cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Short-range structure and chemical order in In–Ge sulfide and selenide glasses by X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy

Abstract The nearest-neighbor coordination environments of In and Ge atoms in In–Ge sulfide and selenide glasses have been studied with In and Ge K-edge EXAFS spectroscopy. The Ge atoms are coordinated to 4 S (Se) atoms in all sulfide (selenide) glasses. The In atoms are found to be present in the In 3+ state and are tetrahedrally coordinated by 4 S nearest neighbors in the S-excess glass and ∼3.6 S + ∼ 0.4 Ge neighbors in the stoichiometric and S-deficient glass. These results imply a two coordinated state for the S atoms and preservation of chemical order in all glasses. The In atoms in a stoichiometric selenide glass are found to be coordinated to 4 Se nearest neighbors, although possible partial contribution from Ge nearest neighbors similar to that observed in the case of sulfides can not be disregarded.
Community empowerment and the public schools: Can educational professionalism survive?

Cases of very close, participatory ties between school and community are still rare enough to be newsworthy. However, educators and those who train them seldom quarrel today with the notion that active parental participation, close school-community connections, a family-oriented outreach into the community, and even some added services to families (e.g., parenting education, family counseling) are vital ingredients of modemday pedagogy. School-community relations has finally come of age as a key component of responsible professionalism in education-a movement influenced heavily by the considerable respect accorded the work of such figures as Comer (1980), Comer, Haynes, Joyner, and Ben-Avie (1996), Coleman (1994), Epstein (1988, 1990), Dryfoos (1994), and Goodlad (1987). Lay-professional tensions continue to surface in many of the studies of community-relations experimentation (see Cibulka & Kritek, 1996). However, by no means do the tensions of today appear to be as threatening to either parent or professional as that implied in the strong tradition of separation (between home and school) which has long been a key myth of
Efficient VLSI fault simulation

Abstract Let C be an acyclic Boolean circuit with n gates and ≤ n inputs. A circuit manufacture error may result in a “Stuck-at” (S-A) fault in a circuit identical to C except a gate v only outputs a fixed Boolean value. The S-A fault simulation problem for C is to determine all possible (S-A) faults which can be detected (i.e., faults circuit and C would give distinct outputs) by a given test pattern input. We consider the case where C is a tree (i.e., has fan-out 1.) We give a practical algorithm for fault simulation which simultaneously determines all detectable S-A faults for every gate in the circuit tree C. Our algorithm required only the evaluation of a circuit FS(C) which has ≤ 7n gates and has depth ≤ 3(d + 1), when d is the depth of C. Thus the sequential time of our algorithm is ≤ 7n, and the parallel time is ≤ 3(d + 1). Furthermore, FS(C) requires only a small constant factor more VLSI area than does the original circuit C. We also extend our results to get efficient methods for fault simulation of oblivious VLSI circuits with feedback lines.
Non-Abelian energy loss in cold nuclear matter

We use a formal recurrence relation approach to multiple parton scattering to find the complete solution to the problem of medium-induced gluon emission from partons propagating in cold nuclear matter. The differential bremsstrahlung spectrum, where Landau-Pomeranchuk-Migdal destructive interference effects are fully accounted for, is calculated for three different cases: (i) a generalization of the incoherent Bertsch-Gunion solution for asymptotic on-shell jets (ii) initial-state energy loss of incoming jets that undergo hard scattering, and (iii) final-state energy loss of jets that emerge out of a hard scatter. Our analytic solutions are given as an infinite opacity series, which represents a cluster expansion of the sequential multiple scattering. These new solutions allow, for the first time, direct comparison between initial- and final-state energy loss in cold nuclei. We demonstrate that, contrary to the naive assumption, energy loss in cold nuclear matter can be large. Numerical results to first order in opacity show that, in the limit of large jet energies, initial- and final-state energy losses exhibit different path length dependences, linear versus quadratic, in contrast to earlier findings. In addition, in this asymptotic limit, initial-state energy loss is considerably larger than final-state energy loss. These new results have significant implications for heavy-ionmore » phenomenology in both p+A and A+A reactions.« less
Far-infrared Zeeman study of the singlet ground state one-dimensional ferromagnet RbFeCl3

Abstract A far-infrared spectroscopic study of RbFeCl 3 has been carried out over the frequency region of 5 cm −1 to 130 cm −1 and in applied magnetic fields up to 100 kOe. The lowest-lying crystal field levels of Fe 2+ have been observed and an analysis of the Zeeman dependence for fields applied parallel and perpendicular to the hexagonal axis has been performed utilizing all 15 states of the 5 T 2 ground term.
Inheritance of photoperiod response in mungbean (Vigna radiata [L.] Wilczek)

A dominant or partially dominant gene for sensitivity to photoperiod in mungbean strain PI 180311 was identified and labeled Ps. The gene was expressed when strain P1180311, or crosses involving PI 180311 were grown in 16- or 14-hour photoperiods but was not expressed when the populations were grown in a 12-hour photoperiod or in the field at Columbia, Missouri. Dominance × dominance epistatic effects were indicated as governing days to flower in absence of the obvious effect of the Ps gene. A gene A for purple hypocotyl was independent of the gene Ps.
Identification of contrast-defined letters benefits from perceptual learning in adults with amblyopia

