cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Template assisted synthesis of europium sulfide nanotubes

We report the template assisted synthesis of europium sulfide (EuS) nanotubes. These structures were fabricated by thermolysis of a single source precursor that was infused into porous alumina membranes. TEM and STEM analysis confirmed the formation of EuS nanotubes, while X-ray diffraction and selected area electron diffraction analysis probed their crystallinity. Room temperature optical spectroscopy identified an energy-band blue-shift in the absorption spectra into the UV, compared to bulk EuS. Interestingly, no such shift was observed in the photoluminescence. We attribute these changes to quantum confinement effects on the photoexcited charge carriers within the nanotubes' walls and strain-induced lattice deformations.
The Effects of Inclusion on the Social Functioning of Students with Learning Disabilities

The purpose of this study was to provide data on the social functioning (i.e., the degree of peer acceptance, self-concept, loneliness, and social alienation) of students in second, third, and fourth grade who participated in an inclusive classroom for an entire year. The social functioning of students identified as learning disabled (LD; n = 16), low achieving (LA; n = 27), and average/high achieving (AHA; n = 21) was assessed at the beginning and end of the school year. The students with LD were less well liked and more frequently rejected than AHA students. Although students' overall self-worth did not differ by achievement group, the students with LD demonstrated significantly lower academic self-concept scores. The students with LD did not differ on ratings of loneliness, and they demonstrated increases in the number of within-class reciprocal friendships from fall to spring. Discussion focuses on the effects of inclusion on the social functioning of students with LD.
Evidence for the biosynthesis of selenobiotin.

Abstract Chemically synthesized selenobiotin is, like sulfur biotin, able to bind to avidin. This observation was used to help identify biologically synthesized selenobiotin as an excretion product of Phycomyces blakesleeanus . The identification of [75Se]selenobiotin was based on the highly specific binding of biotin to avidin used as an affinity ligand to Sepharose, on its release from the complex by proteolytic treatment, and its chromatographic behavior relative to [14C]biotin standards. These results represent the first evidence of a biological synthesis of a heterocyclic ring that contains selenium in place of sulfur.
Leader-follower strategy via a sliding mode approach

In this paper, the decision making problem in continuoustime dynamic systems is considered for the situation with two decision makers and a hierarchical decision structure. The leader-follower strategy is studied. To implement the leader's strategy, we propose to use a sliding mode approach, which allows the leader to constrain the state of the system within some manifold of the state space and forces the follower to choose the strategy preferable for the leader. The corresponding sliding manifolds are derived from the classical variational problem formulation for a class of systems whose right-hand side is affine with respect to the two control inputs. Numerical examples are considered with simulations to illustrate the technique.
Mid-infrared 2 × 2 electro-optical switching by silicon and germanium three-waveguide and four-waveguide directional couplers using free-carrier injection

New designs are proposed for 2×2 electro-optical switching in the 1.3–12 μm wavelength range. Directional couplers are analyzed using a two-dimensional effective-index approximation. It is shown that three or four side-coupled Si or Ge channel waveguides can provide complete crossbar broad-spectrum switching when the central waveguides are injected with electrons and holes to modify the waveguides’ core index by an amount Δn+iΔk. The four-waveguide device is found to have a required active length L that is 50% shorter than L for the three-waveguide switch. A rule of ΔβL>28 for 3w and ΔβL>14 for 4w is deduced to promise insertion loss <1.5 dB and crosstalk <−15 dB at the bar state. At an injection of ΔNe=ΔNh=5×1017 cm−3, the predicted L decreased from ∼2 to ∼0.5 mm as λ increased from 1.32 to 12 μm. Because of Ge’s large Δk, the Ge bar loss is high in 4w but is acceptable in 3w.
Hybrid drinking water governance: Community participation and ongoing neoliberal reforms in rural Rajasthan, India

Abstract This paper examines a Rajasthan (India) drinking water supply project that relied on hybrid governance reforms in its original design. Decentralization and marketization, combined with a participatory approach, were intended to facilitate an empowering shift in state-citizen relationships. Paying citizens were expected to make quantity and quality demands of the state as consumers, not welfare beneficiaries. Research on the project 3 years after its completion revealed that although payment for water and community participation were intended to compel the state to provide clean water, they failed in this regard. The problem of an unreliable state supply was solved through small scale privatization, a decision ‘independently’ reached at the local scale, but one that served to further undermine the state’s ability to provide clean water. In this paper, we trace the shifts in regulation that evolved in the post-project phase at both the state and village scale that resulted in the delivery of contaminated water. Ethnographic research indicates that community participation was introduced as a set of institutions that would govern how villagers interacted with the state and its water supply, but villagers altered community participation by introducing reforms in water governance as a way of coping with an unresponsive state and increased work burden. Community participation evolved in contradictory ways as the impacts of neoliberal environmental governance were felt. The paper contributes to understandings of neoliberalization processes’ local impacts by analyzing their ongoing hybridization at multiple scales. It further calls into question foundational notions that community participation in resource governance is the appropriate solution to drinking water supply.
Effect of corpectomy and discectomy fusion procedures on the stability of multi-level cervical construct with anterior rigid screw-plate fixation - A finite element model study

