cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Controlling Collective Motions of Self-Propelled Particles by Mean Field Couplings Defined by Topology

Weakly interacting particle systems have been important model systems for exploring the behavior of flocks of birds, of swarms of fish, and of human crowds and traffic patterns. Models from the microscopic level of the individual have focused on finding parameters that when time-evolved show stable states. Recent work on the D'Orsogna model showed that topological analysis can be used more effectively than order parameters to define the stable states that are determined by collective motions. Using ideas from Mean Field Games and Mean Field Controls we show that a coupling to the individual behaviors can be added to control collective states defined previously by analysis of trajectory data. This leads us to define controls for interacting systems where the macroscopic couplings are defined by topological descriptors. Our approach extends work on traffic flows that used one-dimensional models and density estimates to couple microscopic and macroscopic behavior. This coupling between microscopic and macroscopic behavior defined by topological analysis may be fruitful for control of continuous dynamical systems, often described by non-linear coupled differential equations, where predefined sets of finite states are often difficult to describe in advance. We thus suggest that controls defined in this manner can be a form of dual control, where collective motions are defined and controlled without a need to understand the entire event space from microscopic details.
Single-cell multiomics to probe relationships between histone modifications and transcription.

Two new technologies enable the profiling of single cells for RNA transcription as well as modifications to histone proteins. Each takes a similar strategy to capture both properties, but with different methods for cell indexing, and they are applied to two different areas: neuroscience and developmental biology, respectively.
Utilizing the Broad Electromagnetic Spectrum and Unique Nanoscale Properties for Chemical-Free Water Treatment.

Clean water is critical for drinking, industrial processes, and aquatic organisms. Existing water treatment and infrastructure are chemically intensive and based on nearly century-old technologies that fail to meet modern large and decentralized communities. The next-generation of water processes can transition from outdated technologies by utilizing nanomaterials to harness energy from across the electromagnetic spectrum, enabling electrified and solar-based technologies. The last decade was marked by tremendous improvements in nanomaterial design, synthesis, characterization, and assessment of material properties. Realizing the benefits of these advances requires placing greater attention on embedding nanomaterials onto and into surfaces within reactors and applying external energy sources. This will allow nanomaterial-based processes to replace Victorian-aged, chemical intensive water treatment technologies.
Physicians' use of and preferences for FDA-approved prescribing information.

Abstract Background The Prescribing Information (PI) is the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s primary tool for communicating a summary of the essential scientific information needed for the safe and effective use of a prescription drug to healthcare providers.[1] One challenge with this type of communication is balancing the need to be thorough with the need to be concise. Objectives This study aimed to explore physicians' preferences for and understanding of specific content and formatting in the PI. This study also explored physicians’ use of and perceptions of the PI. Methods Seventy semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with primary care physicians (n = 35) and physicians from a wide range of specialties (n = 35) using web conferencing technology. Using fictitious PI examples, the guide assessed physicians’ interpretation of language and preferences for how certain information is organized and communicated in select sections of the PI. The interview guide also included questions about the resources physicians use to find information about prescription drugs, when and how physicians access the PI, and their perceptions of the PI. Results The findings suggest that of the content and formatting items surveyed, physicians had the greatest preference for: (1) uniformly specifying the age group for which the drug is indicated in the INDICATIONS AND USAGE section, even for medical conditions that are highly associated with only one particular age group (e.g., adult patients), and (2) uniformly including administration information in relation to food (e.g., “with or without food”) in the DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section for drugs with oral dosing. The findings also suggest that including a long list of interacting drug examples in the DRUG INTERACTIONS section may be misinterpreted to be a comprehensive list. Conclusion This qualitative research suggests physicians may prefer more clarity in some sections of the PI.
The Impact and Implications of Optimization

In this chapter many issues are touched upon which are part of more general operational research concerns, particularly when these are amplified by using mathematical programming. It includes a discussion of the possibilities of parallel optimization.
Untersuchungsmaterial und methodisches Vorgehen

Kapitel 4 richtet den Blick auf das Untersuchungsmaterial und methodische Vorgehen der empirischen Studie uber die organisationale Wissensgenese und Wissensverwendung in der deutschen Automobilindustrie anhand von Social-Media-Analysen. Den Anfang macht ein Exkurs in die sozialkonstruktivistische Perspektive, die die gesamte empirische Forschung in theoretischer Hinsicht gerahmt hat. Darauf folgend wird die Grounded Theory Methodologie als der Forschungsstil dargelegt, an dem sich die vorliegende Arbeit in ihrer empirischen Umsetzung orientiert hat. Es schliest sich ein weiterer Exkurs in die Wissensart des Expertenwissens an. Im Mittelpunkt des Kapitels steht die Darstellung der empirischen Erhebung sowie der Auswertung des Untersuchungsmaterials. Die Datenerhebung wie die Datenauswertung werden nacheinander in je mehreren Etappen beschrieben. Um die Erhebung der Daten abzubilden, wird nach einer Vorstellung der Methode des Experteninterviews das Erhebungsinstrument betrachtet, welches erarbeitet wurde und zum Einsatz kam. Nach einer Darstellung des Erhebungszeitraums geht es um den Feldzugang sowie die Fallauswahl. In weiteren drei Etappen wird die empirische Auswertung der Daten erlautert. Im Anschluss an einen Einblick in die Datenaufbereitung wird der entlang des Codierparadigmas der Grounded Theory Methodologie realisierte Codierprozess erklart und die durchgefuhrte Typenbildung vorgestellt.
A Rubric to Identify Misogynistic and Sexist Texts from Software Developer Communications

