cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cohort Study of Cytomegalovirus Infection as a Risk Factor for Carotid Intimal-Medial Thickening, a Measure of Subclinical Atherosclerosis

Background Animal studies as well as clinical and cross-sectional epidemiological studies in humans have suggested a possible role of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and other herpesvirus infections in the development of cardiovascular disease. Methods and Results The present report is based on a case-control study nested within a historical cohort. The case group comprised 150 individuals with elevated carotid intimal-medial thickness (IMT) measured by B-mode ultrasound at the first two examinations of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study (1987 through 1992). The control group comprised 150 age- and sex-matched individuals with low IMT. Antibody titers for CMV and herpesvirus 1 and 2 were determined in sera obtained in 1974 as part of a community-wide survey conducted in Washington County, Maryland. Case subjects had higher mean CMV antibody titers in 1974 sera than control subjects, although the difference was not statistically significant when adjusted for other cardiovascular risk factors. There...
A bioactive titanium foam scaffold for bone repair

Abstract While titanium has been clinically successful as an orthopedic or dental implant material, performance problems still persist related to implant–bone interfacial strength and mechanical modulus mismatch between titanium and tissue. We describe here the preparation of a titanium foam as a better mechanical match to tissue with surfaces attractive to bone cells through deposition of an organically-modified apatite layer (organoapatite). In a rotating bioreactor, these organoapatite-coated foams are successfully colonized by preosteoblastic cells. Finite element analyses suggest that ingrown tissue in these systems may improve both implant performance and tissue formation through load-sharing and stress distribution. The novel metal–ceramic–polymer hybrid materials described here hold great promise for bone tissue engineering.
Ascorbate action on normal and mutant human lysyl hydroxylases from cultured dermal fibroblasts.

The mechanism of ascorbate action on lysyl hydroxylase (LH) was investigated using cultured dermal fibroblasts from a patient with hydroxylysine-deficient collagen disease and from appropriate control patients. Cells from this patient had moderately impaired LH and both parents had intermediate values. Prolyl hydroxylase (PH) was normal in these 3 cell lines and the ratio between LH and PH proved an effective genetic discriminant among cell lines from different individuals expressing varying enzyme activity. Ascorbate requirements for normal and mutant enzymes were defined and compared. Some specificity for ascorbate as the principal physiological reductant was found. Lysyl hydroxylase activity from controls was 89% of maximum when dithiothreitol alone was omitted whereas only 8% of activity was present when L-ascorbate alone was omitted. Control activity was fully reconstituted when isoascorbate was substituted for L-ascorbate, but activity was absent when dehydroascorbate was used. Enzyme activity in cultured cells from this patient and a control was enhanced proportionately by increasing ascorbate concentration. At concentrations of 0.5mM and above, saturation was evident and mutant enzyme activity was 17% of control. The apparent K m of both enzymes for ascorbate was identical (0.1 mM) while the apparent V max of mutant enzyme was reduced to 25% of control. Ascorbate did not alter thermostability of either mutant or control enzyme, and increasing ascorbate concentration did not overcome competitive inhibition by Cu 2+ of Fe 2+ -dependent enzyme activity. These studies demonstrated that this patient with type VI, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome had reduced skin collagen hydroxylysine caused by impaired lysyl hydroxylase, that this mutation was transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait and that the mutant enzyme had a reduced capacity for ascorbate. Ascorbate augmented lysyl hydroxylase activity by direct electron donation at a ferrous ion-containing site of this enzyme complex.
Robust multifrequency inversion in terahertz diffraction tomography

Multi-frequency terahertz imaging has received much attention in recent years due to its ability to observe unique spectral characteristics of chemicals, which can be used in numerous applications such as explosives detection. Short-pulse terahertz sources can provide broadband excitation, but current approaches for image formation based on diffraction tomography construct images independently for each frequency. This results in a lack of resolution at lower frequencies, and lower signal-to-noise reconstructions. In this paper, we explore different techniques for joint image formation using multiple frequencies for enhanced detection. Among these are techniques that use prior information on spectral characteristics of materials of interest to coherently combine information from multiple frequencies, as well as robust techniques that assume incomplete or inaccurate prior knowledge of spectral signatures. We explore the relative performance of these techniques on image reconstruction and object recognition tasks using numerical simulations.
Surveillance and Monitoring of Dialysis Access

Vascular access is the lifeline of a hemodialysis patient. Currently arteriovenous fistula and graft are considered the permanent options for vascular access. Monitoring and surveillance of vascular access are an integral part of the care of hemodialysis patient. Although different techniques and methods are available for identifying access dysfunction, the scientific evidence for the optimal methodology is lacking. A small number of randomized controlled trials have been performed evaluating different surveillance techniques. We performed a study of the recent literature published in the PUBMED, to review the scientific evidence on different methodologies currently being used for surveillance and monitoring and their impact on the care of the dialysis access. The limited randomized studies especially involving fistulae and small sample size of the published studies with conflicting results highlight the need for a larger multicentered randomized study with hard clinical end points to evaluate the optimal surveillance strategy for both fistula and graft.
Intensity only microwave diffraction tomography using 802.15.4 wireless networks

