cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conformationally Constrained Cinnolinone Nucleoside Analogues as Siderophore Biosynthesis Inhibitors for Tuberculosis.

5'-O-[N-(Salicyl)sulfamoyl]adenosine (Sal-AMS, 1) is a nucleoside antibiotic that inhibits incorporation of salicylate into siderophores required for bacterial iron acquisition and has potent activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Cinnolone analogues exemplified by 5 were designed to replace the acidic acyl-sulfamate functional group of 1 (pKa = 3) by a more stable sulfonamide linkage (pKa = 6.0) in an attempt to address potential metabolic liabilities and improve membrane permeability. We showed 5 potently inhibited the mycobacterial salicylate ligase MbtA (apparent Ki = 12 nM), blocked production of the salicylate-capped siderophores in whole-cell Mtb, and exhibited excellent antimycobacterial activity under iron-deficient conditions (minimum inhibitor concentration, MIC = 2.3 μM). To provide additional confirmation of the mechanism of action, we demonstrated the whole-cell activity of 5 could be fully antagonized by the addition of exogenous salicylate to the growth medium. Although the total polar surface area (tPSA) of 5 still exceeds the nominal threshold value (140 A) typically required for oral bioavailability, we were pleasantly surprised to observe introduction of the less acidic and conformationally constrained cinnolone moiety conferred improved drug disposition properties as evidenced by the 7-fold increase in volume of distribution in Sprague-Dawley rats.
Localized cooperation for crowdsensing in a fog computing-enabled internet-of-things

In this article, we describe and evaluate a crowdsensing approach that entails local cooperation between crowdsensing participants in smart environments, utilizing an underlying fog computing-enabled Internet of Things. A fog computing-based Internet-of-Things architecture involves a layer of computing nodes residing closer to the sensing devices, with this layer of fog nodes lying in between mobile and sensing devices at the network edge and the cloud. This motivates us to propose a model for crowdsensing in smart environments that involves both competition and cooperation between nearby crowdsensing participants at the edge network. Comprehensive simulations are presented to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach. The work shows desirable characteristics in terms of number of active participants, number of samples collected within a given budget and coverage, resulting from localized cooperation by crowdsensing participants at the edge layer that can support various smart environment applications.
A Survey of Statistical Approaches to Preserving Confidentiality of Contingency Table Entries

In the statistical literature, there has been considerable development of methods of data releases for multivariate categorical data sets, where the releases come in the form of marginal and conditional tables corresponding to subsets of the categorical variables. In this chapter we provide an overview of this methodology and we relate it to the literature on the release of association rules which can be viewed as conditional tables. We illustrate this with two examples. A related problem, ”association rule hiding” is often independently studied in the database
Multi-dimensional bid improvement algorithm for simultaneous auctions

Bidding for multi-items in simultaneous auctions raises challenging problems. In multi-auction settings, the determination of optimal bids by potential buyers requires combinatorial calculations. While an optimal bidding strategy is known when bidding in sequential auctions, only suboptimal strategies are available when bidding for items being sold in simultaneous auctions. We investigate a multi-dimensional bid improvement scheme, motivated by optimization techniques, to derive optimal bids for item bundles in simultaneous auctions. Given a vector of initial bids, the proposed scheme systematically improves bids for each item. Such multi-dimensional improvements result in locally optimal bid vectors. Globally optimal bid vectors are guaranteed in the limit for infinite restarts. For ease of presentation we use two-item scenarios to explain the working of the algorithm. Experimental results show polynomial complexity of variants of this algorithm under different types of bidder valuations for item bundles.
Investigating the Mechanism of Horseradish Peroxidase as a RAFT-Initiase.

A detailed mechanistic and kinetic study of enzymatically initiated RAFT polymerization is performed by combining enzymatic assays and polymerization kinetics analysis. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) initiated RAFT polymerization of dimethylacrylamide (DMAm) was studied. This polymerization was controlled by 2-(propionic acid)ylethyl trithiocarbonate (PAETC) in the presence of H2O2 as a substrate and acetylacetone (ACAC) as a mediator. In general, well controlled polymers with narrow molecular weight distributions and good agreement between theoretical and measured molecular weights are consistently obtained by this method. Kinetic and enzymatic assay analyses show that HRP loading accelerates the reaction, with a critical concentration of ACAC needed to effectively generate polymerization initiating radicals. The PAETC RAFT agent is required to control the reaction, although the RAFT agent also has an inhibitory effect on enzymatic performance and polymerization. Interestingly, although H2O2 is the substrate for HRP there is an optimal concentration near 1 mM, under the conditions studies, with higher or lower concentrations leading to lower polymerization rates and poorer enzymatic activity. This is explained through a competition between the H2O2 acting as a substrate, but also an inhibitor of HRP at high concentrations.
Neonatologists less frequently discuss long term complications: A simulation-based study of prenatal consults beyond the threshold of viability.

