cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nanoscale Synaptic Membrane Mimetic Allows Unbiased High Throughput Screen That Targets Binding Sites for Alzheimer’s-Associated Aβ Oligomers

Despite their value as sources of therapeutic drug targets, membrane proteomes are largely inaccessible to high-throughput screening (HTS) tools designed for soluble proteins. An important example comprises the membrane proteins that bind amyloid β oligomers (AβOs). AβOs are neurotoxic ligands thought to instigate the synapse damage that leads to Alzheimer’s dementia. At present, the identities of initial AβO binding sites are highly uncertain, largely because of extensive protein-protein interactions that occur following attachment of AβOs to surface membranes. Here, we show that AβO binding sites can be obtained in a state suitable for unbiased HTS by encapsulating the solubilized synaptic membrane proteome into nanoscale lipid bilayers (Nanodiscs). This method gives a soluble membrane protein library (SMPL)—a collection of individualized synaptic proteins in a soluble state. Proteins within SMPL Nanodiscs showed enzymatic and ligand binding activity consistent with conformational integrity. AβOs were found to bind SMPL Nanodiscs with high affinity and specificity, with binding dependent on intact synaptic membrane proteins, and selective for the higher molecular weight oligomers known to accumulate at synapses. Combining SMPL Nanodiscs with a mix-incubate-read chemiluminescence assay provided a solution-based HTS platform to discover antagonists of AβO binding. Screening a library of 2700 drug-like compounds and natural products yielded one compound that potently reduced AβO binding to SMPL Nanodiscs, synaptosomes, and synapses in nerve cell cultures. Although not a therapeutic candidate, this small molecule inhibitor of synaptic AβO binding will provide a useful experimental antagonist for future mechanistic studies of AβOs in Alzheimer’s model systems. Overall, results provide proof of concept for using SMPLs in high throughput screening for AβO binding antagonists, and illustrate in general how a SMPL Nanodisc system can facilitate drug discovery for membrane protein targets.
MARKETS AS ECONOMIZERS OF INFORMATION: EXPERIMENTAL EXAMINATION OF THE “HAYEK HYPOTHESIS”

INTRODUCTION Economics has tended to be long on theories (Hypotheses) and the use of “logical completeness” as a criterion for judging the value of a theory, but short on technologies for discriminating among theories on the basis of rigorous standards of empirical evidence. Consequently, the body of theory in economics tends to grow from a steady stream of additions, with replacements occurring only occasionally. It is sometimes claimed that our methodology is limited by the fact that economics is complicated and we cannot do experiments, with the result that logical completeness becomes a crucially important test criteria. Caricaturized, it is as if economics had tried to do the work of classical physics by a shortcut that bypassed Galileo and Kepler and started “at the top” with the intellectually more interesting methods of Isaac Newton. The consequences of this confusion of form with substance would be of less import were it not for the fact that as “experts” we have made, or fellow-traveled with, policy prescriptions requiring us to know more than indeed we can demonstrate that we know. This professional process seems to have led us to believe that our Keynesian prescriptions could fine-tune the economy, that regulation would solve the alleged monopoly problem, and that coercive action was implied ipso facto by the untested theorem that market institutions will “fail” in the presence of externality and public goods.
Fatty acid monoesters of l-ascorbic and d-isoascorbic acids as antioxidants for fats and oils

1. The fatty acid monoesters of l-ascorbic and d-isoascorbic acids have been tested for antioxygenic activity in different fats and oils under various conditions and in combination with other inhibitors.
Laser-tissue interaction and artifacts in confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and tomography

The goal of the present study was to analyze the interaction between incident laser light and retinal tissue in confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and tomography. We examined the change in axial intensity distribution during evaluation of the retinal surface topography in macular and optic nerve head evaluation in normal volunteers and patients with different retinal diseases. Additionally, we examined a model eye with a model cyst and human globes in an eye mounting chamber. We found that confocal scanning laser tomographs record specular reflected light originating from intraocular surfaces as well as light scattering from deeper retinal structures. Concave and convex retinal surfaces and eye movements may influence accurate topographic detection. Knowledge of the exact mechanism of image formation in confocal tomography is of great importance for the understanding of validity of these measurements. Proper identification of observed artifacts and preventive measures will increase the utility, reproducibility, and validity of this technology.
Engaging Students in Classroom Guidance: Management Strategies for Middle School Counselors

Classroom guidance for all students is an important element of the program delivery system for middle school counselors. Effective classroom management is essential to implementing classroom guidance and may be challenging at times. This article presents strategies and management techniques to facilitate middle school counselors' planning and implementation of classroom guidance to meet the unique needs of middle school students.
Sleep studies on canine narcolepsy: Pattern and cycle comparisons between affected and normal dogs

