cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
KdV charges and the generalized torus partition sum in TT‾ deformation

Abstract We consider KdV currents in a quantum field theory obtained by deforming a two dimensional conformal field theory via the irrelevant operator T T ‾ . In this paper we determine their torus one–point functions modular properties. We find that the one–point functions decompose into a direct sum of two non–holomorphic modular forms. We also obtain a general differential equation that the KdV generalized torus partition sum satisfies. The differential equation provides a non–perturbative description of T T ‾ deformed theories.
DETECTION OF PROSTHETIC AORTIC VALVE ENDOCARDITIS WITH ROOT ABSCESS USING FDG-PET IMAGING

Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is a serious complication that traditionally relies upon transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to determine the presence of vegetation, valve dysfunction and abscess. More recently, FDG-PET imaging may play a role in detecting infective tissue or abscess. A 61-
Ultrafast Excitation Transfer in Cy5 DNA Photonic Wires Displays Dye Conjugation and Excitation Energy Dependency.

DNA scaffolds enable base-pair-specific positioning of fluorescent molecules, allowing for nanometer-scale precision in controlling multidye interactions. Expanding on this concept, DNA-based molecular photonic wires (MPWs) allow for light harvesting and directional propagation of photonic energy on the nanometer scale. The most common MPW examples exploit Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET), and FRET between the same dye species (HomoFRET) was recently shown to increase the distance and efficiency at which MPWs can function. Although increased proximity between adjacent fluorophores can be used to increase the energy transfer efficiency, FRET assumptions break down as the distance between the dye molecules becomes comparable to their size (∼2 nm). Here we compare dye conjugation with single versus dimer Cy5 dye repeats as HomoFRET MPW components on a double-crossover DNA scaffold. At room temperature (RT) under low-light conditions, end-labeled uncoupled dye molecules provide optimal transfer, while the Cy5 dimers show ultrafast (<100 ps) nonradiative decay that severely limits their functionality. Of particular interest is the observation that through increased excitation fluence as well as cryogenic temperatures, the dimeric MPW shows suppression of the ultrafast decay, demonstrating fluorescence lifetimes similar to the single Cy5 MPWs. This work points to the complex dynamic capabilities of dye-based nanophotonic networks, where dye positioning and interactions can become critical, and could be used to extend the lengths and complexities of such dye-DNA devices, enabling multiparameter nanophotonic circuitry.
Are Republicans Bad for the Environment

Does the partisanship of officeholders affect environmental outcomes? The popular perception is that Republicans are bad for the environment, but complicating factors like federalism may limit this...
Expanded carrier screening for recessively inherited disorders: economic burden and factors in decision-making when one individual in a couple is identified as a carrier.

When undergoing expanded carrier screening (ECS), couples are often screened sequentially to reduce need for a second individual’s test. It is unknown how often partners of individuals found to be carriers complete the recommended testing with a sequential approach and what factors contribute to decision-making regarding partner testing. Additionally, the economic burden placed on individuals by ECS testing and its effect on partner testing has not been evaluated. In part 1, all individuals at a university-affiliated reproductive endocrinology and infertility practice identified to be carriers of a recessively inherited mutation using the Counsyl/Foresight ECS were included. Conditions were categorized by severity according to a previously described classification system. In part 2, all individuals who underwent ECS with a single test provider between September 1, 2013 and February 1, 2020 were contacted via email to complete a confidential and anonymized online survey. In part 1, a total of 2061 patients were screened. 36.9% were carriers of one or more recessively inherited disorders. Twenty-seven percent of positively screened individuals did not have their partner screened. Carriers of a moderate condition had a trend towards a reduced odds for having their partner screened compared to a profound condition (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.12–1.05, p = 0.06). Number of conditions was not predictive of subsequent partner screening (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.72–1.25, p = 0.72). In part 2, the cost of ECS was not covered by insurance for 54.5% (103/189) and most paid over $300 out-of-pocket for testing (47.6%). The most common reason for not completing partner testing was that the results would not alter their course when seeking conception (33.3%). 73.5% of patients knew that the largest benefit of ECS comes from knowing a partner’s results as well as their own. Not all carriers of recessively inherited disorders choose to undergo partner screening. Patients found to be carrier of more debilitating genetic disorders may be more likely to screen their reproductive partners. For many, ECS testing is not covered by insurance, and this test may impose a significant economic burden. For some patients, the results of ECS would not change what they would do when seeking conception. Providers should evaluate whether a patient’s ECS result would change their treatment course prior to testing.
Unpacking the Agricultural Black Box: The Rise and Fall of American Farm Productivity Growth

Has the golden age of U.S. agricultural productivity growth ended? We analyze the detailed patterns of productivity growth spanning a century of profound changes in American agriculture. We document a substantial slowing of U.S. farm productivity growth, following a late mid-century surge—20 years after the surge and slowdown in U.S. industrial productivity growth. We posit and empirically probe three related explanations for this farm productivity surge-slowdown: the time path of agricultural RD a big wave of technological progress associated with great clusters of inventions; and dynamic aspects of the structural transformation of agriculture, largely completed by 1980.
Chronic Demyelination and Axonal Degeneration in Multiple Sclerosis: Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Implications

