cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quasi-Kinematic Couplings for Low-Cost Precision Alignment of High-Volume Assemblies

Quasi-kinematic couplings (QKCs) are alignment devices that incorporate elastic-plastic deformations to combine principles of elastic averaging and exact constraint to achieve precision alignment. This paper shows QKCs can be used for low-cost alignment in high-volume assembly applications. This is demonstrated via a case study of the process used to align main journal bearings in an automobile engine. Results of experiments show best case QKC performance of 0.35 microns compared to 4.85 microns for the widely-used dowel pin-hole design. Statistical analyses predict the QKC will meet five micron alignment requirements in 99.999 percent of all assembly cycles. Compared to the dowel pin-hole design, the QKC uses 60 percent fewer piece parts and costs 36 percent less.
Hypothalamic peptide modulation of EEG sleep in depression: a further application of the S-process hypothesis.

Several lines of evidence suggest that a constellation of electroencephalogram (EEG) monitored sleep abnormalities exists in the vast majority of depressed patients. Disturbances of sleep during depressive episodes can include sleep maintenance difficulties, a delay in sleep onset, and a reduced amount of slow-wave sleep (Kupfer et al. 1984). Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep alterations during depressive episodes include a shortened first NREM period (which is usually referred to as a decrease in REM latency) and an increase in REM density during the first few hours of sleep, especially in the first REM period. The majority of these sleep abnormalities, whether they represent changes in REM or NREM sleep, are most pronounced during the first 100-120 min following sleep onset. creases in cortisol secretion rates (Linkowski et al. 1985), a flattening of the circadian rhythm in cortisol (Sachar 1976), and elevated cortisol nadir (Jarrett et al. 1983) have been reported and replicated in numerous investigations. The failure to suppress plasma cortisol in the Dexamethasone Suppression Test (DST) in many depressed patients has also supported the notion of a specific HPA abnormality (Carroll 1982).
Solving numerically the Navier–Stokes equations on parallel systems

A new general approach for numerically computing flow fields on parallel computing environments is presented, discussed and analysed. The hierarchy presented here is based on a parallel split of operators. A portion of the theory is presented together with its application to two- and three-dimensional flows. This strategy is applied to a two-dimensional problem for which a specific parallel split, called a parabolized split, is given. The parallel algorithm that results from this split is analysed, leading to reasonably good parallel efficiency, which is close to 50%. Actual experiments lead to similar conclusions. This parallel strategy can also be used together with other parallel computing algorithms, such as domain decomposition, to give an optimal-type parallel algorithm for the Navier–Stokes equations.
Chromophore orientation dynamics, phase stability, and photorefractive effects in branched azobenzene chromophores

The increased solubility and uniform dispersal of branched azobenzene chromophores over their monomeric analogues have been shown to improve the electrooptic performance of high glass transition temperature (Tg) blended polymers. We report here the application of these branched chromophores as guest nonlinear optical molecules in the plasticized low-Tg photoconducting host polymer poly(vinylcarbazole) and demonstrate the presence of orientationally enhanced photorefractive index gratings. When compared with their monomeric analogues, branched chromophores were compatible over a broader range of concentrations and resulted in higher quality optical films; these films have retained their optical clarity for 1 year. A new branched electrooptic chromophore with r33 of 14 pm/V at 1550 nm was synthesized and exhibited photorefractive two-beam coupling over a range of applied fields, including a net two-beam coupling amplification coefficient of 6.4 cm-1 at 780 nm.
News from the Committee on Public Policy-opening doors in the global village

It is argued that the US should address both the formation of a domestic information infrastructure and the updating of its foreign technology policy. The former will need to be competitive with those of foreign counterparts, and the latter should reflect the new realities that the information technologies are creating. The enactment of the High Performance Computer and Communications Initiative (HPCCI), a step toward the realization of a national research and educational network (NREN), is discussed. The implications of establishing international networks, specifically their effects on national security, are also discussed. >
Nonlinear solutions of long-wavelength gravitational radiation.

In a significant improvement over homogeneous minisuperspace models, it is shown that the classical nonlinear evolution of inhomogeneous scalar fields and the metric is tractable when the wavelength of the fluctuations is larger than the Hubble radius. Neglecting second-order spatial gradients, one can solve the energy constraint as well as the evolution equations by invoking a transformation to new canonical variables. The Hamilton-Jacobi equation is separable and complete solutions are given for gravitational radiation and multiple scalar fields interacting through an exponential potential. Although the time parameter is arbitrary, the natural choice is the determinant of the three-metric. The momentum constraint may be simply expressed in terms of the new canonical variables which define the spatial coordinates. The long-wavelength analysis is essential for a proper formulation of stochastic inflation which enables one to model non-Gaussian primordial fluctuations for structure formation.
Room Rate Patterns and Customers' Propensity To Book a Hotel Room

