cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neural net based nonstandard A/D conversion

A technique for nonstandard A/D conversion of signals subject to a fidelity criterion is described, based on Hopfield neural networks. Switched-capacitor neural networks offer a natural means for efficient implementation of the proposed technique. Applications include all forms of PCM coding, oversampled A/D conversion and digital image halftoning. >
Dilatation-like currents and scalar mesons

Abstract Field-current identities for scalar mesons and the divergences of dilatation-like currents are exhibited in Lagrangian field theories. A possible relation between the algebraic structure of the energy-momentum tensor and the Gell-Mann-Oakes-Renner symmetry breaking mechanism is suggested. It is shown that beyond the pieces dominated by the I = 0 scalar mesons of a nonet, the trace θ of the energy-momentum tensor must contain an extra (“tenth”) piece or else mϱ = mπ.
On a Relation between Winds on the Earth and Jupiter

Abstract A paper published in 1948 suggested that there was a correlation of 0.62 between the wind on Jupiter (as indicated by the motion of the Great Red Spot) and mean zonal geostrophic winds at the surface of the earth. Observations since 1948, on the other hand, indicate a correlation of −0.12, suggesting that the original correlation was spurious, even though it appeared statistically significant according to standard tests.
Kant's “Historicist” Alternative to Cognitive Science

L'A. rejette l'argument classique en faveur d'une lecture cognitiviste de la psychologie transcendantale de Kant. L'A. montre que la conception kantienne du soi empirique s'apparente a la doctrine externaliste contemporaine, avec cette difference capitale que les etats cognitifs sont definis en termes d'histoire temporelle et non pas en termes d'environnement spatial
Effects of ethanol on the proteasome interacting proteins

Proteasome dysfunction has been repeatedly reported in alcoholic liver disease. Ethanol metabolism end-products affect the structure of the proteasome, and, therefore, change the proteasome interaction with its regulatory complexes 19S and PA28, as well as its interacting proteins. Chronic ethanol feeding alters the ubiquitin-proteasome activity by altering the interaction between the 19S and the 20S proteasome interaction. The degradation of oxidized and damaged proteins is thus decreased and leads to accumulation of insoluble protein aggregates, such as Mallory-Denk bodies. Ethanol also affects the immunoproteasome formation. PA28a/b interactions with the 20S proteasome are decreased in the proteasome fraction isolated from the liver of rats fed ethanol chronically, thus affecting the cellular antigen presentation and defense against pathogenic agents. Recently, it has been shown that ethanol also affects the proteasome interacting proteins (PIPs). Interaction of the proteasome with Ecm29 and with deubiquitinating enzymes Rpn11, UCH37, and Usp14 has been found to decrease. However, the two UBL-ubiquitin-associated domain (UBA) PIPs p62 and valosin-containing protein are upregulated when the proteasome is inhibited. The increase of these UBL-UBA proteins, as well as the increase in Hsp70 and Hsp25 levels, compensated for the proteasome failure and helped in the unfolding/docking of misfolded proteins. Chronic alcohol feeding to rats causes a significant inhibition of the proteasome pathway and this inhibition results from a decreases of the interaction between the 20S proteasome and the regulatory complexes, PIPs, and the ubiquitin system components.
Acute fatal presentation of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency in a previously healthy male

Ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency is an X-linked urea cycle defect. While hemizygous males typically present with hyperammonemic coma in infancy, reports of rare late-onset presentations exist, with poor outcomes in males up to 58 years old. Relatives with mutations identical to affected patients often remain asymptomatic, and it is likely that environmental and genetic factors influence disease penetrance and expression. Here, we present our investigation of a patient with late-onset presentation, and we emphasize the potential role of environmental and genetic factors on disease expression. The patient was a previously healthy 62-year-old man who developed mental slowing, refractory seizures, and coma over an 8-day period. Interestingly, the patient had recently used home gardening fertilizers and pesticides. Evaluations for drug and alcohol use, infections, and liver disease were negative. Despite aggressive therapy, blood NH(3) concentration peaked at 2,050 muM and the patient died from cerebral edema and cerebellar herniation. Analysis of the OTC gene showed a Pro-225-Thr (P225T) change in exon 7, a mutation that has been previously implicated in OTC deficiency. This case illustrates that OTC deficiency can cause acute, severe hyperammonemia in a previously healthy adult and that the P225T mutation can be associated with late-onset OTC deficiency. We speculate that exposure to organic chemicals might have contributed to the onset of symptoms in this patient. This case also emphasizes that persistent hyperammonemia may cause irreversible neurologic damage and that after the diagnosis of hyperammonemia is established in an acutely ill patient, certain diagnostic tests should be performed to differentiate between urea cycle disorders and other causes of hyperammonemic encephalopathy.
Effects of phytate reduction, fat extraction, and level of Ca on Ca and Zn bioavailability. Compared in vitro and in vivo.