Background: As contemporary software development organizations are dominated by males, occurrences of misogynistic and sexist remarks are abundant in many communities. Such remarks are barriers to promoting diversity and inclusion in the software engineering (SE) domain. Aims: This study aims to develop a rubric to identify misogynistic remarks and sexist jokes specifically from software developer communications. Method: We have followed the systematic literature review protocol to identify 10 primary studies that have characterized misogynistic and sexist texts in various domains. Results: Based on our syntheses of the primary studies, we have developed a rubric to manually identity various categories of misogynistic or sexist remarks. We have also provided SE domain specific examples of those categories. Conclusions: Our annotation guideline will pave the path towards building automated misogynistic text classifier for the SE domain.
The "Present Referent": Nonhuman Animal Sacrifice and the Constitution of Dominant Albertan Identity

In the summer of 2012, “meat” themed posters were hung throughout the city of Edmonton, Alberta. A textual analysis of three of the posters from this collection revels that the concept of sacrifice (Derrida, The Animal ) is more appropriate to describe “meat”-eating in Alberta than the concept of the absent referent (Adams, Sexual Politics of Meat). These posters celebrate the consumption of “meat” and unabashedly make evident the living animal origins of “meat.” I argue that that the prominence of the cattle industry relative to Alberta’s economy, and its ties to the production and reproduction of dominant Albertan identity negate the requirement of the absent referent. The consumption of “beef” is largely considered an expression of loyalty to the region, and as a means to preserve Alberta’s (imagined) heritage (Blue, “If it ain’t Alberta”; Korniek). The noncriminal putting to death of nonhuman animals can instead be understood as symbolic and literal sacrifices in the constitution of dominant Albertan identity and economy (Derrida, The Animal ). As such, this paper makes an intervention into ecofeminist literature as well as vegan literature written for mainstream populations that employ the absent referent in the aim of countering “meat”-eating practices (Adams, Sexual Politics of Meat, Pornography of Meat ; Foer; Freedman and Barnounin; Joy; Robbins; Singer). Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE
Measure of Uncertainty and Information

This chapter is an overview of current research regarding measures of uncertainty and information in five mathematical theories: classical set theory, fuzzy set theory, probability theory, possibility theory, and the Dempster-Shafer theory of evidence. Three types of uncertainty are involved: nonspecificity, entropy-like uncertainty, and fuzziness.
Community Building with Technology

Abstract This article describes the creation and development of community technology initiatives in Lowell, Massachusetts, a historically poor and ethnically diverse mid-size city. In the past two years, many organizations have joined in community-wide efforts to share information and resources electronically and to launch new electronic technology projects. Recent initiatives include a comprehensive computerized public database of area-wide health and human service programs, a centralized multi-purpose community Web site, and a new inter-agency community technology collaborative. This article reviews these activities and describes general lessons learned in electronic community building that may apply to other communities.
Good and Bad Conflict in Strategic Decision Making

Strategic decision making is a complex and ambiguous process yielding several outcomes, such as decision quality, consensus, and affective acceptance. Because of its complexity and ambiguity, the strategic decision making process often involves conflict. The problem with this is that, while conflict can enhance decision quality, it can also impede consensus and affective acceptance, giving the appearance that conflict is simultaneously both helpful and harmful to strategic decision making. In this chapter I address this conundrum by showing that the problem is not with conflict but with our understanding of it. Strategic decisions are less affected by how much conflict is present than by what type of conflict is present. Cognitive conflict is good; affective conflict is bad. Thus, to the extent that strategic decision making teams can encourage the good cognitive conflict yet discourage the bad affective conflict, they can produce better overall strategic decisions.
Distance learning for non-traditional students to study, near home, toward a UNC Charlotte BSET degree

The author considers the problem of whether UNC Charlotte could offer Engineering Technology courses to their Applied Science graduates, who could not afford to come to UNC Charlotte for the full two year Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BSET) degree program. The solution was to offer UNC Charlotte Engineering Technology courses over the North Carolina Information Highway (NCIH). The need for this 'virtual' classroom service to be provided to non-traditional students within North Carolina would provide a win-win situation for the students, UNC Charlotte, and the state of North Carolina. Two courses, one electrical engineering technology and one calculus, are to be offered via distance learning. Multimedia and expert system/knowledge based techniques will be applied where appropriate. The course delivery paradigm will improve over time with: (1) the development of new software to provide immediate display of student answers to course questions using inputs from wireless student response units, (2) inclusion of expert system/knowledge based programs to improve the course quality, (3) operational experience incorporating input from both the students perspective, and the logistics for course presentation, and (4) expansion of the North Carolina Information Highway (NCIH) and the evolution of the National Information Infrastructure.
Ribosome Heterogeneity THE NONUNIFORM DISTRIBUTION OF SPECIFIC RIBOSOMAL PROTEINS AMONG DIFFERENT FUNCTIONAL CLASSES OF RIBOSOMES

