cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A computer model for the financial analysis of urban housing projects

Abstract A financial analysis model has been implemented within the framework of the APL time-sharing system. The model allows different levels of input and output commands which can be used by persons with different degrees of familiarity with computing, in general, and the APL System in particular. It is the result of a joint study between IBM and the Urban Coalition aiming at providing a computer model of the urban housing process which would allow both government planners and private developers to analyze the financial prospects of individual housing projects under a variety of subsidy provisions and other constraints such as FHA regulations concerning profits. The model includes provisions for different types of sponsors of urban housing projects allowing for different tax treatment of profits and losses, and different formulas for estimating the rent charged. The basic output is either in the form of a summary of financial figures or complete financial tables such as income statements, balance sheets and cash flows.
Fast neutron induced fission neutron spectra below the incident energy

Fission neutron spectra from neutron induced fission in 235U and 239Pu for energies below that of the neutron inducing fission have been measured. The spectra were obtained for 1.5 MeV and 2.5 MeV incident neutrons. Previous accelerator-based fission neutron spectra measurements have been seriously complicated by time-correlated gamma-rays and scattered neutrons from the fission sample. Three barium fluoride detectors were placed near the sample undergoing induced fission and used to identify fission gamma rays. A coincidence of fission gamma-rays was used to gate a liquid scintillator neutron detector to distinguish fission events from other events. The fission neutron spectral shape and average energy measured in this experiment compare well to both previous measurements and prior theory and also suggest a dependence on incident neutron energy and mass of the fissioning nucleus. An overview of the experiment, a discussion of the results, and the importance of this work to homeland security are given.
Meaning rules and systems of inference for verbs of transfer and possession

A theory of comprehension in verification tasks is developed from a general conception of language comprehension in which the meanings of words are represented as meaning rules, which are programs that perform inferences. A control process is proposed that solves verification problems by using meaning rules as difference reducing operators. Three models are developed for a task involving the transfer verbs borrow and loan and the possession verb have . The response time data from an experiment supported one of the models. A second experiment indicated that when instructed to do so subjects were able to use only one of the other two models. The models and theoretical framework are shown to be superior in some respects to constituent comparison and conversion models.
Epidemiology of viral hepatitis and HIV co-infection

Worldwide, hepatitis B virus (HBV) accounts for an estimated 370 million chronic infections, hepatitis C virus (HCV) for an estimated 130 million, and HIV for an estimated 40 million. In HIV-infected persons, an estimated 2–4 million have chronic HBV co-infection and 4–5 million have HCV co-infection. HBV, HCV and HIV share common routes of transmission, but they differ in their prevalence by geographic region and the efficiency by which certain types of exposures transmit them. Among HIV-positive persons studied from Western Europe and the USA, chronic HBV infection has been found in 6–14% overall, including 4–6% of heterosexuals, 9–17% of men who have sex with men (MSM), and 7–10% of injection drug users. HCV infection has been found in 25–30% of HIV-positive persons overall; 72–95% of injection drug users, 1–12% of MSM and 9–27% of heterosexuals. The characteristics of HIV infected persons differ according to the co-infecting hepatitis virus, their epidemiologic patterns may change over time, and surveillance systems are needed to monitor their infection patterns in order to ensure that prevention measures are targeted appropriately.
Interferon Regulatory Factor 1 Marks Activated Genes and Can Induce Target Gene Expression in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective Interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1) mediates both induction of interferons (IFNs) and responses to type I IFNs. It has been implicated as a critical mediator of inflammation in murine lupus models. In a previous study of chromatin modifications in monocytes from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), IRF-1 was implicated as being associated with increased histone acetylation in this disease. The present study was undertaken to directly investigate IRF-1 binding sites on chromatin. Methods Cells from 9 female SLE patients and 7 female controls were examined. Monocytes were purified from peripheral blood and subjected to library preparation using a validated antibody to IRF-1. IRF-1 binding sites on chromatin were identified by chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing. The effect of IRF-1 on target gene expression was confirmed using an overexpression system in cell lines, and coimmunoprecipitation was used to identify protein interactions. Results IRF-1 binding around transcribed regions was increased in SLE patient monocytes, but histone modifications at potential IRF-1 binding sites without detectable IRF-1 binding were increased as well. Overexpression of IRF-1 was sufficient to drive transcription of target genes. IRF-1 overexpression was also able to alter histone modifications at a focus set of target genes, and treatment with an IRF-1 inhibitor reduced both expression and histone modifications at target genes. IRF-1 was found to interact with a select set of histone-modifying enzymes and other transcription factors. Conclusion IRF-1 is an important signaling protein in the interferon pathway. It not only activates gene expression as a transcription factor, but may perpetuate disease by leading to a dysregulated epigenome.
On database theory and XML

Over the years, the connection between database theory and database practice has weakened. We argue here that the new challenges posed by XML and its applications are strengthening this connection today. We illustrate three examples of theoretical problems arising from XML applications, based on our own research.
Beyond the resolution limit: subpixel resolution in animals and now in silicon

