cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Leading antibacterial laboratory research by integrating conventional and innovative approaches: The Laboratory Center of the Antibacterial Resistance Leadership Group

The Antibacterial Resistance Leadership Group (ARLG) Laboratory Center (LC) leads the evaluation, development, and implementation of laboratory-based research by providing scientific leadership and supporting standard/specialized laboratory services. The LC has developed a physical biorepository and a virtual biorepository. The physical biorepository contains bacterial isolates from ARLG-funded studies located in a centralized laboratory and they are available to ARLG investigators. The Web-based virtual biorepository strain catalogue includes well-characterized gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains published by ARLG investigators. The LC, in collaboration with the ARLG Leadership and Operations Center, developed procedures for review and approval of strain requests, guidance during the selection process, and for shipping strains from the distributing laboratories to the requesting investigators. ARLG strains and scientific and/or technical guidance have been provided to basic research laboratories and diagnostic companies for research and development, facilitating collaboration between diagnostic companies and the ARLG Master Protocol for Evaluating Multiple Infection Diagnostics (MASTERMIND) initiative for evaluation of multiple diagnostic devices from a single patient sampling event. In addition, the LC has completed several laboratory-based studies designed to help evaluate new rapid molecular diagnostics by developing, testing, and applying a MASTERMIND approach using purified bacterial strains. In collaboration with the ARLG's Statistical and Data Management Center (SDMC), the LC has developed novel analytical strategies that integrate microbiologic and genetic data for improved and accurate identification of antimicrobial resistance. These novel approaches will aid in the design of future ARLG studies and help correlate pathogenic markers with clinical outcomes. The LC's accomplishments are the result of a successful collaboration with the ARLG's Leadership and Operations Center, Diagnostics and Devices Committee, and SDMC. This interactive approach has been pivotal for the success of LC projects.
Secretory Control in Normal and Abnormal Parathyroid Tissue

Publisher Summary Calcium (Ca 2+ ) and phosphate are involved in a variety of physiological functions. A number of these reflect intracellular actions of these ions, which are common to most types of organisms (that is, the roles of Ca 2+ as a second messenger and of phosphate in energy metabolism). Calcium and phosphate also subserve extracellular functions in more complex multicellular organisms, for example, the role of Ca 2+ in blood clotting. Finally, these two ions are essential components of the vertebrate skeleton, thereby, providing a source of protection for vulnerable internal structures, a rigid framework facilitating locomotion, and also a vast reservoir of Ca 2+ and phosphate ions. This chapter explains about role of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D in the calcium homeostatic system, Ca 2+ ion sensing by the normal parathyroid cell, changes in maximal secretory rate, changes in slope and maximal suppressibility, and changes in maximal secretory rate and set point.
Phreatic explosions during basaltic fissure eruptions: Kings Bowl lava field, Snake River Plain, USA

Abstract Physical and compositional measurements are made at the ~ 7 km-long (~ 2200 years B.P.) Kings Bowl basaltic fissure system and surrounding lava field in order to further understand the interaction of fissure-fed lavas with phreatic explosive events. These assessments are intended to elucidate the cause and potential for hazards associated with phreatic phases that occur during basaltic fissure eruptions. In the present paper we focus on a general understanding of the geological history of the site. We utilize geospatial analysis of lava surfaces, lithologic and geochemical signatures of lava flows and explosively ejected blocks, and surveys via ground observation and remote sensing. Lithologic and geochemical signatures readily distinguish between Kings Bowl and underlying pre-Kings Bowl lava flows, both of which comprise phreatic ejecta from the Kings Bowl fissure. These basalt types, as well as neighboring lava flows from the contemporaneous Wapi lava field and the older Inferno Chasm vent and outflow channel, fall compositionally within the framework of eastern Snake River Plain olivine tholeiites. Total volume of lava in the Kings Bowl field is estimated to be ~ 0.0125 km3, compared to a previous estimate of 0.005 km3. The main (central) lava lake lost a total of ~ 0.0018 km3 of magma by either drain-back into the fissure system or breakout flows from breached levees. Phreatic explosions along the Kings Bowl fissure system occurred after magma supply was cut off, leading to fissure evacuation, and were triggered by magma withdrawal. The fissure system produced multiple phreatic explosions and the main pit is accompanied by others that occur as subordinate pits and linear blast corridors along the fissure. The drop in magma supply and the concomitant influx of groundwater were necessary processes that led to the formation of Kings Bowl and other pits along the fissure. A conceptual model is presented that has relevance to the broader range of low-volume, monogenetic basaltic fissure eruptions on Earth, the Moon and other planetary bodies.
Prison Labor and Convict Lease System

The convict lease system, whereby prisoners' labor is exploited for private organizations' gain, has been in existence for more than 200 years within the United States, and American political and economic interests have created a symbiotic relationship between private industry and prison labor. Historically, the convict labor system has undergone various transitional stages between the early modern era (1790–1970s) and the postmodern era. The convict lease system can be viewed as an arrangement between politicians and entrepreneurs that has creatively expanded patterns of degradation with the intent and purpose of manipulating social control strategies for economic purposes. Keywords: corporations; economics; exploitation; inmates; labor supply; prison
Genomic analysis of same-patient metachronous upper-tract and bladder urothelial carcinoma.

