cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A review of pseudospectral optimal control: From theory to flight

Abstract The home space for optimal control is a Sobolev space. The home space for pseudospectral theory is also a Sobolev space. It thus seems natural to combine pseudospectral theory with optimal control theory and construct “pseudospectral optimal control theory”, a term coined by Ross. In this paper, we review key theoretical results in pseudospectral optimal control that have proven to be critical for a successful flight. Implementation details of flight demonstrations onboard NASA spacecraft are discussed along with emerging trends and techniques in both theory and practice. The 2011 launch of pseudospectral optimal control in embedded platforms is changing the way in which we see solutions to challenging control problems in aerospace and autonomous systems.
A Survey of Training Programs for Teachers of Mildly Handicapped Adolescents

A survey of 160 teacher education programs and state certification departments in all 50 states was conducted. The results show a continuing trend for states to establish separate certificates for elementary and secondary level special education teachers. The results also indicate that there are significant differences in collegeluniversity training programs in states that require separate secondary certificates. The implications of these findings for educational policy and teacher training are discussed.
Imaging of the temporomandibular joint: An update

Imaging of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is continuously evolving with advancement of imaging technologies. Many different imaging modalities are currently used to evaluate the TMJ. Magnetic resonance imaging is commonly used for evaluation of the TMJ due to its superior contrast resolution and its ability to acquire dynamic imaging for demonstration of the functionality of the joint. Computed tomography and ultrasound imaging have specific indication in imaging of the TMJ. This article focuses on state of the art imaging of the temporomandibular joint. Relevant normal anatomy and biomechanics of movement of the TMJ are discussed for better understanding of many TMJ pathologies. Imaging of internal derangements is discussed in detail. Different arthropathies and common tumors are also discussed in this article.
Ascorbic Acid Oxidation and Lipid Peroxidation in Milk

SUMMARY Ascorbic acid oxidation was studied in relation to the natural copper level and to lipid peroxidation in milks produced by cows receiving alfalfa bay or pasture. Correlations were highly significant (r = 0.79**) between ascorbic acid oxidation rate and natural copper for both alfalfa and pasture milks. The correlation between lipid peroxidation (by the TBA test) and ascorbic acid oxidation rate was very highly significant (r = 0.87***) in alfalfa milks but nonsignificant in pasture milks. Some postulated mechanisms for the action of copper and ascorbic acid in producing oxidized flavor were studied. The results do not support the theories of the role of the ascorbic acid radical, or of hydrogen peroxide, in the initiation of oxidized flavor. The kinetics of ascorbic acid oxidation by light, hydrogen peroxide, and ascorbic acid oxidase were examined. Zero-order kinetics was found for light, and first-order for the other agents.
Model of synthesis and release of insulin from rat islet β-cells and the effect of pretreatment with tolbutamide

A kinetic model involving synthesis of proinsulin in the rough endoplasmic reticulum, maturation through the Golgi apparatus and granules, with conversion to insulin, is proposed to account for data on the amount of insulin and of proinsulin both secreted during various time intervals and remaining in islets. Introducing three compartments for granules makes it possible to account for the measurement of both hot (pulse labeled with tritiated leucine) and cold proinsulin and insulin over a period of 21/2 hr under constant glucose. Data from islets from animals pretreated with tolbutamide are also presented and modeled. The model is then expanded so that it can be successfully applied to available data on the effects of a period of glucose deprivation on secretion of both hot and cold hormone. Parameters have essentially the same values, where they overlap, as were obtained (Landahl and Grodsky, 1982Bull. math. Biol. 44, 399–410) from insulin secretion by perfused rat pancreas stimulated by a variety of temporal patterns of glucose concentration.
Quantitative Studies of Fibronectin Adsorption on Submicron Scaffolds

Fibronectin plays a crucial role in adhesion of several cell types, mainly due to the fact that it is recognized by at least ten different integrin receptors. Since most cell types can bind to fibronectin, it becomes involved in many various biological processes. The interaction of cells with ECM proteins such as fibronectin provides the signals affecting morphology, motility, gene expression, and survival of cells [1]. Fibronectin exists in both soluble and insoluble forms; soluble fibronectin is secreted by cells and exits in cell media or body fluids, whereas insoluble fibronectin exists in tissues or the extracellular matrix of cultured cells [2]. The ability to control adsorption of fibronectin on tissue engineering scaffolds would therefore play a huge role in controlling cell attachment and survival in vivo. This can be achieved through surface functionalization of the scaffolds. The goal of these studies is to use molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to mechanistically understand how fibronectin adsorption is enhanced by surface functionalization of submicron scaffolds.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Structural Insight into the Inhibition of Human Kynurenine Aminotransferase I/Glutamine Transaminase K

