cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The lth Cyclotomic Field and Quadratic Fields

The main purpose of this chapter is to derive the class number formula for subfields of the lth cyclotomic field [formulas (4.21) and (4.22)] by making use of analytical results in Chapter 3. In particular, for the quadratic subfield ℚ\((\sqrt {{l^*}} )\) of the lth cyclotomic field, one reaches the final formula due to Dirichlet [formulas (4.30) and (4.33)] using the famous determination of the Gauss sums (Theorem 4.2).
Enhancing learning with CD/WEB tutorials: conference workshop

We are all aware of the importance of getting our programming students up to speed, as in well-grounded, familiar and comfortable with, the basics of programming syntax and usage. After years of trying to do so, I have come to the conclusion that not only do students need repetition and references to reading, they also find it extremely helpful to see demonstrations of programming fundamentals in action. We can accomplish this in class with computers connected to overheads displaying the IDE of Visual Studio.net or any of a multitude of Java environments or by use of the whiteboard and handwritten demonstrations-to-be-copied-and-remembered. Unfortunately, once the student leaves class, the demonstration and the understanding that goes with it begins to erode and fade away. When it comes time for them to re-create code, they cannot remember exactly how nor can they follow their notes and there is no ready reference for them to turn to. What is needed is the ability for the student to refresh that understanding acquired earlier in a like manner to the way they had seen it before. By being exposed to a similar or the same technique or style of presentation as previously encountered, students have a better chance of getting an understanding this time. This tutorial/workshop presents a way to do just that, and more.
Historical Overview of High-Brightness Accelerators

The history of high-brightness accelerators cannot be separated from that of accelerators as a whole. Advances in accelerators have been almost as closely connected with intensity as with energy, particularly in fields other than particle physics, in which energy is at a premium. Even here, the relatively new (or perhaps reawakened) interest in colliding beams has been a strong incentive to work on raising intensity and brightness.
Bubble growth inside an evaporating liquid droplet introduced in an immiscible superheated liquid

Abstract A numerical bubble growth model for two phase droplets in an immiscible superheated liquid is developed by solving the mass and energy conservation equations. The model is applicable for concentric two-phase droplets (where the bubble is completely surrounded by the volatile liquid) like those seen during evaporation of refrigerants suspended in water. The effect of pressure driven growth in the initial phases of bubble growth is shown to be minimal and is therefore ignored to simplify the model. While previous works assumed that the droplet is initially uniformly superheated, the current model assumes a more accurate temperature profile obtained by solving the radial heat diffusion equation in the droplet and surrounding liquid. The model is validated by measuring bubble growth rate within an FC-72 droplet introduced in a water bath and it is seen that the results are in close agreement with the model predictions. Experimental results from various cases in literature are also found to be well represented by the model. The effect of the liquid superheat and initial bubble diameter on bubble growth rate is also studied. Finally, a parametric study on the effect of droplet and bulk liquid properties on bubble growth rate is conducted to highlight the relative importance of the thermal conductivity and thermal mass ratios of the two liquids.
The Socialization of Financial Giving: A Multigenerational Exploration

Previous research has found that family socialization influences financial giving behaviors and that financial giving predicts personal wellbeing. However, little research since the early 1980 s has explored this phenomenon, and virtually none of the research has been qualitative in nature. As part of the Whats and Hows of Family Financial Socialization project, this study employs a diverse, multi-site, multigenerational sample (N = 115) to qualitatively explore the following research question: how do children learn about financial giving from their parents? In other words, how is financial giving transmitted across generations? From interviews of emerging adults and their parents and grandparents, three core themes emerged: “Charitable Donations,” “Acts of Kindness,” and “Investments in Family.” Various topics, processes, methods, and meanings involved in this socialization are presented, along with implications and potential directions for future research.
Cognitive phenotypes in temporal lobe epilepsy are associated with distinct patterns of white matter network abnormalities.

Objective To identify distinct cognitive phenotypes in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and evaluate patterns of white matter (WM) network alterations associated with each phenotype. Methods Seventy patients with TLE were characterized into 4 distinct cognitive phenotypes based on patterns of impairment in language and verbal memory measures (language and memory impaired, memory impaired only, language impaired only, no impairment). Diffusion tensor imaging was obtained in all patients and in 46 healthy controls (HC). Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) of the WM directly beneath neocortex (i.e., superficial WM [SWM]) and of deep WM tracts associated with memory and language were calculated for each phenotype. Regional and network-based SWM analyses were performed across phenotypes. Results The language and memory impaired group and the memory impaired group showed distinct patterns of microstructural abnormalities in SWM relative to HC. In addition, the language and memory impaired group showed widespread alterations in WM tracts and altered global SWM network topology. Patients with isolated language impairment exhibited poor network structure within perisylvian cortex, despite relatively intact global SWM network structure, whereas patients with no impairment appeared similar to HC across all measures. Conclusions These findings demonstrate a differential pattern of WM microstructural abnormalities across distinct cognitive phenotypes in TLE that can be appreciated at both the regional and network levels. These findings not only help to unravel the underlying neurobiology associated with cognitive impairment in TLE, but they could also aid in establishing cognitive taxonomies or in the prediction of cognitive course in TLE.
An Ethical Foundation for Social Good: Virtue Theory and Solidarity:

Purpose:Virtue theorists debate qualities of society leading to human flourishing. Thus, aspects of scholarship on virtue theory may refine conceptualization of social good. We focus on the virtue ...
Family Emotional Climate and Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Little research has examined family emotional climate in the context of having a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The goal of the current study was to determine how the emotional quality of family subsystems (parent–child and parent couple relationships, for both mothers and fathers) combine to create various classes of family emotional climate and to identify predictors of class membership in 148 families of children with ASD. The emotional quality of family subsystems was assessed using Five Minute Speech Samples from mothers and fathers. In total, 148 families of children with ASD (86% male) aged 6–13 years were included in analyses. About one-third of parents did not have a college degree and more than two-thirds were of non-Hispanic White origin. Latent class analysis revealed that 43% of the sample was characterized by high levels of warmth and low levels of criticism in both the parent–child and parent couple relationships; 12% of the sample was characterized by low warmth and high criticism in both sets of relationships; and the rest of the sample was divided among three additional classes of emotional climate characterized by different configurations of warmth and criticism across both sets of relationships. Parent level of broader autism phenotype and child emotional and behavioral problems were associated with emotional climate class membership. Implications for interventions are discussed.
The Voicemail Elicitation Task: Functional Workplace Language Assessment for Persons With Traumatic Brain Injury.

Purpose Politeness markers (PMs) are words that enhance cooperativity in dialogue and are an essential component of professional/work communication. Persons with moderate/severe traumatic brain inj...
UNIT 26.4 Cloning of Small RNA Molecules

Small RNAs that are derived from double-stranded RNA precursors act as guide RNAs during sequence-specific epigenetic regulation of eukaryotic gene expression. These small regulatory RNAs are between 20 and 30 nucleotides in length, and fall into one or more of the following categories: small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and heterochromatic siRNAs (hsiRNAs). Procedures to record the profile of small RNAs expressed in cultured cells or tissues are described. The small RNAs are directionally cloned after isolation from total RNA. The methods rely on T4 RNA ligase-based joining of adapter oligonucleotides to the 3( and 5( termini of the pool of small RNAs. The ligation products are reverse transcribed and PCR-amplified. It is recommended to directionally concatamerize the relatively short PCR products before cloning in order to increase the number of RNA sequences obtained per clone. Keywords: RNAi; miRNA; siRNA; non-coding RNA; cDNA library
Metamath Zero: The Cartesian Theorem Prover

As the usage of theorem prover technology expands, so too does the reliance on correctness of the tools. Metamath Zero is a verification system that aims for simplicity of logic and implementation, without compromising on efficiency of verification. It is formally specified in its own language, and supports a number of translations to and from other proof languages. This paper describes the abstract logic of Metamath Zero, essentially a multi-sorted first order logic, as well as the binary proof format and the way in which it can ensure essentially linear time verification while still being concise and efficient at scale. Metamath Zero currently holds the record for fastest verification of the $\mathtt{set .mm}$ Metamath library of proofs in ZFC (including 71 of Wiedijk's 100 formalization targets), at less than 200 ms. Ultimately, we intend to use it to verify the correctness of the implementation of the verifier down to binary executable, so it can be used as a root of trust for more complex proof systems.
Identifying the homology of the short human pisiform and its lost ossification center

The pisiform and calcaneus are paralogous bones of the wrist and ankle and are the only carpal and tarsal, respectively, to develop from two ossification centers with an associated growth plate in mammals. Human pisiforms and calcanei have undergone drastic evolutionary changes since our last common ancestor with chimpanzees and bonobos. The human pisiform is truncated and has lost an ossification center with the associated growth plate, while the human calcaneus has expanded and retained two ossification centers and a growth plate. Mammalian pisiforms represent a wide range of morphologies but extremely short pisiforms are rare and ossification center loss is even rarer. This raises the question of whether the sole human pisiform ossification center is homologous to the primary center or the secondary center of other species. We performed an ontogenetic study of pisiform and calcaneus ossification patterns and timing in macaques, apes, and humans (n = 907) from museum skeletal collections to address this question. Human pisiforms ossify irregularly and lack characteristic features of other primates while they develop. Pisiform primary and secondary center ossification timing typically matches that of the calcaneus of non-human primates, while the human pisiform corresponds with calcaneal secondary center ossification. Finally, human pisiforms ossify at the same dental stages as pisiform and calcaneal secondary centers in other hominoids. These data indicate that the human pisiform is homologous to the pisiform epiphysis of other species, and that humans have lost a primary ossification center and associated growth plate while retaining ossification timing of the secondary center. This represents an exceptional evolutionary event and demonstrates a profound developmental change in the human wrist that is unusual not only among primates, but among mammals.
Superpixel Raman spectroscopy for rapid skin cancer margin assessment

