cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nystatin-induced liposome fusion. A versatile approach to ion channel reconstitution into planar bilayers.

A simple method is described for promoting and detecting fusion of liposomes with planar bilayer membranes. Liposomes containing ergosterol are doped with the pore-forming antibiotic nystatin, and the planar bilayer is kept ergosterol-free. Under these conditions, when a transbilayer salt gradient is applied, liposomes added to the high-salt side of the bilayer elicit the appearance of abrupt conductance jumps of 5–300 pS. The increase in conductance is transient, decaying back to baseline on the order of 10 s. Each of these "spikes" represents the fusion of a single liposome with the bilayer, resulting in the simultaneous insertion of many nystatin channels. Relaxation of the conductance back to baseline occurs because ergosterol, required for the integrity of the nystatin pore, diffuses away into the sterol-free planar bilayer after liposome fusion. When Torpedo Cl- channels are reconstituted into liposomes containing ergosterol and nystatin, fusion spikes are observed simultaneously with the appearance of Cl- channels. This method allows the calculation of the density of functional ion channels in a preparation of proteoliposomes containing reconstituted channel protein.
Comparison of procedures for extracting transfer RNA from spores of Bacillus

Abstract Methods not involving physical disruption for extracting tRNA from spores of Bacillus using phenol, 8 m urea-mercaptoethanol, 8 m urea-thiogycolic acid, or dithiothreitol were compared. On the basis of these data, an improved extraction procedure is described which is applicable to spores, vegetative cells and asporogenous mutants of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus megaterium .
Comparison of lipid effects on K+-Mg2+ activated p-nitrophenyl phosphatase and Na+-K+-Mg2+ activated adenosine triphosphatase of membrane.

— A comparison was made between K+-Mg2+ activated p-nitrophenyl phosphatase and Na+-K+-Mg2+ activated adenosine triphosphatase with a solubilized enzyme preparation from a membrane fraction of cerebral cortex. The NPPase showed activity even in the absence of phospholipid, whereas the ATPase required the lipid for its activity. More varied types of phospholipids were effective in activating the NPPase than the ATPase, and with each phospholipid the extent and the pattern of the NPPase activation differed from that of the ATPase. By deoxycholate treatment the pH optimum of the NPPase was shifted independently from the pH optimum shift of the ATPase. The specific activity ratio of the NPPase to the ATPase was not constant during purification. These two enzymes were, however, not separable with ammonium sulphate fractionation, and their thermo-lability was identical regardless of the presence of phospholipid. The results suggested two possibilities: (1) the NPPase is a separate enzyme entity from the ATPase; (2) although the NPPase is a part of the ATPase system, the mechanism of action of lipids on the former part differs from that on the rest of the system.
SU‐GG‐T‐72: Dosimetric Comparison of Three Multi‐Lumen Brachytherapy Applicators with the Original MammoSite® Balloon Used in Partial Breast Irradiation (PBI)

Purpose: There is difficulty in achieving the desired dose distribution to the planning target volume (PTV) with the single lumen MammoSite®. The purpose of this investigation is to show that with a multi catheter device one can significantly lower the mean skin and chest wall doses compared with the original MammoSite®, and to quantify performance of each device using certain parameters listed in the methods below. In this paper, a dosimetric comparison of the original MammoSite® against MammoSite® ML (Hologic, Inc.), Contura (Senorx Inc.), and SAVI™ (Cianna Medical, Inc.) will be presented. Methods: Parameters quantified include dose asymmetry (the dose at 1 cm from the device in a direction of asymmetry divided by the prescription dose),skindose and objective values to quantify minimum and maximum dose within the PTV given from RTOG 0413 protocol (V150 and V200). Planning was done using BrachyVision™ TPS (Varian Medical Systems, Inc.), and the volume of each applicator was approximately 27cm3, resulting in a PTV of 75.5cm3. Results: With MammoSite® ML, the dose asymmetry at 1 cm resulted in an asymmetry of 12.2 %, a V150 of 35.7cm3, and a V200 of 10.5cm3. With Contura, the dose asymmetry at 1 cm resulted in an asymmetry of 13.0%, a V150 of 21.7cm3, and a V200 of 5.4cm3. For the SAVI applicator, the dose asymmetry at 1cm resulted in an asymmetry of 52.0%, a V150 of 24.8cm3, and a V200 of 12.5cm3. Conclusion: Optimization of the PTV involves creating a uniform dose throughout the PTV and minimizing the volume of tissue receiving more than 150% of the dose. With any of the three multi‐lumen applicators there can be a decrease to the skin as compared with the original MammoSite.
Development of a Cockpit Situation Display for Free-Flight

This paper summarizes a body of research being conducted in the Cockpit Display Research Group at NASA Ames Research Center to support the development of a Cockpit Situation Display (CSD) for en route free flight and terminal area operations. The paper first presents an airline and FAA perspective on en route free flight operations. This discussion is followed by perspectives of free flight based on interactions with controllers from an Air Route Traffic Control Center. Next we discuss a concept of strategic en route separation and its benefits for both the airlines and ATC. We follow this with a brief summary of work in progress in the laboratory in support of the CSD design. Finally we conclude the paper by summarizing a completed CVSRF B-747 full mission simulation, where crews utilized an initial CSD designed to support en route free flight. The characteristics of the display, a temporal predictor, and a Route Assessment Tool that supported the flight crews' assessment of all traffic conflicts within ADS-B range (120NM), is discussed.
Ionophore (A23187)-induced efflux of [3H]norepinephrine and endogenous norepinephrine in the rat vas deferens.

