cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Production, Prices, and Technology: A Historical Analysis of the United States Coal Industry

This article contributes to the literature regarding non-renewable resource extraction and production by using historical accounts and newly-collected county coal mining production, average value, and employment data, spanning the entire United States from 1900 to 1976, to analyze how fluctuations in prices and technology impacted the production decisions of the coal mining industry at the county level in the United States. It provides a description of how coal production, technology, and average prices changed throughout the twentieth century. It also provides evidence that coal producers responded in a significant way to variation in national and local coal prices, and that coal producers were aware, and responded at the local level, to the behavior of past coal prices.
In-Domain Representation Learning For Remote Sensing

Given the importance of remote sensing, surprisingly little attention has been paid to it by the representation learning community. To address it and to establish baselines and a common evaluation protocol in this domain, we provide simplified access to 5 diverse remote sensing datasets in a standardized form. Specifically, we investigate in-domain representation learning to develop generic remote sensing representations and explore which characteristics are important for a dataset to be a good source for remote sensing representation learning. The established baselines achieve state-of-the-art performance on these datasets.
Optimal footwear longitudinal bending stiffness to improve running economy is speed dependent

The primary footwear components of interest to improve performance are midsole material, weight, and longitudinal bending stiffness. Little is known about the effects of varied longitudinal bending...
Comparing learning approaches: sample case studies

Computer science can be a difficult curriculum and students often struggle in learning how to solve problems by programming. This paper investigates several of the more common learning approaches which have been studied and in particular discusses the use of case studies in a verification driven learning approach.
Investigation of Adaptive Synchronous Rectifier (SR) Driving Scheme for LLC/CLLC Resonant Converter in EV On-Board Chargers

For LLC/CLLC resonant converters, synchronous rectifiers (SR) are desired to be turned off at the current zerocrossing moment to avoid the additional conduction loss and the circulation current. In this paper, an adaptive SR driving scheme is proposed for LLC/CLLC resonant converter, which guarantees the ZCS turn-off of the SRs and improves the system efficiency. The proposed method senses the drain-to-source voltage of only one switch, which makes it easy to implement. Meanwhile, a simple drain-to-source voltage sensing circuit is proposed. The proposed circuit can be directly interfaced with the digital controller without any signal conditioning circuit. Moreover, external RC circuits are employed to compensate the turnon moment discrepancy between the SR and its corresponding primary side switch. A 6.6 kW/500 kHz CLLC resonant converter prototype is built, which is used as the isolated dc-dc stage for an EV on-board charger. The proposed adaptive driving scheme is validated by experimental tests.
Surgery Residents Spend Nearly 8 Months of Their 5-Year Training on the Electronic Health Record (EHR).

Objective Electronic health records (EHRs) are an integral part of the medical system and are used in all aspects of care. Despite multiple advantages of an EHR, concerns exist over the amount of time that residents spend on computers rather than in direct patient care. This study aims to quantify the time a general surgery resident spends on the EHR during their training. Design/Participants Active usage time data from our institution's EHR were extracted for 34 unique general surgery residents from October 2014 to June 2019. Career time on the EHR was calculated and a “work month” was defined as a 4-week period of 80 hours per week. Setting Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC. Results Total career EHR usage for a general surgery resident was 2512 continuous hours, corresponding to 31.4 work weeks or 7.9 work months. In total, 7133 charts were opened with an average of 20.5 minutes on the EHR per patient chart. Career time spent on specific tasks included: chart review 10.6 work weeks, documentation 10.4 work weeks, and order entry 5.4 work weeks. The total number of orders entered were 57,739 and total number of documents created were 9222. EHR time in all aspects, patient charts opened, documents created, and number of orders entered decreased as postgraduate year increased. Conclusions This is the first study quantifying the total time a general surgery resident spends on the EHR during their clinical training. Total EHR time equated to nearly 8 work months. General surgery residents spend considerable time on the EHR and this underscores the importance of implementing methods to improve EHR efficiency and maximize time for clinical training.
Estimating malaria chemoprevention and vector control coverage using program and campaign data: A scoping review of current practices and opportunities.

