cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Food availability, intrusion pressure and territory size: an experimental study of Anna's hummingbirds (Calypte anna)

Theoretical considerations implicate food availability and intrusion pressure as important determinants of territory size, but empirical studies have led to contradictory conclusions about cause-and-effect relationships among these three variables. To investigate this problem, we provided patches of electronically controlled artificial flowers, which were defended by male Calypte anna. Food availability was experimentally manipulated, and intrusion rate and territory size were calculated from behavioral observations of the territory owner. Changes in both food availability and intrusion rate were found to be significantly correlated with changes in territory size under certain conditions. Intrusion rate, which was influenced by food availability, was negatively associated with territory size so long as food availability was high. This association persisted even after possible effects of food availability were controlled statistically. Food availability was negatively correlated with territory size only when intrusion rates were high and after owners had been defending territories for 3 days. As food availability and intrusion rate increased, owners increasingly restricted their defense to the patch itself; partial regressions revealed a significant association for intrusion rate but not food availability. When intrusion rate was low and food availability varied from low to high levels, no relationship was observed between food availability and territory size, apparently because of opposing influences of food abundance on territory size.
Autoregulation of AbsB (RNase III) Expression in Streptomyces coelicolor by Endoribonucleolytic Cleavage of absB Operon Transcripts

The Streptomyces coelicolor absB gene encodes an RNase III family endoribonuclease and is normally essential for antibiotic biosynthesis. Here we report that AbsB controls its own expression by sequentially and site specifically cleaving stem-loop segments of its polycistronic transcript. Our results demonstrate a ribonucleolytic regulatory role for AbsB in vivo.
The RNA Chaperone Hfq Promotes Fitness of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae during Porcine Pleuropneumonia

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is the etiological agent of porcine pleuropneumonia, an economically important disease of pigs. The hfq gene in A. pleuropneumoniae, encoding the RNA chaperone and posttranscriptional regulator Hfq, is upregulated during infection of porcine lungs. To investigate the role of this in vivo-induced gene in A. pleuropneumoniae, an hfq mutant strain was constructed. The hfq mutant was defective in biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces. The level of pgaC transcript, encoding the biosynthesis of poly-β-1,6-N-acetylglucosamine (PNAG), a major biofilm matrix component, was lower and PNAG content was 10-fold lower in the hfq mutant than in the wild-type strain. When outer membrane proteins were examined, cysteine synthase, implicated in resistance to oxidative stress and tellurite, was not found at detectable levels in the absence of Hfq. The hfq mutant displayed enhanced sensitivity to superoxide generated by methyl viologen and tellurite. These phenotypes were readily reversed by complementation with the hfq gene expressed from its native promoter. The role of Hfq in the fitness of A. pleuropneumoniae was assessed in a natural host infection model. The hfq mutant failed to colonize porcine lungs and was outcompeted by the wild-type strain (median competitive index of 2 × 10−5). Our data demonstrate that the in vivo-induced gene hfq is involved in the regulation of PNAG-dependent biofilm formation, resistance to superoxide stress, and the fitness and virulence of A. pleuropneumoniae in pigs and begin to elucidate the role of an in vivo-induced gene in the pathogenesis of pleuropneumonia.
Free Improvisation: What It Is, and Why We Should Apply It in Our General Music Classrooms

Improvisation, the third content standard for the National Standards for Music Education (Music Educators National Conference, 1994), has received less attention from music teachers. This article a...
Role of Percutaneous Septal Ablation in Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy

Case Presentation : A 58-year-old diabetic man was referred for severe progressive exertional dyspnea consistent with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III. Six years earlier, he underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, complicated by a sternal wound infection. Physical examination was notable for a bifid carotid pulse and loud apical systolic ejection murmur. Echocardiography documented hyperdynamic left ventricular (LV) systolic function and asymmetric hypertrophy confined to the basal ventricular septum (measuring 20 mm in thickness) consistent with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Continuous wave Doppler estimated a 65 mm Hg subaortic gradient due to dynamic systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve with septal contact. Coronary angiography showed patent bypass grafts. Medical management with β-blockers and verapamil was ineffective in controlling symptoms. Catheter-based intervention was considered for this patient to reduce outflow obstruction and symptoms. HCM is a relatively common genetic disease with important clinical consequences, including sudden death in the young and disability due to heart failure at any age.1,2 It is estimated that progression to NYHA functional classes III/IV associated with obstruction to LV outflow occurs in about 10% of HCM patients who are limited largely by exertional dyspnea, chest pain, fatigue, and occasionally orthopnea or nocturnal dyspnea.1,2 Long-term consequences of HCM attributable to outflow obstruction have been emphasized, particularly progression of disabling symptoms and death related to heart failure.2 The traditional first line of therapy to improve quality of life in HCM patients with symptoms and outflow obstruction has been administration of negative inotropic agents, including β-blockers, verapamil, and disopyramide.1,2 Although symptoms can be controlled by drug treatment, a small minority of patients may become disabled and refractory to maximum medical management, and consequently eligible for major therapeutic interventions that target relief of obstruction and mitral regurgitation.1 Historically, this strategy has been confined …
Estimation of current from near-field measurement

