cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stereoselective Synthesis of (4S,5S)-5-Vinyloxazolidin-2-one-4-carboxylate as a β-Vinylserine Synthetic Equivalent by Vinyl Grignard Addition to an N-Tosyl Version of Garner's Aldehyde.

A highly efficient synthesis of a β-vinylserine synthetic equivalent is reported that exploits the stereodirecting effect of the N-toluenesulfonamide in an anti-diastereoselective (8.5:1) vinyl Grignard addition to an analogue of Garner’s aldehyde. Both aryl and alkyl ­Grignards are shown to give increased anti-selectivity compared with N-Boc Garner’s aldehyde.
Using the theory of planned behavior and the technology acceptance model to analyze a university employee fitness tracker program with financial incentive

Employers have become interested in increasing their employees’ physical activity; however, research has shown that employee participation in wellness programs is typically low.The study applies Aj...
Histological features in pediatric central nervous system tumors with FGFR alterations

Introduction Identification of genetic alterations in central nervous system (CNS) tumors provides diagnostic and prognostic information and allows identification of potential therapeutic targets. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies currently used for molecular testing are costly and remain largely limited to major academic centers or reference labs. Identification of histologic or immunohistochemical correlates for particular molecular alterations can serve as surrogates and can help triage cases for subsequent NGS-based confirmation. Recently, adult IDH-wildtype adult glioblastomas (GBMs) with fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) gene alterations were reported to show palisading monomorphic cells, delicate arcuate vasculature, and microcalcifications. We explored whether pediatric tumors with FGFR fusion also show these histologic features and whether these features could predict the presence of this gene alteration. Material and methods We reviewed pediatric CNS tumors with FGFR-fusions to retrospectively determine the presence/absence of the above-mentioned histological features in fusion-positive tumors. Results 10 pediatric tumors with FGFR fusions were identified. Pediatric tumors demonstrated histologic and tumor type diversity, with diagnoses of pilocytic/pilomyxoid astrocytoma, pediatric-type oligodendroglioma, anaplastic astrocytoma, polymorphous low-grade neuroepithelial tumor of the young, rosette-forming glioneuronal tumor, and extraventricular neurocytoma. Conclusions Pediatric FGFR-fused CNS tumors demonstrate histologic features similar to their adult counterparts but also exhibit significant morphologic variability. As such, this histologic variability prevents the prediction of FGFR fusion and necessitates molecular testing for the identification of this alteration.
Extreme melt season ice layers reduce firn permeability across Greenland

Surface meltwater runoff dominates present-day mass loss from the Greenland Ice Sheet. In Greenland’s interior, porous firn can limit runoff by retaining meltwater unless perched low-permeability horizons, such as ice slabs, develop and restrict percolation. Recent observations suggest that such horizons might develop rapidly during extreme melt seasons. Here we present radar sounding evidence that an extensive near surface melt layer formed following the extreme melt season in 2012. This layer was still present in 2017 in regions up to 700 m higher in elevation and 160 km further inland than known ice slabs. We find that melt layer formation is driven by local, short-timescale thermal and hydrologic processes in addition to mean climate state. These melt layers reduce vertical percolation pathways, and, under appropriate firn temperature and surface melt conditions, encourage further ice aggregation at their horizon. Therefore, the frequency of extreme melt seasons relative to the rate at which pore space and cold content regenerates above the most recent melt layer may be a key determinant of the firn’s multi-year response to surface melt. The long-term impact of extreme surface melt on the Greenland Ice Sheet is poorly constrained. Here the authors use airborne radar to characterize a subsurface refrozen melt layer that formed following extreme melt in 2012, showing that it likely reduced drainage pathways for subsequent melt.
An Evolutionary Approach to Comparative Taxation: Methods and Agenda for Research

This paper discusses the methods of comparative taxation and pro vides an outline of an evolutionary approach to this new and promising field of study. The paper begins by discussing what com parative taxation can learn from comparative studies generally and what can it contribute to them. It then describes what a functional approach to comparative taxation looks like and discusses the two main methods that can be applied by comparative taxation: the theory of legal formants and the common core approach. These two func tional approaches are placed into an institutional setting in which alternative solutions to tax problems found in different countries'poli cies are considered in local tax design and in which they manifest themselves in domestic tax mechanisms implementing tax models, fre quently through legal transplants. The paper continues by discussing a de minimis agenda for future comparative tax work and distin guishes between static and dynamic comparative taxation: research in the former field may lead to important insights as to the formation of tax families. Yet, it is the research in the latter area that opens up a new set of important issues relating to tax transplants and to the cir culation of tax models, showing its potential for applied empirical research. The paper concludes that the analysis of the circulation of tax models allows us to identify a possible agenda for future compara tive tax research in which "five challenges for comparative taxation" must be faced.
Insights into inpatients with poor vision: A high value proposition.

