cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Self-suspended permanent magnetic FePt ferrofluids

We present the synthesis and characterization of a new class of self-suspended ferrofluids that exhibit remanent magnetization at room temperature. Our system relies on the chemisorption of a thiol-terminated ionic liquid with very low melting point on the surface of L10 FePt nanoparticles. In contrast, all types of ferrofluids previously reported employ either volatile solvents as the suspending media or superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (that lacks permanent magnetization) as the inorganic component. The ferrofluids do not show any sign of flocculation or phase separation, despite the strong interactions between the magnetic nanoparticles due to the strong chemisorption of the ionic liquid as evidenced by Raman spectroscopy and thermal analysis. Composites with high FePt loading (40 and 70 wt%) exhibit a pseudo solid-like rheological behavior and high remanent magnetization values (10.1 and 12.8 emu/g respectively). At lower FePt loading (12 wt%) a liquid like behavior is observed and the remanent and saturation magnetization values are 3.5 and 6.2 emu/g, respectively. The magnetic and flow properties of the materials can be easily fine tuned by controlling the type and amount of FePt nanoparticles used.
The Income Elasticity of Demand for Housing: Evidence from Concentration Curves

Abstract This study applies techniques developed in the literature on income and consumption distribution to estimate income elasticities of housing demand. Although the approach cannot incorporate other determinants of demand, raising the possibility of bias, it possesses some attractive properties as well. The approach economizes on the amount of data required for estimation and allows the elasticity to vary nonmonotonically with income. If practitioners possess information on the direction of bias, results of the approach can then be used to bound the value of income elasticity.
Outcome of Patients With Adenosine-Induced ST-Segment Depression But With Normal Perfusion on Tomographic Imaging

Most patients with ST depression during adenosine infusion have reversible perfusion defects by single-photon emission computed tomographic (SPECT) perfusion images. Occasionally ST depression is observed in the setting of normal perfusion images. The outcome of such patients is controversial. We identified 65 patients who underwent gated SPECT perfusion imaging with adenosine as the stress agent. These patients were selected based on the following criteria: none had previous myocardial infarction or coronary revascularization, all were in sinus rhythm, and none had left bundle branch block. The 65 patients had normal SPECT images but ischemic ST response (≥1 mm ST depression). There were 52 women and 13 men who were 66 ± 13 years of age. History of diabetes mellitus was present in 16 patients (25%) and hypertension in 48 patients (74%). At a mean follow-up of 24 months, there were no cardiac deaths or myocardial infarctions, and there were 6 coronary revascularization procedures (2 coronary artery bypass graftings and 4 coronary stentings of 1-vessel coronary disease). One patient died of cancer. In conclusion, patients with no previous myocardial infarction or coronary revascularization who have normal SPECT images have a benign outcome despite the presence of ST depression (0% for death or myocardial infarction and 4.6%/year for coronary revascularization). Balanced ischemia could not be a common cause for discordant perfusion and ST response.
Scanning electron microscopy of germinated ascospores of Monosporascus cannonballus

Ascospore germlings of Monosporascus cannonballus attached to melon roots were examined with the scanning electron microscope. Results showed that ascospores germinated with one to three germ tubes. Sixty percent of the ascospores germinated with two germ tubes. No germ pores were observed. Instead, germ tubes emerged from a single linear fissure on each ascospore. The largest fissure measured 25 μm in length and 6 μm at its greatest width. Germ tubes of ascospore germlings were firmly anchored to melon roots. However, no structures resembling appressoria were observed. Rather, the tips of germ tubes, upon contact with the epidermis, appeared to have penetrated the epidermis directly. When the germ tube at the point of attachment was dislodged, no infection peg was present at the germ tube tip.
Practical Design Methods For Holographic Construction Of Waveguide Focusing Grating Couplers

Waveguide grating couplers have been actively investigated for several years for application as read-out heads for optical data storage. Fabrication by optical holography has generally been considered to be very difficult because the grating is used in the near infrared but must be made at blue-green wavelengths where good holographic materials are suitable. As is typical of all gratings, operation at a wavelength different from the construction wavelength causes severe aberrations. While, in principal, the aberrations may be precompensated by special fabrication optics, the design and construction of such systems is extremely difficult because of the unusual aberrations and the lack of rotational symmetry in the construction optics. The highly unusual aspects of the waveguide grating make conventional optical design difficult. In this paper we show a simple configurations which is rotationally symmetrical and relatively easy to fabricate. In addition, the design may be readily done on a conventional lens design program without modifications.
Near-field pattern analysis of airborne antennas

Results of a newly formulated analysis for computing patterns of an aperture or monopole antenna mounted on the fuselage of an aircraft are presented. Approximate models of the aircraft structure are employed in conjunction with the geometrical theory of diffraction (GTD) to obtain the computed fields. A major feature of the analysis is that it can accommodate receiver range specifications varying from as close as a wavelength to the aircraft surface to the true far field. This feature is especially useful in that computed on-aircraft pattern performance can be compared with measurements taken at any convenient range, including the near field. Further, after such crucial checks between computations and measurements have been made, the numerical solution can be employed to predict accurately the far-field performance of the on-aircraft antenna system. The accuracy of the numerical solutions obtainable with the analysis is demonstrated by comparison with model measurements.
Castleman disease in the neck: atypical appearance on CT.

