over-temperature was evaluated.
Stochastic homogenization of Hamilton-Jacobi and degenerate Bellman equations in unbounded environments

Abstract We consider the homogenization of Hamilton–Jacobi equations and degenerate Bellman equations in stationary, ergodic, unbounded environments. We prove that, as the microscopic scale tends to zero, the equation averages to a deterministic Hamilton–Jacobi equation and study some properties of the effective Hamiltonian. We discover a connection between the effective Hamiltonian and an eikonal-type equation in exterior domains. In particular, we obtain a new formula for the effective Hamiltonian. To prove the results we introduce a new strategy to obtain almost sure homogenization, completing a program proposed by Lions and Souganidis that previously yielded homogenization in probability. The class of problems we study is strongly motivated by Sznitmanʼs study of the quenched large deviations of Brownian motion interacting with a Poissonian potential, but applies to a general class of problems which are not amenable to probabilistic tools.
POLYNOMIAL INVARIANTS ARE POLYNOMIAL

We show that (as conjectured by Lin and Wang) when a Vassiliev invariant of type m is evaluated on a knot projection having n crossings, the result is bounded by a constant times n m . Thus the well known analogy between Vassiliev invariants and polynomials justifies (well, at least explains) the odd title of this note.
Vicarious Liability for Bad Corporate Governance: Are We Wrong about 10b-5?

I formulate a rational expectations signaling model of vicarious liability for securities fraud, particularly the much criticized "fraud-on-the-market" private class action arising under Rule 10b-5. I show that fraudulent misreporting by managers occurs in the absence of managerial moral hazard--that is, where managers simply maximize shareholder payoffs--and that vicarious liability can serve as an appropriate deterrent, creating separating equilibrium. I then show that the particular remedy under Rule 10b-5 can perfectly deter fraud and perfectly compensate purchasers, and that Rule 10b-5 class actions may function better than critics claim. Copyright 2011, Oxford University Press.
On the removal of ill conditioning effects in the computation of optimal controls

First, it is shown how ill conditioning effects may arise when discrete optimal control problems with linear dynamics, and convex cost and constraints are solved by ''primal'' methods such as linear or quadratic programming, or certain gradient methods. A dual method is then presented, which exploits to the utmost the dynamical structure of the optimal control problem. This method has been found to perform very well and does not suffer from ill-conditioning effects.
PZ nets — a formal method integrating Petri nets with Z

Abstract In this paper, a formal method (called PZ nets) for specifying concurrent and distributed systems is presented. PZ nets integrate two well-known existing formal methods Petri nets and Z such that Petri nets are used to specify the overall structure, control flows, causal relation, and dynamic behavior of a system; and Z is used to define tokens, labels and constrains of the system. The essence, benefits, and problems of the integration are discussed. A set of heuristics and transformations to develop PZ nets and a technique to analyze PZ nets are proposed and demonstrated through a well-known example.
A Delaunay-Based Coordinate-Free Mechanism for Full Coverage in Wireless Sensor Networks

Recently, many schemes have been proposed for detecting and healing coverage holes to achieve full coverage in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). However, none of these schemes aim to find the shortest node movement paths to heal the coverage holes, which could significantly reduce energy usage for node movement. Also, current hole healing schemes require accurate knowledge of sensor locations; obtaining this knowledge consumes high energy. In this paper, we propose a Delaunay-based coordinate-free mechanism (DECM) for full coverage. Based on rigorous mathematical analysis, DECM can detect coverage holes and find the locally shortest paths for healing holes in a distributed manner without requiring accurate node location information. Also, DECM incorporates a cooperative movement mechanism that can prevent generating new holes during node movements in healing holes. Simulation results and experimental results from the real-world GENI Orbit testbed show that DECM achieves superior performance in terms of the energy-efficiency, effectiveness of hole healing, energy consumption balance and lifetime compared to previous schemes.
A unified framework for detection, isolation and compensation of actuator faults in uncertain particulate processes

