cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of Full Navier-Stokes and Reduced Navier-Stokes analyses for separating flows within a diffusing inlet S-duct

A three-dimensional implicit Full Navier-Stokes (FNS) analysis and a 3D Reduced Navier-Stokes (RNS) initial value space marching solution technique has been applied to a class of separate flow problems within a diffusing S-duct configuration characterized as vortex-liftoff. Both Full Navier-Stokes and Reduced Navier-Stokes solution techniques were able to capture the overall flow physics of vortex lift-off, however more consideration must be given to the development of turbulence models for the prediction of the locations of separation and reattachment. This accounts for some of the discrepancies in the prediction of the relevant inlet distortion descriptors, particularly circumferential distortion. The 3D RNS solution technique adequately described the topological structure of flow separation associated with vortex lift-off.
Thermal decomposition of energetic materials. 23. thermochemical differentiation of cyclic and acyclic nitramines by their phase transitions

Abstract The sum of the values of Δ H measured by differential thermal analysis for the phase transitions from room temperature through the melting point for seven cyclic nitramines and nitrosamines is 35 ± 4 cal g −1 . Δ S f for these compounds is 0.06 ± 0.03 cal deg −1 g −1 . The values for ΣΔ H and Δ S f for ten acyclic nitramines are 66 ± 18 cal g −1 and 0.17 ± 0.07 cal deg −1 g −1 , respectively. The statistically significant difference between these two classes probably originates from the shape of the molecules. The disordered high-temperature phase of 1,4-dinitrofurazano[3,4- b ]piperazine (DNFP), previously discovered by IR spectroscopy, is confirmed by DTA to be a plastic phase.
A preliminary step towards a language for picture control in a real-time mode

With the proliferation of extremely complex analog systems for the control of television images it has become evident that some more efficient system has to be found for dealing with the mire of knobs, switches, levers, and patch cords which make up any video processing device. In planning an attack on this situation, we soon realized that a major aspect of the problem is a linquistic one. Television has only a few terms which deal with the almost infinite number of effects possible in any given system. The specification of wipes, fades, dissolves, keys, etc. tells one the process used, but does not go into great detail as to what it looks like on the screen. A circle wipe, for instance, may start in any part of the screen, have an edge in any of several degrees of softness, may be modulated by a wide range of frequencies, and may have a number of outlines around it in any combination of colors. Given these technical capabilities, the problem of how to catalog the possible effects and how to specify them was approached in terms of a description based on a Cartesian coordinate system representation of the multidimensional video space.The use of such a coordinate system has given us several advantages. The first is that there is a large body of existing work dealing with physical movements along orthogonal axes. Secondly, image color in television can be measured or specified in terms of phase shifts from 0 to 360 degrees in a planar reference axis system. Another consideration which makes this description natural is that it is standard for zero voltage on a CRT display to be center screen, thus defining our origin and relating it in a simple way to the physical control values. With this as our point of departure we embarked on our work with the clear realization that, because the dimensions and variability of the system were almost infinite, due to the unconstrained combination of analog patches and digital programming, some severe restraint would be necessary in order to make the results meaningful.
Frictional dynamics of perfluorinated self-assembled monolayers on amorphous SiO2.

Silicon micromachines in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are coated with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) in order to reduce the wear and stiction that are commonplace during operation. Recently, perfluorinated SAMs have been the focus of attention because they have better processing properties than hydrocarbon SAMs. In this study, we perform molecular dynamics simulations that model adhesive contact and friction for perfluorinated alkylsilane (Si(OH)3(CF2)10CF3) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), which are commonly used in MEMS devices. Amorphous silica is used as the substrate for the SAMs in the simulations. The frictional behavior is investigated as a function of applied pressure (50 MPa–1 GPa) for a shear velocity of 2 m/s and compared to recent simulation results of hydrocarbon alkylsilane SAMs. The microscopic friction coefficient for the perfluorinated SAMs is the same as was measured for the hydrocarbon SAMs, but the shear stress is slightly larger than in the case of the hydrocarbon SAMs on amorphous silica.
High levels of genetic variation in populations of four dominant aridland plant species in Arizona

Abstract Intrapopulation genetic variation in four dominant, perennial plant species from the deserts of south-western North America was assessed and compared using isozyme techniques. In each of two localities, a warm desert and a cold desert environment, one population of the most common long-lived perennial was compared with a nearby population of a dominant, comparatively short-lived perennial. The warm desert species were Encelia farinosa and Larrea tridentata while Gutierrezia microcephala and Coleogyne ramosissima were examined at the cold desert site. All samples were electrophoresed and stained for 18 enzyme systems. Mean values for these four species were 0·173 for gene diversity, 66·9% for polymorphism, and 2·02 for number of alleles per locus. These values are significantly greater than published means from a recent survey of the plant isozyme literature, and are comparable to or higher than levels of genetic variation in other widespread plant species. Differences in level of variation among the species were not significant, thus failing to indicate any relationship between life expectancy and genetic variation. These results demonstrate that aridland plant populations can harbor high levels of genetic variation, and suggest that environmental heterogeneity may be important in the development and maintenance of this diversity.
Dynamics of fluid spreading: A solid-on-solid Monte Carlo study

