cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular Dynamics Analysis of the Conformations of a β-hairpin Miniprotein

Molecular dynamics simulations of a beta-hairpin miniprotein, CLN025, were performed to examine the conformational stability of the peptide in H(2)O at 278, 300, 333, and 363 K, as well as in TFE, MeOH, and DMSO at 300 K. CLN025 is a variant of the Chignolin miniprotein, in which the terminal Gly residues of Chignolin are replaced with Tyr residues, which leads to a 29.7 K increase in melting temperature. The energy of the intramolecular interactions was calculated using DFT quantum chemical calculations at the BHandHLYP/cc-pVTZ level of theory. CLN025 maintained a beta-hairpin conformation in all environments. The beta-hairpin is stabilized by hydrogen bonds, an electrostatic interaction between the charged termini of the peptide, and weakly polar interactions. The interaction between the backbones of the N and C-terminal strands accounts for -97.32 to -120.87 kcal mol(-1) of the stabilization energy. The energies of the CH-pi interactions between Tyr2 and Pro4 were between -1.80 and -8.9 kcal mol(-1), and the energy of the Tyr2-Trp9 Ar-Ar interaction was between -0.43 and -8.11 kcal mol(-1). Increasing temperature caused the Tyr2-Pro4 CH-pi and the Tyr2-Trp9 and Tyr2-Tyr10 Ar-Ar interactions to become less favorable, but the Tyr1-Trp9 interaction became more favorable and played an important role in stabilizing the beta-hairpin of CLN025 that resulted in the increased melting temperature. Weakly polar interactions play an important role in the structure and stability of CLN025 and other proteins.
Present-day geodynamics of the northern North American Cordillera

Abstract Diffuse continental deformation results from interactions at plate boundaries, buoyancy forces generated by gradients in gravitational potential energy, and loads applied to the base of the lithosphere. Using finite element models, we calculate a deviatoric stress field associated with buoyancy forces, and then perform an iterative inversion to calculate deviatoric stress fields associated with boundary forces in the northern North American Cordillera. Our results reveal the presence of two distinct geodynamic domains. In the outboard domain, approximately equal magnitudes of boundary and buoyancy forces can account for the observed deformation along the Aleutian megathrust. In contrast, large boundary forces related to subduction of the Pacific and Yakutat slabs dominate the force-balance in south-central Alaska and combine with relatively small buoyancy forces to reproduce the observed kinematic indicators. In the inboard domain, encompassed by interior and northern Alaska and western Canada, boundary and buoyancy forces alone cannot reproduce the observed deformation. Therefore, we infer that deviatoric stresses due to basal tractions from a deeper mantle convection cell contribute to surface deformation in the inboard domain. Low effective lithospheric viscosity in south-central Alaska and the balancing effect of an independent geodynamic system driven by basal tractions in northern Alaska combine to confine the anomalously large Yakutat-related boundary deviatoric stresses to south-central Alaska. Deviatoric stresses associated with flat-slab subduction of the Yakutat microplate are a factor of two greater than boundary force estimates for the Andean and Indian–Eurasian convergent margins, where buoyancy and boundary forces are roughly equal in magnitude and dominate the force-balance.
Quantifying the impact of membrane microtopology on effective two-dimensional affinity

Just as interactions of soluble proteins are affected by the solvent, membrane protein binding is influenced by the surface environment. This is particularly true for adhesion receptors because their function requires tightly apposed membranes. We sought to demonstrate, and further, to quantify the possible scale of this phenomenon by comparing the effective affinity and kinetic rates of an adhesion receptor (CD16b) placed in three distinct environments: red blood cells (RBCs), detached Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, and K562 cells. Effective affinity reflects both the intrinsic receptor-ligand kinetics and the effectiveness of their presentation by the host membranes. Expression of CD16b, a low affinity Fcγ receptor, was established by either transfection or spontaneous insertion via its glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor. Binding to IgG-coated RBCs, measured using a micropipette method, indicated a 50-fold increase in effective affinity for receptors on RBCs over CHO and K562 cells, whereas the off rates were similar for all three. Electron microscopy confirmed that specific tight contacts were broad in RBC-RBC conjugates but sparse in CHO-RBC conjugates. We suggest that through modulation of surface roughness the cytoskeleton can greatly impact the effectiveness of adhesion molecules, even those with no cytoplasmic structures. Implications for locomotion and static adhesion are discussed.
Effects of large sample loads on column lifetime in preparative-scale liquid chromatography.

