cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Retrospective Tuning of MRI Contrast From a Single T1-Weighted Image.

Purpose/Objective(s) While versatile soft tissue contrasts are achievable in MRI, contrast attainable from every MRI scan is predetermined by imaging protocol. Retrospective tuning of MRI contrast provides an opportunity to presumably change imaging parameter values without actual data acquisition. In this study, we present a new paradigm to obtain various contrasts from a single T1-weighted image. In this way, MRI data acquired at different medical centers can be normalized and used for large-scaled radiomics analysis. Materials/Methods A novel framework is proposed for retrospective contrast tuning, which combines deep learning-based quantitative MRI with Bloch equations. Theoretically, retrospective change of MRI contrast is achievable by applying Bloch equations on tissue relaxation parametric maps. However, in practice, quantitative MRI is seldom acquired due to long scan time. Leveraging from the capability of deep learning, we propose a quantitative MRI approach to extract tissue relaxation parametric maps from a single MR image without extra data acquisition. Using deep neural networks, we predict quantitative tissue relaxation parametric maps (T1 map, proton density map) and radiofrequency field map (B1 map) from a single T1-weighted image. Subsequently, various MRI contrasts are obtained from estimated parametric maps with the application of Bloch equations. The principle is validated on knee MRI. A total of 1,344 slice images from 56 subjects were retrospectively collected. For every subject, T1 map was measured from four variable flip angles T1-weighted images and a B1 map (obtained using the actual flip angle method), and proton density map was calculated from T1-weighted image and T1 map. These maps are used as the ground truth. In our study, every quantitative parametric map is predicted from a single T1 weighted image using a self-attention convolutional neural network equipped with unique shortcuts and attention mechanism (to make efficient use of non-local information). All the images are utilized for training and testing with the six-fold cross validation strategy adopted. Given estimated parametric maps, MR images with different contrasts are generated with the application of Bloch equations. While a wide spectrum of contrasts can be obtained with various imaging parameter values, the result is only validated at certain contrasts (corresponding to variable flip angles). Results High accuracy has been achieved in quantitative parametric maps and qualitative images. From a T1-weighted image, quantitative T1 map, proton density map and B1 map are predicted with an averaged correlation coefficient of 0.95∼0.99 and L1 error of 0.02∼0.09; and T1-weighted images corresponding to alternative flip angles are obtained with an averaged correlation coefficient of 0.97∼0.99 and L1 error of 0.04∼0.09. Conclusion A new data-driven strategy is proposed for retrospective MRI contrast tuning from a single T1-weighted image, which requires no additional data acquisition.
Auxin-Binding Proteins and their Possible Role in Cell Development

The standard approach toward understanding cell communication has been to utilize genetic or biochemical methods to first identify elements in signal pathways then to use biochemical methods to establish the physical relationships between these elements. Typically, a signal-regulated response such as gene expression is identified or a putative receptor is identified and then from these respective positions one “walks back” to the receptor or “walks forward” to the response. For the type of communication imparted by auxins in plant cells, both putative receptors and rapid responses have been identified. The walk has started and the question is whether or not the respective research groups will soon meet in the middle, having completed a signal transduction chain.
Adrenal Venous Sampling

Indication This test is performed in order to distinguish between unilateral and bilateral adrenal disease in patients with primary aldosteronism.
Interaction of monomolecular films of biological significance with heavy metal ions and complexes at the air-water interface: I. Stearic acid and zinc, cadmium, and mercury

Abstract The interfacial interactions between stearic acid monolayers and the heavy metal ions, zinc, cadmium, and mercury have been investigated as part of a broader study investigating the effects of heavy metals on model monolayers simulating the human alveolus. The work has shown a strong interaction between the stearic acid film and ions in solutions of Zn, Cd, and Hg chloride. Changes in surface properties were caused by an interaction of the divalent cation of the salts with the negatively charged carboxyl head group of stearic acid. The affinity of the metal ions for the film molecules is in the order Cd > Zn > Hg. It is postulated that the interaction occurs in a 2:1 ratio of fatty acid to metal ion. While the cadmium as Cd2+ ion is present at a lower percentage at the same salt concentration compared to Zn, it had a greater effect on surface potential and a nearly equivalent effect on the surface pressure of the stearic acid films. The activity of the Hg2+ ion for causing changes in the surface properties of the films was much less than that observed for Zn and Cd. This may be related to the very low concentrations of Hg2+ present in the solutions studied, and may not be a true indication of the intrinsic Hg2+ ion affinity of the charged film site. Despite this low concentration, Hg2+ still had an observable effect on the stearic acid compression isotherm. The interactions studied may have implications related to the toxic and physiologic effects of heavy metals on living tissues.
Growth Rate of Control and β-Interferon-treated Human Fibroblast Populations over the Course of Their in Vitro Life Span

