cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ac-ing the Clock

Circadian clock proteins are modified in many different ways. The best-studied posttranslational modification is phosphorylation, with well-known kinases and phosphatases regulating the function and stability of clock proteins. Degradation of these proteins usually involves ubiquitylation or sumoylation, and some of the relevant E3 ligases are known. In addition, Hirayama et al. recently identified acetylation as a clock regulatory mechanism.
20 years of mobile data management research: vision and reality

Since the first research papers on mobile computing (c. 1989), enabled by the phenomenal progress of portable computers in the last 25 years, the vision of mobile computing some times has been riding the technology wave and other times has been ahead of the technology wave. As a result over the years, mobile computing has appeared under many aliases and new meanings: Portable, Nomadic, Mobile and Wireless, Pervasive, Invisible and Ubiquitous Computing. Irrespective of the alias, power-aware, context-aware, location-aware, mobile and wireless data management has been in the core of mobile computing and its vision can been simply summarized in three letters AAA: Anywhere, Anytime and in Any way/form.The goal of the panel is to discuss (1) to what extend this vision of reliable access to information and services anywhere, anytime and anyway has been achieved, for example, with smart phones -today's pervasive mobile device and (2) how research in mobile and wireless data management can continue to be transformative.
Foxo/Atrogin induction in human and experimental myositis

Skeletal muscle atrophy can occur rapidly in various fasting, cancerous, systemic inflammatory, deranged metabolic or neurogenic states. The ubiquitin ligase Atrogin-1 (MAFbx) is induced in animal models of these conditions, causing excessive myoprotein degradation. It is unknown if Atrogin upregulation also occurs in acquired human myositis. Intracellular β-amyloid (Aβi), phosphorylated neurofilaments, scattered infiltrates and atrophy involving selective muscle groups characterize human sporadic Inclusion Body Myositis (sIBM). In Polymyositis (PM), inflammation is more pronounced and atrophy is symmetric and proximal. IBM and PM share various inflammatory markers. We found that forkhead family transcription factor Foxo3A is directed to the nucleus and Atrogin-1 transcript is increased in both conditions. Expression of Aβ in transgenic mice and differentiated C2C12 myotubes was sufficient to upregulate Atrogin-1 mRNA and cause atrophy. Aβi reduces levels of p-Akt and downstream p-Foxo3A, resulting in Foxo3A translocation and Atrogin-1 induction. In a mouse model of autoimmune myositis, cellular inflammation alone was associated with similar Foxo3A and Atrogin changes. Thus, either Aβi accumulation or cellular immune stimulation may independently drive muscle atrophy in sIBM and PM, respectively, through pathways converging on Foxo and Atrogin-1. In sIBM it is additionally possible that both mechanisms synergize.
Effects of Carbohydrate Restriction on the Hypoglycemic Phase of the Glucose Tolerance Test

The effects of carbohydrate (CHO) restriction on the hypoglycemic phase of the glucose tolerance test were studied in ten normal subjects. The mean nadir plasma glucose was 64 ± 4 mg/dl (x ± sem) for the control test, and 48 ± 4 mg/dl (P < 0.01) after 3 days of an isocaloric low CHO diet. Following the low CHO diet, six of ten subjects had a nadir plasma glucose less than 50 mg/dl, and five of these six had mild symptoms of hypoglycemia compared to no biochemical or symptomatic hypoglycemia during the control test. Hormone secretory patterns under the two experimental conditions were measured. CHO restriction produced a significant decrease in early insulin release followed by excessive insulin relative to the control test at 3–4 h of the test. Glucose ingestion produced a depression of plasma glucagon from fasting levels during the control test, which was impaired following CHO restriction. Plasma growth hormone and cortisol responses were not different under the two experimental conditions. These studie...
Protein quality of drum‐processed cereal–bean–sardine composite supplementary foods for preschool‐age children

Acute, severe undernutrition during childhood remains a common health problem in many parts of the world and makes a significant contribution to childhood mortality. This study was conducted to evaluate the protein quality and growth/rehabilitation potential of supplementary foods developed from locally produced materials in Tanzania. Six diets, namely rice meal (RM), bean meal (BM), rice–bean meal (RBM), rice–bean–sardines meal (RBSM), corn–bean–sardines meal (CBSM) and corn–bean meal (CBM), were formulated to maximise the amino acid score as recommended by FAO/WHO/UNU for preschool children. Biological qualities of the diets, including apparent and true protein digestibility, net protein retention ratio, food efficiency ratio, protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score and rehabilitation potential, were evaluated using Sprague Dawley weanling rats. Net protein retention ratio varied significantly (p < 0.05) among control diet (0.93), RBSM (0.92), CBSM (0.86), RM (0.66), RBM (0.44), CBM (0.28), BM (0.12) and corn meal (CM) diet (−0.40). True protein digestibility ranged between 82 and 99%, with BM showing the lowest digestibility. The protein digestibility-corrected amino acid scores were 100% (control diet), 77% (CBSM), 89% (RBSM), 58% (RM), 90% (RBM), 47% (CBM), 85% (BM) and 48% (CM). Two test diets, CBSM and RBSM, showed the greatest potential to support growth and rehabilitation of undernourished rats, while CBM, RBM, BM and CM did not display acceptable growth. These results suggest that cereal–bean–sardine composites are of high quality and have potential for use as supplementary/rehabilitation foods for preschool- and school-age children as well as adults. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Multivariate analysis and anthropological applications

