cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stakeholder perceptions on governance for the protection and increase of forest cover in the Panama Canal Watershed

Governance regimes have been endorsed by governments, academics and developmental aid agencies as a way to achieve complex environmental and social objectives. The Integrated Watershed Management governance regime for the Panama Canal’s Watershed was created to achieve the protection and restoration of forest cover. I assessed through semi-structured and open ended interviews the perceptions of government and community stakeholders on the achievements and challenges of the regime. The main achievements include increased environmental awareness of the community members and their empowerment to lead meetings with local authorities and hold them accountable for provision of solutions to social and environmental issues. Long-term sustainability of the governance structure is challenged by discrepancies between the desire of community members to be recipients of funds to conduct environmental projects and the vision of the government institution, the Panama Canal Authority, that wants voluntary participation of the community. Lack of support from other government institutions limits the impact of the governance regime for providing social and environmental solutions. The governance regime can profit from greater communication between actors and a greater allocation of responsibilities to local community organizations.
The bulk photovoltaic effect as a platform for ultrafast, nanoscale photosensitive devices

The bulk photovoltaic effect refers to the generation of photocurrents and photovoltages in bulk single-phase materials. It requires only that the material possess broken inversion symmetry, and occurs due a unique mechanism known as "shift current." Discovered over a half-century ago, it received little attention decades due to extremely poor observed efficiency. However, in recent years, it has been both theoretically and experimentally investigated in a variety of new systems and materials, and significant improvements in performance have been achieved. In this talk, I will provide a brief overview of the physics of the bulk photovoltaic effect and survey the experimental and theoretical advances that have been made in its understanding and optimization. I will cover in detail the unique properties of the bulk photovoltaic effect that distinguish it from conventional photovoltaic effects, including photovoltages substantially exceeding the material's band gap, response amplitudes and directions that can depend on both photon energy and polarization, and response that occurs on ultrafast timescales. Finally, I will explore the potential for these features to enable novel and improved photosensitive devices, especially in combination with other functional materials.
Contributions to a Typology of Clientelistic Brokers

This research note uses two case studies of Argentine provinces to develop a typology of clientelistic brokers. I identify a dirigente -type broker, who acts as an advocate of voters, and a puntero -type broker, who acts as a delegate of the patron. The clear differences between these two broker types point to greater diversity among clientelistic practices (such as monitoring and enforcing clientelistic exchanges) than is commonly acknowledged. I provide original evidence from 34 open-ended interviews with local- and provincial-level elected officials that accounts for patron–broker dynamics in small, poor, and peripheral Argentine communities.
Role of Disproportionation in the Dissolution of Mn from Lithium Manganate Spinel

Dissolution of Mn from lithium manganate spinel has hindered its commercialization as a cathode material in Li-ion batteries. This dissolution has been widely attributed to disproportionation of near-surface Mn(III), in the presence of acid, with the resultant divalent Mn being vulnerable to dissolution. To what extent moisture in the cell (as opposed to the organic electrolyte) acts as the solvent for Mn ions has not been established. Simulations by Leung show that a small displacement of trivalent Mn from its equilibrium site at an LiMn2O4(001)/ethylene carbonate interface leads to its reduction to Mn(II). In the present work, thermodynamic integration is performed based on first-principles molecular dynamics simulations within the Blue-Moon ensemble to investigate the detachment of Mn ions at the LiMn2O4(001)/water interface. The results show that reduction of Mn(III) to Mn(II) occurs also in the case of an aqueous interface. The simulations were performed for both neutral and acidic water (in the pres...
Diagnostic and Prognostic Utility of Fluorescence In situ Hybridization (FISH) Analysis in Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematologic neoplasia consisting of incompletely differentiated hematopoietic cells of the myeloid lineage that proliferate in the bone marrow, blood, and/or other tissues. Clinical implementation of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in cytogenetic laboratories allows for high-resolution analysis of recurrent structural chromosomal rearrangements specific to AML, especially in AML with normal karyotypes, which comprises approximately 33–50% of AML-positive specimens. Here, we review the use of several FISH probe strategies in the diagnosis of AML. We also review the standards and guidelines currently in place for use by clinical cytogenetic laboratories in the evaluation of AML. Updated standards and guidelines from the WHO, ACMG, and NCCN have further defined clinically significant, recurring cytogenetic anomalies in AML that are detectable by FISH. FISH continues to be a powerful technique in the diagnosis of AML, with higher resolution than conventional cytogenetic analysis, rapid turnaround time, and a considerable diagnostic and prognostic utility.
Further Investigation of the Intermolecular Diels-Alder Cycloaddition for the Synthesis of Bicyclo[2.2.2]diazaoctane Alkaloids.

