cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationship between auxiliary gamma subunits and mallotoxin on BK channel modulation.

The large-conductance, calcium- and voltage-activated K+(BK) channel consists of the pore-forming α subunits (BKα) and auxiliary subunits. The auxiliary γ1-3 subunits potently modulate the BK channel by shifting its voltage-dependence of channel activation toward the hyperpolarizing direction by approximately 145 mV (γ1), 100 mV (γ2), and 50 mV (γ3). Mallotoxin is a potent small-molecule BK channel activator. We analyzed the relationship between mallotoxin and the γ subunits in their BK channel-activating effects in membrane patches excised from HEK-293 cells. We found that mallotoxin, when applied extracellularly, shifted the half-activation voltage (V1/2) of BKα channels by −72 mV. The channel-activating effect of mallotoxin was greatly attenuated in the presence of the γ1, γ2, or γ3 subunit, with resultant ΔV1/2 (+/− mallotoxin) values of −9, −28, or −15 mV, respectively. Most examined γ1 mutant subunits antagonized mallotoxin’s channel-activating effect in a manner that was largely dependent on its own modulatory function. However, mallotoxin caused an irreversible functional and structural disengagement of the γ1-F273S mutant from BK channels. We infer that the auxiliary γ subunit effectively interferes with mallotoxin on BK channel modulation via either a direct steric competition or an indirect allosteric influence on mallotoxin’s binding and action on BKα.
Revisit NIH biosafety guidelines

To celebrate the anniversary of an arcane federal guideline is a rare event. For an agency to use that moment to invite reflection on modifying policies is even rarer. Last month, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) did just that, with a workshop that marked the 40th anniversary of its Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules. The meeting was an inspiring start for charting future oversight of nonclinical applications.
Effect of thiophene spacers in benzodithiophene-based polymers for organic electronics

Poly{2,6-bis(thiophene-2-yl)-4,8-bis(5-dodecylthiophen-2-yl)benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene} [poly(Th-bDTBDT-Th)] was successfully synthesized through Stille coupling polymerization. The addition of the thiophene spacer groups between the benzodithiophene units resulted in improved performance in optoelectronic devices. This was attributed to the reduced lamellae stacking distance in thin film with prominent π–π stacking peak indicating close assembly of poly(Th-bDTBDT-Th). Spacing between the benzodithiophene units in poly(Th-bDTBDT-Th) helped the close packing of dodecyl chains and generated improved π stacking interaction. For poly(Th-bDTBDT-Th), the measured average field effect mobility was 2.32 × 10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1 and average hole mobility in vertical direction was 2.92 × 10−5 cm2 V−1 s−1. Charge transport in both directions was improved by one order of magnitude with the presence of the thiophene spacer. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017
Lean NOcursive greek chi catalysis over alumina-supported catalysts

γ‐alumina‐supported catalysts show promise as lean NOx catalysts. The role of alumina in influencing the structural and chemical properties of the active phase supported on it is discussed using some effective alumina‐based lean NOx catalysts. These include Ag/γ‐Al2O3, CoOx/γ‐Al2O3 and SnO2/γ‐Al2O3. Alumina plays an important role in stabilizing Ag in the oxidic phase and cobalt in the 2+ oxidation state. For SnO2/γ‐Al2O3, alumina increases the SnO2 surface area. On both Ag/γ‐Al2O3 and SnO2/γ‐Al2O3, alumina also participates actively in the NOx reduction reaction. An active organic intermediate is formed on Ag or Sn oxide which reacts with NOx subsequently on alumina to form N2.
Death of Fractional Topological Charge

In this note, following Crewther,1 we vary the vacuum energy of QCD with respect to arbitrary chiral SU(N) rotations at fixed instanton angle 0. According to Dashen’s2 theorem this identifies the correct perturbative Hamiltonian and the perturbative vacuum when an absolute minimum is achieved. For Ɵ=0 and Ɵ=±Nπ this repeats Dashen’s calculation and for Ɵ infinitesimal this repeats the calculation of Baluni3 and Crewther et al4 for the CP violating Hamiltonian. In all cases Nuyts’s5 theorem is verified. The vacuum energy in the stable Ɵ-vacua is calculated for various mass cases. It is found that the vacuum periodicity is 2π in Ɵ. We comment on confusions in the literature concerning chirality selection rules and fractional topological charge. We show that all physical matrix elements have period 2π in Ɵ and that fractional topological charge is not required.
Using Web-Scale Graph Analytics to Counter Technical Support Scams

Technical Support Scams delivered through malicious webpages and linked advertisements are an endemic problem on the web. To avoid detection, scammers systematically vary the URLs, web page designs, and phone numbers of scam delivery. We describe a web-scale pipeline powered by Cloud AI services that continuously detects and links evidence of such scams. By integrating this evidence in a graph structure and exposing it for forensic analysis in a user interface, we enable investigators and law enforcement partners to track the evolving scope and sophistication of scam operations. This approach automates and scales investigative tradecraft that contributed to major enforcement actions by the FTC in 2016. From 2016-2018, it helped reduce consumer exposure to such scams by 5 percent.
Redditors in Recovery: Text Mining Reddit to Investigate Transitions into Drug Addiction

