cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conformational distribution of a 14-residue peptide in solution: a fluorescence resonance energy transfer study.

We demonstrate here that a nitrile-derivatized phenylalanine residue, p-cyanophenylalanine (Phe(CN)), and tryptophan (Trp) constitute a novel donor-acceptor pair for fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). The Forster distance of this FRET pair was determined to be approximately 16 A and hence is well suited for determining relatively short separation distances. To validate the applicability of this FRET pair in conformational studies, we studied the conformational heterogeneity of a 14-residue amphipathic peptide, Mastoparan X (MPx peptide), in water and 7 M urea solution as well as at different temperatures. Specifically, seven nitrile-derivatized mutants of the MPx peptide, each containing a Phe(CN) residue that replaces different positions along the peptide sequence (i.e., from position 5 to 11) and serves as a resonance energy donor to the native Trp residue at position 3, were studied spectroscopically. The FRET efficiencies obtained from these peptides allowed us to gain a global picture regarding the conformational distribution of the MPx peptide in different environments. Our results suggest that the MPx molecules exist in water as an ensemble of rather compact conformations, with a radius of gyration of approximately 4.2 A, whereas in 7 M urea the radius of gyration increases to approximately 6.5 A, indicating that the peptide conformations become more extended under this condition. However, we found that temperature had only a negligible effect on the size of the MPx peptide, underlining the difference between the thermally and chemically denatured states of polypeptides. The application of the Gaussian chain or the wormlike chain model allowed us to further obtain the probability distribution function of the separation distance between any two residues along the peptide sequence. We found that the effective bond length of the MPx peptide, obtained by using the Gaussian chain model, is 2.78 A in water and 4.28 A in 7 M urea.
Analysis of Membrane Separation Parameters

Abstract This study is concerned with the separation of gas mixtures by selective permeation through nonporous polymeric membranes, a technique that has made considerable progress in recent years. First, several theoretical methods for calculating the separation achievable in a single permeation stage are reviewed and their advantages and limitations are discussed. The methods under consideration assume two idealized flow regimes inside the stage, which are characterized by (a) perfect mixing on both sides of the membrane and (b) cross-flow with no mixing on either side of the membrane. Computer programs for the numerical evaluation of these methods are presented. Second, the effects of several important process variables on the single-stage separation and membrane area requirements are outlined in a parametric study, with special reference to the separation of oxygen from air. The variables include (a) the ratio of pressures on the two sides of the membrane, (b) the pressure level at constant pressure ra...
Irreversible Chemical Reactions Visualized in Space and Time with 4D Electron Microscopy

We report direct visualization of irreversible chemical reactions in space and time with 4D electron microscopy. Specifically, transient structures are imaged following electron transfer in copper-tetracyanoquinodimethane [Cu(TCNQ)] crystals, and the oxidation/reduction process, which is irreversible, is elucidated using the single-shot operation mode of the microscope. We observed the fast, initial structural rearrangement due to Cu^+ reduction and the slower growth of metallic Cu^0 nanocrystals (Ostwald ripening) following initiation of the reaction with a pulse of visible light. The mechanism involves electron transfer from TCNQ anion-radical to Cu^+, morphological changes, and thermally driven growth of discrete Cu^0 nanocrystals embedded in an amorphous carbon skeleton of TCNQ. This in situ visualization of structures during reactions should be extendable to other classes of reactive systems.
Another TWIST on Baller-Gerold syndrome.

Baller-Gerold syndrome is characterized by craniosynostosis and preaxial upper limb malformations. Wide heterogeneity exists with regard to the presence of additional anomalies. Most of the 31 reported cases involve other malformations, including cardiac, Central Nervous System (CNS), and urogenital anomalies. Baller-Gerold syndrome is thought to have autosomal recessive inheritance. However, Gripp et al. [1999: Am. J. Med. Genet. 82:170–176] recently provided the first evidence for autosomal dominant inheritance with variable expressivity and severity. A nonsense mutation was found in TWIST, a gene associated with Saethre-Chotzen syndrome (SCS). Here we report on a male Caucasian patient of nonconsanguineous parents, with synostosis of the coronal, metopic, and sagittal sutures, and bilateral radial ray hypoplasia. The patient's small, round ears with prominent crus helices, and cervical anomalies are common features of SCS. The father had very mild features of SCS. We identify direct paternal transmission of a novel missense TWIST mutation in the highly conserved Helix II domain of this bHLH-family gene. This report lends further support to the recent findings by Gripp et al. [1999]. Future TWIST mutational analysis on patients with craniosynostosis and radial ray involvement will shed light on whether Baller-Gerold syndrome should be a distinct entity or some cases should be reclassified as a heterogeneous form of SCS. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Finite element implementation of the gauge theory of damage