The effect of phytate reduction, fat extraction, and addition of Ca in the form of skim or whole milk on Ca and Zn bioavailability from a breakfast containing bran muffins was studied in vitro and in vivo. Ca and Zn solubility were measured after in vitro simulated peptic and pancreatic digestion under pH conditions resembling those in the human GI tract. Absorption of Ca and Zn was measured in rats fed test meals tagged with45Ca and65Zn. Radioactivity in the femur and liver relative to levels found in rats injected with the isotopes served as criteria for45Ca and65Zn absorption, respectively. In vitro solubility was significantly depressed by the presence of phytate and inversely correlated with the phytate: Zn and the (phytate)(Ca): (Zn) ratios. Ca solubility was enhanced by extraction of fat and markedly increased by reduction in both fat and phytate. None of these effects was seen in vivo. However,65Zn absorption was significantly decreased by fat extraction and phytate reduction although this treatment increased in vitro Zn solubility. Possible reasons for these discrepancies are discussed.
Verapamil therapy in the treatment of supraventricular arrhythmias following open heart surgery

Certain general conclusions suggest themselves on the basis of our extensive experience with treating arrhythmias in patients following open heart surgery, our specific results with verapamil therapy in the treatment of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter in patients following open heart surgery, and the results of verapamil therapy administered in other groups of patients. First, verapamil can provide highly effective, rapid, and safe control of the ventricular response in the treatment of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter in patients following open heart surgery. Usually, it should be used in concert with digitalis therapy. Second, extrapolation from the data of others suggests that verapamil has an important role to play in the treatment of most other supraventricular arrhythmias in patients following open heart surgery, particularly if temporary wire electrodes are not available.
Superoxide dismutase and chilling injury in Chlorella ellipsoidea

The relationship between superoxide dismutase (SOD) and chilling injury was examined in chilling-sensitive and chilling-resistant strains of Chlorella ellipsoidea. The sensitive strain contained less SOD than the resistant strain. Moreover, all of the SOD in the sensitive strain was the H2O2-sensitive, iron-containing SOD, whereas most of the SOD in the resistant strain was the H2O2-resistant, manganese-containing SOD. Illumination further enhanced the disparity in SOD content between the sensitive and resistant strains since the SOD in the former declined during illumination, whereas the SOD in the latter strain did not. It was possible to elevate the SOD content of the sensitive strain and to increase the proportion of MnSOD by prior growth in the presence of 50 μm paraquat. The SOD content of the cultures after 5 h of illumination at 4 °C fell in the order sensitive strain < paraquat-induced sensitive strain < resistant strain. The resistance of these cultures to chilling injury was related to SOD content. This was the case whether resistance was assessed in terms of growth rate after chilling, bleaching of chlorophyll during chilling, or loss of viability during chilling. It thus appears likely that O2− is an agent of chilling injury.
The electrical behavior of superconducting thin-film microbridges self-heating and superconducting quantum processes

Measurements of the I-V curves of superconducting thin-film microbridges are reported and used to infer some new results regarding the electrical behavior of these devices. At temperatures well below Tc their behavior is found to be dominated by the effects of self-heating. At low voltages near Tc where heating is not important, it is found that the observed behavior is best understood in terms of a phase-slip mechanism and that the normal currents which flow during the phase-slip process extend over a range determined by the quasiparticle diffusion length. Even near Tc heating becomes important at high voltages and probably puts a limit on the maximum voltage (hence Josephson frequency) up to which useful Josephson-like behavior can be obtained.
Dermatitis herpetiformis: effects of sulfones and sulfonamides on neutrophil myeloperoxidase-mediated iodination and cytotoxicity.

The effects of sulfones and sulfonamides on neutrophil myeloperoxidase-mediated iodination and cytotoxicity were studied usingin vitro assays to measure these parameters. Leukocyte iodination was documented using a quantitative assay to measure the iodination of protein by human neutrophils undergoing phagocytosis. Cytotoxicity for the tumor cell line LSTRA by human neutrophils activated by exposure to phorbol myristate acetate was measured by a51Cr release assay. Dapsone, diasone, and sulfapyridine, at concentrations comparable to serum levels obtained by therapeutic doses of drug, effectively inhibited iodination and cytotoxicity mediated by human neutrophils. Other sulfonamides showed little inhibition of either iodination or cytotoxicity. The amount of inhibition was comparable to that seen with the inhibitors azide or cyanide and occurred in a dose dependent manner with all three drugs. A cell-free cytotoxic system using myeloperoxidase, iodide, a H2O2 generating system, and target cells also showed inhibition by dapsone, diasone and sulfapyridine in a similar fashion. The active drugs inhibited both the intra- and the extracellular myeloperoxidase-H2O2-halide cytotoxic systems. Serial iodination studies of four dermatitis herpetiformis patients, evaluated while taking dapsone or sulfapyridine, showed inhibition of iodination by either drug. Levels of IgA immune complexes, as measured by the Raji cell radioimmune assay adapted for IgA, did not change when medication was withheld. These studies demonstrate that dapsone, diasone, and sulfapyridine inhibit both neutrophil iodination and cytotoxicity for tumor cells, while other sulfonamides have no effect. This confirms previous studies showing inhibition by myeloperoxidase mediated iodination by dapsone. Furthermore, the effect on neutrophils is quickly reversible;in vivo administered drug has no effect onin vitro function. The active drugs inhibit both intra- and extracellular cytotoxic systems. This may represent an important mechanism by which these drugs produce their therapeutic effects when used to treat inflammatory skin diseases.
Aromatic inhibitors derived from ammonia-pretreated lignocellulose hinder bacterial ethanologenesis by activating regulatory circuits controlling inhibitor efflux and detoxification.

