cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
cDNA cloning, characterization, and tissue-specific expression of human xanthine dehydrogenase/xanthine oxidase.

Abstract We isolated cDNAs encoding xanthine dehydrogenase (XD; xanthine:NAD+ oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.204) from a human liver cDNA library. The complete nucleotide sequence of human XD was determined; the deduced amino acid sequence encoded a protein of 1336 amino acid residues of M(r) 147,782. Human XD possessed many of the signature sequences typical of XDs from flies and rodents, including an unusual cysteine distribution, a potential 2Fe/2S binding site, and a putative molybdopterin cofactor binding domain. Analysis of potential NAD binding sites suggested a simple hypothesis for the conversion of human XD into the oxygen metabolite forming xanthine oxidase (XO; xanthine:oxygen oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.3.22). Using a human XD complementary RNA hybridization probe, we found a 5100-base RNA in human liver by RNA blot-hybridization analysis. This RNA exhibited tissue-specific distribution that may be pertinent to XD- and XO-mediated oxygen radical injury in ischemia/reperfusion and inflammation. A second 4500-base RNA was detected in some tissues and may arise through differential transcription termination.
A Numerical Investigation of Premixed Combustion in Wave Rotors

Wave rotor cycles that utilize premixed combustion processes within the passages are examined numerically using a one-dimensional CFD-based simulation. Internal-combustion wave rotors are envisioned for use as pressure-gain combustors in gas turbine engines. The simulation methodology is described, including a presentation of the assumed governing equations for the flow and reaction in the channels, the numerical integration method used, and the modeling of external components such as recirculation ducts. A number of cycle simulations are then presented that illustrate both turbulent-deflagration and detonation modes of combustion. Estimates of performance and rotor wall temperatures for the various cycles are made, and the advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed.
Identifying Root Causes of Construction Accidents

Construction accident investigation techniques and reporting systems identify what type of accidents occur and how they occurred. Unfortunately, they do not properly address why the accident occurred by identifying possible root causes, which is only possible by complementing these techniques with theories of accident causation and theories of human error. The uniqueness of the construction industry dictates the need to tailor many of the contemporary accident causation models and human error theories. This paper presents an accident root causes tracing model (ARCTM) tailored to the needs of the construction industry. ARCTM proposes that accidents occur due to three root causes: (1) Failing to identify an unsafe condition that existed before an activity was started or that developed after an activity was started; (2) deciding to proceed with a work activity after the worker identifies an existing unsafe condition; and (3) deciding to act unsafe regardless of initial conditions of the work environment. In ...
The relative magnitude of the dipole moments of the lowest electronic states of some benzaldehyde derivatives

Abstract The orbital character of the lowest triplet state of some benzaldehyde derivatives in host crystals is revealed by observing the phosphorescence spectrum following selective excitation of the Stark components associated with the lowest singlet state.
Inter-dimensional fuzzy clustering

In this paper, we present our research on detecting clusters for multi-dimensional data using fuzzy concepts. Cluster analysis is an important sub-field in data mining. Many algorithms have been designed to detect clusters. However, it is difficult to analyze the inter-relationship among different dimensions. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to analyze and quantify the inter-relationship among correlated dimensions using the Fuzzy concept. A fuzzy concept is a concept of which the content, value, or boundaries of application can vary according to context or conditions, instead of being fixed once and for all. We apply the Fuzzy concept to help improve the clustering process.
Effect of chronic ingestion of DDT on physiological and biochemical aspects of essential fatty acid deficiency

Male weanling rats were fed semipurified diets with and without essential fatty acid (EFA) and DDT (150 ppm) for 14 weeks to determine the effects of the pesticide on physiological and biochemical aspects of EFA deficiency (EFAD). DDT did not affect EFAD-induced reduction in growth rate or final body weight, nor did the pesticide affect EFAD-induced changes in feed efficiency or skin dermatitis. The pesticide did increase liver/body mass ratios, but did not interact with EFAD, which also increased this ratio. The pesticide produced complex changes in total fatty acid composition of liver and tail skin: liver levels of 18∶0, 18∶2 and 20∶3ω9 were increased, whereas levels of 12∶0, 14∶0 and 16∶0 were decreased. In both tissues, DDT interacted with EFA to increase 18∶2 levels. DDT did not change the total fatty acid 20∶3ω9/20∶4ω6 ratio in either tissue. In this study, although DDT did not exacerbate the physiological aspects of EFAD, DDT-induced changes in fatty acid composition of liver and tail skin indicated that 150 ppm DDT in the diets did alter lipid metabolism of the rats in an unexplained manner.
Far Ultra-Violet Absorption Spectra of Hydrogen-bonded Methanol

