cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Refinements of Environmental Assessment During an Outbreak Investigation of Invasive Aspergillosis in a Leukemia and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit

Objectives:To investigate an outbreak of aspergillosis in a leukemia and bone marrow transplant (BMT) unit and to improve environmental assessment strategies to detect Aspergillus.Design:Epidemiological investigation and detailed environmental assessment.Setting:A tertiary-care university hospital with a 37-bed leukemia and BMT unit.Participants:Leukemic or BMT patients with invasive aspergillosis identified through prospective surveillance and confirmed by chart review.Interventions:We verified the diagnosis of invasive fungal infection by reviewing medical charts of at-risk patients, performing a case-control study to determine risk factors for infection, instituting wet mopping to clean all floors, providing N95 masks to protect patients outside high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA)-filtered areas, altering traffic patterns into the unit, and performing molecular typing of selected Aspergillus flavus isolates. To assess the environment, we verified pressure relationships between the rooms and hallway and between buildings, and we compared the ability of large-volume (1,200 L) and small-volume (160 L) air samplers to detect Aspergillus spores.Results:Of 29 potential invasive aspergillosis cases, 21 were confirmed by medical chart review. Risk factors for developing invasive aspergillosis included the length of time since malignancy was diagnosed (odds ratio [OR], 1.0; P=.05) and hospitalization in a patient room located near a stairwell door (OR, 3.7; P=.05). Two of five A flavus patient isolates were identical to one of the environmental isolates. The pressure in most of the rooms was higher than in the corridors, but the pressure in the oncology unit was negative with respect to the physically adjacent hospital; consequently, the unit acted essentially as a vacuum that siphoned non-HEPA-filtered air from the main hospital. Of the 78 samples obtained with a small-volume air sampler, none grew an Aspergillus species, whereas 10 of 40 cultures obtained with a large-volume air sampler did.Conclusions:During active construction, Aspergillus spores may have entered the oncology unit from the physically adjacent hospital because the air pressure differed. Guidelines that establish the minimum acceptable pressures and specify which pressure relationships to test in healthcare settings are needed. Our data show that large-volume air samples are superior to small-volume samples to assess for Aspergillus in the healthcare environment.
Infinite-Energy 2D Statistical Solutions to the Equations of Incompressible Fluids

We develop the concept of an infinite-energy statistical solution to the Navier–Stokes and Euler equations in the whole plane. We use a velocity formulation with enough generality to encompass initial velocities having bounded vorticity, which includes the important special case of vortex patch initial data. Our approach is to use well-studied properties of statistical solutions in a ball of radius R to construct, in the limit as R goes to infinity, an infinite-energy solution to the Navier–Stokes equations. We then construct an infinite-energy statistical solution to the Euler equations by making a vanishing viscosity argument.
Incentives and reinforcement: a behavioral approach to fertility.

A reinforcement analysis of fertility emphasizes the principles of applied behavior analysis by focusing upon the manipulable environmental variables demonstrated to be functionally related to fertility behavior. Because it is easier to strengthen or slightly modify existing behavior patterns than to establish completely new ones it is recommended that behavior modification focus initially upon increasing the chances for acceptance of contraception among those for whom pregnancy is already unwanted. In this way the initiation of incentive schemes to change the positive value of pregnancy for those who want large families may prove to be unnecessary. It is concluded that contraceptive behavior meets most optimal conditions for application of behavior modification: 1) All contraceptive methods listed are objectively specifiable; 2) The frequency of the different types of contraceptive behavior is within the range in which measurable changes can be detected; 3) Sufficiently powerful reinforcers can be readily made contingent upon contraceptive behavior among those who fear an unplanned pregnancy; and 4) Unfortunately most contraceptive methods are intrinsically aversive; positive sources of reinforcement must emanate from conditioning such as the avoidance of pregnancy. Incentive systems are discussed and a series of questions on incentive schemes that should be answered through experimental field research are listed.
Transient two-dimensional thermal analysis of electronic packages by the boundary element method

The fabrication of electronic packages involves heating and then cooling from high processing temperatures. Because these devices consist of bonded materials with different thermal and mechanical properties, high thermomechanical stresses develop due to thermal and stiffness mismatches of bonded materials at regions with geometric and/or material discontinuities. These high stresses may result in crack initiations, leading to delaminations. Therefore, accurate temperature and flux distributions are critical when computing thermomechanical stresses, knowledge of which is essential for reliable designs. This study presents an analysis method based on the boundary element method (BEM) to investigate the transient thermal response of electronic packages consisting of dissimilar materials while subjected to general boundary conditions. In order to demonstrate its capability, a chip on a substrate configuration subject to convective cooling is considered. The boundary conditions across the interfaces between the chip and the adhesive and adhesive and substrate are matched through exact expressions. The results capture the singular flux field arising from the mismatch in the thermal conduction coefficients and geometric discontinuity. The comparison of the results with those obtained from finite element analysis shows that BEM is rather robust and efficient for this class of transient conduction analyses.
Constraints on the average magnetic field strength of relic radio sources 0917+75 and 1401−33 from XMM–Newton observations

