cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
COOPT — a software package for optimal control of large-scale differential—algebraic equation systems

Abstract This paper describes the functionality and implementation of COOPT. This software package implements a direct method with modified multiple shooting type techniques for solving optimal control problems of large-scale differential–algebraic equation (DAE) systems. The basic approach in COOPT is to divide the original time interval into multiple shooting intervals, with the DAEs solved numerically on the subintervals at each optimization iteration. Continuity constraints are imposed across the subintervals. The resulting optimization problem is solved by sparse sequential quadratic programming (SQP) methods. Partial derivative matrices needed for the optimization are generated by DAE sensitivity software. The sensitivity equations to be solved are generated via automatic differentiation. COOPT has been successfully used in solving optimal control problems arising from a wide variety of applications, such as chemical vapor deposition of superconducting thin films, spacecraft trajectory design and contingency/recovery problems, and computation of cell traction forces in tissue engineering.
Nasolacrimal outflow drainage anomalies in down’s syndrome ☆

Abstract Purpose To describe structural abnormalities of the lacrimal drainage system and outcomes after treatment for lacrimal outflow obstruction in children with Down’s syndrome. Design Retrospective comparative interventional case series. Participants Thirty-eight eyes of 22 consecutive Down’s syndrome patients who underwent surgical treatment for nasolacrimal drainage obstruction (mean age, 32 months) and 59 eyes of 44 non–Down’s syndrome patients who underwent surgical treatment after 2 years of age. Main outcome measures Resolution of symptoms after surgery and presence of anatomic abnormalities of the lacrimal drainage system other than persistent Hasner’s membrane. Results Among the Down’s syndrome eyes, complete or partial resolution was noted in 34 (89%) of 38 eyes; 7 (18%) eyes underwent more than 1 procedure. Twenty-eight (74%) of 38 eyes had anatomic anomalies other than persistent Hasner’s membrane; anomalies proximal to the nasolacrimal sac predominated. In comparison, 50 (85%) non–Down’s syndrome eyes experienced complete or partial resolution, and 19 (32%) had anatomic abnormalities other than persistent Hasner’s membrane; anomalies distal to the nasolacrimal sac predominated. Conclusions Compared with older non–Down’s syndrome patients, nasolacrimal outflow obstruction in Down’s syndrome patients is more often complicated by anomalies of the lacrimal drainage system proximal to the lacrimal sac. Despite this, surgery can be similarly successful. Awareness of the possible peculiarities of lacrimal outflow obstruction in Down’s syndrome patients may allow better selection and use of available treatment options.
Editorial: The Emergence of the Global Science System and the Promise of Openness

(2011). Editorial: The Emergence of the Global Science System and the Promise of Openness. Educational Philosophy and Theory: Vol. 43, No. 10, pp. 1013-1019.
Effect of Olefin Pyramidalization on the Proton Affinity of Tricyclo[3.3.3.03,7]undec-3(7)-ene as Determined by ab Initio Calculations and Kinetic Method Measurements

The effects of alkene pyramidalization on proton affinity (PA) were investigated, using the pyramidalized olefin tricyclo[3.3.3.03,7]undec-3(7)-ene (1), with bicyclo[3.3.0]oct-1(5)-ene (2) as a reference compound. The expectation that the relief of olefin strain energy associated with protonation of 1 will result in a substantially greater proton affinity for 1 compared with 2 was confirmed by ab initio calculations. This was also evident from measurements made by the kinetic method in which competitive dissociations of proton-bound cluster ions of the olefin of interest and a reference base were examined in an ion trap mass spectrometer. However, the ab initio calculations show a smaller PA difference (11.7 kcal/mol) between 1 and 2 than the experiments which yield a difference of 23 ± 2 kcal/mol. This discrepancy is reconciled by proposing that, in the experiments involving 1, protonation leads not to carbocation 1-H+ but to a rearranged carbocation. This type of isomerization was demonstrated experimen...
Adsorption of mixtures of acetone and benzene vapors on graphitized carbon black

Abstract Further description and interpretation of a previously determined set of adsorption isotherms of mixtures of acetone and benzene on Carbopack C at 20°C are presented. The individual and combined isotherms are represented as three-dimensional plots covering a full range of surface coverage up to, and slightly beyond, monolayer coverage. A limited set of isotherm data is also presented for hydrogen-treated Carbopack C. The experimental procedure was a chromatographic method, mass spectrometric tracer pulse chromatography, which allowed the determination of the isotherm of one component at a fixed partial pressure of the second component. This protocol permitted the development of full isotherms, rather than the more restricted isotherms obtained with classical experiments at fixed gas phase composition or fixed total pressure. The adsorbent was selective for benzene at 20°C, and the isotherms of benzene were not significantly affected by adsorbed acetone. However, the isotherms of acetone were critically dependent on the partial pressure of benzene. Very low surface coverages of benzene prevented the adsorption of disproportionately large amounts of acetone (up to a ratio of 1:100). This amplification effect was similar to that observed for poisoning and promotion effects on Fischer—Tropsch catalysts. The experimental results are discussed in terms of two possible adsorption mechanisms. Both models emphasize the significance of a small number of high energy sites (mostly chemisorbed oxygen or sulfur) on the surface of the Carbopack C. These “key” sites may anchor segregated adsorption of acetone clusters stabilized by direct lateral interactions, or they may influence the work function or ionization potential of the surface adjacent to the site by influencing the electron density in the delocalized pi orbital of the graphite surface. Removal of the hot sites by treatment with hydrogen at high temperature reduced the adsorption of acetone and the poisoning effect of benzene.
Targeting tumours with genetically enhanced T lymphocytes