Background Guidelines exist for counseling expectant families of infants at periviable gestational ages (22-25 weeks), but it is much more common for neonatologists to counsel families at gestational ages beyond the threshold of viability when several aspects of these guidelines do not apply. We aimed to develop an understanding of what information is shared with mothers at risk of preterm delivery beyond periviability and to evaluate communication skills of our participants. Methods We developed a checklist of elements to include in counseling based on a comprehensive literature review. The checklist was divided into an information sharing section and a connect score. The information sharing list was sub-divided into general information and specific complications. Neonatologists engaged in a simulated prenatal counseling session with a standardized patient. Videotaped encounters were then analyzed for checklist elements. Results Neonatologists all scored well in communication using our tool and two other validated communication tools - the SEGUE and the analytic global OSCE. There was no difference in scoring based on years of experience or level of training. Information sharing from neonatologists more often discussed general information over specific. Neonatologists also focused more on early outcomes over long-term outcomes. Only 12% of neonatologists quoted the correct survival rate for the case. Conclusions Neonatologists generally communicate well but share less information specific to prematurity and the long-term sequelae of prematurity. Our tool may be used to test if other interventions improve information sharing or communication.
The control and estimation of large space structures

A shape control or estimation problem for a large space structure can be modeled by a partial differential equation which represents changes in shape with respect to space and time, together with spatially discrete forcing functions or observations which represent the placement of actuators or sensors at discrete points along the structure. The use of Green's functions to convert boundary value problems into integral equations provides a convenient treatment of this mixture of continuous and discrete mathematics. Control and estimation algorithms are developed for the one-dimensional static beam to illustrate this technique.
Most Consumers Don't Buy Hybrids: Is Rational Choice a Sufficient Explanation?

Although federal regulation of vehicle fuel economy is often seen as environmental policy, over 70% of the estimated benefits of the 2017–2025 federal standards are savings in consumer expenditures on gasoline. Rational-choice economists question the counting of these benefits since studies show that the fuel efficiency of a car is reflected in its price at sale and resale. We contribute to this debate by exploring why most consumers in the United States do not purchase a proven fuel-saving innovation: the hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV). A database of 110 vehicle pairs is assembled where a consumer can choose a hybrid or gasoline version of virtually the same vehicle. Few choose the HEV. A total cost of ownership model is used to estimate payback periods for the price premiums associated with the HEV choice. In a majority of cases, a rational-choice explanation is sufficient to understand consumer disinterest in the HEV. However, in a significant minority of cases, a rational-choice explanation is not readily apparent, even when non-pecuniary attributes (e.g., performance and cargo space) are considered. Future research should examine, from a behavioral economics perspective, why consumers do not choose HEVs when pricing and payback periods appear to be favorable.
CO 2 -derived variables for hemodynamic management in critically ill patients

CO 2 measurement carries significant physiologic and clinical information when analyzing hemodynamic status and ventilation of patients. While much focus is on O 2 based data, CO 2 derived parameters can provide a wealth of additional information. This is becoming more readily available as technological advances are making headways in CO 2 measurements.
Aquatic Thermal Conditions Predict the Presence of Native and Invasive Rock Pool Aedes (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Southern Appalachians, U.S.A.

The native rock pool mosquito, Aedes atropalpus (Coquillett), and the invasive Aedes japonicus (Theobald) have been found in many types of artificial and natural containers throughout North America. Little is known about the ecology of these two species in habitats where they co-occur, although multiple investigators have reported the decline of the native species concurrent with the introduction and spread of the invasive species. Here we report the results of riverine rock pool collections (n=503) in the southern Appalachian Mountains between 2009–2015. Surface water temperatures strongly predicted the presence of each species across a broad range of observed temperatures (11–39.8° C). For every unit of increase in temperature (°C) the odds of collecting Ae. atropalpus larvae increased by 0.34 while the odds of collecting Ae. japonicus larvae decreased by 0.28. No Ae. japonicus larvae or pupae were collected at temperatures greater than 36° C; however, immature Ae. atropalpus were found in rock pools with temperatures up to 39.8° C. In contrast, Ae. japonicus were highly abundant in cooler rock pools (<17° C) where Ae. atropalpus were infrequent or absent. Our findings suggest that in spite of the successful invasion by Ae. japonicus, Ae. atropalpus remains well established in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Given the strong correlation of temperature with the presence of the two species and the contrasting absence of each species at observed temperature extremes, the role of thermal conditions should be carefully explored in the context of other ecological factors likely influencing the range and abundance of these mosquitoes.
Proactive Thermal Management using Memory-based Computing in Multicore Architectures

Reliability is a major concern in modern electronic systems due to high defect rates and large parametric variations. A major contributor to reliability concerns is the potential thermal violations due to increasing transistor count coupled with the high clock rate in multicore System-on-Chip (SoC) designs. Dynamic thermal management is widely used to reduce the SoC temperature. Early work on using memory-based computing has shown promising results in improving SoC reliability when few functional units are defective or unreliable under process-induced or thermal variations. However, there are no prior efforts to explore the effectiveness of MBC for thermal management in multicore architectures. In this paper, we present a novel dynamic thermal management technique using proactive memory-based computing to reduce the peak temperature of applications in multicore architectures. The basic idea is to proactively transfer the profitable instructions with frequent operand pairs to memory. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed computing in memory can significantly decrease the peak temperature to improve the SoC reliability with minor impact on performance.
FLT3-ITD Cooperates with MOZ-TIF2 in Leukemogenesis in a Murine Bone Marrow Transplantation Model.

