cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Correlations and Multiple Comparisons in Functional Imaging: A Statistical Perspective (Commentary on Vul et al., 2009)

Vul, Harris, Winkielman, and Pashler (2009), this issue) claim in their article that the correlations reported in fMRI studies are commonly overstated because researchers tend to report only the hi...
Helical Hairpin Structure of Influenza Hemagglutinin Fusion Peptide Stabilized by Charge-Dipole Interactions between the N-terminal Amino Group and the Second Helix

The fusion domain of the influenza coat protein hemagglutinin HA2, bound to dodecyl phosphocholine micelles, was recently shown to adopt a structure consisting of two antiparallel α-helices, packed in an exceptionally tight hairpin configuration. Four interhelical H(α) to C═O aliphatic H-bonds were identified as factors stabilizing this fold. Here, we report evidence for an additional stabilizing force: a strong charge-dipole interaction between the N-terminal Gly(1) amino group and the dipole moment of helix 2. pH titration of the amino-terminal (15)N resonance, using a methylene-TROSY-based 3D NMR experiment, and observation of Gly(1 13)C' show a strongly elevated pK = 8.8, considerably higher than expected for an N-terminal amino group in a lipophilic environment. Chemical shifts of three C-terminal carbonyl carbons of helix 2 titrate with the protonation state of Gly(1)-N, indicative of a close proximity between the N-terminal amino group and the axis of helix 2, providing an optimal charge-dipole stabilization of the antiparallel hairpin fold. pK values of the side-chain carboxylate groups of Glu(11) and Asp(19) are higher by about 1 and 0.5 unit, respectively, than commonly seen for solvent-exposed side chains in water-soluble proteins, indicative of dielectric constants of e = ∼30 (Glu(11)) and ∼60 (Asp(19)), placing these groups in the headgroup region of the phospholipid micelle.
The advanced unified defect model and its applications

The advanced unified defect model (AUDM) is presented for GaAs interfaces with metals, other semiconductors, and insulators. The key defect is the ASia antisite, which is also responsible for EL-2 and semi-insulating GaAs. The energy levels of the Asca antisite (0.75 and 0.52 eV) correspond well with the previously identified energy levels (0.75 and 0.5 eV) of the unified defect model (UDM). Using the AUDM, it is shown that a wide range of experimental data can now be explained. The Fermi level position on GaAs(001) MBE surfaces and its dependency on As or Ga are explained. The changes in Schottky barrier height of LaB6/GaAs, AI/GaAs, and Au/GaAs on annealing are explained in terms of Asia antisite density near the interface being increased or decreased due to the annealing. For A1 and Au this is correlated with the metal/semiconductor interfacial chemistry, and a predictive capability is developed in terms of net increase or decrease of As at the interface due to this reaction. The Fermi level pinning behavior at low temperature is also explained in terms of this model. True understanding of the surfaces and interfaces of 3-5 semiconductors is still in its infancy. In 1979 the unified defect model (UDM) was proposed to explain the behavior of interfaces of 3-5 compounds with metals and nonmetals. The key to this model was a suggestion, based on a wide range of experimental data, that the Fermi level at such interfaces could be determined by 3-5 lattice defects. In 1979 very little was known about 3-5 defects in the UDM. These were assigned to As and Ga vacancies. Much more is known today about defects in GaAs. As a result we present an advanced unified defect model (AUDM) in which the key defect is the same Asia antisite which provides EL-2 and semi-insulating GaAs. Based on this, a number of experimental observations which have given difficulty in the past can now be explained.
Polymorphisms of the β2-Adrenergic Receptor Determine Exercise Capacity in Patients With Heart Failure

Abstract—The β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) exists in multiple polymorphic forms with different characteristics. Their relevance to heart failure (HF) physiology is unknown. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed on 232 compensated HF patients with a defined β2AR genotype. Patients with the uncommon Ile164 polymorphism had a lower peak Vo2 (15.0±0.9 mL · kg−1 · min−1) than did patients with Thr164 (17.9±0.9 mL · kg−1 · min−1, P<0.0001). The percentage achieved of predicted peak Vo2 was also lower in patients with Ile164 (62.3±4.5% versus 71.5±5.1%, P=0.045). The relative risk of a patient having a Vo2 ≤14 mL · kg−1 · min−1 who had Ile164 was 8.0 (P=0.009). Catheterization-based invasive exercise testing revealed depressed changes in the exercise-induced cardiac index, systemic vascular resistance, stroke volume, and Vo2 in patients with Ile164. The polymorphisms at position 16 also impacted exercise capacity: peak Vo2 for Arg16 versus Gly16 was 17.0±0.8 versus 15.6±0.5 mL · kg−1 · min−1, respe...
Characterising the UHF factory radio channel

Portable UHF factory multipath measurement apparatus is being used to measure multipath delay profiles and narrowband fading at five large manufacturing sites in the mid-western US. Preliminary data indicate that typical RMS delay spreads range from 100 to 250 ns and that average CW path loss varies as distance to the power 2-2. This work is the first report of extensive multipath measurements in factory environments.
The synthesis of benzo[b]phenanthro[d]thiophenes and anthra[b]benzo[d]thiophenes

