cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
β2-Adrenergic Receptors Chaperone Trapped Bitter Taste Receptor 14 to the Cell Surface as a Heterodimer and Exert Unidirectional Desensitization of Taste Receptor Function.

Bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) are G-protein-coupled receptors now recognized to be expressed on extraoral cells, including airway smooth muscle (ASM) where they evoke relaxation. TAS2Rs are difficult to express in heterologous systems, with most receptors being trapped intracellularly. We find, however, that co-expression of β2-adrenergic receptors (β2AR) in HEK-293T routes TAS2R14 to the cell surface by forming receptor heterodimers. Cell surface TAS2R14 expression was increased by ∼5-fold when β2AR was co-expressed. Heterodimer formation was shown by co-immunoprecipitation with tagged receptors, biomolecular fluorescence complementation, and merged confocal images. The dynamic nature of this interaction was shown by: a gene-dose relationship between transfected β2AR and TAS2R14 expression, enhanced (up to 3-fold) TAS2R14 agonist stimulation of [Ca2+]i with β2AR co-transfection, ∼53% decrease in [Ca2+]i signaling with shRNA knockdown of β2AR in H292 cells, and ∼60% loss of [Ca2+]i responsiveness in βAR knock-out mouse ASM. Once expressed on the surface, we detected unidirectional, conformation-dependent, interaction within the heterodimer, with β2AR activation rapidly uncoupling TAS2R14 function (∼65% desensitization). Cross-talk was independent of β2AR internalization and cAMP/PKA, and not accompanied by TAS2R14 internalization. With prolonged β-agonist exposure, TAS2R14 internalized, consistent with slow recycling of naked TAS2R14 in the absence of the heterodimeric milieu. In studies of ASM mechanics, rapid cross-talk was confirmed at the physiologic level, where relaxation from TAS2R14 agonist was decreased by ∼50% with β-agonist co-treatment. Thus the β2AR acts as a double-edged sword: increasing TAS2R14 cell surface expression, but when activated by β-agonist, partially offsetting the expression phenotype by direct receptor:receptor desensitization of TAS2R14 function.
A Heterogeneous Clustering Approach for Human Activity Recognition

Human Activity Recognition (HAR) has a growing research interest due to the widespread presence of motion sensors on user’s personal devices. The performance of HAR system deployed on large-scale is often significantly lower than reported due to the sensor-, device-, and person-specific heterogeneities. In this work, we develop a new approach for clustering such heterogeneous data, represented as a time series, which incorporates different level of heterogeneities in the data within the model. Our method is to represent the heterogeneities as a hierarchy where each level in the hierarchy overcomes a specific heterogeneity (e.g., a sensor-specific heterogeneity). Experimental evaluation on Electromyography (EMG) sensor dataset with heterogeneities shows that our method performs favourably compared to other time series clustering approaches.
Solving the Density Functional Conundrum: Elimination of Systematic Errors To Derive Accurate Reaction Enthalpies of Complex Organic Reactions.

The failure of available density functional methods to compute accurate reaction enthalpies of common organic reactions is well documented. Herein, we demonstrate that the disparate results from different functionals stem from the systematic errors in the underlying elementary reactions that represent the changes in the bonding environment between reactants and products. We develop a rigorous protocol to correct for these systematic errors and obtain dramatically improved results with deviations of only 1–2 kcal/mol for most functionals.
Historical Institutionalism and Evolution: Tropes Without Theory

Social science in general and political science in particular have been resistant to the mobilization of evolutionary and specifically Darwinian ideas for analytic and explanatory purposes. This paper uses a special issue of the APSR on the “evolution” of the discipline of political science to illustrate the general lack of sophistication among political scientists when it comes to evolutionary theory. Key concepts in evolutionary theory are then used to translate work by historical institutionalists that, absent the kind of general theoretical context evolution can provide, too often operates in an ad hoc and reinvent-the-conceptual-wheel mode. Comparative historical institutionalism is in particular poised to benefit from disciplined evolutionary thinking because of its emphases on time, sequence, unintended consequences, and the relationship between agency and structure. From this perspective work by a number of historical institutionalists, including Gellner, Thelen, Ertman, Gottshalk, and others is analyzed.
Alpha, Biofeedback and Arousal/Activation

Dr. Johnson has reviewed several issues in the operant control of EEG alpha rhythm as well as the interactions among cortical electrical activity, general physiological reactivity and subjective experience. Our presentation seeks to expand and clarify somewhat the nature of the interaction between alpha and high levels of arousal/activation associated with fear.
Customizing Neural Networks for Efficient FPGA Implementation

We propose a novel end-to-end framework to customize execution of deep neural networks on FPGA platforms. Our framework employs a reconfigurable clustering approach that encodes the parameters of deep neural networks in accordance with the application's accuracy requirement and the underlying platform constraints. The throughput of FPGA-based realizations of neural networks is often bounded by the memory access bandwidth. The use of encoded parameters reduces both the required memory bandwidth and the computational complexity of neural networks, increasing the effective throughput. Our framework enables systematic customization of encoded deep neural networks for different FPGA platforms. Proof-of-concept evaluations on four different applications demonstrate up to 9-fold reduction in memory footprint and 15-fold improvement in the operational throughput while the drop in accuracy remains below 0.1%.
Variation inflation factor-based regression modeling of anthropometric measures and temporal-spatial performance: Modeling approach and implications for clinical utility.

