cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Embedded Soft Sensing for Anomaly Detection in Mobile Robotic Networks

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Mobile Robot Simulation Setup Software Anomalies in Mobile Robotic Networks Soft Sensor Software Anomaly Detection Architecture Anomaly Detection Mechanisms Test Bed for Software Anomaly Detection in Mobile Robot Application Results and Discussion Conclusions and Future Work Appendix A Appendix B References ]]>
Low-Frequency Oscillations of Relativistic Accretion Disks

A recently developed formalism for computing the pulsations of rapidly rotating fluid configurations in general relativity is reviewed. A summary is given of results for modes of a relativistic accretion disk around a Kerr black hole. The disk’s self-gravity is neglected, and attention is focused on the existence of modes with very low frequencies and their possible connection with the quasi-periodic-oscillation phenomena exhibited by certain black-hole candidates. The calculations reviewed indicate that in many cases thin relativistic disks exhibit warped precession modes with very low frequencies in the observed range. Effects associated with the dragging of inertial frames play a crucial role in determining the values of the frequencies. These effects allow an explanation, in terms of a common mechanism, for the full range of frequencies of observed quasi-periodic oscillations.
Constraints on the timing of extension in the Northern Basin, Ross Sea

Recent kinematic constraints for the region north of the western Ross Sea suggest that there was approximately 150 km of seafloor spreading in the Adare Basin, northeast of Cape Adare, between Chrons 20 and 8 (43 to 26 Ma). This kinematic history has important implications since the 150 km of extension in the Adare Basin occurred immediately north along strike from the Northern Basin of the Ross Sea, whose extensional history is not well known. This paper examines the transition from the structures in the Adare Basin to the structures of the Northern Basin and speculates on the manner in which the extension was accommodated in the Ross Sea. Magnetic anomaly data in the Adare Basin document a sequence of anomalies 18 to 12 formed during a period of very slow spreading. The easternmost part of this sequence, anomalies 16 to 18, coalesces into a single positive anomaly near 72° S, forming a distinct anomaly that can be traced southward from the Adare Basin across the continental margin and down the east side of the Northern Basin to a latitude of roughly 73° S. This observation has important implications for the tectonic history of the Ross Sea since it suggests that most of the extension in the Adare Basin continued into the Northern Basin. This, in turn, suggests that the Northern Basin was formed by a combination of crustal thinning and massive, narrowly focused intrusions.
Analog micromirror arrays with orthogonal scanning directions for wavelength-selective 1XN/sup 2/ switches

A new high-port-count wavelength selective switch has been realized using two cross-scanning 1-axis analog micromirror arrays in a 4-f optical system. The number of output ports is increased from N to N/sup 2/, where N is the maximum linear port count limited by optical diffraction. Using surface-micromachined micromirrors with hidden vertical combdrives, large scan angles (>/spl plusmn/5/spl deg/ mechanical), low drive voltages (7 V), and high fill factors (>96.25%) are achieved for both scanning mirrors. Experimental results of our 1/spl times/8 (3/spl times/3 collimator array) wavelength-selective switch are also reported. A fiber-to-fiber insertion loss of 6 dB and a switching time of < 700 /spl mu/sec have been achieved.
Community Emergency Response Training (CERTs): A Recent History and Review

This paper examines the rise of Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) organizations in the United States. Since first appearing in Los Angeles, California in 1985, these groups have grown from a small number of communities to over 139 programs present in 26 states. Most groups have gone beyond a focus on a single hazard and now prepare citizenry for multiple hazards and emergencies. This paper examines the growth and expansion of these groups. Although there are observable regional differences, there are also generalizations that can be drawn from CERT's expansion and success. These factors are identified and discussed: institutionalization at local/federal levels; state seed funding; local/regional “champions”; having a large CERT program in the region; and standardization of training and materials. Although there are indications of continued program growth, there are also recommendations that can assist in the viability of these programs. In particular, policymakers should encourage the integrati...
Parylene micro membrane capacitive sensor array for chemical and biological sensing

Abstract The need for high-throughput label-free multiplexed sensors for chemical and biological sensing has increased tremendously in the last decade with new applications in the areas of genetics, diagnostics, drug discovery, as well as security and threat evaluation. Surface stress-based sensors are a relatively new class of sensors that has immense potential to satisfy the demand, and has been investigated extensively in the recent years. In this paper we present the design and fabrication of a novel parylene micro membrane surface stress sensor that exploits the low mechanical stiffness of polymers. The salient features of the sensor are that it: (i) is label-free; (ii) is a universal platform suitable for both chemical and biological sensing; (iii) uses electronic (capacitive detection) readout; (iv) has integrated microfluidics for addressing individual sensors on the chip; (v) is capable of handling both liquid and gas samples; (vi) is made using standard low temperature microfabrication processes (
Estimation of speech spectra from whispers

