cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Priority arguments using iterated trees of strategies

A general framework for priority arguments in classical recursion theory, using iterated trees of strategies, is introduced and used to present new proofs of four fundamental theorems of recursion theory.
Leucine degradation and release of glutamine and alanine by adipose tissue

Adipose tissue from fed rats rapidly degrades [l14C]leucine to 14C02. This process is stimulated by glucose (but not by pyruvate) and by insulin, which also enhances the degradation of isoleucine and valine. Fasting and protein deficiency markedly reduced the catabolism of [l-‘4C]leucine in epididymal fat pads by decreasing the decarboxylation of a-ketoisocaproic acid and the transamination of leucine. In tissue homogenates, the rates of these reactions decreased by 63 and 47%, respectively, after 2 days of food deprivation. Within only 1 day of food deprivation, total decarboxylation of leucine in tissue homogenates was 73% slower. In adipose tissue from the fasted animals, leutine oxidation was also stimulated by glucose but not by insulin. In fat pads from fed (but not fasted) rats, leucine decreased the oxidation of pyruvate and thus may spare use of glucose-derived acetyl coenzyme A for lipogenesis. When fed and fasted rats were injected with [1-14CJleucine, their rates of expiration of 14C02 did not differ, but when they were injected with p-‘4C]leucine, 14C02 expiration was greater in the fasted rats. Therefore, food deprivation did not affect the total amount of leucine degradation by the organism but seemed to increase the oxidation of leucine by muscle, while decreasing its conversion to triglycerides. The incubated fat pads appear to synthesize and release large amounts of glutamine and smaller quantities of alanine and glutamate. Addition of leucine increased release into the medium of glutamine and, to a lesser extent, that of alanine and glutamate (without affecting tissue protein balance or the release of other amino acids). In fasting, when degradation of leucine fell, the accumulation of glutamine and alanine in the medium decreased. Isoleucine and valine were degraded more slowly than leucine and stimulated glutamine and alanine release to a lesser extent. In adipose tissue, as in muscle, production of glutamine, as well as alanine and glutamate, seems to be the route for disposal of amino groups released in the transamination of branched-chain amino acids.
Age, Gender, and Student Success: Mixing Face-to-Face and Online Courses in Political Science

Once on the fringes of higher education, online learning is now mainstream. Today, there are fewer entirely online or entirely face-to-face students; increasingly, college students are taking cours...
School Closure, Racial Politics, and Vulnerable Youth: Challenging the Shuttering of a Detroit School for Teen Parents:

This article highlights the acclaim, struggles, and ultimate closure of a Detroit public school for pregnant and parenting teens that was shuttered despite national commendation, community protests...
A phase 1B trial of humanized monoclonal antibody M195 (anti-CD33) in myeloid leukemia: specific targeting without immunogenicity

This trial studied the biodistribution, pharmacology, toxicity, immunogenicity, and biologic characteristics of a trace-labeled, anti-CD33, humanized monoclonal antibody M195 (Hu-M195) in patients with relapsed and refractory myeloid leukemia. Hu-M195 is a computer-modeled, "complementarity-determining region-grafted," IgG1, humanized version of M195. M195 is a murine monoclonal antibody that reacts with CD33, a 67-kD glycoprotein expressed on early myeloid progenitor cells and myeloid leukemia (acute myelogenous leukemia and chronic myelogenous leukemia) cells, but not normal stem cells. 131I-murine-M195 has already shown significant ability to cytoreduce patients with relapsed or refractory myeloid leukemias. Hu-M195 has higher avidity than the original mouse monoclonal antibody and, unlike murine M195, has the capability to mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity against leukemia targets. Thirteen patients with relapsed or refractory myelogenous leukemia were treated with Hu-M195 at 4 levels of 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, and 10.0 mg/m2 in a phase I trial. Patients received a total of 6 doses per patient over 18 days. Two patients were retreated for a total of 12 doses. The first dose of Hu-M195 was trace-labeled with 131I to allow detailed pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies by serial sampling of blood, radioimmunoassays of cells, and whole-body gamma-camera imaging. Cumulative total doses of up to 216 mg of Hu-M195 were administered safely. Reversible fever and rigors were observed after infusion at the highest dose levels. The entire bone marrow was specifically and clearly imaged within hours after infusion, with optimal biodistribution occurring at the 3 mg/m2 level. Adsorption of Hu-M195 onto targets in vivo was demonstrated by flow cytometry; near saturation of available sites occurred at the 3 mg/m2 dose level. Plasma and whole body half lives were 38 and 51 hours, respectively, which may reflect continual replenishment of target sites on new leukemia cells. 131I-Hu-M195 was rapidly internalized into the target cells in vivo within 1 hour. Human antihuman antibody responses were not observed. In conclusion, Hu-M195 can be administered safely in multiple doses, without significant toxicity or any evidence of immunogenicity, and can localize rapidly and efficiently to the bone marrow in patients with myeloid leukemias. Additional phase II trials with this agent alone or in combination with cytokines or isotopes are warranted at the optimal biologic dose.
Inverse Radiative Transfer Algorithms for Estimating a Particle Size Distribution

