cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Operation-Aware Health Management for Environmental Control and Life Support System

To enable effective management, planning, and operations for future missions that involve a crewed space habitat, operational support must be migrated from Earth to the habitat. Intelligent System Health Management technologies (ISHM) promise to enable the future space habitats to increase the safety and mission success while minimizing operational risks. Aligning with this objective, my Ph.D. study aims to develop fault diagnosis, prognosis, and automatic contingency management strategies for Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS). Innovations of the research include a combination of physics-based and data-driven modeling, low-cost diagnosis and prognosis, probabilistic reasoning, and optimization for decision-making. Data from Photovoltaic (PV) arrays and Water Recycling System (WRS) deployed at NASA Ames Research Center's Sustainability Base will be used for comparison studies with existing methods and technology validation and verification of the proposed system.
An Optimized Frequency Scanning Tool for Sub-Synchronous Interaction Analysis of Non-Linear Devices

Frequency scan is a powerful and versatile approach for Sub-Synchronous Interaction (SSI) screening in power grids. Among different numerical and analytical frequency scan techniques, the harmonic injection method is well suited for the scan of black-box models with active elements, such as in wind farms and solar plants. The results can be used for SSI risk assessment, in which accuracy performs a decisive role. The ideal situation for this method, which leads to the most accurate results, is to perform one simulation per single-frequency harmonic injection. However, for SSI studies with a wide range of frequencies and simulations with very small time steps (scale of μs), this comes at the expense of increased simulation time and financial costs. This paper proposes a technique to improve the accuracy of the harmonic injection method through the optimization of crest factor while injecting all frequencies at one shot, therefore increasing the efficiency of the method by a considerable decrease in simulation time while maintaining good accuracy. The proposed technique was tested on a 100 MVA wind farm connected to the grid through a series-compensated line. The frequency scan results were benchmarked with both Electromagnetic Transient Simulation (EMT) and the ideal multiple single-frequency injection case and compared with other techniques. The results are indicative of the accuracy and robustness of the proposed method.
Zero-energy neutron–triton and proton–Helium-3 scattering with EFT(π̸)

Abstract Model-independent constraints for the neutron–triton and proton–Helium-3 scattering lengths are calculated with a leading-order interaction derived from an effective field theory without explicit pions. Using the singlet neutron–proton scattering length, the deuteron-, and triton binding energy as input, the predictions a s ( t – n ) = 9.2 ± 2.6 fm , a t ( t – n ) = 7.6 ± 1.6 fm , a s C ( He 3 – p ) = 3.6 ± 0.32 fm , and a t C ( He 3 – p ) = 3.1 ± 0.23 fm are obtained. The calculations employ the resonating group method and include the Coulomb interaction when appropriate. The theoretical uncertainty is assessed via a variation of the regulator parameter of the short-distance interaction from 400 MeV to 1.6 GeV. The phase-shift and scattering-length results for the proton–Helium-3 system are consistent with a recent phase shift analysis and with model calculations. For neutron–triton, the results for the scattering lengths in both singlet and triplet channels are significantly smaller than suggested by R-matrix and partial-wave-analysis extractions from data. For a better understanding of this discrepancy, the sensitivity of the low-energy four-body scattering system to variations in the neutron–neutron and proton–proton two-nucleon scattering lengths is calculated. Induced by strong charge-symmetry-breaking contact interactions, this dependence is found insignificant. In contrast, a strong correlation between the neutron–triton scattering length and the triton binding energy analogous to the Phillips line is found.
Annexin-A1 tripeptide attenuates surgery-induced neuroinflammation and memory deficits through regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome

Neuroinflammation is a growing hallmark of perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PNDs), including delirium and longer-lasting cognitive deficits. We have developed a clinically-relevant orthopedic mouse model to study the impact of a common surgical procedure on the vulnerable brain. The mechanism underlying PNDs remain unknown. Here we evaluated the impact of surgical trauma on the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling, including the expression of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), caspase-1, and IL-1β in the hippocampus of C57BL6/J male mice, adult (3-months) and aged (>18-months). Surgery triggered ASC specks formation in CA1 hippocampal microglia, but without inducing significant morphological changes in NLRP3 and ASC knockout mice. Since no therapies are currently available to treat PNDs, we assessed the neuroprotective effects of a biomimetic peptide derived from the endogenous inflammation-ending molecule, Annexin-A1 (ANXA1). We tested the hypothesis that this peptide (ANXA1sp) inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation, thus preventing microglial activation and hippocampal-dependent memory deficits. Together these results uncover a previously underrecognized role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in triggering postoperative neuroinflammation and offer a new target for advancing treatment of PNDs through resolution of inflammation.
An artificial intelligence approach to COVID-19 infection risk assessment in virtual visits: A case report.