Price-sensitive travelers often access hotels' and intermediaries' Web sites multiple times before they travel. Due to revenue management practices, these deal-seeking consumers are likely to observe (or be quoted) room rates that change considerably over time. This study's findings indicate that the issue of price changes over time is more complex than the current discussion framework about last-minute deals and price integrity suggests. It demonstrates that the room rate change pattern consumers observe while searching for a deal affects their propensity to book. Exploring decision and pricing theory elements, the study demonstrates empirically that through the internal reference price, the price patterns affect consumers' room rate expectations and consequently affect their propensity to book. These findings underscore the noteworthy impact of the Internet-induced reduction of the provider-consumer information gap on the effectiveness of revenue management policies.
A note on the convection currents in the mantle

Abstract Scaling of the equations of conservation of mass momentum and energy with the characteristic values of the convective mantle indicates that in the vorticity equation, the advective terms are negligible but the horizontal temperature gradient term cannot be neglected because of the large Rayleigh number The effect of the frictional heating in the heat equation becomes comparable with the conduction terms along the inner boundaries of the boundary layers of the cellular convective current The frictional heating term exceeds the heat conduction term near the vertical boundaries of the convection cell. The effect of the frictional term on the surface heat flux it almost negligible, but it decreases the temperature at the mid-depth in the interior of the cell by almost 20% of the total temperature range Among the three characteristic velocities defined for scaling the heat equation, the velocity equaling R 1 2 k/d ( R . Rayleigh number. k . thermal diffusrvity. d thickness of the mantle) yields the most convenient parameter for frictional heating
Replisome stalling and stabilization at CGG repeats, which are responsible for chromosomal fragility

Expanded CGG repeats cause chromosomal fragility and hereditary neurological disorders in humans. Replication forks stall at CGG repeats in a length-dependent manner in primate cells and in yeast. Saccharomyces cerevisiae proteins Tof1 and Mrc1 facilitate replication fork progression through CGG repeats. Remarkably, the fork-stabilizing role of Mrc1 does not involve its checkpoint function. Thus, chromosomal fragility might occur when forks stalled at expanded CGG repeats escape the S-phase checkpoint.
The effect of prior ethanol experience on ethanol-induced saccharin aversions

Abstract Conditioned saccharin aversions in rats were produced using ethanol as the illness-producing agent. Such aversions were shown to be dose dependent and were attenuated by prior ethanol experience. The attenuated aversion in ethanol experienced rats was interpreted to be the result of the development of tolerance to ethanol. It is suggested that the taste-illness conditioning paradigm provides a useful index of the reinforcing properties of ethanol intoxication.
Method for enhancing low quality depth maps for 3D reconstruction on a embedded platform

In the recent past, vast amounts of stereo and augmented reality based applications are being developed for hand-held devices. In most of these applications depth map is a key ingredient for acceptable user experience. Accuracy and high density of depth map are important along with meeting real-time constraints on an embedded system. There is an inherent tradeoff between depth map quality and speed and invariably performance is usually important for competing in todays high-definition video marketplace. In this paper we present a method that addresses depth map quality while still maintaining performance at video frame-rates. Specifically, we discuss a technique to enhance a low-quality depth map for 3D point cloud generation on an embedded platform. We provide performance metrics and estimates on a Texas Instruments (TI) OMAP embedded platform and show that using simple pre and post-processing techniques one can achieve both quality and performance. A preliminary version of our point cloud application developed has a frame rate of about 15fps, majority being display and rendering related overheads. The core algorithms including pre and post processing have a much higher frame rate of about 23-25fps. We estimate that with adequate mapping of the algorithms to various cores and accelerated kernels, the frame rate could reach real-time performance of 30fps.
Low-loss plastics-cladding fibre

Simple optical fibres with low-loss fused-quartz core and high-loss plastics cladding are investigated. By designing the fibre appropriately, the high-loss cladding leads to improvement in the pulse-transmission characteristics, leaving the attenuation fairly low.
Formation of anisotropic membranes via thermally induced phase separation

Abstract The applicability of the thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) process to the production of anisotropic membranes was investigated. To induce an anisotropic structure, diluent was evaporated from one side of the polymer–diluent melt-blended, thereby creating a concentration gradient in the nascent membrane prior to inducing phase separation. The system used to prepare these membranes was isotactic polypropylene (iPP) in diphenyl ether. The resulting membrane structures showed that this evaporation process was useful in producing anisotropic structures. The effects of evaporation time and initial polymer concentration on the anisotropic membrane structure were investigated. The evaporation process was analysed by solving appropriate mass transfer and heat transfer equations. The agreement between the calculated results and the experimental data on the membrane weight loss and the membrane thickness was satisfactory. The membrane structures are discussed in detail based on the calculated polymer volume fraction profiles in the membranes.
Automatic Generation of Device User-Interfaces?