We observed two relic radio sources, 0917+75 and 1401−33, with the XMM–Newton X-ray observatory. We did not detect any X-ray emission, thermal or non-thermal, in excess of the local background level from either target. This imposes new upper limits on the X-ray flux due to inverse Compton scattering of photons from the cosmic microwave background by relativistic electrons in the relic sources, and new lower limits on the magnetic field strength from the relative strength of the radio and X-ray emission. The combination of radio and X-ray observations provides a measure of the magnetic field independent of equipartition or minimum energy assumptions. Due to increasing sensitivity of radio observations, the known population of cluster relics has been growing; however, studies of non-thermal X-ray emission from relics remain scarce. Our study adds to the small sample of relics studied in X-rays. In both relics, our field strength lower limits are slightly larger than estimates of the equipartition magnetic field.
Gastric colonisation with a restricted commensal microbiota replicates the promotion of neoplastic lesions by diverse intestinal microbiota in the Helicobacter pylori INS-GAS mouse model of gastric carcinogenesis

Objectives Gastric colonisation with intestinal flora (IF) has been shown to promote Helicobacter pylori ( Hp )-associated gastric cancer. However, it is unknown if the mechanism involves colonisation with specific or diverse microbiota secondary to gastric atrophy. Design Gastric colonisation with Altered Schaedler9s flora (ASF) and Hp were correlated with pathology, immune responses and mRNA expression for proinflammatory and cancer-related genes in germ-free (GF), Hp monoassociated (m Hp ), restricted ASF (rASF; 3 species), and specific pathogen-free (complex IF), hypergastrinemic INS-GAS mice 7 months postinfection. Results Male mice cocolonised with rASF Hp or IF Hp developed the most severe pathology. IF Hp males had the highest inflammatory responses, and 40% developed invasive gastrointestinal intraepithelial neoplasia (GIN). Notably, rASF Hp colonisation was highest in males and 23% developed invasive GIN with elevated expression of inflammatory biomarkers. Lesions were less severe in females and none developed GIN. Gastritis in male rASF Hp mice was accompanied by decreased Clostridum species ASF356 and Bacteroides species ASF519 colonisation and an overgrowth of Lactobacillus murinus ASF361, supporting that inflammation-driven atrophy alters the gastric niche for GI commensals. Hp colonisation also elevated expression of IL-11 and cancer-related genes, Ptger4 and Tgf-β , further supporting that Hp infection accelerates gastric cancer development in INS-GAS mice. Conclusions rASF Hp colonisation was sufficient for GIN development in males, and lower GIN incidence in females was associated with lower inflammatory responses and gastric commensal and Hp colonisation. Colonisation efficiency of commensals appears more important than microbial diversity and lessens the probability that specific gastrointestinal pathogens are contributing to cancer risk.
A Spoonful of Choice: How Allocation Increases Satisfaction with Tax Payments

How can tax payment be made more satisfying? The author focuses on the low volition and collective nature of tax-funded benefits as primary causes of low satisfaction with tax payment. Three studies suggest that allowing people to allocate a small portion (in the present research, 10%) of their payment across budgets provided by the billing party both introduces an element of volition into the payment process and increases the perceived benefit associated with tax payment. As a result, the author concludes that taxpayers are significantly more satisfied with paying taxes when they allocate their payments, even if their payment amount remains completely unchanged. In addition to enhancing taxpayer satisfaction, an allocation program, if well implemented, could provide some hope for correcting existing lack of voice, address disconnects between spending and taxpayers' priorities, and increase civic engagement in general.
On capacity of optical channels with coherent detection

We study the general coherent-state hypothesis testing problem and the capacity of the pure-loss optical channel with a coherent processing receiver (a receiver that uses coherent feedback control and direct detection). We describe the binary hypothesis minimum probability of error receiver as optimizing the communication efficiency at each instant, based on recursively updated knowledge of the receiver. Using this viewpoint, we give a natural generalization of the designs to general M-ary hypothesis testing problems. We analyze the information capacity with coherent receivers, and compare the result with that with direct detection receivers and with arbitrary quantum receivers (the Holevo limit), using the appropriate scalings in the low photon number regime.
APPROXIMATE BREGMAN NEAR NEIGHBORS IN SUBLINEAR TIME: BEYOND THE TRIANGLE INEQUALITY

