cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of localized deformation near grain boundaries of superalloy René-104 at elevated temperature

Abstract in situ surface deformation measurement techniques were applied to characterize strain localization sites in nickel-based superalloys when tested under constant load at 700 °C. Deformation maps were coupled with electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) measurement of grain location and orientation to correlate localization sites with underlying surface microstructure. Superalloy Rene-104 was heat treated and quenched to create two microstructures with similar grain sizes but different grain boundary character: the standard microstructure had microscopically planar grain boundaries, and the other microstructure had serrated grain boundaries. Analysis of full field strain maps calculated from in situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images indicated distinct differences in strain localization as a function of total strain for the two microstructures. The standard microstructure showed very little intra-granular strain accumulation, and annealing twin boundaries played an important role in strain localization sites, whereas the serrated microstructure experienced strain accumulation more evenly throughout the microstructure. Grain boundary sliding (GBS) was observed in both microstructures, but the development of serrated grain boundaries significantly decreased the contribution of this mechanism to the overall strain accommodation from 20% to 14% of the total plastic strain being accommodated by GBS.
Experiments on laser guide stars at Mauna Kea Observatory for adaptive imaging in astronomy

Atmospheric turbulence severely limits the resolution of ground-based astronomical telescopes. Under good seeing conditions at the best observatory sites, resolution at visible wavelengths is typically limited to about 1 arc s. During the past 15 years, adaptive optical systems with electrically deformable mirrors have been developed to compensate for turbulence1,2. Unfortunately, these systems require bright reference sources adjacent to the object of interest and can only be used to observe the brightest stars. Foy and Labeyrie3 were the first to suggest that lasers could be used to create artificial guide stars that might be suitable in controlling an adaptive imaging system. We have recently extended this concept in two ways. First, we have identified the key engineering parameters that optimize the performance of a laser-guided imaging system. Second, on the nights of 21 and 22 January 1987, we conducted experiments at the Mauna Kea Observatory on the island of Hawaii to test the feasibility of using a laser to generate an artificial guide star in the mesospheric sodium layer. Here we describe both the engineering calculations and the results of our first experiments.
β-Arrestin-1 deficiency protects mice from experimental colitis.

β-Arrestins are intracellular scaffolding proteins that modulate specific cell signaling pathways. Recent studies, in both cell culture and in vivo models, have demonstrated an important role for β-arrestin-1 in inflammation. However, the role of β-arrestin-1 in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is not known. Our goal was to investigate the role of β-arrestin-1 in IBD using mouse models of colitis. To this end, we subjected wild-type (WT) and β-arrestin-1 knockout (β-arr-1−/−) mice to colitis induced by trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid or dextran sulfate sodium and examined the clinical signs, gross pathology, and histopathology of the colon, as well as inflammatory components. The β-arr-1−/− mice displayed significantly attenuated colitis, compared with WT mice, in both models. Consistent with the phenotypic observations, histological examination of the colon revealed attenuated disease pathology in the β-arr-1−/− mice. Our results further demonstrate that β-arr-1−/− mice are deficient in IL-6 expression in the colon, but have higher expression of the anti-inflammatory IL-10 family of cytokines. Our results also demonstrate diminished ERK and NFκB pathways in the colons of β-arr-1−/− mice, compared with WT mice. Taken together, our results demonstrate that decreased IL-6 production and enhanced IL-10 and IL-22 production in β-arrestin-1–deficient mice likely lead to attenuated gut inflammation.
Endo-siRNAs: yet another layer of complexity in RNA silencing.

Organisms possessing RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity are known to produce endogenous small interfering RNAs (esiRNAs). It had been thought that organisms such as flies and mammals lacking this activity would not produce esiRNAs. However, it has now been shown that a functional esiRNA pathway is present in such animals; the esiRNAs are derived from a variety of endogenous double-stranded RNA substrates.
Causes of the Embryonic Malposition Head-Under-Left-Wing

Abstract THE malposition, head-under-left-wing, affects from one to about 20 percent of the chick embryos which live through the first eighteen days of the incubation period. The incidence of the malposition has been described by Hutt (1929), Smith (1930), Hale (1930), Byerly (1930), Byerly and Olsen (1931), Hutt and Cavers (1931), and Taylor, Gunns, and Moses (1933). Byerly (1930), stated that the malposition was of doubtful importance as a bar to hatching. Data collected since that time have removed all doubt that it is usually lethal. Several factors which contribute to this lethal effect have been found. First, the malposition is often accompanied by obvious malformation and smallness of the affected embryos. Second, Hutt (1929) pointed out that the beaks of affected embryos are usually turned away from the air cell and that this may reduce the likelihood of pipping. Third, the direction of rotation of the body of the embryos . . .
Electrically switchable exhibition of circular bragg phenomenon by an isotropic slab

A slab of an isotropic material with structural chirality in the thickness direction and with either 43m or 23 point group symmetry exhibits the circular Bragg phenomenon in the optical regime, only on the application of a low-frequency electric field across its two faces. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 48: 2148–2153, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21941
Propagation of electron beams in space