We study the spreading of both a fluid wedge and a droplet in two dimensions by means of Monte Carlo simulations of a solid-on-solid model. For the case of the fluid wedge, our results confirm those of Abraham, Heinio, and Kaski [J. Phys. A 24, L309 (1991)] who have done analogous simulations. For the case of the droplet, both wetting and partial-wetting behaviors are observed, depending on the relative strength of the fluid's interparticle interactions and the particle-substrate interaction. For the wetting case, a single-layer precursor film is found to spread at the expense of the remainder of the droplet
Faculty as undergraduate research mentors for students of color: Taking into account the costs

This article is based on the findings of a 2-year study that examined the nature of effective faculty/student undergraduate research (UR) science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) relationships. The study site was a large urban public college where three fourths of all incoming freshmen receive need-based aid; and although not a historically Black college or university (HBCU), 85% are students of color. The college offers 2- and 4-year STEM degree programs. Utilizing cultural historical activity theory (CHAT) as both a theoretical and methodological framework, this phenomenological study employed semistructured interviews, written surveys, and member checking to understand four paired faculty/student UR mentoring relationships over 2 years. The findings not only concur with the bulk of UR research, indicating UR's promise for addressing the low enrollment and retention rates of students of color in the STEM disciplines but also raise issues around the emotional, financial, and professional costs to UR faculty. It is these costs that are the focus of this article that concludes with ideas, for university and college administrators and all others concerned, about on how we might support faculty in UR's crucial work toward the goal of retaining students of color in STEM. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 96:527–542, 2012
Practical applications of nondestructive materials characterization

Although nondestructive techniques have been used almost exclusively to detect macroscopic defects in structures or devices, it has become increasingly evident that it is both practical and cost-effective to expand the role of nondestructive evaluation to include all aspects of materials production. In recent years, classical nondestructive testing techniques have been augmented by more sophisticated methods for characterizing the microstructure and the associated physical and chemical properties of materials.
An improved independent-pair method for few-nucleon problems

Abstract The independent-pair method as used by Mang and Wild in their analysis of the three- and four-nucleon systems is shown to yield wave functions that are accurate for particle separations up to a few fm. For larger separations, the independent-pair function is continued smoothly by attaching a variational function which has only one free parameter. By varying this one parameter, accurate wave functions are obtained for three example three-body Hamiltonians, two of which have hard-core potentials. Upper and lower bounds are calculated for the ground state energies.
Heparin binding to normal and abnormal platelets.

The binding of porcine heparin to human platelets was studied using [3H] heparin and various concentrations of unlabeled heparin. The binding was readily reversible and included saturable (Kd ∼1.5 mg/L, R ∼500 mg/1015 cells) and unsaturable components. Approximately normal binding also occurred to platelets from patients with the Bernard-Soulier syndrome and Glanzmann's thrombasthenia. Competitive inhibition studies were performed with a variety of sulfated polysaccharides. Inhibitory potency correlated with charge density but not with the fundamental sugar composition of the tested compounds.
Resistance to continuous delay of reinforcement or extinction following partial delay or partial reinforcement in acquisition: A direct comparison

Abstract Rats received either partial reward (PR) or partial delay (PD) in acquisition with one, two, or three delay or nonreward trials followed by an immediately rewarded trial or one delay or nonreward trial followed by an immediately rewarded trial. These four groups were then split in half and given either continuous delay or continuous nonreward (extinction) in a “response persistence” phase. In addition, two continuously reinforced groups, one experiencing continuous delay, and the other experiencing extinction were included. The results showed that response persistence was greater when PD groups were given continuous delay rather than extinction, but the opposite was true for PR groups. The “length” (1, 2, or 3 versus 1 nonreward or delay trial) also transferred to the response persistence phase with the length 1, 2, and 3 conditions being more persistent than the 1 length conditions. The results were discussed with respect to theoretical notions of response persistence.
Metal-Ion Valencies of the FeMo Cofactor in CO-Inhibited and Resting State Nitrogenase by 57Fe Q-Band ENDOR

The resting state of nitrogenase shows an S = 3/2 electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signal resulting from the FeMo-cofactor (M-center; inorganic portion, [Mo, Fe7, S9]) of the MoFe-protein. Whe...
Relationships between red blood cell indices and the effects of thyroxine in three species of amphibians.

Abstract 1. 1. Red blood cell indices and the effects of thyroxine on the indices were measured from Rana pipiens, Rana catesbeiana and Bufo marinus . 2. 2. While thyroxine had no significant effect on R. catesbeiana and B. marinus red cell indices it showed significant effect on R. pipiens red cell indices. 3. 3. Control RBC count showed inverse relationship to control mean corpuscular volume ( r = 0.807), control mean corpuscular hemoglobin ( r = 0.976) and control RBC size ( r = 0.879). 4. 4. The RBCs of R. catesbeiana were found to be the largest but had the lowest hemoglobin concentration as expressed by the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration.
Novel Presentation of a Familial Pancreatic Cancer Syndrome