OBJECTIVE: In an effort to improve the efficiency of computer algorithms applied to screening for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing, we used natural language processing and artificial intelligence-based methods with unstructured patient data collected through telehealth visits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After segmenting and parsing documents, we conducted analysis of overrepresented words in patient symptoms. We then developed a word embedding-based convolutional neural network for predicting COVID-19 test results based on patients' self-reported symptoms. RESULTS: Text analytics revealed that concepts such as smell and taste were more prevalent than expected in patients testing positive. As a result, screening algorithms were adapted to include these symptoms. The deep learning model yielded an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of 0.729 for predicting positive results and was subsequently applied to prioritize testing appointment scheduling. CONCLUSIONS: Informatics tools such as natural language processing and artificial intelligence methods can have significant clinical impacts when applied to data streams early in the development of clinical systems for outbreak response.
Various challenges in realizing spin-gapless semiconductivity in Ti2CoSi

Abstract Spin-gapless semiconductors are recently discovered class of materials that behave as an insulator for one spin channel and as a zero-gap semiconductor for the opposite spin. Here, we show from first-principle calculations that one such material Ti2CoSi predicted to exhibit spin-gapless semiconductivity has an energetically close non-spin-polarized phase. In particular, we show that the regular Heusler phase of this material is non-magnetic, while the inverted Heusler phase is nearly spin-gapless semiconducting, with a very small energy difference of ≈ 0.1 eV per 16-atom cell, in favor of the regular Heusler structure. Moreover, we also show that a 100% spin polarization in inverted Heusler phase is detrimentally affected by the emergence of surface states in thin-film geometry. These results need to be taken into account for realistic implementations of this and similar materials in nano-device applications, which rely on highly spin-polarized current in thin-film geometry.
Deep Learning Classification of Motherboard Components by Leveraging EM Side-Channel Signals

We show that a broad range of motherboard components can be classified based on their electromagnetic (EM) emanations using a lightweight convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture. Our random bootstrap sampling approach to cross-validation allows us to select robust models that achieve strong accuracy when classifying processor, memory, power, and ethernet integrated circuits (ICs) on internet of things (IoT) devices in two different excitation states. Our method also performs equal to or better than a k-Nearest Neighbors (k-NN) classifier baseline in all tested cases. We develop an anomaly detection procedure to flag the types of IC models not seen by the CNN in training. An analysis of signals passing through our end-to-end trained model allows us to generate insights about the discriminative features in the emanations of different components. We analyze how the convolution layers’ outputs pass through linear transformation layers to understand which of the input features are most important. Our results demonstrate that a CNN architecture can be used to classify ICs accurately using a diverse set of EM emanations while providing insights about the relevant discriminative features between components.
Visual interface and control modality: an experiment about fast photo browsing on mobile devices

We examined the strengths and weaknesses of three diverse scroll control modalities for photo browsing on personal digital assistants (PDAs). This exploration covered nine alternatives in a design space that consisted of three visual interfaces and three control modalities. The three interfaces were a traditional thumbnail layout, a layout that placed a single picture on the screen at a time, and a hybrid that placed one large photo in the center of the display, while also displaying a row of neighboring thumbnails at the top and bottom of the screen. In a user experiment we paired each of these interfaces with each of the following three scroll control modalities: a jog dial, a squeeze sensor, and an on-screen control that was activated by tapping with a stylus. We offer a simple model that classifies our experiment’s interfaces by how much they provide visual context within the photo collection. The model also classifies the scroll modalities by how tightly they correlate scroll input actions to effects on the screen. Performance and attitudinal results from the user experiment are presented and discussed.
Combining declarative and procedural knowledge to automate and represent ontology mapping

Ontologies on the Semantic Web are by nature decentralized. From the body of ontology mapping approaches, we can draw a conclusion that an effective approach to automate ontology mapping requires both data and metadata in application domains. Most existing approaches usually represent data and metadata by ad-hoc data structures, which lack formalisms to capture the underlying semantics. Furthermore, to approach semantic interoperability, there is a need to represent mappings between ontologies with well-defined semantics that guarantee accurate exchange of information. To address these problems, we propose that domain ontologies attached with extraction procedures are capable of representing knowledge required to find direct and indirect matches between ontologies. And mapping ontologies attached with query procedures not only support equivalent inferences and computations on equivalent concepts and relations but also improve query performance by applying query procedures to derive target-specific views. We conclude that a combination of declarative and procedural representation based on ontologies favors the analysis and implementation for ontology mapping that promises accurate and efficient semantic interoperability.
Detection of clarithromycin resistance in Helicobacter pylori following noncryogenic storage of rapid urease tests for 30 days.

