cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Generalized uncertainty principle corrections on atomic excitation

Abstract In this paper, we investigate the effect of minimal length on Einstein model of a gas of two-level atoms in thermal equilibrium with blackbody radiation at temperature T. We reformulate the classical Hamiltonian describing the interaction of atomic electrons with the electromagnetic field of blackbody radiation by employing Kempf Algebra to obtain the Hamiltonian with a minimal length. In the electric dipole approximation, we obtain the modified transition rate relations, and modified Einstein coefficients for broadband excitation. We utilize the modified quantities to obtain the modified cross-section in the resonant laser excitation. We deduce the upper bounds for the deformation parameter and minimal length.
[Current status of annual health check-ups for part-time employees in Japan].

Objectives The number of part-time staff is increasing every year, and they are becoming very essential in completing the workforce. Healthcare and assurance for part-timers will be an important issue in the future. The purpose of our study was to collect recent data and examine the status of health management for part-time employees in workplaces. Methods We administered a questionnaire to part-time staff at 14,000 workplaces that were randomly selected from a nationwide list of workplaces. Of the 4,718 respondents, 4,652 valid cases were analyzed. Part-timers were classified as those working more than 3/4 (Category 1), more than 1/2 and less than 3/4 (Category 2), and less than 1/2 (Category 3) of the routine working hours of full-time employees. Results A total of 97.2% of workplaces conducted regular medical health check-ups (medical check-ups) for full-time employees. The percentage of workplaces conducting medical check-ups for part-timers was lower as their working hours were fewer; only 32.2% of workplaces conducted medical check-ups for Category 3 part-timers. The percentages were lower for smaller workplaces, and workplaces with 29 or fewer employees had the lowest percentage for Category 3 part-timers (27.9%). The percentage of employers bearing the full cost of medical check-ups was lower for Category 1 (90.5%), 2 (87.7%), and 3 (85.0%) part-timers than that for full-time employees (93.7%). Conclusions The rate of regular medical check-ups in workplaces was lower for part-timers, as their working hours were shorter, and workplaces were smaller. Expanding health management in workplaces may be necessary owing to the diversity in working styles.
Multi-objective framework for optimum configuration of human-driven and shared or privately owned autonomous vehicles

Private Autonomous Vehicles (PAV) and Shared Autonomous Vehicles (SAV) are known to improve safety, mobility, roadway capacity, driver productivity and reduce parking costs (due to better utilizati...
Aberrated optical cavities

Optical cavities are an enabling technology of modern quantum science: From their essential role in the operation of lasers to applications as flywheels in atomic clocks and interaction-enhancing components in quantum optics experiments, developing a quantitative understanding of the mode shapes and energies of optical cavities has been crucial for the growth of the field. Nonetheless, the standard treatment using paraxial quadratic optics fails to capture the influence of optical aberrations present in modern cavities with high finesse, small waist, and/or many degenerate modes. In this work, we compute the mode spectrum of optical resonators, allowing for both nonparaxial beam propagation and beyond-quadratic mirrors and lenses. Generalizing prior works, we develop a complete theory of resonator aberrations, including intracavity lenses, nonplanar geometries, and arbitrary mirror forms. Harnessing these tools, we reconcile the near absence of aberration in the work of Schine et al. [N. Schine et al., Nature (London) 534, 671 (2016)] with the strongly evident aberrations in the seemingly similar cavity of Clark et al. [L. W. Clark et al., Nature (London) 582, 41 (2020)]. We further validate our approach by comparison to a family of nonplanar lens cavities realized in the laboratory, finding good quantitative agreement. This work opens prospects for cavities with smaller waists and more degenerate modes.
Thoracic Radiotherapy for Renal Cell Carcinoma Metastases: Local Control for the Management of Lung and Mediastinal Disease in the Modern Era

Abstract Introduction/Background Radiotherapy (RT) is an alternative local therapy to metastasectomy in the treatment of thoracic metastases from renal cell carcinoma (RCC), including the management of life-threatening disease. Patients and Methods We reviewed patients with lung and mediastinal RCC metastases treated with RT at our institution. Overall survival (OS) and metastasis control (MC) was measured from the start of RT using the Kaplan-Meier (KM) method. Results Seventy-one patients were treated with RT for 89 lung (n=58) or mediastinal (n=31) metastases. Of 89 treated lesions, 11 (12%) had local tumor recurrence, at a median of 1.6 years (range 0.4-2.9). MC at 1, 3, and 5-years was 96.6%, 83.5%, and 67.9%, respectively. For the 58 lung metastasis-directed RT courses, MC rates at 1, 3, and 5-years were 95.0%, 84.5%, and 84.5%, respectively (median MC not reached). For the 31 mediastinum metastasis-directed RT courses, MC rates at 1, 3, and 5-years were 100%, 43.4%, and 43.4%, respectively (median MC 2.9 years). MC was significantly improved for lung lesions compared to mediastinal lesions (p=0.046). OS for the entire cohort at 1, 3, and 5 years was 65.2%, 48.5%, and 38.0%. There was no difference in OS based on metastatic sites in the 71 patients. Nineteen patients received RT to 19 lesions with the intention of preventing an event such as airway compromise or vascular invasion. One and two-year MC for these 19 lesions were 88.9% and 71.1%, respectively (median local control 2.4 years). OS in these 19 patients at 1, 2, and 5 years were 62.1%, 48.3%, and 32.2% respectively, with median survival 1.2 years. No patients developed grade 4 or 5 acute or late toxicities. Conclusion Radiation therapy can safely achieve high metastasis control rates for lung and mediastinal metastases from RCC, including lesions at high risk for causing a life-threatening event. MicroAbstract: Radiotherapy is an alternative local therapy to metastasectomy in the treatment of thoracic metastases from renal cell carcinoma. We retrospectively reviewed 71 patients who were treated with radiation for 89 lung (n=58) or mediastinal (n=31) metastases and reported overall survival and metastasis control. Local control was safely achieved, including lesions at high risk for causing a life-threatening event.
Further Remarks on the Analysis and Interpretation of Solar X-Ray Photographs

