cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
N-terminal truncated forms of the bifunctional pi initiation protein express negative activity on plasmid R6K replication.

The replication initiation protein π of the Escherichia coli plasmid R6K is a dual regulator in the control of plasmid copy number, functioning both as a specific initiator and inhibitor of replication. While the biochemical basis of these activities is not known, initiator activity requires binding of the protein to the seven 22 by direct repeats within the γ-origin region. By deleting C-terminal segments of the π coding region, we have found that the N-terminal polypeptides of π that are produced, corresponding to the first 117 and 164 amino acids, respectively, retain the negative activity of the bifunctional protein, i.e. these truncated π proteins specifically inhibit R6K replication in vivo. These negatively acting polypeptides, however, are incapable of initiating replication in vivo and fail to bind to the γ-origin of the R6K DNA in vitro. A correspondence between the observed negative activity of the N-terminal peptide and the negative regulatory activity of the intact π protein is supported by the finding that point mutations introduced into the 164 amino acid N-terminal peptide that result in a decrease in its inhibitory activity also produce a plasmid high-copy phenotype when these mutations are incorporated into the full-length π protein. These findings demonstrate that the negative domain of π resides in the N-terminal segment of the protein. Furthermore, the data obtained suggest that inhibition of R6K replication by π does not require direct binding to DNA.
Is the geoeffectiveness of the 6 January 1997 CME predictable from solar observations

We present a prediction scheme for specifying the duration and maximum strength of the southward IMF within a magnetic cloud from observations of the disappearing filament associated with the coronal mass ejection and the photospheric magnetic field made near the filament disappearing. Using this scheme we were able to predict that the Earth directed 6 January 1997 coronal mass ejection would be geoeffective. We expected that the southward IMF interval would have a maximum strength of −13±5 nT and a duration of 14±5 hours. This compares favorably with the WIND observations of −15 nT and 13 hours.
An integrated decision system for inventory management

Abstract Decision rules for inventory control parameters are combined in a microcomputer based information and decision system. Decision rules implemented in IDSIM cover a wide variety of models for deterministic and stochastic demand cases. The system consists of four modules: The determination of economic order and production quantities and the evaluation of any arbitrary ordering rule in terms of carrying and ordering costs are accomplished in the first module. The second module deals with aggregate level decisions for deterministic demand systems, generates Total Cycle Stock curves, and addresses the problems of group replenishment and group discounts for deterministic systems. The third module calculates the optimum safety stock levels and optimum values of control parameters for order/point quantity as well as periodic review/order-up-to-level parameters in stochastic systems with normal and Laplace distributions. Other sophisticated algorithms, which utilize iterative procedures and yield near optimal solutions, are incorporated in the fourth module for the allocation of total safety stock to minimize either the expected number of stockouts or the total value of shortages.
δPKC-mediated activation of εPKC in ethanol-induced cardiac protection from ischemia

Previous studies have demonstrated that acute ethanol exposure induces activation of delta protein kinase C (deltaPKC) and epsilonPKC, and mimics ischemic preconditioning via epsilonPKC activation. However, the role of deltaPKC isozyme in ischemia and reperfusion is still controversial. Here, we investigated the role of deltaPKC in ethanol-induced cardioprotection using a selective deltaPKC activator (psideltaRACK), or inhibitor (deltaV1-1), and a selective epsilonPKC inhibitor (epsilonV1-2) in isolated mouse hearts. Mice were injected intraperitoneally or by gavage with ethanol, regulators of delta and epsilonPKC or an adenosine A1 receptor blocker (DPCPX). Isolated perfused mouse hearts were subjected to a 30-min global ischemia and a 120-min reperfusion, ex vivo. Injection of 0.5 g/kg ethanol 1 h, but not 10 min, before ischemia reduced infarct size and CPK release. Pretreatment with epsilonV1-2 abolished this ethanol-induced cardioprotection. Pretreatment with deltaV1-1 induced cardioprotection when injected with ethanol (0.5 g/kg) 10 min before ischemia, but deltaV1-1 partly inhibited ethanol-induced cardioprotection when injected with ethanol 1-h before the onset of ischemia. psideltaRACK injection 1 h, but not 10 min, before ischemia induced cardioprotection and translocation of epsilonPKC from the cytosol to the particulate fraction. Pretreatment with DPCPX or epsilonV1-2 inhibited psideltaRACK-induced cardioprotection and translocation of epsilonPKC. Therefore, activation of deltaPKC-induced by ethanol or by the deltaPKC activator is cardioprotective, provided that sufficient time passes to allow deltaPKC-induced activation of epsilonPKC, an A1 adenosine receptor-dependent process.
On the thermodynamics of the chemical heat pump

Abstract A closed-cycle set of chemical reactions can serve as a heat pump if endothermic reactions receive heat at intermediate temperatures and exothermic reactions release heat at higher and lower temperatures. We show that such reaction sets form unique geometric patterns on the free energy-temperature diagram. The development of chemical heat pumps is shown to be a problem in pattern recognition.
Second primary malignancy of the aerodigestive tract in patients treated for cancer of the oral cavity and larynx

