cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Orthogonalization techniques for two-dimensional adaptive filters

Image and video signal processing applications often require filters with unknown or time-varying characteristics. Two-dimensional adaptive filters have been examined recently as a proposed solution to these problems. The following system considerations have driven research on cost-effective acceleration algorithms for 2-D adaptive filters. First the high data rates in digital video processing demand computational efficiency, and second, the nonstationary signal properties of images require optimized convergence speed. We present an overview of structures and algorithms developed to achieve an improved rate of convergence with reduced computational complexity. These include 2-D Newton-type adaptive filters and 2-D transform domain adaptive filters. The results are benchmarked against simple 2-D LMS and RLS adaptive filters.
Teaching Learning Curves In An Undergraduate Economics Or Operations Management Course

Learning Curves has its roots in economics and behavioral psychology. Learning Curves theory has several business applications and is widely used in the industry. As faculty of Operations Management courses, we cover this topic in some depth in the classroom. In this paper, we present some of our teaching methods and material that have helped us in communicating the learning curves concept. The students have found these very helpful in grasping the concepts better. We present comparative charts that highlight the key differences among the three standard methods for learning curve calculations. Students find these comparative charts to be very helpful in understanding these methods and in choosing the least time-consuming method when a problem can be solved in more than one way – often important during a time based exam. Furthermore, we point out an error and an ambiguity in textbooks and also provide some insights into the formula method.
Effect of Three Concentrate Feeding Frequencies on Rumen Protozoa, Rumen Digesta Kinetics, and Milk Yield in Dairy Cows

Abstract Three rumen-cannulated Holstein cows in mid to late lactation were randomly assigned to a 3×3 Latin square with the following concentrate feeding frequencies: one, two, and four times daily. Cows were fed ad libitum a diet containing 55% corn silage and 45% concentrate (DM basis). The forage portion of the diet was fed twice daily to all cows separately from the concentrate. Each experimental period was 20 d in duration. After a 12-d adaptation, daily individual feed consumption and milk production were measured. Rumen digesta were collected prior to (0h) and at 2, 4, and 8h after the morning feeding to measure postprandial changes in protozoa numbers, pH, VFA, and NH 3 N. Chromium-EDTA and ytterbium chloride were used as liquid and particulate markers to estimate liquid and solid digesta turnover rate in the rumen. Concentrate and forage DM intake, ruminal protozoa numbers, pH, VFA, and NH 3 N concentrations, and digesta turnover rate were not affected by concentrate feeding frequency. There was a significant concentrate feeding frequency with sampling time interaction influence on NH 3 N in which feeding concentrate four times daily minimized postprandial fluctuation of rumen NH 3 N concentration. Feeding concentrate four times daily increased milk fat and protein production.
Phylogeny of 6 Sciurus aberti Subspecies Based On Nucleotide Sequences of Cytochrome b

Abstract The tassel-eared squirrel, Sciurus aberti, is separated into six subspecies which occupy restricted and comparable habitats in ponderosa pine forests in the southwestern United States and Mexico. These forests and squirrel populations are currently isolated by large arid areas and, as such, S. aberti appears to offer an example of incipient speciation. We sequenced the complete mitochondrial cytochrome b gene to construct a molecular phylogeny for S. aberti and to determine whether subspecific genetic structure and geographic patterns are correlative. Twenty alleles were identified among 612 squirrels throughout the species′ range. Nucleotide divergence between alleles ranged from 0.009 to 0.0233, whereas average sequence divergence between S. aberti and an outgroup species, Sciurus niger, was 0.1823. Neighbor-joining and maximum parsimony analyses identified three major genetic assemblages composed of the following subspecies groups: (1) barberi and durangi; (2) aberti and kaibabensis; and (3) ferreus. The chuscensis samples were the only population with divergent sequences; one sequence was identical to an aberti sequence and a second unique sequence clustered with the ferreus sequences. The presence of divergent sequences in the chuscensis population, coupled with its central geographic position between aberti and ferreus, suggests a relatively recent influx of aberti mtDNA. Estimates of the times separating sequences in subspecies within different groups ranged from 0.94 to 1.52 × 106 years, based on a rate estimate of 7.15 × 10−9 substitutions/year/site. The limited divergence observed between (1) aberti and kaibabensis as well as (2) barberi and durangi suggests relatively recent separations of subspecies within each assemblage. In fact, populations defined morphologically and geographically as ferreus exhibited greater sequence divergence than the aforementioned groups, identifying ferreus as the subspecies with the greatest genetic substructuring. The levels of cytochrome b divergence observed for the three distinct groups argues against a significant role for late Pleistocene glaciation in dispersal of this particular species; however, the proposed intermixing of aberti and chuscensis populations may well have been associated with such glacial events. Nucleotide diversity within subspecies ranked chuscensis ⪢ aberti > barberi ≍ kaibabensis ≍ ferreus subpopulations; the relatively high level of diversity of chuscensis samples likely results from the apparent introgression of an aberti haplotype. The comparative levels of diversity in the aberti, barberi, kaibabensis, and ferreus sample populations do not correlate with respective habitat size (and presumably population size), suggesting that relatively recent forces, e.g., glaciation and inconsistent timber harvests, may have influenced diversity in these populations without apparent alterations in population size.
The Raman scattering of uranyl and transuranium V, VI, and VII ions