A brief history of the use of statistical concepts in the field of anthropology is reviewed as is the history of the development of multivariate analysis. Those multivariate statistical techniques which are particularly of interest to anthropologists, that is, factor analysis, cluster analysis, and discriminant analysis, are explained. They are related to multivariate analysis theory in general, are compared among themselves, and are further treated in light of their individual characteristics. Anthropological applications of multivariate analysis are cited, and it is concluded that joint cooperation between anthropologists and statisticians in multivariate research would be beneficial to both.
Quantum spin dynamics of the transverse Ising model in two dimensions

The authors use the method of recurrence relations to obtain the time-dependent spin correlation function of the Ising model in a transverse field in 2D. They find that the correlation function decays algebraically at long times as t{sup {minus}{alpha}}, where {alpha} {le} 2.2. This is to be contrasted with the 1D case where the decay is Gaussian. They expect that in 3D the dynamical correlation will also exhibit a power law decay. Their results can be used to understand the experimental shape functions for the induced moment in LiTb{sub p}Y{sub 1{minus}p}F{sub 4}. 10 refs., 3 figs.
The Effect of Thyroidectomy, Hypophysectomy, and Hormone Replacement on the Formation of Triiodothyronine from Thyroxine in Rat Liver and Kidney*

Studies were performed to assess the effects of thyroidectomy and hypophysectomy on the overall metabolism of [125I]T4 and its conversion to [125I]T3.i in slices of rat liver and kidney. Within 2 days after thyroidectomy a slight reduction was evident in the generation of [125I]T3 from [125I]T4 in both liver and kidney, and 31 days after surgery the activity of this process in these tissues was markedly decreased. Thyroidectomy was associated with diminished disappearance of [125I]T4, decreased generation of [125I]iodide and, in kidney, decreased formation of [125I]tetraiodothyroacetic acid. Each of these changes in the metabolism of [125I]T4 in liver and kidney of thyroidectomized animals was reversed by administration of replacement doses of Ta for 10 days Hypophysectomy was similarly associated with diminished conversion of [125I]T4 to [125I]T3 that was slight 2 days postoperatively and became more pronounced 31 days after surgery. In liver and kidney from hypophysectomized animals, the degradation of ...
Clinical characteristics and mechanisms of stroke after polytrauma.

Objectives To describe the clinical characteristics of acute stroke attributable to trauma and to analyze the mechanisms and effect of stroke on outcome in patients with polytrauma. Patients and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with polytrauma complicated by stroke at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. The diagnosis of stroke was matched with trauma for the period between January 1, 1985, and December 31, 2001. Polytrauma was defined as at least 2 injuries that involve at least 1 vital organ (eg, lung or liver) and necessitate patient admission to a trauma intensive care unit. Results We identified 14 patients with polytrauma who had experienced a stroke (13 ischemic and 1 hemorrhagic). Craniocervical artery dissection was the most common mechanism (7 patients), and skull or facial fractures were a possible marker for this (5 of 7 patients). There were frequent delays in identifying stroke, with limb fracture on the side of the paresis (5 of 6 patients) being a possible factor. Four patients died of postischemic brain swelling, and 5 had major neurologic impairment. Conclusions Stroke after polytrauma is due to various mechanisms, is frequently difficult to recognize early, and profoundly affects patient outcome.
Gas chromatographic quantitation of residual impurities in raw material matrixes

Abstract To quantitate accurately impurities such as crystallization solvents, isomers, or other residual substances in chemical raw materials, the effect of the matrix on those residuals must be accounted for. This paper describes criteria for evaluation of matrix effects on gas chromatographic quantitation of some residual compounds. Typical method development including sample handling, linearity and precision evaluations, and a practical approach to the decision as to whether standard addition is necessary, is described.
Trigonal bi- and monopyramidal cobalt(II) complexes of a novel guanidine-based tripodal ligand.

The novel ligand DIG3tren has three N′,N′′-diisopropylguanidinyl (DIG) moieties. We report on the structures of two cobalt complexes that show how an isopropylamino group from each DIG acts as a flap that can either close over the metal or rotate away from the metal to open up a site for auxiliary ligand binding. Two of the −NH(iPr) flaps are open in pink [Co(DIG3tren)(OAc)]OAc (1), and each of these flaps provides a hydrogen bond to stabilize acetate binding to trigonal bipyrimidal cobalt. The flaps are closed in blue [Co(DIG3tren)][BPh4]2 (2), yielding a rare example of a trigonal (mono)pyramidal [ML]2+ ion.
Photochemical and photophysical studies of tetranuclear copper(I) halide clusters: an overview

Abstract This presentation will summarize recent studies in these laboratories of the rich luminescence and photoredox properties of tetranuclear copper(I) clusters of the type Cu4X4L4.
NUTRITION AND BIOCHEMISTRY OF SURVIVAL DURING NEWCASTLE DISEASE VIRUS INFECTION: DIURNAL CHANGES IN PROTEIN, NUCLEIC AND FREE AMINO ACIDS OF AVIAN LIVER.

