cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PATHWAY INTERACTIONS FOR AUTISM-RISK GENE SLC9A9: IN VITRO CONFIRMATION OF BIOINFORMATIC ASSOCIATIONS

Background Na+/H+ exchanger 9 (SLC9A9) is an autism-risk gene localized in the endosomal system, which is a novel biological pathway that over-represents autism-risk genes. SLC9A9 regulates the endosome-recycling compartment through alkalinizing the endosomal lumen; although, it's broader biological functions have not been elucidated. Objectives Achieve a broader biological understanding of SLC9A9 through co-expression analysis and provide in vitro data confirming the endocytic regulation of autophagy and cell survival. Methods We use bioinformatics techniques to determine gene co-regulations, protein-protein interactions and pathway enrichments and confirm those results in an in vitro system. We perform WGCNA on human RNA-sequencing data from Allen Brain Atlas focusing on SLC9A9 co-expression modules in the pre- and postnatal hippocampus, cortex and amygdala. We use N2a cells as a neuronal model system to provide evidence that SLC9A9 gene-dosage affects autophagy induction and cell survival signals through lipofectamine 2000 transfections of SLC9A9 cDNA constructs. We assess immunoblots of N2a protein lysate for critical autophagy protein LC3-I/II, and cell survival protein BCL2. In addition, we challenge N2a cells with chloroquine to assess their viability at increasing levels of dosage. Results Our bioinformatics study shows SLC9A9 co-expression modules are enriched with mTOR and autophagic intermediates, as well as Bcl-2 pathway constituents. Our in vitro work demonstrates that SLC9A9 overexpression in N2a cells significantly decreases LC3-I to LC3-II conversion and significantly increases Bcl-2 levels. In addition, it increases phospho-AKT and phospho-mTOR levels, decreases LC3-II puncta formation and autophagic rate and provides resistance to drug treatments that typically result in cell death. Discussion Our results confirm the co-regulation of SLC9A9 and autophagic molecules. The in vitro data better defines the role of SLC9A9 in autophagic regulation, in that it inhibits the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II and reduces the rate of autophagy. Although in need of replication in a true neuronal model, our data suggests that SLC9A9 expression could be a signaling and ion-transport brake, effectively inhibiting autophagic processes. When dysregulated, this has the potential to impact pruning and thus neuronal morphology and function. Conclusions: these results provide further insight into how SLC9A9 is impacting neuronal function that eventually leads to autistic phenotypes. We provide preliminary evidence as to how SLC9A9 could potentially be associated with autism spectrum disorders via autophagy and cell survival pathways.
Directing and increasing traffic: the uses (and abuses) of humor in volunteer organizational meetings

ABSTRACTHow can effective business communicators keep meetings from being so boring? This case study of a volunteer organization explains how organizational leaders used humor strategically to main...
Phosphorus-Bridged ansa-Metallocene Complexes of Titanium, Zirconium, and Hafnium: The Syntheses and Structures of [PhP(C5Me4)2]MX2 and [Ph(E)P(C5Me4)2]MX2 (E = O, S, Se) Derivatives

A series of phosphorus-bridged ansa-metallocene complexes of titanium, zirconium, and hafnium, [PhP(C5Me4)2]MX2 and [Ph(E)P(C5Me4)2]MX2 (X = Cl, Me, CO, (Se3)0.5, (Te3)0.5; E = O, S, Se), has been synthesized. Structural characterization by X-ray diffraction indicates that, in comparison to their non-ansa counterparts (C5Me5)2MX2, the cyclopentadienyl groups in phosphorus-bridged complexes are displaced from symmetric η5-coordination toward η3-coordination. Such η3,η3-coordination creates more electrophilic metal centers than those in their permethylcyclopentadienyl counterparts, as judged by the ν(CO) stretching frequencies of the zirconium dicarbonyl complexes Cp*2Zr(CO)2 (1946 and 1853 cm-1) and [PhP(C5Me4)2]Zr(CO)2 (1959 and 1874 cm-1).
NDE Applications of High-Resolution Photoinductive Imaging

High-resolution thermal-wave images have been produced by incorporating a photoinductive sensor into an existing high-resolution photoacoustic imaging system. Four different specimens were studied: a tight fatigue crack in a 7075-T6 aluminum alloy plate, a compressed notch in the same alloy, an yttria-stabilized zirconia thermal barrier coating vapor deposited onto a nickel-based superalloy, and a thin film of gold evaporated onto a glass substrate. Features as small as 20 μm were discernible in magnitude images using a 5X microscope objective to focus the laser beam. Resolution in the phase images was less, as would be expected. The viability of this detection method is demonstrated by these results. Photoinductive detection offers a relatively inexpensive, noncontacting sensor that can be incorporated into existing microscopes without major modifications.
Clinical Characteristics and Severity of COVID-19 Disease in Patients from Boston Area Hospitals

