cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ATAV: a comprehensive platform for population-scale genomic analyses

A common approach for sequencing studies is to do joint-calling and store variants of all samples in a single file. If new samples are continually added or controls are re-used for several studies, the cost and time required to perform joint-calling for each analysis can become prohibitive. We present ATAV, an analysis platform for large-scale whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing projects. ATAV stores variant and per site coverage data for all samples in a centralized database, which is efficiently queried by ATAV to support diagnostic analyses for trios and singletons, as well as rare-variant collapsing analyses for finding disease associations in complex diseases. Runtime logs ensure full reproducibility and the modularized ATAV framework makes it extensible to continuous development. Besides helping with the identification of disease-causing variants for a range of diseases, ATAV has also enabled the discovery of disease-genes by rare-variant collapsing on datasets containing more than 20,000 samples. Analyses to date have been performed on data of more than 110,000 individuals demonstrating the scalability of the framework. To allow users to easily access variant-level data directly from the database, we provide a web-based interface, the ATAV data browser ( http://atavdb.org/ ). Through this browser, summary-level data for more than 40,000 samples can be queried by the general public representing a mix of cases and controls of diverse ancestries. Users have access to phenotype categories of variant carriers, as well as predicted ancestry, gender, and quality metrics. In contrast to many other platforms, the data browser is able to show data of newly-added samples in real-time and therefore evolves rapidly as more and more samples are sequenced. Through ATAV, users have public access to one of the largest variant databases for patients sequenced at a tertiary care center and can look up any genes or variants of interest. Additionally, since the entire code is freely available on GitHub, ATAV can easily be deployed by other groups that wish to build their own platform, database, and user interface.
Chirality of Novel Bitopic Agonists Determines Unique Pharmacology at the Dopamine D3 Receptor

The dopamine D2/D3 receptor (D2R/D3R) agonists are used as therapeutics for Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other motor disorders. Selective targeting of D3R over D2R is attractive because of D3R’s restricted tissue distribution with potentially fewer side-effects and its putative neuroprotective effect. However, the high sequence homology between the D2R and D3R poses a challenge in the development of D3R selective agonists. To address the ligand selectivity, bitopic ligands were designed and synthesized previously based on a potent D3R-preferential agonist PF592,379 as the primary pharmacophore (PP). This PP was attached to various secondary pharmacophores (SPs) using chemically different linkers. Here, we characterize some of these novel bitopic ligands at both D3R and D2R using BRET-based functional assays. The bitopic ligands showed varying differences in potencies and efficacies. In addition, the chirality of the PP was key to conferring improved D3R potency, selectivity, and G protein signaling bias. In particular, compound AB04-88 exhibited significant D3R over D2R selectivity, and G protein bias at D3R. This bias was consistently observed at various time-points ranging from 8 to 46 min. Together, the structure-activity relationships derived from these functional studies reveal unique pharmacology at D3R and support further evaluation of functionally biased D3R agonists for their therapeutic potential.
Design of a Fault-tolerant Controller for Three-phase Active front End Converter used for Power Conditioning Applications

Recently, an asynchronous micro-grid PCS, enabled by 10kV SiC MOSFETs, has become an exciting research area. The PCS is lightweight and modular technology due to its high switching frequency, 10 kHz or more. Therefore, it can be manufactured and transported at a relatively lower cost. The integration of the PCS to an MV grid, 13.8kV or more, requires an electrical protection scheme to avoid the converter’s fault. Different types of faults might occur in the converter system, such as switch failures or grid side faults. The converter shut-off might lead to power loss to many customers and higher downtime costs for the utilities during a failure. Thus, alternative fault-tolerant techniques are necessary to sustain the converter operation under faulty conditions. This paper investigates short and open circuit switch conditions occurring in 3L-NPC converter topology. Large and small-signal converter models are derived for a given failure. A fault-tolerant controller is designed based on the symmetrical components, and it limits the fault current under the desired limit. A closed-loop simulation of the PCS at 22 kV DC bus and the 10A load current is performed at the RTDS and CHIL setup. Individual switch failures are tested in the RTDS and compared with offline simulation results. The effectiveness of the controller is validated in PLECS.
Physician Perspectives on Severe Behavior and Restraint Use in a Hospital Setting for Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Hospitals, with many features that can evoke severe behavior in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), often use restraint as a behavior management strategy. Prior research on restraint in patients with ASD has primarily focused on children or specific departments. Twenty-five physicians and medical trainees from an urban teaching hospital participated in discussions about experiences managing severe behavior in patients with ASD across the lifespan. Twenty themes emerged from thematic analysis of participant transcripts. The five most salient themes included: lack of procedural knowledge with restraint implemented by other hospital professionals; alternative strategies to manage severe behavior; negative perceptions of restraint; helpful role of caregivers; and limited experience treating patients with ASD, and critical need for training in function-based management.
The life cycle of polyploid giant cancer cells and dormancy in cancer: Opportunities for novel therapeutic interventions

