cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vicarious Function of Remote Cortex following Stroke: Recent Evidence from Human and Animal Studies:

Following a lesion, the adult central nervous system undergoes dramatic structural and physiological reorganization in diverse subcortical and cortical areas. Our knowledge of the events that parallel recovery within the tissue surrounding the lesion and other distant cortical areas has evolved greatly in the past few years. Particularly, recent efforts have increased our understanding of the potential implication of premotor areas in recovery from lesions disturbing the primary motor cortex (M1) and its corticospinal outputs. Because these areas share extensive connections with M1 and have direct access to the spinal cord through corticospinal projections, they are particularly well positioned to take over the role of M1 in a vicarious manner and thus compensate for the neuronal loss resulting from M1 lesions. The impressive postlesional reorganization known to occur in many areas of the CNS including the premotor cortex traditionally has been assumed to play a beneficial role in recovery. However, recent experiments suggest that in some cases, reorganization of distant cortical areas correlates with poor recovery, raising the concept of maladaptive vicarious process. This concept might be particularly critical in the development of new treatment approaches favoring postlesion plasticity and even more so for interventions targeting specific area(s). Here, the author reviews human and animal studies that show the plastic potential of the adult CNS after stroke, highlighting the vicarious role of the premotor cortex in the recovery of motor control.
Factors Affecting Growth Response of Chicks to Dried Egg Yolk

Abstract USING laboratory prepared dried egg white (DEW) as a source of amino acids, Greene et al. (1960) reported that a major portion of the growth response observed in dried egg yolk (DEY) by Arscott et al. (1957) could be accounted for on the basis of a better balance of known nutrients. Unpublished data from this laboratory had failed to show a growth improvement from chicks fed a diet supplemented with a commercial source of DEW. It was considered necessary, therefore, to determine whether a response could be obtained from different sources of DEW when compared with other known sources of yolk factor activity and an amino acid supplement (AAS) simulating DEY. PROCEDURE Duplicate lots of twelve Vantress × Nichols 108 male chicks obtained commercially were used in all experiments which were repeated in time at least once. Chicks from Red Vantress males were used in the initial experiment(s) cited in …
The management of blood pressure after stroke.

Background:Control of hypertension is a well-established goal of primary prevention of stroke, but management of blood pressure in patients with a previous stroke or in the setting of acute stroke is complicated by the effect blood pressure changes may have on cerebral perfusion.Review Summary:For p
Ideal flux concentrators with reflector gaps

A design for a solar concentrator is presented that provides maximum flux concentration on the physical absorber.(AIP)
A DENSITY FUNCTIONAL STUDY OF THE STRUCTURE, VIBRATIONAL SPECTRA, AND RELATIVE ENERGETICS OF XBRO2 ISOMERS (WHERE X = H, CL, AND BR)

The geometries, vibrational spectra, and relative energies of HBrO2, ClBrO2, and BrBrO2 isomers have been examined using various density functional (BLYP, SVWN, and B3LYP) methods. A comparison of ...
Surface Plasmon Resonance Nanohole Array Sensor and its Application on Protein Specific Binding

A surface plasmon resonance biosensor based on two-dimensional metallic nanohole array is presented. The resonance is narrowed by a crossed polarizer-analyzer pair. Protein specific bindings are used to demonstrate real-time label-free microfluidic packaged sensor.
A Multivariable Approach to EGR-VGT Actuator Control Problem

The combined use of Variable Geometry Turbine (VGT) and Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) gives us an opportunity to reduce emissions, without compromising the need to generate more power. In the present work, a multivariable approach is used to tackle the EGR-VGT actuator control problem. A linear multivariable controller is designed using Lyapunov's Indirect Method, based on the Jacobian matrix of the system. Then, some stronger conditions are sought to be satisfied by the Jacobian matrix, which would ensure the Global Asymptotic Stability of the system. These conditions are derived using Nonlinear Contraction Analysis. Finally, simulations are performed on a simplified model with three states to evaluate the performance of the controllers.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
An arrow shaped silicon tip for polymeric nanofiber fabrication

We describe a technique for the formation of oriented single nanofibers, using an arrow shaped and scanned tip. The tip was dipped in a polymeric solution to gather a droplet as a deposition source. A sufficiently high potential, applied between the droplet and a counter electrode, initiated electrospray deposition of nanofibers on the counter electrode. By using our technique, we demonstrated the control of nanofiber fabrication and the nanofiber cross junction for the application of nanofiber based nanodevice.
Transposition of Canines

Transposition of canines is a rare dental anomaly of unknown causes. Eleven cases of canine transposition, in both arches, and their orthodontic management are reported.
Effect of chronic ingestion of a prostaglandin E analogue on immunologic function in healthy elderly subjects

