cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Nanomechanical Properties of Proteins and Secondary Structure

There is tremendous interest in understanding the nanomechanical properties of proteins and how secondary structure influences these properties. Recent studies have analyzed protein rigidity using single molecule techniques such as AFM and MD simulations. These have focused on model systems such as single domain fibrils or amyloids. Here, we investigate these properties in native proteins chosen to represent particular protein classes: α (myoglobin and bovine serum albumin (BSA)), α+β (lysozyme), and β (green fluorescent protein (GFP)). We used Brillouin spectroscopy to provide information on the mechanical modulus on an ∼100nm length scale, accounting for contributions from the protein, solvent, protein-protein interface, and protein-solvent interface; as well as Raman and neutron scattering to analyze the low-frequency vibrational spectra, the boson peak which might provide estimates of rigidity of a single protein.The results clearly demonstrate that the α-helix proteins are softer than the proteins containing the β-motifs, both in dry and hydrated states (h∼0.4). GFP with its β-barrel structure is the most rigid protein studied. The Young's modulus of all the proteins decreases with increasing temperature. Dry proteins are rigid at low temperature, with Young's Modulus approaching ∼7GPa (myoglobin) to ∼13GPa (GFP). Hydrated proteins exhibit an increase in rigidity at low temperatures due to the freezing of hydrogen bond fluctuations between the protein surface and hydration water molecules. At higher temperatures, the hydrated proteins soften significantly, showing high conformational flexibility and experiencing larger amplitude dynamics strongly coupled to the solvent. Our results also suggest that this plasticizing effect by water is weaker for larger proteins, whose hydrophobic core is less affected by the presence of solvent molecules. Finally, we speculate about the physical origin of the boson peak in terms of collective vibrations of specific secondary structural units.
Epidemiology and outcomes associated with moderate to heavy Candida colonization during pregnancy

Objective: Our purpose was to determine the risk factors, physical findings, microflora, and pregnancy outcome among pregnant women with moderate to heavy vaginal growth of Candida albicans and other Candida species. Study Design: A multicenter cohort of 13,914 women were enrolled between 23 and 26 weeks' gestation. Women completed a questionnaire, underwent a physical examination, and had genital specimens taken for culture. A subset of 1459 women were reexamined during the third trimester. Pregnancy outcomes were recorded at delivery. Results: The prevalence of moderate to heavy Candida colonization at midgestation was 10%. Colonized women, 83% of whom carried C. albicans , were more likely to be black or Hispanic, unmarried, a previous oral contraceptive user, and to manifest clinical signs indicative of Candida carriage. Candida colonization was positively associated with Trichomonas vaginalis , group B streptococci, and aerobic Lactobacillus and was not associated with adverse pregnancy outcome. Conclusion: These results suggest that Candida colonization is not associated with low birth weight or preterm delivery.
Baer ordered *-fields of the first kind

We construct examples of Baer ordered *-fields of the first kind of every dimension 4 n ,n=1,2,….
Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 regulates proliferation and activation of T-helper cells.

Suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) have been implicated in regulation of T-cell activation and cytokine-mediated differentiation of T-helper cells. In this study we have characterized the pattern of SOCS expression in naive and activated primary T-helper cells, examined whether expression of SOCS genes is regulated by cytokine or T-cell receptor signaling, and analyzed the function of SOCS in differentiated T-cells. We show that SOCS1, SOCS2, SOCS3, CIS (cytokine-induced SH2 protein) genes are constitutively expressed in naive T-helper cells, with SOCS3 being the most abundant. Antigen stimulation of naive T-helper cells down-regulates SOCS3 expression and concomitantly up-regulates SOCS1, SOCS2, and CIS gene transcription, suggesting that SOCS genes are regulated differentially by T-cell activation. Down-regulation of SOCS3 expression is subsequently followed by gradual increase in SOCS3 level and corresponding decline in interleukin 2 (IL-2) secretion. In fact, SOCS3 mRNA levels are inversely correlated with the amount of IL-2 secretion and proliferative responses of differentiating T-helper cells, suggesting mutually antagonistic effects of SOCS3 and IL-2 and feedback regulation of T-cell activation by SOCS3. Furthermore, the degree of SOCS3 inhibition is antigen concentration-dependent and is mediated in part by growth factor independence-1, a T-cell transcription factor that regulates S-phase entry in T-cells. Forced overexpression of SOCS3 inhibits proliferation of T-helper cells, whereas depletion of endogenous SOCS3 by antisense SOCS3 cDNA enhances T-cell receptor- and cytokine-induced proliferation. Taken together, these results suggest a role for SOCS3 in maintaining T-helper cells in a quiescent state. Transient inhibition of SOCS3 by antigen stimulation may therefore be essential in allowing activation of resting T-cells.
The flow of food in colonies of the fire ant, Solenopsis invicta: a multifactorial study

