cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
AQP1 gene expression is upregulated by arginine vasopressin and cyclic AMP agonists in trophoblast cells

Aquaporins (AQPs) are water channels that regulate water flow in many tissues. As AQP1 is a candidate to regulate placental fluid exchange, we sought to investigate the effect of arginine vasopressin (AVP) and cAMP agonists on AQP1 gene expression in first trimester-derived extravillous cytotrophoblasts (HTR-8/Svneo) and two highly proliferative carcinoma trophoblast-like cell lines but with a number of functional features of the syncytiotrophoblast namely; JAR and JEG-3 cells. Our data demonstrated that AVP (0.1 nM) significantly increased the expression of AQP1 mRNA at 10 h in HTR-8/SVneo and JEG-3 cells (P<0.05). Both SP-cAMP, a membrane-permeable and phosphodiesterase resistant cAMP, and forskolin, an adenylate cyclase stimulator significantly increased AQP1 mRNA expression in all cell lines after 2 h in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05) with a parallel increase in protein expression. In the time course study, 5 microM of either SP-cAMP or forskolin significantly stimulated AQP1 mRNA expression after 2 h in HTR-8/SVneo cells and after 10 h in JAR and JEG-3 cells. AQP1 protein expression was highest after 20 h in both HTR-8/SVneo and JEG-3 cells (P<0.05). AVP-stimulated cAMP elevation was blocked in the presence of 9-(tetrahydro-2'-furyl) adenine (SQ22536) (100 microM), a cell-permeable adenylate cyclase inhibitor (P<0.05). These results indicate that in trophoblasts-like cells AQP1 gene expression is upregulated by both AVP and cAMP agonists. Furthermore, our data demonstrate that a cAMP-dependent pathway is responsible for the AVP effect on AQP1. Thus, modulation of AQP1 expression by maternal hormones may regulate invasion and fetal-placental-amnion water homeostasis during gestation.
Nitrogen Accumulation and Form over Time in Young Mine Soils

Nitrogen deficiency is a common problem during reclamation of mine soils, and limited comprehensive information is available concerning the forms and characteristics of N in Appalachian mine soils. This chronosequence study was conducted to investigate the accumulation, distribution, and component change of N in mine soils over time. Fresh spoil, coal, natural forest soil and 10 mine soil sites with ages ranging from 1 to 30 yr were sampled and analyzed for N components. Young mine soils (<10 yr) were dominated by seeded grass-legume vegetation, while the older sites supported native mixed hardwoods (.)
Lattice radial quantization: 3D Ising

Abstract Lattice radial quantization is introduced as a nonperturbative method intended to numerically solve Euclidean conformal field theories that can be realized as fixed points of known Lagrangians. As an example, we employ a lattice shaped as a cylinder with a 2D Icosahedral cross-section to discretize dilatations in the 3D Ising model. Using the integer spacing of the anomalous dimensions of the first two descendants ( l = 1 , 2 ), we obtain an estimate for η = 0.034 ( 10 ) . We also observed small deviations from integer spacing for the 3rd descendant, which suggests that a further improvement of our radial lattice action will be required to guarantee conformal symmetry at the Wilson–Fisher fixed point in the continuum limit.
Novel hetero-layered materials with tunable direct band gaps by sandwiching different metal disulfides and diselenides

Although bulk hexagonal phases of layered semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides (STMD) such as MoS2, WS2, WSe2 and MoSe2 exhibit indirect band gaps, a mono-layer of STMD possesses a direct band gap which could be used in the construction of novel optoelectronic devices, catalysts, sensors and valleytronic components. Unfortunately, the direct band gap only occurs for mono-layered STMD. We have found, using first principles calculations, that by alternating individual layers of different STMD (MoS2, WS2, WSe2 and MoSe2) with particular stackings, it is possible to generate direct band gap bi-layers ranging from 0.79 eV to 1.157 eV. Interestingly, in this direct band gap, electrons and holes are physically separated and localized in different layers. We foresee that the alternation of different STMD would result in the fabrication of materials with unprecedented optical and physico-chemical properties that would need further experimental and theoretical investigations.
Responses of Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) adults and eggs to oxygen deficient or carbon dioxide enriched atmospheres

Abstract The mortality of 2–24 hr old Cydia pomonella (L.) eggs treated with oxygen (O 2 ) deficient or carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) enriched atmospheres is exposure time dependent. At 25°C and 95% r.h., O 2 concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5% (in nitrogen) produced LT 95 s of 1.2, 1.7, 1.6, 1.7, and 24.4 days, respectively. Pure nitrogen was significantly more effective than the other O 2 deficient atmospheres. Carbon dioxide concentrations of 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% (in air) produced LT 95 s of 3.6, 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, and 1.4 days, respectively. Only 20% CO 2 induced significantly less mortality than the higher concentrations. Regression parameters for each atmosphere are given. Combining O 2 deficient with CO 2 enriched atmospheres did not increase C. pomonella egg mortality over that of the atmospheres used alone. Sublethal concentrations of CO 2 enriched atmospheres altered C. pomonella reproductive capacity. Carbon dioxide concentrations of 40% or more reduced adult survival and reduced surviving adults ability to mate.
Separate Estimation of Primary and Secondary Cancer Preventive Impact: Analysis of a Case-Control Study of Skin Self-Examination and Melanoma