This paper presents a methodology for the robust detection, isolation and compensation of control actuator faults in particulate processes described by population balance models with control constraints and time-varying uncertain variables. The main idea is to shape the fault-free closed-loop process response via robust feedback control in a way that enables the derivation of performance-based fault detection and isolation (FDI) rules that are less sensitive to the uncertainty. Initially, an approximate finite-dimensional system that captures the dominant process dynamics is derived and decomposed into interconnected subsystems with each subsystem directly influenced by a single manipulated input. The decomposition is facilitated by the specific structure of the process input operator. A robustly stabilizing bounded feedback controller is then designed for each subsystem to enforce an arbitrary degree of asymptotic attenuation of the effect of the uncertainty in the absence of faults. The synthesis leads to (1) an explicit characterization of the fault-free behavior of each subsystem in terms of a time-varying bound on an appropriate Lyapunov function and (2) an explicit characterization of the robust stability region in terms of the control constraints and the size of the uncertainty. Using the fault-free Lyapunov dissipation bounds as thresholds for FDI in each subsystem, the detection and isolation of faults in a given actuator is accomplished by monitoring the evolution of the system within the stability region and declaring a fault if the threshold is breached. The thresholds are linked to the achievable degree of asymptotic uncertainty attenuation and can therefore be properly tuned by proper tuning of the controllers, thus making the FDI criteria less sensitive to the uncertainty. The robust FDI scheme is integrated with a robust stability-based controller reconfiguration strategy that preserves closed-loop stability following FDI. Finally, the implementation of the fault-tolerant control architecture on the particulate process is discussed and the proposed methodology is applied to the problem of robust fault-tolerant control of a continuous crystallizer with a fines trap.
Proteome-Wide Lysine Acetylation in Cortical Astrocytes and Alterations That Occur during Infection with Brain Parasite Toxoplasma gondii

Lysine acetylation is a reversible post-translational modification (PTM) that has been detected on thousands of proteins in nearly all cellular compartments. The role of this widespread PTM has yet to be fully elucidated, but can impact protein localization, interactions, activity, and stability. Here we present the first proteome-wide survey of lysine acetylation in cortical astrocytes, a subtype of glia that is a component of the blood-brain barrier and a key regulator of neuronal function and plasticity. We identified 529 lysine acetylation sites across 304 proteins found in multiple cellular compartments that largely function in RNA processing/transcription, metabolism, chromatin biology, and translation. Two hundred and seventy-seven of the acetylated lysines we identified on 186 proteins have not been reported previously in any other cell type. We also mapped an acetylome of astrocytes infected with the brain parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. It has been shown that infection with T. gondii modulates host cell gene expression, including several lysine acetyltransferase (KAT) and deacetylase (KDAC) genes, suggesting that the host acetylome may also be altered during infection. In the T. gondii-infected astrocytes, we identified 34 proteins exhibiting a level of acetylation >2-fold and 24 with a level of acetylation <2-fold relative to uninfected astrocytes. Our study documents the first acetylome map for cortical astrocytes, uncovers novel lysine acetylation sites, and demonstrates that T. gondii infection produces an altered acetylome.
Sovereign Debt Composition in Advanced Economies: A Historical Perspective

We examine how the composition of public debt, broken down by currency, maturity, holder profile and marketability, has responded to major debt accumulation and consolidation episodes during 1900-2011. Covering thirteen advanced economies, we focus on debt structure shifts that occurred around the two World Wars and global economic downturns, and the subsequent debt consolidations. Notwithstanding data gaps, we are able to recover some broad common patterns. Episodes of large debt accumulation - essentially, large increases in debt supply - were typically absorbed by increases in short-term, foreign currency-denominated, and banking-system-held debt. However, this pattern did not hold during the debt build-ups starting in the 1980s and 1990s, which were compositionally skewed toward long-term local-currency debt. We attribute this change to higher structural demand for sovereign paper, linked to capital account liberalization in advanced economies, the emergence of a large contractual saving sector, and innovative sovereign debt products. With regard to debt consolidations, we find support for the financial repression-cum-inflation channel for post World War II debt reductions. However, the scope for a repeat of this strategy appears limited unless financial liberalization and globalization were materially rolled back or the current globally agreed monetary policy regime built around price stability abandoned. Neither are significant favorable structural demand shifts, as witnessed in the 1980s and 1990s, likely.
Multilayer mirrors and filters for imaging the earth's inner magnetosphere