Amblyopes show specific deficits in processing second-order spatial information (e.g. Wong, Levi, & McGraw (2001). Is second-order spatial loss in amblyopia explained by the loss of first-order spatial input? Vision Research, 41, 2951-2960). Recent work suggests there is a significant degree of plasticity in the visual pathway that processes first-order spatial information in adults with amblyopia. In this study, we asked whether or not there is similar plasticity in the ability to process second-order spatial information in adults with amblyopia. Ten adult observers with amblyopia (five strabismic, four anisometropic and one mixed) were trained to identify contrast-defined (second-order) letters using their amblyopic eyes. Before and after training, we determined observers' contrast thresholds for identifying luminance-defined (first-order) and contrast-defined letters, separately for the non-amblyopic and amblyopic eyes. Following training, eight of the 10 observers showed a significant reduction in contrast thresholds for identifying contrast-defined letters with the amblyopic eye. Five of these observers also showed a partial transfer of improvement to their fellow untrained non-amblyopic eye for identifying contrast-defined letters. There was a small but statistically significant transfer to the untrained task of identifying luminance-defined letters in the same trained eye. Similar to first-order spatial tasks, adults with amblyopia benefit from perceptual learning for identifying contrast-defined letters in their amblyopic eyes, suggesting a sizeable degree of plasticity in the visual pathway for processing second-order spatial information.
Chord length distributions related to bubble size distributions in multiphase flows

Abstract Generally, if a probe is used to measure the size of a bubble or void in a multiphase system, the probe intersects the bubble with a chord length other than the diameter of the largest vertical chord length of the bubble. This matter is further complicated by the fact that there is a distribution of bubble sizes in most systems. From geometrics reasoning, the expected probability distribution of measured chord sizes from a given bubble diameter is deduced and the relationship between bubble size distributions and chord length distributions explored. All one need know to evaluate these relationships is the fundamental bubble shape.
Advantages of performing the sagittal anoplasty operation for imperforate anus at birth.

Abstract The development of the posterior sagittal anorectoplasty approach has been a major recent advance in the repair of imperforate anus. It has been found that sagittal anoplasty can easily and preferably be carried out in the newborn period without the need for colostomy or “tapering”. It is suggested that the perineal sagittal approach be attempted first, with the infant positioned so that the abdominal part of the abdominoperineal approach can be used if necessary—this seldom may be required. Neonatal closure of urinary tract fistulas in boys is an added attractive feature of this approach. The importance of optical magnification (microsurgery) and excellent, intense lighting of the perineal area with a headlamp is stressed for this approach in the newborn, particularly for the management of high pouches and high fistulas. This operation at birth relieves alimentary tract obstruction at birth, eliminates urinary tract contamination (when it exists) at birth, establishes anorectal continuity and maximum potential for “normal” defecation reflexes at birth, and achieves all of this in one rather than three operations.
Joint tracking and locomotion state recognition of C. elegans from time-lapse image sequences

There is a continued need for improved automated algorithms for tracking the movement of C. elegans worms from time-lapse image sequences, computing measurements, and identifying specific states of worm locomotion. The tracking and locomotion state recognition have been addressed sequentially in the prior literature. However, knowing the locomotion state can help predict worm dynamics while improved worm tracking can allow one to infer worm locomotion state more accurately. To exploit this obvious but unexploited synergy, this paper presents a 3-level model for simultaneous tracking and locomotion state recognition. Use of this model is shown to result in improved tracking performance compared to previously reported methods.
The socioeconomics of emotional commitments

Abstract The article establishes the limits of emotions in promoting efficiency. The article uses a model of joint production to analyze three pairings of emotions: mutual benevolence, benevolence-malevolence, and mutual malevolence. The analysis suggests that the economic performance of an emotion depends on which emotion it is paired with. With proper pairing, a good emotion can be relatively inefficient and a bad emotion can be relatively efficient.
High-pressure–low-temperature metamorphism of metasedimentary rocks, southern Menderes Massif, western Turkey

Abstract Kilometer-scale lenses of quartz-rich metasedimentary rocks crop out in a discontinuous belt along the southern margin of the Menderes Massif, Turkey, and preserve evidence for high-pressure–low-temperature (HP–LT) metamorphism related to subduction of a continental margin during Alpine orogeny. Kyanite schist, quartzite, and quartz veins contain kyanite + phengite + Mg-chlorite, and the veins also contain magnesiocarpholite. A deformed carbonate metaconglomerate juxtaposed with the quartzite-dominated unit does not contain HP index minerals, and likely represents the tectonized boundary of the siliceous rocks with adjacent marble. The HP–LT rocks (10–12 kbar, 470–570 °C) record different pressure conditions than the adjacent, apparently lower pressure Menderes metasedimentary sequence. Despite this difference there is disagreement as to whether these HP–LT rocks are part of the Menderes sequence or are related to the tectonically overlying Cycladic blueschist unit. If the former, the entire southern Menderes Massif experienced HP–LT metamorphism but the evidence has been obliterated from most rocks; if the latter, rocks recording different metamorphic-kinematic conditions experienced different tectonic histories and were tectonically juxtaposed during thrusting. Based on observations and data in this study, the second model better accounts for the differences in P–T-deformation histories of the southern Menderes Massif rocks, and suggests that the HP–LT rocks are not part of the Menderes cover sequence.
Phosphate transport in submitochondrial particles.

