cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A survey of peer-to-peer storage techniques for distributed file systems

The popularity of distributed file systems continues to grow. Reasons they are preferred over traditional centralized file systems include fault tolerance, availability, scalability and performance. In addition, peer-to-peer (P2P) system concepts and scalable functions are being incorporated into the domain of file systems. This survey paper explores the design paradigms and important issues that relate to such systems and discusses the various research activities in the field of distributed peerto-peer file systems.
JAPANESE MARKETING FAILURES

The paper discusses six Japanese marketing cases in depth. It is shown how the “success” interpretation which so often is promulgated by the firms and press alike in fact hides serious mistakes and results which in other countries would be interpreted as “failures”.
Induction of B-A transitions of deoxyoligonucleotides by multivalent cations in dilute aqueous solution

Circular dichroism (CD) spectra of d(CCCCGGGG) in the presence of Co(NH3)6(3+) are very similar to spectra of r(CCCCGGGG). In contrast, B-form characteristics are observed for d(CCCCGGGG) in the presence of Na+ and Mg2+, even at high salt concentrations. Spermidine induces modest changes of the CD of d(CCCCGGGG). The NMR chemical shifts of the nonexchangeable protons of d(CCCCGGGG) in the absence and presence of Co(NH3)6(3+) were assigned by proton two-dimensional (2D) NOESY and COSY measurements. The chemical shifts of the GH8 protons of d(CCCCGGGG) move upfield upon titration with Co(NH3)6Cl3. The sums of the sugar H1' coupling constants decrease with added Co(NH3)6Cl3. Cross peak intensities in the 2D proton NOESY spectra show a transformation from B-DNA to A-DNA characteristics upon the addition of Co(NH3)6Cl3. The temperature-dependent 59Co transverse and longitudinal relaxation rates demonstrate that Co(NH3)6(3+) is site-bound to the oligomer. Such localization is not a general feature of Co(NH3)6(3+) binding to oligonucleotides. 59Co NMR relaxation and CD measurements demonstrate chiral discrimination by d(CCCCGGGG) for the two stereoisomers of Co(en)3(3+). Both stereoisomers bind tightly as judged by 59Co NMR, and both cause large (but nonequivalent) changes in the CD of this oligomer.
A Transduction Analysis of Complex Loci Governing the Synthesis of Tryptophan by Staphylococcus aureus

SummaryExperiments involving ultraviolet irradiation of a tryptophan-independent strain of S. aureus and the exposure of the irradiated cells to penicillin, yielded 10 tryptophan-dependent mutants. Mutants were differentiated by growth responses, syntrophism, and reversion rates. Ten tryptophan-dependent mutants of S. aureus were subjected to a genetic analysis using the transduction technic. This allowed the construction of a chromosome map of 2 different functional linkage groups, closely linked to each other.
Spectral sensitivity and scene brightness at low to moderate photopic light levels

A study of scene brightness perception was conducted to assess whether spectral sensitivity for scene brightness perception at low to moderate light levels (∼3–110 lux) could be partially explained...
Testing Platelet Activation With a Shear-Dependent Platelet Function Test Versus Aggregation-Based Tests Relevance for Monitoring Long-Term Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibition

Background—Tests developed to monitor glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa blockade do not properly reflect platelet function in vivo and need a baseline (pretreatment) value. Because GP IIb/IIIa is essential in platelet aggregation and thrombosis under shear conditions, a flow-dependent approach to monitor its inhibition can be used. Methods and Results—We compared a test based on flow-dependent platelet deposition, the Cone and Platelet Analyzer (CPA), with in vitro platelet aggregometry and the Rapid Platelet Function Assay (RPFA) on platelet function after GP IIb/IIIa inhibition. In vitro, increasing concentrations of abciximab (0% to 100% receptor occupancy) were tested. Ex vivo, platelet function was monitored with the CPA and with aggregometry for up to 1 week after abciximab administration. The CPA was better correlated with the percentage of free GP IIb/IIIa receptors than was aggregometry or the RPFA. Only the RPFA, when expressed as a ratio over baseline (pretreatment), was comparable to the CPA. Ex vivo...
PS-046 First Day Heart Rate Characteristics Predict Death And Adverse Events In Preterm Infants

Purpose Abnormal heart rate characteristics (HRC) of decreased variability and decelerations occur in preterm infants with sepsis and other pathologic conditions. We sought to determine whether an HRC index (HeRO score) in the first day after birth predicts death and morbidities and to compare it to an established risk index, the Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology (SNAP-II). Methods The HRC index was analysed within 24 h of birth in 163 extremely low birth weight infants, and SNAP-II was calculated when data were available. Associations between the maximum HRC index (HRC-1), SNAP-II, and death and major morbidities were analysed using logistic regression to correct for gestational age. Results HRC-1 was significantly associated with death, severe head ultrasound abnormalities (sHUS = grade 3–4 intraventricular haemorrhage or cystic periventricular leukomalacia), and late-onset septicemia (LOS) (Table). SNAP-II could be calculated in 122 cases (75%) and was correlated with HRC-1 (r = 0.50, p Conclusion The HRC index in the first day after birth predicts death and multiple morbidities in ELBW infants and is strongly correlated with SNAP-II, an established illness severity score.
Projection of rods and cones within human visual cortex