Increasing rates of opioid drug abuse and heightened prevalence of online support communities underscore the necessity of employing data mining techniques to better understand drug addiction using these rapidly developing online resources. In this work, we obtain data from Reddit, an online collection of forums, to gather insight into drug use/misuse using text data from users themselves. Specifically, using user posts, we trained 1) a binary classifier which predicts transitions from casual drug discussion forums to drug recovery forums and 2) a Cox regression model that outputs likelihoods of such transitions. In doing so, we found that utterances of select drugs and certain linguistic features contained in one's posts can help predict these transitions. Using unfiltered drug-related posts, our research delineates drugs that are associated with higher rates of transitions from recreational drug discussion to support/recovery discussion, offers insight into modern drug culture, and provides tools with potential applications in combating the opioid crisis.
DESIGN OF A NO-TOUCH INFANT APNEA MONITOR

This paper describes the rationale and design for an ultrasonic Phase-lock apnea monitor (UPLAM) for infants which requires no physical contact with the infant in an incubator. Ultrasound is used to measure precisely the distance from the transducers to the baby's chest and abdomen. Small changes in this distance, which are proportional to respiratory effort, are converted to a voltage z which is processed to select a “normal” range of amplitudes. If the cyclical changes in z drop below a lower threshold for a predetermined time, the apnea alarm is given. The alarm may also be activated if z exceeds the upper threshold for a predetermined time (convulsive seizure detection).
Conditional aggregated probabilistic wind power forecasting based on spatio-temporal correlation

Abstract Aggregated probabilistic wind power forecasting is important for power system operations. In this paper, an improved aggregated probabilistic wind power forecasting framework based on spatio-temporal correlation is developed. A Q-learning enhanced deterministic wind power forecasting method is used to generate deterministic wind power forecasts for individual wind farms. The spatio-temporal correlation between the member wind farms and the aggregated wind power is modeled by a joint distribution model based on the copula theory. The marginal distributions of actual aggregated wind power and forecasted power of member wind farms are built with Gaussian mixture models. Then, a conditional distribution of the aggregated wind power is deduced through the Bayesian theory, which is used for aggregated probabilistic forecasts. The effectiveness of the proposed aggregated probabilistic wind power forecasting framework is validated by using the Wind Integration National Dataset Toolkit. Numerical results of case studies at nine locations show that the developed aggregated probabilistic forecasting methodology has improved the pinball loss metric score by up to 54% compared to three benchmark models.
An image-based equation for estimating the prospective CO2 storage resource of organic-rich shale formations

Abstract An image-based volumetric equation for estimating the prospective CO2 mass storage resource potential for organic-rich shale formations has been developed using data obtained from advanced image analysis of Bakken Formation shale samples. The equation is a modification of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory’s (NETL’s) volumetric equation methodology for estimating the prospective CO2 mass storage resource for shale formations. The current equation enhances DOE’s version by systematically deriving expressions for calculating efficiency factors based on analysis of high-resolution field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) shale images. FESEM images are used to obtain improved nanoscale porosity estimates for the shale matrix and OM. The calculation of the efficiency factors associated with free-phase storage and CO2 adsorption onto solid surfaces are based on a ratio of connected-to-nonconnected porosity and the newly developed shared border analysis (SBA) method, respectively. The image-based equation described herein is structured so that it can be adapted and applied to other formation types by considering the specific mineralogy or matrix characteristics. Preliminary data used to illustrate the newly developed equation show that the Upper Bakken Shale (UBS) may have a lower prospective CO2 storage resource potential than the Lower Bakken Shale (LBS) by about 65 %. Although these results are neither optimized for each lithofacies nor represent the Bakken formation regional scale, they are encouraging for unfractured shale samples and serve as a useful starting point for future evaluations at the regional scale.
Altered expression of a quality control protease in E. coli reshapes the in vivo mutational landscape of a model enzyme

Protein mutational landscapes are shaped by the cellular environment, but key factors and their quantitative effects are often unknown. Here we show that Lon, a quality control protease naturally absent in common E. coli expression strains, drastically reshapes the mutational landscape of the metabolic enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). Selection under conditions that resolve highly active mutants reveals that 23.3% of all single point mutations in DHFR are advantageous in the absence of Lon, but advantageous mutations are largely suppressed when Lon is reintroduced. Protein stability measurements demonstrate extensive activity-stability tradeoffs for the advantageous mutants and provide a mechanistic explanation for Lon's widespread impact. Our findings suggest possibilities for tuning mutational landscapes by modulating the cellular environment, with implications for protein design and combatting antibiotic resistance.
Handedness and the 2016 U.S. Primaries: consistent handedness predicts support for Donald Trump among republicans, but gender predicts support for Hillary Clinton among democrats.