Abstract The calcium ionophore, A23187, produced a concentration-dependent increase in the release of norepinephrine from nerves in the rat vas deferens. Maximum response to A23187 (10 −6 −10 −5 M) was delayed in onset, occuring 60–80 min after initiation of continuous superfusion with A23187. In fact, after tissue exposure to A23187 (10 −5 M) for only 5 min with subsequent superfusion in A23187-free buffer, a significant but delayed increase in norepinephrine efflux occurred. The A23187-induced increase in efflux of norepinephrine was not altered when neuronal sodium conductance was blocked with tetrodotoxin (3.1×10 −7 M) or when Na + , K + -stimulated ATPase was blocked with ouabain (10 −4 M). Release of norepinephrine by A23187 was calcium-dependent since A23187-induced efflux of norepinephrine was diminished (approximately 50%), although not abolished, in calcium-free buffer. Thus, one component of A23187 action was calcium independent. A23187 caused an increased efflux of both norepinephrine formed endogenously and [ 3 H]norepinephrine taken up into neuronal stores. However, the effects of A23187, both on rate and maximum amount of release were greater for [ 3 H]norepinephrine than for endogenous norepinephrine. The present studies demonstrate that neurotransmitter efflux can be induced by carboxylic ionophores in a calcium-dependent process, and this approach may prove useful in studies evaluating factors that modulate neurotransmitter release processes.
Photo-induced cross-linkage of gene-5 protein and bacteriophage fd DNA+

Abstract The gene 5 protein, coded for by the bacteriophage fd, forms a complex with single stranded fd-DNA such that one gene 5 protein monomer interacts with four bases. Exposure of this complex to ultraviolet light results in the formation of covalent bonds between 25-30% of the gene 5 protein monomers which are bound to the DNA. In contrast, when the intact fd virion, which is a complex of coat protein and DNA, was exposed to ultraviolet irradiation, no detectable protein DNA cross-links were found.
Evidence for Nearest Neighbor Coupling in Arrays of Ellipsoidal Microcavity Plasmas

Arrays of ellipsoidal microcavities have been fabricated in glass by a micropowder blasting technique. Optical microscopy of the plasmas generated in arrays of these cavities provides evidence of coupling between each microplasma and its nearest neighbors. Scattering of incoherent atomic radiation from one microplasma into adjacent microcavities is clearly observed. After correcting for field-of-view distortion and saturation, the images also appear to reveal the perturbation of each microplasma by its neighbor in the form of an elongation of the emission distribution along the axis joining the two cavities.
Toward collaborative mental health consultation.

Mental health consultation for the clergy has become more and more popular. Partly in response to a survey published in I960,1 in which it was reported that 42 per cent of persons who seek professional help for personal problems go first to their clergymen, many mental health workers and clergymen have become aware that their fields overlap in practice as well as in theory. Of course a small minority of mental health professionals have seen this turning to the clergy by people in need as a deplorable situation, based on the cred ulous na?vet? of a neurotic population and on the grandiose megalomania of an archaic priestly caste whose function has always been to exploit the anxieties of the populace. Such shocking opinions have lost their vogue, and hardly anyone today would adopt a position so baldly, even antagonistically, stated; however, such statements do have the virtue of making explicit the assumption that the "overlap" between religious and scientific therapies is an ovtrlay of religious ideologies on the basic truths of science. As a result of this presupposition, it is thought that religious beliefs must be analyzed in sofar as the patient is a strong enough person to face reality; or alternatively, that such beliefs may be left intact, because they are well-functioning de fenses. Few thinking?not to say religious?men hold to this conception, and
Noh, Kaplan, and Sievers reply.

A reply to the comment far infrared resonance in superconductng LaSrCuO is given.The authers provide direct experimental evidence that the particles studied for the most part single crystals have anisotrop- ic opticalproperties,the hypothesis and comment do not apply. (AIP)
High strain rate compressive response of syntactic foams: Trends in mechanical properties and failure mechanisms

Abstract Syntactic foams are composite materials comprising hollow particles dispersed in a matrix material. Available studies on high strain rate compressive response of polymer matrix syntactic foams are critically analyzed to identify the strain rate effects with respect to the material composition. Syntactic foams reinforced with micro- and nano-sized fibers and particles are also covered in the study. Polymer matrix syntactic foams demonstrate strain rate sensitivity in compressive strength over a wide range of strain rates. The compressive strength in the strain rate range of 500–1500s−1 is usually seen to be higher than the quasi-static strength. Reinforced syntactic foams also show similar trends. Compared to the quasi-static compressive failure mechanism of shear cracking, the high strain rate failure occurs by crack propagation in the direction of compression. Compressive properties are not available for syntactic foams in the intermediate strain rate range of 1–400 s−1 due to a lack of appropriate test methods for this range. Absence of modeling and simulation of high strain rate properties of syntactic foams in the published literature is noted. Increasing applications of syntactic foams in automobiles and potential applications in armor structures can benefit by these findings because the mechanical properties and failure criteria selected in the design process should account for the strain rate sensitivity.
Shaping Container Motion for Multimode and Robust Slosh Suppression

