cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design Optimization for Structural-Acoustic Problems Using FEA-BEA With Adjoint Variable Method

A noise-vibration-harshness (NVH) design optimization of a complex vehicle structure is presented using finite element and boundary element analyses. The steady-state dynamic behavior of the vehicle is calculated from the frequency response finite element analysis, while the sound pressure level within the acoustic cavity is calculated from the boundary element analysis. A reverse solution process is employed for the design sensitivity calculation using the adjoint variable method. The adjoint load is obtained from the acoustic boundary element re-analysis, while the adjoint solution is calculated from the structural dynamic re-analysis. The evaluation of pressure sensitivity only involves a numerical integration process over the structural part where the design variable is defined. A design optimization problem is formulated and solved, where the structural weight is reduced while the noise level in the passenger compartment is lowered. @DOI: 10.1115/1.1701879#
ROLE OF DEFECTS IN CARBON NANOTUBE CIRCUITS

We summarize recent results on the impact of defects on the electronic properties of single-wall carbon nanotubes. We probe the influence of defects on electron transport in CNFETs by combined scanning gate microscopy (SGM) and scanning impedance microscopy (SIM). Depletion surface potential of individual defects is quantified from the SGM-imaged defect radius as a function of tip bias voltage. This provides a measure of the Fermi level at the defect with zero tip voltage. In the "off" state, transport is first dominated by barriers at depleted defects. It becomes diffusive as the CNFET is turned on, and finally is quasi-ballistic in the regime of "degenerate electrostatic doping". Metallic nanotubes with good contacts show a metal-to-insulator crossover as the gate voltage is varied. In the metallic state we see quantitative agreement with the "twiston" scattering picture.
High-resolution laser spectroscopy of rare-earth doped insulators: a personal perspective

I offer some reflections on the past three decades of high-resolution spectroscopy of rare-earth ions in solids which was ushered in by the development of tunable lasers in the mid 1970s. A brief review is given of some of the accomplishments in the area of spectral hole-burning and coherent transient spectroscopy, emphasizing work with which the author has been associated. Spectral hole-burning has been characterized by a richness of mechanisms. These include population storage in nuclear-spin and electron-spin Zeeman sub-levels, hyperfine and superhyperfine levels and metastable optical levels with corresponding hole lifetimes from many hours to microseconds. In addition, persistent hole-burning has been seen in disordered materials and in those showing photo-ionization or photo-chemistry following excitation into zero-phonon lines. This has made hole-burning a generally useful technique for the measurement of magnetic and electric dipole moments, hyperfine interactions, spin relaxation and thermally induced line-broadening. Photon-echoes have proven to be the prime source of coherence-time information and coherence times as long as several milliseconds corresponding to optical resonance widths of less than 100 Hz have been reported. Tables summarizing these results and providing references to original work are included.
Analysis of two scenarios for the early optical emission of the gamma‐ray burst afterglows 990123 and 021211

The optical light curves of gamma-ray burst (GRB) afterglows 990123 and 021211 exhibit a steep decay at 100‐600 s after the burst, the decay becoming slower after about 10 min. We investigate two scenarios for the fast decaying early optical emission of these GRB afterglows. In the reverse‐forward shock scenario, this emission arises in the reverse shock crossing the GRB ejecta, the mitigation of the light-curve decay occurring when the forward shock emission overtakes that from the reverse shock. Both a homogeneous and wind-like circumburst medium are considered. In the wind-bubble scenario, the steeply decaying, early optical emission arises from the forward shock interacting with a r −2 bubble, with a negligible contribution from the reverse shock, the slower decay starting when the blast wave reaches the bubble termination shock and enters a homogeneous region of the circumburst medium. We determine the shock microphysical parameters, ejecta kinetic energy and circumburst density, which accommodate the radio and optical measurements of the GRB afterglows 990123 and 021211. We find that, for a homogeneous medium, the radio and optical emissions of the afterglow 990123 can be accommodated by the reverse‐forward shock scenario if the microphysical parameters behind the two shocks differ substantially. A wind-like circumburst medium also allows the reverse‐forward shock scenario to account for the radio and optical properties of the afterglows 990123 and 021211, but the required wind densities are at least 10 times smaller than those of Galactic Wolf‐Rayet stars. The wind-bubble scenario requires av ariation of the microphysical parameters when the afterglow fireball reaches the wind termination shock, which seems a contrived feature. Ke yw ords: hydrodynamics ‐ plasmas ‐ radiation mechanisms: non-thermal ‐ shock waves ‐ ISM: jets and outflows ‐ gamma-rays: bursts.
Evaluation of a collagenase generated osteoarthritis biomarker in the synovial fluid from elbow joints of dogs with medial coronoid disease and unaffected dogs

