cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A novel autoantibody recognizing 200‐kd and 100‐kd proteins is associated with an immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy

Objective Myofiber necrosis without prominent inflammation is a nonspecific finding in patients with dystrophies and toxic or immune-mediated myopathies. However, the etiology of a necrotizing myopathy is often obscure, and the question of which patients would benefit from immunosuppression remains unanswered. The aim of this study was to identify novel autoantibodies in patients with necrotizing myopathy. Methods Muscle biopsy specimens and serum samples were available for 225 patients with myopathy. Antibody specificities were determined by performing immunoprecipitations from 35S-methionine–labeled HeLa cell lysates. Selected biopsy specimens were stained for membrane attack complex, class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC), and endothelial cell marker CD31. Results Muscle biopsy specimens from 38 of 225 patients showed predominantly myofiber necrosis. Twelve of these patients had a known autoantibody association with or other etiology for their myopathy. Sixteen of the remaining 26 sera immunoprecipitated 200-kd and 100-kd proteins; this specificity was observed in only 1 of 187 patients without necrotizing myopathy. Patients with the anti-200/100 autoantibody specificity had proximal weakness (100%), high creatine kinase levels (mean maximum 10,333 IU/liter), and an irritable myopathy on electromyography (88%). Sixty-three percent of these patients had been exposed to statins prior to the onset of weakness. All patients responded to immunosuppressive therapy, and many experienced a relapse of weakness when the medication was tapered. Immunohistochemical studies showed membrane attack complex on small blood vessels in 6 of 8 patients and on the surface of non-necrotic myofibers in 4 of 8 patients. Five of 8 patients had abnormal capillary morphology, and 4 of 8 patients expressed class I MHC on the surface of non-necrotic myofibers. Conclusion An anti–200/100-kd specificity defines a subgroup of patients with necrotizing myopathy who previously were considered to be autoantibody negative. We propose that these patients have an immune-mediated myopathy that is frequently associated with prior statin use and should be treated with immunosuppressive therapy.
A simple chemical method of labeling hematoporphyrin derivative with technetium-99m

Hematoporphyrin derivative(HPD), a fluorescent compound known to be selectively accumulated in neoplasms, is labeled with 99mTc by a chemical method. Radiochemical analyses indicated that the labeled product contains an average of 91% 99mTc-HPD, 6% unbound 99mTc-(Sn)complex species and less than 3% free 99mTc. Data from acid precipitation analysis demonstrate the presence of two radiolabeled HPD fractions; an insoluble black precipitate and an acid soluble fraction with an average of 66% and 25% respectively. The labeling mechanism is not known. Presumably, labeling of HPD involves the formation of a coordinated complex with reduced 99mTc forming a radioactive metalloporphyrin compound. 99mTC-HPD, like the parent compound, exhibits strong fluorescence when exposed to an appropriate ultra violet light source.
Hepatic gene expression in histologically progressive nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Although the molecular basis for the pathophysiology of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is poorly understood, insulin resistance and mitochondrial dysfunction are physiologic hallmarks of this condition. We sought evidence of a transcriptional or pretranscriptional basis for insulin resistance and mitochondrial dysfunction through measurement of hepatic gene expression (messenger RNA [mRNA]) using high-density synthetic oligonucleotide microarray analysis (Hu6800 GeneChip, Affymetrix, CA). Global hepatic gene expression was determined in snap-frozen liver biopsy specimens from 4 groups: (1) patients with cirrhotic-stage NASH (n = 6), (2) patients with cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) (n = 6), (3) patients with cirrhosis secondary to primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) (n = 6), and (4) healthy controls (n = 6). Genes were considered to be expressed differentially in NASH only if there was a greater than 2-fold difference in abundance of mRNA when compared with each of the control groups. Sixteen genes were uniquely differentially expressed (4 overexpressed and 12 underexpressed) in patients with cirrhotic-stage NASH. Genes that were significantly underexpressed included genes important for maintaining mitochondrial function (copper/zinc superoxide dismutase, aldehyde oxidase, and catalase). Glucose 6-phospatase, alcohol dehydrogenase, elongation factor-TU, methylglutaryl coenzyme A (CoA), acyl CoA synthetase, oxoacyl CoA thiolase, and ubiquitin also were underexpressed in NASH. Genes that were overexpressed in NASH included complement component C3 and hepatocyte-derived fibrinogen-related protein, potentially contributing to impaired insulin sensitivity. In conclusion, these studies provide evidence for a transcriptional or pretranscriptional basis for impaired mitochondrial function (attenuated capacity for the dismutation of reactive oxygen species) and diminished insulin sensitivity (increased acute phase reactants) in patients with histologically progressive NASH. Further studies are required to determine the mechanism and the physiologic significance of these findings.
Tissue-Destructive Macrophages in Giant Cell Arteritis

