cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
HVIDB: a comprehensive database for human-virus protein-protein interactions.

While leading to millions of people's deaths every year the treatment of viral infectious diseases remains a huge public health challenge.Therefore, an in-depth understanding of human-virus protein-protein interactions (PPIs) as the molecular interface between a virus and its host cell is of paramount importance to obtain new insights into the pathogenesis of viral infections and development of antiviral therapeutic treatments. However, current human-virus PPI database resources are incomplete, lack annotation and usually do not provide the opportunity to computationally predict human-virus PPIs. Here, we present the Human-Virus Interaction DataBase (HVIDB, http://zzdlab.com/hvidb/) that provides comprehensively annotated human-virus PPI data as well as seamlessly integrates online PPI prediction tools. Currently, HVIDB highlights 48 643 experimentally verified human-virus PPIs covering 35 virus families, 6633 virally targeted host complexes, 3572 host dependency/restriction factors as well as 911 experimentally verified/predicted 3D complex structures of human-virus PPIs. Furthermore, our database resource provides tissue-specific expression profiles of 6790 human genes that are targeted by viruses and 129 Gene Expression Omnibus series of differentially expressed genes post-viral infections. Based on these multifaceted and annotated data, our database allows the users to easily obtain reliable information about PPIs of various human viruses and conduct an in-depth analysis of their inherent biological significance. In particular, HVIDB also integrates well-performing machine learning models to predict interactions between the human host and viral proteins that are based on (i) sequence embedding techniques, (ii) interolog mapping and (iii) domain-domain interaction inference. We anticipate that HVIDB will serve as a one-stop knowledge base to further guide hypothesis-driven experimental efforts to investigate human-virus relationships.
Who Collects the Data? A Tale of Three Maps

Who makes maps and who gets mapped? Using a comparative reading of three maps, this case study introduces the idea that data may be useful, but they are not neutral. Rather, they represent the interests and goals of the groups and institutions that are doing the data collection. These interests and goals may be liberatory, discriminatory, or something in between. In all cases, we argue that an analysis of social inequality is essential to understanding the ethical impacts of data collection and use. To aid such analysis, we introduce a model of power out of sociology called the matrix of domination. This model helps us understand why collecting data is political, why not collecting data is also political, and what actions we can take to address unequal social relations using data science.
Organic petrographic evaluation of carbonaceous material in sediments of the Kinnickinnic River, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A.

Abstract This study examines the use of organic petrology techniques to quantify the amount of coal and carbonaceous combustion by-products (i.e., coke, coal tar/pitch, cenospheres) in sediments taken from the Kinnickinnic River adjacent to the former site of the Milwaukee Solvay Coke and Gas Company. These materials are of concern as contaminants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are known to readily adsorb to coal and combustion byproducts. Kinnickinnic River sediment samples (n = 36) ranging in depth (1–11 ft.) were collected from eight core locations to quantify and characterize carbonaceous material in the sediments. To determine the amount (vol%) of organic particulates, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) modified the existing ASTM D2799 using the following categories: coal, coke, coal tar/pitch, inertinite organics, plant material, cenospheres, and mineral matter. Coal fragments were subdivided by rank using vitrinite reflectance (Ro, %) and organic components were further subdivided into the size fractions of coarse (250–1000 μm), fine (63–250 μm), and very fine (
Bond characteristics between conventional concrete and six high-performance patching materials

Abstract Repair of damaged concrete structures with patching materials is required for a wide variety of bridge and building applications. Despite the capabilities of conventional patching materials in replacing the spalled concrete, they are often unable to restore the original structural capacity. This has motivated research investigations to develop high-performance patching materials that can help damaged concrete structures regain their strength and durability characteristics. Such characteristics, however, are not properly achieved without a satisfactory bond between the concrete substrate and the patching material applied. To investigate this critical aspect, six high-performance patching materials, i.e., proprietary and nonproprietary ultra-high performance concrete, polypropylene and alkali-resistant glass fiber-reinforced concrete, high-early strength concrete, and shrinkage-compensating cement concrete, were systematically investigated and compared in the current study. The conducted experiments included a holistic set of splitting tensile and slant shear tests performed on the samples prepared with various surface roughnesses. The experimental test results provided firsthand information about the bond characteristics between normal-strength concrete and six high-performance patching materials. With the determination of corresponding adhesion and friction coefficient factors, the outcome of this study facilitates the selection and use of high-performance patching materials, depending on the availability of materials and repair needs.
Modeling of miniature microwave plasma sources