Abstract Recent data suggest that most genotoxic agents in cancer therapy can lead to shock of genome and increase in cell size, which leads whole genome duplication or multiplication, formation of polyploid giant cancer cells, activation of an early embryonic program, and dedifferentiation of somatic cells. This process is achieved via the giant cell life cycle, a recently proposed mechanism for malignant transformation of somatic cells. Increase in both cell size and ploidy allows cells to completely or partially restructures the genome and develop into a blastocyst-like structure, similar to that observed in blastomere-stage embryogenesis. Although blastocyst-like structures with reprogrammed genome can generate resistant or metastatic daughter cells or benign cells of different lineages, they also acquired ability to undergo embryonic diapause, a reversible state of suspended embryonic development in which cells enter dormancy for survival in response to environmental stress. Therapeutic agents can activate this evolutionarily conserved developmental program, and when cells awaken from embryonic diapause, this leads to recurrence or metastasis. Understanding of the key mechanisms that regulate the different stages of the giant cell life cycle offers new opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
Chapter 2 Transient Spectroscopy by Ultrashort Laser Pulse Techniques

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses transient spectroscopy by ultrashort-laser-pulse techniques. A range of advanced laser equipment and associated optoelectronic instrumentation has emerged from specialized research laboratories to the general scientific and commercial marketplace to make possible the spectroscopic studies of semiconductors by sophisticated time-resolved methods in the picosecond and femtosecond time scales. As a consequence, a veritable explosion has occurred in the application of such techniques in the various areas of physical sciences in general and in semiconductor sciences in particular. On subpicosecond time scales, electron motion in real or momentum space within complex heterostructures can be tracked for direct microscopic and detailed physical insights. The chapter discusses the main technical features and virtues of these powerful experimental techniques and illustrates them in the context of contemporary semiconductor problems emphasizing the basic physical (electronic) phenomena in crystalline materials and heterostructures. Of special interest are material microstructures, such as quantum wells and superlattices, which, in general, have added considerably to the vitality of contemporary semiconductor sciences.
Very large scale multidimensional data management and retrieval for USGS and NIMA imagery

Content-based image retrieval using low-level features such as color, texture and shape has been well studied. Various image querying systems have been built based on the low-level features for general or specific image retrieval tasks. The application of these approaches in geographic images have been explored, e.g. [1]. However, retrieving images based on low-level features may not be satisfactory. With the enormous growth of GIS images, it is an urgent need to build image retrieval systems which support both low-level (feature-based) and high-level (semantics-based) querying and browsing of images.
Field penetration, electron supply and effective work function in semiconductor field-emission cathodes

It is widely assumed that n-type silicon field-emission cathodes should be heavily doped to maximize the availability of electrons at the emission surface. Field emission from semiconductors, however, is different than from metals in that, among other things, the concept of an independent supply function is likely not valid. Penetration of the external field into semiconductor cathodes, which is dependent on dopant concentration, enables hot electron accumulation and impact ionization near the surface. The application of the Fowler-Nordheim model, as is useful with ideal metal cathodes, is insufficient for this more complicated condition. As donor concentration decreases in the cathode, the electron supply is increasingly drawn from the larger volume of the semiconductor away from the tunneling surface. Furthermore, the drift of electrons within the semiconductor creates a condition where the tunneling electrons at the surface need to overcome an "effective" work function, which is less than the equilibrium value. The result is a higher current density from an applied external field than would be obtained from a metal or degenerately-doped semiconductor with the same equilibrium work function. We present here modeling results which suggest that an "optimum" doping level exists somewhere between light and degenerate concentrations.
Cobalt(II) Oxidation by the Marine Manganese(II)-Oxidizing Bacillus sp. Strain SG-1