OBJECTIVE: Traditional Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapy has been undermined by increasing antimicrobial, especially clarithromycin, resistance. Susceptibility testing in some areas is difficult to achieve or unavailable. We aimed to determine whether gastric biopsy specimens stored at room temperature for rapid urease test (RUT) were suitable for clarithromycin susceptibility testing of H. pylori. METHODS: After 30 days of storage at room temperature, DNA was extracted from gastric biopsies present in RUTs (Hpfast). H. pylori status and clarithromycin susceptibility were evaluated using H. pylori-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for ureA, vacA, and allele-specific primer-PCR of the 23S rRNA genes. The PCR results were compared with histology, RUT, and culture results. H. pylori positive was defined as RUT and either culture or histology positive; H. pylori negative as RUT, culture and histology negative. RESULTS: Samples from 31 patients were evaluated; 11 were H. pylori positive including 9 by culture; seven of which had allele-specific primer-PCR results from the RUT specimen for the detection of mutations of the 23S rRNA gene. When both tests were available, culture and PCR results were concordant in 7 cases. In 15 of the 20 histology, RUT and culture negative patients, three PCR were negative. In one patient, all of the three tests were positive; and in three only the 23S rRNA was positive and in one only ureA was positive. CONCLUSION: Gastric biopsy specimens stored in the gel of RUT for 30 days can be used for molecular testing to confirm the diagnosis of H. pylori infection and test for clarithromycin susceptibility.
Effectiveness of Foliar Fungicides by Timing on Northern Leaf Blight on Hybrid Corn in Northeast Iowa

Introduction Fungicide use on hybrid corn has increased considerably, primarily due to reports of increased yields, even in the absence of disease and higher corn prices. A number of fungicides are registered for use on corn. The objectives of this project were to 1) assess the effect of timing of application of fungicides on disease, 2) evaluate the yield response of hybrid corn to foliar fungicide application, and 3) discern differences, if any, between fungicide products.
Dominant Mutation for Ethionine Resistance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

An ethionine-resistant mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been investigated whose mutation ( et r2 ) confers resistance to the heterozygous diploid also containing the sensitive allele, et s . The mutation is apparently specific for reversal of ethionine inhibition. The principal difference between the sensitive et s strain and the mutant was the latter9s inability to concentrate large intracellular quantities of adenosylethionine. Reduced incorporation of ethyl groups or ethionine in other cellular fractions of the mutant was also detected. The data show that the mutant has not lost the ability to form adenosylethionine. It is suggested that the mutant has an increased ability to hydrolyze this sulfonium compound after it has been synthesized. It is possible that some of the ethionine is detoxified before it can participate in protein or adenosylethionine synthesis. No mutant alteration in accumulation of ethionine from the medium was detected. In the presence of ethionine, the parental strain accumulated 25 times more adenosylethionine than did the mutant. However, with methionine, only twice as much adenosylmethionine was accumulated by the parental strain as by the mutant.
Zinc availability in low- and high-phytic acid extruded and non-extruded rat diets

Abstract Using the log total femur zinc bioassay technique, zinc availability in rats fed raw corn-based diets high in phytic acid was 22.7%, while rats fed potato-based diets low in phytic acid had an availability of 96.8%. Slight decreases in zinc availability were associated with extrusion processing these diets at 150°C, but the results were not statistically significant. The dietary neutral detergent fiber fractions appeared not to play a significant role in zinc availability from these diets.
Enhancer dependence of polyomavirus persistence in mouse kidneys.

We previously showed that alterations in the enhancer sequence of polyomavirus DNA can alter both the level and the organ specificity of viral DNA replication during the acute phase of infection of newborn mice (R. Rochford, B. A. Campbell, and L. P. Villarreal, J. Virol. 64:476-485, 1990). In this study, we examined whether these enhancer sequence alterations can also affect polyomavirus replication during the persistent phase of infection in vivo. After infection of newborn mice with a mixture of three enhancer variants, the individual organs could select for enhancer-specific viral DNA replication during both the acute and the persistent phases of infection. Contrary to expectations, the ability of some variants to establish a high-level acute infection in some organs (e.g., the pancreas) did not necessarily lead to a persistent infection in those organs. Thus, enhancers can affect acute and persistent infections differently. In addition, some enhancer variants tended to establish a high-level persistent infection in the kidneys immediately following an acute infection; however, in all cases considerable histopathology was associated with these elevated long-term infections, and these mice were always runty. A persistent infection in the kidneys thus appears able to exist in two distinguishable states, a high-level pathological state and a low-level nonpathological state, which can be affected by the viral enhancer sequence.
N=90 region: The decays of {sup 152}Eu{sup m,g} to {sup 152}Sm

