cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stability Analysis and Control of Rigid-Body Systems With Impacts and Friction

Many critical tasks in robotics, such as locomotion or manipulation, involve collisions between a rigid body and the environment or between multiple bodies. Methods based on sums-of-squares (SOS) for numerical computation of Lyapunov certificates are a powerful tool for analyzing the stability of continuous nonlinear systems, and can additionally be used to automatically synthesize stabilizing feedback controllers. Here, we present a method for applying sums-of-squares verification to rigid bodies with Coulomb friction undergoing discontinuous, inelastic impact events. The proposed algorithm explicitly generates Lyapunov certificates for stability, positive invariance, and safety over admissible (non-penetrating) states and contact forces. We leverage the complementarity formulation of contact, which naturally generates the semialgebraic constraints that define this admissible region. The approach is demonstrated on multiple robotics examples, including simple models of a walking robot, a perching aircraft, and control design of a balancing robot.
The Basal Body of Bacterial Flagella

The bacterial flagellum is composed of three structurally defined parts: the filament, the hook, and the basal body. The filament is a long, narrow helical structure composed of the protein flagellin, and comprises approximately 98 per cent of the flagellum’s length. At the proximal end of the filament is a hook-shaped structure whose morphological, chemical, and serological properties are distinct from the filament (Abram et al., 1970; Dimmit and Simon, 1970a; Lawn, 1967). This “hook” enters the cell wall where it is attached to a complex structure called the basal body. The basal body is firmly bound into the cell envelope and is the only part of the flagellum inside the cell wall.
Host sphingosine kinase 1 worsens pancreatic cancer peritoneal carcinomatosis

Abstract Background There are no effective treatments for pancreatic cancer peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) or cancer dissemination in abdominal cavity. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a bioactive lipid mediator produced by sphingosine kinases (SphK1 and SphK2), plays critical roles in cancer progression. We reported that SphK1, but not SphK2, is responsible for S1P export from breast cancer cells and recently discovered that S1P is linked to inflammation and cancer in colitis-associated cancer progression. Given the fact that inflammation is known to be essential for the establishment and progression of PC, we hypothesized that SphK1 in the host animals is involved in progression of pancreatic cancer PC. Methods Murine pancreatic adenocarcinoma panc02-luc cells were intraperitoneally injected into wildtype or SphK1 knockout (KO) mice to generate a syngeneic PC model. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were determined by Ki67 and TUNEL staining, respectively. Results All the animals developed panc02-luc PC. SphK1 KO mice developed significantly less tumor burden, less total tumor weight, and fewer number of PC nodules at 14 d after implantation. Histologically, less inflammatory cell infiltration and less cancer cell proliferation were observed in the tumors. There was no difference in apoptosis. Conclusions Our results raise an intriguing possibility that S1P generated by SphK1 in the host promotes pancreatic cancer PC progression by stimulation of proliferation of cancer cells.
A glance at N(6)-methyladenosine in transcript isoforms.

A sequencing approach, m6A-LAIC-seq, globally quantifies the proportion of m6A-modified transcripts of a specific gene and the differential m6A modification levels among its isoforms.
High frequency imaging and elastic effects for a solid cylinder with axis oblique relative to a nearby horizontal surface.

The calibrated acoustic backscattering spectrum versus aspect angle, also called the “acoustic color” or “acoustic template,” of solid cylinders located near a flat interface was previously studied for the case where the cylinder axis was vertically oblique relative to the interface and was insonified by a beam at a non-zero grazing angle. The presence of the interface allows for multiple paths by which sound is backscattered. These multipaths are highly dependent on the relative orientations of the target, the interface, and the source/receiver. In this work, the effects of vertical obliquity on the reconstructed synthetic aperture acoustic images is presented. Several robust orientation dependent features are considered and the physical mechanisms responsible identified through geometric arguments. Information about a target's three-dimensional orientation and size may be gleaned from these images, aiding the interpretation of features within the target's acoustic template. Specific features observed in the reconstructed image are associated with features in the acoustic color. The coupling conditions for surface elastic waves are also considered.
Feasibility of a Heat-Pasteurization Process for the Inactivation of Nonproteolytic Clostridium botulinum types B and E in Vacuum-Packaged, Hot-Process (Smoked) Fish.

This study demonstrates the feasibility of a heat-pasteurization process for certain vacuum-packaged hot-smoked fishery products for inactivation of the spores of the nonproteolytic Group II Clostridium botulinum types B, E, and F. This process permits the use of lower concentrations of salt and other inhibitors without jeopardizing safety and quality of the products during prolonged refrigerated storage. The pasteurization treatment was developed based upon the inactivation of nonproteolytic types B or E in hot-process (smoked) salmon. Smoke was not applied to the samples inoculated with types B and E because of its possible inhibitory effects. After processing in the smokehouse, each sample was cooled to 34°F (1.1°C), injected with 106 spores, vacuum-packaged, and then heat-pasteurized in a water bath held at a constant temperature. A total of 85, 65, and 55 min in the 185°F (85°C), 192°F (88.9°C), and 198°F (92.2°C) baths, respectively, prevented toxin production by type E during 21 d of incubation at 25°C. Longer times, 175, 85, and 65 min, respectively, were required to prevent toxin production by nonproteolytic type B. Toxin production by type E during 120 d of storage at 10°C was prevented by a 45-minute treatment in the 198°F (92.2°C) bath. When heat-pasteurized samples were transferred into TPGY broth and incubated anaerobically for 150 d at 25°C, outgrowth and toxin production by type E was prevented by a 55-minute process at 198°F (92.2°C) and type B was prevented by a 65-minute process. This process does not, however, inactivate the more heat-resistant proteolytic strains of C. botulinum Group I or other spore-formers. The packages and master cartons of these pasteurized products therefore should follow the existing recommendations for smoked fishery products and be labeled "Keep refrigerated - Store below 38°F (3.3°C)."
High-throughput interpretation of gene structure changes in human and nonhuman resequencing data, using ACE.

