cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Composition and Post Heat Treatment on Shape Memory Characteristics and Mechanical Properties for Laser Direct Deposited Nitinol

Nitinol structures were synthesized in a fully dense form using a laser direct deposition method. The pure elemental metal powders of nickel and titanium were used and powder ratios were controlled to arrive at the prescribed final chemical compositions of Nitinol. The transformation temperatures of synthesized Nitinol samples with different chemical composition and post heat treatment conditions were systematically analyzed and compared with those of conventional Nitinol. Compared to Nitinol parts produced by other techniques, the laser engineered net shaping (LENS) created the least amount of secondary phase, indicating the possibility of high corrosion resistance. Two step post processing of solution heat treatment and aging heat treatment was carried out to improve the homogeneity of the microstructure and to investigate its effects on phase transformation temperatures. The resultant phase transformation temperatures could be controlled by the heat treatment parameters. Compression test results showed mechanical properties of synthesized Nitinol samples are largely affected by its post heat treatment history while the effect of initial chemical composition was negligible.
Myeloid Cell Recruitment Represents A Covergent Pathway For Early Inflammation In Mice Expressing Mutant Surfactant Protein-C Isoforms

Patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) often experience one or more episodes of precipitous deterioration (“acute exacerbations” or AE-ILD) marked by polycellular alveolitis and diffuse lung injury. We developed two preclinical models expressing distinct functional classes of ILD associated mutations in the alveolar type 2 (AT2) cell specific Surfactant Protein C [SP-C] gene [SFTPC] residing in the carboxy-terminus of the SP-C propeptide. Tamoxifen treatment of adult Inducible-SP-C mice rapidly upregulated both mutant proSP-C isoforms. Whereas AT2 cells isolated from I-SftpcI73T mice demonstrated mistrafficked proSP-C on the plasma membrane and a block in autophagy, AT2 cells from I-SftpcC121G produced ER retained proSP-C isoforms and activated ER stress pathways. Despite the differences, both classes of mutations induced an early multiphasic alveolitis marked by sequential accumulation of SiglecFloCD11b+CD64-CD11c-Ly6C+ monocytes (3d), LY6G+ neutrophils (7d) and SiglecFhiCD11bhiCD11clo eosinophils (2wk) in concert with histologically diffuse parenchymal lung injury. Ccl2 mRNA was upregulated early in both models in association with elevated BALF MCP-1 protein. Pretreatment of I-SftpcI73T mice with IV clodronate prior to induction resulted in attenuation of tissue related CCR2+ monocytes with improved survival and decreased BALF cell counts at 3d and 7d. Together these models provide proof of concept for AT2 dysfunction in AE-ILD pathogenesis converging at the level of early MCP-1 production and monocyte recruitment supporting a deleterious role for an AT2-monocyte axis in Sftpc mediated lung injury.
Kinetically assembled binary nanoparticle networks.

Embedding percolating networks of nanoparticles (NPs) within polymers is a promising approach for mechanically reinforcing polymers and for introducing novel electronic, transport, and catalytic properties into otherwise inert polymers. While such networks may be obtained through kinetic assembly of unary system of NPs, the ensuing structures exhibit limited morphologies. Here, we investigate the possibility of increasing the diversity of NP networks through kinetic assembly of multiple species of NPs. Using lattice Monte Carlo simulations we show that networks obtained from co-assembly of two NP species of different sizes exhibit significantly more diverse morphology than those assembled from a single species. In particular, we achieved considerable variations in the particle spatial distribution, proportions of intra- and interspecies contacts, fractal dimension, and pore sizes of the networks by simply modulating the stoichiometry of the two species and their intra and inter-species affinities. We classified these distinct morphologies into “integrated”, “coated”, “leaved”, and “blocked” phases, and provide relevant phase diagrams for achieving them. Our findings are relevant to controlled and predictable assembly of particle networks for creating multifunctional composites with improved properties.
Disparities research in thyroid cancer: challenges and strategies for improvement.

Until recently, thyroid cancer was one of the most rapidly increasing cancers in the United States. Disparities exist in many aspects of thyroid cancer care as a result of the multifactorial interplay of systemic, patient, and physician factors. To better understand the management of thyroid cancer in populations at risk for health disparities and subsequently implement changes that will lead to health equity for all patients with thyroid cancer, health services research with innovative approaches is necessary.
House style recognition using deep convolutional neural network