Knowledge of high-frequency currents in the chip and chip-package are necessary for EMI analysis and prediction, though measurement of these currents may be difficult to obtain in many cases. One possibility is to estimate currents from near-field scan data. In this paper, measurements were made of the magnetic field over a simple circuit and a chip package. The current flowing in the circuit and the chip lead frame was estimated from the compensated near-field data and compared with measurements made directly on the pins. Estimation was performed both with and without structural information of the lead frame. The susceptibility of estimated currents to measurement errors was analyzed. Results show this technique can be a powerful tool for analyzing high frequency chip currents.
Gnathostomulid phylogeny inferred from a combined approach of four molecular loci and morphology

The phylogeny of the obscure metazoan phylum Gnathostomulida has previously only been addressed with cladistic analyses of morphological data. In the present study DNA sequence data from four molecular loci, including 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, histone H3 and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, are added to a revised morphological data matrix. The data set represents 23 gnathostomulid species that are analyzed under direct optimization using parsimony as the optimality criterion. The results obtained from analyzing the four molecular loci and combined morphological and molecular data under different parameter sets are generally very congruent, and differ only on minor points. The results clearly support gnathostomulid monophyly, as well as the basal division of Gnathostomulida into Filospermoidea and Bursovaginoidea. Filospermoidea were represented by species of Haplognathia and Cosmognathia, and generic monophyly is supported for both groups. Within Bursovaginoidea, Conophoralia (= Austrognathiidae) and Scleroperalia appear as sister groups. Monophyly of Mesognathariidae was confirmed as well, whereas the relationships between species of Gnathostomulidae and Onychognathiidae were contradicted by the molecular data when compared to morphological observations. ©The Willi Hennig Society 2006.
Impact of clouds and aerosols on photolysis frequencies and photochemistry during TRACE‐P: 1. Analysis using radiative transfer and photochemical box models

[1] This study examines the agreement between photolysis frequency measurements by the NCAR scanning actinic flux spectroradiometer (SAFS) and calculations from a cloud-free model (CFM) and investigates the impact of these differences on ozone photochemistry. Overall, the mean jNO2measurement to model ratio for all flights of TRACE-P was 0.943 ± 0.271. The sky conditions during the Transport and Chemical Evolution over the Pacific (TRACE-P) experiment were determined to be “cloud-free” 40% of the time; hence a CFM is frequently not representative of the local atmospheric conditions. Our analysis indicates that clouds have a larger impact on photolysis frequencies (from −90 to +200%) than do aerosols (maximum of ±20%). The CFM and SAFS jNO2 and jO(1D) values differed by 9% and 0–7%, respectively, during a vertical profile through a cloud-free and low AOD atmosphere. This suggests that measurement/model agreement to less than 10% may be difficult without better aerosol optical parameter inputs even under low-AOD conditions. For the TRACE-P chemical environment, OH, NO, and HO2 were more sensitive than other compounds (e.g., CH3C(O)O2, CH3OOH) to changes (or errors) in photolysis frequency inputs to a photochemical box model. Compounds including NO2, PAN, and HCHO exhibited different relationships to j-value changes below and above the boundary layer. Ozone production and loss rates increased linearly with changes (or errors) in the photolysis frequency with the resulting net O3 tendency increasing with a linear slope near unity. During the TRACE-P mission the net photochemical effect of clouds and aerosols was a large decrease in photochemical O3 production in the boundary layer.
Combination therapy with PTH and DBM cannot heal a critical sized murine femoral defect

Orthopaedic surgeons continue to search for cost-effective bone graft substitutes to enhance bone repair. Teriparatide (PTH 1-34) and demineralized bone matrix (DBM) have been used in patients to promote bone healing. We evaluated the efficacy of PTH and DBM in healing a critical sized femoral defect in three lineage-specific transgenic mice expressing Col3.6GFPtopaz (pre-osteoblastic marker), Col2.3GFPemerald (osteoblastic marker) and α-SMA-Cherry (pericyte/myofibroblast marker). Mid-diaphyseal defects measuring 2 mm in length were created in the central 1/3 of mice femora using a circular saw and stabilized with an alveolar distractor device and cerclage wires. Three groups were evaluated: Group I, PTH 30 μg/kg injection daily, Group II, PTH 30 μg/kg injection daily + DBM, and Group III, DBM + 30μL saline injection. PTH was given for 28 days or until the time of sacrifice. Animals were sacrificed at 7, 14, 28, and 56 days. Radiographs at the time of sacrifice were evaluated using a 5-point scaled scoring system. Radiographs showed a lack of healing across all treatment groups at all time points: Group I, 1.57 +/− 0.68; Group II, 3.00 +/− 1.29; and Group III, 2.90 +/− 1.03. Bone formation in the defect as measured by radiographic healing score was significantly better at 56 days in Groups II (p = 0.01) and III (p < 0.01) compared to Group I. Across all treatment groups and time points the defects were largely absent of osteoprogenitor cells based on gross observation of frozen histology and quantitation of cellular based histomorphometric parameters. Quantitation of frozen histologic slides showed a limited osteoprogenitor response to PTH and DBM. Our results suggest that the anabolic agent teriparatide is unable to induce healing in a critical sized mouse femoral defect when given alone or in combination with the DBM preparation we used as a local bone graft substitute. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1242–1249, 2015.
A new class of irreversible muscarinic antagonists: β-haloethylamine furoates

