cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Combustion Instability Control Through Acoustic Modulation at the Inlet Boundary: Analysis

A linear modal analysis is undertaken to investigate the effects of acoustic modulation at the inlet boundary on the longitudinal instability modes of a dump combustor. This study complements an accompanying experimental investigation that demonstrates combustion instability control through single-frequency acoustic modulation at the inlet [Bennewitz, J. W., Frederick, R. A., Jr., Cranford, J. T., Lineberry, D. M., “Combustion Instability Control Through Acoustic Modulation at the Inlet Boundary: Experiments,” Journal of Propulsion and Power (to be published)]. The modal analysis employs acoustically consistent matching conditions instead of the conventional mass, momentum, and energy balances. A specific impedance boundary condition at the inlet is derived through a mass-spring-damper model of a speaker diaphragm that provides the acoustic modulation. The speaker model constants are obtained from an apparatus consisting of a speaker attached to a short hard-wall-terminated duct. At first, the modal analy...
What's New in Wolfram's New Kind of Science?

Wolframfs monumental best seller entitled gA new kind of scienceh was based almost entirely on brute-force computer simulations. In sharp contrast, this lecture presents a rigorous analytical theory based on attractors from a nonlinear dynamics perspective. New results and concepts to be presented include the partitioning (via Felix Kleinfs Vierergruppe) of all 256 local Boolean rules studied empirically by Wolfram into 88 global equivalence classes, one of which contains 4 topologically-conjugate rules capable of universal computation, and endowed with a 1/f spectrum. Another major result is the rigorous characterization of the time-asymptotic dynamics (attractors) of 112 local rules via an explicit generalized Bernoulli shift formula. Even more surprising, we have discovered the attractors of 170 local rules are blessed with the remarkable property of time-reversality. For such rules, the past evolution in time can be recovered from the future evolutions of a corresponding gtwinh rule. Only 86 local rules exhibit an garrow of timeh. One of our most fascinating discoveries is a new phenomenon, dubbed an gIsle of Eden,h having no counter part in hyperbolic differential equations, which has neither a past, nor a future! In addition to providing a mathematical foundation for brainlike dynamics, the discoveries cited above provide simple dynamical mechanism for mimicking many exotic phenomena from brain science, quantum physics, cosmology, etc.
Automorphic Forms and General Teichmüller Spaces

This is a summary of results extending the theory of Teichmuller spaces [1, 2, 6, 7] to arbitrary Fuchsian groups and to open Riemann surfaces. The new point of view also sheds some light on the case of closed surfaces. Proofs will appear elsewhere.
Mapping of medical acronyms and initialisms to Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) across selected systems

Introduction: Given the common use of acronyms and initialisms in the health sciences, searchers may be entering these abbreviated terms rather than full phrases when searching online systems. The purpose of this study is to evaluate how various MEDLINE Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) interfaces map acronyms and initialisms to the MeSH vocabulary. Methods: The interfaces used in this study were: the PubMed MeSH database, the PubMed Automatic Term Mapping feature, the NLM Gateway Term Finder, and Ovid MEDLINE. Acronyms and initialisms were randomly selected from 2 print sources. The test data set included 415 randomly selected acronyms and initialisms whose related meanings were found to be MeSH terms. Each acronym and initialism was entered into each MEDLINE MeSH interface to determine if it mapped to the corresponding MeSH term. Separately, 46 commonly used acronyms and initialisms were tested. Results: While performance differed widely, the success rates were low across all interfaces for the randomly selected terms. The common acronyms and initialisms tested at higher success rates across the interfaces, but the differences between the interfaces remained. Conclusion: Online interfaces do not always map medical acronyms and initialisms to their corresponding MeSH phrases. This may lead to inaccurate results and missed information if acronyms and initialisms are used in search strategies.
Transcriptional Profile of Tuberculosis Antigen–Specific T Cells Reveals Novel Multifunctional Features

In latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) spread of the bacteria is contained by a persistent immune response, which includes CD4(+) T cells as important contributors. In this study we show that TB-specific CD4(+) T cells have a characteristic chemokine expression signature (CCR6(+)CXCR3(+)CCR4(-)), and that the overall number of these cells is significantly increased in LTBI donors compared with healthy subjects. We have comprehensively characterized the transcriptional signature of CCR6(+)CXCR3(+)CCR4(-) cells and found significant differences to conventional Th1, Th17, and Th2 cells, but no major changes between healthy and LTBI donors. CCR6(+)CXCR3(+)CCR4(-) cells display lineage-specific signatures of both Th1 and Th17 cells, but also have a unique gene expression program, including genes associated with susceptibility to TB, enhanced T cell activation, enhanced cell survival, and induction of a cytotoxic program akin to CTL cells. Overall, the gene expression signature of CCR6(+)CXCR3(+)CCR4(-) cells reveals characteristics important for controlling latent TB infections.
Beyond Agar: Gel Substrates with Improved Optical Clarity and Drug Efficiency and Reduced Autofluorescence for Microbial Growth Experiments