The synthesis of benzo[b]phenanthro[2, 3-d]thiophene (5), benzo[b]phenanthro[4, 3-d]thiophene (6), benzo-[b]phenanthro[2, 1-d]thiophene (9), benzo[b]phenanthro[3, 2-d]thiophene (14a), anthra[1, 2-b]benzo[d]thiophene (24), anthra[2, 3-b]benzo[d]thiophene (29) and anthra[2, 1-b]benzo[d]thiophene (30) is described as well as the preparation of 13-methylbenzo[b]phenanthro[3, 2-d]thiophene (14b).
Modeling compression failure of laminated composites containing multiple through-the-width delaminations

An analytical and experimental investigation was performed to study the compression response of laminated composites containing multiple delaminations. It was of particular interest to determine the effects of delaminations on the residual stiffness and strength of delaminated composite structures and on the ability of the structures to sustain compression. An analytical model was developed for simulating the compression re sponse, from initial loading to final collapse, of laminated composites containing multiple through-the-width delaminations. The model is comprised of three parts: a stress analysis, a failure analysis, and a contact analysis. The stress analysis was developed for simulating the buckling and post-buckling response of the structures, the failure analysis was pro posed for predicting delamination growth and fiber-matrix failure, and the contact analysis was developed for analyzing delamination interface condition during loading. A nonlinear finite element code based on the updated Lagran...
Metal in CR chondrites

In section many low-FeO CR chondrules are surrounded by rings of metal; this metal-cladding seems to have formed during chondrule melting events as films of metal that wetted the surface. Electron microprobe studies show that in each ring the metal is very uniform in composition, consistent with efficient mixing during formation of the metal film. In contrast the mean Ni contents of 13 different rings vary by up to a factor of 2. There is no FeS associated with ring metal. Ring metal Co is positively correlated with Ni but the Co/Ni ratio seems to decrease with increasing Ni. We observed a weak negative correlation between ring metal Ni and the fayalite content of the host olivine. Coarse interior metal has higher Ni contents than that in the surrounding rings. At any specific chondrule location, smaller grains tend to have lower Ni contents than larger grains. These trends in Ni seem to reflect two processes: (1) The mean Ni content of metal (and easily reduced sulfides or oxides) in chondrule precursor materials seems to have decreased with the passage of time; on average, the metal in earlier-formed chondrules had higher Ni contents than the metal in later-formed chondrules. (2) Some oxidized Fe was reduced during chondrule formation leading to lower Ni contents in small grains compared to large grains; prior to reduction the Fe was in FeS or in FeO in accessible (fine-grained) sites. We suggest that the compositional evolution of nebular solids was responsible for the interchondrule variations whereas reduction of minor amounts of FeS or FeO was responsible for the size-related small variations in Ni content. We suggest that, during chondrule formation events, CR chondrules experienced relatively long thermal pulses that were responsible for the thorough loss of FeS and the common granoblastic texture observed in low-FeO chondrules. The preservation of the structures of internal rings shows, however, that even though high temperatures occurred in the secondary chondrule, temperatures in the centers of large (>20 μm) metal and silicate grains in the primary chondrule did not get high enough to cause appreciable melting.
331 HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF NERVE GROWTH FACTOR (NGF) AND EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR (EGF) IN SYNAPTOSOMAL FRACTIONS OF MOUSE CEREBRAL CORTEX

We examined NGF and EGF concentrations in synaptosomal fractions from mouse cerebral cortex during weaning. Pooled cortex tissues were homogenized in ice-cold 0.32 M sucrose with a glass-teflon homogenizer. The synaptosome enriched fraction was then prepared by differential centrifugation followed by a discontinuous sucrose density gradient. The purity of the preparation was confirmed by electron microscopy. Synaptosomal pellets were homogenized in phosphate buffered saline pH 7.4 and centrifuged to obtain 115,000 xg supernatant referred to as “synaptosomal extract (SE)”. βNGF and EGF concentrations were quantified by respective radioimmunoassay (RIA). The mean (± SEM) NGF and EGF concentration in whole brain (B), cerebral cortex (C) and SE were as follows: Intraventricular injections of NGF and EGF 15 minutes prior to sacrifice did not significantly alter either NGF or EGF concentrations in SE. Summary and conclusion: a) NGF and EGF are present in cerebral cortical synaptosomal fractions in high concentrations, b) their presence and differential distribution in brain suggest that both peptides may have physiological functions specific to synaptic regions.
Development of a Method for the Concentration and Recovery of Microsporidia from Tap Water

Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites. Microsporidian spores infect a wide variety of hosts, including humans. The spores may be found in infected hosts' urine and feces, thus waterborne transmission is possible. This study details method development for the detection of microsporidia in tap water. In this study, filtration, centrifugation, purification, and detection parameters were optimized for the detection of microsporidia. The Pall-Gelman Envirocheck sampling capsule (Pall Gelman, Ann Arbor, MI) was chosen as the filter element. Optimal centrifugal force for spore recovery was 1500 x g. Additionally, it was determined that eluting microsporidia spores in a detergent elution buffer solution had a detrimental effect on spore recovery. A direct examination of the concentrate resulted in a greater recovery with less variability than subjecting the sample concentrate to a Percoll-sucrose density gradient purification step. The staining method employed for the detection spores was Calcofluor white (Sigma, St. Louis, MO). Percent recoveries for 10 L tap water samples (n = 5) using the Envirocheck sampling capsule without a density gradient purification step were 26.1+/-13.4 compared to 25+/-13.8 for samples subjected to a density gradient purification step.
An evolutionary algorithm for port-of-entry security optimization considering sensor thresholds

Abstract According to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the number of offloaded ship cargo containers arriving at US seaports each year amounts to more than 11 million. The costs of locating an undetonated terrorist weapon at one US port, or even worst, the cost caused by a detonated weapon of mass destruction, would amount to billions of dollars. These costs do not yet account for the devastating consequences that it would cause in the ability to keep the supply chain operating and the sociological and psychological effects. As such, this paper is concerned with developing a container inspection strategy that minimizes the total cost of inspection while maintaining a user specified detection rate for “suspicious” containers. In this respect and based on a general decision-tree model, this paper presents a holistic evolutionary algorithm for finding the following: (1) optimal threshold values for every sensor and (2) the optimal configuration of the inspection strategy. The algorithm is under the assumption that different sensors with different reliability and cost characteristics can be used. Testing and experimentation show the proposed approach consistently finds high quality solutions in a reduced computational time.
Prospective Risk Factors for Adolescent PTSD: Sources of Differential Exposure and Differential Vulnerability

There are two types of risk factors for developing PTSD: factors that increase the likelihood of experiencing a potentially traumatizing event and factors that increase the likelihood of developing symptoms following such events. Using prospective data over a two-year period from a large, diverse sample of urban adolescents (n = 1242, Mean age = 13.5), the current study differentiates these two sources of risk for developing PTSD in response to violence exposure. Five domains of potential risk and protective factors were examined: community context (e.g., neighborhood poverty), family risk (e.g., family conflict), behavioral maladjustment (e.g., internalizing symptoms), cognitive vulnerabilities (e.g., low IQ), and interpersonal problems (e.g., low social support). Time 1 interpersonal violence history, externalizing behaviors, and association with deviant peers were the best predictors of subsequent violence, but did not further increase the likelihood of PTSD in response to violence. Race/ethnicity, thought disorder symptoms, and social problems were distinctly predictive of the development of PTSD following violence exposure. Among youth exposed to violence, Time 1 risk factors did not predict specific event features associated with elevated PTSD rates (e.g., parent as perpetrator), nor did interactions between Time 1 factors and event features add significantly to the prediction of PTSD diagnosis. Findings highlight areas for refinement in adolescent PTSD symptom measures and conceptualization, and provide direction for more targeted prevention and intervention efforts.
Analysis of Renibacterium Salmoninarum Antigen Production in situ

This study represents the first report of the development and use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot analysis to monitor the production of Renibacterium salmoninarum soluble antigens (SA) in infected salmon. The sensitivity of the ELISA permitted detection of soluble antigens in sera samples to concentrations of 0.1 μg/ml. This assay demonstrates a clear resolution between infected and non-infected fish in experimental infections. The ELISA and western blot systems were used to assess the temporal progress of the disease in a quantitative and qualitative manner.
Fabrication of multifunctional ferromagnetic Au3Pd–CoSe nanoparticles

We have synthesized multifunctional anisotropic Au3Pd–CoSe nanoparticles on Si substrate through a catalyst aided chemical vapour deposition technique. The technique utilized volatile cobalt acetylacetonate and elemental selenium as precursors while sputter coated Au–Pd (3:2) film acted as a catalyst. The typical growth conditions led to clear segregation of the hetero-compositions (i.e. Au3Pd and CoSe) in the product nanostructures thereby preserving the functionality of both the phases. The degree of crystallinity of the individual phases in the composite nanostructure was fairly high. The bifunctional nanoparticles show soft ferromagnetic behaviour at room temperature and optical activity making them ideal for opto-magnetic applications.
Treatment response in psychiatrically impaired drug abusers.

Abstract Male veterans treated in the drug abuse TC programs at the Coatesville VA Medical Center were separated into groups based upon their rated degree of psychiatric problem severity. The psychiatric problem severity was the only factor generally related to the admission status of these patients, and the separation yielded three groups which differed in most of the comparison items as well as various psychological measures. Results of the pre-and posttreatment comparisons indicated that there was significant improvement for all groups in the areas of drug use, employment, illegal involvement, and family/social problems. However, the 6-month follow-up status of the high severity group had only reached the level at which the low and medium severity groups entered treatment. These results suggested that despite the improvement shown, the final outcome status of the high severity group was still at a problematic level, with considerable potential for recidivism and readmission. The authors discuss the services offered to treat this growing segment of psychiatrically impaired substance abusers, and suggest that this treatment might be more effectively administered in a psychiatric setting.
Medium hyperosmolarity inhibits prolactin secretion induced by depolarizing K+ in GH4 C1 cells by blocking Ca2+ influx

