cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of iodate-based high oxidation state cathode for aqueous battery system

Abstract We present the synthesis of lead iodate (Pb(IO3)2) using precipitation reactions for the fabrication of cathodes. Pb(IO3)2-Zn reserve batteries are fabricated in 3D-printed battery casings. Pb(IO3)2-nano carbon composites show higher stability and more consistent performance than the mixtures of these compounds. The reaction products and cell performances are dependent on electrolytes and discharge rates. These primary batteries exhibit an output voltage around 1.6 V when acid-salt water dual electrolytes are used. At low discharge rates, the iodate gets reduced to I2, yet under high-rate discharge, PbI2 is produced. The cathode material Pb(IO3)2 hence demonstrates specific capacities between 416 and 550 mAh g−1. Only the IO3− takes part in the redox reactions and provides the capacity. Hence, Pb could be replaced with other metals, and the chemistry here could be applied to other insoluble iodate salts for environmental concerns and lower costs.
Teaching and Promoting Generalization of Peer Imitation With Preschoolers With Disabilities

Researchers have identified effective instructional strategies for teaching peer imitation, including embedded classroom-based interventions. However, there is a dearth of strategies that have been...
Radical democracy in the Andes

After a decade in local office, are indigenous peoples' governments in the Andes fulfilling their promise to provide a more participatory, accountable, and deliberative form of democracy? Using current debates in democratic theory as a framework, Donna Lee Van Cott examines 10 examples of institutional innovation by indigenous party-controlled municipalities in Bolivia and Ecuador. In contrast to studies emphasizing the role of individuals and civil society, the findings underscore the contributions of leadership and political parties to promoting participation and deliberation - even at the local level. Democratic quality is more likely to improve where local actors initiate and design institutions. Van Cott concludes that indigenous parties' innovations have improved democratic quality in some respects, but that authoritarian tendencies endemic to Andean cultures and political organizations have limited their positive impact.
The Neurobiology of Chronic Pelvic Pain

Chronic pelvic pain is a response of the nervous system to somatic and visceral pathology. Involving multiple pain pathways, it is unlikely to be confined to one organ system or to one mechanism. An understanding of the complex neuroanatomy and pathophysiologic mechanisms is essential to the treatment of patients presenting with this disorder.
Black Hunger: Food and Politics of U.S. Identity

Watennelon, fried chicken, chitlins, and Aunt Jemima all bring to mind images of African American culture. It is these images and the culinary creations of black women that Doris Witt's book Black Hunger: Food and Politics of U.S. Identity focuses on. The book's title sends a message to the reader that the main thrust of the book will surround physiological hunger. Yet, the reader soon discovers that the nature of this association with hunger focuses primarily on power and control. By exposing the subordinate social positioning of African American women the author exposes the reader to how the symbolic use of food has been utilized to construct the social identity of black women. She argues that through the use of groups, such as white corporate America, upper class white females, and male dominated black power, this constructed idea of black women has been reconstructed and maintained.
Research Review: use of EEG biomarkers in child psychiatry research – current state and future directions

Author(s): Loo, Sandra K; Lenartowicz, Agatha; Makeig, Scott | Abstract: BackgroundElectroencephalography (EEG) and related measures have a long and productive history in child psychopathology research and are currently experiencing a renaissance in interest, particularly for use as putative biomarkers.Method and scopeFirst, the recent history leading to the use of EEG measures as endophenotypes and biomarkers for disease and treatment response are reviewed. Two key controversies within the area of noninvasive human electrophysiology research are discussed, and problems that currently either function as barriers or provide gateways to progress. First, the differences between the main types of EEG measurements (event-related potentials, quantitative EEG, and time-frequency measures) and how they can contribute collectively to better understanding of cortical dynamics underlying cognition and behavior are highlighted. Second, we focus on the ongoing shift in analytic focus to specific cortical sources and source networks whose dynamics are relevant to the clinical and experimental focus of the study, and the effective increase in source signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) that may be obtained in the process.ConclusionsUnderstanding of these issues informs any discussion of current trends in EEG research. We highlight possible ways to evolve our understanding of brain dynamics beyond the apparent contradictions in understanding and modeling EEG activity highlighted by these controversies. Finally, we summarize some promising future directions of EEG biomarker research in child psychopathology.
Unintrusive Ways to Integrate Formal Specifications in Practice

Formal methods can be neatly woven in with less formal, but more widely-used, industrial-strength methods. We show how to integrate the Larch two-tiered specification method [GHW85a] with two used in the waterfall model of software development: Structured Analysis [Ros77] and Structure Charts [YC79]. We use Larch traits to define data elements in a data dictionary and the functionality of basic activities in Structured Analysis data-flow diagrams; Larch interfaces and traits to define the behavior of modules in Structure Charts. We also show how to integrate loosely formal specification in a prototyping model by discussing ways of refining Larch specifications as code evolves. To provide some realism to our ideas, we draw our examples from a non-trivial Larch specification of the graphical editor for the Miro visual languages [HMT+90].
SU-E-J-218: Novel Validation Paradigm of MRI to CT Deformation of Prostate

