cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Engineering spatiotemporal organization and dynamics in synthetic cells

Constructing synthetic cells has recently become an appealing area of research. Decades of research in biochemistry and cell biology have amassed detailed part lists of components involved in various cellular processes. Nevertheless, recreating any cellular process in vitro in cell-sized compartments remains ambitious and challenging. Two broad features or principles are key to the development of synthetic cells-compartmentalization and self-organization/spatiotemporal dynamics. In this review article, we discuss the current state of the art and research trends in the engineering of synthetic cell membranes, development of internal compartmentalization, reconstitution of self-organizing dynamics, and integration of activities across scales of space and time. We also identify some research areas that could play a major role in advancing the impact and utility of engineered synthetic cells. This article is categorized under: Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Lipid-Based Structures Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus-Based Structures.
Some Doubly and Multiply Robust Estimators of Controlled Direct Effects

This letter introduces several doubly, triply, and quadruply robust estimators of the controlled direct effect. Among them, the triply and quadruply robust estimators are locally semiparametric efficient, and well suited to the use of data-adaptive methods for estimating their nuisance functions.
Wide-field wavefront sensing with convolutional neural networks and ordinary least squares

We present a two-staged approach to wide-field wavefront sensing and demonstrate its ability to estimate and enhance image quality for the upcoming Rubin Observatory. The first stage makes local wavefront estimates with a convolutional neural network; the second stage uses linear regression to solve for the global optical state. The Rubin Observatory will have a 3.5 degree field of view, highly degenerate optical system, and curvature wavefront sensing system, making it the perfect test case. We trained our model on 600,000 simulated Rubin Observatory intra and extra-focal star images (donuts). It learns to estimate the optics contribution to the wavefront and separate it from a myriad of other contributions. This computationally efficient approach can process 1,000 times the number of donuts as proposed alternatives. This significant increase in bandwidth leads to a richer and more accurate characterization of the evolution of the telescope optics.
Co-Designing for Privacy, Transparency, and Trust in K-12 Learning Analytics

The process of using Learning Analytics (LA) to improve teaching works from the assumption that data should be readily shared between stakeholders in an educational organization. However, the design of LA tools often does not account for considerations such as data privacy, transparency and trust among stakeholders. Research in human-centered design of LA does attend to these questions, specifically with a focus on including direct input from K-12 educators. In this paper, we present a series of design studies to articulate and refine conjectures about how privacy and transparency might influence better trust-building and data sharing within four school districts in the United States. By presenting the development of four sequential prototypes, our findings illuminate the tensions between designing for existing norms versus potentially challenging these norms by promoting meaningful discussions around the use of data. We conclude with a discussion about practical and methodological implications of our work to the LA community.
Evaluating network embedding techniques’ performances in software bug prediction

Software bug prediction techniques can be very helpful in testing and code inspection. Over the past decade, network measures have been successfully used in bug prediction. Following the same intuition, recently, researchers started using network embedding techniques in bug prediction. However, existing studies only evaluated the Skip-gram and CBOW models with random walk. Considering network embedding is a fast-developing research direction, it is important to evaluate other network embedding techniques’ performances in bug prediction. Moreover, existing studies have not investigated the application and performance of network embedding in effort-aware bug prediction, which is thought to be a more realistic scenario that evaluates the cost effectiveness of bug prediction models. In this paper, we conduct an extensive empirical study to evaluate network embedding algorithms in bug prediction by utilizing and extending node2defect, a newly proposed bug prediction model that combines the embedded vectors with traditional software engineering metrics through concatenation. Experiments are conducted based on seven network embedding algorithms, two effort-aware models, and 13 open-source Java systems. Experimental results show that node2defect outperforms traditional metrics by + 14.64% in terms of MCC score, and by + 7.51% to + 16.57% in effort-aware bug prediction. More interestingly, when combined with CBS + , the embedded vectors alone can achieve the best performance. Among different network embedding algorithms, the newly proposed algorithm ProNE has the best performance.
Using Social Intelligence to Overcome Agile Adoption Challenges

Agile adoption is gaining popularity in many organizations, even those steeped in traditional software development. However, project managers often cannot implement agile to its full potential give...
Recent advancements in the development of molecular organic photocatalysts

Research in the development of molecular organic photocatalysts for applications in chemical syntheses has burgeoned in recent years. While organic photosensitizers have been known for over a century, tuning the properties of these molecules to increase photocatalytic efficiencies is now of growing importance. The properties that help improve the performance of organic photocatalysts include: a wider range of redox potentials, increased molar absorptivity (e) in the visible spectrum, increased quantum yields (Φ), long-lived excited-state lifetimes (ns to μs), and increased chemical stability. This review examines some of the recent advancements in the development of molecular organic photocatalysts, specifically cyanoarenes, acridinium dyes, phenazines, thiazines, oxazines, and xanthenes, with respect to these properties and examines the chemical synthesis routes now achieved by organic photocatalysts.
Recurrent Independent Pseudogenization Events of the Sperm Fertilization Gene ZP3r in Apes and Monkeys