Efficient microbial conversion of lignocellulosic hydrolysates to biofuels is a key barrier to the economically viable deployment of lignocellulosic biofuels. A chief contributor to this barrier is the impact on microbial processes and energy metabolism of lignocellulose-derived inhibitors, including phenolic carboxylates, phenolic amides (for ammonia-pretreated biomass), phenolic aldehydes, and furfurals. To understand the bacterial pathways induced by inhibitors present in ammonia-pretreated biomass hydrolysates, which are less well studied than acid-pretreated biomass hydrolysates, we developed and exploited synthetic mimics of ammonia-pretreated corn stover hydrolysate (ACSH). To determine regulatory responses to the inhibitors normally present in ACSH, we measured transcript and protein levels in an Escherichia coli ethanologen using RNA-seq and quantitative proteomics during fermentation to ethanol of synthetic hydrolysates containing or lacking the inhibitors. Our study identified four major regulators mediating these responses, the MarA/SoxS/Rob network, AaeR, FrmR, and YqhC. Induction of these regulons was correlated with a reduced rate of ethanol production, buildup of pyruvate, depletion of ATP and NAD(P)H, and an inhibition of xylose conversion. The aromatic aldehyde inhibitor 5-hydroxymethylfurfural appeared to be reduced to its alcohol form by the ethanologen during fermentation whereas phenolic acid and amide inhibitors were not metabolized. Together, our findings establish that the major regulatory responses to lignocellulose-derived inhibitors are mediated by transcriptional rather than translational regulators, suggest that energy consumed for inhibitor efflux and detoxification may limit biofuel production, and identify a network of regulators for future synthetic biology efforts.
Singular integral operators along surfaces of revolution

Abstract Let h , γ , and φ be radial functions on R n and let Ω∈H 1 (S n−1 ). Under certain natural conditions on γ and φ , we obtain L p boundedness for the singular integral operators T α,β f(x,x n+1 )= p.v. ∫ R n h |y| Ω(y′) e i|y| −β |y| −n−α f x−y,x n+1 −γ |y| dy and Tf(x,x n+1 )= p.v. ∫ R n h |y| Ω(y′)|y| −n f x−φ |y| y′,x n+1 −γ |y| dy. We also proved the L p boundedness for the maximal operator associated with Tf .
The effect of patent expiration on the market position of drugs

A sample of 12 major drugs is used to examine the effect of patent expiration on market shares and prices in the US market. The results indicate that patent expiration has, at least for the first few years, only a small effect on the market shares and prices of the original drags. Efforts to increase price competion in drug markets, however, may change this situation in the future. The declining effective patent period for drugs and the declining profitability of drug innovation raise the concern that efforts to foster price competition might result in lower levels of innovation.
The banner flap.

Wide experience with the banner flap for closure of postsurgical defects of the nasal dorsum shows not only that it is a predictably safe and versatile procedure but also that its use enables a superior cosmetic result to be obtained. The operative technic is described in detail along with our clinical experience.
Designing for Usability: The Next Iteration is to Reduce Organizational Barriers:

This is a draft of the 1988 Human Factors Society Presidential address. A system design philosophy for developing useful, usable systems and products, which we have been advocating since 1980, is first reviewed. The toughest nuts in carrying out the ideas are organizational barriers and resistances. The key ideas in this paper are proposed technical approaches to facilitate organizational changes. The approaches are described in general terms, and their feasibility await successful research outcomes.
X-ray structure determination of poly(di-n-hexyl silane)

Abstract The crystal structure of the low temperature phase of poly(di-n-hexyl silane) (PdnHS) was determined by X-ray diffraction techniques. The backbone chain conformation was found to be all- trans and the unit cell to be orthorhombic with dimensions a = 1.376, b = 2.386 and c = 0.399 nm. There are two molecules in a unit cell belonging to the Pna 2 1 space group. Intermolecular interactions between side chains appear to be predominantly responsible for the all- trans backbone. Intramolecular crystallization between the side chains of a molecule does not seem feasible.
An Improved Upper Bound for the Hexagonal Lattice Site Percolation Critical Probability