Two narcoleptic and 2 normal poodle or mixed poodle dogs were polygraphically monitored for 48 h with one narcoleptic and one normal monitored concurrently. Data were categorized by 15-sec epochs into wakefulness, light sleep, slow wave sleep, REM sleep, cataplexy (immobility preceded by wakefulness with partial or complete electromyographic quiescence and pronounced theta activity from subcortical leads), and atonia with no theta (15-30 sec periods like cataplexy but without theta). In narcoleptics we could see no gross differences between the polygraphic records of cataplexy and those of REM sleep; scoring distinctions between the two states depended on the antecedent state. Results indicated that narcoleptic dogs do not differ from normals with respect to percent of time spent in wakefulness (39.8% vs. 42.6%), light sleep (16.2% vs. 18.4%), or slow wave sleep (27.2% vs. 28.0%). Narcoleptic dogs spent slightly less time than normals in REM sleep (6.9% vs. 11.1%) and spend 9.1% and 0.8% of the recording time in cataplexy and atonia with no theta respectively. Normal dogs presented neither of these pathological states.
Xenopus laevis oocytes injected with mammalian pituitary mRNA as a model system for study of thyrotropin-releasing hormone action.

In this report, we describe the use of Xenopus laevis oocytes injected with mRNA derived from cloned rat pituitary tumor (GH3) cells as a model system in which to study the mechanism of action of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and the regulation of the TRH receptor.
Current-voltage relationship of the basolateral membrane of a tight epithelium

Abstract The polyene antibiotic nystatin is used to reduce selectively to zero the apical membrane resistance of the rabbit descending colon, allowing the measurement of the current-voltage curve of the basolateral membrane. The I — V relationship is described by the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equations allowing calculation of P Na / P K , P Cl / P K and P K for the basolateral membrane. Cs + is found to block inward current (serosa → mucosa) in a manner similar to that found in excitable membranes.
Extraction of Structural and Dynamic Properties of Forests From Polarimetric-Interferometric SAR Data Affected by Temporal Decorrelation

This paper addresses the important yet unresolved problem of estimating forest properties from polarimetric-interferometric radar images affected by temporal decorrelation. We approach the problem by formulating a physical model of the polarimetric-interferometric coherence that incorporates both volumetric and temporal decorrelation effects. The model is termed random-motion-over-ground (RMoG) model, as it combines the random-volume-over-ground (RVoG) model with a Gaussian-statistic motion model of the canopy elements. Key features of the RMoG model are: 1) temporal decorrelation depends on the vertical structure of forests; 2) volumetric and temporal coherences are not separable as simple multiplicative factors; and 3) temporal decorrelation is complex-valued and changes with wave polarization. This third feature is particularly important as it allows compensating for unknown levels of temporal decorrelation using multiple polarimetric channels. To estimate model parameters such as tree height and canopy motion, we propose an algorithm that minimizes the least square distance between model predictions and complex coherence observations. The algorithm was applied to L-band NASA's Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar data acquired over the Harvard Forest (Massachussetts, USA). We found that the RMS difference at stand level between estimated RMoG-model tree height and NASA's lidar Laser Vegetation and Ice Sensor tree height was within 12% of the lidar-derived height, which improved significantly the RMS difference of 37% obtained using the RVoG model and ignoring temporal decorrelation. This result contributes to our ability of estimating forest biomass using in-orbit and forthcoming polarimetric-interferometric radar missions.
Viscous effects in a collisional tokamak plasma with strong rotation

The full viscosity tensor for an axisymmetric toroidal plasma in the collisional regime (with strong rotation) is calculated, including gyroviscosity and O(e) poloidal variations over the flux surface. It is shown that the resulting viscous force is of sufficient magnitude to account for the radial transfer of toroidal momentum that must be inferred in order to explain the rotation measurements in tokamak experiments. The consequences of a viscous force of this form and magnitude on particle transport and on the evolution of toroidal and poloidal rotation velocities are discussed.
Properties of syringomycin, a wide spectrum antibiotic and phytotoxin produced by Pseudomonas syringae, and its role in the bacterial canker disease of peach trees

Abstract Methods were devised for the large-scale production of syringomycin using stainless steel trays which were poured with agar medium, and then covered with cellophane. The bacteria were grown on the surface of the cellophane. Syringomycin was then extracted from the cellophane and purified by ion exchange column chromatography and partition chromatography; it was a single, low molecular weight, ninhydrin-reactive compound. Nine ninhydrin-reactive spots were detected in the acid hydrolysate of syringomycin by two-dimensional chromatography. Eight of the spots corresponded in RF and color to amino acids tentatively identified as aspartic acid, d -glutamic acid, serine, glycine, α-alanine, valine, d -phenylalanine and d -lysine. Investigation of some of the properties of syringomycin showed that its antibiotic activity was labile in alkaline solutions, especially above pH 8. Syringomycin is soluble in water and the lower alcohols, and insoluble in ether and chloroform. Its isoelectric point is about pH 7. Syringomycin has a wide spectrum of antibiotic activity. A species of each of six genera of bacteria, four different fungal species, a unicellular algal species and a Daphnia species were all inhibited by low levels of syringomycin. The growth of Geotrichum candidum, the most sensitive of the organisms surveyed, was completely inhibited by 24 μg syringomycin per ml. Syringomycin produced phytotoxic symptoms in the leaves of peach shoots when the stems were immersed for 24 h in a water solution of syringomycin containing 600 μg syringomycin per ml. The stems of peach shoots became brown and necrotic after being immersed for one week in a solution containing 6 μg syringomycin per ml. Inoculations of peach shoots with Pseudomonas syringae showed that the symptoms produced by the bacterium were very similar to the phytotoxic symptoms produced by syringomycin. Inactivation of the antifungal activity of syringomycin by mild pH manipulation also decreased its phytotoxicity proportionately. An antibiotic which was indistinguishable from syringomycin was isolated from diseased host tissues. It was concluded that syringomycin is probably the major phytotoxin in the bacterial canker disease of peach trees.
Hydrogen desorption kinetics from zirconium hydride and zirconium metal in vacuum