The immunologic effects of an oral prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) analogue were tested in 25 individuals over age 65, compared to 25 individuals given placebo. Elderly subjects were chosen because previous in vitro studies had found an increased sensitivity to PGE of lymphocytes in older subjects. After 2 weeks of ingestion of PGE analogue or placebo, there was a small but statistically significant decrease in IgM-rheumatoid factor in the PGE analogue group compared to control and a significant decrease in the in vitro sensitivity of lymphocytes from the PGE analogue group to inhibition by PGE. There were no differences in total lymphocyte count, T cell or T cell subset count, delayed hypersensitivity skin test reactivity, serum immunoglobulins, or response to mitogens between the two groups. Administration of an oral PGE analogue to normal elderly individuals is not associated with any detrimental effects on immunologic function after 2 weeks.
Right pleural effusion due to a migrating ventriculoperitoneal shunt

BACKGROUND Pseudotumor cerebri or benign intracranial hypertension is a collection of disorders characterized by papilledema and increased intracranial pressure without associated neurologic abnormalities and wherein the cerebrospinal fluid composition is normal. Therapy may consist of diuretics, acetazolamide, and, in more severe cases, ventricular shunts. SUMMARY A patient with pseudotumor cerebri and a ventriculoperitoneal shunt presented with dyspnea early in her pregnancy. Chest roentgenography revealed a right pleural effusion and a shunt catheter in the right pleural space. The patient underwent four thoracenteses, and a new shunt was placed after the baby was born. CONCLUSIONS Physicians should recognize the potential for a ventriculoperitoneal shunt to migrate from the peritoneum to the pleural space. In a pregnant patient, it is reasonable to perform serial thoracenteses as a temporizing measure, and the shunt can be definitively revised in an elective surgical procedure postpartum.
Condom practices of urban teens using Norplant contraceptive implants, oral contraceptives, and condoms for contraception.

Abstract Objectives: The availability of long-acting hormonal birth control methods has created new contraceptive options for adolescents. The purpose of this study was to determine whether teens initiating these methods use condoms less frequently than teens using oral contraceptive pills or condoms alone and may therefore be at an increased risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections. Study Design: To investigate ongoing condom behavior in teens using levonorgestrel (Norplant) contraceptive implants, oral contraceptives, and condoms alone, we examined data from a 2-year prospective cohort study of 399 urban teens. The study consisted of 3 clinic-based cohorts of adolescent female contraceptive users: Norplant contraceptive implants (n = 200), oral contraceptives (n = 100), and condoms alone (n = 99). Data were collected at an admission interview and at 1- and 2-year follow-up from method continuers. Results: Norplant contraceptive implant users were less likely than oral contraceptive or condom users to report condom use at last sex or consistent condom use at 1- and 2-year follow-up. The implant group showed a significant decrease in condom use from admission to 2 years after method initiation. The proportion of implant users self-reporting new sexually transmitted infections at 2-year follow-up, however, was not significantly greater than that of oral contraceptive or condom users. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that teen users of Norplant contraceptive implants are less likely to use condoms than teens who choose oral contraceptives but, probably because of differences in sexual behavior, are no more likely to self-report sexually transmitted infections. Our findings also indicate that teens who choose oral contraceptives and condoms do not use them consistently enough to avoid pregnancies or sexually transmitted infections. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;180:929-37.)
Use of a litter material made from cotton waste, gypsum, and old newsprint for rearing broiler chickens

Three experiments, which included 4 broiler flocks, were conducted to examine the usefulness of a novel bedding material for rearing broilers. The control bedding was pine shavings. The novel bedding, aGroChips (AC), was a chopped material made from cotton lint waste, gypsum, and old newsprint using a proprietary paper manufacturing process (Novovita, Inc., Raleigh, NC). All birds were fed the same feeding program: starter from 0 to 3 wk, grower from 3 to 5 or 6 wk, and finisher during the last week. Birds were marketed at either 6 or 7 wk of age. Feed consumption by pen and individual bird BW were measured at 3 and 6 or 7 wk. Mean BW and feed conversion, adjusted to include weight of mortality, were calculated. A sample of birds (n = 10) from each pen was evaluated for hock and foot pad condition. Each pen was evaluated at the end of the trial for litter cake index in 3 of the 4 flocks. Litter cake index scores were generally higher for birds reared on AC litters. There were no other differences in bird performance for any of the flocks. In conclusion, broilers reared on AC bedding perform as well as those reared on pine shavings.
The Distribution of Federal School Aid Funds who Wins? who Loses?

This paper discusses the effects of the present distribution pattern for federal aid-to-education funds. An examination is made of the "Cequalizing" effects of federal funds between states, and some preliminary information is offered regarding intrastate equalizing patterns. These analyses are presented as a plea to legislators and educators to assess the financial consequences of federal funds before moving too quickly to block grants.
Do we need another antihypertensive agent

The factors to be considered in selecting antihypertensive agents have traditionally centered around balancing efficacy against adverse side effects. The former can be achieved by a variety of agents alone or in combination. The latter not only involves safety but is also concerned with whether an otherwise safe agent is tolerated by the patient so compliance with the treatment regimen can be achieved. A relatively new consideration is how antihypertensive agents affect other disease states that may or may not be associated with hypertension. For example, how a drug may affect diabetes, gout, myocardial hypertrophy, atherosclerosis, and coronary events must be evaluated. These concerns taken together answer the question of why yet another antihypertensive agent may be needed in the pharmacologic armamentarium.
A digital library data model for music