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Inflammatory attacks in MS lead to both demyelination and axonal damage. However, due to incomplete remyelination most MS lesions remain chronically demyelinated. In parallel, there is axonal degeneration in the CNS of MS patients, contributing to progressive disability. There are currently no approved therapies that adequately restore myelin or protect axons from degeneration. In this review, we will discuss the pathophysiology of axonal loss and chronic demyelination in MS and how understanding this pathophysiology is leading to the development of new MS therapeutics. Ongoing research into the function of oligodendrocytes and myelin has revealed the importance of their relationship with neuronal health. Demyelination in MS leads to a number of pathophysiologic changes contributing to axonal generation. Among these are mitochondrial dysfunction, persistent neuroinflammation, and the effects of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. With this information, we review currently approved and investigational therapies designed to restore lost or damaged myelin and protect against neuronal degeneration. The development of therapies to restore lost myelin and protect neurons is a promising avenue of investigation for the benefit of patients with MS.
A fuel cell powered autonomous surface vehicle: The Eco-SWAMP project

Abstract Autonomous surface vehicles are becoming consolidated robotic tools for marine, coastal and inland surveys. Autonomous surface vehicles are usually equipped with electronic instruments to perform remotely controlled or autonomous geo-morphological, biological, chemical, physical analyses and data collection. Actually, well-established solutions provide battery power but the research focuses on introducing a fuel cell to decrease the environmental impact meanwhile increasing the cruising range. In this paper, the design of the Eco-SWAMP, a fuel cell powered autonomous surface vehicle, is presented starting from its battery-powered version, the SWAMP prototype. The experimental power consumption profile of the SWAMP during four missions is analysed to define the primary energy sources ratings of the Eco-SWAMP. After a commercial choice of primary sources, power management algorithms are designed and compared in MATLAB/Simulink environment by simulation results. The proposed procedure can be easily applied to any autonomous marine vehicle.
Disciplinary Fluidity: Academic Journals, Book Reviewing, Information and Knowledge Flow

Book reviews are an indicator of information and knowledge flow. This study explores and discusses the importance of disciplinary cultures among academic disciplines and disciplinary influence. Utilizing book reviews in disciplinary publications in history for the years 2016–2020, from two canonical history databases, a bibliometric view emerging of a selection of subjects reviewed in journals not associated with the disciplinary subject of research. Examination of book reviews for the fluidity of knowledge in academic disciplines provides evidence of information and knowledge flow in publishing academic books. Data and discussion further frames and situates the growing hybridization of subjects of research and their disciplinary publishing. Book reviews, as a barometer and approach to examining this phenomenon, illustrates book reviewing vis-a-vis academic disciplinary journals that are receptive to other disciplinary objects of research, not generally associated with that discipline. As scholarly research continues to metamorphose, book reviewing assumes a receptive and broader intellectual and publishing ecology.
Ecdysone exerts biphasic control of regenerative signaling, coordinating the completion of regeneration with developmental progression

Abstract In Drosophila melanogaster, loss of regenerative capacity in wing imaginal discs coincides with an increase in systemic levels of the steroid hormone ecdysone, a key coordinator of their developmental progression. Regenerating discs release the relaxin hormone Dilp8, which limits ecdysone synthesis and extends the regenerative period. Here, we describe how regenerating tissues produce a biphasic response to ecdysone levels: lower concentrations of ecdysone promote local and systemic regenerative signaling, whereas higher concentrations suppress regeneration through the expression of broad splice isoforms. Ecdysone also promotes the expression of wingless during both regeneration and normal development through a distinct regulatory pathway. This dual role for ecdysone explains how regeneration can still be completed successfully in dilp8- mutant larvae: higher ecdysone levels increase the regenerative activity of tissues, allowing regeneration to reach completion in a shorter time. From these observations, we propose that ecdysone hormone signaling functions to coordinate regeneration with developmental progression. Summary Statement Ecdysone coordinates regenerative activity with developmental progression through the biphasic, concentration-dependent activation, and suppression of regenerative signaling.
Patient-Centered Care in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

While treatment of substance use disorders has traditionally been “program-centered,” there is an increasing move toward more “patient-centered” approaches that take into account patient preferences, needs, and values. Examples of patient-centered approaches include harm reduction services and offering flexible treatment (including medications) in a variety of locations without preconditions or prespecified duration. Guiding principles include collaborating with patients on developing goals of treatment, focusing on clinical and nonclinical outcomes and quality of life rather than drug abstinence. Offering (or providing) patient-centered care upholds the ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, and justice. There is also growing evidence that this approach is what patients want and that this improves outcomes.
Telehealth for Young Adults With Diabetes: Addressing Social Determinants of Health