The Raman scattering of U(VI), Np(VI), Pu(VI), Am(VI), and Np(V), Am(V) in HClO4 solutions and Np(VII) in a NaOH medium is reported. Direct observation of the polarized v1 vibration (D∞h symmetry) is observed for the transuranium MO2n+ ions in the V and VI oxidation states. The spectroscopic evidence is consistent with a linear MO2n+ structure for the Np(VII) ion in basic solutions. The trend of the v1 frequency and the MO stretching force constants with the oxidation is discussed and is correlated with the bond strengths and the stability of the MO2n+ ions.
Giving-up time variation in response to differences in nectar volume and concentration in the giant tropical ant, Paraponera clavata (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Giving-up times in resource patches by workers of the giant tropical ant,Paraponera clavata, are associated with travel time and reward volume but not reward concentration. The discovery of an artificial nectar reward stimulates local search which is centered around the initial reward site. Longer giving-up times increase the likelihood that a worker will find a second reward, but the search appears to be more effective for renewed rewards at the same location than for nearby rewards. When workers are near the colony, larger rewards cause the workers to stop searching and to initiate recruitment behavior. At patches distant from the nest, the threshold in reward volume for recruitment is much higher. These results are consistent with expectations for search strategies when energy expenditure in search is minimal, resources are renewable, and recruitment can occur.
Embryonic expression of glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) suggests multiple developmental roles in neural differentiation and epithelial-mesenchymal interactions

We describe the cloning of the mouse glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) gene and its expression during embryogenesis. GDNF is a distant member of the superfamily of TGF-beta related genes that was originally identified on the basis of its striking neurotrophic activity. GDNF is expressed in a highly dynamic pattern in the anterior neuroectoderm during early stages of neurogenesis between E7.5 and E10.5. Beginning at E10.5 GDNF is also expressed in several organs that develop through inductive epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. In those organs, GDNF expression is strictly confined to mesenchymal tissues and is not found in epithelia. Our results suggest multiple roles for GDNF during early stages of neuronal development and in epithelial-mesenchymal interactions.
Factorizing Event Sequences

Factorizing interleaved event sequences, such as those found in electronic medical records, into simpler processes can yield new insights from large datasets.
287 THE DEVELOPMENT OF CELLULAR IMMUNITY TO STREPTOCOCCUS

The role of antigenic exposure in the development of cellular immunity to bacteria was evaluated analyzing the responses of neonatal and adult lymphocytes to two streptococcal antigen preparations. Responses to the soluble antigen SK-SD were analyzed in diluted whole blood cultures (WB) and in ficoll-hypaque separated mononuclear cells (MNC) from peripheral blood in adults (PBL) or cord blood (CBL). Responses to whole cell, killed streptococcus group A, and group B I and B III strains were analyzed with MNC only. Results of proliferative responses were assessed by 3H-thymidine incorporation, and expressed as mean counts per minute over background for triplicate cultures (net cpm). Results in the table show that both newborns and adults responded to killed strep A. (Similar results were found for strep. B I and B III.) In contrast, only adults responded to SK-SD in WB (shown in table) or MNC. Normal newborns had no responses over background to this antigen. Yet, lymphocytes from a newborn with strep A sepsis had a response of 7152 net cpm to SK-SD. This indicates that newborns can develop a strong SK-SD response with exposure, but otherwise do not respond. Neonatal lymphocytes do respond to all strains of killed strep. tested, without known prior exposure. This may reflect a pathway of cellular immunity to non-specific bacterial components, active before antigen-dependent responses develop.
Central-force potentials for interaction of rotationally and vibrationally excited molecules

A general and computationally efficient approach evaluating the central-force potentials for interaction of rotationally and vibrationally excited molecules and molecular ions is presented. Examples of numerical calculations are given for interactions of diatomic systems (H2, N2 and O2) in ground electronic states. The approach can be applied in a straightforward way to interactions of atoms and atomic ions with diatomic molecules in arbitrary rotational-vibrational states.
Raman line imaging for spatially and temporally resolved mole fraction measurements in internal combustion engines.

An optical diagnostic system based on line imaging of Raman-scattered light has been developed to study the mixing processes in internal combustion engines. The system permits multipoint, single laser-shot measurements of CO2, O2, N2, C3H8, and H2O mole fractions with submillimeter spatial resolution. Selection of appropriate system hardware is discussed, as are subsequent data reduction and analysis procedures. Results are reported for data obtained at multiple crank angles and in two different engine flow fields. Measurements are made at 12 locations simultaneously, each location having measurement volume dimensions of 0.5 mm × 0.5 mm × 0.9 mm. The data are analyzed to obtain statistics of species mole fractions: mean, rms, histograms, and both spatial and cross-species covariance functions. The covariance functions are used to quantify the accuracy of the measured rms mole fraction fluctuations, to determine the integral length scales of the mixture inhomogeneities, and to quantify the cycle-to-cycle fluctuations in bulk mixture composition under well-mixed conditions.
Role of peroxynitrite in the protein oxidation and apoptotic dna fragmentation in vascular smooth muscle cells stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide and interferon-γ