We present a case of Castleman disease of the neck in which the appearance of the tumor on CT was distinctly different from previous descriptions and thus was mistaken for another disorder
Comparison of d′ values for the 2-AFC (paired comparison) and 3-AFC discrimination methods: Thurstonian models, sequential sensitivity analysis and power

Abstract Using a model system comprising of low concentration NaCl vs water and a beverage system of varying strength apple juice, it was found that the 2-AFC (paired comparison) discrimination method yielded a higher d′ than the 3-AFC method. Although the 3-AFC method is theoretically more powerful than the 2-AFC, the higher d′ of the latter compensates for this, making it the more powerful of the two.
Bironella (Brugella) obscura, a new species of mosquito from New Guinea (Diptera: Culicidae).

Adults, larva and pupa of Bironella (Brugella) obscura , n. sp. from New Guinea are described and figured. Keys to subgenera of Bironella Theobald and to species of subgenus Brugella Edwards are also presented.
New UV and IR transitions in gold, copper, and cadmium hollow cathode lasers

We have observed four additional ion laser transitions in gold, copper, and cadmium hollow cathode discharges. The new lines are at 2264 A (Au II), 2722 A (Cu II), 8599 A (Au II), and 8652 A (Cd II).
Biomarkers of age and aging

Abstract The escalating interest in research on interventions that may affect aging processes has necessarily focussed attention on the outcome measures. The desirable characteristics of these “biomarker variables” have been widely discussed. This article offers some reflections on validity, reliability, and generalizability of biomarkers. It is argued that our comprehension of aging will evolve iteratively from application of a diversity of biomarker variables. Each of these will have strengths and shortcomings from methodological and measurement points of view. The siren song that a “gold standard” index of aging can be found should be ignored.
Drug and substance use among 3,333 London adolescents.

Summary A confidential and anonymous self-report survey among 3,333 adolescents was carried out in six state comprehensive schools in London. It enquired, among many other variables, about the frequency of current use of cigarettes, alcohol, solvents and other illegal drugs. The results showed that one in five 11–16 year olds have tried solvents or drugs, one in twelve are repeated users and one in twenty have tried ‘hard drugs’. Two-thirds have ever used alcohol, one in nine can be described as frequent and possibly heavy drinkers, and one in five smoke cigarettes regularly. Smoking is more prevalent and more frequent among girls, while repeated use of drugs (including solvents) as well as alcohol shows no sex differences. The frequency of use of individual substances shows no significant sex differences except for solvents and cocaine where girls predominate.
Gust Response for Flexibly Suspended High-Aspect Ratio Wings

A theoretical aeroelastic study for a flexibly suspended high-aspect ratio wing aeroelastic model excited by gust loads is presented along with a companion wind-tunnel test. A flexible support system at the wing root has been constructed to simulate a rigid body mode. Structural equations of motion based on a nonlinear beam theory are combined with the ONERA aerodynamic model. Also, a dynamic perturbation analysis about a nonlinear static equilibrium is used to determine the small perturbation flutter boundary and structural natural frequencies. The effects of the flexible support system (bi-beam system) on the wing structural dynamics, the static aeroelastic displacement at root, nonlinear flutter, and gust response to a harmonic or a frequency sweep excitation are discussed. Also the effect of gust distribution along the span on the response is described based upon computations. The fair to good quantitative agreement between theory and experiment demonstrates that the present analysis method has reasonable accuracy.
Cloning, Expression, and Mutational Analysis of the Pigeon Prolactin Receptor*

A full-length PRL receptor (PRLR) complementary DNA from pigeons was obtained by screening pigeon crop sac libraries and by reverse transcription coupled with polymerase chain reaction. The deduced sequence of 830 amino acids revealed a new member of the PRL/GH/cytokine receptor superfamily; it contained a single transmembrane domain, all of the conserved cysteine pairs and the WSxWS motif in its extracellular domain, and a conserved proline-rich motif in its intracellular domain. The cytoplasmic domain of the pigeon PRLR was similar to the long form of mammalian PRLRs in both length and general sequence characteristics. There was no evidence of short or intermediate form receptor in any of the clones examined. Unlike mammalian PRLRs, which have a single extracellular domain, the pigeon PRLR had two highly homologous units in its extracellular domain. Amino acid sequences of the repeated units were 64% identical to each other and were 52-59% (membrane-distal unit) and 60-71% (membrane-proximal unit) ident...
The many roles of cytochrome b5.

