cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
eQTpLot: a user-friendly R package for the visualization and colocalization of eQTL and GWAS signals

Genomic studies increasingly integrate expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) information into their analysis pipelines, but few tools exist for the visualization of colocalization between eQTL and GWAS results. Those tools that do exist are limited in their analysis options, and do not integrate eQTL and GWAS information into a single figure panel, making the visualization of colocalization difficult. To address this issue, we developed the intuitive and user-friendly R package eQTpLot. eQTpLot takes as input standard GWAS and eQTL summary statistics, and optional pairwise LD information, to generate a series of plots visualizing colocalization, correlation, and enrichment between eQTL and GWAS signals for a given gene-trait pair. With eQTpLot, investigators can easily generate a series of customizable plots clearly illustrating, for a given gene-trait pair: 1) colocalization between GWAS and eQTL signals, 2) correlation between GWAS and eQTL p-values, 3) enrichment of eQTLs among trait-significant variants, 4) the LD landscape of the locus in question, and 5) the relationship between the direction of effect of eQTL signals and the direction of effect of colocalizing GWAS peaks. These clear and comprehensive plots provide a unique view of eQTL-GWAS colocalization, allowing for a more complete understanding of the interaction between gene expression and trait associations. In summary, eQTpLot provides a unique, user-friendly, and intuitive means of visualizing eQTL and GWAS signal colocalization, incorporating novel features not found in other eQTL visualization software. We believe eQTpLot will prove a useful tool for investigators seeking a convenient and customizable visualization of eQTL and GWAS data colocalization. Availability and Implementation: The eQTpLot R package and tutorial are available at https://github.com/RitchieLab/eQTpLot Contact: theodore.drivas@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Heavily Tungsten Doped Sodium Thioantimonate Solid State Electrolytes with Exceptionally Low Activation Energy for Ionic Diffusion

A strategy for modifying the structure of solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) to reduce the cation diffusion activation energy is presented. Two heavily W-doped sodium thioantimonate SSEs, Na2.895 W0.3 Sb0.7 S4 and Na2.7 W0.3 Sb0.7 S4 are designed, both exhibiting exceptionally low activation energy and enhanced room temperature (RT) ionic conductivity; 0.09 eV, 24.2 mS/cm and 0.12 eV, 14.5 mS/cm. At -15 °C the Na2.895 W0.3 Sb0.7 S4 displays a total ionic conductivity of 5.5 mS/cm. The 30 % W content goes far beyond the 10-12 % reported in the prior studies, and results in novel pseudo-cubic or orthorhombic structures. Calculations reveal that these properties result from a combination of multiple diffusion mechanisms, including vacancy defects, strongly correlated modes and excessive Na-ions. An all-solid-state battery (ASSB) using Na2.895 W0.3 Sb0.7 S4 as the primary SSE and a sodium sulfide (Na2 S) cathode achieves a reversible capacity of 400 mAh g-1 .
Review of exploiting nonlinearity in phononic materials to enable nonlinear wave responses

Phononic materials are periodically arranged building blocks in the form of material properties, geometries, and/or boundary conditions. This synthetic architecture makes phononic materials capable of manipulating mechanical waves that have potential applications across multiple disciplines of physics and engineering. Initial studies have been focused on linear phononic materials that assume small-amplitude waves. The incorporation of nonlinearity, however, has been shown to open opportunities for a new realm of dynamic responses valid beyond the small-amplitude regime. Acknowledging this potential, research in the field has undergone a paradigm shift in the last decade or so by exploiting various sources of nonlinearities within phononic materials. A comprehensive overview of the origin of nonlinearities and how they are modeled, solved, and realized in phononic materials, and specifically, what role nonlinearity plays in enabling rich nonlinear wave responses, is crucial for the future advancement of the field. In this review, we discuss recent advances in nonlinear wave propagation in phononic materials and metamaterials by drawing links between different phononic media and their nonlinearity-induced behaviors. We first briefly discuss the analytical methods employed to solve nonlinear wave propagation problems by focusing on foundational models. We then review physics-based sources of nonlinearities, primarily, material, geometric, and contact nonlinearities and elucidate nonlinear wave responses enabled by them in phononic materials and metamaterials. Finally, we outline existing challenges and possible future directions in nonlinear phononics and metamaterials.
Zeta Functions of Graphs: A Stroll through the Garden