Abstract In preparative-scale liquid chromatography of proteins, the use of high sample concentration and large sample mass may result in irreversible adsorption to the support surface. This can change the stationary phase characteristics, reduce the capacity, shorten the column lifetime and diminish the economic viability of a particular separation method. Column recycling and regeneration can influence the throughput (mass purified per time unit) and selectivity, and affect the reproducibility. The effects of large sample loads on column lifetime and performance were evaluated for three strong anion-exchange columns: (1) a silica support with a quaternized polyethyleneimine (PEI) coating, (2) a polymeric support with an adsorbed PEI coating which also was quaternized, and (3) a polymeric support with a proprietary quaternary amine stationary phase. The column capacity for proteins was measured by frontal chromatography and monitored as a function of cycle number. The column lifetime was determined by examining chromatographic properties subsequent to the frontal chromatography. The change in protein binding capacity was then compared to the change in nitrate binding capacity. The column performance was evaluated under analytical conditions by measuring the change in resolution of standard protein mixtures.
A Conversation with Frank Press

Geophysicist Frank Press was director of Caltech’s Seismological Laboratory from 1957 to 1965. In this interview, he recalls his work with Maurice Ewing at Columbia’s Lamont Geological Observatory; his directorship of Caltech’s Seismological Laboratory and colleagues Charles Richter, Beno Gutenberg, and Hugo Benioff; his work on the free oscillations of the earth; and his part in establishing the worldwide network of seismographs for the detection of nuclear weapons testing.
Life in the Universe: Foundation for exciting multidisciplinary science activities for middle and elementary school classes

Young students find extra-terrestrial life one of the most intriguing of all topics. A project funded by the National Science Foundation and NASA, and administered by the SETI Institute, is underway to devise science lessons for grades 3-9 that draw upon this fascination. The lessons are designed by teachers and persons with long experience at curriculum design, tested in classrooms, revised and retested. Six guides, each containing some 6-10 science lessons, will be finished by summer, 1994.The theme Life in the Universe lends itself naturally to integrated treatment of facts and concepts from many scientific disciplines. The lessons for two completed guides span the origin of planet systems, evolution of complex life, chemical makeup of life, astronomy, spectroscopy, continental drift, mathematics and SETI (Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence). All lessons are hands-on, interesting, and successful.
Defense applications of image understanding

This look at two defense applications of image understanding research-one for analyzing intelligence imagery and the other for autonomous vehicle target detection and recognition-describes both the capabilities they provide and the preconditions required for successful transition of IU research. >
A Study of the Gaseous Degradation Products of Corona-Exposed Polyethylene

The gaseous degradation products of low density polyethylene exposed to corona discharges were investigated. Temperature and applied voltage were varied independently in order to determine the effect of each on the chemical processes involved in the degradation. Based upon statistical analysis of the results, temperature was found to have an anomalous effect on the accumulation of organic gas products in that increased temperature resulted in lesser amounts of these gases being found.
Co-induction of methyltransferase Rv0560c by naphthoquinones and fibric acids suggests attenuation of isoprenoid quinone action in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

The superoxide generator menadione was previously demonstrated as an inducer of growth stage dependent protein patterns in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The present study refines this observation by characterizing a novel 27-kDa protein that had not been observed in previous studies relying on younger cultures. A very similar response, based on two-dimensional gel electrophoretic analyses, was induced by the closely related naphthoquinone plumbagin. The 27-kDa protein was also induced by the pro-oxidant peroxisome proliferator gemfibrozil and to a lesser extent by the structurally related compounds fenofibrate and clofibrate. N-terminal sequence data of proteolytic fragments from the 27-kDa protein demonstrated its identity with protein Rv0560c, previously demonstrated to be inducible by salicylate, which also possesses peroxisome proliferating properties. Protein Rv0560c bears three conserved motifs characteristic of S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferases. Further sequence similarities suggest a...
The crystal structure of an olefinic cyclic trimer of levoglucosenone

Abstract A single-crystal, X-ray diffraction study has been performed on an olefinic cyclic trimer (4) of levoglucosenone. Crystals of 4 are orthorhombic with unit-cell parameters: a = 1886.95, b = 1419.92, and c = 562.24 pm; space group P212121; Z = 4. Structure factors calculated from a low-resolution structure determination (based on three, low-order, centric reflections) yielded a starting set for a successful solution by direct methods. Refinement by least squares using 1291 reflections gave R = 0.033. The previously assigned chemical structure was found to be correct and the protons on the three asymmetric carbons were found to have an all-cis configuration, projecting from the same side of the molecule as their 1,6-anhydro bridges.
Reply to "Comment on 'How to make quantum mechanics look like a hidden-variable theory and vice versa' "

Milonni reconsiders our recent work based on a singlet spin-\textonehalf{} system in terms of photon polarization correlations. His conclusions are in agreement with ours and provide a simple example showing why nonlocal hidden-variable theories are unappealing. We extend his arguments in order to emphasize that spin-\textonehalf{} physics is in some ways closer to classical intuition than that based on "few photon" physics.
FORMATION AND EXPORT OF THE GLUTATHIONE CONJUGATE OF 4-HYDROXY-2,3-E-NONENAL (4-HNE) IN HEPATOMA CELLS

