cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of an oxygen/redox-dependent degradation domain of hypoxia-inducible factor alpha (HIF-alpha) proteins.

Hypoxia-inducible factors are heterodimeric DNA-binding complexes that control the hypoxia responses of several genes and regulate the adaptive responses to the lack of oxygen. The complex is composed of two b-HLH protein subunits, HIF-1beta (ARNT), that is constitutively expressed, and a HIF-alpha subunit, that is present only in hypoxic cells. HIF-alpha proteins are continuously synthesized, but are rapidly degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome system under oxic conditions. Hypoxia, transition metals, iron chelators, and several antioxidants stabilize the HIF-alpha proteins, allowing the formation of the transcriptionally active HIF complex. However, the sequences and mechanisms involved in the regulated degradation of the alpha protein subunits are poorly understood. Analysis of the available cloned sequences of human and mouse members of the HIF-alpha family of proteins revealed an area of about 15 amino acids with strong sequence conservation between all the members. This area corresponds to the region encompassing amino acids 557-571 of the hHIF-1alpha subunit. Fragments of HIF-1alpha and HIF-3alpha proteins containing this conserved sequence were able to confer hypoxia regulation when expressed as fusion proteins in Hep-3B cells. Regulation was observed with all the known hypoxia "mimics," including the reducing thiol donor N-mercaptopropionylglycine (NMPG). Selective alanine substitutions of amino acids 561-568 stabilized the protein in normoxic conditions. Furthermore, transfection with an expression vector containing a fragment of hHIF-1alpha comprising amino acids 540-580 enhanced transactivation activity of the full-length hHIF-1alpha protein. These results suggest that the above-mentioned conserved sequences are likely involved in the hypoxic stabilization of HIF-alpha proteins. The mechanisms and the interacting ubiquitin-ligases involved in the selective degradation process remain unknown.
A learning-based approach for fetching pages in WebVigiL

The World Wide Web is an omni-present and an ever-expanding source of data. Data on the web is constantly increasing and changing. Many a times, users are interested in specific changes to the data on the web. Currently, in order to detect changes of interest, users have to poll the pages periodically and check for the changes of interest. WebVigiL is a general-purpose information monitoring and notification system. It handles the specification, intelligent fetch, detection, and propagation of changes as requested by a user while meeting the quality of service requirements. We use the active capability in the form of event-condition-action (ECA) rules, and a combination of push/pull paradigm for change monitoring. In this paper, we present an overview of the specification language and the run time management of sentinels. We discuss in detail the use of ECA rules for fetching and the adaptive learning algorithm used for fetching pages. We conclude with the implementation status of WebVigiL.
A new derivation of Frisch's algorithm for calculating vertex-pair connectivity

In this paper we give a new and conceptually simple version of Frisch's algorithm for calculating the vertex connectivity of a graph. We show how this algorithm is obtained immediately from the Ford and Fulkerson labelling algorithm by using a “2-ply” scanning step. Data structures are introduced which lead to efficiencies in execution, and the final algorithm is presented in a “go-to-less” notation.
Thermal analysis of a cryogenic liquid acquisition device under autogenous and non-condensable pressurization schemes

Abstract This paper presents thermal analysis of a 325 × 2300 mesh LAD sample that was tested over a wide range of liquid methane temperatures (106–160 K) and pressures (0.0618–1.78 MPa) for a LAD using both autogenous (gaseous methane) and noncondensible (gaseous helium or nitrogen) pressurization schemes. To compare between schemes, screen interfacial temperatures, screen Reynolds numbers, condensation and/or evaporation mass flow rates at breakdown, and heat fluxes produced at the screen are computed as a function of liquid temperature and pressure. Condensation and evaporation rates are also computed using kinetic theory to allow comparison. Each parameter has a profound impact on surface tension and thus the performance of the LAD screen. The understanding gained here will be used to determine optimal propellant pressure and temperature operating regimes and will help mission designers determine whether autogenous pressurization is feasible for future space missions.
Modulation of Elasticity in Functionally Distinct Domains of the Tropomyosin Coiled-Coil

Alpha-helical coiled-coils are common protein structural motifs. Whereas vast information is available regarding their structure, folding, and stability, far less is known about their elastic properties, even though they play mechanical roles in many cases such as tropomyosin in muscle contraction or neck stalks of kinesin or myosin motor proteins. Using computer simulations, we characterized elastic properties of coiled-coils, either globally or locally. Global bending stiffness of standard leucine zipper coiled-coils was calculated using normal mode analysis. Mutations in hydrophobic residues involved in the knob-into-hole interface between the two α-helices affect elasticity significantly, whereas charged side chains forming inter-helical salt bridges do not. This suggests that coiled-coils with less regular heptad periodicity may have regional variations in flexibility. We show this by the flexibility map of tropomyosin, which was constructed by a local fluctuation analysis. Overall, flexibility varies by more than twofold and increases toward the C-terminal region of the molecule. Describing the coiled-coil as a twisted tape, it is generally more flexible in the splay bending than in the bending of the broad face. Actin binding sites in α zones show local rigidity minima. Broken core regions due to acidic residues at the hydrophobic face such as the Asp137 and the Glu218 are found to be the most labile with moduli for splay and broad face bending as 116 and 68 nm, respectively. Such variation in flexibility could be relevant to the tropomyosin function, especially for moving across the non-uniform surface of F-actin to regulate myosin binding.
ETHNIC BACKGROUND HAS MINIMAL IMPACT ON THE ETIOLOGY OF NEPHROLITHIASIS