ABSTRACT. A study was conducted to determine the interaction of several factors in the trophallactic distribution of food in colonies of Solenopsis invicta Buren. Radioactive iodine (125I) was used to quantify both the ingestion of test foods by foragers and the distribution of this food to nestmates. A multifactorial design tested the simultaneous effects of: (1) food-type (sugar water, casein hydrolysate, or oil), (2) temperature during foraging and food-sharing (25, 30 or 35°C), and (3) starvation period (colonies deprived for 0, 3, 7 or 14 days). The amount of food consumed by foragers was influenced by the interaction of food-type and starvation. Foragers from severely starved colonies ingested more aqueous foods than did those from slightly starved colonies, but oil was always taken in smaller quantities and its ingestion was least affected by starvation. Ingestion was generally lowest at 35°C, probably because of mutual interference of workers while feeding. Within the colony, food sharing varied with food type and increased with starvation. The sugar solution was utilized primarily by workers. Amino acids were shared throughout the colony, but were directed preferentially to the growing larvae. Soy oil was equally shared among workers and larvae and reached more colony members per initial unit volume than did the other foods. The test factors also interacted in their influence on trophallaxis. Starvation stimulated the dispersal of labelled foods, but at different intensities for different foods. The probability of the queen's receiving food increased when the labelled food was widely exchanged among her nestmates. Casein hydrolysate reached the queen in more cases than did the other tested foods.
Practice-based agromedicine: the need for client-centered research.

During recent years, several client calls received from Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service office and private physicians have required client-oriented investigations. These have practical implications for preventive medicine and public service. The challenges for differential diagnosis across disciplines are not for the faint-of-heart or the narrow thinking specialist. Examples of incidents that have signaled a problem and resulting research projects are: 1) anaphylactic cardiovascular response to red imported fire ant venom (statewide morbidity survey); (2) unexplained contact dermatitis in tomato harvesters and floral designers (immunodermatologic study and statewide survey of florists); (3) concerns over two unexplained cancer deaths at an experimental agricultural research station (farmer's mortality study); (4) a household outbreak of organophosphate poisoning (statewide hospital morbidity survey); and (5) a woman in early pregnancy exposed to misapplication of chlordane in her house (literature review and update on trends in U.S. birth defects). These examples reflect a broad but responsive interdisciplinary approach to the needs of the clients of the South Carolina Agromedicine Program.
Trade reduction vs. multi-stage: A comparison of double auction design approaches

With the growth of electronic markets, designing double auction mechanisms that are applicable to emerging market structures has become an important research topic. In this paper, we investigate two truthful double auction design approaches, the Trade Reduction Approach and the Multi-Stage Design Approach, and compare their resulting mechanisms in various exchange environments. We find that comparing with the Trade Reduction Approach, the Multi-Stage Design Approach offers mechanisms applicable to more complicated exchange environments. Furthermore, for the known trade reduction mechanisms, we prove that the corresponding mechanisms under the multi-stage design approach are superior in terms of both social efficiency and individual payoffs, in each exchange environment of interest. Our computational tests show that the mechanisms under the multi-stage design approach achieve very high efficiency in various scenarios.
Furnace atomization plasma emission spectrometry with He/Ar mixed gas plasmas ☆

Abstract The influence of plasma gas composition on the operating and analytical characteristics of a furnace atomization plasma emission source (FAPES) is presented. He I and Ar I excitation temperatures increase 30% in the mixed gas plasmas whereas argon ion excitation temperatures decrease from 33 000 K to 26 000 K in the presence of He. Collisional exchange of internal energy between excited states of Ar and He accounts for these changes. Average analyte ionization temperatures (for Cr, Mn, Mg, Co, Fe, Cd and Zn), derived from the relative emission intensities of their ionic and atomic lines in a 40-MHz 50-W plasma, increase from 5270 K to 6740 K with the addition of Ar to He. Ionic line intensities increase from 10-fold (Mn) to 40-fold (Cd, Zn) with addition of Ar to the plasma while atomic line intensities increase only twofold. Limits of detection remain substantially unaltered for atomic transitions due to increased noise but are improved twofold (Cd) to 24-fold (Mn) for ionic transitions. The analytical advantages and disadvantages of mixed gas plasmas are discussed. The Ne I excitation temperature at 40 MHz and 50 W was determined to be 4330±80 K.
The design of a flexible machining cell for small batch production

Abstract This paper discusses the conceptual design of a manufacturing cell for a small batch manufacturer. The cell produces small parts with dimensional tolerances of ±0.005 inch (0.13 mm) using a minimum of machining equipment. The proposed cell can run unattended for a moderate period of time (e.g., overnight). The cell design emphasizes near-term technology and uses off-the-shelf items where possible. The design philosophy is to partition the cell components and control programs into modules according to their function. The resulting cell is easily integrated into a larger system and is readily modified or expanded as more sophisticated equipment and techniques become available.
964 ENHANCED LYMPHOKINE-ACTIVATED CELLULAR CYTOTOXICITY IN CORD MONONUCLEAR CELLS

