cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ruthenium-cross-linked hydrogels for rapid, visible-light protein release.

Abstract Ruthenium (Ru) polypyridyl complexes are described that present chemically reactive moieties on one or two photolabile ligands for engineering photoresponsive molecules or materials. Ru-cross-linkers can form hydrogels, with proteins or other biomolecules embedded. In this way, the protein is “caged” until released with light. By varying the coordinated ligands, Ru-cross-linkers have 1-photon absorption maxima that are tunable across the visible spectrum and into the near-infrared, which enables photoactivation at multiple, different wavelengths (i.e., multiplexing).
Oncogenic NRG1 Fusions: A New Hope for Targeted Therapy in Pancreatic Cancer.

Approximately 8-10% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cases are KRAS wild-type. In a subset of these tumors, NRG1 gene fusions have been identified as targetable oncogenic drivers, a discovery that highlights the importance of deep molecular characterization for KRAS wild-type pancreatic cancers and provides a novel treatment strategy in this disease.
Critical O2 delivery in rat brain.

As O2 delivery (DO2) of whole body,1,2 intestine,3,4 liver,5 or skeletal muscle6 is progressively decreased in anesthetized animals, O2 consumption (VO2) is initially maintained constant via increased O2 extraction by the tissues (O2 supply independence). However, below a critical threshold DO2 value (DO2c), VO2 of these organs decreases in proportion to DO2 (O2 supply dependence). More importantly, dysoxia (i.e. O2 demand that exceeds O2 supply)7 appears to commence at the onset of liver O2 supply dependence, as reflected by the simultaneous decrease in VO2 and increase in hepatic mitochondrial reduction.5 Accordingly, it tentatively appears that dysoxia may be identified, in liver at least, by the DO2c inflection of a biphasic VO2- DO2 relation.
Energy-Efficient Electrochemical Oxidation of Perfluoroalkyl Substances Using a Ti 4 O 7 Reactive Electrochemical Membrane Anode

An energy-efficient Magneli phase Ti4O7 reactive electrochemical membrane (REM) was applied for the oxidation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). Approximately...
Craniofacial Deformities: Etiologies, Distribution, and Classification

Clinicians who study or treat individuals with congenital malformations of the head and neck realize that the spectrum of craniofacial malformations represents a relatively rare set of conditions that exist in a multitude of patterns and in varying degrees of severity. Over several years, many groupings of classifications have been put forth in an attempt to organize these conditions [1, 2]. Most either had been arbitrary or could not be standardized enough to be widely accepted because of extreme or bizarre distortions of the anatomy [3, 4]. Further confusion has arisen because there has not been any unanimity of terminology or satisfactory standardization of the classification of the innumerable craniofacial syndromes. At present, there are over 150 craniofacial syndromes, with new syndromes being described and published at the rate of 25–50/year [5, 6]. Many specialties within the health profession have taken an interest in this task as the study of craniofacial malformations has developed into a multidisciplinary science. This diversity of focus and interest contributes to the difficulty in creating a generalized and acceptable approach to classifications [2]. What appears to be an acceptable designation of a particular anomaly or anatomic defect for a geneticist or syndromologist may fall short for the craniofacial anatomist or surgeon [5–10]. As human genetics and embryology become better defined and the etiologic factors at the gene and molecular level are studied, it is possible that a more exacting classification system will be devised.
Accounting quality and the choice of borrowing base restrictions in debt contracts

This paper examines the effect of accounting quality on the inclusion of a specific debt contract feature, the borrowing base restriction, which limits the borrower’s access to the credit line by t...
KrF–LASER ANNEALING OF NATIVE OXIDES ON GaAs

Annealing of native oxides grown on GaAs has been performed using a pulsed KrF laser. This process allows the oxides to be heated to temperatures well above 350°C without arsenic loss from the GaAs substrate. The physical, chemical, and electronic properties of the oxide are markedly changed by laser processing.
Biophysical determinants of biofilm formation in the gut.

Abstract The gastrointestinal (GI) tract harbors the most complex microbial ecosystem in the human body. The mucosal layer that covers the GI tract serves as a polymer-based defensive barrier that prevents the microbiome from reaching the epithelium and disseminating inside the body. Colonization of the mucus may result in the formation of structured polymicrobial communities or biofilms, a hallmark in pathologies such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic gut wounds. However, the mechanisms by which multispecies biofilms establish on the gut mucosa are unknown. Whether mucus-associated biofilms exist as part of a healthy mucosal barrier is still debated. Here, we discuss the impact that diet and microbial-derived polymers have on mucus structure and microcolony formation and highlight relevant biophysical forces that further shape nascent biofilms.
A Systematic Review of Augmented Input Interventions and Exploratory Analysis of Moderators.