Purpose: Deformable registration algorithms are inherently difficult to characterize in the multi-modality setting due to a significant differences in the characteristics of the different modalities (CT and MRI) as well as tissue deformations. We present a unique paradigm where this is overcome by utilizing a planning-MRI acquired within an hour of the planning-CT serving as a surrogate for quantifying MRI to CT deformation by eliminating the issues of multi-modality comparisons. Methods: For nine subjects, T2 fast-spin-echo images were acquired at two different time points, the first several weeks prior to planning (diagnostic-MRI) and the second on the same day as the planning-CT (planning-MRI). Significant effort in patient positioning and bowel/bladder preparation was undertaken to minimize distortion of the prostate in all datasets. The diagnostic-MRI was rigidly and deformably aligned to the planning-CT utilizing a commercially available deformable registration algorithm synthesized from local registrations. Additionally, the quality of rigid alignment was ranked by an imaging physicist. The distances between corresponding anatomical landmarks on rigid and deformed registrations (diagnostic-MR to planning-CT) were evaluated. Results: It was discovered that in cases where the rigid registration was of acceptable quality the deformable registration didn’t improve the alignment, this was true of all metrics employed. If the analysis is separated into cases where the rigid alignment was ranked as unacceptable the deformable registration significantly improved the alignment, 4.62mm residual error in landmarks as compared to 5.72mm residual error in rigid alignments with a p-value of 0.0008. Conclusion: This paradigm provides an ideal testing ground for MR to CT deformable registration algorithms by allowing for inter-modality comparisons of multi-modality registrations. Consistent positioning, bowel and bladder preparation may Result in higher quality rigid registrations than typically achieved which limits the impact of deformable registrations. In this study cases where significant differences exist, deformable registrations provide significant value. This work was funded by an NIH grant# 1R01CA189295-01. PI: Alan Pollack, MD PhD. “MRI IMAGING AND GENETIC SIGNATURES TO MANAGE PROSTATE CANCER OVERDIAGNOSIS”
Aspect-oriented instrumentation with GCC

We present the INTERASPECT instrumentation framework for GCC, a widely used compiler infrastructure. The addition of plugin support in the latest release of GCC makes it an attractive platform for runtime instrumentation, as GCC plug-ins can directly add instrumentation by transforming the compiler's intermediate representation. Such transformations, however, require expert knowledge of GCC internals. INTERASPECT addresses this situation by allowing instrumentation plug-ins to be developed using the familiar vocabulary of Aspect-Oriented Programming pointcuts, join points, and advice functions. INTERASPECT also supports powerful customized instrumentation, where specific information about each join point in a pointcut, as well as results of static analysis, can be used to customize the inserted instrumentation. We introduce the INTERASPECT API and present several examples that illustrate how it can be applied to useful runtime verification problems.
Online decision problems with large strategy sets

In an online decision problem, an algorithm performs a sequence of trials, each of which involves selecting one element from a fixed set of alternatives (the "strategy set") whose costs vary over time. After T trials, the combined cost of the algorithm's choices is compared with that of the single strategy whose combined cost is minimum. Their difference is called regret, and one seeks algorithms which are efficient in that their regret is sublinear in T and polynomial in the problem size. We study an important class of online decision problems called generalized multi-armed bandit problems. In the past such problems have found applications in areas as diverse as statistics, computer science, economic theory, and medical decision-making. Most existing algorithms were efficient only in the case of a small (i.e. polynomial-sized) strategy set. We extend the theory by supplying non-trivial algorithms and lower bounds for cases in which the strategy set is much larger (exponential or infinite) and the cost function class is structured, e.g. by constraining the cost functions to be linear or convex. As applications, we consider adaptive routing in networks, adaptive pricing in electronic markets, and collaborative decision-making by untrusting peers in a dynamic environment. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
Stochastic Modeling of Geometric Imperfections in Aboveground Storage Tanks for Probabilistic Buckling Capacity Estimation

AbstractThis study develops a methodology to model random geometric imperfections in welded cylindrical aboveground storage tanks (ASTs). Precise modeling of the imperfections in ASTs is important for quantitative assessment of buckling strength of ASTs under various external loads, such as wind and storm surge, because buckling phenomenon is highly sensitive to stochastic imperfections. Even though buckling of ASTs due to extreme winds during hurricanes has been reported as a common failure mode, existing literature lacks models for random geometric imperfections to facilitate probabilistic buckling capacity estimation of ASTs under such external loadings. Current studies on buckling behavior of ASTs use deterministic imperfection models, neglecting the inherent uncertainties present in the imperfections and the response of ASTs. Usually, studies use eigen or buckling mode shapes to depict imperfections which are most detrimental to the buckling strength of ASTs; furthermore, the amplitude of these imper...
Remarks on the origin of the cosmic radiation

