cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does a Slower Treatment Rate Impact the Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy for Solitary Kidney or Ureteral Stones

Purpose: We compared the efficacy of an SR (70 to 80 shocks per minute) and an FR (120 shocks per minute) for ESWL for solitary stones less than 2 cm located in the kidney or proximal ureter.Materials and Methods: A total of 349 patients with a solitary, radiopaque kidney or ureteral stone underwent ESWL on a DoLi® 50 lithotriptor. Patients were grouped based on stone size, stone location and whether SR or FR treatment was performed. Of the 349 patients 135 had a renal stone between 1and 2 cm, 137 had a renal stone less than 1 cm and 77 had a proximal ureteral stone with a surface area of between 30 and 90 mm2. SFRs were determined at approximately 1 month by plain x-ray of the kidneys, ureters and bladder.Results: In comparison to the FR groups SR groups required fewer shocks and had significantly lower power indexes. Of patients with renal stones between 1 and 2 cm 24 of 52 (46%) in the FR group were stone-free compared to 56 of 83 (67%) in the SR group (p <0.05). For stones with a surface area of 30 to...
2-(4-Methoxybenzyl)-4-(phenylsulfonyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrrolo[3,4-b]indole

The indole and pyrrolidine ring systems of the title compound, C24H22N2O3S, are essentially coplanar. The angle between the planes of the phenyl­sulfonyl group and the indole ring system is 89.1 (2)°, which is characteristic of 1-(phenyl­sulfonyl)­indoles. The benzyl ring is nearly perpendicular to the pyrroloindole unit, with an angle between the planes of 82.2 (2)°.
Research Note: Effective Successors in Family‐Owned Businesses: Significant Elements

Sixty-three family business CEOs were surveyed and interviewed to better understand why some successors are able to grow revenues and profits for their respective family firms, and why some do not. This research uncovers significant elements that differentiate effective from less effective successors.
Ets and megakaryocytes: maturation matters

Comment on Pang et al, page [2198][1] Whereas early studies identified different Ets transcription factors [ 1 ][2] - [ 3 ][3] as regulators of megakaryocyte gene expression, a recent report highlights the importance of an Ets member for stage-specific gene regulation during megakaryopoiesis.
k Opioids as potential treatments for stimulant dependence

Stimulant abuse is a major problem in the United States and the development of pharmacological treatments for stimulant abuse remains an important therapeutic goal. Classically, the “dopamine hypothesis” has been used to explain the development of addiction and dependence of stimulants. This hypothesis involves the direct increase of dopamine as the major factor in mediating the abuse effects. Therefore, most treatments have focused on directly influencing the dopamine system. Another approach, which has been explored for potential treatments of stimulant abuse, is the use of κ opioid agonists. The κ receptor is known to be involved, via indirect effects, in synaptic dopamine levels. This review covers several classes of κ opioid ligands that have been explored for this purpose.
Dynamic, Stochastic, Computational, and Scalable Technologies for Smart Grids

The smart electric power grid will evolve into a very complex adaptive system under semi-autonomous distributed control. Its spatial and temporal complexity, non-convexity, non-linearity, non-stationarity, variability and uncertainties exceed the characteristics found in today's traditional power system. The distributed integration of intermittent sources of energy and plug-in electric vehicles to a smart grid further adds complexity and challenges to its modeling, control and optimization. Innovative technologies are needed to handle the growing complexity of the smart grid and stochastic bidirectional optimal power flows, to maximize the penetration of renewable energy, and to provide maximum utilization of available energy storage, especially plug-in electric vehicles.
Sub-Saturn Planetary Candidates of HD 16141 and HD 46375.

Precision Doppler measurements from the Keck High-Resolution Echelle Spectrograph reveal periodic Keplerian velocity variations in the stars HD 16141 and HD 46375. HD 16141 (G5 IV) has a period of 75.8 days and a velocity amplitude of 11 m s-1, yielding a companion having M sin i = 0.22 MJUP and a semimajor axis of a = 0.35 AU. HD 46375 (K1 IV-V) has a period of 3.024 days and a velocity amplitude of 35 m s-1, yielding a companion with M sin i = 0.25 MJUP, a semimajor axis of a = 0.041 AU, and an eccentricity of 0.04 (consistent with zero). These companions contribute to the rising planet mass function toward lower masses.
Quantitative interpretation of an evolving ancient river system

Multistorey sandstone bodies described from the Upper Devonian-Lower Carboniferous of Kerry Head (Ireland) are interpreted as deposits of aggrading, perennial, river channels migrating laterally across alluvial plains. Point bars displayed surface features such as scroll bars, chute channels and chute bars. Relatively uncommon channel fills are both coarse- and fine-grained. Quantitative interpretation of the sandstone bodies was accomplished by comparison with a physical model that predicts the sedimentology of single point bar deposits developed in channels of prescribed geometry and hydraulics. This analysis reveals that the separate storeys (point bars) in each sandstone body were deposited in a single channel belt in which channel geometry and hydraulics varied little with time (order of 103 yr) and space (order of 103 m). Two southerly flowing rivers of markedly different size were responsible for all sandstone bodies: bankfull widths, depths and mean velocities of both rivers varied little with time (order of 105 yr), implying a stable climatic setting. Channel sinuosities were usually 1.15–1.2 throughout the succession. Both rivers decreased in mean channel slope as time progressed, in association with a rising base-level and a shoreline encroaching from the south. Using Bridge & Leeder's (1979) alluvial stratigraphy model, the nature and distribution of channel sandstone bodies relative to overbank deposits in the succession can be explained by an average (compacted) floodplain deposition rate of about 0.005 m yr−1, if avulsion occurred with a frequency of about once every 103 yr. Local variation in the relative amount of channel sandstone in the succession is probably due to local tectonic control of deposition.
Cell-cycle-dependent phosphorylation of the nuclear pore Nup107-160 subcomplex.