In the light of a recent discussion by Gerassimenko and Nolte (1978) we re-examine the use of the ‘filter ratio method’ for determining the thermodynamic parameters of coronal plasmas. We conclude that the method gives reliable results only when the observed plasma is nearly isothermal and that presently available data do not demonstrate that active region plasmas generally meet this condition.
Reading from CRT displays can be as fast as reading from paper

Experiments, including our own (Gould and Grischkowsky, 1984; Gould et al., 1987), have shown that people read more slowly from CRT displays than from paper. This series of six experiments shows wh...
Decreasing epididymal sperm reserves enhances the detection of ethoxyethanol-induced spermatotoxicity.

Abstract Current test strategies for assessing male reproductive toxicity may be inadequate for estimating risk in humans. High levels of sperm production and existence of large epididymal sperm reserves in most test species may impede the detection of spermatotoxicity at low doses. The current report reflects initial efforts to address these issues. An active schedule of copulation was employed to reduce cauda epididymal reserves in the rat. The detection of spermatotoxicity in this animal relative to its nonmated counterpart was then compared following exposure to ethoxyethanol (EE). Adult, male Long-Evans hooded rats were assigned to a “mate” or “nonmate” condition, with the former mated every other day (3-hr sessions) for 2 weeks prior to and then throughout the experiment. After 2 weeks, males from each group were randomly assigned to receive either 0, 150, or 300 mg/kg (po) of EE, 5 days/week for 6 weeks. Males were then sacrificed and organ weights, testicular spermatid counts, and cauda epididymal sperm count and sperm morphology were obtained. EE produced a significant reduction in testicular weight and spermatid counts in mated and nonmated animals receiving 300 mg/kg. Significant decreases were also noted in epididymal sperm count and percentage normal morphology. However, these effects were seen in the nonmated animals only at 300 mg/kg, whereas significant reductions in both parameters were also obtained at 150 mg/kg in the males mated bidaily. The data from this study suggest that bidaily matings, by reducing epididymal sperm reserves, can enhance the detection of spermatotoxicity.
Psychotherapy by a combined behavioral and dynamic approach

Dr. Brady was one of the early clinicians to demonstrate the fact that behavioral and dynamic therapies need not be viewed as polar opposites: Psychodynamic factors may operate in behavioral therapies, and behavioral factors in dynamic therapies. He conceptualizes a continuum between the two, with the patient’s problem being the key factor that should determine where, on the continuum, the therapy should be selected.
Relations between meson and baryon hyperfine splittings

The recent treatment of hyperfine splittings in meson spectroscopy by Frank and O'Donnell is generalized and applied to baryons by the use of techniques developed for treating hyperfine interactions in atomic physics. Predictions of the N-Δ, Σ∗ - Σ and Ξ∗ - Ξ splittings using meson splittings as input are in good agreement with experiment, showing that the same constituent quark model describes both mesons and baryons.
Structural integrity of the female condom after a single use, washing, and disinfection.

Abstract The Reality® female condom is approved for use during a single act of intercourse, but is expensive relative to other barrier methods. Re-use is a potential strategy to reduce its per-use cost. We tested the structural integrity of female condoms (n = 318) after a single act of vaginal intercourse. We also measured the impact of laboratory washing (1, 5, or 10 times) with and without disinfection on the structural integrity of unused condoms. Structural integrity was measured via 5 tests: seam tensile strength, water leakage, air-burst, tear propagation, and device dimensions. No degradation in device structural integrity occurred after a single use when compared to control for seam tensile (16.0 vs.15.7 mPa; p = 0.558); water leakage (1.9% vs. 0.9%; p = 0.618); air burst (3.9 vs. 3.6 kPa; p
The Mystery of the Charity of Geoffrey Hill

Abstract This essay is essentially an analysis of Geoffrey Hill’s long and difficult poem of 1983, “The Mystery of the Charity of Charles Peguy,” a poem that confronts the advent of modernity and the ambiguities of history by focusing on the dilemmas that the French poet and journalist named in its title faced on the eve of World War 1. Hill sees Peguy as embracing a version of Christian fatalism, and so too his own attitude toward history is deeply fatalistic in the poem. If there is a saving grace for Hill, it is not in history, which remains forever unresolved, but in poetry.
Irreversible inactivation of arylamine N-acetyltransferases in the presence of N-hydroxy-4-acetylaminobiphenyl: a comparison of human and hamster enzymes.