In this article the present knowledge of the origin and acceleration of cosmic ray particles is summarized. This knowledge is obtained from investigations of the composition, the energy spectra, and the anisotropy of the radiation. Galactic objects known to accelerate particles and the process of shock acceleration are discussed. The extent of the energy spectra to 1020 eV combined with near isotropy of the flux forces one to contemplate an extragalactic origin for the cosmic rays of highest energy. At the present time one can only speculate on the sources of these particles. M ore than 20 years had passed since the discovery of cosmic radiation in 1911 when Zwicky was said to suggest that supernova explosions might be the source of this remarkable radiation. Zwicky, who investigated the supernova phenomenon, was aware that these objects produce the largest sudden energy release observed in our and similar galaxies and hence are candidates for the sources of high-energy cosmic ray particles. We know today that this was a remarkably accurate prediction, made at a time when little or nothing was known about the nature of the cosmic radiation, the interstellar medium, or the interplanetary medium through which the radiation must travel. Cosmic radiation encompasses all particles of high energy that are of astrophysical origin. It contains a wide range of species, and covers an enormous span of energies. The dominant species are protons and helium nuclei but, importantly, it also contains small quantities of all elements of the periodic system and their isotopes. In addition, electrons and the two antiparticles, positrons and antiprotons, are also observed. Missing are nuclides that decay radioactively with a lifetime too short to survive the journey between source and observer: neutrons, and many radioactive isotopes. The energies of cosmic ray particles reach 102o eV, by far the highest energy of any known radiation. The particle flux at these high energies is very small. The bulk of the cosmic rays is found around 108 and 109 eV, still high compared to laboratory standards. Particles over such a wide energy range need not necessarily be produced by the same type of source. One should not be surprised if several origins were to contribute to the observed radiation. Composition, energy spectra, and anisotropies in the arrival direction represent the most important evidence for the particle's origin and for the mechanisms leading to their acceleration. Additional evidence from gamma-ray astronomy, X-ray astronomy, and radioastronomy discloses the presence of cosmic rays in distant objects. Some of these features are now reasonably well understood, others are the subject of speculations.
Effect of Current Collecting Materials on the Performance of the Double-Perovskite Sr2MgMoO6-δ Anode

The performance of the double-perovskite Sr 2 MgMoO 6-δ (SMM) anode was investigated with the La 0.8 Sr 0.2 Ga 0.83 Mg 0.17 O 3-δ (LSGM) electrolyte-supported cells in both wet H 2 and CH 4 at 800°C, using current-collecting materials Au, Ag and Pt paste/mesh as well as La 0.3 Sr 0.7 TiO 3-σ (LST). SMM was found to be compatible chemically with these current collectors, i.e. no new phase was formed in all the mixtures of the SMM and current collector powders after exposure at 800°C in Ar+5%H 2 for 50 h. The cell performance in H 2 with different current collectors followed the order of Pt > LST > Ag (≈Au) initially and changed with time due to the sintering/spreading of the paste and the change in contact area. The presence of Pt on the anode side led to the highest anodic activity and cell performance in both H 2 and CH 4 , due to its high catalytic activity in both fuels. In the absence of Pt, La 0.4 Ce 0.6 O 2-σ (LDC), which was used as a buffer layer between the SMM anode and the LSGM electrolyte, dominated the anodic activity in H 2 , and the cell performance difference could be largely explained by current collection efficiency variation with the different current collectors. In CH 4 , the power output was negligible for all the Pt-free cells. We conclude that the double-perovskite SMM possessed very poor intrinsic catalytic activity for oxidation of both H 2 and CH 4 . Impregnation of the SMM anode with catalytically-active metal/alloy particles might be an attractive approach to improve the overall performance of this oxide anode system.
URETHRAL PRESSURE PROFILE USING MICROTIP CATHETER IN FEMALES

Abstract The use of urethral pressure profilometry in the clinical investigation of dysfunction of the female lower urinary tract is discussed. Included is a description of the use of two-channel microtip profilometry in the urethral syndrome, urinary retention, detrusor hyperreftexia, stress incontinence, and normal females. Dual-channel profilometry improves the diagnostic accuracy of urethral profile studies and aids in the understanding of lower urinary tract pathophysiology.
Controlling for Framing Effects in Multi-stakeholder Tradespace Exploration