Introduction Earlier detection of pancreatic cancer may help identify patients for whom surgical intervention could provide cure or prolong life. In this article, we report the occurrence of breast cancer, melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma of the alveolar ridge, colon cancer, a desmoid tumor of the abdominal wall, and pancreatic adenocarcinoma in a 65-year-old woman. She was identified as having the familial atypical multiple mole melanoma–pancreatic cancer syndrome (FAMMM–PC) with a germline p16 mutation at amino acid position 15.
A Theory of Complexity, Periodicity and the Design Axioms

One of the topics that has received the attention of mathematicians, scientists and engineers is the notion of complexity. The subject is still being debated, as it lacks a common definition of complexity, concrete theories that can predict complex phenomena, and the mathematical tools that can deal with problems involving complexity. In axiomatic design, complexity is defined only when specific functional requirements or the exact nature of the query are defined. Complexity is defined as a measure of uncertainty in achieving a set of specific functions or functional requirements. Complexity is related to information, which is defined in terms of the probability of success of achieving the Functional Requirements (FRs). There are two classes of complexity: time-dependent complexity and time-independent complexity. There are two orthogonal components of time-independent complexity, i.e., real complexity and imaginary complexity. The vector sum is called absolute complexity. Real complexity of coupled design is larger than that of uncoupled or decoupled designs. Imaginary complexity can be reduced when the design matrix is known. As an example of time-independent imaginary complexity, the design of a printing machine based on xerography is discussed. There are two kinds of time-dependent real complexity: time-dependent combinatorial complexity and time-dependent periodic complexity. Using a robot-scheduling problem as an example, it is shown that a coupled design with a combinatorial complexity can be reduced to a decoupled design with periodic complexity. The introduction of periodicity simplifies the design by making it deterministic, which requires much less information. Whenever a combinatorial complexity is converted to a periodic complexity, complexity and uncertainty is reduced and design simplified.
Quantum ground state of a polyacetylene ring

Abstract Comuptations of the ground state wave function of a finite polyacetylene ring are carried out using the Monte Carlo method. The qualitative features of the classical solution of the phonon field are shown to survive the quantum fluctuations.
Molecular analysis of the mitochondrial genome of Phytophthoraa

The organization of the mitochondrial genomes from two morphologically similar Phytophthora isolates, P. megasperma f. sp. glycinea (Pmg) and P. megasperma f. sp. medicaginis (Pmm), and the morphologically different species, P. parasitica var. nicotianae (Ppn), has been studied. The mtDNAs are circular, and their estimated sizes are 45.3 kb, 41 kb, and 39.5 kb for Pmg, Pmm, and Ppn, respectively. Physical maps were constructed for restriction endonuclease sites. Four genes (l-rRNA, s-rRNA, oxi-2, and cob) were found to have the same order in the three mtDNAs.
The influence of host resistance and climate on the initial appearance of foliar late blight of potato from infected seed tubers

Seed tubers of susceptible and moderately resistant cultivars were inoculated withPhytophthora infestans and planted in a field in four trials over three years. After emergence, the foliage was periodically examined for late blight lesions. For the four trials, blight was first observed 9, 5,4, and 4 days after the accumulation of 18 severity values supporting the use of severity values for the prediction of initial appearance of blight as used in Blitecast. The first observance of blight followed a period of consecutive days which were favorable for blight development and ranged from 17 to 46 days after median emergence. Lesions were observed on foliage of the susceptible cultivars before detection on moderately resistant cultivars for three out of four trials. We conclude that late blight will usually, but not always, appear in susceptible cultivars before it appears in moderately resistant ones.
Autoignition of fuel-oxidizer mixtures in microgravity

Microgravity autoignition phenomena that may be influenced by chemically significant walls as well as by photochemically significant radiative fields are examined. First, the limitations of quasi-steady autoignition theory in providing information needed for the characterization of autoignition temperature fields are discussed. Time-dependent autoignition theory is then used to analyze the autoignition behavior of a reactive system where both wall catalysis and gas phase kinetic rates are significant. Space-time trajectories of temperature and species concentrations for such cases are presented
Effect of aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A and rubratoxin B on infant rats.

Abstract Oral LD50 values were determined in 24-hr-old Sprague-Dawley rats for aflatoxin B1 (1–36 mg/kg), ochratoxin A (3.90 mg/kg) and rubratoxin B (6.38 mg/kg). Compared with the oral LD50 values in adults, the neonates showed an increased susceptibility to each mycotoxin. The calculated adult-to-neonate LD50 ratios were 9.2 for aflatoxin B1, 6.5 for ochratoxin A and 49.2 for rubratoxin B. In simultaneous dosing experiments, the neonatal LD50 value of ochratoxin A in the presence of 5 mg rubratoxin B/kg was approximately 16 times below that for ochratoxin A alone. When the rubratoxin dose was five times smaller (1 mg/kg), the ochratoxin LD50 value was some ten times higher than that in the presence of the high rubratoxin dose. The neonatal LD50 value for rubratoxin B was decreased approximately fourfold in the presence of 2 mg ochratoxin/kg. Following administration of 5 mg rubratoxin/kg on day 1 and 4 mg aflatoxin B1/kg on day 15, decreased weight gains were mediated by both agents rather than by either agent alone. A synergistic response was not demonstrated when aflatoxin B1 was given on day 1 followed by rubratoxin B on day 15 or in experiments using ochratoxin followed by rubratoxin.
New Type of Polymeric Indium Tellurides: Low-Temperature Synthesis and Structure Characterization of [M(en)(3)]In(2)Te(6) (M = Fe, Zn) and alpha- and beta-[Mo(3)(en)(3)(m(2)-Te(2))(3)(m(3)-Te)(m(3)-O)]In(2)Te(6).

