cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Propagating Waves of Activity in Firing-Rates Models

Hippocampal tissue is susceptible to self-sustained excitation caused by numerous recurrent excitatory connections. Under normal conditions inhibitory interneurons are capable of maintaining low levels of activity. However, in slice preparations [1]-[5] inhibition can be gradually blocked by drug application until local activity induced by an extracellular electrode can propagate along the slice in the form of a field potential traveling wave. Even in absence of inhibition, it improbable that a single action potential from a presynaptic neuron is sufficient to evoke activity in a postsynaptic cell. Instead, a critical number of cells must fire to generate the spread of activity. The main indication of the polysynaptic nature of traveling waves of excitation is their measured velocity which is around 0.14 m/s in hippocampal slices [1] and 0.06 m/s in cortical slices [2]. This is much slower than the typical speed of an action potential propagating along an axon, which is more like 0.5 m/s [1]. The fact that the traveling wave velocities are significantly slower than the axon propagation speed suggests that the traveling wave is a cooperative phenomenon involving a large population of cells.
Regulation of gene expression in the human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

Publisher Summary This chapter outlines the current understanding of gene regulation in HIV-1. In particular, it focuses on the various cellular and viral trans-activators that together serve to modulate both the quantity and quality of HIV-1-specific gene expression. The pathogenic retrovirus human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is the prototype of a group of primate lentiviruses, that also includes HIV-2 and a number of related but distinct simian immunodeficiency viruses. In addition, HIV-1 is distantly related to several nonprimate lentiviruses, including visna-maedi virus, equine infectious anemia virus, bovine immunodeficiency virus, caprine encephalitis virus, and feline immunodeficiency virus. Lentiviruses exhibit a tropism for T lymphocytes and/or cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage, and share the ability to induce long-term chronic disease states in their hosts. These retroviruses also display a level of genetic complexity that distinguishes them from the simpler type C family of oncogenic retroviruses.
User documentation and control language I: Evaluation and comparison of statistical computer packages

Abstract Procedures for comparing and evaluating aspects of the user interface of statistical computer packages are described. These procedures are implemented in a study of three packages. SPSS. BMDP and Minitab, by a class of 21 students with some statistical background. It was found that most participants exhibited consistent personal preferences among the packages. In selecting packages to solve specific problems, however, their choice was determined more by issues of good statistical practice than by personal preference for overall package features.
An error resilient coding technique for JPEG2000

We introduce a mixed fixed-length coding (FLC) and variable-length coding (VLC) technique to improve the error resilience of the upcoming JPEG2000 image coding standard. Our proposed method operates on quantized subband coefficients, and produces a bit-stream with both FLC and VLC codewords. Higher error resilience is achieved by eliminating the error propagation within FLC sections, which in general comprise the majority of the coded bit-stream. A highly efficient coding technique has been developed to generate fixed-length codewords for groups of quantization indices, and significantly reduce the amount of information to be entropy coded. However, the noiseless compression performance is not compromised. Every effect has been made to minimize the impact of our modifications to the baseline coding structure and the bit-stream syntax defined in the standard, so the proposed technique can be easily integrated into any JPEG2000 compliant system.
Purification of a cytochrome bd terminal oxidase encoded by the Escherichia coli app locus from a delta cyo delta cyd strain complemented by genes from Bacillus firmus OF4.

Escherichia coli GK100, with deletions in the operons encoding its two terminal oxidases, cytochrome bo and ctyochrome bd, was complemented for growth on succinate by a recombinant plasmid (pMS100) containing a 3.4-kb region of DNA from alkaliphilic Bacillus firmus OF4. The complementing DNA was predicted to encode five proteins, but neither sequence analysis nor complementation experiments with subclones provided insight into the basis for the complementation. Cytochrome difference spectra of everted membrane vesicles from the transformed strain had characteristics of a cytochrome bd spectrum but with features different from those observed for alkaliphile membranes. To determine the bacterial source and identity of the structural genes for the cytochrome bd in the transformed mutant, the complex was extracted and partially purified. On sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels, two polypeptides were resolved from the preparation, 43 (subunit I) and 27 (subunit II) kDa. An internal peptide from subunit I was sequenced, and it yielded the same primary sequence as is found in positions 496 to 510 of E. coli appC. Consistent with the microsequencing results pMS100 failed to complement a triple mutant of E. coli carrying a deletion in appB as well as in the cyo and cyd loci. The deduced sequence of AppBC had been predicted to be very similar to the sequence of CydAB (J. Dassa et al., Mol. Gen. Genet. 229:341-352, 1991) but this is the first demonstration that the former is indeed a cytochrome bd terminal oxidase. The enzyme catalyzed oxygen uptake coupled to quinol or N,N,N9,N9-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine oxidation, and the activity was sensitive to cyanide. No cross-reactivity to subunit-specific polyclonal antibodies directed against the two individual subunits of cyd-encoded cytochrome bd was detected. Since this is the second cytochrome bd discovered in E. coli, it is proposed that the two complexes be designated cytochrome bd-I (cydAB-encoded enzyme) and cytochrome bd-II (appBC-encoded enzyme). In addition, cbdAB is suggested as a more appropriate gene designation for cytochrome bd than either appBC or cyxAB.
Green Energy Manufacturing Laboratory Development for Student Learning Experience on Sustainability