BACKGROUND Vision impairment is an under-recognized risk factor for adverse events among hospitalized patients, yet vision is neither routinely tested nor documented for inpatients. Low-cost ($8 and up) nonprescription “readers” may be a simple, high-value intervention to improve inpatients' vision. We aimed to study initial feasibility and efficacy of screening and correcting inpatients' vision. METHODS From June 2012 through January 2014 we began testing whether participants' vision corrected with nonprescription lenses for eligible participants failing a vision screen (Snellen chart) performed by research assistants (RAs). Descriptive statistics and tests of comparison, including t tests and χ2 tests, were used when appropriate. All analyses were performed using Stata version 12 (StataCorp, College Station, TX). RESULTS Over 800 participants' vision was screened (n = 853). Older (≥65 years; 56%) participants were more likely to have insufficient vision than younger (<65 years; 28%; P < 0.001). Nonprescription readers corrected the majority of eligible participants' vision (82%, 95/116). DISCUSSION Among an easily identified subgroup of inpatients with poor vision, low-cost readers successfully corrected most participants' vision. Hospitalists and other clinicians working in the inpatient setting can play an important role in identifying opportunities to provide high-value care related to patients' vision. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;10:311–313. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
A study of the nuclear structure of 60 Ni by the 59 Co ( 3 He, d ) 60 Ni and 60 Ni ( p, p ′) 60 Ni reactions

Abstract Angular distributions to the ground and 16 excited states of 60 Ni have been measured for the 59 Co( 3 He, d) 60 Ni reaction at a bombarding energy of 37.7 MeV. The 59 Co( 3 He, 3 He) 59 Co angular distribution was also obtained at the same energy. Discrete sets of optical potentials are found which give good fits to the elastic scattering data. It is found that DWBA calculations give better fits to the 59 Co( 3 He, d) 60 Ni data with a depth of the real part of the optical potential of U ≈ 170 MeV and r u ≈ 1.15 fm, than with shallower potentials. It is also found that changes in optical model parameters obtained by fitting the elastic scattering data out to 90° or 150° have very little effect on DWBA fits to the 56 Co( 3 He, d) 60 Ni angular distributions. The angular distribution to the ground state of 60 Ni is characteristic of a proton transfer of l p = 3 expected from the closing of the 1 f 7 2 proton shell. The next higher excited states show angular distributions with more than one l p value contributing, indicating that the (1 f 7 2 ) −1 ( 2 p 3 2 , 2 p 1 2 or 1 f 5 2 ) proton particle-hole configurations are mixed. An analysis of 60 Ni(p, p′) 60 Ni data taken at 17.9 MeV at Berkeley by Jarvis et al. has been carried out in an attempt to describe some of the inelastic proton angular distributions in terms of simple shell-model configurations. Shell-model form factors are used in distorted wave calculations, the requirement being that a particular particle-hole configuration satisfies both ( 3 He, d ) and ( p, p ′) data. It is noted that these configurations are still not without ambiguity.
Do merger-related operating synergies exist?

Executives frequently forecast large operating efficiency gains from mergers. Using these projections, we study the impact of operating synergies on merger performance. Investors' reaction to mergers varies directly with the availability of these forecasts and the gains they imply, and post-merger operating performance increases with the predictable component of forecasted synergies based on deal characteristics. The realized improvements, however, do not depend on the availability of forecasts or the surprise they convey, and post-merger stock returns reconcile discrepancies between investors' ex ante beliefs and mergers' ex post performance related to management forecasts. Overall, the evidence supports the neoclassical view that expectations and realizations of synergistic gains are important determinants of merger activity and performance.
Quantizing the throughput reduction of IPSec with mobile IP

The demand for immediate and universal access to information is increasing rapidly, leading to the desire for mobile access to the Internet. The Mobile Internet Protocol (Mobile IP) provides mobility to Internet users with some basic security features that are insufficient. Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) brings security to the network, but uses more bandwidth. The desire for mobility does not reduce the requirement for security and maximum throughput. The purpose of this research is to further examine the effects of different security algorithms on bandwidth in mobile scenarios. The results of the measurements of throughput with different security implementations can allow the users to balance security and bandwidth.
The Ejecta of Eta Carinae: What we have Learned from Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph and the Ultraviolet Echelle Spectrograph

Between 1997.0 and 2004.3, a series of observations were accomplished with the Hubble Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (HST/STIS) and from 2002.9 to 2005.3 with the Very Large Telescope/Ultraviolet Echelle Spectrograph (VLT/UVES). Coordinated observations were also done with RXTE, CHANDRA, FUSE and several ground-based telescopes. Much new information has been obtained about this Luminous Blue Variable (LBV) which appears to be a binary star system with at least one component being in very late stages of CNO-burning. These observations are summarized with intent on suggesting future observations with the VLT and VLT(I) especially during the upcoming apastron (2006.25) and periastron (2009.0).
Viral Determinants of the Variable Sensitivity of Herpes Simplex Virus Strains to gD-Mediated Interference

