cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fluorescence in fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae): using sentinel prey to investigate a possible aposematic signal

While fireflies are most renowned for their bioluminescent signals, several species also have been shown to possess UV and blue-induced fluorescence. In a field study, we used a sentinel prey approach to investigate whether this trait might serve as an aposematic function in chemically defended fireflies. We also examined and provide the first detailed description of green and red patterns of blue light-induced fluorescence in the adults and larvae of Ellychnia corrusca (L.) (Coleoptera: Lampyridae). We placed artificial prey models with and without fluorescent markings in a forested area of Belmont, Massachusetts, USA, where they were exposed to natural predators. Clay models were styled to resemble Photinus fireflies, the most common firefly genus in this area, and a close relative of Ellychnia. The field study was conducted from Oct through May in Belmont, Massachusetts; this is the period when adults of the diurnal non-luminescent firefly E. corrusca are overwintering on trees. We observed considerable seasonal variation in attack rates, and marks on the clay models indicated they were attacked by avian, mammal, and arthropod predators. However, no difference was seen between fluorescent and non-fluorescent models in predator attack rates. This suggests that fireflies' fluorescent markings do not serve as an aposematic signal, at least for the predator guild active in New England woodlands.
Utilising Poetry Dynamic Criteria Mapping (PDCM) to analyse how comparable liberal arts institutions evaluate poetry

In We Need To Talk: A New Method for Evaluating Poetry (2018), Michael Theune and Bob Broad present a study that uses a version of their ‘Poetry Dynamic Criteria Mapping’ (PDCM) methodology to empi...
On the invariance of polarization propagators at SOPPA level of approach under unitary transformations of MOs

Abstract Polarization propagators can be identified with linear responses of a system to external/internal perturbing fields, being that responses experimentally measurable. Then, approximated and reliable calculations with propagators requires to fulfill some well defined constraints like the invariance under unitary transformations, UT. Polarization propagators are not invariant under UT of molecular orbitals at second-order, known as SOPPA. We found the origin of such non invariance and propose a modification to partially cure this deficiency. Calculations with the original SOPPA model and the new one of NMR shieldings in small saturated and unsaturated systems show that differences appears for the unsaturated ones.
103 Inclusion of a Dap10 costimulatory domain enhances anti-tumor efficacy of chimeric PD1-expressing T cells in multiple types of solid tumors

Background Adoptive transfer of T cells is a promising anti-tumor therapy for many cancers. To enhance tumor recognition by T cells, chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) consisting of signaling domains fused to receptors that recognize tumor antigens can be expressed in T cells. One receptor that is a prospective target for a new chimeric antigen receptor is PD1 because the ligands for the PD1 receptor are expressed on many cancer types. Therefore, we developed a murine chimeric PD1 receptor (chPD1) consisting of the PD1 receptor extracellular domain and the activation domain of CD3 zeta. In addition, current chimeric antigen receptor therapies utilize various costimulatory domains to enhance anti-tumor efficacy. Therefore, we also compared the inclusion of CD28, Dap10, 4-1BB, GITR, ICOS, or OX40 costimulatory domains in the chPD1 receptor to determine which costimulatory domain induced optimal anti-tumor immunity. Methods To determine if this novel CAR could potentially target a wide variety of tumors, the anti-tumor efficacy of chPD1 T cells against murine lymphoma, melanoma, kidney, pancreatic, liver, colon, breast, ovarian, prostate, and bladder cancer cell lines was measured. Results Of the eighteen cell lines tested, all expressed PD1 ligands on their cell surface, making them potential targets for chPD1 T cells. Regardless of the costimulatory domain in the CAR, all of the chPD1 T cells induced similar levels of T cell proliferation and tumor cell lysis. However, differences were observed in the cytokine secretion profiles depending on which costimulatory receptor was included in the CAR. While most of the chPD1 T cell receptor combinations secreted both pro-inflammatory (IFNγ, TNFα, IL-2, GM-CSF, IL-17, and IL-21) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10), chPD1 T cells containing a Dap10 costimulatory domain secreted high levels of proinflammatory cytokines but did not secrete a significant amount of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, T cells expressing chPD1 receptors with a Dap10 domain also had the strongest anti-tumor efficacy in vivo. ChPD1 T cells did not survive for longer than 14 days in vivo, however treatment with chPD1 T cells induced long-lived protective host-anti-tumor immune responses in tumor-bearing mice. Conclusions Therefore, adoptive transfer of chPD1 T cells could be a novel therapeutic strategy to treat multiple types of cancer and inclusion of the Dap10 costimulatory domain in chimeric antigen receptors may induce a preferential cytokine profile for anti-tumor therapies. Ethics Approval The study was approved by Longwood University’s IACUC.
Cardiomyocyte-specific Txnip C247S mutation improves left ventricular functional reserve in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

Thioredoxin-interacting protein (Txnip) has been of great interest as a molecular mechanism to mediate diabetic organ damage. Here, we provide novel evidence that a single mutation of Txnip confers...
A prospective, comprehensive registry that integrates the molecular analysis of pediatric and adolescent melanocytic lesions.