Abstract Case-control studies increasingly have been used to evaluate the impact of cancer screening strategies. In this context the intent of the screening test has been to reduce cancer mortality by early detection of cancers, permitting curative therapy in some patients who would die of the disease if diagnosis were delayed until the disease was detected clinically. This phenomenon is known as secondary prevention. In an analysis of a case-control study of skin self-examination (SSE) in reducing mortality from melanoma, it was recognized that the exposure (SSE) may encourage the removal of precancerous nevi (moles), thereby reducing cancer incidence (primary prevention). This article describes an analytic strategy for obtaining separate estimates of the primary and secondary preventive impact of the screening practice. The method is focused primarily on resolving the problem of lead-time bias, caused by the artifactual advancement of the time of diagnosis in cases detected by screening.
Multiple steady states in reaction controlled surface catalysed reactions

Abstract Even when gas composition and pressure above an isothermal catalyst surface are constant and rate parameters are independent of coverage, the reaction rate may not be unique. Necessary and sufficient conditions for reaction rate multiplicity are obtained here for uni- and bimolecular reactions when mo than one vacant site is required for reaction. The work of Eigenberger is extended and generalized for this situation. Bimolecular reaction with compet or noncompetitive chemisorption of at least two species may lead to multiple reaction rates. The presence of a precursor (noncompetitively adsorbed intermediate state) may also lead to multiple steady states, even when less than two vacant site are required for reaction. Conditions for steady state multiplicity are also considered for the Eley-Rideal reaction mechanism.
Raman spectroscopy of the milk globule membrane and triglycerides

Abstract The acyl chain mobilities of the lipids of bovine milk fat globules and the component triglycerides have been determined by Raman spectroscopy as a function of temperature from -100°C to 80°C. A broad transition is observed centered about 2–6°C. The C-H and C-C stretching bands in the spectra of liquid and crystalline triglycerides are used comparatively to show that the lipids of the milk globule membrane are 30–40% more ordered than the lipids of the intact milk fat globules at 20°C. Synthetic triglyceride melts, quenched rapidly, are used to illustrate the effect of the thermal history of a sample on lipid order as determined spectroscopically. Strong infrared amide I and amide II bands at 1646 and 1543 cm−1, respectively, indicate that the protein conformation of the globule membrane is not characterized by extensive regions of beta-sheet structure. Raman spectra of the globule triglycerides indicate cis unsaturation of 39 ± 5% by comparison to triolein and trielaidin.
Bladder after total urogenital mobilization for congenital adrenal hyperplasia and cloaca--does it behave the same?

Purpose: Followup of total urogenital mobilization for persistent urogenital sinus is well established anatomically and functionally. Nevertheless, studies comparing bladder function in different subsets of patients with urogenital sinus, such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia and cloaca, are scant.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia and cloaca who underwent total urogenital mobilization and urodynamics in the last 10 years. Those with a short urogenital sinus (less than 2.5 cm) not requiring an abdominal approach and without spinal dysraphism were selected for study. Urodynamics were performed postoperatively before and after toilet training, and compared between patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia and cloaca. Methods, definitions and units conformed to International Continence Society/International Children's Continence Society standards. For the emptying phase we defined bladder outlet obstruction as maximum detrusor pressure greater t...
Perturbation Theory of Nonlinear Electromagnetic Wave Propagation

A perturbation method, previously employed to treat nonlinear boundary-value problems involving partial differential equations, is used to study nonlinear electromagnetic wave propagation. The problems considered are I. electromagnetic wave propagation in a waveguide containing a nonlinear isotropic medium; II. electromagnetic oscillations in a cavity containing a nonlinear dispersive anisotropic medium; III. propagation and interaction of electromagnetic waves in a nonlinear dispersive anisotropic medium; IV. reflection of an electromagnetic wave from a nonlinear dispersive uniaxial medium. The method avoids secular terms, which arise in some perturbation treatments. The results show how the wave number, propagation velocity, and angle of refraction of a wave depend upon its amplitude.
SOC: now also store-operated cyclase

Depletion of Ca2+ from intracellular stores has long been known to signal to and activate plasma membrane 'store-operated' channels. We now learn that store depletion also controls the formation of cyclic AMP (cAMP) through the regulation of adenylyl cyclase (A-Cyclase). These findings substantially broaden the scope and biological significance of Ca2+ store-regulated signalling.
Expression of human factor IX in mice after injection of genetically modified myoblasts.

