cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polarity-tunable and wavelength-tunable bacteriochlorins bearing a single carboxylic acid or NHS ester. Use in a protein bioconjugation model system

To broaden the scope of near-infrared (NIR)-active chromophores available for bioconjugation with proteins, 10 new bacteriochlorins have been synthesized: six are lipophilic and bear a carboxylic acid tether; four are hydrophilic and bear four carboxylic acids and one N-hydroxysuccinimido (NHS) ester tether. Each bacteriochlorin exhibits a sharp long-wavelength absorption (Qy) band in the NIR region (727–823 nm). The lipophilic bacteriochlorins were examined in DMF (fluorescence quantum yield Φf = 0.037–0.19) whereas the hydrophilic bacteriochlorins were examined in DMF (Φf also = 0.037–0.19) or aqueous phosphate buffer (Φf = 0.0011–0.13). Two bacteriochlorins were conjugated to myoglobin (Mb), which contains ∼14 accessible amino groups. Use of 2, 10, or 50 equivalents of a hydrophilic bacteriochlorin–NHS ester (BC7) gave average loadings of 0.62, 1.6, or 7.1 bacteriochlorins/Mb as determined by absorption spectral comparison with the strongly absorbing heme ligand. MALDI-MS analysis showed a distribution of 0–9 bound bacteriochlorins for the conjugate sample with average loading of 7.1. The Mb–BC7 conjugates exhibited characteristic absorption and fluorescence spectra in aqueous buffer, yet the Φf value was markedly low (Φf ∼ 0.02) regardless of loading versus that of the BC7 monomer (Φf = 0.12), attributed in part to heme quenching. Removal of the heme revealed a loading-dependent Φf, which ranged from 0.091 (0.62 loading) to 0.023 (7.1 loading). The decrease in Φf with increased loading is attributed to self-quenching perhaps facilitated by excited-state energy transfer among the bacteriochlorins (Forster R0 = 59 A). Taken together, the results show facile access to a collection of useful bacteriochlorins for NIR spectroscopic studies, along with a pigment–protein system that serves the dual purposes of a convenient testbed for evaluating protein bioconjugation processes as well as a nanosized architecture for use in photochemical studies.
The scheme of things: standardization at Snowbird

About fifty Schemers came a day early for the 1988 ACM Conference on Lisp and Functional Programming, which was held in late July at Snowbird, Utah. They devoted the Sunday before the conference to revising once again the Revised Report on the Algorithmic Language Scheme [1], or R3RS for short. Three days later, after the conference, the IEEE/MSC/P1178 Working Group on Scheme met for the first time. A two-day meeting of ISO/IEC JTC1/SC22 WG-16 that followed made it a good week for alphabet soup.
Darley's contributions to the understanding, differential diagnosis, and scientific study of the dysarthrias

The work of Frederic L. Darley and his colleagues has done much to shape approaches to the clinical diagnosis and understanding of the dysarthrias and the scientific study of speech production. From the perspective of the speech pathologist and the perspective of the speech scientist, this paper examines Darley's contributions to the clinical diagnosis and management of the dysarthrias, to the localisation and diagnosis of neurologic disease, to descriptions of the perceptual representations of disordered speech, and to efforts to integrate information about disordered neural control of speech with information about the normal neural control of speech. Gaps in knowledge and directions for future work in each of these areas are also discussed.
Variants in the APOA5 gene region and the response to combination therapy with statins and fenofibric acid in a randomized clinical trial of individuals with mixed dyslipidemia

Abstract Objective Atherogenic dyslipidemia is highly associated with coronary heart disease and is characterized by elevated triglycerides (TG), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). The combination of statins and fibrates is a common modality to treat individuals with atherogenic dyslipidemia. We sought to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with HDL-C, TG, and apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA-I) response to combination therapy with statins and fenofibric acid (FA) in individuals with atherogenic dyslipidemia. Methods 2228 individuals with mixed dyslipidemia who were participating in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled study comparing FA alone, in combination with a statin, or statin alone for a 12-week period, were genotyped for 304 candidate SNPs. A multivariate linear regression analysis for percent change in HDL-C, ApoA-I and TG levels was performed. Results SNPs in the apolipoprotein ( APO ) A5-ZNF259 region rs3741298 ( P =1.8×10 −7 ), rs964184 ( P =3.6×10 −6 ), rs651821 ( P =4.5×10 −5 ), and rs10750097 ( P =1×10 −4 ), were significantly associated with HDL-C response to combination therapy with statins and FA, with a similar association identified for ApoA-I. A haplotype composed of the minor alleles of SNPs rs3741298, rs964184, and rs10750097, was associated with a positive response to statins and FA ( P =8.7×10 −7 ) and had a frequency of 18% in the study population. Conclusion In a population with atherogenic dyslipidemia, common SNPs and haplotypes within the APOA5-ZNF259 region are highly associated with HDL-C and ApoA-I response to combination therapy with statins and FA.
Near zero replenishment of the Arctic multiyear sea ice cover at the end of 2005 summer