Summary form only given. Interest in the development of systems on a chip, MEMS and their related microsystem applications, has suggested the possibility of numerous applications for miniature plasma sources. Accordingly, this investigation is devoted to developing models that improve the understanding of small microwave plasma sources. Methods of creating and controlling miniature microwave discharges that operate with low input power levels are being investigated. One aspect of this investigation is a numerical modeling effort on small microwave plasma sources that create plasmas with sizes in the range of submillimeter to a few millimeters. Microwave plasma systems based on microstripline structures and monopole antenna structures are being experimental constructed and measured, as well as, being modeled. The modeling work is the objective of this paper. Both bounded and unbounded microwave discharge systems are studied. The modeling effort uses either one- and two-dimensional self-consistent solutions of Maxwell equations and the plasma discharge equations to solve for the discharge behavior. This model was initially developed for larger discharge systems and is applied to the miniature microwave discharges in this study. The plasma discharge equations solved include the particle and energy balance equations, as well as, the electron Boltzmann equation. Miniature microwave discharge experimental data and modeling results are generated across a range of input parameters, including pressure variation from below 0.1 Torr to 50 Torr, input power at 2.45 GHz from one watt to 100 watts, and a variety of gases including argon and hydrogen. Microwave plasmas of various sizes (volumes) and aspect ratios are studied. The experimental and modeling results are used to identify the operating regime necessary to excite and maintain stable, miniature microwave plasmas.
Effects of dispersed generation (DG) on distribution systems

The most common design of distribution systems is the 'radial' (single source with no loops) configuration. This paper discusses some of the impacts caused by the interconnection of dispersed generation (DG) to a radial distribution system. Special considerations are placed on harmonics, loading concerns, voltage flicker, and voltage regulation.
Enhancement of the activity of horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase by modification of amino groups at the active sites.

Abstract Reaction of horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase with imidoesters or cyanate at pH 8 significantly increases the activity of the enzyme, as assayed in high concentrations of NAD+ and ethanol at pH 9.0. Methyl picolinimidate activates the enzyme 19-fold and modifies about 50 of its 60 amino groups, as determined by spectral and amino acid analyses. When the active sites are protected with NAD+ and pyrazole (or NADH and isobutyramide) methyl picolinimidate activates only 2-fold, although most of the amino groups still react; after removal of the reagents by gel filtration, the partially substituted enzyme could be activated 11-fold more by methyl picolinimidate or 2-fold more by 14C-cyanate with the modification of about three amino groups per active site. A similar experiment with ethyl acetimidate in the first step and methyl picolinimidate in the second step gave similar results. Product inhibition studies show that the reactions catalyzed by both the native and picolinimidylated enzymes at pH 9.0 conform to the same mechanism, ordered bi bi. The modified enzyme has 12- to 53-fold larger Michaelis and inhibition constants for NADH and NAD+ and 12- and 30-fold larger turnover numbers. The rate-limiting step in either the forward or the reverse reaction with the native enzyme is the breakdown of the enzyme-coenzyme complex; the picolinimidylated dehydrogenase probably gives higher maximum velocities because the complexes dissociate faster. Picolinimidylation of the enzyme does not greatly affect the binding of AMP, ADP, or adenosine 5'-diphosphoribose, but markedly decreases the binding of NAD+, NADH, and 3-acetylpyridine adenine dinucleotide. The reactivities of the essential —SH groups and the zinc ions at the active sites of the enzyme are not affected by picolinimidylation. These results indicate that the amino groups that can be modified are not required for the catalytic activity of the enzyme and that there is probably at least one amino group near the binding site for the nicotinamide ring of the coenzyme.
Non-negative hidden Markov modeling of audio with application to source separation

In recent years, there has been a great deal of work in modeling audio using non-negative matrix factorization and its probabilistic counterparts as they yield rich models that are very useful for source separation and automatic music transcription. Given a sound source, these algorithms learn a dictionary of spectral vectors to best explain it. This dictionary is however learned in a manner that disregards a very important aspect of sound, its temporal structure. We propose a novel algorithm, the non-negative hidden Markov model (N-HMM), that extends the aforementioned models by jointly learning several small spectral dictionaries as well as a Markov chain that describes the structure of changes between these dictionaries. We also extend this algorithm to the non-negative factorial hidden Markov model (N-FHMM) to model sound mixtures, and demonstrate that it yields superior performance in single channel source separation tasks.
NASA’s SPICE System Models the Solar System

The Navigation Ancillary Information Facility (NAIF) at Caltech’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, acting under the directions of NASA’s Office of Space Science, has built a data system-named SPICE-to assist scientists in planning and interpreting scientific observations. SPICE provides geometric and some other ancillary information needed to recover the full value of science instrument data, including correlation of individual instrument data sets with data from other instruments on the same or other spacecraft.
Model reference fuzzy control

Consideration is given to a fuzzy logic controller for linear systems. A fuzzy rule base is used to stabilize a closed-loop system consisting of a linguistic controller and a process. By utilizing a reference model, impulse-like control inputs can be avoided. A generic guideline for building a control rule base is developed, and membership functions for linguistic variables are chosen to be S, Pi , and Z functions. The rules guarantee asymptotic stability. Simulation results show the robustness and convergence of the proposed symbolic controller. >
Use of a biotinylated DNA probe to detect bacteria transduced by bacteriophage P1 in soil.