The estimated growth rates for five lines of human fibroblasts (Human Genetic Mutant Cell Repository designations 0011, 2936B, 0038A, 2912A, and 3529), during the first few population doublings after establishment of the lines, were within the expected range, i.e. , equivalent to doubling times from 16 to 28 hr, with a mean of 20 hr. The lines were derived from donors aged 8 fetal weeks, 20 days, 9 years, 26 years, and 66 years, respectively. The growth rates of the five lines declined as an exponential function of the population doubling level in all cases. The rate of decline of the growth rate varied for different lines and appeared to be related to the life span of the lines, which in turn was related to donor age. After 30 population doublings, the population doubling times had increased 1.3, 1.3, 1.7, 3.4, and 4.7 times for the five cell lines of the corresponding replicative life spans of 65, 57, 56, 31, and 28 population doublings. Sensitivity of the fibroblast lines to the cell growth-inhibitory effect of β-interferon was independent of the population doubling level of the lines, i.e. , interferon depressed the population growth rate of low population doubling level cells as much as that of middle or late population doubling level cells for any given line. However, the fibroblast lines showed differences in their sensitivity to the cell growth-inhibitory effect of interferon, probably as an expression of genotypic differences among the lines.
Firmware over the air ad-hoc network, FOTANET

The automotive industry is growing rapidly. Many innovations are being focused on the automotive industry and the connected vehicles concept is becoming more reality than ever. The vehicle is being connected to the cloud for more features and better control. A previous paper, “Firmware Over the Air for Automotive, FOTAMOTIVE” was published [1]. One of the main challenges for FOTAMOTIVE is the cost of the bandwidth for over the air updates. This paper introduces a new solution to download the update files without the need of a connection to the internet. This new solution consists of downloading the update files from other vehicles within reasonable range that already have the update files via the Ad-Hoc Network architecture proposed in this paper. We are presenting Fotanet architecture, process flow chart, system components, vehicle cloud management, simulation and results. Based on the statistical data collected, an average visit to the dealer cost $150. The cost for an ECU update via Fotanet is free, but there are still some development and maintenance costs to the OEM. These costs are spread out to how many vehicles/ECU are being updated. The more updates there are, the less the cost will be. For example, if it cost one million dollars to develop and maintain Fotamotive and Fotanet, the cost per update would be $10 for 100k updates and $1 for 1 million updates. Based on the statistical data collected on the average number of vehicles sold by various OEMs, the cost is expected to be minimal.
The current status of international standards for sound level meters

The current status of international standards for sound level meters was presented. The specifications for response to transient signals were made more strignent with the introduction of specified response to tone-bursts of 0.25 ms with respect to the minimum duration of 5 ms of previous sound level meter specifications. The minimum level range for meters with digital displays were increased from 15 dB to 60 dB.
Modeling of Hysteresis in Magnetic Materials

It is very useful if the magnetic behavior of a material can be precisely described in advance, given the composition, structure and processing history. Not only can the design cycle based on “trial and error” iteration be reduced and replaced with materials design from first principles, but also materials with higher performance can be achieved at a lower cost and with less effort if materials scientists are able to employ viable computer-aided design (CAD) software modeling tools.
Global sensitivity analysis for the Rothermel model based on high-dimensional model representation

Rothermel’s wildland surface fire spread model is widely used in North America. The model outputs depend on a number of input parameters, which can be broadly categorized as fuel model, fuel moistu...
Elicitation of Anti-Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes by Using Purified Viral and Cellular Antigens Incorporated into Phospholipid Vesicles

We evaluated the minimal molecular and cellular requirements for elicitation of anti-vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). The results indicated that lipid vesicles containing the purified major surface glyco-protein of VSV (G protein) and purified H-2K(k) glycoproteins elicited specific H-2K(k)-restricted anti-VSV CTL. These antiviral CTL were shown to be Ly 1(-),2(+). However, both Ly 1(+),2(-) and Ly1(-),2(+) T-cell subpopulations were shown to be required for elicitation of these CTL.
Gap-edge states, broken particle-hole symmetry, and kink-antikink asymmetry in bounded Peierls systems

The continuum model for a Peierls system with a half-filled band is solved for a finite chain, the electron wave functions being required to vanish at the ends of the chain; results different from those found using periodic or antiperiodic boundary conditions are obtained. For the homogeneously dimerized state, the single kink (or antikink) state, and the single polaron state, there can be an electronic state at either the upper or the lower edge of the gap, without a corresponding state at the other edge. In agreement with the numerical result of Su on the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model, the ground state of a chain with equal, odd numbers of electrons and ions contains a kink (or an antikink); also, for an odd chain, the kink energy differs from the antikink energy, neither value being the 2${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{0}$/\ensuremath{\pi} found in previous work on the continuum model. The energy required to introduce a kink and an antikink is, however, 4${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{0}$/\ensuremath{\pi}, as in previous work. The origin of the midgap state obtained upon the introduction of a kink (or an antikink) is simply explained in terms of the gap-edge states.
“We Didn’t Have Adventures Like That”: The Lure of Adventure Stories and Courageous Females for Girls Growing Up in the United States During the Mid-20th Century