Background Childhood melanocytic tumors represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, and additional research is needed to better define the natural history of these tumors. Methods The authors developed a comprehensive, prospective registry called Molecular Analysis of Childhood Melanocytic Tumors for children and adolescents with an atypical Spitz tumor/Spitz melanoma (AST/SM), conventional or adult-type melanoma (CM), melanoma arising in a giant congenital nevus (MCM), or atypical melanocytic proliferation of other types (OT) to better define the clinical behavior of these lesions by incorporating an integrated clinicopathologic and molecular analysis using centralized pathology review and various platforms, including fluorescence in situ hybridization; array comparative genomic hybridization; and whole genome, exome, and capture targeted panels. Results From May 2016 to November 2019, 70 children were enrolled with a median age at diagnosis of 9.1 years. Thirty-seven had AST/SM, 17 had CM, 4 had MCM, and 12 had OT. Patients with AST/SM were younger (median age, 7 years), and their tumor most commonly arose in the extremities and trunk. The most common gene rearrangements included MAP3K8 and ALK. None of the 33 patients who underwent a TERT promoter mutation analysis had a mutation, and all patients were alive. Among the CM patients, the median age was 13 years; 11 had a BRAFV600E mutation, and 7 had a TERT promoter mutation. Three patients died of their disease. All 4 patients with MCM harbored an NRASQ61 mutation and died of their disease. The OT group was heterogenous, and all patients survived. Conclusions The incorporation of an integrated clinicopathologic and genomic analysis identifies distinct subgroups of pediatric melanocytic lesions that have different clinical behaviors. The integration of this combined diagnostic modality can help to individualize diagnoses and treatments for these patients.
Neurophysiologic Complexity in Children Increases with Developmental Age and Is Reduced by General Anesthesia

Background Neurophysiologic complexity in the cortex has been shown to reflect changes in the level of consciousness in adults but remains incompletely understood in the developing brain. This study aimed to address changes in cortical complexity related to age and anesthetic state transitions. This study tested the hypotheses that cortical complexity would (1) increase with developmental age and (2) decrease during general anesthesia. Methods This was a single-center, prospective, cross-sectional study of healthy (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II) children (n = 50) of age 8 to 16 undergoing surgery with general anesthesia at Michigan Medicine. This age range was chosen because it reflects a period of substantial brain network maturation. Whole scalp (16-channel), wireless electroencephalographic data were collected from the preoperative period through the recovery of consciousness. Cortical complexity was measured using the Lempel-Ziv algorithm and analyzed during the baseline, premedication, maintenance of general anesthesia, and clinical recovery periods. The effect of spectral power on Lempel-Ziv complexity was analyzed by comparing the original complexity value with those of surrogate time series generated through phase randomization that preserves power spectrum. Results Baseline spatiotemporal Lempel-Ziv complexity increased with age (yr; slope [95% CI], 0.010 [0.004, 0.016]; P Conclusions Cortical complexity increased with developmental age and decreased during general anesthesia. This association remained significant when controlling for spectral changes during anesthetic-induced perturbations in consciousness but not with developmental age.
Nocturnal Seizures Mimic REM Behavior Disorder

ABSTRACTDistinction of nocturnal seizures and REM behavior disorder is traditionally based on historical features or stereotypical behaviors, time of night, and ability to recall dream imagery during the episode. We present a patient who had dream enactment that typically occurred between 4:00 and 6:00 a.m. and correlated with a rhythmical electroencephalographic discharge in the frontal region. This case demonstrates that patients who are resistant to therapy for typical symptoms of REM behavior disorder should be evaluated for possible nocturnal seizures.
Implementation of Model Predictive Control for Glucose Regulation on a General Purpose Microprocessor

In order to effectively control nonlinear and multivariable models, and to incorporate constraints on system states, inputs and outputs (bounds, rate of change), a suitable (sometimes necessary) controller is Model Predictive Control (MPC), also known as receding horizon control and moving horizon control. For processes with slow dynamics and low sampling rates, MPC is typically implemented on a dedicated workstation. In this work we present the implementation of MPC on a general-purpose processor, providing a low-cost, low-power consumption and small in size implementation. In order to test the performance of the embedded MPC we examine a glucose regulation problem. Additionally, profiling results of the performance of the processor are provided.
Stationarity and invertibility regions for low order starma models

The building of STARMA, space-time autoregressive moving average, models requires a working knowledge of the conditions under which a particular model represents a stationary process. Constraints on the parameter space that ensure stationarity are developed for all STARMA models of autoregressive temporal order le*ss than or equal to two and spatial order less than or equalto one when the model form utilizes scaled weights. Invertibility conditions for these same models are also given.
The Friedel and Crafts Reaction with Aliphatic Dibasic Acid Anhydrides