Summary Submitocondrial particles prepared from bovine heart mitochondria in the presence of CaCl 2 on MnCl 2 take up inorganic phosphate. The reaction is sensitive to mersalyl and to hydrophobic N-benzylmaleimide but is insensitive to N-ethylmaleimide. These findings indicate that the phosphate transport system is oriented asymmetrically.
The fed and the term structure: Addressing simultaneity within a structural VAR model

Abstract This paper applies a new identification approach to estimate the contemporaneous relation between the term structure and monetary policy within a VAR framework. To achieve identification, we combine high-frequency Treasury futures and fed funds futures data with the VAR methodology. Results indicate that policy actions have a slope effect in the yield curve. We also find that the Fed responds to Treasury yields and that this response is stronger for the short and intermediate rates and less aggressive for long-yields. All estimated parameters are significant and robust to various model specifications.
Differential reactivity of intercalative dyes with bacteriophage TP-84 DNA.

Abstract The reactivity of intercalative microbial drugs with DNA molecules of similar nucleotide base composition but varying degrees of heterogeneity has been studied by using thermal denaturation measurements in various solvents. The thermal stability enhancement of DNA complexed with ethidium, daunomycin and nogalamycin was greatest with calf-thymus DNA (42% G+C) and least with bacteriophage TP-84 DNA (42% G+C).
Animal Imagery in the Discourse of Climate Change

Science has long been recognized as having an important role in generating popular discourses on animals and the natural world, and the paucity of information on how animals are represented in popular science narratives of environmental degradation is striking. Our study begins to fill that gap. We examine representations of animals in articles on climate change published over two decades in the most widely read popular science magazine in the world, National Geographic. National Geographic uses a variety of animal representations to make salient the problem of a changing climate. Analysis of 108 photographs and their captions in articles on climate change revealed four major themes: vulnerability of wildlife to climate change, representation of animals as specimens in climate change adaptation and conservation, the contribution of food animal consumption to climate change, and the vulnerability of the livelihoods of draft animals (sled dogs) and their human companions to climate change. We conclude that ...
Oxidation protection for carbon fiber composites

Abstract Carbon fiber/carbon matrix (C-C) composites are being considered for high-temperature structural applications. The most important of these applications require the C-C components to operate in oxidizing environments. Concepts currently being pursued to provide oxidation protection for structural C-C composites are based on earlier work conducted with graphite and the successfully employed oxidation-protected C-C material developed for the shuttle orbiter vehicles. Present C-C applications can be classified either as limited-life or extended-life depending on the component duty cycle. Limited-life applications generally require minutes to hours of operation at temperatures greater than 1650°C with minimal thermal cycling. The principal concerns for limited-life oxidation protection are coating erosion, coating spallation, and the oxygen permeability of intact coatings. Dense coatings of Si 3 N 4 or SiC have been shown to perform well at temperatures in the 1700° to 1800°C range. At higher temperatures outer coatings that present significant thermal expansion problems must be considered inconjunction with either SiO 2 or iridium as oxygen barriers. Extended-life applications involve numerous thermal cycles at temperatures below 1650°C and hundreds of hours of operation. Here C-C materials modified with boron and coated with dense Si 3 N 4 or SiC outer coatings and boron-rich inner layers are currently the topic of extensive development. Experimental results and model calculations have shown that these materials have the potential for useful performance in important extended-life applications. Current issues include coating quality and reproducibility, coating spallation, and chemical effects associated with the borate glasses that are needed to seal cracks in the outer coatings.
A density functional theory study of the nonlocal effects of NH3 adsorption and dissociation on Si(100)-(2×1)

Abstract In order to investigate the reliability of cluster approximations in describing nonlocal effects in surface reactions, detailed density functional theory (DFT) calculations are performed for the reaction of NH 3 on the Si(100)-(2×1) surface. We use the Si 9 H 12 one-dimer, Si 21 H 20 three-dimer, Si 33 H 28 five-dimer and two Si 23 H 24 trench clusters to determine the nonlocal effects both along the dimer row and across the trench. The nonlocal effects along the dimer row are found to be significant while nonlocal effects across the trench are relatively small. The nonlocal character of NH 3 adsorption originates from charge transfer to nearest neighbor dimers along the row, which increases the adsorption energy by 26%. Consequently, the Si 21 H 20 three-dimer cluster is necessary and adequate to describe NH 3 adsorption. The three-dimer cluster also accurately describes the strain effects that result from unbuckling of the covalently terminated Si dimer of the dissociated state. This results in a decrease of the desorption energy by 3 kcal mol −1 . Incorporating the nonlocal effects yields reaction energies and activation barriers that agree with the experimental results. We also find that the three-dimer cluster reproduces the results of periodic slab calculations and gives a more accurate activation energy for the dissociation reaction.
Rotational Acceleration and Velocity Associated With Concussion in Humans