Automatic acquisition of aerial threats at thousands of kilometers distance requires high sensitivity to small differences in contrast and high optical quality for subpixel resolution, since targets occupy much less surface area than a single pixel. Targets travel at high speed and break up in the re-entry phase. Target/decoy discrimination at the earliest possible time is imperative. Real time performance requires a multifaceted approach with hyperspectral imaging and analog processing allowing feature extraction in real time. Hyperacuity Systems has developed a prototype chip capable of nonlinear increase in resolution or subpixel resolution far beyond either pixel size or spacing. Performance increase is due to a biomimetic implementation of animal retinas. Photosensitivity is not homogeneous across the sensor surface, allowing pixel parsing. It is remarkably simple to provide this profile to detectors and we showed at least three ways to do so. Individual photoreceptors have a Gaussian sensitivity profile and this nonlinear profile can be exploited to extract high-resolution. Adaptive, analog circuitry provides contrast enhancement, dynamic range setting with offset and gain control. Pixels are processed in parallel within modular elements called cartridges like photo-receptor inputs in fly eyes. These modular elements are connected by a novel function for a cell matrix known as L4. The system is exquisitely sensitive to small target motion and operates with a robust signal under degraded viewing conditions, allowing detection of targets smaller than a single pixel or at greater distance. Therefore, not only is instantaneous feature extraction possible but also subpixel resolution. Analog circuitry increases processing speed with more accurate motion specification for target tracking and identification.
Thermodynamic driving force in ferroelectric crystals with a rank-2 laminated domain pattern, and a study of enhanced electrostriction

Abstract The thermodynamic driving force for domain growth in a rank-2 laminated ferroelectric crystal is derived in this article, and we used it, together with a homogenization theory, to study the issue of enhanced electrostrictive actuation recently reported by Burcsu et al. [2004. Large electrostrictive actuation of barium titanate single crystals. J. Mech. Phys. Solids 52, 823–846]. We derived this force from the reduction of Gibbs free energy with respect to the increase of domain concentration. It is shown that both the free energy and the thermodynamic force consist of three parts: the first arises from the difference in M 0 and M 1 , the linear electromechanical compliances of the parent and product domains, respectively, at a given level of applied stress and electric field, the second stems from the electromechanical work associated with the change of spontaneous strain and spontaneous polarization during domain switch, and the third from the internal energy due to the distribution of polarizations strain and electric polarization inside the crystal. We prove that the first term is substantially lower than the second one, and the third one is identically zero with compatible domain pattern. The second one is, however, not exactly equal to the commonly written sum of the products of stress with strain, and electric field with polarization during switch, unless both domains have identical moduli in the common global axes. We also show that, with compatible domain patterns and when M 1 = M 0 , this driving force is identical to Eshelby's driving force acting on a flat interface due to the jump of energy-momentum tensor. Applications of the theory to a BaTiO 3 crystal subjected to a fixed axial compression and decreasing electric field from the [0 0 1] state reveal that the crystal undergoes a three-stage switching process: (i) the 0→90° switch to form a rank-1 laminate, (ii) the 0→180° switch inside the 0° domain to form a laminate I with a concurrent 90°→−90° switch inside the 90° domain to form laminate II, creating a rank-2-laminated domain pattern, and (iii) finally the 90→180° switch. It is the exchange of stability between the 0, 90°, and 180° domains under compression and electric field that is the origin of the enhanced actuation. We illustrate these intrinsic features by showing the evolution of these domains, and demonstrate how the reported large actuation strain can be attained with a rank-2 laminate.
Genetic factors in conditioned tolerance to the analgesic effects of etonitazene.

Abstract Tolerance to the analgesic effects of opioids have been reported to include unconditioned (physiological) and conditioned (associative) components. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the genetic and environmental factors important in the development of tolerance by using three inbred strains of mice with varying opiate receptor concentration and acute behavioral response to opioids: C57BL/6J, CXBK/ByJ, and CXBH/ByJ mice. Each strain was divided into three groups; each group received two injections per day as part of the tolerance development procedure. One group of each strain was administered an opioid (etonitazene) specifically paired with the testing room and a second injection of saline in the home colony (paired). The second group of each strain was administered saline in the testing room and etonitazene in the home colony (unpaired). A third group of each strain was administered saline in both the testing room and home colony (control). Etonitazene and saline were administered in this manner for 4 days. On day 5, animals were tested for hot-plate analgesic response following administration of etonitazene. There was a significant effect of treatment condition (paired, unpaired, control) on etonitazene-induced analgesia. In all strains, only the paired treatment condition demonstrated tolerance to the analgesic effects of etonitazene compared to the control groups. There was no significant effect of genotype or a genotype × condition interaction. Thus, genotype significantly affects the acute analgesic effects of opioid but did not affect the development of conditioned tolerance. Consideration of both components of the drug response, genetic and environmental, will lead to a better understanding of factors associated with the development of tolerance and the importance of environmental stimuli.
Derivatization of resin acids with a fluorescent label for cyclodextrin-modified electrophoretic separation