Abstract The nuclear pore complex (NPC) mediates macromolecular transport between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Many NPC proteins (nucleoporins, Nups) are modified by phosphorylation. It is believed that phosphorylation regulates the breakdown of the nuclear envelope at mitosis and the disassembly of the NPC into different subcomplexes. In this study, we examined the cell-cycle-dependent phosphorylation of the Nup107–160 subcomplex, a core building block of the NPC. Using in vivo 32P labeling in HeLa cells, we found that Nup107, Nup96, and Nup133 are phosphorylated during mitosis. To precisely map the phosphorylation sites within the complex, we used a comprehensive multiple-stage MS approach (MS, MS2, and MS3), establishing that Nup160, Nup133, Nup96, and Nup107 are all targets of phosphorylation. We determined that the phosphorylation sites are clustered mainly at the N-terminal regions of these proteins, which are predicted to be natively disordered. In addition, we determined the cell-cycle dependence of the phosphorylation of these sites by using stable isotope labeling and MS2 analysis. Measurement of the site-specific phosphorylation ratios between mitotic and G1 cells led us to conclude that several phosphorylation events of the subcomplex are mainly mitotic. Based on these results and our finding that the entire Nup107–160 subcomplex is stable throughout the cell cycle, we propose that phosphorylation does not affect interactions within the Nup107–160 subcomplex, but regulates the association of the subcomplex with the NPC and other proteins. mitosis nucleoporin mass spectrometry nuclear pore complex mammalian
Pelvic exenteration in the age of modern chemoradiation

Abstract Background To examine outcomes after pelvic exenteration in women treated with modern chemoradiation and surgical techniques. Methods All patients at our institution with a diagnosis of gynecologic malignancy who underwent pelvic exenteration after treatment with chemoradiation between 1/90 and 6/08 were evaluated with a retrospective chart review. Results 44 women were identified, of whom 29 (66%) had cervical, 6 (14%) had uterine, 5 (11%) had vaginal, and 4 (9%) had vulvar cancer. The majority of patients (82%) were initially treated with external beam whole-pelvic radiation with concurrent cisplatin. 38 patients (86%) underwent exenteration for a central pelvic recurrence, and the remaining 6 patients (14%) for radiation necrosis. The most common surgical complication was transfusion requirement in 36 patients (82%), followed by wound infection in 15 (34%), small bowel obstruction in 8 (18%), and sepsis in 6 (14%). The median time spent in the ICU post-operatively was 2days. One patient (2%) died during her post-operative hospital stay. The mean EBL overall was 2497cc and the mean operative time was 544min. Use of electrothermal bipolar coagulation, which was used in 64% of the exenterations, significantly reduced blood loss (3679cc vs. 1836cc, p=0.014). After exenteration, 21 patients (48%) were diagnosed with a recurrence of cancer, and the mean progression free survival was 31months. Patients who received exenteration less than 2years after their initial chemoradiation had a significantly shorter overall survival time (8months vs. 33months, p=0.016). Conclusions Approximately 50% of women develop recurrence following exenterations done after chemoradiation. Survival is significantly longer in patients who necessitate exenteration greater than 2years out from initial treatment. Electrothermal bipolar coagulation appears to significantly reduce blood loss during these surgeries.
Nitric Oxide Regulation of MMP-9 Activation and Its Relationship to Modifications of the Cysteine Switch†

Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are Zn-containing endopeptidases involved in the degradation of extracellular matrix components and are typically secreted in a latent (pro-MMP) form and activated either by proteolytic or oxidative disruption of a conserved cysteine switch. Several recent studies have suggested that nitric oxide (NO) can contribute to the activation of MMPs, but the mechanisms involved are incompletely understood. We investigated the ability of NO to regulate the activation of (pro)MMP-9 using a variety of NO-donor compounds and characterized modifications of the cysteine switch using a synthetic peptide (PRCGVPDLGR) representing the cysteine switch domain of MMP-9. Among the NO-donors used, only S-nitrosocysteine (SNOC) was found to be capable of modest activation of proMMP-9, but S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) or the NONOates, DEA-NO, SPER-NO, or DETA-NO, were ineffective. In fact, high concentrations of DETA-NO were found to inhibit MMP-9 activity, presumably by direct interaction with the ...
Nanolaminates – Bioinspired and beyond