The genetic modification of T lymphocytes is an important approach to investigating normal T-cell biology and to increasing antitumour immunity. A number of genetic strategies aim to increase the recognition of tumour antigens, enhance antitumour activities and prevent T-cell malfunction. T cells can also be engineered to increase safety, as well as to express markers that can be tracked by non-invasive imaging technologies. Genetically modified T cells are therefore proving to be of great value for basic immunology and experimental immunotherapy.
Lower esophageal sphincter position in premature infants cannot be correctly estimated with current formulas.

Abstract Objectives: Strobel’s formula (Esophageal length = 5 + 0.252 × Height) is frequently used as a guide for determining the distance from the nares to the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) in term infants. The aim of this study was to examine this relationship in premature infants. Study design: The distance from nares to LES was manometrically determined in 156 premature infants (26-40 weeks’ postmenstrual age; body weights of 610-3050 g). The ability of body weight, height (body length), head circumference, and postmenstrual age to predict the manometrically determined LES position was evaluated with linear and non-linear regression analyses. Results: Body weight and body length were the most predictive of distance from nares to LES ( r 2 = 0.848 and 0.802, respectively). These relationships were non-linear and, in the case of body length, deviated substantially from Strobel’s model. Conclusions: In premature neonates, a different formula is needed for prediction of the distance between nares and LES than that applied to term infants and children. (J Pediatr 1999;135:522-5)
Social Psychological Issues in the Theory of Social Organization

(1962). Social Psychological Issues in the Theory of Social Organization. The Sociological Quarterly: Vol. 3, No. 4, pp. 286-295.
Undergraduate Laboratory on DNA Folding using AFM

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is an exciting biophysical technique capable of imaging biological molecules at near atomic resolution, measuring precise force dynamics of protein unfolding, or applying mechanical stress to cells and measuring their response. Yet, despite its ubiquity in biophysical research, AFM has been almost nonexistent in the undergraduate laboratory. Fortunately, with newer AFM systems becoming more affordable and user-friendly, the possibility of AFM in undergraduate courses is now a reality. Our goal is to design an AFM laboratory for students with an introductory background in physics. In this laboratory, students will (1) image the structure of DNA adhered to a mica cover slip in the absence and presence of a condensing agent (protamine), (2) model the DNA as a worm-like chain or a series of toroids, respectively, and (3) use these images to calculate structural parameters of DNA, such as radius of gyration, persistence length, and contour length. This laboratory will expose undergraduates to some of the fundamental AFM techniques that make it a revolutionary tool in biophysical research.
Drug-drug interactions involving antidepressants : Focus on venlafaxine

Selection of an antidepressant is influenced by many factors, including the patient's current drug regimen and the drug's potential for drug-drug interactions. Many psychotropic agents are known to be involved in drug-drug interactions because they are metabolized by various cytochrome pigment 450 (CYP) isoenzymes. In vitro testing with human hepatic microsomal preparations and monoclonal antibody techniques has allowed for the identification and investigation of many of these isoenzymes. Also, screening of substrates (both drug and probe) at the level of the various enzymes expressed in the human liver has allowed for the development of models that predict the risk for drug-drug interactions in vivo. Antidepressants are metabolized by and are competitive inhibitors of several isoenzymes: CYP1A2, CYP2D6, CYP3A3/4, CYP2C8/9, CYP2C19, and others. Of these, CYP2D6 has been the most thoroughly investigated and is the most extensively characterized, whereas CYP3A3/4 are more abundant and play a major role in the metabolism of many commonly used drugs. CYP2D6, but not CYP3A3/4, is subject to genetic polymorphism, which has been identified through the administration of a probe drug (sparteine, debrisoquin, or dextromethorphan). This analysis allows for the determination of an individual's "metabolizer status." This article discusses the CYP isoenzyme system in general terms and presents selected in vitro information that has been used to determine the likelihood of in vivo drug-drug interactions with various antidepressants. Of the marketed antidepressants, venlafaxine seems to have one of the most favorable drug-interaction profiles, and data specific to it are highlighted. In vitro and in vivo data indicate that venlafaxine either does not significantly inhibit or weakly inhibits the activity of isoenzymes CYP2C9, CYP2D6, CYP1A2, or CYP3A3/4.
Biphasic Thrombopoietic Response to Severe Hypobaric Hypoxia