Background. We aimed to identify patterns and predictors of second primary malignancy (SPM) of the aerodigestive tract (SPMADT) in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity (SCCOC) and larynx (SCCL). Methods. One thousand two hundred fifty-seven patients from two existing databases were studied: 595 with SCCOC (1986–1995) and 662 with SCCL (1984–1998). The primary endpoint of interest was development of SPMADT, defined as a second primary neoplasm of the head and neck, esophagus, or lung. Results. The 5-year SPMADT rate was 8% in the SCCL versus 10% in the SCCOC subgroup. Lung SPM was more common in the SCCL group; head and neck SPM was more common in the SCCOC group. Smokers had a fivefold increased risk, whereas alcohol use was associated with a twofold increased risk of SPMADT. Conclusions. The rates of SPMADT after treatment of SCCOC and SCCL are comparable, but the patterns are different. Smoking and alcohol use are independent predictors of SPMADT development. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck27: XXX–XXX, 2005
Quasiparticle energies in small metal clusters

Calcul des energies de quasiparticules d'agregats de Sodium et de Potassium en utilisant le modele jellium-sphere blackground (fond continu de la sphere de Jellium) pour les niveaux de cœur d'ions positifs, et l'approximation GW de Hedin pour les energies des electrons de valence. Dans le calcul de l'interaction de Coulomb ecrantee, une nouvelle methode generalisee pour approximer le spectre d'excitation des systemes interactifs a N-corps est introduite. Les potentiels d'ionisation et les energies de quasiparticules calcules sont nettement ameliores comparativement aux calculs bases sur la theorie de la fonctionnelle de la densite locale de Hohenberg-Kohn-Sham
Intraoperative Scintigraphy Using a Large Field-of-View Portable Gamma Camera for Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Initial Experience

Background. We investigated a novel technique, intraoperative 99 mTc-Sestamibi (MIBI) imaging (neck and excised specimen (ES)), using a large field-of-view portable gamma camera (LFOVGC), for expediting confirmation of MIBI-avid parathyroid adenoma removal. Methods. Twenty patients with MIBI-avid parathyroid adenomas were preoperatively administered MIBI and intraoperatively imaged prior to incision (neck) and immediately following resection (neck and/or ES). Preoperative and intraoperative serum parathyroid hormone monitoring (IOPTH) and pathology (path) were also performed. Results. MIBI neck activity was absent and specimen activity was present in 13/20 with imaging after initial ES removal. In the remaining 7/20 cases, residual neck activity and/or absent ES activity prompted excision of additional tissue, ultimately leading to complete hyperfunctioning tissue excision. Postexcision LFOVGC ES imaging confirmed parathyroid adenoma resection 100% when postresection imaging qualitatively had activity (ES) and/or no activity (neck). The mean ± SEM time saving using intraoperative LFOVGC data to confirm resection versus first IOPTH or path result would have been 22.0 ± 2 minutes (specimen imaging) and 26.0 ± 3 minutes (neck imaging). Conclusion. Utilization of a novel real-time intraoperative LFOVGC imaging approach can provide confirmation of MIBI-avid parathyroid adenoma removal appreciably faster than IOPTH and/or path and may provide a valuable adjunct to parathyroid surgery.
High-temperature sorption process for air separation and oxygen removal

This paper describes the concept of a new, efficient high-temperature oxygen sorption process based on a perovskite-type ceramic sorbent for oxygen removal and air separation. The new sorption process takes advantage of the unique properties of certain perovskite-type ceramics that can adsorb a large quantity of oxygen, but not other gases, at high temperatures (300−800 °C). The essential principle of this new sorption process is based on the changing of oxygen nonstoichiometry of the perovskite-type ceramics with temperature and oxygen partial pressure. Two highly oxygen-deficient perovskite oxides, La0.1Sr0.9Co0.5Fe0.5O3-δ, and La0.1Sr0.9Co0.9Fe0.1O3-δ, were examined as candidate materials for the oxygen sorption process. Oxygen sorption equilibrium properties were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) at 500 and 600 °C and oxygen pressures ranging from 1.3 × 10-4 to 1 atm. The oxygen removal performance at 500 and 600 °C was also investigated in a fixed-bed adsorption column. An infinitely large ...
Activity of rifapentine against Mycobacterium avium infection in beige mice

The activity of rifapentine (MDL 473) was evaluated in the beige (C57BL/6J-bgj/bgj) mouse model of disseminated Mycobacterium avium infection. Approximately 10(7) cfu of M. avium, serotype 1, were given iv. Seven days later treatment was started with intraperitoneal rifapentine at 20 mg/kg of body weight. Treatment was given daily for five days followed by twice weekly for three weeks. The mice were killed two days after the last dose. Spleens, livers and lungs were homogenized and cfu/organ determined. Analysis of variance and Tukey honestly significant difference tests indicated that rifapentine reduced cfu in each of the organs compared with untreated controls. A dose-response experiment was performed with a daily rifapentine dose of 10, 20 or 40 mg/kg administered intraperitoneally. Dose-related reductions in cfu counts were observed in each of the organs. The activity of oral rifapentine at 20 mg/kg was demonstrated in a comparative experiment with rifampicin at 20, 40 or 60 mg/kg. Rifapentine significantly reduced cfu counts in organs compared with rifampicin. Rifapentine should be considered for further evaluation in the treatment of M. avium complex infection in humans.
Quench gases for xenon- (and krypton-) filled proportional counters