In this paper, we introduce a data and metadata model being developed for use in a music digital library system to support search and navigation of music content in multiple formats.
Preparation of biodegradable microcapsules of zidovudine using solvent evaporation: Effect of the modification of aqueous phase

Abstract The objective of the present investigation was to improve the efficiency of encapsulation of zidovudine (AZT) in poly(lactide/gycolide) (PLGA 50:50) by modifying the secondary aqueous phase. Surface morphology of the microcapsules was unchanged during the partial saturation of the aqueous phase with calcium chloride. However, partial saturation of the aqueous phase with AZT and a change in the pH of the aqueous phase showed significant effect on the surface morphology. The surface appeared to be wrinkled when the pH of the aqueous phase was adjusted to 10. The particle size was between 8 and 18 μm. The particle size was increased significantly (78–140 μm) when the aqueous phase was partially saturated with AZT (0.25–0.75°). The efficiency of encapsulation did not change when the aqueous phase was partially saturated with calcium chloride (5–30%). The efficiency of encapsulation was pH dependent. The encapsulation increased up to 17% when the aqueous phase was partially saturated with 0.75% AZT. The cumulative drug release from the microcapsules was between 15 and 34% within the first 24 h. A sustained drug release continued up to 60 days.
Anisotropy of Young's modulus of bone

Bonfield and Grynpas1 have compared their experimental data for Young's modulus of elasticity versus the angle of orientation of the specimen to the long axis of bone with a theoretical curve predicted from a calculation for fibre reinforced materials proposed by Currey2. As a result of the poor agreement between the two curves they conclude “… an alternative model is required to account for the dependence of Young's modulus on orientation” (ref. 1). Such an alternative has been under development in my laboratory for the past 8 years (refs 3–7). It is a two-level hierarchical fibre-reinforced composite model which appears to provide a much more suitable description of the behaviour of bone as a fibre-reinforced composite material.
Controversies in isolation and general infection control practices in pediatrics.

Abstract Current controversies in pediatric isolation and infection control include correct application of standard precautions, importance of providing adequate staffing levels in intensive care units to prevent transmission of infectious agents, use of rapid diagnostic testing and best precautions to prevent transmission of respiratory syncytial virus, best methods to prevent transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms in acute care settings, and preventing transmission of infections to pregnant healthcare workers. Recommendations are evidence-based. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Inert gas exchange in subcutaneous gas pockets of air-breathing animals: Theory and measurement

Abstract A theoretical analysis is given of the gas exchange between a subcutaneous gas pocket and the blood, the principal dependent variable being relative pocket volume as a function of time. The existing formulation by Piiper describes the decrease of volume as linear with time for the single gas case, characterizing the flux of any inert gas in an oxygen-breathing animal, or of nitrogen in an air-breathing animal. In the present work the theory is extended to the two gas case, a situation which pertains to the behavior of a foreign inert gas pocket in an air-breathing animal since the fluxes of both the foreign inert gas and of nitrogen must be reckoned with. In this situation the solution is nonlinear. The predictions were tested experimentally with subcutaneous inert gas pockets in air-breathing rats. A close agreement was found between experimental and theoretically predicted curves suggesting that the underlying assumptions were probably valid, and that the simplifying conditions introduced were tolerable.
Abstract P5-18-13: Inhibiting telomerase to reverse trastuzumab (T) resistance in HER2+ breast cancer

Background: Preclinical studies have shown the combination of imetelstat (GRN163L), an inhibitor of telomerase, and T results in synergistic growth inhibition and restoration of T sensitivity in T-resistant cells (Clin Can Res 12(10):3184–92, 2006). Here we translate those findings to the clinic with the first-in-man phase I trial of imetelstat+ T in patients (pts) with T-refractory HER2+ metastatic disease. Methods: T (6 mg/kg q3 wk) was administered with increasing doses of imetelstat (240/300/375 mg/m2 q3 wk) using a standard 3+3 dose escalation design. Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD) was based on toxicity observed during cycle 1. Responding or stable pts continued treatment until progression. Tumor biopsy and bone marrow aspirate for biologic correlates were obtained at baseline and prior to cycle 2. Limited pharmacokinetics (PK) for T and imetelstat were included. Results: Ten pts were enrolled; median age was 54 (28–64). Patients were extensively pre-treated with the number of prior regimens ranging from 3 to >12. Prior cytotoxic therapies included anthracyclines (n = 9), taxanes (n = 9), vinorelbine (n = 8), capecitabine (n = 8), gemcitabine (n = 6), ixabepilone (n = 4), and eribulin (n = 4). Prior anti-HER2 targeted therapies included trastuzumab (n = 10), capecitabine (n = 8), T-DM1 (n = 6), and pertuzumab (n = 1). Therapy was well tolerated; no treatment related grade 4 toxicities were observed. Myelosuppression was limited to one pt with Grade 2 anemia and one each with Grade 2/3 thrombocytopenia. MTD was not reached. There were no objective responses; 2 pts. in cohort 3 had SD. Serial tumor biopsies and bone marrow aspirates have been analyzed for 7 pts (cohort 1: 001–004; cohort 2: 005–007; cohort 3: analysis ongoing). Tumor hTERT (p = ns) and phosphorylated HER2 (p = 0.03) decreased after treatment in nearly all pts. Bone marrow S-phase did not change consistently with treatment. Conclusion: The combination of trastuzumab + imetelstat is well tolerated and results in decreases in HER2 phosphorylation similar to that seen in preclinical models. Additional biologic correlates and PK analyses are ongoing. Further study of this combination in less heavily pre-treated patients is planned. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-18-13.
Generating Erroneous Human Behavior From Strategic Knowledge in Task Models and Evaluating Its Impact on System Safety With Model Checking