In the present study, we investigated the role of endogenous and exogenous peroxynitrite in the process of DNA fragmentation and protein oxidation in cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells. Peroxynitrite induced DNA fragmentation over a 24 hr period. The effect of peroxynitrite was unaffected by pretreatment with 3-aminobenzamide, an inhibitor of the nuclear enzyme poly (ADP-ribose) synthetase (PARS). Stimulation of the smooth muscle cells with bacterial lipopolysaccharide and interferon-gamma produced nitric oxide and peroxynitrite, and resulted in a significant degree of apoptotic DNA fragmentation. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG-methyl-L-arginine (3 mM), but not the PARS inhibitor 3-aminobenzamide (1 mM), reduced the DNA fragmentation. Stimulation with bacterial lipopolysaccharide and interferon-gamma also caused a marked oxidation of proteins in the smooth muscle cells, which was inhibited by NG-methyl-L-arginine, as well as by the superoxide dismutase mimetic Mn(III)tetrakis (4-benzoic acid) porphyrin. Based on these data, we propose a role for peroxynitrite-mediated, PARS-independent pathways in the apoptotic process and in the protein oxidation in bacterial lipopolysaccharide and interferon-gamma-stimulated smooth muscle cells.
Modeling the life cycle energy and environmental performance of amorphous silicon BIPV roofing in the US

Abstract Building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) perform traditional architectural functions of walls and roofs while also generating electricity. The displacement of utility generated electricity and conventional building materials can conserve fossil fuels and have environmental benefits. A life cycle inventory model is presented that characterizes the energy and environmental performance of BIPV systems relative to the conventional grid and displaced building materials. The model is applied to an amorphous silicon PV roofing shingle in different regions across the US. The electricity production efficiency (electricity output/total primary energy input excluding insolation) for a reference BIPV system (2kWp PV shingle system with a 6% conversion efficiency and 20 year life) ranged from 3.6 in Portland OR to 5.9 in Phoenix, AZ indicating a significant return on energy investment. The reference system had the greatest air pollution prevention benefits in cities with conventional electricity generation mixes dominated by coal and natural gas, not necessarily in cities where the insolation and displaced conventional electricity were greatest.
Axonal Growth into Tubes Implanted within Lesions in the Spinal Cords of Adult Rats

Abstract Cultured Schwann cells were implanted into the thoracic spinal cords of adult rats inside thin tubes made of polycarbonate film coated with poly- l -lysine. Additional control tubes were implanted which did not contain cultured Schwann cells. Some of the control tubes were coated with poly- l -lysine and others were not. One week to 2 months later the animals were perfused with fixatives and the tubes were prepared for light or electron microscopy. Immunocytochemical studies of the Schwann cell tubes reveal that they contain axons. Most of these axons are grouped in fascicles that run longitudinally through the tubes. The distribution of these axons matches precisely the distribution of basal lamina within the tubes as displayed by immunolabeling with an antibody to laminin. Surprisingly, the same patterns of labeling are seen in the control tubes, although they contain fewer axons. Control tubes lacking poly- l -lysine contain the fewest. Electron microscopy verifies that the tubes, including control tubes, contain Schwann cells and axons of different diameters. Furthermore, the Schwann cells ensheathe and myelinate the axons. These results strengthen the hypothesis that Schwann cells can support axonal growth in the spinal cords of adult animals. They also demonstrate that these Schwann cells can be implanted or they can be derived from the host animal. This finding raises the possibility that therapies could be devised for bridging spinal cord lesions that are based on maximizing migration of endogenous host cells into the sites of lesions.
Selective removal of potassium from K4In4Sb6 via laser ablation/ionization

Results are reported on the Zintl phase material, K4In4Sb6, with respect to laser ablation and subsequent laser ionization/removal processes. A 308 nm laser pulse is used to ablate the Zintl compound, while a second laser ionizes ejected species within the extraction region of a time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer. With the second laser operating at 248 nm, selective ionization and removal of the potassium is clearly demonstrated. Such a strategy takes advantage of the different ionization potentials of K, In, and Sb, and implications for possible applications of this research to film growth are discussed.
Adiponectin-AdipoR1/2-APPL1 signaling axis suppresses human foam cell formation: differential ability of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 to regulate inflammatory cytokine responses.

Objective Adiponectin is an adipokine that exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic effects during macrophage transformation into foam cells. To further understand the signaling pathways of adiponectin involved in macrophage foam cell transformation, we investigated the roles of two adiponectin receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2) and their downstream adaptor protein, phosphotyrosine interaction, PH domain and leucine zipper containing 1 (APPL1) in mediating adiponectin action on foam cell transformation.
Histologic studies on the neurohypophysis of the living frog.

