cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optical detection of aqueous phase analytes via host-guest interactions on a lipid membrane surface

The organization and assembly of molecules in cellular membranes is orchestrated through the recognition and binding of specific chemical signals. A simplified version of the cellular membrane system has been developed using a synthetically prepared membrane receptor incorporated into a biologically derived lipid bilayer. Through an interplay of electrostatic and van der Waals interactions, aggregation or dispersion of molecular components could be executed on command using a specific chemical signal. A pyrene fluorophore was used as an optical probe to monitor the aggregational state of the membrane receptors in the bilayer matrix. The pyrene excimer emission to monomer emission (E/M) intensity ratio gave a relative assessment of the local concentration of receptors in the membrane. Bilayers were prepared with receptors selective for the divalent metal ions of copper, mercury, and lead. Addition of the metal ions produced a rapid dispersion of aggregated receptor components at nano- to micro-molar concentrations. The process was reversible by sequestering the metal ions with EDTA. Receptors for proteins and polyhistidine were also prepared and incorporated into phosphatidylcholine lipid bilayers. In this case, the guest molecules bound to the membrane through multiple points of interaction causing aggregation of initially dispersed receptor molecules. The rapid, selective, and sensitive fluorescence optical response of these lipid assemblies make them attractive in sensor applications for aqueous phase metal ions and polypeptides.
Sequential reorganization of β‐sheet topology by insertion of a single strand

Insertions, duplications, and deletions of sequence segments are thought to be major evolutionary mechanisms that increase the structural and functional diversity of proteins. Alternative splicing, for example, is an intracellular editing mechanism that is thought to generate isoforms for 30%–50% of all human genes. Whereas the inserted sequences usually display only minor structural rearrangements at the insertion site, recent observations indicate that they may also cause more dramatic structural displacements of adjacent structures. In the present study we test how artificially inserted sequences change the structure of the β-sheet region in T4 lysozyme. Copies of two different β-strands were inserted into two different loops of the β-sheet, and the structures were determined. Not surprisingly, one insert “loops out” at its insertion site and forms a new small β-hairpin structure. Unexpectedly, however, the second insertion leads to displacement of adjacent strands and a sequential reorganization of the β-sheet topology. Even though the insertions were performed at two different sites, looping out occurred at the C-terminal end of the same β-strand. Reasons as to why a non-native sequence would be recruited to replace that which occurs in the native protein are discussed. Our results illustrate how sequence insertions can facilitate protein evolution through both local and nonlocal changes in structure.
A narrow-wall slotted waveguide antenna array for high power applications

This work seeks novel designs of S-band high power microwave antennas based on rectangular waveguide narrow-wall longitudinal-aperture array structure. A narrow-wall slot-array is proposed to achieve higher gain. It consists of two identical narrow-wall slot-arrays with a common broad wall. A much more uniform aperture electrical fielded distribution is obtained, resulting in a higher gain for the double narrow-wall slot-array waveguide antenna. A tunable CRLH-based feeding structure is proposed to feed the double narrow-wall slot array. By mechanically varying the length of the stubs, the proposed antenna shows capability of beam-steering performance.
A two-component system mediates developmental regulation of biosynthesis of a heterocyst polysaccharide.

Some cyanobacteria couple oxygenic photosynthesis in vegetative cells with O2-sensitive N2 fixation in differentiated cells called heterocysts. Heterocyst differentiation involves extensive biochemical and structural changes that collectively permit heterocysts to assimilate N2 aerobically and supply the products of N2 fixation to vegetative cells. HepK and DevR are required for the development of functional heterocysts in Anabaena and Nostoc, respectively. We show that HepK is an autokinase and that Anabaena DevRA is its cognate response regulator, together comprising part or all of a two-component system that mediates developmental regulation of biosynthesis of a heterocyst envelope polysaccharide. Recombinant N-hexahistidine-tagged HepK (H6HepK), the cytoplasmic portion H6′HepK of H6HepK, H6DevR, and H6DevRA were overexpressed in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity. H6′HepK, but not H6HepK, autophosphorylates with [γ-32P]ATP. ADP, specifically, elicits dephosphorylation of phosphorylated H6′HepK. The phosphoryl group of H6′HepK is transferred rapidly and efficiently to both H6DevR and H6DevRA but not to His-tagged OmpR, whose cognate sensor kinase is EnvZ. Sequence comparisons, the results of site-specific mutagenesis, and tests of chemical stability support identification of HepK-His348 and DevR-Asp53 as the phosphorylated residues. The mutation HepK-H348A abolishes both in vitro autokinase activity and in vivo functionality of HepK. Heterocysts of both hepK Anabaena and devRAAnabaena lack an envelope polysaccharide layer and are nonfunctional. Consistent with the normal site of deposition of that polysaccharide, a hepK::gfp transcriptional fusion is expressed principally in proheterocysts. HepK/DevRA is the first two-component system identified that regulates the biosynthesis of a polysaccharide as part of a patterned differentiation process.
Demography of an island population of the lizard, Eumeces okadae, on Miyake-jima, Izu Islands