Abstract Background Understanding the relationship of underlying anthropometry to temporal-spatial performance is critical to appropriate assessment of patients with ambulatory dysfunction. The current body of literature has established the importance of limb length in this relationship. This study sought to re-examine these relationships in light of recent trends in body habitus and obesity, using Variation Inflation Factor analysis to optimize the model. Methods Elementary school children (n = 452; ages 5–13) were tested during walking at a self-selected speed across an instrumented walkway. Temporal-spatial and anthropometric measures were compiled for all children. The relationship between temporal-spatial and anthropometric measures was assessed using regression modeling with Variation Inflation Factor optimization. Findings Body weight was identified as a significant predictor of cycle duration, stride length, stance duration, and step width during initial modeling. However, it did not meet the constraints imposed during Variation Inflation Factor optimization and was removed from the final models. The final optimized models identified significant relationships between both temporal-spatial parameters of interest and other temporal-spatial measures, with the best fit identified for walking speed (R2 = 0.6148). Interpretation The use of the Variation Inflation Factor constraint during the regression modeling process ensured final models composed of truly independent predictor variables. The resulting models are highly robust and highlight the complex relationships between body structure, functional conditions, and walking performance. These models have value for routine clinical assessment of ambulatory dysfunction, and may provide a foundation for classifying temporal-spatial performance in the context of multiple contributing parameters.
Primary Health Care Policy Implementation Performance in Bangladesh: Affecting Factors

The extent of how health policy implementation performance is taking route at the national level is a very important issue as far as world population levels in relation to the future workforce is concerned. These require properly implementation of health policy by the respective government. This study was tried in unearthing factors related to primary health care policy implementation in Bangladesh. An integrated conceptual framework was developed based on a review of the literature. Primary data were collected from the total population of 424 Upazilla Health and Family Planning Officers (UHF Implementer’s Disposition (ID), Clarity of Goals and Objectives (COGAO), Management Dynamics (MD), and Coordination (COORD). The study also envisioned to recommend policy implications as; the policy makers ought to revise the goals and objectives of the health policy that must be specific measurable achievable realistic and timebound (SMART), government should allocate more resources in primary health care, inter-organizational coordination should be strengthened, to prominence on innovation for effective health care delivery using technology, research and development and health and well-being management, to motivate health providers regarding their responsibility, devotion and attitude, to get local support specially from local government and administration, and to ensure gender equality deploying female doctors as UH&FPO. Finally, the findings expected to benefit the society considering the contribution of new knowledge generated in the field of policy implementation.
The Changing Social Context of Teaching in the United States

As the twenty-first century nears, most nations around the world are undertaking major transformations of their governmental and education systems to respond to changing economic, demographic, political, and social imperatives. Nearly all countries are engaged in serious discussion of school reform to address demands for much higher levels of education for much greater numbers of citizens-demands created by a new information age, major economic shifts, and a resurgence and redefinition of democracy around the globe. These demands are being imposed upon educational institutions designed a century ago for a different time. In the United States as elsewhere, the need to prepare future citizens and workers who can cope with complexity, use new technologies, and work cooperatively to frame and solve novel problems — and the need to do this for a much more diverse and inclusive group of learners — has stimulated efforts to rethink school goals and curriculum, to better prepare teachers, and to redesign school organizations.
Leveraging game design to promote effective user behavior of intelligent tutoring systems

We propose developing a mobile device application that will leverage game-play mechanics to incentivize optimal spacing for second language vocabulary acquisition. Through the collection and analysis of user log-data, we intend to investigate the effects of pervasive studying, studying vocabulary words for short intervals, many times throughout a day. This investigation will provide insight into new strategies of studying second language vocabulary, which may be more efficient.
What Works: Effective Programs and Practices

Effective programs for African American boys should consider the culture and the context in which they live, the interaction of multiple ecological systems, and the multidimensional aspects of their environment and their circumstances. Programs should be based on sound theory, rigorous methodology, attend to culture and context, and target multiple domains and outcomes. In this chapter, several research-based programs to increase the well-being of African American boys and adolescent males are discussed. These programs target multiple domains (e.g., improvements in academics and reductions in drugs, risky sex, and delinquency) and are culturally sensitive. However, more culturally sensitive research-based programs are needed.
Standard Reference Materials for Thermal Conductivity and Electrical Resistivity