Abstract The recent development in deep learning has opened up a new era of possibilities, once difficult to achieve with conventional methods, to revolutionize image recognition, speech recognition, and natural language processing. Specifically, image recognition has been widely applied in various areas such as face recognition, object identification for security, and other purposes. Although it is rarely applied to discover new methods for use in architecture, image recognition has great potential in architectural design. For example, it can be used to identify the preference of the client and to design a building that satisfies a client's aesthetic preference. One of the major hurdles of utilizing image recognition in architecture is the architectural styles based on culture, location, and time. For that reason, it is difficult to identify an architectural style by non-trained clients and sometimes certain buildings are composed of different styles that are difficult to identify by experts as one style. This paper explores the possibility of using state-of-the-art image recognition algorithms in house style recognition to find out its limitations and possibilities. Moreover, the paper adopted a convolutional neural network model for classifying house styles in the US. Although the final accuracy is not high due to the lack of image datasets, the trained model performed reasonable predictions with a limited test set. The results show the importance of properly defining style for image recognition to improve its accuracy.
Internet-based Tailored Virtual Human Health Intervention to Promote Colorectal Cancer Screening: Design Guidelines from Two User Studies

To influence user behaviors, Internet-based virtual humans (VH) have been used to deliver health interventions. However, Internet-based VH health interventions face challenges. The challenges can affect user perceptions of an Internet-based VH health intervention. In our work, we use an Internet-based VH health intervention to promote colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. We present design guidelines drawn from two studies. The two studies examined the influence of visual design and the influence of the information medium on user intentions to pursue more health information. In the first study, the analysis of the focus group (n=73 users) transcripts shows that the VH's visual realism, the VH's healthcare role, and the presence of a local healthcare provider's logo influenced user perceptions of the VH-based intervention's visual design. The findings from the focus groups were used to iterate the intervention and derive design guidelines. In the second study (n=1,400), the analysis of online surveys of users after the VH-based intervention showed that very few users focused on the VH's appearance. To influence the user intentions to pursue the health topic further, the results recommend the use of an animated VH to deliver health information compared to other mediums of information delivery, such as text. The design guidelines from the two studies can be used by developers to use VH-based interventions to influence users' intention to change behaviors.
Self-similar mesocrystals form via interface-driven nucleation and assembly.

Crystallization by particle attachment (CPA) is a frequently occurring mechanism of colloidal crystallization that results in hierarchical morphologies1–4. CPA has been exploited to create nanomaterials with unusual properties4–6 and is implicated in the development of complex mineral textures1,7. Oriented attachment7,8—a form of CPA in which particles align along specific crystallographic directions—produces mesocrystals that diffract as single crystals do, although the constituent particles are still discernible2,9. The conventional view of CPA is that nucleation provides a supply of particles that aggregate via Brownian motion biased by attractive interparticle potentials1,9–12. However, mesocrystals often exhibit regular morphologies and uniform sizes. Although many crystal systems form mesocrystals1–9 and individual attachment events have been directly visualized10, how random attachment events lead to well defined, self-similar morphologies remains unknown, as does the role of surface-bound ligands, which are ubiquitous in nanoparticle systems3,9,11. Attempts to understand mesocrystal formation are further complicated in many systems by the presence of precursor nanoparticles with a phase distinct from that of the bulk1,13,14. Some studies propose that such particles convert before attachment15, whereas others attribute conversion to the attachment process itself16 and yet others conclude that transformation occurs after the mesocrystals exceed a characteristic size14,17. Here we investigate mesocrystal formation by iron oxides, which are important colloidal phases in natural environments18,19 and classic examples of systems forming ubiquitous precursor phases and undergoing CPA accompanied by phase transformations15,19–21. Combining in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) at 80 degrees Celsius with ‘freeze-and-look’ TEM, we tracked the formation of haematite (Hm) mesocrystals in the presence of oxalate (Ox), which is abundant in soils, where iron oxides are common. We find that isolated Hm particles rarely appear, but once formed, interfacial gradients at the Ox-covered surfaces drive Hm particles to nucleate repeatedly about two nanometres from the surfaces, to which they then attach, thereby generating mesocrystals. Comparison to natural and synthetic systems suggests that interface-driven pathways are widespread. Mesocrystal formation is investigated for haematite in the presence of oxalate, showing that chemical gradients at interfaces cause nucleation near surfaces rather than in the bulk, followed by particle attachment.
Texture is encoded in precise temporal spiking patterns in primate somatosensory cortex

Abstract We are exquisitely sensitive to the microstructure and material properties of surfaces. In the peripheral nerves, two separate mechanisms convey texture information: coarse textural features are encoded in spatial patterns of activation that reflect their spatial layout and fine features are encoded in highly repeatable, texture specific temporal spiking patterns evoked as the skin moves across the surface. In the present study, we examined whether this temporal code is preserved in the responses of neurons in somatosensory cortex. To this end, we scanned a diverse set of everyday textures across the fingertip of awake macaques while recording the responses evoked in individual cortical neurons. We found that temporal spiking patterns are highly repeatable across multiple presentations of the same texture, with millisecond precision. As a result, texture identity can be reliably decoded from the temporal patterns themselves, even after information carried in the spike rates is eliminated. However, a neural code that combines rate and timing is more informative than either code in isolation. The temporal precision of the texture response is heterogenous across cortical neurons and depends on the submodality composition of their input and on their location along the somatosensory neuraxis. Furthermore, temporal spiking patterns in cortex dilate and contract with decreases and increases in scanning speed and this systematic relationship between speed and patterning may contribute to the observed perceptual invariance to speed. Finally, we find that the quality of a texture percept can be better predicted when these temporal patterns are taken into consideration. We conclude that high-precision spike timing complements rate-based signals to encode texture in somatosensory cortex.
Ruth Grant’s Liberalism

