cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Supermanifolds and Super Riemann Surfaces

The theory of super Riemann surfaces is rigorously developed using Rogers’ theory of supermanifolds. The global structures of super Teichmuller space and super moduli space are determined. The super modular group is shown to be precisely the ordinary modular group. Super moduli space is shown to be the gauge-fixing slice for the fermionic string path integral.
Glucose metabolism accelerates the decline of hypoxic vasoconstriction in rat lungs.

Abstract Isolated lungs lose the vasoconstrictor response to airway hypoxia with time of perfusion. In isolated rat lungs this loss was accelerated by the addition to perfusate of glucose or pyruvate. The addition of 3- O -methyl glucoside (a non-metabolizable glucose analog) or saline (a solvent control) did not change the rate of decline of hypoxic vasoconstriction. An inhibitor for glucose metabolism (2-deoxy-D-glucose) augmented the hypoxic pressor response. Vasoconstrictor responses to angiotensin II and KCl were not affected by any of the additions. There were no differences in perfusate osmolality among groups of lungs. These results suggest that glucose accelerated the decline of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction by a metabolic, not an osmotic, effect. There may be an important link between lung glucose metabolism and the hypoxic pressor response.
Atmospheric circulation processes contributing to a multidecadal variation in reconstructed and modeled Indian monsoon precipitation

An analysis of the recently reconstructed gridded May–September total precipitation in the Indian monsoon region for the past half millennium discloses significant variations at multidecadal timescales. Meanwhile, paleo-climate modeling outputs from the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Climate System Model 4.0 show similar multidecadal variations in the monsoon precipitation. One of those variations at the frequency of 40–50 years per cycle is examined in this study. Major results show that this variation is a product of the processes in that the meridional gradient of the atmospheric enthalpy is strengthened by radiation loss in the high-latitude and polar region. Driven by this gradient and associated baroclinicity in the atmosphere, more heat/energy is generated in the tropical and subtropical (monsoon) region and transported poleward. This transport relaxes the meridional enthalpy gradient and, subsequently, the need for heat production in the monsoon region. The multidecadal timescale of these processes results from atmospheric circulation-radiation interactions and the inefficiency in generation of kinetic energy from the potential energy in the atmosphere to drive the eddies that transport heat poleward. This inefficiency creates a time delay between the meridional gradient of the enthalpy and the poleward transport. The monsoon precipitation variation lags that in the meridional gradient of enthalpy but leads that of the poleward heat transport. This phase relationship, and underlining chasing process by the transport of heat to the need for it driven by the meridional enthalpy gradient, sustains this multidecadal variation. This mechanism suggests that atmospheric circulation processes can contribute to multidecadal timescale variations. Interactions of these processes with other forcing, such as sea surface temperature or solar irradiance anomalies, can result in resonant or suppressed variations in the Indian monsoon precipitation.
Study of BDNF-TrKB Trafficking Regulated by Neuronal Activity in Hippocampal Neurons by Live Cell Imaging

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein that regulates neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity in brain. BDNF binds and activates receptor tyrosine kinase TrkB and the trafficking of phosphorylated TrkB triggers multiple intracellular pathways involved in neuronal development. It is not clear, however, whether BDNF is transported with TrkB in a signaling complex.It has been reported that the number of surface TrkB and the phosporylation of TrkB is enhanced by high frequency neuronal activity, but whether the trafficking of TrkB is also modulated by neuronal activity has not been addressed. To investigate this problem, we transfect hippocampal neurons with BDNF-eGFP or TrkB-mCherry and separately plate them on two sides of a PDMS chamber. We look at 1) whether BDNF and TrkB are co-transported; 2) whether the transportation flux, speed and other features are affected by high frequency field stimulation. The results may help us to understand the mechanism under synaptic plasticity and memory formation.
Self-report of gastrointestinal side effects after bariatric surgery

Abstract Background Data on gastrointestinal (GI) side effects of bariatric surgery are limited because of incomplete reporting, cross-sectional samples, and nonstandardized assessments. Objective To report on GI side effects over the first 6 months after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). Setting Academic medical center, United States. Methods One hundred forty-four patients completed a standardized clinical interview 6 months after operation, including questions on the occurrence and frequency of episodes of dumping syndrome, vomiting, and plugging for each of the past 6 months; monthly rates were stable, so results were averaged over the entire period. Although data were collected as part of a randomized controlled trial, randomization group and the interaction of group by surgical procedure were not related to GI side effects. Thus, results are reported by procedure only (RYGB, n = 87; LAGB, n = 56). Results RYGB patients had a higher preoperative body mass index (BMI) than LAGB patients (46.8±6.8 versus 43.5±4.8 kg/m 2 , respectively; P = .001), were more likely to report dumping (45.7% versus 4.7%, P P = .0005). Vomiting did not differ significantly by procedure (68.6% versus 65.1%, P = .7). Most patients experienced each GI side effect less than once per week. Conclusion Although self-reported GI side effects were common over the first 6 months after operation, the frequency of episodes was relatively low. Longer-term follow-up is needed to determine whether symptoms worsen or improve over time.
Selective depopulation of the hyperfine level in cesium