MANY examples of changes in ultra-violet absorption spectra attributable to hydrogen bonding have been reported and summarized by Ito1. However, in few of these cases has the change in absorptivity been as pronounced as in the infra-red O–H stretching vibrations. The reason for this is probably due to the fact that the transitions responsible for the ultra-violet absorption have not been localized in that portion of the molecule most directly affected by the hydrogen bond. In this communication attention is directed to ultra-violet absorption bands of alcohols that vary drastically with concentration and probably arise from excitation of lone-pair electrons on an oxygen atom acting as a proton acceptor2.
Multivariate Spatial Analysis of Climate Change Projections

The goal of this work is to characterize the annual temperature for regional climate models. Of interest for impacts studies, these profiles and the potential change in these profiles are a new way to describe climate change and the inherent uncertainty. To that end, we propose a Bayesian hierarchical spatial model to simultaneously model the temperature profile for the four seasons of the year, current and future. These profiles are then analyzed focusing on understanding how they change over time, how they vary spatially, and how they vary between five different regional climate models. The results show that for temperature, the regional models have different profile shapes depending on a number of factors including spatial location, driving climate model, and regional climate model. This article has supplementary material online.
Geotechnical structures: investigation of drilled shafts in highly expansive soils

AbstractConstruction over extremely expansive soils raises the risk of structural foundation failure and potential failure to the building itself. This is due to shrinkage and swell characteristics of expansive soils. This works presents an extensive case study of a distressed building built on drilled piers and expansive soil, and describes innovative practical ideas that can be used in the renovation of its foundation. The building is located west of San Antonio, Texas, USA. This building has experienced significant settlements and differential building movement resulting in widespread building distress. The following foundation based structural distresses were found in the building: 1) vertical movements of more than 300 mm, 2) bearing surface had completely spalled away and the beams were supported solely by bent and corroded anchor bolts which were not well confined in the surrounding concrete, 3) the beam rotations and lateral movement caused the steel stub columns supporting the floor framing to ti...
Tcf proteins are deeply rooted in skin.

Adult mammalian tissues are maintained by multipotent stem cells, many of which are highly responsive to soluble Wnt proteins. A new study reports the requirement of two Tcf family members, Tcf3 and Tcf4, in the development and maintenance of epithelial stem cells in skin through Wnt-dependent and -independent processes.
Increasing Pile Density in Electrostatic Flocking by Introducing a Guiding Electrode

The physical performance of flocked fabrics increases greatly as the number of fibers flocked per unit area increases. With current electrostatic flocking techniques, the greatest pile density that has been achieved contains only about 23 percent of the maximum theoretically possible in a random impingement process. By inserting a third electrode, the strength of the electric field in the lower part of the flocking zone can be increased without causing a corona discharge. As a result the added electrode directs the fibers more effectively onto the substrate so as to increase the flocking density. In the experiments reported here, the flock density was increased by an average of 18.6 percent, ranging from 7.1 percent to 38 percent.
Gubernatorial popularity in three states: A preliminary model

Abstract This article develops and tests a model of gubernatorial popularity. Using data from three state polls in California, Iowa and Minnesota, we examine the relative importance of state-level and national-level political and economic developments for approval ratings of governors in these states. We also investigate the degree to which governors are held accountable for the performance of their party when it controls the White House. We demonstrate that the popularity of governors fluctuates directly with the president's popularity and the performance of the economy under the president's stewardship. The evidence of the relative impact of state and national level economic indicators on gubernatorial approval is mixed and in California only there is evidence of a “Honeymoon” effect.
Effect of Water Treatment and Enzyme Supplementation on the Metabolizable Energy of Barley

Abstract NUTRITIONAL value of diets containing Western barley for poultry is improved by crude enzyme supplements and water-treatment of the barley (Jensen et al., 1957; Fry et al., 1957, 1958; Arscott, 1958, Dobson and Anderson, 1958; Wharton et al., 1958; Berg, 1959). The improved growth and feed utilization observed would suggest a substantial increase in utilization of energy in barley by young chicks. Therefore, a study was made to determine the effect of water-treatment and enzyme supplementation of barley on the metabolizable energy (ME) for chicks. EXPERIMENTAL Procedure for determination of ME was essentially the same as that described by Hill and Anderson (1958). The basal diet used in the four experiments is in Table 1. Components of the diets are expressed on moisture free basis. Dietary modifications were accomplished by substituting the test materials at levels of 40% for equal amounts of glucose monohydrate on a dry matter basis. Chromic …
Response to Letter Regarding Article, “Relative Contributions of Sympathetic, Cholinergic, and Myogenic Mechanisms to Cerebral Autoregulation”

We thank Dr Shang1 for his interest in our study.2 We assessed cerebral autoregulation based on the relation between fluctuations in arterial pressure and those in middle cerebral artery blood flow before and after pharmacological blockade of 3 proposed mechanisms. The data suggested that α-adrenergic, cholinergic, and myogenic mechanisms collectively accounted for 62% of the relation between pressure and cerebral blood flow. However, implicit in our approach was the assumption that middle cerebral artery blood flow responses encompass the entirety of autoregulation across the cerebrovascular bed within the middle cerebral artery territory. In his letter, Dr Shang suggests that this assumption may be in error. In particular, he points out that regulation of the cerebral vasculature is segmental. First, there are fundamental …
Deuterium uptake in titanium thin films: t ssc00621 the effect of oxide, and the metal (Ti and Fe) overlayers

