cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultrafast laser bonding of glasses and crystals to metals for epoxy-free optical instruments

The use of epoxies in space-based instruments is often unavoidable in situations where the bonding of dissimilar materials such as glass and metal is required. While there are epoxies that exhibit low total mass loss (TML) and collected volatile condensable materials (CVCM) in vacuum, in some applications they can still be a source of problematic contamination. Epoxies can also be incompatible with exposure to chemical environments some space instrumentation may be exposed to. In high power laser instruments such as LIDAR systems where optical components must be securely bonded to metal mounts, the impact of epoxy outgassing can be especially acute. Even with very low outgassing levels, the intense laser can break down the outgassed material and preferentially deposit it on optics that handle high optical power. This laser induced contamination in turn leads to laser induced damage, leading to degradation of optical components and reducing the reliability and operational lifetime of laser instruments [1-6]. Alternative bonding methods that avoid introducing additional contaminants could greatly improve reliability and operational lifetime of space instruments.
Robust Real-Time Inverter-Based Reactive Power Compensation

In classical electrical grid systems, voltage compensation via reactive power modulation (volt-var control) is often done in discrete steps due to underlying switching architecture or droop-based control with dead-zones in voltvar regulators. DC to AC inverters can offer more continuous reactive power modulation capabilities, but the use of real-time voltage measurements for reactive power compensation may induce feedback instabilities due to the dynamics of reactive power modulation. The main contribution of this paper is to present a data-based approach to model the dynamics of reactive power modulation with an inverter and formulate a real-time robust control algorithm for suppression of reactive power disturbances. System identification methods are leveraged to develop a dynamic load switching model and inverter dispatch model, relieving the burden of detailed modeling of inverter elements. Because of uncertainty inherent in the models developed, a control algorithm is formulated to be robust against model uncertainties, making it suitable for limiting oscillations caused by switching in a reactive load. The performance of a controller designed using the method is validated by implementation on a live, grid-connected circuit with a switching inductive load.
Axicabtagene Ciloleucel: Clinical Data for the Use of CAR T-cell Therapy in Relapsed and Refractory Large B-cell Lymphoma:

Objective: To evaluate the literature for axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel), a first-in-class chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, in the treatment of relapsed/refractory (r/r) large B-c...
Key Arguments Against Scientific Realism

In this chapter, I present in canonical (or standard) form and then evaluate key arguments against scientific realism (or for antirealism about science). The first argument is known as the “pessimistic induction” or the “pessimistic meta-induction.” In its original formulation, attributed to Larry Laudan (Philos Sci 48(1):19–49, 1981), the argument is based on a list of theories that are supposed to be counterexamples to the realist thesis that empirical success is a mark of (approximate) truth. Other formulations of the argument have it as an inductive argument from a sample of theories that were discarded in the past to the conclusion that our present scientific theories will probably be discarded as well. The second argument is a positive argument for Bas van Fraassen’s (The scientific image. Oxford University Press, New York, 1980) antirealist position, namely, Constructive Empiricism. The third argument proceeds from the observation that scientists cannot claim to be in a privileged epistemic position. According to this argument, it is unlikely that our best scientific theories are (approximately) true because scientists are not especially skilled at developing theories that are likely true or approximately true. A contemporary proponent of this argument for antirealism is Brad Wray (Int Stud Philos Sci 22(3):317–326, 2008). The fourth is an argument for antirealism from what Kyle Stanford (Exceeding our grasp: science, history, and the problem of unconceived alternatives. Oxford University Press, New York, 2006) calls the “Problem of Unconceived Alternatives” (PUA). According to Stanford, the historical record of science reveals that past scientists typically failed to conceive of alternatives to their favorite, then-successful theories. This is supposed to make it more likely that present scientists fail to conceive of alternatives to their favorite, now-successful theories. For these reasons, Stanford argues, we should not believe our present scientific theories are (approximately) true. The fifth argument purports to show that many of the scientific theories we currently accept will be discarded sometime in the future, as the “pessimistic induction” does, but it proceeds from the premise that the research goals and interests of scientists change over time (Wray, Brad K., Resisting scientific realism. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2018).
On the structure of Normal Matrix Model

We study the structure of the normal matrix model (NMM). We show that all correlation functions of the model with axially symmetric potentials can be expressed in terms of holomorphic functions of one variable. This observation is used to demonstrate the exact solvability of the model. The two-point correlation function is calculated in the scaling limit by solving the BBGKY chain of equations. The answer is shown to be universal (i.e. potential independent up to a change of the scale). We then develop a two-dimensional free fermion formalism and construct a family of completely integrable hierarchies (which we call the extended-KP(N) hierarchies) of non-linear differential equations. The well-known KP hierarchy is a lower-dimensional reduction of this family. The extended-KP(1) hierarchy contains the (2+1)-dimensional Burgers equations. The partition function of the N*N NMM is the tau function of the extended-KP(N) hierarchy invariant with respect to a subalgebra of an algebra of all infinitesimal diffeomorphisms of the plane.
Optimized polyepitope neoantigen DNA vaccines elicit neoantigen-specific immune responses in preclinical models and in clinical translation.

