cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phase-only LMS and perturbation adaptive algorithms

The author defines a phase-only gradient-based adaptive algorithm analogous to the least mean square (LMS) algorithm. Two phase-only perturbation algorithms are then defined. It is shown that the gradient for the perturbation algorithms can be obtained by cross-correlating binary perturbation sequences, that are applied to the adaptive phases, with the resulting instantaneous output power or voltage. It is also shown that a single set of phase-only adaptive weights can be used to simultaneously null interference in multiple output beams. Simulation results are presented for all of the new algorithms. The phase-only perturbation techniques eliminate the need for element level receivers and support low cost retrofitting of adaptive nulling on phased arrays by using conventional beamsteering circuits to apply the adaptive weights.
Neuromyelitis optica: Aquaporin-4 based pathogenesis mechanisms and new therapies

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an autoimmune 'aquaporinopathy' of the central nervous system that causes inflammatory demyelinating lesions primarily in spinal cord and optic nerve, leading to paralysis and blindness. NMO lesions show loss of aquaporin-4 (AQP4), GFAP and myelin, infiltration of granulocytes and macrophages, and perivascular deposition of activated complement. Most patients with NMO are seropositive for immunoglobulin autoantibodies (AQP4-IgG) against AQP4, the principal water channel of astrocytes. There is strong evidence that AQP4-IgG is pathogenic in NMO, probably by a mechanism involving complement-dependent astrocyte cytotoxicity, causing leukocyte infiltration, cytokine release and blood-brain barrier disruption, which leads to oligodendrocyte death, myelin loss and neuron death. Here, we review the evidence for this and alternative proposed NMO pathogenesis mechanisms, such as AQP4-IgG-induced internalization of AQP4 and glutamate transporters, complement-independent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and AQP4-IgG inhibition of AQP4 water transport function. Based on the initiating pathogenic role of AQP4-IgG binding to astrocyte AQP4 in NMO, selective blocker therapies are under development in which AQP4-targeted monoclonal antibodies or small molecules block binding of AQP4-IgG to astrocytes and consequent downstream pathology.
Kinetics of the pyrolysis of chlorodifluoromethane

La reaction cle de la pyrolyse est la generation de radicaux CF 2 • , qui par recombinaison donne les fluoroolefines desirees
The Natural History and Illness Trajectories of Chronic Heart and Lung Diseases (P19)

3. Integrate symptom management strategies for intractable problems into a patients’ medical care plan. More than 15,000 children die from life-limiting conditions each year in the United States. Data reveals the majority of those children suffer from a multitude of distressing symptoms in their endof-life period. The management of children with intractable distressing symptoms remains a challenge. This workshop will address the assessment and management of symptoms most commonly encountered in children both throughout life-limiting disease and at end-of-life, and will be broken down into gastrointestinal, respiratory, fatigue, and neurological symptoms. When relevant, specific patient populations based on primary disease or impairment will be highlighted, including cancer, cardiac, pulmonary, and neurological impairment from various causes (ie, anoxic injury, cerebral palsy, genetic disorders, metabolic diseases, congenital anomalies, or structural brain malformations). Available evidence will be incorporated into each section and a summary outlining a stepwise approach will be provided including strategies for recalcitrant, complex symptoms utilizing pharmacology and integrative as well as supportive therapies. Dr. Friedrichsdorf will review the prevalence of distressing symptoms in pediatric palliative care and discuss practical considerations in managing dyspnea and hypersecretion as well as nausea and vomiting. Dr. Hauer will cover the management of agitation, autonomic events, and neuro-irritability, especially in neurological impaired children. Dr. Foster-Barber will discuss management of movement disorders, spasticity, and seizures. Dr. Tremonti will review strategies in the symptom management of constipation with an emphasis on opioid-induced constipation. Dr. Ullrich will evaluate current treatment strategies for fatigue and sleep disturbance in pediatric palliative care.
Localized Ewing's sarcoma--treatment and results.