Agar, a seaweed extract, has been the standard support matrix for microbial experiments for over a century. Recent developments in high-throughput genetic screens have created a need to reevaluate the suitability of agar for use as colony support, as modern robotic printing systems now routinely spot thousands of colonies within the area of a single microtiter plate. Identifying optimal biophysical, biochemical, and biological properties of the gel support matrix in these extreme experimental conditions is instrumental to achieving the best possible reproducibility and sensitivity. Here we systematically evaluate a range of gelling agents by using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model microbe. We find that carrageenan and Phytagel have superior optical clarity and reduced autofluorescence, crucial for high-resolution imaging and fluorescent reporter screens. Nutrient choice and use of refined Noble agar or pure agarose reduce the effective dose of numerous selective drugs by >50%, potentially enabling large cost savings in genetic screens. Using thousands of mutant yeast strains to compare colony growth between substrates, we found no evidence of significant growth or nutrient biases between gel substrates, indicating that researchers could freely pick and choose the optimal gel for their respective application and experimental condition.
Structure-Based Design of (5-Arylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)-biphenyl-2‘,4‘-diols as Novel and Potent Human CHK1 Inhibitors

The cocrystal structure of a library hit was used to design a novel series of CHK1 inhibitors. The new series retained the critical hydrogen-bonding groups of the resorcinol moiety for binding but lacked the phenolic anilide moiety. The newly designed compounds exhibited similar enzymatic activity, while demonstrating increased cellular potency. Compound 10c, showing no single agent effect, potentiated the antiproliferative effect of Gemcitabine in both prostate and breast cancer cell lines.
Nonlinear optical susceptibilities of conducting polymers

Abstract Using the Keldysh non-equilibrium Green's function methods we compute analytic expressions over the full frequency range for the nonlinear optical response functions for a non-interacting model of a conducting polymer. The model has no adjustable parameters. Our results for 3rd harmonic generation are in excellent agreement with experiments on polyacetylene. This constitutes strong evidence that polyacetylene is well described by a model of weakly interacting quasi-particles. Further nonlinear optical effects, which should be experimentally observable, are predicted.
The direct involvement of SirT1 in insulin-induced insulin receptor substrate-2 tyrosine phosphorylation.

NAD+-dependent Sir2 family deacetylases and insulin signaling pathway are both conserved across species to regulate aging process. The interplay between these two genetic programs is investigated in this study. Protein deacetylase activity of SirT1, the mammalian homologue of Sir2, was suppressed through either nicotinamide treatment or RNA interference in several cell lines, and these cells displayed impaired insulin responses. Suppression of SirT1 activity also selectively inhibited insulin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS-2), whereas it had minimal effect on that of IRS-1. Further analyses showed that both IRS-1 and IRS-2 interacted with SirT1, and the acetylation level of IRS-2 was down-regulated by insulin treatment. Inhibition of SirT1 activity prevented deacetylation and insulin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-2. Mutations of four lysine residues to alanine in IRS-2 protein, on the other hand, led to its reduced basal level acetylation and insulin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation. These results suggest a possible regulatory effect of SirT1 on insulin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-2, a vital step in insulin signaling pathway, through deacetylation of IRS-2 protein. More importantly, this study may imply a pathway through which Sir2 family protein deacetylases and insulin signaling pathway jointly regulate various metabolic processes, including aging and diabetes.
The influence of silver ion on the electrochemical response of chalcopyrite and other mineral sulfide electrodes in sulfuric acid

Abstract The electrochemical behavior of chalcopyrite electrodes in H 2 SO 4 solutions with and without silver ion has been investigated and has provided additional information concerning the enhanced or catalyzed leaching rates previously observed for the ferric sulfate leaching of CuFeS 2 in the presence of Ag + . A careful analysis of the cyclic voltammetry for CuFeS 2 electrodes in the presence of silver ion, indicates the formation of Ag 2 S and metallic silver on the chalcopyrite surface, and that cyclic voltammetry for CuFeS 2 in solutions containing Ag + is an integration of the electrochemical responses for CuFeS 2 and Ag 2 S. Consistent with previously reported leaching responses, additions of Ag + up to an optimum of approximately 10 -3 M result in higher anodic currents for CuFeS 2 electrodes Concentrations of 10 -3 M and larger cause a decrease in current which is attributed to the precipitation of Ag 2 SO 4 . The effect of Ag + on the individual anodic and cathodic half cell reactions has also been examined by means of a dual cell apparatus and has shown that added silver affects the anodic dissolution reaction and has no effect on the cathodic half cell, i.e. the Fe 2+ /Fe 3+ couple. These results along with mass balances performed at constant anodic potential are considered in the context of reactions between CuFeS 2 and added silver which are indicated. The apparent catalysis is believed to occur through a change in morphology or conductivity of the normally protective sulfur layer which forms on CuFeS 2 through reactions involving Ag 2 S or elemental silver. A preliminary exploration of other systems in which catalysis or enhancement may be found has also been briefly investigated using ZnS and PbS electrodes.
Separation of triton x-100 and similar mixtures into component oligomers by high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract A relatively simple liquid chromatographic method for the isolation of individual oligomers of Triton X-100 (Reg. No. 9004-88-0) and similar polyoxyethylene- based surfactants has been developed. The method has been used for separations of mixtures containing between a few milligrams and a few grams of oligomers with up to eighteen oxyethylene subunits on silicic acid type adsorbent using acetiic acid— water—ethyl acetate eluents.
Building a dynamic lexicon from a digital library