MOTIVATION: The accurate interpretation of genetic variants is critical for characterizing genotype-phenotype associations. Because the effects of genetic variants can depend strongly on their local genomic context, accurate genome annotations are essential. Furthermore, as some variants have the potential to disrupt or alter gene structure, variant interpretation efforts stand to gain from the use of individualized annotations that account for differences in gene structure between individuals or strains. RESULTS: We describe a suite of software tools for identifying possible functional changes in gene structure that may result from sequence variants. ACE ("Assessing Changes to Exons") converts phased genotype calls to a collection of explicit haplotype sequences, maps transcript annotations onto them, detects gene-structure changes and their possible repercussions, and identifies several classes of possible loss of function. Novel transcripts predicted by ACE are commonly supported by spliced RNA-seq reads, and can be used to improve read alignment and transcript quantification when an individual-specific genome sequence is available. Using publicly-available RNA-seq data, we show that ACE predictions confirm earlier results regarding the quantitative effects of nonsense-mediated decay, and we show that predicted loss-of-function events are highly concordant with patterns of intolerance to mutations across the human population. ACE can be readily applied to diverse species including animals and plants, making it a broadly useful tool for use in eukaryotic population-based resequencing projects, particularly for assessing the joint impact of all variants at a locus. AVAILABILITY: ACE is written in open-source C++ and Perl and is available from geneprediction.org/ACE CONTACT: bmajoros@duke.edu SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary information is available at Bioinformatics online.
Prevalence of dental caries, patterns of oral hygiene behaviors, and daily habits in rural central India: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Dental caries is seen across all age groups and in all populations. Several sociobehavioral factors existing in a broader cultural and environmental context can affect caries prevalence. Aims: To determine the prevalence and severity of caries across gender, age, and educational levels and to study the association between oral hygiene behaviors, daily habits, and caries. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study recruited participants ≥18 years from Ramgarh, Chhindwara district in Madhya Pradesh, India. Information was collected on demographics, oral hygiene behaviors, and daily habits. Overall caries experience was quantified using decayed, missing, filled tooth index through intraoral examinations. Results: Use of toothbrushes, (P < 0.001) toothpastes (P < 0.001), and fluoridated toothpastes (P = 0.01) was significantly higher in younger participants aged 18–34 years than in older adults. Brushing twice daily (P = 0.05), use of toothbrushes (P < 0.001), toothpaste (P < 0.001), and fluoridated toothpaste (P < 0.001) was significantly higher among participants with ≥8 years education than participants with no formal education or ≤8 years of education. Use of tobacco was significantly more common among people with no education, people with ≤8 years of education (P = 0.02), and males (P < 0.001). Participants ≥45 years had 3.2 times higher odds of having decayed, missing, filled teeth scores ≥1 than the younger age groups. Conclusions: Poor oral hygiene behaviors among older adults, males, and participants with ≤8 years of education were associated with higher caries experience and missing teeth as a result of caries.
Clinical trials in older adults with cancer: past and future.

The risk of cancer increases with age, and as the US population rapidly ages, the number of older adults seeking treatment for cancer is also increasing dramatically. However, this growing population of older adults has been underrepresented in clinical trials that set the standards for oncology care. In addition, most clinical trials conducted to date have not addressed the problems that accompany aging, including reduced physiologic reserve, changes in drug pharmacokinetics, and the impact of comorbid medical conditions and polypharmacy on treatment tolerance. As a result, there are variations in treatment patterns between older and younger adults and few evidence-based guidelines accounting for the changes in physiology or pharmacokinetics that occur with aging. This article examines the demographics of cancer and aging, the barriers to enrollment of older adults on clinical trials, and approaches for future trials to address the needs of the older patient.
Loading a linear Paul trap to saturation from a magneto-optical trap