449Background: Despite similarities between upper-tract (UTUC) and bladder urothelial carcinoma (BUC), distinctive clinicopathologic and genomic differences are being described. We further investig...
Effect of treatment with low-dose warfarin-aspirin on activated factor VII.

Factor VII is an independent risk factor for ischemic heart disease. We performed a prospective study to evaluate the effect of combined low-dose warfarin-aspirin on activated factor VII (factor VIIa) and to determine if abruptly stopping this treatment is associated with a rebound in the level of factor VIIa. Thirty-three patients with clinically stable coronary artery disease were treated with combined 3 mg warfarin and 80 mg aspirin daily for 8 weeks. The factor VIIa level was measured before treatment, weekly during treatment, and 2 weeks after stopping treatment. The mean percent of pretreatment levels of factor VIIa for weeks 1 through 8 of treatment were 60%, 60%, 72%, 70%, 71%, 70%, 74%, and 87%, respectively (P < .05 compared with pretreatment for weeks 1 through 7 inclusive); 2 weeks after stopping treatment, the level was 122% (95% confidence interval [CI]; 111% to 133%; P < .001 compared with pretreatment). The mean percent level of factor VIIa on-treatment was 74% (P < .001). Factor VIIa is reduced by 26% on average during treatment. This finding provides further rationale for the antithrombotic effect of low-dose warfarin. The results suggest a rebound in the factor VIIa level may occur after treatment is stopped. The potential rebound and its clinical importance should be evaluated by further studies.
UTILITY OF SHOCK MODELS FOR UNDERGROUND NUCLEAR TESTS

The need to contain all radioactive debris deep underground requires a good understanding of the response of the geologic medium, associated hardware and other test features to the large shock wave and subsequent earth motions near a nuclear explosion. Reliable models allow one to predict the consequence of unique test features. The required proof of those models has led to laboratory tests which provide high quality data at a reasonable cost. Nuclear tests alone have not provided adequate data to support a dynamic research program. The general problem and program goals are presented to solicit suggestions for solutions.
A new class of flexible energetic salts, part 5: The structures of two hexammonium polymorphs and the ethane-1,2- diammonium salts of dinitramide

The crystal structures of two hexammonium polymorphs, 1 and 2, and the ethane-1,2-diammonium, 3, salts of dinitramide have been determined. 1 crystallizes in the triclinic space group \({P\bar 1}\) with cell dimensions a = 6.391(2), b = 7.5826(9), c = 10.828(1) A, a = 77.58(1), β = 88.18 (2), γ = 87.54(2)°, 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with cell dimensions a = 6.4893(3), b = 14.5149(8), c = 10.6557(4) A, β = 94.300(4)°, and 3 crystallizes in the triclinic space group \({P\bar 1}\) with cell dimensions a = 5.614(1), b = 6.867(2), c = 7.371(2) A, α = 68.89(2), β = 89.00(2), γ = 78.90(2)°. The three structures all contain protonated amine cations which are involved in hydrogen bonding interactions with dinitramide anions.
Software testing (in Java) from the beginning

Software testing is usually delegated to upper level courses when students work on larger projects and practice design skills. We believe that software testing needs to be an integral part of learning how to design programs from the very beginning. The goal of this workshop is to show how with the proper software support students can practice test-first design from the beginning, and show that this approach helps students to develop good program design habits early. We then show how additional techniques can be used to create a more comprehensive validation and verification of programming projects and help in identifying design flaws in student projects. In the first half of the workshop we will introduce unit testing for the beginners, both in the functional style and in the imperative style, exploring the notion of equality, and examining special cases of unit testing (checking the correctness of constructors, methods that throw exceptions, tests for inexact values, for a range of values, or one-of values, tests that compare structured data sets. We will introduce our tester library that makes test design, evaluation, and reporting accessible to the programmer at his/her current level of knowledge of programming. We will show the syntax for the tests and describe the pedagogy we use to enforce test-first design from the very first program students write. The tester library is freely available on our web site with extensive documentation that shows how to use it with Eclipse, NetBeans, BlueJ, or just command-line Java compilation. In the second half of the workshop we will show how to design randomized tests, stress tests, black box tests and integration tests. We will show how the use of tools that measure code metrics can help students and instructors identify design flaws in student projects that make the design of tests difficult or impossible. We have used these tools in our courses, especially in code reviews and in evaluation of student projects with promising results.
Factor Structure and Expression of Depressive Symptoms in a Community Sample of African American Adolescents Living in Urban Public Housing