Abstract Ribosomes from either an in vitro T4 DNA-linked protein-synthesizing system or from gently lysed cells were fractionated into polysomes, monosomes, single ribosomes, and free subunits and the protein composition of the subunits derived from these various classes of ribosomes was examined. Most ribosomal proteins were present in the same relative amounts, as judged by scanning of disc gels or by visual inspection of two-dimensional electrophoretograms, in all classes of subunits. However, three proteins, one from the small subunit and two from the large, were absent from one or more classes of subunit. The 30 S protein S21 was absent from the free 30 S subunit. The 50 S protein L2 was absent from the free subunit and protein L20 was absent from both the free subunit and single ribosomes and found only on ribosomes actively synthesizing protein. The presence of these three proteins on the ribosome, therefore, depends on its functional state.
Sensitivity and Specificity of Serum Retinol in Determining Vitamin A Deficiency

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) afflicts 190 million children worldwide, increasing the risk of morbidity, mortality and blindness. Serum retinol concentration (SR), a common indicator of VA, is not alw...
Low-spin studies of the πh11/2νh11/2 structure in 134Pr

Low-spin states built on the $\ensuremath{\pi}{h}_{11/2}\ensuremath{\nu}{h}_{11/2}$ configuration in ${}^{134}\mathrm{Pr}$ have been studied using a ${}^{119}\mathrm{Sn}{(}^{19}\mathrm{F},4n)$ fusion-evaporation reaction. A planar low-energy photon spectrometer along with a low-$Z$ target chamber was utilized in an array of five high-purity Ge detectors for the purpose of measuring low-energy $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays. A 39.3-keV $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ ray was discovered as a new transition at the bottom of the band. The transition was found to have an $M1$ multipolarity, determined from the internal conversion coefficients evaluated from the missing transition intensity. The new bandhead was assigned and was identified as an isomeric state with a mean lifetime of $\ensuremath{\tau}=4.6(1)\mathrm{ns}.$ This bandhead decays by a 306-keV $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray transition that was found to have an $E1$ multipolarity through the analysis of the angular distribution asymmetry.
Pain Assessment and Management in Nursing Education Using Computer-based Simulations

It is very important for nurses to have a clear understanding of the patient's pain experience and of management strategies. However, a review of the nursing literature shows that one of the main barriers to proper pain management practice is lack of knowledge. Nursing schools are in a unique position to address the gap in pain management knowledge by facilitating the acquisition and use of knowledge by the next generation of nurses. The purpose of this article is to discuss the role of computer-based simulations as a reliable educational technology strategy that can enhance the learning experience of nursing students acquiring pain management knowledge and practice. Computer-based simulations provide a significant number of learning affordances that can help change nursing students' attitudes and behaviors toward and practice of pain assessment and management.
Diagnostic Techniques in Combustion MHD Flows

The U.S. national program in MHD electric power generation is predicated on the direct firing of pulverized coal, using MHD as a topping cycle for a regular steam plant. Extensive system studies predict the thermal efficiency of a large combined MHD/Steam plant will be in the range 50 – 55 % compared with 35 – 40 % for a conventional steam plant. The basic idea is to burn a fossil fuel at a very high temperature (~ 3000 K), seed it with an easily ionizable material (K, Cs) and expand the resulting combustion products plasma through a nozzle into a generator channel at high (usually subsonic) velocity u ⩽ cs ~ 1000 m/s. The generator channel is immersed in a strong transverse magnetic field B, and is fitted with electrodes in the walls for electric power take off. The induced electric field in the plasma is E = u × B, the induced current density is J~σE, where σ is the electrical conductivity, and the generated power density is P~J · E~σu2B2.
6.2-W deep blue light generation by intracavity frequency-doubled Nd:GdVO4 using BiBO

Efficient continuous-wave (CW) intracavity frequency doubling of a diode-end-pumped Nd:GdVO4 laser operating on 4F_(3/2)-4I_(9/2) transitions at 912 nm has been demonstrated. A symmetrical cavity with two laser rods is designed, which divides the pump power between the two laser rods, allowing for greater power scalability. An 18-mm-long BiBO crystal, cut for critical type I phase matching, is used for the intracavity frequency-doubled laser. A maximum output power of 6.2 W in the blue spectral range at 456 nm has been achieved with the pump power of 36 W. The beam quality M2 value is 2.5 in both horizontal and vertical directions. The ellipticity of the deep blue laser is 0.98, and the power stability is better than 3.2% at the maximum output power.
Effects of seasonal variation of photosynthetic capacity on the carbon fluxes of a temperate deciduous forest

