cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dye laser spectrometer for ultrahigh spectral resolution: design and performance.

A dye laser spectrometer for ultrahigh spectral resolution is described. The laser frequency is stabilized to the side of a transmission fringe of an optical cavity by means of the usual differencing servo technique. With an intralaser-cavity AD*P phase modulator, driven by improved fast servo electronics, the linewidth of the jet stream dye laser was reduced to 1.8 kHz rms. With fast amplitude stabilization a 1.0-kHz linewidth was observed. Good long-term stability and digital frequency scanning (with a step resolution of 1 kHz and a continuous tuning range of 900 MHz) are accomplished by transferring the long-term stability of an I2-stabilized He–Ne laser to the dye laser via a second optical cavity and an offset locked He–Ne laser. A drift rate of <1 kHz/min was obtained while using this dye laser spectrometer to investigate two-photon optical Ramsey fringes. A fringe width of the Ramsey features of 17 kHz has been observed, confirming for the first time the high resolution capability of two-photon optical Ramsey resonances.
Investigation by infrared absorption of the by‐products of the cyanoethylation of cotton cellulose

The soluble cyanoethyl ether of cellulose, prepared by reaction in the presence of NaOH catalyst to high degrees of substitution (DS = 2.95), can be precipitated by various organic media and contains more nitrogen than can be accounted for by simple addition of acrylonitrile at each cellulose hydroxyl group. Infrared absorption spectra of such samples and of the reacted residues show various types of vibrational absorption bands, characteristic of amino groups. At advanced stages of the reaction the characteristic broad unresolved band of cellulose extending from 1200–950 cm.−1 largely disappears, leaving only a few weaker bands which likely overlap those due to C–N stretching. Comparison is made of the spectra of the partially cyanoethylated cellulose and the polyacrylonitrile which forms in the stock acrylonitrile, to characterize the products. It is inferred that the highly cyanoethylated cellulose, partly dissolved in the acrylonitrile, further degrades and changes under a complex mechanism to various forms of amines. The yellow to orange color of the samples is assumed to be due to these by-products. The thermogravimetric analysis reveals that these products are more heat-resistant than the cyanoethylated cellulose.
“What Are You Doing Here, Elijah?”

of Manhattan after fifty years among the worshipers of Baal. You will recall, however, that after a great victory the prophet had fled from the administration (more literally, from the ruler's wife) and begged for death. Being miraculously sustained and transported, he took refuge in a cave, in the mountain of the Lord, in the wilderness. When the roaring wind and the trembling earth had subsided there came the still small voice-and then the question. The prophet made excuse-but was sent back to anoint
N-Ethylmaleimide inhibits the sulfite stimulation of spinach thylakoid ATPase.

Sulfite replaces light in inducing ATPase of pre-reduced thylakoids (Larson and Jagendorf (1989) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 973, 67–77). We find that N-ethylmaleimide treatment of these thylakoids inhibits a large part of the response to sulfite, even though primary activation due to reduction of the gamma disulfide group remains. Sulfite responsiveness, including insensitivity to excess uncouplers, is restored to reduced, NEM-treated thylakoids by further treatment with trypsin (post-illumination), by using methanol, or by solubilizing the CF1. We suggest the NEM groups on the sulfhydryls may restrict flexibility of thylakoid-bound CF1 needed for the sulfite effect; and a trypsin clip can restore sufficient flexibility to the complex, membrane-bound enzyme.
Immunological and biological characteristics of the vasotocin-like activity in the head ganglia of gastropod molluscs

Extracts of cerebral and pleuro-pedal ganglia from two terrestrial slugs, Ariolimax columbianus and Limax maximus, and from the marine opisthobranch, Aplysia californica, contain immunoreactivity resembling that of a vasotocin or vasopressin. Radioimmunoassays using several antisera indicate that the immunoreactivity is not due to vasotocin, vasopressin, or any other known naturally occurring neurohypophyseal peptide. Immunoreactivity of extracts on a relatively nonspecific vasopressin antiserum is well correlated with activity on antidiuretic assays on rats. Both immunoreactivity and antidiuretic activity are adsorbed onto bovine neurophysin affinity columns. Thus these extracts contain one or more peptides that closely resemble the vertebrate antidiuretic hormones, vasotocin and vasopressin, both immunologically and pharmacologically. The amounts of immunoreactivity and antidiuretic activity in ganglion extracts do not appear to change during dehydration and rehydration. Although both ganglionic extracts and vasotocin stimulate exudation of fluid across the slug body wall, the present experiments provide no evidence that the vasotocin-like material(s) in these ganglia may participate as neurotransmitters or hormones in the regulation of fluid balance. This remains an attractive hypothesis.
113. Transduction of Neural Cells in Primate Brain Using Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) Serotypes 2 and 5