Four distinct suggestions have been made to explain the mechanism of the cytochrome b(5)-imposed positive modifier action of the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase reaction. The first mechanism involves a direct input of an electron into the monooxygenase cycle. This is the second of the two electrons necessary for activation of molecular oxygen, and appears to be a rate-limiting step in the monooxygenase reaction. P450 monooxygenases all appear to be uncoupled to varying extents, releasing superoxide and hydrogen peroxide instead of oxidized substrate. A second mechanism suggests that cytochrome b(5) acts as a positive modifier of the monooxygenase by decreasing the extent of uncoupling of the monooxygenase reaction. The implication is that a slow input of the second electron allows uncoupling of a superoxide anion instead of formation of two-electron reduced oxygen. Faster input of the second electron via cytochrome b(5) would result in formation of more of the activated oxygen that reacts with substrate to form product. A third suggestion involves formation of a two-hemoprotein complex between cytochrome b(5) and cytochrome P450 that allows acceptance of two electrons from NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase. Uncomplexed cytochrome P450 accepts an electron from the reductase, dissociates from it, binds oxygen, and re-associates with the reductase to accept another electron. Complexation with cytochrome b(5) enhances the rate of formation of the active oxygen by obviating the need for two interactions with reductase. The fourth mechanism has cytochrome b(5) serving as an effector without a reduction-oxidation role in the monooxygenation reaction. This effector function may be to enhance the breakdown of the oxygenated hemoprotein to products or to facilitate flow of electrons through the system.
Characterization of protein matrix motions in the Rb. sphaeroides photosynthetic reaction center.

We use Normal Mode Analysis to investigate motions in the photosynthetic reaction center (RC) protein. We identify the regions involved in concerted fluctuations of the protein matrix and analyze the normalized amplitudes and the directionality of the first few dominant modes. We also seek to quantify the coupling of normal modes to long-range electron transfer (ET). We find that a quasi-continuous spectrum of protein motions rather than one individual mode contributes to light-driven electron transfer. This is consistent with existing theoretical models (e.g. the spin-boson/dispersed polaron model) for the coupling of the protein and solvent “bath” to charge separation events.
Carrier To Noise Ratio And Crosstalk In Thermo Magneto Optic (TMO) Rewritable Optical Disks

The test methods for carrier to noise ratio (CNR) and for cross talk were applied concurrently to typical TMO optical disks. The behavior of CNR and cross talk as functions of incident write laser energy and bias magnetic field were measured. Experimental results are shown and discussed.
Effect of Dietary-Lipid Content On Lipid Transport and Storage During Larval Development of Manduca-Sexta

Manduca sexta larvae were raised on diets containing either 1.2% fat (control diet), 5.9% fat (high-fat diet) or on a fat-free diet. Insects raised on the control and high-fat diets did not differ significantly in body weight, whereas animals raised on the fat-free diet were significantly smaller. The fat content of the diet had no effect on the hemolymph concentration of lipophorin. During the larval period, lipophorin isolated from animals on the high-fat diet contained more lipid, and lipophorin isolated from animals on the fat-free diet contained less lipid than lipophorin isolated from control animals. However, lipophorin isolated from animals during the prepupal period had the same composition regardless of diet. Compared to controls, animals on the high-fat diet had a larger mass of fat body which contained more stored triacylglycerol, while animals on the fat-free diet had a smaller mass of fat body which contained less stored triacylglycerol. As the fat content of the diet was increased, the fatty acid composition of fat body triacylglycerols reflected more closely that of the dietary lipid.
Probing the potential metal binding site in Escherichia coli 3-deoxy-d-arabino-heptulosonate 7-phosphate synthase (phenylalanine-sensitive)

The active site residues of the proposed metal binding site of DAH 7-P synthase (phe) were probed by site-directed mutagenesis of C61 to glycine and serine, H64 to glycine, and with the double mutant C61H/H64C. While C61S and C61H/H64C were inactive, both C61G and H64G were active. All mutants, regardless of enzymatic activity, bound one equivalent of Fe2+ per monomeric unit. Even though C61 and H64 were shown not to be metal ligands for the DAH 7-P synthase (phe), they may provide some of the backbone interactions/secondary structural elements necessary to properly form the metal binding pocket.
The role of long range forces in ordered arrays of tobacco mosaic virus

We examine the role of electrostatic repulsion and van der Waals' attraction in determining interviral spacings in ‘equilibrium’ gels of tobacco mosaic virus. The observed spacings are inconsistent with a force-balance model. Experimental probes of the role of forces are suggested.
A coupled reaction/transport/mechanical model for intergranular pressure solution, stylolites, and differential compaction and cementation in clean sandstones

