cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The γ-Crystallin Fold May Have Evolved To Protect Conserved Tryptophan Residues From UV Radiation Damage Through Efficient Quenching

Crystallins, the major proteins of the vertebrate eye lens, are important for maintaining transparency and the proper refractive index gradient. The set of lens proteins responsible for these functions include the two-domain Greek key β- and γ-crystallins. Each β-sheet domain of β- and γ-crystallins contains two highly conserved buried tryptophans (Trps) whose fluorescence is efficiently quenched in the native state. Absorption of UV light by the lens crystallins protects the retina from UV photodamage, but subjects the crystallin Trps themselves to covalent damage. Experiments with Trp>Phe mutants of human γD- and γS-crystallin show that two donor Trps transfer their excited state energy to two other recipient Trps, by Forster resonance energy transfer. The two recipient Trps have very short-lived excited states [Chen, Toptygin, Brand & King, Biochemistry 2008, 47 (40): 10705-21]. This quenching of the Trp excited state may protect the lens crystallins from photodamage. Hybrid quantum mechanical-molecular mechanical simulations indicate that the efficient quenching is due to fast electron transfer from the excited state Trp indole ring to its amide backbone. This charge transfer quenching mechanism is enabled by the Trp side chain conformation, two bound waters, and nearby favorably charged groups. These are conserved in most of the solved crystallin structures. This conservation, coupled with the observation of Tallmadge and Borkman [Photochem Photobiol, 1990, 51, 363-368] that the quenched Trps in bovine γB-crystallin were protected from photochemical damage relative to the more fluorescent Trps, strongly suggests that the quenching is an evolved property of the protein fold that allows it to absorb ultraviolet light while suffering minimal photodamage. Selection for UV radiation resistance may have contributed to the recruitment of the crystallin fold as a lens protein.
Formation of quasi-one-dimensional Cu2O structures by in situ oxidation of Cu(100).

Epitaxial ${\mathrm{C}\mathrm{u}}_{2}\mathrm{O}$ islands on a Cu(100) surface formed through oxidizing Cu(100) films at 600 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C in an ultrahigh vacuum transmission electron microscope were observed to undergo a shape transition from initially square shaped islands to elongated islands at a critical size of $\ensuremath{\sim}110\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{n}\mathrm{m}$. Our experimental data on the elongation of ${\mathrm{C}\mathrm{u}}_{2}\mathrm{O}$ islands agree with the energetic calculations based on the balance between surface and interface energies and the elastic stress relaxation in the three-dimensional islands. We developed a kinetic model based on oxygen surface diffusion that fits well with the observed volume evolution of the ${\mathrm{C}\mathrm{u}}_{2}\mathrm{O}$ islands.
Room-temperature electron spectroscopy of 239Pu and 240Pu

Abstract Passivated, implanted, planar silicon (PIPS) detectors have been used for the measurement of electron spectra. The commercially available PIPS detectors, available in thicknesses of 100 μm, 300 μm, and 500 μm, have an energy resolution (FWHM) of ~ 2.2 keV , which is essentially the same as that of PIN diodes. Alpha and electron spectra of mass-separated 239 Pu and 240 Pu sources have been measured with a 300-μm thick PIPS detector and the electron to alpha ratios for the conversion lines of the 51.62- and 45.24-keV transitions have been determined. A procedure has been developed to determine the amount of 239 Pu and 240 Pu in a mixed source. The α-particle emission rate of the mixed source is measured, which is the sum of individual rates. From the electron spectrum of the mixed source, measured with the same setup as the alpha spectrum, the rates of 239 Pu electron lines are determined. Using the electron rate of the 239 Pu line and the electron to alpha ratio measured for the pure source, the α-particle emission rate of 239 Pu is determined. The difference from the total α-particle emission rate gives the α-particle emission rate of 240 Pu. In addition, electron intensities and conversion coefficients of the 239 Pu and 240 Pu transitions have been measured.
On the Law of Conservation of Heavy Particles.

The purpose of this note is to trace in more detail the consequences of treating the conservation law for heavy particles1 on a par with the conservation law for electric charges. It is thus an attempt to guess at the properties of particles as yet unknown and their interactions, and therefore speculative. However, it does not attempt a classification of elementary particles similar to that proposed recently by several writers, in particular, A. Pais.2 In this regard it is somewhat more conservative.
Tamper and Radiation Resistant Instrumentation for Safeguarding Special Nuclear Material

A tamper-resistant liquid level/accountability instrumentation system for safeguards use has been developed and tested. The tests demonstrate the accuracy of liquid level measurement using TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry) techniques and the accuracy of differential pressure and temperature measurements utilizing a custom designed liquid level sensor probe. The calibrated liquid level, differential pressure, and temperature data provide sufficient information to accurately determine volume, density, and specific gravity. Test solutions used include ordinary tap water, diluted nitric acid in varying concentrations, and diluted uranium trioxide also in varying concentrations. System operations and preliminary test results conducted at the General Electric Midwest Fuel Recovery Plant and the National Bureau of Standards, respectively, suggest that the system will provide the safeguards inspector with an additional tool for real-time independent verification of normal operations and special nuclear materials accountancy data for chemical reprocessing plants. This paper discusses the system design concepts, including a brief description of the tamper and radiation resistant features, the preliminary test results, and the significance of the work.
Locomotive Analysis of C. Elegans through Diffraction

