cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Why Tu , Rather Than Vous , in Chrétien de Troyes' Le Chevalier de la Charrete?

Why Tu, Rather than Vous, in Chretien de Troyes' Le Chevalier de la Charrete?In general, Chretien de Troyes avoided mixing tu and singular vous in address to the same individual, used vous in a sustained manner, and had much less recourse to tu than vous. In Le Chevalier de la Charrete {Lancelot), however, tu occurs frequently, which allows one to examine second person pronoun selection in extended passages of direct discourse. Tu is not used to express anger; however, it is used by a prideful speaker to express scorn or contempt for his interlocutor. It is contrasted with vous, and used in complementary fashion with vous in disputes between pairs of fathers and sons as well as knights. The use of tu in the Lancelot — and of vous as a sort of contrastive correlative — is stylistically well suited to a romance which so greatly emphasizes shame and honor.
Complexation Phenomena in pH-Responsive Copolymer Networks with Pendent Saccharides

Sugar-containing copolymer networks of poly(methacrylic acid-co-methacryloxyethyl glucoside) were prepared by free-radical photopolymerization. Incorporation of the MAA in the polymer networks rendered the networks complex forming, in response to the environmental pH change. Using ATR−FTIR spectroscopy, the polymer complexes were investigated in their hydrated state. It was observed that in acidic media hydrogen bonds formed due to the protonation of the carboxylic acid groups of the PMAA while in basic or neutral conditions electrostatic repulsion occurred between the ionized carboxylic acid groups. This complexation affected the macroscopic swelling properties. The effect of copolymer compositions on the network structure was investigated. Both hydrogen-bonding and electrostatic interactions increased with MAA content in the networks.
Initiation of geyser during the resettlement of cryogenic liquid under impulsive reverse gravity acceleration in microgravity environment

The requirement to settle or to position liquid fluid over the outlet end of spacecraft propellant tank prior to main engine restart poses a microgravity fluid behavior problem. Resettlement or reorientation of liquid propellant can be accomplished by providing optimal acceleration to the spacecraft such that the propellant is reoriented over the tank outlet without any vapor entrainment, any excessive geysering, or any other undesirable fluid motion for the space fluid management under microgravity environment. The purpose of present study is to investigate most efficient technique for propellant resettling through the minimization of propellant usage and weight penalties. Comparison between the constant reverse gravity acceleration and impulsive reverse gravity acceleration to be used for the activation of propellant resettlement, it shows that impulsive reverse gravity thrust is superior to constant reverse gravity thrust for liquid reorientation in a reduced gravity environment.
High Zinc Supplementation of Rainbow Trout Diets

Abstract Zinc in the form of zinc sulfate or chelated as zinc proteinate was fed in increasing levels (4 to 1,700 µg/g zinc) in an egg-white based diet to fingerling rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) to determine potential toxicity. Zinc sulfate was fed for the first 55 days and zinc proteinate for the last 118 days of a 173-day test. Fish fed the lowest level of zinc (4 µg/g zinc, a zinc-deficient diet) had poor growth and high mortalities, while the lowest level of added zinc (90 µg/g) reduced mortalities and markedly improved growth. Higher levels of supplemented zinc, up to 1,700 µg/g, had no further effect on growth or survival. Zinc concentration in liver, blood, and gills increased with dietary levels of zinc above 90 µg/g. Trout showed no signs of zinc toxicity during feeding with levels of dietary zinc as high as 1,700 µg/g.
Pollen morphology of the Orobanchaceae and rhinanthoid Scrophulariaceae

Abstract The Scrophulariaceae is a large family of primarily herbaceous plants, containing some members which are root parasites, while others are non-parasitic. The parasites are all within the subfamily Rhinanthoideae, while most of the nonparasites have been included in the Antirrhinoideae. The Orobanchaceae is a small family, all of whose members are root parasites. The two families are generally considered closely related, so much so, that several genera (Buchnera, Harveya, Hyobanche, and Lathraea) have been moved back and forth between the families. In this study, light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used to examine the pollen of 57 taxa: members of the Orobanchaceae and Rhinanthoideae, and several members of the Antirrhinoideae for out group comparisons. The resulting data showed no clear differences between the pollen of the Orobanchaceae and that of the rhinanthoid Scrophulariaceae. The grains were typically isopolar, radially symmetrical, more...
Some Characteristics of the Enzymic Lipid Peroxidation System in the Microsomal Fraction of Flounder Skeletal Muscle

The microsomal lipid peroxidation system of flounder muscle was characterized as to response to temperature, cofactor requirements, inhibitors, and activators. The enzyme-catalyzed reaction had a ratelimiting step prior to the formation of lipid hydroperoxides. The KM for NADH of the enzymic system in the presence of 0.1 mM ADP was approximately 1 μM. In the presence of Fe+3 both cysteine and ascorbate also catalyzed lipid peroxidation. While neither NADH nor ADP had an effect in the presence of ascorbate-Fe+3, NADH stimulated the cysteine-Fe+3 oxidation and ADP completely inhibited it. Inhibitor studies indicated that it was a free radical reaction, an -SH group was involved and O2 reduction products and singlet oxygen participated.
An Automatic Scaling Procedure for a D'Yakanov-Gunn Iteration Scheme