We describe here in detail our work toward creating a dynamic lexicon from the texts in a large digital library. By leveraging a small structured knowledge source (a 30,457 word treebank), we are able to extract selectional preferences for words from a 3.5 million word Latin corpus. This is promising news for low-resource languages and digital collections seeking to leverage a small human investment into much larger gain. The library architecture in which this work is developed allows us to query customized subcorpora to report on lexical usage by author, genre or era and allows us to continually update the lexicon as new texts are added to the collection.
Toward Optimal Selection of Cellular Products for Hematology/Oncology Patients Eliminating Adverse Effects

Context: To provide critical cellular support to hem/onc patients undergoing chemotherapy, US hospitals consumed w675,000 single donor platelets (34.4% of the 2010 total transfused) and w2,100,000 red cells (15.1% of the 2010 total transfused). In the emerging paradigm of genomics and personalized care, the selection of cellular products for the treatment of oncology patients in accordance with their immunomolecular signature has the potential to reduce antibody-mediated destruction of cells and improve treatment outcomes. Turning this strategy into a logistical reality calls for three ingredients: the identification of patients at high risk of mounting an adverse immune reaction; the clinical decision to provide optimal cellular products; and real-time access to an adequate supply of such products. Objective: To clinically validate a novel process of classifying hematology patients and candidate donors on the basis of an immunomolecular attribute profile comprising platelet (HLA class I and HPA) as well as red cell antigen profiles for a total of w100markers (and the potential of scaling this process so as to permit the patient profiling and classification of 1,000 candidate donors per 24hr period). Design: Residual blood samples from MDACC blood bank were collected and analyzed by our novel process combining: the parallel sequencing for pools of samples at informative sites; haplotype recovery; antigen and epitope profile prediction; and classification by “machine learning”. Results: HLA class I and HPA profiles of samples from 296 hematologic and non-hematologic oncology patients, and from 160 candidate platelet donors were determined, and classified by HLA class I and HPA profiles; the process achieved 100% concordance with high-resolution HLA types available for 42 patients; in addition, we demonstrated the direct recovery of haplotype pairs and extended the method to red cell antigens including RH variants. Conclusions: Our new “virtual cell sorting” process offers an effective approach to the large-scale classification of patients and candidate donors, and optimal selection of cells, on the basis of immunomolecular signatures.
Studying document usability: grasping the nettles

I first read "Improving the usability of programming publications" by Bethke et al. ten years ago when I was writing hardware manuals for a computer company.
Practical application of a higher order perturbation theory for slender viscoelastic jets and fibers

Abstract All thin-filament models to date yield leading-order approximations in a slender asymptotic sense. This paper illustrates practical applications of a higher-order, comprehensive theory for slender viscoelastic jets and fibers. From this comprehensive framework we list the leading three orders of asymptotic equations for four physical examples. We proceed to solve the steady equations through three orders for all four examples and illustrate several points: (1) many leading-order steady solutions are asymptotically valid and robust to neglected higher-order physical effects (we compute the higher-order corrections and find they are small); (2) other leading-order solutions are invalid in the presence of higher-order effects; specifically, we show corrections due to weak elastic relaxation can be as large as the Newtonian leading-order approximation; (3) it is straightforward using this higher-order theory to determine if a particular leading-order solution is a valid approximation of physical behavior.
On the fundamental groups of manifolds of positive sectional curvature

Let M be an n-manifold with sectional curvature 0 < 6 < K < 1. The main result asserts that the fundamental group of M has a finite normal cyclic subgroup with index less than w(n, 8) < oc, a constant depending on n and 8.
Mechanized cockroach footpaths enable cockroach-like mobility