Abstract The geochemical cycling of cobalt (Co) has often been considered to be controlled by the scavenging and oxidation of Co(II) on the surface of manganese [Mn(III,IV)] oxides or manganates. Because Mn(II) oxidation in the environment is often catalyzed by bacteria, we have investigated the ability of Mn(II)-oxidizing bacteria to bind and oxidize Co(II) in the absence of Mn(II) to determine whether some Mn(II)-oxidizing bacteria also oxidize Co(II) independently of Mn oxidation. We used the marine Bacillus sp. strain SG-1, which produces mature spores that oxidize Mn(II), apparently due to a protein in their spore coats (R.A. Rosson and K. H. Nealson, J. Bacteriol. 151:1027-1034, 1982; J. P. M. de Vrind et al., Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 52:1096-1100, 1986). A method to measure Co(II) oxidation using radioactive 57Co as a tracer and treatments with nonradioactive (cold) Co(II) and ascorbate to discriminate bound Co from oxidized Co was developed. SG-1 spores were found to oxidize Co(II) over a wide range of pH, temperature, and Co(II) concentration. Leucoberbelin blue, a reagent that reacts with Mn(III,IV) oxides forming a blue color, was found to also react with Co(III) oxides and was used to verify the presence of oxidized Co in the absence of added Mn(II). Co(II) oxidation occurred optimally around pH 8 and between 55 and 65°C. SG-1 spores oxidized Co(II) at all Co(II) concentrations tested from the trace levels found in seawater to 100 mM. Co(II) oxidation was found to follow Michaelis-Menten kinetics. An Eadie-Hofstee plot of the data suggests that SG-1 spores have two oxidation systems, a high-affinity-low-rate system (Km, 3.3 × 10-8 M; Vmax, 1.7 × 10-15 M · spore-1 · h-1) and a low-affinity-high-rate system (Km, 5.2 × 10-6 M; Vmax, 8.9 × 10-15 M · spore-1 · h-1). SG-1 spores did not oxidize Co(II) in the absence of oxygen, also indicating that oxidation was not due to abiological Co(II) oxidation on the surface of preformed Mn(III,IV) oxides. These results suggest that some microorganisms may directly oxidize Co(II) and such biological activities may exert some control on the behavior of Co in nature. SG-1 spores may also have useful applications in metal removal, recovery, and immobilization processes.
Abstract 4414: Neuropilin2 is a novel target gene of Wnt signaling pathway regulating angiogenesis, metastasis and growth of osteosarcoma

Objective: Multivascularity of osteosarcoma (OS) rendered the anti-angiogenesis is a promising therapeutics. Neuropilin 2 (NRP2), a coreceptor of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), has been implicated in tumor angiogenesis, growth, and metastasis of many cancers. Its act in osteosarcoma still remains poorly understood. In order to explore the role of NRP2 in modulating tumor growth, angiogenesis, invasion, and lung metastasis of osteosarcoma, we conduct the current study. Methods: Cell culture, RNA interference, stable transfection, real time PCR, western blot, motility and invasion assay, in vivo tumorigenesis model, tube formation assay, ChIP. Results: By microtissue array assay, the expression of NRP2 is implicated in metastasis and poor prognosis of osteosarcoma patients. The in vitro data showed NRP2 knockdown has an inhibitory effect on OS tumor cell growth, both anchoragedependent and anchorageindependent way. Xenograft model showed silencing of NRP2 expression in OS cells has an extraordinary inhibitory effect. Both migration and invasion were significantly impaired in two NRP2 knockdown OS cell lines in vitro. Again, a lung metastasis mice model was used to verify the antimetastasis effect after NRP2 silencing and the results showed metastasis was inhibited. The blood vessels and capillaries in the xenograft samples were evaluated by immunohistochemistry staining for CD31. The capillaries in NRP2 knockdown tumors were rarely seen compared with the intact capillaries in control tumors. In order to explore the mechanism underlying the anti angiogenesis effect, we conducted the coculture of tumor cells and HUVEC cells in both contact and noncontact way. The ability of recruiting HUVEC cells by OS cells were dramatically inhibited by NRP2 knockdown. Also NRP2 silencing caused the tumor cells to behave less involved in tube formation. ChIP assay revealed TCF4, wnt effector, bound all the five binding sites in NRP2 promoter region. Conclusion: We demonstrated that NRP2 plays an important role in modulating tumor growth, angiogenesis, invasion, and lung metastasis of osteosarcoma. Citation Format: Tao Ji, Yi Guo, Carol Lin, Cheng-Fong Chen, Xiaolin Zi, Bang H. Hoang. Neuropilin2 is a novel target gene of Wnt signaling pathway regulating angiogenesis, metastasis and growth of osteosarcoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4414. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4414
Shape-Based Interpolation Using a Chamfer Distance

Shape-based interpolation is a methodology to estimate the locations of the picture elements (pixels) which would be contained in an organ of interest in non-existent slices through the human body from the locations of the pixels in the organ in slices that have been obtained by a tomographic imager. In this paper we motivate the need for shape-based interpolation and report on some quantitative experiments which were done to evaluate the relative performance of a number of interpolation methods for tomographic imaging of the human body. In particular, we introduce the new notion of shape-based interpolation using a chamfer distance and show that a statistically extremely significant improvement over previously proposed methods is achieved by this newly proposed interpolation method.
A Preliminary Discussion of Fluents for Knowledge Representation in a Meta-Reasoner for Enterprise Information Systems

It is a reasonable proposition to suggest that a high level, meta-reasoner for Enterprise Information Systems should exist. Such a reasoner could act as a monitor, manager, planner, and trouble shooter for the information resources of an organization. The lead author has built such a reasoner, which is now in its nascent stages. The software is based upon a logic programming paradigm, and employs powerful reasoning formalisms recently developed within the logic programming community. One of those formalisms is a theory of actions. A key component of an action theory is the ability to reason with respect to time. Another key feature of an action theory is the ability to reason about the value of variables that take on different values determined by the context (i.e., time). These issues (time, and the values of variables with respect to time) taken together comprise what is known in the field as situation calculus. The variables that vary with respect to time are called fluents. This paper discusses the use of fluents in this meta-reasoner. We will suggest fluents and assertions about what fluents that could be, or should be used (or made). This paper will also discuss the relevance of these fluents and assertions.
Analytical Definition Of The Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient

The solution of many problems connected with heat transfer in porous media can be simplified efficiently by using the overall heat transfer coefficient concept to represent the heat loss from a reservoir into the adjacent strata. The value of the overall heat transfer coefficient, however, has been assumed to be constant. A new approach to define the value of the overall coefficient is proposed in this study. It is shown that the value of the overall heat transfer coefficient is not constant, but changes with respect to time. The use of the overall heat transfer coefficient has shown the applicability of this coefficient for solving some problems connected with thermal recovery and that high accuracy solutions are obtained.
Cost-effectiveness of lowering the aflatoxin tolerance level

Abstract The cost-effectiveness of adopting aflatoxin tolerance levels of 15, 10 and 5 ppb for peanuts and peanut products was assessed. Estimates of the annual cost to manufacturers of monitoring and controlling peanut aflatoxin levels at the current 20-ppb action level, and estimates of the projected increase in costs of establishing lower tolerances were elicited from producers by questionnaire. Exposures to peanut products were derived from the HANES 1 survey and from peanut production statistics. The risk of liver cancer at each tolerance level was estimated using both epidemiological and extrapolated experimental data assuming that exposure would be reduced in direct proportion to the decrease in the tolerance. It was found that the 15-ppb tolerance would cost $60,000 per cancer death averted (range $20,000–$1,700,000) and is therefore relatively cost-effective. The marginal costs per life saved for both the 10-ppb and 5-ppb levels were found to be $1.7 million (range $0.6 million–$11.4 million) and $1.6 million (range $0.6 million–$31.1 million), respectively. Conclusions on the optimal regulatory approach should be guided by comparisons of these figures with corresponding cost-effectiveness ratios for alternative regulatory uses of national resources in the interests of public health.
The photolysis of lens fiber membranes

Calf lens fiber membranes were photolyzed in the presence and absence of sensitizers and scavengers. Photolytic damage was assessed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, UV and fluorescence spectra and amino acid analyses. With irradiation, there is an apparent polymerization of the major membrane polypeptide (MP26) and the formation of material which does not enter SDS-polyacrylamide gels. Some degradation was also observed. These changes are accompanied by losses of histidine and tryptophan and changes in the UV spectra. The rate of photolysis is enhanced in the presence of the glucoside of 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-OH-KYN), a compound endogenous to the lens. The reaction is retarded in the presence of sulfhydryl-containing compounds such as glutathione.
On the numerical solution of differential/algebraic equations of motion of deformable mechanical systems with nonholonomic constraints

Abstract The Lagrange Multipliers method can be employed in deriving differential/algebraic equations of motion of deformable multibody systems subject to holonomic and/or nonholonomic (sceleronomic or rehonomic) constraints. The resulting dynamic equations of motion are highly nonlinear due to large rotations of the multibody system components. The system differential equations and holonomic and nonholonomic constraint equations represent a linear system of algebraic equations in the accelerations and Lagrange multipliers. Since the existence of a closed form solution is, in general, impossible, numerical methods and approximation techniques are employed in numerical integration of the resulting accelerations. In this paper two numerical algorithms for the computer aided analysis of deformable systems subject to nonholonomic constraint equations are discussed and compared.
Poly[hydroxyethyl acrylate-co-poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate] Monolithic Column for Efficient Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography of Proteins

Rigid poly[hydroxyethyl acrylate-co-poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate] monoliths were synthesized inside 75 μm i.d. capillaries by one-step UV-initiated copolymerization using methanol and ethyl ether as porogens. The optimized monolithic column was evaluated for hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) of standard proteins. Six proteins were separated within 20 min with high resolution using a 20 min elution gradient, resulting in a peak capacity of 54. The effect of gradient rate and initial salt concentration on the retention of proteins were investigated. Mass recovery was found to be greater than 96%, indicating the biocompatibility of this monolith. The monolith was mechanically stable and showed nearly no swelling or shrinking in different polarity solvents. The preparation of this in situ polymerized acrylate monolithic column was highly reproducible. The run-to-run and column-to-column reproducibilities were less than 2.0% relative standard deviation (RSD) on the basis of the retention times o...
Persistent proteomic alterations in the medial prefrontal cortex with abstinence from cocaine self-administration