Abstract MOZ-TIF2 is expressed as a consequence of the chromosomal inversion inv(8)(p11q13) and is associated with AML FAB subtypes M4 and M5. Mice transplanted with MOZ-TIF2 succumb to monoclonal or oligoclonal leukemias with a long median disease latency, indicating that cooperating mutations are required for MOZ-TIF2 mediated leukemogenesis. The presence of a FLT3-ITD mutation in a patient with inv(8)(p11q13) has previously been reported, suggesting FLT3-ITD as a candidate cooperating mutation. Here we report that FLT3-ITD functionally cooperates with MOZ-TIF2 in co-transduction experiments in both a serial replating and murine bone marrow transplantation assay to induce AML that is transplantable to secondary recipients. At limit dilution, both MOZ-TIF2 and FLT3-ITD retroviruses are present, demonstrating cooperative effect. Moreover, tyrosine to phenylalanine mutations of FLT3-ITD residues 589 and 591, which we have previously reported to abrogate Stat5 signaling, also abolish the ability of FLT3-ITD to cooperate with MOZ-TIF2 both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, a constitutively active Stat5 mutant supports factor independent serial replating activity of MOZ-TIF2 in vitro. These data suggest a multi-step transformation model in which constitutive downstream Stat5 signaling by FLT3-ITD cooperates with MOZ-TIF2 in AML induction, and indicate that FLT3-ITD potentiates the properties of self-renewal in hematopoietic progenitors through activation of STAT5.
25.9 Reconfigurable Transient Current-Mode Global Interconnect Circuits in 10nm CMOS for High-Performance Processors with Wide Voltage-Frequency Operating Range

The clock frequency of high-performance processors in the high-voltage turbo/burst operation mode [1] is governed primarily by the RC-dominated global interconnects in the communication fabrics and NoCs, since the interconnect RC delay does not improve proportionally with logic gate delay at higher voltages. Prior current-mode and pre-emphasis techniques for improved interconnect throughput and energy efficiency [2]–[5] do not address the critical turbo/burst mode latency requirements, and do not consider tunability across a wide voltage-frequency operating range in high-performance processors. Their transmit/receive circuits with complicated data recovery and differential signaling incur major latency and wiring resource overheads, especially for shorter bus distances typical in NoCs. Previous hybrid current/voltage-mode signaling used expensive 4-inversion repeaters without reconfigurable resistive termination strength, and required multi-cycle windows for current-mode operation with limited power savings at high data activities [6]. Other techniques address scalability to lower supply voltages, but do not focus on the critical interconnect RC delay bottlenecks at high voltages [7]. In this paper, we present reconfigurable current/voltage-mode driver/repeater/receiver circuits for on-die global interconnects/busses, fabricated in 10nm CMOS, with transient current-mode operation, achieving: i) up to 38% lower delay/mm vs. voltage-mode operation, ii) 5x lower transient current-mode power vs. always-on current-mode operation at 100% data activity, iii) similar noise immunity as voltage-mode operation, iv) tunable current-mode configuration for optimized performance vs. energy across PVT corners, and v) up to 8x increased repeater distance.
Metasurface optics for on-demand polarization transformations along the optical path

Polarization plays a key role in science; hence its versatile manipulation is crucial. Existing polarization optics, however, can only manipulate polarization in a single transverse plane. Here we demonstrate a new class of polarizers and wave plates—based on metasurfaces—that can impart an arbitrarily chosen polarization response along the propagation direction, regardless of the incident polarization. The underlying mechanism relies on transforming an incident waveform into an ensemble of pencil-like beams with different polarization states that beat along the optical axis thereby changing the resulting polarization at will, locally, as light propagates. Remarkably, using form-birefringent metasurfaces in combination with matrix-based holography enables the desired propagation-dependent polarization response to be enacted without a priori knowledge of the incident polarization—a behaviour that would require three polarization-sensitive holograms if implemented otherwise. Our work expands the use of polarization in the design of multifunctional metasurfaces and may find application in tunable structured light, optically switchable devices and versatile light–matter interactions. Using a metasurface that allows shaping of the polarization state of a light beam independently at each point of space along its propagation direction, longitudinally variable polarization optical components are demonstrated, inspiring new directions in structured light, polarization-switchable devices and light–matter interaction.
The First Law of Thermodynamics for Closed Systems: Thermal Equilibrium, the Ideal Gas, and Sample Problem