Crystal growth of metal tellurides and tellurometalates employing solvothermal reactions at temperatures below 200 degrees C have resulted in four new indium tellurium phases, [Fe(en)(3)](In(2)Te(6)) (I), [Zn(en)(3)](In(2)Te(6)) (II), and alpha- and beta-[Mo(3)(en)(3)(m(2)-Te(2))(3)(m(3)-Te)(m(3)-O)]In(2)Te(6) (III-alpha and III-beta). Single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses show that I and II are isostructural and belong to the orthorhombic crystal system, space group P2(1)()2(1)()2(1)() (No. 19). Compound I: a = 11.654 (1) A, b = 12.968(2) A, c = 16.273(2) A, Z = 4. Compound II: a = 11.662(2) A, b = 12.948(2) A, c = 16.285(1) A, Z = 4. The two polymorphs III-alpha and III-beta crystallize in the monoclinic system. Compound III-alpha: a = 11.815(2) A, b = 21.769(3)A, c = 14.498(4) A, beta = 95.43(2) degrees, Z = 4, space group P2(1)()/c (No. 14). Compound III-beta: a = 22.154(3) A, b = 11.550(2)A, c = 14.230(2) A, beta = 99.05(1) degrees, Z = 4, space group P2(1)()/a (No. 14). All four are Zintl compounds containing novel one-dimensional polymeric chains of [(In(2)Te(6))(2)(-)] that can be described as alternating fused five-membered rings [(In(3+))(2)(Te(2)(2)(-))(Te(2)(-))], joined at the In atoms.
Building a digital model of Michelangelo's Florentine Pieta

We present the methodology we used to acquire the data and construct a computer model of Michelangelo's Florentine Pieta with enough detail and accuracy to make it useful in scientific studies. We describe the project to acquire and build the 3D model. The work we describe is unique in that an art historian, not a technologist, conceived and specified the project. Our goal wasn't simply to produce the statue's model but also to provide the art historian with material and tools to enable him to answer his own research questions. The project gave us the opportunity to explore the value of 3D scanning and visualization in a nontechnical discipline, art history. The project's second goal was to develop scanning technology accessible to other cultural heritage projects both in terms of cost and usability.
Psychological factors associated with response to maxillofacial injury and its treatment.

Purpose This study evaluated symptoms of acute stress disorder (ASD), satisfaction with appearance postsurgery, and satisfaction with care in patients with maxillofacial injury at their first postsurgical physician visit. To determine the best predictors of patients’ ASD symptoms and satisfaction, data also were obtained on the patients’ strategies for coping with the stress of the injury, on the patients’ and doctors’ interpersonal appraisals of each other, and on the doctors’ participatory behavior during the visits. Patients and Methods A total of 47 patients who had sustained traumatic maxillofacial injury requiring emergency medical/surgical treatment were administered self-report measures immediately before and after their first postsurgical visit 10 to 12 days after trauma exposure. Doctors completed self-report measures after the visit and evaluated the patients’ severity of injury. Results Patients experienced high levels of ASD in the short-term period after surgery. Use of emotion-focused strategies by patients to cope with stress was associated with more ASD symptoms but better satisfaction with facial appearance. The more severely injured patients were less satisfied with their appearance and were viewed by their doctors as being more interpersonally controlling during the postsurgical visit. Conclusions Closer attention by doctors to patients’ interpersonal behavior may aid in early identification of those patients with maxillofacial injury who may experience longer-term social problems related to their altered facial appearance.
Development, characterization, and initial evaluations of S1 a new chromogenic cephalosporin for β-lactamase delection

Abstract A novel, chromogenic cephalosporin reagent (S1) for β-lactamase testing was produced that shares physicochemical characteristics with nitrocefin (formerly 87/312). S1 and nitrocefin in a disk-testing format for β-lactamase performed at 100% agreement for detecting enzyme-producing isolates of Bacteroides fragilis group, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Staphylococcus aureus , and selected Enterobacteriaceae . The time required to achieve an initial color change or a strong positive reaction was comparable for both chromogenic reagents for all organisms except the Gram-positive species. S1 reaction times were ∼50% faster than nitrocefin for β-lactamase-positive enterococci and S. aureus . These results from the developmental studies and a commercially prepared disk lot indicate that S1 is a promising β-lactamase disk test reagent with the ability to detect all significant enzyme-producing species strains, some significantly earlier than the nitrocefin disk method.
Compensatory renal growth in the solitary kidneys of Danforth mice with genetic renal agenesis.