There are two basic types of photoreceptors in the retina: rods and cones. Using a single stimulus viewed at two different light levels, we tested whether input from rods and input from cones are topographically segregated at subsequent levels of human visual cortex. Here we show that rod-mediated visual input produces robust activation in area MT1, and in the peripheral representations of multiple retinotopic areas. However, such activation was selectively absent in: (1) a cortical area selectively activated by colored stimuli (V8) and (2) the foveal representations of lower tier retinotopic areas. These cortical differences reflect corresponding differences in perception between scotopic and photopic conditions. Hum. Brain Mapping 9:55-63, 2000. r 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Human podocytes perform polarized, caveolae-dependent albumin endocytosis

The renal glomerulus forms a selective filtration barrier that allows the passage of water, ions, and small solutes into the urinary space while restricting the passage of cells and macromolecules. The three layers of the glomerular filtration barrier include the vascular endothelium, glomerular basement membrane (GBM), and podocyte epithelium. Podocytes are capable of internalizing albumin and are hypothesized to clear proteins that traverse the GBM. The present study followed the fate of FITC-labeled albumin to establish the mechanisms of albumin endocytosis and processing by podocytes. Confocal imaging and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy of immortalized human podocytes showed FITC-albumin endocytosis occurred preferentially across the basal membrane. Inhibition of clathrin-mediated endocytosis and caveolae-mediated endocytosis demonstrated that the majority of FITC-albumin entered podocytes through caveolae. Once internalized, FITC-albumin colocalized with EEA1 and LAMP1, endocytic markers, and with the neonatal Fc receptor, a marker for transcytosis. After preloading podocytes with FITC-albumin, the majority of loaded FITC-albumin was lost over the subsequent 60 min of incubation. A portion of the loss of albumin occurred via lysosomal degradation as pretreatment with leupeptin, a lysosomal protease inhibitor, partially inhibited the loss of FITC-albumin. Consistent with transcytosis of albumin, preloaded podocytes also progressively released FITC-albumin into the extracellular media. These studies confirm the ability of podocytes to endocytose albumin and provide mechanistic insight into cellular mechanisms and fates of albumin handling in podocytes.
Carbon doping of III-V compounds by atomic-layer epitaxy

Carbon is a very suitable acceptor in III - V compounds for device applications requiring thin layers with very low resistivity due to its low diffusion coefficient. We have used a modified, atmospheric pressure MOCVD reactor to grow carbon doped GaAs films by atomic layer epitaxy (ALE) using trimethylgallium (TMGa) as the carbon source. The hole density was controllable from high resistivity to 1020 cm-3. These results were then used as the basis for the study of carbon doping of InGaAs in a layer-by-layer technique using TMGa, triethylindium (TEIn) and arsine (AsH3).© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Increased vitamin D is associated with decline of naïve, but accumulation of effector, CD8 T cells during early aging

Given the protective roles of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D or vitamin D) in musculoskeletal health and the potential beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation in reducing the risk of various chronic diseases, intensive repletion of vitamin D has been widely advocated. Of note, CD8 T cells have the highest levels of the vitamin D receptor compared with other major immune cells. The effects of vitamin D on CD8 T cells during aging, however, remain unclear. This study determined the relationship between vitamin D levels and CD8 T cell status in 34 healthy female subjects (all >60 years old). The CD8 T-cell phenotype was defined by the surface expression of CD28 and CD95. The low-25(OH)D serum groups (≤30 ng/ml) had higher percentages of CD28+CD95–CD8+ (na?ve) T cells and lower percentages of CD28+CD95+CD8+ (effector) T cells. By contrast, subjects with high levels of 25(OH)D had very low percentages of na?ve CD8 T cells but very high percentages of effector CD8 T cells. There was a significant inverse correlation between 25(OH)D levels and the frequency of na?ve CD8 T cells. The results show that higher levels of vitamin D are correlated with decreased frequencies of na?ve CD8 T cells during early aging, suggesting that higher levels of 25(OH)D accelerate CD8 T cell senescence. These results warrant further evaluation of the effects of vitamin D supplementation in immune aging.
Study of the long-wavelength optic phonons in Ga 1 − x Al x Sb

We have studied the ir reflectance spectra of epitaxially grown layers of ${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Al}}_{x}\mathrm{Sb}$ and have found two-mode behavior for the long-wavelength optic phonons. We have analyzed the compositional variation in the TO-phonon frequencies using force constants derived from the random-element-isodisplacement model. We find that the data are well described by a force-constant model that includes six parameters, three force constants each with a different compositional dependence. For comparison, we have also analyzed the data using other force-constant representations including four-parameter models in which the same compositional dependence is assumed for each of the forces.
Multichannel Spectrometer Detector