Arylamine N-acetyltransferases (NATs) catalyze the N-acetylation of arylamines, the O-acetylation of N-arylhydroxylamines, and the conversion of N-(aryl)acetohydroxamic acids to N-acetoxyarylamines. NATs also undergo irreversible inactivation in the presence of N-(aryl)-acetohydroxamic acids. We previously established that inactivation of hamster NAT1 by N-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene is the result of sulfinamide adduct formation with Cys68. The purpose of this research was to determine the kinetics of inactivation of hamster NAT1, hamster NAT2, and human NAT1 by N-hydroxy-4-acetylaminobiphenyl (N-OH-4-AABP), to identify the amino acids that are modified upon NAT-catalyzed bioactivation of N-OH-4-AABP, to characterize the adducts and to identify factors that influence the propensity of NATs to undergo inactivation by N-arylhydroxamic acids. Mass spectrometric analysis of the NATs, after incubation with N-OH-4-AABP, revealed that the principal adduct of each protein was a (4-biphenyl)sulfinamide. Proteolysis of the adducted NATs caused hydrolysis of the sulfinamides to sulfinic acids. Tandem mass spectrometric analysis of the modified peptides revealed that each NAT isozyme contained a sulfinic acid on the Cys68 side chain. Minor adducts were identified as 4-aminobiphenyl conjugates of tyrosines. Hamster NAT1 was more rapidly inactivated by N-OH-4-AABP than either hamster NAT2 or human NAT1, and it was demonstrated that 4-nitrosoobiphenyl, which forms the sulfinamide adducts, accumulates during incubation of N-OH-4-AABP with hamster NAT2 and human NAT1 but not during incubations with hamster NAT1. Steady state kinetic analysis of the hydrolysis of acetylated NATs revealed that the half-lives of acetylated hamster NAT2 and human NAT1 are 7-8-fold greater than that of acetylated hamster NAT1. These results support the proposal that the mechanism of inactivation of NATs by N-OH-4-AABP involves initial deacetylation to produce N-OH-4-aminobiphenyl, which after oxidative conversion to 4-nitrosobiphenyl reacts with Cys68 to form a sulfinamide. The relatively short half-life of the acetylated form of hamster NAT1 contributes to its greater susceptibility to inactivation by N-OH-4-AABP.
Proper Orthogonal Decomposition-Based Modeling, Analysis, and Simulation of Dynamic Wind Load Effects on Structures

Multicorrelated stationary random processes/fields can be decomposed into a set of subprocesses by diagonalizing their covariance or cross power spectral density ~XPSD! matrices through the eigenvector/modal decomposition. This proper orthogonal decomposition ~POD! technique offers physically meaningful insight into the process as each eigenmode may be characterized on the basis of its spatial distribution. It also facilitates characterization and compression of a large number of multicorrelated random processes by ignoring some of the higher eigenmodes associated with smaller eigenvalues. In this paper, the theoretical background of the POD technique based on the decomposition of the covariance and XPSD matrices is presented. A physically meaningful linkage between the wind loads and the attendant background and resonant response of structures in the POD framework is established. This helps in better understanding how structures respond to the spatiotemporally varying dynamic loads. Utilizing the POD-based modal representation, schemes for simulation and state-space modeling of random fields are presented. Finally, the accuracy and effectiveness of the reduced- order modeling in representing local and global wind loads and their effects on a wind-excited building are investigated.
A taxonomic revision of Erythrodontium (Entodontaceae)

A worldwide revision of Erythrodontium Hampe recognizes seven species. Descriptions, maps and illustrations are given for each species along with a key to the taxa.
Using Administrative Data to Estimate Graduation Rates: Challenges, Proposed Solutions and their Pitfalls

In recent years there has been a renewed interest in understanding the levels and trends in high school graduation in the U.S. A big and influential literature has argued that the “true” high school graduation rate remains at an unsatisfactory level, and that the graduation rates for minorities (Blacks and Hispanics) are alarmingly low. In this paper we take a closer look at the different measures of high school graduation which have recently been proposed and which yield such low estimates of graduation rates. We argue that the nature of the variables in the Common Core of Data, the dataset maintained by the U.S. Department of Education that is the main source for all of the new measures, requires caution in calculating graduation rates, and the adjustments that have been proposed often impart significant downward bias to the estimates.
Modulation of Opiate-Related Signaling Molecules in Morphine-Dependent Conditioned Behavior: Conditioned Place Preference to Morphine Induces CREB Phosphorylation

Opiate addiction is a chronic, relapsing behavioral disorder where learned associations that develop between the abused opiate and the environment in which it is consumed are brought about through Pavlovian (classical) conditioning processes. However, the signaling mechanisms/pathways regulating the mechanisms that underlie the responses to opiate-associated cues or the development of sensitization as a consequence of repeated context-independent administration of opiates are unknown. In this study we examined the phosphorylation levels of various classic signaling molecules in brain regions implicated in addictive behaviors after acute and repeated morphine administration. An unbiased place conditioning protocol was used to examine changes in phosphorylation that are associated with (1) the expression of the rewarding effects of morphine and (2) the sensitization that develops to this effect. We also examined the effects of a δ-receptor antagonist on morphine-induced conditioned behavior and on the phosphorylation of classic signaling molecules in view of data showing that blockade of δ-opioid receptor (δOR) prevents the development of sensitization to the rewarding effects of morphine. We find that CREB phosphorylation is specifically induced upon the expression of a sensitized response to morphine-induced conditioned behavior in brain areas related to memory consolidation, such as the hippocampus and cortex. A similar effect is also observed, albeit to a lesser extent, in the case of the GluR1 subunit of AMPA glutamate receptor. These increases in the phosphorylation levels of CREB and pGluR1 are significantly blocked by pretreatment with a δOR antagonist. These results indicate a critical role for phospho-CREB, AMPA, and δOR activities in mediating the expression of a sensitized response to morphine-dependent conditioned behavior.
Susceptibility to hepatic oxidative stress in rabbits fed different animal and plant fats