A growing number of studies demonstrate that consistent handers, people who use their dominant hand for all or most manual tasks, are less cognitively flexible than inconsistent handers, people who...
The Code of Capital: How the Law Creates Wealth and Inequality – Core Themes

In this brief introduction, I summarize the core themes of my book “The Code of Capital: How the Law Creates Wealth and Inequality”. Capital, I argue, is coded in law – predominantly in a handful of private law institutions. By relying on legal coding techniques, asset holders invoke the right to enforce claims against others, if necessary with the help of the state’s coercive power.
Treatment of Complex Stones: Location , Location , Location!

Some patients with urinary tract stones may also have anomalies of the urinary tract. These anomalies may be anatomical factors or surgical in nature. When these anomalies coexist with renal stones, the location of the stone will determine the surgical approach that is required. Like a real estate agent finding the right home, a stone in the urinary tract associated with an anatomic variation is all about location, location, location! This chapter will focus on the diagnosis and treatment options of these complex stones.
Fatigue of Asphalt Paving Mixtures

Significant variables including load, environmental and mixture, influencing the laboratory fatigue testing of asphalt concrete are discussed. Analysis of laboratory fatigue data obtained using controlled-stress tests indicates that, in general, those factors tending to increase mixture stiffness tend also to increase fatigue life at a particular stress level providing the mixture is reasonably balanced and non-brittle. The reverse appears to be true for controlled-strain testing. Accordingly for heavy-duty pavements in which the asphalt-bound layers are approximately 6 or more inches in thickness and where the results of controlled-stress appear to apply, fatigue resistance can be improved by selecting a viscous asphalt (40-50 or 60-70 penetration) and by using a dense-graded, rough textured aggregate. At the same time, for light-duty pavements incorporating approximately 2 or less inches of asphalt-bound materials, for which controlled-strain conditions are applicable, a less viscous asphalt cement should be used (120-150 penetration) and the fines content should be reduced.
Race, gender, and public-sector work: Prioritizing occupational values as a labor market privilege

Abstract This paper examines the role of occupational values in job choice. Using public service motivation (PSM), a value orientation associated with public workers, this analysis predicts public sector employment using a mixed-methods approach: a quantitative analysis of the 2006 General Social Survey and a qualitative analysis of 87 semi-structured interviews with state government workers in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Oregon. The results indicate variation within the public employee population in the effect of PSM on choosing to work in the public sector. They also suggest that prioritizing values in occupational choice may be a luxury, and assuming shared occupational values lacks consideration of the underlying rationales some individuals use when choosing a job.
Tragedies of Communion: Seeking Reconciliation amid Colonial Legacies:

In seeking justice for LGBT persons, many Episcopalians have found ourselves in significant moral tragedies over recent decades. Support for same-sex relationships often emerged from a concern to s...
Dealloyed Pt bimetallic electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction

In this article we report on the concept, synthesis, structural characterization, and surface catalytic performance of a new class of multimetallic Pt alloy nanoparticle electrocatalysts for the electroreduction of molecular oxygen in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell–relevant acidic environments. Rotating disk electrode measurements as well as single fuel cell tests have shown that this class of cathode catalysts yield Pt mass-based and Pt surface-area-based oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activities, which are a factor of 4–6 times higher than those of pure Pt. Hence, at present, this catalyst system constitutes one of the most active ORR catalyst systems ever reported. We also present and discuss a novel method to deploy carbon-supported dealloyed Pt bi- and multimetallic nanoparticles as cathode electrocatalysts in electrode layers of single fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). We demonstrate the voltammetric insitu preparation of dealloyed bimetallic Pt–Cu, and report preliminary results on dealloyed Pt–Co–Cu ternary cathode electrode catalysts. We conclude with a discussion of our current hypothesis as to the mechanistic origin of the catalytic activity enhancement as well as with preliminary results as to the stability of this class of catalysts. Keywords: fuel cells; alloy electrocatalysts; Pt; Cu; dealloying; dissolution; oxygen reduction reaction; lattice strain; geometric effects; small angle X-ray scattering; core–shell catalysts
Improvement of a Continuous-Culture Apparatus for Long-Term Use

Abstract A glass and plastic apparatus was designed to meet requirements for continuous culture of cells. Some of the improvements incorporated into this apparatus include an all-glass growth vessel with a self-cleaning bottom, special compression fittings to connect tubing to glass tubing, a removable yield reservoir, and a nonwetting gas exhaust assembly. All portions of the system can be autoclaved for sterilization, and medium bottles and pump lines are replaced aseptically.
Regulation of Immunoglobulin Class-Switch Recombination: Choreography of Noncoding Transcription, Targeted DNA Deamination, and Long-Range DNA Repair