The use of a multichannel detector in the focal plane of a magnetic spectrometer effectively decouples the wellknown reciprocal relation between spectrometer resolution and transmission applicable to single-channel detection The Stanford 36-inch magnetic spectrometer is used in electronscattering experiments in conjuction with the Mark III linear electron accelerator. In order to utilize the full momentum acceptance of the spectrometer (?/p/p ? 0.05), we have constructed a 10-channel prototype of a 50-channel scintillation-Cerenkov detection system which will possess a resolution (p/?p ~ 1000) close to the maximum obtainable from the spectrometer. The momentum channels are defined by small scintillation counters which detect ionizing particles, consisting primarily of high-energy pions and electrons. Electrons are distinguished from mesons by Cerenkov counters which back up blocks of 10 scintillators. A coincidence is required (2? ? 3 + 10-8 ?sec) between a scintillation detector and the associated Cerenkov counter. A 256-channel computer-type ferrite core memory (Radiation Counter Laboratories Mark 20), divided into four manually or electronically-selected blocks of 64 channels, is used to store the information from the counter array. The use of this large memory allows storage of correlated information in matrix form from two arrays of counters.
Environmental control of independent and dependent behaviors in preschool girls and boys: A model for early independence training

Differential adult response to the dependent behaviors of young girls and boys has been widely reported in the literature. The present study was an experimental investigation of the role of adult response patterns in shaping and maintaining independent behavior in preschoolers. A two-group design using random assignment was used to examine environmental control of independent and dependent behaviors, defined as task persistence and exploration, and proximity-seeking and socialization of attention, respectively. Subjects were 20 3- and 4-year-olds, 11 females and 9 males. Results indicated that independent and dependent behaviors are both strongly under the control of environmental contingencies in both boys and girls. Implications of these results for the theoretical understanding of sex-role development and women's mental health problems are discussed.
Numerical Modeling of the Thermodynamic Effects of Cavitation

A Navier-Stokes solver based on artificial compressibility and pseudo-time stepping, coupled with the energy equation, is used to model the thermodynamic effects of cavitation in cryogenic fluids. The analysis is restricted to partial sheet cavitation in two-dimensional cascades. Thermodynamic effects of cavitation assume significance in cryogenic fluids because these fluids are generally operated close to the critical point and also because of the strong dependence of the vapor pressure on the temperature. The numerical approach used is direct and fully nonlinear, that is, the cavity profile evolves as part of the solution for a specified cavitation pressure. This precludes the necessity of specifying the cavity length or the location of the inception point. Numerical solutions are presented for two-dimensional flow problems and validated with experimental measurements. Predicted temperature depressions are also compared with measurements for liquid hydrogen and nitrogen. The cavitation procedure presented is easy to implement in engineering codes to provide satisfactory predictions of cavitation. The flexibility of the formulation also allows extension to more complex flows and/or geometries.
Mode splitting based single particle size measurement in water

We report the first demonstration of single nanoparticle detection and size measurement in water using mode splitting in high-Q optical resonators. We achieved detecting and measuring polystyrene individual nanoparticles down to 75 nm in radius.
Effect of long-term low-dose prednisone on height velocity and disease activity in pediatric and adolescent patients with Crohn disease.

Objectives To determine whether long-term low-dose prednisone (LTLDP) therapy has a decelerating effect on growth velocity and whether this therapy is effective in the maintenance of remission in the subgroup of pediatric patients with Crohn disease (CD) who had previously experienced flares on more than 1 occasion when prednisone was discontinued. Patients and methods A retrospective chart review of patients was done. Our sample consisted of patients 6 to 17 years of age with CD who had received uninterrupted prednisone at an average daily dose of 0.1 to 0.4 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1) for at least 8 weeks. Their heights were plotted on sex-appropriate growth charts at 4 time points: 1 year before LTLDP, at therapy onset, at therapy discontinuation, and 1 year after therapy was discontinued. The height velocities (HVs) were compared with the normal HV established by Tanner. The disease activities of 2 groups were compared: LTLDP plus azathioprine/6-mercaptopurine (AZA/6-MP) and LTLDP alone. Results One hundred two patients were included. The mean age of our sample was 13.7 +/- 2.7 years (standard deviation). The mean dose of prednisone dose was 0.18 +/- 0.07 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1)), for a mean duration of therapy of 14.4 +/- 7.2 months. Throughout the study, 78% of patients had normal HV. Growth deceleration was seen in 19% of patients with prior normal growth. Of this group, 31% had "catch-up" growth 1 year after prednisone was discontinued; the remaining 69% did not. Catch-up growth was more likely in patients who had reached the expected age peak HV, which is defined as 12.5 years for girls and 13.5 years for boys (P = 0.04). In addition, 6 patients reached the peak HV after LTLDP discontinuation; 13 did not. We found no difference in the maintenance of remission rate between the compared groups. Conclusions A minority of our study population had growth deceleration. Age was an important factor for subsequent catch-up growth. LTLDP efficacy to maintain remission was not different from that of LTLDP plus AZA/6-MP; differences in concomitant therapies (eg, antibiotics, infliximab) between the 2 groups were not statistically significant.
Testing short-run neutrality