Nutrition and Biochemistry of Survival during Newcastle Disease Virus Infection: Diurnal Changes in Protein, Nucleic and Free Amino-acids of Avian Liver
Designing a Genetic Algorithm for Function Approximation for Embedded and ASIC Applications

In embedded systems and application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) that typically do not have a floating-point processor, measured data or function-sampled data is commonly described by an analytic function derived using standard numerical methods. The resultant errors are not caused by rounding but by translating a real solution to a restricted fixed-point environment. We have previously described a genetic algorithm that discovers a superior piece-wise polynomial approximation with coefficients restricted to the integer target space. In this paper we discuss details of the genetic algorithm implementation.
Does concurrent or prior nicotine exposure interact with neonatal hypoxia to produce cardiac cell damage

Cigarette smoking during pregnancy exposes the fetus to both nicotine and hypoxia/ischemia; postnatal exposure to second-hand smoke also involves substances that cause hypoxia (CO, HCN). Although developing cardiac cells are more resistant to hypoxia-induced damage than are mature cells, we examined whether nicotine affects this resistance, either when exposure is concurrent with hypoxia, or when animals are exposed to nicotine prenatally and receive subsequent hypoxic exposure. One, 8-, or 15-day-old rats exposed to 7% O2 for 2 hr all showed inhibition of cardiac DNA synthesis. By contrast, administration of nicotine at either low (0.3 mg/kg) or high (3 mg/kg) doses failed to alter DNA synthesis. To examine effects on cells that were not undergoing mitosis, we examined ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), an enzymatic marker for cell damage. One day old rats showed inhibition of ODC by hypoxia, a response that represents preservation of cell integrity; by 8 days of age, ODC was increased by hypoxia, evidence of cell damage. The high dose of nicotine evoked an increase in ODC at all ages and the low dose exacerbated the effects of hypoxia at 8 days of age. Prenatal nicotine exposure caused a transient inhibition of cardiac DNA synthesis but did not produce evidence of cell damage (ODC, protein synthesis markers) by itself, nor did it alter the effect of a subsequent postnatal exposure to hypoxia. These results suggest that cardiac cell damage could emerge as a consequence of concurrent, repeated exposures to nicotine and hypoxia. Such effects could contribute to the elevated incidence of perinatal morbidity/mortality and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with smoking. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A survey of architectural techniques for DRAM power management

Recent trends of CMOS technology scaling and wide-spread use of multicore processors have dramatically increased the power consumption of main memory. It has been estimated that modern data-centres spend more than 30% of their total power consumption in main memory alone. This excessive power dissipation has created the problem of 'memory power wall' which has emerged as a major design constraint inhibiting further performance scaling. Recently, several techniques have been proposed to address this issue. The focus of this paper is to survey several architectural techniques designed for improving power efficiency of main memory systems, specifically DRAM systems. To help the reader in gaining insights into the similarities and differences between the techniques, this paper also presents a classification of the techniques on the basis of their characteristics. The aim of this paper is to equip the engineers and architects with knowledge of the state of the art DRAM power saving techniques and motivate them to design novel solutions for addressing the challenges presented by the memory power wall problem.
The Reaction of Uranyl Ion with Propionaldehyde in the presence and absence of light

A study was made of the photochemical reduction of the uranyl ion by propionaldehyde in aqueous and nonaqueous media. The products of the photochemical reaction in propionaldehyde solution enter into a reverse reaction following an induction period. Products formed in aqueous media apparently enter into some reaction which prevent them from undergoing a reverse reaction. Conductivity measurements of solutions of UO2(NO3)2 · 6 H2O in propionaldehyde, indicate that dissociation of the uranyl salt occurs. The rate equations for the formation and disapearance of uranous ion in propionaldehyde were discussed. The probable mechanisms for the forward and reverse reactions in terms of only those species which change oxidation states are: The symbols (R) and (O) refer to the reduced and oxidized forms respectively. The overall quantum yield for the U(VI) to U(IV) reaction was found to be at least 0.72. Es wurde die photochemische Reduktion des Uranylions, UO, durch Propionaldehyd in wasrigem und nichtwasrigem Medium untersucht. In Propionaldehyd als Medium gehen die Reaktionsprodukte nach einer Induktionsperiode eine Ruckreaktion ein, in wasrigem Medium dagegen nicht. Leitfahigkeitsmessungen zeigen, das UO2(NO3)2 · 6 H2O in Propionaldehyd dissoziiert. Das Geschwindigkeitsgesetz der UIV-Bildung bzw. -Wiederabnahme werden diskutiert und der wahrscheinliche Mechanismus der Vorwarts- und Ruckreaktionen sind in „Summary” formuliert. Die Gesamtquantenausbeute der UVI UIV-Reaktion liegt bei mindestens 0,72.
Application of Commercial Calibrators for the Analysis of Immunosuppressant Drugs in Whole Blood