One of the visions of pervasive computing is using mobile computers to interact with networked devices. A question raised by this vision is: should the user-interfaces of these devices be handcrafted manually or generated automatically? Based on experience within the domain of desktop computing, the answer seems to be that automatic generation is not flexible enough to support a significant number of useful interfaces but requires substantially less coding effort for the interfaces it can create. We show that the answer is much more complicated when we consider networking of traditional appliances such as stereos and TVs. Using qualitative arguments and quantitative experimental data, we show that the manual vs. generated issue must be resolved based on: (a) not only user-interface programming and flexibility but also several other metrics such as space and time costs, binding time, and reliability (b) whether it is a graphical or speech based user-interface, (c) the size of the device user-interface, (d) whether the manually written user-interface code is available at the mobile computer or at a remote machine, and (e) the network bandwidth between the mobile computer and remote factory
Charmed-meson decay in the massive-quark model. II

Charmed-pseudoscalar-meson decays are discussed in a model with massive quarks. We show that the model is consistent with the known branching ratios of $D\ensuremath{\rightarrow}K\ensuremath{\pi}$ as well as a $D$ semileptonic branching ratio of 10% provided the $D$-meson decay constant is significantly larger than that of the $\ensuremath{\pi}$. We predict the average $D$ lifetime to be \ensuremath{\simeq} 5 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$ sec by using the experimental semileptonic branching ratio.
Horizontal and Vertical Movements of the White-Ankled Mouse (Peromyscus pectoralis) in Central Texas

We traced the three-dimensional movements of Peromyscus pectoralis in the absence of potential competitors by the fluorescent-pigment technique. P. pectoralis left 89.5% of pigment trails on ground, 9.5% on cliffs, and 1.0% in shrubs and trees. The infrequent use of trees by P. pectoralis in the absence of Peromyscus attwateri , a syntopic species in portions of the distribution of P. pectoralis , provides evidence that the pattern of habitat use by P. pectoralis is related to inherent selection rather than competitive interactions.
Solution behavior of leuprolide acetate, an LHRH agonist, as determined by circular dichroism spectroscopy

Abstract Leuprolide acetate, a potent agonist of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH), was found to display little or no secondary structure in aqueous solution as determined by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. However, upon addition of trifluoroethanol, CD spectra consistent with type II β-turn structures were observed. CD spectroscopy was also employed to evaluate the aggregation of leuprolide in solution. In aqueous solution, leuprolide does not readily aggregate. However, in ethanol/water mixtures, concentration- and temperature-dependent aggregation was observed. This demonstrates that CD spectroscopy can be an effective analytical tool for assessing not only the structure of peptides, but also detecting peptide aggregation.
Use of a high repetition rate neutron generator for in vivo body composition measurements via neutron inelastic scattering

A small D-T neutron generator with a high pulse rate is used for the in vivo measurement of body carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. The core of the neutron generator is a 13 cm-long Zetatron tube pulsed at a rate of 10 kHz delivering 103−104 neutrons per pulse. A target-current feedback system regulates the source of the accelerator to assure constant neutron output. Carbon is measured by detecting the 4.44 MeV γ-rays from inelastic scattering. The short half-life of the 4.44 MeV state of carbon requires detection of the γ-rays during the 10 μs neutron pulse. Generators with low pulsing rate were found inappropriate for carbon measurements because of their low duty-cycle (high neutron output during the pulse). In vivo measurements were performed with normal volunteers using a scanning bed facility for a dose less than 25 mrem. This technique offers medical as well as general bulk analysis applications.
Descending inhibition of spinal neurons in the cardiopulmonary region by electrical stimulation of vagal afferent nerves.

Abstract Neurons in the left upper thoracic spinal cord of cats anesthetized with chloralose and relaxed with succinylcholine were activated by electrical stimulation of sympathetic chains or by pinching of the skin. Most neurons were spontaneously active, and 22 of the 51 neurons studied were antidromically activated from the spinomedullary junction, demonstrating their projection to higher centers. Stimulation of the central cut ends of either cervical vagus resulted in inhibition of firing in 26 neurons, acceleration in 6 neurons, both effects in 2 neurons, and no effect in the remaining 17 neurons. The parameters of stimulation determined whether inhibition or facilitation was produced in the two neurons that showed either effect. Two spinal neurons were fired by vagal stimulation with latencies of 16 and 20 msec. Activity in vagal afferent fibers is believed to impinge upon brain stem structures that have been shown by others to cause descending inhibition (and facilitation) of spinothalamic and spinoreticular neurons. This would provide a mechanism for modulation of sensory information from the cardiopulmonary region.
Curcumin inhibits bTREK-1 K+ channels and stimulates cortisol secretion from adrenocortical cells