Optical pumping of cesium in a room-temperature vapor cell has been accomplished by means of a pulsed gallium arsenide laser. As the time-dependent laser frequency coincides with atomic transitions originating from the cesium ground-state hyperfine levels, light will be absorbed and thence re-emitted from the 6P state. The hyperfine splitting between the F = 3 and F = 4 ground-state levels can easily be resolved with this method. The lowest hyperfine level has been selectively depopulated. On this basis, the use of one or more GaAs lasers as a pumping source for cesium masers is indicated and discussed.
Analogs of the murine white-graft reaction☆

Abstract The white-graft reaction of mice, in contrast to that described in rats, dogs, and primates, is a cell-mediated (T-cell) event which arises very early after sensitization, reaches a peak rapidly, and disappears soon thereafter. Its kinetics and type of cell mediation are similar to those seen in the 51 Cr release from target cells exposed to allogeneic spleen cells primed in vivo and resensitized in vitro for a period of 48 hr. This latter reaction may therefore represent an in vitro analog of the murine white-graft reaction.
A comparative in vitro metabolic study of methaphenilene and pyribenzamine.

1. In vitro metabolism of methaphenilene (MFN) and pyribenzamine (PBZ) was compared to that of methapyriline (MPH) in rat, because chronic treatment with MPH causes cancer in rats, whereas MFN and PBZ cause no cancer.2. G.l.c. and mass spectrometry were used to identify 7 metabolites of MFN and 6 of PBZ in extracts of rat liver microsome incubations.3. Quantification of the metabolic pathways revealed that N-oxide formation is considerably more important for both MFN and PBZ than for MPH, and only MPH forms an amide as a metabolic product.4. Quantitative balance studies show that a lower recovery is apparent for metabolic experiments with MPH than for either MFN or PBZ under all conditions examined, indicating that significant metabolic pathways for MPH exist which are not being measured under these conditions.
Degradation of carbon tetrachloride by iron metal: Complexation effects on the oxide surface

Dehalogenation of chlorinated aliphatic contaminants at the surface of zero-valent iron metal (Fe0) is mediated by the thin film of iron (hydr)oxides found on Fe0 under environmental conditions. To evaluate the role this oxide film plays in the reduction of chlorinated methanes, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) degradation by Fe0 was studied under the influence of various anions, ligands, and initial CCl4 concentrations ([P]o). Over the range of conditions examined in these batch experiments, the reaction kinetics could be characterized by surface-area-normalized rate constants that were pseudo-first order for CCl4 disappearance (kCCl4), and zero order for the appearance of dissolved Fe2+ (kFe2+). The rate of dechlorination exhibits saturation kinetics with respect to [P]o, suggesting that CCl4 is transformed at a limited number of reactive surface sites. Because oxidation of Fe0 by CCl4 is the major corrosion reaction in these systems, kFe2+ also approaches a limiting value at high CCl4 concentrations. The adsorption of borate strongly inhibited reduction of CCl4, but a concomitant addition of chloride partially offset this effect by destabilizing the film. Redox active ligands (catechol and ascorbate), and those that are not redox active (EDTA and acetate), all decreased kCCl4 (and kFe2+). Thus, it appears that the relatively strong complexation of these ligands at the oxide–electrolyte interface blocks the sites where weak interactions with the metal oxide lead to dehalogenation of chlorinated aliphatic compounds.
Oxygen isotope analysis in a land of environmental extremes: the complexities of isotopic work in the Andes

The Andes, which have a wide variety of diverse and distinct environmental zones ranging from the hyperarid coast to the high-altitude altiplano, are an ideal region in which to explore the use of oxygen isotope analyses to elucidate archaeological residential mobility. However, some questions remain, including the mobility of water through the environment, the seasonal and annual variability of precipitation in the past, and the role of water storage and beverage preparation techniques. Here, the advantages and disadvantages of oxygen isotope analysis in the Andes, and beyond, will be explored using oxygen isotope data from archaeological human enamel and bone from Peru, Bolivia and Chile (c. AD 1–1500). Although strontium isotope values from this region vary according to regional geology, oxygen isotope data do not always follow expected patterns based on known environmental variables, and probably reflect the movement of water throughout the Andes, complicating its use as a tool to identify human migration in the past. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Membrane specific mapping and colocalization of malarial and host skeletal proteins in the Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocyte by dual-color near-field scanning optical microscopy