Cells that express glycoprotein D (gD) of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) resist infection by HSV-1 and HSV-2 because of interference with viral penetration. The results presented here show that both HSV-1 and HSV-2 gD can mediate interference and that various HSV-1 and HSV-2 strains differ in sensitivity to this interference. The relative degree of sensitivity was not necessarily dependent on whether the cell expressed the heterologous or homologous form of gD but rather on the properties of the virus. Marker transfer experiments revealed that the allele of gD expressed by the virus was a major determinant of sensitivity to interference. Amino acid substitutions in the most distal part of the gD ectodomain had a major effect, but substitutions solely in the cytoplasmic domain also influenced sensitivity to interference. In addition, evidence was obtained that another viral gene(s) in addition to the one encoding gD can influence sensitivity to interference. The results indicate that HSV-1 and HSV-2 gD share determinants required to mediate interference with infection by HSV of either serotype and that the pathway of HSV entry that is blocked by expression of cell-associated gD can be cleared or bypassed through subtle alterations in virion-associated proteins, particularly gD.
Hydrodynamical simulations of the solar dynamo

Hydrodynamic simulations of the solar convection zone can be used to model the generation of differential rotation and magnetic fields, and to determine mean-field transport coefficients that are needed in mean-field models. The importance of the overshoot layer beneath the solar convection zone is discussed: it is the place where the magnetic field accumulates, although most of the field regeneration can still occur in the convection zone proper. We also discuss how systematically oriented bipolar regions can emerge from the convection zone where the magnetic field is highly intermittent.
Eliciting Subjective Probabilities from Individuals and Reducing Biases

Thinking in terms of probabilities is not easy and we tend to use rather primitive cognitive techniques to make such assessments. These techniques are called heuristics. Heuristics are simple and intuitive but tend to result in probabilities that are biased. This article reviews the problems associated with probability elicitation and methods for improving such assessments. Keywords: minimizing biases; probability elicitation; probability judgments; heuristics and biases; decomposition
Do probiotics offer opportunities to manipulate the periodontal oral microbiota

Teughels W, Loozen G, Quirynen M: Do probiotics offer opportunities to manipulate the periodontal oral microbiota? J Clin Periodontol 2011; 38 (Suppl. 11): 159–177. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-051X.2010.01665.x. Abstract Background: As in other fields of healthcare, probiotics have been introduced for prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases. Objective: This review was initiated to explore whether the use of probiotics can influence the periodontal microbiota and periodontal health. Materials and Methods: Literature on the mode of action of oral probiotics was reviewed and a systematic review was performed on the microbiological and clinical effects of oral probiotics on periodontal health. Results: Three animal and 11 in vivo human studies were retrieved. Six studies reported on microbiological effects whereas eight studies report on clinical effects. Seven studies were performed on healthy or gingivitis patients and four studies on periodontitis patients. Many of the retrieved studies are pilot in nature and with low quality. The high degree of heterogeneity between studies hampered analysis. Conclusion: Taking into consideration all limitations, the currently available data indicate an effect of probiotics on the oral microbiota and a more limited effect on clinical periodontal outcome measures. However, there is an urgent need for properly conducted clinical trials where probiotics are used as adjuncts to standard periodontal care, similar to antibiotics, using probiotic strains with, at least at an in vitro level, proven periodontal probiotic effects.
Angiogenic and Inflammatory Vitreous Biomarkers Associated With Increasing Levels of Retinal Ischemia

Purpose To characterize the angiogenic and inflammatory vitreous biomarker profiles in a spectrum of ischemic retinopathies, including neovascular glaucoma. Methods This institutional review board-approved study retrospectively analyzed 80 undiluted vitreous samples obtained during pars vitrectomy. The specimens were frozen (-80°C) and sent for concentration analysis of 34 proteins by Bio-Plex Pro assays. Specimens were divided into four groups: patients undergoing epiretinal membrane (ERM) peeling and/or macular hole (MH) surgery with no history of diabetes (non-DM group), patients undergoing ERM peeling, and/or MH surgery with a history of diabetes (DM group), patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR group), and patients with neovascular glaucoma (NVG group). Parametric and nonparametric analyses of demographics and cytokine levels were performed using SPSS. Results There were no significant differences in demographics among cohorts. Numerous proteins were significantly elevated between non-DM and DM (G-CSF, sCD40L, Endoglin, IL-6, placental growth factor [PlGF], VEGF-D), DM and PDR (leptin, IL-8, PlGF, VEGF-A), and PDR and NVG (G-CSF, leptin, TIE-2, sCD40L, EGF, HB-EGF, IL-6, IL-8, PlGF, TNF-α). Only PlGF was significantly elevated between each successive cohort. The most potent drivers of NVG were PlGF, VEGF-A, IL-6, and IL-8. Conclusions While the role of angioproliferative growth factors is well documented in ischemic retinopathy, our study delineates the importance of inflammatory and previously underreported angiogenic proteins. It also demonstrates a significant incremental increase in certain factors with increasing levels of ischemia. Both of these findings may guide the development of future therapies for ischemic retinopathies.
Reminiscence of a teacher and a researcher