The synthesis of a class of ultra-long acting muscarinic antagonists is described. Furthermore, it is noted that the stability of the, in situ, aziridinium ion is sufficiently great so that these agents can be used to study the effect of temperature upon the conformation of the muscarinic cholinoceptor. The inactivation kinetics of these receptors as well as the dissociation constants, Kd, for all probes are presented.
The TravTek driver information system

TravTek is a public sector - private sector program to demonstrate an advanced driver information system in Orlando, Florida for a period of one year, beginning in January 1992. A total of one hundred rental and lease vehicles will be equipped with driver information systems, which will provide navigation, route selection and guidance, real-time traffic information, local information, and cellular phone service. The vehicle electronics include a modified production color CRT with a 5×5 matrix touch screen for information display and entry; a combined dead reckoning and global positioning satellite (GPS) navigation system; a special mobile radio system for sending travel times and status information to the Traffic Management Center (TMC) and receiving real-time traffic and event information from the TMC; a computer for computing shortest travel time routes based on real-time traffic information; and a synthesized voice system for providing traffic and route guidance information. Existing software modules were modified to provide the navigation and route selection functions while other modules were developed to implement the driver interface control functions, the interface menu and guidance displays (both visual and voice), etc. A significant design and test effort went into ensuring that the system is easy to use and understand and that attentional demand while driving is kept to a minimum. Also, special care was taken to retain the original appearance of the production vehicle without sacrificing existing vehicle functionality. Information on driver interactions with the system will be logged on a removable hard drive for later analysis.
Silencing Homologous RNA Recombination Hot Spots with GC-Rich Sequences in Brome Mosaic Virus

It has been observed that AU-rich sequences form homologous recombination hot spots in brome mosaic virus (BMV), a tripartite positive-stranded RNA virus of plants (P. D. Nagy and J. J. Bujarski, J. Virol. 71:3799–3810, 1997). To study the effect of GC-rich sequences on the recombination hot spots, we inserted 30-nucleotide-long GC-rich sequences downstream of AU-rich homologous recombination hot spot regions in parental BMV RNAs (RNA2 and RNA3). Although these insertions doubled the length of sequence identity in RNA2 and RNA3, the incidence of homologous RNA2 and RNA3 recombination was reduced markedly. Four different, both highly structured and nonstructured downstream GC-rich sequences had a similar “homologous recombination silencing” effect on the nearby hot spots. The GC-rich sequence-mediated recombination silencing mapped to RNA2, as it was observed when the GC-rich sequence was inserted at downstream locations in both RNA2 and RNA3 or only in the RNA2 component. On the contrary, when the downstream GC-rich sequence was present only in the RNA3 component, it increased the incidence of homologous recombination. In addition, upstream insertions of similar GC-rich sequences increased the incidence of homologous recombination within downstream hot spot regions. Overall, this study reveals the complex nature of homologous recombination in BMV, where sequences flanking the common hot spot regions affect recombination frequency. A replicase-driven template-switching model is presented to explain recombination silencing by GC-rich sequences.
Superhydrophobic surfaces by laser ablation of rare-earth oxide ceramics

Robust superhydrophobic surfaces can improve the performance of various applications. Considerable research has focused on developing superhydrophobic surfaces, but in these studies, superhydrophobicity was attained using polymeric materials, which deteriorate under harsh environments. Recently, it has been shown that rare-earth oxide ceramics are hydrophobic and since they are ceramics, they withstand harsh environments including high temperature. Here we fabricate a superhydrophobic surface by texturing a ceria pellet using laser ablation. We demonstrate water repellency by showing an impinging water droplet bouncing off the surface. This study extends the possibility of producing robust superhydrophobic ceramics using accessible techniques for industrial applications.
Geometric discrepancy revisited

Discrepancy theory addresses the general issue of approximating one measure by another one. Originally an offshoot of diophantine approximation theory, the area has expanded into applied mathematics, and now, computer science. Besides providing the theoretical foundation for sampling, it holds some of the keys to understanding the computational power of randomization. A few applications of discrepancy theory are listed. We give elementary algorithms for estimating the discrepancy between various measures arising in practice. We also present a general technique for proving discrepancy lower bounds. >
The dilemma of bioengineering research on human subjects