Abstract This paper derives and implements a robust test of the short-run neutrality of anticipated policy that is valid when the information set used to form expectations is incorrectly specified and the effect of unanticipated policy on deviations of output from the natural rate varies over time. The test is based on the observation that if unanticipated policy affects output with a maximum lag of n quarters, then any information prior to n should be uninformative about output movements. The test is applied to quarterly data for the United States and the paper concludes that policy is not neutral.
ENSO in CMIP5 simulations: network connectivity from the recent past to the twenty-third century

A new methodology based on complex network analysis is applied to state-of-the-art climate model simulations to assess their performances, quantify uncertainties, and uncover changes in global linkages between past and future projections. Network properties of modeled sea surface temperature and precipitation over 1956–2005 are constrained towards observations or reanalyses, and their differences quantified using two metrics. Projected changes from 2051 to 2300 under the scenario with the highest representative and extended concentration pathways (RCP8.5 and ECP8.5) are then determined. The network of models capable of reproducing well major climate modes in the recent past, change little during this century. In contrast, among those models the uncertainties in the projections after 2100 are substantial, and are primarily associated with divergences in the representation of the modes of variability, particularly of the El Nino Southern Oscillation, and their connectivity, and therefore with their intrinsic predictability, more so than with differences in the mean state evolution.
Regulation of human adrenal carcinoma cell (NCI-H295) production of C19 steroids

The regulation of biosynthesis of the adrenal C19 steroids (the so-called adrenal androgens) remains unclear. Understanding adrenal production of C19 steroids is important when the benefits of these steroids are considered on processes and diseases associated with aging. In vitro studies defining the mechanisms that regulate the production of human adrenal C19 steroids have been limited because of the difficulties in obtaining adrenal tissue. A cell line that retains differentiated adrenal functions would greatly facilitate research in this area. Herein, we describe the use of the human adrenocortical tumor H295 cell line as a model to evaluate mechanisms controlling C19 and C21 steroid production. The cells were characterized with regard to ACTH, forskolin, and dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) responsiveness, as measured by increased cAMP production, synthesis of steroids, and induction of 17 alpha-hydroxylase cytochrome P450 (P450c17). Forskolin and dbcAMP, which were more effective than ACTH, enhanced the production of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate (DHEAS), and androstenedione over a 48-h treatment period. Comparison of the relative amounts of measured steroid secreted under forskolin treatment indicated that the primary product was cortisol (70%), followed by androstenedione (14%), DHEA (9%), and DHEAS (7%). Cortisol was also demonstrated to be the major steroid product by examination of UV-detectable steroids after high performance liquid chromatographic separation. The increases in steroid production caused by ACTH, forskolin, and dbcAMP occurred in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. A key enzyme in the production of C19 steroids is P450c17. ACTH, forskolin, and dbcAMP increased the activity of 17 alpha-hydroxylase by approximately 2.5-, 10-, and 10-fold, respectively. These effects on enzyme activity occurred in a concentration-dependent manner and coincided with increased levels of P450c17 mRNA. In summary, H295 cells should provide a much-needed model to study mechanisms controlling the secretion of glucocorticoids and C19 steroids, because steroid production in these cells is hormonally controlled and associated with the induction of P450c17.
Physiology in Medicine: A New Series in Annals of Internal Medicine

With the review by Brat and Mapstone in this issue, Annals begins a series of articles intended to help clinicians understand the scientific basis of new developments in diagnosis and treatment of ...
Energy Service Interface: Accessing to Customer Energy Resources for Smart Grid Interoperation

The Energy Service Interface (ESI), sitting at the boundary of a customer facility, plays a communication gateway role - interconnecting internal customer energy resources to external systems. A number of customer energy services are realized over the interconnected communications, which then contributes to smart grid interoperation eventually. In this paper, we examine the design issues of the ESI. To facilitate bi-directional customer energy services, the ESI must serve as both a service consumer and a service provider. At the same time, it must protect the customer energy resources from external threats and maximize the interoperation. To verify the issues, we build and deploy two ESI testbeds. Throughout experiments with a couple of energy service scenarios, we verify that the ESI plays the service "prosumer" in an interoperable manner. We also evaluate the performance of the security mechanism applied to the ESI and examine the potential of exploiting the Cloud technology for the ESI deployment. To the best of authors' knowledge, this is the first deployment of the ESI that addresses the fundamental, functional requirements.
Anesthetic Barbiturates Enhance Gsα‐Dependent Cyclic AMP Production in S49 Mouse Lymphoma Cells