Thrombopoiesis has been studied during and after an 11 d exposure to discontinuous hypobaric hypoxia. Exposure of rats to 0.4 atmospheres for 16--17 h daily initially caused an increase in platelet count which reached a peak of 1.5 times baseline on days 4 and 5. This thrombocytosis was followed by a decrease in platelets to a nadir of 50--60% of baseline on days 12 and 13. That thrombocytosis results from increased platelet production is supported by increased [35S]sulphate incorporation into platelets and increased megakaryocyte size and turnover. The thrombocytopenia with continued hypoxia seems to result from decreased platelet production since 51Cr-platelet survival was normal while megakaryocyte concentration was decreased to one-half that of untreated controls. These observations suggest that differentiation of precursors into megakaryocytes was decreased during the thrombocytopenic period, although the fewer remaining megakaryocytes appeared stimulated because of their larger size and increased [3H]thymidine labelling. Thus, hypobaric hypoxia had a biphasic effect on thrombopoiesis with increased platelet production in the first few days of exposure followed by subnormal production.
TRANSVERSE VIBRATION OF ELASTIC-VISCOELASTIC-ELASTIC SANDWICH BEAMS: COMPRESSION-EXPERIMENTAL AND ANALYTICAL STUDY

Abstract Experimental and analytical results are presented from an investigation into the compressional vibration of an elastic–viscoelastic–elastic three-layer sandwich beam. Most analytical models make the fundamental assumption that shear deformation in the viscoelastic core yields the largest damping and compressional deformation is negligible. Experimental results from a cantilever beam with a constrained layer viscoelastic damping treatment driven with a sinusoidal input are given which show compressional deformation over a relatively wide driving frequency range. A new analytical model for compressional damping is presented and compared with experimental results, with the Mead and Markus shear damping model, and with the Douglas and Yang compressional damping model. These results indicate that the proposed compressional model is a better predictor of resonance frequencies for the cantilever beams tested and that all models show deficiencies in predicting damping
Experimental investigation of the behavior of RC bridge piers subjected to horizontal and vertical earthquake motion

Abstract This paper presents an experimental program aimed at assessing the effect of vertical earthquake ground motion on reinforced concrete bridge piers. The program comprised testing of four large scale piers by utilizing the Multi-Axial Full-Scale Sub-Structured Testing and Simulation (MUST-SIM) facility at the University of Illinois. Two hybrid analytical-experimental simulations were used to experimentally investigate the effects of vertical ground motion on pier loading and behavior. Two additional cyclic tests were conducted to allow direct comparison of pier response under tension to pier response under compression. Detail aspects of the experimental framework including a substructuring scheme, analytical representation of structure, test specimen design and advanced measurement system are provided. The observations and interpretation of experimental results, including the impact on both global and local behavior, are discussed. It is concluded that vertical ground motion can significantly impact Reinforced Concrete (RC) pier behavior and failure mode.
Thermodynamic equilibrium calculations of dimethyl ether steam reforming and dimethyl ether hydrolysis

Abstract The production of a hydrogen-rich fuel-cell feed by dimethyl ether (DME) steam reforming was investigated using calculations of thermodynamic equilibrium as a function of steam-to-carbon ratio (0.00–4.00), temperature (100–600 °C), pressure (1–5 atm), and product species. Species considered were acetone, acetylene, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, dimethyl ether, ethane, ethanol, ethylene, formaldehyde, formic acid, hydrogen, isopropanol, methane, methanol, methyl-ethyl ether, n -propanol and water. Thermodynamic equilibrium calculations of DME steam reforming indicate complete conversion of dimethyl ether to hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide at temperatures greater than 200 °C and steam-to-carbon ratios greater than 1.25 at atmospheric pressure ( P = 1 atm). Increasing the operating pressure shifts the equilibrium toward the reactants; increasing the pressure from 1 to 5 atm decreases the conversion of dimethyl ether from 99.5 to 76.2%. The trend of thermodynamically stable products in decreasing mole fraction is methane, ethane, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, n -propanol, ethylene, ethanol, methyl-ethyl ether and methanol–formaldehyde, formic acid, and acetylene were not observed. Based on the equilibrium calculations, the optimal processing conditions for dimethyl ether steam reforming occur at a steam-to-carbon ratio of 1.50, a pressure of 1 atm, and a temperature of 200 °C. These thermodynamic equilibrium calculations show dimethyl ether processed with steam will produce hydrogen-rich fuel-cell feeds—with hydrogen concentrations exceeding 70%. The conversion of dimethyl ether via hydrolysis (considering methanol as the only product) is limited by thermodynamic equilibrium. Equilibrium conversion increases with temperature and steam-to-carbon ratio. A maximum dimethyl ether conversion of 62% is achieved at a steam-to-carbon ratio of 5.00 and a processing temperature of 600 °C.
Talking as doing: Language forms and public language.