The convergent synthesis of bicyclo[2.2.2]diazaoctane structures using an intermolecular Diels–Alder cycloaddition between a pyrazinone and commercially available fumarate or maleate precursors is reported. High reactivity and stereoselection is observed with both dienophile substrates. Structure validation was achieved by conversion of cycloadducts into known [2.2.2]diazabicyclic compounds or into crystalline derivatives suitable for X-ray analysis. The cycloadduct derived from reaction of pyrazinone and maleic anhydride underwent selective anhydride ring opening and intersected an established precursor in the synthesis of brevianamide B.
Chapter 35 – Competition for Water

It is clear that in the near future the world will be facing a water crisis, and indeed, many parts of the world already are. The focus of this book has been on ways that nanotechnology may provide solutions to many of the technical problems that are or will result in scarcity and poor water quality. However, there are many potential sources of competition for water, both technical and nontechnical. Some of these, such as corruption and mismanagement, have been creating issues with water for a very long time, whereas others, such as the burgeoning biofuels industry, are only just emerging. It is important that we consider all of the many competitors for clean water and possibility for nanotechnology to address these directly and indirectly.
Barriers to Leadership for Women in College Athletics

Today there is an enormous gender disparity among collegiate head coaches and athletic administrators in the United States. Women fill less than a quarter of head coach and athletic director positions in college athletics and are even minorities among coaches of women's teams. Few other professions are as impervious to gender integration. Leadership in college athletics is, in the words of one scholar, one of the "few male bastions remaining," which raises the question: Why are women so starkly underrepresented in leadership positions within college athletics? There is no easy answer, but rather a variety of factors that exclude, deter, or cause an early exit for women who would have otherwise pursued careers in college athletics. After presenting the demographics of leadership in college athletics to illustrate this gender disparity, this Chapter considers the unique barriers women face when seeking entry to the profession, the ways in which athletic departments operate to constrain women's advancement and retention in their jobs, and the combined effect of these and other factors on women's interest and motivation to pursue or remain in leadership positions in college athletics.
Reversal of Retinal Vascular Leakage and Arrest of Progressive Retinal Nonperfusion With Monthly Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy.

We report a case of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) with severe, vision-threatening retinal non-perfusion (RNP) in which anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy resulted not only PDR reversal but also in arrest of RNP and resolution of retinal vascular leakage which had previously preceded vascular dropout and progressive RNP in the same patient.
Long-Term Outcomes in Children With Intestinal Failure-Associated Liver Disease Treated With 6 Months of Intravenous Fish Oil Followed by Resumption of Intravenous Soybean Oil.

BACKGROUND Intravenous soybean oil (SO) is a commonly used lipid emulsion for children with intestinal failure (IF); however, it is associated with IF-associated liver disease (IFALD). Studies have demonstrated that intravenous fish oil (FO) is an effective treatment for IFALD. However, there is a lack of long-term data on children who stop FO and resume SO. This study's objective was to investigate our institution's outcomes for children with IFALD treated with 6 months of FO and who then restarted SO. METHODS Inclusion criteria for FO included children with IFALD. Parenteral nutrition (PN)-dependent children resumed SO after FO and were prospectively followed for 4.5 years or until death, transplant, or PN discontinuation. The primary outcome was the cumulative incidence rate (CIR) for cholestasis after FO. RESULTS Forty-eight subjects received FO, and conjugated bilirubin decreased over time (-0.22 mg/dL/week; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.25, -0.19; P < .001). The CIR for cholestasis resolution after 6 months of FO was 71% (95% CI: 54%, 82%). Twenty-seven subjects resumed SO and were followed for a median of 16 months (range 3-51 months). While the CIR for enteral autonomy after 3 years of follow-up was 40% (95% CI: 17%, 26%), the CIR for cholestasis and transplant was 26% (95% CI: 8%, 47%) and 6% (95% CI: 0.3%, 25%), respectively. CONCLUSION In this study, FO effectively treated cholestasis, and SO resumption was associated with cholestasis redevelopment in nearly one-fourth of subjects. Long-term FO may be warranted to prevent end-stage liver disease.
Qualifying Combined Solar Power Forecasts in Ramp Events’ Perspective

The rapid growth of renewable resources induces the need for new regulating and operating schemes in the power grid. Conventional power plants in the fleet impose their ramp-rate limits on the operation of these renewables to the point that, with a high-level integration of wind and solar resources, these ramp rate limits must be managed by situational awareness and curtailment mechanisms. These mechanisms depend on forecasts, especially those that consider the ramp events. This paper defines and implements a qualifying metric for the solar power forecasts to assess the capability of the forecasting models to predict the ramp events, especially by the combined forecasts. A case study is presented and the criterion is also used to evaluate the accuracy of the forecasts in terms of ramp events as well as to demonstrate the suitability of the forecasts in the applications that consider the ramp rates of solar power.
Integrated Transmission and Distribution Systems Restoration with Distributed Generation Scheduling