Particle simulations were performed in order to study the effects of beam plasma interaction and the propagation of an electron beam in a plasma with a magnetic field. It is found that the beam plasma instability results in the formation of a high energy tail in the electron velocity distribution which enhances the mean free path of the beam electrons. Moreover, the simulations show that when the beam density is much smaller than the ambient plasma density, currents much larger than the thermal return current can be injected into a plasma.
Determining the primary endpoint for a stimulant abuse trial: Lessons learned from STRIDE (CTN 0037)

Background: No consensus is available for identifying the best primary outcome for substance use disorder trials, making interpretation across trials difficult. Abstinence is the most desirable treatment outcome although a wide variety of other endpoints have been used. Objectives: This report provides a framework for determining an optimal primary endpoint and the relevant measurement approach for substance use disorder treatment trials. The framework was developed based on a trial for stimulant abuse using exercise as an augmentation treatment, delivered within the NIDA Clinical Trials Network. The use of a common endpoint across trials will facilitate comparisons of treatment efficacy. Methods: Primary endpoint options in existing substance abuse studies were evaluated. This evaluation included surveys of the literature for endpoints and measurement approaches, followed by assessment of endpoint choices against study design issues, population characteristics, tests of sensitivity, and tests of clinical...
Geobacillus thermodenitrificans YjbH recognizes the C-terminal end of Bacillus subtilis Spx to accelerate Spx proteolysis by ClpXP

Proteolytic control can govern the levels of specific regulatory factors, such as Spx, a transcriptional regulator of the oxidative stress response in Gram-positive bacteria. Under oxidative stress, Spx concentration is elevated and upregulates transcription of genes that function in the stress response. When stress is alleviated, proteolysis of Spx catalysed by ClpXP reduces Spx concentration. Proteolysis is enhanced by the substrate recognition factor YjbH, which possesses a His–Cys-rich region at its N terminus. However, mutations that generate H12A, C13A, H14A, H16A and C31/34A residue substitutions in the N terminus of Bacillus subtilis YjbH (BsYjbH) do not affect functionality in Spx proteolytic control in vivo and in vitro. Because of difficulties in obtaining soluble BsYjbH, the Geobacillus thermodenitrificans yjbH gene was cloned, which yielded soluble GtYjbH protein. Despite its lack of a His–Cys-rich region, GtYjbH complements a B. subtilis yjbH null mutant, and shows high activity in vitro when combined with ClpXP and Spx in an approximately 30 : 1 (ClpXP/Spx : GtYjbH) molar ratio. In vitro interaction experiments showed that Spx and the protease-resistant SpxDD (in which the last two residues of Spx are replaced with two Asp residues) bind to GtYjbH, but deletion of 12 residues from the Spx C terminus (SpxΔC) significantly diminished interaction and proteolytic degradation, indicating that the C terminus of Spx is important for YjbH recognition. These experiments also showed that Spx, but not GtYjbH, interacts with ClpX. Kinetic measurements for Spx proteolysis by ClpXP in the presence and absence of GtYjbH suggest that YjbH overcomes non-productive Spx–ClpX interaction, resulting in rapid degradation.
Modeling waves and short-lived peak velocities and impact loads associated with snow avalanches

Abstract The one-dimensional, unsteady, gradually varying free surface, open channel equations are solved numerically using the lax diffusive scheme. The numerical model is applied to simulate avalanche flow and to capture the existence of waveforms leading to the estimation of short-lived peak velocities and impact pressures for any point along a given avalanche track. The simulation of both laboratory and field experiments are presented to demonstrate the viability of the discretization scheme. To verify numerical results of this new numerical model, results from the Swiss hydraulic continuum model for avalanche motion are presented and compared. The lax diffusive scheme provides acceptable results when compared to these laboratory and full-scale avalanche results and when compared to the Swiss numerical results. Simulations are presented to demonstrate the ability for the numerical model to capture and track waveforms within the avalanche flow, to estimate short-lived peak velocities and impact pressures for any position along the avalanche track—especially when perturbations (i.e., terrain changes) are introduced into the flow. These perturbations are particularly evident when releasing a wave-like form from rest down an incline. Difficulties are encountered when trying to simulate in situ results and recreating the richness of the data.
Multiple Binding Sites in Collagen Type I for the Integrins α1β1 and α2β1