The Friedel-Crafts reaction between an aliphatic dibasic anhydride and an aromatic group results in the formation of an aroyl fatty acid with the aroyl group situated at the last carbon atom of an aliphatic chain. Since the lowest know dibasic anhydride is succinic anhydride, the number of methylene groups between the carboxyl group and the carbonyl group cannot be less than two. Since the time of the original reaction, it has been extended to include substituted succinic and maleic anhydride, glutaric anhydride, and the polymeric anhydrides of higher dibasic acids. Such as adipic acid or sebacic acid. The basic and extended reactions are discussed in this chapter. Keywords: Friedel-Crafts reaction; aliphatic dibasic anhydrides; succinic anhydrides; polymeric anydrides; glutaric anhdyride; maleic anhdydride; derivatives; orientation
Toward a Perspective-Dependent Theory of Audit Probability for Tax Compliance Models

The classic deterrence theory model of income tax evasion first articulated in 1972 has met significant criticism because it does not comport with the observed rate of tax compliance. This article argues that the classic expected utility model and its various progeny, including nonexpected utility models, employ too general a notion of taxpayers’ probability of audit by equating the latter to the frequency with which the government audits tax returns. Given that audit probabilities vary significantly based on whether taxpayers underreport tax on their returns, these models should be revised to reflect the conditional nature of audit probability from the taxpayers’ perspective. If one applies this perspective-dependent definition of audit probability to both expected and nonexpected utility models, the theoretical results will more closely reflect the observed rate of tax compliance.
Properties and safety of cervical dilators

Characteristics of cervical dilation produced by the new osmotic dilator, laminaria, and rigid (metal or plastic) dilators were compared. The osmotic dilator (Lamicel) is an open-porosity polyvinyl alcohol sponge loaded with magnesium sulfate and compressed into a rod. Pressures exerted by the Lamicel and laminaria tents were measured by placing them in a short elastic collar to simulate the cervical canal and allowing them to swell in water. At maximum dilation of the collar, the laminaria exerted 190 kPa (kPa = kilopascals; 6.895 kPa = 1 pound force/square inch), and the osmotic dilator, 14 kPa. The pressure that may be applied to the cervical canal with rigid dilators may be as much as 700 kPa. Because the Lamicel dilates the cervix passively and is as effective as laminaria, it appears to be the safest method of cervical dilation.
Investigation of CCD-digicon detector system characteristics

The reported investigation was undertaken with the aim to develop state-of-the-art detector technology for use in astronomical observations. Basic properties of the Digicon concept are to be extended to the two-dimensional capabilities of CCDs. The basic CCD-Digicon tube configuration utilizes a thinned, backside-illuminated CCD in place of the linear, discrete diode array at the back end of a windowed space telescope (ST) design Digicon tube. It is pointed out that the detector system built around the considered device promises to exhibit high photometric accuracy in combination with large numbers of uniform independent resolution elements. Potential applications include space astronomy missions with capability for observations extending into the extreme ultraviolet spectral region. Attention is given to continuing investigations into the characteristics of CCD response to backside photoelectron bombardment, taking into account the development of charge pulse centroiding readout techniques in combination with magnetic deflection substepping.
The Drone War: Pakistani Public Opposition to American Drone Strikes in Pakistan

The United States has made weaponized Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), or armed drones, a major part of its fight against Al Qaeda and the Afghan and Pakistani Taliban, using them to carry out targeted killings on both Afghan and Pakistani territory. This paper explores the individual-level determinants of opposition to drone strikes on Pakistani territory. While the targets of the drone strikes are ostensibly Islamist militants, who mobilize religion to attract supporters to their cause, this paper argues that the principal grounds of opposition to the drone strikes in Pakistan are not religious in nature. Instead, most Pakistanis oppose the strikes because their only knowledge of them comes from highly negative coverage in the elite media. This study employs data from the 2010 Pew Global Attitudes Project. The paper tests the argument made here against alternative explanations using a Heckman probit model and finds that the argument is supported by the data analysis.
Classification Strategy to Identify and Classify Common Cracks in Green-State Powdered Metallurgy Compacts

The presence of and/or the potential for cracks in powder metallurgy components is an industry recognized quality concern. In an industry wide survey, eliminating or controlling of cracks was found to be the second most important research priority identified [1]. The general improvement of mechanical properties was the number one issue identified. It should be noted, however, that the benefits of material properties gains only slightly exceeded that of the cracking issue in importance to the industry respondents of the surveys.
Bridging the Gap between Upper-Division Writing and German Studies Courses with Katja von Garnier's Bandits.

