cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Principles and preliminary concepts for compliant mechanically reactive armor

This paper defines mechanically reactive armor to be a subset of reactive armor systems where mechanical armor elements transform dynamically to reject or transform energy from kinetic energy weapons into less harmful forms of energy. The physics governing ricochet and penetration are briefly reviewed, and several principles for mechanically enhancing armor systems are identified. Specific mechanical functions required by these principles were isolated. It is proposed that compliant mechanisms, including Lamina Emergent Mechanisms, are capable of offering the mechanical functions that satisfy stated armor principles and the resulting devices are referred to as compliant mechanically reactive armor (CMRA) systems. CMRA elements can be implemented in cooperation with other passive and reactive elements to provide superior armor systems. For illustration purposes, various theoretical concepts are presented to demonstrate potential elements of CMRA systems.
Identification of three novel Hb F variants: Hb F-Hayward [Gγ1(NA1)Gly→Asp, GGT>GAT], Hb F-Chori-I [AγT16(A13)Gly→Asp, GGC>GAC] and Hb F-Chori-II [AγI29(B11)Gly→Glu, GGA>GAA].

Three new γ-globin chain mutations were identified in four newborn samples referred to the Hemoglobinopathy Reference Laboratory at the Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland, Oakland, CA, USA, for diagnostic testing. The variants were characterized by sequencing of amplified γ-globin genes. These three novel variants have been named Hb F-Hayward [Gγ1(NA1)Gly→Asp, GGT>GAT], Hb F-Chori-I [AγT16(A13)Gly→Asp, GGC>GAC] and Hb F-Chori-II [AγI29(B11)Gly→Glu, GGA>GAA], respectively. No functional studies could be performed.
Do Long-Chain Acyl-CoA Synthetases Regulate Fatty Acid Entry into Synthetic Versus Degradative Pathways?

Recent studies suggest that the long-chain acyl-CoA synthetases (ACS) may play a role in channeling fatty acids either toward complex lipid synthesis and storage or toward oxidation. Each of the five members of the ACS family that has been cloned has a distinct tissue distribution and subcellular location, and is regulated independently during cellular differentiation and by diverse hormones and nuclear transcription factors including adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARalpha) and sterol regulatory element binding protein. Taken as a whole, these features suggest that in liver, ACS1 and ACS5 may provide acyl-CoA destined primarily for triacylglycerol synthesis or for mitochondrial oxidation, respectively. ACS4 may provide acyl-CoA for both synthesis and peroxisomal oxidation, depending on whether the enzyme is associated with the mitochondrial-associated membrane or with peroxisomes. It should be emphasized that although the data for acyl-CoA channeling are strong, they are indirect. Rigorous testing of these predictions will be required.
Monitoring and fault diagnosis of a polymerization reactor by interfacing knowledge-based and multivariate SPM tools

An intelligent process monitoring and fault diagnosis environment is developed by interfacing multivariate statistical process monitoring (MSPM) techniques and knowledge-based systems (KBS) for monitoring continuous multivariable process operation. The software is tested by monitoring the performance of a continuous stirred tank reactor for polymerization of vinyl acetate. The real-time KBS G2 and its diagnostic assistant (GDA) tool are integrated with MSPM methods based on canonical variate state space (CVSS) process models. Fault detection is based on T/sup 2/ of state variables and squared prediction errors (SPE) charts. Contribution plots in G2 are used for determining the process variables that have contributed to the out-of-control signal indicated by large T/sup 2/ and/or SPE values, and GDA is used to diagnose the source cause of the abnormal process behavior. The MSPM modules developed in Matlab are linked with G2 and GDA, permitting the use of MSPM tools for multivariable processes with autocorrelated data. The presentation will focus on the structure and performance of the integrated system. On-line SPM of the multivariable polymerization process is illustrated by simulation studies.
Directionality and Crest Length Statistics of Steep Waves in Open Ocean Waters

Abstract A new wavelet analysis methodology is applied to open ocean wave height data from the Southern Ocean Waves Experiment (1992) and from a field experiment conducted at Duck, North Carolina, in 1997 with the aim of estimating the directionality and crest lengths of steep waves. The crest directionality statistic shows that most of the steep wave crests are normal to the direction of the mean wind. This is inconsistent with the Fourier wavenumber spectrum that shows a broad bimodal directional spreading at high wavenumbers. The crest length statistics demonstrate that the wave field is dominated by short-crested waves with small crest length/wavelength ratios. The one-dimensional steep wave statistic obtained from the integration of the directional (two dimensional) steep wave statistic is consistent with the one-dimensional steep wave statistic obtained from the one-dimensional analysis at high wave slope thresholds.
CELLULAR AUTOMATA APPROACH TO AIRCRAFT CORROSION GROWTH

Corrosion is one of the degrading mechanisms that greatly affect the structural integrity of aerospace components. Corrosion begins with small imperfections in the given material referred to as "pits". Over time, and with exposure to the environment and loading stresses, these pits grow into structural cracks. These cracks, under further exposure to elements and stress, will eventually lead to material failure. To better understand how corrosion growth process takes place in materials, research is being conducted to simulate corrosion pit growth process using computational intelligence methods. The objective of this study is to develop a discrete dynamic model using cellular automata to simulate the pitting corrosion growth process in aircraft materials, and see how it affects the structural integrity.
Assignment of Arrival Slots