Abstract The names of previous after-dinner speakers at this conference read like a Who is Who of Quantum Optics and Photonics research. When the organizers of this conference asked me to present an after-dinner talk I felt honored by the invitation, but also humbled by joining such a distinguished company. This fact gives me a “Leitmotiv” for my present talk, because being humbled by, and feeling inferior to, all the brilliant minds one encounters in one's career is a necessary occurrence, which most of the younger listeners in this audience have either experienced or will experience. I have witnessed these feelings as advisor to students at MIT. Many of them fear that everything worth doing has already been done. There is a simple answer to this. Do not get discouraged, work harder and you will also make a respectable contribution to science or engineering.
The fate of organophosphorus pesticides in the environment

Abstract Organophosphorus pesticides are becoming increasingly important because of their biological activity and low potential for accumulation in the environment. Some chemical reactions of organophosphates and their mode of entrance into the environment are discussed. The role of microorganisms in determining the fate of several organophosphorus insecticides in the environment and the possible use of bacterial endospores in detoxifying contaminated soils are considered.
Growth Improved in Juvenile Nile Tilapia Fed Phosphatidylcholine

Abstract We conducted a study to explore the effects of phosphatidylcholine (PC) in diets fed to juvenile Nile tilapia Tilapia nilotica (mean initial weight = 12.4 g). The basal diet contained 32% crude protein supplied by casein and gelatin (10.1%) and a crystalline L-amino acid mixture (21.9%). The total sulfur amino acid concentration of the basal diet was 0.5%, the methionine:cysteine ratio was 94:6, the choline concentration was 0.3%, and the linoleic acid concentration was 1.1–3.3%. Graded levels of PC were added at the expense of lipid to the basal diet, resulting in seven dietary treatments (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0% of the dry diet). The graded additions of PC significantly affected the weight gain and feed efficiency of juvenile tilapia. The weight gain of fish fed 1.5% and 2.0% PC was significantly higher than that of fish fed lower concentrations, and the feed efficiency values were highest in fish fed 1.5% PC. While total liver lipid concentration and survival were not significa...
Hyperbranched Fluoropolymers and their Hybridization into Complex Amphiphilic Crosslinked Copolymer Networks

This feature article highlights three types of hyperbranched fluoropolymers (HBFPs) with different structural features, which were synthesized by either polycondensation of fluorinated AB x monomers or self-condensing vinyl (co)polymerization of fluorinated inimers and/or fluorinated comonomers. Amphiphilic crosslinked networks with hybridization of these hydrophobic HBFPs and linear hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol)s are also discussed. As microphase-segregated materials with nanoscale surface heterogeneities, these networks possessed unusual anti-biofouling abilities, atypical sequestration and release behaviors for guest molecules, and special mechanical properties.
Anodic cyclization reactions: probing the chemistry of N,O-ketene acetal derived radical cations

The chemical reactivity of radical cations derived from N,O-ketene acetals has been examined and compared with the reactivity of radical cations derived from both ketene dithioacetals and enol ethers. Synthetically, the N,O-ketene acetal radical cations lead to more efficient cyclization reactions than either the ketene dithioacetal or enol ether derived radical cations. Cyclic voltammetry experiments using allylsilane trapping groups show that the efficiency of these cyclizations is not due to the N,O-ketene acetal radical cations being more reactive but rather more stable to decomposition. Finally, cyclizations using chiral oxizolidinones were examined.
Characterization of polymer latex aerosols by rapid measurement of 360° light scattering patterns from individual particles☆

A photometer designed by Gucker for rapid measurement of angular scattering patterns from individual particles has been tested with latex spheres (0.3–11 μm) and has been used to characterize latex aerosols. The instrument records in 20 msec a nearly complete 360° scattering pattern from a particle in an aerosol stream flowing through a 632.8 nm laser beam. Such data can be collected from hundreds of particles in a relatively short time and stored on magnetic tape for processing. Comparison by computer fitting of the individual diagrams with Mie theory diagrams for various combinations of diameter D and refractive index m selects a “best-fit” and hence determines particle characteristics. Trials with spheres from a Dow polystyrene latex (D ≈ 1.2 μm) show that D and m of individual particles can be determined independently with an uncertainty of about 0.5 and 0.7%, respectively. The uncertainty for D and m remains less than 1% for larger particles to about 11 μm. Rayleigh scattering from the N2 carrier gas interferes with characterization of 0.3 and 0.6 μm particles. Experimental scattering patterns from ≈3μm spheres confirm the predicted ultrasensitivity of the scattering pattern to particle size when scattering occurs at an optical resonance. The characterizations of many particles can be combined to reveal the size and the refractive index profiles of an aerosol. Two Dow latices have been characterized as aerosols. Dow polystyrene latex LS-1028-E is found to have D = 1.189 μm and m = 1.588 with standard deviations from the mean σ = 0.008 μm and 0.004, respectively. Dow polyvinyltoluene latex EP-1358-38 is found to have D = 3.011 μm with σ = 0.022 μm when m is assumed to be the bulk value 1.58. Both size distributions are negatively skewed.
A resilience roadmap: (invited paper)