Upon encountering antigens, mature IgM-positive B lymphocytes undergo class-switch recombination (CSR) wherein exons encoding the default Cμ constant coding gene segment of the immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy-chain (Igh) locus are excised and replaced with a new constant gene segment (referred to as "Ch genes", e.g., Cγ, Cɛ, or Cα). The B cell thereby changes from expressing IgM to one producing IgG, IgE, or IgA, with each antibody isotype having a different effector function during an immune reaction. CSR is a DNA deletional-recombination reaction that proceeds through the generation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in repetitive switch (S) sequences preceding each Ch gene and is completed by end-joining between donor Sμ and acceptor S regions. CSR is a multistep reaction requiring transcription through S regions, the DNA cytidine deaminase AID, and the participation of several general DNA repair pathways including base excision repair, mismatch repair, and classical nonhomologous end-joining. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of how transcription through S regions generates substrates for AID-mediated deamination and how AID participates not only in the initiation of CSR but also in the conversion of deaminated residues into DSBs. Additionally, we review the multiple processes that regulate AID expression and facilitate its recruitment specifically to the Ig loci, and how deregulation of AID specificity leads to oncogenic translocations. Finally, we summarize recent data on the potential role of AID in the maintenance of the pluripotent stem cell state during epigenetic reprogramming.
TESTING FOR TEMPORALLY DIFFERENTIATED RELATIONSHIPS AMONG POTENTIALLY CRIMINOGENIC PLACES AND CENSUS BLOCK STREET ROBBERY COUNTS

This study examined street robbery patterns in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from the years 2009 to 2011 to determine whether the effects of potentially criminogenic places are different across different periods of the day. Census block (N = 13,164) street robbery counts across four periods (6:45 a.m. to 9:59 a.m., 10:00 a.m. to 4:29 p.m., 4:30 p.m. to 9:14 p.m., and 9:15 p.m. to 6:44 a.m.) were modeled with 12 different potentially criminogenic places, 3 measures of illicit markets, 4 compositional control variables, and spatially lagged versions of the 12 potentially criminogenic places and population using simultaneously estimated negative binomial regression models. Differences in the magnitudes of the parameter estimates across the time periods were assessed with Wald tests. Overall, the patterns across the four models were mostly consistent with the effects hypothesized based on the study's crime pattern theory and time-geography theoretical frame; yet differences in the magnitudes of the coefficients were less pronounced than hypothesized. Overall, the results provide moderate support for the crime pattern theory and time-geography explanation of spatial-temporal robbery patterns; however, numerous points are raised for future crime and place research.
Immigration and county employment growth

Prior literature has found that immigrants have no effect on the wages and employment of natives. However, this literature has not accounted for the possibility that immigrants contribute to employment growth in the areas where they locate. Research on internal migration has found that internal migrants contribute to local area employment growth. In this paper I compare the effects of natives and immigrants on county employment. Results show that the overall immigrant population contributes more to increases in employment than the overall native population. Recent immigrants and recent internal in-movers have similar effects on employment growth. The net contribution of immigrants to employment growth is confined to nonmanufacturing employment.
An Alpha Particle Diagnostic Beam Line System to Generate an Intense Li 0 Beam with an ORNL SITEX Source

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) SITEX (Surface Ionization with Transverse Extraction) negative ion source utilizes a 100-V/20-A reflex arc discharge in a 1300-gauss magnetic field to generate Cs+ ions and H+ or D+ ions, depending on the beam required. A shaped molybdenum plate is placed directly behind the arc column. Cesium coverage on this plate is used to minimize the surface work function, which requires two-thirds of a monolayer coverage. Cesium coverage ia adjusted both by cesium flow control into the arc discharge chamber and by temperature control of the converter using gaseous-helium cooling channels in the converter plate. Normal converter operational temperatures are 300/sup 0/ to 500/sup 0/C H/sup -//D/sup -/ beams are generated at the biased converter surface (-150 V with respect to the anode) by Cs/sup +/ sputtering of absorbed hydrogen or deuterium and by the reflection-conversion mechanism of H/sup +//D/sup +/ ions which strike the converter surface at 150 eV. The negative ions are accelerated through the 150-V plasma sheath at the converter surface and are focused by the converter geometry and magnetic field so as to pass through the exit aperture with minimum angular divergence. The ion optics of the SITEX accelerator has beenmore » calculated using the ORNL 3-D optics code and results in a divergence perpendicular to the slot of theta/sub perpendicular rms/ = 0.35/sup 0/ and parallel to the slot of theta/sub parallel rms/ = 0.18/sup 0/. This beam divergence should be adequate for injection into a radio frequency quadrupole (RFQ) for further acceleration.« less
Detection of New Intentions from Users Using the CRF Method for Software Service Evolution in Context-Aware Environments

User's new requirements on a system are critical factors for driving software service evolution. New requirements usually arise when users are not satisfied with the existing system as often reflected in users' divergent behaviors that can be detected through comparison with the known behavior patterns. In this paper, we propose a methodology that applies Conditional Random Fields (CRF) as the mathematical foundation for inferring users' desires based on a peculiar form of observations and further exploring their new intentions that often imply new requirements. The potential new intentions detected by the CRF model will be verified and analyzed to elicit users' new requirements for the system. As a result, the system should evolve through modifications or acquiring new functionalities to satisfy the new requirements. An experiment on a research library system is conducted to demonstrate how the new intentions are detected using the CRF method and used to drive system evolution.
Facilitation of plasmid transfer in Streptococcus pneumoniae by chromosomal homology.