A brief historical review is presented of thermal conductivity reference material research. Recent reference material research by the National Bureau of Standards is described. Critically evaluated thermal conductivity and electrical resistivity data are summarized for the following three Standard Reference Materials now available from the Office of Standard Reference Materials, National Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C.: electrolytic iron (4 to 1000 K), austenitic stainless steel (4 to 1200 K), and tungsten (4 to 3000 K).
Distributed and Multiscale Representations

“What a curious feeling!” said Alice. “I must be shutting up like a telescope.” And so it was indeed: she was now only ten inches high, and her face brightened up at the thought that she was now the right size for going through the little door into that lovely garden. First, however, she waited for a few minutes to see if she was going to shrink any further: she felt a little nervous about this: “for it might end, you know,” said Alice, “in my going out altogether, like a candle. I wonder what I should be like then?”
Motivational and perceptual differences between Hispanic and White preservice teachers

ABSTRACTA large gap exists between the percentage of teachers and of students who are Hispanic. To better understand this gap, we compared Hispanic and White preservice teachers’ motivations for be...
Abstract P077: Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Black Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis of Recent Cardiovascular Outcome Trials

Introduction: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is higher in black individuals than non-Hispanic white individuals. Recent cardiovascular (CV) outcome trials have demonstrated CV be...
Mental Health and Community Support Strategies for Fostering Employment of People Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing

There are data reporting significantly higher rates of unemployment and underemployment among deaf and hard of hearing people compared with the hearing population. An early document produced by the A.G. Bell Association for the Deaf and The American University Development Education and Training Research Institute in Washington, DC, reported on a review of the literature related to employment prior to 1968:
Ankyrin-G-190 palmitoylation mediates dendrite and spine morphogenesis and is altered in response to lithium

ABSTRACT The ANK3 gene, encoding the protein ankyrin-G (AnkG), is associated with a variety of neuropsychiatric and cognitive disorders including bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and schizophrenia. These diseases are characterized by abnormal dendritic and synaptic architecture. AnkG is a multifunctional scaffold protein with several isoforms: The 480 kDa and 270 kDa isoforms have roles at the axon initial segment and node of Ranvier, but the function of the 190 kDa isoform (AnkG-190) is less well understood. Moreover, these isoforms are regulated by palmitoylation, but palmitoylation of AnkG-190 has not been investigated in neurons. Here we show that AnkG is required for normal dendrite and spine architecture in vivo and that AnkG-190 stabilizes pyramidal neuron dendrites. We found that Cys70 palmitoylation stabilizes AnkG-190 in spine heads and at dendritic plasma membrane nanodomains, and is necessary for the maintenance of normal spine density, dendrite arborization, and for correct microtubule dynamics. Lithium, a commonly used mood stabilizer, reverses spine and dendrite deficits induced by AnkG knockdown in a manner that is dependent of palmitoylation. Finally, we found that lithium reduces AnkG-190 palmitoylation and increases its mobility in spines. Taken together, our data reveal a novel mechanism regulating dendritic architecture and mood stabilizer action on palmitoylation of an important psychiatric disorder risk factor.
Prediction of Sea Ice Motion With Convolutional Long Short-Term Memory Networks

Prediction of sea ice motion is important for safeguarding human activities in polar regions, such as ship navigation, fisheries, and oil and gas exploration, as well as for climate and ocean-atmosphere interaction models. Numerical prediction models used for sea ice motion prediction often require a large number of data from diverse sources with varying uncertainties. In this paper, a deep learning approach is proposed to predict sea ice motion for several days in the future, given only a series of past motion observations. The proposed approach consists of an encoder–decoder network with convolutional long short-term memory (LSTM) units. Optical flow is calculated from satellite passive microwave and scatterometer daily images covering the entire Arctic and used in the network. The network proves able to learn long-time dependencies within the motion time series, whereas its convolutional structure effectively captures spatial correlations among neighboring motion vectors. The approach is unsupervised and end-to-end trainable, requiring no manual annotation. Experiments demonstrate that the proposed approach is effective in predicting sea ice motion of up to 10 days in the future, outperforming previous deep learning networks and being a promising alternative or complementary approach to resource-demanding numerical prediction methods.
Theoretical approaches: mathematical neural networks

The structural features of our hippocampal model are motivated by and largely supported by physiological experiments. In many ways the model works, generating cellular and neuronal population responses that look realistic. Nevertheless, the model is complicated. It involves a number of different parameters, simulations of the model use large amounts of computer time, and there is no obvious way to represent the model in a tractable set of equations. Can we simplify things and make a reduced model that retains “essential features” while gaining in physical or mathematical intuition? (This can be a dangerous game: Essential features may end up being defined as just those features that the reduced model exhibits.) One approach was discussed briefly in Chapter 7 in the section on chaos: to take one signal generated by the model that represents its average behavior such as the number of pyramidal cells firing as a function of time. We then ask if this output has a small “dimension” (specifically, the correlation dimension). If it does, we might be able to construct a simple system to generate an output indistinguishable from the complex output. Such a system might have less than 15 or 20 variables or “degrees of freedom,” as compared with the thousands of variables in the original system. This approach is intriguing (Babloyantz and Destexhe, 1986; Babloyantz et al, 1985). We need to emphasize that the results for the hippocampal model are extremely preliminary.
Ultrasonic-Assisted Liposuction: Introduction and Historic Perspectives

