cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monthly Pulse Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) or Methylprednisolone Therapy for Long-Term Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis as an Add-On Therapy to beta-Interferons: Current Status of the Pilot Study (P04.147)

Objective: This pilot study is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of monthly adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) treatment added to beta-interferon in breakthrough multiple sclerosis (MS) compared with monthly methylprednisolone (MP), the most commonly used therapy. Background ACTH gel is approved for treatment of MS relapses. There is mounting evidence that ACTH may have a variety of immune-modulating mechanisms relevant to the MS disease course. However, no clinical studies have evaluated ACTH pulse therapy for MS. Design/Methods: This single-center, examiner-blinded study enrolled MS patients receiving ongoing beta-interferon treatment with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores of 3.0-6.5 and ≥1 relapse or new T2 or Gadolinium-enhanced lesion within the previous year. Patients were randomly assigned to open-label ACTH (80 units intramuscularly once/day x 3 consecutive days) or MP (1 gram IV x 1 dose) monthly for 12 months, with assessments every 3 months. Outcomes include relapse rate (primary); EDSS, MS Functional Composite, and MS Quality of Life scores; MRI; bone density; and side effects. We report the current status of the study. Results: Of 26 patients enrolled (ACTH: n=14, mean±SD EDSS 4.4±1.4; MP: n=12, mean EDSS 4.7±1.4), 18 have ≥6 months of data (ACTH: n=10, MP: n=8). During 6 months of pulse therapy, there were 0 relapses in the ACTH group and 4 relapses (in 2 patients) in the MP group. Mean EDSS score at month 3 was 3.9±2.0 (p=0.028; n=12) for ACTH and 3.9±1.6 (p=0.058; n=10) for MP. EDSS at month 6 was 4.4±1.8 (p=0.075) for ACTH and 4.2±2.0 (p=0.401) for MP. Seventeen side effects were reported from 9 patients in the ACTH group and 13 side effects were reported by 6 patients in the MP group. Conclusions: These data suggest a potential role for ACTH pulse therapy in treating breakthrough MS. Supported by: Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Disclosure: Dr. Berkovich has received personal compensation for activities with Acorda Therapeutics, Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Biogen Idec, Teva Neuroscience and Questcor Inc. as a speaker. Dr. Berkovich has received research support from Questcor Inc. Dr. Amezcua has received personal compensation for activities with Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Biogen Idec, Teva Neuroscience, and Serono/Pfizer Inc. Dr. Fernandez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Subhani has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kravtsova has nothing to disclose.
Biochemical and immunological characterization of the STA2-encoded extracellular glucoamylase from saccharomyces diastaticus☆

Abstract In Saccharomyces diastaticus each one of three unlinked genes ( STA1, STA2, STA3 ) encodes a glucoamylase (α-1,4 glucanglucohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.3) that allows yeast to grow on starch. The enzyme encoded by the STA2 gene (glucoamylase II) has been purified from culture medium to near homogeneity by ethanol precipitation, Trisacryl M DEAE chromatography, and HPLC gel filtration. Glucoamylase II consists of two identical subunits whose average size is 300 kDa. Under denaturing conditions, the native dimeric enzyme readily dissociates to a monomer. Enzymatic deglycosylation of denatured enzyme gives rise to intermediate, partially glycosylated forms and to a 56-kDa completely deglycosylated protein. Glucoamylase releases glucose units by cleaving α-1,4 bonds from the nonreducing end of different oligosaccharides, but has only a barely detectable α-1,6 hydrolyzing activity. The pH optimum for the purified enzyme was found to be 5.1. The enzyme has a greater affinity for maltohexaose ( K m = 0.98 mM , V K m = 2.39 ) than for maltotriose ( K m = 2.38, V K m = 0.68 ) or maltose ( K m = 3.20, V K m = 0.39 ). Both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies have been raised against glucoamylase II. The polyclonal antibodies specifically inhibit yeast glucoamylase II activity in a dose-dependent manner, but are found to immunoblot other yeast glycoproteins as well. This oligosaccharide-specific reaction can be competed out by adding excess mannan without affecting glucoamylase reactivity. The cross-reactivity of the polyclonal antibodies with other amylolytic enzymes correlates well with evolutionary distance. Evidence is presented that monoclonal antibodies specific for either carbohydrate or protein epitopes have been obtained.
Pressure derivatives of the elastic constants of α-iron to 10 kbs

Abstract The pressure derivatives of the elastic constants of α -iron have been determined over the pressure range from 0 to 10kb, by a differential ultrasonic pulse-echo method involving pulse superposition. Measurements were made on single-crystal specimens of orientations (100), (110), and (111), thus providing several cross checks. The values found for the elastic constants and their pressure derivatives at 300°K are: B S =1664 kb C=1166kb C′=477kb d B S d P =5⋯29 d C d P =2⋯59 d C′ d P =1⋯07 using the notation B s = (C 11 +2C 12 ) 3 , C = C 44 , C′= (C 11 −C 12 ) 2 . On the basis of a continuum model, a value for the Gruneisen constant has been calculated from the pressure derivatives. This value agrees closely with that obtained from thermal expansion data. Combining the present result with data on temperature dependence, the elastic constants of α-iron are found to be explicit functions of temperature. The present value for the pressure derivative of the bulk modulus, which is in reasonable agreement with previous ultrasonic measurements, is nearly 40 per cent larger than the value calculated from Bridgman's static measurements.
THE COMPARATIVE ANTIARRHYTHMIC EFFECTS OF MEPIVACAINE AND LIGNOCAINE

