cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 1777: REGN4018, a novel MUC16xCD3 bispecific T-cell engager for the treatment of ovarian cancer

Advanced ovarian cancer has a high rate of recurrence, thus there is a need for therapies that can produce durable responses and extend overall survival. Infiltrating CD3+ T cells are reported to correlate with improved clinical outcome in stage III/IV ovarian cancer. Bispecific antibodies that engage T cells via CD3 and a tumor antigen on ovarian tumor cells may be able to exploit these tumor-infiltrating T cells and have drawn interest as a novel strategy of antitumor immunotherapy. Mucin16 (MUC16) is a well described antigen highly expressed in ovarian cancer and several other tumors. We generated a human bispecific antibody (REGN4018) that binds MUC16 on tumor cells and CD3, bridging MUC16-expressing cells with CD3+ T cells. REGN4018 demonstrates MUC16-directed T cell activation and polyclonal T cell killing of MUC16-expressing tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. Binding and cytotoxicity are minimally affected by high concentrations of CA-125, the shed form of MUC16 that is used as a biomarker for ovarian cancer. Several murine tumor models were developed to determine the in vivo anti-tumor effects of REGN4018. As a xenogenic tumor model, human OVCAR-3 cells were grown as ascites in immunodeficient mice [NOD-SCID-IL2Rgamma deficient (NSG)] pre-implanted with human PBMC. Significant tumor inhibition by REGN4018 was observed at doses of ≥ 0.1 mg/kg. To enable investigation of clinical bispecific antibodies in tumor-bearing immune competent mice, mice were genetically engineered to humanize both CD3 and a part of MUC16 covering the antibody binding region. ImmunoPET imaging demonstrated localization of REGN4018 in both T cell-rich organs such as the spleen and lymph nodes as well as in MUC16-expressing tumors. REGN4018 inhibited growth of murine tumors transfected with human MUC16 in syngeneic tumor models at doses ≥ 0.05 mg/kg. The safety and tolerability of REGN4018 were evaluated in cynomolgous monkey studies. REGN4018 administration resulted in a minimal and transient increase in serum cytokines and C-reactive protein with no overt toxicity. Collectively, these data show the potent anti-tumor activity and tolerability of REGN4018 and provide strong support for the clinical testing of REGN4018 in patients with MUC16-expressing ovarian cancers. Citation Format: Alison Crawford, Lauric Haber, Kristin Vazzana, Lauren Canova, Priyanka Ram, Jennifer Principio, Arpita Pawashe, Curtis Colleton, Marcus Kelly, Sosina Makkonen, Carlos Hickey, Paurene Duramad, Stephen Godin, John Lin, Eric Smith, Gavin Thurston, Jessica R. Kirshner. REGN4018, a novel MUC16xCD3 bispecific T-cell engager for the treatment of ovarian cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1777.
Treatment of phantom shocks: A case report:

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators have become standard preventive treatment for patients with ventricular arrhythmias and other life-threatening cardiac conditions. The advantages and efficiency of the device are supported by multiple clinical trials and outcome studies, leading to its popularity among cardiologists. Implantation of the device is not without adverse outcomes. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator placement has been found to lead to negative psychological and psychosocial sequelae such as apprehension to engage in physical activity, chronic anxiety, decreased physical and social functioning, a nagging fear of being shocked by the device, and the development of "phantom shocks." Defined as patient-reported shocks in the absence of evidence that the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator device has discharged, phantom shocks could impact the mental health of those affected. This article reviews the case of Mr. L, a 47-year-old man with ischemic cardiomyopathy who was seen by the psychiatry consultation team while under cardiologic care because he reported that his implantable cardioverter-defibrillator device had been shocking him despite no objective evidence after interrogating the device. A literature review of phantom shocks, their associated symptomatology, and psychological consequences are outlined and discussed.
A Cartography of Philosophy’s Engagement with Society

Should philosophy help address the problems of non-philosophers or should it be something isolated both from other disciplines and from the lay public? This question became more than academic for philosophers working in UK universities with the introduction of societal impact assessment in the national research evaluation exercise, the REF. Every university department put together a submission describing its broader impact in case narratives, and these were graded. Philosophers were required to participate. The resulting narratives are publicly available and provide a unique resource permitting a more comprehensive, empirically based consideration of philosophy’s influence outside the academy than has hitherto been possible. This paper takes advantage of this data to develop a cartography of the ways in which philosophers engage society in their work. We identify five approaches: dissemination, engagement, provocations, living philosophy, and philosophy of X. We compare these along the six dimensions proposed by Frodeman and Briggle to characterize the ideal field philosopher. We conclude that there are multiple ways of being a field philosopher, which vary in their emphasis. This pluralism bodes well for the expansion of philosophy’s societal influence, since there are routes available to suit different preferences.
The Prevalence of Substance Use Disorders among Community-based Adults with Legal Problems in the U.S.