Cyclic AMP (cAMP) regulates many important physiological processes. Barbiturates influence cAMP regulation, possibly through effects on G proteins. This study used intact S49 mouse lymphoma cells to characterize the role of G proteins in the effect of barbiturates on cAMP regulation. cAMP accumulation was determined in intact S49 WT (wild-type) and S49 cyc - cells (the G Sα -deficient mutant) by measuring the conversion of [ 3 H]ATP to [ 3 H]cAMP in cells preloaded with [ 3 H]adenine. Pentobarbital enhanced cAMP accumulation in WT cells in the absence (basal) or presence of isoproterenol but had no effect on the EC 50 for isoproterenol. This effect was dose dependent with a 50-60% enhancement at 2 mM pentobarbital. Pentobarbital did not affect forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation in WT cells. In cyc - cells, basal and forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation were stimulated only at the highest concentration of pentobarbital used (2 mM). Pentobarbital did not affect the inhibition of cAMP accumulation by somatostatin in WT cells, and pertussis toxin treatment of WT cells did not affect the action of pentobarbital on cAMP accumulation. Pentobarbital did not affect isoproterenol-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity in whole-cell homogenates or membranes prepared from WT cells. The S-(-)-isomer of pentobarbital enhanced isoproterenol-stimulated cAMP accumulation more than the R-(+)-isomer. Phenobarbital and barbituric acid did not enhance isoproterenol-stimulated cAMP accumulation, whereas the anesthetic barbiturates hexobarbital, pentobarbital, and thiopental all enhanced activity. These results suggest that pentobarbital enhances cAMP accumulation in intact WT cells by a mechanism that is dependent on G Sα but independent of G i . The properties of barbiturates that are responsible for the enhancement of cAMP accumulation may be related to the properties that are responsible for producing sedation and anesthesia
Effects of Estradiol and Progesterone on Catecholamine Turnover Rates in Discrete Hypothalamic Regions in Ovariectomized Rats

Norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) activities were measured in several discrete brain areas (medial preoptic nucleus, suprachiasmatic nucleus, median eminence, and arcuate nucleus) in ovariectomized (OVX) and OVX steroidtreated rats. We wished to determine whether catecholamine (CA) mechanisms are involved in estradiol (E2)-induced LH surges and if amplification of such surges by progesterone (P)affects these CA systems. Animals were OVX, and 1 week later (day 0), groups were treated with Silastic capsules containing oilor an E2 solution (150 μg/ml in sesame oil). At 0900 h on day 2, E2-treated animals received Silastic capsules containing oil or P (50 mg/ml in oil). This steroid treatment results in physiologicalserum concentrations of both steroids. CA concentrations were determined by radioenzymatic assay in animals killed at 1000 or 1500 h on day 2 and in animals which were sacrificed 2 h after receiving a-methyl paratyrosine (400 mg/kg) at 1000 or 1500 h. Serum LH, FSH, PRL, E2, and P concentratio...
Spatial and temporal uncertainty in long-term memory

Abstract Two experiments examined the long-term retention of spatial order information. Both experiments produced substantial evidence of spatial memory, even though the retention test was unexpected, and the patterns of performance mimicked those found in the delayed retention of temporal order. The reconstruction of spatial and temporal position produced bow-shaped serial position curves and error generalization gradients that were roughly symmetrical around the true serial positions. These results, among others, seem to identify general characteristics of the mnemonic processing of dimensions, regardless of the time scales involved (e.g., immediate versus delayed).
Pentobarbital modulates transmitter effects on mouse spinal neurones grown in tissue culture.

GENERAL anaesthetics depress postsynaptic excitatory transmission in the vertebrate central and peripheral nervous systems1–4 although preserving or prolonging both presynaptic5–6 and postsynaptic inhibition7–10. The mechanisms underlying these cellular events and their precise relationship with the phenomenon of general anaesthesia in mammals have not been elucidated. We have used various invertebrate preparations to show that pentobarbital and other general anaesthetics operate at a postsynaptic level to depress Na+-dependent postsynaptic excitation without affecting either Cl−- or K+-dependent postsynaptic inhibition11,12. Here, using intracellular recording from mouse spinal neurones grown in tissue culture, we show that pentobarbital depresses glutamate excitation and prolongs γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) inhibition in most cells, through a postsynaptic mechanism.
Nature's Place in the Technological Transformation of Agriculture: Some Reflections on the Recombinant BST Controversy in the USA:

In this paper I focus on the interactions between technological transformation of agrofood systems and the construction of discursive linkages between rurality and nature. I draw on Giddens's notion of time–space distanciation to show how the spatial configuration of modern agrofood systems creates possibilities but also imposes limits on discourses about agriculture and nature. Using some observations from the bovine somatotropin (BST) experience, I demonstrate that prospective technological transformations significantly influence the struggle for ‘control of the natural’ among the diversity of actors in the dairy-products commodity chain. Proponents and opponents of BST aimed to occupy the discursive high ground of ‘the natural’ in making their appeals to farmers, consumers, and policymakers. As it became clearer in the late 1980s that BST would not prove to be the revolutionary biotechnology product that proponents had originally claimed, both proponents and opponents significantly altered the substanc...
Control of superplastic deformation rate during uniaxial tensile tests