The self-healing smart grids enable system operators to quickly and efficiently recover transmission and distribution systems from outages and blackouts. The current restoration procedure solves the transmission and distribution system restoration problems separately without considering their impacts on each other, which may prolong the restoration process. However, with the emerging active distribution networks, distributed generators can contribute into the bottom-up restoration strategy. The interaction between the restoration of two interconnected systems should be taken into account. In this paper, a hybrid model of transmission and distribution systems restoration (HTDSR) is proposed by exchanging data of power and voltage between two separate optimization problems. The effectiveness of the HTDSR algorithm is demonstrated through case studies of the integrated IEEE 13-bus distribution network and IEEE 39-bus transmission grid. Simulation results demonstrate that the integrated restoration strategy with optimal scheduling of distributed generation sources can expedite the restoration process.
Electrically regenerated ion-exchange technology for desalination of low-salinity water sources

Abstract A promising approach to increasing freshwater availability is the effective desalination of widely available and abundant low-salinity water sources. Here we report a new approach to desalinate low-salinity water sources using inexpensive ion exchange resins (IER) which are commonly used for water softening and require regular chemical regeneration. We incorporate IER into a functional composite material that enables electrical regeneration of IER, eliminating the need for regular use of corrosive chemicals. These proof-of-concept results demonstrate reliable regeneration of IER-composite electrodes using a lab-scale prototype device. With further characterization and development, this new approach offers a path to sustainable use of conventional IER for desalination of low-salinity water sources.
De lo visual a lo minitextual los exvotos pictóricos en México: propuesta de un nuevo subgénero de la minificción

The Mexican’s votive painting tradition offers us the possibility of finding popular and professional plastic artists dedicated to capturing the everyday reality of the people of Mexico in their connection with the spiritual forces that guide them through life. These visual representations of the experiences of the people, are accompanied with brief written descriptions of the situation by which the praised divinity is thanked. Seeing these texts as micro-stories that are based on the visual representation of the event, we propose a new subgenre of the minifiction in Mexico: the textvotos.
Virtual Machines with Dedicated Graphics for Software Development

Virtual Machines (VM) have increased in performance in recent years due to the new hardware and software features that are being released to both commercial and enterprise usage. The use of Virtual Function Input/Output (VFIO) allows direct mapping of hardware to the virtual machine guest to allow dedicated usage of the hardware. One of these features utilizes passing dedicated graphics cards to the VM guest, while using a secondary graphics card to power the host machine. The advantages to having this particular setup is having a high-mobility device available, but allowing dedicated graphics for software development when needed without the need of moving code to different machines. This paper explains the use of using an externally located, USB-C Thunderbolt dedicated graphics card to run a variety of several virtual machines for software development, providing a plethora of platform options for testing software applications on a single machine.
Hijaking the SARS-CoV-2 Cytokinopathy: Janus Kinase Inhibitors for Moderate to Severe COVID-19

A subset of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection develoa cytokine release syndrome (CRS) Strategies to mitigate SARS-CoV-2-induced CRS are urgently needed Man
Coherent states of position-dependent mass trapped in an infinite square well

We develop generalized coherent states based on the Gazeau–Klauder formalism for a particle with position-dependent mass trapped in an infinite square well. We study the quantum statistical properties of these states by means of the Mandel parameter and the second-order correlation function. Our analysis reveals that the constructed coherent states exhibit sub-Poissonian statistics. Moreover, theoretical investigations of wave packet revivals and fractional revivals for the pertaining system have been performed by means of the autocorrelation function and temporal evolution of probability density.
Governance and Policy Coordination: The Case of Birth Registration in Peru

This research, the second of two case studies, explores coordination through the lens of civil registration and vital statistics, with particular reference to birth registration in Peru. It focuses on the role that coordination can play in making birth registration function effectively. While the capacity of governments to deliver the function of birth registration is central to this paper, the role that understanding coordination can play in improving public services is examined, especially services for children. The capacity to register the births of children is a long-standing function of governments, and can be seen as a test of government effectiveness. In Peru, backward mapping showed that the trails from local and district registrars to the government registration organization (RENIEC) stopped almost immediately. This seems to point towards the centralized structure and top-down approach of RENIEC; to sustain its achievements to date and to reach the final three per cent of unregistered births it should consider incentivizing and empowering local and community administrations.
Machine learning of all Mycobacterium Tuberculosis H37Rv RNA-seq data reveals complex interplay between metabolism, stress response, and infection

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is one of the most consequential human bacterial pathogens, posing a serious challenge to 21st century medicine. A key feature of its pathogenicity is its ability to adapt its transcriptional response to environmental stresses through its transcriptional regulatory network (TRN). While many studies have sought to characterize specific portions of the M. tuberculosis TRN, a systems level characterization and analysis of interactions among the controlling transcription factors remains to be achieved. Here, we applied an unsupervised machine learning method to modularize the M. tuberculosis transcriptome and describe the role of transcription factors (TFs) in the TRN. By applying Independent Component Analysis (ICA) to over 650 transcriptomic samples, we obtained 80 independently modulated gene sets known as "iModulons", many of which correspond to known regulons. These iModulons explain 61% of the variance in the organism9s transcriptional response. We show that iModulons: 1) reveal the function of previously unknown regulons, 2) describe the transcriptional shifts that occur during environmental changes such as shifting carbon sources, oxidative stress, and virulence events, and 3) identify intrinsic clusters of transcriptional regulons that link several important metabolic systems, including lipid, cholesterol, and sulfur metabolism. This transcriptome-wide analysis of the M. tuberculosis TRN informs future research on effective ways to study and manipulate its transcriptional regulation, and presents a knowledge-enhanced database of all published high-quality RNA-seq data for this organism to date.
A taxonomic revision of Ophiobotrys, Osmelia, and Pseudosmelia (Samydaceae/Salicaceae s.l.)