Abstract Integrins α1β1 and α2β1 are two major collagen receptors on the surface of eukaryotic cells. Binding to collagen is primarily due to an A-domain near the N terminus of the α chains. Previously, we reported that recombinant A-domain of α1β1(α1A) had at least two affinity classes of binding sites in type I collagen (Rich, R. L., et al. (1999)J. Biol. Chem. 274, 24906–24913). Here, we compared the binding of the recombinant A-domain of α2β1 (α2A) to type I collagen with that of α1A using surface plasmon resonance and showed that α2A exhibited only one detectable class of binding sites in type I collagen, with a K D of ∼10 μm at ∼3 binding sites per collagen molecule. We further demonstrated that α1A and α2A competed with each other for binding to type I collagen in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), suggesting that the binding sites in collagen for the two A-domains overlap or are adjacent to each other. By using rotary shadowing, the complexes of α1A- and α2A-procollagen were visualized. Morphometric analyses indicated three major binding regions (near the N terminus, in the central part, and near the C terminus) along the type I procollagen molecule for both A-domains. The positions of the respective binding regions for α1A and α2A were overlapping with or adjacent to each other, consistent with the ELISA results. Analysis of the sequences of type I collagen revealed that GER or GER-like motifs are present at each of the binding regions, and notably, the central region contains the GFOGER sequence, which was previously identified as a high affinity site for both α1A and α2A (Knight, C. G., et al. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 35–40). Peptides containing GLOGERGRO (peptide I, near the N terminus), GFOGERGVQ (peptide II, central), and GASGERGPO (peptide III, near the C terminus) were synthesized. Peptides I and II effectively inhibited the binding of α1A and α2A to type I collagen, while peptide III did so moderately. The N-terminal site in type I collagen has the sequence GLOGER in all three chains. Thus, it seems that peptide I represents a newly discovered native high affinity site for α1A and α2A.
Speciation and hybridization in island birds

The process of speciation in birds can be inferred from the pattern of diversification on islands, especially in archipelagos. The basic model is one of initial differentiation of allopatric populations, with further differentiation taking place at the time that sympatry is established. Differences that evolve in allopatry are reinforced by a regime of divergent selection on the taxa in sympatry arising from ecological pressures and not from reproductive (genetic) incompatibility. A low level of interbreeding (hybridization) at the secondary contact phase and subsequently may occur with little or no fitness loss. Introgressive hybridization has the potential to play a creative role in evolution, facilitating further divergence by enhancing genetic variation and relaxing genetic constraints on particular directions of evolutionary change under natural selection. Hybridization potential may last for many millions of years after two taxa diverge, implying that post-zygotic isolation evolves slowly. The main alternative model of speciation in island birds is the peripatric model. It emphasizes major genetic changes taking place in the founding of a new population by a small number of individuals. There is no direct evidence that would make it preferable to the standard allopatric model for islands.
Latent Liquidity: A New Measure of Liquidity, with an Application Corporate Bonds

We present a new measure of liquidity known as "latent liquidity" and apply it to a unique corporate bond database. Latent liquidity is defined as the weighted average turnover of investors who hold a bond, in which the weights are the fractional investor holdings. It can be used to measure liquidity in markets with sparse transactions data. For bonds that trade frequently, our measure has predictive power for both transaction costs and the price impact of trading, over and above trading activity and bond-specific characteristics thought to be related to liquidity. Additionally, this measure exhibits relationships with bond characteristics similar to those of other trade-based measures.
T cell development in B cell-deficient mice. V. Stopping anti-mu treatment results in Igh-restricted expansion of the T suppressor cell repertoire concomitant with the development of normal immunoglobulin levels.

B cell-deficient (anti-mu-treated) mice have proven to be a valuable tool with which to examine the influence of Ig idiotypic determinants upon the development of the Ts repertoire. We have previously reported that ABA-specific Ts repertoires matured in normal and Ig-deficient environments differ from one another in their composition, and consequently, their functionally expressed Igh restrictions. The present report characterizes the impact of natural development of mature B cell activity upon the composition of the Ts repertoire. After stopping anti-mu treatment of C.AL-20 mice, ABA-specific Ts repertoires undergo a defined expansion shown by their acquisition of an additional Ts network that displays Igh restrictions characteristic of normal C.AL-20 mice. This Igh-1d-restricted repertoire can be readily shown within 2 wk of major increases in surface Ig spleen cells and total serum Ig levels in these mice. At the same time, the original Ts restriction specificity (Igh-1a-restricted) generated in the Ig-deficient environment of anti-mu. C.AL-20 mice, is not lost for at least 20 wk. The resulting dual Ts repertoire, characterized by expression of parallel, idiotypically restricted Ts networks, is demonstrable for at least 13 wk. These findings favor an important role for Ig determinants in determining the makeup of the T cell repertoire, and ultimately, the composition of immunologic networks as a whole.
Quenching-independent fluorescence measurements of atomic hydrogen with photoionization controlled-loss spectroscopy

Quenching-independent fluorescence by atomic hydrogen has been measured with photoionization controlled-loss spectroscopy (PICLS) in stoichiometric and fuel-rich premixed These H2/O2/N2 flames at a pressure of 20 Torr. These measurements are compared with conventional fluorescence measurements in the same flames. When matched in the postflame zone, the two sets of measurements diverge in the preheat zone between the burner surface and the peak of the fluorescence profiles. This divergence, caused by changes in the local quenching rate coefficient, shows the utility of PICLS for determining the kinetics of atomic hydrogen in the preheat zone.
Effects of low-dose and high-dose glucagon and glucose production and gluconeogenesis in humans