Preclinical studies and early clinical trials have shown that targeting cancer neoantigens is a promising approach towards the development of personalized cancer immunotherapies. DNA vaccines can be rapidly and efficiently manufactured and can integrate multiple neoantigens simultaneously. We therefore sought to optimize the design of polyepitope DNA vaccines and test optimized polyepitope neoantigen DNA vaccines in preclinical models and in clinical translation. We developed and optimized a DNA vaccine platform to target multiple neoantigens. The polyepitope DNA vaccine platform was first optimized using model antigens in vitro and in vivo. We then identified neoantigens in preclinical breast cancer models through genome sequencing and in silico neoantigen prediction pipelines. Optimized polyepitope neoantigen DNA vaccines specific for the murine breast tumor E0771 and 4T1 were designed and their immunogenicity was tested in vivo. We also tested an optimized polyepitope neoantigen DNA vaccine in a patient with metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. Our data support an optimized polyepitope neoantigen DNA vaccine design encoding long (≥20-mer) epitopes with a mutant form of ubiquitin (Ubmut) fused to the N-terminus for antigen processing and presentation. Optimized polyepitope neoantigen DNA vaccines were immunogenic and generated robust neoantigen-specific immune responses in mice. The magnitude of immune responses generated by optimized polyepitope neoantigen DNA vaccines was similar to that of synthetic long peptide vaccines specific for the same neoantigens. When combined with immune checkpoint blockade therapy, optimized polyepitope neoantigen DNA vaccines were capable of inducing antitumor immunity in preclinical models. Immune monitoring data suggest that optimized polyepitope neoantigen DNA vaccines are capable of inducing neoantigen-specific T cell responses in a patient with metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. We have developed and optimized a novel polyepitope neoantigen DNA vaccine platform that can target multiple neoantigens and induce antitumor immune responses in preclinical models and neoantigen-specific responses in clinical translation.
Pioneer factors in development and cancer.

Summary Transcription factors (TFs) are essential mediators of epigenetic regulation and modifiers of penetrance. Studies from the past decades have revealed a sub-class of TF that is capable of remodeling closed chromatin states through targeting nucleosomal motifs. This pioneer factor (PF) class of chromatin remodeler is ATP independent in its roles in epigenetic initiation, with nucleosome-motif recognition and association with repressive chromatin regions. Increasing evidence suggests that the fundamental properties of PFs can be coopted in human cancers. We explore the role of PFs in the larger context of tissue-specific epigenetic regulation. Moreover, we highlight an emerging class of chimeric PF derived from translocation partners in human disease and PFs associated with rare tumors. In the age of site-directed genome editing and targeted protein degradation, increasing our understanding of PFs will provide access to next-generation therapy for human disease driven from altered transcriptional circuitry.
From Orthogonal Projections to Symbolic Projections

Symbolic projections are applicable to pictorial information retrieval and spatial reasoning problems where the relative spatial locations of objects are of interest. In this chapter the elements of the Theory of Symbolic Projection are introduced. 2D string representations of symbolic pictures are described. A survey of various applications is provided.
Fault tolerance in finite state machines using fusion

Given a set of n different deterministic finite state machines (DFSMs), we examine the problem of tolerating k faults among them. The traditional approach to this problem involves replication, requiring n.k backup DFSMs. For example, given two state machines, say A and B, to tolerate two faults, this approach maintains two copies each of A and B, thus resulting in a total of six DFSMs in the system. In this paper, we question the optimality of such an approach and present another approach based on the 'fusion' of state machines allowing for more eAEcient backups. We introduce the theory of fusion machines and provide an algorithm which can generate fusion machines corresponding to a given set of machines. Further, we have implemented this algorithm and tested it for various examples. It is important to note that our approach requires only k backup DFSMs, as opposed to the n.k backup DFSMs required by the replication approach.
Introduction to Asteroseismology of δ Scuti Stars

The purpose of asteroseismology is not only to derive the internal structure of individual stars from their observed oscillation frequen­cies, but also to test and extend our understanding of the physics of matter under the extremes of temperature, density, and pressure found in stellar interiors. Here I will discuss what we can learn about the Sun by studying δ Scuti stars, as well as what we can learn about stars more massive or evolved than the Sun. I will discuss some of the difficulties in theoretical approaches to asteroseismology for 8 Scuti stars, using FG Virginis, δ Scuti, and CD –24° 7599 (also known as XX Pyxidis) as examples.
“Hold-and-manipulate” with a single hand being assisted by wearable extra fingers