Bovine adrenal zona fasciculata (AZF) cells express bTREK-1 K(+) channels that set the resting membrane potential. Inhibition of these channels by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is coupled to membrane depolarization and cortisol secretion. Curcumin, a phytochemical with medicinal properties extracted from the spice turmeric, was found to modulate both bTREK-1 K(+) currents and cortisol secretion from AZF cells. In whole-cell patch clamp experiments, curcumin inhibited bTREK-1 with an IC(50) of 0.93muM by a mechanism that was voltage-independent. bTREK-1 inhibition by curcumin occurred through interaction with an external binding site and was independent of ATP hydrolysis. Curcumin produced a concentration-dependent increase in cortisol secretion that persisted for up to 24h. At a maximally effective concentration of 50muM, curcumin increased secretion as much as 10-fold. These results demonstrate that curcumin potently inhibits bTREK-1 K(+) channels and stimulates cortisol secretion from bovine AZF cells. The inhibition of bTREK-1 by curcumin may be linked to cortisol secretion through membrane depolarization. Since TREK-1 is widely expressed in a variety of cells, it is likely that some of the biological actions of curcumin, including its therapeutic effects, may be mediated through inhibition of these K(+) channels.
An Introduction to the Idea of God as Person

J SES of the concept of person and personalistic language applied to God may be classified in three categories, in extension of C. C. J. Webb's classic discussion of the subject in God and Personality.' First, some views focus upon what Webb calls "personality in God," i. e., certain references are fundamentally concerned with God as a person (or persons) within himself and therefore the source of personhood. God is the person. In the history of Christian theology, this type of view developed in connection with attempts to understand relations among the "persons" of the Trinity. Second, an idea of God as person is latent within the understanding of God which begins with man's experience or awareness of an encounter with God. Only the language of personal reciprocal relations between God and man is found adequate, although allusions to God as person or personality may not be made explicitly and may even be rejected. This second category we may designate by the phrase, "a personally-related God." Third (to use Webb's second category), certain predominantly modern discussions, while essentially embracing the second perspective, also speak explicitly of "the personality of God," but in a way that remains independent of the question of possible plural relations within God (as in the first category). We should note that these three categories reflect different methodological approaches. The first is ontological (or metaphysical), i. e., it involves the structure of reality itself as being or person; the second is analogical or symbolic, i. e., it speaks of God in terms drawn from human experience without asserting the literal identity of the analogy or symbol with the referent; and the third is the via eminentiae, i. e., it speaks of God by a heightened extension (and limitation) of human categories. In the historical discussion which follows, it is also suggested that beyond these three categories there are also the two polarities of speaking about God which we may designate as category 0, the via negativa, and category 4, which speaks univocally about God and man.
A Quantitative Investigation of Structure-Function Relationships in a Tendon Fascicle Model

These studies sought to investigate quantitative relationships between the complex composite structure and mechanical properties of tendon. The isolated mouse tail tendon fascicle was chosen as an appropriate model for these so-called "structure-function" investigations. Specifically, collagen fibril diameters and mechanical properties were measured in fascicles from immature (3 week) control, adult (8 week) control, and adult (8 week) MovI3 transgenic mice. Results demonstrated a moderate correlation between mean fibril diameter and fascicle stiffness (r = 0.73, p = 0.001) and maximum load (r = 0.75, p < 0.001), whereas a weak correlation with fascicle modulus (r = 0.39, p = 0.11) and maximum stress (r = 0.48, p = 0.04). An analysis of pooled within-group correlations revealed no strong structure-function trends evidenced at the local or group level, indicating that correlations observed in the general structure-function analyses were due primarily to having three different experimental groups, rather than significant correlations of parameters within the groups.
Soil carbon saturation: concept, evidence and evaluation

Current estimates of soil C storage potential are based on models or factors that assume linearity between C input levels and C stocks at steady-state, implying that SOC stocks could increase without limit as C input levels increase. However, some soils show little or no increase in steady-state SOC stock with increasing C input levels suggesting that SOC can become saturated with respect to C input. We used long-term field experiment data to assess alternative hypotheses of soil carbon storage by three simple models: a linear model (no saturation), a one-pool whole-soil C saturation model, and a two-pool mixed model with C saturation of a single C pool, but not the whole soil. The one-pool C saturation model best fit the combined data from 14 sites, four individual sites were best-fit with the linear model, and no sites were best fit by the mixed model. These results indicate that existing agricultural field experiments generally have too small a range in C input levels to show saturation behavior, and verify the accepted linear relationship between soil C and C input used to model SOM dynamics. However, all sites combined and the site with the widest range in C input levels were best fit with the C-saturation model. Nevertheless, the same site produced distinct effective stabilization capacity curves rather than an absolute C saturation level. We conclude that the saturation of soil C does occur and therefore the greatest efficiency in soil C sequestration will be in soils further from C saturation.
Structure and properties of sheared fiber suspensions with mechanical contacts