Abstract Nanolaminates, consisting of assemblies of well-oriented nanoscopically thin laminae, are an emerging class of nanocomposite materials that represent the convergence of multiple disciplines within materials science on an architecture capable of producing a broad range of interesting behaviors and impressive performance. One source of inspiration for studying these materials has been the observation that nacre, with its so-called “bricks and mortar” structure, is able to achieve high performance in spite of humble beginnings. That said, it is clear that the promise of these materials lies not in reproducing nature, but in learning from it and combining this knowledge with man's greater access to materials and processing techniques. The results of such efforts are briefly summarized here, with a focus on mechanical and transport properties as well as perspectives concerning the properties and promise of these materials more broadly.
A Truthful Multi-Channel Double Auction Mechanism for Heterogeneous Spectrums

Auction has been widely used to spectrum allocation. Most of the previous works supposed that all the spectrum are identical. However, in reality, spectrums are quite different in different locations and frequencies. Recently, some works studied the double auction mechanism for heterogeneous spectrums. But their schemes are based on the assumption of "single-channel request". To be more realistic, each seller and buyer will bid at least one channel. The previous schemes will not work under multi-channel assumption. In this paper, we propose a truthful multi-channel double auction mechanism for heterogeneous spectrums. Our scheme allows sellers and buyers to sell or buy multi-channels for heterogeneous spectrums. We introduce a novel virtual grouping method to split sellers and buyers. We prove that the proposed scheme satisfies the economic properties: truthfulness, individual rationality and budget balance. The simulation results confirm that our method achieves high auction efficiency and auction revenue.
2-Phenylethylamine as a possible mediator for Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol-induced stimulation

IF neuroamines modulate perception and affect, as implied in much of the literature, the behavioural effects of marihuana may be mediated by alterations of brain amine mechanisms, Even in large doses (5–500 mg kg−1), Δ9-tetra-hydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) produces only relatively small changes in the brain levels and turnover of serotonin1–3, catecholamines2–4 and acetylcholine5. We report here biochemical and behavioural experiments suggesting a role for endogenous 2-phenylethylamine (PEA) in the action of Δ9-THC. PEA may be one of the neuromodulators involved in wakefulness, arousal and excitement6,7, and it is the precursor of phenylethanolamine, a putative neurotransmitter8. PEA is present in human8 and animal9 brain; monoamine oxidase B plays a major role in the metabolism of PEA whereas monoamine oxidase A is responsible for the deamination of noradrenaline and serotonin10. The observations that the urinary excretion of PEA is decreased in patients with endogenous depression11–13 and that in animals brain levels of PEA are increased by antidepressive treatments [monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), imipramine, electroshock7,9,14] suggest that this amine is important in modulating affect.
The D/H ratio of water in the solar nebula during its formation and evolution

We couple a dynamic model of material transport and mixing within a forming and evolving protoplanetary disk with a kinetic study of D–H isotopic exchange amongst gas-phase molecules to explore the isotopic evolution of water in a young protoplanetary system. We begin with water that was highly deuterated in the parent molecular cloud core, then track its isotopic evolution within the protoplanetary disk. Our model shows the (D/H)water is low in the hot inner disk due to rapid isotopic exchange with molecular hydrogen, and then increases toward the cold, outer disk where exchange reactions are more sluggish. These results are consistent with previous studies. However, counter to previous studies, we find that the (D/H)water decreases again in the outer regions of the disk because water that exchanged at high temperatures near the young star would have been transported outward during the early evolution of the disk. As a result, water ice in the outermost region of the disk may have, on average, a lower (D/H)water ratio than found closer to the star. This non-monotonic gradient in D/H could explain the recent observations showing that the (D/H)water of a Jupiter Family Comet, 103P/Hartley 2, is lower than that of previously measured Oort cloud comets.
Sedimentation of monodisperse and bidisperse hard‐sphere colloidal suspensions

The effect of concentration on the sedimentation rate of uncharged rigid spheres was investigated. Three submicron sizes of silica spheres were prepared according to the method of Stober (1968). The particles were sterically stabilized by chemisorption of stearyl alcohol at their surface by the method developed by van Helden (1981). The sterically stabilized silica particles dispersed in cyclohexane are known to behave as hard spheres. Monodisperse gravity sedimentation experiments were carried out for the various particle species over a wide concentration range of ϕ = 0.003 to ϕ = 0.37, where ϕ is the particle volume fraction in cyclohexane. The data for dilute suspensions (ϕ < 0.03) were found to be well described by Batchelor's equation: U/U0 = 1–6.55ϕ, where U is the sedimentation velocity and U0 is the Stokes velocity of a sphere in isolation. The data over the entire concentration range (0<ϕ<0.37) were found to be well described by the equation: U/U0 = (1–ϕ)6.55. Bidisperse sedimentation experiments were also carried out, and the dilute data were found to be well represented by Batchelor's 1982 theory for polydisperse suspensions. The high concentration data were analyzed in terms of a model that does not distinguish between interactions of like and unlike particles.
Strain, sex, and environment effects on appetitively and aversively motivated learning tasks.

