cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Purification and some properties of bound cysteine proteinase inhibitor from cornified cells of newborn rat epidermis.

Abstract Cysteine proteinase inhibitor exists in two forms in terminally differentiated keratinocytes. One is readily soluble in 20 mM sodium phosphate buffer but the other is bound to the plasma membrane and is poorly soluble. The cysteine proteinase inhibitor (CPI) from the membrane was extracted from cornified epidermal layers of 2-day-old rats and its properties were compared with those of soluble CPI. This CPI (bound CPI) was solubilized in alkaline 8 M urea containing 2-mercaptoethanol from the residual tissue exhaustively treated with buffered 4 M urea. CPI was separated from keratin by ammonium sulfate precipitation and purified by means of papain affinity chromatography, ion exchange column chromatography and gel filtration. Bound CPI had an M r value of about 16 000, a p I value of 3.8 and was unstable at above 80°C, while soluble CPI was of M r 13 000 and stable at above 80°C. Both CPIs were stable at 4°C in the range of 3.0–9.0. Bound CPI contained half cystine and the ratio of acidic-to-basic amino acids was 3.18. Bound CPI inhibited rat liver cathepsins B, H, and L but did not inhibit the activity of noncysteine proteinases. Papain activity was inhibited by bound CPI at three sites, noncompetitively, and the K i value was calculated to be 0.11 nM.
Modulation of galactoside-binding lectins in tumor cells by differentiation-inducing agents.

Abstract The effects of the differentiation-inducing agents N 6 , O 2 ′-dibutyryl cyclic AMP, β-mall-trans retinoic acid, dimethylsulfoxide and butyrate on the levels of galactoside-binding, proteins (lectins) in cultured human and murine tumor cells were examined by immunoblotting. Differentiation was associated with decreased levels of a 34-kDa lectin in the K-1735P and B16-F1 melanoma cells and decreased levels of a 14.5-kDa lectin in S20 neuroblastoma, MDA-MB 175 breast carcinoma, HL-60 and THP-1 leukemia cells. The level of a 14.5-kDa lectin increased during differentiation of F-9 embryonal and KM12P colon carcinoma cells. These results indicate that tumor cell differentiation along specific pathways is accompanied by distinct modulation of lectin expression. These changes may recapitulate the normal developmental regulation of lectin expression.
The effect of internal air bleed on CO poisoning in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell

Abstract It is found that carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning could be mitigated by increasing only cathode backpressure for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) with ultra-thin membranes (≤25 μm). This mitigation can be explained by a heterogeneous oxidation of CO on a Pt–Ru/C anode by the permeated O2 which is known as “internal air bleed” in his paper. A steady-state model which accounts for this internal air bleed has been developed to model the Pt–Ru/C anode polarization data when 50 ppm CO in H2 is used as anode feed gas. The modeling results show that the mitigation of CO poisoning by the internal air bleed even exists at ambient conditions for a PEMFC with an ultra-thin membrane. Therefore, the effect of internal air bleed must be considered for modeling fuel cell performance or anode polarization data if an ultra-thin membrane and a low level of CO concentration are used for a Pt–Ru/C anode. An empirical relationship between the amount of internal air bleed used for the mitigation of CO poisoning and the fraction of free Pt sites is provided to facilitate the inclusion of an internal air bleed term in the modeling of anode polarization and the fuel cell performance.
Tumor downstaging and sphincter preservation with preoperative chemoradiation in locally advanced rectal cancer: the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center experience

Purpose: To evaluate the rates of tumor downstaging after preoperative chemoradiation for locally advanced rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: Preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CTX/XRT) that delivered 45 Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks with continuous infusion 5-fluorouracil (300 mg/m2/day) was given to 117 patients. The pretreatment stage distribution, as determined by endorectal ultrasound (u), included uT2N0 in 2%, uT3N0 in 47%, uT3N1 in 49%, and uT4N0 in 2% of cases; endorectal ultrasound was not performed in 13% of cases (15 patients). Approximately 6 weeks after completion of CTX/XRT, surgery was performed. Results: The pathological tumor stages were Tis-2N0 in 26%, T2N1 in 5%, T3N0 in 21%, T3N1 in 15%, T4N0 in 5%, and T4N1 in 1%; a complete response (CR) to preoperative CTX/XRT was pathologically confirmed in 32 (27%) of patients. Tumor downstaging occurred in 72 (62%) cases. Only 3% of cases had pathologic evidence of progressive disease. Pretreatment tumor size ( 1 T-stage level was accomplished in 45% of those downstaged. Overall, a sphincter-saving (SP) procedure was possible in 59% of patients and an abdominoperineal resection (APR) was required in 41% of cases. Factors predictive of SP included downstaging (p 40 years (p 6 cm from the anal verge, SP was performed in 14 of the 15 (93%) patients with a CR and 32 of 33 (97%) of patients with residual disease (p < 0.00004). Conclusions: Significant tumor downstaging results from preoperative chemoradiation allowing sphincter sparing surgery in over 40% of patients whose tumors were located < 6 cm from the anal verge and who otherwise would have required colostomy.
Sustaining multifunctional agricultural landscapes: comparing stakeholder perspectives in New York (US) and England (UK)