Medium hyperosmolarity between 300 (normal medium osmolarity) and 600 mOsm inhibited in a concentration-correlated fashion (r > 0.97, p < 0.001) the rise in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and prolactin (PRL) secretion induced in GH4C1 cells by depolarizing 30 mM K+. [Ca2+]i concentration and PRL secretion were tightly related between 300 and 600 mOsm (r = 0.976, p < 0.001); 50% inhibition of both occurred at 450 mOsm. Medium hyperosmolarity slowed the rate of Ca2+ influx. At 600 mOsm the rise in both [Ca2+]i and PRL secretion was abolished but PRL secretion induced by 1 μM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate was not significantly reduced. Our data suggest that inhibition of Ca2+ influx may be the primary mechanism by which extracellular hyperosmolarity inhibits PRL secretion induced by high medium K+ in GH4C1 cells. Depression of the Ca2+ intracellular transduction system may play a pathophysiological role in vivo in conditions such as dehydration and hypertonic coma.
The treatment of methadone poisoning with naloxone (Narcan)

Naloxone was used in the treatment of a 6-month-old infant who was inadvertently given an intramuscular injection of methadone. The infant required repeated administration of naloxone and received a total of 0.31 mg. per kilogram intravenously. Useful clinical observations for monitoring the need for additional naloxone included slowing of the respiratory rate, decrease in respiratory excursion, inspiratory stridor, and increasing lethargy with lack of spontaneous activity.
Light measuring device diagnostics for the photometric and colorimetric measurement of flying-spot displays

Flying-spot displays use narrow-spectrum high-power sources that scan the image across the display screen. They can provide a bright display with a large color gamut. When such displays are measure with conventional light-measuring devices (LMDs) such as luminance or illuminance meters, there is concern that the LMD may not accurately measure the display's photometric and colorimetric output. The unique characteristics of the source may exceed the limitations of the instrumentation. A series of diagnostics has been developed that allows for an evaluation of LMDs for use in measuring flying-spot displays. Limitations resulting from LMD saturation, timing, and tristimulus or photopic filters can be revealed, and in some cases, specific causes can be identified. Each diagnostic will be demonstrated using several instruments, including luminance meters, illuminance meters, colorimeters and spectro radiometers. Using a simple comparison box, flying-spot displays can be viewed side-by- side with steady-state sources in a bipartite image. After the sources have been visually matched in color and luminance, the two images can be measured with a particular LMD, and results compared. Any significant difference between results would indicate a limitation of the LMD. Further diagnostics, using integrating spheres, neutral density filters and interference filters, are used to aid in identifying the nature of the limitation, and in some cases, point to solutions.
A 100% departmental mortality review improves observed-to-expected mortality ratios and University HealthSystem Consortium rankings.

Background Public reporting of mortality, Patient Safety Indicators (PSI) and hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) is the reality of quality measurement. A review of our department's data identified opportunities for improvement. We began a surgeon-led 100% review of mortality, PSIs, and HACs to improve patient care and surgeon awareness of these metrics. Study Design From December 2012 through August 2013, there were 11,899 patients cared for on 12 surgical services. A surgeon from each service led monthly reviews of all mortality, PSIs, or HACs with central reporting of preventability and coding accuracy. We compared the University HealthSystem Consortium observed-to-expected (OE) mortality ratios (mean Results Of the 11,899 patients in the study period, there were 235 deaths, 290 PSIs, and 26 HACs identified and reviewed. The most common PSIs were postoperative deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary thromboembolism (n = 75), respiratory failure (n = 61), hemorrhage/hematoma (n = 33), and accidental puncture/laceration (n = 33). Before December 20, 2012, the OE ratio for mortality was consistently >1, then fell and remained Conclusions A surgeon-led systematic review of mortality, PSIs, and HACs improved our OE ratio and University HealthSystem Consortium postsurgical relative rankings. Surgeon engagement and ownership is critical for success.
Cytologic evaluation of lymphoproliferative lesions of the orbit/ocular adnexa: An analysis of 46 cases

The cytologic features of 46 lymphoproliferative ophthalmic lesions were evaluated using the “squash” technique and/or touch imprints at the time of frozen section. Of the 46 lesions, 33 were located in the orbit, 12 in the conjunctiva, and one in the eyelid. Fifteen cases were benign (reactive) hyperplasias, and 31 were diagnosed as malignant lymphoproliferative tumors. The cytologic features of the reactive group included a polymorphic lymphoid population intermixed with scattered tingible body macrophages. Within the malignant category, there were 28 malignant lymphomas. All 28 cases were diagnosed as non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Cytologically, the malignant group consisted of a monomorphic population of atypical lymphoid cells. Of the 31 malignant lymphoid lesions, 58% (18 tumors) were small lymphocytic proliferations. The remaining 13 tumors were classified as follows: mixed small/large cell or pure large cell lymphomas (nine), plasmacytoma (three), and Burkitt's lymphoma (one). Final classification using the Working Formulation was made after evaluating the cytologic preparations and surgical material. In selected cases, the monoclonal nature of the malignant lymphoproliferative lesions was confirmed by flow cytometry and/or immunocytochemistry. Cytologic preparations of the fresh specimens preserve the morphologic details of the tumor cells, which is especially important when evaluating lymphoid lesions. Additionally, multiple smears can be prepared simultaneously for ancillary studies such as immunocytochemistry. Of our 46 lymphoproliferative lesions, two-thirds were diagnosed as malignant lymphomas. Based on the morphologic and immunophenotypic findings, all the malignant lymphomas were B-cell tumors, 50% of which were low grade using the Working Formulation. Diagn Cytopathol 1996;15:241–245 © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Process systems and inventory control