Abstract This work presents a finite element formulation of the guage theory of continuum damage as applied to solids with defects under mechanical loading. The Lagrangian density of the initially elastic body is expanded to include contributions from damage potentials that enter as compensating fields, necessary to restore local translational invariance of the action integral. The spatial finite element discretization is applied to the field variables, displacements and damage potentials, and the total Lagrangian is stantionarized with respect to variations of both fields. Additional constraints introduced by the antiexact gauge condition are imposed using a condensation of degrees of freedom method. The first part of the work includes the basic formulation, while the second part deals with the actual implementation and numerical examples pertinent to damage in composite laminates.
Hi-Lo tech games: crafting, coding and collaboration of augmented board games by high school youth

Most research on game making activities for learning has focused on programming screen-based designs. Only recently has research begun to include the design of tangible interfaces; connecting on-screen programming with hands-on crafting. In this paper, we examine the potential of a workshop that combines the high and low of technology with game design in which teams of high school youth crafted, coded and collaborated on their own augmented board games to highlight intersections between learning programming and making, and creating across digital and tangible modalities. We focused our analysis of students' projects, interactions, and reflections on how young designers conceptualized the integration of screen and board game elements, realized computational concepts and practices in their board game designs and augmentations, and reflected on their game design experience connecting crafting and coding. In the discussion, we review how the expansion of game making activities can create new opportunities for interaction design and research.
Electron transfer through the quinone acceptor complex of Photosystem II in bicarbonate-depleted spinach thylakoid membranes as a function of actinic flash number and frequency

Abstract In this paper four major points with respect to HCO 3 − -reversible inhibition in spinach thylakoid membranes, depleted of HCO 3 − in the presence of inhibitory anions, are established. (1) The oxidation of Q A − (Q A is the primary quinone acceptor of Photosystem II) by Q B (Q B is the secondary quinone acceptor of Photosystem II) or Q B − , following one or two actinic flashes, respectively, exhibits a smaller t 50 time at which [Q A − ] is 50% of maximum [Q A − ]) after a flash at pH 7.5 than at pH 6.5 (2) The characteristic oscillations, due to differential rates of Q A − oxidation by Q B or Q B − , observed in the fluorescence flash pattern, generated by assaying the chlorophyll a fluorescence at specific times after an actinic flash and plotting these data as a function of flash number, are lost (i.e., the turnover of two electron gate is hampered). (3) At 1 Hz, the slowest oxidation of Q A − , as indicated by f 50 values, depends on both the pH and flash number: at pH 6.5, t 50 for Q A − decay reaches a maximum value after only three flashes (one turnover of the two-electron gate), whereas at pH 7.5, the t 50 is increased further until after five flashes (two turnovers of the two-electron gate). (4) The t 50 values of Q A − oxidation also depend on the actinic flash frequency: at 5 Hz, [Q A − ] reaches its maximum after flash 5 even at pH 6.5. The increase observed in the t 50 values of Q A − oxidation in treated membranes is accompanied by the presence of slow components of Q A − oxidation in the 0.1–10 s range which can achieve an amplitude of more than 70%. These components are suggested to be related to protonation steps involved in the quinone acceptor complex of Photosystem II and support the conclusion that the rate-limiting step in electron transfer in HCO 3 − -depleted thylakoids may be the protonation of Q B − and possibly Q B 2− . A working hypothesis is presented that explains the flash, frequency and pH dependence of Q A − decay observed in this paper.
On The Laws Of Laser Speckle Movement In Space

AbstractStatistica]. Optics are used to derive a set of equations that govern the spatial movement of laser speckles.Experiments were resigned tc verify the validity of these equations.IntroductiononWhen an optically rough surface L]/urinated 1-y a coherent keam is displaced in space, the speckle field infront of the surface roves in response. The laws that descril_e the relationship between these two i.cvementsplay a fundamental role in the application of speciile photography to mechanical. measurement. Considerable efforts1 -7 have been devoted. to the study of this subject. The laws that have keen proposed may be dividedinto two categories: one that relates the change of incident and reflection direction of the illuminatingbeam, and one that governs the change of incident and reflection distances of the team. Fhile there is agree-rent on the first category of the equations, two schools of thought exist for the second category. One group 4 postulates that the stun of incident and reflection distances remain.. constant during the speckle rrovelren_t
Field effect and magnetoresistance in small bismuth wires

The change in the electrical resistance as a function of applied electrostatic charge, known as the field effect, has been measured in Bi wires ranging in size from 2.6 to 29 \ensuremath{\mu}m. These measurements were made at 4.2 K in the presence of applied magnetic fields of varying strengths and directions. The changes in resistance of the samples as a function of applied parallel magnetic field, in fields up to 7 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{5}$ A/m, have been analyzed as a combination of the bulk longitudinal magnetoresistance and a decrease in the amount of surface scattering. Simultaneous measurements of the field effect in these magnetic fields show, in general, a decrease in the field effect as the surface scattering decreases. When the applied magnetic fields are not parallel to the sample axis the magnetoresistance data indicate increased surface scattering, and an increase in the size of the field effect is also seen. These results are interpreted as suggesting that a major contribution to the field effect in our samples is due to changes in the surface scattering of the intrinsic carriers caused by the added charge. The magnetoresistance data allow us to estimate the specularity coefficient $p$ for two samples to be 0.33 and 0.41, and the change in $p$ with added charge to be 0.1 ${(\mathrm{C}/{\mathrm{m}}^{2})}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ and 0.3 ${(\mathrm{C}/{\mathrm{m}}^{2})}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$.
Synthetic neural circuits using current-domain signal representations