Xenon-filled proportional counters are used extensively in astronomy, particularly in the hard X-ray region. The choice of quench gas can have a significant effect on the operating characteristics of the instrument although the data necessary to make the choice are not easily obtainable. Results which detail the performance obtained from both cylindrical and parallel field geometries for a wide variety of readily available, ultrahigh or research grade purity, quench gases are presented.
Striping in multidisk video servers

A challenging task when designing a video server is to support the performance criteria of its target application, i.e., both its desired number of simultaneous displays and the waiting tolerance of a display. With a multi-disk video server, the placement of data has a significant impact on the overall performance of a system. This study quantifies the tradeoffs associated with alternative organization of data across multiple disks. We describe a planner that configures a system to: (1) support the performance criteria of an application, and (2) minimize the cost of a system. The experimental results demonstrate the superiority and flexibility of using the planner to configure a system.
Gadoxetate disodium-enhanced liver MRI: gallbladder opacification patterns during hepatobiliary phase

Abstract Objective(s) To describe the different patterns of gallbladder lumen opacification on gadoxetate disodium-enhanced liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods One hundred eighty-seven MRI examinations were reviewed by two abdominal imaging radiologists who described the different patterns of gallbladder opacification, based on comparing the post-contrast to the pre-contrast images. Results Four patterns of gallbladder opacification were identified, all based on the anti-dependent distribution of the excreted biliary contrast inside the gallbladder lumen. Contrast was identified at the level of the gallbladder neck, anti-dependant wall, and gallbladder fundus. One gallbladder completely filled with contrast. Conclusion(s) The opacification of the gallbladder lumen follows a distinctive anti-dependent distribution.
Oxidation of cystine to cysteic acid by bromine in 18O‐labelled water, evidence for a cyclic carboxylic‐sulfenic anhydride

Oxidation by bromine of L-cystine dissolved in acidified 18O-enriched water (95 atom % 18O) led to the production of cysteic acid which contained two 18O atoms in the carboxylic acid protion and two 18O atoms in the sulfonic acid portion of the molecule. It is postulated that the incorporation of a single 16O into the sulfonic acid results from an intramolecular transfer of a carboxyl oxygen via a cyclic carboxylic-sulfenic anhydride intermediate which is formed during the oxidation. The remaining carboxyl oxygen is postulated to exchange from either the cyclic anhydride or the free carboxylic acid during the reaction.
Sterility of Anesthetic Multiple-dose Vials after Opening

Despite the widespread use of multiple dose vials (MDV) for anesthetic medications, there is a paucity of data concerning the sterility of in-use MDV. The purpose of this study was to analyze the frequency of bacterial contamination of MDV used in current anesthesia practice. The authors collected weekly samples from 351 in-use MDV for seven consecutive weeks and cultured them using appropriate bacterial growth media. The vials contained drugs including neuromuscular blockers, anticholinergics, and an induction agent. They were sampled from locations designated for elective as well as emergency surgery. Six vial subgroups were studied with multiple samplings for 6-48 days. One-half of all opened vials remained in use after 4-9 days, while less than 5% remained after 6 weeks. No vial yielded bacteria. The authors conclude that the incidence of MDV contamination with live bacteria is low for the anesthetic medications studied. This appeared to be true even for vials with increasing duration of use and for vials from locations where emergency surgery commonly was performed.
Managing depression in geriatric populations.

Background. Late life depression is an increasingly acute public health concern due to the quickly expanding population of elderly in the US. The last few years has witnessed an explosion in the research literature changing our understanding of this disease.Methods. Published studies over the past decade focusing on the epidemiology, phenomenology, comorbidity, and treatment of depression in the elderly were reviewed.Results. The prevalence and phenomenology of depression in late-life varies with age. It remains highly prevalent in the elderly population, and certain vulnerable populations of older adults are at special risk. Further, the morbidity of late-life depression on physical health, social support systems, and overall functioning is considerable, making depression a leading cause of disability in elderly adults and a risk factor for mortality and suicide as well. Findings suggest a heterogeneity in etiology and in treatment response among older adults with depression, and differences from younger...
Comparative analysis of dendritic cells transduced with different anti-apoptotic molecules: sensitivity to tumor-induced apoptosis.

Background Tumors develop mechanisms to escape recognition by the immune system. It has recently been demonstrated that tumors cause apoptotic death of key immune cells, including the major antigen-presenting cells, dendritic cells (DC). Elimination of DC from the tumor environment significantly diminishes development of specific immunologic responses. We have recently demonstrated that tumor-induced DC apoptosis could be prevented by overexpression of the anti-apoptotic molecule Bcl-xL. The aim of this study was to identify extrinsic and intrinsic tumor-induced apoptotic pathways in DC by targeting different anti-apoptotic molecules, including FLIP, XIAP/hILP, dominant-negative procaspase-9 and HSP70. Methods Murine bone marrow derived DC were transduced with adenoviral vectors carrying different anti-apoptotic molecules and co-incubated with tumor cells in a Transwell system. Apoptosis of DC was assessed by Annexin V and PI staining. Results We have demonstrated that adenoviral infection of DC with genes encoding different anti-apoptotic molecules exhibits different degrees of resistance to melanoma-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, we have shown that anti-apoptotic molecules other than the Bcl-2 family of proteins are able to protect DC and prevent tumor-induced apoptosis in DC. Conclusions The results show that tumor-induced apoptosis of DC is not limited to the mitochondrial pathway of cell death and open additional possibilities for targeted molecular protection of DC longevity in cancer. Therefore, effective protection of DC from tumor-induced apoptosis may significantly improve the efficacy of DC-based therapies for cancer. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional Integration of Electrically Active Cardiac Derivatives From Genetically Engineered Human Embryonic Stem Cells With Quiescent Recipient Ventricular Cardiomyocytes Insights Into the Development of Cell-Based Pacemakers