A framework for modeling constraints on the dynamic behavior of systems obeying the laws of thermodynamics is discussed. These constraints induce dissipativity and we call a system obeying such constraints a process system. Passivity theory then shows that low-dimensional macroscopic analysis can be used for control system design. The inputs and outputs converge to their set points and the state vector converges to a stationary passive state provided one exists. Several examples are developed to support the theory and an extension is proposed for systems with equipment constraints.
Screening of Time-Dependent Dielectric Breakdowns

A study of screening effect on MSOS dots has shown the effect of time as well as stress on the screening of time-dependent breakdown. A model is described which is based on a reduction of allotted time-to-fail for a given area.
Performance Analysis of Germanium Nanowire Tunneling Field Effect Transistors

Tunneling field effect transistors (FET), consisting of gate tunable p-i-n (p-type-intrinsic-n-type) device structures, represent an attractive and realistic paradigm that can potentially provide relief to the increasing power dissipation in high performance electronic applications. Such devices possess a subthreshold slope (SS) smaller than the thermally limited 60 mV/decade, but also can suffer from ambipolar device characteristics and an ON-state current significantly smaller than that of conventional metal-oxide-semiconductor FETs. In this paper, we simulate the device performance of germanium p-i-n tunneling field effect transistors in the single (SG), double (DG), and nanowire gate-all-around (GAA) geometry. Two key conclusions can be drawn from the results presented here: (1) the ambipolar device characteristics can be completely suppressed by using a source and drain with different doping levels, and (2) the devices realized in the nanowire gate-all-around geometry possess an ON-state current significantly higher than their planar counterparts thanks to their superior electrostatic properties. The simulations were done using Sentaurus Device (copySynopsis), and using Hurkx's model for band-to-band tunneling.
Dual-Polarization observations of Microbursts Associated with Intense Convection: The 20 July Storm during the MIST Project

Abstract A detailed case study of the microbrust-producing storm on 20 July 1986 during the MIST Project is presented, together with visual (based on cloud photogrammetry) and radar observations during the life cycle of the storm. In particular, multiparameter radar information is seen to have important implications for operational detection of this wind shear event. Noteworthy is the observation of a small shaft (less than 1 km in horizontal dimensions) of near zero differential reflectivity (ZDR) surrounded by large positive ZDR values in the main precipitation core within a microburst-producing downdraft. This “ZDRZm-Hole-Hole” implies a strong localized downdraft composed of melting hail.
A kinetic assay for eosinophil peroxidase activity in eosinophils and eosinophil conditioned media

Abstract The activity of eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) is commonly employed as a measure of eosinophil activation in biologic fluids. Determination of product formation by this enzyme by end-point measurement may be affected profoundly by substrate concentrations, reaction time and degradation of end-product and enzyme. To determine more accurately EPO concentrations in media conditioned by isolated, purified eosinophils, we have developed a kinetic, colorimetric assay to measure EPO concentration as a function of maximum velocity of reaction ( V max ). An automated method for determining V max in a 96-well microplate colorimetric assay was utilized over a wide range of substrate concentrations. Concentrations ⩾3 × 10 −8 g/ml could be determined reiably with this assay. Peroxidase activiy was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by the addition of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (AMT). The EPO concentration in eosinophils determined by this kinetic method was ∼ 1.1 × 10 −5 g/10 6 eosinophils. Eosinophil activation with 10 −6 M f-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP) caused substantial EPO secretion (9.0 ± 1.7% vs.2.9 ± 0.6% total EPO content for control, P = 0.05) and decrease in eosinophil EPO concentration (92.3 ± 4.2% of control, P = 0.038). Secretion was enhanced by the addition of 5 μg/ml cytochalasin B to 10 −6 M fMLP (25.9 ± 12.7% total EPO content, P = 0.043 vs. control); similar decreases were noted in eosinophil EPO concentration (71.7 ± 16.1% of control, P = 0.043). These data demonstrate that determination of EPO secretion by measurement of V max is a reliable, accurate method for precise quantification of this enzyme in media containing purified eosinophils or eosinophil products in the absence of other forms of peroxidase activity.
Identification of an Apolipoprotein A-I Structural Element That Mediates Cellular Cholesterol Efflux and Stabilizes ATP Binding Cassette Transporter A1