Precise determination of superplastic flow behavior involves imposing known and controlled strain rate during deformation of these alloys. Examination of tensile specimens after superplastic deformation has revealed variations in strain and strain rate occurring as a function of position and the difficulty of maintaining a constant strain rate during testing. To quantify these strain and strain-rate gradients within the specimens, interrupted tensile tests and tests on gridded tensile specimens were performed. It was observed that more uniform strain and strain rates could be achieved with longer gauge length specimens. While longer gauge lengths make it possible to have better control over the imposed strain rate by minimizing the effects of material flow from the specimen grip regions, it has been realized that for smaller specimen gauge lengths, typically used in most laboratories, a more complex control of crosshead speed (CHS) during a test is essential to characterize superplastic behavior. A mathematical model has been developed in order to gain better insight into this material flow and to provide an improved crosshead control schedule for constant strain-rate testing. The results of this analysis have been validated on a superplastic aluminum-magnesium alloy (5083 Al).
Power-Efficiency Data Gathering Schemes for Wireless Sensor Networks

We develop energy-efficiency data gathering schemes for wireless sensor networks (WSN), where the channel is characterized by the slow Rayleigh fading. We consider the homogeneous WSN which consists of a large number of sensor nodes equipped with the identical hardware. In the WSN, the sensor nodes are distributed randomly in a specific area. A mobile base station periodically stops by the area to collect the data from the senor nodes. Energy efficiency, which is the performance metric we adopt for our scheme design, is defined as the energy consumption by transmitting a bit sensing information. We develop analytical models to study the proposed data gathering schemes. First, we demonstrate that clustering and data-fusion technology can help improve the energy efficiency compared to the naive data gathering scheme where the sensor nodes send sensing data directly to the mobile base station. Second, we show that making full use of the channel state information (CSI) can further reduce the energy consumption for data gathering. Finally, we found that there is a tradeoff between the energy consumption and the data gathering delay.
Multivariable Control and Optimization of a Compact 6-DOF Precision Positioner With Hybrid ${\cal H}_{2}/{\cal H}_{\infty}$ and Digital Filtering

In this paper, we present multivariable controller design and implementation of a high-precision 6-DOF magnetically levitated (maglev) positioner. To achieve high-precision positioning, two discrete-time integrator-augmented controllers based on the linear quadratic Gaussian multivariable control are applied. A novel discrete hybrid H2/H∞ filter is used as the observer to obtain the optimal estimates of position and orientation, as well as additional estimates of linear and angular velocities for all six axes. The positioner has a single moving part that carries three 3-phase permanent-magnet linear-levitation-motor armatures. The positioner moves over a Halbach magnet matrix using three sets of two-axis Hall-effect sensors to measure the planar motion and three laser distance sensors for the vertical motion. The Hall-effect sensor signals are found to generate a considerable amount of noise and are centered at 50 Hz. A second-order digital notch filter is implemented to optimize the sensor readings and attenuate the noise. Experimental results show a position resolution, which is the smallest noticeable step of 1.5 μm with a position noise of 0.545 μm rms in the x- and y-directions, and a position resolution of 110 nm with a position noise of 49.3 nm rms in the z-direction.
Reciprocal serotonergic connections between the hamster median and dorsal raphe nuclei

The median (MnR), but not the dorsal (DR) raphe, sends a serotonergic projection to the suprachiasmatic (SCN) nucleus. Stimulation of either nucleus by electrode or serotonin agonist yields equivalent effects on circadian rhythmicity. This and other evidence suggests the existence of a functional serotonergic pathway from the DR to the MnR that may participate in circadian rhythm regulation. The present investigation was designed to identify such a connection. Tract tracer studies revealed cells in the DR that project to the MnR, as well as cells in the MnR that project to the DR. Double label immunofluorescence methods demonstrated that some of the cells projecting from either nucleus to the other contain serotonin immunoreactivity. The results support the existence of a reciprocal pathway between the DR and MnR that is at least partially serotonergic.
An Integrated, Near Real-Time, Web-Based Data Acquisition and Management System for Air Quality Prediction for Las Vegas Valley, Nevada

Clark County, Nevada has been criticized by US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) for its un-attainment air quality problem for particulate matters (PM 10 and PM 2.5) and ozone (O3) and carbon monoxide (CO). The Department of Air Quality Management (DAQM), Clark County, the regulatory and enforcement agency, is required by the US EPA to measure and report to the public the impact of aeroallergens as well as visibility and haze issues. From the long-term observation, air quality in the Las Vegas Valley is also influenced by those pollution from the neighboring states, currently around 30 monitoring stations through out the county have been in service for years to continuously monitor meteorological condition and provide valuable air quality information to the public in a timely fashion. Since the existing monitoring system was not designed to collect and process large amount of data set at a short time period, the agency cannot flexibly acquire higher resolution data sets as well as any non-scheduled data collection. Meanwhile, the much-needed data presentation and reporting features were not considered for the past. To ensure that Clark County will reach and maintain attainment of all federal air quality standards, the Nevada Center for Advanced Computational Methods (NCACM) at University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is required by the DAQM to design a new system that can provide a multi-function data acquisition and management system. By characterized the deficiencies in the existing system, the NCACM redesign the current system that will provide a web-based work environment with new communication, model simulation and database management modules. More remote control capabilities are also included in the new system. The application will be more scalable, flexible and maintainable. The system is defined into four distinct tiers, data acquisition, data repository, data analysis and forecasting and data presentation tiers. After the 9–11 terrorist attacks, emergency response for any major cities around the country becomes a vital issue for homeland security. Through the timely data acquisition support, the system can return high-resolution data from monitoring stations for efficient model simulation. While continuously meteorological data feeding through the network, the NCACM’s newly configured Beowulf PC-clustering system calculates the possible transportation scenario around the valley and returns the best emergency scenario analysis.© 2003 ASME
Palladin is a novel binding partner for Ena/VASP family members.