Abstract Hemophilia B is an X chromosome-linked recessive bleeding disorder. To develop a somatic gene therapy for this disease, we have examined whether mouse skeletal myoblasts can serve as efficient vehicles for systemic delivery of recombinant factor IX. When mouse myoblasts (C2C12) transduced with a Moloney murine leukemia virus-based vector containing the bacterial beta-galactosidase gene were injected into mouse skeletal muscles, they fused with the existing and regenerating myofibers and continued to express beta-galactosidase. C2C12 myoblasts that were infected with recombinant retroviruses containing a human factor IX cDNA secreted biologically active human factor IX cDNA secreted biologically active human factor IX into the culture medium at a rate of 2.6 micrograms per 10(6) cells per day. Myotubes derived from these cells in culture continued to express human factor IX (0.68 micrograms/day from myotubes derived from 10(6) C2C12 cells). After injection of the transduced C2C12 myoblasts into skeletal muscles of mice, the systemic level of recombinant human factor IX was found to be as high as approximately 1 microgram/ml of serum. These results provide the rationale for using skeletal myoblasts as an efficient gene delivery vehicle in the somatic gene therapy for hemophilia B.
Testing a hierarchical model of anxiety and depression in adolescents: A tri-level model

The present study examined the structural relationships among anxiety and depressive symptoms in a sample of high school juniors. The best-fitting structural representation was a tri-level hierarchical arrangement with a broad general factor (general distress), two factors of intermediate breadth (anxious-misery and fears), and five conceptually meaningful, narrow group factors. In accord with the integrative hierarchical model of anxiety and depression, the results supported a structure with a symptom factor central to major depression, and other symptom factors specific to particular anxiety disorders. These group factors displayed significant, unique associations with clinician severity ratings (CSRs) for their respective DSM diagnoses. The hierarchical arrangement demonstrated temporal invariance over a one-year period and configural and partial metric invariance in females and males. Implications for DSM classification and arrangement of anxiety and depressive disorders are discussed as is how present findings help bridge existing research conducted at symptom and diagnostic levels.
Further characterization of 5-HT- and 5-HT3 receptor agonists'-stimulated phosphoinositol phosphates accumulation.

The calcium requirement for serotonin (5-HT)- and the 5-HT3 receptor agonists, 2-Me-5-HT- and PBG-dependent breakdown of phosphatidyl inositol has been examined in the rat fronto-cingulate cortex. The omission of added Ca2+ from the Kreb's incubation medium reduced the [3H]inositol phosphate accumulation from pre-labelled phospholipids. Removal of Ca2+ by pre-incubation with EGTA (0.5 mM), as well as the addition of the calcium channel blocker, lanthanum (10 μM), abolished the 5-HT- and the 5-HT3 receptor agonists'-stimulated phosphoinositide (PI) response. By contrast, the calcium ionophores, A 23187 and Ionomycin (both at 30 μM) stimulated PI hydrolysis, and this effect was additive to the increased PI turnover induced by 5-HT, 2-Me-5-HT and PBG. The increase in phosphoinositide hydrolysis induced by 5-HT and 2-Me-5-HT was significantly inhibited by phorbol dibutyrate (PDBu) and phorbol myristate acetate, indicating that the activation of protein kinase C (PKC) may provide negative feedback to the PI response induced by 5-HT and 2-Me-5-HT. The effect of PDBu on 2-Me-5-HT-stimulated PI metabolism was reversed by the PKC inhibitors, staurosporine, calphostin C and chelerythrine (all at 10 μM), however, pertussis toxin (0.5 and 1 μg) had no effect on either 5-HT's or 2-Me-5-HT's increased stimulation of PI hydrolysis, suggesting that this response is not associated to a Gi GTP binding protein.
A note on laser penetration in nanoshell deposited tissue

Abstract The radiative intensity profiles of biological tissues infused with gold nanoshells and illuminated with collimated radiation are compared. A one-dimensional radiative transport model using the P1 approximation is used to calculate the collimated and diffuse components of incident radiation in a series of semi-infinite slabs representing nine distinct human tissue media. Each tissue model is subject to 633-nm collimated radiation on one end under four concentrations of nanoshell embedment, with theoretical nanoshells tuned to reach peak absorption at 630 nm. The penetration depth each component is shown to be highly influenced by the base tissue extinction, and the profile morphology can be visibly categorized into one of two groups: low scattering, with scattering coefficients between 4000 and 8000 m−1, and high scattering, with scattering coefficients in the range of 30,000 and 40,000 m−1. Increasing nanoshell density up to 7 × 1016 m−3 for both types is shown to decrease penetration depth and lower radiative intensity for the diffuse component while not affecting the penetration depth or intensity of the collimated component.
The gulf cooperation council: Search for security

(1985). The gulf cooperation council: Search for security. Third World Quarterly: Vol. 7, No. 4, pp. 853-881.
A columnal-bearing eocrinoid from the Cambrian Burgess Shale (British Columbia, Canada)