Functionality of a human hand can be augmented with extra robotic fingers attached to the forearm. These wearable extra fingers can work together with the human fingers and perform tasks that are usually difficult for a single hand. Such technology may benefit amputees and surviving stroke patients who are forced to live with only one functional arm. In this paper, we present a novel method, exploiting redundancies in the elbow, to control a pair of extra robotic fingers, termed Supernumerary Robotic Fingers or SR Fingers for short, to perform “hold-and-manipulate” tasks. Two control protocols are explored here. One protocol enables discrete transition between different modes of motion, while the other continuously controls grasping behavior of the SR Fingers. Four robot assisted “hold-and-manipulate” tasks are examined, including twisting off the cap of a water bottle, opening the lid of a food container, plugging a cable into an electronic device, and mixing salad in a bowl. Through the successful completion of these tasks, we demonstrate that wearable extra fingers have the potential to provide those with impaired hands the opportunity to live with more independence and work more productively.
Messy Mental Markers: Inferring Scienter from Core Operations in Securities Fraud Litigation.

In all aspects of the law, proving that a defendant acted with a particular mental state is messy. Direct evidence of the complex inner workings of the mind is virtually nonexistent. Accordingly, litigants, juries, and judges often must infer a mental state from external “markers,” such as circumstantial evidence. The search for mental markers is particularly messy in the area of securities fraud litiga-tion. To obtain remedies for violations of the federal securities laws, victims typically must plead and prove that the perpetrators acted with “scienter.” As variously defined by the Supreme Court, scienter is a mental state that embraces an intent to deceive, but also includes recklessness or even deliberate recklessness. To make matters more complicated, the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act requires victims of securities fraud to allege with particularity facts that give rise to a “strong inference of scienter.” In Tellabs Inc. v. Makor Issues & Rights, Ltd., 551 U.S. 308, 324 (2007), the Supreme Court interpreted this require-ment, holding that a securities fraud complaint is viable only if “a reasonable person would deem the inference of scienter cogent and at least as compelling as any opposing inference one could draw from the facts alleged.” Since Tellabs, the federal courts have been mired in threshold litigation about the sufficiency of scienter allegations, often demanding an un-suitable degree of particularity and reading Tellabs to invite a laborious evidentiary weighing process at the initial pleading stage. In this Article, we attempt to lend clarity and precision to one key aspect of this judicial attempt to evaluate markers of scienter: the core operations inference. We demonstrate that the federal courts should recognize that the inference of scienter is strong where senior of-ficers make misleading statements regarding matters within their company’s core operations. An allegation that a senior officer made a material misrepresentation about matters within the organization’s core operations is a remarkably clear marker of intentional or reckless behavior. We also show that the core operations inference is consistent with the design of the federal securities laws, and with the Supreme Court’s most recent securities fraud decisions, properly understood. Equipped with the core operations inference, therefore, federal courts should be able efficiently to resolve a significant part of litigation over the issue of scienter in securities fraud cases.
Crisis internacional y demanda efectiva en un modelo macroeconómico estructuralista

En este articulo desarrollamos un modelo macroeconomico de dos sectores, uno primario exportador y otro industrial que abastece el mercado interno. El analisis se completa incorporando la restriccion del balance de pagos y del presupuesto publico, de crucial importancia para las economias latinoamericanas y ciertas economias de la periferia europea. Bajo este esquema se estudia el impacto de la crisis internacional y se proponen tres politicas para enfrentarla: una reduccion de los pagos por la deuda externa publica, un gravamen interno sobre el consumo de productos cuya oferta es basicamente externa y un gravamen sobre la compra de divisas por motivos financieros. The article proposes two-sector macroeconomic model, an exporting primary sector, and an industrial sector producing for the domestic market. The study includes the balance of payments and the public budget constrains, crucial in Latin American and peripheral European economies. The impact of the international economic crisis is integrated into this model; and three economic policies are suggested to overcome it: a cut on public external debt payments, a tax increase on imported goods consumption, and a tax on foreign currency acquisition for financial purposes.
Microbiology and management of brain abscess in children

Brain abscess is an uncommon but serious life threatening infection in children. The infection can originate from contiguous sites of existing infections, such as chronic otitis media, dental infection, mastoiditis, or sinusitis. The infection can also occur in children with cyanotic congenital heart disease where the predominant organisms are viridans, microaerophilic, or anaerobic streptococci or following head trauma where Staphylococcus aureus, viridans Streptococci and Streptococcus pneumoniae are the most prevalent isolates. Brain scans, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are important tools that enable accurate diagnosis of the infection. Proper selection of antimicrobial with good intracranial penetration is critical in the management of intracranial infection. Brain abscess, especially in the early phase of cerebritis, may respond to antimicrobial therapy without the need for surgical drainage. Delay in surgical drainage can be associated with high mortality or morbidity. (J Pediatr Neurol 2004; 2(3): 125-130).
Rapid evolution in response to introduced predators I: rates and patterns of morphological and life-history trait divergence