Multiple immunosuppressant drugs are now available to prevent organ rejection. Because of their different modes of action, these drugs are often prescribed together as part of a multidrug protocol. This has created a challenge for clinical laboratories to analyze multiple immunosuppressant drugs in the same blood specimen. HPLC–mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) or -tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6) assays can measure all of the common drugs. A practical issue with the use of HPLC-MS/MS is the necessity of preparing whole-blood calibrators containing cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and sirolimus. With the introduction of everolimus, yet another set of calibrators will be needed. As with any assay for which in-house calibrators are prepared, this added variable will contribute to the interlaboratory differences observed in proficiency testing programs. The availability of either standard reference materials (SRMs) or uniform calibrators for use among different laboratories would help with this problem. Recently, the Thermo Electron and Waters Corporations announced alliances to distribute Chromsystems products. Among the Chromsystems products are whole-blood calibrators and controls for cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and sirolimus, with everolimus to be added in future lots of material. The availability of multiconstituent whole-blood calibrators or controls would address the issues stated above, if validation of their performance were to be performed in actual laboratory use. With this in mind I undertook a set of experiments to answer several important questions: ( a ) Do the assigned concentrations in these whole-blood materials appear to be accurate? ( b ) When they are used as the calibrators, do the assays yield results for patient specimens that are similar to those obtained when validated in-house calibrators are used for the assays? ( c ) Do they yield expected results for separate commercial whole-blood controls and for proficiency testing samples? ( d ) Are there any apparent matrix effects associated with …
Nerve conduction velocity in dogs is reduced by diabetes and not by galactosemia

To evaluate the role of hyperglycemia and excessive polyol pathway activity in the pathogenesis of nerve disorders in diabetes, motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) was measured in dogs alloxan diabetic or experimentally galactosemic for 5 years. Diabetic dogs in poor glycemic control showed a progressive decline of MNCV from baseline values. Diabetic dogs that had been randomly assigned to good glycemic control retained normal MNCV. Nondiabetic dogs made galactosemic by a 30% galactose diet developed erythrocyte polyol concentrations many-fold greater than in diabetic animals, but the MNCV remained unchanged and comparable to that of normal dogs. Nerve polyol levels, when compared in short-term diabetic dogs or dogs galactose-fed 2 to 4 months, were elevated at least as much by the galactose-rich diet as by diabetes. Thus, in dogs, excessive tissue polyol accumulation is associated with subnormal MNCV in diabetes, but not in experimental galactosemia.
Fluorescence-lifetime-based sensing of blood gases and cations

Chemical sensing with fluorescent probes is usually accomplished by measuring the fluorescence intensity or using wavelength-ratiometric probes. Measurement of fluorescence decay times, rather than intensities, is advantageous because the decay times are largely independent of intensity changes due to light losses, photobleaching, or probe washout. Present technology allows measurement of nanosecond decay times by the phase-modulation method with inexpensive and robust instrumentation. This report describes the use of phase- modulation fluorometry for lifetime-based sensing of O2, pH, Ca2+ and K+.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Ab Initio Analysis of the Effects of Aqueous Solvation on the Resonance Raman Intensities of N-Methylacetamide

The resonance Raman spectrum of the simple peptide N-methylacetamide (NMA) is very different in the vapor phase than when dissolved in aqueous solution. The spectrum for an acetonitrile solution is intermediate. The major difference is that the amide I mode, primarily involving CO stretching, is very strong in the vapor-phase spectrum but very weak or absent in the aqueous solution spectrum. Since resonance Raman scattering reflects the geometry change associated with electronic excitation, this suggests that there is a large effect of solvation on the geometry of the excited electronic state. The present work describes the development of quantitative ab initio quantum chemical procedures for calculating resonance Raman spectra with application to NMA both isolated and in solution. It is shown that a simple cluster model involving hydrogen-bonding of water molecules to NMA provides an adequate description of the effect of aqueous solvation on resonance Raman spectra of NMA. The major effect appears to be ...
Harnessing Unreliable Cores in Heterogeneous Architecture: The PyDac Programming Model and Runtime

Heterogeneous many-core architectures combined with scratch-pad memories are attractive because they promise better energy efficiency than conventional architectures and a good balance between single-thread performance and multi-thread throughput. However, programmers will need an environment for finding and managing the large degree of parallelism, locality, and system resilience. We propose a Python-based task parallel programming model called PyDac to support these objectives. PyDac provides a two-level programming model based on the divide-and-conquer strategy. The PyDac runtime system allows threads to be run on unreliable hardware by dynamically checking the results without involvement from the programmer. To test this programming model and runtime, an unconventional heterogeneous architecture consisting of PowerPC and ARM cores was developed and emulated on an FPGA device. We inject faults during the execution of micro-benchmarks and show that through the use of double and triple modular redundancy we are able to complete the benchmarks with the correct results while only incurring a proportional performance penalty.
Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee

Abstract Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee presents with acute onset of severe, pain in elderly patients, usually female and usually without a history of trauma. Originally described as idiopathic osteonecrosis, the exact etiology is still debated. Evidence suggests that an acute fracture occurs as a result of chronic stress or minor trauma to a weakened subchondral bone plate. The imaging characteristics on MR reflect the age of the lesion and the symptoms. More appropriate terminology may be “ subchondral insufficiency fracture of the knee” or “focal subchondral osteonecrosis”.
Multi-disciplinary communication networks for skin risk assessment in nursing homes with high IT sophistication

Abstract Background The role of nursing home (NH) information technology (IT) in quality improvement has not been clearly established, and its impacts on communication between care givers and patient outcomes in these settings deserve further attention. Objectives In this research, we describe a mixed method approach to explore communication strategies used by healthcare providers for resident skin risk in NH with high IT sophistication (ITS). Methods Sample included NH participating in the statewide survey of ITS. We incorporated rigorous observation of 8- and 12-h shifts, and focus groups to identify how NH IT and a range of synchronous and asynchronous tools are used. Social network analysis tools and qualitative analysis were used to analyze data and identify relationships between ITS dimensions and communication interactions between care providers. Results Two of the nine ITS dimensions (resident care-technological and administrative activities-technological) and total ITS were significantly negatively correlated with number of unique interactions. As more processes in resident care and administrative activities are supported by technology, the lower the number of observed unique interactions. Additionally, four thematic areas emerged from staff focus groups that demonstrate how important IT is to resident care in these facilities including providing resident-centered care, teamwork and collaboration, maintaining safety and quality , and using standardized information resources . Conclusion Our findings in this study confirm prior research that as technology support (resident care and administrative activities) and overall ITS increases, observed interactions between staff members decrease. Conversations during staff interviews focused on how technology facilitated resident centered care through enhanced information sharing, greater virtual collaboration between team members, and improved care delivery. These results provide evidence for improving the design and implementation of IT in long term care systems to support communication and associated resident outcomes.
Protein kinase C phosphorylates protein kinase D activation loop Ser744 and Ser748 and releases autoinhibition by the pleckstrin homology domain.

Persistent activation of protein kinase D (PKD) via protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated signal transduction is accompanied by phosphorylation at Ser744 and Ser748 located in the catalytic domain activation loop, but whether PKC isoforms directly phosphorylate these residues, induce PKD autophosphorylation, or recruit intermediate upstream kinase(s) is unclear. Here, we explore the mechanism whereby PKC activates PKD in response to cellular stimuli. We first assessed in vitroPKC-PKD transphosphorylation and PKD activation. A PKD738–753 activation loop peptide was well phosphorylated by immunoprecipitated PKC isoforms, consistent with similarities between the loop and their known substrate specificities. A similar peptide with glutamic acid replacing Ser748 was preferentially phosphorylated by PKCe, suggesting that PKD containing phosphate at Ser748is rapidly targeted by this isoform at Ser744. When incubated in the presence of phosphatidylserine, phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate and ATP, intact PKD slowly autophosphorylated in the activation loop but only at Ser748. In contrast, addition of purified PKCe to the incubation mixture induced rapid Ser744 and Ser748 phosphorylation, concomitant with persistent 2–3-fold increases in PKD activity, measured using reimmunoprecipitated PKD to phosphorylate an exogenous peptide, syntide-2. We also further examined pleckstrin homology domain-mediated PKD regulation to determine its relationship with activation loop phosphorylation. The high constitutive activity of the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain deletion mutant PKD-ΔPH was not abrogated by mutation of Ser744 and Ser748 to alanines, suggesting that one function of activation loop phosphorylation in the PKD activation mechanism is to relieve autoinhibition by the PH domain. These studies provide evidence of a direct PKCe-PKD phosphorylation cascade and provide additional insight into the activation mechanism.
The Genus Thermoplasma

Perhaps the organism we have isolated which has elicited the most interest (and some controversy) has been Thermoplasma. The credit for this organism goes first to Gary Darland, who was smart enough to recognize that something others would have considered to be a precipitate was indeed living, and to Robert Belly, who (among other important contributions in my laboratory), showed the significance and distribution of the organism.
Effects of MeV Si ions bombardment on the thermoelectric generator from SiO2/SiO2 + Cu and SiO2/SiO2 + Au nanolayered multilayer films

Abstract The defects and disorder in the thin films caused by MeV ions bombardment and the grain boundaries of these nanoscale clusters increase phonon scattering and increase the chance of an inelastic interaction and phonon annihilation. We prepared the thermoelectric generator devices from 100 alternating layers of SiO 2 /SiO 2 + Cu multi-nano layered superlattice films at the total thickness of 382 nm and 50 alternating layers of SiO 2 /SiO 2 + Au multi-nano layered superlattice films at the total thickness of 147 nm using the physical vapor deposition (PVD). Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS) and RUMP simulation have been used to determine the stoichiometry of the elements of SiO 2 , Cu and Au in the multilayer films and the thickness of the grown multi-layer films. The 5 MeV Si ions bombardments have been performed using the AAMU-Center for Irradiation of Materials (CIM) Pelletron ion beam accelerator to make quantum (nano) dots and/or quantum (quantum) clusters in the multilayered superlattice thin films to decrease the cross plane thermal conductivity, increase the cross plane Seebeck coefficient and cross plane electrical conductivity. To characterize the thermoelectric generator devices before and after Si ion bombardments we have measured Seebeck coefficient, cross-plane electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity in the cross-plane geometry for different fluences.
Gauging the Magnitude of Civilization Conflict