Abstract Framing effects have been shown to have dramatic impact on human decision making in many domains, in certain circumstances even driving self-detrimental behavior. Multi-stakeholder tradespace exploration (MSTSE), an emerging technique for advanced multiparty decision making for engineering systems, has displayed many benefits with regards to insight-generation and identification of mutually beneficial solutions. However, for complex problems with no solutions that are individually optimal for each stakeholder, stakeholders may still resist “compromising” from their individual preferred solutions. This occasionally drives a failure to reach agreement, despite a design space with a considerable number of feasible designs with value for all parties. This paper hypothesizes that this result may be caused in part by an unintentional framing of the initial stages of MSTSE as an individual problem, establishing an unrealistically high reference point. Theoretically, this locks stakeholders into a mindset that forces them to “compromise” down, rather than more appropriately building up mutual value from the “no agreement” alternative. This paper addresses the current literature of multi-stakeholder system design, the ramifications of framing on MSTSE, considerations for establishing a more appropriate reference point, and example techniques and visual representations for doing so. A preliminary set of experiments is described to confirm the hypothesized framing effect and to validate visual representations for mitigating its impact.
Decoupling task and relationship conflict: the role of intragroup emotional processing

The present paper focuses on the role of emotion in intragroup conflict processes. We propose that how group members handle emotion affects intragroup interactions and has implications for task and relationship conflict. Three types of variables—collective emotional intelligence, intragroup relational ties, and conflict-relevant interactional norms—constrain negative emotionality and may determine whether task conflict results in damaging relationship conflict. The moderating influence of these variables is discussed, as are compositional issues associated with measuring them. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of near-surface electrical properties of multi-crystalline silicon wafers

Abstract This experiment is concerned with photoconductive decay (PCD) measurements devised specifically for the purpose of characterization of the near-surface region of semiconductor substrates. Specifically, the method is utilized to evaluate the effects of crystallographic orientation, grain boundaries, and surface texturing on the near-surface electrical properties of multi-crystalline silicon (mc-Si) wafers used for solar cell applications. The PCD method is also explored for the purposes of monitoring processes used in the manufacture of mc-Si solar cells. The effect of saw damage and damage removal by wet etching on the near-surface lifetime of minority carriers and carrier mobility in mc-Si wafers is quantitatively determined. The results obtained demonstrate a direct correlation between condition of the mc-Si surface and the electrical parameters measured. It is postulated that the PCD method using temporary contact can be effectively used to monitor the condition of mc-Si surfaces during solar cell manufacturing.
Diffusion of heat downstream of a turbulence grid

Abstract The diffusion of temperature downstream of a partially heated turbulence grid leads to a mixing layer involving only non-uniformities of temperature. The thermal wake of a heated wire downstream of a turbulence grid provides a corresponding diffusion case. These two flows are analyzed by a relatively simple method to point out their main features and their fundamental importance in the phenomenology of passive scalars. Our predictions are compared with available data; the need for additional experimental results on such flows is noted.
The food dye FD&C Blue No. 1 is a selective inhibitor of the ATP release channel Panx1

The food dye FD&C Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF [BB FCF]) is structurally similar to the purinergic receptor antagonist Brilliant Blue G (BBG), which is a well-known inhibitor of the ionotropic P2X7 receptor (P2X7R). The P2X7R functionally interacts with the membrane channel protein pannexin 1 (Panx1) in inflammasome signaling. Intriguingly, ligands to the P2X7R, regardless of whether they are acting as agonists or antagonists at the receptor, inhibit Panx1 channels. Thus, because both P2X7R and Panx1 are inhibited by BBG, the diagnostic value of the drug is limited. Here, we show that the food dye BB FCF is a selective inhibitor of Panx1 channels, with an IC50 of 0.27 µM. No significant effect was observed with concentrations as high as 100 µM of BB FCF on P2X7R. Differing by just one hydroxyl group from BB FCF, the food dye FD&C Green No. 3 exhibited similar selective inhibition of Panx1 channels. A reverse selectivity was observed for the P2X7R antagonist, oxidized ATP, which in contrast to other P2X7R antagonists had no significant inhibitory effect on Panx1 channels. Based on its selective action, BB FCF can be added to the repertoire of drugs to study the physiology of Panx1 channels. Furthermore, because Panx1 channels appear to be involved directly or indirectly through P2X7Rs in several disorders, BB FCF and derivatives of this “safe” food dye should be given serious consideration for pharmacological intervention of conditions such as acute Crohn’s disease, stroke, and injuries to the central nervous system.
Factor Analysis of Card Sort Data: An Alternative to Hierarchical Cluster Analysis

Software and product designers use card sorting to understand item groups and relationships. In the usability community, a common method of formal statistical analysis for open card sort data is hierarchical cluster analysis, which results in a tree of the items sorted into distinct, nested clusters. Hierarchical cluster analysis is appropriate for highly structured settings, like software menus. However, many situations call for softer clusters, such as designing websites where multiple pages link to the same target page. Factor analysis summarizes the categories created in card sorts and generates clusters that can overlap. This paper explains how to prepare card sort data for statistical analysis, describes the results of factor analysis and how to interpret them, and discusses when hierarchical cluster analysis and factor analysis are appropriate.
Analysis of the posterior for spline estimators in logistic regression