AbstractPurpose: Previously the upper urinary tract anatomy has been characterized in Danforth mice spontaneous murine mutation. This mutation results in unilateral renal agenesis in 30% of the heterozygous offspring. Whether compensatory renal growth occurs in the remaining solitary kidney was assessed.Materials and Methods: Heterozygous pairs of Danforth mice were mated. Of 99 kidneys recovered from adult offspring (8 weeks old) 41 were fixed in Bouin's solution, weighed, sectioned at 8 micro., stained and prepared for morphometry. An additional 6 kidneys recovered near term (gestational day 18) were processed in the same fashion. The kidneys from the mice without the mutation served as controls. Morphometric analyses were performed using computer software. The size and the distribution of glomeruli were studied.Results: The kidney-to-body weight ratio in the mice with 2 kidneys varied between 1.286 and 2.198 (mean 1.603 +/− 0.33). There were 9 solitary kidneys and their weight × 2/body weight ratio var...
Does Symmetry of Ligand Occupancy Matter to Conformational Transitions of Pentameric Ligand Gated Ion Channels

For a homo-pentameric ligand gated ion channel, agonist occupancy of only two or three of the five possible binding sites has been found to produce the maximal channel response. Does asymmetric ligand binding also apply for channel antagonism? The anesthetic propofol inhibits the homo-pentameric GLIC, but the crystal structure of GLIC bound symmetrically with propofol to each of the five binding sites shows a virtually identical open channel as the one without drug binding. We hypothesize that symmetric ligand occupancy of all five binding sites may not occur under physiological conditions, and asymmetric ligand binding facilitates channel conformational changes? To test this hypothesis, we performed multiple simulations on multiple GLIC systems with propofol occupying 0, 1, 2, 3, or 5 of the potential sites. We found that systems with symmetric ligand occupancy (0 or 5 bound propofols) showed similar channel conformation and hydration statuses. However, systems breaking the five-fold symmetry (1, 2, or 3 bound propofols) showed accelerated channel dehydration, increased conformational entropy of the pore-lining TM2 helix, and shifted tilting angles of the TM2 helix towards the closed-channel conformation. The trajectory of the force generated by propofol within each subunit is ellipsoidal with the primary force component tangential to the pore. Asymmetric ligand occupancy induced an unbalanced force around the channel, perturbed global stability, and facilitated conformational change. Our study suggests that asymmetry induced by ligand binding plays an important role in eliciting conformational changes related to protein function. Supported by NIH (R01GM066358, R01GM056257, R37GM049202, and T32GM075770) as well as the NSF via TeraGrid resources.
Effects of maturation on cyclic GMP-dependent vasodilation in ovine basilar and carotid arteries.

Effects of Maturation on Cyclic GMP-Dependent Vasodilation in Ovine Basilar and Carotid Arteries
Surface coverage effects on adsorption heat, IR spectral position, and surface potential change for chemisorbed carbon monoxide by simple LCAO-MO calculations

Abstract Theoretical correlations among the differential heat of adsorption, the infrared spectral position for CO bond, and the surface potential change with surface coverage (θ) are derived for carbon monoxide chemisorbed on metal by applying simple molecular orbital theory to π-system of metal-carbon-oxygen bonds. The effects of the surface coverage on these quantities are generally expressed by ξθ (1 + ωθ ) where ξ and ω are constants, i.e., asymptotic behaviors are found to approach ξθ for small θ and a constant for large ωθ. Qualitative comparisons of these quantities with available experimental data are given.
The transformation phenomenon in Fe-Mo-C alloys: A solute drag approach

A recently modified solute drag model, taking into account the interfacial segregation of alloy elements, is applied to the decomposition of austenite into ferrite in Fe-Mo-C alloys. The calculations are carried out with assessed thermodynamic and kinetic data stored in databases. The effect of the Gibbs energy of segregation is discussed in connection with published experimental observations of the bay in the time-temperature-transformation (TTT) curve for initiation of transformation. The solute draglike effect suggested in the literature is discussed in comparison with the present quantitative calculation.
Laser-induced multisite emission of Pr3+ in CaF2 at low and room temperatures

Abstract Low temperature laser excitation of Pr3+ in CaF2, at 4579 A, populates the 1D2-state indirectly via energy transfer from the 3P1-state. The energy transfer efficiency, which increases with increasing [Pr3+], indicates the existence of ion-clustering. Time-resolved emission spectra of Pr3+, indicates the CaF2 confirm that the 3P0-state of Pr3+ is not the precursor of the 1D2-state in this system.
Superconductivity in ladders and coupled planes

We discuss an electronic model consisting of two chains or planes, each described by a t-J model, coupled by t'-J' interactions between them. For J'\ensuremath{\sim}J or larger we show the presence of a spin-gap and hole-pair formation upon doping. The model exhibits superconducting pairing correlations away from half filling. We support our claims by numerical studies of the spin gap, the binding energy of holes, and the pairing correlations on finite clusters. The hole-pairing operator is a spin singlet with one member of the pair in each chain or plane. Our model belongs to the universality class of the U0 Hubbard model with \ensuremath{\Vert}U\ensuremath{\Vert}\ensuremath{\gg}t. We argue that this model may be physically realized by doping the orthorhombic compound (VO${)}_{2}$${\mathrm{P}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$.
Exploratory visual analysis of conserved domains on multiple sequence alignments.

