cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Generalizable synthesis of bioresponsive near-infrared fluorescent probes: sulfonated heptamethine cyanine prototype for imaging cell hypoxia.

Continued advancement in bioresponsive fluorescence imaging requires new classes of activatable fluorescent probes that emit near-infrared fluorescence with wavelengths above 740 nm. Heptamethine cyanine dyes (Cy7) have suitable fluorescence properties but it is challenging to create activatable probes because Cy7 dyes have a propensity for self-aggregation and fluorescence quenching. A new synthetic strategy is employed to create a generalizable class of hydrophilic bioresponsive near-infrared fluorescent probes with appended sulfonates that provide excellent physiochemical properties. A prototype version is triggered by nitroreductase enzyme to undergo self-immolative cleavage with a large enhancement in fluorescence signal at 780 nm and the probe enables microscopic imaging of cell hypoxia with “turn on” fluorescence. Near-infrared fluorescence imaging of hypoxia is potentially useful in many different areas of biomedical research and clinical treatment.
Gamma-ray burst jets in supernovae

Abstract We review the current observational status and theoretical interpretations for the class of broad lines type Ic supernovae. They are characterized by fast photospheric expansion and lack of H and He absorption. They have a larger than normal energy budget, suggesting that they are powered or, at least, augmented by a central engine, like a magnetar or an accreting black hole. There appears therefore to be a link between these supernovae and long-duration gamma-ray bursts. However, its nature has not been satisfactorily demystified.
Beam power scale-up in micro-electromechanical systems based multi-beam ion accelerators

We report on the development of multi-beam radio frequency (RF) linear ion accelerators that are formed from stacks of low cost wafers and describe the status of beam power scale-up using an array of 112 beams. The total argon ion current extracted from the 112-beamlet extraction column was 0.5 mA. The measured energy gain in each RF gap reached as high as 7.25 keV. We present a path toward using this technology to achieve ion currents >1 mA and ion energies >100 keV for applications in material processing.
Applying CBR Principles to Reason without Negative Exemplars.

We investigate a method for applying CBR to a source of data where there are no negative exemplars. Our problem domain is one of recommending characteristics of multidisciplinary collaborators based on a collection of funded grants. Thus, there are no negative exemplars. Lacking sufficient domain knowledge, we seek to apply a feedback algorithm to learn weights even in the absence of negative exemplars. Our approach is based on the assumption that well aligned cases, cases where similar problems have similar solutions, are better suited for learning feature weights. Our approach clusters the problem and solution spaces separately to identify well aligned cases. We also identify poorly aligned cases that may hinder effective learning of weights, and exclude them. The clusters of well aligned cases provide a means to utilize feedback algorithms. We use two methods, case alignment and case cohesion, to show that our approach succeeds in identifying well aligned cases. We also compare our approach to a method based on single class learning, a machine learning approach for reasoning without negatives. Our results show that our approach is viable to learning weight in the absence of negative exemplars.
Ten Years of Metallocarboranes

Publisher Summary Metallocarboranes are only been known for ten years, and research into their synthesis and characterization has involved a small number of workers. Practical applications of these unique compounds are not been rapidly forthcoming. Recent work has shown catalytic activity in certain of these compounds and may signify future commercial value and industrial importance of metallocarboranes. The preparative methods of metallocarboranes are discussed in this chapter, for the synthesis of all the known metallocarboranes has been accomplished by one or more of these routes. This chapter focuses on the synthesis, structures, properties, and reactions of η-bonded metallocarboranes. Complexes of 2-carbon carboranes and species that have between nine and fourteen total polyhedral vertices are described in the chapter. The approach to the subject has been to divide the metallocarboranes according to the size of the polyhedron–starting with twelve-vertex compounds, which constitute the majority of the effort, to the larger polyhedral, so far unknown in the B n H n 2 - and C 2 B n-2 H, series, and then to the lower polyhedral. Further subdivisions within each polyhedral size include synthesis, structures, and properties of monometallic complexes, reactions of monometallic, bimetallic preparations and reactions, and, in two instances, trimetallic compounds. This catalyst systemis extremely stable and may be recovered quantitatively from alkene isomerizations and hydrogenation reactions.
Glycoprotein storage disease: A new entity

Abstract Asymptomatic splenomegaly in an adult man prompted a detailed pathologic, histochemical and biochemical investigation. The results suggest the presence of a glycoprotein storage disease involving cells of the reticuloendothelial system. Results of further studies on family members have been consonant with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance but a recessive trait has not been ruled out completely.
An open-ended ball-balancing laboratory project for undergraduates

A new laboratory project has been designed for an introductory course in feedback systems. For this project, kits are provided to students to construct ball-on-beam electromechanical systems with analog control. The students must accurately model the system and design the compensator circuitry. The students are encouraged to rework a variety of elements to improve the system such as: sensor selection and placement, the design of the transmission mechanism, the features (size and mass) of the ball, the power electronics, and the motor drive. These ball-balancing kits provide an open-ended design problem as well as a final product to keep and demonstrate to peers, advertising the course to future students.
Large-scale microarray studies of gene expression in multiple regions of the brain in schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease.