[1] Seasonal variation in photosynthetic capacity is an important part of the overall seasonal variability of temperate deciduous forests. However, it has only recently been introduced in a few terrestrial biosphere models, and many models still do not include it. The biases that result from this omission are not well understood. In this study, we use the Ecosystem Demography 2 model to simulate an oak-dominated stand in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Two alternative model configurations are presented, one with seasonal variation of photosynthetic capacity (SPC-ON) and one without seasonal variation of photosynthetic capacity (SPC-OFF). Under typical climate conditions, the two configurations simulate values of monthly gross primary productivity (GPP) as different as 0.05 kg C m−2 month−1 in the early summer and 0.04 kg C m−2 month−1 in the fall. The differences between SPC-ON and SPC-OFF are amplified when there is temporal correlation between photosynthetic capacity and climate anomalies or disturbances. Warmer spring temperatures enhance GPP in SPC-ON more than in SPC-OFF, but warmer fall temperatures enhance GPP in SPC-OFF more than in SPC-ON. Defoliation by gypsy moth, a class of disturbance that typically happens in late spring in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, has a disproportionately negative impact on GPP in SPC-ON. It is concluded that including seasonal variation of photosynthetic capacity in models will improve simulations of monthly scale ecosystem functioning as well as of longer-term responses to climate change and disturbances.
Picosecond dye laser excitation of I2 fluorescence and resonance raman emission in CCI4 and cyclohexane

Abstract The emission spectra of I 2 excited at 607 nm in CCl 4 and cyclohexane exhibit resonance Raman emission bands accompanied by featureless red-infrared continua. and are identical for 1.5 μs and 3 ps pumping pulses. The continua consist primarily of vibrationally unrelaxed B 3 Π o+u → X I ∑ g + fluorescences.
The Effect of Group-Adapted Motivational Interviewing on Traffic Convictions and Driving Behaviors of Court-Adjudicated Youth

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a 20 hr prevention program (The Reducing Dangerous Driving Program, RYDD) in reducing traffic citation recidivism and high-risk driving behaviors among 16- to 20-year-olds referred by the Rhode Island courts for traffic citation events. Methods: Participants were randomized to receive either the Adapted Group Motivational Interviewing (AGMI) or the Community Service (CS) arm of the study. Participants completed a survey at baseline and at 6 and 12 months post-RYDD completion. Objective court data on post-RYDD traffic event citations were also collected. Results: There were no significant differences between the groups on measures of high-risk driving behaviors and post-RYDD traffic event citation recidivism at the 12-month follow-up assessment. Conclusions: There remains a need to develop and test behavioral interventions that could address high-risk driving behaviors and associated motor vehicle crash (MVC) risk in this population. Further research is needed to determ...
Clinical and molecular aspects of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in the nonsmoker and nondrinker

Most molecular analyses of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma involve patients who have used tobacco and alcohol. The pathways involved in tumorigenesis in patients lacking these lifestyle risks may be quite different. Research involving rigorous epidemiologic and molecular methods is needed to identify the unique spectra of genetic alterations in subsets of the population. This review considers recent information on the accumulation of genetic changes in the typical head and neck squamous cell carcinoma population and several studies that attempt to analyze subsets of patients categorized by age, gender, and carcinogen exposure. Efforts to identify risk factors in nonsmoking and nondrinking head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients are evaluated, including studies of family history, human papillomavirus, chromosome fragmentability, microsatellite instability, and carcinogen-metabolizing enzyme genotype.
Short TE (7) Li-MRS confirms Bi-exponential lithium T2 relaxation in humans and clearly delineates two patient subtypes.

Purpose: (i) To develop an MRS technique to measure 7Li levels in human brain in a reasonable scan time, (ii) to develop a technique to quantify 7Li T2 relaxation times as measured from human brain in patients taking lithium for the treatment of their bipolar disorder, and (iii) to confirm or refute the presence of bi-exponential 7Li T2 relaxation in human brain. Materials and Methods: We modified a spin-echo MRS pulse sequence to decrease its minimum echo time. With IRB approval, we performed lithium MRS with the modified pulse sequence on 13 euthymic bipolar patients stable on long-term lithium to treat their disease. Results: We were able to achieve a total scan time per sample of 8:20; total scan time including imaging, calibration and MRS was approximately 1 h 15 min. We observed bi-exponential T2 relaxation in the majority of patients, with an average short decay time of 5.3 ± 1.4 ms and an average long decay time of 68.2 ± 10.2 ms. However, in two patients we observed strongly mono-exponential T2 relaxation with an average decay time of 47.4 ± 1.3 ms. Conclusion: 7Li relaxation patterns may prove useful to distinguish between lithium-responsive and lithium nonresponsive bipolar patients. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:1451–1459. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
TRANSPORTATION AND REGIONAL SPECIALIZATION: THE EXAMPLE OF SOVIET CENTRAL ASIA1