I discuss language forms as the primary means that language communities provide to enable public language use. As such, they are adapted to public use most notably in being linguistically significant vocal tract actions, not the categories in the mind as proposed in phonological theories. Their primary function is to serve as vehicles for production of syntactically structured sequences of words. However, more than that, phonological actions themselves do work in public language use. In particular, they foster interpersonal coordination in social activities. An intriguing property of language forms that likely reflects their emergence in social communicative activities is that phonological forms that should be meaningless (in order to serve their role in the openness of language at the level of the lexicon) are not wholly meaningless. In fact, the form-meaning “rift” is bridged bidirectionally: The smallest language forms are meaningful, and the meanings of lexical language forms generally inhere, in part, in their embodiment by understanders.
After We Deconstruct ‘Religion,’ Then What? A Case for Critical Realism

Some scholars of religion have turned their attention from religion to "religion" and have then deconstructed the conceptual category, arguing that the concept of religion is an invention of the scholar that corresponds to nothing. In Schilbrack (2012), I used the work of Tim Fitzgerald to identify what such arguments get right and what they get wrong. In the present reply to Fitzgerald, I make a case for critical realism as a methodological stance for the study of religion that can learn from deconstructive approaches without abandoning the concept.
Wound healing and revascularization

We used dogs as an animal model to generate tooth root fracture and to observe the wound-healing process of the fracture. Histologic examination of the specimens revealed that the early reaction of the wound healing was infiltration of inflammatory cells particularly at the coronal part of the fracture, whereas less inflammation but more abundant collagen fibers were seen at the apical part of the fracture (15 and 30 days). Inflammation lasted for more than 90 days and then subsided. At day 180, bone tissue healing was observed. Revascularization of the pulp tissues reached a high level at the same stage that bone healing took place. Our data suggest that in tooth root fracture, the regeneration of blood vessels is important in the wound-healing process and the revascularization is synchronized with the fracture wound healing. In this animal model the complete hard tissue healing could take as long as 6 months.
Known and suspected teratogenic hazards in range plants.

(1972). Known and Suspected Teratogenic Hazards in Range Plants. Clinical Toxicology: Vol. 5, No. 4, pp. 529-565.
Occupations, habits, and routines: perspectives from persons with diabetes.

Abstract Context: Almost all of the management of diabetes is the direct responsibility of the person with diabetes. While many studies have attempted to examine issues of management of diabetes and compliance with medical recommendations, little has been done to examine daily diabetic care from an occupational perspective. The purpose of this research was to examine and describe how persons with diabetes perceive the occupations related to the management of their diabetes. Methods: A qualitative methods approach was used including photo elicitation and interviews. A team of student researchers recruited participants for a sample of convenience. Results: The following themes emerged from qualitative cross-case analysis: “Changes over time”; “What to eat”; “Habits and routines”; and “Family: Occupational impacts”. Discussion: Findings highlight the importance of considering the individual experience of diabetes self-management occupations and the need to develop habits and routines to support management of...
TORgeting oncogene addiction for cancer therapy

The PI3K-Akt-mTOR growth-regulating pathway is conserved from mammals to flies and hyperactivated in many cancers. Accordingly, rapamycin analogs, which are inhibitors of mTOR-Raptor signaling, have recently garnered much interest as potential therapeutic agents against cancer. However, due to the heterogeneity of tumors, prior knowledge of the genetic and biochemical background of cancer cells will be required for effective targeted therapy. Thus, the identification of biological markers against activated oncogenic pathways is needed. In the January issue of Nature Medicine, Thomas et al. identify the loss of VHL tumor suppressor gene as a potential determining factor in tumor sensitivity to rapamycin.
Electrostatics of DNA-cationic lipid complexes : isoelectric instability

We propose a Poisson-Boltzmann electrostatic theory for DNA/cationic lipid complexes modeled as a stack of aligned DNA chains intercalated with lipid bilayers, a structure suggested by the recent X-ray synchrotron studies of Radler et al. Poisson-Boltzmann theory is shown to predict that the isoelectric point - where the DNA and cationic lipid charges are in balance - is unstable against absorption of extra DNA or lipid material. The instability is caused by the entropy gain obtained following the release of small ions inside the complex and is manifested by singular behavior of the rod-rod spacing near the isoelectric point. We apply the theory to a discussion of the results of Radler et al.
Synthesis and characterization of EADAM: a selective radioligand for mapping the brain serotonin transporters by positron emission tomography.

