cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Social Rank, Feeding Behavior, and Free Stall Utilization by Dairy Cattle

Abstract Behavior of 21 Holstein cows was studied in feeding and free stall areas by time-lapse photography. Photographic surveillance permitted quantitation of feeding and resting behavior. From 3,365 photographs taken at 2 min intervals during the 5 days, cows preferred specific stalls. Dominant ranking cows preferred to succeed each other (correlation = .53) and occupy adjacent stalls (correlation = .42). Location of stalls most frequently used by each cow in 2 rows of 10 was a quadratic function of social rank. Squared multiple correlations indicated dominant cows occupied stalls near the entrance in one row (.67) and near the middle in the other (.59). Mean time spent in the free stalls was 11.1 h per day. Photographs (5,190 at 1 min intervals) during 5 separate days, of the 10.4 m feed trough showed dominant cows eating when hay, fresh silage, and supplemental concentrate were fed (correlations = .40, .55, and .57). Mean time eating ranged from 2.9 to 4.7 h per day and was quadratic with social rank (squared multiple correlation = .33). Mid-ranked cows spent the least time eating. Time-lapse photography with computerized summarization showed promise as an effective tool for studying cow behavior.
Networks of persons with syphilis and at risk for syphilis in Louisiana: evidence of core transmitters.

Background and objectives Differences in sociodemographic attributes and healthcare access may explain differences in regional sexually transmitted disease rates but don't fully explain why syphilis persists disproportionately in certain populations. Goal of this study To understand the behavioral epidemiology of syphilis, we conducted a social network analysis of persons with syphilis and their contacts and developed and applied a definition of core transmitters. Study design We interviewed 10 index persons with primary or secondary untreated syphilis and 80 of their named sexual and social contacts. Results Fourteen (16%) of 90 interviewed persons met the definition of core transmitters, 9 of whom had past or current syphilis. The other interviewed persons had only moderately risky behaviors. Seventy-eight (42%) of the network sexual contacts were connected directly or indirectly to a core transmitter. Conclusion This analysis suggests that syphilis transmission is maintained by a community with a small percentage of high-risk persons centrally placed amidst a larger group with moderately risky behavior.
Rb-associated protein 46 (RbAp46) inhibits transcriptional transactivation mediated by BRCA1.

The retinoblastoma suppressor (Rb)-associated protein 46 (RbAp46) is a member of the WD-repeat protein family and a component of the histone modifying and remodeling complexes. Previously, we demonstrated that RbAp46 is a potent growth inhibitor that can suppress the transformed phenotype of tumor cells. To explore the molecular mechanisms of RbAp46 function, we used RbAp46 as a bait in a yeast two-hybrid screening and found that RbAp46 interacts specifically with the C-terminal region of BRCA1 (the BRCT domain), a domain involved in the t transactivation activity of BRCA1. Coimmunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that the interaction of RbAp46 with BRCA1 requires the first two of the four Trp-Asp (WD)-repeats of RbAp46. We also showed that expression of RbAp46 represses the transactivation activity mediated by the BRCT/Gal4 fusion protein and inhibits the transactivation of the p21 promoter mediated by the full-length BRCA1. Interestingly, the association of BRCA1 and RbAp46 is disrupted in cells treated with DNA-damaging agents. These results suggest that RbAp46 may specifically interact with BRCA1 and modulate its transactivation activity in response to DNA damage.
Kinetics of the NH reaction with H2 and reassessment of hno formation from NH + CO2, H2O

Article on kinetics of the NH reaction with H2 and reassessment of HNO formation from NH + CO2, H2O.
RTA-compliant optimized profile descents with 4-D FMS

Optimized Profile Descents (OPDs) or Continuous Descent Approaches use idle or near-idle thrust during descents to reduce fuel consumption, engine noise and carbon emissions. With Optimized Profile Descents, aircraft can descend continuously from cruise altitude to the bottom of descent or to an initial approach fix without level path segments. However, to utilize OPDs without reducing the traffic throughput around an airport, a Required Time of Arrival is usually imposed at a metering waypoint to safely merge incoming traffic. The drawback to OPDs is that, if only idle thrust is used during descent, the descent profile is a function of not only aircraft speed, aircraft weight, wind and temperature, but also aircraft platforms and engine types. Therefore, the idle descent profile can vary from one aircraft to another and from one flight to another flight at a different date. One way to eliminate the path unpredictability, while retaining most of OPD benefits, is to only use path segments with constant flight path angles during descent. Thus, the vertical descent profile is clearly defined. This paper presents an enhanced design of Optimal E* (pronounced as E-Star) that, when integrated with a Flight Management System (FMS), can construct predictable RTA-compliant OPD trajectories and provide guidance commands to the automatic flight control system to enable aircraft to arrive at the metering waypoint on time, while reducing fuel consumption. Simulation results are also presented in this paper.
A flow-partitioned deformation zone model for defect formation during friction stir welding