The most obvious difference between normal and whispered speech is the excitation. However, there are other significant spectral differences between these two modes of speech. In particular, the formant locations are raised in whispers because of increased coupling between the vocal tract and the trachea. In addition, the noise excitation increases the variance of spectral estimates such as linear prediction. In order to reconstruct quality phonated speech from whispers, it is necessary to remove the bias in the formants and reduce the variance of spectrum. Methods for estimating the linear prediction spectrum from whispered speech are proposed. These include modification of the formants in the line spectrum domain and smoothing of the noisy linear prediction spectra.
Preserved pedogenic mineral magnetic signature, pedogenesis, and paleoclimate change: Pennsylvanian Roca Shale (Virgilian, Asselian), central Kansas, USA

Abstract This study focuses on the field characteristics and mineral magnetism of four stacked paleosols in the Upper Pennsylvanian (Virgilian, Asselian) Roca Shale exposed near Manhattan, Kansas, USA. The Roca Shale paleosols (PI at base, P4 at top) include a protosol (P1), argillic calcisol (P2), calcic argillisol (P3), and calcic vertisol (P4). Soil climatic changes during the development of each soil profile are suggested by cross-cutting relationships and superposition observations, including: (1) clasts of a lower, vertic part are incorporated in an upper, calcic horizon, and (2) carbonate glaebules have argillans covered by (hematitic) ferrans. Decreasing carbonate content, more strongly developed of vertic properties and argillans, and more mature profiles in successive paleosols are consistent with an interpretation of a longer-term soil climate shift from more arid to more seasonal or humid during development of the four paleosols. Several observations are consistent with a preserved pedogenic mineral magnetic signature. In particular: (1) each type of soil horizon (B, Bt, Bk, BE, and C), within and among paleosols, contains consistent magnetic susceptibility (χ), natural remanent magnetization (NRM), anhysteretic remanent magnetization (ARM) and isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM) signatures, different from other horizons; (2) similar redox trends are indicated by magnetic mineralogy and uranium concentrations; (3) observed magnetic character and uranium concentrations are compatible with those expected in gleyed and oxidized intervals, as defined by field observations; (4) pedogenic carbonate glaebules and adjacent pedogenically-altered siliciclastic strata preserve the same χ trends; and (5) paleosols contain single domain (SD) magnetite and some maghemite, similar to many modern soils. Comparison with other Paleozoic vertisols indicates that the Roca Shale paleosols are characterized by more complex pedogenic and mineral magnetic attributes. This variability in the Roca Shale paleosols is probably related to glacial-interglacial climatic variability during pedogenesis. The results of this study show that coupled field observation and mineral magnetic characterization of other pre-Quaternary paleosols potentially will yield significant paleoclimatic and pedogenic information.
A Variational Framework for Solution Method Developments in Structural Mechanics

We present a variational framework for the development of partitioned solution algorithms in structural mechanics. This framework is obtained by decomposing the discrete virtual work of an assembled structure into that of partitioned substructures in terms of partitioned substructural deformations, substructural rigid-body displacements and interface forces on substructural partition boundaries. New aspects of the formulation are: the explicit use of substructural rigid-body mode amplitudes as independent variables and direct construction of rank-sufficient interface compatibility conditions. The resulting discrete variational functional is shown to be variationally complete, thus yielding a full-rank solution matrix. Four specializations of the present framework are discussed. Two of them have been successfully applied to parallel solution methods and to system identification. The potential of the two untested specializations is briefly discussed.
Signaling by retinol and its serum binding protein

Vitamin A, retinol, circulates in blood bound to retinol-binding protein (RBP) which, in turn, associates with transthyretin (TTR) to form a retinol-RBP-TTR ternary complex. At some tissues, retinol-bound (holo-) RBP is recognized by a membrane protein termed STRA6, which transports retinol from extracellular RBP into cells and, concomitantly, activates a JAK2/STAT3/5 signaling cascade that culminates in induction of STAT target genes. STRA6-mediated retinol transport and cell signaling are critically inter-dependent, and they both require the presence of cellular retinol-binding protein 1 (CRBP1), an intracellular retinol acceptor, as well as a retinol-metabolizing enzyme such as lecithin:retinol acyltransferase (LRAT). STRA6 thus functions as a "cytokine signaling transporter" which couples vitamin A homeostasis and metabolism to cell signaling, thereby regulating gene transcription. Recent studies provided molecular level insights into the mode of action of this unique protein.
Current Practice and Outcomes in the Management of Intra-abdominal Testes.