Objective— To evaluate whether synovial fluid concentrations of an osteoarthritis biomarker in dysplastic canine elbows with medial coronoid disease (MCD) are elevated compared with unaffected elbows and to determine if these concentrations correlate to the degree of articular cartilage damage. Study Design— Cross sectional clinical study. Animals— Dogs (n=19; 35 elbows) with MCD and dogs (8; 16 elbows) with unaffected elbows. Methods— Concentrations of a collagenase-generated cleavage neoepitope of type II collagen (Col2-3/4Clong mono, or C2C) in joint fluid from elbows were analyzed and compared between dogs with MCD and unaffected dogs. Correlation of C2C concentration with subjective grading of articular cartilage surface damage was also evaluated. Results— Mean (±SD) C2C concentration from MCD dogs was significantly higher (112.3±24.8 ng/mL) than in unaffected dogs (76.1±16.9 ng/mL; P<.05). There was a moderate correlation between cartilage damage grade and increasing C2C concentrations (P<.05, r=0.62) Conclusion— C2C concentrations are elevated in the synovial fluid of dogs with MCD compared with unaffected elbows, and a moderate, significant correlation was identified between these concentrations and subjective grading of articular cartilage damage. Clinical Relevance— This preliminary data suggest that C2C concentrations in synovial fluid may have potential as a biomarker for diagnosis of articular cartilage damage associated with MCD and as a means of objectively determining the degree of articular cartilage damage.
The Rise of the Grands Ensembles: Government, Business, and Housing in Postwar France

(2004). The Rise of the Grands Ensembles: Government, Business, and Housing in Postwar France. The Historian: Vol. 66, No. 4, pp. 793-816.
Comment on Side-Jump and Side-Slide Mechanisms for Ferromagnetic Hall Effect: A Reply

It is shown that the cancellation of the side-jump current, claimed by Smit, does not take place. This nonclassical transverse current is the main contribution to the Hall effect of iron and nickel, and is localized in the scattering centers.
Thermal Degradation and Aging of High‐Temperature Piezoelectric Ceramics

The perovskite solid solution (1−x)BiScO3–xPbTiO3 (BSPT) represents a new family of piezoelectric ceramics that are promising for high-temperature actuator applications. In the current work, BSPT and PZT ceramics were synthesized by the conventional mixed oxide method. Thermal degradation and aging at 250°C for 1000 h for undoped BSPT with morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) x=0.64 and tetragonal x=0.66 compositions are compared with pure PZT with the MPB composition. The BSPT system showed reduced aging rates of the piezoelectric coefficient (2.1% and 0.8%/decade for MPB and tetragonal compositions, respectively), compared with the unmodified PZT ceramics (4.2%/decade). The Rayleigh measurement approach was used to conclude that in both the BSPT and PZT, the dominant aging mechanism was the suppression of the domain wall contributions associated with charge defect accumulation at domain walls. The large thermal stability of the poled domain state and low domain wall contributions yielded the lowest observed aging rates in the tetragonal BSPT samples suggesting that this material would be a strong candidate for high-temperature actuator applications above 200°C.
Provably good multicore cache performance for divide-and-conquer algorithms

This paper presents a multicore-cache model that reflects the reality that multicore processors have both per-processor private (L1) caches and a large shared (L2) cache on chip. We consider a broad class of parallel divide-and-conquer algorithms and present a new on-line scheduler, CONTROLLED-PDF, that is competitive with the standard sequential scheduler in the following sense. Given any dynamically unfolding computation DAG from this class of algorithms, the cache complexity on the multicore-cache model under our new scheduler is within a constant factor of the sequential cache complexity for both L1 and L2, while the time complexity is within a constant factor of the sequential time complexity divided by the number of processors p. These are the first such asymptotically-optimal results for any multicore model. Finally, we show that a separator-based algorithm for sparse-matrix-dense-vector-multiply achieves provably good cache performance in the multicore-cache model, as well as in the well-studied sequential cache-oblivious model.
A modified technique for using elastase to create saccular aneurysms in animals that histologically and hemodynamically resemble aneurysms in human.

Background. Treatment of intracranial aneurysms is evolving with the development of novel therapies. It is important to have an animal model which simulates human aneurysms. We describe a new modified technique to the elastase aneurysm model which creates aneurysms that histologically and hemodynamically resemble human aneurysms. Methods. Twelve New Zealand white rabbits underwent the aneurysm creation procedure, and 2 underwent a control procedure. In the aneurysm creation procedure, the right common carotid artery (RCCA) origin is surgically exposed and temporarily occluded with a temporary aneurysm clip. The RCCA is ligated distally, and the trapped segment is infused with elastase for 20 minutes, afterwhich the clip is removed. In the control procedure, the RCCA is ligated distally with no elastase. Animals were assessed neurologically using a previously described rabbit neurologic grading scale and food intake scale. Intravenous digital subtraction angiography (IVDSA) was performed 21 days after the procedure. Aneurysms were harvested and stained with H&E and Verhoeff’s stain. Findings. All 14 rabbits had normal neurologic and food intake assessments. All 12 rabbits that underwent aneurysm creation procedures demonstrated saccular aneurysms on IVDSA. Mean aneurysm size was 5.9±1.9 mm; range 4.3–10.8 mm. The close proximity of the LCCA to the origin of the RCCA on the aortic arch of the New Zealand white rabbit closely resembles a bifurcation aneurysm. Both rabbits that underwent control procedures showed no aneurysm and retrograde thrombosis of the RCCA. Histologic analysis showed the aneurysms had histology characteristic of true human aneurysms. Conclusion. We have developed a new modified technique to the elastase aneurysm model which creates aneurysms that hemodynamically and histologically resemble human aneurysms. There have been previous elastase models described, however we find our model is easier to perform and highly reproducible. The aneurysms can be accessed transfemorally making the model ideal for testing endovascular therapies.
Activation of phenotypically-distinct neuronal subpopulations of the rat amygdala following exposure to predator odor.

