cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Price-based distributed control for networked plug-in electric vehicles

We introduce a framework for controlling the charging and discharging processes of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) via pricing strategies. Our framework consists of a hierarchical decision-making setting with two layers, which we refer to as aggregator layer and retail market layer. In the aggregator layer, there is a set of aggregators that are requested (and will be compensated for) to provide certain amount of energy over a period of time. In the retail market layer, the aggregator offers some price for the energy that PEVs may provide; the objective is to choose a pricing strategy to incentivize the PEVs so as they collectively provide the amount of energy that the aggregator has been asked for. The focus of this paper is on the decision-making process that takes places in the retail market layer, where we assume that each individual PEV is a price-anticipating decision-maker. We cast this decision-making process as a game, and provide conditions on the pricing strategy of the aggregator under which this game has a unique Nash equilibrium. We propose a distributed consensus-based iterative algorithm through which the PEVs can seek for this Nash equilibrium. Numerical simulations are included to illustrate our results.
Bipedicled skin flaps for reconstruction of the abdominal wall in newborn omphalocele.

Despite technical refinements in surgery and advances in postoperative intensive care, abdominal wall closure in giant omphalocele remains a difficult endeavor. In this respect, bipedicled skin flaps obtained with longitudinal incisions along the margins of the rectus abdominis muscle may represent a good alternative solution to achieve a complete, tension-free midline closure. Incisional areas can subsequently be easily covered with split-thickness thigh grafts. Two neonatal cases were treated with this technique with good results. This has enabled avoidance of palliative coverage as well as complex musculo-cutaneous reconstructions at a later age.
Where Judicial Politics Are Legislative Politics: The French Constitutional Council

Judges on France's ordinary and administrative courts make law and policy by interpreting and applying statutes, but the Constitutional Council is overtly involved in policy‐making. The Council serves as a type of ‘third’ chamber of the French parliament, where it may annul unconstitutional legislation, ‘constitu‐tionalise’ various legal principles, and sometimes even prescribe the precise terms of legislation. This ‘court‐like’ body, thus, plays a significant and growing role in French policy‐making.
Designer Peptide Surfactants Stabilize Functional Photosystem-I Membrane Complex in Aqueous Solution for Extended Time⊥

Detailed structural analyses of membrane proteins as well as their uses in advanced nanobiotechnological applications require extended stabilization of the functional protein conformation. Here we report that a new class of designer surfactant like peptides can significantly increase the activity and stabilize the functional form of the multidomain protein complex Photosystem-I (PS-I) in solution better than other commonly used chemical detergents. We carried out a systematic analysis using a series of such peptides to identify the chemical and structural features that enhance the photochemical activity of PS-I. We observed that peptide surfactant amphiphilicity is necessary but not sufficient to stabilize PS-I in its functional form. A number of factors are essential for designing the optimal peptide including amino acid sequence, N-terminal acetylation and C-terminal amidation. Furthermore, we showed that the polarity and number of charges on the hydrophilic head are important as well as hydrophobicity and size of the amino acid side groups in the hydrophobic tail play an important role. The best performing peptides for the stabilization of functional PS-I are, in order of effectiveness, ac-I(6)K(2)-CONH(2), ac-A(6)K-CONH(2), ac-V(6)K(2)-CONH(2), and ac-V(6)R(2)-CONH(2). These simple and inexpensive peptide surfactants will likely make significant contributions to stabilize the functional form of diverse and currently elusive membrane proteins and their complexes with important applications.
Force-gradient detected nuclear magnetic resonance

We have detected nuclear magnetic resonance in GaAs by selectively inverting 71Ga spins to create a local force gradient which shifts the mechanical resonance frequency of a nearby magnet tipped microcantilever. Employing a low spring constant cantilever (60 μN/m) at 4.4 K and 7 T, we demonstrate a magnetic moment sensitivity of 7.5×10−21 J/T, equal to the Curie Law magnetization from 7.1×108 71Ga spins. The method obviates the need to spin-lock sample magnetization during detection, allowing the signal to be collected for a time approaching the full spin-lattice relaxation time.
Craft-versus-lost disease from leukocyte transfusions

Transfusion of blood products containing immunocompetent lymphocytes may cause graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in immunosuppressed recipients. We describe fatal GVHD which occurred in a 30-year-old renal transplant patient 2 weeks after transfusion of 1.0 x 10 8 lymphocytes/kilogram. In addition to typical cutaneous and gastrointestinal manifestations, she developed irreversible bone marrow failure, Acute GVHD following blood product transfusion from normal donors has a mortality of 88%. Treatment is unsatisfactory, but irradiation of blood products prior to administration is preventive.
Superconformal algebras and transitive group actions on quadrics

A classification of “physical” superconformal algebras is given. The list consists of seven algebras: the Virasoro algebra, the Neveu-Schwarz algebra, theN = 2,3 and 4 algebras, the superalgebra of all vector fields on theN = 2 supercircle, and a new algebraCK6 constructed in [3]. The proof relies heavily on the classification of all connected subgroups ofSOn(C) which act transitively on the quadric (v, v) = 1.
Full and quarter plane complete infinite latin squares