Introduction Fowler–Stephens orchidopexy is the most widely used technique for the surgical management of intra-abdominal testes with laparoscopy being the preferred approach. The aim of this study was to review all two-stage laparoscopic Fowler–Stephens orchidopexies performed in one pediatric surgical unit over a 7-year period. Methods A retrospective case series of all patients undergoing two-stage laparoscopic Fowler–Stephens orchidopexy was performed. Primary outcome measure was testicular atrophy at follow-up. Secondary outcomes included testicular atrophy at second-stage operation and testicular ascent requiring redo surgery. Results A total of 83 two-stage laparoscopic Fowler–Stephens orchidopexy were performed, with outcome data available for 67. Median age at first stage was 1 year 11 months. No testes had undergone atrophy at the second-stage laparoscopy. Median follow-up was 1 year. The overall success rate was 86.4%. Seven patients were noted to have an atrophic testis at the initial clinic review. Five patients required redo orchidopexy for testicular ascent. Of these, two patients had a successful result, two patients subsequently had testicular atrophy and one awaits redo surgery. Conclusion We conclude that Fowler–Stephens orchidopexy has a relatively good outcome. The rates of reoperation after the two-stage Fowler–Stephens orchidopexy were low in this study. Overall success rate compares very favorably to published literature.
Women, work, and identities

Abstract This paper uses the concept of identity to understand constancy and change in women's work histories. Identities are self-in-role meanings such as parent, worker, or professional. Identities are relational, hierarchical, and have consistency and motivational implications for behavior. From a life course perspective, we posit that identities both help organize and also change with the course of people's lives. We illustrate the organizing role of identities with a continuous-time discrete-state stochastic model of women's movement between job-related identities (employed but not as part of a career and employed in a career) and less-than-full-time employment. The model considers the rates of transitions into and out of identity states as functions of fixed and changing personal resources, changes in stage of the family life cycle, rewards and opportunities associated with the present job and the career line, and several forms of duration dependence (time spent in the state). Data come from life histories of a Washington state sample of women, studied at age 30 in 1979 and 13 years earlier in 1966 ( N = 2536). The analyses suggest work identities operate largely as hypothesized and that the concept has potential for understanding work histories.
Thrombomodulin Overexpression to Limit Neointima Formation

BACKGROUND-These studies were initiated to confirm that high-level thrombomodulin overexpression is sufficient to limit neointima formation after mechanical overdilation injury. METHODS AND RESULTS-An adenoviral construct expressing thrombomodulin (Adv/RSV-THM) was created and functionally characterized in vitro and in vivo. The impact of local overexpression of thrombomodulin on neointima formation 28 days after mechanical overdilation injury was evaluated. New Zealand White rabbit common femoral arteries were treated with buffer, viral control, or Adv/RSV-THM and subjected to mechanical overdilation injury. The treated vessels (n=4 per treatment) were harvested after 28 days and evaluated to determine intima-to-media (I/M) ratios. Additional experiments were performed to determine early (7-day) changes in extracellular elastin and collagen content; local macrophage, T-cell, and neutrophil infiltration; and local thrombus formation as potential contributors to the observed impact on 28-day neointima formation. The construct significantly decreased neointima formation after mechanical dilation injury in this model. By histological analysis, buffer controls exhibited mean I/M ratios of 0.76+/-0.06%, whereas viral controls reached 0.77+/-0.08%; in contrast, Adv/RSV-THM reduced I/M ratios to 0.47+/-0.06%. Local inflammatory infiltrate decreased in the Adv/RSV-THM group relative to controls, whereas matrix remained relatively preserved. Rates of early thrombus formation also decreased in Adv/RSV-THM animals. CONCLUSIONS-This construct thus offers a viable technique for promoting a locally neointima-resistant small-caliber artery via decreased thrombus bulk, normal matrix preservation, and decreased local inflammation without the inflammatory damage that has limited many other adenoviral applications.
Relationship between Locus of Control and Chronological Age

A study was conducted to replicate and extend the findings of Lao (1974) which showed an increasing sense of personal efficacy from youth to adulthood, a stabilized sense of internal control throug...
Electron transfer mechanism and photochemistry of ferrioxalate induced by excitation in the charge transfer band.

The photoredox reaction of ferrioxalate after 266/267 nm excitation in the charge transfer band has been studied by means of ultrafast extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis, optical transient spectroscopy, and quantum chemistry calculations. The Fe−O bond length changes combined with the transient spectra and kinetics have been measured and in combination with ultrahigh frequency density functional theory (UHF/DFT) calculations are used to determine the photochemical mechanism for the Fe(III) to Fe(II) redox reaction. The present data and the results obtained with 266/267 nm excitations strongly suggest that the primary reaction is the dissociation of the Fe−O bond before intramolecular electron transfer occurs. Low quantum yield electron photodetachment from ferrioxalate has also been observed.
Role of NG2 expressing cells in addiction: a new approach for an old problem

Neuron-glial antigen 2 (NG2) is a proteoglycan expressed predominantly in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). NG2-expressing OPCs (NG2-OPCs) are self-renewing cells that are widely distributed in the gray and white matter areas of the central nervous system. NG2-OPCs can mature into premyelinating oligodendrocytes and myelinating oligodendroglia which serve as the primary source of myelin in the brain. This review characterizes NG2-OPCs in brain structure and function, conceptualizes the role of NG2-OPCs in brain regions associated with negative reinforcement and relapse to drug seeking and discusses how NG2-OPCs are regulated by neuromodulators linked to motivational withdrawal. We hope to provide the readers with an overview of the role of NG2-OPCs in brain structure and function in the context of negative affect state in substance abuse disorders and to integrate our current understanding of the physiological significance of the NG2-OPCs in the adult brain.
Medicine in the long-living society

Contemporary medicine is faced with a new objective--control over chronic diseases. In order to achieve it, new approaches in theory and practice should be explored.
Volume determinations in computed tomography.