Abstract “Pressure solution” at grain-grain contacts and free-face dissolution and growth kinetics coupled to solute transport and texture-dependent effective stress are shown to lead to pervasive intergranular compaction and the development of stylolites in sandstones. Reaction/transport modeling studies presented here demonstrate that stylolite formation may arise from an instability of a chemically compacting rock, leading to the enhancement of spatial heterogeneities in rock texture. Textural and geochemical criteria distinguishing between conditions favoring stylolites vs. pervasive intergranular pressure solution for both the water film diffusion (WFD) and free-face pressure solution (FFPS) mechanisms (so denoted in Tada et al., 1987) are outlined. WFD and FFPS each show a characteristic grain size dependence which aids in the recognition of the kinetic mechanism responsible for pressure solution. Results from our simulations concerning the effect of grain size on the stable compaction of sandstones compare favorably to observations and data in Houseknecht (1988). They suggest that FFPS is operative in clean sandstones, while WFD is operative in clay-rich sandstones. Spatially discrete domains of heightened cementation and intergranular pressure solution-induced compaction are shown to develop from certain types of initial spatial variations in grain textural parameters. These features, predicted by our computer simulation, show differential cementation/compaction trends similar to examples observed in Paleozoic sandstones. The greatest contrasts in cementation, compaction, and porosity attend the FFPS mechanism.
Neck motion in the high school football player Observations and suggestions for diminishing stresses on the neck

In a group of 40 high school athletes (height: 166.37 to 189.57 cm, average, 174.40 cm; neck circumference: 35.56 to 41.91 cm, average, 39.12 cm), the neck motions were studied in flexion and extension, clinically, radiographically, and cineoradiographically. Flexion ranged from 34 to 84 degrees (average 72 degrees) and extension from 21 to 64 degrees (average 45 degrees) without helmet and shoulder pads. In well-fitting equipment flexion ranged from 36 to 86 degrees (average 73 degrees) and extension from 12 to 56 degrees(average 34 degrees). No correlation was determined between the size of the athlete's neck and the range of motion. The size of the athlete's neck was important in the determination of maximum stresses in the neck. The helmets impinged on the shoulder pads or interscapular region; this impingement diminished tension on the anterior portion of the cervical spine in extension. The face masks impinged on the shoulder pads in flexion of the neck; this impingement diminished stress on the posterior musculature. Proper fitting equipment, conditioning neck exercises, and changes in the rules of the game so that abuse of the head and neck is not encouraged are some of the aspects that may reduce the risk of injury to the cervical region in football players.
A novel in vitro assay for deubiquitination of IκBα

The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) controls a wide range of signal transduction cascades by targeting key regulatory proteins for 26S proteasome-mediated degradation. Several observations suggest that protein deubiquitination may modulate this process; however, few experiments have been performed to test this idea. An excellent model system for studying the regulatory role of the UPP is signal transduction via the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) family of transcription factors. The principal inhibitor of NF-κB, IκBα, is polyubiquitinated and degraded in response to diverse stimuli. In this study, we sought to determine whether IκBα deubiquitination also occurs. We established an in vitro deubiquitination assay using polyubiquitinated IκBα as the substrate. Our data provide evidence of an IκBα-directed deubiquitinating activity present in lysates of several cell lines. This activity was inhibited by ubiquitin aldehyde, a specific inhibitor of deubiquitinating enzymes, as well as by alkylating reagents or heat, but was unaffected by the inhibition of several other classes of proteases. Cell lysates and the deubiquitinating enzyme, UCH-L3, hydrolyzed ubiquitin 7-amido-4-methylcoumarin, a model substrate for assaying deubiquitinating activities. However, UCH-L3 had no detectable activity toward ubiquitinated IκBα, thus suggesting a degree of enzymatic specificity in the deubiquitination of IκBα. This assay will be useful for the study of IκBα deubiquitination. Moreover, this assay can be adapted to monitor the deubiquitination of other proteins modified by ubiquitin conjugation.
Engaging Literacy: A Biliterate Student's Composing Practices beyond School.

Abstract Much of the writing research on generation 1.5 students has focused on college students in educational contexts, especially either freshman composition or college ESL writing classes. Relatively little is known about them in K-12 settings, especially high-school students, despite their growing presence in these settings. In addition, there is a lack of understanding of these students’ literacy experiences beyond the classroom. This paper discusses a case study that examined one Korean high school student's composing practices outside of school. The findings revealed several significant characteristics in her voluntary composing practices: the diversity and richness of her involvement with multiple literacies; her swift and constant movement among multiple genres, contexts, and languages; the public nature of her composing (sharing her writing with peers); her primary focus on L1 writing activities; and her construction of a writerly identity. In presenting her story, the paper attempts to build understanding of out-of-school writing as experienced by students with immigrant backgrounds.
Acceptable losses? The relative impacts of natural hazards in the United States, 1980-2009