Industry participants agree that, when inclement weather forces the FAA to reassign airport landing slots, incentives and property rights should be respected. We show that the FAA’s Compression algorithm is incentive compatible, but fails to guarantee a form of property rights. This is significant since these conditions were the motivation for introducing Compression a decade ago. We give an alternative mechanism that does satisfy these conditions. It has the flavor of Top Trading Cycle variants of Abdulkadiro ˘ g lu and Sonmez (1999) and Papai (2000) for related but distinct models. Finally, both mechanisms may fail another condition: the incentive to vacate unusable landing slots. (JEL D45, D82, L93, L98, P14, R41)
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: strategies for prevention

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a serious, iatrogenic complication of ovarian stimulation. The following report is a review of traditional and new strategies to prevent the development of OHSS. Techniques such as reducing the ovarian stimulus, coasting and cryopreservation are discussed. Other more investigative strategies are also summarized, including follicular aspiration, in-vitro maturation of immature oocytes, the use of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists to trigger ovulation and the use of volume expanders such as hydroxyethyl starch. In addition, a review of the internal experience with OHSS at the authors' institution is described. All these preventative approaches are based on current understanding of the physiologic mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of OHSS.
Chicken immunoglobulins: biological half-lives and normal adult serum concentrations of IgM and IgY.

SummaryChicken IgY, the major serum immunoglobulin, was shown to have a biological half-life of ~4.1 days, a serum concentration of ~5.3 mg/ml, and a synthetic rate of mg/kg/day. Serum IgM had a half-life of ~1.7 days, a serum concentration of ~0.71 mg/ml, and a synthetic rate of 16 mg/kg/day.
The Dynamics of Bargaining and War

Filson and Werner (2002) introduce a formal model of bargaining and war to explore conditions under which states that can negotiate settlements choose to initiate and terminate violence. Filson and...
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction and selected health parameters in the elderly

Little research has focused on temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD) in the elderly. The present study describes relationships between TMJD and selected health parameters in a population of 75- to 94-year-old Roman Catholic sisters (nuns). Mental, physical, and oral assessments made on 117 sisters identified 26 with TMJD. Among all sisters, TMJD was not associated with age, education, mental impairments, hand coordination, handgrip strength, mobility, or use of walking aids. In 75- to 84-year-old sisters, TMJD was positively associated with self-reported arthritis (p = 0.12), edentulism (p = 0.09), and the presence of complete dentures (p = 0.05), and negatively associated with the number of teeth present (p = 0.05), especially the posterior teeth. These associations were weaker in 85- to 94-year-old sisters. This study suggests that TMJD is associated with the presence of complete dentures and a low number of teeth, especially the posterior teeth.
Adenosine cyclic 3',5'-monophosphate dependent protein kinase: kinetic mechanism for the bovine skeletal muscle catalytic subunit.

The kinetic mechanism for adenosine cyclic 3',5'-monophosphate dependent protein kinase was determined from initial velocity studies in the absence and presence of the product MgADP and dead-end inhibitors. Data are consistent with random addition of MgATP and Ser-peptide and ordered release of phospho-Ser-peptide and MgADP with a dead-end E-MgADP-Ser-peptide complex. In addition to the metal required for the nucleotide, we also characterized the binding of Mg2+ to a second site. Increasing the Mg2+ results in a 5-6-fold decrease in V,,, in the presence or absence of 0.1 M KCl. There is a 5-fold increase in V/KMgATP in the absence of KCl and a 13-fold increase in V/KMdTP at 0.1 M KC1. The effect of increasing free Mg2+ on V,,, and V/K was also obtained with MgITP (20% the V,,, with MgATP) and MgGTP (10% the V,,, with MgATP) as substrates. The dissociation constant for Mg2+ from E-Ser-peptide-Mg2+ and central complexes is 2-3 mM. At low concentrations of free Adenosine cyclic 3',5'-monophosphate dependent protein kinase catalyzes the phorphorylation of a variety of proteins according to
A simple method of extrapolating the coexistence curve and predicting the melting point depression curve from cloud point data for polymer-diluent systems

Abstract This paper presents a quick, useful method for obtaining an equilibrium phase diagram (including the melting point depression curve) for a semicrystalline polymer-diluent mixture from cloud point data. Good agreement was obtained between the theoretically predicted and experimentally generated equilibrium crystallization curves in spite of simplifying assumptions. An accurate extrapolation of the coexistence curve to regions in the phase diagram where experimental generation of cloud point data is not possible was also obtained. Flory's original polymer swelling theory was used to determine the complete phase diagram. In the system studied (isotactic polypropylene in diphenyl ether), the interaction parameter was assumed to be a function of temperature only. Cloud points were generated experimentally, and an interaction parameter was determined at each temperature. A melting point depression curve was calculated from the temperature dependent interaction parameter and compared with experimentally determined equilibrium melting points. The resulting phase diagram was used to interpret the morphology of microporous structures prepared by the thermally induced phase separation mechanism.
A Proteasome from the Methanogenic Archaeon Methanosarcina thermophila