A new eocrinoid ?Ubaghsicystis sp. from the middle Cambrian (Series 3, Stage 5) Burgess Shale is reported based on a single known specimen. This species extends the stratigraphic range of columnal-bearing eocrinoids in Laurentia significantly from Cambrian Stage 7 (Guzhangian) to Stage 5. It increases the diversity of echinoderms in this well-known fossil-Lagerstatte, provides the oldest evidence of columnal-bearing eocrinoids from Laurentia, and further documents the cosmopolitan distribution of middle Cambrian echinoderm clades.
The Coingate effect: The impact of scandal on attitudes toward, state and federal political actors

Abstract What happens when a major, well publicized state-level scandal occurs? Do opinions of federal politicians improve because of relative comparisons to state politicians caught in the scandal? Do attitudes toward all politicians suffer? Little work has been done to investigate about how scandals related to one level of government affect attitudes about political actors at other levels. We investigate what happens when a major and well publicized state-level scandal occurs. Using individual-level public opinion data collected during the summer of 2006, we analyze the impact that a state-level scandal had on citizen approval of state and federal political actors, considering the mediating impact of exposure to media coverage of the scandal. Overall consumption of news coverage of state governors boosts approval of the governor relative to the president. At the same time, however, citizens exposed to negative scandalous news coverage of their governor show a decline in relative gubernatorial approval.
Infraorbital nerve transection and whisker follicle removal in adult rats affect microglia and astrocytes in the trigeminal brainstem. A study with lipocortin1- and S100β-immunohistochemistry

Transections of the infraorbital nerve in adult rats resulted in progressive alterations of microglia identified by Lipocortinl immunoreactivity at the sites where the primary afferents terminate, i.e. in the trigeminal brainstem sensory nuclei. Microglia proliferated three- to four-fold. Their cell bodies enlarged and their processes thickened. Microglial responses were similar to the removal of whisker follicles. However, they were restricted to discrete nuclear subregions that matched with the known whisker somatotopy. Astrocytes identified by S100beta immunoreactivity showed minor increases in size and in population density. No microglial or astrocytic reactions were found in the second and third synaptic relays of the somatosensory pathway. Because both types of lesion reportedly lead to the reorganization of primary afferents, our results establish the two experimental designs as valuable tools to elucidate the role of microglia and Lipocortin1 in adult brain plasticity.
Nigrosin as a dye for differentiating live and dead ascites cells.

Abstract The application of nigrosin as a stain for differentiating between live cells with unchanged membranes and cells whose membranes have been modified either experimentally or by death of the cell has been described. The advantages of nigrosin have been shown to be its high contrast between stained and unstained cells, and its non-toxic nature. A simple method is given for modifying ascites cells, i.e., modifying the cell membrane so that it becomes permeable to large molecules such as nigrosin. The ability of modified cells to metabolize is briefly discussed.
Results from K2K experiment

The K2K experiment is the first long baseline neutrino oscillation experiment at KEK and at Kamioka, Japan. This is a brief summary of the K2K experiment in the first year of running from June 1999 to June 2000. The major result is that for the first time in human history artificially produced neutrinos by an accelerator are detected at a long distance of 250km from the production points. A brief introduction, the detector performance and the some analysis results are presented. The analysis results are based on the data corresponding to the integrated beam intesnsity of 2.29 × 1019 pot.
Iron is sequestered as ferritin in macrophages in skeletal muscle of vitamin E-deficient rabbits.

Summary: Weanling rabbits were fed a purified diet with or without vitamin E supplementation to evaluate the abnormal sequestration of iron in skeletal muscle associated with vitamin E deficiency. A severe myopathy developed in unsupplemented rabbits within 3 to 4 weeks. At this time, the concentration of soluble nonheme iron in biceps femoris muscles had increased from 2.1 ± 0.4 μg/g wet weight (mean ± SD) for six control rabbits to 4.3 ± 1.4 for 10 vitamin E-deficient rabbits, and total nonheme iron had increased from 5.0 ± 1.2 to 8.4 ± 3.3. Soleus muscles had even greater increases in total and soluble nonheme iron concentrations. Intramuscular injection of iron-dextran caused large increases in total and soluble nonheme iron in noninjected muscle of vitamin E-deficient rabbits, which further exaggerated the difference between the two groups. By radioimmunoassay using an antibody to rabbit liver ferritin, the concentration of ferritin in biceps femoris muscles increased from 0.47 ± 0.18 μg/g wet weight for seven control rabbits to 6.34 ± 1.70 for 14 vitamin E-deficient rabbits. Uptake of intravenously injected transferrinbound iron into muscle of vitamin E-deficient rabbits was not increased in a short term experiment (6 h), but radioiron did accumulate in muscle in a long term experiment (6 days). There was no trapping of heat-damaged erythrocytes, no phagocytosis of intravenously injected carbon particles, and no erythrophagocytosis in muscle. An immunohistological staining method designed to detect ferritin in tissue sections stained muscle from normal rabbits very scantily but intensely stained macrophages in the muscle of vitamin E-deficient rabbits. We conclude that macrophages in skeletal muscle of vitamin E-deficient rabbits take up iron from transferrin and incorporate it into ferritin, in which form it is relatively unavailable for erythropoiesis because of slow release.
Analyses of single fiber pushout considering interfacial friction and adhesion