Background— Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) derived from blastocysts can propagate indefinitely in culture while maintaining pluripotency, including the ability to differentiate into cardiomyocytes (CMs); therefore, hESCs may provide an unlimited source of human CMs for cell-based therapies. Although CMs can be derived from hESCs ex vivo, it remains uncertain whether a functional syncytium can be formed between donor and recipient cells after engraftment. Methods and Results— Using a combination of electrophysiological and imaging techniques, here we demonstrate that electrically active, donor CMs derived from hESCs that had been stably genetically engineered by a recombinant lentivirus can functionally integrate with otherwise-quiescent, recipient, ventricular CMs to induce rhythmic electrical and contractile activities in vitro. The integrated syncytium was responsive to the β-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol as well as to other pharmacological agents such as lidocaine and ZD7288. Similarly, a functi...
Evaluation of a Novel Topology for MEMS Programmable Reflectarray Antennas

This paper presents a programmable reflectarray topology for passive beamforming at millimeter-wave frequencies. This topology relies on reconfigurable antenna-filter-antenna (AFA) elements and has a multilayer structure that makes it suitable for implementation as a monolithic MEMS device. We address different aspects of design, modeling, and characterization of the AFA elements and the reflectarray. A 2-bit reflective AFA element is introduced and studied using full-wave and hybrid models. An approximate bistatic reflectance model is proposed and used in a ray-based formulation to predict the radiation pattern of the reflectarray. The principle of operation, scanning performance, and modeling approach are validated experimentally using proof-of-concept reflectarray prototypes designed for 35 GHz. Pattern measurements in offset-fed and folded center-fed configurations show that the proposed topology is capable of wide-angle scanning in two dimensions. The measured scan loss is less than 2 dB for up to 45° scan in both E - and H -planes. The cross-pol level is < -11 dB in all cases, and the worst case sidelobe level is -9 dB. A near-scan-blindness behavior is observed for 60° scan in the E-plane. These results are consistent with the simulations, indicating the effectiveness of the bistatic reflectance model.
The Effects of Grading and Teaching Practices on Students' Perceptions of Grading Fairness.

To examine the antecedents of perceptions of grading fairness, approximately 600 college students were surveyed about the prevalence and desirability of 1) teaching practices that assisted students to prepare for examinations, and 2) common test scoring manipulations used to transform poor scores into acceptable ones (e.g., curving low scores upward). Students also described the fairness of the grading they had experienced. Regression analysis revealed that grading fairness was predicted best by exposure to the teaching practices rather than the scoring practices. Results are discussed in terms of the possible effects of these teaching and grading practices on grade inflation.
VLSI implementation of a maximum-likelihood decoder for the Golay (24, 12) code

J.H. Conway and N.J.A. Sloane (1986) have introduced an algorithm for the exact maximum-likelihood decoding of the Golay (24, 12) code in the additive white Gaussian noise channel that requires significantly fewer computations than previous algorithms. An efficient bit-serial VLSI implementation of this algorithm is described. The design consists of two chips developed using path-programmable logic (PPL) and an associated system of automated design tools for three- mu m NMOS technology. It is estimated that this decoder will produce an information bit every 1.6-2.4 mu s. Higher speeds can be achieved by using a faster technology or by replicating the chips to perform more operations in parallel. >
Nitric oxide synthase isoforms expression in fibroblasts isolated from human normal peritoneum and adhesion tissues

Objective To determine the expression of nitric oxide synthases (NOSs) and their modulation by hypoxia in human peritoneal (NF) and adhesion fibroblasts (ADF). Design Prospective experimental study. Setting University medical center. Patient(s) Fibroblasts from peritoneum and adhesion tissues. Intervention(s) Hypoxia and silencing inducible NOS (iNOS) gene expression in fibroblasts. Main Outcome Measure(s) We used reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction to quantify messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of NOS isoforms. Griess assay was used to measure NO levels. Result(s) The mRNA copies/μg RNA of neuronal NOS (nNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS) were 6.6 × 10 3 in NF, 5.7 × 10 3 in ADF and 7.0 × 10 3 in NF, 6.1 × 10 3 in ADF, respectively. The mRNA copies/μg RNA of iNOS were 31.3 × 10 3 in NF and 33.0 × 10 3 in ADF. Hypoxia increased iNOS mRNA copies/μg RNA from 31.3 × 10 3 to 61.3 × 10 3 in NF and from 33.0 × 10 3 to 63.9 × 10 3 in ADF, whereas there were no changes in mRNA levels of nNOS and eNOS in NF and ADF. Nitric oxide levels were lower in ADF (0.94 μmol/L) than NF (1.97 μmol/L). Silencing iNOS decreased NO levels in NF (from 1.97 μmol/L to 0.41 μmol/L) and in ADF (from 0.94 μmol/L to 0.27 μmol/L). Conclusion(s) Nitric oxide synthases are differentially expressed in NF and ADF, with iNOS being the most expressed and the main source of NO. Hypoxia was shown to alter the expression of NOSs and NO in NF and ADF.
Selective reduction of conjugated double bonds with molecular hydrogen and palladium(II) complexed to ferrocenylamine sulfide catalysts