The hexagonal lattice site percolation critical probability is shown to be at most 0.79472, improving the best previous mathematically rigorous upper bound. The bound is derived by using the substitution method to compare the site model with the bond model, the latter of which is exactly solved. Shortcuts which eliminate a substantial amount of computation make the derivation of the bound possible.
Disembodied Technical Change in a Two-Sector Model

There are two aspects of technical change that are essential for a description of the behavior of an economy over time. These are the rate of technical progress and the bias of the change. For a twice-differentiable production function, F(K, L, t) homogeneous of the first degree, with positive marginal products and a diminishing marginal rate of substitution everywhere, where K is capital; L, labor; t, time; these two aspects can be characterized by two indices:2 $$T = \frac{{{F_t}}}{F} = \frac{{K{F_{{K^t}}} + L{F_{{L^t}}}}}{{K{F_K} + L{F_L}}}$$ (1) $$D = \frac{{\partial \left( {{F_K}/{F_L}} \right)}}{{\partial t}}/\frac{{{F_K}}}{{{F_L}}} = \frac{{{F_{{K^t}}}}}{{{F_K}}} - \frac{{{F_{{L^t}}}}}{{{F_L}}}.$$ (2)
The synthesis and characterization of the vanadium diphosphene complex trans-[{V(η5-C5H5)(CO)3}2(PMes)2]

Abstract The vanadium diphosphene complex trans-[{V(η5-C5H5)(CO)3}2(PMes)2] (1) has been synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography, 31P NMR and IR spectroscopy. It is the first reported example of a Group 5 transition-metal diphosphene complex. Complex 1 was synthesized as blue-green crystals via the reaction of Na2V(η5-C5H5)(CO)3 and PCl2Mes and purified by chromatography. It has a centrosymmetric trans structure with a planar C(9)VPP′V′C(9)′ core. The PP′ distance is 2.052(2) A and the VP distance is 2.397(1) A. The structure is discussed in the context of other diphosphene complexes. On the basis of both the structural and IR data of these and the related iron and chromium diphosphene and phosphane complexes it was concluded that a diphosphene bound in an end-on fashion has a π acceptor/σ-donor ratio similar to, or marginally better than, triarylphosphanes. Although calculations indicate considerable metalphosphorus back bonding it receives only equivocal support from experimental data.
Finite element modeling of stress variation in multilayer thin-film specimens for in situ transmission electron microscopy experiments

Multilayer thin-film materials with various thicknesses, compositions, and deposition methods for each layer typically exhibit residual stresses. In situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a powerful technique that has been used to determine correlations between residual stresses and the microstructure. However, to produce electron transparent specimens for TEM, one or more layers of the film are sacrificed, thus altering the state of stresses. By conducting a stress analysis of multilayer thin-film TEM specimens, using a finite element method, we show that the film stresses can be considerably altered after TEM sample preparation. The stress state depends on the geometry and the interactions among multiple layers.
Association models for periodontal disease progression: A comparison of methods for clustered binary data

We investigate population-averaged (PA) and cluster-specific (CS) associations for clustered binary logistic regression in the context of a longitudinal clinical trial that investigated the association between tooth-specific visual elastase kit results and periodontal disease progression within 26 weeks of follow-up. We address estimation of population-averaged logistic regression models with generalized estimating equations (GEE), and conditional likelihood (CL) and mixed effects (ME) estimation of CS logistic regression models. Of particular interest is the impact of clusters that do not provide information for conditional likelihood methods (non-informative clusters) on inferences based upon the various methodologies. The empirical and analytical results indicate that CL methods yield smaller test statistics than ME methods when non-informative clusters exist, and that CL estimates are less efficient than ME estimates under certain conditions. Moreover, previously reported relationships between population-averaged and cluster-specific parameters appear to hold for the corresponding estimates in the presence of these clusters.
Receptive Volitional Subjunctive Abilities in Heritage and Traditional Foreign Language Learners of Spanish

The Spanish subjunctive has been known to pose difficulties for learners of Spanish whose native language is English (e.g., Collentine, 1997, 2003 ; Terrell, Baycroft, & Perrone, 1987 ). Investigating the same feature in heritage learners of Spanish can provide more information about the linguistic development of this growing population. This pilot study compared heritage and foreign language (FL) learners' ability to recognize native-like and nonnative-like mood choice in volitional constructions. Students enrolled in heritage and traditional FL Spanish courses at 3 universities in the Northeast completed a grammaticality judgment (GJ) task and an editing task, which contained examples of indicative, infinitive, and subjunctive use in volitional constructions. Heritage learners scored significantly higher on average than their FL peers on the editing, GJ, and combined (editing and GJ) tasks. These results suggest that home and community exposure play an important role in subjunctive acquisition and that instruction should be tailored to heritage learners' abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Update on policy change proposal to end Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) review of rDNA vaccine clinical trials