We present an improved method for reconstructing images from projection data gathered using 2.4GHz, IEEE 802.15.4 Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) radio signals. Projection data was gathered using received signal strength indicator (RSSI) data provided by a wireless ZigBee network. Previously the image was reconstructed using the inverse radon transform. We reconstruct the image using a simple algorithm developed for objects with a real index of refraction. This method provides improved image quality.
5 Plasma volume support in cardiac surgery

Cardiac surgery involves major perturbations of normal physiology and organ perfusion including haemorrhage, an extracorporeal circuit, non-pulsatile blood flow, hypothermia and the resulting initiation of a systemic inflammatory response. Varying degrees of volume support are essential pre, during and post cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), as avoiding hypovolaemia improves both organ perfusion and outcome. A target haematocrit determines whether or not blood is used; this review concentrates on available artificial solutions. The colloid versus crystalloid controversy smoulders on particularly regarding pump primes and practice differs between centres, with cost and concerns of the safety of various colloids remaining the major contentions. Whilst cost is an issue there is no convincing evidence linking adverse outcomes to modern colloid solutions. Using crystalloid solutions, an expansion of the interstitial space and reduced colloid osmotic pressure (COP) seem to be inevitable consequences of CPB. This may be important, because maintaining COP using colloid primes (often with hypertonic saline) has been associated with improved postoperative oxygenation and reduced ICU stay.
Reel-to-Reel Tapes, Cassettes, and Digital Audio Media: Reverberations from a Half-Century of Recorded-Audio Response to Student Writing

Abstract This article applies Everett M. Rogers’ diffusion of innovations model to analyze how instructors have adopted the method of recording audio responses to students’ writing. The analysis focuses on five attributes of recorded-audio response—its observability, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and relative advantage—that, in Rogers’ model, influence the pace at which an innovation is adopted. I examine these attributes by drawing on a half-century of literature discussing recorded-audio response. The analysis reveals that recorded-audio response has elicited a mixed set of perceptions of the innovation's five attributes even among those who have adopted it, many perceptions that would tend to boost its adoption rate, but some that would tend to suppress it. Such an analysis provides both a systematic perspective on why audio-recording has remained a marginal method for responding to students’ writing, and also a heuristic by which writing instructors can consider adopting this and other pedagogical and technological innovations.
Cope’s rule in the evolution of marine animals

Cope’s rule proposes that animal lineages evolve toward larger body size over time. To test this hypothesis across all marine animals, we compiled a data set of body sizes for 17,208 genera of marine animals spanning the past 542 million years. Mean biovolume across genera has increased by a factor of 150 since the Cambrian, whereas minimum biovolume has decreased by less than a factor of 10, and maximum biovolume has increased by more than a factor of 100,000. Neutral drift from a small initial value cannot explain this pattern. Instead, most of the size increase reflects differential diversification across classes, indicating that the pattern does not reflect a simple scaling-up of widespread and persistent selection for larger size within populations.
Science and Race

The scientific study of human biological variation has consistently produced knowledge that contradicts widespread popular, or folk, wisdom. Although people and the populations they belong to certainly differ from one another, they do not appear to do so in such a manner that permits the identification of a small number of human subspecies or races. Classification of people into races involves cultural, not biological, knowledge; and race is inherited according to cultural rules that stand in opposition to biology. Thus race is not a useful biological concept. To understand whether differences exist between populations in cognitive ability (or any other inherent “gifts”) requires confronting the limits of scientific knowledge.
An electron diffraction investigation of the diffuse ω structure in quenched Ti-3d transition metal alloys

Abstract Diffuse scattering resembling diffraction from the ω phase is investigated in quenched b.c.c. (β) TiCr using electron diffraction. A new structural model is presented which can reproduce the large shifts of diffuse peaks from the positions of ω-phase Bragg reflections which are seen in this system. Using the model it is proposed that CSRO in conjunction with an atomic size difference are responsible for the occurrence of this structure in quenched β Ti-3d metal alloys. Evidence is presented for an electronic origin for CSRO in these systems.
Voxel size effects in three-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance microscopy performed for trabecular bone dosimetry.