This study was designed to determine the effect of diets enriched with plant and animal fats on oxidative stress and glutathione metabolism in rabbit liver tissues. This study was conducted to investigate whether the type of dietary fat will impact fatty acid composition and oxidant/antioxidant status in tissues.Rabbits were fed diets containing 2 g corn oil/100 g diet (low fat diet, LF) and LF supplemented with 16 g/100 g diet of either corn oil (CO), CO with added cholesterol (CO + C), milk fat (MF), chicken fat (CF), beef tallow (BT), or lard (L) for 30 days. After the feeding period, livers were analyzed for total fatty acid composition, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), conjugated dienes, and reduced glutathione (GSH), as well as for activities of glutathione peroxidase (GP) and glutathione reductase (GR). Moreover, to fully determine the oxidative stability and free radical trapping capacity, TBARS levels were measured after additional exposure of liver homogenates to 10 mM 2,2(1)-azo...
Quantification of F2-isoprostane isomers in cultured human lung epithelial cells after silica oxide and metal oxide nanoparticle treatment by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

Abstract F 2 -isoprostanes are lipid peroxidation products of arachidonic acid in cell membrane and are reliable biomarkers for oxidative stress and cell membrane damage. Nanomaterials are widely used as raw materials in many industries and will have high potentials to be used in life science and medical fields. However, the human health impact of nanoparticles has caused people's great concern. Unfortunately, the mechanisms of cytotoxicity of many nanoparticles are not well defined. By measuring the levels of F 2 -isoprostane isomers in cultured cells after nanoparticle exposure, the information can be used to explain whether the cytotoxicity of nanoparticles is caused by lipid peroxidation and to investigate the biological pathways. In this study, a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method was developed to separate and quantify F 2 -isoprostane isomers in nanoparticle-treated human lung cancer cells. Silica oxide (15 nm) and other four metal oxide nanoparticles including Fe 2 O 3 (30 nm), Al 2 O 3 (13 nm), TiO 2 (40 nm) and ZnO (70 nm) are chosen in this study. The isotope forms of F 2 -isoprostane isomers, 8-iso-PGF 2α -d 4 and PGF 2α -d 4 , were used as internal standard (IS). After human lung epithelial cells were exposed to different nanoparticles for 24 h, F 2 -isoprostanes were extracted by a single step solid phase extraction with Oasis HLB cartridge. For the first time, six F 2 -isoprostane isomers were tentatively identified and quantified in human lung epithelial cells. The levels of F 2 -isoprostane isomers in the cells increased after the treatment with nanoparticles. For SiO 2 , Fe 2 O 3 , and ZnO nanoparticles, F 2 -isoprostane isomers increasing are consistent with nanoparticles’ cytotoxicity data. For Al 2 O 3 and TiO 2 nanoparticles, F 2 -isoprostane isomers levels increased even before nanoparticles showed significant cytotoxicity at 100 μg/mL concentration in 24 h. Based on our best knowledge, this is the first study on the F 2 -isoprostane isomers corresponding to nanoparticles’ exposure in vitro . Our study demonstrates that SiO 2 (15 nm) nanoparticle showed the highest degree of lipid peroxidation and cell membrane damage among the studied nanoparticles.
Transfer Characteristics of Dispersive Nerve Bundles

It is well known that the propagation velocities of the fibers in peripheral nerve bundles are distributed over a considerable range. The fastest fibers subserving a particular end organ may have conduction velocities four or five times greater than the slowest fibers subserving that end organ. Since the fibers for a particular end organ are of nearly equal length, this velocity dispersion causes a latency dispersion or desynchronization of neural signals traveling along the nerve bundle. The most outstanding effect of dispersion is a low-pass filter effect. Nulls and peaks in the transfer function may also occur as a result Of sharp truncation of a distribution or multimoded distributions of conduction velocities.
Market volatility and hedge fund returns in emerging markets

In this article, we estimate several augmented Treynor and Mazuy (1966) models to examine the performance of hedge fund index returns in four different emerging market regions. In our estimations we match the fund returns with the regional emerging market equity and bond index data, which is a research approach that is pioneered by Fung et al. (2002). Whether market volatility affects the hedge fund returns or not is one of the main questions that we ask in the article. Our results reveal that stock and bond market volatility do not have a significant impact on fund returns for the most part, which is a result that is robust to various measures of volatility. Among the four regions we examine, only the emerging market hedge funds in the Global market yield statistically significant positive alphas that is robust and sizable. We also find no evidence for market timing skills in these emerging market hedge fund returns.
Subpulmonic ventricular septal defect associated with aortic insufficiency