Palladin is an actin-associated protein that contains proline-rich motifs within its amino-terminal sequence that are similar to motifs found in zyxin, vinculin, and the Listeria protein ActA. These motifs are known to be potential binding sites for the Vasodilator-Stimulated Phosphoprotein (VASP). Here, we demonstrate that palladin is an additional direct binding partner for VASP, by using co-immunoprecipitation and blot overlay techniques with both endogenous palladin and recombinant myc-tagged palladin. These results show that VASP binds to full-length palladin and also to the amino-terminal half of palladin, where the polyproline motifs are located. Using a synthetic peptide array, two discrete binding sites for VASP were identified within palladin's proline-rich amino-terminal domain. Using double-label immunofluorescence staining of fully-spread and actively-spreading fibroblasts, the extent of co-localization of palladin and VASP was explored. These proteins were found to strongly co-localize along stress fibers, and partially co-localize in focal adhesions, lamellipodia, and focal complexes. These results suggest that the recently described actin-associated protein palladin may play an important role in recruiting VASP to sites of actin filament growth, anchorage, and crosslinking. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 58:17–29, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Male-male competition and female choice in the Cortez damselfish, Stegastes rectifraenum

Abstract Male-male competition and female mate choice were investigated in a field population of the Cortez damselfish, Stegastes rectifraenum . Theoretical considerations suggest that female choice should be important when: female mobility is high; breeding is not restricted to a brief, explosive period; and females are capable of rejecting mates despite persistent male mating efforts. Stegastes rectifraenum clearly meets all of these criteria. Focal observations indicated that male body size was significantly positively correlated with male reproductive success, whereas behavioural traits, such as aggressiveness and courtship vigour, were not. An experiment in which successful males were removed from their territories and recolonization monitored indicated that males compete for high-quality territories. In a second experiment, standardizing the quality of male nest sites caused the relationship between male body size and reproductive success to disappear. Contrary to expectations based on current theoretical developments, these results suggest that the single most important correlation with male reproductive success (body size) is produced indirectly by female choice of nest-site quality in combination with male-male competition for high-quality territories.
The “lunching” effect: Pigeons track motion towards food more than motion away from it

Four experiments measured pigeons' pecking at a small touch-screen image (the CS) that moved towards or away from a source of food (the US). The image's effectiveness as a CS was dependent on its motion, direction, and distance relative to the US. Pecking to the CS increased with proximity to the US when the CS moved towards the US (Experiment 1). This held true even when a departing CS signalled a US of greater magnitude (Experiment 2). Response rates to stationary stimuli were greater the closer they were to the hopper; but rate was less than when the same spot was part of a motion towards food, and greater than when it was part of a motion away (Experiment 3). The rate of responding in all three cases (motion towards, stationary, motion away) decreased exponentially with distance from the hopper. The distance and motion effects observed under these Pavlovian contingencies were different when pecking to the spot was required for reinforcement (Experiment 4).
Isolation of tumour stem-like cells from benign tumours

Cancerous stem-like cells (CSCs) have been implicated as cancer-initiating cells in a range of malignant tumours. Diverse genetic programs regulate CSC behaviours, and CSCs from glioblastoma patients are qualitatively distinct from each other. The intrinsic connection between the presence of CSCs and malignancy is unclear. We set out to test whether tumour stem-like cells can be identified from benign tumours. Tumour sphere cultures were derived from hormone-positive and -negative pituitary adenomas. Characterisation of tumour stem-like cells in vitro was performed using self-renewal assays, stem cell-associated marker expression analysis, differentiation, and stimulated hormone production assays. The tumour-initiating capability of these tumour stem-like cells was tested in serial brain tumour transplantation experiments using SCID mice. In this study, we isolated sphere-forming, self-renewable, and multipotent stem-like cells from pituitary adenomas, which are benign tumours. We found that pituitary adenoma stem-like cells (PASCs), compared with their differentiated daughter cells, expressed increased levels of stem cell-associated gene products, antiapoptotic proteins, and pituitary progenitor cell markers. Similar to CSCs isolated from glioblastomas, PASCs are more resistant to chemotherapeutics than their differentiated daughter cells. Furthermore, differentiated PASCs responded to stimulation with hypothalamic hormones and produced corresponding pituitary hormones that are reflective of the phenotypes of the primary pituitary tumours. Finally, we demonstrated that PASCs are pituitary tumour-initiating cells in serial transplantation animal experiments. This study for the first time indicates that stem-like cells are present in benign tumours. The conclusions from this study may have applications to understanding pituitary tumour biology and therapies, as well as implications for the notion of tumour-initiating cells in general.
Convective instability of a plasma slab in a magnetic field