We present a new approach to the engineering of collective analog computing systems that emphasizes the role of currents as an appropriate signal representation and the need for low-power dissipation and simplicity in the basic functional circuits. The design methodology and implementation style that we describe are inspired by the functional and organizational principles of neuronal circuits in living systems. We have implemented synthetic neurons and synapses in analog CMOS VLSI that are suitable for building associative memories and self-organizing feature maps.
A National Status Report On the Use of Electronic Technology in Special Education Management

The impact of technology on special education was initially in the area of computer-assisted instruction. More recently management uses of technology have been rapidly introduced to reduce paperwork, meet federal and state reporting requirements, and track students from referral to placement into special education programs. This study outlines the status of computer use by special education directors in the Council of Administrators of Special Education, which commissioned the survey. The results are organized around seven questions from development to current and future applications. The results are discussed in terms of two competing frameworks that guide technology use in business and education. The authors provide a development process that capitalizes on the knowledge of special education managers and their reported needs.
Homology modeling using multiple molecular dynamics simulations and docking studies of the human androgen receptor ligand binding domain bound to testosterone and nonsteroidal ligands.

To facilitate the rational design of novel and more potent androgen receptor ligands, three-dimensional models for the human androgen receptor ligand binding domain bound to testosterone have been developed. These models of the androgen receptor were based on the crystal structure of the highly homologous human progesterone receptor ligand binding domain. The homology modeled androgen receptor was refined using unrestrained multiple molecular dynamics simulations in explicit solvent. Key H-bonding partners with the 17-hydroxy group and 3-keto group of testosterone are Asn705 and Thr877, and Gln711 and Arg752, respectively. These models show the presence of a unique unoccupied cavity within the androgen receptor binding pocket which may be valuable in the development of novel selective androgen receptor ligands. A qualitative analysis of amino acid mutations within the hAR binding pocket that affect ligand binding are consistent with these androgen receptor models. In addition to testosterone, the binding ...
The neutrality act of 1794: Is it being violated by private citizens who fund the contra rebels in Nicaragua?

Abstract The article opens with a review of recent developments which have caused the Neutrality Act of 1794 to reemerge as a legal issue. The article then examines the origins and purposes of the Act, as well as the political climate in the United States and the circumstances that led to its passage. The Neutrality Act was passed with the specific intention of remedying the practice of “privateering.” This problem was prevalent at the time the Act was passed but is no longer a problem today. The article examines early case law interpreting the Act, with specific attention to the definitional problem of how to interpret key words and phrases used in the Act. The early case law demonstrates that the activities of private citizens who fund the Contras do not violate the Act. Another important issue addressed is how the Executive Branch interprets the Act. The article supports the position of the current administration, namely, that the Neutrality Act does not apply to the President when he is exercising his...
Finding red balloons with split contracts: robustness to individuals' selfishness

The present work deals with the problem of information acquisition in a strategic networked environment. To study this problem, Kleinberg and Raghavan (FOCS 2005) introduced the model of query incentive networks, where the root of a binomial branching process wishes to retrieve an information -- known by each node independently with probability 1/n -- by investing as little as possible. The authors considered fixed-payment contracts in which every node strategically chooses an amount to offer its children paid upon information retrieval to convince them to seek the information in their subtrees. Kleinberg and Raghavan discovered that the investment needed at the root exhibits an unexpected threshold behavior that depends on the branching parameter b. For b>2, the investment is linear in the expected distance to the closest information (logarithmic in n, the rarity of the information), while, for 1 The DARPA Network Challenge --- retrieving the locations of ten balloons placed at undisclosed positions in the US --- has recently brought practical attention to the problems of social mobilization and information acquisition in a networked environment. The MIT Media Laboratory team won the challenge by acting as the root of a query incentive network that unfolded all over the world. However, rather than adopting a fixed-payment strategy, the team implemented a different incentive scheme based on 1/2-split contracts. Under such incentive scheme, a node u who does not possess the information can recruit a friend v through a contract stipulating that if the information is found in the subtree rooted at v, then v has to give half of her own reward back to u. Motivated by its empirical success, we present a comprehensive theoretical study of this scheme in the game theoretical setting of query incentive networks. Our main result is that split contracts are robust --- as opposed to fixed-payment contracts--- to nodes' selfishness. Surprisingly, when nodes determine the splits to offer their children based on the contracts received from their recruiters, the threshold behavior observed in the previous work vanishes, and an investment linear in the expected distance to the closest information is sufficient to retrieve the information in any arbitrary Galton-Watson process with b>1. Finally, while previous analyses considered the parameters of the branching process as constants, we are able to characterize the rate of the investment in terms of the branching process and the desired probability of success. This allows us to show improvements even in other special cases.
Numerical modeling of heat assisted magnetic recording system

Heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) is envisioned as the next technology for boosting the recording densities. In HAMR, a localized optical field is used to locally heat the magnetic recording media layer, thus reducing the thermal stability and allowing recording at sufficiently weak magnetic fields. After cooling down, the recording layer restores the original high thermal stability. From the simulation point of view HAMR requires integrated modeling approaches, including magnetics, optics, heat transport, and electromagnetics.
Synthesis and characterization of a new ternary nitride, Ca3VN3

We have synthesized a new ternary nitride, Ca 3 VN 3 , from the binary nitrides at high temperature. The refined structure was solved in the P 2 1 / m space group with lattice constants a =6.717(2), b =5.064(2), c =6.720(3) A, β =78.88(3)°, Z =2, R =3.2%, and R w =3.7%. The structure is related to the recently reported A 3 M N 3 compounds (D. A. Vennos, M. E. Badding, and F. J. DiSalvo, Inorg. Chem. 29 , 4059, 1990) with sheets of [VN 3 ] 6− trigonal planar units and calcium ions. Ca 3 VN 3 is insulating with V 3+ in the low-spin state, S =0.
The effect of hydrogen on program disturbance in sub-2ynm Nand flash

The Effect of hydrogen on program disturbance in sub-2ynm NAND flash is studied. It is supposed that boron atoms implanted for field stop are deactivated due to the formation of neutral boron-hydrogen pair. Boron deactivation results in the degradation of STI leakage and program disturbance. By adopting hydrogen reducing process, program disturbance of 2ynm NAND flash is successfully improved.
Amplification and transport of an endemic fish disease by an introduced species

The introduction of American shad from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast of North America in the late 1800’s and the subsequent population expansion in the 1980’s resulted in the amplification of Ichthyophonus sp., a Mesomycetozoean parasite of wild marine fishes. Sequence analysis of the ribosomal DNA gene complex (small subunit and internal transcribed spacer regions) and Ichthyophonus epidemiological characteristics indicate a low probability that Ichthyophonus was co-introduced with American shad from the Atlantic; rather, Ichthyophonus was likely endemic to marine areas of the Pacific region and amplified by the expanding population of a highly susceptible host species. The migratory life history of shad resulted in the transport of amplified Ichthyophonus from its endemic region in the NE Pacific to the Columbia River watershed. An Ichthyophonus epizootic occurred among American shad in the Columbia River during 2007, when infection prevalence was 72%, and 57% of the infections were scored as moderate or heavy intensities. The epizootic occurred near the record peak of shad biomass in the Columbia River, and corresponded to an influx of 1,595 mt of infected shad tissues into the Columbia River. A high potential for parasite spillback and the establishment of a freshwater Ichthyophonus life cycle in the Columbia River results from currently elevated infection pressures, broad host range, plasticity in Ichthyophonus life history stages, and precedents for establishment of the parasite in other freshwater systems. The results raise questions regarding the risk for sympatric salmonids and the role of Ichthyophonus as a population-limiting factor affecting American shad in the Columbia River.
Nyhus-Wantz Lectureship: EHS/AHS Joint Hernia Congress-2012.

When given the honor to deliver the Nyhus–Wantz Lecture at the 5th Annual AHS/EHS International Hernia Congress, the word that came to mind immediately was collegiality. The dictionary tells us collegiality is the cooperative interaction among colleagues. I believe that both Doctors Nyhus and Wantz epitomized this cooperation. Both surgeons were critical in the exchange of ideas between Europe and The Americas regarding herniology that were critical to our past and laid the foundation for our future. In addition, both Doctors Nyhus and Wantz and their work have been extremely important in my development as a hernia surgeon. During the lecture, I will try to touch on these concepts to honor those that have made us what we are today.
Regeneration of bacteriorhodopsin in mixed micelles