Abstract Exposure of rats to an odor of a predator can elicit an innate fear response. In addition, such exposure has been shown to activate limbic brain regions such as the amygdala. However, there is a paucity of data on the phenotypic characteristics of the activated amygdalar neurons following predator odor exposure. In the current experiments, rats were exposed to cloth which contained either ferret odor, butyric acid, or no odor for 30 min. Ferret odor-exposed rats displayed an increase in defensive burying versus control rats. Sections of the brains were prepared for dual-labeled immunohistochemistry and counts of c-Fos co-localized with Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), parvalbumin, or calbindin were made in the basolateral (BLA), central (CEA), and medial (MEA) nucleus of the amygdala. Dual-labeled immunohistochemistry showed a significant increase in the percentage of CaMKII-positive neurons also immunoreactive for c-Fos in the BLA, CEA and MEA of ferret odor-exposed rats compared to control and butyric acid-exposed groups. Further results showed a significant decrease in calbindin-immunoreactive neurons that were also c-Fos-positive in the anterior portion of the BLA of ferret odor-exposed rats compared to control and butyric acid-exposed rats, whereas the MEA expressed a significant decrease in calbindin/c-Fos dual-labeled neurons in butyric acid-exposed rats compared to controls and ferret odor-exposed groups. These results enhance our understanding of the functioning of the amygdala following exposure to predator threats by showing phenotypic characteristics of activated amygdalar neurons. With this knowledge, specific neuronal populations could be targeted to further elucidate the fundamental underpinnings of anxiety and could possibly indicate new targets for the therapeutic treatment of anxiety.
Life Enhancement Counseling With HIV-Infected Hispanic Gay Males

Life Enhancement Counseling (LEC) is a systemic intervention that has been adapted and refined for use in enhancing the quality of life of HIV-infected persons. LEC makes use ofpreexistingfamilial/socialnetworks and supports in order to mobilize HIV-infected persons into biopsychosocial support (medical, psychological, and formal and informal social support), and also utilizes psychosocial and therapeutic strategies tailored to the individuals'personal and cultural frame of reference. In this article the authors report on the utility of LEC in working with HIV-infected Hispanic gay males. The work presented derives from an ongoing research study that is experimentally investigating the effectiveness ofLEC in enhancing the quality of life in HJV-infected gay men in terms of both immediate and long-term impact. Clinical and culturally relevant observations gleaned from this work are presented briefly, e.g., the tendency among Hispanic gay men to rely almost exclusively on their family of origin for emotiona...
On the Quotient Representation for the Essential Manifold

The essential matrix, which encodes the epipolar constraint between points in two projective views, is a cornerstone of modern computer vision. Previous works have proposed different characterizations of the space of essential matrices as a Riemannian manifold. However, they either do not consider the symmetric role played by the two views, or do not fully take into account the geometric peculiarities of the epipolar constraint. We address these limitations with a characterization as a quotient manifold which can be easily interpreted in terms of camera poses. While our main focus in on theoretical aspects, we include experiments in pose averaging, and show that the proposed formulation produces a meaningful distance between essential matrices.
THE EFFECT OF SCALE FACTOR ON THE PERFORMANCE OF ELECTRO-RHEOLOGICAL FLUID DAMPERS

Theoretical and experimental scale analyses are conducted to investigate the effects of length of the damper and electric field strength on the damping and stiffness coefficients of electrorheological fluid (ERF) dampers. It is demonstrated that by employing the results obtained from smaller size prototypes, the energy absorbing capacity of larger dampers can be estimated.
Electroencephalographic activity and plasma ACTH during ethanol-induced euphoria.

Abstract Covariance of brain electrical activity (EEG), plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol levels, and mood states were determined for healthy adult men during the first 2 hr after ingestion of ethanol or ethanol placebo under controlled doubleblind conditions. Analysis of integrated plasma ACTH and cortisol levels at 5-min intervals, EEG power spectral analysis during consecutive 2-min epochs, and continuous assessment of mood states with a nonverbal instrumental device were carried out during the ascending phase of the blood ethanol curve. Ethanol induced rapid changes in brain electrical activity and plasma ACTH levels that were significantly correlated with subjective perception of changes in mood. The paroxysmal short epochs of euphoria associated with electroencephalographic and ACTH responses during the ascending phase of the blood ethanol curve may reflect physiological concomitants of pharmacological and behavioral reinforcers that enhance risk for perpetuation of drinking and alcohol abuse.
AlgorithmA project: the ten-week mock software company