Accurate localization of proteins within the substructure of cells and cellular organelles enables better understanding of structure–function relationships, including elucidation of protein–protein interactions. We describe the use of a near-field scanning optical microscope (NSOM) to simultaneously map and detect colocalized proteins within a cell, with superresolution. The system we elected to study was that of human red blood cells invaded by the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. During intraerythrocytic growth, the parasite expresses proteins that are transported to the erythrocyte cell membrane. Association of parasite proteins with host skeletal proteins leads to modification of the erythrocyte membrane. We report on colocalization studies of parasite proteins with an erythrocyte skeletal protein. Host and parasite proteins were selectively labeled in indirect immunofluorescence antibody assays. Simultaneous dual-color excitation and detection with NSOM provided fluorescence maps together with topography of the cell membrane with subwavelength (100 nm) resolution. Colocalization studies with laser scanning confocal microscopy provided lower resolution (310 nm) fluorescence maps of cross sections through the cell. Because the two excitation colors shared the exact same near-field aperture, the two fluorescence images were acquired in perfect, pixel-by-pixel registry, free from chromatic aberrations, which contaminate laser scanning confocal microscopy measurements. Colocalization studies of the protein pairs of mature parasite-infected erythrocyte surface antigen (MESA)(parasite)/protein4.1(host) and P. falciparum histidine rich protein (PfHRP1)(parasite)/protein4.1(host) showed good real-space correlation for the MESA/protein4.1 pair, but relatively poor correlation for the PfHRP1/protein4.1 pair. These data imply that NSOM provides high resolution information on in situ interactions between proteins in biological membranes. This method of detecting colocalization of proteins in cellular structures may have general applicability in many areas of current biological research.
Land cover classification using geo-referenced photos

We investigate publicly available geo-referenced photo collections for land cover classification. Mapping land cover is a fundamental task in the geographic sciences and is typically done using remote sensing (overhead) imagery through manual annotation. We here propose a novel alternate approach based on proximate sensing. The goal of proximate sensing is to map what-is-where on the surface of the Earth using ground level images of objects and scenes. It has the potential to map phenomena not observable through remote sensing. We perform an extensive case study on using ground level images for binary land cover classification into developed and undeveloped regions. We investigate visual features and text annotations to label images or sets of images with these two classes. Knowing the location of the images allows us to generate land cover maps which we quantitatively evaluate using ground truth maps. We apply our approach to two photo collections, Flickr, the popular photo sharing website, and the Geograph project, whose goal is to collect geographically informative photos. Comparing these two collections allows us to measure the impact of photographer intent. We utilize a weakly supervised learning framework which eliminates the need for manually labeled training data. We also investigate methods for filtering images that are unlikely to be geographically informative. Our results are promising and validate proximate sensing as a novel alternate approach to geographic discovery.
Selling system dynamics to (other) social scientists

In the last decade I have tried to use system dynamics to do research that is acceptable to scholars from other social science communities. In this paper I reﬂect upon this experience and outline several errors that reduced the accessibility of my work to those outside the system dynamics community. While some of these mistakes are likely unique to me, others are more common to research that uses system dynamics. Acknowledging these errors has several implications for the future organization of the ﬁeld. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk factors for Candida vulvovaginitis.

Although Candida vulvovaginitis occurs commonly, the reasons for its occurrence and recurrence are often unclear. Several potential risk factors have been described, including the recent use of antiblotics and oral contraceptives, the presence of diabetes mellitus, dietary practices, gastrointestina
Population genetics of colonizing success of weedy rye in Northern California

Genetic parameters of 11 weedy rye populations located in California's northern mountain area and the adjoining Oregon border were compared with those of the putative parents, wild species Secale montamim and cultivated rye S. cereale. All weedy populations exhibited high levels of genetic variation as determined by isozyme analysis. On average, 44% of the isozyme loci were polymorphic, total genetic diversity was 0.30; and number of alleles per locus was 1.65. High genetic identities, averaging 0.994 ± 0.005 between populations, indicated that little genetic differentiation has occurred among these weedy populations since the initial colonization. Lack of population differentiation could be attributed to a wind-pollinated, self-incompatible breeding system resulting in extensive gene flow among weedy populations, and between weedy populations and local cultivars of rye. Multilocus outcrossing rates of weedy populations ranged from 0.86 to 0.97. The estimated levels of gene flow using the private-alleles method were high among weedy populations, and between cv ‘Merced’ and weedy populations, with estimated Nm values of 14.50 and 8.21, respectively. The colonizing success of weedy rye is discussed and a strategy for its conservation recommended.
Use of scholarly book reviews: implications for electronic publishing and scholarly communication

Studies examining the use of printed materials by scholars are necessary precursors to the development of scholarly electronic journals and the development of the field of electronic publishing. Electronic publishing of journals is important in scholarship, where the timeliness and relevance of publications are crucial to the advancement of knowledge. Although considerable space is devoted to book reviews in scholarly journals, few previous studies have examined or provided detailed data on the utility or importance of book reviews to scholars. In addition, book reviews have generally not been included in models of scholarly communication. This article results from a survey of science and technology faculty, and the humanities and social science faculty at the University of North Texas. The survey sought to determine: (1) Whether faculty read book reviews in scholarly journals; (2) the sources, importance, and utility of book reviews for faculty research and teaching; and (3) faculty criteria for useful book reviews. Findings show that most faculty read book reviews, however, a dichotomy exists as to the usefulness of book reviews for faculty research and teaching. Different book review formats were also preferred by humanities and social sciences faculty, and science and technology faculty. Based on these findings, an extension of Garvey and Griffith's (1971) scholarly communication model is proposed that includes book reviews and various feedback loops as part of the scholarly communication process. Findings from this study hold implications for the content and access to electronically published book reviews, and further research. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
SU-E-T-259: A Statistical and Machine Learning-Based Tool for Modeling and Visualization of Radiotherapy Treatment Outcomes