Human-automation interaction, including erroneous human behavior, is a factor in the failure of complex, safety-critical systems. This paper presents a method for automatically generating formal task analytic models encompassing both erroneous and normative human behavior from normative task models, where the misapplication of strategic knowledge is used to generate erroneous behavior. Resulting models can be automatically incorporated into larger formal system models so that safety properties can be formally verified with a model checker. This allows analysts to prove that a human-automation interactive system (as represented by the formal model) will or will not satisfy safety properties with both normative and generated erroneous human behavior. Benchmarks are reported that illustrate how this method scales. The method is then illustrated with a case study: the programming of a patient-controlled analgesia pump. In this example, a problem resulting from a generated erroneous human behavior is discovered. The method is further employed to evaluate the effectiveness of different solutions to the discovered problem. The results and future research directions are discussed.
Testing zeolite SCR catalysts under protocol conditions for NOx abatement from stationary emission sources

Abstract In developing higher efficiency catalysts for NO x abatement from stationary emission sources utilizing selective catalytic reduction (SCR), comparison test conditions, including gas composition and gas flow rates, are needed that approximate industrial operating conditions. Standard tests will be fuel-dependent, i.e. typical flue gas from a coal-fired electrical utility plant might consist of 150–1000 ppm NO, 5% O 2 , 13% CO 2 , 8% H 2 O, and 200–2000 ppm SO 2 , while that from a plant utilizing natural gas would contain appreciably more O 2 , less NO, and very low SO 2 . For low temperature catalysts developed for placement after the electrostatic precipitator (ESP) and desulfurization units, flue gas would essentially be dust- and sulfur-free. Protocols are given for comparison testing of NO x abatement catalysts using ammonia as the reductant. These test conditions are used in the comparison of Cu-, Fe-, and V- containing ZSM-5 and mordenite catalysts. It was found that initial NO conversion levels were lower than those achieved after a thermal pretreatment of the catalysts. Under the reaction conditions employed, moisture was an inhibitor for the Fe- and V-containing catalysts but was a promoter for the Cu-mordenite catalyst. The V-ZSM-5 catalyst exhibited a stable activity for NO reduction in the presence of H 2 O and SO 2 but rapid deactivation was observed in the presence of 10 ppm SO 3 .
The Nucleation of Sn in Undercooled Melts: The Effect of Metal Impurities

The dependence of the solidification temperature on the concentration x of impurity atoms, M, of Sn-M x alloys after cooling from the melt was measured separately for M = Co, Ni, Ag, and Cu. For a comparison, similar measurements were performed on SAC305-Ni x alloys. Large variations in undercooling were observed. It was found that the Ag atoms dissolved in the Sn-Ag melt significantly lowered undercooling, although the presence of Ag3Sn intermetallic compounds did not. While Cu6Sn5 intermetallic compounds in Sn-Cu melts did not significantly lower undercooling, the undercooling of a Sn-Cu melt in contact with a Cu interface was significantly reduced. The addition of Ni to Pb-free solder SAC305 caused a factor of two reduction in the undercooling, similar to that observed after the addition of Ni to high-purity Sn.
Optimal low-thrust transfer using variable bounded thrust☆☆☆

Abstract The problem of minimum-fuel time-fixed transfer and rendezvous using variable bounded thrust is presented based on the use of a set of non-singular orbit elements. The consideration of maximum and minimum bounds on the thrust magnitude with constant power is equivalent to constraining the specific impulse of the propulsion system such that this particular variable is optimized during the transfer. The thrust vector orientation is also optimized in order to minimize fuel consumption. Exact non-linear dynamics for state vector propagation and constraint inequalities on the thrust magnitude are considered in the formulation of this low-thrust transfer problem. An example of minimum-fuel time-fixed rendezvous is shown and compared to the solution with constant thrust obtained earlier to illustrate the derivations.
E(1420) meson as a KK-bar pi molecule.