Top of pageAbstract There are currently eleven identified serotypes of the adenoassociated virus (AAV), a single stranded DNA parvovirus used extensively for gene delivery in animals; yet AAV serotype 2, the first to be characterized, is the most widely used for gene delivery. While homology exists among most serotypes, considerable differences in the viral capsid surface have been described for AAV4, and AAV5, which are believed to have greater tropism for cells in the central nervous system than other serotypes of AAV. To test the relative efficiency with which vectors made from AAV2, and AAV5 can transduce cells of the primate central nervous system, we injected the brains of St. Kitts green monkeys with viral vectors of both serotypes, each expressing the reporter gene green fluorescent protein (GFP). The vectors were all of comparable titer, injected in equal amounts in positive pressure, stereotaxic injections using the same rate of infusion into the substantia nigra. Animals were perfused after a one month survival, and their brains removed and sectioned. One series of sections was stained with the antibody to GFP using a diaminobenzidine (DAB) secondary reaction. These DAB sections were counted under a light microscope using a computer equipped with software for unbiased stereology, and counts for labeled cells were made. Remaining adjacent series of sections were processed for immunohistochemistry for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), an intermediate filament protein that labels cells of astroglial lineage, or neurofilament (NF), three intermediate filament proteins that are structural components of neurons and their axons. Sections were reacted with fluorescent secondary antibodies, the inherent fluorescence of GFP remaining unreacted, and the sections were examined using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Counts made for numbers of transduced cells using unbiased stereology show that AAV5 transduced a greater number of cells in the central nervous system than did AAV2. Furthermore, AAV5 transduced GFAP positive glial cells with notable preference over NF-positive neurons. This preference presages a role for AAV5 in cell supportive, or cell replacement strategies, as transduced glial cells mat be induced to produce neuron supportive gene products, such as GDNF, in a more physiological and sustainable fashion than can neurons.
Data Center Cooling Efficiency Improvement Through Localized and Optimized Cooling Resources Delivery

Data centers are large computing facilities that can house tens of thousands of computer servers, storage and networking devices. They can consume megawatts of power and, as a result, reject megawatts of heat. For more than a decade, researchers have been investigating methods to improve the efficiency by which these facilities are cooled. One of the key challenges to maintain highly efficient cooling is to provide on demand cooling resources to each server rack, which may vary with time and rack location within the larger data center. In common practice today, chilled water or refrigerant cooled computer room air conditioning (CRAC) units are used to reject the waste heat outside the data center, and they also work together with the fans in the IT equipment to circulate air within the data center for heat transport. In a raised floor data center, the cool air exiting the multiple CRAC units enters the underfloor plenum before it is distributed through the vent tiles in the cold aisles to the IT equipment. The vent tiles usually have fixed openings and are not adapted to accommodate the flow demand that can vary from cold aisle to cold aisle or rack to rack. In this configuration, CRAC units have the extra responsibilities of cooling resources distribution as well as provisioning. The CRAC unit, however, does not have the fine control granularity to adjust air delivery to individual racks since it normally affects a larger thermal zone, which consists of a multiplicity of racks arranged into rows. To better match cool air demand on a per cold aisle or rack basis, floor-mounted adaptive vent tiles (AVT) can be used to replace CRAC units for air delivery adjustment. In this arrangement, each adaptive vent tile can be remotely commanded from fully open to fully close for finer local air flow regulation. The optimal configuration for a multitude of AVTs in a data center, however, can be far from intuitive because of the air flow complexity. To unleash the full potential of the AVTs for improved air flow distribution and hence higher cooling efficiency, we propose a two-step approach that involves both steady-state and dynamic optimization to optimize the cooling resource provisioning and distribution within raised-floor air cooled data centers with rigid or partial containment. We first perform a model-based steady-state optimization to optimize whole data center air flow distribution. Within each cold aisle, all AVTs are configured to a uniform opening setting, although AVT opening may vary from cold aisle to cold aisle. We then use decentralized dynamic controllers to optimize the settings of each CRAC unit such that the IT equipment thermal requirement is satisfied with the least cooling power. This two-step optimization approach simplifies the large scale dynamic control problem, and its effectiveness in cooling efficiency improvement is demonstrated through experiments in a research data center.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
TU-E-201B-05: Photon Counting Radiography and CT: Upper Limits of SNR with Polyenergetic X-Rays