Based on oral history interviews conducted with 30 women born in the United States in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, this project presents women’s memories of their girlhood relationship to popular media and culture. Specifically, they told us about a preference for adventure stories including those of adventurous and/or strong real-life females. We conclude with a discussion of how these findings may reflect the social-cultural constraints placed on girls growing up at that time such that adventure stories enabled them to live vicariously and to negotiate a future identity in which they too could lead lives of daring and adventure.
Individual and environmental factors that influence length of stay in adult day health care programs

Abstract Despite the growth in adult day health services over the last decade, there is limited research on the topic. With the majority of participants receiving public dollars for care and disenrolling into more expensive nursing home care, the purpose of this study was to determine what factors influence how long an individual stays in the program. Data were gathered from existing records of five adult day programs operating in central Ohio through new intake files from 1, 1999 to December 31, 2000 (N = 280). Cox regression was used to determine the factors that influence length of stay. Those older, at higher nutritional risk, non-white, receiving public funding disenrolled at higher rates. Those participants who were married and had a psychological diagnosis disenrolled at lower rates.
α2-Adrenoceptors Enhance Angiotensin II–Induced Renal Vasoconstriction: Role for NADPH Oxidase and RhoA

α 2 -Adrenoceptors potentiate renal vascular responses to angiotensin II via coincident signaling at phospholipase C. This leads to increased activation of the phospholipase C/protein kinase C/c-src pathway. Studies suggest that c-src activates the reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase/superoxide system, and reactive oxygen species stimulate the RhoA/Rho kinase pathway. Therefore, we hypothesized that NADPH oxidase/superoxide and RhoA/Rho kinase are downstream components of the signal transduction pathway that mediate the interaction between α 2 -adrenoceptors and angiotensin II on renal vascular resistance. In rat kidneys, both in vivo and in vitro, intrarenal infusions of angiotensin II increased renal vascular resistance, and UK14,304 (α 2 -adrenoceptor agonist) enhanced this response. Intrarenal Tempol (superoxide dismutase mimetic) or Y27632 (Rho kinase inhibitor) abolished the interaction between UK14,304 and angiotensin II both in vivo and in vitro. The interaction was also blocked by inhibitors of NADPH oxidase (in vivo using chronic gp91ds-tat administration and in vitro with diphenyleneiodonium). In cultured preglomerular vascular smooth muscle cells, UK14,304 enhanced angiotensin II–induced intracellular superoxide (2-hydroxyethidium production) and potentiated activation of RhoA (Western blot of activated RhoA bound to the binding domain of rhotekin). The interaction between angiotensin II and UK14,304 on superoxide generation and RhoA activation was blocked by inhibitors of phospholipase C (U73312), protein kinase C (GF109203X), c-src (PP1), NADPH oxidase (diphenyleneiodonium), or superoxide (Tempol). We conclude that NADPH oxidase/superoxide and RhoA/Rho kinase are involved in the interaction between α 2 -adrenoceptors and angiotensin II on renal vascular resistance by mediating signaling events downstream of the phospholipase C/protein kinase C/c-src pathway.
Material property measurements with post-processed thermal image data

Some of the applications to materials evaluation and property determination of thermographic NDE using digital postprocessing of sequences of thermograms are demonstrated. A generic description is given of the steps used in postprocessing for obtaining material property values.
Spark plasma extrusion (SPE): Prospects and potential

Despite the advantages of spark plasma sintering, it has so far been limited to the processing of simple shapes, due to its inherent geometric configuration. This paper discusses the prospects and potential of spark plasma “extrusion” as a process that can allow the production of extended geometries via electric-current processing. Results on the spark plasma extrusion and properties of aluminum are also discussed, showing the feasibility of this processing approach, which has major implications for the spark plasma sintering field.
A Physically Motivated Internal State Variable Plasticity/Damage Model Embedded With a Length Scale for Hazmat Tank Cars’ Structural Integrity Applications

In this study, we use a physically-motivated internal state variable model containing a mathematical length scale to re present the material behavior in finite element (FE) simulation s of hazmat tank car shell impacts. Two goals motivated the curre nt study: (1) to reproduce with high fidelity finite deformationand temperature histories, damage, and high rate phenomena whi ch arise during the impact, as well as (2) to investigate numeri cal aspects associated with post-bifurcation mesh-dependenc y of the finite element solution. We add the mathematical length scal e to the model by adopting a nonlocal evolution equation for th e damage, as suggested by Pijaudier-Cabot and Bazant (1987) i n a slightly different context. The FE simulations consist ofa moving striker colliding against a stationary hazmat tank car a nd are carried out with the aid of ABAQUS/Explicit. The results of t hese simulations show that accounting for temperature historie s and nonlocal damage effects in the material model satisfactori ly predicts, independently of the mesh size, the failure process o the tank car impact accident.
Optimum processing conditions for the purification of the YBa2Cu3O7−x powder by the sedimentation method