In this article an experimental summary of the {ital E}(1420) meson with {ital J}{sup {ital P}{ital C}}=1{sup ++} is presented and it is argued that the {ital E}(1420) is not explained by QCD in terms of being a fundamental arrangement of quarks and gluons. We then develop a final-state rescattering mechanism based on one-particle-exchange Born terms. We sum these Born terms through a Fredholm integral equation and obtain a Fredholm determinant which shows an enhancement at the {ital E}(1420) with {ital J}{sup {ital P}{ital C}}=1{sup ++}. The subsequent sum of Born terms is analogous to a {pi} orbiting in a {ital p} wave around an {ital s}-wave {ital K{bar K}} system. This represents the first example of a molecular state which is bound by color-singlet particle exchanges, as opposed to work by Weinstein and Isgur, which uses color forces to bind their molecule. A phenomenological analysis of all the latest {ital K{bar K}}{pi} data arising from hadroproduction argues that the molecular picture for the {ital E}(1420) is consistent. We show that if the molecular nature for the {ital E}(1420) is generated by the above final-state Born terms, an exotic {ital K}{sup +}{ital {bar K}}{sub 0}{ital K}{sup +} {ital J}{sup {italmore » P}}=0{sup {minus}} molecule must exist at the {ital K{bar K}K} threshold.« less
Localization of gonadotrophic hormones in the pituitary gland of the California leaf-nosed bat (Macrotus californieus)

Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) cells were immunostained in the anterior pituitary lobe of the California leaf-nosed bat with antisera against the specific beta (β) subunits of rat LH and rat FSH employing the unlabeled immunoperoxidase technique. Selective immunochemical staining by both antisera was localized primarily in the same cell type. However, some cells consistently reacted solely with antisera to either LH-β or FSH-β. Whereas the immunoreactive LH-β cells, in general, stained more intensely than FSH-β cells they were usually less numerous. These cells were alcian-blue and PAS-positive, staining pink to purple. The LH/FSH cells were pleomorphic with eccentric nuclei, often with cytoplasmic extensions. They were found throughout the pars distalis.
THE EFFECTS OF THREE READING INSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES ON THE COMPREHENSION AND WORD RECOGNITION OF FIRST GRADERS GROUPED BY ABILITY

The purpose of this study was to compare the reading performance of first grade readers of low, middle, and high abilities trained in listen-read, listen-alone, or read alone procedures.
A set of uniqueness for functions, analytic and bounded in the unit disc

The purpose of this note is to establish a uniqueness theorem, similar to the well-known result of F. and M. Riesz. Before we s ta te the theorem, let us int roduce some notat ion. Throughout this note let ~ be the class of all functions, analyt ic and bounded in the open uni t disc C. We will also consider the subclass ~0 c ~ of functions, wi th only a finite n u m b e r of zeros in C. I f ~ is a poin t on the bounda ry of C (henceforth denoted b y a C ) a n d ~ is a real number , 0 ~< ~ < 1, let S(~, ~) denote the Stolz domain with ve r t ex ~ 6 aC and angle arcsin ~; i.e.
A temporal shift in regulatory networks and pathways in the bovine small intestine during Cooperia oncophora infection.

Cooperia oncophora is an important parasitic nematode of cattle with a wide distribution in temperate areas. Twenty Holstein nematode-naive bull calves were experimentally infected with approximately 100,000 infective L3s and infection was allowed to progress for 7, 14, 28, 42 days, respectively. This experiment was conducted to identify putative recognition and inflammatory pathways in the host-parasite relationship. Gene expression profiles of the small intestine were compared using a high-density bovine 60 mer oligo microarray. A total of 310 genes were differentially expressed during the course of infection. The pathways and regulatory networks significantly impacted by the infection were analysed. A total of 22 canonical pathways and nine regulatory networks were significantly affected during infection. During the early phase of the infection (7 days p.i.), parasites suppressed the acute phase response and the complement system of the host. At 14 days p.i., three out of the six pathways impacted were related with retinoid X receptor (RXR) functions. At 28 days p.i., the effects on RXR were less evident. The host response shifted to lipid metabolism and signalling, especially eicosanoid production and signalling, suggesting that eicosanoid-mediated inflammation might be a major host defence mechanism. By 42 days p.i., the pathways impacted involved glycosphingolipid biosynthesis and transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta signalling. The expression of cadherin-like 26 (CDH26) was strongly up-regulated starting at 14 days p.i. and peaked at 28 days p.i. The extent of its expression is positively correlated with the infiltration of eosinophils (R=0.82) and coincides with the number of adult parasites in the tissue. CDH26 demonstrated an expression profile similar to two other cell adhesion molecules involved in recognition of carbohydrates on foreign organisms, collectin and galectin, suggesting that it may serve as a pattern recognition molecule for C. oncophora. These results provide a potential molecular roadmap for future studies aimed at defining host immune responses and understanding protective immunity against gastrointestinal nematodes.
DIRECT GAS CHROMATOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF VOLATILES PRODUCED BY RIPENING PEARS.