Publisher Summary This chapter assesses the status of microarray technology and data mining strategies as they relate to the analysis of postmortem brain with a focus on schizophrenia (SZ), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and tissue- and donor-quality requirements. The core principle of microarrays and many other molecular biology techniques is hybridization between pairs of nucleic acids, where one member of the pair is immobilized onto a solid surface. One of the most significant applications of microarray technologies has been in studies aiming to determine the gene expression profiles in the normal human brain and in pathological states, such as AD, SZ, and bipolar disorder. The chapter provides an overview of the factors that influence the integrity and yield of RNA extracted from autopsy brain tissues. The use of microarray technology to define region-specific pattern of gene expression is advantageous over the conventional molecular biology methods because it permits uniform examination of the normalized expression pattern of thousands of genes simultaneously in the same specimens. The altered patterns of gene expression are implicated in the initiation and progression of neurodegenerative disorders, such as AD and Parkinson's diseases. In addition, the use of microarray technology to study the neurobiology of SZ in postmortem specimens has uncovered the abnormalities in the expression of not only genes and neurobiological systems that were previously unsuspected, but also that these methodologies have given much broader picture of potentially coordinated systems-level deficits that may underlie this disease. Further, development of these components of microarray techniques will lead to improvements in the quality of the data derived to more efficient and evidence-based mining of the information embedded in gene expression profiles.
Heavy Ion Stripping by Wrinkled Carbon Foils

We report on measurements performed at Argonne to study the properties of wrinkled foils produced by the technique that was first developed at Daresbury(1). Foil lifetimes and transmission properties were measured under exposure to a 3 MeV 84Kr beam at the Argonne Dynamitron accelerator, and to an 8 MeV 58Ni beam at the terminal of the Argonne FN tandem. Energy loss straggling was measured by the time-of-flight method utilizing the picosecond beam bunching system of the Argonne superconducting heavy-ion linear accelerator.
Evaluation of Corn Hybrids Expressing CrylF (Herculex® I Insect Protection) Against Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in the Southern United States

Efficacy of two insect-resistant corn hybrids expressing the Cry1 F insecticidal crystal protein of Bacillus thuringiensis var. aizawai Berliner (transformation event TC1507) was evaluated against fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), in three southern U.S. locations. Larval susceptibility was evaluated on CrylF and nonBt field corn, Zea mays L., plants (V3–V12 and R1–R2 stages) in field plots and laboratory studies. Leaf-feeding injury was significantly less and plant height was significantly greater for hybrids containing Cry1 F as compared with nonBt corn hybrids when exposed to natural or artificial fall armyworm infestations. In addition, larval mortality was significantly greater on CrylF corn hybrids compared with that on nonBt hybrids. These results demonstrate that corn hybrids containing CrylF represent an effective plant incorporated insecticidal protein management option for fall armyworm. In environments where fall armyworm may exceed damage thresholds and have to be carefully ma...
Objectivity of Research: Ethical Aspects

This article elucidates the generally accepted idea that scientists should strive to be objective. It provides a definition of objective research, describes the evolving debate concerning objectivity, examines the foundations of objectivity in science, and discusses some of the principles of conduct relating to objectivity, such as honesty and openness. In exploring this subject, this article addresses several topics related to objectivity, such as error and bias, peer review, cooperation and trust in science, conflicts of interest, social responsibility, and the moral limits of objectivity.
Private Fund Disclosure Under the Dodd-Frank Act

Title IV of the Dodd-Frank Act requires the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to collect sensitive proprietary information from private fund advisers via Form PF. Prior studies suggest that the SEC’s mandated collection of private fund data in Form PF created several core challenges for the private fund industry and for the SEC. This Article presents the results of a survey of SEC-registered investment advisers to private funds after the SEC’s first mandatory collection of private fund data. The key findings of this study indicate that the majority of private fund advisers responding to the survey incurred less than $10,000 to prepare their initial data reporting to the SEC, with the cost of subsequent annual Form PF filings at about half the initial cost. Larger private fund advisers, required to file quarterly, are faced with substantially higher compliance costs, both for their initial data reporting and for subsequent quarterly filings. The data analysis in this study affirms SEC cost estimates for smaller private fund advisers’ Form PF compliance costs. The SEC appears to have overestimated Form PF compliance costs for larger private fund
The Environments of Supernovae in Post-Refurbishment Hubble Space Telescope Images*