AbstractBackground: Current national prevalence estimates of DSM-5 diagnosed substance use disorders (SUDs) among adults with justice system involvement are lacking.Methods: This study drew from NE...
Single-Cell Omics: Circulating Tumor Cells

Abstract This chapter presents circulating tumor cells (CTCs) as a real-time liquid biopsy, with an emphasis on single-cell sequencing. Following an abbreviated introduction of CTC biology, a variety of the most frequently utilized CTC enrichment and detection strategies is summarized. The focus of the chapter then shifts toward single-cell CTC analysis. Methods for single CTC isolation and molecular profiling are reviewed, followed by a summary of several single CTC genomic and transcriptomic studies performed in various malignancies. The chapter closes with a discussion on the importance of single CTC molecular analysis and the unique challenges in the field.
Building Canals from Panama to Mars: Technological Progress and Scientific Ideals

This article explores common themes between the Martian canal debate and the building of the Panama Canal. The focus is on the American period of canal construction in Panama beginning in 1904. The scope of the discussion ends with the Martian opposition of 1907. During this period, the Martian and Panamanian canal narratives intersected at points that reveal mutual values relating to the use of political rhetoric in science and the idealization of science and scientists. Some of those shared values include the dichotomy of old and new, the emphasis on technoscientific progress, and the relationship among wilderness, masculinity, and self-determination. The first section provides context for the larger canal debate. The second section discusses instances in which contemporary media considered the outcomes if Martians, in the forms of both laborers and engineers, were to assist humans in the building of the Panama Canal. By considering their intervention, Martians became idealized into the archetypes of the efficient worker and the objective expert. This section emphasizes a series of articles published in 1905–06 by the first chief engineer for the U.S. Isthmian Canal Commission, John F. Wallace (1852–1921). The third section further explores the political rhetoric of the canal debate by comparing the public identities of Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919) and Percival Lowell (1855–1916), both champions of their respective canal intrigues. This comparison reveals the Martian canal debate as one steeped in Progressive Era political ideology as well as other sociopolitical norms. In conclusion, we are left with two versions of the scientific ideal—the objective, apolitical expert and the heroic scientist.
Market-based drivers of cobranding success

Abstract This research examines the total value impact of cobranding in new product introductions and how the value is distributed between partners. Analysis of 728 cobranded new products in the consumer electronics and packaged goods industries reveals that cobranding does not always create value for partnering firms. In most cases, any value created is distributed asymmetrically between partners. Consistent with resource dependence theory, we find that relative dependencies of partners’ market-based assets (MAs) significantly drive the variance in cobranding value creation and distribution. MA interdependence such as brand, channel, and capability complementarities leads to higher value creation and lesser value asymmetry. In contrast, MA imbalance in terms of brand, channel, and capabilities between partners results in lower value creation and greater value asymmetry. These effects are more pronounced under high market demand uncertainty and competition. The findings offer useful implications for firms looking to build a successful cobranding strategy.
Quantitative imaging biomarkers of CNS lymphoma and its correlation with genotypic markers.

e14520Background: Central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma can be divided into primary CNS lymphoma (PCNS) versus secondary involvement of the CNS in systemic lymphoma. Traditionally radiology-patholo...
The Skinny on Big Box Retailing: Walmart Supercenters and Obesity

The entry of a Walmart Supercenter into a community may impact eating habits and body weights by reducing food prices, increasing food availability, and affecting produce quality. Using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System matched with Walmart Supercenter entry dates and locations, we examine the effects of Supercenters on body mass index (BMI), obesity, and fruit and vegetable consumption. We account for the endogeneity of Walmart Supercenter locations with an instrumental variables approach that exploits the unique geographical pattern of Supercenter expansion around Walmart’s headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas. We find that an additional Supercenter per 100,000 residents is associated with a 0.25 unit increase in average BMI and a 2.4 percentage point increase in the obesity rate. These results imply that the proliferation of Walmart Supercenters explains 10% of the rise in obesity since the late 1980s. Additionally, Supercenter entry results in reduced fruit and vegetable consumption, suggesting that nutrient intake falls as body weights rise. BiographyChalres Courtemanche received a Ph.D. from the Washington University in 2008, when he began a tenure track position in the Department of Economics at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. Currently, he is working on research examining the relationship between rising cigarette prices and obesity, the relationship between working hours and obesity, and the connection between gasoline prices and obesity.
Can I Touch You Through A Screen? A Discussion of “Video Communication and Transgenerational Shame in the Mother/Daughter Bond”

This discussion elaborates on the complexity that electronically mediated treatment adds to Psychoanalytic work. The author explores the fate of the body in a Skype relationship, with particular at...
Radiographic and Histopathologic Features in Sarcoidosis: A Pictorial Display

Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic granulomatous disorder that can affect virtually any organ. However, pulmonary and thoracic lymph node involvement predominates; abnormalities on chest radiographs are present in 80 to 90% of patients with sarcoidosis. High-resolution computed tomographic (HRCT) scans are superior to chest X-rays in assessing extent of disease, and some CT features may discriminate an active inflammatory component (which may be amenable to therapy) from fibrosis (for which therapy is not indicated). Typical findings on HRCT include micronodules, perilymphatic and bronchocentric distribution, perihilar opacities, and varying degrees of fibrosis. Less common findings on CT include mass-like or alveolar opacities, miliary opacities, mosaic attenuation, honeycomb cysts, and cavitation. With progressive disease, fibrosis, architectural distortion, upper lobe volume loss with hilar retraction, coarse linear bands, cysts, and bullae may be observed. We discuss the salient CT findings in patients with sarcoidosis (with a major focus on pulmonary features) and present classical radiographic and histopathological images of a few extrapulmonary sites.
Impact of direct exchange coupling via the insulator on the magnetic tunnel junction based molecular spintronics devices with competing molecule induced inter-electrode coupling

The magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) based molecular spintronics device (MTJMSD) approach is suitable for mass production. This approach provides solutions to fabrication difficulties related to reliably connecting molecular device elements to the ferromagnets (FMs). To producing MTJMSD, the molecular channels are bridged across the insulator of an MTJ testbed with exposed side edges. In an MTJMSD, two FMs are simultaneously connected by an insulator film and the molecular channels along the exposed sides. In our prior experimental studies, we observed that molecules could produce strong coupling between ferromagnets in the presence of the competing coupling via an insulator. In this paper, our Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) was used to study the impact of coupling variation via insulator (a.k.a. Ji) on the magnetic properties of an MTJMSD. We studied the effect of Ji while varying the molecule induced antiferromagnetic exchange coupling. The ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic nature and magnitude of Ji determined the resultant effect. Antiferromagnetic Ji enhanced the pre-existing antiferromagnetic molecular coupling effect. Ferromagnetic Ji competed with the opposite nature of antiferromagnetic molecular coupling. Our MCS may help to understand the impact of insulator thickness and defects on the molecular spintronics device performance and design process.
Genomics and Genetic Predisposition to Critical Illness in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Much progress has been made in the past decade in the understanding of the genetic contribution to the development of human disease, in general, and critical care illness, specifically. With the mapping of the human genome and ongoing mapping of genetic polymorphisms and haplotypes in humans, the field of critical care is now in prime position to study the impact of genetics on common illnesses that affect children who require critical care, to examine how differences of the host defense response lead to variable outcomes in outwardly appearing similar disease states, and to study how genetic differences in response to therapy will help practitioners tailor therapeutic interventions to an individual child’s genetic composition. While we are still years away from true individualized medicine, we are now closer than ever to understanding why two children might respond to the same environmental insult in vastly different ways.
Bad Followers Create Bad Leaders

Bad leadership is often a consequence of followers empowering leaders such that those empowered leaders are corrupted in ways that can lead them to engage in a number of the bad behaviors that result from feelings of power. Followers empowering leaders results from several features of the leader–follower relationship. Both leading and following have evolved as adaptive behaviors for accomplishing group coordination and goal achievement. People expect to follow in many situations and willingly empower leaders. Empowering leaders also occurs because of exchanges between leaders and followers whereby leaders satisfy follower needs in return for legitimacy and power. One important facet of this exchange is leaders boosting follower sense of self-worth in exchange for power.
Microfluidic devices fitted with “flowver” paper pumps generate steady, tunable gradients for extended observation of chemotactic cell migration

Microfluidics approaches have gained popularity in the field of directed cell migration, enabling control of the extracellular environment and integration with live-cell microscopy; however, technical hurdles remain. Among the challenges are the stability and predictability of the environment, which are especially critical for the observation of fibroblasts and other slow-moving cells. Such experiments require several hours and are typically plagued by the introduction of bubbles and other disturbances that naturally arise in standard microfluidics protocols. Here, we report on the development of a passive pumping strategy, driven by the high capillary pressure and evaporative capacity of paper, and its application to study fibroblast chemotaxis. The paper pumps—flowvers (flow + clover)—are inexpensive, compact, and scalable, and they allow nearly bubble-free operation, with a predictable volumetric flow rate on the order of μl/min, for several hours. To demonstrate the utility of this approach, we combined the flowver pumping strategy with a Y-junction microfluidic device to generate a chemoattractant gradient landscape that is both stable (6+ h) and predictable (by finite-element modeling calculations). Integrated with fluorescence microscopy, we were able to recapitulate previous, live-cell imaging studies of fibroblast chemotaxis to platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), with an order-of-magnitude gain in throughput. The increased throughput of single-cell analysis allowed us to more precisely define PDGF gradient conditions conducive for chemotaxis; we were also able to interpret how the orientation of signaling through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway affects the cells’ sensing of and response to conducive gradients.
The Consolidation of Education and Health in Families

For a given person, many socioeconomic resources are correlated, but resources also accumulate in families, depending on how people sort in relationships based on their individual characteristics. ...
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound: A Review of Mechanisms and Clinical Applications