The analysis of mass isotopomers in blood glucose and lactate can be used to estimate gluconeogenesis (Gneo), glucose production (GP), and, by subtraction, nongluconeogenic glucose release by the liver. At 6 AM, 18 normal subjects received a 7-hour primed constant infusion of [U-13C6] glucose. After a 3-hour baseline period (12 hours of fasting), somatostatin, insulin, hydrocortisone, growth hormone (GH), and glucagon were infused for 4 hours. Glucagon was infused at a low-dose (n = 6) or high-dose (n = 6) concentration for 4 hours and was compared with fasting alone (n = 6). Low-dose glucagon infusion increased plasma glucagon (64 +/- 3 v 44 +/- 7 ng/L, low glucagon v baseline). GP increased above baseline (15.5 +/- 0.5 v 13.8 +/- 0.5 micromol/kg/min, P < .05), which was also greater than fasting alone (11 .5 +/- 0.6 micromol/kg/min, P < .05). The elevation in GP was due to a near doubling of nongluconeogenic glucose release compared with fasting alone (8.3 +/- 0.6 v 4.7 +/- 0.5 micromol/kg/min, P < .01). High-dose glucagon infusion (125 +/- 25 ng/L) increased GP above baseline (15.8 +/- 0.6 v 13.5 +/- 0.5 micromol/kg/min, P < .05), which was also greater than fasting alone (11.5 +/- 0.6 micromol/kg/min, P < .05). The increase in GP was due to an increase in Gneo (8.5 +/- 0.5 v 6.8 +/- 0.7 micromol/kg/min, P < .05) and nongluconeogenic glucose release (7.4 +/- 0.5 v 4.7 +/- 0.4 micromol/kg/min, P < .05) compared with fasting. Low-dose glucagon increases GP only by stimulation of nongluconeogenic glucose release. High-dose glucagon increases GP by an increase in both Gneo and nongluconeogenic glucose release.
The Mappilla Rebellion, 1921: Peasant Revolt in Malabar

In any society the dominant groups are the ones with the most to hide about the way society works. Very often therefore truthful analyses are bound to have a critical ring, to seem like exposures rather than objective statements, … For all students of human society, sympathy with the victims of historical processes and skepticism about the victors' claims provide essential safeguards against being taken in by the dominant mythology. A scholar who tries to be objective needs these feelings as part of his ordinary working equipment.
Theoretical Properties of the Length-biased Inverse Weibull Distribution

We investigate the length-biased inverse Weibull (LBIW) distribution, deriving its density function, hazard and reverse hazard functions, and reliability function. The moments, moment-generating function, Fisher information and Shannon entropy are also given. We discuss parameter estimation via the method of moments and maximum likelihood, and hypothesis testing for the LBIW and parent distributions.
Evaluating the influence of land cover on seasonal water budgets using Next Generation Radar (NEXRAD) rainfall and streamflow data

[1] Accurate estimates of fluxes between different components of the hydrosphere are needed for water resources management at the watershed scale. Runoff and evapotranspiration are critical fluxes that are heavily influenced by land cover characteristics; however, our understanding of the interactions between land cover attributes and these fluid fluxes is generally limited by inadequate regional data to capture variations in both climatic conditions and landscape characteristics. This limitation is largely avoided by integrating data from Next Generation Radar (NEXRAD) precipitation systems with widely available streamflow, land cover, and other Geographic Information System data sets. Such data integration facilitates development of rapid and reliable methods for estimating hydrologic fluxes at desirable temporal and spatial scales. In this study, we calculate ratios of streamflow to NEXRAD rainfall over the peak growing season for 40 watersheds across Michigan and use these to evaluate the landscape factors that influence groundwater recharge rates. Results indicate that ratios of streamflow and baseflow to rainfall are strongly influenced by land cover attributes. Stream baseflow analyses indicate that approximately 5% of the July to September rainfall becomes recharge in high-intensity agriculture (>70%) watersheds compared to 15% in moderate-intensity agriculture (<50%) watersheds across our study region during the same period. A strong negative correlation was also found between intensive agriculture and the streamflow:rainfall ratio during summer and early fall periods.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Melatonin

The history of melatonin starts in 1917, with the discovery that mammalian pineal gland extracts have the ability to lighten amphibian skin.14 About 40 years later, the skin-lightening constituent of the pineal gland, melatonin, was isolated and chemically identified as N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine by Lerner et al. 13
Diabetes mellitus: discrimination between single locus and muItifactorial models of inheritance

Family data from 6,559 diabetic propositi were analyzed using the method of complex segregation analysis in an attempt to discriminate the two models of two-allele single-locus inheritance and multifactorial inheritance for early, middle, and late onset diabetes. The three parameters in the single locus model were: degree of dominance, penetrance, and proportion of phenocopies. In early onset diabetes, the heritability estimated from the multifactorial model was so high as to indicate major gene action. In middle and late onset diabetes, best fitting singlelocus models were found to explain the data as well as the multifactorial model.
Minimum Specimen Volume Requirements for Routine Coagulation Testing: Dependence on Citrate Concentration