Abstract Highly catalytic chemo- and regioselectivity have been achieved for the reduction of carbon-carbon double bonds conjugated to different unsaturated functional groups by molecular hydrogen and palladium(II) complexes of ferrocenylamine sulfides. Chemical yields and selectivities were more than 99% in many cases.
A 24 GHz 4-channel phased-array receiver in 0.13 μm CMOS

An integrated 24 GHz 4-channel phased-array receiver front-end is implemented in 0.13 mum CMOS. An All-RF architecture is adopted and results in low power consumption and very small chip area. The active phase shifters are based on two quasi-quadrature vectors and a differential vector modulator. Each phased-array channel has a measured gain of 15 dB for a 2.5 GHz bandwidth, a NF of 6.5 dB, an IIP3 of -13 dBm and an input P1dB of -25 dBm. The measured 16 phase states exhibit < 5deg rms phase error and < 0.5 dB rms gain error at 21-24.5 GHz. Measured S11 and S22 are below -10 dB and -15 dB, respectively, at 15-35 GHz. The entire array consumes 80 mA from a 1.5 V supply and occupies an area of 2.11 x 1.43 mm2 (3 mm2). To our knowledge, this is the first implementation of an All-RF CMOS phased array at mm-wave frequencies and the topology can be easily scaled to a large number of elements (N = 8-16).
CFD in design - A government perspective

Some of the research programs involving the use of CFD in the aerodynamic design process at government laboratories around the United States are presented. Technology transfer issues and future directions in the discipline or CFD are addressed. The major challengers in the aerosciences as well as other disciplines that will require high-performance computing resources such as massively parallel computers are examined.
Enhancement of external quantum efficiency in GaN‐based light emitting diodes using a suspended geometry

Using a transparent and mirror-less chip mounting technique we have increased the total external efficiency by 26%. This increase in the external quantum efficiency for a light-emitting diode (LED) was based on c -plane (0001) bulk GaN employing a suspended geometry. A small size LED (200 x 550 μm2) affixed to a Ag header is compared to an LED die lifted off the header. The output power for the LED in the suspended geometry was 30.4 mW, a 13% increase over the conventional placement and the EQE increased from 49% to 56% at a forward current of 20 mA under pulsed conditions. The suspended die was then placed into a cone optic and its output power and EQE improved to 34 mW and 62%, respectively. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ethanol assisted reduction and nucleation of ferromagnetic Co and Ni nanocrystalline particles

In this report, we demonstrate the ability of ethanol to act as a solvent and reducing agent to nucleate nanocrystalline Co and Ni particles. Under solvothermal conditions, Co and Ni particles can be produced at 200 °C. The Ni and Co particles crystallized into FCC and a mixture of FCC and HCP crystal phases, respectively. Ni particles possessed a spherical morphology with diameters in the range of 200 nm to 300 nm. Co particles took on an ellipsoidal morphology, with diameters greater than 500 nm. Magnetizations for the Ni and Co particles were commensurate with bulk values, showing their high crystallinity and the presence of little oxide impurity. By finding inexpensive solvents with a lowered environmental impact, steps towards a “greener” synthetic process for ferromagnetic nanoparticles can be established.
ON THE WAVEFUNCTION OF LIGHT PSEUDOSCALAR MESONS

It is shown that electroweak interactions lead to a hard (decreasing at most logarithmically with increasing q2 at ) part in the Bethe-Salpeter wave function of light pseudoscalars. However, this part is strongly suppressed by the factor , where FEW ≃ 250 GeV and mc is a quark current mass. In pure QCD, the wavefunction decreases rapidly (as 1/q2) even at non-zero mc.
Discrete return lidar-based prediction of leaf area index in two conifer forests

article i nfo Leaf area index (LAI) is a key forest structural characteristic that serves as a primary control for exchanges of mass and energy within a vegetated ecosystem. Most previous attempts to estimate LAI from remotely sensed data have relied on empirical relationships between field-measured observations and various spectral vegetation indices (SVIs) derived from optical imagery or the inversion of canopy radiative transfer models. However, as biomass within an ecosystem increases, accurate LAI estimates are difficult to quantify. Here we use lidar data in conjunction with SPOT5-derived spectral vegetation indices (SVIs) to examine the extent to which integration of both lidar and spectral datasets can estimate specific LAI quantities over a broad range of conifer forest stands in the northern Rocky Mountains. Our results show that SPOT5-derived SVIs performed poorly across our study areas, explaining less than 50% of variation in observed LAI, while lidar-only models account for a significant amount of variation across the two study areas located in northern Idaho; the St. Joe Woodlands (R 2 =0.86; RMSE=0.76) and the Nez Perce Reservation (R 2 =0.69; RMSE=0.61). Further, we found
Mycophenolate mofetil: long-term outcomes in solid organ transplantation