Insufficiency of the aortic valve as a complication of ventricular septal defect appears to be more common with the subpulmonic type than with the membranous type involving the subcristal region. In an attempt to detect the early stage of the aortic insufficiency, we studied seven patients, aged 5 to 12 years, with a subpulmonic ventricular septal defect. No patient had a diastolic murmur or other clinical evidence of aortic insufficiency. The clinical diagnosis of subpulmonic ventricular septal defect was confirmed in each case by left ventriculography. Supravalvular aortography was performed in all patients and demonstrated a moderate amount of aortic regurgitation in three. These three were operated upon and their defect was closed. No patient required aortic valve surgery. Follow-up angiograms showed complete closure of the defect and absence of aortic insufficiency. Our findings suggest that in subpulmonic ventricular septal defect, early diagnosis of aortic valve regurgitation followed by surgical closure of the ventricular defect alone may correct the aortic insufficiency and preserve the integrity of the aortic valve.
Friends and Foes: Religious Publications and the Delano Grape Strike and Boycott (1965-1970)

This article explores the role that national religious publications played in the contentious Delano Grape Strike of 1965. It examines how unionization efforts among California farm workers and the national boycott of table grapes played out in the religious press, with an eye towards its significance for the movement. While conservative opposition and pushback was expressed in a few publications, the majority of the religious press, meanwhile, offered positive and sympathetic accounts of the farm workers and their boycott, which was born out of a struggle for better wages, union representation, and improved working conditions. Amidst this widespread coverage, the U.S. Catholic bishops, initially neutral, intervened in the dispute by acting as a mediator. With the help of the bishops and other church leaders, the dispute was resolved in 1970 on terms favoring the farm workers.
INTERPRETATION OF EXPERIMENTAL MOSSBAUER SPECTRUM AREAS

Abstract The method of Shirley et al. 1 ) for interpreting Mossbauer spectrum areas is reformulated and extended to more general line shapes. The treatment is independent of source line shape and may be applied to multiple line absorbers, provided that the contribution to the spectrum of a given absorber line is distinct.
Surgical restoration of portal flow corrects procoagulant and anticoagulant deficiencies associated with extrahepatic portal vien thrombosis

Extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis (EHPVT) is associated with abnormal circulating procoagulants and anticoagulants. Eleven children with EHPVT and abnormal coagulation factors underwent a mesenterico-left portal vein bypass to restore portal flow. Coagulation factors had returned to normal by one year. The data suggest that portal venous flow is essential for maintaining normal coagulation.
Study of Composite Interface Fracture and Crack Growth Monitoring Using Carbon Nanotubes

Interface fracture of woven fabric composite layers was studied using Mode II fracture testing. Both carbon fiber and E-glass fiber composites were used with a vinyl ester resin. First, the single-step cured (i.e., co-cured) composite interface strength was compared to that of the two-step cured interface as used in the scarf joint technique. The results showed that the two-step cured interface was as strong as the co-cured interface. Carbon nanotubes were then applied to the composite interface using two-step curing, and then followed by Mode II fracture testing. The results indicated a significant improvement of the interface fracture toughness due to the dispersed carbon nanotube layer for both carbon fiber and E-glass fiber composites. The carbon nanotube layer was then evaluated as a means to monitor crack growth along the interface. Because carbon nanotubes have very high electrical conductivity, the electrical resistance was measured through the interface as a crack grew, thus disrupting the carbon nanotube network and increasing the resistance. The results showed a linear relationship between crack length and interface resistance for the carbon fiber composites, and allowed initial detection of failure in the E-glass fiber composites. This study demonstrated that the application of carbon nanotubes along a critical composite interface not only improves fracture properties but can also be used to detect and monitor interfacial damage.
Morphology and transverse stiffness of Drosophila myofibrils measured by atomic force microscopy.

Abstract Atomic force microscopy was used to investigate the surface morphology and transverse stiffness of myofibrils from Drosophila indirect flight muscle exposed to different physiologic solutions. I- and A-bands were clearly observed, and thick filaments were resolved along the periphery of the myofibril. Interfilament spacings correlated well with estimates from previous x-ray diffraction studies. Transverse stiffness was measured by using a blunt tip to indent a small section of the myofibrillar surface in the region of myofilament overlap. At 10nm indention, the effective transverse stiffness ( K ⊥ ) of myofibrils in rigor solution (ATP-free, pCa 4.5) was 10.3±5.0 pN nm −1 (mean±SEM, n =8); in activating solution (pCa 4.5), 5.9±3.1 pN nm −1 ; and in relaxing solution (pCa 8), 4.4±2.0 pN nm −1 . The apparent transverse Young's modulus ( E ⊥ ) was 94±41 kPa in the rigor state and 40±17 kPa in the relaxed state. The value of E ⊥ for calcium-activated myofibrils (55±29 kPa) was approximately a tenth that of Young's modulus in the longitudinal direction, a difference that at least partly reflects the transverse flexibility of the myosin molecule.
In vitro metabolism of DL-tyrosine-2-C-14 and DL-tryptophan-2-C-14 by Trichinella spiralis larvae.