Purpose Augmented input is the act of concurrently modeling language verbally and on a communication device, and is one strategy for teaching individuals to effectively use aided modes of communica...
X-ray scattering reveals ion clustering of dilute chromium species in molten chloride medium

Enhancing the solar energy storage and power delivery afforded by emerging molten salt-based technologies requires a fundamental understanding of the complex interplay between structure and dynamics of the ions in the high-temperature media. Here we report results from a comprehensive study integrating synchrotron X-ray scattering experiments, ab initio molecular dynamics simulations and rate theory concepts to investigate the behavior of dilute Cr3+ metal ions in a molten KCl–MgCl2 salt. Our analysis of experimental results assisted by a hybrid transition state-Marcus theory model reveals unexpected clustering of chromium species leading to the formation of persistent octahedral Cr–Cr dimers in the high-temperature low Cr3+ concentration melt. Furthermore, our integrated approach shows that dynamical processes in the molten salt system are primarily governed by the charge density of the constituent ions, with Cr3+ exhibiting the slowest short-time dynamics. These findings challenge several assumptions regarding specific ionic interactions and transport in molten salts, where aggregation of dilute species is not statistically expected, particularly at high temperature.
Cross-linguistic transfer in Turkish–English bilinguals’ descriptions of motion events

Abstract Languages differ in how they express motion: Languages like English prefer to conflate manner and path into the same clause and express both elements frequently while languages like Turkish prefer to express these elements separately, with a greater preference for the expression of path of motion. While typological patterns are well-established for monolingual speakers of a variety of languages, relatively less is known about motion expression in bilingual speakers. The current study examined the packaging (expressing each element in separate clauses or within the same clause) and lexical choices (amount and diversity of manner and path verbs) for motion expression in monolingual speakers of Turkish or English and advanced Turkish (L1)–English (L2) bilinguals in a narrative elicitation task. Bilinguals were successful in attaining many English-like patterns of expression in their L2 English but also showed some packaging and lexical choices that were intermediate between English and Turkish monolinguals—thus providing evidence of an L1-to-L2 cross-linguistic effect. Subtle effects of L2 on L1 were also found in bilinguals’ lexical choices for the expression of motion in their L1 Turkish. Altogether, our results demonstrate bi-directional transfer effects of learning a typologically distinct language in advanced Turkish–English bilinguals.
Palliative care and coping in patients with acute myeloid leukemia: Mediation analysis of data from a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND It has been shown previously that integrated palliative care for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) during intensive chemotherapy leads to improvements in quality of life (QOL) and mood. Coping has been shown to mediate palliative care interventions in advanced cancer; the mechanisms by which improvements occur among patients with AML remain unexplained. METHODS The authors conducted a secondary analysis of data from a multisite randomized trial of integrated palliative and oncology care (IPC; n = 86) versus usual care (n = 74) for hospitalized patients with AML undergoing intensive chemotherapy. IPC patients met with palliative care at least twice weekly during their initial and subsequent hospitalizations. Patients completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Leukemia, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory to assess QOL, mood, and coping at the baseline and at weeks 2, 4, 12, and 24. Linear regression models were used to assess the effect of IPC on coping. Causal mediation regression models were used to examine whether changes in coping mediated intervention effects on patient-reported outcomes at week 2. RESULTS One hundred sixty eligible patients (68.1%) were enrolled. Those randomized to IPC reported improvements in approach-oriented coping (P < .01) and reductions in avoidant coping (P < .05). These changes in coping mediated the intervention effects on QOL (95% CI, 2.14 to 13.63), depression (95% CI, -2.05 to -0.27), and anxiety symptoms (95% CI, -1.25 to -0.04). Changes in approach-oriented and avoidant coping accounted for 78% of the total palliative care intervention effect on QOL, for 66% of the effect on depression, and for 35% of the effect on anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Palliative care integrated during intensive chemotherapy for patients with AML facilitates coping strategy use. Improvement in coping skills accounts for a substantial proportion of the effect from a palliative care intervention on patient-reported outcomes.
How Does Facebook Retain Segregated Friendship? An Agent-Based Model Approach.

Facebook, the largest social networking site in the world, has overcome the structural barriers that historically constrain individuals to reach out to different others. Through the platform, people from all walks of life and virtually any location can develop diverse friendships online. However, friendships on Facebook have been as segregated as friendships in real life. This research sought to understand why the leading social networking site intended to 'bring the world closer together' retains segregated friendship. In doing so, we employed a series of agent-based simulations based on the Framework for Intergroup Relations and Multiple Affiliations Networks (FIRMAN). As demonstrated, Facebook has primarily enhanced users' capacity to maintain a larger number of friendships (tie capacity), while has done little to empower users' ability to accept diversity and befriend different others (tie outreachability). Facebook must focus on the latter should they truly wish to contribute to the development of a more inclusive society. While in this study we focus on ethnically segregated friendship on Facebook, we argue that the same explanation may also hold for racially and ideologically segregated friendships on other bi-directional social networking sites.
Performance Comparison of VLSI Adders Using Logical Effort