Abstract Local and regional hazard management initiatives undertake loss and impact studies to prioritize funds for future mitigation programs. However, hazard loss records typically include only direct damages to property and crops. More flexible measures of hazard losses and impacts are needed to allow comparisons across local places and different time frames, as one mechanism for prioritizing disaster aid and mitigation resources. This study introduces a relative loss ratio at the county level for the US. All losses from geophysical, meteorological, and hydrologic hazards are collected for the period 1980–2009. The loss data are normalized by a measure of economic capacity calculated using county and state employment data and state Gross Domestic Product estimates. A statistical regionalization technique is utilized to identify hazard regions of the US which consistently suffered heavy losses in comparison to their economic capacities. For the nation, the average relative loss ratio is 0.15% of the US GDP, suggesting that overall relative impact of disasters has not been that large. However, downscaling to regional or county levels shows a different result with the relative impact exceeding 10% of county GDP for many places, and more than 3% of regional GDP in the central US and the Gulf Coast. While the national capacity to absorb and recover from disasters is quite high, local capacities are often exceeded by singular large events or the cumulative impacts of smaller events, necessitating the influx of external aid to help these places recover from hazards.
Tu1648 Evaluating the Efficacy of a New FDA Approved EUS Core Biopsy Needle and Different Fine Needle Biopsy (FNB) Techniques to Yield the Best Core Specimen in a Live Porcine Model

Tu1647 Impact of EUS-FNA for Preoperative Para-Aortic Lymph Node Staging in Patients With Pancreato-Biliary Neoplasm Akira Kurita*, Yuzo Kodama, Tsutomu Chiba Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kitano Hospital, Osaka, Japan Background: In patients with pancreato-biliary neoplasms, para-aortic lymph node (PALN) metastasis is highly associated with their poor prognosis. However, effective methods for preoperative PALN staging has not been established yet. Objective: To compare the diagnostic ability of 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography with computed tomography (PET/CT), endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), and EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) as to PALN metastasis.Design, Setting, and Patients: Prospective, nonrandomized single center trial performed in 1 referral hospital in Japan. Between December 2010 and March 2014, a total of 208 patients with preoperative pancreato-biliary neoplasms were assessed for study eligibility. Of all them, consecutive 52 patients were enrolled in this study. Intervention: PET/CT, EUS, and EUS-FNA were performed sequentially as a single combined procedure. Main Outcomes Measure: Primary outcome was to compare the diagnostic ability of PET/CT, EUS, and EUS-FNA. Results: Of all 208 patients with a operable pancreato-biliary neoplasm, 52 patients with 71 nodes, 20 patients (38.5%) with 29 nodes (40.8%) had malignant lymph nodes. EUS-FNA revealed the highest sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of PALN (sensitivity 96.6% [28/29]; 95% confidence interval, 82.2%-99.9%, and specificity 100% [40/40]; 95% confidence interval, 91.2%-100%) in the three modalities. Of all 20 patients with PALN metastases, preoperative EUS-FNA or PET/CT could make correct diagnosis in 19 (36.5%) or 14 (26.9%) patients, respectively. This indicated that 5 more patients could have avoided unnecessary laparotomy by using EUS-FNA as compared to PET/CT. Conclusions: EUS-FNA is an ideal diagnostic modality for preoperative PALN staging in patients with pancreato-biliary neoplasms. From its significant clinical benefits of reducing unnecessary surgery, EUS-FNA should be added to the standard preoperative examinations for pancreato-biliary neoplasms. Diagnostic values for PALN staging by each modality AB544 Sensitivity 95% CI GASTROI Specificity 95% CI NTESTINAL Positive Predictive Value ENDOSCOPY Negative Predictive Value Volume 81, No Accuracy
Entrepreneurial Job Characteristics: An Examination of Their Effect on Entrepreneurial Satisfaction1:

The present study examined the effect of four core job characteristics on job satisfaction for entrepreneurs and a comparison group of nonfounding top managers. Significant mean differences were found between the entrepreneurs and nonfounding top managers on job satisfaction and all four job characteristics. Moreover, the results showed similar patterns of significant associations between the job characteristics and job satisfaction for the entrepreneurs and nonfounding top managers. Yet, the regression lines were found to be significantly different. Lastly, the results showed the following job characteristics were significant predictors of entrepreneurial job satisfaction: autonomy, variety, and feedback.
Tunable band gap in graphene with a noncentrosymmetric superlattice potential

We show that, if graphene is subjected to the potential from an external superlattice, a band gap develops at the Dirac point provided the superlattice potential has broken inversion symmetry. As numerical example, we calculate the band structure of graphene in the presence of an external potential due to periodically patterned gates arranged in a triangular graphene superlattice (TGS) or a square graphene superlattice with broken inversion symmetry, and find that a band gap is created at the original and, in the case of a TGS, the ``second generation'' Dirac point. This gap, which extends throughout the superlattice Brillouin zone, can be controlled, in principle, by changing the external potential and the lattice constant of the superlattice. For a square superlattice of lattice-constant 10 nm, we have obtained a gap as large as 65 meV, for gate voltages no larger than 1.5 V.
Performance/price estimates for cortex-scale hardware: A design space exploration