Abstract The kinetics of hydrogen desorption from zirconium hydride is important in many nuclear design and safety applications. In this paper, a coordinated experimental and modeling study has been used to explicitly demonstrate the applicability of existing kinetic theories for hydrogen desorption from zirconium hydride and α-zirconium. A static synthesis method was used to produce δ-zirconium hydride, and the crystallographic phases of the zirconium hydride were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Three obvious stages, involving δ-zirconium hydride, a two-phase region, and α-zirconium, were observed in the hydrogen desorption spectra of two zirconium hydride specimens with H/Zr ratios of 1.62 and 1.64, respectively, which were obtained using thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS). A continuous, one-dimensional, two-phase moving boundary model, coupled with the zero- and second-order kinetics of hydrogen desorption from δ-zirconium hydride and α-zirconium, respectively, has been developed to reproduce the TDS experimental results. A comparison of the modeling predictions with the experimental results indicates that a zero-order kinetic model is valid for description of hydrogen flux away from the δ-hydride phase, and that a second-order kinetic model works well for hydrogen desorption from α-Zr if the activation energy of desorption is optimized to be 70% of the value reported in the literature.
Policy-relevant program evaluation in a national substance abuse treatment system

This article discusses recent trends in public and private substance abuse services and offers suggestions on how the evaluation of such services can inform clinical practice and policy making. This analysis focuses particularly on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which operates the largest substance abuse treatment system in the United States. In recent years, there has been an erosion of services for substance abuse outside the VA. In contrast, due to increased funding from the U.S. Congress, the VA significantly expanded substance abuse treatment from 1990 to 1994. However, efforts to "reinvent" and downsize government initiated a reversal of this growth trend in 1994, and VA services may shrink further as the system becomes more decentralized and adopts managed care strategies from the private sector. Drawing from the VA Program Evaluation and Resource Center's (PERC) experience of evaluating the VA system and working with federal policy makers, this article presents examples and suggestions for making evaluations of substance abuse treatment systems more useful in policy discussions and in day-to-day clinical practice.
Time, Uncertainty, and Individual Differences in Decisions to Cooperate in Resource Dilemmas

Many environmental problems are resource dilemmas that contain two components-social and temporal-that encourage individuals not to act in the best interest of the group. Most research has focused on the social component. The authors examined the importance of the temporal component in two resource dilemma tasks. Participants (N = 112) reported their willingness to limit resource consumption in response to hypothetical dilemmas and forfeited extra credit points in response to a real dilemma. Cooperation rates were higher when the temporal dilemma was diminished, when uncertainty about environmental impacts was low, and for women. Individuals high in both proenvironmentalism and consideration of future consequences sustained high levels of cooperation even in the face of strong temporal dilemmas.
Nucleate-boiling type evaporation of binary-liquid drops on heated surfaces

Abstract A binary-liquid drop evaporates on a heated surface in the nucleate-boiling type vaporization regime taking into account the effect of drop geometry. A maximal slowing down of drop evaporation is disclosed together with the occurence of a minimum surface-drop heat flux at different concentrations of the more volatile component. These phenomena are observed both theoretically and experimentally. Since the nucleate-boiling vaporization regime gives a minimum drop lifetime resulting in quicker vaporization (i.e. the best operating condition) and the rate of vapor formation together with air motion controls the combustion rate, the disclosure may be of some use in application to the regulation of the combustion rate in compression-ignition engines and oil-fired appliances.
A Soluble Flavoprotein Contributes to Chromate Reduction and Tolerance by Pseudomonas putida