It’s 2018 and suction-assisted lipoplasty (SAL) has been around in America for almost 35 years. Without chronicling each advance in this technology, one can say that this has become a mature, yet integral surgical technology for thinning of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). Lipoplasty has evolved into a sophisticated technique for 3D body contouring, harvesting of fat for grafting, and as a complimentary procedure with excisional body contouring (lipoabdominoplasty).
Mothering Special Children: Negotiating Gender, Disability, and Special Education in Contemporary China

In this research article, Jinting Wu examines the lived experiences of mothers raising and educating children with disabilities in contemporary China. In the national project of cultivating “qualit...
No bones about it: a case of infected intradural dermoid cyst mimicking primary orthopedic pathology

Introduction Dermoid cysts are benign developmental tumors that arise from the inclusion of ectodermal and mesenchymal components within the neural groove during embryonic development. Infection is rare and can lead to profound neurologic sequelae that closely mimic orthopedic or rheumatologic pathology. Case Report A previously healthy 2 year old male presented with 4 month history of progressive pain and refusal to ambulate or bear weight in his lower extremities. His initial decline began with falls while walking or running, followed by unilateral lower extremity pain, then bilateral lower extremity pain, and eventually refusal to ambulate. He also had …
Harmonic Functions on Sierpiński Carpets

In this chapter we introduce and study notions of Sobolev spaces and harmonic functions on Sierpinski carpets. We briefly describe here some of the applications of carpet-harmonic functions, and then the organization of the current chapter.
Dex-Net AR: Distributed Deep Grasp Planning Using a Commodity Cellphone and Augmented Reality App

Consumer demand for augmented reality (AR) in mobile phone applications, such as the Apple ARKit. Such applications have potential to expand access to robot grasp planning systems such as Dex-Net. AR apps use structure from motion methods to compute a point cloud from a sequence of RGB images taken by the camera as it is moved around an object. However, the resulting point clouds are often noisy due to estimation errors. We present a distributed pipeline, Dex-Net AR, that allows point clouds to be uploaded to a server in our lab, cleaned, and evaluated by Dex-Net grasp planner to generate a grasp axis that is returned and displayed as an overlay on the object. We implement Dex-Net AR using the iPhone and ARKit and compare results with those generated with high-performance depth sensors. The success rates with AR on harder adversarial objects are higher than traditional depth images. The server URL is https://sites.google.com/berkeley.edu/dex-net-ar/home
Deciphering the Source of Primary Biological Aerosol Particles: A Pollen Case Study

Primary biological aerosol particles (PBAPs) are microscopic solids suspended in the atmosphere emitted by biological systems and play critical roles in the atmosphere and the atmosphere–biosphere ...
Flame retardant vermiculite coated on polypropylene separator for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are being used in a variety of applications due to their desirable energy storage characteristics required for modern electronic devices. However, LIBs are prone to thermal runaway due to the flammable liquid electrolyte, decomposition of solid electrolyte interphase from anode surfaces, and melting of polypropylene (PP) separators. The separator provides a pathway for Li+ transfer and divides electrodes from electrical contact, avoiding a short circuit, a potentially catastrophic event. A separator that can endure higher temperatures may restrict a cell from causing thermal runaway. This paper demonstrates that vermiculite, a mineral stable over 1000 °C, could act as a separator lining in LIBs with a lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) cathode and lithium anode. Though the standard PP separator shrinks or melts above 130 °C, the vermiculite and binder will continue to provide electronic isolation, allowing the battery to delay a thermal runaway scenario. The battery containing the vermiculite modified separator released 1.675 kJ g−1 less exothermic energy during the thermal runaway, as well as demonstrating a 3.38 °C higher separator melting temperature, indicating enhanced safety in examined LIBs.
Actions Speak Louder than Modes: How Parent Implementation Capabilities Affect Business Unit Performance

Firm boundaries and strategic execution affect the firm’s ability to generate rents, grow, and survive. Boundaries are determined through governance mode choices, such as whether to make or buy a particular good or activity. While significant work has addressed the performance implications of this fit, less attention has been directed toward strategic execution, or implementation. In particular, the impact of corporate parents has been understudied. We suggest that parent-level implementation capabilities of operating expertise gained through related experience and coordination by collocation combine with governance mode choices to jointly affect performance. By employing theories of organizational economics and testing predictions in casual dining chains, this paper unpacks the relationship between implementation, governance mode choice, and performance. Our findings suggest that parent capabilities may be more important than mode choice fit and that parent benefits are contingent upon mode choice and type of performance.
Housing conditions and microbial environment do not affect the efficacy of vaccines for treatment of opioid use disorders in mice and rats.