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an inflammatory vasculopathy in which T cells and macrophages infiltrate the wall of medium and large arteries. Clinical consequences such as blindness and stroke are related to arterial occlusion. Formation of aortic aneurysms may result from necrosis of smooth muscle cells and fragmentation of elastic membranes. The molecular mechanisms of arterial wall injury in GCA are not understood. To identify mechanisms of arterial damage, gene expression in inflamed and unaffected temporal artery specimens was compared by differential display polymerase chain reaction. Genes differentially expressed in arterial lesions included 3 products encoded by the mitochondrial genome. Immunohistochemistry with antibodies specific for a 65-kDa mitochondrial antigen revealed that increased expression of mitochondrial products was characteristic of multinucleated giant cells and of CD68+ macrophages that cluster in the media and at the media-intima junction. 4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal adducts, products of lipid peroxidation, were detected on smooth muscle cells and on tissue infiltrating cells, in close proximity to multinucleated giant cells and CD68+ macrophages. Also, giant cells and macrophages with overexpression of mitochondrial products were able to synthesize metalloproteinase-2. Our data suggest that in the vascular lesions characteristic for GCA, a subset of macrophages has the potential to support several pathways of arterial injury, including the release of reactive oxygen species and the production of metalloproteinase-2. This macrophage subset is topographically defined and is also identified by overexpression of mitochondrial genes. Because these macrophages have a high potential to promote several mechanisms of arterial wall damage, they should be therapeutically targeted to prevent blood vessel destruction.
Trim angle measurements in free-flight facilities

The aerodynamic cofficients and trim angle for an aerobrake at Mach 9.2 and 11.8 were found using a combination of experiment and computation. Free-flight tests were performed at NASA Ames Research Center's Hypervelocity Free-Flight Aerodynamic Facility, and the forebody pressure distribution was calculated using a three-dimensional Navier-Stokes code with an effective specific heat ratio. Using the computed drag, lift, and moments to prescribe the number of terms in the aerodynamic coefficient expansions and to specify the values of the higher order terms, the experimental aerodynamic coefficients and trim angle were found using a six-degree-of-freedom, weighted, least-squares analysis. The experimental and computed aerodynamic coefficients and trim angles are in good agreement. The trim angle obtained from the free-flight tests, 14.7 deg, differs from the design trim angle, 17 deg, and from the Langley wind tunnel results, 12 deg in air and 17 deg in CF4. These differences are attributable to real-gas effects.
The origin of inclined plateau currents in steady-state voltammograms for electrode processes involving electrocatalysis

Abstract Steady-state current-potential curves recorded at rotating disk electrodes for electrode reactions that are subject to electrocatalysis often exhibit increasingly inclined (instead of flat) plateau currents as the rotation rate is increased. Evidence and arguments are presented in support of the proposition that the phenomenon is a reflection of a true potential-dependence of the currents measured on the plateaux. A model is suggested to explain the reason for this potential dependence; current-potential curves calculated on the basis of the model are compared with experimental curves for the reduction of O2 at catalyst-coated and bare graphite electrodes to demonstrate the adequacy of the model.
Alcohol and Rape: An Economics-of-Crime Perspective

Using a panel of state-level data over the years 1982-2000, this study explores the potential relationship between alcohol policy, alcohol consumption, and rape by considering a number of theoretical and methodological issues. First, the potential relationship is examined in the context of an economics-of-crime model, controlling for various deterrence and opportunity cost variables. Second, unlike most studies, consumption of liquor and wine are considered as well as consumption of beer. A third focus is on the potential endogeneity of alcohol consumption. A fourth consideration dictates the focus on rape rates rather than other violent crime rates. Several studies have discovered a tendency for relatively high alcohol consumption by both offenders and victims. Since rape victims are virtually all female, and at least some alcohol policy variables appear to have differential impacts on females and heavy-drinking males, an examination of policy impacts for rape rates, unlike other types of violent crime, can suggest the nature of the alcohol-consumption-violence relationship. The empirical results support an "alcohol increases potential victims vulnerability" hypothesis. In the context of the economic theory of crime, this lowers the expected cost of rape to potential offenders and raises rape rates. Tests for endogeneity of alcohol consumption and resulting simultaneous equation estimates reinforce this implication because they suggest that victims respond to relatively high rape rates by reducing alcohol consumption.
Depressed cardiac cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase in spontaneously hypertensive rats and its further depression by guanethidine

BIOCHEMICAL modifications in cardiac hyptertrophy, secondary to high blood pressure, in spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats, include reduced receptor reactivities to isoproterenol1,2 and glucagon3, and lower contents of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP due to aberrations in adenylate and guanylate cyclases or phosphodiesterases, or both. Also possibly affected are cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (A-PK) and cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase (G-PK), enzymes that presumably mediate the effects of the respective cyclic nucleotide in vivo. An accurate assay for G-PK from mammalian tissues is possible in the presence of stimulatory modulator (specifically stimulating G-PK), either as a separated and purified form4 or as a mixture with inhibitory modulator (specifically inhibiting A-PK) in a form of crude protein kinase modulator5,6. We have examined possible involvements of cardiac G-PK, relative to A-PK, in chronic hypertension and possible effects of guanethidine, a hypotensive drug, on the two key enzymes. We found that the cardiac level of G-PK in spontaneously hypertensive rats was lower than that in normotensive rats, whereas that of A-PK was the same in both groups. Guanethidine depressed the former enzyme further without affecting the latter.
Promoter analysis of macrophage- and tick cell-specific differentially expressed Ehrlichia chaffeensis p28-Omp genes