Technology scaling has an increasing impact on the resilience of CMOS circuits. This outcome is the result of (a) increasing sensitivity to various intrinsic and extrinsic noise sources as circuits shrink, and (b) a corresponding increase in parametric variability causing behavior similar to what would be expected with hard (topological) faults. This paper examines the issue of circuit resilience, then proposes and demonstrates a roadmap for evaluating fault rates starting at the 45nm and going down to the 12nm nodes. The complete infrastructure necessary to make these predictions is placed in the open source domain, with the hope that it will invigorate research in this area.
Enhancement of third harmonic generation in metal–dielectric waveguides

An optical waveguide has been used to improve the third harmonic conversion of CO(2) TEA laser pulses in CO gas. The theoretical waveguide third harmonic conversion efficiency is calculated and compared with the calculated confocal third harmonic conversion efficiency. The experimentally measured waveguide and optimum confocal conversion efficiencies are also compared.
On the Higson corona of uniformly contractible spaces

Abstract Let X be a proper metric space and let νX be its Higson corona. We prove that the covering dimension of νX does not exceed the asymptotic dimension asdimX of X introduced by M. Gromov. In particular, it implies that dim νRn = n for euclidean and hyperbolic metrics on Rn. We prove that for finitely generated groups Γ′ ⊃ Γ with word metrics the inequality dim νΓ′ ⩽ dim νΓ holds. Also we prove that a small action at infinity of a geometrically finite group Γ on some compactification X′ of the universal covering space X = EΓ enables one to map the Higson compactification onto X′. In that case the rational acyclicity of X′ implies the conjecture by S. Weinberger for X which is a form of the Novikov Conjecture for Γ.
Evaluating performance in immersive displays

3D Immersive visualization systems provide a novel platform to present complex datasets and virtual environments (VEs). The objective of the research presented here is to compare user-interaction and performance between two immersive displays: a low-cost, tiled, multi-screen immersive visualization system and a more expensive, continuous, immersive visualization facility. The low cost system is designed using off-the-shelf components and constructed by arranging LCD displays in a tiled hemispherical layout. The expensive system is a Rockwell-Collins semi-rigid, rear projected, continuous curved screen. With the low cost paradigm, seams are introduced into the image where the displays are tiled. We hypothesize that the tiled system presents an equivalent visual experience, despite the seams introduced by connecting the screens. Both systems will be tested through psychophysical experimentation designed to measure aspects of human performance. Proving our hypothesis will impact lower budget organizations, currently unable to afford such displays, by providing an opportunity to work with lower cost immersive visualization systems at no sacrifice to user-experience.
Activation of human VPS4A by ESCRT-III proteins reveals ability of substrates to relieve enzyme autoinhibition.

VPS4 proteins are AAA+ ATPases required to form multivesicular bodies, release viral particles, and complete cytokinesis. They act by disassembling ESCRT-III heteropolymers during or after their proposed function in membrane scission. Here we show that purified human VPS4A is essentially inactive but can be stimulated to hydrolyze ATP by ESCRT-III proteins in a reaction that requires both their previously defined MIT interacting motifs and ∼50 amino acids of the adjacent sequence. Importantly, C-terminal fragments of all ESCRT-III proteins tested, including CHMP2A, CHMP1B, CHMP3, CHMP4A, CHMP6, and CHMP5, activated VPS4A suggesting that it disassembles ESCRT-III heteropolymers by affecting each component protein. VPS4A is thought to act as a ring-shaped cylindrical oligomer like other AAA+ ATPases, but this has been difficult to directly demonstrate. We found that concentrating His6-VPS4A on liposomes containing Ni2+-nitrilotriacetic acid-tagged lipid increased ATP hydrolysis, confirming the importance of inter-subunit interactions for activity. We also found that mutating pore loops expected to line the center of a cylindrical oligomer changed the response of VPS4A to ESCRT-III proteins. Based on these data, we propose that ESCRT-III proteins facilitate assembly of functional but transient VPS4A oligomers and interact with sequences inside the pore of the assembled enzyme. Deleting the N-terminal MIT domain and adjacent linker from VPS4A increased both basal and liposome-enhanced ATPase activity, indicating that these elements play a role in autoinhibiting VPS4A until it encounters ESCRT-III proteins. These findings reveal new ways in which VPS4 activity is regulated and specifically directed to ESCRT-III polymers.
An Unassembled Subunit of NAD+-Dependent Isocitrate Dehydrogenase Is Insoluble and Covalently Modified

The NAD(+)-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an octamer composed of four Idh1p subunits and four Idh2p subunits. Isocitrate dehydrogenase functions in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and has also been reported to bind to the 5' nontranslated region of mitochondrially encoded mRNAs. Mutants defective in either or both of these subunits are unable to grow on the nonfermentable carbon source, acetate, but will utilize glycerol or ethanol. Mutant strains lacking Idh2p maintain normal if not elevated levels of mitochondrial Idh1p. In addition to the mature unassembled Idh1p subunit, a complex of bands in the 85- to 170-kDa range (Idh1p-Cpx) is observed using NAD-IDH antiserum. Both Idh1p and Idh1p-Cpx are insoluble within the mitochondrion and are associated with the mitochondrial inner membrane. A histidine-tagged form of Idh1p was expressed in yeast strains. Chemical amounts of the Idh1p-Cpx could be purified from strains lacking Idh2p but not from strains containing normal levels of Idh2p. The data indicate that Idh1p-Cpx is an aggregated and cross-linked form of Idh1p that may be oxidized within the mitochondrion as a consequence of its aborted assembly.
Pioneering immunotherapy for food allergy: clinical outcomes and modulation of the immune response