Vaccines offer a promising prophylactic and therapeutic intervention to counteract opioid use disorders (OUD) and fatal overdoses. Vaccines generate opioid-specific antibodies that bind the target ...
An experimental evaluation of helical piles as a liquefaction-induced building settlement mitigation measure

Abstract This study evaluates the application of helical piles to reduce liquefaction-induced foundation settlement and investigates their seismic performance in liquefiable grounds. Two large-scale shake table test series, one without mitigation and one using helical piles, were conducted using the shake table facility at the University of California, San Diego. Each model was extensively instrumented and subjected to two consistently applied shaking sequences. The experimental results indicated reduced excess pore-water pressure generation around the helical pile group, attributed mainly to the densification around the piles during installation. The foundation supported on helical piles underwent almost no foundation differential settlement and tilt. The post-shaking liquefaction-induced settlement mechanisms did not affect the helical pile foundation settlement. Although this study introduced helical piles as a reliable and highly efficient measure to mitigate liquefaction-induced foundation tilt and settlement, the proper design and application of helical piles still need thorough investigation due to possible amplified superstructure response.
Do organisms in laboratory toxicity tests respond like organisms in nature

Laboratory toxicity test results predict the responses of natural organisms with varying degrees of accuracy. The selection of test species and dilution water can greatly influence the applicability of the data in different situations. Other factors, such as nutrition, acclimation, and genetic selection, may influence the accuracy of predictions based on laboratory data. The relative importance of factors influencing the responses of organisms in the laboratory and in the field depends on whether the goal of the laboratory tests is to determine relative toxicity, to estimate safe levels, or to predict actual effects. When appropriate test parameters are chosen, the response of laboratory organisms is a reasonable index of the response of naturally occurring organisms.
Pulling the Outside In: A Transactional Cost Perspective on IT Insourcing.

This research applies transaction cost economics to conceptually investigate longitudinal change of IT outsourcing costs, and its impact on managerial sourcing decisions. I propose that the change of, and underestimation of actual IT outsourcing costs contribute to IT insourcing. Implications and recommendations for future research are provided.
The Content of Capstone Experiences: Determining Best Practices in Assessing the Culmination of Student Learning

In 1991, the “Wahlke Report” recommended elements of a curricular structure that would best promote student learning. In particular, the report noted that there should be a capstone experience at the end of the senior year that requires students to survey their whole learning experience. The report stated that this integrative effort could be promoted using one or more of several different methods, including a senior seminar, senior thesis, series of colloquia, and/or comprehensive examinations. This paper seeks to answer the questions, have political science departments arrived at any “best practices” in creating the content of capstone experiences for undergraduate majors? Which suggestions offered by the Wahlke Report are being followed more than others? Are capstones performing the integrative function they were intended? Previous research has examined the extent to which departments use capstones as a method of assessment. However, no study has yet examined the content of these capstone experiences in a systematic way. This paper examines a sample of four-year colleges and universities to determine the content of their capstone experiences. The data are available through the schools’ online course catalogs. The findings can tell us a good deal about how the discipline promotes synthesis and students’ abstract reasoning skills.
Wave-Current Interaction in Coastal Inlets and River Mouths

Abstract : The wave-driven dynamics of coastal areas are important for circulation and mixing, transport processes, and accessibility by vessels. The long-term goal of this study is to improve our understanding, observational capability, and model representation of wave-current interaction in complex coastal inlets, and determine the role of nonlinearity and inhomogeneity on wave statistics in such areas.
Measurement of D* mesons in jets from p + p collisions at $$\sqrt s $$ = 200 GeV

We report the measurement of charged D* mesons in jets produced in proton-proton collisions at a center of mass energy $$ \sqrt s $$ = 200 GeV with the STAR experiment at RHIC. The production rate is found to be N(D*+ + D*−)/N (jet) = 0.015 ± 0.008 (stat) ± 0.007 (sys) for D* mesons with fractional momenta 0.2 < z < 0.5 in jets with 11.5 GeV mean transverse energy. This rate is consistent with perturbative QCD evalulation of gluon splitting into a pair of charm quarks and subsequent hadronization.
Scenario Analysis, Cognitive Maps, And Concept Maps

Detailed analysis without foresight is insufficient to cope with risks of improbable events to the homeland. Moreover, it is the improbable events that typically result in the greatest impact (e.g. unimagined terrorist attacks using passenger planes in New York; unlikely tsunami covering southeastern Asia). By their definition, disasters constitute extreme events; thus, their probabilities and associated consequences are largely undefined and defy any common expected value representation of risk. Scenario analysis, cognitive maps, and concept maps are system analysis techniques that enable tractable foresight and risk analysis of complex, largely unpredictable environments. Scenario analysis is a process of collecting and organizing potential future events that may impact as-planned operations. Analyses are performed across the range of scenarios to estimate ranges of likelihoods, consequences, and most importantly, tipping points where small decisions now can have a large impact on future likelihoods and consequences. Cognitive maps are projections of reality onto a general model space that is used as a foundation for making judgments and decisions, and help analysts understand the assumptions that decision makers integrate for decisions. Concept maps are diagrams used to portray causal or logical relationships among concepts and are a means to assimilate knowledge into decision processes. This article reviews scenario analysis, cognitive maps, and concept maps as they relate to risk analysis in homeland security. Keywords: scenario analysis; hierarchical holographic modeling; risk filtering; risk prioritization; risk management; cognitive maps; concept maps; extreme event analysis; cyber security
Diagnosing from descriptive knowledge bases

