cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Manual Material Handling System

In the semiconductor manufacturing industry, wafers are transported from machine to machine via Automatic Material Handling System (AMHS) without human intervention in a 12-inch fabrication (fab) plant. However, wafers are transported by men in 8-inch fab. Transportation by men is both time consuming and inefficient due to work cells layout and complicated routes. This paper will describe a system called Manual Material Handling System (MMHS) for transporting wafers with high efficiency and speed. After implementing the system in various 6-inch and 8-inch fabs, it has been proved to be working properly and robustly.
Mild Method for 2-Naphthylmethyl Ether Protecting Group Removal Using a Combination of 2,3-Dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) and β-Pinene.

The use of a combination of 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) and β-pinene permits the removal of 2-naphthylmethyl (Nap) ether protecting groups on highly sensitive substrates. The reaction tolerates both acid and base sensitive protecting groups, and products are afforded in 68–96% yield. The utility of the method is demonstrated by the removal of the Nap protecting groups on highly sensitive 2,6-dideoxy-sugar disaccharides.
Catalyst-free lignin valorization by acetoacetylation. Structural elucidation by comparison with model compounds

Indulin AT Kraft lignin has been chemically modified without a catalyst by reaction with t-butyl acetoacetate. Elucidation and quantification of the modified lignin structure has been facilitated by employing a series of readily prepared model compounds which isolate three of the major hydroxyl containing moieties characteristic of lignin.
The Effect of Computer Graphics Techniques on Perceiving Depth in Magnified Virtual Environments

Improving the accuracy of depth perception in virtual environments is a significant ongoing area of study. This research examines the influence of various depth cues on depth perception accuracy in magnified virtual environments. This study applies several graphics techniques selectively onto 3D medical images presented in a semi-immersive virtual environment. An experiment was conducted using a one-wall 3D projection system to measure the impact of graphics techniques and depth cues on depth perception. The experimental results presented a tendency of depth underestimation in magnified virtual environments. This study reveals further research directions for investigating impacts of depth cues on properly perceive depth in virtual spaces.
Organic Acid Formation from the Atmospheric Oxidation of Gem Diols: Reaction Mechanism, Energetics, and Rates.

Computational chemistry is used to investigate the gas phase reaction of several gem diols in the presence of OH radical and molecular oxygen (3O2) as would occur in the Earth’s troposphere. Four gem diols, represented generically as R–HC(OH)2, with R being either −H, −CH3, −HC(O), and −CH3C(O) are investigated. We find that after the abstraction of the hydrogen atom from the C–H moiety of the diol by atmospheric OH, molecular oxygen quickly adds onto the resulting radicals leading to the formation of a geminal diol peroxy adduct (R–C(OO)(OH)2), which is the key intermediate in the oxidation process. Unimolecular reaction of this R–C(OO)(OH)2 radical adduct, occurs via a proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) mechanism and leads to the formation of an organic acid and a HO2 radical. Further, the barrier for the unimolecular reaction step decreases along the R substitution series: −H, −CH3, −HC(O), −CH3C(O); this trend most likely arises from increased internal hydrogen bonding along the series. The react...
Synthesis of Aromatic Polyphosphoanhydrides Based on Phenylphosphonic Dichloride Employing Phase Transfer Agents

We have synthesized a number of phosphorus-containing polymers utilizing the condensation of phosphorus acid chlorides and the diisocyanate with a variety of Lewis bases utilizing the interfacial condensation technique. 1,2
The Role of Clinical Research in Establishing Air Quality Criteria and Standards

Summary “Air quality criteria tell us what science has thus far been able to measure of the obvious as well as insidious effects of air pollution on man…”. Standards, based on these criteria, are the legal means by which noxious emissions into the environment can be changed, lessened, or halted. Environmental criteria and standards have their foundation in human health effects research. The methods of classical toxicology and epidemiology have provided most of the information on which current criteria and standards are based. Controlled environmental laboratory research with human subjects is now providing additional and essential health intelligence for continued scrutiny of environmental criteria.
Adaptive MRAM Write and Read with MTJ Variation Monitor

Temperature and wafer-level process variations significantly degrade operation efficiency of Spin-transfer torque random access memory (STT-MRAM) and magnetoelectric random access memory (MeRAM), where the write and read reliability issues are exacerbated by the variations. We propose adaptive write and read schemes for highly efficient STT-MRAM and MeRAM programming and sensing that optimally selects write and read pulses to overcome process and temperature variation. With adaptive write, the write latency of STT-MRAM and MeRAM cache are reduced by up to 17 and 59 percent respectively, and application run time is improved by up to 41 percent. With adaptive read, the sensing margin is dramatically improved by 1.4X while maintaining read disturbance correctable by error-correcting-code (ECC) correction. To further mitigate read disturbance impact on memory system, additional adaptive read scheme can dynamically lower read voltage according to the proposed monitor result. It can extend memory service time by haft to one year, and reduce read disturbance induced memory failure by 59 to 84 percent. To better support these schemes, we also propose, design, and evaluate low-cost MTJ-based variation monitor, which precisely senses process and temperature variation. The monitor is over 10X faster, 5X more energy-efficient, and 20X smaller compared with conventional thermal monitors of similar accuracy.
A Review of Biologics and Other Treatment Modalities in HIV-Associated Psoriasis