A friction stir welding (FSW) metalworking model is proposed which partitions flow through distinct deformation zone geometries around the pin probe and beneath the shoulder. These geometries form under the effects of the temperature field, constitutive properties, strain rate and pin tool geometry in these zones. Inadequacies in this flow are related to specific FSW defect types. An initial volume of material equal to the projected area of the pin tool probe is assumed to enter the FSW processing zone. An excess material function is presented in terms of controllable process parameters to describe flowing material added to this initial volume due to temperature and pressure conditions around the pin tool. A forcing function defines the state of applied stresses which partitions the flow through these distinct zones to fill the cavity behind the pin tool. These are equated using the equations of motion for a multi-body dynamic system. Only the concept of a flow-partitioned deformation zone model is presented in this paper. Experimental validation of the model is in progress and the results will be made available in the future.
Characterization of the Shewanella oneidensis Fur gene: roles in iron and acid tolerance response.

Iron homeostasis is a key metabolism for most organisms. In many bacterial species, coordinate regulation of iron homeostasis depends on the protein product of a Fur gene. Fur also plays roles in virulence, acid tolerance, redox-stress responses, flagella chemotaxis and metabolic pathways. We conducted physiological and transcriptomic studies to characterize Fur in Shewanella oneidensis, with regard to its roles in iron and acid tolerance response. A S. oneidensis fur deletion mutant was defective in growth under iron-abundant or acidic environment. However, it coped with iron depletion better than the wild-type strain MR-1. Further gene expression studies by microarray of the fur mutant confirmed previous findings that iron uptake genes were highly de-repressed in the mutant. Intriguingly, a large number of genes involved in energy metabolism were iron-responsive but Fur-independent, suggesting an intimate relationship of energy metabolism to iron response, but not to Fur. Further characterization of these genes in energy metabolism suggested that they might be controlled by transcriptional factor Crp, as shown by an enriched motif searching algorithm in the corresponding cluster of a gene co-expression network. This work demonstrates that S. oneidensis Fur is involved in iron acquisition and acid tolerance response. In addition, analyzing genome-wide transcriptional profiles provides useful information for the characterization of Fur and iron response in S. oneidensis.
Sexual behaviour, condom use and rates of sexually transmitted infections in HIV clinic attendees in South East London:

The aim of this study was to examine sexual behaviour, condom use and rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among attendees at a dedicated on-site STI clinic at a South London HIV centre. Data were prospectively collected by using a nurse-completed questionnaire. Ninety-eight percent of women reported one or no sexual partners in the preceding three months, whereas 57% of men who have sex with men (MSM) reported two or more partners. Only 28% of women, 53% of heterosexual men and 29% of MSM always used a condom for vaginal or anal intercourse. Positive STI diagnoses were found in 17.5% of women, 20% of heterosexual men and 49% of MSM. Twenty percent of patients who reported always using a condom and 38% of MSM reporting no sexual activity in the preceding three months had an STI. These results highlight the need for safe sex promotion and STI screening in HIV-infected patients regardless of self-reported sexual activity.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of the Flow Behavior in a Tapered Rectangular Sprue

The present study is part of a continuing effort to obtain a better understanding of the rheological behavior during the injection molding of unfilled and reinforced polymers and help improve the prediction by numerical three dimensional simulation of the process. The slightly tapered rectangular sprue of a centrally gated plaque mold was equipped with flush mounted pressure sensors to monitor the time evolution of the wall shear stress prior to entering the cavity. Two Polycarbonate with different zero-shear rate viscosities were tested at various injection speeds. Atter an initial rise, the wall shear stress in the sprue remains constant during the filling stage of the mold. The transient shear viscosity was determined from the known volumetric rate using a simplified one-dimensional flow approach and compared to the viscosity measured by traditional off-line rheometers. A finite element three-dimensional code is used to simulate the flow in the sprue with small and large width over thickness ratios. The pressures predicted are used in combination with the simplified theory to calculate the viscosity and compare the results from the experiments.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Ureterouterine and vesicoureterovaginal fistulas as a complication of cesarean section.

Vesicouterine fistulas are complications of gynecological and obstetric surgery, occurring most commonly after cesarean section.1 Ureterouterine fistulas were first reported approximately 25 years ago as a complication of cesarean section, and fewer than 30 cases have been described.2 Ureterouterine fistula after cesarean section is associated with extending a low transverse uterine incision laterally, causing subsequent damage to the ureter. To our knowledge we report the first case of ureterouterine and vesicoureterovaginal fistulas after cesarean section. CASE REPORT A 32-year-old woman presented with copious leakage of blood tinged vaginal fluid. She had undergone an emergency low transverse cesarean section 1 month earlier at 37 weeks of gestation due to fetal distress. The patient had a bladder injury at that time, which was repaired primarily. She was completely soaking 8 to 10 pads per day and 3 pads per night at presentation. The patient had no history of urological abnormalities. Excretory urography (IVP) demonstrated a vesicovaginal fistula with no ureteral fistula or obstruction (fig. 1). Preoperative cystoscopy revealed scarring on the left side of the bladder in the area of the trigone, and the left ureteral orifice was unidentifiable. An abdominal approach was planned because a left ureteral reimplant was believed to be likely. An internal-external stent was placed through the kidney and down through the ureter, and was thought to be in the bladder as demonstrated on a film of the kidneys, ureters and bladder. Intraoperative cystoscopy was carried out and showed no obvious fistula site, and the internal-external stent was not identified in the bladder. On vaginal examination the stent was seen entering the vagina through the cervical os. The left ureter, which had fistulized to the uterus, was mobilized and transected through a midline abdominal incision. Methylene blue was instilled in the bladder and the vagina was packed with gauze. Blue dye was noted on the gauze lateral to the cervix and a fistula was identified in the left vaginal fornix. The fistulous tract was then catheterized using a 0.38 guidewire. The guidewire entered the bladder through the left ureteral orifice that previously had been unidentifiable (fig. 2). The fistula tract traveling from the left ureteral orifice to the vagina was excised via an intravesical approach, the left
Body art, deviance, and American college students