Modern computed tomographic (CT) scanners allow reasonably high-resolution cross-sectional visualization of most viscera and masses. To determine the accuracy of CT volume estimation, CT volumes of inanimate objects, cadaver kidneys and spleens, and in vivo balloons were performed. Regions of interest were outlined by a hand-operated cursor, and the computer program calculated the cross-sectional area in square millimeters and in pixels. A second computer program used Simpson's rule to calculate the volume from these multiple cross-sectional areas. Calculated CT volumes were within ±10% of directly measured volumes. Tumor masses being treated by chemotherapy were followed up clinically and by CT. Volume changes determined by CT are believed to be equal to and frequently more sensitive than clinical examination. From our experimental CT and clinical experiences, accuracy can be affected by (1) respiratory movement; (2) rapid changes in in vivo blood volume; (3) low CT number-gradient at the objects' periphery; (4) observer error in cursor tracing of the desired structure; and (5) mathematical errors inherent in Simpson's rule. We conclude that CT can estimate volumes of CT definable masses and can be useful in following tumor response to therapy. (JAMA1982;247:1299-1302)
The effects of crude oil on enzymes in the brown shrimp (Penaeus sp)

Abstract 1. Selected enzymes of the stomach-hepatopancreas of adult brown shrimp ( Penaeus sp. ) were assayed following exposure of the shrimp to 10 ppm crude oil for 24 hr. 2. Empire Mix crude oil caused no effects on activities of any of the enzymes studied. 3. Saudi Arabian crude oil caused decreases in the specific activities of alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and leucine aminopeptidase, and increases in the activities of glutamic pyruvic transaminase, glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, lactic dehydrogenase and α-hydroxybutyric dehydrogenase. These effects suggest that exposure to this oil causes increases in anaerobic metabolism and changes in protein metabolism and the endoplasmic reticulum. No indications of tissue damage were observed.
Immunocytochemical and enzyme histochemical localization of Na+,K+-ATPase in normal and ischemic porcine myocardium

Abstract Na + ,K + -ATPase is involved in generating transmembrane ion gradients and the associated potential difference necessary for contraction of cardiac myocytes. It is possible that changes in the activity or membrane content of this enzyme may occur under ischemic conditions. To investigate this question, right ventricular (RV) ischemia was produced in closed chest pigs and the RV ejection fraction was measured using a fast response thermistor in the pulmonary artery. Sections of RV collected at 15, 30, 45, and 60 min of ischemia were assayed for changes in sarcolemmal Na + ,K + -ATPase activity using an enzyme coupled histochemical reaction as well as a biochemical assay. Similar sections were examined for changes in the distribution and content of Na + ,K + -ATPase using an immunocytochemical procedure. The RV ejection fraction fell significantly from baseline after 15 min of ischemia (62 ± 3% vs 39 ± 3% respectively, P n = 10). A decrease in sarcolemmal Na + ,K + -ATPase activity was first detected after 30 min of occlusion and a significant reduction in enzyme activity was present at 45 min of ischemia. In contrast no changes were detected in the distribution or content of immunoreactive Na + ,K + -ATPase in the sarcolemma at any time point. In addition, the amount of Na + ,K + -ATPase in tissue homogenates showed no significant changes after 45 min of ischemia. These findings show that acute ischemia results in the disruption of sarcolemmal Na + ,K + -ATPase activity and suggests that the decrease in enzyme activity is not due to the loss or redistribution of sarcolemmal Na + ,K + -ATPase.
Effects of chronic lead exposure on levels of acetylcholine and choline and on acetylcholine turnover rate in rat brain areas in vivo

Rats were exposed to lead acetate from birth, and were killed at the age of 44–51 days for analysis of levels and turnover rates of acetylcholine (ACh). Steady-state levels of ACh were not altered in midbrain, cortex, hippocampus, or striatum of lead-exposed rats. Similarly, no changes in choline (Ch) concentrations were found in cortex, hippocampus, or striatum. In the midbrain, however, a 30% reduction in Ch levels was observed. Changes in specific activity of Ch and ACh were measured as a function of time in selected brain areas of rats infused with a radio-labeled precursor of Ch. Specific activities of ACh were not altered. Ch specific activities were, however, significantly elevated in all brain areas examined, as compared with age-matched control rats. The in vivo ACh turnover rate in cortex, hippocampus, midbrain, and striatum was diminished by 35%, 54%, 51% and 33%, respectively. These findings provide direct evidence for an inhibitory effect of lead exposure from birth on central cholinergic function in vivo. Since a significant reduction of body weight was found in those animals treated with lead acetate, the alteration of central cholinergic function may partially be attributed to malnutrition observed in the lead-exposed animals.
Transient photoconductivity of a-Se measured by the time-of-flight and stripline-switch techniques