Given any countably infinite group G there exists a sequence a1, a2, … containing each element of G exactly once such that given any g ∈ G there is a unique k with a1, a2 … ak = g. Thus any countably infinite group is sequenceable. This sequence gives rise to an infinite quarter plane latin square C with the property that, given any (gi,gj) ∈ G × G there exists a unique (r, s) ∈ Z+ × Z+ such that crs = gi and crs+1 = gj; moreover, there exists a unique (t, u) ∈ Z+ × Z+ such that ctu = gi and ct+1u = gj. Thus, C is a complete infinite latin square. A similar result is given for an infinite full plane latin square D.
Associations of Parameters Related to the Fall of Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) in Russian and Italian Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colonies

Varroa destructor (Anderson and Truman) trapped on bottom boards were assessed as indirect measurements of colony mite populations and mite fall in colonies of Russian and Italian honey bees using 29 candidate measurements. Measurements included damaged and nondamaged younger mites, damaged and nondamaged older mites, fresh mites and all mites, each as a proportion of total mites in the colonies and as a proportion of all trapped mites or all trapped fresh mites. Regression analyses were used to determine the relationships of these candidate measurements to the number of mites in the colonies. The largest positive regressions were found for trapped younger mites (Y) and trapped fresh mites (F). Measurments of Y and F across time could be used to estimate mite population growth for the purposes of selective breeding. The largest negative regressions with colony mites were observed for: trapped older mites/trapped mites (O/T), trapped older mites/trapped younger mites (O/Y), and trapped injured older mites/injured mites (IO/I). O/T and O/Y are significantly higher for Russian honey bee colonies suggesting that they are related to at least some of the mechanisms used by Russian honey bee to resist Varroa population growth. O/T and O/Y have strong negative relationships with colony mites for both Russian honey bee and Italian colonies suggesting that both strains possibly could be selected for reduced colony mites using O/T or O/Y.
1582 ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, VITAMIN D, DIHYDROTACHYSTEROL (DHT), 1,25-DIHYDROXYVITAMIN-D (1,25-D) ON ALUMINUM EXCRETION IN RATS

1582 ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, VITAMIN D, DIHYDROTACHYSTEROL (DHT), 1,25-DIHYDROXYVITAMIN-D (1,25-D) ON ALUMINUM EXCRETION IN RATS
Comparison of changes in physical functioning of elderly patients with new diagnoses of cancer.

Background Controversy surrounds the impact of site of cancer and treatments on functioning of elderly cancer patients. Objectives This research determines (1) whether age, gender, comorbid conditions, site and stage of cancer, and treatments are related to losses in physical functioning at 4 observations during the year after diagnosis; (2) whether symptoms are a mediating variable between treatment and function; and (3) which indicators account for true change in functioning in the year after diagnosis. Methods An inception cohort of 907 patients aged > or =65 years and newly diagnosed with breast, colon, lung, or prostate cancer were accrued from 24 community oncology programs. Stage and treatment data were obtained from medical records. Physical functioning was measured with the SF-36 subscale. Interviews were conducted at 6 to 8, 12 to 16, 26 to 30, and 52 weeks after diagnosis. Results Men scored 10 points higher on physical function than women at all observation points. Patients with > or =3 comorbid conditions scored lower in functioning. Interactions between site of cancer and treatment modalities were observed. Pain, fatigue, and numbers of symptoms were independent predictors of loss of function. Surgery, female gender, and number of symptoms predicted reliable change in function. Conclusions Elderly patients with cancer report levels of function similar to other chronic conditions. Scores on physical function varied by site of cancer; the pattern of change was similar among sites. Age, comorbidity, treatment modalities, and symptom reports each had an independent effect on loss of functioning. Untreated breast cancer patients had lower functioning, suggesting a possible treatment bias.
Context-aware access to public shared devices

To allow for an efficient usage of an embedded device in pervasive computing environments, reliable and yet convenient user access is an important requirement. The problem becomes more complex when the accessed device is shared by the public with many different individuals. This paper first illustrates the common pitfalls and issues of establishing sessions to such devices. The paper then proposes a context-aware solution that uses different contexts to capture a usage session. The paper presents a general system design that supports a secure, selective, and identifiable user access of public shared devices with high usability. We have also implemented a prototype system to demonstrate the concept.
Genetic Risk for Violent Behavior and Environmental Exposure to Disadvantage and Violent Crime The Case for Gene–Environment Interaction

Despite mounds of evidence to suggest that neighborhood structural factors predict violent behavior, almost no attention has been given to how these influences work synergistically (i.e., interact) with an individual's genetic propensity toward violent behavior. Indeed, two streams of research have, heretofore, flowed independently of one another. On one hand, criminologists have underscored the importance of neighborhood context in the etiology of violence. On the other hand, behavioral geneticists have argued that individual-level genetic propensities are important for understanding violence. The current study seeks to integrate these two compatible frameworks by exploring gene-environment interactions (GxE). Two GxEs were examined and supported by the data (i.e., the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health). Using a scale of genetic risk based on three dopamine genes, the analysis revealed that genetic risk had a greater influence on violent behavior when the individual was also exposed to neighborhood disadvantage or when the individual was exposed to higher violent crime rates. The relevance of these findings for criminological theorizing was considered.
Abstract 3180: Altered β-catenin phosphorylation pattern in human prostate cancer