The cellular metabolism of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE), a cytotoxic and genotoxic product of oxidative stress-induced lipid peroxidation, was investigated in rat H35 hepatoma cells. Previous studies from our laboratory (1) have characterized the degree to which oxidative, reductive, and conjugative metabolic pathways function simultaneously during hepatocellular metabolism of 4-HNE to rapidly eliminate the compound from suspensions of freshly isolated rat hepatocytes. In the current studies, we have extended the investigation of 4-HNE metabolism to examine the pharmacokinetic parameters of 4-HNE elimination and export in a hepatoma cell line and determined that the ensuing oxidative and conjugative metabolites of 4-HNE are rapidly and efficiently transported out the cell. Low concentrations of 4-HNE (25 microM) were used in an attempt to simulate physiologically relevant conditions. The H35 hepatoma cell line studied was first evaluated for enzymes known to play important roles in the metabolism of 4-HNE and were found to possess activities for glutathione S-transferase, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), and alcohol dehydrogenase of 24.00 +/- 1.12, 3. 45 +/- 0.17, and 6.44 +/- 0.29 nmol min-1 mg-1 protein, respectively. Hepatoma cells were incubated with 25 microM 4-HNE and metabolites in intra- and extracellular fractions were quantitated by reversed-phase HPLC over the time course of treatment. Reduced glutathione (GSH) and the GSH metabolites of 4-HNE were quantitated by reversed-phase HPLC as the dinitrobenzene derivatives. Uptake of 4-HNE from the extracellular medium occurred with an estimated rate of 0.398 +/- 0.181 min-1 10(6) hepatoma cells-1. The oxidative metabolite of 4-HNE, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenoic acid (HNA), produced by ALDH, appeared rapidly in the intracellular fraction achieving concentrations of 0.28 HNA nmol 10(6) hepatoma cells-1 and was efficiently eliminated with a first-order rate constant of 0.988 min-1. The GST-mediated conjugative metabolite, 3-glutathionyl-4-hydroxy-2-nonanal (4-HNE-SG), rapidly reached maximal intracellular concentrations of 1.88 +/- 0.44 nmol 10(6) hepatoma cells-1 and was eliminated at a rate of 0.101 +/- 0.033 min-1. Extracellular rates of formation, representing export, for HNA and 4-HNE-SG were 0.247 +/- 0.045 and 0.044 +/- 0.009 min-1 10(6) hepatoma cells-1, resulting in maximal extracellular concentrations for HNA and 4-HNE-SG of 0.70 +/- 0.10 and 3.03 +/- 0. 84 nmol 10(6) hepatoma cells-1. Approximately 75% of the administered concentration of 4-HNE was converted to measurable metabolites, with the 4-HNE-GSH conjugate accounting for 61% of total administered 4-HNE and HNA accounting for 14%. Collectively, these results demonstrate that oxidative and conjugative pathways are primarily responsible for elimination of 4-HNE at low concentrations in the hepatoma cell line evaluated and that the 4-HNE metabolites resulting from these pathways are rapidly and efficiently exported out of the cell.
Efficiencies of perovskite hybrid solar cells influenced by film thickness and morphology of CH3NH3PbI3−xClx layer

Abstract Perovskite hybrid solar cells (pero-HSCs) have been intensively investigated due to their promising photovoltaic performance. However, the correlations between the efficiencies of pero-HSCs and thin film thicknesses and morphologies of CH3NH3PbI3−xClx perovskite layers are rarely addressed. In this study, we report the correlation between the efficiencies of “planar heterojunction” (PHJ) pero-HSCs and the thin film thicknesses and morphologies of solution-processed CH3NH3PbI3−xClx perovskite layers. Investigation of absorption spectra, X-ray diffraction patterns, atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy images of CH3NH3PbI3−xClx layers indicate that the efficiencies of PHJ pero-HSCs are dependent on the film thickness, as the thickness of CH3NH3PbI3−xClx is less than 400 nm; whereas the efficiencies are significantly dependent on the film morphologies of CH3NH3PbI3−xClx layers as the thickness is larger than 400 nm. Our studies provide a promising pathway for fabricating high efficiency PHJ pero-HSCs.
Unified Theory of Relativistic Identification of Information in a Systems Age: Proposed Convergence of Unique Identification with Syntax and Semantics through Internet Protocol version 6

Data (bits) from unique identification of objects or things (atoms) are often helpful to the decision making process. Decisions, however, are often based on information that takes into account multiple factors. Physical objects and their unique identification may be one of many factors, as is the internet of things, from the perspective of a systems approach. Real-world decisions are often based on collective information gathered from multiple sources (or systems) that includes data (bits) about “things” (atoms) and processes associated with “things” which may be used in combination with a higher level domain that may eventually trigger a decision or execute an action, aided or unaided by a human. Currently, we do not have a globally unique mechanism to identify information derived from data originating from things (objects) and processes. Unique identification of information, hence, is an open question. However, information, to be of value, must be relative to the context of the process. In general, contextual information is of greater relevance in the decision making process or in decision systems (decisionable information). A globally acceptable system for unique identification of decisions may offer obvious benefits. This paper explores one such route by using the vast number of unique addressing capability of IPv6.
Neuropathologic findings after liver transplantation.