We present experimental measurements of the steady-state ion number in a linear Paul trap (LPT) as a function of the ion-loading rate. These measurements, taken with (a) constant Paul trap stability parameter $q$, (b) constant radio-frequency (rf) amplitude, or (c) constant rf frequency, show nonlinear behavior. At the loading rates achieved in this experiment, a plot of the steady-state ion number as a function of loading rate has two regions: a monotonic rise (region I) followed by a plateau (region II). Also described are simulations and analytical theory which match the experimental results. Region I is caused by rf heating and is fundamentally due to the time dependence of the rf Paul-trap forces. We show that the time-independent pseudopotential, frequently used in the analytical investigation of trapping experiments, cannot explain region I, but explains the plateau in region II and can be used to predict the steady-state ion number in that region. An important feature of our experimental LPT is the existence of a radial cutoff ${\stackrel{\ifmmode \hat{}\else \^{}\fi{}}{R}}_{\mathrm{cut}}$ that limits the ion capacity of our LPT and features prominently in the analytical and numerical analysis of our LPT-loading results. We explain the dynamical origin of ${\stackrel{\ifmmode \hat{}\else \^{}\fi{}}{R}}_{\mathrm{cut}}$ and relate it to the chaos border of the fractal of non-escaping trajectories in our LPT. We also present an improved model of LPT ion-loading as a function of time.
ICV galanin-like peptide stimulates non-contact erections but not touch-based erections in adult, sexually experienced male rats

Galanin-like peptide (GALP) is a neuropeptide transcribed only within the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus and is thought to be a mediator between energetics and reproductive function. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of GALP is known to have effects on feeding, and to significantly increase gonadotropin releasing hormone- (GnRH-) mediated luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. Furthermore, ICV GALP is known to stimulate fos production in the medial pre-optic area (mPOA) and to a lesser extent, the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). ICV injection of 5.0nmol GALP profoundly stimulates male rat sexual behavior. It is not known if GALP's effects on sex behavior are due to an increase in appetitive or mechanical (erectile) aspects of male sexual behavior. To determine this, sexually experienced male rats were cannulated in the lateral ventricle and injected with 5.0nmol GALP or vehicle. Immediately after injections, male rats were placed in an arena connected to a second arena via a tube with a fan. The second arena contained a steroid-primed female and her bedding. The male rat had olfactory but not visual or tactile contact with the female. We analyzed the amount of time the male rats spent investigating the air intake and the number of non-contact erections (NCEs) in a 30minute test. ICV GALP significantly (p<0.05) increased both the amount of time of olfactory investigations and NCEs compared to vehicle. In a second set of animals, we tested if ICV GALP could stimulate touch-based erections. GALP had no significant effect on touch-based erections compared to vehicle. These data suggest that GALP's activation of fos within the mPOA is indicative of its action to stimulate the appetitive aspects of male sexual behavior.
Pulled along by gravity's great attraction

Gravity was present at the very first moment of time. Since then it has moulded the universe and will, almost certainly, overwhelmingly determine the end of the universe. Incomprehensible amounts of energy were entrusted to gravity in that first moment of the big bang. Some 15 billion years later, a tiny fraction of this energy gives mankind a chance to look back and try to comprehend what happened, how nature works now, and what the fate of the universe will be. Questions like these have dominated the lives of theologists, philosophers, mathematicians, astronomers and physicists through the ages.
Securing Garbage from Florida Black Bears: Why are the Appropriate Measures Not Implemented at the Municipal Level?

ABSTRACTAnthropogenic food conditioning of bears has resulted in recent increases in human–bear conflicts (HBCs) in Florida. Garbage is the leading cause of food conditioning of bears. Despite increased HBCs and related human safety concerns, municipal governments in Florida have generally not taken independent steps to prevent HBCs through altered garbage management. Rather, governments have relied on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to manage garbage-related HBCs. We used semi-structured interviews to identify obstacles to securing garbage from bears at the municipal level. Respondents included local government administrations and waste service providers. Political and economic costs of implementing bear-resistant garbage management practices were the major obstacles to securing garbage. Respondents argued that households will not pay for, or support, the implementation of bear-resistant trash cans. Recent adoption by four counties of ordinances requiring residents to secure their g...
Investigation of the role of a macromolecular complex of CFTR-NHERF2-LPA2 in the fluid hemostasis and inflammatory responses in intestinal epithelial cells

CFTR is a cAMP-regulated chloride channel located in the apical surface of intestinal epithelial cells; where it forms a macromolecular complex with NHERF2 and LPA2. CFTR has been shown to play a role in the pathogenies of several types of secretory diarrheas. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition of intestine characterized by severe inflammation and mucosal destruction, genetic analysis has shown that LPA contribute to IBD and patients of cystic fibrosis also display the phenotype of diarrhea. The purpose of this study is to investigate if this complex plays a role in the pathogenesis of IBD, especially in the intestinal fluid homeostasis and inflammatory responses. To investigate the role(s) of CFTR-NHERF2-LPA2 complex in the pathogenesis of IBD, we first identified the existence of this complex in intestinal epithelial cells; our results showed that (1) CFTR, NHERF2, LPA2 are expressed in these cells evidenced by western blotting and Q-PCR; (2) NHERF2 and LPA2 can be co-immunoprecipated with CFTR; (3) NHERF2 and LPA2 co-localize with CFTR at the plasma membrane of these cells; (4) NHERF2 and LPA2 interact with CFTR evidenced by proximity ligation assay. We then explored the role of this complex in maintaining the integrity of tight junction and inflammatory responses in these cells. Our preliminary data showed that inhibition of CFTR disrupted the tight junction and elicited the secretion of IL-8, while intriguing LPA2 increased the expression of IL-8. Our data also show that RNA knockdown LPA2 can decrease the expression of IL-8. These data suggest that CFTR-NHERF2-LPA2 might play a role in the fluid hemostasis and inflammatory responses of intestinal epithelium, thus could play a role in the pathogenesis of IBD.
NIMH neuropsychiatric genomics: crucial foundational accomplishments and the extensive challenges that remain.

