cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Attrition resistance of spray-dried iron F–T catalysts: Effect of activation conditions

Abstract The focus of the research reported herein was to investigate the effects of phase changes, as occur during Fe catalyst activation and Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, on Fe catalyst attrition resistance. Different activation conditions (CO, H2 or syngas) were applied prior to attrition testing to a selected spray-dried Fe catalyst containing 9.1 wt.% binder SiO2, which had been shown to have the highest attrition resistance in our early study of calcined catalysts. Although, XRD indicated that different Fe phase compositions resulted in the differently activated catalyst samples, chemical attrition was not observed for any of the samples. The BET surface areas of the activated samples were smaller than that of the calcined precursor but no significant changes in pore volume and particle size were found. The attrition resistances of the differently activated catalyst samples were found to be similar to that of the calcined catalyst for this spray-dried Fe catalyst. Attrition resistance was found previously to be governed by catalyst particle density, which has been shown earlier to relate to the SiO2 network in catalysts. It is therefore suggested that the type and concentration of SiO2 that is incorporated during the preparation of spray-dried Fe catalysts have a much more significant impact on catalyst attrition than Fe phase change during activation in the presence of CO, H2 or H2+CO.
Comparison of skin permeation of dideoxynucleoside-type anti-HIV drugs : Alone versus combination

AbstractThe effects of vehicles and skin permeation enhancer on the skin permeation of dideoxynucleoside-type anti-HN drugs, Zalcitabine (DDC), Didanosine (DDI), and Zidovudine (AZT), alone and in combination, were compared using hairless rat and human cadaver skins. Each drug alone or a combination of three drugs was added to various compositions of ethanol/water or ethanol/tricaprylin cosolvent system to saturation, and in vitro skin permeation studies were conducted using Valia-Chien skin permeation cells. In both ethanol/water and ethanol/tricaprylin systems, the hairless rat skin permeation rates achieved by each drug alone and three drugs in combination were not significantly different. Addition of oleic acid [1.0% (v/v) for each drug alone and 5.0% (v/v) for drug combination] in ethanol/tricaprylin (50:50) could not significantly enhance the skin permeation of these drugs. In hairless rat skin permeation of each drug alone, the permeation rates of all three drugs were dramatically enhanced with the...
Biologic therapies for psoriasis: do we use them enough?

Psoriasis vulgaris is a common, chronic immune-mediated disease manifesting as thick scaling plaques on the skin. It is found in approximately 3% of the US population, and is equally prevalent in m...
The Virgin Mary and Revolution in Saint‐Domingue: The Charisma of Romaine‐la‐Prophétesse

Drawing on historical analyses of the role of religion in the Haitian Revolution and on neo-Weberian discussions of charisma, this article offers new insights into the background of Romaine-la-Prophetesse, a religious leader of slave insurrections in Saint-Domingue whose campaign lasted from the summer of 1791 to March of the following year. Worsley and Bourdieu’s interactionist model of charismatic authority is used to orient consideration of the Kongolese religious and ideological influences on Romaine’s movement and his radically subversive appropriation of the symbol of the Virgin Mary. The article suggests that Romaine-la-Prophetesse may have himself been native Kongolese, while clearly demonstrating that his message drew heavily on Kongolese thought, in which terms is his charismatic authority to be understood.
A (condensed) parametric study of optimistic computation in wide-area, distributed environments

This paper explores the use of optimistic computation to improve application performance in wide-area distributed environments. We do so by defining a parametric model of optimistic computation and then running sets of parameterized experiments to show where, and to what degree, optimistic computation can produce speed-ups. The model is instantiated as an optimistic workload generator implemented as a parallel MPI code. Sets of experiments are then run using this code on an EmuLab system where the network topology, bandwidth and latency can be experimentally controlled. Hence, the results we obtain are from a real parallel code running over a real network protocol through emulated network conditions. We show that under favorable conditions, many fold speed-ups are possible, and even under moderate conditions, speed-ups can still be realized. While generally optimism provides the best speed-ups when network latency dominates the processing cycle, we have seen cases (with a 90% probability of success) when latency is only 1/6 of the processing cycle yet produces break-even relative performance and 85% of "local" performance. The ultimate goal is to apply this understanding to real-world grid applications that can use optimism to tolerate higher latencies.
Signal analysis in fuzzy information space

Abstract A general approach to signal analysis using fuzzy set theory is presented. A physical process which generates the observed signals is decomposed into several hidden processes that coexist at the same time but to different degrees. A fuzzy information space is constructed from the activities of these hidden processes. It is suggested that the hidden processes characterize the regions of attraction in feature space that are modeled by temporal fuzzy sets. The signal analysis is performed in fuzzy information space, instead of raw signal space, because the motivation is to fit the analysis to the most significant facts about the dynamics instead of fitting the noise in raw data. Analysis of electroencephalographic signals during sleep is presented to illustrate the method.
Danish Team wins First BIOMOD International Undergraduate Nanobiology Design Competition.