Cervical fusion is a traditional surgical technique in the management of spondylotic pathologies. An increased rate of arthrodesis has been well stated in the literature by using anterior and/or posterior instrumentation. Despite excellent results for the multi-level cervical fusions, failures due to the pseudarthrosis, graft dislodgement, migration and screw loosening were reported. These failures were also found to be directly proportional to the number of fused levels. The multi-level fusions with a single strut graft (corpectomy) have only two graft-endplate interfaces and a lower rate of pseudarthrosis failures. But it has a longer lever arm and moment, thus disrupting the normal sagittal alignment of the cervical spine. On the other hand, the multi-level fusion with multiple inter-body grafts (discectomy) maintains the sagittal alignment, but a higher rate of pseudarthrosis failures were expected due to a large number of graft-endplate interfaces. Some investigators have advocated a combination of corpectomy and discectomy, while others believe to perform either one of them due to the individual advantages and disadvantages as per their patient needs. Consequently, a dilemma and controversy still exists in the selection of the type of reconstructive fusion technique. The objective of the present study was to compare the biomechanical stability of the three reconstructive fusion techniques — corpectomy, discectomy and combined corpectomy-discectomy. The stability of the superior motion segment was compared to the inferior motion segment to determine the direction of propagation of the adjacent segment disease.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Recording codes for digital magnetic storage

This paper provides a tutorial introduction to recording codes for magnetic disk storage devices and a review of progress in code construction algorithms. Topics covered include: a brief description of typical magnetic recording channels; motivation for use of recording codes; methods of selecting codes to maximize data density and reliability; and techniques for code design and implementation.
Opportunities for the Use of Aerosolized α1-Antitrypsin for the Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF), the most common lethal genetic disease affecting the white population, owes its morbidity and mortality primarily to the devastating effects of chronic inflammation and infection within the pulmonary airways. It has become increasingly recognized that the host's response to Pseudomonas species and Staphylococcus aureus infection plays a paramount role in CF lung destruction and eventual development of respiratory insufficiency. A massive pulmonary influx of neutrophils, and accompanying excessive levels of neutrophil elastase (NE), can be detected in the bronchoalveolar fluid of even very young children with CF. The excess of NE adversely affects the CF airways by enhancing mucus secretion, directly injuring airway tissues, exacerbating the inflammatory process by attracting more neutrophils, and derailing opsonization and elimination of bacterial pathogens, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Neutralization of excess NE by delivering supplemental α 1 -antitrypsin to the airways via aerosolization represents an exciting new potential therapy for CF lung disease.
Brand recognition, service quality and price competition

The Internet has significantly improved the bargaining power of consumers. Many online shopping search engines allow users to find most retailers that sell a specified product, compare product prices, and review detailed store ratings. With competition just a click away, online retailers do not have much leverage to prevent consumers from switching and changing where they would shop. Offering the lowest price alone does not guarantee that consumers will come and buy at your site. Other non-price attributes, such as the e-service quality and the brand recognition, also play important roles in helping online retailers to build competitive advantages. This paper develops a competitive model in which firms sequentially choose a level of brand recognition, service quality, and price to maximize their profits.
Effects of d-amphetamine upon open field behaviour in two inbred strains of mice.

Chez des souris C57BL/10J, on constate une augmentation de l'activite locomotrice durant tous les 7 jours qui suivent leur injection avec la d-amphetamine. Chez des souris BALB/cJ, cette augmentation n'apparait pas, sauf legerement apres le quatrieme jour. Des facteurs genetiques jouent un role important dans la determination de la reponse comportementale a la d-amphetamine.
Diffuse liver disease

During the last decade, the role of the radiologist in evaluating patients with diffuse liver disease has increasingly expanded. In many cases, the management choices for the hepatologist in the imaging work-up of a patient with suspicion of a diffuse liver disease have significantly widened. In some instances, imaging may point directly to the diagnosis; in many instances, imaging helps narrow the differential diagnosis or is crucial in the follow-up of patients. Although some rare entities still have nonspecific radiologic features, the imaging pattern, in combination with appropriate clinical information, may provide the most likely diagnosis.
Intersystem crossing in photosynthetic pigments

Abstract Intersystem crossing (ISC) of chlorophyll a in solution exhibits a strong solvent dependence and a weak deuterium isotope effect. This is due to the importance of the molecular geometry in promoting ISC. These results are generalized to other closely related photosynthetic pigments.
Biological reference materials from the US National Bureau of Standards - An update

This paper provides an update covering the change in availability of NBS Biological Reference Materials between the First and the Second Symposium on Biological Reference Materials. In the intervening 30-month period, 15 new reference materials of biological interest have been issued by NBS and 8 more are being prepared. Newly issued reference materials that are described include: corn kernel, corn stalk, lead in blood, trace elements in human serum, inorganic constituents in bovine serum, PCB's in human serum, blood gases, toxic elements in urine, dioxin in isooctane, ethanolwater solutions, chlorinated pesticides and chlorinated biphenyls in isooctane.
Diffusion of zinc in gallium arsenide under excess arsenic pressure.