The circumscription of species and subsequent classification into genera were reassessed for Ophiobotrys, Osmelia, and Pseudosmelia, three closely related genera of Old World Samydaceae (Salicaceae sensu lato). Phylogenetic analyses of plastid DNA data were performed and affirm the placement of these genera in Samydaceae, and a phylogenetic analysis of morphological data indicates that Pseudosmelia is nested within Osmelia. Pseudosmelia is also very similar vegetatively to one species of Osmelia and differs significantly only in the size and shape of fruit and the number of seeds per fruit. Thus, the one species of Pseudosmelia is transferred to Osmelia as O. moluccana. Ophiobotrys and Osmelia are maintained as separate genera, as there are several qualitative and quantitative differences in reproductive characters, and they occur on different continents. The number of species of Osmelia sensu stricto and their general circumscriptions concur with the assessment of Sleumer in Flora Malesiana. Keys to the genera and species are presented, as well as distributional data and lectotypifications for 13 names.
Fasting-Induced Upregulation of MKP-1 Modulates the Hepatic Response to Feeding.

The liver plays a key role in whole-body, glucose and lipid homeostasis. Nutritional signals in response to fasting and refeeding regulate hepatic lipid synthesis. It is established that activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) in response to overnutrition regulates MAPK-dependent pathways that control lipid metabolism in the liver. However, the regulatory mechanisms and the impact of the actions of MKP-1 in hepatic response to fasting remains unclear. We investigated the effect of fasting on the expression of MKP-1 and the impact on hepatic response to feeding. In this study, we demonstrate that fasting stress induced upregulation of hepatic MKP-1 protein levels with a corresponding downregulation of p38 MAPK and JNK phosphorylation in mouse livers. We found that MKP-1-deficient livers are resistant to fasting-induced hepatic steatosis. Hepatic MKP-1 deficiency impaired fasting-induced changes in the levels of key transcription factors involved in the regulation of fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism including Srebf2 and Srebf1c. Mechanistically, MKP-1 negatively regulates Srebf2 expression by attenuating p38 MAPK pathway, suggesting its contribution to the metabolic effects of MKP-1 deficiency in the fasting liver. These findings support the hypothesis that upregulation of MKP-1 is a physiological relevant response and might be beneficial in hepatic lipid utilization during fasting in the liver. Collectively, these data unravel some of the complexity and tissue specific interaction of MKP-1 action in response to changes in nutritional cues, including fasting and excess nutrients
Size of Extranodal Extension on Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection in the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group Z0011 Trial Era

Importance Based on the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group Z0011 trial exclusion criteria, patients with T1N0 or T2N0 breast cancer with 1 or 2 positive sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) are recommended to undergo axillary lymph node dissection if extranodal extension (ENE) is present. Objective To determine the effect of ENE size on residual axillary nodal burden, disease recurrence, and survival in patients meeting Z0011 criteria. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective cohort study between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2012, at a single tertiary cancer center. Patients had T1 or T2 breast cancer with 1 or 2 positive SLNs. The ENE was classified as 2 mm or smaller or as larger than 2 mm. Main Outcomes and Measures Nodal burden, disease recurrence, and overall survival. Results Of 208 patients, 149 (71.6%) had no ENE, 21 (10.1%) had ENE 2 mm or smaller, and 38 (18.3%) had ENE larger than 2 mm on SLN dissection. The median follow-up time was 60 months (range, 1-158 months). The mean (SD) total number of positive lymph nodes differed significantly for the group with no ENE (1.72 [1.39]) vs the group with ENE 2 mm or smaller (3.22 [2.09]; P P P = .02) and vs 2.95 (4.95) with ENE larger than 2 mm ( P P = .62) or in mortality (18 patients [12.1%] vs 4 patients [19.1%], respectively; P = .48). For the group without ENE vs the group with ENE larger than 2 mm, there were no significant differences in recurrence (distant recurrence, 4 patients [2.7%] vs 4 patients [10.5%], respectively; P = .19) or in mortality (18 patients [12.1%] vs 9 patients [23.7%], respectively; P = .07). Conclusions and Relevance Presence of ENE on SLN dissection is associated with N2 disease. Despite increased nodal burden, patients with 1 or 2 positive SLNs and ENE 2 mm or smaller demonstrated recurrence and survival rates similar to those of patients without ENE. Reporting of ENE size should be standardized and required.
Eye-Head Coordination