The first annual International Bio-Molecular Design Competition (BIOMOD2011) was held on November 5, 2011, at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University (Cambridge, MA, USA). BioMod is a design competition for undergraduate students that was founded by Wyss Institute Technology Development Fellow Shawn Douglas. Teams of students engineer novel nanoscale structures or machines that self-assemble from biological macromolecules and have useful biological and therapeutic applications. Twenty-one undergraduate teams including more than 100 students from America, Europe, and Asia participated. The teams designed, built, and analyzed their systems during the summer and then prepared a short talk, a YouTube video, and a Wiki page documenting the project. (Published: 8 February 2012) Citation: Nano Reviews 2012, 3 : 17201 - DOI: 10.3402/nano.v3i0.17201
Squire - A communications-oriented operating system

Abstract This paper presents the architecture of a communications-oriented, real-time operating system named Squire. The Squire kernel provides memory management, preemptive multitasking, interprocess communication, and the ability to manage data outside the process address space, as well as services such as timers. User processes are protected from one another by means of restrictions on what objects they can access and on the type of access. Squire has been designed to provide efficient communication between cooperating processes, portability to new machine architectures, and support for multiple processor and distributed processor usage. Protection, reliability, and robustness have been major design goals. Squire supports a new kind of object called chunks, which exist outside the process address space, and can be used to store and manage data. Squire also supports a means for extending the kernel in a controlled manner; this mechanism is used both to implement such traditional functions as device drivers and to provide extended kernel services not present in the basic Squire kernel.
Evidence for the existence of unusual domain wall effects in rare earth laves phases

Abstract ErCo2−30 mole % ErAl2 (MgZn2 type structure) shows discontinuous increases of magnetization with field at 4.2 K. Since metamagnetism is excluded in the light of an earlier neutron diffraction experiment this behavior points at the presence of unusual (possibly very thin) domain walls. A similar situation pertains in related systems where considerably more pronounced discontinuities are observed but where so far no information from neutron diffraction is available. The unusual domain walls seem to be connected with partial magnetic disorder.
Retrograde amnesia produced by subseizure amygdala stimulation.

Rats received low-level bilateral electrical stimulation of the amygdala after training on a one-trial inhibitory (passive) avoidance task. The stimulation did not produce brain seizures. Animals which received the stimulation 5 sec or 1 hr, but not 6 hr, after training had retrograde amnesia as measured on a retention test 24 hr later. The amnesia was permanent over an 8 day period. Following extinction and retraining, amygdala stimulation produced retrograde amnesia only in animals which had complete amnesia (i.e., animals which performed at the naive level) for the first training experience.
An Experimental Personal Reading Machine for the Blind

An experimental character recognition system is described. The system is intended to aid in the design of an inexpensive, personal reading machine for the blind. Both aural and tactile output modes are provided. The aural mode consists of a spelled-speech unit; the tactile mode provides a Braille output.
The Photon Collider

The idea of converting an electron linear collider into a photon–photon collider through the addition of high power lasers was put forward in the early 1980s. Progress in the field of high average power, short pulse lasers has brought the state of the art within striking range of what would be required to realize a photon collider. In parallel, the necessary modifications to the detector and accelerator to enable a photon collider have been laid out. The basic concept of the photon collider, the requirements for the laser, and the detector and accelerator impact are reviewed in this article.
Microarray technology displays the complexities of the humoral immune response.

For years, scientists have appreciated the simple elegance with which antibodies combine an active defense against infection and a passive mechanism to store information about a pathogen. In fact, ...
Cere Colour as a Basis for Extra-pair Preferences of Paired Male Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus: Psittacidae: Aves)

Male budgerigars may be limited in the time they have available to pursue extra-pair copulations because of conflicts with other reproductive behaviour. If males could selectively court only immediately fertilizable extra-pair females they should do so. The cere colour of a female budgerigar may be used as a cue to her reproductive readiness. We experimentally tested the hypothesis that males prefer females with dark ceres, which are indicative of developed ovaries, over females with light-coloured ceres, characteristic of birds with undeveloped ovaries. In a pairwise choice experiment between females that had their cere colour artificially manipulated, pair-bonded males were more likely to choose the female with the dark-coloured cere.
Region-specific and stage-dependent regulation of Olig gene expression and oligodendrogenesis by Nkx6.1 homeodomain transcription factor

During early neural development, the Nkx6.1 homeodomain neural progenitor gene is specifically expressed in the ventral neural tube, and its activity is required for motoneuron generation in the spinal cord. We report that Nkx6.1 also controls oligodendrocyte development in the developing spinal cord, possibly by regulating Olig gene expression in the ventral neuroepithelium. In Nkx6.1 mutant spinal cords, expression of Olig2 in the motoneuron progenitor domain is diminished, and the generation and differentiation of oligodendrocytes are significantly delayed and reduced. The regulation of Olig gene expression by Nkx6.1 is stage dependent, as ectopic expression of Nkx6.1 in embryonic chicken spinal cord results in an induction of Olig2 expression at early stages, but an inhibition at later stages. Moreover, the regulation of Olig gene expression and oligodendrogenesis by Nkx6.1 also appears to be region specific. In the hindbrain, unlike in the spinal cord, Olig1 and Olig2 can be expressed both inside and outside the Nkx6.1-expressing domains and oligodendrogenesis in this region is not dependent on Nkx6.1 activity.
A novel plasmid for detection of N-acyl homoserine lactones.