Deals with a diagnostic method using so-called descriptive knowledge bases. It is based on the concept of using a MIMO (multiple-input, multiple output) fuzzy model to represent the information contained in the knowledge base. The model structure and initial parameter values are estimated by applying FMEA (failure mode and effect analysis). Finer parameter estimates are obtained by using a backpropagation learning algorithm. Rules for learning the parameters of a MIMO fuzzy model are derived. An actual diagnostic problem is solved by using an an optimization algorithm for inverting the MIMO fuzzy model.
Low-loss, 2 km-long photonic crystal fiber with zero GVD in the near IR suitable for picosecond pulse propagation at the 800 nm band

Summary form only given. A 2 km-long hexagonal photonic crystal fiber with losses at 1550 and 850 nm of 3.2 and 7.1 dB/km, respectively, was successfully fabricated. The zero GVD wavelength was measured to be 810 nm, and picosecond optical pulses at 815 nm were successfully propagated through the fiber.
Sucrose octasulfate selectively accelerates thrombin inactivation by heparin cofactor II

Inactivation of thrombin (T) by the serpins heparin cofactor II (HCII) and antithrombin (AT) is accelerated by a heparin template between the serpin and thrombin exosite II. Unlike AT, HCII also uses an allosteric interaction of its NH2-terminal segment with exosite I. Sucrose octasulfate (SOS) accelerated thrombin inactivation by HCII but not AT by 2000-fold. SOS bound to two sites on thrombin, with dissociation constants (KD) of 10 ± 4 μm and 400 ± 300 μm that were not kinetically resolvable, as evidenced by single hyperbolic SOS concentration dependences of the inactivation rate (kobs). SOS bound HCII with KD 1.45 ± 0.30 mm, and this binding was tightened in the T·SOS·HCII complex, characterized by Kcomplex of ∼0.20 μm. Inactivation data were incompatible with a model solely depending on HCII·SOS but fit an equilibrium linkage model employing T·SOS binding in the pathway to higher order complex formation. Hirudin-(54–65)(SO3−) caused a hyperbolic decrease of the inactivation rates, suggesting partial competitive binding of hirudin-(54–65)(SO3−) and HCII to exosite I. Meizothrombin(des-fragment 1), binding SOS with KD = 1600 ± 300 μm, and thrombin were inactivated at comparable rates, and an exosite II aptamer had no effect on the inactivation, suggesting limited exosite II involvement. SOS accelerated inactivation of meizothrombin 1000-fold, reflecting the contribution of direct exosite I interaction with HCII. Thrombin generation in plasma was suppressed by SOS, both in HCII-dependent and -independent processes. The ex vivo HCII-dependent process may utilize the proposed model and suggests a potential for oversulfated disaccharides in controlling HCII-regulated thrombin generation.
Double-layer capacity at a pyrolytic graphite disk electrode

Summary The apparent double-layer capacity at pyrolytic graphite electrodes has been measured over a wide range of frequencies (50–25,000 Hz) in aqueous and in pyridine solutions. The capacity varied with frequency, as did the series resistance; various methods of preparation of the electrode surface were tried, but with no indication that the frequency-dependence could be eliminated along this line of approach to the problem. It is suggested that the frequency dispersion may be at least in part an effect of electrode geometry since the distribution of current at a disk electrode is not uniform across the surface.
A Note on the Consistency and Stability Properties of Yosida Fractional Step Schemes for the Unsteady Stokes Equations

In this short note we give some improvements to the stability and consistency analysis of algebraic splitting methods for solving the incompressible fluid equations carried out in [P. Gervasio, SIAM J. Numer. Anal., 46 (2008), pp. 1682-1703]. In particular, we generalize to any value of the approximation index $p\in\mathbb{N}$ Proposition 3.1 and Lemma 3.2 of [P. Gervasio, SIAM J. Numer. Anal., 46 (2008), pp. 1682-1703] on the consistency error associated with the algebraic splitting, originally proved for $p=0,1,2$. Moreover, we remove an assumption of Lemma 3.5 of [P. Gervasio, SIAM J. Numer. Anal., 46 (2008), pp. 1682-1703].
Antagonism in the simultaneous oxidation of d-amino acids by d-amino acid oxidase☆