Neuropathologic findings are described in 37 patients autopsied after one or more orthotopic liver transplants. Gross or microscopic lesions were observed in almost all patients, including anoxic-ischemic change, hemorrhages and/or infarcts, and opportunistic infections by fungi (most commonly Aspergillus) and rarely viruses (cytomegalovirus). Central pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis was commonly observed, and appeared to result from severe multifactorial metabolic abnormalities in the perioperative period. Low-grade (microglial nodule) encephalitis without an obvious pathogen was often encountered. Common clinical neurologic abnormalities included encephalopathy, seizures (myoclonic, focal or generalized), obtundation and coma. These were found more commonly than focal findings, but clinical features in a given patient were not uniformly predictive of underlying neuropathologic change.
High Speed Imaging Polarimeter

A high speed Mueller matrix imaging polarimeter is presented. The instrument enables measurement of the full Mueller matrix in transmission, reflection, or retro-reflection. The Mueller matrix provides a complete description of the polarization transforming properties of the sample. The retardance, diattenuation, polarizance, and depolarization are all characterized by the polarimeter. The polarimeter is able to measure the polarization properties of samples ranging from sub-millimeter optical components to large optics. The imaging capabilities can be modified to measure the polarization properties across the surface of the sample or as a function of the angle through the sample. The dual rotating retarder polarimeter provides up to sixty-two full Mueller matrix images per second. Instrument details, measurement techniques, example data, and applications are presented.
Commentary on the importance of animal research to nursing science

Over the decades, nurse scientists have used animal models to investigate research problems important to the understanding of health and illness outcomes, yet the number of nurse scientists using animals is small and this approach to research remains outside of main-stream nursing science. The position paper, “The Importance of Animal Research to Nursing Science” provides a cogent and well-reasoned argument in support of the use of animal models for the conduct of nursing science. Consistent with Page, this author takes the view that the co-existence of animal and human-based approaches to scientific inquiry enriches nursing science, providing a channel for the reciprocal flow of ideas that ignites creativity. This ultimately strengthens nursing knowledge and informs nursing care. Issues and concerns of nurses “at the bedside” undoubtedly sparked interest in many of the problems investigated previously in experimental animal models by nurse scientists. For example, animal models employed by nurse investigators have provided fundamental knowledge about pain, wound healing, gastric motility, alcoholic heart disease, mechanical ventilation, and immobility. The relevance of this knowledge to nursing practice cannot be overemphasized. Further, the application of the knowledge generated extends to a broad group of patient populations and health care settings, ranging from critical care patients to ambulatory patients with acute and chronic illness. As discussed in the position paper, animal models offer key advantages to nurse investigators. Importantly, animal models provide the opportunity to test specific hypotheses under controlled conditions that eliminate the confounding influence of co-morbidities, drug therapy, and unwanted environmental variables, which can limit data interpretation. As well, many manipulations cannot be evaluated in humans but can judiciously be tested in animal models. For example,
Thermal conductivity measurements of particulate materials: 4. Effect of bulk density for granular particles

[1] Thermal conductivities were measured with a line-heat source for three granular particulates of different particle sizes under low pressures of a carbon dioxide atmosphere and various bulk densities. A 25–30 μm size fraction of crushed quartz exhibited a small, linear increase in thermal conductivity with increasing bulk density. For the range of atmospheric pressures appropriate for Mars, doubling the bulk density increased the thermal conductivity by 20–35%. In contrast, the thermal conductivities of 150–180 μm crushed olivine exhibited an average slight decrease (−3%) for a 5% increase in bulk density. Less than 11 μm silica glass beads exhibited a small, nonlinear increase in the thermal conductivity of 9% with a factor of 2 increase in bulk density. Two minima occurred in the data from the glass beads. One minimum occurred at a porosity of 76%, where the decrease in thermal conductivity averaged ∼7%; the second minimum occurred at a porosity of 63%, with an average decrease of ∼2%. The second minimum corresponds to the same porosity as a minimum reported by previous investigators, but is below the level of significance. An increase in the bulk density will decrease the “heat transfer average distance,” and therefore decrease the thermal conductivity. Counteracting this effect is the increased mass within the same volume, which will increase the solid conduction. The latter effect appears to have an advantage, but the competition of these effects minimizes the influence of bulk density on the thermal conductivity under Martian atmospheric pressures.
Novel Strategy for Diameter-Selective Separation and Functionalization of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes

The problem of separating single-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by diameter and/or chirality is one of the greatest impediments toward the widespread application of these promising materials in nanoelectronics. In this paper, we describe a novel physical-chemical method for diameter-selective CNT separation that is both simple and effective and that allows up-scaling to large volumes at modest cost. Separation is based on size-selective noncovalent matching of an appropriate anchor molecule to the wall of the CNT, enabling suspension of the CNTs in solvents in which they would otherwise not be soluble. We demonstrate size-selective separation in the 1-2 nm diameter range using easily synthesized oligo-acene adducts as a diameter-selective molecular anchor. CNT field effect transistors fabricated from diameter-selected CNTs show markedly improved electrical properties as compared to nonselected CNTs.
Clinical significance of melatonin receptors in the human myometrium

