cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure-based methods to enhance geospatial ontology alignment

In geospatial applications with heterogeneous classification schemes that describe related domains, an ontology-driven approach to data sharing and interoperability relies on the alignment of concepts across different ontologies. To enable scalability both in the size and the number of the ontologies involved, the alignment method should be automatic. In this paper, we propose two fully automatic alignment methods that use the structure of the ontology graphs for contextual information, thus providing the matching process with more semantics. We have tested our methods on a set of geospatial ontologies pertaining to the domain of wetlands and on four sets that belong to an ontology repository that is becoming the standard for testing ontology alignment techniques. We have compared the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed methods against two previous approaches. The effectiveness results that we have obtained with at least one of the new methods are as good or better than the results obtained with the previously proposed methods.
Continuous Dynamic Models for Traffic Indices

The dynamic behavior of traffic indices in continuous time is modeled by a linear differential equation with stochastic forcing function. The general model postulated is that of a continuous stationary autoregressive moving average process. Estimates of the parameters in the continuous model are obtained from their correspondence to parameters in a discrete time model fitted to uniformly sampled traffic data. The technique is demonstrated on a time series of aircraft concentration in a low altitude air traffic control sector.
Mass-additive modal test method for verification of constrained structural models

A method for deriving constrained or fixed-base modes and frequencies from free-free modes of a structure with mass-loaded boundaries is developed. Problems associated with design and development of test fixtures can be avoided with such an approach. The analytical methodology presented is used to assess applicability of the mass-additive method for three types of structures and to determine the accuracy of derived constrained modes and frequencies. Results show that mass loading of the boundaries enables local interface modes to be measured within a desired frequency bandwidth, thus allowing constrained modes to be derived with considerably fewer free-free modes than for unloaded boundaries. Good convergence was obtained for a simple beam and a truss-like Shuttle payload, both of which had well-spaced modes and stiff interface support structures. Slow convergence was obtained for a space station module prototype, a shell-like structure having high modal density.
Removal of Fungal Contaminants and their DNA from the Surface of Diaphorina citri (hemiptera: psyllidae) Prior to a Molecular Survey of Endosymbionts

biology (Dale & Moran 2006), and molecular sur veys to detect arthropod-associated microbes have bypassed the necessity of culturing them in vitro for identification (Darby & Welburn 2006). To date, no consistent method has been developed to eliminate microbial DNA from the external surfaces of arthropods prior to conducting molec ular surveys of endosymbionts. This is problem atic because resolving the relationships between a host and its endosymbionts can be complicated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of DNA from contaminating external microbes (Thornhill et al. 2008). A variety of techniques that may kill microbes on arthropod surfaces have been reported, including washing with ace tone (Fukatsu & Nikoh 1998), ethanol (Davidson et al. 1994; Van Borm et al. 2002), bleach (David son et al. 1994), formaldehyde (Duperchy & Zim mermann 2003), exposure to ultraviolet light (Van Borm et al. 2002), radiation (Duperchy & Zimmermann 2003) and antibiotic treatment (Duperchy & Zimmermann 2003). However, the effectiveness of these methods for eliminating DNA from external microbes so that it is not am plified in subsequent PCRs has not been evalu ated. DNA from contaminating external fungi should be eliminated, if possible, prior to deter mining if there are endosymbiotic fungi associ ated with a laboratory colony of the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae). Examples of fungal endosymbionts have been reported in association with other hemipteran insects, including aphids and plan thoppers (Noda et al. 1994; Fukatsu & Ishikawa 1995; Hongoh & Ishikawa 2000). A laboratory col ony of D. citri (Skelley & Hoy 2004) was used to evaluate a variety of solutions (Table 1) for their ability to kill surface-inhabiting fungi and to eliminate their DNA so that they could not be de tected using a high-fidelity PCR protocol. Adult D. citri in this colony support an abundance of exter nal fungal growth, primarily on the ventral por tion of their abdomens. This is due to being reared 702 Florida Entomologist 91(4) December 2008
Compassion Fatigue and the Elusive Quest for Journalistic Impact A Content and Reader-Metrics Analysis Assessing Audience Response

Influenced by behavioral research on compassion fatigue, New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof goes out of his way to find just the right person who illuminates the larger story. Rather than focus on suffering or grim statistics, Kristof seeks to move readers by reporting on people who overcome adversity and offer real solutions. Content analysis and Internet metrics are used to assess whether this kind of reporting engenders reader response. Contrary to expectations, the story-telling techniques had little apparent effect on readers’ online response while story topic and geographic proximity influenced frequency of reader comments, Facebook Likes, and digital sharing.
Legal Research: Becoming a Better Online Researcher

Online legal research is a critical skill in today's law practice. The nature of legal controversies requires legal researchers to go beyond simple searches and employ a more thorough and thoughtful search process. Written for Student Lawyer magazine, this column offers tips on becoming a better online legal researcher.
Comparing the Effects of Educational Placement on the Social Relationships of Intermediate School Students with Severe Disabilities