Background: Multiple alignment of protein sequences can provide insight into sequence conservation across many species and thus allow identification of those sections of the sequence most critical to protein function. This insight can be augmented by joint display of conserved domains along the sequences. By fusing this metadata visually, biologists can analyze sequence conservation and functional motifs simultaneously and efficiently. Results: We present MSAVis, a new approach combining luminance and hue for simultaneous visualization of conserved motifs and sequence alignment. Input for the algorithm is a multiple sequence alignment in a standard format. The NCBI Conserved Domain Database (CDD) is used for finding conserved domains along the alignment. The visualization quickly identifies conserved domains, and allows both macro (sequence-long) and micro (small amino-acid neighborhood) views. Conclusion: MSAVis utilizes two visual cues, luminance and hue, to facilitate at-a-glance summary of the conservation of a user-provided protein alignment while enabling multiple comparisons among functional domains. These visual cues are preattentive and separable so that the relationship between conservation strength and domain membership can be understood. The MSAVis software, written in Python and using BioPython and OpenGL, can be found at http://agbase.msstate.edu/ tools/MSAVis.html.
Wreath Hecke algebras and centralizer construction for wreath products

Abstract Generalizing the centralizer construction of Molev and Olshanski on symmetric groups, we study the structures of the centralizer Z m , n of the wreath product G n − m in the group algebra of G n for any n ⩾ m . We establish the connection between Z m , n and a generalization of degenerate affine Hecke algebras introduced in our earlier work.
Overview of the NASA Environmentally Responsible Aviation Project's Propulsion Technology Portfolio

The NASA Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) Project is focused on developing and demonstrating integrated systems technologies to TRL 4-6 by 2020 that enable reduced fuel burn, emissions, and noise for futuristic air vehicles. The specific goals aim to simultaneously reduce fuel burn by 50%, reduce Landing and Take-off Nitrous Oxides emissions by 75% relative to the CAEP 6 guidelines, and reduce cumulative noise by 42 Decibels relative to the Stage 4 guidelines. These goals apply to the integrated vehicle and propulsion system and are based on a reference mission of 3000nm flight of a Boeing 777-200 with GE90 engines. This paper will focus primarily on the ERA propulsion technology portfolio, which consists of advanced combustion, propulsor, and core technologies to enable these integrated air vehicle systems goals. An overview of the ERA propulsion technologies will be described and the status and results to date will be presented.
Destruction of Trichina Larvae in Beef‐Pork Loaves Cooked in Microwave Ovens

Beef-pork loaves containing Trichinella spiralis larvae were cooked in two household ovens (2450 MHz). Loaves were molded into ring (R), oval (O) or oblong (L) shapes. After cooking, internal temperatures were measured at five locations in each loaf. Cooking losses were 11–28% and were greatest in L loaves. Longer cooking time was required for L loaves to attain the same degree of doneness as of R and O loaves. Variations in energy distribution patterns within each oven were evident in the percentage of underdone and overdone meat and in the temperatures in each of the duplicate loaves. Bioassays indicated that infective trichinae remained in 8 of the 30 samples tested. Five of the positive bioassays were found in samples from L loaves, two in O loaves, and one in R loaves.
Multipolar endocardial mapping of the right atrium during cardiac catheterization: description of a new technique

Objectives. Using a new mapping system that allows the simultaneous acquisition of date from 25 right atrial bipolar electrodes during cardiac catheterization, we mapped normal sinus rhythm and atrial reentrant tachycardia in 24 sheep (20 to 49 kg) and 7 pigs (25 to 35 kg). Background. Rapid, high resolution mapping during cardiac catheterization may shorten ablation procedures and permit ablation of otherwise refractory arrhythmias. Methods. A flexible, elliptic, basket-shaped recording catheter has five spokes, each with 10 electrodes arranged as 5 bipolar pairs. Catheter shape, electrode spacing and introduction technique were modified in response to the results of experiments in the first 23 animals. In the most recent eight animals, retraction of a string attached to the distal tip distended the basket, providing safe tissue contact. Filtered (30 to 250 Hz) bipolar recordings from all 25 electrode pairs, as well as a surface electrocardiogram, were recorded and digitized at 1,000 Hz using custom software. An activation map was digitally constructed and superimposed on anteroposterior and lateral fluoroscopic catheter images. Bipolar recordings were made in normal sinus rhythm (31 animals), with adequate signals recorded from >95% of electrode pairs. Rapid burst pacing and intentional right atrial air embolus (30 to 50 ml) induced sustained atrial reentrant tachycardia in five animais, which was also adequately recorded. Results. Catheter positioning and complete atrial mapping required <10 min after venous access in the most recent eight experiments. The catheter was left in position for up to 4 h. Postmortem evaluation revealed minor superficial abrasion of the venae cavae or right atrial endocardium in six animals and moderate abrasion in two. No other damage was observed. Conclusions. This new system may ultimately assist in mapping simple or complex atrial arrhythmias during cardiac eatheterization.
Characterization of Two Distinct Calcium-Binding Sites in the Amino-Terminus of Human Profilaggrin