Introduced species can have profound effects on native species, communities, and ecosystems, and have caused extinctions or declines in native species globally. We examined the evolutionary response of native zooplankton populations to the introduction of non-native salmonids in alpine lakes in the Sierra Nevada of California, USA. We compared morphological and life-history traits in populations of Daphnia with a known history of introduced salmonids and populations that have no history of salmonid introductions. Our results show that Daphnia populations co-existing with fish have undergone rapid adaptive reductions in body size and in the timing of reproduction. Size-related traits decreased by up to 13 percent in response to introduced fish. Rates of evolutionary change are as high as 4,238 darwins (0.036 haldanes). Species introductions into aquatic habitats can dramatically alter the selective environment of native species leading to a rapid evolutionary response. Knowledge of the rates and limits of adaptation is an important component of understanding the long-term effects of alterations in the species composition of communities. We discuss the evolutionary consequences of species introductions and compare the rate of evolution observed in the Sierra Nevada Daphnia to published estimates of evolutionary change in ecological timescales.
Adolescent Cigarette Smoking: Health-Related Behavior or Normative Transgression?

Relations among measures of adolescent behavior were examined to determine whether cigarette smoking fits into a structure of problem behaviors—behaviors that involve normative transgression—or a structure of health-related behaviors, or both. In an ethnically and socioeconomically diverse sample of 1782 male and female high school adolescents, four first-order problem behavior latent variables—sexual intercourse experience, alcohol abuse, illicit drug use, and delinquency—were established and together were shown to reflect a second-order latent variable of problem behavior. Four first-order latent variables of health-related behaviors—unhealthy dietary habits, sedentary behavior, unsafe behavior, and poor dental hygiene—were also established and together were shown to reflect a second-order latent variable of health-compromising behavior. The structure of relations among those latent variables was modeled. Cigarette smoking had a significant and substantial loading only on the problem-behavior latent variable; its loading on the health-compromising behavior latent variable was essentially zero. Adolescent cigarette smoking relates strongly and directly to problem behaviors and only indirectly, if at all, to health-compromising behaviors. Interventions to prevent or reduce adolescent smoking should attend more to factors that influence problem behaviors.
Evidence for involvement of GNB1L in autism.

Structural variations in the chromosome 22q11.2 region mediated by nonallelic homologous recombination result in 22q11.2 deletion (del22q11.2) and 22q11.2 duplication (dup22q11.2) syndromes. The majority of del22q11.2 cases have facial and cardiac malformations, immunologic impairments, specific cognitive profile and increased risk for schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The phenotype of dup22q11.2 is frequently without physical features but includes the spectrum of neurocognitive abnormalities. Although there is substantial evidence that haploinsufficiency for TBX1 plays a role in the physical features of del22q11.2, it is not known which gene(s) in the critical 1.5 Mb region are responsible for the observed spectrum of behavioral phenotypes. We identified an individual with a balanced translocation 46,XY,t(1;22)(p36.1;q11.2) and a behavioral phenotype characterized by cognitive impairment, autism, and schizophrenia in the absence of congenital malformations. Using somatic cell hybrids and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) we mapped the chromosome-22 breakpoint within intron 7 of the GNB1L gene. Copy number evaluations and direct DNA sequencing of GNB1L in 271 schizophrenia and 513 autism cases revealed dup22q11.2 in two families with autism and private GNB1L missense variants in conserved residues in three families (P = 0.036). The identified missense variants affect residues in the WD40 repeat domains and are predicted to have deleterious effects on the protein. Prior studies provided evidence that GNB1L may have a role in schizophrenia. Our findings support involvement of GNB1L in ASDs as well. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A knowledge-based approach for checking software information using a non-monotonic reasoning system

In this paper, the knowledge representation of software component relations using non-monotonic logic to assist the validity and integrity checking of software information is presented. Software components and their interconnection information are represented by axioms. These axioms exhibit the structure and behaviour of the software system. Another set of axioms represents the basic truisms about a software system in general. These axioms can easily be extended to cover a wide variety of software systems architectures. In the software development and maintenance phases, information about the software system can be derived from these axioms using an automated reasoning system, and the software system itself can easily be checked against a specification of the system and compared for validity. The developed knowledge-based system will be able to provide programmers useful software information and assist the software development and maintenance process.
Assessing Impacts of Climate Change on Forests: The State of Biological Modeling