The study of female bandits in a German composition course sounds exciting for it evokes the notion that the course will involve suspense, crime and women, topics usually reserved for mainstream American media culture with male heroes in leading roles. In fact, a section of the course is about women and crime, women in society, and women on the screen. It is also about writing in a foreign language and various procedures involved in the writing process: "free writing," "getting organized," "structural exercises," to name only a few of the many steps in teaching composition in any classroom. Furthermore, the course instructs students on "media literacy," an important skill in today's society as well as in German Studies courses. In the following pages, I describe a teaching unit that incorporates Katja von Garnier's film Bandits in an upper-division German writing course with fifteen to twenty students. Generally speaking, the students' speaking and writing abilities vary from intermediate-mid to intermediate-high levels (the few exceptions are students with study abroad experiences, an occasional native speaker, and/or students from non-German speaking European countries with advanced German language skills). 1 Students enroll in this course after their first semes-
The Circadian Rhythms of Valve Movements in the Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis

The long-term (10–30 day) continuous recording of valve movements in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis was carried out in the laboratory under nearly natural conditions. Fourier analysis revealed the circadian (close to the diurnal) rhythm of the valve activity, the phase of which is readily shifted by a shift in the beginning of the daytime, since the light regime is one of the main factors determining the circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm was manifested in the daily dynamics of mussel valve activity: in the daytime, mussels hold their valves closed more often than at night. This behavior may be a protective response, namely the “shadow reflex”: mussels close their valves upon a sudden decrease in illumination, thus protecting themselves from possible predators. Circadian activity can mask a mussel’s response to environmental pollution; therefore, regular valve closure should be taken into account in early warning systems such as “MusselMonitor®” with a correction for the season of the year, time of day, and other factors.
Communication between High School and College Japanese Language Education: Implications from a Survey on the Use of Video Materials in the United States

This paper presents the results of a survey on the use of video materials at high school and college levels. The study was carried out in an attempt to contribute to better communication between the two levels in Japanese language education in the United States, through the analysis and comparison of the results. The questions posed in this study are: 1) What kinds of videos are used at college and high school levels? 2) What are the purposes of using videotaped material? Although there is similarity between the two groups in that both use commercially available videos largely in a supplemental manner, the comparison between the groups on the purposes of video use suggests different emphasis at the two levels, i.e., “language-inclusive-culture” teaching, or to teach the culture, of which the language is a part, at the high school level, and “culture-inclusive-language” teaching, or to teach the language and the cultural aspects closely related to the language, at the university level.
Magic-angle cross-polarization carbon 13 NMR study of aminosilane coupling agents on silica surfaces

Abstract The high-resolution solid-state carbon 13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) and N-2-aminoethyl-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (AAPS) condensed as bulk polymers and adsorbed on glass surfaces have been investigated. It is shown that the 13 C NMR resonance peaks of the low-cured and high-cured polyaminopropylsiloxanes are chemically shifted from one to another. The hydrogen-bonded APS propyl chain produces an upfield shoulder on the central methylene carbon resonance peak in a cross polarization with magic-angle sample-spinning (CPMASS) experiment. Measurements of the chemical shifts of non-heat-treated and heat-treated APS/glass samples were also made and the chemical shift trends are discussed in terms of oriented and extended conformational effects of propyl units. Three molecular structure models of APS are proposed involving a hydrogen bonding interaction by the amine and SiOH groups. The chemical shifts induced by electric field effects on the β-carbon nucleus for different APS isomers have been calculated and the results agree with the observed resonances.
How to Husserl a Quine — And a Heidegger, too

Is consciousness or the subject part of the natural world or the human world? Can we write intentionality, so central in Husserl's philosophy, into Quine's system of ontological naturalism and naturalized epistemology — or into Heidegger's account of human being and existential phenomenology? The present task is to show how to do so. Anomalous monism provides a key.
Flash scanning the CO2 laser: a revival of the CO2 laser in plastic surgery

The CO 2 laser has broad clinical application yet also presents a number of practical disadvantages. These drawbacks have limited the success and utilization of this laser in plastic surgery. Flashscanner technology has recently been used for char-free CO 2 laser surgery of the oropharynx, the external female genital tract, and perirectal mucosa. A commercially available optomechanical flashscanner unit `Swiftlase,' was adapted to a CO 2 laser and used for treatment in numerous plastic surgical applications. Conditions and situations that were treated in this study included generalized neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, rhinophyma, viral warts, breast reconstruction, and deepithelialization prior to microsurgery or local flap transfer and/or skin graft placement. There were no significant wound healing complications. Some patients previously sustained undue scarring from conventional CO 2 laser surgery. Conservative, primarily ablative CO 2 laser surgery with the Swiftlase has usefulness for treatment of patients in plastic surgery including those that were previously unsuccessfully treated.
Patterns of economic cooperation among Israeli immigrants in Los Angeles.