The decays of {sup 152}Eu{sup m,g}{yields}{sup 152}Sm have been studied by {gamma}-ray spectroscopy using the 8{pi} spectrometer, an array of 20 Compton-suppressed Ge detectors. Very weak {gamma}-decay branches in {sup 152}Sm were investigated through {gamma}-{gamma} coincidence spectroscopy. All possible E2 transitions between states below 1550 keV with transition energies >130 keV are observed, including the previously unobserved 2{sub 3}{sup +}{yields}0{sub 2}{sup +} 401 keV transition. The results, combined with existing lifetime data, provide a number of new or revised E2 transition strengths which are critical for clarifying the collective structure of {sup 152}Sm and the N=90 isotones.
Computing semi-commuting differential operators in one and multiple variables

We discuss the concept of what we refer to as semi-commuting linear differential operators. Such operators hold commuting operators as a special case. In particular, we discuss a heuristic by which one may construct such operators. Restricting to the case in which one such operator is of degree two, we construct families of linear differential operators semi-commuting with some named operators governing special functions (with a focus on the hypergeometric case, as it holds many other cases as reductions); operators commuting with such special degree two operators will necessarily be contained in these families. In the partial differential operator case, we consider examples in the form of the wave equation with a variable wave speed, and then hypergeometric operators on two variables (such operators define Appell functions).
Paediatric Considerations in Drowning

Drowning is one of the most common definable aetiologies of out-of-hospital paediatric cardiac arrest and constitutes a major cause of paediatric mortality and morbidity. For children of all ages, drowning was the cause of 5–8 % of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the USA and Canada [1], Japan [2] and the Netherlands [3]. For younger children, 1–12 years old, drowning was the cause of 9–13 % of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests [1, 2]. Importantly, children with out-of-hospital cardiac arrests from drowning are more likely to survive than those with arrests from other aetiologies [4].
South Dakota Diversity of Temperature: Pictures from Statistical Analysis

The regional diversity of monthly temperature was analyzed based on long-term data obtained for South Dakota (SD) from the High Plains Regional Climate Center. Multidimensional statistical methods were used and the principal results presented as a sequence of 2- and 3-dimensional scatterplot pictures depicting the quantitative results. System hierarchical model of landscape was used for research tasks formulation. Initial matrixes for three research tasks were compiled for the state. The first set of initial matrices of time series {Xt*n}, where t = number of years and n = number of meteorological stations, contains two matrixes: X1(67*29) and X2(33*94). The second set -{Xt*m}, where t = number of years and m = number of months in a year: X3(113*12), X4(110*12), and X5(102*12). The third set - {Xn*m}, where n = number of meteorological stations and m = number of months in a year, contains two matrixes: X6(29*12) and X7(94*12). Statistical analysis allowed us to differentiate weather stations by temporal trends and spatial distribution for the time interval 1932-1998. The most variable stations (Brookings, Camp Crook, and Highmore) were determined; their seasonality was described (the most variable months and correlation among months during the year) and their seasonal regime determined. The average annual and monthly temperature distributions were presented for South Dakota based on 29 and 94 stations for the time intervals 1932-1998 and 1963-1995.
Superiority of Atomic Mass per Nucleon as a Parameter for Nuclides rather than the Conventional Packing Fraction

THE results of the calculations undertaken by Prof. Durnford1 are very interesting, and enable him to claim “uniqueness of the mass-surface relative to iron-56”.
A generalized jwkb approximation for multichannel scattering

Abstract The well-known JWKB approximation is generalized to handle multichannel scattering problems. Included is a discussion of how the JWKB connection formulas can be applied to the multiple classical turning points which occur in the multichannel case. A new and useful form of the distorted wave transformation is derived and applied to the two state curve crossing problem. The result is a useful factorization and parameterization of the S-matrix. The parameters are evaluated approximately by a method due originally to Zener to obtain Landau-Zener type formulas. It is also shown how the equations of the impact parameter method with Straight line trajectories can be derived from our generalized JWKB equations.
Seasonal variation in the growth and nutrient content of yellow-birch replacement roots

Modified air layers were established on lateral long roots of 9 yellow birch (Betula alleghniensis Britton) trees, and all replacement roots >. 5 cm long were harvested periodically during the 1971 and 1972 growing seasons. The first replacement roots grew 6 weeks after layer establishment. Root layers were inactive from 29 Oct. 71 to 5 May 72. Active root layers produced an average of 208 mg per tree during the first season and 198 mg per tree during the second season. Concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Al all varied within growing season, and average concentration of some elements—Ca in particular—varied between growing seasons. This technique shows promise for studying the nutrient status of root systems of forest trees.
Advanced operation planning-second generation tools (Energy Transaction Management System)