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is an emerging and increasingly useful modality in the treatment of cancer and other diseases. Although traditional use of ultrasound at lower frequencies has primarily been for diagnostic imaging purposes, the development of HIFU has allowed this particular modality to expand into therapeutic use. This non-invasive and acoustic method involves the use of a piezoelectric transducer to deliver high-energy pulses in a spatially coordinated manner, while minimizing damage to tissue outside the target area. This review describes the history of the development of diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound and explores the biomedical applications utilizing HIFU technology including thermally ablative treatment, therapeutic delivery mechanisms, and neuromodulatory phenomena. The application of HIFU across various tumor types in multiple organ systems is explored in depth, with particular attention to successful models of HIFU in the treatment of various medical conditions. Basic mechanisms, preclinical models, previous clinical use, and ongoing clinical trials are comparatively discussed. Recent advances in HIFU across multiple medical fields reveal the growing importance of this biomedical technology for the care of patients and for the development of possible pathways for the future use of HIFU as a commonplace treatment modality.
Phenocopies of sarcomere gene mediated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in children

Abstract Background This article summarizes the non-sarcomere genes that result in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy that may present in childhood. Aim of review While some of these forms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are quite rare, they are important to recognize and consider when providing genetic testing for early onset hypertrophic cardiomyopathy disease. Notably, some of these conditions have specific treatments. Key scientific concepts of review This review will allow pediatric cardiomyopathy specialists to consider a broad range of genetic mutations that lead to pediatric onset hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Bayesian Knockoff Generators for Robust Inference Under Complex Data Structure

The recent proliferation of medical data, such as genetics and electronic health records (EHR), offers new opportunities to find novel predictors of health outcomes. Presented with a large set of candidate features, interest often lies in selecting the ones most likely to be predictive of an outcome for further study such that the goal is to control the false discovery rate (FDR) at a specified level. Knockoff filtering is an innovative strategy for FDR-controlled feature selection. But, existing knockoff methods make strong distributional assumptions that hinder their applicability to real world data. We propose Bayesian models for generating high quality knockoff copies that utilize available knowledge about the data structure, thus improving the resolution of prognostic features. Applications to two feature sets are considered: those with categorical and/or continuous variables possibly having a population substructure, such as in EHR; and those with microbiome features having a compositional constraint and phylogenetic relatedness. Through simulations and real data applications, these methods are shown to identify important features with good FDR control and power.
Improving Intraoperative Parathyroid Hormone Lab Efficiency.

BACKGROUND Intraoperative parathyroid hormone (iPTH) testing is often used to confirm successful removal of hypersecreting parathyroid glands during parathyroidectomy. Unfortunately, the iPTH test can be a time-consuming and highly variable process that occurs while the patient is under anesthesia. We set out to improve iPTH lab efficiency and variability. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of 85 patients who underwent parathyroidectomy at our institution from October 2017 to October 2019. Each step of the iPTH lab reporting process was recorded and analyzed. Three simulations were performed of the entire process. We then established interventions to modify inefficiencies in the process and studied 21 patients who underwent parathyroidectomy at our institution from November 2019 to March 2020. RESULTS Twenty-five minutes of time inherent to the process were identified. Four critical steps were identified as modifiable steps in the process:1. Operating room (OR) blood draw ---> lab receipt.2. Lab receipt ---> placement on centrifuge.3. Removal from centrifuge ---> placement on PTH machine.4. PTH machine result ---> OR verbal report.We improved iPTH lab efficiency by 19%, decreasing the average lab result from 45 to 36 minutes (P = .001). We improved iPTH lab variability by 62%, decreasing the standard deviation from 21 to 8 minutes (P = .001). DISCUSSION Utilizing a team-based approach to identify and expedite critical steps in the iPTH lab process can make a significant improvement in iPTH lab efficiency, improving patient care by decreasing total anesthesia time.
Materno-fetal nutrient transport

This chapter discusses materno-fetal nutrient transfer, particularly focusing on syntrophoblast, which constitutes the main materno-fetal barrier and the main site of placental nutrient metabolism later in pregnancy. The maternally facing side (microvillous membrane, MVM) of the syntrophoblast has numerous cell protrusions (microvilli) while the fetal side (basal membrane, 8M) is relatively smooth. Due to this structural difference, the ratio of microvillous membrane to basal membrane surface areas is typically about 6: 1. The glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) is active at both sides of the syntrophoblast cell layer. This transporter mediates the transfer of both glucose and galactose, but not of other sugars to any significant extent. The placenta preferentially transports essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, in particular arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. A wide range of fatty acids is taken up from maternal circulation with lipoproteins. Amino acids are used extensively by the fetus, and by the placenta itself, as building blocks for protein and peptide synthesis and as an important energy source. Amino acid metabolism in the placenta is very active, providing energy and protein precursors for the growth and sustenance of this crucial organ. The placenta is also the major site for synthesis of glycine from serine, both from maternal and fetal circulation.
Detection of brominated and chlorinated organics by a gas chromatographic microcoulometric detector : Effect of pyrolysis tube conditions