The increased scrutiny of human subject research is underscored by the recent suspension of authority of several prestigious medical centers by the federal Office of Human Research Protection (OHRP). Fueled in part by the well-publicized death of a young patient enrolled in a gene therapy trial in 1999, the OHRP's "reign of terror" has had far-reaching implications for all scientists, patients, and administrators engaged in human subject research. In summary, there are fundamental differences in the way that standards are generated for clinical medicine, bioengineering research, and human subject research. The standards for both clinical medicine and research have generally been set by the practitioners and scientists through peer review. This is not the case with human subject research, and any practitioner or scientist that merely follows his or her internal ethical standards does so at the institution's peril. The standards for human subject research are rightfully set by agencies of the international community and federal government and strict adherence is mandated by law. Whether or not the rigid ethical standards can ever reasonably be relaxed depends on the commitment of the scientific community to the consistent performance of human subject research with vigilant respect for persons, beneficence, and justice.
Affinity enrichment and functional characterization of TRAX1, a novel transcription activator and X1-sequence-binding protein of HLA-DRA

The promoters of all class II major histocompatibility (MHC) genes contain a positive regulatory motif, the X element. The DNA-binding proteins specific for this element are presumed to play a critical role in gene expression, although there is a paucity of functional studies supporting this role. In this study, the X-box-binding proteins of HLA-DRA were affinity purified from HeLa nuclear extracts. Fractions 46 to 48 contained an X-box-binding activity and were determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assays to be specific for the X1 element. This X1 sequence-binding-protein, transcriptional activator X1 (TRAX1), was shown to be a specific transcriptional activator of the HLA-DRA promoter in an in vitro transcription assay. By UV cross-linking analysis, the approximate molecular mass of TRAX1 including the bound DNA was determined to be 40 kDa. When the TRAX1 complex was incubated with antibodies against a known recombinant X-box-binding protein, RFX1, and tested in electrophoretic mobility shift assays, TRAX1 was neither shifted nor blocked by the antibody. Further analysis with methylation interference showed that TRAX1 bound to the 5' end of the X1 sequence at -109 and -108 and created hypersensitive sites at -114, -113, and -97. This methylation interference pattern is distinct from those of the known X1-binding proteins RFX1, RFX, NF-Xc, and NF-X. Taken together, our results indicate that TRAX1 is a novel X1-sequence-binding protein and transcription activator of HLA-DRA.
Selective trapping and concentration of nanoparticles and viruses in dual-height nanofluidic channels

Nanofluidic systems offer advantages for chemical analysis, including small sample volumes, size-selective particle trapping, sample concentration and the ability to separate and detect single molecules. Such systems can be fabricated using planar nanochannels, which rely on standard photolithographic techniques. Nanochannel fluid flow can be driven by capillary action, which benefits from simple injection and reasonably high flow rates. We demonstrate an analysis chip fabricated with planar nanochannels that consist of two adjoining segments of different heights. When nano-analytes elute through the channel, they become physically trapped when the channel dimensions shrink below the size of the particles. We demonstrate the capability of these devices to trap and concentrate by using the following: 120-nm polymer beads, 30-nm polymer beads, Herpes simplex virus 1 capsids, and hepatitis B virus capsids. Each species was fluorescently labeled and its resulting fluorescent signal was detected using a cooled CCD camera. We show how the signal-to-noise ratio of trapped analyte intensity varies linearly with analyte concentration. The goal of this work is to eventually perform size-based fractionation of a variety of nanoparticles, including biomolecules such as proteins.
Multi-scale models of grassland passerine abundance in a fragmented system in Wisconsin

Fragmentation of grasslands has been implicated in grassland bird population declines. Multi-scale models are being increasingly used to assess potential factors that influence grassland bird presence, abundance, and productivity. However, studies rarely assess fragmentation metrics, and seldom evaluate more than two scales or interactions among scales. We evaluated the relative importance of characteristics at multiple scales to patterns in relative abundance of Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum), Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna), and Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus). We surveyed birds in 74 southwestern Wisconsin pastures from 1997 to 1999 and compared models with explanatory variables from multiple scales: within-patch vegetation structure (microhabitat), patch (macrohabitat), and three landscape extents. We also examined interactions between macrohabitat and landscape factors. Core area of pastures was an important predictor of relative abundance, and composition of the landscape was more important than configuration. Relative abundance was frequently higher in pastures with more core area and in landscapes with more grassland and less wooded area. The direction and strength of the effect of core pasture size on relative abundance changed depending on amount of wooded area in the landscape. Relative abundance of grassland birds was associated with landscape variables more frequently at the 1200-m scale than at smaller scales. To develop better predictive models, parameters at multiple scales and their interactive effects should be included, and results should be evaluated in the context of microhabitat variability, landscape composition, and fragmentation in the study area.
Growing Up under Corporate Capitalism: The Problem of Marketing to Children, with Suggestions for Policy Solutions