The majority of slosh-control techniques have required feedback control to suppress liquid oscillations induced by container motion. Input shaping is an alternative method for generating motion commands that reduce slosh without the need for sensors. This paper provides a rigorous theoretical process for designing multimode and robust input shapers for slosh suppression. Furthermore, it demonstrates that the input-shaping method is more effective than traditional command-smoothing methods. This paper describes the design of four different input shapers that reduce multiple slosh frequencies and have robustness to frequency changes that can occur in containers of sloshing liquids. The performance of the input shapers is then compared with typical unshaped and smooth commands. Experimental results show that input shaping can robustly reduce slosh amplitude over a range of liquid depths.
Leading-order auxiliary-field theory of the Bose-Hubbard model

We discuss the phase diagram of the Bose-Hubbard (BH) model in the leading-order auxiliary field (LOAF) theory. LOAF is a conserving nonperturbative approximation that treats on equal footing the normal and anomalous density condensates. The mean-field solutions in LOAF correspond to first-order and second-order phase transition solutions with two critical temperatures corresponding to a vanishing Bose-Einstein condensate Tc and a vanishing diatom condensate Tẫ†. The second-order phase transition solution predicts the correct order of the transition in continuum Bose gases. For either solution, the superfluid state is tied to the presence of the diatom condensate related to the anomalous density in the system. In ultracold Bose atomic gases confined on a three-dimensional lattice, the critical temperature Tc exhibits a quantum phase transition, where Tc goes to zero at a finite coupling. The BH phase diagram in LOAF features a line of first-order transitions ending in a critical point beyond which the transition is second order while approaching the quantum phase transition. We identify a region where a diatom condensate is expected for temperatures higher than Tc and less than T0, the critical temperature of the noninteracting system. The LOAF phase diagram for the BH model compares qualitatively well with existing experimental data and results of ab initio Monte Carlo simulations. © 2013 American Physical Society.
EFFECT OF TWO LATHYROGENS ON CYTOCHROME OXIDASE IN CULTURES OF THE STRAIN L FIBROBLAST.

SummaryAn attempt was made in this experiment to assess the proposed relationship of cytochrome oxidase inhibition to the production of lathyrism, an experimental disorder of connective tissue. Ammoacetonitrile, a potent lathyrogen, does not inhibit cytochrome oxidase in cultures of L-cells unless allowed to deteriorate in solution. Beta-aminopropionitrile, a widely used lathyrogen, does not inhibit cytochrome oxidase in cultures of L-cells, and does not appear to yield deterioration products in solution capable of inhibiting the enzyme. This discrepancy in enzyme inhibitory capability, at concentrations of the two compounds which are approximately equivalent lathyrogenically and which exert a cytotoxic effect on L-cells, casts doubt on the proposed relationship.
Dipeptidyl peptidase-II activity in cultured astroglial cells from neonatal rat brain.

Astrocytic glial cells in primary culture from neonatal rat brain possess prominent dipeptidyl peptidase-II activity. This enzyme has been previously isolated and purified from whole brain tissue. The glial enzyme characteristically hydrolyzed glycyl-proline-p-nitroanilide (GPN) substrate to release glycyl-proline dipeptide plus p-nitroaniline products. At the enzyme's optimal pH of 5.4, the activities of other tested amino exopeptidases were virtually zero. At pH > 8, activity was less than 2% of the activity at pH 5.4, which suggested a paucity of the related enzyme, dipeptidyl peptidase-IV. No competitive inhibition was observed for glycine, proline nor their permuted dipeptides. Glial dipeptidyl peptidase-II activity was strongly inhibited by Hg2+, while other redox sulfhydryl agents were ineffective. Tested cations did not affect activity, except K+ which was mildly inhibitory. Chelating agents were not inhibitory. Of the peptidase inhibitors tested, only phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride and puromycin were partially inhibitory. We suggest that dipeptidyl peptidase-II may play a role in glial processing of brain peptides which possess an N-terminal penultimate proline residue.
Microalbuminuria, peripheral artery disease, and cognitive function

Kidney disease may be linked to a decline in cognitive activity. We examined the association of microalbuminuria and cognitive function in a general population of older adults in the United States drawn from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 1999–2002. Cognitive function was measured by digit symbol substitution in 2386 participants 60 years of age and older of whom 448 had microalbuminuria. Covariates included age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, smoking, diabetes, and hypertension. Among participants with peripheral artery disease, those with microalbuminuria had a significantly lower cognitive function score compared to those with a normal albumin-to-creatinine ratio. The association between microalbuminuria and cognitive function was weak in those without peripheral artery disease. But in those with peripheral artery disease, the odds of microalbuminuria associated with cognitive function in the lowest and middle tertiles was 6.5 and 3.5, respectively.
Teaching interviewing skills by interactive video: Intertalk

Abstract Intertalk, an interactive video program for teaching interviewing skills, is described. It was developed on an AT&T 6300+ microcomputer with a Microkey video controller card, Pioneer 6000 videodisc player, and a Sony color monitor that accepted both analog and digital signals. All programming was done in TenCore, a commercially available authoring language. The Dreyfus and Dreyfus model of complex skills acquisition provided the theoretical foundation for the development of the program. Future directions for the application of interactive video to the instruction of interviewing skills conclude the paper.
In-hospital mortality after balloon aortic valvuloplasty: frequency and associated factors.