List of illustrations Preface Part I. A Quick Look at Various Zeta Functions: 1. Riemann's zeta function and other zetas from number theory 2. Ihara's zeta function 3. Selberg's zeta function 4. Ruelle's zeta function 5. Chaos Part II. Ihara's Zeta Function and the Graph Theory Prime Number Theorem: 6. Ihara zeta function of a weighted graph 7. Regular graphs, location of poles of zeta, functional equations 8. Irregular graphs: what is the RH? 9. Discussion of regular Ramanujan graphs 10. The graph theory prime number theorem Part III. Edge and Path Zeta Functions: 11. The edge zeta function 12. Path zeta functions Part IV. Finite Unramified Galois Coverings of Connected Graphs: 13. Finite unramified coverings and Galois groups 14. Fundamental theorem of Galois theory 15. Behavior of primes in coverings 16. Frobenius automorphisms 17. How to construct intermediate coverings using the Frobenius automorphism 18. Artin L-functions 19. Edge Artin L-functions 20. Path Artin L-functions 21. Non-isomorphic regular graphs without loops or multiedges having the same Ihara zeta function 22. The Chebotarev Density Theorem 23. Siegel poles Part V. Last Look at the Garden: 24. An application to error-correcting codes 25. Explicit formulas 26. Again chaos 27. Final research problems References Index.
Steady Transonic Flow through Plane and Axisymmetric Nozzles

Steady two-dimensional transonic flows of ideal inviscid gases through Laval nozzles are computed by a method based on the numerical methods of Telenin [2], Pirumov [6], and Hopkins and Hill [3]. Both the direct and inverse problems are treated for plane and axisymmetric nozzles. Numerical results are compared to the experimental results of Cuffel et al. [8] and results obtained by other numerical methods, namely series and relaxation solutions.
Permanent Intestinal Failure and the Short Bowel Syndrome

Intestinal failure can occur through an inactive or obstructed bowel or through loss of intestinal mucosal absorptive surface, most commonly through surgical resection. The management of intestinal failure due to short bowel (SB-IF) is far more complicated than intestinal failure due to obstruction, as it is often associated with high secretory loses, resulting in more pronounced fluid and electrolyte losses from the body. The short bowel syndrome includes a wide spectrum of disorders varying in severity, from a condition where oral supplementation can overcome stool losses to SB-IF where patients would die without regular IV infusions of fluids, electrolytes, and nutrients. Management of SB-IF is complex. This chapter starts out with definitions and then moves on to describe the principles of investigation and management, which include approaches to maximize natural adaptation with the use of dietary modification, anti-motility drugs, antisecretory agents, and the exciting new developments based on the modification of trophic gut peptides, such as GLP-2, to create drugs that can potentiate the natural adaptation process, and thus to reduce reliance of permanent IV infusions.
v-Dispersed Synthetic Data Based on a Mixture Model with Constraints

In this paper a new approach is proposed for the generation of synthetic microdata which reduces attribute disclosure for continuous variables. First, we define a metric of attribute disclosure which is called v-dispersion. This metric quantifies the risk based on the volume of the multidimensional confidence regions for the original data values. Next we describe a method that satisfies the requirements of v-dispersion. This method is based on a mixture model with constraints on parameters of components’ spread. Experiments with real data show that the proposed approach compares very favorably with other methods of disclosure limitation for continuous microdata in terms of utility and risk.
Island Groves, Saffron Tunics

LORI OPENED THE DOOR, spread her arms to welcome us. From collarbone to the lobes of her ears, tip of chin, her neck was encased in a thick white orthopedic collar. "No, not broken?strained. Putting in the damned light fixture. Praying, God, don't let me drop it. Something had to give." I kissed her carefully. Thought, a premature housewarming. The collar gave her queer intensity, a charge. A victim's sexual aura, I wondered. Confinement? "Listen," Esther said, "I'm sorry it hurts. But you know about heads on platters? It's not supposed to be yours." "I thought, more Alice, you know, Through the Looking Glass. She gets this stretched neck, remember? Why I wore the dress?"
Addressing Science Teacher's Initial Perceptions of the Classroom Uses of Internet and World Wide Web-Based Resource Materials.

Teachers are often subject to considerable pressure to utilize the Internet and the World Wide Web (WWW) in their classrooms. Research suggests, however, that many teachers may not be prepared to make meaningful educational use of the resources available on the Web. This study examines the initial perceptions of educational value of science resource materials available on the WWW, as gathered from a group of science teachers participating in the West Virginia K-12 RuralNet project summer workshop training. The results suggest that while most teachers feel that the WWW does provide a large number of “good” science resources for educators, few teachers are prepared to make use of these materials in their own classrooms. Possible solutions to this problem include long term training in both technical and curriculum integration, classroom practice during training, and the support of an on-line community of peers.
On Improving Provider Decision Making with Enhanced Computerized Clinical Reminders

A computerized clinical reminder (CCR) system is a type of decision support tool to remind healthcare providers of recommended actions. In our prior study, we found a linear correlation between resolution time and adherence rate. This correlation implies a potentially biased clinical decision making. This study aimed to redesign the Veterans Affairs (VA) CCR system in order to improve providers' situation awareness and decision quality. The CCR redesign incorporated a knowledge-based risk factor repository and a prioritization mechanism. Both CCR designs were prototyped and tested by 16 physicians in a controlled lab in the Indianapolis VA Medical Center. The results showed that 80% of the subjects changed their prioritization decisions after being introduced to the modified design. Moreover, with the modified design, the correlation between resolution time and adherence rate was no longer found. The redesign improved the subjects' situation awareness and assisted them in making more informed decisions.
Alpha 2-adrenergic receptor stimulation mobilizes intracellular Ca2+ in human erythroleukemia cells.