Background Accurate estimation of intervention coverage is a vital component of malaria program monitoring and evaluation, both for process evaluation (how well program targets are achieved), and impact evaluation (whether intervention coverage had an impact on malaria burden). There is growing interest in maximizing the utility of program data to generate interim estimates of intervention coverage in the periods between large-scale cross-sectional surveys (the gold standard). As such, this study aimed to identify relevant concepts and themes that may guide future optimization of intervention coverage estimation using routinely collected data, or data collected during and following intervention campaigns, with a particular focus on strategies to define the denominator. Methods We conducted a scoping review of current practices to estimate malaria intervention coverage for insecticide-treated nets (ITNs); indoor residual spray (IRS); intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp); mass drug administration (MDA); and seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) interventions; case management was excluded. Multiple databases were searched for relevant articles published from January 1, 2015 to June 1, 2018. Additionally, we identified and included other guidance relevant to estimating population denominators, with a focus on innovative techniques. Results While program data have the potential to provide intervention coverage data, there are still substantial challenges in selecting appropriate denominators. The review identified a lack of consistency in how coverage was defined and reported for each intervention type, with denominator estimation methods not clearly or consistently reported, and denominator estimates rarely triangulated with other data sources to present the feasible range of denominator values and consequently the range of likely coverage estimates. Conclusions Though household survey-based estimates of intervention coverage remain the gold standard, efforts should be made to further standardize practices for generating interim measurements of intervention coverage from program data, and for estimating and reporting population denominators. This includes fully describing any projections or adjustments made to existing census or population data, exploring opportunities to validate available data by comparing with other sources, and explaining how the denominator has been restricted (or not) to reflect exclusion criteria.
Skeletal muscle mitochondrial fragmentation and impaired bioenergetics from nutrient overload are prevented by carbon monoxide

Nutrient excess increases skeletal muscle oxidant production and mitochondrial fragmentation that may result in impaired mitochondrial function, a hallmark of skeletal muscle insulin resistance. This led us to explore whether an endogenous gas molecule, carbon monoxide (CO), which is thought to prevent weight gain and metabolic dysfunction in mice consuming high-fat diets, alters mitochondrial morphology and respiration in C2C12 myoblasts exposed to high glucose (15.6 mM) and high fat (250 µM BSA-palmitate) (HGHF). Also, skeletal muscle mitochondrial morphology, distribution, respiration, and energy expenditure were examined in obese resistant (OR) and obese prone (OP) rats that consumed a high-fat and high-sucrose diet for 10 wk with or without intermittent low-dose inhaled CO and/or exercise training. In cells exposed to HGHF, superoxide production, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), mitochondrial fission regulatory protein dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) and mitochondrial fragmentation increased, while mitochondrial respiratory capacity was reduced. CO decreased HGHF-induced superoxide production, Drp1 protein levels and mitochondrial fragmentation, maintained ΔΨm, and increased mitochondrial respiratory capacity. In comparison with lean OR rats, OP rats had smaller skeletal muscle mitochondria that contained disorganized cristae, a normal mitochondrial distribution, but reduced citrate synthase protein expression, normal respiratory responses, and a lower energy expenditure. The combination of inhaled CO and exercise produced the greatest effect on mitochondrial morphology, increasing ADP-stimulated respiration in the presence of pyruvate, and preventing a decline in resting energy expenditure. These data support a therapeutic role for CO and exercise in preserving mitochondrial morphology and respiration during metabolic overload.
Least Squares Geometry and the Overall ANOVA

In Chap. 7, we defined least squares estimators associated with a given model algebraically, i.e., in terms of the problem of minimizing the residual sum of squares function for the model. But least squares also have a geometric interpretation, which is demonstrated in this chapter. This additional interpretation of least squares yields new insights and suggests a decomposition of the total variability of the response vector into components attributable to the model’s mean structure and error structure, which is known as the overall analysis of variance (or overall ANOVA). It also leads to an estimator of the residual variance in the Gauss–Markov model {y, Xβ, σ2I} that is unbiased under that model.
Initial Design of a W-Band Superconducting Kinetic Inductance Qubit

Superconducting qubits are widely used in quantum computing research and industry. We describe a superconducting kinetic inductance qubit (and introduce the term Kineticon to describe it) operating at W-band frequencies with a nonlinear nanowire section that provides the anharmonicity required for two distinct quantum energy states. Operating the qubits at higher frequencies may relax the dilution refrigerator temperature requirements for these devices and paves the path for multiplexing a large number of qubits. Millimeter-wave operation requires superconductors with relatively high $T_c$ , which implies high gap frequency, 2 $\Delta /h$ , beyond which photons break Cooper pairs. For example, NbTiN with $T_c =15\,\text{K}$ has a gap frequency near 1.4 THz, which is much higher than that of aluminum (90 GHz), allowing for operation throughout the millimeter-wave band. Here we describe a design and simulation of a W-band Kineticon qubit embedded in a 3-D cavity. We perform classical electromagnetic calculations of the resulting field distributions.
Bacterial Unknown Project in the COVID-19 Era: Transition from In-Person Lab Experience to Online Environment