Ehrlichia chaffeensis is a rickettsial agent responsible for an emerging tick-borne illness, human monocytic ehrlichiosis. Recently, we reported that E. chaffeensis protein expression is influenced by macrophage and tick cell environments. We also demonstrated that host response differs considerably for macrophage and tick cell-derived bacteria with delayed clearance of the pathogen originating from tick cells. In this study, we mapped differences in the promoter regions of two genes of p28-Omp locus, genes 14 and 19, whose expression is influenced by macrophage and tick cell environments. Primer extension and quantitative RT-PCR analysis were performed to map transcription start sites and to demonstrate that E. chaffeensis regulates transcription in a host cell-specific manner. Promoter regions of genes 14 and 19 were evaluated to map differences in gene expression and to locate RNA polymerase binding sites. RNA analysis and promoter deletion analysis aided in identifying differences in transcription, DNA sequences that influenced promoter activity and RNA polymerase binding regions. This is the first description of a transcriptional machinery of E. chaffeensis. In the absence of available genetic manipulation systems, the promoter analysis described in this study can serve as a novel molecular tool for mapping the molecular basis for gene expression differences in E. chaffeensis and other related pathogens belonging to the Anaplasmataceae family.
Contraceptive use patterns across teens’ sexual relationships: The role of relationships, partners, and sexual histories

By using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, we examine how adolescent relationship characteristics, partner attributes, and sexual relationship histories are associated with contraceptive use and consistency, incorporating random effects to control for respondent-level unobserved heterogeneity. Analyses show that teens’ contraceptive use patterns vary across relationships. Teens with more-homogamous partners, with more-intimate relationships, and who communicate about contraception before sex have greater odds of contraceptive use and/or consistency. Teens in romantic relationships, and who are older when engaging in sex for the first time, have greater odds of ever using contraceptives but reduced odds of always using contraceptives. Teens continue habits from previous relationships: teens with experience practicing contraceptive consistency and females who previously have used hormonal contraceptive methods are better able to maintain consistency in subsequent relationships. Also, relationship and partner characteristics are less important for females who previously used hormonal methods.
An efficient algorithm for the piecewise linear approximation of planar curves

A simple, highly efficient, and computationally stable algorithm is developed for the approximation of arbitrary planar curves by linear segments. The approximation yields excellent results in economizing the number of line vectors required to represent curves on display within precisions specified by an error tolerance parameter.
Targeting Cytomegalovirus-Infected Cells Using T Cells Armed with Anti-CD3 × Anti-CMV Bispecific Antibody

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation and infection can lead to poor outcomes after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. We hypothesized that anti-CD3 activated T cells (ATCs) armed with chemically heteroconjugated anti-CD3 × polyclonal anti-CMV bispecific antibody (CMVBi) will target and eliminate CMV-infected cells. Arming doses of CMVBi as low as 0.01 ng/106 ATCs was able to mediate specific cytotoxicity (SC) directed at CMV-infected target cells significant above unarmed ATCs at mutiplicities of infection (MOI) between 0.01 and 1. At effector-to-target ratios (E:T) of 25:1, 12.5:1, 6.25:1, and 3.125:1, armed ATCs significantly enhanced killing of CMV-infected targets compared with unarmed ATCs. At an MOI of 1.0, the mean % SC directed at CMV-infected targets cells for CMVBi-armed ATCs at E:T of 3.12, 6.25, and 12.5 were 79%, 81%, and 82%, respectively; whereas the mean % SC for unarmed ATCs at the same E:T were all
Lespedeza seed oil

Lespedeza seed oil has been isolated by extraction of the pulverized seed with diethyl ether, petroleum ether, hexane, and tetrachloroethylene in 11.1–11.7% yield. The crude oil has been characterized by a number of standard tests. Its outstanding properties are its iodine number of 147 and its ability to dry.
Magnetic properties and structure of cobalt-platinum thin films

The magnetic properties of RF sputtered Co-Pt alloy thin films were studied as a function of Pt content from 0 to 80 at%. At room temperature, ferromagnetic films were obtained in the range 0-32 and 40-80 at% Pt. For Pt contents between 32 and 40 at%, discontinuities in the magnetization, magnetostriction, and coercivity versus Pt content were observed; however no discontinuity was observed in the resistivity. The structure of films containing about 25 at% Pt is a mixture of hexagonal and face-centered cubic (FCC) phases. At this composition the magnetostriction is small, but coercivities are large-700 to 2000 Oe-and dependent upon film thickness. The coercivities of these films do not change with heat treatment up to temperatures of 600°C but decrease markedly at 700°C. The properties of equiatomic Co-Pt film s are similar to those of bulk alloys. In particular the large coercivity observed in films after heal treatment at 500° to 700°C is due to the formation of an ordered tetragonal phase within the face-centered cubic matrix. The structure of films of about 75 at% Pt is initially a disordered face-centered cubic phase and with heat treatment beginning at 500°C an ordered face-centered cubic phase forms. The coercivity of these films (∼200 Oe) does not change with annealing at 500°C. It decreases slightly upon further annealing at 600°C to 700°C. Electron microscope observations were used to correlate the magnetic properties with film structure.
Collective Quantum Jumps of Rydberg Atoms

