cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coded aperture imaging: the modulation transfer function for uniformly redundant arrays.

Coded aperture imaging uses many pinholes to increase the SNR for intrinsically weak sources when the radiation can be neither reflected nor refracted. Effectively, the signal is multiplexed onto an image and then decoded, often by computer, to form a reconstructed image. We derive the modulation transfer function (MTF) of such a system employing uniformly redundant arrays (URA). We show that the MTF of a URA system is virtually the same as the MTF of an individual pinhole regardless of the shape or size of the pinhole. Thus, only the location of the pinholes is important for optimum multiplexing and decoding. The shape and size of the pinholes can then be selected based on other criteria. For example, one can generate self-supporting patterns, useful for energies typically encountered in the imaging of laser-driven compressions or in soft x-ray astronomy. Such patterns contain holes that are all the same size, easing the etching or plating fabrication efforts for the apertures. A new reconstruction method is introduced called δ decoding. It improves the resolution capabilities of a coded aperture system by mitigating a blur often introduced during the reconstruction step.
An approach for designing decision support systems

Studies of specific decisions and general studies of decision making have indicated the potential benefits of computer support for decision making. These potential benefits can be divided into two categories: displaced cost and added value.
Cooperative control with improvable network connectivity

In this paper, an efficient approach to improve the connectivity of any given network is provided by introducing an additional node into the network. More specifically, the additional node acts as a neighbor to certain pair of nodes in the network with only changing one link among the existing nodes. The location of the additional node is designed according to the current topology as well as the states, and it has been proved that, controlling the most-connected node will in general improve the convergence rate of the network. Moreover, the proposed method overcomes the dependence of the convergence rate on the Fiedler value. In particular, the convergence problem is converted to a standard stability problem by using the cooperative control Lyapunov function, and a state-feedback controller with switching logic in finding the observed node is designed to guarantee the fast convergence. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy in speeding up consensus in a network.
Andrew, Patricia. The Social Construction of Age: Adult Foreign Language Learners. Bristol, UK: Multilingual Matters. 2012. Pp. 200. $39.95, paper. ISBN 978–1–84769–613–7.

A review of the book "The Social Construction of Age: Adult Foreign Language Learners," by Patricia Andrew, is presented.
Performance Characterization of Multifunctional Structure-Battery Composites for Marine Applications

The aim of our work is to design, fabricate and characterize multifunctional structure-power composites for marine applications such as in unmanned underwater vehicles. Three types of structure-power (or structure-battery (SB)) specimens were fabricated using fiber-reinforced polymers and closed-cell foam as the structural components, and commercial-off-the-shelf lithium-polymer cells as the power-plus-structure component. This paper details the mechanical and electrical characterization of the S-B composites while a companion paper deals with the design and fabrication issues. The three multifunctional designs are: integrated SB laminate with lithium-polymer pouch cells embedded on one side, SB sandwich with cells embedded within a closed-cell polymeric foam along the neutral axis, and a SB modular stiffener that can be attached and removed from a host-structure. Unifunctional composites (i.e. without embedded cells) were also fabricated for comparison with the multifunctional composites. The embedded cells show identical charge-discharge electrical performance as their un-embedded counterparts, thus, indicating that the composite fabrication procedures did not adversely affect their electrical performance. Ragone curves (energy density vs. power density) of the S-B composites show that the targeted energy density of 50 Wh/L was achieved in the SB modular stiffener design. The bending stiffnesses of the integrated SB and SB modular stiffener designs were ∼7x greater than the unifunctional design while the multifunctional sandwich specimens were ∼17% stiffer than their unifunctional counterparts. Tests are currently being conducted to determine the affect of mechanical flexure (constant displacement) on embedded cell discharge and charge characteristics, and conversely, cell discharge and charge on the load and deflection during flexure.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Multiple beamforming with constellation precoding: Diversity analysis and Sphere Decoding

Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) wireless communication systems commonly employ beamforming techniques with Singular Value Decomposition (SVD). In such systems, if no channel encoding is employed, the full diversity order provided by the channel is achieved when a single symbol is transmitted over multiple channels; however, this property is lost whenever multiple symbols are simultaneously transmitted. The full diversity order can be restored when channel coding is added to such a system. For example, when Bit-Interleaved Coded Modulation (BICM) is combined with this technique, the full diversity order of NM in an M ×N MIMO channel, transmitting S parallel streams is possible; provided SRc ≤ 1 where R C is the BICM convolutional code rate. In this paper, we present multiple beamforming with constellation precoding which can achieve the full diversity order with both uncoded and BICM-coded SVD systems. An analytical proof of this property is provided. In addition, to reduce the computational complexity of Maximum Likelihood (ML) decoding, we introduce a Sphere Decoding (SD) technique. This technique achieves several orders of magnitude reduction in computational complexity not only with respect to conventional ML decoding, but also, with respect to conventional SD.
A model for multi-finger HBTs including current gain collapse effects

