cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quality control in microarray assessment of gene expression in human airway epithelium

Microarray technology provides a powerful tool for defining gene expression profiles of airway epithelium that lend insight into the pathogenesis of human airway disorders. The focus of this study was to establish rigorous quality control parameters to ensure that microarray assessment of the airway epithelium is not confounded by experimental artifact. Samples (total n = 223) of trachea, large and small airway epithelium were collected by fiberoptic bronchoscopy of 144 individuals and hybridized to Affymetrix microarrays. The pre- and post-chip quality control (QC) criteria established, included: (1) RNA quality, assessed by RNA Integrity Number (RIN) ≥ 7.0; (2) cRNA transcript integrity, assessed by signal intensity ratio of GAPDH 3' to 5' probe sets ≤ 3.0; and (3) the multi-chip normalization scaling factor ≤ 10.0. Of the 223 samples, all three criteria were assessed in 191; of these 184 (96.3%) passed all three criteria. For the remaining 32 samples, the RIN was not available, and only the other two criteria were used; of these 29 (90.6%) passed these two criteria. Correlation coefficients for pairwise comparisons of expression levels for 100 maintenance genes in which at least one array failed the QC criteria (average Pearson r = 0.90 ± 0.04) were significantly lower (p < 0.0001) than correlation coefficients for pairwise comparisons between arrays that passed the QC criteria (average Pearson r = 0.97 ± 0.01). Inter-array variability was significantly decreased (p < 0.0001) among samples passing the QC criteria compared with samples failing the QC criteria. Based on the aberrant maintenance gene data generated from samples failing the established QC criteria, we propose that the QC criteria outlined in this study can accurately distinguish high quality from low quality data, and can be used to delete poor quality microarray samples before proceeding to higher-order biological analyses and interpretation.
Extralarge XLαs (XXLαs), a Variant of Stimulatory G Protein α-Subunit (Gsα), Is a Distinct, Membrane-Anchored GNAS Product that Can Mimic Gsα

GNAS gives rise to multiple imprinted gene products, including the alpha-subunit of the stimulatory G protein (Gs(alpha)) and its variant XL(alpha)s. Based on genomic sequence, the translation of XL(alpha)s begins from the middle of a long open reading frame, suggesting the existence of an N-terminally extended variant termed extralarge XLalphas (XXL(alpha)s). Although XXL(alpha), like Gs(alpha) and XL(alpha)s, would be affected by most disease-causing GNAS mutations, its authenticity and biological significance remained unknown. Here we identified a mouse cDNA clone that comprises the entire open reading frame encoding XXL(alpha)s. Whereas XXL(alpha)s mRNA was readily detected in mouse heart by RT-PCR, it appeared virtually absent in insulinoma-derived INS-1 cells. By Northern blots and RT-PCR, XXL(alpha)s mRNA was detected primarily in the mouse brain, cerebellum, and spleen. Immunohistochemistry using a specific anti-XXL(alpha)s antibody demonstrated XXL(alpha)s protein in multiple brain areas, including dorsal hippocampus and cortex. In transfected cells, full-length human XXL(alpha)s was localized to the plasma membrane and mediated isoproterenol- and cholera toxin-stimulated cAMP accumulation. XXL(alpha)s-R844H, which bears a mutation analogous to that in the constitutively active Gs(alpha) mutant Gs(alpha)-R201H (gsp oncogene), displayed elevated basal signaling. However, unlike Gs(alpha)-R201H, which mostly remains in the cytoplasm, both XXL(alpha)s-R844H and a constitutively active XL(alpha)s mutant localized to the plasma membrane. Hence, XXL(alpha)s is a distinct GNAS product and can mimic Gs(alpha), but the constitutively active XXL(alpha)s and Gs(alpha) mutants differ from each other regarding subcellular targeting. Our findings suggest that XXL(alpha)s deficiency or hyperactivity may contribute to the pathogenesis of diseases caused by GNAS mutations.
Measuring optical nonlinearities with a two-beam X-scan technique

We present a new two-beam technique, the X scan, for measuring both absorptive and refractive components of optical nonlinearities in bulk semiconductors. The sample is excited by a high-intensity, short (picosecond) pump pulse and is probed with weak degenerate or nondegenerate pulses whose relative arrival time and transverse alignment with the pump are varied. X scans at various delays enable separation of free-carrier mediated nonlinearities and instantaneous χ(3) nonlinearities. Varying the relative pump–probe polarizations yields components of the χ(3) tensor. We report new values for degenerate (532 nm) and nondegenerate (532; 683 nm) cross-phase-modulation and two-photon-absorption coefficients for two polarization states and free-carrier absorption and refractive cross sections at 532 and 683 nm.
Regulation of nutrient concentrations in a temperate forest stream: Roles of upland, riparian, and instream processes