Human kynurenine aminotransferase I (hKAT I) catalyzes the formation of kynurenic acid, a neuroactive compound. Here, we report three high-resolution crystal structures (1.50-1.55 A) of hKAT I that are in complex with glycerol and each of two inhibitors of hKAT I: indole-3-acetic acid (IAC) and Tris. Because Tris is able to occupy the substrate binding position, we speculate that this may be the basis for hKAT I inhibition. Furthermore, the hKAT/IAC complex structure reveals that the binding moieties of the inhibitor are its indole ring and a carboxyl group. Six chemicals with both binding moieties were tested for their ability to inhibit hKAT I activity; 3-indolepropionic acid and DL-indole-3-lactic acid demonstrated the highest level of inhibition, and as they cannot be considered as substrates of the enzyme, these two inhibitors are promising candidates for future study. Perhaps even more significantly, we report the discovery of two different ligands located simultaneously in the hKAT I active center for the first time.
Service Life Projection for Chloride-Exposed Concrete Reinforced with Black and Corrosion-Resistant Bars

Corrosion-induced deterioration of reinforced concrete is a pervasive problem internationally. In response to this, an equation has been derived whereby the fraction of electrochemically independent reinforced concrete elements within which corrosion-caused damage has resulted after a given exposure time is calculated. The approach considers that all relevant variables conform to some distribution rather than being discrete, as is now known to be the case. These variables are (1) surface Cl− concentration, (2) the effective Cl− diffusion coefficient, (3) concrete cover, and (4) the critical Cl− concentration threshold to initiate corrosion. Upon inputting (1) distribution parameters for the above variables, (2) the critical reinforcement corrosion loss to cause concrete damage, and (3) the average corrosion rate over the exposure period and numerically integrating, the fraction of elements that has experienced cracking/delamination after the selected time was determined. Upon repeating the calculation for...
A frequency domain cross-correlation technique for measuring the linewidth of difference frequency generated radiation

We demonstrate a novel approach for measuring the linewidth of difference frequency generated radiation based on a frequency domain cross-correlation approach. The technique is particularly well suited for narrow linewidth applications.
Cysteines 153 and 154 of Transmembrane Transforming Growth Factor-α Are Palmitoylated and Mediate Cytoplasmic Protein Association

Transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) is synthesized as a transmembrane protein with a highly conserved, short cytoplasmic domain that is rich in cysteines. TGF-α is a prototype of a large family of growth factors involved in cell-cell communication. We have shown previously that transmembrane TGF-α associates with a kinase activity and two proteins of 106 and 86 kDa. In this study, we have used site-directed mutagenesis of the cytoplasmic domain of TGF-α to define the structural requirements for these protein interactions. Whereas the cytoplasmic domain of TGF-α was not essential for association with transmembrane p106, deletion of the C-terminal 8 amino acids, including a cysteine pair, abolished the interaction with p86 and greatly reduced the kinase activity associated with transmembrane TGF-α. Replacement of these 2 cysteines by serines similarly reduced the association of p86 with transmembrane TGF-α. Using a combination of mutational analysis and direct microsequencing, we have determined that this cysteine pair was palmitoylated. We therefore conclude that these cysteines play a critical role in the interaction of TGF-α with associated proteins and in the function of this protein complex. The palmitoylation of these cysteines suggests a possibly dynamic role of fatty acid modification in the integrity and function of the transmembrane TGF-α complex.
Carbon monoxide binding by Pseudomonas putida cytochrome P-450.

Abstract The interaction of carbon monoxide with Pseudomonas putida cytochrome P-450 is affected by the substrate camphor. In the presence of camphor, the equilibrium constant for the reaction with carbon monoxide is 2.6 × 10 5 m −1 while in the absence of camphor the equilibrium constant is 2.2 × 10 6 m −1 . The second-order reaction rate constant for the reaction of carbon monoxide with the camphor complex of ferrous cytochrome P-450 is 3.8 × 10 4 m −1 sec −1 , while in the absence of camphor the second-order reaction rate constant is 5.1 × 10 6 m −1 sec −1 . The results presented support the conclusion that camphor is bound to ferrous cytochrome P-450 at a site which markedly modifies the carbon monoxide (oxygen) binding site on the heme iron atom.
Mössbauer effect for Ni61 with applied magnetic fields

It was recently shown that the 71-kev gamma radiation of Ni61 was suitable for the Mossbauer effect. The Mossbauer spectrum M(v) in nickel is approximately five times broader than the natural line width. This broadening was caused by magnetic hyperfine structure splitting. By application of external magnetic fields the usually unoriented internal field responsible for the splitting was polarized. Various polarizations gave different forms of the spectrum M(v). In an appendix, M(v) is given for El, Ml, E2, and M2 gamma radiation as a function of the nuclear spin, the magnetic moment, and the magnetic field in source and absorber. For Ni61 one obtains, according to the field geometry applied, 7, 14, 21, or 35 different lines which are so closely adjacent that they can not be resolved. Nevertheless the measured form of M(v) yields information on the internal magnetic field H in nickel metal and on the nuclear moments μ e (excited state) and μ (ground state). The ratio μe/ μg=-0.47 ± 0-08, the product ( μg/H)(h-jg) = 26.0 ± 2.6 Mc/sec, and the direction of H, opposite to the macroscopic magnetization, are found. Finally, the value for ( μg - H) is in satisfactory agreement with magnetic nuclearmore » resonance measurements.« less
A Combined Laser-Doppler Anemometer/Laser-Induced Fluorescence System for Turbulent Transport Measurements