"This article examines economic activities developed among Israeli immigrants in Los Angeles. Previous studies have asserted that little cooperation exists among Israelis in the United States. However, our findings, based on participant observation and in-depth interviews, suggest that Israelis are involved in a host of collective social and economic endeavors.... Forms of cooperation among two...groups, Kibbutzniks and Persian-origin Israelis, are discussed here. Israeli immigrants' use of ethnic labor markets [is] explored, as well as the nature of co-ethnic cooperation in various industries. Conclusions suggest that Israeli immigrant cooperation is a complex matter, shaped by national loyalties, subgroup ties and the larger social and economic contexts in which they function."
Anaerobic biotransformation of four3-carbon compounds (acrolein, acrylic acid, allyl alcohol and n-propanol) in UASB reactors

Abstract Anaerobic biotransformation of the 3-carbon compounds, namely acrolein, acrylic acid, allyl alcohol, and n-propanol was investigated in upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors containing granular cultures. The toxic effects of acrolein, acrylic acid, and allyl alcohol on an acetate-enriched Methanosarcina culture were determined. Furthermore, process staging, effect of operational parameters such as influent concentration, F/M ratio and loading rate were also considered. Acrolein, acrylic acid, and allyl alcohol were found to be inhibitory to acetate-enriched Methanosarcina cultures starting from the concentrations of 20, 60, and 3000 mg/l, respectively. Inhibition is defined as the reduction in the activity (in terms of gas production rate) of a batch reactor relative to its activity before the addition of the test chemical. The results of UASB experiments revealed that granular cultures could be acclimated to utilize acrolein, acrylic acid, allyl alcohol, and n-propanol as the sole substrates. Acrolein concentrations up to 300 mg/l were treated with 90% efficiency. In a single-stage UASB reactor, acrylic acid biotransformation and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiencies of 95–99 and 45%, respectively, were achieved at an influent concentration of 3000 mg/l. The low COD removal was due to persistence of acetic and propionic acids, as intermediates of acrylic acid. When a two-stage UASB system was employed at the same acrylic acid influent concentration, the COD removal efficiency increased to 97%. At an F/M ratio of 0.027 g COD/g biomass-day, 1000 mg/l of influent allyl alcohol was removed at an efficiency of about 85% after 30 days of acclimation in a single-stage UASB reactor. n-Propanol was biotransformed to mainly propionic acid with more than 99% efficiency at an influent concentration and F/M ratio of 3000 mg/l and 0.27 g COD/g biomass-day, respectively, in a single-stage UASB reactor. But the COD removal did not exceed 68% because of the propionic acid persistence. However, a two-stage UASB system improved the COD removal to 99% for the same n-propanol influent concentration of 3000 mg/l.
Capacitive deionization of NH4ClO4 solutions with carbon aerogel electrodes

A process for the capacitive deionization of water with a stack of carbon aerogel electrodes has been developed by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). Unlike ion exchange, one of the more conventional deionization processes, no chemicals are required for regeneration of the system. Electricity is used instead. An aqueous solution of NH4ClO4 is pumped through the electrochemical cell. After polarization, NH in4 su+ and ClO in4 su− ions are removed from the water by the imposed electric field and trapped in the extensive cathodic and anodic double layers. This process produces one stream of purified water and a second stream of concentrate. The effects of cell voltage, salt concentration, and cycling on electrosorption capacity have been studied in detail.
Spectral beam combining of thulium fiber laser systems

Beams from three frequency stabilized master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) thulium fiber laser systems were spectrally beam combined using a metal diffraction grating. Two of the laser oscillators were stabilized with guided mode resonances filters while the third was stabilized using a gold-coated diffraction grating. Each system was capable of producing a minimum of 40 W output powers with slope efficiencies between 50-60 %. The three lasers undergoing combination were operating at wavelengths of 1984.3, 2002.1, and 2011.9 nm with spectral linewidths between 250-400 pm. Beam combining was accomplished by spatially overlapping the spectrally separated beams on a water-cooled gold-coated diffraction grating with 600 lines/mm. Beam quality measurements were completed using M 2 measurements at multiple power levels of the combined beam. Power levels of 49 W were achieved before thermal heating of the metal diffraction grating cause degradation in beam quality. The combining grating was ~66% efficient for the unpolarized light corresponding to a total optical-to-optical efficiency of 33% with respect to launched pump power.
Applicability and recommendation of optical reflectometer technology on naval aircrtaft

Fault location identification within the fiber optic systems of naval aircraft currently requires maintenance personnel to break the optical link to insert test equipment. This procedure changes the configuration which often masks the failure and exposes the fiber link to additional contamination and requires significant time for implementation. The proposed solution to this problem is to build optical power monitors and a reflectometer into the fiber optic transceivers. The transmitter's optical power monitor enables identification of the transmitter's health. The reflectometer enables spatial identification of a failure in the interconnecting fibers. The receiver's power monitor, coupled with the results of the transmitter power monitor and reflectometer, enables identification of the receiver's health. This fiber optic Built-in-Test (BIT) equipment could be remotely activated by the aircraft's Diagnostics and Health Monitor (DHM) system and the results reported via the DHM from a simple user input. This capability enables automatic test of all fiber optic links within the aircraft in seconds without any physical changes to any elements of the fiber system. The resulting report would identify failed transmitters, receivers, and the spatial location of failures in the aircraft's interconnecting fiber. Harris Corporation was funded by NAVAIR through Penn State University to study the technical feasibility of implementing such a BIT system and to recommend a technical approach of the optical reflectometer. This paper presents these results.
Exploring the PI3Kα and γ binding sites with 2,6-disubstituted isonicotinic derivatives