The last two decades have seen an increased interest in minority youth mental health. Researchers have sought to understand and explicate the expression and structure of depression in minority youth. Researchers have questioned whether urban minority youth express depressive symptoms similar to nonminority urban youth (Davis & Stevenson, 2006; Roelofs, Meesters, Mijke ter Huurne, Lotte Bamelis, & Muris, 2006; Shaffer, Forehand, Kotchick, & The Family Health Project Research Group, 2002). Researchers have also questioned whether the structure of depression differs by race and ethnicity and how, or whether, the structure of depression changes across the span of adolescence (Gullone, Ollendick, & King, 2006; Schraedley, Gotlib, & Hayword, 1999; Wichstrom, 1999; Wight, Aneshensel, Botticello, & Sepulveda, 2005). Using a sample of 788 African American youth, this chapter contributes to knowledge on the expression and factor structure of depressive symptoms in urban African American youth, living in urban public housing developments by evaluating the structural equivalences of depression using the Center for Epidemiologic Depression Scale (CES-D). This chapter also assesses differences between females and males and across three age groups of adolescents (early, middle, and late).
Spirituality and Resilience in Adolescent Girls

Angelina’s highly personal process of relating with the Divine reveals some normative hallmarks of adolescent spiritual development. Theologians and theoretical psychologists have identified adolescence as a period of “spiritual awakening” characterized by a search for meaning, an intensified capacity for spiritual experience, and a process of using this personal spiritual experience to question many of the religious beliefs and tenets learned in childhood (Fowler, 1981; Groeschel, 1983). Such a process of spiritual individuation clearly relies on the concomitant emergence of metacognition, identity work, and, more uniquely, a quest to know and achieve harmony with the Creator. The energy and focus given to spiritual understanding might also be viewed as more concentrated in adolescence. So, too, the great reward of better knowing the Creator emerges in adolescence.
Primary cutaneous coccidioidomycosis in an immunocompetent oil field worker in West Texas

Coccidioidomycosis is a disease endemic to the southwest United States, as well as Central and South America, and primarily causes pulmonary infection. The cutaneous findings associated with Coccidioides species often present as an exanthema or as dissemination from a primary pulmonary infection. Rarely do individuals present with primary cutaneous coccidioidomycosis due to direct inoculation of the skin by arthroconidia. We report a case in which an immunocompetent oil field worker presented with a severe, fungating nasal lesion, who with culture, serology, histopathology, and a convincing history of exposure revealed a diagnosis of primary cutaneous coccidioidomycosis.
Maternal Psychological Well-Being and Offspring’s Outcomes in Peru: A Quantitative Analysis

This paper examines the relationship between maternal psychological well-being and specific outcomes amongst children and adolescents in Peru. First, it assesses the impacts of maternal depression and life satisfaction on health and life satisfaction of children. Then, it evaluates the impacts of maternal psychological well-being on adolescent risk behavior. Prior research focuses predominately on effects in developed country contexts, but this paper aims to shed light on the impacts in an impoverished setting. Using panel data from the Young Lives Survey, the author finds that children’s self-reported life satisfaction and health positively associate with maternal life satisfaction and negatively associate with maternal depression. Furthermore, maternal life satisfaction predicts whether female adolescents smoke, while maternal depression predicts smoking and misinformation on pregnancy amongst males. The findings suggest that maternal depression and life satisfaction both affect reported health, happiness, and risk behaviors in offspring.
Asthenospheric buoyancy and the origin of high-relief topography along the Cascadia forearc

Abstract The forearc topography of the Cascadia subduction zone varies systematically along-strike, with high-relief in the north and south (the Olympic and Klamath ranges) separated by relatively low relief in its central region. This systematic topographic variability reflects the long-term pattern of uplift and erosion, however, the underlying cause of uplift and the mechanisms by which current topography is supported are unclear. Here, we synthesize results from seismic imaging, geodetic (decadal) and geomorphic (millennial) uplift rates, erosion rates, topographic analysis, and characteristics of the megathrust interface, with a mechanical model to infer that buoyancy in the subslab asthenosphere influences the development and longevity of Cascadia's forearc topography. The Cascadia margin can be divided into three broad segments, with the northern and southern segments characterized by rapid geodetic and geomorphic uplift rates, rapid erosion rates, high coseismic subsidence of great megathrust ruptures, shallower slab dip angles, and increased plate locking compared to the central segment. Tomographic images show low-velocity anomalies beneath the slab in the northern and southern segments, which are inferred to be regions of partial melt, resulting from localized upwellings, and regions of positive mantle buoyancy. Modeling suggests that these buoyant regions can locally increase the total shear force at the megathrust by either shallowing the slab dip — thereby increasing the area of the seismogenic zone — or increasing mechanical plate coupling along the megathrust, by increasing normal stress and/or the effective coefficient of friction. We propose that: 1) sub-slab buoyancy influences topographic development by modulating along-strike patterns of strain within the over-riding plate during the seismic cycle, 2) Permanent development of surface topography occurs due to unrecovered strain over thousands of seismic cycles, and 3) variations in Cascadia's forearc topography are laterally supported by changes in the total shear force at the megathrust interface. Using independent estimates for slab dip and plate locking, we predict the first-order variations in Cascadia forearc topography, with local maxima in the north and south as observed. Given our results, variations in subslab buoyancy may be critical to explaining forearc topography in other subduction systems.
CCR2 Positron Emission Tomography for the Assessment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Inflammation and Rupture Prediction.