To direct head and eyes toward a target and ultimately fixate it with the fovea, an animal must solve three problems. First, he must compute the angular distance between his foveal lines of sight and the target to be acquired. This angular distance is referred to as retinal error; its absolute magnitude will determine the amplitude of the saccadic eye movement that will be produced. Second, the animal must initiate a head movement that will be compatible in amplitude with the saccadic eye movement. Third, since the eyes usually move first and with higher velocity than the head, their lines of sight will reach and fixate the target while the head is still moving. To stabilize his eyes with respect to a stationary target during head movement, the animal must perform a rotational eye movement that, by being opposite in direction from the movement of the head, but equal to it in amplitude and velocity, allows the fovea to remain constantly on the target. This movement is termed compensatory.
Correction of COOH-terminal Amino Acids of Human Plasma Very Low Density Apolipoproteins

Abstract The COOH-terminal amino acids of the low molecular weight apoproteins of human plasma very low density lipoprotein have been reinvestigated. Previously these were designated by their apparent COOH-terminal amino acids as alanine apolipoprotein (apoLP-Ala), valine apolipoprotein (apoLP-Val), and glutamic acid apolipoprotein (apoLP-Glu). Alanine has been confirmed as the COOH terminus of apoLP-Ala. Serine rather than valine is the COOH-terminal amino acid of the polypeptide previously termed apoLP-Val. Hydrazinolysis releases both glutamic acid and valine in a molar ratio of 3:1 from the DEAE-cellulose fraction previously designated apoLP-Glu.
Inflammasomes are important mediators of prostatic inflammation associated with BPH

There is mounting evidence to support the role of inflammation in benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), and a recent study reported expression of inflammasome derived cytokine IL-18 in prostate biopsy of BPH patients. Here we examined the expression of inflammasome-derived cytokines and activation of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor with pyrin domain protein 1 (NLRP) 1 inflammasome in a rat model of prostatic inflammation relevant to BPH. Prostatic inflammation was experimentally induced in three-month-old male Sprague–Dawley rats by intraprostatic injection (50 μL) of either 5 % formalin or saline (sham) into the ventral lobes of prostate. 7 days later, prostate and bladder tissue was harvested for analysis of inflammasome by Western blot, immunohistochemistry and downstream cytokine production by Milliplex. Expression of interleukins, CXC and CC chemokines were elevated 2-15 fold in formalin injected prostate relative to sham. Significant expression of NLRP1 inflammasome components and caspase-1 in prostate were associated with significant elevation of pro and cleaved forms of IL-1β (25.50 ± 1.16 vs 3.05 ± 0.65 pg/mg of protein) and IL-18 (1646.15 ± 182.61 vs 304.67 ± 103.95 pg/mg of protein). Relative to prostate tissue, the cytokine expression in bladder tissue was much lower and did not involve inflammasome activation. Significant upregulation of NLRP1, caspase-1 and downstream cytokines (IL-18 and IL-1β) suggests that a NLRP1 inflammasome is assembled and activated in prostate tissue of this rat model. Recapitulation of findings from human BPH specimens suggests that the inflammasome may perpetuate the inflammatory state associated with BPH. Further clarification of these pathways may offer innovative therapeutic targets for BPH-related inflammation.
Effect of 90Sr internal emitter on gene expression in mouse blood

The radioactive isotope Strontium-90 (90Sr) may be released as a component of fallout from nuclear accidents, or in the event of a radiological incident such as detonation of an improvised nuclear device, and if ingested poses a significant health risk to exposed individuals. In order to better understand the response to 90Sr, using an easily attainable and standard biodosimetry sample fluid, we analyzed the global transcriptomic response of blood cells in an in vivo model system. We injected C57BL/6 mice with a solution of 90SrCl2 and followed them over a 30-day period. At days 4, 7, 9, 25 and 30, we collected blood and isolated RNA for microarray analyses. These days corresponded to target doses in a range from 1–5 Gy. We investigated changes in mRNA levels using microarrays, and changes in specific microRNA (miRNA) predicted to be involved in the response using qRT-PCR. We identified 8082 differentially expressed genes in the blood of mice exposed to 90Sr compared with controls. Common biological functions were affected throughout the study, including apoptosis of B and T lymphocytes, and atrophy of lymphoid organs. Cellular functions such as RNA degradation and lipid metabolism were also affected during the study. The broad down regulation of genes observed in our study suggested a potential role for miRNA in gene regulation. We tested candidate miRNAs, mmu-miR-16, mmu-miR-124, mmu-miR-125 and mmu-mir-21; and found that all were induced at the earliest time point, day 4. Our study is the first to report the transcriptomic response of blood cells to the internal emitter 90Sr in mouse and a possible role for microRNA in gene regulation after 90Sr exposure. The most dramatic effect was observed on gene expression related to B-cell development and RNA maintenance. These functions were affected by genes that were down regulated throughout the study, suggesting severely compromised antigen response, which may be a result of the deposition of the radioisotope proximal to the hematopoietic compartment in bone.
Building programmable routing service for sensor networks

