cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monte Carlo renormalization-group studies of q -state Potts models in two dimensions

The $q$-state Potts models in two dimensions are studied with the Monte Carlo renormalization-group method. The results are in agreement with known properties. Combining our data with the qualitative picture of Nienhuis, Berker, Riedel, and Schick, we obtain a consistent description of the behavior of these models, including nearly singular behavior for $qg4$ (as proposed by Kim and Joseph) and suggesting logarithmic corrections to scaling for $q=4$.
Rates and Predictors of Adherence to Psychotropic Medications in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Medication adherence in children is poor, particularly among those with chronic or mental health disorders. However, adherence has not been fully assessed in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The validated proportion of days covered method was used to quantify adherence to psychotropic medication in Medicaid-eligible children who met diagnostic criteria for ASD between 2000 and 2008 (N = 628). Among children prescribed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications, antidepressants, or antipsychotics, 44, 40 and 52 % were adherent respectively. Aggressive behaviors and abnormalities in eating, drinking, and/or sleeping, co-occurring ADHD, and the Medication Regimen Complexity Index were the most significant predictors of adherence rather than demographics or core deficits of ASD. Identifying barriers to adherence in ASD may ultimately lead to improved treatment outcomes.
Damping in a Fractional Relaxor-Oscillator Driven by a Harmonic Force

It is shown that the so called fractional Relaxor-Oscillator, characterized by an index of fractional order, alpha, exhibits interesting relaxation-oscillation characteristics when subjected to a sinusoidal forcing. For the range of values 0 < alpha <1, the system exhibits some characteristics of a regular relaxor, and for the range 1 < alpha <2, some characteristics of a damped harmonic oscillator. But in the dynamic response to a sinusoidal forcing, there are characteristic features which have no parallel either in the regular relaxor or the damped harmonic oscillator. The system is characterized by a frequency dependent “relaxation time constant” in the range 0< alpha <1, and an associated phase lag. In the range 1 < alpha <2, there is a frequency dependent damping parameter and an associated phase lag. The two phase lags approach each other in the limit (alpha approaching 1) from either side of 1. Furthermore, there is a different power-law tail associated with each of these cases.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Actions of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on human epidermal keratinocytes in culture.

In humans, the skin is a particularly sensitive target for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and certain halogenated analogs. Reported lesions include a thickening of the epidermis (acanthosis), hyperkeratosis, and squamous metaplasia of the epithelial lining of the sebaceous glands. In this report we describe ongoing studies on the actions of TCDD on cultured human epidermal cells. This system has been established as an in vitro model for interfollicular epidermal hyperkeratinization. Treatment of newly confluent cultures with TCDD results in enhanced differentiation as judged by histologic examination of the cultures, a decrease in the number of basal proliferating cells, and an increase in the number of envelope competent (differentiating) cells and terminally differentiated cells with highly cross-linked cornified envelopes. Changes in the differentiation program are preceded by a decrease in epidermal growth factor (EGF) binding. The concentration dependence and stereospecificity for these responses suggest the involvement of theAh receptor. We propose that TCDD modulates normal patterns of epidermal differentiation through direct actions on proliferating basal cells, modulating the responsiveness of these cells to growth factors such as EGF.
Source Seeking for Two Nonholonomic Models of Fish Locomotion

In this paper, we present a method of locomotion control for underwater vehicles that are propelled by a periodic deformation of the vehicle body, which is similar to the way a fish moves. We have developed control laws employing ldquoextremum seekingrdquo for two different ldquofishrdquo models. The first model consists of three rigid body links and relies on a 2-degree-of-freedom (DOF) movement that propels the fish without relying on vortices. The second fish model uses a Joukowski airfoil that has only 1 DOF in its movement and, thus, relies on vortex shedding for propulsion. We achieve model-free and position-free ldquosource seeking,rdquo and, if position is available, navigation along a predetermined path.
Relationship between Kappa1 opioid receptor binding and inhibition of adenylyl cyclase in guinea pig brain membranes

Abstract Previously, we showed that k - selective ligands inhibit adenylyl cyclase in guinea pig cerebellar membranes. The present studies explore the relationship between k 1 binding sites (as determined with [3H]U-69,593 binding) and k 1 - inhibition of adenylyl cyclase (using U-50,488H) in guinea pig brain membranes. Various k opioids displaced [3H]U-69,593 binding at a single site with subnanomolar affinities. These agonists were several hundred-fold weaker in inhibiting adenylyl cyclase, but for most agonists the rank order of adenylyl cyclase inhibition paralleled the displacement of k 1 binding. The correlation of ic 50 values for both adenylyl cyclase and binding was significant except for α-neo endorphin, which was relatively weak at inhibiting adenylyl cyclase despite a Ki value of 0.08 nM versus k 1 binding. Comparison between k 1 binding and k 1 - inhibited adenylyl cyclase across eleven guinea pig brain regions revealed that k 1 - inhibited adenylyl cyclase was highest in the cerebellum, absent in thalamus and superior colliculus, and moderate in other regions. In most regions, k 1 binding correlated with the efficacy of k 1 - inhibited adenylyl cyclase. However, the hippocampus had high levels of k 1 -inhibited adenylyl cyclase despite low levels of k 1 binding, while cortex exhibited a high density of k 1 sites but a relatively low level of k 1 - inhibited adenylyl cyclase. Reaction of cerebellar k receptors with β-chlornmaltrexamine (β-CNA) blocked both k 1 binding and k 1 - inhibited adenylyl cyclase. The effect of β-CNA on k 1 - inhibited adenylyl cyclase was to inhibit efficacy with little decrease in agonist potency, thus suggesting no significant level of k receptor reserve for this effector system.
Functional somatic syndromes as risk factors for hysterectomy in early bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis.