We evaluated the effect of sample volume and citrate concentration on results of routine coagulation assays (prothrombin time [PT] and activated partial thromboplastin time [APTT]). The study was performed on samples obtained from healthy persons and patients receiving oral anticoagulant therapy. Standard evacuated tubes (3.2% and 3.8% sodium citrate) were filled to varying total sample volumes ranging from 3.0 to 5.0 mL, and results of routine coagulation tests were compared. Underfilling may significantly affect the APTT and PT, resulting in artifactual prolongation of results. This effect is most pronounced in samples drawn into 3.8% citrate. By using 3.8% citrate, there is a statistically significant difference in the results of PT assays in the samples less than 80% filled compared with those that are 100% filled. For APTT assays performed on samples drawn into 3.8% citrate, a statistical difference occurred at less than 90% filled. This effect was less pronounced when samples were drawn into 3.2% sodium citrate. We found no statistically significant difference in PT results from a 3.2% citrate tube between fill volumes of 60% and 100% and none for APTT results between fill volumes of 70% and 100%. This study further supports the recommendation to use 3.2% sodium citrate concentration, because 60% of the optimum filled volume for PT and 70% of the optimum filled volume for APTT are acceptable.
Confidence in Stereotypes concerning Ethnic Groups

Summary In a study designed to determine confidence in the accuracy of stereotypes, Negro and Caucasian stimulus persons were presented to subjects. Half of the subjects were told that the experimenter possessed an independent check on the accuracy of perceptions. The remaining half were not informed of an independent check. Significant differences in ratings of Negro and Caucasian stimulus persons occurred only when subjects thought no independent check was available. Findings suggest that subjects were not confident in the validity of their stereotyped view of Negroes.
A Family of New Ergonomic Harness Mechanisms for Full-Body Natural Constrained Motions in Virtual Environments

A family of new virtual reality harness mechanisms has been developed by this investigator to constrain an immersed user within the field of view of a virtual locomotion sensing system while permitting natural motions such as twisting, turning, jogging in place, dropping to the knees or moving to a prone position. The author has also developed a generalized synthesis approach to the design of such harness systems. Unwanted rotational inertial loads felt by the user are minimized while compliant constraints have been tailored to provide natural feedback forces. These ergonomic forces enhance the experience of virtual motion by partially substituting for the missing real-world dynamic loads encountered in locomotion. They also provide subtle, natural cues to the immersed user that aid the user in remaining centered. Unlike some other virtual locomotion systems, these devices are passive, relatively low-cost, easy and natural to use, making them minimally intrusive on the process of learning the simulated task
USING ATTRIBUTE BEHAVIOR DIVERSITY TO BUILD ACCURATE DECISION TREE COMMITTEES FOR MICROARRAY DATA

DNA microarrays (gene chips), frequently used in biological and medical studies, measure the expressions of thousands of genes per sample. Using microarray data to build accurate classifiers for diseases is an important task. This paper introduces an algorithm, called Committee of Decision Trees by Attribute Behavior Diversity (CABD), to build highly accurate ensembles of decision trees for such data. Since a committee's accuracy is greatly influenced by the diversity among its member classifiers, CABD uses two new ideas to "optimize" that diversity, namely (1) the concept of attribute behavior–based similarity between attributes, and (2) the concept of attribute usage diversity among trees. The ideas are effective for microarray data, since such data have many features and behavior similarity between genes can be high. Experiments on microarray data for six cancers show that CABD outperforms previous ensemble methods significantly and outperforms SVM, and show that the diversified features used by CABD's decision tree committee can be used to improve performance of other classifiers such as SVM. CABD has potential for other high-dimensional data, and its ideas may apply to ensembles of other classifier types.
A prediction for |Ue3| from patterns in the charged lepton spectra

It is shown that empirical relations between the charged lepton spectra and the quark spectra together with a bimaximal or near bimaximal neutrino mixing matrix necessarily imply that there is a contribution to |U{sub e3}| given by {theta}{sub C}/ 3{radical}2 {approx} {radical}(m{sub e}/2m{sub {mu}}) {approx} 0.052, where {theta}{sub C}is the Cabibbo angle. This prediction could be tested in the near future reactor experiments. The charged lepton mixing also generates a less robust prediction for the angle {theta}{sub 23} and a small contribution to the phase {delta}.
Developing a pattern language for fashion innovation management

This paper follows a previous paper which was published in Volume 5 Number 3 describing how a pattern language focusing on the initial creative phase of the apparel design process can be useful for innovation management. The patterns define the links between marketing and design knowledge, activities, constraints and resources throughout the process to optimise its efficiency, effectiveness, and the market success of its end‐products. Developing the pattern language involved identifying marketing and design components that are crucial in the initial creative phase of apparel design, and setting them into a model indicating their links to each other and to each of the process stages. The model developed provides a generic framework, or archetype, of apparel design creativity, which is presented in its pattern format in this paper. A total of 14 other patterns were developed around this archetype to grasp its dynamics by defining the links that support and articulate its structure, stages and components. The initial working model of the pattern language was distributed to six design experts for input. Their feedback was analysed, synthesised and integrated into a refined and validated version of the pattern language.
An investigation of the rare-earth telluride system BaLn2Te4 (Ln=Sm–Tm, Y): syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetic properties