Background: The monocyte chemoattractant protein-1/CCR2 (chemokine receptor 2) axis plays an important role in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) pathogenesis, with effects on disease progression and ...
The potential of GHK as an anti-aging peptide

GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) is a naturally occurring peptide found in human serum with levels averaging 200 ng/ml at age 20 but declining to an average of 80 ng/ml by age 60. The molecule has a very high affinity for copper and forms the chelate GHK-Cu. The peptide as well as its Cu (II) chelate have anti-inflammatory and tissue remodeling properties. GHK-Cu has been shown to promote skin remodeling, wound healing and regeneration, and has prominent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in in vitro and in vivo studies. In addition, preliminary observations suggest GHK can partially reverse cognitive impairment in aging mice by targeting anti-inflammatory and epigenetic pathways. The evidence as presented provides the rationale to further investigate this naturally occurring peptide in preclinical and clinical aging studies. Keywords: GHK peptide, GHK-Cu chelate, anti-aging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, age-related cognitive impairment
UPLC-MS/MS analysis of CYP1A-mediated ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylation activity in the rat kidney microsomes

Abstract Ethoxyresorufin (ER)-O-deethylation (EROD) activity has been widely used to assess cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) activity. The kinetics of CYP1A activity have been well characterized in the liver microsomes. However, studies in kidney microsomes are limited due to the much lower EROD activity in this organ. Here, we developed and validated a sensitive UPLC-MS/MS assay for the characterization of the EROD activity in the rat kidney microsomes. In a 50 µL reaction mixture, rat kidney microsomes (0.25 mg/mL) were incubated with ER (0.1–5 µM) and NADPH (1 mM) for 10 min. Acidic solvents, such as trichloroacetic acid or formic acid, used for quenching of the metabolic reactions and precipitation of the proteins, unexpectedly caused a spontaneous formation of resorufin (RES) from ER. Therefore, the metabolic reactions were terminated by adding acetonitrile, containing a deuterated internal standard (IS). Chromatographic separation was achieved on a C18 UPLC column, and the MS/MS ion transitions were 213.9/185.9 for RES and 220.0/192.0 for IS. The assay was validated in the linear range of 0.5 nM to 75 nM of RES and had a lower limit of quantitation of 0.5 nM. The overall recoveries of RES (90%–99%) and IS (85%–103%) were relatively high, with minimal matrix effect. The assay was successfully applied to the estimation of the Michaelis-Menten (MM) kinetics of EROD activity in the rat kidney microsomes (n = 3), which showed a maximum velocity of 2.68 ± 0.17 pmol/min/mg and a MM constant of 1.72 ± 0.24 µM (mean ± SD). It is concluded that our sensitive and specific analytical method, coupled with the optimized microsomal incubation conditions, provides a robust platform for further investigations of the effects of xenobiotics, environmental factors, or pathophysiologic conditions on the kinetics of EROD activity in the kidney microsomes.
Changing the Scale: The Effect of Modifying Response Scale Labels on the Measurement of Personality and Affect.

Much research in psychology is based on self-report questionnaire data using items with Likert-type response scales. Often the same items are administered with different response scale labels in di...
Aversion-resistant fentanyl self-administration in mice

Animal models of compulsive drug use that continues despite negative consequences can be used to investigate the neural mechanisms of addiction. However, models of punished or aversion-resistant opioid self-administration are notably lacking. We sought to develop an aversion-resistant, oral fentanyl self-administration paradigm. In Experiment 1, C57BL/6J male and female, adult mice consumed fentanyl (10 μg/mL) in a two-bottle drinking in the dark task and escalating concentrations of quinine were added to the bottles. In Experiment 2, mice were trained to administer oral fentanyl (10 μg/mL) in an operant response task. Quinine was next added to the fentanyl solution in escalating concentrations. In Experiment 3, mice were trained to respond for oral fentanyl or fentanyl adulterated with 500 μM quinine on every session. In Experiment 4, mice were trained to respond for a 1% sucrose solution before introduction of quinine. Quinine reduced two-bottle choice consumption in males but not in females. Both sexes demonstrated the ability to detect the selected concentrations of quinine in fentanyl. In the operant chamber, mice responded robustly for oral fentanyl but introduction of quinine at any stage of training was insufficient to reduce responding. In contrast, quinine reduced responding for sucrose at concentrations above 250 μM. Mice will respond for and consume oral fentanyl in both a two-bottle choice and an operant response task. Quinine is detectable in fentanyl but mice will continue to respond for and consume fentanyl with quinine in both paradigms. These data support the use of these models in behavioral studies of compulsive-like opioid use.
Characterizing QAnon: Analysis of YouTube comments presents new conclusions about a popular conservative conspiracy