Abstract This research examines the relationship between body art (tattoos and piercings) and deviance. With the increasing mainstream presence of visible tattoos and piercings among entertainers, athletes, and even in corporate boardrooms, we wonder the extent to which long-time enthusiasts and collectors regard the phenomenon as encroachment. We use sub-cultural identity theory to propose that individuals with increasing evidence of body art procurement will also report higher levels of deviant behavior in order to maintain and/or increase social distance from the mainstream. We tested this proposition by surveying 1753 American college students, asking them to report their level of body art acquisition and their history of deviance. Results indicate that respondents with four or more tattoos, seven or more body piercings, or piercings located in their nipples or genitals, were substantively and significantly more likely to report regular marijuana use, occasional use of other illegal drugs, and a history of being arrested for a crime. Less pronounced, but still significant in many cases, was an increased propensity for those with higher incidence of body art to cheat on college work, binge drink, and report having had multiple sex partners in the course of their lifetime.
Ion channel clustering enhances weak electric field detection by neutrophils: apparent roles of SKF96365-sensitive cation channels and myeloperoxidase trafficking in cellular responses

We have tested Galvanovskis and Sandblom's prediction that ion channel clustering enhances weak electric field detection by cells as well as how the elicited signals couple to metabolic alterations. Electric field application was timed to coincide with certain known intracellular chemical oscillators (phase-matched conditions). Polarized, but not spherical, neutrophils labeled with anti-K(v)1.3, FL-DHP, and anti-TRP1, but not anti-T-type Ca(2+) channels, displayed clusters at the lamellipodium. Resonance energy transfer experiments showed that these channel pairs were in close proximity. Dose-field sensitivity studies of channel blockers suggested that K(+) and Ca(2+) channels participate in field detection, as judged by enhanced oscillatory NAD(P)H amplitudes. Further studies suggested that K(+) channel blockers act by reducing the neutrophil's membrane potential. Mibefradil and SKF93635, which block T-type Ca(2+) channels and SOCs, respectively, affected field detection at appropriate doses. Microfluorometry and high-speed imaging of indo-1-labeled neutrophils was used to examine Ca(2+) signaling. Electric fields enhanced Ca(2+) spike amplitude and triggered formation of a second traveling Ca(2+) wave. Mibefradil blocked Ca(2+) spikes and waves. Although 10 microM SKF96365 mimicked mibefradil, 7 microM SKF96365 specifically inhibited electric field-induced Ca(2+) signals, suggesting that one SKF96365-senstive site is influenced by electric fields. Although cells remained morphologically polarized, ion channel clusters at the lamellipodium and electric field sensitivity were inhibited by methyl-beta-cyclodextrin. As a result of phase-matched electric field application in the presence of ion channel clusters, myeloperoxidase (MPO) was found to traffic to the cell surface. As MPO participates in high amplitude metabolic oscillations, this suggests a link between the signaling apparatus and metabolic changes. Furthermore, electric field effects could be blocked by MPO inhibition or removal while certain electric field effects were mimicked by the addition of MPO to untreated cells. Therefore, channel clustering plays an important role in electric field detection and downstream responses of morphologically polarized neutrophils. In addition to providing new mechanistic insights concerning electric field interactions with cells, our work suggests novel methods to remotely manipulate physiological pathways.
Capacity Aware Optimal Activation of Sensor Nodes Under Reproduction Distortion Measures

We consider a sensor network involving sensors that are placed in specific locations. A point phenomenon is being detected and tracked by the activated sensors. The latter collect data characterizing parameters of the phenomenon; possibly compress it and transport it to a central node. The central node processes the received data to derive an estimate of the phenomenon's parameters. It is essential that the estimate reproduced at the center reflects the parameters characterizing the phenomenon at a sufficiently high fidelity level. Our sensing stochastic process models account for distance dependent observation noise perturbations as well as location dependent correlations between observation noise components, and assume sample mean estimates to be employed at the processing center. As such, they are distinctly different than corresponding models presented in the literature. We develop computationally efficient algorithms for determining the specific set of sensors to be activated, so that a sufficiently low reproduction distortion level can be attained. Corresponding algorithms are also derived for a system that operates under communications capacity constraints. For those sensor selection problems that are NP-hard, we inroduce computationally efficient heuristic algorithms. We use our algorithms to present illustrative system performance results. We demonstrate that the activation of sensors that belong to a critical set of sensors can provide a distinct reduction in the distortion measure, while the activation of additional sensors outside such a set may not lead to further distinct estimate fidelity improvements.
The influence of certain dietary fillers on the true metabolisable energy of diets for Turkeys