Abstract A 645-kDa proteasome was purified from Methanosarcina thermophila which had chymotrypsin-like and peptidylglutamyl-peptide hydrolase activities and contained α (24-kDa) and β (22-kDa) subunits. Processing of both subunits was suggested by comparison of N-terminal sequences with the sequences deduced from the α- and β-encoding genes (psmA and psmB). Alignment of deduced sequences for the α and β subunits revealed high similarity; however, the N-terminal sequence of the α subunit contained an additional 24 amino acids that were not present in the β subunit. The α and β subunits had high sequence identity with α- and β-type subunits of proteasomes from eucaryotic organisms and the distantly related archaeon Thermoplasma acidophilum. The psmB gene was transcribed in vivo as a monocistronic message from a consensus archaeal promoter. The results suggest that proteasomes are more widespread in the Archaea than previously proposed. Southern blotting experiments suggested the presence of ubiquitin-like sequences in M. thermophila.
Make Room for Dying: End of Life Care in Nursing Homes

The cornerstone of contemporary nursing home care is a commitment to patient rehabilitation. Improved care is an important and worthwhile goal, but it is a goal that has yet to make room for the dying. A significant proportion of older people will spend their final days in a nursing home. This article calls for a culture shift in nursing home care to promote improved care for not only those who can be rehabilitated but also those who are dying. This article begins by addressing challenges to achieving this culture that are particular to the nursing home context. It then explains how adjusting the general framework for end of life decision-making to better account for the nursing home context can help make room for the dying. End of life care should be framed around issues that commonly face the dying rather than the extreme scenario of, for example, the person in the vegetative state. Focusing on more common issues may help to reduce incidences of unnecessary hospitalization and improve pain treatment at the end of life. The article concludes by considering three fundamental assumptions in the current structure for end of life decision-making that are particularly ill-suited to the nursing home environment. First, the concept that palliative care is synonymous with “care for the dying” may cause providers to withhold such care until an individual is labeled as “dying.” Second, it is problematic to single-mindedly focus on the autonomy of the patient in end of life decisions when family members and caregivers are integrally involved in long-term care. Third and finally, the legal structure of end of life decisions weighs in favor of medical intervention, and this may affect one’s ability to opt for palliative care.
Mechanisms of aural encoding III: Distinctive features for vowels

To determine the processing of vowel sounds in short-term memory for a serial recall task, 100 Ss heard either a short string of isolated vowel sounds, or a string in which each of these same sounds was embedded between the consonants “h” and “d”. In contrast to findings by Wickelgren, neither an articulatory or an acoustic distinctive-feature analysis predicted the pattern of intrusion errors found. The overall recall of the different sounds was predicted by the ease with which they could be labelled for rehearsal. However, ease of labelling would not explain the pattern of intrusion errors, nor would any other analysis tried. These results are consistent with a coding model presented by Liberman et al (J967). Surprisingly, the patterns of intrusion errors were very similar whether the sounds were presented alone or embedded in words. The implications of these findings for distinctive feature theory and the encoding process are discussed.
Errors in Lattice Extractions of αs Due to Use of Unphysical Pion Masses

Abstract We investigate the errors due to the use of unphysical values of light quark masses in lattice extractions of α s . A functional form for the pion mass dependence of the quarkonium mass splittings ( Δm ) is given as an expansion in m π (4πf π ) and m π r B , where r B is the quarkonium Bohr radius. We find that, to lowest order, Δm ⋍ A + Bm π 2 , where the scale of B is given by f π 2 r B 3 . To order m π 4 there are four unknown coefficients, however, utilizing multipole and operator product expansions, symmetry arguments eliminate one of the four unknowns. Using the central values for the lattice spacings which were extracted using two different, unphysical values for the pion mass, we find that the errors introduced by extrapolating to the physical regime are comparable to the errors quoted due to other sources. Extrapolation to physical values of the pion mass increases the value of α s (M Z ) , bringing its value closer to the high energy extractions.
The neurobiology of autism

Improving clinical tests are allowing us to more precisely classify autism spectrum disorders and diagnose them at earlier ages. This raises the possibility of earlier and potentially more effective therapeutic interventions. To fully capitalize on this opportunity, however, will require better understanding of the neurobiological changes underlying this devastating group of developmental disorders. It is becoming clear that the normal trajectory of neurodevelopment is altered in autism, with aberrations in brain growth, neuronal patterning and cortical connectivity. Changes to the structure and function of synapses and dendrites have also been strongly implicated in the pathology of autism by morphological, genetic and animal modeling studies. Finally, environmental factors are likely to interact with the underlying genetic profile, and foster the clinical heterogeneity seen in autism spectrum disorders. In this review we attempt to link the molecular pathways altered in autism to the neurodevelopmental and clinical changes that characterize the disease. We focus on signaling molecules such as neurotrophin, Reelin, PTEN and hepatocyte growth factor, neurotransmitters such as serotonin and glutamate, and synaptic proteins such as neurexin, SHANK and neuroligin. We also discuss evidence implicating oxidative stress, neuroglial activation and neuroimmunity in autism.
Determination of trace level copper (II) binding to Medicago sativa (alfalfa) by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy with Zeeman background correction