We study an open quantum system of atoms with a long-range Rydberg interaction, laser driving, and spontaneous emission. Over time, the system occasionally jumps between a state of low Rydberg population and a state of high Rydberg population. The jumps are inherently collective, and in fact, exist only for a large number of atoms. We explain how entanglement and quantum measurement enable the jumps, which are otherwise classically forbidden.
Optimization of the mechanical properties of composite materials with integrated embedded sensor networks

The increasing demand for in-service structural health monitoring has stimulated efforts to integrate self and environmental sensing capabilities into materials and structures. To sense damage within composite materials, we are developing a compact network microsensor array to be integrated into the material. These structurally-integrated embedded microsensors render the composite information-based, so that it can monitor and report on the local structural environment, on request or in real-time as necessary. Here we present efforts to characterize the structural effects of embedding these sensors. Quasi-static three-point bending (short beam shear) and fatigue three-point bending (short beam shear) tests are conducted in order to characterize the effects of introducing sensors, or suitable dummy sensors in the form of chip resistors, and commonly used circuit board material, namely G-10/FR4 Garolite on the various mechanical properties of the host structural composite material. Furthermore, various methods and geometries of embedding the microsensors are examined in order to determine the technique that optimizes the mechanical properties of the host composite material. The work described here is part of an ongoing effort to understand the structural effects of integrating microsensor networks into a host composite material.
Explant culture of rat colon: a model system for studying metabolism of chemical carcinogens.

An explant culture system has been developed for the long-term maintenance of colonic tissue from the rat. Explants of 1 cm2 in size were placed in tissue-culture dishes to which was added 2 ml of CMRL-1066 medium supplemented with glucose, hydrocortisone, β-retinyl acetate, and either 2.5% bovine albumin or 5% fetal bovine serum. The dishes were placed in a controlied-atmosphere chamber which was gassed with 95% O2 and 5% CO2. The chamber then was placed on a rocker platform which rocked at 10 cycles per min causing the medium to flow intermittently over the epithelial surface. The explants were incubated at 30°C. The viability of the tissue was measured both by incorporation of specific precursors into cellular macromolecules and by monitoring of tissue morphology with light and electron microscopy. Cultured rat colon was able to metabolize benzo[a]pyrene, 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene, aflatoxin B1, dimethylnitrosamine, 1,2-dimethylhydrazine, and methylazoxymethanol acetate into chemical species that bind to cellular DNA and protein.
Wavelength modulation absorption spectroscopy with 2 f detection using multiplexed diode lasers for rapid temperature measurements in gaseous flows

Multiplexed fiber-coupled diode lasers are used to probe second-harmonic line shapes of two near-infrared water absorption features, at 1343 nm and 1392 nm, in order to infer temperatures in gases containing water vapor, such as combustion flows. Wavelength modulation is performed at 170 kHz, and is superimposed on 1-kHz wavelength scans in order to recover full second-harmonic line shapes. Digital waveform generation and lock-in detection are performed using a data-acquisition card installed in a PC. An optimal selection of the modulation indices is shown to greatly simplify data interpretation over extended temperature ranges and to minimize the need for calibration when performing 2 f ratio thermometry. A theoretical discussion of this optimized strategy for 2 f ratio thermometry, as well as results from experimental validations in a heated cell, at pressures up to atmospheric, are presented in order to illustrate the utility of this technique for rapid temperature measurements in gaseous flow fields.
Localized plasmon assisted structured illumination microscopy (presentation video)

We present a new super resolution imaging method, Localized Plasmon assisted Structured Illumination Microscopy (LPSIM). Using an array of localized plasmonic antennas, LPSIM provides dynamically tunable near-field excitations which result in finely structured illumination patterns, independent of any propagating surface plasmon dispersion limitations. Antenna geometry alone limits the illumination pattern feature sizes, enabling the collection of a far-field image resolved far beyond the diffraction limit. This approach allows a wide field of view and the capacity for a high frame-rate. Recovered images for various classes of objects are presented, demonstrating significant resolution improvement over existing methods.
Adolescent and adult African Americans have similar metabolic dyslipidemia.