Implementing cockroach footpaths using simple leg mechanisms results in cockroach-like body motion in a hexapod robot called "mecharoach". The mecharoach utilizes rotary input four-bar mechanisms to achieve legged locomotion while being powered by only one DC motor. MechaRoach can walk at one body length per second and can climb a barrier 70% its height. High-speed video analysis of walking cockroaches and mecharoach indicates that mecharoach exhibits body motion during walking that is very similar to the cockroach. This suggests that footpaths and stepping patterns play a significant role in an animal or robot's overall body motion.
MADAGASCAR'S BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION CHALLENGE: FROM LOCAL- TO NATIONAL-LEVEL DYNAMICS

Abstract Why is it difficult to produce biodiversity conservation even when it is imperative to do so? The present analysis answers this question by applying the logic and dynamics of resource conservation that prevail at the community level to the national level in the context of Madagascar. I argue that conservation results are not commensurate with conservation efforts because conservation models and policies overlook the specific and limited conditions under which conservation behaviour can occur. The analytical framework I employ singles out key actors, their interests in supporting conservation, the institutions that result from their interactions and the actual conservation outcomes institutions ultimately produce. First, the causal links between rules and conservation behaviour outcomes (community level) and between foreign assistance and conservation policy outcomes (national level) are tested. Second, a cross-level analysis is conducted to show that conservation is likely only under specific and...
Comparative Studies on the Antioxidant Activities of Nine Common Food Legumes Against Copper-Induced Human Low-Density Lipoprotein Oxidation In Vitro

: Epidemiological studies demonstrated that the consumption of dietary antioxidant was associated with the prevention of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activities of the hydrophilic extracts from 9 selected legumes based on copper-induced human LDL oxidation model in vitro. The antioxidant activities were assessed on the basis of the formation of conjugated dienes (lag time of oxidation) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as the early and later stage markers of LDL oxidation. The results showed that the extracts of black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), lentils (Lens culinaris), black soybeans (Glycine max), and red kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) had significant (P < 0.05) longer LDL oxidation lag times (128.8, 124.2, 107.7, and 111.1 min, respectively) than the LDL control group (94.9 min). No significant lag-time lengthening was observed in other tested legume extracts. On the other hand, black beans, lentils, black soybeans, red kidney beans, and pinto beans exhibited higher antioxidant capacities (Trolox equivalents) than yellow peas, green peas, chickpea, and yellow soybeans in both LDL-conjugated dienes assay and LDL-TBARS assay. Meanwhile, the antioxidant activities of these legumes against LDL-lipid peroxidation in the above assays were found to correlate very significantly (P < 0.01) with their phenolic substances, and DPPH radical scavenging activity and ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity). These results suggest that consuming black beans, lentils, black soybeans, and red kidney beans may have potential in preventing the development of atherosclerosis from the perspective of inhibiting LDL oxidation.
POTENTIATION OF NERVE‐INDUCED BLADDER RESPONSES BY TETRAETHYLAMMONIUM IN RELATION TO JUNCTIONAL AND EXTRAJUNCTIONAL MUSCARINIC RECEPTORS

Abstract 1 The single stimulus responses elicited in the rat urinary bladder were enhanced up to 3 fold by tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA) in the range 2.5 to 10 mM. Responses elicited by repetitive stimulation at 20 Hz were potentiated much less by 2.5 and 5 mM TEA; 10 mM TEA depressed the responses to less than control levels. 2 The responses elicited in preparations treated with tetrodotoxin or botulinum toxin during the 20 Hz stimulus trains were one third to one half of control, while single stimulus responses were abolished altogether. After 10 mM TEA the response to the 20 Hz stimulus trains were near control but the single stimulus responses were not restored at all. 3 The single stimulus response of control and of TEA-treated bladder preparations were unaffected by atropine (2 × 10-6 M) but responses elicited by a 20 Hz stimulus train were reduced more than 40% by atropine. After 5 mM TEA the responses to the 20 Hz stimulus trains that had been partially blocked by atropine were immediately restored to near control levels. 4 The responses of bladders to carbachol were dose-dependent in the range 10-6 to 10-5 M and were atropine-sensitive. After 5 mM TEA the means of the responses produced by graded doses of carbachol were less than control; muscarinic receptors that were blocked by TEA are probably also atropine-sensitive. 5 It is suggested that muscarinic receptors in the rat urinary bladder may be divided into: (1) junctional receptors that are resistant to atropine and may be indirectly affected by TEA and (2) extrajunctional receptors that are blocked by atropine and may be directly affected by TEA.
Monitoring of submicrometer linewidths using diffraction gratings

For a typical fabrication facility, linewidth control is done after the patterning and etch processes by means of a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Several techniques using diffraction gratings have been proposed as in-line or in situ replacements for the SEM linewidth measurement. One such system was developed for use in the Microelectronics Manufacturing Science and Technology (MMST) mini- factory. The system used in the MMST factory was capable of measuring the critical dimensions needed for factory control. This critical dimension diffraction measurement system consists of optics and processing algorithms necessary to measure a series of gratings in an etch processor or directly after processing in a metrology chamber. The optics allow the measurement of a full diffraction pattern with one image. The processing algorithms convert this image to a list of diffraction orders and intensities for each grating in the set. These are then used by the pattern matching algorithms to determine grating linewidth.
On the polarizability of the proton