Application of logical effort on transistor-level analysis of different 64-bit adder topologies is presented. Logical effort method is used to estimate delay and impact of different adder topologies and to evaluate the validity of the results obtained using logical effort methodology. The tested adder topologies were Carry-Select, Han-Carlson, Kogge-Stone, Ling, and Carry-Lookahead adder. The quality of the obtained estimates was validated by circuit simulation using H-SPICE for 1.8V, 0.18µm Fujitsu technology.
Mesenchymal stem cell response to growth factor treatment and low oxygen tension in 3-dimensional construct environment

Introduction: cell-based tissue engineering strategies using human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) may help to augment tendon healing. To further investigate the in-vitro behavior of this cell population, we investigated low oxygen culture levels, and growth factor supplementation and their effect on expression of tendon extracellular proteins and cell proliferation. Materials and methods: bone marrow aspirate (BMA) was harvested during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Characterized hMSCs derived from BMA were incorporated into 3-dimensional tissue engineered constructs (TECs). TECs were analyzed by frozen sections with immunohistochemistry for cell density, collagen I and collagen III expression. Results: growth factor stimulation and low oxygen increased cell density within TECs. Low oxygen and addition of growth factors to culture media demonstrated an increase in collagen I and III expression, both in ambient oxygen conditions and low oxygen conditions. Conclusion: low oxygen and TGFβ3 demonstrated a positive effect on cell number, and type I and III collagen expression in 3D culture environments
The case for intervention bias in the practice of medicine.

Bias is an inclination to present or hold a partial perspective at the expense of possibly equal or more valid alternatives. In this paper, we present a series of conditional arguments to prove that intervention bias exists in the practice of medicine. We then explore its potential causes, consequences, and criticisms. We use the term to describe the bias on the part of physicians and the medical community to intervene, whether it is with drugs, diagnostic tests, non-invasive procedures, or surgeries, when not intervening would be a reasonable alternative. The recognition of intervention bias in medicine is critically important given today’s emphasis on providing high-value care and reducing unnecessary and potentially harmful interventions.
Pumpkin Pies and Public Goods: The Raffle Fundraising Strategy

Charitable organizations, such as schools and churches, oftenuse raffles to raise money. This article explores the economicincentives inherent in raffle fundraisers. Raffling off aprize is compared to simply asking for voluntary contributions(i.e., a raffle without a prize). Even if every contributor isrisk-averse, offering a prize can increase contributions to apublic good by more than the value of the prize. Thus, tyingcontributions to a raffle can increase the equilibrium supplyof a public good. Moreover, there exists a raffle prize thatmaximizes the supply of public good over other prizes.
Persistent Spinal Headache After Removal of Intrathecal Drug Delivery System: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Introduction: To report and discuss the spinal headache following insertion and removal of intrathecal drug delivery system in patients with chronic pain disorders. Case Presentation: Intrathecal drug delivery system (IDDS) was initially used for the management of chronic malignant pain; it has since been used to manage pain from other nonmalignant conditions as well. Spinal headache is one of the complications during the trial, permanent placement and after removal of intrathecal drug delivery catheter systems. A 48-year-male patient with chronic pain disorder developed a refractory spinal headache after removing the intrathecal drug delivery system requiring a surgical intervention to resolve the problem. Conclusions: Conservative management is successful in the vast majority of patients with spinal headache. Interventional procedures are required in a small fraction of patients for symptomatic relief.
The influence of temperature on power production during swimming. I. In vivo length change and stimulation pattern.

Ectothermal animals are able to locomote effectively over a wide range of temperatures despite low temperature reducing the power output of their muscles. It has been suggested that animals recruit more muscle fibres and faster fibre types to compensate for the reduced power output at low temperature, but it is not known how much low temperature actually reduces power output in vivo. ‘Optimized’ work-loop measurements, which are thought to approximate muscle function in vivo, give a Q(10) of approximately 2.3 for power output of scup (Stenotomus chrysops) red muscle between 10 degrees C and 20 degrees C. However, because of the slower muscle relaxation rate at low temperatures, ‘optimizing’ work loops requires stimulation duration to be reduced and oscillation frequency to be decreased to obtain maximal power output. Previous fish swimming experiments suggest that similar optimization may not occur in vivo, and this may have substantial consequences in terms of muscle power generation and swimming at low temperatures. To assess more precisely the effects of temperature on muscle performance and swimming, in the present study, we measured the length change, stimulation duration and stimulus phase of red muscle at various positions along scup swimming at several speeds at 10 degrees C and 20 degrees C. In a companion study, we determined the effects of temperature on in vivo power generation by driving muscle fibre bundles through these in vivo length changes and stimulation conditions, and measuring the resulting power output. The most significant finding from the present study is that, despite large differences in the in vivo parameters along the length of the fish (a decrease in stimulus duration, an increase in strain and a negative shift in phase) moving posteriorly, these parameters do not change with temperature. Thus, although the nervous system of fish could, in theory, compensate for slow muscle relaxation by greatly reducing muscle stimulation duration at low temperatures, it does not. This lack of compensation to low temperatures might reflect a potential limitation in neural control.
Insulin-Inducible Changes in the Relative Ratio of PTP1B Splice Variants