Abstract Many bacteria utilize acyl-homoserine lactones as cell to cell signals that can regulate the expression of numerous genes. Structural differences in acyl-homoserine lactones produced by different bacteria, such as acyl side chain length and the presence or absence of an oxy group, make many of the commonly used detection bioassays impractical for broad range detection. Here we present a simple, broad range acyl-homoserine lactone detection bioassay that can be used to detect a wide range of these chemical signals. A plasmid (pEAL01) was constructed and transformed into Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain QSC105 to allow for detection of a broad range of acyl-homoserine lactones through induction of a lasB’–lacZ transcriptional fusion. Monitoring β-galactosidase activity from this bioassay showed that P. aeruginosa strain QSC105 (pEAL01) could detect the presence of eight acyl-homoserine lactones tested at physiological concentrations. This novel strain could also detect acyl-homoserine lactones from the extracts of four different bacteria that produce different acyl-homoserine lactones signals. These data indicate that strain QSC105 (pEAL01) can be used to detect a wide variety of acyl-homoserine lactones by a simple β-galactosidase assay and this bioassay could be a useful and inexpensive tool to quickly identify the presence of these signal molecules.
Isotopic exchange in mineral-fluid systems. I. Theoretical evaluation of oxygen isotopic exchange accompanying surface reactions and diffusion

Abstract Oxygen isotopic exchange between minerals and fluids proceeds through two mechanisms: 1. (1) surface reactions (dissolution, precipitation) and 2. (2) diffusion of oxygen-bearing species along lattice planes or crystal imperfections. The rate constants for the first type of mechanism are related as follows: r= −(1−F)(WS) (W+S)tA where W and S are the number of moles of oxygen in the fluid and solid, respectively, A is the surface area, t is time and F is the fraction of oxygen isotopic exchange. Examination of the published experimental data on oxygen isotopic exchange reactions between various phases (e.g., silicates, carbonates, sulfates) and aqueous fluids using the above equation yields rate constants of between 10−4 and 10−8 moles m−2 sec−1 in the temperature range of 800 to 250°C, and activation energies of between 8 and 22 Kcal mol−1. These activation energies are similar to those of chemical reactions involving fluids and mineral surfaces. Rates of oxygen isotopic exchange accompanying diffusion of oxygen-bearing compounds through mineral lattices are also calculated from published experimental data using equations that take into account fluid/mineral mass ratios of the systems. These rates are found to be several orders of magnitude less than those accompanying surface reactions when the temperature, fluid/mineral mass ratio and the grain radius of the mineral are similar. These data suggest that the oxygen isotopic exchange reactions between fluids and rocks in natural systems may proceed in two steps: the first through a surface-controlled mechanism when the fluids and minerals are out of chemical equilibrium, and then through a diffusional mechanism once the systems attain chemical equilibrium.
Differential effect of morphine on trigeminal nucleus versus reticular aversive stimulation: independence of negative effects from stimulation parameters.

Abstract Electrodes were implanted in mesencephalic, pontine, and bulbar reticularformation, and in spinal trigeminal nucleus and tract of rats. Central and peripheral aversive response thresholds were studied under normal conditions and with morphine. Peripherally elicited aversive reactions were assessed with tail-flick, hot-plate, and footshock responses. Centrally elicited aversive reaction thresholds were in all cases based on unconditioned behavioral distress signs (non-stereotyped, escape-like movements, vocalization, freezing, excretion, etc.) and confirmed in some cases with avoidance learning. Morphine (10 mg/kg) elevated the unconditioned aversive reaction threshold for brain stimulation in the trigeminal complex and for peripheral aversive stimulation, but failed to affect the thresholds for reticular brain stimulation. The failure to affect reticular thresholds was independent of stimulation frequency. Thresholds for 5 and 200 Hz sinusoidal stimulation were both unaffected as were previously reported thresholds with 333 Hz pulsatile stimulation. Trigeminal nucleus and tract stimulation were affected in similar degrees. The data were discussed as supporting descending inhibitory models of opiate analgesia.
Peptide mimetics of the thrombin-bound structure of fibrinopeptide A.

Abstract Recent work has suggested that the thrombin-bound conformation of fibrinopeptide A exhibits a strand-turn-strand motif, with a beta-turn centered at residues Glu-11 and Gly-12. Our molecular modeling analysis indicates that the published fibrinopeptide conformation cannot bind reasonably to thrombin but that reorientation of two residues by alignment with bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor provides a good fit within the deep thrombin cleft and satisfies all of the experimental nuclear Overhauser effect data. Based on this analysis, we have successfully designed and synthesized hybrid peptide mimetic substrates and inhibitors that mimic the proposed beta-turn structure. The results indicate that the turn conformation is an important aspect of thrombin specificity and that our turn mimetic design successfully mimics the thrombin-bound conformation of fibrinopeptide.
Frequency-dependent electrophysiologic effects of amiodarone in humans.