We summarize key demographic, clinical, and medical characteristics of patients with respect to the severity of COVID-19 disease using Electronic Health Records Data of 4,140 SARS-CoV-2 positive subjects from several large Boston Area Hospitals. We found that prior use of antihypertensive medications as well as lipid lowering and other cardiovascular drugs (such as direct oral anticoagulants and antiplatelets) all track with increased severity of COVID-19 and should be further investigated with appropriate adjustment for confounders such as age and frailty. The three most common prior comorbidities are hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and prior pneumonia, all associated with increased severity.
A natural mutation between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV determines neutralization by a cross-reactive antibody

Epitopes that are conserved among SARS-like coronaviruses are attractive targets for design of cross-reactive vaccines and therapeutics. CR3022 is a SARS-CoV neutralizing antibody to a highly conserved epitope on the receptor binding domain (RBD) on the spike protein that can cross-react with SARS-CoV-2, but with lower affinity. Using x-ray crystallography, mutagenesis, and binding experiments, we illustrate that of four amino acid differences in the CR3022 epitope between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV, a single mutation P384A fully determines the affinity difference. CR3022 does not neutralize SARS-CoV-2, but the increased affinity to SARS-CoV-2 P384A mutant now enables neutralization with a similar potency to SARS-CoV. We further investigated CR3022 interaction with the SARS-CoV spike protein by negative-stain EM and cryo-EM. Three CR3022 Fabs bind per trimer with the RBD observed in different up-conformations due to considerable flexibility of the RBD. In one of these conformations, quaternary interactions are made by CR3022 to the N-terminal domain (NTD) of an adjacent subunit. Overall, this study provides insights into antigenic variation and potential for cross-neutralizing epitopes on SARS-like viruses.
Flexible Temperature Sensor based on Fluorinated Graphene

Graphene derivatives are promising nanomaterials for the development of various flexible electronic devices. In this work, a flexible temperature sensor based on fluorinated graphene (FG) was developed, using screen printing and drop-casting processes. Interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) were fabricated by the deposition of silver (Ag) ink on the polyimide substrate, using the screen printing process, and the FG sensing layer was formed by drop-casting of FG suspension on the IDEs. The resistive response of the temperature sensor towards temperatures varying from 10 °C to 80 °C, in steps of 10 °C, was investigated. The fabricated temperature sensor has a short response time (≤ 2 s) for different target temperature levels. A linear relationship between the relative resistance change (ΔR/R b ) and the temperature was observed, with a slope of -0.0013/°C and a correlation coefficient of 0.9964. The overall ΔR/R b of the sensor was measured as -8.85% when the temperature changed from 20°C to 80 °C. The average temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of the temperature sensor was calculated as -0.132 ± 0.005 %/°C for the temperature range of 20 °C to 80 °C.
Highly-Efficient Broadband Millimeter-Wave 5G Power Amplifiers in GaN, SiGe, and CMOS-SOI

We present several broadband high-efficient power amplifier (PA) designs for potential millimeter-wave (mm-Wave) 5G (5th Generation) applications. The PA is targeted to cover the key part of 5G FR2 band (i.e., 24.25 to 43.5 GHz), with $P_{OUT, MAX}$ ≥ 16 dBm and peak power-added-efficiency (PAE) above 30%. We use advanced mm-Wave IC technologies in 40 nm GaN, 22 nm CMOS FD-SOI, and 90 nm SiGe BiCMOS processes to prototype medium-power mm-Wave 5G PAs. Post-layout simulations and preliminary measurement data indicates the PAs should be able to meet the performance targets, and there are design trade-offs on $P_{OUT, MAX}$ and PAE due to different device technologies, circuit topologies (differential, cascode), biasing, matching network, etc.
Meta-analysis: Higher Plant Richness Supports Higher Pollinator Richness Across Many Land Use Types

Global biodiversity declines are attributed to many factors, including landscape fragmentation and vegetation homogenization. These patterns may be exacerbated by the intensification of management in agroecosystems, as management to meet the increasing demand for food, fuel, and fiber often comes at the cost of biodiversity and subsequent ecosystem functions and services. Conserving biodiversity will be necessary to create sustainable agroecosystems capable of optimizing both production and services such as pollination. We conducted a meta-analysis with 109 studies to examine the relationship between plant species richness and pollinator species richness to determine whether higher plant species richness supports higher pollinator species richness, especially in areas prone to biodiversity losses. We found most groups of insect pollinators, including bees, butterflies, flies, moths, and wasps, responded positively to increasing plant species richness, irrespective of location or land use, suggesting the capacity to increase pollinator richness through management strategies that increase plant species richness. However, we found pollinators in manipulated studies did not consistently respond to increasing plant species richness despite the overall positive relationships in observational and experimental studies, highlighting the importance of plant selection when making management decisions aiming to improve pollinator richness. Additional studies in regions such as Africa and South America will help fill in latitudinal gradients and provide greater coverage necessary to refine patterns. Increasing plant species richness through management changes or restorations will likely increase pollinator richness and be beneficial in agroecosystems to support biodiversity.
Mammalian histidine ammonia lyase. In vivo inactivation and presence of an electrophilic center at the active site.