A combined laser-Dopplet anemometer (LDA) and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) system is described which can provide nonintrusive simultaneous measurements of velocities and concentrations at a point in gases. This yields information needed to better understand turbulent transport of mass and heat-the latter by computation or analogy. The combined LDA/LIF system has potential for a variety of applications due to good spatial resolution and frequency response, acceptable performance at high turbulence intensities, capabilities for operation in dusty or particle-containing environments and near surfaces, and equipment costs that are not much greater than LDA itself. The present system is adapted for low-soeed flows near surfaces; using LDA for velocity measurements and resolving attendant problems of Mie scattering from LDA seeding particles and reflections from surfaces. The LDA/LIF system can be used to study turbulent mixing between two streams or turbulent transport from surfaces. The present system was developed for the former application; however, use of the technique to study transport from surfaces is discussed at the end of the paper.
Requirements for Foods Containing Soy Protein in the Food for Peace Program

Under the Food for Peace Program, whole grains, milled wheat flour, milled rice, soybean oil, soybean flour, nonfat dry milk, soyacontaining blended food supplements, and soya-fortified processed foods are provided by the U.S. to needy people abroad to alleviate malnutrition. These commodities are used in maternal/child health programs, school feeding, food for work projects and disaster relief. The wide diversity of nutritional requirements and traditional food preferences has led to development of nine soya-containing food types, which are used in the PL-480 Title II donation program as blended food supplements or fortified processed foods. Research studies have led to the development of product specifications. Blended food supplements include the standardized mixtures of corn-soya-milk (CSM), instant CSM, wheat-soy blend and whey-soy drink mix. These foods, developed to fulfill the nutritional requirements of preschool children, contain from 17.5 to 29.7% either toasted-defatted or equivalent full-fat soya flour, along with vitamins and minerals. In addition, 4–19% soya oil is added to improve caloric density. These products contain 19 or 20% minimum protein and 6 or 19% minimum fat content. Fortified processed foods include soya-fortified bulgur (SFB), soya-fortified bread wheat flour (SFWF), soya-fortified cornmeal (SFCM), soya-fortified sorghum grits (SFSG), and soya-fortified rolled oats (SFRO). These foods contain toasted soya flour, grits, or flakes added at 12–15% levels. Fortified foods are generally consumed by people other than infants.
Analytical Solutions for Nonlinear Strain-Gradient Softening and Localization

Analytical solutions to two problems are obtained for the case where the functional dependence on the invariant is quadratic. The solutions are interpreted and correlations are made between predictions of load softening and the size of the localization zone based on material parameters and experimental data
Pyopneumothorax in a 14-year-old boy.

A 14-YEAR-OLD BLACK BOY was admitted to the hospital with a chief complaint of left-sided chest and abdominal pain. He had been well until three weeks prior to admission when, while playing basketball, he developed acute epigastic pain which was sharp, radiated to the left upper quadrant, and was associated with nausea but no vomiting. After reassurance by his local physician, he resumed his normal activities and was well until two days prior to admission, when he suddenly experienced epigastric, left upper quadrant and left pleuritic chest pain while playing soccer. After treatment with clear liquids the pain eased somewhat, but he became lethargic. On the day of admission the pain worsened, he vomited once, and was dizzy when standing. His past medical history was remarkable only in that chest radiographs demonstrated a "spot" on his left lung when he was 2 days of age and again at 4 years; a tuberculin test was negative. His admission physical examination included: temperature 40.5 ~ C, pulse 120/minute, respirations 60/minute, blood pressure 120/70 mm Hg supine. He was obese (65 kg) and in acute respiratory distress. There were diminished breath sounds, dullness to percussion and egophony over the lower half of his left lung; the right lung was clear. The heart sounds were normal except that they were audible only along the left sternal border and to the right of the sternum; the point of maximal impulse was palpable in the sixth intercostal space at the left sternal border. There were no murmurs or rubs. His abdomen was soft, with no tenderness or organomegaly. Bowel
Structural characterization of biogenic Mn oxides produced in seawater by the marine bacillus sp. strain SG-1

Natural Mn-oxide nanoparticles and grain coatings are ubiquitous in the environment and profoundly impact the water quality and quality of sediments through their ability to degrade and sequester contaminants. These oxides, which are believed to form dominantly via oxidation of Mn2+ by marine and freshwater bacteria, have extremely high sorptive capacities for heavy metals. We have used XANES, EXAFS, and synchrotron (SR)-XRD techniques to study biogenic Mn oxides produced by spores of the marine Bacillus sp. strain SG-1 in seawater as a function of reaction time under in-situ conditions. An EXAFS model was developed to fully account for the structure and features in the data, providing realistic structural information. The first observed biogenic solid-phase Mn-oxide product is a layered phyllomanganate with hexagonal sheet symmetry and an Mn-oxidation state similar to that in δ-MnO2, between 3.7 and 4.0. XRD and SEM-EDS data show the biooxides to have a phyllomanganate 10 A basal plane spacing and an interlayer containing Ca. With time, a phyllomanganate oxide with pseudo-orthogonal sheet symmetry appears. Fits to these EXAFS spectra suggest the octahedral layers have relatively few Mn octahedral site vacancies in the lattice and the layers bend to accommodate Jahn-Teller distortions creating the change in symmetry. A reaction mechanism is proposed to account for the observed products. The phyllomanganate oxides observed in this study may be the same as the most abundant Mn-oxide phases suspended in the oxic and sub-oxic zones of the oceanic water column that are of global importance in trace metal and nutrient cycling.
Studies on Taxol Biosynthesis. Preparation of Taxa-4(20),11(12)-dien-5α-acetoxy-10β-ol by Deoxygenation of a Taxadiene Tetraacetate Obtained from Japanese Yew