BACKGROUNDIn general, antiarrhythmic agents that prolong the action potential duration (APD) have attenuated effects on repolarization at short cycle lengths (reverse frequency dependence), and this may limit their efficacy for controlling ventricular arrhythmias. The frequency-dependent effects of amiodarone on repolarization may differ from those of other antiarrhythmic agents and have not been determined in humans.METHODS AND RESULTSThe frequency-dependent effects of amiodarone on repolarization and conduction were determined during electrophysiologic study in 19 patients at drug-free baseline and after 11 days of amiodarone loading (1621 +/- 162 mg/d, group A) and in 15 additional patients after > or = 1 year of chronic amiodarone therapy (380 +/- 56 mg/d, group B). The two groups were similar in all clinical characteristics. The ventricular APD at 90% repolarization (APD90), right ventricular effective refractory period (VERP), and QRS duration were determined at paced cycle lengths of 300 to 600 mil...
Smart teaching quantitative topics through the VARK learning styles model

Effective teaching concerns students' learning styles and its diversity. An adopted teaching strategy must be then aligned with students' learning traits. In this paper, to provide an effective in-classroom learning environment for most students, we propose to develop appropriate instructional presentation methods to match diversity of learning styles. We demonstrate how to align in-class instructions, such as quizzes and other in-class learning activities, with students' learning styles. Our discussion, which primarily focuses on quantitative topics, relies on research in education and applied psychology, and our teaching experience. Here, we utilize the Fleming's VARK learning style model. We then address some shortcomings of identifying students' learning styles through a generic questionnaire, and propose a scheme to dynamically infer them. This automatic student modeling approach can be easily adopted in distance education.
A novel extension of chord length sampling method for TRISO-type fueled reactor applications

Abstract A new chord length distribution model is proposed to characterize the stochastic distribution of TRISO fuel particles in nuclear reactor systems and is used in the chord length sampling (CLS) method to analyze the neutronic behavior of TRISO fuel systems. In this model, the coating layers of fuel particles are homogenized with the background matrix region. The probability density function (PDF) of the chord length between fuel kernels, instead of fuel particles, is developed and is used in the CLS method. We first apply the new CLS model to solving one-group eigenvalue problems in a simplified 3-D stochastic medium system. Good accuracy is obtained in predicting the multiplication factor and fission density distribution. The relative differences are within 1.0% for both the multiplication factor and the total fission density in all the studied scenarios. We then apply the new CLS model to analyzing three realistic reactor designs: two Very High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor unit cells and one fuel pin unit cell of an innovative light water reactor design with accident tolerant fuel. Infinite multiplication factor and intra-Dancoff factor are evaluated for the three unit cells respectively. Compared with the reference results, predictions from CLS simulations show a relative difference of less than 0.26% for infinite multiplication factors and less than 1.0% for intra-Dancoff factors in all the studied cases. Meanwhile, a significant improvement in the computational efficiency has been observed for the CLS new model compared with the old model, with a speedup of at least 1.70. The CLS method with the new chord length distribution model is verified to be an efficient Monte Carlo method, superior over the old model and without sacrificing the accuracy.
Environmental-economic models for energy resource development

Abstract Within the broad goals of modeling, the purpose, scope, spatial dimensionality and resolution, temporal dimensionality and resolution, and methodology are used to characterize energy models. Examples are provided for a number of intersecting model categories, including energy models developed by American geographers. The Pennsylvania Coal Model (PCM) illustrates some of the potentials and difficulties of energy modeling with a high degree of spatial and sectoral resolution. Development, applications, and limitations of the PCM are noted. Particular challenges to energy modeling are outlined.
Baseball Wives Gender and the Work of Baseball

This article focuses on how the structure and constraints of the occupation of professional baseball shapes the lives of the players' wives. The major constraints on the role of baseball wives incl...
Eigenvectors and Eigenvalues of 1-D and n-D DFT Matrices

Summary A simple and straightforward derivation of the eigenvectors of the DFT matrix is given. The multiplicity of each of the four eigenvalues of a two-dimensional DFT matrix is then supplied in closed form that is generalizable to higher dimensions.
Pollen transfer dynamics and the evolution of gametophytic self‐incompatibility

Recent studies of mating system evolution have attempted to include aspects of pollination biology in analysis of both theoretical models and experimental systems. In light of this growing trend, we propose a simple population genetic model for the evolution of gametophytic self-incompatibility, incorporating parameters for pollen discounting and pollen export/capture. In this model, we consider several cases that span the spectrum for dominance of the mutant self-incompatibility allele and for the degree of incompatibility conferred by the allele. We confirm earlier results that inbreeding depression is required for successful invasion of the self-incompatibility allele and we demonstrate that, unless pollen discounting is very low, the level of inbreeding depression must be very high for an allele conferring self-incompatibility to become established. Finally, we show that the dominance of the mutant allele has a greater impact on the fate of a newly arisen self-incompatibility allele than the strength of the incompatibility conferred by the allele. In particular, the more recessive the self-incompatibility expression in heterozygote stigmas and the weaker the response induced, the easier it is for a self-incompatibility allele to invade.
Long-term effects of the strong African American families program on youths' alcohol use.