Abstract A common-emitter equivalent circuit model which represents both the self-heating and the current collapse as feedback from the collector current to the base–emitter voltage is developed for multi-finger InGaAs/GaAs HBTs. The modified Ebers–Moll model is verified by comparing the simulated and measured results. Good agreement is also achieved for the scattering parameters and I–V characteristics confirming the validity of the model for high frequency applications.
Unsupervised Target Detection using Canonical Correlation Analysis and its Application to Raman Spectroscopy

We present an unsupervised detection approach, detection with canonical correlation (DCC), for target detection based on a linear mixture model. Our aim is determining the existence of certain targets in a given mixture without specific information on the targets or the background. We use canonical correlations between the target set and the mixed components as the detection index, such that the coefficients of the canonical vector are used to determine the indices of components from a given target library, thus enabling both detection and identification of the components that might be present in the mixture. For applications where the contributions of components are non-negative, we incorporate non- negativity constraints into the canonical correlation analysis framework and derive the corresponding algorithm. We show that DCC and especially its nonnegative variant leads to significant performance gain when applied to detection of surface-deposited chemical agents in Raman spectroscopy.
The power of altmetrics on a CV

Editor's Summary Alternative metrics demonstrate the value and influence of scholars' work apart from traditional citation counts and can enhance the impact of a CV. Altmetrics provide additional, supplementary information and can balance misleading metrics tied to particular journals. More timely than traditional metrics, altmetrics quickly reveal the impact of recent work and add authority to different types of scholarly products not captured as articles. Altmetrics can capture social media references that escape traditional metrics and reflect public engagement prompted by scholarly writing. The availability of altmetrics expands publishing opportunities to include new venues and stimulates innovative strategies for evaluating research. When included in a CV altmetrics must be accurate, clear and meaningful.
L’aide par les pairs et les groupes d’entraide comme solutions de rechange et comme compléments à l’aide professionnelle

Compte tenu que le nombre de personnes ayant une formation professionnelle ne sera jamais suffisant pour affronter la crise du VIH, on doit trouver des solutions de rechange. Deux types de ressources sont ici proposees : l'aide par les pairs et les groupes d'entraide. La mise en place de ces formes d'aide exige une formation appropriee. Elles peuvent etre des complements essentiels aux strategies de prevention, de controle et d'aide, et en ce sens, elles devront etre integrees a l'ensemble du systeme de soins.
Relationship between pulse-wave velocity and arterial elasticity

Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measuredin situ in 11 isolated canine common carotid arteries. Seven arteries exhibited a linear PWV/pressure function at pressures ranging from 0 to 200 mm Hg. Four arteries yielded a linear relationship between PWV and pressure between 1 and 100 mm Hg; for these vessels the relationship was nonlinear at higher pressures. Seven arteries (five from the group which was linear up to 200 mm Hg and two from the group which was linear up to 100 mm Hg) were excised and presure/volume measurements were madein vivo. Using pressure/volume data, the Moens-Korteweg equation was evaluated as a predictor of the PWV/pressure relationship over the linear region. An expression was developed to anable prediction of the pressure/volume relationship using the coefficients at the linear PWV/pressure function; these predictions were evaluated. We found that, for this range, the Moens-Korteweg equation provides a very good basis for predicting the increase in PWV with increasing bias pressure. In addition, we found that the pressure/volume relationship of common carotid arteries is well represented by an exponential of the form V/Vo=Keαf(P), which was derived as the inverse solution to the Moens-Korteweg equation.
High Fashion: The Women's Undergarment Industry and the Foundations of American Spaceflight

AbstractIn the years that followed the end of World War II, Americans turned to synthetic fibers to transform their bodies to meet the challenges of a new era: for women, the pinched waists and thrusting bustlines of Christian Dior's “New Look;” for men, the physiological demands of high-speed, high-altitude flight. The story of foundation garments and pressure suits is not simply one of government-developed “spin-off” technologies invigorating the civilian market; rather, new techniques for the manufacture of civilian apparel infused pressure suit development. Inspired by each other, the two industries revolutionized “high fashion” with a series of radical new garments as “dangerous” as they were beautiful. Considering the two as complementary technologies may illuminate both the ways in which the consumer market enriched American innovation during the twentieth century, and the resonances these two kinds of garments have as iconic representations of postwar American modernity, beauty, and power.
Optimism and Perceived Stress in Sickle-Cell Disease: The Role of an Afrocultural Social Ethos

Given its prevalence among African diasporic populations, sickle-cell disease (SCD) is an individual and global public health issue that is especially relevant to health psychologists. Despite evidence that sociocultural variables generally exert a significant influence on health outcomes, very little is known about the social and cultural contexts of adjustment to SCD. The present study explored whether specific variables representing an Afrocultural social ethos (i.e., spirituality, positive affect, and communalism) indirectly influenced the relation between optimism and perceived stress among individuals coping with SCD. Eighty-three African American adults attending an outpatient clinic completed a demographic profile and a brief survey assessing optimism, pain, stress, and the aforementioned Afrocultural domains. Multiple mediation analyses controlling for age and pain severity indicated that the relation between optimism and stress was unaffected by an Afrocultural ethos. The implications of these f...
Thermometric titration studies of isopoly molybdates