Abstract A ‘partially improper’ Gaussian prior is considered for Bayesian inference in logistic regression. This includes generalized smoothing spline priors that are used for nonparametric inference about the logit, and also priors that correspond to generalized linear mixed models. Necessary and sufficient conditions are given for the posterior to be a proper probability measure, and bounds are given for the tails of the posterior density. These results are applied to investigate Monte Carlo methods for approximating the posterior.
Purification and analysis of infectious virions and native non-structural antigens from cells infected with tick-borne encephalitis virus

By employing the techniques of column chromatography and membrane filtration, we have succeeded in purifying flavivirus particles with low particle to infectivity ratios and free from contamination with cellular proteins. Virus particles purified by this method have an average diameter of 53 nm, a particle to infectivity ratio of less than 10, and a KD (partition coefficient) consistent with a molecular weight of 2.63 x 10(7). In addition it has been possible to purify the extracellular form of non-structural protein 1 (NS1), which in its native form appears to be a hexamer. It is also apparent from these studies that the slowly sedimenting haemagglutinin particle (or SHA) is an artifact of purification methods using gradient centrifugation. This technology should not only prove useful in the laboratory for studying the detailed structure of these viruses and the proteins encoded by them, but should also prove useful in industrial vaccine manufacture where large volumes of highly pathogenic material are handled.
A Near-Haploid Bone Marrow Karyotype in Systemic Mast Cell Disease: Is It Characteristic of the Disease or an Incidental Finding?

We present the case of a 40-year-old man with aggressive systemic mast cell disease. The patient had a predominant near-haploid clone in his bone marrow cells, detected by cytogenetic analysis performed at the time of diagnosis. The similarities between this case and a previously published case of near-haploidy in a patient with malignant mastocytosis suggest that near-haploidy may be a characteristic of aggressive systemic mast cell disease rather than an incidental finding.
Biological characterization of social phobia

As social phobia has become clinically more clearly characterized, the search for biologic features of the disorder has been instituted. As with most psychiatric disorders, this undertaking is difficult, because of the heterogeneity of the disorder in affected individuals. However, with investigation into several different areas, i.e., the neuroendocrine system, neurotransmitter function via naturalistic challenges, chemical and pharmacologic probes, response to pharmacologic interventions, and neuroimaging, theories about the biologic characteristics of social phobia have been advanced. Neuroendocrine studies have not yet revealed any clear abnormalities specific to individuals with social phobia. Based on studies of neurotransmitter functions and pharmacologic response, the major neurotransmitter systems that have been implicated are the serotonergic, dopaminergic, and noradrenergic. Neuroimaging studies have demonstrated possible structural and metabolic differences in some patients with social phobia.
Gamma-ray bursts from high-velocity neutron stars

RECENT observations with the BATSE instrument on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory show that the distribution of γ-ray bursts is isotropic but radially non-uniform1. Spectral features, time histories and the presence of X-ray tails suggest that the bursts arise from galactic neutron stars2, but low-velocity neutron stars born in the galactic disk would be concentrated towards the galactic plane3,4, which would not fit the BATSE results. Neutron stars born with velocities greater than ∼800 km s−1 will, however, escape from the Galaxy's gravitational field. We show here that a population of such objects can fit the γ-ray burst distributions found by BATSE and also the Pioneer Venus Orbiter5, although two important conditions must be met: the high-velocity neutron stars should turn on as burst sources only after some time (perhaps after they have ceased to be radiopulsars), and the low-velocity neutron stars must rarely generate γ-ray bursts. The observed correlation6–8 in pulsars between magnetic moment and velocity may provide a physical cause for the difference in bursting properties between the two populations. Our model implies that the brightest bursts, with fluxes ≳3 × 10−5 erg cm−2s−1, will be anisotropically distributed.
Hepatic phosphatidylinositol kinase activity in continuously endotoxemic rats

Abstract The activity of phosphatidylinositol (PI) kinase and the content and fatty acid composition of inositol phospholipids (IPLs) were analyzed in the livers of rats that had been continuously infused with Escherichia coli endotoxin (ET) or saline for 30 h. Maximal enzymatic activity in total liver membrane fractions was observed in the presence of 1 mM ATP, 20 mM MgCl2, exogenously added 0.3 mM PI and Triton X-100 (0.25%). The activity of PI kinase for endogenous and exogenous PI was 43 and 79% higher respectively, in ET-as compared with saline-infused rats. The Km of the enzyme for ATP was not altered (0.175 mM), while the apparent Vmax was higher for ET- as compared with saline-infused rats (0.48 and 0.38 nmol of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate formed/mg protein per min, respectively). The ET-induced higher activity of PI kinase was paralleled by a 68–78% increase in the content of polyphosphoinositides (PPI), while PI content was unchanged. All IPLs from livers of endotoxemic rats had a lower content of arachidonic acid. We demonstrate for the first time that ET can directly and/or indirectly stimulate the net synthesis of PPI in liver cells. This effect could serve to modulate the PPI derived signals by increasing the availability of the substrate phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate.
Academic Torrents: A Community-Maintained Distributed Repository