Solutions of the inverse radiative transfer problem are summarized for estimating the size distribution of particles from measurements of components of the Stokes vector for polarized radiation. The time-dependent algorithm requires that only irradiance measurements be made long after a radiation pulse illuminates an optically thick medium, while the time-independent algorithm requires both irradiance and scalar irradiance measurements be made deep in the interior of such a medium.
Deaf in one ear: Communication and social challenges of patients with single-sided deafness post-diagnosis

Abstract Objective To understand the communication and social challenges that individuals with SSD face post diagnosis. Methods Fifty-two single-sided deaf patients from all over the world participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded using a thematic analysis approach. Results Patients with single sided deafness identified challenges including: increased reliance on family members, decreased sense of autonomy, communication quality changes with family members, information discrepancy across family members and various emotional responses, conflicting information from interactions with multiple medical professionals, and lack of knowledge regarding what to anticipate post diagnosis. Conclusion This study provides insights into patients’ perspectives around single-sided deafness and its challenges, and the various health care approaches (e.g., patient- and family-centered care, third party disability, patient navigation) that could be implemented post diagnosis to decrease negative experiences and outcomes associated with SSD. Practical Implications This study has practical implications for improving our understanding of what single-sided deaf patients need and for health professionals to offer better care to current and future populations impacted by single-sided deafness.
Modeling Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Using Distance Geometry and Immunological Constraints

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the modeling human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) using distance geometry and immunological constraints. hCG is an σβ heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone that is needed to maintain early pregnancy. hCG is produced by the human placental trophoblast, and its presence in urine forms the basis of most pregnancy tests. The chapter describes a study carried out for identifying the binding sites of monoclonal antibodies. The relative locations of the binding sites for these mAb were determined from epitope maps. Antibodies that bind to hCG at the same time would be expected to recognize surface residues that are not adjacent, whereas antibodies that compete for binding are likely to bind to adjacent or overlapping residues. The abilities of the antibodies to bind hormone analogs that contained chimeras of the human and bovine σ-subunits, chimeras of hCG and hLH β-subunits, chimeras of hCG and bovine LH β-subunits, and chimeras of hCG and hFSH β-subunits were compared. Changes in structure that altered binding of antibodies to one epitope region had little or no influence on binding of antibodies to other epitope regions.
Chapter 19 – Brown Algae

The brown algae comprise the class Phaeophyceae, golden-brown algae that range from small filamentous forms to large, complex seaweeds. Of the estimated 1,836 species in approximately 285 genera, fewer than 1% are found in freshwater habitats. Because so few freshwater brown algae exist worldwide and new discoveries are continuing, this chapter describes all known taxa, although at present only five of seven described species have been confirmed from sites in North America. Despite more than a century of study, most taxa are known from only scattered locations. All freshwater species of brown algae are benthic, colonizing a diversity of streams and rivers and littoral zones of lakes. A few species occur in slightly brackish environments. This chapter provides a classification of all known freshwater representatives of the Phaeophyceae, with descriptions of their morphology, reproduction, and ecology, as well as color photographs and line drawings of the taxa and a key to genera.
Augmented resting beat-to-beat blood pressure variability in young healthy non-hispanic black men.

NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? The prevalence of hypertension in black individuals exceeds that in other racial groups. Despite this well-known heightened risk, the underlying contributory factors remain incompletely understood. We hypothesized that young black men would exhibit augmented beat-to-beat blood pressure variability compared with white men and that black men would exhibit augmented total peripheral resistance variability. What is the main finding and its importance? We demonstrate that young, healthy black men exhibit greater resting beat-to-beat blood pressure variability compared with their white counterparts, which is accompanied by greater variability in total peripheral resistance. These swings in blood pressure over time might contribute to the enhanced cardiovascular risk profile in black individuals. ABSTRACT The prevalence of hypertension in black (BL) individuals exceeds that in other racial groups. Recently, resting beat-to-beat blood pressure (BP) variability has been shown to predict cardiovascular risk and detect target organ damage better than ambulatory BP monitoring. Given the heightened risk in BL individuals, we hypothesized young BL men would exhibit augmented beat-to-beat BP variability compared with white (WH) men. Furthermore, given studies reporting reduced vasodilatation and augmented vasoconstriction in BL individuals, we hypothesized that BL men would exhibit augmented variability in total peripheral resistance (TPR). In 45 normotensive men (24 BL), beat-to-beat BP (Finometer) was measured during 10-20 min of quiet rest. Cardiac output and TPR were estimated (Modelflow method). Despite similar resting BP, BL men exhibited greater BP standard deviation (e.g. systolic BP SD; BL, 7.1 ± 2.2 mmHg; WH, 5.4 ± 1.5 mmHg; P = 0.006) compared with WH men, which was accompanied by a greater TPR SD (P = 0.003), but not cardiac output SD (P = 0.390). Other traditional measures of variability provided similar results. Histogram analysis indicated that BL men exhibited a greater percentage of cardiac cycles with BPs higher (> +10 mmHg higher) and lower (< -8 mmHg lower) than mean systolic BP compared with WH men (interaction, P < 0.001), which was accompanied by a greater percentage of cardiac cycles with high/low TPR (P < 0.001). In a subset of subjects (n = 30), reduced sympathetic baroreflex sensitivity was associated with augmented BP variability (r = -0.638, P < 0.001), whereas cardiac baroreflex sensitivity had no relationship (P = 0.447). Herein, we document an augmented beat-to-beat BP variability in young BL men, which coincided with fluctuations in vascular resistance and reduced sympathetic BRS.
Successful oocyte cryopreservation using letrozole as an adjunct to stimulation in a transgender adolescent after GnRH agonist suppression.