Abstract The relationship between the static polarizability of the proton and the electric and magnetic polarizabilities obtained from low-energy photon scattering is discussed. It is shown that a consistent picture emerges if one associates the static polarizability with the imaginary part of the forward scattering amplitude and the photon scattering cross section with the real part.
Pathways to Homelessness Among New York City Families

This article uses survey data to identify three pathways followed by homeless families in the period before they requested emergency shelter. The analysis groups 482 New York City families who were new entrants to homelessness into those whose longest residence in the year prior to the shelter request was as primary tenants in their own living quarters (43% of the sample), those who lived with others last year but who had once been primary tenants for a year or more (13%), and those who had never had a stable place of their own (44%). The demographic, social, and housing characteristics of these three groups vary significantly, indicating that homeless families are not a monolithic and homogeneous population. Consequently policies must be made specific to the needs of these families.
Maintenance of Vigilance by Non-Task-Related Stimulation in the Monitoring Environment

The effects of non-task-related stimulation on the performance of a simple visual vigilance task were investigated. 40 subjects monitored a simulated CRT display for two 90-min. sessions. The independent variables were variable vs constant intensity lighting and variable vs constant intensity noise. Probability of detection was not significantly different for the noise conditions; however, probability of detection was significantly higher under variable than under constant intensity lighting.
Development of anin vitro system for the calcification of tropoelastin and α-elastin coacervates in serum

The coacervate of the N-formyl-O-methyl ester derivative of α-elastin was incubated in a calcifying medium containing bovine serum. The lag period observed before calcium phosphate formation was shown to be influenced by the conditions under which the protein matrix was formed. Tropoelastin coacervates, both blocked and unblocked, provide a matrix for calcification. A cross-linked structure is not an obligatory prerequisite for elastin calcification, nor is the pyridinium moiety of desmosine or isodesmosine. A significant advantage of thisin vitro calcifying system for coacervates is that it may be used to study the effect of various factors, such as glycoproteins, mucopolysaccharides and lipids, on the initiation of calcification.
Abscission : the carbohydrate factor

Abstract Low carbohydrate levels in abscising organs have been considered an inducing factor in the process of abscission and thus, could be involved in the reported effects of light on the abscission process. Red (abscission inhibiting) and far-red (abscission accelerating) light in present work, however, produced no significant differences in total soluble sugar or starch content in the leaf blades of cuttings from mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek cv. Jumbo), a plant where light regulation of abscission has been demonstrated. The soluble sugar content in the leaf cuttings decreased dramatically in the first 24 h and then stabilized at low levels in the remaining days under all light treatments. Starch content decreased slightly in leaves exposed to red or far-red light as compared with the level of starch measured in freshly cut leaves. Red light treated leaves maintained a significantly higher level of glucose 6-phosphate in the leaf tissue when compared with leaves under far-red or dark treatment. Loading the tissue with sucrose, a sugar reported to affect organ abscission, did not change the effect of light on abscission.
Adverse selection with a multiple choice among health insurance plans: a simulation analysis.

Abstract This study uses simulation methods to quantify the effects of adverse selection. The data used to develop the model provide information about whether families can accurately forecast their risk and whether this forecast affects the purchase of insurance coverage — key conditions for adverse selection to matter. The results suggest that adverse selection is sufficient to eliminate high-option benefit plans in multiple choice markets if insurers charge a single, experience-rated premium. Adverse selection is substantially reduced if premiums are varied according to demographic factors. Adverse selection is also restricted in supplementary insurance markets. In this market, supplementary policies are underpriced because a part of the additional benefits that purchasers can expect is a cost to the base plan and is not reflected in the supplementary premium. As a result, full supplementary coverage is attractive to both low and high risks.
A model for quantitatively describing linear velocity programming in capillary SFC

Linear velocity in capillary SFC is commonly controlled by restricting capillaries. In this paper, a model is described that quantitatively predicts the linear velocity of a supercritical fluid in SFC using tapered or ceramic frittype restrictors. In this model, the flow from the restricting capillary is assumed to be an isentropic expansion. The variation of the linear velocity as a function of pressure, temperature and cross-sectional area of the restricting aperture was predicted by this model. This predictive capability is important to the use of gradient programming in capillary SFC. Finally, the ideal variable restrictor for gradient programming was found to be one that could reversibly increase or decrease the linear velocity independent of the pressure, temperature, and/or density conditions used to create the gradient.
Improved Delta-Q Measurement Technique for Estimating the Total and Local Leakages in Residential Buildings