It is difficult to teach students proper software engineering methodology in a classroom setting. Without hands-on experience, students may not understand why the software engineering process exists. By teaching students via a mock company experience, teaching software engineering can become a rewarding experience while showing the students how simple it is to follow the correct process. Here we show how in the microcosm of a mock software company it is possible to teach very real lessons about software engineering, unfamiliar technologies, teamwork and the realization that when a project ends, the code does not disappear.
Temperature-Sensitive Mutants in the Vaccinia Virus A18R Gene Increase Double-Stranded RNA Synthesis as a Result of Aberrant Viral Transcription

Mutations in the vaccinia gene A18R cause activation of the cellular ribonucleolytic 2-5A pathway. To determine the mechanism of 2-5A pathway activation, mutant infections were analyzed for synthesis of double-stranded RNA and for transcription of individual virus genes. At late times postinfection, A18R mutant-infected cells contained an increased amount of complementary RNA and a higher steady state level of RNA from regions of the genome transcribed normally only early in the infection. The phenotype of A18R ts mutants is indistinguishable from that of wild-type infections done in the presence of isatin-beta-thiosemicarbazone (IBT). Actinomycin D is a potent inhibitor of activation of the 2-5A pathway in IBT-treated wt infections. Based on these observations, we conclude that the phenotype induced by A18R mutants or by IBT treatment of wt infections is caused by a loss of control of late viral transcription.
Prior Selection for QuikSCAT Ultra-High Resolution Wind and Rain Retrieval

QuikSCAT was designed for ocean wind retrieval. However, its wind estimation performance is limited in rainy conditions. Several estimation techniques have been proposed: wind-only (WO), simultaneous wind and rain (SWR), and rain-only, which are appropriate for different levels of rain contamination. To exploit the strengths of each estimation method at mitigating rain contamination, a Bayes estimator selection (BES) technique has been developed for 25-km wind products to select from among the several estimation techniques for each wind vector cell. This paper adapts the BES concept [1] to QuikSCAT ultra-high resolution (UHR) 2.5-km, products and extends BES to include prior selection and noise reduction. Prior selection and noise reduction exploit general spatial characteristics of wind and rain fields to improve the accuracy of estimator selections. Together these techniques enable improved estimator selection performance so that the probability of selecting the estimate with minimum squared error approaches optimal levels. Optimal estimator selection reduces variability of wind estimates during rainy conditions and provides rain estimates when possible without using additional sources of information. Overall, UHR wind estimation performance with the new technique has improved bias and root mean-squared error, -0.16 m/s and 2.15 m/s, respectively, which are lower than either of the UHR WO and UHR SWR estimates.
The Singapore Project: A Case Study in Instructional Design

Rarely, on a major project, does a designer serve as his or her own SME, but the Singapore government's requirement for a curriculum to teach instructional design provided just such an opportunity. This case study presents the steps taken to verify the need for such a curriculum and the processes used to interrelate a variety of skills into a coherent curriculum. The reader is asked, in the presentation of the case, to anticipate the specifics of the next steps in the process, e.g., to identify the types of people to be interviewed in the needs assessment and the major questions you would ask. The article includes a hierarchy of the instructional design competencies and a list of courses which will be offered. It concludes with a description of the plan for implementing the curriculum in Singapore.
Efficacy of Various Doses and Schedules of Second-Generation Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors

Imatinib is one of the most potent cancer therapeutic agents identified to date. Before the introduction of this tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), 5-year survival in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) was approximately 40%-60%, but since the introduction of imatinib, overall survival has increased to approximately 90% for patients with chronic-phase disease. However, nearly one fifth of patients are intolerant or resistant to imatinib, resulting in patients with persistent or progressive disease. Recent research has identified a number of additional compounds that more efficiently inhibit the Abl tyrosine kinase and additional kinases that potentially play a role in imatinib resistance. The advent of dasatinib and nilotinib has provided additional options for patients with progressive disease. A number of phase II clinical trials have recently demonstrated that these second-generation TKIs are well tolerated and effective in patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) leukemias. Recent clinical trial developments raise questions regarding the proper dosage and schedule of these newer agents as well as the timing of their use in the treatment of patients with CML. Additionally, the development of nonoverlapping resistance patterns with sequential drug exposure argues for the possibility of a drug selection scheme that might limit the development of resistant disease. As the era of personalized medicine has begun to take shape in the 21st century, the addition of newer TKIs might facilitate this trend in the treatment of Ph+ leukemias.
The Ants of the Chicago Region

The area at the southern end of Lake Michigan is interesting ecologically for the transition between the deciduous forests and the “prairie wedge;” the latter reaches its most eastern extension in Indiana. There is also a well-marked transition between the boreal and the austral portions of the forested land, and semi-arid conditions prevail in the dune localities.
Induction of a LATS—like Response by Thyroglobulin in the McKenzie Assay System