As a consequence of its toxicity, the accumulation of chromate [Cr(VI)] in drinking water poses a serious risk to human health. Conventional approaches to groundwater remediation and the regeneration of potable water supplies are expensive and have, to date, been limited in their effect. From a biological perspective, chromium(III) compounds, the end products of bacterial chromate reduction, are less dangerous; not only are they less toxic than chromate, they also have very low solubility, restricting their spread and their biological availability. Thus, reduction of chromate by bacteria is an attractive strategy for its remediation. Through biomolecular engineering, it should be possible to improve the chromate-reducing activities of wild type bacterial enzymes, and to produce bacteria capable of expressing such activities at a high level under nutrient-poor and stressful field conditions. With this goal in mind, we have identified, purified and characterised a chromate-reducing flavoenzyme from Pseudomonas putida. The results presented here indicate that this enzyme is an efficient reducer of Cr(VI) in vitro, and also plays an important role in chromate detoxification in vivo. Our ongoing studies have also identified areas where improvement in these enzymes would enhance chromate bioremediation.
Predicting the Shear Plane Angle in Machining From Workmaterial Strain-Hardening Characteristics

An upper-bound type analysis is presented for predicting the “shear plane angle,” φ, in machining, using workmaterial strain-hardening characteristics. The degree of strain-hardening is quantified by referring to standard reference tables for yield strength and ultimate strength. In the model, the first step is to formulate the lowest amount of plastic work needed to cause a shear instability (collapse) in severely strain-hardened material. (In an upper-bound analysis this occurs on a plane at (φ = 45 + α/2.) However, due to work-hardening, this deformation zone geometry is nonunique and the shear plane can “rotate” into the softer material ahead of this initial instability. Using the proposition that the plastic work input remains constant, an equation is then derived which can be used to calculate the degree of shear plane rotation and hence the final position that the shear plane adopts for various workmaterials. In discussion, it is emphasized that this is an introductory analysis which ignores friction at the rake face and the high strain rates and temperatures that arise in practice; however, the agreement between this new, predictive model and experimental data is exceptionally good.
Homozygous deletions but no sequence mutations in coding regions of p15 or p16 in human primary bladder tumors.

Chromosome 9p21 appears to harbor a tumor suppressor gene, as evidenced by deletions in this region in a variety of human primary tumors and cell lines. To map the deletion at 9p21 in bladder tumors, we analyzed DNA from 28 tumor and normal pairs at five microsatellite markers that flank the region occupied by the putative tumor suppressor genes p16 and p15. Loss of heterozygosity (a) at the markers human interferon (a) α and D9S171, which are adjacent to the p15 and p16 loci, was detected in 41% and 33%, respectively, of informative cases of bladder tumors. No sequence mutations were detected in exons 1 or 2 of either p15 or p16 in any of the bladder tumors. Three sequence-tagged site markers in the region bordered by HIFNα and D9S171 were used to further map the deleted region by multiplex polymerase chain reaction with the HIFNγ marker (on chromosome 12) as a control for amplification. Six of 11 tumors with LOH at surrounding markers had homozygous deletions of the marker c5.1, which is located within the p16 gene; and two tumors appeared to have homozygous deletions within p15(RN1.1) but not p16 (c5.1). A recently identified microsatellite marker, p16-CA-1, located 16 kb distal to p16, proved valuable in defining the minimal deletion involved in these bladder tumors. Five tumors exhibited homozygous deletions of this marker but not HIFNα and two tumors showed LOH at this marker and homozygous deletion of p16. Although these data could not be used to identify p16 or p15 as the definitive tumor suppressor gene in this region that is involved in bladder carcinogenesis, they suggest that homozygous deletion is a common mechanism of loss of tumor suppressor gene function in this region. © 1995 Wiley- Liss, Inc.
Determinants of retention among Chicano college students: A structural model

This study tested a modified version of Tinto's student attrition model on a Chicano student population in two-year colleges. Structural equation modeling and LISREL VI were used to examine the parameter estimates of the structural and measurement models of the hypothesized causal model. Measures of goodness of fit were examined to provide indices for the overall fit of the causal model in the study. The measurement and structural models were found to represent a plausible causal model of student retention among Chicano students. Although the measures used in assessing the fit of the model reflected the overall strength of the hypothesized model, the present study was not entirely supportive of Tinto's model. The findings were only minimally supportive of the hypothesized relationship between measures of academic integration and retention. The results indicated that the hypothesized relationship between measures of social integration could not be substantiated. Moreover, measures of initial commitments were found to have a significantly large direct effect on the dependent variable, retention.
Acts of conscience: Christian nonviolence and modern American democracy

by Joseph Kip Kosek, New York, Columbia University Press, 2009, 245 pp., US$55.00 (cloth), ISBN 9780231144186 What do A.J. Muste, Reinhold Niebuhr, Richard Gregg, James Farmer, Bayard Rustin, James...
Optimal stationary policies in general state space Markov decision chains with finite action sets

The result of Sennott [9] on the existence of optimal stationary policies in countable state Markov decision chains with finite action sets is generalized to arbitrary state space Markov decision chains. The assumption of finite action sets occurring in a global countable action space allows a particularly simple theoretical structure for the general state space Markov decision chain. Two examples illustrate the results. Example 1 is a system of parallel queues with stochastic work requirements, a movable server with controllable service rate, and a reject option. Example 2 is a system of parallel queues with stochastic controllable inputs, a movable server with fixed service rates, and a reject option.
FeedLearn: Using Facebook Feeds for Microlearning