Background African Americans (AAs) have lower triglyceride (TG) and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) than other ethnic groups; yet, they also have higher risk for developing diabetes mellitus despite the strong relationship of dyslipidemia with insulin resistance. No studies directly compare adolescents and adults with regard to relationships among dyslipidemia, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and insulin resistance. Here, we compare AA adolescents to adults with regard to the relationships of adiposity-related lipid risk markers (TG-to-HDL ratio and non–HDL-C) with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA), and hs-CRP. Methods Two cohorts of healthy AA were recruited from the same urban community. Participants in each cohort were stratified by TG-to-HDL ratio (based on adult tertiles) and non–HDL-C levels. BMI, WC, HOMA, and hs-CRP were compared in adolescents and adults in the low-, middle-, and high-lipid strata. Results Prevalence of TG-to-HDL ratio greater than 2.028 (high group) was 16% (44 of 283) in adolescents and 33% (161 of 484) in adults; prevalence of non–HDL-C above 145 and 160, respectively, was 8% (22 of 283) in adolescents and 12% (60 of 484) in adults. Values of hs-CRP were lower, and HOMA values were higher in adolescents (both P 2 vs 32 kg/m 2 ; WC, 101 cm vs 101 cm). After adjusting for non–HDL-C and other covariates, a 2-fold increase in TG-to-HDL ratio was associated with increases of 10.4% in hs-CRP (95% CI, 1.1%–20.5%) and 24.2% in HOMA (95% CI, 16.4%–32.6%). Non–HDL-C was not significant in models having TG-to-HDL ratio. Conclusion The elevated TG-to-HDL ratio is associated with similar inflammation and metabolic risk relationships in adolescent and adult AAs.
Peak-decay method for the measurement of dissociation rate constants by high-performance affinity chromatography

Abstract A new method was described for the measurement of dissociation rate constants of biological complexes by affinity chromatography. Theory and computer modeling were used to establish conditions such that each solute molecule would undergo only a single dissociation step during its passage through the column. As a result, the dissociation rate constant could easily be determined from the slope of the logarithm of the tailing porton of the peak. An experimental system, consisting of immobilized concanavalin A and a fluorescent sugar, was used to test the theory and to compare the peak-decay method with the conventional isocratic method.
The Wide World of Sports Reporting The Influence of Gender- and Race-Based Expectations on Evaluations of Sports Reporters

The present experiment examined the influence of gender- and race-based norms associated with different sports on evaluations of newspaper reporters. Insights from communication accommodation theory framed this investigation, which predicted that the gender and racial compositions of sports (i.e., female/male sport, predominately black/white athletes) and the gender/race of the reporter would interact in predicting evaluations of reporters (with existing gender and racial attitudes as covariates). Results generally supported these relationships. Female commentators were evaluated more favorably in the context of women’s sports. A comparable pattern emerged for race-based evaluations, although these results were somewhat less consistent.
Resistance to extinction following exposure to a complex situation

Twenty-one rats were trained to run to a sucrose reinforcement. They were then extinguished, retrained, and re-extinguished under conditions wherein each trial was preceded by exposure to a complex situation (Group C), a simple situation (Group P), or no exposure (Group N). Exposure to either a complex or simple situation increased resistance to extinction. During the second extinction phase, Group C performed better than either the P or N groups. Response facilitation was attributed to the activating effects of the exposure situations.
The design and control of a three-dimensional piezoceramic tube scanner with an inertial slider

Inertial sliders are often used to produce coarse relative positioning for scanning probe microscopes. This article describes the design, dynamic analysis, and control of a compact four-segment piezoceramic tube scanner employing an inertial slider. Velocity feedback control, implemented using two-segment piezoelectric sensing, was used to suppress undesired vibrations in the tube, and to improve scanner step uniformity. The control analysis was based on an empirical open-loop identification of the as-built tube behavior, which was also measured using the two-segment sensing technique. A reset integrator friction simulation predicted the overall system performance, and showed good agreement with experimental results.
Salpeter equation in position space: Numerical solution for arbitrary confining potentials

We present and test two new methods for the numerical solution of the relativistic wave equation $[{(\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\nabla}}^{2}+{{m}_{1}}^{2})}^{\frac{1}{2}}+{(\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\nabla}}^{2}+{{m}_{2}}^{2})}^{\frac{1}{2}}+V(r)\ensuremath{-}M]\ensuremath{\psi}(\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{r}})=0$, which appears in the theory of relativistic quark-antiquark bound states. Our methods work directly in position space, and hence have the desirable features that we can vary the potential $V(r)$ locality in fitting the $q\overline{q}$ mass spectrum, and can easily build in the expected behavior of $V$ for $r\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0$,$\ensuremath{\infty}$. Our first method converts the nonlocal square-root operators to mildly singular integral operators involving hyperbolic Bessel functions. The resulting integral equation can be solved numerically by matrix techniques. Our second method approximates the square-root operators directly by finite matrices. Both methods converge rapidly with increasing matrix size (the square-root matrix method more rapidly) and can be used in fast-fitting routines. We present some tests for oscillator and Coulomb interactions, and for the realistic Coulomb-plus-linear potential used in $q\overline{q}$ phenomenology.
A quantitive comparision of iterative scheduling algoithm for input-queued switches