In mice, ZP3r/sp56 is a binding partner to the egg coat protein ZP3 and may mediate induction of the acrosome reaction. ZP3r, as a member of the RCA cluster, is surrounded by paralogs, some of which have been shown to be evolving under positive selection. Sequence divergence paired with paralogous relationships with neighboring genes, has complicated the accurate identification of the human ZP3r ortholog. Here, we phylogenetically and syntenically resolve that the human ortholog of ZP3r is the pseudogene C4BPAP1. We investigate the evolution of this gene within primates. We observe independent pseudogenization events of ZP3r in all Apes with the exception of Orangutans, and many monkey species. ZP3r in both primates that retain ZP3r and rodents contains positively selected sites. We hypothesize that redundant mechanisms mediate ZP3 recognition in mammals and ZP3rs relative importance to ZP recognition varies across species.
Theory And Design Of Digital Communication Systems

1. Introduction 2. Deterministic signal analysis 3. Random signal analysis 4. Information theory and channel coding 5. Communication link analysis 6. Modulation 7. Demodulation 8. Spread spectrum 9. Intersymbol interference and equalization 10. Fading channels.
Effect of Aging on the Components of the Protein Synthesis System

In common with other organisms, adult insects exhibit marked decreases in the rate of protein synthesis as they age (Richardson 1981). The importance of this decrease to the onset of senescence is not known at the present time. However, the decrease is likely to be a major contributor to the deterioration of cellular structure and function that is seen in senescence, because continued protein synthesis is essential for continued survival of the living cell. Even in nondividing cells, continued protein synthesis is needed to replace proteins that are constantly unfolding, and therefore inactivating, and a complete inhibition of protein synthesis usually results in the death of a cell. Although the exact effects of the observed age-related decreases in protein synthesis have not been defined, the potential for producing deterioration is enough to cause considerable interest in the basis for the decrease.
The Effect of Trypsin on Nuclease-resistant Chromatin Fragments

Abstract Fragments of calf thymus chromatin that selectively resist micrococcal nuclease digestion are found to be highly compact nucleoprotein particles, each containing a single piece of tightly folded or supercoiled DNA. These particles exhibit an anomalous CD spectrum, and melt in the upper end of the chromatin melting range. Upon trypsin digestion, only about 20% of the protein is removed, but the properties of the particles are greatly modified. They unfold, as judged from hydrodynamic studies, the CD spectrum becomes very much like that of DNA, and the melting point drops by about 20°. We conclude that proteins in the particles serve to maintain the compact structure.
Is there any possessive perfect in North Russian

AbstractBridget Drinka has recently revived an areal interpretation of the European periphrastic perfect diffusing from the Romance languages via German to Slavic, including North Russian. Based on the material from Slavic and Baltic languages, a totally different developmental vista of the be-possessive construction is offered in this paper. A special emphasis is made on a scale of the agenthood as posited both for Proto-Indo- European (PIE) and certain Slavic dialects. Along with an independent appearance of the accusative (or of a functionally equivalent genitive) in the be-possessive construction both in East Slavic and Lithuanian, this scale testifies to the indigenous ergative alignment, which is manifested dialectally and discourse-pragmatically in these languages. As a result, a distinction is drawn between different categories, i. e., the Western European possessive perfect, which is paralleled in the New Slavic perfect, and the northern Russian possessive resultative.
Strategic information technology management: Perspectives on organizational growth and competitive advantage

Assessing IT performance What the experts say Banking on IT investment - where are the returns? IT investment impact on competing delivery conditions estimating the value of IT through resource analysis Acquisition, ownership and use of IT property rights as a competitive weapon Information technology in changing economies - necessity or luxury? Managing information technology - an integrative model Incorporating learning, and information technology Ho IT expenditures differ for growing versus declining organizations IT investment impact on quality management Economic impact of the diversity of IT applications When IT creates a threat and an opportunity and much more!.
Protein Kinase D1: A New Component in TLR9 Signaling

Protein kinase D1 (PKD1) is expressed ubiquitously and regulates diverse cellular processes such as oxidative stress, gene expression, cell survival, and vesicle trafficking. However, the presence and function of PKD1 in monocytic cells are currently unknown. In this study, we provide evidence that PKD1 is involved in TLR9 signaling in macrophages. Class B-type CpG DNA (CpG-B DNA) induced activation of PKD1 via a pathway that is dependent on endosomal pH, TLR9, MyD88, and IL-1R-associated kinase 1 in macrophages. Upon CpG-B DNA stimulation, PKD1 interacted with the TLR9/MyD88/IL-1R-associated kinase/TNFR-associated factor 6 complex. Knockdown of PKD1 revealed that PKD1 is required for activation of NF-κB and MAPKs, and subsequent expression of cytokines in response to CpG-B DNA. Our findings identify PKD1 as a key signaling modulator in TLR9-mediated macrophage activation.
Regulation of fatty acid oxidation and glucose metabolism in rat soleus muscle: effects of AICAR.