Abstract This paper compares levels of public subsidy and community stakeholders’ perspectives on American and British approaches to managing agricultural landscapes. In the US, changes in agriculture have played out on the landscape (i.e. countryside) with far less discussion about nonfood, public benefits derived from the working agricultural landscape. British stakeholders outlined a purposeful approach to landscape conservation and management programs, targeted at enhancing the agricultural system in support of landscape functions deemed to be of direct social value. In contrast, the New York stakeholder group was less comfortable with the idea of achieving a shared positive vision for the rural countryside, and more concerned with the negative consequences of agricultural production and greenfields conversion.
Transient gus expression in zygotic embryos ofTaxus Brevifolia

Germinated zygotic embryos of Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia) were transiently transformed with the expression vector pBl121, as demonstrated by expression of the β-glucuronidase (GUS) gene. Embryos exhibited sectors of blue color following treatment with DNA and dimethyl sulfoxide (optimal concentration of 2.25%). However, transient expression depended on the presence of ions in the buffer, as no GUS activity was observed when deionized water was used in place of other buffers. GUS gene expression was dependent on the developmental stage of the embryo, since the frequency of GUS expression was elevated in embryos incubated with the expression vector during a period from 4 to 8 wk after culture of DCR medium. In addition, the utility of using zygotic embryos from mature seeds for tissue culture and transient expression experiments was also examined.
Generalized Additive Models with Interval‐Censored Data and Time‐Varying Covariates: Application to Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Hemophiliacs

Summary. We describe a method for extending smooth nonparametric modeling methods to time-to-event data where the event may be known only to lie within a window of time. Maximum penalized likelihood is used to fit a discrete proportional hazards model that also models the baseline hazard, and left-truncation and time-varying covariates are accommodated. The implementation follows generalized additive modeling conventions, allowing both parametric and smooth terms and specifying the amount of smoothness in terms of the effective degrees of freedom. We illustrate the method on a well-known interval-censored data set on time of human immunodeficiency virus infection in a multicenter study of hemophiliacs. The ability to examine time-varying covariates, not available with previous methods, allows detection and modeling of nonproportional hazards and use of a time-varying covariate that fits the data better and is more plausible than a fixed alternative.
Correspondence on Microwave Effects in Organic Synthesis

Angewandte Chemie recently published an unusual Essay by Prof. C. Oliver Kappe and co-workers entitled, “Microwave Effects in Organic Synthesis—Myth or Reality?” The major point of discussion is an Edge Article we published last year in the RSC journal Chemical Science entitled, “On the Rational Design of Microwave-Actuated Organic Reactions.” The Angewandte Essay is unusual in its inclusion of 38 pages of experimental details in the Supporting Information, 30 of which describe unpublished data from original experiments pertaining to our work. These data are interpreted as conflicting with our report. We reject their alternative interpretations of our experiments, and we discuss here how the new data from their experiments in fact align with our conclusions. In our article, we provided an example of a microwave (MW)-actuated reaction system, which we define as one for which MW irradiation provides a synthetic advantage over conventional heating at the same temperature. We designed an extreme reaction system—an ionic benzyl-transfer reagent in a nonpolar aromatic solvent—and subjected it to extreme conditions: constant MW irradiation at high power (300 W). Our design of this chemical system was predicated on the concept of selective heat storage in the domains existing around microwave-absorbing solutes in nonabsorbing media at fixed (and typically high) applied microwave powers. The design rationale aligns with an understanding of selective microwave heating obtained from fundamental dielectric relaxation studies carried out by Richert and Huang. In such a system, the selective absorption of microwave energy by the solute will result in localized energy in the solvation domain (i.e. effective temperature) that is higher than the surrounding medium. The solute then acts as a molecular radiator, transferring thermal energy to the bulk solution. If convective heat transfer out of the domains is slow compared to the build-up of thermal energy within the solute domains, then the thermal energy of the solute will exceed what would be predicted based on the measured temperature of the bulk solution. As an extension of that work, one can hypothesize that a microwave-absorbing reactant in a nonabsorbing medium can potentially realize product formation at rates in excess of what would be expected from conventional heating at the same measured bulk temperature. Indeed, we observed reactivity enhancements under MW heating compared to conventional oil-bath heating in a benzylation of [D10]pxylene (Figure 1).
Cytoplasmic Microtubule-Associated Motors