Objective—This report extends earlier accounts by addressing the effects of the Strong African American Families (SAAF) program across 65 months. Two hypotheses were tested: (a) Rural African American youths randomly assigned to participate in SAAF would demonstrate lower rates of alcohol use more than 5 years later than would control youths, and (b) SAAF’s effects on deterring the onset of alcohol use in early adolescence would carry forward to mediate the program’s longterm effects. Method—African American youths in rural Georgia (M age, pretest = 10.8 years) were assigned randomly to the SAAF group (n = 369) or a control group (n = 298). Past-month alcohol use was assessed at pretest and at 9, 18, 29, 53, and 65 months after pretest. Results—SAAF participants increased their alcohol use at a slower rate than did adolescents in the control condition across the follow-up assessments. At the 65-month assessment, SAAF participants reported having drunk alcohol half as often as did youths in the control group. Consistent with the second hypothesis, SAAF’s effects on deterring initiation carried forward to account for its effects on alcohol use across time.
Gravity-Model Estimates and Exact Maximum-Entropy Solutions: Their Differences:

The trip-distribution problem is discrete in formulation and combinatorial in nature. This truism has been ignored, as well as obscured, by the total attention focused on the use of the asymptotic methods of the gravity model for the maximum-entropy estimation of interzonal trips. These estimates appear to be reasonably reliable in indicating the regions - not the exact states - of highest probability. The Darwin-Fowler derivation of the gravity model demonstrates that the asymptotic solution is exactly equal to the average of all feasible microstates. Calibration of the model can be based on this proposition. An approach to testing the principle that all microstates are equally probable is outlined. /Author/
The Effect of Medical Malpractice Liability on Rate of Referrals Received by Specialist Physicians

Using nationally representative data from the United States, this paper analyzed the effect of a state’s medical malpractice environment on referral visits received by specialist physicians. The analytic sample included 12,839 ambulatory visits to specialist care doctors in office-based settings in the United States during 2003–2007. Whether the patient was referred for the visit was examined for its association with the state’s malpractice environment, assessed by the frequency and severity of paid medical malpractice claims, medical malpractice insurance premiums and an indicator for whether the state had a cap on non-economic damages. After accounting for potential confounders such as economic or professional incentives within practices, the analysis showed that statutory caps on non-economic damages of $250,000 were significantly associated with lower likelihood of a specialist receiving referrals, suggesting a potential impact of a state’s medical malpractice environment on physicians’ referral behavior.
Cation binding to chicken gizzard α-actinin

Abstract Gizzard α-actinin binds 45Ca2+ as shown by the calcium overlay method. Flow dialysis measurements in 20 mM Hepes (pH 7.5) reveal 3.5 ±1.8 (S.D.) high affinity calcium binding sites per dimer, with K d1 = 6.36 ±0.34· 10 -6 M, and 87.3 ±7.2 sites with K d2 = 1.66±0.44 · 10 -4 M . Chymotrypsin and thermolysin digestion yielded peptides of gizzard α-actinin which, if they included the putative EF-hands, bound 45Ca2+ in 10 mM imidazole-HCl (pH 7.4) or 60 mM KCI, 10 mM imidazole-HC1 (pH 7.4). In addition, peptides which include a region of the molecule more than 27 kDa from the N-terminal also bind calcium. In contrast, when KCI in the binding buffer was increased to 120 mM, calcium binding was eliminated. Flow dialysis data revealed no high-affinity binding and 82.5 ± 3.3 calcium binding sites with calculated affinities in the millimolar range. These are divalent cation binding sites, not Ca2+-specific sites, because they are eliminated by the addition of up to 5 mM Mg2+. Structural changes produced upon cation binding to α-actinin measured by circular dichroism, proteolysis and bisANS fluorescence are substantial when binding K+ with only small changes upon binding of Ca2+ or Mg2+ in the presence of 120 mM KCI. These results suggest that monovalent and divalent cations have different effects on different parts of the molecule with a complete elimination of 45Ca2+ binding to the EF-hands being produced by 120 mM KC1.
Novel functions for TAF7, a regulator of TAF1-independent transcription.