Arsenic pressure effect on zinc diffusion in gallium arsenide, noting ternary phase diagrams
Aide for a Day

The author worked for an 8-hour shift in the role of nursing assistant at a skilled nursing facility as an additional provider over and above the usual staffing. The purpose of this exercise was (1) to demonstrate to nursing assistants the respect of administration for their work, (2) to gain firsthand insights into the specific tasks they perform, and (3) to describe potential inefficiencies and barriers to providing care. Following the shift, the author provided a written report to the administrator and the director of nursing describing the shift and making clinical and programmatic recommendations.
Structure and Function of the Polypeptides in Simian Virus 40 I. Existence of Subviral Deoxynucleoprotein Complexes

Velocity sedimentation analysis of simian virus 40 degraded in alkaline buffers, pH 10.5, yields two components: soluble protein containing the largest polypeptides, VP1 and VP2, of the virion, and a deoxynucleoprotein complex (DNP-I) containing the viral deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and the small polypeptides, VP4, 5, and 6, and all or part of VP3. Dissociation of DNP-I by equilibrium centrifugation in CsCl yields a complex (DNP-II) of the viral DNA and residual, tightly bound polypeptide; VP4, 5, and 6, but not VP3, are recovered after separation from DNP-II. Treatment of the virus with beta-mercaptoethanol and iodination experiments suggest that VP1 and VP2 might exist as compact structures cross-linked with disulfide bonds, perhaps forming the capsid. VP4, 5, and 6 form a relatively stable complex with the viral DNA and are supposed to be the internal proteins. The location of VP3 is not well defined; at least a portion of it is tightly bound to the viral DNA.
Applications of chemical shift imaging to marine sciences

The successful applications of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in medicine are mostly due to the non-invasive and non-destructive nature of MRI techniques. Longitudinal studies of humans and animals are easily accomplished, taking advantage of the fact that MRI does not use harmful radiation that would be needed for plain film radiographic, computerized tomography (CT) or positron emission (PET) scans. Routine anatomic and functional studies using the strong signal from the most abundant magnetic nucleus, the proton, can also provide metabolic information when combined with in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). MRS can be performed using either protons or hetero-nuclei (meaning any magnetic nuclei other than protons or ¹H) including carbon (¹³C) or phosphorus (³¹P). In vivo MR spectra can be obtained from single region of interest (ROI or voxel) or multiple ROIs simultaneously using the technique typically called chemical shift imaging (CSI). Here we report applications of CSI to marine samples and describe a technique to study in vivo glycine metabolism in oysters using ¹³C MRS 12 h after immersion in a sea water chamber dosed with [2-¹³C]-glycine. This is the first report of ¹³C CSI in a marine organism.
Directed axonal outgrowth using a propagating gradient of IGF-1.

The temporospatial regulation of axon outgrowth is useful for guiding de novo connectivity or re-connectivity of neurons in neurological injury or disease. Here we report the successful construction of a biocompatible guidance device, in which a linear propagation of IGF-1 gradient sequentially directs axon outgrowth. We observe the extensive in vitro axonal extension over 5 mm with a desired growth rate of ∼ 1 mm/day.
Designing interfaces of hydrogenase–nanomaterial hybrids for efficient solar conversion

The direct conversion of sunlight into biofuels is an intriguing alternative to a continued reliance on fossil fuels. Natural photosynthesis has long been investigated both as a potential solution, and as a model for utilizing solar energy to drive a water-to-fuel cycle. The molecules and organizational structure provide a template to inspire the design of efficient molecular systems for photocatalysis. A clear design strategy is the coordination of molecular interactions that match kinetic rates and energetic levels to control the direction and flow of energy from light harvesting to catalysis. Energy transduction and electron-transfer reactions occur through interfaces formed between complexes of donor-acceptor molecules. Although the structures of several of the key biological complexes have been solved, detailed descriptions of many electron-transfer complexes are lacking, which presents a challenge to designing and engineering biomolecular systems for solar conversion. Alternatively, it is possible to couple the catalytic power of biological enzymes to light harvesting by semiconductor nanomaterials. In these molecules, surface chemistry and structure can be designed using ligands. The passivation effect of the ligand can also dramatically affect the photophysical properties of the semiconductor, and energetics of external charge-transfer. The length, degree of bond saturation (aromaticity), and solvent exposed functional groups of ligands can be manipulated to further tune the interface to control molecular assembly, and complex stability in photocatalytic hybrids. The results of this research show how ligand selection is critical to designing molecular interfaces that promote efficient self-assembly, charge-transfer and photocatalysis. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Metals in Bioenergetics and Biomimetics Systems.
Engineering robust control of two-component system phosphotransfer using modular scaffolds