Abstract We present the results of a comparative study of transient photoconductivity of a-Se measured by time-of-flight and stripline-switch techniques. Measurements in the time-of-flight configuration reveal a thermally activated transport, exponential dependence of the photocurrent on bias voltage, and a strong dependence on photon energy–features which are the hallmarks of a transport in metal–semiconductor diode junctions. In contrast, the transient photoconductivity in the stripline switch configuration is temperature independent and is not significantly affected by the metallic contacts. We thus find transient photoconductivity measurements in the time-of-flight configuration useful for investigating carrier dynamics in metal-semiconductor junctions, but prefer the stripline-switch technique for investigating the functional dependence of the quantum yield on various parameters such as temperature, photon energy, etc.
Program phase duration prediction and its application to fine-grain power management

To achieve energy optimal computing, processor resources must be adjusted dynamically to the computing needs of a program. The computational needs of an application may change during its execution depending on the type and locality of the processed data. It has been previously suggested that while a processor waits for data on a cache miss, dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) may be used to reduce the energy consumption. However, due to the overheads involved in DVFS such as capacitor charging/discharging time and PLL locking time, fine-grain DVFS did not gain attraction. In this paper, we present a fine-grain DVFS scheme based on the prediction of program execution behavior. If a program is predicted to stay in a low IPC mode for a long period, it may be worthwhile to tolerate the PLL lock time overhead for achieving potential energy savings. The run-time prediction scheme is based on a hardware based dynamic program phase classification and next phase duration estimation. The phase duration prediction scheme is based on a linear weighted least square estimation (WLSE) approach, which is fast and incurs very low hardware overhead. Based on the simulation of several memory intensive SPEC2000 benchmarks, we show that energy reduction of > 7% can be achieved from fine-grain DVFS scheme over the traditional DVFS approach.
Spectra and structure of gallium compounds: 8—Vibrational studies of trimethylgallane-dimethylether and trimethylgallane-dimethylether-d6†

The infrared (4000–80 cm−1) and Raman (3500–10 cm−1) spectra of (CH3)3GaO(CH3)2 and (CH3)3GaO(CD3)2 have been recorded for the solid state at 77 K. The Raman spectra of the liquids have also been recorded and depolarization values measured. The spectra have been interpreted in detail on the basis of Cs molecular symmetry. The valence force field model has been utilized in calculating the frequencies and potential energy distribution for the heavy atom skeleton. Considerable coupling has been observed among the OC2 bending motions and the GaC3 bending modes. The GaO stretch could not be assigned to a particular low frequency band, but this motion contributed significantly to four different bands ranging in frequency from 279 to 148 cm−1. The calculated force constants for the adducts are compared to those previously reported for the Lewis base moiety and the differences are shown to be consistent with structural changes expected upon adduct formation.
Fatigue characterization and reliability analysis of wood flour filled polypropylene composites

In this article, the flexural fatigue behavior of wood flour filled polypropylene (PP) composite samples was investigated, and a probabilistic approach is presented to evaluate the fatigue reliability. A nondimensional analysis was adopted to establish a prediction equation for the fatigue life of the composites, and the S-N curves and survivability diagrams are then constructed to evaluate the fatigue reliability for the wood plastic composites. The predicted results in the nondimensional fatigue model are better related to the testing data than the general S-N curve, and they could be used as the predictive model for fatigue life analysis of the wood plastic composites. The best-fit S-N curve and its corresponding bounds based on 95% confidence are provided, and the fatigue data are well distributed within a 95% confidence range. A two-parameter Weibull distribution function is used to analyze statistically the fatigue life test results of composite samples based on the probability of survival concept which is proposed to incorporate the probability of survival and the fatigue life time of the composites at a specified lifetime. Weibull graphics are plotted for the composite samples used in the fatigue test, and the S-N curves are then drawn for different reliability index (RI) of 0.01, 0.1, 0.5, 0.9, 0.99, and 0.368 using these data. These S-N curves are introduced for the identification of the first failure time as reliability and safety limits. It is shown that the nondimensional fatigue model and two-parameter probability distribution model can be used successfully for reliability evaluation and lifetime estimation of wood plastic composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Proximity junctions on Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 single crystals

Abstract BiSrCaCuO/Ag/Pb proximity effect junctions have been made on both microscopically flat regions of the c -axis face and on the edges of large cleavage steps of single-crystal 2212 BiSrCaCuO. The resistances of these junctions are determined by the Ag/BiSrCaCuO interface. The crystal-face junctions show a tunneling-like characteristic and clear evidence for the BiSrCaCuO energy gap, but no detectable Josephson coupling. The step-face junctions show a linear I - V curve and a well-defined Josephson coupling with an I c R product of ∼ 4 meV. These results are discussed in the light of simple models of proximity junctions and current proposals for the symmetry of the pair wave function.
High-order harmonic generation: Simplified model and relevance of single-atom theories to experiment

We present a simple two-state model illustrating the fact that the most prominent features observed in high-order harmonic generation are generic to strongly driven systems. We also address two important questions that arise in the comparison of theory and experiment.
Stopped-flow kinetic analysis of the ligand-induced coil-helix transition in glutathione S-transferase A1-1: evidence for a persistent denatured state.