Kinematic parameters of the head are used to predict brain injury because they are thought to be indicative of the inertial response of the brain. Although all injury metrics used to predict head injury in industry are based on linear acceleration, brain injury is widely believed to be caused by the complex interaction between linear and angular kinematics. Previous research investigating angular kinematics have focused on animal models, where data cannot be directly applied to humans [1, 2]. Optimally, these data would be derived from humans. There are an estimated 1.6 to 3.8 million sports-related occurring annually in the United States [3]. Football’s high incidence of concussion provides a unique opportunity to collect biomechanical data to characterize this injury. By instrumenting and observing a population that is at high risk for concussion (football players), data characterizing concussion can be collected in a natural and ethically sound manner. The objective of this study was to estimate the angular kinematics of the head associated with concussion using data collected from human volunteers.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
The role of IBM's Open Blueprint approach in distributed computing

What is the Open Blueprint and why is it important? Knowing the answer to this question has far-reaching implications for IBM's customers, software vendors, consultants, systems integrators, and service providers. The answer affects the way in which these people plan their information technology investments or deliver solutions in a distributed or client/server environment, or both.
Insulin stimulates somatostatin and inhibits glucagon secretion from the perfused chicken pancreas-duodenum

Abstract The isolated perfused chicken pancreas-duodenum was used to study the secretion of somatostatin and glucagon. With perfusate glucose at 50 mg/dl, bovine insulin was infused at a concentration of 20, 000 μU/ml, resulting in a rapid increase of somatostatin secretion, with peak concentrations seen at 5 minutes. This was accompanied by suppression of glucagon secretion. These data suggest that there may be a paracrine negative feedback loop between B and D cells.
Identification of Phosphorylation Sites of Human 85-kDa Cytosolic Phospholipase A2 Expressed in Insect Cells and Present in Human Monocytes

The phosphorylation sites on the human, 85-kDa cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) were identified using recombinant cPLA2 expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells. Analysis by high performance liquid chromatography of tryptic digests of 32P-labeled recombinant cPLA2 showed four major peaks of radiolabeled phosphopeptides. The phosphorylated residues were identified as Ser-437, Ser-454, Ser-505, and Ser-727 using mass spectrometry and automated Edman sequencing. Sf9 cells infected with recombinant virus expressing cPLA2 exhibited a time-dependent release of arachidonic acid in response to the calcium ionophore A23187 or the protein phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid, which was not observed in Sf9 cells infected with wild-type virus. Stimulation of Sf9 cells with A23187 and okadaic acid also increased the level of phosphorylation of cPLA2. Okadaic acid, but not A23187, induced a gel shift of cPLA2 and increased the level of phosphorylation of Ser-727 by 4.5-fold, whereas the level of phosphorylation of the other sites increased by 60% or less in response to both agonists. To determine whether the same sites on cPLA2 were phosphorylated in mammalian cells, human monocytes were studied. Okadaic acid stimulation of monocytes induced a gel shift of cPLA2, increased the release of arachidonic acid, and increased the level of phosphorylation of cPLA2 on serine residues. Comparison of two-dimensional peptide maps of tryptic digests of 32P-labeled recombinant cPLA2 and human monocyte cPLA2 demonstrated that the same peptides on cPLA2 were phosphorylated in mammalian cells as in insect cells. These results show that the Sf9-baculovirus expression system is useful for investigation of the phosphorylation sites on cPLA2. The results also suggest that phosphorylation of the cPLA2 by protein kinases other than mitogen-activated protein kinase may be important for the regulation of arachidonic acid release.
Concordant Exploration of the Kinetics of RNA Folding from Global and Local Perspectives

Time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) with millisecond time-resolution reveals two discrete phases of global compaction upon Mg 2+ -mediated folding of the Tetrahymena thermophila ribozyme. Electrostatic relaxation of the RNA occurs rapidly and dominates the first phase of compaction during which the observed radius of gyration ( R g ) decreases from 75 A to 55 A. A further decrease in R g to 45 A occurs in a well-defined second phase. An analysis of mutant ribozymes shows that the latter phase depends upon the formation of long-range tertiary contacts within the P4-P6 domain of the ribozyme; disruption of the three remaining long-range contacts linking the peripheral helices has no effect on the 55–45 A compaction transition. A better understanding of the role of specific tertiary contacts in compaction was obtained by concordant time-resolved hydroxyl radical ( OH) analyses that report local changes in the solvent accessibility of the RNA backbone. Comparison of the global and local measures of folding shows that formation of a subset of native tertiary contacts (i.e. those defining the ribozyme core) can occur within a highly compact ensemble whose R g is close to that of the fully folded ribozyme. Analyses of additional ribozyme mutants and reaction conditions establish the generality of the rapid formation of a partially collapsed state with little to no detectable tertiary structure. These studies directly link global RNA compaction with formation of tertiary structure as the molecule acquires its biologically active structure, and underscore the strong dependence on salt of both local and global measures of folding kinetics.
The effect of serum components on sterol biosynthesis in L cells