The roles of terrestrial and instream processes in controlling stream-water N and P concentrations were studied over a 2-yr period in a deciduous forest stream in eastern Tennessee. Upper soil horizons were highly effective sinks for inorganic N and P in throughfall, and weathering of the parent dolomite was the dominant source of inorganic P to the stream. The riparian zone was a potential source of NH,+ and P to the stream when dissolved oxygen concentrations in riparian groundwater were low, but a sink for P when dissolved oxygen concentrations were high. High rates of instream immobilization of inorganic N and P were observed from late autumn to spring, primarily as a result of uptake by microbes on decomposing leaves and secondarily by algae. Immobilization of inorganic N and P resulted in longitudinal declines in concentrations with distance downstream from groundwater inputs (springs), thereby increasing the importance of organic forms of these nutrients in stream water in downstream reaches. The seasonal pattern of winter minima and summer maxima in stream-water N and P concentrations observed here is opposite to the pattern observed in many northern streams, suggesting the importance of winter nutrient cycling processes in soils and streams in warmer climates.
Transient radiation in a moving isotropic medium

The transient field in a moving isotropic medium due to a current source of arbitrary time dependence is formulated and solved with the aid of an independent pseudo-time variable. The approach is similar to D'Alembert's method of solving the one-dimensional scalar wave equation, except that we are dealing with Maxwell's equations with two constitutive relations characterizing a moving medium. This new method appears to be simpler than the one used by Compton [1] who invoked a four-dimensional space-time differential operator and derived several new mathematical formulas covering both the spatial and the time domain simultaneously in order to solve the Maxwell-Minkowski equations. In our treatment, only conventional theorems in spatial domain are needed and the result is also cast in a more recognizable form.
Prediction of preterm birth in nulliparous patients

Objective: Our goal was to determine whether the mammary stimulation test combined with a risk scoring system and cervical examination at 26 to 28 weeks' gestation could effectively identify private nulliparous patients at risk for spontaneous preterm birth. Study Design: The mammary stimulation test was performed by 267 nulliparous patients with singleton gestations at 26 to 28 weeks. Risk scores were determined by the method of Creasy et al. and cervical examinations were performed at the first prenatal visit and at 26 to 28 weeks. Summary predictive values were calculated for each test, and a stepwise discriminate analysis was performed. Results: Spontaneous preterm birth occurred at Conclusion: Combining the mammary stimulation test with a cervical examination at 26 to 28 weeks' gestation and routinely obtained prenatal data correctly identified 35% of spontaneous preterm births in nulliparous patients with a positive predictive value of 47%. Prospective validation of this model is warranted.
Surface segregation in bimetallic Pt3M (M = Fe, Co, Ni) alloys with adsorbed oxygen

Abstract Surface segregation of Pt3M (M = Fe, Co, and Ni) alloys under oxygen environment has been examined using periodic density functional theory. The segregation trend at a (1 1 1) surface is found to be substantially modified by the adsorbed oxygen. Our calculations indicate that under 1/4 monolayer O coverage both the Pt-segregated and M-segregated surfaces are less stable than the non-segregated one. Further analysis reveals that segregation energy under adsorption environments can be expressed as the sum of the segregation energy under vacuum conditions and the adsorption energy difference of the segregated and non-segregated alloy systems. Therefore, the surface segregation trend under adsorption conditions is directly correlated to the surface-adsorbate binding strength.
Excision-repair properties of an Escherichia coli mutant deficient in DNA polymerase.

An Escherichia coli mutant, extracts of which show no DNA polymerase activity, can excise pyrimidine dimers induced by ultraviolet irradiation. The increased radiation sensitivity of this strain is related to the extensive degradation of irradiated DNA.
Re‐presenting women executives: valorization and devalorization in US business press

Perceived compatibility between requirements of managerial work and attributes of women is believed important to the advancement and success of women, and research demonstrates continued ambivalence about women executives. The question of how images of women executives are disseminated, reproducing or contesting negative characterizations, has received little attention. The research reported here focuses on US business press as a cultural carrier disseminating images of women executives. Critical discourse analysis examined 27 front page Wall Street Journal accounts of 22 women executives in the year following Carly Fiorina’s appointment to head Hewlett‐Packard; 20 front page accounts of 24 men executives were used as comparison. Prominently featured articles on women executives provide fractured images of women as executives: while some accounts are positive, other portrayals reinforce negative perceptions of women’s competence and likeability as executives and concerns about the social order. Similar issues are not raised in coverage of male executives. Author gender does not seem to affect the portrayal.
Calculation of reactor life in delayed coking units

The operational reliability of delayed coking reactors may vary considerably from one unit to another. This paper presents a method for calculating the reliability and service life of such reactors based on cycle frequency, materials defects, stresses, fatigue, and temperature and service loads. The method was developed for service life prediction in the design stage of delayed coking reactors.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of fatty acyl ester derivatives of 2',3'-didehydro-2',3'-dideoxythymidine.