The demography of the lizardEumeces okadae was studied for 4 years on Miyake-jima, in the Izu Islands, central Japan. Most males matured at 3 years of age with a mean snout-vent length of 77.5 mm. Females matured at 3–4 years with a mean SVL of 77.8 mm, and reproduced biennially thereafter. Growth continued after maturity with a decreasing rate. In females, annual growth was negligible in reproductive years, but resumed markedly in non-reproductive years. Clutch size increased with SVL and was used to construct a fecundity schedule. Population density (exclusive of hatchlings) was estimated to be ca. 4000 individuals/ha in August, an exceptionally high density for lizards. Before introduction of the weasel onto Miyake-jima, low predation pressure had allowedE. okadae to maintain a high population density. Estimated annual survival rates were 36% for hatchlings, 56% for yearlings, 80% for 2-year-olds, 63% for adult males and 76% for adult females. The cohort generation time (6.95 years) was so long that theE. okadae population can be characterized by a combination of low natality and slow turnover.
Indications and contraindications for surgery in gastric carcinoma

Operation for gastric carcinoma should be undertaken in the presence of known or probable carcinoma of the stomach, in the absence of clear contraindications. These contraindications include serious disease elsewhere (such as cardiac insufficiency, advanced pulmonary disease, and pronounced renal failure), definite objective evidence of distant metastases, and evidence of local extension beyond the point of resectability. To deny a patient the potential benefits of exploratory laparotomy is to eliminate the chance of cure. After thorough exploration of the abdomen, curative resection of gastric cancer involves radical subtotal gastrectomy for lesions restricted to the distal 2/3 of the stomach, and total gastrectomy with splenectomy for lesions in the upper 1/3. When there is local extension of the cancer, resection of adjacent organs should be performed if it appears that the growth can be completely removed. When curative resection is not possible, palliative resection or gastroenterostomy is often indicated to relieve symptoms.
A revision of the Larainae (Coleoptera, Elmidae) of Venezuela, with description of nine new species

The species of the riffle beetle subfamily Larainae occurring in Venezuela are revised. Examination of 756 specimens yielded 22 species in nine genera occurring throughout the country. Seven species are newly recorded from the country: Phanoceroides sp. 1, Phanocerus clavicornis Sharp, 1882, Phanocerus congener Grouvelle, 1898, Pharceonus volcanus Spangler & Santiago-Fragoso, 1992, Disersus dasycolus Spangler & Santiago-Fragoso, 1992, Disersus chibcha Spangler & Santiago-Fragoso, 1987, and Disersus inca Spangler & Santiago-Fragoso, 1992. Nine species are found to be new to science, which are here described: Hexanchorus dentitibialis sp. n., H. falconensis sp. n., H. flintorum sp. n., H. homaeotarsoides sp. n., H. inflatus sp. n., Phanocerus rufus sp. n., Pharceonus grandis sp. n., Pharceonus ariasi sp. n., Potamophilops bostrychophallus sp. n. Additionally, a key to species, distribution maps, and photographs and genitalia illustrations are provided for all species.
Switching characteristics of scaled CMOS circuits at 77 K

Performance enhancement of CMOS inverters at room and liquid-nitrogen temperatures are studied. The extent of delay improvement at low temperature is limited by the velocity saturation effect, as the channel lengths are decreased and/or the supply voltage increased. An analytical delay model taking into account velocity saturation is developed that accurately predicts the measured delay of CMOS inverter chains with drawn channel lengths down to 0.5 µm, Compared are the relative merits of CMOS devices operating at 77 K and those scaled for room-temperature operations.
NMR studies of intracellular water at 300 MHz: T2‐specific relaxation mechanisms in synchronized or EGF‐stimulated cells

Responses specific to the spin-spin relaxation time (T2) have been observed in two time-dependent studies of the intracellular water in normal and transformed Syrian hamster fetal fibroblasts. At 300-MHz (7.0 T), the spin-lattice relaxation time (T1) was insensitive to several aspects of cellular physiology that produced changes in the T2 and the apparent self-diffusion coefficient (Dapp) of intracellular water. In normal cells stimulated with epidermal growth factor (EGF), T1 was insensitive to time-dependent changes detected by T2 and Dapp. In synchronized tumor cells, T1 was insensitive to cell-cycle-dependent changes detected by T2. The strongly coupled behavior of T2 and Dapp that was observed as a function of time in EGF-stimulated cells indicates that the diffusion of intracellular water through inhomogeneous local magnetic field gradients produced effects observable in T2. Conformational changes in large intracellular macromolecular assemblies such as chromatin or the cytoskeleton may alter the magnitude and inhomogeneity of local field gradients, producing responses in T2 and Dapp only. © 1991 Academic Press, Inc.
Plaque morphology as an antibody specificity marker: an analysis of the physical chemical foundations of the method.