A homology model of the p110alpha catalytic subunit of PI3Kalpha was generated from the p110gamma crystal structure. Using this model, an isonicotinic scaffold was designed for chemically exploring the PI3Kalpha and gamma binding sites. A focused library of derivatives was synthesized and tested. The morpholine acids 5a and 5b proved to be the most potent analogs.
A Comparison of the Steady-State and Dynamic Performance of First- and Second-Generation Foil Bearings

Oil-free foil bearing technology has advanced intermittently over the years, driven by research efforts to improve both steady-state and dynamic performance characteristics, namely: load capacity, stiffness, and damping. Bearing designs are thus classified according to “generation”, with first-generation bearings being the most primitive. This paper presents an experimental evaluation of a first- and a second-generation foil bearing, and aims to provide the high-fidelity data necessary for proper validation of theoretical predictive models of foil bearing performance. The aforementioned test bearings were fabricated in-house, and are both 70mm in diameter with an aspect ratio of 1; bearing manufacturing details are provided. The work makes use of a facility dedicated to measuring both the steady-state and dynamic properties of foil bearings under a variety of controlled operating conditions. The bearing under test is placed at the midspan of a horizontal, simply-supported, stepped shaft which rotates at up to 60krpm. Static and dynamic loads of up to 3500N and 450N (respectively) can be applied by means of a pneumatic cylinder and two electrodynamic shakers. The bearings’ structural (static) stiffnesses are highly nonlinear, and this affects the accuracy of the dynamic coefficient determination. Both dynamic stiffness and damping are found to vary nonlinearly with excitation frequency, and are over-predicted by a structural experimental evaluation — the film plays an important role in bearing dynamics. The second-generation bearing is found to have a higher load capacity, dynamic stiffness, and damping than the first-generation bearing.Copyright © 2010 by Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada
Discriminative and Reinforcing Functions of Four Verbal Stimuli

Summary.---Only those Ss who were both aware of the response-reinforcement contingency and for whom the appropriate contingent stimuli were, in fact, reinforcing conditioned. The Right-blank group was significantly slower in learning than the Correct-blank, Wrong-blank, and Incorrect-blank groups, indicating the ambiguity of "Right" as a discriminative stimulus. A comparable number of Ss in each group reported the contingent stimuli to be reinforcing, thus showing the necessity of awareness to conditioning. Studies using response-contingent verbal stimuli (CVS) to condition verbal behavior (e.g., Buss, Braden, Orgel, & Buss, 1956; Buchwald, 1959; Spence, 1964, 1966a) can be examined in terms of the discriminative and/or reinforcing functions of the contingent stimuli used. In each of these studies certain verbal responses by S were followed by assumed, but not empirically determined, indications of approval (words such as "Good," "Right," and "Ummhmm"), while other responses were followed by assumed indications of disapproval ("Not so good," "Wrong," and "H~~huh").~ Silence (called blank) has been used in combination with these words: (a) Right-blank (Rb), where correct responses were followed by R and incorrect by b; (b) Wrong-blank (Wb), where correct responses were followed by b and incorrect by W; and (c) RightWrong (RW), where every response by S was followed by a CVS from E. In some studies (e.g., Buss, et al., 1956; Spence, 1966a), if Ss were not told that E's responses were contingent upon S's behavior, the condicioning performance was equivalent for the RW and Wb groups, and both of these groups showed significantly greater conditioning than the Rb group. If Ss were told that the stimuli were contingent upon a certain, but unspecified response class, the conditioning performance of all three groups (RW, Rb, and Wb) was equivalent. It should be noted that 12 of the 31 studies reviewed by Krasner (1958), using the former technique, failed to obtain conditioning. Several theoretical arguments have arisen about the above conditioning data. Buss, et al. (1956) discussed the "reinforcing properties" of R, W, and b, before condicioning began, in terms of a continuum from negative to positive in reinforcement value. Either W was more strongly negative than R was positive with b remaining at the neutral point, or R and W were equal and opposite and b was slightly positive. Of the two hypotheses, Buss, et al. favored the former. Alternative interpretations of the conditioning data have been offered by
CXCR4 expression predicts patient outcome and recurrence patterns after hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastases

Background The purpose of this study was to determine if the expression of the chemokine receptors, CXCR4 and CCR7, and the chemokine ligand, CXCL12, in completely resected colorectal cancer hepatic metastases are predictive of disease-specific survival, recurrence-free survival and patterns of recurrence.
The well-being of children with gay and lesbian parents.