Abstract A derivatization reaction for resin acids (RAs), commonly found in untreated pulp mill effluents, was performed and evaluated in the separation and sensitive detection of the resin acids by cyclodextrin-modified capillary electrophoresis. The procedure involved the reaction of 4-bromomethyl-7-methoxycoumarin, a fluorescent label, with the carboxyl group of the resin acid in the presence of potassium carbonate to form an ester. Both MS data and HPLC analysis equipped with UV or scanning fluorescence revealed that the derivatization was free from side products and very quantitative. The derivatized esters were very stable and fluoresced optimally at 325 nm, excitation and 400 nm emission, an ideal condition for capillary electrophoresis equipped with He–Cd laser-induced fluorescence. Cyclodextrin-modified capillary electrophoresis using a mixture of negatively charged sulfobutylether-β-CD (SBCD) and neutral methyl-β-CD (MECD) was then optimized for separation and detection of the derivatized RAs. Separation at pH 4.5 and +15 kV applied potential using 42.5 mM sulfobutylether–β-CD and 12.5 mM methyl-β-CD in 50 mM sodium acetate has allowed the achievement of baseline separation of eight very closely related derivatized resin acids. With laser-induced fluorescence, the extrapolated concentration limit of detection (3σ) of the resin acid esters was about 10–20 μg/l, based on capillary electrophoresis analysis of a standard solution containing 500 μg/l of each derivative.
Self perception in bacteria: quorum sensing with acylated homoserine lactones.

Abstract A variety of Gram-negative bacteria produce membrane permeant, acylated homoserine lactone (HL) pheromones that act as cell density cues. Synthesis and response to these factors requires proteins homologous to the LuxI acylhomoserine lactone synthase and the LuxR transcription factor from Vibrio fischeri. Recent genetic and biochemical studies have begun to provide a mechanistic understanding of acyl HL dependent gene regulation. Examination of the role of acyl HLs in diverse bacteria positions LuxR—LuxI type systems within an increasingly broad regulatory context and suggests that, in some bacteria, they comprise a global regulatory circuit.
Cardiovascular and thermoregulatory responses to repeated anticholinesterase administration

1. 1.|Pyridostigmine administration decreased resting heart rate by 11 ± 7 beats/min and resting oesophageal temperature by 0.23 ± 12°C after 50 h (P < 0.05). In addition, red blood cell cholinesterase activity was decreased an average of 43 ± 7% after 50 h of pyridostigmine treatment. 2. 2.|The lower heart rates and core temperatures at rest were continued during high intensity exercise in a 35°C environment. Whole body sweating was 12 ± 18% higher (P = 0.20) during exercise in the heat after 50 h of pyridostigmine treatment. 3. 3.|Repeated anticholinesterase administration had little effect on cardiovascular and thermoregulatory responses during high intensity exercise.
The Frequency and Cost of Patient‐Initiated Device Removal in the ICU

Objective. To determine the frequency and pattern with which patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) remove medical devices on their own, and the costs associated with this problem. Design. Prospective observational study. Setting. Two 10-bed sections of a multidisciplinary ICU in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Patients. Adults admitted to the ICU for longer than 24 hours during October 1998. Interventions. None. Measurements and Main Results. Medical records were reviewed prospectively for the occurrence of patient-initiated device removal and the responses to those events by health care providers. Associated costs were estimated using hospital databases and Medicare physician reimbursement schedules. Annual cost estimates were calculated using 1997 admission statistics for 1211 adults in an ICU for more than 24 hours. Thirty-six patients were studied for 199 patient-days. Ten patients (28%) removed 42 devices: 88% of these events involved gastrointestinal tubes and vascular catheters. Significant agitation was documented within 2 hours before 74% of the events. Estimated cost associated with device removal was $7606, or $181/event. The estimated annual cost in this 42-bed ICU was more than $250,000. Conclusions. Patients commonly remove medical devices on their own, and this represents significant consumption of health care resources.
Ubiquitous Presenter: Activating Engineering Education with Tablet PCs

In this workshop, participants will gain hands-on experience which will prepare them to lecture and perform active learning exercises with the ubiquitous presenter (UP) system. UP (in use by more than 10 faculty at over 6 institutions), is a Web-based system which enables instructors (with a Tablet PC) to incorporate the best of chalk and digital presentations and automatically archives materials for student review. Additionally, UP supports a range of active learning, problem-based learning and JITT styles. Students equipped with Web-enabled devices (laptops, cell phones, Tablets, etc.) can interact anonymously with instructor provided activities in and outside the classroom. Many modalities of student interaction are supported including multiple choice selection, typed text, and free form ink drawing or writing -allowing students to control and select their preferred form of interaction. Student response to UP has been very positive across a number of engineering courses. Specifically, students indicate that seeing and reviewing other students' anonymously submitted answers both in and outside of class improved their confidence in their abilities in the class
The Earliest Magnetic Meridians