Various forms of cellular cytotoxicity have been noted by us and others to be decreased in newborn whole mononuclear cells (WMC) as compared with adult WMC. Diminished cord spontaneous natural killer (NK) cell activity against K562 targets has been observed. However, after incubation for 5–7 days with purified recombinant interleukin-2 (IL-2) cord WMC cytotoxicity against K562 cells increased from 16 ± 2% (SEM) to 74 ± 5% (n=9). Killing of Raji cells increased from 7 ± 1% to 38 ± 4% (n=9). Similarly activated adult WMC also increased their killing against K562 from 31 ± H% to 68 ± 7% and against Raji cells from 7 ± 1% to 40 ± 7% (n=10). Dose-dependent responses were observed with the optimal IL-2 concentration at 50–100 units/cc. Increased cytotoxicity was also observed against other cell targets (Molt 4F and EL-4). Cold target inhibition of Molt and Raji killing was equally inhibited in adult and cord lymphokine-activated killer cells (LAK) by K562, Molt or Raji cells. However, cold target inhibition of cord LAK activity against K562 was less than adult LAK, suggesting less specificity and more potent cytotoxic potential. Unlabelled K562 cells decreased cytotoxicity by 44 ± 5% for adult LAK (n=7) and 27 ± 9% for cord LAK (n=4). Unlabelled Raji cells decreased K562 cytotoxicity by 34% for adult cells and 12 ± 3% for cord cells (p<0.01). This substantial lymphokine-activated cytotoxicity suggests the possibiltiy of therapeutic intervention in neonatal viral infections and neoplastic disorders with purified lymphokines.
Why it's nice to be quoted: quasiquoting for haskell

Quasiquoting allows programmers to use domain specific syntax to construct program fragments. By providing concrete syntax for complex data types, programs become easier to read, easier to write, and easier to reason about and maintain. Haskell is an excellent host language for embedded domain specific languages, and quasiquoting ideally complements the language features that make Haskell perform so well in this area. Unfortunately, until now no Haskell compiler has provided support for quasiquoting. We present an implementation in GHC and demonstrate that by leveraging existing compiler capabilities, building a full quasiquoter requires little more work than writing a parser. Furthermore, we provide a compile-time guarantee that all quasiquoted data is type-correct.
Special education and the Holmes agenda for teacher education reform

(1990). Special education and the Holmes agenda for teacher education reform. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 29, Reforming Education: The Holmes Agenda, pp. 55-60.
Enhanced inhomogeneous nuclear spin echoes for dilute spins in solids

Abstract We report the observation of enhanced and long-lived 13 C nuclear spin echoes in solids. These echoes can be used to determine limiting natural resolution and lineshapes due to the randomly distributed 13 C spins coupled via dipolar interactions, and to measure, directly, molecular diffusion in the solid state.
Working-Class Power, Capitalist-Class Interests, and Class Compromise

This article proposes a general theoretical framework for understanding the concept of "class compromise" in terms of a "reverse-J" model of the relationship between the associational power of workers and the interests of capitalists: increases in working-class power adversely affect capitalist-class interests until such power crosses some intermediate threshold beyond which further increases in working-class power are potentially beneficial to capitalists' interests. This article argues that the reverse-J curve is itself the result of two distinct kinds of effects of workers' power on capitalists' interests: one, a negative effect, in which workers' power undermines the capacity of capitalists to unilaterally make various kinds of decisions, and the second, a positive effect, in which workers' power helps capitalists solve the various kinds of collective action problems they face.
Vitamin D receptor found in human sperm.

Abstract Objectives Several animal studies have suggested that vitamin D and the vitamin D receptor (VDR) play a role in male fertility. The mechanism of action in the testis and the interaction with sperm is unknown. The presence of the VDR on sperm has never been demonstrated. The objective of this pilot study was to investigate the presence of the VDR on human sperm. Methods A prospective study of sperm collected from 10 fertile men, mean age 33.7 ± 2.2 years, was undertaken. Qualitative analysis for VDR was performed by immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal antibody to human VDR. For comparison of the spatial relationship of the receptor, qualitative analysis of the androgen receptor on sperm was performed. Immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting of total sperm protein lysate using VDR antibodies further characterized the VDR. Results Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the VDR was located predominantly on the head/nucleus of the sperm and mid-piece. Immunoblotting confirmed the presence of the VDR with a molecular weight of 50 kDa in all subjects. Conclusions Our results have demonstrated the presence of the VDR on human sperm for what we believe to be the first time.
Intraocular lens optical quality: update 1979

Summary One hundred and twenty lenses from 12 manufacturers were randomly selected for optical studies using an optical bench. Resolution efficiency was measured with an Air Force target, and measurements of back focal length in air were used to calculate back focal length in aqueous. There were no lenses with: less than 50% resolution efficiency, more than a 0.5-D variation from the stated power, or more than 0.25 D of toricity. Seventy-five percent of the lenses had at least 74% resolution efficiency; 93% were within 0.25 D of the stated power; 95% had 0.1 D or less toricity. Lenses of recent manufacture exhibit a marked improvement in optical quality. Optical parameters for all lenses observed in this study were within good clinical ranges.
Economic inequality and intergenerational transfers: Evidence from Mexico