Many long-term goals, such as learning a language, require people to spend a small amount of time each day to achieve them. At the same time, people regularly browse social news feeds in their spare time. Our system, FeedLearn, teaches vocabulary in the context of Facebook feeds, by showing users interactive quizzes they can answer without leaving their feeds. It is implemented as a Chrome extension, as Facebook's API does not currently allow developers to insert interactive content into feeds. In our preliminary user study, we compared Japanese vocabulary learning rates when interactive quizzes were inserted directly into feeds, versus inserting links that lead them to quizzes. Our results suggest that users learn more and engage more with microlearning tasks when quizzes can be done without leaving their feeds.
Von neumann entropy as information rate

Recently it has been shown that quantum theory can be viewed as a classical probability theory by treating Hilbert space as a measure space (H, B(H)) of “events” or “hidden states.” Each density operator\(\hat W = \sum _{n = 1}^\infty {\text{ }}w_n \hat \prod _{E_n } \) defines a setℳŵ of probability measures such thatμ(En)=wn (alln). Coding elements ψeH by subspacesEn entails distortion. We show that the von Neumann entropyS(Ŵ) = -trŴInŴequals the effective rate at which the Hilbert space produces information with zero expected distortion, and comment on the meaning of this.
R&D-marketing integration in Japanese high-technology firms: Hypotheses and empirical evidence

The authors review studies of U.S. high-technology firms and hypothesize that, in Japanese high-technology firms, the perceived level of achieved integration reflects perceptions of organizational structure and climate. To evaluate these hypotheses, the authors examine the perceptions of marketing managers from 264 Japanese high-technology firms. Findings indicate that managerial perceptions of information-sharing and integration in budgeting were negatively correlated with perceptions of formalization. The authors also find that perceptions of information-sharing and integration in the early stages of new product development were positively correlated with perceptions of employee participation in decision-making and with perceptions of the value placed by senior management on R&D-marketing integration.
New Approach to Constrained Shape Optimization Using Genetic Algorithms

A robust genetic algorithm for constrained functional optimization is described. The function being sought is represented both in a piecewise-linear fashion and in two different types of orthogonal series representations, satisfying in each case specified end conditions of both Dirichlet and Neumann types. The search for the optimal function is translated to one of determining the coefficients of a series expansion, and a genetic algorithm is developed for this purpose. The method is validated in terms of test problems for which the global optimum solutions are known. The results indicate that, if the population size of the chromosome pool is held constant, the performance of the piecewise-linear-representation approach deteriorates considerably as the number of degrees of freedom increases. In contrast, the orthogonal series representations do not suffer from this drawback, and a significant reduction in the population size can be achieved. Therefore, the latter methodology offers a far more efficient approach to functional optimization than previously attempted. The developed methodology was applied to the determination of an optimal micropump shape. The genetic algorithm uncovered shapes that were nonintuitive but yielded vastly superior pump performance.
Denture base deformation during function

Abstract The data obtained indicates the following: (1) During mastication, (a) plastic base dentures exhibit greater deformation than metal base dentures or dentures with metal inserts, (b) the high ridge dentures exhibit torsional deformation, (c) the flat ridge dentures exhibit compression (or inward movement). (2) During deglutition, (a) the high ridge dentures exhibit extension (or spreading apart), (b) the flat ridge dentures exhibit very little extension. It is the authors' considered opinion that the data presented indicate that the type of base best suited to resist deformation adequately during function should be selected during the diagnosis and treatment planning for the individual patient. It is thought that the ability of the base to resist deformation is an important factor in adequate stress distribution to the supporting structures.
Working 61 plus hours a week: Why do managers do it?

The authors investigated why some managers work extreme hours, defined as 61 or more hours per week. The authors tested explanations drawn from theories including the work-leisure tradeoff, work as an emotional respite, social contagion, and work as its own reward. In a demographically homogeneous sample of male managers, the best explanations for why some worked 61 or more hours per week were the financial and psychological rewards they received from doing so. The hypothesis derived from A. Hochschild's (1997) research that managers who work long hours seek relief at work from pressures at home was not supported. Findings in a small sample of managerial women were consistent with the work-leisure trade-off hypothesis, the social contagion hypothesis, and the work as its own reward hypothesis.
The regulation of acyl-CoA dehydrogenases in adipose tissue by rosiglitazone.