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Protein kinase D1 (PKD1) phosphorylates β-catenin at Thr112 and Thr120. The phosphorylation is required for β-catenin membrane trafficking via trans Golgi network (TGN). Data presented in this study indicate that activation of PKD1 shrinks the cytoplasmic pool of β-catenin which mainly is the non-phosphorylation (S33/S37/T41/S45) isoform of β-catenin, suggesting that PKD1 interacts with Wnt/GSK3β signaling pathway. The phosphorylated Thr120 β-catenin (pT120) isoform predominately locates at membrane fraction in cultured prostate cancer cell line C4-2. A newly developed phospho-threonine antibody specifically targeting the pT120 of β-catenin shows accumulation of pT120 β-catenin in TGN in normal prostate tissues. Our study demonstrates that distribution of Thr120 phosphorylated β-catenin is distinct in normal and malignant prostate tissues. In 16/22 (72%) of normal prostate tissues, the pT120 β-catenin is enriched at TGN. In contrast, only 15/200 (7.5%; p < 0.001) of prostate cancer samples had accumulation of pT120 β-catenin in TGN. A vast majority of cancer samples (92.5%) lacking of TGN staining shows the pT120 β-catenin distributed diffusely in cytoplasm, nucleus and plasma membrane. can be more discriminatory compared to conventional β-catenin antibody staining. We propose that β-catenin T120 phosphospecific antibody can be used to study alteration in subcellular distribution of β-catenin and possibly as biomarker in prostate and other tissues, which may facilitate risk stratification or predict disease outcomes. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3180.
On the interaction of CO and NH3 with BH3 and BF3

BH3CO, BF3CO, BH3NH3, and BF3NH3 have been studied using density functional theory (DFT). The computed geometries are in reasonable agreement with experiment. BF3CO is found to be weakly bound. The binding energies of BH3CO, BH3NH3 , and BF3NH3 have also been computed using the coupled cluster singles and doubles level of theory, including a perturbational estimate of the connected triples [CCSD(T)]. These CCSD(T) calculations are performed using correlation consistent polarized-valence triple-zeta basis sets. These are expected to be the most accurate binding energies to date. The DFT binding energies are in good agreement with those obtained at the CCSD(T) level. The bonding is analyzed using the constrained space orbital variation (CSOV) technique. In addition to analyzing the bonding in BH3CO, BH3NH3, and BF3NH3, the CSOV approach is used to study why the bonding in BF3CO is so weak.
EXAFS study of the coordination environment of aluminum in a series of silica-rich glasses and selected minerals within the Na2OAl2O3SiO2 system

Abstract Photoelectron total yield Al K-XANES and EXAFS spectra were collected for a series of Na2OAl2O3SiO2 minerals and glasses. The purpose of this study is to determine if EXAFS can accurately characterize these known Al environments in terms of AlO distances and coordination numbers, and to characterize the unknown Al environment in the glasses. Al XANES spectra were collected for corundum, sillimanite, albite, jadeite and nepheline, as well as jadeite glass, nepheline glass and a 75 mol% silica glass series having R ( = Al/Na) ranging from 0.28 to 1.61. Al EXAFS spectra were collected for corundum, sillimanite, jadeite and albite, as well as jadeite glass, albite glass and a 75 mol% silica glass with an R of 1.61. Al XANES spectra for our model compounds have two edge maxima at 1568 and 1572 eV for minerals having octahedral Al, while one edge maximum is present at 1566 eV for minerals with tetrahedral Al. The glasses all have a single edge maximum near 1566 eV, indicating tetrahedral-like Al sites in the glasses. The results of our Al EXAFS refinements of the model compounds are in agreement to within ±0.03 A for AlO distances and to within ±23% for coordination numbers of recent crystal structure refinements in the literature. The EXAFS results for the glasses clearly indicate Al in tetrahedral sites, yielding AlO distances near 1.77 A, well within the range of average AlO distances for aluminate tetrahedra of aluminosilicate minerals. Our XANES and EXAFS results indicate tetrahedral Al throughout our 75 mol% silica glass series, which may be consistent with the existence of tricluster units occurring in the Al-rich glasses in the sodium aluminosilicate system.
Late passage cells display an increase in contractile behavior.