Synthetic biology applies engineering principles to facilitate the predictable design of biological systems. Biological systems composed of modular parts with clearly defined interactions are generally easier to manipulate than complex systems exhibiting a large number of subtle interactions. However, recreating the function of a naturally complex system with simple modular parts can increase fragility. Here, inspired by scaffold-directed signaling in higher organisms, we modularize prokaryotic signal transduction to allow programmable redirection of phosphate flux from a histidine kinase to response regulators based on targeting by eukaryotic protein–protein interaction domains. Although scaffold-directed colocalization alone was sufficient to direct signaling between components, this minimal system suffered from high sensitivity to changing expression levels of each component. To address this fragility, we demonstrate how to engineer autoinhibition into the kinase so that phosphotransfer is possible only upon binding to the scaffold. This system, in which scaffold performs the dual functions of activating this autoinhibited kinase and directing flux to the cotargeted response regulator, was significantly more robust to varying component concentrations. Thus, we demonstrate that design principles inspired by the complex signal-transduction pathways of eukaryotes may be generalized, abstracted, and applied to prokaryotes using well-characterized parts.
Genetic association mapping and genome organization of maize

Association mapping, a high-resolution method for mapping quantitative trait loci based on linkage disequilibrium, holds great promise for the dissection of complex genetic traits. The recent assembly and characterization of maize association mapping panels, development of improved statistical methods, and successful association of candidate genes have begun to realize the power of candidate-gene association mapping. Although the complexity of the maize genome poses several significant challenges to the application of association mapping, the ongoing genome sequencing project will ultimately allow for a thorough genome-wide examination of nucleotide polymorphism-trait association.
On a special application of correlation methods in neutron spectroscopy

Abstract The application of a correlation-type spin-flip chopper to the measurement of polarization dependent scattering of thermal neutrons is proposed.
The cytokine tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis and its receptor fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 have a neuroprotective effect in the central nervous system

Cerebral cortical neurons have a high vulnerability to the harmful effects of hypoxia. However, the brain has the ability to detect and accommodate to hypoxic conditions. This phenomenon, known as preconditioning, is a natural adaptive process highly preserved among species whereby exposure to sub-lethal hypoxia promotes the acquisition of tolerance to a subsequent lethal hypoxic injury. The cytokine tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) and its receptor fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14) are found in neurons and their expression is induced by exposure to sub-lethal hypoxia. Accordingly, in this work we tested the hypothesis that the interaction between TWEAK and Fn14 induces tolerance to lethal hypoxic and ischemic conditions. Here we used in vitro and in vivo models of hypoxic and ischemic preconditioning, an animal model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion and mice and neurons genetically deficient in TWEAK, Fn14, or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) to investigate whether treatment with recombinant TWEAK or an increase in the expression of endogenous TWEAK renders neurons tolerant to lethal hypoxia. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to study the effect of TWEAK on the expression of neuronal TNF-α, Western blot analysis to investigate whether the effect of TWEAK was mediated by activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and immunohistochemical techniques and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis to study the effect of TWEAK on apoptotic cell death. We found that either treatment with recombinant TWEAK or an increase in the expression of TWEAK and Fn14 induce hypoxic and ischemic tolerance in vivo and in vitro. This protective effect is mediated by neuronal TNF-α and activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 pathway via phosphorylation and inactivation of the B-cell lymphoma 2-associated death promoter protein. Our work indicate that the interaction between TWEAK and Fn14 triggers the activation of a cell signaling pathway that results in the induction of tolerance to lethal hypoxia and ischemia. These data indicate that TWEAK may be a potential therapeutic strategy to protect the brain from the devastating effects of an ischemic injury.
Chemical and Structural Characterization of Ultrathin Dielectric Films Using AEM

The structure of ultrathin silicon oxynitride films, used as gate dielectrics in integrated circuits (ICs), is studied using analytical electron microscopy (AEM). Laterally homogeneous blanket films approximately 2 nm in thickness are characterized in cross section using a 300 keV field emission TEM/STEM. High resolution imaging (HRTEM) is used to investigate the accuracy and precision of film thickness measurements and their comparability to other techniques such as secondary ion mass spectrometry, spectroscopic ellipsometry, x-ray reflectivity, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and medium energy ion scattering. A two dimensional magnification calibration scheme that fits a pair of basis vectors to experimental images is presented, and integrated intensity profiles are used to define film boundaries for measurement. These image processing tools simultaneously improve the repeatability of the measurements and remove subjective operator bias from the measurement process.
Microstructural and Electrical Characterization of Barium Strontium Titanatebased Solid Solution Thin Films Deposited on Ceramic Substrates by Pulsed Laser Deposition