Abstract Processes which occur upon the acidification of sodium molybdate solutions have been investigated via thermometric titration. Over a wide range of molybdate concentration (0·5-0·01 M) and ionic strength (up to 3 M), four major species are identified. The formulas correspond to HMo2O83−, Mo7O244− and MoO3. Enthalpies of association are given for each of these as well as the H3PMo12O40 species. General kinetic features of the relevant processes are also discussed.
Adr1 and Cat8 Mediate Coactivator Recruitment and Chromatin Remodeling at Glucose-Regulated Genes

Background Adr1 and Cat8 co-regulate numerous glucose-repressed genes in S. cerevisiae, presenting a unique opportunity to explore their individual roles in coactivator recruitment, chromatin remodeling, and transcription. Methodology/Principal Findings We determined the individual contributions of Cat8 and Adr1 on the expression of a cohort of glucose-repressed genes and found three broad categories: genes that need both activators for full derepression, genes that rely mostly on Cat8 and genes that require only Adr1. Through combined expression and recruitment data, along with analysis of chromatin remodeling at two of these genes, ADH2 and FBP1, we clarified how these activators achieve this wide range of co-regulation. We find that Adr1 and Cat8 are not intrinsically different in their abilities to recruit coactivators but rather, promoter context appears to dictate which activator is responsible for recruitment to specific genes. These promoter-specific contributions are also apparent in the chromatin remodeling that accompanies derepression: ADH2 requires both Adr1 and Cat8, whereas, at FBP1, significant remodeling occurs with Cat8 alone. Although over-expression of Adr1 can compensate for loss of Cat8 at many genes in terms of both activation and chromatin remodeling, this over-expression cannot complement all of the cat8Δ phenotypes. Conclusions/Significance Thus, at many of the glucose-repressed genes, Cat8 and Adr1 appear to have interchangeable roles and promoter architecture may dictate the roles of these activators.
Super-deep reflection profiling: exploring the continental mantle lid

Abstract Reflections from the continental mantle lithosphere have now been reported from common mid-point (CMP) profiles at numerous sites around the world. These reflections include: (1) distinct dipping events that appear to originate in the lower crust and continue some distance into the upper mantle; (2) kilometer scale, discontinuous, diffusely distributed, or isolated reflections at varying depths; (3) continuous, sub-horizontal reflections tens of kilometers in extent, often interpreted as the ‘base of the lithosphere’ in spite of a wide variation in depth and; (4) very deep reflections in the mantle lithosphere (> 125 km). The first category of mantle reflections is most commonly observed in proximity to crustal sutures, lending credence to their interpretation as fossil subduction zones. Isolated, discontinuous mantle reflections are by far the most common and, though observed in both ancient and modern collisional environments, are difficult to interpret due to both their limited extent and a corresponding lack of three-dimensional control. Sub-horizontal mantle reflections appear in disparate tectonic environments in at least nine locations worldwide. Of special note are the various reports of specific reflections at ∼80–100 km (22–24 s twt) in the North Sea, eastern Europe, and the Urals which suggest a more ubiquitous mantle horizon. The deepest events imaged thus far in a controlled source CMP survey are the ‘super-deep’ mantle reflections of the URSEIS project that have been identified at ∼135–165 km (35–43 s) and ∼225 km (56 s). Of the many reported mantle reflections, these are the most likely to be associated with the base of the lithosphere although such an interpretation averts the question of why an essentially thermo-mechanical transition should be reflective at high frequencies (10–20 Hz).
A Hook-On Power Factor Meter

INTEREST in extending the hook-on technique to measurement of 3-phase power factor has resulted in the development of a hook-on power factor meter. Prerequisites were light weight, simple operation, and wide range (0 to 1.0 power factor lead and lag, 100 to 600 volts, 15 to 600 amperes).
Designing anti-epileptic drugs using neuronal dynamics

While the molecular mechanism of many anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) is known, rational drug design for anti-epileptic drugs has been hindered by our lack of understanding on how these mechanisms influence system level behaviors. Using phase reduction techniques, we can relate molecular level changes to network level synchrony to understand how a drug may influence system level behavior. After studying the effect of AEDs on neuronal dynamics using both electrophysiology and computational models, we observed a reduction in firing rate and minor changes in the phase response curve (PRC) to synaptic inputs. This finding was common among drugs with completely different mechanisms of action: phenytoin (voltage gated Na+ blocker), ethosuximide (T-type Ca++ blocker), and retigabine (voltage gated K+ opener). When controlling for firing rate, we found no significant changes to the PRC of the neuron. The PRC relates the synaptic input to the spike time output of a neuron, it is logical that preservation of those dynamics is critical to the functional information processing in the system. This led us to hypothesize that the best AEDs may reduce the firing rate of the neuron while preserving the PRC. The slower firing rate reduces neurotransmitter release and synaptic summation, thus reducing activity in a population while maintaining the essential information transfer characteristics of the neuron. This hypothesis was tested in a computational neuron model [1], which has 6 currents and 36 parameters. A subset of parameters was examined, excluding those which would remain relatively static in a biological neuron. Each of the 24 qualifying parameters was altered until a 5 ms increase in the interspike interval was achieved compared to the control interspike interval (100 ms). We then measured the phase response curve and compared the sum squared error (SSE) relative to the control. Ranking the SSE of the PRC (Table ​(Table1)1) for each parameter showed that target of the known convulsant drug, 4-aminopyridine, had the greatest error in the phase response curve (156.3), while the known AED phenytoin showed lower error (115.9). Additionally, the highest ranking parameters (those which best preserve the PRC) were all K+ currents that do not currently have a corresponding AED. Drugs targeting those parameters which best preserve the PRC while reducing firing rate may prove to be effective AEDs according to the hypothesis presented here. This technique is easily extensible to the addition of any channel and error rankings of the 24 parameters remained consistent across different firing rates. This method may provide a principled approach for determining which drug targets will be effective for the treatment of epilepsy and illustrate how neuronal dynamics can give us the information needed to understand system level effects related to molecular level drug mechanics, thus allowing us to engineer better medicine. Table 1 Predicted Effectiveness of AED Target
Peptide characterization using bioreactive mass spectrometer probe tips