Abstract Presumptive bacteriophage P1 transductants of Escherichia coli, isolated from soil inoculated with lysates of transducing phage P1 and E. coli, were confirmed to be lysogenic for phage P1 by hybridization with a biotinylated DNA probe prepared from the 1.2-kilobase-pair HindIII 3 fragment of bacteriophage P1. No P1 lysogens of indigenous soil bacteria were detected with the DNA probe. The sensitivity and specificity of the DNA probe were assessed with purified and dot blot DNA, respectively. In addition, two techniques for the lysis and deproteinization of bacteria and bacteriophages on nitrocellulose filters were compared. These studies indicated that biotinylated DNA probes may be an effective alternative to conventional radiolabeled DNA probes for detecting specific gene sequences in bacteria indigenous to or introduced into soil.
Ixobioides truncatus (Johnston) comb. nov (Acari: Mesostigmata: Ixodorhynchidae): a synonymy and redescription

Abstract The family Ixodorhynchidae consists of snake ectoparasites found worldwide. This study synonymizes Ixodorhynchoides Johnston with Ixobioides Fonseca and fully describes and figures Ixobioides truncatus comb. nov. A key to world genera of ixodorhynchids and all species of Ixobioides is also provided.
Techniques for robust energy efficient subthreshold domino CMOS circuits

Body biasing, inverter topology, and charge restoring techniques for subthreshold domino circuits are evaluated for speed, energy, and noise immunity. Forward body-biasing minimizes energy, whereas dynamic body-biasing, effective in minimizing leakage, exacerbates clock feedthrough. At low frequencies, the traditional "keeper" scheme is energy efficient and solves problems related to leakage and charge-sharing. Pre-charging internal nodes minimizes charge-sharing but increases delay and power, particularly for large fan-in gates. For these gates at moderate frequencies, the two methods together strike a judicious balance among power, delay, and robustness.
Evolution of fabric tensors in damage mechanics of solids with micro-cracks: Part II ¿ Evolution of length and orientation of micro-cracks with an application to uniaxial tension

Abstract In Part II of this work, the equations of thermodynamics are employed in order to derive the exact evolution equations of the fabric tensors defined in Part I (companion paper). In this regard, a thermodynamic force that is associated with the fabric tensor is defined and utilized in the derivation of the evolution equations. A special case of uniaxial tension is solved in order to illustrate the theory. We also derive specific uncoupled equations for the evolution of the length and orientation of micro-cracks. In this regard, some interesting results are obtained. It is concluded that the micro-crack length and orientation cannot evolve simultaneously for the same set of micro-cracks. However, two different sets of micro-cracks may be considered in the same RVE where in one set the micro-crack length evolves, while in the second set the micro-crack orientation evolves.
Bioassay of adrenal steroids in blood and urine based on eosinophil response: a statistical analysis.

SEVERAL methods, both chemical and biological, for the assay of adrenal steroids in body fluid have been described (Dorfman, 1949; Venning, 1950; Porter and Silber, 1950). There is, however, no satisfactory agreement in the quantitative measurement of the steroids by the different methods; this difference is especially striking between the chemical and biological methods. New and better methods for measuring the physiological activity of the steroid hormones in blood and urine are consequently exceedingly important. The present paper is devoted to discussing an assay method based upon the eosinophil response of adrenalectomized mice, indicating the conditions necessary for satisfactory performance, studying the factors influencing the error of the method, and comparing results with those obtained with other methods. Male mice (C-57 Brown/cdJN strain), weighing 20–22 gms., were adrenalectomized and a pellet of DCA (15 mgms.) was implanted subcutaneously. For the first two days after operation the animals w...
A Systematic Review of Interventions to Increase Peer Interactions for Students with Complex Communication Challenges.

Although positive peer relationships can facilitate the academic learning, skill development, and emotional well-being of students with complex communication challenges, few peer interactions are l...
U-E-T-620: Radiobiological Implication of Margin for Target Expansion in Head and Neck IMRT with Daily IGRT

Purpose: To account for organ motion and set up uncertainties a margin is added to the clinical target volume (CTV) to form the Planning Target Volume (PTV). There exists significant institutional variability of margins employed between CTV to PTV. The margin used has significant implication for extra tissue (PTV‐CTV) dose and directly related with normal tissue complication. This study quantifies the setup uncertainties to optimize the PTV margin and its radiobiological implication for target expansion in H&N cancer. Methods: Nine Nine H&N patients treated with IMRT and daily IGRT with on‐board‐imaging (OBI) were chosen for this study. Using Eclipse treatment planning system (TPS), treatment plans were generated for different margins ranging from 0 to 10 mm subject to the same optimization criterion for PTV and OAR using 6 MV photon beam. The DVH, extra tissue volume and total MU were recorded for all these IMRT plans. NTCP was calculated using the Lyman Kutcher Burman model from DVH data. The daily setup errors from OBI for the entire treatment were also analyzed. Results: Analysis of the 9 patients setup with over 800 data points showed that 98% of the points are within ±5mm using daily IGRT. With increasing margin, the PTV volume increases linearly. There is a 4‐fold relative increase in extra tissue volume for margin increase from 0–10 mm With increasing PTV margin the NTCP also increases linearly for the parotid glands. Similar patterns were noticed for all other OARs. Conclusion: With OBI the setup uncertainty could be easily achieved within ±5 mm for 98% of the H&N treatments. Increase in PTV margin increases NTCP. It is concluded that PTV margin should be limited to ±5mm to reduce extra volume irradiation and also reduces NTCP of OARs.
In Plato's Shadow: Curriculum Differentiation and the Comprehensive American High School