Type 1 diabetes is a challenging chronic condition and can lead to diabetes-related distress and disengagement. Historically disadvantaged, racially and ethnically diverse young adults (YAs) with type 1 diabetes experience higher blood glucose levels and encounter more barriers to care than their White counterparts. Current research shows that telehealth may provide a route for improving psychosocial issues and diabetes care among YAs.
Modern Theology and Contemporary Legal Theory: A Tale of Ideological Collapse

This paper bridges an intellectual chasm often regarded as impassable, that between modern jurisprudence (philosophy of law) and contemporary theology. Our thesis is that remarkably similar developmental patterns exist in these two areas of the history of ideas and that lessons learned in the one are of the greatest potential value to the other. It will be shown that the fivefold movement in the history of modern theology (classical liberalism, neoorthodoxy, Bultmannian existentialism, Tillichian ontology, and secular/deathof-God viewpoints) has been remarkably paralled in legal theory (realism/positivism, the jurisprudence ofH.L.A. Hart, the philosophy ofRonald Dworkin, the neo-Kantian political theorists, and Critical Legal Studies' deconstructionism). From this comparative analysis the theologian and the legal theorist can learn vitally important lessons for their own professional endeavors.
Absence of photoreceptor rescue with D-cis-diltiazem in the rd mouse.

Purpose Because of a previous report suggesting that D-cis-diltiazem slows retinal degeneration in rd mice, this study was undertaken to examine the effect of D-cis-diltiazem on photoreceptor structure and function in this line of mice. Methods Mice were randomly assigned to daily intraperitoneal injections of D-cis-diltiazem or saline between postnatal days 9 and 24. On postnatal day 26 or 27, retinal function was assessed by recording dark-adapted bright-flash ERGs in all animals. Retinal morphology was examined in fixed sections and in immunolabeled frozen sections. Examiners were masked to the treatment group assignment. Results On postnatal days 26 and 27, diltiazem- and saline-treated mice had only one row of remaining photoreceptor cells throughout most of the central retina. Cone cells in the periphery had remnants of inner segments. Total cell counts and separate counts of rod and cone photoreceptor cells by immunostaining were similar in the diltiazem- versus saline-treated mice. Both groups of mice had, on average, comparable subnormal ERG amplitudes. Conclusions D-cis-Diltiazem had no detectable effect on preservation of photoreceptor structure and function in rd mice.
Characterization of Bacillus pumilus E601 Spores After Single Sublethal Gamma Irradiation Treatments

Eighteen survivor strains of Bacillus pumilus E601 have been isolated after single sublethal irradiation treatments with 60Co. Primary isolation was based on the loss of motility and pellicle formation. However, with subsequent subcultivation, eight isolates reverted back to the standard of exhibiting motility and pellicle formation. Characteristics of the isolates include alterations in spore radiation resistance and in the amino acid requirements for spore germination and outgrowth. Other alterations in cultural and physiological characteristics were found. Three of the isolates were asporogenous.
Interactions of basic proteins with phospholipid membranes. Binding and changes in the sodium permeability of phosphatidylserine vesicles.

Abstract The interactions of four positively charged proteins, lysozyme, cytochrome c, ribonuclease, and poly-l-lysine, with negatively charged phosphatidylserine vesicles and vesicles consisting of a mixture of phosphatidylserine and neutral phosphatidylcholine were studied. Protein binding, as measured by spectrophotometric techniques for cytochrome c and microelectrophoresis, was correlated with effects on 22Na+ permeability. Lysozyme, cytochrome c, and poly-l-lysine markedly increased the 22Na+ permeability of sonically and mechanically dispersed vesicles, lysozyme being the most effective (up to 400-fold increase). Ribonuclease, although effective in decreasing electrophoretic mobility, had very little effect on permeability. When mixtures of 10% phosphatidylserine in phosphatidylcholine were used the amount of protein bound and the permeability changes were both decreased. Lysozyme and cytochrome c had no effect on the permeability of pure phosphatidylcholine vesicles. Both protein binding and permeability changes were also affected by alterations in ionic strength. The 22Na+ permeability increase induced by cytochrome c is not accompanied by a change in the activation energy for this process, which was found to be 27 to 29 kcal per mole. The same increases in permeability and high activation energy were observed when cytochrome c was added only outside or both inside and outside the vesicles. It is considered that the data presented are best explained by initial electrostatic interactions between protein and phospholipid, followed, to varying degrees, by other interactions leading to the observed changes in permeability.
Modeling and Design of an Ultraviolet Water Disinfection System