Abstract Percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty has been accompanied by significant early periprocedural morbidity and mortality. Identification of factors associated with increased mortality might allow for improved selection of patients. The Mansfield Scientific Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty Registry was analyzed to identify the frequency of in-hospital death and the factors associated with it. Of 492 patients undergoing the procedure, 37 (7.5%) died during the hospital stay in which valvuloplasty was performed. Twenty-four of these patients died within the first 24 h and the remainder died within 7 days after the procedure. There were significant differences in baseline clinical and hemodynamic characteristics as well as procedural and postpro cedural variables between patients dying and those surviving the in-hospital period. Multivariate analysis identified four factors associated with increased mortality: 1) the occurrence of a procedure-related complication, 2) a lower initial left ventricular systolic pressure, 3) a smaller final aortic valve area, and 4) a lower baseline cardiac output. Thus, baseline hemodynamic, procedural and postprocedural variables and complications can be identified that are associated with increased mortality.
Increased lung serotonin and pulmonary edema in mice injected with antiserum to Ehrlich's ascites tumor.

SummaryMice injected with a rabbit antiserum to Ehrlich's ascites tumor developed hemorrhagic edematous lungs with a markedly increased serotonin content. Such lung findings were not seen in mouse anaphylaxis.
Diversity of T-cell receptor alpha gene transcripts in the newborn and adult periphery.

Recent studies have demonstrated that the diversity of T-cell receptor alpha (Tcra) gene expression may be confined by a developmental program for gene rearrangement. To examine the effect of age on Tcra gene usage in peripheral tissues, a comparison of Tcr transcripts from newborn and adult mouse splenocytes was made. RNA was first isolated from the spleens of newborn (within five days from birth) and adult B10.BR mice. The polymerase chain reaction was then used to assess the presence of Tcra-V1, Tcra-V2, and Tcra-V3 gene sequences within the two RNA pools. The Tcra-V2 transcript was frequent in both newborn and adult populations and was therefore selected for sequencing analyses, by which V-gene family member and J gene usage could be delineated. Forty-one sequences were obtained, demonstrating Tcra-V2 gene family structure in the B10.BR mouse. Six family members were identified, of which four were new. Although there were differences in gene usage between newborn and adult animals, some junctional diversity added to the repertoire of both populations. A striking feature of V-J joining, as illustrated by this study, was the restriction of combinations based on the J gene location within the Tcra locus. The Tcra-V2 gene of dominant expression in the newborn (B10.BR.6) rearranged exclusively with the 30 most 5' Tcra-J genes. The Tcra-V2 gene of dominant expression at the adult stage (B10.BR.1) rearranged exclusively with the 21 most 3' Tcra-J genes in the locus. Thus, V-J combinatorial diversity was restricted in both newborn and adult mice, yielding a trend from 5'-3' Tcra-J gene usage with age. Inherent restrictions in V-J combinations should now be considered with regard to antigen responsiveness, particularly in the young animal. Qualitative restrictions in Tcr repertoire, compounding low T-cell numbers in peripheral tissues, may well contribute to functional voids and immunodeficiencies in early life.
An analysis of the "carry-over effect" following successful short-term treatment of transformed migraine with divalproex sodium.

Objective.– To determine whether successful short-term prophylactic treatment of transformed migraine may be followed by a continued respite from headaches once the treatment has been discontinued (“carry-over effect”). Background.– The optimal duration of prophylactic treatment for pervasive headache and for migraine, in particular, is unknown. Methods.– We prospectively evaluated a series of patients with transformed migraine, all of whom were managed according to a uniform treatment protocol involving prophylactic therapy with divalproex sodium for a period not exceeding 12 weeks. All patients reporting a positive treatment response were followed for at least 2 months after the discontinuation of divalproex sodium, and the incidence of the carry-over effect in that group was assessed. Results.– A short-term carry-over effect occurred in 12 (60%) of 20 patients, but more sustained relief occurred in only 8 (40%). Conclusions.– The successful short-term treatment of transformed migraine with divalproex sodium will often produce a short-term carry-over effect, but this response will be sustained only in a minority of patients.
SELECTIVE SOLVATION EXTRACTION OF GOLD FROM ALKALINE CYANIDE SOLUTION BY ALKYL PHOSPHORUS ESTERS.