Models that address the impacts of climate change on forests are reviewed at four levels of biological organization: global, regional or landscape, community, and tree. The models are compared for their ability to assess changes in fluxes of biogenic greenhouse gases, land use, patterns of forest type or species composition, forest resource productivity, forest health, biodiversity, and wildlife habitat. No one model can address all of these impacts, but landscape transition models and regional vegetation and land-use models have been used to consider more impacts than the other models. The development of landscape vegetation dynamics models of functional groups is suggested as a means to integrate the theory of both landscape ecology and individual tree responses to climate change. Risk assessment methodologies can be adapted to deal with the impacts of climate change at various spatial and temporal scales. Four areas of research needing additional effort are identified: (1) linking socioeconomic and ecologic models; (2) interfacing forest models at different scales; (3) obtaining data on susceptibility of trees and forest to changes in climate and disturbance regimes; and (4) relating information from different scales.
GEOGRAPHIC VARIATION IN REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOR AND SIZE STRUCTURE OF THE AUSTRALIAN CYCAD MACROZAMIA COMMUNIS (ZAMIACEAE)

This paper describes the coning behavior of Macrozamia communis (Zamiaceae), which varies in several features throughout its range in New South Wales, Australia. There is also a marked north to south clinal gradient in mean leaf numbers throughout the range of this cycad. Comparative reproductive features of males and females of this species are discussed, and reference is made to the insects encountered in female cones
Light energy to bioelectricity: photosynthetic microbial fuel cells.

Here, we reviewed five different approaches that integrate photosynthesis with microbial fuel cells (MFCs) — photoMFCs. Until now, no conclusive report has been published that identifies direct electron transfer (DET) between a photosynthetic biocatalyst and the anode of a MFC. Therefore, most recent research has been performed to generate sufficient electric current from sunlight with either electrocatalysts or heterotrophic bacteria on the anode to convert photosynthetic products indirectly. The most promising photoMFCs to date are electrocatalytic bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) that convert hydrogen from photosynthesis and sediment-based BESs that can convert excreted organics from cyanobacteria or plants. In addition, illumination on the cathode may provide either oxygen for an electrocatalytic reduction reaction or a promising anoxygenic biocathode.
Oil Recovery by Low Salinity Water Injection into a Reservoir: A New Study of Tertiary Oil Recovery Mechanism

Low salinity water injections for oil recovery have shown seemingly promising results in the case of clay-bearing sandstones saturated with asphaltic crude oil. Reported data showed that low salinity water injection could provide up to 20% pore volume (PV) of additional oil recovery for core samples and up to 25% PV for reservoirs in near wellbore regions, compared with brine injection at the same Darcy velocity. The question remains as to whether this additional recovery is also attainable in reservoirs. The answer requires a thorough understanding of oil recovery mechanism of low salinity water injections. Numerous hypotheses have been proposed to explain the increased oil recovery using low salinity water, including migration of detached mixed-wet clay particles with absorbed residual oil drops, wettability alteration toward increased water-wetness, and emulsion formation. However, many later reports showed that a higher oil recovery associated with low salinity water injection at the common laboratory flow velocity was neither necessarily accompanied by migration of clay particles, nor necessarily accompanied by emulsion. Moreover, increased water-wetness has been shown to cause the reduction of oil recovery. The present study is based on both experimental and theoretical analyses. Our study reveals that the increased oil recovery is only related to the reduction of water permeability due to physical plugging of the porous network by swelling clay aggregates or migrating clay particles and crystals. At a fixed apparent flow velocity, the value of negative pressure gradient along the flow path increases as the water permeability decreases. Some oil drops and blobs can be mobilized under the increased negative pressure gradient and contribute to the additional oil recovery. Based on the revealed mechanism, we conclude that low salinity water injection cannot be superior to brine injection in any clay-bearing sandstone reservoir at the maximum permitted injection pressure. Through our study of low salinity water injection, the theory of tertiary oil recovery has been notably improved.
Symptomatic Osseous Sarcoidosis with Findings on Bone Scan

Twenty-one years after the onset of sarcoidosis, a 51-year-old woman experienced pain in the lower portion of her back, which proved to be the result of sarcoidosis involving the pelvis. The pelvic abnormality consisted of osteosclerotic and osteoblastic lesions. A bone scan showed several other areas of increased uptake, and the diagnosis was confirmed by bone biopsy. The patient improved with treatment with steroids, but the findings on the x-ray film and the bone scan did not change. Sarcoidosis may cause obscure, but symptomatic, osseous lesions.
A novel mode of colony formation in a hydrozoan through fusion of sexually generated individuals.