The goal of this research is to design an ultraviolet (UV) disinfection reactor that will inactivate pathogenic microorganisms present in the wastewater generated during long-term space missions, such that complete reuse (i.e., direct potabilization) can be accomplished. This design must ensure microbial inactivation efficacy, as well as minimize volume, mass, power and maintenance requirements. The means to achieve this design goal is a numerical modeling tool developed in this research, which is based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), UV radiation intensity field models and microbial inactivation kinetics. The inputs to this numerical model are the desired reactor size and geometry, the inlet velocity and boundary conditions, the UV lamp output power and radiation intensity profile, as well as the characteristics of the aqueous media. The outputs of the model are the UV dose distribution delivered to the microorganisms traversing the reactor and the degree of microbial inactivation achieved. Based on these outputs, the performance of the UV reactor can be assessed for the entire range of practical operating conditions. The validity of the numerical model was assessed with biodosimetry experiments employing Bacillus subtilis spores as the target microorganism and a commercially available UV disinfection reactor. The numerical model is used to investigate alternative UV reactor geometries which can be incorporated into an Advanced Life Support (ALS) water purification system for long-term space missions. The simulation input flow rate is based on the daily water output from six crewmembers and the biomass production chamber, which is included in the ALS closed-loop water system. UV reactor designs are evaluated based on dual criteria: process efficiency expressed as the degree of achieved microbial inactivation, as predicted by the numerical model, and Equivalent System Mass (ESM) values.
ORGANOMETALLIC CONFORMATIONAL EQUILIBRIA PART 19, LANTHANIDE SHIFT REAGENT STUDIES OF ROTATIONAL BARRIERS AND PREFERRED ORIENTATIONS IN PHOSPHINE DERIVATIVES OF CYCLOPENTADIENYL COMPLEXES OF IRON AND NICKEL

Abstract The series of compounds, η 5 -C 5 H 5 FeCOCNL (L = PPh 3 , PPh 2 ,Me, PPhMe 2 and PMe 3 ) and η 5 -C 5 H 5 NiCNPPh 3 , has been prepared and characterized. Addition of the shift reagent Eu(fod) 3 produces downfield shifts and first order coupling patterns in 1 H and 13 C NMR spectra and allows the determination of conformational effects and rotational barriers. Evidence for preferred conformations in η 5 -C 5 H 5 FeCOCNPPh 2 Me and η 5 -C 5 H 5 FeCOCNPPhMe 2 resulting from rotation about the FeP bond is presented. Conformations in which the phenyl rings are oriented adjacent to the cyclopentadienyl ligand appear to be favored. Maximum barriers to rotation about the FeP and PC bonds are estimated at 8.0 and 7.6 kcal respectively. The mechanism of interconversion of right and left handed helicies in the arylphosphine complexes is discussed and a number of possible pathways are proposed. A method of assigning resonances of diastereotopic nuclei to particular nuclei is presented.
Specialized ribosomes: a new frontier in gene expression and organismal development (213.3)

The regulatory logic for how the one-dimensional genetic code is translated into three‐dimensional morphology in a multicellular organism poses one of the greatest challenges to modern biology. Not...
In vitro-in vivo myotoxicity of intramuscular liposomal formulations.

Purpose. The first objective was to study the in vitro myotoxicity of empty liposomes and to examine whether liposome size, charge and fluidity affect liposome myotoxicity. The second objective was to investigate the effect of liposomal encapsulation on the in vitro and in vivo myotoxicity of loxapine compared to the loxapine commercial preparation (Loxitane®). Methods. The in vitro myotoxicity of empty liposomes and loxapine liposomes was evaluated by the cumulative efflux of the cytosolic enzyme creatine kinase (CK) from the isolated rat extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle over a 2 hour period. In the in vivo studies, the area under plasma CK curve over 12 hours was used to evaluate muscle damage. Results. The in vitro myotoxicity for all empty liposomal formulations was not statistically different from negative controls (untreated control muscles and normal saline injected muscles). However, these empty liposomal formulations were significantly less myotoxic than the positive controls (muscles injected with phenytoin and muscle sliced in half). In vitro-in vivo studies showed that the liposomal encapsulation of loxapine resulted in significant (P < 0.05) reduction in myotoxicity (80% in vitro and 60% in vivo) compared to the commercially available formulation which contains propylene glycol (70% V/V) and polysor-bate 80 (5% W/V) prepared at equal concentration. Conclusions. Results indicate that empty liposomes do not induce myotoxicity. Furthermore, liposomal size, charge and fluidity do not affect myotoxicity. In addition, in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that liposomal encapsulation of loxapine can reduce myotoxicity compared to a formulation containing organic cosolvents.
Information theory and the failure time of a system

In this paper we introduce a measure for the rate of generation of information about the failure time of a system using mutual information mea- sure. In the case of a system with multi-components what is really measured is the interaction between one component of the system and the rest. Our defini- tion of measure is only a slight variation of existing classical definitions in the information theory literature. We study properties of our proposed measure and calculate information for several hypothetical systems.
New technology in turbine aerodynamics.