Recent evidence of the National Transfer Accounts (NTA) of Mexico reveals that asset-based reallocations play a significant role in the financing of the expenditures by elderly Mexicans, whereas private and public transfers are used to support most of the expenditures for children. What that evidence does not consider, however, is the fact that differences in socioeconomic status (SES) may seriously distort the reallocation of intergenerational flows. Mexico has long been a country permeated by high levels of inequality, it is then necessary to include its effects in the analysis of intergenerational transfers. Furthermore, age reallocations of economic flows do change over time and such changes might also involve greater economic inequality. In this paper, I assess the effects of SES inequality on the reallocation of intergenerational flows using NTA estimates for two particular years, 1994 and 2004. I show that the reallocation of economic resources, mainly to children and the elderly, by SES changed substantially within this period. The main intergenerational effects associated with SES inequality are: a) equalizing effects of labor income and remittances, b) higher progressivity of public cash and educational transfers, and c) crowding-out effects between private and public transfers among the elderly.
Scenario for Fractional Quantum Hall Effect in Bulk Isotropic Materials

We investigate the possibility of a strongly correlated fractional quantum Hall (FQH) state in bulk three-dimensional (3D) isotropic (not layered) materials. We find that a FQH state can exist at low densities only if it is accompanied by a staging transition in which the electrons reorganize themselves in layers, perpendicular to the magnetic field, at distances of the order of the magnetic length apart. The Hartree energy associated to the staging transition is off set by the correlation Fock energy of the 3D FQH state. We obtain the phase diagram of bulk electrons in a magnetic field subject to Coulomb interactions as a function of carrier density and lattice constant. At very low densities, the 3D FQH state exhibits a transition to a 3D Wigner crystal state stabilized by phonon correlations.
Why are there two BRST string field theories

Abstract One of the mysteries of string field theory is why there are two distinct BRST field theories. We solve this puzzle by (1) explicitly constructing a geometric vertex that smoothly interpolates between the other theories, (2) proving that this geometric vertex links the other two by a one-dimensional reparametrization, (3) proving that both BRST theories are thus gauge-fixed versions of a higher, geometric field theory . The geometric theory also explains the origin of the baffling four-string interaction, which now emerges as a gauge artifact, the counterpart of the four-fermion instantaneous Coulomb term of QED.
N-Acylphosphatidylethanolamine in Dry and Imbibing Cottonseeds (Amounts, Molecular Species, and Enzymatic Synthesis)

N-Acylphosphatidylethanolamine (NAPE), an unusual acylated derivative of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), was recently shown to be synthesized from PE and free fatty acids in cotyledons of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) seedlings (K.D. Chapman, T.S. Moore [1993] Plant Physiol 102: 761–769). Here we report that NAPE is present in dry seeds of cotton and increases with time of imbibition from 2.31 nmol/seed in dry seeds to 4.26 nmol/seed in 4-h-soaked seeds. Total phospholipid/seed also increased such that the relative percentage of NAPE was similar in dry and soaked seeds (2.3 mol% compared to 2.6 mol%, respectively). The major molecular species of NAPE were identified in both dry and soaked seeds by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry and collisionally activated dissociation tandem mass spectrometry as 16:0/18:2-PE(N-palmitoyl), 16:0/18:2-PE(N-linoleoyl), and 18:2/18:2-PE(N-palmitoyl). The specific activity of NAPE synthase in seed extracts increased with increasing time of imbibition from 35 pmol h-1 mg-1 protein in dry seeds to 129 pmol h-1 mg-1 protein in 4-h-soaked seeds. Collectively, our results indicate that NAPE is present in dry cottonseeds and synthesized during imbibition. The biosynthesis of NAPE provides a mechanism for maintaining membrane integrity during seed rehydration and may indicate that NAPE plays a protective role in intracellular membranes of plant tissues, as has been suggested for intracellular membranes of animal tissues.
On Punctuated Equilibria

In their technical comment of 6 December (p. 1748) on a report of punctuated patterns of evolutionary change in a laboratory culture of Escherichia coli , Jerry A. Coyne and Brian Charlesworth perpetuate several incorrect perceptions of the original notion, and subsequent discussions, of punctuated
A Versatile Performance and Energy Simulation Tool for Composite GPU Global Memory

As a cost-effective compute device, Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) has been widely embraced in the field of high performance computing. GPU is characterized by its massive thread-level parallelism and high memory bandwidth. Although GPU has exhibited tremendous potential, recent GPU architecture researches mainly focus on GPU compute units and full system exploration is rare due to the lack of accurate simulators that can reveal hardware organization of both GPU compute units and its memory system. In order to fill this void, we build a GPU simulator called VxGPUSim that can support the simulation with detailed performance, timing and power consumption statistics. Our experimental evaluation demonstrates that VxGPUSim can faithfully reveal the internal execution details of GPU global memory of various memory configurations. It can enable further research on the design of GPU global memory for performance and energy tradeoffs.
On-line consolidation of thermoplastic composites using laser scanning