Abstract Objective We tested the hypothesis that functional somatic syndromes (FSSs) are risk factors for hysterectomy in early bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC). Methods In 312 women with incident BPS/IC, we diagnosed seven pre-BPS/IC syndromes: chronic pelvic pain (CPP), fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), sicca syndrome, migraine, and panic disorder. Each was defined as present before 12 months (existing syndrome) or onset within 12 months (new syndrome) prior to BPS/IC onset. Retrospectively, we sought associations between prior hysterectomy and existing FSSs. Prospectively, we studied associations of existing and new syndromes with subsequent hysterectomy. Logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, race, menopause and education. Results The retrospective study showed prior hysterectomy (N = 63) to be associated with existing CPP and the presence of multiple existing FSSs. The prospective study revealed that 30/249 women with a uterus at baseline (12%) underwent hysterectomy in early BPS/IC. This procedure was associated with new CPP (OR 6.0; CI 2.0, 18.2), new IBS (OR 5.4; CI 1.3, 22.3), and ≥ 3 existing FSSs (OR 3.9; CI 1.1, 13.9). Conclusion Accounting for CPP and IBS, the presence of multiple FSSs (most without pelvic pain) was a separate, independent risk factor for hysterectomy in early BPS/IC. This suggests that patient features in addition to abdominopelvic abnormalities led to this procedure. Until other populations are assessed, a prudent approach to patients who are contemplating hysterectomy (and possibly other surgeries) for pain and who have IBS or numerous FSSs is first to try alternative therapies including treatment of the FSSs.
Recombination: Holliday Junction Resolution and Crossover Formation

The heterodimeric nuclease Mus81-Eme1 has been proposed to be a Holliday junction resolvase and has now been found to be responsible for nearly all meiotic crossovers in fission yeast. The intriguing substrate preference of this enzyme for nicked Holliday junctions opens the possibility that crossover formation may not always involve double Holliday junctions.
Intertemporal persistence in healthcare spending and utilization: the role of insurance

This paper develops a dynamic panel model of healthcare demand, with particular emphasis on the relationship between insurance and intertemporal persistence in demand. The model combines flexible marginal distributions for single-period demand with a tight intertemporal dynamic structure. The dynamic component follows a first-order nonlinear Markov process, which is constructed using copula functions. The model considers different insurance plans, including private plans with gatekeepers, private plans without gatekeepers, and public plans. Results indicate that individuals who lack insurance exhibit higher intertemporal persistence in medical spending compared to those with insurance coverage.
Personnel scheduling with flexshift models

Abstract The concept of personnel scheduling when alternative work hours are permitted is presented in this article. The concept, called Flexshifts, schedules 6-, 8-, and 10-hour shifts against a 12- and 24-hour daily demand profile. Using the concept, required shifts can then be offered to the labor staff allowing each individual to select those shifts that best fit their personal plans. Alternatively, certain shifts can be guaranteed to key employees. Case studies reported in this paper indicate many advantages to allowing workers to opt for different start times, to select their days off and to create non-standard workweeks from predefined sets of 6-, 8-, and 10-hour days. Computerized timekeeping systems make this flexibility manageable. Personnel scheduling algorithms such as the one presented here make the planning of Flexshift easy. The formulation presented here utilizes linear programming. Tests of the L.P. Flexshift model on 42 data sets of 12-hour days showed an average savings in labor of 24.2% when compared to an L. P. model of the traditional 8-hour work shift. For a 24-hour work pattern, that formulation outperformed a published heuristic for 8-hour shifts by reducing average idle time from 13.9 to 5.4%.
Effect of separation distance on cavitation erosion of vibratory and stationary specimens in a vibratory facility

Abstract Vibratory cavitation erosion with vibratory and stationary specimens is studied for three materials in tap water at room temperature. The separation distance is varied from 0.127 to 6.096 mm. Test materials were commercially pure lead, soft (1100-O) aluminum and type 316 stainless steel. The double-horn amplitude was 58.4 μm (2.3 × 10 −3 in ) in a 20 kHz facility. The total duration of all tests was 10 min. The weight loss of both vibratory and stationary specimens of course depends on materials. The weight loss of stationary specimens is best correlated as a function of the reciprocal of the separation distance.
BRINGING HYPSOGRAPHY BACK IN: ALTITUDE AND RESIDENCE IN AMERICAN CITIES