Abstract : Ferroelectrics are multicomponent materials with a wealth of interesting and useful properties, such as piezoelectricity. The dielectric constant of the BSTO ferroelectrics can be changed by applying an electric field. Variable dielectric constant results in a change in phase velocity in the device allowing it to be tuned in real time for a particular application. The microstructure of the film influences the electronic properties which in turn influences the performance of the film. Ba(0.6)Sr(0.4)Ti(1-y)(A(3+), B(5+))(y)O3 thin films, of nominal thickness of 0.65 micrometer, were synthesized initially at substrate temperatures of 400 deg C, and subsequently annealed to 750 deg C, on LaAlO3 (100) substrates, previously coated with LaSrCoO conductive buffer layer, using the pulsed laser deposition technique. The microstructural and physical characteristics of the post-annealed thin films have been studied using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and nano indentation and are reported. Results of capacitance measurements are used to obtain dielectric constant and tunability in the paraelectric (T>Tc) regime.
Laboratory Experimentation of Autonomous Spacecraft Proximity-Navigation using Vision and Inertia Sensors

*This paper presents the current status of the research effort on spacecraft autonomous proximity-navigation and docking which is on-going at the Spacecraft Robotics Laboratory. An experimental test-bed has been designed and is in the advance integration phase. The test-bed consists of two spacecraft models floating via air-pads on a flat surface to simulate in two dimensions the reduced-gravity environment. A Kalman filter is used for the navigation. The Kalman filter estimates the relative orientation and position of the target spacecraft with respect to the chaser using measurements given by a custom-developed Vision Sensor System and a MEMS-based Inertial Measurement Unit. This paper presents an overall description of the test-bed and the navigation algorithms.
Online measurement of rheological properties of PVC/wood-flour composites

By using a factorial design approach, this study examined the effect of the component materials on the viscoelastic properties of PVC/wood-flour composites. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the effects of wood-flour content, acrylic modifier content, and plasticizer content on the die swell ratio and viscosity of the composites measured online on a conical twin-screw extrusion capillary rheometer. The viscoelastic properties of the samples also were measured using dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). Wood-flour content and acrylic modifier content were the two important variables affecting the die swell ratio, whereas the addition of a low level of plasticizer did not affect this ratio. The die swell increased with the increased acrylic modifier content, but it was reduced considerably by adding wood flour into the PVC matrix. The true viscosity of neat PVC and PVC/wood-flour composites decreased with the plasticizer content, irrespective of the acrylic modifier content. However, the addition of acrylic modifier significantly increased the viscosity of unfilled PVC, while an opposite trend was observed for the composites, owing to the differing effect of acrylic modifier on the melt elasticity and viscosity of these materials. J. Vinyl Addit. Technol. 10:121–128, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Integrating AI and DBMS through stream processing

An approach is presented for integrating AI (artificial intelligence) systems with DBMS (database management systems). The impedance mismatch that has made this integration a problem is, in essence, a difference in the two system models of data processing. The present approach is to avoid the mismatch by forcing both AI systems and DBMS into the common model of stream processing. The approach taken in the Tangram project at UCLA, which integrates Prolog with relational DBMS, is described. Prolog is extended to a functional language called Log(F) that facilitates development of stream processing programs. The integration of this system with DBMS is simultaneously elegant, easy to use, and relatively efficient. >
Evaluation of Electromyographic Biofeedback as an Adjunct to Therapeutic Exercise in Treating the Lower Extremities of Hemiplegic Patients

The following controlled, preliminary investigation was designed to determine whether electromyographic biofeedback, in conjunction with therapeutic exercise, could influence the reacquisition of functional lower extremity movements in chronic hemiplegic patients. Both the control (standardized therapeutic exercise regimen) and experimental (therapeutic exercise regimen combined with electromyographic biofeedback) groups improved in ankle active range of motion; only the experimental group significantly shortened its timed ambulation over a carpeted surface. One patient in the experimental group who was given 12 additional training sessions showed further gains in knee and ankle joint angle measurements during walking. The apparent potential for rehabilitation of chronic hemiplegic patients and the benefits afforded to physical therapists from a standardized therapeutic exercise protocol are discussed.
How Not to Strike it Rich: Semantics, Pragmatics, and Semiotics of a Massachusetts Lottery Game Card