QAnon has become an important phenomenon in American politics due to both its relative popularity as well as its adoption/endorsement by political elites. However, this conspiracy theory/social movement has received sparse investigation in the social sciences. This gap is particularly noticeable in regards to the QAnon movement’s overall beliefs and perceptions of global affairs. This piece addresses these research gaps by using repeatable inductive computational social science methods to analyze a sample of comments from YouTube, a platform popular with QAnon followers. This investigation affirms previous observations regarding QAnon’s narratives connecting the U.S. government (particularly prominent Democrats) and alleged sexual violence against children, anti-semitism/fundamentalist Christian theology, and pro-Trump sentiments, and also reaveals several novel conclusions regarding QAnon. These novel observations include: [1] that the QAnon community sustains substantial discussion of international affairs, largely revolving around China, Russia and Israel (in order of prominence); [2] that discussion of China in QAnon comments received more “likes” than other international topics; and [3] that a nexus of conjectures tying former presidential candidate, Senator, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to the Chinese party-state dominate these China-centric comments. Aside from these novel conclusions regarding QAnon, this paper also seeks to make a contribution to repeatable social science analysis of YouTube comments more generally.
Atypical p38 Signaling, Activation, and Implications for Disease

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 is an essential family of kinases, regulating responses to environmental stress and inflammation. There is an ever-increasing plethora of physiological and pathophysiological conditions attributed to p38 activity, ranging from cell division and embryonic development to the control of a multitude of diseases including retinal, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and cancer. Despite the decades of intense investigation, a viable therapeutic approach to disrupt p38 signaling remains elusive. A growing body of evidence supports the pathological significance of an understudied atypical p38 signaling pathway. Atypical p38 signaling is driven by a direct interaction between the adaptor protein TAB1 and p38α, driving p38 autophosphorylation independent from the classical MKK3 and MKK6 pathways. Unlike the classical MKK3/6 signaling pathway, atypical signaling is selective for just p38α, and at present has only been characterized during pathophysiological stimulation. Recent studies have linked atypical signaling to dermal and vascular inflammation, myocardial ischemia, cancer metastasis, diabetes, complications during pregnancy, and bacterial and viral infections. Additional studies are required to fully understand how, when, where, and why atypical p38 signaling is induced. Furthermore, the development of selective TAB1-p38 inhibitors represents an exciting new opportunity to selectively inhibit pathological p38 signaling in a wide array of diseases.
Uncovering the compounding effects of COVID-19 and racism on mental health disparities among biomedical PhD and MD students

The increasing visibility of mental health challenges for academic and graduate trainee populations has led to discussion of the role higher education institutions should play to address trainee mental health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing racial injustice. To address the growing concern about training impacts on medical and biomedical doctoral trainee mental health, a cross-sectional study (n=957) was conducted using institutional annual survey data analyzed by type of training program, race/ethnicity, and survey year on measures of depression, anxiety, hazardous alcohol use, problems related to substance use, and suicidal ideation. Results indicated significant differences for rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, with biomedical doctoral trainees showing greater incidence than medical doctoral trainees, and underrepresented minority trainees showing greater incidence than well-represented trainees. The concerningly high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among these trainee populations suggest that medical and biomedical doctoral training environments must be transformed in addition to expanding mental health support resources.
A Critical Theoretical Approach to Cancer Disparities: Breast Cancer and the Social Determinants of Health

Breast cancer is the most commonly experienced cancer among women. Its high rates of incidence and survival mean that a number of women will live it for periods of their lifetimes. Group differences in breast cancer incidence and mortality occur by race and ethnicity. For example, while white women are slightly more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer, Black women are 40% more likely to die from the disease. In this article, rather than focusing the discussion on individual-level factors like health behaviors that have the potential to blame Black women and those living in poverty for their conditions, we view breast cancer disparities through the lens of Critical Race Theory, taking a historical perspective. This allows us to delve beyond individual risk factors to explore social determinants of breast cancer disparities at the population level, paying special attention to the myriad ways in which social factors, notably views of race and discriminatory public policies, over time have contributed to the disproportionate breast cancer mortality experienced by Black women. We suggest ways of addressing breast cancer disparities, including methods of training healthcare professionals and public policy directions, that include rather than marginalize Black and lower socioeconomic status women.
Commentary: The diagnostic label of Asperger's in historical perspective - a commentary on Kehinde et al. (2021).

Eponyms and diagnoses that originate from the era of National Socialism have been re-evaluated as a result of historical research which reveal the unethical research and treatment behind the diagnosis. This article presents the case of Asperger's as a distinct diagnostic category and reflects on historical research which has provided further nuance behind the origins of this diagnosis.
CHARACTERISTICS OF DEEP GPS SIGNAL FADING DUE TO IONOSPHERIC SCINTILLATION FOR AVIATION RECEIVER DESIGN