The material presented in this lecture is adapted from Chapter 3 of T&M. First, we will discuss thermal equilibrium, Postulate IV, and the directionality of heat flow. Second, we will discuss the thermodynamic properties of an ideal gas. Third, we will utilize the ideal gas as a model fluid which will allow us to obtain mathematically simple solutions when we solve problems involving the First Law of Thermodynamics. Fourth, we will begin solving Sample Problem 4.1, an illuminating problem which will allow us to select various possible systems, including ascertaining which one leads to the most challenging, or to the simplest, solution. It will become apparent that the engineer, or the scientist, needs to develop a facility to select the optimal system which will lead to the simplest solution. This, of course, will require experiense and practice. Finally, we will present a four-step strategy that can be used to solve problems involving the First Law of Thermodynamics.
A Spatial Web Application to Explore the Interactions between Human Mobility, Government Policies, and COVID-19 Cases

Reports of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases began in December 2019. Soon after, the virus had spread around the world and became a pandemic. Social restrictions, quarantines, and other governmental policies in response to the pandemic altered normal operations across the world. One area significantly affected is human mobility. Typical movement patterns have been hindered by the pandemic. But inversely, mobility patterns can influence patterns of the virus. With this in mind, we created an interactive web application to visualize in near-real time the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and human mobility, as well as the impact of governmental policies at different spatial scales. The web application allows users to select a country at the global scale or a state or county for the USA and then displays a corresponding plot that compares human mobility to COVID-19 cases across time for the location, as well as to policy data. The application is useful for quickly revealing insightful patterns. First, the initial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was a rather sudden decrease in mobility. Second, a relationship exists between mobility and COVID-19 offset by a lag, but that lag is not consistent over space or time. Third, spatial autocorrelation of relationship is apparent, meaning locations near each other share similar patterns. Overall, the application is a useful data visualization tool that helps uncover patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. The application is available at this link: https://chrischapin7.shinyapps.io/covid19_vs_humanmobility/
Skin Folds Diffuse Rash

The differential diagnosis of persistent flexural dermatosis includes intertrigo, candidiasis, erythrasma, tinea, gram-negative infection (especially in toe web maceration), psoriasis, chronic dermatitis, Hailey–Hailey disease (HHD), and granular parakeratosis.
Whitewashing and leg-bailing: on the spatiality of debt

This article contends that the anthropological analysis of ritual can shed light on our understanding of insolvency and bankruptcy practices. Societies without such legal rituals see a far higher incidence of what was known as ‘leg-bail’ in 19th-century Britain – that is, people disappear, becoming effectively dead to society. As Mann crisply puts it in his magisterial study of colonial American debt system, without a bankruptcy law in place, people ‘substituted distance for discharge’ by fleeing to the unknown territory of ‘Kentucke’ to start life afresh (Mann, B. 2002. Republic of debtors: bankruptcy in the age of American Independence. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 128–9). Alternatively, prior to their eradication, debtors who had no bankruptcy rituals (known popularly as 'whitewashing') to turn to could also opt for another form of social death in one of the western world's many debtors’ prisons. Thus, by contrasting not only the 19th century to the 21st, but also leg-bailing to whitewashing, this article will ponder what has happened to today's leg-bailers. Having successfully instituted national whitewashing rituals across the western world, why does the global legal system still retain hidden and far-removed spaces that mimic old Kentucke? Who is still permitted, and indeed, encouraged, to disappear into social death, while others are ritually cleansed and returned to the social?
Fusing biographical and biometric classifiers for improved person identification

Several citizen service databases such as, police, national citizen identity, passport and vehicle registration, store both biographical and biometric information containing huge number of records. Achieving scalability and high accuracy for a 1:N person identification task on these databases is a huge challenge. In this work, we propose to use complementary information present in the biographical data along with biometric information of a user to improve 1:N person identification task for large systems. We show that a likelihood ratio based method for score level fusion of the biometric and biographical classifiers results in high accuracy identification as compared to using only the biometric classifiers or the biographical classifiers.
Paramilitary Forces in Colombia

Los senores de la guerra: De paramilitares, mafiosos y autodefensas en Colombia. By Gustavo Duncan. Bogota: Planeta; Fundacion para la Seguridad, 2007. Pp. 368. Shooting Up: Counterinsurgency and the War on Drugs. By Vanda FelbabBrown. Washington, D.C.: Brookings Institution Press, 2010. Pp. xiv + 273. $28.95 paper. Mafia & Co.: The Criminal Networks in Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia. By Juan Carlos Garzon. Translated by Kathy Ogle. Washington, D.C.: Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Latin American Program, 2010. Pp. 187. Available at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/ topics/pubs/Mafia%20and%20 Company.pdf. Country of Bullets: Chronicles of War. By Juanita Leon. Translated by Guillermo Bleichmar. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 2009. Pp. xxii + 223. $24.95 paper. Y refundaron la patria: De como mafiosos y politicos reconfiguraron el Estado colombiano. Edited by Claudia Lopez. Bogota: Random House Mondadori, 2010. Pp. 524. COL$49,000 paper. Guerreros y campesinos: El despojo de la tierra en Colombia. By Alejandro Reyes Posada, with Liliana Duica Amaya. Buenos Aires: Grupo Editorial Norma, 2009. Pp. xi + 378. $28.35 paper.
Cesarean section prophylaxis: comparison of two doses with three doses of mezlocillin