Abstract Single crystals of BaLn2Te4 (Ln=Gd–Tm, Y) form as black needles from the stoichiometric reaction BaTe+2Ln+3Te at 1000°C. BaSm2Te4 forms as a by-product in the reaction BaTe+Sm+Zn+Te at 850°C with the aid of a BaBr2/KBr flux. The compounds crystallize with four formula units in the space group D2h16–Pnma (No. 62) in the CaFe2O4 (calcium ferrite) structure type. Unit cell constants range from a=13.6883(10) A, b=4.5148(3) A, and c=16.3427(12) A in the Sm compound to a=13.5677(10) A, b=4.4058(3) A, and c=15.9989(12) A for Tm (t=−120°C). Ln atoms are coordinated by six Te atoms in an octahedral arrangement. These octahedra share corners and edges to form a three-dimensional channel structure. Ba atoms occupy the bicapped trigonal-prismatic sites within these channels. Magnetic susceptibility data for two representative compounds (Ln=Er and Tb) show paramagnetic behavior in the region 5–300 K.
Desmoplastic Infantile Astrocytoma and Ganglioglioma

Rare superficial cerebral cortical and leptomeningeal large cystic tumors with dural attachment primarily occurring in infants. Most patients are under 2 years of age. Account for 1.25% of all childhood brain tumors with a 1.5:1 male to female ratio. Characterized by neoplastic neuroepithelial cells in a desmoplastic stroma showing variable astrocytic differentiation [desmoplastic infantile astrocytoma, (DIA)] or combined astrocytic and neuronal differentiation [desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma, (DIG)].
Leukemia Cutis of the Face, Scalp, and Neck Treated with Non-coplanar Split Field Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy: A Case Report

Malignancies with a superficial involvement of the scalp present a unique technical challenge for radiation treatment planning. As an example of this, leukemic infiltration of the superficial skin as the only presentation of the disease is a rare entity. For such cases, radiation oncologists have typically treated with 3D conformal radiotherapy with matched electron fields, a technique that can lead to significant dose inhomogeneity. In this report, we describe the case of a patient with leukemia cutis with a superficial involvement of the scalp, face, and shoulders that was treated with volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy, with an impressive clinical response.
The Dynamics of Partisan Behavior: CPG in the House and in the Districts 1982-2000

This study uses congressional district data to explore the relationship between electoral constituencies and legislative behavior. We demonstrate a relationship between conditional party government (CPG) and the fit between members' party affiliation and their districts. This suggests that CPG may be partly driven by members' response to district preferences. As majority party members' districts become increasingly supportive of their party, members may support the delegation of power to their party leadership in order to move outcomes away from the chamber median.
Trace processors

Traces are dynamic instruction sequences constructed and cached by hardware. A microarchitecture organized around traces is presented as a means for efficiently executing many instructions per cycle. Trace processors exploit both control flow and data flow hierarchy to overcome complexity and architectural limitations of conventional superscalar processors by (1) distributing execution resources based on trace boundaries and (2) applying control and data prediction at the trace level rather than individual branches or instructions. Three sets of experiments using the SPECInt95 benchmarks are presented. (i) A detailed evaluation of trace processor configurations: the results affirm that significant instruction-level parallelism can be exploited in integer programs (2 to 6 instructions per cycle). We also isolate the impact of distributed resources, and quantify the value of successively doubling the number of distributed elements. (ii) A trace processor with data prediction applied to inter-trace dependences: potential performance improvement with perfect prediction is around 45% for all benchmarks. With realistic prediction, gcc achieves an actual improvement of 10%. (iii) Evaluation of aggressive control flow: some benchmarks benefit from control independence by as much as 10%.
Use of interleukin-2 for management of natalizumab-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: case report and review of literature:

A 51-year-old woman with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and 3-year history of natalizumab use developed expressive aphasia. A brain magnetic resonance image (MRI) showed left frontotemporal and right parietal lesion with mild contrast enhancement and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was positive for John Cunningham virus (JCV) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The patient received five cycles of plasmapheresis followed by intravenous immunoglobulin. Despite this intervention, her speech deteriorated and she developed right hemiparesis. Upon referral to our institution, CSF quantitative JCV PCR was notable for 834 copies/ml. The patient was given an initial dose of 50,000 units of interleukin-2 (IL-2) subcutaneously (SQ) followed by 1 million units IL-2 SQ daily. Due to concern for immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), the patient also received intravenous methylprednisone weekly. The regimen was tolerated well by the patient with no severe adverse effects. Clinically, the patient showed some improvement, and became more responsive and regained right lower extremity antigravity strength. After 12 weeks of IL-2 therapy, JCV quantitative PCR was notable for 31 copies/ml and the patient was more responsive. Due to persistence of JCV, IL-2 therapy was changed to mefloquine. At follow up after 6 months, the patient showed no clinical deterioration.
A DARWINIAN INTERPRETATION OF HINDLIMB VARIABILITY IN FROG POPULATIONS.