The duct leakage in forced-air distribution systems has been recognized for years as a major source of energy losses in residential buildings. Recently, a measurement technique for estimating the total air leakage from residential duct systems, called Delta-Q, has been proposed. It focuses on measuring the total supply and return air leakage flows outside at operating conditions that are required for energy loss calculations. This paper discusses the Delta-Q measurement technique and proposes improvements on its model to increase the accuracy of the total leakage estimations and to provide appropriate estimation of local leakages. Accurate estimations of the total and local leakages can help to focus the choice for both the right house and location in the duct system for performing the potential repair job. Proper information as to where the leakages are located inside the duct system can reduce the time required for the duct sealing task. This study uses detailed laboratory measurements to validate the o...
Activation volumes of post protein reactions: The binding of bromophenol blue to β-lactoglobulin B

Abstract The binding of bromophenol blue to β-lactoglobulin B was studied in a high pressure temperature-jump apparatus. The process is characterized by a fast binding step with a positive volume change, followed by a slow isomerization with a comparatively small volume change. The spectral changes, pH dependence, and thermodynamic parameters of the binding indicate that the process is controlled by hydrophobic interactions between the dye and a site exposed to the solvent after the “ N → R ” transition of β-lactoglobulin has taken place.
A definition of substrate specificity in renal transport of organic anions.

Abstract Renal tubular excretory transport of organic acids is described as a substrate-specific process involving an interaction between a transported anion and a receptor molecule of the renal cell. Substrates are recognized primarily by demonstrating physiological and biochemical responses similar to those of 4-aminohippurate. Identification of intramolecular reactive groups possessed in common by all substrates permits the following general structure for carboxylic substrates to be described: RC:ONX(CHR′)nCOOH. A three-point contact with the receptor is postulated involving two oxygens of the carboxyl group in a reinforced ionic bond and one oxygen of the carbonyl group in a supporting hydrogen bond. The latter bond permits the transport system to distinguish substrate acids from carboxylic acids which are not transported. However, all ionized carboxylic acids, even if they are not substrates, can interfere with transport by competing at the ionic site of the receptor. Sulfonamides and sulfonic acids (but not sulfinic acids) possess equivalent potential reactivity in the sulfonate or sulfonamide groups and are capable of reacting identically with the same receptor which functions for carboxylic acids. Two general classes of substrates can be described. Their reactive groups are distributed spatially as in the hippurate side chain, and correspond either to its folded or to its fully extended state. Complementary and perhaps cyclically repetitive reactive sites on the receptor molecule are suggested. By this approach, existing information relating to renal transport of organic acids is systematized and areas requiring additional investigation are identified. New molecular species are recognized as substrates and new experimental approaches to problems are suggested.
The regulation of mammalian mRNA transcription by lncRNAs: recent discoveries and current concepts

Transcription by RNA Pol II is a tightly controlled process that is critical to normal cellular metabolism. Understanding how transcriptional regulation is orchestrated has mainly involved identifying and characterizing proteins that function as transcription factors. During the past decade, however, an increasing number of lncRNAs have been identified as transcriptional regulators. This revelation has spurred new discoveries, novel techniques and paradigm shifts, which together are redefining our understanding of transcriptional control and broadening our view of RNA function. Here, we summarize recent discoveries concerning the role of lncRNAs as regulators of mammalian mRNA transcription, with a focus on key concepts that are guiding current research in the field.
Thermodynamics Near the Two-Fluid Critical Mixing Point in He 3 - He 4

The two-fluid critical mixing point in ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ - ${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$ differs from ordinary critical points in that it occurs at the intersection of three lines of critical points, in a suitable variable space. A free-energy function is proposed which removes certain discrepancies between classical (Landau) theory and experimental thermodynamic measurements. Certain solid-state transitions (e.g., the metamagnetic-antiferromagnetic transition in Fe${\mathrm{Cl}}_{2}$) are thermodynamic analogs of critical mixing in ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ - ${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$.
Asymptotically optimal and bandwith-efficient decentralized detection

We consider decentralized detection for wireless sensor networks. A sequential scheme based on level-triggered sampling is proposed. In the proposed scheme, sensors compute log-likelihood ratio (LLR) of their local observations, sample local LLR using level-triggered sampling and transmit a single bit at each sampling time to a fusion center (FC). At each sampling time excess LLR over (below) sampling threshold is linearly encoded in time. The FC, upon receiving a bit from a sensor, decodes excess LLR and updates approximate global LLR, which it uses as test statistic. An SPRT-like test is used by the FC to reach a final decision. We show that the proposed scheme achieves order-2 asymptotic optimality by using only a single bit for each sample, thanks to time-encoding the overshoot.
Maintaining consistency in distributed systems