Purpose: To determine upper limits of signal to noise ratio (SNR) in radiography and computed tomography(CT) with polyenergetic x‐rays sources. Methods:Photon energy weighting increases SNR in polyenergetic x‐ray and CTimaging.SNR can be further increased if tube voltage is optimized in combination with x‐ray energy weighting. The SNR achieved with energy weighing at optimized tube voltage is the highest SNR possible in radiography and CT with polyenergetic x‐ray sources. The optimal tube voltages were determined for energy weighting and highest SNR were calculated for contrast elements of CaCO3, iodine, adipose, and tumor with thicknesses of 280 mg/cm2, 15 mg/cm2, 1 g/cm2, and 1 g/cm2, respectively, inserted in soft tissue with 10 cm and 20 cm thicknesses. The tube voltages were in 30 kVp – 140 kVp range and skin exposure was 20 mR. Energy weighting improves contrast to noise ratio (CNR) in CT when monoenergetic projections are optimally weighted. Alternatively, monoenergetic CTimages are reconstructed, optimally weighted, and combined providing final CTimage. It was determined analytically which method provides upper limit of CNR in CT.Results: A generalized weighting theorem was formulated and proven, which expands weighting method into the imaging areas other than x‐ray and CT. An optimal x‐ray tube voltage in energy weighting x‐ray imaging was determined for each contrast/background combination. Depending on imaging task, the highest SNR achieved in energy weighted polyenergetic x‐ray imaging were close to the SNR provided by monoenergetic x‐rays. It was proven that in CT the projection based weighting provides higher CNR than image based weighting thus determining upper limit of CNR.Conclusion: A unique tube voltage exists in energy weighting x‐ray and CT that provides highest SNR with polyenergetic x‐rays which can approach the SNR of monoenergetic x‐ray and CT. Projection based weighting provides highest CNR in CT.
Dynamic behavior of a 3-phase magnetic amplifier

IN MANY magnetic-amplifier applications, the transient response of the magnetic amplifier is of considerable importance. This is especially true if the magnetic amplifier is to function as an element of a feedback control system. The object of the work described in this paper was to determine experimentally the dynamic performance of a 3-phase bridge magnetic-amplifier circuit.
Windmill Pitcher's Radial Neuropathy

The authors present two cases of severe radial nerve injury with different sites of pathology but a similar mechanism: the "windmill" pitching motion of competitive softball. Both patients required surgical intervention with neurolysis, and both improved postoperatively. The literature on related radial nerve injuries is briefly reviewed and pathophysiological mechanisms are discussed.
Effect of fenfluramine on GDP-binding to brown adipose tissue mitochondria

These experiments have tested the effects of treatment with fenfluramine on the GDP-binding to mitochondria isolated from interscapular brown adipose tissue in vitro. In acute studies, the binding of GDP was significantly increased after 3, 24, and 48 hours of treatment with a single dose of 20 mg/kg of body weight. Addition of fenfluramine in vitro, however was without effect. In a dose-response study there was no significant increase with doses of 2 or 6 mg/kg but there was a significant increase at 20 mg/kg. During eleven days of treatment, food intake was initially depressed by fenfluramine (20 mg/kg) and body weight was significantly reduced. By the ninth day of treatment however, food intake had returned to control values but the body weight remained significantly lower than in the control group. The weight of interscapular brown adipose tissue was not significantly altered but binding of GDP to isolated mitochondria was increased by 55%. These studies suggest a thermogenic effect of fenfluramine on the brown adipose tissue of rats.
Structure/reactivity relationships in the benzo[c]phenanthrene skeleton: stable ion and electrophilic substitution (nitration, bromination) study of substituted analogues, novel carbocations and substituted derivatives.

A series of novel carbocations were generated by low-temperature protonation of substituted benzo[c]phenanthrenes, B[c]Phs, and their charge delocalization pathways were elucidated by NMR on the basis of the magnitude of Δδ13C values. It has been shown that the protonation regioselectivity is strongly controlled by methoxy and hydroxyl substituents, whose directive effects override methyl substitution effects. Regiocontrol by −OMe and −OH substituents, and its stronger influence relative to methyl groups, was also observed in the nitration and bromination reactions. Charge distribution modes in the regioisomeric protonated carbocations formed via parent B[c]Ph as well as in the benzylic carbocation formed via fjord-region epoxide ring opening were deduced by gauge-invariant atomic orbital density functional theory (GIAO-DFT) and from the natural population analysis (NPA)-derived changes in charges over CHs. These patterns were compared with those derived from NMR experiments in the substituted derivatives...
5,6-Saturated thymine lesions in DNA: production by ultraviolet light or hydrogen peroxide

Abstract Thymine analogs with saturated 5-6 bonds are important types of DNA damage that are recognized by the DNA N-glycosylase activity of E. coli endonuclease III. Seeking agents which could preferentially form 5,6-hydrated thymine residues in duplex DNA both in vivo and in vitro, we exposed purified duplex DNA to 325- or 313-nm light; however, after such exposure pyrimidine dimers greatly predominated over 5,6-hydrated thymine. Hydrogen peroxide, on the other hand, formed significant numbers of endonuclease III-sensitive sites in vitro which were not apurinic/apyrimidinic lesions and thus were likely to be 5,6-hydrated thymines.
Political Participation and Cumulative Disadvantage: The Impact of Economic and Social Hardship on Young Citizens