Fostering the free and open sharing of scientific knowledge between the scientific community and general public is the goal of Academic Torrents. At its core it is a distributed network for efficient content dissemination, connecting scientists, academic journals, readers, research groups, and many others. Leveraging the power of its peer-to-peer architecture, Academic Torrents makes science more accessible through two initiatives. The open data initiative allows researchers to share their datasets at high speeds with low bandwidth costs through the peer-to-peer network. The cooperative nature of scientific research demands access to data, but researchers face significant hurdles making their data available. The technical benefits of the Academic Torrents network allows researchers to scalably and globally distribute content, leading to its adoption by labs all around the world to disseminate and share scientific data. Academic Torrent's open access initiative uses the same technology to share open access papers between institutions and individuals. We design a connector to our network that acts as a onsite digital stack to complement the already existing physical stack curated in the same manner. Utilizing the collective resources of the academic community we eliminate the biases in the closed subscription model and the pay to publish model.
Bacillus subtilis bacteriophage SPβc1 is a deletion mutant of SPβ

The restriction fragment patterns of two mutant forms of the temperate Bacillus subtilis bacteriophage SPβ have been examined. The DNA of a heat-inducible mutant, SPβc2, which has a molecular size of 128 kilobases (kb), yields the same restriction pattern as the wild type SPβc+ DNA. The DNA of a clear-plaque mutant, SPβc1, has a molecular size of 117 kb, and is deleted for an 11 kb region of phage DNA. Neither SPβc1 nor SPβc2 DNA is cleaved by the endonuclease HaeIII.
Designing 129Xe NMR biosensors for matrix metalloproteinase detection.

Xenon-129 biosensors offer an attractive alternative to conventional MRI contrast agents due to the chemical shift sensitivity and large nuclear magnetic signal of hyperpolarized 129Xe. Here, we report the first enzyme-responsive 129Xe NMR biosensor. This compound was synthesized in 13 steps by attaching the consensus peptide substrate for matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), an enzyme that is upregulated in many cancers, to the xenon-binding organic cage, cryptophane-A. The final coupling step was achieved on solid support in 80−92% yield via a copper (I)-catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition. In vitro enzymatic cleavage assays were monitored by HPLC and fluorescence spectroscopy. The biosensor was determined to be an excellent substrate for MMP-7 (KM = 43 μM, Vmax = 1.3 × 10-8 M s-1, kcat/KM = 7200 M-1 s-1). Enzymatic cleavage of the tryptophan-containing peptide led to a dramatic decrease in Trp fluorescence, λmax = 358 nm. Stern−Volmer analysis gave an association constant of 9000 ± 1000 M-1 at 298 K between t...
SU‐FF‐T‐609: Dose Summation Technology for Radiation Therapy Facilities Equipped with Heterogeneous Planning and Delivery Systems

Purpose: Multi‐modality dose summation is often needed for patients who have been previously treated or are being treated with different systems, but unfortunately, it is rarely available in commercial treatment planning systems. This study presents a technology that sums up 3D dose distributions planned/delivered by different treatment systems to help the radiation therapy team in making optimal plans. Methods and Materials: Ideally, dose summation would be carried out through DICOM RTDOSE import/export, but this option is presently non functional because the import capability is difficult to implement. To remedy the lack of RTDOSE import in our clinic, a software system, DICOMan, was developed to address DICOM issues such as object visualization, system incompatibility, file transfer and format conversion, etc. DICOMan first acts as a DICOM storage server receiving DICOM RTDOSE file that is exported from a planning workstation. It then reads the dose matrix, converts it to another format that is recognizable by the other treatment planning system where dose summation or plan comparison is performed. Results: RTDOSE was exported from the HiArt Tomotherapy Planning System to DICOMan, where it was displayed and converted to the Philips Pinnacle RTPdose format along with specific scripting files that automate the file transfer and the dose summation process. Conclusion: A dose summation function is very useful and sometimes critical in radiation therapy clinics equipped with heterogeneous planning and delivery systems. It reduces uncertainties in the case of multiple treatment systems or patients transferred to other systems. It provides quantitative rather than qualitative dose estimations. Before DICOM RTDOSE import/export becomes widely implemented, the technology described here is helpful in assisting radiation therapy clinics to deliver quality care in the multisystem setting which is so prevalent.
Lipid hydroperoxide-induced apoptosis: lack of inhibition by Bcl-2 over-expression

Increased membrane lipid peroxidation has recently been implicated as being associated with apoptosis. In the present study the addition of 15-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HPETE) or 13-hydroperoxydodecadienoic acid (13-HPODE) to A3.01 T cells is shown to induce marked chromatin condensation coincident with DNA fragmentation, indicative of apoptosis. 15-HPETE also evoked an immediate and sustained rise in cytoplasmic calcium which was required for the induction of apoptosis. A3.01 cells transfected with the bcl-2 proto-oncogene were 6- to 8-fold more resistant to apoptotic killing by tumor necrosis factor-alpha, but only 0.4-fold more resistant to 15-HPETE. Thus, Bcl-2 is not capable of protecting cells from undergoing apoptosis following the direct addition of lipid hydroperoxides.
Imitation During Preschool Peer Interaction