The locations of supernovae (SNe) in the local stellar and gaseous environment in galaxies contain important clues to their progenitor stars. Access to this information, however, has been hampered by the limited resolution achieved by ground-based observations. High spatial resolution Hubble Space Telescope (HST) images of galaxy fields in which supernovae had been observed can improve the situation considerably. We have examined the immediate environments of a few dozen supernovae using archival post-refurbishment HST images. Although our analysis is limited because of signal-to-noise ratio and filter bandpass considerations, the images allow us for the first time to resolve individual stars in, and to derive detailed color-magnitude diagrams for, several environments. We are able to place more rigorous constraints on the masses of these supernovae. A search was made for late-time emission from supernovae in the archival images and for the progenitor stars in presupernova images of the host galaxies. We have detected SN 1986J in NGC 891 and, possibly, SN 1981K in NGC 4258. We have also identified the progenitor of the Type IIn SN 1997bs in NGC 3627. By removing younger resolved stars in the environments of SNe Ia, we can measure the colors of the unresolved stellar background and attribute these colors generally to an older, redder population. HST images "accidentally" caught the Type Ia SN 1994D in NGC 4526 shortly after its outburst; we measure its brightness. Finally, we add to the statistical inferences that can be made from studying the association of SNe with recent star-forming regions.
The changing roles of registered nurses in Pioneer Accountable Care Organizations.

Abstract Objectives This study focuses on whether and how Pioneer Accountable Care Organization (ACO) leaders believe the deployment of the registered nurse workforce is changing in response to the shared savings incentives. Methods Semistructured phone interviews with leaders from 18 of the original 32 Pioneer ACOs were conducted. Results Narrative analysis suggests that all of the organizations are developing new and enhanced roles for registered nurses across the continuum of care. Overall, eight types of changes were reported: enhancement of roles, substitution, delegation, increased numbers of nurses, relocation of services, transfer of nurses from one setting to another, the use of liaison nurses across settings, and partnerships between nurses coordinating care in primary and acute care settings. Conclusions This exploratory study suggests that Pioneer ACO leaders believe that payment models are affecting the deployment of the health workforce and that these changes are, in turn, driving outcomes.
δ Scuti variables: The link between giant- and dwarf-type pulsators

An attempt is made to interpret the differences in pulsational behavior between horizontal branch and main sequence (or early post-main sequence) variables. Results of linear stability studies for d Scuti stars are reviewed and supplemented with new calculations. The function of the opacity mechanism in generating instability to a variety of radial and nonradial modes is discussed. The highest excitation rates for these variables, though still much lower than in the case of Cepheids, are found in fundamental modes with higher spherical harmonic orders, l and among higher overtones with low values of l It is argued that amplitudes in δ Scuti stars are limited by nonlinear mode coupling, resulting in lower amplitudes and multiperiodicity, rather than by saturation of the opacity mechanism as is the case with horizontal branch variables.
Composite fermions and the first-Landau-level fine structure of the fractional quantum Hall effect

A set of scalar operators, originally introduced in connection with an analytic first-Landau-level (FLL) construction of fractional quantum Hall (FQHE) wave functions for the sphere, are employed in a somewhat different way to generate explicit representations of both hierarchy states (e.g., the series of fillings $\ensuremath{\nu}=1/3$, 2/5, 3/7,$\ensuremath{\cdots}$) and their conjugates ($\ensuremath{\nu}=1$, 2/3, 3/5,$\ensuremath{\cdots}$) as noninteracting quasielectrons filling fine-structure subshells within the FLL. This yields, for planar and spherical geometries, a quasielectron representation of the incompressible FLL state of filling $p/(2p+1)$ in a magnetic field of strength B that is algebraically identical to the IQHE state of filling $\ensuremath{\nu}=p$ in a magnetic field of strength $\mathrm{B}/(2p+1)$. The construction provides a precise definition of the quasielectron/composite fermion that differs in some respects from common descriptions: they are eigenstates of $L,{L}_{z}$; they and the FLL subshells they occupy carry a third index $\mathcal{I}$ that is associated with breaking of scalar pairs; they absorb in their internal wave functions one, not two, units of magnetic flux; and they share a common, simple structure as vector products of a spinor creating an electron and one creating magnetic flux. We argue that these properties are a consequence of the breaking of the degeneracy of noninteracting electrons within the FLL by the scale-invariant Coulomb potential. We discuss the sense in which the wave function construction supports basic ideas of both composite fermion and hierarchical descriptions of the FQHE. We describe symmetries of the quasielectrons in the $\ensuremath{\nu}=1/2$ limit, where a deep Fermi sea of quasielectrons forms, and the quasielectrons take on Majorana and pseudo-Dirac characters. Finally, we show that the wave functions can be viewed as fermionic excitations of the bosonic half-filled shell, producing at $\ensuremath{\nu}=1/2$ an operator that differs from but plays the same role as the Pfaffian.
Dynamic aggregation with circular visual designs