Current routing services for sensor networks are application-specific. They are pre-configured into nodes, and thus have difficulty in adapting to different applications and network conditions. This paper describes a framework to build programmable routing services for sensor networks. This framework includes a parameter space that identifies both common and different properties among routing services. With this parameter space, different routing services can be obtained with small programming effort. A programmable routing architecture is proposed to maintain this parameter space and support energy-efficient service deployment. This paper presents implementation details of this programmable framework and shows simulation results.
Nuclear acoustic resonance in niobium metal

Abstract A nuclear acoustic resonance signal has been observed in niobium. The Δm = 2 transition is due to a pure dynamic electric quadrupole interaction. The Δm = 1 transition is due to the electric quadrupole interaction and the coupling via the dipole magnetic moment.
Inhaled Carbon Monoxide Prevents Graft-Induced Intimal Hyperplasia in Swine

Background Arteriovenous grafts often fail due to stenosis caused by venous anastomotic intimal hyperplasia (IH) and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. We examined the effects of inhaled carbon monoxide (CO), a product of heme-oxygenase-1 degradation of heme, on IH in a porcine arteriovenous graft model. Materials and methods Eighteen Yorkshire pigs were divided into three groups (N = 6/group): (1) CO 100 ppm preoperatively for 1 h; (2) CO 250 ppm preoperatively for 1 h and intraoperatively; and (3) air-treated controls. Animals underwent end-to-side placement of polytetrafluoroethylene grafts connecting the common femoral artery and vein in both groins. Intimal thickness of the venous anastomosis at 30 days was measured blinded. The effect of CO on pig VSMC proliferation was studied in cell culture using [3H]thymidine incorporation. Results Pigs in the group receiving CO 250 ppm showed significantly less IH compared to animals in the group receiving 100 ppm and the air-treated group (267.5 ± 21.4, 824 ± 145.8, and 914.8 ± 133.7 pixels, respectively, P Conclusion A single exposure to a low concentration of inhaled CO (250 ppm) confers protection against intimal proliferation of VSMCs when given perioperatively in a clinically relevant model of arteriovenous grafts. These data are the first to suggest, in a clinically relevant model, the potential role for CO in clinical applications.
Connection between dissipative and resonant conservative nonlinear oscillators

It is shown how to add dissipation to the “resonant” nonlinear oscillators studied by Ford and Lunsford in such a way that the system remains on the energy surface. In the dissipative system, the energy surface is stable in some directions and neutrally stable in other directions. The dissipative oscillators are special cases of the general type investigated by Sherman and McLaughlin. The connection between resonant conservative nonlinear oscillators and dissipative oscillators may make it easier to extend the theorem of Arnol'd to dissipative systems.
Ultrafast thin-film laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy of doped oxides

Single-shot femtosecond laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been shown to be an effective means of detecting heavy metal dopants in porous thin films. Traditional LIBS analysis of trace dopants in modern painted surfaces or TiO2 films is difficult due to the broad noisy spectra of the titanium constituent and interference due to the substrate material. Femtosecond laser pulses provide excellent ablation of the target material with little damage to the underlying substrate. In this study a Ti:sapphire femtosecond laser pulse operated at 800 and 266 nm wavelengths and an Nd:YAG nanosecond laser operated at 266 nm were used to ablate 0.15-15 μm films of TiO2 doped with varying amounts of MgO. This application shows excellent detection of Mg down to 60 ppm with little interference by the substrate material.
Luteal Membrane Binding of Prostaglandin F2α and Sensitivity of Corpora Lutea to Prostaglandin F2α-Induced Luteolysis in Pseudopregnant Rats*

Newly formed corpora lutea of many mammalian species are resistant to the luteolytic effect of exogenous prostaglandin F2cc. The affinity and capacity of prostaglandin F2cc binding by membranes of rat corpora lutea were characterized on days 4, 6, 8, and 10 of pseudopregnancy to determine whether these factors affect the different response of the corpus luteum to prostaglandin F2cc at various stages of pseudopregnancy. The average affinity ranged from 9.4 ± 1.6 nm (mean ± SE) on day 4 to 10.7 ± 1.4 nm on day 8 of pseudopregnancy. The binding capacity ranged from 0.394 ± 0.082 pmol bound/mg protein on day 4 to 0.503 ± 0.086 pmol bound/mg protein on day 6. The affinity and binding capacity of luteal membranes for prostaglandin F2cc were similar at all stages of pseudopregnancy. The resistance of the rat on day 4 of pseudopregnancy to prostaglandin F2cc-induced luteolysis does not appear to be a consequence of low affinity or capacity of prostaglandin F2cc binding by the corpora lutea. Luteal cells isolated ...
Developmental processes and the pathophysiology of mental retardation