Current technologies used to extract heavy metals from the environment have proven to be expensive and have adverse health effects. Thus there is a need to develop techniques to extract metal ions from the environment in an inexpensive manner while reducing any potential adverse health effects. Because of this need to develop new technologies to extract metals from the environment, research has turned to novel methods such as phytofiltration, phytoextraction and bioaccumulation of metals. Alfalfa biomass has proven to be a plant that has the ability to adsorb heavy metals from solution in appreciable amounts. However, the majority of these studies have only investigated the adsorption of high concentrations of metal ions. Nevertheless, few studies have been performed at trace levels. Batch experiments were performed on the alfalfa biomass to investigate the sorption of trace levels of copper (100 ppb) from solution. The metal analyses were performed using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS) with Zeeman background correction. Additional batch experiments were performed to characterize the optimal binding pH and time exposure required for copper(II) adsorption by alfalfa biomass. The optimum binding pH was found to be around pH 5.0, with 95% binding of the copper(II) from solution. Also, a maximum binding was found to occur within the first 5 min of contact which remained constant for 1 h. In addition, batch interference studies were performed which showed little binding interference with varying concentrations of calcium, magnesium and sodium ions (as high as 1000 ppm). The results of these experiments at trace copper(II) levels were very similar to those performed at higher copper(II) levels. This may indicate that similar functional groups (e.g. carboxyl groups) are involved in copper binding by the alfalfa biomass at low and high copper concentrations. The information gained in this study allowed us to determine the efficiency of alfalfa biomass to bind copper ions at trace concentrations.
An optimal distributed load balancing algorithm for homogeneous work units

Many parallel applications, for example, Adaptive Mesh Refinement simulations, need dynamic load balancing during the course of their execution because of dynamic variation in the computational load. We propose a novel tree-based fully distributed algorithm for load balancing homogeneous work units. The proposed algorithm achieves perfect load balance while doing minimum number of migrations of work units.
Semi-active hybrid control systems for nonlinear buildings against near-field earthquakes

Because of the high peak acceleration and high velocity pulse with long period, near-field earthquakes, such as Northridge, Kobe and Chi-Chi earthquakes, are responsible for the destruction and severe damage to civil infrastructures. Under this circumstance, the low-damping passive base isolation system alone cannot ensure the safety of building structures. The purpose of this paper is to present the safety performances of various types of hybrid control systems for nonlinear buildings against near-field earthquakes. Hybrid control systems considered consist of mainly the base isolation system and either the passive control devices or the semi-active dampers or the combination thereof. Passive control systems studied involve viscous dampers and friction dampers, whereas two newly proposed semi-active control systems are investigated including the resetting semi-active stiffness damper and the semi-active electromagnetic friction damper. The elasto-plastic behaviors of both the base-isolation system and the building have been considered in the analysis. Extensive simulation studies have been conducted for control of base-isolated buildings subject to various near-field earthquakes. Simulation results demonstrate that the newly proposed resetting semi-active stiffness damper and semi-active electromagnetic friction dampers are quite effective in protecting the safety of building structures against near-filed earthquakes.
Thermopower enhancement in lead telluride nanostructures

We demonstrate an enhancement in the thermopower of PbTe nanostructures with grain sizes on the order of $30--50\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{nm}$, relative to bulk. The enhancement is similar in magnitude to that reported in the literature for $\mathrm{Pb}\mathrm{Te}∕\mathrm{Pb}{\mathrm{Se}}_{x}{\mathrm{Te}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}$ quantum dot superlattices. We provide proof, based on measurements of the transverse Nernst effect, that the enhancement has its origin in electron energy filtering induced by an alteration of the scattering mechanism.
Decrease in total and free magnesium concentration following traumatic brain injury in rats

31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to determine the intracellular free Mg2+ concentration prior to and following fluid percussion induced traumatic brain injury in rats. Prior to injury, cerebral intracellular free Mg2+ concentration in the rat was 0.93 ± 0.19 mM (mean ± SE; n=5). Following injury, free Mg2+ in the injured cortex declined by 70% within the first hour, and did not recover over the next 3 hours. Total Mg2+ also declined by 10% over this time period; however, there were no changes in brain Na+ or tissue water content. Because of its primary role in cellular metabolism, the early decline in tissue Mg2+ following brain trauma may be a critical factor in the development of irreversible tissue injury.
Toward a More Phronetic Leisure Science

In this essay, we examine the assumptions underlying natural science, social science, and the humanities. More specifically, we suggest that social science in general and leisure science in particular be guided by a different set of assumptions than those guiding natural science and the humanities. Drawing on the Aristotelian idea of phronesis, we propose that value rationality more so than instrumental rationality guide social scientific inquiry, and that social science in general, and leisure science in particular, be viewed as a bridge between natural science and the humanities.
Multiple-unit activity in the septum during Pavlovian aversive conditioning: Evidence for an inhibitory role of the septum