Abstract The superconducting YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−x powder was purified by the sedimentation method. In this method the calcined YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−x powder is wet milled and then sedimentation classified. The minor phases are present in the small particles. The calcining and wet milling times were found to be critical for efficient purification. For our system, in which YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−x was prepared by calcining a stoichiometric mixture of Y 2 O 3 BaCO 3 , and CuO at 930°C, a minimum calcination time of 20 h and an optimum wet milling time of 5 h were identified.
High temperature stability of electrically conductive Pt–Rh/ZrO2 and Pt–Rh/HfO2 nanocomposite thin film electrodes

Nanocomposite films made up of either Pt–Rh/ZrO2 or Pt–Rh/HfO2 materials were co-deposited using multiple e-beam evaporation sources onto langasite (La3Ga5SiO14) substrates, both as blanket films and as patterned interdigital transducer electrodes for surface acoustic wave sensor devices. The films and devices were tested after different thermal treatments in a tube furnace up to 1,200 °C. X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy results indicate that Pt–Rh/HfO2 films are stabilized by the formation of monoclinic HfO2 precipitates after high temperature exposure, which act as pinning sites to retard grain growth and prevent agglomeration of the conductive cubic Pt–Rh phase. The Pt–Rh/ZrO2 films were found to be slightly less stable, and contain both tetragonal and monoclinic ZrO2 precipitates that also helps prevent Pt–Rh agglomeration. Film conductivities were measured versus temperature for Pt–Rh/HfO2 films on a variety of substrates, and it was concluded that La and/or Ga diffusion from the langasite substrate into the nanocomposite films is detrimental to film stability. An Al2O3 diffusion barrier grown on langasite using atomic layer deposition was found to be more effective than a SiAlON barrier layer in minimizing interdiffusion between the nanocomposite film and the langasite crystal at temperatures above 1,000 °C.
Reminding technology for prospective memory disability: A case study

Congenital or acquired brain damage resulting in prospective memory loss can make a child unable to become independent of care givers. This note describes a memory aid developed for a 17 year old with spina bifida and hydrocephalus who requires continual reminding to perform health maintenance tasks such as medication and feeding. Off-the-shelf computer hardware and software were used to make a reminding system that logged task completion information. Logging is a unique feature of this system, permitting review of the user's response to reminders for health or rehabilitative purposes. The system reduced the need to remind rate from > 75% to less than 10% of the time. Reminding rates returned to > 75% upon removal of the system. With the system this adolescent achieved more independent health maintenance. Weight and power requirements make this system embodiment impractical for general wheelchair use, but the technology in currently available pocket units may support the necessary functions.
A Portable Beta Spectrometer/Dosimeter

As part of an ongoing program l,2 to upgrade health and safety radiation survey instruments, the Los Alamos National Laboratory has developed a portable, battery-operated, computerized beta spectrometer/ dosimeter. The instrument will support many different detectors, but the one chosen here is a combination plastic scintillator and NaI crystal. The instrument includes pulse conditioning circuits, 128-channel pulse height analyzer with integral liquid crystal display, and a microcomputer system which calculates dose and dose rate from betas incident on the detector. Instrument operating life is about 8 hours between charges. The instrument will, at the user's option, display a beta spectrum or the accumulated dose in millirad, as well as give the user beta dose rates in millirad per hour. (At this point, the dosimetry algorithms are still under development.) Data accumulated in the instrument can be read out through an RS-232 serial port on the instrument. The entire unit weighs 8 pounds, including internal batteries, and is packaged in a small case 25-cm long, 15-cm wide, and 15-cm high.
Selective peripheral dopamine-1 receptor stimulation. Differential responses to sodium loading and depletion in humans.