An important problem in internal dosimetry is the assessment of energy deposition by beta particles within trabecular regions of the skeleton. Recent dosimetry methods for trabecular bone are based on Monte Carlo particle transport simulations within three-dimensional (3D) images of real human bone samples. Nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)microscopy is a 3D imaging technique of choice due to the large signal differential between bone tissue and the water-filled marrow cavities. Image voxel sizes currently used in NMRmicroscopy are between 50 μ m and 100 μ m , but the images are time consuming to acquire and can only be performed at present for in vitro samples. It is therefore important to evaluate what resolution is best suitable in order to properly characterize the trabecular microstructure, to adequately predict the tissuedosimetry, and to minimize imaging time. In this work, a mathematical model of trabecular bone, composed of a distribution of spherical marrow cavities, was constructed. The mathematical model was subsequently voxelized with different voxel sizes (16 μ m to 1000 μ m ) to simulate 3D NMRimages. For each image, voxels are assigned to either bone or marrow according to their enclosed marrow fraction. Next, the images are coupled to the EGS4 electron transport code and absorbed fractions to bone and marrow are calculated for a marrow source of monoenergetic electrons. Radionuclide S values are also determined for the voxelized images with results compared to data calculated for the pure mathematical sample. The comparison shows that for higher energy electrons (>400 keV ), good convergence of the results is seen even within images of poor resolution. Above 400 keV, a voxel resolution as large as 300 μ m results in dosimetry errors below 5%. For low-energy electrons and high-resolution images, the self-dose to marrow is also determined to within 5% accuracy. Nevertheless, increased voxelization of the image overestimates the surface area of the bone-marrow interface leading to errors in the cross-dose to bone as high as 25% for some low-energy beta emitters.
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY OF OSTEOCLASTS IN HEALING FRACTURES OF RAT BONE

Osmium-fixed, undecalcified, callus tissue from healing fractures of rat tibias was sectioned with a diamond knife for study with the electron microscope. Large multinucleated cells were found adjacent to bone. A characteristic labyrinthine infolded border was consistently seen in parts of the cells close to the bone surface. The innermost parts of this "ruffled border" gave rise to vacuoles. The bone surface was always disrupted under the "ruffled border" of the cells. Needle-like crystals were seen at the osseous fringe, within folds in the ruffled border as well as within vacuoles deeper in the cells. Collagen fibers denuded of crystals were never observed. Mitochondria, containing clusters of fine granules, were abundant. The part of the cell away from bone contained rough endoplasmic reticulum and the cell membrane was thrown into irregular microvilli. These observations are discussed in relation to current concepts of osteoclastic resorption of bone.
High-power vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers for diode pumped solid-state lasers

Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers can be processed in large two-dimensional arrays of single devices to scale up the power for solid-state laser pumping. These arrays emit in a circular, uniform beam, with a narrow and stable emission spectrum that is well suited to the absorption spectra of solid-state gain media. kW-class 808 nm QCW VCSEL pump modules were developed to pump compact Nd:YAG lasers. An end-pumped Nd:YAG laser was constructed that produced 7.1 W average IR power, as well as a dual side-pumped passively Q-switched frequency-quadrupled Nd:YAG laser that generated 0.8 mJ UV pulses at a 240 Hz repetition rate.
On the self-patterning of islands by mechanical constraints during electrochemical deposition

We present a theoretical interpretation for a self-assembly pattern of Cu islands deposited on amorphous NiTi surface by electrochemical deposition. The self-assembly pattern is composed of alternating island-rich and island-depleted zones. We propose that the self-assembly pattern is possibly due to the long-range island–island repulsion mediated by the substrate and the weak corrugation of delaminated NiTi substrate caused by the compressive stress associated with Cu island growth. Based on these two mechanisms, we performed numerical simulations to model the island growth and semiquantitatively reproduced the self-assembly pattern. The good agreement between the simulated patterns and those observed in experiments suggests that the combination of geometrical constraint and electrochemical deposition provides a promising way to fabricate self-assembly patterns for micro- and nanofabrications at low cost.
Cross-category structure in semantic memory

In Experiment I, subjects made similarity judgments about all 56 category terms listed in the Battig and Montague (1969) norms. These judgments were then subjected to a hierarchical clustering analysis. Experiment II demonstrated that the relations among the category labels are very similar to the relations among the high dominance exemplars of these categories. Experiment III showed that the distances between the category terms in the hierarchical clustering analysis could predict RTs in a same-different paradigm.
Unitarity constraints with the Kapur-Peierls formalism

It is well known that the Kapur-Peierls formalism, as currently used for the analysis of resonance reactions, fails to provide a manifestly unitary collision matrix expansion, in contrast to the $R$-matrix theory. This drawback, and the presence of a number of parameters generally larger than in the $R$-matrix theory, inhibits the general use of the Kapur-Peierls formalism, except for special cases in which it was possible to establish explicit relations to the $R$-matrix formalism. It is shown here that the basic properties of the Kapur-Peierls eigenfunctions provide relations among the parameters, which express in general the condition of unitarity. These relations, obtained without need of imposing limits to the number of resonances and of reaction channels, and retaining the general nature of the parameters of being energy dependent, establish constraints among the Kapur-Peierls parameters. As a result, the number of real independent parameters for the Kapur-Peierls formalism is reduced to be the same as in the $R$-matrix theory. From the same relations is derived also a transformation from the Kapur-Peierls parameters to the $R$-matrix parameters, in an equally general form. The basic feature of unitarity for the Kapur-Peierls parameters is retained if in applications only limited numbers of resonances and channels are introduced. Analytical procedures based on an iteration-perturbation scheme are presented so as to provide for the explicit use of the unitarity constraints in numerical applications and data analysis. The same procedures provide $R$-matrix parameters unitarily related to the Kapur-Peierls parameters, and representing the same collision matrix.NUCLEAR REACTIONS Kapur-Peierls formalism, unitarity constraints, iteration procedures in numerical applications, data analysis.
Androgen induces ornithine decarboxylase gene expression in colonic cell line HT-29