Bronfenbrenner's ecological model of development suggests that children are affected by the economic system under which they live. Corporate capitalism is one such economic system, and evidence suggests that the focus on profit and power characteristic of deregulated, competitive forms of capitalism can suppress how much citizens prioritize the values that support the nurturing of children. One manifestation of this capitalist ideology is the practice of marketing to children, a practice known to be associated with a variety of negative outcomes for children. We present empirical evidence supporting these claims and conclude by proposing numerous policies aimed at reducing children's exposure to marketing. The policies, many of which have widespread public support, can be implemented in a number of types of institutions that directly or indirectly affect children, including professional organizations, schools, businesses, and all levels of government.
Response to Evidence for Upgrading the Ratings for Transcendental Meditation: Response to AHA Scientific Statement on Alternative Methods and BP

We thank Dr Schneider1 for his positive comments and for raising important issues on our recent scientific statement. We highlight that when our conclusions differ it is a result of variances in perspective and not from any bias against transcendental meditation (TM). The writing group had spirited discussions on the level of evidence (LOE) and class of recommendation for each modality. Reaching consensus is often not as simple as following the exact wording of the writing-group guidance table.2 We did indeed review 11 randomized controlled trials and 3 meta-analyses, while acknowledging some limitations of the AHRQ (Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality) report,3 before conferring on …
Electrophysiology of the Fetal Spinal Cord : II. Interaction among peripheral inputs and recurrent inhibition

Interactions of peripheral inputs to the motoneuron of the kitten fetus as young as 3 weeks prenatal were studied by reflex discharge from the ventral root as well as by recording from single motoneurons. Facilitation was found between two synergists in fetuses 1 to 2 weeks before birth. Intracellular recording showed that the facilitation could be explained by summation of excitatory postsynaptic potentials. Inhibition was found between antagonists in the fetuses 2 to 3 weeks before birth and was accompanied by inhibitory postsynaptic potentials. Recurrent inhibition was very powerful in the fetal spinal cord as shown by large motoneuron hyperpolarization by antidromic stimulation. Cells presumed to be "Renshaw cells" and which responded to both ortho- and antidromic stimulation with repetitive firing were shown in the 2 weeks prenatal fetus. These results lead to the conclusion that there is considerable effective synaptic connection of afferent collaterals already established by the later stage of intrauterine life and that this may be achieved independently of external stimuli.
Risk Attitudes Measured by the Interval Approach: A Case Study of Kansas Farmers

Risk attitudes of farmers are of major importance to agricultural economists. This study utilizes a questionnaire designed to determine risk aversion levels. Risk aversion intervals are elicited using generalized stochastic dominance for thirty northeastern Kansas farmers in order to investigate the relationship between age and level of risk aversion, the consistency of risk aversion over five income ranges, and the accuracy of farmers self-assessments of risk aversion. Results indicate no statistically significant difference between the risk aversion levels of younger and older farmers. The majority of farmers expressed fairly consistent risk attitudes over different income ranges. Finally, farmers show some ability to assess their own risk attitudes. Farmers' attitudes toward risks are of major importance to agriculture today. Results from many research projects depend on the researchers' assumptions regarding farmers' risk attitudes. In the past, risk research results frequently displayed a range of income alternatives involving risk which allowed farmers to choose among the alternatives. More recently, research methods have been developed which directly select utility-maximizing alternatives based on assumptions about risk aversion levels of farmers. Stochastic dominance techniques, in particular, make assumptions about risk aversion levels and then eliminate from consideration alternatives or strategies which are not optimal for the assumed risk aversion level. These selection criteria depend directly on the assumed risk aversion levels; therefore, researchers definitely need accurate information concerning farmers' risk attitudes. Raskin and Cochran have sum
Depolarization of mitochondria in neurons promotes activation of nitric oxide synthase and generation of nitric oxide

The diverse signaling events following mitochondrial depolarization in neurons are not clear. We examined for the first time the effects of mitochondrial depolarization on mitochondrial function, intracellular calcium, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) activation, and nitric oxide (NO) production in cultured neurons and perivascular nerves. Cultured rat primary cortical neurons were studied on 7-10 days in vitro, and endothelium-denuded cerebral arteries of adult Sprague-Dawley rats were studied ex vivo. Diazoxide and BMS-191095 (BMS), activators of mitochondrial KATP channels, depolarized mitochondria in cultured neurons and increased cytosolic calcium levels. However, the mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate was unaffected by mitochondrial depolarization. In addition, diazoxide and BMS not only increased the nNOS phosphorylation at positive regulatory serine 1417 but also decreased nNOS phosphorylation at negative regulatory serine 847. Furthermore, diazoxide and BMS increased NO production in cultured neurons measured with both fluorescence microscopy and electron spin resonance spectroscopy, which was sensitive to inhibition by the selective nNOS inhibitor 7-nitroindazole (7-NI). Diazoxide also protected cultured neurons against oxygen-glucose deprivation, which was blocked by NOS inhibition and rescued by NO donors. Finally, BMS induced vasodilation of endothelium denuded, freshly isolated cerebral arteries that was diminished by 7-NI and tetrodotoxin. Thus pharmacological depolarization of mitochondria promotes activation of nNOS leading to generation of NO in cultured neurons and endothelium-denuded arteries. Mitochondrial-induced NO production leads to increased cellular resistance to lethal stress by cultured neurons and to vasodilation of denuded cerebral arteries.
High density semiconductor nanodots by direct laser fabrication