ABSTRACTPurpose:: Nephrolithiasis disproportionately affects white patients. However, recent studies propose an increase in the incidence of stone disease in nonwhite populations. We compared the metabolic risk factors of ethnically disparate stone formers from the same geographic region.Materials and Methods:: A retrospective review of 1,141 patients identified 98 (9%) nonwhite stone formers. Of these individuals 60 underwent a comprehensive metabolic evaluation, comprising 44 black, 8 Asian and 8 Hispanic patients. A similar sex and age matched group of 66 white stone forming patients were also identified for comparative analysis. Stone analyses were recorded when available. Urinary metabolic abnormalities were defined as low urine volume—urine volume less than 2,000 cc, gouty diathesis—pH 5.5 or less (normal level 5.5 to 6.5), hypercalciuria—calcium greater than 200 mg, hyperoxaluria—oxalate greater than 45 mg, hyperuricosuria—uric acid greater than 600 mg, hypocitraturia—citrate less than 600 mg and p...
Study of effectiveness of under-excitation limiter in dynamic modeling of Diesel Generators

The Under Excitation Limiter (UEL) has been introduced in the excitation systems mostly to prevent the loss of synchronism of generators and also prevent exceeding machine under-excited capability limit which otherwise leads to overheating of the stator of the machine and also challenges different part of generator protection and control system. In this paper, its effect on the modeling of Diesel Generator's excitation system during island operation (i.e. local network) is studied. The simulation results performed in the Matlab/Simulink using IEEE type ST2A excitation model suggests that in the local network with mainly inductive loads the UEL is ineffective and it can be neglected in the modeling.
Role of Insurance for Children With Special Health Care Needs: A Synthesis of the Evidence

OBJECTIVE. Children with special health care needs constitute a particularly vulnerable subpopulation of children. Health insurance coverage has the potential to enhance access to care and improve the quality of life for these children while protecting their families from financially burdensome health care expenses. The purpose of this review is to assess and synthesize recent research in the peer-reviewed literature pertaining to the role of insurance for children with special health care needs. A marked increase in the volume of research on this topic makes this an opportune time to summarize these contributions and begin the process of formalizing an evidence base that can inform health policy decisions. Our intention is to further the evidence base by providing a literature-driven assessment of the role of health insurance in influencing access, utilization, satisfaction, quality, expenditures, and health outcomes for children with special health care needs. METHODS. A systematic literature review was conducted on the effects of insurance status, insurance type, and insurance features on access, utilization, satisfaction, quality, expenditures, and health status. RESULTS. The strongest evidence emerged for the positive effects of insurance on access and utilization. Limited evidence on the effect of insurance on satisfaction with care showed improved satisfaction ratings for the insured. The studies with findings relevant to out-of-pocket expenditures for insured versus uninsured children with special health care needs all found significantly higher out-of-pocket burden and financial problems among the uninsured. Evidence was mixed for the effects of insurance type (public or private) and insurance characteristics (eg, managed care or fee-for-service payment mechanisms) on outcomes. None of the studies that we reviewed attempted to assess the impact of health insurance on health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS. Our review of the literature found plentiful evidence demonstrating the positive and substantial impact of insurance on access and utilization. There also is clear evidence that insurance protects families against financially burdensome expenses. The evidence is less conclusive for satisfaction and quality and is nonexistent for health status. These latter outcomes should be the focus of future studies.
The challenges of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD)- : A perspective

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an inflammatory disease, primarily caused by cigarette smoke, which will soon become the third leading cause of death globally. Despite the importance of the problem, our real understanding of the biological underpinnings of COPD remains incomplete. Consequently, our first-line therapies, while helpful, are not yet as effective as they need to be. In this review, we will focus on these challenges and more, including the role of impaired tissue repair and adaptive immunity in disease pathogenesis, determining who may be at risk, describing COPD phenotypes and potential biomarkers. New ideas for chronic disease management and prevention of exacerbations will also be discussed. While much remains to be accomplished, meeting these challenges will bring rewards because what we learn will have implications for the understanding and treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases beyond COPD.
Dicamba mobility in conventionally tilled and non-tilled soil