Abstract Multiple-unit activity was recorded in the septal region and several nonseptal sites in rats during Pavlovian differential conditioning with a brief shock as the unconditioned stimulus. One conditioned stimulus was consistently paired with and another was explicitly unpaired with the unconditioned stimulus. Unit activity in the septum gradually increased with training in the presence of the explicitly unpaired stimulus, which presumably had acquired conditioned inhibitory properties. No such increase was seen in the nonseptal sites. Conversely, the conditioned excitatory stimulus suppressed unit activity in the septal region. In addition, septal units showed a burst of firing to the offset of the unconditioned stimulus during conditioning and to the offset of a tail-pinch under anesthesia. The results were interpreted as indicating a possible fear-relief role of the septal region.
A protective role of pyridoxin against the toxic effects of P32.

SummaryMice placed on pyridoxin-free diets were injected with a single dose of radioactive phosphate (5-6 μc/g). In the animals maintained on a low protein diet (in which symptoms of vitamin deficiency did not appear), the administration of pyridoxin did not affect the survival. On the contrary a marked protection by pyridoxin against the injurious effects of P32 was observed in experiments in which the vitamin deficiency had been made more severe by adding a pyridoxin analog (desoxypyridoxin) to the low protein diet, or by increasing the requirements for the vitamin (high protein diets with added cystine or methionine). In these experiments the differences between the groups receiving and those not receiving pyridoxin were larger than the differences which might result from a simple additive effect of the internal radiation and vitamin deficiency.
A Comparison of Two Probiotic Strains of Bifidobacteria in Premature Infants

Objective To determine the impact of 2 probiotic bifidobacteria on the fecal microbiota of premature infants fed either human milk or formula. Study design In the first of two phase 1 clinical trials, 12 premature infants receiving formula feedings were assigned randomly to receive either Bifidobacterium longum ssp infantis or Bifidobacterium animalis ssp lactis in increasing doses during a 5-week period. In the second, 9 premature infants receiving their mother's milk received each of the two bifidobacteria for 2 weeks separated by a 1-week washout period. Serial stool specimens from each infant were analyzed by terminal restriction fragment-length polymorphism and quantitative polymerase chain reaction for bacterial composition. Results Among the formula-fed infants, there was a greater increase in fecal bifidobacteria among infants receiving B infantis (Binf) than those receiving B lactis (Blac). This difference was most marked at a dose of 1.4 × 10 9 colony-forming units twice daily ( P Proteobacteria followed the administration of Binf than Blac. The B longum group (which includes Binf but not Blac) was the dominant bifidobacteria among the human milk-fed infants, regardless of the probiotic administered. Conclusions Binf was more effective at colonizing the fecal microbiota than Blac in both formula-fed and human milk-fed premature infants. The combination of human milk plus Binf resulted in the greatest fecal levels of bifidobacteria.
Age-related changes in glycerolipid formation in lean and obese Zucker rats.

Age-related changes in hepatic and adipose glycerolipid formation have been described in Zucker rats. Glycerolipid formation was measured in vitro in the presence of [14C]glycerol-3-phosphate, palmitate, ATP, CoA, and Mg2+ by using liver and adipose tissue homogenates derived from various age groups of animals. Hepatic glycerolipid formation increased after birth to reach a peak value at 1 day of age. This period was followed by a decline in the rates of glycerolipid formation. Hepatic glycerolipid formation increased again at the time of weaning and continued to rise up to 32 days in lean rats and 42–44 days in obese rats. Obesity in rats was recognizable at the age of 32 days and was associated with increased rates of glycerolipid formation in both liver and adipose tissue. As far as the changes in hepatic glycerolipid formation and triglyceride accumulation are concerned, obese rats showed more resemblance to 1-day-old rats than to lean animals of similar age groups. Glycerolipid formation decreased in liver and increased in adipose tissue with age in both lean and obese rats. These studies suggest that hepatic and adipose tissue glycerolipid formation is significantly influenced by age and obesity in Zucker rats.
Analysis of adaptation and environment

Abstract Designers often improve the performance of artificial agents by specializing them. We can make a rough, but useful distinction between specialization to a task and specialization to an environment. Specialization to an environment can be difficult to understand: it may be unclear on what properties of the environment the agent depends, or in what manner it depends on each individual property. In this paper, I discuss a method for analyzing specialization into a series of conditional optimizations: formal transformations which, given some constraint on the environment, map mechanisms to more efficient mechanisms with equivalent behavior. I apply the technique to the analysis of the vision and control systems of a working robot system in day to day use in our laboratory. The method is not intended as a general theory for automated synthesis of arbitrary specialized agents. Nonetheless, it can be used to perform post-hoc analysis of agents so as to make explicit the environment properties required by the agent and the computational value of each property. This post-hoc analysis helps explain performance in normal environments and predict performance in novel environments. In addition, the transformations brought out in the analysis of one system can be reused in the synthesis of future systems.
The French Motet as Trope: Multiple Levels of Meaning in Quant florist la violete / El mois de mai / Et gaudebit