A cursory review is presented of some of the recent work that has been done in turbine aerodynamic research at NASA-Lewis Research Center. Topics discussed include the aerodynamic effect of turbine coolant, high work-factor (ratio of stage work to square of blade speed) turbines, and computer methods for turbine design and performance prediction. An extensive bibliography is included. Experimental cooled-turbine aerodynamics programs using two-dimensional cascades, full annular cascades, and cold rotating turbine stage tests are discussed with some typical results presented. Analytically predicted results for cooled blade performance are compared to experimental results. The problems and some of the current programs associated with the use of very high work factors for fan-drive turbines of high-bypass-ratio engines are discussed. Turbines currently being investigated make use of advanced blading concepts designed to maintain high efficiency under conditions of high aerodynamic loading. Computer programs have been developed for turbine design-point performance, off-design performance, supersonic blade profile design, and the calculation of channel velocities for subsonic and transonic flow fields. The use of these programs for the design and analysis of axial and radial turbines is discussed.
Stability analysis of position and force control problems for robot arms

A stability analysis for robot manipulators under the influence of external forces is presented. Several control objectives are considered: rejecting the external force as a source of disturbance, complying to the external force as a generalized mass-spring-damper system, and actively controlling the external force when a dynamic model for the environment is available. An explanation of instability is given for the case in which the environment has flexibility and the gains are inappropriately chosen. When the environment is stiff in the force control subspace, robust stability can be achieved via the integral force feedback. >
A design-based apprenticeship approach to transform freshman chemistry for engineering students

Engineering education cannot expect to meet the demands of a global, diverse, knowledge-society without addressing a well-established issue of student recruitment and retention. The dropout rate for engineering students is around 40% as shown in various studies of a national scope. This retention issue is particularly prevalent for freshman students, such as in general chemistry. Indicators suggest that lower-division engineering curriculum is not based upon the authentic practice of engineers, thus, not representative of the profession and not attractive to the widest possible population of students. To address this issue, the University of Florida is conducting a project to transform the freshman chemistry curriculum for engineering students to a more contextually relevant and engaging experience with rich context of workplace engineering (Transforming Chemistry with Cognitive Apprenticeship for Engineers - ChANgE Chem). This transformed curriculum situates energy and environmental as fundamental organi...
99mTc-Tilmanocept: A Novel Molecular Agent for Lymphatic Mapping and Sentinel Lymph Node Localization

Preoperative lymphatic mapping in conjunction with intraoperative γ-probe detection is widely used for sentinel node localization in melanoma, breast cancer, and other malignancies. (99m)Tc-radiocolloids have been the standard radiotracers used for sentinel node mapping. (99m)Tc-tilmanocept is a receptor-binding molecular imaging agent approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for lymphatic mapping and lymph node localization in breast cancer, melanoma, clinically node-negative squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, and other solid tumors. It has several advantages over conventional radiocolloids, including rapid injection site clearance, high sentinel node extraction, and low distal node accumulation, which can lead to efficient resource use.
Prospective prediction of postradiotherapy pulmonary function with regional pulmonary function data: promise and pitfalls.

Prospective prediction of postradiotherapy pulmonary function (PF) at the planning stage of radiotherapy (RT) in patients with lung cancer is a difficult and complex task. It is the complexity that has attracted numerous investigators’ interest to this subject. Attempts have been made to correlate the degree of changes in PF with radiotherapeutic factors, that is, radiation dose, fractionation schedules, and radiographic lung volume within the radiation portals. ‘~~3~ Brady et al. tried to develop a guideline for safe thoracic RT by correlating a concept of treatment volume/radiation dose factor (megagram-rads) to changes in diffusing capacity as a result of RT and suggested that an adverse change in diffusing capacity increased with the volume dose above 20 megagram rads.3 However, it was difficult to come up with a useful guideline without quantitative and qualitative information on the distribution of ventilation, perfusion, and volume to the different regions of the lung by a study such as regional pulmonary function (RPF).
Harnessing genomics for evolutionary insights

Next-generation DNA sequencing technologies can generate unprecedented amounts of genomic data, even for non-model organisms. Here we describe how these new technologies have facilitated recent key advances in ecology and evolutionary biology, and highlight several outstanding ecological and evolutionary questions that are distinctly suited to the innovations they provide. Importantly, using these technologies to their full potential requires careful experimental design and critical consideration of several caveats associated with them. Although several significant challenges remain to be resolved before the integration of next-generation sequencing technologies into single-investigator research programs, we argue that they will soon transform ecology and evolution by fundamentally changing the ranges and types of questions that can be addressed.
Mixed-Mode I/Q mismatches compensation in low-IF quadrature receivers

The performance of the quadrature receivers are degraded due to the gain and phase mismatch in I and Q channels. In this paper we develop a mixed-mode technique for self calibration in quadrature receivers. A novel mismatch measurement and estimation scheme using an RF amplitude detector and the IC's digital core is shown. Then, digital and digitally-assisted analog correction is employed to remove phase and gain mismatches in the quadrature channels. The mixed-mode configuration is shown to be of low complexity and overhead. Test cases for QAM-16 demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in suppressing quadrature mismatch and enhancing image rejection.
Influence of sulfalene upon gametocytogenesis of Plasmodium falciparum and subsequent infection patterns in Anopheles stephensi