Two groups of intermediate school students with severe disabilities were studied across one school year. One group of students participated full time in general education classrooms; the other group was supported via special education classrooms. Using a posttest-only control group design with matched comparisons, each students social interactions, social support behaviors, and friendship networks were measured. The results indicate substantive social benefits for the general education group, relative to students who received support in special education classrooms. In particular, students in the general education group interacted more frequently with peers without disabilities, provided and received higher proportions of social support, and had larger, and more durable, networks of peers without disabilities. The findings are discussed in relation to current efforts to understand the empirical outcomes of inclusive education.
JIM marches on

E-mail is a powerful communication tool for marketers. Unfortunately, the efficacy of this tool is rapidly being eroded by spam. In response, one option now in play for legitimate marketers is to subscribe to services that charge postage for delivery of e-mail. This solution is consistent with economic theory and essentially amounts to a tax to reduce the supply of unwanted communications. However, it fails to harness the unique nature of the e-mail communication medium— namely, its “interactivity.” A solution that utilizes the interactivity of the e-mail medium, but less commonly known, is bonded senders . It involves the posting of a bond with an intermediary that is forfeited if the recipient identifies the e-mail as an unwanted communication. Given the emergence of these two distinct pricing solutions, we ask: (1) What are the essential characteristics of each pricing solution? (2) Which pricing solution is superior? and (3) Is it sustainable without regulation? Our analytical findings reveal that the bonded senders solution dominates the postage stamp solution. Specifically, it allows marketers in more categories to participate and yields greater profit to each marketer. Surprisingly, despite offering these benefits to marketers, it also results in a lower amount of unwanted communications. Finally, incorporating the notion of rational expectations, we also find that only bonded senders emerge as a solution that is self-enforcing. Our analytical findings thus give pause to pure postage-type mechanisms but encourage investments in the bonded senders mechanism.
Thyristor Commutation in DC Choppers - A Comparative Study

The typical dc chopper motor controller consists of two thyristors, two or three diode rectifiers, a commutating capacitor, and one or more commutating inductances. The major art in circuit design is selecting the most suitable configuration for the given application, particularly the location of the inductances. It is desirable to minimize the inductance in certain loops and to carefully choose the inductance in other loops. A computer-aided analysis and optimization technique has been applied to several attractive chopper circuits. It appears that inductance in series with the auxiliary thyristor favors turn-off of the main thyristor at the expense of the auxiliary thyristor and vice versa. The best arrangement has most of the commutating inductance in a path that is common to both thyristors. Where one of the thyristors has a diode connected directly across it, there is generally an optimum value of inductance which yields maximum turn-off time. If no such diode is used, the maximum turn-off time is obtained when the inductance is zero.
Effects of long-term right ventricular apical pacing on left ventricular perfusion, innervation, function and histology

AbstractObjectives. The purpose of this study was to better understand the effects of long-term right ventricular pacing on left ventricular perfusion, innervation, function and histology.Backgroun...
Carboxyl Methylation of Protein Phosphatase 2A from Xenopus Eggs Is Stimulated by cAMP and Inhibited by Okadaic Acid

Abstract Protein phosphatase 2A is the principal carboxyl methylated protein in cytoplasmic extracts derived from Xenopus eggs arrested in interphase. Levels of methylation approach stoichiometric values after 2 hr of incubation at 22°C. Rates of PP2A methylation increase by over 50% upon addition of cAMP. Methylation is inhibited by okadaic acid at concentrations that inhibit PP2A phosphatase activity.
Equivalence of on-Lattice Stochastic Chemical Kinetics with the Well-Mixed Chemical Master Equation in the Limit of Fast Diffusion

Well-mixed and lattice-based descriptions of stochastic chemical kinetics have been extensively used in the literature. Realizations of the corresponding stochastic processes are obtained by the Gillespie stochastic simulation algorithm and lattice kinetic Monte Carlo algorithms, respectively. However, the two frameworks have remained disconnected. We show the equivalence of these frameworks whereby the stochastic lattice kinetics reduces to effective well-mixed kinetics in the limit of fast diffusion. In the latter, the lattice structure appears implicitly, as the lumped rate of bimolecular reactions depends on the number of neighbors of a site on the lattice. Moreover, we propose a mapping between the stochastic propensities and the deterministic rates of the well-mixed vessel and lattice dynamics that illustrates the hierarchy of models and the key parameters that enable model reduction.
A comparison of two methods for solving the inverse scattering problem for acoustic waves in an inhomogeneous medium

Abstract A comparison is made of two methods for solving the inverse scattering problem for acoustic waves in an inhomogeneous absorbing medium. These methods were recently introduced by Colton, Kirsch and Monk and are based on considering a weighted average of the far-field data instead of the far-field data itself. The comparison is based on numerical examples for the special case of spherically stratified media.
Holographic Interferometry Applied To Analysis Of The Human Skull