Regeneration of bacteriorhodopsin from bacterioopsin and all-trans-retinal was studied in a mixed micelle system consisting of dodecyl sulfate, CHAPS and a water-soluble phospholipid dihexanoylphosphatidylcholine (hex2-PhosChol). Regeneration to approximately 40,000 M-1.cm-1 extinction at 550 nm (epsilon 550) was obtained with either 2.3 mM or 6.5 mM CHAPS along with 6.9 mM dodecyl sulfate and 4.5 mM hex2-PhosChol in 0.16 M NaCl and 40 mM phosphate (pH 6.0). Without CHAPS, the regeneration in 4.5 mM Hex2-PhosChol gave epsilon 555 = 27,800; without PhosChol, the 1:3 CHAPS/dodecyl sulfate mixture gave epsilon 550 approximately 20,000; and without PhosChol the nearly equimolar CHAPS/dodecyl sulfate mixture gave epsilon 550 approximately 10,000. The composition of the mixed micelles was estimated from fluorescence spectroscopy using pyrene butyryl hydrazine. The molecular weight was estimated by molecular seive chromatography to be 87,100 for 2.3 mM CHAPS, 6.9 mM dodecyl sulfate and 0.67 mM hex2-PhosChol; and 83,200 for 7.0 mM CHAPS, 6.9 mM dodecyl sulfate, and 1.1 mM hex2-PhosChol. These results are consistent with the idea that at low concentrations of CHAPS and dodecyl sulfate, CHAPS organizes the dodecyl sulfate into disk shaped bilayer micelles that are favorable for bacterioopsin refolding. However, a high concentration of either detergent inhibits regeneration. Added hex2-PhosChol can overcome the inhibitory effects of high concentrations of either CHAPS or dodecyl sulfate.
Rapid recovery of photosynthetic cell suspension cultures following heterotrophic bleaching

Seven suspension-cultured lines of five different species (Amaranthus powellii Datura innoxia, Glycine max, Gossypium hirsutum, andNicotiana tabacum × Nicotiana glutinosa fusion hybrid), which had been grown under photomixotrophic conditions, were placed under heterotrophic conditions (darkness and media with 3% sucrose or starch) where the chlorophyll levels declined to near zero. After three transfers over a 70-d period, the cells were placed back into photomixotrophic or photoautotrophic conditions where regreening occurred rapidly and continued growth was observed. This rapid adaptation to photosynthetic conditions contrasts with the original initiation process for these cultures, which required many months and an apparent selection since many of the original cells died. Thus, these seven photosynthetic cell suspension cultures appear to be different from the original cultures due possible to genetic or adaptive changes.
A review of the literature of interlibrary loan, document delivery, and resource sharing, 1995-2000

Globally, there has been an increased demand for Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery (ILL/DD) services. As the profession has struggled to meet this demand, many new theories, models, procedures, and technologies have been implemented in libraries and reported in library literature. This article surveys the varied and voluminous literature that has appeared from the years 1995 through 2000. Literature is broadly defined to include not just published books and journal articles, but also conference events, Web sites, and electronic publications. Topics addressed include: Reference Sources for ILL/DD; National and International Initiatives; Theory, Management, and Practice of ILL/DD; Document Delivery; Resource Sharing; and Copyright and Licensing.
Inhibition of angiogenesis and tumor growth by β and γ-secretase inhibitors

Abstract The involvement of β-secretase and γ-secretase in producing the β-amyloid component of senile plaques found in the brain of Alzheimer's patients has fueled a major research effort to design selective inhibitors of these proteases. Interestingly, γ-secretase cleaves several proteins including Notch, E-cadherin, CD44 and ErbB-4 (erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog 4), which are important modulators of angiogenesis. The β-amyloid precursor protein, which is cleaved by β-secretase and γ-secretase to produce β-amyloid, is highly expressed in the endothelium of neoforming vessels suggesting that it might play a role during angiogenesis. These data prompted us to explore the effects of β and γ-secretase inhibitors of different structures on angiogenesis and tumor growth. Both the γ and β-secretase inhibitors tested reduce endothelial cell proliferation without inducing cellular toxicity, suppress the formation of capillary structures in vitro and oppose the sprouting of microvessel outgrowths in the rat aortic ring model of angiogenesis. Moreover, they potently inhibit the growth and vascularization of human glioblastoma and human lung adenocarcinoma tumors xenotransplanted into nude mice. Altogether these data suggest that the γ and β-secretases play an essential role during angiogenesis and that inhibitors of the β and γ-secretases may constitute new classes of anti-angiogenic and anti-tumoral compounds.
Combining ability among single grosses and predicting double cross performances in poultry 1 2

Synopsis Thirteen traits were examined on progeny of 40 egg‐type double crosses sampled over 2 years in order to evaluate the importance of general and specific combining ability variances among single cross parents in double cross combination and the feasibility of predicting double cross performance from parental and non‐parental single crosses. General combining ability variance was significant for 8‐and 55‐week body weight, egg shape index, egg weight, percentage egg production, meat spots and adult mortality, while specific combining ability variance was not significantly different from zero for any traits. General combining ability variance was not significant for age at first egg, interior egg quality, specific gravity and blood spots. Multiple regression procedures using as independent variables ordered means of parental and non‐parental single crosses and inbreds yielded higher predictability of double cross performance than using the respective means of each set. Deletion of parental single cros...
Environmental Concern and Apparel Consumption