A partir de cette etude, l'A. montre comment le motet medieval est construit autour d'une multiplicite de sens liee a la presence conjointe de resonances sacrees et profanes qui se creent entre les voix presentes dans le motet. Le motet apparait ainsi dans l'ensemble de ses significations allegoriques et/ou religieuses, lorsque sa realisation musicale depasse les sens de son texte
Caenorhabditis elegans RNA-processing Protein TDP-1 Regulates Protein Homeostasis and Life Span

Transactive response DNA-binding protein (TARDBP/TDP-43), a heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) with diverse activities, is a common denominator in several neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Orthologs of TDP-43 exist in animals ranging from mammals to invertebrates. Here, we systematically studied mutant Caenorhabditis elegans lacking the nematode TDP-43 ortholog, TDP-1. Heterologous expression of human TDP-43 rescued the defects in C. elegans lacking TDP-1, suggesting their functions are conserved. Although the tdp-1 mutants exhibited deficits in fertility, growth, and locomotion, loss of tdp-1 attenuated defects in several C. elegans models of proteotoxicity. Loss of tdp-1 suppressed defects in transgenic C. elegans expressing TDP-43 or CuZn superoxide dismutase, both of which are associated with proteotoxicity in neurodegenerative diseases. Loss of tdp-1 also reduced defects in mutant animals lacking the heat shock factor HSF-1. Transcriptional profiling demonstrated that the loss of TDP-1 altered expression of genes functioning in RNA processing and protein folding. Furthermore, the absence of tdp-1 extended the life span in C. elegans. The life span extension required a FOXO transcriptional factor DAF-16 but not HSF-1. These results suggest that the C. elegans TDP-1 has a role in the regulation of protein homeostasis and aging.
Thermodynamic Solubility Models to Predict Asphaltene Instability in Live Crude Oils

This paper describes a thermodynamic solubility model to predict the asphaltene stability/instability of live crude oil systems under reservoir conditions. The model uses the Hildebrand solubility parameter of stock tank oil to predict the solubility parameter of the live oil under reservoir conditions by incorporating the dissolved gas composition along with the pressure−volume−temperature (PVT) properties of the live oil. Precipitation and deposition of asphaltenes from crude oils resulting from changes in pressure, temperature, and composition have a huge economic impact on the oil industry. Due to the uncertainty in mitigating and preventing asphaltene problems, an accurate prediction of asphaltene instability could help to minimize asphaltene remediation costs. While the Hildebrand solubility parameter concept has been previously used to determine the onset point of asphaltene precipitation in the stock tank oils, it does not capture the effect of dissolved gases on the onset solubility parameter. An...
Neuropathologically defined subtypes of Alzheimer’s disease differ significantly from neurofibrillary tangle-predominant dementia

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) can be classified based on the relative density of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in the hippocampus and association cortices into three subtypes: typical AD, hippocampal-sparing AD (HpSp AD), and limbic-predominant AD (LP AD). AD subtypes not only have pathologic, but also demographic, clinical, and genetic differences. Neurofibrillary tangle-predominant dementia (NFTD), a disorder with NFTs relatively restricted to limbic structures, shares this feature with LP AD raising the possibility that NFTD is a variant of AD. The objective criteria for pathologic diagnosis of NFTD are not available. A goal of this study was to design a mathematical algorithm that could diagnose NFTD from NFT and senile plaque (SP) counts in hippocampus and association cortices, analogous to that used to subtype AD. Moreover, we aimed to compare pathologic, demographic, clinical, and genetic features of NFTD (n = 18) with LP AD (n = 19), as well as the other AD subtypes, typical AD (n = 52) and HpSp AD (n = 17). Using digital microscopy, we confirmed that burden of phospho-tau (CP13) and of an NFT conformational epitope (Ab39) correlated with NFT densities and showed expected patterns across AD subtypes. HpSp AD had the highest and LP AD had the lowest burden of cortical CP13 and Ab39 immunoreactivity. On the other hand, cortical β-amyloid burden did not significantly differ between AD subtypes. Semi-quantitative assessment of SPs in the basal ganglia did show HpSp AD to have significantly more frequent presence of SPs compared to typical AD, which was more frequent than LP AD. Compared to LP AD, NFTD had an older age at disease onset and shorter disease duration, as well as lower Braak NFT stage. NFTs and SPs on thioflavin-S fluorescent microscopy, as well as CP13, Ab39, and Aβ immunoreactivities were very low in the frontal cortex of NFTD, differentiating NFTD from AD subtypes, including LP AD. MAPT H1H1 genotype frequency was high (~70 %) in NFTD and LP AD, and similar to typical AD, while APOE e4 carrier state was low in NFTD. While it shares clinical similarities with regard to female sex predominance, onset in advanced age, and a slow cognitive decline, NFTD has significant pathologic differences from LP AD, suggesting that it may not merely be a variant of AD.
High pressure liquid chromatographic separation of multiple forms of cytochrome P-450