Holographic nondestructive testing is used to describe local deformations of the cranio-facial structure which appear in response to focally applied force.
The Role of Mechanobiology in the Attachment of Tendon to Bone

The attachment of dissimilar materials is a major engineering challenge due to stress concentrations that arise at the interface of the disparate materials. An effective biologic solution to this problem can be seen at the attachment of the relatively compliant tendon to the relatively stiff and brittle bone. In this chapter, we review the functionally graded tissue that exists between tendon and bone. The focus of the chapter is the role of mechanobiology in the development, maintenance, and healing of the tendon-to-bone attachment; the role of mechanical stress on fetal and postnatal development and on tendon-to-bone during healing is discussed. A better understanding of mechanobiology at the insertion may help guide rehabilitation strategies and tissue engineering protocols for enhancing tendon-to-bone healing.
Water advance and oil production rate in a naturally fractured reservoir during waterflooding

New analytical models have been developed for predicting the swept area of a waterflood and for the oil production rate within a fixed pattern behind the waterfront in a naturally fractured reservoir. Models for both double- and triple-porosity reservoirs are presented. A method for incorporating a realistic fracture spacing distribution (negative-exponential distribution) into the models is also presented. The models show channeling of the waterfront through the fracture network and the differences between double- and triple-porosity reservoirs.
Image processing of tracer particle motions as applied to mixing and turbulent flow—I. The technique

Abstract Techniques of digital image processing of stereoscopic motion pictures are presented which were used to automate the tracking of neutrally buoyant tracer particles in turbulent flow. A software package is described which performed the following tasks: (1) particle image identification, (2) particle image tracking and (3) stereo pair matching of particle trajectories. Various criteria and objective functions are given which were used to accomplish the tasks.
Rayleigh-Taylor instability growth rates in targets accelerated with a laser beam smoothed by induced spatial incoherence

Growth rates of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability in foils accelerated with a laser beam smoothed by induced spatial incoherence were measured and compared with hydrodynamic code simulations. Modes with 150- and 100-\ensuremath{\mu}m wavelengths grew at predicted rates. However, no growth was experimentally observed at a 50-\ensuremath{\mu}m wavelength. Code simulations suggest that induced spatial incoherence can influence the 50-\ensuremath{\mu}m Rayleigh-Taylor mode by delaying the start of its growth.
Adaptive digital MTI detection filters

Abstract : The paper has presented an on-line adaptive procedure for adjusting a digital MTI detection filter such that clutter residue is minimized. The procedure is based upon the evaluation of the ratio of mean square values of filtered and unfiltered signals. Since ratios are involved, the technique is implicitly normalized. (Author)
The Antiproliferative Effect of Calcitriol on Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Activation of lymphocytes leads to the expression of receptors for the calcitropic hormone calcitriol [1,25(OH)2D3], and calcitriol is a potent inhibitor of interleukin– 2 (IL–2) and of lymphocyte proliferation. We used peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBM) activated in vitro with phytohemagglutinin to study 1) the relationship between 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor expression, IL–2 production, and l,25(OH)2D3–induced inhibition of PBM proliferation in connection with the cell cycle; 2) the effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on PBM activation and on the expression of activation–related molecules including the IL–2 receptor, and 3) the role of calcium in the antiproliferative effect of the hormone. 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor expression occurred when PBM entered the Gla phase of the cell cycle. The concentrationof the receptor protein reached a peak at G1b and declinedduring the S phase. 1,25(OH)2D3 inhibited cell proliferation by blocking PBM at the Gla–Glb border. The antiproliferative effect of calcitriol was not caused by hormon...
Multi-Scale Modeling of the Heart for Closed-Loop Evaluation of Pacemaker Software

Implantable cardiac pacemakers restore normal heart rhythm by delivering external electrical pacing to the heart. The pacemaker software is life-critical as the timing of the pulses determine its ability to control the heart rate. Recalls due to software issues have been on the rise with the increasing complexity of pacing algorithms. Open-loop testing remains the primary approach to evaluate the safety of pacemaker software. While this tests how the pacemaker responds to stimulus, it cannot reveal pacemaker malfunctions which drive the heart into an unsafe state over multiple cycles. The safety and efficacy of pacemaker software should be considered in closed-loop with the physical environment of the heart. Formal Methods-based Model Checking has been an effective method for mathematically verifying all possible executions of the closed-loop system against safety properties. In this work, we used Timed automata to develop a series of heart models at different abstraction levels, which capture the timing behavior of the heart. By maintaining the Timed Simulation relation between each abstraction level, properties satisfied by the abstract model also hold in the actual system. With a Counter-Example-Guided Abstraction and Refinement (CEGAR) framework we can verify pacemaker efficiently without sacrificing accuracy.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
"Analyzing How Rhetoric is Epistemic": A Reply to Steve Fuller