IN NATURE of June 6, p. 129, Captain E. W. Creak, F.R.S., questions a statement of mine with regard to this subject, as published in NATURE of May 23, p. 80. I there credited Yeates instead of Duperrey with the first construction of the magnetic meridians for the whole earth. I was careful not to say that Yeates originated the idea of magnetic meridians.
Two-choice conditional discrimination performance of pigeons as a function of reward expectancy, prechoice delay, and domesticity

In a discrete-trial two-choice conditional discrimination task, pigeons which received food for a correct choice following the presentation of one cue and water for a correct choice following another cue performed better than pigeons which received food and water equally often in both cases when delays of several seconds intervened between the conditional cue and choice stimuli presentations. These results suggest that feedback properties of reinforcer-specific expectancies can be important in conditional discrimination learning in pigeons. An additional finding was that wild-caught pigeons regularly exhibited a higher percentage of correct choices than domestic subjects.
Parallel hierarchical cross entropy optimization for on-chip decap budgeting

Decoupling capacitor (decap) placement has been widely adopted as an effective way to suppress dynamic power supply noise. Traditional decap budgeting algorithms usually explore the sensitivity-based nonlinear optimizations or conjugate gradient methods, which can be prohibitively expensive for large-scale decap budgeting problems. We present a hierarchical cross entropy (CE) optimization technique for solving the decap budgeting problem. CE is an advanced optimization framework which explores the power of rare-event probability theory and importance sampling. To achieve high efficiency, a sensitivity-guided cross entropy (SCE) algorithm is proposed which integrates CE with a partitioning-based sampling strategy to effectively reduce the dimensionality in solving the large scale decap budgeting problems. Extensive experiments on industrial power grid benchmarks show that the proposed SCE method converges 2X faster than the prior methods and 10X faster than the standard CE method, while gaining up to 25% improvement on power grid supply noise. Importantly, the proposed SCE algorithm is parallel-friendly since the simulation samples of each SCE iteration can be independently obtained in parallel. We obtain up to 1.9X speedup when running the SCE decap budgeting algorithm on a dual-core-dual-GPU system.
The Caenorhabditis elegans homeobox gene cluster

Understanding of the C. elegans homeobox gene cluster has been significantly expanded since the genes egl-5 and lin-39 have been shown to correspond to homeobox genes in the cluster. Genes of the homeobox cluster not only function as regionally restricted homeotic genes along the anterior-posterior body axis, but also control cell migrations within the affected body regions.
Analytical Development and Computer Modeling of a Bellows-Type Heat Pipe for the Cooling of Electronic Components

Presented here is a parametic study of the relationships that govern the operation of a bellows heat pipe for use in the cooling of electronic components. The defining equations are combined with the proper similarity relations to develop a mathematical model that can be used to describe the operational characteristics and performance limitations of such a heat pipe. The paper starts with a review of the recent experimental work done in the area of bellows heat pipes, formulates the governing equations, and proceeds through the development of a computer model. Preliminary testing of the computer model was carried out using experimental data obtained from previous investigations, to ensure that it accurately reflected the heat pipe performance. Once the model had been verified, it was used to develop an optimum design for a small bellows heat pipe.
Experimental Verification of Boundary-Layer Corrections in Hypersonic Nozzles

The problem of accurately predicting boundary-layer growth for supersonic nozzle design assumes increased importance as the design Mach Number of the nozzles is pushed into the hypersonic regime. Several methods of calculating this growth have been advanced which vary in ease of computation and accuracy of results. Results of the calibrations performed on two hypersonic helium nozzles recently put into operation in the 11-in. Hypersonic Tunnel Section at the NASA Langley Research Center indicate that the method employed for boundary-layer calculations in these nozzles is adequate. The flow in the test region of both nozzles has been found to be of good quality and the Mach Numbers obtained agree very satisfactorily with the desired design Mach Number.
Late Holocene Nearshore Change at a Nontidal Transgressive Systems Tract Strandplain Complex, Presque Isle, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

Abstract Understanding coastal change at mesotimescales is a prerequisite for developing predictive coastal response models and remains a “holy grail” for coastal scientists and engineers. The historical behavior of the Presque Isle strandplain on the North American Great Lakes provides insight into the complexities of net coastal response to a large set of geoenvironmental variables. Principal among these variables are high-frequency lacustrine transgressions and regressions of up to 1 meter in magnitude that occur at timescales of years to decades against a backdrop of longer term transgression (8 mm/y, 1901–97). Almost a century of coastal processes and anthropogenic modifications have resulted in nearshore net accretion of 15.5 × 106 cubic meters (161 × 103 m3/y) for this terminal end of a 36-kilometer-long coastal sediment dispersal system. Sediment eroded from the strandplain's updrift transgressive neck sector, coupled with additional inputs from mass wasting of an updrift bluff coast and beach nou...
The limits of multiplexing