Objective To review and update the research on melatonin receptor expression in the human myometrium, in particular as it pertains to uterine contractility at labor. Design Summary of previous studies with the addition of new data on the transcriptional regulation of melatonin receptor expression in human myometrial cells. Setting Not applicable. Patient(s) Late-term pregnant volunteers. Intervention(s) Biopsy collection for in vitro analyses provided the original data. More recently, uterine contractions in late-term pregnant volunteers were assessed before, during, and after acute white-light exposure. Main Outcome Measure(s) Melatonin receptor signaling in myometrial cells and uterine contractions in late-term pregnant volunteers. Result(s) Melatonin acts through the MTNR1B melatonin receptor that is expressed in the myometrium at late term to synergistically enhance oxytocin-dependent signaling and contractions. Acute inhibition of endogenous melatonin levels with light reversibly suppresses uterine contractions. Conclusion(s) These results point to a significant role for circulating melatonin in the timing and degree of uterine contractions in late-term pregnancy. Understanding the regulation of melatonin receptors remains a future objective.
Sharp dilation-type inequalities with a fixed parameter of convexity

Sharp upper bounds for large and small deviations and dilation-type inequalities are considered for probability distributions satisfying convexity conditions of Brunn-Minkowski type. Bibliography: 17 titles.
Exact functional differential variant of the generalized Kadanoff-Baym ansatz

We derive an exact functional differential relation for the physical Green's function ${\mathit{g}}_{\ensuremath{\lessgtr}}$(1;2) in terms of its retarded and advanced counterparts and the equal-time function ${\mathit{g}}_{\ensuremath{\lessgtr}}$(1;${\mathbf{x}}_{2}$,${\mathit{t}}_{1}$). This exact, formal, functional differential relation is a variant of the generalized Kadanoff-Baym GKB ansatz, and we examine the approximations involved in reducing it to the GKB ansatz.
Chemical mechanisms for cytochrome P-450 oxidation: spectral and catalytic properties of a manganese-substituted protein.

Abstract Bacterial cytochrome P-450 induced by camphor (P-450cam) is reconstituted with manganese-protoporphyrin IX, yielding an enzyme that displays unique spectral properties relative to previously characterized manganese-porphyrin systems. The nitric oxide complex of the manganese(II)-protein shows a hyper-metalloporphyrin spectrum suggestive of thiolate ligation to the porphyrin-bound manganese ion. In the presence of iodosobenzene as a source of active oxygen, manganese-substituted cytochrome P-450cam serves as a catalyst for the epoxidation of an enzyme-bound olefin substrate. This reactivity proceeds through a spectrally detectable intermediate that resembles the manganese(V)-oxo complexes that have been well documented with model systems employing artificial manganese-metalloporphyrins in organic solution. Interestingly, manganese-substituted cytochrome-P-450cam shows no hydroxylation activity either in the reconstituted camphor hydroxylase system with pyridine nucleotide or in the presence of iodosobenzene and the Mn(III) form of the protein.
Sacco and Vanzetti and the Immigrant Threat

The anti-immigrant sentiment in America in the 1920s, exemplified by the case against Sacco and Vanzetti, provides a pertinent reminder of the power of nativism as an establishment faces threatening social changes.
An analytic study of compacton solutions for variants of Kuramoto-Sivashinsky equation

In this paper, two mathematical variants of Kuramoto-Sivashinsky equation are examined. A framework is developed for studying these variants in one and higher dimensions. Two distinct sets of general formulae for each variant are developed. Compactons: solitons with compact support, and noncompact dispersive structures are formally established.
Influence of Founder—CEOs' Personal Values on Firm Performance: Moderating Effects of Firm Age and Size†

The effects of two values held by founder—CEOs (collectivism and novelty) on companies' post—start-up performance are investigated. By integrating congruence and organizational lifecycle literatures, the authors hypothesized that the effects of both values are moderated by company age and size, such that collectivism exerts stronger beneficial effects in older and larger firms, whereas novelty exerts stronger beneficial effects in younger and smaller firms. Results based on 92 small- to medium-sized enterprises offer support for most predictions, thus demonstrating the influence of founders' values on new venture performance and highlighting the importance of considering organizational lifecycle for the understanding of this influence.
Human umbilical cord and fetal membranes co-express leptin and its receptor genes.