Taxa-4(20),11(12)-dien-5α-acetoxy-10β-ol 6 has been identified as an early stage intermediate involved in the biosynthesis of taxol (Paclitaxel). This compound has been efficiently prepared by Barton deoxygenation of the C-2- and C-14-hydroxyl groups on a derivative semisynthetically prepared from taxa-4(20),11(12)-dien-2α,5α,10β-triacetoxy-14β-(2-methyl)butyrate (7), a major taxoid metabolite isolated from Japanese yew heart wood. The synthetic methodology is amenable for the preparation of isotopically labeled congeners that will be useful to probe further intermediate steps in the biosynthesis of taxol.
Cavity Q, mode volume, and lasing threshold in small diameter AlGaAs microdisks with embedded quantum dots

The quality factor (Q), mode volume (V eff), and room-temperature lasing threshold of microdisk cavities with embedded quantum dots (QDs) are investigated. Finite element method simulations of standing wave modes within the microdisk reveal that Veff can be as small as 2(λ/n)3 while maintaining radiation-limited Qs in excess of 105. Microdisks with a 2 μm diameter are fabricated in an AlGaAs material containing a single layer of InAs QDs with peak emission at λ = 1317 nm. For devices with Veff ~2 (λ/n)3, Qs as high as 1.2× 105 are measured passively in the 1.4 μm band, using an optical fiber taper waveguide. Optical pumping yields laser emission in the 1.3 μm band, with room temperature, continuous-wave thresholds as low as 1 μW of absorbed pump power. Out-coupling of the laser emission is also shown to be significantly enhanced through the use of optical fiber tapers, with a laser differential efficiency as high as ξ ~ 16% and out-coupling efficiency in excess of 28% measured after accounting for losses in the optical fiber system.
Deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia.

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system affecting motor control. It is progressive in nature and there is no cure. The disease affects approximately 1% of the population. Onset is generally between the fifth and eighth decades, with peak onset during the sixth decade. There are no differences in gender, race, or ethnicity. The cardinal signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are (a) tremor at rest (“pill-rolling tremor”); (b) muscle rigidity; (c) bradykinesia; and (d) postural instability. The tremor is diminished during voluntary movements and disappears during sleep. It worsens with anxiety. The muscle rigidity primarily affects the limb and trunk flexors, resulting in a typically stooped posture and a “cogwheel” effect in the limbs because of the underlying tremor. The bradykinesia is not associated with weakness. It eventually becomes severe, causing increasing difficulty performing the normal activities of daily living. Eating, dressing, and bathing take progressively longer to complete. There is loss of habitual (automatic) movements, including blinking the eyes, crossing the legs, and swinging the arms while walking. A mask-like expression ensues, without emotional expression. Infrequent swallowing causes drooling. Handwriting becomes increasingly difficult to read (micrographia). The patient develops a slow, shuffling gait and often exhibits difficulty in initiating gait. Similarly, the patient has difficulty rising from a seated position (although strength is normal) and loses the ability to make postural adjustments, resulting in an increased tendency to fall. Pathologically, Parkinson’s disease is associated with a loss of pigmented, dopaminergic neurons in the substantra nigra compacta of the midbrain. The result is increased inhibitory input to the globus pallidus (GP) externa, diminished inhibition of the subthalamic nucleus (STN), and resultant increased inhibition of the thalamus. This results in critical loss of neuronal input from the basal ganglia to the cortex. Interference
Using the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System to inform HIV prevention efforts in the United States.

The National HIV Behavioral Surveillance system (NHBS) was designed to monitor HIV prevalence and risk factors for infection among higher-risk individuals, i.e., sexually active men who have sex with men who attend venues, injection drug users who injected in the past 12 months, and heterosexuals living in low socioeconomic urban areas. These groups were selected as priorities for behavioral surveillance since they represent the major HIV transmission routes and the populations with the highest HIV burden. NHBS contributes to the nation’s program of HIV surveillance by being the only multi-site population-based system that provides estimates on key HIV prevention measures among high-risk HIV-negative individuals, HIV-positive individuals unaware of their infection, and HIV-positive individuals aware of their infection who are in and out of care. Accurate and precise data on the behaviors in these populations are critical for tracking the epidemic, planning effective responses, and monitoring and evaluating those responses. Reports in this supplement illustrate the uses of NHBS data at the national and local level and reflect ongoing efforts to improve the system and methods. As we look to the future, behavioral surveillance remains essential for characterizing and monitoring the burden of HIV infection and sexual and behavioral risks.
Clinical value of the thallium-201 stress test sensitivity and specificity in the detection of coronary artery disease.