In a modified McKenzie bioassay system, significant, and sometimes striking, stimulatory activity resembling that of LATS was induced by soluble supernatants of bovine thyroid tissue, by purified bovine thyroglobulin (TG), either obtained commercially or freshly-prepared by DEAE cellulose chromatography, and by the soluble supernatant of a human thyroid gland. Stimulatory activity, as evidenced by an increase in blood 131I, was manifest at 2 hr after administration of TG and was maximum between 11 and 20 hr. Varying doses of TG elicited a typical log dose—response curve, the minimum effective dose being 0.1 mg. As indicated by direct analysis, increased blood radioactivity elicited by TG was comprised mainly of 131I—thyroxine. The effect of TG could not be explained by a retarded disappearance of 131I—thyroxine from the blood, since very large doses of TG failed to retard the disappearance of exogenous labeled hormone. (Endocrinology 92: 1538, 1973)
Higher-order image representations for hyper-resolution image synthesis and capture

Real time imaging applications such as interactive rendering and video conferencing face particularly challenging bandwidth problems, especially as we attempt to improve resolution to perceptual limits. Compression has been an amazing enabler of video streaming and storage, but in interactive settings, it can introduce application-killing latencies. Rather than synthesizing or capturing a verbose representation and then immediately converting it into its succinct form, we should generate the concise representation directly. Our research is inspired by human vision, which as Hoffman (1998) notes, constructs "continuous lines and surfaces...from discrete information." Our adaptive frameless renderer uses gradient samples and steerable filters to perform spatiotemporally adaptive reconstruction that preserves both edges and occlusion boundaries. Resulting RMS qualities are equivalent to traditionally synthesized imagery with 10 times more samples. Nevertheless in dynamic scenes, producing pleasing edges with so few samples is challenging. We are currently developing methods for reconstructing imagery using color samples supplemented with sparse edge information. Such higher-order representations will be a crucial enabler of interactive, hyper-resolution image synthesis, capture and display.
Two notes on the Arguesian identity

We find an explicitly self-dual lattice identity equivalent to the Arguesian law. We also show that any lattice identity equivalent to the Arguesian law must necessarily involve at least six variables.
Building blocks for graph based network analysis

Network analysis using graph abstractions is a powerful tool for studying complex systems. While there are multiple libraries for both graph operations in general and network analysis algorithms in particular, there is no components based standardization of both of these key set of operations. We propose a framework that abstracts the data stuctures, architecture, programming models for the graph algorithms underneath a very simple component based interface. We also build on these graph abstractions to provide a layer of abstraction that are key for network analysis. A reference implementation of the abstractions and its performance is also demonstrated using a new library - ESSENS.
The Fe-rich liquidus in the Fe–FeS system from 1 bar to 10 GPa

Abstract The composition and evolution of a metallic planetary core is determined by the behavior with pressure of the eutectic and the liquidus on the Fe-rich side of the Fe–FeS eutectic. New experiments at 6 GPa presented here, along with existing experimental data, inform a thermodynamic model for this liquidus from 1 bar to at least 10 GPa. Fe–FeS has a eutectic that becomes more Fe-rich but remains constant in T up to 6 GPa. The 1 bar, 3 GPa, and 6 GPa liquidi all cross at a pivot point at 1640 ± 5 K and FeS37 ± 0.5. This liquid/crystalline metal equilibrium is T–x-fixed and pressure independent through 6 GPa. Models of the 1 bar through 10 GPa experimental liquidi show that with increasing P there is an increase in the T separation between the liquidus and the crest of the metastable two-liquid solvus. The solvus crest decreases in T with increasing P. The model accurately reproduces all the experimental liquidi from 1 bar to 10 GPa, as well as reproducing the 0–6 GPa pivot point. The 14 GPa experimental liquidus ( Chen et al., 2008a , Chen et al., 2008b ) deviates sharply from the lower pressure trends indicating that the 0–10 GPa model no longer applies to this 14 GPa data.
Coherent rho;{0} photoproduction in bulk matter at high energies.

The momentum transfer {Delta}k required for a photon to scatter from a target and emerge as a {rho}{sup 0} decreases as the photon energy k rises. For k > 3 x 10{sup 14} eV, {Delta}k is small enough that the interaction cannot be localized to a single nucleus. At still higher energies, photons may coherently scatter elastically from bulk matter and emerge as a {rho}{sup 0}, in a manner akin to kaon regeneration. Constructive interference from the different nuclei coherently raises the cross section and the interaction probability rises linearly with energy. At energies above 10{sup 23} eV, coherent conversion is the dominant process; photons interact predominantly as {rho}{sup 0}. We compute the coherent scattering probabilities in slabs of lead, water and rock, and discuss the implications of the increased hadronic interaction probabilities for photons on ultra-high energy shower development.
A 70 Amino Acid Region within the Semaphorin Domain Activates Specific Cellular Response of Semaphorin Family Members