Abstract The development of interfacial debonding and the associated stress fields in the single-fiber pushout specimen are extremely complex. Interfacial zones continually evolve during loading and the stress fields are affected by the adhesive and frictional properties of the interface. In this work we describe solutions to several boundary value problems useful for interpreting the experimental data obtained from a fiber pushout test. The analyses are conducted using two numerical methods, namely axisymmetric damage model and finite element method. Both techniques are capable of modeling zones of adhesion, friction, and open-cracks at the fiber–matrix interface. Numerical results are generated for a polyester fiber and epoxy matrix specimen for which prior experimental pushout results are available. The paper illustrates the complexity of micromechanical stress fields at the fiber–matrix interface and proposes some guidelines in terms of key boundary value problems, which are required to deduce interface properties from fiber pushout experiments.
The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02) is a general purpose high energy particle detector which was successfully deployed on the International Space Station (ISS) on May 19, 2011 to conduct a unique long duration mission of fundamental physics research in space. Among the physics objectives of AMS are the searches for an understanding of Dark Matter, Anti-matter, the origin of cosmic rays and the exploration of new physics phenomena not possible to study with ground based experiments. This paper reviews the layout of the AMS-02 detector, tests and calibrations performed with the detector on the ground, and its performance on the ISS illustrated with data collected during the first year of operations in space.
Nutritive value of bamboo as browse for livestock

Small farms in Appalachia need management options that diversify income opportunities, are adaptable to new livestock management strategies, and help maintain environmental integrity. Plantings of temperate bamboo (Poaceae), including species native to West Virginia, were established to determine the potential nutritive value for small ruminants, such as goats (Capra hircus), at different times of the year. The bamboo species we evaluated, included several Phyllostachys spp., Semiarundiaria fastuosa and Arundinaria gigantea, were able to withstand Appalachian winter temperatures and retain some green leaves even in late winter. Although small differences were evident, the nutritive value was generally comparable among species and exhibited similar trends over the season. Total non-structural carbohydrates in bamboo leaves decreased throughout the growing season, and then remained stable or increased during winter. Conversely, crude protein was relatively low in young leaves compared to late season or over-wintered leaves. Concentrations of fiber and protein were sufficient to meet the maintenance needs of adult goats. The ability of bamboo to remain green and maintain the nutritive value throughout winter suggested that it has potential as winter forage for goats in central Appalachia. As an upright browse, bamboo may reduce the exposure of goats to gastrointestinal parasites. Perennial stands of temperate bamboo could prove to be a valuable, multiple-use crop suitable for Appalachian farm operations and easily adaptable to goat production systems.
Heat inactivation kinetics of yeast β-fructofuranosidase. A polydisperse system

Abstract 1. 1. The kinetics of heat inactivaton of yeast β-fructofuranosidase were studied at 65° in the presence of 10 mM acetate buffer (pH 5.0). 2. 2. The orders of reaction with respect to time ( n t ) and with respect to concentration ( n c ) were determined on a relatively pure enzyme preparation. It was found that n t > 1 and n c = 1. 3. 3. The same enzyme preparation was chromatographed on DEAE-cellulose with a linear gradient. The symmetrical elution pattern displayed almost constant specific activity on a protein basis. This represented only slight improvement only slight improvement on the starting specific activity. 4. 4. Individual chromatographic fractions gave n t = I. However, the magnitude of their first-order rate constants ( k ) increased continuously from the “front” to the “rear” of the peak of their first-order rate constants ( k ) increased continuously from the “front” to the “rear” of the peak. 5. 5. There was a trend in the polysaccharide content of chromatographic fractions from 54% at the “front” to 39% at the “rear”. 6. 6. It was concluded that this preparation of β-fructofuranosidase is polydisperse with respect to polysaccharide content and to heat-inactivation susceptibility. 7. 7. Heat inactivation of unfractionated enzyme is evidently a complex of simultaneous unimolecular processes. This is sufficient to explain the apparent anomaly that n t > 1 but n c = 1.
Work in progress - starting a service learning project for freshman engineers

Within the Department of Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh, a pilot program was conducted during the spring semester of 2006 and 2007 to assess the value of a research service learning course for freshman engineering students. This venture was based on the success of using service learning as an educational tool for undergraduate engineering students at many universities world wide. At the University of Pittsburgh, all students entering the school of engineering are required to enroll in a two-semester course in introductory engineering analysis and programming. The student population chosen for the pilot course included the honors' students who had completed a fall course which covered the material contained in the traditional two-semester introductory course at an accelerated rate. This paper will focus on the challenges in developing a pilot course in service learning specifically for freshman engineering students.
Editorial: Computational Tools for Computing Education