Abstract Rest and exercise thallium-201 scintigraphy (201Tl stress test), 90% submaximal treadmill exercise test (ECG stress test), and coronary angiography were performed on 49 patients with suspected coronary artery disease. When technically unsatisfactory and uninterpretable scintiphotos were excluded, the sensitivity (true positives/true positives + false negatives) of the 201Tl stress test in detecting coronary artery stenosis ≥70% was 81%. The sensitivity of the 201Tl stress test in detecting coronary artery stenosis ≥50% was 84&‰ However, when technically unsatisfactory and uninterpretable studies were considered as failures of the test to detect disease, the sensitivity of the 201Tl stress test in detecting coronary artery stenosis ≥50% was 71%. The sensitivity of the ECG stress test was 92% in detecting stenosis ≥70% and 85%. in detecting stenosis ≥50% when non-diagnostic tests were excluded. However, when 11 non-diagnostic ECG stress tests were considered as a failure of the test to detect disease, the sensitivity of the ECG stress test in detecting coronary artery stenosis ≥50% was 64%. The sensitivity of the combined stress test in detecting coronary artery stenosis ≥50% was high whether or not technically unsatisfactory and uninterpretable studies were (89%) or were not (94%) included in the analysis. The specificity (true negatives,/true negatives + false positives) for ≥50% coronary artery stenosis was 90% for the 201Tl stress test, 75% for the ECG stress test and 80% for the combined stress test. Combined ECG and 201Tl stress testing detects a number of patients with significant coronary artery disease missed by ECG stress testing alone, primarily in those cases where the ECG stress test is non-diagnostic.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE TRANSPORT OF TUBAL OVA1

IT is NOT THE PURPOSE of this paper to review the extensive literature on ovum I transport because Westman (i), Parker (2), and Hartman (3) have excellent sum-maries of earlier theories and investigations. In this report we wish to present some direct observations on the passage of ova through the fallopian tubes of albino mice. These observations show that peristaltic movements rather than cilia are re-sponsible for the transportation of ova through the isthmus and intramural region Mating was determined by the vaginal plug method. At autopsy, the mesosalpinx was cut in several places so that the tightly-coiled oviduct could be somewhat straightened. The tracts were kept in warm Locke's solution (without glucose) in deep-well slides. Each ovary was checked for eruption cones of ovulation or for cor-pora lutea, and the position of ova within the oviduct was determined by means of transmitted light.
Anatomic Location of the Tongue Base Neurovascular Bundle

Knowledge of the location of the hypoglossal/lingual artery neurovascular bundle (HLNVB) is essential in performing tongue base resections for neoplasm and for obstructive sleep apnea. Transoral and transcervical resections of the tongue base may be performed with greater exposure and certainty when the relationship of the HLNVB to local landmarks is understood; knowledge of the HLNVB allows resection of a larger amount of contralateral tongue base during partial glossectomy without violating the contralateral remnant tongue's blood supply. Ten cadaver heads were dissected to determine the position of the HLNVB with respect to soft tissue and bony landmarks at the tongue base. Our results indicate the position of the tongue base HLNVB is significantly inferior and lateral, that is, 2.7 cm inferior and 1.6 cm lateral to the foramen cecum, 0.9 cm superior to the hyoid bone, and 2.2 cm medial to the mandible. This inferolateral location allows the potential for aggressive tongue base resection without neurovascular compromise.
Complement Opsonization Reduces the Pro-Inflammatory Capacity of Immune Complexes 1841

Complement plays a critical role in the detoxification of immune complexes by regulating their size and facilitating their removal. We demonstrate another consequence of complement opsonization: the regulation of the pro-inflammatory activities of leukocytes. Immune complexes were formed in the presence (opsonized complexes) or absence (unopsonized complexes) of normal human serum and purified on Protein A agarose. Complexes were incubated at 25-100 μg/ml with monocytic U937 cells or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC's). Cell supernates were examined for the presence of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and GM-CSF. Immune complexes were also incubated with freshly-prepared human neutrophils and NADH/NADPH metabolic oscillations and superoxide production measured.
Efficiently Subtree Matching between XML and Probabilistic XML Documents

We explored the subtree matching problem of probabilistic XML documents: finding the matches of an XML query tree over a probabilistic XML document, using the canonical tree edit distance as a similarity measure between subtrees. Probabilistic XML is a probability distribution model capturing uncertainty of both value and structure. Query over probabilistic XML documents is difficult: an naivie algorithm has exponential complexity by directly compute the tree edit distance between the query tree and each certain XML tree represented by the probabilistic XML document. Based on the method of tree edit distance computation over certain XML subtrees, we defined a minimum-solution to the edit distance computation, which means the minimum cost to translate the query tree to the probabilistic XML tree. Furthermore, we developed an algorithm---ASM (Algorithm of Subtree Matching) to compute the minimum solution. Finally, we proved the complexity of ASM is linear in the size of the probabilistic XML document.
Reduction of the Unique Carbonyl in (m-H)(2)Os(3)(CO)(9)(m(3)-CCO) by BH(3).THF. Molecular Structure of (m-H)(3)Os(3)(CO)(9)(m(3)-CCH(3)).