1. An experiment was conducted with Large White turkey poults (0 to 3 weeks of age) to study the influence of dietary fillers on the true metabolisable energy (TME) of the diet. 2. When 25 g sand/kg was substituted for the components of a basal diet, growth was not affected and the TME value of the diet was apparently higher than that of the basal diet, but not significantly so. 3. The substitution of 50 g filler/kg (25 g sand plus 25 g grit/kg) resulted in a higher TME value than the substitution of either 25 g sand/kg or 25 g grit/kg, significantly so in the latter case. 4. Substituting 25 g cellulose/kg resulted in a decrease in TME value, but not significantly so.
Nicotinic acid in the treatment of hyperlipidaemia

Nicotinic acid has been in use as a lipid-lowering drug for five decades now. It is effective in lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoprotein (a), and in increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol. All these effects are pronounced, and at present greater increase of HDL-cholesterol cannot be obtained by any other drug. Patients with hypertriglyceridaemia/low HDL-cholesterol are the most suitable candidates for being treated with this drug. This pattern is typical for type 2 diabetic patients, for patients with metabolic syndrome, and for those with impaired glucose tolerance. From a few studies, there is evidence that nicotinic acid is effective in reducing cardiovascular events. Although overall safety is good, the unpleasant side effect of flushing, albeit not harmful, precludes many patients from taking the drug. New formulations of intermediate release or a combination with anti-flush compounds should increase the compliance with the drug.
A monometallic Rh(III) tetraphosphine complex: reductive activation of CH2Cl2 and selective meso to racemic tetraphosphine ligand isomerization.

The first Rh complex with an η4-coordinated rac-et,ph-P4 ligand [et,ph-P4 = (Et2PCH2CH2)(Ph)PCH2P(Ph)(CH2CH2PEt2)] has been synthesized by reacting [Rh(nbd)2]BF4 with meso- or rac-et,ph-P4 in dichloromethane. The reaction occurs fairly rapidly at room temperature to form [rac-RhCl2(η4-et,ph-P4)]+ in high yields, regardless of whether one starts with mixed or even pure meso-et,ph-P4 ligand. This unusual and highly selective metal assisted isomerization of the meso-et,ph-P4 ligand to its rac-et,ph-P4 disastereomer will be discussed.
A preliminary investigation of the role of logic in special class instruction

Abstract Classrooms for the mentally retarded (MR), emotionally disturbed (ED), learning disabled (LD), and average (A) were studied to ascertain which rules of formal logic teachers and students employ. The purpose was to delineate specific rules of logic; then to examine their use in classrooms at the primary, intermediate, and junior high levels and in classrooms for the MR, ED, LD, and A. Results indicated that the use of extralogical forms of reasoning was significantly greater than the use of valid, formal, logical rules. This was found to be true of teachers and students, at all levels and for all diagnostic labels. Results were analyzed for implications for further research and for classroom needs.
Cultural literacy in criminology

The cultural literacy perspective in education suggests that all cultural systems have a set of core ideas that form the basis of communication in that culture. Because of that the perspective holds that it is essential for the educational system to teach those ideas to successive generations of students to facilitate communication and to perpetuate the “shared” quality of culture. This article examines the relevance of this general perspective for education in one area of scientific inquiry. It argues that there is a specific “cultural literacy” in criminology (and by extension in all disciplines) and attempts to identify its content for criminology.
Fasting decreases triiodothyronine receptor capacity

Fasting decreases the ratio of hepatic nuclear to serum triiodothyronine (T3) by diminishing the binding capacity of nuclear T3 receptors. In combination with the lower serum T3 concentration caused by fasting, the decrease in receptor content results in a marked decrease in nuclear T3-receptor complexes. The changes in T3 receptor content and circulating T3 in fasted animals appear to be independent synergistic adaptations for caloric conservation in the fasted state. Unlike changes in hormonal level, the modification of nuclear receptor content provides a mechanism that may protect cells with a low caloric reserve independently of the metabolic status of the whole animal.
Seasonal variation of tropospheric methyl bromide concentrations: Constraints on anthropogenic input

Although removal of tropospheric methyl bromide (CH3Br) is dominated by the reaction with the seasonally varying hydroxyl (HO) radical concentration, the anticipated corresponding seasonal dependence of CH3Br, as found for other gases with major HO sinks, has been sought previously without success [WMO, 1995]. Our observations of northern hemispheric boundary layer CH3Br concentrations do reveal substantial seasonal changes. The high latitude CH3Br North/South interhemispheric concentration ratio (IHR) varies from a maximum of 1.35±0.04 (1σ) in March–April to 1.10±0.04 in September, with an equal area and seasonally (EAS) weighted average IHR of 1.21±0.03. These observations suggest northern hemispheric emissions are about 15 kilotons/year less than when an IHR of 1.3 is considered [WMO, 1995]. The observed seasonality also partially explains the differences in the IHR reported by several research groups [WMO, 1995] and places needed constraints on the magnitude and seasonality of sources and sinks of CH3Br.
Magnetic properties of Mn2SiO4 and Fe2SiO4