We were motivated by three novel technologies, which exemplify a new design paradigm in high throughput genomics: nanostring TM, DNA-mediated Annealing, Selection, extension, and Ligation DASL TM, and multiplex real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR). All three are solution hybridization based, and all three employ on 10–1000 DNA sequence probes in a small volume, each probe specific for a particular sequence in a different human gene. nanostring TM uses 50-mer, DASL and multiplex QPCR use ∼20-mer probes. Assuming a 1-nM probe concentration in a 1 μL volume, there are 10− 9 × 10− 9 × 6.23 × 1023 or 6.23 × 105 molecules of each probe present in the reaction compared to 10–1000 target molecules. Excess probe drives the sensitivity of the reaction. We are interested in the limits of multiplexing, i.e., the probability that in such a design a particular probe would bind to any other, sequence-related probe rather than the intended, specific target. If this were to happen with appreciable frequency, this would result in much reduced sensitivity and potential failure of this design. We established upper and lower bounds for the probability that in a multiplex assay at least one probe would bind to another sequence-related probe rather than its cognate target. These bounds are reassuring, because for reasonable degrees of multiplexing (103 probes) the probability for such an event is practically negligible. As the degree of multiplexing increases to ∼106 probes, our theoretical boundaries gain practical importance and establish a principal upper limit for the use of highly multiplexed solution-based assays vis--a-vis solid-support anchored designs. WIREs Comput Stat 2015, 7:394–399. doi: 10.1002/wics.1364 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Some results in optimal hierarchical estimation

The primary objective of this paper is to review several results available in the statistical literature pertaining to the problem of hierarchical estimation. Some relevant extensions are derived for the problem of reconstructing the globally optimal estimate based on local estimates transmitted by feeder nodes. Their utilisty is next demonstrated with characterizations and examples pertaining to common scenarios in decentralized estimation problems.
Bivariate Finite Operator Calculus and Counting Ballot Paths Containing Patterns

In a paper by Sapounakis, Tasoulas, and Tsikouras [8], the authors count the number of occurrences of patterns of length four in Dyck paths. In this work, we count the number of occurrences of patterns in ballot paths, where a ballot path stays weakly above the diagonal y = x, starts at the origin, and takes steps from the set {↑,→} = {u, r}. A pattern is a finite string made from the same step set; it is also a path. Notice that a ballot path ending at a point along the diagonal is a Dyck path. In our previous work, [2, 3], we noticed that the number of ballot paths avoiding a given pattern were values of a polynomial sequence. Since the objects of Finite Operator Calculus (FOC) are polynomial sequences, these paths can be enumerated by the Transfer Formula [4, Theorem 1]. Here, we develop the theory of multivariate Finite Operator Calculus to enumerate ballot paths with a given number of occurrences of a pattern, thus expanding on the work done in [8]. In order to count these paths, we look at some properties of the patterns.
Feasibility of diagnosis of postcardiotomy tamponade by miniaturized transesophageal echocardiography

Abstract Background Pericardial tamponade after cardiac surgery is a critical diagnosis that can be difficult to diagnose using conventional cardiac monitoring. Transesophageal echocardiography can provide comprehensive information to make the diagnosis but is not always available, whereas transthoracic echocardiography has its utility limited because of the body habitus or other surgical effects. New monitoring devices, miniaturized hemodynamic transesophageal echocardiography (hTEE), which allows point of care assessment of cardiac filling and functions, may aid in diagnosis of postcardiotomy tamponade. Methods From May 2011 to July 2013, 21 patients underwent hTEE to rule out pericardial tamponade for clinical suspicion of tamponade after open heart surgery. The hTEE images were reviewed, and the patient outcomes were analyzed. Results Nine patients showed no evidence of pericardial collection and did not require reexploration. Two patients showed a presence of small hematoma without ventricular compression and also did not undergo exploration. Ten patients were positive for pericardial tamponade (effusion or hematoma with ventricular compression); eight of these cases underwent emergent surgical exploration. Of the two patients who did not undergo immediate reoperation, one was managed by chest tube manipulation and the other patient underwent subsequent surgical exploration after his extensive coagulopathy was corrected by medical treatment. Conclusions The diagnosis of pericardial tamponade postcardiotomy is feasible using a disposable hTEE based on our limited experience. We avoided unnecessary explorations while concomitantly made prompt diagnosis in emergent situations. The hTEE device was a valuable tool in hemodynamic management in the intensive care unit, allowing rapid evaluations.
Use of Enhanced Body Mass Index Charts During the Pediatric Health Supervision Visit Increases Physician Recognition of Overweight Patients