The articles by Loren Marks and Mark Regnerus provide useful opportunities for readers to think about the current state of research on children with gay and lesbian parents. These articles raise two sets of issues. One involves the scientific status of research on this topic, and the other involves concerns about law, social policy, and civil rights. My comments focus on both sets of issues, beginning with the former. (Disclosure: I served for 2 days as a paid consultant on the design of the New Family Structures Study. I did so because I think that new research on gay and lesbian families, as well as other alternative family structures, should be encouraged.)
Solutions to the non-homogeneous parabolic problems by the extended HADM

In this paper, we extend the homogeneous Adomain decomposition method (HADM) introduced by Jang [Bongsoo Jang, Exact solutions to one-dimensional non-homogeneous parabolic problems by the homogeneous decomposition method, Appl. Math. Comput. 186 (2) (2007) 969-979] to solve non-homogeneous parabolic partial differential equations with variable coefficients. The new modified technique provides the less computational work as well as easy calculation in obtaining the accurate approximations compared with the standard ADM. Illustrative examples show the excellent performance for the new modified decomposition method.
Obsolescent materialized views in query processing of enterprise information systems

In recent years, query processing has become more complex as data sources are frequently replicated and data are periodically processed and embedded within several data sources simultaneously. These trends have necessitated the optimization of techniques for query processing in order to exploit these new alternatives. Accordingly, this paper introduces an improved query optimization technique, which is capable of assessing query plans that use both current and obsolescent data. In particular, we provide a cost model by which the trade-offs of using obsolescent materialized views can be evaluated and we also discuss the method's applicability to contemporary query optimization techniques.
I = 3 2 π N Resonances in the 1900-MeV Region

We report results of a $\ensuremath{\pi}N$ partial-wave analysis for $I=\frac{3}{2}$ resonances observed in the 1900-MeV region: ${F}_{35}(1885)$, ${F}_{37}(1945)$, ${P}_{31}(1940)$, and ${D}_{35}(1925)$. The ${D}_{35}(1925)$ is difficult to accommodate in conventional baryon models; we discuss an alternative model having such a state.
Frey procedure for surgical management of chronic pancreatitis in children.

Abstract Background The authors adopted the Frey procedure for the surgical management of chronic pancreatitis after one of their patients had recurrent disease in the head of the gland after a longitudinal pancreaticojejunostomy (LPJ or modified Puestow procedure). This is the first description of its use in children. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed of all children undergoing a drainage or resection procedure for chronic pancreatitis from 1995 to 2002. Results Eleven children (6 boys, 5 girls, ages 8 to 18 years) underwent either the LPJ (3) or Frey (8) procedure. Etiologies included: idiopathic (5), familial (2), congenital anomaly of the major papilla (1), pancreatic head mass (1), short bowel syndrome (1), and pancreatic divisum (1). Before surgical therapy, patients had been symptomatic 2.3 years (range, 1 month to 6 years) and had been hospitalized for pancreatitis 4 times (range, 1 to 10). Four patients did not respond to endoscopic stenting, and 5 had a pancreatic pseudocyst. Patients were followed up in clinic an average of 2.5 years, with total time elapsed since surgery averaging 4.6 years. Eight of 11 patients experienced excellent or good results subsequent to surgical intervention. Conclusions The Frey procedure is effective for children who have not responded to conservative management of chronic pancreatitis and may prevent recurrent disease in the head of the gland.
Sparse Gauss-Hermite Quadrature Filter with Application to Spacecraft Attitude Estimation

A novel sparse Gauss―Hermite quadrature filter is proposed using a sparse-grid method for multidimensional numerical integration in the Bayesian estimation framework. The conventional Gauss―Hermite quadrature filter is computationally expensive for multidimensional problems, because the number of Gauss―Hermite quadrature points increases exponentially with the dimension. The number of sparse-grid points of the computationally efficient sparse Gauss―Hermite quadrature filter, however, increases only polynomially with the dimension. In addition, it is proven in this paper that the unscented Kalman filter using the suggested optimal parameter is a subset of the sparse Gauss―Hermite quadrature filter. The sparse Gauss-Hermite quadrature filter is therefore more flexible to use than the unscented Kalman filter in terms of the number of points and accuracy level, and it is more efficient than the conventional Gauss―Hermite quadrature filter. The application to the spacecraft attitude estimation problem demonstrates better performance of the sparse Gauss―Hermite quadrature filter in comparison with the extended Kalman filter, the cubature Kalman filter, and the unscented Kalman filter.
Reactivity of singlet molecular oxygen with cholesterol in a phospholipid membrane matrix. A model for oxidative damage of membranes

Abstract Photooxidation of cholesterol in liposomes with hematoporphyrin sensitization has been studied. With liposomal samples in which the hematoporphyrin is incorporated in the membrane, the yield of the characteristic singlet oxygen product, 3β-hydroxycholest-6-ene 5α-hydroperoxide, was approximately 6 times greater than that observed in the samples in which the hematoporphyrin was outside the membrane. Small amounts of 3β-hydroxycholest-5-ene 7α- and 7β-hydroperoxides, radical autoxidation products, were formed in both samples. Photolysis of a dispersion of cholesterol in an aqueous solution of hematoporphyrin gave no singlet oxygen products. It is concluded from these results that endogenous singlet oxygen when formed in the phospho-lipid membrane has a sufficiently long lifetime to effect oxygenation of cholesterol; whereas exogenous singlet oxygen generated outside the membrane is quenched by solvent before appreciable diffusion into the membrane can occur.
Studies on the chemical composition and immunologic properties of a polysaccharide from the Reiter treponeme.