Two strains of rats (Zivic-Millers and F-344s) were reared in either an enriched or isolated environment for 60 days (experiment I) or 27 days (experiment II). At maturity, independent groups of subjects were tested on both appetitively and aversively motivated learning tasks. The results indicated that the effects of early rearing conditions on later behavior were both task and strain specific. Passive avoidance and appetitively motivated tasks were more sensitive to the early experience variable whereas active avoidance tasks were more sensitive to the genetic variable.
Peripheral Nerve Repair Through Multi-Luminal Biosynthetic Implants

Peripheral nerve damage is routinely repaired by autogenic nerve grafting, often leading to less than optimal functional recovery at the expense of healthy donor nerves. Alternative repair strategies use tubular scaffolds to guide the regeneration of damaged nerves, but despite the progress made on improved structural materials for the nerve tubes, functional recovery remains incomplete. We developed a biosynthetic nerve implant (BNI) consisting of a hydrogel-based transparent multichannel scaffold with luminar collagen matrix as a 3-D substrate for nerve repair. Using a rat sciatic nerve injury model we showed axonal regeneration through the BNI to be histologically comparable to the autologous nerve repair. At 10 weeks post-injury, nerve defects repaired with collagen-filled, single lumen tubes formed single nerve cables, while animals that received the multi-luminal BNIs showed multiple nerve cables and the formation of a perineurial-like layer within the available microchannels. Total numbers of myelinated and unmyelinated axons in the BNI were increased 3-fold and 30%, respectively, compared to collagen tubes. The recovery of reflexive movement confirmed the functional regeneration of both motor and sensory neurons. This study supports the use of multi-luminal BNIs as a viable alternative to autografts in the repair of nerve gap injuries.
NMR wettability indices: Effect of OBM on wettability and NMR responses

Wettability and NMR surface relaxation are related to each other. Wettability controls the fluid distribution in porous media. NMR surface relaxation dictates that the fluid in contact with the mineral surface has a relaxation time shorter than its bulk value. In this study, first, the nature of wettability effect on NMR responses was demonstrated by a parameter ρ2, eff, the effective surface relaxivity. Quantitative changes of ρ2, eff of water or oil for unconsolidated silica flour and calcite were shown to be consistent with the expected wettability alteration based on the contact angle measurements. Based on the concept of effective surface relaxivity, a novel NMR model was then proposed to quantify rock wettability by two NMR wettability indices from either water or oil responses. This model was tested with water/oil partially saturated Berea cores at different wettability conditions. Correlations show that both NMR indices agree well with the Amott–Harvey wettability index, suggesting that quantitative information of reservoir rock wettability can be gained from NMR measurements. Finally, the effect of oil base mud (OBM) surfactants on wettability alteration and NMR responses was systematically investigated with Berea cores. Results show that the originally strongly water-wet Berea cores are altered to be intermediate-wet or oil-wet by OBM surfactants. As a result, the irreducible water saturation from NMR interpretation assuming water-wetness when wettability alteration occurs generally underestimates the measured value. The magnitude of underestimation correlates well with the Amott–Harvey wettability index.
TEMPORAL VARIATION IN THE SPATIAL DISPERSION PATTERNS OF APHIDS (HOMOPTERA: APHIDIDAE) INFESTING STRAWBERRIES

Temporal changes in spatial distribution patterns of aphids infesting winter strawberries in coastal California were determined using Green's Coefficient, Cx, Iwao's regression of mean crowding on the mean, and Lloyd's “Patchiness Index.” Both C, and the Patchiness Index indicated the aphids were initially overdispersed, but became random as populations increased. Distribution remained random following population collapse, suggesting that density-independent mortality factors suppressed populations. Iwao's regression method provided analogous results when populations were temporarily stratified
Effect of ergot alkaloids on serum prolactin in non-psychotic organic brain syndrome of the elderly.

Abstract A compound of ergot alkaloids (Hydergine-Sandoz) or placebo was given to sixty elderly nursing home patients with non-psychotic organic brain syndrome. Subsequent to 12 weeks of treatment, the mean serum prolactin of the drug group was significantly lower than that of the placebo group. No correlation was found between changes in prolactin and changes in behavior using Sandoz Assessment of Clinical Status Rating Form-Geriatric [SCAG]. It may be that a higher dose of Hydergine with an accompanying greater drop in prolactin would be required to observe this effect.
Seasonal testosterone levels in leydig and sertoli cells of the snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) in natural populations

Leydig cells were enzymatically separated from the seminiferous tubules and were then purified by isoosmotic Percoll gradient centrifugation so that steroidogenic activity in the two sites could be measured separately. After purification, the cells in fractions 29–31 were identified as Leydig cells since these tested positively for 3β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity (3β HSD), had steroidogenic ultrastructural features (smooth endoplasmic reticulum), and were capable of synthesizing testosterone (T) in vitro. The rest of the fractions tested negatively for the 3β HSD activity and were incapable of synthesizing detectable amounts of T. Sertoli cells from seminiferous tubules also showed the above steroidogenic properties. The T concentration of intratubular origin (Sertoli cells) was low prior to spermatogenesis but began to rise at the onset of the spermatogenic phase (late May to early June). The level of Sertoli T increased steadily during the summer. In late August to early September intratubular T reached a peak that coincided with spermiation and maximal testicular development. Leydig cells (interstitial origin) were more active prior to spermatogenesis, producing large amounts of T at a time of minimal testicular mass. The sharply rising T concentrations peaked in May or early June (mating period). After the onset of spermatogenesis, T of interstitial origin began to drop until early August to early September when, like T of intratubular origin, it peaked in synchrony with spermiation and maximal testes development. During September the testes regressed rapidly and T from both sources declined significantly. Throughout the cycle the Leydig cells appeared to be the major site of testosterone synthesis. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Level crossing in the three-body problem for strongly interacting fermions in a harmonic trap