NIMH neuropsychiatric genomics: crucial foundational accomplishments and the extensive challenges that remain
Probing electronic binding potentials with attosecond photoelectron wavepackets

The central goal of attosecond science is to visualize, understand and ultimately control electron dynamics in matter over the fastest relevant timescales. To date, numerous schemes have demonstrated exquisite temporal resolution, on the order of ten attoseconds, in measurements of the response of photo-excited electrons to time-delayed probes. However, attributing this response to specific dynamical mechanisms is difficult, requiring guidance from advanced calculations. Here we show that energy transfer between an oscillating field and low-energy attosecond photoelectron wavepackets directly provides coarse-grained information on the effective binding potential from which the electrons are liberated. We employ a dense extreme ultraviolet (XUV) harmonic comb to photoionize He, Ne and Ar atoms and record the electron spectra as a function of the phase of a mid-infrared dressing field. The amplitude and phase of the resulting interference modulations in the electron spectra reveal the average momentum and change in momentum of the electron wavepackets during the first quarter-period of the dressing field after their creation, reflecting the corresponding coarse characteristics of the binding potential. Measurements of the electron wavepackets produced by photoionizing noble gas atoms with an XUV harmonic comb enable the reconstruction of the effective binding potential: a new technique that could be extended to molecules.
cfDNA TP53 mutations with treatment history and disease progression in metastatic CRPC.

263Background: Cell free DNA (cfDNA) has made it possible to actively monitor alterations of genes during the course of therapy. Herein we evaluate cfDNA pathologic mutations in TP53 after treatment resistance to AR targeted therapy and taxanes in mCRPC. In addition to the presence or absence of pathologic mutations, the quantity of the mutations was characterized as present/absent, quantitatively as > or or <10%. Methods: A retrospective study was done for 111 patients, with 226 separate cfDNA testing dates. Each cfDNA test was treated as an individual sample; of the 226 tests, 112 were positive for pathologic TP53 mutations, and 114 were negative. Treatment histories were collected and TP53 data analyzed in relation to resistance for abiraterone (abi), enzalutamide (enza), abi + enza, or abi + enza and a taxane. Treatment resistance was categorized as being present for those patients completing therapy with an agent. Results: Patients with pathologic TP53 mutations were more likely to have had...
129Xe NMR spectrum of Xenon inside C60

Xenon was inserted into C60 by heating C60 in 3000 atm of xenon gas at 650 °C. The Xe@C60 was separated from the empty C60 by using HPLC. The 13C resonance for Xe@C60 is shifted downfield by 0.95 ppm (192 Hz). 129Xe NMR showed a line 179.2 ppm downfield from xenon gas.
Three-Level Longitudinal Mediation with Nested Units: How does an Upper-Level Predictor Influence a Lower-Level Outcome via an Upper-Level Mediator Over Time?

In the study, extending from the cross-lagged panel model (CLPM) and the 2-2-1 cross-sectional multilevel mediation model, we proposed a three-level longitudinal mediation model to evaluate the causal process among variables at different levels over time. Given the complexity of the proposed model, Bayesian estimation was used. A simulation study was conducted to examine the estimation accuracy of Bayesian estimation for the proposed model. Factors considered in the simulation study included average sample sizes of the lower-level units within each upper-level unit (or cluster size; I ‾ ), numbers of upper-level units (or clusters; J), numbers of time points (T), fixed direct and indirect effect sizes, and variances and covariances of upper-level random effects. Results indicated that the fixed effect estimates for the indirect effect components (a and b), fixed direct effect (c), and the average mediation effect estimate were reasonably accurate when I ‾ ≥ 8 , J > 20, and T ⩾ 4. Comparing the proposed model against the CLPMs coupled with aggregation or disaggregation techniques, we found that the CLPMs yielded misleading fixed-effects estimates and low coverage rates when variation existed between upper-level units. The proposed model was illustrated using a study on early childhood education. We compared estimates and inferences from the proposed three-level longitudinal mediation model, the CLPMs with aggregation and disaggregation, and the traditional 2-2-1 mediation model. Limitations and extensions of the current study were discussed.
Apropriate Ultrasonic System Components for NDE of Thick Polymer-Composites

In certain marine applications, thick polymer-composite materials may have to endure different operating environments than those experienced in traditional aerospace applications. In particular, structures made of such materials may experience very large compressive and bending forces. To prevent in-service failure, appropriate NDE methods and instrumentation are needed to characterize the state of the material. Specifically, in addition to detecting high-contrast anomalies (cracks and delaminations) it may be of interest to determine the pore content, measure the fiber volume, assess the severity of fiber waviness, and the like [1].
Collisional Effects on the Density Profiles of Spherical Galaxies

We use N-body simulations to study the time evolution and the final shape of the density profiles of non-rotating spherical galaxies that have undergone a tidal encounter. We consider models with de Vaucouleurs and King surface density profiles and with isotropic, tangential and radially biased velocity distributions.
Visual Discriminations in the Cat