I want to address Ruth Grant’s work on John Locke, in particular her 1987 book, John Locke’s Liberalism.1 I have now read Ruth’s book—cover to cover—for the third time. I first read it when it firs...
Disentangling Mitochondria in Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a major cause of dementia in older adults and is fast becoming a major societal and economic burden due to an increase in life expectancy. Age seems to be the major factor driving AD, and currently, only symptomatic treatments are available. AD has a complex etiology, although mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic abnormalities have been widely and deeply investigated as plausible mechanisms for its neuropathology. Aβ plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau aggregates, along with cognitive deficits and behavioral problems, are the hallmarks of the disease. Restoration of mitochondrial bioenergetics, prevention of oxidative stress, and diet and exercise seem to be effective in reducing Aβ and in ameliorating learning and memory problems. Many mitochondria-targeted antioxidants have been tested in AD and are currently in development. However, larger streamlined clinical studies are needed to provide hard evidence of benefits in AD. This review discusses the causative factors, as well as potential therapeutics employed in the treatment of AD.
Performance evaluation and improvement of parallel applications on high performance architectures

An effective methodology of performance evaluation and improvement enables application developers to quickly and efficiently tune their applications to achieve good performance. One efficient approach to improving performance for scientific applications is to bound the best achievable performance that a machine could deliver on a particular application code and then try to approach this bound in delivered performance. A useful abstraction is to approximate components of the application, architecture, compiler as independent contributors to the total application runtime. A hierarchy of such bounds equations can be constructed by successively taking into account actual rather than idealized additional components of machine runtime (and hence performance) and creating a new bounds equation for each such increasingly detailed abstraction. The MACS12*B bounds hierarchy that we develop models most of the common factors contributing to run time including limits posed by peak performance, essential operations in the high level code, nonessential instructions inserted by the compiler and scheduler, misses in the first level cache, misses in the second level cache which generate communication events, congestion effects leading to long miss latencies, and load imbalance effects. Given this hierarchy, it is possible to focus application performance improvement efforts on the causes of the largest gaps between successive performance bounds in the hierarchy. We develop a methodology of performance improvement in which we analyze performance, target performance bottleneck(s), select a standard heuristic applicable to the targeted bottleneck, restructure or change the high-level application, and iterate until acceptable performance has been achieved. A case study in which two of the NAS parallel benchmarks are tuned for the Kendall Square Research KSR parallel computer illustrates the power of this approach. These applications are analyzed with the MACS12*B bounds hierarchy and their performance bottlenecks are identified. The original applications are progressively restructured and/or changed using the iterative methodology. The performance of the resulting codes is found to compare favorably to the KSR-supplied hand-tuned versions.
Encyclopedia of Women's Folklore and Folklife (2 vols.)

Reviewed Medium: book Year: 2008 Pages: 872 Publisher: Greenwood Publishing Group ISBN: 978-0-313-34050-5 (hard cover). Prices: $199.95 USD(hard cover).
Heterogeneous Multi-Robot Cooperation

This dissertation addresses the problem of achieving fault tolerant cooperation within small- to medium-sized teams of heterogeneous mobile robots. I describe a software architecture I have developed, called ALLIANCE, that facilitates robust, fault tolerant cooperative control, and examine numerous issues in cooperative team design. ALLIANCE is a fully distributed architecture that utilizes adaptive action selection to achieve cooperative control in robot missions involving loosely coupled, largely independent tasks. The robots in this architecture possess a variety of high-level functions that they can perform during a mission, and must at all times select an appropriate action based on the requirements of the mission, the activities of other robots, the current environmental conditions, and their own internal states. Since such cooperative teams often work in dynamic and unpredictable environments, the software architecture allows the team members to respond robustly and reliably to unexpected environmental changes and modifications in the robot team that may occur due to mechanical failure, the learning of new skills, or the addition or removal of robots from the team by human intervention. In addition, an extended version of ALLIANCE, called L-ALLIANCE, incorporates a simple mechanism that allows teams of mobile robots to learn from their previous experiences with other robots, allowing them to select their own actions more efficiently on subsequent trials when working with "familiar" robots on missions composed of independent tasks. This mechanism allows a human system designer to easily and quickly group together the appropriate combination of robots for a particular mission, since robots need not have a priori knowledge of their teammates. The development of ALLIANCE and L-ALLIANCE involved research on a number of topics: fault tolerant cooperative control, adaptive action selection, distributed control, robot awareness of team member actions, improving efficiency through learning, inter-robot communication, action recognition, and local versus global control. This dissertation describes each of these topics in detail, along with experimental results of investigating these issues both in simulated and in physical mobile robot teams. I am not aware of any other cooperative control architecture that has exhibited the combination of fault tolerance, reliability, adaptivity, and efficiency possible with ALLIANCE and L-ALLIANCE, and which has been successfully demonstrated on physical mobile robot teams. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
Saturation Numbers for Trees