This paper discusses the development of a green energy manufacturing laboratory for student learning experience in the emerging fields of renewable energy and green manufacturing. The development involves a creation of a series of experiments to stimulate discoveries and developments that promise to sustain a wave of new technological innovations on energy and manufacturing throughout the world. The needs for engineering students and practicing engineers to understand sustainability concepts and concerns have been noted by educators, scientists or engineers and all engineering students need to become versed in sustainability ideas. This paper describes key factors in enhancing the ability of future engineering graduates to better contribute to a more sustainable future, preserving natural resources and advancing technological development. Two main components are used to incorporate sustainability into the green energy manufacturing laboratory, including: (1) renewable energy and (2) manufacturing energy efficiency. The efforts presented in the paper also include life-cycle assessment, development of innovative thinking skills, better understanding of sustainability issues, and increasing students’ interests in the engineering and technology programs. A concluding section discusses laboratory development for student hands-on learning experience within the context of a project. The paper will present the how it establishes its long-term sustainability and support through a variety of mechanisms including the energy mission, the award of federal grants, program projects, private foundation support, partnerships, and university-based investments. The GEM/Institute/Community College research model and the supporting the hardware, software and middleware are being installed, developed and enabled by the joint project between two universities in the nation.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
EFFECTS OF COPPER ON BACILLUS SUBTILIS

Weed, Lawrence L. (Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio). Effects of copper on Bacillus subtilis. J. Bacteriol. 85:1003-1010. 1963.-Variants have been isolated from liquid cultures of Bacillus subtilis 168 after exposure to copper. The variations manifested are in terms of loss of capacity to be transformed from tryptophan auxotrophy to prototrophy as shown by variant NTCu, and in terms of colony size and altered base composition of the deoxyribonucleic acid as shown by variant SC-22. In addition to the data on altered morphology and chemical composition of the variants, detailed studies on the reversion of one of the variants to B. subtilis are presented.
A constrained robust least squares approach for contaminant release history identification

[1] Contaminant source identification is an important type of inverse problem in groundwater modeling and is subject to both data and model uncertainty. Model uncertainty was rarely considered in the previous studies. In this work, a robust framework for solving contaminant source recovery problems is introduced. The contaminant source identification problem is first cast into one of solving uncertain linear equations, where the response matrix is constructed using a superposition technique. The formulation presented here is general and is applicable to any porous media flow and transport solvers. The robust least squares (RLS) estimator, which originated in the field of robust identification, directly accounts for errors arising from model uncertainty and has been shown to significantly reduce the sensitivity of the optimal solution to perturbations in model and data. In this work, a new variant of RLS, the constrained robust least squares (CRLS), is formulated for solving uncertain linear equations. CRLS allows for additional constraints, such as nonnegativity, to be imposed. The performance of CRLS is demonstrated through one- and two-dimensional test problems. When the system is ill-conditioned and uncertain, it is found that CRLS gave much better performance than its classical counterpart, the nonnegative least squares. The source identification framework developed in this work thus constitutes a reliable tool for recovering source release histories in real applications.
THE LONG-TERM U.S. FISCAL GAP: IS THE MAIN PROBLEM GENERATIONAL INEQUITY?

Current U.S. budget policy is unsustainable because it violates the intertemporal budget constraint. While the resulting fiscal gap will eventually be eliminated whether we like it or not, the big issue in current budget debate is whether the ultimately unavoidable course corrections should start now or be left for later. This paper argues that concerns of generational equity, which often are relied on by those demanding a prompt course correction, do not convincingly settle the issue, given empirical uncertainties about future generations' circumstances. However, efficiency issues create powerful grounds for urging a course correction sooner rather than later, on three main grounds: to eliminate the risk of a catastrophic fiscal collapse, achieve the advantages of tax smoothing, and smooth adjustments to the consumption made possible by various government outlays. Political economy considerations suggest that the risk of a catastrophic fiscal collapse may be significant even though in principle it could easily be avoided.
Impacts of harvesting on brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana) in Great Salt Lake, Utah, USA