Abstract Antagonism at the oxidative deamination stage may well be one of the factors responsible for the poorer growth observed when a d -amino acid requiring inversion is fed in a diet which contains a large proportion of other d -amino acids. The rate of oxygen uptake when two d -amino acids were incubated together with crude and purified extracts of hog kidney and with slices of rat kidney was less than the sum of the rates when each was oxidized separately. Data based upon the Chromatographic separation and estimation of the α-keto acids produced, or upon the spectrophotometric measurement of one keto acid, with calculation of the second from extra oxygen uptake, showed that the ratios of their degrees of involvement when they were oxidized simultaneously were not the same as their ratios when they were oxidized separately. Lineweaver-Burk treatment of data obtained with purified d -amino acid oxidase indicated that the inhibition was competitive. The maximum velocity of the oxidation of two amino acids jointly approximated that of the amino acid with the lower Michaelis constant.
Body of guilt: Using embodied cognition to mitigate backlash to reminders of personal & ingroup wrongdoing☆

Abstract Research demonstrates that people are sensitive to information that portrays either themselves or their ingroups in a negative light. Indeed, confronting individuals with their own past misdeeds or those committed by important ingroups can result in victim-blaming and refusals to apologize or make amends. Studies suggest that one reason why people demonstrate these backlash effects is that they immediately blunt the experience of guilt when confronted with either their own or group misdeeds from the past. The more individuals actually experience guilt, however, the more likely they are to respond to information about past wrongdoing with prosocial behavior (e.g., apologies, reparations, etc.). The present research sought to examine how subtle inductions of guilt shape responses to personal and group wrongdoing; namely, by manipulating individuals' body postures. Consistent with predictions, results suggest that embodiment-induced guilt reduces negative backlash and increases prosocial interpersonal and intergroup intentions.
Iron limitation of phytoplankton in an urbanized vs. forested southeastern U.S. salt marsh estuary

Abstract Over the last two decades, escalating rates of coastal development have altered macro- and micronutrient loading patterns to many southeastern U.S. estuaries. This study addresses a potential consequence of urbanization-associated coastal deforestation that may have important implications for estuarine ecosystem productivity: a reduction in bioavailable Fe. We compared the potential for Fe limitation at representative sites in two neighboring South Carolina salt marsh estuaries, one (“Parsonage Creek” site in Murrells Inlet estuary) impacted by urbanization-associated clear-cutting, and the other (“Oyster Landing” site in North Inlet estuary) undeveloped and surrounded by forests. The urbanized estuarine site was marked by lower dissolved Fe concentrations compared to the forested estuarine site. In bioassay experiments conducted from 1996 to 1999, the addition of chelated Fe to natural phytoplankton populations stimulated chlorophyll a concentrations in water from Parsonage Creek on 6 of 11 sampling dates. Chlorophyll responses in Oyster Landing water also were observed on two of those sampling times, dates that followed periods of relatively low rainfall. In one experiment, the addition of Fe+NO 3 − to Parsonage Creek water led to significantly higher chlorophyll concentrations than when NO 3 − was added alone, but Fe+NH 4 + addition did not result in higher chlorophyll than NH 4 + addition alone. It was hypothesized that the difference in NO 3 − and NH 4 + responses was related to a greater tendency towards Si depletion in Fe-stressed NO 3 − -grown samples, or alternatively, to the higher Fe requirement for NO 3 − assimilation relative to that needed for NH 4 + assimilation. In bioassay experiments using Fe-deplete semi-continuous cultures of Synechococcus WH8101, Fe addition did not affect the net growth rate of cultures transferred to water from either estuary, but increased the chlorophyll a content of cells transferred to Parsonage Creek water. Finally, photosynthesis vs. irradiance parameters ( α , P max ) obtained from Oyster Landing samples ( Synechococcus continuous cultures, while the same parameters derived from Parsonage Creek samples were much lower and comparable to those from Fe-deplete cultures. The results indicate that phytoplankton population growth from high salinity salt marsh estuaries can be Fe-limited. Also, the potential for Fe limitation was more prevalent in a urbanized deforested estuary than in an undeveloped forested estuary, consistent with the hypothesis that organically bound Fe from coastal forests plays an important role in supplying Fe for the growth of estuarine phytoplankton.
Cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 mRNA and protein expression in the Gallus domesticus model of ovarian cancer

Abstract Objective. Our purpose was to determine the mRNA and protein expression of cyclooxygenase 1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) in ovarian tumors and normal ovaries of the hen, which is an excellent model for human ovarian cancer. Tissue concentrations of prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) and PGE 2 metabolites were also determined. Methods. Tissue was obtained from ovarian tumor ( n = 18) and normal ovary ( n = 29) of 2- to 4-year old Single-comb White Leghorn hens. Quantitative real-time PCR with Sybr Green was used to quantify the mRNA expression of COX-1 and COX-2, using 18S expression as an internal control for COX normalization. Immunohistochemistry using antibodies for COX-1 and COX-2 was used to localize protein expression of each isoform in a subset of tumor ( n = 5) and normal samples ( n = 6). For determination of tissue prostaglandin concentration, tissue was obtained from ovarian tumor ( n = 8) and normal ovary ( n = 8). PGE 2 and PGE 2 metabolites were measured using competitive enzyme immunoassays (EIAs). Results. Our results indicate that COX-1 mRNA expression is significantly higher ( P 2 levels are significantly higher ( P 2 metabolite levels between the samples. Conclusion. These findings may implicate COX-1 as a suitable target for the prevention or treatment of ovarian cancer.
Regiochemically controlled syntheses of 3-hydroxynaphtho [b] cyclobutene by vicinal diester dianion condensation.

