cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distribution, habitat use and ecology of deepwater Anemones (Actiniaria) in the Gulf of Mexico

Abstract The distribution of deepwater Actiniaria is poorly known. Rarely are these organisms identified to family, as this requires both well-preserved specimens and taxonomic expertise. Ecological information is similarly lacking. From the results of a comprehensive surveying program in the deep Gulf of Mexico, we report the occurrence of nine species of Actiniaria. For the most abundant four of these, we plot distributions and discuss habitat use, morphological variation, and feeding strategies. Actiniaria in the Gulf appear to have broad, basin-wide distributions with little depth preference. Faunal biomass is highest in the NE Gulf within submarine canyons or at the base of slope escarpments. Attachment mode is mostly opportunistic on various types of hard substrata, including trash. Sediment-dwelling forms are very abundant at an organically rich site within a large submarine canyon.
Rapid transdermal bloodless and reagent-free malaria detection

Successful diagnosis, screening, and elimination of malaria critically depend on rapid and sensitive detection of this dangerous infection, preferably transdermally and without sophisticated reagents or blood drawing. Such diagnostic methods are not currently available. Here we show that the high optical absorbance and nanosize of endogenous heme nanoparticles called hemozoin, a unique component of all blood-stage malaria parasites, generate a transient vapor nanobubble around hemozoin in response to a short and safe near-infrared picosecond laser pulse. The acoustic signals of these malaria-specific nanobubbles provided the first transdermal non-invasive and rapid detection of a malaria infection as low as 0.00034% in animals without using any reagents or drawing blood. These on-demand transient events have no analogs among current malaria markers and probes, can detect and screen malaria in seconds and can be realized as a compact, easy to use, inexpensive and safe field technology.
DOES THE FINE-STRUCTURE CONSTANT VARY WITH COSMIC TIME.

The fine structure constant at red shifts Δλ / λ≈0.2, corresponding to an epoch around two billion years ago, has been determined using the wavelengths of a pair of O III emission lines measured in the spectra of five radio galaxies. We find α(z=0.2) / α(lab)=1.001±0.002 probable error.
Trans-Scleral Tonometry: Mechanical Palpation of the Eye

The development of new tonometers requires laboratory tests on enucleated eyes where the intraocular pressure (IOP) is usually controlled by the use of a fluid column (manometry). This article describes a novel eye pressure regulation system for IOP tests along with a new concept of mechanical palpation tonometry. Manometry is commonly regarded as an invasive technique that can measure precisely the pressure inside the eye. It is a common laboratory technique for evaluating changes in IOP over time, and for providing reference pressure by which all other tonometers can be evaluated. In general, the system consists of a fluid column (1% saline solution) connected via PVC tubing to a three way valve. The valve is able to connect the column branch to a syringe with a 21G needle inserted into the vitreous humor and to a pressure transducer. The syringe needle is inserted in the eye through the side, with the tip located approximately in the middle of the vitreous chamber [1]. However, this method is prone to errors due to the gelatinous and highly fibrous nature of the vitreous matter that could easily clog the syringe needle and prevent the accurate pressure control and measurement. To resolve this difficulty, we report an alternative control of the IOP through the anterior chamber of the eye. In addition to the clogging, severed blood vessels in enucleated eyes result in large rate of leakage of intraocular fluid. With these modifications in place, it was demonstrated that the pressure sensing is fast and accurate, allowing investigation of mechanical trans-scleral palpation and the development of a new concept of mechanical palpation tonometry device. The device is based on multiple probes for measuring contact forces. Experimental data from the performance of the device are presented.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Barrier properties of polypropylene/polyamide blends produced by microlayer coextrusion

The gas barrier properties of injection molded structures prepared from polymer microlayers were investigated. Polypropylene and polyamide-66 were combined as microlayers with tens to thousands of layers. A thin tie layer of compatibilizer coextruded between the layers provided adhesion. Injection molding the microlayered materials at a temperature intermediate between the melting points of the constituents resulted in a high volume fraction of high aspect ratio polyamide-66 microplatelets dispersed in a polypropylene matrix. The resulting material had significantly reduced permeability to oxygen and carbon dioxide compared to the conventional melt blend. Structural models for permeability indicated that enhanced barrier arose primarily from increased tortuosity of the diffusion pathway provided by the oriented, flat platelets of high aspect ratio in the skin region of the complex injected molded structure.
Macrosegregation in ternary alloys

General expressions are given to describe macrosegregation in ternary alloys resulting from mass flow of interdendritic liquid during solidification. Basic parameters determining whether a given alloy element segregates positively or negatively are given, and it is shown that alloy elements which form a second phase,e.g., an inclusion, can often be expected to segregate positively where other alloy elements segregate negatively. Numerical examples are given for alloys from the aluminum rich cornee of the Al−Cu−Ni system and qualitative examples are given for the Fe−Si−O system. Experimental measurements of macrosegregation in the Al−Cu−Ni system are in agreement with theory.
Observations on the rare earths-LXXXIII Thermodynamic parameters for the formation of tropolonate complexes of the lanthanide ions