In this article, we seek to provide the most comprehensive exploration to date of the effects of economic and social disadvantage on young citizens' voter turnout. We look at four overlapping domains of hardship—those rooted in (a) the family context, (b) the community context, (c) the school context, and (d) major events and life transitions. Our conceptual model of cumulative advantage/disadvantage identifies the different ways in which disadvantages can have cumulative effects on social outcomes generally and on civic participation in particular. Our framework also suggests how patterns of advantage and disadvantage may be mediated by social institutions. Using data from the National Education Longitudinal Survey, we show that disadvantages rooted in the family have major impact on all groups of young citizens and that family disadvantage interacts with school disadvantage for whites. We also show that the effects of early parenthood, being arrested, and dropping out of school have differential effects depending on race. We also show that community colleges function as civic leveling institutions—especially for African American youth.
Synthesis of ultrafine SiC from rice hulls (husks): a plasma process

Heat-treated rice hulls have been used as precursor material for synthesis of ultrafne SiC in a RF plasma reactor. Rice hulls containing finely distributed silica and active carbon act as a source for SiC formation. The plasma-synthesized powder contained ultrafnc β-SiC with excess carbon and some unreacted silica. Post-treatment processes such as oxidation and acid (HF) treatment appear to be effective in removing the excess carbon and silica.
The expandable network of ant exploration

Abstract The Argentine ant, Linepithema humile , adjusts its exploratory behaviour according to group size. Colonies of three different sizes were allowed to explore novel, empty arenas of three different sizes. Ants were tracked on videotape using a computerized image analysis system. At high densities, the shape of searchers' paths becomes more convoluted; at low densities, paths are more linear. Previous theoretical work shows that this relation between individual path shape and group size maximizes the discovery rate of the group as a whole. Temporal patterns were examined in density of ants in the novel arena, path shape, and the rate at which area covered by the group expanded. The density of ants in the novel arena increased over the course of 40 min of exploration, but there were no significant temporal patterns of path shape. The area covered by exploring ants increased more rapidly early in the exploration (after 5 min in the novel arena) than later on (after 20 min). The results show that individual ants adjust the shape of their paths in a way that maximizes the discovery rate of the group as a whole. This provides an intriguing new example of how individuals, each acting independently, can generate group-level behaviour.
Ultrasonographic evaluation of normal fetal anatomy and congenital malformations.

Congenital fetal malformations continue to represent a significant and growing problem in perinatal morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, preventive measures are almost impossible and the only realistic approach to this problem lies in early antenatal detection. The fetus had been virtually inaccessible to observation until the development of ultrasonography, fetoscopy, and amniocentesis. With the improved sophistication of the high resolution gray scale ultrasonic equipment, delineation of the ultrafine intrafetal structures has become a reality. Diagnostic ultrasound, along with recent technological advances in medical genetics, offers an additional perspective for assessing the fetal well-being in utero. These methods have facilitated the prenatal diagnosis of an increasing number of congenital disorders. With the recent widespread availability of real time scanners, continuous observation of the dynamic aspects of the unborn child is now possible. Fetal body and breathing movements can readily be quantified. tions for ultrasound examination of pregnancies in order to exclude congenital anomalies, including: 1) prior to amniocentesis to determine gestational age and placental localization and to establish fetal life and number; 2) in a woman with a history of previous children with a structural birth defect if the defect can be diagnosed by ultrasound; 3) with a finding of elevated alpha-fetoprotein in the maternal serum or amniotic fluid in order to detect any neural tube defect or gastroschisis; and 4) with a finding of amniotic fluid abnormalities such as polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios in order to detect possible renal or intestinal anomalies.
An Algorithm for Model and Controller Reduction to Retain Desired States

This paper presents an algorithm for model reduction of linear large-scale systems. An objective of reduced order realization is that outputs of the reduced model will approximate the output response of the system, and states of the reduced model will look-like the desired state variables of the true model. The proposed method is based on the balanced realization concept of systems theory. Design of reduced order dynamic controller is also considered in a similar framework.
Feedforward Tracking Controller Design Based on the Identification of Low Frequency Dynamics

Several methodologies are proposed for identifying the dynamics of a machine tool feed drive system in the low frequency region. An accurate indentification is necessary for the desing of a feedforward tracking controller, which achieves unity gain and zero phase shift for the overall system in the relevant frequency band. In machine tools and other mechanical systems, the spectrum of the reference trajectory is composed of low frequency signals. Standard least squares fits are shown to heavily penalize high frequency misfit. Linear models described by the output-error (OE) and Autoaggressive Miving Average with eXogeneous Input (ARMAX) models display better closeness-of-fit properties at low frequency
Densification by interface-reaction controlled grain-boundary diffusion

Abstract The densification of a fine-grained, high-purity aluminum oxide powder under hot isostatic pressing (HIP) has been found to occur by interface-reaction controlled grain-boundary diffusion. We discuss geometries and dislocation mechanics for this process for both the initial and final stages of densification and develop constitutive equations for densification rate as a function of density, materials constants, and experimental parameters. The model is used to explain the results of several HIP experiments at pressures of 34–102 MPa and temperatures of 1273–1423 K. Sources of variation from sample to sample are discussed. An analysis is made of the sensitivity of the model to its adjustable parameters. Alternative explanations for the experimental data are discussed and found to be inadequate.
Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography and neurocognitive functioning in children with sickle cell disease.