Abstract The major form of cytochrome P-450 isolated and purified from the hepatic microsomes of phenobarbital pretreated rats by sequential chromatography on n-octylamino-Sepharose 4B and DEAE-cellulose columns was found to be homogeneous by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. However, this cytochrome P-450 was resolved into three bands by high pressure liquid chromatography on an Anpac ion-exchange column. High pressure liquid chromatography isolated forms had similar molecular weights of 55,000 with λmax of the CO-reduced difference spectrum at 450 nm and were found to be in the low spin state. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of high pressure liquid chromatography in the resolution of cytochrome P-450s of similar molecular weights but different net charges.
DNA binding studies of a new dicationic porphyrin. Insights into interligand interactions

Cationic porphyrins have an affinity for DNA and potential for applications in the fields of photodynamic therapy and cellular imaging. This report describes a new dicationic porphyrin, 5,15-dimethyl-10,20-di(N-methylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin, abbreviated H(2)tMe(2)D4. Although tetrasubstituted, H(2)tMe(2)D4 presents modest steric requirements and forms in reasonable yield by a '' 2+2 '' synthetic method. Accordingly, studies of the zinc(II)- and copper(II)-containing derivatives, Zn(tMe(2)D4) and Cu(tMe(2)D4), have also been possible. Methods used to characterize DNA-binding motifs include absorption, emission, linear, and circular dichroism spectroscopies, as well as viscometry. An unusually detailed picture of porphyrin uptake emerges. As the ratio of DNA to porphyrin increases during a typical titration, H(2)tMe(2)D4 or Cu(tMe(2)D4) initially aggregates on the host and then shifts to intercalative binding at close quarters before finally dispersing into non-interacting intercalation sites of the host. Emission studies of the copper(II) porphyrin have been very valuable. The existence of a measurable signal is diagnostic of intercalative binding, and the saturation behavior establishes that internalization typically monopolizes approximately three base pairs. In the moderate loading regime, emission data are most telling because dipole-dipole interactions between near-neighbor porphyrins tend to confuse other spectroscopic assays. The third ligand, Zn(tMe(2)D4), behaves differently in that the uptake is a strictly cooperative process. The mode of binding also varies with the base content of the DNA host. When the DNA is rich in A=T base pairs, the porphyrin remains five-coordinate and binds externally; however, Zn(tMe(2)D4) loses its axial ligand and binds by intercalation if the host contains only G equivalent to C base pairs.
Results from an x-band synthetic aperture radar collection in Antarctica

In January, 2006, the New York Air National Guard requested that Sandia National Laboratories develop an X-band synthetic aperture radar to use for an experiment to detect crevasses in Antarctica. Sandia provided a MiniSAR radar that was modified to operate at X-band. Data was collected with this system in the Antarctic summer of 2006. The results from this data collection are presented in this paper.
The biochemical and morphological maturation of murine neoplastic mast cell granules

Abstract A process of granule maturation consisting of several biochemical and morphological steps was demonstrated in certain mouse neoplastic mast cells. The data indicated that 5-hydroxytryptamine(serotonin) incorporation into the granules preceded the deposition of histamine and heparin. The results suggested that 5-hydroxytryptamine was not bound to heparin during the initial stages of granule maturation. The 5-hydroxytryptamine seemed to be associated with a multivesicular, immature form of granule; while the histamine and heparin accumulated as the more mature, dense granules appeared.
N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptors on striatal neurons are essential for cocaine cue reactivity in mice.

Background Environmental cues associated with cocaine evoke craving and seeking. This process, termed cue reactivity, is a critical element of cocaine addiction. Although glutamatergic neurotransmission has been implicated in this effect of cocaine, the precise subtype and localization in the brain of the glutamatergic receptor critical for cocaine cue reactivity is not well-understood. Methods We used a conditional N -methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR) knockout mouse whose NMDAR gene was deleted by Cre expression restricted to striatal neurons. To evaluate the role of NMDAR in cocaine cue reactivity, conditional knockout mice and control mice ( n = 5–8/group) were conditioned for place preference with cocaine (5 and 10 mg/kg SC) for 3 days. Their subsequent place preference was examined in a drug-free state. Results Although control mice developed cocaine conditioned place preference, mice deficient for NMDAR on striatal neurons failed to develop conditioned place preference. Conclusions The NMDAR on striatal neurons is essential for the development of cocaine cue reactivity in the place conditioning paradigm. Our finding identifies a brain region whose constitutive NMDAR level serves as a determinant for susceptibility to this aspect of cocaine addiction.
A continuous submarine versus submarine game

This paper analyzes, from a game-theoretic standpoint, the simultaneous choice of speeds by a transitor and by an SSK which patrols back and forth perpendicular to the transitor's course. Using idealized acoustic assumptions and a cookie-cutter detection model which ignores counterdetection, we are able to present the problem as a continuous game, and to determine an analytic solution. The results indicate that with these assumptions, there are conditions under which neither a “go fast” nor a “go slow” strategy is optimal. The game provides a good example of a continuous game with a nontrivial solution which can be solved effectively.
Complexation studies of Cm(III), Am(III), and Eu(III) with linear and cyclic carboxylates and polyaminocarboxylates