(1962). TRANSPORTATION AND REGIONAL SPECIALIZATION: THE EXAMPLE OF SOVIET CENTRAL ASIA. Annals of the Association of American Geographers: Vol. 52, No. 1, pp. 80-98.
Multiscale modeling of polycrystalline materials with Jacobian-free multiscale method (JFMM)

The non-linear constitutive response of polycrystalline aggregate of single crystal grains is obtained using a micro-macro transition scheme, which is realized within a Jacobian-free multiscale method (JFMM). The Jacobian-free approach circumvents computation of the tangent matrix at the macroscale using a Newton---Krylov process. This has a major advantage in terms of storage requirements and computational cost over existing approaches based on homogenized material coefficients, which may require considerable effort to form the exact Jacobian at every Newton step. The rate-independent constitutive response of polycrystalline copper and rate-dependent stress---strain response of $$\upalpha $$?-RDX (cyclotrimethylene trinitramine) polycrystal is verified against the computational homogenization based two-level finite element $$(\hbox {FE}^{2})$$(FE2) multiscale method. Numerical examples demonstrate that while the rate of convergence of Newton iterations for the JFMM and $$\hbox {FE}^{2}$$FE2 method is comparable, the computational cost of JFMM is nearly constant as opposed to exponential increase for the latter with increasing number of degrees of freedom $$(n)$$(n) at the macroscale. The storage requirement for the JFMM increases linearly with increasing $$n$$n, whereas, it increases as approximately $$O(n^{7/4})$$O(n7/4) for the $$\hbox {FE}^{2}$$FE2 method.
From Fluid Relaxations to Practical Algorithms for High-Multiplicity Job-Shop Scheduling: The Holding Cost Objective

We design an algorithm for the high-multiplicity job-shop scheduling problem with the objective of minimizing the total holding cost by appropriately rounding an optimal solution to a fluid relaxation in which we replace discrete jobs with the flow of a continuous fluid. The algorithm solves the fluid relaxation optimally and then aims to keep the schedule in the discrete network close to the schedule given by the fluid relaxation. If the number of jobs from each type grow linearly withN, then the algorithm is within an additive factorO( N) from the optimal (which scales asO( N2)); thus, it is asymptotically optimal. We report computational results on benchmark instances chosen from the OR library comparing the performance of the proposed algorithm and several commonly used heuristic methods. These results suggest that for problems of moderate to high multiplicity, the proposed algorithm outperforms these methods, and for very high multiplicity the overperformance is dramatic. For problems of low to moderate multiplicity, however, the relative errors of the heuristic methods are comparable to those of the proposed algorithm, and the best of these methods performs better overall than the proposed method.
Indirect detection of Bacillus anthracis using real-time PCR to detect amplified gamma phage DNA.

Abstract Typical real-time PCR methods used to identify Bacillus anthracis do not distinguish between viable and non-viable spores, which would be critical in any first response and remediation scenarios. This study combined both real-time PCR, using primers specifically designed for gamma phage, with the highly specific gamma phage amplification into one simple assay to indirectly detect Bacillus anthracis . Since the amplification of gamma phage only occurs in the presence of a suitable host, the detection of increasing concentrations of progeny gamma phage DNA using real-time PCR implies the presence of viable Bacillus anthracis cells. This method detected a starting Bacillus anthracis concentration of 207 cfu/mL, equivalent to less than one cell in 20 μL, in less than 5 h.
NMR Studies of preferential solvation of sodium cation in mixtures of N-methylformamide with water and some nonaqueous solvents

Sodium-23 NMR chemical shifts and linewidths have been measured for 0.1M NaClO4 in binary mixtures of N-methylformamide (NMF) with a series of other solvents, as a function of the solvent mole fraction. The relative solvent composition at the isosolvation point, the mid-value of the Na-23 chemical shift between those measured in the respective pure solvents, reveals preferential solvation of the sodium cation in many cases. The isosolvation composition correlates well with the relative solvating abilities of the two solvents-as characterized by their donicities-provided that the cation-solvent interactions are of the ‘hard-hard’ type and that they are not complicated by interionic interactions. The variation in the electric field gradient around the sodium nucleus, as the composition of the solvent changes, results in broadening of the resonance line. Maximum broadening occurs close to the solvent mole fraction corresponding to the isosolvation point.
Population II Stars and the Electron-Neutrino Weak Interaction

The theory of Feynman and Gell-Mann1 of weak interactions predicts an electron-neutrino interaction (ē ve) (v2 e) with the same coupling constant as that measured in β-decays. Owing to the lack of experimental verification of this prediction, a number of investigators have searched for possible astrophysical tests of the theory. The interaction cross-section of neutrinos with matter is very low and cosmic neutrinos are extremely difficult to detect directly. For this reason, however, they will escape unimpeded from stars and if produced in large quantities in stellar interiors, can have a marked effect on the total energy budget of some stars and consequently on their evolutionary time-scales. Ruderman2 and Chiu3 have discussed various aspects of this problem. Stothers4 has reviewed the relevant astrophysical data and concluded that so far all evidence confirms the existence of the interaction. He further concluded that g2=g2β × 10°±2, where gβ is the β-decay coupling constant.
Change of Receptor Binding Preference of Novel Avian Origin H7N9 in China from 2013 to 2014