Modern information and communication technology has become an integral and important part of the energy production and transmission process. Electric utilities can gain economical and ecological advantages by applying modern computer-aided operation planning and scheduling tools. They are based on modern decision-support methods using optimization models. Several critical success factors, especially arising in unbundled, competitive and privatized environments, can be influenced by applying such technologies. For example, operational costs can be reduced by an efficient ETMS (Energy Transaction Management System) in presence of spot-market like energy offerings i.e. purchasing and selling energy to and from other utilities sometimes with different frequencies, including electric railway systems (e.g. 16 2/3 Hz). Moreover the energy production can be increased by advanced resource management systems. Today, modern information technology, in combination with advanced modeling and optimization techniques, makes possible to meet the new ETMS-requirements. The ETM-process takes place in a spot-market like environment. Therefore, both short CPU-times and a very quick input of the transaction data are a necessary prerequisite for an efficient support of the responsible utility personnel.
Improvements in digital simulation

Summary Approximations inherent in the explicit method of digital simulation are analyzed. It is demonstrated that the lower-order approximations may be avoided by placing the electrode in the middle of the first volume element rather than at its boundary. This results in improved simulations. Chronoamperometry, autocatalytic chronoamperometry, and chronopotentiometry are simulated for demonstration purposes.
An Object-Based Method for Contrail Detection in AVHRR Satellite Images

Contrails are important in understanding how aviation potentially affects climate change. The commonly used methods for detecting contrails usually only consider the spectral information of the image. This study focuses on introducing an object-based method for detecting contrails in AVHRR images. An object-based method utilizes not only the spectral characteristics, but also spatial information to aid in the detection. The results of the experimental study demonstrate that it is practical to use an object-based classification method for contrail detection. Compared with pixel-based classification methods, the accuracy of the results is improved using the object-based method.
Shear-strain-induced chemical reactivity of layered molecular crystals

A density-functional theory study of shear related dissociation of two molecular crystals, diamino-dinitroethylene (FOX-7) and triamino-trinitrobenzine (TATB), is presented. A detailed explanation is proposed for the fact that FOX-7 is more sensitive than TATB while their sensitivities to initiation of chemistry have been expected to be comparable. The authors suggest that shear plays a crucial role in the dissociation of molecules in organic energetic crystals and may be imperative in providing specific recommendations on ways for materials design.
The use of octreotide to treat congenital chylothorax

We report the use of the octreotide (a somatostatin analogue) in the treatment of idiopathic congenital chylothorax in a patient with Turner's syndrome who had previously failed conservative medical therapy. The patient improved rapidly after initiation of octreotide with complete resolution after 5 days of continuous therapy (10 microg/kg per hour).
The pitfalls of overreaching in health reform.

ABSTRACT: Although fundamental reform of U.S. health care is clearly necessary, the obstacles remain daunting. These include the sheer size of the health sector, the multiplicity of powerful groups...
Structural studies on marine humus: a new reduction sequence for carbon skeleton determination

Abstract A new reduction sequence designed to transform polyfunctional molecules to hydrocarbons is applied to fulvic acid isolated from Sargasso Sea and coastal water. Following methylation, samples are reduced by high-pressure hydrogenation. These products are treated with dibromotriphenylphosphorane to brominate alcohols and phenols and to cleave ether linkages. Finally, the brominated products are reduced by low pressure hydrogenation and hydrocarbons are isolated by liquid-solid chromatography. The hydrocarbons produced indicate that marine lipids are important structural components and that terrestrial sources are minor, even in coastal samples. Also, an unusual series of aromatic structures was obtained, the source of these is unknown.
Measurement of temperature distribution in machining using IR photography

Abstract A review of various techniques employed in measuring cutting temperatures is presented and it is pointed out that the method of IR photography is certainly better than other techniques for the accurate measurement of the temperature distribution in the cutting region. The thermal sensitivity of high speed IR film has increased significantly in the past two decades. It is now possible to use IR photography for measuring cutting temperatures without preheating the workpiece and the cutting tool. Temperature measurements in the surface region of annealed 18% Ni maraging steel were made at cutting speeds of 80 and 160 ft min −1 . It was observed that the temperature is very high at the surface and decreases with depth beneath the surface. The cutting temperature increases with an increase in the wear land or dullness of the tool.
The able amble: gait recognition using Gaussian mixture model for biometric applications

With the advent of wearable devices and commonality of on-body monitoring devices, it is anticipated that a day will come in the future where body-area networks will become commonplace in our lives. It is envisioned that the whole process will be automated wherein a user wearing such a device automatically enables the security mechanism and establishes communication between that user and his/her surroundings. This paper addresses a technique to identify the wearer of the device by way of Gaussian Mixture Models (GMM), allowing for identification and verification before establishing communication. It suggests using gait as a metric for identity association using wearable sensors.
Observation of gapped quasiparticles in sodium charge-ordered Na1/2CoO2