Purpose: Effective radiotherapy outcomes modeling could provide physicians with better understanding of the underlying disease mechanism, enabling to early predict outcomes and ultimately allowing for individualizing treatment for patients at high risk. This requires not only sophisticated statistical methods, but user‐friendly visualization and data analysis tools. Unfortunately, few tools are available to support these requirements in radiotherapy community. Methods: Our group has developed Matlab‐based in‐house software called DREES for statistical modeling of radiotherapytreatment outcomes. We have noticed that advanced machine learning techniques can be used as useful tools for analyzing and modeling the outcomes data. To this end, we have upgraded DREES such that it takes advantage of useful Statistics and Bioinformatics toolboxes in Matlab that provide robust statistical data modeling and analysis methods as well as user‐friendly visualization and graphical interface. Results: Newly added key features include variable selection, discriminant analysis and decision tree for classification, and k‐means and hierarchical clustering functions. Also, existing graphical tools and statistical methods in DREES were replaced with a library of the Matlab toolboxes. We analyzed several radiotherapy outcomes datasets with our tools and showed that these can be effectively used for building normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) and tumor control probability (TCP) models. Conclusions: We have developed an integrated software tool for modeling and visualization of radiotherapy outcomes data within the Matlab programming environment. It is our expectation that this tool could help physicians and scientists better understand the complex mechanism of disease and identify clinical and biological factors related to outcomes.
Energy-Aware Replica Selection for Data-Intensive Services in Cloud

With the increasing energy cost in data centers, an energy efficient approach to provide data intensive services in the cloud is highly in demand. This paper solves the energy cost reduction problem of data centers by formulating an energy-aware replica selection problem in order to guide the distribution of workload among data centers. The current popular centralized replica selection approaches address such problem but they lack scalability and are vulnerable to a crash of the central coordinator. Also, they do not take total data center energy cost as the primary optimization target. We propose a simple decentralized replica selection system implemented with two distributed optimization algorithms (consensus-based distributed projected subgradient method and Lagrangian dual decomposition method) to work with clients as a decentralized coordinator. We also compare our energy-aware replica selection approach with the replica selection where a round-robin algorithm is implemented. A prototype of the decentralized replica selection system is designed and developed to collect energy consumption information of data centers. The results show that the total energy cost can be effectively reduced by using our decentralized replica selection system comparing with a round-robin method. It also has low calculation and communication overhead and can be easily adapted to the real world cloud environment.
Regulation of acetylcholine binding by ATP at the muscarinic M1 receptor in intact CHO cells

Abstract ATP may have a modulatory effect on cholinergic transmission, as it is known that ATP is released as a co-transmitter with acetylcholine from nerve terminals. The ability of ATP to influence the binding of acetylcholine to the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor expressed in intact CHO cells was investigated. In competition binding experiments, acetylcholine completely inhibited the binding of [ 3 H ] N-methylscopolamine, but yielded a shallow competition isotherm that was best described in terms of two affinity states. When these experiments were repeated in the presence of 1 mM ATP, the acetylcholine competition curve was better described in terms of a single, low-affinity state with a Hill slope not significantly different from unity. This modulatory effect of ATP was completely reversed by the addition of the P2 purinoceptor antagonist, suramin, to the assay medium. When the competition between the muscarinic receptor antagonist, atropine, and [ 3 H ] N-methylscopolamine was investigated, however, ATP was unable to modulate the binding of atropine, which was consistent with a one-site binding model in each instance. In contrast to the intact cell studies, ATP did not affect either affinity state of acetylcholine binding when studied in homogenate preparations. The results of the present study indicate that ATP, acting via endogenously expressed purinoceptors, is able to influence agonist binding to the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor via a cross-talk that requires the functional integrity of intact CHO cells.
Method for long term delivery of soluble agents to the chick chorioallantoic membrane.