Abstract Human erythroleukemia cells are a model system for studies of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors and their coupling to inhibition of adenylate cyclase (McKernan, R. M., Howard, M. J., Motulsky, H. J., and Insel, P. A. (1987) Mol. Pharmacol. 32, 258-265). Using Fura-2, we show that alpha 2-adrenergic receptor stimulation also increases intracellular Ca2+ in these cells by 80-250 nM. Although epinephrine only inhibited forskolin-stimulated cAMP generation when beta-adrenergic receptors were blocked, the Ca2+ increase was not affected by beta-adrenergic receptor blockade. The Ca2+ increase was not affected by forskolin or 8-bromo-cAMP. Thus, alpha 2-adrenergic receptors independently couple to elevation of intracellular Ca2+ and adenylate cyclase inhibition. Chelating all extracellular Ca2+ did not reduce the response, demonstrating mobilization of intracellular, rather than influx of extracellular Ca2+. The epinephrine-stimulated Ca2+ mobilization occurred prior to any detectable increase in inositol-(1,4,5)-trisphosphate. It was abolished by pretreatment with pertussis toxin (which blocks some G protein-mediated processes), but not by aspirin and indomethacin (which inhibit cyclooxygenase), nordihydroguaiaretic acid (which inhibits lipoxygenase), or Na+-free buffer (to block any Na+H+ exchange). We conclude, therefore, that alpha 2-adrenergic receptors on human erythroleukemia cells couple to mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ via a (pertussis toxin-sensitive) G protein-mediated mechanism that is independent of inhibition of adenylate cyclase.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

(2008). Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Journal of Intergenerational Relationships: Vol. 5, No. 4, pp. 113-116.
Structural analysis of TFTR TF coils and support structure for 6 Tesla operation

The Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR), which has been on line since December 1982, has successfully operated at its design Toroidal Field (TF) of 5.2 Tesla. Analysis of test data has indicated that the measured peak D-D neutron power in supershots may be scaled to the fourth power of TF field. Increasing the TF field to 6 Tesla provides the opportunity to explore the possibility of improving the D-T fusion yield, with the use of tritium. This increase in TF field from 5.2 to 6.0 Tesla increases the centering force by 33 percent and the out-of-plane force by 15 percent over previous peak operating levels. To examine the impact of the increase in loads on the TF coil, case and supporting structure, finite element analyses (FEA) were performed with and without the presence of loose bolts in the TF case. Note that the loose bolts comprise a fraction of the total number of bolts fastening the TF case sidewalls to the inner and outer rings of the case. Extensive analysis was performed using the FEA results in conjunction with supplementary calculations. Results are presented for the TF case, bolts, copper conductors, insulation, and supporting structure which indicate that the TF coils can successfully operate at 6 Tesla for a reasonable number of pulses.
On the Corridor and Associated Trajectory Accuracy for Entry of Manned Spacecraft into Planetary Atmospheres

An analysis has been developed which determines the corridor through which manned spacecraft must be guided in order to avoid excessive deceleration for human occupants and yet to encounter sufficient deceleration for completing entry. The analysis introduces a dimensionless parameter coupling the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle with certain planetary characteristics evaluated at the perigee altitude corresponding to the approach conic trajectory. This perigee parameter conveniently bridges the two-body orbit equations to the re-entry motion equations, and provides a general basis for specifying the corridor width for entries from either elliptic, parabolic, or hyperbolic approach trajectories. The results apply to vehicles of arbitrary weight, shape, and size entering a planetary atmosphere. Illustrative calculations are presented for Earth, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Titan.
The Story of the Paquete Habana: Customary International Law as Part of Our Law

The Paquete Habana is famous for its statement that international law is part of our law, for what it says about consulting the works of scholars and the evolving nature of international law, and for its suggestion that customary international law might be superseded as a rule of decision by a controlling executive act. As one chapter in the forthcoming book International Law Stories, this paper tells the story of The Paquete Habana. Most of the statements for which The Paquete Habana is famous simply repeat principles that date to the eighteenth century. But the underlying conception of international law had changed during the nineteenth century from a foundation in natural law to a positivism based on state practice and consent. While The Paquete Habana reflected that transition, it also stands for continuity and for accommodation of the original understanding of customary international law as part of the domestic legal system. The Paquete Habana's dictum about a controlling executive act, however, was new and inconsistent with the nineteenth century understanding of the roles of the President and Congress. This paper suggests that it resulted from Justice Gray's attempt to strengthen his opinion by demonstrating that the executive branch had not intended to violate customary international law in this case.
Targeted therapeutics in pancreatic cancer: a ray of hope.

To the Editor: We greatly appreciate the thoughtful comments by Sauder et al. concerning the potential complications that may be associated with therapies directed at vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathways [(1)][1], and we are grateful to them for their interest in our article
The importance of local control in the conservative treatment of breast cancer.