In 2001, the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission released for sale a new 'instant lottery ticket' 'scratch-and-play' game card named 'Caesars [sic] Palace®' (played by scratching the surface of each card at designated spots to reveal hidden numbers or images). It offered ten grand prizes of $1,000,000 each and a number of lesser prizes. Very soon, a number of purchasers began to claim million-dollar prizes; most of these demands-for-payment were denied by the Commission on the grounds that the claims were based upon a misreading of the game-card instructions. The rejected claimants appealed, but their appeals were denied by a special hearing board appointed by the Commission. Further appeals to state courts in Massachusetts may still be pending. This paper analyses the semantic, pragmatic, and semiotic bases for the claimants' and Commission's conflicting interpretations of the instructions - a somewhat new application of linguistics to the field of language and law. The essay also raises theoretical questions concerning the relationship between linguistics and semiotic theory in the context of real-world data.
Histone acetyltransferase activity and interaction with ADA2 are critical for GCN5 function in vivo.

Yeast GCN5 is one component of a putative adaptor complex that includes ADA2 and ADA3 and functionally connects DNA‐bound transcriptional activators with general transcription factors. GCN5 possesses histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity, conceptually linking transcriptional activation with enzymatic modification at chromatin. We have identified the minimal catalytic domain within GCN5 necessary to confer HAT activity and have shown that in vivo activity of GCN5 requires this domain. However, complementation of growth and transcriptional activation in gcn5 − cells required not only the HAT domain of GCN5, but also interaction with ADA2. The bromodomain in GCN5 was dispensable for HAT activity and for transcriptional activation by strong activators; however, it was required for full complementation in other assays. Fusion of GCN5 to the bacterial lexA DNA binding domain activated transcription in vivo , and required both the HAT domain and the ADA2 interaction domain. These results suggest that both functions of GCN5, HAT activity and interaction with ADA2, are necessary for targeting and acetylation of nucleosomal histones.
A scene change detection algorithm for MPEG compressed video sequences

Video is an important and challenging medium and requires sophisticated indexing schemes for efficient retrieval from visual databases. An important step in video indexing is scene change detection. Recently, several scene change detection algorithms in the pixel and compressed (MPEG-2) domains have been reported in the literature. These algorithms are computationally complex and are not very robust in detecting gradual scene changes. The authors propose an efficient technique for detecting scene changes in the MPEG-2 compressed domain. The proposed algorithm has the advantage of fast scene change detection. In addition, this algorithm has the potential to detect gradual scene changes.
Random choices for churn resilient load balancing in peer-to-peer networks

Peer-to-peer (P2P) networks based on consistent hashing functions have an inherent load uneven distribution problem. Things are even worse in unstructured P2P systems. The objective of load balancing in P2P networks is to balance the workload of the network nodes in proportion to their capacity so as to eliminate traffic bottleneck. It is challenging because of the dynamic nature of overlay networks and time-varying load characteristics. Random choices schemes can balance load effectively while incurring only a small overhead, making such schemes appealing for practical systems. Existing theoretical work analyzing properties of random choices algorithms can not be applied in the highly dynamic and heterogeneous P2P systems. In this paper, we characterize the behaviors of randomized search schemes in the general P2P environment. We extend the supermarket model by investigating the impact of node heterogeneity and churn to the load distribution in P2P networks. We prove that by using d-way random choices schemes, the length of the longest queue in P2P systems with heterogeneous nodal capacity and node churn for d ges 2 is clog logn/logd + O(1) with high probability, where c is a constant.
Retrieval of Model Initial Fields from Single-Doppler Observations of a Supercell Thunderstorm. Part II: Thermodynamic Retrieval and Numerical Prediction

In this two-part study, a single-Doppler parameter retrieval technique is developed and applied to a real-data case to provide model initial conditions for a short-range prediction of a supercell thunderstorm. The technique consists of the sequential application of a single-Doppler velocity retrieval (SDVR), followed by a variational velocity adjustment, a thermodynamic retrieval, and a moisture specification step. In Part I, the SDVR procedure is described and results from its application to a supercell thunderstorm are presented. In Part II, results from the thermodynamic retrieval and the numerical model prediction for this same case are presented. For comparison, results from parallel sets of experiments using dual-Doppler-derived winds and winds obtained from the simplified velocity retrieval described in Part I are also shown. Following the SDVR, the retrieved wind fields (available only within the storm volume) are blended with a base-state background field obtained from a proximity sounding. The blended fields are then variationally adjusted to preserve anelastic mass conservation and the observed radial velocity. A Gal-Chen type thermodynamic retrieval procedure is then applied to the adjusted wind fields. For all experiments (full retrieval, simplified retrieval, and dual Doppler), the resultant perturbation pressure and potential temperature fields agree qualitatively with expectations for a deep-convective storm. An analysis of the magnitude of the various terms in the vertical momentum equation for both the full retrieval and dual-Doppler experiments indicates a reasonable agreement with predictions from linear theory. In addition, the perturbation pressure and vorticity fields for both the full retrieval and dual-Doppler experiments are in reasonable agreement with linear theory predictions for deep convection in sheared flow. Following a simple moisture specification step, short-range numerical predictions are initiated for both retrieval experiments and the dual-Doppler experiment. In the full single-Doppler retrieval and dual-Doppler cases, the general storm evolution and deviant storm motion are reasonably well predicted for a period of about 35 minutes. In contrast, the storm initialized using the simplified wind retrieval decays too rapidly, indicating that the additional information obtained by the full wind retrieval (primarily low-level polar vorticity) is vital to the success of the numerical prediction. Sensitivity experiments using the initial fields from the full retrieval indicate that the predicted storm evolution is strongly dependent on the initial moisture fields. Overall, the numerical prediction results suggest at least some degree of short-term predictability for this storm and provide an impetus for continued development of single-Doppler retrieval procedures.
A Political Process Argument for the Constitutionality of Student-Led, Student-Initiated Prayer