Abstract Root zone leaching losses of dicamba (3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid) were evaluated over 5 years (1984–1988) under conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT) corn (Zea mays L.) management from postermergence application date in June of each year through December. Pan lysimeters embedded 1.2 m deep were used to collect root zone percolates. Dicamba losses in runoff water were evaluated through September. Land slope ranged from 3 to 5% within tillage areas. Dicamba was applied at the recommended rate (0.56 kg a.i. ha−1) on Hagerstown silty clay loam (Typic Hapludalf). Leaching events, sample numbers and leachate volumes were greater under NT than CT management. In general, dicamba concentrations in leachates were greater under NT conditions, and dicamba residues were detected in leachates from both tillage systems as late as 6 months after application during several seasons. Entrapment and translocation within the micropore matrix of this well-drained soil were postulated as being critical factors involved in the atypical residence time and late season ‘breakthrough’ of this anionic, low persistence herbicide. Mean areal leaching losses ranged from 0 to 3.3 g ha−1 (CT) and 2.2 to 31.2 g ha−1 (NT), accounting for maximum losses of 0.6% (CT) and 5.7% (NT) of the amount applied. More runoff was recorded from the CT area and dicamba losses ranged from 0.01 to 4.6 g ha−1 (CT) and from less than 0.01 to 0.7 g ha−1 (NT). Maximum runoff losses were 0.8% and 0.1% of the rate applied for CT and NT, respectively. Yearly differences in the magnitude of losses by each transport process were strongly related to rainfall distribution and number of leaching and runoff events proximal to the spray date of dicamba.
Sclerosis of the Chordae Tendineae of the Mitral Valve

Thickening and sclerosis of the chordae tendineae of the mitral valve are seen fairly frequently in hearts that are not ordinarily considered to be rheumatic. In this report a systematic study of these lesions is presented. Factors involved in their pathogenesis and their significance in the development of the chronic rheumatic deformity are discussed.
A Solution-based Examination of Local, State, and National Government Groups Combating Terrorism and Cyberterrorism

This analysis identifies innovative, fortified solutions to homeland security. Through promoting state and local government agencies to generate strong relations with larger national and international government agencies, this study aims to enhance existing counter-terrorism and counter-cyberterrorism measures. As such, this analysis provides an in-depth description of both terrorism and cyberterrorism, their evolution, the manifold forms they take, and the principal countries and entities that pose the greatest threats to the world in terms of their previous and ongoing efforts to engage in terrorist and cyberterrorist acts of catastrophic proportion. Further, a serious examination of America's homeland security efforts is provides. From this evaluation, original protective actions and solutions against threats to homeland security are suggested and generated through a method of nuance and improvement of traditional counter-terrorism and counter-cyberterrorism practices. A discussion session, along with ...
Stress analysis of a mode I edge delamination specimen for compositematerials

Determination approchee du champ de contrainte normal interlaminaire en avant de la fissure, et de l'effet de la geometrie du specimen sur le taux de dissipation d'energie de deformation
Descartes on Myth and Ingenuity/Ingenium

Le role du mythe, ou de la " fable ", est considerable dans la constitution du sens de l'ingenium cartesien. L'A. developpe les raisons de cette importance des facultes " inventives " dans l'epistemologie de Descartes| il montre qu'elles interviennent a la fois dans notre connaissance du monde et dans la construction du moi
Stereoselective Syntheses of Pentose Sugars Under Realistic Prebiotic Conditions

Glycolaldehyde and dl-glyceraldehyde reacted in a water-buffered solution under mildly acidic conditions and in the presence of chiral dipeptide catalysts produced pentose sugars whose configuration is affected by the chirality of the catalyst. The chiral effect was found to vary between catalysts and to be largest for di-valine. Lyxose, arabinose, ribose and xylose are formed in different amounts, whose relative proportions do not change significantly with the varying of conditions. With LL-peptide catalysts, ribose was the only pentose sugar to have a significant D-enantiomeric excess (ee) (≤44%), lyxose displayed an L-ee of ≤66%, arabinose a smaller L-ee of ≤8%, and xylose was about racemic. These data expand our previous findings for tetrose sugars and further substantiate the suggestion that interactions between simple molecules of prebiotic relevance on the early Earth might have included the transfer of chiral asymmetry and advanced molecular evolution.
Genetic Effects on Environmental Vulnerability to Disease