We present guidelines for the performance of multilayer mirrors and filters for imaging the earth's inner magnetosphere by isolating the 304-A He + emission. Our analysis shows that the combination of filters and multilayer mirrors for an inner magnetosphere imager must attenuate the 1216-A Lyman α emission by six orders of magnitude and the 584-, 834-, and 1026-A background emissions by three orders of magnitude relative to the 304-A signal. Multilayer mirrors with the highest possible reflectance at 304 A are needed to preserve as much of the low-intensity 304-A signal as possible. The design of multilayer mirrors is discussed, and the results of an exhaustive computer search for the best multilayer mirror design for 304-A radiation are presented and analyzed. The theoretical performance of these new multilayer mirror designs is significantly better than that of designs currently used for imaging the solar 304-A emission. Promising materials for normal-incidence multilayer mirrors for 304-A radiation are B 4 C, Be, Si, or SiC used with Al, Mg, or Mg2Si. Promising materials for a filter for this application are Te passivated with Si, or a combination of Al or Si with B or C.
Pd-catalyzed amination as an alternative to nucleophilic aromatic substitution for the synthesis of N-alkyltacrines and analogues

A reliable Pd-catalyzed amination protocol is described for the synthesis of N-alkyltacrines and analogues. The Josiphos ligand CyPFtBu was found to provide optimum yields: 16 examples are given. Compared to the typical high-temperature nucleophilic aromatic substitution (NAS) routes, Pd-catalyzed aminations proceed at significantly lower reaction temperatures, and enable the synthesis of otherwise inaccessible products.
Variants in Ion Channel Genes Link Phenotypic Features of Bipolar Illness to Specific Neurobiological Process Domains

Recent advances in genome-wide association studies are pointing towards a major role for voltage-gated ion channels in neuropsychiatric disorders and, in particular, bipolar disorder (BD). The phenotype of BD is complex, with symptoms during mood episodes and deficits persisting between episodes. We have tried to elucidate the common neurobiological mechanisms associated with ion channel signaling in order to provide a new perspective on the clinical symptoms and possible endophenotypes seen in BD patients. We propose a model in which the multiple variants in genes coding for ion channel proteins would perturb motivational circuits, synaptic plasticity, myelination, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function, circadian neuronal rhythms, and energy regulation. These changes in neurobiological mechanisms would manifest in endophenotypes of aberrant reward processing, white matter hyperintensities, deficits in executive function, altered frontolimbic connectivity, increased amygdala activity, increased melatonin suppression, decreased REM latency, and aberrant myo-inositol/ATP shuttling. The endophenotypes result in behaviors of poor impulse control, motivational changes, cognitive deficits, abnormal stress response, sleep disturbances, and energy changes involving different neurobiological process domains. The hypothesis is that these disturbances start with altered neural circuitry during development, following which multiple environmental triggers may disrupt the neuronal excitability balance through an activity-dependent molecular process, resulting in clinical mood episodes.
Student Study Choices in the Principles of Economics: A Case Study of Computer Usage

Principles of Economics students at Mississippi State University were provided the opportunity to use computer assisted instruction (CAI) as a supplemental study activity. Students were free to choose the extent of their computer work. Throughout the course, weekly surveys were conducted to monitor the time each student spent with their textbook, computerized tutorials, workbook, class notes, and study groups. The surveys indicated that only a minority of the students actively pursued CAI. Probit and OLS models were estimated to identify the factors which determined the probability of computer use and the mean weekly time spent in CAI. The results indicated that black students spent significantly less time engaged in CAI but older students spent more time with the computer. Students with greater physical access to computers and students who had taken a formal course in computer operations spent more time each week in CAI. Further, students who highly rated the importance of CAI to their learning were more likely to be computer users and spend more time on task. The impact of CAI on student performance was estimated within the context of a "treatment effects" model which controlled for the self-selection of students into two categories of computer users. The results indicated that CAI did significantly improve end-of-course test performance, holding all else constant. Given the negligible use of CAI, the authors conclude that students failed to perceive the expected return to computer time or were willing to bear the opportunity cost of pursuing other study activities.
Relations Between the Luminosity, Mass, and Age Distributions of Young Star Clusters