The goal of this editorial is to both encourage authors to continue to submit articles describing computational tools for computing education to TOCE, and to make explicit our expectations as the editors of TOCE for what makes a good “tools” article. We elaborate three key criteria, and provide examples from previous TOCE papers that satisfy these criteria: 1) establish that the tool is related essentially to computing education, 2) make explicit claims about the impact of the tool on learning, and 3) evidence these claims through actual use.
Quality of service provisioning in 802.11e networks: challenges, approaches, and future directions

In order to support diverse application requirements, a new standard called IEEE 802.11e is being proposed to improve quality of service in wireless LAN networks. There are, however, a few remaining challenges that need to be addressed in order to enable comprehensive QoS support using 802.11e. In this article we provide an overview of a few of these challenges, describe their possible impact on QoS, and provide a survey of techniques that potentially could be used to address the identified challenges. Specifically, we focus on three challenges: handling time-varying network conditions, adapting to varying application profiles, and managing link layer resources. Additionally, we present several potential future directions toward improved QoS in wireless networks.
Steady flow of a finitely conducting compressible fluid

Pour illustrer les effets d'un champ magnetique sur les ecoulements plans et de revolution stationnaire d'un fluide non visqueux ideal, conducteur de l'electricite, on envisage ici les cas particuliers ou le champ magnetique a une composante differente de zero. On utilise l'analyse lineaire pour etudier les faibles perturbations d'un ecoulement initialement uniforme.
Optimizing Workflow through Metadata Repurposing and Batch Processing

This article focuses on metadata repurposing and batch processing to improve cataloging workflow in a medium sized library. Some metadata repurposing cases at Wichita State University (WSU) Libraries are addressed, including transferring of an in-house inventory spreadsheet in Special Collections to MAchine-Readable Cataloging (MARC) records in Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) and batch import of WSU anthropological and biological image collections, Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP), and other research papers from Excel to the libraries’ DSpace-based Shocker Open Access Repository (SOAR). The author discusses the implementation of external tools and programs to enhance the workflow. Program customization, metadata preparation, normalization, and transformation will be included in details. The article explores the possible options and decisions needed to be made in building a herbarium collection in SOAR using a combination of Dublin Core (DC) and DarwinCore (DwC) elements. These cases ...
SAGE III aerosol extinction validation in the Arctic winter: comparisons with SAGE II and POAM III

The use of SAGE III multiwavelength aerosol extinction coefficient measurements to infer PSC type is contingent on the robustness of both the extinction magnitude and its spectral variation. Past validation with SAGE II and other similar measurements has shown that the SAGE III extinction coefficient measurements are reliable though the comparisons have been greatly weighted toward measurements made at mid-latitudes. Some aerosol comparisons made in the Arctic winter as a part of SOLVE II suggested that SAGE III values, particularly at longer wavelengths, are too small with the implication that both the magnitude and the wavelength dependence are not reliable. Comparisons with POAM III have also suggested a similar discrepancy. Herein, we use SAGE II data as a common standard for comparison of SAGE III and POAM III measurements in the Arctic winters of 2002/2003 through 2004/2005. During the winter, SAGE II measurements are made infrequently at the same latitudes as these instruments. We have mitigated this problem through the use potential vorticity as a spatial coordinate and thus greatly increased the number of coincident events. We find that SAGE II and III extinction coefficient measurements show a high degree of compatibility at both 1020 nm and 450 nm except a 10-20% bias at both wavelengths. In addition, the 452 to 1020-nm extinction ratio shows a consistent bias of approx. 30% throughout the lower stratosphere. We also find that SAGE II and POAM III are on average consistent though the comparisons show a much higher variability and larger bias than SAGE II/III comparisons. In addition, we find that the two data sets are not well correlated below 18 km. Overall, we find both the extinction values and the spectral dependence from SAGE III are robust and we find no evidence of a significant defect within the Arctic vortex.
Structuring information with mental models: a tour of Boston

We present a new systematic method of structuring information using mental models. This method can be used both to evaluate the efficiency of an information structure and to build user-centered information structures. In this paper we present the method using Boston tourist attractions as an example domain. We describe several interfaces that take advantage of our mental models with an activation spreading network. Multidimensional Scaling and Trajectory Mapping are used to build our mental models. Because of the robustness of the technique, it is easy to compare individual difference in mental models and to customize interfaces for individual models.
The weckud wetch of the wast: lexical adaptation to a novel accent.

Two experiments investigated the mechanism by which listeners adjust their interpretation of accented speech that is similar to a regional dialect of American English. Only a subset of the vowels of English (the front vowels) were shifted during adaptation, which consisted of listening to a 20-min segment of the “Wizard of Oz.” Compared to a baseline (unadapted) condition, listeners showed significant adaptation to the accented speech, as indexed by increased word judgments on a lexical decision task. Adaptation also generalized to test words that had not been presented in the accented passage but that contained the shifted vowels. A control experiment showed that the adaptation effect was specific to the direction of the shift in the vowel space and not to a general relaxation of the criterion for what constitutes a good exemplar of the accented vowel category. Taken together, these results provide evidence for a context-specific vowel adaptation mechanism that enables a listener to adjust to the dialect of a particular talker.
Changes in health risk behaviors for males and females from early adolescence through early adulthood.