Abstract We present an analysis of the factors which affect plaque morphology. It is argued that in order for morphology differences to be sensitive to affinity variations, the antibody RBC interaction should be equilibrium controlled during the time of the experiment. Since a typical plaque assay lasts about fifty minutes this constrains application of the technique to antibodies with sufficiently rapid reverse rate constants. Moreover, the mode of attachment (univalent or multivalent) and perhaps the class of antibody may also be important. When local equilibrium conditions are met, morphology changes may reflect affinity variation, but there is no a priori reason to rule out the possibility that secretion rate variation is responsible for a particular morphological difference. It is shown that in general secretion rate will contribute to morphology unless the affinity and secretion rate distributions satisfy certain constraints. It is also shown that the criteria used to score morphology may have an important effect on how morphology variation is to be interpreted. Our analysis indicates that there is a rational basis for using morphology as a specificity marker but the range of applicability of the method may be restricted to rather special conditions and it should therefore by used cautiously.
Metastatic nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma to liver: surgical treatment and outcomes.

Background The surgical treatment of metastatic, nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (nPNEC) is not well defined. Existing series are confounded by inclusion of patients with metastatic functional tumors or gastrointestinal carcinoid. Our hypothesis was that the surgical treatment of metastatic nPNEC provides favorable perioperative and oncologic outcomes. Study Design We performed a retrospective review of all patients undergoing surgical treatment of metastatic nPNEC to the liver from 1987 through 2008 at the Mayo Clinic. Data are presented as medians with ranges. Results Seventy-two patients were identified, with a median age of 57 years (range 28 to 77 years) and median body mass index (BMI) of 26 kg/m 2 (range 18 to 40 kg/m 2 ). Operative intent of resection was curative in 39 (54%) or palliative (≥90% tumor debulking) in 32 (44%). Median number of tumors treated and median tumor size were 8 (range 1 to 30) and 4.5 cm (range 0.3 to 20 cm), respectively. Tumor grade was 1 or 2 in 97%, and angioinvasion was identified in 55 (76%) patients. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were 50% and 0%, respectively. Among the 72 patients, overall survivals at 1, 5 and 10 years were 97.1%, 59.9%, and 45.0%, respectively. Among the 39 patients with a complete (R0) resection, the 1- and 5-year disease-free survivals were 53.7% and 10.7%, respectively. For patients undergoing debulking of ≥90% tumor burden, the 1- and 5-year survivals free of progression were 58.1% and 3.5%, respectively. Conclusions Surgical treatment of metastatic nPNEC to the liver with curative intent or for palliative ≥90% debulking provides favorable oncologic outcomes. Despite a high incidence of tumor recurrence, 5-year survival rates are encouraging and appear to justify an aggressive surgical approach in these patients.
Search for Evidence of a Δ ( 1236 ) − Δ ( 1236 ) Component of the Deuteron

Evidence for a bound ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{33}(1236)\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{33}(1236)$ component of the deuteron is sought by using ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$, ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, and ${K}^{+}$ mesons as probes of nuclear structure. Events are observed which might contain $\ensuremath{\Delta}(1236)$ "spectators" in the breakup of a deuteron in a $\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\Delta}$ state. However, other mechanisms may contribute to the signal, and we cannot unambiguously ascribe our events to a $\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\Delta}$ contribution in the deuteron. With certain assumptions we obtain an upper limit of \ensuremath{\sim}0.7% for the $\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\Delta}$ component of the deuteron.
Experimental studies on syngas catalytic combustion on Pt/Al2O3 in a microreactor

Abstract Synthesis gas (a mixture of CO and H2) oxidation is studied over a supported Pt/Al2O3 catalyst in a novel microreactor fabricated for studying the intrinsic chemical kinetics of highly exothermic reactions. CO was found to significantly inhibit H2 oxidation. In contrast, H2 addition promotes CO oxidation at low mole fractions but has a small promoting effect at high hydrogen mole fractions. As a result, the apparent reaction order of H2 changes from positive to zero. The change in hydrogen reaction order is associated with hysteresis. Possible mechanisms for the observed behavior are discussed.
Kinetics of clustering in traffic flows.

We study a simple aggregation model that mimics the clustering of traffic on a one-lane roadway. In this model, each ``car'' moves ballistically at its initial velocity until it overtakes the preceding car or cluster. After this encounter, the incident car assumes the velocity of the cluster which it has just joined. The properties of the initial distribution of velocities in the small-velocity limit control the long-time properties of the aggregation process. For an initial velocity distribution with a power-law tail at small velocities, ${\mathit{P}}_{0}$(v)\ensuremath{\sim}${\mathit{v}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}}}$ as v\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0, a simple scaling argument shows that the average cluster size grows as m\ensuremath{\sim}${\mathit{t}}^{(\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}}+1)/(\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}}+2)}$ and that the average velocity decays as v\ensuremath{\sim}${\mathit{t}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1/(\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}}+2)}$ as t\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}. We derive an analytical solution for the survival probability of a single car and an asymptotically exact expression for the joint mass-velocity distribution function. We also consider the properties of spatially heterogeneous traffic and the kinetics of traffic clustering in the presence of an input of cars.
Design and Effects of the Proton Window of the Spallation Neutron Source

Design parameters for the target region of the Spallation Neutron Source were calculated by following histories of 1 GeV protons and their shower of particles with the Monte Carlo code MCNPX. In particular, neutron currents, radiation damages, doses and heat distributions for the target region of the facility along the path of the proton beam are presented from the point of view of the perturbation effects of the proton beam window.
Neuroprotective effects of the amylin analogue pramlintide on Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis and cognition.