In this paper, we revisit the concept of virtualization. Virtualization is useful for understanding and investigating the performance/price and other trade-offs related to the hardware design space. Moreover, it is perhaps the most important aspect of a hardware design space exploration. Such a design space exploration is a necessary part of the study of hardware architectures for large-scale computational models for intelligent computing, including AI, Bayesian, bio-inspired and neural models. A methodical exploration is needed to identify potentially interesting regions in the design space, and to assess the relative performance/price points of these implementations. As an example, in this paper we investigate the performance/price of (digital and mixed-signal) CMOS and hypothetical CMOL (nanogrid) technology based hardware implementations of human cortex-scale spiking neural systems. Through this analysis, and the resulting performance/price points, we demonstrate, in general, the importance of virtualization, and of doing these kinds of design space explorations. The specific results suggest that hybrid nanotechnology such as CMOL is a promising candidate to implement very large-scale spiking neural systems, providing a more efficient utilization of the density and storage benefits of emerging nano-scale technologies. In general, we believe that the study of such hypothetical designs/architectures will guide the neuromorphic hardware community towards building large-scale systems, and help guide research trends in intelligent computing, and computer engineering.
A rapid procedure for the enrichment of undenaturated, antigenically active herpes simplex virus glycoproteins

Abstract The usefulness of lentil lectin affinity chromatography for the rapid enrichment of HSV glycoproteins in an undenatured state for both research and clinical purposes was investigated. In order to compare the lentil lectin-binding characteristics and immunologic specificities of undenatured HSV-1 and HSV-2 glycoproteins, [ 35 S]methionine-labelled extracts of virus-infected HEp-2 cells were subjected to lentil lectin affinity chromatography. Individual HSV-1 and HSV-2 glycoproteins in bound and unbound fractions were identified using monoclonal antibodies. With the exception of a portion of pgD and gD, all major viral glycoprotein species (gA, gB, gC, gD, gE and gF) and their glycosyiated processive intermediates bound to lentil lectil indicating that all possess predominantly mannosyl and/or glucosyl carbohydrate moieties. Although the unbound pgD and gD species were glycosyiated, no gD and only a portion of pgD bound to lentil lectil when reapplied to the column indicating that these subspecies possess alterations in factors required for efficient lectin binding. Immunoprecipitation of undenatured lectin-bound glycoproteins from infected cells using HSV-1- and HSV-2-specific rabbit and human antisera confirmed previous findings that the predominant type-specific glycoproteins of HSV-1 and HSV-2 are gC and gE/gF, respectively.
Evidence for egocentric comparison in social judgment

People often disagree in their judgments of the traits and the abilities of others. Three studies suggested that these differences arise because people activate and use their own particular behaviors as norms when evaluating the performances of others. In Study 1, 71% of participants reported comparing a target's behavior with their own behavior when providing judgments of that target. Participants also provided descriptions of their own behavior more quickly afterjudging another person's behavior, suggesting they had activated information about their own behavior when judging that of another (Studies 2 and 3). In all 3 studies, judgments of another's behavior tended to be egocentrically related to the participants' own behavior, particularly among those who displayed the strongest evidence of activation of self-information (Studies 1 and 2). Discussion centers on the generality of these findings and their implications for past and future research.
Thermo- and pH-responsive hydrogel-coated gold nanoparticles prepared from rationally designed surface-confined initiators

Gold nanoparticles (~40 nm in diameter) were encapsulated by a hydrogel overlayer generated by the free radical polymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid (NIPAM-co-AA), which was promoted by a specifically designed radical initiator covalently anchored to the surface of the gold core. The size and morphology of the shell/core nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. In addition, the optical properties of the nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Visible spectroscopy. Separately, the particle size was evaluated as a function of temperature and pH using dynamic light scattering. The shell/core hydrogel nanoparticles undergo reversible volume changes in water at a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of ~34 °C as well as at pH values between 3 and 4. The unique composition and properties of these shell/core hydrogel nanoparticles make them attractive for use as nanoscale drug-delivery vehicles.
Turbulent transport from continuous sources at the wall of a channel

Abstract Dispersion from a continuous line source located at the wall of a turbulent channel and transport over a step change in wall heat flux are studied for fluids with Prandtl numbers between 0.1 and 2400. Direct Numerical Simulation is used to develop the velocity flow field, which is then coupled with a particle tracking algorithm to describe the behavior of heat or mass markers released from instantaneous sources on the wall. The positions in time and space of these markers, which have been available as a database created by Papavassiliou and Hanratty [Int. J. Heat Mass Transfer 40 (6) (1997) 1303], are used as the building block for the study of passive scalar transport from the wall of the channel. Qualitative and quantitative results are obtained with particular emphasis on transport parameters from the wall.
Analytical Prediction of Self-Organized Traffic Jams as a Function of Increasing ACC Penetration