SUMMARY A comparison of the antiarrhythmic effects of 2 mg/kg of mepivacaine and lignocaine, as measured by elevations in the end-diastolic ventricular stimulation threshold (EDVST), was made in open-chest dogs. Both mepivacaine and lignocaine increased the EDVST significantly. The peak elevation of EDVST occurred within 2 minutes after injection and averaged 0.013 mA (13 μA) with mepivacaine and 0.022 mA (22 μA) with lignocaine. The greater early response to lignocaine as compared with mepivacaine was significant. After 4 minutes the rate of decreasing effect was approximately 0.001 mA/min for both mepivacaine and lignocaine. The studies provide new evidence demonstrating the antiarrhythmic properties of mepivacaine and support the continued evaluation of related compounds in the search for better antiarrhythmic agents.
Polarization force on a charged particulate in a nonuniform plasma

The force on a charged particulate or ``dust grain'' in a plasma is derived in the presence of a density gradient and an externally applied electric field. The Debye sheath around the particulate is usually deformed (i.e., polarized) under such conditions, and exerts a force on the particulate. This sheath-polarization force is always in the direction of decreasing Debye length, regardless of the sign of the particulate charge. The magnitude of the polarization force is estimated under typical glow discharge conditions.
Modeling the impacts of climate change on irrigated corn production in the Central Great Plains

Abstract The changes in temperature and precipitation patterns along with increasing levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) may change evapotranspiration (ET) demand, and affect water availability and crop production. An assessment of the potential impact of climate change and elevated CO2 on irrigated corn (Zea mays L.) in the Central Great Plains of Colorado was conducted using the Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM2) model. One hundred and twelve bias corrected and spatially disaggregated (BCSD) climate projections were used to generate four different multi-model ensemble scenarios of climate change: three of the ensembles represented the A1B, A2, and B1 emission scenarios and the fourth comprised of all 112 BCSD projections. Three different levels of irrigation, based on meeting 100, 75, and 50% of the crop ET demand, were used to study the climate change effects on corn yield and water use efficiency (WUE) under full and deficit irrigation. Predicted increases in mean monthly temperature during the crop growing period varied from 1.4 to 1.9, 2.1 to 3.4, and 2.7 to 5.4 °C during the 2020s, 2050s, and 2080s, respectively, for the different climate change scenarios. During the same periods, the projected changes in mean monthly precipitation varied in the range of −4.5 to 1.7, −6.6 to 4.0 and −11.5 to 10.2%, respectively. Simulation results showed a decrease in corn yield, because the negative effects of increase in temperature dominated over the positive effects of increasing CO2 levels. The mean overall decrease in yield for the four different climate change scenarios, with full irrigation, ranged from 11.3 to 14.0, 17.1 to 21.0, and 20.7 to 27.7% during the 2020s, 2050s, and 2080s, respectively, even though the CO2 alone increased yield by 3.5 to 12.8% for the scenario representing ensembles of 112 projections (S1). The yield decrease was linearly related to the shortening of the growing period caused by increased temperature. Under deficit irrigation, the yield decreases were smaller due to increased WUE with elevated CO2. Because of the shortened crop growing period and the CO2 effect of decreasing the ET demand, there was a decrease in the required irrigation. Longer duration cultivars tolerant to higher temperatures may be one of the possible adaptation strategies. The amount of irrigation water needed to maintain the current yield for a longer duration corn cultivar, having the same WUE as the current cultivar, is projected to change in the range of −1.7 to 6.4% from the current baseline, under the four different scenarios of climate change evaluated in this research.
Formation of aragonite cement by nannobacteria in the Great Salt Lake, Utah

Brine-shrimp egg cases in growth cavities in modern stromatolites in the Great Salt Lake, Utah, are replaced by aragonite and cemented together by aragonite cement. The fabric of the cement changes dramatically as the distance from the egg case increases. The cement within 50 to 70 μm of the egg case exhibits a random fabric of 10 to 20 μm equant crystals. The surface of the cement is covered by bead-like bumps, 0.1 μm in diameter, interpreted as nannobacteria. Overlying the random, “beaded” fabric with a relatively abrupt transition are epitaxial, prismatic aragonite crystals that have smooth crystal surfaces lacking bead-like bodies. The smooth-surfaced prismatic aragonite crystals are interpreted to be “normal” abiotic precipitates, whereas the “beaded” microspar is interpreted to result from biotic processes, where the nannobacteria serve as catalysts for creation of the cement. A population explosion of bacteria occurs as the organic material of egg case rots, which alters the microchemical environment and induces a rapid precipitation of aragonite, enclosing tens of thousands of nannobacteria. As the organic material is destroyed, reproduction of bacteria slows and epitaxial, prismatic aragonite crystals nucleate and grow abiotically on the structureless, “biotic” layer.
Loreclezole inhibition of recombinant α1β1γ2L GABAA receptor single channel currents