Carcinoma of the colon is the second most common cancer among men and women combined in the United States. PURPOSE: Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is the first and key regulatory enzyme in the polyamine biosynthesis pathway and is regulated by various factors. Polyamines are believed to participate in cellular proliferation and differentiation. High levels of polyamines and ODC activity are associated with rapid cell growth, particularly in tumor tissues. Regulation of this enzymein vivohas important clinical implications. In the present study, we used Northern analysis and mobility shift assay to investigate whether ODC gene expression is regulated by androgens in the three human colonic cell lines, SW620, HT-29, and Caco-2. METHODS: Cell lines were maintained in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's medium/F12 supplemented with 5 percent fetal bovine serum. At 60 percent confluency, medium was replaced with steroid-depleted medium, and incubation continued for 24 hours. Following this period, medium was replaced with fresh steroid-free medium containing 1 nM dihydrotestosterone. RESULTS: Dihydrotestosterone stimulated ODC messenger ribonucleic acid expression only in HT-29 colonic cell line. Studies using electrophoretic mobility shift assays of nuclear extracts also showed a binding pattern with SP1 and NF-κB regulatory sequences only in testosterone-treated HT-29 cells. Conclusion: These results suggest that androgens may play an important role in the growth of HT-29 colonic cell lines.
Intracellular Organic Phosphates as Regulators of Oxygen Release by Haemoglobin

2,3-Diphosphoglycerate is present in the red cells of many species at about equimolar concentration to haemoglobin. It lowers the oxygen affinity and thus facilitates oxygen unloading because it is preferentially bound to deoxyhaemoglobin in the ratio of one mole per tetramer.
The concept of “buried” versus “isolated” paleosols: Examples from northeastern Kansas

This paper offers an alternative to the current definition of a buried soil (Soil Survey Staff 1975), stressing criteria that are more amenable to paleopedology. We suggest that any measurable depth of sediment buries a soil and that the soil remains buried until pedogenesis “welds” the overlying sediment to the buried solum. Complete welding is accomplished when no observable material, interpreted taxonomically as a C horizon, is present between the buried and burying profiles. A special type of buried soil, the isolated paleosol, is not currently affected by surface pedogenic processes. The lower limit of these surficial processes is called the depth of isolation. All isolated paleosols are buried below this depth, which varies depending upon local conditions. We present a theoretical model that uses paleosol characteristics to predict the depth of isolation. Data from 29 buried and exhumed paleosols in Kansas suggest that isolated paleosols do exist, although at greater depths than orginally anticipated.
Crossing the phase boundary to study protein dynamics and function: combination of amide hydrogen exchange in solution and ion fragmentation in the gas phase

Protein dynamics are the key to understanding their behavior. The static protein structure alone in most cases is insufficient to describe the vast array of complex functions they perform in vivo. Until recently there were relatively few techniques available to investigate the dynamic nature of these proteins. Mass spectrometry has recently emerged as a powerful biophysical method, capable of providing both structural and dynamic information. By utilizing the labile nature of amide hydrogens as a marker of the backbone dynamics in solution, combined with gas-phase dissociation techniques, we now have a high-resolution tool to locate these exchanging hydrogens within the sequence of the protein and to probe the functional importance of its structural elements. In this paper we describe several applications of these methodologies to illustrate the importance of dynamics to the biological functions of proteins.
Mechanism of insulin aggregation and stabilization in agitated aqueous solutions

Undesirable aggregation of aqueous insulin solutions remains a serious obstacle in the development of alternative methods of diabetes therapy. We investigated the fundamental nature of the aggregation mechanism and proposed stabilization strategies based on a mathematical model for the reaction scheme. Insulin aggregation kinetics in the presence of solid-liquid and air-liquid interfaces were monitored using UV spectroscopy and quasielastic light scattering (QELS). Experimental observations were consistent with our model of monomer denaturation at hydrophobic surfaces followed by the formation of stable intermediate species which facilitated subsequent macroaggregation. The model was used to predict qualitative trends in insulin aggregation behavior, to propose stabilization strategies, and to elucidate mechanisms of stabilization. In the absence of additives, insulin solutions aggregated completely (more than 95% of the soluble protein lost) within 24 h; with sugar-based nonionic detergents, no detectable loss occurred for more than 6 weeks.
Rotational-resolved pulsed field ionization photoelectron bands for H2+(X 2Σg+, v+=0, 2, 9 and 11)