[1] The remarkably low Arctic multiyear (MY) sea ice coverage following the summer of 2005 is placed in the context of its variability over the past seven years (2000–2006). Annual cycles of MY ice coverage, from QuikSCAT and satellite passive ice motion, show that the replenishment of MY ice area at the end of this summer is near zero (0.1 × 106 km2) compared to the previous five summers of 1.0, 1.2, 0.4, 0.4, and 0.9 × 106 km2. This is examined in terms of anomalies in ice export and the record of freezing (FDD) and melting degree-days (MDD). The 2005 summer (Jun–Sep) saw the highest Fram Strait ice export (>0.25 × 106 km2) compared to the 7-year mean of 0.14 × 106 km2. This directly explains ∼40% of the decrease in MY coverage of 0.6 × 106 km2 between Jan 2005 and Jan 2006. The cumulative effects of the recent warmer winters and summers, relative to the longer-term record since 1958, explain the balance. For this short record, the combination of spatially averaged FDD and MDD anomalies of the preceding year explain ∼63% of the variance in the replenishment areas.
A Monte Carlo Study of Size and Angular Properties of a Three-Dimensional Poisson-Delaunay Cell

On the basis of simulation of 1.2×106 three-dimensional Poisson-Delaunay cells, the statistical properties of their size and angular parameters have been studied. The moments of the volume, face area, and edge length distributions are found to be equal to those obtained from the exact expressions of Miles and of Moller. The volume, surface area, and face area distributions can be described by the two-parameter gamma distribution. The normal distribution can be used to describe the distributions of the total edge length of a cell and the perimeter of a face. The edge length distribution has also been studied. The distribution of the angle in a face is found to be in accordance with its theoretical distribution.
Response characteristics and maneuverability of a small twin screw displacement hull vessel in seas

Abstract This paper presents the response characteristics and maneuverability of a small twin screw displacement hull vessel quantified through a series of full-scale trials conducted in different environmental conditions. The 20-m test vessel is instrumented with actuator, environmental, and motion sensors. Several different maneuvers are performed at different speeds, including steady maneuvers with constant control input and transient maneuvers with varied control input to quantify and characterize the response of small vessels to aid in automatic controller and simulation development. Straight-line runs are performed in both forward and reverse over the entire operating range of the test vessel to investigate the relationship between throttle position, RPM, and surge velocity. Turning maneuvers are conducted over the achievable rudder deflection range to quantify the vessels turning radius and the relationships with surge, sway, and rotational speed. Other maneuvers include stationary rotation with th...
Right Ventricular Performance in Chronic Congestive Heart Failure

Right ventricular physiology is characterized by its close relationship with the pulmonary circuit. The right ventricle can accommodate significant changes in preload, but is highly sensitive to increases in afterload. Progressive dilatation and dysfunction can initiate a cycle of oxygen supply-demand mismatch that ultimately leads to right ventricular failure. Echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging are the primary modalities used for non-invasive assessment of right ventricular function. The management of right ventricular failure centers on the optimization of preload, afterload and contractility. Few targeted therapies exist, although novel agents have shown promise in early studies.
Identification of immunoreactive material in mammoth fossils.

The fossil record represents a history of life on this planet. Attempts to obtain molecular information from this record by analysis of nucleic acids found within fossils of extreme age have been unsuccessful or called into question. However, previous studies have demonstrated the long-term persistence of peptides within fossils and have used antibodies to extant proteins to demonstrate antigenic material. In this study we address two questions: Do immunogenic/antigenic materials persist in fossils? and; Can fossil material be used to raise antibodies that will cross-react with extant proteins? We have used material extracted from a well-preserved 100,000–300,000-year-old mammoth skull to produce antisera. The specificity of the antisera was tested by ELISA, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. It was demonstrated that antisera reacted specifically with the fossils and not the surrounding sediments. Reactivity of antisera with modern proteins and tissues was also demonstrated, as was the ability to detect evolutionary relationships via antibody–antigen interactions. Mass spectrometry demonstrated the presence of amino acids and specific peptides within the fossil. Peptides were purified by anion-exchange chromatography and sequenced by tandem mass spectrometry. The collagen-derived peptides may have been the source of at least some of the immunologic reactivity, but the antisera identified molecules that were not observed by mass spectrometry, indicating that immunologic methods may have greater sensitivity. Although the presence of peptides and amino acids was demonstrated, the exact nature of the antigenic material was not fully clarified. This report demonstrates that antibodies may be used to obtain information from the fossil record.
Analysis of micronucleated cells by flow cytometry. 1. Achieving high resolution with a malaria model

Abstract Micronucleated cells (MN cells) are present in the blood as rare events (i.e. about 2 MN cells/1000 total). Scoring MN cells by hand is both time-consuming and tedious, which is the primary reason why only 1000–2000 total cells (PCEs) are routinely scored for each sample. It is generally recognized that scoring larger numbers of cells would improve assay statistics and is desirable, but impractical with hand-scoring. In contrast, automated scoring methods can process large numbers of cells, thus improving statistical analysis. In order to accurately and quickly evaluate clastogenic activity, we have developed a flow cytometry based method of scoring micronucleated cells. One of the first steps in developing an automated assay is to demonstrate the ability of the method to resolve the cells of interest. In this case, micronucleated cells must be resolved from DNA-deficient red blood cells (RBCs). Since micronuclei are heterogeneous rare events which vary in both size and DNA content, we chose to use a more enriched and homogeneous biological model for optimizing the experimental variables of this assay, leading to high resolution of the rare cells. Experiments are described in which the murine malaria parasite, P. berghei, served as a micronucleus model and facilitated the development of an accurate flow cytometry based scoring method. This parasite resides in the red blood cell population and endows the cells with a homogeneous (genetically determined) DNA component in the micronucleus size range. The conditions developed with the malaria parasite are readily applied to the analysis of micronucleus events in blood samples. Bivariate profiles that are obtained with the malaria parasite can be used to define the analysis area for high-speed micronucleus scoring.
Spatial Aggregation in Multiregional Input-Output Models