A method has been developed for the rapid and sensitive mass spectrometric characterization of peptides. The approach uses bioreactive mass spectrometer probe tips, incorporating covalently bound enzymes, which are capable of modifying biomolecules for analytical purposes. In the demonstrated cases, enzymatic proteolysis is initiated upon application of analyte to the probe tips, time is allowed for digestion, and the products are analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The probe tips have been used for proteolytic mapping and partial sequence determination of picomole quantities of peptide. Analysis times were approximately 30 min. Two methods of database search were utilized. The first used limited peptide sequence information and parent molecular weight, while the second used exclusively the molecular weights of a number of endoproteolytic fragments. A simple method of comparing the match of experimental data for a tryptic digest with the results of a search is described.
Design of a hyperspectral nitrogen sensing system for orange leaves

The orange (Citrus sinensis) is one of the most important agricultural crops in Florida. Heavy reliance on agricultural chemicals and low fertilizer use efficiencies in citrus production have raised environmental and economic concerns. In this study, a nitrogen sensor was developed to predict nitrogen concentrations in orange leaves. Four design criteria were chosen to maximize the sensing efficiency and reliability. They were: (1) coverage of the spectral N sensing range, (2) no moving parts, (3) single leaf detection, and (4) diffuse reflectance measurement. Based on chlorophyll and protein spectral absorption bands, the sensor's wavelength ranges were chosen to be 620-950nm and 1400-2500nm. A reflectance housing was designed to block environmental noise and to ensure single leaf measurement. A halogen light source, two detector arrays, two linear variable filters, and data acquisition cards with 16-bit analog-to-digital converters were used to collect data. The designed N sensor had a spectral resolution less than 30nm. Test results showed that the nitrogen sensor had good linearity (r>0.99) and stability. With averaged signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 299, the system was able to predict N content with a root mean square difference (RMSD) of l.69gkg^-^1 for the validation data set. Using the N sensor, unknown leaf samples could be classified into low, medium and high N levels with 70% accuracy.
Six common errors relating to environmental pollution.

Overall. cancer death rates are staying steady or coming down, the major exception being.smoking-related cancer. The latest update from the National Cancer Institute ( 12/02/85) for the de~e 1974-1983 shows that cancer of the stomach is down 20%; cancer of the cervix-uterus is down 30% (both of these have been decreasing for decades); and cancer of the ovary is down 8%. The cancer rates that are clearly increasing are male lung cancer (up 15%) and female lung cancer (up 72%), both of which are caused by smoking (as is 30% of cancer in the United States), and melanoma ( up 20% ), which is thought to be due to sunlight exposure. Life expectancy is steadily increasing in the United States and most industrialized countries (except for the USSR, where male life expectancy has fallen to 62 years). Infant mortality is decreasing, and, though the statistics are not good on birth defects, there is no evidence that they are increasing overall. Conc/usion. We are the healthiest we have been in human history.
The acute effects of N-hydroxy-acetylaminofluorene on rat liver protein synthesis.

Abstract A single intraperitoneal injection of N-hydroxy-acetylaminofluorene (N-hydroxy-AAF) at a dosage of 30 mg/kg significantly inhibited rat liver protein synthesis within 15 min. Marked alterations in the subcellular distribution of hepatic RNA accompanied the decline in protein synthesis in treated rats. These changes included decreases in nuclear and bound polysomal RNA and increases in free polysomal and non-sedimentable RNA. Heavy polysomal aggregates, both free and bound, were almost completely degraded to monomers and dimers during this period. Sedimentation profiles of total cytoplasmic RNA revealed no evidence of gross RNA breakdown in N-hydroxy-AAF-treated animals. To determine the mechanisms responsible for the inhibition of protein synthesis by N-hydroxy-AAF, cellular components involved in protein synthesis were purified from control and treated animals and examined in two cell-free systems. In a system which measures polypeptide chain elongation and release, the incorporation of amino acids into protein was reduced by 35% using polysomes from N-hydroxy-AAF treated animals compared with controls. By contrast, the function of the pH 5 fraction (containing aminoacylating enzymes and tRNA) from the carcinogen-treated animals was unimpaired. A wheat germ lysate system was used to determine the ability of mRNA to program polypeptide chain initiation and elongation. Cytoplasmic poly(A) + RNA from N-hydroxy-AAF treated rats showed reduced capacity to stimulate protein synthesis in wheat germ lysates compared with similar preparations from DMSO-injected control rats. The rapid inhibition of protein synthesis by N-hydroxy-AAF may be an important contributing factor to other toxic effects of the carcinogen, including the inhibition of rRNA synthesis.
Costs and benefits in switching drugs from Rx to OTC