Abstract The frequency of plasmid establishment in the transformation of Streptococcus pneumoniae by plasmid DNA was increased more than 10-fold when the plasmid carried DNA homologous to the host chromosome. Perfect homology was not necessary for such facilitation; small additions or deletions were tolerated, but extensive deletions in the homologous segment of either plasmid or chromosome reduced or eliminated facilitation. The facilitated plasmid transfer showed a linear dependence on monomeric plasmid concentration rather than the quadratic dependence found in the absence of homology, which indicated that entering plasmid fragments interacted with the chromosome rather than with each other to establish a plasmid replicon. Restriction enzyme cleavage of the plasmid in the nonhomologous segment destroyed its activity, but cleavage in the homologous segment or even enzymatic removal of part of that segment did not prevent plasmid transfer, and plasmids of the original size were established. In facilitated transfer, chromosomal markers (additions and deletions as well as single-site mutations) entered the plasmid with a frequency ranging from 10 to 90% depending on the marker location. Several possible mechanisms for the establishment of plasmids in the presence of chromosomal homology and for the transfer of chromosomal information are considered. They depend on synapsis of the newly entered single-strand plasmid fragment with the host chromosome and subsequent copying of, donation from, or integration into the homologous chromosomal segment. After plasmid establishment, equilibration of donor and chromosomal markers between the chromosome and the plasmid pool, presumably by homologous recombination events, was observed.
A Young Woman With Seizures: A Case of Neuroschistosomiasis (P2.321)

Schistosomiasis is the second-most socioeconomically devastating parasitic disease worldwide, affecting over 240 million people in 77 countries on 5 continents, and killing 200,000 people annually in sub-Saharan Africa alone. We report a case of a previously healthy 25-year-old, right-handed American woman who presented to the Emergency Department after a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. On initial evaluation by the neurology service, she had intact cognition and language ability, and the remainder of her elemental neurologic exam was normal. Of note, four years prior, she had spent a semester in Ghana and had gone swimming on one occasion in a local river. During her workup for this seizure, an EEG revealed occasional left temporal theta-range slowing. An initial noncontrasted MRI revealed T2 hyperintensities in the bilateral temporal lobes, and a subsequent MRI with gadolinium demonstrated mottled linear enhancement in the temporal lobes and right cerebellum. CSF and rheumatologic labs were normal. She was started on levetiracetam for seizure prophylaxis, though in the setting of self-tapering this medication, she experienced a second event, concerning for a complex partial seizure. The patient eventually underwent a craniotomy for biopsy of the left temporal lesion, which showed prominent granulomas with dense mixed inflammatory infiltrates composed of eosinophils, plasma cells, and lymphocytes surrounding refractile egg shells displaying the pathognomonic spine shape of Schistosoma mansoni . Stool and urine were negative for ova. However, serum ELISA and antibody immunoblots performed at the CDC confirmed exposure to S. mansoni . She received treatment with praziquantel and steroids, levetiracetam was tapered, and she did not experience significant sequelae over six months of follow-up. This case was atypical in that it is usually the Schistosoma japonicum species that affects the brain, with S. mansoni and S. haematobium that cause spinal cord disease. In summary, we describe a presentation of encephalic schistosomiasis due to S. mansoni, after a prolonged interval, from a single exposure. Disclosure: Dr. Zimmerman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rose has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hsu has nothing to disclose. Dr. Golby has nothing to disclose. Dr. Folkerth has nothing to disclose. Dr. Santagata has nothing to disclose. Dr. Milner has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ramkissoon has nothing to disclose.
Adolescent Violent Behavior -- An Analysis Across and Within Racial/Ethnic Groups

SUMMARY The focus of this study was on the association between family characteristics (e.g., family structure, family cohesion), race/ethnicity and their relationship to violent behaviors in adolescents. Family characteristics represent one piece of a larger ecological model that includes individual, peer, school, and neighborhood/community factors. The current study uses data from the National Study of Adolescent Health (Wave 1). Add Health was a longitudinal study of adolescents in grades 7 through 12. The survey gathered information about the respondent's health and health-related behaviors, emotional well being, and family and school environment. The variables of interest in this study are all self-reported measures of violent behavior: (1) being in a serious physical fight, (2) seriously injuring someone, (3) pulling a knife or gun on someone, and (4) shooting or stabbing someone. Differences between those who reported being involved in violent behaviors are related, at least in part, to family cohes...
The Molecular Basis for Ligand Specificity in a Mouse Olfactory Receptor A NETWORK OF FUNCTIONALLY IMPORTANT RESIDUES