The eruption of the COVID-19 pandemic forced many universities to quickly transition traditional in-person laboratory courses to an online format for remote learning. Consequently, learning objectives focused on hands-on laboratory skills shifted to ones that assess skills that could be recapitulated in the online format. We have transitioned a staple experiment in most undergraduate microbiology labs, the Bacterial Unknown Project, for online delivery using the university Learning Management System. We maintained the learning objectives suited for online delivery, such as creating an experimental design for identifying an unknown bacterium and communicating scientific results, while replacing or modifying those which could not be replicated, such as demonstration of sterile techniques, with learning objectives that highlighted skills of collaboration, peer evaluation, and scientific communication. Assessment of these new and modified learning objectives demonstrated positive student learning. Additionally, an anonymous postproject survey asked students whether they perceived the online Bacterial Unknown Project had increased their skill level in the areas highlighted by the revised learning objectives. Results reflected that 80% of the students reported the Unknown Project had increased their skills in all areas evaluated.
External Training Load Monitoring and the Impact on Training Load Management in Collegiate Male Soccer Players.

ABSTRACT Gdovin, JR, Galloway, R, Tomasiello, LS, Seabolt, M, and Booker, R. External training load monitoring and the impact on training load management in collegiate male soccer players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2021-Soccer is a physically demanding sport within the National Collegiate Athletic Association and continuously increases in popularity. To ensure athletes are adequately prepared for weekly physical stressors, coaches can use global positioning system technology to monitor external workloads and exercise intensity. These data can subsequently help coaches and practitioners better implement individualized training programs to ensure athletes are properly balancing the overreaching and overtraining paradigm. Therefore, the purpose of this observational study was to retrospectively analyze 3 consecutive seasons of external workload (total and high intensity distance) and injury data, which were derived from all training sessions and matches in 46 Division-I collegiate male soccer players. A coach's interpretation sought to provide practical insight into the functionality behind load management and how it prepares athletes for the physical stressors placed on them throughout a season. Two separate 3 × 3 repeated measures ANOVAs were conducted to determine differences between total distance and distance at high-intensity with an alpha level set at 0.05. Total distance between preseason and in-season (p = 0.003), acute high-intensity distance (p < 0.001), and chronic high-intensity distance (p < 0.001) yielded significant differences. These results conclude the demands of each athlete change weekly and between seasons. It is recommended that sport coaches and practitioners develop individualized training programs by workload monitoring while considering variables such as a team's style of play, experience, position, role within a program, training intensity, and the length of time between conditioning sessions, practices, and matches.
Water Rights Analysis Package Modeling System

The water rights analysis package simulates surface water development, allocation, management, and use and performs reliability and frequency analyses of simulation results. The computer modeling system facilitates assessments of hydrologic and institutional water availability and reliability in satisfying requirements for reservoir storage, water supply diversions, environmental instream flows, and hydroelectric energy generation. Reservoir system operations for flood control can be simulated. Capabilities are also provided for tracking salinity concentrations. Basin-wide impacts of water resources development projects and management practices are modeled. The modeling system is generalized for application anywhere, with input datasets being developed for particular river systems of concern. The water availability modeling system maintained by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and routinely applied by the professional water management community consists of the water rights analysis package and simulation input datasets for all of the river basins of Texas. Model-users modify the input datasets as appropriate to evaluate alternative water use scenarios, development projects, and management strategies of interest. This paper explores concepts and methodologies incorporated in the water rights analysis package and other comparable modeling systems, implementation of water availability modeling in Texas, and contributions to effective water management.
Influence of aqueous ionic strength upon liquid:liquid interfacial structure and microsolvation

Abstract Ionic strength of an aqueous solution is often used to alter the efficacy of industrial processes that rely upon liquid:liquid phase boundaries (e.g. solvent extraction), however there is little understanding of how this condition may alter the properties of the phase boundary itself. The current work examines the interfacial structure and processes within the biphasic system (NaNO3)aq:n-hexane from 0 to 10 M NaNO3 at 298 K and 1 atm pressure. The extent of ion-pairing was quantified, alongside the primary solvation environments of both water and ions. Ion concentration was found to be depressed in the interfacial region relative to the bulk, and as such there is less likelihood of the formation of contact ion-pairs or ion-clusters at the interface. This in turn, leads to the interesting observation of more hydrogen bonds per water at the interface than in the bulk. At 10 M NaNO3 enough ions are present at the interface to severely perturb the mesoscopic interfacial properties of width and tension (the latter doubling in size relative to the neat water interface with n-hexane). Chemical theories, like the Kelvin equation and its analogs for liquid:vapor interfaces, would intuit that such a large change in interfacial tension should influence the microsolvation processes of the immiscible solvents (microsolvation being the rare event where water can penetrate n-hexane and n-hexane may penetrate and be fully solvated by water). However, there is no statistical difference between the concentrations of water and n-hexane in their respective co-solvents as a function of interfacial tension in these non-ideal solutions. Based upon these data, the ability of electrolyte concentration to alter transport across the interface does not appear to be related to the perturbation imparted by the electrolyte upon the interfacial properties themselves.
Factors associated with students' parking-pass purchase decisions: Evidence from an American University