This paper contains an initial inquiry into the benefits and costs of switching some drugs from prescription-only (Rx) status to over-the-counter (OTC) status. It contributes to a discussion of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) policy of making this change for selected drugs, such as chlorpheniramine (switched in 1976) and topical hydrocortisone (switched in 1979). Costs and benefits are estimated for three representative drugs: (1) topical hydrocortisone, a medicine with limited use and side effects; (2) thiazide diuretics, drugs used on a continuing basis to treat chronic conditions; (3) and oral penicillin, a well-understood anti-infective agent. The purpose of the calculations is to suggest criteria for deciding which drugs could be switched. Reasonably potent drugs are considered to assess the limits of switching policy.
Synthesis of heterocyclic compounds from 3‐acetyl‐3‐chloropropyl acetate

The reaction of the potassium salt of 2-mercaptobenzimidazole with 3-acetyl-3-chloropropyl acetate afforded the novel heterocyclic compound 1. When solutions of 1 in deuteriodimethylsulfoxide or deuteriomethanol were allowed to stand at room temperatures for 15 minutes and 19 days, respectively, ring opening of 1 occurred to give the precursor, 3-acetyl-3-(2-benzimidazolthio)propyl-1-ol. The treatment of 1 with p-fluorophenyl isocyanate furnished the carbanilate 2. The reaction of ammonium dithiocarbamate with the above chloroketone afforded the 2-thiazolethione 3. Possible mechanisms and supporting nmr, ir, mass spectral data for 1–3 and single crystal X-ray analysis for 2 are discussed.
TU-SAMS-L100J-01: Determination of Dose From CT Examinations

The assessment of radiation dose from computed tomography has become an important issue due to the increased utilization of computed tomography in a large number of clinical applications, from CT urography to cardiac CT. The traditional metrics used for CTdose assessment (CTDI‐100) have come under assault from a number of investigators, because of its limitations in describing the radiation dose in realistic CT examinations. While there remains no real consensus in the field, a number of groups are working on the development of CTdose metrics which convey a better understanding of the radiation dose received by individual patients for specific CT examinations. In this presentation, the perspective of a number of groups will be presented. Primarily, the work of a committee of the International Commission of Radiological Units (ICRU) commissioned in 2005 will be discussed. The ICRU committee has preliminarily defined a multi‐tier system for the assessment of radiation dose metrics in computed tomography. At the first level, machine‐dependent performance factors are described and measured, and these include the traditional CTDI‐100 metric for the 16 cm and 32 cm diameter polymethylmethacrylate dosimetry phantoms, at the center and at the periphery. There is a consensus amongst the ICRU community that radiation dose to patients undergoing CT examinations is best established using the known geometry of the CT examination, coupled with measured output characteristics of the specific CT scanner (including bow‐tie characteristics), combined with Monte Carlo computations. In the rare instance in which the CTdose to a specific patient needs to be computed, image‐based methodologies will be presented which enable these computations with a high degree of accuracy. It is emphasized that the effective dose (measured in milliseiverts) is not an appropriate measure for individual patient doses, as this metric includes population‐based radiation epidemiological data which may not be applicable to a specific individual. Therefore, the ICRU efforts towards radiation dosimetry of the individual patient focus on dosimetric units which are physical in nature, and describe the individual organdoses and the overall average dose to the patient, depending upon the specific CT examination and the patient's physical characteristics. Educational Objectives: 1. Convey some of the issues in accurate dose assessment in CT. 2. Describe some of the ongoing efforts of the ICRU committee on CT towards dose assessment.
Control of tailless expression by bicoid, dorsal and synergistically interacting terminal system regulatory elements

Three different maternal morphogen gradients regulate expression of the gap gene tailless (tll), which is required to establish the acron and telson of the Drosophila embryo. To identify elements in the tll promoter that respond to these different maternal systems, we have generated promoter-lacZ fusions and transformed them into the germline. Expression of these constructs in both wild type and mutant embryos revealed the presence of at least two separate but synergistically interacting regions that mediate tll expression by the terminal system. This functional synergism between regulatory elements may play a role in the translation of the torso (tor) morphogen gradient into the sharp boundary of tll gene activity. In addition to regions mediating activation by the terminal system, regions mediating both activation and repression by bicoid (bcd), and repression by dorsal (dl) were identified. Binding sites of bcd protein in a 0.5 kb region, revealed by DNaseI footprinting, could be crucial for the bcd-dependent activation of tll expression in the anterior stripe.
Detailed investigation of the impact of the fiber design parameters on the transverse Anderson localization of light in disordered optical fibers