SUMMARY Direct sampling of volatiles emanating from pears is shown to be a potentially useful and non-destructive means of assessing fruit ripeness as it is affected by time or treatment such as exposure to ionizing radiation.
A joint energy harvesting and consumption model for self-powered nano-devices in nanonetworks

Nanotechnology is enabling the development of integrated nano-devices which are able to perform only very simple tasks. Nanonetworks, i.e., networks of nano-devices, will enable advanced applications of nanotechnology in the biomedical, environmental and military fields. One of the major bottlenecks in nanonetworks is posed by the very limited energy that can be stored in a nano-battery in contrast to the energy that is required by a nano-device to operate and, specially, to communicate. Recently, novel energy harvesting mechanisms have been proposed to replenish the energy stored in the nano-batteries. With these mechanisms, nanonetworks can overcome their energy bottleneck and even have infinite lifetime. In this paper, an energy model for self-powered nano-devices is developed that successfully captures the correlation between the energy harvesting and the energy consumption processes. The energy harvesting process is realized by means of a piezoelectric nano-generator, for which a new circuital model is developed which can accurately reproduce existing experimental data. The energy consumption process is due to the communication among nano-devices in the Terahertz Band (0.1–10 THz). A mathematical framework is developed to obtain the probability distribution of the nano-device energy and to investigate the end-to-end successful packet delivery probability, the end-to-end packet delay, and the throughput in nanonetworks. Integrated nano-devices have not been built yet and, thus, the development of an analytical energy model is a fundamental step towards the design of architectures and protocols for nanonetworks.
A 12-month prospective study of gasserian ganglion stimulation for trigeminal neuropathic pain.

Aims: Trigeminal neuropathic pain is a broad diagnostic category that includes pain of several etiologies and excludes trigeminal neuralgia. The authors report a prospective series
Class in the classroom: the relationship between school resources and math performance among low socioeconomic status students in 19 rich countries

This paper investigates achievement gaps between low and high socioeconomic students in 19 high-income countries. On average, math scores of students with indicators of high socioeconomic status (SES) are over one standard deviation above those with low SES indicators. The paper estimates the extent to which these achievement gaps can be attributed to differences in classroom- and school-level resources available to students from different SES backgrounds. In some countries, achievement gaps can be largely explained by differences in the characteristics of schools attended. However, in many other countries, the gap appears more closely related to differences in the characteristics of the students. The results point to the importance of institutional difference among countries in explaining international differences in the quality of education received by different groups within a nation.
Polar lobe specific regulation of translation in embryos of Ilyanassa obsoleta.

Abstract Comparisons of the patterns of synthesis of 14 C-labeled proteins of normal embryos of Ilyanassa with the patterns of synthesis of 3 H-labeled proteins of embryos from which the polar lobes had been removed at the trefoil stage were made by coelectrophoresis on polyacrylamide disc gels. Controls utilizing biochemical and morphological markers were performed to assure that normal and delobed embryos were developing at equivalent rates. The expression of significant differences in the patterns of protein synthesis were found between normal and delobed embryos, and these differences were not dependent upon concomitant RNA synthesis. These differences were observable as early as after only 24 hr of development, although organogenesis does not begin until much later in development. Therefore, the observed differences probably reflect determininative events. The results support the hypothesis that the developmental determinants of the polar lobe may include specific, preformed mRNA sequences, or specific regulators of translation.
Sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) copolymers: Acid and salt form: Potential biofunctional polymers

The synthesis, characterization and preliminary evaluation of the potential for biofunctionality of strong, ductile sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) copolymers of controlled hydrophilicity are described herein. A series of film forming random (statistical) copolymers were made from 4,4'-biphenol and a stoichiometric mixture of 3,3'-disulfonated and non-sulfonated 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyl sulfone; the degree of disulfonation varied from 10-60%. The copolymers were characterized by intrinsic viscosity, DSC, TGA and molecular weight (GPC). Preliminary evaluation of the potential of these copolymers in the acid or basic salt form for biocompatibility and biomedical applications was conducted via water uptake and contact angle measurements. The copolymers were cast into films from 10wt. percentage solutions in DMAc. Films were converted from the salt form to the acid form through treatment with concentrated H2SO4, and from acid form to sodium salt form by treatment with base. The surface of the films were c...
Modeling Ergodic, Measure Preserving Actionson Shifts of Finite Type

In this paper we show that \(\) shifts of finite type satisfying a strong topological mixing property are universal models for ergodic measure preserving \(\) dynamical systems.
Design of a scalable nanophotonic interconnect for future multicores

As communication-centric computing paradigm gathers momentum due to increased wire delays and excess power dissipation with technology scaling, researchers have focused their attention on developing alternate technology solutions for Network-on-Chips (NoCs) architectures. One potential solution is nanophotonics because of higher bandwidth, reduced power dissipation and increased wiring simplification. In this paper, we propose PROPEL, a balanced power and area-efficient on-chip photonic interconnect for future multicores. PROPEL overcomes two fundamental issues facing NoCs architectures, namely power dissipation and area overhead, by a combination of multiplexing techniques (wave-length and space) and by exploiting the recent advances in optical component design space. We also propose a scalable version of PROPEL, called E-PROPEL which can scale to 256 cores. Our results indicate that PROPEL and E-PROPEL are power, cost and area-effective networks when compared to competing on-chip optical topologies when the number of optical components and overall power loss in the network are considered. Simulation results on synthetic traffic indicate that PROPEL performs better (throughput and power) than electrical and optical topologies.
How males in the house wren, a cavity-nesting songbird, discover that eggs have hatched and transition to provisioning nestlings