The experience at M. D. Anderson Hospital in the management of 59 patients with apparently localized Ewing's sarcoma from 1948 to May, 1972 is presented. Necropsy examination was performed in 18 cases. Disease-free survival times are compared between 19 patients treated by the combination of high-dose irradiation and intensive chemotherapy, and 40 patients treated by radiation therapy alone (25) or in combination with relatively less intensive drug therapy (15). Results favor the former group: local recurrence in 1 case of 19 compared to 19 of 40; and median time to first metastasis of >15 months compared to 8 months.
A singularly perturbed Cauchy problem

Singular perturbations are considered for the initial value problem for second order hyperbolic equations with a small positive parameter multiplying the second order time derivative term. Thus, in contrast to recent work of de Jager and Geel, the reduced equation is of the same order as the original equation but of a different type. Asymptotic expansions are constructed and shown to be uniformly asymptotically valid on sets bounded in the time direction. The proof uses energy estimates which require some delicacy due to the dependence of the characteristics on the small parameter. The problem includes that of a vibrating string in a highly viscous medium when appropriate scaling is made. The proper initial conditions differ from those treated by Zlamal and the methods employed here are different as well.
A dynamic theory for magnetizable elastic solids with thermal and electrical conduction

A general dynamical theory of magnetizable, electrically and thermally conducting media is developed for soft ferromagnetic or paramagnetic materials in external electromagnetic fields. The general equations are linearized by assuming infinitesimal strains, linear constitutive equations and that all field variables may be divided into two parts: a "rigid body state" and a "perturbation state". The former is the same as the one in rigid body electrodynamics, and the latter which accounts for electromagnetic interaction with the deformable continuum is coupled with stress and strain through linearized field equations. The theory is developed for general anisotropy but specialized for materials with uniaxial, or higher, symmetry.
Prevalence of the Parasitic Barnacle Briarosaccus callosus on King Crabs of Southeastern Alaska

Abstract The rhizocephalan barnacle Briarosaccas callosus causes sterilization and reduced growth of red Paralithodes camtschatica, blue P. platypus, and golden Lithodes aequispina king crabs, commercially important species in southeastern Alaska. The prevalence of the parasite (percentage of king crabs infected) was monitored from 1979 through 1985 within a 115-km radius of Juneau. Prevalences were typically less than 1% in commercial landings of legal red and golden king crabs (males only; minimum carapace width 179 mm), but reached 12% in landings of blue king crabs (males of 165 mm minimum carapace width). Annual surveys of commercial red king crab pots, which contain females and sublegal males, usually indicated prevalences of less than 1%, though 50% was reached in exceptional cases. On-board samples from commercial boats that included females and sublegal males confirmed low prevalences (<1%) for red king crabs, but 20% of golden king crabs and 76% of the blue king crabs were parasitized. Within br...
An examination of the necessary and sufJicient conditions for market eflciency: the case of hogs

The pricing efficiency of the live hog futures market is examined utilizing both necessary and sufficient conditions. Out-of-sample forecasts from an econometric model, an ARIMA model and a composite forecasting model are compared with the forward prices of the futures market within a mean squared error framework. At least one model, and frequently all of them, forecast more accurately than the futures market, a necessary condition for market efficiency. The sufficient condition is assessed using simulated market trading strategies based o,n the most accurate model forecasts. Results suggest that informational inefficiencies exist in the live hog futures market.
Soil moisture and ecosystem function responses of desert grassland varying in vegetative cover to a saturating precipitation pulse

A critical linkage between hydrological and ecological processes is plant cover, yet the ecosystem-level responses of aridland systems of varying plant cover to extreme precipitation events, predicted to increase in the future, have not been well studied. We tracked volumetric soil water (θ15 cm) across the entire summer monsoon season, and ecosystem evapotranspiration (ET), net ecosystem carbon dioxide exchange (NEE), ecosystem respiration (Reco), gross ecosystem photosynthesis (GEP), and leaf-level net carbon assimilation (Anet) and stomatal conductance to water vapour (gs) for 30 days in high-cover (ca. 50%) and low-cover (ca. 23%) plots in response to a runoff generating experimental rainfall. For 35 days following the pulse, θ15 cm was 2·5% higher in high-cover plots compared to low-cover values, with identical soil drying rates between cover conditions. After θ15 cm converged to similar values between cover conditions, dry-down rates were longer in low-cover plots. ET and gs did not differ between plots. For 7 days after the pulse, slower Anet development in some grass species compared to rapid development by the canopy dominant, Lehmann's lovegrass, may have resulted in similar GEP between low- and high-cover plots. After this, GEP and Reco were higher and increased in parallel in high-cover plots. In low-cover plots, Reco levelled at + 21 days, resulting in similar NEE to high-cover plots, even though GEP was lower. These findings suggest that low biomass in low-cover areas may constrain Reco and lead to more evenly distributed productivity across semiarid grasslands following large, infrequent precipitation events. Published in 2011. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Gib2, A Novel Gβ-like/RACK1 Homolog, Functions as a Gβ Subunit in cAMP Signaling and Is Essential in Cryptococcus neoformans*