Abstract 1. 1. Trichinella spiralis larvae incorporated C14 when maintained in vitro in a serum-Krebs-Ringer medium containing either dl -tyrosine-2-C-14 or dl -tryptophan-2-C-14. Incorporation of C14 from labeled tryptophan was also observed in Krebs-Ringer medium without serum. 2. 2. Uptake of the C14-labeled amino acids was progressive through 3-to 48-hour periods of incubation. 3. 3. The larvae incorporated somewhat more C14 activity (cpm/mg carbon) from the dl -tryptophan-2-C-14 media than from the dl -tyrosine-2-C-14 medium. 4. 4. Of the total C14 taken up by the larvae cultured for 24 hours in the labeled-tyrosine-medium, 43% of the C14 was incorporated into proteins (defined as material precipitable by tungstic acid). 5. 5. With dl -tryptophan-2-C-14 labeled media the larvae incorporated 35% of their total C14 into protein when serum was present. In the serum-free medium the larvae incorporated 54% of their total C14 into protein material.
Informational cues and attributions based on role behavior

Abstract A recent experiment by Messick and Reeder (Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 1972 , 18, 482–491) attempted to extend Jones, Davis, and Gergen's (Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 1961 , 63, 302–310) classic finding that out-of-role behavior.is more informative for person perception than in-role behavior. It is argued, however, that this study confounded two variables, role performance and occupation. Evidence is presented that the occupation variable alone could have produced Messick and Reeder's results. Both variables seem to affect attributions. The importance of these findings for relating attribution theory and role theory is discussed.
RFID is no fake: the adoption of radio frequency identification technology in the pharmaceutical supply chain

This article examines the adoption of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology in the pharmaceutical supply chain to address the unique challenges this industry faces. Two major issues in drug distribution are medical errors in administration of drugs and the recent growth of counterfeit drugs. Due to its promise in addressing these and other issues, the pharmaceutical industry has become a leader in the adoption of RFID technology. Recommendations from Federal and state agencies and mandates from major retailers are discussed, which are influencing the adoption of RFID. The article provides a description of the role RFID technology can play in preventing counterfeit drugs from entering the supply chain and in controlling pharmaceutical stocks in the retail supply chain, in health care facilities and in supplies of sample drugs. It is demonstrated that over the long-term, RFID will be the adopted by the pharmaceutical industry to promote security, safety and efficiency.
Returns-Based Style Analysis: An Excel-Based Classroom Exercise

W. Sharpe's (1988, 1992) returns-based style analysis provides an excellent opportunity to use a sophisticated portfolio-analysis tool in the classroom to help illustrate important topics in investment and operations research courses. Students can perform classic returns-based style analysis by creating a spreadsheet model and using the Solver add-in in Microsoft Excel. The technique can also be used to supplement classroom units on performance measurement and style drift in investment courses or to illustrate a finance application in an introductory operations research course. An example analysis using a popular mutual fund is provided as well as the accompanying Excel model.
Distribution Equilibria of Eu(III) in the System: Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric Acid, Organic Diluent—NaCl, Lactic Acid, Polyaminocarboxylic Acid, Water

Abstract The distribution equilibria of Eu3+ between aqueous phases containing lactic acid and N' -(2hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine-N, N, N' -triacetic acid (HEDTA) or diethylenetriamine-N, N, N', N', N'' -penetaacetic acid (DTPA) at constant ionic strength (μ = 1.0), and n-dodecane solutions of HDEHP have been studied. The formation constants of the simple Eu-lactate complexes and Eu-lactate-HEDTA mixed complex were evaluated from the K d data. The conclusion is reached that no lactic acid is coextracted into the organic phase at tracer metal concentrations. The separation factors between Eu3+, Pm3+, and Am3+ have been evaluated in the presence of HEDTA.
Calculation of resonances in doubly excited helium using the stabilization method.

Mandelshtam, Ravuri, and Taylor [Phys. Rev. Lett. 70, 1932 (1993)] have recently proposed a novel approach for the calculation of resonance states in one- and two-channel problems. We show that a modification of this approach, suitable for stabilization calculations, can yield both the resonance position and width for doubly excited states in two-electron systems. This provides a simple and numerically efficient method to calculate the spectral density of states. In the region of overlapping [sup 1][ital S[ital e]] Rydberg manifolds, we find very narrow resonances associated with the symmetric excitation of both electrons. The mechanism for the occurrence of such resonances is discussed.
Computational aesthetics as a tool for creativity

We consider the problem of designing software tools that automatically evaluate the aesthetic content of images. Our purpose is to enhance the creative potential of generative art systems. We propose a number of meta-rules for enhancing creativity.
Computational prediction and in vitro analysis of potential physiological ligands of the bile acid binding site in cytochrome c oxidase.