The specific detection of halogenated organics is of considerable interest to environmental scientists. Low levels of organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) entering the environment are important because of their refractory nature and potential for bioaccumulation. Low levels of some other halogenated compounds, such as haloforms, which are produced during the chlorine disinfection of waterre3 must be monitored because they may be directly ingested by humans. Gas chromatography (GC) with an electron-capture detector (ECD) is often used for the analysis of haloforms extracted from water&‘, as well as organochlorine pesticides, PCB, and PBB residues 6_ The ECD is used because of its sensitivity for halogenated compounds and its wide availability. The ECD has some disadvantages including: a lack of specificity; widely varying sensitivity with degree of chlorination, e.g. the ECD is 10’ times more sensitive to CHCI, than to CH,Cl (ref. 7); and sensitivity which varies with positional isomerism, e.g. different sensitivity for PCB isomers having the same degree of chlorination ‘. Microcoulometric detection does not have these disadvantages. The microcoulometric detector responds to the weight of halogen present. Through oxidative pyrolysis the material is converted to titratable halides which are swept into the microcoulometric detector cell where the halides react with the silver ions present in the cell electrolyte. The efficiency of this pyrolysis process varies with compound, pyrolysis temperature, and furnace atmosphere. The coulometer produces a voltage proportional to the current required to replace the consumed silver ions. The detector has a selectivity of IO6 for chlorine over carbon and of lo4 for chlorine over sulfur, nitrogen and phosphorusg. Microcoulometric detection has been used to measure total organic halogen as a water quality parameter using a system with a sample boat for sample introduction’*. In this paper the use of a commercially available microcoulometric detector specifically designed as a GC detector, the Envirotech (Santa Clara, CA, U.S.A.)
Initiation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in a murine 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide and alcohol carcinogenesis model

Esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs) are very common, aggressive tumors, and are often associated with alcohol and tobacco abuse. Because ESCCs exhibit high recurrence rates and are diagnosed at late stages, identification of prognostic and drug targets for prevention and treatment is critical. We used the 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4-NQO) murine model of oral carcinogenesis and the Meadows-Cook model of alcohol abuse to assess changes in the expression of molecular markers during the initial stages of ESCC. Combining these two models, which mimic chronic alcohol and tobacco abuse in humans, we detected increased cellular proliferation (EGFR and Ki67 expression), increased canonical Wnt signaling and downstream elements (β-catenin, FoxM1, and S100a4 protein levels), changes in cellular adhesive properties (reduced E-cadherin in the basal layer of the esophageal epithelium), and increased levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2 and p38. Additionally, we found that treatment with ethanol alone increased the numbers of epithelial cells expressing solute carrier family 2 (facilitated glucose transporter, member 1) (SLC2A1) and carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX), and increased the phosphorylation of p38. Thus, we identified both 4-NQO- and ethanol-specific targets in the initial stages of esophageal carcinogenesis, which should lead to the development of potential markers and therapeutic targets for human ESCC.
Stratigraphy of the mid-Holocene black bands in Lakes Michigan and Huron: Evidence for possible basin-wide anoxia

The post-glacial history of the Great Lakes has involved several changes in lake levels throughout the latest Pleistocene and Holocene, resulting from the changing position of the retreating Laurentide ice sheet, outlet incision and isostatic rebound. The final lowering of lake levels occurred at approximately 7600 14C yr BP, after which lake levels began to rise again to the Nipissing highstand at approximately 4700 14C yr BP. During this time of rising lake levels, black bands of iron sulfide were being formed in the sediments of all five of the Great Lakes. These bands signify suboxic to anoxic conditions, at least within the sediments and possibly at the sediment-water interface, during the middle Holocene warm interval. During this interval, the climate was warmer and drier than present, possibly resulting in the occasional absence of seasonal turnover in the lakes. We examined a series of piston cores from northern Lakes Michigan and Huron and found that the black bands are correlatable among cores taken from within the same basin. The observation that the banding can be correlated suggests a basin-wide cause, near-bottom or sub-bottom anoxia in the northern Michigan and northern Huron sediments during the mid-Holocene warm period. The sedimentary and geochemical processes in the Great Lakes during the middle Holocene warm interval are good indicators of possible future scenarios for the lakes as a result of global warming, as 21st-century temperatures are predicted to reach similar levels due to increased concentrations of greenhouse gases.
An Analysis of Zero-Clairvoyant Scheduling