Abstract Histidine-ammonia lyase (EC 4.3.1.3) from rat liver became inactivated and incorporated radioactivity upon incubation with 14C-nitromethane. Degradation of the 14C-protein yielded the same products that appear after 14C-nitromethane inactivation and degradation of the bacterial enzyme. Therefore, the two enzymes must possess an identical, or at least very similar electrophilic center at the active site. Injection of nitromethane into adult mice caused the inactivation of liver histidase. If the effect of nitromethane in vivo is specific, it will provide a model for the human genetic disorder, histidinemia.
Preparation and chromatographic evaluation of chemically bonded ion-exchange stationary phases

Abstract Surface reactions of chlorodimethyl [4-(4-chloromethylphenyl)butyl] silane and chlorodimethyl (4-phenylbutyl) silane with small-particle silica, followed by simple chemical modifications, lead to the preparation of weak and strong cation-exchange packing materials for high-performance liquid chromatography. Retention of various solutes on such bonded phases was investigated under different conditions of pH, ionic strength, and mobile-phase composition. Results of these studies are compared with those previously obtained on classical cation-exchange materials under comparable operating conditions.
Mohan J. Dutta, Voices of Resistance: Communication and Social Change

In Voices of Resistance: Communication and Social Change, communication scholar Mohan J. Dutta offers a collection of case studies that examine a variety of movements for social change that either ...
Thermosensitive export of amylases in the yeast Schwanniomyces alluvius

Etude des effets de la temperature sur l'apparition d'une activite amyolitique extracellulaire afin de mieux comprendre les processus d'excretion
Atypical pneumonia in active patients: clues, causes, and return to play.

Atypical pneumonias can affect brief young, otherwise healthy individuals who have close contact with one another, such as athletes in team sports. Symptoms, which often progress gradually, may mimic an upper respiratory tract infection. Mycoplasma, chlamydia, and legionella organisms, along with certain viruses, are the usual atypical pneumonia agents, and antimicrobial therapies are recommended. Because complications, though rare, can be protracted, affect athletic performance, and result in sudden death, return-to- play guidelines should be cautious and patient- and sport-specific.
Pleural pressure measured with a rib capsule in anesthetized pneumonectomized rabbits.

Abstract Pleural pressure was measured at end expiration in anesthetized rabbit using a rib capsule placed in the right fifth rib. Three groups of rabbits were studied in right and left lateral recumbency at least 8 weeks after surgery; rabbits hat had undergone left pneumonectomy (Px, n = 8), rabbits that had undergone left pneumonectomy with wax plombage (Px + W, n = 7), and sham-operated control rabbits (S, n = 6). In S, Px, and Px + W rabbits in the left lateral position (lung and capsule nondependently), pleural pressure was −2.11 ± 0.88 (mean ± SD), −2.65 ± 0.23, and −1.96 ± 0.55 cmH 2 O respectively. In S, Px and Px + W rabbits in the right lateral position (lung and capsule dependent), pleural pressure was 0.64 ± 0.22, 0.85 ± 1.42, and 0.48 ± 1.77 cmH 2 O respectively. In each position, pleural pressure did not differ among groups. This suggests that the compensatory increase in lung volume and reduced lung compliance following pneumonectomy in rabbits (Olson, J. Appl. Physiol. 74: 415–422, 1993) was not simply due to hyperinflation of the remaining lung.
Development of modified Geometric Brownian Motion models by using stock price data and basic statistics

Abstract We employ a classical model building process to develop modified stochastic linear models. In this work, by utilizing the stock price data, we examine the correctness of the existing Geometric Brownian Motion model under standard statistical tests. Then we demonstrate the development of the modified linear models under different data partitionings, with or without jumps. Empirical comparison between the constructed models and GBM models is outlined via a Monte Carlo technique.
Effects of Different Industrial Heating Processes of Milk on Site-Specific Protein Modifications and Their Relationship to in Vitro and in Vivo Digestibility

Heating processes are applied to milk and dairy products to ensure their microbiological safety and shelf lives. However, how differences in "industrial" thermal treatments affect protein digestibility is still equivocal. In this study, raw milk was subjected to pasteurization, three kinds of ultra-high-temperature (UHT) treatment, and in-can sterilization and was investigated by in vitro and in vivo digestion and proteomic methods. In-can sterilized milk, followed by UHT milk samples, showed a rapid decrease in protein bands during the course of digestion. However, protein digestibility determined by a Kjeldahl procedure showed insignificant differences. Proteomic analysis revealed that lactulosyllysine, which reflects a decrease in protein digestibility, in α-lactalbumin, β-lactoglobulin, and caseins was higher in in-can sterilized milk, followed by UHT milk samples. Thus, industrial heating may improve the digestibility of milk proteins by denaturation, but the improvement is likely to be offset by heat-derived modifications involved in decreased protein digestibility.
Chromium-free nickel alloys for hot sulfuric and sulfur environments