Here we present an alternative technique to observe physical and biological parameters of live C. elegans using diffraction of laser beams. We differentiate the locomotion of a swimming and a crawling C. elegans.
Structure-Guided deimmunization of therapeutic proteins

Therapeutic proteins continue to yield revolutionary new treatments for a growing spectrum of human disease, but the development of these powerful drugs requires solving a unique set of challenges. For instance, it is increasingly apparent that mitigating potential anti-therapeutic immune responses, driven by molecular recognition of a therapeutic protein's peptide fragments, may be best accomplished early in the drug development process. One may eliminate immunogenic peptide fragments by mutating the cognate amino acid sequences, but deimmunizing mutations are constrained by the need for a folded, stable, and functional protein structure. We develop a novel approach, called EpiSweep, that simultaneously optimizes both concerns. Our algorithm identifies sets of mutations making Pareto optimal trade-offs between structure and immunogenicity, embodied by a molecular mechanics energy function and a T-cell epitope predictor, respectively. EpiSweep integrates structure-based protein design, sequence-based protein deimmunization, and algorithms for finding the Pareto frontier of a design space. While structure-based protein design is NP-hard, we employ integer programming techniques that are efficient in practice. Furthermore, EpiSweep only invokes the optimizer once per identified Pareto optimal design. We show that EpiSweep designs of regions of the therapeutics erythropoietin and staphylokinase are predicted to outperform previous experimental efforts. We also demonstrate EpiSweep's capacity for global protein deimmunization, a case analysis involving 50 predicted epitopes and over 30,000 unique side-chain interactions. Ultimately, EpiSweep is a powerful protein design tool that guides the protein engineer towards the most promising immunotolerant biotherapeutic candidates.
TU-G-110-05: Efficacy of Fixed Filtration for Rapid KVp-Switching Dual Energy X-Ray Systems

Purpose: Dose efficiency of dual kVp imaging can be improved if the beams are filtered to remove photons in the common part of their spectra, thereby increasing spectral separation. While there are a number of advantages to rapid kVp‐switching for dual energy, it may not be feasible to have two different filters for the two spectra. Therefore, we are interested in whether a fixed added filter can improve the dose efficiency of kVp‐switching dual energy x‐ray systems.Methods: Simulations were done to decompose known phantoms into basis materials of aluminum and water, using 80 and 140 kVp x‐ray spectra. Precision of the decomposition was evaluated based on the propagation of the Poissonnoise in the detected intensities through the decomposition function. We hypothesized that a K‐edge filter would provide the energy selectivity needed to remove overlap of the spectra and hence increase the precision at constant dose. When optimizing the filter design, we considered filtration material (Z), filter thickness, and the relative power allocated to the two beams. We imposed a constraint of 30% at fixed dose (or lower dose for the same precision) was achieved with optimal filtration. The optimal filter material depends somewhat on the phantom composition and ranges across the lanthanide series. Increasing filtration thickness increases the average spectral separation. When ignoring tube power limitations, the precision improvement with increasing filtration continues increasing, although sublinearly. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the potential of fixed filtration to improve the dose efficiency and material decomposition precision for rapid kVp‐switching dual energy systems. GE Healthcare
Health-related fitness and physical activity in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now the most common cause of abnormal liver enzymes in adults in the United States and the leading cause of referral to hepatology clinics.1 Prevalence estimates in the general populations of the United States, Japan, and Italy are 25%, 29%, and 20%, respectively.2-4 The term “NAFLD” is used by convention to describe a diverse range of histological abnormalities such as steatosis, steatohepatitis (mixed macro- and microvesicular steatosis, lobular necroinflammation with fibrosis), and cirrhosis.5 Although the exact pathophysiology of NAFLD has yet to be elucidated, insulin resistance is now recognized as playing a central role.6 Other features of the metabolic syndrome (abdominal obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia) are also common in patients with NAFLD.7-9 Hepatic insulin resistance has been hypothesized as a common feature of both NAFLD and the metabolic syndrome.10 The metabolic syndrome is associated with significantly increased morbidity and mortality, specifically the risk of cardiovascular disease death.11 Epidemiological studies report a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome in individuals with higher participation in physical activity (PA), higher muscle strength, and higher cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF; a measure of oxygen transport to the working muscles, measured by peak oxygen uptake; VO2peak).12-15 Higher CRF has also been shown to attenuate the metabolic syndrome profile and associated increase in all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality.16 Church et al.17 were the first to suggest a similar inverse relationship between CRF and the prevalence of NAFLD,17 and Perseghin et al.18 demonstrated an inverse relationship between habitual PA and intrahepatic fat content. However, health-related fitness (HRF) (CRF, muscle strength, body composition) and PA participation have not been evaluated in patients with a histological spectrum of NAFLD. Furthermore, it is unknown whether these HRF components or PA participation correlate with NAFLD disease severity. These data are crucial, as most therapeutic guidelines for persons with NAFLD suggest weight loss through lifestyle changes that include diet modifications and exercise participation.5 However, assessment of HRF is not addressed, and precise recommendations for exercise do not exist. The aims of this study were to assess the HRF and PA participation of patients with a histological spectrum of NAFLD. Also, we aimed to determine whether objective measures of HRF and PA differ with severity of NAFLD.
Association and Structure of Thermosensitive Comblike Block Copolymers in Aqueous Solutions