This study continues the investigations into effects of spatial aggregation in connected, several-region input-output models that were initially reported upon in Miller and Blair (1980; 1981) for an interregional input-output model. In the present paper our interest is in the error that is introduced into a multiregional input-output model through aggregation of regions. As in the earlier paper, we investigate the question by means of both hypothetical and real data. In the present study, these are (1) randomly generated multiregional data incorporating varying degrees of regional linkage and (2) actual 1963 US multiregional data. To allow some comparison with the interregional experiments, the data for the random experiments in the present paper are derived from our original randomly generated interregional data. The same levels of spatial interconnectedness as in the interregional experiments are also used here, and the same measures of aggregation error are employed. As in the interregional case, we co...
Knockdown of RBBP7 unveils a requirement of histone deacetylation for CPC function in mouse oocytes

During mouse oocyte maturation histones are deacetylated, and inhibiting this deacetylation leads to abnormal chromosome segregation and aneuploidy. RBBP7 is a component of several different complexes that contain histone deacetylases, and therefore could be implicated in histone deacetylation. We find that Rbbp7 is a dormant maternal mRNA that is recruited for translation during oocyte maturation to regulate the histone deacetylation. Importantly, we show that the maturation-associated decrease of histone acetylation is required for localization and function of the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) during oocyte meiotic maturation. This finding can explain the phenotypes of oocytes where Rbbp7 is depleted by an siRNA/morpholino cocktail including severe chromosome misalignment, improper kinetochore–microtubule attachments, impaired SAC function, cytokinesis defects, and increased incidence of aneuploidy at metaphase II (Met II). These results implicate RBBP7 as a novel regulator of histone deacetylatio...
Slant-lidar aerosol extinction measurements and their relation to measured and calculated albedo changes

Lidar and albedo data for a single day on which aerosols increased the surface plus atmospheric albedo above values measured on two surrounding very clean days are presented. The slant-lidar extinction measurement technique used is described along with the equipment and operating procedures. The derivation of optical depths, backscatter-to-extinction ratios, and extinction profiles is addressed, and the use of the lidar-derived optical depths in calculating expected albedo change is considered. Measured and calculated albedo changes are compared, and the results are found to agree within experimental uncertainties.
An Uncommon Hexafluorosilicate Salt of the Bis(diethylamino)difluorosulfonium Cation Displaying Extensive Hydrogen Bonding

The title compound, [(C4H10NSF2)2][SiF6], was isolated as a decomposition product of diethylaminosulfur trifluoride. The structure consists of two monovalent (diethylamino)difluorosulfonium cations surrounding one divalent hexafluorosilicate anion. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C/2c with a = 13.7587(8) A, b = 11.9160(7) A, c = 11.6425(7) A, β = 118.300(3)°, and V = 1680.63(17) A3. The structure contains an extensive hydrogen-bonding network as well as intermolecular sulfur–fluoride interactions. The compound was further characterized by 1H-NMR and 19F-NMR. [Et2NSiF2]2[SiF6] was isolated and found to display an extensive weak hydrogen bonding network.
Active phosphate transport across the urinary bladder of the toad,Bufo marinus

Net transport of inorganic phosphate occurs in the absence of an electrochemical gradient from the mucosal to the serosal bathing solution in the isolated toad urinary bladder. This transport can be inhibited by metabolic inhibitors. The magnitude of this transport can be altered by changes in phosphate concentration or by the addition of parathyroid hormone.
Antibody responses of ponies to initial and challenge infections of Strongylus vulgaris.

Abstract An indirect fluorescent antibody assay (IFA) was developed using Strongylus vulgaris third stage larvae (L3) as antigens. Observations using the IFA indicate that a species-specific antibody response to S. vulgaris L3 develops in S. vulgaris-infected ponies and that some surface L3 antigens are shared by adult worms. Sequential antibody levels against S. vulgaris were measured in strongyle-naive and in immune ponies following initial and challenge infections using the IFA and an indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA). Antibody levels measured by IFA increased faster following initial infections than did levels measured by IHA. Antibody levels appear to increase following challenge infections of immune ponies when measured with the IFA, but not with the IHA. Significant differences in antibody titers were not seen between ponies which developed colic following challenge infections and those that did not develop colic. Antibodies were not detectable in ponies unexposed to larval migrations, but which received surgical implantation of S.vulgaris adults into the cecum.
Ground-truthing a satellite-based night-time cloud identification technique at the Pierre Auger Observatory