There are few adequate materials available for severe corrosion conditions, like those of the S–I thermochemical cycle. High Si, Ni-alloys have excellent corrosion resistance, especially in mineral acids, but have typically been limited by poor mechanical properties or difficult fabrication issues. The ductility of nickel silicide, Ni3Si, can be improved through a combination of micro- and macro-alloying. Nb and other minor alloying elements yield a cast alloy with excellent corrosion resistance to sulfuric acid and good mechanical properties. In this paper, efforts to optimize the alloys performance are presented along with progress toward the development of a wrought version of the material. It was found that an appropriate heat treatment provides the largest improvement in the cast Ni–Si alloy microstructure. Trials have resulted in more than a 50% reduction by the cold rolling process. This process not only increases homogenization but also results in a more uniform distribution of G-phase particles, which is beneficial for the improvements in ductility and corrosion resistance. These alloys have great potential for use in future hydrogen production as well as fossil energy combustion.
Variations in Self—Reported Arrests: An Epidemiological Perspective

This study examines prevalences of self-reported arrests within the context of extra-legal factors using three independent national samples. Considerable differences are found on the basis of geographic regions, place of residence, age and sex. Other variables of significance are race and educational attainment. It is also found that extra-legal factors in biasing self-reported arrests do not operate uniformly across geographic regions and, thus, need careful consideration in deviance research. The study generally supports the proposition that the higher the degree of urbanization, the higher the prevalence of arrests. However, the proposition that the higher the social class, the lower the prevalence of arrest is not supported. Additional research directions are suggested which can examine the nature, frequency and the extent of deviant acts which result in arrest within an epidemiological framework.
Characterization of 24 microsatellite markers in 11 species of fire ants in the genus solenopsis (hymenoptera: formicidae)

The social parasite ant Solenopsis daguerrei infests colonies of several mound-building fire ant species. Twenty-four microsatellite markers were isolated from a repeat-enriched genomic library of S. daguerrei. Eleven loci were polymorphic in this ant with two to six alleles per locus. Expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.0222 to 0.7940 among loci. Most microsatellites amplified successfully across the 11 Solenopsis species tested and will be useful for evolutionary genetic studies in this diverse ant group.
Automorphisms of induced extensions

Suppose M is a normal subgroup of the group G and M is a direct product of subgroups Li, 1 1. The objective of the present paper is to show that the problem of finding the automorphisms of G may be reduced to that of finding certain isomorphisms of the groups G/M and N/K. If n = 1, then N/K= G and our theorems are trivialities. Thus our results are really concerned with the case when n> 1. Suppose SI is an automorphism of G. If M*, N*, and K* are the images under a of M, N, and K, respectively, then a induces an isomorphism /? of G/M onto G/M* and an isomorphism y of NfK onto N*IK*. Further B maps the subgroup N/M onto N*!M*, 7 maps M/K onto M*fK*, and /? and 7 induce the same mapping of N/M onto N*/M*. (Here we identify N/M and N*/M* with (N:K)f( MiK) and (N*/K* )/( M*/K* ), respectively; thus the previous statement simply means that if y(Kn) = K*n* for ne N and n* EN*, then /?(Mn) = M*n*.) The thrust of the present paper is to reverse the above. Namely, suppose fl is an isomorphism of G/M onto G/M* for some normal subgroup M* and suppose y is an isomorphism of N/K onto N*jK* for some subgroups N* and K* with K* a normal subgroup of N*. Assume that K* < M* < N*, fl maps KIM onto N*/M*, y maps M/K onto M*/K*, and /I? and 7 induce the same mapping of N/M onto N*/M*. If certain other hypotheses are satisfied (the other assumptions basically stating that M*, N*, and K* are “like” M, N, and K), we show that there is an automorphism u of G such that z induces both /I’ and 7.
Teaching hazards by geographers: A decade of change

This paper reviews the status of college-level hazards courses and updates the findings of a survey conducted a decade earlier. The surveys sought information regarding hazards courses taught by geographers throughout the United States and Canada. Instructors were asked whether they emphasize physical or social aspects of hazards, what specific physical hazards and human response topics are considered, and what hazards models or paradigms are discussed, among other topics. Information was gathered about the instructors' education and their involvement in hazards research. The majority of instructors altered their courses in response to Hurricane Katrina, yet an emphasis upon physical aspects of hazards continued in many courses. Only slight changes were noted in coverage of many physical and social aspects of hazards. Discussion of models of human response to hazards decreased over the decade. Textbooks are increasingly authored by geologists. Geographers who are actively engaged in hazards research, as s...
HPA axis and stimulant dependence: an enigmatic relationship

Abstract Clinical and preclinical evidence links stress to drug dependence. Stress is accompanied by the rapid modification of brain and body physiology which leads to release of neuroactive hormones, including biogenic amines and adrenal steroids, which activate the same brain circuitry, as stimulant drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines. Some preclinical studies showed that stress and elevated plasma concentrations of glucocorticoids increase acquisition and maintenance of stimulant use in rats, whereas other studies revealed that animals with inherently hypoactive HPA axis are more vulnerable to stimulant “abuse”. In humans cocaine acutely activates the HPA axis, and in chronic cocaine abusers early abstinence is accompanied by alterations of the HPA axis function, with distinct patterns of hormonal changes characteristic for different subgroups of addicts. Some of these changes correspond to psychiatric comorbidities, which may be predictive of propensity to relapse. Hemispheric laterality plays a role in the stress-induced activation of the HPA axis, with right prefrontal cortex (PFC) having mostly stimulatory effects and the left, inhibitory effects. Brain-imaging studies showed preferential alteration of structure and function of the right cerebral hemisphere in cocaine addicts. Activation of the right PFC and inhibition of the left was noted in typical depressive disorders, and right hemispheric hypoactivity was reported in attention deficit hyperactivity and antisocial personality disorders, which are highly comorbid with stimulant dependence. Distinct patterns of hemispheric predominance or hypofunction between individuals may contribute to vulnerability or resilience to stimulant dependence. The nature and significance of the link between stress and activity of HPA axis, and vulnerability to drug dependence is not clear and deserves further study.
Direct patterning of composite biocompatible microstructures using microfluidics