In the absence of detailed knowledge about many of the n dimensions of the environment-organism interaction, the best hope of evaluating the effects of natural selection in natural populations lies in comparative studies of variability. Briefly, all other factors being equal, the more intense selection has been, the less variable will a character be (Bumpus, 1898; Weldon, 1901; O'Donald, 1973; Salthe, 1975). Some care must be exercised in choosing characters for this kind of study in that polymorphism, canalization, allometry, and other relationships can interfere with the simple proposition just stated. We will attempt to evaluate these factors in our work and thereby neutralize them as contributors of noise in the study (see Materials and Methods). Given the validity of the above proposition, the following interpretations follow from the general principles of evolutionary population biology. We may discern both withinand between-population variability as we sample populations from any given species. Given a high withinpopulation variability, signifying relatively low selective pressure towards the trait we are measuring, no further information is gleaned from knowing whether the between-population variability is low or high because genetic drift could produce either situation under some sets of conditions. Thus, if that variability is high, the different populations have drifted towards different means, while, if it is low, temporal or physical constraints
Arginine nutrition in development, health and disease

AbstractAs a precursor of nitric oxide, polyamines and other molecules with enormous biologic importance, L-arginine plays versatile key roles in nutrition and metabolism. Arginine is an essential amino acid in the fetus and neonate, and is conditionally an essential nutrient for adults, particularl
Ab Initio Prediction of Piezoelectricity in Two-Dimensional Materials.

Two-dimensional (2D) materials present many unique materials concepts, including material properties that sometimes differ dramatically from those of their bulk counterparts. One of these properties, piezoelectricity, is important for micro- and nanoelectromechanical systems applications. Using symmetry analysis, we determine the independent piezoelectric coefficients for four groups of predicted and synthesized 2D materials. We calculate with density-functional perturbation theory the stiffness and piezoelectric tensors of these materials. We determine the in-plane piezoelectric coefficient d11 for 37 materials within the families of 2D metal dichalcogenides, metal oxides, and III–V semiconductor materials. A majority of the structures, including CrSe2, CrTe2, CaO, CdO, ZnO, and InN, have d11 coefficients greater than 5 pm/V, a typical value for bulk piezoelectric materials. Our symmetry analysis shows that buckled 2D materials exhibit an out-of-plane coefficient d31. We find that d31 for 8 III–V semicon...
The Strange Case of The Princess and the Frog: Passing and the Elision of Race

This paper examines the negotiations of race in The Princess and the Frog within the dual contexts of its setting and release. Central to these negotiations are Tiana’s racial identity and her passing as a frog, as well as the film’s attempt to pass as an African American princess narrative. In the process of excavating the film’s racial contexts, this paper also addresses its reception by American critics, as well as how Disney, in its hypersensitivity to racial issues and its desire to fulfill so many competing agendas, has paradoxically created an animated feature which generally elides race, even as it redeploys multiple racial stereotypes. This paper concludes by (re)considering the implications of a black Disney princess who spends more time onscreen in green and embraces a hyper-ethos of hard work, as well as how the simulated selves on display renegotiate notions of racial identity in the twenty-first century.
Umbilical epidermoid cyst: an unusual cause of umbilical symptoms.

for umbilical signs in adults (i.e., umbilical hernia, metastatic tumour, endometriosis, congenital abnormalities and gallstones retained or spilled at the umbilicus), the differential diagnosis should include epidermoid cyst arising from the skin of the umbilicus. Indeed, to determine the most appropriate treatment for patients with umbilical signs or symptoms, physicians should be aware that deep-seated epidermoid cysts may occur at the umbilicus and that these cysts may extend below the midline fascia. On the basis of our observations reported here and those reported elsewhere, at our institution, we believe that these cysts must be completely excised. We have not encountered any recurrence with this treatment. This communication describes 7 patients with symptoms resulting from an epidermoid cyst of the umbilicus. Patients and treatment
Translesion Synthesis of the N(2)-2'-Deoxyguanosine Adduct of the Dietary Mutagen IQ in Human Cells: Error-Free Replication by DNA Polymerase κ and Mutagenic Bypass by DNA Polymerases η, ζ, and Rev1.