Atmospheric conditions are important factors for the cosmic rays detected at the Pierre Auger Observatory. Therefore, we have been accumulating different type of atmospheric data during the last 8 years. This can also be a very interesting source for research for atmospheric scientists. As an illustration of interdisciplinary science, we have used satellite data to identify clouds at night. We developed a method using infrared data from the imager instrument on the GOES-12 satellite. The Pierre Auger Observatory has already installed ground-based instruments, like the Central Laser Facility (CLF), for identifying clouds at night. The Fluorescence Detector (FD) of the Pierre Auger Observatory sees the CLF laser profile and thereby senses the presence of clouds directly above the CLF. For the satellite image pixel encompassing the CLF, we compared cloud identifications with the satellite-based method to those made with the FD observations of CLF laser events. The results of both methods agree. We generate cloud probability maps covering the region of the observatory for all periods of FD operation since 2007. We summarize the cloud cover history of the observatory site as well.
Applied Anthropology at the Crossroads: AIDS Prevention Research in Senegal and Beyond

Describing and responding to the impact of HIV/AIDS on individuals and communities worldwide are invaluable ways in which applied anthropologists can contribute their ethnographic knowledge and skills in the fight against the pandemic. I chose AIDS as the topic of my dissertation primarily because I believed that, if formulated with community needs in mind, the data acquired could be applied by the people with whom I would be working. To me it was also important to conduct research in an area that, while at risk, had a relatively low rate of infection so that my findings could be applied to future efforts to stem the epidemic. Consequently, I selected Senegal, whose rates have remained low in a continent ravaged by AIDS and whose efforts provide lessons applicable the world over.
Effects of access to a running wheel on food, water and ethanol intake in rats bred to accept ethanol

Rats from the University of Indiana lines bred to accept ethanol (P rats) and not to accept ethanol (NP rats) were divided into two groups of 3 rats per group. The first group of P and NP rats was given free access to food, water and 5% (w/v) ethanol 24 h a day. After food, water and ethanol intake stabilized, a running wheel was introduced into the cage. Access to the running wheel decreased ethanol intake and increased water intake in P rats. When the running wheel was locked in place, ethanol intake by P rats increased, but when the wheel was unlocked again, no decrease in ethanol intake occurred. Access to the running wheel did not affect food, water or ethanol intake in NP rats. The decrease in ethanol intake when the running wheel was introduced was replicated in the second group of P rats exposed to 5% ethanol and later to 10% ethanol. The decreases in ethanol consumption produced by the introduction of a running wheel for this genetic model of alcohol consumption are similar to those previously reported using schedule-induced polydipsia to induce ethanol intake.
Are Cities Dying

This paper organizes a discussion of the costs and benefits of cities around the question: Are cities becoming obsolete? While minimizing transport costs for manufactured goods no longer justifies the existence of cities, they still facilitate the division of labor and the flow of ideas. Cities' higher housing, commuting, and pollution costs seem stable over time. Only the costs associated with urban poverty may increase and these costs do not effect many newer cities. Although many older cities will continue their decline, the future of the urban form seems surprisingly bright.
Mixed-valence states at a crystal surface: SmS

Abstract We present a model calculation, based on the Falicov-Kimball model for metal-insulator transitions, which shows that for a mixed-valence solid with a surface, the average valence of the atoms at the surface may be substantially different from that in the bulk. The effect, which we have calculated only for T = 0 and neglecting hybridization, is due to the different local density of itinerant states at the surface and bulk atoms. Surface states contribute to the valence difference but are not solely responsible for it.
A permutation test approach to the choice of size k for the nearest neighbors classifier

The k nearest neighbors (k-NN) classifier is one of the most popular methods for statistical pattern recognition and machine learning. In practice, the size k, the number of neighbors used for clas...
The Hyades Binary Finsen 342 (70 Tauri): A Double-lined Spectroscopic Orbit, the Distance to the Cluster, and the Mass-Luminosity Relation*

We present new radial velocity measurements for both components of the close (ρ ≈ 01) visual binary Finsen 342 (342) in the Hyades. We combine speckle and visual observations with our velocities to derive an astrometric-spectroscopic orbital solution. This yields individual masses for the stars (MA = 1.363 ± 0.073 M☉ and MB = 1.253 ± 0.075 M☉) as well as an orbital parallax for the system (πorb = 002144 ± 000067). We use relative proper motions to transfer this orbital parallax to 53 representative cluster members and derive a distance to the cluster of 47.4 ± 2.3 pc (m - M = 3.38 ± 0.11), which is only 1% closer than the cluster distance derived recently by Torres, Stefanik, & Latham from the orbital parallax for 51 Tauri, another astrometric-spectroscopic binary in the Hyades. We compare the masses and luminosities we derive for 342, along with those of two other binaries in the Hyades (vB 22 and 51 Tau), with isochrones computed for the cluster and find that there is good agreement for an age of 630 Myr and metallicity Z = 0.027. Because the distances to these binaries have been determined directly, no arbitrary shifts have been applied, as is usually done when fitting main sequences. These results therefore provide a fundamental test of the mass-luminosity relation as predicted by recent stellar evolution models.
Pathophysiological correlates of increased serum tumor necrosis factor in patients with congestive heart failure. Relation to nitric oxide-dependent vasodilation in the forearm circulation.

BACKGROUNDTumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha), which we and others have shown to be elevated in patients with severe congestive heart failure (CHF), is involved in the regulation of nitric oxide metabolism. Whether increased concentrations of TNF alpha affect nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation in patients with CHF has not been studied previously.METHODS AND RESULTSSerum concentrations of TNF alpha, interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined in venous blood (pg/mL) from 17 patients with stable New York Heart Association classes II and III CHF (mean age, 58 +/- 11 years; mean left ventricular ejection fraction, 19.5 +/- 7.3) and 17 age-matched normal subjects with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (detection limit of assays, 20 pg/mL). Forearm blood flows were determined with plethysmography (mL/min per 100 mL) in 17 patients and 7 normal subjects in response to brachial artery administration of graded concentrations of acetylcholine (10(-6) mol/L and 10(-5) mo...
Why Health Care Is Going Home

In Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Buffalo, New York,1 acutely ill patients have been sent out of the emergency department for hospital-like care at home. In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Little Rock, Arkansas, home health agencies provide chronic care management services, emphasizing care coordination and support for patients' management of their own conditions. In San Diego, California, physicians arrive at patients' homes with a new version of the black bag that includes a mobile x-ray machine and a device that can perform more than 20 laboratory tests at the point of care. Several engineering and electronics companies have developed products for . . .
The Effect of The Steroid Sulfatase Inhibitor (p-O-sulfamoyl)–Tetradecanoyl Tyramine (DU-14) on Learning and Memory in Rats with Selective Lesion of Septal-Hippocampal Cholinergic Tract

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), is an excitatory neurosteroid synthesized within the CNS that modulates brain function. Effects associated with augmented DHEAS include learning and memory enhancement. Inhibitors of the steroid sulfatase enzyme increase brain DHEAS levels and can also facilitate learning and memory. This study investigated the effect of steroid sulfatase inhibition on learning and memory in rats with selective cholinergic lesion of the septo-hippocampal tract using passive avoidance and delayed matching to position T-maze (DMP) paradigms. The selective cholinergic immunotoxin 192 IgG-saporin (SAP) was infused into the medial septum of animals and then tested using a step-through passive avoidance paradigm or DMP paradigm. Peripheral administration of the steroid sulfatase inhibitor, DU-14, increased step-through latency following footshock in rats with SAP lesion compared to both vehicle treated control and lesioned animals (p < 0.05). However, in the DMP task, steroid sulfatase inhibition impaired acquisition in lesioned rats while having no effect on intact animals. These results suggest that steroid sulfatase inhibition facilitates memory associated with contextual fear, but impairs acquisition of spatial memory tasks in rats with selective lesion of the septo-hippocampal tract.
Perinatal outcomes of fetal growth restriction between late preterm and term birth infants.

Objective To estimate the absolute increase in the risk for adverse neonatal outcomes of fetal growth restriction between late preterm and term birth and to identify risk factors for neonatal morbidity among late preterm and term birth infants. Methods A retrospective review of 2,954 singleton infant between 34 and 42 weeks of gestation born at our hospital over the 5 years were enrolled and they were divided into four groups as late preterm small for gestational age (SGA), late preterm adequate for gestational age (AGA), term SGA and term AGA, respectively. The prenatal ultrasonographic findings between SGA and AGA in late preterm birth were assessed. Maternal and neonatal complications were compared with SGA and AGA between late preterm and term birth infants. The statistical analyses for frequencies and relative risks in each group were calculated by SPSS ver. 19.0. Results In prenatal evaluation between SGA and AGA in late preterm birth, amniotic fluid volume, abdominal circumference and umbilical artery Doppler resistance index value were different significantly ( P<0.001). Preeclampsia and oligohydramnios were found more common in SGA of late preterm birth compared with AGA of term birth. Jaundice, respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, congenital anomalies, hypoglycemia, and germinal matrix`s hemorrhage, occurred more frequent in SGA of late preterm birth than in AGA of term birth. Conclusion Not only adequate prenatal evaluation and obstetrical decision-making but also long-term evaluation are needed to improve perinatal outcomes of growth restricted infants in late preterm birth.
The Internal Organization of Complex Teams

The purpose of this chapter is to explain the emergence of hierarchical organization in teams of specialized producers carrying out a production activity when their members are constrained by bounded rationality. It shows that hierarchical organization is an appropriate response to the need to solve complex coordination and information problems encountered when carrying out the production, in a varying environment, of a product composed of many complex elementary parts.
The stock market reactions to terminations of overfunded pension plans

Explains the difference between defined benefit (DB) and defined contribution (DC) pension plans in the US context and the options open to companies wishing to terminate overfunded DB plans. Summarizes previous research on stock market reaction to terminations and uses event study methodology on 1986‐1994 US data to explore the relationships between share prices and DB plan terminations with new DB or DC plans. Presents the results, which suggest that terminations tend to produce negative abnormal returns when replaced by another DB plan, but positive abnormal returns when replaced by a DC plan. Considers the reasons why, consistency with other research and the implications for public policy.
MRI-detected temporomandibular joint effusion probably reflects inflammatory proteins in the synovial fluid