Structural studies have suggested that the glutathione S-transferase (GST) A1-1 isozyme contains a dynamic C-terminus which undergoes a ligand-dependent disorder-order transition and sequesters substrates within the active site. Here, the contribution of the C-terminus to the kinetics and thermodynamics of ligand binding and dissociation has been determined. Steady-state turnover rates of the wild type (WT) and a C-terminal truncated (Delta209-222) rGST A1-1 with ethacrynic acid (EA) were measured in the presence of variable concentrations of viscogen. The results indicate that a physical step involving segmental protein motion is at least partially rate limiting at temperatures between 10 and 40 degrees C for WT. Dissociation rates of the glutathione-ethacrynic acid product conjugate (GS-EA), determined by stopped-flow fluorescence, correspond to the steady-state turnover rates. In contrast, the chemical step governs the turnover reaction by Delta209-222, suggesting that the slow rate of product release for WT is controlled by the dynamics of the C-terminal coil-helix transition. In addition, the association reaction of WT rGST A1-1 with GS-EA established that the binding was biphasic and included ligand docking followed by slow isomerization of the enzyme-ligand complex. In contrast, binding of GS-EA to Delta209-222 was a monophasic, bimolecular reaction. These results indicate that the binding of GS-EA to WT rGST A1-1 proceeds via an induced fit mechanism, with a slow conformational step that corresponds to the coil-helix transition. However, the biphasic dissociation kinetics for the wild type, and the recovered kinetic parameters, suggest that a significant fraction of the [GST.GS-EA] complex ( approximately 15%) retains a persistent disordered state at equilibrium.
Affinity purification of the Ca-ATPase from cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes.

Abstract We report the isolation of the functional form of the Ca-ATPase from porcine cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membranes, taking advantage of the ability of this enzyme to bind to the nucleotide site affinity dye, Reactive Red 120. Conditions that optimize the solubility and functional stability of the cardiac Ca-ATPase in detergent during the purification procedure are essential to its recovery. The purified Ca-ATPase migrates as a single band on Coomassie blue-stained polyacrylamide gels and exhibits high specific activity (2.5 IU at 25°C) and functional stability. Similar enrichment of the Ca-ATPase estimated from either relative amounts of the 100-kDa protein band on polyacrylamide gels or steady-state concentrations of phosphorylated enzyme intermediate (E-P) demonstrate that neither nonfunctional Ca-ATPases nor non-Ca-ATPase proteins migrating with an apparent molecular weight of 100 kDa constitute a significant fraction of these preparations. Steady-state levels of E-P are 1.3 and 8.6 nmol/mg protein, respectively, for native cardiac SR membranes and the final purified fraction. These values, in comparison to the maximum value (9.1 nmol/mg) for the 110-kDa protein, agree well with estimates of total Ca-ATPase abundance from gel densitometry for both preparations and indicate full site reactivity, i.e., one phosphorylation site for each 110-kDa cardiac Ca-ATPase polypeptide chain.
Versatile design of shared vector coprocessors for multicores

For a wide range of applications that make use of a vector coprocessor, its resources are not highly utilized due to the lack of sustained data parallelism, which often occurs due to insufficient vector parallelism or vector-length variations in dynamic environments. The motivation of our work stems from (a) the omnipresence of vector operations in high-performance scientific and emerging embedded applications; (b) the mandate for multicore designs to make efficient use of on-chip resources for low power and high performance; (c) the need to often handle a variety of vector sizes; and (d) vector kernels in application suites may have diverse computation needs. Our objective is to provide a versatile design framework that can facilitate vector coprocessor sharing among multiple cores in a manner that maximizes resource utilization while also yielding very high performance at reduced area and energy costs. We have previously proposed three basic shared vector coprocessor architectures based on coarse-grain temporal, fine-grain temporal, and vector lane sharing that were implemented in SystemVerilog [15]. Our new paper presents substantially improved versions of these architectures that are implemented in synthesized RTL for higher accuracy. We herein evaluate these vector coprocessor sharing policies for a dual-core system using the floating-point performance, resource utilization and power consumption metrics. Benchmarking for FIR filtering, FFT, matrix multiplication, LU decomposition and sparse matrix vector multiplication shows that these coprocessor sharing policies yield high utilization, high performance and low energy per operation. Fine-grain temporal sharing most often provides the best performance among the three policies; it is followed by vector lane and then coarse-grain temporal sharing. It is also shown that, per core exclusive access to the vector resources does not maximize their utilization. This benchmarking involves various scenarios for each application, where the scenarios differ in terms of the vector length and the parallelism-oriented coding technique.
Diabetes nurse case management: Improving glucose control: 10 years of quality improvement follow-up data