Fictional images of the American city often represent altitude and residential class or status as strongly and directly correlated. Geographers, with some exceptions, however, have paid little attention to altitude as a factor in urban form. Correlations between altitude and income at the census tract level in seven New England cities bear out the popular image. The results suggest that the relationship deserves more systematic study. Particular attention in future research should be given to identifying its variation across time and space and its causes.
Perceived Urgency Scaling in Tactile Alerts

Tactile vibrations are potentially useful in a variety of environments to communicate information to visually and auditorily overloaded people. However, since vibrotactile signals must come into physical contact with the skin, they may also be perceived as highly urgent and annoying. The current study examined whether scalable levels of perceived urgency could be obtained with tactile signals by measuring the relationship between changes in vibrotactile pulse rate and ratings of urgency and annoyance. In two separate experiments, changes in pulse rate resulted in changes in ratings of perceived urgency with faster pulse rates being perceived as more urgent. Importantly, in both studies pulse rate had a greater impact on perceived urgency than it did on annoyance suggesting that scalable levels of urgency can be achieved without similarly annoying operators. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for multimodal display design.
Connectionism and the Philosophy of Mind: An Overview

Connectionism has recently attracted much interest in cognitive science because it seems to promise an alternative to the now traditional rule-based approaches to modeling cognition. Philosophers have also begun to take note of connectionism. My objective in this paper is to provide a brief introduction to some of the philosophical issues generated by connectionism. I will not in this paper be defending connectionism per se, although I would not be undertaking a mission such as this if I did not think connectionism could offer some important contributions to our understanding of mind and mental phenomena. My goal is rather to generate and focus further discussion. Thus, in each section of this paper I will pose and briefly discuss one or more questions. In discussing these questions I will indicate some answers that I find attractive, but I will not attempt to advance definitive arguments for them on this occasion.
Hole Mobility for Thin-Film Organic Molecular Solids in the Presence of Defects or Surface Adsorbates: Theory and Implications for Gas Detection

We report a computational procedure for predicting hole mobility in a thin-film molecular solid in the presence of an adsorbate. We first describe the effect on mobility due to defects, which may take the form of vacancies in the surface layer of the film or molecules adsorbed onto the surface of the film. The method is based on an implementation of Marcus hop rate theory. The adsorbate is then treated as a defect and the relation between defect density and mobility is studied. We have characterized simple oligoacene species (especially naphthalene and pentacene) and, for validation, the unrelated species α,ω-dihexylquaterthiophene (DH4T). Results are consistent with published studies of the relationship between mobility and defect density and yield insight into the electronic structure characteristics that render a material suitable for use as a probe of the presence of an adsorbate.
Disequilibrium Dynamics and the Stability of Quasi Equilibria

This paper develops a dynamic disequilibrium macro model and examines its stability properties. We specify a rationing scheme that explicitly takes into account the spillover effects and differentiates between notional, effective, and actual quantities. A complete graphical representation of an economy under nonmarket-clearing trade conditions is then given. In a Solow-Stiglitz [1968] setting we develop a dynamic model in which the dynamic forces depend on the economic environment a la Malinvaud. The stability conditions for a stable quasi equilibrium in each region are derived, and it is shown that, in general, any two stable quasi-equilibrium points are separated by an unstable stationary point.
Effect of Digitalis Glycosides on the Myocardial Sodium and Potassium Balance

Nontoxic and toxic doses of digitalis glycoside produced a rapid release of potassium from the myocardium and from extracardiac tissues of the dog. For approximately 25 minutes after the administration of a digitalis glycoside the myocardium was in negative potassium balance and within an hour returned to positive balance. The most serious electrocardiographic changes transpired when the myocardium approached or attained potassium balance. Pretreatment with potassium chloride protected the heart against arrhythmias by increasing Ko+. Pretreatment with glucose and insulin enhanced the arrhythmic action of the digitalis glycosides presumably by producing a low serum potassium (Ko+) and possibly by modifying the state of intracellular potassium (Ki+).
Operative hysteroscopy in the office setting.

Abstract Study Objective. To describe the feasibility of operative hysteroscopy in the office setting. Design. Descriptive study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). Setting University-based private practice. Patients Women undergoing assisted reproduction in whom diagnostic evaluation revealed uterine cavity pathology. Intervention Patients were offered office hysteroscopy and allowed to choose between paracervical block anesthesia supplemented with mild intravenous sedation or full conscious sedation, administered by an anesthesiologist. A MicroSpan Hysteroscopy system or HysteroSys Flexible Hysteroscope system was used for diagnostic purposes. When pathology was identified, resection was performed with 2-mm operative instruments or a Versa-Point hysteroscopic electrosurgical electrode using bipolar coagulation through an expandable operating channel. Measurements and Main Results Of 69 women with abnormal sonohysterographic and hysterosalpingogram studies, 44 agreed to office hysteroscopy. Thirty-three (48%) underwent VersaPoint resection and/or scissors resection, which was successfully accomplished in 32 (97%). Significant cervical stenosis in one woman precluded resection because of concern of creating a false passage. Concomitant diagnostic laparoscopy and operative hysteroscopy was performed in one patient. Average operating and anesthesia times were 45.2±20.3 minutes and 67.2±28.4 minutes, respectively. One uterine perforation occurred (3.3%) during resection of intrauterine adhesions. Conclusion Office hysteroscopy is a time-efficient and cost-effective procedure, made possible by the development of small instruments. Proper patient selection and training of office personnel are mandatory to minimize complications and maximize efficacy.
Wide-line NMR study of protons in hydrosilicate glasses of different water content