The structures and association properties of thermosensitive block copolymers of poly(methoxyoligo(ethylene glycol) norbornenyl esters) in D2O were investigated by small angle neutron scattering (SANS). Each block is a comblike polymer with a polynorbornene (PNB) backbone and oligo ethylene glycol (OEG) side chains (one side chain per NB repeat unit). The chemical formula of the block copolymer is (OEG3NB)79−(OEG6.6NB)67, where subscripts represent the degree of polymerization (DP) of OEG and NB in each block. The polymer concentration was fixed at 2.0 wt % and the structural changes were investigated over a temperature range between 25 and 68 °C. It was found that at room temperature polymers associate to form micelles with a spherical core formed by the block (OEG3NB)79 and corona formed by the block (OEG6.6NB)67 and that the shape of the polymer in the corona could be described by the form factor of rigid cylinders. At elevated temperatures, the aggregation number increased and the micelles became more...
Acute and short-term toxicity studies of fused bentonite sulfur preparations.

The results of the determination of the acute toxicity of fused bentonite sulfur emulsion (FBSE), alone and in combination with Quadrafos and a liquid concentrated base (LC) are reported. The animals employed include rats, mice, and rabbits. All of the preparations studied exhibited a low order of toxicity.
Inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy of a model catalyst: CO on Rh/Al2O3

Abstract Using tunneling spectroscopy we have studied the preparation and behavior of dispersed rhodium model catalysts supported on alumina. Samples were prepared by vacuum evaporation from Rh metal or Rh 2 O 3 sources onto an oxidized Al film and CO was adsorbed in-situ. The tunnel junctions were formed by adding a Pb top electrode and the vibrational spectra of the adsorbed species were measured. We observed qualitatively different spectra when the preparation procedure was varied. Special care was taken to monitor and control background gases. We obtained different results from Rh of Rh 2 O 3 sources and the presence of oxygen or water affects the vibrational spectra of the adsorbed CO. We also study the effect of the Rh thickness on the spectral intensity. Other experiments were measurement of the superconducting tunneling spectra of the Pb and a TEM study of Rh particle size. Previously reported data from tunneling and IR measurements are compared with the present work. Based on these results, we conclude that there are two species present, either a linear Rh-CO or doubly (geminal) adsorbed Rh(CO) 2 depending upon the degree of dispersion and oxidation of the Rh. The evidence also indicates that in both instances a dispersed form of Rh, rather than relatively large Rh metal particles, is responsible for the observed spectra.
Phase coherence of the EVLA radio telescope

The design of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory's Expanded Very Large Array (EVLA) project is approaching completion. Four of the twenty-seven antennas have been upgraded into the final configuration. The 2200 miles of fiber optic cables have been installed underground and are functional. The master oscillator and the round trip phase hardware have been operating uninterrupted since November 2003. Hundreds of hours of test observations have been performed as we start the task of characterizing the upgraded system. This paper discusses the results of this testing and describes the techniques used to maintain phase coherence of the EVLA LO chain and of the new wideband receivers. The enhancements to the VLA system include a new local oscillator (LO) system, a fiber optic LO distribution system, and a digital round trip phase measurement system. The phase requirement for the LO system requires that the long term phase drift slope be less than 6.0 picoseconds per 30 minutes at 40 GHz and be maintained across the entire array. To accomplish this, a near real time continuous measurement is made of the phase delay in the fiber optic cable distributing the LO reference signals to each antenna. This information is used by the correlator to set the phase on each of the baselines in the array.
Role of chemotherapy in the management of advanced thymic tumors.