This study demonstrates a versatile and fast method for patterning three-dimensional (3D) monolithic microstructures made of multiple (up to 24 demonstrated) types of materials, all spatially aligned, inside a microchannel. This technique uses confocal scanning or conventional fluorescence microscopy to polymerize selected regions of a photocurable material, and microfluidics to automate the delivery of a series of washes and photocurable reagents. Upon completion of lithographic cycles, the aligned 3D microstructures are suitable for microfluidic manipulation and analysis. We demonstrated the fabrication of composite 3D microstructures with various geometries, size scales (up to 1 mm2), spatial resolution (down to 3 µm), and materials. For a typical multi-cycle process, the total fabrication time was tens of minutes, compared to tens of hours for conventional methods. In the case of 3D hydrogels, a potential use is the direct patterning of inhomogeneous 3D microenvironments for studying cell behavior.
Carbacyclic isosteres of penicillanic and carbapenemic acids. Synthesis of bicyclo[3.2.0]Heptan-6-ones as potential enzyme inhibitors.

Carbacyclic ketone analogs of penicillanic and carbapenemic acids were synthesized and tested for inhibition of β-lactamase and DD-carboxypeptidase/transpeptidase enzymes.
Curriculum Biasing Effects in Standardized and Criterion-Referenced Reading Achievement Tests.

The extent of curriculum bias was analyzed using seven standardized and criterionreferenced reading achievement tests. This bias was examined relative to five widely used commercial reading programs at the third-grade level. Results from the analysis indicated that the degree of bias varied widely depending on the specific test and program used for reading instruction. The practical and ethical implications of this bias effect are described in relation to the placement of children into reading programs and identification of students as exceptional.
Small cell anaplastic lung cancer presenting as an ovarian metastasis

An unusual case of small cell anaplastic carcinoma of the lung, presenting as a pelvic mass, is presented. Histochemical and electron microscopic findings confirmed the diagnosis. The pathologic features and unique clinical characteristics are discussed with comments on the topic of metastatic ovarian tumors.
The cyclohexane moiety of rapamycin is derived from shikimic acid in Streptomyces hygroscopicus

Although the addition of shikimic acid to the medium had no effect on the level of production of rapamycin byStreptomyces hygroscopicus,14C-shikimic acid was incorporated into rapamycin to a very high degree.13C-Shikimic acid was successfully prepared from 1-[13C]-glucose using a mutant ofKlebsiella pneumoniae, and used to label rapamycin. It was found that13C-shikimic acid was incorporated into the cyclohexane moiety of rapamycin, thereby establishing the shikimic acid pathway origin of the seven-carbon starter unit.
Solar activity and geomagnetic storms: The first 40 years

This article is the first of a series of three that traces the evolution of our understanding of the relationship between solar and geomagnetic activity from the mid-19th century to the present era. The origin of solar-terrestrial physics is generally traced to Sabine's recognition in 1852 that geomagnetic activity paralleled the recently discovered sunspot cycle. Perhaps less well appreciated is the slow and uneven pace of progress since then in forging definite links between solar and geomagnetic activity. Thus 50 years after the initial excitement attending Sabine's discovery, the role of the Sun as the fundamental cause of magnetic storms was a matter of contention, and nearly a century would pass before statistics were sufficient to make a convincing case for an association between large solar flares and severe storms.
Accuracy of the Welch Allyn AudioScope and traditional hearing screening for children with known hearing loss

The Welch Allyn AudioScope is a new screening instrument that allows both audiometric testing at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz at 25 dB hearing level and otoscopic examination. Sixty-eight patients between 3 and 9 years of age with normal hearing or a variety of hearing losses comprised the study population. Immediately after receiving an audiologic evaluation the subjects were screened with a traditional screening audiometer and two examinations with the AudioScope, performed in a clinic examining room by pediatricians and nurse practitioners unaware of the children's hearing status. The AudioScope was as accurate as traditional hearing screening in identifying children with normal hearing and those with hearing loss. Log-linear modeling demonstrated that the results of AudioScope testing were similar to those of traditional hearing screening. However, the false positive rate was higher at 500 Hz for the first AudioScope examination, suggesting the need for two AudioScope tests. The AudioScope was quick and easy to use, nonthreatening to the subjects, less expensive than a pure-tone screening audiometer, and does not require a sound-treated room.
Connection between the Meyer-Neldel relation and multiple-trapping transport.