Abstract Quinine and/or sulfalene were administered to non-immune volunteers during various stages of infection with Plasmodium falciparum . Administration of each drug early in the asexual parasitemia reduced or prevented the subsequent formation of gametocytes. Later administration of sulfalene produced a subsequent sterilizing effect upon immature, non-circulating gametocytes, which were non-infective to Anopheles stephensi when they appeared in the circulating blood. Gametocytes present in the peripheral circulation at the time of administration of both drugs or appearing shortly thereafter were infective to A. stephensi .
A Study of the Outbursts in SS Cygni

We present a study of the characteristics of the rise and decay times in SS Cygni utilizing the daily means obtained by the American Association of Variable Star Observers. We concentrate on the most recent ~34 yr of data for which the most optimal daily means contain 10 individual observations per daily mean. Our primary findings are the following: (1) the distribution of rise times shows a peak at trise 0.5 days mag-1 containing ~82% of all outbursts. The points within this peak form a distribution with δtrise/trise 0.25. The rise-time value of ~0.5 days mag-1 may be strongly influenced by the ~1 day spacing in the daily means, and therefore represents an upper limit; (2) slow rise outbursts (historically referred to as "anomalous") form a broad distribution with no dominant peak; (3) the decay times show a peak at tdecay 2.5 days mag-1 containing ~86% of all outbursts. The points within this peak form a distribution with δtdecay/tdecay 0.11; and (4) binned, composite light curves of the decay show that the functional form of the decay is close to exponential during the first half of the decay. During the second half, however, one sees a ~1-2 day interval, during which the locally defined decay time increases, sometimes substantially. Following this increase, the decay time returns to its previous level for ~1 day before entering quiescence. The two main implications for accretion disk instability theory are that (a) most outbursts must be triggered far from the inner disk to account for the preponderance of fast rises, and (b) the cooling wave that traverses the disk during the decay must travel slower for ~1 day near the end of the outburst to account for the temporary increase in the decay time. We also attempt to place our findings for SS Cygni in a broader context by considering the Bailey relation tdecay ∝ Porbital observed for dwarf novae, and its possible relevance for other types of interacting binaries.
Preschoolers use information about speakers’ desires to learn new words

Abstract This research investigates preschoolers’ use of desires for word learning. Three-year-old children were shown pairs of novel toys and were asked about their own desire and told about a researcher's desire. For half of the children the researcher liked the same object they did and for the other half the researcher liked a different object. The researcher then used a novel label in stating her desire to play with the toy. Children tracked others’ verbally presented desires and showed clear evidence of label learning. These findings add to a body of work clarifying the robust and flexible word learning skills of preschoolers.
Hybrid Shower Counters for CDF

A hybrid scintillator/strip chamber electromagnetic calorimeter has been proposed for the Collider Detector Facility at Fermilab. Large modules of lead/scintillator with wavebar readout are to contain one or more bidimensional wire chambers near shower maximum. Results of the ongoing program of computer simulation and prototype testing are discussed.
Presence of malice: Scientific evaluation of reader response to innuendo

A survey was conducted to test whether or not the label “mouthpiece,” which appeared in the headline “Sinatra’s Mouthpiece,” was viewed as a derogatory term by a representative sample of financial publication readers who saw it used in reference to a lawyer. Four matched groups of subjects rated the person described by four headlines that varied the label (“mouthpiece” vs. “spokesman”) and the employer (Sinatra vs. John Doe) in a 2 × 2 ANOVA design. Results showed that the label “mouthpiece” produced a significantly negative impression regardless of the employer (p <.0001). The data were presented in a Federal Court lawsuit that produced a ruling more in favor of the First Amendment to the Constitution than toward either litigant.
Acoustic streaming effects in megasonic cleaning of EUV photomasks : A continuum model

Removal of nano-scale contaminant particles from the photomasks is of critical importance to the implementation of EUV lithography for 32nm node. Megasonic cleaning has traditionally been used for photomask cleaning and extensions to sub 50nm particulates removal is being considered as a pattern damage free cleaning approach. Several mechanisms for removal are believed to be active in megasonic cleaning systems, e.g., cavitation, and acoustic streaming (Eckart, Schlichting, and microstreaming). It is often difficult to separate the effects of these individual mechanisms on contamination removal in a conventional experimental setup. Therefore, a theoretical approach is undertaken in this work with a focus on determining the contribution of acoustic streaming in cleaning process. A continuum model is used to describe the interaction between megasonic waves and a substrate (fused silica) immersed in a fluid (water). The model accounts for the viscous nature of the fluid. We calculate the acoustic vibrational modes of the system. These in turn are used to determine the acoustic streaming forces that lead to Schlichting streaming in a narrow acoustic boundary layer at the substrate/fluid interface. These forces are subsequently used to estimate the streaming velocities that may in turn apply a pressure and drag force on the contaminant particles adhering to the substrate. These effects are calculated as a function of angle of incidence, frequency and intensity of the megasonic wave. The relevance of this study is then discussed in the context of the cleaning efficiency and pattern damage in competing megasonic cleaning technologies, such as immersion, and nozzle-based systems.
T4 RNA Ligase 2 truncated active site mutants: improved tools for RNA analysis