Synthetic peptides were used in this study to identify a structural element of apolipoprotein (apo) A-I that stimulates cellular cholesterol efflux and stabilizes the ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1). Peptides (22-mers) based on helices 1 (amino acids 44–65) and 10 (amino acids 220–241) of apoA-I had high lipid binding affinity but failed to mediate ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux, and they lacked the ability to stabilize ABCA1. The addition of helix 9 (amino acids 209–219) to either helix 1 (creates a 1/9 chimera) or 10 (9/10 peptide) endowed cholesterol efflux capability and ABCA1 stabilization activity similar to full-length apoA-I. Adding helix 9 to helix 1 or 10 had only a small effect on lipid binding affinity compared with the 22-mer peptides, indicating that helix length and/or determinants on the polar surface of the amphipathic α-helices is important for cholesterol efflux. Cholesterol efflux was specific for the structure created by the 1/9 and 9/10 helical combinations, as 33-mers composed of helices 1 and 3 (1/3), 2/9, and 4/9 failed to mediate cholesterol efflux in an ABCA1-dependent manner. Transposing helices 9 and 10 (10/9 peptide) did not change the class Y structure, hydrophobicity, or amphiphilicity of the helical combination, but the topography of negatively charged amino acids on the polar surface was altered, and the 10/9 peptide neither mediated ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux nor stabilized ABCA1 protein. These results suggest that a specific structural element possessing a linear array of acidic residues spanning two apoA-I amphipathic α-helices is required to mediate cholesterol efflux and stabilize ABCA1.
Divergent induced responses to an invasive predator in marine mussel populations.

Invasive species may precipitate evolutionary change in invaded communities. In southern New England (USA) the invasive Asian shore crab, Hemigrapsus sanguineus, preys on mussels (Mytlius edulis), but the crab has not yet invaded northern New England. We show that southern New England mussels express inducible shell thickening when exposed to waterborne cues from Hemigrapsus, whereas naive northern mussel populations do not respond. Yet, both populations thicken their shells in response to a long-established crab, Carcinus maenas. Our findings are consistent with the rapid evolution of an inducible morphological response to Hemigrapsus within 15 years of its introduction.
Fuel dependence of benzene pathways

Abstract The relative importance of formation pathways for benzene, an important precursor to soot formation, was determined from the simulation of 22 premixed flames for a wide range of equivalence ratios (1.0–3.06), fuels (C1–C12), and pressures (20–760 torr). The maximum benzene concentrations in 15 out of these flames were well reproduced within 30% of the experimental data. Fuel structural properties were found to be critical for benzene production. Cyclohexanes and C3 and C4 fuels were found to be among the most productive in benzene formation; and long-chain normal paraffins produce the least amount of benzene. Other properties, such as equivalence ratio and combustion temperatures, were also found to be important in determining the amount of benzene produced in flames. Reaction pathways for benzene formation were examined critically in four premixed flames of structurally different fuels of acetylene, n-decane, butadiene, and cyclohexane. Reactions involving precursors, such as C3 and C4 species, were examined. Combination reactions of C3 species were identified to be the major benzene formation routes with the exception of the cyclohexane flame, in which benzene is formed exclusively from cascading fuel dehydrogenation via cyclohexene and cyclohexadiene intermediates. Acetylene addition makes a minor contribution to benzene formation, except in the butadiene flame where C4H5 radicals are produced directly from the fuel, and in the n-decane flame where C4H5 radicals are produced from large alkyl radical decomposition and H atom abstraction from the resulting large olefins.
Development of a new fast shower maximum detector based on microchannel plates photomultipliers (MCP-PMT) as an active element

One possibility to make a fast and radiation resistant shower maximum (SM) detector is to use a secondary emitter as an active element. We present below test beam results, obtained with different types of photodetectors based on microchannel plates (MCPs) as the secondary emitter. We performed the measurements at the Fermilab Test Beam Facility with 120 GeV proton beam and 12 GeV and 32 GeV secondary beams. The goal of the measurement with 120 GeV protons was to determine time resolution for minimum ionizing particles (MIPs). The SM time resolution we obtained for this new type of detector is at the level of 20–30 ps. We estimate that a significant contribution to the detector response originates from secondary emission of the MCP. This work can be considered as the first step in building a new type of calorimeter based on this principle.
Parallel solution of unstructured sparse finite element equations

3D EM simulation is computationally demanding. A finite element partial differential equation solution of a scattering problem requires the solution of an equation of the form Ax=b, where A is very large, very sparse, is unstructured, and may have complex elements and be non-symmetric. With a cartesian grid, natural node numbering produces a multi-diagonal A-matrix. Using triangular (or tetrahedral in 3D) elements results in an unstructured matrix. Node renumbering schemes may be used to produce a banded matrix. The non-zero elements only, together with a pointer, can be stored to represent the A-matrix. When the matrix size exceeds the collective memory available, an iterative solver becomes essential. Single instruction multiple data (SIMD) parallel machines represent a cost-effective platform, but their single instruction stream makes load balancing difficult, as compared with multiple instruction (MIMD) parallel machines. Conclusions from a SIMD implementation should be useful for MIMD machines. The conjugate gradient (CG) algorithm and its variants, in particular, the CG squared algorithm (CGS), were selected for initial study [Nachtigal et al., 1992]. Purdue's MasPar 16K processor MP-1 machine was used for the implementation of a new matrix vector multiplication scheme employed repeatedly in the iterative solution. An example 2D scattering problem, using a variational formulation and having a modest number of unknowns, was considered. The complex sparse system was solved using the CGS iterative solver, which involves a series of sparse matrix-vector multiplication operations.
Antihypertensive Effect of Captopril in Turkeys