Spontaneous Raman micro-spectroscopy has been demonstrated great potential in delineating tumor margins; however, it is limited by slow acquisition speed. We describe a superpixel acquisition approach that can expedite acquisition between ~×100 and ×10 000, as compared to point-by-point scanning by trading off spatial resolution. We present the first demonstration of superpixel acquisition on rapid discrimination of basal cell carcinoma tumor from eight patients undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery. Results have been demonstrated high discriminant power for tumor vs normal skin based on the biochemical differences between nucleus, collagen, keratin and ceramide. We further perform raster-scanned superpixel Raman imaging on positive and negative margin samples. Our results indicate superpixel acquisition can facilitate the use of Raman microspectroscopy as a rapid and specific tool for tumor margin assessment.
Comparison of automated irrigation systems using an in vitro ureteroscopy model.

Author(s): Fedrigon, Donald; Alshara, Luay; Monga, Manoj | Abstract: INTRODUCTION:Two automated irrigation systems have been released for use during endoscopic procedures such as ureteroscopy: the Cogentix RocaFlow® (CRF) and Thermedx FluidSmart® (TFS). Accurate pressure control using automated systems may help providers maintain irrigation pressures within a safe range while also providing clear visualization. Our objective was to directly compare these systems based on their pressure accuracy, pressure-flow relationships, and fluid heating capabilities in order to help providers better utilize the temperature and pressure settings of each system. MATERIALS AND METHODS:An in vitro ureteroscopy model was used for testing, consisting of a short semirigid ureteroscope (6/7, 5F, 31cm Wolf 425612) connected to a continuous digital pressure transducer (Meriam m1550). Each system pressure output and flow-rate, via 100mL beaker filling time, was measured using multiple trials at pressure settings between 30 and 300mmHg. Output fluid temperature was monitored using a digital thermometer (Omega DP25-TH). RESULTS:The pressure output of both systems exceeded the desired setting across the entire tested range, a difference of 15.7±2.4mmHg for the TFS compared to 5.2±1.5mmHg for the CRF (p l 0.0001). Related to this finding, the TFS also had slightly higher flow rates across all trials (7±2mL/min). Temperature testing revealed a similar maximum temperature of 34.0⁰C with both systems, however, the TFS peaked after only 8 minutes and started to plateau as early as 4-5 minutes into the test, while the CRF took over 18 minutes to reach a similar peak. CONCLUSIONS:Our in vitro ureteroscopy testing found that the CRF system had better pressure accuracy than the TFS system but with noticeably slower fluid heating capabilities. Each system provided steady irrigation at safe pressures within their expected operating parameters with small differences in performance that should not limit their ability to provide steady irrigation at safe pressures.
Optimal (Randomized) Parallel Algorithms in the Binary-Forking Model

In this paper we develop optimal algorithms in the binary-forking model for a variety of fundamental problems, including sorting, semisorting, list ranking, tree contraction, range minima, and ordered set union, intersection and difference. In the binary-forking model, tasks can only fork into two child tasks, but can do so recursively and asynchronously. The tasks share memory, supporting reads, writes and test-and-sets. Costs are measured in terms of work (total number of instructions), and span (longest dependence chain). The binary-forking model is meant to capture both algorithm performance and algorithm-design considerations on many existing multithreaded languages, which are also asynchronous and rely on binary forks either explicitly or under the covers. In contrast to the widely studied PRAM model, it does not assume arbitrary-way forks nor synchronous operations, both of which are hard to implement in modern hardware. While optimal PRAM algorithms are known for the problems studied herein, it turns out that arbitrary-way forking and strict synchronization are powerful, if unrealistic, capabilities. Natural simulations of these PRAM algorithms in the binary-forking model (i.e., implementations in existing parallel languages) incur an $\Omega(\log n)$ overhead in span. This paper explores techniques for designing optimal algorithms when limited to binary forking and assuming asynchrony. All algorithms described in this paper are the first algorithms with optimal work and span in the binary-forking model. Most of the algorithms are simple. Many are randomized.
Refining internal bilayer structure of bicelles resolved by extended-q small angle X-ray scattering.