One very effective method for managing large data sets is aggregation or binning. We consider two aggregation methods that are tightly coupled with interactive manipulation and the visual representation of the data. Through this integration we hope to provide effective support for the aggregation process, specifically by enabling: 1) automatic aggregation, 2) continuous change and control of the aggregation level, 3) spatially based aggregates, 4) context maintenance across different aggregate levels, and 5) feedback on the level of aggregation.
Mass-Transport Considerations Pertinent to Aqueous Phase Reactions of Gases in Liquid-Water Clouds

Reactions of gases in liquid-water clouds are potentially important in the transformation of atmospheric pollutants affecting their transport in the atmosphere and subsequent removal and deposition to the surface. Such processes consist of the following sequence of steps: Mass-transport of the reagent gas or gases to the air-water interface; transfer across the interface and establishment of solubility equilibria locally at the interface; mass-transport of the dissolved gas or gases within the aqueous phase; aqueous-phase chemical reaction(s); mass-transport of reaction product(s) and possible subsequent evolution into the gas-phase. Description of the rate of the overall process requires identification of the rate-limiting step (or steps) and evaluation of the rate of such step(s). Identification of the rate-limiting step may be achieved by evaluation and comparison of the characteristic times pertinent to the several processes and may be readily carried out by methods outlined herein, for known or assumed reagent concentrations, drop size, and fundamental constants as follows: gas- and aqueous-phase diffusion coefficients; Henry’s law coefficient and other pertinent equilibrium constants; interfacial mass-transfer accommodation coefficient; aqueous-phase reaction rate constants(s). A graphical method is described whereby it may be ascertained whether a given reaction is controlled solely by reagent solubility and intrinsic chemical kinetic or is mass-transport limited by one or another of the above processes. In the absence of mass-transport limitation, reaction rates may be evaluated uniformly for the entire liquid-water content of the cloud using equilibrium reagent concentrations. In contrast, where appreciable mass-transport limitation is indicated, evaluation of the overall rate requires knowledge of and integration over the drop-size distribution characterizing the cloud.
Organizational information security as a complex adaptive system: insights from three agent-based models

The management of information security can be conceptualized as a complex adaptive system because the actions of both insiders and outsiders co-evolve with the organizational environment, thereby leading to the emergence of overall security of informational assets within an organization. Thus, the interactions among individuals and their environments at the micro-level form the overall security posture at the macro-level. Additionally, in this complex environment, security threats evolve constantly, leaving organizations little choice but to evolve alongside those threats or risk losing everything. In order to protect organizational information systems and associated informational assets, managers are forced to adapt to security threats by training employees and by keeping systems and security procedures updated. This research explains how organizational information security can perhaps best be managed as a complex adaptive system (CAS) and models the complexity of IS security risks and organizational responses using agent-based modeling (ABM). We present agent-based models that illustrate simple probabilistic phishing problems as well as models that simulate the organizational security outcomes of complex theoretical security approaches based on general deterrence theory (GDT) and protection motivation theory (PMT).
Automating regional descriptive statistic computations for environmental modeling

A GIS toolset was developed to support the extraction of a variety of input variables for environmental models. The developed toolset allows the automated processing of large amounts of raster data over polygon data. A case study was performed in a region centered on eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. Using the developed GIS toolset, topographic, geologic, and climatic characteristics for watersheds corresponding to 35 United States Geological Survey streamflow gauging sites were derived by processing approximately 1500 raster datasets. The developed GIS toolset greatly reduced the time and effort needed to process the GIS data, and provides a useful tool for a wide variety of environmental applications. The developed toolset is freely available for download, and a tutorial has been created.
Design issues and physics for high-performance quantum-cascade lasers

The quantum-cascade lasers (QCL), first demonstrated in 1994, has since been developed into a mature laser emitting within nearly the entire spectrum from 2.6 to 250 μm, particular within the mid-infrared part of the spectrum from 3 to 12 μm for applications in gas sensing for security, environmental and medical uses, as well as for defense-related IR countermeasures. The QCL heterostructure is generally based on the InGaAs/InAlAs system lattice-matched to InP or on its strain-compensated extension to maximize the conduction band discontinuity between well and barrier material. A refinement is the use of mixed-height barriers to engineer the interface scattering of the different levels involved in the lasing process. This design strategy appears to be universally applicable, across the entire range of QCL emission wavelengths. By using low barriers where the upper laser state has its maximum probability and high barriers where the lower laser state has its maximal probability in strain-compensated designs for short wavelength emission, the lifetime of the upper laser state can be increased, while decreasing the lifetime of the lower laser state. First realizations of this design result in Jth = 1.7kA/cm2 at 300 K, slope efficiency η = 1.4 W/A, T0 = 175 K, and T1 = 550 K. Further increases in efficiency can be achieved through designs in which parasitic states near the upper laser level are separated from it, either energetically or oscillator strength. These states may be associated with other k values, or with higher-lying subbands.
Surrogacy marker paradox measures in meta-analytic settings