There is no approved therapy for food allergies, which affect 12 million people in the United States and millions more worldwide. In the last few years, our research team at Duke has begun to develop protocols to treat peanut and other food allergies. Two distinct therapies are being developed. Oral immunotherapy (OIT), which relies on ingestion of increasing amounts of the allergenic food, has been used to successfully desensitize more than 50 peanut allergic subjects. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) involves placing small quantities of peanut allergens under the tongue and has shown promise in our initial placebo-controlled clinical trial. Immunologic changes associated with OIT and SLIT include reduction in mast cell reactivity as determined by skin prick test size, decreased basophil responses, decreased specific-IgE, increased IgG4, and induction of regulatory T cells. Development of these immunotherapy strategies has generated much excitement in the food allergy community; however, further studies are needed before these approaches are ready for clinical use.
Characterization of 4H-SiC gate turn-off thyristor

Abstract An 800 V 4H-SiC gate turn-off thyristor (GTO) is fabricated and characterized. The switching characteristics of the SiC GTO investigated over a temperature range from 25°C to 240°C will be presented with a switched current density through anode contact up to 10,000 A/cm 2 . The turn-on and turn-off times as well as the minority electron lifetime in the p-base region will also be reported as a function of temperature. The high current density capability of the GTO is consistent with the observed reproducible avalanche characteristics of the GTO’s anode p + n diode. The maximum controllable current decreases with increasing temperature as a result of carrier mobility degradation.
Synthesis and Herbicidal Activity of Substituted Tetrahydronaphthalenes (Part II)

This paper reports the synthesis and the biological activity of substituted 6-alkyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1,1-dimethylnaphthalenes in which the substituents at the 5- and/or 7-position are varied with a multitide of functional groups. These compounds exhibited pre-emergent herbicidal activity which was a function of the electron-withdrawing ability and the size of the groups substituted at the 5- and/or 7-position. Nitro and/or nitrile groups at these positions tended to optimize activity.
Residuals for polytomous logistic regression models based on φ-divergences test statistics

When a polytomous logistic regression model fits poorly according to an overall goodness-of-fit test, an examination of residuals highlights where the fit is poor. In this paper we present new families of residuals for politomous logistic regression models based on the φ-divergence test statistic introduced and studied by Gupta et al. [A. Gupta, T. Nguyen and L. Pardo, Some inference procedures in polytomous logistic regression models based on φ-divergences measures, Math. Methods Stat. 3 (2006b), 269–288].
On doing better, experimental-style

Timothy Williamson devotes significant effort in his The Philosophy of Philosophy to arguing against skepticism about judgment. One might think that the recent “experimental philosophy” challenge to the philosophical practice of appealing to intuitions as evidence is a possible target of those arguments. However, this is not so. The structure of that challenge is radically dissimilar from that of traditional skeptical arguments, and the aims of the challenge are entirely congruent with the spirit of methodological improvement that Williamson himself exemplifies in the Afterword of his book.
Heat Transfer to Mercury Flowing In-Line Through a Bundle of Circular Rods

Experimental results for the case of in-line flow of mercury through an unbaffled bundle of circular rods were compared with theoretical predictions. The bundle consisted of 13 one-half-inch-diameter rods of the calrod type arranged in an equilateral triangular pattern, the pitch: diameter ratio being 1.750. Measurements were taken only on the central rod. Six different rods were tested. All rods in the bundle were electrically heated to provide equal and uniform heat fluxes throughout the bundle. The test rods had copper sheaths with fine thermocouples imbedded below the surface for measuring surface temperatures. Some rods were plated with a layer of nickel, followed by a very thin layer of copper, to provide wetting'' conditions, while others were chrome-plated to provide non-wetting'' conditions. The precision of the results is estimated to be within 2 to 3%. An interesting finding, consistent with earlier predictions, was that the Nusselt number. under fully-established turbulent-flow conditions, remained essentially constant until a Reynolds number of about 40,000 was reached. (auth)
Search for grand unification monopoles and other ionizing heavy particles using a scintillation detector at the Earth's surface.