For a fixed graph $H$, a graph $G$ is $H$-saturated if there is no copy of $H$ in $G$, but for any edge $e \notin G$, there is a copy of $H$ in $G + e$. The collection of $H$-saturated graphs of order $n$ is denoted by ${\bf SAT}(n,H)$, and the saturation number , ${\bf sat}(n, H),$ is the minimum number of edges in a graph in ${\bf SAT}(n,H)$. Let $T_k$ be a tree on $k$ vertices. The saturation numbers ${\bf sat}(n,T_k)$ for some families of trees will be determined precisely. Some classes of trees for which ${\bf sat}(n, T_k) < n$ will be identified, and trees $T_k$ in which graphs in ${\bf SAT}(n,T_k)$ are forests will be presented. Also, families of trees for which ${\bf sat}(n,T_k) \geq n$ will be presented. The maximum and minimum values of ${\bf sat}(n,T_k)$ for the class of all trees will be given. Some properties of ${\bf sat}(n,T_k)$ and ${\bf SAT} (n,T_k)$ for trees will be discussed.
Service Configuration and Management in Adaptable Networks

We describe ANCORS, an architecture for the design, configuration, and management of adaptable networks. We describe the primary components of the architecture and their common system management infrastructure. We describe alternative techniques that can be used for the management of adaptable networks and discuss their relative strengths. We then propose an open and extensible management framework for adapting the management infrastructure to newly deployed network services. We exemplify the use of this framework by outlining four different representative management applications.
Molecular analysis of herpes simplex virus type 1 during epinephrine-induced reactivation of latently infected rabbits in vivo.

Abstract Infectious virus assays and PCR amplification of DNA and RNA were used to investigate herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA replication and gene expression in the rabbit corneal model for virus reactivation in vivo. We used carefully defined latency-associated transcript-negative (LAT-) and LAT+ promoter mutants of the 17syn+ strain of HSV type 1. In agreement with earlier studies using a more extensive LAT- deletion mutant, the 17 delta Pst(LAT-) virus reactivated with extremely low frequency upon epinephrine induction. In contrast to our findings with murine latency models, amounts of viral DNA recovered from rabbit ganglia latently infected with either LAT+ or LAT- virus were equivalent. Also in contrast with the murine models, no net increase in viral DNA was seen in latently infected rabbit trigeminal ganglia induced to reactivate in vivo by iontophoresis of epinephrine. Despite this, transcription of lytic-phase genes could be detected within 4 h following induction of rabbits latently infected with either LAT+ or LAT- virus; this transcription diminished by 16 h following induction. These results are discussed in relation to models for the mechanism of action of HSV LAT.
It Takes Two? An Exploration of Processes and Outcomes in a Two-Session Couple Intervention

Although relationship distress is common, couples often forego professional help due to concerns such as time constraints, financial costs, and stigma. The two-session relationship checkup is an alternative format of couple intervention developed to address these concerns. In this qualitative study, we interviewed 20 coupled participants and six clinicians to examine the checkup's processes and outcomes. The phenomenological themes that emerged revealed sequential processes by which this format works. Couple themes included client motivation, the therapeutic relationship, and therapeutic change in terms of perceptions and behaviors-particularly with regard to communication. Clinician data largely mirrored these themes. The results suggest the intervention addressed barriers to help-seeking and may be a viable selective option for at-risk couples.
Primaeval melting of the Moon

There is evidence that the Moon melted completely 4,400 Myr ago, and between 4,000 Myr and 3,200 Myr ago had an internal magnetic field. But gravity could not have provided the heat of melting, and it must have come from short lived radio elements. Theory suggests the transuranics with atomic numbers between 114 and 126 may be relatively stable, and it is shown that these ‘superheavy elements’ fit the requirements of the early heat source in the moon.
Dependency as a Social Cue: A Meta-Analytic Review of Research on the Dependency–Helping Relationship

Abstract A meta-analysis of experiments assessing the dependency–helping relationship revealed that across all studies in this area, increased victim dependency is associated with increased willingness to help on the part of others. The dependency–helping relationship is stronger for male victims than for female victims, although subject gender does not appear to mediate the dependency–helping relationship. Several methodological and situational variables mediate the dependency–helping relationship, including type of helping measure used, type of dependency manipulation employed, whether or not observers were present, degree of contact between subject and victim, and setting in which the study was conducted. The implications of these findings for theoretical models of the dependency–helping relationship are discussed. In addition, these findings are discussed with respect to studies that conceptualize dependency as an individual difference variable rather than as a social cue.
Effect of antenatal treatment of maternal periodontitis on early childhood neurodevelopment.