Neuroproteomic studies of drug abuse offer the potential for a systems-level understanding of addiction. Understanding cocaine-responsive alterations in brain protein expression that persist even with extended abstinence may provide insight into relapse liability. In the current study, protein changes in the medial prefrontal cortex of cocaine self-administering rats following 1 and 100 days of enforced abstinence were quantified by 2D-DIGE. We have previously reported increased drug-seeking and drug-taking, as well as mRNA and epigenetic changes in this model even after 100 days of enforced abstinence. A number of statistically-significant changes in proteins relating to synapse function and neuronal remodeling were evident, including neurofilament medium and heat shock protein 73 (Hsp73) which increased at 1 day of abstinence, but returned to normal levels following 100 days of abstinence. −1 and synaptosome-associated protein 25 kDa (SNAP-25) were unchanged at 1 day of abstinence, but were significantly decreased after 100 days. These data demonstrate that while some protein changes return to normal levels following enforced cocaine abstinence, a number remain or become altered after long periods, up to 100 days, of cocaine abstinence. Those protein expression changes that do not reset to pre-cocaine exposure levels may contribute to the persistent relapse potential that occurs in response to cocaine abstinence.
Endocrine function after spontaneous infarction of the human pituitary: report, review, and reappraisal.

NO COMPREHENSIVE review has been available to define preservation or loss of pituitary function after acute hemorrhagic infarction of the hypophysis in man. Published experience is limited to individual reports emphasizing unusual features of pituitary apoplexy, such as “autohypophysectomy” in acromegaly (1–4), atypical presentations such as pituitary “pseudotumor” (5), or the occurrence of “hypothalamic hypopituitarism” (6–8). In the following work, we have collated data from the gynecological, neurological, neurosurgical, radiological, and internal medicine literature, to permit systematic examination of residual endocrine function after pituitary apoplexy. These data are supported by detailed hormonal evaluations of four additional patients with pathologically proven pituitary apoplexy. Collectively, our observations document a high prevalence of multiple adenohypophyseal deficits, and illustrate the diversity of etiological settings in which pituitary apoplexy has been described. Our studies with the ...
Quantum Physics as a Particular Domain of Probabilistic Physics

Quantum physics (QP) is meant as a whole science having both theoretical and experimental parts. The subjects of these parts in any science are entirely different. The experimental part deals with really existing particular objects (concrete objects), whereas the theoretical part refers to the so-calledabstract objects which are used in our considerations only. The necessity of a strict distinction between concrete and abstract objects is a crucialkey methodological principle (KMP). This principle allows one to construct the science of probability (probabilistics) whose theoretical and experimental parts are, respectively,probability theory andexperimental statistics, Probabilistics suggests two methods of solving probabilistic problems: theclassical method and thequantum approach. The application of probabilistics to physics leads toprobabilistic physics, whose two interconnected particular domains,classical statistical physics (CSP) and QP, result, respectively, from the treatment of macrosystems by the classical method and of microsystems by the quantum approach. The mathematical peculiarities of QP stem from the pertinent ones in probabilistics itself. Having been constructed as a particular domain of probabilistic physics, QP needs no artificial interpretation. Many quantum-related issues and paradoxes are thereby easily settled.
Redox potentials of Ti(IV) and Fe(III) complexes provide insights into titanium biodistribution mechanisms

Abstract Transferrin, the human iron transport protein, binds Ti(IV) even more tightly than it binds Fe(III). However, the fate of titanium bound to transferrin is not well understood. Here we present results which address the fate of titanium once bound to transferrin. We have determined the redox potentials for a series of Ti(IV) complexes and have used these data to develop a linear free energy relationship (LFER) correlating Ti(IV) ⇆ Ti(III) redox processes with Fe(III) ⇆ Fe(II) redox processes. This LFER enables us to compare the redox potentials of Fe(III) complexes and Ti(IV) complexes that mimic the active site of transferrin and allows us to predict the redox potential of titanium-transferrin. Using cyclic voltammetry and discontinuous metalloprotein spectroelectrochemistry (dSEC) in conjunction with the LFER, we report that the redox potential of titanium-transferrin is lower than − 600 mV (lower than that of iron-transferrin) and is predicted to be ca. − 900 mV vs. NHE (normal hydrogen electrode). We conclude that Ti(IV)/Ti(III) reduction in titanium-transferrin is not accessible by biological reducing agents. This observation is discussed in the context of current hypotheses concerning the role of reduction in transferrin mediated iron transport.
Status of NVESD real time imaging sensor simulation capability

For more than a decade US Army CERDEC Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD) has been developing real-time imaging infrared sensor simulations to aid the Army in: sensor design, prototyping, and analysis; search and target acquisition (STA) model development; and evaluation of tactics, techniques and procedures. In recent years, the sensor simulation program has undergone significant programmatic and technical changes, while still seeking to deliver simulation tools to the Army. This paper provides an update on the current state of NVESD simulation capabilities, the technical vision and the simulation validation efforts. Topics to be discussed include the transition of software to the PC platform, an explanation of the principle software products, and a look at future validation experiments and software enhancements.
Design of a Blended Wing Body UAS With Hybrid Propulsion