We recently reported the observation of transverse Anderson localization as the waveguiding mechanism in optical fibers with random transverse refractive index profiles [1]. Here, we explore the impact of the design parameters of the disordered fiber on the beam radius of the propagating transverse localized beam. We show that the optimum value of the fill-fraction of the disorder is 50% and a lower value results in a larger beam radius. We also explore the impact of the average size of the individual random features on the value of the localized beam radius and show how the boundary of the fiber can impact the observed localization radius. A larger refractive index contrast between the host medium and the disorder sites results in smaller value of the beam radius.
Design of an Automatic Waterhammer Prevention System

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued Generic Letter (GL) 96-06 [1] which required utilities to evaluate the potential for waterhammers in cooling water systems serving containment following a Loss of Offsite Power (LOOP) concurrent with a Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA) or Main Steam Line Break (MSLB). At Duke’s Oconee Nuclear Station, analysis and system testing in response to GL 96-06 concluded that waterhammers occur in the Low Pressure Service Water (LPSW) system during all LOOP events. Column Closure Waterhammers (CCWH) occur when the LPSW pumps restart following a LOOP and rapidly close vapor voids within the system, specifically, in the Reactor Building Cooling Unit (RBCU) and Reactor Coolant Pump (RCP) motor piping. Condensation Induced Waterhammers (CIWH) occur when heated steam voids interact with sub-cooled water in long horizontal piping sections, specifically in the RBCU and Reactor Building Auxiliary Coolers (RBAC) piping. These waterhammers were not expected to result in pipe failure, but resulted in piping code allowable stresses being exceeded. Piping code compliance was achieved by installing modifications that prevent all GL 96-06 related waterhammers inside containment. Two modifications were designed and implemented. These modifications were designed to isolate the piping inside containment, the high point in the open loop system, in order to maintain it in a water solid state. This was accomplished by a valve closure scheme that is actuated by low LPSW supply header pressure. Additionally, “controllable vacuum breakers” (pneumatic valves) open on low LPSW supply header pressure to eliminate void formation and collapse while the isolation valves are closing. The pneumatic isolation valve arrangement is single failure proof to open and to close. The Waterhammer Prevention System (WPS) circuitry closes the valves by one of two digital channels consisting of relays, which are triggered by two of four analog channels consisting of a pressure transmitter/current switch. The valves re-open on increasing supply header pressure. A “leakage accumulator” was provided in the supply header to make-up any boundary valve leakage that may occur when the system is isolated. This provides for a larger allowable aggregate boundary valve leakage rate. The system response was predicted by a model using the thermal-hydraulic code GOTHIC. Following installation, an integrated test was successfully conducted by inducing a LOOP into the LPSW system.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Management of Uncertainty in Medicine

MUM IS A KNOWLEDGE-BASED CONSULTATION SYSTEM DESIGNED TO MANAGER THE UNCERTAINTY INHERENT IN MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS (THE ACRONYM STANDS FOR MANAGE- MENT OF UNCERTAINTY IN MEDICINE). MANAGING UNCERTAINTY MEANS PLANNING ACTIONS TO MINIMIZE UNCERTAINTY OR ITS CONSEQUENCES. THUS IT IS A CONTROL PROBLEM--AN ISSUE FOR THE COMPONENT OF A KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM THAT DECIDES HOW TO PROCEED FROM AN UNCERTAIN STATE OF A PROBLEM. UNCERTAINTY CAN BE MANAGED BY MANY STRATEGIES, DEPENDING ON THE KIND OF PROBLEM ONE IS TRYING TO SOLVE. THESE INCLUDE ASKING FOR EVIDENCE, HEDGING ONE''S BETS, DECIDING ARBITRARILY AND BACKTRACKING ON FAILURE, DIVERSIFICATION OR RISK-SHARING, AND WORST-CASE ANALYSIS. THE FACILITY WITH WHICH A CONSULTATION SYSTEM SUCH AS MUM MANAGES UNCERTAINTY IS EVIDENT IN THE QUESTIONS IT ASKS: IT SHOULD ASK ALL NECESSARY QUESTIONS, NO UNNECESSARY QUESTIONS, AND IT SHOULD ASK ITS QUESTIONS IN THE RIGHT ORDER. THESE CONDITIONS, ESPECIALLY THE LAST ONE, PRECLUDE UNIFORM AND INFLEXIBLE CONTROL STRATEGIES. THEY PROMPTED THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MUM ARCHITECTURE IN WHICH CONTROL DECISIONS ARE TAKEN BY REASONING ABOUT FEATURES OF EVIDENCE AND SOURCES OF UNCERTAIN- TY.
Optical System Design for the WAMDII Instrument

This article describes the optical system design for the WAMDII instrument. WAMDII is an acronym for Wide Angle Michelson Doppler Imaging Interferometer. The function of the instrument is to determine upper atmospheric wind velocities, temperatures and volume emission rate over a wide visual field of view by measuring parameters such as Doppler wavelength shift, Doppler line broadening and emission intensities.
Neutral endopeptidase inhibition increases the urinary excretion and plasma levels of endothelin.