Abstract The internal profile across the bilayer reveals important structural information regarding the crystallinity of acyl chains or the positions of encapsulated species. Here, we demonstrate that a simple five-layer-core-shell discoidal model can be employed to best fit the extended-q small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data and resolve the bilayer internal structure (with sub-nanometer resolution) of a nanoscale discoidal system comprised of a mixture of long- and short- chain lipids (known as “bicelles”). In contrast to the traditional core-shell discoidal model, the detailed structure in the hydrophobic core such as the methylene and methyl groups can be distinguished via this model. The refined model is validated by the SAXS data of bicelles whose electron scattering length density of the hydrophobic core is adjusted by the addition of a long-chain lipid with a fluorine-end group. The higher resolution of the bilayer internal structure can be employed to advance our understanding of the interaction and conformation of the membrane and associated molecules, such as membrane-associated proteins and locations of entrapped species in the lipid nanoparticles.
Disparate volumetric fluid shifts across cerebral tissue compartments with two different anesthetics.

Large differences in glymphatic system transport—similar in magnitude to those of the sleep/wake cycle—have been observed during anesthesia with dexmedetomidine supplemented with low dose isoflurane (DEXM-I) in comparison to isoflurane (ISO). However, the biophysical and bioenergetic tissue status underlying glymphatic transport differences between anesthetics remains undefined. To further understand biophysical characteristics underlying these differences we investigated volume status across cerebral tissue compartments, water diffusivity, and T2* values in rats anesthetized with DEXM-I in comparison to ISO. Using a crossover study design, a group of 12 Sprague Dawley female rats underwent repetitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) under ISO and DEXM-I. Physiological parameters were continuously measured. MRI included a proton density weighted (PDW) scan to investigate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and parenchymal volumetric changes, a multigradient echo scan (MGE) to calculate T2* maps as a measure of ‘bioenergetics’, and a diffusion scan to quantify the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). The heart rate was lower with DEXM-I in comparison to ISO, but all other physiological variables were similar across scans and groups. The PDW images revealed a 1% parenchymal volume increase with ISO compared to DEXM-I comprising multiple focal tissue areas scattered across the forebrain. In contrast, with DEXM-I the CSF compartment was enlarged by ~ 6% in comparison to ISO at the level of the basal cisterns and peri-arterial conduits which are main CSF influx routes for glymphatic transport. The T2* maps showed brain-wide increases in T2* in ISO compared to DEXM-I rats. Diffusion-weighted images yielded no significant differences in ADCs across the two anesthesia groups. We demonstrated CSF volume expansion with DEXM-I (in comparison to ISO) and parenchymal (GM) expansion with ISO (in comparison to DEXM-I), which may explain the differences in glymphatic transport. The T2* changes in ISO are suggestive of an increased bioenergetic state associated with excess cellular firing/bursting when compared to DEXM-I.
Blood calcium as a prognostic indicator of success after surgical correction of left displaced abomasum

Abstract Subclinical hypocalcemia, a reduction in blood calcium concentrations without apparent clinical signs of milk fever, occurs in 25 to 50% of early-postpartum dairy cows. Research has shown that these cows are at an increased risk of additional early-lactation diseases, including left displaced abomasum (LDA), compared with their normocalcemic counterparts. However, no work has assessed the association of total calcium (tCa) concentration at the time of LDA correction with subsequent milk yield and survival within the herd. Pending future development of an economical and accurate on-farm test for hypocalcemia, the ability to assess LDA prognosis after surgical correction based on precorrection blood tCa concentration is of interest to practitioners. Therefore, our objective was to determine the association of blood tCa concentration at the time of LDA surgical correction with milk yield and herd removal in the 60 d after correction. Nine bovine practitioners, located in New York State, were involved in sample collection from 17 herds for this prospective cohort study. Immediately following LDA diagnosis and before surgical correction, blood samples were collected from 152 dairy cows within the first 30 d in milk for serum tCa determination. The association of tCa with milk yield (n = 110) and herd removal (n = 127) in the first 60 d after LDA surgical correction was analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and a generalized linear mixed model, respectively, controlling for parity and days in milk at LDA surgical correction and the random effect of herd or practitioner. We found no evidence to support an association of tCa at time of LDA diagnosis with subsequent milk yield, and when cows were grouped by median tCa into low and high groups (tCa ≤2.1 and >2.1 mmol/L, respectively), subsequent milk production was similar (39.4 ± 1.6 and 40.1 ± 1.4 kg/d for low and high, respectively). Furthermore, we found no evidence to support an association of tCa at time of LDA diagnosis with the odds of herd removal (odds ratio = 0.6; 95% confidence interval = 0.4–1.7). Therefore, our study provided no clear evidence to support the association of tCa at time of LDA diagnosis and correction with either milk yield or herd removal during the 8 wk after correction. However, it did demonstrate low to extremely low tCa concentration in cows with LDA. Whether calcium supplementation would improve health and production outcomes in these cows is unclear and worth investigating further.
Senolytic agents lessen the severity of abdominal aortic aneurysm in aged mice.