Objective To determine if antenatal treatment of maternal periodontitis affects early childhood neurodevelopment. Study Design We evaluated neurodevelopment of 331 24-month-old children born to women who participated in a randomized trial of antenatal (167) or postpartum (164) treatment of periodontitis. Children within groups defined by maternal treatment were designated as high risk for abnormal neurodevelopment (n = 96; birth at ≤346/7 weeks' gestation or small for gestational age following birth at term) or low risk (n = 235; appropriate birth weight and ≥37 weeks' gestation). We measured neurodevelopment using the Bayley Scale of Infant and Toddler Development III (BSID III) and neurological examination. Treatment effect was analyzed using a chi-square or Fisher exact test. Between-group mean scores were compared using Student t test. Results There were no differences in the incidence of neuromotor or sensory (visual or hearing) impairment or scores on the BSID III between groups. Low-risk children in the antenatal treatment group had higher language scores than those in the postpartum treatment group (92.9 versus 89.2; p = 0.05). Conclusion Antenatal treatment of maternal periodontitis does not appear to affect neurodevelopment at 24 months of age. The slight improvement in language development in low-risk children may be an artifact or not clinically relevant.
DUAL ALLEGIANCE: RENEWAL, RECONSIDERATION, AND RECANTATION

For the past 40 years during which dual allegiance (DA) has been studied, precious little has been discovered that expands on the insights of early writers about the topic. This paper reviews the methodological and conceptual basis of DA, both of which are found wanting. Legal and ethical issues concerned with applications of DA research are not addressed appropriately by current investigators. Ideas for ameliorating some of these problems are recommended. A framework for additional research on DA is proposed that offers a plan for dealing with a number of fundamental questions about the scientific standing of the concept.
A proteolipid associated with Na,K-ATPase is not essential for ATPase activity.

Abstract 1. 1. 11,000 dalton proteins were detected in membrane-bound preparations of Na,K-ATPase from shark rectal glands and avian nasal salt glands. 2. 2. In shark rectal gland microsomal Na,K-ATPase the stoichiometry of the 11,000 dalton protein to the catalytic and glycoprotein subunits of the ATPase was 2.0 moles per mole α2β4. 3. 3. Non-ionic detergent treatment under non-denaturing conditions of the membrane-bound Na,K-ATPase from avian nasal salt glands and shark rectal glands simultaneously separated the small proteins from the α-β complex and the ATPase activity, indicating that the small proteins are not essential for the hydrolysis of ATP. 4. 4. A fundamental role for the small proteins is suggested by the great similarity of the amino acid compositions of the 11,000 dalton protein from shark rectal gland Na,K-ATPase and the γ2 proteolipid from lamb kidney outer medulla reported by Reeves, A.S., Collins, J.H. and Schwartz, A. (1980) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 95 , 1591–1598, which implies that there is a strong sequence homology between the two small proteins, i.e. that the primary structure is highly conserved.
On the study of multilevel difference methods

Multilevel finite difference methods can achieve high-order accuracy by using compact stencils and they are preferred in numerical simulation of wave advections when high accuracy in both the amplitude and phase is needed. Based on the modified equation theory, we present two general approaches that can effectively design highly accurate multilevel difference schemes. Numerical experiments are performed to verify the quality of the multilevel difference methods derived in this paper.
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF DIATOMS IN THE SURFICIAL SEDIMENTS OF A NEW ENGLAND SALT MARSH

The absolute density distributions of 43 diatom taxa, representing combined relict and living populations resident in the upper 1 cm of sediment of a New England salt marsh, were assessed along a transect spanning the Spartina patens zone. Twenty-seven of the 43 taxa showed significant non-uniform density distributions; however, there was substantial variety in the number of modes, their placement and the variance in these distributions. The vertical density distributions in marsh sediments of taxa with non-uniform horizontal distributions across the marsh surface are expected to be a significant function of the taxon, marsh history and within-marsh locations of the cores.
Receptor imaging by pet and spect: Focus on the opiate receptor

AbstractReceptor imaging by PET and SPECT offers distinctive advantages over the more established flow/metabolism imaging methods, including improved chemical specificity and improved sensitivity in detecting changes in disease. Radioligands are available for PET and SPECT imaging of many neuroreceptors including the opiate receptor, the dopamine receptor and the muscarinic cholinergic receptor. A new focus of interest is the imaging and quantification of presynaptic neurotransmitter reuptake sites. Clinical applications of μ opiate receptor imaging are discussed for epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Two-dimensional guided mode resonance filters fabricated in a uniform low-index material system.