In the design of real-time systems, it is often the case that certain process parameters, such as its execution time are not known precisely. The challenge in real-time system design is to develop techniques that efficiently meet the requirements of impreciseness. Traditional models tend to simplify the issue of impreciseness by assuming worst-case values. This assumption is unrealistic and at the same time, may cause certain constraints to be violated at run-time. In this paper, we study the problem of scheduling a set of ordered, nonpreemptive jobs under non-constant execution times. Typical applications for variable execution time scheduling include process scheduling in Real-time Operating Systems such as Maruti, compiler scheduling, database transaction scheduling and automated machine control. An important feature of application areas such as robotics is the interaction between execution times of various processes. We explicitly model this interaction through the representation of execution time vectors as points in convex sets. Our algorithms do not assume any knowledge of the distributions of execution times, i.e. they are zero-clairvoyant. We present both sequential and parallel algorithms for determining the existence of a zero-clairvoyant schedule.
A novel statistical approach to detect differences in fat and protein test values among mid-infrared spectrophotometers

Abstract Our objective was to develop a statistical approach that could be used to determine whether a handler's fat, protein, or other solids mid-infrared (MIR) spectrophotometer test values were different, on average, from a milk regulatory laboratory's MIR test values when split-sampling test values are not available. To accomplish this objective, the Proc GLM procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) was used to develop a multiple linear regression model to evaluate 4mo of MIR producer payment testing data (112 to 167 producers per month) from 2 different MIR instruments. For each of the 4mo and each of the 2 components (fat or protein), the GLM model was Response = Instrument + Producer + Date + 2-Way Interactions + 3-Way Interaction . Instrument was significant in determining fat and protein tests for 3 of the 4mo, and Producer was significant in determining fat and protein tests for all 4mo. This model was also used to establish fat and protein least significant differences (LSD) between instruments. Fat LSD between instruments ranged from 0.0108 to 0.0144% (α=0.05) for the 4mo studied, whereas protein LSD between instruments ranged from 0.0046 to 0.0085% (α=0.05). In addition, regression analysis was used to determine the effects of component concentration and date of sampling on fat and protein differences between 2MIR instruments. This statistical approach could be performed monthly to document a regulatory laboratory's verification that a given handler's instrument has obtained a different test result, on average, from that of the regulatory laboratory's and that an adjustment to producer payment may be required.
Synthesis and properties of water-soluble asterisk molecules.

An asterisk is comprised of six semirigid arms projecting from a benzene nucleus. In the case at hand, asterisks were synthesized with one, two, or three aromatic rings (connected by sulfur atoms) in each of the six arms. A phosphomonoester at the termini of each arm solubilized the asterisks in water. The colloidal properties of these amphiphilic molecules were investigated by UV−vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, calorimetry, light scattering, surface tensiometry, and pulse-gradient spin−echo NMR. Solubility, solubilization, metal binding, and micelle “seeding” experiments were also carried out. Chain-conformation and supramolecular assembly into remarkable molecular “scrolls” were investigated by X-ray analysis and electron microscopy, respectively. One of the more interesting properties of the asterisks is that they remain monomeric in water despite having as many as 19 hydrophobic aromatic rings exposed to the water. The reasons for this behavior, and the possibility of exploiting it for constructing...
The neural control of cirral musculature in sessile cirripedia

Abstract 1. 1. The arrangement of the muscles of the cirral rami in Balanus cariosus is described. The rami contain only flexor muscles with decreasing numbers of fibers distally. 2. 2. Intracellular recordings from cirral muscles and motoneurons show (a) cirral muscle fibers are at least doubly innervated; (b) each motoneuron innervates more than one muscle fiber; (c) there is no evidence of peripheral inhibition; and (d) neuromuscular facilitation does not occur.
Non-Abelian vortices and non-Abelian statistics

We study the interactions of non-Abelian vortices in two spatial dimensions. These interactions have novel features, because the Aharonov-Bohm effect enables a pair of vortices to exchange quantum numbers. The cross section for vortex-vortex scattering is typically a multivalued function of the scattering angle. There can be an exchange contribution to the vortex-vortex scattering amplitude that adds coherently with the direct amplitude, even if the two vortices have distinct quantum numbers. Thus two vortices can be "indistinguishable" even though they are not the same.
'7TM receptor allostery: putting numbers to shapeshifting proteins.

Protein allosterism is the change in protein reactivity at one site arising from a molecule binding on the protein at another site. Although allosterism traditionally has been discussed in terms of affinity changes of receptors, the increasing use of functional pharmacological assays makes it mandatory to consider effects on both the affinity and the efficacy. Antagonism of agonist response can occur allosterically by reduction of affinity and/or efficacy but the antagonist will have different properties depending on which of these is primarily affected. This paper discusses the collective behaviors of seven transmembrane (7TM) receptors as allosteric systems that have a modulator (ligand or protein) that interacts and transmits information through a conduit (receptor) to a guest (either other ligand, interacting protein or cytosolic protein). Such receptor allostery can be discussed as vectorial transfers of information from ligand-binding domains (‘classical' modulator allosterism) to the cytosol (functional selectivity) and along the plane of the membrane (receptor dimerization). ‘It is certain that all bodies whatsoever....have perception; for when one body is applied to another…evermore a perception precedeth operation…' Sir Francis Bacon, 1620
Stereotype threat effects on African American children in an urban elementary school.