Refractory psoriasis poses a significant challenge to dermatologists, and comorbid conditions may further exacerbate that challenge. This is especially true for conditions that compromise a patient’s immune status—such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)—as many of the most potent medications in the psoriasis armamentarium rely on immunomodulation. Moreover, patients with HIV are often excluded from clinical trials because of their immunocompromised state. Therefore, most treatment recommendations rely on anecdotal evidence derived from case reports and case series. This article reviews the current recommendations regarding management of HIV-associated psoriasis, with a particular focus on the relatively recent use of biologic agents in this population. Though there is a risk of compounding patients’ suppressed immune status, the reports to date have demonstrated promise in treating refractory HIV-associated psoriatic disease, and these agents may play a role in managing appropriately selected patients.
Education, Self-Importance, and the Propensity for Political Participation

Past research has largely centered on the link between education and political participation. Although an array of evidence has suggested that there is a positive—if not causal—relationship between the two, some suggest that the relationship is spurious or mediated by other factors. Using data from the General Social Survey (2004-2014), the present study intends to revisit the phenomenon while controlling for self-importance in order to resolve the previous conflicting findings. The bivariate cross-tabulation indicates that educational attainment is a significant determinant of political participation. The trivariate cross-tabulation, furthermore, uncovers that self-importance confounds the relationship between education and political participation, such that the impact of education on political participation is stronger among those who feel less important. To be sure, the higher a person’s educational attainment is, the more likely they are to participate in political processes; and, moreover, this is particularly true of those who have depressed understandings of their importance in the world. These findings suggest that those with low levels of self-importance—likely traditionally marginalized, stereotyped, or stigmatized groups—are least represented by government officials and mandates. This, in turn, creates an American governance that fails to adequately serve and represent the desires and needs of all its people. The study calls on further research to explore the impact of other related variables on the relationship between education and political participation, and to create more appropriate and comprehensive measures of political participation and self-importance.
Development and validation of a prediction equation estimating heat production by carbon dioxide entry rate technique.

A series of experiments was conducted to validate the CO2 entry rate technique (CERT) for prediction of heat production (HP) of sheep. Finnsheep cross wethers were used. Carbon dioxide production was estimated by continuous infusion of NaH14CO3 intraperitoneally and collection of saliva. Times required for 14C to equilibrate with the body CO2-bicarbonate pool and excretion of 14C in feces and urine were determined in four wethers (45.5 +/- 1.7 kg) infused for 3 d. Retention of radioactivity was measured for wethers (29.0 +/- 1.9 kg) slaughtered 3 h and 3, 10 and 15 d postinfusion. Using an indirect respiration calorimeter, CO2 production estimates were compared to values derived by CERT for six wethers (45.0 +/- .4 kg) fed at low, medium and high levels of intake. Further data on feed intake level and CO2 production were obtained from 24 wethers in two weight groups (29.5 +/- 1.1 and 42.3 +/- 1.4 kg) fed at three levels of intake. From 12 to 20 h were required for equilibration of NaH14CO3 and the body CO2-bicarbonate pool. Radioactivity of the saliva samples declined rapidly after cessation of infusion. Fecal and urine excretion of 14C was minimal. No detectable 14C was found in tissue of animals slaughtered after CERT. Estimates of daily CO2 production did not differ between the calorimetry and CERT measurements (20.6 vs 20.3 liters/kg body weight .75). Although feed intake levels were different, HP and respiratory quotients (RQ) did not differ between the methods. In the second calorimetry experiment, feed intake level was correlated with estimated HP. Respiratory quotient values did not differ among intake levels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Human monocytes bind to two cytokine-induced adhesive ligands on cultured human endothelial cells: endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1

Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1) are adhesive proteins induced on endothelium by cytokines. We examined the contribution of these adhesive proteins to human peripheral blood monocyte adherence to endothelium using transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells stably expressing these proteins and monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) to ELAM-1, VCAM-1, or CD49d/CD29 (VLA-4), the leukocyte receptor for VCAM-1. Monocytes bound to CHO cells transfected with cDNA of ELAM-1 or VCAM-1. Binding to ELAM-1 was inhibited by MoAb to ELAM-1 and binding to VCAM-1 was inhibited by MoAb to VCAM-1 or the alpha-chain of very late activation antigen-4 (VLA-4) (CD49d). Additive inhibition of adherence to unstimulated human umbilical vein endothelium (HUVE) was observed when monocytes were pretreated with both MoAb to CD49d and MoAb to CD18, the common beta-chain of the leukocyte beta 2 integrin receptors. Adherence of monocytes to HUVE stimulated by recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-alpha was not reduced by MoAbs to CD18, CD49d, or ELAM- 1 when used singly, but combinations of these MoAbs produced significant inhibition. We conclude that multiple receptor-ligand systems are involved in monocyte adherence to endothelium.
Screen of drug use: Diagnostic accuracy for stimulant use disorder