A conserved bile acid site has been crystallographically defined in the membrane domain of mammalian and Rhodobacter sphaeroides cytochrome c oxidase (RsCcO). Diverse amphipathic ligands were shown previously to bind to this site and affect the electron transfer equilibrium between heme a and a3 cofactors by blocking the K proton uptake path. Current studies identify physiologically relevant ligands for the bile acid site using a novel three-pronged computational approach: ROCS comparison of ligand shape and electrostatics, SimSite3D comparison of ligand binding site features, and SLIDE screening of potential ligands by docking. Identified candidate ligands include steroids, nicotinamides, flavins, nucleotides, retinoic acid, and thyroid hormones, which are predicted to make key protein contacts with the residues involved in bile acid binding. In vitro oxygen consumption and ligand competition assays on RsCcO wildtype and its Glu101Ala mutant support regulatory activity and specificity of some of these li...
The granularity metric for fine-grain real-time scheduling

This paper investigates the task scheduling problem for real-time systems that provide rate of progress guarantees on task execution. A parameterized task system model, called the (r, g) task system, is introduced that allows rate of progress requirements to be specified in terms of two simple parameters: an execution rate r and a granularity g. The granularity parameter is a new metric that allows the specification of "fine-grain" timing constraints on the task's execution and is a generalization of the stretch metric used in recent research on task scheduling. It is shown that the product rlg(l/g) is an important determiner of the existence of good online scheduling algorithms. Specifically, there is an upper bound on this product above which there are no good online algorithms, but below which an online algorithm with logarithmic competitive ratio exists. This paper also demonstrates a fundamental difference between two contrasting strategies for admission control: greedy versus nongreedy. It is shown that "greed does not pay": there is a scheduling algorithm with a nongreedy admission policy that provably outperforms the well-known greedy EDF scheduling algorithm.
Service control layer (SCL): enabling rule-based control and enrichment in next-generation telecom service delivery

Telecom operators have started to make significant investments towards evolving their Service Delivery Platforms (SDPs) to a next-generation architecture based on IP technologies and standards such as SIP, SOA and increasingly, Web 2.0. With consumers and businesses increasingly relying on Web 2.0--oriented services for information, communications, collaboration and entertainment - the key to this evolution would be the integration of Web/SOA middleware and Telecom middleware infrastructure, thereby creating a converged Web-Telecom services layer. To this end, operators are gradually embracing the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) and looking at developing an ecosystem of IMS/SIP--based services that can be mashed up with Web--based applications, in innovative ways. Service delivery is vital for the success of the IMS--based approach. To this end, operators will require greater flexibility around real--time management, control and enhancement of user services at runtime - in a manner that is decoupled from the application logic itself. We observe this need and present the Service Control Layer (SCL), a middleware technology that sits between the IMS service and network plane, and provides operators with the requisite fine-grained control and enrichment over the delivery of next-generation converged services.
Metal ion dependence, thermodynamics, and kinetics for intramolecular docking of a GAAA tetraloop and receptor connected by a flexible linker

The GAAA tetraloop-receptor is a commonly occurring tertiary interaction motif in RNA. This motif usually occurs in combination with other tertiary interactions in complex RNA structures. Thus, it is difficult to measure directly the contribution that a single GAAA tetraloop-receptor interaction makes to the folding properties of an RNA. To investigate the kinetics and thermodynamics for the isolated interaction, a GAAA tetraloop domain and receptor domain were connected by a single-stranded A7 linker. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) experiments were used to probe intramolecular docking of the GAAA tetraloop and receptor. Docking was induced using a variety of metal ions, where the charge of the ion was the most important factor in determining the concentration of the ion required to promote docking ([Co(NH3)63+] ≪ [Ca2+], [Mg2+], [Mn2+] ≪ [Na+], [K+]). Analysis of metal ion cooperativity yielded Hill coefficients of ≈ 2 for Na+- or K+-dependent docking versus ≈ 1 for the divalent ions and Co(NH3)63+. Ensemble stopped-flow FRET kinetic measurements yielded an apparent activation energy of 12.7 kcal/mol for GAAA tetraloop-receptor docking. RNA constructs with U7 and A14 single-stranded linkers were investigated by single-molecule and ensemble FRET techniques to determine how linker length and composition affect docking. These studies showed that the single-stranded region functions primarily as a flexible tether. Inhibition of docking by oligonucleotides complementary to the linker was also investigated. The influence of flexible versus rigid linkers on GAAA tetraloop-receptor docking is discussed.
Rb/Cs fractionation: A link between granulite metamorphism and the S-process

Abstract High-grade metamorphism of pelitic sediments produces large Cs losses with little K and Rb depletion. Island-arc volcanics contain an enhanced Cs component, relative to K and Rb. We suggest a connection between these two processes whereby fluids or melts removed from feldspar-bearing subduction assemblages under high-grade metamorphic conditions are enriched in Cs relative to K and Rb; these Cs-enriched components infiltrate subarc mantle and lead to ubiquitous Cs enrichment in arc volcanics. Normal oceanic magmatism is not effective in fractionating Rb/Cs, therefore the canonical oceanic basalt value of 85 for Rb/Cs is distinctive relative to processes involving sediments, recycling, fluid/melt metamorphism, and arc volcanism.
On the unavoidability of ‘unscientific’ judgment in estimating the cost of capital

Estimating the cost of capital using DCF methods requires forecasting dividends. This paper shows that past dividend behavior may support more than one reasonable forecasting model and that reasonable forecasting models can lead to divergent estimates of the cost of capital. We find no way of selecting the best cost of capital estimate. Any choice must ultimately be based on ‘judgment’ of the analyst.
Special issue on eScience infrastructure and applications