Utilization of the dianion derived from dimethyl trans-1,2-cyclobutane dicarboxylate allows for the rapid construction of an unsymmetric naphtho [b] cyclobutene by two different routes.
Self-Esteem Relationship with Leader Behavior Perceptions as Moderated by the Duration of the Superior-Subordinate Dyad Association

A field study of 127 engineering personnel found significant relationships between subordinate self-esteem and both instrumental and supportive leader behavior perceptions. Moderated regression analysis revealed that the duration of the superior-subordinate dyad association strongly influenced the relationship between the two variables under study, suggesting that relationship duration should be considered in leadership perception/attribution studies.
Colonizing mars—An opportunity for reconsidering bioethical standards and obligations to future generations

Abstract The exploration and settlement of Mars provides a rare opportunity to reconsider our ethical, political, philosophical, and economic relationships with non-human life (very broadly defined) relatively free of many of the constraints that have framed and limited our analyses throughout our many histories. Manned and robotic exploration throughout and beyond our solar system also fosters reconsideration of our obligations to future generations and allows for expansion of membership in the class that constitutes those generations. This paper argues that the concept of “future generations” should not be limited to Homo sapiens , as currently defined. Opportunities for a higher ethical standard within the context of the discovery of extraterrestrial life are discussed in terms of a thought experiment and mechanisms to allow future generations to be represented in these ethical discussions are suggested.
The effect of HSP-causing mutations in SPG3A and NIPA1 on the assembly, trafficking, and interaction between atlastin-1 and NIPA1.

Despite its genetic heterogeneity, hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is characterized by similar clinical phenotypes, suggesting that a common biochemical pathway underlies its pathogenesis. In support of this hypothesis, we used a combination of immunoprecipitation, confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry to demonstrate that two HSP-associated proteins, atlastin-1 and NIPA1, are direct binding partners, and interestingly, that the endogenous expression and trafficking of these proteins is highly dependant upon their coexpression. In addition, we demonstrated that the cellular distribution of atlastin-1:NIPA1 complexes was dramatically altered by HSP-causing mutations, as missense mutations in atlastin-1 (R239C and R495W) and NIPA1 (T45R and G106R) caused protein sequestration in the Golgi complex (GC) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER), respectively. Moreover, we demonstrated that HSP-causing mutations in both atlastin-1 and NIPA1 reduced axonal and dendritic sprouting in cultured rat cortical neurons. Together, these findings support the hypothesis that NIPA1 and atlastin-1 are members of a common biochemical pathway that supports axonal maintenance, which may explain in part the characteristic degeneration of long spinal pathways observed in patients with HSP.
Personality and negative expectancies: Trait structure of the Beck Hopelessness Scale

Abstract The relationship between Hopelessness and personality variables was studied. Participants ( N =191) completed the revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R) and the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS). Results of factor-level multiple regression analyses revealed that Hopelessness was positively predicted by Neuroticism and negatively predicted by Extraversion and Conscientiousness. Neither Openness nor Agreeableness was related to Hopelessness. More fine-grained analyses revealed that Hopelessness was positively predicted by the Neuroticism facets, Depression and Vulnerability, and negatively predicted by Impulsiveness. Among the six facets of Extraversion, Hopelessness was negatively predicted by Assertiveness and Positive Emotions. Of the six facets of Conscientiousness, only Competence (negatively) predicted Hopelessness to a significant degree.
Ethanol intake in the absence of concurrent food reinforcement

Schedule-induced polydipsia (SIP) occurred in four rats placed on concurrent food (1 min VI) and water (CRF) reinforcement schedules. During extinction (i.e. absence) of concurrent food reinforcement either water or an ethanol concentration of 2, 4, 8, 16, or 32% (w/v) was present. Measurements of water and ethanol intake were made before and after substituting these ethanol concentrations for water during SIP. After ethanol experience during SIP, the ethanol volume consumed and ethanol reinforcements obtained were significantly greater than water control values. Thus, ethanol served as a reinforcer. At ethanol concentrations of 32% (w/v) through 2% (w/v), volumes consumed exceeded water control values. Following ethanol experience during SIP, ethanol volume intake and reinforcements significantly increased. However, the magnitude of the increase was not significant when the initial values, i.e., those obtained prior to ethanol experience, were significantly greater than water control values. The quantity of ethanol intake increased directly with the concentration, and the highest rate of intake occurred during the first half hour ethanol was available.