[1] Deep and frequent fading of Global Positioning System (GPS) signals caused by ionospheric scintillation is a major concern for aircraft navigation using GPS in the equatorial region during solar maximum. Aviation receivers use both code and carrier measurements to calculate position solutions. Deep signal fading can break a receiver's carrier tracking lock to a satellite channel. The lost channel cannot be used for position calculation until the receiver reacquires the channel and reestablishes tracking. A solar maximum data set analyzed in this paper demonstrates frequent deep signal fading of almost all satellites in view. This could significantly reduce the number of simultaneous tracked satellites and consequently decrease navigation availability. Forty-five minutes of strong scintillation, which was the worst scintillation period of a 9 day campaign at Ascension Island in 2001, are analyzed in this paper. The importance of short reacquisition time of the receiver is described. In order to design an aviation receiver with short reacquisition time under frequent deep signal fading, the characteristics of signal fading should be well understood. Fading duration and the time between deep fades are two important characteristics for GPS navigation. This paper presents a fading duration model based on real scintillation data. The time between deep fades observed in this data shows very frequent deep fades which can significantly reduce benefit of carrier smoothing filters of aviation receivers.
The Emerging Roles of NGOs in the UN System: From Article 71 to a People’s Millennium Assembly

The relations between the UN system and what is referred to as civil society are dynamically growing and changing. In this article I focus on five aspects: (1) evolving procedures for UN-nongovernmental organization (NGO) relations presided over by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC); (2) broadening of NGO involvement at UN headquarters; (3) the present scope of NGO involvement in the UN system; (4) growing NGO involvement in the World Bank and the World Trade Organization (WTO); and (5) NGO conferences.
Macrocyclic β-Sheet Peptides that Mimic Protein Quaternary Structure through Intermolecular β-Sheet Interactions

This paper reports the design, synthesis, and characterization of a family of cyclic peptides that mimic protein quaternary structure through β-sheet interactions. These peptides are 54-membered-ring macrocycles comprising an extended heptapeptide β-strand, two Hao β-strand mimics [JACS 2000, 122, 7654] joined by one additional α-amino acid, and two δ-linked ornithine β-turn mimics [JACS 2003, 125, 876]. Peptide 3a, as the representative of these cyclic peptides, contains a heptapeptide sequence (TSFTYTS) adapted from the dimerization interface of protein NuG2 [PDB ID: 1mio]. 1H NMR studies of aqueous solutions of peptide 3a show a partially folded monomer in slow exchange with a strongly folded oligomer. NOE studies clearly show that the peptide self-associates through edge-to-edge β-sheet dimerization. Pulsed-field gradient (PFG) NMR diffusion coefficient measurements and analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) studies establish that the oligomer is a tetramer. Collectively, these experiments suggest a mo...
A Krylov-Bogoliubov-type approximation for continuous-oscillation systems with damping non-linearities

Abstract NASA experiments have indicated the need of non-linear damping models to describe the motion of large flexible space structures. In this work, energy-type non-linear damping models in an infinite-dimensional setting are studied. According to the geometry of the structures considered, energy-type non-linear damping models are divided into two types. The existence and uniqueness result of the non-linear damping models is based upon the work of Lunardi. Then, a Krylov-Bogoliubov-type approximation is established for the non-linear damping models in the case where the linear damping part is neglected. In general, the generalization of the Krylov-Bogoliubov approximation method, which applies only to a single-degree-of-freedom (DOF) model, to a multi-DOF model has been a formidable task. A numerical example is provided to demonstrate the efficiency of the Krylov-Bogoliubov approximation for our continuous systems.
Phase formation in the system CaO-Al2O3-B2O3-H2O at 23 ± 1°C

Abstract Soluble borates are known to interfere with the hardening of cement. Phase formation in the quaternary system CaO–Al 2 O 3 –B 2 O 3 –H 2 O at 23±1°C was studied and the range of mole ratios permitting the removal of soluble borates from solution has been established. Hydrating the powder composition with molar ratio Ca(OH) 2 :H 3 BO 3 :C 3 A 1 =3:4:1 resulted in the formation of phase pure 6CaO·Al 2 O 3 ·2B 2 O 3 ·39H 2 O after 3 months of equilibration. During the early stages of hydration, though, the hexagonal calcium aluminate hydrate 4CaO·Al 2 O 3 ·1/2B 2 O 3 ·12H 2 O and the calcium borate hydrate CaO·B 2 O 3 ·6H 2 O crystallized but were later consumed by the reaction to form phase pure 6CaO·Al 2 O 3 ·2B 2 O 3 ·39H 2 O. At powder ratios of 3:3:1 and 3:2:1, 6CaO·Al 2 O 3 ·2B 2 O 3 ·39H 2 O and 4CaO·Al 2 O 3 ·1/2B 2 O 3 ·12H 2 O were present together at equilibrium. When powders were mixed in the molar proportion of 1:2/3:1, well crystallized 4CaO·Al 2 O 3 ·1/2B 2 O 3 ·12H 2 O formed directly as a single phase within 5 h. The present study also demonstrates that boron may take on two coordinations, depending on which hydrate forms. Similarities between the hexagonal hydrates 4CaO·Al 2 O 3 ·1/2B 2 O 3 ·12H 2 O and 4CaO·Al 2 O 3 ·1/2CO 2 ·12H 2 O suggest boron to be three-coordinated in the AFm structure, whereas the literature shows boron to be four-coordinated in 6CaO·Al 2 O 3 ·2B 2 O 3 ·39H 2 O, which has the ettringite structure.
Legionella quinlivanii sp. nov. isolated from water