Abstract This special issue contains extensions of work presented at the 2012 IEEE International Conference on eScience, held in Chicago, IL, in October 2012. For eScience to be successful, simultaneous advances in infrastructure and applications are required, which in turn requires research teams with widely varying expertise, from computer science to Earth sciences and biological sciences, as well as fora for different teams to interact and share knowledge and lessons learned, such as the eScience series of conferences. The papers in this special issue represent advances in both infrastructure and applications and how they can influence each other.
Abstract 4549: CDK2 inhibition causes anaphase catastrophe through the centrosomal protein CP110

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Aneuploidy is frequently detected in human cancers and is implicated in carcinogenesis. Whether aneuploidy is an anti-neoplastic target remains to be learnt. We previously uncovered an unrecognized consequence of Cdk2 inhibition that causes lung cancer cells to undergo anaphase catastrophe, growth inhibition and apoptosis. Cells with activating KRAS mutations were especially sensitive to Cdk2 inhibition. The mechanism of Cdk2-mediated anaphase catastrophe and how activated KRAS promotes this effect was the subject of this study. Live-cell imaging provided direct evidence that after Cdk2 inhibition, lung cancer cells develop multipolar anaphase, undergo multipolar cell division, and the fate of the progeny of these divisions is apoptosis and death. The centrosomal protein CP110, a Cdk2 target protein, was found to be a critical mediator of Cdk2-inhibition-driven anaphase catastrophe. Intriguingly, siRNA-mediated CP110 repression induced anaphase catastrophe of lung cancer cells. By contrast, overexpression of CP110 antagonized anaphase catastrophe caused by Cdk2 inhibition. Furthermore, we found that activated KRAS mutations sensitized lung cancer cells to Cdk2 inhibition by deregulating CP110 expression. Immunohistochemical examination of a paired normal-malignant lung cancer tissue array revealed a statistically significant upregulation of CP110 in lung cancers as compared with normal lung tissues. Notably, CP110 expression was reduced in smokers where KRAS mutations are frequently present. Taken together, this study presents a CP110-dependent pathway that engages anaphase catastrophe in lung cancer cells. It also provides a mechanistic explanation that lung cancers and potentially other cancers with activated KRAS mutation are more sensitive to Cdk2 inhibition due to CP110 deregulation. Citation Format: Shanhu Hu, Alexey V. Danilov, Kristina M. Godek, Bernardo Orr, Laura J. Tafe, Vincent A. Memoli, Fabrizio Galimberti, Saranya Ravi, Andrew J. DeCastro, Yun Lu, Lisa Maria Mustachio, David J. Sekula, Angeline S. Andrew, Sarah J. Freemantle, Duane A. Compton, Ethan Dmitrovsky. CDK2 inhibition causes anaphase catastrophe through the centrosomal protein CP110. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4549. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4549
Verapamil-induced polymorphous ventricular tachycardia

A 31 year old woman who developed an atypical ventricular tachycardia after administration of intravenous verapamil for control of a recurrent supraventricular tachycardia is presented. Possible explanations for the observed arrhythmia, polymorphous ventricular tachycardia, are discussed. Verapamil must be considered one of the pharmacologic agents that can cause this arrhythmia.
A systems view of personnel assignment problems

Personnel assignment problems have traditionally been solved using operations research (OR) methods. The purpose of the research was to demonstrate the value of taking a systems view of personnel assignment beyond the usual OR models. Human factors methodologies and research methods were used to describe and analyze the components of the personnel assignment process at a printing company. These included macroergonomics, human–computer interaction, the skills–rules–knowledge (SRK) framework, hierarchical task analysis, decision ladders, and abstraction decomposition spaces. This approach facilitated assessments for function allocation and work system design, which are argued to be necessary for successful implementations of any solution for personnel assignment problems. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 16: 285–307, 2006.
Type 1 ryanodine receptor in cardiac mitochondria: transducer of excitation-metabolism coupling.

Abstract Mitochondria in a variety of cell types respond to physiological Ca2+ oscillations in the cytosol dynamically with Ca2+ uptakes. In heart cells, mitochondrial Ca2+ uptakes occur by a ruthenium red-sensitive Ca2+ uniporter (CaUP), a rapid mode of Ca2+ uptake (RaM) and a ryanodine receptor (RyR) localized in the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM). Three subtypes of RyRs have been described and cloned, however, the subtype identity of the mitochondrial ryanodine receptor (mRyR) is unknown. Using subtype specific antibodies, we characterized the mRyR in the IMM from rat heart as RyR1. These results are substantiated by the absence of RyR protein in heart mitochondria from RyR1 knockout mice. The bell-shape Ca2+-dependent [3H]ryanodine binding curve and its modulation by caffeine and adenylylmethylenediphosphonate (AMPPCP) give further evidence that mRyR functions pharmacologically like RyR1. Ryanodine prevents mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake induced by raising extramitochondrial Ca2+ to 10 μM. Similarly, ryanodine inhibits oxidative phosphorylation stimulated by 10 μM extramitochondrial Ca2+. In summary, our results show that the mRyR in cardiac muscle has similar biochemical and pharmacological properties to the RyR1 in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of skeletal muscle. These results could also suggest an efficient mechanism by which mitochondria sequesters Ca2+ via mRyR during excitation–contraction coupling to stimulate oxidative phosphorylation for ATP production to meet metabolic demands. Thus, the mRyR functions as a transducer for excitation–metabolism coupling.