We present results from an experiment using an array of scintillators and time digitizing techniques to search in cosmic rays for grand unification magnetic monopoles and other ionizing heavy particles at the Earth's surface. An upper flux limit of 4.7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}12}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}2}$ ${\mathrm{sr}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ for 2.7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}4}$\ensuremath{\le}\ensuremath{\beta}\ensuremath{\le}5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$ (90% C.L.) for such particles having an ionization \ensuremath{\ge}(1/3 of minimum ionizing particles has been obtained. These results do not improve on the limits from underground experiments for heavy monopoles or other particles (M\ensuremath{\sim}${10}^{16}$ GeV); however, they provide new flux limits for somewhat lighter particles (M\ensuremath{\sim}${10}^{9}$ GeV) which cannot penetrate deep underground or come with large zenith angles. Our result implies that such electrically or magnetically charged particles have been excluded as the major component of the dark matter of the Universe.
Short- and long-term effects of calcium entry blockers on the kidney

The renal effects of the calcium entry-blocking drugs diltiazem, nifedipine, nitrendipine, nicardipine and verapamil are reviewed. Although nifedipine may acutely increase plasma renin activity, most of the calcium entry blockers have no sustained effect on any of the components of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Although all of the calcium entry blockers effectively lower blood pressure, none adversely affects renal function: Glomerular filtration rate and effective renal plasma flow are maintained. Diltiazem may increase glomerular filtration rate via attenuation of the intrarenal effects of angiotensin II or norepinephrine. Although all of the calcium entry blockers acutely increase salt and water excretion, most of the calcium entry blockers have no clinically sustained effect on salt and water excretion; serum electrolytes, urinary sodium and potassium excretion, body fluid composition and body weight are usually unchanged. Calcium entry blockers can be expected to assume a prominent role in the treatment of hypertension because of their ability to lower blood pressure while preserving renal perfusion and function.
Impact of left ventricular volume/mass ratio on diastolic function

Aims To assess the impact of left ventricular (LV) volume/mass ratio on diastolic function parameters in subjects with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and healthy controls. Methods and results We performed echocardiography in 44 healthy controls, 35 HCM subjects, 29 DCM subjects with narrow QRS complex (DCM-n), and 27 DCM subjects with wide QRS complex (DCM-w). Mitral annulus velocity ( E a) and transmitral E-wave velocity were used to estimate time constant of isovolumic pressure decay ( τ ). LV flow propagation velocity ( V p) and early intraventricular pressure gradient (IVPG) were derived from colour M-mode of LV inflow. We calculated LV twist and peak untwisting rate (UntwR) by speckle tracking. Mean LV volume/mass ratio was 0.34 ± 0.09 mL/g in healthy controls, 0.15 ± 0.06 mL/g in HCM, 0.6 ± 0.2 mL/g in DCM-n, and 0.8 ± 0.3 mL/g in DCM-w patients ( P < 0.001 for all groups). Resting LV ejection fractions were 63 ± 7, 64 ± 8, 31 ± 8, and 26 ± 8%, respectively ( P < 0.01 vs. controls for DCM groups). In a multivariate analysis, LV volume/mass ratio remained a strong independent predictor of V p ( P < 0.001), IVPG ( P = 0.009), and UntwR ( P < 0.001) but not for E a ( P = 0.25). Conclusion LV volume/mass ratio had influences on diastolic function parameters independent of intrinsic diastolic function and filling pressures. It should be considered when assessing patients suspected of LV diastolic dysfunction.
Physical Education and the Reform of Undergraduate Education

After suggesting that the current reform of undergraduate education is special, the author analyzes the relationship among general, liberal, and professional education. Definitions are offered, and the material realities for curricular choices are identified. Implications for physical education are presented throughout the analysis.
Inability of Providers to Predict Unplanned Readmissions

BACKGROUND Readmissions cause significant distress to patients and considerable financial costs. Identifying hospitalized patients at high risk for readmission is an important strategy in reducing readmissions. We aimed to evaluate how well physicians, case managers, and nurses can predict whether their older patients will be readmitted and to compare their predictions to a standardized risk tool (Probability of Repeat Admission, or Pra).
Role of diffusion in biocatalytic polytransesterification

The solvent-free enzyme-catalyzed polytransesterification of divinyl adipate and 1,4-butanediol yielding high molecular-weight polyesters was studied. This heterogeneous system is characterized by initial exothermicity, a 104-fold increase in viscosity, and complex kinetics involving parallel reactions and variable reaction volumes. Herein a semitheoretical analysis of solvent-free polytransesterification was developed to further refine understanding of the role of diffusion, especially how molecular weight and poly-dispersity evolve during solvent-free biocatalytic polytransesterification. The evolution of polydispersity observed during the polymerization was attributed to diffusion, and there-fore internal diffusion limitations were assessed experimentals. The analysis denzon-strated that the system is initially under weak diffusional control, which is strengthened by the initial exothermicity of the reaction. At molecular weights over 5,000 Da, the system experienced severe mass-transfer resistance due to chain entanglements. Reduced erizyme specificity with increasing chain length, enzyme deactivation, and vinyl hydrolysis dampen the diffusional constraints toward the end of the polymerization such that the system could return to slight diffusional or kinetic control on exceeding molecular weights of 20,000 Da.
Acquisition of stimulus matching without the use of non-matching stimuli

A basic free operant procedure was used to study stimulus matching of color with pigeons in order to determine whether matching could be established with four different combinations of matching colors and no nonmatching stimuli present during training. Subsequent generalization tests using both matching and nonmatching stimulus combinations showed that the matching concept had been obtained.
Vascular reactions to laser in vivo