Abstract During aging, alterations in the extracellular matrix and cytoskeleton have been noted. Aging affects both the structure and the biological activity of fibronectin as well as the cellular content and organization of f-actin. The purpose of this study was to examine the functional significance of such alterations. Assays for cell migration, cell spreading, collagen gel contraction, and f-actin organization were conducted using diploid cells strains of high and low population doubling level (PDL). First, an assessment of cell spreading behavior revealed that high PDL cells spread more than low PDL cells. Second, analyses performed with a modified phagokinetic track assay indicate that high PDL cells migrate (phagocytize) faster than low PDL cells. Lastly, it was found that high PDL cells contract collagen gels faster than low PDL cells. Therefore, high PDL cells are capable of exerting more force upon their extracellular matrix than low PDL cells. In agreement with previous observations, we found by phalloidin staining that the f-actin content of high PDL cells was substantially greater than that of low PDL cells. The elevated f-actin content of high PDL cells could promote increased cellular contractility thereby leading to the increase in cell spreading, migration, and collagen gel contraction observed here.
Intensity optimization for phase-shifting masks

The creation of stable, defect free, and correctly biased phase shifting masks (PSMs) is a difficult task. The behavior of PSMs, with their complicated structures and topographies, is highly sensitive to process parameters. A method of equalizing the intensity transmission by applying a wet etchant to the reticle and etching back both shifted and unshifted openings has been proposed. The etchback is used to reduce or alter the sidewall light scattering effects, leading to intensity equalization. The proposed method has been shown to cause intensity equalization for i-line and DUV illuminated alternating PSMs. However, many questions remain about the effective use of this method.
Laser Radar Acquisition And Tracking

Target acquisition and tracking are crucial to the success of a range-Doppler imaging laser radar. When compared to a conventional microwave radar, the laser radar's very narrow beamwidth increases the difficulty of the both acquiring and tracking the target. This paper deals with some of the issues concerning both passive and active acquisition and tracking of an uncooperative target. Cooperative targets could make use of retro-reflector arrays or beacons to enhance the target.
Regulation of steroidogenesis in rat Leydig cells in culture: effect of human chorionic gonadotropin and dibutyryl cyclic AMP on the synthesis of cholesterol side chain cleavage cytochrome P-450 and adrenodoxin

Abstract Rat Leydig cells in primary culture were used as a model system to investigate the effects of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and dibutyryl cyclic AMP (Bt 2 cAMP) on the synthesis of cholesterol side chain cleavage cytochrome P -450 (cytochrome P -450 scc ) and the iron-sulfur protein, adrenodoxin. Leydig cells isolated from the testes of mature rats were placed in monolayer culture in the absence of stimulatory factors for 8 days. HCG (10 mIU/ml) or Bt 2 cAMP (1 m m ) were then added to some of the cultures and the incubations were continued for up to 48 h. Testosterone production was increased markedly in cells incubated with hCG or Bt 2 cAMP. A significant accumulation of pregnenolone in the medium of cells treated with Bt 2 cAMP was also observed. Both hCG and Bt 2 cAMP increased the rates of synthesis of cytochrome P -450 scc and adrenodoxin. In hCG-treated cells the apparent rate of synthesis of cytochrome P -450 scc was increased 13-fold over that of controls after 48 h of incubation; the rate of adrenodoxin synthesis was increased 4-fold by hCG treatment. In Bt 2 cAMP-treated cells the rate of synthesis of cytochrome P -450 scc was 37-fold greater than that of control cells after 48 h of incubation; adrenodoxin synthesis was increased 36-fold over controls. In hCG- and Bt 2 cAMP-treated cells, the concentration of immunoreactive cytochrome P -450 scc and adrenodoxin increased with increasing time of incubation, and were correlated with the stimulatory effects of these agents on cytochrome P -450 scc activity and on total steroid production. The results of this study are indicative that the maintenance by LH/hCG of elevated levels of testosterone synthesis by the Leydig cell is mediated, in part, by induction of the synthesis of cytochrome P -450 scc and its associated protein, adrenodoxin. Since Bt 2 cAMP had effects similar to those observed with hCG, it is suggested that the stimulatory effects of hCG on the synthesis of cytochrome P -450 scc and adrenodoxin are mediated by increased cyclic AMP formation.
Human leukocyte antigen epitope antigenicity and immunogenicity.

Purpose of review Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies are now recognized as being specific for epitopes which can be defined structurally with amino acid differences between HLA alleles. This article addresses two general perspectives of HLA epitopes namely antigenicity, that is their reactivity with antibody and immunogenicity, that is their ability of eliciting an antibody response. Recent findings Single-antigen bead assays have shown that HLA antibodies recognize epitopes that are equivalent to eplets or corresponding to eplets paired with other residue configurations. There is now a website-based Registry of Antibody-Defined HLA Epitopes (http://www.epregistry.com.br). Residue differences within eplet-defined structural epitopes may also explain technique-dependent variations in antibody reactivity determined in Ig-binding, C1q-binding and lymphocytotoxicity assays.HLA antibody responses correlate with the numbers of eplets on mismatched HLA antigens, and the recently proposed nonself-self paradigm of epitope immunogenicity may explain the production of epitope-specific antibodies. Summary These findings support the usefulness of HLA matching at the epitope level, including the identification of acceptable mismatches for sensitized patients and permissible mismatching for nonsensitized patients aimed to reduce HLA antibody responses.
Investigations on lithium-drift solid-state detectors for high-energy particle detection