Abstract Loreclezole had two different effects on GABAA receptor (GABAR) currents. When applied to GABARs that contained a β2 or β3 subunit subtype, but not a β1 subtype, loreclezole potentiated the peak current evoked by sub-maximal concentrations of GABA. Loreclezole also increased the rate and degree of apparent desensitization of GABAR whole-cell currents, an effect that was independent of the β subunit subtype, suggesting that potentiation and inhibition of GABAR current by loreclezole occurred through separate sites. We used patch-clamp recording from outside-out and inside-out patches from L929 fibroblasts transiently transfected with rat GABAR subunits to examine the properties of inhibition of α1β1γ2L single channel currents by loreclezole. Loreclezole decreased the mean open time of the channel by decreasing the average durations of the open states. Loreclezole also increased the occurrence of a closed component with an average duration near 20 ms. Inhibition by loreclezole was not voltage-dependent. Loreclezole was equally effective when applied to the intracellular side of the receptor, suggesting that its binding site was readily accessible from both sides of the membrane. Pre-application of loreclezole effectively inhibited the GABAR current in macropatches, indicating that binding did not require an open channel. These findings were consistent with a mechanism of allosteric modulation at a site formed by the membrane spanning regions of the receptor.
Magazines Newspapers: Editors Have Different Ethical Standards on the Digital Manipulation of Photographs

(1995). Magazines Newspapers: Editors Have Different Ethical Standards on the Digital Manipulation of Photographs. Visual Communication Quarterly: Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 4-7.
Synthesis of amorphous, microporous silica with adamantanamine as a templating agent

Amorphous, microporous silica with a spherical particle morphology has been prepared with adamantanamine, and its unusual structural properties suggest a non-zeolitic templating synthesis pathway.
Polarographic reduction of pyridinium ion in pyridine tetraethylammonium perchlorate as background electrolyte

Abstract Tetraethylammonium perchlorate, compared to lithium perchlorate as background electrolyte for the reduction of pyridinium ion in pyridine, is effective over a wider potential range, but is more difficult to obtain in a pure state; slight amounts of impurities do not, however, affect the pyridinium wave. The pyridinium wave produced in 0.1 M Et4NClO4 may occur at a more negative potential than the main pyridinium wave in 0.1 M LiClO4, depending on the source of the pyridinium ion, but still appears to be due to a diffusion-controlled reduction, whose limiting current is linearly proportional to concentration; the prewave observed in LiCl04 background generally does not appear in Et4NClO4 background. Specific differences in the effect of Li(I), Na(I) and Et4N(I) background cation appear to be due to electrocapillary phenomena and perhaps to the extent of solvation of the ions. The constancy of current for solutions containing acetic acid with added acetate, pyridinium nitrate with added nitrate, and benzoic acid with added benzoate indicate that the pyridinium reduction is independent of anion concentration.
Norepinephrine release in the amygdala after systemic injection of epinephrine or escapable footshock: contribution of the nucleus of the solitary tract

Several findings based largely on lesions and drug manipulations within the amygdala suggest that norepinephrine (NE) systems in the amygdala contribute to enhancement of memory processes by epinephrine (EPI). However, no studies to date have directly measured changes in the release of NE in the amygdala after EPI injection. In Experiment 1, in vivo microdialysis was used to assess amygdala NE release after systemic injection of saline, EPI (0.1 or 0.3 mg/kg), and administration of an escapable footshock (0.8 mA, 1 s). Both doses of EPI produced a significant elevation in NE release that persisted for up to 60 min. In Experiment 2, the local anesthetic lidocaine (2%) was infused (0.5 microl) into the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) immediately before injection of 0.3 mg/kg EPI. The EPI-induced elevation in amygdala NE release observed in Experiment I was attenuated by inactivation of the NTS. These findings indicate that systemic injection of EPI increases release of NE in the amygdala and suggest that the effects are mediated in part by activation of brainstem neurons in the NTS that project to the amygdala.
A unified methodology for motion planning with uncertainty for 2d and 3d two-link robot arm manipulators

Most of the work on robot path planning revolves around two basic models: the model with complete information (often called the "Piano Mover's Problem") and the model with in complete information (called here the "South Pole Search Problem'). The approach of dynamic path planning intro duced in Lumelsky and Stepanov (1987) and Lumelsky (1987) is based on the latter model and produces nonheuristic (provable) algorithms for simple robot arm manipulators operating in an environment with unknown obstacles of arbi trary shapes. The algorithms assume local on-line input information coming from the arm sensors. Unfortunately, the existing techniques require that each kinematic configuration be considered separately, which results in different algo rithms for different kinematics. In this paper, a unified meth odology is presented for designing dynamic path planning algorithms for two- and three-dimensional two-link arm manipulators. The approach is independent of the specifics of the kinematic configuration and ...
The effect of cracks on the thermal expansion of rocks