We derive and interpret some relations between the luminosity, mass, and age distributions of star clusters, denoted here by (L), ψ(M), and χ(τ), respectively. Of these, (L) is the easiest to determine observationally, whereas ψ(M) and χ(τ) are more informative about formation and disruption processes. For a population of young clusters, with a relatively wide range of ages, (L) depends on both ψ(M) and χ(τ) and thus cannot serve as a proxy for ψ(M) in general. We demonstrate this explicitly by four illustrative examples with specific forms for either ψ(M) or χ(τ). In the special case in which ψ(M) is a power law and is independent of χ(τ), however, (L) is also a power law with the same exponent as ψ(M). We conclude that this accounts for the observed similarity between (L) and ψ(M) for the young clusters in the Antennae galaxies. This result reinforces our picture in which clusters form with ψ(M) ∝ M-2 and are then disrupted rapidly at a rate roughly independent of their masses. The most likely disruptive process in this first stage is the removal of interstellar matter by the energy and momentum input from young stars (by photoionization, winds, jets, and supernovae). The few clusters that avoid this "infant mortality" are eventually disrupted in a second stage by the evaporation of stars driven by two-body relaxation, a process with a strong dependence on mass. We suspect this picture may apply to many, if not all, populations of star clusters, but this needs to be verified observationally by determinations of ψ(M) and χ(τ) in more galaxies.
Bayesian data fusion and credit assignment in vision and fMRI data analysis

One of the most important challenges in understanding expert perception is in determining what information in a complex scene is most valuable (reliable) for a particular task, and how experts learn to exploit it. For the task of parameter estimation given multiple independent sources of data, Bayesian data fusion provides a solution to this problem that involves promoting data to a common parameter space and combining cues weighted by their reliabilities. However, for classification tasks this approach needs to be modified to find the information that most reliably distinguishes between the categories. In this paper we discuss solutions to the problem of determining the task-dependent reliability of data sources both objectively for a Bayesian decision agent, and in terms of the reliability assigned by a human observer from the performance of the observer. Modeling observers as Bayesian decision agents, solutions can be construed as a process of assigning credit to data sources based on their contribution to task performance. Applications of this approach to human perceptual data and the analysis of fMRI data will be presented.
Fluorescent Excitation of Spectral Lines in Planetary Nebulae

Fluorescent excitation of spectral lines is demonstrated as a function of temperature-luminosity and the distance of the emitting region from the central stars of planetary nebulae (PNs). The electron densities and temperatures are determined, and the method is exemplified through a detailed analysis of spectral observations of a high-excitation PN, NGC 6741. Fluorescence should also be important in the determination of element abundances. It is suggested that the method could be generally applied to determine or constrain the luminosity and the region of spectral emission in other intensively radiative sources such as novae, supernovae, and active galactic nuclei.
First-principles prediction of a new class of ferromagnetic semiconductors

Abstract Ferromagnetism in I–III–VI2 chalcopyrite semiconductors is predicted to arise from holes provided by Mn doping in the illustrative case of CuGaSe2. The first-principles calculations within the generalized gradient approximation to density functional theory demonstrate that Mn substitutes for Ga sites in CuGaSe2 with a formation energy that is ∼0.25 eV lower than that for Cu sites. Ferromagnetic CuGa1−xMnxSe2 is found to be a half-metallic material with a magnetic moment of 4 μB per Mn for x⩾0.25, and its estimated Curie temperature is more than 110 K. We suggest that higher Curie temperatures may be achieved for this new class of ferromagnetic semiconductors based on Mn-doped I–III–VI2 chalcopyrites by employing other materials with a smaller lattice constant such as CuGaSe2 and CuAlSe2.
Synthesis and properties of nanophase materials