The purpose of this study was to examine the meaning of local control, especially on survival, in breast cancer patients treated by lumpectomy with or without radiotherapy. We analyzed the survival results of four major published randomized trials that compare conservation surgery with or without radiation using three different statistical approaches: p-values, confidence intervals, and Bayesian techniques. All four trials report statistically significant increased local control and improved survival for the irradiated patients. Survival based on p-values and confidence intervals shows statistical significance for long-term follow-up of the NSABP-B06 trial, but not for the other trials, probably because of small sample sizes and short follow-up. At 10 years, the overall survival rates for the NSABP-B06 were 65% and 71% for lumpectomy alone or with radiation respectively. Interpreted in a Bayesian framework, the expected advantage in 10–year survival was 6% (the mean of NSABP-B06 10–year survival) with an ...
Development and application of heavy gas dispersion models of varying complexity

Abstract The data which has been obtained from the Thorney Island trials has already been put to good use in model validation and development. This paper demons
β Lyrae: a new constraint on the radiation characteristics of the accretion disc rim

A new composite model eliminates discrepancies between synthetic spectra for the L2000 model of β Lyrae and spectrophotometric scans and charge-coupled device (CCD) spectra of that binary star. The source of the discrepancies is the use of synthetic spectra from standard model atmospheres to represent the radiation characteristics of the accretion disc rim. Substitution of a composite synthetic spectrum to represent the accretion disc rim eliminates the discrepancies and produces accordance with both scan data, including their temporal variation, and CCD spectra.
A Salience Driven Approach to Robust Input Interpretation in Multimodal Conversational Systems

To improve the robustness in multimodal input interpretation, this paper presents a new salience driven approach. This approach is based on the observation that, during multimodal conversation, information from deictic gestures (e.g., point or circle) on a graphical display can signal a part of the physical world (i.e., representation of the domain and task) of the application which is salient during the communication. This salient part of the physical world will prime what users tend to communicate in speech and in turn can be used to constrain hypotheses for spoken language understanding, thus improving overall input interpretation. Our experimental results have indicated the potential of this approach in reducing word error rate and improving concept identification in multimodal conversation.
A methodology for designing communication protocols

We propose a compositional technique for designing protocols. The technique involves specifying constraints between the events of the component protocols. A constraint may either require synchronization between certain events of the component protocols or may require inhibiting an event in one protocol on the occurrence of an event in another component protocol. We find both types of constraints useful in composing protocols. We demonstrate the applicability of the technique by deriving several protocols. The technique facilitates modular design and verification. Our technique, in conjunction with the sequential composition technique, can be used to design complex protocols.
Fast beam-ion instability. I. Linear theory and simulations

The interaction of an electron beam with residual gas ions results in mutually driven transverse oscillations. This effect arises during the passage of a single train of bunches. An equivalent instability mechanism is encountered in positron beams where ionization electrons oscillate within a single bunch. In either case, the oscillations grow exponentially with an exponent proportional to {ital t}{sup 1/2}. In this report, the rise time of the instability is calculated analytically by a perturbation series approach and is compared with computer simulations. Growth rates are evaluated for several existing or proposed storage rings and linear accelerators; the effect considered could be a significant limitation in many of the future designs.
Prospective evaluation of the association of adherent perinephric fat with perioperative outcomes of robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy.

Objective To prospectively analyze the association of adherent perinephric fat (APF) with perioperative outcomes of robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). Methods We analyzed 100 consecutive RAPNs performed by a single experienced surgeon and defined APF as the necessity of subcapsular renal dissection to mobilize the kidney and isolate the renal tumor for RAPN. Our primary analysis focused on comparing perioperative outcomes, including operative time, warm ischemia time, estimated blood loss, postoperative complications, length of stay, and margins, ischemia, and complications score between patients with and without APF. To control the probability of obtaining a false-positive finding at 5% after the numerous statistical comparisons that were performed, we used a Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons, after which P values of ≤.0042 were considered to be statistically significant. Results Thirty patients (30%) had APF. Presence of APF was not significantly associated with blood loss, warm ischemia time, hospital stay, postoperative complications, or margins, ischemia, and complications score. We noted some evidence of longer operative times in patients with APF compared with those without APF (median, 223 vs199 minutes; P = .026); however, this was not significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons. In multivariate analysis, we noted stronger evidence of associations with increased operative time for RENAL score ( P P = .020) than for the presence of APF ( P = .32). Conclusion APF may be associated with slightly longer operative times but does not appear to affect perioperative complications or outcomes.
Are characiform Fishes Gondwanan in Origin? Insights from a Time-Scaled Molecular Phylogeny of the Citharinoidei (Ostariophysi: Characiformes)