Abstract The enthalpies of formation of the 1:1 tropolonate complexes of the Ln 3+ ions and Y 3+ ion were measured calorimetrically at 25·0°C in 0·100-M KNO 3 medium. These enthalpy values were combined with log K 1 values to calculate free energies and entropies of formation of the 1:1 complexes. The δH 1 values are all negative and show relatively little variation across the series of Ln 3+ ions. The δS 1 values are positive and increase regularly across the series of Ln 3+ ions. These trends are discussed in relation to the hydration spheres of the metal ions, free and complexed.
Ultrafast, chipscale, optically-gated optical sampler

We demonstrate a novel single-shot optical recorder capable of picosecond-scale resolution across hundreds of ps of record length. The concept is a hybrid between cross-correlators and Mach-Zehnder-gated samplers, with advantages over both techniques.
From Transactional to Transcendental: Toward An Integrated Theory of Leadership

In this article we explore the spiritual dimensions of leadership by setting forth a theory that both integrates and extends the transactional and transformational theories of leadership. Specifically, we propose that the transcendental theory of leadership set forth in this article comprises three dimensions of spirituality (consciousness, moral character, and faith) that incorporate the managerial aspects of transactional theory and the charismatic aspects of transformational theory to enhance leader effectiveness.Utilizing a conceptual model, we show the hierarchical relationship that exists between transcendental, transformational, and transactional theories of leadership and set forth several propositions related to the development of spiritual dimensions as leaders develop along the hierarchical continuum. Implications of the model for leadership theory and practice are discussed.
Structural studies of monoclonal human cryoprecipitable immunoglobulins

Abstract The light chain type, immunoglobulin class and when possible, heavy chain subclass of eleven monoclonal human cryoglobulins were correlated with the variable region subgroup of their light chains. The variable region subgroups were assigned by determining the primary amino acid sequence for the first 15 amino-terminal residues of these light chains. 5 5 IgM cryoglobulins which react with human IgG had light chains of the variable region-III kappa chain subgroup (vK-III). 4 4 IgG and 2 2 IgM cryoglobulins with undefined antibody specificity had both lambda and kappa light chains none of which were vK-III. The data support the concept that there is marked restriction of the IgM anti-IgG antibody response to the IgG auto-antigen.
Leveraging Melanocortin Pathways to Treat Glomerular Diseases

The melanocortin system is a neuroimmunoendocrine hormone system that constitutes the fulcrum in the homeostatic control of a diverse array of physiological functions, including melanogenesis, inflammation, immunomodulation, adrenocortical steroidogenesis, hemodynamics, natriuresis, energy homeostasis, sexual function, and exocrine secretion. The kidney is a quintessential effector organ of the melanocortin hormone system with melanocortin receptors abundantly expressed by multiple kidney parenchymal cells, including podocytes, mesangial cells, glomerular endothelial cells, and renal tubular cells. Converging evidence unequivocally demonstrates that the melanocortin-based therapy using the melanocortin peptide adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is prominently effective in inducing remission of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome caused by various glomerular diseases, including membranous nephropathy, minimal change disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, suggesting a steroidogenic-independent mechanism. Mechanistically, ACTH and other synthetic melanocortin analogues possess potent proteinuria-reducing and renoprotective activities that could be attributable to direct protection of glomerular cells and systemic immunomodulation. Thus, leveraging melanocortin signaling pathways using ACTH or novel synthetic melanocortin analogues represents a promising and pragmatic therapeutic strategy for glomerular diseases. This review article introduces the biophysiology of the melanocortin hormone system with an emphasis on the kidney as a target organ, discusses the existing data on melanocortin therapy for glomerular diseases, and elucidates the potential mechanisms of action.
A study of plastic deformation by exoelectron emission

Abstract The photoelectron emission from a metal is enhanced by plastic deformation—a phenomenon commonly known as exoelectron emission. We have developed a scanning apparatus based upon this effect, which offers a new approach to the study of metal deformation and fatigue. A small spot of ultraviolet light scans the surface of the sample, and the electron emission is detected by an electron multiplier and recorded as a function of position. In this way the distribution and extent of deformation may be detected and displayed. Examples are presented of the emission produced from aluminium and steel subjected to various modes of deformation. The emission produced by tensile deformation is compared with the emission under compression. The deformation introduced by fatigue cycling produces very localized emission, very early in the fatigue life. The intensity of this emission increases continuously with continued fatigue cycling. These results are discussed in terms of the cracking of the brittle oxide, the heterogeneous nature of metal deformation, and the initiation and propagation of fatigue damage.
Collective modes in superfluid 3he: lessons for exotic superconductors?