Abstract Aims Stimulant misuse, overdose, and related deaths have increased dramatically. Identifying and referring individuals with stimulant use disorder to treatment may reduce misuse and overdose. This study validated the 2-item Screen of Drug Use (SoDU; Tiet et al., 2015) to screen for stimulant use disorder (and for cocaine and amphetamine use disorders) in a VA primary care setting, and to establish its concurrent diagnostic validity among diverse subgroups of patients, including age, gender, race/ethnicity, marital status, educational level, and PTSD status. Methods Archival data from 1283 VA primary care patients recruited in California were examined. This predominantly male sample matched general VA primary care patient population characteristics. A total of 79 individuals (6.2%) met criteria for a stimulant use disorder. The criterion for having a stimulant use disorder was a DSM-IV cocaine use disorder and/or amphetamine use disorder diagnosis based on the Mini International Diagnostic Interview. Results For stimulant use disorder, the 2-item SoDU was 93.67% sensitive (95% confidence interval [CI], 85.84%–97.91%), and 89.12% specific (95% CI, 87.22%–90.82%). When tested in diverse subgroups of patients, the sensitivity ranged from 66.67% to 100% and specificity ranged from 76.81% to 94.17%. When a follow-up question was added, the sensitivity was unchanged and the specificity was 99%, with lower false positive rate. Conclusions The SoDU, especially with a follow-up question, is an appropriate instrument for routine screening of stimulant use disorder in VA primary care settings. It has good concurrent diagnostic validity for diverse groups of patients.
Neural Stimulation In Vitro and In Vivo by Photoacoustic Nanotransducers

Summary Neuromodulation is an invaluable approach for the study of neural circuits and clinical treatment of neurological diseases. Here, we report semiconducting polymer nanoparticles based photoacoustic nanotransducers (PANs) for neural stimulation in vitro and in vivo. Our PANs strongly absorb the nanosecond pulsed laser in the near-infrared second window (NIR-II) and generate localized acoustic waves. PANs are shown to be surface modified and selectively bind onto neurons. PAN-mediated activation of primary neurons in vitro is achieved with ten 3-ns laser pulses at 1,030 nm over a 3-ms duration. In vivo neural modulation of mouse brain activities and motor activities is demonstrated by PANs directly injected into brain cortex. With submillimeter spatial resolution and negligible heat deposition, PAN stimulation is a new non-genetic method for precise control of neuronal activities, opening up potentials in non-invasive brain modulation.
Political Bureaucratic Cycles: How Politicians’ Responses to Electoral Incentives and Anti-Corruption Policies Disrupt the Bureaucracy and Service Delivery around Elections

A vast literature has studied political cycles in economic outcomes and economic policy tools (political business and political budget cycles, respectively). I identify a related phenomenon, which I call political bureaucratic cycles: electoral cycles in the hiring and firing of bureaucrats and in the activities of public employees, which emerge as a result of the combination of electoral incentives and legal rules imposed to limit the use of public employment for electioneering. Empirically, I leverage administrative, identified, contract-level data on the universe of municipal employees in Brazil between 2002 and 2016 to measure political bureaucratic cycles. Hires and dismissals of municipal personnel show markedly cyclical patterns around elections, which are shaped by both incumbents’ electoral incentives and their reaction to well-meaning anti-corruption policies that constrain hiring and firing around elections. Cycles are most pronounced for temporary bureaucrats but are also detectable for civil service bureaucrats, which counters the received wisdom that civil service regimes isolate bureaucrats from political dynamics. Hiring and firing around elections are targeted at less educated people, which is consistent with political bureaucratic cycles partly responding to clientelistic strategies. Consistent with the clientelistic use of public employment, and the legal rigidities imposed on hiring around elections, pre-natal check-ups (a key output of the healthcare bureaucracy) are systematically lower around elections. Findings are grounded on, and complemented with, in-depth interviews with prosecutors, politicians and bureaucrats conducted in 7 states. The paper contributes to bridging the gap between the literatures on political budget/business cycles and on clientelism, two fields that have rarely been linked before.
The Effect of Sensor Fusion on Data-Driven Learning of Koopman Operators.