Abstract We present here the assignment and simulation of rotational transitions for the H2+(X 2Σg+, v+=0, 2, 9 and 11) vibronic bands using the Buckingham–Orr–Sichel (BOS) model. The simulation shows that perturbation of PFI-PE rotational line intensities due to near-resonance autoionization decreases as v+ increases. Experimental rotational constants for H2+(X 2Σg+, v+=0, 2, 9 and 11) are determined with higher accuracy than those obtained in previous He I and Ne I photoelectron studies. In agreement with previous experimental and theoretical investigations, only the ΔN=0 and ±2 rotational branches are observed in the PFI-PE spectrum for H2.
Descriptive epidemiology of culling in dairy cows from 34 herds in New York State

Abstract Data on parity, disease, farmers' stated primary reasons for culling and stage of lactation at diagnosis and at culling were used to describe patterns of culling in Holstein lactations from 34 New York herds. Of 7763 lactations, 18.7% ended in culling [death (95 cows), sales for dairy purposes (104 cows), or slaughter]. The culling rates for specific reasons were: dairy purposes 1.3%, low production 3.8%, reproduction 4.8%, udder problems 4.0%, feet and legs 1.2%, old age 0.3%, accidents 0.3% and miscellaneous reasons 2.9%. Culling increased with parity (at least through Lactation 6) and primarily was due to production, reproduction and udder problems. Culling for these 3 reasons peaked immediately after calving, again between 151 and 240 days post-partum (poor milk production) and at 240 days post-partum (poor reproductive performance). First-lactation cows sold for dairy use tended to be sold in early lactation. Death in older cows usually occurred early in lactation and was due to udder problems or to miscellaneous causes. Compared to lactations without the disease, lactations with a diagnosis of downer cow, clinical mastitis or treat problems were 3.5, 2.0 and 2.7 times more likely to end in culling, respectively. Among cows diagnosed with a disease and culled, many were culled the same day or within 30 days of the diagnosis. Such “immediate” culling upon diagnosis was especially typical of cows with milk fever, downer cow syndrome, left displaced abomasum, teat problems, and foot and leg problems (and for some cases of clinical mastitis), implying that these disorders led to “forced” culling, which was particularly costly to the farmers.
Kleine-Levin syndrome: a review

Kleine-Levin syndrome is a recurrent hypersomnia associated with symptoms of hyperphagia, hypersexuality, and cognitive impairment. This article reviews the current available research and describes common clinical symptoms, differential diagnosis, and acceptable workup and treatment. Although deficits have traditionally been thought to resolve between episodes, functional imaging studies and long-term neuropsychological testing in select patients have recently challenged this notion. This may suggest that Kleine-Levin syndrome is not as benign as previously considered.
Accidental exposure of children to polychlorinated biphenyls.

Children exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) while playing with parts of a capacitor had elevated serum concentrations of lower chlorinated PCBs, similar to Arochlor® 1242. These levels declined over 11 months of followup to about half their initial values, from a mean of 12.9 to 6.3 ppb (parts per billion, ng/mL) among four children. In comparison, other persons in the same household and a reference group of persons seen in the same geographic area had serum levels of Aroclor 1242-like PCBs below the limit of detection (<5 ppb). All three groups—the children, household members, and geographic referentsalso had higher chlorinated PCBs in their serum similar to Aroclor® 1260 (HPCBs). HPCB concentrations were similar in these groups (approximately 2 ppb) and did not decline significantly.
Improvement of diaphragm and limb muscle isotonic contractile performance by K + channel blockade

The K+ channel blocking aminopyridines greatly improve skeletal muscle isometric contractile performance during low to intermediate stimulation frequencies, making them potentially useful as inotropic agents for functional neuromuscular stimulation applications. Most restorative applications involve muscle shortening; however, previous studies on the effects of aminopyridines have involved muscle being held at constant length. Isotonic contractions differ substantially from isometric contractions at a cellular level with regards to factors such as cross-bridge formation and energetic requirements. The present study tested effects of 3,4-diaminopyridine (DAP) on isotonic contractile performance of diaphragm, extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscles from rats. During contractions elicited during 20 Hz stimulation, DAP improved work over a range of loads for all three muscles. In contrast, peak power was augmented for the diaphragm and EDL but not the soleus. Maintenance of increased work and peak power was tested during repetitive fatigue-inducing stimulation using a single load of 40% and a stimulation frequency of 20 Hz. Work and peak power of both diaphragm and EDL were augmented by DAP for considerable periods of time, whereas that of soleus muscle was not affected significantly. These results demonstrate that DAP greatly improves both work and peak power of the diaphragm and EDL muscle during isotonic contractions, which combined with previous data on isometric contractions indicates that this agent is suitable for enhancing muscle performance during a range of contractile modalities.
Aetiology and classification of small for gestational age infants

Objective: To determine important aetiological factors in small gestational age (SGA) infants and the effectiveness of anthropometric indexes in identifying patterns of growth retardation.
Focused ion beam post-processing for single mode photonic crystal vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers

In this paper, we present the first photonic crystal VCSELs fabricated using FIBE method whereby photonic crystal holes can be etched into prefabricated VCSELs.
Phytoremediation of MTBE with Hybrid Poplar Trees

This research investigates the fate and transport of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) in phytoremediation, particularly the uptake and volatilization of MTBE in lab-scale hydroponic systems. The rese...
Intermittent, erratic behaviour of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator secondary to a hidden magnetic source of interference

Interference between pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and electromagnetic fields are of great concern due to the potential harmful influence on the function of the device. We report a case of intermittent, erratic behaviour of an ICD secondary to electromagnetic interference (EMI) caused by small magnets that were incorporated into the patient's clothing.
LIVS: Local Interaction via Virtual Stigmergy coordination in distributed search and collective cleanup

Distributed coordination is critical for a multi-robot system in hazardous waste cleanup under a dynamic environment. To achieve higher efficiency as well as robustness, a bio-inspired local interaction via virtual stigmergy (LIVS) coordination approach is proposed in this paper. This new meta-heuristic integrates two mechanisms - stigmergy-based autocatalytic mechanism and particle swarm optimization cognitive capabilities through local interaction - into one efficient approach. The proposed LIVS algorithm has been implemented on both self-developed simulator and embodied robot simulator Player/Stage in a searching task. The simulation results demonstrate the feasibility, robustness, and scalability of the methods with real-world constraints.
Biomedical applications of parallel processing and artificial neural networks

The author reviews the ALOPEX algorithm and its complexities. Some examples of biomedical applications are given. >
Two New Species of Schoengastiine Chiggers (Acari: Trombiculidae) from Papua New Guinea

Guntheria (Guntheria) mirzai , ex Melomys rubex , and Neoschoengastia charmosyna , ex Charmosyna pulchella , from Papua New Guinea are described as new.
Generalized coupled-mode model for the multistripe index-guided laser arrays

We develop a generalized coupled-mode model for multistripe index-guided laser arrays that includes explicitly the influence of carrier-induced antiguiding, gain guiding, and carrier diffusion in the gain stripe. As an illustration of an application of the model, stability criteria for two-element laser arrays are derived that show that the phase-locked solution is intrinsically unstable. We find that the phase-locked solution can be stabilized at a low external injection-locking power at the suitably chosen injection-locking frequency. We have tested our model in the large carrier-diffusion case and still find good qualitative agreement between the coupled-mode model and a full coupled partial differential equation model.
Niches of common bryophytes in a semi-arid landscape

The Santa Monica Mountains, adjacent to the Pacific Ocean just west of Los Angeles, California, have low elevation, high relief and a Mediterranean climate. To date 122 species of bryophytes have been found, especially in the moist drainages. Species that were common (about half of the 122) were compared in terms of microhabitat variables (substrate softness, moisture, slope and shadiness) and in how they distinguished mesosites (varying vascular vegetation types, elevation, parent rock type, distance to the coast and insolation). This constitutes a descriptive comparison of the ecologies of the species in the flora. Acrocarpous mosses, pleurocarpous mosses and liverworts tended as groups to differ in some habitat preferences. Only a few bryophyte species were strong indicators of vascular vegetation type. The diversity of sampled mesosites was to a great extent explicable as a scaling-up of the variety of microsites that each contained, thereby allowing for a diversity of bryophytes in a biome that might generally be characterized as inhospitable.
Recognizing authors: an examination of the consistent programmer hypothesis

Software developers have individual styles of programming. This paper empirically examines the validity of the consistent programmer hypothesis: that a facet or set of facets exist that can be used to recognize the author of a given program based on programming style. The paper further postulates that the programming style means that different test strategies work better for some programmers (or programming styles) than for others. For example, all-edges adequate tests may detect faults for programs written by Programmer A better than for those written by Programmer B. This has several useful applications: to help detect plagiarism/copyright violation of source code, to help improve the practical application of software testing, and to help pursue specific rogue programmers of malicious code and source code viruses. This paper investigates this concept by experimentally examining whether particular facets of the program can be used to identify programmers and whether testing strategies can be reasonably associated with specific programmers. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On components and objects: the foundations of component-based development

The move to component-based development (CBD) is driven by a number of important requirements with respect to the agile assembly of application systems from pre-developed parts. However, to make CBD a reality requires a deeper understanding of the fundamental concepts of CBD and how those concepts can be embodied in tools and techniques. The most basic questions are in respect to what constitutes a component, how appropriate components can be found, and how to assemble components when building an application system. This paper addresses these questions and makes the case for more rigorous descriptions of component behaviors through the use of domain and specification models which allow interfaces and implementations of components to be more easily understood, analyzed and combined.
Bonded Composite Patch Design for Aircraft Structures Exhibiting Cracking and Corrosion