Abstract The three phases of superfluid 3 He are the first superfluids known to have non-s wave order parameters. The Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer (BCS) pairs are p-wave with s=1 and l =1 spin and orbital quantum numbers, respectively. The complex order parameters associated with such pairs, therefore, have 18 degrees of freedom, leading to a wide variety of collective modes, most of which can be excited either by ultrasound or magnetic resonance techniques. The collective mode spectra associated with the internal degrees of freedom for the superfluid phases are discussed. Possible connections to the non-s wave order parameters thought to be associated with high Tc and heavy fermion superconductors are considered.
Solving 1-D boundary-value problems with BandAid: A functional programming style and a complementary software tool

Abstract This study examines the use of a functional programming style for writing computer programs to solve two-point boundary-value problems. The results of the study consist of a suggestion for an effective writing style, and of the implementation of a software tool that supports programming in that style.
An expanding role for RAS GTPase activating proteins (RAS GAPs) in cancer

The RAS pathway is one of the most commonly deregulated pathways in human cancer. Mutations in RAS genes occur in nearly 30% of all human tumors. However in some tumor types RAS mutations are conspicuously absent or rare, despite the fact that RAS and downstream effector pathways are hyperactivated. Recently, RAS GTPase Activating Proteins (RAS GAPs) have emerged as an expanding class of tumor suppressors that, when inactivated, provide an alternative mechanism of activating RAS. RAS GAPs normally turn off RAS by catalyzing the hydrolysis of RAS-GTP. As such, the loss of a RAS GAP would be expected to promote excessive RAS activation. Indeed, this is the case for the NF1 gene, which plays an established role in a familial tumor predisposition syndrome and a variety of sporadic cancers. However, there are 13 additional RAS GAP family members in the human genome. We are only now beginning to understand why there are so many RAS GAPs, how they differentially function, and what their potential role(s) in human cancer are. This review will focus on our current understanding of RAS GAPs in human disease and will highlight important outstanding questions.
Incorporating Nutrition in Objective Structured Clinical Examinations for Medical and Residency Education

Abstract The use of the standardized patient Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and the Clinical Practice Examination (CPX) in predoctoral programs and residencies is on the increase. This type of examination is being tested for its usefulness in licensing examinations. Its important that nutrition be incorporated into these tests if nutrition medical education is to be improved. We will describe the procedure for developing an OSCE case. The example will be a prenatal case developed and tested at a family medicine residency program. The description will include: a) identifying the content for teaching and testing, b) preparing the case scenario including clinical, psychosocial, and presenting information; c) preparing the standardized patient training materials; d) preparing the case summary; e) outlining the patient case; f) training the simulated patient; 5) developing the standardized patient checklist; 6) developing and validating the observer checklist of critical elements; and 7) grading and remediation. We will highlight the nutrition points incorporated into the case. We will show video samples of the students taking the prenatal OSCE, focusing on the nutrition elements. This type of examination is also appropriate for dietetic education, and we will discuss the results obtained during the pilot test with primary care physicians.
Nuclear structure in pion scattering and charge exchange

Abstract Data from pion inelastic scattering and charge exchange experiments are discussed within the framework of a DWIA analysis. The properties of the pion-nucleon interaction transformed to the pion-nuclear system are used to infer new nuclear structure information for both discrete states and giant resonances.
Multi-color QWIP FPAs for hyperspectral thermal emission instruments

Infrared focal plane arrays (FPAs) covering broad mid- and long-IR spectral ranges are the central parts of the spectroscopic and imaging instruments in several Earth and planetary science missions. To be implemented in the space instrument these FPAs need to be large-format, uniform, reproducible, low-cost, low 1/f noise, and radiation hard. Quantum Well Infrared Photodetectors (QWIPs), which possess all needed characteristics, have a great potential for implementation in the space instruments. However a standard QWIP has only a relatively narrow spectral coverage. A multi-color QWIP, which is compromised of two or more detector stacks, can to be used to cover the broad spectral range of interest. We will discuss our recent work on development of multi-color QWIP for Hyperspectral Thermal Emission Spectrometer instruments. We developed QWIP compromising of two stacks centered at 9 and 10.5 ?m, and featuring 9 grating regions optimized to maximize the responsivity in the individual subbands across the 7.5-12 ?m spectral range. The demonstrated 1024x1024 QWIP FPA exhibited excellent performance with operability exceeding 99% and noise equivalent differential temperature of less than 15 mK across the entire 7.5-12 ?m spectral range.
Cover-preserving order embeddings into Boolean lattices

It is not known which finite graphs occur as induced subgraphs of a hypercube. This is relevant in the theory of parallel computing. The ordered version of the problem is: Which finite posets P occur as cover-preserving subposets of a Boolean lattice? Our main Theorem gives (for 0,1-posets) a necessary and sufficient condition, which involves the chromatic number of a graph associated to P. It is applied respectively to upper balanced, meet extremal, meet semidistributive, and semidistributive lattices P. More specifically, we consider isometric embeddings of posets into Boolean lattices. In particular, answering a question of Ivan Rival to the positive, a nontrivial invariant for the covering graph of a poset is found.
Emerging cell and molecular strategies for the study and treatment of painful peripheral neuropathies.