Dictionary methods for system identification typically rely on one set of measurements to learn governing dynamics of a system. In this paper, we investigate how fusion of output measurements with state measurements affects the dictionary selection process in Koopman operator learning problems. While prior methods use dynamical conjugacy to show a direct link between Koopman eigenfunctions in two distinct data spaces (measurement channels), we explore the specific case where output measurements are nonlinear, non-invertible functions of the system state. This setup reflects the measurement constraints of many classes of physical systems, e.g., biological measurement data, where one type of measurement does not directly transform to another. We propose output constrained Koopman operators (OC-KOs) as a new framework to fuse two measurement sets. We show that OC-KOs are effective for sensor fusion by proving that when learning a Koopman operator, output measurement functions serve to constrain the space of potential Koopman observables and their eigenfunctions. Further, low-dimensional output measurements can be embedded to inform selection of Koopman dictionary functions for high-dimensional models. We propose two algorithms to identify OC-KO representations directly from data: a direct optimization method that uses state and output data simultaneously and a sequential optimization method. We prove a theorem to show that the solution spaces of the two optimization problems are equivalent. We illustrate these findings with a theoretical example and two numerical simulations.
Data-driven proxy at hydraulic fracture cluster level: A technique for efficient CO2- enhanced gas recovery and storage assessment in shale reservoir

Abstract The continuing development of the organic-rich and extremely low permeability shale reservoirs in the United States has the potential to positively impact the future of carbon storage. Due to the unique characteristics of shale reservoirs, not only can CO 2 be safely stored, it also can be preferentially adsorbed and displace methane, leading to enhanced gas recovery. However, CO 2 storage in depleted or nearly depleted shale formations is not completely risk free. Thus, prior to making the economic commitment to a full-field CO 2 sequestration project, a systematic analysis of the complete set of variables must be considered in the planning of a shale-CO 2 storage initiative. Numerical modeling and simulation is a robust tool that can provide an insight into how the system may operate in order to further understand the feasibility and assist in the design and operation of such a project, and to predict changes that may occur. In order to perform a comprehensive uncertainty analysis, a large number of simulation runs are required. Designing and running simulation cases to model enhanced gas recovery and storage in shale by applying the Explicit Hydraulic Fracture modeling technique (EHF) is long and laborious, and its implementation is computationally expensive. In this paper, a data-driven approach with pattern recognition algorithms is used to develop a new generation of a shale proxy model at the hydraulic fracture cluster level, as a replica of a reservoir simulation model. For more accurate analysis, instead of commonly used mechanistic models, a history-matched hydraulic fractured Marcellus shale pad with multiple stages/clusters is used as a base case to perform the analysis. The detailed procedure for development of the Data-driven proxy model is explained and the model is validated using blind simulation runs. The developed Data-driven proxy model is capable of accurately reproducing the calculated CO 2 injection, CO 2 /CH 4 production profiles, and CO 2 breakthrough time from the numerical simulation model, for each cluster/stage and horizontal lateral. Joint use of the deterministic reservoir model with the Data-driven proxy model can serve as a novel screening and optimization tool for the techno-economic evaluation of the CO 2 -Enhanced Gas Recovery (EGR) and Storage process in shale systems.
Structures of the promoter and operator of the glpD gene encoding aerobic sn-glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase of Escherichia coli K-12.

Abstract The nucleotide sequence of a 690-base-pair DNA segment containing the control region for the glpD gene encoding aerobic sn-glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase was determined. An ATG translation initiation codon with an adjacent ribosome-binding site was found which preceded an open reading frame continuing 61 codons to the end of the DNA that was sequenced. The start site for transcription, identified by using primer extension analysis, was located 42 base pairs upstream from the proposed Met start codon. The transcription start site was preceded by a region containing typical -10 and -35 sequences found in bacterial promoters. A binding site for the cyclic AMP-cyclic AMP receptor protein complex (identified by comparison with the consensus-binding sequence and verified by using DNase I footprinting) was located just upstream from the -35 sequence, centered at position -63. The interaction site for the glp repressor was identified by using DNase I footprinting. It consisted of a 49-base-pair region which started at the -10 sequence and continued to position +38. This region contained two directly repeated sequences, each possessing hyphenated dyad symmetry, which suggests that the operator is tandemly repeated. The presence of two adjacent operators may explain why expression of the glpD gene is the most sensitive to repressor when compared with expression of the other operons that are members of the glp regulon.
Relationship between DOC concentration and vadose zone thickness and depth below water table in groundwater of Cape Cod, U.S.A.

Changes in concentration ofdissolved organic carbon (DOC) reflectbiogeochemical processes that determinechemical composition of groundwater and othernatural waters. We found that the deeper thevadose zone, the lower the concentration of DOCin groundwater near the water table, indicatingthat considerable attenuation ofsurface-derived DOC occurred in the vadosezone. Under vadose zones 20 mg C l−1, while forvadose zones >5.0 m, DOC never exceeded2.0 mg C l−1. DOC concentrations alsodecreased exponentially with increasing depthbelow the water table, most notably in theupper two meters, implying continuedattenuation in the upper layer of the saturatedzone. Ninety-nine percent of the DOC wasattenuated by the time the water reached adepth of 19 m below the water table. A stronginverse relationship between DOC and nitrateconcentrations suggests that nitrate isdepleted where DOC supplies are high, providingevidence that some portion of the DOC losses ingroundwater are due to microbialtransformations, including denitrification. DOC concentrations in shallow groundwater showconsiderable spatial variability, butconcentration of DOC at any one site issurprisingly stable over time. The largestsource of variation in DOC concentration ingroundwater therefore is spatial rather thantemporal, suggesting that local heterogeneitiesplay an important role in DOC delivery toshallow groundwater. Our results highlightboth the importance of shallow vadose areas inDOC delivery to groundwater and the need todistinguish where samples are collected inrelation to flow paths before conclusions aremade about mean groundwater DOC concentrations. The substantial losses of DOC in the vadosezone and in shallow depths within the aquifersuggest quite active biogeochemical processesin these boundary environments.
Sexual dimorphism and natural movements of the American eel(Anguilla rostrata) in Rhode Island streams and estuaries