Sequence differences between members of the mouse olfac-tory receptor MOR42 subfamily (MOR42-3 and MOR42-1) are likely to be the basis for variation in ligand binding preference among these receptors. We investigated the specificity of MOR42-3 for a variety of dicarboxylic acids. We used site-directed mutagenesis, guided by homology modeling and ligand docking studies, to locate functionally important residues. Receptors were expressed in Xenopus oocytes and assayed using high throughput electrophysiology. The importance of the Val-113 residue, located deep within the receptor, was analyzed in the context of interhelical interactions. We also screened additional residues predicted to be involved in ligand binding site, based on comparison of ortholog/paralog pairs from the mouse and human olfactory receptor genomes (Man, O., Gilad, Y., and Lancet, D. (2004) Protein Sci. 13, 240–254). A network of 8 residues in transmembrane domains III, V, and VI was identified. These residues form part of the ligand binding pocket of MOR42-3. C12 dicarboxylic acid did not activate the receptor in our functional assay, yet our docking simulations predicted its binding site in MOR42-3. Binding without activation implied that C12 dicarboxylic acid might act as an antagonist. In our functional assay, C12 dicarboxylic acid did indeed act as an antagonist of MOR42-3, in agreement with molecular docking studies. Our results demonstrate a powerful approach based on the synergy between computational predictions and physiological assays.
Democratic Freedom and Religious Faith in the Reformed Tradition

During recent years there has been an interesting shift in the attitude of many historians with regard to the relationship of Calvinism to the development of democracy. A generation ago, the contention that modern democracy was a daughter of Calvinism was eminently respectable in academic circles. The fact that modern democracy arose and put down its strongest roots in lands most deeply influenced by the Reformed faith—in England, Scotland, Holland, America and Switzerland—was regarded as self-evident confirmation of this contention.
A brain-based system for adaptive automation

Adaptive automation refers to technology that can change its mode of operation dynamically. Further, both the technology and the operator can initiate changes in the level or mode of automation. One of the important issues surrounding this technology concerns the method for initiating changes in the state of automation. The present paper considers the potential of using brain activity to drive an adaptive automation system. Relevant research on EEG is presented followed by a review of several experiments in which EEG is used to trigger changes among system modes in an adaptive automation system. The system moderates operator task load based upon an index derived from a ratio of EEG power bands. The research shows that it may be feasible to build an adaptive automation system and use this index of brain activity to drive the system. The paper concludes with a discussion of several issues that still need to be addressed before this approach can move beyond the laboratory.
Systematic approach for trim test time optimization: Case study on a multi-core RF SOC

It is well-known that complex SOCs with RF and embedded power management (PM) modules require significant post manufacturing calibration to ensure that the device meets the design specifications. These calibrations are carried out by setting the register bits (which in turn help to finely adjust the parameters of the components inside the module containing these registers), a process commonly termed as trim. Not only must these calibrations precede any other manufacturing test operation, but they also require analog measurements and consume significant ATE resources and hence test time. As a result, it is commonly understood and observed that the calibration trim for such SOCs with embedded RF and PM is often comparable to the SOC test time itself. This paper presents some crucial investigations into one such 45 nm multi-core RF SOC designed at Texas Instruments. Its main contributions are: (i) The various trim operations are analyzed for the incurred test times and incurred ATE resources. (ii) Corresponding to each such operation, trim test time minimization techniques are proposed and experimental data on the accrued benefits is presented. (iii) A comprehensive hardware trim BIST controller is described, which enables trim automation and further optimization in complex SOCs. Together, these investigations provide a recipe for efficiently performing trims in complex mixed-signal SOCs with reduced test times and higher ATE enabled multi-site.
Clozapine for Early Developmental Delays with Childhood-Onset Schizophrenia: Protocol and 15-Month Outcome

This paper reports on the pharmacotherapy and long-term follow-up of a child treated with clozapine. It is one of the earliest American experiences with this agent in children to date. Clozapine was relatively effective and safe in this patient. Additional features of the case are the early social and developmental delays preceding schizophrenia, the response of symptoms of childhood-onset schizophrenia to clozapine, and the reduction in tardive dyskinesia symptoms while taking clozapine. Compared to recommendations for dosing adults, a slower rate of increasing clozapine doses was important for this child. For future reference, the protocol and consent form used for this course of treatment are included.
Defining the course and prognosis of adults with acute lymphocytic leukemia in first salvage after induction failure or short first remission duration