Because of the time and expense required to obtain clinical outcomes of interest, such as functional limitations or death, clinical trials often focus the effects of treatment on earlier and more easily obtained surrogate markers. Preliminary work to define surrogates focused on the fraction of a treatment effect “explained” by a marker in a regression model, but as notions of causality have been formalized in the statistical setting, formal definitions of high-quality surrogate markers have been developed in the causal inference framework, using either the “causal effect” or “causal association” settings. In the causal effect setting, high-quality surrogate markers have a large fraction of the total treatment effect explained by the effect of the treatment on the marker net of the treatment on the outcome. In the causal association setting, high-quality surrogate markers have large treatment effects on the outcome when there are large treatment effects on the marker, and small effects on the outcome when there are small effects on the marker. A particularly important feature of a surrogate marker is that the direction of a treatment effect be the same for both the marker and the outcome. Settings in which the marker and outcome are positively associated but the marker and outcome have beneficial and harmful or harmful and beneficial treatment effects, respectively, have been referred to as “surrogate paradoxes”. If this outcome always occurs, it is not problematic; however, as correlations among the outcome, marker, and their treatment effects weaken, it may occur for some trials and not for others, leading to potentially incorrect conclusions, and real-life examples that shortened thousands of lives are unfortunately available. We propose measures for assessing the risk of the surrogate paradox using the meta-analytic causal association framework, which allows us to focus on the probability that a given treatment will yield treatment effect in different directions between the marker and the outcome, and to determine the size of a beneficial effect of the treatment on the marker required to minimize the risk of a harmful effect of the treatment on the outcome. We provide simulations and consider two applications.
«La nieve arder». La retórica afectiva en el universo petrarquista de la zarzuela Acis y Galatea

«La nieve arder» analyses the zarzuela Acis y Galatea , with music by Jose de Literes on a libretto by Antonio de Canizares, in the context of the Petrarchan-inherited aesthetics. It focuses on the rhetorical aspects expressed both in text and music, strongly influenced by the Aristotelian tradition, and re-interpreted in several textual and musical treatises: Robortello, Herrera, Lope de Vega and, within a musical context, those by Zarlino, Caccini, Galilei, Kircher, Bermudo and Nasarre, amongst others. This article also takes into account the historical aspects relevant for the first performances of Literes and Canizares' zarzuela , as well as the social and political circumstances which influenced the introduction of the Italian dramma per musica in 17 th century Spain.
Row Spacing, Plant Density, and Hybrid Effects on Corn Grain Yield and Moisture

Producing corn (Zea mays L.) in narrow row spacings has been attempted over the last several decades with varying degrees of success. The objectives of this study, are to determine: (i) if there is a different optimum plant density or (ii) if hybrids of varying relative maturity respond differently for corn grown in narrow row spacings (38 cm) compared with conventional row widths (76 cm). These studies were conducted at six locations across Iowa over 3 yr. Averaged across years, locations, and plant densities, corn grown in 76-cm row spacings produced higher yields than that grown in 38-cm rows (10.5 vs. 10.3 Mg ha 1 , respectively). Harvest moisture content of corn grown in 38-cm row spacings was significantly less than that of corn grown in 76-cm row spacings (160 vs. 161 g kg -1 , respectively). Averaged across years and locations, there was no statistically significant (P < 0.05) yield difference between the two row spacings for four of the six hybrids tested. Hybrid MAX23 yielded significantly more grain in 76-cm row spacings (9.4 vs. 8.9 Mg ha -1 ) while MAX454' yielded more grain in 38-cm row spacings (10.0 vs. 9.8 Mg ha -1 ). It is thus concluded that optimum plant densities for narrow-row corn production are similar to those required to produce maximum yields for conventional wide-row corn production. In addition, a strong hybrid x row spadng interaction among the six hybrids tested here suggests that certain hybrids may perform better at prescribed row spacings.
A reliable method for organ culture of neonatal mouse retina with long-term survival

Organ culture systems of the central nervous system have proven to be useful tools for the study of development, differentiation, and degeneration. Some studies have been limited by the inability to maintain the cultures over an extended period. Here we describe an organ culture technique for the mouse retina. This method uses commercially available supplies and reproducible procedures to maintain healthy retinas with normal architecture for 4 weeks in vitro. The system is amenable to quantitative analysis. It can be used with both normal and retinal degeneration (rd) retinas to study of the role of various factors in photoreceptor degeneration in retinal cell fate determination and development.
Coactivators enable glucocorticoid receptor recruitment to fine-tune estrogen receptor transcriptional responses

Nuclear receptors (NRs) are central regulators of pathophysiological processes; however, how their responses intertwine is still not fully understood. The aim of this study was to determine whether and how steroid NRs can influence each other's activity under co-agonist treatment. We used a unique system consisting of a multicopy integration of an estrogen receptor responsive unit that allows direct visualization and quantification of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) DNA binding, co-regulator recruitment and transcriptional readout. We find that ERα DNA loading is required for other type I nuclear receptors to be co-recruited after dual agonist treatment. We focused on ERα/glucocorticoid receptor interplay and demonstrated that it requires steroid receptor coactivators (SRC-2, SRC-3) and the mediator component MED14. We then validated this cooperative interplay on endogenous target genes in breast cancer cells. Taken together, this work highlights another layer of mechanistic complexity through which NRs cross-talk with each other on chromatin under multiple hormonal stimuli.
Motion of chromosomal loci and the mean-squared displacement of a fractional Brownian motion in the presence of static and dynamic errors