Abstract Original article Segami N, Miyamaru M, Nishimura M, Suzuki T, Kaneyama K, Murakami K-I. Does joint effusion on T2 magnetic resonance images reflect synovitis? Part 2. Comparison of concentration levels of proinflammatory cytokines and total protein in synovial fluid of the temporomandibular joint with internal derangements and osteoarthrosis. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2002;94:515-21. Level of evidence 2b Purpose To determine whether the degree of MRI-detectable temporomandibular joint effusion correlates with concentrations of synovial fluid protein and proinflammatory cytokines Source of funding Government (Japan) Type of study/design Case-control study
Effect of Isotropic Free-stream Turbulence on the Anisotropy of Favorable Pressure Gradient Turbulent Boundary Layers

up to 76. The free-stream turbulence was generated by means of an active grid. Results show that classical scaling laws are not able to collapse the mean velocity profiles when additional levels of free-stream turbulence are present. The differences in the influence of free-stream turbulence on the streamwise and wall-normal components of the Reynolds normal stresses show that there is a portion of the boundary layer where the presence of free-stream turbulence results in a significant increase in anisotropy. This was also observed for zero pressure gradient (ZPG) boundary layers in a prior paper. Second order structure functions are examined, at various distances from the wall, to identify and quantify the length scales that dominate this process. It is shown that for favorable pressure gradient flows the effect of free-stream turbulence resides in a much wider range of turbulent length scales as compared to the ZPG case.
Temperature-dependent aggregation behavior of symmetric long-chain bolaamphiphiles at the air-water interface.

The behavior of the symmetric long-chain bolaamphiphiles dotriacontane-1,32-diyl bis[2-(trimethylammonio)ethyl phosphate] (PC-C32-PC), and dotriacontane-1,32-diyl bis[2-(dimethylammonio)ethyl phosphate] (Me2PE-C32-Me2PE) at the air−water interface was investigated by means of temperature-dependent film-balance measurements and Brewster angle microscopy. Upon compression of the monolayer the isotherms show a strong surface pressure increase. We assume that at high pressure the monolayer consists of molecules in a reversed U-shaped conformation. At an area of 0.9−1.1 nm2 per molecule a plateau is reached for both bolaamphiphiles, which marks the beginning of an aggregate formation on the water surface. The plateau pressure increases with increasing temperature. For PC-C32-PC at 6.7 °C curved shorter fibrous domains with a diameter of 20−30 μm are seen on the water surface, whereas at 29.2 °C stripelike domains with a thickness of 200−500 μm are observed. Isotherms recorded within this temperature range show...
Ruthenates: simple superconducting qubits

Abstract We propose triplet superconductors, such as ruthenates, as a prospective material for qubit construction. The vectorial nature of the order parameter in triplet superconductors makes it conceptually very easy to imagine the performance of the qubits. The Cooper condensate of pairs in triplet superconductors has all the attributes of the Bose–Einstein condensates and should facilitate long decoherence times of these qubits versus other “vectorial” schemes for qubits, such as small ferromagnets. There are other benefits, which the superconducting state provides for a requirement like entanglement between qubits via the proximity effect.
Intersection families and Snevily's conjecture

Let K={k"1,k"2,...,k"r} and L={l"1,l"2,...,l"s} be sets of nonnegative integers with k"i>s-r. Let F={F"1,F"2,...,F"m} be a family of subsets of [n] with |F"i|@?K for each i and |F"[email protected]?F"j|@?L for any i j. We prove that |F|@[email protected]?"i"="s"-"r^sn-1i when we have the conditions that |F"i|@?L and k"i's are consecutive. We also prove the same bound under the condition @?"i"="1^mF"i [email protected]? instead of the above conditions. Finally, an observation gives us a bound of [email protected][email protected]? on |F| when [email protected][email protected]?.
A portable bioinformatics course for upper‐division undergraduate curriculum in sciences

This article discusses the challenges that bioinformatics education is facing and describes a bioinformatics course that is successfully taught at the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, to the fourth year undergraduate students in biological sciences, chemistry, and computer science. Information on lecture and computer practice topics, free for academic use software and web links required for the laboratory exercises and student surveys for two instances of the course, is presented. This course emphasizes hands-on experience and focuses on developing practical skills while providing a solid knowledge base for critically applying these skills. It is designed in blocks of 1-hour lecture followed by 2 hours of computer laboratory exercises, both covering the same general topic, for a total of 30 hours of lecture and 60 hours of computer practice. The heavy computational aspect of this course was designed to use a single multiprocessor computer server running Linux, accessible from laptops through Virtual Network Computing sessions. The laptops can be either provided by the institution or owned by the individual students. This configuration avoids the need to install and maintain bioinformatics software on each laptop. Only a single installation is required for most bioinformatics software on the Linux server. The content of this course and its software/hardware configuration are well suited for institutions with no dedicated computer laboratory. This author believes that the same model can be successfully implemented in other institutions, especially those who do not have a strong instructional computer technology support such as community colleges and small universities.
The second highly polarised radio outburst in Cygnus X-3