Abstract Pharmacologic treatment for the symptoms of painful neuropathy has been problematic, because there has been limited understanding of the underlying etiologies and systemic levels that an effective dose can have on multiple side effects. The use of molecular methods, such as gene deletion from knockout mice and cellular minipumps for delivery of biologic antinociceptive molecules, has led to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the induction of intractable neuropathic pain. The initiation of an excitatory cascade after injury or disease leads to the induction of various second messenger systems, loss or down-regulation of the endogenous inhibitory spinal GABA system and central sensitization, causing such pain. The development and use of cellular minipumps, immortalized cell lines bioengineered to secrete various antinociceptive molecules for the reversal of neuropathic pain, makes cellular therapy a strategy for clinical use in the next few years. The development of molecular "disimmortalization" technologies will make the use of such engineered cell lines safe for human use. Direct somatic gene transfer for neuropathic pain will eventually overcome the problems associated with transplantation of non-autologous and xenogenic cells. These virus-mediated methods, although at the early stages of evolution and use, offer large-scale production of biologic agents that can be conveniently and confidently used for the long-term relief of chronic neuropathic pain in a clinical setting, without systemic effects or surgical interventions.
Widely tunable room temperature semiconductor terahertz source

We present a widely tunable, monolithic terahertz source based on intracavity difference frequency generation within a mid-infrared quantum cascade laser at room temperature. A three-section ridge waveguide laser design with two sampled grating sections and a distributed-Bragg section is used to achieve the terahertz (THz) frequency tuning. Room temperature single mode THz emission with a wide tunable frequency range of 2.6–4.2 THz (∼47% of the central frequency) and THz power up to 0.1 mW is demonstrated, making such device an ideal candidate for THz spectroscopy and sensing.
Program Behavior at the Symbolic Level

No application programmer writes machine-language programs–i.e., strings of ones and zeroes. That primitive pursuit has long been reserved for those few who create the very first modules of a software system for new hardware. Instead, programmers make use of a wide spectrum of symbolic programming languages, ranging from assembly code to high-level languages such as Fortran, Cobol, and the Algol family. Every programming language has semantics which define some abstract machine. For the assembly-language programmer this machine bears a great resemblance to the actual hardware on which the program will be interpreted, but even here the programmer will frequently use system-defined subroutines or macros which represent extensions of the base hardware facilities. The high-level language programmer's abstract machine reflects the control mechanisms and data structures characteristic of the language. The Fortran programmer, for example, can think in terms of multidimensional array structures, DO loops, subprogram facilities, and so on. In principle he need never be concerned with the manner in which his abstract Fortran machine is to be realized by a particular hardware and software system. The user of a modern electronic hand calculator needs no knowledge of the works inside the box, and a modern high-level language system should present to its users an equally consistent environment, completely defined in terms of the syntax and semantics of the source language.
Characteristics and Needs of Adult Learners in Gifted Program Inservice and Staff Development.

The adult learner in inservice and staff development (ISD) for gifted programs requires a learning environment based upon several assumptions of adult education. Adult learners tend to be self-directed with an accumulated wealth of experiences. They have a need for immediate application of learning, and they vaiue problem-centered activities. Participants in gifted program ISD are served best in a collaborative atmosphere where they are involved in self-assessment of needs, mutual goal-planning, use of materials and facilities appropriate for adults, and self-evaluation of learning with supportive feedback and followup.
High-temperature interband cascade lasers emitting in the 2.9-4.2 μm wavelength range

This paper reports an evaluation of carrier lifetimes and Auger coefficients for numerous interband cascade lasers (ICLs) emitting over a large part of the midinfrared spectrum. The lifetimes and Auger coefficients are extracted by correlating the measured pulsed threshold current densities and slope efficiencies of broad-area ICLs with calculations of optical gain vs. carrier density in the active region. Results show that the improved properties that led to room-temperature cw operation are similarly available in devices spanning the spectral window of at least 2.9-4.2 mum.
Relation between left ventricular diastolic function and exercise tolerance in patients with left ventricular dysfunction

Previous studies show no correlation between resting systolic left ventricular performance assessed as the ejection fraction and exercise tolerance. This study examined the relation between left ventricular diastolic performance and exercise tolerance in 63 patients with left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction less than 50%) due to known or suspected coronary artery disease. The 51 men and 12 women, aged 54 +/- 8 years (mean +/- standard deviation), underwent symptom-limited upright exercise testing on a bicycle ergometer. The exercise end-points were angina (n:5), dyspnea (n:16), and fatigue (n:42). The patients were divided into three groups: group 1 (n:28) with normal exercise tolerance (9.5 +/- 2.4 minutes), group 2 (n:18) with mild exercise intolerance (5.8 +/- 0.5 minutes), and group 3 (n:17) had severe exercise intolerance (3.7 +/- 0.9 minutes). The three groups did not differ in age, ejection fraction, end-diastolic volume, exercise end-point, exercise heart rate, and left ventricular peak filling rate at rest. The exercise peak filling rate was, however, significantly higher in group 1 (p = 0.03). Stepwise multivariate discriminant analysis of important variables identified the exercise peak filling rate as the only predictor of exercise tolerance (F = 6.0). Thus, variation in exercise peak filling rate may in part explain the variability of exercise tolerance in patients with left ventricular dysfunction; patients with preserved exercise capacity have higher exercise peak filling rate than those with exercise intolerance.
Using multimodality as a conceptual lens: examining two teachers' learning in the Multiliteracies Teacher Institute Project