A novel technique to process thermoplastic composites by laser-assisted tape winding has been developed and evaluated. Previous investigations were limited to a stationary beam and consolidation of narrow prepreg tapes. The technology was extended to process wider prepreg tapes using a galvanometer-based scanning system. The energy distribution along the consolidation line is affected by the triggering signal used to position the scanning mirror. This distribution is predicted using a geometrical model and the results are confirmed experimentally with imprints of the scanned beam in Plexiglas. It was found that the most homogenous heating of the surface is achieved if a triangular triggering signal is used. Density and short beam shear tests are used to evaluate the bond quality that can be achieved using the beam scanning system in comparison to parts fabricated with a stationary beam. Tests have been performed on parts processed with different laser power settings and scanning frequencies. The shear strength increases with increasing laser power to an optimum value after which it decreases due to the degradation of the thermoplastic matrix. The scanning frequency in contrast had no influence on the shear strength. The possibility to process wider tapes using the scanning system was demonstrated by consolidating a one-inch wide PPS/Carbon prepreg tape.
Influence of Varying pH and Algin/Calcium Binders on Selected Physical and Sensory Characteristics of Structured Beef

Structured beef was prepared with eight combinations of the ingredients (sodium alginate, calcium carbonate, lactic acid/calcium lactate) used to bind meat with the algin/calcium gelation mechanism at nine pH values (4.1–6.4) in order to evaluate their influence on its physical and sensory characteristics. Products with alginate alone were similar to samples from the treatment without binders. The combination of alginate/calcium/lactate gave products of higher values (P>0.05) for parameters such as hardness in the raw state, bind and penetration than all other treatments. Decreasing pH values increased raw and cooked product hardness and penetration force. Products of pH values 5.7–5.8 were superior to other treatments in bind scores evaluated by a sensory panel.
Respiratory syncytial virus augments production of fibroblast growth factor basic in vitro: Implications for a possible mechanism of prolonged wheezing after infection

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been linked to the development of clinical asthma. Cellular mechanisms of this observation are not yet clearly elucidated. In chronic asthma, production of growth factors and remodeling are associated with prolonged wheezing. It was hypothesized that cells infected with RSV may produce excessive levels of fibroblast growth factor basic (FGFb), and epidermal growth factor (EGF). Airway epithelial cells were incubated with either: (i) virus, (ii) inactivated virus, or (iii) media only. The levels of FGFb and EGF were measured in the cellular supernatant fluid. The study demonstrated that by 24 h after RSV inoculation, or exposure to RSV-killed virus, cells are stimulated to produce significantly more FGFb, compared with non-infected/non-exposed control cells. FGFb is an important factor in remodeling and fibroblast activation in the airway. Using treatment with actinomycin D and cylcohexamide the effect of inhibiting translation or transcription in the infected cells, on FGFb production was demonstrated. There were no alterations in EGF production detectable. Based on the findings, the mechanism of FGFb secretion after RSV inoculation, appears to be regulated at the levels of both transcription and translation. The increased FGFb release potentially could contribute to fibroblast activation and remodeling in the airway, and thus provide another possible mechanism for prolonged wheezing after infection.
Debranching de las arterias viscerales y/o renales para procedimientos toracoabdominales híbridos complejos mediante la exposición retroperitoneal de la aorta abdominal: informe preliminar

El debranching de las arterias viscerales y renales puede ampliar la zona para posicionar una endoprotesis en pacientes con patologia aortica toracoabdominal compleja. Los informes iniciales sobre procedimientos “hibridos” son prometedores pero, en general, describen una exposicion transperitoneal de las arterias viscerales y renal. Esta serie clinica describe cuatro casos complejos de aneurisma/diseccion aortica toracoabdominal en los que se efectuo un procedimiento de debranching de las arterias viscerales y renal por via retroperitoneal.
Non-Newtonian Fluid Cavern and Newtonian Cloud Height Tests to Characterize Pulse Jet Mixer Operation

Pulse jet mixing systems are being developed for use in the Waste Treatment Plant in Washington State. To assist with system development, scaled tests were conducted to obtain experimental measurements of the cloud height for Newtonian slurries and cavern heights for a Non-Newtonian yield stress material. The measurements were required to assess the effective mixing and material mobilization produced during pulse jet mixer operation. The cloud height measurements were obtained for a single steady-state jet directed downward in a spherical-bottom tank. The cloud tests used glass beads in water to evaluate the height of the suspended slurry as a function of jet velocity. Cloud testing revealed that the glass bead material was suspended in the tank quickly and developed a distinctive height for each combination of flow rate and particulate size tested. The solids loading had minimal impact on the cloud height for a given particle size. During all cloud tests, the surface of the tank remained relatively calm, indicating that the slurry was dissipating the mixing energy of the relatively high velocity jet. Cavern tests were conducted to obtain experimental data of non-Newtonian fluid mixing for fluid properties similar to those of certain tank wastes. A transparent material that exhibited a yield stress and shear thinning behavior was used to obtain measurements of steady-state cavern heights as a function of jet velocity. For the non-Newtonian fluid cavern tests, distinct cavern volumes were readily developed for the four velocities tested. A linear relationship was observed to exist between cavern height and nozzle velocity. Since the experimental work detailed in this paper was completed, additional scaled tests have been conducted with pneumatic drive systems and direct drive systems similar to that described for this effort. Data from both types of measurements are shown to be linear; however, effects from the reciprocating drive systems that are not yet incorporated into models may be affecting the ability to collapse this data independent of scale. It is recommended that future efforts to assess performance of PJM operations using scaled tests consider employing direct drive systems to aid in evaluating scaling trends. A test system can be configured to allow testing at both reciprocating and direct drive conditions; thereby allowing direct comparison between them.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Preoperative risk stratification for thoracic surgery using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data set: functional status predicts morbidity and mortality