1. The eyes of silver males were much enlarged, but not thoses of femaleAnguilla rostrata specimens. 2. Silver males were smaller than silver females. 3. Males predominated in freshwater and the proportion of females increased in estuaries. 4. In trap catches from 1969 to 1972, most silver eel runs occurred from September through November and came after rains or in the third and fourth lunar quarters. More yellow eels are also caught at this time. 5. Based on records from an electronic fish counter, silver eels moved primarily from just after sundown to 2300 hr. 6. It is suggested that with regard to stimuli initiating migration, a great deal of redundancy is built into the system so that reproduction is assured.
Oxysterols: modulators of cholesterol metabolism and other processes.

Oxygenated derivatives of cholesterol (oxysterols) present a remarkably diverse profile of biological activities, including effects on sphingolipid metabolism, platelet aggregation, apoptosis, and ...
Updates on Clinically Isolated Syndrome and Diagnostic Criteria for Multiple Sclerosis

Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) is a central nervous system demyelinating event isolated in time that is compatible with the possible future development of multiple sclerosis (MS). Early risk stratification for conversion to MS helps with treatment decisions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is currently the most useful tool to evaluate risk. Cerebrospinal fluid studies and evoked potentials may also be used to assess the likelihood of MS. Four clinical trials evaluating the benefits of either interferon β (IFN-β) or glatiramer acetate (GA) within the first 3 months after a high-risk CIS demonstrate decreased rates of conversion to clinically definite MS (CDMS) and a lesser degree of MRI progression with early treatment. In the 3-, 5-, and 10-year extension studies of 2 formulations of IFN-β, the decreased conversion rate to CDMS remained meaningful when comparing early treatment of CIS to treatment delayed by a median of 2 to 3 years. Diagnostic criteria have been developed based on the clinical and MRI follow-up of large cohorts with CIS and provide guidance on how to utilize clinical activity in combination with radiographic information to diagnose MS. The most recent 2010 McDonald criteria simplify requirements for dissemination in time and space and allow for diagnosis of MS from a baseline brain MRI if there are both silent gadolinium-enhancing lesions and nonenhancing lesions on the same imaging study. The diagnostic criteria for MS require special consideration in children at risk for acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), in older adults who may have small vessel ischemic disease, and in ethnic groups that more commonly develop neuromyelitis optica (NMO).
Suspected neurological impairment and cognitive abilities: a longitudinal study.

Summary.-This study investigated the relationship between suspected neurological impairment (SNI) and cognitive abilities. Performances on cognitive measures administered between 8 mo. and 8 yr. of age were compared employing two different impaired groups and a neurologically normal group. One group demonsrrated deviance at Age 1 and neurological normalcy at Age 7 (SNI-1) whereas the other group demonstrated normalcy at Age 1 and neurological deviance at Age 7 (SNI-7). The former evidenced particular difficulty with verbal mental skills, whereas, the latter demonsrrated a global pattern of depressed cognitive impairment. However, impairment extended to academic skills at Age 8 for both groups. Deviation was identified at 8 mo. for the former and at 4 yr. for the latter group. The serial use of psychological measures for early screening of the former group was effective, therefore, but more discerning measures are needed to detect subtle deviations which may have existed for one group at Age 7 yr. The need for the identification or development of effective language measures for use with young children was also indicated.
Can molecular dynamics simulations assist in design of specific inhibitors and imaging agents of amyloid aggregation? Structure, stability and free energy predictions for amyloid oligomers of VQIVYK, MVGGVV and LYQLEN.