My point in "What Do You Mean, Rhetoric Is Epistemic" (Harpine 2004) is that unclear and inconsistent use of terms has hindered previous research on the idea that rhetoric is epistemic. I propose to clarify definitions to alleviate this problem and encourage further research into how rhetoric might be epistemic. Professor Fuller's viewpoint is that definitions are inherently problematic, and that my call for rhetoric-is-epistemic theorists to formulate their definitions more carefully would hold rhetorical theory to "illusory" standards (Fuller 2005, 72). However, I feel that his criticism of definitions overstates what his arguments demonstrate. Fuller (2005) also expresses doubts about the concept of certainty, doubts which echo points in my essay. Along the way, he offers an interesting line of reasoning that might advance the dialogue in the way that I had hoped. To an extent, Fuller seems to reach similar conclusions about the relationship between rhetoric and knowledge, albeit by a different route.
FREDHOLM DETERMINANT REPRESENTATION OF QUANTUM CORRELATION FUNCTION FOR SINE-GORDON AT SPECIAL VALUE OF COUPLING CONSTANT

Correlation functions of the Sine-Gordon model (which is equivalent to the Massive-Thirring model) are considered at the free fermion point. We derive a determinant formula for local correlation functions of the Sine-Gordon model, starting from Bethe ansatz wave function. Kernel of integral operator is trigonometric version of the one for Impenetrable Bosons.
Diesel odor and the formation of aromatic hydrocarbons during the heterogeneous combustion of pure cetane in a single-cylinder diesel engine

Experimental facilities and methods, based on combined gas-chromatographic and mass-spectrometric techniques, which can be employed for the qualitative analysis of odoriferous and carcinogenic compounds formed during the heterogeneous combustion of pure hydrocarbon fuels are described. Exhaust-gas samples from a lightly loaded, CFR diesel engine operating on a lean, pure cetane-air mixture at a compression ratio of 14 to 1 have been collected and analyzed. A number of species including saturated and unsaturated aldehydes, alcohols and acids, both homo- and heterocyclic compounds and aromatic compounds have been qualitatively identified. The significance of these results are discussed in conjunction with both the diesel-odor problem and the possible biological activity of diesel exhaust. Since commercial lubricating oil contains significant quantities of cyclic compounds, the pyrolysis and partial oxidation of any oil blow-by was investigated as a possible source of the aromatics. Additional engine experiments showed that aromatics were still present in the exhaust when the commercial oil was replaced by an oil that did not contain any cyclic compounds. The combustion products of pure cetane-air mixtures burning at atmospheric pressure, in an air-aspiring spray burner, were also found to contain aromatic hydrocarbons. Based on these experiments, it can be concluded that a large number of aromatic hydrocarbons are synthesized during the heterogeneous combustion of pure cetane-air mixtures, and that any blow-by of lubricating oil that occurs in a diesel engine enhances the production of aromatic hydrocarbons.
Beyond Recovery From Trauma: Implications for Clinical Practice and Research

This article draws implications for clinicians working with survivors of major life crises in four general areas: the relation of psychological well-being, distress, and posttraumatic growth; conceptual issues in this type of clinical work; the process of encouraging growth in clients following traumatic events; and suggestions for additional research. Posttraumatic growth can be accompanied by an increase in well-being, but distress and growth may also coexist. Positive changes can occur in several domains, but many are likely to be phenomenological. Degree of change produced by clinical intervention may be limited in scope, but there clearly are some ways in which the clinician may make growth more likely for the client. Suggestions for future research include the call for longitudinal investigations, studies of rumination and responses of the social network, and the examination of potential gender differences in posttraumatic growth.
Veterans Health Administration Transitional work experience vs. job placement in veterans with co-morbid substance use and non-psychotic psychiatric disorders.

Objective This study seeks to compare the effectiveness of Veterans Health Administration's (VHA) transitional work experience (TWE) services and a minimal but common intervention-job placement (JP) services, for veterans with co-morbid substance and psychiatric disorders. Methods We conducted a random clinical trial comparing work outcomes for 89 veterans with co-morbid psychiatric and substance use disorders (SUD) who were randomly assigned to participate in VHA TWE services with those assigned to simple JP services provided by state vocational rehabilitation professionals. Participants were enrolled at the time of application to VHA TWE services and then randomly assigned to the two treatment groups and followed for 12 months. Results VHA TWE participants were more likely to engage in paid activity, to work more total hours, to work more weeks and to earn more in total wages. The groups were not significantly different with respect to competitive employment, in terms of the percentage acquiring competitive jobs, the number of hours worked, or wages earned. Conclusions These data suggest that the primary benefit of VHA TWE services is in rapidly engaging participants in paid activity and that these services are not effective at helping dually diagnosed veterans obtain competitive employment.
Dynamics of an ”SAIQR” Influenza Model