Abstract A wide-line NMR study is reported of glasses containing from 3.6 to 41 wt % H 2 O. Proton wide-line NMR spectra at low temperatures show that the protons are present as hydroxyl groups and water. As the temperature is increased, the line width decreases, evidence for the increased mobility of the water molecules. The hydroxyl content appears to be relatively low, almost independent of the total proton content. Na 23 spectra in a glass containing 32.5 wt % water were studied. At 100°C the Na + ions were found to be very mobile. It is shown that when the glass network is ruptured a limited number of hydroxyl groups is formed. However, most of the water is present in the opened-up glass structure as molecular water.
Electron Exchange between r-Keggin Tungstoaluminates and a Well-Defined Cluster-Anion Probe for Studies in Electron Transfer

Fully oxidized α-AlIIIW12O405- (1ox), and one-electron-reduced α-AlIIIW12O406- (1red), are well-behaved (stable and free of ion pairing) over a wide range of pH and ionic-strength values at room temperature in water. Having established this, 27Al NMR spectroscopy is used to measure rates of electron exchange between 1ox (27Al NMR: 72.2 ppm relative to Al(H2O)63+; ν1/2 = 0.77 Hz) and 1red (74.1 ppm; ν1/2 = 0.76 Hz). Bimolecular rate constants, k, are obtained from line broadening in 27Al NMR signals as ionic strength, μ, is increased by addition of NaCl at the slow-exchange limit of the NMR time scale. The dependence of k on μ is plotted using the extended Debye−Huckel equation: log k = log k0 + 2αz1z2μ1/2/(1 + βrμ1/2), where z1 and z2 are the charges of 1ox and 1red, α and β are constants, and r, the distance of closest contact, is fixed at 1.12 nm, the crystallographic diameter of a Keggin anion. Although not derived for highly charged ions, this equation gives a straight line (R2 = 0.996), whose slope...
GA-based Path Planning for Mobile Robots: An Empirical Evaluation of Seven Techniques

Previous research suggests that genetic algorithms (GAs) offer a promising solution to path planning for mobile robots. We examine six simple GAs used in prior studies, comparing them to a new node sequence approach that includes a two-step fitness function. Through a series of repeated trials using a simple 16x16 grid, a 100x100 grid, a 600x600 Mars landscape, and a complex maze-like environment, we compare the chromosome structures and fitness functions of these seven methods. The results of our empirical testing indicate that the proposed dual goal approach, which uses a fixed length chromosome structure, outperformed both monotonic and other node sequence approaches, consistently finding a feasible path in even the most challenging of these environments.
Assessment of dispositional embarrassability

Embarrassability, the propensity for an individual to experience embarrassment, has been frequently acknowledged as an important personality characteristic. The present research sought to explore the dispositional features of embarrassability by the psychometric development of 25-item measure, the Susceptibility to Embarrassment Scale (SES). The SES was designed to describe the personality characteristics of easily embarrassed persons rather than reactions to potentially embarrassing situations. The results indicated that the SES was an internally consistent and temporally stable measure. Its items were uncontaminated by social desirability. Assessments of construct validity suggested that the scale was a valid measure of embarrassability, and specifically a better measure of dispositional components of embarrassability than the only alternative measure of the construct. The location of the SES within the Big Five structure of normal adult personality is presented as well as its relationship with measures of deviant personality.
Genetic Counseling in Mitochondrial Disease

Mitochondrial diseases are a genetically and clinically diverse group of disorders that arise as a result of dysfunction of the mitochondria. Mitochondrial disorders can be caused by alterations in nuclear DNA and/or mitochondrial DNA. Although some mitochondrial syndromes have been described clearly in the literature many others present as challenging clinical cases with multisystemic involvement at variable ages of onset. Given the clinical variability and genetic heterogeneity of these conditions, patients and their families often experience a lengthy and complicated diagnostic process. The diagnostic journey may be characterized by heightened levels of uncertainty due to the delayed diagnosis and the absence of a clear prognosis, among other factors. Uncertainty surrounding issues of family planning and genetic testing may also affect the patient. The role of the genetic counselor is particularly important to help explain these complexities and support the patient and family’s ability to achieve effective coping strategies in dealing with increased levels of uncertainty.
Secondary electron emission studies