The aggregation modes of hexapeptide fragments of Tau, Insulin and Aβ peptide (VQIVYK, MVGGVV and LYQLEN) were found from their microcrystalline structures that had been recently resolved by X-ray analysis. The atomic structures reveal a dry self-complementary interface between the neighboring β-sheet layers, termed “steric zipper”. In this study we perform several all-atom molecular dynamics simulations with explicit water to analyze stability of the crystalline fragments of 2-10 hexapeptides each and their analogs with single glycine replacement mutations to investigate the structural stability, aggregation behavior and thermodynamic of the amyloid oligomers. Upon comparing single and double layer models, our results reveal that additional strands contribute significantly to the structural stability of the peptide oligomers for double layer model, while in the case of single layer model the stability decreases (or remains the same in the case of LYQLEN). This is in agreement with the previous studies performed on different types of amyloid models. We also replaced the side-chains participating in the steric zipper interfaces with glycine. None of the mutants were structurally stable compared to the respective wild type model, except for mutants V2G and V6G in MVGGVV2 case. The exception can be explained by structural features of this particular polymorph. The double layer decamer and dodecamer aggregates of the wild type hexapeptides appear to be stable at 300K, which is confirmed by the conservation of high anti-parallel β-sheet content throughout the whole simulation time. Deletions of the side chains resulted in decline of secondary structure content compared to corresponding wild type indicating that the role of the replaced amino acid in stabilizing the structure. Detailed analysis of the binding energy reveals that stability of these peptide aggregates is determined mainly by the van der Waals and hydrophobic forces that can serve as quantitative measure of shape complementarities between the side chains. This observation implies that interactions among side chains forming the dehydrated steric zipper, rather than among those exposed to water, are the major structural determinant. The electrostatic repulsion destabilizes the studied double layer aggregates in two cases, while stabilizes the other two. Negative total binding free energy indicates that both wild type and mutants complex formation is favorable. However, the mutants complexation is less favorable than the wild type’s. The present study provides the atomic level understanding of the aggregation behavior and the driving force for the amyloid aggregates, and could be useful for rational design of amyloid inhibitors and amyloid-specific biomarkers for diagnostic purposes.
“Loyal to a Dream Country”: Republicanism and the Pragmatism of William James and Richard Rorty

Our nation has been founded in what we may call our American religion, baptized and reared in the faith that a man requires no master to take care of him, and that common people can work out their salvation well enough together if left free to try.William James, “Robert Gould Shaw Oration,” 1897[T]he civic religion of which Whitman and Dewey were prophets … centered around taking advantage of traditional pride in American citizenship by substituting social justice for individual freedom as our country's principal goal … You have to be loyal to a dream country rather than to the one to which you wake up every morning.Richard Rorty, “A Cultural Left,” 1997James and Rorty refer here to what sociologists used to call the American civil religion. In 1967, Robert N. Bellah coined this phrase to suggest how Americans, shaped by the complex interplay of republican and Christian traditions, believe they have an obligation “to carry out God's will on earth.” Since the 1970s, though, it has been historians like J. G. A. Pocock who have shown how republicans throughout the modern West have for the last five centuries blended the millennialist beliefs of Christianity with the ancient conviction that humans realize their political nature through the virtuous acts required to sustain republics in a cosmos ruled by fortune. As James once said of pragmatism, republicanism is a new name for an old way of thinking.
Use of the Angiojet Catheter to Remove Plaque Outside a Neuroprotection Filter during Carotid Artery Stenting

Carotid protection devices (CPD) during carotid artery stenting reduce the risk of cerebral embolization. The presence of debris outside the filter presents a problem as the material may be plaque or thrombus. We report a case that required the use of the Angiojet catheter to remove debris outside the CPD.
Carbon cost of root systems: an architectural approach

Root architecture is an important component of nutrient uptake and may be sensitive to carbon allocational changes brought about by rising CO2. We describe a deformable geometric model of root growth, SimRoot, for the dynamic morphological and physiological simulation of root architectures. Using SimRoot, and measurements of root biomass deposition, respiration and exudation, carbon/phosphorus budgets were developed for three contrasting root architectures. Carbon allocation patterns and phosphorus acquisition efficiencies were estimated for Phaseolus vulgaris seedlings with either a dichotomous, herringbone, or empirically determined bean root architecture. Carbon allocation to biomass, respiration, and exudation varied significantly among architectures. Root systems also varied in the relationship between C expenditure and P acquisition, providing evidence for the importance of architecture in nutrient acquisition efficiency.
Zirconium Diboride with High Thermal Conductivity

Thermal properties were characterized for zirconium diboride produced by reactive hot pressing and compared to ZrB2 ceramics that were hot pressed from commercial powders. No sintering additives were used in either process. Thermal conductivity was calculated from measured values of heat capacity, thermal diffusivity, and density for temperatures ranging from 298 to 2273 K. ZrB2 produced by reactive hot pressing achieved near full density, but had a small volume fraction of ZrO2, whereas hot-pressed ZrB2 contained porosity and carbon inclusions. Reactive hot pressing produced a ceramic with higher thermal diffusivity and heat capacity, resulting in thermal conductivities of 127 W·(m·K)−1 at 298 K and 80 W·(m·K)−1 at 2273 K, which were up to ~30% higher than typically reported for hot-pressed ZrB2.
Mathematical considerations of nonhomogeneous production processes

Abstract A production process in which the production matrix changes with respect to time is called a nonhomogeneous production process. This paper gives several mathematical results on these nonhomogeneous production processes.
The effects of ATP and cAMP on the thermal tolerance of the mudpuppy, Necturus maculosus

Abstract 1. 1.|Data from previous studies suggest that cellular thermal tolerance depends in part on the availability of high-energy metabolites. To determine if a similar phenomenon is involved in the regulation of thermal tolerance in whole organisms, we treated the mudpuppy, Necturus maculosus , with drugs presumed to elevate or depress hypothalamic levels of either adenosine triphosphate (ATP) or cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). 2. 2.|Injections, into the third ventricle, of ATP, cAMP, and theophylline (which elevates endogenous levels of cAMP) elicited dose-related increases in the critical thermal maximum (CTM). 3. 3.|A dose-related decrease in the CTM resulted when animals were treated with 2-deoxy- D -glucose, a nonmetabolizable glucose analogue.
Pancreatectomy in the chicken: does an extra-pancreatic source of insulin exist?