The infundibular region in the leopard frog, Rana pipiens, was studied in vivo at magnifications of up to 900 diameters. This was accomplished by the use of an operative procedure which allowed for transillumination of the region and the introduction of specially modified water immersion lenses of 50, 70 and 90 x into the field of study. This procedure is described. Details of the living histologic structure in the infundibular region were related to the capillaries of the complex vascular apparatus of that region and the region was divided into five zones on the basis of capillary patterns occurring in given areas. Living histologic structure of this region includes five different morphologic types of granular materials. Two of these materials could be identified with chrome-alum hematoxylin positive particles in fixed and stained sections. Fibers about 2μ, in diameter varying widely in numbers seen from animal to animal were observed in the region of the tractus hypophyseus. These fibers have not been positively identified as nerve fibers. Some of the particles and the fibers show changes in position and/or configuration with time. The location of the fibers, their appearance, and the location, appearance, and distribution of the particles are described. The implications of the observations made are discussed.
Effect of 8-OH DPAT and ketanserin on the ventilatory acclimatization to hypoxia in awake goats

Abstract We have previously reported that broad-spectrum serotonergic blockade increased the acute hypoxic ventilatory response in awake goats. The purpose of the present study was to examine the putative serotonin (5-HT) receptor subtype(s) that may have contributed to this response. Following the administration of the selective 5-HT1A-receptor agonist, 8-hydroxy-(2-di-n-propylamino) tetralin (8-OH DPAT, 0.1 mg kg−1 i.v.), there was an increase in normoxic expired minute ventilation ( V e ) that was due to an increased breathing frequency. V e increased during hypoxia but the change in V e (Δ V e ) associated with hypoxic exposure was not different from the Δ V e of saline treated goats. The combination of 8-OH DPAT and a selective 5-HT2A/2C receptor antagonist, ketanserin (0.1 and 1.0 mg kg−1 i.v., respectively), also increased normoxic V e but did not alter the hypoxia induced Δ V e . Both 8-OH DPAT alone and in combination with ketanserin attenuated the change in V e associated with sustained hypoxia but neither was able to attenuate the increased hypoxic ventilatory response that occurs following acclimatization. The augmented acute hypoxic ventilatory response that we previously reported does not appear to be mediated via the activation of the 5-HT1A receptor or through the combination of 5-HT1A activation and 5-HT2A/2C blockade. The results of this study further suggest that while 5-HT may modulate hypoxic ventilation it does not appear to be necessary for the development of ventilatory acclimatization to hypoxia.
Differential expression of the invasion-associated locus B (ialB) gene of Bartonella bacilliformis in response to environmental cues.

Abstract Bartonella bacilliformis is the causative agent of the biphasic human disease, Oroya fever. During the primary disease phase, up to 100% of the circulating erythrocytes can be parasitized and 80% lysed. During the secondary phase of this disease, bacterial invasion shifts to endothelial cells lining the vasculature. B. bacilliformis is transferred between human hosts by the sandfly, Lutzomyia verrucarum. To investigate the regulation of ialB by environmental cues signaling vector-to-host transmission; nuclease protection assays were performed to compare the amount of ialB mRNA in bacteria subjected to temperature shift, pH change, oxidative stress, or hemin limitation. The amount of ialB mRNA increased by 223–310% in acid-treated samples and decreased by 28–39% in base-treated samples as compared to bacteria kept at pH 7.2. B. bacilliformis samples showed a 56–63% and 74–80% decrease in ialB mRNA when shifted to 37 °C from growth temperatures of 20 and 30 °C, respectively. Oxidative stress (1 mM H2O2) and hemin limitation had no significant effect on mRNA levels. Determination of IalB protein amounts using SDS–PAGE and immunoblotting showed the greatest amounts of IalB under acidic conditions or at 20 °C. The least amount of IalB was synthesized under basic conditions or at 37 °C. The viability of wild-type B. bacilliformis under the various experimental culture conditions was determined and found not to affect ialB mRNA amounts in these experiments. Finally, we compared the survival of wild-type and ialB mutant B. bacilliformis and found no difference in the viability of these two strains, demonstrating that IalB does not aid bacterial survival under these conditions.
13C NMR spectroscopy in the analysis of conjugate metabolites in the bile of fish exposed to petroleum

Abstract The first natural abundance 13 C NMR investigation of a complex mixture of conjugate metabolites obtained from the gall bladder bile of fish exposed to hydrocarbons is presented. Cunners were exposed to water accommodated No. 2 fuel oil containing about 68% saturates and 22% aromatics. Spectral analysis indicated that the hydrocarbon derivatives were present predominantly as β-glucuronides, with the oxygen at carbon-1 of glucuronic acid preferentially attached to an aliphatic carbon. The conjugate metabolites were enriched in aromatic-type carbons when compared to the fuel oil or the aromatic fraction of oil.
A Comparison of Oligopoly Welfare Loss Estimates for U.S. Food Manufacturing