Abstract Thermal expansion during the first heating cycle at atmospheric pressure was measured in several directions in seven igneous rocks between 25° and 400°C at slow heating rates. The coefficient of thermal expansion measured under these conditions increases more rapidly as temperature is increased than the average thermal expansion coefficient of the constituent minerals. The “extra” expansion is attributed to the formation of cracks by differential expansion of mineral grains. The presence of such cracks in the rocks during the cooling part of the cycle and during any subsequent heating and cooling cycles will result in a substantial decrease in the coefficient of thermal expansion as compared to that measured during the first heating cycles. The effect of cracks initially present in a rock was studied by measuring the full tensor of the coefficient of thermal expansion on two rocks with anisotropic crack distributions. In these two rocks the coefficient of thermal expansion is least in the direction perpendicular to the plane of greatest crack concentration. The implication of our data is that thermal expansion depends greatly on the fracture state of the rock. Both the fractures in the rock and the boundary conditions on the rock are significant for the interpretation of thermal expansion measurements and for their application to other problems.
Venous thromboembolic disease in the HIV-infected patient

Abstract Objective Infection with the HIV has developed into a chronic illness, with longer-term complications increasingly being seen. There is increasing evidence that infection with HIV may be associated with a hypercoagulable state. This study examines the association of HIV infection with the incidence of both pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis. Methods This study was a weighted analysis of data from National Hospital Discharge Survey, a national annual probability survey of discharges from short-stay non-Federal hospitals, from 1996-2004. The risk of pulmonary embolism and/or deep venous thrombosis in an HIV+ individual was ascertained for each age group by calculation of an odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). A common OR was computed across strata to evaluate the overall association between PE/DVT and HIV while adjusting for effects of age. Results The overall age-adjusted OR indicates a statistically significant increase of 43% for PE in HIV+ individuals as opposed to HIV− individuals (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.39–1.46). This increase differs by age group, with age group 21 to 50 years having the highest odds for PE among HIV+ individuals (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.54-1.63). Conclusions The data supports the hypothesis that HIV-infected individuals are more likely to have clinically detected thromboembolic disease as opposed to non–HIV-infected individuals. This study reveals up to a 43% increase in OR of developing a PE, 10% increase in developing a DVT, and 40% increase in developing PE or DVT in an HIV-infected individual over the 9-year study period after adjusting for age.
A multiplicity of mechanisms in the plant kingdom which can contribute to iron efficiency

Abstract Biochemical, physiological, and anatomical changes, which occur in plants as result of iron stress, have been subject of study in recent years. The evidence indicates that at least some plant materials have the characteristics whether or not they are under iron stress. The same species, when studied in the laboratory, variously undergo changes when transferred from iron‐sufficient to iron‐stress conditions. Some of the changes occur in minutes. Since efficient plants have efficient characteristics, even when not under stress, the changes will be either quantitative or qualitative; relationships are not fully understood. Iron‐stress response involves proton expulsion, redox, citrate buildup in roots, and/or chelator (siderophore) production. Possibly other responses are involved, and even these four named have multiple methods of expression. If all four were involved singly or together in all possible combinations, 15 different mechanisms would be possible (a, b, c, d, ab, ac, ad, bc, bd, cd, abc,...
Corrections to the Van der Waals model for mixtures and for the diffusion coefficient

Abstract Mixtures of hard spheres and square-well molecules of the same core size are shown to conform remarkably well to the Van der Waals equation of state but that model leads to large deviations in the prediction of other excess thermodynamic properties. The model needs to be corrected by including concentration fluctuations. The first correction to the Van der Waals prediction of hard-sphere diffusion coefficients, which also involves fluctuations in the attractive potential, is shown to be remarkably alike at high density to that for the thermodynamic properties. Nevertheless, it is demonstrated from the Boltzmann equation that the still higher-order corrections to the hard-sphere transport coefficients involve logarithmic terms and hence the expansion in inverse powers of the temperature cannot be of the same form as for equilibrium properties. However, the practical consequences of the logarithmic terms appear to be small judged by the good approximation with which the first correction term represents the data.
Radiation for immunosuppression in human organ transplantation. II. Clinical experience.

(1971). Radiation for Immunosuppression in Human Organ Transplantation II. Clinical experience. Acta Radiologica: Therapy, Physics, Biology: Vol. 10, No. 3, pp. 329-340.
Nonlinear Option Pricing

Nonlinear Option Pricing, co-authored by Julien Guyon and Pierre Henry-Labordere, applies the latest techniques in stochastic analysis to various challenging practical problems in mathematical fina...
An interior boundary pivotal solution algorithm for linear programmes with the optimal solution-based sensitivity region

We have developed a full gradient method that consists of three phases. The initialisation phase provides the initial tableau that may not have a full set of basis. The push phase uses a full gradient vector of the objective function to obtain a feasible vertex. This is then followed by a series of pivotal steps using the sub-gradient, which leads to an optimal solution (if exists) in the final iteration phase. At each of these iterations, the sub-gradient provides the desired direction of motion within the feasible region. The algorithm hits and/or moves on the constraint hyper-planes and their intersections to reach an optimal vertex (if exists). The algorithm works in the original decision variables and slack/surplus space, therefore, there is no need to introduce any new extra variables such as artificial variables. The simplex solution algorithm can be considered as a sub-more efficient. Given a linear programme has a known unique non-degenerate primal/dual solution; we develop the largest sensitivity region for linear programming models-based only the optimal solution rather than the final tableau. It allows for simultaneous, dependent/independent changes on the cost coefficients and the right-hand side of constraint. Numerical illustrative examples are given.
The principle of margin convergence in rotator cuff repair as a means of strain reduction at the tear margin.