Mean-squared displacement (MSD) analysis is one of the most prevalent tools employed in the application of single-particle tracking to biological systems. In camera-based tracking, the effects of “static error” due to photon fluctuations and “dynamic error” due to motion blur on the MSD have been well-characterized for the case of pure Brownian motion, producing a known constant offset to the straight-line MSD. However, particles tracked in cellular environments often do not undergo pure Brownian motion, but instead can for instance exhibit anomalous diffusion wherein the MSD curve obeys a power law with respect to time, MSD=2D*τα, where D* is an effective diffusion coefficient and 0 < α ≤ 1. There are a number of models that can explain anomalous diffusive behavior in different subcellular contexts. Of these models, fractional Brownian motion (FBM) has been shown to accurately describe the motion of labeled particles such as mRNA and chromosomal loci as they traverse the cytoplasm or nucleoplasm (i.e. crowded viscoelastic environments). Despite the importance of FBM in biological tracking, there has yet to be a complete treatment of the MSD in the presence of static and dynamic errors analogous to the special case of pure Brownian motion. We here present a closed-form, analytical expression of the FBM MSD in the presence of both types of error. We have previously demonstrated its value in live-cell data by applying it to the study of chromosomal locus motion in budding yeast cells. Here we focus on validations in simulated data.
Applications of Duality to the Pure-injective Envelope

Given an R-T-bimodule R K T and R-S-bimodule R M S , we study how properties of R K T affect the K-double dual M** = Hom T [Hom R (M, K), K] considered as a right S-module. If R K is a cogenerator, then for every R-S-bimodule, the natural morphism Φ M : M → M** is a pure-monomorphism of right S-modules. If R K is the minimal (injective) cogenerator and K T is quasi-injective, then M ** is a pure-injective right S-module. If R K is the minimal (injective) cogenerator, and T = End R K it is shown that K T is quasi-injective if and only if the K-topology on R is linearly compact. If the R K-topology on R is of finite type, then the natural morphism Φ R : R → R** is the pure-injective envelope of R R as a right module over itself.
The past and future of magnetic moment measurements of short-lived nuclear states

Over the last few years there has been considerable progress in both experimental facilities and theoretical calculations of magnetic moments of low-lying, short-lived nuclear states. In particular, the competition between collective and single particle excitations in the region around 70 ≤ A ≤ 100 has been examined. Recent data on Pd isotopes are presented. Newly developed techniques are applicable to work with radioactive beams. However, experimental limitations have emerged and will be discussed especially in their relations to the determination of absolute magnetic moments as opposed to relative measurements of moments in chains of isotopes.
Treatment of hyperhidrosis and drooling with botulinum exotoxin.

Botulinum toxin is a new and effective treatment for focal hyperhidrosis of the axillae, palms, forehead, and scalp, as well as treatment of gustatory sweating and drooling. This article reviews the current treatments andoutcomes achieved with chemodenervation of the eccrine sweat glands and salivary glands. Intracutaneous injections of botulinum toxin offer a simple, safe, and effective alternative to other conservative and surgical options.
Comparing Prediction Tools

In the current issue of European Urology, Lughezzani et al [1] have performed a thoughtful study that compares the predictive accuracies of three popular tools (Stephenson et al [2], Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment [CAPRA] [3], and D’Amico et al [4]) for preoperatively predicting biochemical recurrence following radical prostatectomy for men with clinically localized prostate cancer. The study nicely highlights the difficulty in assessing the accuracy of prediction models. First, the concordance index [5] is measured and, from that analysis, Stephenson, then CAPRA, and then D’Amico. The attraction of the concordance index is that it is quantifiable, as a single number, and thus useful for ranking tools. The downside of the concordance index is that it does not reflect calibration or clinical usefulness from a decisionmaking perspective (eg, should you base a clinical decision on the tools’ prediction) [6]. Second, calibration was assessed. The upside of looking at calibration is that a very interpretable picture is provided, comparing predicted probabilities versus actual proportions. The downside is that comparisons become difficult because of many points being plotted. Each point has an error, a distance from the 458 line, and our eyes are needed to summarize this evidence among points when using calibration to pick a prediction tool. This is especially complicated with additional points provided by confidence intervals. Moreover, analyst decisions affect the plots: Using more predicted probability subdivisions, and thus more points on a calibration plot, produces more scatter of the points and wider confidence intervals (due to smaller subset sizes). Thus, as a general rule, the calibration plot looks better to the eye if fewer subsets (ie, points) are plotted, even when judging a single prediction model in isolation. Moreover, the choice of the subsets (ie, which cutoffs, such as quartiles, on the predicted probabilities are
Lunar powder simulator under lunarlike conditions: Dielectric properties