Selective harvesting can cause evolutionary responses in populations via shifts in phenotypic characteristics, especially those affecting life history. Brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana) cysts in Great Salt Lake (GSL), Utah, USA are commercially harvested with techniques that select against floating cysts. This selective pressure could cause evolutionary changes over time. Our objectives are to (1) determine if there is a genetic basis to cyst buoyancy, (2) determine if cyst buoyancy and nauplii mortality have changed over time, and (3) to examine GSL environmental conditions over time to distinguish whether selective harvesting pressure or a trend in environmental conditions caused changes in cyst buoyancy and nauplii mortality. Mating crosses between floating and sinking parental phenotypes with two food concentrations (low and high) indicated there is a genetic basis to cyst buoyancy. Using cysts harvested from 1991-2011, we found cyst buoyancy decreased and nauplii mortality increased over time. Data on water temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll a concentration in GSL from 1994 to 2011 indicated that although water temperature has increased over time and chlorophyll a concentration has decreased over time, the selective harvesting pressure against floating cysts is a better predictor of changes in cyst buoyancy and nauplii mortality over time than trends in environmental conditions. Harvesting of GSL A. franciscana cysts is causing evolutionary changes, which has implications for the sustainable management and harvesting of these cysts. Monitoring phenotypic characteristics and life-history traits of the population should be implemented and appropriate responses taken to reduce the impacts of the selective harvesting.
Managing Change in Extension

Managing change in extension is capitalizing on today's strengths while building tomorrow's niches. A shrinking support base, increasing competition, and rapid changes in what people need and want in off-campus education are strong forces for change in extension programs. But inertia inherited from past success, the difficulties of changing mental habits, conflicting clientele signals, and rewards schema that give no clear signals all complicate change management. Symbiosis is needed between faculty and all levels of administration in order to find the support, and the will, to manage change constructively.
The authenticated datagram protocol: A high performance, subtransport level, secure communication protocol

Advances in communication technologies have stimulated the development of computer networks that interconnect competing individuals, organizations, and even countries. In such computer networks, in order to communicate security, agents must establish secure channels to other agents. In this paper, we present a secure communication protocol called Authenticated Datagram Protocol (ADP) that establishes host-to-host secure channels across networks, and builds agent-to-agent channels on top of host-to-host channels. We show how such a protocol can be layered at the subtransport level of the network protocol hierarchy, so as to provide high performance and security even in the presence of untrustworthy entities on the network.
Comparison of the initial development of shear layers in two-dimensional and axisymmetric ejector configurations

A two-phase experimental investigation designed to study the development of shear layers in axisymmetric and two-dimensional single-nozzle ejectors has been completed. In this study, combinations of similar and dissimilar gases were used as the supersonic primary and subsonic secondary. Test cases included combinations of air/air, argon/air and helium/air as the supersonic primary and subsonic secondary, respectively. Similar flow conditions were studied for each ejector configuration. Mixing of the gases occurred in a constant-area tube, where the inlet pressure was maintained at 34.5 kPa. The cases studied resulted in convective Mach numbers that range between 0.06 and 1.9. The data gathered shows differences between the initial shear-layer development for the two ejector geometries, and also between the different test cases studied for each ejector configuration. The measured growth rates for the axisymmetric ejector are more than twice those measured for the two-dimensional ejector. However, in both cases the results show that compressibility has a reducing effect on the growth rate. Further, in the region immediately after the inlet to the mixing tube, compressibility seems to affect the ejector shear layers in a manner similar to that of two-stream two-dimensional mixing layers.
Low degree solutions to linear equations with K[x] coefficients

Abstract For given f 1,…, fm ϵ K [ x ] which are relatively prime we present degree bounds on the a i needed to express 1 and other "low degree" polynomials as ∑ a i f i . This paper gives an improvement on Kakie's bound (Kakie, 1976).
Data decoys for confidentiality in a distributed computation: matrix multiplication

The confidentiality of a distributed computation can be compromised if trust in the client machines cannot be assured. Strategically placed decoy data can provide a measure of confidentiality to a distributed computation by overwhelming an attacker with the combinatorial problem of differentiating live data from decoy data. This paper explores the nature of using decoy data in general and considers the particular problem of using data decoys to provide confidentiality in a matrix multiplication distributed computation.
Strengthening Causal Inference in Adolescent Drug Prevention Studies: Methods and Findings from a Controlled Study of the Urban Youth Connection Program

SUMMARY Introduction. The Urban Youth Connection represents a model substance abuse prevention program implemented in an urban public middle school and high school serving predominantly Hispanic and African American students. The program provided counseling, mentoring and academic support. Findings from the evaluation are presented in this paper. Methods. A pre-test, post-test comparison group design estimated the impact of the program on ultimate outcomes of 30-day use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, and intermediate outcomes of risk behaviors, psychosocial well-being, and school involvement, as measured by self-administered questionnaires given each fall and spring from 1993–1996. A non-equivalent comparison group was drawn from non-participants at each school. The data analysis strategy relied on a multivariate model comparing ultimate and intermediate outcomes at follow-up among treatment and comparison students after adjustment for demographic, baseline risk differences, and program exposures di...
Efficient simulation of large, controlled passive solar systems: Forward differencing in thermal networks