Osmotic minipumps were used to administer thyroxine to the chick embryo. This technique proved to be a convenient and efficacious method for the delivery of soluble agents to the chorioallantoic membrane. The thyroxine induced the precocious appearance of extensive cell sloughing by the corneal epithelium.
Simple Duochromator for the Measurement of Small Displacements of a Spectral Line

Doubly refracting prisms are used to convert an ordinary Ebert monochromator into a duochromator adapted to measuring small wavelength shifts in a spectral line. The instrument has the advantages of simplicity, good time resolution, high luminosity, and geometrically identical channels. An example of its use is given.
Structural Investigations of Alkali Silicate Gels

Investigation of a series of synthetic alkali silicate gels and gels produced by the alkali silica reaction (ASR) in field concrete using 29 Si NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and bulk chemical analysis shows that local structures of the synthetic and field gels are quite similar. The most abundant Si sites for the field and synthetic gels with similar compositions have Q 3 polymerization, and the number of non-bridging oxygens per Si is similar for these samples. These samples also yield a basal X-ray diffraction peak near 8-12 A, suggesting that the structure is dominated by sheet-like units, consistent with the dominant Q 3 polymerization. Calculations based on the relative site abundances of the sites observed by 29 Si NMR and the bulk chemical compositions indicate that there is insufficient alkali to charge-balance all the non-bridging oxygens and that there is a significant concentration of Si-OH linkages. The results provide strong support for the basic structural concepts of the so-called kanemite model for ASR gel proposed by Wieker and coworkers, although the overall gel structure is likely to be more complex.
The effects of modulation of calcium influx through the voltage-sensitive calcium channel on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy

In human hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hypertension associated ventricular hypertrophy, chronic use of calcium channel blockers results in a significant regression of hypertrophy. The main objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that modulation of calcium influx through the voltage-sensitive L-type Ca2+ channel directly affects myocardial hypertrophy. Agents that modified calcium influx through the L channel, reduced or enhanced mechanical activity, or uncoupled excitation-contraction coupling were evaluated in cell culture models of myocardial hypertrophy. The calcium channel blocker, verapamil, significantly reduced serum-stimulated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in a stereoselective manner. The 1,4-dihydropyridine (DHP) calcium channel blocker, nifedipine, also significantly inhibited cardiomyocyte hypertrophy while the DHP calcium channel activator, Bay K 8644, promoted a significant increase in serum-stimulated hypertrophy. Norepinephrine (NE) and, to a lesser degree, isoproterenol (ISO) modulated serum-stimulated hypertrophy. KCl, verapamil, and nifedipine at concentrations that completely arrested beating produced comparable reductions in serum-stimulated hypertrophy. The excitation-contraction uncoupler, 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM), KCl and verapamil reduced hypertrophy in high density spontaneously contracting serum-free cardiomyocytes. Addition of NE or serum to BDM treated cells partially offset this reduced hypertrophy. In conclusion, agents that altered calcium influx through the L-type Ca2+ channel or inhibited mechanical activity affected cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. The negative inotropic or chronotropic effects of calcium channel blockers on the heart may contribute to their efficacy in the treatment of myocardial hypertrophy.
Simultaneous determination of deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, T-2 and HT-2 toxins in breakfast cereals and baby food by high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry

In this study, the simultaneous determination of deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEA), T-2 and HT-2 toxins in foodstuff was investigated. A new kind of multi-mycotoxin immunoaffinity columns (IACs) available on the market (DZT MS-PREP(®)) was tested. A sensitive, selective and accurate method by high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry was developed, with electrospray ionization mass spectrometer operating in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode, with negative-positive-negative ion switching. The method was used for the analysis of samples marked in Italy, in the frame of official monitoring plans. The advantages of combining IACs and LC-MS/MS technique are as follows: efficient removal of matrix interferences, simple chromatographic outline, high selectivity, low detection limits (DLs) and separation of a wide range of molecules with different physico-chemical properties in a single run. The method was studied on two different matrices, breakfast cereal and baby food, at contamination levels close to Regulation limits (EC) 1126/2007. The recoveries obtained (60-100%) fulfil the performance criteria required by Regulation (EC) 401/2006. The DL is 60 µg/kg for DON and 10 µg/kg for ZEA, T-2 and HT-2. Linearity range of the calibration curves is suitable for adult and baby food.
A spectrally modulated, spectrally encoded analytic framework for carrier interferometry signals

This paper applies a recently introduced general analytic framework for spectrally modulated and spectrally encoded (SMSE) signals to carrier interferometry (CI) signals. The SMSE framework mathematically incorporates the waveform adaptivity and diversity found in SMSE signals. Future fourth generation (4G) radios are likely to operate using cognitive principles whereby the system adapts to changing traffic loads, interfering signals, spectrum availability, and channel conditions. Because 4G architectures are contemplating the use of SMSE techniques to enable cognitive communications, a general analytic framework was recently introduced in which SMSE signals can be derived, analyzed, and implemented. This paper adopts this concise mathematical model and applies it to CI signals, including those that couple CI coding techniques with orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), coded OFDM, or multi-carrier code division multiple access (MC-CDMA). As shown herein, the model may be implementable using adaptive software defined radio (SDR) techniques.
Uniqueness and nonuniqueness of the Stokes and Oseen flows