Fishes of the order Characiformes are a diverse and economically important teleost clade whose extant members are found exclusively in African and Neotropical freshwaters. Although their transatlantic distribution has been primarily attributed to the Early Cretaceous fragmentation of western Gondwana, vicariance has not been tested with temporal information beyond that contained in their fragmentary fossil record and a recent time-scaled phylogeny focused on the African family Alestidae. Because members of the suborder Citharinoidei constitute the sister lineage to the entire remaining Afro-Neotropical characiform radiation, we inferred a time-calibrated molecular phylogeny of citharinoids using a popular Bayesian approach to molecular dating in order to assess the adequacy of current vicariance hypotheses and shed light on the early biogeographic history of characiform fishes. Given that the only comprehensive phylogenetic treatment of the Citharinoidei has been a morphology-based analysis published over three decades ago, the present study also provided an opportunity to further investigate citharinoid relationships and update the evolutionary framework that has laid the foundations for the current classification of the group. The inferred chronogram is robust to changes in calibration priors and suggests that the origins of citharinoids date back to the Turonian (ca 90 Ma) of the Late Cretaceous. Most modern citharinoid genera, however, appear to have originated and diversified much more recently, mainly during the Miocene. By reconciling molecular-clock- with fossil-based estimates for the origins of the Characiformes, our results provide further support for the hypothesis that attributes the disjunct distribution of the order to the opening of the South Atlantic Ocean. The striking overlap in tempo of diversification and biogeographic patterns between citharinoids and the African-endemic family Alestidae suggests that their evolutionary histories could have been strongly and similarly influenced by Miocene geotectonic events that modified the landscape and produced the drainage pattern of Central Africa seen today.
Thermodynamic Model Prediction of Metal Removal during “Hydrogen Annealing” of Si Wafers

We report on the development and application of a quasi-chemical thermodynamic model of metal evaporation (desorption) from Si surfaces during high temperature processing, specifically a high temperature wafer process referred to as hydrogen annealing (or baking). We show that significant depletion of many metals can be expected during such a process. This is an additional benefit of hydrogen annealing, providing another mechanism for improved defect levels in MOS gate oxides grown on hydrogen annealed wafers.
Effective Lagrangians and chiral random matrix theory.

Recently, sum rules were derived for the inverse eigenvalues of the Dirac operator. They were obtained in two different ways: (i) starting from the low-energy effective Lagrangian and (ii) starting from a random matrix theory with the symmetries of the Dirac operator. This suggests that the effective theory can be obtained directly from the random matrix theory. Previously, this was shown for three or more colors with fundamental fermions. In this paper we construct the effective theory from a random matrix theory for two colors in the fundamental representation and for an arbitrary number of colors in the adjoint representation. We construct a fermionic partition function for Majorana fermions in Euclidean spacetime. Their reality condition is formulated in terms of complex conjugation of the second kind.
Polymer-peptide conjugates for angiogenesis targeted tumor radiotherapy

Abstract Introduction New methods of delivering radiotherapy to sites of occult or disseminated cancer are needed to control the disease and address the failure of conventional therapy. Because tumor cells rely on angiogenesis for survival, we assessed the effectiveness of β-emitter radiotherapy delivered by polymer-peptide conjugates that target tumor neovasculature. This molecularly targeted radiation is intended to damage both the endothelial bed and surrounding neoplastic cells. Methods N -(2-Hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA), a biocompatible and water-soluble copolymer, was derivatized to incorporate side chains for 99m Tc and 90 Y chelation and was further conjugated to a α V β 3 integrin-targeting peptide (RGD4C). The HPMA copolymer-RGD4C conjugate was characterized by its side-chain contents, in vitro endothelial cell adhesion assay and its biodistribution and antitumor effectiveness in a SCID mouse xenograft model of human prostate carcinoma. Results The conjugate contained about 16 RGD4C moieties per polymer backbone. Tumor accumulation significantly increased ( P P 90 Y treatment groups, respectively. Histopathological examination revealed increased apoptosis in the treated tumors with no acute signs of radiation-induced toxicity to other organs. Conclusion This copolymer-peptide conjugate targets tumor angiogenic vessels and delivers sufficient radiotherapy to arrest tumor growth.
Atomic structure of ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase: prototype for a structurally novel flavoenzyme family

The three-dimensional structure of spinach ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase (NADP+, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) has been determined by x-ray diffraction at 2.6 angstroms (A) resolution and initially refined to an R factor of 0.226 at 2.2 A resolution. The model includes the flavin-adenine dinucleotide (FAD) prosthetic group and the protein chain from residue 19 through the carboxyl terminus at residue 314 and is composed of two domains. The FAD binding domain (residues 19 to 161) has an antiparallel beta barrel core and a single alpha helix for binding the pyrophosphate of FAD. The NADP binding domain (residues 162 to 314) has a central five-strand parallel beta sheet and six surrounding helices. Binding of the competitive inhibitor 2'-phospho-AMP (AMP, adenosine monophosphate) places the NADP binding site at the carboxyl-terminal edge of the sheet in a manner similar to the nucleotide binding of the dehydrogenase family. The structures reveal the key residues that function in cofactor binding and the catalytic center. With these key residues as a guide, conclusive evidence is presented that the ferredoxin reductase structure is a prototype for the nicotinamide dinucleotide and FAD binding domains of the enzymes NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, NADPH-sulfite reductase, NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase, and NADH-nitrate reductase. Thus this structure provides a structural framework for the NADH- or NADPH-dependent flavoenzyme parts of five distinct enzymes involved in photosynthesis, in the assimilation of inorganic nitrogen and sulfur, in fatty-acid oxidation, in the reduction of methemoglobin, and in the metabolism of many pesticides, drugs, and carcinogens.
Government and Industry: Control Strategies Used by Industrial Brewery Workers: Work Avoidance, Impression Management and Solidarity