Abstract The purpose of this retrospective case-control review is to determine the effectiveness of a registered nurse case managers (RNCMs) certified diabetes educator (CDE) quality improvement case management program. RNCMs have a long tradition of providing chronic care intervention, particularly for the high-risk diabetes population with glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) of 9% or more. However, limited data are available with regard to evaluation of such programs in a Veterans Health Administration population. Results A large population (N=3956) of high-risk veterans with a baseline A1C of 9% or more (mean=10.6%) was seen by the RNCM's. Paired T-tests of A1C after the last RNCM visit showed a statistically significant A1C reduction ( p Conclusions RNCMs clinical intervention demonstrated significant A1C reduction (~2%). This is an important finding for health care policy makers for planning interventions with respect to long-term management of diabetes mellitus.
Combined configuration-interaction-Hylleraas studies of atomic states. III. The four lowest 2 S and four lowest 2 P states of lithium

Combined configuration-interaction-Hylleraas method techniques have been employed in obtaining three-electron $^{2}S$ and $^{2}P$ wave functions. The four lowest $(1{s}^{2}ns) ^{2}S$ wave functions are obtained in the same 150-term basis. The calculated energies are -7.478 02, -7.354 01, -7.318 40, and -7.303 40 a.u. compared to the respective corrected experimental results -7.478 07, -7.354 10, -7.318 53, and -7.303 55 a.u. In addition, the four lowest $(1{s}^{2}np) ^{2}P$ wave functions are obtained in the same 120-term basis. The calculated energies are -7.410 05, -7.337 00, -7.311 74, -7.300 14 a.u. compared to the respective corrected experimental results -7.410 16, -7.337 16, -7.311 90, -7.300 30.
Crystal structure of Azotobacter cytochrome c5 at 2.5 Å resolution

The crystal structure of cytochrome c5 from Azotobacter vinelandii has been solved and refined to an R value of 0.29 at 2.5 A resolution. The structure of the oxidized protein was solved using a monoclinic crystal form. The structure was solved by multiple isomorphous replacements, re-fit to a solvent-leveled multiple isomorphous replacement map, and refined by restrained least squares. The structure reveals monomers associated about the crystallographic 2-fold axis by hydrophobic contacts at the "exposed heme edge". The overall conformation for the monomer is similar to that of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cytochrome c551. However, relative to a common heme conformation, c5 and c551 differ by an average of 6.8 A over 82 alpha-carbon positions and the propionates of c5 are much more exposed to solvent. The shortest heme--heme contact at the "dimer" interface is 6.3 A (Fe to Fe 16.4 A). Alignment of c5 and c551 shows that the two cytochromes, in spite of sequence differences, have remarkably similar charge distributions. A disulfide stacks on a tyrosine between the N- and C-terminal helices.
Neonatal euthanasia: The Groningen Protocol

For the past thirty years, voluntary euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide of adult patients have been common practice in the Netherlands. Neonatal euthanasia was recently legalized in the Netherlands and the Groningen Protocol (GP) was developed to regulate the practice. Supporters claim compliance with the GP criteria makes neonatal euthanasia ethically permissible. An examination of the criteria used by the Protocol to justify the euthanasia of seriously ill neonates reveals the criteria are not based on firm moral principles. The taking of the life of a seriously ill person is not the solution to the pain and suffering of the dying process. It is the role of the medical professional to care for the ailing patient with love and compassion, always preserving the person's dignity. Neonatal euthanasia is not ethically permissible.
Parenting Style Associated with Sedentary Behaviour in Preschool Children.

There is an absence of studies exploring the relationship between parental style and sedentary behaviour in preschool-aged children. Given the link between parenting style and other health behaviours, and given that preschool children engage in relatively high levels of sedentary behaviour, this study's purpose was to examine if a preschool child's time spent in sedentary activity (i.e. ‘screen-based’ media viewing and quiet play) differed by parenting style and if the behaviour differed between weekdays and weekends. Results showed that parenting style significantly differed for screen-viewing on weekdays (p = 0.004, η 2 = 0.07) and weekends (p = 0.003, η 2 = 0.07), with preschool children of parents employing an authoritative parenting style engaging in the least amount of screen-time. No differences were observed for quiet play. In addition, the authoritative parenting style was a significant predictor of screen-based viewing on weekdays (β = −0.21, p = 0.01) and weekends (β = −0.26, p = 0.002). These ...
Resonant Response of High-Temperature Superconducting Split-Ring Resonators

