cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Moana: A robust and scalable cell type classification framework for single-cell RNA-Seq data

Abstract Single-cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-Seq) enables the systematic molecular characterization of heterogeneous tissues at an unprecedented resolution and scale. However, it is currently unclear how to establish formal cell type definitions, which impedes the systematic analysis of scRNA-Seq data across experiments and studies. To address this challenge, we have developed Moana, a hierarchical machine learning framework that enables the construction of robust cell type classifiers from heterogeneous scRNA-Seq datasets. To demonstrate Moana’s capabilities, we construct cell type classifiers for human immune cells that accurately distinguish between closely related cell types in the presence of experimental perturbations and systematic differences between scRNA-Seq protocols. We show that Moana is generally applicable and scales to datasets with more than ten thousand cells, thus enabling the construction of tissue-specific cell type atlases that can be directly applied to analyze new scRNASeq datasets. A Python implementation of Moana can be found at https://github.com/yanailab/moana.
Preparation of Pd/TiO2 nanowires for the photoreduction of CO2 into renewable hydrocarbon fuels

Abstract In this study, various Pd-loaded TiO2 nanowire (Pd/TiO2 NW) catalysts were prepared using the hydrothermal method, and their photocatalytic activity toward the photoreduction of CO2 into methane (CH4) and carbon monoxide (CO) was evaluated. The photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and photoluminescence analysis. The addition of Pd on TiO2 NWs can improve the production yield of CO2 photoreduction to CH4 and CO. The 0.5 wt% Pd/TiO2 NWs showed optimal CO and CH4 yields of 50.4 and 26.7 µmol/g, respectively. Moreover, the 0.5 wt% Pd/TiO2 NWs could be used repeatedly with only a small loss of photocatalytic activity noted after 30 days. Furthermore, a mechanism for the photoreduction of CO2 was proposed. Therefore, Pd/TiO2 NWs are an efficient photocatalyst for the reduction of CO2 to CH4 and CO.
Modification of a bi-functional diguanylate cyclase-phosphodiesterase to efficiently produce cyclic diguanylate monophosphate

Cyclic-diGMP is a bacterial messenger that regulates many physiological processes, including many attributed to pathogenicity. Bacteria synthesize cyclic-diGMP from GTP using diguanylate cyclases; its hydrolysis is catalyzed by phosphodiesterases. Here we report the over-expression and purification of a bi-functional diguanylate cyclase-phosphodiesterase from Agrobacterium vitis S4. Using homology modeling and primary structure alignment, we identify several amino acids predicted to participate in the phosphodiesterase reaction. Upon altering selected residues, we obtain variants of the enzyme that efficiently and quantitatively catalyze the synthesis of cyclic-diGMP from GTP without hydrolysis to pGpG. Additionally, we identify a variant that produces cyclic-diGMP while immobilized to NiNTA beads and can catalyze the conversion of [α-32P]-GTP to [32P]-cyclic-diGMP. In short, we characterize a novel cyclic-diGMP processing enzyme and demonstrate its utility for efficient and cost-effective production of cyclic-diGMP, as well as modified cyclic-diGMP molecules, for use as probes in studying the many important biological processes mediated by cyclic-diGMP.
David Anderson and His Mathematics

It is a pleasure to write a little about my twin brother David and his mathematical work. I will begin by reminiscing our growing up together.
Design Optimization of a Semi-Active Flapping Foil in an Energy Extraction Mode

The application of bio-inspired flapping foils as energy harvesters has been studied in detail during the past decade. However analytical, numerical and experimental studies have primarily focused on investigation of basic underlying physical principles as well as performance enhancement of flow-induced flapping foil energy harvesters especially those related to fully active systems. In this paper, performance analysis of a semi-active flapping foil system has been carried out, where pitch mode is activated while useful energy is extracted through an idealized damper via flow-induced oscillating foil energy harvesters. Governing equation of motion is modeled through a spring-damper system while modeling of hydrodynamic forces and moments is achieved through a Theodorsen's 2D thin plate model. Parametric analysis has exhibited a strong dependence on various factors including kinematic (pitch and heave amplitudes), geometric (pivot location) and structural (damping and stiffness) parameters. All these parameters are optimized to achieve an enhanced performance, where efficiencies of approximately 23% have been achieved at specific parametric range. Analysis shows that due to strong fluid-structure interaction, flapping foils are capable of being deployed as potential energy harvesters whose capacity can be enhanced through regulation of various flow and structural parameters.
Comparison of Pt-BaO/Al2O3 and Pt-CeO2/Al2O3 for NOx storage and reduction: Impact of cycling frequency