The transcription factor TFIID components TAF7 and TAF1 regulate eukaryotic transcription initiation. TAF7 regulates transcription initiation of TAF1-dependent genes by binding to the acetyltransferase (AT) domain of TAF1 and inhibiting the enzymatic activity that is essential for transcription. TAF7 is released from the TAF1-TFIID complex upon completion of preinitiation complex assembly, allowing transcription to initiate. However, not all transcription is TAF1-dependent, and the role of TAF7 in regulating TAF1-independent transcription has not been defined. The IFNγ-induced transcriptional co-activator CIITA activates MHC class I and II genes, which are vital for immune responses, in a TAF1-independent manner. Activation by CIITA depends on its intrinsic AT activity. We now show that TAF7 binds to CIITA and inhibits its AT activity, thereby repressing activated transcription. Consistent with this TAF7 function, siRNA-mediated depletion of TAF7 resulted in increased CIITA-dependent transcription. A more global role for TAF7 as a regulator of transcription was revealed by expression profiling analysis: expression of 30–40% of genes affected by TAF7 depletion was independent of either TAF1 or CIITA. Surprisingly, although TAF1-dependent transcripts were largely down-regulated by TAF7 depletion, TAF1-independent transcripts were predominantly up-regulated. We conclude that TAF7, until now considered only a TFIID component and regulator of TAF1-dependent transcription, also regulates TAF1-independent transcription.
Contribution of ion beam analysis methods to the development of second generation high temperature superconducting wires

Abstract One of the crucial steps in the second generation high temperature superconducting wire program was development of the buffer-layer architecture. The architecture designed at the Superconductivity Technology Center at Los Alamos National Laboratory consists of several oxide layers wherein each layer plays a specific role, namely: nucleation layer, diffusion barrier, biaxially textured template, and intermediate layer providing a suitable lattice match to the superconducting Y1Ba2Cu3O7 (YBCO) compound. This report demonstrates how a wide range of ion beam analysis techniques (SIMS, RBS, channeling, PIXE, PIGE, NRA and ERD) was employed for analysis of each buffer layer and the YBCO film. These results assisted in understanding of a variety of physical processes occurring during the buffer layer fabrication and helped to optimize the buffer-layer architecture as a whole.
Influence of stent design on clinical outcome

Placement of a stent in a vessel involves damage to the endothelial cells (ECs) at the site of deployment as a result of the stent's radial and shearing forces, and by the obliteration of the vessel surface by the device itself. Part of the healing of the stent by the vessel wall involves restoration of the endothelial cover by migration and proliferation of ECs from adjacent patches of endothelium that survive the placement of the device. When the migrating ECs arrive at the device boundaries, physicochemical and topographical characteristics of the prosthetic surface influence interactions between the device and the ECs. The physicochemical characteristics of the material largely influence protein binding and molecular mechanisms involved in cell migration and attachment. The topographical characteristics influence ECs by altering local rheology, and by presenting a physical obstacle to the path of migrating cells. This paper focuses on the latter effect.
Condensing and expanding effects of the odorants (+)-and (-)-carvone on phospholipid monolayers

Interactions of the odorants (+) and (−)-carvone (5-isopropenyl-2-methyl-2-cyclohexenone) with l-α-1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphocholine (l-DPPC) monolayers are studied using surface pressure versus area isotherms measured in the temperature range 10−35 °C in the presence and absence of 5 mM odorants in the subphase. The data indicate that the molecular area occupied by the l-DPPC monolayer becomes larger when the monolayer is spread on the subphase containing (−)-carvone and that, in contrast, it becomes smaller when the monolayer is exposed to (+)-carvone. Both expanding and condensing effects are dependent on temperature. l-DPPC monolayers with (−)-carvone absorb twice as much heat as those with (+)-carvone when compressed at 30 °C. Under the same conditions, monolayers with (−)-carvone undergo a larger entropy change than monolayers with (+)-carvone. Variations in molecular areas and thermodynamic properties may contribute to membrane recognition of optical isomers.
Studies on the biochemical characterization of human ceruloplasmin.

Die primare Struktur von Ceruloplasmin im homozygotischen Morbus Wilson unterscheidet sich vom Normalen durch eine grossere Zahl von basischen Aminosauren. Das abnorme Ceruloplasmin hemmt die Mitochondrienrespiration; freie Kupferionen haben dieselbe Wirkung, was moglicherweise durch Auflosung des Kupfer-Eiweiss-Komplexes erklart werden kann.
Bronchiectasis: which antibiotics to use and when?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW In 2010, the British Thoracic Society published a guideline for the care of patients with noncystic fibrosis (non-CF) bronchiectasis; other recent clinical review articles and original scientific manuscripts have also studied the use of antibiotics in bronchiectasis. This review will summarize the current literature on the indications and options for antibiotic treatment in bronchiectasis. RECENT FINDINGS Since 2012, a number of manuscripts have been published that provide evidence to support the use of antibiotics in non-CF bronchiectasis, including macrolide antibiotics, inhaled aminoglycosides and inhaled fluoroquinolone therapies. However, data remain preliminary and there are phase 3 trials underway to further investigate the efficacy and safety of antibiotics in non-CF bronchiectasis. SUMMARY Although there are currently no U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved antibiotics for the treatment of patients with bronchiectasis, this review will highlight the current state of the science with regard to antibiotics that may be effective in non-CF bronchiectasis as well as highlighting those in development to treat this complex disease.
An Enjoyable Life Puzzling Over Modern Finance Theory