Abstract Platelet aggregates form in arterial vessels following exposure of the vessels to a single pulse ruby-red laser beam. Usually, a small cluster of red blood cells occupies the center of the aggregate. It appears that endothelial damage is not required for the platelet aggregation, but that platelet activity is initiated by rupture of red blood cells, possibly through the release of ADP from the injured red cells. Also, no shape change is noted in platelets that adhere to the vessel wall or to each other.
An experimental study of contact pressure distribution in panel stamping operations

This paper presents an analysis of the dynamic contact pressure distribution at the sheet metal-tooling interface in normal and defective panel stamping operations. Specifically, the stamping of a 1.27 × 20 × 15 cm rectangular aluminum alloy panel has been simulated using finite-element modeling methods. The modeling results are leveraged to determine the forces acting on sensors embedded in the die structure. Based on these results, a customized stamping test bed has been designed, which incorporates an array of force sensors embedded into the stamping die to enable online measurement of the forces in the die. The force measurements are processed by the thin plate spline numeric surface interpolation method to evaluate a continuous contact pressure distribution map of the die cavity. The pressure distribution in the die cavity in normal and defective scenarios has been presented along with a suggested volume thresholding method for automated defect detection. By leveraging the numeric surface generation method to analyze experimental data, the present study establishes the basis for intelligent tooling and in-process monitoring for improved observability in sheet metal stamping.
Cryotherapy extends the indications for treatment of colorectal liver metastases.

Background: Hepatic resection for colorectal metastases has been established as the best option for patients with 4 or less lesions meeting specified criteria. Recently, the use of intraoperative ultrasound has increased the detection of previously occult liver lesions, and cryotherapy has allowed the treatment of liver lesions in inaccessible areas with less destruction of normal liver in the case of multiple lesions. We prospectively performed hepatic resection or cryotherapy to test the hypothesis that more than 4 liver metastases could be safely and successfully treated with improved long-term survival. Methods: From August 1993 to January 1999, 137 patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer were treated with hepatic resection or cryotherapy at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Preoperative and postoperative computed tomography scans, intraoperative assessments of lesion number and curability, number of blood transfusions administered, length of stay, complications experienced, and overall survival rates were reviewed. Results: One hundred thirty-seven patients were explored. Treatment consisted of resection alone in 34, cryotherapy alone in 20, both treatments in 52, and no treatment was possible in 31 patients. “Curability” was defined as complete resection or cryotherapy of all identifiable tumor at the conclusion of the operation. A Cox proportional hazards model demonstrated that survival was determined by the destruction of all identifiable metastases (P < .001) and was not statistically influenced by age, gender, type of therapy, or the number of metastases treated. Conclusions: Surgical treatment of colorectal liver metastases remains the best option for patients with this disease. A key factor in overall survival is the destruction or resection of all identifiable disease and not the number of tumors per se. Using cryotherapy as an addition to the surgical arsenal, patients previously deemed unresectable because of the number of lesions have a chance for long-term survival. This study demonstrates improved long-term survival for “cured” patients with more than 4 metastatic lesions, thereby extending the indications for resection/ablation. (Surgery 1999;126:766-74.)
The composition of rat uterine luminal fluid.

Chemical components of uterine fluid obtained from proestrus and cstradiol, cstronc and estriol treated ovariectomized rats have been studied. Analyses of fluid from rats with ligated uteri also are presented. Potassium concentrations were ten times greater than plasma values. Activities of β-glucuronidasc and alkaline phosphatase in uterine fluids were greater than those observed in plasma. Acid phosphatase was absent from uterine fluid. Protein components having clectrophoretic mobilities similar to beta, alpha-2, alpha-1 globulins and albumin of plasma have been identified in luminal fluid. Moreover, uterine fluid contains a protein fraction which has a mobility exceeding that of albumin. These qualitative and quantitative differences support the idea that uterine luminal fluid is an ultrafiltrate of plasma supplemented by secretions from the uterus.
Making Picky Proteins: Computational Design of Interaction Specificity

The ability to alter or inhibit protein interactions specifically would advance basic and applied biomolecular science. Increasingly, protein interactions in the cell are found to be mediated by conserved recognition domains. For this reason, robust targeting of individual proteins will require solutions to the problem of negative design - encoding of features that prevent the design from interacting with undesired off-target partners. This presents several challenges. First, issues of computational complexity, normally already present in protein design, become more severe due to the potentially numerous off-target alternatives. Second, given the semi-empirical nature of scoring functions used in design, there is not a clear choice of an a priori objective function that properly balances specificity and stability. I will present a general framework that addresses both problems. The key feature is a method of Cluster Expansion (CE), by which one can synthesize simple sequence-based expressions that reproduce the result of potentially complex structure-based models. Besides providing a computational speedup of many orders of magnitude, this enables the use of a new class of optimization techniques for address complex design problems. For example, using integer linear programming, specificity design can be formulated so as to find optimal trade-offs between the stability of the design:target complex, and its specificity against undesired interactions. In this way, the choice of sequence can be made after knowing the minimal cost in stability for each incremental increase in specificity, removing the need for an a priori objective function.