Summary Coloniality, as displayed by most hydrozoans, is thought to confer a size advantage in substrate-limited benthic marine environments and affects nearly every aspect of a species' ecology and evolution [1,2]. Hydrozoan colonies normally develop through asexual budding of polyps that remain interconnected by continuous epithelia. The clade Aplanulata is unique in that it comprises mostly solitary species, including the model organism Hydra , with only a few colonial species [3,4]. We reconstruct a multigene phylogeny to trace the evolution of coloniality in Aplanulata, revealing that the ancestor of Aplanulata was solitary and that coloniality was regained in the genus Ectopleura . Examination of Ectopleura larynx development reveals a unique type of colony formation never before described in Hydrozoa, in that colonies form through sexual reproduction followed by epithelial fusion of offspring polyps to adults. We characterize the expression of manacle , a gene involved in foot development in Hydra [5], to determine polyp-colony boundaries. Our results suggest that stalks beneath the neck do not have polyp identity and instead are specialized structures that interconnect polyps. Epithelial fusion, brooding behavior, and the presence of a skeleton were all key factors behind the evolution of this novel pathway to coloniality in Ectopleura .
A method for preparing analytically pure sodium dithionite. Dithionite quality and observed nitrogenase-specific activities

Abstract Sodium dithionite (Na2S2O4) is widely used as a reductant in biochemical studies, but has not been available in its pure form. A convenient, detailed procedure is given for the recrystallization of commercial dithionite from 0.1 M NaOH-methanol under anaerobic conditions. Twice-recrystallized dithionite had a purity of 99 ± 1% by UV spectroscopy (A315) and elemental analysis. The influence of dithionite quality on the apparent reduction activities of the nitrogenase components (Av1 and Av2) from Azotobacter vinelandii was investigated.
Spectroscopic manifestations of structural shell filling in (benzene) N clusters, N=1-20

Abstract Well resolved ultraviolet spectra of the smaller benzene clusters (B N , N ⩽20) have been obtained by resonant two-photon ionization spectroscopy of a cluster beam. Under the coldest conditions, optical lineshapes show a remarkable narrowing at N = 13, and probable secondary linewidth minima at N = 7 and 19. This pattern is interpreted according to the principles of shell filling in clusters of nonpolar molecules.
WE‐E‐18A‐11: Fluoro‐Tomographic Images From Projections of On‐Board Imager (OBI) While Gantry Is Moving

Purpose: A method to generate a series of fluoro-tomographic images (FTI) of the slice of interest (SOI) from the projection images of the On-board imager (OBI) while gantry is moving is developed and tested. Methods: Tomographic image via background subtraction, TIBS has been published by our group. TIBS uses a priori anatomical information from a previous CT scan to isolate a SOI from a planar kV image by factoring out the attenuations by tissues outside the SOI (background). We extended the idea to 4D TIBS, which enables to generate from the projection of different gantry angles. A set of background images for different angles are prepared. A background image at a given gantry angle is subtracted from the projection image at the same angle to generate a TIBS image. Then the TIBS image is converted to a reference angle. The 4D TIBS is the set of TIBS that originated from gantry angles other than the reference angle. Projection images of lung patients for CBCT acquisition are used to test the 4D TIBS. Results: Fluoroscopic images of a coronal plane of lung patients are acquired from the CBCT projections at different gantry angles and times. Change of morphology of hilar vessels due to breathing and heart beating are visible in the coronal plane, which are generated from the set of the projection images at gantry angles other than antero-posterior. Breathing surrogate or sorting process is not needed. Unlike tomosynthesis, FTI from 4D TIBS maintains the independence of each of the projections thereby reveals temporal variations within the SOI. Conclusion: FTI, fluoroscopic imaging of a SOI with x-ray projections, directly generated from the x-ray projection images at different gantry angles is tested with a lung case and proven feasible. This technique can be used for on-line imaging of moving targets. NIH Grant R01CA133539
High resolution gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of the environmental pollutants methylnitronaphthalenes

We report the linear retention indices of the 14 methylnitro-naphthalenes on three high resolution capillary columns and their electron impact mass spectra. The analyses of the methylnitro-naphthalenes in an ambient air sample by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with multiple ion detection utilizing 5% phenylmethylsilicone, 50% phenylmethylsilicone, and smectic columns are shown.
Infrared Schottky Barrier Focal Plane Array Technology

Infrared focal plane array (FPA) technology has advanced rapidly in the past two years. This technology promises advantages for future PLIR systems as well as advanced missile concepts. RCA has been in the forefront of this technology and has pioneered an IR focal plane array based upon Schottky Barrier detectors. This paper describes the technology and its status. Following a short description of the technology, the background of its development will be presented, and then a more detailed description of the device will be provided, including some performance measurements of the device.
Family study of co-morbidity between major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders.