This book is a must-read for those who study gene-environment interaction in complex phenotypes. The entire text is dedicated to this topic, providing both a review of methodological considerations and examples of identified gene-environment interactions in a wide array of phenotypes.In the first four chapters, the authors remind us of the difference between statistical and biological concepts of interaction and argue that gene-environment interaction is not a mere statistical concept, but is a real and common phenomenon. As expected, the authors discuss methodological challenges and call for large and well-powered studies, but they also stress careful attention to measurement error, notwithstanding the difficulty in obtaining the most precise measures of genes and environment. Collectively, there is an overall emphasis on careful study of biological explanations for observed gene-environment interactions, involving forging relationships with scientists of varying expertise. The authors advise that basic biology is influenced by both genes and environment, stressing a probabilistic view over a deterministic view with regard to the nature of genetic effects on disease risk.Scientists working in the behavioral and psychiatric diseases will be delighted with many examples of this type throughout the book, but others who study cardiovascular phenotypes, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, breast cancer, infectious disease, and asthma may also relate to the examples and learn something new. Also included is a chapter on framing and public health policy as it relates to the study of gene-environment interaction. The authors remind us that the hope of studying gene-environment interaction lies in identifying new and potentially modifiable risk factors that are, therefore, of public health significance.Very few books are dedicated to a discussion of gene-environment interaction. Genetic Effects on Environmental Vulnerability to Disease provides thought-provoking considerations for ongoing data analyses, as well as challenges inherent in studying gene-environment interactions for aid in the design of future epidemiologic studies.
Clusters of disaster: Superstition and the physician

Abstract Throughout history the belief in magic has existed in all cultures. This paper outlines the effects that some of these beliefs have on medical conditions and focuses on the magical belief that “things happen in threes.” Case histories are given in illustration, and the use of “counter magic” is described in the treatment of the anxieties evoked by the superstition.
EVALUATED NUCLEAR DATA FILES

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses procedures for nuclear data evaluation. Experimental data on the interaction of neutrons with nuclei are available in the energy range from a fraction of an eV to 20 MeV in various degrees of completeness and accuracy. In the comparison of neutron cross-section data from several measurements, the evaluator often must consider the following facts: (1) different neutron sources were used, (2) the detectors were not the same, (3) the geometry was not simple, (4) the samples existed in impure form, (5) different standards were used, and (6) statistical accuracy was poor. The evaluator may also note that the measurers' error assignments were not realistic because the error bars of widely discrepant measurements do not overlap. The placement of the results of an evaluation in a computer-readable form has many advantages. A widespread cognizance and availability of evaluated data in this form will avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and facilitate use of evaluated data in many applications such as the transport of nuclear radiation through bulk media. The specification of data must be complete; a single-valued function over the entire range of the independent variable must result. Data may be presented in either parametric or tabulated form.
High Pressure - High Temperature Synthesis of Low-Compressibility Cubic C3N4

We report the synthesis of a crystalline carbon-nitrogen compound having a zero-pressure bulk modulus of ∼ 249 GPa. Its crystal-structural and compressional properties are in good accord with those predicted theoretically by Teter and Hemley1 for a cubic C3N4 phase. Experimentally, this phase is synthesized at pressures and temperatures above 18 GPa and 2000 K. It decomposes upon pressure release below 14 GPa, and may offer a route to synthesizing other incompressible carbon nitride phases.
Feeding mechanisms and possible resource partitioning of the caprellidae (Crustacea: Amphipoda) from Puget Sound, USA

Caprellid amphipods feed by browsing, filter-feeding, predation, scavenging, and scraping. Food acquisition is related to the presence or absence of plumose setae on the second antenna; those species with such setae obtain a significant amount of their diet from filtering and scraping periphyton while those species without such setae usually rely on predation. Two primary predators and 8 primary filter-feeders and scrapers were investigated. Substrates inhabited by the predators did not overlap, but some filter-feeders were found together. Feeding overlap has been decreased among filter-feeders that occur together, as they either feed on different sized particles or they filter at different heights from the substrate. Species filtering the same sized particles at the same heights that were found together utilized alternate feeding mechanisms, e.g. browsing on algal filaments.
Organ Blood Flow Measured by Radionuclide-labeled Microspheres During Mechanical Ventricular Assistance

Abstract Regional blood flow distribution measured before, during, and after mechanical ventricular assistance (MVA) was employed for total circulatory support in 7 dogs. Techniques used were electromagnetic flowmeter measurements of cardiac output and radionuclide-labeled carbonized microsphere distribution after left atrial injection to determine organ perfusion. Average cardiac output during ventricular fibrillation and MVA was 66% of base line. The percentage of cardiac output reaching the heart, liver, intestines, and brain increased during MVA. The kidney and pancreas received a constant percentage of cardiac output during MVA compared to base line. Flow to the spleen and to the musculoskeletal and skin portions of the body decreased. Comparison of flows measured simultaneously in the renal artery by electromagnetic flow probe and microsphere distribution techniques yielded no significant differences between the two methods. These results confirm that MVA provides satisfactory blood flow to vital organs during total circulatory support and illustrate the value of the microsphere distribution technique in performing simultaneous measurements of blood flow to multiple organs.
Nonoliguric hyperkalemia in the premature infant weighing less than 1000 grams