THE KINESTNS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 433 Identification and Structure . . . . .... . . . . ... . . .. . . .. ..... . ... . . 433 Mechl1:noc�em!stry and Force Generation ... . 436 FunctIOns In VIVO • . . . • . . . • . . . • . . . • . . . • . . . • . . . • . . . • . . . . . . . 440 CYTOPLASMIC DYNEIN . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443 Identification and Structure .. . ... . . .. . . .. . ... . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . 443 Mechanochemistry and Force Generation . .. . .. . ....... . . . . . . .... . 444 Functions in vivo . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 446
Benthic Foraminiferal Morphology: New Approach to Paleodepth Interpretations in Northern Gulf of Mexico: ABSTRACT

Variation in benthic foraminiferal morphology is a potentially powerful tool in paleoenvironmental and paleobathymetric interpretations. Recognition of distribution patterns of particular morphologic characters in modern Gulf of Mexico taxa will enable these distributions to be applied to bathymetric interpretations of Tertiary core samples. The morphology of the 295 most commonly recorded benthic foraminiferal species in the northern Gulf of Mexico was scored into 68 categories describing test shape, chamber shape, chamber arrangement, apertural characteristics, and surface sculpture. Cluster analyses of these data at 300 localities resulted in maps showing the distribution of particular sets of morphologic features. Many of these "morphologic biofacies" are depth relatable. Canonical variate analysis was used to determine which morphologic variables were most important in distinguishing the various biofacies. This approach to paleobathymetric interpretations should be applicable throughout the Cenozoic and perhaps into the Mesozoic, as morphology can be considered as an adaptive response to environmental factors. Even though different taxa are involved throughout the Cenozoic, similar morphologic characters can indicate adaptations to similar environments. Hence, this modern data set can be applied to determine paleobathymetry in older samples. End_of_Article - Last_Page 247------------
Choice-Based Estimation of Alonso's Theory of Movement: Methods and Experiments

Alonso's theory of movement (ATM) provides a general framework for modeling spatial interaction. Though conceptually elegant, application of this model is limited due to the difficulty in estimating model parameters. In this paper ATM is applied in retail modeling using choice data in a novel way. The approach permits flexibility with regard to model assumptions about flow constraints; that is, the model is neither attraction constrained nor production constrained. Data aggregated to the census ‘block-group’ scale, with network-based travel distances, have been examined to estimate model parameters by pairwise comparisons and ordinary least squares. The expenditure flow is related to the store properties (attractiveness, relative accessibility) and the spatial separation between origins and destinations. Based on our empirical estimate of a key parameter, and assuming that sales increase at a decreasing rate with respect to store size, we deduce that accessibility is inversely related to store size.
Development of 11 microsatellite loci for population studies in the swordfish, Xiphias gladius (Teleostei: Scombridae)

Eleven microsatellite loci were developed in the swordfish, Xiphias gladius , to examine population structure. Loci were amplified in samples from two geographically distant populations (Ecuador and Mediterranean Sea). Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.150 to 0.960. Most loci conformed to Hardy—Weinberg expectations with the exception of locus Xg-59, which had a heterozygote deficit caused probably by null alleles. Locus Xg-402 did not show significant divergence between the populations. The remaining nine loci showed statistically significant spatial heterogeneity (genic differentiation) between the two populations, making them useful for future studies of population structure in swordfish.
Dynamic Data Driven Experiment Control Coordinated with Anisotropic Elastic Material Characterization

The goal of this paper is to propose and demonstrate a multi level design optimization approach for the coordinated determination of a material constitutive model synchronously to the design of the experimental procedure needed to acquire the necessary data. The methodology achieves both online (real-time) and offline design of optimum experiments required for characterization of the material system under consideration, while it also achieves the constitutive characterization of the system. The approach is based on the availability of mechatronic systems that can expose specimens to multidimensional loading paths and can automate the acquisition of data associated with stimulus and response behavior of the specimen. Material characterization is achieved by minimizing the difference between system responses that are measured experimentally and predicted based on the associated model representation. The performance metrics of the material characterization process are used to construct objective functions fo...
A comparison of 50 initial endoluminal endograft repairs for abdominal aortic aneurysm with 50 concurrent open repairs.

Abstract Purpose To review the results of our initial experience with endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with respect to morbidity and mortality and to compare these outcomes with those of transabdominal repair. Methods We reviewed the first 50 consecutive endovascular AAA repairs performed at our institution from November 1999 to January 2002. Pre-operative risk factors, intraoperative variables and post-operative outcomes were assessed. All endovascular patients were followed with periodic examination, contrast-enhanced computed tomography and/or duplex scanning. Comparison was made to 50 patients undergoing standard open repair over a similar time period. Results Fifty patients underwent endovascular AAA repair (mean age 72.5, AAA size 5.5 cm). Endovascular devices employed were manufactured by Ancure (Guidant Corp.), and AneuRx (Medtronic). Preoperative risk factors were similar to patients undergoing transabdominal repair. Mean operative time was 169 minutes and estimated blood loss was 450cc with average blood replacement of .18 units. Median ICU stay was 0 days and mean hospital stay was 2.3 nights. There were no conversions to open repair, however there was one aborted endovascular attempt. Morbidity included MI (2%), colon ischemia (1%), acute renal insufficiency (4%) and leg ischemia (4%). There was one death within 30 days. Seven endoleaks were identified (6 type II and 1 type I) and were managed angiographically. Conclusions The short-term surgical morbidity and mortality rates for endovascular repair of AAA are acceptably low and are comparable to the transabdominal approach.
Context-based secure resource access in pervasive computing environments