Abstract Amylin is a metabolic peptide hormone that is co-secreted with insulin from beta cells in the pancreas and activates many of the downstream targets of insulin. To investigate the relationship between this hormone and Alzheimer's disease (AD), we measured plasma human amylin levels in 206 subjects with AD, 64 subjects with mild cognitive impairment, and 111 subjects with no cognitive impairment and found significantly lower amylin levels among subjects with AD and mild cognitive impairment compared with the cognitively intact subjects. To investigate mechanisms underlying amylin's effects in the brain, we administered chronic infusions of the amylin analog pramlintide in the senescence-accelerated prone mouse, a mouse model of sporadic AD. Pramlintide administration improved performance in the novel object recognition task, a validated test of memory and cognition. The pramlintide-treated mice had increased expression of the synaptic marker synapsin I and the kinase cyclin-dependent kinase-5 in the hippocampus, as well as decreased oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in the hippocampus. A dose-dependent increase in cyclin-dependent kinase-5 and activation of extracellular-signal-regulated-kinases 1/2 by pramlintide treatment in vitro was also present indicating functionality of the amylin receptor in neurons. Together these results suggest that amylin analogs have neuroprotective properties and might be of therapeutic benefit in AD.
Binding of basic peptides to membranes produces lateral domains enriched in the acidic lipids phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate: an electrostatic model and experimental results.

Direct fluorescence digital imaging microscopy observations demonstrate that a basic peptide corresponding to the effector region of the myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) self-assembles into membrane domains enriched in the acidic phospholipids phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). We show here that pentalysine, which corresponds to the first five residues of the MARCKS effector region peptide and binds to membranes through electrostatic interactions, also forms domains enriched in PS and PIP2. We present a simple model of domain formation that represents the decrease in the free energy of the system as the sum of two contributions: the free energy of mixing of neutral and acidic lipids and the electrostatic free energy. The first contribution is always positive and opposes domain formation, whereas the second contribution may become negative and, at low ionic strength, overcome the first contribution. Our model, based on Gouy-Chapman-Stern theory, makes four predictions: 1) multivalent basic ligands, for which the membrane binding is a steep function of the mole fraction of acidic lipid, form domains enriched in acidic lipids; domains break up at high concentrations of either 2) basic ligand or 3) monovalent salt; and 4) if multivalent anionic lipids (e.g., PIP2) are present in trace concentrations in the membrane, they partition strongly into the domains. These predictions agree qualitatively with experimental data obtained with pentalysine and spermine, another basic ligand.
Defending the epithelium

Two studies examine the microbe-fighting peptides that keep infection at bay in the urinary tract and the colon. In the urinary tract, such peptides are deployed with lightning speed, and in the colon a short-chain fatty acid induces the peptides and fends off dysentery caused by Shigella species ( pages 636 – 641 ).
Highly Fluorinated Aromatic-Aliphatic Copolyethers

A series of novel highly fluorinated aromatic-aliphatic copolyethers have been prepared by copolycondensation reactions of decafluorodiphenylsulfone (DFPSO) with hexafluorobisphenol-A (6F-BPA) and a highly fluorinated linear or branched diol (6C F -diol or 7 b C F -diol) at different feed ratios of [diol]/[6F-BPA]. The reactions can be completed in 2-5 h in the presence of CsF in DMAc at room temperature to produce polymers with number average molecular weight (M n ) up to 45 000 Da. 1 H and 19 F NMR studies show that the composition of the resultant polymers agrees well with the feed ratio of the monomers in the reaction. This feature leads to a feasible tune of glass transition temperatures (T g ) and refractive indexes of the produced polymers by a simple control of the feed ratio. As the [diol]/[6F-BPA] ratio increases, the T g of the copolymers decreases gradually from 185 to 87°C and 94°C, and the refractive index decreases from 1.5120(nTE)/1.5089(n TM ) to 1.4643(n TE )/1 .4629(n TM ) and 1.4487(n TE )/1.4471 (n TM ) for the copolymers from 6C F -diol and 7bC F -diol, respectively. Meanwhile, the increase of the [diol]/[6F-BPA] ratio also effectively reduces the birefringence of the polymer films from 3.1 x 10 -3 to 1.4 x 10 -3 for the polymers from 6C F -diol and to 1.6 x 10 -3 for the polymers from 7 b C F -diol. Well-developed waveguide structures with smooth ridge walls from these polymers have also been demonstrated using a cost-effective soft lithography technique.
Civil Disobedience and Plato's Crito

L'A. rejette le presuppose philosophique qui admet un lien traditionnel entre le «Criton» de Platon et le theme de la desobeissance civile. Les tentatives qui sont faites pour reperer chez Socrate une pretendue position -meme negative- sur le probleme de la desobeissance civile resultent d'une mauvaise interpretation de la theorie de l'obligation que les lois atheniennes decrivent
Applications of multirate filter banks in error correction codes: partial response channels