Eighteen very low birth weight premature infants born before 28 weeks gestation and weighing less than 1000 gm were evaluated prospectively for disturbances in serum electrolyte concentrations and for renal glomerular and tubular functions. Clinically symptomatic hyperkalemia resulting in significant electrocardiographic dysrhythmias developed in eight of these infants; 10 babies remained normokalemic. Peak serum potassium concentration ranged from 6.9 to 9.2 mEq/L in the hyperkalemic group; all potassium values in the normokalemic group were less than 6.6 mEq/L. Indices of renal glomerular function and urine output were similar in both groups; no infant had oliguria. Serum creatinine concentrations were the same in both groups (1.04±0.16 SD mg/dl in normokalemic vs 1.19±0.24 mg/dl in hyperkalemic infants, beta 2 in normokalemic vs 5.70±1.94 ml/min/1.73 m 2 in hyperkalemic infants, beta p
A Transactional Approach to "Sing" by Raposo and Lichtenheld

Tom Lichtenheld shares a new story of the power of music by illustrating Joe Raposo’s classic Sesame Street song “Sing.” In addition to lesson suggestions for general music classes, a discussion of and application to the theory of transactional reading are included.
The housing price bubble, the monetary policy and the foreclosure crisis in the US

This article presents a monthly vector autoregressive (VAR) model of housing prices, the federal funds rate, foreclosures, the unemployment rate and the mortgage interest rate for the United States for the period of 2000(1)–2010(8). Impulse response functions show that negative shocks to the federal funds rate increased housing prices. The interaction effect between the foreclosure rate and the housing prices shows that an initial shock to the foreclosure rate produced further increases in the foreclosure rate through a reduction in housing prices.
A Need-Hierarchy Framework for Assessing Corporate Social Responsibility

We propose a microanalytic foundation for organizational analysis, using a paradigm taken from need theory. We present a taxonomic construct to assess corporate performance, and propose a yardstick to monitor its social responsibility. Though there exists an enormous literature of considerable intellectual substance critical of the traditional, or econologic, model of corporate social responsibility (CSR), little operationality inheres in the critique. The conceptualization of CSR, we feel, is more easily motivated and operationalized in the context of an organizational-need hierarchy.
Analysis on merchandise hierarchy via clustering retail records

Merchandise hierarchy plays an important role in modern retail business. In this paper, we suggest a quantitative consumer-related evaluation method of merchandise hierarchy via clustering the retail records. The retail records contains much information reflecting the consumer buying behavior, and it should be effectively utilized to judge whether a predefined merchandise hierarchy is appropriate for a specific retailer's business. Here, we mainly mine the complementary information between products from the retail records, that reflect some crucial consumer buying habits and can be used to evaluate predefined merchandise hierarchy. Concretely, the spectral clustering algorithm is adopted to obtain the cluster assignments of items on each level of merchandise hierarchy and Normalized Mutual Information is used to compare the cluster results and the corresponding merchandise hierarchy. We conduct some experiments on a real supermarket retail records and get some interesting and valuable consumer insights. Besides the merchandise hierarchy evaluation work, we further provide a preliminary scheme that can refine the merchandise hierarchy by clustering the retail records.
Labels for Antibodies

For years, microscopists have wanted specific stains or labels for different types of cells and different parts of cells. Prior to the mid-1900 s, only dyes were available, many of which stained special categories of compounds. Examples of dyes are hematoxylin that labels nuclei blue and eosin that labels cytoplasmic proteins pink. However, these did not allow labeling of unique proteins or compounds. The first demonstration of a method to label specific proteins came in 1942, when Albert Coons and his colleagues introduced antibody labeling of bacteria within infected human cells (Coons et al., 1942). Coons et al. used an antibody labeled with a fluorescence compound. For the first time, label conjugated to antibodies was used to specifically localize molecules in a microscope. This was the beginning of immunocytochemistry. Today, the strategies for labeling antibodies have continued to evolve and now, many labeling options are available.
Multiple Tumor Suppressor microRNAs Regulate Telomerase and TCF7, an Important Transcriptional Regulator of the Wnt Pathway

The human TERT (hTERT) gene encodes the telomerase catalytic subunit which plays a role in telomerase regulation. Telomerase is activated in more than 90% of all human malignancies and understanding how telomerase is regulated is necessary for implementation of successful anti-cancer therapies. microRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of gene expression in eukaryotic cells but evidence of their role in telomerase regulation has not been documented. To determine whether hTERT activity is regulated by multiple miRNAs, eight miRNAs which have putative binding sites in the hTERT 3′UTR together with miR-138-5p were evaluated in luciferase assays with a reporter containing the hTERT 3′UTR. Six miRNAs (let-7g*, miR-133a, miR-138-5p, miR-342-5p, miR-491-5p, and miR-541-3p) specifically inhibited the expression of the reporter luciferase-driven constructs and let-7g*, miR-133a, miR-138-5p, and miR-491-5p also downregulated endogenous telomerase activity in cells. Moreover, all six miRNAs significantly inhibited cell proliferation. miRNAs (miR-133a, miR-138-5p, 342-5p, 491-5p, 541-3p) also have predicted binding sites within the 3′UTR of three genes involved in Wnt signaling (TCF7, MSI1, and PAX5). These miRNAs inhibited the expression of the luciferase reporter constructs containing 3′UTRs of these genes and downregulated protein expression of the TCF7 transcription factor, which mediates the canonical Wnt pathway. Together, these results suggest the existence of a miRNA regulatory network involving the hTERT and Wnt pathway.
Mobile robot vision navigation & localization using Gist and Saliency