In many bird species that conceal nests within cavities or burrows, only females incubate eggs, but both sexes feed young after hatching. How males in such species discover that eggs have hatched and start provisioning offspring is unknown. We video-taped 26 house wren ( Troglodytes aedon ) nests continuously before, during, and after hatching began to test four hypotheses as to how males might learn of hatching: (i) females signal hatching to males; (ii) males hear hatchlings vocalizing; (iii) males observe changes in their mate's behaviour (e.g., entering and exiting nests more frequently and/or carrying eggshells or food); and (iv) males enter the nest cavity and encounter hatchlings directly. We did not detect any unique visual or vocal displays by females immediately post-hatching and so could not support the first hypothesis. At only three of 26 nests did it appear that males might have been stimulated to begin feeding solely as a result of either hearing offspring from outside the nest or observing changes in their mate's behaviour. Rather, males at most nests did not begin delivering food until after they had entered nest cavities and presumably had direct visual and/or tactile contact with hatchlings, even though most of these males previously had the opportunity to hear offspring from outside nests and/or see their mates acting parentally. Our finding that most males do not start delivering food until they have had direct exposure to young is consistent with recent neurological studies in mammals and birds that suggest direct exposure to young triggers a cascade of gene expression in the brain that induces nurturing behaviour.
Berry's phase and the Magnus force for a vortex line in a superconductor

We show that the existence of the Magnus force is a general property of a vortex line in a superconductor by calculating the Berry phase for an adiabatic motion around a closed loop at zero temperature. We find that there is no influence of the disorder and the electromagnetic field on the existence of the Magnus force in the superconducting state, and its magnitude is proportional to the superfluid electron density.
Transmission of radioisotopically labeled materials during embryonic induction in vitro.

Abstract Transfilter morphogenesis of embryonic mouse kidney mesenchyme under the influence of spinal cord labeled with tritiated leucine has as a correlated feature the fixation of radioactive material in a filter membrane separating the tissues. Induction of kidney tubules in the mesenchyme does not occur when the tissues are separated by two filter layers with an intervening layer of cellophane. Autoradiograms show no significant grain counts in the mesenchyme-associated filter although the mesenchyme is weakly labeled. Morphogenesis of the mesenchyme does occur if the cellophane layer has a small hole. Autoradiograms of such cultures show significant grain counts in the mesenchyme-associated filter just above the hole and higher grain counts over the mesenchyme above the hole than over more peripheral mesenchyme. Additional correlations between the behavior of the filter-fixable radioactive material and the inductive activity have been derived from studies of different masses of labeled spinal cord. Reduction in the mass of the inducing tissue leads to corresponding reductions in the number of tubules which can be induced, reduction in the maximum distance over which the labeled spinal cord can exert its inductive stimulus, and reduction in the distance over which significant grain counts can be recorded away from a given mass of labeled inducing tissue.
Measuring Plant and Soil Water Potentials with Thermocouple Psychrometers: Some Concerns

Thermocouple psychrometers are commonly used to measure soil and plant water status. Users often assume that these instruments can be used routinely with little regard for understanding how they operate, or for the precautions required for accurate measurements of water potential. Poor procedures and inadequate attention to both practical and theoretical requirements can jeopardize the successful performance of these highly sensitive instruments. For example, in addition to understanding the theory of operation of thermocouple psychrometers, calibration and proper cleaning of these instruments are among the most important steps in successfully using them. Important sampling precautions include consistency of technique, prevention of evaporative loss during collection and sealing, and careful sample selection. Major concerns during measurements of water potential include achieving complete vapor pressure equilibrium, interpreting data, and detecting and preventing temperature gradients. Although many precautions for in situ measurements are similar to those for measuring soil and plant samples, each use has specific requirements. Thermocouple psychrometers are useful for accurate and reliable measurements of water potential if proper techniques and precautions are used. Published with the approval of the Director, Agric. Exp. Stn., Univ. of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR.
Diogenes, a process for identifying unintended consequences

Individuals, companies, and even governments often create procedures, processes, or products that solve a particular problem, only to discover that their solution has created a second problem, worse than the first. These secondary problems are called unintended consequences. Searching for unintended consequences, as a part of the development process, will likely increase safety, reduce financial risk, and improve customer satisfaction. This paper contains the design for a new process, named Diogenes, that will help systems engineers identify unintended, but foreseeable, consequences of a new system that is being designed. It contains the required behavior (functions), use cases, design diagrams, the test procedure, validation, and verification for Diogenes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Patterns of convergence in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus of the Mongolian gerbil: organization of inputs from the superior olivary complex in the low frequency representation