Self-organizing traffic jams are known to occur in medium-to-high density traffic flows, and it is suspected that adaptive cruise control (ACC) may affect their onset in mixed human-ACC traffic. Unfortunately, closed-form solutions that predict the occurrence of these jams in mixed human-ACC traffic do not exist. In this paper, both human and ACC driving behaviors are modeled using the General Motors fourth car-following model and are distinguished by using different model parameter values. A closed-form solution that explains the impact of ACC on congestion due to the formation of self-organized traffic jams (or “phantom” jams) is presented. The solution approach utilizes the master equation for modeling the self-organizing behavior of traffic flow at a mesoscopic scale and the General Motors fourth car-following model for describing the driver behavior at the microscopic scale. It is found that, although the introduction of ACC-enabled vehicles into the traffic stream may produce higher traffic flows, it also results in disproportionately higher susceptibility of the traffic flow to congestion.
Battery power management in heavy-duty HEVs based on the estimated critical surface charge

This paper proposes a battery power management strategy using Critical Surface Charge (CSC) information estimated by Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) in real time. The insight from CSC characterisation is used to propose a novel approach for supervisory control design of a series Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV). The underlying phenomenon determining the battery allowable power limits is closely connected to the CSC. The estimated CSC is processed with a Finite Impulse Response (FIR) filter to smoothen short-term fluctuations and highlight longer-term trajectories. The battery allowable power limits are adjusted based on the filtered CSC information to prevent undesirable battery operations.
Clinical Experience with Transcranial Doppler Ultrasonography as a Confirmatory Test for Brain Death: A Retrospective Analysis

Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography to demonstrate cerebral circulatory arrest (CCA) is a confirmatory test for brain death (BD). The primary aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the practical utility of TCD to confirm BD when clinical diagnosis was not feasible due to confounding factors. Secondary aims were to evaluate the reasons for inability of TCD to confirm BD and to assess the outcome of patients not brain dead according to the TCD criteria. TCD waveforms and medical records of all the patients examined to confirm suspected BD between 2001 and 2007, where clinical diagnosis was not possible, were analyzed. BD was diagnosed based on CCA criteria recommended by the Task Force Group on cerebral death of the Neurosonology Research Group of the World Federation of Neurology. Final outcome of patients and the use of other ancillary tests were noted. Ninety patients (61 males), aged 40 ± 21 (range 3–84) years underwent TCD examination for confirmation of suspected BD. TCD confirmed BD in 51 (57%) patients and was inconclusive in 38 (43%), with no flow signals on the first examination in 7 (8%) patients and the waveform patterns in 31 (35%) being inconsistent with BD. Fourteen of the 19 patients who had CCA pattern in at least one artery but did not meet all the criteria for BD were subsequently found brain dead according to SPECT/clinical criteria or suffered cardiovascular death. Using the conventional criteria, TCD confirmed BD in a large proportion, of patients where clinical diagnosis could not be made. The presence of CCA pattern in one or more major cerebral artery may be prognostic of unfavorable outcome, even when BD criteria are not satisfied.
The use of charge pumping to characterize generation by interface traps

A small rectangular pulse technique for measuring charge-pumping current has been proposed as a method to characterize interface traps near midgap. It is shown theoretically and experimentally that the small rectangular pulse technique can be used to predict the surface generation current measured on a MOSFET or a gated diode. This new technique has the advantage that the measured current is at least 10 to 100 times larger than the surface generation current.
An arbitrary condensing, noncondensing solution strategy for large scale, multi-zone boundary element analysis

A multi-zone boundary element analysis (BEA) capability that includes substructuring and condensation in a completely general fashion is presented. This condensation procedure is shown to be an effective way to perform blocked matrix factorizations using a reduced amount of high speed computer memory, and an approach that largely removes the effect of the boundary element zone numbering scheme on the computational resources expended due to block fill-in. In iterative problems with changing configuration, the strategy of condensing (substructuring) the unchanging portion of an overall model, in an exact fashion, and subsequently iterating on the resulting reduced model, is shown to have the potential for extending the range of such iterative problems. The approach will also allow for the simultaneous condensation and subsequent expansion of multiple boundary element zones on computers with parallel processing facility. The overall algorithm is described that allows for the assembly and solution of boundary element zones connected in a quite general way that may also be arbitrarily either condensed or maintained at their original size. The approach thus allows for both condensed and uncondensed boundary element zones to consistently coexist in the same multi-zone problem. A consistent and general formulation for the treatment of the double values of traction components at boundary element zone corners is also presented. Sample problems are described to demonstrate the efficiency and usefulness of the resulting capability.
Fluoro-jade identification of cerebellar granule cell and purkinje cell death in the α1A calcium ion channel mutant mouse, leaner