Bregman divergences are important distance measures that are used extensively in data-driven applications such as computer vision, text mining, and speech processing, and are a key focus of interest in machine learning. Answering nearest neighbor (NN) queries under these measures is very important in these applications and has been the subject of extensive study, but is problematic because these distance measures lack metric properties like symmetry and the triangle inequality. In this paper, we present the first provably approximate nearest-neighbor (ANN) algorithms for a broad sub-class of Bregman divergences under some assumptions. Specifically, we examine Bregman divergences which can be decomposed along each dimension and our bounds also depend on restricting the size of our allowed domain. We obtain bounds for both the regular asymmetric Bregman divergences as well as their symmetrized versions. To do so, we develop two geometric properties vital to our analysis: a reverse triangle inequality (RTI) and a relaxed triangle inequality called μ-defectiveness where μ is a domain-dependent value. Bregman divergences satisfy the RTI but not μ-defectiveness. However, we show that the square root of a Bregman divergence does satisfy μ-defectiveness. This allows us to then utilize both properties in an efficient search data structure that follows the general two-stage paradigm of a ring-tree decomposition followed by a quad tree search used in previous near-neighbor algorithms for Euclidean space and spaces of bounded doubling dimension. Our first algorithm resolves a query for a d-dimensional (1 + e)-ANN in time and O(n logd-1 n) space and holds for generic μ-defective distance measures satisfying a RTI. Our second algorithm is more specific in analysis to the Bregman divergences and uses a further structural parameter, the maximum ratio of second derivatives over each dimension of our allowed domain (c0). This allows us to locate a (1 + e)-ANN in O(log n) time and O(n) space, where there is a further (c0)d factor in the big-Oh for the query time.
What have we learned from the enterprise surveys regarding access to credit by SMEs

Using a unique firm level data set -- the Enterprise Surveys -- this paper develops a new measure of credit-constrained status for firms using hard data instead of perceptions data. The paper classifies firms into four ordinal categories: Not Credit Constrained, Maybe Credit Constrained, Partially Credit Constrained, and Fully Credit Constrained to understand the characteristics of the firms that fall into each group. Comparable data from the Enterprise Surveys for 116 countries are used to look at the relationship between firm size and credit-constrained status. First, the analysis finds that small and medium enterprises are more likely to be credit constrained (either partially or fully) than large firms. Furthermore, small and medium enterprises finance their working capital and investments mainly through trade credit and informal sources of finance. These two results hold to a large extent in all the regions of the developing world. Second, although size is a significant predictor of the probability of being credit constrained, firm age is not. Third, high-performing firms, as measured by labor productivity, are less likely to be credit constrained. This result applies to all firms but is not as strong for small firms as it is for large and medium firms. Finally, in countries with high private credit-to-gross domestic product ratios, firms are less likely to be credit constrained. Given the importance of access to credit for firm growth and efficiency, this paper confirms that throughout the developing world access to credit is inversely related to firm size but positively related to productivity and financial deepening in the country.
The cost of linearization

Linear additivity of synaptic input is a pervasive assumption in computational neuroscience, and previously Bernander et al. (Journal of Neurophysiology 72:2743- 2753, 1994) point out that the sublinear additivity of a passive neuronal model can be linearized with voltage- dependent currents. Here we re-examine this perspective in light of more recent findings and issues. Based on in vivo intracellular recordings, three voltage-dependent conduc- tances seem to be of interest for pyramidal cells of the forebrain: two of them are amplifying, INaP and Ih; and one of them is attenuating, IA. Based on particular I-V characteristics reported in the literature, each of these three voltage-dependent currents linearizes a particular range of synaptic excitation. Computational simulations use a steady- state, one-compartment model. They establish maximal linear ranges, where supralinear effects—due to adding too much of any one conductance—limit these ranges. Specific, carefully selected pairwise combinations of these currents can linearize larger ranges than either current alone. In terms of parameters, the steady-state I-V characteristics of each current are critical. On the other hand, the relationships between the results here and resting conductance to ground, synaptic conductance, and number of active synapses are simple and easily scaled; thus in regard to these three latter dependences, the results here are easily generalized. Finally, to improve our understanding of evolved function, the relative metabolic costs of linearization are quantified. In one case, there is a clear preference arising from this cost consideration (a particular Ih, INaP pairing is less costly compared to a particular IA, INaP pairing that produces an equivalent, linearized range). However in other cases, a preference will depend on the required range; but in any event, the largest linearized range observed here (28 mV), from a combination of Ih and IA, is significantly more costly than the 20 mV range that the Ih, INaP pair produces.
Variants near CHRNB3-CHRNA6 are associated with DSM-5 cocaine use disorder: evidence for pleiotropy

In the U.S.A., cocaine is the second most abused illicit drug. Variants within the CHRNB3-A6 gene cluster have been associated with cigarette consumption in several GWAS. These receptors represent intriguing candidates for the study of cocaine dependence because nicotinic receptors are thought to be involved in generalized addiction pathways. Using genotypic data from a GWAS of the Study of Addiction: Genetics and Environment (SAGE) dataset, we tested for association of CHRNB3-A6 SNPs with DSM-5 cocaine use disorder. Multiple SNPs in the region were significantly associated with increased risk of cocaine use disorder. Inclusion of the most significant SNP as a covariate in a linear regression model provided evidence for an additional independent signal within this locus for cocaine use disorder. These results suggest that the CHRNB3-A6 locus contains multiple variants affecting risk for vulnerability to cocaine and nicotine dependence as well as bipolar disorder, suggesting that they have pleiotropic effects.
Communication-efficient algorithms for statistical optimization