Abstract The properties of fiber suspensions are highly sensitive to the suspension microstructure. In dilute or semi-dilute suspensions, n L 2 d ≪1, the fibers' orientation distribution is controlled by hydrodynamic interactions among the fibers. However, direct mechanical contacts among the fibers play an important role in semi-concentrated suspensions, n L 2 d = O (1). Here, n is the number of fibers per unit volume, L is the fiber length and d is the fiber diameter. We have performed dynamic simulations of fiber suspensions including contact forces that prevent any two fibers from passing through one another. Collisions between the fibers cause them to flip more frequently in the shear flow, leading to a spread of the orientation distribution away from the flow direction. Both this increased orientational dispersion and the direct stress transmitted through the contacts enhance the shear viscosity of the suspension significantly. The contacts also give rise to normal stress differences. The results of the simulation are compared with experiments and the relative importance of contacts and hydrodynamic interactions is discussed.
Atomic-structure effects in multiphoton ionization of magnesium

We present an application of a simple configuration-interaction approach to multiphoton ionization of magnesium, using a finite ${\mathit{L}}^{2}$-basis set constructed from a nearly complete set of one-particle frozen-core Hartree-Fock orbitals. The effects due to multielectron interactions to two- and three-photon processes at energies both near and away from the resonant structures dominated by singly excited intermediate states and doubly excited autoionization states are examined in detail. Our calculation has shown that the multiphoton spectra are mostly dominated by the resonant structures due to intermediate singly excited bound states. Such spectra are qualitatively different from the single photoionization spectrum, which often exhibits a strong presence of doubly excited autoionization structures. Our calculated results are in close agreement with other existing experimental and theoretical results for single- and two-photon ionizations.
Policy information and democratic governance: Federal social policy analysis, 1965–1997

This article considers the development of social policy analysis in the American central government in order both to present the highlights of that three-plus-decade history and to spell out the implications for the United States and other advanced industrial democracies. The argument is that (1) sound policy data and analyses have never been so needed in the face of increasing political polarization and overwhelming amounts of difficult-to-validate policy information produced in the electronic revolution; and (2) the American experience may be particularly useful to other advanced nations because what works in the United States should work better in these countries, in that they have less complex parliamentary structures without America's independent legislature to challenge the chief executive.
Three-point seatbelt maternal comfort and fetal safety

AbstractThis paper presents the results of a study that evaluated the comfort and safety of three-point seatbelt use by pregnant women. Comfort was assessed by developing and administering a survey. Two hundred responses revealed high levels of discomfort due to the lap belt riding up onto the abdomen (64.5 per cent), the edges of the lap belt rubbing on the abdomen and thighs (61.5 per cent), compression of breasts by the torso belt (48 per cent) and the lap belt being too tight or too short (50 per cent).Evaluating seatbelt safety for the fetus was accomplished by reviewing case studies involving pregnant crash victims as well as baboon crash test results. Additionally, computer simulations, modelling a 35 mile/h collision with a pregnant woman in a three-point restraint, were developed. The simulations were used to predict fetal movement and acceleration behaviour relative to the mother. Fetal acceleration was found to reach values nearly 3 times greater than maternal acceleration, offering justificati...
Time-resolved recombination analysis in kesterite polycrystalline thin films and photovoltaic devices with one-photon and two-photon excitation

Abstract Minority carrier lifetime, τB, is one of the key metrics for polycrystalline solar cell absorbers. Based on different spatial carrier-generation profiles obtained using one-photon and two-photon excitation (1PE and 2PE, respectively), we developed a new approach to determine τB in polycrystalline thin films. By comparing time-resolved photoluminescence data measured with 1PE and 2PE, we extract τB and surface recombination velocity S, and resolve charge separation at the pn junction. For coevaporated kesterite (Cu2ZnSnSe4) absorbers, we find S=(0.8–2.1)×104 cm s−1 and τB=7.0±0.5 ns. For corresponding photovoltaic devices, charge separation occurs in ≤2 ns.
Reviews and comments on alcohol research: Troubles with alcohol placebos and with serotonin

This section of the journal is designed to provide readers with reviews of recent literature, and to stimulate research on questions that are important in the treatment and prevention of alcohol addiction. Research can provide insight into the causes of alcohol abuse and addiction, as well as answers to questions concerning the biomedical and psychological consequences of alcohol consumption. The ideas and critique expressed in this department are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, editorial board, or publisher of Alcohol. Reference to the original articles is recommended before quoting any of this material in scientific publications.
Ten new Arizona serotypes isolated from animals and animal food products.