Multiple studies of Huntington’s suggestion of a clash of civilizations have found no support for it. This study does not reanalyze his thesis, but rather focuses on specific features of the different-civilization conflict he theorizes about. Using empirical analysis I find that different-civilization conflict is more prevalent than same-civilization conflict, and is therefore appropriate for continued scholarly examination. Even so, I conclude that over time it is not only shrinking as a percentage of the overall world conflict as previously reported but is doing so at a rate more pronounced than heretofore realized. My results support Roeder’s findings that the most contentious civilizations are the West, Orthodox, and Islam, with Western states as a group being more contentious than the other two. As for a most contentious civilization dyad, I find the probability of conflict to be about the same for Western-Islamic and Western-Orthodox states. Finally, I conclude that the contentiousness of Western st...
Efficacy of intracoronary nicardipine in the treatment of no-reflow during percutaneous coronary intervention.

Objectives: The goal of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of nicardipine in reversing no-reflow during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Background: No-reflow is a common complication of PCI in patients with acute coronary syndromes or venous bypass graft disease. Although nicardipine has an attractive pharmacological profile and has been used clinically to treat no-reflow, there is a paucity of published data regarding its effectiveness in this setting. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 72 consecutive patients who received intracoronary nicardipine to reverse no-reflow during coronary intervention. Qualitative TIMI flow grade and quantitative TIMI frame count methods were used to assess the efficacy of nicardipine. Results: A mean of 460 ± 360 mcg of intracoronary nicardipine was used. No-reflow was successfully reversed with complete restoration of TIMI 3 flow in 71 of 72 patients (98.6%). TIMI flow grade improved from 1.65 ± 0.53 prior to nicardipine to 2.97 ± 0.24 after treatment (P < 0.001). TIMI frame count decreased from 57 ± 40 at the time of no-reflow to 15 ± 12 after nicardipine administration (P < 0.001). Nicardipine therapy was well tolerated without adverse hemodynamic or chronotropic effects.Conclusions: In this largest series to date, intracoronary nicardipine was demonstrated to be a safe and highly effective pharmacological agent to reverse no-reflow during PCI. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effect of Selected Environmental Treatments on the Incidence of Gross Marek’s Disease Lesions in Chickens

Abstract The effects of selected environmental treatments on the incidence of gross Marek’s disease (MD) lesions in chickens contact exposed to MD virus were examined. Treatments were high levels of airborne decomposition products from chicken litter in the rearing environment, disinfectants applied to chickens and their environments, and formaldehyde fumigation of eggs and newly hatched chicks. There were no significant differences in the incidence of gross MD lesions when treated and untreated groups were compared.
Peer Assessment within Hybrid and Online Courses: Students’ View of Its Potential and Performance

The scale and scope of online education increasingly expand. In tandem, interest grows among educators and scholars in understanding the personal and contextual factors that moderate the efficient design and effective delivery of an online course. This paper looks at a theoretically robust method, peer assessment administered by the Canvas learning management system, and evaluates its potential and performance in university-level hybrid and online courses. Cross-sectional data profile students’ views, both prior to as well as post-experience, of aspects of the peer review process. Frequency analyses, mean comparisons, and t-tests highlight students’ initial strong, positive agreement with the potential but then, post-experience, weaker support of the value of peer assessment. Controlling for time and place, in terms of hybrid versus online sections, did not moderate this outcome. Collectively, these results call for refining our interpretation of the utility of peer assessment to promoting student engagement. We evaluate the moderating influence of anonymity and the social dynamic of self-directed learning, particularly given the implications of the “anytime, anyplace” instrumentality of online education. We close with a series of pedagogical recommendations.
Dynamic Mechanically Interlocked Dendrimers: Amplification in Dendritic Dynamic Combinatorial Libraries

In the context of constructing nonclassical mechanically interlocked dendrimers by employing a convergent templation procedure, the “clipping” thermodynamic approach has been explored to introduce sterically bulky Frechet-type dendrons with successive generations [G0] to [G3] onto a trivalent ammonium ion core using a seven-component self-assembly via imine bond formation. Four generations of mechanically interlocked dendrimers up to a molecular weight over 8800 Da were synthesized in a one-pot reaction by simply mixing the seven components together. The dendrimers form in excellent yield (>90%). The mechanically interlocked core of the [G0]−[G2] dendrimers can be modified and transformed into kinetically stable dendrimers by reduction of the imine bonds with borane−tetrahydrofuran complex. Moreover, the dynamic nature of the thermodynamically controlled self-assembly process is employed to obtain three dynamic combinatorial libraries of dendrimers by the treatment of the dendrons [G0]−[G3] with the compl...
Assessment of computational models for multilayered anisotropic plates

The accuracy of the static and vibrational responses of multilayer anisotropic plates, predicted by eight modeling approaches based on two-dimensional shear-deformation theories, was investigated as a function of the lamination and geometric parameters of the shells. The models used included two-dimensional global approximation models, two-dimensional discrete-layer models, and predictor-corrector models. It is shown that the accuracy of the stress and vibrational responses predicted by the different models is strongly dependent on the significance of the transverse shear deformations.
Unipolar lead electrocardiography in congenital heart disease.