Abstract An automatic computational procedure for scaling a D'Yakanov-Gunn iteration for nonseparable elliptic equations is described. This method is used in conjunction with a preconditioned conjugate gradient iteration employing a nearby separable approximation of the scaled nonseparable matrix. This results in an operation count of O(n 2 log ( n k ) log ( 1 e )) to reduce the initial error by a factor of e.
TTN: A time-to-network approach to data reporting in mobile ad hoc networks

For many applications in mobile wireless ad hoc networks (MANETs), forming an end-to-end data path is not always necessary; instead, the primary routing goal is often data collection or dissemination where only a data source is known. Routing algorithms must be carefully chosen in order to suit the needs of applications employing them. Our focus is on data collection applications in MANETs where limited mobility information is required to route data in a scalable manner. To address this goal, we employ the concepts of delay-tolerant networking (DTN) in which data makes progress toward a destination with high latency expectations and little knowledge of routing topology. Specifically, we present time-to-network (TTN) forwarding, a method of forwarding data generated by mobile nodes to a network endpoint in such a way that delivery latency is lowered without high networking cost. By segmenting mobility patterns into trips, we are able to apply TTN to a vehicular network using only an estimated destination arrival time for each vehicle. We evaluate TTN using mobility data from the TRANSIMS simulator for a real road network. Results show that our algorithm produces collection-to-network latencies similar to more generic algorithms but at a lower cost and with higher efficiency. Furthermore, we establish a lower bound for delivery latency in our experiments and compare it to TTN. This also helps normalize the interpretation of results specific to our mobility model.
Sport serving development and peace: Achieving the goals of the United Nations through sport

In recent years, the international community has increasingly recognised and drawn on the power of sport as a means to promote development and peace. Since the appointment of the first Special Advi...
Completing projects on-time: how project acceleration affects new product development

Abstract How do accelerated time goals affect the execution and completion of new product development (NPD) projects? This research addresses this question as it relates to project content, project leadership, and aspects of design integration. Research data were drawn from a survey of 131 completed NPD projects from firms representing a wide variety of manufacturing industries. The results of an analysis of both intentionally accelerated and normally-paced projects suggest that project acceleration interacts with project content, leadership, and integration variables to affect on-time performance differently across NPD project types, sometimes in surprising ways. Two primary effects are posited to explain these inconsistent effects. First, NPD acceleration tends to increase the difficulty of the project by introducing new procedures and by reducing schedule slack. These changes are thought to exacerbate project content factors and to raise the value of NPD leadership and integration techniques. At the same time, an intentional acceleration strategy is thought to signal increased priority for the project, causing development personnel to make more careful decisions, and to more effectively implement new technologies and techniques. The article discusses the implications of the findings for future research and practice.
Mosaic organization of the hippocampal neuroepithelium and the multiple germinal sources of dentate granule cells

This study deals with the site of origin, migration, and settling of the principal cell constituents of the rat hippocampus during the embryonic period, The results indicate that the hippocampal neuroepithelium consists of three morphogenetically discrete components—the Ammonic neuroepithelium, the primary dentate neuroepithelium, and the fimbrial glioepithelium—and that these are discrete sources of the large neurons of Ammon's horn, the smaller granular neurons of the dentate gyrus, and the glial cells of the fimbria. The putative Ammonic neuroepithelium is marked in short-survival thymidine radiograms by a high level of proliferative activity and evidence of interkinetic nuclear migration from day E16 until day E19. On days E16 and E17 a diffuse band of unlabeled cells forms outside the Ammonic neuroepithelium. These postmitotic cells are considered to be stratum radiatum and stratum oriens neurons, which are produced in large numbers as early as day E15. A cell-dense layer, the incipient stratum pyramidale, begins to form on day E18 and spindle-shaped cells can be traced to it from the Ammonic neuroepithelium. This migratory band increases in size for several days, then declines, and finally disappears by day E22. It is inferred that this migration contains the pyramidal cells of Ammon's horn that are produced mostly on days E17 through E20. The putative primary dentate neuroepithelium is distinguished from the Ammonic neuroepithelium during the early phases of embryonic development by its location, shape, and cellular dynamics. It is located around a ventricular indentation, the dentate notch, contains fewer mitotic cells near the lumen of the ventricle than the Ammonic neuroepithelium, and shows a different labeling pattern both in short-survival and sequential-survival thymidine radiograms. By day E18, the reduced primary dentate neuroepithelium is surrounded by an aggregate of proliferative cells; this is the secondary dentate matrix. On the subsequent days spindle-shaped cells that have retained their proliferative capacity migrate from the progressively receding secondary dentate matrix to the dentate gyrus itself. The latter, representing a tertiary germinal matrix, becomes highly active during the perinatal period. The putative fimbrial glioepithelium is situated between the primary dentate neuroepithelium and the tip of the hippocampal rudiment. Observations in methacrylate sections and thymidine radiograms suggest that the cells of this germinal matrix, unlike typical neuroepithelial cells, do not undergo interkinetic nuclear migration. The fimbrial glioepithelium is clearly present by day E16, two days before the fimbria becomes a distinct fiber tract. As the fimbria emerges, cells of the putative glial matrix migrate into it.
Yeast DNA Repair Protein RAD23 Promotes Complex Formation between Transcription Factor TFIIH and DNA Damage Recognition Factor RAD14