Canonical G proteins are heterotrimeric, consisting of α, β, and γ subunits. Despite multiple Gα subunits functioning in fungi, only a single Gβ subunit per species has been identified, suggesting that non-conventional G protein signaling exists in this diverse group of eukaryotic organisms. Using the Gα subunit Gpa1 that functions in cAMP signaling as bait in a two-hybrid screen, we have identified a novel Gβ-like/RACK1 protein homolog, Gib2, from the human pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. Gib2 contains a seven WD-40 repeat motif and is predicted to form a seven-bladed β propeller structure characteristic of β transducins. Gib2 is also shown to interact, respectively, with two Gγ subunit homologs, Gpg1 and Gpg2, similar to the conventional Gβ subunit Gpb1. In contrast to Gpb1 whose overexpression promotes mating response, overproduction of Gib2 suppresses defects of gpa1 mutation in both melanization and capsule formation, the phenotypes regulated by cAMP signaling and associated with virulence. Furthermore, depletion of Gib2 by antisense suppression results in a severe growth defect, suggesting that Gib2 is essential. Finally, Gib2 is shown to also physically interact with a downstream target of Gpa1-cAMP signaling, Smg1, and the protein kinase C homolog Pkc1, indicating that Gib2 is also a multifunctional RACK1-like protein.
"Solomon's Salacious Song": Foucault's Author Function and the Early Christian Interpretation of the Canticum Canticorum

The transformation of the erotic Song of Songs into a mystical tract on the soul's love for Christ was surely one of the great exegetical feats of late ancient Christianity. Recent work on the politics of meaning leads us to interrogate more closely the processes by which early Christian exegetes achieved that feat, and how their interpretations encoded and produced particular forms of socially mediated power and knowledge. Michel Foucault has proposed for modern literary criticism the interpretive mode of the "author function," by which literary critics can domesticate or reject a text that is potentially transgressive. This "author function" supplied one method by which difficult canonical texts, like the Song of Songs, were tamed, and furthermore produced authoritative (and authorial) meaning that mediated contested boundaries of Christian cultural identity.
Molecular mechanisms in lymphocyte activation and growth.

Transcription factor NF-κB is biochemically coupled to the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) and activated transiently during an adaptive immune response. The author's laboratory is investigating the signal-dependent regulation of NF-κB, its downstream gene targets, and its function in lymphocyte biology. Our studies have revealed novel enzymatic checkpoints in the NF-κB signaling pathway and constitutive repressors of NF-κB that might be clinically applicable for therapeutic control of the immune system. We have also found that the Tax transforming protein encoded by human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV1) binds to and persistently activates an inducible protein kinase in the TCR/NF-κB axis. This viral/host interaction appears to trigger the inappropriate expression of NF-κB and the development of HTLV1-associated disease.
Non-native interactions in protein folding intermediates: molecular dynamics simulations of hen lysozyme

Molecular dynamics simulations of protein denaturation can complement and extend experimental studies of protein folding by providing atomic-level structural information about conformational transitions and any conformational states along the unfolding pathway. Previous unfolding simulations of hen egg-white lysozyme have resulted in intermediate structures with an unfolded alpha-domain and a structured beta-domain, which is inconsistent with experiment. In contrast, the beta-domain unfolded first in the two simulations presented here leaving a structured alpha-domain. Following this, intermediate states were identified that differ with respect to the packing of the helices and the elements of non-native structure adopted. The non-native structure is critical for explaining many of the experimental observations. Overall, the pooled ensemble of these intermediates is in agreement with the experimental data for the major kinetic intermediate, suggesting that the kinetic intermediate may be made up of distinct, but rapidly interconverting, partially folded conformations distinguished primarily by differences in helix packing.
Robust UAV Relative Navigation With DGPS, INS, and Peer-to-Peer Radio Ranging