We analyze two communication-efficient algorithms for distributed optimization in statistical settings involving large-scale data sets. The first algorithm is a standard averaging method that distributes the N data samples evenly to m machines, performs separate minimization on each subset, and then averages the estimates. We provide a sharp analysis of this average mixture algorithm, showing that under a reasonable set of conditions, the combined parameter achieves mean-squared error (MSE) that decays as O(N-1 +(N/m)-2). Whenever m ≤ √N, this guarantee matches the best possible rate achievable by a centralized algorithm having access to all N samples. The second algorithm is a novel method, based on an appropriate form of bootstrap subsampling. Requiring only a single round of communication, it has mean-squared error that decays as O(N-1 + (N/m)-3), and so is more robust to the amount of parallelization. In addition, we show that a stochastic gradient-based method attains mean-squared error decaying as O(N-1 + (N/m)-3/2), easing computation at the expense of a potentially slower MSE rate. We also provide an experimental evaluation of our methods, investigating their performance both on simulated data and on a large-scale regression problem from the internet search domain. In particular, we show that our methods can be used to efficiently solve an advertisement prediction problem from the Chinese SoSo Search Engine, which involves logistic regression with N ≈ 2.4×108 samples and d ≈ 740,000 covariates.
A new capacity result for the Z-Gaussian cognitive interference channel

This work proposes a novel outer bound for the Gaussian cognitive interference channel in strong interference at the primary receiver based on the capacity of a multi-antenna broadcast channel with degraded message set. It then shows that for the Z-channel, i.e., when the secondary receiver experiences no interference and the primary receiver experiences strong interference, the proposed outer bound not only is the tightest among known bounds but is actually achievable for sufficiently strong interference. The latter is a novel capacity result that from numerical evaluations appears to be generalizable to a larger (i.e., non-Z) class of Gaussian channels.
Investigating interactions of biomembranes and alcohols: A multiscale approach

AbstractWe study the interaction of lipid bilayers with short chain alcoholsusing molecular dynamics on diﬀerent length scales. We use detailedatomistic modeling and modeling on the length scale where an alcohol isjust an amphiphilic dimer. Our strategy is to calibrate a coarse–grainedmodel against the detailed model at selected state points at low alcoholconcentration and then perform a wider range of simulations using thecoarse–grained model. We get semiquantitative agreement with exper-iment for the major observables such as order parameter and area permolecule. We ﬁnd a linear increase of area per molecule with alcoholconcentration. The alcohol molecules in both system descriptions are inclose contact with the glycerol backbone. Butanol molecules can enter thebilayer to some extent in contrast to the behavior of shorter alcohols. Atvery high alcohol concentrations we ﬁnd clearly increased interdigitationbetween leaﬂets. 1 Introduction Phospholipid bilayers serve an important role in all living cells since they con-stitute the bulk of cellular and intracellular membranes. Therefore, it is not sur-prising that there is signiﬁcant attention and researchdevoted to the explorationof phospholipid behavior. Computer simulations play an ever increasing role inthis ﬁeld. Detailed computer simulations of phospholipid monolayers and bilay-ers have recently achieved a high degree of sophistication [1–10]. The interac-tions between lipid bilayers and water have been thoroughly examined and theseinvestigationshaveresulted in reﬁned bilayerstructuralmodels [5,7,11,12]. Mix-tures of various phospholipids [12–15] as well as of phospholipids and cholesterol
A wavelet transform approach to blind adaptive filtering of speech from unknown noises

This paper is concerned with the application of wavelet transforms (WT) to blind adaptive filtering (BAF) of speech signals from unknown colored noise under a single-microphone constraint when neither speech nor noise are separately accessible. The paper describes the BAF system which performs discrete WT of noisy speech signals and identifies and separates noise from speech. The BAF then tunes sets of weights that multiply WT coefficients on different scales of the WT to produce a significantly improved signal-to-noise ratio and intelligibility of the filtered speech signal at the output of the BAF.
Neutron scattering studies of YBa2Cu3O6.6 and CuGeO3

Abstract A review is given of the current neutron scattering experiments at Brookhaven on two oxides containing spin ½ Cu2+. The first topic is the search for incommensurate magnetic correlations in YBa2Cu3O6.6 (Tc = 46 K). Sternlieb et al. [Phys. Rev. B 50 (1994) 12915] have now established the energy-independent q line shape with characteristic flat tops. The second research topic is the new spin-Peierls transition in CuGeO3 at 14 K, recently discovered by Hase et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 70 (1993) 3651]. A series of neutron measurements at Brookhaven have now established the Cu—oxygen coupled shifts, resulting in a dimerized singlet state. In addition, phonon measurements revealed an unusually soft longitudinal acoustic mode perpendicular to the chain direction.
Injunctions, Hold-Up, and Patent Royalties