We present a system architecture for supporting ubiquitous computing for mobile users across different environments by transparently performing context-based discovery and binding of resources. A ubiquitous computing environment is viewed as a collaboration space among mobile users, system services, and sensors/resources embedded in the physical environment. We present here different policies for binding resources to names in this space. We also present a role based specification model for defining activities.
Assessing Youth Motivations for Joining a Peer Group as Risk Factors for Delinquent and Gang Behavior

This article expands upon the limited literature on the relationship between youth motivations for joining a peer group and delinquent behavior. Using network survey data from 200 youth who self-identified as group members, we conducted factor analysis to develop measures of motivation to join a group, and then describe these motivations and the differences between delinquent and nondelinquent group members. Using negative binomial and binary logistic regression models, we examined the relationship between these motivations and delinquent behavior. The results indicated that youth who join a group for instrumental purposes exhibit more delinquent behavior than those who do not, while joining a group for reasons associated with filling a void and/or belonging has a weaker relationship to delinquency. The findings suggested that certain motivations for joining groups could serve as important risk factors that could be targeted by agencies and organizations seeking to prevent youth delinquent and gang behavior. Language: en
Structural Analysis, Plastid Localization, and Expression of the Biotin Carboxylase Subunit of Acetyl-Coenzyme A Carboxylase from Tobacco

Acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase, EC 6.4.1.2) catalyzes the synthesis of malonyl-coenzyme A, which is utilized in the plastid for de novo fatty acid synthesis and outside the plastid for a variety of reactions, including the synthesis of very long chain fatty acids and flavonoids. Recent evidence for both multifunctional and multisubunit ACCase isozymes in dicot plants has been obtained. We describe here the isolation of a tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv bright yellow 2 [NT1]) cDNA clone (E3) that encodes a 58.4-kD protein that shares 80% sequence similarity and 65% identity with the Anabaena biotin carboxylase subunit of ACCase. Similar to other biotin carboxylase subunits of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, the E3-encoded protein contains a putative ATP-binding motif but lacks a biotin-binding site (methionine-lysine-methionine or methionine-lysine-leucine). The deduced protein sequence contains a putative transit peptide whose function was confirmed by its ability to direct in vitro chloroplast uptake. The subcellular localization of this biotin carboxylase has also been confirmed to be plastidial by western blot analysis of pea (Pisum sativum), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), and castor (Ricinus communis L.) plastid preparations. Northern blot analysis indicates that the plastid biotin carboxylase transcripts are expressed at severalfold higher levels in castor seeds than in leaves.
Wrist and Finger Torque Sensor for the quantification of upper limb motor impairments following brain injury

This paper details the design of the Wrist and Finger Torque Sensing module (WFTS): a lightweight, portable device that measures isometric wrist and finger flexion and extension joint torques. The WFTS can be used in combination with rehabilitation robots such as the ACT-3D, with isometric measurement stations, or as a stand-alone device. Because many robotic devices are limited in that they involve the hand in isolation, the WFTS is designed to investigate abnormal joint torque coupling at the paretic wrist and fingers in individuals with adult-onset stroke or childhood hemiplegia during 3D arm movements or isometric generation of shoulder and elbow torques. In short, the versatility of the WFTS allows for a variety of applications.
Longitudinal Change in Coronary Heart Disease Risk Factors in Older Runners

BACKGROUND it is currently not clear how coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors change over time in chronic exercisers. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to describe the longitudinal change in CHD risk factors in chronically endurance-trained men and women, and to determine the exercise and nutritional factors associated with those respective changes. METHODS AND RESULTS ninety-one middle-aged runners (56 male, 35 female) were tested on two occasions approximately 10 years apart (aged 50.8 +/- 8.0 versus 60.0 +/- 7.9 years at respective visits). Body composition, VO2max, blood pressure (BP) and blood chemistries were measured, and the subjects' self-reported training and nutritional history. Data were analysed by factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multivariate step-wise regression. Among the entire sample, training volume decreased (61.1 +/- 28.2 versus 44.7 +/- 24.6 km/week, P<0.05) but nutritional variables did not change. Body fat (16.9 +/- 5.3% for men versus 21.1 +/- 5.3% for women, P<0.05), blood lipids, blood glucose and systolic and diastolic BP all changed negatively over the study duration. These changes occurred similarly in both genders and irrespective of menstrual and hormone replacement status among the women. Lastly, the changes in CHD risk factors were not predicted by change in exercise or nutritional patterns. CONCLUSIONS despite the maintenance of significant volumes of exercise and the absence of changes in diet, most CHD risk factors demonstrated unfavourable changes over 10 years in chronic men and women runners. However, the absolute values for most CHD risk factors remained better than those reported for sedentary peers of comparable age.
Aneurysms of the Peripheral Arteries