We report a direct method of fabricating high density nanodots on the GaAs(001) surfaces using laser irradiations on the surface. Surface images indicate that the large clumps are not accompanied with the formation of nanodots even though its density is higher than the critical density above which detrimental large clumps begin to show up in the conventional Stranski-Krastanov growth technique. Atomic force microscopy is used to image the GaAs(001) surfaces that are irradiated by high power laser pulses interferentially. The analysis suggests that high density quantum dots be fabricated directly on semiconductor surfaces.
Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopic monitor of P. acnes lipid hydrolysis in vitro

Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) at a silver microelectrode was used to monitor bacterial hy- drolysis of triglycerides in lipid mixtures that model seba- ceous gland secretions. Mixtures of wax esters, squalene, triolein, and triisostearin were used as model skin secre- tions. The transformation was followed in vitro as changes in the SERS caused by hydrolysis of triglyceride to fatty acid. The fatty acid was adsorbed as its carboxylate, which is readily identified by the characteristic band at ca. 1395 cm 2 1 . Co-adsorption of propionate was also observed. The
Has Old Testament Criticism Collapsed

The theory now for many years held by most critical students of the Old Testament is that the early narratives from Genesis to Kings are composite, and, further, that the sources from which they were compiled belong to different periods in Hebrew history, having been produced by authors, or schools of authors, occupying various points of view, but so related to one another that their contributions, when arranged in chronological order, reflect the course of events for many successive generations and the progressive development of ethical and religious culture among the Chosen People.
Study on the infection of eperythrozoonsis in the uterus of rodents

Objective To explore the correlation between pregnant rats' infection of eperythrozoonsis and vertical transmission.Methods Capturing rat-like animals with night trapping method,anatomizing and observing the reproductive status and getting the results about pregnancy rate,litter size,breeding index and intrauterine fetal infection of eperythrozo- onsis.Results The capture density was 1.43%.The infection rate of eperythrozoonsis was 55.59% and the rates of male rats,female rats and pregnant rats were 56.12%,55.29% and 68.57% respectively.The density and mean infection rate of indoor rats were 2.33% and 58.46%,while the rates of outdoor rats were 0.71% and 47.95% respectively.The mean pregnant rate,the mean infection rate of fetal rats and average breeding index were 20.47%,71.84% and 5.89 respective- ly.Annually,there were two reproductive peak periods,from April to May and from September to October,and the preg- nant rates were 48.57% and 21.21% respectively.However,there was no evident seasonal peak in the infection of eperythrozoonsis.Conclusion Intrauterine infection is the main pathway for mother-to-infant transmission.
A multidisciplinary approach to weight control.

A college course in weight modification, which combines a nutritionally adequate, deficit kilocalorie diet with behavior modification and exercise, is described. Course content, weight loss data, and subjective appraisal of behavior modification techniques by students are presented. During one semester in which the course was offered, the 20 women enrolled lost an average of 10 lb. A one-year follow-up of 8 of the women revealed an average loss of 20 lb since the beginning of the course. Results compare favorably with those of other studies in which behavior modification was used as a component of a weight control program. In addition, the students were very positive regarding the benefits of the course in promoting sound nutrition and weight control practices.
DNA methylation in vivo.

Publisher Summary A new concept has emerged that uses DNA-modifying enzymes, induced and/or expressed inside the cell to be analyzed, as probes for the detection of non-B-form DNA segments occurring in growing cells. Bacterial DNA methyltransferases accept only a right-handed, double stranded DNA helix as substrate for the methylation reaction. Thus, they can be used to detect DNA structural alterations that include or neighbor the recognition site of the enzyme, even if the helix perturbation comprises only a few base pairs in an environment of many kilobase pairs of B-type DNA structure. This chapter summarizes the methods and applications of this new approach to analyze Z-DNA and triplex structures in recombinant plasmids in vivo . Plasmid DNA at native supercoil density (approximately -0.05) is isolated from E. coli HB 101 cells and purified by two CsC1 density gradient centrifugations. For the analysis of the supercoil dependence of methylation, plasmid topoisomer populations with defined average negative supercoil densities are prepared by the topoisomerase I/ethidium bromide method.
Reactive Molecular Dynamics Simulations of the Silanization of Silica Substrates by Methoxysilanes and Hydroxysilanes.