Abstract Manganese and iron orthosilicate are isomorphous with the mineral olivine and are antiferromagnetic at low temperatures. Susceptibility data in the paramagnetic region show Curie-Weiss law behavior ( p eff = 5.86 μ B , θ = 163°K for Mn 2 SiO 4 , and 6.03μ B , 126°K for Fe 2 SiO 4 )and two transitions occur at lower temperatures. Fe 2 SiO 4 transforms to a collinear antiferromagnet at 65°K and then to a partially canted arrangement near 23°K; for Mn 2 SiO 4 the transition temperatures are near 50 and 13°K. Theoretical calculations based on the Lyons-Kaplan and molecular field methods are in agreement with the neutron diffraction results.
Reform of foreign aid policies: The issue of inter-country allocation in Africa

Abstract The aim of this paper is to assess the inter-country allocation of foreign aid by selected donors to 18 recipients in Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA). The five country cases discussed in this paper, show that the aid environment has not been supportive of recipients' reform efforts during the 1980s. A comparison is made between International Development Agency (IDA) allocation and other donors. Cross-section and time-series regressions demonstrate a variety of considerations influencing bilateral aid. Lastly, in discussing present aid policies and coordination efforts, three options are analyzed with respect to future aid policies. It is suggested that new initiatives by IDA in its allocation criteria and aid coordination efforts can yield some progress.
Interaction of Histologic Subtype and Histologic Grade in Predicting Survival for Soft-Tissue Sarcomas

Background Histologic grade is considered the paramount prognostic factor in predicting survival for soft-tissue sarcomas (STS). Increasing data suggest that histologic type substantially impacts STS behavior. Study Design The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program was used to identify 17,364 cases of STS diagnosed between 1988 and 2004. Using death from STS as 1 of the outcomes variables, histologic types were grouped into 3 categories: favorable (survival ≥ 20% above the mean), neutral (survival within 20% of the mean), and unfavorable (survival ≥ 20% below the mean). The effect of histology on survival was analyzed stratified by tumor grade. Five-year survival was calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results Among 73 histologic types, malignant fibrous histiocytoma (24.1%); leiomyosarcoma, not otherwise specified (14.8%); sarcoma, not otherwise specified (12.8%); and myxoid liposarcoma (5.9%) were the most prevalent. Grade distribution was as follows: low, 12.6%; intermediate, 14.9%; high, 37.1%; and unknown, 35.4%. Risk of death from STS increased with increasing grade: 8.0% for low, 25.9% for intermediate, and 38.3% for high. Among low-grade tumors, risk of death from STS ranged from 4.3% for favorable types to 15.3% for unfavorable types. Among intermediate-grade tumors, risk of death from STS ranged from 6.0% for favorable types to 45.4% for unfavorable types. Among high-grade tumors, risk of death from STS ranged from 24.3% for favorable types to 58.9% for unfavorable types. Conclusions Within categories of STS grade, there are substantial differences in survival, depending on histologic type. Histologic type is an important predictor of biologic behavior in STS.
Peptide linkers for the assembly of semiconductor quantum dot bioconjugates

The use of semiconductor luminescent quantum dots for the labeling of biomolecules is rapidly expanding, however it still requires facile methods to attach functional globular proteins to biologically optimized quantum dots. Here we discuss the development of controlled variable length peptidyl linkers to attach biomolecules to poly(ethylene) glycol (PEG) coated quantum dots for both in vitro and in vivo applications. The peptides chosen, β-sheets and alpha helices are appended to polyhistidine sequences and this allows for control of the ratio of peptide bioconjugated to QD and the distance from QD to the biomolecule. Recombinant DNA engineering, bacterial peptide expression and Ni-NTA purification of histidine labeled peptides are utilized to create the linkers. Peptide length is confirmed by in vitro fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET).
Advanced titania nanostructures and composites for lithium ion battery

Owing to the increasing demand of energy and shifting to the renewable energy resources, lithium ion batteries (LIBs) have been considered as the most promising alternative and green technology for energy storage applied in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and other electric utilities. Owing to its environmental benignity, availability, and stable structure, titanium dioxide (TiO2) is one of the most attractive anode materials of LIBs with high capability, long cycling life, high safety, and low cost. However, the poor electrical conductivity and low diffusion coefficient of Li-ions in TiO2 hamper the advancement of TiO2 as anode materials of LIBs. Therefore, intensive research study has been focused on designing the nanostructures of TiO2 and its composites to reduce the diffusion length of Li-ion insertion/extraction and improve the electrical conductivity of the electrode materials. In this article, the development of TiO2 and its composites in nano-scales including fabrication, characterization of TiO2 nanomaterials, TiO2/carbon composite, and TiO2/metal oxide composites to improve their properties (capacity, cycling performance, and energy density) for LIBs are reviewed. Meanwhile, the mechanisms for influences of the structure, surface morphology, and additives to TiO2 composites on the related properties of TiO2 and TiO2 composites to LIBs are discussed. The new directions of research on this field are proposed.
Eukaryotic transcription: what does it mean for a gene to be 'on'?