Research efforts have shown that solvation extraction of gold from alkaline cyanide solution is possible by alkyl phosphorus esters. Both tributyl phosphate (TBP) and dibutyl butyl phosphonate (DBBP) appear to be effective extractants for gold and exhibit high loading capacities exceeding 30 gpl. Selective solvation extraction of gold from alkaline cyanide solution can be achieved with selectivity factors relative to other cyanoanions as high as 1000 under certain circumstances. Variables influencing the selectivity such as ionic strength, temperature, and extractant structure, are discussed in terms of the extraction chemistry, which seems to involve the solvation of a M dot, dot, dot Au(CN)2 ion pair.
Myocardial Excitation-contraction Coupling in the Fetus of Alloxan-diabetic Rabbit

This study was conducted to investigate myocardial excitation-contraction coupling in the fetus of the diabetic rabbit (FDM). On day 14 of gestation, diabetes was induced in pregnant rabbits by alloxan injection. On day 28 of gestation, mechanical function of the fetal myocardium was determined in the isolated arterially perfused heart preparation. At 1.5 mM [Ca2+]o (control), the force of myocardial contraction in FDM was not significantly different from that in the control fetus. At higher [Ca2+]o, developed tension and maximal rate of tension development [+dT/dt (max)] in FDM were significantly greater than in the control fetus. High [Ca2+]o caused significant increases in resting tension and half-relaxation time (toxic effects) in the control fetus, but not in FDM. Perfusion with lanthanum (known to displace sarcolemma-bound Ca2+ and block sarcolemmal Na-Ca exchange) decreased developed tension and +dT/dt (max) and increased resting tension and these effects in FDM were significantly less than in the control fetus. Perfusion with manganese (known to displace Ca2+ from intracellular sites) also decreased developed tension and +dT/dt (max) and increased resting tension, and these effects were similar in the two groups. The myofibrillar ATPase activities at various calcium concentrations were not different between the two groups. The rates of Ca2+ uptake by mitochondria and sarcoplasmic reticulum were similar in the two groups. These data suggest that in FDM the inotropic effect of Ca2+ is greater and the toxic effect of Ca2+ is less than in the control fetus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Temperature-triggered on-demand drug release enabled by hydrogen-bonded multilayers of block copolymer micelles

article i nfo We report on hydrogen-bonded layer-by-layer (LbL) films as a robust, reusable platform for temperature- triggered "on-demand" release of drugs. Films with high drug loading capacity, temperature-controlled on-off drug release, and stability at physiological conditions were enabled by assembly of tannic acid (TA) with temperature-responsive block copolymer micelles (BCMs), which were pre-formed by heating solutions of a neutral diblock copolymer, poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)-b-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PVPON-b-PNIPAM), to a temperature above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of PNIPAM. The BCM/TA films exhibited temperature-triggered swelling/deswelling transitions at physiological conditions (swelling ratios of 1.75 and 1.2 at 37 °C and 20 °C, respectively). A model drug, doxorubicin (DOX) was incorporated into the film at a high drug-to-matrix ratio (~9.3 wt.% of DOX per film mass), with a total loading capacity controlled by the filmthickness.At37 °C,DOXwasefficientlyretainedwithinthehydrophobicBCMcoresofBCM/TA films,where- as exposure to a lower temperature (20 °C) triggered fast DOX release. While neither bare BCM-containing films nor films loaded with DOX showed cytotoxicity at 37 °C, drug released from films at lower temperature exhibited high potency against breast cancer cells. Repeated on/off drug release was demonstrated with 1.5-μm-thick DOX-loaded films, allowing at least three 30-min cooling cycles with consistent DOX (~12-16% of loaded DOX released for each cycle) released over a 4-day period. Despite significant stress associated with multiple swelling/deswelling cycles, films maintained their structural integrity in PBS, and each film could be re- peatedly loaded with drug and used more than 15 times with only ~7% loss in film thickness and no obvious changes in reloading capacity or release profiles. This work presents the first proof-of-concept utility of
The Universal Characterist of Triple-Resonant-Circuit Band-Pass Filters

The universal insertion-loss versus frequency characteristics of a band-pass filter composed of one, two, or three loss less resonant circuits in a loosely coupled cascade connection tween a source and a load impedance are given. The effects of and source coupling and of intermesh coupling upon pass-band insertion-loss variations and upon band width are discussed.
NetMets: software for quantifying and visualizing errors in biological network segmentation

One of the major goals in biomedical image processing is accurate segmentation of networks embedded in volumetric data sets. Biological networks are composed of a meshwork of thin filaments that span large volumes of tissue. Examples of these structures include neurons and microvasculature, which can take the form of both hierarchical trees and fully connected networks, depending on the imaging modality and resolution. Network function depends on both the geometric structure and connectivity. Therefore, there is considerable demand for algorithms that segment biological networks embedded in three-dimensional data. While a large number of tracking and segmentation algorithms have been published, most of these do not generalize well across data sets. One of the major reasons for the lack of general-purpose algorithms is the limited availability of metrics that can be used to quantitatively compare their effectiveness against a pre-constructed ground-truth. In this paper, we propose a robust metric for measuring and visualizing the differences between network models. Our algorithm takes into account both geometry and connectivity to measure network similarity. These metrics are then mapped back onto an explicit model for visualization.
Fighting to be Fired (But Only with Just Cause): The Unionization of Nontenure-Track Faculty

In the last thirty years, the share of nontenure-track faculty appointments in higher education has increased dramatically. According to the American Association of University Professors, 96 percent of all new faculty appointments in U.S. colleges and universities in 1969 were tenure-track; by the 1990s, only half of new appointments were tenure-track, and only half of these positions were full-time.
Respiratory Toxicologic Pathology of Inhaled Diacetyl in Sprague-Dawley Rats:

Inhalation of butter flavoring vapors by food manufacturing workers causes an emerging lung disease clinically resembling bronchiolitis obliterans. Diacetyl, an α-diketone, is a major component of these vapors. In rats, we investigated the toxicity of inhaled diacetyl at concentrations of up to 365 ppm (time weighted average), either as six-hour continuous exposures or as four brief, intense exposures over six hours. A separate group inhaled a single pulse of ~1800 ppm diacetyl (92.9 ppm six-hour average). Rats were necropsied 18 to 20 hours after exposure. Diacetyl inhalation caused epithelial necrosis and suppurative to fibrinosuppurative inflammation in the nose, larynx, trachea, and bronchi. Bronchi were affected at diacetyl concentrations of 294.6 ppm or greater; the trachea and larynx were affected at diacetyl concentrations of 224 ppm or greater. Both pulsed and continuous exposure patterns caused epithelial injury. The nose had the greatest sensitivity to diacetyl. Ultrastructural changes in the t...
Mitigating distribution transformer lifetime degradation caused by grid-enabled vehicle (GEV) charging

Although 75% of the vehicle miles traveled in the US by 2040 could be electric, few studies have quantified their impact on the distribution network even at low GEV penetration levels. This paper presents a Monte Carlo simulation of transformer life degradation using a fundamental and harmonic transformer thermal model, historical distribution transformer load profiles, hourly temperature data, and surveyed vehicle data to determine transformer loss of life. A simple control strategy, based on transformer current, is proposed to mitigate lifetime degradation. Simulation results are presented for a fleet of distribution transformers in Phoenix, AZ and Seattle, WA under controlled and uncontrolled charging scenarios
Decidability and ℵ 0 -categoricity of theories of partially ordered sets

This paper is primarily concerned with ℵ 0 -categoricity of theories of partially ordered sets. It contains some general conjectures, a collection of known results and some new theorems on ℵ 0 -categoricity. Among the latter are the following. Corollary 3.3. For every countable ℵ 0 - categorical there is a linear order of A such that ( , is ℵ 0 - categorical . Corollary 6.7. Every ℵ 0 - categorical theory of a partially ordered set of finite width has a decidable theory . Theorem 7.7. Every ℵ 0 - categorical theory of reticles has a decidable theory . There is a section dealing just with decidability of partially ordered sets, the main result of this section being Theorem 8.2. If (P, P is the class of partially ordered sets which do not embed (P, Th( K P ) is decidable iff K P contains only reticles .
Semiparametric binary regression models under shape constraints with an application to Indian schooling data

Abstract We consider estimation of the regression function in a semiparametric binary regression model defined through an appropriate link function (with emphasis on the logistic link) using likelihood-ratio based inversion. The dichotomous response variable Δ is influenced by a set of covariates that can be partitioned as ( X , Z ) where Z (real valued) is the covariate of primary interest and X (vector valued) denotes a set of control variables. For any fixed X , the conditional probability of the event of interest ( Δ = 1 ) is assumed to be a non-decreasing function of Z . The effect of the control variables is captured by a regression parameter β . We show that the baseline conditional probability function (corresponding to X = 0 ) can be estimated by isotonic regression procedures and develop a likelihood ratio based method for constructing asymptotic confidence intervals for the conditional probability function (the regression function) that avoids the need to estimate nuisance parameters. Interestingly enough, the calibration of the likelihood ratio based confidence sets for the regression function no longer involves the usual χ 2 quantiles, but those of the distribution of a new random variable that can be characterized as a functional of convex minorants of Brownian motion with quadratic drift. Confidence sets for the regression parameter β can however be constructed using asymptotically χ 2 likelihood ratio statistics. The finite sample performance of the methods are assessed via a simulation study. The techniques of the paper are applied to data sets on primary school attendance among children belonging to different socio-economic groups in rural India.
Is there a role for planned natalizumab dosage suspension in mitigating progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy risk

ISSN 1758-2024 10.2217/NMT.10.4 © 2011 Future Medicine Ltd Neurodegen. Dis. Manage. (2011) 1(1), 11–14 Natalizumab is a humanized anti-a4 integrin monoclonal antibody that decreases lymphocyte trafficking into the CNS. It is US FDA approved for treatment of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) and is proven to reduce relapse rate, progression of disability and accumulation of brain MRI lesions [1,2]. Shortly after FDA approval in 2004, two patients in the SENTINEL trial developed progressive multifocal leuko encephalopathy (PML), resulting in natalizumab’s voluntary withdrawal from the market by Biogen Idec. Following a comprehensive safety reevaluation and development of a risk evaluation mitigation strategy natalizumab was reintroduced to the market in 2006 with a black box warning regarding PML risk. As of November 2010, approximately 75,500 patients have been treated with natalizumab worldwide. There are 75 confirmed cases of natalizumab-associated PML, with 15 fatalities. The duration of exposure to natalizumab is associated with increased PML risk [3,4]. The incidence of PML in the first year of treatment is estimated to be less than 1 in 70,000. In the second year of treatment the incidence rises to 1 in 2700 and in the third year of treatment the risk increases further to 1 in 670 [Biogen Idec Medical Affairs, Pers. Comm.]. Fewer data are available for patients receiving continuous natalizumab treatment beyond 3 years; however, the risk seems to decrease in the fourth year of treatment to 1 in 1000. Scheduled dosage interruptions have been proposed to decrease the cumulative risk of developing PML [5]. The rationale for this intervention is to allow reconstitution of lymphocyte trafficking into the CNS. In theory, PML infections might be cleared by trafficking lymphocytes prior to the onset of clinical manifestations. In practice, dosage interruptions typically occur for a period of 3–6 months following at least 12 months of continuous natalizumab treatment. A 3-month dosage interruption was proposed based on the Phase II natalizumab trial in which patients received monthly natalizumab or placebo infusions for 6 months and were then observed for an additional 6 months following discontinuation of the study drugs [6,7]. During the active treatment period natalizumab treatment was associated with a 90% reduction in the cumulative number of
Predicting water content using Gaussian model on soil spectra