T4 RNA ligases 1 and 2 are useful tools for RNA analysis. Their use upstream of RNA analyses such as high-throughput RNA sequencing and microarrays has recently increased their importance. The truncated form of T4 RNA ligase 2, comprising amino acids 1-249 (T4 Rnl2tr), is an attractive tool for attachment of adapters or labels to RNA 3'-ends. Compared to T4 RNA ligase 1, T4 Rnl2tr has a decreased ability to ligate 5'-PO4 ends in single-stranded RNA ligations, and compared to the full-length T4 Rnl2, the T4 Rnl2tr has an increased activity for joining 5'-adenylated adapters to RNA 3'-ends. The combination of these properties allows adapter attachment to RNA 3'-ends with reduced circularization and concatemerization of substrate RNA. With the aim of further reducing unwanted side ligation products, we substituted active site residues, known to be important for adenylyltransferase steps of the ligation reaction, in the context of T4 Rnl2tr. We characterized the variant ligases for the formation of unwanted ligation side products and for activity in the strand-joining reaction. Our data demonstrate that lysine 227 is a key residue facilitating adenylyl transfer from adenylated ligation donor substrates to the ligase. This reversal of the second step of the ligation reaction correlates with the formation of unwanted ligation products. Thus, T4 Rn2tr mutants containing the K227Q mutation are useful for reducing undesired ligation products. We furthermore report optimal conditions for the use of these improved T4 Rnl2tr variants.
EMU and the Asset Allocation Decision

The EMU countries now share one central bank, one monetary policy, one short-term interest rate and one currency. This structural change has led to many proposed new opportunities to add value in Global Asset Allocation. We investigate many of these proposals, and conclude that most - but not all - are without merit. For example, we conclude that the sudden move from country-based models towards sector-based models is premature, as country factors are likely to increase in importance for the next few years. Sector factors will eventually dominate, but not until Euroland business cycles are synchronized. So the best opportunity to exploit EMU is to allocate across countries in the intermediate term, while preparing to allocate across sectors in the long run.
NADH fluorescence imaging of isolated biventricular working rabbit hearts.

Since its inception by Langendorff1, the isolated perfused heart remains a prominent tool for studying cardiac physiology2. However, it is not well-suited for studies of cardiac metabolism, which require the heart to perform work within the context of physiologic preload and afterload pressures. Neely introduced modifications to the Langendorff technique to establish appropriate left ventricular (LV) preload and afterload pressures3. The model is known as the isolated LV working heart model and has been used extensively to study LV performance and metabolism4-6. This model, however, does not provide a properly loaded right ventricle (RV). Demmy et al. first reported a biventricular model as a modification of the LV working heart model7, 8. They found that stroke volume, cardiac output, and pressure development improved in hearts converted from working LV mode to biventricular working mode8. A properly loaded RV also diminishes abnormal pressure gradients across the septum to improve septal function. Biventricular working hearts have been shown to maintain aortic output, pulmonary flow, mean aortic pressure, heart rate, and myocardial ATP levels for up to 3 hours8. When studying the metabolic effects of myocardial injury, such as ischemia, it is often necessary to identify the location of the affected tissue. This can be done by imaging the fluorescence of NADH (the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide)9-11, a coenzyme found in large quantities in the mitochondria. NADH fluorescence (fNADH) displays a near linearly inverse relationship with local oxygen concentration12 and provides a measure of mitochondrial redox state13. fNADH imaging during hypoxic and ischemic conditions has been used as a dye-free method to identify hypoxic regions14, 15 and to monitor the progression of hypoxic conditions over time10. The objective of the method is to monitor the mitochondrial redox state of biventricular working hearts during protocols that alter the rate of myocyte metabolism or induce hypoxia or create a combination of the two. Hearts from New Zealand white rabbits were connected to a biventricular working heart system (Hugo Sachs Elektronik) and perfused with modified Krebs-Henseleit solution16 at 37 °C. Aortic, LV, pulmonary artery, and left & right atrial pressures were recorded. Electrical activity was measured using a monophasic action potential electrode. To image fNADH, light from a mercury lamp was filtered (350±25 nm) and used to illuminate the epicardium. Emitted light was filtered (460±20 nm) and imaged using a CCD camera. Changes in the epicardial fNADH of biventricular working hearts during different pacing rates are presented. The combination of the heart model and fNADH imaging provides a new and valuable experimental tool for studying acute cardiac pathologies within the context of realistic physiological conditions.
Aero-Optical Mitigation of Turbulent Boundary Layers Using Large-Eddy Break-Up Devices

Results of recent experimental measurements of the effect of passive boundary layer flow control method using both single- and multiple-element Large-Eddy Break-Up devices (LEBU) on aero-optical distortions in turbulent subsonic boundary layers at a range of subsonic speeds are presented. Measurements at different locations downstream of LEBU devices were performed using a Malley probe to collect instantaneous one-dimensional wavefronts with high temporal resolution. Detailed statistical analysis of optical spectrum of aero-optical distortions are presented in order to evaluate the effect of modified turbulent structures on optical wavefront fluctuations, and to assess the mitigating aero-optical effect of each tested LEBU configuration. It was found that a long, at least 1.6 boundary-layer thicknesses, two-element LEBU device, spaced in the streamwise direction by several boundary-layer thicknesses with individual elements placed at either 0.5 or 0.6 boundarylayer thicknesses away from the wall resulted in a significant, greater than 40%, reduction in overall level of aero-optical distortions. This reduction was contributed to a suppression of the large-scale structure in the boundary layer.
The role of temperature, stress, and other factors in the neurotoxicity of the substituted amphetamines 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine and fenfluramine.