Summary Following a short report on the method and its application in pediatric practice the author describes the appearance of the Wilson unipolar electrocardiogram in ventricular hypertrophy and auricular enlargement in children with congenital heart disease. The possibilities of diagnosing right or left ventricular hypertrophy by electrocardiographic means and thus of forming a valuable, general conception of the nature of the cardiac malformation are demonstrated, with particular reference to cases of patent ductus arteriosus. Resume Apres un bref rapport sur la methode et son application chez les enfants, l'auteur decrit la manifestation de l'electrocardiogramme unipolaire de Wilson dans l'hypertrophie ventriculaire et la dilatation auriculaire chez des enfants ayant une maladie de cœur congenitale. II demontre les possibilites de diagnostiquer l'hypertrophie du ventricule droit ou gauche a l'aide de l'electrocardiographie et de se former ainsi une idee generale de la nature de la malformation cardiaque, et se refere particulierement a des cas de canal arteriel manifeste. Zusammenfassung Nach einer kurzen Beschreibung der Methode und ihrer Anwendung in der Padiatrie beschreibt Verfasser das Aussehen des unipolaren Wilson-Elektrokardiogramms bei Kammer- und Vorhofvergrosserung bei Kindern mit kongenitalen Herzfehlern. Die Moglichkeiten, durch Elektrokardiographie eine recht- oder linkseitige Ventrikelhypertrophie zu diagnostizieren und dadurch eine wertvolle allgemeine Auffassung von der Natur der Herzmissbildung zu erhalten werden demonstriert, wobei besondere Rucksicht auf Falle von offenstehenden Ductus Botalli genommen wird. Resumen Despues de un breve informe sobre el metodo y sn aplicacion en los ninos, el autor describe la manifestacion del elcctrocardiograma unipolar de Wilson en la hipertrofia ventricular y la dilatacion auricular en los ninos que padecen una enfermedad congenita do corazon. Demuestra las posibilidades de diagnosticar la hipertrofia del ventriculo derecho o izquierdo con la ayuda de la electrocardiografia, y de formarse asi una idea general de la naturaleza de la malformacion cardiaca, y se refiere particularmente a casos de “ductus arteriosus” manifiesta.
A Unified Field Approach for Heat Conduction From Macro- to Micro-Scales

A universal constitutive equation between the heat flux vector and the temperature gradient is proposed to cover the fundamental behaviors of diffusion (macroscopic in both space and time), wave (macroscopic in space but microscopic in time), phonon-electron interactions (microscopic in both space and time), and pure phonon scattering. The model is generalized from the dual-phase-lag concept accounting for the laging behavior in the high-rate response. While the phase lag of the heat flux captures the small-scale response in time, the phase lag of the temperature gradient captures the small-scale response in space. The universal form of the energy equation facilitates identifications of the physical parameters governing the transition from one mechanism (such as diffusion or wave) to another (the phonon-electron interaction)
Illumination independent change detection for real world image sequences

Abstract Change detection plays a very important role in many vision applications. Most change detection algorithms assume that the illumination on a scene will remain constant. Unfortunately, this assumption is not necessarily valid outside a well-controlled laboratory setting. The accuracy of existing algorithms diminishes significantly when confronted with image sequences in which the illumination is allowed to vary. In this note, we present two techniques for change detection that have been developed to deal with the more general scenario where illuination is not assumed to be constant. A detailed description of both new methods, the derivative model method and the shading model method, is provided. Results are presented for applying each of the techniques discussed to various image pairs.
Resonance neutron capture by 170Yb and 172Yb

Abstract Primary γ-ray spectra following resonance neutron capture by 170 Yb and 172 Yb were observed using the NRL linac neutron time-of-flight facility. Spectra from the first four resonances in 170 Yb and the first three resonances in 172 Yb were studied with a 30 cm 3 Ge(Li) detector using natural and separated isotope targets. The intensity of γ-ray transitions to particular Nilsson bands in 171 Yb and 173 Yb was examined for non-statistical effects. Possible regularities similar to those observed in thermal capture are discussed.
Nonstandard finite-difference methods for predator-prey models with general functional response

Predator-prey systems with linear and logistic intrinsic growth rate of the prey are analyzed. The models incorporate the mutual interference between predators into the functional response which stabilizes predator-prey interactions in the system. Positive and elementary stable nonstandard (PESN) finite-difference methods, having the same qualitative features as the corresponding continuous predator-prey models, are formulated and analyzed. The proposed numerical techniques are based on a nonlocal modeling of the growth-rate function and a nonstandard discretization of the time derivative. This discretization approach leads to significant qualitative improvements in the behavior of the numerical solution. In addition, it allows for the use of an essentially implicit method for the cost of an explicit method. Applications of the PESN methods to specific predator-prey systems are also presented.
Callus Formation and Organogenesis in Anther Cultures of Solanum carolinense L.