Abstract The skeletal muscle activity of protein tyrosine phosphates 1B (PTP1B), a modulator of insulin and IGF-1 signaling, is reduced in obese nondiabetic subjects and in subjects with type 2 diabetes in comparison with leaner, nondiabetic controls. PTP1B mRNA, like many other signaling molecules, including the insulin receptor, is alternatively spliced. Since we have shown that the ratio of the insulin receptor splice variants is modulated by insulin in vitro and is related to insulin levels in vivo, we hypothesized that the relative ratios of the alternatively spliced PTP1B mRNA might also vary in humans in proportion to the degree of hyperinsulinemia. This was tested in 21 nondiabetic Pima Indians, a population at increased risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes. The relative ratio of the PTP1B splice variants was quantified using RT-PCR of total RNA extracted from fractionated monocytes. The ratio of the splice variants was positively correlated with fasting plasma insulin concentration ( r = 0.757; P = 0.0001), 2-h plasma insulin concentration following an oral glucose tolerance test ( r = 0.614; P = 0.01, n = 16), and percentage of body fat ( r = 0.746; P = 0.0001). These data indicate that variability in the ratio of the two splice variants is due, in part, to in vivo levels of chronic hyperinsulinemia. This simple, noninvasive assay is therefore a potential biomarker for chronic hyperinsulinemia, similar to the HbAlc assay in use to monitor glucose management in diabetic patients.
Business Cycle Synchronization in Europe: Evidence from a Dynamic Factor Model

This paper revisits the effect of the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) on the extent of business cycle synchronization across its member states. A dynamic latent factor model is used to identify the ‘regional’ effect of the euro area on output growth and inflation dynamics across European countries. The results of variance decomposition analysis confirm that both output growth and inflation tended to be more synchronized among European countries during the run-up to the EMU, but there is no strong evidence to support the argument that the ‘regional’ effects prevailed after 1999.
Loglinear and multidimensional scaling models of digital library navigation

Computer transaction log analysis comprises the modeling of patterns of machine-user transactions. Due to the web-like structure of the Internet, Interactions can be represented in a three-dimensional, origin-destination-time flow/transaction matrix. Loglinear models are used to model these transactions in terms of their time, origin and destination components and to detect the signature and stability of patterns of navigation through an Internet-based digital library. Through the use of metric multidimensional scaling, transaction patterns are then visualized and interpreted. The methods are applied to a 12-month time Series of transaction logs taken from the Alexandria Digital Library, a web-based digital library of maps and other cartographic materials. Among other things, results show that transaction patterns do not change significantly despite changes in the user interface and that user training has a significant impact on people's navigation of the library.
Fate of immune complexes, glomerulonephritis, and cell-mediated vasculitis in lupus-prone MRL/Mp lpr/lpr mice.

Abstract Immune complex formation was induced by the injection of 125 I-BSA into female MRL/Mp lpr/lpr mice, which develop spontaneous systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-like disease, and MRL/Mp +/+ mice, which do not. At designated intervals following the injection of 10 mg of 125 I-bovine serum albumin (BSA), the nonlupus mice developed sparse, small electron-dense deposits in mesangial areas and subepithelial immune deposits that underwent partial resolution. By contrast, glomeruli of the SLE-prone mouse kidneys revealed proliferation of mesangial cells and some increase in mesangial matrix material. Numerous subepithelial and mesangial electron-dense deposits were present. Some subendothelial and intramembranous deposits were also demonstrated. Capillary lumens contained massive electron-dense deposits. The resolving subepithelial deposits obsreved were fewer than half the number found in kidneys of the non-SLE mice. Whole body counts were also recorded daily following the injection of 125 I-BSA. Whereas, both lupus-prone and non-SLE control mice eliminated 125 I-BSA at equivalent rates through day 12 postinoculation, those with SLE-like disease showed a decreased 125 I-BSA elimination rate between days 6 and 12. Results suggest an impairment in the ability of SLE-prone mice to resolve immune complexes, whether they are nuclear–antinuclear or from an exogenous source, i.e., BSA–anti-BSA, compared to controls in this experimental model of the superimposition of exogenous immune complex formation on systemic lupus erythematosus-like disease.
Light front treatment of the nucleus: Implications for deep inelastic scattering

A light front treatment of the nuclear wave function is developed and applied, using the mean field approximation, to infinite nuclear matter. The nuclear mesons are shown to carry about a third of the nuclear plus momentum ${p}^{+};$ but their momentum distribution has support only at ${p}^{+}=0,$ and the mesons do not contribute to nuclear deep inelastic scattering. This zero mode effect occurs because the meson fields are independent of space-time position.
Decision Making for Two-Phase Network-Coded Cooperative Information Repair in Wireless Networks