Abstract Titanium thin films prepared in UHV were reacted with deuterium (PD2 〈1 × 10−5 Torr) to various loadings, as determined by microgravimetry using a quartz crystal microbalance. The kinetics of deuterium absorption favor a mechanism in which an α-phase surface deuteride forms on the film during the early stages of the reaction, resulting in a constant rate of deuterium uptake during most of the reaction. Surface characterization by AES and ELS, however, demonstrated spectral changes which were dependent on the bulk film stoichiometry. Electron-beam decomposition of the surface deuteride during AES analysis is postulated to explain this results. Oxidation of the titanium film surface caused a decrease in the deuterium absorption rate, completely inhibiting the reaction when oxide of thickness 20 A or greater were formed. Fresh titanium layers on top of the oxide renewed the ability of the Ti film to take up D2 at the previous rate. Iron adlayers were found to accelerate the D2 absorption rate if Ti films, or to likewise reactive oxidized Ti surfaces.
Completely steroid-free immunosuppression in liver transplantation: a randomized study.

Introduction Corticosteroids (CS) have been standard immunosuppression to prevent and treat rejection. However, CS are associated with increased risk of infection, obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and accelerated hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence post-orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). This study assesses the safety and efficacy of CS-free immunosuppressive regimen in adult OLT. Methods A two-yr, prospective, randomized study of CS with delayed withdrawal (CS) or CS-free regimen with basiliximab, tacrolimus, and enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS) was performed in 39 patients (CS=20; CS-free=19). CS group received intra-operative methylprednisolone weaned by six months. HCV patients had HCV PCR pre-OLT and 0.5, one, three, and six months post-OLT. Protocol liver biopsies were performed at OLT, 2 and 24 wk post-OLT or when indicated. Results Rejection occurred in two patients. Patient survival at one yr (100% vs. 95%), three yr (85% vs. 63%), and five yr (80% vs. 63%) post-OLT were similar between CS and CS-free group, respectively. Death-censored graft survival at one yr (100% vs. 95%), three yr (85% vs. 63%), and five yr (75% vs. 63%) were also similar. The risk of new-onset DM, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and weight gain was similar between groups. Conclusion CS avoidance with basiliximab, calcineurin inhibitor, and EC-MPS is safe and effective as CS- containing immunosuppression in adult OLT.
Muscle growth and exercise

This paper first reviews muscle growth and then considers the influence of exercise in growth. Knowledge about how muscle cells grow and some factors that may influence the growth pattern are discussed first since these effects must be considered before the influence of exercise becomes clear. Growth of muscle can occur in three ways: (1) by an increase in muscle cell numbers, (2) by an increase in muscle fiber diameter, and (3) by an increase in fiber length. All three of these mechanisms are involved in muscle growth. However, growth in cell numbers is limited to the prenatal and immediately postnatal period, with the animals and man being born with or soon reaching their full complement of muscle cells. Thus, growth occurs by either hypertrophy of the existing muscle fibers by adding additional myofibrils to increase the muscle mass or by adding new sarcomeres to the ends of the existing muscle fibers to increase their length. Both of these mechanisms occur during the growth process. Growth in the girth of the muscle fibers appears to take place by splitting of the myofibrils. This may be stimulated by development of stress creating an unequal pressure with splitting at the Z-band and development of additional SR and T-tubule systems. This adds to the diameter or girth of myofibers without any hyperplasia. The growth in length occurs at either end of the fibers and results in addition of new sarcomeres. In both cases, new myofibrillar protein must be synthesized and deposited in the muscle cells. It is suggested that adaptation by adding or removing sarcomeres is physiologically determined by the degree of force a muscle can generate that is in turn dependent on the degree of overlap of the thick and thin filaments. Thus, the amount of tension would control the number of in-series sarcomeres in a single muscle fiber. Nutrition is also known to play an important role in muscle and was discussed from the standpoint of the effects of nutritional adequacy and restriction. Although a nutritionally balanced and calorically adequate diet is required to achieve optimum muscle growth, it may be less efficient in terms of protein deposition than a moderately restricted diet. Muscle and bone deposition, however, can be limited on severely restricting the dietary intake. Although fat deposition is the first tissue to suffer on a severely restricted diet, muscle and bone follow next with the nervous system, brain and eyes being the last systems to be affected.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Renal cryotherapy: pro.