Abstract Secondary-electron-emission processes under electron bombardment play an important role in the performance of a variety of electron devices. While in some devices, the anode and the grid require materials that suppress the secondary-electron-generation process, the crossed-field amplifier (CFA) is an example where the cathode requires an efficient secondary-electron-emission material. Secondary-electron-emission processes will be discussed by a three-step process: penetration of the primary electrons, transmission of the secondary electrons through the material, and final escape of the secondary electrons over the vacuum barrier. The transmission of the secondary electrons is one of the critical factors in determining the magnitude of the secondary-electron yield. The wide band-gap in an insulator prevents low-energy secondary electrons from losing energy through electron-electron collisions, thereby resulting in a large escape depth for the secondary electrons and a large secondary-electron yield. In general, insulating materials have high secondary-electron yields, but a provision to supply some level of electrical conductivity is necessary in order to replenish the electrons lost in the secondary-electron-emission process. Our secondary-emission study of diamond demonstrates that the vacuum barrier height can have a strong effect on the total yield. The combined effect of a large escape depth of the secondary electrons and a low vacuum-barrier height is responsible for the extraordinarily high secondary-electron yields observed on hydrogen-terminated diamond samples.
Use of a deficient ration for chicks in bioassay of gonadotrophic hormones.

SummaryDay-old cockerels were kept on a corn-cob meal ration while testing homogenates of rat pituitaries for gonadotropic hormones. The chicks failure to grow made the testes weight a more sensitive indicator of gonadotropin when contrasted with the cockerels on a balanced ration. With the corn-cob meal ration the chick assay method was significant with 1/2 of a rat's pituitary.
Secular trend for stature in adult male Yucatec Maya to 1968

Statures for 64 adult male Yucatec Maya (18+ years old, sons of campesinos) were measured in 1968 and compared with mean statures presented in results for previous studies. There were no significant changes in mean stature since 1895. If the sample is divided into 5-year age groups, no secular trend is evident. Using osteological information from as early as the Late Preclassic, stature of adult Maya males has decreased 119 mm in a little more than 20 centuries (−0.06 cm/decade). Comparing the results with measurements from other Mesoamerican groups, only one – the Otomi – show evidence of significant secular change. It is possible that modern economic development schemes in Mesoamerica are too recent or ineffective to have had an effect on stature.
Tight riggings for a complete set of commuting observables

Abstract We attempt to reformulate the von Neumann, mathematically rigorous, description of non-relativistic Quantum Mechanics, so that it includes the more physically intuitive Dirac formalism, through the use of right riggings. The right rigging concept allows us to get closer to the Dirac formalism than has been possible in the past through the use of, not necessarily right riggings.
Estimation and compensation of Doppler effect using variable sub-carrier spacing in multiband UAC OFDM systems

Doppler shift causes loss of orthogonality in Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), which in turn may severely degrade receiver performance. In high data rate underwater acoustic communication (UAC), the effect of Doppler varies considerably over OFDM subcarriers. This paper will propose an algorithm to estimate the varying effects of Doppler shift over subcarriers and to avoid/mitigate the ICI produced by such effects using variable sub-carrier spacing in multiband OFDM.
Identification of a Placental Enhancer for the Human Leptin Gene

Leptin is a hormone that regulates metabolic efficiency, energy expenditure, and food intake. Leptin is produced chiefly in adipose cells, but in humans, mRNA encoding leptin is also present in the placenta. Here we elucidate the basis for placental leptin production. The same promoter is used for adipose and placental transcription. An upstream enhancer functions in the JEG-3 and JAR choriocarcinoma cell lines but not in adipocytes or HeLa cells. The minimal positive acting region is 60 base pairs in length. This region is within a MER11 repetitive element, suggesting that human placental expression of leptin is the result of insertion of this element. Binding analyses demonstrated three protein binding sites, designated placental leptin enhancer elements (PLE)1, PLE2, and PLE3. PLE2 binds Sp1. Enhancer activity was reduced by mutation of the PLE1 or PLE3 sites but was unaffected by alteration of PLE2. Proteins binding to PLE3 were present in JEG-3 and human placental nuclear extracts but not in extracts from non-placental sources. Upon triplication, the PLE3 element was a strong enhancer in choriocarcinoma cells but not in HeLa cells. The protein binding to the PLE3 motif appears to be a novel, placenta-specific transcription factor.
Antagonistic interactions of kleisins and DNA with bacterial Condensin MukB.