Until recently, transcription could only be observed by measuring mRNA production of cell populations, thus obscuring the kinetics at the level of individual transcription events. A new study now shows that eukaryotic transcription, visualised in individual living cells, occurs in bursts — much as it does in prokaryotes.
The Role of Clopidogrel in Revascularized and Nonrevascularized Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes

Despite many recent advancements in the treatment of coronary heart disease, it continues to be an important source of patient morbidity and mortality as well as a significant source of healthcare-related expenditures. Clopidogrel has become an integral part of the management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and, consequently, has become one of the world's best selling drugs. Numerous trials have demonstrated the clinical efficacy of clopidogrel in revascularized and nonrevascularized ACS including unstable angina as well as non-ST elevation and ST-elevation myocardial infarction. As a result of these trials, the use of clopidogrel has been incorporated into the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines. Additionally, numerous analyses have proven clopidogrel to be highly cost effective. However, clopidogrel remains underutilized and guideline adherence remains inadequate despite the robust clinical data and guidelines. Institution of disease-management programs and quality-improvement initiatives appear to be an excellent strategy to promote guideline adherence and appropriate use of clopidogrel.
Change in blood-brain barrier permeability during pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis treatment.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a frequent presentation of type I diabetes in children, occurring with an incidence of 15% to 70% worldwide and approximately 25% in the United States (1, 2). DKA also occurs in children with known diabetes with acute illness or poor adherence to the recommended diabetes management. Cerebral edema (CE) is a rare but devastating complication of pediatric DKA, occurring in <1% of cases. With a suggested mortality rate of 20% to 50%, CE represents the leading cause of death in pediatric type 1 diabetes and leaves significant neurologic morbidity in 35% to 40% of survivors (3–7). However, the etiology of CE and the strategies to prevent this complication remain unknown. Investigations into the pathophysiology of CE in pediatric DKA suggest both cytotoxic and vasogenic pathways (6 – 8). A large retrospective case– control study comparing clinical features of children with DKA with and without CE suggested hyperventilation, elevated blood urea nitrogen, and treatment with bicarbonate were associated with a higher incidence of CE with increases in relative risk as high as 4.2 for the individual risk factors (6). The authors concluded that dehydration and cerebral ischemia cause cytotoxic injury and thus the observed CE. Yet, despite the epidemiologic data associating hypocapnia with clinical CE, markers of cerebral ischemia are not elevated during DKA treatment (6). Alternatively, proponents of a vasogenic mechanism of CE formation note that normal cerebral blood flow velocities have been demonstrated despite hypocapnia in DKA, demonstrating relative cerebral hyperemia and that cerebral autoregulation is abnormal (7). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations of children acutely ill with DKA show a decrease in apparent diffusion coefficient from initial to after recovery in most brain areas and shorter mean transit times, both suggesting a vasogenic process, as the predominant mechanism of edema formation rather than osmotic cellular swelling (8). The etiology of DKA-related CE is likely multifactorial and not simply the result of either cerebral oligemia (low cerebral blood flow) or cerebral hyperemia (high cerebral blood flow) alone, but rather the result of an interplay of complex pathophysiological processes involving the brain (9 –13). The formation of vasogenic edema may have several additive components such that only a small proportion of patients with DKA progresses to clinical CE. We reasoned that vasogenic edema would be worsened when blood– brain barrier (BBB) integrity was compromised. Although microvascular complications are well described in diabetes and BBB dysfunction and increased BBB permeability lead to CE in animal studies (9), no human studies characterize the BBB in DKA. We hypothesized that BBB permeability is high early in the course of DKA. The aim of this study, therefore, was to examine BBB permeability, during illness and recovery, as an indicator of BBB integrity in DKA.
The precordial electrocardiogram