L cells were cultivated in test medium which contained 14C-sodium acetate, and the amount of labeled digitonin-precipitable sterol was assayed in medium and cells. Increasing concentrations of whole serum in the medium had two effects: depressed cellular synthesis and enhanced release of synthesized sterol from the cells. In experiments with delipidized serum containing unesterified cholesterol, cellular sterol synthesis decreased as free cholesterol concentration in the medium increased. In other experiments using medium containing increasing lecithin concentration and no exogenous sterol, the concentration of lecithin markedly influenced the distribution of synthesized sterol between the cells and the medium which then directly influenced the amount of sterol synthesized. These experiments indicate that cell sterol synthesis is regulated by internal levels of free sterol. This, in turn, is a function of cellular sterol flux which is regulated by the concentration and composition of serum lipoprotein in the medium.
Comparative Lipid Profiling of the Cnidarian Aiptasia pallida and Its Dinoflagellate Symbiont

Corals and other cnidarians house photosynthetic dinoflagellate symbionts within membrane-bound compartments inside gastrodermal cells. Nutritional interchanges between the partners produce carbohydrates and lipids for metabolism, growth, energy stores, and cellular structures. Although lipids play a central role in the both the energetics and the structural/morphological features of the symbiosis, previous research has primarily focused on the fatty acid and neutral lipid composition of the host and symbiont. In this study we conducted a mass spectrometry-based survey of the lipidomic changes associated with symbiosis in the sea anemone Aiptasia pallida, an important model system for coral symbiosis. Lipid extracts from A. pallida in and out of symbiosis with its symbiont Symbiodinium were prepared and analyzed using negative-ion electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Through this analysis we have identified, by exact mass and collision-induced dissociation mass spectrometry (MS/MS), several classes of glycerophospholipids in A. pallida. Several molecular species of di-acyl phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine as well as 1-alkyl, 2-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidycholine were identified. The 1-alkyl, 2-acyl PEs are acid sensitive suggestive that they are plasmalogen PEs possessing a double bond at the 1-position of the alkyl linked chain. In addition, we identified several molecular species of phosphonosphingolipids called ceramide aminoethylphosphonates in anemone lipid extracts by the release of a characteristic negative product ion at m/z 124.014 during MS/MS analysis. Sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol (SQDG), an anionic lipid often found in photosynthetic organisms, was identified as a prominent component of Symbiodinium lipid extracts. A comparison of anemone lipid profiles revealed a subset of lipids that show dramatic differences in abundance when anemones are in the symbiotic state as compared to the non-symbiotic state. The data generated in this analysis will serve as a resource to further investigate the role of lipids in symbiosis between Symbiodinium and A. pallida.
Identification and characterization of SSTK, a serine/threonine protein kinase essential for male fertility.

Here we describe and characterize a small serine/threonine kinase (SSTK) which consists solely of the N- and C-lobes of a protein kinase catalytic domain. SSTK protein is highly conserved among mammals, and no close homologues were found in the genomes of nonmammalian organisms. SSTK specifically interacts with HSP90-1β, HSC70, and HSP70 proteins, and this association appears to be required for SSTK kinase activity. The SSTK transcript was most abundant in human and mouse testes but was also detected in all human tissues tested. In the mouse testis, SSTK protein was localized to the heads of elongating spermatids. Targeted deletion of the SSTK gene in mice resulted in male sterility due to profound impairment in motility and morphology of spermatozoa. A defect in DNA condensation in SSTK null mutants occurred in elongating spermatids at a step in spermiogenesis coincident with chromatin displacement of histones by transition proteins. SSTK phosphorylated histones H1, H2A, H2AX, and H3 but not H2B or H4 or transition protein 1 in vitro. These results demonstrate that SSTK is required for proper postmeiotic chromatin remodeling and male fertility. Abnormal sperm chromatin condensation is common in sterile men, and our results may provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying certain human infertility disorders.
Perirenal lipoma versus renalcell carcinoma

Abstract Pure renal and perirenal lipomas are rare. They arise from renalcortex, capsule, or perirenal tissue, and may be difficult to distinguish from renal adenocarcinomas. We report on a patient who presented with a renal mass that had the radiologic findings suggestive of a renal cell carcinoma, but proved to be a simple lipoma.
A method for real-time cortical oscillation detection and phase-locked stimulation