Justice William O. Douglas's words, written nearly 40 years ago, demonstrate the constitutional tightrope on which religion walks.2 From the inscription, "In God We Trust," on our currency to the words of the presidential oath, it is hard to dispute that religion permeates many aspects of American society. The critical inquiry, however, ponders whether religious exercise represents constitutionally protected free exercise or constitutionally condemned government endorsement.3 The Supreme Court has performed this inquiry with respect to religion's presence in a myriad of areas, including school graduation ceremonies,4 legislative sessions,5 tax status,6 tuition rebates,7 and city-
Development and psychometric evaluation of a psychosocial quality-of-life questionnaire for individuals with autism and related developmental disorders

This study investigated the psychometric properties of the Child and Family Quality of Life scale, a measure of psychosocial quality of life in those with autism and related developmental disorders. Parents of 212 children suspected of autism spectrum disorder completed the Child and Family Quality of Life prior to a diagnostic evaluation. Results indicated that the Child and Family Quality of Life measured six unique quality-of-life constructs (child, family/caregiver, financial, external support, partner relationship, and coping), had good reliability across score ranges and exhibited expected patterns of convergent validity. Caregivers of autism spectrum disorder-affected children reported reduced family quality of life prior to the time of diagnosis relative to caregivers of children with other developmental disabilities. The Child and Family Quality of Life is a brief, reliable measure for assessing psychosocial quality of life in families affected by developmental disability. This study is the first to demonstrate impairments in family quality of life early in the developmental course of autism spectrum disorder, prior to formal diagnosis. In addition to traditional child-focused intervention strategies, families with autism spectrum disorder-affected children require early, broad intervention strategies that positively impact the whole family.
Chronic Inotropic Therapy in the Current Era: Old Wines With New Pairings.

In the current issue of Circulation: Heart Failure , Hashim and fellow researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham have published their outcomes for advanced heart failure (HF) patients supported with chronic inotrope infusions for a variety of indications, including bridging to transplantation, anticipation of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement or for palliation.1 This single-center retrospective series of 197 patients describes better patient survival than most previous reports, with a median survival of 18 months compared with 3 to 6 months.2–4 Median survival was 9 months for those patients in whom continuous inotropic therapy was intended solely as palliation, with a 1-year actuarial survival of 48% and a 2-year actuarial survival of 38%. Filling pressures and cardiac index improved, and subjective symptom class decreased from Class IV at baseline to median Class III after discharge. Article see p 880 Intravenous inotropic therapy has been described as the “until therapy.”2 Patients with Stage D HF may be discharged on this therapy with the intention of use until cardiac transplantation or determination of transplant eligibility and can also be used until decision or implementation of mechanical circulatory support. Outcomes of inotropic therapy for these patients are highly influenced by regional transplant waiting times and more recently by the threshold for implantation of ventricular assist devices. The focus of this editorial will instead be the outcomes and options for those patients discharged on inotropic therapy intended as the last specific intervention to improve symptoms of HF until the end. What accounts for the apparent improvement in survival in this report? These clinicians experienced in triage of Class D patients studied an appropriate HF population similar to experiences previously summarized with median survival of ≈6 months on chronic inotropic therapy.2,4 There were multiple previous …
Hydrogels as separation agents

We have summarized our experimental and theoretical work in the study of pH, temperature and pressure dependent phase transitions in hydrogels. Our focus, on the mechanisms of swelling and collapse, suggests using the gels for size-selective separations. An application of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) to produce soy protein isolate is described in detail.
Migratory Farm Workers in the United States