The primary objective of this research is to provide an in-depth understanding about factors affecting university students' parking-pass purchase decisions by integrating concepts and variables developed in various disciplines. A sample of 2253 undergraduate students at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) collected through a web-based survey is used for this study. Results from cross-tabulation analysis and logistic regression indicate that parking-pass purchase decisions are largely determined by students' car ownership, daily car-use habits, and faster mobility needs despite viable alternatives. Conversely purchase decisions have little relation to gender, race/ethnicity, income, and environmental concerns. Holding a parking pass fulfilled students' aspirations seeking safety, reliability, flexibility, spontaneity, and mobility. Most importantly, socio-economic status and psychological motives of car use have the greatest magnitude of predicting parking-permit purchases, while the built environment where students live has a minor influence.
Temporal Interpolation of Spatially Dynamic Polygons

In this study we compare two methods of interpolating simple metrics from polygons that change over time. Conventional methodology involves computing values of the metrics at points in time where the polygon is observed, and interpolating between these observed values to estimate values at other points in time. An alternative method applies interpolation techniques to the locations of vertices composing polygons are interpolated between observations and metrics are computed from the interpolated polygon shapes. We conducted a Monte Carlo simulation of both techniques using simulated polygons composed of varying numbers of vertices, which were allowed to move randomly over varying numbers of discrete time periods. We observed differences in the success of the two methods when applied to three metrics: Area, Perimeter, and Area/Perimeter Ratio. We found the two techniques to perform differently depending upon the metric being interpolated. Full results are presented and possible reasons why the techniques succeeded or failed under various conditions are discussed.
Structure of the human spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase gene

Abstract The super induction of spermidine/spermine N 1 -acetyltransferase (SSAT), has been implicated in the cytotoxic response of human solid tumors to the bis(ethyl)polyamines. The SSAT response is a phenotype specific response and is modulated at the level of increased steady-state mRNA levels and enzyme protein. The human genomic region (4,095 bases) containing the coding sequence of SSAT has been cloned and localized to the Xp22.1 region. Primer extension analysis indicates the transcription of SSAT starts 179 bases upstream from the translational start site and appears to be under the control of a “TATA-less” promoter. The availability of this human clone will facilitate the direct functional examination of the SSAT gene.
Testimony Before United States House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services on Proposed Consumer Financial Protection Agency

This testimony addresses the proposal of the Obama Administration to create a new Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA) which would have the authority to issue and enforce new regulations related to consumer lending products. This testimony criticizes the proposal on three grounds. First, the basis for the proposal is based on misguided paternalism that arises from a fundamental misunderstanding about the causes of the consumer element of the financial crisis. While there were undoubtedly cases of fraud by borrowers against lenders and lenders against borrowers, the fundamental cause of the crisis was misaligned incentives, not consumer protection problems. Lenders made many foolish loans that created the crisis — but those loans were foolish because they failed to consider the incentives that they created when interest rates rose, home prices fell, and their interaction with other state laws. As a result, they created major safety and soundness concerns, but not major consumer protection problems. Second, by detaching consumer protection issues from safety and soundness concerns, the CFPA will likely produce unintended consequences that could lead to more foreclosures, less product innovation, and higher prices and reduced choice for consumers. In particular, proposals to ban prepayment penalties on home mortgages would likely increase foreclosures and new regulations on mortgage brokers will lead to reduced competition and higher prices for consumers. Third, the CFPA will create a new bureaucracy prone to the same dysfunctions and information problems of any other bureaucracy. A new bureaucracy of this sort is not necessary.
Treatment Patterns, Costs, and Survival among Medicare-Enrolled Elderly Patients Diagnosed with Advanced Stage Gastric Cancer: Analysis of a Linked Population-Based Cancer Registry and Administrative Claims Database.