The semaphorin family contains secreted and transmembrane signaling proteins that function in the nervous, immune, and cardiovascular systems. Chick collapsin-1 is a repellent for specific growth cones. Two other secreted members of the semaphorin family, collapsin-2 and -3, are structurally similar to collapsin-1 but have different biological activities. Semaphorins contain a 500 amino acid family signature semaphorin domain. We show in this study that (1) the semaphorin domain of collapsin-1 is both necessary and sufficient for biological activity, (2) the semaphorin domain contains a 70 amino acid region that specifies the biological activity of the three family members, and (3) the positively charged carboxy terminus potentiates activity without affecting specificity. We propose that semaphorins interact with their receptors through two independent binding sites: one that mediates the biological response and one that potentiates it.
FIM/atom probe analysis of grain boundaries in B-doped Ni3Al

High-temperature intermetallic alloys have been studied intensively during the past few years with the aim of improving their inherent brittleness. Ni{sub 3}Al has receive special attention because of the dramatic increase in its ductility that can be brought abut by small additions of boron. No special alloy preparation or heat treatment is required but the effect is only observed in Ni-rich Ni{sub 3}Al. There is little agreement on the case of the ductilization. Since single crystals of Ni{sub 3}Al are ductile while the polycrystalline material is brittle and fails intergranularly, it has always been assumed that the key to understanding the effect is the mechanical and electronic modification of the grain boundary regions by the boron. But even this consensus of opinion has been challenged by T.K. Chaki who proposed that B-doped No-rich Ni{sub 3}Al is ductile because boron and antisite nickel atoms distort the bonds and reduce the directionality of bonding thus softening the interior of the grains. This reduces the stress required to generate dislocations in adjacent grains, thereby relieving stress concentrations at the boundaries. The field-ion microscope atom probe has been one of the instruments used in the investigations of grain boundaries in Ni{sub 3}Al. In thismore » paper the authors review the published results obtained by this technique and present some additional data obtained more recently.« less
Preliminary analysis of azoxymethane induced colon tumors in inbred mice commonly used as transgenic/knockout progenitors.

Abstract Azoxymethane (AOM) is a colon carcinogen that is used to study the pathogenesis of sporadic colorectal cancer. We have evaluated differential susceptibility to AOM in inbred mice used as progenitors of recombinant/transgenic lines. In experiment 1, male FVB/N, 129/SvJ, C57Bl/6J mice were treated i.p. with 10 mg/kg AOM once per week for 4 weeks and sacrificed after 20 weeks. Only AOM-treated FVB/N mice developed tumors (3.6 tumors/mouse) in distal colon. In experiment 2, A/J, AKR/J, Balb/CJ mice were treated with AOM for 6 weeks and sacrificed after 24 weeks. AOM-treated A/J and Balb/CJ mice developed 9.2 and 1 tumor/mouse, respectively. Despite these differences, tumors had similar morphology regardless of strain. Immunohistochemistry with beta-catenin resulted in marked nuclear and cytoplasmic staining of tumor cells in FVB/N. However, fainter and heterogeneous beta-catenin staining was observed in A/J tumors, suggesting distinct pathways of tumorigenesis in different strains. Irrespective of cytological features of malignancy, tumor cells rarely breached the muscularis mucosa and showed no evidence of distant metastasis. Lack of invasiveness and metastasis in even the most sensitive strains provides a model system for studying the potential role of 'metastasis genes' in imparting a malignant phenotype.
Pediatric compartment syndrome following an insect bite: a case report

Allergic responses to insect bites are both a common and unwelcome occurrence for many individuals. In certain situations, however, they can have serious sequelae. In this case report, we describe the first case of compartment syndrome in a child who developed a large local reaction to a mosquito bite.
Stability of genome size among stocks of the channel catfish

Abstract Nuclear DNA content of erythrocytes from male and female channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ) was determined by flow cytometry. Fourteen stocks of catfish were studied ( n =115), including domesticated and wild fish, fish from sex-reversed populations and those produced by gynogenesis. Mean DNA content was 1.977±0.010 (SD) pg DNA per cell, and mean within-stock variation was 1.28%. The stocks had an average difference of 0.19% from the species mean; no significant differences in DNA content were detected among the stocks or between males and females. The intraspecific variation among the channel catfish stocks examined is lower than that reported for other fish species. This may reflect artificial stabilization of genome size by human intervention, or alternatively, evolutionary conservatism within the genome of the channel catfish.
Offtrack interference and equalization in magnetic recording

Off-track or intertrack interference (ITI) is a result of recording head positioning error and is often the dominant noise source in the magnetic disk storage channel. To predict accurately the performance of partial-response and decision-feedback equalizers, an ITI model is developed and the ITI distribution is found. Using this ITI distribution, probability-of-error projections are presented for partial-response and decision-feedback detection as the recording head moves off track. Predicted probabilities of error are up to a factor of 1000 lower than those obtained using a Gaussian ITI distribution assumption. >
Detection of circulating tumor cells in the peripheral blood of patients with androgen-independent, advanced or metastatic prostate cancer.