We present a solution of the three-fermion problem in a harmonic potential across a Feshbach resonance. We compare the spectrum with that of the two-body problem and show that it is energetically unfavorable for the three fermions to occupy one lattice site rather than two. We also demonstrate the existence of an energy level crossing in the ground state with a symmetry change of its wave function, suggesting the possibility of a phase transition for the corresponding many-body case.
Procainamide-induced respiratory insufficiency after cardiopulmonary bypass

A 46-year-old man could not be weaned from ventilatory support while receiving procainamide. When the drug was discontinued, the patient was successfully weaned shortly thereafter.
HYBRID PARTIAL-TOTAL TYPE THEORY

In this paper a hybrid type theory HTT is defined which combines the programming language notion of partial type and the logical notion of total type into a single theory. A new partial type constructor is added to the type theory: objects in may diverge, but if they converge, they must be members of the type A. A fixed point typing rule is given to allow for typing of fixed points. The underlying theory is based on ideas from Martin-Lof’s Intuitionistic Type Theory and Feferman’s Class Theory. The extraction paradigm of constructive type theory is extended to allow direct extraction of arbitrary fixed points. Important features of general programming logics such as LCF are preserved, including the typing of all partial recursive functions, a partial ordering on computations, and a fixed point induction principle. The resulting theory is thus intended as a general-purpose programming logic. Rules are presented and soundness of the theory established.
Environmental neurotoxic pesticide dieldrin activates a non receptor tyrosine kinase to promote pkcδ-mediated dopaminergic apoptosis in a dopaminergic neuronal cell model

Oxidative stress and apoptosis are two key pathophysiological mechanisms underlying dopaminergic degeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD). Recently, we identified that proteolytic activation of protein kinase C-delta (PKCδ), a member of the novel PKC family, contributes to oxidative stress-induced dopaminergic degeneration and that phosphorylation of tyrosine residue 311 (tyr311) on PKCδ is a key event preceding the PKCδ proteolytic activation during oxidative damage. Herein, we report that a non-receptor tyrosine kinase Fyn is significantly expressed in a dopaminergic neuronal N27 cell model. Exposure of N27 cells to the dopaminergic toxicant dieldrin (60 μM) rapidly activated Fyn kinase, PKCδ-tyr311 phosphorylation and proteolytic cleavage. Fyn kinase activation precedes the caspase-3-mediated proteolytic activation of PKCδ. Pre-treatment with p60-tyrosine-specific kinase inhibitor (TSKI) almost completely attenuated dieldrin-induced phosphorylation of PKCδ-tyr311 and its proteolytic activation. Additionally, TSKI almost completely blocked dieldrin-induced apoptotic cell death. To further confirm Fyn's role in the pro-apoptotic function of PKCδ, we adopted the RNAi approach. siRNA-mediated knockdown of Fyn kinase also effectively attenuated dieldrin-induced phosphorylation of PKCδ-tyr311, caspase-3-mediated PKCδ proteolytic cleavage, and DNA fragmentation, suggesting that Fyn kinase regulates the pro-apoptotic function of PKCδ. Collectively, these results demonstrate for the first time that Fyn kinase is a pro-apoptotic kinase that regulates upstream signaling of the PKCδ-mediated apoptotic cell death pathway in neurotoxicity models of pesticide exposure.
Algorithm 566: FORTRAN Subroutines for Testing Unconstrained Optimization Software [C5], [E4]

A partial listing of the FORTRAN package of subroutines for testing unconstrained optimazation software is given with a brief description of the subroutines. The following three problem areas are considered: (1) zeros of systems of N nonlinear functions in N variables; (2) least square minimization of M nonlinear functions in N variables; (3) unconstrained minimization of an objective function with N variables. To test a code in any of the three problem areas, the user must provide a driver and interface routine. The package includes example drivers and interface routines for each of the problem areas. Sample data are also provided. (SC)
Relay support for the Mars Science Laboratory and the coming decade of Mars relay network evolution

In the past decade, an evolving network of Mars relay orbiters has provided telecommunication relay services to the Mars Exploration Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, and to the Mars Phoenix Lander, enabling high-bandwidth, energy-efficient data transfer and greatly increasing the volume of science data that can be returned from the Martian surface, compared to conventional direct-to-Earth links. The current relay network, consisting of NASA's Odyssey and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and augmented by ESA's Mars Express Orbiter, stands ready to support the Mars Science Laboratory, scheduled to arrive at Mars on Aug 6, 2012, with new capabilities enabled by the Electra and Electra-Lite transceivers carried by MRO and MSL, respectively. The MAVEN orbiter, planned for launch in 2013, and the ExoMars/Trace Gas Orbiter, planned for launch in 2016, will replenish the on-orbit relay network as the current orbiter approach their end of life. Currently planned support scenarios for this future relay network include an ESA EDL Demonstrator Module deployed by the 2016 ExoMars/TGO orbiter, and the 2018 NASA/ESA Joint Rover, representing the first step in a multimission Mars Sample Return campaign.
Toward safer multi-walled carbon nanotube design: Establishing a statistical model that relates surface charge and embryonic zebrafish mortality