A prospective randomized double-blind comparison of two doses, with three doses of mezlocillin for nonelective cesarean section prophylaxis was performed. One hundred seven (107) patients were evaluated. Mezlocillin (4 g) was given post-cord clamping and then at 4-h intervals for a total of two doses or three doses. The incidence of febrile morbidity was lower in the three-dose group (2 of 46, 4%) than the two-dose group (14 of 61, 23%) (P less than 0.02). However, the incidence of infectious morbidity was not different between the three-dose group (3 of 46, 7%) and the two-dose group (10 of 61, 16%), and the incidence of endomyometritis was similar in the two groups (6.5% vs 9.8%). Among failures of prophylaxis there were no differences compared to successes in the number of potential commensals or potential pathogens cultured from amniotic fluid. However, the proportion of failures among patients with both commensals and potential pathogens isolated (10/58) was significantly greater than among patients with none or only commensals isolated (1/37) (P less than 0.03). We found mezlocillin to be an effective agent for perioperative cesarean section prophylaxis with two doses as effective as three doses. The presence of clinically important organisms in the amniotic fluid at the time of operation typified patients with postoperative infectious complications despite perioperative prophylaxis.
Conformational changes of a viral capsid protein. Thermodynamic rationale for proteolytic regulation of bacteriophage T4 capsid expansion, co-operativity, and super-stabilization by soc binding.

We have used differential scanning calorimetry in conjunction with cryo-electron microscopy to investigate the conformational transitions undergone by the maturing capsid of phage T4. Its precursor shell is composed primarily of gp23 (521 residues): cleavage of gp23 to gp23∗ (residues 66 to 521) facilitates a concerted conformational change in which the particle expands substantially, and is greatly stabilized. We have now characterized the intermediate states of capsid maturation; namely, the cleaved/unexpanded, state, which denatures at tm = 60 °C, and the uncleaved/expanded state, for which tm = 70 °C. When compared with the precursor uncleaved/unexpanded state (tm = 65 °C), and the mature cleaved/expanded state (tm = 83 °C, if complete cleavage precedes expansion), it follows that expansion of the cleaved precursor (Δtm ~ +23 °C) is the major stabilizing event in capsid maturation. These observations also suggest an advantage conferred by capsid protein cleavage (some other phage capsids expand without cleavage): if the gp23-Δ domains (residues 1 to 65) are not removed by proteolysis, they impede formation of the stablest possible bonding arrangement when expansion occurs, most likely by becoming trapped at the interface between neighboring subunits or capsomers. Icosahedral capsids denature at essentially the same temperatures as tubular polymorphic variants (polyheads) for the same state of the surface lattice. However, the thermal transitions of capsids are considerably sharper, i.e. more co-operative, than those of polyheads, which we attribute to capsids being closed, not open-ended. In both cases, binding of the accessory protein soc around the threefold sites on the outer surface of the expanded surface lattice results in a substantial further stabilization (Δm = +5 °C). The interfaces between capsomers appear to be relatively weak points that are reinforced by clamp-like binding of soc. These results imply that the “triplex” proteins of other viruses (their structural counterparts of soc) are likely also to be involved in capsid stabilization. Cryo-electron microscopy was used to make conclusive interpretations of endotherms in terms of denaturation events. These data also revealed that the cleaved/unexpanded capsid has an angular polyhedral morphology and has a pronounced relief on its outer surface. Moreover, it is 14% smaller in linear dimensions than the cleaved/expanded capsid, and its shell is commensurately thicker.
s- and p-wave neutron spectroscopy: Part XIa. Level spacings in even intermediate elements

Abstract High resolution neutron total cross sections of separated isotopes of Ca12, Ca44, Cr50, Cr54, Ni58, Ni60, Ni62, and Ni64 have been measured using the Li7(p, n)Be7 reaction as the source of neutrons. The data have been fitted with a multilevel formula derived from the R Matrix Theory. Widths have been obtained for all recognizable s-wave resonances and for most of the p-wave resonances. The distributions of the reduced widths and local spacings of the s-wave resonances were found to be in good agreement with the combined Porter-Thomas and Wigner distributions. The average s-wave level spacings have been corrected to an excitation energy of 6 MeV and combined with data for Part VIII in this region in order to compare the behavior of the average level spacings with the predictions of various shell models. We obtain reasonably good agreement with both the Rosenzweig model and the model of Newson and Duncan if we assume that, at the excitation energies involved, a major shell is closed at 16 nucleons instead of 20. The data indicate that a dependence of the average level spacing on neutron excess exists but that it probably is not a simple exponential. Attempts to find triple and quadruple coincidences of the resonances due to the Ni, Cr, and Ca isotopes were unsuccessful.
Non-quasiparticle microwave absorption in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ

Abstract We show that a non-quasiparticle charge collective mode, in parallel and coincident with the d -wave pair conductivity, leads to a quantitative understanding of microwave surface impedance measurements on superconducting Br 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8+δ . The analysis suggests an inhomogeneous chrge ground state in Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8+δ and other HTS.
Team-based design: Collaborative learning across time and space

Summary form only given. Rapid advances in mobile computing and wireless communication present an opportunity for fundamental changes in engineering education, particularly for team based courses in which collaborative learning is the dominant learning mode. Through an iterative, bootstrapping approach, we study how students use computer-based collaboration tools to design a next generation of collaboration tools. Our suite of collaboration tools is called Handy Andy, which is based on the Andrew wireless network at Carnegie Mellon. Our goal is to facilitate computer-based collaborative learning in project-based design courses by developing collaboration tools for mobile computers.
Wavelength stability optimisation in Er3+-doped superfluorescent fibre sources

The mean wavelength dependence on pump power in broadband Er/sup 3+/-doped superfluorescent fibre sources for fibre gyroscope applications is studied. Data are presented showing that mean wavelength variations with pump power are length dependent, and can be reduced to zero for selected pump powers by optimising the fibre length. >
The Corrosion Behavior of Fe-Mn-Al Weld Metals

The corrosion resistance of a newly developed iron-base, Fe-Mn-Al austenitic, and duplex weld metal has been examined in the NACE solution consisting of 5 wt.% NaCl, 0.5 wt.% acetic acid, and the balance distilled water. The electrochemical techniques such as potentiodynamic polarization, Tafel plots, linear polarization, cyclic polarization, and open-circuit potential versus time were employed. The Fe-Mn-Al weld metals did not passivate and exhibited high corrosion rates. Fe-Cr-Ni (310 and 316) weld and base metals were also examined in the NACE solution at room temperature. The 310 and 316 base metals were more resistant to corrosion than the as-welded 310 and 316 weld metals. Postweld heat treatment (PWHT) improved the corrosion performance of the Fe-Mn-Al weld metals. The corrosion resistance of Fe-Mn-Al weld metals after PWHT was still inferior to that of the 310 and 316 weld and base metals.
Determinant Form of the Complex Phase Function of the Steepest Descent Analysis of Riemann–Hilbert Problems and Its Application to the Focusing Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation

We derive a determinant formula for the g-function that plays a key role in the steepest descent asymptotic analysis of the solution of matrix Riemann-Hilbert problems (RHPs) and is closely related to a hyperelliptic Riemann surface. We formulate a system of transcendental equations in determinant form (modulation equations), that govern the dependence of the branchpoints of the Riemann surface on a set of external parameters. We prove that, subject to the modulation equations, is identically zero for all the branchpoints. Modulation equations are also obtained in the form of ordinary differential equations with respect to external parameters; some applications of these equations to the semiclassical limit of the focusing nonlinear Schrodinger equation (NLS) are discussed.
Electron microscope studies of human α2-macroglobulin-chymotrypsin complex: Demonstration that the two structures assigned to native and proteolyzed α2-macroglobulin represent two views of the proteolyzed molecule

Electron microscope studies of native and protease-bound human alpha 2-macroglobulin have led to two contradictory models for these two structures. One viewpoint maintains that the native structure has the shape of )+(, which contracts on binding of the protease to the shape of ([). An opposing view proposes that the native structure has the shape of a padlock and that )+( and ([) are the side and end views of the proteolyzed molecule. In this investigation, electron microscope studies of the alpha-chymotrypsin-treated alpha 2-macroglobulin utilizing a tilt stage have shown that the two shapes [)+( and ([)] interconvert. This demonstrates that these two shapes represent the side and end views of the proteolyzed alpha 2-macroglobulin which are related by a 90 degree rotation of the prototype molecule.
Internal shorting and fuel loss of a low temperature solid oxide fuel cell with SDC electrolyte

Abstract A solid oxide fuel cell with Sm0.2Ce0.8O1.9 (SDC) electrolyte of 10 μm in thickness and Ni–SDC anode of 15 μm in thickness on a 0.8 mm thick Ni–YSZ cermet substrate was fabricated by tape casting, screen printing and co-firing. A composite cathode, 75 wt.% Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3 (SSCo) + 25 wt.% SDC, approximately 50 μm in thickness, was printed on the co-fired half-cell, and sintered at 950 °C. The cell showed a high electrochemical performance at temperatures ranging from 500 to 650 °C. Peak power density of 545 mW cm−2 at 600 °C was obtained. However, the cell exhibited severe internal shorting due to the mixed conductivity of the SDC electrolyte. Both the amount of water collected from the anode outlet and the open circuit voltage (OCV) indicated that the internal shorting current could reach 0.85 A cm−2 or more at 600 °C. Zr content inclusions were found at the surface and in the cross-section of the SDC electrolyte, which could be one of the reasons for reduced OCV and oxygen ionic conductivity. Fuel loss due to internal shorting of the thin SDC electrolyte cell becomes a significant concern when it is used in applications requiring high fuel utilization and electrical efficiency.
Interfacial conduction in lithium iodide containing inert oxides