Objective: We sought to identify (a) the course of changes in smoking, alcohol and marijuana use, violence, and sexual behavior from early adolescence through young adulthood for males and females, (b) points of divergence and convergence for 5 health risk behaviors between males and females, and (c) whether the trajectories of change in health risk behaviors differed for males and females. Method: Data from four waves of the nationally representative National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) followed 18,911 youth from early adolescence through the transition to adulthood (ages13 through 31 years) and were analyzed using zero-inflated negative binomial growth models and logistic growth models. Results: Generally, health risk behaviors steadily increased through adolescence into the early 20s, subsequently leveling off or decreasing. Results indicated early adolescent females were more likely to smoke and have more sexual partners, and 14- and 18-year-old females had higher rates of increase for getting drunk. The majority of findings, however, indicated that adolescent and young adult males engaged in more risk behaviors and were increasingly likely to engage over time. Among youth engaged in health risk behaviors, males reported greater frequency and increases in rates over time for most risk behaviors. Conclusions: We identify several critical groups for health professionals to address: early adolescent females not previously identified as more engaged in health risks; adolescent females "catching up" to male health risks; early and mid-adolescent males shifting into adult patterns of heightened health risk behaviors; and the group of risk-taking males across age groups. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en
The effects of epidermal and fibroblast growth factors on the repair of corneal endothelial wounds in bovine corneas maintained in organ culture.

The effects of FGF and EGF on the repair process of the wounded endothelium of bovine corneas maintained in organ culture have been analyzed. Both EGF and FGF greatly accelerate the repair process of the corneal endothelium in vitro. Similar results were obtained when complete denudation of the endothelium was performed and cultured corneal endothelial cells were seeded at a final density of 3×103/cm2 on Descemet's membrane. Within 5 days a new endothelium with a morphology similar to that of intact corneal endothelium maintained in organ culture for the same period time was achieved. These results demonstrate, therefore, that either EGF or FGF can participate in the repair process of the corneal endothelium of corneas maintained in organ culture.
New relativistic deuteron wavefunctions with a repulsive core

Abstract We find that a numerical solution of a fully relativistic wave equation with purely “attractive” π and σ meson exchanges yield deuteron wave functions with a repulsive core. The σ meson exchange parameters are adjusted to give the correct binding energy and quadrupole moment. We present two models with D state probabilities of 6.3% and 5.1%.
Logistics Performance, Customer Satisfaction, and Share of Business: A Comparison of Primary and Secondary Suppliers

The linkage between logistics performance and overall firm performance has received attention in the literature for more than 30 years. However, researchers have not investigated if differences in performance between primary and secondary suppliers affect customer satisfaction and the percentage of business allocated to suppliers. In this research, primary suppliers received more than four times as much business as the secondary suppliers. We investigated the impact of the Marketing Mix on customer satisfaction and share of business for primary suppliers and secondary suppliers, and identified differences between the two groups, using multigroup structural equation modeling. The results indicate that perceived performance on logistics attributes significantly affects customer satisfaction and the percentage of business that is allocated to primary and secondary suppliers, which is key information for developing competitive strategies. Our research findings challenge the practice of providing service levels to customers based on current revenue or profitability which does little to convince customers, who are using a company as secondary source, to make it the primary supplier.
Autistic Children's Talk about Psychological States: Deficits in the Early Acquisition of a Theory of Mind.

Spontaneous speech samples collected from 6 autistic and 6 age- and language-matched Down syndrome controls over the course of 1-2 years were analyzed for the presence of language referring to different psychological states. Utterances containing lexical terms for desire, perception, emotion, and cognition were functionally coded to distinguish conversation uses of such terms from actual reference to mental states, and for perception terms to distinguish reference to perception from calls for joint attention. The main findings were that autistic children were comparable to the Down syndrome control subjects in their talk about desire, perception and emotion. However, they used significantly less language to call for attention and to refer to cognitive mental states. These results are discussed in relation to current theories about the nature of the psychological deficit in autism.
FACS purification of immunolabeled cell types from adult rat brain

Molecular analysis of brain tissue is greatly complicated by having many different classes of neurons and glia interspersed throughout the brain. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) has been used to purify selected cell types from brain tissue. However, its use has been limited to brain tissue from embryos or transgenic mice with promoter-driven reporter genes. To overcome these limitations, we developed a FACS procedure for dissociating intact cell bodies from adult wild-type rat brains and sorting them using commercially available antibodies against intracellular and extracellular proteins. As an example, we isolated neurons using a NeuN antibody and confirmed their identity using microarray and real time PCR of mRNA from the sorted cells. Our FACS procedure allows rapid, high-throughput, quantitative assays of molecular alterations in identified cell types with widespread applications in neuroscience.
Stability of blood phenylalanine levels and IQ in children with phenylketonuria