This article examines the emergence and persistence of curriculum differentiation in the comprehensive high school. We argue that curriculum differentiation has roots in Plato's Republic, where it is proposed that education (and later work, especially the work of ruling) should be distributed on the basis of ability. The concept of ideology is used here to help explain why the practice of curriculum differentiation has remained a defining—and largely unchallenged—characteristic of the comprehensive high school. The persistence of curriculum differentiation matters because it is a means by which different groups of students are given access to different kinds of knowledge. Not all knowledge is equally valued, and access to certain kinds of this educational good has implications for young persons’ well-being that extend well beyond their formal schooling.
High performance long wavelength quantum dot lasers on GaAs

We have investigated the molecular beam epitaxial growth and characteristics of long wavelength InAs pseudomorphic and metamorphic quantum dot lasers grown on GaAs. Utilizing the techniques of tunnel injection and acceptor-doping of quantum dots, we have achieved high performance 1.3 μm InAs quantum dot lasers on GaAs, which exhibit J th =180 A/cm 2 , T 0 =∞, dg/dn≃1x10 -14 cm 2 , f -3dB =11 GHz, chirp of 0.1 A and zero α-parameter. By detailed investigation of the growth kinetics and characteristics of metamorphic quantum dot heterostructures on GaAs, we have demonstrated high performance 1.5 μm InAs metamorphic quantum dot lasers on GaAs that are characterized J th ∼60A/cm 2 , T 0 ≃620K, and near-zero α-parameter and chirp (∼ 0.1 A).
Experiential ethics as a foundation for dialogue between health communication and health‐care ethics

(1988). Experiential ethics as a foundation for dialogue between health communication and health‐care ethics. Journal of Applied Communication Research: Vol. 16, Values in Health Communication, pp. 16-28.
Recent mountain pine beetle outbreaks, wildfire severity, and postfire tree regeneration in the US Northern Rockies

Widespread tree mortality caused by outbreaks of native bark beetles (Circulionidae: Scolytinae) in recent decades has raised concern among scientists and forest managers about whether beetle outbreaks fuel more ecologically severe forest fires and impair postfire resilience. To investigate this question, we collected extensive field data following multiple fires that burned subalpine forests in 2011 throughout the Northern Rocky Mountains across a spectrum of prefire beetle outbreak severity, primarily from mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae). We found that recent (2001–2010) beetle outbreak severity was unrelated to most field measures of subsequent fire severity, which was instead driven primarily by extreme burning conditions (weather) and topography. In the red stage (0–2 y following beetle outbreak), fire severity was largely unaffected by prefire outbreak severity with few effects detected only under extreme burning conditions. In the gray stage (3–10 y following beetle outbreak), fire severity was largely unaffected by prefire outbreak severity under moderate conditions, but several measures related to surface fire severity increased with outbreak severity under extreme conditions. Initial postfire tree regeneration of the primary beetle host tree [lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia)] was not directly affected by prefire outbreak severity but was instead driven by the presence of a canopy seedbank and by fire severity. Recent beetle outbreaks in subalpine forests affected few measures of wildfire severity and did not hinder the ability of lodgepole pine forests to regenerate after fire, suggesting that resilience in subalpine forests is not necessarily impaired by recent mountain pine beetle outbreaks.
The damped angular motion of a magnetically oriented satellite

Abstract A magnetic orientation scheme for earth satellite consisting of a pointing magnet and two types of damping is simulated on the digital computer with realistic design parameters for different orbits. Two types of damping scheme are studied separately. For low orbit shorted-coil damping is used. For a 6,000 mile orbit hysteresis-type damping has been tried. It is found that initial motions of the satellite set up arbitrarily, converge to a motion in which the axis of the pointing magnet aligns with the local geomagnetic field. The dynamic feasibility of the magnetic-orientation scheme has been verified in all the trial configurations studied.
Robot assisted laparoscopic documentation of endometriosis

The increased confirmation of endometriosis noted using robotically assisted laparoscopy may be the result of multiple factors, including the three-dimensional view provided with the robot, increased attention and awareness while using new technology, increased time spent considering histologic documentation in preparation for publication, or general improvement with experience.
Smurf1 inhibits mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and differentiation into osteoblasts through JunB degradation.