Abstract Mathematical aspects of thermal network (TN) models are discussed in detail. Emphasis is given to forward differencing (FD) because of its efficiency in large controlled TN models. Accuracy is analyzed. Computational considerations are analyzed in detail. An example is given. FD in TN models is seen to be accurate and efficient in complex buildings. In addition, structural information contained in TN models is easily extracted as a bonus without simulation.
Influence of Polymer Architecture and Polymer−Surface Interaction on the Elution Chromatography of Macromolecules through a Microporous Media

The elution chromatography of flexible polymer molecules flowing through a microporous particle media is described by a combination of the Casassa model of flow segregation and the Di Marzio−Rubin lattice method for calculating the partition function of confined polymers. This combination of models allows for the treatment of polymer-surface interactions so that polymer chromatography in the exclusion and adsorption regimes can be described within a unified framework. The compensation point where repulsive polymer-surface excluded volume forces and short-range polymer-surface attractive forces counterbalance each other offers opportunities for separating complex molecules. For example, calculations for a diblock copolymer where one of the components is at the compensation point (“adsorption ϑ point”) indicate that only the remaining block influences the elution of the block copolymer as a whole. This theoretical result accords with experiments on block copolymers. This singular observation provides suppor...
Effect of sensor bias on space-based bearing-only tracker

This paper examines the effect of sensor bias error on the tracking quality of a space-based infrared (IR) tracking system that utilizes a Linearized Kalman Filter (LKF) for the highly non-linear problem of tracking a ballistic missile. The tracking system consists of two satellites flying in a lead-follower formation tracking a ballistic target. Each satellite is equipped with an IR sensor that provides azimuth and bearing to the target. The tracking problem is made more difficult due to a constant, non-varying or slowly varying bias error present in each sensor's line of sight measurements. The effect of this error on the state vector estimation is explored using different values for sensor accuracy and various degrees of uncertainty of the target and platform dynamic. Scenarios are created using Satellite Toolkit for trajectories with associated sensor observations. Mean Square Error results are given for tracking during the period when the target is in view of the satellite IR sensors. The results of this research provide insight into the accuracy requirements of the sensors and the suitability of the LKF estimator.
Application of surface techniques to study oxide growth processes

Surface-analytical techniques are useful to characterize oxide films and to study oxide growth processes on metals and semiconductors. This paper will summarize work at NRC on the high-temperature oxidation of both FeCrAl alloys and silicon, as well as the thermal and UV ozone oxidation of III–V semiconductors. In these studies, surface-analytical data complemented by information provided by other techniques, e.g., TEM, lead to a better understanding of oxidation phenomena and oxide growth mechanisms for a wide variety of materials and applications.
Endothelin inhibits basal and stimulated release of prolactin by human decidual cells.

Recent studies have shown that the basal release of PRL from anterior pituitary cells is inhibited by endothelin-1 (ET-1) and ET-3. To determine whether ET also regulates the synthesis and release of PRL by decidual cells, we examined the effects of ET on the synthesis and release of PRL from an enriched fraction of human decidual cells prepared by isopycnic centrifugation of enzymatically dispersed term decidual tissue. Exposure of decidual cells to ET-1 (10(-7) M) for 96 h caused a progressive decrease in basal PRL synthesis and release beginning 24 h after exposure with half-maximal inhibition occurring at an ET-1 concentration of 5 x 10(-9) M. Between 72-96 h of culture, ET-1-exposed cells synthesized 37.2 +/- 2.7% (SEM) and released 32.3 +/- 1.3% less PRL than control cells (P < 0.01). ET-1-exposed cells incubated with [35S]methionine between 72-96 h also released less [35S] PRL than control cells. Sarafotoxin S6C, an ETB receptor agonist, also inhibited basal PRL release, whereas BQ-123, an ETA rece...
Mechanism of the Photolysis of Propionaldehyde

The photolysis of propionaldehyde at λλ2537, ∼2900, and ∼3200A has been studied by the Paneth mirror method. The alkyl radicals produced are exclusively ethyl; no atomic hydrogen can be detected by the guard mirror method in amounts exceeding 2 percent of the total number of mirror‐active particles present. The yield of C2H5 radicals has been determined and compared with the yields of CO, H2, and C2H6. The results are most readily interpreted in terms of competing primary decomposition processes producing free radicals in one reaction and ultimate molecules in another. Whereas the former reaction increases in importance at shorter wave‐lengths, the latter becomes less significant. On the other hand, an explanation for the results can be given on the basis of a mechanism involving only the production of free radicals in the primary process at all wave‐lengths. The role played by excited propionaldehyde molecules (of life which may be >10−3 sec.) and by freshly formed (energy‐rich) C2H5 and HCO radicals on their first collision is also considered. The mechanism of energy transfer within the propionaldehyde molecule is discussed and it is shown that the products of the primary decomposition are probably determined by geometric considerations and by the relative heights of the dissociation levels involved in the normal state.
Saadia Gaon on the Problem of Evil