Lithium-drift solid-state detectors with depletion layers of several millimeters were developed. A lithium-drift detector, 1 cm in diameter and 2.3 mm thick, was placed in a momentum-analyzed beam consisting of pions and protons with momenta of 3 and 4 Bev/c. Energy spectra at different bias voltages are shown. Good resolution was obtained operating at room temperature. (A.G.W.)
Visual Inscriptions in the Scientific Hierarchy: Mapping the “Treasures of Science”

Previous research has shown that the level of graph use in science journals is linearly related to the hardness of disciplines, confirming Bruno Latour’s “graphism” thesis that graphs are central to science. To determine whether the same is true of other visual displays, journals in seven disciplines were surveyed for their use of nongraph illustrations (NGIs) along with other inscriptions, both visual and nonvisual. Like graphs, NGIs were used more by the harder sciences. Among NGI types, photographs were used most in the biomedical fields and conceptual diagrams most in the soft sciences. Neither the use of tables nor the use of equations was systematically related to hardness, suggesting that the scientificity of disciplines may be more closely related to their visuality than to their mathematization. The uneven distribution of visual displays across the sciences is discussed in terms of their ease of comprehension, rhetorical power, and role in consensus formation.
Delayed nucleation at a weakly first-order transition

Analyse, dans l'approximation de champ moyen, de la nucleation a partir d'un etat metastable et mise en evidence de fluctuations importantes entrainant une variation temporelle inhabituelle du parametre d'ordre et en particulier, un retard a l'apparition de la phase stable. Application a la transition paraelectrique-ferroelectrique de BaTi O 3
Free/Open Source Software Licenses

Free/Open Source Software (F/OSS) includes elements of a legal definition, a software development methodology, and a social movement. Far from its early roots as a product for the highly technically inclined, F/OSS software products include the usability and power needed for the end user. Consequently, librarians need to be familiar with the licensing terms of F/OSS to assess the use of F/OSS for their own needs, the needs of providing library services using F/OSS, and the needs of patrons. This article presents a short history of the F/OSS concept, a presentation of certain key terms within F/OSS licenses, and a highlighting of common F/OSS licenses.
Self-Consistent Subband Calculations of AlxGa1-xN/(AlN)/GaN-Based High Electron Mobility Transistor

In this paper, there is an attempt to present the two dimensional electron gas (2DEG) transport characteristics of AlxGa1-xN/(AlN)/GaN-based High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT) using a self-consistent numerical method for calculating the conduction-band profile and subband structure. The subband calculations take into account the piezoelectric and spontaneous polarization effects and the Hartree and exchange-correlation interaction. Here the dependency of conduction band profile, subband energies, 2DEG sheet concentration and sheet resistance on various Al mole fractions of AlxGa1-xN barrier layer are presented by incorporating simulation as well as available experimental data. Introduction of very thin binary AlN layer at the heterojunction of AlxGa1-xN/GaN resulting high mobility at high sheet charge densities by increasing the effective and decreasing alloy disorder scattering. Devices based on this structure exhibit good DC and RF performance as an increase of . Owing to high 2DEG density , the proposed device leads to operate in microwave and millimeter wave applications.
Mathematical Theory of Duality Quantum Computers

We present a mathematical theory for a new type of quantum computer called a duality quantum computer that has recently been proposed. We discuss the nonunitarity of certain circuits of a duality quantum computer and point out a paradoxical situation that occurs when mixed states are considered. It is shown that a duality quantum computer can measure itself without needing a separate measurement apparatus to determine its final state.
Stiffness identification under uncertain blast loading

We develop a finite element-based time-domain system identification algorithm which will identify structural parameters at the local element level without using input excitation information and with limited output response information. The proposed method has no restriction on types of input forces to be used to excite a structure. Blast loading and the uncertainty associated with modeling it are specifically addressed. The efficiency and accuracy of the algorithm are verified using several examples. For verification purposes, both noise-free and noise-included output response measurements are considered. The results indicate that the proposed method identifies the structural parameters at the element level very well
Point Mutations Identify a Conserved Region of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae AFR1 Gene That Is Essential for Both the Pheromone Signaling and Morphogenesis Functions

Mating pheromone receptors activate a G protein signal pathway that leads to the conjugation of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This pathway also induces the production of Afr1p, a protein that negatively regulates pheromone receptor signaling and is required to form pointed projections of new growth that become the site of cell fusion during mating. Afr1p lacks strong similarity to any well-characterized proteins to help predict how it acts. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between the different functions of Afr1p by isolating and characterizing seven mutants that were defective in regulating pheromone signaling. The AFR1 mutants were also defective when expressed as fusions to STE2, the alpha-factor receptor, indicating that the mutant Afr1 proteins are defective in function and not in co-localizing with receptors. The mutant genes contained four distinct point mutations that all occurred between codons 254 and 263, identifying a region that is critical for AFR1 function. Consistent with this, we found that the corresponding region is very highly conserved in the Afr1p homologs from the yeasts S. uvarum and S. douglasii. In contrast, there were no detectable effects on pheromone signaling caused by deletion or overexpression of YER158c, an open reading frame with overall sequence similarity to Afr1p that lacks this essential region. Interestingly, all of the AFR1 mutants showed a defect in their ability to form mating projections that was proportional to their defect in regulating pheromone signaling. This suggests that both functions may be due to the same action of Afr1p. Thus, these studies identify a specific region of Afr1p that is critical for its function in both signaling and morphogenesis.
New ultrafast photodetector: optical-to-microwave transformer