Abstract A number of 5′- O -fatty acyl derivatives of 2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxythymidine (stavudine, d4T) were synthesized and evaluated for anti-HIV activities against cell-free and cell-associated virus, cellular cytotoxicity, and cellular uptake studies. The conjugates were found to be more potent than d4T. Among these conjugates, 5′- O -12-azidododecanoyl derivative of d4T ( 2 ), displaying EC 50 = 3.1–22.4 μM, showed 4- to 9-fold higher activities than d4T against cell-free and cell-associated virus. Cellular uptake studies were conducted on CCRF-CEM cell line using 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein derivatives of d4T attached through β-alanine ( 9 ) or 12-aminododecanoic acid ( 10 ) as linkers. The fluorescein-substituted analog of d4T with long chain length ( 10 ) showed 12- to 15-fold higher cellular uptake profile than the corresponding analog with short chain length ( 9 ). These studies reveal that conjugation of fatty acids to d4T enhances the cellular uptake and anti-HIV activity of stavudine.
The Socratic Augustine

Augustine is both one of the great dogmatic thinkers in our Western tradition and also one of the most Socratic. How can that be? I suggest that Augustine is given to puzzling over questions of the form “How is it possible that p?”– for example, “How is it possible to measure time when no length of time is ever present to be measured?” Moreover, he asks questions of this form even when he is in no doubt that p is the case. (Thus he is in no doubt that we can measure periods of time even though, strictly speaking, no period of time is ever present.) I suggest further that we can learn something about good teaching from studying Augustine's Socratic-style inquiry.
Influence of autumn management on orchardgrass-white clover swards

The influence of autumn management on the productivity, morphology, and botanical composition of an orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) sward was investigated over 3 yr. Stockpiled (nongrazed) canopies were clipped at fixed intervals throughout autumn from exclosures established in each of nine paddocks to determine growth rates and productivity of standing herbage. Pastures were grazed by weaned lambs (Ovis aries) beginning in August in each of 3 yr. Grazing animals were removed from three replicate paddocks after 30 (early closed), 60, or 90 d (late closed). Paddocks were sampled at 2-wk intervals to determine herbage mass, botanical composition, and total nonstructural carbohydrate concentrations of grasses and legumes. Early-closed paddocks continued to accumulate herbage during autumn, resulting in greater senescence over winter than in late-closed paddocks. Herbage mass in spring was not affected by autumn management. Late-closed paddocks had significantly more clover than did early-closed paddocks in spring. Early-closed paddocks were comprised of grass plants that had relatively few and large tillers and by white clover plants that had fewer growing points than those in late-closed paddocks. In comparison, late-closed paddocks had grass plants comprised of many small tillers and white clover plants with about twice as many growing points. Stolon mass was greater, but total nonstructural carbohydrate concentrations were less during autumn in late- than in early-closed paddocks. The decrease in clover mass over the course of the experiment coincided with a decrease in total herbage mass. A delicate balance between growing points and carbohydrates may be involved in clover presence in mixed swards.
Simulation of Bioparticle Movement in a Dielectrophoretic Microchannel

This paper presents an analysis of two of the most significant factors that affect particle movement in a dielectrophoretic microchannel: Drag force and Dielectrophoretic force (Figure 1). We have simulated particle trajectories for 2 and 10 micron diameter polystyrene beads in a dielectrophoretic microchannel under pressure-driven flow and analyzed the effects of fluid drag force and dielectrophoretic force on its trajectory. All particle simulations have been performed for two electrode types, thin film electrodes and dome shaped electrodes. The two electrode configurations are analyzed for their applicability in dielectrophoretic systems based on the extent of their dielectrophoretic effect in the microchannel. The results show that a higher dielectrophoretic effect and near-uniform field gradients along the particle flow path can result by using dome shaped electrodes. We also propose that this technique can be used for the manipulation of bioparticles. The suggested idea of using these results for bioparticles lies in the fact that the Clausius Mossotti factor for a bioparticle which would be based on a multishell model would be equivalent to a certain rigid sphere at the same applied frequency. Thus the simulation design can be used to evaluate the behavior of bioparticles with only the Clausius Mossotti information, without the need to model it into the trajectory tracking program and this can be obtained experimentally using dielectrophoretic techniques.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Small-signal parameters and thermal noise of the four-terminal MOSFET in non-quasistatic operation

Abstract The behavior of MOS transistors from d.c. to frequencies where the operation is non-quasistatic is investigated, with emphasis on four-terminal operation and including the substrate effect. The aspects considered are: (a) development of expressions for the y parameters, with closed-form expressions for the associated series terms of any order; and (b) development of expressions for the induced thermal noise currents at the drain, gate, and substrate as well as the drain thermal noise voltage. The results presented are verified through extensive comparisons to measured results, and to results obtained by simulation of a many-segment device. Such comparisons extend up to frequencies two orders of magnitude above the intrinsic cutoff frequency with positive results.
Photoinduced magnetization in molecule-based magnets KxCo[Fe(CN)6]y·zH2O (x≈0.31, y≈0.77, z≈3.54) and Mn(TCNE)x·y(CH2Cl2) (x≈2)

Abstract Studies of photoinduced magnetization (PIM) in two molecule-based magnets, Prussian blue analog K x Co[Fe(CN) 6 ] y · z H 2 O ( x ≈0.31, y ≈0.77, z ≈3.54) and Mn(tetracyanoethylene) x · y (CH 2 Cl 2 ) ( x ≈2), are presented. Detailed analysis of the dc magnetization and ac susceptibility of Co–Fe Prussian blue shows that the material is in a cluster glass state, with strong indications of cooperative freezing of the spin clusters. The PIM effects in the material are described within our model of photoinduced spin-doping of a cluster glass. High- T c magnet Mn(tetracyanoethylene) x · y (CH 2 Cl 2 ) ( T c =75 K) shows a substantial increase in magnetic susceptibility upon illumination with blue light. There are indications that physical mechanism responsible for this effect is different from the one in Prussian blue analogs. The effect is reversible and the material returns to the state before illumination after heating to ∼250 K.
ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THE VIBRIO CHOLERAE ACFA GENE, REQUIRED FOR EFFICIENT INTESTINAL COLONIZATION