The advent of a novel avian origin H7N9 emerged in China in March 2013 is of major health concern, as it has little virulence in birds but can cause severe illness and death in humans. As people continue to get infected by this new virus in 2014, we need to understand the current status and trend of its evolution at the end of year 2014. The influenza viruses have two surface proteins, haemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA), which are involved in viral entry into and egress from the host cells respectively. In a previous study published in May 2013, we found that the HA protein of this new human H7N9 virus was able to preferentially bind to the avian type receptors as its primary binding and human type receptors as its secondary, which was confirmed by several web lab experiments a few months later in 2013. The current study examined the binding preference of human H7N9 again trying to uncover any change in the HA binding properties as this virus ran its course from 2013 to 2014. Our analysis concluded that the HA binding patterns of this novel virus were stable and similar to avian H7N9 in Asia and in Europe until August 2013, but after that time the virus gradually started to change and exhibit enhanced binding features of avian H7N9 in North America. Further investigation of the observed change identified a few positions in HA that could be potentially important for distinguishing the HA sequences of human H7N9 in China collected before and after August 2013. As a result, we discovered a single amino acid substitution R47K in HA that was believed to be the primary cause for this shift of binding patterns. Finally, our findings also implied that the human infections with H7N9 in China in 2013 were more likely caused by chickens than by ducks.
Optimal Tracing of Viscous Shocks in Solutions of Viscous Conservation Laws

This paper contains a qualitative study of a scalar conservation law with viscosity: $ u_t+f(u)_x=u_{xx}\,.$ We consider the problem of identifying the location of viscous shocks, thus obtaining an optimal finite dimensional description of solutions to the viscous conservation law. We introduce a nonlinear functional whose minimizers yield the viscous traveling profiles which optimally fit the given solution. We prove that outside an initial time interval and away from times of shock interactions, our functional remains very small, i.e., the solution can be accurately represented by a finite number of viscous traveling waves.
A Real-Time Attack Localization Algorithm for Large Power System Networks Using Graph-Theoretic Techniques

We develop a graph-theoretic algorithm for localizing the physical manifestation of attacks or disturbances in large power system networks using real-time synchrophasor measurements. We assume the attack enters through the electro-mechanical swing dynamics of the synchronous generators in the grid as an unknown additive disturbance. Considering the grid to be divided into coherent areas, we pose the problem as to localize which area the attack may have entered using relevant information extracted from the phasor measurement data. Our approach to solve this problem consists of three main steps. We first run a phasor-based model reduction algorithm by which a dynamic equivalent of the clustered network can be identified in real-time. Second, in parallel, we run a system identification in each area to identify a transfer matrix model for the full-order power system. Thereafter, we exploit the underlying graph-theoretic properties of the identified reduced-order topology, create a set of localization keys, and compare these keys with a selected set of transfer function residues. We validate our results using a detailed case study of the two-area Kundur model and the IEEE 39-bus power system.
Gas transfer, cavitation, and bulking in self-aerated spillway flow

STEVEN C. WILHELMS and JOHN S. GULLIVER, Journal of Hydraulic Research, IJHR, Volume 43, 2005, Issue 5, pp. 532–539
The hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nuclei: circadian patterns of vasopressin secretion and neuronal activity in vitro.

Abstract The suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) are intrinsic pacemakers which organize circadian rhythms in mammals. When the SCN of Long-Evans rats are surgically isolated and perifused in vitro , they retain the ability to express a 24 hr rhythm of neuronal firing rate. We find that the SCN are also capable of secreting the peptide vasopressin (VP) in a circadian pattern. The pattern of VP secretion is similar to that of SCN neuronal electrical activity measured during perifusate collection. The temporal profile of VP levels in SCN perifusate parallels that seen in cerebrospinal fluid, suggesting that the SCN might be both the pacemaker and a secretory contributor to this rhythm.
Paper Electrophoresis of Animal Hemoglobins

SummaryDifferences have been found both in the number of components electrophoretically separable from individual animal hemoglobins and in the mobility of these components relative to human A, S, and C hemoglobins. Under the conditions employed, with the exception of the horse, 2 of 3 calves, and 2 of 6 sheep, all of which possessed 2 components, the (adult) mammalian hemoglobins studied were found to have single components. Some displayed anodic mobility similar to that of human A hemoglobin (chimpanzee, rhesus monkey, pig, sheep, goat, cat, mouse, rat, hamster), others had greater mobility (macaque, guinea pig), and some possessed lesser mobility (llama, cow, dog, rabbit). In the Hereford steer, it would appear that temporary persistence of fetal hemoglobin accounts for the finding of 2-component hemoglobin in the calf and single-component hemoglobin in adults. Hemoglobin from several New Hampshire chicken and one Leghorn was found to have 3 electrophoretic components; that from other Leghorns, ducks, ...
SRprises along a Messenger's Journey