Abstract Age is a major risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), for which treatment options are limited to surgical intervention for large AAA and watchful waiting for small aneurysms. However, the factors that regulate the expansion of aneurysms are unclear. Development of new therapeutic strategies to prevent or treat small aneurysms awaits a more thorough understanding of the etiology of AAA formation and progression with aging. A variety of structural and functional changes have been reported in aging vasculature, but emerging evidence implicates senescent cells in the formation of AAA through their paracrine effects on vascular wall cell populations. Here we show that aging is associated with transcriptional changes in abdominal aortic tissue consistent with loss of smooth muscle cells, leukocyte adhesion, inflammation, and accumulation of senescent cells in the vascular wall and surrounding perivascular adipose tissue. Furthermore, aged mice demonstrated anatomical and histopathological features of AAA development in response to administration of angiotensin II over 28 days. Importantly, in our study we sought to determine if reducing senescent cells could lessen the severity of AAA in aged mice. We find that pretreatment of aged mice with oral senolytic agents (dasatinib + quercetin) reduced senescent cell abundance in the arterial walls and surrounding tissues and lessened the severity of AAA in response to angiotensin II administration. These data provide important preliminary evidence supporting a role of senescent cells in age-related AAA formation and progression and suggest that strategies to reduce senescent cell burden hold promise to lessen AAA severity.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Medication Adherence in the Transition to Adulthood: Associated Adverse Outcomes for Females and Other Disparities.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication adherence and adverse health outcomes in older adolescents transitioning to adulthood. Methods In a cohort of 17-year-old adolescents with ADHD at Kaiser Permanente Northern California, we assessed medication adherence (medication possession ratio ≥70%) and any medication use and associations with adverse outcomes at 18 and 19 years of age. We conducted bivariate tests of association and multivariable logistic regression models. Results Adherence declined from 17 to 19 years of age (36.7%–19.1%, p Conclusions Late adolescence is associated with decline in ADHD medication use and adherence. ADHD medication adherence and any ADHD medication use is associated with fewer adverse health outcomes, particularly in females.
Democracy and “the Other”: Anti-Immigrant Attitudes and White Support for Anti-Democratic Norms

We argue that in a racially and ethnically diverse society such as the U.S., public support for anti-democratic norms among the white majority may be driven, in part by threat related to immigrants. Following racial priming theory, we suggest that for members of the white majority who harbor strong negative priors about immigrants, immigrant-origin groups’ demands for democratic inclusion may be perceived in zero-sum terms. We further argue that threat to the white cultural primacy by outgroups may drive anti-immigrant whites to support anti-democratic norms that may better protect the elevated social status of whites over democratic norms that extend equality and cultural representation to racialized immigrant groups. We test this theory via two original threat priming experiments and an LDV analysis using 2017-2018 panel data from the VSG. Our findings suggest that when threat from immigrants is salient, it causes declining support for democratic norms among anti-immigrant whites. The LDV models also show that anti-immigrant attitudes are a strong and positive predictor of support for anti-democratic norms even accounting for the lagged DV.
Three Types of Economic Strategies in Japanese History

Japanese economy was ruined in the WWII, but grew quickly after this war. The strategies of Japanese government used to recover the economy are analyzed through reviewing the literature in this paper. The conclusions are as follows: after the war, Japanese government had applied various policies to help their economy to grow, although not all of them got the expected result. During 1950-1970, Japanese government carried out trade strategy, which can help Japan increase exports, learn from foreign countries, and improve their industry. From 1980s, Japanese government carried out science and technology strategy, which helped Japanese to create some improved versions of technologies based on knowledge they learned from foreigners before. And during 1985 to 1990, in order to remit the appreciation of yen (Japanese money), Japanese government applied a policy called “quantitative easing policy”, which increased the yen in circulation and thus helped yen to depreciate. The first two polices indeed boosted the economy, however the last policy had an negative effect on Japanese economy in the end. But generally speaking, these policies brought Japan to a higher economic level compared with several years before when the WWII ended.
The incidence and treatment of prehospital motion sickness.

Objectives. The authors' objectives were: 1) to determine the incidence of motion sickness during ambulance transport on a mountainous route in healthy volunteers, and 2) to determine if droperidol alleviated the signs and symptoms of motion sickness in those volunteers who developed it. Methods. This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Subjects were healthy volunteers over age 18 and not currently taking an antiemetic. Participants were transported in the back of an ambulance over a mountainous road. Those who developed motion sickness rated their nausea on a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) and were randomized to receive placebo (saline) or 2.5 mg droperidol intravenously. Symptoms were recorded on a VAS every 5 minutes until the end of the transport. Incidence of motion sickness was calculated as a percentage with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Pretreatment characteristics were compared with chi-square tests, and mean VAS scores were compared using t-tests. Results. ...
Detection of acetylated lysine residues using sequencing by edman degradation and mass spectrometry