We perform reactive molecular dynamics simulations of monolayer formation by silanes on hydroxylated silica substrates. Solutions composed of alkylmethoxysilanes or alkylhydroxysilanes in hexane are placed in contact with a hydroxylated silica surface and simulated using a reactive force field (ReaxFF). In particular, we have modeled the deposition of butyl-, octyl-, and dodecyltrimethoxysilane to observe the dependence of alkylsilyl chain length on monolayer formation. We additionally modeled silanization using dodecyltrihydroxysilane, which allows for the comparison of two grafting mechanisms of alkoxysilanes: (1) direct condensation of alkoxysilane with surface-bound silanols and (2) a two-step hydrolysis–condensation mechanism. To emulate an infinite reservoir of reactive solution far away from the substrate, we have developed a method in which new precursor molecules are periodically added to a region of the simulation box located away from the surface. It is determined that the contact angle of alky...
A 0.4W-to-21W Fast-Transient Global-Search-Algorithm Based Integrated Photovoltaic Energy Harvester With 99% GMPPT Efficiency and 94% Power Efficiency

This paper presents an integrated photovoltaic energy harvester that is capable of performing global maximum power point tracking (GMPPT) with significant reductions in MPPT transient time, power dissipation and silicon area. A fast-transient global search algorithm is proposed to identify the GMPP of a solar panel within hundreds of $\mu \text {s}$ in the presence of multiple local maxima during partial shading conditions. The pulse integration based MPPT circuitry enables high-precision MPPT. Ripple-based irradiance aware adaptive frequency control (IAAFC) is also developed to lower the switching power loss under low irradiance levels, improving the harvester power efficiency over a wide output power range.
Campath-1H in Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia.

Campath-1H is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets CD52, a commonly expressed antigen in WM (Treon et al , Semin Oncology 30:248 ). We therefore initiated this two-stage Phase II study of single agent Campath-1H in patients with WM. WM patients who failed at least one first line regimen (i.e. an alkylator agent, nucleoside analogue or rituximab) were eligible and received Campath-1H by IV for one week on a gradual dose escalation schedule (Day 1, 3 mg; Day 3, 10 mg; Day 5, 30 mg) followed by up to 12 weeks of therapy (30 mg IV TIW) provided therapy was tolerated and patients did not progress. All patients received acyclovir and bactrim prophylaxis while on therapy and for 2 months thereafter. Seven subjects with a median age of 59 (range 43–68) years and 2 (range 1–4) prior therapies have been enrolled, 4 and 7 of whom were relapsed/refractory to nucleoside analogues and rituximab, respectively. Five patients completed the intended therapy. Responses to date are as follows: Partial Response (n=3); Minor Response (n=3); SD (n=1). With a median follow-up of 7 months, no responding patient has progressed. Hematological but not infectious toxicities occurred with reversible grade IV neutropenia (n=3) and thombocytopenia (n=2), and prolonged pancytopenia (n=1) in a patient with systemic amyloidosis. These studies demonstrate that Campath-1H is active in patients with relapsed/refractory WM, with sufficient activity to continue enrollment in this two-stage study.
A big data approach for memory quality management

As memory technology scaling continues to advance to sub 20nm technology and memory capacity becomes higher, memory quality management becomes more challenging to achieve client's quality expectations especially in this new era of computing. Transformation of traditional quality management approaches becomes necessary to drive memory quality improvements. A big data analytics approach is presented in this paper to demonstrate its application on end to end quality management process to drive continuous memory quality improvements.
Effects of preharvest application of TH 6241 and CEPA on Vitis vinifera

Mature vines of the Vitis vinifera cultivars Thompson Seedless, Barbera, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Ruby Cabernet, and Alphonse Lavallee were treated with TH 6241 and CEPA at various concentrations. The effects at harvest time of the two growth regulators on berry weight, removal force, rupture point, total acidity, and soluble solids content were checked. Einflus der Anwendung von TH 6241 und CEPA vor der Ernte auf Vitis vinifera Reife Reben von Vitis-vinifera -Sorten (Thompson Seedless, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ruby Cabernet, Alphonse Lavallee) wurden mit verschiedenen Konzentrationen von TH 6241 und CEPA behandelt. Die Auswirkungen der beiden Wachstumsregulatoren auf Beerengewicht, Trennkraft, Quetschfestigkeit der Beeren, Gesamtsaure und TSS wurden zum Erntezeitpunkt gepruft.
An energy and cost comparison of residential water heating technologies

Water heating is a significant user of energy. Several studies have investigated the development of more efficient systems. The present study compares several commercially available options for water heating and compares them with the performance of a recently developed of a gas-fired heat pump water heating system. Comparisons of each technology are conducted using annual energy use and operating cost metrics. Payback period predictions for the gas and electric heat pumps are performed with the electric and non-condensing gas storage units as a base case. Electric and gas heat pumps, at total initial costs of $2,400, are estimated to require 3.6 and 3.1 year payback periods when compared to an electric storage unit, respectively, while a gas heat pump with a total initial cost of $2000 is estimated to require 2.3 years. For this study a gas heat pump cost of $2400 was assumed. Daily total draw cases for a gas heat pump of 243, 303 and 379 L compared to a non-condensing gas storage unit as the base case show payback periods of 4, 3.2 and 2.5 years, respectively. This analysis shows that electric and gas heat pump technologies offer significant energy use and operational cost savings compared to baseline water heating technologies with reasonable payback periods.
Design of a digital adaptive algorithm for torque-controlled robotic joints