Profilaggrin is a large phosphorylated protein (approximately 400 kDa In humans) that is expressed in the granular cells of epidermis where it forms a major component of keratohyalin. It consists of multiple copies of similar filaggrin units plus amino- and carboxy-terminal domains that differ from filaggrin. Proteolytic processing of profilaggrin during terminal differentiation results in the removal of these domains and generation of monomeric filaggrin units, which associate with keratin intermediate filaments to form macrofibrils in the stratum corneum. The amino-terminal domain contains two calcium-binding motifs similar to the EF-hands found in the S-100 family of calcium-binding proteins. In this report, we expressed the 293-residue amino-terminal pro-domain of human profilaggrin as a polyhistidine fusion protein in Escherichia coli, and characterized calcium binding by a 45 Ca ++ binding assay and fluorescence emission spectroscopy. fluorescence measurements indicated that the profilaggrin polypeptide undergoes conformational changes upon the removal of Ca ++ with ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, demonstrating the presence of two calcium-binding sites with affinities for calcium that differ ninefold (1.4 × 10 -4 M and 1.2 × 10 -3 M). We suggest that this functional calcium-binding domain at the amino-terminus of human profilaggrin plays a role in profilaggrin processing and in other calcium-dependent processes during terminal differentiation of the epidermis.
Light Control of hliA Transcription and Transcript Stability in the Cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus Strain PCC 7942

The high-light-inducible proteins (HLIPs) of cyanobacteria are polypeptides involved in protecting the cells from high-intensity light (HL). The hliA gene encoding the HLIP from Synechococcus elongatus strain PCC 7942 is expressed in response to HL or low-intensity blue or UV-A light. In this study, we explore via Northern analysis details of the transcriptional regulation and transcript stability of the hliA gene under various light conditions. Transcript levels of the hliA gene increased dramatically upon a shift to HL or UV-A light to similar levels, followed by a rapid decrease in UV-A light, but not in HL, consistent with blue/UV-A light involvement in early stages of HL-mediated expression. A 3-min pulse of low-intensity UV-A light was enough to trigger hliA mRNA accumulation, indicating that a blue/UV-A photoreceptor is involved in upregulation of the gene. Low-intensity red light was found to cause a slight, transient increase in transcript levels (raising the possibility of red-light photoreceptor involvement), while light of other qualities had no apparent effect. No evidence was found for wavelength-specific attenuation of hliA transcript levels induced by HL or UV-A light. Transcript decay was slowed somewhat in darkness, and when photosynthetic electron transport was inhibited by darkness or treatment with DCMU, there appeared a smaller mRNA species that may represent a decay intermediate that accumulates when mRNA decay is slowed. Evidence suggests that upregulation of hliA by light is primarily a transcriptional response but conditions that cause ribosomes to stall on the transcript (e.g., a shift to darkness) can help stabilize hliA mRNA and affect expression levels.
Sensitively Photoelastic Biocompatible Gelatin Spheres for Investigation of Locomotion in Granular Media

We present a method for measuring forces in granular media experiments using photoelastic gelatin spheres, which is applicable for investigating the forces generated by organisms moving through noncohesive granular materials. We describe how to fabricate gelatin spheres with appropriate characteristics for high-sensitivity photoelastic measurements. We present a calibration methodology to relate photoelastic signal to force applied to the spheres, and evaluate the photoelastic performance of gelatin spheres as a function of gelatin concentration. The spheres can be used across a range of salinities, allowing investigation of freshwater and marine organisms. We show that photoelastic gelatin spheres can detect forces as small as 1 μN, and quantitatively measure forces with up to 60 μN precision. We provide a proof-of-principle experiment in which the forces exerted by an earthworm in a granular environment are measured.
Dietary Whey Protein Lowers the Risk for Metabolic Disease in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

Consuming a high-fat (HF) diet produces excessive weight gain, adiposity, and metabolic complications associated with risk for developing type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease. This study evaluated the influence of whey protein isolate (WPI) on systemic energy balance and metabolic changes in mice fed a HF diet. Female C57BL/6J mice received for 11 wk a HF diet, with or without 100 g WPI/L drinking water. Energy consumption and glucose and lipid metabolism were examined. WPI mice had lower rates of body weight gain and percent body fat and greater lean body mass, although energy consumption was unchanged. These results were consistent with WPI mice having higher basal metabolic rates, respiratory quotients, and hepatic mitochondrial respiration. Health implications for WPI were reflected in early biomarkers for fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes. Livers from WPI mice had significantly fewer hepatic lipid droplet numbers and less deposition of nonpolar lipids. Furthermore, WPI improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. We conclude that in mice receiving a HF diet, consumption of WPI results in higher basal metabolic rates and altered metabolism of dietary lipids. Because WPI mice had less hepatosteatosis and insulin resistance, WPI dietary supplements may be effective in slowing the development of fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes.
Measuring quality of life in dementia: purposes, goals, challenges and progress.