Neural oscillations are important features in a working central nervous system, facilitating efficient communication across large networks of neurons. To better study the role of these oscillations in various cognitive processes, and to be able to build clinical applications around them, accurate and precise estimations of the instantaneous frequency and phase are required. Here, we present methodology based on autoregressive modeling to accomplish this in real time. This allows the targeting of stimulation to a specific phase of a detected oscillation. Using intracranial EEG recorded from two patients performing a Sternberg memory task, we characterize our algorithm's phase-locking performance on physiologic theta oscillations.
A Genetically Encoded AND Gate for Cell-Targeted Metabolic Labeling of Proteins

We describe a genetic AND gate for cell-targeted metabolic labeling and proteomic analysis in complex cellular systems. The centerpiece of the AND gate is a bisected methionyl-tRNA synthetase (MetRS) that charges the Met surrogate azidonorleucine (Anl) to tRNAMet. Cellular protein labeling occurs only upon activation of two different promoters that drive expression of the N- and C-terminal fragments of the bisected MetRS. Anl-labeled proteins can be tagged with fluorescent dyes or affinity reagents via either copper-catalyzed or strain-promoted azide–alkyne cycloaddition. Protein labeling is apparent within 5 min after addition of Anl to bacterial cells in which the AND gate has been activated. This method allows spatial and temporal control of proteomic labeling and identification of proteins made in specific cellular subpopulations. The approach is demonstrated by selective labeling of proteins in bacterial cells immobilized in the center of a laminar-flow microfluidic channel, where they are exposed to overlapping, opposed gradients of inducers of the N- and C-terminal MetRS fragments. The observed labeling profile is predicted accurately from the strengths of the individual input signals.
Cooperative and interference effects in the resonance fluorescence of two identical three-level atoms at high photon densities

The excitation spectrum of two identical three-level atoms is considered when a strong electromagnetic field operates resonantly between two levels of the atoms. While undergoing the transition into the excited state, the atoms interact through their dipole-dipole interaction and radiate to each other as well, and subsequently, they decay radiatively into another excited state. For such a system, the spectral functions are calculated describing the cooperative and interference spectra for the symmetric and antisymmetric modes arising from the decay of the atoms from one excited state into another. In the absence of the pump field, the spectral function for the symmetric modes consists of two peaks, which are described by Lorentzian lines peaked at the frequencies ω = ω23 + VAB and ω = ω23 − VAB and having spectral widths of the order of γ021 + γ023 and γ023, respectively, where ω23 is the transition frequency between the two excited states, VAB is the dipole-dipole interaction and 12γ021 is the natural width for a photon spontaneously emitted from the 2 → 1 transition of an isolated atom. The splitting of the central peak for the transition in question and the broadening of the spectral widths are due entirely to the dipole-dipole and radiative interactions between the atoms. The spectral function for the antisymmetric modes describes a stable mode at the frequency ω = ω23 − VAB, which has a delta-function distribution, and a Lorentzian line peaked at the frequency ω = ω23 + VAB and has a spectral width of the order of γ021. In the presence of the pump field, the spectral function for the symmetric modes contains, in addition to the central peaks, two pairs of sidebands, one pair of which is induced by the pump field with an energy shift equal to Ωa/√2, while the other pair of sidebands is due to the dipole-dipole interaction between the atoms; the probability of occurrence of the latter pair of sidebands is proportional to VAB/Ωa, while the induced energy shift is equal to 3Ωa/√2, where √2Ωa is the induced by the laser field energy shift (Rabi frequency) for a single two-level atom. The spectral widths for both pairs of sidebands are of the order of γ021 + γ023. The excitation spectrum of the antisymmetric modes consists of, in addition to the central peaks, a pair of stable sidebands, which have delta-function distributions, and two pairs of sidebands, which are similar but sharper than those for the symmetric modes. Detail comparisons are given between the one- and two-atom excitation spectra for the systems under investigation.
Anti-Horcnal and Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA) Responses of Mice Immunized with Estradiol

Sera of female mice, immunized with estradiol-albumin conjugates, were tested for restricted heterogeneity of the anti-estradiol antibody response and for the development of antinuclear antibody (ANA). We found sera with the highest estradiol binding capacity gave clear evidence of clonal dominance when analyzed by isoelectric focusing. A sub-set of the immunized animals, approximately one-third, developed positive ANA serologies within 12 weeks of the primary immunization. All positive sera gave homogeneous patterns of staining in an avidin-biotin amplified indirect immunofluorescence assay. Our results point to a spontaneous production of ANA in at least some animals immunized with a ligand which binds to a nuclear receptor.
Lasofoxifene (CP-336,156), a novel selective estrogen receptor modulator, in preclinical studies