ABSTRACT Both filterbank theory and error correction codes have been studied extensively during the recent decades. In thispaper, we first build a bridge between these two theories. We restate some results in error correction coding theory by using filterbank terminologies over finite fields. We then apply filterbank theory to error correction codes for partialresponse channels (PRC), such as magnetic recording systems. We present necessary and sufficient conditions foruniquely decodable convolutional codes for PRC. We also extend the results to multihead and multitrack recordingsystems. Examples of uniquely decodable codes are given. With these conditions one is able to check whether a convolutional code in a PRC is uniquely decodable. Keywords: Partial response channels, multirate filterbanks over finite fields. 1. Introduction Multirate filterbank theory has been studied extensively in the last decade and found applications in many areasincluding signal and image processing. The main advantage of multirate filterbanks is that they can be used to splita signal into several different frequency bands, each of which may be processed differently according to differentneeds. This advantage holds for real and complex valued signals. Multirate filterbanks taking values in finite fields(called fihterbanks over finiie fields) have also been studied, see for example [9-11]. However, due to the difficultyof the interpretation of the frequency bands less applications have been found, although their application in imageprocessing are visible. This is because of the elimination of the round off errors for finite field arithmetics. Inthis paper, we focus on multirate filterbanks over finite fields with applications in channel coding. We describeconvolutional codes in terms of multirate filterbank terminologies and show that convolutional codes are equivalentto nonmaximally decimated FIR multirate filterbanks. We also show that a noncatastrophic convolutional code isequivalent to an FIR nonmaximally decimated multirate filterbank with an FIR inverse. This was also observed by
THE QUESTION OF A PREHISTORY

This essay argues that ‘race’ and ‘caste’, concepts taken from colonial governance, refer us to the threshold of democratic forms of collective action in political society. This is where struggles are directed to the future as the horizon of upward mobility for groups mobilized along lines of identity. The essay gestures toward the ‘origin’ of such identitarian formations by looking at traditions of moral action in indigenous communities. The latter may well constitute the ‘prehistory’ of religious and legal (or national) forms of belonging, but are for the same reason irreducible. In other words, this prehistory cannot be reconstituted along the lines of historical narrative; instead, it must be invoked through a ‘meontology’, the history of an absence. Works by David Lorenzen, Saidiya Hartman and Indian dalit (Untouchable) and nationalist thinkers make up the subject matter of the essay.
The Effects of Lifting Frequency on the Dynamics of Lifting

The goal of this study was to quantify the effects of different lifting frequencies (3, 6 and 9 lifts/minute) at different lifting heights (30 and 60 cm) on the kinematics of the lumbar region. Each of these lifting tasks was performed for twenty minutes. The time dependent traces of the both the mean and standard deviation of sagittal acceleration showed subject dependent trends over time. Averaged across time, the results of this study reveal that there is a non-linear increase in the sagittal acceleration with greater frequency of lifting.
Symmetric Hankel operators: minimal norm extensions and eigenstructures

Abstract The minimal norm extension problem for real partial Hankel matrices is studied: Let x i , i ϵ α ⊆ n (= {1,…, n }) be given real numbers. Find x i , i ϵ n \ α, such that the (finite) Hankel matrix (A) H (x) = x 1 x 2 ⋯ x n x 2 x 3 ⋰ 0 ⋮ ⋮ ⋮ x n 0 ⋮ 0 has lowest possible norm (as an operator on the Eucledian space R n ). This min-max problem is reduced to an unconstrained maximization problem. It is close to a nonlinear eigenvalue problem. The results suggest a new class of computer algorithms.
Neural network architecture for generating potential fields for path planning

This paper builds upon earlier work on the wave expansion neural network (WENN) which is a neural network capable of implementing wavefront expansion operations useful for developing potential fields for path planning. The discretized operational space or configuration space (C-Space) is mapped on to the WENN neural field which subsequently develops the artificial potential field over the C-space. The WENN has been applied to develop a simple attractive potential field and a repulsive potential field over two dimensional workspaces.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Number-Theoretic Functions via Convolution Rings

We've all met and befriended at least one of the 'number-theoretic functions' i-, o-, (p: for a positive integer n, r(n) = the number of divisors of n, o-(n) = the sum of the divisors of n, (p(n) = the number of integers k (1 < k < n) that are relatively prime to n. Here 'divisor' means positive integral divisor; and to say that k is relatively prime to n-usually written (k, n) = 1-means that 1 is the only common divisor of k and n. For example,
Interpersonal Relationships in Panic Disorder With Agoraphobia: A Review of Empirical Evidence

Recently there has been considerable research exploring the interpersonal relationships of patients diagnosed with panic disorder with agoraphobia. In general, recent empirical investigations support the notion that agoraphobics' interpersonal relationships are problematic and can decrease treatment efficacy. In addition, it appears that involving the partner of the agoraphobic in treatment may be more effective than treating the client alone. However, these conclusions are limited by several methodological and conceptual shortcomings, including narrow and/or biased sample selection, lack of adequate measures, and insufficient use of suitable control groups.
Absolute stereochemistry of the triol moiety of gymnoprenols: a reinvestigation