We demonstrate the fabrication, simulation, and experimental results of a buried, homogeneous narrowband spectral filter with a periodic, hexagonal unit cell of air pockets, encapsulated in a fused silica substrate. The leaky waveguide is formed by depositing SiOx on an etched fused silica grating via plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Design principles of guided mode resonance filters were utilized to achieve a resonance with 60% reflectivity at a wavelength of 1.741 μm. The device demonstrates resonance with FWHM of 6 nm.
SOLVABLE VECTOR AND SCALAR POTENTIALS FOR THE DIRAC EQUATION

Abstract The Dirac equation is exactly solved for four different configurations of the external electromagnetic fields. These previously unknown solutions of the Dirac equation are written in terms of known solutions of the Schrodinger equation.
The role of soluble cytochrome c-551 in cyclic electron flow-driven active transport in Chromatium vinosum.

Abstract Spheroplasts have been prepared from the photosynthetic purple sulfur bacterium Chromatium vinosum by lysozyme plus ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid treatment. These spheroplasts are able to take up alanine in the light, but light-dependent alanine uptake is lost upon subsequent washing of the spheroplasts. The observations that alanine uptake driven by a potassium plus valinomycin-induced membrane potential (outside positive) is not affected by washing and that light-dependent alanine uptake can be restored by addition of the supernatant from washing suggest that a soluble electron carrier is lost during washing. Light-dependent alanine uptake in washed spheroplasts could be restored by addition of C. vinosum cytochrome c-551. Other soluble electron carriers from C. vinosum (high-potential iron protein, cytochrome ‘f’, cytochrome c′ and the flavocytochrome c-552) did not restore alanine uptake nor did a variety of other soluble electron carrier proteins from other organisms. These results suggest that cytochrome c-551 functions as an electron carrier in the cyclic electron transfer chain of C. vinosum. Mitochondrial cytochrome c (equine heart) and cytochrome c-551 from Pseudomonas aeruginosa were highly effective in restoring light-dependent alanine uptake in washed spheroplasts, making it likely that C. vinosum cytochrome c-551 is related by evolution to the same cytochrome c family as these other two c cytochromes.
A Feature-Enhanced Ranking-Based Classifier for Multimodal Data and Heterogeneous Information Networks

We propose a heterogeneous information network mining algorithm: feature-enhanced Rank Class (F-Rank Class). F-Rank Class extends Rank Class to a unified classification framework that can be applied to binary or multiclass classification of unimodal or multimodal data. We experimented on a multimodal document dataset, 2008/9 Wikipedia Selection for Schools. For unimodal classification, F-Rank Class is compared to support vector machines (SVMs). F-Rank Class provides improvements up to 27.3% on the Wikipedia dataset. For multimodal document classification, F-Rank Class shows improvements up to 19.7% in accuracy when compared to SVM-based meta-classifiers. We also study 1) how the structure of the network and 2) how the choice of parameters affect the classification results.
Fabricating nanostructures on fused silica using femtosecond infrared pulses combined with sub-nanojoule ultraviolet pulses

Circular craters with diameters of 500 nm are fabricated on the surface of fused silica by femtosecond ultraviolet–infrared (UV–IR) pulse trains with 0.8 nJ UV pulse energy. UV damage thresholds at different IR energies and UV–IR delays are measured. Diameters and depths of the ablated craters can be modified by adding the IR pulse and varying the UV–IR delays. These results demonstrate the feasibility of nanomachining using short wavelength lasers with pulse energy far below normal damage thresholds.
Response to Intervention: Promises and Pitfalls for Gifted Students With Learning Disabilities

This article explores the promises and pitfalls of a response to intervention (RTI) model for gifted students with learning disabilities (LD). Although much has been written about the potential ben...
The lunar perturbation of the critical frequency of the F2-layer at low latitudes.