A new ultrafast photodetector with high bandwidth and high efficiency is proposed and analyzed. The new device, called optical-to-microwave transformer (OMT), consists of an input optical waveguide with periodically loaded photodiodes and a velocity-matched output microwave transmission line. Theoretical simulation shows that a bandwidth greater than 300 GHz and an external quantum efficiency of 46% can be achieved.
Fetal blood studies

Abstract The range of variation in the oxygen dissociation curves of blood of nonpregnant women and of pregnant women has been determined at the same pH—the latter falls within the range of normal nonpregnant individuals. The curves of fetal blood obtained at the end of gestation are to the left of the adult field. At 50 per cent saturation, the oxygen tension of maternal and fetal blood is of the order of 25.0 mm. and 19.0 mm. Hg, respectively—a difference of 6.0 mm. Hg.
Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence through the Use of Portfolios.

This investigation tested the ability of portfolios to stimulate the acquisition of multicultural counseling competence within counselors-in-training and compared portfolios with another method of competence development, case formulation. Results indicate that portfolios benefit the acquisition of multicultural counseling competence. Implications for training in multicultural counseling competence are discussed. Esta investigacion probo la habilidad de portafolios para estimular la adquisicion de competencia de terapia multicultural dentro de consejeros en instruccion y portafolios comparadas a otro metodo del desarrollo de la competencia, la formulacion del caso. Los resultados indican que los portafolios benefician la adquisicion de la competencia de terapia multicultural. Las implicaciones para entrenar en la competencia de terapia multicultural se discute.
Language facilities for programming user-computer dialogues

Extensions to PASCAL that provide for programming man-computer dialogues are proposed. An interactive application program is viewed as a sequence of frames, representing stages of dialogue activity, and separate computational steps. First, extensions are presented to allow the description of the items of information contained in each frame. Second, PASCAL is extended to allow the inclusion of behavior rules for a frame to specify the interactive dialogue. The behavior rules are specified nonprocedurally. Previously, programming such dialogues has required the specification of all possible interactions and their effects in a procedural fashion.
Cultural Adaptation of a Group Treatment for Haitian American Adolescents

As the psychology field moves towards establishing more evidence-based treatment (EBT), the applicability of EBT for different racial and immigrant groups (i.e., African American, Asian Americans and Pacific Islander, and Native American/Native Alaskan) is paramount. The current paper highlights the process of culturally adapting an EBT group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention for use with Haitian American adolescents diagnosed with depression. Overall the main objective of this project was to culturally adapt the Adolescent Coping with Depression Course (ACDC) to ensure that it includes cultural factors that are likely to engage and retain Haitian adolescents in mental health treatment. The paper summarizes the cultural training of the focus group leaders, the focus group sessions with a group of Haitian middle-school students, and the feedback received from the participants regarding the intervention.
Computer assistance for writing interactive programs: TICS

In this paper, we describe an on-line and interactive programming system, TICS(1) (for Teacher-Interactive Computer System), which is aimed at facilitating the authoring of interactive computer programs. The system includes particular features for creating instructional software, and in that application it is intended for direct use by teachers or other persons whose expertise lies in the subject matter being addressed, but not necessarily in computer programming. To that purpose, the system provides a greater degree of computer-assistance for the authoring process itself than has been afforded in earlier languages and programming systems of similar orientation(2-5). TICS is implemented within the M. I. T. Multics time-sharing system (6) in two components: an author system and a delivery system. The former provides the tools for writing, investigating, editing, and trying out programs. The latter provides a special environment for student use of the programs.
Sentire: a framework for building middleware for sensor and actuator networks

Sentire represents a framework for building extensible middleware for sensor and actuator networks (SANET). The fundamental principle behind Sentire is the partitioning of SANET middleware into logically related components in order to allow developers of different aspects of the middleware to share a common plug-in infrastructure where their developed artifacts can interact. In this paper, an extended introduction of Sentire is presented, followed by a practical illustration of how this framework can be used to build SANET middleware.
Chord: a scalable peer-to-peer lookup protocol for Internet applications

A fundamental problem that confronts peer-to-peer applications is the efficient location of the node that stores a desired data item. This paper presents Chord, a distributed lookup protocol that addresses this problem. Chord provides support for just one operation: given a key, it maps the key onto a node. Data location can be easily implemented on top of Chord by associating a key with each data item, and storing the key/data pair at the node to which the key maps. Chord adapts efficiently as nodes join and leave the system, and can answer queries even if the system is continuously changing. Results from theoretical analysis and simulations show that Chord is scalable: Communication cost and the state maintained by each node scale logarithmically with the number of Chord nodes.
A rounding method with improved error tolerance for division by convergence