Background The HIV vaccine regimen showing partial efficacy in the RV 144 study included a canarypox-vectored vaccine (ALVAC). The ongoing HIV vaccine efficacy trial, HVTN 505, involves two gene-based vaccines developed by VRC/ NIAID/NIH: plasmid DNA and adenoviral-vectored vaccines. The “NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules,” established in 1976, have evolved over time. Current NIH policy is that every clinical trial of rDNA vaccines must have IBC reviews. The primary role of the IBC is to assess risk to public health and the environment.
SYNTHESIS OF GLYCOPROTEINS AND GANGLIO-SIDES IN DEVELOPING RAT BRAIN

— Intracerebral injections of radioactive fucose into developing rats resulted in specific labelling of the brain glycoproteins in their fucose moieties. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate revealed that the radioactive glycoproteins were very heterogeneous with regard to molecular weight. A procedure utilizing [3H]fucose and [14C]fucose together with double-label counting techniques was developed for comparing the electrophoretic patterns of newly synthesized glycoproteins from different samples of tissue. By the use of this procedure we showed that the incorporation of radioactive fucose into the glycoproteins of high mol. wt. was relatively greater in the brains of 5-day-old rats than in those of 25-day-old rats. Intracerebral injection of N-[Ac-3H]acetyl-d-mannosamine resulted in a high degree of specificity for the labelling of sialic acid moieties in glycoproteins and gangliosides. The ratio of the d.p.m. of N-[3H]acetylmannosamine incorporated into glycoproteins to the d.p.m. incorporated into gangliosides was higher in 5-day-old rats than in 15- or 25-day-old rats. Experiments in which 15-day-old rats were injected with a mixture of [14C]fucose and N-[3H]acetylmannosamine showed that there were differences in the relative degrees of incorporation of the two radioactive precursors into the various glycoproteins. The greatest incorporation of [14C]fucose relative to that of N-[3H]acetylmannosamine occurred in some of the glycoproteins of smaller mol. wt.
Confronting ideology and self‐interest: Avoiding misuse of evaluation

This chapter illustrates the attempt to misuse the evaluation of a complex, large-scale, highly visible project with many powerful stakeholders and presents the authors' suggestions for countering the misuse.
The meanings of marital surnames

To assess the meanings attached to marital surnames a younger group of adults (56 unmarried college students) and an older group (209 married and unmarried graduate students, members of the staff and faculty of a university) completed a questionnaire about this topic. In general, we found that surnames convey an important sense of identity to women just as they do to men, although both sexes underestimate the extent to which women say that they identify with their premarital surnames. Actual decisions about marital-surname choice may be influenced by personal, familial, and societal beliefs, even when these beliefs have no legal basis. Moreover, our respondents did not believe that the adoption of a traditional surname necessarily implied either a traditional division of labor in the marriage or the male's assumption of legal responsibilities for children of the marriage. Sex differences emerged in the responses to a number of the items.
A disaster environmental simulator

A Disaster Environmental Simulator (DES) has been developed for the study of resources allocation in a potential disaster locality and for the training of disaster managers. The DES is composed of four computer pro grams—Disaster Effects, Medical Inputs, Decision Cycle, and Mortality/Recovery. A potential disaster locality is divided into geographical areas. Within each geograph ical area, an inventory is established. The inventory con sists of people (nonmedical people, doctors, nurses, and medical technicians) and things (vehicles, medical sup plies, and hospital facilities).
Aluminum: Properties, Presence in Food and Beverages, Fate in Humans, and Determination

The chemical form of aluminum, influenced by pH, greatly influences its behavior. Aluminum is extensively used, in water purification, in personal care products, in medications, as food additives, and in beverage and food processing and storage. Food provides the major source of daily aluminum intake for most people, typically 5–10 mg. Consumption of food with aluminum-containing food additives can greatly increase this. Beverage and food processing and storage in aluminum vessels usually increase their aluminum content, constituting < 50% of daily aluminum intake. Acidic and alkaline beverages and foods mobilize aluminum more than near neutral pH materials. The percentage of aluminum that is absorbed from beverages and foods is well < 1%. Aluminum is effectively eliminated in people with normal renal function. Aluminum quantification in simple aqueous solutions can be accomplished by many methods; in complex sources such as food and biological samples, digestion to a homogenous solution is necessary before elemental analysis.
The Use of Sociocultural Poetry to Assist Gifted Students in Developing Empathy for the Lived Experiences of Others

Sociocultural poetry can be used in conjunction with a 6-step counselor empathy model to help gifted students understand the lived experiences of others, as well as to help these same students explore their own feelings and thoughts about self in relation to the world. The model can also be utilized to assist in the development of basic empathy skills.
Multiblock copolymers of poly(2,5‐benzophenone) and disulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) for proton‐exchange membranes. I. Synthesis and characterization