Previous studies have shown that 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside (AICAR), a cell-permeable activator of AMP-activated protein kinase, increases the rate of fatty acid oxidation in ske...
Admixture mapping of genetic variants for uterine fibroids.

Uterine leiomyoma (UL) are benign neoplasms arising from the smooth muscle cells of the uterus. One of the established risk factors for UL is African American ethnicity. Studies have consistently shown that African Americans have two to three times higher risk compared with that of non-Hispanic Whites. However, there is still no adequate explanation for the higher risk among African Americans. To investigate the genetic contribution to the observed difference between the African American and European American populations, we conducted an admixture scan in 525 eligible African American women participants to the NIEHS uterine fibroid study (NIEHS-UFS). In models with no stratification, we found multiple genomic regions showing significant and suggestive evidence of association, with chromosomal band 2q32.2 at rs256552 showing the highest score (Z-score=7.86, Bonferroni adjusted P-value=5.5 × 10−12) consistent with the suggestive evidence reported for this genomic region in the Black Women’s Health Study. However, in models stratified by the body mass index (BMI) covariate, chromosome 1q42.2 was the sole genomic region that consistently showed suggestive associations across the BMI categories tested (Z-scores ⩽−3.96, Bonferroni adjusted P-values ⩽0.107). In age-stratified models, a significant association was observed in the older category (age >40) reaching a Z-score of 6.44 (Bonferroni-adjusted P-value=1.64 × 10−7) at rs256552. The mean percentage of European ancestry among cases was lower than that among controls in the NIEHS-UFS study. However, our study did not show a significant association between mean percentage of European ancestry and UL.
Production of x rays beyond the K-series limit in gaseous and solid targets

X rays of energy beyond the K-series limit have been detected during the bombardment of various low-Z, solid and gaseous targets by C/sup +/, N/sup +/, and O/sup +/ ions of energy 0.75 to 1.9 MeV. K..cap alpha cap alpha.. x rays, most likely from the transition (1s/sup -2/2p/sup -1/)..-->..(2s/sup -1/2p/sup -2/), are emitted by both collision partners in gaseous targets. The low-resolution energy measurements are in good agreement with published calculations. The relative yield from the heavier collision partner is larger than simple vacancy-sharing models would indicate, but electron screening may account for the excess. Molecular-orbital (MO) continuum radiation completely obscures the Kaa lines from thin solid carbon targets. The exponential shape of the MO spectrum beyond the united-atom limit is in reasonable agreement with collision-broadened spontaneous emission.
Elastic scattering of low-energy electrons by tetrahydrofuran

We present the results of ab initio calculations for elastic electron scattering by tetrahydrofuran (THF) using the complex Kohn variational method. We carried out fixed-nuclei calculations at the equilibrium geometry of the target molecule for incident electron energies up to 20 eV. The calculated momentum transfer cross sections clearly reveal the presence of broad shape resonance behaviour in the 8–10 eV energy range, in agreement with recent experiments. The calculated differential cross sections at 20 eV, which include the effects of the long-range electron–dipole interaction, are also found to be in agreement with the most recent experimental findings.
Ancient horizontal gene transfer can benefit phylogenetic reconstruction

Although horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is usually considered a disruptive force in recovering organismal phylogeny, it creates important phylogenetic information. In the ‘net of life’, the recipient of an ancient gene transfer can be the ancestor of a lineage that inherits the transferred gene; thus, the transferred gene marks the recipient and its descendants as a monophyletic group. Ancient gene transfer events can also reveal the order of emergence of donor and recipient lineages. In addition, these ancient events can significantly shape the genetic systems of the recipients and can play a part in their long-term evolution. In this article, we discuss the recent progress in phylogenetic application of ancient HGTs and describe two examples of transfer events to the ancestor of red algae and green plants that support a common origin of these two groups. We also address the potential pitfalls of this application.
Online discovery and maintenance of time series motifs

The detection of repeated subsequences, time series motifs, is a problem which has been shown to have great utility for several higher-level data mining algorithms, including classification, clustering, segmentation, forecasting, and rule discovery. In recent years there has been significant research effort spent on efficiently discovering these motifs in static offline databases. However, for many domains, the inherent streaming nature of time series demands online discovery and maintenance of time series motifs. In this paper, we develop the first online motif discovery algorithm which monitors and maintains motifs exactly in real time over the most recent history of a stream. Our algorithm has a worst-case update time which is linear to the window size and is extendible to maintain more complex pattern structures. In contrast, the current offline algorithms either need significant update time or require very costly pre-processing steps which online algorithms simply cannot afford. Our core ideas allow useful extensions of our algorithm to deal with arbitrary data rates and discovering multidimensional motifs. We demonstrate the utility of our algorithms with a variety of case studies in the domains of robotics, acoustic monitoring and online compression.
The Size Distribution of Dust toward HD 210121 as Determined from Extinction