Abstract In this paper we quantitatively evaluate three iterative algorithms for scheduling cells in a high-bandwidth input-queued ATM switch. In particular, we compare the performance of an algorithm described previously – parallel iterative matching (PIM) – with two new algorithms: iterative round-robin matching with slip (iSLIP) and iterative least-recently used (iLRU). We also compare each algorithm against FIFO input-queueing and perfect output-queueing. For the synthetic workloads we consider, including uniform and bursty traffic, iSLIP performs almost identically to the other algorithms. Cases for which PIM and iSLIP perform poorly are presented, indicating that care should be taken when using these algorithms. But, we show that the implementation complexity of iSLIP is an order of magnitude less than for PIM, making it feasible to implement a 32×32 switch scheduler for iSLIP on a single chip.
Regulation of Proline Synthesis in Osmotic Response: Effects of Protein Synthesis Inhibitors

ABSTRACT Like many euryhaline marine invertebrates, the copepod Tigriopus californicus acclimates to changes in environmental salinity by adjusting intracellular concentrations of free amino acids (FAA). Proline and alanine are the primary contributors to the FAA pool, and previous work has shown that synthesis of the former is specifically induced by hyperosmotic stress. To determine if protein synthesis plays a regulatory role in the accumulation of FAA during hyperos- motic stress, T. californicus were exposed to two protein synthesis inhibitors prior to and during transfer from 50% to 100% seawater. Both inhibitors, cycloheximide and anisomycin, were found to sharply reduce proline synthesis during hyperosmotic stress. By providing ''C-(U)-L-glutamate as a proline precursor, evidence was obtained that the ultimate site of action for the inhibitors was in the three-step pathway between glutamate and proline. This work suggests that hyperos- motic stress induces the synthesis of one or more of the enzymes in the proline biosynthetic path- way or a protein which functions to stimulate the activity of these enzymes.
Field-deployable and near-real-time optical microfluidic biosensors for single-oocyst-level detection of Cryptosporidium parvum from field water samples.

Cryptosporidium spp. is an obligate, parasitic protozoan that is difficult to detect and causes diarrhea in healthy adults while potentially causing death in the immunocompromised and children. Its treatment options are few and treat the symptoms, not the actual parasite. Current methods of detection are inefficient and rely too heavily upon laboratory sample preparations and technician skill, including differential staining, negative staining, and immunofluorescence methods [especially U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 1623]. These assays can take from hours to days and require a laboratory environment. In this work, we demonstrated the microbead immunoagglutination assay combined with Mie scatter detection in a microfluidic device to provide a field-deployable and near-real-time alternative to the laboratory-based method (especially EPA Method 1623). Two main challenges were the relatively big diameter of Cryptosporidium oocysts (5–6 μm) and the contaminants in field water samples that negatively affected the immunoagglutination and its scatter detection. We used 4 min sonication to liberate Cryptosporidium oocyst wall proteins (COWP), which was previously used to inactivate Cryptosporidium oocysts. As for the contaminants, we optimized the microbead diameter (920 nm) and the wavelength of incident light (375 nm) to find the angle of scatter detection (45°) where the Mie scatter from immunoagglutinated microbeads was maximum and the background scatter from contaminants was minimum. This enabled the sub-single-oocyst-level detection despite the fact that only a very small volume of water sample (15 μL) was introduced to the microfluidic biosensor. When combined with filtration/concentration, this method is able to detect ≤1 oocyst per large volume of water, comparable to or potentially better than the EPA method 1623, while effectively reducing the time and labor necessary for staining and microscopic analysis. For faster, near-real-time assays, filtration/concentration may not be used, where the detection limit was 1–10 oocysts per mL with the total assay time of 10 min including the 4 min sonication time. The linear range of assay was over 5 orders of magnitude. The final device was compact and had the potential to be used in field situations, and required less technical expertise and/or training compared to the other methods.
A dictionary approach to reaction-diffusion systems with nonlinear diffusion coefficients

Abstract A numerical method is introduced to solve a general class of time-dependent adn steady-state nonlinear reaction diffusion equations, where the diffusion coefficient is a function of the dependent variables, arising in the biological and physical sciences. The method represents as extension of the author's work on such systems with constant diffusion coefficients and is based on a technique, the random choice method, developed for hyperbolic conservation laws. The problem of oxygen diffusion in a spherical cell with the Michaelis-Menten oxygen uptake kinetics with a nonlinear diffusion coefficient is examined numerically.
On-line simulation of solar systems heating

This paper deals with the programming of a minicom puter system which is connected to a small solar heating system to create a model of a larger solar heating system. The program enables the computer to serve as an on-line control and real-time data col lection system. The small solar heating system is heavily instrumented to provide dynamic input data to the computer. The output of the computer program simulates the operation of a much larger solar heat ing system. This combination of software with the hardware has proven to be a broadly useful research tool for solar-heating investigations. This paper describes both aspects of the simulation model.
Mathematical method and Newtonian science in the philosophy of Christian Wolff