Modern multiagent, dose-intensive chemotherapy regimens have resulted in cure rates of 80% to 90% in childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).1,2 Regimens in adult ALL patterned after the pediatric programs have increased the complete response (CR) rates to 90% and have increased the long-term survival rates to 30% to 50%.3–8 Still, most adults with ALL will die from disease progression. Therefore, there is a need to discover new agents with anti-ALL activity. Approving new anti-ALL agents for front-line therapy is a daunting task, because it requires large randomized studies that compare standard regimens versus the same regimens with the addition of the new agent. Because ALL is an uncommon disease (annual US incidence, 1500–3000 cases), such endeavors are almost impossible. Therefore, the discovery and regulatory approval of new agents in ALL have relied on development in niche indications. Examples include clofarabine for pediatric ALL in second salvage,9,10 nelarabine for T-cell ALL salvage,11 and tyrosine kinase inhibitors in Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-positive ALL.12,13 Patients with primary refractory disease or in first recurrence have CR rates of 30% to 50% with salvage therapy but have a cure rate of ≤5%.14–17 Their outcome depends on several factors, the most important of which is the duration of first complete remission (CRD). It is anticipated that adults who have primary refractory disease or a short first CRD will have a poor outcome, probably as poor as the outcome of patients in second salvage18; however, to our knowledge, no studies have investigated their outcome. Defining the precise course and prognosis of adults with ALL and primary refractory disease or with a short first CRD will help speed the development of investigations aimed at this subgroup.
Impact of plant assemblages on nutrient removal in constructed wetlands

Four different mesocosm scale constructed wetlands – monoculture (Carexstipata), self-designed (passive) community, mixed planted monoculturepassive community and a non-vegetated control were compared to assess the effects of plant community composition on the removal of inorganic nutrients from agricultural runoff (synthetic tile water). The mixed and self-designed systems consistently produced effl uent NO3–N concentrations signifi cantly below 10 mg/L, and had higher rates of evapotranspiration. Results indicate the type and composition of the plant community can impact the performance of constructed wetlands. Therefore, self-design of the plant community through the existing seed bank may increase the effectiveness of wetlands in treating agricultural runoff.
Double Displacement: an Improved Bioorthogonal Reaction Strategy for Templated Nucleic Acid Detection

Quenched autoligation probes have been employed previously in a target-templated nonenzymatic ligation strategy for detecting nucleic acids in cells by fluorescence. A common source of background signal in such probes is the undesired reaction with water and other cellular nucleophiles. Here, we describe a new class of self-ligating probes, double displacement (DD) probes, that rely on two displacement reactions to fully unquench a nearby fluorophore. Three potential double displacement architectures, all possessing two fluorescence quencher/leaving groups (dabsylate groups), were synthesized and evaluated for templated reaction with nucleophile (phosphorothioate) probes both in vitro and in intact bacterial cells. All three DD probe designs provided substantially better initial quenching than a single-Dabsyl control. In isothermal templated reactions in vitro, double displacement probes yielded considerably lower background signal than previous single displacement probes; investigation into the mechanism...
Regional distribution of thiamine-dependent enzymes in normal and thiamine-deficient brain

Abstract The activities of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), α ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (KDH), and transketolase (TK) were assayed in cerebral cortex, cerebellum, pons, and midbrain regions of the rat at various stages of thiamine deficiency. Inactivation of PDH and KDH failed to precede the development of neurologic signs. While a reduction of TK activity did occur before animals become symptomatic, this was not significantly greater in the brain regions most sensitive to thiamine deprivation (brain stem) than in a less-sensitive region (cerebellum). None of the (3) enzymes was reduced in activity below 60% of control values even in severely deficient, symptomatic animals. It is concluded that inactivation of thiamine-dependent enzymes in rat brain does not explain the development of neurologic signs in thiamine deficiency.
Alcohol risk-reduction skills training in a national fraternity: a randomized intervention trial with longitudinal intent-to-treat analysis.

Objective: The potential effectiveness of two group-administered social-skills training interventions for reducing high-risk drinking behavior was evaluated through a prospective randomized intervention trial with 3,406 members of a national college fraternity. Method: Ninety eight of 99 chapters of a national fraternity were randomly assigned, within three strata, to receive (1) a 3-hour baseline intervention, (2) the same baseline intervention plus two booster sessions, or (3) assessments only. The current article emphasizes a rigorous intent-to-treat analysis model that compares outcomes among members assigned to receive study interventions (vs assessment-only sites) regardless of whether they actually did receive them; it also includes individuals at intervention sites even if they did not participate. This model allows us to address a social policy issue regarding the effect that introducing such an intervention may have in changing the high-risk normative drinking environment of the fraternity itsel...
Rapidly sintered particulate ceramic matrix composites

Abstract The effect of rapid rate furnace sintering and HCD-plasma sintering on density, microstructure, and mechanical properties of three Al 2 O 3 -5% vol. metal carbide composites and Al 2 O 3 -10% vol. ZrO 2 was studied and the results are compared to conventionally sintered composites. Significantly higher densities were achieved in Al 2 O 3 -5% vol. SiC composites by plasma sintering as well as rapid rate furnace sintering, which also improved the attendant mechanical properties. High fractional densities and similar mechanical properties were obtained in Al 2 O 3 -5% vol. TiC and Al 2 O 3 -10% vol. ZrO 2 composites produced both through rapid rate and conventional sintering. The finest microstructure in particulate—CMCs was achieved by plasma sintering.
Characterization of a hybrid silicon-InP laser tapered mode converter