Cell death is a critical component of normal nervous system development; too little or too much results in abnormal development and function of the nervous system. The leaner mouse exhibits excessive, abnormal cerebellar granule cell and Purkinje cell death during postnatal development, which is a consequence of a mutated calcium ion channel subunit, alpha(1A). Previous studies have shown that leaner cerebellar Purkinje cells die in a specific pattern that appears to be influenced by functional and anatomical boundaries of the cerebellum. However, the mechanism of Purkinje cell death and the specific timing of the spatial pattern of cell death remain unclear. By double labeling both leaner and wild-type cerebella with Fluoro-Jade and terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated, deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling or Fluoro-Jade and tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry we demonstrated that the relatively new stain, Fluoro-Jade, will label neurons that are dying secondary to a genetic mutation. Then, by staining leaner and wild-type cerebella between postnatal days 20 and 80 with Fluoro-Jade, we were able to show that Purkinje cell death begins at approximately postnatal day 25, peaks in the vermis about postnatal day 40 and in the hemispheres at postnatal day 50 and persists at a low level at postnatal day 80. In addition, we showed that there is a significant difference in the amount of cerebellar Purkinje cell death between rostral and caudal divisions of the leaner cerebellum, and that there is little to no Purkinje cell death in the wild type cerebellum at the ages we examined. This is the first report of the use of Fluoro-Jade to identify dying neurons in a genetic model for neuronal cell death. By using Fluoro-Jade, we have specifically defined the temporospatial pattern of postnatal Purkinje cell death in the leaner mouse. This information can be used to gain insight into the dynamic mechanisms controlling Purkinje cell death in the leaner cerebellum.
Improving the Reliability in the Next Generation of US Army Platforms through Physics of Failure Analysis

Published studies and audits have documented that a significant number of U.S. Army systems are failing to demonstrate established reliability requirements. In order to address this issue, the Army developed a new reliability policy in December 2007 which encourages use of cost-effective reliability best practices. The intent of this policy is to improve reliability of Army systems and material, which in turn will have a significant positive impact on mission effectiveness, logistics effectiveness and life-cycle costs. Under this policy, the Army strongly encourages the use of Physics of Failure (PoF) analysis on mechanical and electronics systems. At the US Army Materiel Systems Analysis Activity, PoF analyses are conducted to support contractors, program managers and engineers on systems in all stages of acquisition from design, to test and evaluation (T&E) and fielded systems. This article discusses using the PoF approach to improve reliability of military products. PoF is a science-based approach to reliability that uses modeling and simulation to eliminate failures early in the design process by addressing root-cause failure mechanisms in a computer-aided engineering environment. The PoF approach involves modeling the root causes of failure such as fatigue, fracture, wear, and corrosion. Computer-aided design tools have been developed to address various loads, stresses, failure mechanisms, and failure sites. This paper focuses on understanding the cause and effect of physical processes and mechanisms that cause degradation and failure of materials and components. A reliability assessment case study of circuit cards consisting of dense circuitry is discussed. System level dynamics models, component finite element models and fatigue-life models were used to reveal the underlying physics of the hardware in its mission environment. Outputs of these analyses included forces acting on the system, displacements of components, accelerations, stress levels, weak points in the design and probable component life. This information may be used during the design process to make design changes early in the acquisition process when changes are easier to make and are much more cost effective. Design decisions and corrective actions made early in the acquisition phase leads to improved efficiency and effectiveness of the T&E process. The intent is to make fixes prior to T&E which will reduce test time and cost, allow more information to be obtained from test and improve test focus. PoF analyses may be conducted for failures occurring during test to better understand the underlying physics of the problem and identify the root cause of failures which may lead to better fixes for problems discovered, reduced test-fix-test iterations and reduced decision risk. The same analyses and benefits mentioned above may be applied to systems which are exhibiting failures in the field.
Biochemical and genetic characterization of the dominant positive element driving transcription of the yeast TBP-encoding gene, SPT15

We previously demonstrated that a combination of both positive and negative cis-acting upstream elements control the transcription of the gene encoding TBP (SPT15) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. One of these elements found in that study, resident between 54 flanking sequences ‐147 and ‐128 , and termed PED (for positive element distal), was found to play an essential positive role in driving transcription of the gene encoding TBP. In this report, we map at nucleotidelevel resolution, the critical residues which comprise PED, purify and sequence the protein that binds to it and determine that this PED binding factor is Abf1p, an abundant yeast protein previously broadly implicated in both gene regulation and DNA replication. In the case of the TBP-encoding gene, however, Abf1p works through the PED element which is a non-consensus binding site. Based upon the work of others, the PED-variant ABF1 site would be predicted to be a very poor binding site for this factor yet Abf1p binds PED and a consensus ABF1 site with comparable affinity. These results are discussed in light of the broader context of Abf1p-mediated gene regulation.
Synthesis of 2,3-dideoxy-d-hex-2-enopyranosyl cyanides

Abstract Treatment of d -glycals with trimethylsilyl cyanide in the presence of a catalytic amount of a Lewis acid gives 2,3-dideoxy- d -hex-2-enopyranosyl cyanides. 3,4,6-Tri- O -acetyl-1,5-anhydro-2-deoxy- d - arabino -hex-1-enitol rapidly gives, exclusively and almost quantitatively, the product having the α- d configuration. 2,3,4,6-Tetra- O -acetyl-1,5-anhydro- d - arabino - and - d - lyxo -hex-1-enitol give anomeric mixtures of cyanides.