l S w he clinical profile of renal tumors is undergoing a downward stage migration, resulting in mproved patient outcomes.1 This has been due to everal factors. Widespread use of noninvasive imging techniques has increased the incidental deection of small, asymptomatic renal tumors by aproximately 60% in recent years.2 Renal cell arcinoma (RCC) commonly occurs in patients 70 ears of age or older, some of whom have signifiant medical comorbidities. Although difficult to redict on an individual patient basis, a significant roportion of small renal tumors either grow at a low rate (0.22 to 0.54 cm/yr) or not at all.3 Aproximately 20% to 35% of small renal tumors turn ut to be benign or to have low malignant potential n final pathologic examination. Finally, it is clear hat not all RCCs are alike, that RCCs are, in fact, a amily of heterogeneous neoplasms, with varied ncologic potential and prognosis. Because of the bove facts, the management options for the small enal mass have varied from observation at one xtreme to radical nephrectomy at the other, with a ecent trend toward nephron-sparing surgery and inimally invasive treatment alternatives. Within he academic, as well as the practicing, urologic ommunity, intense interest currently exists in inimally invasive probe-ablative treatment alteratives, such as cryotherapy.
Platelets to hemostasis and beyond.

Platelets support the mobilization and migration of myeloid cells to distant sites undergoing active angiogenesis. Thus, platelet communication with the bone marrow facilitates a growing tumor's insatiable appetite for nutrients. The relevance of myeloid cells (bone marrow–derived cells or BMDCs
Instrumented thermoforming of advanced thermoplastic composites. III: Relative performance of various prepregs in forming double curvature parts

Thermoforming of a double curvature hemispherical cap-shaped part from different continuous carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite prepregs has been investigated. A novel three-piece matched die mold was used for shaping the prepregs directly from 16-ply unconsolidated lay-ups. For poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK)-based prepregs, PEEK/graphite fiber unidirectional tapes and commingled knitted three-dimensional fabric yielded parts that possessed good shape conformity and were free of any major delamination. Encouraging results were also obtained for modified polysulfone (PXM-8505) based unidirectional fabric as well as PEEK/graphite knitted bidirectional fabrics. Several other prepregs performed rather poorly in forming acceptable quality parts. Fiber alignment was found to be better for fabric prepregs than unidirectional tapes. Both stretching and “draw in” of the material occur during deformation, even though the relative contribution depends strongly on the prepreg form. Our thermoforming studies suggest a cycle time of 10 min or less to form good quality parts, which is an attractive feature, considering that cycle times are typically several hours for conventional thermosetting resins.
Hemorrhagic thymopharyngeal duct cyst causing airway obstruction in an infant.

Normal thymus gland development and descent most commonly lead to its anterior mediastinal location directly behind the manubrium of the sternum. However, congenital cervical thymic anomalies, which include thymic and thymopharyngeal duct cysts, may occur as a consequence of an arrest in descent, failure of involution, or as a sequestration of thymic tissue during descent.4 These anomalies, although usually asymptomatic, may present with airway compromise in up to 7% of patients.1 Current literature demonstrates increasing numbers of these potentially life-threatening lesions presenting in children under 2 years of age, with early misdiagnosis being a shared finding. We describe the case of a 2-month-old infant who developed life-threatening airway obstruction secondary to a rapidly enlarging hemorrhagic thymopharyngeal duct cyst.
Effect of adult plant resistance on primary penetration of oats by Erysiphe graminis f. sp. avenae

Abstract Selected events in primary penetration of oats by Erysiphe graminis f. sp. avenae were studied in susceptible cultivar Mariner and adult plant resistant (APR) cultivars Maldwyn and Dal. Fully expanded second- and fourth-formed leaves represented juvenile and adult plant stages, respectively. Frequency of conidial germination and penetration peg, haustorium, or papilla formation were examined to assess their roles in fungal ingress. Conidial germination was similar on all cultivars 24 h after inoculation. Germination was greater on second than fourth leaves of both Mariner and Maldwyn and was apparently not related to mildew infection type. Frequencies of penetration pegs, haustoria, and papillae varied among cultivars and leaf positions. The penetration peg category was used only to classify sites where pegs formed but no papilla or haustorium was evident, even though pegs were also observed at sites where haustoria or papillae formed. Some conidia stopped developing after peg formation, even in the absence of papillae. Haustoria were interpreted as successful penetrations; papillae were interpreted as penetration failures since they were rarely accompanied by haustoria. None of these events was associated with any particular type of epidermal cell or proximity to stomata, except that no guard cells were penetrated. Germinated conidia on second and fourth leaves of Mariner formed many haustoria and were associated with few papillae; no difference was evident in the papillae per germinated conidium (P/GC) ratios of the two leaf positions. On second leaves of Maldwyn (APR), haustoria and papillae occurred at the same frequency as on Mariner, but fourth leaves of Maldwyn supported significantly more papillae and fewer successful penetrations. Similarly, Maldwyn had the same P/GC as Mariner in leaf two but significantly higher P/GC in leaf four. Germlings on both second and fourth leaves of Dal (APR) formed few haustoria and were associated with many papillae. Dal had higher P/GC than Mariner and Maldwyn in leaf two, but was similar to Maldwyn in leaf four. Thus, papilla formation, which may limit primary penetration, was implicated in APR of Maldwyn, but not in APR of Dal.
Intelligent viewing control for robotic and automation systems