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), the morpholinoethyl ester of mycophenolic acid (MPA), an inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) inhibitor, has become the most widely used antiproliferative immunosuppressant in solid organ transplantation. Herein the pharmacology of MMF and prospective clinical studies with MMF is reviewed. Long-term outcomes data from the national transplant registries relevant to MMF in kidney and liver transplantation are summarized. The expanding use of MMF in high-risk renal transplant recipients is discussed. The use of MMF in nontransplant indications such as autoimmune disease is also briefly reviewed. In coming years, previously demonstrated beneficial effects of MMF in transplantation will need re-evaluation in the context of the growing use of MMF with tacrolimus or sirolimus and newer agents such as the malononitrilamides and sirolimus.
Minimally Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein Increases Expression of Scavenger Receptor A, CD36, and Macrosialin in Resident Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages

Fully oxidized LDL (OxLDL) is believed to contribute to atherogenesis in part by virtue of uptake into macrophages via specific scavenger receptors. This phenomenon results in the formation of cholesterol-loaded foam cells, a major component of atherosclerotic lesions. The present study is directed at examining the effects of OxLDL and minimally oxidized LDL (MM-LDL) on scavenger receptor expression and activity in mouse peritoneal resident macrophages. Macrophages were preincubated with MM-LDL or OxLDL at concentrations of 25 or 50 microg/mL for 24 to 48 hours, after which their ability to bind and take up 125I-OxLDL or 125I-acetylated LDL (AcLDL) was determined. MM-LDL pretreatment induced a clear increase of cell association and degradation of 125I-OxLDL and 125I-AcLDL. Pretreatment with OxLDL also enhanced scavenger receptor activity, but to a lesser degree. Neither native LDL nor AcLDL had any effect. Scatchard analysis showed that preincubation with 50 microg/mL MM-LDL for 48 hours increased the Bmax of 125I-OxLDL and 125I-AcLDL by 139% and 154%, respectively, without significantly changing their affinity. Lipids extracted from MM-LDL also significantly induced scavenger receptor activity, but to a lesser extent than did intact MM-LDL. MM-LDL pretreatment increased both mRNA levels and protein levels of scavenger receptor A, CD36, and macrosialin. On the other hand, OxLDL pretreatment increased expression of macrosialin only. These results, showing that MM-LDL can upregulate scavenger receptor expression in mouse resident peritoneal macrophages, suggest that clearance of OxLDL by macrophages in lesions is more effective, in part because the OxLDL precursor, MM-LDL, primes the macrophage for foam cell generation.
Sex differences in the control of acral skin blood flow in humans: differential regulation of cyclooxygenase in α-adrenergic signalling.

The integrative neurovascular control of human skin blood flow is complex and functions to serve the unique thermoregulatory needs of the human body. Approximately, 95% of human skin is non-acral (hairy) and is regulated by both cholinergic and adrenergic branches of the sympathetic nervous system (Roddie, 1957; Kellogg et al. 1995). The other 5% of human skin is acral skin (non-hairy) located primarily on the hands, feet, and parts of the face and is controlled via sympathetic adrenergic mechanisms (Roddie et al. 1957). However, the precise neurovascular mechanisms, especially with respect to adrenoreceptor (AR) signalling, mediating the control of acral skin blood flow in humans is unclear. Acral skin vessels are dense with two distinct receptor subtypes including α1- and α2-ARs. The α2-ARs have three distinct subtypes (α2A, α2B and αC2) which are prominent in human digital arteries and mechanistically important for signal amplification to initiate a robust vasoconstriction. These mechanisms are dysregulated in a number of pathological states including primary Raynauds disease. The incidence of this disease is more common in women than men, suggesting the potential influences of female reproductive hormones on α-AR signalling (Cooke & Marshall, 2005). Therefore, understanding the influence of sex hormones on α-AR signalling has significant clinical relevance.
Early and Middle Proterozoic history of the Great Lakes area, North America

Two major supracrustal sequences, the Huronian Supergroup in Ontario and the Marquette Range Supergroup and Animikie Group of Michigan and Minnesota, overlie an Archean basement. These sequences are about 2200—2300 Ma and 1900-2000 Ma old respectively. The major Early Proterozoic tectonic event is the ‘Penokean Orogeny’, which occurred about 1850-1900 Ma ago and included deformation, high-grade regional metamorphism, and extrusive and intrusive igneous activity. This was followed by formation of rhyolitic, ignimbritic volcanic rocks and emplacement of associated granites about 1790 Ma ago. The entire region was subsequently subjected to low-grade regional metamorphism 1650-1700 Ma ago, followed by emplacement of anorogenic quartz-monzonite, in part rapakivi, plutons 1500 Ma ago. Late Proterozoic Grenville and Keweenawan events represent the youngest major Precambrian activity in the region. The rocks involved in the Penokean Orogeny lie along the southern margin of the Archean craton of the Superior Province and are interpreted as representing Early Proterozoic cratonic-margin orogenic activity. The distribution of rocks types and structures associated with the Penokean Orogeny and with similar orogenic belts along the margin of the Archean craton of North America suggest that these orogenic belts may have formed as a result of processes similar to modern plate tectonics, although the data are far from conclusive at present.
Storage and Retrieval of Data from Drug Information Requests Using a Mumps-Based Information System:

The storage, retrieval, and dissemination of information constitutes a major function of any drug information service (DIS). We developed a computerized system for the storage and retrieval of data from drug information requests (DIR) using a MUMPS-based information system. In the past, DIR forms were stored in looseleaf binders and filed chronologically. Due to the success and increased use of our DIS, this manual filing system became inadequate and awkward to use. Our solution was to develop a computer system where data could be entered from DIR forms and retrieved rapidly and easily. Each DIR was reviewed and key data elements were selected for input. The DIS files may now be searched online rapidly and efficiently. The MUMPS-based information system has provided open access for all staff pharmacists, 24 hours a day. The benefits have been an increase in both the quantity and quality of drug information provided.
First-generation hybrid MEMS gas chromatograph

The fabrication, assembly, and initial testing of a hybrid microfabricated gas chromatograph (µGC) is described. The µGC incorporates capabilities for on-board calibration, sample preconcentration and focused thermal desorption, temperature-programmed separations, and “spectral” detection with an integrated array of microsensors, and is designed for rapid determinations of complex mixtures of environmental contaminants at trace concentrations. Ambient air is used as the carrier gas to avoid the need for on-board gas supplies. The microsystem is plumbed through an etched-Si/glass microfluidic interconnection substrate with fused silica capillaries and employs a miniature commercial pump and valve subsystem for directing sample flow. The latest performance data on each system component are presented followed by first analytical results from the working microsystem. Tradeoffs in system performance as a function of volumetric flow rate are explored. The determination of an 11-vapor mixture of typical indoor air contaminants in less than 90 s is demonstrated with projected detection limits in the low part-per-billion concentration range for a preconcentrated air-sample volume of 0.25 L.
Environmental risk factors and Parkinson's disease: a metaanalysis.

The study aim was to examine the association between Parkinson's disease (PD) and exposure to environmental factors such as living in a rural area, well water use, farming, exposure to farm animals, or living on a farm, and pesticides. A series of metaanalyses of peer-reviewed studies were performed, using 16 studies for living in rural area, 18 studies for well water drinking, 11 studies for farming, and 14 studies for pesticides. Prior to the metaanalyses, all studies were reviewed and evaluated for heterogeneity and publication bias. Significant heterogeneity among studies was detected and combined odds ratio (OR) was calculated using the random and the fixed-effect models. The majority of the studies reported consistent elevation in the risk of PD with exposure to environmental factors such as rural living and farming. The combined OR for rural residence was 1.56 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.18-2.07] for all the studies, and 2.17(95% CI 1.54-3.06) for studies performed in United States. The combined OR for well water use was 1.26 (95% CI 0.97-1.64) for all the studies, and 1.44(95% CI 0.92-2.24) for studies done in United States. The combined OR for farming, exposure to farm animals, or living on a farm was 1.42 (95% CI 1.05-1.91) for all studies, and 1.72(95% CI 1.20-2.46) for studies done in United States. The combined OR for pesticides exposure was 1.85(95% CI 1.31-2.60) for all studies, and 2.16(95% CI 1.95-2.39) for studies done in United States. Dose-response relationships could not be established due to the imprecise nature of the reported data. Our findings suggest that living in a rural area, drinking well water, farming, and exposure to pesticides may be a risk factor for developing PD.
Intrathecal migratory foreign body without neurological deficit after a gunshot wound

Abstract Background context Penetrating bullets dissipate thermal and kinetic energy into surrounding tissues. Within the thecal sac, this is universally associated with neurological deficits. Purpose We report a case of intrathecal penetration of a bullet without neurological deficit. Study design Case report. Methods A 14-year-old girl was shot in the back, entering adjacent to the L3 vertebra and settling within the spinal canal adjacent to the S1 vertebra. In the absence of neurological deficits, initial management was nonoperative. Results Over the period of a week, the patient developed an episode of intense radicular pain, although her neurological examination remained normal. Location of the bullet was shown to vary from S1 to T12 on multiple imaging studies, and this was influenced by patient positioning. She subsequently underwent a bilateral hemilaminotomy and durotomy with excision of the intrathecal bullet. Conclusions Patients can avoid neurological injury even with an intrathecal gunshot wound. However, intrathecal bullets may then migrate and cause variable neurological complaints, necessitating surgical removal. Patient positioning can influence bullet location which can be useful in surgical planning.
Where's Waldo? Sensor-Based Temporal Logic Motion Planning

Given a robot model and a class of admissible environments, this paper provides a framework for automatically and verifiably composing controllers that satisfy high level task specifications expressed in suitable temporal logics. The desired task specifications can express complex robot behaviors such as search and rescue, coverage, and collision avoidance. In addition, our framework explicitly captures sensor specifications that depend on the environment with which the robot is interacting, resulting in a novel paradigm for sensor-based temporal logic motion planning. As one robot is part of the environment of another robot, our sensor-based framework very naturally captures multi-robot specifications. Our computational approach is based on first creating discrete controllers satisfying so-called general reactivity formulas. If feasible, the discrete controller is then used in order to guide the sensor-based composition of continuous controllers resulting in a hybrid controller satisfying the high level specification, but only if the environment is admissible.
The relationship of developmental variables to maternal behavior.