To the Editor: The presence of circulating tumor cells (CTC) in the peripheral blood of cancer patients has attracted a great deal of attention among investigators. The clinical significance of CTC has probably best been established in breast cancer, where it has been shown that the detection of CTC in metastatic patients correlates with early clinical relapse and patient death [1]. Gene expression profiling of CTC has been extended to other metastatic cancers including colorectal and prostate cancer [2,3]. Recently, a porous barrier density-gradient centrifugation system was developed that allows for enrichment of CTC from peripheral blood [4]. When coupled with the use of specific genes for real-time reverse transcriptase (RT)polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the buoyant density separation approach
The statistical model and nuclear level densities

A treatment from a theoretical point of view is given for the different aspects of the statistical model and nuclear level densities. General features of nuclear level densities, including angular momentum and parity distributions, are discussed. Several models for their description are given including the equidistant spacing model, the free gas model, the Newton-Cameron model, the Rosenzweig effect, the Newson model, the pairing model, and the nuclear phase transition. The shell model without pairing interactions seemed to provide an adequate description of the neutron binding energy with empirical values of the single-particle spacing. Qualitative considerations, formal solution of classical approximation, and special limits of the statistical model and angular momentum conservation are discussed. The evaporation approximation, inverse cross sections, multiple emission of particles, emission of complex particles, statistical fission, lifetime of the compound state, and fluctuation of cross sections and angular distributions are also discussed. (M.C.G.)
Acting on imperfect evidence: How much regret are we ready to accept?

Benjamin Djulbegovic H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute at the University of South Florida, Tampa, FL Andrew Frohlich and Charles L. Bennett, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and the VA Midwest Center for Health Services Research and Policy Studies, the Division of Hematology/Oncology of the Department of Medicine, the Institute for Health Services Research and Policy Studies, and the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
drexplorer: A tool to explore dose–response relationships and drug–drug interactions

Motivation: Nonlinear dose–response models are primary tools for estimating the potency [e.g. half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC) known as IC50] of anti-cancer drugs. We present drexplorer software, which enables biologists to evaluate replicate reproducibility, detect outlier data points, fit different models, select the best model, estimate IC values at different percentiles and assess drug–drug interactions. drexplorer serves as a computation engine within the R environment and a graphical interface for users who do not have programming backgrounds. Availability and implementation: The drexplorer R package is freely available from GitHub at https://github.com/nickytong/drexplorer. A graphical user interface is shipped with the package. Contact: gro.nosrednadm@gnawgnij Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Somatic hypermutation of VHS107 genes is not associated with gene conversion among family members

Murine B cells proliferating in the germinal centers of peripheral lymphoid tissue accumulate mutations in their rearranged variable regions, a diversification process which contributes to affinity maturation of the antibody response. The highly targeted nature of the hypermutation process could be explained by a somatic gene conversion mechanism. Well characterized examples of such an activity in B cells are seen during diversification of the chicken and rabbit Ig repertoires. The genomic organization, low complexity and high degree of homology exhibited by the four members of the murine VHS107 gene family suggested that these gene segments may be suitable candidates for the search of gene conversion events derived from upstream VHS107 counterparts. After an immune response to a complex T cell-dependent antigen (sheep red blood cells), rearranged V13, V11 and V1 genes were isolated from splenic extrafollicular and germinal center B cells. Extensive somatic mutation was evident in V11 and V1 sequences. When these sequences were examined, as well as V1 sequences isolated from phosphorylcholine-specific hybridomas, the observed nucleotide changes were not associated with any gene conversion between family members, suggesting instead that they arose by a mechanism which introduces point mutations.
Novel Insights into the Molecular Mechanisms of Human Thyrotropin Action: Structural, Physiological, and Therapeutic Implications for the Glycoprotein Hormone Family

I. Introduction A. Historical background B. TSH and the glycoprotein hormone family II. Structure-Function Relationships of TSH in Relation to Studies on Gonadotropins A. Methodological considerations B. Structure-function studies of protein domains C. Structure-function studies of carbohydrate chains III. Current Understanding of TSH/Glycoprotein Hormone Action A. Structural considerations B. Hormone-receptor interaction C. Cooperation of individual hTSH domains in receptor activation IV. Physiological and Pathophysiological Implications A. Carbohydrate heterogeneity B. Naturally occurring glycoprotein hormone mutations C. “Specificity spillover” syndromes V. Evolutionary Considerations A. Glycoprotein hormone specificity B. Evolutionary changes in TSH activity VI. Strategies in the Design of Novel TSH Analogs and Therapeutic Implications A. Clinical use of rhTSH B. Design of novel glycoprotein hormone analogs VII. Nonclassic Actions of TSH and Gonadotropins A. Extrathyroidal/extragonadal glycoprotein ho...
A review: enzymatic cross-linking of proteins applicable to foods.