We present a new system for supervisory automated control of multiple remote cameras. Our primary purpose in developing this system has been to provide capability for knowledge- based, `hands-off' viewing during execution of teleoperation/telerobotic tasks. The reported technology has broader applicability to remote surveillance, telescience observation, automated manufacturing workcells, etc. We refer to this new capability as `Intelligent Viewing Control (IVC),' distinguishing it from a simple programmed camera motion control. In the IVC system, camera viewing assignment, sequencing, positioning, panning, and parameter adjustment (zoom, focus, aperture, etc.) are invoked and interactively executed by real-time by a knowledge-based controller, drawing on a priori known task models and constraints, including operator preferences. This multi-camera control is integrated with a real-time, high-fidelity 3D graphics simulation, which is correctly calibrated in perspective to the actual cameras and their platform kinematics (translation/pan-tilt). Such merged graphics- with-video design allows the system user to preview and modify the planned (`choreographed') viewing sequences. Further, during actual task execution, the system operator has available both the resulting optimized video sequence, as well as supplementary graphics views from arbitrary perspectives. IVC, including operator-interactive designation of robot task actions, is presented to the user as a well-integrated video-graphic single screen user interface allowing easy access to all relevant telerobot communication/command/control resources. We describe and show pictorial results of a preliminary IVC system implementation for telerobotic servicing of a satellite.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
“Agro-terrorism? The causes and consequences of the appearance of witch’s broom disease in cocoa plantations of southern Bahia, Brazil”

Abstract During the last few decades, the media, government leaders, scholars and national security analysts have all called attention to the potential threat presented by terrorism. In general, analyses have focused on the use of biological agents to kill or injure people. Consequently, the intentional contamination of crops by biological agents has received less attention in the media and counter-terrorism efforts when compared to possible attacks on civilian populations. However, in many countries, agricultural systems are one of the main economic sectors contributing to political stability, and the present literature lacks examples of terrorist attacks to agricultural systems. This paper is one of the first to discuss a concrete case of the appearance of a plant pathogen in an economically important region, possibly motivated by agro-terrorism. We highlight the differences between agro-terrorism and biocrime, and the causes and the consequences of the intentional introduction of pathogens as a means of causing economic damage. In particular, we argue that agro-terrorism and biocrime are both intentional criminal acts of introducing pathogens into agricultural systems to cause economic damage, but only agro-terrorism does so to advance a political agenda. Also, we argue that agro-terrorism can be difficult to distinguish from biocrime, and even if the intentional introduction of a pathogen is a political act of agro-terrorism, the consequences may or may not follow the desired script contemplated by the perpetrators, as pest outbreaks can entrain unintended economic, political and ecological consequences.
Chemical Inhibition of the Glycolate Pathway in Soybean Leaf Cells

Isolated soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) leaf cells were treated with three inhibitors of the glycolate pathway in order to evaluate the potential of such inhibitors for increasing photosynthetic efficiency. Preincubation of cells under acid conditions in alpha-hydroxypyridinemethanesulfonic acid increased (14)CO(2) incorporation into glycolate, but severely inhibited photosynthesis. Isonicotinic acid hydrazide (INH) increased the incorporation of (14)CO(2) into glycine and reduced label in serine, glycerate, and starch. Butyl 2-hydroxy-3-butynoate (BHB) completely and irreversibly inhibited glycolate oxidase and increased the accumulation of (14)C into glycolate. Concomitant with glycolate accumulation was the reduction of label in serine, glycerate, and starch, and the elimination of label in glycine. The inhibitors INH and BHB did not eliminate serine synthesis, suggesting that some serine is synthesized by an alternate pathway. The per cent incorporation of (14)CO(2) into glycolate by BHB-treated cells or glycine by INH-treated cells was determined by the O(2)/CO(2) ratio present during assay. Photosynthesis rate was not affected by INH or BHB in the absence of O(2), but these compounds increased the O(2) inhibition of photosynthesis. This finding suggests that the function of the photorespiratory pathway is to recycle glycolate carbon back into the Calvin cycle, so if glycolate metabolism is inhibited, Calvin cycle intermediates become depleted and photosynthesis is decreased. Thus, chemicals which inhibit glycolate metabolism do not reduce photorespiration and increase photosynthetic efficiency, but rather exacerbate the problem of photorespiration.
Retired Academics and Research Activity.