The nucleotide sequence of the Vibrio cholerae acfA gene (encoding an accessory colonization factor) has been determined. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of an open reading frame of 215 amino acids with a characteristic signal peptidase I (SPI) cleavage site at the N terminus. Electrophoretic analysis of proteins synthesized by Escherichia coli cells, following T7 promoter/RNA polymerase-directed expression of acfA, revealed a 23-kDa protein corresponding to the mature form of AcfA. The T7 expression system also showed that, in the presence of known SPI inhibitors, a 25-kDa unprocessed form of AcfA is produced.
Groundwater and earthquakes: Screening analysis for slope stability

Groundwater is a factor behind the occurrence of landslides, and so is the action of seismic shaking in sloping terrain. This paper presents closed-form expressions for the factor of safety and yield coefficient of slopes subjected simultaneously to seismic forces and variable groundwater conditions. Two failure modes of natural slopes are considered in this work, namely, long slope with phreatic surface parallel to the ground surface and slope with emerging phreatic surface. For these failure modes, the factor of safety and yield coefficient are determined for various conditions of drainage using effective-stress analysis and total-stress analysis. The effect of soil strength reduction by seismic loading is accounted for in the derived factors of safety and yield coefficients. The specification of the lateral seismic coefficient for equivalent seismic loading relies on recent advances in geotechnical earthquake engineering and seismic engineering geology. The role of liquefaction and clay softening is introduced in the analysis of seismic slope stability and slope deformation considering variable groundwater conditions. Several examples illustrate the application of the methods herein presented.
Steroid resistance in asthma: a major problem requiring novel solutions or a non-issue?

Abstract Steroid insensitivity in severe asthma is rare but has huge health care costs. Thus, 5% of asthmatic patients account for ∼50% of total health care costs. Incorrect diagnosis, non-compliance with therapy and psychological problems are all confounding issues, and can account for a failure to respond to steroids in many of these patients. A recent report (ENFUMOSA) has suggested that severe asthma, of which steroid-resistant asthma is a component, consists of at least one, possibly more, distinct disease(s) with differing pathologies. Future studies such as Bio-Air and TENOR could confirm this; therefore, it is not surprising that well-characterised steroid-resistant and steroid-dependent asthma have multiple mechanisms to account for a lack of steroid sensitivity, including defective ligand binding to the steroid receptor, abnormal receptor nuclear translocation and abnormal association with pro-inflammatory nuclear proteins. Distinct treatments might have to be tailored to the individual patient; for example, drugs that enhance receptor nuclear translocation will only be effective in patients in whom this is a problem. Once issues of diagnosis, compliance and psychological disorders have been resolved, true steroid resistance or dependence is unlikely to be an issue for most clinicians, who will rarely, if ever, see these patients. However, management of those few patients with true steroid resistance will require novel therapies tailored to specific subgroups of patients.
Temperature and Precipitation Trends in Lebanon’s Largest River: The Litani Basin

AbstractThis study deals with the historical hydro-climatological watershed characteristics of the Litani basin located in Lebanon, east of the Mediterranean Sea, during 1900–2008. The basin is divided into two distinct sub-basins. The Upper Litani Basin (ULB) is mostly dominated by mountainous geophysical features and the Lower Litani Basin (LLB) is closer to the Mediterranean coast. Monthly and annual temperature and precipitation data were generated from different sources, including global gridded data, satellite data, and local station data. Because long-term runoff records were not available, previously generated monthly synthetic runoff data were employed. Temperature and precipitation trends were investigated using the Mann-Kendall and Sen Slope nonparametric trend tests. The mean annual and monthly runoff were subsequently correlated with temperature and precipitation variations using a multiple linear regression approach. The results show that between 1900 and 2008, the whole Litani basin, includ...
Palaeomagnetic evidence for large-magnitude, low-angle normal faulting in a metamorphic core complex

CONTROVERSY exists over whether large-magnitude extensional deformation can occur along low-angle, master detachment (normal) faults1–16. Large amounts of Cenozoic extension occurred in the Basin and Range province of the western United States, and master detachment faults related to this extension are currently exposed as subhorizontal structures along crustal arches known as metamorphic core complexes (MCCs)10,11,17. One set of models suggests that MCCs represent crustal-scale blocks bounded by originally high-angle normal faults which have tilted to sub-horizontal attitudes1–6. More dynamic models propose isostatically induced flexural tilting of an initial subhorizontal fault, to an active high-angle fault, to final abandonment as a subhorizontal structure7–9; these models require MCC detachment faults and their footwalls to have been tilted by 30–60°. Alternatively, MCC detachment faults may have originated as subhorizontal or low-angle structures10–16. Here we test these models with palaeomag-netic data from undeformed portions of the South Mountains, a typical Cenozoic MCC in the southern Basin and Range province18–24. Comparison with time-averaged expected directions of the geomagnetic field25–27 yields no evidence for tilting of the footwall. We conclude that the South Mountains master detachment fault was active as a low-angle extensional structure, with a dip of ∼10°.
A geometric simulator SimRep for testing the replanning approach toward assembly motions in the presence of uncertainties