Aneurysms of the aorta, both in the thorax and abdominal segments, have been well studied. This is in part due to relatively easy access for examination, the high rate of incidence, and noninvasive imaging techniques that are readily available in most places. There is little data on systemic arterial aneurysm incidence, natural history or treatment that was obtained in a prospective or randomized method. In sharp contrast, systemic aneurysms are for the most part rare and therefore less likely to be imaged, let alone studied.1 The literature available is primarily retrospective series, literature reviews, and case reports. While accurate and well written, a great many questions are left open for systematic study. With these limitations in mind, this chapter should be read critically and applied to patient care with conservative creativity
Implant Arthroplasty for Treatment of Ulnar Head Resection–Related Instability

Resection of the ulnar head in cases of debilitating pain owing to arthrosis of the distal radioulnar joint can provide satisfying relief. However, there is mounting evidence that pain with heavier use, instability, and torque-generating weakness in more active individuals may result in less satisfying outcomes. Implant arthroplasty can provide a means to stabilize the radius to the ulna after ulnar head resection, but it requires significant attention to requisite soft tissue stabilization and alignment of the distal radius to the implant to be successful.
RIPENING OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES ON CARBON NANOTUBES

An electrostatic-force-directed-assembly technique was used to coat multiwalled carbon nano-tubes (MWCNTs) with aerosol Ag nanoparticles produced from a mini-arc plasma source. The deposition of Ag nanoparticles onto CNTs was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Ripening of Ag nanoparticles on CNTs was observed via successive TEM imaging after heating the nanoparticle–nanotube hybrid structures in air to three different temperatures ranging from 100°C to 300°C. With temperatures at and above 200°C, the areal density of Ag nanoparticles decreased and the average particle size increased. In particular, migration and coalescence of Ag nanoparticles have been observed at this relatively low temperature, which suggests a van der Waals nanoparticle–nanotube interaction.
Developing Pavement Performance Models for Delaware

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DOT) uses its pavement management system to monitor the condition of road pavements within its jurisdiction. As part of the pavement management system, the Delaware DOT has in place a database containing an inventory of roads with features such as location, geometry, functional class, age, type of surface overlay, pavement condition rating, and the annual average volume of traffic carried. Essential tools for any pavement management system are a database of pavement performance data and a suite of pavement performance models that portray past roadway performance and predict future roadway condition. These resources inform managers and other practitioners about the state of their roads and equip them with the background needed to make informed decisions about interventions to keep the roads in good condition. This study sought to develop performance models for the Delaware DOT pavement management system. The study began by reviewing literature on how pavement perf...
Design of software for ODEs

We discuss the design of software that is easy to use for simple problems, but still capable of solving complicated problems. Nowadays a design should accommodate related, but fundamentally different, tasks such as solving DAEs and DDEs in addition to IVPs and BVPs for ODEs. Major issues are illustrated with the MATLAB ODE Suite and selected solvers written in Fortran 90 and Maple.
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY OF TITANIUM

Superconducting properties of pure Ti and Ti- Mn alloys were investigated. It is found that for pure Ti the critical temperature (Tc) is 0.42 deg K and the critical magnetic field at 0 deg K is 58 gauss. It is shown that very small amounts Mn in Ti depress Tc, while larger amounts raise Tc. (C.E.S.)
Efficient Foil Propulsion Through Vortex Control

We investigate the problem of a heaving and pitching hydrofoil in an inflow that consists of a uniform velocity field and a staggered array of vortices. The foil can exploit the energy in such a Karman vortex street for efficient propulsion of animals or submarines. Through a two-dimensional inviscid analysis, we find that the phase between foil motion and the arrival of inflow vortices is a critical parameter. Everything else being equal, the highest efficiency is seen when this phase is such that the foil moves in close proximity to the oncoming vortices. Different modes of vortex interaction in the wake results from a variation in this phase, and we show that the flow downstream of the foil is related to the foil input power.
A conversation with Rita Levi-Montalcini.

There are very few proven theories that exist in biology. One that has stood the test of time is the neurotrophic theory. It explains why only half of the neurons produced early in development are needed to form a functional nervous system. The explanation came from the discovery of nerve growth factors (NGFs), which help nourish neurons, guide their axons to their proper connections, and prevent cell death. Rita Levi-Montalcini, who formulated this idea, celebrated her 100th birthday on April 22, 2009 in Rome. I had the opportunity to interview her at the European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) in September 2008, which forms the basis of this article. Shortly after the interview, Rita attended the International NGF meeting, held in the Upper Galilee region of Israel (Kfar Blum, Israel). Despite her age, she traveled to the meeting by flying to Tel Aviv and taking a 4-h car ride to the conference site. Remarkably, she participated in the meeting by giving a 30-min talk and sponsoring a poster (see Figure 1).
A heuristic for solving the grade of services steiner minimum tree problem