Ten hitherto unrecognizedArizona serotype (1, 2:13, 14; 5:1, 7, 8; 9:17, 20; 9:29:31; 10:1, 7, 8; 17:1, 2, 5, 6; 20:13, 14; 20:23, 30; 26:26:25, and 30:23:25) are described. The organisms were isolated from fowls, a kangaroo rat, a lizard, various species of snakes, and Indian crushed bone.
Proteoform analysis of lipocalin-type prostaglandin D-synthase from human cerebrospinal fluid by isoelectric focusing and superficially porous liquid chromatography with Fourier transform mass spectrometry

Lipocalin-type prostaglandin D-synthase (L-PGDS) in cerebrospinal fluid contributes to the maturation and maintenance of the CNS. L-PGDS PTMs may contribute to pathobiology of different CNS diseases, but methods to monitor its proteoforms are limited. Herein, we combined off-gel IEF and superficially porous LC (SPLC) with Fourier transform MS to characterize common cerebrospinal fluid L-PGDS proteoforms. Across 3D physiochemical space (pI, hydrophobicity, and mass), 217 putative proteoforms were observed from 21 to 24 kDa and pI 5-10. Glycoprotein accurate mass information, combined with MS/MS analysis of peptides generated from 2D-fractionated proteoforms, enabled the putative assignment of 208 proteoforms with varied PTM positional occupants. Fifteen structurally related N-glycans at N29 and N56 were observed, with different N-glycan compositional variants being preferred on each amino acid. We also observed that sialic acid content was a major factor for pI shifts between L-PGDS proteoforms. Other putative PTMs characterized include a core-1 HexHexNAc-O-glycan at S7, acetylation at K16 and K138, sulfonation at S41 and T142, and dioxidation at C43 and C145. The IEF-SPLC-MS platform presented provides 30-40× improved peak capacity versus conventional 2DE and shows potential for repeatable proteoform analysis of surrogate PTM-based biomarkers.
Photodynamic therapy for carcinoma in situ of the anus.

Hypothesis Photodynamic therapy (PDT) for carcinoma in situ of the anus is an alternative to surgical excision in patients who are seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Design Before-after trial. Settings Tertiary referral center. Patients Twelve HIV-seropositive patients who were actively being treated for AIDS with high-grade dysplasia on anal Papanicolaou test results had site-directed biopsies of acetowhitening foci immediately after application of dilute acetic acid. Biopsy results showed that 5 patients had anal carcinoma in situ. These patients were given the photosensitizer δ-aminolevulinic acid orally. Four to 4.25 hours later, the entire anal circumference was treated with PDT. All 5 patients, after being treated with PDT, had repeated Papanicolaou tests at monthly intervals. If acetowhitening occurred at the fifth month, site-directed biopsy was done. Main Outcome Measures Anal cytologic examination by Papanicolaou test and site-directed biopsy if acetowhitening was found at 5 months in order to determine effectiveness of PDT in downstaging cytologic findings. Results All patients had a consistent downgrading of cytologic findings during the 5 months of follow-up. Papanicolaou test results showed 2 patients had no dysplasia, 2 had mild dysplasia, and 1 had moderate dysplasia. Moderate dysplasia was confirmed by site-directed biopsy results. No complications of PDT occurred, but all 5 patients developed various abnormalities in liver function test results that returned to baseline values within 2 weeks; this also has been noted in patients ingesting δ-aminolevulinic acid who are presumably HIV seronegative. Conclusion In a group of patients who are at high risk for recurrence irrespective of initial treatment, PDT can be used as a successful alternative to surgical excision for anal carcinoma in situ.
Secreted Form of Amyloid β/A4 Protein Precursor (APP) Binds to Two Distinct APP Binding Sites on Rat B103 Neuron‐Like Cells Through Two Different Domains, but Only One Site Is Involved in Neuritotropic Activity

Recent studies have identified the Alzheimer's disease amyloid beta/A4 protein precursor (APP) as a trophic and/or tropic protein on several types of cells, including fibroblasts, primary culture neurons, PC12 cells, and B103 neuron-like cells. Many trophic proteins bind heparin, and it is believed that the heparin-binding domain is crucial for the trophic activity of these proteins. APP also binds heparin. The current studies were undertaken to examine the hypothesis that the neuritotropic activity of APP requires heparin binding. It was found that APP produced in E. coli bound B103 cells through detergent-extractable molecules. Approximately 50% of the binding sites were heparinase-sensitive, and heparin and heparan sulfate competed for APP binding to these sites. The heparinase-insensitive sites were recognized by a stretch of 17 amino acids of APP (residues 319-335) that contains the neuritotropic activity of APP. A mutant APP with a deletion at this site was capable of binding to the heparinase-sensitive sites, although this molecule was not neuritotropic to B103 neuron-like cells. Therefore, the neuritotropic site and the heparin-binding site are distinct in APP, and the neuritotropic effect of APP is produced through its binding to detergent-extractable and heparinase-insensitive sites.
Accuracy of four indirect methods of blood pressure measurement, with hemodynamic correlations