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the application of Edman degradation sequencing in addition to mass spectrometry for the identification of post-translational, acetylation of lysine residues in a recombinant protein expressed in Escherichia coli. Acetylation of lysine residues is a posttranslational modification in recombinant proteins expressed in E. coli. Acetylation sites are used to determine the conservation of sequence in related proteins. Acetylation of lysine residues prevents carbamylation and glycosylation of some proteins. Peptide mapping in conjunction with mass spectrometry may indicate acetylation because of incomplete hydrolysis and increases in mass of +42 amu. To use sequencing as a detection method for unlabeled acetylated lysine, a PTH-derivative standard of the modified amino acid residue can be used. The scientists prepared synthetic NT-3 peptides with and without acetylation of the C-terminal lysine and used them as PTH-standards for three different sequencers. The sequencing results supported the mass spectrometry data for posttranslational acetylations sites in NT-3. The acetylation sites are also confirmed from Lys-C digested native NT-3 that was chemically acetylated. A comparison of retention time and mass of the incompletely digested peptides containing chemically acetylated lysines to the collected, modified NT-3 forms showed similarity. Edman sequencing of these peptides confirmed ɛ-N-acetylysine residues.
Synthesis and overproduction of the 5A protein of insertion sequence IS5.

Abstract We have demonstrated both the synthesis and overproduction of the 5A protein encoded by the longest open reading frame of the bacterial insertion sequence IS5. Expression was obtained in vitro and in Escherichia coli maxicells from plasmids containing IS5 in either orientation, as well as in vitro from a restriction fragment containing exclusively IS5 DNA. When IS5 was cloned in the appropriate orientation downstream of a strong tac promoter, production of the 5A protein was increased to 10 to 20% of the total protein synthesized in vitro.
Understanding the Healthy Immigrant Effect and Cardiovascular Disease: Looking to Big Data and Beyond.

Immigrant health is a growing area of study in epidemiology, and there is an obvious demographic imperative to examine immigrant health patterns. Immigrants and their children comprise sizable and growing minorities in developed countries.1 Immigrant flows are also a major driver of racial/ethnic and cultural diversity in receiving countries, with important implications for population health if immigrants are exposed to a hostile social climate and discriminatory treatment. But immigrant health is also of interest epidemiologically because patterns of cardiovascular disease (CVD) across immigrant groups, receiving contexts, and generations can provide potential etiologic insights that have broad applicability. Article see p 1549 In this issue of Circulation , Tu and colleagues2 present an analysis using the Cardiovascular Health in Ambulatory Care Research Team (CANHEART) resource, a large retrospective cohort, linking numerous medical and demographic data sets. They demonstrate that immigrants to Ontario, Canada experience lower risk of CVD in comparison with long-term residents, a healthy immigrant effect (HIE), although this protective effect appears to erode slightly over time. They also observe some heterogeneity in relative risks of CVD depending on the immigrant’s country of origin. Notably, traditional cardiovascular risk factors had a small role in explaining the protective effect of foreign nativity or the heterogeneity. The CANHEART findings align with a growing body of previous research documenting similar patterns, whereby foreign nativity (in comparison with the native-born population) is protective for health across different outcomes3 including CVD,4 particularly in North America. The article by Tu et al accomplishes 2 important goals. First, it documents the patterning of CVD among different groups of immigrants, and, second, it attempts to explain these patterns. We will discuss each in turn, highlighting specific contributions, and important areas for the field to tackle in coming years, as well. The sheer size and …
Bounded Gaussian fingerprints and the gradient collusion attack [multimedia fingerprinting applications]

The difficulty of building an effective digital rights management system stems from the fact that traditional cryptographic primitives such as encryption or scrambling do not protect audio or video signals once they are played in plain-text. This fact, commonly referred to as "the analog hole," has been responsible for the popularity of multimedia file sharing which cannot be controlled, at least technically, by content's copyright owners. In this paper, we explore a specific issue in multimedia fingerprinting as an answer to "the analog hole" problem. We analyze the collusion resistance of three large classes of spread-spectrum fingerprints using a recently introduced collusion procedure, the gradient attack. Surprisingly, we show that the collusion resistance of direct-sequence and uniformly distributed spread spectrum fingerprints is a small constant that does not depend on the object size, whereas bounded Gaussian fingerprints demonstrate significantly better robustness to the gradient attack.
Using simultaneous three colour X-ray mapping and digital-scan-stop for rapid elemental characterization of coal combustion by-products