This is a terse account of group creation of modern finance theory; and a sampling of my prosaic autobiographical investing and consulting for nonprofit academies. Eschewing 1900 Bachelier and 1905 Einstein white noise randomness, my martingale version of market micro efficiency invoked no violation of economic law. My attempts to establish pricing theory for options fell a bit short of the Black-Scholes-Merton Holy Grail. For life cycle investing, mathematicians’ maximum growth Kelly criterion was debunked, as were vulgar notions that necessarily riskiness is averaged downward for long-term investors. Popular Markowitz-Tobin quadratic programming was shown to hold generically only for smallest price variations or for unrealistic risk-aversion functions. Because economic history at best obeys only quasi-stationary probabilities, no sure-thing formulas will ever be definable. Excess returns—excess “alphas”—can result only from early new “insider” knowledge, however acquired—legally or illegally. Boo hoo.
Object Attention Revisited Identifying Mechanisms and Boundary Conditions

Multiple attributes of a visual array are often more efficiently processed when they are attributes of a single object than when they are attributes of different objects—a pattern reflecting the limitations of object attention. This study used psychophysical methods to evaluate the object attention limitations in the report of attributes (orientation and phase) computed early in visual analysis for spatially separated objects. These limitations had large effects on dual-object report thresholds when different judgments were required for the two objects (orientation for one object and phase for the other), but the effects were small or nonexistent when the same judgment was made about both objects. Judgment consistency reduced or eliminated the expression of object attention deficits. Thus, the deficits in dual-object report reflect both division of attention over objects and the calculation of independent reference or judgment operations. Dual-object deficits, when they occurred, were substantial in displ...
Comparing the Incidence and Clinical Data for Simultaneous Bilateral Versus Unilateral Total Hip Arthroplasty in New York State Between 1990 and 2010

A New York State database reported information on all total hip arthroplasty cases between 1990 and 2010 comparing unilateral (242,588 cases) to simultaneous bilateral (4538 cases) procedures. Our data showed that the population incidence of this surgery increased 120.2% over twenty years, yet the proportionate number of simultaneous cases has decreased. Simultaneous procedures were found to occur more commonly in younger patients with private insurance. In addition, bilateral procedures showed an increase in PE, DVT, length of stay, and discharge to rehab facilities; whereas mortality and blood transfusions compared to unilateral procedures showed no difference.
Large Scale Clustering in the Universe

In 1924 Hubble presented the first generally convincing evidence, from the identification of variable stars, that some of the brightest “spiral nebulae” are galaxies of stars well outside the bounds of our own Galaxy. This led him to reconsider the idea that the faint “spiral nebulae,” which were known to be much more abundant than bright ones, might be similar objects at greater distances. If the galaxies were uniformly distributed through space the number brighter than apparent magnitude m would vary as $$ LogN\left( { < m} \right) = 0.6m + A $$ Hubble (1926) tested this relation with the data shown in figure 1. The point at the extreme right hand side is based on Fath’s (1914) counts of nebulae with diameters greater than ~ 4”. The straight line shows the slope expected under the homogeneity assumption. The agreement is very encouraging, though, as we now recognize, it must be in part fortuitous because the counts at m ≲ 12 are influenced by the concentration of galaxies in and around the Virgo cluster, that is, the Local Supercluster, and also in the Local Group.
A Microprocessor-controlled Message Display System

Microprocessors replace electromechanical components to make this message display system both more efficient and less costly.
Dermatophilosis in owl monkeys

Dermatophilosis was diagnosed in recently imported owl monkeys (Aotustrivirgatus). Characteristic papillomatous, exudative lesions were present on the skin of all the legs, the tail, back, ears and head of 1 animal. Similar, isolated lesions were noted on another animal. Dermatophilus congolensis was easily detected on Giemsa-stained smears from skin crusts of both animals. The organism was also isolated on brain-heart infusion agar. A characteristic histologic reaction, with typical organisms, was noted in a skin biopsy. The skin lesions regressed approximately 1 month after initial symptoms. The disease was experimentally transmitted to 3 other species of monkeys: rhesus (Macaca mulatta), cynomolgus (Macaca fascicularis) and squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus). These experimental infections also regressed spontaneously.
Ezogabine (KCNQ2/3 channel opener) prevents delayed activation of meningeal nociceptors if given before but not after the occurrence of cortical spreading depression