We present a vision-based navigation and localization system using two biologically-inspired scene understanding models which are studied from human visual capabilities: (1) Gist model which captures the holistic characteristics and layout of an image and (2) Saliency model which emulates the visual attention of primates to identify conspicuous regions in the image. Here the localization system utilizes the gist features and salient regions to accurately localize the robot, while the navigation system uses the salient regions to perform visual feedback control to direct its heading and go to a user-provided goal location. We tested the system on our robot, Beobot2.0, in an indoor and outdoor environment with a route length of 36.67m (10,890 video frames) and 138.27m (28,971 frames), respectively. On average, the robot is able to drive within 3.68cm and 8.78cm (respectively) of the center of the lane.
Improving haptic experience through biomechanical measurements

Haptic interfaces have been used as a surrogate for many real world applications such as rehabilitation, calligraphy, design and surgical training. While development of haptically enabled systems are opening new avenues in training, very few studies have explored if they provide realistic and matching muscle activations compared to real world activities. In this paper a novel methodology based on muscle activity is proposed for evaluation of haptic systems. To test this methodology experiments were performed on a haptic writing simulator and comparisons were made to corresponding real pen and paper task. The behavior of two muscles, flexor carpi ulnaris and extensor digitorum communis was studied with the help of surface EMG's, during the execution of similar real and haptic based tasks. Human participant studies were carried out and results indicate that in the majority of parameters studied, the haptics based writing simulator used in this study resulted in muscle exertion and excitation similar to that of pen and paper tasks. It was seen that the proposed methodology could be used to tune the haptic system to mimic real life writing more closely. This study showed that the proposed methodology can lead to improved haptic simulators by studying the bio-mechanical reaction in humans.
A New Look at Miracles

Recently several philosophers have claimed that miracles cannot occur or that belief in them involves a misunderstanding of the scientific enterprise. In this paper I will argue that these claims, particularly the latter, are mistaken. By examining the characteristics of the believer's conception of the miraculous I will be able to show how he can meet these sceptical challenges. In particular, I will argue that the believer can hold that certain particular events are the result of intervention by divine agency and are thus not to be explained scientifically but nevertheless can grant the scientist autonomy to investigate all types of events. While I urge that belief in the miraculous does not rest on a confusion I do not argue whether or not this belief is rational or justified.
Illusions of a Good Grade: Effort or Luck?

This study assessed the relationships among the accuracy of grade predictions, actual grades, self-enhancement bias, and attributions about academic performance. As a group, students anticipated hi...
Variations on Fourier wave theory

A review of the analytical and numerical background of Fourier wave theory establishes the commonality of existing formulations and identifies a number of analytical and numerical assumptions that are unnecessary. Some formulations in particular lack flexibility in excluding the possibility of Stokes' second definition of phase speed. A generalized formulation is introduced for comparative purposes and it is shown that published solutions differ only in the approach to the limit wave. Detailed consideration of truncation order confirms that it is the crucial parameter, especially at extreme wave heights. All formulations considered are shown to provide acceptable solutions for small to moderately extreme waves.
Fluorescent Sensors for the Detection of Chemical Warfare Agents

Along with biological and nuclear threats, chemical warfare agents are some of the most feared weapons of mass destruction. Compared to nuclear weapons they are relatively easy to access and deploy, which makes them in some aspects a greater threat to national and global security. A particularly hazardous class of chemical warfare agents are the nerve agents. Their rapid and severe effects on human health originate in their ability to block the function of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that is vital to the central nervous system. This article outlines recent activities regarding the development of molecular sensors that can visualize the presence of nerve agents (and related pesticides) through changes of their fluorescence properties. Three different sensing principles are discussed: enzyme-based sensors, chemically reactive sensors, and supramolecular sensors. Typical examples are presented for each class and different fluorescent sensors for the detection of chemical warfare agents are summarized and compared.
Squeezing Flow of an Eyring Fluid

We seek to obtain a relation between the squeezing velocity and the compressive stress for the squeezing flow of a thin film Eyring fluid between two parallel rigid surfaces
Time evolution of a scalar field in extended inflation

The time evolution of a scalar field in extended inflation is evaluated in a fully quantized manner. The result is essential to the computation of density fluctuation in the early universe.
Firing Time of an Igniter Type of Tube

The time interval required for ignition or "firing" of an igniter type of rectifier tube is found to vary in a statistically systematic manner between successive operations. When in continuous operation with igniter rod potential gradients greater than a critical value the median firing time is an inverse exponential function of the gradient in the rod. If the gradient be reduced gradually below the critical value the firing time rapidly approaches infinity, corresponding to failure to ignite at all. Temperature rise of the rod caused by continuous operation of the tube results in a marked reduction in resistance, critical gradient, and median firing time.
Memory effects in compound-specific D/H analysis by gas chromatography/pyrolysis/isotope-ratio mass spectrometry.