Dopamine-1 (DA1) receptors in the renal tubules may be involved in the regulation of sodium homeostasis. To test this hypothesis, fenoldopam, a selective DA1 agonist, was infused at 0.05 microgram/kg/min i.v. in 16 normal male subjects in metabolic balance at 300 or 10 meq sodium. Renal function studies were performed by standard p-aminohippurate, inulin, and lithium clearances for three periods: 1) precontrol (2 hours), 2) experimental (3 hours), and 3) postcontrol (2 hours). DA1 receptor stimulation in sodium-loaded individuals increased the following parameters during the experimental period: urine flow rate, from 12.5 +/- 0.4 to 15.5 +/- 0.5 ml/min (p less than 0.05); urinary sodium excretion, from 309 +/- 12 to 489 +/- 18 mu eq/min (p less than 0.001); renal plasma flow, from 631 +/- 19 to 717 +/- 21 ml/min (p less than 0.005); fractional sodium excretion, from 2.2 +/- 0.1% to 3.4 +/- 0.1% (p less than 0.001); fractional lithium excretion, from 26.2 +/- 0.7% to 32.1 +/- 0.8% (p less than 0.005); and distal sodium load, from 10.7 +/- 0.4 to 13.8 +/- 0.5 ml/min (p less than 0.05). The increase in fractional sodium excretion was greater than that of fractional lithium excretion (p less than 0.0001). Distal sodium reabsorption decreased from 78.3 +/- 0.8% to 73.2 +/- 1.1% but the change was not statistically significant. In contrast, sodium-depleted subjects exhibited no significant changes except in renal plasma flow, which rose from 550 +/- 13 to 625 +/- 17 ml/min (p less than 0.0001). Glomerular filtration rate remained unchanged through the entire study. These results indicate that diuretic and natriuretic responses are mediated by DA1 receptors at both proximal and distal tubular sites. Attenuation of the DA1 natriuretic response during sodium depletion suggests a direct inhibition of cellular DA1 mechanisms in the renal tubule or recruitment of nondopaminergic compensatory homeostatic mechanisms within the kidney.
The Discourse of Sibling Violence

The present study sought to identify the discourses that exist with regard to physical violence among siblings. The sample consisted of 200 college students (60.5% female, 39.5% male) who completed a revised version of the Conflict Tactics Scales and a self-labeling measure of sibling violence. Findings indicated that while the vast majority of the sample had experienced sibling violence, they utilized terminology in a manner that failed to recognize their experiences as a form of violence. When the data were classified according to gender and level of violence within the sibling relationship, quantitative analysis indicated a difference in terminology. In an attempt to interpret these results from the theoretical perspective of discourse as an aspect of social constructivism it was postulated that the study identified both a dominant discourse that renders physical violence among siblings invisible and several subordinate discourses by which individuals reflect their varying characteristics. It was suggested that future research utilize qualitative analysis to clarify and expand upon this interpretation.
Transient annealing of ion implanted semiconductor materials

Abstract Rapid thermal processing using a Varian IA-200 annealer has been applied to a variety of ion implanted samples. Single crystal silicon has been implanted with As, P, or B to doses of 1 × 10 13 /cm 2 to 1 × 10 16 /cm 2 and annealed. Complete activation can be achieved with minimal diffusion and no loss of dopant if the samples are capped with SiO 2 . Residual damage has been analyzed by Rutherford backscattering. The residual damage depends on implant dose and wafer orientation [(100) vs (111)] as well as anneal conditions. Polycrystalline Si films on oxidized Si wafers have been implanted with As, B or BF 2 and subjected to a transient anneal. Dopants diffuse faster and As is lost from polycrystalline Si faster than single crystal Si if the films are not capped. Sheet resistance of polycrystalline Si films after transient annealing are less than after furnace annealing. Diodes and transistors have been implanted and subjected to a transient anneal. The leakage currents, lifetimes and betas are as good or better than conventional anneals.
Lack of association of CT findings and surgical drainage in pediatric neck abscesses.

Summary Objective To evaluate the relationship between neck abscess characteristics on computerized tomography (CT) scan and surgical drainage in pediatric patients. Methods Retrospective data warehouse review identified 43 children younger than 19 years admitted to a tertiary care pediatric hospital during the first quarters of 2000 through 2003 who underwent CT imaging for suspicion of head and neck abscesses involving the neck; face; and peritonsillar, retropharyngeal, and parapharyngeal spaces. A total of 45 scans were graded by a radiologist blinded to management. Thickness of the prevertebral soft tissue; location, dimensions, and degree of enhancement of the abscess; patient age; steroid and preadmission antibiotic use; and surgical intervention were recorded. Results Surgical drainage was performed in 32 of 43 patients (74%). We found no significant correlation between prevertebral soft tissue thickness, abscess dimensions or enhancement on CT scan, and surgical drainage. There was no significant association between surgical drainage and patient age, administration of steroids, or preadmission antibiotic use. Conclusions Neck abscess appearance on CT scan did not predict surgical drainage, although prevertebral soft tissue thickness and abscess dimensions may be important features. Abscess enhancement, patient age, and the use of steroids and prehospitalization antibiotics were not found to correlate with surgical drainage.
Flight Stability of an Asymmetric Projectile with Activating Canards