Working in conjunction with a local school district in the United States, we developed a professional development project – called the Multiliteracies Teacher Institute Project (M-TIP). It composed of a series of three interrelated university courses that were designed to provide university graduate credit and professional development to teachers whereby they would explore their own situated racial identities as well as the teachers' perceptions of the roles that their situated identities played in their literacy instruction. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of M-TIP by describing the design and implementation of the overall professional development project as well as the impact of this project on two case study teachers. While this work is contextualized in the United States where it occurred, findings from our work may be useful for teachers and researchers in international contexts sharing similar concerns in their own educational contexts.
Dynamic Matrix Control of an Ethylene−Propylene−Diene Polymerization Reactor

A simulation study has been carried out to assess the performance of DMC (dynamic matrix control) for an ethylene−propylene−diene polymerization reactor. The regulated outputs are ethylene composition, diene composition, and Mooney viscosity of the polymer product. The simulation results show the excellent capability of DMC to control product quality during setpoint changes in product specifications (servo control) and changes in production rate and catalyst activity (regulatory control). DMC is proved to be superior to the conventional control approach and appears to hold a considerable promise for such a reactor system.
Threshold ionization, structural isomers, and electronic states of M2O2 (M = Sc, Y, and La)

M2O2 (M = Sc, Y, and La) were synthesized in a pulsed laser-vaporization molecular beam source and studied by mass-analyzed threshold ionization (MATI) spectroscopy and ab initio calculations. Adiabatic ionization energies (AIEs) and several vibrational frequencies were measured accurately for the first time from the MATI spectra. Six possible structural isomers of M2O2 were considered in the calculations and the three converged structures were used in the spectral analysis. A planar cyclic structure in D2h point group was predicted to be the most stable one by the theory and observed by the experiment. The cyclic structure is formed by joining two MO2 fragments together through two shared oxygen atoms. In forming the ground state clusters, each metal atom loses two (n − 1)d electrons and as a result, has only one ns electron in the metal-based valence orbital. The ground electronic state of Sc2O2 is 1Ag, and those of Y2O2 and La2O2 are 3B1u. Ionization of both 1Ag and 3B1u neutral states yields the 2Ag ion state by removing one of the two ns electrons, and the resultant ion has a similar geometry to the neutral cluster. The AIEs of the clusters are 5.5752 (6), 5.2639 (6), 4.5795 (6) eV for M = Sc, Y, and La, respectively. The vibrational frequencies of the observed modes, including O-M and M-M stretches, are in the range of 200–800 cm−1.
‘Disagreement without disrespect’: transitions in a lineage from Bhaṭṭoji to Nāgeśa

In investigating the lineage links from Bhaṭṭoji to Nāgeśa, we first distinguish between two types of lineages, namely the family lineage and the teacher–disciple lineage. In exploring the relations between Bhaṭṭoji, his brother Raṅgoji, Raṅgoji’s son Kauṇḍabhaṭṭa and Bhaṭṭoji’s own grandson Haridīkṣita, we are dealing with the family lineage. The relationships between Bhaṭṭoji and his teacher Śeṣakṛṣṇa, between Haridīkṣita and Nāgeśa, and Nāgeśa and Vaidyanātha, belong to the teacher–disciple lineage type. In the former, there is a double relationship, while in the latter, the relationship is mainly ideological. While one expects to see respectful treatment of seniors in these lineages by the junior members, what is more interesting is to see how the disagreements manifest within the lineages of both types. How does one disagree with one’s own teacher or uncle, without showing disrespect? The members of these lineages developed fine-tuned and subtle ways of expressing their differences. Within these four...
Bilateral adrenal hemorrhage after an open heart operation

Bilateral adrenal hemorrhage and acute adrenal insufficiency were diagnosed after coronary bypass grafting in a 65-year-old man. The symptoms were nonspecific and easily mistaken for other postoperative complications. Diagnosis was based on finding of adrenal hemorrhage on computed tomogram and confirmed biochemically with an adrenal stimulation test. Corticosteroid therapy was curative.
CFD Simulations and Experimental Study of Two-Phase Flow in Sand Coremaking Process

The results of an experimental study and 3D numerical simulations of resin bonded sand/air flow in a square corebox with an H-shape insertion and passage between upper and lower pockets of the pattern are presented. A computer controlled electronic system was designed and built to measure pressures and flow rates inside the corebox during mold filling, gassing and purging cycles of Phenolic Urethane Amine (PUA) process. Contour maps of the pressure distributions inside the corebox were created based on barometric measurements. A good agreement between experimental results and numerical simulations was found.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Wormlike micelles as a template for polymerization

The use of self-assembled materials as templates and structure-control agents in materials synthesis is both common and a rapidly growing area. However, the subset of work that focuses on cylindrical, rodlike and wormlike self-assembled micelles is under-utilized given the potential of these materials for synthesizing anisotropic materials. In recent years, there has been progress in polymerization of wormlike micelle systems at different length-scales and in the use of wormlike micelles as templates to control the morphology of materials grown in or around the aggregates.
Computer-aided classification of interstitial lung diseases via MDCT: 3D adaptive multiple feature method (3D AMFM).