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the multisubunit RNA polymerase II general transcription factor TFIIH is indispensable for transcription initiation and some of its subunits are known to be required for nucleotide excision repair (NER) of DNA damaged by ultraviolet light. RAD3, a subunit of TFIIH, binds UV-damaged DNA in an ATP-dependent manner. It has, however, remained unclear how TFIIH is assembled with the other damage recognition component RAD14. Here, we demonstrate a higher order complex consisting of TFIIH, RAD14, and another NER protein RAD23, and complex formation between TFIIH and RAD14 is facilitated by the RAD23 protein.
Solubility of sulfur dioxide in water at low concentrations

Abstract Solubility of low-concentration SO 2 in water was measured using a flow technique. Concentrations of SO 2 in the gas phase ranged between 0.00178 and 0.1075 μmole 1 −1 ; the temperature of the experiment was held constant at 25.1 °C. The influence of acidity on solubility was examined by adding HCl to the water solutions thereby modifying pH over the range between approximately 3 and 7. Experimental results agree well with values predicted on the basis of solubility theory used in conjunction with solubility and dissociation constants published previously.
A method for rapid evaluation of saturation factors in in vivo surface coil NMR spectroscopy using B1-insensitive pulse cycles

For a rapid determination of saturation factors in surface coil NMR spectroscopy, the recently published (90 degrees-tau-180 degrees-tau-90 degrees-tau-) SUFIR sequence was modified with adiabatic pulse cycles. Signals were acquired after each of the two 90 degrees pulses and they were stored in different memory blocks. The deleterious offset-dependent saturation effects inherent in adiabatic 90 degrees excitation pulses were minimized by suitable combinations of adiabatic pulses that sweep from either side of the spectrum onto resonance, and by setting the carrier frequency in the middle of the spectrum. The practical use of the proposed method is illustrated with the determination of 31P NMR saturation factors in human calf muscle.
Fracture stresses induced by rock splitters

Abstract To complement field experimentation in the use of mechanical rock splitters for rapid excavation, an analysis of the stress distribution around a hole was made by means of the Airy stress function for two assumed pressure distributions. These were chosen to simulate the probable pressure distribution caused by a rock splitter, i.e. by two feathers separated by a hydraulically activated wedge. An induced stress factor of 1.0 was obtained for an even function p sin2 θ, and of 1.65 for a Fourier series function. Results show that the design of feathers is a critical factor in determining the magnitude dnd distribution of stresses.
Blockade of Adhesion of Sickle Cells to Endothelium by Monoclonal Antibodies

Red cells that contain sickle hemoglobin tend to acquire an abnormal, sickled shape when their mutant hemoglobin polymerizes as a result of low oxygen tension. In the classic view of sickle cell di...
Pathophysiology of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a disorder with characteristic von Willebrand factor (VWF)-rich microthrombi affecting the arterioles and capillaries of multiple organs. The disorder frequently leads to early death unless the patients are treated with plasma exchange or infusion. Studies in the last decade have provided ample evidence to support that TTP is caused by deficiency of a plasma metalloprotease, ADAMTS13. When exposed to high shear stress in the microcirculation, VWF and platelets are prone to form aggregates. This propensity of VWF and platelet to form microvascular thrombosis is mitigated by ADAMTS13, which cleaves VWF before it is activated by shear stress to cause platelet aggregation in the circulation. Deficiency of ADAMTS13, due to autoimmune inhibitors in patients with acquired TTP and mutations of the ADAMTS13 gene in hereditary cases, leads to VWF–platelet aggregation and microvascular thrombosis of TTP. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge on the pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of TTP, address the ongoing controversies, and indicate the directions of future investigations.
Flocking and rendezvous control protocols for nonlinear dynamical systems via hybrid stabilization of sets

In this paper, we develop a hybrid control framework for addressing flocking and rendezvous formation control protocols for general nonlinear dynamical systems using stabilization of sets. The proposed framework develops a novel class of fixed-order, energy-based hybrid controllers as a means for achieving cooperative control formations. These dynamic controllers combine a logical switching architecture with the continuous system dynamics to guarantee that a system generalized energy function whose zero level set characterizes a specified system formation is strictly decreasing across switchings. The proposed approach addresses general nonlinear dynamical systems and is not limited to systems involving double integrator dynamics for formation control.
Interactions between subsurface microbial assemblages and mixed organic and inorganic contaminant systems.