For all their popularity as pets, cats have been conspicuously neglected as experimental animals by behavioral scientists. Yet there are many advantages and even strong reasons for using the cat as a behavioral animal. He is of a convenient size, is easy to maintain, and generally speaking, has a reasonable disposition so that he can be easily handled in the laboratory. Perhaps a more important reason is that a great deal of research has been done by physiologists and anatomists on his nervous system.
Cardiovascular and Biochemical Effects of Chronic Intermittent Neurogenic Stimulation

Investigators have called attention to the unresolved psychologic conflicts which give rise to chronic emotional tension which they believe are specific etiological factors in the development of such diseases as hypertension, coronary vascular disease and gastrointestinal ulcers in man (1–3). Selye (4–6) has postulated that organisms subjected to alarming stimuli will respond in a given manner, which he termed “the general adaptation syndrome” or “stress syndrome.” Barry and Buckley (7) have reviewed in detail the effects of exposing animals to stress upon their behavioral performance as well as physiological, biochemical, and endocrinological function. Various types of stimuli can act as the systemic stressors and produce all three stages of the general adaptation syndrome. Audiogenic stimuli have been found to induce cardiovascular changes (8,9), changes in adrenal weights and adrenal ascorbic acid (10) and death (11). Herrington and Nelbach (12) exposed rats to a complex type of stimulation including audiogenic and cage vibration and observed changes in the experimental animals similar to those produced by thyroid overdosage. Hudak and Buckley (13) modified this procedure and subjected rats to a combination of audiogenic stimuli, visual stimuli, and motion.
A Novel Interoperable Safety System for Improved Coordination and Communication in Cardiac Surgery.

During cardiac surgery there is an unmet need for safe transfer of responsibility for patient oxygenation back and forth from the anesthesia to the perfusion teams. Prior to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), lung ventilation is performed by the anesthesia machine ventilator and is the responsibility of the anesthesia team. During CPB, lung ventilation is halted and oxygenation is performed by the CPB oxygenator and perfusion team This recurrent transfer throughout the procedure introduces the rare but serious possibility of a “never event”, resulting in the patient’s lungs not being ventilated upon stopping the CPB and potentially leading to catastrophic hypoxemia. Monitors and alarms on the anesthesia and bypass machines would not be useful when the other device is operating so they are routinely put into a standby mode until needed. Consequently, in the event that the handoff is missed, there are no alarms to catch the situation. To solve this unmet need, we propose a novel interoperable, context-aware system capable of detecting and acting if this rare situation occurs. Our system is built on the open-source OpenICE framework, allowing it to seamlessly work with a variety of ventilator and bypass machines.
Differences in race, molecular and tumor characteristics among women diagnosed with invasive ductal and lobular breast carcinomas

The dominant invasive breast cancer histologic subtype, ductal carcinoma, shows intrinsic subtype diversity. However, lobular breast cancers are predominantly Luminal A. Both histologic subtypes show distinct relationships with patient and tumor characteristics, but it is unclear if these associations remain after accounting for intrinsic subtype. Generalized linear models were used to estimate relative frequency differences (RFDs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the associations between age, race, tumor characteristics, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and RNA-based intrinsic subtype, TP53 status, and histologic subtype in the Carolina Breast Cancer Study (CBCS, n = 3,182) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA, n = 808). Relative to ductal tumors, lobular tumors were significantly more likely to be Luminal A [CBCS RNA RFD: 44.9%, 95% CI (39.6, 50.1); TCGA: RFD: 50.5%, 95% CI (43.9, 57.1)], were less frequent among young (≤ 50 years) and black women, were larger in size, low grade, less frequently had TP53 pathway defects, and were diagnosed at later stages. These associations persisted among Luminal A tumors (n = 242). While histology is strongly associated with molecular characteristics, histologic associations with age, race, size, grade, and stage persisted after restricting to Luminal A subtype. Histology may continue to be clinically relevant among Luminal A breast cancers.
Evaluating Stable and Situational Expressions of Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder: A Multimethod Experience Sampling Case Study

Passive-aggressive (PA) personality traits have received increasing attention in the research literature and are known to interfere with treatment engagement and recovery. Theoretical disagreements about PA, combined with its omission from the DSM-5, have left open many questions regarding its dynamic structure and temporal stability. Our goal in the present case study was to use a multimethod, experience sampling assessment framework for a single research subject enrolled in long-term residential treatment who exhibited significant PA traits to provide a complex portrait of daily interpersonal behaviors and experiences across a range of contexts. We review data gathered over a year of residential treatment to identify changes in self and interpersonal functioning and to deepen our understanding of the dynamic motivational structure of PA over time. Our findings expand understanding of both PA dynamics and provide support for integrating multimethod assessment into routine clinical practice.
Evaluation of Real-Time Predictive Spectrum Sharing for Cognitive Radar