Rationale and Objectives Computer-aided detection algorithms applied to multidetector row CT (MDCT) lung image data sets have the potential to significantly alter clinical practice through the early, quantitative detection of pulmonary pathology. In this project, we have further developed a computer-aided detection tool, the adaptive multiple feature method (AMFM), for the detection of interstitial lung diseases based on MDCT-generated volumetric data. Materials and Methods We performed MDCT (Siemens Sensation 16 or 64 120 kV, B50f convolution kernel, and ≤0.75-mm slice thickness) on 20 human volunteers recruited from four cohorts studied under an National Institutes of Health–sponsored Bioengineering Research Partnership Grant: 1) normal never smokers; 2) normal smokers; 3) those with emphysema, and 4) those with interstitial lung disease (total: 11 males, 9 females; age range 20–75 years, mean age 40 years). A total of 1,184 volumes of interest (VOIs; 21 × 21 pixels in plane) were marked by a senior radiologist and a senior pulmonologist as emphysema (EMPH, n = 287); ground-glass (GG, n = 147), honeycombing (HC, n = 137), normal nonsmokers (NN, n = 287), and normal smokers (NS, n = 326). For each VOI, we calculated 24 volumetric features, including statistical features (first-order features, run-length, and co-occurrence features), histogram, and fractal features. We compared two methods of classification (a Support Vector Machine (SVM) and a Bayesian classifier) using a 10-fold cross validation method and McNemar’s test. Results The sensitivity of five patterns in the form of Bayesian/SVM was: EMPH: 91/93%; GG: 89/86%; HC: 93/90%; NN: 90/73%; and NS: 75/82%. The specificity of five patterns in the form of Bayesian/support vector machine was: EMPH: 98/98%; GG: 98/98%; HC: 99/99%; NN: 90/94%; and NS: 96/91%. Conclusion We conclude that volumetric features including statistical features, histogram and fractal features can be successfully used in differentiation of parenchymal pathology associated with both emphysema and interstitial lung diseases. Additionally, support vector machine and Bayesian methods are comparable classifiers for characterization of interstitial lung diseases on MDCT images.
Clinical presentations of the Tourette syndrome diathesis

Psychiatric disturbances are frequent in Tourette syndrome (TS) patients but their relationship to the tic disorder is controversial. The report of a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders in TS relatives with or without tics compared with controls supports the hypothesis that neuropsychiatric disturbances are variant expressions of the TS gene. This combined with the report of a high prevalence of the tic disorder suggests that TS may contribute significantly to the etiological heterogeneity of a wide array of psychiatric disorders. The following is a report of patients who sought treatment because of disabling psychiatric symptoms and in whom the diagnosis of a TS diathesis was made for the first time as an incidental observation during the evaluation. The histories of the patients and their families provide clinical support for the hypothesis of a significant relationship between TS and psychiatric disorders and suggests that clinicians should be alert to the presence of an underlying TS diathesis in their patients.
Stylites and Phallobates: pillar religions in Late Antique Syria

Il semble que le probleme de la relation, a 100 kms et a 3 siecles de distance, entre le stylite chretien et le phallobate paien dont nous parle Lucien (De Dea Syria 28-29) ait ete mal pose : il ne s'agit pas de la reviviscence d'un culte paien mais de la continuite d'une expression symbolique. Le phenomene stylite doit etre etudie dans une perspective diachronique, comme tradition, et dans une perspective synchronique, comme rupture
Deglycosylation of the NS1 protein of dengue 2 virus, strain 16681: construction and characterization of mutant viruses.