In our previous work [6], we proposed a cluster based two-phase PPIR protocol to repair the lost packets among end users during the 3G Base Station (BS) broadcast. The PPIR protocol achieves better performance compared with others since cluster heads have the full knowledge of each cluster and collect the data packets efficiently by exchanging control information with cluster members during the first phase. However, such a scheme incurs a large communication overhead for control information exchange when the cluster size scales up, which leads to large repair delay. In this paper, we design a new scheduling scheme to reduce this overhead by reducing the number of control information exchange. In this manner, cluster heads do not have the full knowledge of their own clusters and need make the decision when to stop waiting for more data packets and enter the second phase. To solve such decision making problem, we propose two approaches, named as the optimization based approach and the optimal stopping approach to reduce the total repair latency. In the first approach, we formulate the problem based on a defined cost metric and find the stopping time according to the minimum cost. In the second approach, every time the cluster head receiving a data packet, it makes a decision based on the knowledge of already received data packets. Simulation results show that the two proposed approaches achieve smaller repair latency compared with the PPIR protocol, and the first approach is suitable for the case of low packet loss rate (during the BS broadcast), while the second approach is suitable for the case of high packet loss rate.
So you want to build a trade model? Available resources and critical choices

Abstract This paper reviews recent developments in trade theory, data, and modeling to provide guidance to researchers who are building and using trade models. Our findings show that trade models have fallen behind the latest development in theory, in part because data collection has not (and arguably will not) be able to keep pace with the needs of models built to incorporate the latest theories. The direction, much less the magnitude, of the errors made due to the limitations of today's trade models is uncertain, which should be a grave concern to modelers and the policymakers who rely on these models.
Terror as Strategy and Relational Process

Common explanations of terrorism, here illustrated by the work of Jessica Stern and of US State Department analysts, have two significant weaknesses. First, they homogenize terror, assuming that one type of person, group, or action accounts for most instances of its use. Second, they focus on dispositions and motives, decision logics, emotions, or cultural templates of terror-producing actors prior to their action. Adequate explanations of terror must repair these defects by a) looking systematically at variation among producers of terror and b) shifting the focus to relations among actors. Terror is a strategy employed by a wide variety of persons and groups, involving a substantial range of actions.
Needlestick injury: blood, mononuclear cells, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Introduction: Because transmission of HIV to health care workers after needlestick injury has occurred mainly a result of deep insertion of large gauge needles, blood and viable mononuclear cells transferred after needlestick injury were measured. Methods: Needles of 20 to 27 gauge were filled with HIV-1 seropositive blood and inserted through extracorporeal human skin or parafilm covering physiologic saline solution modified Drabkin's solution, or culture medium, or inserted directly into one of these fluids, to a depth of one third of the needle length (0.5 inch) for 1 second. Volume of blood transferred was measured by both modified Drabkin's method and by chromium 51 labeling of red blood cells. Transfer of viable mononuclear cells was measured by growth in culture medium containing autologous feeder cells. Results: The volume of blood transferred from a needle passed through skin varied from 312±69 nl from a 20-gauge needle to 14±4 nl from a 27-gauge needle, as measured by modified Drabkin's technique, and from 404±80 nl to 12±3.1 nl, as measured by chromium 51 labeling of red blood cells. The volume of blood transferred from a needle passed through parafilm was twice that transferred through skin. The volume of blood transferred through skin was 40% that transferred directly into fluid not covered by any barrier; blood transferred through parafilm was 80% of that transferred directly. When needles containing blood were inserted into culture medium for 1 second in the absence of a barrier, at least one viable mononuclear cell was almost always transferred to fluid from all gauges of needle tested. Insertion of needles through skin prevented transfer of all viable mononuclear cells from only 3% to 5% of 20- to 23-gauge needles, and from 12% to 32% of 26- and 27-gauge needles. Parafilm was an even less effective barrier than skin. Insertion of needles through parafilm completely prevented transfer of viable mononuclear cells from no 20- to 23-gauge needles and from only 5% to 10% of 26- and 27-gauge needles. Conclusion: The volume of blood transferred after needle insertion through skin for 1 second varied with the gauge of the needle and was 30-fold higher from a 20-gauge than from a 27-gauge needle. Variable mononuclear cells were transmitted after insertion through skin from more than 95% of 20- to 23-gauge needles and from 68% to 88% of 26- and 27-gauge needles. Parafilm was less effective than skin in reducing transmission of blood and viable mononuclear cells.
Deficiency of glutaredoxin 5 reveals Fe–S clusters are required for vertebrate haem synthesis