Background. Numerous studies have documented high rates of co-morbidity between major depressive disorder (MDD) and the anxiety disorders (ANX). However, the reason for this is unclear. Family studies provide one potentially useful approach for addressing this issue.Method. We explored six explanations of the co-morbidity between MDD and ANX using a family study of a large community sample of young adults and their first-degree relatives. Participants included 112 probands with a lifetime history of both MDD and one or more ANX, 290 probands with a history of MDD but no ANX, 43 probands with a history of one or more ANX but no MDD, 352 probands with no lifetime history of either MDD or ANX, and the probands' 2608 first-degree relatives. Probands were assessed using semi-structured diagnostic interviews on two occasions in adolescence and a third time at age 24. Diagnostic data on relatives were collected using both direct and family history interviews.Results. Compared with controls, MDD aggregated in the families of probands with MDD, whether or not they had co-morbid ANX; ANX aggregated in the families of probands with ANX, regardless of whether they had co-morbid MDD; and co-morbid MDD/ANX aggregated only in the families of probands with both MDD and ANX. The relatives of probands with ANX alone had a significantly higher rate of ANX than the relatives of probands with MDD alone, although none of the other comparisons between the depressed and anxious groups were significant.Conclusions. This pattern of findings is largely, although not completely, consistent with the view that MDD and ANX are transmitted independently within families, and suggests that the co-morbidity between MDD and ANX is caused by non-familial aetiological factors.
The role of social isolation in social anxiety disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Introduction Social isolation in the context of social anxiety disorder has not been closely examined. This study aimed to describe the role and measurement of social isolation in those with social anxiety disorder. Method A systematic review and meta-analyses were conducted using a prospectively prepared protocol for search strategy, selection criteria, and data extraction. DerSimonian–Laird random effects models were used to calculate pooled estimates of effect. Results Thirty-four studies, containing 20 formal instruments and four other measures of social isolation, were included. Most formal instruments were utilized in single studies, whereas simple structural measures (e.g., living alone) were used most frequently. The pooled score was 38.1 on the Loneliness and Social Dissatisfaction Questionnaire, 33.1 on the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (avoidance subscale), and 21.1 on the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale. Conclusions Social isolation is common in social anxiety disorder but assessed by a heterogeneous mix of measures.
Investigation of the stress singularities by enhanced moiré interferometry

Abstract The method of fractional fringe moire analysis was used to study the singular nature of the stress field near a wedge corner. The investigation of the singularity nature in the case of interfaces in elastic media may be extended to evaluation of the material properties of the dielectric or metallic thin film in encapsulated integrated circuits (IC). It can be shown that the power of singularity is a function of wedge and geometry and wedge/substrate material properties. The experimental data obtained by the high sensitivity digital image processing enhanced moire interferometry technique are in good agreement with the numerical solution of the singular integral equation based on the assumption of perfect bonding.
In Vitro Induction of Resistance to Erythromycin by Its Metabolite

Of the metabolites isolated from urine samples of patients treated with erythromycin, the 8,9-anhydroerythromycin A 6,9-hemiketal induced in vitro resistance to the parent drug and to carbomycin in the test strain Staphylococcus aureus RN 1389.
4-AZAPTERIDINES. I. COVALENT ADDITION PRODUCTS OF THE PYRAZINO(2,3-E)-AS-TRIAZINE RING SYSTEM

Ring closure of 5, 6-diamino-3-methylthio-as-triazine with 40% aqueous glyoxal provided the 6, 7-dihydrate of the pyrazino[2, 3-e]-as-triazine (4-azapteridine) ring system. The C7 hydroxy group of this dihydrate underwent exchange in methanol or ethanol affording the 7-alkoxy, 6-hydroxy derivatives.
A study of brittle rock fracture in laboratory compression experiments

Abstract Laboratory test procedures were developed to control brittle rock failure in uniaxial and multiaxial compression experiments using a stiff testing machine. Complete stress-strain curves so obtained revealed two distinct classes of post-failure behavior in uniaxial compression. ‘Brittle-ductile’ transitional behavior was established for Tennessee marble between zero and 7000 psi confining pressure. Post-failure mechanisms in brittle rocks are discussed in detail.
Morphology and cytochemistry of leucocytes and thrombocytes of six species of fish

Cytochemical reactions of blood leucocytes and thrombocytes from six species of fish, rainbow trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss), coho salmon (Onchorhynchus kisutch), white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus), goldfish (Carassius auratus), striped bass (Morone saxatulis), and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) were determined. Because the staining reactions were generally similar to the reactions found in mammalian leucocytes with similar morphological features, it is reasonable to classify fish leucocytes using the same terminology as is used for mammalian leucocytes. However, in some species leucocytes with features similar to mammalian eosinophils or basophils were not found. In goldfish leucocytes were found that had segmented nuclei and unstained, moderately refractile cytoplasmic granules. These cells were classified as segmented, granular leucocytes. Although these cells do not appear similar to any mammalian or avian leucocyte, the pattern of positive cytoplasmic alkaline phosphatase staining and negative granular staining is similar to that of equine eosinophils.
Estimating Realistic Confidence Intervals for the Activation Energy Determined from Thermoanalytical Measurements