Chemotherapy has an important role in the treatment of advanced thymic tumors. Early stage tumors are successfully treated with surgery. Locally advanced tumors (Masaoka stage III and IVA) are often treated with combined modality treatment including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. For patients with curable thymic tumors, the ability to attain a complete resection is a critical prognostic factor. Locally advanced tumors have a relatively high risk of recurrence and decreased rates of long-term survival. A multi-modality approach including induction chemotherapy and postoperative radiation therapy can improve complete resection rates and long-term outcomes. Thymic tumors are chemo-responsive with optimal responses achieved with cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy. Chemotherapy with radiation can result in long-term progression-free survival for patients with locally advanced disease who remain inoperable following induction therapy. Patients with disseminated (stage IVB) thymic tumors can also have significant disease response and palliation of symptoms when treated with chemotherapy. Octreotide and corticosteroids also have shown efficacy. For best results, it is important that thoracic surgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists work together to obtain the best local control of tumor and optimal treatment of metastases.
Prüfer Conditions in Commutative Rings

This article explores several extensions of the Prufer domain notion to rings with zero divisors. These extensions include semihereditary rings, rings with weak global dimension less than or equal to 1, arithmetical rings, Gaussian rings, locally Prufer rings, strongly Prufer rings, and Prufer rings. The renewed interest in these properties, due to their connection to Kaplansky’s Conjecture, has resulted in a large body of results shedding new light on the area. We survey the work done in this direction in the last 15 years, including results, examples and counterexamples, and a multitude of open problems.
Signal suppression/enhancement in HPLC-ESI-MS/MS from concomitant medications

This paper presents a study of the signal suppression and enhancement effects in assays based on HPLC-ESI-MS/MS detection. The major focus was to investigate the effect of signal suppression/enhancement of typical co-administered (concomitant) medications, i.e. naproxen and ibuprofen. The results demonstrate that the analyte and internal standard can experience signal enhancement up to a factor of ca 2.9 if the test analyte or internal standard co-elute with concomitant. Experimental results also demonstrate that the analyte and internal standard signal increased by a factor of ca 2.0 in the negative ion mode at physiological relevant levels of naproxen (100 µg/mL) and by a factor of ca 1.6 in the negative ion mode at physiological relevant level of ibuprofen (10 µg/mL) in both neat and plasma samples. Signal enhancement significantly increased when concomitant medications ionized in the same ion mode as the analyte and internal standard. To overcome signal enhancement or potential suppression from concomitant medications, a comprehensive HPLC method needs to be developed with sufficient separation of concomitant medication from the analyte and internal standard. Other means to reduce signal enhancement or potential suppression include switching ionization polarity and performing comprehensive sample clean-up to remove concomitant medications before analysis. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Critical liquid flows for the transition from the pseudo-slug and stratified patterns to slug flow

Abstract It has recently been shown that a consideration of the stability of a stratified flow and of the stability of a slug has provided accurate predictions of the critical liquid height of a stratified flow for the transition to a slug or plug flow in horizontal and downwardly inclined pipes. Two diameters and viscosities of 1–70 cp were considered. Predictions of the critical superficial liquid velocity are not so accurate. This paper partially examines this issue by presenting measurements of the mean pressure gradient and of the time-varying holdup for air and water flowing in a horizontal 2.54 cm pipe. Important contributions are the use of viscous long wavelength theory to predict the initiations of roll waves and the discovery of a range of liquid flows (in the pseudo-slug regime) at which the liquid holdup of the stratified layer is close to the critical and is not changing strongly with liquid flow. A partial explanation for this behavior is given which recognizes that the liquid layer over which roll waves are propagating is below that required for the stability of a slug. Slugs will appear if conditions are favorable for the coalescence of roll waves.
Writing pamphlets for use in mental health clinics

Abstract The process of developing customized pamphlets for use in mental health clinics is described. Content of “Facts About Sexuality,” a pamphlet developed for use in a Department of Veteran Affairs Psychiatric Outpatient Department, is reproduced in its entirety because no other pamphlets can be found that includes the entire array of sexuality issues seen in patients in a mental health clinic. To evaluate effectiveness of patient education materials, it is critical to assess patient comprehension, to monitor patient use of the referral sources listed, and to assess behavior change.
Relativistic Hadron Model with Intrinsic Mass Splittings

A simple mechanism for the $\mathrm{SU}(3)$-symmetry breaking in strong interactions is introduced by using the formalism of the multispinor field equations, which avoids the use of physical quarks but has resemblance to the quark model. The resulting treatment leads to the Gell-Mann-Okubo mass formula for baryons, but not for mesons. It yields approximate values of -19.5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 33\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} for the $\ensuremath{\eta}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\eta}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ and $\ensuremath{\varphi}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\omega}$ mixing angles, respectively, and also provides a reasonable explanation for the intermultiplet meson mass formula $m_{K}^{}{}_{}{}^{2}\ensuremath{-}m_{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{}{}_{}{}^{2}=m_{{K}^{*}}^{}{}_{}{}^{2}\ensuremath{-}m_{\ensuremath{\rho}}^{}{}_{}{}^{2}$.
Isolation and immunochemical properties of mouse ige.