Leptin, protein product of the ob gene, not only regulates food intake and energy expenditure but also has a number of other actions in the body. Leptin actions are mediated by its receptors that have either a long or a truncated intracellular domain, which is coupled to signal transduction pathways. Previous studies have demonstrated that human placenta expresses both leptin and its receptors. However, it is not known whether human umbilical cord and fetal membranes are also sites of expression of these molecules. Therefore, the present study investigated leptin and its receptor expression in these tissues from term pregnancy. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplified expected size fragments of leptin and also its short and long receptor isoforms from umbilical cord and fetal membranes. The authenticity of PCR-amplified fragments was confirmed by Southern blot hybridization with corresponding cDNA probes. Western blotting revealed that the transcripts were translated into 16-kDa ...
Safe Discussions Rather Than First Hand Encounters: Adolescents Examine Racism Through One Historical Fiction Text

This article presents a case study class’ response to Mildred Taylor’s now classic and widely read novel, Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry. Through data collected during one school year, the ways urban, adolescent students use their contemporary lenses to interpret the literary theme of “confronting, overcoming and challenging racism” are discussed. The participants’ responses are organized into four reader response categories that explicate the complex and interactive interpretations developed by the children while reading the novel. In addition to providing insights about the participants’ textual understanding, pedagogical findings indicate that the book can also be used to explore the nature of racism while creating a safe space to confront and more deeply understand racism’s impact on the past as well as the students’ current reality.
Evaluation of defects in materials using resonant ultrasound spectroscopy

This study demonstrates the practicability of using Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy (RUS) in combination with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) as a non-destructive technique for determining the size and location of defects in axisymmetrical samples of known geometry, mass, and elastic constants. Experiments and calculations were conducted on steel samples with thin cuts of different lengths and locations. Frequency spectra measured by RUS were found to match closely the frequency spectra calculated by FEM for the steel specimens before and after the introduction of the thin cut. Analyses of the series of FEM-generated frequency spectra showed some patterns in resonant frequency shifts as a function of the size and location of the thin cut. Therefore, based on the analysis of sufficient number of FEA models, it was possible to develop a methodology for determining sizes and locations of defects in examined objects from the resonant frequencies measured by RUS with a high accuracy that does not exceed 2% for the length of defects and 5% for their location.
The “Problem” of Experience in Mathematics Teaching

Prior research has established that teachers' use of curriculum materials is affected by a range of factors, such as teachers' conceptions of mathematics teaching, and the nature and extent of their teaching experience. What is less clear, and far less examined, in prior research is the role that the teacher guide (TG) may play in mediating the influence of these and other factors on teachers' decisions and actions. Accordingly, this study examines how two 6th grade teachers use the TG from Connected Mathematics Project as a resource in making planning and enactment decisions, and factors associated with patterns of TG use. Through cross-case analysis, the author found that these teachers seemed to draw largely from their previous experiences and their own conceptions of mathematics teaching and learning when making planning and enactment decisions related to mathematical tasks, and not particularly from the TG. For example, when faced with certain planning and instructional challenges, such as students struggling with the content, teachers tended to rely on their particular conceptions of mathematics teaching to address these challenges. Despite the fact that the TG provided suggestions for teachers as to how address such challenges, it was not extensively used as a resource by the teachers in this study in their planning and enactment of lessons.
An Exploratory Examination of the Spiritual Well-Being Scale among Incarcerated Black and White Male Drug Users

A number of studies have examined the link between criminality and religiosity. However, only a limited number of studies have examined the relationship between spirituality and criminality. Because spirituality has been identified as a fundamental attribute of the personalities of Blacks, studies examining differences in the association between spirituality by ethnicity could provide information to understand the disparity of incarceration rates among Blacks and Whites. For this study, data were collected from 661 male prisoners with prior histories of drug use to examine spirituality that was assessed using two factors from a modified version of the Spiritual Well-Being Scale: relationship with a higher power and satisfaction with oneself in the world. Analyses revealed that White men reported significantly higher scores on both factors than Black men. The unexpected findings are discussed in light of the existing literature that identifies the significance of spirituality in the personality and coping style of Blacks.
Higher-order-mode absorbers for energy recovery linac cryomodules at Brookhaven National Laboratory

Several future accelerator projects at Brookhaven for the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) are based on energy recovery linacs (ERLs) with high-charge high-current electron beams. Their stable operation mandates effective higher-order-mode (HOM) damping. The development of HOM dampers for these projects is pursued actively at this laboratory. Strong HOM damping was experimentally demonstrated both at room and at superconducting (SC) temperatures in a prototype research and development (R) five-cell niobium superconducting rf (SRF) cavity with ferrite dampers. Two room-temperature mock-up five-cell copper cavities were used to study various damper configurations with emphasis on capacitive antenna dampers. An innovative type of ferrite damper over a ceramic break for an R SRF electron gun also was developed. For future SRF linacs longer cryomodules comprised of multiple superconducting cavities with reasonably short intercavity transitions are planned. In such a configuration, the dampers, located closer to the cavities, will be at cryogenic temperatures; this will impose additional constraints and complications. This paper presents the results of simulations and measurements of several damper configurations.
Alcoholic hepatitis: Can we outwit the Grim Reaper?