The choice of outcomes in clinical research should be influenced by a linkage between the targeted symptom or disorder and the outcome being measured, the clinical meaningfulness of the outcome, and the ability to measure the outcome accurately. Dementia, defined as a syndrome consisting of disorders that impair two or more distinct cognitive capacities, occur in clear consciousness, and begin in adulthood, presents unique challenges in the choice of appropriate outcomes for treatment trials.
Mechanisms of Short-Term Sea Surface Temperature Regulation: Observations during TOGA COARE.

Abstract Analyses of ocean–atmosphere data from Tropical Oceans Global Atmosphere Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Response Experiment indicate that short-term (weekly to monthly) fluctuations of SST in the western Pacific warm pool are closely linked to the alternation of wet and dry spells driven by the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO). The dry phase is characterized by increased convection over the Indian Ocean, a prolonged period of atmospheric subsidence, and surface easterlies over the western Pacific warm pool. During this phase, increased surface shortwave radiation and reduced evaporation contribute about equally to the warming of the warm pool. Pronounced diurnal variations in SST observed during the dry phase may be instrumental in leading to the prolonged warming. The dry phase is followed by the wet phase, in which the SST warming trend is arrested and a cooling trend initiated by a reduction in surface shortwave radiation accompanying the buildup of organized convection. Subsequently, the continued c...
Model based parameter estimation as a model abstraction technique

In this paper it is demonstrated that the technique of model based parameter estimation (MBPE), specifically Cauchy's method, can be used in the frequency domain to extrapolate/interpolate a narrowband set of system data or information to a broadband set of data or information. The information can be either computed data or measured experimental data over a frequency band. For computed data the sampled values of the function and a few derivative values are used to reconstruct the function. For measured data only sampled values of the function are used as derivative values are too noisy. Cauchy's method is based on applying the principle of analytic continuation to a complex, hard to specify function, analytic except at isolated poles, that represents the frequency domain property of interest. Such a function can be represented by a ratio of two polynomials, a reduced order model, which can be considered to be a variant of model abstraction. A procedure is outlined for determining the order of the polynomials and their coefficients using the methods of singular value decomposition (SVD) and least squares. The method is applied to a selected set of frequency domain problems to illustrate the accuracy and versatility of the method.
Altered brain lipid composition in cyclooxygenase-2 knockout mouse

Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 plays an important role in brain arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) metabolism, and its expression is upregulated in animal models of neuroinflammation and excitotoxicity. Our hypothesis was that brain lipid composition would be altered in COX-2 knockout (COX-2−/−) compared with wild-type (COX-2+/+) mice, reflecting the important role of COX-2 in brain lipid metabolism. Concentrations of different lipids were measured in high-energy microwaved brain from COX-2−/− and COX-2+/+ mice. Compared with the COX-2+/+ mouse brain, the brain of the COX-2−/− mouse had a statistically significant 15% increase in phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) and significant 37, 27, and 32% reductions in triacylglycerol and cholesterol concentrations and in the cholesterol-to-phospholipid ratio, respectively. The normalized concentration of palmitic acid (16:0) was increased in PtdSer, as was the brain concentration of unesterified arachidic acid (20:0). A lifetime absence of COX-2 produces multiple changes in brain lipid composition. These changes may be related to reported changes in fatty acid kinetics and in resistance to neuroinflammation and excitotoxicity in the COX-2−/− mouse.
A transconductance spectroscopy approach to device level surface state characterization

A device level transconductance spectroscopy approach is developed for characterizing surface states in metal-semiconductor field-effect transistors. A comparison of the theoretical results and the available experimental observations shows that the model can successfully explain both the surface leakage current dependence of transconductance dispersion magnitude reported by M. Ozeki et al. (1982) and the temperature dependence of transconductance dispersion observed by S.R. Blight et al. (1986). >
Fetal and neonatal rhabdoid tumor.

Abstract Purpose Few studies have focused on the behavior of rhabdoid tumor (RT) in the fetus and neonate. The purpose of this review is to show that perinatal RTs are associated with unusual findings and a poor prognosis. Methods The author conducted a 40-year systematic review of the literature. Clinical presentation, pathology, management, and outcome of 72 fetuses and neonates with RTs are discussed. Results Seventy-two fetuses and neonates presented with RTs detected prenatally (n = 12) and during the neonatal period (n = 60). The review consisted of 3 main groups: extrarenal noncentral nervous system (CNS) RT, renal RT, and CNS RT. There were some group differences in survival: extrarenal non-CNS RT (3/33 or 9.1%), renal RT (2/27 or 7.4%), and CNS RT (2/12 or 16.7%). Metastatic RT was present at diagnosis in more than half the patients (41/72 or 57%) who had a survival of 2.3%. The overall survival was 9.7%. For statistical results, there was no significant difference in survival among the 3 groups by type of tumor ( P = .692). χ 2 analysis for survival with and without metastases was not valid due to small sample size. Conclusions The review shows that extrarenal RT was more common than either renal RT or CNS RT groups that is different than that observed in older individuals. Concomitant brain tumors were found in almost a third of fetuses and neonates. The CNS involvement occurred more often in patients with renal RT than in those with extrarenal RT. Metastatic disease at diagnosis was noted in more than half of the patients. Higher stage and presence of a CNS tumor were significant determinants in survival.