Objective. We examined the relationship between cerebral blood flow velocity, measured by transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography, and neurocognitive functioning. Methods. Participants were 60 children who had sickle cell disease (HbSS) and had no documented history of stroke. Children were classified according to Stroke Prevention Trial in Sickle Cell Anemia criteria (normal, conditional, and abnormal), and their performance was compared on measures of intellectual abilities, academic achievement, sustained attention/concentration, executive function, and parent and teacher ratings of executive function. Results. Children with abnormal TCD values performed more poorly than children with conditional TCD values on measures of verbal intelligence and executive function. Children with conditional TCD values performed more poorly than children with normal TCD values on measures of sustained attention/concentration and executive function. TCD values also were a significant predictor of auditory working memory in exploratory analyses. Conclusions. Our findings support the hypothesis that neurocognitive functions subserved by the frontal systems (eg, sustained attention/concentration and executive function) seem to be the most useful indices of progressive cerebrovasculopathy in children with HbSS disease.
Accidental Hydrocarbon Ingestion Cases Telephoned to a Regional Poison Center

One hundred eighty-four telephone calls to the Texas State Poison Center concerning accidental hydrocarbon ingestion were reviewed in an attempt to define the risk of developing any subsequent medical problem requiring therapeutic intervention. Special attention was given to changing symptom severity in an attempt to evaluate its usefulness in predicting future complications. One hundred twenty patients (65%) had no initial symptoms and remained asymptomatic throughout an 18-hour follow-up period. Sixty-two (34%) of patients had symptoms initially but quickly became asymptomatic. Two (1%) developed significant complications (one chemical pneumonitis, one death). These data suggest that the risk of significant complications after accidental hydrocarbon ingestion is low (approximately 1% of patients at risk). Patients who are asymptomatic or who quickly become asymptomatic can be watched safely at home, and referral of asymptomatic patients to a hospital may be unwarranted.
A steady state model of couette flow with viscous heating

Abstract An exact solution is found for a non-linear problem with thermomechanical coupling, the steady flow of a fluid with viscosity exponentially dependent on temperature, which is sheared between an adiabatic, fixed, inner cylinder and a thermostatted, rotating, outer cylinder. There is a maximum torque above which no steady flow is possible and below which two flows are possible, a high shear and a low shear steady flow for each value of torque.
Disabled-1 is expressed in type AII amacrine cells in the mouse retina.

The organization of several laminated structures in the brain is controlled by a signaling pathway activated by Reelin, a large glycoprotein secreted by pioneer neurons in the developing brain. Reelin binds to transmembrane receptors, including VLDLR and ApoER2, and stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation of Disabled-1 (Dab1), which associates with an NPxY motif present in the cytoplasmic domain of the receptors. Disruption of reelin, dab1, or both the vldr and apoer2 genes results in similar cell positioning defects in laminated brain regions including the cerebellum, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex. Although retinal ganglion cells express reelin during development, there is no obvious disruption of cell positioning in the retina of reeler mice. Here, we examine the expression pattern of Dab1 as a first step toward understanding the function of the Reelin signaling pathway in neural retina. Immunohistochemical analysis of the adult retina revealed that Dab1 is expressed in a specific type of amacrine cell. These cells display a narrow dendritic field and they project to two distinct sublaminae within the inner plexiform layer. Dab1 co-localizes with the high-affinity glycine transporter, indicating that these amacrine cells are glycinergic. Cells that express Dab1 are surrounded by dopaminergic fibers originating from wide-field amacrine cells. These features are characteristic of type AII amacrine cells described in other mammalian species. Analysis of the retina at several stages of development revealed that Dab1 is expressed shortly after birth during the time at which AII amacrine cells extend neurites and form synaptic connections in the inner retina. This raises the possibility that the Reelin/Dab1 signaling pathway contributes to formation of intraretinal circuitry in the neural retina. J. Comp. Neurol. 424:327–338, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Techniques and Interventions of Solution-Focused Advising

Solution-focused advising is a novel method for engaging students in the advising process. In NACADA Journal 22(1), we discussed a conceptual framework for understanding the integration of solution...
A method for the determination of electron capture cross-section at imperfection centers in gallium arsenide of electroluminescent diodes

A simple method is described for the determination of the electron capture cross-section at the imperfection centers with a dominant deep level in semiconductor electroluminescent diodes. In this method, the electron capture cross-section is determined through simultaneous measurements of the temperature dependence of the minority carrier lifetime and the external quantum efficiency of the EL diodes. When the method is applied to Zn-diffused GaAs EL diodes, the average electron capture cross-section is found to be 10−16 cm2 at a level either 0·1 or 0·2 eV away from the mid-gap.
Cellular functions of cholesterol probed with optical biosensors