Developmental differences in self-concept, personality integration, flexibility, empathy, and temperament, and the relationship of these variables to maternal behavior, were investigated using three age groups of first-time mothers. The age groups also were tested for change in self-concept and personality integration from 1 to 3 days postpartum to 8 months postbirth. The longitudinal study included 60 mothers aged 15–19 years, 138 aged 20–29 years, and 90 aged 30–42 years. Self-completed instruments were used to measure the personality variables, and an interviewer-rated instrument measured maternal behavior. Personality integration and flexibility increased significantly and correlated significantly with age indicating that both are developmental constructs. Empathy and temperament traits did not increase with age, although teenage scores were significantly lower in empathy, self-concept, several temperament traits, and maternal behavior. The two older groups' self-concept decreased significantly the first eight months of motherhood. In the teenage group personality integration, empathy, activity level, intensity and threshold to stimulus were significantly correlated with maternal behavior. In the 20–29 year-old group, self-concept, personality integration, flexibility, rhythmicity, adaptability, intensity and mood quality correlated significantly with maternal behavior. In the older group, self-concept, flexibility, approach/withdrawal, adaptability, intensity, and mood quality correlated significantly with maternal behavior.
Design and Verification of Lazy and Hybrid Implementations of the SELF Protocol

Synchronous Elasticization converts an ordinary clocked circuit into Latency-Insensitive (LI) design. The Synchronous Elastic Flow (SELF) is an LI protocol that can be implemented with eager or lazy evaluation in the data steering network. Compared to lazy implementations, eager SELF designs have no combinational cycles and can have a performance advantage, but consume more area and power. The design space of lazy SELF protocols is evaluated and verified. Several new designs are mapped to hybrid eager/lazy implementations that retain the performance advantage of the eager design but have power advantages of lazy implementations.
3D based video coding in the overcomplete discrete wavelet transform domain with reduced delay requirements

In this work, we propose a new temporal filter set to minimize delay in 3D wavelet based video coding, which gives a performance at par with existing longer filters. Our filter set will not have any boundary effects at the group of frames (GOF). The length of the GOF can vary from five to any number of frames depending on delay requirements. We also propose a novel technique of assigning priorities to temporal subbands at different levels to control distortion fluctuation inside a GOF. Experimental results are presented and conclusions are drawn.
Relation of Baseline Plasma Phospholipid Levels to Cardiovascular Outcomes at Two Years in Men With Acute Coronary Syndrome Referred for Coronary Angiography

In addition to cholesterol and triglycerides, plasma also contains phospholipids. The choline-containing phospholipids constitute >90% of total plasma phospholipids. To date, no studies have looked specifically at the prognostic significance of total phospholipids in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease. The present study investigated the long-term prognostic significance of total choline-containing phospholipid levels in a well-characterized cohort of 193 men with acute coronary syndromes who were referred for coronary angiography at a Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. All patients were followed prospectively for the development of vascular outcomes. After controlling for a variety of baseline variables (including established biomarkers such high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and fibrinogen), plasma phospholipid values (analyzed as a continuous variable) were a strong and independent predictor of each of the individual end points of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41 to 0.90, p = 0.0126), cardiac mortality (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.81, p = 0.0057), and myocardial infarction (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.98, p = 0.0342) when using a Cox proportional-hazards model. In addition, baseline phospholipid values were also an independent predictor of the composite outcome of all-cause mortality, fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction, or stroke (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.90, p = 0.0075). In conclusion, these data demonstrate that low baseline levels of total choline-containing phospholipid are a strong and independent predictor of cardiovascular outcomes (including mortality) in patients with acute coronary syndromes.
Leveraging Behavioral Patterns of Mobile Applications for Personalized Spoken Language Understanding

Spoken language interfaces are appearing in various smart devices (e.g. smart-phones, smart-TV, in-car navigating systems) and serve as intelligent assistants (IAs). However, most of them do not consider individual users' behavioral profiles and contexts when modeling user intents. Such behavioral patterns are user-specific and provide useful cues to improve spoken language understanding (SLU). This paper focuses on leveraging the app behavior history to improve spoken dialog systems performance. We developed a matrix factorization approach that models speech and app usage patterns to predict user intents (e.g. launching a specific app). We collected multi-turn interactions in a WoZ scenario; users were asked to reproduce the multi-app tasks that they had performed earlier on their smart-phones. By modeling latent semantics behind lexical and behavioral patterns, the proposed multi-model system achieves about 52% of turn accuracy for intent prediction on ASR transcripts.
Principle 7: Good Practice Respects Diverse Talents and Ways of Learning

This is one of seven articles from a symposium applying to law school the Principles of Good Teaching Practices that were developed for undergraduate educators. The article presents a good overview of the general issues that impact diverse students such as the institutional climate, admission and selection criteria, academic policies, student support program, curriculum, and law school pedagogy. It provides some concrete suggestions on how law schools can enhance learning. It is a good primer for ASP professionals because it points out the various factors that can hinder students' learning or academic performance.