PURPOSE To assess real-world treatment patterns, health care utilization, costs, and survival among Medicare enrollees with locally advanced/unresectable or metastatic gastric cancer receiving standard first-line chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a retrospective analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare linked database (2000~2009). The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) first diagnosed with locally advanced/unresectable or metastatic gastric cancer between July 1, 2000 and December 31, 2007 (first diagnosis defined the index date); (2) ≥65 years of age at index; (3) continuously enrolled in Medicare Part A and B from 6 months before index through the end of follow-up, defined by death or the database end date (December 31, 2009), whichever occurred first; and (4) received first-line treatment with fluoropyrimidine and/or a platinum chemo-therapy agent. RESULTS In total, 2,583 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age at index was 74.8±6.0 years. Over 90% of patients died during follow-up, with a median survival of 361 days for the overall post-index period and 167 days for the period after the completion of first-line chemotherapy. The mean total gastric cancer-related cost per patient over the entire post-index follow-up period was United States dollar (USD) 70,808±56,620. Following the completion of first-line chemotherapy, patients receiving further cancer-directed treatment had USD 25,216 additional disease-related costs versus patients receiving supportive care only (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The economic burden of advanced gastric cancer is substantial. Extrapolating based on published incidence estimates and staging distributions, the estimated total disease-related lifetime cost to Medicare for the roughly 22,200 patients expected to be diagnosed with this disease in 2014 approaches USD 300 millions.
The Study of Chinese Philosophy in the English Speaking World

This paper proposes that the study of Chinese philosophy in the English speaking world has evolved in the three stages, i.e., the stage of preliminary introduction, the stage of communication, and the stage of deep study. The paper also tentatively investigates how problematic methodology in the study of Chinese philosophy and the prevalent conception of philosophy contribute to the marginalization of Chinese philosophy in the English speaking world and suggests some possible ways for the study of Chinese philosophy to emerge from the current difficult situation. At the end this paper emphasizes that no matter whether the study of Chinese philosophy can make the English speaking philosophical world accept Chinese philosophy as genuine philosophy, increased understanding and appreciation of the important and unique contribution of Chinese philosophy is its significant accomplishment nevertheless.
Two Improved Coherent Optical Feedback Systems For Optical Information Processing

Coherent optical feedback systems are Fabry-Perot interferometers modified to perform optical information processing. Two new systems based on plane parallel and confocal Fabry-Perot interferometers are introduced. The plane parallel system can be used for contrast control, intensity level selection, and image thresholding. The confocal system can be used for image restoration and solving partial differential equations. These devices are simpler and less expensive than previous systems. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate their potential for optical information processing.
Human subjects have rights, too

Biologist Jared Diamond is being sued by people he studied. The case has serious lessons for all field researchers, says Daniel Everett
Citigroup and Gateway Community and Technical College Form Partnership to Develop Creative Workforce Solutions

The Gateway Center is a business partnership that provides needed training for industry profitability by increasing the number of employees who seek postsecondary education. The program also focuse...
A Systematic Study of Iron Control Chemicals Used During Well Stimulation

A new type of experimental procedure was used to study iron control chemicals (citric acid, nitrilotriacetic acid and acetic acid) in acidizing treatments at temperatures from 25 to 95°C. This procedure gives plots of iron in solution versus equilibrium pH, while previous work has generally studied iron concentration in completely spent acid solutions. Hydrochloric acid concentrations of 7.5 to 28 wt%, sodium chloride concentrations of 0 to 5 wt%, and iron (III) concentrations from 1,000 to 10,000 ppm were examined with varying concentrations of commonly used iron control chemicals. A systematic study of this kind has not previously been reported in the literature. The following new results were found: 1. Iron (III) hydroxide precipitated from spent acid at much lower values of pH than is generally believed in the literature. The general belief is that iron (III) hydroxide precipitation begins at a pH of about 2.2 and is complete at a pH of 3.3. From experimental results, precipitation begins at pH values of about 1 and is nearly complete by pH 2 at 25°C. 2. As the temperature was increased, iron (III) became significantly less soluble in the spent acid. This means that iron (III) hydroxide precipitation is potentially more damaging to the formation than generally believed. 3. Time-dependent iron precipitation can occur in the absence of iron control chemicals. 4. Time-dependent precipitation of ferric/calcium complexes with nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and citric acid was found. In partially spent acid, precipitation of previously unreported complexes containing iron/calcium/chelating agent in a 1/1/1 mole ratio was observed. This behavior is important because of potential formation damage during the acidizing treatment itself, or during shut-in of the well after stimulation. 5. Synergism with citric acid/acetic acid mixtures was found. These two iron control chemicals were able to prevent iron precipitation better in combination than individually.
Quantization sidelobes of a phased array with a triangular element arrangement

In order to be able to restrict grating lobes from real space with fewer radiating elements, the triangular rather than rectangular radiating element arrangement is frequently selected. The price is the admission to real space of grating-lobe quantization sidelobes.
Do school and teacher characteristics matter? Evidence from High School and Beyond