Abstract Through physical, chemical and immunochemical techniques, a greater than 450-fold purification of mouse reagin was achieved from reaginic ascitic fluid. Antiserum to this reagin pool, appropriatealy absorbed with normal mouse serum, mouse gamma globulin, and mouse Fab, specifically reacted with mouse IgE since it abolished the 48-hr but not the 2-hr passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction of reaginic serum. this antiserum also precipitated a component in the reagin pool which was immunochemically distinct from any known class of mouse immunoglobulins, but was immunoglobulin in nature because it reacted with rabbit antiserum to mouse Fab. This precipitin was partially identical to rat IgE myeloma protein, and had an electrophoretic mobility similar to it was detected in normal or reaginic mouse serum or reaginic ascitic fluid, but not in serum isolated from SJL/J mice, a strain that is a poor producer of reaginic antibody. Through use of a specific immunoadsorbent, the component was isolated from normal mouse serum and was shown to be identical to that from reaginic ascitic fluid. Based on these studies, it was concluded that this precipitin was mouse IgE.
Support for marine microbial ecology research

Support for marine microbial ecology research A new research competition will provide support to innovative scientists in marine microbial ecology and related fields, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation announced on 30 March. The foundation's Investigators in Marine Microbiology program will select 10–15 current and emerging leaders based on their potential to conduct cutting-edge research on the principles that govern microbially mediated nutrient flow and the interactions among marine microbes in ocean ecosystems. The foundation will invest a total of $25 million in the new investigator program over the next 5 years. The competition is open to researchers around the world at varying stages of their careers who represent a variety of scientific backgrounds, including microbial ecology, biogeochemistry, evolutionary biology, and bioinformatics.
Right place, right time, right peptide: DO keeps DM focused

Summary: Peptide loading of major histocompatibility class II molecules is catalyzed in late endosomal and lysosomal compartments of cells by the catalytic action of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DM (H-2M in mice). In B cells, dendritic cells and thymic epithelial cells, the peptide loading of class II molecules is modified by the expression of the non-classical class II molecule, HLA-DO (H-2O in mice). Collectively, studies to date support that DO/H-2O expression inhibits the presentation of antigens acquired by cells via fluid phase endocytosis. However, in B cells, the expression of H-2O promotes the presentation of antigens internalized by the B-cell receptor. In this review, we summarize the literature pertaining to DO assembly, transport, and function, with an emphasis on the function of DO/H-2O.
Modification and extension of a model for predicting the erosion of ductile materials

Abstract A statistically derived model for predicting the erosion of ductile target materials was modified and its range was extended to incorporate maximum particle velocities of approximately 3000 m/sec. The usefulness of the modified model in predicting the erosion of ductile targets by both homogeneous and heterogeneous erosive agents was assessed. It was found that soft erosive particles can produce higher erosion rates than hard particles for the same target material. It was concluded that the geometry of the particle acceleration tube employed in the erosion test facility had a significant effect on the magnitude of observed erosion rates.
Artificial Radioactivity Produced by the Deuteron Bombardment of Nitrogen

This paper describes the work leading to the discovery and investigation of radio-oxygen, and also includes some incidental results on other nuclear disintegrations. It is shown that nitrogen bombarded with deuterons gives rise to a radioactive substance which emits positive electrons of maximum energy 1.2 mv, has a half-life of 126\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5 sec., and is found by chemical analysis to be an isotope of oxygen. The nuclear cross section for the activation of nitrogen at 2 mv deuteron energy is 6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}27}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$; that for the activation of carbon is three times as great. The neutrons expected to accompany the formation of radio-oxygen were found to be present. These results were obtained using gaseous nitrogen as a target; in some of the experiments use was made of the fact that the active product can be deposited on a metal surface by recoil.
A one-step pmr determination of hydrogen transfer stereospecificity of NADP+-linked oxidoreductases

1. A simple, facile one-step method has been devised to measure the stereospecificity of NADP+-linked oxidoreductases. The procedure involves coupling the test enzymes to enzymes of known stereospecificity in the presence of deuterated substrates. The regenerated NADP+ in the coupled reactions is analyzed by PMR for its deuterium content at the carbon-4 position of the nicotinamide ring. 2. It is found that malate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.37), lactate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.27) and glycerate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.29) are A-side stereospecific whereas glutamate dehydrogenase (EC 1.4.1.3) and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.8) are B-side stereospecific. 3. Enzymes which can utilize both NAD+ and NADP+ have the same stereospecificity with respect to the coenzyme.
Resonant modes of vibration in piezoelectric PZT-polymer composites with two dimensional periodicity

Abstract High frequency resonance characteristics of piezoelectric PZT rod-polymer composites with 1–3 connectivity have been investigated. Electrical admittance plots and laser probe dilatometry of the dynamic displacement on the composite as a function of frequency are used to interpret the vibration pattern of resonant modes.
An approach for goal-oriented neuromuscular control of digital humans in physics-based simulations

We present a novel approach for the control of digital humans modelled as musculoskeletal systems in physics-based environments. This approach uses high-level goal-oriented commands as input, from which low-level neuromuscular excitations are produced that generate motion consistent with the high-level command input. Central to our approach is the reformulation of a neuromuscular control algorithm in task space, a space defined by coordinates relevant to the specific task being performed, rather than the full configuration space of the digital human. A control methodology is also detailed for addressing holonomic constraints in the skeletal kinematics. Examples are presented that demonstrate the motion control architecture for an arm-reaching simulation.
Mediation, recall, and instructional effects