The functional properties of food proteins may be changed by the use of specific enzymes. Enzymatic reactions can be carried out under relatively mild conditions and, because of the specificity of the reactions, are not likely to lead to toxic products. Among the several reactions catalyzed by enzymes, some lead to the intra- and intermolecular cross-linking of proteins. In this review, we briefly describe the reactions catalyzed by transglutaminase, lipoxygenase, lysyl oxidase, protein disulfide reductase, protein disulfide isomerase and sulfhydryl oxidase and the feasibility of using these enzymes for cross-linking of food proteins. Very little data are available on the efficiency of cross-linking and the effect on functional and nutritional properties of the proteins.
Laplace-Beltrami nodal counts: A new signature for 3D shape analysis

In this paper we develop a new approach of analyzing 3D shapes based on the eigen-system of the Laplace-Beltrami operator. While the eigenvalues of the Laplace-Beltrami operator have been used previously in shape analysis, they are unable to differentiate isospectral shapes. To overcome this limitation, we propose here a new signature based on nodal counts of the eigenfunctions. This signature provides a compact representation of the geometric information that is missing in the eigenvalues. In our experiments, we demonstrate that the proposed signature can successfully classify anatomical shapes with similar eigenvalues.
Regulation of cortactin/dynamin interaction by actin polymerization during the fission of clathrin-coated pits

Separation of clathrin-coated pits from the plasma membrane, a key event during endocytosis, is thought to be driven by dynamin and the actin cytoskeleton. However, the mechanism for the actin-mediated endocytosis remains elusive. RNA interference-mediated suppression of cortactin, an F-actin binding protein that promotes Arp2/3 complex-mediated actin polymerization, effectively blocked transferrin uptake. Depletion of cortactin in brain cytosol inhibited formation of clathrin-coated vesicles by 70% as analyzed in a cell-free system. Interestingly, the interaction between cortactin and dynamin 2 in cells was dependent on actin polymerization and was attenuated upon cell exposure to cytochalasin D as analyzed by immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation. Moreover, a cortactin mutant deficient in Arp2/3 binding colocalized less efficiently with dynamin 2 and inhibited the uptake of transferrin. The effect of actin polymerization on the interaction between cortactin and the dynamin proline-rich domain (PRD) was further evaluated under a condition for actin polymerization in vitro. Cortactin binds to the dynamin PRD with an equilibrium dissociation constant of 81 nM in the presence of the Arp2/3 complex and actin, and 617 nM in the absence of actin polymerization. Taken together, these data demonstrate that Arp2/3-mediated actin polymerization regulates the accessibility of cortactin to dynamin 2 and imply a novel mechanism by which cortactin and dynamin drive the fission of clathrin-coated pits in an actin polymerization dependent manner.
Fungal symbiosis and precipitation alter traits and dune building by the ecosystem engineer, Ammophila breviligulata

Ecosystem engineer species influence their community and ecosystem by creating or altering the physical structure of habitats. The function of ecosystem engineers is variable and can depend on both abiotic and biotic factors. Here we make use of a primary successional system to evaluate the direct and interactive effects of climate change (precipitation) and fungal endophyte symbiosis on population traits and ecosystem function of the ecosystem engineering grass species, Ammophila breviligulata. We manipulated endophyte presence in A. breviligulata in combination with rain-out shelters and rainfall additions in a factorial field experiment established in 2010 on Lake Michigan sand dunes. We monitored plant traits, survival, growth, and sexual reproduction of A. breviligulata from 2010-2013, and quantified ecosystem engineering as the sand accumulation rate. Presence of the endophyte in A. breviligulata increased vegetative growth by up to 19%, and reduced sexual reproduction by up to 46% across all precipitation treatments. Precipitation was a less significant factor than endophyte colonization for A. breviligulata growth. Reduced precipitation increased average leaf number per tiller but had no other effects on plant traits. Changes in A. breviligulata traits corresponded to increases in sand accumulation in plots with the endophyte as well as in plots with reduced precipitation. Sand accumulation is a key ecosystem function in these primary successional habitats, and so microbial symbiosis in this ecosystem engineer could lead to direct effects on the value of these dune habitats for humans.
Thromboprophylaxis and VTE Rates in Soldiers Wounded in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom

Objectives US soldiers suffer catastrophic injuries during combat. We sought to define risk factors and rates for VTE in this population. Methods We gathered data each hospital day on all patients injured in Afghanistan or Iraq who were admitted to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC). We analyzed prophylaxis rates and efficacy and identified risk factors for VTE. Results We recorded data on 506 combat casualties directly admitted to WRAMC after medical air evacuation. The average injury severity score for the group was 18.4 ± 11.7, and the most common reason for air evacuation was injury by improvised explosive device (65%). As part of the initial resuscitation, patients received 4.7 ± 9.0 and 4.00 ± 7.8 units of packed RBCs and fresh frozen plasma, respectively, and 42 patients received factor VIIa. Forty-six patients (9.1%) were given a diagnosis of VTE prior to discharge, 18 (3.6%) during air evacuation, and 28 (5.5%) during the hospital stay. In Cox regression analysis, administration of 1 unit of packed RBCs was associated with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.04 (95% CI, 1.02-1.07; P = .002), and enoxaparin, 30 mg bid, administered subcutaneously for the majority of hospital days was associated with a HR of 0.31 (95% CI, 0.11-0.86; P = .02) for VTE during the hospitalization. Conclusions Patients who suffer traumatic injuries in combat overseas are at high risk for VTE during evacuation and recovery. Those with large resuscitations are at particularly high risk, and low-molecular-weight heparin is associated with a decrease in VTE.