Many military and civilian aircraft are expected to operate beyond their designed life expectancy. As a result, the development of reliable and cost-effective repair techniques for deteriorating components in aging aircraft is of great interest. The application of bonded composite material patches to restore cracked and corroded metallic airframes has been shown to be an effective repair technique for increasing the durability and damage tolerance of the repaired structure. Composite Repair of Aircraft Structures (CRAS) is a computer program that is currently being used to design bonded patches for damaged metallic structures. The results are presented for a study whose objective was to extend the applicability of the CRAS program to include bonded patch design for aircraft structures that have sustained adjacent cracking and corrosion damage. Patch designs were developed for three different cracking and corrosion configurations. Composite patches were manufactured according to the designs developed and applied to damaged aluminum panels using a hot-bonding device. Patched and unpatched panels were loaded to failure using a material testing system (MTS) 880 machine. In all cases the failure loads of the patched panels exceeded those of corresponding unpatched panels. These results validated the patch design procedure developed herein for the configurations considered.
Inhibition of Humoral Immunity and Mitogen Responsiveness of Lymphoid Cells Following Oral Administration of the Heterocyclic Food Mutagen 2-Amino-1-methyl-6-Phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) to B6C3F1 Mice

Abstract Inhibition of Humoral Immunity and Mitogen Responsiveness of Lymphoid Cells Following Oral Administration of the Heterocyclic Food Mutagen 2-Amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) to B6C3F1 Mice. Davis, D.-A. P., Archuleta, M. M., Born, J.L., Knize, M.G., Felton, J. S., and Burchiel, S. W. (1994). Fundam. Appl. Toxicol. 23, 81-86. In these studies, the food promutagen 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) was evaluated for its immunotoxicity in B6C3F1 mice following oral 5-day dosing at total doses of 50 and 150 mg/kg. Results indicated that PhIP produced a dose-dependent suppression of the humoral immune response of spleen cells to sheep erythrocytes, with a 50% decrease in the number of PFC detected at the 150 mg/kg dose of PhIP. A 40-90% inhibition of the phytohemagglutinin (PHA) response of spleen cells, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), and Peyer's patch (PP) lymphocytes was seen in the treatment groups. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) response was somewhat more variable and less affected with 20-30% inhibition observed in the spleen and PPs, whereas PhIP increased the LPS response in the MLNs. There was no effect of PhIP on cell recovery or viability in any of the treatment groups. Flow cytometry analysis revealed a depletion oft cells (Thy1.2+ cells) and a slight increase in B cells (Ly5+ cells) in the PPs. The percentage of B and T cells present in the spleen and MLNs was unaffected by PhIP. These results demonstrate that the oral administration of PhIP produces immunotoxicity to mice, especially to lymphoid tissues present in the GI tract (i.e., PPs), and demonstrates that T cell mitogen (PHA) responses in PPs are the most sensitive indicator of PhIP-induced immunotoxicity.
The descriptive epidemiology of intentional burns in the United States: An analysis of the National Burn Repository

Background Epidemiologic research on intentional burns in the United States has mainly been based on small, geographically restricted populations. The current study presents the descriptive epidemiology of intentional burns using data from a large, geographically diverse population of burn patients. Methods The National Burn Repository (NBR) was queried for patients with intentional burns and analyzed data pertaining to their demographic and medical characteristics; primarily comparing the prevalence proportions of these variables according to specific injury intent. Results From a total of 54,219 burn patients, 1601 patients who sustained intentional burns were identified; 49% were self-inflicted, and 51% were assault-related. Compared to all other burn patients, intentional burn patients had a larger mean total body surface area (TBSA) burned (22.0% versus 11.3%, p < 0.0001), longer hospital stay (19.8 days versus 12.5 days, p < 0.0001), and higher mortality (13.9% versus 2.5%, p < 0.0001). Self-inflicted compared to assault-related burns were associated with a larger TBSA burned (27.5% versus 16.8%, p < 0.0001) and higher mortality (20.8% versus 7.2%, p < 0.0001). Conclusions Data from this national cohort of burn patients support findings from smaller studies that patients who suffer intentional burns experience excess morbidity and mortality.
Brassinosteroid action in flowering plants: a Darwinian perspective

The year 2012 marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of Charles Darwin's first botanical book, on the fertilization of orchids (1862), wherein he described pollen grains and outlined his evolutionary principles with respect to plant research. Five decades later, the growth-promoting effect of extracts of Orchid pollen on coleoptile elongation was documented. These studies led to the discovery of a new class of phytohormones, the brassinosteroids (BRs) that were isolated from rapeseed (Brassica napus) pollen. These growth-promoting steroids, which regulate height, fertility, and seed-filling in crop plants such as rice (Oryza sativa), also induce stress- and disease resistance in green algae and angiosperms. The origin and current status of BR-research is described here, with reference to BR-action and -signal transduction, and it is shown that modern high-yield rice varieties with erect leaves are deficient in endogenous BRs. Since brassinosteroids induce pathogen resistance in rice plants and hence can suppress rice blast- and bacterial blight-diseases, genetic manipulation of BR-biosynthesis or -perception may be a means to increase crop production. Basic research on BR activity in plants, such as Arabidopsis and rice, has the potential to increase crop yields further as part of a 21th century 'green biotech-revolution' that can be traced back to Darwin's classical breeding experiments. It is concluded that 'Nothing in brassinosteroid research makes sense except in the light of Darwinian evolution' and the value of basic science is highlighted, with reference to the genetic engineering of better food crops that may become resistant to a variety of plant diseases.
Importance of well-motivated characters in interactive narratives: an empirical evaluation