MukBEF is a bacterial SMC (structural maintenance of chromosome) complex required for faithful chromosome segregation in Escherichia coli. The SMC subunit of the complex, MukB, promotes DNA condensation in vitro and in vivo; however, all three subunits are required for the function of MukBEF. We report here that MukEF disrupts MukB·DNA complex. Preassembled MukBEF was inert in DNA binding or reshaping. Similarly, the association of MukEF with DNA-bound MukB served to displace MukB from DNA. When purified from cells, MukBEF existed as a mixture of MukEF-saturated and unsaturated complexes. The holoenzyme was unstable and could only bind DNA upon dissociation of MukEF. The DNA reshaping properties of unsaturated MukBEF were identical to those of MukB. Furthermore, the unsaturated MukBEF was stable and proficient in DNA binding. These results support the view that kleisins are not directly involved in DNA binding but rather bridge distant DNA-bound MukBs.
Effective Management of Refractory Postcardiotomy Bleeding With the Use of Recombinant Activated Factor VII

Background Severe coagulopathy after cardiovascular surgery may lead to intractable bleeding and is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Recent studies have suggested that recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) may play a role in decreasing postoperative bleeding. Herein we report our experience with the off-label use of rFVIIa in patients with refractory postcardiotomy bleeding. Methods From June 2003 to December 2005, 17 patients (mean age, 65 ± 18 years) received rFVIIa for refractory bleeding after cardiac surgery. Preoperative risk factors for bleeding included reoperation (n = 7), emergency surgery (n = 7), and renal or hepatic failure (n = 3). Surgical procedures were aortic surgery (n = 7), complex valve operations (n = 7), coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 2), and cardiac tumor resection (n = 1). Results The average dose of rFVIIa was 103.1 ± 30.2 μg/kg. After the administration of rFVIIa the blood loss was reduced and chest tube output decreased from an average of 300 mL/h to 60 mL/h ( p = 0.024). Coagulation variables normalized (mean prothrombin time, 18 ± 7 versus 14 ± 3 seconds; p = 0.03; mean partial thromboplastin time, 94 ± 50 versus 49 ± 14 seconds; p = 0.02), and the need for blood products was significantly reduced. Only 1 patient required mediastinal reexploration. No thromboembolic complications occurred during hospitalization. Conclusions This study suggests that rFVIIa is safe and efficacious in the management of refractory postcardiotomy bleeding. The use of rFVIIa is associated with reduced blood loss, rapid improvement of coagulation variables, and decreased need for blood products. Further studies are necessary to determine the safety and efficacy of this new hemostatic agent and its precise role in the treatment of severe postoperative coagulopathy.
Chaperone‐rich tumor cell lysate‐mediated activation of antigen‐presenting cells resists regulatory T cell suppression

CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) critically contribute to the mechanisms of cancer-induced tolerance. These cells suppress anti-tumoral CD8(+) and CD4(+) T lymphocytes and can also restrain the function of APCs. We have previously documented the immunostimulatory effects of a chaperone-rich cell lysate (CRCL) anti-cancer vaccine. Tumor-derived CRCL induces tumor immunity in vivo, partly by promoting dendritic cell (DC) and macrophage activation. In the current study, we evaluated the effects of CD4(+)CD25(+)forkhead box P3(+) Tregs isolated from mice bearing 12B1 bcr-abl(+) leukemia on DC and macrophages that had been activated by 12B1-derived CRCL. CRCL-activated DC and macrophages resisted Treg suppression, as the production of proinflammatory cytokines, the activation of transcription factor NF-kappaB, and their immunostimulatory potential was unaffected by Tregs. Our results thus highlight CRCL as a powerful adjuvant endowed with the capacity to overcome tumor-induced Treg-inhibitory effects on APCs.
Ultrasensitive protein detection using lithographically defined Si multi-nanowire field effect transistors

Low-doped silicon multi-nanowire field effect transistors with high ON/OFF ratio over 107 and a low subthreshold swing of 60–120 mV dec−1 are fabricated using lithographic semiconductor processes. The use of multi-nanowires instead of a single nanowire as sensing elements has shown improved device uniformity and stability in buffer solutions. The device stability is further improved with surface silanization and biasing with a solution gate rather than a backgate. pH sensing with a linear response over a range of 2–9 is achieved using these devices. Selective detection of bovine serum albumin at concentrations as low as 0.1 femtomolar is demonstrated.
Divorce and Health Beyond Individual Differences

This paper reviews what is known about the association between marital dissolution and health outcomes in adults. Two of the major empirical findings in the literature-that most people do well following marital separation and that this life event increases risk for poor outcomes-appear to be in contrast. This paper provides an individual differences framework for reconciling these competing perspectives and suggests that the bulk of the risk for poor outcomes following marital dissolution is carried by a minority of people. Research focusing on at-risk populations is beginning to shed light on mechanisms of action, the processes that explain why and how marital separation and divorce are associated with ill health. The paper outlines a series of future directions that go beyond individual differences to study these mechanisms.
Individual error, group error, and the value of information

This paper studies the interaction of error and information both in a single-person setting and in an interactive setting. In contrast to Blackwell's Theorem, which says that more information is always good, the perspective of this paper is that while a lot of information is beneficial, a little information can be harmful. The main achievements of this paper are: (1) A characterization of the class of signals which always benefit a decision-maker in all decision problems. The analysis is carried out in a model which allows for the possibility that the decision-maker makes a mistake. (2) A demonstration that there are public signals within this class which can nevertheless reduce the utility of a team (i.e., a collection of agents with a common objective), as well as a characterization of the class of signals which always benefit a team in every team game. (3) A theorem that shows that in decision problems, beyond a certain threshold of precision, the value of information is increasing in the precision of signals, and which also provides a characterization of this threshold.
Roles of Krüppel‐like factor 4 in normal homeostasis, cancer and stem cells

Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is a zinc finger-type transcription factor expressed in a variety of tissues, including the epithelium of the intestine and the skin, and it plays an important role in differentiation and cell cycle arrest. Depending on the gene targeted, KLF4 can both activate and repress transcription. Moreover, in certain cellular contexts, KLF4 can function as a tumor suppressor or an oncogene. Finally, KLF4 is important in reprogramming differentiated fibroblasts into inducible pluripotent stem cells, which highly resemble embryonic stem cells. This review summarizes what is known about the diverse functions of KLF4 as well as their molecular mechanisms.
Bayesian latent variable models for median regression on multiple outcomes.