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends counseling about obesity-specific topics and measuring body mass index (BMI) at all health supervision visits. The authors compared the rates of overweight diagnosis and physician counseling at 2 clinics, one using color-coded BMI charts. The authors interviewed patients and reviewed their charts for differences in diagnosis and counseling rates. They also retrospectively compared age- and physician-matched charts pre- and postintervention, reviewing them for diagnosis of overweight. Intervention patients were more likely to have their BMI discussed (53/77 vs 3/70, P < .0001) and be identified as overweight both prospectively (8/10 vs 1/8, P = .015) and in the authors' matched chart review (8/10 vs 1/10, P = .005). Discussion rates of obesity-related topics such as nutrition, physical activity, and media time did not differ. BMI charts increase overweight patient identification by pediatricians. Further research is needed on the benefits of earlier overweight ...
Environmental Scanning Ultrafast Electron Microscopy: Structural Dynamics of Solvation at Interfaces

On the surface: CdSe surfaces have been used as a prototype for the investigation of the spatiotemporal characteristics of solvation by environmental scanning ultrafast electron microscopy (see picture, GSED=gaseous secondary electron detector). This study has shown that the ultrafast relaxation dynamics of polar molecules, such as water, in the adsorbate layers exhibit a striking dependence on the CdSe surface structure.
An Undergraduate Course in Robotics and Machine Intelligence.

In this paper, the authors present their experience in planning and curriculum development for a course in Robotics andMachine Intelligence. The authors discuss issues, solutions, and recommendations regarding administration of the course, robotics equipment used, student activities, and outcomes assessment. Future plans for the course, as well as ideas for other similar courses,
Aspartate Substitutions Establish the Concerted Action of P-region Glutamates in Repeats I and III in Forming the Protonation Site of L-type Ca2+ Channels

Hydrogen ions reduce ion flux through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels by binding to a single protonation site with an unusually high pKa. Recent evidence localizes the protonation site to the same locus that supports high affinity Ca2+ binding and selectivity, a set of four conserved glutamate residues near the external mouth of the pore. Remaining controversy concerns the question of whether the protonation site arises from a single glutamate, Glu-1086 (EIII), or a combination of Glu-1086 and Glu-334 (EI) working in concert. We tested these hypotheses with individual Glu --> Asp substitutions. The Glu --> Asp replacements in repeats I and III stood out in two ways. First, in both EID and EIIID, protonation was destabilized relative to wild type, whereas it was unchanged in EIID and stabilized in EIVD. The changes in affinity were entirely due to alterations in H+ off-rate. Second, the ratio of protonated conductance to deprotonated conductance was significantly closer to unity for EID and EIIID than for wild-type channels or other Asp mutants. Both results support the idea that EI and EIII act together to stabilize a single titratable H+ ion and behave nearly symmetrically in influencing pore conductance. Neutralization of EIII by alanine replacement clearly failed to abolish susceptibility to protonation, indicating that no single glutamate was absolutely required. Taken together, all the evidence supports a model in which multiple carboxylates work in concert to form a single high affinity protonation site.
NASA's involvement in technology development and transfer: the Ohio Hybrid Bus Project

A government and industry cooperative is using advanced power technology in a city transit bus that will offer double the fuel economy, and emissions, one tenth of government standards. The heart of the vehicle's power system is a natural gas fueled generator unit. Power from both the generator and an advanced energy storage system is provided to a variable speed electric motor attached to the rear drive axle. A unique aspect of the vehicle's design is its use of "super" capacitors for recovery of energy during braking. This is the largest vehicle ever built using this advanced energy recovery technology. This paper describes the project goals and approach, results of its system performance modeling, and the status of the development team's effort.
Chronology of late Cenozoic volcanic eruptions onto relict surfaces in the south-central Sierra Nevada, California

Early twentieth-century geologists ob-served extensive areas of subdued topography in the otherwise strongly dissected landscape of the southern Sierra Nevada that they ascribed to periods of stability following episodes of orogenic uplift. From this evidence, they developed an uplift history for the Sierra Nevada. This conceptual model for landscape evolution of the Sierra has largely been rejected or ignored since the middle of the twentieth century, based in considerable part on observations indicating that these surfaces can be explained as dynamic landforms actively developing in response to conditions of the relatively recent geological past and that long-term erosion rates are much too high to permit pre-Quaternary surfaces to be preserved. We investigated the chronology of basaltic flows and ejecta on several such apparent relict surfaces located west of Bishop, California. Most of the basalt cones and flows that were sampled are nearly concordant with the present topography, generally showing no more than 50 m of landscape inversion. The 40 Ar/ 39 Ar ages of the basalts fall into two groups: 11.76 ± 0.05 Ma and 3.40 ± 0.06 Ma. These ages demonstrate that paleosurfaces dating back to at least the Miocene can be preserved close to the summits of the Sierra Nevada with minimal erosion. The elevations and relative sequences of these surfaces do indeed appear to preserve a topographic history of the Sierra Nevada, encouraging continued investigation of their significance within the tectonic history of the Sierra Nevada.
Catalytic antioxidants to treat amyotropic lateral sclerosis