Abstract Background Preoperative risk stratification for noncardiac thoracic surgery focuses on predicting postoperative lung capacity and cardiac risk. We hypothesized that preoperative functional status may be a predictor of morbidity and mortality after thoracic surgery. Methods The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant Use Files from 2005 to 2009 were accessed, and current procedural terminology codes for procedures involving the lung and pleura were used to identify thoracic surgery patients. Patients were grouped by independent or dependent preoperative functional status. Risks of infectious and noninfectious complications were evaluated. Chi-square, Fisher exact, and multivariate analyses with stepwise logistic regression were used. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board. Results Of 6,373 patients, 812 had a preoperative dependent functional status. Dependent patients had significantly higher rates of infection, other adverse events, and mortality. They were 9.3 times more likely (odds ratio [OR] 9.3) to have prolonged ventilation ( P P P P P versus P = 0.415, OR 1.1). Conclusions Thoracic surgery patients, classified as functionally dependent preoperatively are at high risk for major morbidity and mortality. Although a limited observational study, results show that functional status is an essential component of preoperative assessment for thoracic surgery patients.
Pheochromocytoma in patients suspected of harboring adrenal metastasis: management and clinical predictors.

Objective: To study clinical management of patients with suspected adrenal metastasis and to assess whether there are clinical predictors of pheochromocytoma in this patient population.Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we reviewed medical records of patients who had adrenalectomy for adrenal lesions or had adrenal biopsy performed between January 1997 and July 2007 in a large academic hospital. Patients who harbored adrenal masses that were suspected of being metastases were identified on clinical findings. Pathologic diagnosis, demographic data, clinical history, imaging studies, and laboratory test results were reviewed and compared among patients whose adrenal mass was determined to be metastasis, adenoma, or pheochromocytoma.Results: One-hundred sixty-three patients had adrenalectomy or had adrenal biopsy during the study period. Thirty patients (18%) had adrenal masses that were suspected of being metastases. Of the adrenal masses, 18 (60%) were metastases, 8 (27%) were benign ade...
Distributed Average Consensus in Sensor Networks with Random Link Failures

We study the impact of the topology of a sensor network on distributed average consensus algorithms when the network links fail at random. We derive convergence results. In particular, we determine a sufficient condition for mean-square convergence of the distributed average consensus algorithm in terms of a moment of the distribution of the norm of a function of the network graph Laplacian matrix L (which is a random matrix, because the network links are random.) Further, because the computation of this moment involves costly simulations, we relate the mean-square convergence to the second eigenvalue of the mean Laplacian matrix, λ2(L), which is much easier to compute. We derive bounds on the convergence rate of the algorithm, which show that both the expected algebraic connectivity of the network, E[λ2(L)], and λ2(L) play an important role in determining the actual convergence rate. Specifically, larger values of E[λ2(L)] or λ2(L) lead to better convergence rates. Finally, we provide numerical studies that verify the analytical results.
Shakeup in soft-x-ray emission. II. Plasmon satellites and x-ray photoemission spectroscopy.

We report the first observation of a plasmon satellite in the K emission spectrum of diamond. The previously identified plasmon satellites of Al and graphite are also presented, and data is compared with an oscillator model applicable to soft-x-ray emission and photoemission. The graphite satellite is shown to exhibit an anomalous location with respect to the parent emission. We report for the Al ${L}_{\mathrm{I}}$-${L}_{\mathrm{I}\mathrm{I},\mathrm{I}\mathrm{I}\mathrm{I}}$ core-core transitions a spin-orbit splitting of 0.42\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02 eV with a Lorentzian width of 0.67\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02 eV. The oscillator model applied to x-ray photoemission predicts a shift of the plasmon satellite with respect to the zero loss line as the final-electron kinetic energy is varied.
FUF: the Universal Unifier User Manual Version 2.0