Whether you are an avid reader of the Book Thief or a fan of the Blue Oyster Cult, you know that messing with me is serious business. Be warned, that if you want to outwit me, you better come armed with the ability to predict your future.
Impact of macroeconomic news on metal futures

This paper uses intra-day data for the period 2002 through 2008 to examine the intensity, direction, and speed of impact of US macroeconomic news announcements on the return, volatility and trading volume of three important commodities – gold, silver and copper futures. We find that the response of metal futures to economic news surprises is both swift and significant, with the 8:30 am set of announcements – in particular, nonfarm payrolls and durable goods orders – having the largest impact. Furthermore, announcements that reflect an unexpected improvement in the economy tend to have a negative impact on gold and silver prices; however, they tend to have a positive effect on copper prices. In comparison, realized volatility and volume for all three metals are positively influenced by economic news. Finally, there is evidence that several news announcements exert an asymmetric impact on market activity variables.
Classification of thyroid nodules using a resonance-frequency-based electrical impedance spectroscopy: progress assessment

The incidence of thyroid cancer is rising faster than other malignancies and has nearly doubled in the United States (U.S.) in the last 30 years. However, classifying between malignant and benign thyroid nodules is often difficult. Although ultrasound guided Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB) is considered an excellent tool for triaging patients, up to 25% of FNABs are inconclusive. As a result, definitive diagnosis requires an exploratory surgery and a large number of these are performed in the U.S. annually. It would be extremely beneficial to develop a non-invasive tool or procedure that could assist in assessing the likelihood of malignancy of otherwise indeterminate thyroid nodules, thereby reducing the number of exploratory thyroidectomies that are performed under general anesthesia. In this preliminary study we demonstrate a unique hand-held Resonance-frequency based Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (REIS) device with six pairs of detection probes to detect and classify thyroid nodules using multi-channel EIS output signal sweeps. Under an Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved case collection protocol, this REIS device is being tested in our clinical facility and we have been collecting an initial patient data set since March of this year. Between March and August of 2011, 65 EIS tests were conducted on 65 patients. Among these cases, six depicted pathology-verified malignant cells. Our initial assessment indicates the feasibility of easily applying this REIS device and measurement approach in a very busy clinical setting. The measured resonance frequency differences between malignant and benign nodules could potentially make it possible to accurately classify indeterminate thyroid nodules.
BACKPROPAGATION NEURAL NETWORK DESIGN AND EVALUATION FOR CLASSIFYING WEED SPECIES USING COLOR IMAGE TEXTURE

Color co-occurrence method (CCM) texture statistics were used as input variables for a backpropagation (BP) neural network weed classification model. Thirty-three unique CCM texture statistic inputs were generated for 40 images per class, within a six class data set. The following six classes were studied: giant foxtail, large crabgrass, common lambsquarter, velvetleaf, ivyleaf morningglory, and clear soil surface. The texture data was used to build six different input variable models for the BP network, consisting of various combinations of hue, saturation, and intensity (HSI) color texture statistics. The study evaluated classification accuracy as a function of network topology, and training parameter selection. In addition, training cycle requirements and training repeatability were studied. The BP topology evaluation consisted of a series of tests on symmetrical two hidden-layer network, a test of constant complexity topologies, and tapered topology networks. The best symmetrical BP network achieved a 94.7% classification accuracy for a model consisting of 11 inputs, five nodes at each of the two hidden layers and six output nodes (11 ×5 ×5 ×6 BP network). A tapered topology ( 11 ×12 ×6 ×6 BP network) out performed all other BP topologies with an overall accuracy of 96.7% and individual class accuracies of 90.0% or higher.
Production of radioactive sources of alkali-metal and alkaline-earth isotopes

Abstract A method for producing sources of alkali-metal and alkaline-earth isotopes by alpha bombardment of rare gases in a cell lined with removable mylar film is described. Gamma rays arising from the decay of 89Rb and 89Sr sources absorbed on the mylar film were observed with a 17 cm3 Ge(Li) detector.
Massive gauge field in source theory. II

Abstract In an earlier source theory investigation it was shown that the vacuum polarization of a massive gauge field is finite, provided that the conservation of current is imposed everywhere, including the interior of the sources. It is shown in the present paper that radiative corrections to a vertex function (two-particle production by an external source) are also finite if the same requirement about current conservation is imposed. In other words one-loop corrections turn out to be finite in both calculations. The cancellations leading to convergence may be understood in terms of Ward identities. The three form factors that appear are not only shown to be finite but are also explicity found.
Refractometry Measurements for Industrial Quality Control

A knowledge of the optical properties of liquid substances is useful in enhancing the understanding of their unique characteristics. Properties such as refractive index, refractivity, and phase velocity have been used to assess the purity of liquids. We utilized measurements from a Digital Refractometer to detect and quantify the contamination of liquids such as drinking water, wine, and other beverages. We used antifreeze, ethylene glycol, and propylene glycol as contaminants. Results show that the level of contamination increases linearly with refractive index and that a contamination level of 1 % is detectable. The application of this technique in industrial settings will improve the detection of contamination of beverages.
A deep-ocean penetrator telemetry system