Catalytic antioxidants are comprised of specialised classes of organometallic complexes that can catalyse the decomposition of injurious biological oxidants. These complexes have been shown to prevent the formation of several oxidative markers in spinal cord of G93A amyotropic lateral sclerosis mice and markedly extend survival, even when administered at symptom onset; however, it is now clear that some complexes lacking in antioxidant activity are also protective. New proteomics data suggest that these complexes also induce a broad spectrum of endogenous cellular defense mechanisms. The combination of antioxidant and adaptive resistance effects may explain the remarkable potency of these compounds and may also suggest wide applicability for them in a number of neurodegenerative diseases.
Workplace violence: a survey of paediatric residents

BACKGROUND: Paediatric residents are often exposed to verbal abuse and/or physical assaults from patients and patients' families during the course of their training. Residents may benefit from further training on how to prevent and respond to workplace violence. AIMS: To determine the prevalence of workplace violence in paediatric residency training programmes. METHODS: In 2007, a 25-item web-based questionnaire about experiences of verbal and/or physical abuse while on duty was distributed to 1211 paediatric residents at all training levels from 25 paediatric programmes. RESULTS: A total of 541 questionnaires were returned giving a 45% response rate. In total, 33% of the respondents had been verbally abused or physically assaulted by patients and/or patients' families during their residency programme, although verbal abuse was much more common than physical assaults. In total, 71% of respondents reported having no teaching about workplace violence during their residency training. The majority (74%) indicated that they would like to receive more training in managing angry patients and families. CONCLUSIONS: Paediatric residents are often exposed to verbal threats during the course of their work. They are also at risk of physical assaults by angry patients and/or families. Paediatric residents require more training on how to prevent and respond to workplace violence, and this important topic should be incorporated into the paediatric residency curriculum. Language: en
Organophosphate Resistance in Adults of Red Flour Beetle (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and Sawtoothed Grain Beetle (Coleoptera: Cucujidae) Infesting Barley Stored on Farms in Minnesota

Four strains of adult red flour beetles, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), and six strains of adult sawtoothed grain beetles, Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.), infesting barley stored on farms in Minnesota were surveyed for resistance to malathion, pirimiphos-methyl, and chlorpyrifos-methyl. Adults were exposed to filter papers impregnated with each of the insecticides. Dose-response and discriminating-dose test procedures were used to evaluate malathion resistance in field strains. Only the discriminating-dose method was used to evaluate pirimiphos-methyl and chlorpyrifos-methyl resistance. Dose-response and discriminating-dose tests indicated malathion resistance in all field strains of T. castaneum , but not in O. surinamensis field strains. T. castaneum strains did not show cross-resistance to pirimiphosmethyl or chlorpyrifos-methyl. All six O. surinamensis strains were susceptible to pirimiphosmethyl, but four strains showed reduced susceptibility (tolerance) to chlorpyrifos-methyl. The use of synergists in combination with malathion on T. castaneum strains and with chlorpyrifos-methyl on the four O. surinamensis strains indicated that carboxylesterase was involved in detoxifying malathion in resistant T. castaneum adults, whereas oxidases and esterases other than carboxylesterase were involved in detoxifying chlorpyrifos-methyl in tolerant O. surinamensis adults.
Listric thrusts in the western Transverse Ranges, California

Some of the main faults accommodating current shortening in the western Transverse Ranges are probably listric because (1) they are associated with progressive tilting, and (2) they may be preexisting normal faults that accommodated Miocene extension. These faults have been reactivated in the Pliocene–Quaternary transpressive regime. We propose a listric thrust model where slip is proportional to backlimb dip. This model requires relatively little fault slip to account for progressive tilting and for wide (in the dip direction) and gently dipping backlimbs. In contrast, widely applied fault-bend fold and fault-propagation fold models relate fault slip to limb width alone and typically predict more shortening by the blind thrusts that can be accounted for by folding in the cover above them. We trace the southernmost structural high in the Transverse Ranges from the Santa Monica Mountains through the southern Santa Barbara Channel. The north-dipping backlimb of this anticline is 20–30 km wide and 220 km long; its presence suggests a very large north-dipping thrust that could generate very large earthquakes. The slip rate for this fault, however, is substantially lower for a listric thrust model than for a single-step ramp-flat model.
Lilly lecture 1989. Toward physiological understanding of glucose tolerance. Minimal-model approach.