A limited literature on the retirement of academics suggests that they do not follow the expected pattern of retirement but may be similar to scientists in retirement. Data collected from 207 academics who retired from state and small private colleges and ivy league and large state universities indicate that to varying degrees they continue to engage in professional activities after retirement. Academics who are high on professional visibility appear to be especially likely to continue to engage in research and/or writing. The importance of psychological centrality of pre-retirement work to post-retirement activity is suggested.
CT imaging features of eosinophilic colitis in children

Background Eosinophilic colitis (EC) is a gastrointestinal disease of undetermined etiology whose clinical features overlap with those of the inflammatory bowel diseases. To the best of our knowledge, the CT imaging features of EC have not been described in children.
Communication: Simple self-correlation corrections to the Ragot-Cortona model of local correlation energy.

The Ragot–Cortona or RC model of local correlation energy [J. Chem. Phys. 121, 7671 (2004)] improves the standard local approximation in various respects. This letter aims at illustrating the origin of this improvement. To that aim, simple self-interaction corrected versions of the RC model are implemented, which involve local energy differences only. Several correlation functionals are selected for direct comparison using Hartree–Fock charge densities of atomic ions (H− to Ar). One of the self-interaction corrected versions of the RC model shows surprising improvements over the initial RC model. First, it dramatically improves the atomic correlation energies of atomic ions. Second, the impact on the contribution of the correlation energy to ionization potentials or electron affinities is still more convincing. In both cases, the accuracy achieved is close to or better than a selection of gradient-level functionals.
HDSampler: revealing data behind web form interfaces

A large number of online databases are hidden behind the web. Users to these systems can form queries through web forms to retrieve a small sample of the database. Sampling such hidden databases is widely desired for understanding the nature and quality of data stored in them. We have developed HDSampler, which to the best of our knowledge is the first practical system for sampling structured hidden web databases. It enables efficient sampling of the databases and accurate answering of aggregate queries, to provide analysts with valuable information for data analytics, as well as help power a multitude of third-party applications such as web-mashups and meta-search engines. For the purpose of this demo, we present an instance of HDSampler on Google Base - a content-rich hidden web database maintained by Google. By using HDSampler, the demo reveals a snapshot of the marginal distribution of various attributes of Google Base in a matter of minutes.
10 Bone marrow transplantation for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) has been used in the treatment of poor risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) for over 20 years. Over this period results have improved and indications for treatment have become more clearly defined. Over 60% of adults and over 70% of children with poor risk ALL in first remission, and 30-40% of patients in second remissions can be expected to achieve long term leukaemia-free survival. Factors implicated in the cure of ALL by BMT are the myeloablative preparative regimen, a graft-versus-leukaemia effect, and post transplant chemotherapy. Improved results of chemotherapy have changed the perceived indications for BMT in ALL and have led to controversy over the best treatment approach. However there is good evidence to show that BMT offers a better chance of leukaemia free survival in certain very poor risk categories. These include Philadelphia chromosome positive ALL, remission induction failures, and children in second remission who relapse after adequate chemotherapy. Particular issues in the use of BMT in ALL are the prevention and management of extramedullary leukaemia, the treatment of relapse following BMT, and the prevention and monitoring of late effects. In the future the use of unrelated donors, and a continuing fall in transplant related morbidity and mortality will extend the use of BMT in poor risk ALL.
All-magnetic analog associative memory

Associative memories and neurocomputing systems represent a massively parallel computing paradigm. Although extremely efficient for certain applications such as pattern recognition and image processing, such systems are not efficiently implemented using traditional CMOS design technology due to the required circuit complexity and corresponding power consumption to perform neural computations and represent programmable connections between artificial neurons. In this paper we propose to use newly-proposed mCell devices, which act as switchable non-volatile resistances, to implement an all-magnetic analog associative memory. We describe our building blocks for both artificial neurons and synapses using such magnetic devices. We verify the functionality of our proposed architecture using circuit simulation models of the mCell devices based on the first-order device physics.
Structures of two new "minimalist" modified nucleosides from archaeal tRNA.

Abstract The wyeosine (or wye) family of tricyclic ribonucleosides from archaeal and eukaryal tRNAPhe constitutes one of the most complex and interesting series of posttranscriptional RNA modifications, and has been the object of numerous studies of their chemical and biological synthesis and distribution. We report the structures of two minimally elaborated wye derivatives from archaea, raising the known number of wye nucleosides to eight: 3,4-dihydro-6-methyl-3-β- d -ribofuranosyl-9H-imidazo[1,2-a]purine-9-one (symbol imG-14), and 3,4-dihydro-6,7-dimethyl-3-β- d -ribofuranosyl-9H-imidazo[1,2-a]purine-9-one (symbol imG2). Structures were determined primarily by mass spectrometry, and confirmed by comparison of physicochemical properties with those of chemically synthesized nucleosides. The nucleosides contain no amino acid side chains at C-7 (1H-imidazo[1,2-a]purine nomenclature) and are the only wye derivatives not methylated at N-4. These features suggest a minimal role for wye methyl groups and side chains in maintenance of anticodon stem–loop structures, and support the concept that archaeal tRNA nucleoside modification motifs are generally simpler than those of their counterparts in eukarya and bacteria.
Experimental toxicity of a high molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide).