This paper studies royalty negotiations between a patent holder and a downstream firm selling a product which is more valuable if it includes a feature covered by the patent. Royalties are negotiated in the shadow of patent litigation, which will determine whether or not the patent is valid and infringed. If the two firms negotiate after the downstream firm has already designed its product to include the patented feature, the negotiated royalty rate exceeds the natural, normative benchmark level due to the patent holder’s ability, if the patent is found valid and infringed, to obtain a permanent injunction preventing the downstream firm from selling its product until it can introduce a non-infringing version. Royalty over-charges are greatest for weak patents covering minor features of products sold at prices well above marginal cost. The downstream firm’s ability to develop a non-infringing version of its product during the pendency of litigation can reduce but not eliminate these royalty over-charges. Royalty over-charges persist even if negotiations occur before the downstream firm designs its product. Indeed, for weak patents, the downstream firm gets no benefit from the ability to negotiate a license before designing its product. However, royalty over-charges are reduced if the courts stay injunctions to provide time for infringing firms to design non-infringing versions of their products.
Detecting Knowledge of Incidentally Acquired, Real-World Memories Using a P300-Based Concealed-Information Test

Autobiographical memory for events experienced during normal daily life has been studied at the group level, but no studies have yet examined the ability to detect recognition of incidentally acquired memories among individual subjects. We present the first such study here, which employed a concealed-information test in which subjects were shown words associated with activities they had experienced the previous day. Subjects wore a video-recording device for 4 hr on Day 1 and then returned to the laboratory on Day 2, where they were shown words relating to events recorded with the camera (probe items) and words of the same category but not relating to the subject's activities (irrelevant items). Electroencephalograms were recorded, and presentation of probe items was associated with a large peak in the amplitude of the P300 component. We were able to discriminate perfectly between 12 knowledgeable subjects who viewed stimuli related to their activities and 12 nonknowledgeable subjects who viewed only irrelevant items. These results have strong implications for the use of memory-detection paradigms in criminal contexts.
Bioorthogonal chemistry: recent progress and future directions

The ability to use covalent chemistry to label biomolecules selectively in their native habitats has greatly enhanced our understanding of biomolecular dynamics and function beyond what is possible with genetic tools alone. To attain the exquisite selectivity that is essential in this covalent approach a “bottom-up” two-step strategy has achieved many successes recently. In this approach, a bioorthogonal chemical functionality is built into life’s basic building blocks—amino acids, nucleosides, lipids, and sugars—as well as coenzymes; after the incorporation, an array of biophysical probes are selectively appended to the tagged biomolecules via a suitable bioorthogonal reaction. While much has been accomplished in the expansion of non-natural building blocks carrying unique chemical moieties, the dearth of robust bioorthogonal reactions has limited both the scope and utility of this promising approach. Here, we summarize the recent progress in the development of bioorthogonal reactions and their applications in various biological systems. A major emphasis has been placed on the mechanistic and kinetic studies of these reactions with the hope that continuous improvements can be made with each reaction in the future. In view of the gap between the capabilities of the current repertoire of bioorthogonal reactions and the unmet needs of outstanding biological problems, we also strive to project the future directions of this rapidly developing field.
A Lower Bound on the Growth Exponent for Loop-Erased Random Walk in Two Dimensions

The growth exponent for loop-erased or Laplacian random walk on the integer lattice is dened by saying that the expected time to reach the sphere of radius n is of order n .W e prove that in two dimensions, the growth exponent is strictly greater than one. The proof uses a known estimate on the third moment of the escape probability and an improvement on the discrete Beurling projection theorem. R esum e. L'exposant de croissance pour la marche al eatoire a boucles eac ees ou \laplacienne" sur le r eseau Z d est d eni de la mani ere suivante : le nombre moyen de pas au moment o u la marche issue de l'origine atteint la sph ere de rayon nest d'ordre n lorsque n tend vers l'inni. Nous montrons que lorsque d = 2, l'exposant de croissance est strictement sup erieur a 1. La preuve utilise une estimation connue concernant le moment d'ordre trois de la probabilit e de fuite, ainsi qu'un ranement de la version discr etis ee du th eor eme de projection de Beurling. AMS Subject Classication. 60J15.
Exhaled nitric oxide during infancy as a risk factor for asthma and airway hyperreactivity