Semidiurnal lunar perturbation of critical frequency of F 2 layer at low latitudes from IGY-IGC and IQSY data
On dogmatism in economics: The case of preference reversals

Abstract This essay is concerned with the response of economists to the anomalous phenomenon of preference reversal—that is, of preferring one bet from a pair but being willing to pay more for the other. It argues that this response is unacceptably dogmatic, but that the dogmatism is not the result of economists holding a peculiar or unacceptable view of theory assessment. The dogmatism instead derives from the commitment of economists to a particular strategy of theorizing.
Cutaneous malignancies and their management

Skin cancer is the most common malignancy occurring in humans, and the incidence of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma continues to rise. Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer have led to more successful management of these tumors. A number of options for the treatment of skin cancer are available to the patient and physician, allowing for high cure rates and excellent functional and cosmetic outcomes.
Role of VPAC1 and VPAC2 in VIP mediated inhibition of rat pulmonary artery and aortic smooth muscle cell proliferation

Recent studies have suggested the potential use of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). An understanding of the mechanism of action of VIP is important for the development of new therapies for PAH. The biological effects of VIP are mediated by two type II guanine nucleotide binding protein (G-protein)-coupled receptors VIP/PACAP (pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide) receptor type1 (VPAC1) and VIP/PACAP receptor type 2 (VPAC2). In the present study, the distribution and role of these receptors were investigated and compared in cultured smooth muscle cells from rat aorta and pulmonary artery, as well as in fixed tissue sections of the aorta and pulmonary artery. Western blot analysis, RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry showed the expression of both VIP receptors in tissue sections of the aorta and pulmonary artery as well as in cultured smooth muscle cells from these vessels. The application of a specific antagonist of VPAC1 resulted in a small release from VIP induced inhibition of cell proliferation. In contrast (VIP 6-28; 300nM) which is an antagonist against both receptors resulted in a significant restoration of proliferation. The expression of cAMP was reduced in the presence of VIP 6-28 and slightly decreased by VPAC1 antagonist. These findings suggest a dual role for VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors in mediating the antiproliferative effects of VIP with VPAC2 appearing to play a more dominant role.
Small and lightweight power amplifiers

The control of u wanted structural vibration is implicit in most of NASA's programs. Currently several approaches to control vibrations in large, lightweight, deployable structures and twin tail aircraft at high angles of attack are being evaluated. The Air Force has been examining a vertical tail buffet load alleviation system that can be integrated onboard an F/A-18 and flown. Previous wind tunnel and full-scale ground tests using distributed actuators have shown that the concept works; however, there is insufficient rom available onboard an F/A-18 to store current state-of- the-art system components such as amplifiers, DC-to-DC converter and a computer for performing vibration suppression. Sensor processing, power electronics, DC-to-DC converters, and control electronics that may be collocated with distributed actuators, are particularly desirable. Such electronic system would obviate the need for complex, centralized, control processing and power distribution components that will eliminate the weight associated with lengthy wiring and cabling networks. Several small and lightweight power amplifiers ranging from 300V pp to 650V pp have been designed using off the shelf components for different applications. In this paper, the design and testing of these amplifiers will be presented under various electrical loads.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
CLOSED-LOOP CHARACTERISTICS OF VOLTAGE-MODE-CONTROLLED PWM BOOST DC-DC CONVERTER WITH AN INTEGRAL-LEAD CONTROLLER

A complete analysis of a voltage-mode-controlled pulse-width-modulated (PWM) boost DC-DC power converter is presented using a previously derived small-signal model for continuous conduction mode (CCM). All parasitic components such as the equivalent series resistance (ESR) of the filter capacitor, the ESR of the inductor, the transistor on-resistance, and the diode forward resistance and offset voltage are included in the model. A design procedure for an integral-lead controller including the loading effect of the voltage divider in the feedback loop is given. The Bode plots of the closed-loop control-to-output transfer function, input-to-output transfer function, input impedance, and output impedance are determined and illustrated for three values of the duty cycle. Step response plots of the PWM boost converter in the open-loop and closed-loop cases are shown for changes in line voltage and duty cycle.
In-Situ Investigation of Slurry Flow Fields during CMP

The objective of this work is to obtain in situ slurry fluid flow data during the chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) process. Slurry flow affects the material removal processes, the creation of defects, and consumable use during CMP, and therefore impacts the cost and quality of polishing. Wafer-scale flow visualization using seeded slurry was accomplished for a variable applied load (0.3-2.5 psi downforce), wafer rotation speed (0 and 33 rpm), slurry injection locations, and various pad types (flat, XY grooved, and AC grooved). In situ pad conditioning was employed in all experiments. The data indicated complex slurry flow fields on the pad surface in the wafer vicinity, which are influenced by slurry injection point, pad grooving, downforce, and wafer/conditioner rotation. Injection location and pad type were shown to have the strongest impact on the variation in the fluid flow fields obtained.
The compliance cost of taxing foreign-source income: Its magnitude, determinants, and policy implications