We proposed recently that induction of delayed activation of trigeminovascular neurons by cortical spreading depression (CSD) can explain the delayed onset of headache after the migraine aura ("aura"). This prompted us to search for ways to block the neuronal activation by CSD - a preclinical correlate of an attempt to find a drug that can block the initiation of headache when administered shortly after onset of aura (i.e., preemptively). Because migraine headache and epileptic seizures are comorbid chronic neurological disorders characterized by hyperexcitable brain networks, we began the search for such goal with an M-type potassium channel opener. We opted to use ezogabine, recently approved by the FDA as adjunctive treatment of partial onset seizures in adults, because it is a selective KCNQ2/3 channel opener. When CSD was induced before ezogabine injection (8.25 mg/kg, i.p.), 40% (6/15) of the units doubled their firing rate about 45 min later for about 95 min. Similarly, when CSD was induced before vehicle was injected (4% DMSO, 0.5% methylcellulose), 50% (3/6) of the units doubled their firing rate about 30 min later for about 120 min. When CSD was triggered 1h after ezogabine injection, it activated only 8% of the units. By itself, ezogabine injection resulted in a 30% attenuation of ongoing firing in all 10 control units. Thus, activation of KCNQ2/3 channels during the aura is unlikely to preempt the onset of headache but may reduce the incidence of migraine if given during prodromes that precede the headache by hours. Given the mechanistic similarities between migraine aura and epileptic seizures, it may be worthwhile to determine whether preemptive administration of ezogabine can prevent oncoming seizures in patients whose warning signs precede their seizures by more than an hour.
Modeling and experimental study of thin bond line thermal interface material failure

Thermal delivery has become an even tougher a challenge with the increasing levels of integration, which drives the demand for low bond line thicknesses of the thermal interface materials (TIM) in electronic packages. The low elongation property of thin bond line thermal interface in turn leads to significant complications for reliable electronic packaging. Package encapsulation needs to be carefully designed to handle the thermal expansion mismatch driven stress engendered during the bond and assembly (BA) process and in field operation. In this paper, special attention is paid to the material characterization of the thin bond line thermal interface. As the thickness of TIM is comparable to its filler particle size, the mechanical behavior of the TIM cannot be described by the material properties determined with traditional testing techniques using bulk specimens. To fill this gap, testing coupons are built with the dimensions of field application. A testing technique developed for characterizing the TIM will be discussed. The material properties obtained will be implemented into the commercial finite element codes ABAQUS through its cohesive zone model. Thermo-mechanical modeling to predict the propagation of TIM delamination and model verification will be presented. The impact of TIM tearing on other risks associated with electronics encapsulation will be discussed.
Characterization of bacterial community structure in vestimentiferan tubeworm Ridgeia piscesae trophosomes

Terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphisms (T-RFLPs) were used to address the question whether there are multiple phylotypes of bacteria within the trophosome of the vestimentiferan tubeworm Ridgeia piscesae in addition to the known endosymbiont. Clone libraries were constructed to aid in the identification of the additional bacterial phylotypes. Individual R. piscesae specimens were collected from Juan de Fuca Ridge, Axial Caldera and Explorer Ridge, Magic Mountain. Clone library analyses revealed only one bacterial phylotype (expected R. piscesae endosymbiont) within the Explorer Ridge trophosomes. However, the Axial Caldera clone library revealed five operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Three of the resulting phylotypes detected (designated RAE) were putative thioautotrophic symbionts within the c-Proteobacteria which belonged to the anticipated endosymbiont group (RAE OTU 1), the Maorithyas hadalis symbiont II group (RAE OTU 3), and the Halothiobacillus group (RAE OTU 4). The remaining two phylotypes were most likely opportunistically derived. RAE OTU 5 was an a-Proteobacterium within the Roseobacter group and RAE OTU 2 was within the Cytophaga–Flavobacterium– Bacteroidetes. T-RFLP analyses revealed that all 15 trophosomes evaluated contained at least RAE OTUs 1 and 4. Five of the 15 trophosomes contained at least RAE OTUs 1, 3, and 4 and two of the trophosomes contained at least five RAE OTUs. Cluster analysis of the T-RFLP data revealed three distinct clusters. The number of taxa within the trophosome may be an indication of the general health of the tubeworm. This study strongly suggests that we have discovered and identified more than one bacterial phylotype within the trophosome of vestimentiferan R. piscesae.
Updating routing tables after resource failure in a distributed computer network

This paper is an analysis of overhead required by the MERIT routing table update algorithm after failure of a single network resource. The number of update messages sent by each node during the update process is used as the measure of update overhead. Both synchronous behavior and asynchronous behavior of the MERIT algorithm are considered. The number of messages required for synchronous update is shown to be an upper bound for the number of messages required if update occurs asynchronously. The effect of network topology on update overhead is discussed. Finally, some implementation suggestions aimed at minimizing looping of messages during routing table update are presented.
Responses to lost letters about a 2000 General Election amendment to abolish prohibition of interracial marriages in Alabama.

A field study using 621 “lost” letters was conducted in the city of Mobile and in small towns in mostly rural Baldwin County, Alabama. Milgram's lost letter technique was validated against the actu...
Shunt Surgery for Hydrocephalus Complicating Cryptococcal Meningitis in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Negative Patients

From 1988 through 2001, 27 patients with cryptococcal meningitis who had hydrocephalus were identified and were treated by placement of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts. To assess the predictive value of the response to VP shunts in terms of outcome in these patients, univariate analysis for variables was performed. Poor outcome was associated with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of ⩽8 (P 48 h (P = .02). Use of VP shunts did not result in a good response or outcome in comatose patients. Thus, any delay in the diagnosis or treatment of patients with hydrocephalus could cause a deterioration of consciousness and is associated with poor outcome.