Abstract [ 11 C] N , N -Dimethyl-2-(2′-amino-4′-ethylphenylthio)benzylamine ([ 11 C]EADAM) was synthesized in the development of a serotonin transporter (SERT) imaging ligand for positron emission tomography (PET). The methods of ligand synthesis, results of in vitro characterization, 11 C labeling and in vivo micro-PET imaging studies of [ 11 C]EADAM in cynomolgus monkey brain are described. 11 C was introduced into N , N -dimethyl-2-(2′-amino-4′-ethylphenylthio)benzylamine (5) by alkylation of N -methyl-2-(2′-amino-4′-ethylphenylthio)benzylamine (10) in 32% radiochemical yield (end of bombardment [EOB], decay-corrected from [ 11 C]methyl iodide). Competition binding assays in cells stably expressing the transfected human dopamine transporter (DAT), SERT and norepinephrine transporter (NET) labeled with [ 3 H]WIN 35428 or [ 125 I]RTI-55, [ 3 H]citalopram and [ 3 H]nisoxetine, respectively, indicated the following order of SERT affinity: ADAM>EADAM≫fluvoxamine. The affinity of EADAM for DAT and NET was 500- and >1000-fold lower, respectively, than for SERT. Micro-PET brain imaging studies in a cynomolgus monkey demonstrated high [ 11 C]EADAM uptake in the striatum, thalamus and brainstem. [ 11 C]EADAM uptake in these brain regions peaked in less than 60 min following administration of [ 11 C]EADAM. The tissue-to-cerebellum ratios of the striatum, thalamus and brainstem were 1.67, 1.71 and 1.63, respectively, at 120 min postinjection of [ 11 C]EADAM. Analysis of monkey arterial plasma samples using high-pressure liquid chromatography determined there was no detectable formation of lipophilic radiolabeled metabolites capable of entering the brain. In a displacement experiment with citalopram in a cynomolgus monkey, radioactivity in the striatum, thalamus and brainstem was displaced 20–60 min after administration of citalopram. In a blocking experiment with citalopram in a cynomolgus monkey, radioactivity in the striatum, thalamus and brainstem was significantly reduced. These results support the candidacy of [ 11 C]EADAM as a radioligand for visualizing brain SERT using PET.
Structure‐function relationships of the flexor carpi radialis muscle compared among four species of mammals

Investigations of the structure and function of the flexor carpi radialis muscle (FCR) in the cat have led to the hypothesis that the compartmentalized (nonuniform) distribution of fiber types within the muscle relate to the complex motor skills of the cat. To test this hypothesis a study was undertaken to compare the FCR in four mammalian species of similar body size but with different forelimb motor tasks. The species chosen were: dog, opossum, armadillo, and cat. Comparisons were made among species with regard to general muscle morphology, fiber types and sizes, fiber proportions, and fiber distributions. The FCR of all species was morphologically similar and contained three muscle fiber types (SO, FOG, and FG). The mean area of muscle fibers was largest in opossum, while the FCR fibers of dogs were smallest. The percentage of SO fibers in the dog FCR was greater than in the other species studied. The opossum FCR also contained a high percentage of SO fibers. The armadillo FCR consisted of a high percentage of FG fibers. In the cat FCR the percentages of all three fiber types were similar. For each species, individual fiber proportions were in agreement with the results for fiber percentages. Compartmentalized distribution of fiber types existed in each species with the dog having the most compartmentalized fiber type distribution and the cat the least compartmentalized distribution. Therefore it seems that the compartmentalized organization of the FCR is not related to any specialized motor task, but may be a generalized pattern associated with motor patterns shared among all species studied.
Optimization and analysis of large chemical kinetic mechanisms using the solution mapping method—combustion of methane

Abstract A method of systematic optimization, solution mapping, as applied to a large-scale dynamic model is presented. The basis of the technique is parameterization of model responses in terms of model parameters by simple algebraic expressions. These expressions are obtained by computer experiments arranged in a factorial design. The developed parametrized responses are then used in a joint multiparameter multi-data-set optimization. A brief review of the mathematical background of the technique is given. The concept of active parameters is discussed. The technique is applied to determine an optimum set of parameters for a methane combustion mechanism. Five independent responses—comprising ignition delay times, pre-ignition methyl radical concentration profiles, and laminar premixed flame velocities— were optimized with respect to thirteen reaction rate parameters. The numerical predictions of the optimized model are compared to those computed with several recent literature mechanisms. The utility of the solution mapping technique in situations where the optimum is not unique is also demonstrated.
The asymmetric orientation of cytochrome b561 in bovine chromaffin granule membranes

The topological arrangement of cytochrome b561 in the bovine adrenal medullary chromaffin granule membrane was investigated by radiolabeling and immunoprecipitation techniques using antibody raised against the purified cytochrome. The first labeling procedure involved a membrane-permeable amino group labeling reagent, ethyl acetimidate, and two membrane-nonpermeable amino group labeling reagents, isethionyl acetimidate and trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid. The second radiolabeling procedure involved lactoperoxidase-catalyzed iodination of the exposed tyrosines on the membrane-bound proteins. The labeled cytochrome b561 was isolated by immunoprecipitating detergent extracts of treated membranes, followed by electrophoresis of the precipitated cytochrome in polyacrylamide-dodecyl sulfate. From the analysis of both labeling techniques, cytochrome b561 appeared to be a transmembrane protein and a major portion of this protein was cytoplasmically exposed.
Ferroelectric and antiferroelectric odd–even behavior in a tricarbosilane-terminated liquid crystal homologous series