The pathway for removal of the circulating potent vasoconstrictor peptide, endothelin (ET), is unclear. To determine the contribution of neutral endopeptidase (NEP) to ET metabolism, urinary excretion (UETV) and plasma levels of ET (P(ET)) were measured after infusion of the NEP inhibitor (NEP-I), SQ 29,072 (30 mg/kg [n = 10] and 60 mg/kg [n = 6]), in anesthetized Munich Wistar rats. Both doses significantly increased UETV at 30, 60, and 90 minutes; the maximal effect was obtained 30 minutes after infusion, and the response was longer in rats pretreated with the higher dose of the inhibitor. P(ET) increased 36% and 55% (P less than or equal to .05) at 30 and 120 minutes after injection of the larger dose of SQ 29,072. We also studied the effect of NEP-I on the excretion of exogenous ET after the infusion of 125I-ET (1 microCi) in rats pretreated with either NEP-I or vehicle. In rats treated with the lower dose of the inhibitor, urinary radioactivity increased 2.1- and 1.5-fold (P less than or equal to .05 v control) after 30 and 60 minutes, respectively. After the higher dose of NEP-I, urinary radioactivity increased 2.7- and 1.7-fold (P less than or equal to .05). The distribution of the urinary radioactivity as defined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed that intact labeled ET accounts for only 6% to 9% of the total counts recovered in urine from control rats, while the remainder was either free iodine or other products of hydrolysis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Invited Article: Autonomic ganglia Target and novel therapeutic tool

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChR) are ligand-gated cation channels that are present throughout the nervous system. The muscle AChR mediates transmission at the neuromuscular junction; antibodies against the muscle AChR are the cause of myasthenia gravis. The ganglionic (alpha 3-type) neuronal AChR mediates fast synaptic transmission in sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric autonomic ganglia. Impaired cholinergic ganglionic synaptic transmission is one important cause of autonomic failure. Pharmacologic enhancement of ganglionic synaptic transmission may be a novel way to improve autonomic function. Ganglionic AChR antibodies are found in patients with autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy (AAG). Patients with AAG typically present with rapid onset of severe autonomic failure. Major clinical features include orthostatic hypotension, gastrointestinal dysmotility, anhidrosis, bladder dysfunction, and sicca symptoms. Impaired pupillary light reflex is often seen. Like myasthenia, AAG is an antibody-mediated neurologic disorder. The disease can be reproduced in experimental animals by active immunization or passive antibody transfer. The patient may improve with plasma exchange treatment or other immunomodulatory treatment. Antibodies from patients with AAG inhibit ganglionic AChR currents. Other phenotypes of AAG are now recognized based on the results of antibody testing. These other presentations are generally associated with lower levels of ganglionic AChR antibodies. A chronic progressive form of AAG may resemble pure autonomic failure. Milder forms of dysautonomia, such as postural tachycardia syndrome, are associated with ganglionic AChR in 10-15% of cases. Since ganglionic synaptic transmission is a common pathway for all autonomic traffic, enhancement of autonomic function through inhibition of acetylcholinesterase is a potential specific therapeutic strategy for autonomic disorders. Increasing the strength of ganglionic transmission can ameliorate neurogenic orthostatic hypotension without aggravating supine hypertension. Recent evidence also suggests a potential role for acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in the treatment of postural tachycardia syndrome.
Toward an explanatory model of retail crowding

This manuscript provides a review of the extant crowding literature and culminates in an integration of the various discussions, some of conceptual and some supported by empirical re-search, into a comprehensive schema of crowding. Empirical support (or lack of support) for the relationships posited in the literature and illustrated in the schema is discussed.
Impact of Island-Induced Clouds on Surface Measurements: Analysis of the ARM Nauru Island Effect Study Data

Abstract An Atmospheric Radiation and Cloud Station (ARCS) was established on the island of Nauru by the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program. Analysis of the Nauru99 field experiment data indicated that measurements at the ARCS were affected by a cloud plume that was induced by diurnal heating of the island. During the Nauru Island Effects Study, instrumentation was installed at a second site to develop criteria for identifying when the cloud plume occurs and to quantify its effect on ARCS measurements. The plume directional heading and frequency of occurrence are affected by the large-scale tropical circulation. During the present study, in which an El Nino was developing, Nauru was in a region of active convection, and easterly trade winds were not dominant; plumes were observed in 25% of satellite images, and only one-half of the observed plumes were downwind of the ARCS site. Surface wind direction, surface air temperature, and downwelling solar radiation at the two sites were used to iden...
Organic Polyradical Models for Organic Magnetic Materials

A variety of model organic high spin molecules based upon coupled phenoxy and phenylnitrene systems has been examined by semiempirical MO-CI theory. Experimental methodology using photochemical and thermal methods in solution and solid phases to generate and study phenoxy groups for investigation of these models is presented.
Metabolic reprogramming and validation of hyperpolarized 13C lactate as a prostate cancer biomarker using a human prostate tissue slice culture bioreactor.