Modifications or extensions of the classical Susceptible-Infected-Recovered (SIR) model that account for a Quarantine (Q) class have shown to be capable of supporting recurrent, that is, periodic disease outbreaks. The fact that in such outbreaks a significant proportion of individuals escape symptomatic or experience mild infections has not been explored extensively. Motivated by our interests on the transmission dynamics and evolution of influenza A in human populations, we proceed to explore the role of an asymptomatic class (A) of individuals on the long-term transmission dynamics of influenza. We focus on a Susceptible-Asymptomatic-Infectious-Quarantine-Recovered (SAIQR) model that limits the interactions of Q-individuals and assumes that A-individuals are infectious, possibly not as infectious as those with clear symptoms. The analysis is carried out taking advantage of the significant time scale differences provided by the demographic and epidemic processes involved. It is shown that SAIQR models with vital dynamics (births and deaths) support recurrent outbreaks under reasonable disease or intervention periods. Further, we show that recurrence is possible within regions of parameter space that are consistent with influenza A transmission in human populations.
Castorbean allergens in tissues of catfish reared on a diet containing castorbean pomace.

Channel catfish were reared to pan size on an experimental diet containing 50% castorbean pomace that had been detoxified by cooking during oil removal. This pomace was still highly allergenic due to the presence of heat stable antigenic proteins. Muscle tissue from catfish currently being fed castor pomace contained clinically significant amounts of active castorbean allergens, but muscle from fish that had been taken off the pomace a week earlier did not. Fish reared on allergenic castorbean pomace should be taken off the pomace diet several days before being eaten by castorbean allergic persons.
Redox Signaling via Oxidative Inactivation of PTEN Modulates Pressure-Dependent Myogenic Tone in Rat Middle Cerebral Arteries

The present study examined the level of generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and roles of inactivation of the phosphatase PTEN and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in response to an increase in intramural pressure-induced myogenic cerebral arterial constriction. Step increases in intraluminal pressure of cannulated cerebral arteries induced myogenic constriction and concomitant formation of superoxide (O2.−) and its dismutation product hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as determined by fluorescent HPLC analysis, microscopic analysis of intensity of dihydroethidium fluorescence and attenuation of pressure-induced myogenic constriction by pretreatment with the ROS scavenger 4,hydroxyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine1-oxyl (tempol) or Mito-tempol or MitoQ in the presence or absence of PEG-catalase. An increase in intraluminal pressure induced oxidation of PTEN and activation of Akt. Pharmacological inhibition of endogenous PTEN activity potentiated pressure-dependent myogenic constriction and caused a reduction in NPo of a 238 pS arterial KCa channel current and an increase in [Ca2+]i level in freshly isolated cerebral arterial muscle cells (CAMCs), responses that were attenuated by Inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway. These findings demonstrate an increase in intraluminal pressure induced increase in ROS production triggered redox-sensitive signaling mechanism emanating from the cross-talk between oxidative inactivation of PTEN and activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway that involves in the regulation of pressure-dependent myogenic cerebral arterial constriction.
Biochemical and Genetic Analyses of the Interaction between the Helicase-like and Polymerase-like Proteins of the Brome Mosaic Virus

Replication of the three positive-strand genomic RNAs of brome mosaic virus requires the activities of the helicase-like 1a and the polymerase-like 2a proteins. One hundred fifteen amino acids of the 2a N-terminus and the 1a helicase-like region of over 50 kDa are both necessary and sufficient for 1a-2a interaction. Requirement of the large size of the 1a helicase-like domain suggests that higher order structures might be necessary for the protein's interaction with 2a. To explore the structural properties of 1a, we used limited proteolysis of in vitro-translated 1a protein. Treatment of 1a and its deletion derivatives with papain or trypsin revealed that the C-terminal helicase-like segment of approximately 50-60 kDa is highly resistant under our assay conditions to proteolysis, while the N-terminus is rapidly degraded. All tested mutations in the helicase-like region that renders this region protease-sensitive have previously been found to be defective for RNA replication in vivo. To complement the in vitro studies, we examined the interaction of the 1a helicase-like domain and the 2a N-terminus in yeast using the two-hybrid system. Mutations previously known to disrupt 1a-2a interaction also prevented interaction in yeast. Furthermore, results from two-hybrid analysis suggest that the structural domain mapped in vitro is important for 1a-2a interaction. Finally, we found that the helicase-like proteins of three other tripartite RNA viruses also contain equivalently located protease-resistant domains.
Biomechanical Evaluation of Titanium, Biodegradable Plate and Screw, and Cyanoacrylate Glue Fixation Systems in Craniofacial Surgery

Choice of appropriate fixation after reduction of displaced bone fragments or advancement of osteotomized segments requires knowledge of the maximal force to which these segments can be subjected. The present study was performed to obtain a biomechanical comparison of a variety of resorbable fixatio
Quantification of phenolic acids and antioxidant activity in sweetpotato genotypes