PUBLIC concern regarding migratory farm workers has undergone three distinct and contrasting phases during the past decade. First, there was the prewar phase of concern over too many migratory workers in search of farm jobs. Their numbers were so large in relation to job opportunities that many of them were unwelcome and unwanted. The experience of migratory workers and their families during the 1930 decade reflected a most tragic chapter in our history which has been so well documented that it requires no recapitulation.' World War II brought about drastic changes in the labor supply situation which rapidly reversed the direction of public concern in the matter of migratory farm workers. The second phase was characterized by emergency measures to augment the numbers of seasonal farm workers, including the importation of workers from other countries, particularly to replace the depleted ranks of migratory workers. A third phase was ushered in by the ending of the war, demobilization, and reconversion. Because the direction in which we are going cannot yet be too clearly seen, there is both hope and concern in the minds of students of the problems of migratory workers; for example, a Federal Inter-Agency Committee on Migrant Labor was created with representatives of Federal agencies directly interested in questions relating to living and labor conditions of migrant workers in industry, transportation and agriculture.2 Because mi-
Inter-reader differences in common carotid artery intima-media thickness: implications for cardiovascular risk assessment and vascular age determination.

OBJECTIVES Far wall common carotid artery intima-media thickness, a surrogate measure of atherosclerosis, requires the tracing of two carotid wall interfaces on ultrasound images: the lumen-intima and media-adventitia. Vascular age is derived from intima-media thickness measurements. We studied how tracing the wall interfaces affects intima-media thickness measurements and estimates of vascular age. METHODS Five readers made far-wall common carotid intima-media thickness measurements on 26 carotid artery images. Each reader traced lines at the lumen-intima and media-adventitia interfaces. An observer, blinded to reader identity and intima-media thickness values, reviewed the images and estimated the relative location of these lines compared to his judgment of the interface location: +1 for 1 pixel above the interface, 0 at the interface, and -1 if below. The significance of differences was evaluated by analysis of variance. RESULTS Mean intima-media thickness measurements ranged between 0.57 and 0.78 mm and showed significant differences between readers (P < .009). Differences in carotid intima-media thickness measurements made by the readers were significantly associated with the location of the media-adventitia interfaces (P < .0001) but not the lumen-intima interfaces (P = .07). The intima-media thickness differences corresponded to mean differences in estimated vascular age ranging from 14 to 21 years. CONCLUSIONS Inter-reader differences in common carotid intima-media thickness measurements are mostly seen for the media-adventitia wall interface and are detectable by an experienced observer. These inter-reader differences affect the use of intima-media thickness measurements for cardiovascular risk evaluation, can cause substantial errors in vascular age estimates, and might be correctable by performing replicate readings of standard image sets.
BCG Stimulation of Immune Responsiveness in Patients with Malignant Melanoma

The demonstration of tumor-associated cell-surface antigens, and specific immune responses to these antigens, in both animal and human tumors, has led to immunotherapeutic approaches to the control of a number of neoplasms [12]. Following the demonstration that bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine is a potent non-specific immunostimulant in a variety of animal tumor models [17], clinical trials were conducted in leukemia [11] and melanoma [1]. The initial clinical results were encouraging, but they have been empirical and arbitrary in regard to dose, route, schedule, and type (strain) of BCG preparation used.
124 MODELING BARTH SYNDROME IN ZEBRAFISH

Purpose Barth syndrome is an X-linked genetic disorder characterized by dilated cardiomyopathy, skeletal myopathy, cyclic neutropenia, organic aciduria and growth retardation. Human Barth syndrome is associated with mutations in tafazzin (TAZ) gene located on Xq28. The function of TAZ is unknown, although the protein has a high degree of homology with acyl-transferases, suggesting a role in mitochondrial cardiolipin metabolism. Our goal was to develop an animal model of this disorder to define functions of the TAZ gene. Methods Western blot analysis with antibodies against the C-terminal TAZ domain was done. To elucidate the role of G4.5 gene in development, we blocked translation of tafazzin mRNA in zebrafish (Danio rerio) by injecting a morpholino antisense oligonucleotide into freshly-fertilized eggs. Results The immunoblot demonstrated that TAZ is located in mitochondria and forms high-molecular weight complexes. In the zebrafish knockdown, after 51 hours, the embryos exhibited severe growth and developmental abnormalities and marked bradycardia. The heart was dilated with pericardial edema, consistent with congestive heart failure. (figure) Conclusions This phenotype resembles human Barth syndrome. Our results show that G4.5 gene is essential for normal cardiac development in zebrafish and provide a model for more detailed characterization of the biochemical phenotype.
A battery of cell toxicity assays as predictors of eye irritation: a feasibility study.

The newly developed "chemical diversity approach" was used to determine whether or not it is likely that a panel of in vitro cell toxicity assays capable of predicting in vivo eye irritation could be assembled. The analyses, based upon available and validated structure-activity relationship models of toxicity in cultured human HeLa cells and murine Balb/c 3T3 cells, indicate that a battery of cytotoxicity tests could provide a viable alternative to the animal-based procedure.