A statistical procedure is proposed for estimating realistic confidence intervals for the activation energy determined by using an advanced isoconversional method. Nine sets of five thermogravimetric measurements have been produced for the process of gassification of ammonium nitrate at five different heating rates. Independent estimates of the confidence intervals for the activation energy have been obtained from these data sets. Agreement with these independent estimates demonstrates that the proposed statistical procedure is capable of adequately estimating the actual uncertainty in the activation energy determined from a small number of measurements. The resulting averaged relative errors in the activation energy were found to be 26, 21, and 17% for three, four, and five heating rate estimates, respectively.
Humeral Replacement with Cuff Deficiency: A Helmet Head Solution

Arthritic processes about the shoulder predictably involve disease both to the bony elements and to the soft tissues about the joint. Although there are many options available for the surgical management of shoulder arthritis, the exact type of shoulder replacement depends on both the bone status and the soft tissue status. For the patient with glenohumeral arthritis and a massive and irreparable cuff tear who retains an intact and functional coracoacromial arch, a cuff tear arthropathy type of prosthetic replacement provides predictable relief of pain while allowing significant improvement in function.
Regulation of an enzyme by phosphorylation at the active site

The isocitrate dehydrogenase of Escherichia coli is an example of a ubiquitous class of enzymes that are regulated by covalent modification. In the three-dimensional structure of the enzyme-substrate complex, isocitrate forms a hydrogen bond with Ser113, the site of regulatory phosphorylation. The structures of Asp113 and Glu113 mutants, which mimic the inactivation of the enzyme by phosphorylation, show minimal conformational changes from wild type, as in the phosphorylated enzyme. Calculations based on observed structures suggest that the change in electrostatic potential when a negative charge is introduced either by phosporylation or site-directed mutagenesis is sufficient to inactivate the enzyme. Thus, direct interaction at a ligand binding site is an alternative mechanism to induced conformational changes from an allosteric site in the regulation of protein activity by phosphorylation.
A detailed study of noise sources in selective line modulation atomic spectrometry

A detailed theoretical study is presented of the noise sources present in selective spectral line modulation (SLM) atomic emission spectrometry. Shot and flicker noise terms associated with the signal and background radiation, the modulating-reservoir transmission, the modulating-reservoir atom emission, the modulating-atom absorption, and the readout system are considered and compared. The results of the study reveal that shot noise never limits the precision of an SLM experiment. Instead, precision at high signal levels is limited by flicker noise associated with the modulating-atom reservoir transmission, the modulating-atom absorption, and the primary emission signal. In contrast, precision near the detection limit is limited by flicker noise associated with the modulating-atom emission and the background emission from the source and modulating-atom reservoir. The relative magnitudes of these noise sources were found to vary considerably with experimental conditions. Experimental data on four elements (Bi, Mg, Cu, Ag) are presented and compared. General trends of the noise magnitudes with experimental conditions are discussed and findings are extended to other elements that can be determined by the SLM method.
Sulfuration of O-acetylhomoserine and O-acetylserine by two enzyme fractions from spinach

Abstract We have previously reported ( Giovanelli and Mudd, 1967 ) the synthesis of homocysteine and cysteine by extracts of spinach via the following reactions: O-acetylhomoserine + sulfide → homocysteine + acetate (1) O-acetylserine + sulfide → cystein + acetate (2) In this communication the biosynthesis of methionine, ethionine, S-methylcysteine and S-ethylcysteine is shown to proceed when sulfide is replaced by methylmercaptan or ethylmercaptan: O-acetylhomoserine + methylmercaptan → methionine + acetate (1′) O-acetylhomoserine + ethylmercaptan → ethionine + acetate (1″) O-acetylserine + methylmercaptan →S-methylcystein + acetate (2′) O-acetylserine + ethylmercaptan →S-ethylcystein + acetate (1″) The term “sulfuration” is used to describe the general process of sulfur incorporation, as illustrated by the above reactions. It is further shown that two separable enzyme fractions (A and B) catalyze these reactions. At the stage of purification attained, fraction A is active with both O-acetylhomoserine and O-acetylserine. Fraction B is active with O-acetylserine only.
Lipid metabolism emerges as a promising target for malignant glioma therapy

SUMMARY Malignant gliomas are one of the most treatment-refractory cancers. Development of resistance to chemo- and radio-therapies contributes to these tumors’ aggressive phenotypes. Elevated lipid levels in gliomas have been reported for the last 50 years. However, the molecular mechanisms of how tumor tissues obtain lipids and utilize them are not well understood. Recently, the oncogenic signaling EGFR/PI3K/Akt pathway has been shown to enhance lipid synthesis and uptake by upregulating SREBP-1, a master transcriptional factor, to control lipid metabolism. This article discusses the analytical chemistry results of lipid components in glioma tissues from different research groups. The molecular mechanisms that link oncogenes with lipid programming, and identification of the key molecular targets and development of effective drugs to inhibit lipid metabolism in malignant gliomas will be discussed.