This paper shows that multiple-trapping-dominated transport quantities such as mobility and diffusion exhibit a Meyer-Neldel relation (MNR), an exponential relation between the prefactor of a thermally activated process and its activation energy. From these results, the Meyer-Neldel parameters can be related to the energy distribution of trapping sites and microscopic transport properties. The MNR for both the mobility of charge carriers and the annealing rate of metastable defects in hydrogenated amorphous silicon are quantitatively explained.
Preliminary phylogenetic analysis of the Andean clade and the placement of new Colombian blueberries (Ericaceae, Vaccinieae).

The blueberry tribe Vaccinieae (Ericaceae) is particularly diverse in South America and underwent extensive radiation in Colombia where many endemics occur. Recent fieldwork in Colombia has resulted in valuable additions to the phylogeny and as well in the discovery of morphologically noteworthy new species that need to be phylogenetically placed before being named. This is particularly important, as the monophyly of many of the studied genera have not been confirmed. In order to advance our understanding of the relationships within neotropical Vaccinieae and advice the taxonomy of the new blueberry relatives, here we present the most comprehensive phylogenetic analysis for the Andean clade. Anthopterus, Demosthenesia, and Pellegrinia are among the putative Andean genera recovered as monophyletic, while other eight Andean genera were not. The analyses also showed that genera that have been traditionally widely defined are non-monophyletic and could be further split into more discrete groups. Four newly discovered Colombian Vaccinieae are placed in the monophyletic Satyria s.s. and the Psammisia I clade. Although these new species are endemic to the Colombian Western Cordillera and Choco biogeographic region and three are not known outside of Las Orquideas National Park, they do not form sister pairs.
Comparison of minimum length nozzles

On utilise un algorithme de methode des caracteristiques precis au second ordre pour determiner le champ d'ecoulement et le contour de paroi d'une tuyere supersonique oxisymetrique de longueur minimum avec une ligne sonique rectiligne
Tools for compressed-domain video indexing and editing

Indexing and editing digital video directly in the compressed domain offer many advantages in terms of storage efficiency and processing speed. We have designed automatic tools in the compressed domain for extracting key visual features such as scene cut, dissolve, camera operations (zoom, pan), and moving object detection and tracking. In addition, we have developed algorithms to solve the decoder buffer control problems and allow users to 'cut, copy and paste' arbitrary compressed video segments directly in the compressed domain. The compressed-domain approach does not require full decoding. Thus fast software implementations can be achieved. Our compressed video editing techniques enhance the reusability of existing compressed videos.
Minimally activated CD8 autoreactive T cells specific for IRBP express a high level of Foxp3 and are functionally suppressive.

The immune system has evolved complex mechanisms to avoid an autoimmune response while providing protective immunity, and transgenic animal studies have shown that animals can keep autoaggression in check despite the presence of a large number of self-reactive cells.1,2 Further studies are needed to determine whether the effects of T cells on the autoimmune response and protective immunity are controlled by distinct regulatory T cell (Treg) subsets or by shared Treg subsets activated to different levels. Recent studies have demonstrated that, among the CD4 T cells, a subset expressing CD25 has strong suppressor activity.3,4 There is also evidence that some subsets of CD8 T cells are functionally suppressive.5–9 In the present study, we showed that, among the CD8 T cells in the B6 mouse that are reactive to the uveitogenic peptide interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP)1-20, a subset of cells was preferentially activated to exert suppressor activity if these T cells were minimally activated. In previous reports, we demonstrated that adoptive transfer of IRBP-specific T cells induces more severe uveitis than the same disease induced by antigen immunization.10 The increased disease-inducing ability of IRBP-specific T cells is associated with the appearance of a high number of activated, CD8 IRBP-specific T cells, which is promoted by in vitro stimulation of the in vivo primed IRBP-specific T cells.11–13 Moreover, in vitro activated IRBP-specific T cells induce much milder disease on transfer to β2m−/− mice, which do not express major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigens,11 indicating a synergistic effect of CD4 and CD8 autoreactive T cells in the disease pathogenesis. Since the pathogenic activity of CD4 autoreactive T cells is closely associated with their degree of activation,13–15 we wanted to determine whether this association also applies to the pathogenic activity of CD8 autoreactive T cells. In the present study, we showed that, depending on the degree of activation acquired, in vivo primed CD8 IRBP-spe-cific T cells varied greatly in their ability to produce proinflam-matory cytokines and in Foxp3 expression. Minimally activated CD8 cells produced little cytokine, but expressed greatly increased amounts of Foxp3 and were functionally suppressive when exposed to a low dose of immunizing antigen or to a high dose of immunizing antigen in the presence of TGF-β1. Our results show that CD8 activation may generate completely opposite functions, depending on the degree of activation, with weakly activated CD8 cells having increased suppressor activity. Thus, activated CD8 autoreactive T cells may act as a two-edged sword, and whether these cells are pathogenic or protective depends on their degree of activation.
Inclusive charged-particle production in neutron-nucleus collisions