Many consumers are making consumption decisions that reflect their desire to protect the environment. Consequently, many companies have embraced the "green marketing" concept to capture the environmentally conscious market. This study explores several constructs related to apparel consumption and environmentalism: knowledge of environmental issues pertaining to apparel products, concern for or attitude toward the environment, and behavior stemming from environmental concerns. We developed a model to examine how knowledge of environmental issues with respect to apparel products relates to concern for the environment as well as subsequent behaviors toward the environment. Results indicated that respondents' knowledge of the environmental effects of apparel products had a limited relationship to general concern for the environment. Also, environmental concern did not clearly relate to environmentally responsible apparel consumption, while a construct assessing general environmentally responsible behavior mor...
Distributed Inference with Byzantine Data: State-of-the-Art Review on Data Falsification Attacks

In 1982, Lamport et al. presented the so-called Byzantine generals problem as follows: a group of generals of the Byzantine army camped with their troops around an enemy city. Communicating only by messenger, the generals must agree upon a common battle plan. However, one or more of them may be traitors who will try to confuse the others. The problem is to find an algorithm to ensure that the loyal generals will reach agreement. The authors gave a sharp characterization of the power of the Byzantine generals. It was shown that if the fraction of Byzantine generals is less than 1/3, there is a way for the loyal generals to reach a consensus agreement, regardless of what the Byzantine generals do. If the fraction is above 1/3, consensus can no longer be guaranteed. This article examines the Byzantine generals problem in the context of distributed inference, where data collected from remote locations are sent to a fusion center (FC) for processing and inference. The assumption is that the data are potentially tampered or falsified by some internal adversary who has the knowledge about the algorithm used at the FC. We refer to the problem considered as distributed inference with Byzantine data.
Effects of intrathecal strychnine and bicuculline on nerve compression-induced thermal hyperalgesia and selective antagonism by MK-801

We studied the effects of intrathecally administered strychnine (STR; glycine antagonist; 10 or 30 micrograms) and bicuculline (BIC; GABAA antagonist 1 or 3 micrograms) on the thermal hyperalgesia which occurs following sciatic nerve constriction injury in rats. Following unilateral application of loose ligatures around the sciatic nerve, all rats typically displayed an ipsilateral thermal hyperalgesia on day 7. Intrathecal STR or BIC administered just after the nerve lesion and on days 1 and 2 after the nerve lesion significantly enhanced in a dose-dependent fashion the magnitude of the thermal hyperalgesia normally observed on day 7, as compared to intrathecal saline (for STR: 30 micrograms > 10 micrograms > or = saline; for BIC: 30 micrograms > 10 micrograms > or = saline, p < 0.05). Intrathecal MK-801, an N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist, was without effect upon the response latency of the normal or sham operated paw, but selectively reversed the hyperalgesia. These results suggest that the loss of a spinal STR- and BIC-sensitive inhibition augments development of the hyperalgesia induced by chronic nerve compression.
Sea slicks and surface strain

Abstract The first detailed underway measurement of sea surface chemistry made in conjunction with a study of upper ocean physics indicated intense sea surface slicks associated with negative northward surface current strain (convergence favorable), low wind speeds and low mixing rates within a meandering filament of cool water. No intense slicks were observed in regions of positive northward surface current strain, at higher wind speeds, higher mixing rates or outside of the cool filament. Slicks were only observed in regions of high subsurface (3 m) chlorophyll fluorescence.
Amplification of human papillomavirus types 16 and 18 in invasive cervical cancer.

Abstract The distribution and amplification patterns of human papillomavirus were studied in 15 human papillomavirus (HPV) 16- and six HPV18-positive cervical carcinomas by colorimetric in situ hybridization (ISH). The findings were correlated with the viral copy number and status of El/E2 viral genes in the tumor DNA, as studied by dot blot analysis and the polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The tumors were classified according to the ISH signal into single dot, multidot, diffuse, and mixed patterns. The signal was homogeneously distributed only in single dot tumors and was clearly heterogeneous in tumors with mixed nuclear signal patterns, including both dot and diffuse signals. The single dot pattern predominated in HPV 18-positive tumors (83%), whereas the multidot pattern was most frequent in HPV 16-positive tumors (47%). Diffuse and mixed patterns were noted only in HPV 16-positive tumors (33%). The lowest mean copy of number per cell was observed in single dot tumors (25 ± 15) with an ascendent trend toward the diffuse signal tumors (2832 ± 2281). E1/E2 genes were disrupted in 75% of the single/multidot tumors and in none of the diffuse/mixed tumors. These data suggest diffuse signals originate by episomal amplification and dot signals originate by viral integration. Diffuse and dot patterns suggest different mechanisms of viral transformation.
Mean-field model of the Verwey transition in magnetite.