Student engineering teams developed a 3 m scale model aircraft, named Hyperion, inspired after the NASA-Boeing X48-B blended wing body to use as a test bed for advanced technical studies. The design concept includes a novel hybrid gas/biodiesel-electric power train as a green aircraft technology. The hybrid propulsion system allows for new concepts of operation in unmanned vehicles as it can operate in an internal combustion-only, electric-only, or hybrid mode. The aircraft is designed through a collaboration of 3 international universities: the University of Colorado Boulder, the University of Sydney, AUS, and the University of Stuttgart, GER. The Hyperion aircraft has a blended fuselage and wing to utilize advanced aircraft design and aerodynamic efficiency. The flying wing architecture is a fuel efficient platform to demonstrate the latest developments in ‘green’ aircraft technology. The optimal design requires a full systems engineering analysis, including aerodynamic and structural analysis of the vehicle; design of the flight mechanics, navigation, and control systems. The vehicle is fabricated primarily from composite materials. Hyperion’s unique architecture and advanced subsystems establish novel technologies that can be incorporated into UAV, General Aviation, and larger aircraft.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Bayesian IRT Guessing Models for Partial Guessing Behaviors

According to the recent Nation’s Report Card, 12th-graders failed to produce gains on the 2005 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) despite earning better grades on average. One possible explanation is that 12th-graders were not motivated taking the NAEP, which is a low-stakes test. We develop three Bayesian IRT mixture models to describe the results from a group of examinees including both nonguessers and partial guessers. The first assumes that the guesser answers questions based on his or her knowledge up to a certain test item, and guesses thereafter. The second model assumes that the guesser answers relatively easy questions based on his or her knowledge and guesses randomly on the remaining items. The third is constructed to describe more general low-motivation behavior. It assumes that the guesser gives less and less effort as he or she proceeds through the test. The models can provide not only consistent estimates of IRT parameters but also estimates of each examinee’s nonguesser/guesser status and degree of guessing behavior. We show results of a simulation study comparing the performance of the three guessing models to the 2PL-IRT model. Finally, an analysis of real data from a low-stakes test administered to university students is presented.
Inferring Object Invariants

The program state for object-oriented languages, such as Java or C#, consists of both variables local to procedures and variables stored in the global heap. The variables stored in the heap are the fields of objects (i.e., fields of class instances). This paper proposes a technique for inferring properties of such object-oriented programs. The technique divides the work into two interacting parts: a flow-sensitive analysis that tracks the local and global state as seen at each particular program point, and a flow-insensitive analysis that tracks properties that are common among all ''valid'' instances of a class, independent of the program counter. The analysis is sound and works in the presence of many object references (aliasing). For precision, the analysis makes use of a recent methodology for object invariants, which makes explicit when each object's invariant is supposed to hold (valid objects) or is allowed to be violated. out the program, either during test or in operation. Algorithms for detecting multi-threading errors in execution traces, such as deadlocks and data races. *Specification Languages and Logics. Formal methods scientists have investigated logics and developed technologies that are suitable for model checking and theorem proving, but monitoring can reveal new observation-based foundational logics. *Program Instrumentation. Techniques for instrumenting programs, at the source code or object code/byte code level, to emit relevant events to an observer. *Program Guidance. Techniques for guiding the behavior of a program once its specification is violated. This ranges from standard exceptions to advanced planning. Guidance can also be used during testing to expose errors. Both foundational and practical aspects of dynamic monitoring were encouraged. The papers in this volume were reviewed by the program committee consisting, besides editors, ofSaddek Bensalem(VERIMAG Laboratory)Rance Cleaveland(State University of New York at Stony Brook)Michael Ernst(Massachusetts Institute of Technology)Patrice Godefroid(Bell Laboratories)Gerard Holzmann(Bell Laboratories)Jim Larus(Microsoft Research)Insup Lee(University of Pennsylvania)John Rushby(SRI International)Joseph Sifakis(VERIMAG Laboratory)Reid Simmons(Carnegie Mellon University)Olog Sokolsky(University of Pennsylvania) also by Susanne Graf, Moonjoo Kim, Oded Maler, Laurent Mounier, and Stavros Tripakis. This volume will be published as volume 55, issue 2, in the series Electronic Notes in Theoretical Computer Science (ENTCS). This series is published electronically through the facilities of Elsevier Science B.V. and its auspices. The volumes in the ENTCS series can be accessed at the URL http://www.elsevier.nl/locate/entcs A printed version of the current volume is distributed to the participants at the workshop in Berlin. 23 July 2001 Klaus Havelund, Grigore Rosu
Spin trap studies on the decomposition of peroxynitrite.