The emerging generation of database systems and general purpose operating systems share many characteristics: object orientation, a stress on distribution, and the utilization of concurrency to increase performance. A consequence is that both types of systems are confronted with the problem of maintaining the consistency of multi-component distributed applications in the face of concurrency and failures. Moreover, large applications can be expected to combine database and general purpose components. This paper reviews four basic approaches to the distributed consistency problem as it arises in such hybrid applications:• Transactional serializability, a widely used database execution model, which has been adapted to distributed and object-oriented settings by several research efforts.• Traditional operating systems synchronization constructs, such as monitors, used within individual system components, and with no system-wide mechanism for inter-object synchronization.• Linearizability, an execution model for object-oriented systems with internal concurrency proposed by Herlihy and Wing [HW90] (similarly restricted to synchronization within individual objects).• Virtual synchrony, a non-transactional execution model used to characterize consistency and correctness in groups of cooperating processes (or groups of objects, in object-oriented systems) [BJ87].We suggest that no single method can cover the spectrum of issues that arise in general purpose distributed systems, and that a composite approach must therefore be adopted. The alternative proposed here uses virtual synchrony and linearizability at a high level, while including transactional mechanisms and monitors for synchronization in embedded subsystems. Such a hybrid solution requires some changes to both the virtual synchrony and transactional model, which we outline. The full-length version of the paper gives details on this, and also explores the problem in the context of a series of examples.The organization of the presentation is as follows. We begin by reviewing the database data and execution models and presenting the transactional approach to concurrency control and failure atomicity. We then turn to distributed systems, focusing on aspects related to synchronization and fault-tolerance and introducing virtually synchronous process groups. The last part of the paper focuses on an object oriented view of distributed systems, and suggests that the linearizability model of Herlihy and Wing might be used to link the virtual synchrony approach with transactions and "internal" synchronization mechanisms such as monitors, arriving at a flexible, general approach to concurrency control in systems built of typed objects. We identify some technical problems raised by this merging of models and propose solutions.
Effect of deuterium oxide on the saprophytic culture of Claviceps II. Alkaloid production

The effect of growth conditions on alkaloid production by Claviceps in a deuterated environment was explored. Alkaloid formation was strongly inhibited in fully deuterated organisms. Consequently, a replacement culture technique was developed for the biosynthesis of highly deuterated alkaloids. Cultures grown in an ordinary hydrogen environment were transferred to a deuterated medium containing various substrates such as tryptophan, mevalonic acid, phenylalanine, succinic acid, and sugars, either as hydrogen or deuterium compounds. Multimilligram amounts of alkaloids were obtained from replacement cultures containing phenylalanine and deuterio-succinic acid as substrates. The alkaloid fraction, consisting of elymoclavine with minor amounts of agroclavine, was isolated by solvent extraction. The alkaloids were identified by thin-layer chromatography, and the incorporation of deuterated substrate into the alkaloids by the replacement culture technique was verified by NMR spectroscopy.
Microvascular anatomy of dural arteriovenous abnormalities of the spine: a microangiographic study

Although most vascular abnormalities of the spinal cord are now ascribed to an abnormal communication between a dural artery and a medullary vein on the dura near a sensory nerve root, these lesions are too small for their anatomy to be demonstrated directly by spinal arteriography. Thus, it is unknown whether the site of dural arteriovenous shunting is an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), implying a congenital origin, or is a direct arteriovenous fistula (AVF), implying an acquired etiology. The authors treated six patients by en bloc resection of the involved dural root sleeve, proximal nerve root, and adjacent spinal dura. All of the patients presented with myelopathy and their arteriograms were consistent with a spinal dural vascular malformation. The lesions occurred between T-6 and T-12, levels at which clinical deficits from such resection are minimal. The dural artery or medullary vein associated with the vascular malformation was cannulated and a dilute solution of barium sulfate was injected during sequential fine-grain radiography. In all of the lesions the artery split into daughter vessels that coalesced one to three times to form a skein of arterial loops in the dura that invariably emptied into a medullary vein without an intervening capillary plexus. Several medium-to-small collateral vessels arising from adjacent intercostal or lumbar arteries were commonly present in the dura and converged at the site of the AVF to join a single medullary vein. These results show that spinal dural AVMs are direct AVFs that link the dural branch of the radiculo-medullary-dural artery with the intradural medullary vein. They also provide an anatomical explanation for the presence of a multiple segmental arterial supply and a single draining medullary vein of spinal dural AVFs, and the propensity for reestablishment of flow through the arteriovenous shunt after embolic occlusion.
The paradox of risk: historically black college/university students and sexual health.