Glucose tolerance depends on a complex interaction among insulin secretion from the beta-cells, clearance of the hormone, and the actions of insulin to accelerate glucose disappearance and inhibit endogenous glucose production. An additional factor, less well recognized, is the ability of glucose per se, independent of changes in insulin, to increase glucose uptake and suppress endogenous output (glucose effectiveness). These factors can be measured in the intact organism with physiologically based minimal models of glucose utilization and insulin kinetics. With the glucose minimal model, insulin sensitivity (SI) and glucose effectiveness (SG) are measured by computer analysis of the frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test. The test involves intravenous injection of glucose followed by tolbutamide or insulin and frequent blood sampling. SI varied from a high of 7.6 x 10(-4) min-1.microU-1.ml-1 in young Whites to 2.3 x 10(-4) min-1.microU-1.ml-1 in obese nondiabetic subjects; in all of the nondiabetic subjects, SG was normal. In subjects with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), not only was SI reduced 90% below normal (0.61 +/- 0.16 x 10(-4) min-1.microU-1.ml-1), but in this group alone, SG was reduced (from 0.026 +/- 0.008 to 0.014 +/- 0.002 min-1); thus, defects in SI and SG are synergistic in causing glucose intolerance in NIDDM. One assumption of the minimal model is that the time delay in insulin action on glucose utilization in vivo is due to sluggish insulin transport across the capillary endothelium. This was tested by comparing insulin concentrations in plasma with those in lymph (representing interstitial fluid) during euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic glucose clamps. Lymph insulin was lower than plasma insulin at basal (12 vs. 18 microU/ml) and at steady state, indicating significant loss of insulin from the interstitial space, presumably due to cellular uptake of the insulin-receptor complex. Additionally, during clamps, lymph insulin changed more slowly than plasma insulin, but the rate of glucose utilization followed a time course identical with that of lymph (r = .96) rather than plasma (r = .71). Thus, lymph insulin, which may be reflective of interstitial fluid, is the signal to which insulin-sensitive tissues are responding. These studies support the concept that, at physiological insulin levels, the time for insulin to cross the capillary endothelium is the process that determines the rate of insulin action in vivo.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Mechanically-evoked C-fiber activity in painful alcohol and AIDS therapy neuropathy in the rat

While altered activities in sensory neurons were noticed in neuropathic pain, caused by highly diverse insults to the peripheral nervous system, such as diabetes, alcohol ingestion, cancer chemotherapy and drugs used to treat AIDS, other infections and autoimmune diseases, as well as trauma, our understanding of how these various peripheral neuropathies manifest as altered neuronal activity is still rudimentary. The recent development of models of several of those neuropathies has, however, now made it possible to address their impact on primary afferent nociceptor function. We compared changes in mechanically-evoked C-fiber activity, in models of painful peripheral neuropathy induced by drinking ethanol (alcohol) or administering 2',3'-dideoxycytidine (ddC), a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor for AIDS therapy, two co-morbid conditions in which pain is thought to be mediated by different second messenger signaling pathways. In C-fiber afferents, ddC decreased conduction velocity. In contrast, alcohol but not ddC caused enhanced response to mechanical stimulation (i.e., decrease in threshold and increase in response to sustained threshold and supra-threshold stimulation) and changes in pattern of evoked activity (interspike interval and action potential variability analyses). These marked differences in primary afferent nociceptor function, in two different forms of neuropathy that produce mechanical hyperalgesia of similar magnitude, suggest that optimal treatment of neuropathic pain may differ depending on the nature of the causative insult to the peripheral nervous system, and emphasize the value of studying co-morbid conditions that produce painful peripheral neuropathy by different mechanisms.
Trench Nephritis: A Retrospective Perception

An epidemic of nephritis occurred among soldiers in World War I, predominantly those in the trenches. Characterized by the sudden onset of albuminuria, hypertension, edema, and dyspnea, atypical features such as bronchitis, an evanescent course, low early mortality, and frequent relapses distinguished it from poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis. Pathologic features included glomerular ischemia, capillary thrombi, endocapillary proliferation, and frequently epithelial crescents, suggesting an underlying vasculitis. The cause was not established, but a postinfectious, possibly postviral, etiology seems most plausible. Trench nephritis was the major nephrologic problem of World War I, accounting for 5% of medical admissions and more than 10% of military hospital bed occupancy at that time.
The 25th Anniversary of the Summary Judgment Trilogy: Much Ado about Very Little

The twenty-fifth anniversary of the Supreme Court’s famous summary judgment trilogy1 provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on the legal profession’s ability to overstate, overhype, and overinflate the impact of Supreme Court decisions. This certainly would seem to be true for predictions concerning summary judgment practice that were issued in the immediate aftermath of the Court’s 1986 decisions in Celotex, Anderson, and Matsushita. Famously, members of the academy and other legal seers opined that the Supreme Court, in issuing the summary judgment trilogy, was telegraphing a message to federal judges to make enhanced usage of summary judgment to expedite legal proceedings and to intercept and dismiss factually deficient litigation before trial. The not-so-veiled purpose of the summary judgment trilogy, then, was to nudge federal judges out of their normal predisposition against summary judgment. Consequently, a number of procedural wags predicted that federal courts would witness a surge of summary judgment dismissals in the wake of the trilogy. However, as the Federal Judicial Center’s (“FJC”) numerous empirical studies have shown, the summary judgment trilogy has had scant impact on judicial reception to enhanced utilization of summary judgment as a means to streamline litigation.2 Simply stated, the trilogy