The acyl-CoA dehydrogenases (ACADs), which catalyze the rate-limiting step in the mitochondrial β-oxidation spiral, were investigated in white adipose tissue (WAT) of C57Bl/6 mice treated with 10 mg/kg/day rosiglitazone. Rosiglitazone was also administered to PPAR-α knockout mice. ACAD abundance and activity were determined using western blotting and an ACAD enzyme activity assay. Rosiglitazone increased ACAD activity in both epididymal and inguinal WAT but not in brown adipose tissue, liver, or muscle. Given the known function of PPAR-α in regulating the expression of ACAD genes in liver, it was hypothesized that PPAR-α may be involved in upregulating the ACADs during rosiglitazone-mediated adipose tissue remodeling. However, the effect of rosiglitazone on adipose tissue ACAD activity was the same in wild-type and PPAR-α knockout mice. In conclusion, rosiglitazone increases expression and activity of ACAD enzymes in WAT independently of PPAR-α.
Broadband electromagnetic induction response form conducting and permeable spheroids

Broadband electromagnetic induction (EMI) methods are promising in the detection and discrimination of subsurface metallic targets. We compute EMI responses from conducting and permeable spheroids by using a field expansion method which is based on the separation of variables in spheroidal coordinates. In addition to an exact formulation which utilizes the vector spheroidal wavefunctions inside the spheroid, we also develop an approximate theory known as the small penetration-depth approximation (SPA). For general permeability, SPA is applicable at high frequency and compliments the exact formulation which breaks down at high frequency. However, when the permeability of the spheroid is large enough, the SPA yields an accurate broadband response. Numerical results for the far-field frequency responses from prolate and oblate spheroids are presented. By neglecting mutual interactions between the spheroids, we also study the broadband EMI response from a collection of spheroids that are randomly oriented and have different sizes.
Computing exact aspect graphs of curved objects: algebraic surfaces

This article presents an algorithm for computing the exact aspect graph of an opaque solid bounded by a smooth algebraic surface. Orthographic projection is assumed. The algorithm is based on a catalog of visual events available from singularity theory. It uses curve tracing, cell decomposition, homotopy continuation, and ray tracing to construct the regions of the view sphere delineated by visual-event curves. The algorithm has been fully implemented, and examples are presented.
Slow photoelectron velocity-map imaging of the i-methylvinoxide anion.

High-resolution photoelectron spectra of the i-methylvinoxide anion are obtained by slow electron velocity-map imaging. The transitions between the anion ground electronic state, X 1A′, and the radical X 2A′′, and A 2A′ states are measured. Franck−Condon simulations of the X 2A′′ ← X 1A′ transition are performed to aid in assigning peaks, yielding several vibrational frequencies for the first time. Additional structure in the spectrum of the X 2A′′ ← X 1A′ transition is attributed to hindered rotor motion of the methyl group. Simulation of methyl torsional states allows identification of the true origin peak, yielding the experimental adiabatic electron affinity, EA = 1.747 ± 0.002 eV, and the A state term energy, T0 = 1.037 ± 0.002 eV. Comparison with the fully deuterated isotopologue further supports the assignment of hindered rotor progressions. The favored methyl rotor position is eclipsed in the radical X state and staggered in the anion X and radical A states.
Solid state NMR studies of hydrogen bonding in a citrate synthase inhibitor complex.

The ionization state and hydrogen bonding environment of the transition state analogue (TSA) inhibitor, carboxymethyldethia coenzyme A (CMX), bound to citrate synthase have been investigated using solid state NMR. This enzyme-inhibitor complex has been studied in connection with the postulated contribution of short hydrogen bonds to binding energies and enzyme catalysis: the X-ray crystal structure of this complex revealed an unusually short hydrogen bond between the carboxylate group of the inhibitor and an aspartic acid side chain [Usher et al. (1994) Biochemistry 33, 7753-7759]. To further investigate the nature of this short hydrogen bond, low spinning speed 13C NMR spectra of the CMX-citrate synthase complex were obtained under a variety of sample conditions. Tensor values describing the chemical shift anisotropy of the carboxyl groups of the inhibitor were obtained by simulating MAS spectra (233 +/- 4, 206 +/- 5, and 105 +/- 2 ppm vs TMS). Comparison of these values with our previously reported database and ab initio calculations of carbon shift tensor values clearly indicates that the carboxyl is deprotonated. New data from model compounds suggest that hydrogen bonds in a syn arrangement with respect to the carboxylate group have a pronounced effect upon the shift tensors for the carboxylate, while anti hydrogen bonds, regardless of their length, apparently do not perturb the shift tensors of the carboxyl group. Thus the tensor values for the enzyme-inhibitor complex could be consistent with either a very long syn hydrogen bond or an anti hydrogen bond; the latter would agree very well with previous crystallographic results. Two-dimensional 1H-13C heteronuclear correlation spectra of the enzyme-inhibitor complex were obtained. Strong cross-peaks were observed from the carboxyl carbon to proton(s) with chemical shift(s) of 22 +/- 5 ppm. Both the proton chemical shift and the intensity of the cross-peak indicate a very short hydrogen bond to the carboxyl group of the inhibitor, the C.H distance based upon the cross-peak intensity being 2.0 +/- 0.4 A. This proton resonance is assigned to Hdelta2 of Asp 375, on the basis of comparison with crystal structures and the fact that this cross-peak was absent in the heteronuclear correlation spectrum of the inhibitor-D375G mutant enzyme complex. In summary, our NMR studies support the suggestion that a very short hydrogen bond is formed between the TSA and the Asp carboxylate.
Computer vision and airport security