Ubiquitin ligase Smurf1-deficient mice develop an increased-bone-mass phenotype in an age-dependent manner. It was reported that such a bone-mass increase is related to enhanced activities of differentiated osteoblasts. Although osteoblasts are of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) origin and MSC proliferation and differentiation can have significant impacts on bone formation, it remains largely unknown whether regulation of MSCs plays a role in the bone-mass increase of Smurf1-deficient mice. In this study we found that bone marrow mesenchymal progenitor cells from Smurf1−/− mice form significantly increased alkaline phosphatase–positive colonies, indicating roles of MSC proliferation and differentiation in bone-mass accrual of Smurf1−/− mice. Interestingly, Smurf1−/− cells have an elevated protein level of AP-1 transcription factor JunB. Biochemical experiments demonstrate that Smurf1 interacts with JunB through the PY motif and targets JunB protein for ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Indeed, Smurf1-deficient MSCs have higher proliferation rates, consistent with the facts that cyclin D1 mRNA and protein both are increased in Smurf1−/− cells and JunB can induce cyclinD1 promoter. Moreover, JunB overexpression induces osteoblast differentiation, shown by higher expression of osteoblast markers, and JunB knock-down not only decreases osteoblast differentiation but also restores the osteogenic potential to wild-type level in Smurf1−/− cells. In conclusion, our results suggest that Smurf1 negatively regulates MSC proliferation and differentiation by controlling JunB turnover through an ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
ANYONIC QUON GAS

Abstract A simple model of a quon gas which exhibits anyonic behavior is proposed. Quons are characterized by the q-mutator, aa † − qa † a = 1 with −1 ≤ q ≤ 1. The gas has the boson and fermion gas limits and can simulate an anyon gas to the second and third virial coefficients.
Endogenous retrovirus expression in testis and epididymis.

ERVs (endogenous retroviruses), which comprise 8–10% of mouse and human genomes, are present in thousands of copies, ranging in size from complete 9 kb virus to truncated partial sequences. Despite well-documented differential expression of ERVs in normal and diseased tissues, their biological significance remains controversial. Work in this laboratory revealed remarkably high ERV expression in mouse epididymis, but not in testis. Similar early studies revealed expression of human ERV-E4.1 in both testis and epididymis, but expression of other HERVs (human ERVs) was not examined. Using degenerate primers to conserved regions of reverse transcriptase specific for each of nine HERV families, we have detected expression of six HERV families in epididymis and three in testis. Differential HERV expression may reflect the fully differentiated state of epididymal epithelium in contrast with the immature germ cell population in the testis. These two tissues may therefore lay the groundwork not only for understanding the influence of cellular differentiation on HERV expression, but also to reveal HERVs that are routinely exposed to sperm.
Effect of No-Till and Extended Rotation on Nutrient Losses in Surface Runoff

No-till crop production can reduce soil erosion compared to conventional tillage, but there is concern that lack of fertilizer incorporation will increase loss of dissolved nutrients in surface runoff. Therefore, we compared nutrient and sediment loss from two no-till and two chisel-till small (0.45–0.79 ha) watersheds managed in a 2-yr corn (Zea mays L.)/soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr]–rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crop rotation for 16 crop years. We also investigated the effect of replacing some of the mineral N with manure and red clover by monitoring runoff from three watersheds in a 3-yr corn/soybean/wheat–red clover (Triticum aestivum L.–Trifolium pratense L.) extended rotation.The reduced-input watersheds were disked in corn and soybean years. For all tillage treatments, NO₃–N losses were greatest with corn and averaged from 3.7 (no-till) to 5.5 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ (chisel) for all crop years. Average dissolved P losses were 0.21 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ (chisel), 0.32 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ (no-till), and 0.84 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ (reduced-input). Total P losses were least from no-till (0.79 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹), intermediate for chisel (0.84 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹), and greatest for reduced-input watersheds (1.68 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹). Soil loss was least from no-till (807 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹), intermediate from chisel (1073 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹), and greatest from reduced-input watersheds (1177 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹). Thus, no-till had only slightly greater dissolved P losses compared to chisel, but had smaller soil, NO₃–N, and total P losses. The greater dissolved and total P losses, as well as greater soil loss, compared to chisel and no-till watersheds, indicated that there was no surface water quality benefit to the reduced-input extended rotation.
The Cartesian Prince: Descartes on the Legitimacy of Political Power

L'A. examine le commentaire de Descartes a la Princesse Elisabeth sur «Le Prince» de Machiavel. Suivant en cela la demarche de Descartes, l'A. s'interroge sur la legitimite du pouvoir et commente l'idee cartesienne d'un droit delegue par Dieu au souverain, garant de sa justice et de son droit. Puis il souligne l'opposition de Descartes au nom de la morale a la methode d'education du prince pronee par Machiavel
Investigation of crosslinked silica aerogels for implant applications