Abstract The observation of the hydroxyl radical spin adduct of 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline- N -oxide (DMPO) is evaluated as a probe for the production of hydroxyl radicals from the decomposition of peroxynitrite. Although a weak signal corresponding to the DMPO-hydroxyl radical spin adduct ( . DMPO-OH) is observed when peroxynitrite is allowed to decompose in the presence of DMPO, it is concluded that this does not constitute proof of the presence of free hydroxyl radicals. The observed rate constant for the decay of peroxynitrite increases from 0.35 to 0.51 s −1 (46% increase) when the concentration of DMPO is increased from 0 to 75 mM. This strongly suggests there is a reaction between DMPO and HOONO, or between DMPO and an activated intermediate of HOONO, to produce the hydroxyl radical spin adduct. The addition of glutathione or cysteine produces a large increase in the intensity of the . DMPO-OH spin adduct signal; experiments employing superoxide dismutase suggest that the increases in the amounts of . DMPO-OH adduct are produced from the decomposition of the spin adduct of the superoxide radical ( . DMPO-OOH). The superoxide adduct arises as a result of the autoxidation of thiols, a process known to produce superoxide. The results presented here are incompatible with the formation of free hydroxyl radicals but can be explained in terms of an intermediate of HOONO that is less reactive and more selective than the free hydroxyl radical.
Odd Electron on Nitrogen: A Metal-Stabilized Aminyl Radical

Nitrogen-centered radicals could play a role in biological systems, but no proof of such a role has been reported as yet. In his Perspective, Kaim discusses how these chemical species could be stabilized in a biological context. He highlights the report by BA¼ttner et al ., who have synthesized, isolated, and characterized an aminyl radical (NR) stabilized by metal coordination. Crystallographic data, quantum chemical calculations, and sophisticated electron paramagnetic resonance investigations confirm that the unpaired electron is located mainly on the nitrogen atom of the aminyl. The principle of radical stabilization and control by metal complexes has thus been extended from oxygen- and carbon-centered to nitrogen-centered radicals, suggesting that the latter species may also be discovered in biology.
Disproportionate Mosquito Feeding on Aggregated Hosts

ABSTRACT Despite the importance of per-capita feeding rates for mosquito-borne transmission dynamics, the relationship between host aggregation and per-capita feeding rates remains poorly characterized. We conducted indoor experiments to investigate how Culex quinquefasciatus (Say) mosquitoes distribute their blood feeding on variably aggregated domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus L.) (one chicken vs. a flock of seven to nine birds). Mosquitoes were always more likely to feed on the larger chicken group; yet, the single chicken tended to be fed on at a higher per-capita rate. When 10 chickens were available the feeding intensity was 4.5 times higher for the single chicken compared with the flock. We conclude that more highly aggregated hosts may experience lower exposure to mosquito bites than less aggregated hosts.
Abstract A11: STRADα regulates cell polarity and invasion through PAK1 signaling in LKB1 null cells

The kinase LKB1 is mutated in multiple tumor types with a high mutation rate in non-small cell lung cancer. LKB1 activity is regulated by the pseudokinase, STE20-related adaptor alpha (STRADα), and the STRADα-LKB1 pathway plays critical roles in cell polarity and metastasis. Though much attention is given to the STRADα-LKB1 pathway, the function of STRADα itself, including a role outside of the LKB1 pathway, has not been well-studied. Data in C. elegans suggest that STRADα has an LKB1-independent role in regulating cell polarity, and therefore we tested the hypothesis that STRADα regulates cancer cell polarity and motility when wild-type LKB1 is absent. These results show that STRADα protein is reduced in LKB1-null cell lines (mutation or homozygous deletion) and this partial degradation occurs through the Hsp90-dependent proteasome pathway. The remaining STRADα participates in cell polarity and invasion, such that STRADα depletion results in misaligned lamellipodia, improper Golgi positioning, and reduced invasion. To probe the molecular basis of this defect, we show that STRADα associates in a complex with PAK1, and STRADα loss disrupts PAK1 activity via thr423 PAK1 phosphorylation. When STRADα is depleted, PAK1-induced invasion could not occur, suggesting that STRADα is necessary for PAK1 to drive motility. Based upon these data, we conclude that STRADα regulates PAK1 in LKB1-null cells to oversee cancer cell polarity and invasion.
Provenance and dispersal of muds south of the Aleutian arc, north Pacific Ocean

X-ray diffraction analyses show that the clay mineralogies of near-surface muds in the Gulf of Alaska (mostly illite and chlorite) are consistent with detrital sources in southern Alaska. Expandable clay minerals are derived from the Aleutian volcanic arc, and their percentages increase progressively toward the west. Smectite values are lower than expected, however, particularly in the central forearc, and there is less smectite on the insular trench slope than farther seaward. The regional clay-mineral distribution is controlled by two opposed contour currents and by the influx of suspended sediment via both transverse and trench-axis turbidity currents.
Precision pointing and tracking through random media by exploitation of the enhanced backscatter phenomenon.