High-precision assembly tasks cannot be successfully done by robots without taking into account the effect of uncertainties. Often a robot motion may fail and result in some unintended contact between the part held by the robot and the environment. To automatically recover a task from such a failure and to ensure its success in spite of uncertainties, Xiao et al. introduced a systematic replanning approach which consisted of patch-planning based on contact analyses and motion strategy planning based on constraints on nominal and uncertainty parameters of sensing and motion. In order to test the effectiveness of the replanning approach, we have developed a general geometric simulator SimRep on a SUN SPARC Station which implements the replanning algorithms, allows flexible design of task environments and modeling of nominal and uncertainty parameters to run the algorithms, and simulates the kinematic robot motions guided by the replanning algorithms in the presence of uncertainties. This paper introduces the SimRep and discusses the performance of the replanning algorithms tested under SimRep.
Feeding Preference for and Impact on an Invasive Weed (Crepis tectorum) by a Native, Generalist Insect Herbivore, Melanoplus borealis (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

ABSTRACT Crepis tectorum L., narrow leaf hawksbeard, first was collected in Alaska in 1974 and by 2004 was a common weed in agricultural fields. Introduction and establishment of a new plant species in a region represents a potential new resource for herbivores, as well as a new competitor for plant species already present. Objectives of this study were to determine the preference for C. tectorum, relative to other common plant species, by Melanoplus borealis (Fieber), a generalist herbivore grasshopper common in Alaska, and to determine the potential impact of grasshoppers on this weed. In choice tests, M. borealis preferred C. tectorum over two native forbs, and a grass species, but dandelion, Taraxacum officinale G. H. Weber ex Wiggers, was preferred over C. tectorum. In field cages, in each of 3 yr, grasshoppers reduced biomass of mature plants, flowers, and seedlings of C. tectorum, but not other forbs. We conclude that this weed is a readily accepted new food resource for generalist-feeding grasshop...
John F. Dewey—Tectonics Editor

‘I want the journal to acquire a reputation for very rapid, fair, and accurate reviewing,’ asserted John F. Dewey, editor-in-chief of AGU's newest journal, Tectonics. Dewey said that he will rule the bimonthly, which will begin publication in February, ‘with a bit of a rod of iron’ to ensure that Tectonics is ‘where only original and important papers are published.’ ‘I'm going to be very strict with reviewers,’ Dewey explained in his quick British clip. ‘If the review does not come back to me within 10 days to 2 weeks, I'll review the paper myself. I'm also going to have a system whereby, if a paper needs major surgery after being refereed, it will be rejected. Papers will have to be in virtually publishable condition before they are first submitted,’ he said.
Coupling of system resource margins through the use of electric propulsion: Implications in preparing for the Dawn mission to Ceres and Vesta

Abstract The Dawn project is progressing toward its 2007 launch on a mission to orbit main belt asteroids (1) Ceres and (4) Vesta. Designed to provide insights into important questions about the evolution of the solar system, Dawn will spend more than 0.5 years in orbit about each of these bodies. This challenging mission is enabled by an ion propulsion system. In contrast to missions that use conventional chemical propulsion, the use of this system creates a strong coupling of allowable flight system mass and available power, thereby requiring different methods of managing these and other technical resources. Now that the project is nearing launch, the refinement of resource estimates allows the identification of excess margin, which is being applied in novel ways to benefit the project both in development and in operations.
Chip-Scale Quadrupole Mass Filters for Portable Mass Spectrometry

We report the design, fabrication, and characterization of a new class of chip-scale quadrupole mass filter (QMF). The devices are completely batch fabricated using a wafer-scale process that integrates the quadrupole electrodes, ion optics, and housing into a single monolithic block. This process eliminates the electrode-to-housing misalignments inherent in other QMFs and enables the implementation of complex device architectures. To achieve the reported integration, 1 mm × 1 mm square electrodes of heavily doped silicon were utilized, resulting in quadrupoles with an effective aperture radius of 0.707 mm and a length of 30 mm. Mass filtering was demonstrated with this unconventional device showing a mass range of 650 amu and a resolution of ~30 at a drive frequency of 1.8 MHz. When operated in the second stability region at 2.0 MHz and a mass range of 50 amu, a peak width of 0.3 amu was achieved at mass 28, showing a resolution of ~90. This paper introduces operation in the second stability region as a reliable method for turning QMFs with less than ideal electrode geometries into high-performance devices.
Developing discourse types in non‐native English: strategies of gender in Hindi and Indian English