The dengue 2 virus (DENV-2) NS1 glycoprotein contains two potential sites for N-linked glycosylation at Asn-130 and Asn-207. NS1 produced in infected cells is glycosylated at both of these sites. We used site-directed mutagenesis of a DENV-2, strain 16681, full length infectious clone to create mutant viruses lacking the Asn-130, Asn-207 or both of these NS1 glycosylation sites in order to investigate the effects of deglycosylation. Ablation of both NS1 glycosylation sites resulted in unstable viruses that acquired numerous additional mutations; these viruses were not further characterized. Viruses altered at the Asn-130 site exhibited growth characteristics similar to the wild-type (WT) 16681 virus in LLC-MK2 cells and reduced growth in C6/36 cells. Viruses mutated at the Asn-207 site achieved similar titers in LLC-MK2 cells compared to WT, however, the appearance of cytopathic effect was delayed and growth of these viruses in C6/36 cells was also reduced compared to WT virus. The plaque size of mutant viruses altered at the Asn-130 site did not differ from that of the WT virus, while mutants altered at the Asn-207 site exhibited a reduced and mixed plaque size. Temperature sensitivity studies comparing the growth of the viruses at 37 °C and 39 °C showed no significant differences compared to the WT virus. Immunofluorescent antibody staining of infected cells showed that for WT 16681 virus or the Asn-130 site mutant viruses NS1 was located throughout the cytoplasm, however, Asn-207 site mutant virus NS1 protein appeared to be localized to the perinuclear region. Viruses deglycosylated at either site exhibited a significant reduction in mouse neurovirulence compared to the WT virus. The results of our studies indicate that glycosylation of the DENV-2 virus NS1 protein may influence NS1 protein processing/transport as well as the pathogenicity of the virus.
Leisure and Agrarian Reform: Liberal Governance in the Traveling Museums of Spanish Misiones Pedagógicas (1931-1933)

This article examines the program of bringing itinerant art museums to the rural areas implemented by the Misiones Pedagogicas of Spain's Second Republic. My analysis seeks to answer the following questions: a) Why did the government support these initiatives while peasants were using violence to contest its agrarian reform? b) How did museums fit into the Republic's program of public education? And 3) how did they treat the peasants' own culture? Tracing the philosophical foundations of the Museo del Pueblo in Manuel Bartolome de Cossio's (1857-1935) theory of leisure, I discuss Cossio's indebtedness to late-Victorian uses of art education for the poor and to krausista philosophy. I argue that the Museo del Pueblo's and the Misiones' emphasis on raising the spirit of citizenship by reorganizing peasants' free time constituted an experiment in liberal governance that responded to the urgent political need to implement a democratic policy for ruling the masses.
The reaction of myosin with N-ethylmaleimide in the presence of ADP.

Abstract Myosin reacted with N-ethylmaleimide in the presence of ADP lost its ability to be activated by actin. Subfragment 1 behaved similarly. About 2 moles of N-ethylmaleimide per mole of Subfragment 1 were required to eliminate actin activation of the Mg2+-ATPase activity. At the point at which actin activation was lost the K+-EDTA-ATPase activity was also lost, but the Ca2+-activated ATPase activity was increased. Kinetic measurements indicated that the labelling with N-ethylmaleimide in the presence of ADP reduced V (the ATPase activity at infinite actin concentration) but did not effect Kapp (which is related to the dissociation constant of the actin-Subfragment 1 complex). The Mg2+-activated activity of the reacted myosin alone remained unaltered and the ability to bind actin was retained. We propose that the N-ethylmaleimide labelling blocked the actin activation by preventing the accelerated release of hydrolysis products from the myosin.
It's Time to Overhaul Our Outdated Genetics Curriculum

““If everyone on both sides of your family is tall, you are going to be tall. If half are tall and half are short, you have a 50//50 chance of being either tall or short. You also have the possibility of ending up somewhere in the middle.”” Confused? Apparently, so was this high school student. How did he develop such a muddled understanding of inheritance? Probably by attending class, reading his textbook, and doing his homework. His confusion, which was representative of many students who submitted essays to a national DNA Day essay contest, is quite common. In fact, in an analysis of 500 randomly selected essays by The American Society of Human Genetics (Shaw et al., 2008), 55%% of essays contained at least one misconception in genetics, and 20%% had two or more. The most common misconceptions dealt with patterns of inheritance (clearly reflected in the quote above), genetic determinism, genetic technology, and the nature of genes. Those findings are consistent with an analysis of core genetics concepts on the 2000 National Assessment of Educational Progress. O'Sullivan et al. (2003) found that more than 90%% of students demonstrated only a partial or an unsatisfactory understanding …
Direct Measurement of Compression of Laser-Imploded Targets Using X-Ray Spectroscopy

Compression of neon-filled glass microballoons irradiated by a four-beam laser system has been measured directly by Stark broadening, opacity broadening, and spatial profiles of ${\mathrm{Ne}}^{+9}$ x-ray lines. For an 8.6-atm fill pressure and a 0.2-TW, 40-psec laser pulse, the measured compressed neon density was 0.26 g/${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$ and the product $\ensuremath{\rho}R$ was 2.5 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ ${\mathrm{g}/\mathrm{c}\mathrm{m}}^{2}$.
Recent Advances In Alkali Metal Thermoelectric Converter (AMTEC) Electrode Performance And Modeling