The goal of this research is to devise a heuristic to solve the Grade of Services Steiner Minimum Tree (GOSST) problem. This problem seeks a network with a minimum construction cost that nterconnects all terminal points with additional non-terminal points. The problem can be applied to the design of communication networks offering graduated services. Because the GOSST problem is known to be NP-Complete, a reasonable heuristic is necessary for its practical application, despite some inherent limitations. Most research on GOSST has concentrated on geometric analyses and proposed approximation algorithms. However, since all published solutions for optimization problems require enormous computational power and memory space, they remain impractical. In this research, a feasible heuristic for the GOSST problem is proposed, implemented and analyzed. The proposed heuristic is built by integrating eight GOSST methods. Each method has its own individual merits in terms of certain user requests. Therefore, the proposed heuristic can save network construction costs, while satisfying other user requests such as determining the shortest total network length and the maximum total network capacity. The proposed heuristic reduces the network construction cost by 36.7% compared to the grade of service MST (G-MST), which is used as the experimental control. The proposed heuristic promises to provide a more economic network construction design while satisfying the goal of the GOSST problem and user requests. Additionally, a multiple security grade network system is presented as an example of an application of the proposed GOSST heuristic.
Neuromelanin-sensitive imaging in patients with idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder.

This scientific commentary refers to ‘The coeruleus/subcoeruleus complex in idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder’, by Ehrminger et al. (doi: 10.1093/brain/aww006 )
Docking optimization, variance and promiscuity for large-scale drug-like chemical space using high performance computing architectures

There is a continuing need to hasten and improve protein–ligand docking to facilitate the next generation of drug discovery. As the drug-like chemical space reaches into the billions of molecules, increasingly powerful computer systems are required to probe, as well as tackle, the software engineering challenges needed to adapt existing docking programs to use next-generation massively parallel processing systems. We demonstrate docking setup using the wrapper code approach to optimize the DOCK program for large-scale computation as well as docking analysis using variance and promiscuity as examples. Wrappers provide faster docking speeds when compared with the naive multi-threading system MPI-DOCK, making future endeavors in large-scale docking more feasible; in addition, eliminating highly variant or promiscuous compounds will make databases more useful.
Model predictive control of urban traffic networks with temporal logic constraints

Model predictive control (MPC) is a popular method for urban traffic management. Apart from physical constraints, traffic networks are amenable to an extra layer of objectives that uphold certain behaviors for the vehicular flow. In this presentation, we survey the recent results on developing MPC strategies from signal temporal logic (STL) specifications. A wide range of desirable behaviors in urban traffic networks such as avoidance of gridlocks, liveness of vehicular flows and sequentiality of traffic lights can be expressed by STL formulas. By translating STL specifications to mixed integer constraints, traffic network control synthesis is formulated as a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) problem. In addition, STL quantitative semantics (robustness) provides a numerical measure of the distance to satisfaction (violation) of the evolution of a traffic network. We will also discuss robustness maximization policies in the context of traffic control.
A High-Current, Stable Nonaqueous Organic Redox Flow Battery

Nonaqueous redox flow batteries are promising in pursuit of high energy density storage systems owing to the broad voltage windows (>2 V) but currently are facing key challenges such as limited cyclability and rate performance. To address these technical hurdles, here we report the nonaqueous organic flow battery chemistry based on N-methylphthalimide anolyte and 2,5-di-tert-butyl-1-methoxy-4-[2′-methoxyethoxy]benzene catholyte, which harvests a theoretical cell voltage of 2.30 V. The redox flow chemistry exhibits excellent cycling stability under both cyclic voltammetry and flow cell tests upon repeated cycling. A series of Daramic and Celgard porous separators are evaluated in this organic flow battery, which enable the cells to be operated at greatly improved current densities as high as 50 mA cm–2 compared to those of other nonaqueous flow systems. The stable cyclability and high-current operations of the organic flow battery system represent significant progress in the development of promising nonaqu...
Theoretical Foundation for Electric-Dipole-Allowed Chiral-Specific Fluorescence Optical Rotary Dispersion (F-ORD) from Interfacial Assemblies.

Fluorescence optical rotary dispersion (F-ORD) is proposed as a novel chiral-specific and interface-specific spectroscopic method. F-ORD measurements of uniaxial assemblies are predicted to be fully electric-dipole-allowed, with corresponding increases in sensitivity to chirality relative to chiral-specific measurements in isotropic assemblies that are commonly interpreted through coupling between electric and magnetic dynamic dipoles. Observations of strong chiral sensitivity in prior single-molecule fluorescence measurements of chiral interfacial molecules are in excellent qualitative agreement with the predictions of the F-ORD mechanism and challenging to otherwise explain. F-ORD may provide methods to suppress background fluorescence in studies of biological interfaces, as the detected signal requires both polar local order and interfacial chirality. In addition, the molecular-level descriptions of the mechanisms underpinning F-ORD may also potentially apply to aid in interpreting chiral-specific Rama...
Establishing evolutionary game models for CYBer security information EXchange (CYBEX)