Abstract NOx reduction under net lean and near-stoichiometric conditions was carried out on Pt/Al2O3, Pt/CeO2/Al2O3 and Pt/BaO/Al2O3 washcoated monoliths to compare performance features and identify reaction pathways. The impact of the storage components (BaO, CeO2) on the NOx conversion and byproduct (NH3 and N2O) yields was quantified for a range of feed temperatures, reductant types (H2, and C3H6), O2 feed concentrations, and cycle times. The NOx storage functionality is essential for NOx reduction under net lean conditions while the oxygen storage functionality promotes NOx reduction for near-stoichiometric conditions. NOx conversion by H2 under lean conditions is dependent on the NOx storage capacity of the catalyst, with Pt/CeO2/Al2O3 and Pt/BaO/Al2O3 exhibiting the highest NOx conversion below and above 300 °C, respectively. High NOx conversion is achieved over Pt/CeO2/Al2O3 for anaerobic rich feeds at temperatures above 400 °C. Increasing the O2 feed concentration enhances NOx conversion over Pt/CeO2/Al2O3 below 400 °C but inhibits NOx conversion above 400 °C. The former is attributed to promotion of NO oxidation leading to NOx storage while the latter is attributed to O2 inhibition of NO decomposition/reduction. Shorter cycle times increase the NOx conversion with C3H6 as reductant over Pt/BaO/Al2O3 under lean conditions and over PCA for the near-stoichiometric feed. The findings confirm that improved NOx storage utilization is mainly responsible for NOx conversion enhancement. A ceria redox pathway has only a secondary effect on NOx conversion under excess O2.
Initial Presentation, Evaluation and Management of Acute Anorectal Malignancies

Anorectal malignancies, while rising in incidence, are often difficult to detect. Because surgeons may be the only providers completing the patient’s three-part anorectal exam – including external exam, digital anorectal exam (DARE), and anoscopy/sigmoidoscopy – they have a responsibility to be sensitive to the patient’s vulnerable condition and to document all pertinent details. This article highlights key aspects of each step to note in practice. An anal exam under anesthesia should also be considered for patients presenting with acute pain, uncontrolled bleeding, or obstruction. Throughout these processes, intentional positioning and language use are key to optimize patient comfort and maintain trust in the provider-patient relationship.
Phenotypic selection with an intrabody library reveals an anti-apoptotic function of PKM2 requiring Mitofusin-1.

Bcl-2 family proteins control a decisive apoptotic event: mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP). To discover MOMP-regulating proteins, we expressed a library of intracellular single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) (“intrabodies”) and selected for those rescuing cells from apoptosis induced by BimS (the short isoform of Bim). One anti-apoptotic intrabody, intrabody 5 (IB5), recognized pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), which is expressed in cancer cells. PKM2 deletion ablated this clonogenic rescue; thus, IB5 activated a latent cytoprotective function of PKM2. This resulted not from pyruvate kinase activity per se but rather from the formation of an active tetrameric conformation of PKM2. A stably tetrameric PKM2 mutant, K422R, promoted cell survival even in the absence of IB5, and IB5 further increased survival. Mitochondria isolated from IB5-expressing cells were relatively resistant to MOMP in vitro. In cells, IB5 expression up-regulated Mitofusin-1 (Mfn1) and increased mitochondrial length. Importantly, Mfn1 deficiency abrogated IB5’s cytoprotective effect. PKM2’s anti-apoptotic function could help explain its preferential expression in human cancer.
Women’s educational attainment and fertility among Generation X in the United States

This study examines whether the fertility of college-educated women is increasing more quickly across cohorts in Generation X than the fertility of their less educated counterparts. Using data from the National Survey of Family Growth in the United States, this study examines the educational differentials in fertility levels and timing across four five-year cohorts of 'Generation Xers'. Results reveal that total fertility rates (TFRs) are increasing across cohorts for all educational groups and the increase is greatest for college-educated women. The increase in cohort TFR among college-educated women is being primarily driven by an increasing proportion of those with two children transitioning to a third birth. The findings in this paper contribute to the current debate on whether there has been a shift in fertility behaviours among college-educated Generation Xers compared with their Baby Boomer counterparts.
Analgesia Use in Children with Acute Long Bone Fractures in the Pediatric Emergency Department.

Abstract Background Practice variation exists in pain management of children with long bone fractures (LBFs). Objective The objectives of this study were to describe current pain management in children with LBFs and the factors associated with the undertreatment of pain. Methods We retrospectively studied children (aged 0–18 years) with a diagnosis of LBF in a pediatric emergency department (PED) from November 2015 through August 2016. Demographic characteristics and quality measures were noted. We determined the impact of PED crowding using the National Emergency Department Overcrowding Scale. Results A total of 905 patients (63% male, 48% African American) were enrolled. Median age was 6 years (interquartile range [IQR] 7 years), 72% had upper extremity injuries, falls were the most common mechanism (74%), and the majority were discharged (77%). Median time to pain score was 6 min (IQR 14 min). Seventy-two percent received analgesia with a median time to order of 63 min and medication receipt of 87 min. Ibuprofen was the analgesia prescribed most commonly. There were no identified factors associated with oligoanalgesia. Nonuse of narcotics was associated with African-American race, public insurance, single fractures, and arrival via private vehicle. Ambulance arrivals, lower extremity fractures, and disaster mode were associated with receiving analgesia within 60 min. Conclusions In our study, 28% of children with LBFs did not receive pain medications, especially during normal PED volumes. Additional studies are required to explore triage as a venue for analgesia delivery for LBFs.
Sensationalism and Positivism: The French Tradition