Abstract Phenolic acid composition and antioxidant activity in roots of 14 commercially important sweetpotato genotypes were evaluated. Significant differences in total phenolics, individual phenolic acids, and antioxidant activity were found among the different sweetpotato genotypes. Total phenolic content, expressed in terms of chlorogenic acid equivalent, in different genotypes ranged from 1.4 to 4.7 mg g−1 dry weight (DW). Antioxidant activity was evaluated as Trolox equivalent, ranging from 1.3 to 4.6 mg g−1 DW. The highest total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were observed in a purple-fleshed genotype. Chlorogenic acid and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid were the predominant phenolic acids, while caffeic acid was the least abundant in most genotypes. The highest content of chlorogenic acid (422.4 μg g−1 DW) was present in a white-fleshed cultivar ‘Quarter Million’ imported from Jamaica. However, a purple-fleshed genotype had the highest amounts of 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic (485.6 μg g−1 DW), 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic (125.6 μg g−1 DW), 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic (284.4 μg g−1 DW), and caffeic (20.5 μg g−1 DW) acids.
Applying artificial neural networks: Part II. Using near infrared data to classify tobacco types and identify native grown tobacco

Classification of flue-cured and Burley tobacco types with artificial neural networks (ANNs) were studied. Burley tobacco was further classified as either grown in the USA or grown outside the USA. The input data were in the form of near infrared (NIR) spectra, each spectrum containing 19 points. The number of flue-cured and Burley samples were 654 and 959, respectively. The number of native and non-native tobacco samples were 266 and 267, respectively. The models selected for this research were a quadratic classifier, a back-propagation network and a linear network. The results of the calibration model and the true performance for classifying tobacco species were (100%, 100%), (99.38%, 99.39%) and (95.19%, 99.26%) for the quadratic classifier, back-propagation network and linear network, respectively. The identification of native tobacco and its true performance were (100%, 100%) using a quadratic classifier, (89.12%, 88.46%) using a back-propagation network and (80.68%, 79.62%) using a linear network.
Modeling maximum lipid productivity of microalgae: Review and next step

Abstract Microalgae are fast growing organisms and have the ability to accumulate lipid, which can be converted to biofuels. Here, we review specific growth rate, population productivity, and lipid productivity based on 192 publications of the marine microalgae Nannochloropsis. Specific growth rate was reported by thirty publications often using exponential growth equations, and fourteen publications stated biomass productivity. However, direct comparison among productivity estimates is impossible due to differences in calculations or omission of equations. Less than 5% of the publications directly reported lipid productivity, the key parameter for biofuels. We extracted growth data from 30 publications using Plot Digitizer software and tested best fit with exponential and logistic equations. The logistic equation often represents growth data better than the exponential one. Furthermore, we argue that maximum sustainable yield (MSY) is a more useful measure for harvest rates than specific growth rates. Interestingly, MSY displayed closer linear relationships with carrying capacity measures (r2=0.780, p
The Part Count Tool (PACT) for Concept Selection

This paper presents a part count tool that automates the consideration of manufacturing cost during the conceptual design phase by predicting part count for a particular product concept. With an approximate number of parts per product in the conceptual design phase, the designer can estimate the cost associated with the product. On the basis of the cost, the designer can make changes according to budget requirements. The part count tool will also aid in ranking the design concepts by number of components for a product. This tool utilizes existing automated concept generation algorithms to generate the design concepts. It extracts the available data from the Missouri S&T Design Repository to compute an average number of parts per component type in the repository and then calculates an average part count for new concepts. This data can subsequently be used by designers to estimate product cost. The part count tool also uses an algorithm to determine how to connect two non compatible components through the addition of mutually compatible components. While emphasis is placed on the average parts per product in evaluating designs, the overall functional requirement of the product is also considered.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Transfection with 4-hydroxynonenal-metabolizing glutathione S-transferase isozymes leads to phenotypic transformation and immortalization of adherent cells.

4-Hydroxy-2-trans-nonenal (4-HNE), one of the major end products of lipid peroxidation, has been shown to induce apoptosis in a variety of cell lines. It appears to modulate signaling processes in more than one way because it has been suggested to have a role in signaling for differentiation and proliferation. We show for the first time that incorporation of 4-HNE-metabolizing glutathione S-transferase (GST) isozyme, hGSTA4-4, into adherent cell lines HLE B-3 and CCL-75, by either cDNA transfection or microinjection of active enzyme, leads to their transformation. The dramatic phenotypic changes due to the incorporation of hGSTA4-4 include rounding of cells and anchorage-independent rapid proliferation of immortalized, rounded, and smaller cells. Incorporation of the inactive mutant of hGSTA4-4 (Y212F) in cells by either microinjection or transfection does not cause transformation, suggesting that the activity of hGSTA4-4 toward 4-HNE is required for transformation. This is further confirmed by the fact that mouse and Drosophila GST isozymes (mGSTA4-4 and DmGSTD1-1), which have high activity toward 4-HNE and subsequent depletion of 4-HNE, cause transformation whereas human GST isozymes hGSTP1-1 and hGSTA1-1, with minimal activity toward 4-HNE, do not cause transformation. In cells overexpressing active hGSTA4-4, expression of transforming growth factor β1, cyclin-dependent kinase 2, protein kinase C βII and extracellular signal regulated kinase is upregulated, whereas expression of p53 is downregulated. These studies suggest that alterations in 4-HNE homeostasis can profoundly affect cell-cycle signaling events.
EGFR mutations detected in plasma are associated with patient outcomes in erlotinib plus docetaxel-treated non-small cell lung cancer.