We have measured charged-particle production in neutron-nucleus collisions at high energy. Data on positive and negative particles produced in nuclei [ranging in atomic number ($A$) from beryllium to lead] are presented for essentially the full forward hemisphere of the center-of-mass system. A rough pion-proton separation is achieved for the positive spectra. Fits of the form ${A}^{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$ to the cross sections are presented as functions of transverse momentum, longitudinal momentum, rapidity, and pseudorapidity. It is found that $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ changes from \ensuremath{\sim}0.85 to \ensuremath{\sim}0.60 for laboratory rapidities ranging from 4 to 8. Trends in the data differ markedly when examined in terms of pseudorapidity rather than rapidity. Qualitatively, the major features of our data can be understood in terms of current particle-production models.
Democracy and the Successful Use of Economic Sanctions

Most analysts argue that economic sanctions are a relatively poor policy tool. In this article I build on a theoretical framework which has the leaders of states being primarily interested in retai...
Parallel simulation of electron-solid interactions for electron microscopy modeling

A parallel implementation of a Monte Carlo algorithm for modeling the scattering of electrons in solids and the resulting X-ray production is described. Two important issues for accurate and fast parallel simulation are discussed-random number generation and load-balancing. Timing results for the parallel simulation are given which show even modest-sized parallel machines can be competitive with conventional vector supercomputers for Monte Carlo trajectory simulations. Examples of parallel calculations performed to analyze specimen composition data and to characterize electron microscope performance are briefly highlighted.
Solvothermal synthesis of V2O5/graphene nanocomposites for high performance lithium ion batteries

V2O5 nanoparticles Graphene nanosheets Solvothermal synthesis Electrochemical performance Lithium ion batteries a b s t r a c t In this work, V2O5/graphene nanocomposites have been synthesized by a facile solvothermal approach. The V2O5 nanoparticles, around 20–40 nm in size, were encapsulated in the 2D graphene matrix. The reversible Li-cycling properties of V2O5/graphene have been evaluated by galvanostatic discharge–charge cycling, cyclic voltammetry, and impedance spectroscopy. Compared with the bare V2O5 nanoparticles, the V2O5/graphene nanocomposites exhibited enhanced electrochemical performance with higher reversible capacity and improved cycling stability and rate capability. The graphene nanosheets act not only as an electronically conductive matrix to improve the electronic and ionic conductivity of the composite electrode, but also as a flexible buffer matrix to maintain the structural integrity of the composite electrodes by preventing particle agglomeration, thus leading to the improvement of the electrochemical performance of V2O5.
Dynamic two-stage beam training for energy-efficient millimeter-wave 5G cellular systems

This paper proposes a polynomial-time protocol for energy-efficient link configuration between 28 GHz millimeter-wave 5G base station antennas and 28 GHz millimeter-wave mobile user antennas. According to the narrow beamwidth of 28 GHz millimeter-wave cellular radio communication links, the link configuration procedure needs to evaluate a lot of link search spaces. Therefore, evaluating an intensively large search space needs a lot of training signal wireless transmission, which dramatically increases the wireless communication power consumption. Therefore, our proposed algorithm reduces the number of training signal transmission, i.e., the number of search space evaluation, using a two-stage dynamic operation for energy-efficient link configuration.
A novel, autonomous thermal connector

A novel replacement for traditional wedgelocks used to mount PCB boards to cold plates is presented. This project began as part of a DARPA design competition to develop a field reversible thermal connector that could be repeatedly assembled and disassembled without the use of tools while providing constant thermal resistance. The team from UCLA was tasked with designing a new device to meet these constraints. The design meets the DARPA goals and significantly reduces the thermal resistance between the electrical board and the heat sink. The device consists of opposing aluminum wedges, driven by thermally actuated Nitinol springs, which slide against one another to provide the requisite locking force to hold a board in place and decrease contact resistance between the interfaces. These smart material springs push the wedges towards the outside of the device, elevating the upper surface and locking the board in place on the cold plate. The design increases the contact area between the components and decreases the thermal resistance relative to current devices. Experimental results have shown that the UCLA team has addressed the chief design problems posed by the REVCON program. Nitinol has been shown to be an effective material for use as a thermally actuated spring capable of repeatedly engaging and disengaging without the use of tools. The wedge locking force increases with rising temperature, enhancing its thermal performance. The UCLA design has been shown to out-perform similar sized current state of the art wedgelock designs in terms of thermal resistance. Reductions in thermal resistance of 30%-45% have been demonstrated and shown to be repeatable. Our prototype design increases the interfacial contact area which has a dramatic impact on performance. This means that higher power density electronics can be utilized or that more real estate will be made available on current computer boards in order to maintain current performance. Further, the use of thermally actuated leaf springs removes the need for mechanical force for installation allowing for less installation time.
How do economic downturns affect welfare leavers? A comparison of two cohorts

Abstract Early welfare reform research showed high rates of employment for TANF leavers. However, work-focused welfare may not be effective during an economic downturn. We investigate the employment of Wisconsin TANF leavers, contrasting outcomes among early leavers (1998) with those who left during the 2001 recession. We use data from administrative records on about 6000 welfare leavers, tracking quarterly employment for 3 years after they left benefits. Separate panel data analyses of those exiting in two different time periods show that individual leavers are less likely to be employed when their local unemployment rate is high in the later cohort; no relationship is found for the early cohort. In a panel analysis in which the cohorts are combined, we find that leavers in the later cohort, who experienced the recession early in their post-welfare career, are less likely to be employed, a result that holds controlling for observed and unobserved characteristics. These findings raise questions about how well single-parent families and their children will fare during difficult economic times now that welfare reform has such a strong emphasis on work.
Provenance and petrology of deep sea drilling project sands and sandstones from the Japan and Mariana forearc and backarc regions