Nanophase-separated, hydrophilic-hydrophobic multiblock copolymers are promising proton-exchange-membrane materials because of their ability to form various morphological structures that enhance transport. A series of poly(2,5-benzophenone)-activated, telechelic aryl fluoride oligomers with different block molecular weights were successfully synthesized by the Ni(0)-catalyzed coupling of 2,5-dichlorobenzophenone and the end-capping agent 4-chloro-4'-fluorobenzophenone. These telechelic oligomers (hydrophobic) were then copolymerized with phenoxide-terminated, disulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone)s (hydrophilic) by nucleophilic, aromatic substitution to form hydrophilic-hydrophobic multiblock copolymers. High-molecular-weight multiblock copolymers with number-average block lengths ranging from 3000 to 10,000 g/mol were successfully synthesized. Two separate glass-transition temperatures were observed via differential scanning calorimetry in the transparent multiblock copolymer films when each block length was longer than 6000 g/mol. Tapping-mode atomic force microscopy also showed clear nanophase separation between the hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains and the influence of the block length as it increased from 6000 to 10,000 g/mol. Transparent and creasable films were solvent-cast and exhibited moderate proton conductivity and low water uptake. These copolymers are promising candidates for high-temperature proton-exchange membranes in fuel cells, which will be reported separately in part II of this series.
MusicGrip: A Writing Instrument for Music Control

In this project, we have developed a real-time writing instrument for music control. The controller, MusicGrip, can capture the subtle dynamics of the user’s grip while writing or drawing and map this to musical control signals and sonic outputs. This paper discusses this conversion of the common motor motion of handwriting into an innovative form of music expression. The presented example instrument can be used to integrate the composing aspect of music with painting and writing, creating a new art form from the resultant aural and visual representation of the collaborative performing process.
Nest Success of Gunnison Sage-Grouse in Colorado, USA

Gunnison Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus minimus) is a species of concern for which little demographic information exists. To help fill this information gap, we investigated factors affecting nest success in two populations of Gunnison Sage-Grouse. We assessed the relative effects of (1) vegetation characteristics (e.g., shrub height, shrub cover, grass cover, and grass height), (2) temporal factors (e.g., year, timing of incubation initiation, and nest age), (3) precipitation, and (4) age of the nesting female (yearling or adult) on nest success rates. We found 177 nests in the Gunnison Basin population (that contains 85–90% of the species) from 2005–2010 and 20 nests in the San Miguel population (that contains < 10% of the species) from 2007–2010. Temporal factors had the greatest impact on nest success compared to vegetation characteristics, precipitation, and female age. Nest success varied considerably among years ranging from 4.0%-60.2% in Gunnison Basin and from 12.9%- 51.9% in San Miguel. Nests that were initiated earlier in the breeding season had higher nest success (at least one egg hatches). Daily nest survival rates decreased during the course of incubation. None of the vegetation characteristics we examined were strongly related to nest success.
A virtual memory translation mechanism to support checkpoint and rollback recovery

Checkpoint and rollback recovery is a technique that allows a system to tolerate a failure by per iodically sav­ ing the entir e state and if an error occurs, rolling back to the prior checkpoint. This technique zs partic ularly suited to applic ations with long execution times such as those typic ally found m supercomputer environments. This paper presents a technique that embeds the sup­ port for checkpoint and rollback rec overy dzrectly into the virtua l memory translation hardware. The scheme is general enough to be implemented on various scopes of data such as a portion of an address space, a sin­ gle address space or multiple address spaces. A basic model is developed which measures the amount of work required by the scheme as a function of the checkpoint interval Stze. Using this model the degree to which the overhead decreases as the interva l size increases is shown.
Aquaporin 4-Specific T Cells in Neuromyelitis Optica Exhibit a Th17 Bias and Recognize Clostridium ABC Transporter

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a rare, disabling, sometimes fatal, central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating disease characterized by severe attacks of optic neuritis and transverse myelitis.1 NMO is considered to be primarily a humoral autoimmune disease, as a majority of NMO patients develop autoantibodies (NMO immunoglobulin [Ig]G) against aquaporin 4 (AQP4),2 the predominant CNS water channel, which is abundantly expressed on astrocytes. AQP4-specific antibodies in NMO serum are IgG1, a subclass of mature IgG that requires help from T cells,3 indicating that AQP4-specific CD4+ T cells participate in the genesis of this adaptive humoral response. Passive transfer of AQP4-specific antibodies alone did not produce CNS pathology, but did promote development of NMO-like lesions in recipient animals when CNS inflammation was induced by myelin-specific T cells.4, 5 T cells are detected within active NMO lesions.6 Further, NMO lesions are characterized by an abundance of eosinophils and neutrophils, and elevated levels of IL-17 have been associated with NMO,7 suggesting involvement of Th17 cells. However, as no previous studies have identified or characterized proliferative AQP4-specific T cells in NMO patients, their potential role in NMO pathogenesis is largely unknown. In this report, we first identified peripheral blood T cells from NMO patients and healthy controls (HC) that proliferated in response to discrete AQP4 peptides or intact AQP4. T cells from NMO patients demonstrated greater proliferation to this autoantigen than those from HC, and responded most frequently to p61–80. After defining the p61–80 core T-cell determinant, residues 63–76, we conducted a homology search with known microbes. We discovered that AQP4 p63–76 contains strong homology to aa 204–217 of an adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette (ABC) transporter permease of Clostridium perfringens, a bacterial species that contains both commensal and pathogenic strains for humans. T cells from NMO patients responded to the homologous ABC transporter peptide and exhibited cross-reactivity between this foreign antigen and AQP4 p63–76, findings that support molecular mimicry. When compared to HC, AQP4 p61–80-specific T cells from NMO patients exhibited Th17 polarization. Monocytes from NMO patients produced significantly higher levels of the Th17-polarizing cytokine interleukin (IL)-6, suggesting that immunologic dysfunction in NMO may also include the innate immune compartment. Collectively, our findings establish that AQP4-specific proliferative T cells exist, and support a Th17 bias in the adaptive immune response in NMO. Our demonstration of T-cell molecular mimicry may stimulate further evaluation of the potential role of the Clostridium species in NMO pathogenesis.
Photothermal Effects of Supramolecularly Assembled Gold Nanoparticles for the Targeted Treatment of Cancer Cells