Abstract The initiative to protect critical resources against cyber attacks requires security investments complemented with a collaborative sharing effort from every organization. A CYBersecurity information EXchange (CYBEX) framework is required to facilitate cyber-threat intelligence (CTI) sharing among the organizations to abate the impact of cyber attacks. In this research, we present an evolutionary game theoretic framework to investigate the economic benefits of cybersecurity information sharing and analyze the impacts and consequences of not participating in the game. By using micro-economic theory as substrate, we model this framework as human-society inspired evolutionary game among the organizations and investigate the implications of information sharing. Using our proposed dynamic cost adaptation scheme and distributed learning heuristic, organizations are induced toward adopting the evolutionary stable strategy of participating in the sharing framework. We also extend the evolutionary analysis to understand sharing nature of participants in a heterogeneous information exchange environment.
MCFlow: A Digital Corpus of Rap Transcriptions

This paper describes a new digital corpus of rap transcriptions known as the Musical Corpus of Flow (MCFlow). MCFlow currently contains transcriptions of verses from 124 popular rap songs, performed by 86 different rappers, containing a total of 374 verses, and consisting of 5,803 measures of music. MCFlow transcriptions contain rhythmic information, encoded in musical durations, as well as prosodic information, syntactic information, and phonetic information, including the identification of rhymes. In the second part of the paper, preliminary analyses of the corpus are presented, describing the "norms" of several important features of rap deliveries. These features include speed, rhyme density, metric position of stressed syllables, metric position of rhymes, phrase length, and the metric position of phrases. Several historical trends are identified, including an increase in rhyme density and phrase variability between 1980 and 2000. In each analysis, variance between different performers is compared to variance between songs. It is found that there is generally more variability between songs than between performers.
Velocity profiles and the structure of turbulence at the outer bank of a compound meander bend

Abstract Few studies have quantified near-bank turbulence at the field-scale in meander bends. As a result, details of the structure of turbulence at the outer bank of bends are poorly understood, despite recognized linkages among turbulence, bank erosion, and channel migration. This study uses high-frequency measurements of flow velocities to analyze the characteristics of turbulence in close proximity to the outer bank of an actively migrating compound meander bend. Results show that the structure of turbulence in the bend is linked to curvature-induced effects through the progressive advection of high momentum fluid toward the outer bank as flow moves through the bend. Vertical profiles of streamwise-vertical Reynolds stresses near the outer bank differ considerably from those in wide straight channels because of the effects both of curvature-induced helical motion and of local frictional effects associated with the complex bank morphology. The results of the study provide the basis for a conceptual model of the structure of outer bank turbulence in this meander bend.
Muhammad's Heirs: The Rise of Muslim Scholarly Communities, 622–950

Muslim scholars are a vital part of Islam, and are sometimes considered 'heirs to the prophets', continuing Muhammad's work of establishing Islam in the centuries after his death. But this was not always the case: indeed, Muslims survived the turmoil of their first century largely without the help of scholars. In this book, Jonathan Brockopp seeks to determine the nature of Muslim scholarly communities and to account for their emergence from the very beginning of the Muslim story until the mid-tenth century. By analysing coins, papyri and Arabic literary manuscripts from the ancient mosque-library of Kairouan, Tunisia, Brockopp offers a new interpretation of Muslim scholars' rise to positions of power and influence, serving as moral guides and the chief arbiters of Muslim tradition. This book will be of great benefit to scholars of comparative religion and advanced students in Middle Eastern history, Islamic Studies, Islamic Law and early Islamic literature.
Abstract 13403: Vagal Nerve Stimulation Mitigates Aberrant Gut Flora Observed in Guinea Pigs With Pressure Overload

Background: Altered gut microbial diversity has been associated with several chronic disease states, including heart failure. The vagus nerve, which innervates the heart and abdominal organs, carries information bi-directionally along the gut/brain axis. We hypothesized that vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) could alter gut microbial flora and correct aberrations observed in fecal samples from heart failure animals. Methods and Results: A stimulating device was implanted on either the left or right vagus prior to creation of pressure overload (PO) by aortic constriction. Animals then received continuous, cycling stimulation or sham treatment, and their heart function was monitored by echocardiography. Left ventricular end systolic and diastolic volumes, stroke volume, and cardiac output were significantly impaired in PO animals compared to baseline. VNS mitigated these effects. Animals that did not improve with VNS (15%) were categorized as non-responders. The bacterial DNA 16s ribosomal RNA gene was amplified from fecal DNA and amplicons sequenced for identification of bacterial genera present. Thirty-seven genera were identified as representing at least 0.1% of the total microbial population. Of these, the presence of 17 was disrupted by induction of PO and attenuated by VNS (six with either left or right VNS, five with right VNS only, and six with left VNS only). Metatranscriptomics analysis was then used to predict functional pathways that may be affected by the changes in diversity indicated by sequencing. Genera that express genes associated with ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transport and amino sugar/nitrogen metabolism were significantly changed by PO and VNS therapy. PO-induced changes were mitigated by left cervical vagus stimulation and exacerbated in samples from animals that did not respond to treatment. Conclusion: These data suggest that VNS may improve heart function, at least in part, by reversing pathogenic changes in gut flora that result from blood pressure overload.
The Advisor : Counsel, Concealment, and Machiavelli’s Voice