Purpose Activating mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are associated with enhanced response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), whereas KRAS mutations translate into poor patient outcomes. We hypothesized that analysis of plasma for EGFR and KRAS mutations from shed tumor DNA would have clinical utility. Methods An allele-specific polymerase chain reaction assay using Scorpion-amplification refractory mutation system (DxS, Ltd) was used to detect mutations in plasma DNA from patients with advanced stage NSCLC treated as second- or third-line therapy on a phase I/II trial of docetaxel plus intercalated erlotinib. Results EGFR mutations were detected in 10 of 49 patients (20%). Six (12%) had single activating mutations in EGFR, associated with improved progression-free survival (median, 18.3 months), compared with all other patients (median, 3.9 months; p = 0.008), or those with wild-type EGFR (median, 4.0 months; p = 0.012). Four of 49 patients harbored a de novo T790M resistance mutation (median progression-free survival, 3.9 months). EGFR mutational status was associated with clinical response (45 assessable, p = 0.0001); in the six patients with activating mutations, all achieved complete (33%) or partial (67%) response. All CR patients had E19del detectable in both tumor and plasma. KRAS mutations were detected in two of 49 (4%) patients, both of whom had rapid progressive disease. Conclusions Activating EGFR mutations detected in shed DNA in plasma are significantly associated with favorable outcomes in patients with advanced NSCLC receiving docetaxel plus intercalated erlotinib. The addition of docetaxel in this schedule did not diminish the efficacy of erlotinib against patients with EGFR activating mutations.
The 1989 Kiel Convention

The plans for the Convention for the revision of the Association's alphabet are proceeding well; anyone wishing to attend who has not yet sent in a preregistration form should contact me at the above address as soon as possible. Coordinators of the different interest groups have been appointed as shown on the list below. They are all preparing preliminary reports, some of which are being published or summarized in this issue of the Journal. Members of the Association who sent in a preregistration form before September 1988 should have heard from the coordinators of the groups in which they expressed an interest. Anyone else who has material that should be considered at the Convention is urged to contact the appropriate coordinator as soon as possible. A complete list of names and addresses follows this note. The more discussion we can have before the meeting, the better it will be.
The influence of stress and gonadal hormones on neuronal structure and function

This article is part of a Special Issue "SBN 2014". The brain is highly plastic, allowing us to adapt and respond to environmental and physiological challenges and experiences. In this review, we discuss the relationships among alterations in dendritic arborization, spine morphology, and behavior due to stress exposure, endogenous hormone fluctuation, or exogenous hormonal manipulation. Very few studies investigate structure-function associations directly in the same cohort of animals, and there are notable inconsistencies in evidence of structure-function relationships in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Moreover, little work has been done to probe the causal relationship between dendritic morphology and neuronal excitability, leaving only speculation about the adaptive versus maladaptive nature of experience-dependent dendritic remodeling. We propose that future studies combine electrophysiology with a circuit-level approach to better understand how dendritic structure contributes to neuronal functional properties and behavioral outcomes.
High resolution ultrasonography in the diagnosis of ulnar nerve lesions with particular reference to post-traumatic lesions and sites outside the elbow.

Abstract Objective Recent studies suggest that high resolution ultrasonography (HRU) is useful in evaluating ulnar neuropathy (UN) at the elbow. These studies do not include UN outside the elbow and lesions related to previous trauma. We investigate diagnostic utility of HRU in UN at any location of traumatic and non-traumatic etiology. Methods Patients with clinically suspected and electrophysiologically defined UN at the elbow and outside the elbow were included. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) were compared with HRU. HRU defined UN in terms of change in cross-sectional area. Results Our retrospective analysis included 46 UN. In 25 cases both NCS and HRU localised neuropathy to the elbow. In 15 where NCS was abnormal but non-localising, HRU localised the lesion in 14, 7 outside the elbow. In three of these, HRU characterised further pathology (synovial osteochondromatosis (n = 2), myositis ossificans (n = 1). Cross-sectional area of the ulnar nerve at the sulcus significantly correlated with distal NCS parameters. Conclusions HRU is of greater use than NCS in the localisation of UN both at the elbow and outside the elbow and in UN related to previous trauma. Significance HRU is useful for the localisation of ulnar neuropathy.
Rearrangement dynamics of fishbonelike Turing patterns generated by spatial periodic forcing