The growing demand for radio frequency (RF) spectrum access poses new challenges for next-generation radar systems. To operate in a crowded electromagnetic environment, radars must coexist with other RF emitters while maintaining system performance. This work evaluates the performance of a spectrum sharing cognitive radar system, which predicts and avoids RF interference (RFI) in real time. The system applies a cognitive perception-action cycle that senses RFI, learns RFI behavior over time, and adapts the radar's frequency band of operation. Through cognition, the system learns a stochastic model describing RF activity. This model allows the cognitive radar to predict RF activity in real time and share the spectrum with emitters, such as communication systems. A set of synthetic and measured interference signals are used to evaluate the performance of this predictive spectrum sharing scheme. This work assesses the impact of RFI on the cognitive radar's range profile with respect to variation in RF environment. The system demonstrates accurate avoidance of deterministic RFI with a degradation in spectrum sharing efficiency as variability over time increases.
Quantitative Computerized Western Blotting in Detail

Western blotting, followed by immunoblotting, provides a superb method to study antibody reactivity against several proteins separated according to their molecular weights. The difference between immune immunodominant and immunorecessive proteins is often problematic and is carried out by qualitative or experiential means. Dalit Talmi-Frank, Charles L. Jaffe, and Gad Baneth devised and described quantitative computerized western blotting (QCWB) to examine reactivity to specific antigens by giving a statistically measurable value for each band permitting distinction between immunodominant and immunorecessive determinants. QCWB is beneficial for both single time point studies and longitudinal investigation where several time points are assessed and the relativities against individual bands compared. This method can be used to investigate antibody responses to complex protein mixtures like allergens and infectious agents. This technique can also be used to detect serum markers for early diagnosis of cancer and autoimmune or infectious diseases or to monitor a patient’s disease condition.
The introduction of professional regulation and labor market conditions Occupational licensure of registered nurses

There has been increasing concern by policy makers about the impact of occupational regulation and the process by which it is introduced. This paper examines the introduction of mandatory licensure laws to replace public certification of registered nurses at the state level. Historical analysis supports the hypothesis in economic models that small groups with concentrated interests like occupations will dominate the introduction of laws and suggests examining changes in labor market conditions may be useful in predicting future demands for legislation. Estimates of an empirical model of the diffusion of licensure across states for nurses suggests this type of quality assurance regulation was introduced first where the quality of services was probably already relatively high and that policies reducing the impact of licensure on geographical mobility may reduce pressure for new laws. Patterns in the introduction of laws also have implications for evaluating their impact.
Diagnosing Dynamic Asset Pricing Models with Generalized Entropy Bounds

I examine moment characteristics and predictability assumptions of dynamic asset pricing models. I propose a new measure --- the generalized entropy --- to summarize moment information of the multi-horizon pricing kernel for a dynamic model. Both static and dynamic strategy returns impose robust restrictions on the generalize entropy, providing a way to test candidate models. Applying this test to leading representative agent models and by creating dynamic strategies that depend on model-implied predictive signals, I find that models featuring growth uncertainty is able to explain market data better.
Symmetry of Infinitely Repeated Patterns

A space lattice is an infinite set of points1 defined by the relation d = n1a + n2b + n3c. a, b, and c are vectors such that the matrix $$ {\text{V = }}\left( {\begin{array}{*{20}{c}} {{a_1}}&{{a_2}}&{{a_3}} \\ {{b_1}}&{{b_2}}&{{b_3}} \\ {{c_1}}&{{c_2}}&{{c_3}} \end{array}} \right) $$ is nonsingular, and n1, n2, and n3 are integers. d is a vector relating pairs of points.
Losses in pulsed DC fusing systems

Determining losses in an energy system can be more frustrating than the original design process of that system. A fusing technique utilizing a thin film planar geometry is currently being developed at the Energy Systems Institute as a pulsed light and fusing source. The thin film in question is capacitor grade, metallized polypropylene film. The film is seven microns thick and is cut into strip lengths of 12" /spl times/ 3/4". The metallized surface has a resistance of 7 /spl Omega//square. The film is then subjected to pulsed DC voltages of 2500 V. The voltage is being supplied through a 12.5 kV/sub dc/, 2 /spl mu/F filter capacitor. Losses in a pulsed discharge system have been traced to the switching mechanism, leads and contacts for the load, and the stray inductance of the capacitor. Future work will entail optimizing the system to achieve more efficient fusing action.
Constitutive and regulated expression of the class Ib molecule Qa‐1 in pancreatic β cells

Enhanced major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I expression is a prominent early feature of pancreatic beta-cell pathology in autoimmune diabetes. The number and nature of class I MHC loci expressed by beta cells are generally undefined and potentially critical to the onset and progression of insulitis. Mounting evidence indicates that the non-classical MHC class IB molecule Qa-1, encoded by H2-T23, is capable of presenting antigens to alpha beta and gamma delta T cells and that lymphocytes restricted to Qa-1 may contribute immunoregulatory functions. We compared the expression of Qa-1 and MHC class IA in a beta-cell line (beta TC6-F7) before and after treatment with the insulitic cytokine interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). Similar to MHC class IA, Qa-1 was expressed constitutively at a low level in beta TC6-F7 cells, with both T23b mRNA and cell surface Qa-1b being up-regulated following 24-hr treatment with mouse IFN-gamma. Based on binding characteristics established for the predominant Qa-1-binding peptide, Qa-1 determinant modifier (Qdm), we also examined the possibility that Qa-1 binding peptides may be encoded in the preproinsulin leader sequence. One nonarmeric peptide (Ins II: ALWMRFLPL) derived from the preproinsulin II leader sequence was recognized by a Qa-1b-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) clone. Specific binding of Ins II to Qa-1b was confirmed by a CTL peptide-blocking assay. Demonstration of IFN-gamma-regulated Qa-1 expression in beta cells and identification of a Qa-1-binding peptide in the preproinsulin leader sequence invoke further consideration of possible roles of Qa-1 in the progression of islet inflammation.
Potentiation of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release by 2,3-butanedione monoxime in crustacean muscle.