AbstractGiven the increased utility and lack of consensus regarding carbon nanotube (CNT) environmental and human health hazards, there is a growing demand for guidelines that inform safer CNT design. In this study, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) model is utilized as a stable, sensitive biological system to evaluate the bioactivity of systematically modified and comprehensively characterized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). MWNTs were treated with strong acid to introduce oxygen functional groups, which were then systematically thermally reduced and removed using an inert temperature treatment. While 25 phenotypic endpoints were evaluated at 24 and 120 hours post-fertilization (hpf), high mortality at 24 hpf prevented further resolution of the mode of toxicity leading to mortality. Advanced multivariate statistical methods are employed to establish a model that identifies those MWNT physicochemical properties that best estimate the probability of observing an adverse outcome. The physicochemical proper...
Mixed time scale recursive algorithms

We investigate the behavior of certain types of mixed time scale adaptive algorithms. These systems comprise a "fast" or quickly changing algorithm mutually coupled to a "slow" or slowly changing algorithm. They arise naturally in a variety of adaptive environments such as in IIR system identification, the training of recurrent neural networks, decision feedback equalization, and others. [These algorithms (despite their title) should not be confused with the mixed time scales of wavelet transforms or other algorithms associated with multiresolution signal processing]. We give conditions for when the system can be analyzed from the framework of a simpler "frozen state" system. This analysis extends some of the previous work of Solo (1995) and his coworkers.
Combined effects of chronic audio-visual stress and thiouracil administration on the cholesterol-fed rat.

Weanling Sprague-Dawley rats fed a standard laboratory diet containing 2% cholesterol and 1% sodium cholate, when exposed to audio-visual stress for a three-week period, were found to have significantly heavier thyroids, lighter livers, higher serum cholesterol and increased adrenal ascorbic acid levels than similarly treated control animals. The addition of thiouracil to the ration (0.25% and 0.50%) produced the expected increases in liver and thyroid weight and serum cholesterol. Thiouracil administration also caused a marked depression in adrenal weight and adrenal ascorbic acid levels. A significant stress X diet interaction was noted on thyroid weight, suggesting that stress and diet were not independent of each other in their influence on the thyroid. The combined effects of chronic audio-visual stress and thiouracil administration had essentially no effect on total hepatic or adrenal cholesterol levels.
Packet-Hiding Methods for Preventing Selective Jamming Attacks

The open nature of the wireless medium leaves it vulnerable to intentional interference attacks, typically referred to as jamming. This intentional interference with wireless transmissions can be used as a launchpad for mounting Denial-of-Service attacks on wireless networks. Typically, jamming has been addressed under an external threat model. However, adversaries with internal knowledge of protocol specifications and network secrets can launch low-effort jamming attacks that are difficult to detect and counter. In this work, we address the problem of selective jamming attacks in wireless networks. In these attacks, the adversary is active only for a short period of time, selectively targeting messages of high importance. We illustrate the advantages of selective jamming in terms of network performance degradation and adversary effort by presenting two case studies; a selective attack on TCP and one on routing. We show that selective jamming attacks can be launched by performing real-time packet classification at the physical layer. To mitigate these attacks, we develop three schemes that prevent real-time packet classification by combining cryptographic primitives with physical-layer attributes. We analyze the security of our methods and evaluate their computational and communication overhead.
Optimizing multistage decimation and interpolation processing

The optimization problem for the design of multistage decimators and interpolators is considered. The corresponding objective function for sample rate increase or decrease is based upon the number of multiplies and adds per second. The structure of the multidimensional gradient equations for the decimation or interpolation ratios is investigated. A drastic simplification of the minimization process is demonstrated. Even for an arbitrary number of stages K, the solution of the K-1-dimensional problem can be reduced to one dimension, giving an enormous saving in computation. The highly applicable cases of K=3 and K=4 are treated explicitly.
Floods of Fortune: Ecology and Economy along the Amazon

Floods of Fortune: Ecology and Economy along the Amazon. Michael Goulding. Nigel J. H. Smith. and Dennis J. Mahar. New York: Columbia University Press, 1996. 193 pp.
THE OXYGEN CONSUMPTION OF THE MICROSPORES OF TRILLIUM IN RELATION TO THE MITOTIC CYCLE

The oxygen consumption of 265 single Trillium erectum anthers was measured before and during the mitotic cycle of the microspores using a modified differential microrespirometer. The results show a rising oxygen consumption of the anther in the premitotic stages followed by a sharp drop immediately preceding and during active division. It is suggested from these results that active division may be associated with anaerobic behavior and that the rapid uptake of molecular oxygen commonly associated with proliferating tissues is probably characteristic of premitotic development.
Genomorama: genome visualization and analysis