In 38 adults undergoing cardiac surgery, 4 indirect blood pressure techniques were compared with brachial arterial blood pressure at predetermined intervals before and after cardiopulmonary bypass. Indirect blood pressure measurement techniques included automated oscillometry, manual auscultation, visual onset of oscillation (flicker) and return-to-flow methods. Hemodynamic measurements or calculations included heart rate, cardiac index, stroke volume index, and systemic vascular resistance index. Indirect and intraarterial blood pressure values were compared by simple linear regression by patient and measurement period. Measurement errors (arterial minus indirect blood pressure) were calculated, and stepwise regression assessed the relationship between measurement error and heart rate, cardiac index, stroke volume index, and systemic vascular resistance index. Indirect to intraarterial blood pressure correlation coefficients varied over time, with the strongest correlations often occurring at the first and last measurement periods (preinduction and 60 minutes after cardiopulmonary bypass), particularly for systolic blood pressure. Within-patient correlations between indirect and arterial blood pressure varied widely--they were consistently high or low in some patients. In other patients, correlations were especially weak with a particular indirect blood pressure method for systolic, mean, or diastolic blood pressure; in some cases indirect blood pressure was inadequate for clinical diagnosis of acute blood pressure changes or trends. The mean correlations between indirect and direct blood pressure values were, for systolic blood pressure: 0.69 for oscillometry, 0.77 for auscultation, 0.73 for flicker, and 0.74 for return-to-flow; for mean blood pressure: 0.70 for oscillometry and 0.73 for auscultation; and for diastolic blood pressure: 0.73 for oscillometry and 0.69 for auscultation. The mean measurement errors (arterial minus indirect values) for the individual indirect blood pressure methods were, for systolic: 0 mm Hg for oscillometry, 9 mm Hg for auscultation, -5 mm Hg for flicker, 7 mm Hg for return-to-flow; for mean: -6 mm Hg for oscillometry, and -3 mm Hg for auscultation; and for diastolic: -9 mm Hg for oscillometry and -8 mm Hg for auscultation. Mean measurement error for systolic blood pressure was thus least with automated oscillometry and greatest with manual auscultation, while standard deviations ranging from 9 to 15 mm Hg confirmed the highly variable nature of single indirect blood pressure measurements. Except for oscillometric diastolic blood pressure, a combination of systemic hemodynamics (heart rate, stroke volume index, systemic vascular resistance index, and cardiac index) correlated with each indirect blood pressure measurement error, which suggests that particular numeric ranges of these variables minimize measurement error.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
A tool for visualizing future traffic flow complexity

FAA traffic managers require decision support tools that will help them visualize the complex interactions of air traffic flows. With advanced tools, they can more effectively and efficiently carry out their responsibilities. MITRE/CAASD and the FAA have developed one such tool, the future traffic display, which displays future positions of air traffic. Future traffic display enables traffic managers to examine both current flight plan trajectories and the predicted results of proposed traffic flow management strategies. Evaluations conducted with the future traffic display, both in a simulation environment and in field shadow mode operations, show that traffic managers find the future traffic display useful for numerous tasks: analyzing potential problems, identifying flows involved in the problem, visualizing the effect of a proposed traffic management initiative for resolving the problem, monitoring customer-submitted preferred routes, determining whether those routes could be accommodated, and coordinating with customers and other traffic managers. After the most recent evaluations, both traffic manager and customer participants affirmed the value of future traffic display, listing it as their top priority for implementation.
Crossing borders: Research in comparative and international education

Abstract Published articles permit mapping international and comparative education research. We reviewed 605 articles published 2004–2008 in four major journals. Using title, abstract, and entire text we explored thematic focus, geographic focus, level/type of education studied, method, and funding. The economic, political, and social context of education receives far more attention than its content. Comparative and international education research reflects more diversity than convergence in approach, theory, and methodology. The research community moves in multiple directions simultaneously, insisting that understanding education requires studying not only what happens within schools but also where the schools sit and who enters their doors.
THE PHOSPHOLIPIDS OF THE BRAIN, KIDNEYS AND HEART OF WHITE RATS IN EXPERIMENTAL HYPERTHYROIDISM

The profound changes which take place in the physiological function of the different organs of the body in experimental hyperthyroidism have repeatedly stimulated research, either microscopical or by chemical analysis, as to the underlying organic changes. Most of all, the changes in the activity of the central and peripheral nervous system, e.g. as revealed in the increased oxygen consumption or the changes in chronaxia of the cerebral cortex, invite an investigation of their chemical make-up. Such an investigation would, naturally, be concentrated first on an analysis of the inorganic compounds and of the different lipids. Since the recent work of Sinclair (1), interest has again been focused on the role which the phospholipids, the important components of the central nervous system, might play under the conditions of such an artificially increased metabolism in experimental hyperthyroidism. Again the question arises, are they only intermediary products in the fat metabolism and is there a change in the...
Nuclear Receptor Structure: Implications for Function

Small lipophilic molecules such as steroidal hormones, retinoids, and free fatty acids control many of the reproductive, developmental, and metabolic processes in eukaryotes. The mediators of these effects are nuclear receptor proteins, ligand-activated transcription factors capable of regulating the expression of complex gene networks. This review addresses the structure and structural properties of nuclear receptors, focusing on the well-studied ligand-binding and DNA-binding domains as well as our still-emerging understanding of the largely unstructured N-terminal regions. To emphasize the allosteric interdependence among these subunits, a more detailed inspection of the structural properties of the human progesterone receptor is presented. Finally, this work is placed in the context of developing a quantitative and mechanistic understanding of nuclear receptor function.
General Methods for Analysis of Sequential “n-step” Kinetic Mechanisms: Application to Single Turnover Kinetics of Helicase-Catalyzed DNA Unwinding