Abstract Using high-resolution photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), we present a systematic study of the insulating cobaltates. A single-particle gap opening suggests that due to the material's unique topology an anisotropic particle–hole instability is present. Unlike conventional density waves, charge stripes or band insulators, the onset of the gap depends on the quasiparticle's quantum coherence which occurs well below the symmetry-breaking temperature of the crystal. Results are found to be in good agreement with bulk resistivity, specific heat and optical measurements.
Uromodulin: a specific inhibitor of IL-1-initiated human T cell colony formation

Abstract Uromodulin, an 85 kDa naturally occurring immunosuppressant, was found to selectively and specifically inhibit the ability of IL-1 to induce colony responses by highly enriched suspensions of PHA-stimulated T lymphocytes. Dilutions of 1 × 10−8 M completely blocked the colony growth of T lymphocytes cultured with 50 U/ml IL-1; 1 × 10−9 M dilutions reduced scores by 83%. By contrast, uromodulin did not inhibit the responses of unseparated mononuclear cells, isolated T lymphocytes cultured with irradiated adherent cells, or stimulated T cells whose growth was initiated by either IL-2 or a soluble factor derived from Raji cells.
Determination of Corticosterone Concentration in Plasma of Turkeys Using Radioimmunoassay

Abstract A method of determining corticosterone concentration in turkey plasma was developed using radioimmunoassay. Compared to fluorometric analysis and competitive proteinbinding radioassay, this method had the following advantages: 1) results were consistent, 2) the method was simple and rapid to perform, 3) only 20 λ of plasma was required, 4) all procedures were performed using the same tube except for counting, and 5) unknown and standard samples were treated identically. The coefficient of variation with the 5 ng/ml standard sample between 14 sets of assays was 12.6% and the average coefficient of variation within duplicate assays of unknown samples randomly selected from each of the 14 series was 4%. Using this method, there was an increase in the average plasma corticosterone concentration in all groups of inoculated turkeys one day after inoculation of Pasteurella multocida which was significantly (P
Computer Simulation of Convection in Moving Arc Weld Pools

Computer simulation for three-dimensional convection in moving arc weld pools was described, with three distinct driving forces for flow considered — the electromagnetic force, the buoyancy force, and the surface tension gradient on the pool surface. Formulation of the electromagnetic force in the weld pool was presented. The calculated and experimentally observed fusion boundaries were compared. The arc efficiency and spatial distributions of the current density and power density used in the calculations were based on experimentally measured results, in order to verify the model. The effects of the electromagnetic and surface tension forces were discussed.
The waveguide effect of metastable olivine in slabs

We use a finite difference algorithm to compute P-SV synthetic seismograms for deep earthquakes recorded at regional seismic stations located above a subducting slab. We calculate synthetics for 2-D slab models in which the 410 km-discontinuity is uplifted, owing to the exothermic nature of the α → β transition (the equilibrium model), and models in which the 410 km-discontinuity is depressed, owing to inhibited kinetics of the α → β olivine transition (the metastable model). In the latter case the existence of the low-velocity wedge of metastable olivine has a profound influence on the waveforms of deep-focus earthquakes. The wedge acts as a geometrical waveguide, with the energy-focusing effect apparent even after the wavefront has traveled the several hundred kilometers from the wedge boundary to the Earth's surface. The guided energy is most pronounced for receivers located near the surface projection of the deep slab but is observable over a range of 300 km and so may provide a valuable diagnostic for discriminating between equilibrium and metastable models of subduction. A recent search for such guided energy, using regionally recorded P and S waves from deep events in Tonga, yielded negative results.
Development of Huggins' and Kraemer's equations for polymer solution evaluations from the generalized viscosity model for suspensions

This study found that the generalized viscosity model for suspensions recently published by this author could be successfully applied to polymer solutions to generate both Huggins' equation and Kraemer's equation. It was also found that the solute (particle) interaction coefficient, σ, as evaluated from the generalized viscosity model, characterizes the solubility of either a solute in a solution or a particle in a suspension. Suspensions would appear to be characterized as having a solute/particle interaction coefficient of σ ≥ 1. Poor to intermediate solutions would be characterized as having a solute/particle interaction coefficient of 0 ≤ σ < 1. Good to excellent solutions would then be characterized as having solute/particle interaction coefficients of σ < 0. It was also found that a maximum in the reduced viscosity was predicted using the generalized viscosity model as applied to a Huggins-type plot for solutions. The experimental literature data of Hermans et al. confirmed that such a maximum can exist for a Huggins-type plot. Based on the available range of literature values of Kraemer's constant and other theoretical considerations from this study, the solute/particle interaction coefficient was found to have an apparent range from −[ϵ] ≤ σ ≤ [ϵ], where [ϵ] is the Einstein-type intrinsic viscosity. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 66: 2319–2332, 1997
ISOLATION OF ß1F-GLOBULIN FROM HUMAN SERUM AND ITS CHARACTERIZATION AS THE FIFTH COMPONENT OF COMPLEMENT