The active illumination of a target through a turbulent medium with a monostatic transmitter–receiver results in a naturally occurring conjugate wave caused by reciprocal scattering paths that experience identical phase variations. This reciprocal path-scattering phenomenon produces an enhanced backscatter in the retroverse direction (precisely along the boresight of the pointing telescope). A dual aperture causes this intensity enhancement to take the form of Young’s interference fringes. Interference fringes produced by the reciprocal path-scattering phenomenon are temporally stable even in the presence of time-varying turbulence. Choosing the width-to-separation ratio of the dual apertures appropriately and utilizing orthogonal polarizations to suppress the time-varying common-path scattered radiation allow one to achieve interferometric sensitivity in pointing accuracy through a random medium or turbulent atmosphere. Computer simulations are compared with laboratory experimental data. This new precision pointing and tracking technique has potential applications in ground-to-space laser communications, laser power beaming to satellites, and theater missile defense scenarios.
PARP inhibitors and heart failure--translational medicine caught in the act.

With the introduction of this new section, “Spotlight on Heart Failure Translational Research,” Congestive Heart Failure recognizes the importance of the cutting-edge research that frequently translates to clinical practice in a rapid timeframe. It is the intent of the Co-Editors in Chief to provide the readership with a window on the future of heart failure therapeutics through the introduction of this section. Dr. George W. Booz, Section Editor for this pivotal area, cordially invites the submission of translational research in all aspects of heart failure for review and potential publication within this section.—John E. Strobeck, MD, PhD and Marc A. Silver, MD, Co-Editors in Chief
Rescheduling to minimize makespan on a changing number of identical processors

We consider the problem of rescheduling n jobs to minimize the makespan on m parallel identical processors when m changes value. We show this problem to be NP-hard in general. Call a list schedule totally optimal if it is optimal for all m = 1, …,n. When n is less than 6, there always exists a totally optimal schedule, but for n ≥ 6 this can fail. We show that an exact solution is less robust than the largest processing time first (LPT) heuristic and discuss implications for polynomial approximation schemes and hierarchical planning models.
Examining Marketing Officers' Demographic Factors' Influence on MIHE Scores at California Community Colleges

Research indicates that one way to investigate a college's dedication to marketing is to examine the role, influence, and support the marketing officer receives on their campus. Based on the literature's premise that marketing officers are a measure of commitment, this study explored the relationship between Marketing Index of Higher Education (MIHE) scores and marketing officers’ demographic factors of gender, pay, education, staff support, and education. This study found a marketing officer's demographic factors had little to no influence on a California community college's score on the MIHE. Thirty one California community college marketing officers participated in the on-line survey. T tests and Pearson's correlations were utilized to measure the relationship between MIHE score and the officer's demographic factors. One of the major implications of this study is that a marketing officer's gender, pay, education, staff support, and education do not alone predict whether a community college is a marketi...
Towards supporting expert evaluation of clustering results using a data mining process model

Clustering is a popular non-directed learning data mining technique for partitioning a dataset into a set of clusters (i.e. a segmentation). Although there are many clustering algorithms, none is superior on all datasets, and so it is never clear which algorithm and which parameter settings are the most appropriate for a given dataset. This suggests that an appropriate approach to clustering should involve the application of multiple clustering algorithms with different parameter settings and a non-taxing approach for comparing the various segmentations that would be generated by these algorithms. In this paper we are concerned with the situation where a domain expert has to evaluate several segmentations in order to determine the most appropriate segmentation (set of clusters) based on his/her specified objective(s). We illustrate how a data mining process model could be applied to address this problem.
RERAN: timing- and touch-sensitive record and replay for Android

Touchscreen-based devices such as smartphones and tablets are gaining popularity, but their rich input capabilities pose new development and testing complications. To alleviate this problem, we present an approach and tool named Reran that permits record-and-replay for the Android smartphone platform. Existing GUI-level record-and-replay approaches are inadequate due to the expressiveness of the smartphone domain, in which applications support sophisticated GUI gestures, depend on inputs from a variety of sensors on the device, and have precise timing requirements among the various input events. We address these challenges by directly capturing the low-level event stream on the phone, which includes both GUI events and sensor events, and replaying it with microsecond accuracy. Moreover, Reran does not require access to app source code, perform any app rewriting, or perform any modifications to the virtual machine or Android platform. We demonstrate RERAN's applicability in a variety of scenarios, including (a) replaying 86 out of the Top-100 Android apps on Google Play; (b) reproducing bugs in popular apps, e.g., Firefox, Facebook, Quickoffice; and (c) fast-forwarding executions. We believe that our versatile approach can help both Android developers and researchers.
Cognitive development after age five: a future factor in the failure of early intervention with the urban child.

Book reviewed in this article: Drawing upon the work of Piaget, this paper asserts that it is the multiple experiences of cognitive disequilibrium in the course of vitally meaningful encounters with the environment that necessitates the child's accommodation to that environment. When home environment functions at a lower level of conceptualization than that required in school, the child will be at a cognitive disadvantage. Suggestions for educational programs and policy are presented.