Cholesterol is an essential constituent of cell membranes and the regulation of cholesterol concentration is critical for cell functions including signaling. In this paper, we applied resonant waveguide grating (RWG) biosensor to study the cellular functions of cholesterol through real time monitoring the dynamic mass redistribution (DMR) mediated by cholesterol depletion with methyl-β-cyclodextrin (mβCD). In A431 cells, depletion of cholesterol by mβCD led to a DMR signature that was similar, but not identical to that induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF). To elucidate the cellular mechanisms of the DMR signal mediated by cholesterol depletion, a panel of modulators that specifically modulate the activities of various cellular targets were used to pretreat the cells. Results showed that the DMR signals triggered by cholesterol depletion are primarily linked to the transactivation of EGF receptor. Multiple signaling pathways including Ras/mitogenic activated protein (MAP) kinase, protein kinase C (PKC) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) acted synergically in the cell response, whereas the activation of protein kinase A (PKA) pathway was found to antagonize the cell response.
Review of image postprocessing techniques for compression artifact removal

Compression of digital image and video data plays an important role in reducing the transmission and storage cost for visual communication. However, when bit rates become very low, most compression algorithms yield visually annoying artifacts that highly degrade the perceptual quality of image and video data. To achieve high bit rate reduction while maintaining the best possible perceptual quality, postprocessing techniques provide one attractive solution. There has been a significant amount of research activities in post- processing of compressed image/video over the past decade. Some of them ar developed from the image enhancement point of view while others are from image restoration. The goal of this paper is to provide a review and analysis of recent developments in post-processing techniques. A discussion on compression artifacts is given first. Then , we survey several algorithms that reduce compression artifacts. Finally, we describe the current bottleneck and future directions in this field.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Frequency domain system identification methods - Matrix fraction description approach

This paper presents the use of matrix fraction descriptions for least-squares curve fitting of the frequency spectra to compute two matrix polynomials. The matrix polynomials are intermediate step to obtain a linearized representation of the experimental transfer function. Two approaches are presented: first, the matrix polynomials are identified using an estimated transfer function; second, the matrix polynomials are identified directly from the cross/auto spectra of the input and output signals. A set of Markov parameters are computed from the polynomials and subsequently realization theory is used to recover a minimum order state space model. Unevenly spaced frequency response functions may be used. Results from a simple numerical example and an experiment are discussed to highlight some of the important aspect of the algorithm.
CONSTRUCTING ALGEBRAIC LINKS FOR LOW EDGE NUMBERS

A method is given for economically constructing any algebraic knot or link K. This construction, which involves tree diagrams, gives a new upper bound for the edge number of K that is proven to be at most twice the crossing number of K. Furthermore, it realizes a minimal-crossing projection.
Maximum likelihood estimation of a change-point for exponentially distributed random variables

Abstract We consider the problem of estimating the unknown change-point in the parameter of a sequence of independent and exponentially distributed random variables. An exact expression for the asymptotic distribution of the maximum likelihood estimate of the change-point is derived. The analysis is based on the application of Weiner–Hopf factorization identity involving the distribution of ascending and descending ladder heights, and the renewal measure in random walks.
Shock capturing with Padé methods

A fourth order conservative Pade shock capturing method for conservation laws is developed and tested. Conservation is maintained by applying the primitive function reconstruction method developed by Shu and Osher for ENO schemes to a Pade method. In particular, we study a nonsymmetric Pade approximation that we have not seen before. Limiters are used to prevent spurious oscillations near shocks and a Runge-Kutta method is used to march the solution in time. Numerical experiments are performed to find limiters which maintain accuracy at smooth extrema, minimize spurious oscillations near shocks and resolve high frequency smooth solutions.
Role of surfactants in adhesion reduction for step and flash imprint lithography

The step-and-flash imprint lithography process requires the clean separation of a quartz template from a polymer, and the force required to create this separation must be minimized to prevent the generation of defects. Fluorinated surfactant additives to the imprint fluid address this problem by migrating to the template-polymer interface and forming a local layer with ideal properties for adhesive fracture. Tensile and four-point bend fracture experiments show that surfactants lower the modulus of the imprint polymer and decrease the fracture energy. The fracture energy is further decreased by using a nonreactive, liquid surfactant versus a surfactant that reacts with the polymer matrix. Angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results indicate that surfactant migration is more effective with a fluorinated surface treatment compared to an untreated quartz surface. This result shows that the use of fluorinated surfactants must be accompanied by a surface treatment that produces a similar energy or polarity to induce migration and lower the adhesive strength.
Dissociation between behavioral and physiological indices of organomercurial ingestion