Treatment of (μ-H)2Os3(CO)9(μ3-CCO) with excess BH3·THF in CH2Cl2 at room temperature results in reduction of the unique carbonyl to a methyl group, giving the ethylidyne cluster (μ-H)3Os3(CO)9(μ3-CCH3). A single-crystal X-ray structure determination verified the formation of (μ-H)3Os3(CO)9(μ3-CCH3). No evidence was observed for the formation of intermediate species, such as the vinylidene cluster (μ-H)2Os3(CO)9(μ3-η2-CCH2). Treatment of (μ-H)2Os3(CO)9(μ3-η2-CCH2) with pure, freshly prepared BH3·THF for 5 days in CH2Cl2 yielded no (μ-H)3Os3(CO)9(μ3-CCH3).
Who rides the glass escalator? Gender, race and nationality in the national nursing assistant study

Evidence for Christine Williams’s ‘glass escalator’ effect documents how professional men entering female-dominated occupations may advance more quickly toward authority positions and higher salari...
Electronic Measurement of the Intracellular Concentration and Net Flux of Sodium in the Squid Axon

A unique, rapid, and non-destructive determination of the intracellular sodium concentration of a squid axon may be provided by the "voltage clamp" technique, in which the potential across the axon membrane is under electronic control. The potential at which the early component of ionic current reverses following a membrane potential step was used as an index of the intracellular sodium concentration. Several types of experiments were used to test the applicability of this method for measurement of intracellular sodium and its net flux. The concentration was found to increase from 38 mM for a fresh axon to 50 mM in about an hour. From this change, the net flux for a fresh resting axon was estimated to be 40 pmoles/cm2 sec. Rapid stimulation of an unclamped axon produced a marked increase in the rate of sodium accumulation. Rapid pulsing of the membrane in a voltage clamp to potentials more positive than the sodium potential moved sodium out fast enough to produce a definite decrease in internal concentration. The agreement between the results with this method and those with more direct methods is quite satisfactory. An attractive feature of this method of intracellular sodium determination is that the physiological function of the axon is maintained and other measurements may be made concurrently.
Thrombose d'effort de la veine sous-clavière : traitement actuel

La thrombose « spontanee » de la veine sous-claviere (d'« effort ») est habituellement liee a la compression extrinseque de la veine a la jonction costo-claviculaire. Nous avons revu notre experience de cette entite au cours de la derniere decennie en nous concentrant sur le role de la thrombolyse et sur notre algorithme therapeutique. Tous les patients soignes pour ce probleme a l'universite de Rochester pendant la derniere decennie ont ete identifies et leurs dossiers ont ete revus retrospectivement. De 1996 a juin 2006, 34 patients presentant une occlusion complete spontanee de la veine sous-claviere documentee par phlebographie ont ete soignes, dont la moitie avec la notion d'un facteur d'exercice. Une thrombolyse par catheter dirige avant decompression immediate programmee du defile thoracique (DDT) a ete executee chez 26 patients, alors que la DDT etait faite seule chez huit patients. Le delai ecoule depuis le debut des symptomes etait le facteur principal influencant la decision, avec une moyenne de 5,5 jours chez les 26 patients adresses pour thrombolyse, et compris entre 1 mois et plusieurs annees dans le groupe qui a seulement ete opere. Chez les patients ayant une lyse, la repermeabilisation a ete obtenue 16 fois (62%), avec neuf fois une lesion residuelle. Tous sauf deux des 26 traites par thrombolyse ont eu une DDT avec ou sans angioplastie, et 13 ont egalement eu une reconstruction veineuse (huit des 16 chez qui la permeabilite avait ete reconstituee et cinq des huit chez qui elle ne l'avait pas ete). Les patients n'ayant pas de lyse ont ete traites par DDT, cinq (62%) n'ayant qu'une decompression et trois (38%) ayant une reconstruction veineuse. La thrombolyse n'a pas ete tentee (huit) ou a echoue (quatre) chez les 12 patients dont les symptomes etaient presents depuis plus de 14 jours. Avec un suivi moyen de 33 mois, la resolution des symptomes etait presque constante. La permeabilite primaire a 5 ans etait de 84% dans le groupe thrombolyse et de 83% dans le groupe de DDT isolee. En conclusion, le principal facteur influencant le choix therapeutique dans notre etablissement a ete le delai depuis le debut des symptomes. Les patients vus peu apres le debut de symptome ont eu une thrombolyse suivie d'une DDT, alors que les patients se presentant avec des symptomes chroniques n'avaient qu'une DDT ; dans les deux cas la reconstruction veineuse etait basee sur des resultats incomplets apres lyse. Nous n'avons pas eu de thrombolyse reussie chez un patient se presentant avec 14 jours ou plus de symptomes. Meme si le traitement optimal ne peut pas etre defini a partir de cette revue retrospective, notre algorithme a eu comme consequence un excellent controle a long terme de la permeabilite et des symptomes.
Hyperglycemia associated with renal cell carcinoma