This report is the user manual for FUF version 2.0. a natural language generator program that uses the technique of unification grammars. The program is composed of two main modules: a unifier and a linearizer. The unifier takes as input a semantic description of the text to be generated and a unification grammar, and produces as output a rich syntactic description of the text The linearizer interprets this syntaCtic description and produces an English sen­ tence. This manual includes a detailed presentation of the technique of unification grammars and a reference manual for the current implementation (F1JF 2.0).
Deletion of Zfp521 rescues the growth plate phenotype in a mouse model of Jansen metaphyseal chondrodysplasia

Jansen metaphyseal chondrodysplasia (JMC) is caused by a constitutively activating mutation of the parathyroid hormone (PTH)/PTH-related protein (PTHrP) receptor (PTHR1) and is characterized by widening of the metaphyses, reduction of long bone length, and short stature. A transgenic mouse expressing this mutation under the collagen α1(II) promoter has been generated to investigate the mechanisms responsible for this chondrodysplasia. We recently identified zinc finger protein 521 (Zfp521) as a downstream target gene of PTHrP signaling. Interestingly, loss of Zfp521 from chondrocytes leads to reduced cell proliferation and increased differentiation in the growth plate. Thus, we hypothesized that specifically ablating Zfp521 from Jansen chondrocytes could sufficiently rescue the chondrodysplasia phenotype. Our results show that Zfp521 expression is up-regulated in Jansen mouse growth plate chondrocytes and that PTHR1 is required for Zfp521 expression. Its ablation from Jansen chondrocytes restored normal cell differentiation, thus initiating chondrocyte apoptosis at the chondro-osseous junction, leading to partial rescue of endochondral bone formation shown by proper bone length. This study provides the first genetic evidence that Zfp521 is required downstream of PTHR1 signaling to act on chondrocyte proliferation, differentiation, and cell death.—Seriwatanachai, D., Densmore, M. J., Sato, T., Correa, D., Neff, L., Baron, R., Lanske, B. Deletion of Zfp521 rescues the growth plate phenotype in a mouse model of Jansen metaphyseal chondrodysplasia.
The Spectrum of Hematologic Malignancies Involving the Pancreas Potential Clinical Mimics of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Hematologic malignancies often involve the pancreas, causing potential diagnostic pitfalls and, rarely, potentially avoidable surgical resection. We review the spectrum of hematologic malignancies involving the pancreas and describe features useful in preoperative distinction from adenocarcinoma. Archived clinical, pathologic, and radiologic data (1965 to present) for hematologic malignancies involving the pancreas were reviewed and compared with the data for 157 surgically resected pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Of 42 cases, 27 (64%) were clinically “suspicious” for hematologic malignancies. Of the remaining 15 cases, 4 patients underwent resection for presumed pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Isolated pancreatic masses proved most difficult to identify clinically. Significant factors in distinguishing hematologic malignancies from adenocarcinoma included history of hematologic malignancy, young age, large tumor size, low CA19-9 level, B symptoms, and lack of jaundice or diabetes mellitus. Various hematologic malignancies involve the pancreas, most commonly diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Pancreatic masses are usually correctly identified clinically. Preoperative and operative sampling is strongly recommended when hematologic malignancies cannot be excluded.
Making Instruction Mobile

Using interactive and mobile technologies enhances literacy instruction and outreach services. In the classroom, polling applications and clickers provide real-time assessment, inform future instruction, and encourage students to participate. Outside the classroom, we are creating instructional videos and media on topics such as search techniques, navigating the library, and publishing Web sites. These materials can be accessed via the library Web site, streamed onto handheld devices, added to course sites, and embedded throughout the library's physical site using quick response codes. These innovative methodologies help us reach students in a multitude of ways and broaden students' means and methods of access.
Desintering Process in the Gas‐Pressure Sintering of Silicon Nitride

A unique desintering phenomenon has been observed in gas-pressure sintering of silicon nitrides with additives of yttria and alumina. The desintering phenomenon occurred, simultaneous with weight increase, only when a boron nitride crucible was used in combination with the application of high nitrogen pressure (5 MPa). When the nitrogen pressure was low (0.5 MPa), or when the boron nitride crucible was replaced by a graphite crucible, this desintering phenomenon was not observed. These results could be rationalized by the chemical dissolution of nitrogen into the oxynitride melts and the resultant evolution of carbon monoxide. This indicates that the high nitrogen overpressure employed in gas-pressure sintering of silicon nitride ceramics is not always beneficial.
Embryo production and possible species preservation by nuclear transfer of somatic cells isolated from bovine semen