The principle of margin convergence applied to rotator cuff repair is achieved by side-to-side suture of the cuff tear in order to converge the free margin of the cuff toward its bone bed. This technique dramatically reduces strain along the “converged” margin, thereby protecting the tendon-bone repair interface during the critical phases of healing.
Abstract PR6: Widespread potential for growth factor-driven resistance to anti-cancer kinase inhibitors

Mutationally activated kinases, including EGFR, HER2, ALK, ABL, PDGFR, c-KIT, and BRAF, define a clinically validated class of targets for cancer drug therapy. However, the efficacy of kinase inhibitors in patients whose tumors harbor such alleles is invariably limited by innate or acquired drug resistance. As molecular mechanisms of resistance have begun to be elucidated, a recurrent theme is the engagement of survival signals redundant to those transduced by the targeted oncogenic kinase. Cancer cells typically express multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), and many of these can potentially mediate signals that converge on common and critical downstream cell survival effectors - most notably, PI-3 kinase (PI3K) and MAP kinase (MAPK). Consequently, an increase in RTK ligand levels, via autocrine tumor cell production, paracrine contribution by tumor stroma, or systemic production, could confer resistance to inhibitors of an oncogenic kinase with a similar downstream signaling output. Indeed, using a large panel of kinase-“addicted” cancer cell lines, we found that the vast majority of such cells can be “rescued” from drug sensitivity by simply exposing them to one or more RTK ligands that engage redundant survival effectors. Among the findings with immediate clinical implications was the observation that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) confers resistance to the HER2 kinase inhibitor lapatinib in HER2 amplified breast cancer cells, and to the BRAF inhibitor PLX4032 (vemurafenib) in BRAF mutant melanoma cells. Analysis of systemic HGF levels from PLX4032-treated BRAF mutant metastatic melanoma patients who were enrolled on the BRIM2 study indicated that increased HGF levels were significantly associated with a worse clinical outcome. These observations highlight the extensive redundancy of RTK-transduced signaling in cancer cells and the potentially broad role of widely expressed RTK ligands in both innate and acquired resistance to drugs targeting oncogenic kinases. This proffered talk is also presented as Poster B38 .
Industrial Injury Cost Analysis by Occupation in an Electric Utility

The objective of this study was to establish a cost base of industrial injuries by occupations at the Southern California Edison Company (SCE). The cost base is a risk management tool to project future costs of current injuries by occupation. It provides an estimation of anticipated cost for use in strategic program development. The SCE workers' compensation database of industrial injuries was used in this study. Cost data from 1980 to 1987 were converted to 1993 dollars. Several years must elapse for the total cost data to accrue for complex medical lost time injury cases. The total average cost per injury for the 46 occupations was $5173. The occupational total average injury cost range was $300-$19 500, a difference in total average injury cost of more than $19 000. The costing model developed included three major cost categories: lost productivity, medical, and indemnity. It is a conservative estimate of the actual cost of an average injury event. Reducing injury rates in high total average injury cos...
Development and characterization of advanced process technologies for the fabrication of crystalline-Si solar cells

Photovoltaic devices were fabricated at IBM TJ Watson Research Center using a research line designed to run different substrate types concurrently. The process knowledge gained from CMOS IC fabrication is applied to solar cell fabrication to create cells with plated Cu front metallization, Al back contacts, and PECVD SiN ARC. The interaction between substrate type and process conditions for saw damage etch, PECVD SiN deposition and emitter formation (thermal budget exposure) is presented in this paper. Electroplating process characterization results are discussed. The effects on the electrical characteristics of the photovoltaic device due to the process parameters chosen, and due to extrinsic defects, are discussed.
Constitutive Communications and the Shimmering Project of the Multitude

In Multitude: War and Democracy in the Age of Empire (2004), Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri analyze the major shifts in the inner workings of capitalism and class that have taken place across the last forty years. Building on these global transformations they offer a compelling vision for a new political project, which relies on the growing power of a new political subject, the multitude. They argue that this new political subject is irreducible to a singular identity or project, and therefore demands new horizontal networked, organizational forms, held together by communication technologies, in an effort to forge a radical democratic praxis. In this essay I argue that while their vision for a new logic of contemporary class-based social movements takes us in important new directions ultimately they are unable to deliver on the pledge of a meaningful political program because they rely to heavily on communications as a tool to bind the multitude.
Mitochondrial ND5 mutations in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease

Idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a systemic loss of activity of complex I (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase), the target enzyme of the parkinsonism producing neurotoxin, MPTP. Cybrid experiments strongly suggest that the loss of complex I activity arises from mitochondrial DNA. We prospectively evaluated low frequency, amino acid changing, heteroplasmic mutations in a narrow region of ND5, a mitochondrial gene encoding a complex I subunit, in brain tissue from PD and controls. The presence or absence of amino acid changing mutations correctly classified 15 of 16 samples. Heteroplasmic mutations in a specific region of ND5 largely segregate PD from controls and may be of major pathogenic importance in idiopathic PD.
New noninvasive methodology for real-time monitoring of lipid flip.