A new class of polyphilic mesogens composed of a tolanphenyl carboxylate core, a chiral alkoxy tail, and a tricarbosilane terminated alkoxy tail was synthesized, and shown to self-organize into nanophase segregated, smectic liquid crystalline (LC) phases. It was found that the number of carbons in the alkyl spacer between the tricarbosilane and the core controlled the observed phase with perfect fidelity: odd-carbon spacers gave antiferroelectric phases, and even-carbon spacers gave ferroelectric phases. Even more interestingly, homologues with odd carbon number show the rare and useful chiral orthoconic antiferroelectric SmCA* phase, where the optic axis tilt alternates from layer to layer between +45° and −45°, making the molecular directors in adjacent layers orthogonal. The even-carbon homologues exhibit the SmC* phase with close to 45° tilt. The findings demonstrate that the supramolecular self-organization of polyphilic mesogens may be controlled by the length of hydrocarbon spacers.
Annotated Bibliography for the DEWPOINT project

This bibliography covers aspects of the Detection and Early Warning of Proliferation from Online INdicators of Threat (DEWPOINT) project including 1) data management and querying, 2) baseline and advanced methods for classifying free text, and 3) algorithms to achieve the ultimate goal of inferring intent from free text sources. Metrics for assessing the quality and correctness of classification are addressed in the second group. Data management and querying include methods for efficiently storing, indexing, searching, and organizing the data we expect to operate on within the DEWPOINT project.
Politics, Power, and Problems: Perspectives on Writing Policy History

Twenty-five years ago H. Stuart Hughes observed that “the study of history is entering a period of rapid change and advance such as characterized the science of physics in the first three decades of the twentieth century.” Amid such ferment, he believed, professional historians could become more “scientific” in stating their assumptions and executing their analysis without sacrificing an “aesthetic” style of discourse. Professor Hughes correctly predicted the professional excitement and intellectual controversy unleashed since the mid-1960s, but he underestimated the extent to which historians’ relative standing in the academy would be adversely affected by external and internal developments. Other social sciences attracted more students, tenure lines, and grant support; they had more success in formalizing their investigations. Many humanistic endeavors (including historical inquiries), critics charge, have concurrently become inscrutable. Historians themselves have expressed serious concern about the future of their discipline. With the Balkanization of knowledge, with a growing number of subfields and specialized journals, historical synthesis seems more and more to be an elusive goal. The current debate over how to “(re)present the past” goes far beyond disputes over approach, style, or ideology.
A twin study of drinking and smoking onset and latencies from first use to regular use.

The early onset of alcohol and tobacco use has been associated with increased risk for later substance abuse and dependence problems. This study investigated genetic and environmental influences on age at onset of alcohol and tobacco use by examining twin resemblance for several retrospectively reported onset milestones including age at first use, age at first alcohol intoxication experience, and age at regular use. In addition, we also examined the latency between age at first use and age at regular use of tobacco and alcohol. The subjects were a volunteer sample of older adult twins 50 to 96 years of age. MZ twin correlations for age at first alcohol use and age at first tobacco use were .57 and .44, respectively, compared to .45 and .37 for DZ same-sex twins. MZ twins correlated .30 and .26 for the latencies between first use and regular use of alcohol and of tobacco, while DZ correlations were −.01 and .05, respectively. Biometrical model-fitting results confirmed that familial resemblance for age at first use for both alcohol and tobacco was largely the result of shared environmental factors, while the latencies between first use and regular patterns of use were more genetically influenced. These findings add to a growing body of literature suggesting that initiation of substance use is influenced primarily by environmental rather than genetic factors.
On Supporting Multiple Quality-of-Services Classes in Mobile WiMAX Handoff

IEEE 802.16 WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is a major standard technology for Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks. Quality-of-service (QoS) scheduling classes and mobility management are two main issues for supporting seamless high-speed communications. Previous works on WiMAX handoff however have mainly addressed a particular scenario or a specific QoS class. This work proposes a context-sensitive handoff scheme that supports the five IEEE 802.16 QoS scheduling classes.Furthermore, it is energy-aware – it may switch to energy-saving mode during a handoff. Performance evaluation shows that,comparing with three existing methods, the proposed scheme successfully supports the five QoS classes in both layers 2 and 3handoff, reduces end-to-end handoff delay, delay jitter, and service disruption time. It also increases throughput and energy efficiency.We believe that this work is a significant contribution on providing high-quality, seamless data and media streaming over IEEE802.16 networks.
Percutaneous Management of Biliary Leaks: Biliary Embosclerosis and Ablation

Biliary leaks after hepatobiliary surgery are not uncommon. In certain situations minimal invasive percutaneous techniques may result in avoidance or reduction of the extent of surgery. Minimal invasive percutaneous techniques include (1) percutaneous bile collection (biloma) drainage, (2) percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage, (3) biliary leak site embolization/sclerosis, and (4) leaking biliary segment ablation. There are two clinical applications for biliary ablation. The first is actual bile leak site ablation or embosclerosis to reduce an aperture or ablate a fistula (block a hole). The second is ablating an entire biliary segment to cease bile production and induce hepatic segmental atrophy (cease bile production). This article discusses the techniques used for biliary leak site embosclerosis/ablation (including biliary–cutaneous tract ablation) and biliary segmental ablation.
Statistical analysis of sparse infection data and its implications for retroviral treatment trials in primates.