Several observations suggest that the molecular cloud toward HD 210121 contains an enhanced relative abundance of small dust grains. In particular, the value of the ratio of total-to-selective extinction (RV) is unusually low. In this paper, we estimate the size distribution of dust grains in this line of sight from the extinction curve observed in the near-infrared through the ultraviolet. We use the maximum entropy method (MEM) to find the smoothest possible size distribution consistent within a χ2 confidence level fit to the extinction data. While MEM has been shown to be a powerful tool in modeling average extinction curves, we show in this paper that MEM can also be a useful technique in modeling individual lines of sight that differ significantly from Galactic averages. We review existing data for HD 210121 and calculate the dust-to-gas ratio in order to constrain the amount of material used in the grain model. We present size distributions for both two-component models of silicate and graphite and three-component models that include amorphous carbon. We compare HD 210121 with the average diffuse interstellar medium and with three other high-latitude lines of sight. The grain-size distribution toward HD 210121 contains a relative excess of grains with radius a 0.1 μm as compared with the average diffuse interstellar medium and other clouds at high latitude.
Magnetic-sublevel differential cross sections for electron-impact excitation of He n1P levels: Theory and experiment in natural and atomic coordinate frames

Experimental data for the average transferred angular momentum, 〈⊥〉, have been combined with experimental differential cross section [DCS] data for electron impact excitation of the 21 P and 31 P levels of helium to obtain the individual magnetic-sublevel differential cross-sections, [DCS n ], in the natural (and atomic) coordinate system. First-order many-body theory (FOMBT) has been used to obtain corresponding theoretical predictions for DCS n which are compared to these results. This comparison shows that FOMBT generally predictsM=+1 sublevel excitation DCS better than that forM=−1.
Magnetic Resonance Elastography as a Method to Estimate Myocardial Contractility

Purpose To determine whether increasing epinephrine infusion in an in-vivo pig model is associated with an increase in end-systolic magnetic resonance elastography (MRE)-derived effective stiffness.
The treatment of degenerative lumbar disorders. A critical review of the literature.

Study design A literature review. Objectives To clarify the surgical indications for spinal fusion in the various lumbar conditions. Summary of background data This article summarizes the published literature regarding the treatment of lumbar degenerative conditions. Retrospective and prospective studies regarding the treatment of nonspecific low back pain, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, isthmic spondylolisthesis, facet syndrome, discogenic pain, and lumbar spondylosis are reviewed. Methods A review of the English Medical Literature regarding the treatment of low back pain, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, discogenic pain, and lumbar spondylosis was performed. Results and conclusions Past research does not support the use of spinal fusion for nonspecific low back pain. Fusion is rarely indicated for primary disc herniation but may have a role in recurrent herniations. Specific guidelines regarding fusion in spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis are described based on the literature. Less rigorous data are presented for indications for fusion in facet joint syndrome, discogenic pain, and lumbar spondylosis. Spinal fusion plays an important role in the treatment of degenerative disorders of the lumbar spine, and the indications for this procedure can be refined by reviewing the existing literature.
Growth of Thalamic Afferents into Mouse Barrel Cortex

We studied thalamocortical afferent (TCA) growth into somatosensory cortex as the whisker barrels emerge in postnatal mice. Ingrowing fibers from the ventrobasal (VB) thalamus were selectively labeled by two means. Under direct vision, individual axons and populations of axons were labeled in vitro with HRP, or in fixed tissue with Dil (1,1'-dioctodecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate), in pieces of brain containing both the source nucleus in the thalamus and its cortical target. Many simple thalamocortical afferents are already within the upper cortical plate at birth [postnatal day one (PND1)]. Initially, TCAs from each point in the thalamus distribute in the cortex as two-dimensional "Gaussians," which overlap laterally to constitute a uniform projection pattern. The projection is topographic, because adjacent focal injections within VB label adjacent cortical loci. Subsequent development of barreloids (thalamic representations of the whiskers) partitions the TCA projection into a set of whisker-related Gaussians, centered on cortical targets whose collective topography reflects that of the source pattern. After barreloids form on about PND3, but before barrels appear in cytoarchitecture on about PND5, the overlapping TCAs segregate into dense terminal clusters in layer IV, around which barrels later mature. Time series of single fibers traced with camera lucida explain this transformation that is so noticeable at the population level. As early as PND1, individual TCAs emit multiple ascending collaterals on their horizontal run through white matter and oblique ascent into upper cortex. Subsequently, by PND4, and proceeding at least through PND7, there is accelerated terminal arborization of selected appropriate collateral branches and pruning back of other inappropriate ones. The selection mechanism appears to result from within-group reinforcement events that are stronger for branches toward the center of each whisker-related Gaussian distribution.
Theoretical and measured evaporation rates from an exposed piche atmograph