Abstract This paper aims to illuminate Christian Wolff’s view of mathematical reasoning, and its use in metaphysics, by comparing his and Leibniz’s responses to Newton’s work. Both Wolff and Leibniz object that Newton’s metaphysics is based on ideas of sense and imagination that are suitable only for mathematics. Yet Wolff expresses more regard (than Leibniz) for Newton’s scientific achievement. Wolff’s approval of the use of imaginative ideas in Newtonian mathematical science seems to commit him to an inconsistent triad. For he rejects their use in metaphysics, and also holds that every scientific discipline must follow mathematics’ method. A facile resolution would be to suppose Wolff identifies the method of mathematics with the order in which propositions are deduced, or with “analysis” that reveals the structure of concepts. This would be to assimilate Wolff’s view to Leibniz’s (on which all mathematical propositions are ultimately derived from definitions, and definitions are justified by conceptual analysis). On this construal, mathematical reasoning involves only the understanding. But Wolff conceives mathematics’ method more broadly, to include processes of concept-formation which involve perception and imagination. Thus my way of resolving the tension is to find roles for perception and imagination in the formation of metaphysical concepts.
On multilevel selection and kin selection: contextual analysis meets direct fitness.

When Hamilton defined the concept of inclusive fitness, he specifically was looking to define the fitness of an individual in terms of that individual's behavior, and the effects of its’ behavior on other related individuals. Although an intuitively attractive concept, issues of accounting for fitness, and correctly assigning it to the appropriate individual make this approach difficult to implement. The direct fitness approach has been suggested as a means of modeling kin selection while avoiding these issues. Whereas Hamilton's inclusive fitness approach assigns to the focal individual the fitness effects of its behavior on other related individuals, the direct fitness approach assigns the fitness effects of other actors to the focal individual. Contextual analysis was independently developed as a quantitative genetic approach for measuring multilevel selection in natural populations. Although the direct fitness approach and contextual analysis come from very different traditions, both methods rely on the same underlying equation, with the primary difference between the two approaches being that the direct fitness approach uses fitness optimization modeling, whereas with contextual analysis, the same equation is used to solve for the change in fitness associated with a change in phenotype when the population is away from the optimal phenotype.
The rookie draft and competitive balance: The case of professional football

Abstract This paper presents some empirical evidence on the issue of whether the rookie draft in professional football promotes competitive balance in the winning records of National Football League teams. The results suggest that the rookie draft is a balancing institution, and that the ability to use the draft to improve winning performance varies across teams.
Specific assessments of warm and cool sensitivities in adult diabetic patients

We have specifically examined warm and cool sensitivities in 60 diabetic and 43 nondiabetic individuals. Diabetic patients tended to have less warm and cool sensitivity than the control subjects ( P P P P
Eclipse period of baculovirus infection in larvae of the armyworm, Pseudaletia unipuncta

Abstract Two strains of a nuclear polyhedrosis virus (baculovirus) infect larvae of the armyworm, Pseudaletia unipuncta. The hypertrophy strain (HNPV) produces a gradient of infected epithelial cells along the tracheae indicating the movement of infectious material to adjacent cells. Cytopathology of the eclipse period up to the appearance of the virogenic stroma has been separated into three phases during which the chromatin disappears and is replaced by dense interconnected strands of fibrils and dense punctate bodies. Cellular hypertrophy occurs in phase 1 and the virogenic stroma appears in phase 3. The typical strain (TNPV) does not produce structures comparable to those of HNPV infection.
Distribution of Adjusted Stock Levels Under Statistical Adaptive Control Procedures of Inventory Systems

Abstract The article treats the problem of determining the probability distribution of adjusted stock levels K n+1(n = 0, 1, …), and of associated expected monthly cost, where is a sequence of i.i.d. random variable having an M.L.R. distribution (of monthly demand); is an adaptive estimator of the base stock level; and T n = Σ n i-1 X i . The recursive formulae for the determination of the probability distributions of K n+1 and of expected costs are developed. The exact computations are compared with an approximation based on the distribution of , and with Monte Carlo simulations.
Ultraviolet light-induced plasmid-chromosome recombination in Escherichia coli: the role of recB and recF.

Abstract Bacterial host cells of different rec genotypes were used to investigate genetic requirements of ultraviolet light (UV)-induced homologous plasmid-chromosome recombination. Plasmid DNAs which contained a wt or mutant lacY gene were irradiated with UV prior to transformation into Escherichia coli host strains which contained the complementary lacY allele. Surviving transformants were screened to determine the directions of UV-induced recombinational exchange between the bacterial and plasmid lacY genes, by assaying lactose utilization. Nonreciprocal chromosome-to-plasmid recombination was 100% dependent on the recA gene and > 80 % dependent on the recF gene, but not dependent upon the recB gene of E. coli. In contrast, reciprocal plasmid-chromosome recombination was strictly dependent on the recA gene, greatly dependent (approx. 80%) on the recF gene, and moderately dependent on the recB gene. Nonreciprocal plasmid-to-chromosome recombination was only induced at very low frequencies, and appeared to be moderately dependent on the recB gene, but not dependent on the recF gene. UV-induced plasmid-chromosome recombination appeared to proceed by a two-step mechanism. In this model, the initial step is recF-dependent, recB-independent, and either resolves to become a nonreciprocal chromosome-to-plasmid recombinant, or proceeds to the second step. The second step is moderately recB-dependent and results in the reciprocal exchange of plasmid-chromosome sequences.
Structure of a mitochondrial ribosome with minimal RNA