This ethnographic study of industrial brewery work examines the problems of technological and managerial supervision which workers confront, then describes the control strategies which they practice in response. These strategies involve a variety of tactics aimed at fighting supervisory control. They use impression management to avoid being noticed or interrupted, and raise barriers to interaction with supervisors. Workers strive to generate solidarity by developing concerted action aimed at maintaining moderate levels of work activity. They make rhetorical use of the term "working conditions" to influence the behavior of co-workers. In order to survive routinized jobs, workers struggle for bits and pieces of freedom which help them maintain a sense of autonomy and self-worth.
Optimization of Q factor in optical nanocavities based on free-standing membranes

ABSTRACT We express the quality factor of a mode in terms of the Fourier transforms of its field components, and prove that thereduction in radiation loss can be achieved by suppressing the mode's wave-vector components within the light cone.Although this is intuitively clear, our analytical proof gives us insight into how to achieve the Q factor optimization,without the mode delocalization. We focus on the dipole defect mode in free standing membrane and achieve Q > i04,while preserving the mode volume of the order of one half of cubic wavelength in material. The derived expressionsand conclusions can be used in optimization of Q factor for any type of defect in planar photonic crystals. Keywords: Q factor, optical resonators, integrated optics, optoelectronic devices, optics, FDTD methods, Fourier transforms , microcavity, photonic crystals , photonic bandgap. 1. INTRODUCTION One of the most important properties of photonic crystals is their ability to localize light into small mode volumes.Even the simplest single defect microcavities in planar photonic crystals with triangular lattice, produced by changingthe radius or refractive index of a single hole or rod, can localize light into the volumes as small as one half of cubic
Nd-Sr isotopic geochemistry and tectonics of ridge subduction and middle Cenozoic volcanism in western California

Episodes of middle Cenozoic near-trench volcanism in California occurred during the transition from convergent to transform plate boundaries as segments of the East Pacific Rise intersected a subduction zone along western North America. Geochemical features of volcanic rocks from the Coast Range Province and Santa Maria Province, which represent two near-trench volcanic episodes, indicate that magmas from each province were derived from depleted mantle and evolved by assimilation-fractional crystallization processes to form predominantly bimodal suites. Basalt and basaltic andesite from both provinces yielded ϵ Nd (t) values between +9.3 and +2.4 and 87 Sr/ 86 Sr(t) ratios of 0.702 58–0.706 72. The observed ϵ Nd (t) values that cluster around +9 and the 87 Sr/ 86 Sr(t) ratios Nd (t) values between +6.3 and −3.2 and 87 Sr/ 86 Sr(t) ratios of 0.703 93 to 0.711 31. The variation among the Coast Range and Santa Maria Provinces volcanic rocks in Nd-Sr isotope ratio space suggests that mixing occurred between the depleted mantle-derived basaltic end-member and an incompatible-element–enriched crustal reservoir through which these rocks erupted. The observed negative correlation of ϵ Nd (t) and positive correlation of 87 Sr/ 86 Sr(t) ratios with SiO 2 , respectively, also suggest assimilation of an isotopically distinct crustal component by depleted mantle-derived melts. The ages and paleogeographic distributions of these volcanic rocks indicate that they were erupted during episodes when segments of the East Pacific Rise intersected southern California. Depleted mantle that was emplaced beneath the continental margin during ridge subduction became a source of magma for the episodes of near-trench volcanism as a new strike-slip regime evolved along the continental margin.
Reconsidering intercultural (communication) competence in the workplace: a dialectical approach

Scholars and practitioners from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds (sociolinguistics, language education, communication, business, etc.) have investigated and promoted the notion of competence in intercultural interaction for many years. They have addressed complex issues and proposed culture general and culture specific models and applied these models in various contexts including workplace interaction. In this paper, we examine the assumptions about the cultural identities of workers in contemporary research and training in intercultural competence. These assumptions seem to reinscribe the colonialist traveler/cosmopolitan – focusing on individual characteristics, motivation, and skill sets, often through a Eurocentric lens. A dialectical perspective foregrounds individual characteristics of competence with larger societal attitudes and laws that impact the treatment of women, gays, and others. A dialectical perspective can help us better understand the opportunities and constraints facing different ...
Creation of an ensemble of simulated cardiac cases and a human observer study: tools for the development of numerical observers for SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging

Our previous Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) research explored the utility of numerical observers. We recently created two hundred and eighty simulated SPECT cardiac cases using Dynamic MCAT (DMCAT) and SIMIND Monte Carlo tools. All simulated cases were then processed with two reconstruction methods: iterative ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM) and filtered back-projection (FBP). Observer study sets were assembled for both OSEM and FBP methods. Five physicians performed an observer study on one hundred and seventy-nine images from the simulated cases. The observer task was to indicate detection of any myocardial perfusion defect using the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) 17-segment cardiac model and the ASNC five-scale rating guidelines. Human observer Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) studies established the guidelines for the subsequent evaluation of numerical model observer (NO) performance. Several NOs were formulated and their performance was compared with the human observer performance. One type of NO was based on evaluation of a cardiac polar map that had been pre-processed using a gradient-magnitude watershed segmentation algorithm. The second type of NO was also based on analysis of a cardiac polar map but with use of a priori calculated average image derived from an ensemble of normal cases.
Synchronized afterdischarges in the hippocampus: contribution of local synaptic interactions.

Abstract In the presence of picrotoxin, spontaneous synchronized bursts followed by afterdischarges were recorded from all pyramidal cell regions of the guinea pig hippocampal slice. Excitatory synaptic potentials, which reversed at approx −5 mV, were found to be associated with both the initial burst and each afterdischarge. Afterdischarges were reversibly blocked, leaving the initial synchronized burst intact, by the application of several excitatory amino acid antagonists or by increasing Mg 2+ so that the efficacy of synaptic transmission was reduced. All synchronized activity was suppressed by applying an increased concentration of antagonist or by raising Mg 2+ and lowering Ca 2+ so that synaptic transmission was completely blocked. This synchronized neuronal activity occurred spontaneously in the CA2–3 region when isolated from the CA1 pyramidal cell area and the dentate gyrus. When CA2 was separated from CA3 a synchronized rhythm of single bursts was observed in CA2, while a different, slower, synchronized population discharge consisting of initial bursts followed by afterdischarges occurred in CA3. The smallest completely isolated segments of the CA3 field which spontaneously generated synchronized afterdischarges, comparable to those observed in the intact slice, measured 500–700 μm along the stratum pyramidable. It is concluded that these afterdischarges depend on local neuronal interactions mediated by chemical synaptic mechanisms which may occur within a single population of as few as 1000 CA3 pyramidal cells. The results are consistent with a repeated activation of the same group of synapses, which may release an excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter, being responsible for the initiation of each afterdischarge.
One‐armed brachiation in gibbons (Hylobates lar)

The locomotor and postural behavior of Hylobates lar was studied in a seminaturalistic environment at the New York Zoological Park. A particular locomotor pattern, one-armed brachiation, was observed and filmed. Analysis indicated that the occurrence of one-armed brachiation as a preferred locomotor pattern was rare and was limited to the carrying of food. The limb and joint movements of one-armed brachiation closely resembled those of two-armed brachiation with differences occurring in the angular rotations of the support and the free arms. Analysis showed how a gibbon could maximize its forward momentum during one-armed brachiation. The adaptive value of one-armed brachiation is discussed in reference to brachiating while carrying food and to brachiating with a fracture of a forelimb. Finally, one-armed brachiation is discussed as an example of the concepts of locomotor totipotentiality and locomotor habit.
Goal orientation, task difficulty, and task interest: A multilevel analysis.

We studied whether goal orientation affects the relationships that task difficulty and interest have with self-set goals. Using a sample of 499 undergraduate students who listed grade goals for their classes, we employed Hierarchical Linear Modeling to explain differences in the extent to which difficulty and interest related to goals. Higher goals were set for more interesting and easier classes, and for individuals higher in mastery goal orientation and for those lower in performance-avoidance orientation (at average levels of interest and difficulty). Furthermore, performance-approach and performance-avoidance orientations reduced and strengthened (respectively) the effects of task difficulty on self-set goals, and the buffering effect of mastery orientation was marginally significant.
Determination of the diameter of the coiled macro-molecule from viscosity, sedimentation, and diffusion

Abstract The existing theories of viscosity and sedimentation (diffusion) of the coiled macromolecule with hydrodynamic interaction yield formulas which, in the case of a Gaussian coil, can be easily applied to the determination of the diameter R of the coil and of the hydrodynamic radius a A of the monomer unit, from either [η] or [ s ] or D , together with the derivative with respect to M . This method fails in all the cases where the actual macromolecular coil is not Gaussian. By combining the data for viscosity and sedimentation (diffusion), however, the coil diameter and the hydrodynamic radius can be determined regardless of the actual relation between R and the degree of polymerization. The method is illustrated for polymethylmethacrylate in acetone and on polyacrylonitrile in dimethylformamide.
Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease by Exercise Thallium-201 Tomography in Patients With a Right Ventricular Pacemaker