: This study analyzes spoken and written Hindi and Indian English texts and explores the relationship between gender and communication. It suggests that the features which characterize oral discourse are common in written discourse. This observation supports the research which indicates a relationship between literary language and the language of ordinary conversation in English. The inventories of features associated with each discourse type are examined in informal spoken Hindi and Indian English female same-sex conversations and in written same-sex dialogues in the creative writings of Hindi and Indian English authors. An analysis of these interactive texts shows that some of the features which are expected in informal spoken discourse are also shared in the creative written language. As discussed in various studies, discourse conventions are transcreated by creative authors in non-native English writings. A study of this kind furthers the understanding of language use across cultures, provides cross-cultural and cross-linguistic data for a discussion of language variation of female and male speakers, offers important information for language learners and language teachers, and raises a challenge to the TESOL profession.
Cryptogenic Stroke in Relation to Genetic Variation in Clotting Factors and Other Genetic Polymorphisms Among Young Men and Women

Background and Purpose— The purpose of the present study was to compare the prevalences of genetic polymorphisms in persons with cryptogenic stroke with those among stroke patients with evidence of large-artery occlusive disease or an unequivocal cardioembolic source (noncryptogenic stroke). Methods— We compared the prevalences of genetic polymorphisms thought to be related to thrombi formation in young stroke patients with evidence of large-artery occlusive disease or an unequivocal cardioembolic source (noncryptogenic stroke; controls; n=79) with those in young stroke patients without such sources (cryptogenic stroke; cases; n=67). Common variations in the genes encoding factor V, prothrombin, angiotensin I–converting enzyme, 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase, tissue plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor–1, and fibrinogen were evaluated. We also compared the allele prevalence of these genes among all stroke patients with those among a large...
Thermodynamic Measurements via Time-Resolved Transient Conductance

Recent applications of the transient conductance technique to measurements of thermodynamic properties of Si are reviewed. The transient conductance measurements provide time-resolved data of the melt and solidification dynamics during pulsed laser irradiation. By studying these dynamics, thermodynamic properties can be measured in time and temperature regimes unaccessible by conventional techniques. Examples discussed include homogeneous nucleation, electrical properties of the supercooled liquid, and the melting temperature of amorphous Si. Homogeneous nucleation occurs at supercoolings of 500 K for quench rates near 1010 K/s, consistent with a liquid/crystal surface energy of 0.34 J/m2. Evidence of transient nucleation effects are observed at quench rates above 2 × 1010 K/s. During supercooling, the temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity of liquid Si was estimated between 1200 and 1800 K with a broad maximum observed near 1450 K. The melting temperature of amorphous Si was determined to be 220 K below the crystal melting temperature with no detectable differences between thermally unrelaxed and relaxed states.
Continuous, short-interval redox data loggers: verification and setup considerations

Reduction–oxidation or redox potential is typically collected by measuring redox at a single time interval and returning to the electrode to collect subsequent intervals to generate a temporal gradient of changes in redox. Typically, intervals between sampling are on the scale of hours, days, and weeks, rather than one, five, or 20 minutes due to logistical constraints of collection. These constraints are labor (i.e., constant measurements 24/7) and technology driven (i.e., construction of a unit that is capable of accurately and precisely measuring redox at fine temporal scales). This study describes a continuous, short interval redox data logger that is capable of measuring ±10 mV at minute time intervals. To ensure quality assured and quality controlled data, the redox unit was subjected to tiered verification procedures that documented hardware and probe sensitivity to changes in voltage. Furthermore, the setup was laboratory tested against known mV redox solutions (Zobel, 225 mV), flooded in soil medium over 48 h, and subjected to drying over 48 h. Results highlight and verify the accuracy and precision of the redox probes and hardware for measuring stability and changes in redox. Future research will investigate field operations of redox probes and create spatially and temporally detailed investigations to changes in redox as a result of vegetation, flooding, and management.
Free oscillations of a slightly anisotropic earth

Summary The effect of anisotropy on the free oscillations of the Earth is examined under the assumptions that anisotropy is general, i.e. there are 21 independent components, and a small perturbation from an isotropic media. It is shown that the deviation of a multiplet frequency δω from an average spherically symmetric earth depends upon 15 functions of θ (co-latitude) and φ (longitude) as opposed to three in the isotropic case shown previously by Woodhouse & Girnius. In the asymptotic limit, δω is an average of a local functional δωbar;local (θ, φ, ψ) along a great circle path which contains the source and the receiver, where δωbar;local (θ, φ, ψ) is a function of θ, φ and azimuth ψ. Also δωbar;local (θ, φ, ψ)is a function of the elastic constants beneath a location (θ, φ). The azimuth dependence of δωbar;local (θ, φ, ψ)is 1, cos 2ψ, sin2ψ, cos 4ψ and sin4ψ, which is the same as a flat-layered case. It is shown that formulae equivalent with those of Smith & Dahlen are recovered by an earth flattening transformation. In the non-asymptotic case, in which the angular order l is low, δω shows odd-order azimuthal dependence, i.e. ψ and 3ψ dependence. There exist seven radial kernels in the spherical case as opposed to four in the flat-layered case, although radial resolution remains similar because of similarity of the kernels.
Fluorescent Detection of Apoptotic Cells by Using Zinc Coordination Complexes with a Selective Affinity for Membrane Surfaces Enriched with Phosphatidylserine