Research and development are in progress in signal processing for explosive detection for airport security. The recent advancements in real-time computer vision, however, will provide possibilities of far more new and innovative ways to augment airport's human security force. For example, a computer vision system with real-time object tracking capability can monitor the behavior of large groups of people, computers can keep detailed records of the flow of people through certain areas, allowing security personnel to predict and quickly respond to crowd or isolation situations, as well as identifying potential suspects through suspicious movement patterns. Further, such a system would enable airport security officers to accurately monitor a particular suspect's movements within the airport, relayed from camera to camera, without alerting him to their observation or diverting manpower from other areas. Computerized face recognition and facial expression extraction are other actively researched areas in computer vision that have potential for airport security applications. I present an overview of the state-of-the-art computer vision research than can have relevance to airport security, and discuss how they can be applied and what aspects of that technology need to be researched further before they can be put into practical application.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Primary care physician specialty referral decision making: patient, physician, and health care system determinants.

Purpose. To examine the effects of patient, physician, and health care system characteristics on primary care physicians’ (PCPs’) specialty referral decision making. Methods. Physicians (n = 142) a...
Bernstein, Bourdieu and the New Literacy Studies

Abstract This essay discusses early and contemporary work by Basil Bernstein, comparing it with that of Pierre Bourdieu, the other major theorist of social and educational reproduction. I argue that their work jointly represents a legacy of neoclassical social theory with continuing relevance for educational research. It presents substantive analyses of institutional differentiation within contemporary societies, empirically robust arguments about class-specific symbolic resources, and insightful hypotheses about mechanisms of socialization and subjectivity. I develop the argument by examining two significant works in the new literacy studies—Social linguistics and literacies and Gender, literacy, curriculum—in light of their affinities with, and departures from, this “reproduction” legacy.
Hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine by cerium(IV) releases significant amounts of choline and inorganic phosphate at lysosomal pH.

Abstract Niemann–Pick disease and drug-induced phospholipidosis are examples of lysosomal storage disorders in which serious respiratory infections are brought on by high levels of the phospholipid phosphatidylcholine in the acidic lamellar bodies and lysosomes of pulmonary cells. One approach to developing an effective therapeutic agent could involve the use of a metal to preferentially hydrolyze phospholipid phosphate ester bonds at mildly acidic, lysosomal pH values (~ pH 4.8). Towards this end, here we have investigated phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis by twelve metal ion salts at 60 °C. Using a malachite green/molybdate-based colorimetric assay to detect inorganic phosphate released upon metal-assisted phosphate ester bond hydrolysis, Ce(IV) was shown to possess outstanding reactivity in comparison to the eleven other metals. We then utilized cerium(IV) to hydrolyze phosphatidylcholine at normal, core body temperature (37 °C). The malachite green/molybdate assay was used to quantitate free phosphate and an Amplex® Red-based colorimetric assay and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry were employed to detect choline. Ce(IV) hydrolyzed phosphatidylcholine more efficiently at lysosomal pH: i.e. , at a Triton X-100:phosphatidylcholine molar mixing ratio of 1.57, yields of choline and phosphate were 51 ± 4% and 40 ± 4% at ~ pH 4.8, compared to 28 ± 4% and 27 ± 5% at ~ pH 7.2.
The influence of social relationships on pro-environment behaviors

Abstract We examine how social relationships are related to pro-environment behaviors. We use new data from a nationally representative US sample to estimate latent cluster models in which we describe individuals' profiles of social ties with family, neighbor, and coworkers along two dimensions: intensity of connections and pro-environment norms. While our results confirm the link between social ties and economic behaviors, we show that ties among relatives, neighbors, and coworkers are not perfect substitutes. In particular, we observe consistent relationships between green family profiles and altruistic and community-based behaviors. We also find that the effect of coworker ties is visible for cost-saving activities and altruistic behaviors, and that neighbors matter for working with others in the community to solve a local problem, volunteering, and recycling.
Isolation, identification and stimulatory activity of a second component of the sex pheremone system (complex) of the female almond moth, Cadra cautella (walker)☆

Abstract Cis -9-tetradecen-l-ol acetate was isolated from both extracts of female abdominal tips and of filter paper exposed to female Cadra cautella (Walker). It is the second sex stimulant isolated from this species and, in stimulatory bioassays, it is ca. 1/100, 000 as active as the stimulant isolated previously, cis -9, trans -12-tetradecadien-l-ol acetate. According to attractancy tests, the natural sex pheromone system of complex contains other components in addition to these 2 stimulants.
Interracial Marriage Trends and Migration Patterns: An Analysis of LAFANS 2000