Abstract This paper uses data from the High School and Beyond longitudinal study. We estimate the extent to which school characteristics and teacher characteristics influence the probability that public school students drop out of high school between their sophomore and senior years and, for those who do not drop out, whether these characteristics influence the extent to which students' scores on achievement tests increase during the 2-year period. The paper allows for the possibility that school and teacher characteristics are the result of both parent and teacher choices. It also statistically controls for the fact that “gain scores” are available only for students who did not drop out. School and teacher characteristics generally appear to influence gain scores more than they do drop-out probabilities. Students' gain scores are higher when teachers come from more selective institutions. The “selectivity” of a teacher's school may reflect intelligence or verbal ability, and analyses indicate that districts that pay higher salaries attract teachers from more selective institutions.
Frequency domain optimal control strategies for aseismic protection

The application of frequency domain techniques for optimal control of civil engineering structures under seismic loading is described in this paper. The H2 and H gamma control techniques are described in terms of a general block diagram problem formulation. Numerical examples illustrate the application and delineate the advantages of the methodology. It is shown that frequency domain design methods can be effectively used to optimally control a structure using output feedback of acceleration measurements, and to selectively shape the output structural response in a desirable manner.
Control of LTR transcription by SWI/SNF BAF and PBAF complexes

The transcription of HTLV-1 LTR is a highly regulated process by the organized chromatin structure within a cell's nucleus; chromatin is folded into compact fibers (30-400 nm thick), which physically prevents the accessibility of cellular promoters by transcriptional machinery. A variety of enzymes and protein complexes are present in the cell to mediate the opening” and “closing” of chromatin structure to allow for viral and cellular processes to occur. This chromatin remodeling occurs through two major mechanisms: covalent epigenetic modifications of N-terminal histone tails and ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes (CRCs). HTLV-1 Tax has been shown by us and others to effectively regulate both steps. Here, we will discuss the effect of BAF and PBAF using a series of siRNA experiments for both basal and activated transcription. We observed that BAF complexes are regulated by phosphorylation of Baf 53 subunit (possibly by pTEF-b) and PBAF complexes substitute the negative inhibitory BAF complexes needed for activated transcription. We believe that Baf 53 activity is through closing of the chromatin structure at the transcription start site and that PBAF is able to aid in elongation by communicating with p300/PCAF and histone acetylated tails. Implications of these complexes in transcription for both viral and cellular genes will be discussed.
Peptides, Endothelium, and Pulmonary Vascular Reactivity*

The lung contains a number of active peptides that can influence endothelial and smooth muscle function. At least two of these peptides are metabolized by endothelium, and endothelium is required for the vasodilator action of several peptides. A vasodilator peptide, VIP, may be the transmitter of the nonadrenergic, noncholinergic system, the major component of neurogenic relaxation of pulmonary vessels.
A Bok globule in the Orion nebula

An area scanner coupled with a monochromator was used to study the variation of the first four Balmer lines across a globule seen projected on the Orion nebula. The analysis demonstrates the reality of the globule and allows an estimate of the amount of foreground emission. A mass is derived for the globule between 0.002 and 0.0033 M ⊙ under various assumptions. We thus conclude that the globule is too low in mass to be a protostar. Observations in the near-infrared would be useful to refine these estimates
Fiber Optic Component Tests In High Speed Data Bus Applications

A series of tests was performed to evaluate off-the-shelf components for the design of a fiber optic channel for the Nascom System Improvements Project in support of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. This paper describes the results of this series of tests, establishing operational performance of active and passive fiber optic components at data rates up to 150 Mb/s. These tests determine the transmission characteristics of the fiber optic transmitters and receivers and the effects of data rate, bit pattern sensitivity, and vestigial optical energy on the performance of these devices. Tests were also performed to evaluate the capability of fused biconical couplers to Function properly at these high data rates.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
New limit on independence of charge and velocity

Suppose that the charge of a slow electron (or proton) varies as q = e (1 + kv/sup 2//c/sup 2/), where abs. value of k <; 1 and v is the velocity of the moving charge. A strict limit on abs. value of k may be inferred from the observed neutrality of atoms. In particular this neutrality persists despite the moderately fast speeds of the protons in light nuclei. Using King's data on the neutrality of He and D/sub 2/, we determine that abs. value of k < 8 x 10/sup -19/. This limit represents a factor of 250 improvement from a previous result.
Superaccurate finite element eigenvalues via a Rayleigh quotient correction