At least 3 complement factors were found necessary for the conversion of the thermolabile intermediate complex EAC'1a,4,2a to a thermostable state. One of these factors is the earlier described β1C-globulin. The second, a heretofore unrecorded serum protein, β1F-globulin. The third factor has not yet been defined as a discrete serum protein entity. Kinetic experiments indicated that β1C reacted prior to β1F, which in turn seemed to precede the third factor in the reaction sequence. Therefore, the 3 components were tentatively designated the third (C'3), the fifth (C'5), and the sixth (C'6) components of complement, respectively. A procedure was developed allowing the isolation of highly purified β1C-(C'3) and β1F-globulin (C'5) and of partially purified C'6. With respect to its function in immune hemolysis, β1F-globulin or C'5 was found to be closely dependent on the simultaneous presence of C'6. The hypothesis that C'5 and C'6 form a functional unit was supported by the finding that both components interact with each other in solution resulting in the formation of a complex. A similar complex was also found in fresh human serum.
Nonexponential dephasing in a local random matrix model

Deviations from exponential decay dynamics have been proposed for a wide variety of systems in high-energy, atomic, and molecular physics. This work examines the quantum dynamics of a simple hierarchical local random matrix model. The hierarchical structure is imposed by two physically motivated constraints: an exponential size scaling of matrix elements, and a quantum number ``triangle rule,'' which introduces correlations in the quantum-state space by mimicking the nodal structure of wave functions in a coordinate Hamiltonian. These correlations lead to a systematic slowing of dephasing dynamics compared to exponential decays. A generalized Lorentzian line shape is introduced as the Fourier transform of a polynomial survival amplitude to describe the average behavior of these decays. The model is brought into a representation that can be compared directly with the golden rule. In this representation, the deviations from exponentiality arise from energy-dependent correlations among the coupling matrix elements that persist even for large systems. Finally, the effects of relaxing the size scaling and ``triangle rule'' constraints are studied. Sparsity of the random matrix alone is not sufficient to produce slow asymptotic dynamics; both types of constraints are required.
PKDEMO - A Pharmacokinetic Demonstration simulation program

A demonstration simulation program was developed on an IBM AT personal com puter to aid students in understanding the effects of altering rate constants on simple one and two compartment pharmacokinetic models. This menu driven system graphi cally presents specific sets of simulated curves illustrating how all components of a model interact. The student selects one of the five models and also determines which portion of the model is to be altered. The aim of the program is to teach the user to anticipate the outcome of the model alteration and interactions. The program was developed with the use of PC Storyboard, a demonstration software package, which provided the tools necessary for an elegant program presentation. This interactive presentation graphic program illustrates a viable means of conveying simulation models to a novice audience.
Structure and dynamics of α-MSH using DRISM integral equation theory and stochastic dynamics

The structural and dynamical features of the hormone α-MSH in solution have been examined over a 100 ns time scale by using free energy molecular mechanics models at room temperature. The free energy surface has been modeled using methods from integral equation theory and the dynamics by the Langevin equation. A modification of the accessible surface area friction drag model was used to calculate the atomic friction coefficients. The molecule shows a stable β-turn conformation in the message region and a close interaction between the side chains of His6, Phe7, and Trp9. A salt bridge between Glu5 and Arg8 was found not to be a preferred interaction, whereas a Glu5 and Lys11 salt bridge was not sampled, presumably due to relatively high free energy barriers. The message region was more conformationally rigid than the N-terminal region. Several structural features observed here agree well with experimental results. The conformational features suggest a receptor–hormone interaction model where the hydrophobic side chains of Phe7 and Trp9 interact with the transmembrane portion of the MC1 receptor. Also, the positively charged side chain of Arg8 and the imidazole side chain of His6 may interact with the negatively charged portions of the receptor which may even be on the receptor's extracellular loops. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biopoly 50: 255–272, 1999
Unilateral Brain Lesions and Performance on Russell's Version of the Wechsler Memory Scale in an African American Population

Studies of patients with unilateral lesions report hemisphere-specific and locus-specific impairments on Russell's (1975) Revision of the Wechsler Memory Scale (RWMS). In the current investigation "race-homogeneous" and "race-comparative" paradigms provide the context in which the generalizability of RWMS findings are examined in a population of African Americans with unilateral lesions. The performances of brain-damaged patients were impaired relative to normal controls on five of the six RWMS measures. However, patients with left and right hemisphere damage in our sample did not differ systematically on RWMS subtests. Likewise, among patients with lesions confined to one of the quadrants in the brain, there were no quadrant group differences in performance on RWMS subtests. But, right posteriors were impaired relative to controls on immediate and delayed VR subtests. The relative merits of the race-comparative and race-homogeneous paradigms are considered in the context of these findings.
Talking about science: An interpretation of the effects of teacher talk in a high school science classroom