Estrogen replacement therapy is reported to reduce the incidence of vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women, however, its compliance is limited because of side effects and safety concerns. Estrogen’s side effects on breast and uterine tissues leading to the potential increased risk of uterine and breast cancer limit widespread estrogen usage. Thus, there is a significant medical need for a therapy that protects against postmenopausal bone loss but is free of estrogen’s negative effects on reproductive tissues. Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) have been investigated as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy. One such compound, raloxifene, has been approved for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Lasofoxifene (LAS), a new, nonsteroidal, and potent SERM, is an estrogen antagonist or agonist depending on the target tissue. LAS selectively binds with high affinity to human estrogen receptors. In ovariectomized (OVX) rat studies, LAS prevented the decrease in femoral bone mineral density, tibial and lumbar vertebral trabecular bone mass at an ED100 of about 60 μg/kg/day. LAS inhibited the activation of trabecular and endocortical bone resorption and bone turnover in tibial metaphyses and diaphyses, and lumbar vertebral body in OVX rats. In addition, LAS decreased total serum cholesterol, inhibited body weight gain and increased soleus muscle weight in OVX rats. Similarly, LAS prevented bone loss induced by orchidectomy or aging in male rats by decreasing bone resorption and bone turnover while it had no effect in the prostate. Further, LAS decreased total serum cholesterol in intact aged male rats or in orchidectomized male rats. Synergestic skeletal effects were found with LAS in combination with bone anabolic agents such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), parathyroid hormone (PTH) or a growth hormone secretagoue (GHS) in OVX rats. In combination with estrogen, LAS inhibited the uterine stimulating effects of estrogen but did not block the bone protective effects of estrogen. In immature and aged female rats, LAS did not affect the uterine weight and uterine histology. In OVX adult female rats, LAS slightly but significantly increased uterine weight. These results demonstrated that LAS produced effects on the skeleton indistinguishable from estrogen in female and male rats. However, unlike estrogen, LAS had little effect on uterine weight and cellular proliferation of uterus in female rats. In preclinical anti-tumor studies, LAS inhibited human breast cancer growth in mice bearing MCF7 tumors, prevented NMU-induced mammary carcinomas and possessed chemotherapeutic effects in NMU-induced carcinomas in rats. Therefore, we conclude that LAS possesses the antiestrogenic effects in breast tissue and estrogenic effects in bone and serum cholesterol, but lacks estrogen’s side effects on uterine tissue. These data support the therapeutic potential of LAS for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal bone loss and mammary carcinomas in humans.
Graph contraction for physical optimization methods: a quality-cost tradeoff for mapping data on parallel computers

Mapping data to parallel computers aims at minimizing the execution time of the associated application. However, it can take an unacceptable amount of time in comparison with the execution time of the application if the size of the problem is large. In this paper, first we motivate the case for graph contraction as a means for reducing the problem size. We restrict our discussion to applications where the problem domain can be described using a graph (e.g., computational fluid dynamics applications). Then we present a mapping-oriented Parallel Graph Contraction (PGC) heuristic algorithm that yields a smaller representation of the problem to which mapping is then applied. The mapping solution for the original problem is obtained by a straight-forward interpolation. We then present experimental results on using contracted graphs as inputs to two physical optimization methods; namely, Genetic Algorithm and Simulated Annealing. The experimental results show that the PGC algorithm still leads to a reasonably good quality mapping solutions to the original problem, while producing a substantial reduction in mapping time. Finally, we discuss the cost-quality tradeoffs in performing graph contraction.
Disjunctive programming and the generalized Leontief input–output model

Abstract This paper considers a generalization of the Leontief input–output model that is useful in modeling the concept of choice of technology. It is shown that a disjunctive programming problem, together with its dual problem, may be used to effectively solve the new input–output model. Various theoretical results are presented together with an illustrative example. Three production sectors, each having two possible choices of technology, are provided in the example and only one linear program is required for finding the solution.
Effect of fences on airfoil aerodynamics at -90 degree incidence

A two-dimensional computational method is applied to accurately calculate the viscous flow about airfoils normal to the freestream flow. In particular, the flow about an XV-15 wing airfoil with an upper or lower surface fence at -90 deg incidence is evaluated. A parametric study is conducted to investigate and understand the effect of fences on the flow about an airfoil normal to the freestream flow. This investigation includes the effect of fence location for both upper and lower surfaces and of fence height on airfoil aerodynamic characteristics. Comparisons of the time-averaged lift, drag, pitching moment, and surface pressure distributions are made to evaluate the effectiveness of each airfoil/fence configuration. The results indicate that 1) the airfoil drag is highly dependent on the fence chordwise location, ranging from a 15% increase in drag for an upper surface fence to a 35% decrease in drag for a lower surface fence with respect to the basic airfoil value ; 2) the airfoil drag is also dependent on the fence height, with a drag reduction of 25% for a lower surface fence of 35% chord height located at 15% chord ; and 3) the reduction in drag is the direct result of decreased pressure on the airfoil upper surface near the leading edge and an increase in the lower surface pressure over the entire airfoil chord.
Separation of Some of the Opium Alkaloids by Surface Chromatography

Some of the opium alkaloids and meconic acid were separated and identified by the use of surface chromatography. The strips were coated with a fluorescent adsorbent buffered at pH 6.6. The chromatograms were developed using 1,4-dioxane. Identification of the individual opium alkaloids on the strips was accomplished by means of Rf values determined with pure samples, coupled with the observation of the extinction of fluorescence at the area of adsorption of the alkaloids. As little as 15–20 micrograms of papaverine hydrochloride, narcotine, or meconic acid, and 50 micrograms of morphine, codeine, or narceine could be detected by this method.
Presence and abundance of non-native plant species associated with recent energy development in the Williston Basin.