Abstract The consistent finite element formulation of the vibration problem generates upper bounds on the corresponding exact eigenvalues but requires the solution of the highly expensive general algebraic eigenproblem Kx = λ Mx with a global matrix M that is of the same sparsity pattern as the global stiffness K. The lumped, diagonal, mass matrix finite element formulation is no longer variationally correct but results in a simplified algebraic eigenproblem of comparable accuracy. We may write the mass matrix as a linear matrix function, M ( γ ) = M 1 + γ M 2 , of parameter γ such that M ( γ = 1 ) is the (diagonal) lumped mass matrix and M ( γ = 0 ) is the consistent mass matrix. It has been shown that an optimal γ exists between these two states which results in superaccurate eigenvalues. What detracts from the appeal of this approach is that the superior accuracy thus achieved comes at the hefty price of having to solve the still general algebraic eigenproblem with a nondiagonal mass matrix. In this note we show that the same superior accuracy can be had by first computing an eigenvector u from Ku = λ Du , in which D = M 1 + M 2 is the lumped, diagonal, mass matrix, and then obtaining the corresponding, superaccurate, eigenvalue from the Rayleigh quotient R [ u ] = u T Ku / u T M ( γ ) u , M ( γ ) = M 1 + γ M 2 for an optimal γ .
Specific lectins map the distribution of fibronectin and β1-integrin on living MDCK cells

The expression and dynamics of bound fibronectin and the sialylated integral membrane protein, beta 1-integrin, were analyzed on the apical membrane of living MDCK cells. Fibronectin was identified by its specific binding of fluorescent peanut agglutinin and sialylated beta 1-integrin by its binding of Sambucus nigra agglutinin. Confocal epifluorescence microscopy and laser scanning cytometry determined the distribution and abundance of binding sites of the two fluorescently labeled lectins. Both fibronectin and beta 1-integrin were restricted to specific regions uniformly distributed over the entire apical surface. Apical-surface fibronectin binding varied much more between cells than did the expression of beta 1-integrin. Sialylated beta 1-integrin colocalized >92% with membrane microplicae while fibronectin was unrelated to these surface structures. This lack of colocalization of the proteins was confirmed by double-labeling experiments. From the maturation dependence of the fibronectin-binding capacity and the differences in protein turnover times, it was evident that fibronectin did not bind to sialylated beta 1-integrin. Furthermore, desialylation of beta 1-integrin uncovered additional fibronectin receptors on the apical membrane. We conclude that these lectins permit tracking of two membrane-associated glycoproteins in living cells and that fibronectin binds only to desialylated beta 1-integrin on MDCK cells.
Prostate Cancer Detection Using Crawling Wave Sonoelastography

Crawling wave (CrW) sonoelastography is an elasticity imaging technique capable of estimating the localized shear wave speed in tissue and, therefore, can provide a quantitative estimation of the Young's modulus for a given vibration frequency. In this paper, this technique is used to detect cancer in excised human prostates and to provide quantitative estimations of the viscoelastic properties of cancerous and normal tissues. Image processing techniques are introduced to compensate for attenuation and reflection artifacts of the CrW images. Preliminary results were obtained with fifteen prostate glands after radical prostatectomy. The glands were vibrated at 100, 120 and 140Hz. At each frequency, three cross-sections of the gland (apex, mid-gland and base) were imaged using CrW Sonoelastography and compared to corresponding histological slices. Results showed good spatial correspondence with histology and an 80% accuracy in cancer detection. In addition, shear velocities for cancerous and normal tissues were estimated as 4.75±0.97 m/s and 3.26±0.87 m/s, respectively.
Model for ion-exchange equilibria of macromolecules in preparative chromatography.

Abstract An adsorption model based on the stoichiometric displacement principle was developed for the non-linear ion-exchange of macromolecules. In this model, the adsorbed phase is a non-ideal surface solution in equilibrium with a non-ideal bulk liquid, and non-idealities in both phases are quantified in terms of activity coefficient corrections. The equilibrium model accounts for the shape and charge of the adsorbates, lateral interactions on the surface and the effects of modulating salts. Practical methods were developed for evaluating model coefficients, and the model was applied to overloaded elution chromatography of bovine serum albumin. It is shown that non-idealities in the liquid phase and lateral interactions on the surface strongly influence elution profiles.
The influence of noise type and level upon stochastic resonance in human audition

The present study examined the extent to which noise type and fine differentiations in noise level produced improvements in auditory threshold via the mechanism of stochastic resonance. Participants' thresholds for a sinusoidal signal (2.0 kHz) were estimated using a three interval forced choice task. These measures were obtained in quiet, in the presence of Gaussian noise, and in the presence of uniform (flat spectrum, zero-mean amplitude distribution) noise. The noises were presented at several levels from audible to inaudible (0.0 to -35.0 dB/Hz). The present results show that thresholds improved by a small, but significant, amount for noise levels just below subjects' thresholds and that these improvements are not due solely to a simple summation of power between the signal and the noise. In addition, a subset of subjects showed larger and significant threshold increases at very low noise levels (-30.0 to -35.0 dB/Hz). The outcomes suggest that either Gaussian or uniform noise produces equivalent threshold improvements, SR may already be nearly optimized in persons with normal hearing, and that the maximum benefit possible from SR occurs over a narrow range of noise levels.
Cocrystals of Quercetin with Improved Solubility and Oral Bioavailability