Abstract Rats allowed to behaviorally regulate intake of methyl mercuric chloride (MMC) contained in a palatable sucrose solution exhibited markedly different manifestations of toxicosis depending on concentration of the adulterant. A dose level of 25 g/liter of MMC in a 5% sucrose solution was initially ingested but was then rejected prior to the appearance of any neurological or physiological damage. The rejection was shown to be based on the sucrose taste stimulus. At a lower MMC concentration of 5 g/liter, the solution was vigorously consumed through the appearance of profound signs of organic mercury toxicosis including weight loss, ataxia, postural abnormalities, neural degeneration, and renal failure. These results demonstrate a dissociation between the behavioral and pathophysiological toxicity induced by organic mercury.
Four new species of Rasbora of the Sumatrana group (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from northern Sumatra, Indonesia

Four new species of the minnow genus Rasbora of the Sumatrana group, R. arundinata, R. haru, R. maninjau, and R. bindumatoga, are described from northern Sumatra. Rasbora arundinata is distinguished from all congeners in the Sumatrana group by the black midlateral stripe overall forming a reed-leaf-like profile. Rasbora haru differs from its congeners in the Sumatrana group in having the black midlateral stripe overall forming a stamen-like profile. The new species endemic to Lake Maninjau in central west Sumatra, Rasbora maninjau, is unique among all the congeners in the Sumatrana group in having a combination of the black midlateral stripe extending from the midhumeral region of uniform width, the prominent acutely triangular basicaudal blotch, and the oval supra-anal pigmentation. Rasbora bindumatoga is distinguished from all congeners in the Sumatrana group by a combination of the black rectangular subdorsal blotch, the absence of supra-anal pigmentation, and the somewhat oval basicaudal blotch. Rasbora arundinata, R. maninjau, and R. bindumatoga occur allopatrically in the northwestern coastal region of Sumatra, while R. haru is known from northeastern coastal area of Sumatra. A new diagnostic character for the Sumatrana group is described: partial exposure of the upper lip due to a submedial contact between the maxilla and the lower lip, which is marked posteriorly by a lachrymal groove.
National Power of Turkey and Other Powers in the Region

Abstract This study examines the power of Turkey and other states in the region and provides a comparative assessment of their current national, military and economic power. For Turkey and the other top military powers, future developments in population, economic power, military power and national power were examined. Forecasts of population, economic, military and national power of these top military powers are presented.
Treatment volume and tissue tolerance

Hypotheses regarding tissue organization and radiation response were described and, on the basis of simple modeling, tentative conclusions were drawn regarding the influence on "tolerance" doses of tissue organization and the volume of an organ irradiated. (1) A functional subunit (FSU) may be defined structurally (e.g. as in a nephron), or only functionally, as the largest unit of cells capable of being regenerated from a surviving clonogenic cell without loss of the specified function. (2) Functional subunits may be arranged in parallel or in series: in parallel they give rise to graded dose responses, whereas in series, they give rise to threshold binary, or quantum responses. (3) Tolerance doses are a function of the number and radiosensitivity of target cells in an FSU, tissue organization and the functional reserve (i.e. the proportion of functional subunits necessary for adequate organ function). (4) An influence of treatment volume on "tolerance" doses is more likely to depend upon tissue organization than upon differences in cellular radiosensitivity. (5) The volume of tissue irradiated would be expected to be irrelevant to the "tolerance" of tissues showing a graded dose response (e.g. skin desquamation), except when the injury becomes severe, when tolerance for a large severe wound is likely to be less than for a small volume of injury, for non-radiobiological reasons. (6) Tissues with FSU's arranged in series, for example, spinal cord or peritoneal sheath along small bowel, should show a threshold-binary response. Sigmoid dose response curves should have a lower threshold and be steeper the larger the treatment volume. The effect of increase in volume is greatest with changes in small volumes: once a large number of FSU's are being irradiated, a further increase in volume has little effect on the position or slope of the probability curve for such complications. (7) Because their sigmoid dose-response curves are step, threshold-binary tissues are sensitive to small increases in "biologically effective" dose. For example, when the spinal cord is treated with large dose fractions the biological effectiveness per unit of dose increases sharply. Thus, using a large volume together with large dose fractions, as could happen in palliative prescriptions, could augment the danger of myelitis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Transport of protein in goldfish optic nerve during regeneration

Abstract After the optic tract was cut in goldfish, transport of protein in the intact optic nerve segment attached to the eye was increased. The rate of “slow” transport, which is normally 0.4 mm per day, was increased about three-fold. The increase began between 6 and 8 days after the cut, and was maximal about 2 1 2 weeks after the cut, just prior to the time that recovery of vision occurred. The rate remained elevated for several weeks after the optic fibers had connected with the tectum. The rate of “fast” transport, which is normally about 40 mm per day, was found to be approximately twice normal about 2 weeks after reconnection had occurred.
PEAK Project Overview

Summary PEAK is an experimental service providing delivery to and pricing research on the 1100+ electronic journals published by Elsevier Science. The initial data collected by the project has helped participants to understand patterns of journal use and illuminates some issues involved in pricing electronic journal delivery. Maria Bonn presented an overview of the project and its pricing structure. John M. Haar shared the experiences of the library at Vanderbilt University. Sharon Cline McKay presented a vendor's perspective on pay-per-view article delivery.
Understanding Organizational Wage Structures: A Resource Dependence Approach