External forcing can greatly affect the evolution of Turing patterns in reaction-diffusion (RD) media. Here, we employ spatially periodic illumination in a photosensitive RD system to create Turing structures that are repetitive in one direction. We then study their relaxation in the absence of light. These unforced, fishbonelike configurations undergo self-reorganization and establish stationary arrangements, some of which fully exhibit, while others partially or completely lose, the symmetry of the initially imposed pattern.
Cytosine arabinoside is a potent clastogen and does not affect the repair of X-ray-induced chromosome fragments in unstimulated human lymphocytes

Abstract The metabolic inhibitor of DNA synthesis cytosine arabinoside (ara-C) is known to induce chromosome aberrations in human lymphocytes. It has been recently argued, however, that there is no unequivocal evidence that ara-C can damage chromosomes directly. Therefore, the effect of ara-C on unstimulated human lymphocytes was examined directly by means of the premature chromosome condensation technique. I In about 50% of the cells, ara-C effectively induced chromosome fragments, which did not show rejoining even after the chemical was washed out. These results suggest that a possible selection against damaged cells in their progress to mitosis could result in the low yields of ara-C-induced chromosome aberrations reported in the literature. The effect of ara-C on the repair of radiation-induced chromosome aberrations was also examined. Ara-C did not affect the rejoining of the chromosome fragments induced in unstimulated human lymphocytes by 6 Gy of X-rays.
The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System in Vascular Inflammation and Remodeling

The RAAS through its physiological effectors plays a key role in promoting and maintaining inflammation. Inflammation is an important mechanism in the development and progression of CVD such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. In addition to its main role in regulating blood pressure and its role in hypertension, RAAS has proinflammatory and profibrotic effects at cellular and molecular levels. Blocking RAAS provides beneficial effects for the treatment of cardiovascular and renal diseases. Evidence shows that inhibition of RAAS positively influences vascular remodeling thus improving CVD outcomes. The beneficial vascular effects of RAAS inhibition are likely due to decreasing vascular inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and positive effects on regeneration of endothelial progenitor cells. Inflammatory factors such as ICAM-1, VCAM-1, TNFα, IL-6, and CRP have key roles in mediating vascular inflammation and blocking RAAS negatively modulates the levels of these inflammatory molecules. Some of these inflammatory markers are clinically associated with CVD events. More studies are required to establish long-term effects of RAAS inhibition on vascular inflammation, vascular cells regeneration, and CVD clinical outcomes. This review presents important information on RAAS's role on vascular inflammation, vascular cells responses to RAAS, and inhibition of RAAS signaling in the context of vascular inflammation, vascular remodeling, and vascular inflammation-associated CVD. Nevertheless, the review also equates the need to rethink and rediscover new RAAS inhibitors.
Phosphorylated sites in substrates of intracellular protein kinases: a common feature in amino acid sequences

Examination of the primary amino acid sequences surrounding phosphorylated sites in many intracellular phosphoproteins indicated that the phosphorylated hydroxyamino acid (either serine or threonine) is, in general, surrounded by amino acids having a positively charged side chain and, more specifically, is frequently separated from a basic amino acid (either lysine or arginine) by only one amino acid. Possible reasons for this common feature are discussed.
Management of Patients with Newly Diagnosed Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Opportunities and Challenges

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a progressive and often fatal hematopoietic neoplasm characterized by the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome. This arises from a balanced translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22, creating the bcr-abl fusion gene. It is often stated that the only proven curative option is allogeneic stem cell transplantation, which is indicated for only a limited subset of patients. The Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib represented a major advance over conventional CML therapy. After imatinib treatment, > 90% of patients had a complete hematologic response, and 70%-80% had a complete cytogenetic response. With 5 years of follow-up, the data are very encouraging and exhibit a major change in the natural history of the disease. The understanding of some of the mechanisms of resistance to imatinib has led to a rapid development of new agents that might overcome this resistance. The outlook today for patients with CML is much brighter than that of a few years ago.
A case study of Time-Multiplexed Assertion Checking for post-silicon debugging

Post-silicon debugging has become the least predictable and most labor-intensive step in the modern design flow at 65nm and below. In this paper, we present a design-for-debug (DfD) technique — named Time-Multiplexed Assertion Checking (TMAC) — for post-silicon bug detection and isolation. By instantiating assertion checkers in an on-chip reconfigurable block (either an embedded FPGA block or a spare programmable core) in a time-multiplexed fashion, TMAC enables hardware implementation of a large number of assertion checkers on-chip with a trivial area overhead. In a case study of an H.264 decoder, a TMAC implementation with eighty time-multiplexed assertion checkers are compared with an ASIC implementation with and without dedicated assertion checkers. Experimental results demonstrate that, among those injected bugs that cannot be detected by a comprehensive set of testbenches for the decoder, those eighty hardware assertion checkers can successfully detect 39.4% of these hard-to-detect bugs. With TMAC, the area overhead is only 1.3%. Moreover, TMAC significantly reduces the time and effort for identifying the root causes of these detected bugs. The case study shows that, on average, the TMAC checkers reduces the bug detection latency by 87 times, and the location of the first assertion violation can help quickly localize the faulty design module.