Convective instability of a plasma slab (contained between two metal walls) subject to a longitudinal external magnetic field is studied. The results show that (i) increase in the ionization rate Z causes a reduction in the stability of the plasma; (ii) the instability persists in the limit k ⇒ 0.
Gastrointestinal Complications of Pre-eclampsia

Gastrointestinal complications of pre-eclampsia can occur and have the risk of being life-threatening for the mother and fetus. Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome has been recognized as a complication of pre-eclampsia for decades. Pregnancies complicated by this syndrome require a well-formulated management plan, including assessing and stabilizing the maternal condition as well as evaluating fetal well-being. Patients with HELLP syndrome should receive anti-seizure prophylaxis with magnesium sulfate, treatment for severe hypertension, and correction of coagulopathy, if present. The potential benefits of expectant management of HELLP syndrome in those remote from term and the use of corticosteroids to improve maternal outcome remain experimental. Computed tomography or ultrasound of the abdomen should be performed if a subcapsular hematoma of the liver is suspected. If a ruptured hematoma is confirmed, massive transfusions and laparotomy are indicated. Ischemia associated with pre-eclampsia cannot only damage the liver but also the pancreas and gallbladder.
Preparation of Novel Titanium Complexes Bearing o-Phosphinophenol Ligands

The preparation of novel titanium complexes bearing o-phosphinophenol ligands is reported. The feature of this ligand system is that its electronic and steric properties can be independently tuned. The complexes were found to be fluxional by 1H NMR analysis at low temperature. An X-ray structural analysis showed that in the solid state the molecule is chiral at the metal center. These complexes were shown to be effective catalysts for olefin hydrogenation and imine hydrosilylation.
Corrections to 'Invariant measures for higher-rank hyperbolic abelian actions'

by establishing a dichotomy for the conditional measures of along the intersection of suitable stable manifolds. They were either atomic or invariant under suitable translation or unipotent subgroups U . Atomicity eventually led to zero entropy. Invariance of the conditional measures showed invariance of under U . We then claimed that was algebraic using, respectively, unique ergodicity of the translation subgroup on a rational subtorus or Ratner’s theorem (cf. [ 2, Lemma 5.7]). This conclusion, however, only holds for the U -ergodic components of which may not equal . In fact, in the toral case, the R k -action may have a zero-entropy factor such that the conditional measures along the fibers are Haar measures along a foliation by rational subtori. Since invariant measures with zero entropy have not been classified, we cannot conclude algebraicity of the total measure at this time. In the toral case, the existence of zero entropy factors turns out to be precisely the obstruction to our methods. The case of Weyl chamber flows is somewhat different as the ‘Haar’ direction of the measure may not be integrable. In this case, we need to use additional information coming from the semisimplicity of the ambient Lie group to arrive at the versions of Theorem 7.1 presented below.
Annealing Procedures and Their Effects on PZT/Nanoparticle Thin Films via a Modified Sol-Gel Process

The development of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) films can be a fairly troublesome process when trying to obtain a viable thick crack-free film. Traditional methods for film fabrication via a pure sol-gel solution provide the best results, but still can have many problems. This paper maps out the specific spin-coating and annealing steps used in order to achieve a PZT film with minimal-to-no cracking and/or delamination. A seed layer of PbTiO3 (PT) was used in order to create nucleation sites for the subsequent PZT layers, virtually eliminating any delamination. All layers, including the PT base layer, were spin-coated at 3000 rpm onto a 100-mm silicon wafer (previously sputtered with Ti and Pt for adhesive and conductive purposes, respectively) and soft-baked at 150 °C for 10 min. Initial annealing procedures produced severe cracking, a result of the relatively high cooling rates through the Curie temperature (∼350 °C). The annealing process was refined, for individual layers, to 550°C for 120 s, with a cooling rate of 0.042 °/s between 400 and 300 °C. Final annealing was conducted at 600 °C for 30 min, with a cooling rate of 0.028 °/s between 400 and 300 °C. The resulting PZT layer was virtually crack-free. Platinum was sputtered again subsequent to PZT deposition in order to pole the piezoelectric material. A PZT/nanoparticle powder mixture was also investigated as the piezoelectric layer. PZT nanoparticles were suspended in the sol-gel precursor solution and then spin-coated also at 3000 rpm onto a 100-mm wafer and soft-baked at 150 °C for 10 min. The relatively slow cooling rate was extended between 500 and 100 °C in order to prevent any cracking that might occur along grain boundaries between the individual PZT nanoparticles. The resulting film was crack-free, however displaying areas of agglomerated nanoparticles.Copyright © 2007 by ASME