In the present study a three-stage chaining paradigm (A-B, B-C, A-C) was employed in order to evaluate the presence of absolute facilitative and interference effects in mediation, the extent to which mediation effects are attributable to test-stage processes, and the role of instructions in mediation. Eight conditions were employed: facilitation, interference, standard control and warmup control were run under both instructed and uninstructed conditions. The results demonstrated absolute facilitation and interference and support the view that mediation is due to test-stage processes. In addition, instructional effects were only obtained with the mediated facilitation condition.
An explanation of the language of a chimpanzee

The language barrier of the chimpanzee Lana, previously described by Rumbaugh (1977), can be simulated by a computer model in which the animal selects, depending upon context, one of six stock sentences with fixed and variable elements.
Historical Aspects of Agassiz's Lectures on Glacial Geology (1860-61)

Louis Agassiz (1807-1873) is regarded as one of the founders of glacial geology and the originator of the ice-age theory. His public lectures and popular writings included those topics. In 1860-61 he gave a series of class-room lectures on glacial geology to his students at the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard University. Excerpts have been made to show his explanation for the formation of glaciers, their movements, seasonal advancement and retreat, and their eventual covering of much of the earth. Also included were the structure of the glacier, its production of moraines, and its action on bedrocks and the landscape. He gave credit to his predecessors and colleagues, especially de Saussure, Venetz, and de Charpentier, for their pioneering work on glaciers. Brief attention was given to the effect of glaciers on the fauna, according to his interpretation, following the catastrophism theory of Cuvier.
Effect of pretreatments on flotation and electrokinetic properties of coal

Abstract Effect of the treatment of coal with KMnO4 and SnCl2 as well as ultrasonication on its flotation and electrokinetic properties has been studied as a function of pH. Both the oxidizing agent and the reducing agent acted as depressants for coal. SnCl2 depressed coal in the pH range where precipitation occurred. Isoelectric points of both untreated and KMnO4 treated coal were around pH 6.5. Attrition by ultrasonication increased the isoelectric point to pH 6.5. No correlation was obtained between zeta potential and flotation. Ultrasonication also restored the flotation of depressed coal. Reduced flotation of coal samples is due to surface contamination possibly including, but not limited to, oxidation.
“The Demiurge and his Archons”—A Gnostic View of the Bishop and Presbyters?

L'A. developpe la these suivante: ce qui explique le rejet des gnostiques par les orthodoxes n'est pas tellement une querelle dogmatique, mais la question de l'autorite et de la hierarchie dans l'Eglise. Alors qu'il etait difficile de distinguer un gnostique d'un orthodoxe, au plan du langage religieux, la distinction apparaissait clairement dans la vie sociale et ecclesiale: laxisme des gnostiques vis-a-vis du paganisme (idolothytes, ethique sexuelle, etc.), refus de toute hierarchie dans l'Eglise (tirage au sort (Kleros) pour un jour, de l'officiant, de l'eveque, du prophete, donc egalite de tous les membres) et donc refus d'obeir a l'eveque institutionnel de la Grande Eglise. C'est ainsi qu'Irenee, puis Tertullien, ont lutte pour etablir dogmatiquement et pratiquement l'autorite de l'eveque (s'il y a un seul Dieu, il n'y a qu'un seul eveque pour la communaute). La these de l'A. explique egalement bien des textes de Nag Hammadi.
Restructuring of Soviet Psychology in the Context of Gorbachev's 'Glasnost'

Psychology as a science of behavior throughout its history has been influenced by social and political climate. Many viewed emergence of'a science of behavior' as an opportunity to control and influence human behavior. No wonder that in the present century political leaders and idealogues viewed psychology far beyond its scientific domain. This point has been underscored clearly by Bruner (Bauer, 1952): 'Man's image of the nature of man in not only a matter of objective inquiry; it is and has always been a prime instrument of social and political control' (p. xx).
Design of adaptive electrical energy management systems for cost minimization

The objective of this paper is to model the power consumption trends of industrial or residential facilities, and design smart energy management mechanisms in order to reduce the energy cost. For a given set of components, and with minimal impact on the subjective human intervention, a substantial reduction of the energy cost can be achieved through smart energy management schemes that react to real-time power consumption patterns of the elements, instantaneous energy costs, and the availability of renewable energy. A complex system containing electrical elements with a wide array of functionalities (e.g. pre-loading, post-loading, time-flexible load distribution) and variables (physical factors, user intervention, variable energy prices) requires a rigorous formulation of the energy management scheme. The optimum combination of the time-balancing of loads is derived, and an adaptive energy management scheme is designed that can both sense an imminent change in the trend, and adjust the loading mechanism accordingly.
Development of a model for microphysiological simulations: small nodes of ranvier from peripheral nerves of mice reconstructed by electron tomography.