Souvent il est impossible de mesurer une reponse d'interet et on doit necessairement faire appel a des grandeurs accessoires multiples qu'on suppose independantes conditionnellement aux valeurs de la variable latente et des covariables observees. De facon typique,les modeles en variable latente supposent que les residuees sont gaussions. Cet article propose une regression bayesienne modelisant la mediane et qui dispense d'hypothese sur les distributions des residus en s'appuyant sur une approximation basee sur les quartiles. Pour traiter de la dependance intra sujet, les quartiles de la reponse des variables de remplacement sont liees a des distributions normales sous-jacentes, dependant d'une variable latente normale. La structure de covariance gaussienne qui en resulte simplifie l'interpretatin et l'ajustement, sans limiter les distributions marginales des variables de remplacement. Pour les calculs des distributions a posteriori nous proposons un algorithme de Chaine de Markov Monte Carlo. Les methodes sont appliquees sont appliquees, pour d'une etude de toxicologie genetique, aux dosages par electrophorese sur cellule unique (essai cornet).
Further remarks on the chemical mechanics of cell-division

1) In a previous communication I have advanced the view that cell-division is attributable to an equatorial diminution in surface tension, due possibly to cholin or a soap of cholin formed as a byeproduct in nuclear synthesis. I illustrated this view by experiments in which alkaline threads were laid across droplets of rancid olive oil floated upon water; division of the droplets resulted from the equatorial diminution in surface-tension, due to the equatorial formation of soap. 2) In a recent articleMcClendon has questioned the correctness of this interpretation, basing his objections, in the main, upon the fact that when the oil-drops are made to sink by the addition of alcohol to the water, they can no longer be made to divide by the equatorial application of soap. 3) In this communication various sources of error inMcClendon's experiments are pointed out and it is shown that oil-droplets do not divide in alcohol water mixtures containing more than 50% alcohol because of the presence of the alcohol and not because they are submerged. If, on the contrary, we cause the oil-drops to sink in water by adding chloroform to the oil, division of the drops is readily secured by laying alkaline threads across them. 4) The results of these experiments confirm the view that cell-division is attributable to an equatorial diminution of surface tension, and it is further pointed out that the contrary view, namely that cell-division is due to an equatorial increase in surface tension, is hydromechanically untenable.
A PSEUDO COUNTEREXAMPLE TO A SIMULATION METATHEOREM

We state a simulation metatheorem and then present an example that could be considered a counterexample to the metatheorem.
Flame propagation enhancement by plasma excitation of oxygen. Part I: Effects of O3

The thermal and kinetic effects of O{sub 3} on flame propagation were investigated experimentally and numerically by using C{sub 3}H{sub 8}/O{sub 2}/N{sub 2} laminar lifted flames. Ozone produced by a dielectric barrier plasma discharge was isolated and measured quantitatively by using absorption spectroscopy. Significant kinetic enhancement by O{sub 3} was observed by comparing flame stabilization locations with and without O{sub 3} production. Experiments at atmospheric pressures showed an 8% enhancement in the flame propagation speed for 1260 ppm of O{sub 3} addition to the O{sub 2}/N{sub 2} oxidizer. Numerical simulations showed that the O{sub 3} decomposition and reaction with H early in the pre-heat zone of the flame produced O and OH, respectively, from which the O reacted rapidly with C{sub 3}H{sub 8} and produced additional OH. The subsequent reaction of OH with the fuel and fuel fragments, such as CH{sub 2}O, provided chemical heat release at lower temperatures to enhance the flame propagation speed. It was shown that the kinetic effect on flame propagation enhancement by O{sub 3} reaching the pre-heat zone of the flame for early oxidation of fuel was much greater than that by the thermal effect from the energy contained within O{sub 3}. For non-premixed laminarmore » lifted flames, the kinetic enhancement by O{sub 3} also induced changes to the hydrodynamics at the flame front which provided additional enhancement of the flame propagation speed. The present results will have a direct impact on the development of detailed plasma-flame kinetic mechanisms and provided a foundation for the study of combustion enhancement by O{sub 2}(a{sup 1}{delta}{sub g}) in part II of this investigation. (author)« less
Arboreal habitat structure affects route choice by rat snakes