Abstract The possibility of an extrapancreatic source of insulin in aves was studied in adult Single Comb White Leghorn chickens. The effect of partial pancreatectomy (99%) on plasma glucose and immunoreactive insulin (IRI) levels, as well as the tolerance of these depancreatized birds to a glucose load was estimated. Evaluation also was made of the action of tolbutamide in partially depancreatized, totally depancreatized, and sham-operated chickens. Results obtained indicate that partial pancreatectomy (99%) has only transient effects (several days) on plasma glucose and IRI levels. Also, surgical extirpation of the pancreas does not prevent tolbutamide-induced hypoglycemia secondary to insulin release, although such surgery does impair glucose tolerance concomitant with a diminished release of assayable IRI in response to an injected glucose load. Although remnant (1%) pancreatic tissue (splenic lobe) was observed to increase (up to 550%) in size 16 days after partial pancreatectomy, removal of this remnant in a second operation neither abolished circulating IRI 20 hr later nor did it prevent the characteristic hypoglycemic response to injected tolbutamide. The data presented herein suggest the existence of accessory β-islet tissue, yet to be located/described or, alternatively, the presence of a nonpancreatic source of insulin in the chicken.
Steroid hormones for contraception in men: systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Abstract Male hormonal contraception has been an elusive goal. Administration of sex steroids to men can shut off sperm production through effects on the pituitary and hypothalamus. However, this approach also decreases production of testosterone, so an “add-back” therapy is needed. We conducted a systematic review of all randomized controlled trials of male hormonal contraception and azoospermia. Few significant differences emerged from these trials. Levonorgestrel implants combined with injectable testosterone enanthate (100 mg im) were significantly more effective than was levonorgestrel 125 μg po daily combined with testosterone patches [10 mg/d; odds ratio (OR) for azoospermia with the oral levonorgestrel regimen, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.00–0.29]. The addition of levonorgestrel 500 μg po daily improved the effectiveness of testosterone enanthate 100 mg im weekly by itself (OR for azoospermia with the combined regimen, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.00–15.99). Several regimens, including testosterone alone and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists and antagonists, had disappointing results. In conclusion, no male hormonal contraceptive is ready for clinical use. All trials published to date have been small exploratory studies. As a result, their power to detect important differences has been limited and their results have been imprecise. In addition, the definition of oligospermia has been imprecise or inconsistent in many reports. To avoid bias, future trials need to pay more attention on the methodological requirements for randomized controlled trials. Trials with adequate power would also be helpful.
LACTOBACILLUS CURVATUS PRODUCES A BACTERIOCIN‐LIKE AGENT ACTIVE AGAINST GRAM‐NEGATIVE PATHOGENIC BACTERIA

Isolates from fermented foods were screened for antimicrobial activity against gram-negative bacteria. The most active isolate was identified as a Lactobacillus curvatus by biochemical analysis and ribotyping, and the isolate was designated as OSY-HJC6. Lactobacillus curvatus OSY-HJC6 was further tested for intracellular and extracellular production of antimicrobial agents. A reduction of >8 log 10 cfu/mL was observed when cell suspensions of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis and Bscherichia coli O157:H7 were treated with equal volumes of Lb. curvatus culture supernatant. Gram-positive bacteria were not sensitive to the culture supernatant, but antimicrobial activity was detected when the cell extract was tested against several gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Culture supernatant and cell extract retained the antimicrobial activity after heating at 60-100C for 10 min but not after protease treatment. The cell extract of Lb. curvatus retarded the growth of E. coli p220 in broth medium and food extracts (i.e., bacteriostatic action) but showed bactericidal activity against the bacterium in phosphate buffer.
Fiber luminescent solar concentrator fabrics

We present the design, fabrication, and characterization of all-polymer optical fiber luminescent solar concentrators. Large-area, lightweight, and flexible fabrics constructed of such fibers are a low-cost solar-energy harvesting alternative useful for mobile applications.
Foraging for intermittently refuged prey : theory and field observations of a parasitoid