A case of renal cell carcinoma presenting with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus is reported. After a radical nephrectomy, the diabetic state completely resolved. Laboratory studies failed to reveal any endocrinopathy responsible for the diabetic state. Thus it appears that hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus can now be included with the other paraneoplastic endocrinopathies associated with renal cell carcinoma.
Can overshooting convection dehydrate the tropical tropopause layer

[1] A numerical model is used to investigate the potential for irreversible dehydration near the tropical tropopause caused by overshooting deep convection. We show that convective updrafts overshooting the cold point tropopause can generate extremely cold, dry air within the updrafts. However, the updrafts contain sufficient mass in small (≤20 μm radius) ice crystals that do not sediment out of the short-lived overshoots, such that when the overshoots collapse and warm back to the ambient temperature, these small crystals sublimate and rehydrate the air, resulting in no irreversible dehydration. Despite maximizing crystal size (and fall speed) by assuming low aerosol concentrations and using large ice-ice collection efficiencies, we find no evidence to support the hypothesis that overshooting convection can dehydrate the tropical tropopause layer (TTL) when it is initially ice subsaturated. Only when the TTL is initially supersaturated with respect to ice do we find that deep convection can draw down the humidity, as vapor in excess of saturation condenses on the ice crystals. The overall impact of deep convection on the TTL water vapor budget depends on the climatology of TTL relative humidity in convective regions.
Preliminary electromyographical analysis of brachiation in gibbon and spider monkey

In order to refine the concept of brachiation as a locomotor mode and to examine the complex relationship between locomotor behavior and muscle morphology, we have undertaken a telemetered electromyographic (EMG) analysis of muscle recruitment in brachiating gibbons (Hylobates lar) and spider monkeys (Ateles belzebuth andAteles fusciceps) Electrical activity patterns were determined for both support and swing phases in the following muscles: cranial pectoralis major, caudal pectoralis major, middle deltoideus, short head of biceps brachii, flexor digitorum superficialis, latissimus dorsi, and dorsoepitrochlearis. Our experimental findings reinforce earlier behavioral observations that brachiation is not a discrete, stereotyped locomotor activity. EMG patterns differed most between gibbon and spider monkey in those muscles that exhibit markedly disparate morphologies in the two genera-pectoralis major (both portions) and the short head of biceps brachii. Additional recruitment differences appear related to consistent species-specific differences in the timing and mechanics of both support and swing phases, and probably to the role of the prehensile tail as a fail-safe mechanism in the spider monkey.
Watercourse-Upland and Elevational Gradients in Spring Vegetation of a Mojave-Great Basin Desert Landscape

Springs in arid lands provide critical habitat for a variety of species and functions to humans, yet the ecology and management needs of springs to maintain these values are poorly understood. To examine plant communities along spring watercourse-upland gradients, we sampled 12 springs at low (desert) and high (forest) elevations on the Desert National Wildlife Refuge in the Mojave and Great Basin Deserts in southern Nevada. In contrast to the commonly reported positive relationship between native and exotic species richness in sampling studies, we did not find strong correlations (r 2 < 0.05) between native and exotic richness at any distance from watercourses. Additionally, exotic species cover was lower nearest (0 and 2 m) watercourses than at uplands 20 m from watercourses, which also differs from the hypothesis that watercourses are more heavily invaded than uplands. Exotic species were more pervasive at low-elevation compared to high-elevation springs, but the proportion of total plant cover comprised by exotics was still small (0.03 - 0.06) at low-elevation springs. Species distri- butions and ordinations suggested that compositional watercourse-upland gradients were often readily detectable, but the composition of springs was individualistic. Some springs contained wetland species such as Juncus saximontanus, while other springs contained species of dry-site affinity. This study also illustrated challenges associated with estimating reference conditions for arid-land springs, as there are no known data prior to the development (i.e., modifying surface flow) of the springs and no known unmodified springs on this landscape.
Multimedia information systems

Presents a gentle introduction to multimedia information systems. The author explores the nature of multimedia data model and information system architecture, and reviews the evolution of multimedia information systems. He also discusses data model design, query processing, and browsing support, and takes a look at some state-of-the-art prototype systems. >
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Inflammation-related Genes and Mortality in a Community-based Cohort in Washington County, Maryland

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes controlling inflammatory processes and mortality. Data were analyzed from 9,933 individuals who participated in two large community-based cohort studies conducted in Washington County, Maryland, in 1974 and 1989, designated ‘‘CLUE I’’ and ‘‘CLUE II,’’ respectively. DNA from blood collected in 1989 was genotyped for 47 SNPs in 23 inflammation-related genes, including interferon-c (IFNc), lymphotoxin-a (LTa), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNFa), C-reactive protein (CRP), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), and the human endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). All participants were followed from 1989 to the date of death or to June 20, 2005. The results showed no observable patterns of association for the SNPs and the all-cause and cause-specific mortality outcomes, although statistically significant associations were observed between at least one mortality outcome and SNPs in eNOS (reference SNP (rs) 1799983), PPARG (rs4684847), CRP (rs2794521), IFNc (rs2069705), TNFa (rs1799964), and LTa (rs2229094). Additionally, three of the four examined CRP SNPs were strongly associated with CRP serum concentration among those with CRP measurements. The authors’ findings from this community-based prospective cohort study suggest that the selected SNPs are not associated with overall or cause-specific death, although CRP genotypes may be associated with systemic inflammation. cohort studies; C-reactive protein; inflammation; mortality; neoplasms; polymorphism, genetic
Use of AVHRR-derived surface temperatures in evaluating a land-atmosphere model