The uniqueness class for the solutions to the Cauchy problem for flows modeled by the time-dependent Stokes and Oseen systems of equations is determined as in the growth class C exp(α|x|2). An example of a type considered by Tychonoff [Mat. Sb. 42 (1935), 199–216] is given that establishes the lack of uniqueness for such Stokes and Oseen systems. Even for the incompressible Navier–Stokes system, an example shows that rapidly growing nonphysical mathematical solutions exist.
Bacterial translocation in acute and chronic portal hypertension

Patients with cirrhosis are predisposed to develop spontaneous bacteremias and peritonitis, mainly by enteric bacteria. Portal hypertension, by producing congestion and edema of the bowel wall, could increase the passage of bacteria from the intestinal lumen to regional lymph nodes to the systemic circulation or to both, a process termed bacterial translocation. The aim of this study was to investigate bacterial translocation at two stages of experimental portal hypertension: (a) acute (when shunting is minimal); and (b) chronic (when shunting is extensive and mimics the portal hypertension of cirrhosis). Rats were killed 2 days (acute) or 15 days (chronic) after partial portal vein ligation or control surgeries. Samples of mesenteric lymph nodes, blood, liver and spleen for standard bacteriological cultures and a fragment of ileum for histological examination were obtained. Two days after surgery, a significantly greater proportion of rats with acute portal hypertension (12 of 13 or 92%) had positive mesenteric lymph node cultures compared with both control groups: sham-operated (4 of 13 or 31%) and inferior vena cava-ligated (3 of 10 or 33%) animals (p < 0.01). However, 15 days after surgery no differences in translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes were found between rats with chronic portal hypertension (3 of 15 or 20%) and sham-operated controls (3 of 11 or 27%). In neither the acute nor the chronic rats were bacteria isolated from blood, spleen or liver. Rats with acute portal hypertension had significantly greater mesenteric inflammation than rats with chronic portal hypertension and control animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Open source modeling of advanced inverter functions for solar photovoltaic installations

With the increasing penetration of solar photovoltaic installations on the electric power system, advanced inverter functions may provide benefits to the utility and owner of the PV installation. Three advanced inverter functions to minimize effects of the variable nature of PV are described: volt-watt control, volt-var control, and dynamic reactive current control. Each inverter control mode is described and an example of the impact on a distribution feeder is given. Examples of modeling in the open-source OpenDSS program are provided.
Research of Off-Grid Household Photovoltaic Power System

The electricity shortage can be effectively alleviated by developing household photovoltaic power system in vast rural areas, it is necessary to establish simulation models. In this paper, the dynamic modeling of household photovoltaic power system including photovoltaic,Cuk-chopper circuit,battery and a single phase PWM inverter have been made in the ElectroMagnetic Transient Program /Alternative Transient Program(EMTP/ATP) software package.Control strategy based on MPPT for the power control of the inverter have been also developed. Operation characteristic of household photovoltaic power system was developed. Simulation results proved the validity of the model.
NF1 modulates the effects of Ras oncogenes: evidence of other NF1 function besides its GAP activity.

Neurofibromin (NF1) (the product of Nf1 gene) is a large cytosolic protein known as a negative regulator of Ras. A fragment of some 400 residues located at the center of the NF1 GAP-Related Domain (NF1-GRD) has strong identity with other molecules of the GAP family, which comprises, among others, the mammalian proteins NF1 and p120GAP, and the yeast proteins IRA1 and IRA2. GAP family members are known by their ability to promote the GTPase activity of Ras proteins, facilitating the transit of those proteins to their inactive state. Recent findings (Tong et al., 2002, Nat Neurosci 5:95-96) indicate that NF1 may be involved in the regulation of adenyl cyclase activity. Our results show that NF1-GRD cooperates with Ras in the anchorage-independent growth capacity of Ras-expressing fibroblasts, without affecting: (i) their ability to grow in low serum, (ii) their cellular adhesion capability, or (iii) the expression of key proteins involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. On the other hand, NF1 overexpression induces an increase in the expression levels of the focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and specific changes in the activation status of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). These results suggest the existence of a Ras-independent NF1-dependent pathway able to modify the levels of expression of FAK and the levels of activation of MAPKs. Because FAK and many proteins recently found to bind NF1 have a role in the cytoskeleton, this pathway may involve rearrangement of cytoskeletal components that facilitate anchorage independence.
Food deprivation and ingestion induce reciprocal changes in neuropeptide Y concentrations in the paraventricular nucleus