Noble-metal nanostructures with unique photophysical properties have been considered as prime candidate agents for the photothermal treatment of cancer.[1–4] Typically, the photothermal properties of these nanostructures can be controlled by manipulating their sizes and shapes.[4,5] Over the past decade, significant endeavors have been devoted to the production of a variety of gold nanostructures, such as nanoparticles,[6,7] nanoshells,[8–10] nanorods,[11,12] and nanocages,[5,13,14] which are able to overcome limitations of organic-dye-based photothermal agents,[7] such as low light absorption and undesired photobleaching. For sufficient energy to be harvested/generated to damage tumor cells, the size of these nanostructure-based agents are required in the range of tens to hundreds nm.[15] However, the relatively “large” size of the agents often leads to poor bioclearance (i.e., accumulation in the liver, spleen, and kidneys), which is a major obstacle to their in vivo application.[16–18] Alternatively, the photophysical properties of noble-metal nanostructures can be altered systematically by the formation of aggregates through self-assembly.[19–30] The antibody-assisted aggregation of Au nanoparticles on cell membranes or in intracellular environments led to the enhancement of photothermal performance[31] as a result of the collective effects[32,33] associated with the assembled structures. Therefore, the self-assembly of small noble-metal building blocks, that is, noble-metal colloids with diameters of less than 8 nm[16–18] (compatible with renal clearance) would be a promising approach toward a new class of noble-metal photothermal agents.
Vanishing Trials: The Bankruptcy Experience

The federal bankruptcy system provides two critical points of comparison with data about the overall trends of federal lawsuits and trials. The first is the rising number of bankruptcy filings, which indicates that a growing number of collection actions and debtor-creditor disputes are funneled into the bankruptcy system for relatively quick, cheap resolution. The second point of comparison focuses on adversary proceedings, the lawsuit-like subset of disputes that sometimes are resolved within a bankruptcy. The trend lines here suggest that the number of adversary proceedings filed is climbing, while the number of such disputes that are actually resolved by trial is declining. Like the data about the federal court system generally, these data suggest that the trial is quietly vanishing from the bankruptcy system. Data about the number of judges and about business and nonbusiness bankruptcy cases make it possible to explore two competing hypotheses—a Judicial Workload Hypothesis and a Cost Hypothesis—to explain the overall findings. The data are not conclusive, but they are consistent with the view that judicial workloads explain less of the decline in the number of trials than an increase in litigants’ costs of resolving disputes in bankruptcy. The data are also consistent with a vision of bankruptcy as an evolving process that is increasingly standardized (and cheaper) for nonbusiness debtors, while it is highly individualized (and more costly) for business cases. If that vision is right, it has implications both for understanding the changing role of the trial and for considering various statutory proposals to differentiate further the treatment of large business, small business, and nonbusiness cases.
Fault Coverage Estimation for Non-Random Functional Input Sequences

Statistical stuck-at fault coverage estimation assumes that signals at primary inputs and at other internal gates of the circuit are statistically independent. While valid for random and pseudo-random inputs, this causes substantial errors in coverage estimation for input sequences that are functional and not random, as shown by experimental data presented in this paper. At internal gates, signal correlation due to fanout reconvergence, even for random input sequences, contributes to errors. A significantly improved coverage estimation algorithm is presented in this paper. First, during logic simulation we identify faults that are guaranteed to stay undetected by the applied vectors. Then, after logic simulation, we estimate the detection probabilities of the remaining faults. Compared to Stafan, the statistics gathered during logic simulation are modified in order to eliminate the non-random biasing of the input sequence. Besides the improved detection probabilities, a newly defined effective length (Neff) of the vector sequence corrects for the temporally correlated signals. Experimental results for ISCAS combinational benchmarks demonstrate validity of this approach
Van Der Waerden's Construction of a Splitting Field

In his classic book, Modern Algebra, Van der Waerden (1953) gave a procedure for factoring polynomials over a finite-dimensional, separable, simple extension field. I believe that there is a nonconstructive component to his proof, and I will indicate where it comes in and why. Although I'm sure that this component could be avoided while staying within the framework that he set down, it is simpler to get around the problem by working with a splitting algebra, which is easily constructed for any polynomial and base field. The existence of a splitting field then follows from Van der Waerden's argument.
THE ACTIVITY OF YEAST INVERTASE AS A FUNCTION OF OXIDATION-REDUCTION POTENTIAL.