WE detected a second outburst with a high degree of linear polarisation from Cyg X-3 in August 1975, following the alert by Kawajiri1. The first such outburst was observed in May 1974 (refs 2 and 3). Here we report observations of both polarised outbursts as well as of an unpolarised outburst in January 1975. At 8 GHz the observed polarisation position angle was the same for both polarised outbursts. The Faraday rotation measure associated with the source is much larger than previously reported2. We suggest that the orientation of the magnetic field in the source and the rotation measure are both stable with time. In addition, we find that the highly polarised outbursts decay significantly more slowly than the unpolarised outbursts.
Analysis on linear stability of oblique shock waves in steady supersonic flow

Abstract An attached oblique shock wave is generated when a sharp solid projectile flies supersonically in the air. We study the linear stability of oblique shock waves in steady supersonic flow under three dimensional perturbation in the incoming flow. Euler system of equations for isentropic gas model is used. The linear stability is established for shock front with supersonic downstream flow, in addition to the usual entropy condition.
Incentive compatibility and informational requirements

Abstract This paper considers the relationship between incentives and informational requirements in decentralized allocation procedures. The main question concerns the impact of incentive compatibility constraints (in the dominant strategy sense) on the minimal size of the message space. A general theory is presented which is then applied to a simple resource allocation problem. In this context it is shown that the dominant strategy requirement necessarily leads to an increased message space.
Sums of random symmetric matrices and quadratic optimization under orthogonality constraints

Let B i be deterministic real symmetric m × m matrices, and ξ i be independent random scalars with zero mean and “of order of one” (e.g., $$\xi_{i}\sim \mathcal{N}(0,1)$$). We are interested to know under what conditions “typical norm” of the random matrix $$S_N = \sum_{i=1}^N\xi_{i}B_{i}$$ is of order of 1. An evident necessary condition is $${\bf E}\{S_{N}^{2}\}\preceq O(1)I$$, which, essentially, translates to $$\sum_{i=1}^{N}B_{i}^{2}\preceq I$$; a natural conjecture is that the latter condition is sufficient as well. In the paper, we prove a relaxed version of this conjecture, specifically, that under the above condition the typical norm of S N is $$\leq O(1)m^{{1\over 6}}$$: $${\rm Prob}\{||S_N||>\Omega m^{1/6}\}\leq O(1)\exp\{-O(1)\Omega^2\}$$ for all Ω > 0 We outline some applications of this result, primarily in investigating the quality of semidefinite relaxations of a general quadratic optimization problem with orthogonality constraints $${\rm Opt} = \max\limits_{X_{j}\in{\bf R}^{m\times m}}\left\{F(X_1,\ldots ,X_k): X_jX_j^{\rm T}=I,\,j=1,\ldots ,k\right\}$$, where F is quadratic in X = (X 1,... ,X k ). We show that when F is convex in every one of X j , a natural semidefinite relaxation of the problem is tight within a factor slowly growing with the size m of the matrices $$X_j : {\rm Opt}\leq {\rm Opt}(SDP)\leq O(1) [m^{1/3}+\ln k]{\rm Opt}$$.
Finsler metrics in quantum circuit optimization

AbstractA brief review is given of possible Finsler metrics de ned on the SU (2 n )group tangent bundle which may be suitable for quantum circuit optimiza-tion. 1 INTRODUCTION In the Riemannian geometry of quantum computation, a Riemannian metric hasbeen exploited for the purpose of quantum circuit optimization [1]-[4]. Finslermetrics are a more general class of metrics of which Riemannian metrics area special case based on a quadratic form [5]-[8]. A Finsler metric need not bequadratic. In fact Bernard Riemann was the rst to consider a metric basedon a quartic form [9], but he settled on a quadratic form because of its greatersimplicity. Much later, Paul Finsler introduced Finsler geometry in his thesis[10]. The purpose of the present work is to briey review possible Finsler metricsfor quantum circuit optimization [11],[1] . 2 QUANTUM CIRCUIT OPTIMIZATION For a manifold M with a so-called "local metric" [11], there is a function F (x;y )of coordinates x on M and y on the tangent space manifold TM . One requiresF (x;y ) = 0 for xed x, and F (x;y ) is vanishing for y = 0. F (x;y ) is positivelyhomogeneous of degree 1 in y , namely,F (x;y ) = F (x;y );  > 0; (1)and satis es the triangle inequality in the tangent space variable y , namely,F (x;y
Outcomes of COPD Exacerbations Treated with Corticosteroids, Antibiotics, or Both

Background. The outcomes for outpatient treatment of acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) are poorly described. Design. The results of a daily diary recording symptoms and peak flows were compiled into a severity score to trigger algorithm-based treatments and a symptom index to follow treatment response. Treatment failure (symptom index failing to return to baseline for 2 consecutive days or hospitalization within 21 days) was the main outcome. Results. Twenty-two patients (FEV1 0.81 ± 0.26 L) were treated for 115 AECOPDs (corticosteroids = 36, antibiotics = 41, corticosteroids/antibiotics = 38). Treatment failure was 50% for the corticosteroid/antibiotic compared to 28% (𝑃=0.006) for the corticosteroid and 34% (𝑃<0.0001) for the antibiotic group. Patients suffering from AECOPDs treated with corticosteroids had dyspnea, wheezing, and decreased peak flow; those treated with antibiotics had sputum symptoms; those treated with corticosteroids/antibiotics had dyspnea, wheezing, sputum symptoms, and decreased peak flows. Conclusions. AECOPDs with both dyspnea and sputum symptoms are more refractory to standard treatment and likely require closer monitoring.
Complex-argument universal nonlinear cell for rapid prototyping wafer architecture