Abstract The Piche atmometer is still used throughout the world, a century after its invention. As with most evaporation instruments, the meaning and utility of Piche readings have been questioned. In the present study, a linearized energy budget for a leaf is used to predict the daily evaporation from a Piche atmograph. This approach showed a one-to-one relationship with observed evaporation, and accounted for 70–90% of the observed variance. Successful predictions were possible even when the meteorological data were taken at 12-h intervals, although the most accurate predictions were based on data taken at 1-h intervals. Sensitivity analysis predicts that Piche evaporation is strongly affected by air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and long-wave radiation; albedo and short-wave radiation had lesser effects. The present study supports the idea that the Piche atmograph models the potential evapotranspiration of an individual leaf.
The Mechanism of Double-stranded DNA Sensing through the cGAS-STING Pathway

Microbial nucleic acids induce potent innate immune responses by stimulating the expression of type I interferons. Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is a cytosolic dsDNA sensor mediating the innate immunity to microbial DNA. cGAS is activated by dsDNA and catalyze the synthesis of a cyclic dinucleotide cGAMP with 2',5' and 3',5'phosphodiester linkages. cGAMP binds to the adaptor STING located on the endoplasmic reticulum membrane and mediates the recruitment and activation of the protein kinase TBK1 and transcription factor IRF3. Phosphorylated IRF3 translocates to the nucleus and initiates the transcription of the IFN-β gene. The crystal structures of cGAS and its complex with dsDNA, STING and its complex with various cyclic dinucleotides have been determined recently. Here we summarize the results from these structural studies and provide an overview about the mechanism of cGAS activation by dsDNA, the catalytic mechanism of cGAS, and the structural basis of STING activation by cGAMP.
The significance of Bruce Kogut's and Udo Zander's article, ‘Knowledge of the firm and the evolutionary theory of the multinational corporation’

The Journal of International Business article ‘Knowledge of the firm and the evolutionary theory of the multinational corporation’, by Kogut and Zander (1993), is an important marker in the transition of the dominant conceptual model of the multinational firm from the market failure approach of internalization theory and transaction cost economics theory to the market imperfections approach of capabilities or knowledge-based theories of the firm. In a similar manner, Peter Buckley and Mark Casson’s 1976 book, The Future of Multinational Enterprise, while not the first or necessarily the most comprehensive contribution to the application of Coasian economics to the MNE, marked the switch of focus from market power to market failure as an explanation for the existence of MNEs. While the article itself is an important and well-cited contribution, it is also a fundamental statement that a new theory has arrived to supplement, and partly to displace, the old. Also similar to Buckley and Casson, it arrived at a time that the same transition was gaining traction in the more generic field of business policy and strategy – the ascendancy of Williamson’s (1975) version of transaction cost economics in the earlier case and the rise of a variety of resource-based, capability-based, and knowledge-based models (Barney, 1991; Teece et al., 1997; Grant, 1996) in the case of Kogut and Zander. The critical distinction made by Kogut and Zander is that if the value of the firm is defined as its store of knowledge, and expansion of the firm’s boundaries is related to the transfer of knowledge, then inescapable uncertainties about the value of this knowledge are enough to explain internal transmission, and therefore the existence of firms – opportunism is not required. Therefore, they find the critical role that opportunistic behavior by transactional partners in markets plays in internalization models is not necessary but leads to an overdetermined model. Kogut and Zander maintain that differential costs of transmission of knowledge within the firm Journal of International Business Studies (2003) 34, 495–497 & 2003 Palgrave Macmillan Ltd. All rights reserved 0047-2506 $25.00
Role of LARP6 and Nonmuscle Myosin in Partitioning of Collagen mRNAs to the ER Membrane

Type I collagen is extracellular matrix protein composed of two α1(I) and one α2(I) polypeptides that fold into triple helix. Collagen polypeptides are translated in coordination to synchronize the rate of triple helix folding to the rate of posttranslational modifications of individual polypeptides. This is especially important in conditions of high collagen production, like fibrosis. It has been assumed that collagen mRNAs are targeted to the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) after translation of the signal peptide and by signal peptide recognition particle (SRP). Here we show that collagen mRNAs associate with the ER membrane even when translation is inhibited. Knock down of LARP6, an RNA binding protein which binds 5′ stem-loop of collagen mRNAs, releases a small amount of collagen mRNAs from the membrane. Depolimerization of nonmuscle myosin filaments has a similar, but stronger effect. In the absence of LARP6 or nonmuscle myosin filaments collagen polypeptides become hypermodified, are poorly secreted and accumulate in the cytosol. This indicates lack of coordination of their synthesis and retro-translocation due to hypermodifications and misfolding. Depolimerization of nonmuscle myosin does not alter the secretory pathway through ER and Golgi, suggesting that the role of nonmuscle myosin is primarily to partition collagen mRNAs to the ER membrane. We postulate that collagen mRNAs directly partition to the ER membrane prior to synthesis of the signal peptide and that LARP6 and nonmuscle myosin filaments mediate this process. This allows coordinated initiation of translation on the membrane bound collagen α1(I) and α2(I) mRNAs, a necessary step for proper synthesis of type I collagen.
Development of Neurological Disease Is Associated with Increased Immune Activation in Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Macaques

Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection of macaques can result in central nervous system disorders, such as meningitis and encephalitis. We studied 10 animals inoculated with brain-derived virus from animals with SIV encephalitis. Over half of the macaques developed SIV-induced neurologic disease. Elevated levels of systemic immune activation were observed to correlate with viral RNA in the cerebral spinal fluid but not with plasma viral load, consistent with a role for SIV in the pathogenesis of neurologic disease.
Unplanned Quality-of-Care Events Following Open and Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

greater when patients were readmitted to an index vs nonindex facility. No mortality difference was observed. Conclusions: Readmission to non-index facility after AAA repair is common (29%) and more frequent than for the overall Medicare population (22%). Patients from rural areas and those treated at academic medical centers are more likely to return to their local hospitals. Quality improvement efforts to reduce readmissions following AAA repair will need to account for those patients who are treated outside the purview of the primary surgeon’s care.
Sensitivity analysis of power system reliability indices under emission constraints

This paper utilizes the concept of the shadow prices to perform sensitivity analysis of composite system reliability under the constraints of CO 2 , SO x and NO x emissions. From the dual solution of a linear programming problem, shadow prices of the components of a system can be calculated. Shadow prices are then used to evaluate the sensitivity of the reliability indices and to rank system components from risk prospectives. The emission limits are considered as additional constraints to the linear programming optimization problem. After performing the sensitivity analyses, the ranking is evaluated again for emission limit violation and the components are ranked again in accordance. In this analysis, power system networks are modeled by incorporating the DC load flow with the linear programming with the objective function of minimizing load curtailment. Generating units and transmission lines are considered to have two states, up and down states. Generation capacity limits, emission limits and transmission lines power carrying capability limits are used as constraints. State enumeration technique was utilized in searching for failure states with ignoring events that have low probabilities. This method was applied on the 230 kv section of the IEEE RTS-79.
Economic Fallacies and Economic Teaching

IT IS HIGHLY IMPORTANT in the teaching of economics that students be taught to analyze various widely held fallacies and that they learn how to refute them convincingly. Any teaching which leaves them the easy victims of such (often) plausible fallacies is to that extent inadequate and superficial. Any such teaching is not less-but, rather, all the moreimportant when some of the fallacies have had the support not only of many of the politically "great" but of well-known professional economists! Among the fallacies which, in my own teaching, I seek to guard my students against, through explanation, analysis of quotations, general discussion, and written examinations, are the following:
Vibration of a rotating shaft with randomly varying internal damping

Abstract A simple Jeffcott rotor is considered with both external and internal damping. Coefficient of internal damping is subject to temporal random variations which may occasionally bring the rotor into the domain of dynamic instability. The corresponding sporadic outbreaks in the rotor's vibrational response (whirl) are studied by applying the Krylov–Bogoliubov averaging method to the complex equation of motion and using parabolic approximation for the random coefficient of the internal damping. This results in an explicit analytical solution for the radius of whirl which may be used for predicting reliability of the rotor. Furthermore, a convenient procedure is described for interpreting measured on-line test data for the rotor. Namely, the mean value of the coefficient of internal damping as well as its standard deviation and mean frequency of temporal variations may be estimated directly from the trace of whirl radius which exhibits spontaneous random outbreaks in response.
Hydrogen atom tunneling in triplet o-methylbenzocycloalkanones: effects of structure on reaction geometry and excited state configuration.

The rates of phosphorescence decay of 4,7-dimethylindanone (2), 6,9-dimethylbenzosuberone (3), and several related compounds have been analyzed between 4 and 100 K to determine the contributions of...
Side-Dominance of Periplaneta americana Persists Through Antenna Amputation

While brain lateralization is widely studied for vertebrates, only a few studies have been performed on insects. In the present research, we investigated the behavior of the common American cockroach, Periplaneta americana, to determine if such lateralization is evident through their decision making process. The roaches were allowed to run through a y-tube and make a decision on which direction to take. Vanilla and ethanol were randomly placed at the ends of the y-tube to entice the roaches to reach the end of the tubes. Tests were repeated by severing one antenna on each roach in different configurations which were expected to alter the decision of the insect. Through a simple statistical analysis we determined that the odors of vanilla and ethanol play an insignificant role in the decision making. We found that injury to the antenna indeed affected their decision, However, similar injury to either antenna showed an innate bias for turning right. Our research supports the hypothesis that Periplaneta americana is right-side dominated in their tactile and odor senses.
Time-optimal synthesis of unitary transformations in a coupled fast and slow qubit system