A new methodology for the detection of lipid flip was developed. This methodology relies on the quenching of the fluorescence of the cascade-blue-labeled lipid through complex formation with a membrane-impermeable cyclen-tetranaphthalenethiourea synthetic receptor for this dye. The high affinity of the receptor to cascade-blue label allows the use of micromolar concentrations of this receptor during the experiment. At these low concentrations, the receptor does not interfere with the membrane integrity and, therefore, renders this new methodology less invasive to the model and cell membranes than commonly utilized 7-nitro-1,2,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl (NBD)-dithionite methodology. Unlike with the NBD-dithionite assay, where the fluorescence quenching of the NBD group is achieved through its chemical modification, this new assay relies on the noncovalent interactions between cascade-blue label and the receptor. Therefore, the quenching can be reverted by either competitive displacement of the lipid-attached lab...
Neurogenic hypotension in patients with severe head injuries.

Objective: To examine the occurrence of hypotensive episodes in patients with severe traumatic brain injuries that are not of hypovolemic origin and to investigate possible neurogenic or iatrogenic causes of such episodes. Methods: We reviewed Traumatic Coma Data Bank (TCDB) records of the 248 patients with early hypotension. We attempted to eliminate episodes related to hemorrhagic hypovolemia by excluding patients with (1) extracranial injuries of Abbreviated Injury Scale scores > 3 (n = 99, 40%); (2) postresuscitation hematocrit levels < 35% (n = 76, 30.6%); (3) hematocrit levels decreasing to <35% during the first 24 hours after injury (n = 47, 19%); and (4) patients with conflicting data (n = 5, 2%). This left 21 patients (8.5%) without discernible extracranial causes for their hypotension. Results: Of these 21 patients, 4 had no extracranial injuries and 4 had only a single injury with Abbreviated Injury Scale score = 1. Hypotensive episodes were not associated with terminal or unsalvageable status. Mortality was 43%. Of the multiple factors investigated, the only two that were strongly associated with these unexplained hypotensive episodes were the presence of a diffuse injury pattern on computed tomography (n = 15, 71%) and the early use of mannitol or furosemide (n = 16, 76%) (It was policy at TCDB centers that hypotensive patients not receive diuretics until they were resuscitated.) Conclusions: (1) Some episodes of severe traumatic brain injury-related hypotension may be of neurogenic origin. (2) The risk/benefit ratio of early diuretic use in patients with severe traumatic brain injuries may be too high to support liberal use. These data strongly support the need for a study involving prospective collection of data describing the early blood pressure courses in such patients.
MeshJam: Intelligent Jamming Attack and Defense in IEEE 802.11s Wireless Mesh Networks

Wireless mesh networks represent an emerging network architecture which has been actively studied and standardized for the last several years. Because of their flexible network architecture, wireless mesh networks can provide alternative paths even when wireless links are broken by node failures or routing attacks. Among a variety of mesh network protocols, we focus on the recently ratified IEEE 802.11s WLAN mesh standard. With analysis of the path selection scheme in 802.11s, we show the effect of conventional jamming on 802.11s-based wireless mesh networks via simulation. We then introduce mesh jamming, which can more efficiently attack the mesh path selection process by exploiting cross-layer knowledge and more harmfully influence on the path discovery performance compared to conventional jamming. We propose a proof-of-concept defense, bi-directional path discovery to mitigate the devastating effect of mesh jamming.
Non-sequence-specific interactions can account for the compaction of proteins unfolded under "native" conditions.

Abstract Proteins unfolded by high concentrations of chemical denaturants adopt expanded, largely structure-free ensembles of conformations that are well approximated as random coils. In contrast, globular proteins unfolded under less denaturing conditions (via mutations, or transiently unfolded after a rapid jump to native conditions) and molten globules (arising due to mutations or cosolvents) are often compact. Here we explore the origins of this compaction using a truncated equilibrium-unfolded variant of the 57-residue FynSH3 domain. As monitored by far-UV circular dichroism, NMR spectroscopy, and hydrogen-exchange kinetics, CΔ4 (a 4-residue carboxy-terminal deletion variant of FynSH3) appears to be largely unfolded even in the absence of denaturant. Nevertheless, CΔ4 is quite compact under these conditions, with a hydrodynamic radius only slightly larger than that of the native protein. In order to understand the origins of this molten-globule-like compaction, we have characterized a random sequence polypeptide of identical amino acid composition to CΔ4. Notably, we find that the hydrodynamic radius of this random sequence polypeptide also approaches that of the native protein. Thus, while native-like interactions may contribute to the formation of compact “unfolded” states, it appears that non-sequence-specific monomer–monomer interactions can also account for the dramatic compaction observed for molten globules and the “physiological” unfolded state.
Meso-scale imaging of patterned surfaces by decoration with liquid crystals