Driven by the creation of new smart projectile concepts with maneuver capability, projectile configurations with large aerodynamic asymmetries are becoming more common. Standard linear stability theory for projectiles assumes the projectile is symmetric, both from aerodynamic and mass properties perspectives. The work reported here extends standard projectile linear theory to account for aerodynamic asymmetries caused by actuating canards. Differences between standard linear and extended linear theories reported here are highlighted. To validate the theory, time simulation of the extended linear theory and a fully nonlinear trajectory simulation are made for a representative scenario, with excellent agreement noted. The extended linear-projectile theory offers a tool to address flight stability of projectiles with aerodynamic configuration asymmetries.
SUMO proteomics to decipher the SUMO‐modified proteome regulated by various diseases

Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO1–3) conjugation is a posttranslational protein modification whereby SUMOs are conjugated to lysine residues of target proteins. SUMO conjugation can alter the activity, stability, and function of target proteins, and thereby modulate almost all major cellular pathways. Many diseases are associated with SUMO conjugation, including heart failure, arthritis, cancer, degenerative diseases, and brain ischemia/stroke. It is, therefore, of major interest to characterize the SUMO-modified proteome regulated by these disorders. SUMO proteomics analysis is hampered by low levels of SUMOylated proteins. Several strategies have, therefore, been developed to enrich SUMOylated proteins from cell/tissue extracts. These include proteomics analysis on cells expressing epitope-tagged SUMO isoforms, use of monoclonal SUMO antibodies for immunoprecipitation and epitope-specific peptides for elution, and affinity purification with peptides containing SUMO interaction motifs to specifically enrich polySUMOylated proteins. Recently, two mouse models were generated and characterized that express tagged SUMO isoforms, and allow purification of SUMOylated proteins from complex organ extracts. Ultimately, these new analytical tools will help to decipher the SUMO-modified proteome regulated by various human diseases, and thereby, identify new targets for preventive and therapeutic purposes.
Photoconductivity and delocalization in rare earth activated insulators

We show that by comparing the optical spectra of these materials with complementary measurements such as photoconductivity (PC), the absolute energy level structure of the ions with respect to the intrinsic bands of the host can be determined. This positioning is crucial to the luminescence efficiency of RE-activated solids; the quenching of luminescence can arise from the conversion of energy into mobile charges. We believe that this process provides us with a sensitive way to probe the delocalization of optical energy in activated solids and gives additional insights on the nature of the high lying excitations in these materials.
Raman scattering from superconducting gap excitations in single-crystal YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 − δ

The results of a polarized light scattering study of single-crystal ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\delta}}}$ are presented. Strong interband electronic scattering in ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\delta}}}$ is observed through interference effects with certain phonons. Below ${T}_{c}$, this electronic scattering undergoes a redistribution due to gap formation, which is monitored by a rapid change in the damping rates of the strongly coupled phonons. Our lowest temperature data further indicates the presence of residual electronic scattering well below the expected 2\ensuremath{\Delta} gap onset, suggesting that a continuum of electronic states exists inside the gap.
Inelastic Scattering Dynamics of Hyperthermal Fluorine Atoms on a Fluorinated Silicon Surface

The interaction of energetic fluorine atoms with a fluorinated silicon surface has been studied by monitoring energy and angular distributions of scattered fluorine atoms. Two beams with average tr...
A Model for Mentoring University Faculty

Abstract Operational characteristics for successful mentoring programs of new university faculty include clarity of purpose of the program, methods for matching mentors and proteges, mentor training, mentor–protege relationship building, and program effectiveness assessment. Strengths of formal, informal, peer, group or consortia, intra-departmental, inter-departmental, and research mentoring approaches to mentoring from the literature are presented. Using characteristics and outcomes from successful programs, a proposed four-stage model of conceptualization, design and development, implementation, and evaluation can lead to the benefits of socialization into the culture, emotional support, networking, and increased job performance.
Closed-orbit theory of oscillations in atomic photoabsorption cross sections in a strong electric field. I. Comparison between theory and experiments on hydrogen and sodium above threshold.

Using a simple analytic formula from closed-orbit theory, we calculate photoabsorption cross sections of hydrogen and sodium in a strong electric field. The theoretical spectra show good agreement with experimental results. A scaled variable measurement is also suggested.
Fiducial Regions for Body Wave Focal Plane Solutions

Summary The method of maximum likelihood is applied to find solutions for the focal plane parameters of an earthquake using P wave first motions and using S wave polarization angles. The solution is carried out numerically by generating likelihoods over a discrete grid covering the parameter space. The likelihood values are contoured to show regions of maximum likelihood. By an appropriate calibration of the contours of these regions, they can be interpreted as fiducial regions that express the quality of the focal plane determination. Alternative interpretations of these regions are discussed at some length as instances of the general problem of constructing confidence regions. This paper gives the necessary statistical background material for the paper (Determining Maximum Likelihood Focal Plane Solutions, Dillinger, Harding & Pope) but may be read separately.
Geochemical associations and grain-size partitioning of heavy metals in lacustrine sediments