Metals are introduced into aquatic environments as results of mining and refining of ores and other human activities, such as combustion of fossil fuels, spraying of pesticides, and disposal of domestic and industrial wastes. Synthetic chelating agents have been used for nuclear decontamination, waste processing, and detergent industry because they react with radionuclides and heavy metal ions and form stable water-soluble complexes. Co-disposal of synthetic chelating agents with radionuclides and/or heavy metals at some landfill sites for energy and industrial wastes have caused increase in organic-inorganic mixtures transport in the subsurface environment. The extensive presence and the possible persistence of these waste mixtures in those environments underlines the need to study their effects on aquatic microbial assemblages. To remediate a contaminated aquifer, the microorganisms must not be severely inhibited by the chemical pollutants. In this research, the effects of selected chemical contaminants (organic and inorganic species) on ground water bacteria and a mixture of model organic and inorganic chemicals (i.e., imidazole and copper) on surface and subsurface bacteria were determined. Adaptation of microorganisms to in situ contaminants may be the prerequisite for microbial degradation to occur. In addition, some environmental factors such as concentrations of inorganic nutrients may limit ormore » affect biodegradation of subsurface organic pollutants. Microbial degradative activity in ground water of a chemical waste landfill site in Georgia and in ground water samples from California were the focus of this study. Effects of inorganic nutrients on microbial degradation of toluene, p-cresol, and phenol in ground waters were evaluated. 14 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.« less
Flavonoid chemistry of arceuthobium (viscaceae)

Flavonoid compounds from 36 of the 38 known taxa of the genusArceuthobium (dwarf mistletoes) were examined. The flavonoid chemistry of the genus is rather uniform, all taxa producing 3-O-glycosides of the flavonols quercetin and myricetin. No infraspecific chemical variation was encountered, and in those instances where subspecific taxa are recognized, their chemistry was uniform. At the subgeneric level, members of subgenusArceuthobium synthesize primarily glucosides, whereas galactosides are more common in subgenusVaginata. In two of the four Old World species of subgenusArceuthobium (A. juniperi- procerae andA. oxycedri) only myricetin 3-O-glucoside was detected. There are no absolute flavonoid differences between subgenera, sections, or series. On the other hand, flavonoids are useful in several instances at the species level. In several cases, chemical data lend support to the recognition of species which in the past have been considered doubtfully distinct on the basis of morphology.
A Two Step Model For Lateral Growth of Collagen Fibrils

A two step model of lateral growth of type I collagen fibrils is presented which is an extension of a previous model. Step I of lateral growth involves interactions between pairs of opposite charges which form dipoles perpendicular to the molecular axis and results in removal of loosely bound water between collagen molecules in solution. During step II of lateral aggregation, rearrangement of the inner hydration layer occurs as a result of intermolecular interactions between dipoles parallel to the molecular axis, unpaired charges and hydrophobic residues. It is proposed that differences in fibril diameters between types I, II and III collagen reflect differences in the extent of step II lateral aggregation. Type III collagen which forms thinner fibrils than type I, is shown to have fewer theoretical step II charge-charge interactions consistent with the model that fibril diameters are dependent on secondary lateral growth. Based on this model the fibril forming ability of collagen is in part a result of interactions between dipoles oriented perpendicular to the molecular axis whereas the extent of fibril diameter growth reflects secondary charge-charge and hydrophobic interactions.
Spectroscopic analysis of sodium-bearing Z -pinch plasmas for their x-ray-laser pumping efficiency

Using axially resolved spectra, we have derived temperature and density profiles of sodium-bearing Z-pinch plasmas produced on the Naval Research Laboratory's Gamble-II generator. The variations in the output power of the Na x 1${s}^{2}$ ${}^{1}$${S}_{0}$--1s2p ${}^{1}$${P}_{1}$ line which can be used to pump a Ne ix x-ray laser, are analyzed as functions of mass loading, temperature, and density. The fractional conversion of plasma energy to lasing lines is projected as ${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$ if an optimum neon lasant plasma can be prepared and pumped to saturation. This would require an increase in load current of less than or equal to 50% from the present 1.2 MA.
Radiosynthesis of 3′-deoxy-3′-[18F]fluorothymidine: [18F]FLT for imaging of cellular proliferation in vivo

Abstract A reliable radiosynthesis of 3′-deoxy-3′-[ 18 F]fluorothymidine ([ 18 F]FLT) has been developed based on [ 18 F]fluoride displacement of a protected nosylate precursor. A simple three-step synthesis is described that is useful for preparing >10 mCi (370 MBq) of radiochemically pure [ 18 F]FLT, with a specific activity >1 Ci/μmol (37 GBq/μmol) at EOS within 100 min and in 13% radiochemical yield (end of bombardment (EOB); 7% end of synthesis (EOS)). [ 18 F]FLT has been designed as a new positron emission tomography imaging agent for visualizing cellular proliferation in vivo based on the metabolism of thymidine.
A practical method for determining pit depths using X-ray attenuation in EDX spectra