Objective To report a successful case of ovarian hyperstimulation and oocyte cryopreservation in a transgender male adolescent after suppression with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist while using the aromatase inhibitor letrozole to maintain low serum estradiol. Design Case report. Setting Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri. Patient(s) A 15-year-old Tanner II transgender male adolescent with a GnRH agonist implant. Intervention(s) The GnRH agonist implant was removed. The patient was given letrozole (5 mg daily) while undergoing ovarian stimulation with an antagonist protocol. After oocyte retrieval, the patient began taking testosterone. Main Outcome Measure(s) Successful oocyte cryopreservation with minimal changes in breast budding. Result(s) The patient's peak serum estradiol concentration was 510 pg/mL. Twenty-two mature oocytes were cryopreserved. Small increases in breast budding occurred between baseline and the time of oocyte retrieval. Conclusion(s) We successfully used letrozole to maintain low serum estradiol in a transgender male adolescent during ovarian stimulation. Maintaining low estradiol to minimize pubertal development and possibly prevent gender dysphoria symptoms may make oocyte cryopreservation more desirable for transgender male adolescents.
Adult Vaccination for Brucellosis

The title of this presentation suggests a parody of the "good news, bad news" stories. Since we are dealing with a serious subject, no comedy is intended and the author will attempt to discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of adult vaccination against brucellosis.
Statistical analysis of spatial distribution of pores in metal additive manufacturing

Abstract Mechanical properties of additively manufactured parts are sensitive to the presence of pores form during the manufacturing process. The impact of pores on the mechanical performance has been investigated extensively with respect to different parameters, such as pore volume fraction, shape, and size. However, statistical investigations focusing on the relationships between the spatial distribution of pores and process parameters; and consequently, the performance of the manufactured parts are scattered and limited. Also, these sparse investigations usually suffer from an ambiguous definition of terminologies. For instance, the required criteria to consider a point pattern as complete spatial randomness (CSR) are generally not clarified. Moreover, no numerical formalism is yet developed to show how much the observed spatial results are statistically significant. To address these shortcomings, the statistical definition of CSR in a point pattern and the procedure to quantitatively determine the deviation of a pattern from CSR were discussed. The explained statistical approach was used to investigate the effect of scanning speed parameter on the spatial distribution of gas pores in laser powder bed fusion manufactured stainless steel parts. Furthermore, and to highlight the impact of the spatial distribution of pores on mechanical properties, fatigue performances of parts with clustered and randomly distributed pores were simulated by finite element analysis. It is shown that by reducing the scanning speed, the spatial distribution of gas pores deviated more from CSR, and correspondingly fatigue performance deteriorated.
Differential diffusion effects, distributed burning, and local extinctions in high Karlovitz premixed flames

Direct numerical simulations of premixed n-heptane/air flames at different Karlovitz numbers are performed using detailed chemistry. Differential diffusion effects are systematically isolated by performing simulations with both non-unity and unity Lewis numbers. Different unburnt temperatures and turbulence intensities are used and their effects on the flame structure and chemical source terms are investigated. As the unburnt gases are preheated, the viscosity ratio across the flame is reduced and the Karlovitz number at the reaction zone is increased. The increase in turbulence intensity suppresses differential diffusion effects on the flame structure (i.e. species dependence on temperature). However, differential diffusion effects on the chemical source terms are still noticeable even at the highest Karlovitz number simulated. Simulations with differential diffusion effects exhibit lower mean fuel consumption and heat release rates than their unity Lewis number counterparts. However, the difference is reduced as the reaction zone Karlovitz number is increased. Transition to distributed burning is characterized by a broadening of the reaction zone resulting from enhanced turbulent mixing. Local extinctions in the burning rate are observed only in non-unity Lewis number simulations and their probability decreases at high Karlovitz numbers. These results highlight the importance of using the reaction zone Karlovitz number to investigate the effect of turbulence on the chemical source terms and to compare flames at different unburnt temperatures.
Variance-based global sensitivity analysis for multiple scenarios and models with implementation using sparse grid collocation