The appearance of phosphatidylserine on the membrane surface of apoptotic cells (Jurkat, CHO, HeLa) is monitored by using a family of bis(Zn2+-2,2'-dipicolylamine) coordination compounds with appended fluorescein or biotin groups as reporter elements. The phosphatidylserine affinity group is also conjugated directly to a CdSe/CdS quantum dot to produce a probe suitable for prolonged observation without photobleaching. Apoptosis can be detected under a wide variety of conditions, including variations in temperature, incubation time, and binding media. Binding of each probe appears to be restricted to the cell membrane exterior, because no staining of organelles or internal membranes is observed.
The time, amount, and pattern of Language Improvement in Adult Aphasics

SummaryThirteen adult aphasics (L-CVA) were administered the Porch Index of Communicative Ability at intervals throughout language rehabilitation. The time, amount, and pattern of change in PICA subtest scores were investigated. All subtest scores showed positive change. The average time required for peak improvement in overall score was 8-94 months post onset. Receptive language processes improved more quickly and completely than expressive. The course of language recovery appears somewhat predictable in terms of time, amount, and pattern of improvement.
Effects of blood pressure reduction on cardiovascular risk estimates in hypertensive postmenopausal women

Menopause is accompanied by an increased prevalence of hypertension, which may partially explain the corresponding cardiovascular risk observed in postmenopausal women. The relationship between blood pressure and cardiovascular risk is continuous, consistent and independent of other risk factors. There are profound benefits of treating hypertension: antihypertensive therapy has been associated with large reductions in stroke, myocardial infarction and heart failure. Despite these proven benefits, hypertension is inadequately treated, or not treated at all, in the majority of patients. There has been concern regarding the use of hormone therapy in hypertensive postmenopausal women. Drospirenone/17beta-estradiol, a hormone therapy, has been demonstrated to lower blood pressure in hypertensive postmenopausal women either alone or when administered simultaneously with antihypertensive drugs. This might offer a potential advantage in patients with elevated blood pressure. It is also known that the risk for target organ events extends to levels well below the established definition of 140/90 mmHg. High-normal blood pressure carries an increased cardiovascular risk when compared to lower levels of blood pressure. Identification and management of elevated blood pressure are an important component of the successful management of the postmenopausal woman and can help prevent the untoward consequences of elevated blood pressure.
Cranial morphology and adaptations in Eocene Adapidae. I. Sexual dimorphism in Adapis magnus and Adapis parisiensis

Adapis is one of the best known lemuriform fossil primates. Quantitative analysis of all well-preserved crania of Adapis magnus (n = 8) and Adapis parisiensis (n = 12) together with maxillary and mandibular dentitions preserving canines corroborates Stehlin's hypothesis that Adapis was sexually di- morphic. Males are from 13% to 16% larger than females in cranial length, corre- sponding to a weight dimorphism estimated at 44% to 56%, and have relatively broader skulls with more prominent sagittal and nuchal crests. Canine dimorph- ism ranges from 13% to 19%, which is equal to or only slightly greater than that expected as a result of body size dimorphism (i.e., relative canine dimorphism is slight or nonexistent). By comparison with living primates, the observed body size dimorphism in Adapis implies a polygynous breeding system. Cebus apella is a diurnal arboreal living primate with moderate body size dimorphism and slight relative canine dimorphism and one can speculate that Adapis lived in polygynous multimale troops of moderate size like those of C. appella. Adapis extends the geo- logical history of sexual dimorphism and polygyny in primates back to the Eo- cene. Extant lemuriform primates are generally not dimorphic or polygynous and they clearly do not adequately represent the range of social adaptations present in Eocene primates, The evolutionary lineage from Adapis magnus to Adapis parisi- ensis exhibits reduction in body size and in relative canine size, and phyletic dwarfing in Adapis is possibly an adaptive response to increasing climatic sea- sonality and environmental instability in the late Eocene and early Oligocene.
Lie sphere geometry

In this chapter, we give Lie’s construction of the space of spheres and define the important notions of oriented contact and parabolic pencils of spheres. This leads ultimately to a bijective correspondence between the manifold of contact elements on the sphere S n and the manifold Λ2n−1 of projective lines on the Lie quadric.
Epidemiology of non-canine bite and sting injuries treated in U.S. emergency departments, 2001-2004.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to estimate the burden of non-canine-related bite and sting injuries in the U.S.; describe the affected population, injury severity, and bite or sting source; and provide considerations for prevention strategies. METHODS: Data were from the 2001 through 2004 National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-All Injury Program (NEISS-AIP) (a stratified probability sample of U.S. hospitals). Records included information about age, body part affected, cause, diagnosis, disposition, and gender. Narrative descriptions were coded for the source of the bite or sting. RESULTS: Between 2001 and 2004, an estimated 3.6 million people were treated in emergency departments for injuries related to non-canine bites and stings. Results detail the reported sources of the bite or sting, and examine sources by gender and age group. Common sources included bees (162,000 cases annually), spiders (123,000 cases annually), and cats (66,000 cases annually). Female adults were more likely than male adults to be treated for cat bites. Although rare, of the known venomous snakebites, more than half (58.4%) of the patients were hospitalized. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate the public health burden of non-canine-related bite and sting injuries. More than 900,000 people were treated in emergency departments annually for non-canine bite or sting injuries, or roughly 1.7 injuries per minute. Treatment consumes substantial health-care resources. While preventing these injuries should be the first line of defense, resources could be conserved by educating the public about immediate first aid and when warning signs and symptoms indicate the need for professional or emergency care. Language: en
Discussion: Capital Requirements and Financing Practices for Restructuring Southern Agriculture