A powered basalt simulating lunar regolith material was subjected to temperature variations similar to those found in the lunar surface during a lunation. To obtain the dielectric response under simulated lunar conditions, all measurements were made in appropriate vacuums which, in addition, allowed for an evaluation of moisture effects in the powdered sample. It is found that during approximately seven tenths of a lunation the dielectric response of a 5- to 10-cm surface layer should be fairly constant. During the remaining three tenths, it should undergo rapid changes. Changes in the dielectric properties of the surface layer should be controlled by temperature. In the subjacent layers such changes are thought to be controlled by the increasing density of the regolith.
A gas chromatographic reactor to measure the effectiveness of antioxidants for polyunsaturated lipids

A method and apparatus consisting of a gas chromatographic reactor was developed to study the effect of antioxidants on lipid-containing systems. The oxygen uptake during the oxidation tests was continuously measured. The relative efficiencies, expressed as protective index, for butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), propyl gallate (PG), α-tocopherol, citric acid, and ascorbic acid on the oxidation of linoleic acid at 85 C and 55 mmHg were determined. The effect of increasing the concentration of BHT (0.025, 0.05, and 0.1%) on the oxidation of safflower oil at 70 C and 45 mmHgO2 was observed. The method was found to be a rapid and reproducible approach to investigate the effect of antioxidants on polyunsaturated lipids.
Distinct genes encode type II Topoisomerases for the nucleus and mitochondrion in the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei.

Topoisomerases are essential for orderly nucleic acid metabolism and cell survival and are proven targets for clinically useful antimicrobial and anticancer drugs. Interest in the topologically intricate mitochondrial DNA (kinetoplast or kDNA) of Trypanosoma brucei brucei and related kinetoplastid protozoan parasites has led to many reports of type II topoisomerases that participate in kDNA metabolism (we term the T. brucei brucei gene TbTOP2mt). We have now identified and characterized two new genes for type II topoisomerases in T. brucei brucei, termed TbTOP2α and TbTOP2β. Phylogenetically, they share a common node with other nuclear topoisomerases, clearly distinct from a clade that includes the previously reported kinetoplastid genes, all of which are homologs of TbTOP2mt. Southern blot analysis reveals the new genes are single copy and positioned ∼1.7 kb apart. Cognate mRNAs are expressed in African trypanosomes, but only a single message is detected in Leishmania or Crithidia. TbTOP2α encodes an ATP-dependent topoisomerase that appears as a single ∼170-kDa band on immunoblots and localizes to the nucleus; RNA interference leads to pleomorphic nuclear (but not kDNA) abnormalities and early growth arrest. The role of TbTOP2β is unclear. Although transcribed in trypanosomes, TbTOP2β is not detected by β-specific antiserum, and RNAi silencing results in no obvious phenotype. These studies indicate that African trypanosomes and related kinetoplastid human pathogens are unusual in having independent topoisomerase II genes to service their nuclear and mitochondrial genomes, and they highlight TbTOP2α as a promising target for the development of much-needed new therapies.
The analysis of conventional Prompt Global Strike alternatives

United States Strategic Command (STRATCOM) has expressed a strong interest in the development of a non-nuclear offensive strategy capable of reaching all enemy targets across the globe within a sixty-minute period from when the launching order is given to when the target is engaged. STRATCOM has defined this mission as conventional Prompt Global Strike (PGS). Currently, STRATCOM believes the United States does not possess any sort of conventional weapon system capable of meeting the criteria of a conventional PGS weapon. The conventional PGS mission calls for a solution that can be implemented immediately. This means the solution must contain only technology that is currently available. As a result of our literature review and our stakeholder analysis, our problem statement is that STRATCOM lacks a conventional PGS capability to hold time-sensitive targets at risk in denied access areas worldwide. To solve this problem, a systems engineering approach is applied to examine different alternatives by using Value-Focused Thinking to develop value models, math modeling to generate performance data, ArcGIS to highlight the system need and to recommend an implementation plan, and a simulation to demonstrate weapon system survivability. This work will result in recommendations for conventional Prompt Global Strike alternatives.
The regional distribution of γ3-melanotropin-like peptides in bovine brain is correlated with adrenocorticotropin immunoreactivity but not with β-endorphin

Abstract Immunoreactive (IR)- γ 3 -melanotropin (MSH), -adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and -β-endorphin in various areas of bovine brain were measured with their respective radioimmunoassays (RIA). The concentrations of IR- γ 3 -MSH were almost the same as those of IR-ACTH in most areas. Furthermore, in all brain regions, the concentrations of both peptides were lower than those of IR-β-endorphin. The highest concentration of IR- γ 3 -MSH was found in hypothalamus, followed by thalamus, midbrain and striatum. Gel permeation chromatographic studies showed that the main γ 3 -MSH-like peptide in the hypothalamus, striatum and midbrain was a small form, whose molecular weight is about 4500. These brain γ 3 -MSH-like peptides were also found to be glycosylated.
Press Gallery: Congress and the Washington Correspondents