Abstract We have studied the effects on neuropeptide Y (NPY) concentration in six hypothalamic nuclei, viz. medial preoptic area (MPOA), paraventricular nucleus (PVN), median eminence (ME), arcuate nucleus (ARC), ventromedial nucleus (VMN) and dorsomedial nucleus (DMN) of food deprivation (FD) for 2, 3, or 4 days or FD for 4 days followed by one day ad lib food intake (FI) in male rats. Hypothalamic nuclei were microdissected by the technique of Palkovits and processed for measurement of NPY immunoreactivity by RIA. NPY-like immunoreactivity in the ME, VMN and DMN was unaffected by FD or FI, but the remaining three nuclei—the ARC, MPOA and PVN—displayed a different pattern of changes in NPY levels in response to either FD or FD followed by FI. In the ARC, NPY levels rose significantly at day 3 and 4 after FD and remained elevated even after one day of FI. In the MPOA, while FD for 4 days had no effect, NPY concentration increased significantly in response to FI. In contrast, in the PVN, a site implicated in the control of feeding behavior, the NPY response to FD and FI was markedly different. FD elicited a gradual, time-related increase in NPY levels to reach highest concentration on day 4 and thereafter, following one day of FI, NPY levels fell dramatically to the range found in control satiated rats. These results show that (1) NPY levels display site-specific changes in response to FD and FI; (2) a dramatic reciprocal change in the PVN NPY levels occurred in response to disturbances in the daily food intake as produced by sequential FD and FI; (3) other hypothalamic sites, such as the ARC and MPOA, displayed only unidirectional increments in response to FD and FI. The observation of site-specific changes in the PVN NPY levels further support the hypothesis that NPY may be a physiological neurochemical signal in the PVN that normally evokes feeding in the rat.
Design of a back-driveable actuation system for modular control of tendon-driven robot hands

This paper presents a novel design of a rotary motor-based actuation system for tendon-driven robotic hands. The system features a two-stage, zero backlash, pretensioned pulley reduction that enables high precision control of tendon displacement and force, as well as back-driveability of the motor. While the modular actuation system can be used to actuate any tendon-driven mechanism, the system is designed to meet or exceed the speed and strength of human fingertips. The actuation system is capable of operating up to 10 Hz before there is significant degradation of the system gain. The capabilities of the system are further demonstrated through the control of a Shadow Dexterous Robot Hand index finger at low (1 Hz) and high (4 Hz) frequencies. A single actuation unit can be duplicated for use in a single-acting actuation scheme ("2N-type") of N joints, but was designed specifically for a double-acting actuation scheme ("N-type") with "push-pull" capabilities. In the former case, one motor is used for each rotation direction of a single revolute joint. In the latter case, one motor can control both directions of the joint, thereby reducing hardware needs and control complexity. To address the challenges of tendon slack in the flexible-link transmission to the robot hand, the system includes a lead screw mechanism for setting a tension preload and springs for maintaining tension during the course of use. An integrated uniaxial load cell allows for monitoring of tendon tension and calculation of finger joint torques.
When attention interrupts learning: Inhibitory effects of attention on TIPL

While task-irrelevant perceptual learning (TIPL) suggests that perceptual learning of a feature occurs without focused attention to the feature, some kind of attentional involvement was implied by recent findings that TIPL occurred only when a task-irrelevant stimulus was paired with a main task target. Here, during training, two task-irrelevant stimuli with different coherent motion directions were exposed, one on an attended side and the other on an unattended side. We found no performance improvements for the direction on the attended side. These results suggest that while attention facilitates task-relevant learning, it can suppress TIPL.
Evidence that 3-keto petromyzonol sulphate specifically attracts ovulating female sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus

We examined and confirmed the hypothesis that 3-keto petromyzonol sulphate (3kPZS) constitutes a major component of a male sea lamprey sex pheromone. Previous studies have indicated that male sea lampreys release 3kPZS after spermiation, and that 3kPZS specifically influences the behaviour of ovulating females. In this study, we addressed two issues to further characterize the function of 3kPZS: (1) whether the male pheromone specifically influences the behaviour of ovulating females only, and (2) whether synthetic 3kPZS replicates the function of the male pheromone in a natural environment. When placed in a two-choice maze, ovulating females preferred and showed search behaviours in the side scented with spermiating males, or washings thereof. Similar behavioural responses to the spermiating male odorant were not observed in males or preovulating females. Odorants from prespermiating males did not elicit similar behaviours from ovulating females. Furthermore, when released into a natural spawning stream, ovulating females located and swam to the source of water conditioned with spermiating males, or 10−12 M synthetic 3kPZS. This knowledge has the potential to impact the integrated management of sea lampreys in the Laurentian Great Lakes.
Sociology as a Discursive Space - The Coming Age of a New Orthodoxy?

The field of sociology can be described as a triangle, the apexes of which are represented by the structure of social organisation (Spencer's theory of the division of labour), the structure of cultural codes (Saussure's theory of language and semiology) and social action (Weber's methodological individualism). This becomes a three-dimensional discursive space when underneath it we place, as the fourth apex, nature. Consequently we have a triangular pyramid standing on its head (nature): its four plans are represented by the field of sociology (the structure of social organisation, the structure of cultural codes, action), structuralist social anthropology (the structure of social organisation, the structure of cultural codes, nature), cultural anthropology (the structure of cultural codes, action, nature) and historical materialism (the structure of social organisation, action, nature). This turned-over tetrahedron is described in the paper as the discursive space of sociology, a space that has taken shape with the attempts at a theoretical synthesis of sociology during the 1980s (Alexander, Bourdieu, Collins, Giddens, Habermas). As in the case of the discursive conditions for all forms of knowledge, the discursive space of sociology is a rhetorical closure which determines who are classical writers and how these classical writers are to be read and understood. At the same time it serves as the basis for the positivity of sociological knowledge. It is suggested that this space will emerge to reorganise the uncertainty produced by the collapse of the Parsonian orthodoxy which was primarily concerned to examine society from the perspective of the structure of social organisation.
A Symphony of Sensations in the Spectator: Le Corbusier's Poeme electronique and the Historicization of New Media Arts