Summary Sensitivity analysis is a vital tool in hydrological modeling to identify influential parameters for inverse modeling and uncertainty analysis, and variance-based global sensitivity analysis has gained popularity. However, the conventional global sensitivity indices are defined with consideration of only parametric uncertainty. Based on a hierarchical structure of parameter, model, and scenario uncertainties and on recently developed techniques of model- and scenario-averaging, this study derives new global sensitivity indices for multiple models and multiple scenarios. To reduce computational cost of variance-based global sensitivity analysis, sparse grid collocation method is used to evaluate the mean and variance terms involved in the variance-based global sensitivity analysis. In a simple synthetic case of groundwater flow and reactive transport, it is demonstrated that the global sensitivity indices vary substantially between the four models and three scenarios. Not considering the model and scenario uncertainties, might result in biased identification of important model parameters. This problem is resolved by using the new indices defined for multiple models and/or multiple scenarios. This is particularly true when the sensitivity indices and model/scenario probabilities vary substantially. The sparse grid collocation method dramatically reduces the computational cost, in comparison with the popular quasi-random sampling method. The new framework of global sensitivity analysis is mathematically general, and can be applied to a wide range of hydrologic and environmental problems.
Resonant Characteristics of Dielectric Resonators for Millimeter-Wave Integrated Circuits

An approximate but accurate method is presented for computing the characteristics of dielectric resonators used in millimeter-wave integrated circuits. Physical interpretation of the modal fields, numerical results and experimental verification are included.
Preliminary plasma focus driven DT microballoon experiments

Results have been obtained from initial experiments in which a small plasma focus was used to drive DT microballoons. The DT microballoons were 1 mm in diameter and contained 75 atm of DT gas in a 50% mixture. The plasma focus driver achieves a maximum current of approximately 1 MA from its 20-kV, 72-kJ capacitor bank. The plasma sheath was formed from deuterium, helium, and argon for those tests. After several conditioning shots using the gas for the experiment, the microballoons were inserted into the focus region through an air lock in the device's anode, to avoid any electrical gradient between the positive electrode and the target. >
Convertible Preferred Stock Valuation: Tests of Alternative Models

We undertake a comprehensive test of several contingent claim valuation models adapted to callable, convertible preferred stocks employing a sample of 24 issues and over 27,000 daily price observations. To our knowledge, no large-scale tests of these models have been published. The most complete model tested is an extension of the 1970s developments of Ingersoll and of Brennan and Schwartz, allowing for realistic contract features including delayed callability and nonconstant call prices. The mean and the mean absolute pricing errors are approximately −0.18 percent and 5.4 percent, respectively, and this model fits the data substantially better than the simpler alternatives that ignore such features. Thus, the added computational complexity required for the most complete model examined is evidently merited. Moreover, to the extent that the most complete model accurately mirrors reality, the evidence suggests that investors rationally account for many of the complex features imbedded in typical contracts.
On quantized control and geometric optimization

This paper studies state quantization schemes for feedback stabilization of linear control systems with limited information. The focus is on designing the least destabilizing quantizer subject to a given information constraint. We explore several ways of measuring the destabilizing effect of a quantizer on the closed-loop system, including (but not limited to) the worst-case quantization error. In each case, we show how quantizer design can be naturally reduced to a version of the so-called multicenter problem from locational optimization. Algorithms for obtaining solutions to such problems, all in terms of suitable Voronoi quantizers, are discussed. In particular, an iterative solver is developed for a novel weighted multicenter problem which most accurately represents the least destabilizing quantizer design.
Identification via completeness for discrete covariates and orthogonal polynomials

We solve a class of identification problems for nonparametric and semiparametric models when the endogenous covariate is discrete with unbounded support. Then we proceed with an approach that resolves a polynomial basis problem for the above class of discrete distributions, and for the distributions given in the sufficient condition for completeness in Newey and Powell (2003). Thus, in addition to extending the set of econometric models for which nonparametric or semiparametric identification of structural functions is guaranteed to hold, our approach provides a natural way of estimating these functions. Finally, we extend our polynomial basis approach to Pearson-like and Ord-like families of distributions.
Focusing versus intransitivity: geometrical aspects of co-evolution

Recently, a minimal domain dubbed the numbers game has been proposed to illustrate well-known issues in co-evolutionary dynamics. The domain permits controlled introduction of features like intransitivity, allowing researchers to understand failings of a co-evolutionary algorithm in terms of the domain. In this paper, we show theoretically that a large class of co-evolution problems closely resemble this minimal domain. In particular, all the problems in this class can be embedded into an ordered, n-dimensional Euclidean space, and so can be construed as greater-than games. Thus, conclusions derived using the numbers game are more widely applicable than might be presumed. In light of this observation, we present a simple algorithm aimed at remedying focusing problems and relativism in the numbers game. With it we show empirically that, contrary to expectations, focusing in transitive games can be more troublesome for co-evolutionary algorithms than intransitivity. Practitioners should therefore be just as wary of focusing issues in application domains.
210Pb and 210Po concentrations in the Venice lagoon ecosystem (Italy) and the potential radiological impact to the local public and environment