Two to four-year-old preschool children's peer interactions were observed during free play. Positive, negative, and sustained peer interactions were coded as were the initiating behaviors of these interactions including imitation. A curvilinear relationship between age and imitation was noted with the three-year-olds engaging in the greatest amount of imitation. The use of imitation as an initiator of interaction also contributed to the greatest amount of variance on sustained interactions.
Ultrafast nonlinearities and dispersion in slow-light photonic crystal lattices

We describe the ab initio control of photons in highly-dispersive slow-light photonic crystals and superlattices. Ultrafast nonlinearities such as chip-scale four-wave mixing, regenerative oscillations, self-phase modulation, and phase-resolved soliton dynamics and compression will be highlighted.
Single-layer-coated optical devices for polarized light☆

Abstract Single-layer-coated optical devices for the manipulation of polarized light are reviewed. This includes thin film reflection polarizers, quarter-wave and half-wave retarders, division-of-amplitude polarizing, polarization-independent and polarization-preserving beam splitters, division-of-wavefront reflective binary polarizers, and polarization-corrective optical coatings for multielement reflectors such as beam displacers, roof-top reflectors, axicons and waxicons. The incident light is assumed to be monochromatic or quasi-monochromatic and the film and substrate are homogenous, linear, non-magnetic, optically isotropic and are separated by plane-parallel boundaries.
Health Education Curricula in Residential Schools for the Deaf

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to determine the extent to which comprehensive (K-12) school health education was required. Permission to modify survey questions from the American School Health Association and the National School Board Association was obtained. As part of a larger study, ten items of the questionnaire were used to identify the status of health education in residential schools for the deaf. The questionnaire was mailed to institutions listed in a Reference Issue of the American Annals of the Deaf. Twenty-five institutions responded and results were tabulated using descriptive statistics. Twenty-two (88%) of the responding schools indicated a comprehensive health instruction program was in place, with 60% of respondents had specified time requirement for health instruction. The majority of responding institutions reported that teachers responsible for teaching the health curriculum to the deaf were not required to be certified in health education. Health education certification for educators of the deaf would assist in upgrading the quality of health education in residential schools for the deaf.
Calibration of a discrete element model for intact rock up to its peak strength

When three dimensional, bonded discrete element models (DEMs) are deployed to model intact rock, a basic question is how to determine the micro parameters that control macro properties of the modeled rock. After briefly describing the authors' DEM code, this paper describes algorithms to calibrate the model's micro parameters against standard laboratory tests, such as uniaxial and triaxial tests. Sensitivity analysis is used to identify the deformability micro parameters by obtaining relationships between microscopic and macroscopic deformability properties. The strength model parameters are identified by a global optimization process aimed at minimizing the difference between computed and experimental failure envelopes. When applied to the experimental results of Lac du Bonnet granite, this calibration process produced a good agreement between simulated and experimental results for both deformability and strength properties. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of neurotransmitters regulating intestinal peristaltic reflex in humans.

Abstract The components of the intestinal peristaltic reflex in humans were examined and the neurotransmitters responsible for them identified for the first time in isolated flat sheet segments of intestine. Increasing radial stretch to the caudad end elicited increasing ascending contraction only, whereas increasing radial stretch to the orad end elicited increasing descending relaxation only. Both components were abolished by hexamethonium, implying the participation of cholinergic interneurons in each component. Atropine inhibited ascending contraction only, abolishing the response to low grades of stretch and partially inhibiting the response to high grades of stretch (69% ± 17%, p 2 , D-Trp 7,9 ]substance P partially inhibited ascending contraction induced by high grades of stretch only (40% ± 12%, p 6 , Leu 17 ]vasoactive intestinal peptide inhibited descending relaxation, abolishing the response to low grades of stretch and partially inhibiting the response to high grades of stretch (40% ± 4%, p
Effects of normal breathing and expiratory apnea on duration of the phases of cardiac systole

Abstract The phases of left ventricular systole were measured in normal inspiration and expiration and during expiratory apnea. There were no significant differences in heart rate (HR) among the three respiratory states. By contrast, pre-ejection period (PEP), left ventricular ejection time (LVET), ejection time index (ETI), and PEPLVET showed highly significant differences. Both the respiratory frequency (rr) and the ratio HRrr had negligible independent correlations with PEP, LEET, ETI, and PEPLVET. The highly significant differences in PEP, LVET, ETI, and PEPLVET among the respiratory states indicated real trends (p
The effect of dietary protein source and guar gum on gastrointestinal growth and enteroglucagon secretion in the rat.