Abstract One hundred and twenty point counts of Oligocene to Recent sands and sandstones from DSDP sites in the Japan and Mariana intraoceanic forearc and backarc basins demonstrate that there is a clear compositional difference between the continentally influenced Japan forearc and backarc sediments, and the totally oceanic Mariana forearc and backarc sediments. Japan forearc sediments average 10 QFL%Q, 0.82 P/F, 2 Framework%Mica, 74 LmLvLst%Lv, and 19 LmLvLst%Lst. In contrast, the Mariana forearc and backarc sediments average 0 QFL%Q, 1.00 P/F, 0 Framework%Mica, 98 LmLvLst%Lv, and 1 LmLvLst%Lst. Sediment compositions in the Japan region are variable. The Honshu forearc sediments average 5 QFL%Q, 0.94 P/F, 1 Framework%Mica, 82 LmLvLst%Lv, and 15 LmLvLst%Lst. The Yamato Basin sediments (DSDP Site 299) average 13 QFL%Q, 0.70 P/F, 3 Framework%Mica, 78 LmLvLst%Lv, and 14 LmLvLst%Lst. The Japan Basin sediments (DSDP Site 301) average 24 QFL%Q, 0.54 P/F, 9 Framework%Mica, 58 LmLvLst%Lv, and 21 LmLvLst%Lst. P/F and Framework%Mica are higher in the Yamato Basin sediments than in the forearc sediments due to an increase in modal potassium content of volcanic rocks from east to west, on the island of Honshu. Site 301 possesses a higher QFL%Q and LmLvLst%Lst, and lower LmLvLst%Lv than Site 299 because it receives sediment from the Asian mainland as well as the island of Honshu. DSDP Site 293 sediments, in the Mariana region, average 0.97 P/F, 1 Framework%Mica, 13 LmLvLst%Lm and 83 LmLvLst%Lv, due to their proximity to the island of Luzon. The remaining Mariana forearc and backarc sediments show a uniform composition.
An AND operation-based optical symbolic substitution pattern recognizer

Abstract A new optical binary pixel pattern recognizer for optical symbolic substitution (OSS) digital computation is proposed. Using optical spatial shift and optical phase-conjugate AND operations, input symbolic pattern recognition can be performed. Some initial experimental results obtained with picosecond laser pulses are presented.
Filament capturing with the Multimaterial Moment-of-Fluid method

A novel method for capturing two-dimensional, thin, under-resolved material configurations, known as "filaments," is presented in the context of interface reconstruction. This technique uses a partitioning procedure to detect disconnected regions of material in the advective preimage of a cell (indicative of a filament) and makes use of the existing functionality of the Multimaterial Moment-of-Fluid interface reconstruction method to accurately capture the under-resolved feature, while exactly conserving volume. An algorithm for Adaptive Mesh Refinement in the presence of filaments is developed so that refinement is introduced only near the tips of filaments and where the Moment-of-Fluid reconstruction error is still large. Comparison to the standard Moment-of-Fluid method is made. It is demonstrated that using filament capturing at a given resolution yields gains in accuracy comparable to introducing an additional level of mesh refinement at significantly lower cost.
Space Activities-A Review and a Look Ahead

The paper reviews the progress made in manned and unmanned space programs during the last 25 years and names several major accomplishments. The ingredients of success are identified as good engineering, good technology, and good management of a very complex enterprise. An argument is made that the pace of progress will be governed not by technological advances, which can be very rapid, but rather by future institutional arrangements, which are much slower to evolve. It is predicted that the most likely space activities for the next 20 years will be those relating to space commercialization, and several examples are cited. A hope is expressed that policy makers and entrepreneurs will match the spirit of adventure and risk-taking exhibited by engineers in exploring uncharted territory.
Magnetic structure of GdNi2B2C by resonant and nonresonant x-ray scattering.

Resonant and nonresonant x-ray magnetic scattering techniques have been used to study the low-temperature magnetic structure of ${\mathrm{GdNi}}_{2}$${\mathrm{B}}_{2}$C. Taken together, these measurements allow a determination of the ordered moment direction and its evolution with temperature from a single orientation of the sample. The experimental results show that below approximately 19.4 K this compound forms an incommensurate antiferromagnetic state with a magnetic wave vector of approximately 0.55a* (b*) in the basal plane of the tetragonal structure. Between 19.4 and 13.6 K, the ordered moment is along the b (a) axis. Below approximately 13.6 K an ordered component of the moment develops along the c axis. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Intensive chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation for children with acute myeloid leukemia.

In a recent article, Woods et al detail the findings of a well-designed Children's Cancer Group study comparing matched sibling allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT), autologous bone marrow transplantation, and intensive chemotherapy for children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in first