In order to evaluate the possible radiological impact to the local public and environment from a phosphogypsum stockpile, 210Po and 210Pb concentrations in river water, lagoon water, suspended matter, superficial sediment, algae and bivalves samples collected in Venice lagoon area have been investigated. The results show that the mean 210Po and 210Pb concentrations in river water are 1.42±0.36 mBq.l-1 and 1.46±0.39 mBq.l-1 with a mean 210Po/210Pb ratio of 0.98±0.17 and about 60% of them are associated with the particulate; 210Po and 210Pb contribution from the phosphogypsum stockpile to the river water is negligible. Higher 210Po (2.61-5.67 mBq.l-1) and 210Pb (1.31-3.62 mBq.l-1) concentrations in the lagoon waters have been observed if compared with the literature values. About 60% of 210Po and 210Pb are found in the soluble form with a mean 210Po/210Pb ratio of 1.79±1.47. 210Po and 210Pb concentrations in 28 out 37 sediment samples ranged from 26 to 45 Bq.kg-1 (dry weight), only 9 sediments with 210Po and 210Pb concentrations greater than 45 Bq.kg-1 are found and most of them are located 1-4 km near the phosphogypsum stockpile. The elevated 210Po and 210Pb concentrations in the sediments may be due to the contamination from the phosphogypsum stockpile. The mean 210Po/210Pb ratio (0.986±0.049) in the sediments shows that 210Po and 210Pb exist in nearly secular equilibrium. 210Po and 210Pb concentrations in algae vary with different species. The mean 210Po and 210Pb concentrations in Gracilaria compress and Ulva laetevirens which show a similar behavior, are 3.18±1.23 Bq.kg-1 and 2.42±1.26 Bq.kg-1 (fresh weight), respectively, with a mean 210Po/210Pb ratio of 1.45±0.34. The mean concentration factors with respect to the filtered water are 1096±424 for 210Po and 1299±680 for 210Pb. The mean 210Po and 210Pb concentrations in the soft part of Mytilus edulis are 23.2±9.7 Bq.kg-1 and 0.537±0.203 Bq.kg-1 (fresh weight), respectively, with a mean 210Po/210Pb ratio of 43.6±10.0. The mean concentration factors with respect to the filtered water are 8006±3351 for 210Po and 290±109 for 210Pb, showing a very high accumulation effect for 210Po. The accumulation behaviors of Cerastoderma glaucum and Tapes philippinarum for 210Po are similar to Mytilus edulis, but that for 210Pb seems less effective, corresponding to a relatively higher 210Po/210Pb ratio. The estimated committed effective doses from 210Po for the individual local public through ingestion of bivalves are in the range of 0.050-0.231 mSv.y-1.
A projected preconditioned conjugate gradient algorithm for computing many extreme eigenpairs of a Hermitian matrix

We present an iterative algorithm for computing an invariant subspace associated with the algebraically smallest eigenvalues of a large sparse or structured Hermitian matrix A. We are interested in the case in which the dimension of the invariant subspace is large (e.g., over several hundreds or thousands) even though it may still be small relative to the dimension of A. These problems arise from, for example, density functional theory (DFT) based electronic structure calculations for complex materials. The key feature of our algorithm is that it performs fewer Rayleigh-Ritz calculations compared to existing algorithms such as the locally optimal block preconditioned conjugate gradient or the Davidson algorithm. It is a block algorithm, and hence can take advantage of efficient BLAS3 operations and be implemented with multiple levels of concurrency. We discuss a number of practical issues that must be addressed in order to implement the algorithm efficiently on a high performance computer.
The Meaning of Solidarity in Catholic Social Teaching

Solidarity has become a central concept in Christian ethics. Although solidarity or analogous concepts can be found in other Christian traditions, as well as other religious and philosophical systems of ethics, the Catholic social tradition has perhaps most fully developed a concept of solidarity over the last century. This article contends that solidarity as conceived in Catholic social teaching (CST) provides a robust and useful understanding of the social obligations of individuals, communities, institutions, and nations. As a general overview of the concept of solidarity in CST, the article elucidates its biblical, theological and experiential foundations, its historical antecedents, and the goals, methods and scope of solidarity. The article also describes contemporary applications of the Catholic ethic of solidarity, and theoretical and practical challenges to its realization.
Serology of histoplasmosis

We admit that the complete understanding of the serology of histoplasmosis has not as yet been realized. However, as laboratories continue to produce new and better techniques, not only for qualitative but also for quantitative assessment, we may be able to view a relatively complete picture in the near future.
Oncocytic mucoepidermoid tumor of the bronchus

Mucoepidermoid neoplasms of the bronchus are uncommon tumors believed to arise from bronchial mucus glands. Reported ultrastructural evaluation has been limited to two cases in a single publication. The authors report the light microscopic and ultrastructural features of a third case with similar findings. An unusual finding not previously reported was the presence of numerous typical oncocytes shown by light and electron microscopy. Morphologic forms intermediate between the mucus cells, epidermoid cells, and oncocytes were identified ultrastructurally. The origin of oncocytes has been of some controversy. The presence of these cells associated with a mucoepidermoid tumor of the bronchus suggests a common progenitor cell. The transitional forms identified ultrastructurally support the notion that oncocytes are the result of a metaplastic process.
pH-Gated Permeability of Variably Charged Species through Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Membranes