SixLegionella-like organisms were isolated from the evaporative air conditioning system of a bus in South Australia. All six isolates were presumptively identified as legionellae by their growth requirement forl-cysteine and their cellular branched-chain fatty acids. They were serologically distinct from other legionellae in the slide agglutination test. DNA hybridization studies showed that the six isolates belong to a new species ofLegionella, Legionella quinlivanii (ATCC 43830).
An exercise in flexible formal modeling under realistic assumptions

A brief introduction into the Theory of Interaction Systems is given. This is an innovative general formal tool for adequately modeling very large and complex dynamical systems (distributed systems). The formalism is purely built on interaction primitives. In order to demonstrate its possible use as a modeling and communication tool for the design and development phase of a large real modeling/reorganization process a developing elevator problem is defined and discussed which adequately reflects essential aspects of a real modeling process: Uncertainty of observations, partial autonomy of subsystems, limited range of decisions or of responsibility, interrelation of requirements on different design levels, partial reorganization/redesign. A formal solution is constructed for this problem in various iterative steps using standard constructions which describe the local change of requirements and which have a well-defined global effect without influencing, or changing, the formal specification at, or for, distant locations or activities. So we prove the adequacy of our tools regarding the mentioned modeling aspects, in particular their flexibility. It is explained how the formal approach of interaction systems may help to constitute innovative forms of formal reasoning and of systems thinking needed for a practice-oriented systematic way of solving organizational/design problems in large real systems.
Ultrasound-Guided Radial Artery Catheterization and the Modified Allen's Test

In this case report, ultrasound-guided radial artery catheterization and a modified Allen's test were performed by Emergency Department (ED) physicians to facilitate the management of an intubated, critically injured patient. Ultrasound was demonstrated to be a valuable tool in determining collateral circulation and guiding radial artery cannulation in a patient unable to cooperate with the traditional Allen's test. Ultrasound guidance may reduce the risk of radial artery catheterization in severely injured patients.
Glycolytic oscillations and limits on robust efficiency.

Both engineering and evolution are constrained by trade-offs between efficiency and robustness, but theory that formalizes this fact is limited. For a simple two-state model of glycolysis, we explicitly derive analytic equations for hard trade-offs between robustness and efficiency with oscillations as an inevitable side effect. The model describes how the trade-offs arise from individual parameters, including the interplay of feedback control with autocatalysis of network products necessary to power and catalyze intermediate reactions. We then use control theory to prove that the essential features of these hard trade-off “laws” are universal and fundamental, in that they depend minimally on the details of this system and generalize to the robust efficiency of any autocatalytic network. The theory also suggests worst-case conditions that are consistent with initial experiments.
Effect of Recombinant Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor on Erythropoiesis in the Human Fetus and Neonate

Administration of large doses of recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rG-CSF) to mice results in diminished erythropoiesis. Hyporegenerative anemia does not occur in adult humans as a consequence of treatment with rG-CSF, but it is not clear whether this will be a problem in neonates. Because rG-CSF is currently being tested as a treatment for neutropenia in neonates, we assessed the possibility that such treatment will diminish their erythropoiesis. To do this, we added rG-CSF, in vitro, to clonogenic cultures of hematopoietic progenitors obtained from the bone marrow and liver of seven human fetuses and from the umbilical cord blood of five term and five preterm infants. The range of rG-CSF concentrations tested (0.1-10.0 ng/mL) included the peak concentrations measured in the blood of neonates receiving rG-CSF treatment on experimental protocols. Inclusion of rG-CSF in the cultures did not diminish clonal maturation of fetal erythroid (erythroid colony-forming and burst-forming unit) progenitors, nor did it reduce the number of normoblasts generated per erythroid progenitor cell colony. On the basis of these studies we predict that administration of rG-CSF to neonates will not result in down-modulation of erythropoiesis.
Sputtering of Tetrafluoro- and Tetraphenylborate Anions Adsorbed to an Amine-Terminated Self-Assembled Monolayer Surface

Secondary ion mass spectrometry was used to monitor the exchange of tetrafluoro- and tetraphenylborate anions to the surface of an amine-terminated self-assembled monolayer. The exchanged surfaces were prepared by soaking aminoethanethiol (AET) monolayers on Au in solutions of the respective sodium salts. The mass spectra produced from the monolayer surface and those from Au blank and propanethiol monolayers soaked in the same salt solutions demonstrate that the protonated amine terminus of the AET monolayer is important to the uptake of the inorganic anion. The exchanged monolayer surfaces were used to measure secondary ion yields produced from ultrathin films by (CsI)nCs+ (n = 0−2) projectiles at the limit of single-ion impacts. The yield trends produced from the monolayer surface as a function of projectile complexity and energy differ dramatically from those generated from thicker targets of solid NaBF4 and NaB(Ph)4. Nonlinear enhancements (expressed as an increase in the secondary ion yield per proje...
Automated perimetry: Background, instruments and methods