Abstract Temperature-dependent conductivities are reported for a lithium iodide sample sandwiched between two fused silica plates and for an LiI film deposited on a silica plate. The existence of an LiISiO 2 interfacial conduction path possessing a conductivity of about 5 ohm −1 cm −1 at 25 °C is confirmed. In addition, an infiltration technique for the preparation of LiI-ceramic particle composites is discussed.
No sparing of function following serial posterior neodecortication in rats given interoperative training.

Summary Rats trained to make a white-black discrimination in a two-choice chamber were subjected to the following treatments: Group C, normal controls; Group 1-St, simultaneous posterior neocortex removal; Group 2-St, successive damage to posterior neocortex with an interoperative interval of one week; Group 2-StT, successive damage to posterior neocortex with specific training during a seven-day interoperative period. All brain-damaged groups were significantly inferior to the normal controls when tested for retention. Additionally, no evidence for sparing of function was seen in the serially lesioned subjects. It was suggested that complete removal of the geniculostriate system may prevent functional reorganization even in successively lesioned, interoperatively trained animals.
Time Synchronization Protocol with Minimum Message Communication for High Latency Networks

Time synchronization is a critical component of the infrastructure of wireless sensor networks (WSN). In a high latency environment such as underwater, traditional approaches to time synchronization have limited accuracy. A new method is describe for time synchronization that takes into account clock skew, clock offset, and also propagation delay. Minimum message communication is used as a performance measure of the quality of this new time synchronization protocol.
New method for the electronic structure of heterojunctions — Application to the (100) Ge-GaAs interfaces

Abstract A method which for the first time can treat two truly semi-infinite semiconductors in contact is introduced and used to study the electronic structure of the two polar (100) Ge-GaAs interfaces. Both the Ge-Ga and the Ge-As interfaces exhibit essentially three interface bands. The nature and origins of these bands are discussed in detail in terms of local densities of states. The results are used to obtain a new interpretation of the experimental data in terms of a stoichiometrically mixed interface.
YAC cloning of telomeres.

Abstract Human telomeres have been succesfully cloned in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by complementing deficient yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs). This technique allows cloning of DNA sequences that can recognize particular chromosomal ends, and therefore facilitates the mapping of eukaryotic genomes. Although the biology of adopting foreign telomeres in yeast is not fully understood, the cloning system itself seems to be a useful tool for constructing telomeric DNA libraries from higher eukaryotes. Here we describe the techniques that are currently being used in cloning of telomeric DNA.
Depth‐integrated, non‐hydrostatic model for wave breaking and run‐up

This paper describes the formulation, verification, and validation of a depth-integrated, non-hydrostatic model with a semi-implicit, finite difference scheme. The formulation builds on the nonlinear shallow-water equations and utilizes a non-hydrostatic pressure term to describe weakly dispersive waves. A momentum-conserved advection scheme enables modeling of breaking waves without the aid of analytical solutions for bore approximation or empirical equations for energy dissipation. An upwind scheme extrapolates the free-surface elevation instead of the flow depth to provide the flux in the momentum and continuity equations. This greatly improves the model stability, which is essential for computation of energetic breaking waves and run-up. The computed results show very good agreement with laboratory data for wave propagation, transformation, breaking, and run-up. Since the numerical scheme to the momentum and continuity equations remains explicit, the implicit non-hydrostatic solution is directly applicable to existing nonlinear shallow-water models. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stimulation-Induced Decreases in the Diffusion of Extra-vascular Water in the Human Visual Cortex: a Window in Time and Space on Mechanisms of Brain Water Transport and Economy

In a human magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) investigation at 3 T and high diffusion sensitivity weighting (b = 1,800 s/mm2), which emphasizes the contribution of water in the extra-vascular compartment and minimizes that of the vascular compartment, we observed that visual stimulation with a flashing checkerboard at 8 Hz for a period of 600 s in eight subjects resulted in significant increases in DWI signals (mean +2.70%, range +0.51 to 8.54%). The increases in DWI signals in activated areas of the visual cortex indicated that during stimulation, the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of extra-vascular compartment water decreased. In response to continuous stimulation, DWI signals gradually increased from pre-stimulation controls, leveling off after 400–500 s. During recovery from stimulation, DWI signals gradually decreased, approaching control levels in 300–400 s. In this study, we show for the first time that the effects of visual stimulation on DWI signals in the human visual cortex are cumulative over an extended period of time. We propose that these relatively slow stimulation-induced changes in the ADC of water in the extra-vascular compartment are due to transient changes in the ratio of faster diffusing free water to slower diffusing bound water and reflect brain water transport processes between the vascular and extra-vascular compartments at the cellular level. The nature of these processes including possible roles of the putative glucose water import and N-acetylaspartate water export molecular water pumps in brain function are discussed.
Exponentially growing solutions for nonsmooth first-order perturbations of the Laplacian