A new rounding method for division by convergence is presented. It allows twice the error tolerance of current methods, so it allows the multiplier of a 3-iteration Goldschmidt divider to be implemented using only 3 extra bits. The new rounding method applies special truncation methods at the final iteration step, and it requires a minor modification in rounding constants of the multiplier. It has been verified using a SystemC model of the Goldschmidt divider supporting variable precision. The verification consists of two parts: the maximum error of approximate quotients and the rounding result correctness. The maximum error of approximate quotients is checked by analysis and via simulation. The final rounding results are checked with both random double precision floating-point significants and exhaustive 17-bit precision test vectors.
Analytical solution to a model for the startup period of fixed-bed reactors

A mathematical model for the startup period of a fixed-bed reactor with first-order reaction kinetics, axial dispersion and film mass transfer resistance was formulated and solved analytically using Laplace transform. The solution can be used to correlate or predict the reactant concentration profiles in the effluent of the reactor. The effects of both the Peclet number and Biot number on the effluent concentration profiles were studied. As an example, the approximate analytical solution was applied to experimental data of lactic acid fermentation in a fixed-bed fermentor with immobilized Lactobacillus delbrueckii cells.
Activation volumes for intramolecular electron transfer in bovine heart cytochrome c oxidase

Abstract The present work examines the activation volumes associated with intramolecular electron transfer (ET) within the CO-mixed-valence form of bovine heart cytochrome c oxidase (CcO). Activation volumes for intramolecular ET between cytochrome a3 and cytochrome a (k=(6.7±0.9)×105 s−1 at ambient pressure) and between cytochrome a and CuA (k=(5.9±1.7)×104 s−1) are found to be +41±5 ml/mol and +28±4 ml/mol, respectively. Examination of the crystal structures of both the fully oxidized and fully reduced forms of bovine heart CcO suggest that the activation volume for the ET between cytochrome a3 and cytochrome a arises from structural changes localized at cytochrome a3 upon heme reduction. Similarly, the activation volume for the ET between cytochrome a and CuA is primarily due to structural changes localized at CuA upon reduction of this site. Reduction/oxidation of cytochrome a does not appear to make any significant contribution to the activation volume. Overall, these results suggest conformational regulation of ET by both CuA and cytochrome a3 but not cytochrome a.
Assessing the potential effectiveness of food and beverage taxes and subsidies for improving public health: a systematic review of prices, demand and body weight outcomes

Taxes and subsidies are increasingly being considered as potential policy instruments to incentivize consumers to improve their food and beverage consumption patterns and related health outcomes. This study provided a systematic review of recent U.S. studies on the price elasticity of demand for sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), fast food and fruits and vegetables as well as the direct associations of prices/taxes with body weight outcomes. Based on the recent literature, the price elasticity of demand for SSBs, fast food, fruits and vegetables was estimated to be −1.21, −0.52, −0.49 and −0.48, respectively. The studies that linked soda taxes to weight outcomes showed minimal impacts on weight; however, they were based on existing state-level sales taxes that were relatively low. Higher fast-food prices were associated with lower weight outcomes particularly among adolescents suggesting that raising prices would potentially impact weight outcomes. Lower fruit and vegetable prices were generally found to be associated with lower body weight outcomes among both low-income children and adults suggesting that subsidies that would reduce the cost of fruits and vegetables for lower-socioeconomic populations may be effective in reducing obesity. Pricing instruments should continue to be considered and evaluated as potential policy instruments to address public health risks.
Inherited Membrane Disorders of Muscle

Myotonic (MyD) and Duchenne (DMD) muscular dystrophy are two of the more common and devastating inherited muscular dystrophies in man. In this chapter we will review MyD and DMD in terms of the pertinent clinical data and present a review of the recent electrophysiological, morphological, and biochemical findings in these two disorders.
A high power long pulse RF-driven H/sup -/ source

We have tested the radio-frequency driven H/sup -/ source and have shown that the H/sup -/ production efficiency and the beam emittance are similar to those obtained from the filament discharge. Typically the numbers are 2.8 mA/cm/sup 2kW and 0.017 /spl pi/-mrad-cm (which corresponds to 1.9 eV) respectively. So far we have operated RF pulses of /spl ap/10 kW for /spl ap/50 ms with a porcelain-coated antenna and /spl ap/15 kW for /spl ap/1 s with additional layers of quartz sleeving. It is necessary to develop better antenna coating material that can withstand the intense plasma heating and sputtering in order to operate at higher power with longer pulse length. >
Low Temperature Synthesis of Silicon Carbide Inert Matrix Fuel (IMF)