Iron is required to produce haem and iron–sulphur (Fe–S) clusters, processes thought to occur independently1,2. Here we show that the hypochromic anaemia in shiraz (sir) zebrafish mutants is caused by deficiency of glutaredoxin 5 (grx5), a gene required in yeast for Fe–S cluster assembly. We found that grx5 was expressed in erythroid cells of zebrafish and mice. Zebrafish grx5 rescued the assembly of Δgrx5 yeast Fe–S, showing that the biochemical function of grx5 is evolutionarily conserved. In contrast to yeast, vertebrates use iron regulatory protein 1 (IRP1) to sense intracellular iron and regulate mRNA stability or the translation of iron metabolism genes1,2. We found that loss of Fe–S cluster assembly in sir animals activated IRP1 and blocked haem biosynthesis catalysed by aminolaevulinate synthase 2 (ALAS2). Overexpression of ALAS2 RNA without the 5′ iron response element that binds IRP1 rescued sir embryos, whereas overexpression of ALAS2 including the iron response element did not. Further, antisense knockdown of IRP1 restored sir embryo haemoglobin synthesis. These findings uncover a connection between haem biosynthesis and Fe–S clusters, indicating that haemoglobin production in the differentiating red cell is regulated through Fe–S cluster assembly.
Multicolor quantum dot encoding for polymeric particle-based optical ion sensors.

Multicolor quantum dot-encoded polymeric microspheres are prepared with controllable and uniform doping levels that function as chemical sensors on the basis of bulk optode theory. TOP/TOPO-capped CdSe quantum dots and CdTe quantum dots capped with CdS (λem = 610 and 700 nm, λex = 510 nm) are blended with a THF solution of poly(methyl methacrylate-co-decyl methacrylate), poly(n-butylacrylate), or poly(vinyl chloride) plasticized with bis(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate without a need for ligand exchange. Polymeric microspheres are generated under mild, nonreactive conditions with a particle caster that breaks down a polymer stream containing the quantum dots into fine droplets by the vibration of a piezocrystal. The resulting microspheres exhibit uniform size and fluorescence emission intensities. Fluorescent bar codes are obtained by subsequent doping of two quantum dots with different colors and mass ratios into the microspheres. A linear relationship is found between the readout fluorescence ratio of the two ty...
On market dynamics of electric vehicle diffusion

A sequential game model is proposed to analyze a two-sided market and indirect network effects involving electrical vehicles (EV) and electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS). The investor maximizes his profit by choosing a set of locations to build charging stations or deferring his investment and earning interest at a fixed rate. The investor also decides the optimal pricing of charging. The consumer, on the other hand, decides whether to purchase an EV or a gasoline vehicle (GV) based on the price of EV, the cost of charging, and the availability of charging stations. The solution of the game provides a closed-form expression of the EV market share as a function of EV price, the price of charging, and the density of charging stations. An asymptotically optimal algorithm is proposed for solving the optimization of the investor's decision.
Skill of Canonical Correlation Analysis Forecasts of 3-Month Mean Surface Climate in Hawaii and Alaska.

Abstract Statistical short-term climate predictive skills and their sources for 3-month mean local surface climate (temperature and precipitation) in Hawaii and Alaska have been explored at lead times of up to one year using a canonical correlation analysis (CCA). Four consecutive 3-month predictor periods are followed by a variable lead time and then a single 3-month predictand period. Predictor fields are quasi-global sea surface temperature, Northern Hemisphere 700-mb height, and prior values of the predictand field itself Forecast skill is estimated using cross-validation. Short-term global climate fluctuations such as the El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon are found to play an important role in the climate variability in Hawaii and the southern half of Alaska. During the late winter and spring of mature warm (cold) ENSO events, Hawaii tends to be anomalously warm and dry (wet and cool), while southern Alaska tends to be warm (cold). Hawaii's responses occur more strongly the year after a ...
Description and characterization of an electroactive polymer synthetic jet actuator

The objective of this research was to describe and characterize the performance of an innovative new method of actuating a synthetic jet. This particular method utilizes a pre-strained dielectric elastomer membrane excited to operate at resonance. The paper describes the mechanism by which the actuator operates, the experimental techniques used to characterize it and discusses the results of the characterization. A series of experiments were devised to capture the influence of specific device parameters on the actuator system performance. The device parameters considered were: chamber volume, orifice diameter, orifice length, electrode area, excitation frequency, and excitation amplitude. Six metrics were collected for each of the tests: membrane displacement, chamber pressure, exit velocity, auditory signal, supply voltage, and supply current. Based on the cases tested, peak attainable orifice velocity was experimentally determined to be approximately 17 m/s, though the authors believe this can be significantly increased. Basic system design guidelines were also determined, and directions for future work have been identified.
Nanoscale Site-Selective Catalysis of Surface Assemblies by Palladium-Coated Atomic Force Microscopy Tips: Chemical Lithography without Electrical Current

Chemical reactions of terminal functional groups of organosiloxane surface assemblies were induced by a catalytically active palladium-coated atomic force microscopy (AFM) tip, resulting in lithogr...
Solid matrix and liquid culture procedures for growth of potatoes.