This chapter and the two that follow examine advances in science and philosophy during the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries, advances that provide background for the emergence of modern psychology. The chapters are organized around respective developments in France, Britain, and Germany, because the structure of national movements in science and philosophy provided differing models for the building of psychology. Although these traditions overlapped, the teachings of Descartes, Bacon, and Spinoza, were interpreted along characteristic national lines. In France, the mind–body dualism of Descartes was reduced to a materialism that focused on the mechanics of sensory processes to explain all psychological activity. The British tradition, after Francis Bacon, retained Descartes’ notion of the mind yet stressed environmental input to explain the contents of the mind. The German tradition, following Spinoza more than Descartes, emphasized the self-initiating, dynamic qualities of mental activity that transcend both environmental stimuli and the mechanics of sensory physiology. After the death of Descartes in 1650, France entered a golden era of political and cultural ascendancy under the long rule of two absolute monarchs, Louis XIV (r. 1643–1715) and Louis XV (r. 1715–1774). Although this was not a period of complete political tranquility, an intellectual enlightenment prevailed and led to a flowering of literary, scientific, and philosophical achievements. France became the leading nation of continental Europe during this time (Map 8.1). Especially significant were the works of the dramatists Jean Baptiste Poquelin, better known as Molie`re (1622–1673), and Jean Baptiste Racine (1639–1699), as well as the writings of Pierre Corneille (1606–1684) and Jean de La Fontaine (1621–1695). Collectively, they made French the language of literary society. The view of education as the responsibility of society became increasingly prevalent. The rational ideal of the age, reflecting belief in the limitless horizons of human knowledge, resulted in educational opportunities no longer being limited to the nobility. The acquisition of knowledge through education was viewed as the key to success and class mobility. The Church continued to provide early educational opportunities for most people, and the great philosophers of France, such as Denis Diderot (1713–1784) and Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778), established the intellectual basis for universal education (see also Chapter 11). It was Francois-Marie Arouet, better known as Voltaire (1694–1778), who personified this “age of reason.”
Step time asymmetry but not step length asymmetry is adapted to optimize energy cost of split-belt treadmill walking.

Key points The relationship between spatiotemporal gait asymmetry and walking energetics is currently under debate. The split-belt treadmill paradigm has been used to study adaptation of spatiotemporal gait parameters in relation to energetics, but it remains unclear why people reduce asymmetry in step lengths, but prefer asymmetry in step times. In this study we characterized the effects of step time asymmetry and step length asymmetry on energy cost during steady-state walking on a split-belt treadmill at increasing speed-differences. Both the optimal and preferred step time asymmetry increased with greater speed differences, while preferred step lengths remained constant and nearly symmetric. Preferred asymmetric step times were energetically optimal across all speed-difference conditions, while preferred step length asymmetry was not optimal. The findings show that humans will adopt an asymmetric gait that is associated with an energy reduction and suggest that step time asymmetry plays a dominant role in shaping the energetic cost of gait asymmetry. Abstract Healthy human walking is symmetric and economical; hemiparetic and amputee gait is often asymmetric and requires more energy. Consequently, asymmetry has been attributed to account for the added energy cost of pathological gait. But it is also possible that asymmetric gait may be adopted if it is energetically optimal under certain biomechanical and neurological constraints of the locomotor system. Here, we assessed how preferred asymmetry in step times and step lengths of healthy human gait is adapted during split-belt treadmill walking and tested the hypothesis that asymmetry is adapted to optimize metabolic energy cost. Ten healthy, young participants walked on a split-belt treadmill in three conditions in which the average belt speed was always 1.25 m s-1 and the speed difference between the belts was 0.5 m s-1 , 1.0 m s-1 and 1.5 m s-1 while a range of values of step time asymmetry and step length asymmetry were enforced. We found that preferred step time asymmetry increased with greater speed differences while preferred step length asymmetry remained constant and nearly symmetric. With increasing speed differences participants increased their preferred value of step time asymmetry to coincide with the lowest energy cost. However, our results show that preferred step length asymmetry was not optimal even with extensive experience of split-belt treadmill walking. Overall, our results indicate that humans will adopt an asymmetric gait that is associated with an energy reduction and suggest that step time asymmetry plays a dominant role in shaping the energetic cost of gait asymmetry.
Oracles, Dreams, and Other Revelatory Experiences

The oracle at Delphi in ancient Greece communicated to those who came to her with questions and requests what the Greek god Apollo revealed. In this chapter the phenomenon of the oracle at Delphi is discussed, as is the place of revelatory dreams in the Jewish and Christian traditions. The tradition of the “spirit quest” in the Native American heritage, in which revelatory visions are attained, is noted and discussed; and the participatory revelations of the Haitian Vodou tradition are described and discussed.
The Quakes Analytic Center Framework for Addressing Diverse Spatiotemporal Scales of Tectonic and Earthquake Processes

Quantifying Uncertainty and Kinematics of Earthquakes (QUAKES-A) provides an analytic center framework for creating a uniform crustal deformation reference model for the active plate margin of California by fusing InSAR, topographic, and GNSS geodetic imaging data. The objective is to provide tools for sampling spatial processes ranging from local to earthquake faults to broad tectonic deformation and temporal processes ranging from immediately following earthquakes to long-term tectonics. A reference model allows exploration of a uniform model and comparison to new data.
Will it Move?: Indoor Scene Characterization for Hologram Stability in Mobile AR