AbstractIn experiment 1, dietary administration of captopril to turkeys from 6 to 10 weeks of age attenuated the development of elevation of blood pressure and ratio of heart weight to body weight which occurred in untreated turkeys during this 4-week period. In experiment 2, 16 male and 16 female turkeys were fed a control diet until 6 weeks of age. At this time, 8 turkeys of each sex were continued on the control diet and the other 8 of each sex were changed to a diet containing captopril. Four males and four females in each group were sacrificed at 10 weeks of age. The remaining 4 males and 4 females previously fed a control diet were transferred to a diet containing captopril until 14 weeks of age. Similarly, turkeys previously fed captopril were fed a control diet until 14 weeks of age. Captopril attenuated the increase in both blood pressure and ratio of heart weight to body weight that occurred in control turkeys at 10 weeks of age. Removal of captopril from the diet and feeding of the control diet...
An image-based finite difference model for simulating restricted diffusion.

Water diffusion in tissues is generally restricted and often anisotropic. Neural tissue is of particular interest, since it is well known that injury alters diffusion in a characteristic manner. Both Monte Carlo simulations and approximate analytical models have previously been reported in attempts to predict water diffusion behavior in the central nervous system. These methods have relied on axonal models, which assume simple geometries (e.g., ellipsoids, cylinders, and square prisms) and ignore the thickness of the myelin sheath. The current work describes a method for generating models using synthetic images. The computations are based on a 3D finite difference (FD) approximation of the diffusion equation. The method was validated with known analytic solutions for diffusion in a cylindrical pore and in a hexagonal array of cylinders. Therefore, it is envisioned that, by exploiting histologic images of neuronal tissues as input model, current method allows investigating the water diffusion behavior inside biological tissues and potentially assessing the status of neural injury and regeneration.
A dispersion law for solar oscillations

The simple model of p-mode solar oscillations of Liebacher and Stein (1981), in which the acoustic vibrations are trapped in a resonant cavity taking the form of a spherical shell below the solar surface, is compared with Doppler shift observations of vertical velocities. The model is shown to predict a modified dispersion law in which the sound travel time across the cavity is a function of the ratio of the temporal frequency to the horizontal wavenumber, resulting in a single curve when the temporal frequency is plotted against the wavenumber. Frequencies derived from a two-dimensional power spectrum of velocity observations are found to conform to a modified version of the dispersion relation, and that only when the fundamental mode is excluded. Results thus suggest that all modes with the same frequency/wavenumber ratio are trapped in an identical cavity, or, more plausibly, that the difference in upper boundary conditions for different modes has minimal effect on the resulting frequencies.
Measurements of quadrupole magnets for the MIT-Bates SHR

Results of measurements on 24 of the 128 new quadrupole magnets for the pulse storage/stretcher ring currently under construction at the MIT-Bates Accelerator Center are presented. At the outset it was decided to measure excitation curves for every quadrupole, and at the same time have enough sensitivity to extract the harmonic content. Measurements indicate that one can remeasure a quadrupole's strength and reproduce the value of (B/sub o/L/sub eff//a) versus current to better than 0.1%. Measurements also indicate that one can reserve the polarity of a quadrupole's remnant field by repeated cycling between 0 and 150 A, and obtain the same results (to the 0.1% level) as were obtained previously. >
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis Virulence Determinants Invasin, YopE, and YopT Modulate RhoG Activity and Localization

The Yersinia pseudotuberculosis surface protein invasin binds to multiple β1 integrins with high affinity, leading to misregulation of Rac1 activity. Upon host cell binding, alteration of Rho GTPase activity results from the action of several Yersinia outer proteins (Yops) that are translocated into the cytoplasm. We report here that three virulence determinants encoded by Y. pseudotuberculosis manipulate the Rho GTPase RhoG. Y. pseudotuberculosis binding to cells caused robust recruitment of RhoG to the site of attachment, which required high-affinity invasin-β1 integrin association. Furthermore, inactivation of RhoG significantly reduced the efficiency of invasin-mediated bacterial internalization. To investigate the activation state of RhoG, a fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based activation biosensor was developed and used to show distinct spatial activation of RhoG at the site of bacterial attachment. The biosensor was also used to show efficient RhoG inactivation by Y. pseudotuberculosis YopE, a potent Rho GTPase activating protein. Additionally, RhoG mislocalization by the prenylcysteine endoprotease YopT was demonstrated by two independent assays. Functional bacterial uptake experiments demonstrated that RhoG activation can bypass a deficit in Rac1 activity. Interestingly, increasing the size of the particle gave results more consistent with a linear pathway, in which RhoG acts as an upstream activator of Rac1, indicating that increased surface area introduces constraints on the signaling pathways required for efficient internalization. Taken together, these data demonstrate the misregulation of RhoG by multiple Y. pseudotuberculosis virulence determinants. Since RhoG is imperative for proper neutrophil function, this misregulation may represent a unique mechanism by which Yersinia species dampen the immune response.
Effects of nonlinear losses and design geometry on gain in silicon waveguides with erbium doped regions