Capitalizing on theoretical advances in calculating deadweight welfare losses due to imperfect competition, we compare eight empirical estimates for the U.S. food manufacturing industries. The estimates incorporate varying theoretical assumptions about demand, supply, and firm pricing behavior; and utilize various data sources, time periods, and assumptions about the proper competitive benchmark. While the estimates of average allocative losses range widely, there is a high degree of congruence in the rankings of economic losses due to market power. Thus, from the perspective of efficient antitrust enforcement, the newer theoretical oligopoly approaches and the traditional structure-conduct-performance models would target similar industries.
Bacteriophage T4 MotA Activator and the β-Flap Tip of RNA Polymerase Target the Same Set of σ70 Carboxyl-terminal Residues

Sigma factors, the specificity subunits of RNA polymerase, are involved in interactions with promoter DNA, the core subunits of RNA polymerase, and transcription factors. The bacteriophage T4-encoded activator, MotA, is one such factor, which engages the C terminus of the Escherichia coli housekeeping sigma factor, σ70. MotA functions in concert with a phage-encoded co-activator, AsiA, as a molecular switch. This process, termed sigma appropriation, inhibits host transcription while activating transcription from a class of phage promoters. Previous work has demonstrated that MotA contacts the C terminus of σ70, H5, a region that is normally bound within RNA polymerase by its interaction with the β-flap tip. To identify the specific σ70 residues responsible for interacting with MotA and the β-flap tip, we generated single substitutions throughout the C terminus of σ70. We find that MotA targets H5 residues that are normally engaged by the β-flap. In two-hybrid assays, the interaction of σ70 with either the β-flap tip or MotA is impaired by alanine substitutions at residues Leu-607, Arg-608, Phe-610, Leu-611, and Asp-613. Transcription assays identify Phe-610 and Leu-611 as the key residues for MotA/AsiA-dependent transcription. Phe-610 is a crucial residue in the H5/β-flap tip interaction using promoter clearance assays with RNA polymerase alone. Our results show how the actions of small transcriptional factors on a defined local region of RNA polymerase can fundamentally change the specificity of polymerase.
Effects of dialect‐ethnicity, social class and quality of written compositions on teachers' subjective evaluations of children

In the context of previous work related to linguistic stereotypes and Pygmalion effects, this research describes the relative effect of factors of dialect‐ethnicity, social class, and quality of written compositions on pre‐service elementary teachers’ judgments of children's scholastic success. Analysis of teachers’ semantic differential ratings indicates some relative salience for social class over dialect‐ethnicity and quality of composition. Analysis of interaction effects reveals a complex relationship between these stimulus attributes and teacher judgments. Results are interpreted as being indicative of the likely complexity of teachers’ social perceptions of children and in some opposition to previous assumptions of the more or less unique salience of linguistically mediated social stereotypes.
Physiologic doses of depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate do not increase acute plasma simian HIV viremia or mucosal virus shedding in pigtail macaques.

OBJECTIVE Epidemiologic studies remain inconclusive on whether the injectable contraceptive depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) increases mucosal HIV shedding and transmissibility. Nonhuman primate models may help to determine the effects of DMPA on acute HIV replication. DESIGN We defined a physiologic dose of DMPA in macaques and assessed the impact of DMPA on acute simian HIV (SHIV) replication. METHODS Pigtail macaques received 1-30 mg of DMPA intramuscularly followed by measurements of progesterone and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). Vaginal epithelial thickness, number of cell layers and density of intraepithelial CD3 cells were measured. The effect of DMPA on SHIV viremia and genital virus shedding was investigated in six pigtail macaques infected during monthly treatment cycles with 3 mg DMPA. Six DMPA-untreated macaques were controls. RESULTS Plasma MPA concentrations directly correlated with changes in epithelial thickness (correlation = 0.84; P < 0.001) and density of intraepithelial CD3 cells (correlation = 0.41; P = 0.02). A 3 mg DMPA dose recapitulated plasma MPA concentrations and changes in vaginal epithelial thickness seen in women. DMPA-treated and untreated macaques showed similar peak plasma viremia and RNA area under the curve values over 12 weeks (P = 0.94), although treated macaques had higher odds of having virus being detected in plasma (odds ratio 6.6, P = 0.02). Rectal and vaginal virus shedding was similar between treated and untreated macaques (P = 0.72 and P = 0.53, respectively). CONCLUSION In this pigtail macaque model of DMPA and vaginal SHIV infection, we found little or no effect of DMPA on plasma viremia and mucosal virus shedding during acute infection. These results do not support a role of DMPA in increasing mucosal HIV shedding.
Exchange protein directly activated by cAMP modulates regulatory T-cell-mediated immunosuppression