Mobile Augmented Reality (AR) provides immersive experiences by aligning virtual content (holograms) with a view of the real world. When a user places a hologram it is usually expected that like a real object, it remains in the same place. However, positional errors frequently occur due to inaccurate environment mapping and device localization, to a large extent determined by the properties of natural visual features in the scene. In this demonstration we present SceneIt, the first visual environment rating system for mobile AR based on predictions of hologram positional error magnitude. SceneIt allows users to determine if virtual content placed in their environment will drift noticeably out of position, without requiring them to place that content. It shows that the severity of positional error for a given visual environment is predictable, and that this prediction can be calculated with sufficiently high accuracy and low latency to be useful in mobile AR applications.
Pyruvate Kinase M2 Supports Muscle Progenitor Cell Proliferation but Is Dispensable for Skeletal Muscle Regeneration after Injury.

BACKGROUND Skeletal muscle progenitor cells (MPCs) repair damaged muscle postinjury. Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) is a glycolytic enzyme (canonical activity) that can also interact with other proteins (noncanonical activity) to modify diverse cellular processes. Recent evidence links PKM2 to MPC proliferation. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to understand cellular roles for PKM2 in MPCs and the necessity of PKM2 in MPCs for muscle regeneration postinjury. METHODS Cultured, proliferating MPCs (C2C12 cells) were treated with a short hairpin RNA targeting PKM2 or small molecules that selectively affect canonical and noncanonical PKM2 activity (shikonin and TEPP-46). Cell number was measured, and RNA-sequencing and metabolic assays were used in follow-up experiments. Immunoprecipitation coupled to proteomics was used to identify binding partners of PKM2. Lastly, an MPC-specific PKM2 knockout mouse was generated and challenged with a muscle injury to determine the impact of PKM2 on regeneration. RESULTS When the noncanonical activity of PKM2 was blocked or impaired, there was an increase in reactive oxygen species concentrations (1.6-2.0-fold, P < 0.01). Blocking noncanonical PKM2 activity also increased lactate excretion (1.2-1.6-fold, P < 0.05) and suppressed mitochondrial oxygen consumption (1.3-1.6-fold, P < 0.01). Glutamate dehydrogenase 1 (GLUD1) was identified as a PKM2 binding partner and blocking noncanonical PKM2 activity increased GLUD activity (1.5-1.6-fold, P < 0.05). Mice with an MPC-specific PKM2 deletion did not demonstrate impaired muscle regeneration. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the noncanonical activity of PKM2 is important for MPC proliferation in vitro and demonstrate GLUD1 as a PKM2 binding partner. Because no impairments in muscle regeneration were detected in a mouse model, the endogenous environment may compensate for loss of PKM2.
Computer Graphics Design - The Dramatic Conversion of the Work Force

The work force in design and drafting is undergoing the most dramatic change in its history with the advent of Computer Graphics. The computer and CRT are replacing the traditional T. square, pencil, and compass. Work is being accomplished by one person where manually it would have required several. Even the end product is changing from layouts and details to digital data and mathematical surfaces. Retraining the highly skilled and experienced work force is the key to taking full advantage of this rapidly expanding technology.
Environmental condition alters amphetamine self-administration: role of the MGluR5 receptor and schedule of reinforcement

Rationale Evidence suggests that differential rearing influences the function of a receptor subtype critical for maintaining glutamate homeostasis. Maintaining homeostatic glutamatergic function may be an important protector against drug abuse.
Toward Higher Quality Conversion Studies: Refining the Numbers Game:

This article focuses on the question of accurately determining the costs and returns of tourism advertising campaigns, examining the traditional procedures for conducting conversion studies, and su...
Assessment of microbial diversity along the feline intestinal tract using 16S rRNA gene analysis

The aim of this study was to describe the microbial communities along the gastrointestinal tract in healthy cats based on analysis of the 16S rRNA gene. Gastrointestinal content (i.e. content from the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and colon) was collected from four healthy conventionally raised colony cats and one healthy specific pathogen-free (SPF) cat. Bacterial 16S rRNA genes were amplified using universal bacterial primers and analyzed by comparative sequence analysis. A total of 1008 clones were analyzed and 109 nonredundant 16S rRNA gene sequences were identified. In the four conventionally raised cats, five different bacterial phyla were observed, with sequences predominantly classified in the phylum Firmicutes (68%), followed by Proteobacteria (14%), Bacteroidetes (10%), Fusobacteria (5%), and Actinobacteria (4%). The majority of clones fell within the order Clostridiales (54%), followed by Lactobacillales, Bacteroidales, Campylobacterales, and Fusobacteriales (14%, 11%, 10%, and 6%, respectively). Clostridiales were predominantly affiliated with Clostridium clusters I (58%) and XIVa (27%). The intestinal microbiota of the SPF cat displayed a reduced bacterial diversity, with 98% of all clones classified in the phylum Firmicutes. Further classification showed that the Firmicutes clones belonged exclusively to the class Clostridiales and were predominantly affiliated with Clostridium cluster I.
Reversion of the frameshift hisD3018 of Salmonella typhimurium.