We hypothesized that interracial married couples will migrate more than intraracial married couples. We focus on three mechanisms (education, social support, and discrimination) that provide explanations for interracial couples to migrate more than interracial couples. The theoretical framework included the “Push-Pull” theory and perspective on social network ties and how they link to couples migration patterns. We used information gathered in a wave of the survey conducted in 2000 for the Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Study. We used this survey and analyzed in a logistic regression model how the three mechanisms described above affect interracial married couples and migration patterns. The results provide a positive direction but did not provide a statistical significant due to small sample size. In conclusion, we find support from all three mechanisms for interracial marriage couples to have higher possibility for migration. Future implications should examine divorce rate and cohabitation to provi...
Toward a general method for CCC N -heterocyclic carbene pincer synthesis: Metallation and transmetallation strategies for concurrent activation of three C–H bonds

Abstract A general solution to the preparation of pincer complexes that require the formation of two N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHC’s) and the activation of an aryl C–H bond is reported. The reaction of a phenylene-bridged bis(imidazolium) salt with Zr(NMe2)4 generated the requisite CCC–NHC Zr pincer complex, which has been characterized by X-ray crystallography. Subsequent manipulation of the Zr coordination sphere by reaction with MeI demonstrated the robustness of the ligand geometry at Zr and led to the isolation and structural characterization of a CCC–NHC Zr triiodide pincer complex. A variation of the methodology has been applied to a saturated NHC analog to produce the corresponding CCC–NHC Zr pincer complex. Importantly, it has been found that CCC–NHC Zr pincer complexes can be generated in situ and transmetallated with an appropriate Rh source to generate CCC–NHC Rh pincer structures. These two methodologies, metallation of CCC–NHC precursors with transition metal amido complexes combined with transmetallation, hold great promise for opening general synthetic pathways to a wide variety of transition metal CCC–NHC pincer complexes.
Control of chronic otitis media and sensorineural hearing loss in C3H/HeJ mice: Glucocorticoids vs. mineralocorticoids

Objective The impact of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids on chronic otitis media (COM) in toll-like receptor 4-deficient C3H/HeJ mice was investigated. Study Design To evaluate control of COM by steroids with differences in their anti-inflammatory (prednisolone, dexamethasone), and fluid absorption functions (fludrocortisone, aldosterone). A minimum sample size of five animals for each group was required based on power analysis calculations. Sample sizes ranged from 7 to 17 mice per treatment group. Subjects and Methods Auditory brain stem response (ABR) thresholds were performed at baseline, 2 weeks and 4 weeks. Histopathologic test results were evaluated on all mice ears at the end of the study. Results Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of ABR threshold change showed significant treatment effects (P Conclusion It was concluded that steroid treatments can improve the physiology of chronic middle and inner ear disease seen with COM.
From policy to practice in the Multilingual Apple: bilingual education in New York City

New York City is extraordinarily diverse, making it a fascinating context in which to research bilingual education. City schools have for generations served large numbers of immigrants and children...
Bioconversion of municipal solid waste to lactic acid byLactobacillus species

EightLactobacillus species were screened for production of lactic acid from acid-hydrolyzed municipal solid waste (AHMSW). Screening criteria included carbohydrate utilization, lactic acid production, and the yield of lactic acid produced in modified Elliker broth and in MSW hydrolyzate.Lactobacillus pentosus B-227 metabolized the most carbohydrate (62%) and produced the highest concentration of lactic acid in AHMSW (21.2 mg/mL) containing 41.3 mg/mL carbohydrate. Fermentation parameters for the bioconversion of carbohydrates in MSW to lactic acid also were evaluated. Under optimum conditions, consisting of an initial pH of 7.6, 32‡C, static fermentation, 1% v/v inoculum, and 5% calcium carbonate buffer, L.pentosus B-227 produced 65 mg/mL lactic acid from 100.6 mg/mL of carbohydrates in MSW hydrolyzate, an 87% yield based on carbohydrate utilization.
Low-temperature diffusion and solubility of Ni in P-doped Czochralski-grown Si.

The transport of Ni atoms through P-doped Czochralski-grown (5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{14}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$) Si 〈100〉 single-crystal wafers has been measured in the temperature range of 450 to 540 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C utilizing an Al sink and the Rutherford backscattering technique. It is described by DC=(8\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{22}$)exp[-(2.16 eV/kT)] atoms/cm sec, where D and C are the diffusivity and solubility of Ni in Si, respectively. An independent measurement of Ni solubility in these Si wafers was also made by the neutron activation technique following an anneal at 500 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C for 20 h resulting in a value of ${10}^{17}$ atoms/${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$. By invoking a clustering model of interstitial Ni with substitutional P and possibly oxygen, it was possible to obtain diffusion constants of Ni D=(6.3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}4}$)exp[-(0.76 eV/kT)] ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/sec. Furthermore, the binding model also seems to provide a justification of the above-mentioned large Ni solubility.