The node of Ranvier is a complex structure found along myelinated nerves of vertebrate animals. Specific membrane, cytoskeletal, junctional, extracellular matrix proteins and organelles interact to maintain and regulate associated ion movements between spaces in the nodal complex, potentially influencing response variation during repetitive activations or metabolic stress. Understanding and building high resolution three dimensional (3D) structures of the node of Ranvier, including localization of specific macromolecules, is crucial to a better understanding of the relationship between its structure and function and the macromolecular basis for impaired conduction in disease. Using serial section electron tomographic methods, we have constructed accurate 3D models of the nodal complex from mouse spinal roots with resolution better than 7.5nm. These reconstructed volumes contain 75–80% of the thickness of the nodal region. We also directly imaged the glial axonal junctions that serve to anchor the terminal loops of the myelin lamellae to the axolemma. We created a model of an intact node of Ranvier by truncating the volume at its mid-point in Z, duplicating the remaining volume and then merging the new half volume with mirror symmetry about the Z-axis. We added to this model the distribution and number of Na+ channels on this reconstruction using tools associated with the MCell simulation program environment. The model created provides accurate structural descriptions of the membrane compartments, external spaces, and formed structures enabling more realistic simulations of the role of the node in modulation of impulse propagation than have been conducted on myelinated nerve previously.
Batch polymerization of styrene‐optimal temperature histories

Optimal temperature histories for the batch thermal polymerization of styrene are determined using Pontryagin's maximum principle. The theoretical predictions are compared with experimental measurements of conversion and molecular weight distribution. The excellent agreement suggests policy improvements in batch radical chain growth polymerizations.
(In)visible urban water networks: the politics of non-payment in Manila’s low-income communities:

The oft-purported goals of good urban water governance include universal coverage and low levels of water loss. However, such goals can be particularly challenging in large, metropolitan areas where infrastructure may be ageing or unknown. This paper clarifies the mechanisms through which urban infrastructure is made visible – and thus more governable – by examining the politics of non-payment in Manila and the techniques that the two private concessionaires use to reclaim lost revenues. While some customers from all income levels may evade payment, the mechanisms for payment recovery targeted at low-income consumers focus on increased policing and a transfer of responsibility towards communities and individuals and away from the concessionaires. In contrast, payment recovery targeted at high volume customers typically involves technical improvements and settlement of arrears. The differentiated treatment of the poor and non-poor thus has four failures: first, while visibility is directed at payment recov...
A Predictive Model of Inquiry to Enrollment

The purpose of this paper is to build a predictive model of enrollment that provides data driven analysis to improve undergraduate recruitment efforts. We utilize an inquiry model, which examines the enrollment decisions of students that have made contact with our institution, a medium sized, public, Doctoral I university. A student, who makes an inquiry to our university such as by returning a request for information form, often provides far less information than is available from applicants. Despite this fact we find that characteristics of the student, as well as geographic and demographic data based on the student’s zip code are significant predictors of enrollment. Accounting for uncertainty in our model’s specification, we find that we are able to predict out of sample the enrollment decision of 89% of student inquiries. We also demonstrate how these findings can be used to improve marketing efforts.
A 5.3GHz 8T-SRAM with Operation Down to 0.41V in 65nm CMOS

A 32 kb subarray demonstrates practical implementation of a 65 nm node 8T-SRAM cell for variability tolerance in highspeed caches. Ideal cell stability allows single-supply operation down to 0.41 V at 295 MHz without dynamic voltage techniques. Despite a larger cell, array area is competitive with 6T-SRAM due to higher array efficiency. With an LSDL decoder, a gated diode sense amplifier, and design tradeoffs enabled by the 8 T cell, 5.3 GHz operation at 1.2 V is achieved.
A metabolomics strategy for detecting protein-metabolite interactions to identify natural nuclear receptor ligands.

Nuclear receptors are ligand-regulated transcription factors that control a range of (patho)physiological processes. Lipids are the most common type of nuclear receptor ligands. Here, we utilize a metabolomics approach that detects protein–metabolite interactions to identify endogenous peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) ligands from tissue and cell extracts.
On Bayesian Analysis of Multirater Ordinal Data: An Application to Automated Essay Grading

Abstract A framework is proposed for the analysis of ordinal categorical data when ratings from several judges are available. I emphasize the tasks of estimating latent trait characteristics of individual items, regressing these latent traits on observed covariates, and comparing the performance of raters. The model is illustrated in the design and evaluation of an automated essay grader. This grader is based on a regression of variables, obtained from a grammar checker, on essay scores estimated from a panel of experts. The performance of the grader is evaluated relative to human graders, and implications on the reliability and repeatability of both automated and human raters is investigated.
Shingles: Sorrows, Salves, and Solutions