Abstract Using a method which makes it possible to obtain electrocardiograms that represent the potential variations of a single electrode, a study of thirty normal subjects was carried out. The three standard leads and nine special leads were each taken simultaneously with Lead I. Three of the special leads recorded the potential variations of the right arm, left arm, and left leg, respectively; the others recorded the potential variations of a series of six precordial points. The special curves were taken in such a way that negativity of the exploring electrode, placed upon one of the extremities or upon the precordium, produced an upward deflection in the completed record. It is, however, pointed out that several advantages might be gained by making the connections in the opposite way. For this reason, and to avoid introducing a new nomenclature, our special leads have been labelled as if the direction of the deflections were reversed. In precordial leads the QRS group may normally show three distinct apices, which for convenience in description may be called "Q," "R," and "S." The R peak, which represents a positive variation in the potential of the exploring electrode and is therefore inverted in our records, is always present. This peak marks the beginning of a large and rapid excursion of the string which corresponds to the intrinsic deflection of direct leads from the ventricular surface. In leads from the right side of the precordium R is smaller and, on the average, reaches its apex about 0.02 second earlier than in leads from the left side. This indicates that, as a whole, the epicardial surface of the ventral wall of the right ventricle is activated earlier than the corresponding surface of the left. In our records Q and S are both summits. The former is always small in normal subjects and occurs only in leads from the left side of the precordium. The latter is larger on the right side of the precordium than on the left where it may be absent. When the exploring electrode is placed at or to the left of the sternal edge, its potential is invariably positive during the inscription of the T deflection. When the exploring electrode is placed to the right of the midline, the direction of T is variable. The leads which represent the potential variations of the extremities are related both to the standard leads and to precordial leads and are useful in comparing the one with the other. When the standard leads are of the normal type, the left leg curve usually resembles those obtained from the left side of the precordium, and the deflections of the left arm curve are small.
An ultra-compact, untrimmed CMOS bandgap reference with 3σ inaccuracy of +0.64% in 16nm FinFET

An ultra-compact sub-1V CMOS bandgap reference circuit is presented. To reduce the chip area the proposed bandgap is realized with 40 stage stack-gate, which adopts a novel layout floorplan without any area penalty. This paper describes two bandgap circuits and are both fabricated in TSMC 16nm FinFET process. The first bandgap aims at applications requiring small-area (area 0.0023 mm2) that achieves medium accuracy (3σ VBG 1.67%) without trimming. The second bandgap aims at high-accuracy applications (area 0.013 mm2) that achieve 3σ VBG 0.64% without trimming. Both bandgap circuits have good TC performance less than 35ppm/°C between −40°C to 125°C. We claim to have the smallest chip area and highest accuracy when compared to the present state-of-the-art untrimmed CMOS bandgap circuits.
Relative refractoriness in visual information processing

Pulse-interval distributions are obtained for a counting system in which there is a gradual, rather than abrupt, increase in excitability following the registration of a pulse (relative refractoriness). The results are applicable to systems in which Poisson counting would be observed in the absence of such effects, and in which the memory reaches back at most one pulse. Choosing a particular functional form for the recovery function, the theory fits the experimentally measured distribution for the maintained discharge in the cat's retinal ganglion cell. It is also consistent with the notion that Weber's Law emerges from refractoriness in the visual system, as first proposed by van der Velden.
Buoyancy-forced circulations in shallow marginal seas

The properties of water mass transformation and the thermohaline circulation in shallow marginal seas with topography and subject to surface cooling are discussed in the context of an eddy-resolving primitive equation model and an analytic planetary geostrophic model. A unique and important aspect of the model configuration is that the geostrophic contours, or characteristics of the system, extend from a region where temperature is restored toward a uniform value, providing a source of heat, through the cooling region. This removes a degree of symmetry that has often been imposed in previous studies of deep convection. The heat loss within the marginal sea is balanced by lateral advection from the restoring region. The planetary geostrophic model shows that the basic temperature distribution can be well predicted by integrating along geostrophic contours from their entry into the marginal sea to their exit. Scaling estimates for the exchange rate and density of the waters formed within the marginal sea are derived and compare well with a series of numerical model calculations. In contrast to many previous buoyancy-forced deep convection problems, basin-scale cooling is balanced mainly by the mean flow, with mesoscale eddies serving primarily to restratify locally but not to provide a net heat flux to balance cooling. However, eddy fluxes and the mean flow are locally of comparable importance for cases with a localized patch of surface cooling.
Specific stimulation of α2-6 sialyltransferase activity by a novel cytosolic factor from rat colon

A factor present in the 100 000 g supernatant from the homogenate of rat colon stimulated the activity of purified GaIβ1-4GlcNAc α2,6 sialyltransferase [α2-6ST(N)] from rat liver and α2-6ST(N) from either liver microsomes or Golgi membrane. The stimulation of α2-6ST(N) activity by the colon factor using protein acceptors was about four-fold and highly reproducible when the reaction product of the α2-6ST(N) was assayed by either precipitation or affinity chromatography. In contrast, the colon factor did not stimulate the GaIβ1-4GlcNAc α2,3 sialyltransferase [α2-3ST (N)], from rat jejunum microsomes or purified Galβ1-3GalNAc α2,3 sialyltransferase [α2-3ST (O)] from porcine liver, or purified β1,4 galactosyltransferase (GT) from bovine milk. In addition to rat colon, the 100 000 g supernatant from the homogenates of rat brain and kidney also stimulated the α2-6ST(N) activity. The stimulation of α2-6ST(N) by the colon factor resulted in a decrease in the Km (by about two-fold) and an increase in Vmax (about 2- to 3-fold) for desialylated α1 acid glycoprotein and CMP-[14C]N-acetylneuraminic acid. The stimulation of α2-6ST(N) activity by the colon factor was temperature dependent, protease sensitive and was inhibited by CTP, but did not need the presence of either metal ions or detergent. The cytosolic factor was partially purified by ion-exchange chromatography with the retention of the activator activity in the peaks containing low molecular weight proteins, but the activity was lost on attempts to further purification. A specific marked stimulation of the α2-6ST(N) activity by cytosolic factors in certain tissues might suggest a physiological role for these factors in the regulation of α2-6ST(N) activity.
Artifacts in adhesion force images obtained by force curve mapping