Abstract The absolute configurations of the C-2 and C-3 positions of gymnoprenol A (1), gymnoprenol B (2), and gymnopilin (3) have been revised from 2S,3R to 2R,3S.
Analysis of heavy metal immunotoxicity by multiparameter flow cytometry: correlation of flow cytometry and immune function data in B6CF1 mice

Bone marrow and spleen cells obtained from female B6C3F1 mice given a single i.p. exposure to cadmium acetate (0.9 mg/kg), lead acetate (12 mg/kg), or sodium acetate (12 mg/kg), were studied using flow cytometry, immunologic, and hematologic assays. Significant changes were detected in subpopulations of bone marrow cells using multiparameter flow cytometry within 1 day following treatment with cadmium or lead. Bone marrow cells obtained from B6C3F1 mice 5 days after treatment with cadmium or lead were found to have a decreased number of cells expressing Mac-1, 55-7.2, 14.8, and Lyt-1 antigens, suggesting a shift to immature cell types. An increase in the number of progenitor cells (CFU-C) obtained from the bone marrow of mice treated with heavy metals was also noted 5 days after exposure to cadmium or lead. A time-dependent suppression of the in vitro primary humoral immune response of spleen cells to SRBCs, TNP-Ficoll and TNP-LPS was produced by cadmium or lead treatment. Suppression of the mitogenic response of spleen cells to Con A, PHA, and LPS was also found to be time-dependent. Spleen cell surface marker expression (Mac-1, Lyt-1, Lyt-2 and 14.8) was altered in response to cadmium or lead treatments, but these changes did not appear to correlate with the humoral immunity or mitogen-induced proliferation data. These studies demonstrate that changes in cell surface markers on discrete subpopulations of lymphoid cells present in the spleens of heavy metal exposed mice may not correlate with alterations in the functional activity of these cells. However, changes in murine bone marrow surface markers in response to cadmium or lead treatment predicts a shift to immature cell types, which appeared to correlate with the increase in CFU-C activity.
Tempus fight and the need for an e-social contract

For autonomous agents to achieve their full potential they require access to detailed private information. The time is rapidly approaching when we can build systems to gather this information and monitor all aspects of an individual's life. In this paper we describe Tempus Fugit (Time Flies), an attempt to create just such a system. The reality of this technology has enormous social implications and, misused, it creates direct threats to liberty. We further describe an “e-Social Contract”, a design philosophy developed to safeguard against these threats. It is the foundation of the design philosophy behind Tempus Fugit and should be considered in the development of any agent technology.
Behavioral Sensitivity to Microwave Irradiation

Rats assayed by the technique of conditional suppression were able to detect the presence of 12.25-centimeter microwaves at doses of power approximating 0.5 to 6.4 milliwatts per gram. The assay, which controlled for sensitization, for pseudo and temporal conditioning, and for several possible sources of artifactual cueing, revealed that irradiation by microwaves, although lacking the saliency of an auditory stimulus, can function as a highly reliable cue. Efficiency of detection was strongly and positively related to the amount of microwave energy to which the rats were exposed.
Early diagnosis of cytomegalovirus hepatitis in liver transplant recipients: Role of immunostaining, dna hybridization and culture of hepatic tissue

Immunostaining techniques that use a monoclonal antibody against an early cytomegalovirus antigen or a polyclonal antibody, in situ DNA hybridization and inoculation of cell cultures for the detection of cytomegalovirus from liver biopsy specimens were studied in 20 liver transplant patients with cytomegalovirus hepatitis, as defined by histological criteria. A total of 108 liver biopsy specimens from 20 patients with a diagnosis of cytomegalovirus hepatitis (obtained per protocol at 7, 21, 90, and 180 days or whenever liver dysfunction occurred), which had previously been examined histologically and in cell culture, were again studied by recutting the liver tissue for histological examination, DNA hybridization and immunostaining with monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies to cytomegalovirus. In 5 of 20 patients, the diagnosis of cytomegalovirus hepatitis could have been made earlier (mean = 9.6 days) by immunostaining with a monoclonal antibody. Of 47 biopsy specimens with cytomegalovirus inclusion bodies, the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic procedures were immunostaining with monoclonal antibody (84% and 90%) and polyclonal antibody (72% and 97%), in situ DNA hybridization (72% and 100%) and cell culture detection (52% and 95%), respectively. Immunostaining with a monoclonal antibody against an early CMV antigen frequently detected cytomegalovirus infection in the liver allograft earlier than identification of typical histological inclusion bodies. DNA in situ hybridization was less sensitive than other techniques but highly specific; cytomegalovirus cell culture lacked sensitivity compared with the other procedures. (HEPATOLOGY 1990;12:119–126).
Oxygenation of the Endocannabinoid, 2-Arachidonylglycerol, to Glyceryl Prostaglandins by Cyclooxygenase-2