Considerable effort has been expended on constructing theodicies which try to reconcile the suffering of unwilling innocents, such as Job, with the existence and nature of God as understood in Christian theology. There is, of course, abundant reflection on the problem of evil and the story of Job in the history of Jewish thought, but this material has not been discussed much in contemporary philosophical literature. I want to take a step towards remedying this defect by examining the interpretation of the story of Job and the solution to the problem of evil given by one important and influential Jewish thinker, Saadia Gaon.
JWST science data products

Science data products for James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) ©observations will be generated by the Data Management Subsystem (DMS) within the JWST Science and Operations Center (S&OC) at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI). Data processing pipelines within the DMS will produce uncalibrated and calibrated exposure files, as well as higher level data products that result from combined exposures, such as mosaic images. Information to support the science observations, for example data from engineering telemetry, proposer inputs, and observation planning will be captured and incorporated into the science data products. All files will be generated in Flexible Image Transport System (FITS) format. The data products will be made available through the Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes (MAST) and adhere to International Virtual Observatory Alliance (IVOA) standard data protocols.
An Electroosmotically Stirred Continuous Micro Mixer

A continuous microfluidic mixer concept is developed by superposition of time-periodic electroosmotic flow on zeta potential patterned surfaces and pressure driven flow. Finite time Lyapunov exponents and filament stretching are utilized to quantify the chaotic strength, and to identify the chaotic and regular zones in the mixer at various operation conditions. Numerical solutions of the species transport equation are performed as a function of the Peclet number (Pe) at fixed kinematic conditions. Mixing efficiency is quantified using mixing index that is based on standard deviation of the scalar species distribution. The mixing length (lm ) is characterized as a function of the Peclet number, and lm ∝ ln (Pe) scaling is observed under locally-optimum stirring conditions.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Optimizing Operation of Stationary Fuel Cell Systems (FCS) Within District Cooling and Heating Networks

We evaluate innovative design, installation, and control strategies for generating combined cooling, heating, and electric power (CCHP) with fuel cell systems (FCS). The addition of an absorptive cooling cycle allows unrecovered FCS heat to be converted into cooling power, such as for air-conditioning. For example, unrecovered low temperature (80–160°C) heat can be used to drive absorption chillers to create a chilled water stream to cool building spaces. Compared with separate devices that individually generate electricity, heat, and cooling power, such CCHP FCS can reduce feedstock fuel consumption and the resulting greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by at least 30%. We develop economic and environmental models that optimize the installed capacity of CCHP FCS to minimize either global carbon dioxide (CO2 ) emissions or global energy costs. Our models evaluate innovative engineering design, installation, and control strategies not commonly pursued by industry, and identify strategies most beneficial for reducing CO2 emissions or costs. Our models minimize costs for building owners consuming cooling power, electricity, and heat by changing the installed capacity of the FCS and by changing FCS operating strategies. Our models optimize for a particular location, climatic region, building load curve set, FCS type, and competitive environment. Our models evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of pursuing more innovative FCS operating strategies; these include 1) connecting FCS to distribution networks for cooling power, heat, and electricity; 2) implementing a variable heat-to-power ratio, to intentionally produce additional heat to meet higher heat demands; 3) designing in the ability to tune the quantity of cooling power from the absorption chiller compared with the amount of recoverable heat from the FCS; and 4) employing the ability to load-follow demand for cooling, heat, or electricity. We base our datum design conditions on measured data describing generator performance in-use, and on measured data describing real-time electricity, heating, and cooling demand over time. A unique feature of our data sets is that the space cooling demand is directly measured and distinguishable from electricity demand (unlike as with standard air conditioning systems). We report results for optimal installed capacities and optimal FCS operating strategies. We generalize these results so that they are applicable to a wide-range of environments throughout the world.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Creole typology and relationships

L'A. tente de definir les criteres pertinents pris en compte par differentes approches pour definir une typologie des creoles et pour expliquer la genese des creoles. Il analyse en particulier les travaux de Hancock sur les relations entre les creoles anglais de l'Atlantique
Reduction of ischemic damage in isolated rat hearts by the potassium channel opener, RP 52891.