Abstract A practical method has been developed for rapidly determining the depth of a corrosion micro-pit from the path lengths of X rays passing through the walls of the pit on their way to an X-ray detector. The method takes advantage of the attenuation of the Bremsstrahlung and characteristic X-ray radiation accompanying each X-ray spectrum, and the results are verified independently using AFM and the special pit geometry surrounding MnS inclusions in 1018 carbon steel. The method has general validity and is especially valuable in those cases where the pit depth-to-width ratio is too steep to measure using the conventional methods.
Role of Mechanical Feedback in Restoration of Normal Cardiac C-Looping Following Perturbed Loading

Cardiac c-looping is an important developmental phase, as the initially straight heart tube (HT) is transformed into a c-shaped tube. Looping consists of two distinct processes: ventral bending, which is likely driven by actin polymerization, and dextral torsion, which is likely due to external forces. These forces are applied by a membrane enveloping the ventral side of the heart, the splanchnopleure (SPL, Fig. 2A) and a pair of atria that flank the caudal end of the heart tube (HT, Fig 1A). In particular, the atria provide the initial push, biasing the HT towards the right while the SPL applies a ventrally directed force, which causes the HT to rotate using the dorsal mesocardium (DM, Fig. 2A) as a pivot (the DM attaches the dorsal length of the heart to the body of the embryo).Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Mass effects and internal space geometry in triatomic reaction dynamics

The effect of the distribution of mass in triatomic reaction dynamics is analyzed using the geometry of the associated internal space. Atomic masses are appropriately incorporated into internal coordinates as well as the associated non-Euclidean internal space metric tensor after a separation of the rotational degrees of freedom. Because of the non-Euclidean nature of the metric in the internal space, terms such as connection coefficients arise in the internal equations of motion, which act as velocity-dependent forces in a coordinate chart. By statistically averaging these terms, an effective force field is deduced, which accounts for the statistical tendency of geodesics in the internal space. This force field is shown to play a crucial role in determining mass-related branching ratios of isomerization and dissociation dynamics of a triatomic molecule. The methodology presented can be useful for qualitatively predicting branching ratios in general triatomic reactions, and may be applied to the study of isotope effects.
Building an intestine--architectural contributions of commensal bacteria.

A recent study shows that commensal bacteria are critical to maintaining the integrity of the intestinal epithelium; this finding has implications for our understanding of inflammatory bowel disease.
Tattoo‐Based Wearable Electrochemical Devices: A Review

This article provides an overview of the recent advances in the field of skin-worn tattoo-based wearable electrochemical devices, including electrolyte and metabolite sensors, biofuel cells and batteries. Temporary tattoos are attractive platforms for fabricating skin-worn devices. Body-compliant wearable electrochemical devices on temporary tattoos couple highly favorable substrate-skin elasticity with an attractive electrochemical performance. For example, tattoo-based “skin-like” sensors can be used for real-time non-invasive analysis of key electrolytes and metabolites, leading to remarkable sensing capabilities. Continued progress has been made also towards developing skin-worn flexible energy harvesting and storage devices to power wearable health monitors and other devices. Key requirements and challenges that confront researchers in this exciting area of skin-worn electrochemical devices are discussed.
Analysis of charged particle / photon correlations in hadronic multiparticle production

In order to analyze data on joint charged-particle/photon distributions from an experimental search (T-864, MiniMax) for disoriented chiral condensate (DCC) at the Fermilab Tevatron collider, we have identified robust observables, ratios of normalized bivariate factorial moments, with many desirable properties. These include insensitivity to many efficiency corrections and the details of the modeling of the primary pion production, and sensitivity to the production of DCC, as opposed to the generic, binomial-distribution partition of pions into charged and neutral species. The relevant formalism is developed and tested in Monte-Carlo simulations of the MiniMax experimental conditions.
Social Domains and Concepts of Care Protection, Instruction, and Containment in After-school Programs

This article analyzes the design and implementation of a state-funded after-school program by focusing on the social domains of family, schooling, and law enforcement as they converge at the site of after-school care. In the contested terrain of after-school programs, these different domains incorporate divergent concepts of care that are forced into juxtaposition and engagement. Care is alternatively defined as nurturing protection, instruction, or containment. The collision between these competing definitions explains some of the confusion and passion in debates about child care.
The impact of single-wafer processing on fab cycle time

Rapid thermal processing is already the convention for processes such as silicide annealing, and is being studied as an alternative for virtually every other thermal process in modern CMOS process flows. Single-wafer cleaning is also a broad area of research and development, both in industry and academia, although single-wafer cleaning is not as mature a technology as rapid thermal processing. This paper's objective is to show how single-wafer processing can improve a fab's throughput time. Throughput time (also called cycle time) is the length of time that passes from when a wafer enters a fab to begin processing until all wafer processing is completed and the wafer is ready for final probe. This paper only considers front-end processing.
Pharmaceutical metabolites in the environment: Analytical challenges and ecological risks