The Williston Basin, located in the Northern Great Plains, is experiencing rapid energy development with North Dakota and Montana being the epicenter of current and projected development in the USA. The average single-bore well pad is 5 acres with an estimated 58,485 wells in North Dakota alone. This landscape-level disturbance may provide a pathway for the establishment of non-native plants. To evaluate potential influences of energy development on the presence and abundance of non-native species, vegetation surveys were conducted at 30 oil well sites (14 ten-year-old and 16 five-year-old wells) and 14 control sites in native prairie environments across the Williston Basin. Non-native species richness and cover were recorded in four quadrats, located at equal distances, along four transects for a total of 16 quadrats per site. Non-natives were recorded at all 44 sites and ranged from 5 to 13 species, 7 to 15 species, and 2 to 8 species at the 10-year, 5-year, and control sites, respectively. Respective non-native cover ranged from 1 to 69, 16 to 76, and 2 to 82 %. Total, forb, and graminoid non-native species richness and non-native forb cover were significantly greater at oil well sites compared to control sites. At oil well sites, non-native species richness and forb cover were significantly greater adjacent to the well pads and decreased with distance to values similar to control sites. Finally, non-native species whose presence and/or abundance were significantly greater at oil well sites relative to control sites were identified to aid management efforts.
Metabolic effects of erythropoietin in patients on peritoneal dialysis.

Insulin and lipid metabolism were studied in seven patients (19±1 years) with end-stage renal disease on continuous cycling peritoneal dialsysis (CCPD) before and after 6 months of therapy with human recombinant erythropoietin (EPO) to correct anemia. Hematocrit increased from 22.2±1.8% to 34.8±1.8% (P<0.001) following EPO treatment. Serum ferritin (P<0.05) and serum iron (P<0.01) decreased significantly after anemia correction. There were no significant differences in the height, weight, anthropometric measures, or intakes of protein and total calories in the patients before and after the 6 months of EPO therapy. There were no differences in serum biochemical parameters, including 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and parathyroid hormone in these patients before and after 6 months of EPO therapy. Residual renal function and Kt/Vurea were also not different before and after 6 months of EPO therapy. The hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp technique was used to measure insulin sensitivity. Before EPO, insulin sensitivity was low in patients on CCPD (238±19 mg/m2 per min) compared with controls (320±30; P<0.01). After 6 months of EPO therapy, insulin sensitivity increased by 28% (305±26, P<0.01 vs. pre-EPO values), so that these values were no longer different from control values. The hyperglycemic clamp technique was used to measure insulin secretion. Before EPO, both early- and late-phase insulin secretion were elevated in patients on CCPD compared with controls (P<0.01 in both cases). These indices of insulin secretion decreased significantly (P<0.01) following 6 months of EPO. Before EPO, plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B were elevated in patients compared with controls. These lipid concentrations decreased significantly following 6 months of EPO. Thus, treatment of anemia by EPO is associated with improvements in insulin and lipid abnormalities in uremic patients on CCPD.
Apparent insulin activity in a fibrosarcoma associated with spontaneous hypoglycemia.

Using the glucose uptake of the isolated rat hemidiaphragm or the rat cpididymal fat pad as an assay procedure, a glucose-uptake stimulator was extracted and concentrated from a large retroperitoncal fibrosarcoma removed from a patient with spontaneous hypoglycemia. Fractionation revealed the coexistence of an in vitro glucose-uptake inhibitor in the tumor. The glucoseuptake stimulating activity in a 22 per cent ethanol precipitate was destroyed by heating, but it was relatively heat-stable when in the form of the more concentrated zinc acetate precipitate. The stimulating activity was nondialyzable. The material which inhibited glucose uptake appeared to be heat-stable and dialyzable.
Compact, Nanosecond, High Repetition Rate, Pulse Generator for Bioelectric Studies

The high dielectric strength and high permittivity of water allow for its use for energy storage and switching in compact pulse power systems. A 10-Omega pulse generator with flowing water as dielectric and as the switching medium is presented here. It can provide a 10-ns pulse with a risetime of approximately 2 ns and an amplitude of up to 35 kV into a matched load. The system was operated in burst mode with repetition rates of up to 400 Hz, limited by the charging power supply. For a switch with two pin electrodes, strong electrode erosion limits the use of the pulser to less than 1,000 pulses before electrode readjustment is necessary. A considerable reduction of the erosion effect on breakdown voltage was obtained with coaxial electrodes. The pulse generator was used to study the effect of the repetition rate (or the time between successive pulses) on the viability of B16 murine melanoma cells.