Summary 1 Many insect herbivores feed in concealed locations but become accessible intermittently, creating windows of greater vulnerability to attack, and generating a proportion of the prey population that is readily accessible to foraging natural enemies. We incorporated accessible prey into an extant optimal foraging model, and found that this addition allowed opportunistic exploitation of prey that have already emerged from refugia (the leaving strategy) as a viable strategy, in addition to waiting at refugia for prey to emerge (the waiting strategy). 2 We parameterized the model empirically for the parasitoid Macrocentrus grandii and its host, Ostrinia nubilalis, under field conditions. The model predicted that M. grandii should adopt a leaving strategy when host patch density is high (travel time between patches is short), but a waiting strategy when host patch density is low (travel time between patches is long). 3 Field observations of M. grandii patch tenure were consistent with model predictions, indicating that M. grandii exhibited flexible behaviour based on experience within a foraging bout, and that these behavioural shifts improved foraging efficiency. 4 Behaviour of M. grandii was responsive to heterogeneity in host emergence rates, and appeared to be driven by the relatively small proportion of the host population that became accessible at a fast rate. Therefore understanding forager responses to intermittently refuged prey may require characterization of the behaviour of a subset of the prey population, rather than the average prey individual. 5 The model can potentially be used as a framework for comparative studies across forager taxa, to understand when foragers on intermittently accessible prey should adopt fixed waiting or leaving strategies vs. a flexible strategy that is responsive to the current environment.
Bond Formation by Wood Surface Reactions Part II. Chemical Mechanisms of Nitric Acid Activation

Abstract Previous research on chemical bonding has shown that a wood bond can be achieved by surface reactions when the wood is chemically activated prior to pressing. Activation by nitric acid appears to produce the most consistent results. The objective of this study was to elucidate the chemical mechanisms of nitric acid activation through the use of analytical instrumental techniques and identification of wood degradation products. Infrared and ultra-violet spectroscopic analysis of nitric acid treated sugar maple and isolated wood polymers indicated extensive oxidation, nitration and hydrolysis of the wood polysaccharides and lignin. The major effects were noted at ambient temperature although additional treatment at 100°C caused further modification. The lignin and xylan (hemicellulose) were the most extensively modified components as monitored by Klason lignin, Kjeldahl nitrogen and sugar analyses. Lignin is heavily nitrated and over 30% of the xylan (xylose) is lost during nitric acid treatment. T...
EXERTION LEVEL AND THE INTENSITY OF ASSOCIATED MOVEMENTS

UMMARY Associated movements in the contralateral limbs were measured quantitatively for 42 seven- to eight-year-old children who wrote with the right hand. Associated movements of the contralateral homologous muscles systematically increased as a function of the intensity of contraction of the active hand. The associated movements were more intense when the left hand was active. The order of hand use markedly affected the lateral asymmetry, indicating that the right and left hands were affected differentially by previous activity. Associated movements of the contralateral antagonist muscles were also observed, and their frequency varied as a function of active hand and exertion level. RESUME Les mouvements associes des membres contro-lateraux ont eteetudies quantitativement chez 42 enfants âges de sept ou huit ans ecrivant avec la main droite. Les mouvements assocites des muscles controlateraux homologues augmentaient systematiquement en fonction de l'intensite de la contraction dans la main active. Les mouvements assocites etaient plus intenses lorsque la main gauche etait active. L'ordre d'utilisation de la main affectait de facon marquee l'asymetrie laterale, indiquant que les mains droite et gauche etaient affectees differemment par l'activite anterieure. Les mouvements associes des muscles antagonistes contralateraux ont ete aussi observes et leur frequence variait en fonction de la main active et du niveau d'activite. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Bei 42 sieben- bis achtjahrigen Kindern, die mit der rechten Hand schrieben, wurden die assoziierten Bewegungen der kontralateralen Seite quantitativ gemessen. Die assoziierten Bewegungen der kontralateralen homologen Muskeln nahmen systematisch als eine Funktion des Kontraktionsgrades der aktiven Hand zu. Die assoziierten Bewegungen waren intensiver, wenn die linke Hand aktiv war. Die Reihenfolge des Handgebrauchs beeinfluste deutlich die laterale Asymmetrie, was anzeigt, das die rechte und linke Hand durch vorausgegangene Aktivitat unterschiedlich beeinflust wurden. Es wurden auch assoziierte Bewegungen der kontralateralen Antagonisten beobachtet, ihre Frequenz wechselte als eine Funktion der aktiven Hand und des Anspannungsgrades. RESUMEN Si midieron los movimientos asociados de las extremidades contralaterales y de forma cuantitativa en 42 nnos de siete a ocho anos de edad, que escribian con la mano derecha. Los movimientos asociados de los musculos homologos contralaterales aumentaban sistematicamente en funcion de la intensidad de la contraccion de la mano activa. Los movimientos asociados eran mas intensos cuando la mano izquierda era la activa. El orden en el uso de la mano afectaba marcadamente la asimetria lateral, indicando que las manos derecha e izquierda se afectaban diferentemente sugun la actividad previa. Tambien se observaron movimientos asociados de los musculos antagonistas contralaterales i su frecuencia variaba en funcion de la mano activa y el nivel de esfuerzo.