The occurrence of human and veterinary pharmaceuticals in the environment has been a subject of concern for the past decade because many of these emerging contaminants have been shown to persist in soil and water. Although recent studies indicate that pharmaceutical contaminants can pose long-term ecological risks, many of the investigations regarding risk assessment have only considered the ecotoxicity of the parent drug, with very little attention given to the potential contributions that metabolites may have. The scarcity of available environmental data on the human metabolites excreted into the environment or the microbial metabolites formed during environmental biodegradation of pharmaceutical residues can be attributed to the difficulty in analyzing trace amounts of previously unknown compounds in complex sample matrices. However, with the advent of highly sensitive and powerful analytical instrumentations that have become available commercially, it is likely that an increased number of pharmaceutical metabolites will be identified and included in environmental risk assessment. The present study will present a critical review of available literature on pharmaceutical metabolites, primarily focusing on their analysis and toxicological significance. It is also intended to provide an overview on the recent advances in analytical tools and strategies to facilitate metabolite identification in environmental samples. This review aims to provide insight on what future directions might be taken to help scientists in this challenging task of enhancing the available data on the fate, behavior, and ecotoxicity of pharmaceutical metabolites in the environment.
A multiuser OFDM system with user cooperation

We consider user cooperation under multipath channels using OFDM modulation. We propose and analyse the performance of an amplify and forward cooperation scheme using OFDM. We show the performance improvement in terms of channel capacity and diversity both analytically and using simulations.
Optical measurements based on RF modulation techniques

A characterization concept is introduced for high-speed lightwave components based on high-frequency RF modulation of the test signals. The concept is explained by using the example of optical transmission measurements covering optical loss, modulation bandwidth, and length measurements. Optical reflection measurements are investigated with the capability of separating multiple reflections. Responsivity measurements of electrooptical devices such as lasers and photodiodes are investigated. The described concepts are utilized in the first commercially available instrumentation systems covering a modulation bandwidth up to 20 GHz. >
Stepwise evolution of corolla symmetry in CYCLOIDEA2-like and RADIALIS-like gene expression patterns in Lamiales.

2,4 PREMISE OF THE STUDY: CYCLOIDEA2 ( CYC2 )-like and RADIALIS ( RAD )-like genes are needed for the normal development of corolla bilateral symmetry in Antirrhinum majus L. (snapdragon, Plantaginaceae, Lamiales). However, if and how changes in expression of CYC2 -like and RAD -like genes correlate with the origin of corolla bilateral symmetry early in Lamiales remains largely unknown. The asymmetrical expression of CYC2 -like and/or RAD -like genes during fl oral meristem development could be ancestral or derived in Plantaginaceae. METHODS: We used in situ RNA localization to examine the expression of CYC2 -like and RAD -like genes in two early-diverging Lamiales. KEY RESULTS: CYC2 -like and RAD -like genes are expressed broadly in the fl oral meristems in early-diverging Lamiales with radially symmetrical corollas, in contrast to their restricted expression in adaxial/lateral regions in core Lamiales. The expression pattern of CYC2 -like genes has evolved in stepwise fash- ion, in that CYC2 -like genes are likely expressed briefl y in the fl oral meristem during fl ower development in sampled Oleaceae; prolonged expression of CYC2 -like genes in petals originated in the common ancestor of Tetrachondraceae and core Lamiales, and asymmetrical expression in adaxial/lateral pet- als appeared later, in the common ancestor of the core Lamiales. Likewise, expression of RAD -like genes in petals appeared in early-diverging Lamiales or earlier; asymmetrical expression in adaxial/lateral petals then appeared in core Lamiales. CONCLUSIONS: These data plus published reports of CYC2 -like and RAD -like genes show that asymmetrical expression of these two genes is likely derived and correlates with the origins of corolla bilateral symmetry.
Evaluation of total hip arthroplasty devices using a total joint replacement registry

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the infrastructure of the total joint replacement registry of a large integrated healthcare system and emphasize challenges associated with orthopedic device classification and evaluation. Methods Using a large integrated healthcare system innovative infrastructure including electronic health record data, administrative data sources, and registry data collection, we evaluated device choice and outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA). Devices were classified into type of bearing surface (alternative versus traditional). Multiple imputation was used to accommodate missing data, and a logistic regression model was applied to assess the impact of patient and surgeon factors on choice of bearing surface. A Cox regression model was used to evaluate risk of aseptic revision while controlling for surgeon, site, and patient characteristics. Adjusted cumulative probability-of-event curves were created, comparing survival of alternative against traditional bearings of devices, with aseptic revision as the outcome of interest. Results The study sample consisted of 25377 primary THAs with an average follow-up of 2.7years. Choice of bearing surface varied by surgeon and patient characteristics. After adjusting for patient, surgeon, and hospital covariates, results showed that the risk of aseptic revision associated with alternative bearings did not differ significantly from traditional bearing surfaces (hazard ratio=1.33; 95% confidence interval: 0.90, 1.98). Conclusions Clinically rich data from a registry with linkages to electronic health records and other administrative databases improve identification of exposures, outcomes, and patient subgroups in medical device evaluation. These various data sources facilitate refined adjustment for potential confounders such as hospital, surgeon, and patient factors and ensure comprehensive device performance evaluation within registries. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. key words—total joint replacement; arthroplasty; registry; selection model; bearing surfaces
Suspect Technologies: Scrutinizing the Intersection of Science, Technology, and Policy:

Drug testing is widely deployed in the United States throughout the public and private sectors. This case study uses two emergent drug-testing technologies—hair analysis and the sweat patch—as examples of techniques of governance that should be subjected to the political equivalent of strict scrutiny. The article contributes to conceptual debates in science and technology studies, arguing that the study of social structure and subject formation should be integral rather than epiphenomenal to analysis in the transdisciplinary field of science and technology studies (STS). The article contextualizes the development and deployment of drug-testing technologies within the structural and epistemological categories of racial and ethnic difference, gender, sexuality, and class formation. Conflicts between proponents of the technologies and critical advocates who seek to constrain their use mark sites of productive theoretical engagement with structural sociology, racial formation theory, critical race theory, and...
Preliminary Aroma Comparison of Marion (Rubus spp. hyb) and Evergreen (R. laciniatus L.) Blackberries by Dynamic Headspace/OSME Technique

Marion and Evergreen blackberry aromas were analyzed with a purge-and-trap gas chromatogra- phy-olfactometry/mass-spectrometry (GC-O/MS) technique. Fifty-eight aromas were identified. Thirty were common to both cultivars, and 22 have not been previously reported in blackberry fruit. Comparison of culti- vars shows the Marion blackberry contains more esters, while the Evergreen contains more alcohols. The aroma profile of blackberry is complex, as no single volatile was unanimously described as characteristically
Performance analysis of two address space allocation schemes for an optically interconnected distributed shared memory system

An Optically Interconnected Distributed Shared Memory (OIDSM) system is introduced and analyzed. Distributed shared memory systems place a heavy traffic requirement on the interconnection network. Complex memory allocation schemes have been introduced to reduce the network load. The photonic network of the system introduced in this paper alleviates the traffic load concern, and enables the development of a fixed memory allocation scheme with a significant reduction in complexity. The photonic network employs wavelength division multiple access (WDMA), creating multiple channels on a single optical fiber. This paper analyzes the performance of two memory allocation schemes through mean value analysis of a closed queueing network. The performance model is validated through simulation. >
Returns on long-term investments in sickle cell disease

CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS, INTERVENTIONS, AND THERAPEUTIC TRIALS For many years sickle cell disease served as the classic example of the disheartening gap between scientific knowledge and clinical application. On the one hand, remarkable achievements in the laboratory led to the characterization of the
Exploiting spatial locality to improve peer-to-peer system performance

Routing performance is critical for peer-to-peer (P2P) systems to achieve high performance. Current routing algorithms concentrate on creating a well organized network architecture to boost routing performance. However, for each routing procedure, system returns location information of the requested file only and the characteristics of system workload are seldom considered. We propose the UCP2P routing algorithm which introduce "superobject" to take advantage of spatial locality among file accesses. When a client retrieves a file, UCP2P routing algorithm may send location information of several other correlated files in addition within one routing procedure. No further routing procedure is needed if the client requests any of these files later. By this mechanism, we can greatly reduce the routing overhead. Our preliminary simulation results show UCP2P achieves a great routing performance improvement over the previous algorithms.
The voice-rate dialog system for consumer ratings.

Voice-Rate is an experimental dialog system that makes product and business ratings available to consumers via a tollfree phone number. By calling Voice-Rate, users can access the ratings of more than one million products, a quarter million local businesses (restaurants), and three thousand national businesses. This paper describes the Voice Rate system, and solutions to three key technical challenges: robust name-matching, efficient disambiguation, and review synthesis for telephone playback. Voice-Rate can be accessed by calling 1-877-456-DATA (toll-free) within the U.S.
STATISTICAL METHODS FOR MANAGEMENT OF PROCESS QUALITY: A STATE-OF-THE-ART REVIEW

Companies use the Malcolm Baldridge Award criteria to provide a formal guide for self assessment. In most of the seven categories, statistical techniques play important roles. A basic tenet of Total Quality Management is that company business practices should evolve and improve over time. This philosophy of continuous improvement also applies to the development and refinement of appropriate statistical methods. This paper reviews recent developments in statistical methods for Total Quality Management, with a focus on applications to Category 5 of the Baldridge Award criteria: Management of Process Quality.
Structure and composition changes following restoration treatments of longleaf pine forests on the Gulf Coastal Plain of Alabama

Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) forests of the Gulf Coastal Plain historically burned every 2–4 years with low intensity fires, which maintained open stands with herbaceous dominated understories. During the early and mid 20th century however, reduced fire frequency allowed fuel to accumulate and hardwoods to increase in the midstory and overstory layers, while woody shrubs gained understory dominance. In 2001, a research study was installed in southern Alabama to develop management options that could be used to reduce fuel loads and restore the ecosystem. As part of a nationwide fire and fire surrogates study, treatments included a control (no fire or other disturbance), prescribed burning only, thinning of selected trees, thinning plus prescribed burning, and herbicide plus prescribed burning. After two cycles of prescribed burning, applied biennially during the growing season, there were positive changes in ecosystem composition. Although thinning treatments produced revenue, while reducing midstory hardwoods and encouraging growth of a grassy understory, burning was needed to discourage regrowth of the hardwood midstory and woody understory. Herbicide application followed by burning gave the quickest changes in understory composition, but repeated applications of fire eventually produced the same results at the end of this 8-year study. Burning was found to be a critical component of any restoration treatment for longleaf communities of this region with positive changes in overstory, midstory and understory layers after just three or four burns applied every 2 or 3 years.
Structure of lipid bilayers

The quantitative experimental uncertainty in the structure of fully hydrated, biologically relevant, fluid (Lα) phase lipid bilayers has been too large to provide a firm base for applications or for comparison with simulations. Many structural methods are reviewed including modern liquid crystallography of lipid bilayers that deals with the fully developed undulation fluctuations that occur in the Lα phase. These fluctuations degrade the higher order diffraction data in a way that, if unrecognized, leads to erroneous conclusions regarding bilayer structure. Diffraction measurements at high instrumental resolution provide a measure of these fluctuations. In addition to providing better structural determination, this opens a new window on interactions between bilayers, so the experimental determination of interbilayer interaction parameters is reviewed briefly. We introduce a new structural correction based on fluctuations that has not been included in any previous studies. Updated measurements, such as for the area compressibility modulus, are used to provide adjustments to many of the literature values of structural quantities. Since the gel (Lβ′) phase is valuable as a stepping stone for obtaining fluid phase results, a brief review is given of the lower temperature phases. The uncertainty in structural results for lipid bilayers is being reduced and best current values are provided for bilayers of five lipids.
Assessment of shock index in healthy dogs and dogs in hemorrhagic shock

Objective To compare the shock index (SI) in a population of healthy dogs to a population of dogs with confirmed hemorrhagic shock. Design Retrospective analysis of data collected prospectively from 2 previous studies. Setting University teaching hospital. Animals Seventy-eight healthy control dogs enrolled in a study to establish a reference interval for a tissue oxygen monitor; 38 dogs with confirmed hemorrhagic shock enrolled in a study to evaluate the tissue oxygen monitor in hemorrhagic shock. The heart rate and systolic blood pressure obtained during the respective studies were used to calculate the SI. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results Shock index was significantly higher in the hemorrhage group (median 1.37, range 0.78–4.35) than the control group (median 0.91, range 0.57–1.53); 92% of the dogs in hemorrhagic shock had an SI of >0.91. Compared with controls, dogs in hemorrhagic shock had significantly lower body temperatures (median 38.3°C, range 35.6–39.9°C versus median 38.7°C, range 37.5–39.9°C), higher heart rates (median 150/min, range 120–220/min versus median 110/min range 80–150/min), lower systolic blood pressures (mean 112 mm Hg, SD ±35.8 mm Hg versus mean 125 mm Hg, SD ±21.5 mm Hg), higher lactate concentrations (median 0.51 mmol/L, range 0.078–1.41 mmol/L versus median 0.11 mmol/L, range 0.033–0.33 mmol/L), and lower hemoglobin concentrations (median 81 g/L, range 56–183 g/L versus median 162.5 g/L, range 133–198 g/L). Conclusions Shock index is a simple and easy calculation that can be used as an additional triage tool and should prompt further investigation for hemorrhage if the values are >0.9.
Evaluation of a bedside scoring system for predicting clinical cure and recurrence of Clostridium difficile infections

Purpose The accuracy of a bedside scoring system, ATLAS, for predicting clinical cure and recurrence of Clostridium difficile infections (CDIs) was evaluated. Methods A single-center retrospective medical record review was performed for symptomatic adult patients with stool assay-diagnosed CDI treated with metronidazole or vancomycin or both. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the potential association of the ATLAS score and other potential factors on achieving cure and 90-day CDI recurrence. ATLAS scores were calculated, and risk factors for severe CDI, severe–complicated CDI, decreased cure rates, and recurrence were recorded. Results Data from 245 adult patients were assessed. ATLAS scores showed a significant inverse association with the cure rate ( p = 0.009) but not with the 90-day recurrence rate ( p = 0.901). The only ATLAS component to be independently associated (inversely) with cure was the concomitant use of antibiotics ( p = 0.022). Metronidazole was initiated in 97% of patients, with 32% switching to oral vancomycin. Longer courses of vancomycin were associated with a higher cure rate ( p = 0.0009) but not with recurrence ( p = 0.170). Complicated cases were less likely to be cured ( p = 0.027) and more likely to recur within 90 days ( p = 0.002). Antibiotics continued after CDI treatment was associated with recurrence ( p = 0.055). Conclusion A low ATLAS score was found to correlate with higher cure rates in patients with CDI receiving metronidazole, oral vancomycin, or both. However, the score could not predict CDI recurrence.