We construct exponentially growing solutions for first-order perturbations of the Laplacian which are not smooth. We apply this kind of solution to prove global uniqueness for an inverse boundary value problem for the Schrodinger equation in the presence of a magnetic field.
An experimental study of the formation of typical dislocation patterns in polycrystalline copper under cyclic shear

Abstract The typical slip patterns and dislocation substructures of polycrystalline copper under cyclic torsion were experimentally investigated. The cyclic stress–strain curve of the material consisted of three regions, resembling those of single crystal copper oriented for single slip. During the formation of persistent slip bands, cross slip bands between primary slip bands were often observed. Under cyclic torsion at a high shear strain amplitude, cross slip between slip bands of each slip system was an important process for the collapse of dislocation tangles into dislocation cell walls. During the transient stage of the formation of dislocation cells, the stress amplitude was inversely proportional to the average diameter of dislocation cells. This relationship is identical to that between the saturated stress magnitude and the corresponding dislocation cell size. The formation of typical dislocation patterns in copper under cyclic loading is closely associated with cross slip of screw dislocations.
Insulin glargine compared with Neutral Protamine Hagedorn insulin in the treatment of pregnant diabetics

Objective. To compare maternal and neonatal outcomes of pregestational and gestational diabetics treated with insulin glargine versus Neutral Protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin.Methods. A retrospective cohort study examining outcomes from pregestational and gestational diabetics treated with either insulin regimen. Comparisons were made using the t-test for continuous data and the Chi-square or Fisher's exact test for categorical data.Results. Fifty-two pregnant women treated with insulin glargine were compared with 60 pregnant women treated with NPH. No significant differences in rates of maternal complications were noted. No significant differences in neonatal outcomes for gestational diabetics were noted. Among pregestational diabetics treated with insulin glargine, significantly fewer macrosomic infants (relative risk [RR], 0.38; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.17–0.87; p = 0.04) and lower rates of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (RR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.07–0.98; p = 0.05) were noted when compared with those t...
Surface effects on lattice vibrations

Abstract The introduction of a free surface into an otherwise perfect, periodic crystal generally leads to changes in the normal mode frequencies and to changes in the displacement amplitudes and velocities of the atoms or ions. Localized surface modes of vibration may occur in which the displacement amplitudes decrease exponentially from the surface. Certain types of surface modes may interact with infrared radiation. Theoretical studies of the vibrational specific heat have shown that free surfaces should lead to a contribution at low temperatures proportional to the surface area and to the square of the absolute temperature. The mean square amplitudes of vibration of the atoms determine the temperature dependence of the intensities of X-rays or electrons scattered by a crystal. Since the mean square amplitude of an atom decreases as the forces of interaction of that atom with the other atoms increase, the scattering of X-rays or electrons can be used in principle to obtain information about the variation of interatomic forces near the surface of a crystal. In the Mossbauer effect lattice vibrations cause a temperature dependent shift of the resonance line which is proportional to the mean square velocity of the absorbing or emitting atom. The mean square velocity increases as the forces of interaction increase, so that the Mossbauer effect may provide another means of investigating the effect of surfaces on interatomic forces.
Reduced gamma-band coherence to distorted feedback during speech when what you say is not what you hear

Abstract Background Communication between the frontal lobes, where speech is generated, and the temporal lobes, where it is perceived, may occur through the action of an efference copy/corollary discharge mechanism that prepares the temporal lobes for the expected sound. We suggest that coherence of EEG in gamma-band between frontal and temporal lobes may reflect the successful action of such a mechanism. We tested the hypothesis that there would be a disruption of gamma-band coherence when the expected auditory consequence of speech does not match the auditory experience. Method EEG was recorded from 21 healthy adult subjects as they uttered the sound [a:] (Talking condition) and as they heard these recorded sounds played back (Listening condition). As they spoke, subjects heard real-time feedback of the sounds that were: (1) pitch-shifted down one semi-tone, (2) pitch-shifted down one-half of a semi-tone, or (3) not pitch-shifted (veridical), each in separate runs. Event-related gamma coherence between frontal and temporal sites was calculated relative to the onset of the sound, as it was being spoken during Talking, and as it was being played back during Listening. Results Frontal–temporal gamma-band coherence spanning 33–43 Hz was greater during Talking than Listening and greater when speech was veridical than when it was distorted a whole semi-tone. Conclusions Gamma-band fronto-temporal synchrony may reflect a “binding of expectation with experience.” Disruption of this synchrony may provide feedback to the frontal lobes, particularly regions subserving vocalization, to implement sensorimotor adaptations to either adjust motor programs for speech production in the short run, or to reorganize expectations in the long run.