BACKGROUND The treatment of prostate cancer has been impeded by the lack of both clinically relevant disease models and metabolic markers that track tumor progression. Hyperpolarized (HP) 13C MR spectroscopy has emerged as a new technology to investigate the metabolic shifts in prostate cancer. In this study, we investigate the glucose reprogramming using HP 13C pyruvate MR in a patient-derived prostate tissue slice culture (TSC) model. METHODS The steady-state metabolite concentrations in freshly excised human prostate TSCs were assessed and compared to those from snap-frozen biopsy samples. The TSCs were then applied to a perfused cell (bioreactor) platform, and the bioenergetics and the dynamic pyruvate flux of the TSCs were investigated by 31P and HP 13C MR, respectively. RESULTS The prostate TSCs demonstrated steady-state glycolytic and phospholipid metabolism, and bioenergetics that recapitulate features of prostate cancer in vivo. 13C spectra following injection of HP 13C pyruvate showed significantly increased pyruvate to lactate flux in malignant as compared to the benign prostate TSCs. This increased flux in the malignant prostate TSCs correlated with both increased expression of monocarboxylate transporters (MCT) and activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). CONCLUSIONS We provide the first mechanistic evidence for HP 13C lactate as a prostate cancer biomarker in living human tissues, critical for the interpretation of in vivo studies. More broadly, the clinically relevant metabolic model system in combination with HP MR can facilitate the identification of clinically translatable biomarkers of prostate cancer presence, aggressiveness, and treatment response. Prostate 73: 1171–1181, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Efficient numerical treatment of periodic systems with application to stability problems

Two efficient numerical methods for dealing with the stability of linear periodic systems are presented. Both methods combine the use of multivariable Floquet-Liapunov theory with an efficient numerical scheme for computing the transition matrix at the end of one period. The numerical properties of these methods are illustrated by applying them to the simple parametric excitation problem of a fixed end column. The practical value of these methods is shown by applying them to some helicopter rotor blade aeroelastic and structural dynamics problems. It is concluded that these methods are numerically efficient, general and practical for dealing with the stability of large periodic systems.
Effects of domestication on prey catching and killing in beagles, coyotes and F2 hybrids

Abstract In order to identify possible effects of domestication on behavior, prey-catching and killing behavior was studied in domestic dogs (beagles), coyotes and F 2 and F 3 generation beagle X coyote hybrids. The full temporal sequence of prey catching and killing together with efficient dissection and ingestion of the prey evident in coyotes at 8 weeks of age were respectively truncated and disorganized in the domestic dog and hybrids. These changes in behavioral organization and temporal sequencing of action patterns are discussed in relation to differences in arousal (motivation) and response threshold. Partial and complete inhibition of the killing bite was found in hybrids and beagles respectively, this being a major factor in the truncation of the full prey-catching and killing sequence. Domestication may lead to truncation of this temporal sequence at one of many points by intensifying or inhibiting certain action patterns through selective breeding.
The sexual overperception bias: Evidence of a systematic bias in men from a survey of naturally occurring events.

Abstract According to error management theory ( Haselton & Buss, 2000 ), natural selection will often produce adaptively biased systems of judgment, even when these systems produce more errors than alternative designs. In a study of naturally occurring events, evidence of one such bias in men—the sexual overperception bias—was documented. Women ( n =102) and men ( n =114) reported past experiences in which a member of the opposite sex erroneously inferred their sexual interest. Women reported significantly more false-positive errors committed by men than false-negative errors. Men reported roughly equal numbers of false-positive and false-negative errors committed by women, suggesting no bias in women’s sexual inferences. Several within-sex predictors of misperceptions were identified; for example, individuals high in self-perceived mate value reported more false-positive inferences by others than did individuals lower in mate value.
Naturally processed chromatin peptides reveal a major autoepitope that primes pathogenic T and B cells of lupus.

Major autoepitopes for pathogenic Th cells of lupus were previously found in core histones of nucleosomes by testing overlapping synthetic peptides. To detect other dominant epitopes, we eluted peptides from MHC class II molecules of a murine lupus APC line that was fed with crude chromatin. The eluted peptides were purified by reverse-phase HPLC and tested for their ability to stimulate autoimmune Th clones, and then analyzed by mass spectrometry. Amino acid sequences of stimulatory fractions revealed three new autoepitopes. Two of the epitopes were homologous to brain transcription factor BRN-3, whereas the third sequence was homologous to histone H1′22–42. H1′22–42 stimulated autoimmune Th cells to augment the production of pathogenic antinuclear Abs, and was much more potent than other nucleosomal epitopes in accelerating glomerulonephritis in lupus-prone (SWR × NZB)F1 (SNF1) mice. Remarkably, a marked expansion of Th1 cells recognizing the H1′22–42 epitope occurred spontaneously in SNF1 mice very early in life. A significant proportion of H1′22–42-specific T cell clones cross-reacted with one or more core histone epitopes, but not with epitopes in other lupus autoantigens. The H1′22–42 epitope was also recognized by autoimmune B cells, and with the onset of lupus nephritis, serum autoantibodies to the H1′22–42 epitope become increasingly cross-reactive with nuclear autoantigens. Convergence of T and B cell epitopes in H1′22–42 and its ability to elicit a cross-reactive response make it a highly dominant epitope that could be targeted for therapy and for tracking autoimmune T and B cells.