In order for the author to create his/her intended effects using interactive narratives, the user has to be able to understand his/her experience as designed by the author. In this paper, we argue that a key desideratum for interactive narrative frameworks is to model the characters' motivational consistency during the interaction. This work reports an empirical study for evaluating the importance of using well-motivated characters in interactive narratives. The results demonstrate that inconsistency in the characters' motivations can confuse the user and affect the user's expectations and interpretations of the events in the story.
Duality in Discrete Programming: II. The Quadratic Case

This paper extends the results of “Duality in Discrete Programming” [1] to the case of quadratic objective functions. The paper is, however, self-contained. A pair of symmetric dual quadratic programs is generalized by constraining some of the variables to belong to arbitrary sets of real numbers. Quadratic all-integer and mixed-integer programs are special cases of these problems. The resulting primal problem is shown, subject to a qualification, to have an optimal solution if and only if the dual has one, and in this case the values of their respective objective functions are equal. The dual of a mixed-integer quadratic program can be formulated as a minimax problem whose quadratic objective function is linear in the integer-constrained variables, and whose linear constraint set does not contain the latter. Based on this approach an algorithm is developed for solving integer and mixed-integer quadratic programs.
Design and Control of a Compact Light-Weight Planar Positioner Moving Over a Concentrated-Field Magnet Matrix

In this paper, a single-moving-part planar positioner with 6 coils is designed and implemented. A concentrated-field permanent-magnet matrix is employed as the stationary part. The moving platen has a compact size (185.4 mm × 157.9 mm), light mass (0.64 kg) and low center of mass. The moving platen carries three planar-motor armatures with two phases per motor. Force calculation is based on the Lorentz force law and conducted by volume integration. In order to deal with the nonlinearity due to trigonometric terms in the force-current relation, modified PID (proportional-integral-derivative) and lead-and-PI controllers are designed with computed currents to close the control loop and obtain the desired performances. Experimental results verify the commutation law and the force calculation. The new design with only 6 coils allows for simplification of the control algorithm and reduced power consumption of the positioner. The maximum travel ranges in x, y, and the rotation about the vertical axis are 15.24 cm, 20.32 cm, and 12.03°, respectively. The positioning resolution in x and y is 8 μm with the root-mean-square (rms) position noise of 6 μm. The positioning resolution in rotations about the vertical axis is 100 μrad.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
FOLIA TAXONOMICA 16. DILKEA (PASSIFLORACEAE) 1. EPKIA, A NEW SUBGENUS AND FIVE NEW SPECIES FROM WESTERN AMAZONIA AND THE GUIANAS

An introduction to Dilkea (Passifloraceae) is given and the new subgenus Epkia and three new species from western Amazonia are described: Dilkea cuneata, D. ovalis, and D. tillettii; as well as two new species from the Guianas: Dilkea lecta and D. vanessae. The species of subgenus Epkia have branches where the first internode after the bud scales is much longer than subsequent ones. A key to the subgenera of Dilkea is also given.
An improved approach to align and embed multiple brain samples in a gelatin-based matrix for simultaneous histological processing

Abstract Background Preparation and processing of free-floating histological sections involve a series of steps. The amount of labor, particularly sectioning and mounting, quickly multiplies as the number of samples increases. Embedding tissue samples in a flexible matrix allows simultaneous handling of multiple samples and preserves the integrity of the tissue during histological processing. However, aligning multiple asymmetrical samples, for example small-animal brains, in a particular orientation requires skillful arrangement and securing of the samples by pinning onto a solid surface. Consequently, costly technical services offered by contract research organizations are often sought. New method An improved approach to align and embed multiple whole or half rodent brain samples into a gelatin-based matrix is described. Using a template specifically designed to form arrayed mouse brain-shaped cavities, a ⿿receiving matrix⿿ is prepared. Inserting brain samples directly into the cavities allows the samples to be effortlessly positioned into a uniform orientation and embedded in a block of matrix. Results Multiple mouse brains were arrayed in a uniform orientation in a gelatin matrix block with ease using the receiving matrix. The gelatin-embedded brains were simultaneously sectioned and stained, and effortlessly mounted onto glass slides. Comparison with existing methods The improved approach allowed multiple whole or half mouse brains to be easily arrayed without pinning the samples onto a solid surface and prevented damages or shifting of the samples during embedding. Conclusions The new approach to array multiple brain samples provides a simple way to prepare gelatin-embedded whole or half brain arrays of commercial quality.