The performance of a tapered mode converter inside a hybrid silicon laser was measured to determine loss. Several taper lengths were investigated, and the best performing device had a taper loss of 2.7dB.
Adaptation to air pollution

Abstract This study examines human adaptation to air pollution by comparing responses to photochemical smog of long-term residents and recent residents of the Los Angeles air basin. Long-term residents in comparison to recent migrants use a higher response criterion to identify smog in a visual signal detection task. There is no difference in visual sensitivity between the two residential groups in detecting the presence of air pollution in photographic slides. Thus for low levels of visual air pollution, both long-term residents of Los Angeles and new migrants are equally accurate in detecting the presence of smog. Long-term residents, however, are less likely to decide that smog is present in a scene. This response bias is interpreted in terms of adaptation level theory. Characteristics of the response bias differences between the two residential groups are examined in detail using signal detection procedures.
SiSiO2 interface state spectroscopy using MOS tunneling structures

Abstract This paper provides a critical review and classification of the studies of SiSiO2 interface state parameters and energy distributions by means of MOS tunneling in structures with ultrathin SiO2 layers (10–100 A). Suggestions are made of experiments that will help to elucidate the importance of materials and processing conditions on these states, and to separate the various mechanisms involving charge exchange with the metal, the conduction band, and the valence band of the semiconductor.
After-potentials and large depolarizations of single nodes of Ranvier treated with veratridine.

Potential differences between normal nodes of Ranvier (single fiber from the sciatic nerve of the frog, air-gap method) and a node exposed to 1 to 2.5 x 10-6 gm veratridine per ml were measured. Negative after-potentials occurred immediately after application of the alkaloid when spike configuration and resting potential were virtually unchanged. The after-potentials decreased in magnitude and their time constant increased as the resting membrane was depolarized either by outward currents or by a train of impulses. Increase of (Na)o markedly increased the amplitude of the after-potential. After prolonged application of veratridine or with higher concentrations, a large slow depolarization (rate of potential change about 7 mv per second) could be triggered by a train of impulses or even a single spike. This depolarization could promptly be terminated by withdrawing Na. It is concluded that, once the nodal membrane has become permeable to Na (as during a spike), veratridine prevents the normal return of PNa to its resting value.
Anamnesis in the Language of Writing

To write, to return to the body, or, at the very least, to the hand in motion... This article is available in Studies in 20th Century Literature: http://newprairiepress.org/sttcl/vol23/iss1/12 Anamnesis in the Language of Writing
A guide to two‐electron integral approximations through semiorthogonal basis sets

A numerical comparison of the two-electron integrals computed in nonorthogonal STO-3G, semiorthogonal, and orthogonal basis sets is presented. The symmetric orthogonal basis two-electron integrals mimic the zero differential overlap approximation but because of the nonsparse nature of S–1/2 make algorithms for integral approximations impractical. By using a semiorthogonalization scheme which orthogonalizes the weakly overlapping orbital pairs, it is shown that a systematic method for neglecting two-electron integrals can be developed. Applications to semiempirical and nonempirical calculations are discussed.
Decomposition of a〈111〉 and a〈101〉 dislocations in hard-oriented NiAl single crystals

The B2 intermetallic compound NiAl and its alloys have been subjects of extensive study for potential use as high temperature structural materials, particularly in the aerospace industry. The factors that make them attractive candidates are their low density (5.85 g/cm{sup 3}), excellent oxidation and corrosion resistance and high melting points. But they suffer from lack of ductility at low temperatures and poor strength at higher temperatures. There are still several issues regarding deformation behavior in NiAl and other B2 alloys (e.g., FeAl) that merit further research. Study of the deformation behavior in NiAl should provide further insight into some of the outstanding issues in B2 alloys: chiefly, the nature of slip transition and the effect of various parameters such as temperature, strain rate and stoichiometry on the deformation behavior. The preferred slip system in NiAl involves a slip. But on stressing along the cube axes, also known as the hard orientation, single crystals of NiAl deform at much higher stresses through the motion of a dislocations at lower temperatures. Non-a slip dominates at higher temperatures, with an associated increase in ductility and dramatic decrease in strength. There is also some confusion regarding the mode of deformation beyond the slipmore » transition temperature. The exact process of this slip transition needs to be addressed in its entirety to completely understand the mechanical response of NiAl.« less
14 MeV Neutron damage in molybdenum

Abstract The radiation damage in molybdenum produced by 14 MeV neutrons has been compared with that produced by fission reactor neutrons. The increased damage level from 14 MeV neutrons compared to fission neutrons as measured by lattice parameter and microstructural changes is much greater than predicted from displaced atom calculations. The damage level measured by electrical resistance changes nearly agrees with the displaced atom calculations. The results are interpreted in terms of an increase in the ratio of clustered defects to free defects after 14 MeV neutron irradiation compared to fission reactor irradiations.