Flavonoids have been studied extensively due to the observation that diets rich in these compounds are associated with lower incidences of many diseases. One of the most studied flavonoids, quercetin, is also the most abundant of these compounds in the plant kingdom. Numerous therapeutic bioactivities have been identified in vitro. However, its in vivo efficacy in pure form is limited by poor bioavailability, primarily due to its low solubility and consequent low absorption in the gut. Cocrystallization has gained attention recently as a means for improving the physicochemical characteristics of a compound. Here, we synthesized and evaluated four new cocrystals of quercetin (QUE): quercetin:caffeine (QUECAF), quercetin:caffeine:methanol (QUECAF·MeOH), quercetin:isonicotinamide (QUEINM), and quercetin:theobromine dihydrate (QUETBR·2H2O). Each of these cocrystals exhibited pharmacokinetic properties that are vastly superior to those of quercetin alone. Cocrystallization was able to overcome the water insolu...
Temperature And Vibration Tests On Multimode Fused Star Couplers

The temperature and vibration effects on the performance of multimode fused couplers is presently of concern to designers of fiber optic systems. To learn more about the performance of biconical taper couplers in certain environments, temperature and vibration tests were made on multiport star couplers according to some of the procedures in three military standard tests. An operating temperature test and a thermal shock test was made from +20°C to +85°C and from -20°C to +90°C, respectively. A vibration test was performed according to MIL-STD-5422. The three star couplers tested were fabricated at Aetna Telecommunications Laboratories and have 100/140 um core/clad diameter graded index fiber. The results of measurements made during temperature and vibration tests indicate that multiport fused couplers are stable, rugged and reliable components when properly packaged and assembled.
A Unique Vγ5-T-cell population in the murine mammary gland

Abstract Mammary epithelia and the epidermis share a common embryologic origin. Like resident epidermal T cells (ETC), a significant number of murine mammary gland T cells (MTC) express Vγ5-T-cell receptors (TCR). MTC were assessed to see if they express the same invariant Vγ5/Vδ1-TCRs as those of ETC. MTC-derived hybridomas, positive for Vγ5-TCRs, expressed Vδ5 instead of Vδ1. Additionally, they showed non-germline additions in the γ-TCR and δ-TCR junctions, sharing among them an identical 19-nucleotide N-region in the δ-TCR junctions. Vγ5-TCR and Vδ5-TCR gene sequences from fresh peripartum MTC also contained variable N-regions, including a 7-nucleotide N-region similar to one found in the hybridomas. Thus, Vγ5-TCR+ MTC are distinct from Vγ5-TCR+ ETC by expressing variable non-canonical TCRs, predicting differences in the two T-cell populations in ligand specificity and in function.
Rethinking Historical Criticism

The present paper seeks to provide a programmatic introduction to some of the major themes of historicist literary study and to explore how this body of work may help biblical scholars rethink historical criticism as a specifically literary method of study and reading. It advocates a program of literary study in which biblical historical criticism, with its strong insistence on the need to historicize and with the various philological practices which it uses to accomplish this feat of historicization, continues to play a central and essential role, but recognizes, as well, the pressing need to rethink and to retheorize the objectivist and foundationalist assumptions which have informed and motivated historical-critical practices in the past, and to facilitate the integration of the full panoply of literary methods, theories, and strategies of reading currently employed by literary scholars.
Profound Hypoglycemia With MDMA (Ecstasy) Intoxication

Background. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or ecstasy is a synthetic drug that is commonly abused for its stimulant and euphoric effects. Adverse MDMA effects include hyperthermia, psychomotor agitation, hemodynamic compromise, renal failure, hyponatremia, and coma. However, endogenous hyperinsulinemia with severe persistent hypoglycemia has not been reported with MDMA use. Case Report. We report the case of a 29-year-old woman who remained severely hypoglycemic requiring continuous intravenous infusion of high-dose dextrose solutions for more than 24 hours after MDMA intoxication. Serum insulin and C-peptide levels confirmed marked endogenous hyperinsulinemia as the cause of the severe hypoglycemia. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Immediate and frequent monitoring of blood glucose should be instituted in patients presenting with MDMA ingestion particularly if found to be initially hypoglycemic. Early recognition can help prevent the deleterious effects of untreated hypoglycemia that can add to the morbidity from MDMA use. Clinicians need to be aware of this side effect of MDMA so they can carefully monitor and treat it, especially in patients presenting with altered mental status.