Abstract This report discusses the advantages and limitations of several different procedures for growth of potatoes for CELSS. Solution culture, in which roots and stolons are submerged, and aeroponic culture were not found useful for potatoes because stolons did not produce tubers unless a severe stress was applied to the plants. In detailed comparison studies, three selected culture systems were compared, nutrient film technique (NFT), NFT with shallow media, and pot culture with deep media. For the NFT and NFT plus shallow media, plants were grown in 0.3 m 2 trays and for the deep medium culture, in 20 liter pots. A 1 cm depth of arcillite, a baked montmorillonite clay, was used as shallow media (NFT-arc). Peatvermiculite mixture was used to fill the pots for the deep media. Nutrient solution, modified half-strength Hoagland's was recirculated among the tray culture plants with pH automatically controlled at 5.5, and conductivity maintained ≈ 1100 μS cm −1 by adding stock nutrients or renewing the solution. A separate nutrient solution was used to water the pot plants four times daily to excess and the excess was discarded. Plants of Norland cv. were utilized and transplanted from sterile-propagated stem cutting plantlets. The plants were grown for 66 days under 12 h photoperiod in a first study and grown for 54 days under 24 h photoperiod in a second study. Under both photoperiods, total plant growth was greater in NFT-arc than in either NFT or pot culture. Under 12 h photoperiod, tuber dry weight was 30% higher with NFT-arc, but 50% lower with NFT, than with pot culture. Under 24 h photoperiod, however, tuber dry weight in both NFT and NFT-arc was only 20% of that in pot culture. The NFT and NFT-arc produced a greater shoot growth and larger number of small tubers than pot culture, especially with 24 h photoperiod. It is concluded that there are serious limitations to the use of NFT alone for growth of potatoes in a CELSS system. These limitations can be minimized by using a modified NFT with a shallow layer of media, such as arcillite, yet additional work is needed to ensure high tuber production with this system under long photoperiods.
The influence of microstructure on the failure behaviour of PEEK

In this study, different molecular weight PEEK materials were used to determine the effect of spherulite size on fracture. Melt processing of the PEEK at different temperatures produced samples of different average spherulite size. A permanganic etching technique was used to reveal the spherulites. It was found that for low molecular weight 150P PEEK, the spherulite size increased with melt processing temperature; but, for the higher molecular weight 450G PEEK, the spherulite size remained approximately constant. Also, the average spherulite size was markedly lower for the material of higher molecular weight. The failure behaviour of these samples was studied using a compact tension test. It was found that the fracture toughness of PEEK varied with processing temperature. Also, the average spherulite size of a PEEK material had a profound influence on the fracture mechanism.
Charcoal sketching: returning control to the artist

Background: Traditional paint programs can be criticized on the grounds that they provide fewer degrees of freedom than conventional artistic media. Mouse or tablet input devices usually provide only (x, y) spatial information. Thus most paint programs allow continuous control of the path of a stroke, but render it with a single “brush shape” of fixed size and orientation and use menus, either stationary or appearing, for such tasks as changing “brush” shapes. This produces two distinct discontinuities for the artist. First is a physical discontinuity: stopping the act of drawing and making a brush selection using a different physical device, or using the same device to point at a menu selection. A second discontinuity is the cognitive one involved with deciphering the menu contents and making a selection. Although the second may be minimized by using iconic menus, these interruptions of the drawing act make it difficult or impossible for the artist to maintain the kind of continuous control over his or her medium that is required.A particular example of this level of control is the continuous and immediate control that an artist maintains when sketching with a piece of charcoal or a pencil. By manipulating the implement, the artist can change the shape of its contact point with the drawing surface. By changes in pressure exerted with the implement against the surface, it is possible to control both the darkness (value) and width (weight) of the line. All of these factors are controlled by the artist in real time and with continuous feedback.Both Greene [2] and Strassman [4] have presented methods for capturing more of the artist's “gesture” in the rendered stroke. However, Greene's technique depends on a special-purpose input device and Strassman's does not work in real time. Hill [3] describes a two-handed paintbrush with the off hand controlling a valuator that varies the 'brush width. The technique described here represents another way to provide such control to the user of an interactive paint program. It uses off-the-shelf hardware, is easy to implement, and works in real time. As a single-handed technique, it takes advantage of the artist's skill with existing media.
Math-Style Experiments in J

J is an open source programming language with a rich collection of well-designed primitives and a consistent, compact, mathematics-like syntax. It has amazing array facilities, superb numeric and data processing capabilities, and graceful features allowing functions to be defined compactly.
Adoption of an “Open” Envelope Conformation Facilitating CD4 Binding and Structural Remodeling Precedes Coreceptor Switch in R5 SHIV-Infected Macaques