Some of the known causes of mental retardation (MR) include genetic abnormalities, exposure to toxins, many types of infections, malnutrition, brain trauma, and even extreme postnatal neglect. The developing brain is vulnerable to these insults during all the identifiable stages of brain development. Gastrulation leads to the formation of the three germ layers, and neurulation leads to the formation of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Cells formed in these nervous systems migrate from their site of origin to their final position in the brain and periphery. They then differentiate into structures and cells with the final functional properties of nerve cells during prenatal and postnatal activity-dependent periods. All reported causes of MR also produce other types of impairments, which may include physical, neurologic, or psychiatric manifestations and disabilities. The authors suggest that if the biological basis of normal learning, memory, and adaptive behavior can be reduced to cellular events, regulation of synaptic strength would be the most fundamental basis of neural plasticity and learning. Thus, understanding conditions or events that impair or delay development of brain mechanisms for plasticity, learning, and memory is an important first step in understanding the conditions that prevent their development. This article focuses on the particular aspects of neuroembryology, differentiation, and synaptic modification that are particularly vulnerable to developmental insults that cause MR. The most effective types of behavioral and other interventions in the future may be improved by knowledge of the rules that regulate the development of brain plasticity mechanisms in experimental animals. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Suppression of inter-edge-state equilibration due to multiple scattering with impurities

We present a theoretical analysis of the effect of multiple impurity scattering on the various equilibration processes between the edge states in the integer quantum Hall effect. In the Born (single-scattering) approximation, which is valid for very low impurity concentrations, it was found that both the elastic and inelastic (phonon) scattering between the edge states are suppressed in high magnetic fields. In the presence of higher impurity concentrations, the higher-order terms in the perturbation series dominate the equilibration process. We use arguments similar to those in the variable-range-hopping theory to derive a multiple-scattering-assisted equilibration rate between neighboring edge states. The results show an {ital exponential} suppression of scattering, as compared with the Gaussian suppression in the Born approximation. We also found that the momentum-energy-conservation requirements for phonon emission are relaxed in this mechanism.
Tritrophic effects of a simple architectural mutation in pea plants

WHEN studying interactions between trophic levels, ecologiste often restrict their attention to two levels as a means of simplifying the analysis; unfortunately, this simplification can be misleading if tritrophic interactions (such as plant–herbivore–predator) cannot be understood by simply adding together pairwise interactions (plant–herbivore plus herbivore–predator, for example)1,2. We examined the significance of tritrophic interactions by asking how the morphology of the common pea (Pisum sativum) influences the population growth of pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) in the presence and in the absence of a third trophic level. We found significant interactions between the first trophic level (peas) and the third trophic level (ladybird beetles) in determining aphid population growth. Our results point out how simple genetic changes can yield morphological variants in plants that differ dramatically in their resistance to herbivores due to the effects of plant architecture on enemies of the herbivore.
The mixed alkali effect and thermodynamic state of glasses

Abstract The mixed alkali effect, a pronounced reduction in electric conductivity when two or more dissimilar alkali ions coexist, is most conspicuous under a d.c. electric field while it diminishes under high frequency. Correspondingly, low d.c. conductivity of the mixed alkali glass is accompanied by a large dielectric relaxation strength (dielectric loss and static dielectric constant). This larger dielectric relaxation strength of mixed alkali glasses compared with the corresponding single alkali glasses appears due to a negative enthalpy of mixing of two dissimilar alkali species. This fact has been experimentally confirmed. Correspondingly, the activity coefficient of one alkali component decreases drastically by the addition of a second alkali component and this behavior appears to be analogous to the pronounced decrease of a tracer diffusion coefficient when a second alkali component is added. The thermodynamic state of glasses is controlled, primarily, by the charge interactions. The apparent correlation between the thermodynamics and the transport phenomena, as well as other features of the mixed alkali effect, such as the diminishing mixed alkali effect in a high electric field, can be explained, at least qualitatively, using the electrolyte theory based upon the Coulombic interactions of charged species originally developed by Debye and Huckel.
Evaluation of balance and physical fitness in diabetic neuropathic patients

Abstract Aim The main aim was to evaluate balance and physical fitness in diabetic neuropathic patients. Methods Sixty voluntary adults of both sexes from Kutahya, Turkey, were divided into two groups: a Type 2 diabetic neuropathic group (DG), mean age 57.6±3.9 (50–65; n =30); and a nondiabetic control group (CG), mean age 55.6±6.1 (51–64; n =30). The CG was selected to match the diabetic group characteristics, such as age, body mass, and sex. Standing on dominant and nondominant leg, functional reach and physical fitness tests were used for assessment. Results Static and dynamic standings on one leg test were significantly lower in DG ( P P P Conclusion The data show that the diabetic neuropathy disturbed especially the balance on the dominant leg and decrease physical fitness. In this situation, further studies that show the difference between dominant and nondominant leg balance and new risk of falling profile in diabetic neuropathic participants are needed.
Unique Fragmentation of Singly Charged DEST Cross-Linked Peptides

It has previously been shown that when cross-linking reagent diethyl suberthioimidate (DEST) reacts with primary amines of proteins to yield amidinated residues, the primary amines retain their high basicity, and cross-linked species can be enriched by strong cation exchange. It is now demonstrated that collisional activation of singly-charged DEST cross-linked peptide ions leads to preferential cleavage at the cross-linked sites. The resulting product ions facilitate the detection and identification of cross-linked peptides.
Enhancing the utility of quantity-frequency measures of alcohol consumption with assessments of problem drinking in a population study a methodologic note☆