SR (serine/arginine-rich) proteins were originally identified as essential splicing factors. Recent work, however, has implicated these proteins in numerous additional steps of mRNA metabolism, including nuclear export, RNA stability, mRNA quality control, and translation.
Inhibitors of the FcRn:IgG Protein–Protein Interaction

The neonatal Fc receptor, FcRn, is responsible for controlling the half-life of IgG antibodies. As a result, inhibitors of FcRn have been investigated as a possible way to modulate IgG half-lives. Such inhibitors could have possible applications in reducing autoantibody levels in autoimmune disease states. To date, monoclonal antibodies, engineered Fc domains, and short peptides have been reported to inhibit FcRn function and modulate IgG half-lives in vivo.
Differential Impact of Distinct Long Qt Syndrome-1 (LQTS-1) C-Terminus Mutations on KCNQ1-KCNE1 Channel Trafficking and Gating

KCNQ1/KCNE1 subunits together generate the slowly activating, delayed rectifier potassium current, IKs, important for human cardiac repolarization. Mutations throughout KCNQ1 lead to long QT syndrome-1 (LQTS-1), which predisposes patients to lethal ventricular arrhythmias. Many LQTS-1 mutations map to KCNQ1 C-terminus, but in many cases the mechanistic bases for their pathophysiological effects in heart are unknown. We compared the functional impact and mechanistic bases of six LQTS-1 mutations in distinct regions of KCNQ1 C-terminus that have been implicated in: PIP2 or calmodulin binding domains (R555H, L619M). Optical assays for channel surface density and electrophysiological recordings were carried out in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO)cells. All KCNQ1 mutants, except L619M, displayed a significant decrease in channel surface density, which was either partially (R366W, V524G, R539W,G589D) or fully (R555H) rescued by wild-type KCNQ1. G589D and L619M alone yielded no currents, while all other mutations moderately reduced current amplitude. When co-expressed with wild-type KCNQ1, G589D current amplitude was fully rescued whereas L619M exerted a dominant negative effect. When co-expressed with KCNE1: all mutants displayed reduced current amplitude compared to control, albeit to different extents; all except L619M displayed the slowly activating signature of IKs; three mutants displayed a large rightward shift in the activation curve which was either partially (R366W, R555H) or fully (R539W) recovered with wild-type KCNQ1. The data reveal a surprising heterogeneity of trafficking and gating mechanisms underlie KCNQ1 C-terminus mutations. Such information is essential for developing potential targeted therapies for LQTS-1 patients. We further introduce the first study of L619M, an unusual KCNQ1 mutant that trafficks normally to the cell surface, but is essentially non-functional and exerts a strong dominant-negative effect on wild-type KCNQ1 channels.
The importance of being socially-savvy: quantifying the influence of social networks on microblog retrieval

Social media users create virtual connections for various reasons: personal and professional. While significant research efforts have been spent on exploring the dynamics of creation of social network connections, little is known about how those connections influence the content generated by social media users. In this work, we quantitatively evaluate the influence of social networks on social media content providers. Additionally, we propose several document expansion methods, which leverage the content generated by the social networks of the authors of social media documents and compare their effectiveness. Experimental results on a large sample of Twitter data indicate that retrieval models discriminatively leveraging social network content for document expansion outperform both traditional, socially-unaware retrieval models and retrieval models that indiscriminatively utilize all social connections.
Sir John Gurdon and his contributions to understanding fundamental principles in developmental biology

I have had the pleasure of attending many conferences with Sir John Gurdon and have always loved to hear his insightful ideas, whether talking about “reprogramming”, “community effects”, or a “ratchet” mechanism for interpreting biological gradients. Throughout his long and distinguished career, John has made important discoveries and has remained a leading figure in developmental biology for over six decades, a remarkable feat in itself.
The Relationship Between Deep Ocean Currents and Winds East of Barbados

Abstract Observations of currents collected at the POLYMODE array III cluster C (16°N, 54°W) are compared with radiosonde winds measured at Barbados (13°N, 62°W) using a linear response analysis. The winds and the currents are coherent throughout the water column (5400 m) over the subinertial frequency range of 0.025 to 0.25 cpd. The coherence is highest between the east-west wind stress and north-south currents over smooth topography. The wind-related ocean currents have a rms of 2.5 cm s−1 at 500 m and 1.1 cm s−1 at 4000 m and account for approximately one-third of the total eddy kinetic energy. The wind-current phase is depth independent and does not vary significantly over the 200 km horizontal scale of the array. The response amplitude is surface intensified and increases with decreasing frequency which is consistent with a deterministic theoretical model. The coherence values and response estimates suggest an off-resonant barotropic response to large-scale wind forcing.
Handedness and laterality in humans and other animals