Abstract Objectives. We sought to study the accuracy of exercise perfusion scintigraphy in patients with an implanted apical right ventricular pacemaker. Background. The specificity of exercise perfusion scintigraphy is decreased in patients with a left bundle branch block. Patients with a permanent ventricular pacemaker have a similar conduction abnormality that may also potentially result in similar false positive perfusion defects. Methods. One hundred five patients with a right ventricular pacemaker underwent exercise thallium-201 tomography and coronary angiography within 7 days of each other. Patients with a previous myocardial infarction were excluded. Results. Patients were classified into four groups according to the agreement or disagreement between the thallium tomographic and coronary angiographic results. Only 8% of patients with normal results by both techniques were continuously paced during exercise, compared with 78% of patients with normal angiographic results but abnormal scintigraphic results. The mean defect size was 12% in the latter group. Most of the false positive defects were localized to the inferoposterior (71%), apical (50%) and inferoseptal (28%) walls. Conclusions. Patients who are paced in the right ventricular apex and who continue to be paced throughout exercise have a high incidence of false positive thallium-201 single-photon emission computed tomographic defects. (J Am Coll Cardiol 1997;29:1221–5)
Passive damping for space truss structures.

Theoretical and experimental studies of passive damping techniques in truss-type structures are presented, with emphasis on the use of viscoelastic damping in the parallel load path. The constraining member length is shown to be a convenient design variable for enhancing damping performance. Results are presented for integral damping members made of thin-wall aluminum tubes, concentric constraining members, and viscoelastic materials in a six-bay truss structure at low frequency and low dynamic strain conditions. Integral members with graphite/epoxy constraining members exhibited relatively low damping values due to the possible polymer interaction during the cocure stage.
Habitable zones around main sequence stars

A mechanism for stabilizing climate on the earth and other earthlike planets is described, and the physical processes that define the inner and outer boundaries of the habitable zone (HZ) around the sun and main sequence stars are discussed. Physical constraints on the HZ obtained from Venus and Mars are taken into account. A 1D climate model is used to estimate the width of the HZ and the continuously habitable zone around the sun, and the analysis is extended to other main sequence stars. Whether other stars have planets and where such planets might be located with respect to the HZ is addressed. The implications of the findings for NASA's SETI project are considered.
Poor outcome in bacterial peritonitis is associated with dysregulated microRNAs and an increased inflammatory response.

Background Peritonitis is a common cause of surgical sepsis. The failure of the host to mount an appropriate immune response contributes to persistence of the infection. We investigated the role microRNAs may play in this failed immune response. Methods Klebsiella pneumoniae was injected intraperitoneally in mice. Weight loss was used to predict clinical outcome. Peritoneal exudate cells (PECs) and supernatant were collected. RNA from PECs was run on screening microRNA array cards to determine gene expression, and validated by single assay analysis. Cytokine levels in supernatant were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Despite similar bacterial levels, PEC counts were higher in the predicted death group. The predicted deaths had higher levels of proinflammatory tumor necrosis factor-α/IL-6 and significantly lower levels of interleukin-10. MiR-221 was up-regulated in both the predicted death and predicted survivor groups. Five miRNAs were up-regulated in the predicted survivor group compared with normal controls. Conclusion Higher PEC counts and proinflammatory cytokines in the predicted death group indicates an exaggerated inflammatory response, with lower IL-10 levels despite similar bacterial counts. There were two dysregulated miRNAs with transcriptional targets that may explain our results. A more balanced immune response with an appropriate counter inflammatory response may be important for improving survival.
The Idea of a Legitimate State

Analyse normative de la relation entre un etat criminel et la population et le territoire democratiques sur lequel il impose sa loi. Soulevant la question de l'autorite morale du gouvernement, l'A. rejette l'idee d'un droit de legiferer propre a l'etat et d'une obligation des sujets a obeir a la loi dans les limites des frontieres territoriales. Defendant l'existence d'une variete de droits par analogie avec la typologie des benefices etablie par N. Hohfeld, l'A. interprete le droit de legiferer dans le sens 1) d'un droit de commandement sur les residents; 2) d'un droit de controle sur le territoire; 3) d'un droit de non-interference (souverainte). Soutenant l'idee de la legitimite de l'etat a partir d'un argument fonde sur les besoins de la societe, l'A. distingue la question de l'illegimite de la question de l'injustice d'un etat
Proton spectroscopy of human brain: Effects of age and sex

1. The present study was done to assess the brain metabolites measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in normal individuals. 2. Proton spectroscopy STEAM voxel technique with chemical shift imaging was used to provide localized metabolic information from the brains of 34 normal volunteers (15 males) between the ages of 21 and 75 years. 3. Choline, Creatine and N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) was lower in white matter than gray matter. Choline/NAA and choline/creatine ratios were also lower in white matter. The choline, creatine and NAA were lower in older subjects in the voxel representing cortical and subcortical gray matter. There were no differences between males and females. 4. This preliminary study suggests that age matching is essential for comparative studies of disease states using proton MRS.