The development of generic cells to perform linear and nonlinear arithmetic is critical to successful WSI implementations of signal and image processing algorithms. Our WARP wafer architecture deploys generic cells, thereby offering the capability of mapping a wide variety of computational algorithms on to the same pool of resources. This paper presents a further advance in this direction. Specifically, it reports on the development of a complex-argument nonlinear universal cell. A 16 bit chip and its application to WSI signal processing algorithms are discussed. In particular, an antenna array processing algorithm is discussed which is amenable to mapping to the WARP wafer.
Fabrication of covalently crosslinked and amine-reactive microcapsules by reactive layer-by-layer assembly of azlactone-containing polymer multilayers on sacrificial microparticle templates

We report on the fabrication of covalently crosslinked and amine-reactive hollow microcapsules using ‘reactive’ layer-by-layer assembly to deposit thin polymer films on sacrificial microparticle templates. Our approach is based on the alternating deposition of layers of a synthetic polyamine and a polymer containing reactive azlactone functionality. Multilayered films composed of branched poly(ethylene imine) (BPEI) and poly(2-vinyl-4,4-dimethylazlactone) (PVDMA) were fabricated layer-by-layer on the surfaces of calcium carbonate and glass microparticle templates. After fabrication, these films contained residual azlactone functionality that was accessible for reaction with amine-containing molecules. Dissolution of the calcium carbonate or glass cores using aqueous ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or hydrofluoric acid (HF), respectively, led to the formation of hollow polymer microcapsules. These microcapsules were robust enough to encapsulate and retain a model macromolecule (FITC–dextran) and were stable for at least 22 hours in high ionic strength environments, in low and high pH solutions, and in several common organic solvents. Significant differences in the behaviors of capsules fabricated on CaCO3 and glass cores were observed and characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Whereas capsules fabricated on CaCO3 templates collapsed upon drying, capsules fabricated on glass templates remained rigid and spherical. Characterization using EDS suggested that this latter behavior results, at least in part, from the presence of insoluble metal fluoride salts that are trapped or precipitated on or within the walls of capsules after etching the glass cores using HF. Our results demonstrate that the assembly of BPEI/PVDMA films on sacrificial templates can be used to fabricate reactive microcapsules of potential use in a wide range of fields, including catalysis, drug and gene delivery, imaging, and biomedical research.
Dynamics of the avian inflammatory response to Salmonella following administration of the toll-like receptor 5 agonist flagellin

Previous work has shown that flagellin (FGN) is a potent stimulator in vitro of phagocytic cell functions of chickens. The purpose of this study was to define the effects of FGN on the inflammatory response to Salmonella enteritidis (SE) in chickens. Intra-abdominal (IA) FGN administration caused significant increases in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) compared with SE-injected controls at 4 and 8 h postinjection (P≤0.05). The heterophil (PMN) was the predominant cell responsible for the increased numbers of leukocytes in the peripheral blood. In the abdominal cavity, leukocyte infiltrates were significantly greater in FGN-injected (8 h) and SE/FGN-injected (4 and 24 h) birds than in the SE-injected control birds. Again, the predominant leukocyte infiltrating the abdominal cavity was the PMN. Bovine serum albumin (BSA)-injected protein control birds showed no increases in PBL or in abdominal cell leukocyte infiltrates over saline-injected controls. In IA challenge studies, FGN reduced SE-associated mortality (26%) compared with mortality of 51% in the SE group (P≤0.05). BSA-injected/SE-challenged chicks had mortality similar to that of the SE group. The data suggest that FGN is a potent stimulator of a heterophil-mediated innate immune response in vivo, protecting against bacterial infections in chickens.
W-band InGaAs HEMT low noise amplifiers

The authors report 0.15- mu m gate length GaAs-based and InP-based InGaAs channel high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) that have exhibited state-of-the-art noise and gain performance well up to 100 GHz. 94-GHz noise figures of 2.4 and 1.4 dB with gains of 5.4 and 6.5 dB have been measured from GaAs- and InP-based HEMTs, respectively. High-performance W-band multistage amplifiers have been built using these devices. A two-stage GaAs-based amplifier exhibits a noise figure of 4.2 dB with a gain of 9.7 dB at 93 GHz, and a three-stage amplifier yields a 4.5-dB noise figure with 14.8-dB gain at 94 GHz. The best two-stage amplifier built with InP-based HEMTs exhibits a minimum noise figure of 3.2 dB with a gain of 11.5+or-0.4 dB from 88 to 96 GHz. A noise figure as low as 3.3 dB with gain of 17.3+or-0.5 dB from 88 to 96 GHz has also been demonstrated from a three-stage amplifier. The characteristics and performance of both devices are presented. >