In this paper, we study time-optimal control problems related to a system of two coupled qubits where the time scales involved in performing unitary transformations on each qubit are significantly different. In particular, we address the case where unitary transformations produced by evolutions of the coupling take a much longer time as compared to the time required to produce unitary transformations on the first qubit, but a much shorter time as compared to the time to produce unitary transformations on the second qubit. We present a canonical decomposition of SU(4) in terms of the subgroup $\text{SU}(2)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\text{SU}(2)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\text{U}(1)$, which is natural in understanding the time-optimal control problem of such a coupled qubit system with significantly different time scales. A typical setting involves dynamics of a coupled electron-nuclear spin system in pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance experiments at high fields. Using the proposed canonical decomposition, we give time-optimal control algorithms to synthesize various unitary transformations of interest in coherent spectroscopy and quantum-information processing.
VAIL: variation-aware issue logic and performance binning for processor yield and profit improvement

With increasing parameter variations, functional units (FUs) in a chip experience considerable local variations in maximum operating frequency. Effect of such within-die variations in a superscalar processor if addressed by worst-case frequency assignment, results in overly pessimistic yield in high-frequency bins. In this paper, we propose VAIL - a novel low-overhead instruction scheduling strategy that assigns best-case frequency by issuing the narrow-width (NW) operations to slower units. This exploits the abundance of NW operations (>70%) in a typical program and the fact that the critical path in FUs are not activated for these operations. Compared to existing vari-cycle approach, the proposed scheme demonstrates a large improvement in yield (~ 27% at highest performance bin) and profit (10-15%) for a set of benchmark applications. It also improves the thermal profile for the FUs. Finally, it provides large opportunistic power saving (~ 43%) in the slow units using supply gating of inactive bit-slices.
Synthesis and characterization of dimeric, trimeric, and tetrameric gallophosphonates and gallophosphates

THF/toluene solutions of phosphonic or phosphoric acids were reacted with tBu3Ga at low temperature to yield the cyclic dimers [tBu2GaO2P(OH)R]2 (R = Ph, Me, tBu, H, OH; 1−5). Poor crystallinity and variable thermal stabilities of 1−5 necessitated derivatization with Me3SiNMe2 to yield [tBu2GaO2P(OSiMe3)R]2 (R = Ph, Me, tBu, H, OSiMe3; 6−10), which were more amenable to purification and characterization. In solution, trans isomers were predominant for 6 and 7 at ambient temperature, whereas the cis isomer of 8 was predominant. NMR spectroscopy demonstrated cis−trans interconversion for 6−8 and crossover experiments showed interconversion to occur by, or be accompanied with, an intermolecular exchange process. Thermolysis of 3 in refluxing toluene yielded the cluster [(tBuGa)2(tBu2Ga)(O3PtBu)2{O2P(OH)tBu}] (11), which was converted to [(tBuGa)2(tBu2Ga)(O3PtBu)2{O2P(OSiMe3)tBu}] (12) with Me3SiNMe2. Thermolysis of 1−3 in refluxing diglyme, or solid-state pyrolysis at 250 °C in vacuo, yielded [tBuGaO3PR]4 (R...
L-dopa reverses the effects of MPP+ toxicity

The behavioral and neurochemical consequences of the intrastriatal administration of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+), the toxic metabolite of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), were evaluated using the shuttlebox avoidance paradigm. MPP+ caused a significant depletion of striatal dopamine and significant disruption of shuttlebox performance. L-Dopa administration reversed both the dopamine depletion and the behavioral deficits. These observations are discussed in reference to the rodent-MPTP model of Parkinson's disease.
Shape matching using optimization techniques

Automated vision inspection systems are the most versatile non-contact inspection systems. They are fast, compact, and remarkably accurate, thereby making 100% on-line inspection possible in modern manufacturing systems. Roundness in one of the basic geometric elements in engineering design and manufacturing. As a result its inspection is an important part of the inspection of many industrial parts. This paper presents two least-squares techniques to determine the out-of-roundness error of circular production parts. This error is measured with respect to an ideal circle of specified radius.
The management of HIV-related illness in the emergency department

Summary As the AIDS epidemic progresses, the number of ED patients with HIVrelated illness will continue to increase. As reviewed in this article, much of the existing clinical research in HIV-related illness has an impact on the diagnostic and management issues that arise in the ED. Many of the patterns of disease, subtleties of diagnosis, and therapies unique to AIDS patients have already been greatly elucidated. However, as the recognition of this disease goes into only its second decade, many questions remain. Further studies are needed, for example, to improve physician assessment of HIV risk, to further identify discriminators of PCP and bacteremia, and to optimize strategies for disposition and outpatient management. In the future, in the areas of research and clinical care, emergency medicine will play an increasing important role in the frontline attack on this modern epidemic.
Structural Analysis of S4-S5 Linker Architecture in Depolarization and Hyperpolarization activated K+ Channels