A mean-field model is applied to the Verwey transition in ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{3(1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\delta}})}$${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$. Parametrization of the internal energy, in terms of the experimental dependence of transition temperature on metal-oxygen nonstoichiometry, yields results consistent with the existence of two regimes on either side of a critical composition ${\ensuremath{\delta}}_{c}$=0.0039. For \ensuremath{\delta}${\ensuremath{\delta}}_{c}$, first-order transitions occur, with singlet ground states and doublet excited states. For \ensuremath{\delta}g${\ensuremath{\delta}}_{c}$, second-order transitions result, for ground and excited states of equal degeneracy. The density of states, determined by a single long-range-order parameter is used to calculate the Fermi potential of a free-electron gas and associated electrical transport properties, as a function of temperature and nonstoichiometry. The canonical cusp catastrophe describes critical behavior in the mean-field approximation.
On the nature of OV and VO order in Old French

Abstract Object–verb (OV) order in Old French exhibits many of the same characteristics as OV order in the West Germanic languages, especially in its occurrence with nonfinite verbs. I argue that Old French was typologically an OV language and show that recent antisymmetric analyses of West Germanic OV order are able to account for Old French OV order in periphrastic constructions. I propose an extension of these to account for OV order in infinitival clauses as well. In addition, the Old French data show that the concomitantly occurring instances of VO in this language must be due to the presence of grammars in competition, where an older OV grammar is being replaced by a newer VO one.
PTEC Introduces Executive Director

The education and training requirements for pharmacy technicians is a topic that has elicited much discussion in the past few years. The profession seems to be gravitating toward a consensus that some standards must be established, but there is still disagreement about the exact framework that should be mandated. The Pharmacy Technician Educators Council (PTEC) is committed to providing quality educational experiences to produce an ample supply of skilled, qualified pharmacy technicians to meet the needs of the profession. PTEC has appointed Gail Askew PharmD to the position of executive director to bring an educator's perspective to the discussions about future requirements for pharmacy technicians. Gail brings many years of experience as a pharmacist and technician educator and a unique understanding of the challenges facing the profession and has developed some strategies to begin formulating solutions.
Teaching calculation and discrimination: a more effective curriculum

Providing a solid mathematical foundation and a skill in manipulation can have a profound effect on later courses. The presentation of almost any algorithm becomes easier when the instructor and student share a common basis for the specification and presentation of programs in a rigorous and calculational manner-rather than the ineffective operational approach that is so prevalent today. The idea behind an algorithm can be conveyed more effectively and in less time, and often it is the idea rather than the whole algorithm that counts. Thus, the increased understanding of the students should allow us to cover more material and to compress some of the courses in our burgeoning curricula
Study of the aberrations of periodic arc using the Lie algebraic techniques

Abstract The aberrations of a periodic achromat are analyzed using the map of a single periodic cell. An action-angle analysis of the Lie operators describing a cell is used to illustrate the differences amongst various phase advances per cell.
New QP/QI Symmetric Stellarator Configurations

A unique characteristic of the quasi-poloidal/isodynamic transport optimization strategy is that it can lead to stellarators that deviate from the usual “doughnut” shape; i.e., they can have extended relatively straight cylindrical sections of plasma (connected by corner regions). This offers a number of potential design advantages, including simplified coil geometries, novel divertor approaches, low bootstrap current (less potential for ELMs and disruptions), more acceptable wall heat fluxes, and demountable blankets for reactors. The STELLOPT approach has been used to develop optimized configurations of this type for two and four field periods with aspect ratio / in the range of 8 to 16.
Decay of a Yang-Mills field coupled to a scalar field

Consider a gauge fieldF and a scalar field φ with a self-couplingV(φ) as well as the standard coupling betweenF and φ. If 0≦2V(φ)≦φ·V′(φ), there are no classical lumps. IfV(φ)=|φ|4 the system is conformally invariant and all the energy radiates out along the light cone.
Polyampholytic Hydrogel Swelling Transitions: Limitations of the Debye−Hückel Law

This study has examined polyampholytic hydrogel swelling transitions over a wide range of bath salt concentrations. Copolymer 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS−H) and [3-(methacryloylamino)propyl] trimethylammonium chloride (MAPTA−C1) hydrogels were prepared with a total monomer concentration of 1.4 M near the charge balance point. Hydrogel equilibrium swelling measurements were made in aqueous baths having sodium chloride concentrations ranging from 1 μM to 1 M. The observed swelling transitions have been interpreted using a series of thermodynamic models based on successively higher order Mayer ionic solution theory corrections. Collapse transitions at low and intermediate bath salt concentrations observed experimentally were successfully predicted using only a zero order Mayer, or Donnan model, approximation. First order Mayer corrections, equivalent to the Debye−Huckel limiting law (DHLL), failed to produce physically meaningful results at the polymer ion and bath salt concentrations ...
Treatment of post-prostatectomy incontinence with male slings in patients with impaired detrusor contractility on urodynamics and/or who perform Valsalva voiding

Purpose: Male slings have emerged as a popular and efficacious treatment for men with post-prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence. Traditionally slings have been used with caution or avoided in men with impaired detrusor contractility or Valsalva voiding because of concern that patients will not be able to overcome the fixed resistance of a sling during micturition. We propose that men with post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence who have impaired contractility and/or void with abdominal straining for urodynamics can be safely treated with slings.Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of patients with post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence who underwent an initial sling procedure between January 2004 and January 2010 was conducted at a single institution. Preoperative urodynamic characteristics, and postoperative Patient Global Impression of Improvement, post-void residual and noninvasive uroflow data were examined. Patients were grouped by poor bladder contractility or Valsalva voiding status....
Accuracy of CT angiography versus pulmonary angiography in the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism: evaluation of the literature with summary ROC curve analysis.