Abstract Previous studies on histidinol dehydrogenase from His+ revertants have shown that the frameshift mutation hisD3018 is a +1 type, resulting from inclusion of an extra cytidylate residue in messenger ribonucleic acid. Histidinol dehydrogenase from newly isolated spontaneous and N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (NG)-induced intragenic revertants has been examined for amino acid replacements. The results provide additional evidence that NG can delete guanine plus cytosine base pairs from deoxyribonucleic acid. One spontaneous revertant was found to result from a +2 addition of approximately 16 nucleotide residues before the +1 parent frameshift, and another by a −4 deletion about six residues before the same. Circumstantial evidence suggests the in vivo codon assignment GAG for glutamic acid. A region of histidinol dehydrogenase highly permissive of amino acid changes encoded in the minus (−) phase is now apparent.
Recintos de la maravilla

Carta imaginaria. Giovanni Quessep (prologo del autor) El Ancora Editores, Bogota, 1998, 54 pags.
Bose glass transition in columnar-defected untwinned YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ

We demonstrate the Bose glass scaling behavior in a single crystal of ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{7\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\delta}}$ (YBCO) free from twin boundary pinning. We determine the scaling exponents from voltage-current measurements near the transition temperature and infer a lock-in transition from measurements of the angular dependence of the resistivity. In addition we demonstrate that the kink in the Bose glass irreversibility line in irradiated untwinned YBCO occurs systematically at the dose matching field.
Return of the Poll Tax

Government entities at all levels have embraced the Internet as a vehicle for government-citizen interaction. The federal government, state governments, and many local governments use the Internet to provide information and conduct government business. While this trend has provided unprecedented access for many Americans, it has also distanced the government from those without an Internet connection. 'Right to govern' cases, including most recently Crawford, set limits on how the government may use the Internet.
Expanding Notions of “Learning Trajectories” in Mathematics Education

Over the past 20 years learning trajectories and learning progressions have gained prominence in mathematics and science education research. However, use of these representations ranges widely in breadth and depth, often depending on from what discipline they emerge and the type of learning they intend to characterize. Learning trajectories research has spanned from studies of individual student learning of a single concept to trajectories covering a full set of content standards across grade bands. In this article, we discuss important theoretical assumptions that implicitly guide the development and use of learning trajectories and progressions in mathematics education. We argue that diverse theoretical conceptualizations of what it means for a student to “learn” mathematics necessarily both constrains and amplifies what a particular learning trajectory can capture about the development of students’ knowledge.
Dominant gain-of-function mutations that lead to misregulation of the C. elegans heterochronic gene lin-14, and the evolutionary implications of dominant mutations in pattern-formation genes.

The heterochronic gene lin-14 controls the temporal sequence of developmental events in the C. elegans postembryonic cell lineage. It encodes a nuclear protein that is normally present in most somatic cells of late embryos and LI larvae but not in later larval stages or adults. Two lin-14 gain-of-function mutations cause an inappropriately high level of the lin-14 nuclear protein late in development. These mutations delete 3′ untranslated sequences from the lin-14 mRNAs and identify a negative regulatory element that controls the formation of the lin-14 protein temporal gradient. The 21 kb lin-14 gene contains 13 exons that are differentially spliced to generate two lin-14 protein products with variable N-terminal regions and a constant C-terminal region. No protein sequence similarity to any proteins in various databases was found. The temporal and cellular expression patterns of lin-14 protein accumulation is altered by mutations in the heterochronic genes lin-4 and lin-28 . The lin-4 gene is required to down-regulate lin-14 protein levels during the mid-Ll stage. The lin-4 gene product could be the trans-acting factor that binds to the negative regulatory element in the lin-14 3′ untranslated region. In contrast, the lin-28 gene activity positively regulates lin-14 protein levels during early LI. Thus, these genes act antagonistically to regulate the lin-14 temporal switch. The normal down-regulation of lin-14 within 10 h of hatching is not determined by the passage of time per se, but rather is triggered when feeding induces postembryonic development. Loss of lin-28 gene activity causes precocious down-regulation of lin-14 protein levels before feeding, whereas loss of lin-4 gene activity does not affect the level of lin-14 protein before feeding. These data suggest that to trigger the lin-14 temporal switch, the lin-4 gene is up-regulated after feeding which in turn down-regulates lin-14 via its 3′ untranslated region. We speculate on the evolutionary implications of dominant mutations in pattern-formation genes.
Lowering the Air‐Electrode Interfacial Resistance in Medium‐Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