The goal of automated perimetry is to reduce perimetrist involvement and testing time while maintaining standardized test conditions. Proper calibration of the perimeter background luminance and target intensity is important so that results can be compared between examinations and machines. Three testing procedures may be used alone or in combination: kinetic, threshold static and suprathreshold static perimetry. The Octopus and the Perimetron are fully automated perimeters. The former uses threshold static perimetry while the latter uses kinetic and suprathreshold static perimetry. They are operated by small-sized microprocessors using miniature silicone chip circuitry. They are accurately calibrated, fulfilling the specifications deemed necessary by visual psychophysicists. Although data display and plotting problems still exist, automated perimetry is ready for thorough comparisons with Goldmann and Tubinger manual perimetry.
In Vivo Molecular Evolution Reveals Biophysical Origins of Organismal Fitness

In nature, evolution occurs through the continuous adaptation of a population to its environment. At the molecular level, adaptive changes in protein sequence and expression impact organismal fitness and, consequently, dictate population dynamics. Here, we have used a “weak link” method to favor variations in one gene, allowing adaptation to thermostability to be studied in molecular detail as bacteria were grown continuously for ∼1500 generations. Surprisingly, only six mutant alleles, representing less than 1% of the possible missense mutations, were observed, suggesting a highly constrained molecular landscape during protein evolution. The changes in organismal fitness were linked directly to incremental increases in enzyme stability and activity maxima and corresponded to the narrow temperature ranges where each mutant enjoyed success within the overall population. Thus, continuous evolution of a single gene permits a quantitative approach that extends from the phenotypes of the microbial populations to their underlying biophysical basis.
Proton Induced Activation in Mercury: Comparison of Measurements and Calculations

Measurements and simulations of the proton beam interaction with the mercury target were performed to support Spallation Neutron Source design. Due to the abundance of isotopes produced in mercury, the long delay between the irradiation and the measurements, and the self-shielding of the mercury sample, the measurements were difficult to perform and the activities of several isotopes have large uncertainties. Calculations predicted the activities of the most reliably measured isotopes within 20%–40%; however, some large discrepancies were observed for some isotopes for which the measurements were considered less reliable. Predicted dose rates were in very good agreement with the measurements.
Processing and characterization of compositionally modified PbTiO 3 thin films prepared by pulsed laser deposition

Modified lead titanate of 0.9PbTiO 3 −0.1Pb(Mg 0.5 W 0.5 )O 3 thin films have been deposited onto Pt-coated Si substrates by pulsed laser deposition. Films were crystallized in situ during deposition or by post-depositional heat treatment (post-annealing). Compositional and structural characterization showed that the phase formation and microstructure of the films were highly sensitive to deposition conditions. Perovskite single phase films were formed in situ at 650 °C, P O 2 = 40 Pa as well as by post-annealing amorphous films at 650 °C. In the post-annealing process, the amorphous as-deposited phase was crystallized to perovskite and/or pyrochlore, and the ratio of perovskite to pyrochlore was found to be influenced by the depositional P O 2 . Depending on the deposition temperature, the grain structures of the crystallized films were columnar or equiaxed. A relatively homogeneous surface morphology was obtained by deposition at a lower pressure ( P O 2 = 13 Pa). The in situ crystallized films showed variable crystallographic orientation. The more (111) oriented films had the lowest remanent polarizations and the highest coercive fields. A method for preparing randomly oriented films, via a two-step deposition process with intermediate annealing, is believed to give the most consistent results and the best ferroelectric properties at the present level of development.
Reference and Natural Kind Termas: The Real Essence of Locke's View

J. L. Mackie's famous claim that Locke ‘anticipates’ Kripke's Causal Theory of Reference (CTR) rests, I suggest, upon a pair of important misunderstandings. Contra Mackie, as well as the more recent accounts of Paul Guyer and Michael Ayers, Lockean Real Essences consist of those features of an entity from which all of its experienceable properties can be logically deduced; thus a substantival Real Essence consists of features of a Real Constitution plus logically necessary objective connections between them and features of some particular Nominal Essence. Furthermore, what Locke actually anticipates is the most significant contemporary challenge to the CTR: the qua-problem.
Distributed Wind Generation siting and sizing considering fluctuate wind resources

The introduction of Distributed Wind Generation (DWG) into distribution networks has a significant effect on the losses and voltage distribution of the network. This effect can be detrimental or beneficial depending on where DWG units are allocated and which sizes they have. This paper deals with optimal siting and sizing of DWG units for minimizing the total power losses and improving the voltage levels in a radial distribution network. A long-term dynamic simulation method in DigSILENT software was applied to study the impact on voltage distribution and losses of the network by DWG considering wind resources and load fluctuation. To increase the DWG penetration, in the course of seeking the optimal location of DWG, considering utilizing the reactive ability to control the voltage of the connection point after wind integration. The method is implemented and tested on a typical regional distribution network.