Rationale and objectives The authors performed this study to estimate, by using published data, the sensitivity and specificity of computed tomographic (CT) angiography in the evaluation of suspected acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Materials and methods Summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the sensitivity and specificity of CT angiography in the diagnosis of acute PE. Pulmonary angiography was used as the diagnostic standard of reference. The authors reviewed the results of 11 independent studies published in the English-language literature between January 1992 and June 1999. Results The sensitivity of CT angiography in the diagnosis or exclusion of PE in the central pulmonary arteries (to the level of the segmental pulmonary arteries) ranged from 0.74 to 0.81 on the basis of specificities of 0.89-0.91. The sensitivity of CT angiography in the diagnosis or exclusion of PE in all pulmonary arteries (to the level of the subsegmental pulmonary arteries) was 0.68 on the basis of a specificity of 0.91. Conclusion On the basis of the studies in the current literature, most of which used 5.0-mm collimation and single-detector CT, CT angiography may be less accurate in the diagnosis of PE than previously reported. With improvements in data acquisition, particularly the use of thinner section collimation and multidetector CT, and in the increased use of workstations for data analysis, the accuracy and utility of CT angiography will require continued investigation.
Osmotic consequences of cryoprotectant permeability and its relation to the survival of frozen-thawed embryos

Abstract The freezing of a living cell involves a complex physicochemical process of heat and water transport between the cell and its surrounding medium. Embryos survive cryopreservation only in the presence of a cryoprotectant in concentrations between 1 and 2M. During the addition and dilution of a permeating cryoprotectant, the cell undergoes osmotic changes in cell size. As a consequence, if the addition or particularly the dilution are carried out inappropriately, the viability of cells can be affected. Equations which model the influx and efflux of cryoprotectants in cells can be used to calculate the optimum and most practical addition and removal method. However, the equations require the permeability coefficient of the cryoprotectant, a quantity that has only experimentally determined for a few of the developmental stages of two species.
Fertilization Studies and Assisted Fertilization in Mammals: Their Development and Future

Studies of mammalian fertilization progressed very slowly in the beginning because of difficulties in obtaining a large quantity of fully mature eggs at one time. With progression of techniques to collect and handle eggs and spermatozoa, research in mammalian fertilization advanced rapidly. Today, far more papers are published on mammalian gametes and fertilization than those of all other animals combined. The development of assisted fertilization and related technologies revolutionized basic research as well as human reproductive medicine and animal husbandry. Reproduction is fundamental to human and animal lives. The author lists a few subjects of his personal interest for further development of basic and applied research of gametes and fertilization. Each reader will probably have more exciting subjects of future investigation.
Neural Recruitment after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Is Task Dependent: A Meta-analysis

Individuals with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) often have deficits in processing speed and working memory (WM) and there is a growing literature using functional imaging studies to document these deficits. However, divergent results from these studies revealed both hypoactivation and hyperactivation of neural resources after injury. We hypothesized that at least part of this variance can be explained by distinct demands between WM tasks. Notably, in this literature some WM tasks use discrete periods of encoding, maintenance, and retrieval, whereas others place continuous demands on WM. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to examine the differences in neural recruitment after mTBI to determine if divergent findings can be explained as a function of task demand and cognitive load. A comprehensive literature review revealed 14 studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine brain activity of individuals with mTBI during working memory tasks. Three of the fourteen studies included reported hypoactivity, five reported hyperactivity, and the remaining six reported both hypoactivity and hyperactivity. Studies were grouped according to task type and submitted to GingerALE maximum likelihood meta-analyses to determine the most consistent brain activation patterns. The primary findings from this meta-analysis suggest that the discrepancy in activation patterns is at least partially attributable to the classification of WM task, with hyperactivation being observed in continuous tasks and hypoactivation being observed during discrete tasks. We anticipate that differential task load expressed in continuous and discrete WM tasks contributes to these differences. Implications for the interpretation of fMRI signals in clinical samples are discussed. (JINS, 2013, 19, 1–12)
A new slideline/eroding algorithm for EPIC2

Abstract This paper describes a new slideline/eroding algorithm implemented into EPIC2 code (Johnson et al. , 1986). It also presents some results of impact calculations which show that this new algorithm not only better resolved the interface between two impacting bodies, but also smoothed out the curvature of the slideline. This was all done without an undue increase of CPU (central processing unit) time.