This study investigated whether a diagnostic testing condition leads to stereotype threat effects for African American children (n = 198) at an urban elementary school. Results indicated that presenting a reading test as diagnostic of abilities hindered the performance of African American children aware of racial stereotypes but not of those unaware of such stereotypes. For stereotype-aware children, the effect of stereotype threat on performance was moderated by level of domain identification such that the effects were most pronounced among children placing greater value on achievement. In addition, domain identification contributed to greater anxiety and lower self-efficacy, suggesting that it is a primary vulnerability factor for stereotype threat effects. Implications for educational equity are discussed, as well as suggestions for developing interventions capable of attenuating stereotype threat effects among children.
Structural transformation and chemical reduction of Pr24O44 induced by the electron beam during microscopical examination

Abstract The effects of electron beam irradiation on Pr 24 O 44 were followed at high resolution in a JEM-4000EX electron microscope. Two categories of electron beam effects are reported. In one image sequence, the orientational transformation of Pr 24 O 44 from the [100] to the [313] direction was observed to occur. In another sequence, reduction of Pr 24 O 44 to Pr 40 O 72 resulted from intense beam irradiation. Electron diffraction patterns showed the further reduction of the specimen to Pr 7 O 12 and finally to Pr 2 O 3 .
Experimental Damage Investigation of a SiC-Ti Aluminide Metal Matrix Composite

Experimental investigations and procedures for the determination of damage are presented for the macro- and micro-analysis of SiC-Titanium Aluminide metal matrix composite (MMC). Uniaxial tension tests are performed on laminate specimens of two different layups. The layups are balanced symmetrically and given as (0/90)s and (±45)s, each containing four plies. Dogbone shaped flat plate specimens are fabricated from each of the layups. Specimens for the different layups are loaded to various load levels ranging from rupture load down to 70% of the rupture load at room temperature. By loading specimens to various load levels damage evolution is experimentally evaluated through a quantitative micro-analysis technique. Micro-analysis is performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on three mutually perpendicular representative cross sections of all specimens for the qualitative and quantitative determination of damage. Together these representative cross sections form a representative volume element (RVE...
High-Voltage ``Video'' Amplifier for Driving Piezoelectric Transducers

An inexpensive wide-band amplifier suitable for driving many piezoelectric transducers encountered in underwater sound propagation studies and laser research is described. Small signal bandwidth is dc to 5 MHz, with large signal response determined by a slew rate limit of 800 V/??s, at maximum output voltage and current of 280 V peak-to-peak and 1 A.
Parallelism in relational database management systems

In order to provide real-time responses to complex queries involving large volumes of data, it has become necessary to exploit parallelism in query processing. This paper addresses the issues and solutions relating to intraquery parallelism in a relational database management system (DBMS). We provide a broad framework for the study of the numerous issues that need to be addressed in supporting parallelism efficiently and flexibly. The alternatives for a parallel architecture system are discussed, followed by the focus on how a query can be parallelized and how that affects load balancing of the different tasks created. The final part of the paper contains information about how the IBM DATABASE 2™ (DB2®) Version 3 product provides support for I/O parallelism to reduce response time for data-intensive queries.
Examples of computer‐aided fermentation systems

The optimal control of a fermentation process can be achieved through the parameter optimisation that is based on the quantitative physiology of the fermentation system. One must first identify the most important state and control variables to the production rate of a particular fermentation product. These variables must be measured accurately and monitored continuously for the control of the process. This necessitates a reliable instrumentation system that is compatible with computer interfacing. A specific method of parameter optimisation of a few key variables and a development of a process control scheme for penicillin fermentation are illustrated as an example. In this example, understanding of quantitative physiological aspect of the fermentation process is emphasized. As the understanding of a process is further advanced, any partial process control scheme can be gradually expanded into an ultimate automatic control of the overall fermentation process. As the complexity of the process control scheme and the multiplicity of the control variables increase, the use of a computer system becomes an economic necessity for the control and monitoring of fermentation process. An example of how this might be done is shown in an information flow-sheet for a computer-coupled fermentation system. Other examples of industrial use of computers for fermentation facilities are shown.
Electronic structure of LiH and NaH

Self-consistent Hartree-Fock energy bands are constructed for LiH and NaH. These energy bands are corrected for effects of correlation and relaxation. The case of NaH is of particular interest in that the valence bandwidth is greater than the excitation energy of a longitudinal exciton. This causes singularities to appear in the simpler electronic polaron models used to include correlation effects. The need to use degenerate perturbation theory for certain regions of the bands is emphasized as the only complete solution to the problem. The position of the $n=1$ exciton line for valence and core excitations is computed using the one-band one-site model in conjunction with the proper $\stackrel{^}{O}\stackrel{^}{A}\stackrel{^}{O}$ operator.
A partial sequence of ionic changes associated with the acrosome reaction of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus

Relationships among several of the ion movements associated with the acrosome reaction of S. purpuratus were investigated. Egg jelly initiates 45Ca2+ and 22Na+ uptake, and K+ and H+ efflux. H+ efflux and 22Na+ uptake occur with approximately equivalent stoichiometries as rapidly as the appearance of acrosomal rods, perhaps reflecting a linked process. Most K+ loss, as measured either by 42K+ efflux or K+-ion-selective electrodes, occurs after the acrosome reaction is complete. Since an elevation of seawater K+ (from 10 to 15 mM) or the addition of 0.5 mM tetraethylammonium (TEA), an inhibitor of K+ channels, inhibits the acrosome reaction half-maximally, K+ movements or alterations of K+-dependent membrane potentials may regulate the triggering by jelly. Most, but not all, of the 45Ca2+ influx is inhibited with a mixture of 10 μM FCCP, 1 mM CN−, and 2 μg/ml oligomycin, suggesting that the mitochondria store most of the Ca2+. The extracellular Na+ concentration affects Ca2+ fluxes: sperm placed into 5 mM Na+ seawater have enhanced 45Ca2+ uptake, but do not undergo the acrosome reaction, unless 30 mM Na+ is also added. Low Na+ concentrations lead to spontaneous triggering, by allowing for both Ca2+ influx and Na+-dependent H+ efflux. At least one early Ca2+ requirement precedes the Na+ and H+ movements, as inferred from attempts at reversing the inhibitors of jelly induction of the acrosome reaction. When sperm are incubated with jelly in the absence of Ca2+, then washed and incubated with jelly in the presence of Ca2+, the acrosome reaction is triggered only upon the second incubation. However, when sperm are mixed with jelly in the presence of the other inhibitors (verapamil, TEA, 5 mM Na+ seawater, low pH, or elevated K+), they are altered so that even upon subsequent washing, jelly-mediated triggering is no longer possible. This suggests the existence of an intermediate state in the reaction pathway, that follows an event for which Ca2+ is required, but that precedes the Na+ and H+ movements, which are inhibited by all inhibitors of the acrosome reaction. These data are used to develop a partial sequence of ionic changes associated with the triggering mechanism.
A Novel Interaction Linking the FAS-II and Phthiocerol Dimycocerosate (PDIM) Biosynthetic Pathways

The fatty acid biosynthesis (FAS-II) pathway in Mycobacterium tuberculosis generates long chain fatty acids that serve as the precursors to mycolic acids, essential components of the mycobacterial cell wall. Enzymes in the FAS-II pathway are thought to form one or more noncovalent multi-enzyme complexes within the cell, and a bacterial two-hybrid screen was used to search for missing components of the pathway and to furnish additional data on interactions involving these enzymes in vivo. Using the FAS-II β-ketoacyl synthase, KasA, as bait, an extensive bacterial two-hybrid screen of a M. tuberculosis genome fragment library unexpectedly revealed a novel interaction between KasA and PpsB as well as PpsD, two polyketide modules involved in the biosynthesis of the virulence lipid phthiocerol dimycocerosate (PDIM). Sequence analysis revealed that KasA interacts with PpsB and PpsD in the region of the acyl carrier domain of each protein, raising the possibility that lipids could be transferred between the FAS-II and PDIM biosynthetic pathways. Subsequent studies utilizing purified proteins and radiolabeled lipids revealed that fatty acids loaded onto PpsB were transferred to KasA and also incorporated into long chain fatty acids synthesized using a Mycobacterium smegmatis lysate. These data suggest that in addition to producing PDIMs, the growing phthiocerol product can also be shuttled into the FAS-II pathway via KasA as an entry point for further elongation. Interactions between these biosynthetic pathways may exist as a simple means to increase mycobacterial lipid diversity, enhancing functionality and the overall complexity of the cell wall.
Spatially resolved SO2 ice on Io, observed in the near IR

Abstract We present equivalent width maps of the 1.98 and 2.13 μm SO2 ice absorption bands on the surface of Io. The data were taken on 17 April 2006 with the near-infrared mapping spectrometer, OSIRIS at the W.M. Keck Observatory, Hawaii. The maps show significant regional enhancements of SO2 ice over the Bosphoros, Media, Tarsus and Chalybes Regiones.
Structural prediction of thiolate-protected Au38: a face-fused bi-icosahedral Au core.

The lowest-energy structure of thiolate-group-protected Au38(SR)24 is with ab initio computations. A unique bi-isocahedral Au23 core is predicted for the Au38(SR)24 cluster, consistent with recent experimental and theoretical confirmation of the icosahedral Au13 core for the [Au25(SR)18]− cluster. The computed optical absorption spectrum and X-ray diffraction pattern are in good agreement with experimental measurements. Like the “magic-number” cluster [Au25(SR)18]−, the high stability and selectivity of the magic-number Au38(SR)24 cluster is attributed to high structural compatibility between the bi-isocahedral Au23 core and the 18 exterior staple motifs.