Abstract Reports on retroviral primate trials rarely publish any statistical analysis. Present statistical methodology lacks appropriate tests for these trials and effectively discourages quantitative assessment. This paper describes the theory behind VACMAN, a user-friendly computer program that calculates statistics for in vitro and in vivo infectivity data. VACMAN's analysis applies to many retroviral trials using i.v. challenges and is valid whenever the viral dose-response curve has a particular shape. Statistics from actual i.v. retroviral trials illustrate some unappreciated principles of effective animal use: dilutions other than 1:10 can improve titration accuracy; infecting titration animals at the lowest doses possible can lower challenge doses; and finally, challenging test animals in small trials with more virus than controls safeguards against false successes, "reuses" animals, and strengthens experimental conclusions. The theory presented also explains the important concept of viral saturation, a phenomenon that may cause in vitro and in vivo titrations to agree for some retroviral strains and disagree for others.
Switching Skeletons: Hydrostatic Support in Molting Crabs

Skeletal support systems are essential for support, movement, muscular antagonism, and locomotion. Crustaceans shed their rigid exoskeleton at each molt yet are still capable of forceful movement. We hypothesize that the soft water-inflated body of newly molted crabs may rely on a hydrostatic skeleton, similar to that of worms and polyps. We measured internal hydrostatic pressure and the force exerted during claw adduction and observed a strong correlation between force and hydrostatic pressure, consistent with hydrostatic skeletal support. This alternation between the two basic skeletal types may be widespread among arthropods.
Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide 38-Mediated Rin Activation Requires Src and Contributes to the Regulation of Hsp27 Signaling during Neuronal Differentiation

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide 38 (PACAP38) is a potent neuropeptide that acts through G-protein-coupled receptors. While it is well established that PACAP mediates both neurotrophic and neurodevelopmental effects, the signaling cascades that underlie these diverse actions remain incompletely characterized. Here we show that the Ras-related Rin GTP-binding protein, a GTPase that is expressed predominantly in neurons, is regulated by PACAP38 signaling, and loss-of-function analysis demonstrates that Rin makes an essential contribution to PACAP38-mediated pheochromocytoma cell differentiation. Rin is activated following stimulation of both Gsα and Giα cascades but does not rely upon cyclic AMP (cAMP)-, Ca2+-, or Epac-dependent signaling pathways. Instead, Rin is activated in a Src kinase-dependent manner. Surprisingly, Rin knockdown significantly inhibits PACAP38-mediated neurite outgrowth, without affecting mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling cascades. Instead, Rin loss attenuates PACAP38-mediated HSP27 activation by disrupting a cAMP-protein kinase A cascade. RNA interference-mediated HSP27 silencing suppresses both PACAP38- and Rin-mediated neurite outgrowth, while expression of a constitutively active Rin mutant increases both HSP27 protein and phospho-HSP27 levels, supporting a role for Rin-HSP27 signaling in neuronal differentiation. Together, these observations identify an unsuspected role for Rin in neuronal PACAP signaling and establish a novel Gα-Src-Rin-HSP27 signal transduction pathway as a critical element in PACAP38-mediated neuronal differentiation signaling.
CONCEPTS OF RISK AND SAFETY IN TOXIC SUBSTANCES REGULATION: A COMPARISON OF FRANCE AND THE U.S.

The notions of risk and safety that play a role in the regulation of toxic substances have shown a markedly different evolution in France and the U.S. U.S. law has moved toward the development of statutory criteria of risk assessment, balancing the costs and benefits of regulation. French legislators have consistently avoided a substantive elaboration of safety concepts through legal texts. (10 references)
Impact of immune plasticity on development of cellular memory responses to human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

The generation of immunity against viral pathogens is diverse; and immunity is formed from a complex interaction of the virus, host immunity, and the backdrop of the microenvironment in which interactions occur. Although the initial response to different viral pathogens is similar, these diverse
High critical currents by isotropic magnetic-flux-pinning centres in a 3 µm-thick YBa2Cu3O7superconducting coated conductor

The critical current densities Jc−w(H) per unit width of the tape were measured at 75 K in applied magnetic fields H on a 3 µm-thick YBa2Cu3O7 film on a metallic substrate fabricated using the BaF2 process. Jc−w(H) was the highest reported for YBa2Cu3O7 conductors with H perpendicular to the tape, and was independent of the angle between H and the tape plane for μ0H≤3 T. The film did not contain artificial flux-pinning centres, implying the existence of a strong isotropic-pinning centre in undoped YBa2Cu3O7 films, thus opening up unexplored avenues for improving performance of coated conductors.
Aggressive angiomyxoma with t(12;21) and HMGA2 rearrangement: report of a case and review of the literature