Compound-specific analyses of lipid D/H ratios often encounter ranges of 300‰ or more, and experiments using D-enriched water to study fractionations often extend the range up to 1000‰. Here we show that for such large dynamic ranges in D/H ratio, isotopic “memory” between adjacent peaks can be significant. Memory effects have not been previously reported for GC/P/IRMS systems but can have a significant impact on many measurements, even those exploring only natural-abundance variations in D/H. To quantitatively evaluate these effects, we synthesized two series of organic standards with δD values varying from −230 to +800‰. We then analyzed chromatograms in which analyte δD values, retention times, or relative abundances were independently varied. For two sequential GC peaks, isotopic memory is measured to be typically 2−4% of the difference in δD values between the two. Roughly half of this effect can be attributed to unknown processes within the GC itself, and the other half to surface adsorption processes in the pyrolytic conversion of analytes to H2. Isotopic memory increases with decreasing time separation between peaks, with decreasing analyte abundance, and with increasing age of pyrolysis reactors. A simple numerical model that simulates dynamic adsorption of H2 on pyrolytic carbon can reproduce many aspects of the experimental data, suggesting that this is likely to be an important mechanism in isotopic memory. Several steps to mitigate memory effects in routine analyses are suggested.
Reconsidering the rhizotoxicity of hydroxyl, sulphate, and fluoride complexes of aluminium

Recent years have witnessed some convergence of opinion regarding the identity of the rhizotoxic species of aluminium. AI04AI12(0H)24(H20)?2+ (AI13) and Al 3+ are almost certainly toxic, but no rhizotoxicity has been detected for AI-S04 (AISO4+ and AlfSOJj") or Al-F (e.g. AIF2+ and AIF2+). The status of AI-OH (e.g. AIOH2+ and AI(OH)2+) is uncertain because experimental results often appear to indicate AI-OH toxicity. In this article it is argued that this appearance of toxicity is the consequence of the relief of Al3 + toxicity by H + (and vice versa). Furthermore, this view provides an explanation for phenomena, such as Al stimulation of growth, unexplained by the hypothesis that AI-OH is toxic. It is concluded, therefore, that AI-OH is not toxic at achievable activities. The previous failure to detect toxicity from AI-S04 and AI-F also may have been a consequence of the low activities used in the experiments. New experiments again failed to reveal a toxicity for AI-SO4, but do indicate that AIF2+ and AIF2+ are toxic. Several alternative hypotheses for the apparent toxicity of Al-F were considered and rejected. Consequently, this report concludes that the following Al species are toxic to wheat roots in the following order: AI 13 >AI 3+ >AIF 2+ > AIF 2 +. The correlation between toxicity and charge is discussed in light of the fact that the binding strength of cations to plasma membrane surfaces generally increases with charge.
Informing Design of Suggestion and Self-Monitoring Tools through Participatory Experience Prototypes

We aim to design a persuasive technology to help college students, who are particularly susceptible to sleep deprivation, get better, longer, and more regular sleep. In order to gain the insights of our future users, we applied a participatory design approach that included experience prototypes, which aim to actively engage designers and participants with the functions that new technology might serve in the context of their daily lives. We deployed two experience prototypes: paper sleep logs and scripted reminders. We show how deploying low-technology experience prototypes as part of a participatory process can engender valuable insights into persuasive technology design.
Examination of the Fractalkine and Fractalkine Receptor Expression in Fallopian Adenocarcinoma Reveals Differences When Compared to Ovarian Carcinoma

Fallopian adenocarcinoma is a rare malignancy arising in the epithelium of the fallopian tube. Fallopian tube epithelium has been proposed as a tissue origin for high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma, the deadliest gynecologic malignancy. Given the commonalities in dissemination and treatment of these malignancies, we contemplated the possibility of similar patterns of gene expression underlying their progression. To reveal potential similarities or differences in the gene expression of fallopian adenocarcinoma and high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma, we tested expression of the fractalkine receptor (CX3CR1) and its ligand, fractalkine (CX3CL1), in the specimens of normal and pathologic fallopian tube using immunohistochemistry. Our data show that CX3CR1 is expressed in the normal, cancer adjacent normal, inflammatory, and malignant fallopian epithelium. CX3CL1 was expressed only by the normal and cancer adjacent normal fallopian tube epithelium; its expression was largely lost in the inflammatory and malignant fallopian epithelium. In opposite, both CX3CR1 and CX3CL1 are expressed in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. These findings are consistent with an idea that fallopian adenocarcinoma and high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma, although currently thought to arise from the same organ, may not share similar molecular characteristics.
Identification and Evaluation of Optimum Conductive Sealant Materials