Abstract A 14C-tagged sample of a linear homopolymer of ethylene oxide of approximately 4,000,000 molecular weight, meeting the specifications of the commercial water-soluble resin material, was found not to be absorbed from the digestive tract of the rat and dog. The tagged sample contained 0.033% of glycols and 0.7% low molecular weight polyethylene glycols, matching in amount the activity found in rat urine. Commercial material was of low toxicity. The largest dosages fed rats and dogs for two years, 2.76 and 0.65 g/kg/day had no detectable effect, but in 90 days 8.0 and 18.4 g/kg/day were associated with minor kidney and liver effects in rats. Intravenous solutions of the commercial material killed rats in dosages as little as 3 mg/kg, but after strong agitation to shear the long linear polymer, 10 times the dosage was not lethal.
Development of the Chilled Water System Analysis Tool for Assessing Energy Conservation Opportunities

Chilled water systems constitute a major portion of energy consumption in air conditioning systems of the large buildings and process cooling of the manufacturing plants. These systems do not operate optimally in most of the cases because of the operating parameters set and/or the components used. The Chilled water system analysis tool software (CWSAT) is developed as a primary screening tool for energy evaluation. This tool quantifies the energy usage of the various chilled water systems and typical measures that can be applied to these systems to conserve energy. The tool requires minimum number of inputs to analyze the component-wise energy consumption and incurred overall cost. Both air-cooled and water-cooled systems can be analyzed with this tool; however, this paper focuses on water-cooled systems. The tool uses weather data of the chilled water system location and loading schedules to calculate the chilled water system energy consumption. The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) standard 550/590 typical loading schedule is also incorporated for the chiller(s) loading. The tool is capable of comparing economics by analyzing the energy consumption and relevant cost of the existing system and the new system with cost reduction opportunities considered like: (1) increase chilled water temperature set point, (2) lowering the condenser cooing water supply temperature set point, (3) replace chiller(s), (4) Apply variable speed control to chilled and/or condenser water pumps, (5) upgrade cooling tower fan speed control, (6) Use free cooling when possible for water-cooled systems. The savings can be calculated separately for each cost reduction opportunity or can be combined. The economics comparison can be a primary decision criterion for further detailed engineering and cost analysis related with system changes. The comparison between actual system energy consumption and CWSAT results are also shown.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Assessing Competency in Business Writing

Assessing the level of improvement of students' writing competency during a semester is becoming increasingly important for business communication instructors. When conducting an assessment, instructors need to be aware of issues that will affect reliability and validity. They need to develop cleargoals at the beginning; for example, good assessment strives to improve instruction and to develop students' communication skills. Because different schools have different missions and operate in different environments, a custom-made instrument will ensure that the assessment fits the local conditions. Before con ducting the assessment, the instrument needs to be validated for specific use, and scorers must be trained in holistic scoring to reach an overall assessment.
The limping child.

Because limping is not normal, many parents will seek medical care for a child who limps, refuses to walk, or complains of limb pain. It is not uncommon for these children to present to the emergency department (ED) for evaluation and treatment. The differential diagnosis for a child with lower-extremity limb pain or limping is quite broad, but fortunately only a few conditions require urgent treatment. The emergency physician must develop a systematic approach to these patients to allow early identification of conditions requiring urgent treatment. This article focuses on the clinical evaluation of children with limb pain to include key elements of the history and physical examination, appropriate diagnostic tests, and disposition of patient. Some of the more common urgent and age-specific diagnosis of limb pain and limping will be discussed in detail at the end of the article.
Framework and implementation of a continuous network-wide health monitoring system for roadways

According to the 2013 ASCE report card America’s infrastructure scores only a D+. There are more than four million miles of roads (grade D) in the U.S. requiring a broad range of maintenance activities. The nation faces a monumental problem of infrastructure management in the scheduling and implementation of maintenance and repair operations, and in the prioritization of expenditures within budgetary constraints. The efficient and effective performance of these operations however is crucial to ensuring roadway safety, preventing catastrophic failures, and promoting economic growth. There is a critical need for technology that can cost-effectively monitor the condition of a network-wide road system and provide accurate, up-to-date information for maintenance activity prioritization. The Versatile Onboard Traffic Embedded Roaming Sensors (VOTERS) project provides a framework and the sensing capability to complement periodical localized inspections to continuous network-wide health monitoring. Research focused on the development of a cost-effective, lightweight package of multi-modal sensor systems compatible with this framework. An innovative software infrastructure is created that collects, processes, and evaluates these large time-lapse multi-modal data streams. A GIS-based control center manages multiple inspection vehicles and the data for further analysis, visualization, and decision making. VOTERS’ technology can monitor road conditions at both the surface and sub-surface levels while the vehicle is navigating through daily traffic going about its normal business, thereby allowing for network-wide frequent assessment of roadways. This deterioration process monitoring at unprecedented time and spatial scales provides unique experimental data that can be used to improve life-cycle cost analysis models.
So‐called “minute pulmonary chemodectoma”. A tumor not related to paragangliomas