Silica-based Aerogels have a number of unique properties that make them suitable for a range of applications. These include superior thermal, acoustic, and electrical insulation capabilities, all associated with the highly-porous nature of this class of materials. Crosslinked (X) silica aerogels have improved mechanical and surface properties making them suitable for biomedical device applications, particularly in the peripheral regions of the body. Aerogel's ability to dampen sounds waves is particularly important since it would allow an external non-invasive imaging technique for aerogel based implants. The biocompatibility of this class of material must be addressed prior to the development of in vivo imaging data. In this work, the authors report on the growth and interaction of Opossum Kidney cells and dorsal root ganglia on crosslinked silica aerogels, paving the way for implant applications.
A model for the spectral diffusion of single molecule optical transitions in solids

Abstract We propose a microscopic theoretical model to explain the recently observed spectral diffusion of the transition frequency of single pentacene molecules inp-terphenyl crystal. Our analysis yields detailed microscopic information about the nature and spatial distribution of the localized excitations responsible for the observed spectral diffusion.
The half-life of the transcript encoding the folate receptor α in KB cells is reduced by cytosolic proteins expressed in folate-replete and not in folate-depleted cells

Abstract The KB cell, a transformed human cell line, constitutively expresses a high level of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchored folate receptor protein α (FRα) and thereby can grow in medium containing cis elements, reducing the stability of this transcript.
Social Networks: Querying and Sharing Mined Information

Web 2.0 has provided for a rapid growth of computer mediated social networks. We first discuss how to enrich the domain of social network modeling by introducing ideas from fuzzy sets and related soft computing technologies. One is with the introduction of fuzzy graphs representing the networks. A second is the use of the fuzzy set based paradigm of computing with words to provide a bridge between a human network analyst's linguistic description of social network concepts and the formal model of the network. We suggest that a social network can be viewed as kind of network of databases. This leads us to understand that the development of appropriate technologies to manage social networks requires a combination of the use of network technologies and database technologies. Here began to look at two important aspects of this combination. The first is querying the social network with its nodes seen as individual databases. The other is the sharing of information mined from social networks using linguistic summaries. In both cases are focus is on the centrality of the human in the loop.
Studying Equality/Inequality: Naturalist and Constructionist Approaches to Equality in Marriage

This article compares naturalist and constructionist approaches to the qualitative study of equality and inequality, and encourages more ethnographers to adopt the latter. Focusing on the subfield of marital equality, three areas of divergence are explored: sampling, interviewing, and the analysis and presentation of data. In each area, naturalists tend to obscure the diversity and complexity of respondents’ interpretations. The constructionist alternative is to make storytelling paramount by treating equality and inequality as situated narrative accomplishments. A constructionist approach focuses on respondents’ own ethnographic skills while still fitting “the data” into a larger analytic story about equality.
Developmental differences in the allocation of processing capacity

Abstract Recently psychologists have formulated a comprehensive view of attention involving allocation of processing capacity. Although developmental changes in processing capacity have been proposed as one source of age differences in certain cognitive skills, there has been little systematic investigation of this hypothesis. In the present study, second and sixth graders and adults (8, 12, and 20 years of age, respectively) performed a letter-matching task (primary task) concurrently with an auditory detection task (secondary task). Changes in reaction time in the secondary task as a function of manipulations of the primary task were used to estimate capacity allocation to the primary task. Primary task variables included stage of processing (alerting, encoding, rehearsing, responding) and matching condition (physical-identity vs name-identity matching). Age differences in secondary task performance were found to be related to stage of processing but not to matching condition. Earlier stages of the letter match task (alerting, encoding) required somewhat more capacity allocation in younger subjects. Later stages (rehearsing, responding) made substantially higher demands on capacity in children. Capacity allocation may be an important cognitive variable mediating developmental differences in basic information processing skills, and may underlie age trends found in performance of certain complex cognitive tasks.
The Scientific Laboratory Instrument to Computer Coupler

Small inexpensive microprocessor based computers can be used to connect a wide variety of biomedical laboratory instruments to a large central time-sharing computer system. The Scientific Laboratory instrument to computer coupler (SLICC) is built around the 8080 microprocessor and has a modular bus structured design which permits the mininijzation of costs for each custom installation. The microprocessor acquires analog and digital data from laboratory equipment, formats it for transmission to the central computer, and can accept and display results returned to it from the central computer. The SLICC has some local storage capability to buffer data when the central computer is unavailable as well as to smooth out the data transfer rate. In addition, the SLICC can be used to interactively control laboratory experiments.
Impact of invasive earthworms on Ixodes scapularis and other litter-dwelling arthropods in hardwood forests, central New York state, USA

Abstract Invasive earthworms alter the structure of soils in northern hardwood forests, but the quantitative impacts on litter-dwelling invertebrates are unclear. Litter loss should reduce the habitat space, but nutrient-rich earthworm burrows might provide food resources. We investigated the impact of invasive earthworms on populations of Ixodes scapularis (black-legged ticks) and other litter-dwelling arthropods to determine the impact of a reduced litter environment. We used five pairs of one-hectare sites (earthworm invaded versus reference) within four separate contiguous forests in New York state. The presence of earthworms decreased the density of nymphal I. scapularis by 46.1% and larval I. scapularis by 29.3%. We also observed a dramatic decline in the total abundance of litter-dwelling arthropods with 69.9% of the arthropod population disappearing in the presence of earthworms. Additionally, litter arthropod populations declined disproportionately to leaf litter mass reduction indicating that the quality of the remaining litter material in the earthworm sites was poor. The impact of earthworm invasion on the litter environment and implications for the position of an important disease vector ( I. scapularis ) within the litter ecosystem are explored.
Absence of rickets in infants with fatal abusive head trauma and classic metaphyseal lesions