The ability to visualize genomic features and design experimental assays that can target specific regions of a genome is essential for modern biology. To assist in these tasks, we present Genomorama, a software program for interactively displaying multiple genomes and identifying potential DNA hybridization sites for assay design. Useful features of Genomorama include genome search by DNA hybridization (probe binding and PCR amplification), efficient multi-scale display and manipulation of multiple genomes, support for many genome file types and the ability to search for and retrieve data from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Entrez server. Genomorama provides an efficient computational platform for visualizing and analyzing multiple genomes.
O‐glycosylation of the cardiac IKs complex

Post-translational modifications of the KCNQ1–KCNE1 (Kv7) K+ channel complex are vital for regulation of the cardiac IKs current and action potential duration. Here, we show the KCNE1 regulatory subunit is O-glycosylated with mucin-type glycans in vivo. As O-linked glycosylation sites are not recognizable by sequence gazing, we designed a novel set of glycosylation mutants and KCNE chimeras and analysed their glycan content using deglycosylation enzymes. Our results show that KCNE1 is exclusively O-glycosylated at Thr-7, which is also required for N-glycosylation at Asn-5. For wild type KCNE1, the overlapping N- and O-glycosylation sites are innocuous for subunit biogenesis; however, mutation of Thr-7 to a non-hydroxylated residue yielded mostly unglycosylated protein and a small fraction of mono-N-glycosylated protein. The compounded hypoglycosylation was equally deleterious for KCNQ1–KCNE1 cell surface expression, demonstrating that KCNE1 O-glycosylation is a post-translational modification that is integral for the proper biogenesis and anterograde trafficking of the cardiac IKs complex. The enzymatic assays and panel of glycosylation mutants used here will be valuable for identifying the different KCNE1 glycoforms in native cells and determining the roles N- and O-glycosylation play in KCNQ1–KCNE1 function and localization in cardiomyocytes,
Kcne2 Deletion Creates a Multisystem Syndrome Predisposing to Sudden Cardiac Death

Background— Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading global cause of mortality, exhibiting increased incidence in patients with diabetes mellitus. Ion channel gene perturbations provide a well-established ventricular arrhythmogenic substrate for SCD. However, most arrhythmia-susceptibility genes, including the KCNE2 K + channel β subunit, are expressed in multiple tissues, suggesting potential multiplex SCD substrates. Methods and Results— Using whole-transcript transcriptomics, we uncovered cardiac angiotensinogen upregulation and remodeling of cardiac angiotensinogen interaction networks in P21 Kcne2 –/– mouse pups and adrenal remodeling consistent with metabolic syndrome in adult Kcne2 –/– mice. This led to the discovery that Kcne2 disruption causes multiple acknowledged SCD substrates of extracardiac origin: diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, hyperkalemia, anemia, and elevated angiotensin II. Kcne2 deletion was also a prerequisite for aging-dependent QT prolongation, ventricular fibrillation and SCD immediately after transient ischemia, and fasting-dependent hypoglycemia, myocardial ischemia, and AV block. Conclusions— Disruption of a single, widely expressed arrhythmia-susceptibility gene can generate a multisystem syndrome comprising manifold electric and systemic substrates and triggers of SCD. This paradigm is expected to apply to other arrhythmia-susceptibility genes, the majority of which encode ubiquitously expressed ion channel subunits or regulatory proteins.
Geometric strategies for neuroanatomic analysis from MRI

In this paper, we describe ongoing work in the Image Processing and Analysis Group (IPAG) at Yale University specifically aimed at the analysis of structural information as represented within magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the human brain. Specifically, we will describe our applied mathematical approaches to the segmentation of cortical and subcortical structure, the analysis of white matter fiber tracks using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and the intersubject registration of neuroanatomical (aMRI) data sets. Many of our methods rally around the use of geometric constraints, statistical (MAP) estimation, and the use of level set evolution strategies. The analysis of gray matter structure and connecting white matter paths combined with the ability to bring all information into a common space via intersubject registration should provide us with a rich set of data to investigate structure and variation in the human brain in neuropsychiatric disorders, as well as provide a basis for current work in the development of integrated brain function–structure analysis.
Long-term functional consequences of malnutrition during brain development: copper

15. Freinkel N. Of pregnancy and progeny. Diabetes 1980;29:1023–35 16. Jansson T, Wennergren M, Powell TL. Placental glucose transport and GLUT 1 expression in insulin dependent diabetes. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;180:163 17. Kuruvilla AG, D’Souza SW, Glazier JD, et al. Altered activity of the system A amino acid transporter in microvillous membrane vesicles from placentas of macrosomic babies born to diabetic women. J Clin Invest 1994;94:689 18. Malandro MS, Beveridge MJ, Kihlberg MS, Novak DA. Effect of low-protein diet-induced intrauterine growth retardation on rat placental amino acid transport. Am J Physiol 1996;271:C295 19. Alsat E, Guibourdenche J, Luton D, Frankenne F, Evain-Brion D. Human placental growth hormone. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997;177:1526 20. Patel N, Alsat E, Igout A, et al. Glucose inhibits human placental GH secretion, in vitro. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1995;80:1743 21. Mirlesse V, Frankenne F, Alsat E, et al. Placental growth hormone levels in pregnancies with intrauterine growth retardation. Pediatr Res 1993;34:439 22. Bloxam DL, Bax BE, Bax CMR. Epidermal growth factor and insulin-like growth factor I differentially influence the directional accumulation and transfer of 2-aminoisobutyrate (AIB) by human placental trophoblast in two-sided culture. Biochim Biophys Res Commun 1994;199:922
Stability of hydraulic fall and sub-critical cnoidal waves in water flows over a bump