The Alkali Metal Thermoelectric Converter (AMTEC) is a direct energy conversion device, utilizing a high sodium vapor pressure or activity ratio across a beta-double prime-alumina solid electrolyte (BASE). This paper describes progress on the remaining scientific issue which must be resolved to demonstrate AMTEC feasibility for space power systems: a stable, high power density electrode. Two electrode systems have recently been discovered at JPL that now have the potential to meet space power requirements. One of these is a very thin sputtered molybdenum film, less than 0.5 micron thick, with overlying current collection grids. This electrode has experimentally demonstrated stable performance at 0.4-0.5 W/sq cm for hundreds of hours. Recent modeling results show that at least 0.7 W/sq cm can be achieved. The model of electrode performance now includes all loss mechanisms, including charge transfer resistances at the electrode/electrolyte interface. A second electrode composition, cosputtered platinum/tungsten, has demonstrated 0.8 W/sq cm for 160 hours. Systems studies show that a stable electrode performance of 0.6 W/sq cm will enable high efficiency space power systems.
Overexpression of matrix metalloproteinases leads to lethality in transgenic Xenopus laevis: implications for tissue-dependent functions of matrix metalloproteinases during late embryonic development.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) functions as the structural support of cells and as a medium for cell-cell interactions. It is understood to play critical roles in development. ECM remodeling is mediated largely through the action of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a family of Zn2+-dependent proteases capable of degrading various proteinaceous components of the ECM. MMPs are expressed in many developmental and pathologic processes. However, few studies have been carried out to investigate the function of MMPs during embryogenesis and postembryonic organogenesis. By using Xenopus development as a model system, we have previously shown that several MMP genes are expressed from neurulation to the completion of embryogenesis in distinct tissues/organs, suggesting that ECM remodeling during mid- to late embryogenesis occurs in an organ-specific manner. By using the recently developed transgenic technology for Xenopus laevis, we overexpressed Xenopus MMPs stromelysin-3 (ST3) and collagenase-4 (Col4) under the control of a ubiquitous promoter and observed that embryos with overexpressed ST3 or Col4, but not the control green fluorescent protein (GFP), died in a dose-dependent manner during late embryogenesis. The specificity of this embryonic lethal phenotype was confirmed by the failure of a catalytically inactive mutant of ST3 to affect development. Finally, overexpression of a mammalian membrane type-MMP also led to late embryonic lethality in Xenopus embryos, suggesting that membrane type-MMPs have functions in vivo for ECM remodeling, in addition to being activators of other pro-MMPs. These data together with the developmental expression of several MMPs during Xenopus development, suggest that MMPs play important roles during mid- to late embryogenesis and that proper regulation of MMP genes is critical for tissue morphogenesis and organogenesis.
Abstract 452: Novel MRI-based biomarker for early assessment of glioma recurrence

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Gliomas continue to be the most common form of brain malignancy in adult patients. Even with advancements in the clinical management of these patients, assessment of tumor recurrence continues to be based on late or serial changes in tumor volume as measured by CT or MRI [1; 2]. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a new voxel-based method, referred as parametric response mapping (PRM), for early detection of brain tumor progression using standard MR images (FLAIR and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted). PRM results were evaluated relative to standard MRI-based criteria of clinical progression assessment in patients with Grade III/IV gliomas. Fourteen patients with grades III/IV glioma underwent MRI before and during treatment (every 2 months). MRI scans, acquired on a 1.5T or a 3T clinical scanner, consisted of fluid-attenuated inversion recovery imaging (FLAIR) and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted (CE-T1w) images. All images were spatially registered to CE-T1w pre-treatment scans and tumors were manually contoured on the T1w-Gd images. Subsequent to PRM analysis, FLAIR images were normalized to the signal using the white matter (rFLAIR). PRM, applied to the whole brain volume on rFLAIR, was performed by first generating voxel-based difference maps at each longitudinal follow-up scan using the baseline as the subtrahend. Baseline was defined as either the pre-treatment or subsequent rFLAIR image. Individual voxels were classified based on the extent of change observed in the rFLAIR difference maps. Three classifications were used: voxels with a significant increase in rFLAIR values (PRMrFLAIR+), significant decrease (PRMrFLAIR-) or statistically unchanged (PRMrFLAIR0). Disease recurrence was defined by PRM as the sum of red voxels that exceed 20% of the tumor volume as delineated on T1w-Gd. PRMrFLAIR detected tumor recurrence on average 18±3 weeks earlier than the MacDonald criteria. It was also observed that PRMrFLAIR+ found outside the tumor CE-T1w regions revealed the spatial location at which the tumor would progress on subsequent scans based on current standard progression criteria. These results show that the PRM approach provides for the early detection and spatial depiction of brain tumor progression prior to detection by currently available conventional MRI-based criteria. While further validation of PRM for detection of tumor recurrence is currently underway, the ability to detect tumor progression significantly earlier than currently possible is anticipated to have a major impact on patient care. [1] Macdonald, D. R., et al. (1990). J Clin Oncol 8(7): 1277-1280. [2] Wen, P. Y., et al. (2010). J Clin Oncol 28(11): 1963-1972. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 452. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-452
Defining optical software-defined networks (SDN): From a compilation of demos to network model synthesis

We propose the first optical SDN model enabling performance optimization and comparison of heterogeneous SDN scenarios. We exploit it to minimize latency and compare cost for non-SDN, partial-SDN and full-SDN variants of the same network.