Conventional cytogenetic analysis of an aggressive angiomyxoma of the rectal wall of a 72-year-old woman revealed a translocation between the long arms of chromosomes 12 and 21, with the karyotype 46,XX,t(12;21)(q15;q21.1). Involvement of the HMGA2 gene locus (12q15) was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization using an HMGA2 breakpoint flanking probe set performed on metaphase and interphase cells from an in situ culture of fresh lesional tissue. Karyotypic rearrangements of 12q13 approximately q15 are considered recurrent in aggressive angiomyxoma, although reported in only five previous cases. Translocation partner chromosome 21 is unique to the present case.
Engineering a Software Supported Health Risk Appraisal Method: A Joint Effort between Academia and Health Care Industry

This paper describes a software engineering educational experience and collaboration between the Seidenberg School of Computer Science at Pace University (SCSIS) and Pfizer Inc’s Clinical Applications Team. The goal of the project was to develop a Coronary Heart Disease Risk Factor Calculator (CHD-RFC) utilizing all the experience acquired during a software engineering seminar course . Developed with the patient in mind, the tool provides powerful features such as three CHD risk algorithm choices, a health report, and a progress chart. The project, the tool and the social implications of a software-assisted health risk appraisal method are discussed.
Design of a scalable network programming framework

Nearly all programmable commercial hardware solutions offered for high-speed networking systems are capable of meeting the performance and flexibility requirements of equipment vendors. However, the primary obstacle to adoption lies with the software architectures and programming environments supported by these systems. Shortcomings include use of unfamiliar languages and libraries, portability and backwards compatibility, vendor lock-in, design and development learning curve, availability of competent developers, and a small existing base of software. Another key shortcoming of previous architectures is that either they are not multi-core oriented or they expose all the hardware details, making it very hard for programmers to deal with. In this paper, we present a practical software architecture for high-speed embedded systems that is portable, easy to learn and use, multicore oriented, and efficient.
PRICE PERFORMANCE OF COMMON STOCK NEW ISSUES

Abstract The paper studies both the initial and aftermarket performance (measured by risk-adjusted returns) on newly issued common stocks which were offered to the public during the 1960s. The results confirm that average initial performance is positive (11.4 percent), while the distribution of returns is skewed so that the subscriber of a single random new issue offering has about an equal chance for gain or loss. The results are generally consistent with aftermarket efficiency. Positive initial performance along with aftermarket efficiency indicate that new issue offerings are underpriced. The paper provides insights into this underpricing mystery, but does not solve it.
The C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism influences the homocysteine-lowering effect of hormone replacement therapy.

Elevated homocysteine is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and has been associated with a common C677T polymorphism in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene. Estrogen use has been shown to reduce homocysteine concentrations, suggesting that this might contribute to the cardiovascular benefit of hormone replacement therapy. We examined 90 postmenopausal women to determine if MTHFR genotype affected the response of homocysteine to hormone replacement therapy. Women with the TT genotype did not show decreased homocysteine in response to hormone replacement therapy as demonstrated for women with the CC genotype and may receive decreased cardiovascular benefits from hormone replacement therapy.
Quality Circle Productivity as Related to Upper-Management Attendance, Circle Initiation, and Collar Color

The productivity of 47 quality circles (QCs) over a 3-year period was examined using the archival data of a QC program. The dependent variables were the quantity of QC presentations and the speed of problem solving. These two dependent variables were examined as related to upper-management attendance (high vs. low), QC initiation (management-initiated vs. self-initiated), and collar color (white vs. blue) in a 2 x 2 x 2 MANOVA. The results showed that QCs with a high level of upper-management attendance solved their problems significantly faster than did those QCs with a low level of attendance. Management-initiated QCs solved their problems significantly faster and solved more problems than did self-initiated QCs. Self-initiated QCs with a low level of upper-management attendance had a slower speed ofproblem solving. Further, self-initiated QCs with white-collar workers also had a slower speed of problem solving.
Charge vs. porosity — Some influences on the adsorption of natural organic matter (NOM) by activated carbon

The adsorption of NOM ultrafiltration fractions onto ten activated carbons was studied. The aim of the research was the clarification of the effects of carbon charge and pore volume distribution and NOM charge and molecular weight on adsorption. The effect of pH and ionic strength on adsorption mechanisms was determined, and it was found that, in the absence of strong electrostatic effects, adsorption occurred by a pore filling mechanism in which the available pore volume was filled. At neutral pH the NOM has a significant negative charge which can affect the adsorption in several ways. At low surface concentrations on activated carbon with positive surface groups there is direct surface-NOM electrostatic attraction (screening reduced adsorption). At higher surface concentrations the adsorption becomes predominantly a physical surface-NOM attraction, possibly due to hydrophobic or aromatic ring interactions. The electrostatic effects are mainly caused by the lateral repulsion of the NOM that prevents the close-packed arrangement apparent at pH 3 (screening enhanced adsorption). For one activated carbon it was shown that the degree of ionisation of the adsorbed NOM is strongly dependent on the surface concentration.