MVP, the hyperpolarization-activated potassium channel from the archaeon M. jannaschii, provides a unique opportunity for investigating electromechanical coupling, or how the voltage-sensing domain (VSD) couples to the pore domain, in voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels. In contrast to depolarization-activated Kv channels, the pore domain of MVP opens when the S4 helix moves inwards at hyperpolarizing potentials, and closes when the S4 helix moves outwards at depolarizing potentials. Because of this inverse relationship between the pore domain and VSD, MVP is in a closed conformation in the absence of a membrane potential whereas depolarization-activated channels, such as KvAP, are in an open conformation. We have taken advantage of this property to compare the local structure and dynamics of the S4-S5 linker of these two channels using site-directed spin labeling and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Structural and biochemical studies of depolarization-activated channels suggest that the movement of the S4 is transmitted to the pore domain via the S4-S5 linker. The S4-S5 linker is proposed to rest against the S6 helix as a rigid helical lever to hold the pore closed at hyperpolarizing potentials. However, directed mutagenesis in the S4-S5 linker region in MVP testing properties such as length, helicity, and sequence dependence have suggested that MVP may not be using the S4-S5 linker as a helical lever to couple the VSD and pore domain. using EPR, we present a comparison of the local structure and dynamics of this region in MVP and KvAP from recombinant protein samples reconstituted in liposomes. We expect these results will inform the mechanism for electromechanical coupling in MVP and add to the overall understanding of electromechanical coupling in Kv channels.
Experimental stress analysis of dental restorations. Part IX. Two-dimensional photoelastic stress analysis of porcelain bonded to gold crowns

Abstract A two-dimensional photoelastic model study of porcelain fused to gold restorations was conducted on models that were 20 times normal size, using three plastics having a ratio of the elastic moduli similar to those of the actual materials. Isochromatic and isoclinic patterns were obtained and the principal stresses were separated in critical regions. The study resulted in the following generalizations based on the models used. (1) In a crown restoration the cement functions as a stress distributor. (2) A restricted occlusal surface provides a more favorable stress distribution. (3) A shoulder type preparation with rounded angles seems to be the best geometry for the porcelain bonded to gold crown restorations. (4) The gold part of the crown acts as a stress distributor and absorbs most of the stress put on the crown. (5) Sharp grooves should be avoided in carving the occlusal surface of the porcelain.
Computer assisted risk evaluation, a practical application to risk management decisions using engineering judgment

Abstract This paper is concerned with the decisions concerning which order to afford automatic sprinklers and smoke detectors for a group of buildings. The fire protection engineer can evaluate each building and rank the risk for each. The computer model developed here uses the rating scale 0 – 10 for several factors related to fire dynamics and occupancy susceptibility. The computer model then gives a scale rating of the percent of occupancy and building risks for each building. Then the reliability and effectiveness of sprinklers and smoke detectors is entered interactively and the rate at which one wishes to off-load the occupancy risk relative to off-loading the building risk is entered. Using the utility of each building defined to be the value of the building plus the annual revenue it produces, the program ranks the sprinkler and smoke detector decisions according to the cost for each relative to the degree of risk averted.
The titanium-rich end of the Ti-Cd phase diagram

Ti-Cd alloys containing up to 30 at. pct Cd have been prepared by diffusing cadmium from the vapor phase into pure titanium. Phase relations in these alloys have been explored by metallographic and X-ray techniques. Cadmium has quite a large solubility in theβ phase of titanium at 1000°C. Addition of cadmium decreases theα-β transformation temperature, forming a eutectoid at approximately 785°C. The solubility of cadmium inα titanium at the eutectoid temperature is approximately 6.5 at. pct, decreasing with decreasing temperature. The phase in equilibrium with saturatedα titanium is an intermetallic compound based on the composition Ti2Cd.
A Theoretical Synthesis of Job Performance and the Evaluative Dimension of Organizational Climate: A Social Psychological Perspective

Studies linking organizational climate to job performance have been diverse and at times contradictory; however, social psychologists have dealt with a similar problem in the area of social facilitation. Social facilitation is related to the evaluative aspect of organizational climate in an effort to explain previous contradictory results.
Determinants of Managerial Performance: A Cross-cultural Comparison of the Perceptions of Middle-level Managers in Four Countries

This paper examines differences in what affects managerial performance of middle-level managers in four countries—China (N=204), India (N=184), the Philippines (N=220), and the United States (N=176). Important differences were predicted and found in factors affecting managerial performance as perceived by the respondents. While East-West differences exist, significant differences are noted among the three Asian countries. Specifically, Chinese and American managers represented two extremes in their beliefs about what determines managerial performance of middle-level managers. Both Filipino and Indian managers were found more similar to their U.S. counterparts than their Chinese counterparts. Implications of the findings are discussed.