The notion that the classic metaphyseal lesion is not traumatic but is instead a manifestation of rickets is without scientific support based on the current research as well as previously published radiologic-histopathologic studies in child abuse fatalities.
Ascending thalamic projections from the obex region in ranid frogs.

Amphibian forebrains display few obvious specializations and have frequently served as models of a primitive tetrapod condition from which more specialized sauropsid and theropsid forebrains have been derived. This approach to tetrapod forebrain evolution has yet to be fully exploited, as our knowledge of amphibian forebrain pathways is embryonic. Most experimental studies have focused on primary and secondary visual connections, and information concerning other systems is relatively sparse. Information on forebrain somatosensory pathways is particularly slight, and experimental data is available only for anurans. Anatomical studies using selective silver impregnation methods have failed to reveal a direct spinothalamic projection in frogs4,5, 9. Although a projection to the thalamus has been described following hemisection near the obex in Rana, it appears to be light and is restricted to a very small portion of the caudalmost thalamus 5. The apparent paucity of somatosensory projections to the forebrain seen in anatomical studies contrasts strikingly with the electrophysiological results of Vesselkin et alJ 7, who described an extensive thalamic somatosensory representation on the basis of recordings following sciatic nerve stimulation in Rana temporaria. Since there appears to be some conflict between anatomical and physiological studies regarding the extent of thalamic somatosensory representation in anurans, and since a precise determination of this representation is essential to an understanding of tetrapod forebrain evolution, we have initiated a series of experiments on the ascending somatosensory system in ranid frogs. This preliminary report will describe our major findings to date. Nine bullfrogs, Rana catesbeiana, received single unilateral injections of 1--4 #Ci of [3H]proline or a [3H]proline-leucine mixture at a concentration of 20 /~Ci/#l. Injections were made at various levels between the caudal (lumbar) enlargement of the spinal cord and the obex. Survival times ranged from 2-9 days at temperatures of
Personality and emotional stress measurement on hypertensive patients with essential and secondary hypertension.

This study attempts to identify the relationship between personality factors and emotional stress items as measured on standardized tests with a group of heterogeneous patients after they were diagnosed. It also expects to reflect what differences, if any, occurred among the psychological variables by attempting to separate patients with essential hypertension from those with secondary forms of hypertension based on personality factors and emotional stress items. The current study is based upon earlier research conducted by the authors and Stein (1978; 1978). The first earlier study attempted to identify the patterns of personal attributes between the essential and secondary forms of hypertension among white males and females in various age groupings. The 16 Personality Factor test (16 PF) was used in conducting the research, This questionnaire was mailed to the patient’s most recent forwarding home address. Two-hundred-and-twenty-nine patients returned their completed form (Miller et al. 1978). The second earlier study sought: (1) to identify factors associated with physical and psychological symptoms of a group of heterogenous hypertensive patients and (2) to determine which, if any, physical and psychological symptoms were of value in discriminating the essential from the secondary hypertensive patients. The Cornell Medical Index (CMI), a health questionnaire, was completed by 236 patients in their homes. The same patients were the subjects in both of these earlier studies, but nine of the 236 patients did not return their 16 PF form (Miller et al. 1978). Grim et al. (1977) concentrated on an efficient way for the medical practitioner to examine and accurately diagnose the hypertensive patient for renal artery stenosis and primary aldosteronism. They concluded that of the 236 hypertensive patients evaluated, their comprehensive protocol permitted identification of patients with renal artery stenosis, with primary aldosteronism, and with high, normal and low renin essential
Complex Artificial Urinary Sphincter Revision and Reimplantation Cases—How do They Fare Compared to Virgin Cases?

Purpose: We compared artificial urinary sphincter complication rates, overall reoperative rates, and continence results in virgin cases, revision cases and secondary reimplant cases (with prior erosion or infection).Materials and Methods: Only male patients with post-prostatectomy stress incontinence with AMS 800™ placement in the bulbar urethra by a single surgeon were included in the study. A total of 169 virgin cases (no prior artificial urinary sphincter surgery), 37 revision cases (eg cuff revision for urethral atrophy, revision of failed components) and 21 secondary reimplant cases (eg after prior explant from urethral erosion or infection) were compared.Results: Secondary artificial urinary sphincter reimplant cases (eg after prior explant from urethral erosion or infection) had fourfold higher future erosion rates compared to virgin cases (p = 0.02, 14.3% vs 3.6%, RR 4.02). In addition, there was no difference in the rates of other complications (device infection, urethral atrophy, mechanical fail...
Effects of Exposure to Cigarette Advertisements on Adolescents' Attitudes Toward Smoking1