Cyclooxygenases (COX) play an important role in lipid signaling by oxygenating arachidonic acid to endoperoxide precursors of prostaglandins and thromboxane. Two cyclooxygenases exist which differ in tissue distribution and regulation but otherwise carry out identical chemical functions. The neutral arachidonate derivative, 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG), is one of two described endocannabinoids and appears to be a ligand for both the central (CB1) and peripheral (CB2) cannabinoid receptors. Here we report that 2-AG is a substrate for COX-2 and that it is metabolized as effectively as arachidonic acid. COX-2-mediated 2-AG oxygenation provides the novel lipid, prostaglandin H(2) glycerol ester (PGH(2)-G), in vitro and in cultured macrophages. PGH(2)-G produced by macrophages is a substrate for cellular PGD synthase, affording PGD(2)-G. Pharmacological studies reveal that macrophage production of PGD(2)-G from endogenous sources of 2-AG is calcium-dependent and mediated by diacylglycerol lipase and COX-2. These results identify a distinct function for COX-2 in endocannabinoid metabolism and in the generation of a new family of prostaglandins derived from diacylglycerol and 2-AG.
Gap-Junction Channels Dysfunction in Deafness and Hearing Loss

Gap-junction channels connect the cytoplasm of adjacent cells, allowing the diffusion of ions and small metabolites. They are formed at the appositional plasma membranes by a family of related proteins named connexins. Mutations in connexins 26, 31, 30, 32, and 43 have been associated with nonsyndromic or syndromic deafness. The majority of these mutations are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, but a few of them have been associated with dominantly inherited hearing loss. Mutations in the connexin26 gene (GJB2) are the most common cause of genetic deafness. This review summarizes the most relevant and recent information about different mutations in connexin genes found in human patients, with emphasis on GJB2. The possible effects of the mutations on channel expression and function are discussed, in addition to their possible physiologic consequences for inner ear physiology. Finally, we propose that connexin channels (gap junctions and hemichannels) may be targets for age-related hearing loss induced by oxidative damage. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 11, 309–322.
Whose Time Is It? The Effect of Employment and Work/Family Stress on Children’s Housework

Children’s time use—and specifically the time they spend on household chores—is an important arena for understanding social change. However, few studies accurately depict the multiple factors influencing children’s household labor, including parent’s and children’s available time and parent’s levels of work/family stress. We address these gaps by exploring how parents’ and children’s time use and perceived stress constrains time for housework. We employ data on 3,560 households from a national survey of children’s time use. We find several factors elevate children’s housework hours, including parents’ work/family stress, fathers’ work hours, having more siblings, being female, and being an older child. Contrary to the time availability principle, children’s curricular and extracurricular activities and hours spent in paid labor are associated with more housework. A follow-up analysis suggests that this is not accounted for by an unmeasured family attribute promoting children’s achievement across multiple ...
Thrombotic microangiopathy and indications for therapeutic plasma exchange

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a clinicopathological condition associated with a wide variety of medical conditions. TMA is classically characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and microvascular thrombi that cause end-organ damage. The most prominent diagnoses associated with TMA are thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Although TTP and HUS can have similar clinical and laboratory features and are often lumped together as a combined entity referred to as "TTP/HUS," the pathologic processes causing TMA and optimal therapies for these conditions are different. Empiric use of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in the setting of TMA is common. The high risk of morbidity and mortality associated with some causes of TMA justify rapid institution of this relatively low-risk procedure. However, many causes of TMA do not respond to TPE and prolonged courses of exchange in the absence of an underlying diagnosis may cause a detrimental delay in appropriate medical therapy. The American Society of Apheresis has published guidelines for the use of TPE for several distinct conditions associated with TMA. This list is not comprehensive and the use of TPE for other causes of TMA may be considered if the mechanism of the underlying disease process provides a clear rationale for this intervention.
An experimental investigation of microalgal dewatering efficiency of belt filter system

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the microalgal dewatering efficiency of a belt filter system for feed concentrations below 10 g dry wt./L. A prototype belt filtration system designed for 50 g dry wt./L microalgal feed concentration was used for this investigation. The highest concentration of microalgal suspension available for testing on the prototype belt filtration system was 6 g dry wt./L obtained from biomass settling tanks at the Lawrence, Kansas domestic wastewater treatment plant. For preparation of feed suspension with concentrations below 10 g dry wt./L, microalgal cultivation was followed by flocculation. A mixed laboratory culture of freshwater species dominated by three eukaryotic green microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus sp., and Kirchneriella sp.) was cultivated in wastewater effluent. This was followed by flocculation which resulted in a microalgal feed suspension concentration of 4 g dry wt./L. Belt dewatering tests were conducted on microalgal suspensions with feed concentrations of 4 g dry wt./L and 6 g dry wt./L. The maximum microalgal recovery with the belt dewatering system was 46% from the 4 g dry wt./L, and 84% from the 6 g dry wt./L suspensions respectively. The results of this study indicate that microalgal suspension concentrations as low as 6 g dry wt./L can be recovered with a belt filter system improving the overall dewatering efficiency of the system.
Managing Uncertainty in Cue Combination