We investigate the effects of design geometry and nonlinear losses on gain in silicon with erbium-doped regions. Multi-trench designs distribute intensity more uniformly and reduce the nonlinear losses including up conversion and excited state absorptions.
CHRONIC LOW-BACK PAIN AND ITS RESPONSE TO CUSTOM-MADE FOOT ORTHOSES

A new approach to treating chronic low-back pain with custom-made foot orthoses was investigated. The Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale was used to objectively assess the functional disability of 32 subjects at different times. Subjects in this prospective study experienced more than twice the improvement in alleviation of pain, and for twice as long, compared with subjects in a study using traditional back-pain treatment. The authors believe that the findings of this study may provide a new method by which patients with chronic low-back pain can be evaluated and treated.
What has the feminist movement wrought? A look at mature women's leisure

The authors argue that promoting gender equality without simultaneously promoting changes in capitalist workplace organization and capitalist cultural values systems will likely result in the unintended consequence of less meaningful leisure for mature women of the future. The current problem of declining leisure for both men and women, but especially women, is described, analyzed, and projected to the future. Certain assumptions are made about societal forces: liberal reform feminists continue to alter the system of gender stratification, male advantage continues to decrease, and capitalism continues to develop. The authors use a Marxist‐feminist interpretation to help explain the structure and dynamics of the leisure problem.
La dispersion de l'aimantation dans les couches minces de NiFe séparées par des couches de SiO

Nous proposons une methode qui permet une determination de la valeur du champ de l'anisotropie, Hk. et la magnitude de la dispersion de Hk pour des couches minces ferromagnetiques pendant le renversement rapide de l'aimantation. Nos resultats montrent que la valeur effective de Hk decroit et la magnitude de la dispersion de Hk croit dans un empilement de films de NiFe separes par des films de SiO, quand ces grandeurs sont comparees a celles des films isoles ayant les měmes epaisseurs magnetiques. Nous trouvons aussi que la decroissance de Hk correspond presqu'au champ de couplage entre les deux films. We propose a method of determining the value of the anisotropy field, Hk, and the magnitude of its dispersion for magnetic thin films during fast flux reversal. Our results show that the effective value of Hk decreases and the magnitude dispersion increases in layered NiFe films separated by SiO films when these values are compared with those for the single layer films of the same magnetic thicknesses. We also find that the decrease of Hk amounts approximately to the coupling field between two films.
Use of sensor embedded products for end of life processing

Sensors embedded into products during the production process have a potential to decrease disassembly yield uncertainty by detecting non-functional or missing components prior to the actual disassembly process. The aim of this study is the quantitative evaluation of the impact of sensor embedded products (SEPs) on the performance of an appliance disassembly line. First, separate design of experiments studies based on orthogonal arrays are performed for the cases with and without SEPs. Discrete event simulation models of both cases were developed to calculate various performance measures under different experimental conditions. Then, the results of pair-wise t-tests comparing the two cases, based on different performance measures, are presented. The results show the superiority of SEPs over conventional products for all performance measures considered in the study.
Modeling of dispersive media within the Discontinuous Galerkin Finite Element Time-Domain method

Discontinuous-Galerkin Time-Domain (DGTD) methods are highly efficient solution methods for solving the time-dependent Maxwell's equations [1]. DGTD methods are high-order accurate and highly parallel. Recently, a Discontinuous Galerkin Finite Element Time-Domain (DGFETD) method has been introduced [2]. Both the electric and magnetic fields are expanded via hierarchical Nedelec curl-conforming mixed-order basis functions [3]. Similar to the DGTD method, tangential field continuity is weakly constrained across shared boundaries. The use of curl-conforming basis functions that satisfy Nedelec's criterion avoids the concern of spurious solutions [4]. Hence, the formulation avoids the need for penalty methods [1]. Furthermore, the method does not require upwind flux terms for stability. The focus of this paper is the simulation of electromagnetic waves propagating in complex dispersive media via the DGFETD method. The difficulty of simulating dispersive media in the time domain is that the constitutive relations require a convolution. Performing a direct convolution is far too expensive, so more efficient schemes must be introduced. Dispersive materials have been modeled with FDTD and FETD methods [5] as well as within DGTD methods [6–8]. To preserve high-order accuracy in the DGTD algorithm, auxiliary differential equation (ADE) based-methods have been proposed to represent the constitutive relations. In this paper, a high-order DGFETD algorithm is proposed for simulating the fields in dispersive media based on an ADE formulation. The method is applied to a Drude and multiple pole Debye and Lorentz dispersive media models. The proposed algorithm is validated through the simulation of a number of canonical problems demonstrating that the algorithm preserves the high-order accuracy of the DGFETD method.