Amphetamines (AMPs) can cause long-term depletions in striatal dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT), and these decrements are often accepted asprima facie evidence of AMP-induced damage to the dopaminergic and serotonergic projections to striatum. Rarely are indices linked to neural damage used to evaluate the neurotoxicity, of the AMPs. Here, were determined the potential neurotoxic effects of two substituted AMPs,d-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (d-MDMA), andd-fenfluramine (d-FEN) in group-housed female C57BL6/J mice. Astrogliosis, assessed by quantification of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), was the main indicator of d-MDMA-induced neural damage. Assays of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), DA, and 5-HT were used to determine effects on DA and 5-HT systems. Since AMPs are noted for both their stimulatory and hyperthermia-inducing properties, activity, as well as core temperature, was monitored in several experiments. To extend the generality of our findings, these same end points were examined in singly housed female C57BL6/J mice in and group-housed male C57BL6/J or female B6C3F1 mice after treatment with d-MDMA. Mice, received either d-MDMA (20 mg/kg) singly housed mice received dosages of 20, 30, or 40 mg/kg) or d-FEN (25 mg/kg) every 2 h for a total of four sc injections. d-MDMA caused hyperthermia, whereas d-FEN induced hypothermia. d-MDMA cause a large (300%) increase in striatal GFAP that resolved by 3 wk and a 50–75% decrease in TH and DA that was still apparent at 3 wk, d-FEN did not affect any parameters in striatum. d-MDMA is a striatal dopaminergic neurotoxicant in both male and female C57BL6/mice, as evidence by astrogliosis and depletions of DA in this area in both sexes. The greater lethality to males suggests they may be more sensitive, at least to the general toxicity of d-MDMA, than females. d-MDMA (20 mg/kg) induced the same degree of damage whether mice were housed singly or in groups. Higher dosages in singly housed mice induced greater lethality, but not greater neurotoxicity. d-MDMA was also effective in inducing striatal damage in mice of the B6C3F1 strain. Significant increases in activity were induced by d-MDMA, and these increases were not blocked by pretreatment with MK-801, despite the profound lowering of body temperature induced by this combination. A lowering of body temperature, whether by a 15°C ambient temperature (approx 2°C drop), pretreatment with MK-801 (1.0 mg/kg prior to the first and third d-MDMA injections; approx 5–6°C drop) or restraint (approx 5–6°C drop), was effective in blocking the neurotoxicity of d-MDMA in both C57BL6/J and B6C3F1. The stimulatory effects of d-MDMA appeared to have little impact on the neurotoxicity induced by d-MDMA or the protection conferred by MK-801. These data suggest that in the mouse, the neurotoxic effects of d-MDMA, and most likely other AMPs, are linked to an effect on body temperature.
Effects of ovariectomy and differential experience on rat cerebral cortical morphology.

Summary Fourteen sets of quadruplet, Long-Evans rats were divided accordingly; from each set of quadruplets two were ovariectomized and two were sham-operated at day one. At 21 days of age, the animals were weaned and placed three-four to a cage. At 60 days of age the rats were separated so that one ovariectomized and one sham-operated animal were placed in the enriched environmental condition, and one overiectomized and one sham animal were placed in the improverised environmental condition. At 90 days of age the brains were removed from anesthetized animals, and cortical thickness was measured on representative, transverse histological sections from the anterior (M), middle (Se), and posterior (V) regions of the cortex. Statistically significant cortical thickness changes were noted between the sham-operated enriched and improverished animals. The thickness of the cortex did not differ significantly between the ovariectomized enriched and sham-operated enriched animals except for one area. However, very significant differences in total cortical thickness did occur between the impoverished ovariectomized rats and the sham-operated littermates. That ovariectomy alone can increase cortical thickness has been shown. In the present experiments the ovariectomized rat may have increased its cortical dimensions before being placed in the enriched condition so that the effects of enrichments are not generally manifest. Perhaps, the cortex has already approached its ‘ceiling’ before being exposed to the enriched condition. A possible explanation for the marked changes between the ovariectomized impoverished rat and its sham-operated littermate is that the increased cortical thickness caused by ovariectomy cannot readily decrease in 30 days of impoverishment; whereas, the sham-operated impoverished rat's brain can decrease in thickness due to a lack of stimuli for a 30 day period.