Abstract Potassium channel activators have been shown to protect ischemic myocardium. We studied the ability of the novel potassium channel activator, RP 52891, to also reduce ischemic damage in isolated globally ischemic rat hearts. RP 52891 (1–100 μM) was given before the hearts were subjected to 25 nun of ischemia and 30 min of reperfusion. Before ischemia, RP 52891 reduced contractile function only at the highest concentration (100 μM). Significant reductions in ischemie damage were observed at 3 μM and higher concentrations. RP 52891 improved reperfusion contractile function and reduced lactate dehydrogenase release. Contracture was significantly reduced by RP 52891 during reperfusion. The protective effects of RP 52891 were completely reversed by glyburide and sodium 5-hydroxyde-canoate, both Mockers of ATP-sensitive potassium channels. Thus, RP 52891 has direct cardioprotective efficacy, which may be related to activation of ATP-sensitive potassium channels.
Cultural Feature And Syntax Analysis For Automatic Acquisition

This paper describes a set of algorithms for application in autonomous acquisition of large targets. These targets are identified by means of a straightforward three-step process. First, the scene is segmented into regions of nearly uniform intensity. Using some simple metrics, each region is then classified into a feature class. Finally, the surrounding feature-classified regions (syntax) are examined to identify the target. Initially, bridges and dams were chosen as the target class, with the acquisition of roads and bodies of water as paths to the target. Additional efforts include using these paths as navigation aids and, optionally, locating objects of interest along the path to a larger target. Extensive simulation and study have been done over a wide variety of bridge and path imagery in training these algorithms. The results of the simulation are presented in support of this syntactic approach, and a brief analysis of the probable hardware implementation for these algorithms is included to emphasize their simplicity and practicality.
SMAP RFI mitigation algorithm performance characterization using airborne high-rate direct-sampled SMAPVEX 2012 data

The SMAP RFI detecting digital backend performance is characterized using real-environment L-band RFI data from the SMAPVEX 2012 campaign. Various types of RFI signals are extracted from the airborne campaign dataset and fed to the SMAP radiometer using an Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG). The backend detection performance is tested, and missed-detections are further investigated. Initial results indicate RFI detection performance for the SMAP digital backend is acceptable.
Considerations in using anticoagulant therapy in special patient populations.

Purpose. The role of genetic polymorphisms and genetic testing in guiding warfarin dosing is discussed, as are the selection and monitoring of anticoagulant therapy for obese patients, patients with severe renal impairment, and patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT); case studies are used to illustrate each topic. Summary. Genetic polymorphisms influence metabolism of and sensitivity to warfarin. People with certain ethnic backgrounds have a greater likelihood of having genetic polymorphisms that reduce warfarin dosing requirements and increase the risk of bleeding. Genetic testing has the potential to improve patient safety; however, its cost is high, and genetic polymorphisms account for only part of interindividual variation in dosing requirements. For obese patients, dose capping of low molecular weight heparin is not warranted, and twice-daily enoxaparin is preferred over once-daily dosing. Anti-Xa monitoring is perhaps not necessary for patients weighing less than 190 kg (418 lb), but it may be useful to adjust dosing in heavier patients. In patients with severe renal impairment, bleeding during anticoagulant therapy may be attributed to the uremic state, excessive doses, or both. Dosage reduction and anti-Xa monitoring are recommended for patients with severe renal impairment. Treatment of patients with HIT should include discontinuation of heparin, temporary interruption of warfarin therapy, and initiation of a direct thrombin inhibitor. Conclusion. Safe and effective use of anticoagulant therapy may require consideration of genetics, obesity, renal impairment, or the potential for HIT; selecting anticoagulant therapy on the basis of these considerations can present a challenge.
104. Interleukin (IL)-4 knockout (KO) mice show anxiety-like behaviors that appear dependent on IL-1 receptor antagonist (RA)

The anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 is a key inducer of IL-1RA production as well as a regulator of spatial memory. Here we examined adverse behaviors in IL-4 KO mice. In the novel object recognition test, IL-4 KO mice, like wild type (WT) mice, preferentially explored a novel object over a familiar object. Total exploration time of both novel and familiar objects was reduced in the IL-4 KO mice compared to WT mice. Assessment of mouse movement using spontaneous locomotor activity (LMA) demonstrated that IL-4 KO mice moved up to 50% less than WT. Similarly, burrowing behavior was reduced by up to 67% in IL-4 KO mice compared to WT mice, as was exploration of the open areas of elevated zero maze (IL-4 KO vs WT mice, 55% reduced). Examination of immune-associated gene transcripts in the brain confirmed that IL-4 KO mice lack IL-4 compared to WT, and brain expression of CD11b, F4/80, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1R1, IL-1R2, IL-1RA, and IL-6 were similar in IL-4 KO and WT mice. Finally, induction of foreign body-associated inflammation in the brains of IL-4 KO mice normalized LMA between IL-4 KO mice and similarly treated WT mice, in that intracerebroventricular (icv) cannulation caused IL-1RA brain message to increase 20-fold. We deduced that lack of IL-4-dependent production of IL-1RA may be critical to the adverse behaviors seen in IL-4 KO mice.
ESCHATOLOGY AND SCIENTIFIC COSMOLOGY: FROM DEADLOCK TO INTERACTION