Solvent extraction and potentiometric titration methods have been used to measure the stability constants of Cm(III), Am(III), and Eu(III) with both linear and cyclic carboxylates and polyaminocarboxylates in an ionic strength of 0.1 mol L−1 (NaClO4). Luminescence lifetime measurements of Cm(III) and Eu(III) were used to study the change in hydration upon complexation over a range of concentrations and pH values. Aromatic carboxylates, phthalate (1,2 benzene dicarboxylates, PHA), trimesate (1,3,5 benzene tricarboxylates, TSA), pyromellitate (1,2,4,5 tetracarboxylates, PMA), hemimellitate (1,2,3 benzene tricarboxylates, HMA), and trimellitate (1,2,4 benzene tricarboxylates, TMA) form only 1 : 1 complexes, while both 1 : 1 and 1 : 2 complexes were observed with PHA. Their complexation strength follows the order: PHA∼TSA>TMA>PMA>HMA. Carboxylate ligands with adjacent carboxylate groups are bidentate and replace two water molecules upon complexation, while TSA displaces 1.5 water molecules of hydration upon c...
Synchronization of cells in the S phase of the cell cycle by 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine: implications for cell cytotoxicity.

The mechanism of synergy between 3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine (AZT) and anticancer agents was inverstigated with emphasis on cell-cycle events. Exposure of exponentially growing WiDr human colon carcinoma cells to AZT resulted in synchronization of cells in the S phase of the cell cycle. Forllowing treatment with AZT at 50 or 200 μM, 62%±3% or 82%±4% of the cells were in the S phase as compared with 36%±2% in the control. Bromodeoxyuridine uptake studies revealed that the synchronized cells actively synthesized DNA. At concentrations of up to 200 μM, AZT produced a cytostatic rather than cytotoxic effect as indicated by viability and cell growth measurements. at 200 μM, AZT-induced synchronization was significant (P=<0.001) after 12 h of drug exposure, reached a maximum at 24 h, and reversed to baseline levels by 72 h even in the continued presence of the drug. This indicates that AZT-induced cytostasis is a transient and reversible effect. The cell-cycle events seen with AZT in WiDr cells were also observed in eight of nine human tumor cell lines tested. Isobologram analysis of WiDr cells preexposed to AZT for 24 h and then exposed to either AZT-5-fluorouracil or AZT-methotrexate for a further 72 h revealed synergy between AZT and the anticancer agents, indicating that AZT-induced synchronization may have therapeutic benefits.
Incidence, timing, and risk factors of azathioprine hepatotoxicosis in dogs.

Background The use of azathioprine (AZA) in dogs is limited by the development of hepatotoxicosis and cytopenias. Hypothesis and Objectives To characterize the observed incidence, timing, and risk factors for AZA hepatotoxicosis in dogs treated clinically, and to determine the relationship between the development of hepatotoxicosis and cytopenias. Animals Fifty-two dogs treated with AZA with clinical and biochemical follow-up, with a subset of 34 dogs available for determination of changes in liver enzyme activities in serum. Methods Retrospective medical record review, from January 2009 through December 2013. Results Hepatotoxicosis (as defined by a >2-fold increase in serum ALT) was observed in 5 of 34 dogs (15%) within a median onset of 14 days (range, 13–22 days). Dogs had a median 9-fold increase in ALT and 8-fold increase in ALP, which stabilized or resolved with drug discontinuation or dose reduction. German shepherds were significantly over-represented (3 of 5 dogs with hepatotoxicosis; P = .0017). Thrombocytopenia or neutropenia were seen in 4 of 48 dogs with CBC follow-up (8% of dogs), but occurred significantly later in treatment (median onset, 53 days; range 45–196 days) compared to hepatotoxicosis (P = .016). Conclusions and Clinical Importance These results support the routine monitoring of liver enzymes during the first 1–4 weeks of AZA treatment in dogs, with continued monitoring of the CBC. Additional studies are warranted to characterize the apparently higher risk of AZA hepatotoxicosis in German shepherds.
Incretins and Preservation of Endothelial Function.

Abstract The endothelium is critical for multiple processes occurring on both sides of the vascular wall including regulation of blood flow, maintenance of blood fluidity and control of inflammation. Endothelial dysfunction is an early event in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and appears to be a critical determinant of cardiovascular events. It is frequently detected in the early stages of type 2 diabetes and even in pre-diabetes conditions. Risk factors for endothelial dysfunction are numerous and include among others fasting and postprandial hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, hypertension, obesity, insulin resistance and inflammation. Many of these conditions can be improved by synthetic glucagon like peptide 1 (GLP-1) mimetics or inhibitors of the main GLP-1 degrading enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4). Acute increases in GLP-1 activity abolish endothelial dysfunction induced by high-fat meals or by hyperglycemia. In vitro and preliminary clinical studies also indicate that GLP-1 or GLP-1 agonists can improve endothelial function by direct action on endothelium. GLP-1 or GLP-1 mimetic effects appear to extend to both conduit arteries and the microvasculature, and may depend on activation of endothelial GLP1 receptors and downstream nitric oxide production. Additional studies are necessary to confirm improvement of endothelial function after prolonged treatment with incretin based medications as well as the cardiovascular benefit of these agents.