Abstract A sequential extraction scheme is utilized to determine the geochemical fractionation of Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu and Zn in different grain size classes for sediment samples collected from within and around Little Traverse Bay, Lake Michigan. The partitioning of Fe, Cr and Cu in both sediment and presently-eroding coastal bluff samples are similar. Also, the concentrations of these metals in fine-grained particles are not proportional to the increased surface area of these grains compared with larger grain sizes. Both of these results indicate that these metals have undergone little authigenic change since entering the lacustrine environment. However, sediment Zn concentrations are significantly higher than in coastal bluff samples, and also have a different geochemical fractionation. This result is attributed to the precipitation of Zn in authigenic phases. In general, Mn shows relatively little mobility in the bay's oxidizing environment, except in areas where Mn nodules are forming.
Trust-based security in pervasive computing environments

Traditionally, stand-alone computers and small networks rely on user authentication and access control to provide security. These physical methods use system-based controls to verify the identity of a person or process, explicitly enabling or restricting the ability to use, change, or view a computer resource. However, these strategies are inadequate for the increased flexibility that distributed networks such as the Internet and pervasive computing environments require because such systems lack central control and their users are not all predetermined. Mobile users expect to access locally hosted resources and services anytime and anywhere, leading to serious security risks and access control problems. We propose a solution based on trust management that involves developing a security policy, assigning credentials to entities, verifying that the credentials fulfill the policy, delegating trust to third parties, and reasoning about users' access rights. This architecture is generally applicable to distributed systems but geared toward pervasive computing environments.
Environmental reviews and case studies: Marcellus shale gas development and new boomtown research: Views of New York and Pennsylvania residents

Development of unconventional natural gas resources in the Marcellus Shale region of the northeastern United States has progressed rapidly over the last decade. The discourse surrounding such development recalls quarter-century-old debates about positive and negative implications for the well-being of such energy boomtowns. Potential support or opposition relates to trust in the industry and its regulators, perceived knowledge, and perceived impacts. Our research project takes advantage of the opportunity for a natural experiment in comparing these elements between two spatially adjacent sites with contrasting approaches to gas development: in Pennsylvania, drilling of unconventional natural gas reserves has been proceeding for nearly a decade, whereas, at the time of this writing, drilling has not begun in New York. A mail survey of a random sample of New York and Pennsylvania residents within the Marcellus region revealed important differences between sites. New York residents were more opposed to devel...
Synthesis from multi-cycle atomic actions as a solution to the timing closure problem

One solution to the timing closure problem is to perform infrequent operations in more than one cycle. Despite simplicity of the solution statement, it is not easily considered because it requires changes in RTL, which, in turn, exacerbates the verification problem. We offer a timing closure solution guaranteed to preserve functional correctness of designs expressed using atomic actions or rules. We exploit the fact that the semantics of atomic actions are untimed, that is, the time to execute an action is not specified. The current hardware synthesis technique from atomic actions assumes that each rule takes one clock cycle to complete its computation. Consequently, the rule with the longest combinational path determines the clock cycle of the entire design, often leading to needlessly slow circuits. We present a synthesis procedure for a system where the combinational circuits embodied in a rule can take multiple cycles without changing the semantics of the original design. We also present preliminary results based on an experimental compiler which uses the Bluespec (BSV) compiler front end and generates Verilog. The results show that the clock speed and the performance of circuits can be improved substantially by allowing slow paths to complete over multiple cycles. Our technique is orthogonal to solutions based on multiple clock domains.
Generation of survival signal by differential interaction of p38MAPKα and p38MAPKβ with caveolin-1 and caveolin-3 in the adapted heart

Abstract Sphingomyelin breakdown product ceramide has recently been found to induce an adaptive response and reduce myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. Since activation of MAP kinases plays an essential role in myocardial adaptation to ischemic stress and since ceramide is involved in lipid raft formation where MAP kinases can be translocated in response to stress, we reasoned that preconditioning may potentiate the translocation of MAP kinases into the lipid raft. To test the hypothesis, rats were divided into five groups: (i) control, (ii) ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), (iii) I/R + C-2 ceramide, (iv) adapted and (v) adapted + desipramine, an inhibitor of ceramide formation. Isolated hearts were preperfused for 15 min with Krebs Henseleit bicarbonate (KHB) buffer in the absence or presence of 10 μM desipramine followed by adaptation induced by four cyclic episodes of 5 min ischemia and 10 min reperfusion. For myocardial adaptation to ischemia with ceramide, the hearts were perfused with 1 μM C-2 ceramide. All hearts were then subjected to 30 min ischemia and 2 h of reperfusion. As expected, both ischemic adaptation and ceramide adaptation made the heart resistant to I/R injury as evidenced by improved ventricular performance and reduced myocardial infarct size and cardiomyocyte apoptosis, which were significantly blocked with desipramine indicating the involvement of ceramide in ischemic adaptation. Ceramide also participated in the formation of lipid raft, and desipramine disrupted the raft formation. In the adapted hearts, there was an increased association of the proapoptotic p38MAPKα with caveolin-1 while there was a reduced association of anti-apoptotic p38MAPKβ with caveolin-3 indicating reduced amount of p38MAPKα and increased amount of p38MAPKβ were available to the adapted hearts thereby generating a survival signal. Desipramine decreased the association of P38MAPKα and C-2 ceramide increased the association of P38MAPKα with the lipid raft. The survival signal was further confirmed by increased phosphorylation of AKT and enhanced induction of expression of Bcl-2 during adaptation and its reversal with desipramine. The results indicated a unique ceramide signaling the ischemic and PC hearts involving lipid rafts, which generated a survival signal by differentially associating the p38MAPKα and p38MAPKβ with the caveolin-1 and caveoli-3, respectively.
Group decision making in swarms of honey bees