The activity of yeast invertase as a function of oxidation-reduction potential has been investigated using a large number of oxidants and reductants. The activity is constant over the range of Eh from –270 to +600 mv., but above Eh = +600 mv. there is a sharp decrease in activity reaching 0 at Eh = +1,000 mv. The inhibiting action of strong oxidants is upon the enzyme rather than on the substrate and appears to be essentially irreversible Experiments indicate that the inhibiting action of strong oxidants on invertase is primarily related to their high oxidation-reduction potential rather than to a specific toxic action unrelated to Eh. The effects of oxidation-reduction potential upon invertase activity are independent of the purity of the enzyme, since they are the same for commercial invertases, fresh bakers' yeast, powdered bakers' yeast, brewers' yeast, and highly purified invertase. Possible mechanisms involved in the inactivation of invertase by oxidants are discussed.
A note on a nonparametric regression test through penalized splines

We examine a test of a nonparametric regression function based on penalized spline smoothing. We show that, similarly to a penalized spline estimator, the asymptotic power of the penalized spline test falls into a small- K or a large-K scenarios characterized by the number of knots K and the smoothing parameter. However, the optimal rate of K and the smoothing parameter maximizing power for testing is different from the optimal rate minimizing the mean squared error for estimation. Our investigation reveals that compared to estimation, some under-smoothing may be desirable for the testing problems. Furthermore, we compare the proposed test with the likelihood ratio test (LRT). We show that when the true function is more complicated, containing multiple modes, the test proposed here may have greater power than LRT. Finally, we investigate the properties of the test through simulations and apply it to two data examples.
Geometrical Effects of Exploding Films on Plasma Formation

Summary form only given. Metallized exploding films can serve as a surrogate for exploding wires in many applications. A few advantages that films have over wires are that they are more structurally robust and can be shaped more easily for specific applications. If long films are desired, for example to reduce ESD sensitivity, the film can be shaped to fit in a variety of geometries. In our experiments, films as long as 13" have exhibited plasma formation. Experiments were performed to analyze the effect of the geometry of the film on the transient plasma formation. Tests with flat geometries and spiral geometries were conducted. The results have been analyzed and are presented.
The New Sovereignty in International Relations1

The academic study of sovereignty is undergoing a mini-renaissance. Stimulated by criticisms of classical conceptions of sovereignty in systemic theories of politics, scholars returned to sovereignty as a topic of inquiry in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Their studies are finally bearing fruit. This essay focuses on the new conceptions of sovereignty that are emerging and (1) discusses the fundamental nature of sovereignty, (2) reviews the classical perspective on sovereignty, (3) surveys new constructivist alternatives to this classical view, (4) examines important new work on the problematic nature of sovereignty, (5) identifies continua of hierarchic relationships that make sense of the various forms of mixed or restricted sovereignty that we observe in world politics, and (6) argues why it is important to study alternative, hierarchic relationships in international relations. The principal themes throughout are that sovereignty is far more problematic than recognized in the classical model, that important elements of hierarchy exist in the global system, and that both our theories and practice of international politics would be improved by explicitly incorporating variations in hierarchy.
Partner Preferences in Different Aged Female Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta)

It has been suggested that there is a strong age-peer preference for social partners among aged human and nonhuman primates. The purpose of this investigation was to study the social pairings that occurred in a large (70 animal) social group of rhesus macaques. Six females in each of three age classifications (old, prime, and young adults) were observed during a breeding season and nonbreeding season to determine with whom these individuals interacted in socially affiliative ways. The study group was housed in a 38 X 38 m outdoor area and only naturally occurring interactions were observed. The results suggest strong cross-age partner preferences that affect the distribution of socially affiliative responses within the group. There was a strong preference for kin in all classes except prime aged sisters. Among nonkin only the infants were consistently preferred as target animals for socially affiliative responses.
An investigation of a two parameter problem for conformal maps onto circular arc quadrilaterals

A rigorous numerical method is developed for a two parameter problem of finding the conformal mapping of the unit disc onto a symmetric circular arc quadrilateral with orthogonal boundary arcs. The numerical method employs a double secant method over a feasible domain determined by solving or estimating an inequality relating to the Schwarz norm of the Schwarzian derivative of a mapping onto a circular arc quadrilateral. A criterion is given which can be used to test numerically whether or not a solution obtained by the numerical method is univalent.