The effect of the chemical phosphatase 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) on various aspects of excitation/contraction coupling in crustacean muscle was investigated. Despite having a depressant effect on vertebrate skeletal and cardiac muscle, BDM was a potentiator of contraction in crustacean muscle. At concentrations of 1–3 mM BDM caused an increase of potassium contractures in bundles of fibers isolated from crayfish muscle. At higher concentrations BDM caused oscillatory contractions by itself. In single voltage-clamped cut muscle fibers loaded with rhod-2, BDM (0.5–2 mM) potentiated the magnitude and duration of intracellular Ca2+ transients elicited by depolarization. At the same time BDM did not affect the rate of Ca2+ removal from the myoplasm under conditions where Ca2+ release was blocked by tetracaine. Nor did BDM increase Ca2+ entry; in fact it caused a decrease in the amplitude of the inward Ca2+ current (ICa). In microsomes isolated from lobster muscle, BDM also potentiated Ca2+ release induced by caffeine and at higher concentrations (above 3 mM) induced release by itself. At the same time it had little effect on Ca2+ uptake. These results indicate that BDM potentiates Ca2+ release in crustacean muscle possibly by dephosphorylation of the Ca2+-release channel.
Door alarm and interlock system at the Los Alamos tandem accelerator facility

Abstract Like most accelerator facilities, the Los Alamos tandem accelerator facility was designed to provide adequate radiation shielding to personnel. To permit maximum use of the facility during accelerator operation, a door alarm and interlock system was designed to control access to areas of possible radiation. The system provides a programmed method of selecting various control conditions for entrances to radiation areas, depending upon the amount of radiation in the area and the amount of control desired. This enables personnel to work safely in given areas while experiments are in progress in other areas.
Influence of prior sensitization with mycobacteria on antibody response to protein antigen in Freund's adjuvants.

SummarySensitization of guinea pigs to tuberculin by administration of heat-killed human-type, tubercle bacilli 4 weeks before immunization with bovine γ globulin (BGG) emulsified in Freund's complete adjuvant had no apparent qualitative or quantitative effect on the subsequent antibody response to BGG. However, there was an indication that administration of BGG in Freund's incomplete adjuvant to similarly sensitized animals resulted in a response resembling that of animals which received BGG in the complete adjuvant. Evidence was presented to indicate that the mycobacteria used to establish hypersensitivity to tuberculin may also have functioned in an adjuvant role in this case.
Revenue-Based Metrics for Managing the New Product Introduction Process

Strategic competitiveness and profitability are heavily dependent on how rapidly a company is able to bring its new products to market. Fast companies can enjoy higher product prices and achieve larger market shares. However managers throughout a company organization, particularly in marketing, manufacturing and product development, face situations in their daily operations where actions or decisions that improve a new product's time-to-market can result in increased costs. These managers need to make judgments concerning when an action or decision to improve a product's time-to-market justifies this additional cost and any associated additional risks. This, in turn, requires the managers to place a value on time-to-market improvements in order to make informed value-based tradeoffs between short-term costs and longer-term revenue and market-share-related benefits. In this paper a simple revenue-based model, using parameters available early in a product life cycle, is employed to propose financial metrics to enable managers to make these tradeoffs more objectively. These metrics assess the impact on lifetime revenue and average market share of per-month changes in the three relevant time parameters impacting the new product introduction process - new product development time, manufacturing cycle time, and production ramp time.
William Byrd: Political and Recusant Composer

Amidst the pendulum of political and religious upheaval that pervaded England throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth century, William Byrd stands as one of the best loved and lauded composers. Byrd succeeded in the secular and sacred realms, contributing great works to the Anglican Church, popularizing the English madrigal and producing prolific amounts of sacred music. However, in a time where one’s religious beliefs were often linked with political loyalty, Byrd defied his monarch’s established and enforced Protestant religion, composing politically charged music for recusant use in clandestine Catholic Church services. His themes were aligned with the Jesuit mission and his texts were often drawn from the lips of martyred Catholics at the gallows; their last words forever immortalized by Byrd for the furthering of the Jesuit cause and the counter-reformation. The examination of sources by prominent Byrd scholars, an analyses of Byrd’s ‘political’ compositions and a study of the social and historical background are used to place Byrd within the appropriate context, prove his recusant and political leanings, and analyze his precarious relationship with the English monarch, Elizabeth I. It is shown that Byrd could not have proceeded with his recusant practices, personally or musically, had it not been for his status as a composer, as well as Byrd’s shrewdness in procuring diplomatic relationships with high persons at court and with Queen Elizabeth I through the Chapel Royal. Finally, Byrd’s success at writing for the Anglican Church service and popular secular music showcased his ability to take a moderate stance in situations that benefitted his status with the crown.
Evaluation of an Autologous Tendon Graft Repair Method for Gap Healing of the Deep Digital Flexor Tendon in Horses