This study renews the analysis of honey bee swarms as decision-making units. We repeated Lindauer's observations of swarms choosing future home sites but used modern videorecording and bee-labelling techniques to produce a finer-grained description of the decision-making process than was possible 40 years ago. Our results both confirm Lindauer's findings and reveal several new features of the decision-making process. Viewing the process at the group level, we found: (1) the scout bees in a swarm find potential nest sites in all directions and at distances of up to several kilometers; (2) initially, the scouts advertise a dozen or more sites with their dances on the swarm, but eventually they advertise just one site; (3) within about an hour of the appearance of unanimity among the dancers, the swarm lifts off to fly to the chosen site; (4) there is a crescendo of dancing just before liftoff, and (5) the chosen site is not necessarily the one that is first advertised on the swarm. Viewing the process at the individual level, we found: (1) the dances of individual scout bees tend to taper off and eventually cease, so that many dancers drop out each day; (2) some scout bees switch their allegiance from one site to another, and (3) the principal means of consensus building among the dancing bees is for bees that dance initially for a non-chosen site to cease their dancing altogether, not to switch their dancing to the chosen site. We hypothesize that scout bees are programmed to gradually quit dancing and that this reduces the possibility of the decision-making process coming to a standstill with groups of unyielding dancers deadlocked over two or more sites. We point out that a swarm's overall strategy of decision making is a “weighted additive strategy.” This strategy is the most accurate but also the most demanding in terms of information processing, because it takes account of all of the information relevant to a decision problem. Despite being composed of small-brained bees, swarms are able to use the weighted additive strategy by distributing among many bees both the task of evaluating the alternative sites and the task of identifying the best of these sites.
RATES AND MECHANISMS OF SUBALPINE FOREST SUCCESSION ALONG AN ENVIRONMENTAL GRADIENT

This paper examines how rates and mechanisms of succession vary spatially and temporally in xeric, subalpine forests in Colorado, United States. We reconstructed 300 years of succession from limber pine (Pinus flexilis) to Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmanii) and subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) in two watersheds recovering from the same fire. More than 1850 live and dead trees were cored and mapped in 25 plots systematically spaced along a topographic gradient. We used tree ring analysis to reconstruct dates of tree establishment and death. Relative species abundances and basal areas were charted at 20-yr intervals, and three measures of ecological similarity were also used to capture different elements of change: simple Euclidean distance, Euclidean distance in ordination space, and Horn’s CH similarity index. Successional rates for mesic lower slopes and north aspects were roughly twice those on south-facing side slopes. Rates were positively correlated with soil P, N, Fe, organic matter, and Parker’s t...
A Novel Antibiotic CJ-17, 572 from a Fungus, Pezicula sp.

A new antibiotic, CJ-17,572 (I) was isolated from the fermentation broth of a fungus Pezicula sp. CL11877. The structure of I was determined to be a new equisetin derivative by spectroscopic analyses. The compound inhibits the growth of multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcusfaecalis with IC50s of 10 and 20 microg/ml, respectively.
DETRUSOR PRESSURE UROFLOWMETRY STUDIES IN WOMEN: EFFECT OF A 7FR TRANSURETHRAL CATHETER

Purpose: We evaluated whether a 7Fr transurethral catheter affects urinary flow in women undergoing pressure flow studies for voiding symptoms.Materials and Methods: We reviewed a urodynamic database of 600 consecutive women referred for the evaluation of voiding symptoms. Before urodynamics all patients voided privately using a standard toilet and free flow was recorded. Urodynamics were performed using a 7Fr double lumen transurethral catheter. At functional bladder capacity patients were asked to void in the sitting position and pressure flow studies were performed. All uroflowmetry tracings were inspected and analyzed manually. Only patients who voided similar volumes varying by less than 20% on the free and pressure flow studies were assessed. Free and pressure flow parameters were compared according to voided volume category, main urodynamic diagnosis, uroflowmetry pattern and pre-void bladder volume.Results: A similar volume was voided on the free and pressure flow studies of 100 women. In each voi...