Data on the salaries for high level administrative positions in 608 colleges and universities were used to examine the relative salaries for six positions. Controlling for other factors, we found t...
Roles of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) and the p55 TNF Receptor in CD1d Induction and Coxsackievirus B3-Induced Myocarditis

Giving C57BL/6 mice 10(4) PFU of coxsackievirus B3 (H3 variant) fails to induce myocarditis, but increasing the initial virus inoculum to 10(5) or 10(6) PFU causes significant cardiac disease. Virus titers in the heart were equivalent at days 3 and 7 in mice given all three virus doses, but day 3 titers in the pancreases of mice inoculated with 10(4) PFU were reduced. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) concentrations in the heart were increased in all infected mice, but cytokine levels were highest in mice given the larger virus inocula. TNF-alpha(-/-) and p55 TNF receptor-negative (TNFR(-/-)) mice developed minimal myocarditis compared to B6;129 or C57BL/6 control mice. p75 TNFR(-/-) mice were as disease susceptible as C57BL/6 animals. No significant differences in virus titers in heart or pancreas were observed between the groups, but C57BL/6 and p75 TNFR(-/-) animals showed 10-fold more inflammatory cells in the heart than p55 TNFR(-/-) mice, and the cell population was comprised of high concentrations of CD4(+) gamma interferon-positive and Vgamma4(+) cells. Cardiac endothelial cells isolated from C57BL/6 and p75 TNFR(-/-) mice upregulate CD1d, the molecule recognized by Vgamma4(+) cells, but infection of TNF(-/-) or p55 TNFR(-/-) endothelial cells failed to upregulate CD1d. Infection of C57BL/6 endothelial cells with a nonmyocarditic coxsackievirus B3 variant, H310A1, which is a poor inducer of TNF-alpha, failed to elicit CD1d expression, but TNF-alpha treatment of H310A1-infected endothelial cells increased CD1d levels to those seen in H3-infected cells. TNF-alpha treatment of uninfected endothelial cells had only a modest effect on CD1d expression, suggesting that optimal CD1d upregulation requires both infection and TNF-alpha signaling.
Enhanced toxic gas detection using a MEMS preconcentrator coated with the metal organic framework absorber

Widespread and timely sensing of explosives, toxic chemicals and industrial compounds needs fast, sensitive detection technology that is affordable and portable. Many gas detectors developed for portable applications are based on sensing a change in resistivity or other non-selective material properties, often leading to low sensitivity and selectivity. In this paper, we report a new generation of the UIUC MEMS gas preconcentrator (muGPC) and its integration into a microfluidic M-8 (muM8) detector to demonstrate an enhanced overall detection limit and selectivity in detecting a toxic gas simulant. The integration creates a portable sensor to sniff an analyte of interest at concentration of 10 ppb or below.
Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) as adjuvant in cancer therapy

Summary Background & aims Green tea catechins, especially epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), have been associated with cancer prevention and treatment. This has resulted in an increased number of studies evaluating the effects derived from the use of this compound in combination with chemo/radiotherapy. This review aims at compiling latest literature on this subject. Methods Keywords including EGCG, cancer, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and side effects, were searched using PubMed and ScienceDirect databases to identify, analyze, and summarize the research literature on this topic. Most of the studies on this subject up to date are preclinical. Relevance of the findings, impact factor, and date of publication were critical parameters for the studies to be included in the review. Results Additive and synergistic effects of EGCG when combined with conventional cancer therapies have been proposed, and its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities have been related to amelioration of cancer therapy side effects. However, antagonistic interactions with certain anticancer drugs might limit its clinical use. Conclusions The use of EGCG could enhance the effect of conventional cancer therapies through additive or synergistic effects as well as through amelioration of deleterious side effects. Further research, especially at the clinical level, is needed to ascertain the potential role of EGCG as adjuvant in cancer therapy.
Social Media Locality in a Tribal Network

Tribal areas continue to be some of the most under-serviced places in the U.S. with respect to broadband coverage. Despite tribal and FCC interests in addressing this issue, there has never been a network-based characterization on how existing broadband services in these are areas are used. We present one of the first of such characterizations by analyzing traffic from the Tribal Digital Village (TDV) network, a tribal operated network that provides initial Internet services to 576 facilities in rural San Diego county. Our study reveals that the most requested web application in the network is Instagram, which has not yet been characterized in a community setting. Overall, we identify a high locality of interest with respect to content and social connectivity: 27\% of the 150,368 unique media objects circulated in TDV Instagram traffic were produced by TDV users; local content creators have 8.2$\times$ more engagement with their media on the TDV network than non-local content creators; 26.5\% of the 7.9 million media downloads were downloaded by multiple TDV network users; and on average, 42.6\% of a user's 1-hop social neighborhood is comprised of users from the same reservation.