A process for the synthesis of silicon carbide (SiC) inert matrix fuels at a low temperature (1050 °C) is reported which utilized a liquid polymer precursor. As the polymer content increased, the theoretical density of the pellet at first increased and then reached a plateau. From the onset of the plateau, the packing of the one micron SiC particles in the green body was determined to be 64-68% at 600 MPa pressing pressure. As expected, mixing coarse and fine SiC particles gave a higher pellet density. The maximum density achieved was 80% of the theoretical density. Mercury porosimetry showed that the largest pore size was around 10% of the largest particle sizes present in the green body. SEM images showed that ceria, which was selected as a surrogate for PuO 2 in the present study, was well distributed.
Perylene and its geochemical significance

Perylene was found in a variety of marine sediments, in a shale and in peat. It is suggested that its precursors arise predominantly from land organisms and are carried into oceanic traps along with detrital minerals. When rates of deposition are fast, and reducing conditions are established within the sediment, biogenic pigment precursors of perylene are converted to the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, which is then stabilized by pi-bonding with metals and protected from degradation.
Estimating bisphenol A exposure levels using a questionnaire targeting known sources of exposure.

Objective To develop a BPA Exposure Assessment Module (BEAM) for use in large observational studies and to evaluate the ability of the BEAM to estimate bisphenol A (BPA) exposure levels. Design The BEAM was designed by modifying an FFQ with questions targeting known sources of BPA exposure. Frequency of intake of known dietary sources of BPA was assessed using the BEAM and three 24 h food records as a reference diet measurement tool. Urinary BPA (uBPA) levels were measured as the criterion tool in a pooled urine sample (nine spot samples per participant). Spearman correlations, linear regression and weighted kappa analysis were used to evaluate the ability of the BEAM and food records to estimate BPA exposure levels. Setting Minneapolis/Saint Paul, MN, USA. Subjects Sixty-eight healthy adult (20-59 years) volunteers. Results Dietary BPA intake assessed by the BEAM was not associated with uBPA levels and was unable to predict participants' rank by uBPA levels. BEAM models with all a priori predictors explained 25 % of the variability in uBPA levels. Canned food intake assessed by food records was associated with uBPA levels, but was unable to rank participants by uBPA levels. Multivariable-adjusted food record models with a priori predictors explained 41 % of the variability in uBPA levels. Conclusions Known dietary sources of BPA exposure explained less than half the variability in uBPA levels, regardless of diet assessment method. Findings suggest that a questionnaire approach may be insufficient for ranking BPA exposure level and additional important sources of BPA exposure likely exist.
Television viewing and voting 1972–1989

Abstract Some of the earliest and most persistent concerns about mass communication (and television in particular) revolve around its implications for the electoral process. On one hand, the idea of an informed and active citizenry is central to democratic principles and practices, and no technology in human history has had the potential to inform and activate as many people as quickly and as pervasively as television. On the other hand, the sheer volume of information television disseminates, the amount of time people attend to it, and the specific images of political phenomena television selects to present (or fails to present) can all have the opposite function—television may narcotize the electorate, promote cynicism and disaffection, inhibit interest and the acquisition of information, and ultimately suppress participation in a democratic political system.
Arthroscopic surgical tools: A source of metal particles and possible joint damage

Purpose Our goals were (1) to characterize metal microparticles created by standard arthroscopic instruments and (2) to examine the in vitro cellular responses induced by those particles, including possible synergistic effects with local anesthetic. Methods We applied standard surgical tools to 16 foam bone blocks immersed in saline solution (plus 3 non-instrumented controls). Eight specimens underwent 4 minutes of exposure to a 4.0-mm full-radius shaver rotating forward at 6,000 rpm. In the other blocks, 4 holes were created with a 3.0-mm drill through a sleeve. Particles were isolated onto silicon wafers by density gradient ultra-centrifugation, and scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze a minimum of 1,000 particles per wafer. Metal particles were then isolated and purified. Aliquots of sterilized micro-particles were applied to cultured bovine chondrocytes (with or without local anesthetic) and to cultured human or bovine synoviocytes. Chondrocyte viability was assessed with live/dead cell assay by flow cytometry. Synoviocyte responses were assessed with quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results Stainless steel or aluminum particles were found in each sample (the same composition as surgical instruments). The mean particle size was 1 to 2 μm (range, 50 nm to 20 μm). Chondrocyte exposure (1 hour) to metal debris induced a small but statistically significant increase in cell death, without any synergistic effect of local anesthetic. Proinflammatory chemokines were consistently upregulated in both human and bovine synoviocytes exposed to metallic microparticles for 3, 24, and 48 hours. Conclusions This study shows that metallic microdebris is liberated by common arthroscopic instruments, at scales much smaller than previously recognized. These particles are bioactive, as shown by the in vitro synoviocyte responses initiated by metallic microparticles. Clinical Relevance Our findings suggest that metallic microparticles could induce intra-articular damage through a synoviocyte-mediated cytokine response if their concentrations reach clinically significant levels.
End Magnet Design for the NBS-LASL CW Microtron

A novel and economic magnet design has been developed which has a calculated field uniformity of better than two parts in 10/sup 4/. The design incorporates a Purcell filter into a half picture frame magnet and provides a 25% reduction in weight from an equivalent C-magnet. 10 refs.