Translesion synthesis (TLS) of the N2-2′-deoxyguanosine (dG-N2-IQ) adduct of the carcinogen 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ) was investigated in human embryonic kidney 293T cells by replicating plasmid constructs in which the adduct was individually placed at each guanine (G1, G2, or G3) of the NarI sequence (5′-CG1G2CG3CC-3′). TLS efficiency was 38%, 29%, and 25% for the dG-N2-IQ located at G1, G2, and G3, respectively, which suggests that dG-N2-IQ is bypassed more efficiently by one or more DNA polymerases at G1 than at either G2 or G3. TLS efficiency was decreased 8–35% in cells with knockdown of pol η, pol κ, pol ι, pol ζ, or Rev1. Up to 75% reduction in TLS occurred when pol η, pol ζ, and Rev1 were simultaneously knocked down, suggesting that these three polymerases play important roles in dG-N2-IQ bypass. Mutation frequencies (MFs) of dG-N2-IQ at G1, G2, and G3 were 23%, 17%, and 11%, respectively, exhibiting a completely reverse trend of the previously reported MF of the C8-dG adduct of...
The Dual Simplex, Primal-Dual, and Complementary Pivot Methods

In this chapter we shall first consider two important computational variants of the standard simplex method, namely the dual simplex and primal-dual routines. These techniques are essentially modifications of the simplex method because their implementation involves a sequence of pivot operations applied to the primal problem, but based upon alternative pivot selection or entry and exit criteria. These methods were developed to: (1) reduce the number of iterations needed to achieve optimality when the number of variables (n) is large; and (2) exploit situations involving the availability of an initial basic feasible solution to the dual problem.
Nickel-Catalyzed Chemo- and Enantioselective Coupling between Cyclobutanones and Allenes: Rapid Synthesis of [3.2.2] Bicycles

Herein an intramolecular nickel-catalyzed (4+2) coupling between cyclobutanones and allenes, by C-C cleavage, is reported. The reaction provides a distinct approach for accessing [3.2.2] bicyclic scaffolds which are challenging to prepare through conventional approaches. The reaction is efficient, chemoselective, and pH/redox neutral. Room temperature conditions and low catalyst loadings can be adopted. Excellent enantioselectivity is also achieved.
Clonal Heavy and Light Chain Immunoglobulin DNA in Plasma/Serum of AIDS Lymphoma Patients.

Abstract Background DNA tumor markers in plasma and serum such as point mutations, hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes, and viral sequences have attracted much interest. We investigated clonal Ig DNA rearrangements in the plasma of AIDS-related lymphoma (ARL) patients (pts). Methods We evaluated specimens for Ig rearrangements from pts with ARL using fluorescently-labeled multiplex primers targeting IgH and IgK. PCR products were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis. Re-amplified PCR products from plasma and tumor were cloned and sequenced. Results Clonal IgH DNA spikes were seen in plasma at baseline in 5 of 10 pts. Clonal DNA was detected in plasma in pts with either early or advanced stage disease, with or without marrow involvement. Presence of a plasma clone was associated with high LDH. Serial specimens were available from 4 pts. In 2 pts who died with primary refractory disease, clonal peaks remained present after the administration of chemotherapy. In a pt with disease that initially responded and then relapsed, clonal DNA disappeared with chemotherapy, then reappeared presaging relapse and death. In 4 pts, matching serum specimens were available. Results were similar in both types of specimens with identical sized rearrangements amplified from matched specimens. Furthermore in 2 pts, the IgH amplification products from plasma and tumor were sequenced and confirmed to be identical. Two pts with positive IgH amplification products were also screened for light chains in the plasma and in both, clonal IgK rearrangements were detected. For purposes of comparison, plasma from healthy donors (n=20) and AIDS pts with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) (n=10) were also surveyed. Clonal Ig DNA rearrangements were not detected in any of these. Conclusions These results are consistent with observations suggesting that free tumor DNA can often be detected in plasma or serum of cancer pts. The absence of clonal Ig DNA in plasma from healthy donors and pts with AIDS KS suggests that detection of such DNA may be highly specific. Identification of the same Ig rearrangement and sequence in plasma and tumor is consistent with this interpretation. Serial monitoring of circulating clonal DNA appears to track—and perhaps anticipate—clinical evidence of disease. These approaches may be especially valuable in ARL where FDG uptake reflective of inflammatory disease or benign lymphoproliferation detected by PET scan often renders interpretation of imaging ambiguous. Similarly, elevated LDH in this population is relatively non-specific.
The Coordination Dynamics of Observational Learning: Relative Motion Direction and Relative Phase as Informational Content Linking Action-Perception to Action-Production.

The primary goal of this chapter is to merge together the visual perception perspective of observational learning and the coordination dynamics theory of pattern formation in perception and action. Emphasis is placed on identifying movement features that constrain and inform action-perception and action-production processes. Two sources of visual information are examined, relative motion direction and relative phase. The visual perception perspective states that the topological features of relative motion between limbs and joints remains invariant across an actor’s motion and therefore are available for pickup by an observer. Relative phase has been put forth as an informational variable that links perception to action within the coordination dynamics theory. A primary assumption of the coordination dynamics approach is that environmental information is meaningful only in terms of the behavior it modifies. Across a series of single limb tasks and bimanual tasks it is shown that the relative motion and relative phase between limbs and joints is picked up through visual processes and supports observational learning of motor skills. Moreover, internal estimations of motor skill proficiency and competency are linked to the informational content found in relative motion and relative phase. Thus, the chapter links action to perception and vice versa and also links cognitive evaluations to the coordination dynamics that support action-perception and action-production processes.