Childhood asthma is often characterised by elevated exhaled nitric oxide (eNO), decreased lung function, increased airway reactivity and atopy; however, our understanding of when these phenotypic airway characteristics develop remains unclear. This study evaluated whether eNO, lung function, airway reactivity and immune characteristics during infancy are risk factors of asthma at age 5 years. Infants with eczema, enrolled prior to wheezy illness (n=116), had eNO, spirometry, airway reactivity and allergen sensitisation assessed at entry to the study and repeated at age 5 years (n=90). Increasing eNO at entry was associated with an increased risk of asthma (p=0.037) and increasing airway reactivity (p=0.015) at age 5 years. Children with asthma at 5 years of age had a greater increase in eNO between infancy and age 5 years compared with those without asthma (p=0.002). Egg sensitisation at entry was also associated with an increased risk of asthma (p=0.020), increasing eNO (p = 0.002) and lower forced expiratory flows (p=0.029) as a 5 year-old. Our findings suggest that, among infants at high risk for developing asthma, eNO early in life may provide important insights into the subsequent risk of asthma and its airway characteristics.
Gating-Pore Currents Demonstrate Selective and Specific Modulation of Individual Sodium Channel Voltage-Sensors by Biological Toxins

Voltage-gated sodium channels are critical determinants of nerve and muscle excitability. Although numerous toxins and small molecules target sodium channels, identifying the mechanisms of action is challenging. Here we used gating-pore currents selectively generated in each of the voltage-sensors from the four α-subunit domains (DI–DIV) to monitor the activity of individual voltage-sensors and to investigate the molecular determinants of sodium channel pharmacology. The tarantula toxin huwentoxin-IV (HWTX-IV), which inhibits sodium channel current, exclusively enhanced inward gating-pore currents through the DII voltage-sensor. By contrast, the tarantula toxin ProTx-II, which also inhibits sodium channel currents, altered the gating-pore currents in multiple voltage-sensors in a complex manner. Thus, whereas HWTX-IV inhibits central-pore currents by selectively trapping the DII voltage-sensor in the resting configuration, ProTx-II seems to inhibit central-pore currents by differentially altering the configuration of multiple voltage-sensors. The sea anemone toxin anthopleurin B, which impairs open-channel inactivation, exclusively enhanced inward gating-pore currents through the DIV voltage-sensor. This indicates that trapping the DIV voltage-sensor in the resting configuration selectively impairs open-channel inactivation. Furthermore, these data indicate that although activation of all four voltage-sensors is not required for central-pore current generation, activation of the DII voltage-sensor is crucial. Overall, our data demonstrate that gating-pore currents can determine the mechanism of action for sodium channel gating modifiers with high precision. We propose this approach could be adapted to identify the molecular mechanisms of action for gating modifiers of various voltage-gated ion channels.
Assessing Teamwork Skills for Assurance of Learning Using CATME Team Tools

Colleges of business must meet assurance of learning requirements to gain or maintain AACSB accreditation under the new standards adopted April 8, 2013. Team skills are among the most important ski...
The APS transfer line from linac to injector synchrotron

The authors describe the low-energy-transfer-line designed for the Advanced Photon Source (APS). The low-energy transfer line comprises two transport lines. One of these lines runs from the linac to the positron accumulator ring (PAR) and is 23.7138 m long. The second part of the low-energy transport lines runs from the PAR to the injector synchrotron and is about 30.919 m long. The length includes two quadrupoles, a bend magnet, and a septum magnet in the injector synchrotron. The matching procedure was carried out using the computer code COMFORT. >
Long-Run Impacts of Unions on Firms: New Evidence from Financial Markets, 1961–1999

We estimate the effect of new unionization on firms’ equity value over the 1961-1999 period using a newly assembled sample of National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) representation elections matched to stock market data. Event-study estimates show an average union effect on the equity value of the firm equivalent to a cost of at least $40,500 per unionized worker. At the same time, point estimates from a regression-discontinuity design – comparing the stock market impact of close union election wins to close losses – are considerably maller and close to zero. We find a negative relationship between the cumulative abnormal returns and the vote share in support of the union, allowing us to reconcile these seemingly contradictory findings. Using the magnitudes from the analysis, we calibrate a structural “median voter” model of endogenous union determination in order to conduct counterfactual policy simulations of policies that would marginally increase the ease of unionization.
A Proof Environment for the Development of Group Communication Systems

We present a theorem proving environment for the development of reliable and efficient group communication systems. Our approach makes methods of automated deduction applicable to the implementation of real-world systems by linking the Ensemble group communication toolkit to the NuPRL proof development system.
Dynamic conjectures in random access networks using bio-inspired learning