Abstract Nanophase materials, with their grain sizes or phase dimensions in the nanometer size regime, are now being produced by a wide variety of synthesis and processing methods. The interest in these new ultrafine-grained materials results primarily from the special nature of their various physical, chemical, and mechanical properties and the possibilities of controlling these properties during the synthesis and subsequent processing procedures. Since it is now becoming increasingly apparent that their properties can be engineered effectively during synthesis and processing, and that they can also be produced in quantity, nanophase materials should have considerable potential for technological development in a variety of applications. Some of the recent research on nanophase materials related to their synthesis and properties is briefly reviewed and the future potential of these new materials is considered.
General relativistic force-free electrodynamics: a new code and applications to black hole magnetospheres

The force-free limit of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) is often a reasonable approximation to model black hole and neutron star magnetospheres. We describe a general relativistic force-free (GRFFE) formulation that allows general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) codes to directly evolve the GRFFE equations of motion. Established, accurate and well-tested conservative GRMHD codes can simply add a new inversion piece of code to their existing code, while continuing to use all the already-developed facilities present in their GRMHD code. We show how to enforce the E · B = 0 constraint and energy conservation, and we introduce a simplified general model of the dissipation of the electric field to enforce the B 2 - E 2 > 0 constraint. We also introduce a simplified yet general method to resolve current sheets, without much reconnection, over many dynamical times. This formulation is incorporated into an existing GRMHD code (HARM), which is demonstrated to give accurate and robust GRFFE results for Minkowski and black hole space-times.
Solvability by radicals is in polynomial time

Abstract A polynomial time algorithm is presented for the founding question of Galois theory: determining solvability by radicals of a monic irreducible polynomial over the integers. Also a polynomial time algorithm which expresses a root in radicals in terms of a straightline program is given. Polynomial time algorithms are demonstrated for computing blocks of imprimitivity of roots of the polynomial under the action of the Galois group, and for computing intersections of algebraic number fields. In all of the algorithms it is assumed that the number field is given by a primitive element which generates it over the rationals, that the polynomial in question is monic, and that its coefficients are in the integers.
A new zero-ripple switching DC-to-DC converter and integrated magnetics

A new switching dc-to-dc converter is synthesized which consist of the least number of storage elements (inductive and capacitive) and switches, and yet truly emulates the ideally desired dc-to-dc transformer having both input and output currents as pure dc quantities with no ripple. This result was facilitated by implementation of a new concept termed integrated magnetics, which leads in some special switching structures to the integration of otherwise independent and separate magnetic components (inductors and transformers) into a single magnetic circuit.
Volume Holographic Angle-Depth-Wavelength Filters for Spatial-Spectral Imaging Systems

In this paper, we present the design and performance of angle-multiplexed holographic filters formed at 488nm and reconstructed with a LED operated at ~630nm. Image data extracted with the holographic filters are also experimentally demonstrated.
Rh(I)-catalyzed cyclocarbonylation of allenol esters to prepare acetoxy 4-alkylidenecyclopent-3-en-2-ones.

A Rh(I)-catalyzed cyclocarbonylation reaction of allenol esters has been examined and its synthetic viability established for the conversion of trisubstituted allenes to bicyclo[4.3.0] and -[5.3.0] skeletons possessing an α-acetoxy cyclopentadienone. Tetrasubstituted allenol acetates gave elimination products, providing examples of a cyclocarbonylation reaction between an alkyne and a latent cumulene or cumulene equivalent. Cleavage of the acetate affords a free hydroxyl group illustrating the utility of this method for accessing α-hydroxy carbonyls from allenol esters.
Geometrical method for the determination of the position and orientation of a scanning laser doppler vibrometer

In this paper, a geometrical method is presented to determine the pose (position and orientation) of a Scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometer (SLDV) with respect to a structural coordinate system. Multiple registration points are used simultaneously in a least-squares sense. The structural coordinates and the corresponding scanning angles are known for each of the registration points. In the geometrical method three steps are involved in the determination of the SLDV pose. Its implementation has been tested by simulated data and experimental data. The results have shown that this method and its implementation are correct and effective.