Abstract This paper presents an approach to estimating soil moisture content through fitting an inverted Gaussian function to the continuum in soil spectra. The soil moisture Gaussian model (SMGM) estimates the water content by the declining reflectance in the near infrared (NIR) and shortwave infrared (SWIR) regions, 1.2–2.5 μm, due to the spreading of the fundamental water absorption at 2.8 μm. Convex hull boundary points were used to isolate the spectral continuum and to fit the inverted Gaussian function. The function extrapolates the continuum to the fundamental water absorption beyond the wavelength limits of common laboratory, field, and airborne instruments. Of the derived functional parameters, both amplitude and area on the shortwave side of the inverted Gaussian curve were highly correlated with soil water content. In this study, laboratory spectra, from 0.4 to 2.5 μm, were measured at sequential moisture levels in soil samples collected in Castilla-La Mancha, Spain and in California, USA. The Gaussian area was determined to be the best indicator of gravimetric water content with the initial modeling of 2592 spectra. The SMGM was validated with a separate set of 849 spectra. The model performance significantly improved for water contents below a critical level of 0.32 g water/g soil. Within this restricted range, the SMGM predicted water contents for all soils with a maximum of 0.027 RMSE for 1901 modeled spectra and 0.026 for 602 validation spectra. The water content estimates were improved slightly by stratifying the model and validation sets by the two locations, reducing the RMSE to 0.023 in Spain and 0.025 in California. Further stratifying the model spectra by landform and soil sodicity improved some predictions substantially, but less consistently. Stratifying the samples locally demonstrated that a priori knowledge of soil surfaces by landforms should be part of an image calibration strategy. The SMGM provides practical water content estimates and has a potential use in correcting the effects of soil moisture in hyperspectral images.
Structure–function correlations derived from faster variants of a RNA ligase deoxyribozyme

We previously reported the in vitro selection of several Mg 2+ -dependent deoxyribozymes (DNA enzymes) that synthesize a 2¢‐5¢ RNA linkage from a 2¢,3¢-cyclic phosphate and a 5¢-hydroxyl. Here we subjected the 9A2 deoxyribozyme to re-selection for improved ligation rate. We found two new DNA enzymes (7Z81 and 7Z48) that contain the catalytic core of 7Q10, a previously reported small deoxyribozyme that is unrelated in sequence to 9A2. A third new DNA enzyme (7Z101) is unrelated to either 7Q10 or 9A2. The new 7Z81 and 7Z48 DNA enzymes have ligation rates over an order of magnitude higher than that of 7Q10 itself and they have additional sequence elements that correlate with these faster rates. Our findings provide insight into structure‐ function relationships of catalytic nucleic acids.
Giant Cells of Escherichia coli

Abstract A mutant strain of Escherichia coli K-12 produced amorphous cells when grown in a variety of media. The lon− allele, known to increase the radiation sensitivity of the cytokinesis mechanism, was introduced into the mutant by means of conjugation. Cells of this recombinant strain grew, after exposure to radiation, into giant amorphous cells, approximately 500 to 1,000 times the volume of a normal E. coli cell. These giant cells are analogous to the filaments formed after the irradiation of lon− rod-shaped cells.
A pipelined memory architecture for high throughput network processors

Designing ASICs for each new generation of backbone routers is a time intensive and fiscally draining process. In this paper we focus on the design of a programmable architecture for backbone routers, based on the manipulation of wide irregular memory words, that can provide a feasible design alternative to custom ASICs. We propose a pipelined memory design that emphasizes worst-case throughput over latency, and co-explore architectural tradeoffs with the design of several important network algorithms. Through this co-exploration, we show that a programmable architecture can efficiently exploit behavior inherent to most common network algorithms to keep up with next generation network speeds.
Here Comes the Second World

American-led globalization has enabled the third great powershift of the last five hundred years—the “rise of the rest” following on the rise of the West and then the rise of the US as the dominant power in the West. When China, India, Brazil, Turkey and the rest sit at the table of global power with the West what will the world order look like? Will it be post-American? Will it be culturally non-Western, but play by the same rules of an open international order laid down by the American's after World War II? In the following pages, leading American and Asian intellectuals ponder these questions.
Proteasome Inhibition Alleviates SNARE-Dependent Neurodegeneration