This essay seeks to historicize the technological production of artistic virtual space, which is often misconstrued as having originated with contemporary new media art production. The author criti...
Effects of temperature on the properties of glass colour filters used in signalling equipment

Glass colour filters of the selenium and copper oxide types used in aviation luminaires are affected by changes in temperature. For red and yellow selenium filters an increase in the working temperature causes an increase in the absorption of radiation at the blue end of the spectrum, resulting in a decrease in transmittance and a shift in the chromaticity towards the red. Both effects are reversible. For green copper oxide glasses similar reversible changes in transmittance and colour occur but are less significant. However, at elevated temperatures in enclosed luminaires, where there is normally a reducing atmosphere, copper oxide on the surface of these filters is reduced to metallic copper. This contaminating film can seriously reduce the transmittance and alter the colour. The effect is irreversible.
Limit theorems for multi-dimensional random quantizers

We consider the $r$-th power quantization error arising in the optimal approximation of a $d$-dimensional probability measure $P$ by a discrete measure supported by the realization of $n$ i.i.d. random variables $X_1,...,X_n$. For all $d \geq 1$ and $r \in (0, \infty)$ we establish mean and variance asymptotics as well as central limit theorems for the $r$-th power quantization error. Limiting means and variances are expressed in terms of the densities of $P$ and $X_1$. Similar convergence results hold for the random point measures arising by placing at each $X_i, 1 \leq i \leq n,$ a mass equal to the local distortion.
Twice More—Thomas and the Synoptics: A Reply to Simon Gathercole, The Composition of the Gospel of Thomas, and Mark Goodacre, Thomas and the Gospels

Whereas the recent studies by Mark Goodacre and Simon Gathercole focus on sayings in the Gospel of Thomas which have close Synoptic parallels, this review article highlights the historical and theological questions raised by a late rather than early Thomas. Furthermore, the review argues that too much credit is given to scanty or ambiguous evidence for Synoptic dependence (Gathercole), and that several cases of verbatim agreement between Thomas and the Synoptic Gospels (Goodacre) are brief, formulaic sayings which might in fact indicate familiarity with Q. Drawing on the modern analogy of how jokes circulate, ‘diagnostic shards’ (Goodacre) of shared words and phrases do not necessarily brand the author of Thomas as a plagiarist, but point in all likelihood to the author’s reliance on common oral tradition. Thomas also draws on numerous other, Synoptic-like traditions that are clearly independent of the canonical Gospels.
Neural Induction in the Absence of Mesoderm: β-Catenin-Dependent Expression of Secreted BMP Antagonists at the Blastula Stage in Xenopus

A growing body of work indicates that neural induction may be initiated prior to the establishment of the gastrula mesodermal organizer. Here, we examine neural induction in Xenopus embryos in which mesoderm induction has been blocked by Cerberus-short, a reagent that specifically inhibits Nodal-related (Xnr) signals. We find that extensive neural structures with cyclopic eyes and brain tissue are formed despite the absence of mesoderm. This neural induction correlates with the expression of chordin and other BMP inhibitors-such as noggin, follistatin, and Xnr3-at the blastula stage, and requires beta-Catenin signaling. Activation of the beta-Catenin pathway by mRNA microinjections or by treatment with LiCl leads to differentiation of neurons, as well as neural crest, in ectodermal explants. Xnr signals are required for the maintenance, but not for the initiation, of BMP antagonist expression. Recent work has demonstrated a role for beta-Catenin signaling in neural induction mediated by the transcriptional down-regulation of BMP-4 expression. The present results suggest an additional function for beta-Catenin, the early activation of expression of secreted BMP antagonists, such as Chordin, in a preorganizer region in the dorsal side of the Xenopus blastula.
USE OF A SHORT-TERM INPATIENT MODEL TO EVALUATE ABERRANT BEHAVIOR: OUTCOME DATA SUMMARIES FROM 1996 TO 2001

Previous outcome studies have provided descriptions of functional analyses conducted in outpatient clinics (Derby et al., 1992), long-term inpatient programs (Iwata, Pace, et al., 1994), and home environments (Wacker et al., 1998). This study provides a description of 138 children and adults with and without developmental disabilities who were evaluated and treated for aberrant behaviors on a short-term inpatient unit. The results indicated that the functional analyses conducted during a short-term inpatient evaluation were successful for 96% of the participants in identifying maintaining reinforcers of aberrant behavior and leading to an 80% or greater reduction in aberrant behavior for 76% of the participants in an average of 10 days.