[2] LANHAM, W. J., AND A. J. COUTU, Area Resource Adjustments for Specified Net Revenue Goals and Levels of Factor Prices on Farms in Economic Area 7, North Carolina, Dept. of Agr. Econ., A. E. Info. Ser. No. 109, North Carolina State University, Jan. 1963. [3] Manpower Report of the President, Report on the Manpower Requirements, Resources, Utilization, and Training, Washington, Government Printing Office, March 1966.
Gastrointestinal Mucus Gel Barrier

A family of glycoproteins, known as gel-forming mucins, endow gastrointestinal mucus with its characteristic viscoelastic and biological properties. In the mucus, these large oligomeric glycoproteins are organized into entangled networks that occasionally can be stabilized by non-covalent interactions as in the stomach lumen. This network is a formidable chemical and physical barrier that not only protects the underlying epithelia but also limits the usefulness of orally administered drugs. In this chapter, I review the molecular and cellular properties of gel-forming mucins and how these macromolecules are organized into a tri-dimensional network to form the gastrointestinal mucus gel barrier.
Investigation of Somatic GNAQ, GNA11, BAP1 and SF3B1 Mutations in Ophthalmic Melanocytomas

Purpose: The aim of this study was to use massively parallel DNA sequencing to identify GNAQ/11, BAP1 and SF3B1 mutations in ophthalmic melanocytoma. Procedures: Six ophthalmic melanocytoma specimens (1 iridociliary and 5 optic nerve) were profiled for genomic alterations in GNAQ/11, BAP1 and SF3B1 using a custom deep sequencing assay. This assay uses solution phase hybridization-based exon capture and deep-coverage massively parallel DNA sequencing to interrogate all protein-coding exons and select introns. Results: The only iridociliary melanocytoma showed a mutation in GNAQ but not in BAP1. Of the 2 optic-nerve melanocytomas that developed into melanoma, one had a GNAQ mutation and both a BAP1 mutation and monosomy 3. The remaining 3 optic-nerve melanocytomas did not reveal mutations in GNAQ/11 or BAP1. SF3B1 mutations were not detected in any specimen. Conclusions: The presence of GNAQ mutation in some iridociliary and optic-nerve melanocytomas suggests a possible relationship between ophthalmic melanocytoma and other ophthalmic melanocytic neoplasms. BAP1 mutation may accompany the transformation of ophthalmic melanocytoma to melanoma.
Single Sialic Acid Ganglioside Hexose Sodium Four Clinical Analysis on the Treatment of Acute Cerebral Hemorrhage

Objective: To observe and analyze the effect of monosialotetrahexosyl ganglioside sodium in the treatment of acute stage of cerebral hemorrhage, to summarize the clinical experience. Methods: 86 cases of patients in our hospital from 2010 July to 2012July in acute stage of cerebral hemorrhage, in accordance with the randomly extraction, were divided into 2 groups, 43 cases in the control group used routine treatment, the observation group 43 cases on the basis of conventional therapy, plus the use of monosialotetrahexosyl ganglioside sodium treatment, observation and comparison clinical therapeutic effect of two groups. Results: The observation group after treatment, the total effective rate was 93%(40/43) in control group after treatment, the total effective rate was 76.8%(33/43), compared the differences between the therapeutic effect of two groups was significantly(P0.05), with statistical significance. Conclusion:Monosialotetrahexosyl ganglioside sodium has a significant therapeutic effect in the treatment of acute cerebral hemorrhage, which is superior to conventional therapy, can effectively protect the nerve function damage.
Activity, Surface Area, and Weight Loss Correlations for Hydrous Ferric Oxide Catalyst

The hydrous ferric oxide (Fe2O3 · xH2O) catalyst developed by Loebenstein and Weitzel[1] has been shown to be quite effective for ortho-para hydrogen conversion. The desire to obtain maximum activity for the hydrous ferric oxide catalyst has led to various activation procedures by previous investigators[2,3,4]. These methods consisted of holding the catalyst at an elevated temperature while either pumping to a moderate vacuum or purging with a pure gas for some specified length of time.
A preliminary investigation of a neocortex model implementation on the Cray XD1

In this paper we study the acceleration of a new class of cognitive processing applications based on the structure of the neocortex. Specifically we examine the speedup of a visual cortex model for image recognition. We propose techniques to accelerate the application on general purpose processors and on reconfigurable logic. We present implementations of our approach on a Cray XD1 and compare the performance potential of scaling the design utilizing reconfigurable logic based acceleration to a software only design. Our results indicate that acceleration using reconfigurable logic can provide a significant speedup over a software only implementation.