Abstract A polysaccharide was isolated from the Reiter strain of Treponema pallidium by fractionation of an alkaline digest of treponeme ghosts. Chemical analysis showed that the polysaccharide was composed of single sugars, amino sugars and small amount of amino acid residues. Immunologic homogeneity was established by precipitin and complement fixation tests, gel diffusion and immunoelectrophoresis. There Kazan strains of T. pallidium , two oral treponemes and one strain of Borrelia were found to possess an identical or serologically indistinguishable antigen. Antisera to the Noguchi and apathogenic Nichols strains, as well as immune sera to the pathogenic NIchols, were non-reactive with the Reiter polysaccharide.
Localized deformation of lamellar polyethylene crystals

The mechanical and morphological properties of lamellar crystals of polyethylene were studied by deliberately deforming the crystals with a localized strain of known direction and amplitude. In most of the experiments the deformation was achieved by placing the polymer crystals on a thin, brittle, electron-transparent substrate which was supported by a plastic film. Elongation of the plastic film cracked the brittle substrate, and the polyethylene crystals either broke or were converted into fibers and drawn across the cracks. The breaking and drawing properties of the crystal are related to the orientation of the crystal with respect to the crack and to the intersection of fold domains by the crack. Localized deformation of crystals in suspension by ultrasonic irradiation and by other means is discussed.
Embryogenic callus induction and plant regeneration media for bentgrasses and annual bluegrass

Embryogenic callus induction and plant regeneration systems have long been established for creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds.), but little research has been reported on optimal medium for embryogenic callus induction and plant regeneration in velvet bentgrass (Agrostis canina L.), colonial bentgrass (Agrostis capillaries L.), and annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.). The present study compared 14 callus induction media and eight regeneration media for their efficacies on embryogenic callus induction and plant regeneration in these four species. The embryogenic callus initiation media contained the Murashige and Skoog inorganic salts and vitamins supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid or 3,6-dichloro-anisic acid and 6-benzyladenine. l-Proline or casein hydrolyzate was included in some media to stimulate embryogenic callus formation and plant regeneration. The frequencies of embryogenic callus formation ranged from 0% to 38% and exhibited medium differences within each of the four species. Callus induction media, plant regeneration media, and genotypes affected plant regeneration rates, which varied between 0% and 100%. The embryogenic callus induced on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 500 mgl−1 casein hydrolyzate, 6.63 mg l−1 (30 μM) 3,6-dichloro-anisic acid and 0.5–2.0 mg l−1 (2–9 μM) 6-benzyladenine had much higher regeneration rates than those formed on other callus induction media. Embryogenic callus of annual bluegrass had higher regeneration rates than those of bentgrass species. MSA2D, a media containing 2 mgl−1 (8 μM) 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 100 mgl−1myo-inositol, and 150 mgl−1 asparagine, was effective in promoting embryogenic callus formation in creeping bentgrass but not in colonial and velvet bentgrasses and annual bluegrass.
A new multi-view regression approach with an application to customer wallet estimation

Motivated by the problem of customer wallet estimation, we propose a new setting for multi-view regression, where we learn a completely unobserved target (in our case, customer wallet) by modeling it as a "central link" in a directed graphical model, connecting multiple sets of observed variables. The resulting conditional independence allows us to reduce the maximum discriminative likelihood estimation problem to a convex optimization problem for exponential linear models. We show that under certain modeling assumptions, in particular, when there exist two conditionally independent views and the noise is Gaussian, this problem can be reduced to a single least squares regression. Thus, for this specific, but widely applicable setting, the "unsupervised" multi-view problem can be solved via a simple supervised learning approach. This reduction also allows us to test the statistical independence assumptions underlying the graphical model and perform variable selection. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach on our motivating problem of customer wallet estimation and on simulation data.
A self adaptive MAC layer protocol for delay-tolerant underwater wireless sensor networks

The propagation speed of an acoustic signal is much slower than the speed of a terrestrial radio signal due to the physical characteristics of an underwater acoustic channel. This large delay can impact the throughput of the channel. There is also a very high delay variance which presents unique challenges to the designs of efficient MAC protocols. The long and inconsistent delay renders many traditional protocols insufficient since they rely on multiple handshakes and accurate estimations of the round trip time (RTT) between two nodes. We proposed a novel approach to develop a Cluster based delay-tolerant protocol (CBDTP) to address these problems by eliminating RTS/CTS and ACK handshaking while avoiding collision. In addition, our CBDTP protocol uses a self-adaptive algorithm to address the inconsistent delay problem and its impact on RTT estimation. Our simulation study shows that CBDTP can improve channel throughput and resource utilization in a volatile deployment environment for many underwater wireless sensor network applications.