The transport of weak acid/base molecules through ultrathin films of polyelectrolyte complex formed by the multilayering method was measured by electrochemical means. The net flux of probe molecule through multilayers is a linear combination of all forms in which that probe is found. Neutral molecules are able to traverse the membrane faster because they rely on nonspecific hopping, whereas charged molecules require extrinsically charged sites, which are doped into the multilayer by external salt. Control over probe charge by external pH is thus an effective way to influence net membrane transport. Flux was simulated by Monte Carlo methods and by analytical expressions, which showed that the pH-dependent component of flux was essentially mirrored by the solution titration curve of the weak acid. In situ attenuated total internal reflection Fourier transform IR measurements revealed that multilayer probe concentration was independent of both the solution salt concentration and state of ionization.
Photo-oxidation of polymers used in electroluminescent devices

Abstract Two electroluminescent polymers, poly(2,5-bis(cholestanoxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene) (BCHA-PPV) and poly(3-octylthiophene) (P3OT), have been characterized on Au and Al substrates in terms of photo-oxidative stability after exposure to UV and visible irradiation from a Hg lamp. Thin polymer films were analyzed in situ using IR reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS), and ex situ by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and attenuated total reflection (ATR) IR spectroscopy. The oxidation of BCHA-PPV is quite extensive, resulting in the formation of an ester and volatile aldehyde species. Singlet oxygen, formed by energy transfer from the BCHA-PPV triplet state, appears responsible for at least one photo-oxidation pathway. BCHA-PPV triplet exciton states will also form during electroluminescent device operation (the singlet exciton state is responsible for luminescence in the film) resulting in the formation of reactive singlet oxygen. Thus, it appears that BCHA-PPV will slowly self-degrade in the presence of oxygen when used as the active layer in electroluminescent devices. P3OT shows no detectable oxidation during similar exposure.
Fast surface tracking in three-dimensional binary images

Abstract In medical 3-dimensional display, an input scene is represented by an array of volume elements (abbreviated as “voxels”), and an object in the scene is specified as a “connected” set of voxels. In such applications, surface tracking is an important, and often time-consuming, precursory step. One of the most efficient surface detection algorithms reported in the literature tracks a specified surface of a 3-dimensional object by visiting each boundary face in the surface twice. In this paper, we present a new definition of discrete objects and boundaries that leads to a modified algorithm, which, on the average, visits only one-third of the boundary faces twice (and the rest once). The algorithm has been implemented in our display software package and is found to achieve a run-time reduction of approximately 35%. This timing includes the computation of surface-normal information which is needed for the realistic rendering of surfaces. Without this computation, the saving would be about 55%.
Modeling discrete choices with augmented perception hurdles

Through creating latent perception hurdles associated with each attribute considered in a stated conjoint experiment, this article describes a model that augments the conventional approach by utilizing the importance ratings provided by respondents prior to the discrete choice stage. The resulting perception hurdle logit (PHL) model has both advantages and disadvantages compared to the conditional logit (CL) and mixed logit models. Although the proposed model may not have the best within-sample fit, it outperforms the other two models in predicting choices in a hold out sample. In addition, the proposed model is also used to reveal that depending on their own characteristics and the process of the survey, respondents may employ an array of different decision strategies.
c-Jun N-terminal Kinase 1 (JNK1) Is Required for Coordination of Netrin Signaling in Axon Guidance

The JNK family of MAPKs is involved in a large variety of physiological and pathological processes in brain development, such as neural survival, migration, and polarity as well as axon regeneration. However, whether JNK activation is involved in axon guidance remains unknown. Here, we provide evidence indicating the JNK pathway is required for Netrin signaling in the developing nervous system. Netrin-1 increased JNK1, not JNK2 or JNK3, activity in the presence of deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) or Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (DSCAM), and expression of both of them further enhanced Netrin-1-induced JNK1 activity in vitro. Inhibition of JNK signaling either by a JNK inhibitor, SP600125, or expression of a dominant negative form of MKK4, a JNK upstream activator, blocked Netrin-1-induced JNK1 activation in HEK293 cells. Netrin-1 increased endogenous JNK activity in primary neurons. Netrin-1-induced JNK activation was inhibited either by the JNK inhibitor or an anti-DCC function-blocking antibody. Combination of the anti-DCC function-blocking antibody with expression of DSCAM shRNA in primary neurons totally abolished Netrin-1-induced JNK activation, whereas knockdown of DSCAM partially inhibited the Netrin-1 effect. In the developing spinal cord, phospho-JNK was strongly expressed in commissural axons before and as they crossed the floor plate, and Netrin-1 stimulation dramatically increased the level of endogenous phospho-JNK in commissural axon growth cones. Inhibition of JNK signaling either by JNK1 RNA interference (RNAi) or the JNK inhibitor suppressed Netrin-1-induced neurite outgrowth and axon attraction. Knockdown of JNK1 in ovo caused defects in spinal cord commissural axon projection and pathfinding. Our study reveals that JNK1 is important in the coordination of DCC and DSCAM in Netrin-mediated attractive signaling. Background: The JNK pathway is essential for brain development. Results: JNK1 plays an important role in Netrin-1-mediated axon guidance in the developing nervous system. Conclusion: JNK1 is a key signal component in Netrin signaling. Significance: Unraveling intracellular signal transduction cascades underlying axon guidance will elucidate the molecular mechanisms of neuronal circuit formations in the developing nervous system.
Phage-Bacterium War on Polymeric Surfaces; Can Surface-Anchored Bacteriophages Eliminate Microbial Infections?