The vertical transports of heat and moisture at the Earth's surface provide a critical linkage between meteorological, hydrological and ecological processes. Unfortunately, estimates of energy and water fluxes by land surface–atmosphere models are difficult to validate. This is due to the fine spatial and temporal resolution of the models, as well as a lack of widespread observations of these fluxes and other components of the surface energy budget. However, modelled fluxes of energy and water are often based largely on accurate determination of the modelled soil surface temperature. Land surface temperatures (LSTs) derived from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) onboard polar-orbiting satellites can be determined over large spatial extents a few times per day. They provide a means by which modelled surface temperatures, and thus modelled fluxes, can be evaluated. In this paper, two versions of the Simulator for Hydrology and Energy Exchange at the Land Surface (SHEELS) model are evaluat...
Clonality and longevity of CD4+CD28null T cells are associated with defects in apoptotic pathways.

CD4 + CD28 null T cells are oligoclonal lymphocytes rarely found in healthy individuals younger than 40 yr, but are found in high frequencies in elderly individuals and in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases. Contrary to paradigm, they are functionally active and persist over many years. Such clonogenic potential and longevity suggest altered responses to apoptosis-inducing signals. In this study, we show that CD4 + CD28 null T cells are protected from undergoing activation-induced cell death. Whereas CD28 + T cells underwent Fas-mediated apoptosis upon cross-linking of CD3, CD28 null T cells were highly resistant. CD28 null T cells were found to progress through the cell cycle, and cells at all stages of the cell cycle were resistant to apoptosis, unlike their CD28 + counterparts. Neither the activation-induced up-regulation of the IL-2R α-chain (CD25) nor the addition of exogenous IL-2 renders them susceptible to Fas-mediated apoptosis. These properties of CD28 null T cells were related to high levels of Fas-associated death domain-like IL-1-converting enzyme-like inhibitory protein, an inhibitor of Fas signaling that is normally degraded in T cells following activation in the presence of IL-2. Consistent with previous data showing protection of CD28 null cells from spontaneous cell death, the present studies unequivocally show dysregulation of apoptotic pathways in CD4 + CD28 null T cells that favor their clonal outgrowth and maintenance in vivo.
Evidence that fin whales respond to the geomagnetic field during migration

We challenge the hypothesis that fin whales use a magnetic sense to guide migration by testing for associations between geophysical parameters and the positions where fin whales were observed over the continental shelf off the northeastern United States. Monte Carlo simulations estimated the probability that the distribution of fin whale sighting was random with respect to bottom depth, bottom slope and the intensity and gradient of the geomagnetic field. The simulations demonstrated no overall association of sighting positions with any of these four geophysical parameters. Analysis of the data by season, however, demonstrated statistically reliable associations of sighting positions with areas of low geomagnetic intensity and gradient in winter and fall, respectively, but no association of sighting positions with bathymetric parameters in any season. An attempt to focus on migrating animals by excluding those observed feeding confirmed the associations of sighting positions with low geomagnetic intensity and gradient in winter and fall, respectively, and revealed additional associations with low geomagnetic gradients in winter and spring. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that fin whales, and perhaps other mysticete species, possess a magnetic sense that they use to guide migration.
Molecular Cloning, Sequencing, and Expression of a Novel Multidomain Mannanase Gene from Thermoanaerobacterium polysaccharolyticum

The manA gene of Thermoanaerobacterium polysaccharolyticum was cloned in Escherichia coli. The open reading frame of manA is composed of 3,291 bases and codes for a preprotein of 1,097 amino acids with an estimated molecular mass of 119,627 Da. The start codon is preceded by a strong putative ribosome binding site (TAAGGCGGTG) and a putative −35 (TTCGC) and −10 (TAAAAT) promoter sequence. The ManA of T. polysaccharolyticum is a modular protein. Sequence comparison and biochemical analyses demonstrate the presence of an N-terminal leader peptide, and three other domains in the following order: a putative mannanase-cellulase catalytic domain, cellulose binding domains 1 (CBD1) and CBD2, and a surface-layer-like protein region (SLH-1, SLH-2, and SLH-3). The CBD domains show no sequence homology to any cellulose binding domain yet reported, hence suggesting a novel CBD. The duplicated CBDs, which lack a disulfide bridge, exhibit 69% identity, and their deletion resulted in both failure to bind to cellulose and an apparent loss of carboxymethyl cellulase and mannanase activities. At the C-terminal region of the gene are three repeats of 59, 67, and 56 amino acids which are homologous to conserved sequences found in the S-layer-associated regions within the xylanases and cellulases of thermophilic members of the Bacillus-Clostridium cluster. The ManA of T. polysaccharolyticum, besides being an extremely active enzyme, is the only mannanase gene cloned which shows this domain structure.