A new approach for lowering the air-electrode interfacial resistance in medium-temperature solid oxide fuel cells is described in this paper. Thin interfacial layers of (Y[sub 2]O[sub 3])[sub 0.25](Bi[sub 2]O[sub 3])[sub 0.75] (YSB) were interposed between Ag electrodes and (Y[sub 2]O[sub 3])[sub 0.1](ZrO[sub 2])[sub 0.9] (YSZ) electrolytes and their resistance r, measured in air using complex impedance analysis. The layers were deposited by magnetron sputtering r, decreased as the YSB thickness t[sub YSB] increased, approaching the value for Ag on bulk YSB. For example, at 750[degrees]C r, decreased from [approximately] 10[Omega]cm[sup 2] for Ag on YSZ to [approximately] 1.6[Omega] cm[sup 2] for T[sub YSB] = 50 nm. Larger T[sub YSB] values yielded r, [approximately] 1.5 [Omega]cm[sup 2], the same as the value for Ag on a YSB electrolyte. Auger electron spectroscopy measurements showed that the coverage of YSZ surfaces by YSB increased rapidly with increasing t[sub YSB] up to [approximately] 50nm; the thickness variation of r, was thus readily explained by the variation of the YSB and YSZ surface areas. Initial results for (La[sub 0.7]Sr[sub 0.3])CoO[sub 3] on YSZ with a 50 nm thick YSB layer yielded r = 0.4 [Omega]cm[sup 2] at 750[degrees]C.
Distance Discrimination and Observer Strategy in Judgments of Relative Size

Six paid Ss participated in an experiment designed to assess the effects of observer strategy and the detectability of a distance cue on judgments of relative size. Ss viewed stimulus pairs through a 21-in. tunnel at one end of an 8-ft table. The Standard stimulus, 94 in. from S, was individually paired with three larger and two smaller comparison stimuli 96 in. from S. A slit of light on the table 95 in. from S and 90 deg to his line of sight served as distance cue. Increases in distance detection improved accuracy of relative size judgments when the comparison stimulus was larger than the Standard stimulus, but decreased accuracy when the comparison stimulus was smaller. Magnitude of this effect varied directly with Ss’ post-experimental reports of judgmental strategy. These findings confirm the importance of distance discrimination in judgments of actual size and the necessity to control perceiver characteristics in the study of size-distance relationships.
Micro sized implantable ball lens-based fiber optic probe design

A micro sized implantable ball lens-based fiber optic probe design is described for continuous monitoring of brain activity in freely behaving mice. A prototype uses a 500-micron ball lens and a highly flexible 350-micron-diameter fiber bundle, which are enclosed by a 21G stainless steel sheath. Several types and thickness of brain tissue, consisting of fluorescent probes such as GFP, GCaMP3 calcium indicator, are used to evaluate the performance of the imaging probe. Measured working distance is approximately 400-μm, but is long enough to detect neural activities from cortical and cerebellar tissues of mice brain.
Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions alter the dynamics and distribution of Mn(II) in cultured chick glial cells.

Previous studies revealed that Mn(II) is accumulated in cultured glial cells to concentrations far above those present in whole brain or in culture medium. The data indicated that Mn(II) moves across the plasma membrane into the cytoplasm by facilitated diffusion or counter-ion transport with Ca(II), then into mitochondria by active transport. The fact that 1–10 μM Mn(II) ions activate brain glutamine synthetase makes important the regulation of Mn(II) transport in the CNS. Since Cu(II) and Zn(II) caused significant changes in the accumulation of Mn(II) by glia, the mechanisms by which these ions alter the uptake and efflux of Mn(II) ions has been investigated systematically under chemically defined conditions. The kinetics of [54MN]-Mn(II) uptake and efflux were determined and compared under four different sets of conditions: no adducts, Cu(II) or Zn(II) added externally, and with cells preloaded with Cu(II) or Zn(II) in the presence and absence of external added metal ions. Zn(II) ions inhibit the initial velocity of Mn(II) uptake, increase total Mn(II) accumulated, but do not alter the rate or extent Mn(II) efflux. Cu(II) ions increase both the initial velocity and the net Mn(II) accumulated by glia, with little effect on rate or extent of Mn(II) efflux. These results predict that increases in Cu(II) or Zn(II) levels may also increase the steady-state levels of Mn(II) in the cytoplasmic fraction of glial cells, which may in turn alter the activity of Mn(II)-sensitive enzymes in this cell compartment.
Rigorous extraction of process variations for 65nm CMOS design

Statistical circuit analysis and optimization are critical for robust nanoscale design. To accurately perform such analysis, primary process variation sources need to be identified and modeled for further circuit simulation. In this work, we present a rigorous method to extract process variations from in-situ IV measurements. Transistor statistics are collected from a test chip fabricated in a 65 nm SOI process. We recognize gate length (L), threshold voltage (Vth) and mobility (mu) as the leading variation sources, due to the tremendous process challenge in lithography, channel doping, and stress. To decompose them, only three IV points are needed from the leakage and linear regions. Both L and Vth variations are normally distributed, with negligible spatial correlation. By including extracted variations in the nominal model file, we can accurately predict the change of drive current in all process corners. The new extraction method guarantees excellent model matching with hardware for further statistical circuit analysis.
Protein Kinase C and Guanosine Triphosphate Combine to Potentiate Calcium-dependent Membrane Fusion Driven by Annexin 7