This paper builds on research in science education, secondary education, and sociolinguistics by arguing that high school classrooms can be considered speech communities in which language may be selectively used and imposed on students as a means of fostering academic speech community identification. To demonstrate the ways in which a high school teacher's language use may encourage subject area identification, the results of an interactionist analysis of data from a 2-year ethnographic study of one high school chemistry classroom are presented. Findings indicate that this teacher's uses of language fell into three related categories. These uses of language served to foster identification with the academic speech community of science. As a result of the teacher's talk about science according to these three patterns, students developed or reinforced particular views of science. In addition, talking about science in ways that fostered identity with the discipline promoted the teacher as expert and built classroom solidarity or community. These results are discussed in light of sociolinguistic research on classroom competence and of the assertions of science educators regarding social and ideologic implications of language use in science instruction.
A survey of genomic studies supports association of circadian clock genes with bipolar disorder spectrum illnesses and lithium response.

Circadian rhythm abnormalities in bipolar disorder (BD) have led to a search for genetic abnormalities in circadian “clock genes” associated with BD. However, no significant clock gene findings have emerged from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). At least three factors could account for this discrepancy: complex traits are polygenic, the organization of the clock is more complex than previously recognized, and/or genetic risk for BD may be shared across multiple illnesses. To investigate these issues, we considered the clock gene network at three levels: essential “core” clock genes, upstream circadian clock modulators, and downstream clock controlled genes. Using relaxed thresholds for GWAS statistical significance, we determined the rates of clock vs. control genetic associations with BD, and four additional illnesses that share clinical features and/or genetic risk with BD (major depression, schizophrenia, attention deficit/hyperactivity). Then we compared the results to a set of lithium-responsive genes. Associations with BD-spectrum illnesses and lithium-responsiveness were both enriched among core clock genes but not among upstream clock modulators. Associations with BD-spectrum illnesses and lithium-responsiveness were also enriched among pervasively rhythmic clock-controlled genes but not among genes that were less pervasively rhythmic or non-rhythmic. Our analysis reveals previously unrecognized associations between clock genes and BD-spectrum illnesses, partly reconciling previously discordant results from past GWAS and candidate gene studies.
Build It (and Customize and Market It) and They Will Come

ABSTRACT Like other academic libraries, the University Library System of the University of Pittsburgh (ULS) continues to invest in providing anytime, anywhere access to research materials in electronic format. While there are obvious benefits for users in this concomitant increase in complexity for these same users, with many of them, especially undergraduates, turning to the speed and simplicity of Google and away from the complexity of library sponsored electronic resources. Seeking ways to both maximize our investment in full text resources, and promote easy access to this universe of electronic resources for our users, the ULS felt strongly that a navigational solution had to be found, and in 2004 began the process of implementing a federated search tool. This article discusses the collaborative process between the University Library System and its federated search vendor, and discusses the decision making process behind the customizations made by the ULS to its federated search system. The article al...
Studies on memory: inhibitors of protein synthesis also inhibit catecholamine synthesis

The rates of accumulation of newly synthesized catecholamines and endogenous catecholamine levels in mice were determined after treatment with cycloheximide, acetoxycycloheximde, puromycin, and anisomycin. The rates of accumulation were found to be decreased by all antibiotics tested, weakening the assumption that their amnestic effects are due solely to inhibition of protein synthesis.
A modular commercial tokamak reactor with day long pulses

We discuss the design features of a commercial tokamak reactor in which day long pulses are provided by the volt-second capability of the ohmic heating transformer. Illustrative parameters are a major radius of 9.7 m, a minor radius of 1.95 m, an average toroidal beta of 0.036, a magnetic field on axis of 6.1 T, a neutron wall loading of 2.3 MW/m2 and a thermal power level of 4000 MW. The tokamak is modularized into units which consist of two toroidal field coils, blanket and shield and first wall. The removal of the two toroidal field coils associated with a module would be carried out without warming up the rest of the toroidal field coil set.
RNA/protein interactions in icosahedral virus assembly

Abstract The pathway of icosahedral viral assembly is a poorly understood process. In this review we examine three model systems in which icosahedral viral assembly is initiated by the viral RNA. Bacteriophage R17, and the plant viruses turnip crinkle and cowpea chlorotic mottle virus have emerged as model systems because they combine biochemical, molecular and structural approaches to addressing assembly questions. In all three systems it is suggested that binding of capsid protein(s) to a specific RNA structure forms an assembly initiation complex which nucleates the subsequent addition of capsid protein subunits to form the completed shell. Detailed structures are not emerging on the initiation complex and the completed virus particle, but much remains to be learned about the process which leads from one to the other.