Projections to the inferior colliculus from the lateral and medial superior olivary nuclei were studied in the gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) with neuroanatomical tract-tracing methods. The terminal fields of projecting axons were labeled via anterograde transport of biotinylated dextran amine and were localized on series of horizontal sections through the inferior colliculus. In addition, to make the results easier to visualize in three dimensions and to facilitate comparisons among cases, the data were also reconstructed into the transverse plane. The results show that the terminal fields from the low frequency parts of the lateral and medial superior olivary nuclei are concentrated in a dorsal, lateral and rostral area that is referred to as the “pars lateralis” of the central nucleus by analogy with the cat. This region also receives substantial input from both the contralateral and ipsilateral cochlear nuclei (Cant and Benson, 2008) and presumably plays a major role in processing binaural, low frequency information. The basic pattern of organization in the gerbil inferior colliculus is similar to that of other rodents, although the low frequency part of the central nucleus in gerbils appears to be relatively greater than in the rat, consistent with differences in the audiograms of the two species.
Creating viable utility conservation/load management programs

Abstract An electric utility can determine the value of demand-side programs (conservation and load management) in its service territory by following a procedure that involves several steps. The first three are general in nature: 1. (1) identify potential markets and end-use technologies to serve these markets, 2. (2) estimate technical potential, 3. (3) estimate cost-effective potential. The other eight are program-specific: 4. (4) develop program options that deliver end-use improvements to customers, 5. (5) estimate program participation, energy-use effects, and costs over time, 6. (6) project electricity use with and without the program, 7. (7) analyze program economics (benefits and costs), 8. (8) test the concept, 9. (9) implement a pilot program, 10. (10) implement a full-scale (systemwide) program, 11. (11) evaluate the program.
On the phase diagram of erbium

Abstract We have examined the magnetic phase diagram of single crystal erbium in applied magnetic fields up to 5.5 T along the c and b -axes using electrical resistance versus temperature and magnetoresistance measurements. The phase diagram for the field along the c -axis generally agrees well with the previous neutron scattering studies by Lin et al. ( Phys. Rev. B. , 45 (1992) 12873) and McMorrow et al. ( J. Phys. Condens. Matter , 4 (1992) 8599). We have observed a splitting of the longitudinal Neel transition as a function of applied magnetic field, and a multicritical point at a field of 2.65 T and 71 K leading to previously unobserved magnetic phases. The phase diagram for the field along the b -axis of Erbium has been determined for the first time. Recently, Jehan et al. ( Phys. Rev. B , 50 (1994) 3085) have studied the a -axis phase diagram using neutron scattering. We have used their data along the a -axis in identifying the magnetic structure of our phase diagram for Er along the b -axis.
Novel, specific O-glycosylation of secreted Flavobacterium meningosepticum proteins. Asp-Ser and Asp-Thr-Thr consensus sites.

A new type of O-linked oligosaccharide has been discovered on several proteins secreted by the Gram-negative bacterium Flavobacterium meningosepticum, including Endo F2 (three sites), Endo F3 (one site), and a P40 protease (one site). The oligosaccharide moiety is covalently attached via a mannose residue to a serine or threonine at consensus sites corresponding to Asp-Ser∗ or Asp-Thr∗-Thr. Preliminary characterization by mass spectroscopy revealed an oligosaccharide of 1244 Da at each of the proposed glycosylation sites. Collision-associated dissociation analysis showed a characteristic daughter ion series of m/z 218, 394, and 556, indicative of a common Flavobacterium oligosaccharide. Compositional analysis demonstrated an unusual profile of monosaccharides, including hexoses, methylated hexoses, and uronic acid derivatives.
DISPARITY: MORPHOLOGICAL PATTERN AND DEVELOPMENTAL CONTEXT

The distribution of organic forms is clumpy at any scale from populations to the highest taxonomic categ- ories, and whether considered within clades or within eco- systems. The fossil record provides little support for expectations that the morphological gaps between species or groups of species have increased through time as it might if the gaps were created by extinction of a more homogen- eous distribution of morphologies. As the quantitative assessments of morphology have replaced counts of higher taxa as a metric of morphological disparity, numerous stud- ies have demonstrated the rapid construction of morpho- space early in evolutionary radiations, and have emphasized the difference between taxonomic measures of morphologi- cal diversity and quantitative assessments of disparity. Other studies have evaluated changing patterns of disparity across mass extinctions, ecomorphological patterns and the pat- terns of convergence within ecological communities, while the development of theoretical morphology has greatly aided efforts to understand why some forms do not occur. A parallel, and until recently, largely separate research effort in evolutionary developmental biology has established that the developmental toolkit underlying the remarkable breadth of metazoan form is largely identical among Bilate- ria, and many components are shared among all metazoa. Underlying this concern with disparity is a question about temporal variation in the production of morphological innovations, a debate over the relative significance of the generation of new morphologies vs. differential probabili- ties of their successful introduction, and the relative importance of constraint, convergence and contingency in the evolution of form.