Inspired by the biological entities' ability to achieve reciprocity in the course of evolution, this paper considers a conjecture-based distributed learning approach that enables autonomous nodes to independently optimize their transmission probabilities in random access networks. We model the interaction among multiple self-interested nodes as a game. It is well-known that the Nash equilibria in this game result in zero throughput for all the nodes if they take myopic best-response, thereby leading to a network collapse. This paper enables nodes to behave as intelligent entities which can proactively gather information, form internal conjectures on how their competitors would react to their actions, and update their beliefs according to their local observations. In this way, nodes are capable to autonomously "learn" the behavior of their competitors, optimize their own actions, and eventually cultivate reciprocity in the random access network. To characterize the steady-state outcome of this "evolution", the conjectural equilibrium is introduced. Inspired by the biological phenomena of "derivative action" and "gradient dynamics", two distributed conjecture-based action update mechanisms are proposed to stabilize the random access network. The sufficient conditions that guarantee the proposed conjecture-based learning algorithms to converge are derived. Moreover, it is analytically shown that all the achievable operating points in the throughput region are stable conjectural equilibria corresponding to different conjectures. We also investigate how the conjectural equilibrium can be selected in heterogeneous networks and how the proposed methods can be extended to ad-hoc networks. Numerical simulations verify that the system performance significantly outperforms existing protocols, such as IEEE 802.11 Distributed Coordination Function (DCF) protocol and priority-based fair medium access control (P-MAC) protocol, in terms of throughput, fairness, convergence, and stability.
Coherence and Raman sideband cooling of a single atom in an optical tweezer.

We investigate quantum control of a single atom in a tightly focused optical tweezer trap. We show that inevitable spatially varying polarization gives rise to significant internal-state decoherence but that this effect can be mitigated by an appropriately chosen magnetic bias field. This enables Raman sideband cooling of a single atom close to its three-dimensional ground state (vibrational quantum numbers ${\overline{n}}_{x}={\overline{n}}_{y}=0.01$, ${\overline{n}}_{z}=8$) even for a trap beam waist as small as $w=900\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{nm}$. The small atomic wave packet with $\ensuremath{\delta}x=\ensuremath{\delta}y=24\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{nm}$ and $\ensuremath{\delta}z=270\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{nm}$ represents a promising starting point for future hybrid quantum systems where atoms are placed in close proximity to surfaces.
Use of Genetic Algorithms to Optimize Fiber Optic Probe Design for the Extraction of Tissue Optical Properties

This paper outlines a framework by which the optimal illumination/collection geometry can be identified for a particular biomedical application. In this paper, this framework was used to identify the optimal probe geometry for the accurate determination of tissue optical properties representative of that in the ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectral range. An optimal probe geometry was identified which consisted of a single illumination and two collection fibers, one of which is insensitive to changes in scattering properties, and the other is insensitive to changes in the attenuation coefficient. Using this probe geometry in conjunction with a neural network algorithm, the optical properties could be extracted with root-mean-square errors of 0.30 cm-1for the reduced scattering coefficient (tested range of 3-40 cm-1), and 0.41 cm-1 for the absorption coefficient (tested range of 0-80 cm-1).
The effects of childhood ADHD on adult labor market outcomes

Although several types of mental illness, including substance abuse disorders, have been linked with poor labor market outcomes, no current research has been able to examine the effects of childhood attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Because ADHD has become one of the most prevalent childhood mental conditions, it is useful to understand the full set of consequences of the illness. This article uses a longitudinal national sample, including sibling pairs, to show the important labor market outcome consequences of ADHD. The employment reduction is between 10 and 14 percentage points, the earnings reduction is approximately 33%, and the increase in social assistance is 15 points, figures that are larger than many estimates of the Black people/White people earnings gap and the gender earnings gap. A small share of the link is explained by educational attainments and co-morbid health conditions and behaviors. The results also show important differences in labor market consequences by family background and age of onset. These findings, along with similar research showing that ADHD is linked with poor education outcomes and adult crime, suggest the importance of treating childhood ADHD to foster human capital.
Retinal Degeneration Associated With Taurine Deficiency In The Cat

A degeneration of the retinal photoreceptor cells develops in cats when casein is the source of dietary protein. Amino acid profiles indicate that the degeneration is associated with a selective decrease in plasma and retinal taurine concentrations. A sulfur amino acid deficit in the casein diet combined with specific amino acid requirements of the cat appear related to this unique expression of taurine deficiency.
Unstructured Viscous Layer Insertion Using Linear-Elastic Smoothing

A robust scheme for generating unstructured viscous meshes, using elliptic partial differential smoothing, is presented. Linear-elasticity relationships, borrowed from the structural mechanics discipline, provide the governing partial differential equations for smoothly displacing the existing mesh, making room for new viscous layers. These viscous layers are allowed to advance up adjacent, nonviscous boundaries. A process of inserting layers on alternating boundary groupings enables the creation of high-quality hexahedral elements in juncture regions. Viscous layer height is allowed to vary, depending on the size of the local inviscid mesh. Three-dimensional results are included to illustrate the use of the method to produce high-quality viscous meshes.
Imaging interferometric microscopy.