Twenty-six cases of so-called "minute pulmonary chemodectoma" are presented. The patient population showed a marked female preponderance, and there appeared to be an association of the lesion with pulmonary injury from a variety of causes including cardiac failure, chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and thromboemboli. Half the cases had multiple tumors. Microscopically, the tumors consisted of nests of cells in the interstitial tissue near small veins. Argentaffin and argyrophil stains failed to demonstrate cytoplasmic granules in any case. By electron microscopy, the nests were composed of large cells with broadly interdigitating processes connected by many well-formed desmosomes. The cytoplasm was filled with numerous 60-A filaments. The Golgi apparatus was prominent, while other organelles were sparse. No secretory granules were identified. It is concluded that the fine structure and lack of silver-positive granules are inconsistent with the morphology of previously reported paragangliomas, but that there is a resemblance at the light and electron microscopic level to meningeal arachnoed cells and the cells of meningiomas.
Sensing adenovirus infection: activation of interferon regulatory factor 3 in RAW 264.7 cells.

ABSTRACT We have used the RAW 264.7 murine macrophage-like cell line as a platform to characterize the recognition and early signaling response to recombinant adenoviral vectors (rAdV). Infection of RAW 264.7 cells triggers an early response (2 to 6 h postinfection) that includes phosphorylation of the interferon (IFN) response factor 3 (IRF3) transcription factor, upregulation of IRF3 primary response genes (interferon-stimulated gene 56 [ISG56], beta IFN [IFN-β]), and subsequent type I IFN secondary signaling (STAT1/2 phosphorylation). Using short hairpin RNA (shRNA) lentiviral vectors, we show an essential role for Tank binding kinase 1 (TBK1) in this pathway. Data also support a role for STING (MITA) as an adaptor functioning in response to rAdV infection. Using UV/psoralen (Ps)-inactivated virus to block viral transcription, Ps-inactivated virus stimulated primary (IRF3) and secondary (STAT1/2) activation events to the same degree as untreated virus. IRF3 phosphorylation was not blocked in RAW 264.7 cells pretreated with the RNA polymerase III inhibitor ML60218. However, they were compromised in the type I IFN-dependent secondary response (phosphorylation of STAT1/STAT2). At 24 h postinfection, ML60218-treated cells were compromised in the overall antiviral response. Therefore, initial sensing of rAdV or viral DNA (vDNA) does not depend on viral template transcription, but ML60218 treatment influences cellular cascades required for an antiviral response to rAdV. Using overexpression or knockdown assays, we examined how four DNA sensors influence the antiviral response. Knockdown of DNA Activator of Interferon (DAI) and p204, the murine ortholog to IFI16, had minimal influence on IRF3 phosphorylation. However, knockdown of absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) and the helicase DDX41 resulted in diminished levels of pser388 IRF3 following rAdV infection. Based on these data, multiple DNA sensors contribute to an antiviral DNA recognition response, leading to TBK1-dependent IRF3 phosphorylation in RAW 264.7 cells.
Computational study of geometry-dependent resistivity scaling in single-walled carbon nanotube films

We study the geometry-dependent resistivity scaling in single-walled carbon nanotube films as a function of nanotube and device parameters using Monte Carlo simulations. We first demonstrate that these simulations can model and fit recent experimental results on the scaling of nanotube film resistivity with device width. Furthermore, we systematically study the effect of four parameters; namely, tube-tube contact resistance to nanotube resistance ratio, nanotube density, nanotube length, and nanotube alignment on the film resistivity and its scaling with device width. Stronger width scaling is observed when the transport in the nanotube film is dominated by tube-tube contact resistance. Increasing the nanotube density decreases the film resistivity strongly and results in a higher critical exponent and a lower critical width. Increasing the nanotube length also reduces the film resistivity, but increases both the critical exponent and the critical width. In addition, the lowest resistivity occurs for a partially aligned rather than perfectly aligned nanotube film. Increasing the degree of alignment reduces both the critical exponent and the critical width. We systematically explain these observations, which are in agreement with previous experimental results, by simple physical and geometrical arguments. We also observe that, near the percolation threshold, the resistivity of the nanotube film exhibits an inverse power-law dependence on all of these parameters, which is a distinct signature of percolating conduction. However, the strength of resistivity scaling for each parameter is different, and it depends on how strongly a particular parameter changes the number of conduction paths in the film. Monte Carlo simulations, as presented in this paper, can help elucidate the effects of various parameters on percolating transport in films made up of one-dimensional conductors, which is an essential step towards understanding and characterizing the performance of these nanomaterials in electronic and optoelectronic devices.