This paper uses survey evidence to estimate the compliance cost of the U.S. system of taxing foreign-source income. The evidence suggests that this cost is about 40 percent of the total tax-compliance cost of large U.S. corporations, which is disproportionately higher than the aggregate share of assets, sales, and employment that is abroad. It is also very high compared to the revenue raised by the United States from taxing foreign-source income, although this comparison must be qualified because arguably a principal purpose of this system is to protect U.S. revenues collected on domestic-source income. The disproportionate compliance cost of foreign-source income is not apparent in a survey of European-based multinational corporations.
Sexual assault related distress and drinking: the influence of daily reports of social support and coping control

Abstract Introduction. A history of sexual assault (SA) is often associated with increased distress and heavy drinking. One's ability to cope with the distress and seek social support has been associated with drinking more generally. However, SA-related distress, drinking, and the extent to which a woman engages in adaptive coping or seeks social support is known to vary day-to-day. The goal of the present investigation was to examine the moderating influence of perceived coping control and social support on the event-level association between SA-related distress and drinking. Methods. This study included 133 college women with a history of SA who reported recent heavy drinking. Participants provided daily reports of their SA-related distress, perceived coping control, perceived social support, and alcohol consumption every day for 30 days. Results. Results of generalized estimating equation models suggest that coping control moderated the association between distress and drinking such that those with less perceived coping control drank more as their SA-related distress increased from their average. Although social support did not moderate between distress and drinking, decreases in perceived social support were associated with more drinking on that day. Conclusions. The results suggest that daily deviations in SA-related distress may influence alcohol consumption more than average levels of distress, especially among women with low coping control. Interventions for women with SA histories should help them build coping skills as well as adequate social support in order to reduce drinking.
Clinical and virological monitoring during treatment with intrathecal cytarabine in patients with AIDS-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.

We describe the clinical and virological outcome of human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) treated with cytarabine. Twenty-seven patients received intrathecal cytarabine, 5 received concomitant intravenous cytarabine, and 20 received concomitant antiretroviral therapy. The median baseline CD4+ cell count was 28/mm3. After 4 weeks, 4 (19%) of 21 evaluable patients had stable disease, whereas the others progressed. The median survival from diagnosis and from onset was 66 and 128 days, respectively. Patients with Karnofsky scores of >50 and those previously taking antiretroviral medications had a higher probability of survival 3 months after diagnosis (P = .003 and P = .05, respectively). Overall, after 4 weeks, median JC virus load in CSF increased by 0.7 log10 copies/mL from baseline (P = NS). The mean JC virus load at 4 weeks was lower in patients with stable disease than in progressors (3.47 vs. 4.47 log10 copies/mL; P = .027). JC virus became undetectable in the only patient who had a long-term stable condition. The concentration of JC virus in CSF showed a correlation with clinical outcome.
Unraveling the puzzle

This interesting article reviews the development of the cranial venous system and stresses the point that there is a rich plexus of intradural vessels that can rupture and cause subdural hemorrhage [1]. I have always been puzzled by the classic response that subdural hemorrhage is the result of “tearing of the bridging cortical veins.” Shouldn’t the bridging vein either rip off the pial surface of the brain or shear off at the point where the vein penetrates the dura? Shouldn’t this cause massive subarachnoid hemorrhage? Why should such a vein tear once it has penetrated the dura and not cause the resulting subdural hemorrhage to also flow into the subarachnoid space? Rupture of smaller intradural vessels makes sense on a lot of levels. These vessels have thinner walls without a muscularis and are often only endothelium and pericytes without much, if any, adventitia. It is also interesting that this plexus of intradural vessels is more prominent in infants than in adults. Nevertheless, something must happen to the walls of these vessels to allow red blood cells to pass out of the lumen of the vessel into the subdural space. Obviously, trauma remains the most likely and frequent cause. However, the presence of subdural hemorrhage does not tell us whether the action that caused it was accidental, and correlation with the historical account of the injury, the physical examination, and the social services evaluation is necessary before any conclusion can be made about the source of the subdural hemorrhage or the intent of the action that may have caused it.
Reactions of furocoumarins. II. Synthetic aminomethyl psoralens via chloromethylation or benzylic bromination

Several psoralen derivatives have been synthesized in order to evaluate their efficacy as photochemotherapeutic (PUVA) agents, including a variety of 4′-substituted-4,5′,8-trimethypsoralen compounds (1d-j). Improved synthesis of the very potent photosensitizers 8-methylpsoralen (6a) and 4,8-dimethylpsoralen (6b) are described and 6a has been shown to undergo formylation in the 4′-position. Free radical bromination of 6a and 6b with NBS affords primarily 8-bromomethyl derivatives (8a and d), which are readily converted into the 8-aminomethyl derivatives (8c and f) by the Gabriel method. If the 4′-position is blocked, electrophilic substitution apparently occurs primarily in the 5′-position of the psoralen system. At least, chloromethylation of 4′-methylpsoralen (9) affords mainly 5′-chloromethyl derivatives (10a and d), which also lead to aminomethylpsoralens (10c and f).