Exocytotic secretion is promoted by the concerted action of calcium, guanine nucleotide, and protein kinase C. We now show that the calcium-dependent membrane fusion activity of annexin 7 in vitro is further potentiated by the combined addition of guanine nucleotide and protein kinase C. The observed increment involves the simultaneous activation of annexin 7 by these two effectors. Guanosine triphosphate (GTP) and its non-hydrolyzable analogues optimally enhance the phosphorylation of annexin 7 by protein kinase C in vitro. Reciprocally, phosphorylation by protein kinase C significantly potentiates the binding and hydrolysis of GTP by annexin 7. Only protein kinase C-dependent phosphorylation has a significant positive effect on annexin 7 GTPase, although other protein kinases, including cAMP-dependent protein kinase, cGMP-dependent protein kinase, and pp60c- src , have been shown to label the protein with high efficiency. In vivo, the ratio of bound GDP/GTP and phosphorylation of annexin 7 change in direct proportion to the extent of catecholamine release from chromaffin cells in response to stimulation by carbachol, or to inhibition by various protein kinase C inhibitors. These results thus lead us to hypothesize that annexin 7 may serve as a common site of action for calcium, guanine nucleotide, and protein kinase C in the exocytotic membrane fusion process in chromaffin cells.
Modulated stagnation-point flow and steady streaming

Plane stagnation-point flow is modulated in the free stream so that the velocity components are proportional to K(H) + K cos omega t. Similarity solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations are examined using high-frequency asymptotics for K and K(H) of unit order. Special attention is focused on the steady streaming generated in this flow with strongly non-parallel streamlines.
Aerodynamically Excited Vibration And Flutter Of A Thin Disk Rotating At Supercritical Speed

Abstract This research describes aerodynamically excited supercritical disk vibration observed in experiments. Spectral analysis and moire photography show that for most fluid densities, a single supercritical backward traveling wave becomes unstable. At pre-flutter speeds, the fluid acts as a random excitation source, but at the flutter speed and at higher speeds the fluid and the disk are strongly coupled. Coupling becomes sufficiently strong that the post-flutter frequency becomes nearly independent of rotation speed, even though the disk stiffens centrifugally as speed increases. Disk flutter is subsonic and often occurs in incompressible flow. Reducing the fluid density decreases the vibration amplitude at all speeds and increases the flutter speed.
Effects of nonnative fish and habitat characteristics on lentic herpetofauna in Yosemite National Park, USA

Abstract Nonnative fishes have been introduced into naturally fishless mountain lakes worldwide, often with negative consequences for native fauna. In this study, I used data collected during a census of native herpetofauna, nonnative trout, and habitat characteristics at all lentic water bodies in Yosemite National Park (n=2655) to quantify the effect of trout introductions and habitat on the distribution of four amphibian species and two reptile species. Impacts of trout on amphibians and reptiles were characterized using generalized additive models that included as predictor variables fish presence/absence, amphibian presence/absence (only in models for the two reptile species), elevation, water depth, littoral zone and shoreline substrate composition, relative survey date, and location. All species showed significant associations with habitat characteristics, and elevation and water depth appeared particularly important in influencing distributions. In addition, distributions of the mountain yellow-legged frog (Rana muscosa) and Pacific treefrog (Hyla regilla) were strongly negatively associated with the presence of nonnative trout while those of the Yosemite toad (Bufo canorus) and Sierra newt (Taricha torosa sierrae) were unrelated to trout presence. The distribution of the mountain garter snake (Thamnophis elegans elegans) was strongly negatively associated with the presence of nonnative trout and positively associated with the presence of native amphibians. Regression results for the Sierra garter snake (Thamnophis couchi couchi) were similar except that the direct effect of nonnative trout was considerably weaker. Together, these results indicate that trout introductions have resulted in considerable alteration of Yosemite's herpetofauna. Long-term studies will be necessary to determine whether removal of nonnative trout populations, where possible, would allow these impacts to be partially reversed.
Encoding of Nonsense Syllables for Meaning

The present study was concerned with the characteristics of the encoded Rs to nonsense syllables. 35 Ss responded under Glaze-type instructions to CVCs at 5 different association value (A.V.) level...
A semi-empirical and ab-initio analysis of fluoroketones as reactive electrophiles

Abstract Fluoroketones have long been known as highly reactive, electrophilic carbonyl compounds and have become increasingly important as inhibitors of hydrolytic enzymes. The enhanced electrophilicity of fluoroketones relative to ketones has been presumed to be due to carbonyl polarization. Results of MNDO and 6-31G** calculations presented in this study argue against this explanation and provide a rationale based on the relative energy of the acceptor (LUMO) orbitals for fluoroketones and ketones. Fluoroketones acceptor orbital energy levels were found to be 21.2 to 28.4 kcal/mole lower than the analogous ketone.
C4 polymorphism: use of a monoclonal antibody to distinguish C4A and C4B locus products.