A study of the resonant response of high-temperature superconducting YBCO split-ring resonators (SRRs) deposited on a single crystal MgO substrate is presented. Measurement of an array of seven SRRs inside a WR-90 waveguide at temperatures below the transition temperature of YBCO (Tc ≈ 90 K) shows a stop band centered at around 8 GHz with a 1.6-GHz bandwidth, which is also seen in the full wave simulation. An individual SRR element is measured to investigate the temperature dependence of the resonance frequency and quality factor. The single SRR measurements show a small gradual shift in the transmission resonance frequency as the temperature is lowered from 90.5 to 40 K, which can be attributed to the presence of kinetic inductance. The behavior of the measured resonance frequency versus temperature is fitted to a model to study the kinetic inductance and penetration depth. The quality factor is then calculated from the measurements in the same temperature range. Finally, the permittivity and permeability are extracted from the measured scattering parameters.
Conjunctive Use of Geophysical and Geological Data in the Study of an Alluvial Aquifer

A geoelectric survey, composed of vertical electrical soundings, was conducted over part of the lower Platte Valley alluvial aquifer of east-central Nebraska. Survey results, in conjunction with seismic-survey data and test- hole-log information, provided the basis to map the areal extent and thickness of a near-surface, low-permeability clay unit. Because of the low hydraulic conductivity of the clay, the unit forms a confining layer over a significant part of the aquifer. Generally, the approach to evaluating the lower Platte Valley alluvial aquifer for sustained yield has been to assume that the entire flow system is under water-table conditions. However, numerical-model simulations with and without the clay unit indicate that this confining layer has a significant effect on the hydraulic behavior of the groundwater flow system under pumping stresses. An estimate of the bulk porosity of the aquifer was made by using geoelectric data and applying the Archie equation. Values of porosity ranged from 0·27 to 0·43; although reasonable for fluvial sand and gravel, the range is higher than previous estimates.
Head-to-head comparison of two first-line regimens and an nrti-sparing regimen for initial therapy of HIV-1 infection: What should we start?

Introduction: Over the past 12 years there has been signifi cant progress in the treatment of HIV-1 infection, starting with the use of potent three-drug combinations including a protease inhibitor (PI). In 1994, there were only four drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, but now there are 24 approved agents in fi ve classes and four coformulations that simplify regimens. Despite this success, debate continues about the best initial regimen to start. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) guidelines currently recommend two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) in combination with either a non-NRTI (NNRTI) or a ritonavir-boosted PI (bPI) [1]. In particular, efavirenz (EFV) is the preferred NNRTI and lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) is one of the preferred bPIs for fi rst-line therapy. Although there are pros and cons for each type of regimen, no preference is given. Furthermore, although regimens with a dual-NRTI backbone are most often used and have been recommended by the DHHS panel, the long-term side effects of NRTIs have sparked interest in non-NRTI–containing regimens [2,3]. The DHHS guidelines do not favor either approach and only state that the choice should be individualized, most often based on side effect profi les, drug–drug interactions, simplicity, and differences in risk of development of antiretroviral resistance. Overall, there are few comparative data for NNRTIbased versus PI-based regimens and few data on NRTI-sparing regimens. AIDS Clinical Trial Group (ACTG) 5142 was designed to evaluate effi cacy of three different types of regimens, one traditional bPI-based regimen, one traditional NNRTI-based regimen, and a novel two-drug NRTI-sparing regimen. The study enrolled patients at ACTG sites from January 2003 to May 2004.
Molecular modeling and functional confirmation of a predicted fatty acid binding site of mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase.

Molecular interactions are necessary for proteins to perform their functions. The identification of a putative plasma membrane fatty acid transporter as mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase (mAsp-AT) indicated that the protein must have a fatty acid binding site. Molecular modeling suggests that such a site exists in the form of a 500-A(3) hydrophobic cleft on the surface of the molecule and identifies specific amino acid residues that are likely to be important for binding. The modeling and comparison with the cytosolic isoform indicated that two residues (Arg201 and Ala219) were likely to be important to the structure and function of the binding site. These residues were mutated to determine if they were essential to that function. Expression constructs with wild-type or mutated cDNAs were produced for bacteria and eukaryotic cells. Proteins expressed in Escherichia coli were tested for oleate binding affinity, which was decreased in the mutant proteins. 3T3 fibroblasts were transfected with expression constructs for both normal and mutated forms. Plasma membrane expression was documented by indirect immunofluorescence before [(3)H]oleic acid uptake kinetics were assayed. The V(max) for uptake was significantly increased by overexpression of the wild-type protein but changed little after transfection with mutated proteins, despite their presence on the plasma membrane. The hydrophobic cleft in mAsp-AT can serve as a fatty acid binding site. Specific residues are essential for normal fatty acid binding, without which fatty acid uptake is compromised. These results confirm the function of this protein as a fatty acid binding protein.