Activation of the proteasomal degradation of misfolded proteins has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy for treating neurodegenerative diseases, but it is unclear whether proteasome dysfunction contributes to neurodegeneration. We tested the role of proteasome activity in neurodegeneration developed by mice lacking cysteine string protein-α (CSPα). Unexpectedly, we found that proteasome inhibitors alleviated neurodegeneration in CSPα-deficient mice, reversing impairment of SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor)-complex assembly and extending life span. We tested whether dysfunctional SNARE-complex assembly could contribute to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease by analyzing postmortem brain tissue from these patients; we found reduced SNARE-complex assembly in the brain tissue samples. Our results suggest that proteasomal activation may not always be beneficial for alleviating neurodegeneration and that blocking the proteasome may represent a potential therapeutic avenue for treating some forms of neurodegenerative disease.
Design of Fano Broadband Reflectors on SOI

We report here the design of Fano resonance broadband reflectors based on two-dimensional photonic crystals on silicon-on-insulator. The impact of vertical confinements and buffer configurations was investigated with a three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain technique. Spectral red- and blue-shifts were obtained by controlling the effective buffer layer indices, with very good agreement between experimental and simulation results.
The Use of Disaggregate Choice Models in Semi-Markov Process Models of Trip Chaining Behavior

Travel demand models currently used in practice generally ignore the phenomenon of trip chaining. However, there is growing evidence that the possibility of forming more efficient trip tours may be a principal mechanism by which travelers adapt their behavior when confronted with gasoline shortages or severe price increases. This paper tries to synthesize two different analysis methodologies, disaggregate choice models and semi-Markov processes, to develop an operational, policy sensitive model of non-work trip chaining. The theory of each of these methods is briefly described. A model of trip chaining is then formulated. An example of the model, implemented for Rochester, New York, is then presented, and conclusions regarding potentially fruitful extensions are drawn.
The Cultural Context of Academic Motives: A Comparison of Filipino and American College Students

In a comparison of Filipino and American college students' self-reported academic motives, approval and self-improvement ranked higher for Filipino students and motives involving performance standards ranked higher for American students. Gender differences - men reported more assertive and competitive achievement modes, women stronger motives regarding performance standards -replicated across the two cultures, suggesting generalizable socialization differences for achievement. Intrinsic task motives-enjoyment of school tasks, persistence, and setting of high performance standards-were closely tied to affiliation and self-improvement motives for Filipino but not American students; achieving and affiliating motives may be less distinct in the Philippine setting than implied by Western theory.
Photoluminescence of Chemically Etched Polycrystalline and Amorphous Si Thin Films

Si thin films were deposited on quartz at temperatures ( TD ) ranging from 540 to 640°C. X-ray diffraction indicates that films deposited at TD texture. The Si films were made porous by stain-etching in HF:HNO3:H2O. Only Si films deposited at 590°C and above show photoluminescence (PL), centered at ∼650-670 nm under UV excitation. Films deposited at TD < 580°C do not luminesce even after very long etch times, which produce a highly porous structure. The PL intensity and the x-ray signal follow a very similar trend with TD. It appears that a minimum level of crystallinity is required for photoemission in porous Si and that a strong relationship exists between them.
REVERSIBLE PASSIVE BANDGAP RECONFIGURATION USING AN EXCITATION DEPENDENT ON-SITE RESTORING FORCE

By applying an excitation dependent, on-site restoring force to oscillators in a uniform one-dimensional chain with nearest neighbor coupling, this paper demonstrates the feasibility of reversible passive bandgap reconfiguration. Waveguide devices are most commonly tuned using active controls, component replacement, or by manually varying design parameters. Recent studies on wave propagation have pursued passive controls, where high amplitude environmental excitation triggers a potential well escape in an asymmetric, bi-stable system, automatically changing its linear spectra without user interaction. Current designs, however, do not return to their initial state upon later excitation amplitude reduction, instead requiring manual reset for continued operation. In order to allow fully autonomous function, a passively reconfigurable system must also be designed to return to its low amplitude state after environmental excitation amplitude decreases. This paper proposes a system in which reversible bifurcations are observed by introducing an excitation dependent on-site stiffness. Instead of a fixed, bi-stable potential energy curve, the oscillators have a single mono-stable curve at low energy levels and a different mono-stable curve with its own distinct linear spectrum at high energy levels. Numerical simulations are provided to demonstrate system transitions from propagation zone to attenuation zone behavior, and back, when subjected to increasing and decreasing excitation amplitudes.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Low Re, High Α Wing Aerodynamics for Micro Air Vehicle Applications

Driven by the need to develop suitable aerodynamic designs for micro air vehicles, results fr om a CFD investigation of low Reynolds number, high angle -of -attack wings are discussed. Results are presented for the effects of planform shape, camber, and angle -of attack at Reynolds number of 500. A drag polar is presented and shows a lift peak at 20 o . A tip vortex moves streamlines away from the tip and toward the root, thus leaving a dead fluid region. A spiral vortex and recirculating flow are also observed at high angles of attack.