These studies illustrate synthetic paths to covalently attach T1 and Φ11 bacteriophages (phages) to inert polymeric surfaces while maintaining the bacteriophage's biological activities capable of killing deadly human pathogens. The first step involved the formation of acid (COOH) groups on polyethylene (PE) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) surfaces using microwave plasma reactions in the presence of maleic anhydride, followed by covalent attachment of T1 and Φ11 species via primary amine groups. The phages effectively retain their biological activity manifested by a rapid infection with their own DNA and effective destruction of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus human pathogens. These studies show that simultaneous covalent attachment of two biologically active phages effectively destroy both bacterial colonies and eliminate biofilm formation, thus offering an opportunity for an effective combat against multibacterial colonies as well as surface detections of other pathogens.
Acoustic Field in a Shallow, Stratified Ocean with a Poro‐Elastic Seabed

In this paper we investigate the propagating solutions of the acoustic equation in a stratified shallow ocean with a poroelastic, semi-infinite seabed. The ocean-seabed system is first Hankel transformed. Then the method of transmutation is used to generate the transformed solutions in the water column; whereas, the modal seabed equations are solved using the computer algebra Macsyma. In the water column the transformed solutions are first decomposed using the Mittag-Leffler expansion for the discrete spectrum. Both the discrete and continuous spectrum are then used to give a spectral representation of the solution, from which we develop a numerical scheme. Some numerical examples are given to illustrate the method.
Mathematics of protein pathological misfolding

Abstract “Protein folding is defined as a process by which a polypeptide chain performs a search in conformational space with the objective of achieving the so-called native conformation to global free-energy minimum under a given set of physiochemical conditions of the medium.” Misfolding then, is the process by which this objective is not achieved. Protein Folding Quality Assessment (PFQA), is characterized by a three-parameter distribution function Φ(T) referred to as the PFQA function. It uses results of protein folding processes to assess the output quality of protein folding. Protein misfolding is implicated in the initial cause of many conformational diseases. Folding of cytosolic protein can be regarded as the performance of the protein after it is produced or manufactured by the synthesis processes. Protein folding through different mechanisms and pathways has been extensively covered in [J.D. Bryngelson, P.G. Wolynes, Spin glass and statistical mechanics of protein folding, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84 (1987) 7524; J. Wang, Statistics, pathways and dynamics of single molecule folding, J. Chem. Phys. 118 (2) (2003) 953; N.D. Socci, J.N. Onuchic, P.G. Wolynes, Diffusive dynamics of the reaction coordinates for protein folding funnels, J. Chem. Phys. 104 (14) (1996); D. Thirumalai, From minimal models to real proteins, time scales for protein folding kinetics, J. Phys. I France 5 (1995) 1457]. The model is based on growth models of Ratkowsky, Richards, etc. [D.A. Ratkowski, T.J. Reeds, Choosing near-linear parameters logistic model for radio-ligand and related assays, Biometrics 42 (1986) 575] for a three-parameters model to handle the quality assessment of the folding process. Thus a complete distribution can be found, thanks to the scale, location and shape parameters.
High-Volume Fly Ash Concrete for Sustainable Construction

With worldwide production of fly ash approaching 800 million tonnes annually, increasing the amount of fly ash used in concrete will remove more material from the solid waste stream and reduce the amount ending up in landfills. However, most specifications limit the amount of cement replacement with fly ash to less than 25 or 30%. Concrete with fly ash replacement levels of at least 50% – referred to as high-volume fly ash (HVFA) concrete – offers a potential green solution. The following study investigated the structural performance of HVFA concrete compared to conventional portland-cement concrete. Specifically, the research examined both the bond strength of reinforcing steel in HVFA concrete as well as the shear behavior of HVFA reinforced concrete. The results indicate that HVFA concrete performs as well or better than conventional portland-cement concrete.
Increased Site Fertility and Litter Decomposition Rate in High-Pollution Sites in the San Bernardino Mountains