The cAMP signalling pathway plays an essential role in immune functions. In the present study we examined the role of the cAMP/EPAC1 (exchange protein directly activated by cAMP) axis in regulatory T-cell (Treg)-mediated immunosuppression using genetic and pharmacological approaches. Genetic deletion of EPAC1 in Tregs and effector T-cells (Teffs) synergistically attenuated Treg-mediated suppression of Teffs. Mechanistically, EPAC1 inhibition enhanced activation of the transcription factor STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) and up-regulated SMAD7 expression while down-regulating expression of SMAD4. Consequently, CD4+ T-cells were desensitized to transforming growth factor (TGF) β1, a cytokine employed by Tregs to exert a broad inhibitory function within the immune system. Furthermore, deletion of EPAC1 led to production of significant levels of ovalbumin IgG antibodies in a low-dose, oral-tolerance mouse model. These in vivo observations are consistent with the finding that EPAC1 plays an important role in Treg-mediated suppression. More importantly, pharmacological inhibition of EPAC1 using an EPAC-specific inhibitor recapitulates the EPAC1 deletion phenotype both in vivo and in vitro. The results of the present study show that EPAC1 boosts Treg-mediated suppression, and identifies EPAC1 as a target with broad therapeutic potential because Tregs are involved in numerous pathologies, including autoimmunity, infections and a wide range of cancers.
Analytical Solution for Rectangular Thick Laminated Plates Subjected to Arbitrary Boundary Conditions

Three-dimensional deformations of a multilayered, linear elastic, anisotropic rectangular plate subjected to arbitrary boundary conditions at its edges are analyzed by the generalized Eshelby-Stroh formalism. The rectangular laminate consists of anisotropic and homogeneous laminae of arbitrary thicknesses. Perfect bonding is assumed between the adjoining laminae in the sense that both surface tractions and displacements are assumed to be continuous across their interfaces. The analytical solution is in terms of infinite series, and the effect of truncating the series on the accuracy of the solution is scrutinized. The method is also applicable to rectangular laminated plates, with edges of each lamina subjected to different boundary conditions. Results are presented for thick plates with different sets of edge boundary conditions, e.g., two opposite edges simply supported and the other two subjected to eight different conditions or all four edges clamped.
Nanorobot Drug Delivery System for Curcumin for Enhanced Bioavailability during Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

Robotics has emerged as a collegiate course about 20 years ago at Stanford University, Stanford, CA. From the first IRB6, the electrically powered robot in 1974, the industry has grown over a 30-year period. A leading supplier of robots has put out over 100,000 robots by year 2001. Robot capable of handling 500 kg load was introduced in 2001, IRB 7000. A number of advances have been made in nanostructuring. About 40 different nanostructuring methods were reviewed recently [1]. Nanobots can be developed that effect cures of disorders that are difficult to treat. Principles from photodynamic therapy, fullerene chemistry, nanostructuring, X-rays, computers, pharmacokinetics and robotics are applied in a design of nanorobot for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The curcuma longa that has shown curative effects in rats’ brain with Alzheimer’s is complexed with fullerenes. The drug is inactive when caged. It is infused intrathecally into the cerebrospinal system. Irradiation of the hypothalamous and other areas of the brain where Alzheimer’s disease is prevalent lead to breakage of fullerenes and availability of the drug with the diseased cells. Due to better mass transfer, better cure is affected. The other plausible reactions such as addition polymerization of fullerene, polycurcumin formation and other hydrolysis reactions are modeled along with the drug action under the Denbigh scheme of reactions. The fractional yield of drug-curcumin interaction is a function of intensity of radiation, frequency of radiation, patient demographics, age, gender, and other disorders etc. Chromophore in curcumin is used as a sensor and computer imaging and feedback control design can result in more bioavailability for curcumin therapeutic action to cure Alzheimer’s disease. This study examines the principles used in the design, the strategy of the design of the nanorobot drug delivery system with a specific target and pharamacokinetic formulation of the associated competing parallel reactions. The burrow and link capabilities at a nanoscopic level are also available if needed.
Immunologic roles of hyaluronan

Hyaluronan (HA), a large glycosaminoglycan composed of D-N-acetylglucosamine and D-glucuronic acid, is expressed in virtually all tissues and has long been considered to serve as a structural component or filling material in the tissue interstitium (Filler Theory). This idea was revised with the discovery of HA-binding proteins that introduced the concept that HA may also serve as an adhesive substrate for cellular trafficking (Adhesion Theory). Most recently, it has been shown that HA fragments can deliver maturational signals to dendritic cells (DCs) and high molecular weight HA polymers can deliver costimulatory signals to T-cells (Signaling Theory). Thus, HA may represent an important component of the immune system. Recently, we have evaluated the impact of HA on Langerhans cell (LC) maturation and migration using a novel peptide inhibitor of HA function, termed Pep-1 (GAHWQFNALTVR). As skin-specific members of the DC family, LCs are crucial for the initiation of cutaneous immune responses. Local injections of Pep-1 prevented hapten-induced LC migration from the epidermis, providing the first experimental evidence that HA facilitates their emigration. Moreover, Pep-1 also significantly inhibited the hapten-induced maturation of LCs in vivo as assessed by cell morphology, costimulatory molecule expression, and their ability to induce proliferation of allogeneic T-cells. HA therefore has dual functionality to facilitate LC migration and maturation, the two critical events for the initiation of adaptive immune responses. Finally, we have observed that DC-dependent, antigen-specific T-cell proliferation and cytokine secretion is blocked by Pep-1. These results have revealed a previously unrecognized role for HA in antigen presentation. Thus, far from an inert structural biopolymer, HA represents a multifunctional carbohydrate mediator of immune processes.
On the Mechanism of Cardiac Glycoside Action: Stimulation of Myosin B Superprecipitation by Ouabain and Digoxin

A study has been made of the effect of ouabain and other cardiac glycosides on a faithful model of contraction, viz. the "superprecipitation" which occurs when ATP is added to a suspension of purified myosin B. Structural changes during superprecipitation were followed by a turbidity method, and rates of ATP utilization with a pH stat. At "optimal" concentrations (ca. 10-9 M and 10-3 M) these substances approximately double the structural and the ATP utilization rates of the myosin B system, but at no concentration do they affect the ATPase of myosin A. In the one case studied, cardioactivity of the substance appeared to parallel its effect in our test system.
State Policy and Postsecondary Enrollment Options: Creating Seamless Systems.