1. Male Wistar rats (approximately 100 g) were given fibre-free semi-synthetic diets containing either casein or albumin (168 g/kg diet) as the protein source with or without guar gum (75 g/kg diet) (casein, albumin, casein- guar gum and albumin-guar gum groups). 2. Small intestinal length, weights of caecal tissue and contents and plasma enteroglucagon concentration were significantly increased in guar-gum-fed animals compared with the fibre-free groups. 3. Total caecal weight and plasma enteroglucagon concentration were higher in the albumin-guar gum group compared with the casein-guar gum group. The weights of caecal tissue and contents were significantly increased in rats given the fibre-free albumin diet compared with those consuming a similar diet with casein as the protein source, although daily food intake tended to be lower. 4. It is concluded that the effect of materials classed as dietary fibre may be significantly influenced by the non- polysaccharide component of the diet, and that such interactions may influence both the growth and endocrine activity of the gastrointestinal tract.
ANTIFERTILITY ACTIONS OF THE PROGESTERONE ANTAGONIST RU 486 INCLUDE DIRECT INHIBITION OF PLACENTAL HORMONE SECRETION

Abstract The antifertility effects of the potent antiprogestin RU 486 (mifepristone) during early pregnancy have been attributed to its blockade of progesterone receptors in the endometrium. Studies in cultured syncytiotrophoblasts have revealed an additional action of RU 486 at the placental level, where it impairs the production of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), human placental lactogen (hPL), and progesterone. RU 486 (10 nmol-10 μmol/l) attenuated the production of all three placental hormones, in a dose-related manner, and its effects on hCG and hPL were reversed by addition of exogenous progesterone. The specific inhibitory effects of RU 486 on placental hormone secretion indicate that its antifertility actions are attributable to competitive inhibition of progesterone action in the trophoblast as well as in the endometrium.
Aggression in Male Rats Receiving Anabolic Androgenic Steroids: Effects of Social and Environmental Provocation

Abstract This study examined the effects of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) on aggression under different social and environmental conditions. Three AAS were tested in gonadally intact male rats: testosterone propionate (TP), nandrolone (ND), and stanozolol (ST). Doses of 5 mg/kg were given 5 times/week, with gonadally intact controls receiving vehicle only (propylene glycol). Animals received six weekly tests under each condition in a counterbalanced order. Results show that the three AAS differed in their ability to elicit aggression. Males receiving TP were more aggressive than controls, ND males were similar to controls, and ST males were less aggressive than controls. In the social and environmental provocation tests TP-treated males were more aggressive than other groups, but were able to discriminate between intact and castrated opponents and between their home cage and a neutral cage. In the environmental provocation test, TP males were also more aggressive against opponents when tested in the opponent's home cage. It is suggested that chronic exposure to high levels of TP does not eliminate the ability to discriminate between social or environmental cues, as might be expected if it induces a “ ‘roid rage.” However, TP does increase the likelihood that the animal will respond with aggression/dominance in a provoking situation. All three AAS variably affected serum testosterone and LH levels, as well as testes, seminal vesicle, and prostate weights. No effect on body weight was observed.
Synthesis of Novel, Fluorescently Tagged Analogs of Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) Anchors

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchors are a group of complex glycolipids that attach extracellular proteins and glycoproteins to the eukaryotic cell outer membrane. To better understand GPI anchorage, it is necessary to have access to homogeneous, structurally defined, and functionalized GPIs and GPI analogs. In this regard, chemical synthesis is necessary, as GPI anchors are rather scarce and heterogeneous in natural sources. Three GPI analogs with phosphoglycerolipids linked to the pseudodisaccharide core and their fluorescein conjugates were prepared in this work as a small tool set useful for probing how the lipid composition and carbohydrate anomeric configuration may affect the properties of GPI anchors.
Brief escape from a dangerous place: The role of reinforcement in the rat's one-way avoidance acquisition

Abstract Five experiments are reported which attempt to eliminate two possible sources of reinforcement in one-way avoidance learning: a period of escape from aversive apparatus cues and the termination of the warning signal (WS). A “brief escape”/one-way avoidance procedure was developed to minimize the time rats spent away from the shock box. It was found that, although prolonged escape from shock box cues contributes to the acquisition rate of one-way avoidance, it is not essential for relatively rapid acquisition to occur. It was also found, in agreement with earlier evidence, that WS termination makes no discernible contribution to learning in the one-way situation. Thus, neither source of reinforcement appears to be necessary for acquisition. At this point, one may argue either that reinforcement is not necessary for rapid one-way avoidance acquisition [e.g., Bolles' 1972 species-specific defense reaction hypothesis (In G. H. Bower (Ed.), The psychology of learning and motivation: Advances in research and theory (Vol. 6). New York: Academic Press, 1972 )] or that there are other sources of reinforcement. As an example of the latter approach, a consummatory stimulus reward hypothesis is advanced.