Among the many scholarly surveys of historical and contemporary approaches to Christian eschatology, few treat the relation between eschatology and scientific cosmology. It is the purpose of this essay to do so. I begin with a brief summary of the importance of eschatology to contemporary Christian theology. Next, an overview is given of scientific cosmology, its earlier scenarios for the cosmic far future of “freeze or fry,” and, more recently the discovery that the expansion of the universe is accelerating. These predictions severely challenge those versions of Christian eschatology that are based on the bodily resurrection of Jesus and, by analogy, the transformation of the universe into the new creation. Several recent approaches to this challenge are outlined, including those of Denis Edwards, Jurgen Moltmann, Wolfhart Pannenberg, Ted Peters, John Polkinghorne, and my own. I conclude with some suggestions for future research in both theology and science.
What’s needed is application, not reconciliation: A response to Shrivastava, Sonpar and Pazzaglia (2009)

Normal accident theory says nothing about the time dimension that triggers human failures and thus is not appropriately applied by Shrivastava et al., in their article. Indeed, the theory focuses upon system aspects rather than human behavior, thus no reconciliation is needed with those that focus upon human behavior, it just more economically explains a subset of accidents.
Multi-band surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy of molecular monolayers

We develop concepts for engineering multi-resonant infrared plasmonic antennas. We utilize these antennas in conjunction with a perfect absorber geometry to simultaneously enhance mid-infrared vibrational resonances separated by 3μm in in monolayer polymer and biomolecule samples.
What is a neuropeptide

Iversen considers it an idiosyncracy of Strand to define a neuropeptide as any peptide that has direct effects on the nervous system1xNeuropeptides: regulators of physiological processes. Iversen, L. Trends Neurosci. 1999; 22: 482Abstract | Full Text | Full Text PDFSee all References1. His preferred definition limits a neuropeptide to one that is secreted from a neuron: this older definition was superseded many years ago. Currently, a neuropeptide is defined as such, regardless of whether it is secreted by neurons or non-neural cells, if it expresses the same genetic information and undergoes identical processes of synthesis and transport, and of binding to similar families of receptors, in order to act on neural processes. For example, somatostatin is found in the hypothalamus and extraneural somatostatin is localized widely in the gastrointestinal system, including the pancreas. Yet the inhibitory effects of somatostatin on a wide variety of neural functions are independent of its neural or non-neural source. It would be difficult to justify classifying hypothalamic somatostatin as a neuropeptide, while ignoring the profound neural effects of non-neural somatostatin. Similarly, galanin, bombesin, calcitonin-gene-related peptide, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and many other neuropeptides have both neural and non-neural origins. This broader definition of a neuropeptide has been adopted at most neuroendocrine meetings and by The International Neuropeptide Society. It is similarly regrettable that Iversen overlooked the extensive discussion of the NO synthase knockout mouse, complete with illustrations. Other sections of the book are similarly up to date.Personally, I find Neuropeptides very comprehensive, yet concise and easy to read. Owing to its superb organization and integration, it already is being used with great success as the basis of a course directed by Richard D. Olson at the University of New Orleans. It constitutes an outstanding contribution to the peptide field.
Rotationally resolved spectrum of the ν1 CH stretch of the propargyl radical (H2CCCH)

Abstract The ν 1 acetylenic CH stretch of the propargyl radical (HCCCH 2 ) near 3322 cm −1 has been observed by infrared laser kinetic spectroscopy at Doppler limited resolution. Propargyl is prepared by flash photolysis of propargyl bromide or propargyl chloride at 193 nm and its transient infrared absorption probed by a cw color center laser. The spectrum consists, as is expected, of only a-type (Δ K =0) transitions, and near the origin appears quite simple resembling that of a diatomic molecule. This means that the A and D K rotational constants in the upper state must differ little from the ground state so that the various K subbands overlap almost exactly. However, at N ⩾14 the spectrum no longer has this regular pattern, probably because of perturbations of the excited state by nearby vibrational levels. Ground and excited state rotational constants were determined by fitting the K =1 lines having N ″
Optical coherence tomography in the evaluation of retinal changes associated with suspicious choroidal melanocytic tumors.