Hundreds of thousands of secondary students across the nation—as many as 10 percent of high school students in some states—are participating in various forms of postsecondary enrollment options. State policymakers are considering a range of new policy options to accelerate student educational progress in light of projected demands for access to public colleges and universities by the "baby boom echo."
International Stock Market Efficiency and Integration: A Study of Eighteen Nations

This study examines the relationships among stock prices in eighteen national stock markets by using unit root and cointegration tests for the period 1961--92. All the markets were analyzed individually and collectively in regions to test for market efficiency. The results from unit root tests suggest that the world equity markets are weak-form efficient. The cointegration test results show that there are only a small number of significant cointegrating vectors over the last three decades. However, the number of significant cointegrating vectors increases after the October 1987 stock market crash, a result that is consistent with the contagion effect.
PASC: Physically authenticated stable-clocked soc platform on low-cost FPGAs

Generation of device-unique digital signatures using Physically Unclonable Functions (PUFs) is an active area of research for the last decade. However, most PUFs are conceived and designed as stand-alone hardware modules. In contrast, this paper proposes a PUF architecture that is tightly integrated into the core of a system-on-chip (SoC), with the purpose of creating a physical SoC authentication mechanism. The proposed PUF is integrated into the custom instruction interface of the NIOS-II processor. Therefore, PUF challenges can be issued by instruction calls which allows run-time authentication and which enables implementation of flexible post-processing mechanisms in software. The proposed PUF utilizes critical timing path violations of a custom instruction execution to generate digital signatures which are unique for individual chips due to random process variations. We implement PASC on a low-cost Altera DEO-Nano Development Board and we validate the quality of the authentication keys on 15 Boards.
Glass Substrates for Liquid Crystal Displays

We present a brief history of substrate glasses developed by Corning Incorporated (Corning) for use in Active matrix liquid crystal display (AMLCD) displays. The most basic attributes required of AMLCD substrates include thermal and mechanical stability, precise geometry control, a surface that is basically perfectly smooth, and no inclusions large enough to block a pixel in the final display. In addition, the glasses used as substrate materials must be essentially alkali-free so that they do not interact chemically or electronically with thin-film transistors (TFT). Thin, precision sheet was first made at Corning via the slot-draw process, but was eventually moved to the fusion-draw process; neither process was originally intended for this application. Alkali-free glasses were originally developed for electronic applications and lamp envelopes, and considerable research was required to invent compositions that were compatible with the high-viscosity fusion-draw process. Examples of the technical challenges presented by the evolving industry requirements are provided, including eliminating arsenic from the substrate glass and reducing the dimensional change during high-temperature processing of polysilicon-based TFT.
Why do organic solvents enhance mistakes in aminoacyl tRNA synthesis

Abstract Previous studies have shown that misacylation (transaminoacylation to an inappropriate tRNA) is speeded by inclusion of a miscible organic liquid in the enzymatic reaction mixture. In this paper, a wider variety of solvents than have been used heretofore are compared and one (dimethylsulfoxide) is studied in detail, in order to determine their mode of action in subverting the specificity of this nucleic acid-protein interaction. The system used is the synthesis of Ile-tRNA Phe ( E. coli B) by isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase of E. coli B. Such data indicate that methanol is the most effective stimulant for misacylation, but that, strikingly, addition of all solvents for which sufficient data are available increases misacylation. An explanation for solvent effectiveness based on a property related to surface energy is favored on the basis of its correlation with the observed misacylation velocities.
Healing of spontaneous periodontal defects in dogs treated with xenogeneic demineralized bone.

This study was undertaken to histologically, clinically and radiographically evaluate the sequence of healing following implantation of bovine demineralized bone powder (DBP) into severe, spontaneous periodontal defects in beagle dogs. Eight dogs with documented severe periodontitis were treated surgically following initial debridement. One quadrant in each arch was treated with conventional flap surgery and the others were treated with surgery followed by DBP implantation. Animals received postoperative debridement and clinical and radiographic evaluation. Two dogs were sacrificed at 1, 3,6 or 12 months postoperatively, and the jaws were evaluated histologically. Clinically, DBP was well tolerated by recipients. No evidence of localized inflammatory response or delayed hypersensitivity reaction was noted. Significant reductions in gingival inflammation were noted in both experimental and control sites at 1 month postoperatively compared to preoperative scores. Equivalent periodontal pocket reduction was ...
Dimensional analysis of bilinear oscillators under pulse-type excitations