Summary In anther cultures of Solanum carolinense L., Murashige and Skoog's medium (MS) supplemented with 2.2 mg · l-1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 6.0 mg · l-1 kinetin (KIN) served as callus induction medium. Cytological observations confirmed that the callus originated from pollen grains. Upon transfer to medium lacking 2,4-D, callus cultures regenerated shoots exclusively. However, maximum efficiency in regeneration occurred only after callus had been maintained in the presence of 2,4-D for a minimum of 12 weeks. Callus younger than this or older than 16 weeks showed a significant decline in organogenic competence when transferred to the appropriate medium. It is suggested that 2,4-D may establish a transitory potential for regeneration in pollen-derived callus cultures but must be removed before this potential can be expressed.
Acrolein inhibits respiration in isolated brain mitochondria.

Abstract Lipid peroxidation is elevated in diseased regions of brain in several neurodegenerative diseases. Acrolein (2-propenal) is a major cytotoxic product of lipid peroxidation and its adduction to neuronal proteins has been demonstrated in diseased brain regions from patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Mitochondrial abnormalities are implicated in several neurodegenerative disorders, and mitochondria are targets of alkenal adduction in vivo. We examined the effects of acrolein upon multiple endpoints associated with the mitochondrial involvement in neurodegenerative disease. Acrolein inhibited state 3 respiration with an IC 50 of approx. 0.4 μmol/mg protein; however, there was no reduction in activity of complexes I–V. This inhibition was prevented by glutathione and N -acetylcysteine. Acrolein did not alter mitochondrial calcium transporter activity or induce cytochrome c release. These studies indicate that acrolein is a potent inhibitor of brain mitochondrial respiration.
An Exact Analytical Approach for Free Vibration Analysis of Built-Up Space Frames

Coupled in- and out-of-plane bending, axial, and torsional vibrations exist in a built-up space frame, which greatly challenges the conventional modal approach. A wave-based exact analytical method is applied to study vibrations in built-up multistory space frames. From the wave vibration standpoint, vibrations are described as waves propagating along uniform structural elements and being reflected and transmitted at structural discontinuities. Free vibration responses are studied based on classical vibration theories. Numerical examples are given with comparison to results available in the literature. Good agreements have been reached. This study not only provides an exact analytical approach to complex vibration problems in built-up multistory space frames that have mostly been studied numerically but also provides a benchmark to existing numerical tools.
Effect of α1-adrenoceptors blockade with prazosin in canine narcolepsy

The role of central alpha 1-adrenergic receptors in cataplexy was investigated in 4 narcoleptic poodles and 6 genetically narcoleptic Doberman pinschers. Treatment of narcoleptic dogs with prazosin, a selective alpha 1-adrenergic receptor blocker, exacerbated cataplexy in both narcoleptic dog breeds. Control and heterozygous Dobermans were not affected by the drug. Binding studies using [3H]prazosin revealed an increase in alpha 1-receptor binding apparently limited to the amygdala. The present study suggests that central alpha 1-adrenoceptors, whose role is still mostly unknown, play a fundamental role in controlling mechanisms involved in cataplexy and REM sleep.
Doppler color flow mapping in the evaluation of prosthetic mitral and aortic valve function.

Abstract Doppler color flow mapping and color-guided conventional Doppler studies were performed on 119 patients with 126 prosthetic valves (mitral alone in 60, aortic alone in 52 and both mitral and aortic in 7 patients) within 2 weeks of the catheterization study or surgery, or both. The mean pressure gradients derived by color-guided continuous wave Doppler ultrasound correlated well with those obtained at catheterization for both the tissue and mechanical mitral and aortic prostheses (r = 0.85 to 0.87). For the effective prosthetic orifice areas, better correlation with catheterization results were obtained with the tissue mitral (r = 0.94) and tissue aortic (r = 0.87) prostheses than with the mechanical mitral (r = 0.79) and mechanical aortic (r = 0.76) prostheses. The maximal width of the color flow signals at their origin from the tissue mitral prostheses also correlated well with the effective prosthetic orifice area at catheterization (r = 0.81). Doppler color flow mapping identified prosthetic valvular regurgitation with a sensitive and specificity of 89% and 100%, respectively, for the mitral and 92% and 83% for the aortic prostheses. There was complete agreement between the Doppler color flow mapping and angiographic grading of the severity of prosthetic valvular regurgitation in 90% of mitral and 73.5% of the aortic regurgitant prostheses with under- or overestimation by > 1 grade in only two cases. Valvular and paravalvular regurgitation was correctly categorized by Doppler color flow mapping in relation to the surgical findings in 94% of the mitral and 80.5% of the aortic prostheses.