Although quantity-frequency measures of alcohol consumption have been successfully used in epidemiologic studies of alcohol use, other measures may enhance detection of alcohol-disease associations. We examined two measures of alcohol consumption (quantity-frequency and an item eliciting history of heavy drinking) in a population-based longitudinal study of community-dwelling elderly men (baseline n = 1155). The primary utility of the quantity-frequency measure was in separating those who never drink, current drinkers, and former drinkers. The health and functional status of former drinkers was typically poorest. When persons who had consumed alcohol in the month prior to interview were stratified by quartile of total amount of alcohol, there were few systematic differences among the strata. The screening question on heavy drinking, however, was successful in detecting persons who were at markedly increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Thus although quantity-frequency measures are analytically appealing, other measures in some circumstances may serve a supplementary role in detecting persons at risk for adverse outcomes and for understanding the effects of alcohol consumption.
Migration of glacial centers across Gondwana during Paleozoic Era

Continental glaciation, as recorded by sedimentary facies and by pavements scoured into underlying rocks, affected northern Africa at the end of the Proterozoic Era. This glaciation was followed in the Cambrian Period by a long, warmer interval without recorded ice sheets upon the Gondwana supercontinent. Strong glaciation ensued in Late Ordovician time in central northern Africa, and centers moved into then adjoining northern Brazil and on westward into southern Brazil, southern Africa, and Bolivia and into northern Argentina by the Early Silurian. From Middle Silurian time, world-wide and Gondwanan climate ameliorated until Late Devonian (Famennian) time, when glaciation again affected Brazil and perhaps parts of Africa. Glacial centers apparently waned after the late Famennian (latest Devonian) but waxed again in Andean regions and northern Brazil in Early and mid-Early Carboniferous times to begin the strong Late Paleozoic Ice Age. Many ice caps and ice sheets came and went across the wide reaches of Gondwana during the late Paleozoic, beginning on the west, culminating in southern Africa in the Late Carboniferous, continuing strongly in India and Australia in the Permian, and dying out in eastern Australia and in Antarctica in early Late Permian time. The path of ice-center migration closely follows published paleomagnetic wander paths. The record suggests that, among other terrestrial factors which cause ice ages, glaciation flourished when Gondwana lay in south polar regions and that glaciation disappeared when Gondwana glided, so that the pole lay in oceanic or coastal regions.
Disruption of RhoGDI and RhoA regulation by a Rac1 specificity switch mutant

Rho family GTPases are important regulators of the actin cytoskeleton. Activation of these proteins can be promoted by guanine nucleotide exchange factors containing Dbl and Pleckstrin homology domains resulting in membrane insertion of a Rho family member, whereas the inactive GDP-bound form is sequestered primarily in the cytoplasm, bound to the guanosine dissociation inhibitor RhoGDI. Dominant interfering variants of Rac1, but not Cdc42, inhibit β1 integrin-promoted uptake of Yersinia pseudo tuberculosis. Unexpectedly, we found that the Rac1(W56F) guanine nucleotide exchange factors specificity switch mutant blocked invasin-promoted uptake as well as Cdc42-dependent uptake of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer experiments demonstrated that Rac1(W56F) retained the ability to be loaded with GTP, bind a downstream effector, and interact with RhoGDI. Mutational analyses of intragenic suppressors and coexpression studies demonstrated that binding of the Rac1(W56F) mutant to RhoGDI appeared to play a role in the inhibition of uptake. As RhoGDI inhibits RhoA, overactivation of RhoA may account for the uptake interference caused by Rac1(W56F). Consistent with this model, a dominant interfering form of RhoA restored significant uptake in the presence of the Rac1(W56F) mutant but had no effect on another interfering Rac1 form. Furthermore, the cellular GTP-RhoA level was elevated by the presence of Rac1(W56F) mutant protein. These data are consistent with the proposition that Rac1(W56F) blocks invasin-promoted uptake by preventing RhoGDI from inactivating RhoA. We conclude that RhoGDI allows cross-talk between Rho family members that promote potentially antagonistic processes, and disruption of this cross-talk can interfere with invasin-promoted uptake.
Possible role for G-proteins in behavioral sensitization to cocaine

The role of G-proteins in behavioral sensitization to cocaine was examined by injecting pertussis toxin (PTX) into the A10 dopamine cell group. The capacity of acute cocaine to increase motor activity and dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens was significantly augmented in rats pretreated 14 days earlier with PTX. These data suggest that injection of PTX into the A10 dopamine cell group produces a long-term alteration in mesolimbic dopamine function, and implicates A10 dopamine neurons and G-proteins in the development of behavioral sensitization.
Weak flatness criteria for codimension 2 spheres in codimension 1 manifolds

Abstract The “Kiee problem” is to determine which submanifolds of Sn have the property that all their subspheres and subcells are flat. In this paper we study the related problem of determining submanifolds of Sn having all subspheres weakly flat and all subcells cellular.