Variability of metabolic control in phenylketonuria (PKU) potentially affects cognitive outcome in early and continuously treated children with this condition. The possibility that homeostasis is more important than the absolute level of exposure to phenylalanine (phe) has not previously been examined. A meta-analysis of 40 studies showed that in children with phenylketonuria (PKU), mean lifetime blood phe levels were significantly correlated with Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) (r=-0.34). A similar correlation (r=-0.35) was found between FSIQ and mean exposure during 0-12 years of age. Most of the studies in the meta-analysis, however, included children who had discontinued the phe restricted diet. None examined the impact of fluctuations in metabolic control in continuously treated children. This is important because new therapies may increase stability in blood phe levels. The question has arisen whether these therapies are beneficial in children whose blood phe levels are generally within the recommended range of 120-360 micromol/L. In this study, we describe the relationship between FSIQ and two parameters of metabolic control: (1) mean blood phe level of all reported specimens for each subject, and (2) variability of the blood phe level as indicated by the standard deviation of blood phe levels for each subject. Analyses were performed using lifetime phe levels and levels during three periods (0-6 years, 0-10 years, and >10 years of age). The most recent FSIQ for each child was used in the correlation analyses. Data were collected from medical records on all 46 children born between 1999 and 2006 with early and continuously treated PKU followed at the Metabolism Program at Children's Hospital Boston. The mean age of the children at the time of their most recent FSIQ test was 7.5+3.3 (2.9-15.5) and their mean FSIQ was 104+15 (68-143). The mean lifetime blood phe level in these children was 312+132 micromol/L (125-852). The standard deviation of blood phe levels was 182+72 micromol/L (96-336). The correlation between lifetime blood phe levels and most recent FSIQ was -.17 (p=0.38) and the correlation between standard deviation of blood phe levels and most recent FSIQ was -.36 (p=.058), not reaching significance, but indicating a trend. These results indicate that stability of blood phe levels may be more important to cognitive functioning than overall exposure to phe in early and continuously treated PKU. In treating PKU, attention should be given to variability in blood phe levels as well as maintenance of phe levels within the recommended range.
Bacterial Enteric Infections in Persons Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

We review the epidemiology and prevention of and future research priorities for bacterial enteric infections in persons infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV-infected persons are more frequently infected with Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria, and (possibly) Shigella species than are individuals not infected with HIV. In addition, Salmonella and (possibly) Campylobacter infections are more likely to be severe, recurrent, or persistent and associated with extraintestinal disease when they occur in HIV-infected persons. Infections caused by Shigella and Vibrio species can also result in more serious disease in HIV-infected persons than in those not infected with HIV. Risk of these infections can be reduced with proper precautions, particularly those pertaining to food hygiene, animal contact, and travel. Individuals infected with HIV should be informed of their increased risk of acquiring these diseases and should be counseled on the recommended precautions.
Human Amygdala Sensitivity to the Pupil Size of Others

Stimulation of the amygdala produces pupil dilation in animal and human subjects. The present study examined whether the amygdala is sensitive to variations in the pupil size of others. Male subjects underwent event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging while passively viewing unfamiliar female faces whose pupils were either unaltered (natural variations in large and small pupils) or altered to be larger or smaller than their original size. Results revealed that the right amygdala and left amygdala/substantia innominata were sensitive to the pupil size of others, exhibiting increased activity for faces with relatively large pupils. Upon debrief, no subject reported being aware that the pupils had been manipulated. These results suggest a function for the amygdala in the detection of changes in pupil size, an index of arousal and/or interest on the part of a conspecific, even in the absence of explicit knowledge.
A COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE, ENZYME SOURCE, AND SEQUENCE OF DIGESTION ON NEUTRAL DETERGENT FIBER1

A number of methods for determining dietary fiber have been suggested. Thus, ten modifications of the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) procedure were compared using spinach, bread, and parsnips. Use of Bacillus subtilis alpha amylase resulted in lower (p < .01) NDF values than did porcine pancreatic amylase. Amylase obtained from B. subtilis may contain other enzymes such as hemicellulase and cellulase in small amounts. These enzymes would be undesirable since they may remove some of the fiber fraction, hence the reported NDF would be lower. Temperature of incubation, 21°C or 37°C, did not significantly affect fiber values. Samples predigested with amylase had higher (p < .01) fiber values in a high starch food than samples in which amylase incubation occurred after detergent digestion. NDF values may have been higher because starch was less available for enzymatic hydrolysis before the detergent digestion. When amylase was added directly to the detergent solution after refluxing, NDF was not significantly different (p < .05) from that quantified by the official AACC method or most of the other treatments. Implications of these findings are discussed with respect to their significance in practical applications.
Dynamic optimum control of redundant manipulators

Necessary conditions for the optimality can provide additional equations to determine the configuration of a redundant arm for a given pose of an end-effector. The optimal control for the motion of redundant manipulators that minimizes an accumulated performance criterion subject to the motion constraints is presented. Necessary conditions for optimality are given. Algorithms for the calculation of a numerical solution to the optimization problem are described. An example for a three-link planar manipulator is presented to illustrate the presentation. >