Imaging interferometric microscopy (IIM) is a synthetic aperture imaging approach providing resolution to the transmission medium (refractive index n) linear systems limit extending to ≳λ/4n using only low-numerical-aperture (low-NA) optics. IIM uses off-axis illumination to access high spatial frequencies along with interferometric reintroduction of a zero-order reference beam on the low-NA side of the optical system. For a thin object normal to the optical axis, the frequency space limit is [(1+NA)n/λ], while tilting the object plane allows collection of diffraction information up to the material transmission bandpass-limited spatial frequency of 2n/λ. Tilting transforms the spatial frequencies; the algorithm to reset to the correct image frequencies is described. IIM involves combining multiple subimages; the image reconstruction procedures are discussed. A mean-square-error metric is introduced. For binary objects, sigmoidal filtering of the image provides significant resolution improvement.
Epilepsy in the Elderly

The elderly, often defined as those 65 years or older, are the most rapidly growing segment of the population, and onset of epilepsy is higher in this age group than in any other. This paper reviews recent developments, including a new proposed definition of epilepsy, a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease that exhibits complex partial seizures, evidence that the highest incidence of epilepsy may occur after admission to a nursing home, a challenge to the vitamin D hypothesis of osteoporosis associated with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), evidence that the genetic complement of hepatic isoenzymes is more predictive of metabolic rate than age, and data showing that there is considerable variability in serum levels of AEDs in many nursing home residents during constant dosing conditions.
Alkyne metathesis by molybdenum and tungsten alkylidyne complexes

Alkyne metathesis by molybdenum and tungsten alkylidyne complexes is now ∼45 years old. Progress in the practical aspects of alkyne metathesis reactions with well-defined complexes, as well as applications, in the last decade, guarantees that it is destined to become a useful method for the synthesis of organic molecules.
Quantum Riemann–Roch, Lefschetz and Serre

Given a holomorphic vector bundle E over a compact Kahler manifold X, one defines twisted Gromov-Witten invariants of X to be intersection numbers in moduli spaces of stable maps f :Σ → X with the cap product of the virtual fundamental class and a chosen multiplicative invertible characteristic class of the virtual vector bundle H 0 (Σ ,f ∗ E) � H 1 (Σ ,f ∗ E). Using the formalism of quantized quadratic Hamiltonians (25), we express the descendant potential for the twisted theory in terms of that for X. This result (Theorem 1) is a consequence of Mumford's Grothendieck-Riemann-Roch theorem applied to the universal family over the moduli space of stable maps. It determines all twisted Gromov-Witten invariants, of all genera, in terms of untwisted invari- ants. When E is concave and the C × -equivariant inverse Euler class is chosen as the characteristic class, the twisted invariants of X give Gromov-Witten invariants of the total space of E. "Nonlinear Serre duality" (21), (23) expresses Gromov-Witten invariants of E in terms of those of the super-manifold ΠE: it relates Gromov-Witten invariants of X twisted by the inverse Euler class and E to Gromov-Witten invariants of X twisted by the Euler class and E ∗ . We derive from Theorem 1 nonlinear Serre duality in a very general form (Corollary 2). When the bundle E is convex and a submanifold Y ⊂ X is defined by a global section of E, the genus-zero Gromov-Witten invariants of ΠE coin- cide with those of Y. We establish a "quantum Lefschetz hyperplane section principle" (Theorem 2) expressing genus-zero Gromov-Witten invariants of a complete intersection Y in terms of those of X. This extends earlier results (4), (9), (18), (29), (33) and yields most of the known mirror formulas for toric complete intersections.
Transmission and Pathogenesis of Swine-Origin 2009 A(H1N1) Influenza Viruses in Ferrets and Mice

Recent reports of mild to severe influenza-like illness in humans caused by a novel swine-origin 2009 A(H1N1) influenza virus underscore the need to better understand the pathogenesis and transmission of these viruses in mammals. In this study, selected 2009 A(H1N1) influenza isolates were assessed for their ability to cause disease in mice and ferrets and compared with a contemporary seasonal H1N1 virus for their ability to transmit to naive ferrets through respiratory droplets. In contrast to seasonal influenza H1N1 virus, 2009 A(H1N1) influenza viruses caused increased morbidity, replicated to higher titers in lung tissue, and were recovered from the intestinal tract of intranasally inoculated ferrets. The 2009 A(H1N1) influenza viruses exhibited less efficient respiratory droplet transmission in ferrets in comparison with the highly transmissible phenotype of a seasonal H1N1 virus. Transmission of the 2009 A(H1N1) influenza viruses was further corroborated by characterizing the binding specificity of the viral hemagglutinin to the sialylated glycan receptors (in the human host) by use of dose-dependent direct receptor-binding and human lung tissue-binding assays.
Normalized cuts and image segmentation

We propose a novel approach for solving the perceptual grouping problem in vision. Rather than focusing on local features and their consistencies in the image data, our approach aims at extracting the global impression of an image. We treat image segmentation as a graph partitioning problem and propose a novel global criterion, the normalized cut, for segmenting the graph. The normalized cut criterion measures both the total dissimilarity between the different groups as well as the total similarity within the groups. We show that an efficient computational technique based on a generalized eigenvalue problem can be used to optimize this criterion. We applied this approach to segmenting static images, as well as motion sequences, and found the results to be very encouraging.