Somatic cells in semen are a potential source of nuclei for nuclear transfer to produce genetically identical animals; this is especially important when an animal has died and the only viable genetic material available is frozen semen. Usefulness of somatic cells obtained from fresh (cultured) and frozen (isolated, not cultured) bovine semen for nuclear transfer was evaluated. Twelve ejaculates were collected from nine bulls representing three breeds: Charolais, Brahman, and crossbred Rodeo bull. All samples were processed immediately and cell growth was obtained from seven of the twelve ejaculates (58.3%). Cells from three bulls (with the best growth rates) were evaluated by optical microscopy and used in cloning experiments. In culture, these cells exhibited classic epithelial morphology and expressed cytokeratin and vimentin, indicating they were of epithelial origin. When cells from the three bulls were used as donor cells, 15.9% (18/113), 34.5% (29/84), and 14.4% (13/90) of the fused embryos developed into blastocysts, respectively. Of the blastocyst stage embryos, 38.9% (7/18), 72.4% (21/29), and 61.5% (8/13) hatched, respectively. Somatic cells isolated (not cultured) from frozen bovine semen were also used in the cloning experiments. Although cleavage occurred, no compact morulae or blastocysts were obtained. In conclusion, epithelial cell growth was obtained from fresh bovine ejaculates with relatively high efficiency. Somatic cells from semen can be used as nucleus donors to produce cloned blastocyst-stage embryos.
Effects of intranucleus accumbens shell administration of dopamine agonists and antagonists on cocaine-taking and cocaine-seeking behaviors in the rat

Rationale Dopamine signaling in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) plays an important role in regulating drug-taking and drug-seeking behaviors, but the role of D1- and D2-like receptors in this regulation remains unclear.
Secure supply-chain protocols

Supply chain interactions have huge economic importance, yet these interactions are managed inefficiently. One of the major sources of inefficiency in supply-chain management is information asymmetry; i.e., information that is available to one or more organizations in the chain (e.g., manufacturer, retailer) is not available to others. There are several causes of information asymmetry, among them fear that a powerful buyer or supplier will take advantage of private information, that information will leak to a competitor, etc. We propose secure supply-chain collaboration (SSCC) protocols that enable supply-chain partners to cooperatively achieve desired system-wide goals without revealing the private information of any of the parties, even though the jointly computed decisions require the information of all the parties. Secure supply-chain collaboration has the potential to improve supply-chain management practice, and by removing a major inefficiency therein, improves productivity. We present specific SSCC protocols for two types of supply-chain interactions: capacity allocation, and e-auctions (electronic auctions). In the course of doing so, we design techniques that are of independent interest, and are likely to be useful in the design of future SSCC protocols.
Material specific multiple observation resolution enhancement of hyperspectral imagery

In [1] we proposed a hyperspectral imaging model that represents spectral observations at different wavelengths as weighted linear combinations of a small number of basis images obtained through principal component analysis (PCA). Based on this imaging model we formulated a multiple observation resolution enhancement method for hyperspectral imagery. In this work we focus on material specific resolution enhancement. We start with pointing out a shortcoming of the PCA based imaging model. We then introduce modifications to integrate linear spectral mixing into the imaging model. Based on the updated model we introduce and implement material specific multiple observation resolution enhancement for hyperspectral imagery. We test the proposed method on AVIRIS data, and present numeric and visual results.
Transcriptional responses to fluctuating thermal regimes underpinning differences in survival in the solitary bee Megachile rotundata

The transcriptional responses of insects to long-term, ecologically relevant temperature stress are poorly understood. Long-term exposure to low temperatures, commonly referred to as chilling, can lead to physiological effects collectively known as chill injury. Periodically increasing temperatures during long-term chilling has been shown to increase survival in many insects. However, the transcripts responsible for this increase in survival have never been characterized. Here, we present the first transcriptome-level analysis of increased longevity under fluctuating temperatures during chilling. Overwintering post-diapause quiescent alfalfa leafcutting bees (Megachile rotundata) were exposed to a constant temperature of 6°C, or 6°C with a daily fluctuation to 20°C. RNA was collected at two different time points, before and after mortality rates began to diverge between temperature treatments. Expression analysis identified differentially regulated transcripts between pairwise comparisons of both treatments and time points. Transcripts functioning in ion homeostasis, metabolic pathways and oxidative stress response were up-regulated in individuals exposed to periodic temperature fluctuations during chilling. The differential expression of these transcripts provides support for the hypotheses that fluctuating temperatures protect against chill injury by reducing oxidative stress and returning ion concentrations and metabolic function to more favorable levels. Additionally, exposure to fluctuating temperatures leads to increased expression of transcripts functioning in the immune response and neurogenesis, providing evidence for additional mechanisms associated with increased survival during chilling in M. rotundata.
Test Frequency, Student Performance and Teacher Evaluation in the Basic Marketing Class:

This article describes a study of test frequency in the basic marketing class. An increase from four to six exams per semester produced significant improvement in student performance. Improvement i...
The interplay of art and science in software

Although history and science have provided lots of important bits and pieces of information about the world around us, we are still pretty short on getting a good overall understanding of what's going on. Humans have an uncanny knack for figuring out how to do something when there is no perfect answer. It is at this boundary that science merges with art, and progress is possible only when they work together. The creation of genuinely new software has far more in common with developing a new theory of physics than it does with producing cars or watches on an assembly line. As a corollary, the goal of a software process improvement should not simply be to reduce errors or increase predictability. Instead, process improvement should seek to make a group of developers collectively smarter than any one of its members. Real progress begins with the unrelenting pursuit of the annoying paradoxes and dangling threads that ruin the status quo's otherwise tidy appearance.