SELECTED CASES Case 1 A 56-year-old woman with advanced lymphoma presented with numerous coalescing lesions confined to the distributions of the left maxillary and ophthalmic divisions of the fifth cranial nerve. Ulcerations were also apparent on the left hemipalate. She had completed radiotherapy months before, but she continued to receive aggressive, multidrug chemotherapy, with the last course within days of the onset of the rash. Lesions were culture positive for varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Treatment was begun with high-dose intravenous acyclovir and continued for 7 days until new vesicles stopped forming. Nonetheless, existing lesions evolved into a confluent eschar (Fig 1, left). She then experienced an episode of mental confusion and right-sided paresis presumed to be secondary to virus-associated granulomatous angiitis of the left middle cerebral artery. Then all the teeth in her left maxillary arch loosened and were lost. Left maxillary sinusitis developed, necessitating antibiotics and surgical creation of a
Mechanism of sulphur transport through preformed oxide scales

The possibilities for transport of sulfur through preformed oxide scales by both solution-diffusion and molecular gas (24) permeation mechanisms are examined thermodynamically to establish the limiting conditions under which each is viable. The results are tested, using nickel and cobalt specimens, and it is concluded that, although both mechanisms may operate in parallel, the permeation of gas molecules is the more dangerous since it can operate over wider ranges of gas atmosphere composition. The permeation of SO2 molecules throu through oxide scales growing on cobalt is clearly demonstrated.
Weber, Simmel, and the sociology of culture

Max Weber and Georg Simmel began their long and important association not later than the mid-1890s. Both emerged from the upper middle class intellectual life of Berlin, but with different starting points: Protestant political and moralistic culture for Weber; the Jewish experience and the new aesthetic culture of modernism for Simmel. Despite such a contrast, Weber and Simmel were drawn together essentially because of a shared interest in problems of modern culture. The historical evidence shows that this interest developed around an assessment of Nietzsche's significance and a critique of ‘psychologism’. The German Sociological Society both helped to establish in 1909 then became a notable, if brief, episode in the attempt to clarify the tasks of sociology as a ‘science of culture’. Their relationship (and Marianne Weber's) to the debate over the prospects for a unique ‘female culture’ illustrates a neglected aspect of the cultural problem. Notwithstanding their different sociologies, Weber and Simmel c...
Atmospheric Chemistry of the Z and E Isomers of CF3CFCHF; Kinetics, Mechanisms, and Products of Gas-Phase Reactions with Cl Atoms, OH Radicals, and O3

Smog chamber/FTIR techniques were used to study the atmospheric chemistry of the Z and E isomers of CF3CFCHF, which we refer to as CF3CFCHF(Z) and CF3CFCHF(E). The rate constants k(Cl + CF3CFCHF(Z)...
Association of H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 repressive histone marks with breast cancer subtypes in the Nurses' Health Study.

Repressive histone tail modifications have been associated with molecular breast cancer subtypes. We investigated whether histone 3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) and histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) were associated with tumor features and subtypes while adjusting for prospectively collected reproductive and lifestyle breast cancer risk factors. We have tissue microarray data with immunohistochemical marker information on 804 incident cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed from 1976–2000 in the Nurses’ Health Study. Tissue microarray sections were stained for global H3K9me3 and H3K27me3, and scored into four categories. Multivariate odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using logistic regression models for tumor features and subtypes, adjusting for breast cancer risk factors. While there were no significant associations between H3K9me3 and tumor features, H3K27me3 was significantly associated with lower grade tumors compared to high grade tumors in the multivariate model (OR = 1.95, 95 % CI 1.35–2.81, p = 0.0004). H3K27me3 was suggestively associated with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) tumors (OR = 1.47, 95 % CI 0.97–2.23, p = 0.07). In subtype analyses, H3K27me3 was positively associated with the luminal A subtype compared to all other subtypes (OR = 1.42, 95 % CI 1.14–1.77, p = 0.002), and was inversely associated with HER2-type (OR = 0.58, 95 % CI 0.37–0.91, p = 0.02) and basal-like breast cancer (OR = 0.52, 95 % CI 0.36–0.76, p = 0.0006). In the largest immunohistochemical examination of H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 in breast cancer, we found that H3K27me3 positivity, but not H3K9me3, was associated with lower grade tumors and the luminal A subtype after adjusting for reproductive and lifestyle breast cancer risk factors.
GASTROINTESTINAL INFARCTION AS A MANIFESTATION OF RHEUMATOID VASCULITIS

We report a case of combined small and large intestinal infarction caused by rheumatoid vasculitis in a 60-yr-old man who had a long history of rheumatoid arthritis and presented with abdominal pain and constipation. Eventually, he developed signs of peritonitis and underwent exploratory laparotomy and was found to have sigmoid and ileal infarction secondary to rheumatoid vasculitis.
Working more and feeling better : Women's health, employment, and family life, 1974-2004

Women have long reported worse self-rated health than men. This difference, however, may be changing. Rising educational attainment and labor force participation over the last two decades may have ...