A system is described for rapid, simultaneous three colour elemental mapping with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an energy dispersive X-ray analyser. The technique, which use a SEM scanning at TV rate, minimizes the disadvantages of long scan times such as inefficient use of linear amplifer and observable dead-time shadowing. The system also employs a digital scan-stop assembly utilizing a light pen to rapidly and reproducibly direct the beam to an object of choice for spot-mode analysis. Application of the system to analysis of fine particulates with emphasis on fly ash derived from coal-fired electric power plants is discussed. Chemical heterogeneity of fine particles in standard reference material fly ash and in phagocytized fly ash within pulmonary macrophages is demonstrated. This system combines the morphologic capability of the SEM with X-ray multielement mapping to provide a needed tool for particulate source identification.
Repeated Binge-Like Ethanol Drinking Alters Ethanol Drinking Patterns and Depresses Striatal GABAergic Transmission

Repeated cycles of binge alcohol drinking and abstinence are key components in the development of dependence. However, the precise behavioral mechanisms underlying binge-like drinking and its consequences on striatal synaptic physiology remain unclear. In the present study, ethanol and water drinking patterns were recorded with high temporal resolution over 6 weeks of binge-like ethanol drinking using the 'drinking in the dark' (DID) protocol. The bottle exchange occurring at the beginning of each session prompted a transient increase in the drinking rate that might facilitate the acquisition of ethanol binge-like drinking. Ethanol drinking mice also displayed a 'front-loading' behavior, in which the highest rate of drinking was recorded during the first 15 min. This rate increased over weeks and paralleled the mild escalation of blood ethanol concentrations. GABAergic and glutamatergic transmission in the dorsal striatum were examined following DID. Spontaneous glutamatergic transmission and the density of dendritic spines were unchanged after ethanol drinking. However, the frequency of GABAA receptor-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents was depressed in medium spiny neurons of ethanol drinking mice. A history of ethanol drinking also increased ethanol preference and altered the acute ethanol effects on GABAergic transmission differentially in dorsolateral and dorsomedial striatum. Together, the study shows that the bottle exchange during DID promotes fast, voluntary ethanol drinking and that this intermittent pattern of ethanol drinking causes a depression of GABAergic transmission in the dorsal striatum.
“A Curious Inconsistency” The Discourse of Social Work on the 1922 Married Women’s Independent Nationality Act and the Intersecting Dynamics of Race and Gender in the Laws of Immigration and Citizenship

The Cable Act of 1922 provided for the first time in U.S. history, independent citizenship for married women. Henceforth, a woman’s citizenship was a status separate from her husband’s. A victory f...
Compact, well-tuned bandpass filter

A compact, low power bandpass filter with additional tuning capability over previous bandpass filters is presented. Implemented in an analogue CMOS process, the n-well (bulk) conductance of the amplifiers in the filter is used to control both the resonant (peak) frequency and the Q factor of the filter frequency response. This technique is demonstrated to decrease the peak frequency while improving (sharpening) the Q factor. However, this same technique can be used to increase the peak frequency while improving the Q factor or to control the Q factor and peak frequency independently.
Notch 1 inhibits photoreceptor production in the developing mammalian retina.

The transmembrane receptor Notch1 plays a role in development and homeostasis in vertebrates and invertebrates. The mammalian retina is an excellent tissue in which to dissect the precise role of Notch signaling in regulating cell fate and proliferation. However, a systematic analysis has been limited by the early embryonic lethality of Notch1 -null mice. Here, Notch1 was conditionally removed from the murine retina either early or late in development. Removal of Notch1 early led to a reduction in the size of the retina as well as aberrant morphology. A decrease in the number of progenitor cells and premature neurogenesis accounted for the reduction in size. Unexpectedly, ablation of Notch1 in early progenitor cells led to enhanced cone photoreceptor production, and ablation of Notch1 at later points led to an almost exclusive production of rod photoreceptor cells. These data suggest that Notch1 not only maintains the progenitor state, but is required to inhibit the photoreceptor fate. These cone enriched mutant mice should prove to be a valuable resource for the study of this relatively rare mammalian photoreceptor cell type.
Resource planning for business services

Over the past several decades mathematical models of supply chains have been developed and used for resource planning. Significant gains in supply chain efficiency have been attributed to the use of such models, together with the supporting IT infrastructure. Manufacturing resource planning (MRP), which automated the calculations of material requirements within manufacturing, evolved into enterprise resource planning (ERP), which monitors manufacturing enterprise processes and provides an information base for mathematically based advanced planning.
Soluble phthalocyanine silicone plastics and elastomers for nonlinear optics

We present a procedure for trivially preparing soluble, spinnable phthalocyanine plastics and elastomers containing high concentrations of silicon phthalocyanine incorporated as a copolymer. Polymers prepared by this method can easily be fashioned as thin films for optoelectronic applications. We present a visible broad band quadratic electroabsorption measurement on one such thin film, providing the real and imaginary components of (gamma) as well as the figure of merit Re[(gamma) ]/Im[(alpha) ].
Dosimetric and volumetric criteria for selecting a source activity and a source type (125I or 103Pd) in the presence of irregular seed placement in permanent prostate implants