The use of seabed penetrators-streamlined free-fall projectiles of up to 20 metric tons-is a possible method of disposing of high-level nuclear waste by embedment in deep-ocean sediments. In order to determine the feasibility of such a technique, penetrator simulation studies have been conducted. Approaches to transmitting data from measuring instruments carried onboard a model penetrator are briefly reviewed. A description is then given of the super-Doppler penetrator telemetry system that uses a 12-kHz frequency-shift-keyed acoustic link to effect telemetry from within seafloor sediments and then vertically upwards through the ocean. A consideration of system performance is presented, in the light of trial results obtained during cruises in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. >
Dense 2-generator subsemigroups of 2×2 matrices

Abstract We construct explicit examples of 2-generator dense subsemigroups of GL ( 2 , R ) and SL ( 2 , R ) . In the complex case, we prove the existence of uncountably many 2-generator dense subsemigroups of GL ( 2 , C ) . We also show that the semigroup of real linear fractional transformations on a proper subinterval of the real line does not admit any 2-generator dense subsemigroups, and then we construct a 3-parameter family of examples of 3-generator dense subsemigroups.
Student perception and knowledge: Assessment of online Computational-Experimental (ComEx) learning modules

In order to enhance the existing course materials and to imbed experimental data derived from real-life engineering case studies, several online Computational-Experimental (ComEx) learning modules have been developed in recent years by the investigators. Several assessment instruments were developed to evaluate the effectiveness of these modules. In particular, the assessment surveys were developed to evaluate student perceptions of the effectiveness, usefulness and quality of the exercise/activities of these modules. In order to evaluate student learning and knowledge associated with a given concept, assignments and pre/post assessment quizzes were designed by mapping the learning outcomes of a given module. In this paper, the design of the assessment instruments and the ensuing data from learning studios on Dynamics, Vibration and Control and a specialized learning module is presented. This studio consists of learning modules in the form of exercises, case studies, tutorials and interactive tools. Assessment instruments were developed for each of these activities. The design of survey instruments, questionnaire, results and statistical analysis of the survey for two years (2012–2013) of student's perception of these modules are summarized here. Assessment results of the student learning through pre- and post-quizzes for the year 2013 are also summarized and presented in this paper.
THE ACTIGRAPH DATA ANALYSIS SOFTWARE: I. A NOVEL APPROACH TO SCORING AND INTERPRETING SLEEP-WAKE ACTIVITY

Decades of empirical observations have established the validity of actigraphy primarily in individuals without sleep disorders. Methodological problems encountered thus far coupled with the widespread use of actigraphy signal the need for concentrated efforts to establish a consensus regarding scoring procedures. Currently available scoring methods show less reliability in clinical populations. To address these issues two validation studies were conducted: one for individuals without sleep disorders and the other for patients diagnosed with insomnia. The results of these two studies using the Actigraph Data Analysis Software as the scoring method have shown that the described system is fairly precise. It can be used for actigraphs with different features and mode of operation and is applicable to individuals with insomnia. These findings corroborate previous research showing that actigraphy is a valid instrument for assessment of sleep and wakefulness.
Engineering vaccines and niches for immune modulation

Controlled modulation of immune response, especially the balance between immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive responses, is critical for a variety of clinical applications, including immunotherapies against cancer and infectious diseases, treatment of autoimmune disorders, transplant surgeries, regenerative medicine, prosthetic implants, etc. Our ability to precisely modify both innate and adaptive immune responses could provide new therapeutic directions in a variety of diseases. In the context of vaccines and immunotherapies, the interplay between antigen-presenting cells (e.g. dendritic cells and macrophages), B cells, T helper and killer subtypes, and regulatory T- and B-cell responses is critical for generating effective immunity against cancer, infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases. In recent years, immunoengineering has emerged as a new field that uses quantitative engineering tools to understand molecular-, cellular- and system-level interactions of the immune system and to develop design-driven approaches to control and modulate immune responses. Biomaterials are an integral part of this engineering toolbox and can exploit the intrinsic biological and mechanical cues of the immune system to directly modulate and train immune cells and direct their response to a particular phenotype. A large body of literature exists on strategies to evade or suppress the immune response in implants, transplantation and regenerative medicine. This review specifically focuses on the use of biomaterials for immunostimulation and controlled modulation, especially in the context of vaccines and immunotherapies against cancer, infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders. Bioengineering smart systems that can simultaneously deliver multiple bioactive agents in a controlled manner or can work as a niche for in situ priming and modulation of the immune system could significantly enhance the efficacy of next-generation immunotherapeutics. In this review, we describe our perspective on the important design aspects for the development of biomaterials that can actively modulate immune responses by stimulating receptor complexes and cells, and delivering multiple immunomodulatory biomolecules.