We report techniques for the imaging of patterned surfaces that are based on the use of random arrays of microdroplets of the nematic liquid crystal 4-cyano-4′-pentylbiphenyl (5CB). Microdroplets of 5CB were delivered to surfaces by spray atomization of a nematic phase or by condensation of a vapor of mesogens. By comparing the optical textures of microdroplets of 5CB in their isotropic and nematic states, we conclude that microdroplets of liquid crystals (LCs) can be used to image patterned surfaces that cannot be imaged by using microdroplets of isotropic liquids (conventional ‘breath figures’). We demonstrate, for example, the use of random arrays of microdroplets of nematic 5CB to image (i) patterned, low-energy SAMs formed from H3C(CH2)14SH and H3C(CH2)15SH on films of gold and (ii) gold films that are patterned with regions that differ in their roughness (on the 1–10 nm scale) and which support SAMs formed from H3C(CH2)14SH. On the low energy surfaces, we observed the optical appearances of the microdroplets of LCs to be indifferent to their manner of deposition (spray or condensation) but dependent on their size. In particular, when using microdroplets with diameters <∼45 μm, the optical appearances of the microdroplets were insensitive to the structures of the surfaces on which they were deposited. However, by using larger microdroplets and by observing the optical structure within a given microdroplet of LC, it was possible to image patterns with lateral dimensions substantially smaller than 45 μm. We also report the use of nematic 5CB to image patterned, high energy SAMs formed from HOOC(CH2)10SH and NaOOC(CH2)10SH that are uniformly wet by both isotropic and nematic liquids.
A New Technique for Measuring Convective Heat Transfer Coefficients in Solid Matrices for Compact Heat Exchanger Design

Measuring internal heat transfer coefficients in solid matrices has been a challenge in the design of Compact Heat Exchangers (CHXs). Steady-state methods have proven to be infeasible, and, although numerous transient methods have been explored, it is our opinion that none have distinguished themselves in terms of convenience and accuracy. In the present study, a new and unique combined experimental and computational technique for determining the internal heat transfer coefficient within randomly stacked woven-screen matrices is presented and results are obtained for air as the working fluid. To obtain the local heat transfer coefficient the solid phase matrix is subjected to a uniform step change in heat generation rate via induction heating, while the fluid flows through under steady state flow conditions. The transient fluid phase temperature response between the inlet and outlet of the sample is measured. The heat transfer coefficient is determined by comparing the results of a numerical simulation based on Volume Averaging Theory (VAT) with the experimental results. The local heat transfer coefficient is defined from VAT in terms of several lower-scale integral and differential terms present in the averaged thermal transport equations. Obtaining the heat transfer coefficient experimentally provides closure to the general VAT thermal energy equations. Several matrices were selected for this experimental study and the results are presented in terms of Nusselt number over a Reynolds number range of about 100 to 400. The characteristic length scale in the dimensionless numbers is the porous media hydraulic diameter derived from the VAT-based governing equations. It is proposed that this new method can provide a convenient and accurate tool for CHX designers.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
HOVERING FLIGHT FOR A MICROMECHANICAL FLYING INSECT: MODELING AND ROBUST CONTROL SYNTHESIS

Abstract This paper describes recent results on the design and simulation of a flight control strategy for the Micromechanical Flying Insect (MFI), a 10-25mm (wingtip-to-wingtip) device capable of sustained autonomous flight. Biologically inspired by the real insect's flight maneuver, position control is achieved via attitude control. The wings motion is parameterized by a small set of parameters which are sufficient to generate desired average torques to regulate its attitude. Position control is achieved through attitude control based on the linearized dynamics under small angle assumption near hovering. At the end of each wingbeat, the controller schedules the desired wings motion parameters according to state feedback errors. With respect to our previous work (Deng et al. , 2001), we explicitly included the modeling approximations into the design of the flight controller. These errors include the time-varying nature of aerodynamic forces, the input saturation and linearization errors. The proposed controller was simulated with the Virtual Insect Flight Simulator, and the results show improved performance in both position and orientation stabilization.
Wittgenstein and the Logic of Inference

The Tractatus first appeared in 1921, the same year that Post's “Introduction to a General Theory of Elementary Propositions” appeared in the American Journal of Mathematics. As the latter is the first piece clearly to present and exploit the distinction between a deductive system and a truth-functional interpretation of such a system, we may conclude that Wittgenstein's views had been arrived at somewhat before a variety of logical concepts had received the clarification and refinement incipient on the now taken-for-granted distinction between proof and model theory. One such concept, of considerable interest to Wittgenstein, was that of inference. The following constitutes an attempt to explicate his notion. In particular, I shall attempt to show that his repudiation of “laws of inference” is closely tied to his rejection of logical constants; and that both can be seen as the product of what might be termed a “metaphysics of completeness”—before, of course, any (presently recognizable) notion of completeness had achieved a measure of precision or currency.
Topology of protein interaction network shapes protein abundances and strengths of their functional and nonspecific interactions