Publisher Summary High-performance motion and force control of robot manipulators rely on the ability of the actuation system to provide accurate and reliable control of joint torques. This ability is severely limited in conventional robots, and a number of efforts are directed toward the development of torque sensors, actuator–transmission systems, and joint torque controllers. This chapter presents the development of an adaptive joint torque control system for a prototype link of ARTISAN, a ten-degree-of-freedom manipulator currently under development at Stanford University. Due to nonlinear effects and parameter variations, a simple fixed controller is insufficient to provide robust control over various configurations. The chapter discusses the design of a pole-placement based joint torque controller and employs a model reference adaptive control (MRAC) scheme to provide more robust control over variations. A model of the actuator–transmission system, including flexibilities, is developed and simulation results of the proposed control systems are presented. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the controller in maintaining high performance over a wide range of parameter uncertainties.
Synthetic Control of Quinary Nanocrystals of a Photovoltaic Material: The Clear Role of Chalcogen Ratio on Light Absorption and Charge Transport for Cu2–xZn1+xSn(S1–ySey)4

Photovoltaic (PV) devices based on bulk polycrystalline Cu2ZnSn(S1–xSex)4 (CZTSSe) as the absorber material have historically shown the best efficiency with high Se compositions. The selenization process, which is employed in the formation of absorber layer, has been shown to result in maximum device efficiency at a lower than predicted optimal band gap (Eg= ∼1.1 eV as compared to the 1.34 eV predicted by the Shockley–Queisser detailed balance model). It is still not clear if this deviation is due to changes in the chalcogen composition, grain growth in the film, or increased order in the lattice. In contrast, CZTSSe nanocrystals (NCs) offer a unique opportunity to evaluate the effect of chalcogen ratio on light absorption, charge transport, and photovoltaic performance excluding the impact of the uncertain effects of the conventional selenization step and, importantly, offer a potential path to a dramatic reduction in PV manufacturing cost. Despite an abundance of literature reports on this compound, the...
Imaging diagnosis of spinal intramedullary tuberculoma: case reports and literature review.

Background/Objective: Spinal intramedullary tuberculoma is rare, accounting for 2/100,000 of cases of tuberculosis and only 2% of all cases of tuberculosis of the central nervous system. Diagnostic...
Spatial Kinematic and Dynamic Analysis with Euler Parameters

This paper is devoted to developing the mathematical tools involved in describing angular orientation and equations of motion of rigid bodies, which are of considerable interest in themselves. Euler parameters are employed to derive interesting and useful identities. Physical interpretation of Euler parameters and their corresponding transformation matrices are discussed. Finally, Lagrange’s equations of motion in terms of Euler parameters for a rigid body is presented.
FEATHER: Automated Analysis of Force Spectroscopy Unbinding and Unfolding Data via a Bayesian Algorithm.

Single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) provides a powerful tool to explore the dynamics and energetics of individual proteins, protein-ligand interactions, and nucleic acid structures. In the canonical assay, a force probe is retracted at constant velocity to induce a mechanical unfolding/unbinding event. Next, two energy landscape parameters, the zero-force dissociation rate constant (ko) and the distance to the transition state (Δx‡), are deduced by analyzing the most probable rupture force as a function of the loading rate, the rate of change in force. Analyzing the shape of the rupture force distribution reveals additional biophysical information, such as the height of the energy barrier (ΔG‡). Accurately quantifying such distributions requires high-precision characterization of the unfolding events and significantly larger data sets. Yet, identifying events in SMFS data is often done in a manual or semiautomated manner and is obscured by the presence of noise. Here, we introduce, to our knowledge, a new algorithm, FEATHER (force extension analysis using a testable hypothesis for event recognition), to automatically identify the locations of unfolding/unbinding events in SMFS records and thereby deduce the corresponding rupture force and loading rate. FEATHER requires no knowledge of the system under study, does not bias data interpretation toward the dominant behavior of the data, and has two easy-to-interpret, user-defined parameters. Moreover, it is a linear algorithm, so it scales well for large data sets. When analyzing a data set from a polyprotein containing both mechanically labile and robust domains, FEATHER featured a 30-fold improvement in event location precision, an eightfold improvement in a measure of the accuracy of the loading rate and rupture force distributions, and a threefold reduction of false positives in comparison to two representative reference algorithms. We anticipate FEATHER being leveraged in more complex analysis schemes, such as the segmentation of complex force-extension curves for fitting to worm-like chain models and extended in future work to data sets containing both unfolding and refolding transitions.