The objective of this task was to identify and evaluate optimum corrosion prevention materials for use on nuclear hardened aircraft and weapon systems. New test joints were designed and fabricated out of 7075 aluminum and fastened using realistic torque values. The aluminum test joints were loaded with the top candidate sealant materials and weathered in a salt fog environment according to ASTM B117. The dc resistance and shielding effectiveness of the test joints were measured before weathering tests began and periodically during the weathering tests to monitor the corrosion effects on the electrical and electromagnetic performance of the bonds. In addition, control joints (no sealant) were weathered and tested simultaneously to compare the relative merit of the selected sealant materials.
O-027 Predictors of restenosis and periprocedural strokes during intracranial stent placement: a retrospective multicenter study

Background and purpose Intracranial stenting and angioplasty has been increasingly utilized for the treatment of symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD). The use of self-expanding stents (SES) has been reported to have a high technical success rate but there are concerns with restenosis. We sought to determine if the use of balloon mounted stents (BMS) was associated with higher technical complication rates compared with self-expanding stents. Methods Three academic institutions contributed data on patients treated for symptomatic ICAD over a 3 year period (2006–2009). 259 consecutive patients were identified. Demographics, type of stent placed, periprocedural complications, per cent stenosis prior to treatment and after treatment, if the treatment was within 2 weeks of clinical symptomatology, lesion classification with the Mori scale and follow-up imaging for restenosis were collected retrospectively. A univariate analysis was performed to determine predictors of periprocedural stroke and also for restenosis at follow-up. Variables with a p value Results 259 patients with a mean age of 61±13 years with 168 (65%) patients presenting with strokes and the rest with transient ischemic attacks. The distribution of the lesions were as follows: vertebrobasilar 109 (42%), middle cerebral artery 85 (33%) and intracranial internal carotid artery 65 (25%). 79 (31%) BMS were implanted and 180 (69%) SES. A total of 17 (6.5%) patients developed a periprocedural stroke with no difference noted between use of type of stent. Patients in whom a BMS was implanted had a significant reduction in stenosis compared with SES (81±10% to 7±11% vs 80±12% to 24±9%; p Conclusions The use of BMS was not associated with higher complication rates but was associated with lower restenosis rates. Placement of stents in patients with more complex lesions is associated with higher periprocedural stroke rates and restenosis. Further prospective studies comparing BMS with SES are warranted.
“Dammed at Both Ends and Cursed in the Middle:” The “Flowage” of the Concord River Meadows, 1798 – 1862

The Great Meadows bordering the placid Sudbury and Concord Rivers of Eastern Massachusetts are a quiet wilderness today. The narrow channel winds along in a broad floodplain of sedges, buttonbush, black willow and purple loosestrife, a ribbon of wild marshland through the suburbs twenty miles west of Boston, troubled only by a few canoes. For the past century, the Concord River has been famous mainly for its birds and for the naturalists who have watched them, following one another in the ripples of Henry Thoreau's rowboat: William Brewster, Ludlow Griscom, Edwin Way Teale.1 Through alert conservation, the river has become a haven from the hubbub of rapid economic growth in the surrounding region. But the Concord River meadows were not always a quiet backwater. Like the surrounding uplands now recovered by forest, these overgrown meadows were once active farmnland. For centuries, farmers in the Concord valley turned out by the hundreds on the meadows every August to mow their plots of native hay. From the settlement of Concord and Sudbury in the 1630s until well into the 19th century these "fresh meadows" were at the heart of the local agricultural economy. As a result of their agricultural importance, the river meadows were at the center of a long struggle by farmers to protect themselves from the environmental impact of rapid economic growth during the first half of the 19th century. The Concord River "flowage" controversy began in 1798 with the construction of the Middlesex Canal dam in Billerica, and ended in 1862 when the Legislature voted to repeal its own Act of 1860 ordering the removal of the Billerica Dam. In between came a
Thoughts on quality management of primary CDC laboratories

County-level disease prevention and control centers are responsible for the evaluation of public health status within the region, thus its evaluation quality is the lifeline of base level disease prevention and control institutions. Therefore, we must strengthen quality management of the disease control institutions. This article introduces some practical specific quality management practices.
Teaching Practical of Asynchronous Pipelined Architecture Mousetrap

This paper takes the example of bundled data asynchronous pipelined architecture Mousetrap to illustrate the design method of asynchronous circuits based on LT Spice. An 0. 18-μm CMOS technology is used,and 1 bit-4 level asynchronous FIFO circuit based on Mousetrap pipeline is designed. The design is divided to two main modules: latch and bundled data asynchronous pipelined Mousetrap control module. The method and steps to realize the bundled data asynchronous pipelined architecture Mousetrap is explained,functional simulation is performed to prove the correctness of the design.