Abstract Purpose Subretinal fluid (SRF) is a strong risk factor for growth of choroidal melanocytic tumors. However, subtle SRF can be difficult to assess clinically and to distinguish from chronic retinal changes overlying a dormant lesion. This study investigates optical coherence tomography (OCT) in evaluating SRF in suspicious choroidal melanocytic tumors. Design Interventional case series. Methods Review of 33 patients with untreated choroidal melanocytic tumors who underwent OCT for suspicion of subtle SRF. Fluorescein angiography was performed in 26 of the patients. The main outcome was tumor growth. Results No retinal separation was found in 12 tumors, of which 1 (8%) grew on follow-up and 3 (25%) were treated. Chronic retinal changes (localized retinal separation with retinal atrophy or intraretinal cysts) were found in nine tumors: one (11%) grew on follow-up and none were treated. Active SRF (localized retinal separation with normal retinal appearance) was found in 12 tumors: 6 (50%) grew on follow-up, and 7 (58%) were treated. The active OCT pattern was associated with fluorescein angiography hotspots ( P = .041), documented tumor growth ( P = .033), and tumor treatment ( P = .014), and inversely associated with drusen ( P = .024), atrophic retinal pigment epithelium changes surrounding the tumor ( P = .048), and intraretinal cysts by OCT ( P = .002). Conclusions Optical coherence tomography is useful in distinguishing active subretinal fluid from chronic retinal changes overlying a choroidal melanocytic tumor. Optical coherence tomography findings may have predictive value in identifying tumors that are likely to grow and require treatment.
Gestational diabetes mellitus (class A): a human teratogen?

Between January 1, 1982 and December 31, 1992 we evaluated 200 children of mothers with pregestational or gestational diabetes mellitus through the University of South Florida Genetics/Dysmorphology Clinics. They were a portion of the 22,100 families seen during that period. Pregnant women with diabetes mellitus were not part of this study. One hundred and fifty-two of the 200 were offspring of mothers with gestational diabetes (classes A1 and A2). Class B1 was not encountered as a subclass of gestational diabetes in this series. Twenty-four of the 152 did not have anomalies. Forty-one of the 152 had another primary diagnosis to account for their malformations. Eighty-seven of the 152 had a constellation of anomalies or solitary structural defects as seen in diabetic embryopathy. Chromosomal, monogenic, and other teratogenic causes were excluded. The observed phenotypes matched those seen in offspring of mothers with diabetes mellitus classes B2 to T. They also corroborated the animal studies, indicating that the embryopathy of gestational diabetes has a pathogenesis similar to that in classes B2 to T, and recent epidemiological studies showing a statistically significant increase of anomalies as in diabetic embryopathy in the offspring of gestational diabetes mothers. As per established obstetric practice the testing for gestational diabetes was after gestation 16 weeks. Thus, it was impossible to prove that the anomalies of the 87 propositi were due to gestational diabetes. However, the anomalies occurred during organogenesis as in the other diabetic classes, and inferred that gestational diabetes is a human teratogen. If so, common “idiopathic” malformations may be actually caused by undiagnosed maternal gestational diabetes. Am. J. Med. Genet. 83:402–408, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
CLOCK and NPAS2 have overlapping roles in the suprachiasmatic circadian clock

Heterodimers of CLOCK and BMAL1, bHLH-PAS transcription factors, are believed to be the major transcriptional regulators of the circadian clock mechanism in mammals. However, a recent study shows that CLOCK-deficient mice continue to exhibit robust behavioral and molecular rhythms. Here we report that the transcription factor NPAS2 (MOP4) is able to functionally substitute for CLOCK in the master brain clock in mice to regulate circadian rhythmicity.
Big privacy: protecting confidentiality in big data

Approaches from computer science and statistical science for assessing and protecting privacy in large, public data sets.
Synthesis of diglycosylceramides and evaluation of their iNKT cell stimulatory properties

Stimulation of iNKT cells is highly dependent on the structures of the glycolipids presented by CD1d. Furthermore, antigen processing and CD1d loading in lysosomes play central roles in controlling the stimulatory properties of glycolipid antigens. Previously, we determined that substitution at C6″ on α-galactosylceramides did not significantly impact stimulatory properties; however, it was not known if substitution at this position influenced lysosomal processing of oligoglycosylceramides. We have prepared a series of mono- and di-galactosylceramides to observe the impact of C6″ substitution on glycosidase truncation of these glycolipids. We found that substitution did not significantly impact glycosidase activity or loading into CD1d.
Broadband interference mitigator for global positioning system using time-frequency domain excision filtering

This paper explores methods to excise broadband interference signals from a Global Positioning System (GPS) spread spectrum signal using bilinear transformations. The Wigner-Ville Distribution allows for signal and jammer time-frequency characterization. The jammer signals, identified in the Time-Frequency (T-F) domain, are excised by zeroing peak amplitudes above a statistically determined detection threshold. The GPS signal is synthesized using inverse Wigner transform involving least squares amplitude and phase matching. Pre-processing increases Pseudo-Random Noise (PRN) correlator performance due to significant reduction in effective Jammer-to-Signal ratio (JSR). The proposed technique improves receiver robustness for large classes of broadband jammers, not limited to instantaneously narrowband jammers with a constant modulus or well defined instantaneous frequencies, while improving bit-error-performance and GPS Coarse Acquisition (C/A) and tracking in hostile interference environments.