How do living cells achieve sufficient abundances of functional protein complexes while minimizing promiscuous nonfunctional interactions? Here we study this problem using a first-principle model of the cell whose phenotypic traits are directly determined from its genome through biophysical properties of protein structures and binding interactions in a crowded cellular environment. The model cell includes three independent prototypical pathways, whose topologies of protein-protein interaction (PPI) subnetworks are different, but whose contributions to the cell fitness are equal. Model cells evolve through genotypic mutations and phenotypic protein copy number variations. We found a strong relationship between evolved physical-chemical properties of protein interactions and their abundances due to a "frustration" effect: Strengthening of functional interactions brings about hydrophobic interfaces, which make proteins prone to promiscuous binding. The balancing act is achieved by lowering concentrations of hub proteins while raising solubilities and abundances of functional monomers. On the basis of these principles we generated and analyzed a possible realization of the proteome-wide PPI network in yeast. In this simulation we found that high-throughput affinity capture-mass spectroscopy experiments can detect functional interactions with high fidelity only for high-abundance proteins while missing most interactions for low-abundance proteins.
A component-based approach for constructing high-confidence distributed real-time and embedded systems

In applying Component-Based Software Engineering (CBSE) techniques to the domain of Distributed Real-time and Embedded (DRE) Systems, there are five critical challenges: 1) discovery of relevant components and resources, 2) specification and modeling of components, 3) exploration and elimination of design assembly options, 4) automated generation of heterogeneous component bridges, and 5) validation of context-related embedded systems. To address these challenges, this paper introduces four core techniques to facilitate high-confidence DRE system construction from components: 1) A component and resource discovery technique promotes component searching based on rich and precise descriptions of components and context; 2) A timed colored Petri Net-based modeling toolkit enables design and analysis on DRE systems, as well as reduces unnecessary later work by eliminating infeasible design options; 3) A formal specification language describes all specifications consistently and automatically generates component bridges for seamless system integration; and 4) A grammar-based formalism specifies context behaviors and validates integrated systems using sufficient context-related test cases. The success of these ongoing techniques may not only accelerate the software development pace and reduce unnecessary development cost, but also facilitate high-confidence DRE system construction using different formalisms over the entire software life-cycle.
Rapid Microassays for Clindamycin and Gentamicin When Present Together and the Effect of pH and of Each on the Antibacterial Activity of the Other

Gentamicin was measured in the presence of clindamycin by using as the assay organism a strain of Staphylococcus aureus that was resistant to clindamycin; clindamycin was measured in the presence of gentamicin by using Clostridium perfringens as the assay organism. Both assays were in agar diffusion systems, were rapid (2 to 4 h), and had errors of less than 10%. Neither antibiotic antagonized or synergized with the other against a variety of organisms. The pK of clindamycin was 7.3, and the pK of gentamicin was 8.2. Gentamicin was 100 or more times as active in alkaline medium against both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms, but clindamycin showed a striking pH effect on activity only with gram-positive organisms.
Sub-2 nm Size-Tunable High-Density Pt Nanoparticle Embedded Nonvolatile Memory

The charge-storage characteristics of a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) structure containing size-tunable sub-2 nm Pt nanoparticles (NPs) between Al2O3 tunneling and capping oxide layers were studied. Significantly different amounts of memory window were obtained with the different sizes of Pt NP embedded MOS structures and reached a maximum of 4.3 V using a 1.14 nm Pt NP, which has the strongest charging capability caused by optimum size and the largest particle density obtained in our deposition method. Satisfactory long-term nonvolatility was attained in a low electric field due to the Coulomb blockade and quantum confinement effects in ~ 1 nm Pt NP. These properties are very promising in view of device application.
Obesity and weight loss in polycystic ovary syndrome.

Obesity affects approximately one third of adults in the United States, making it one of the nation's most common health problems. The body mass index (BMI), calculated by dividing the weight in kilograms by the square of the height in meters, is correlated with other measures of body fat and defines obesity clinically. 38 In obese patients, defined as persons with BMIs greater than 28, the incidence of associated morbidities, such as stroke, ischemic heart disease, and diabetes, is three to four times greater than in the general population. 42 Recent surveys suggest an ever-growing prevalence of obesity in the US population; women seem to have a greater incidence of obesity than do men. 12 Approximately 50% of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are thought to be obese. 13 Indeed, in the original description of the condition by Stein and Leventhal, 40 obesity was one of the defining characteristics. Although the syndrome is now recognized to occur in lean and obese women, 6 women with PCOS who are obese may have risks for associated comorbidities that are additive when they are compared with either their nonobese PCOS counterparts or obese women without PCOS. Treatment strategies for the management of PCOS should take obesity into account. This article reviews the impact of obesity on PCOS and the role of weight reduction in the management of the syndrome.