We develop a hierarchical generative model to study cue combination. The model maps a global shape parameter to local cue-specific parameters, which in turn generate an intensity image. Inferring shape from images is achieved by inverting this model. Inference produces a probability distribution at each level; using distributions rather than a single value of underlying variables at each stage preserves information about the validity of each local cue for the given image. This allows the model, unlike standard combination models, to adaptively weight each cue based on general cue reliability and specific image context. We describe the results of a cue combination psychophysics experiment we conducted that allows a direct comparison with the model. The model provides a good fit to our data and a natural account for some interesting aspects of cue combination.
Cambodian American Ethics of Identity

The past is irretrievable yet I can never be free from it. —Andrew Lam (2000) Being a spectator of calamities taking place in another country is a quintessential modern experience… —Susan Sontag (2...
Network Flow Modeling Via Lattice-Boltzmann Based Channel Conductance

Lattice-Boltzmann (LB) computations of single phase, pore-to-pore conductance are compared to models in which such conductances are computed via standard pore body-channel-pore body series resistance (SR), with the conductance of each individual element (pore body, channel) based on geometric shape factor measurements. The LB computations, based upon actual channel geometry derived from X-ray computed tomographic imagery, reveal that the variation in conductance for channels having similar shape factor is much larger than is adequately captured by the geometric models. Fits to the dependence of median value of conductance versus shape factor from the LB-based computations show a power law dependence of higher power than that predicted by the geometric models. We introduce two network flow models based upon the LB conductance computations: one model is based upon LB computations for each pore-to-pore connection; the second is based upon a power law fit to the relationship between computed conductance and throat shape factor. Bulk absolute permeabilities for Fontainebleau sandstone images are computed using the SR-based network models and the two LB-based models. Both LB-based network models produce bulk absolute permeability values that fit published data more accurately than the SR-based models.
Utilizing call admission control to derive optimal pricing of multiple service classes in wireless cellular networks

We develop a hybrid partitioning-threshold call admission control algorithm to derive optimal pricing of multiple service classes in mobile wireless networks for revenue optimization with quality of service (QoS) guarantees. Unlike traditional admission control algorithms which make acceptance decisions to satisfy QoS constraints such as the call blocking probability, the hybrid partitioning-threshold admission control algorithm is designed to maximize the revenue earned by the system while satisfying QoS of multiple service classes. We utilize the hybrid call admission control algorithm to analyze a pricing scheme that correlates service demand with pricing, and to derive optimal pricing under which the system revenue is maximized while QoS requirements of multiple service classes are guaranteed.
Variability in Automated Responses of Commercial Buildings and Industrial Facilities to Dynamic Electricity Prices

Changes in the electricity consumption of commercial buildings and industrial facilities (C&I facilities) during Demand Response (DR) events are usually estimated using counterfactual baseline models. Model error makes it difficult to precisely quantify these changes in consumption and understand if C&I facilities exhibit event-to-event variability in their response to DR signals. This paper seeks to understand baseline model error and DR variability in C&I facilities facing dynamic electricity prices. Using a regression-based baseline model, we present a method to compute the error associated with estimates of several DR parameters. We also develop a metric to determine how much observed DR variability results from baseline model error rather than real variability in response. We analyze 38 C&I facilities participating in an automated DR program and find that DR parameter errors are large. Though some facilities exhibit real DR variability, most observed variability results from baseline model error. Therefore, facilities with variable DR parameters may actually respond consistently from event to event. Consequently, in DR programs in which repeatability is valued, individual buildings may be performing better than previously thought. In some cases, however, aggregations of C&I facilities exhibit real DR variability, which could create challenges for power system operation.
Site-Specific Inhibition of Transcription Factor Binding to DNA by a Metallointercalator

The metallointercalator Λ-1-Rh(MGP)_2phi^(5+) binds tightly and specifically to the site 5‘-CATATG-3‘ in the major groove of double helical DNA by a combination of direct readout and shape selection. To examine competitive interactions between this small metal complex and a DNA-binding transcription factor, the preferred binding site for Λ-1-Rh(MGP)_2phi^(5+) was engineered into the AP-1 recognition element (ARE) of the major-groove binding bZIP transcription factor yAP-1, the yeast analogue of mammalian AP-1. Binding experiments confirmed that the modified ARE retained normal yAP-1 binding affinity. Photocleavage experiments demonstrated that the modified ARE contained a high-affinity binding site for Λ-1-Rh(MGP)_2phi^(5+), whereas the native ARE showed no interaction. Competition experiments using gel shift mobility assays demonstrated that Λ-1-Rh(MGP)_2phi^(5+) at 120 nM competes 50% of yAP-1 binding to the 5‘-CATATG-3‘ containing oligonucleotide. In contrast, competitive disruption of protein binding to the native ARE requires 3 μM Λ-1-Rh(MGP)_2phi^(5+). Metallointercalator derivatives, including geometric isomers of Λ-1-Rh(MGP)_2phi^(5+), show no specific binding to the target site and show no inhibition of yAP-1/DNA complexes at concentrations as high as 20 μM. Thus, metallointercalators can be tuned to show selectivity for major groove sites on DNA comparable to transcription factors and indeed can inhibit transcription factor binding site selectively.
High-Risk Localized Prostate Cancer: Integrating Chemotherapy

CME CME Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 hour of AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com