In arboreal habitats gaps between branches and branch structure profoundly affect the ability of animals to move; hence, an ability to perceive such attributes could facilitate choosing routes that enhance the speed and ease of locomotion. Although many snakes are arboreal, no previous study has determined whether they can perceive structural variation of branches that is mechanically relevant to their locomotion. We tested whether the gap distance, location, and attributes of two destination perches on the far side of a crossable gap affected the route travelled by North American rat snakes (Pantherophis), which are proficient climbers. Snakes usually chose routes with shorter gaps. Within a horizontal plane, the snakes usually went straight rather than crossing an equal distance gap with a 90° turn, which was consistent with our finding that crossing a straight gap was easier. However, decreasing the distance of the gap with a 90° turn eliminated the preference for going straight. Additional factors, such as the width of the landing surface and the complexity of branching of the destination perches, resulted in non-random route choice. Thus, many of the observed biases in route choice suggested abilities to perceive structural variation and select routes that are mechanically beneficial.
Evaluating the risk of cyber attacks on SCADA systems via Petri net analysis with application to hazardous liquid loading operations

This paper develops an analytic technique for quantifying the risk of computer network operations (CNO) against supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems. We measure risk in terms of the extent to which an attacker can manipulate process control elements, the consequences due to disruption of the controlled physical process, and the vulnerability of the SCADA system to malicious intrusion. The technique constitutes a novel application of Petri net state coverability analysis coupled with process simulation. As such, this framework permits a formal assessment of candidate policies to manage risk by diminishing aspects of the network vulnerability to intrusion, where the objective is to prevent malicious induction of catastrophic process failure modes. We extend earlier work on Petri nets for attack analysis by developing a detailed methodology including: a new algorithm for the automatic generation of Petri nets from the description of a SCADA network and its vulnerabilities; metrics for quantifying risk as a function of a Petri net's state; techniques for evaluating these metrics based on a Petri net's minimal coverability set; and a method for coupling the Petri net representation of the SCADA network to the controlled processes for failure mode and effects assessment. The paper concludes by presenting an example application of the analysis technique to evaluate the security of a hazardous liquid loading process.
The influence of acculturation on substance use behaviors among Latina sexual minority women: the mediating role of discrimination.

Background: A large body of work has demonstrated that sexual minority women have elevated rates of substance use morbidity, as compared with heterosexual women, and that this might be especially true for women of color. Objectives: This study examines the influence of acculturation and discrimination on substance use among Latina sexual minority women. Methods: Data were collected from 2007 to 2008 as part of a larger community-based survey in the greater Chicago area. Scales measured discrimination, acculturation, and substance use. Structural equation modeling validated scales and examined their relationships, which were further described via mediation analysis. Results: Increased acculturation leads to substance use and this relationship is partially mediated by discrimination (Sobel test = 2.10; p < .05). Conclusions/Importance: Implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed. Funding was provided by several women's and public health organizations.
Provable ICA with Unknown Gaussian Noise, with Implications for Gaussian Mixtures and Autoencoders

We present a new algorithm for independent component analysis which has provable performance guarantees. In particular, suppose we are given samples of the form $$y = Ax + \eta $$y=Ax+? where $$A$$A is an unknown but non-singular $$n \times n$$n×n matrix, $$x$$x is a random variable whose coordinates are independent and have a fourth order moment strictly less than that of a standard Gaussian random variable and $$\eta $$? is an $$n$$n-dimensional Gaussian random variable with unknown covariance $$\varSigma $$Σ: We give an algorithm that provably recovers $$A$$A and $$\varSigma $$Σ up to an additive $$\epsilon $$∈ and whose running time and sample complexity are polynomial in $$n$$n and $$1 / \epsilon $$1/∈. To accomplish this, we introduce a novel "quasi-whitening" step that may be useful in other applications where there is additive Gaussian noise whose covariance is unknown. We also give a general framework for finding all local optima of a function (given an oracle for approximately finding just one) and this is a crucial step in our algorithm, one that has been overlooked in previous attempts, and allows us to control the accumulation of error when we find the columns of $$A$$A one by one via local search.
Mobility Modeling Considerations for Radiation Effects Simulations in Silicon

The results of semiconductor device simulations are highly dependent on the electron and hole mobility models. The manner in which mobility is modeled at high-injection levels is especially important for single-event upset simulations due to the large number of electron-hole pairs generated along a particle strike path. This paper presents an approach to modeling mobility that describes majority and minority carrier mobility, carrier-carrier scattering, and temperature dependence in a computationally efficient form relevant for radiation effects simulations in silicon.
A novel pathway for exotoxin delivery by an intracellular pathogen

Fundamental to the biology of many bacterial pathogens are bacterial proteins with the capacity to modulate host cellular functions. These bacterial proteins are delivered to the host's molecular targets by a great diversity of mechanisms of varying complexity. The different delivery mechanisms are adapted to the specific biology of the pathogen. Here we focus our attention on a recently described delivery pathway adapted to the biology of an intracellular pathogen, in which an exotoxin is delivered from an intracellular location to its molecular target through autocrine and paracrine pathways.