We applied force curve mapping to chromosomes. Two types of artifacts were observed in the adhesion force images thus obtained. Location shifting between the adhesion and topographic images and deformation of the measured adhesive structure were seen. These artifacts are explained by theoretical analysis to be the result of cantilever tip sliding due to cantilever deflection during the adhesion force measurements. Analysis also showed that this tip sliding caused a small, highly adhesive region to escape measurement. The artifacts observed are not small enough to be negligible for molecular-size applications, and therefore, possible solutions to eliminate them are discussed.
Long distance wave propagation through rain at high millimeter-wave frequencies

Monte Carlo simulations are performed numerically to characterize the behavior of both the forward and backward scattered fields for a millimeter source different rain media. Especial attention is given to long-distance wave propagation in such media. Numerical simulations are performed at high millimeter-wave frequencies using distorted Born approximation in conjunction with single scattering for rain droplets for a narrow beam radar whereby both the radar within the rain medium.
Algebraic soft-decision decoding of Reed-Solomon codes

A polynomial-time soft-decision decoding algorithm for Reed-Solomon codes is developed. This list-decoding algorithm is algebraic in nature and builds upon the interpolation procedure proposed by Guruswami and Sudan(see ibid., vol.45, p.1757-67, Sept. 1999) for hard-decision decoding. Algebraic soft-decision decoding is achieved by means of converting the probabilistic reliability information into a set of interpolation points, along with their multiplicities. The proposed conversion procedure is shown to be asymptotically optimal for a certain probabilistic model. The resulting soft-decoding algorithm significantly outperforms both the Guruswami-Sudan decoding and the generalized minimum distance (GMD) decoding of Reed-Solomon codes, while maintaining a complexity that is polynomial in the length of the code. Asymptotic analysis for alarge number of interpolation points is presented, leading to a geo- metric characterization of the decoding regions of the proposed algorithm. It is then shown that the asymptotic performance can be approached as closely as desired with a list size that does not depend on the length of the code.
Human Supervisory Performance in Flexible Manufacturing Systems

The Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) integrates humans, computers, robots, and computerized machines in order to meet system goals. The objective of this paper is to explore both the optimal allocation of tasks between human supervisor and computers and the optimal number of machines which a supervisor should control in an FMS. The hypotheses are proposed that there is an interaction effect between the number of machines and the task allocation level and that there exists an optimal level of number of machines for the operator to monitor. These hypotheses were tested in a statistically balanced experimental design using 30 subjects with three independent variables: number of machines (5 levels–4, 8, 12, 16, or 20 machines), task allocation (2 levels–high or low), and sequence of task presentation (2 levels). Physiological measures (EKG and respiratory rate) and two subjective stress questionnaires were used as indices of the arousal level. The results reveal that the Inverted-U function for response ti...
Characterization of two hydroxytrichloropicolinic acids: application of the one-bond chlorine-isotope effect in 13C NMR.

The structures of 4-hydroxy-3,5,6-trichloropyridine-2-carboxylic acid (1a) and 6-hydroxy-3,4,5-trichloro-2-carboxylic acid (1b) were verified by the NMR analysis of their corresponding methylated and decarboxylated derivatives 2,3,5-trichloro-4-methoxypyridine (5) and 3,4,5-trichloro-2-methoxypyridine (8), respectively. The 6-hydroxy isomer (1a) was found to be in equilibrium with its pyridinone tautomer as evidenced by the formation of significant amounts of 3,4,5-trichloro-1-methyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridine-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester (6b) on exhaustive methylation. The one-bond chlorine-isotope effect was used and shown to be an effective tool for the identification of chlorinated carbons in 13C NMR spectra providing an additional tool for solving structural problems in chlorinated compounds. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ethnography of Memory: An American Anthropologist's Family Story of Refuge from Nazism

Exile:. Memoir of 1939. Bronka Schneider. Erika Bourguignon and Barbara Hill Rigney. eds. Columbus: Ohio State University Press, 1998. 132 pp.
New cost function for blind estimation of M-PSK signals

The constant modulus algorithm (CMA) is very efficient in equalizing a signal with the constant modulus property. It seeks to minimize the dispersion of the amplitude of the equalizer output about a dispersion constant. However, a modulated signal is usually represented by not only its amplitude, but also its phase. Both of them may exhibit certain characteristics. We carefully examine the M-PSK modulated signal constellation and explore its properties in the equalization context. By combining the dispersion of both the amplitude and phase value in one cost function, new criteria for blind equalization are developed. Simulation results are presented to compare the proposed method with the CMA algorithm in terms of the intersymbol interference and bit error probability.