A sutured tenorrhaphy technique that incorporated an autologous tendon graft was compared mechanically and histologically with a sutured tenorrhaphy at 6, 12, and 24 weeks after repair. Tenorrhaphy was performed in the forelimb tendon of the deep digital flexor muscle and the graft was taken from the hindlimb tendon of the lateral digital extensor muscle; one forelimb site included the graft, whereas the other forelimb site was not grafted. Tenotomies were made immediately proximal to the insertion of the accessory ligament into the tendon of the deep digital flexor muscle. Grafted and nongrafted tenorrhaphies were sutured with 2 polydioxanone in a modified double locking-loop pattern. Limbs were supported with a bandage and an extended elevated heel shoe that maintained the dorsal hoof wall angle at 70 degrees to 75 degrees; this support was removed at 12 weeks and dorsal hoof wall angle was maintained at 40 degrees to 45 degrees for the remainder of the study. Gap formation (2.5 +/- .3 cm) was evident at all tenorrhaphy sites at 3 days on ultrasound examination. In grafted repairs, the breaking stress was increased (P < .001) between 6 weeks (2.56 +/- .44 MPa) and 12 weeks (17.69 +/- 7.68 MPa), with grafted tendon having a greater breaking stress than nongrafted tendon (8.77 +/- 2.5 MPa; P < .05). No differences in breaking stress were evident at 24 weeks. At 12 weeks, repair tissue in grafted tendon was histologically more mature, had less cellularity, better fibroblast orientation and more homogeneous collagen matrix than nongrafted tendon. Polydioxanone suture was still evident histologically at 24 weeks and was associated with minimal cellular reaction. Incorporation of an autologous tendon graft improved the mechanical properties and histological quality of the repair tissue in equine flexor tenorrhaphies at 12 weeks but not at 24 weeks after repair.
Transgenic Expression of Kir6.1 Gain-of-Function Mutations in the Mouse Heart Result in Increased L-Type Calcium Current in Ventricular Myocytes

Background The role of sarcolemmal K ATP current (I KATP ) in myocardial excitability remains unclear. Previously, mice with gain-of-function (GOF) 6.2 mutations (Kir6.2 GOF) were engineered to help elucidate I KATP function in the heart. Surprisingly, L-type calcium channel current (LTCCC) was increased in Kir6.2 GOF ventricular myocytes (VM), suggesting that increased I KATP secondarily leads to increased LTCCC. Methods and Results To further test this hypothesis, Kir6.1 GOF mice expressing a Kir6.1 GOF mutation (G343D) under αMHC promoter control have been generated. Patch-clamp data demonstrate reduced sensitivity of K ATP to inhibition by ATP in VM (EC 50 = 43.5 ± 6.1 µM in GOF, 8.3 ± 3.1 µM in wild type (WT); P = .0007). As with Kir6.2 GOF VM, Kir6.1 GOF VM showed markedly increased LTCCC density (pA/pF), comparable to that of WT VM treated with isoproterenol (ISO): (@ –15 mV (pA/pF): WT: –9.6 ± 1.1, n=12; WT+iso: –18.7 ± 2.7, n=4; Kir 6.1 GOF: –17.7 ± 3.6, n=15; Kir 6.1+ISO: –25.0 ± 8.3, n=9, analysis of variance [ANOVA], P P = NS). LTCCC was also recorded from VM expressing dominant-negative (DN) Kir6.1 [AAA] subunits (Kir6.1 DN). In contrast to Kir6.1 GOF VM, LTCCC was not increased in Kir6.1 DN VM: (@–15 mV (pA/pF): WT: –9.6 ± 1.1, n=12; WT+ISO: –18.7 ± 2.7, n=4; Kir 6.1DN: –14.4 ± 1.5, n=10; Kir 6.1 DN+ISO: –8.4 ± 3.8, n=4, ANOVA, P P = significant), suggesting that increased LTCCC in the former results from increased I KATP and not from increased protein per se. Slow-release minoxidil (MIN, a K ATP channel opener) pellets or placebo (P) pellets were also implanted in WT mice for 3 weeks. LTCCC was subsequently recorded to test whether pharmacologically increased I KATP results in increased LTCCC. As with the genetic models, the MIN model also showed increased LTCCC similar to WT+ISO VM: (@–15 mV (pA/pF): WT+P: –11.9 ± 1.1, n=6; WT+P+ISO: –25.4 ± 1.7, n=3; WT+MIN: –22.0 ± 7.6, n=7; WT+MIN+ISO: –35.4 ± 12.3, n=6, ANOVA, P P = NS). Conclusions The results support the idea that K ATP GOF leads to constitutive upregulation of LTCCC and suggest a potential mechanism underlying ventricular arrhythmias in Kir6.1-associated Brugada and early repolarization syndromes.