In this paper the response of a bilinear oscillator subjected to pulse-type motions is revisited with dimensional analysis. Using Buckingham’s Πtheorem the number of variables in the response analysis is reduced from six (6) to four (4). When the response is presented in terms of dimensionless Πterms remarkable order emerges. It is shown that for a given value of dimensionless strength and dimensionless yield displacement, the response (relative dimensionless displacements and dimensionless base shears) is self-similar regardless of the intensity and duration of the pulse excitation. These self-similar solutions scale better with the peak pulse acceleration rather than with the peak pulse velocity, indicating that peak pulse acceleration is a superior intensity measure of the induced shaking. Most importantly, the paper demonstrates that for relatively small values of strength (larger values of ductility) the value of the normalized yield displacement is immaterial in the response, a finding that shows that the response of the bilinear single-degree-of-freedom oscillator exhibits a complete similarity (similarity of the first kind) in the normalized yield displacement. This finding implies that under a strong earthquake an isolated bridge will exhibit the same maximum displacement regardless if it is supported on lead-rubber bearings or friction pendulum bearings that exhibit the same strength and offer the same isolation period.
Ranolazine as Treatment of Microvascular Coronary Dysfunction in a Woman With Signs and Symptoms of Ischemia but No Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease

Women often exhibit persistent symptoms, functional disability and a relatively high prevalence of microvascular coronary dysfunction (MCD) with no obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) when evaluated for signs and symptoms of myocardial ischemia. A 27-year-old woman was referred by her treating cardiologist for symptoms of persistent chest pain for 10 years. Cardiac catheterization showed normal coronary arteries. Given the constellation of persistent chest pain and no obstructive CAD, a diagnosis of MCD was suspected, and she underwent coronary reactivity testing (CRT) with intracoronary infusions of adenosine, acetylcholine and nitroglycerin to test nonendothelial- and endothelial-dependent, micro- and macro-vascular coronary function. CRT results were consistent with a diagnosis of MCD. The patient was started on ranolazine, with significant improvement in symptoms. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) after 3 months of treatment demonstrated improvement in perfusion compared to baseline. J Med Cases. 2014;5(1):23-25 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4021/jmc1522w
On the Rate Distribution Analysis of Kinetic Data Using the Maximum Entropy Method: Applications to Myoglobin Relaxation on the Nanosecond and Femtosecond Timescales

We discuss the application of the maximum entropy method (MEM) to the extraction of rate distributions from kinetics experiments on the nanosecond to femtosecond time scale. We first present simulations to show the effects of data truncation (typical of nanosecond experiments) on rate distributions recovered by MEM. The stretched exponential decay is considered as an example to demonstrate that if the true distribution of rates for the underlying process includes faster time scales than are contained within the experimental data set, MEM can introduce unwarranted features that extend into the slower regions of rate space. This observation has relevance to the application of MEM to obtain rate distributions from kinetic experiments involving the relaxation of complex molecules like proteins, where features in the distribution are sometimes interpreted as static distributions of protein conformational substates. As an experimental example, we present an MEM analysis of the temperature dependence of the geminate rebinding kinetics of carbonmonoxy myoglobin near room temperature and find a barrier height of 18 kJ/mol. We also consider the application of MEM to ultrafast pump-probe transient absorption data, where one needs to take into account the possibility of nonmonotonicity in the kinetics and the finite pulse autocorrelation width that effectively convolves into the observed material responses. The MEM analyses of the femtosecond photophysics of Mb and MbNO, monitored at several wavelengths in the visible region, are presented as examples.
A stochastic simulation model for evaluating forage machinery performance

Abstract The selection of machinery on a dairy farm is the focus of the study. A simulation model is constructed that evaluates alternative forage machinery complements on New York State dairy farms. Attention is focussed on the machinery use, forage crop production and concentrate purchase. The key measure of performance is the total cost of acquiring feed for the dairy herd. The total cost includes the machinery investment and operating costs and the cost of feeds required to supplement that produced on the farm. The simulation model, written in Fortran, utilises a daily timestep. Each day the feasibility of machinery operation is determined, machinery operations are scheduled and the end of day status is determined.
Relating the survival and growth of planted longleaf pine seedlings to microsite conditions altered by site preparation treatments

Abstract Pine plantations in the southeastern United States are often created using site preparation treatments to alleviate site conditions that may limit survival or growth of planted seedlings. However, little is understood about how site preparations affect longleaf pine (Pinus palustris P. Miller) seedlings planted on wet sites. In a 2-year study (2004 and 2005) on poorly drained, sandy soils of Onslow County, North Carolina, we examined the effects of common site preparation treatments on microsite conditions and quantified relationships between microsite conditions and longleaf pine seedling survival and growth. Treatments used in the study included site preparations designed to control competing vegetation (chopping and herbicide) combined with those that alter soil conditions (mounding and bedding). During both years, mounding and bedding treatments reduced the amount of moisture within the top 6 cm of soil and increased soil temperatures when compared to flat planting (p