One hundred seventy-eight adolescents viewed a magazine that either contained or did not contain 4 cigarette advertisements. Adolescents who have tried smoking reported more positive attitudes toward smoking. Of the adolescents who have tried smoking, those in the cigarette-advertisement-present condition expressed more positive attitudes toward smoking than did those in the cigarette-advertisement-absent condition. Consistent with the prediction that adolescents who have tried (vs. never tried) smoking would attend more to cigarette advertisements, adolescents in the cigarette-advertisement-present condition who have tried (vs. never tried) smoking correctly recognized more cigarette advertisements. Taken together, these results suggest that adolescents who have tried smoking are attending to cigarette advertisements and are impacted by cigarette advertisements; specifically, cigarette advertisements bolster these adolescents' attitudes toward smoking.
Efficient and versatile synthesis of (2S,3R)-sphingosine and its 2-azido-3-O-benzylsphingosine analogue

Abstract The title compounds ( 1 , 2 ) were synthesized from (2 R ,3 S )-2- O -benzyl-3,4- O -(3′-pentylidene)-2,3,4-trihydroxybutanal ( 5 ). Installation of the E -double bond and aliphatic chain into the sphingosine base was effected by a sequence of Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons olefination of 5 , conversion to allylic acetate 8 , and copper-mediated Grignard coupling. The method is versatile, allowing a broad variety of aliphatic chains to be introduced in the organocuprate coupling step.
Redescription of a brooding nemertine, Cyanophthalma obscura (Schultze) gen. et comb.n., with observations on its biology and discussion of the species of Prostomatella and related taxa*†

A new genus, Cyanophthalma, is erected with the type species Tetrastemma obscura Schultze, 1851. Cyanophthalma obscura is transferred from Prostomatella and is redescribed from observations of more than 300 living specimens and serial sections of 59 specimens from the northeast coast of North America. Comparison is made with serial sections of C. obscura from the Baltic and with serially sectioned specimens of three other described species of Prostomatella. Two of these, P. enteroplecta and P. merula, do not fit either genus and are provisionally placed in the aggregate genus Tetrastemma, whose present diagnosis they do fit. Prostomatella remains with only its type species, P. arenicola. Amphiporus cordiceps is also transferred to Cyanophthalma. Some of the characters that form the basis for classifying Monostilifera are assessed for phylogenetic significance. Cyanophthalma obscura in Nova Scotia lives in salt marshes. Young are brooded through the winter while ice covers most of the marsh.
Coverage algorithms for visual sensor networks

Visual sensor networks (VSNs) are becoming increasingly popular in a number of application domains. A distinguishing characteristic of VSNs is to self-configure to minimize the need for operator control and to improve scalability. One of the areas of self-configuration is camera coverage control that is, how should cameras adjust their field-of-views to cover maximum targetsq This is an NP-hard problem. We show that the existing heuristics have a number of weaknesses that influence both coverage and overhead. Therefore, we first propose a computationally efficient centralized heuristic that provides near-optimal coverage for small-scale networks. However, it requires significant communication and computation overhead, making it unsuitable for large-scale networks. Thus, we develop a distributed algorithm that outperforms the existing distributed algorithm with lower communication overhead, at the cost of coverage accuracy. We show that the proposed heuristics guarantee to cover at least half of the targets covered by the optimal solution. Finally, to gain benefits of both centralized and distributed algorithms, we propose a hierarchical algorithm where cameras are decomposed into neighborhoods that coordinate their coverage using an elected local coordinator. We observe that the hierarchical algorithm provides scalable near-optimal coverage with networking cost significantly less than that of centralized and distributed solutions.
Membrane tension and peripheral protein density mediate membrane shape transitions

An ultrafast mechanism of endocytosis was recently discovered, and proposed to be dependent on local reduction in membrane tension. Shi and Baumgart provide experimental support for this hypothesis by quantifying the impact of membrane tension on membrane tubulation by endocytic proteins, such as endophilin A1.
Macropipelining based heterogeneous multiprocessor scheduling

High performance multiprocessing systems have been increasingly using heterogeneous digital signal processors (DSPs) for overall systems gain. Scheduling a DSP algorithm on such a system must address issues of interprocessor communication as well as parallelism extraction for optimal throughput. These issues have been extensively examined for multiprocessor systems incorporating homogeneous processors. A heterogeneous macropipelined scheduling scheme has been described which addresses the aforementioned communication and parallelization issues. The advantage of resorting to a heterogeneous scheme in specific cases is illustrated with examples. >
Grading papers: Pleasure or pain?

Abstract Grading papers can be a difficult and uncomfortable task for faculty. This article offers ways to make the task less subjective and more consistent among faculty. It discusses aspects to consider when developing a written assignment, offers suggestions for grading the assignment, and presents steps for developing a grading rubric. Consistency in grading among faculty is also discussed.