Abstract Objective: This literature review provides an analysis of the current state of the empirical research on sexual health among students attending historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Methods: Several electronic databases were used to identify 24 empirical studies that met criteria for inclusion in this review. Results: The results indicated that perceived human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk, religiosity, HIV testing, condom use, and substance use were as high or higher for black HBCU students in comparison with students of other racial/ethnic groups. Comment: Consistent with past findings, sexually transmitted infections continue to be of concern among HBCU students, as seen in the general black population. Limitations: This review only examined cross-sectional studies published between 2000 and 2013. Conclusions: The findings in this review suggest the importance of moving beyond individual risk models to examining structural barriers and assets related to promoting sexual hea...
DEC Recommended Practices: A Review of 9 Years of EIlECSE Research Literature

Results are reported from an analysis of the research literature involving children with disabilities (age birth through 5), their families, personnel who serve them, and policies and systems chang...
An alternative model for the low-temperature properties of glasses

Abstract For the past fifteen years the low-temperature behavior of glasses has been attributed to tunneling two-level systems (TLS). In spite of its successes, this model cannot explain certain universal features seen in amorphous materials. In addition it neglects strain-mediated interactions between TLS. In the present paper, an alternative scenario in which interactions between defects (not necessarily TLS) plays an essential role is sketched. Using a renormalization group scheme, it is found that interactions are oscillatory at short range and cross over to 1/ r 3 behavior at longer length scales. This crossover is marked by a strong renormalization of the density of states. This is consistent with the long phonon mean free path found at low temperatures and the plateau in the thermal conductivity.
Image-guided total-marrow irradiation using helical tomotherapy in patients with multiple myeloma and acute leukemia undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Purpose Total-body irradiation (TBI) has an important role in patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), but is associated with significant toxicities. Targeted TBI using helical tomotherapy results in reduced doses to normal organs, which predicts for reduced toxicities compared with standard TBI. Methods and Materials Thirteen patients with multiple myeloma were treated in an autologous tandem transplantation Phase I trial with high-dose melphalan, followed 6 weeks later by total-marrow irradiation (TMI) to skeletal bone. Dose levels were 10, 12, 14, and 16 Gy at 2 Gy daily/twice daily. In a separate allogeneic HCT trial, 8 patients (5 with acute myelogenous leukemia, 1 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 1 with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and 1 with multiple myeloma) were treated with TMI plus total lymphoid irradiation plus splenic radiotherapy to 12 Gy (1.5 Gy twice daily) combined with fludarabine/melphalan. Results For the 13 patients in the tandem autologous HCT trial, median age was 54 years (range, 42–66 years). Median organ doses were 15–65% that of the gross target volume dose. Primarily Grades 1–2 acute toxicities were observed. Six patients reported no vomiting; 9 patients, no mucositis; 6 patients, no fatigue; and 8 patients, no diarrhea. For the 8 patients in the allogeneic HCT trial, median age was 52 years (range, 24–61 years). Grades 2–3 nausea, vomiting, mucositis, and diarrhea were observed. In both trials, no Grade 4 nonhematologic toxicity was observed, and all patients underwent successful engraftment. Conclusions This study shows that TMI using helical tomotherapy is clinically feasible. The reduced acute toxicities observed compare favorably with those seen with standard TBI. Initial results are encouraging and warrant further evaluation as a method to dose escalate with acceptable toxicity or to offer TBI-containing regimens to patients unable to tolerate standard approaches.
Reassessing the Racial Divide in Support for Capital Punishment The Continuing Significance of Race

This project investigates the racial divide in support for capital punishment. The authors examine whether race has a direct effect on support for capital punishment and test whether the influence of race varies across class, being a native southerner, confidence in government officials, political orientation, and religious affiliation. Using data drawn from the General Social Survey, they find a substantial racial divide, with African Americans much less likely to support the death penalty. Furthermore, the analysis revealed little support for the “spurious/social convergence” hypothesis; shared factors that might be expected to bring African Americans and Whites together—class, confidence in government, conservative politics, regional location, and religious fundamentalism—either did not narrow African American-White punishment attitudes or, at best, had only modest effects. The Results suggest that the racial divide in support for capital punishment is likely to remain a point of symbolic contention in...
Thermostability of fish hemoglobins

1. 1. There are four categories of fish hemoglobin thermostability (types I–IV) as measured by the time required for 50% precipitation of a 0.2 g/dl buffered hemoglobin solution at 50°C. T12values > 60 min are defined as stable hemoglobins. 2. 2. Type I hemoglobin (skate) is stable at pH 6.0, 7.0 and 8.0; Type II (Musctelus canis) is stable at acid but unstable at alkaline pH; Type III (toadfish) is unstable at acid and stable at alkaline pH; Type IV (which includes most fish hemoglobins studied) are unstable at pH 6.0, 7.0 and 8.0. 3. 3. The variable effect of KCl (up to 1.0 M) on thermostability suggests that electrostatic interactions do not contribute uniformly to heat resistance among fish hemoglobins. 4. 4. Alkylureas (0.1–0.3 M) consistently decreased resistance to heat denaturation, for all hemoglobins, in direct relation to alkyl chain length. This suggests that hydrophobic interactions play an important, if not primary, role in hemoglobin thermostability.