A forced Korteweg–de Vries (fKdV) equation can be used to model the surface wave of a two-dimensional water flow over a bump when the upstream Froude number is near one. The fKdV model typically has four types of solutions: sub-critical cnoidal waves, sub-critical hydraulic fall, transcritical upstream soliton radiation, and supercritical multiple solitary waves. This paper provides a numerical demonstration of the stability of the hydraulic falls and cnoidal waves solutions.
Abstractions for dynamic data distribution

Processor layout and data distribution are important to performance-oriented parallel computation, yet high-level language support that helps programmers address these issues is often inadequate. This paper presents a trio of abstract high-level language constructs - grids, distributions, and regions - that let programmers manipulate processor layout and data distribution. Grids abstract processor sets, regions abstract index sets, and distributions abstract mappings from index sets to processor sets; each of these is a first-class concept, supporting dynamic data reallocation and redistribution as well as dynamic manipulation of the processor set. This paper illustrates uses of these constructs in the solutions to several motivating parallel programming problems.
“Reverse Genomics” Predicts Function of Human Conserved Noncoding Elements

Evolutionary changes in cis-regulatory elements are thought to play a key role in morphological and physiological diversity across animals. Many conserved noncoding elements (CNEs) function as cis-regulatory elements, controlling gene expression levels in different biological contexts. However, determining specific associations between CNEs and related phenotypes is a challenging task. Here, we present a computational "reverse genomics" approach that predicts the phenotypic functions of human CNEs. We identify thousands of human CNEs that were lost in at least two independent mammalian lineages (IL-CNEs), and match their evolutionary profiles against a diverse set of phenotypes recently annotated across multiple mammalian species. We identify 2,759 compelling associations between human CNEs and a diverse set of mammalian phenotypes. We discuss multiple CNEs, including a predicted ear element near BMP7, a pelvic CNE in FBN1, a brain morphology element in UBE4B, and an aquatic adaptation forelimb CNE near EGR2, and provide a full list of our predictions. As more genomes are sequenced and more traits are annotated across species, we expect our method to facilitate the interpretation of noncoding mutations in human disease and expedite the discovery of individual CNEs that play key roles in human evolution and development.
Animal Emotions: Exploring Passionate Natures

depression, and dogs happiness and dejection? People disagree about the nature of emotions in nonhuman animal beings (hereafter animals), especially concerning the question of whether any animals other than humans can feel emotions (Ekman 1998). Pythagoreans long ago believed that animals experience the same range of emotions as humans (Coates 1998), and current research provides compelling evidence that at least some animals likely feel a full range of emotions, including fear, joy, happiness, shame, embarrassment, resentment, jealousy, rage, anger, love, pleasure, compassion, respect, relief, disgust, sadness, despair, and grief (Skutch 1996, Poole 1996, 1998, Panksepp 1998, Archer 1999, Cabanac 1999, Bekoff 2000). The expression of emotions in animals raises a number of stimulating and challenging questions to which relatively little systematic empirical research has been devoted, especially among free-ranging animals. Popular accounts (e.g., Masson and McCarthy’s When Elephants Weep, 1995) have raised awareness of animal emotions, especially among nonscientists, and provided scientists with much useful information for further systematic research. Such books have also raised hackles among many scientists for being “too soft”—that is, too anecdotal, misleading, or sloppy (Fraser 1996). However, Burghardt (1997a), despite finding some areas of concern in Masson and McCarthy’s book, wrote: “I predict that in a few years the phenomena described here will be confirmed, qualified, and extended” (p. 23). Fraser (1996) also noted that the book could serve as a useful source for motivating future systematic empirical research. Researchers interested in exploring animal passions ask such questions as: Do animals experience emotions? What, if anything, do they feel? Is there a line that clearly separates those species that experience emotions from those that do not? Much current research follows Charles Darwin’s (1872; see also Ekman 1998) lead, set forth in his book The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals. Darwin argued that there is continuity between the emotional lives of humans and those of other animals, and that the differences among many animals are in degree rather than in kind. In The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex, Darwin claimed that “the lower animals, like man, manifestly feel pleasure and pain, happiness, and misery” (p. 448).
CFD Analysis of Drag Reduction for a Generic SUV

The flow in the near wake of the blunt bodies of road vehicles like SUVs plays an important role in determining the pressure forces acting on the surface of the body. To better understand the wake profiles and stagnation pressure gradient of the vehicle, this paper performed numerical analysis on CAD model of a Generic SUV which was previously tested in the wind tunnel. Commercial software package of ANSYS® GAMBIT, T-grid and FLUENT® was used for multi cell meshing and solving of the governing equations. The pressure coefficient ‘Cp’ plots at the symmetry plane of the model were compared with experimental results from the wind tunnel tests to validate the simulation. Results and conclusions were presented from the simulations of the CAD model using upper and lower flat boat tail plates with gradual increment in the angle of inclination.© 2009 ASME