. A monoclonal antibody reactive against C4B locus products was used in a passive immunoblotting technique to distinguish C4B from C4A electrophoretic variants. The technique is simple and has the advantage of being able to distinguish clearly those C4B variants which may be either difficult to define by conventional hemolytic assay alone or which would normally be designated as C4B products on account of their lack of hemolytic function. Patterns detected by immunoblotting can be compared directly with patterns obtained by immunofixation with anti-C4 from the same gel.
Reasons for and against the use of the team concept in joint settings

The use of teams has become common in organizational settings throughout the world today, even though what constitutes a “team approach” varies widely. The team concept has been touted as a cure to many problems. This article attempts to summarize the many reasons managers and union officials have given to support a team approach. Most of these reasons are logically tied to desires for improved performance and increased satisfaction with work. Interviews conducted by the authors in various settings also revealed some manipulative reasons why the team concept is utilized in some joint settings. The article also points out the reasons why some union officials may actively resist efforts to implement the team approach and why some managers may covertly sabotage efforts. The reader will have a better understanding of the forms of team concept being utilized and the forces for and against these efforts in joint settings.
A path-independent integral for fracture of solids under combined electrochemical and mechanical loadings

In this study, we first demonstrate that the J-integral in classical linear elasticity becomes path-dependent when the solid is subjected to combined electrical, chemical and mechanical loadings. We then construct an electro-chemo-mechanical J-integral that is path-independent under such combined multiple driving forces. Further, we show that this electro-chemo-mechanical J-integral represents the rate at which the grand potential releases per unit crack growth. As an example, the path-independent nature of the electro-chemo-mechanical J-integral is demonstrated by solving the problem of a thin elastic film delaminated from a thick elastic substrate.
Hydrogen Ion Incorporation in Crystals

The protons in crystal structures can be related to the oxygen lattice through several spatial arrangements. In orthosilicates (for example, hydrogarnets), so-called tetrahedral hydroxyls have been demonstrated by indirect methods. Similar methods, when applied to kehoeite and viseite, lead to the conclusion that (H 3 O 2 ) - units can occur in the framework of analcime, a structure in which all apexes of oxygen tetrahedra are shared.
Curcumin blocks brain tumor formation

Turmeric, an essential ingredient of culinary preparations of Southeast Asia, contains a major polyphenolic compound, named curcumin or diferuloylmethane, which eliminates cancer cells derived from a variety of peripheral tissues. Although in vitro experiments have addressed its anti-tumor property, no in vivo studies have explored its anti-cancer activity in the brain. Oral delivery of this food component has been less effective because of its low solubility in water.We show that a soluble formulation of curcumin crosses the blood–brain barrier but does not suppress normal brain cell viability. Furthermore, tail vein injection, or more effectively, intracerebral injection through a cannula, blocks brain tumor formation in mice that had already received an intracerebral bolus of mouse melanoma cells (B16F10).While exploring the mechanism of its action in vitro we observed that the solubilized curcumin causes activation of proapoptotic enzymes caspase 3/7 in human oligodendroglioma (HOG) and lung carcinoma (A549) cells, and mouse tumor cells N18(neuroblastoma), GL261 (glioma), and B16F10. A simultaneous decrease in cell viability is also revealed by MTT [3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide]assays. Further examination of the B16F10 cells showed that curcumin effectively suppresses Cyclin D1, P-NF-kB, BclXL, P-Akt, and VEGF, which explains its efficacy in blocking proliferation, survival, and invasion of the B16F10 cells in the brain. Taken together,solubilized curcumin effectively blocks brain tumor formation and also eliminates brain tumor cells. Therefore, judicious application of such injectable formulations of curcumin could be developed into a safe therapeutic strategy for treating brain tumors.
Flotation separation of hafnium(IV) from aqueous solutions

A simple, rapid method for the separation of hafnium from aqueous solutions has been investigated using(175+181)Hf tracer. Cationic hafnium complex ions were floated from dilute acid solutions with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and anionic hafnium complexes were floated from basic and oxalic acid solutions with hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (HTMAB). The conditions necessary for quantitative recovery of the metal and mechanisms of flotation are described.
Parallel and distributed computing for cybersecurity

Parallel and distributed data mining offer great promise for addressing cybersecurity. The Minnesota Intrusion Detection System can detect sophisticated cyberattacks on large-scale networks that are hard to detect using signature-based systems.
Poly(ethylene glycol) Hydrogels formed by Thiol-Ene Photopolymerization for Enzyme-Responsive Protein Delivery

Degradable hydrogels have been extensively used in biomedical applications such as drug delivery, and recent interest has grown in hydrogels that degrade in recognition of a cellular response. This contribution describes a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel platform with human neutrophil elastase (HNE) sensitive peptide cross-links formed using thiol-ene photopolymerization rendering the gel degradable at sites of inflammation. Further, protein therapeutics can be physically entrapped within the network and selectively released upon exposure to HNE. HNE-responsive hydrogels exhibited surface erosion where the degradation kinetics was influenced by changes in peptide k(cat), concentration of HNE, and concentration of peptide within the gel. Using this platform, we were able to achieve controlled, zero-order release of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in the presence of HNE, and release was arrested in the absence of HNE. To further exploit the advantages of surface eroding delivery systems, a smaller protein (carbonic anhydrase) was delivered at the same rate as BSA and only dependent on gel formulation and environmental conditions. Also, protein release was predicted from a 3-layered hydrogel device using mass loss data. Lastly, the bioactivity of lysozyme was maintained above 90% following the exposure to thiol-ene photopolymerization conditions.