The Leishmania tarentolae mitochondrial ribosome (Lmr) is a minimal ribosomal RNA (rRNA)-containing ribosome. We have obtained a cryo-EM map of the Lmr. The map reveals several features that have not been seen in previously-determined structures of eubacterial or eukaryotic (cytoplasmic or organellar) ribosomes to our knowledge. Comparisons of the Lmr map with X-ray crystallographic and cryo-EM maps of the eubacterial ribosomes and a cryo-EM map of the mammalian mitochondrial ribosome show that (i) the overall structure of the Lmr is considerably more porous, (ii) the topology of the intersubunit space is significantly different, with fewer intersubunit bridges, but more tunnels, and (iii) several of the functionally-important rRNA regions, including the α-sarcin-ricin loop, have different relative positions within the structure. Furthermore, the major portions of the mRNA channel, the tRNA passage, and the nascent polypeptide exit tunnel contain Lmr-specific proteins, suggesting that the mechanisms for mRNA recruitment, tRNA interaction, and exiting of the nascent polypeptide in Lmr must differ markedly from the mechanisms deduced for ribosomes in other organisms. Our study identifies certain structural features that are characteristic solely of mitochondrial ribosomes and other features that are characteristic of both mitochondrial and chloroplast ribosomes (i.e., organellar ribosomes).
Reflections on Therapy and the Responsibility for Outcome

A case study involving a court-referred family, which ended unsuccessfully, is examined in terms of what could have been done differently. A discussion of therapist responsibility for outcome follows.
Susceptibility to phenytoin-induced cleft lip with or without cleft palate: many genes are involved.

In a search for genetic differences in susceptibility to cleft lip with or without cleft palate [CL(P)], congenic and recombinant inbred strains of mice were treated with phenytoin or control injections. Of six loci tested, five were found to affect susceptibility to phenytoin-induced and/or sporadic CL(P): (1) the major histocompatibility locus, H -2; (2) the locus controlling β 2 -microglobulin, B 2 m ; (3) a locus controlling β-glucuronidase, Gus ; (4) the locus controlling N -acetyl transferase, Nat ; and (5) the locus for brown pigmentation, b. B 2 m and Gus only affected the sporadic incidence of CL(P), while the b locus only affected phenytoin-induced incidence of CL(P). Three of these loci are also known to affect glucocorticoid-induced isolated cleft palate (CP), but different alleles of the loci are involved. Phenytoin did not affect levels of adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) in palates and tongues of day 15 fetuses. A comparison of glucocorticoid receptor parameters with the incidence of phenytoin-induced CL(P) found no correlation.
Contesting the Nation: Religion, Community, and the Politics of Democracy in India

An explication of Indian communalism directed primarily to a US audience and representing the current state of research on Hindu nationalism. The 12 essays, culled from a seminar collaboration, combine methods in anthropology, history, political science and religious studies to develop the ideas of
Shared memory heterogeneous computation on PCIe-supported platforms

Domain-disparity between CPU and Hardware Accelerators(HA) leads to CPU under-utilization and inter-domain data copy overheads. By exposing HA memory to OS and host MMU, these overheads can be eliminated. In this paper, we present a shared virtual memory real system design for PCIe-based HAs to enable parallel heterogeneous execution in CPU and HAs without driver overheads. We extend Linux with a custom memory manager and scheduler to manage HA memory and application-cores respectively. Our FPGA-based multi-application logic design supports simultaneous execution of multiple heterogeneous applications. We show the advantages of heterogeneous execution and analyze how our design reduces OS overhead.
Secure multiparty aggregation with differential privacy: a comparative study

This paper considers the problem of secure data aggregation in a distributed setting while preserving differential privacy for the aggregated data. In particular, we focus on the secure sum aggregation. Security is guaranteed by secure multiparty computation protocols using well known security schemes: Shamir's secret sharing, perturbation-based, and various encryption schemes. Differential privacy of the final result is achieved by distributed Laplace perturbation mechanism (DLPA). Partial random noise is generated by all participants, which draw random variables from Gamma or Gaussian distributions, such that the aggregated noise follows Laplace distribution to satisfy differential privacy. We also introduce a new efficient distributed noise generation scheme with partial noise drawn from Laplace distributions.We compare the protocols with different privacy mechanisms and security schemes in terms of their complexity and security characteristics. More importantly, we implemented all protocols, and present an experimental comparison on their performance and scalability in a real distributed environment.