Abstract Purpose: The dosimetric merit of a permanent prostate implant relies on two factors: the quality of the plan itself, and the fidelity of its implementation. The former factor depends on source type and on source strength, while the latter is a combination of skill and experience. The purpose of this study is to offer criteria by which to select a source type ( 125 I or 103 Pd) and activity. Methods and Materials: Given a prescription dose and potential seed positions along needles, treatment plans were designed for a number of seed types and activities, specifically for 125 I with activities ranging from 0.3 to 0.7 mCi, and for 103 Pd with activities in the range of 0.8 to 1.6 mCi. To avoid human planner bias, an automated computerized planning system based on integer programming was used to obtain optimal seed configurations for each seed type and activity. To simulate the effect of seed-placement inaccuracies, random seed-displacement "errors" were generated for all plans. The displacement errors were assumed to be uniformly distributed within a cube with side equal to 2σ. The resulting treatment plans were assessed using two volumetric and two dosimetric indices. Results: For 125 I implants a coverage index (CI) of 98.5% or higher can be achieved for all activities (CI is the fraction of the target volume receiving the prescribed or larger dose). The external volume index (EI) (i.e., the amount of healthy tissue, as percentage of the target volume, receiving the prescribed or larger dose) increases from 13.9% to 20% as the activity increases from 0.3 to 0.7 mCi. For implants using 103 Pd, the external volume index increases from 10.2% to 13.9% whenever CI exceeds 98.5%. Volumetric and dosimetric indices (coverage index, external volume index, D90, and D80) are all sensitive to seed displacement, although the activity dependence of these indices is more pronounced for 125 I than for 103 Pd implants. Conclusions: For both isotopes, the lower activities studied systematically result in lower EIs. If seeds can be placed within approximately 0.5 cm of their intended position 103 Pd should be preferred because its EI is lower than that of 125 I. For all activities the coverage indices and D90 are within the required range. If seed placement uncertainties are larger than 0.5 cm, 125 I provides slightly better target coverage; however, in terms of external volume (healthy tissue) covered, 103 Pd is superior to 125 I.
An automated high performance capillary liquid chromatography-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer for high-throughput proteomics.

We describe a fully automated high performance liquid chromatography 9.4 tesla Fourier transform ion resonance cyclotron (FTICR) mass spectrometer system designed for proteomics research. A synergistic suite of ion introduction and manipulation technologies were developed and integrated as a high-performance front-end to a commercial Bruker Daltonics FTICR instrument. The developments incorporated included a dual-ESI-emitter ion source; a dual-channel electrodynamic ion funnel; tandem quadrupoles for collisional cooling and focusing, ion selection, and ion accumulation, and served to significantly improve the sensitivity, dynamic range, and mass measurement accuracy of the mass spectrometer. In addition, a novel technique for accumulating ions in the ICR cell was developed that improved both resolution and mass measurement accuracy. A new calibration methodology is also described where calibrant ions are introduced and controlled via a separate channel of the dual-channel ion funnel, allowing calibrant species to be introduced to sample spectra on a real-time basis, if needed. We also report on overall instrument automation developments that facilitate high-throughput and unattended operation. These included an automated version of the previously reported very high resolution, high pressure reversed phase gradient capillary liquid chromatography (LC) system as the separations component. A commercial autosampler was integrated to facilitate 24 h/day operation. Unattended operation of the instrument revealed exceptional overall performance: Reproducibility (1–5% deviation in uncorrected elution times), repeatability ( 105 for peptide abundances in the overall separation.
Metabolism and function of phenazines in bacteria: impacts on the behavior of bacteria in the environment and biotechnological processes

Phenazines constitute a large group of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds produced by a diverse range of bacteria. Both natural and synthetic phenazine derivatives are studied due their impacts on bacterial interactions and biotechnological processes. Phenazines serve as electron shuttles to alternate terminal acceptors, modify cellular redox states, act as cell signals that regulate patterns of gene expression, contribute to biofilm formation and architecture, and enhance bacterial survival. Phenazines have diverse effects on eukaryotic hosts and host tissues, including the modification of multiple host cellular responses. In plants, phenazines also may influence growth and elicit induced systemic resistance. Here, we discuss emerging evidence that phenazines play multiple roles for the producing organism and contribute to their behavior and ecological fitness.
Automatic detection of data inconsistencies for AVA analysis: Bootstrap and LMS regression.

Summary In this paper, we present a method for detecting automatically CDP gathers with clear discrepancies between the observations and the model used to define the AVA attributes. The technique is presented using a linear model of AVA; however, any regression model can be used. Bootstrap and least median square (LMS) regression are the main components of the method. An application to data from the Glitne field (North Sea) is presented to illustrate the applicability of the methodology.