Machiavelli’s political works should be read not only as attempts to shape princely behavior, but as demonstrations of a model of advisory behavior. They are a performance of advice-giving, of the dispassionate, scientistic – but also quietly radical – behavior Machiavelli expects of those tasked with speaking to power. This model’s central feature is concealment of argument and rhetorical intent, a feature inherited from classical rhetoric but put to newly expansive use. This article turns from Machiavelli’s appropriation of the “mirror” literature’s concept of flattery, a kind of counter-ideal of advisory behavior, to his development of the classical rhetoric of self-effacement. It argues that he puts this rhetorical tradition to newly expansive use – not as a proto-scientist of politics but as a dynamic political actor in his own right – inventing ostensibly neutral dilemmas, classifications, and frames to guide the ruler-reader, as if voluntarily, toward some of his most distinctive conclusions.
Recent Variations of Blue Glacier, Olympic Mountains, Washington, U.S.A.

A compilation of terminus variation data from the early 19th century to 1987 is provided for Blue Glacier, the largest of 266 glaciers in the Olympic Mountains, Washington. Sources of the data incl...
R.H. Bing’s Human and Mathematical Vitality

Two of Bing’s mathematical colleagues, Armentrout and Burgess, independently told us versions of this memorable evening. Those of us who knew Bing well avoided raising mathematical questions when he was driving.
Mobility of PhD Students and Scientists

The transnational dimension of culture, science, and technology is constantly growing all over the world. Mobility of high-skilled personnel encompasses PhD students, PhD graduates, and scientists from when they leave their own country to study and work abroad. Mobility can be organized through a variety of programs and schemes that help individuals find the most suitable opportunities for them, that is, the right point in time. Whether it is due to the right point in time in their study process or career to move, or the incentives, or facilities, they can benefit from such a move. Mobility, in its form of brain drain, can produce negative effects on countries, institutions, and people. Positive benefits, however, can also be found. A precise and complete quantitative analysis of flows of PhD students and scientists is far from being attained. There are multiple difficulties in tracking this kind of highly mobile people. Some attempts, however, have been made in order to figure out the main trends and analyze the main reasons that induce mobility.
Biomechanics of the hip and knee: implant wear

Abstract: The hip and knee joints are the most heavily loaded movable joints in the human body and they allow relatively complex motions that enable human motion to take place unimpeded. When the natural joints are replaced by artificial joint prostheses, those implants are expected to encounter the same loads and motions that the natural joint had seen. This chapter focuses on the motions, loads and tribological conditions that are encountered by the joint surfaces in vivo. The implications of the tribological contact conditions for wear of the contacting implant materials are also discussed.
Channel propagation measurement and simulation of MICAz mote

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) is an important field of study as more and more applications are enhancing daily life. The technology trend is to achieve small-sized, cheap, and power efficient sensor nodes, which will make the system reliable and efficient. The Crossbow Technologies MICAz mote is an example used in this paper. Measurements of its propagation characteristics in a realistic environment will help the deployment and installation of these motes to form a WSN. The CST Microwave Studio is used to build a simulation of the MICAz. The results and comparisons between empirical and simulated data are intended to assist in the design, future studies and deployment of WSNs in the real world.
Home Alone: The Insider Threat of Unattended Wearables and A Defense using Audio Proximity

In this paper, we highlight and study the threat arising from the unattended wearable devices pre-paired with a smartphone over a wireless communication medium. Most users may not lock their wearables due to their small form factor, and may strip themselves off of these devices often, leaving or forgetting them unattended while away from homes (or shared office spaces). An “insider” attacker (potentially a disgruntled friend, roommate, colleague, or even a spouse) can therefore get hold of the wearable, take it near the user’s phone (i.e., within radio communication range) at another location (e.g., user’s office), and surreptitiously use it across physical barriers for various nefarious purposes, including pulling and learning sensitive information from the phone (such as messages, photos or emails), and pushing sensitive commands to the phone (such as making phone calls, sending text messages and taking pictures). The attacker can then safely restore the wearable, wait for it to be left unattended again and may repeat the process for maximum impact, while the victim remains completely oblivious to the ongoing attack activity. This malicious behavior is in sharp contrast to the threat of stolen wearables where the victim would unpair the wearable as soon as the theft is detected. Considering the severity of this threat, we also respond by building a defense based on audio proximity, which limits the wearable to interface with the phone only when it can pick up on an active audio challenge produced by the phone.