A change in coreceptor preference from CCR5 to CXCR4 towards the end stage disease in some HIV-1 infected individuals has been well documented, but the reasons and mechanisms for this tropism switch remain elusive. It has been suggested that envelope structural constraints in accommodating amino acid changes required for CXCR4 usage is an obstacle to tropism switch, limiting the rate and pathways available for HIV-1 coreceptor switching. The present study was initiated in two R5 SHIVSF162P3N-infected rapid progressor macaques with coreceptor switch to test the hypothesis that an early step in the evolution of tropism switch is the adoption of a less constrained and more “open” envelope conformation for better CD4 usage, allowing greater structural flexibility to accommodate further mutational changes that confer CXCR4 utilization. We show that, prior to the time of coreceptor switch, R5 viruses in both macaques evolved to become increasingly sCD4-sensitive, suggestive of enhanced exposure of the CD4 binding site and an “open” envelope conformation, and this correlated with better gp120 binding to CD4 and with more efficient infection of CD4low cells such as primary macrophages. Moreover, significant changes in neutralization sensitivity to agents and antibodies directed against functional domains of gp120 and gp41 were seen for R5 viruses close to the time of X4 emergence, consistent with global changes in envelope configuration and structural plasticity. These observations in a simian model of R5-to-X4 evolution provide a mechanistic basis for the HIV-1 coreceptor switch.
Transport-based Three-dimensional Image Reconstruction in Optical Tomography

We implemented a reconstruction algorithm based on the three-dimensional radiative transfer equation (RTE). Reconstruction results obtained indicate that the algorithm can indeed accurately handle the problems with small tissue volumes.
Safety Margins Established by Combined Environmental Tests Increase Atlas Missile Component Reliability

A reliability test program known as a ``Search for Critical Weaknesses'' has been put into operation by the Convair-Astronautics Reliability Organization. The function of this program is to detect critical component weaknesses so that corrective action can be taken before operational failure occurs. Components selected for testing are subjected to combined environmental severlties at and beyond the design requirements. This is done in order to establish a margin of safety and to be able to reassess component reliability in the event that actual flight environments differ from those expected. After completing the first three phases of this program, 203 component types, consisting of 980 individual specimens have been evaluated. A fourth phase in which 105 component types are being tested is nearing completion and a fifth phase has been initiated. This paper covers the testing procedures and the techniques used in determining the relative component reliability during the first three phases of the testing program. In addition, an explanation of representative components' weaknesses was revealed during the tests, and the corrective action taken has been included.
The effect of Helicobacter pylori infection on iron stores and iron deficiency in urban Alaska Native adults

Background Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been correlated with low serum ferritin and iron deficiency. As a secondary analysis of a study of H. pylori reinfection, we investigated the association of H. pylori infection and the effect of its eradication on serum ferritin and iron deficiency. Methods Alaska Native adults undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy had sera collected and a 13C urea breath test (UBT) was performed. Those H. pylori positive were treated with an antibiotic regimen; those who tested negative 2 months after treatment were evaluated at 4, 6, 12, and 24 months by UBT and serum ferritin with an immunoradiometric assay. We excluded persons from further analysis if they were prescribed iron by their provider. Results We measured serum ferritin for 241 persons; 121/241 were H. pylori positive. The geometric mean ferritin (GMF) for persons with and without H. pylori infection was 37 μg/L and 50 μg/L, respectively (p = .04). At enrollment, 19/121 H. pylori-positive persons had iron deficiency compared with 8/120 H. pylori negative (p = .02). Among 66 persons tested at 24 months, the GMF was higher at 24 months (49.6 μg/L) versus enrollment (36.5 μg/L; p = .02). Six of 11 persons with iron deficiency at enrollment no longer had iron deficiency and had a higher GMF (p = .02) 24 months after treatment. Conclusions H. pylori infection was correlated with lower serum ferritin and iron deficiency. After H. pylori eradication, serum ferritin increased and approximately half of persons resolved their iron deficiency. Testing for H. pylori infection and subsequent treatment of those positive could be considered in persons with unexplained iron deficiency.
Deposition and removal of fugitive dust in the arid southwestern United States: measurements and model results.

Abstract This work was motivated by the need to better reconcile emission factors for fugitive dust with the amount of geologic material found on ambient filter samples. The deposition of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 10 μm (PM10), generated by travel over an unpaved road, over the first 100 m of transport downwind of the road was examined at Ft. Bliss, near El Paso, TX. The field conditions, typical for warm days in the arid southwestern United States, represented sparsely vegetated terrain under neutral to unstable atmospheric conditions. Emission fluxes of PM10 dust were obtained from towers downwind of the unpaved road at 7, 50, and 100 m. The horizontal flux measurements at the 7 m and 100 m towers indicated that PM10 deposition to the vegetation and ground was too small to measure. The data indicated, with 95% confidence, that the loss of PM10 between the source of emission at the unpaved road, represented by the 7 m tower, and a point 100 m downwind was less tha...