Helicase-catalyzed DNA unwinding is often studied using “all or none” assays that detect only the final product of fully unwound DNA. Even using these assays, quantitative analysis of DNA unwinding time courses for DNA duplexes of different lengths, L, using “n-step” sequential mechanisms, can reveal information about the number of intermediates in the unwinding reaction and the “kinetic step size”, m, defined as the average number of basepairs unwound between two successive rate limiting steps in the unwinding cycle. Simultaneous nonlinear least-squares analysis using “n-step” sequential mechanisms has previously been limited by an inability to float the number of “unwinding steps”, n, and m, in the fitting algorithm. Here we discuss the behavior of single turnover DNA unwinding time courses and describe novel methods for nonlinear least-squares analysis that overcome these problems. Analytic expressions for the time courses, fss(t), when obtainable, can be written using gamma and incomplete gamma functions. When analytic expressions are not obtainable, the numerical solution of the inverse Laplace transform can be used to obtain fss(t). Both methods allow n and m to be continuous fitting parameters. These approaches are generally applicable to enzymes that translocate along a lattice or require repetition of a series of steps before product formation.
Radiant Emission Characteristics of Diffuse Conical Cavities

Radiant emission from diffuse conical cavity openings, including wall distribution of radiant emittance, heat flux, and temperature
Identification of a Preneoplastic Gene Expression Profile in Tubal Epithelium of BRCA1 Mutation Carriers

Microinvasive carcinomas and high-grade intraepithelial neoplasms are commonly discovered within the fallopian tube of BRCA1 mutation carriers at the time of risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy, suggesting that many BRCA1-mutated ovarian carcinomas originate in tubal epithelium. We hypothesized that changes in gene expression profiles within the histologically normal fallopian tube epithelium of BRCA1 mutation carriers would overlap with the expression profiles in BRCA1-mutated ovarian carcinomas and represent a BRCA1 preneoplastic signature. Laser capture microdissection of frozen sections was used to isolate neoplastic cells or histologically normal fallopian tube epithelium, and expression profiles were generated on Affymetrix U133 Plus 2.0 gene expression arrays. Normal-risk controls were 11 women wild type for BRCA1 and BRCA2 (WT-FT). WT-FT were compared with histologically normal fallopian tube epithelium from seven women with deleterious BRCA1 mutations who had foci of at least intraepithelial neoplasm within their fallopian tube (B1-FTocc). WT-FT samples were also compared with 12 BRCA1 ovarian carcinomas (B1-CA). The comparison of WT-FT versus B1-FTocc resulted in 152 differentially expressed probe sets, and the comparison of WT-FT versus B1-CA resulted in 4079 differentially expressed probe sets. The BRCA1 preneoplastic signature was composed of the overlap between these two lists, which included 41 concordant probe sets. Genes in the BRCA1 preneoplastic signature included several known tumor suppressor genes such as CDKN1C and EFEMP1 and several thought to be important in invasion and metastasis such as E2F3. The expression of a subset of genes was validated with quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry.
Optimal adaptive control for unknown systems using output feedback by reinforcement learning methods

Optimal feedback controllers are generally computed offline assuming full knowledge of the system dynamics. Adaptive controllers, on the other hand, are online schemes that effectively learn to compensate for unknown system dynamics and disturbances. Generally, direct adaptive schemes do not converge to optimal control solutions for user-prescribed performance measures. During the past years, it has been shown that reinforcement learning techniques from computational intelligence can be used to learn optimal feedback controllers online using direct adaptive control techniques without knowing the system dynamics. Most reinforcement learning methods require full measurements of the system internal state. In this paper we develop reinforcement learning methods which require only output feedback and yet converge to an optimal controller. Deterministic linear time-invariant systems are considered. Both policy iteration (PI) and value iteration (VI) algorithms are derived. This corresponds to optimal control for a class of partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDPs). It is shown that, similar to Q-learning, the new output-feedback optimal learning methods have the important advantage that knowledge of the system dynamics is not needed for their implementation. Only the order of the system must be known and an upper bound on its ‘observability index’. The learned output feedback controller is in the form of a polynomial ARMA controller that has equivalent performance with the optimal state variable feedback gain.
(Re)membering and (Re)living: A Methodological Exploration of Postmodern and Constructivist Feminist Approaches to Interviewing Women Leaders in Higher Education

Research cannot be conducted without conscious or unconscious use of underlying theoretical principles (Broido & Manning, 2002). As such, even studies that seem void of theoretical underpinnings su...