A survey of the developmental, genetic, paleoneurological, comparative behavior, and neuropsychological evidence indicates that the neural organization responsible for handedness and laterality in humans is a heritable, species-specific trait. Handedness and laterality in monkeys, the most intensively studied nonhuman taxon, are not homologous to handedness and laterality in humans. Monkeys learn hand preferences through experience and display no difference in learning by the hemispheres ipsi- and contralateral to the preferred hand. Differences in the functions of the two hemispheres are found in several other nonhuman species, but none has been correlated with paw preferences.
Effects of preferentially aligned precipitates on plastic anisotropy in Al-Cu-Mg-Ag and Al-Cu alloys

Abstract The influence of a preferential alignment of plate shaped precipitates on the yield strength anisotropy in aluminum alloys was investigated. Stress-aging in tension, i.e. externally applied tensile stresses during aging, was utilized to produce preferential nucleation of precipitates on those 100 and 111 habit plane variants that formed the smallest angle with the load. In-plane yield anisotropy was investigated in tension for various heat treatment conditions. The data was evaluated using the Taylor/ Bishop-Hill model for texture-induced anisotropy as well as the plastic and elastic inclusion models proposed by W.F. Hosford, R.H. Zeisloft, Metall. Trans 3 (1972) 113–121 and P. Bate, W.T. Roberts, D.V. Wilson, Acta Metall. 29 (1981) 1797–1262; 30 (1982) 725–737, which incorporate anisotropic particle strengthening. In a cube textured Al-Cu alloy containing θ′ on only two out of the three possible 100 variants the maximum deviations in yield strength reached 14% when compared to conventionally aged material. In an Al-Cu-Mg-Ag alloy containing the Ω phase on 111 and having a strong brass type deformation texture, less pronounced effects were found after partial removal of one of the Ω variants. Qualitative predictions of the plastic and elastic inclusion models were in good agreement with the findings for anisotropic particle strengthening by randomly distributed precipitates. Effects of aligned precipitates coincided somewhat better with predicted trends by the elastic inclusion model, however, additional verification for either model is required. Stress-aging provides a tool to control anisotropy in high strength aluminum alloys.
Ultrasound diagnosis of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Abstract Ultrasound diagnosis of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (echoaortography) may prove to be a simple, accurate, and reliable procedure. Ultrasonic reflections on the Ekoline 20 oscilloscope demonstrated on the “A” presentation the depth of penetration and amplitude of echoes. These echoes from the anterior and posterior walls of the aorta were shown to be 9 cm. apart. This distance was almost equal to the diameter of the aortic aneurysm removed at surgery.
Changes in the organization of the smooth muscle cells in rat vein grafts.

Mechanical tensile stress in vein grafts increases suddenly under the influence of arterial blood pressure. In this study, we examined the influence of increased tensile stress on the organization of the smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in the neointima and media of the rat vein grafts. An autogenous jugular vein was grafted into the abdominal aorta of the rat, and changes in the organization of the vein graft SMCs were studied by observing the distribution of SMC actin filaments and nuclei at 3 min and 1, 5, 10, and 30 days after surgery. In a normal jugular vein, the average wall circumferential tensile stress was ~ 3 kPa at an internal pressure of 3 mm Hg. The SMCs, that contained long, slender actin filamentous bundles, were oriented mainly in the circumferential direction of the vessel, and constituted a 2- to 3-cell-thick medial layer underneath the endothelium. In a vein graft, the wall circumferential tensile stress suddenly increased by ~ 140 times compared with the control level. In response to this suddenly increased stress, the SMC layer was stretched into a structure with scattered pores and disrupted SMC actin filamentous bundles within 3 min. This initial change was followed by a rapid reduction in the density of the SMC nuclei and actin filaments within 1 day and progressive SMC proliferation, that was associated with medial thickening and a change in the SMC orientation from 5 to 30 days. Further studies showed that a local inflation of normal jugular veins to 120 mm Hg for 3 min induced a similar change as found in the vein grafts, whereas the organization of the SMCs was not significantly changed in vein-vein grafts, that did not experience a change in tensile stress. These results suggested that increased tensile stress contributed to the initial damage of the SMCs and played a role in the regulation of medial SMC remodeling in vein grafts. © 1998 Biomedical Engineering Society.
Measurement of chemical exchange between RNA conformers by 19F NMR

Abstract Many noncoding RNA molecules adopt alternative secondary and tertiary conformations that are critical for their roles in gene expression. Although many of these rearrangements are mediated by other biomolecular components, it is important to evaluate the equilibrium relationship of the conformers. To measure the spontaneous interconversion in a bi-stable RNA stem loop sequence into which a single 19 F-uridine label was incorporated, a 19 F– 19 F EXSY experiment was employed. The kinetic exchange rate measured from EXSY experiments for this system was 37.3 ± 2.8 s −1 . The advantage of this approach is that exchange kinetics can be monitored in any RNA sequence into which a single 19 F nucleotide is incorporated by commercial synthesis. This method is therefore suitable for application to biologically significant systems in which dynamic conformational rearrangement is important for function and may therefore facilitate studies of RNA structure–function relationships.