Donald Ritchie examines the lives of early, self-styled congressional journalists such as Horace Greeley, Emily Briggs, Benjamin Perley Poore, Jane Grey Swisshelm, Horace White, James G. Blaine, and others who were positioned in the hub of government when the Civil War, the purchase of Alaska, the Cr dit Mohilier scandal, and the Johnson impeachment hearings were making front-page news. Rich in anecdote, this lively hook illuminates an important era of journalism and American history. The nascent issues of censorship, right to privacy, and conflict of interest that it describes are still very much with us.
Colorimetric strip tests: a comparison of visual and reflectometric measurements for quantitative applications

The use of indicator-based colorimetric strip tests for measuring chromate and nitrate in spiked and waste water samples was validated. Test strip readings made by reflectometry were significantly more accurate and reproducible than those made by a visual comparisons to a reference color chart. Each of the analytes was consistently detected at 1 to 2 μg/ml, using the reflectometer. There was an excellent correlation between the analytical results obtained with the strip tests and those obtained using the more traditional laboratory methods of inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry and ion chromatography. This study shows that the use of strip tests for field screening, and as a prescreen in the laboratory, can be a time- and cost-effective alternative or adjunct to currently used laboratory methods.
Dihydrolipoic acid lowers the redox activity of transition metal ions but does not remove them from the active site of enzymes

Alpha-lipoic acid (LA) and its reduced form, dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA), have been suggested to chelate transition metal ions and, hence, mitigate iron- and copper-mediated oxidative stress in biological systems. However, it remains unclear whether LA and DHLA chelate transition metal ions in a redox-inactive form, and whether they remove metal ions from the active site of enzymes. Therefore, we investigated the effects of LA and DHLA on iron- or copper-catalyzed oxidation of ascorbate, a sensitive assay for the redox activity of these metal ions. We found that DHLA, but not LA, significantly inhibited ascorbate oxidation mediated by Fe(III)-citrate, suggesting that reduced thiols are required for iron binding. DHLA also strongly inhibited Cu(II)(histidine)(2)-mediated ascorbate oxidation in a concentration-dependent manner, with complete inhibition at a DHLA:Cu(II) molar ratio of 3:1. In contrast, no inhibition of copper-catalyzed ascorbate oxidation was observed with LA. To investigate whether LA and DHLA remove copper or iron from the active site of enzymes, Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase and the iron-containing enzyme aconitase were used. We found that neither LA nor DHLA, even at high, millimolar concentrations, altered the activity of these enzymes. Our results suggest that DHLA chelates and inactivates redox-active transition metal ions in small-molecular, biological complexes without affecting iron- or copper-dependent enzyme activities.
Nonuniform degradation and hot spots in thin film PV

Patterns of efficiency degradation in thin film PV reveal noticeable variations between nominally identical cells. This and some other observations point at laterally nonuniform degradation driven by weak spots on a cell. These spots can be either preexisting or caused by fluctuation of stresses and temperature; they deteriorate in a runaway mode evolving towards effective linear or nonlinear shunts. Here we present a simplified analytical treatment and numerical modeling of such a nonuniform degradation tracking local deterioration and effects of weak spots on the integral cell parameters.
The isolation of dihydrofolate reductases by affinity chromatography on folate-Sepharose

Abstract Folate-Sepharose affinity column material has been prepared and used for the isolation of dihydrofolate reductases from three sources: (a) amethopterin-resistant L1210 cells in culture; (b) amethopterin-resistant Lactobacillus casei ; and (c) human leukemic leukocytes. The column material was synthesized in two steps: (i) condensation of folate (1 part) and diaminohexane (10 parts) promoted by 1-ethyl-3(3′-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (5 parts) in dimethylsulfoxide; and (ii) combination of the product, 1-aminohexyl-6-amidofolate, with cyanogen bromide-activated Sepharose. Application of a crude cellular homogenate from each source to the affinity matrix led to preferential enzyme retention. After an initial wash with solutions of increased ionic strength, recovery of the two mammalian enzymes was achieved in a greater than 65% yield by elevation of the pH and addition of folate to the elution buffer. The L1210 enzyme was homogeneous by polyacrylamide electrophoresis ( R f = 0.20). The L. casei enzyme (specific activity ∼9 unit/mg) was recovered by merely increasing the eluting buffer strength. However, preliminary passage of the cell extract through DEAE-cellulose followed by affinity chromatography gave improved purification (specific activity ∼16 unit/mg). The reductases from both the L1210 and L. casei sources were recovered as a single form of the enzyme after affinity chromatography, that with no bound NADPH.