Some possible factors causing enhanced litter decomposition in high-pollution sites in the San Bernardino Mountains of southern California were investigated. Nitrogen concentration of soil, as well as foliage and litter of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Laws.) and Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi Grev, and Balf.) were greater in high-pollution plots than in moderate- or low-pollution plots. Nitrogen concentration of soil, foliage, and litter of ponderosa pine (ozone-sensitive), and of the ozone-tolerant species, sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana Dougl.) and incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens (Torr.) Florin.), were all higher at a higher pollution site than at a moderate-pollution site. The rate of litter decomposition for all three species was also greater at the high-pollution site. Results suggest than the primary factor causing enhanced decomposition of L-layer litter in high-pollution plots is greater site fertility, leading to the production of foliage and litter that is higher in N than litter from moderate- or low-pollution plots.
Reconstitution of Nucleosome Demethylation and Catalytic Properties of a Jumonji Histone Demethylase

Jumonji histone demethylases catalyze removal of methyl marks from lysine residues in histone proteins within nucleosomes. Here, we show that the catalytic domain of demethylase JMJD2A (cJMJD2A) utilizes a distributive mechanism to remove the histone H3 lysine 9 trimethyl mark. By developing a method to assess demethylation of homogeneous, site-specifically methylated nucleosomes, we determined that the kinetic parameters for demethylation of nucleosomes by cJMJD2A are comparable to those of peptide substrates. These findings imply that other domains of the demethylase or its protein partners may contribute to nucleosome recognition in vivo and, in this way, may further regulate demethylation activity and processivity. The quantitative assays of nucleosome demethylation developed in our work provide a platform for future work with complex chromatin substrates and full-length demethylases.
The virtual time machine

Abstract : Existing multiprocessors and multicomputers require the programmer or compiler to perform data dependence analysis at compile time. The author proposes a parallel computer that performs this task at runtime. In particular, the Virtual Time Machine (VTM) detects violations of data dependence constraints as they occur, and automatically recovers from them. A sophisticated memory system that is addressed using both a spatial and a temporal coordinate is used to efficiently implement this mechanism. Initially targeted for discrete event simulation applications, many of the ideas used in the machine architecture have direct application in the more general realm of parallel computation. The long term goal of this work is to develop a general purpose parallel computer that will support a wide range of parallel programming paradigms. This paper outlines the motivations behind the VTM architecture, the underlying computation model, a proposed implementation, and initial performance results. A recurring theme that pervades the entire paper is our contention that existing shared memory and message-base machines do not pay adequate attention to the dimension of time. We argue that this architectural deficiency is the underlying reason behind many difficult problems in parallel computation today.
A Case History of Effective Fishery Management: Chesapeake Bay Striped Bass

Abstract Stocks of anadromous striped bass Morone saxatilis of the Atlantic coast have supported important fisheries since colonial times. Commercial landings reached a record high in 1973, then declined by almost 90% during the following decade. Juvenile production by the Chesapeake Bay stock, a major contributor to coastal fisheries, was depressed during the 1970s. These patterns prompted efforts to identify why striped bass had declined and to rebuild the Chesapeake Bay stock. We review the history of the striped bass decline and the science, management, and legislation that led to its recovery. Historical data and modeling results indicated that recruitment overfishing was a major factor in the decline. Juvenile production may have been further depressed by water quality problems that reduced survival of early life stages. Mathematical models demonstrated that reducing fishing mortality would immediately increase population growth rate, regardless of the decline's cause. An Interstate Fishery Manageme...
Effect of coherence time of the applied magnetic field on ornithine decarboxylase activity.

Abstract Skepticism over the possibility of weak electromagnetic fields affecting cell function exists because endogenous thermal noise fields are larger than those reported to cause effects. Four-hour exposure to a 55- or 65-Hz field approximately doubles the specific activity of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) in L929 cells. To test the idea that the cell discriminates against this thermal noise because it is incoherent, partial incoherence was introduced into the applied field by shifting the frequency between 55- to 65-Hz at intervals of τ coh - δτ where τ coh is a predetermined time interval and δτ ⪡ τ coh varies randomly from one frequency shift to the next. To obtain the full ODC enhancement, coherence of the impressed signal must be maintained for a minimum of about 10s. For τ coh = 5.0s a partial enhancement is elicited, and at 1.0s there is no response. Unfortunately coherence times of this duration are too short to solve the thermal noise puzzle.
On the performance of fitness uniform selection for non-deceptive problems

Genetic algorithms (GAs) are probabilistic search techniques inspired by natural evolution. Selection schemes are used by GAs to choose individuals from a population to breed the next generation. Proportionate, ranking and tournament selection are standard selection schemes. They focus on choosing individuals with high fitness values. Fitness Uniform Selection Scheme (FUSS) is a recently proposed selection scheme that focuses on fitness diversity. FUSS have shown better performance than standard selection schemes for deceptive and NP-complete problems. In general, it is difficult to determine whether a real-life problem is deceptive or not. However, there is no information about the relative performance of FUSS on non-deceptive problems. In this paper, the standard selection schemes mentioned above were compared to FUSS on two non-deceptive problems. A GA using FUSS was able to find high-fitness solutions faster than expected. Consequently, FUSS could be a good first-choice selection scheme regardless of whether a problem at hand is deceptive or not.