This paper considers the fusion of carrier-phase differential GPS (CP-DGPS), peer-to-peer ranging radios, and low-cost inertial navigation systems (INS) for the application of relative navigation of small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in close formation-flight. A novel sensor fusion algorithm is presented that incorporates locally processed tightly coupled GPS/INS-based absolute navigation solutions from each UAV in a relative navigation filter that estimates the baseline separation using integer-fixed relative CP-DGPS and a set of peer-to-peer ranging radios. The robustness of the dynamic baseline estimation performance under conditions that are typically challenging for CP-DGPS alone, such as a high occurrence of phase breaks, poor satellite visibility/geometry due to extreme UAV attitude, and heightened multipath intensity, amongst others, is evaluated using Monte Carlo simulation trials. The simulation environment developed for this work combines a UAV formation flight control simulator with a GPS constellation simulator, stochastic models of the inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor errors, and measurement noise of the ranging radios. The sensor fusion is shown to offer improved robustness for 3-D relative positioning in terms of 3-D residual sum of squares (RSS) accuracy and increased percentage of correctly fixed phase ambiguities. Moreover, baseline estimation performance is significantly improved during periods in which differential carrier phase ambiguities are unsuccessfully fixed.
Enhanced photodehalogenation of chlorobiphenyls

Summary The rate of photodechlorination of chlorobiphenyls in acetonitrile/water is dramatically enhanced when the compounds are irradiated in the presence of sodium borohydride. This rate enhancement is even larger in mi cellar solutions.
Attitudes toward language study and cross-cultural attitudes in Japan

Abstract Despite its obvious importance, the issue of language study remains to be a relatively unexplored research area in the field of intercultural communication. A previous study reported a generally positive relationship between attitudes toward language study and cross-cultural attitudes among college students in the United States. However, one should be cautious about generalizing such a research finding to populations outside of the United States, for the Americans may not be typical among industrialized nations with regard to their attitudes toward foreign languages and cultures. The present study, therefore, attempted to replicate the previously reported relationship between attitudes toward language study (a general attitude, instrumental/integrative attitudes, attitudes toward specific languages) and cross-cultural attitudes (worldmindedness and social distance), using a comparable sample of college students in Japan. Contrary to the previous study, the results of the survey of 116 Japanese students did not indicate a positive relationship between a general attitude toward language study and a cross-cultural attitude. The results of the present study, however, were consistent with those of the previous study with regard to (1) the relationships between different motives for language study and social distance, and (2) the relationships between attitudes toward specific languages and social distance.
Distressed Workers: What Has Globalization to Do with It?

We have recently witnessed a flurry of comment, by prominent figures such as Ben Bernanke and Larry Summers who are strong proponents of Globalization, asking the question: how do we assist the unskilled workers whose wages have been stagnating for far too long? Several of them also believe that even the “middle class” is at risk. Lou Dobbs of CNN, the labour groups’ think-tank Economic Policy Institute, and nearly all the Democrats newly elected to the Congress, believe that globalization has much to do with the economic distress of the working and the middle classes. Therefore they have coherence and plausibility on their side when they want to lean on the door, even to close it, on trade with poor countries and occasionally on unskilled immigration from them. But the proponents of globalization, when they typically skirt and hence accept this “distributional” critique of globalization and nonetheless propose that the adversely affected constituents accept globalization but allow themselves to cope with their affliction in other ways, find themselves in a politically implausible position. Indeed, if it pours, we do not have the means to turn the torrent into sunshine and must open an umbrella. But man allows globalization; and men can turn it off.
Parental reports on the efficacy of treatments and therapies for their children with autism spectrum disorders

Abstract Parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) try many and varied interventions and therapies in the hopes of improving their children's outcomes; however, empirical evidence supporting (or opposing) the vast majority of treatments is limited or nonexistent. This study examined caregiver efficacy ratings for a wide range of biological and educational/behavioral treatments commonly used for children with ASD. A web-based questionnaire regarding the development of children with ASD was distributed nationally and internationally through more than 200 autism-support organizations; results were analyzed from 479 parents (91% mothers) who reported on their children with autism, Asperger's syndrome, or PDD-NOS ( M age = 8.3 years, 80.2% male). Improvement – whether small or dramatic – was rated for 50–80% of children in each of 9 drug categories, while ratings of “child became worse” were reported for 15–20.3%. Approximately half of children were said to improve while on a special diet; 51% of those on a gluten-free and/or casein-free (GF/CF) diet were reportedly improved, while no observable effects of the GF/CF diet were indicated for about one quarter of participating children. For 10 of the 16 educational/behavioral therapies, parents reported improvement for approximately 70% of children. The most common rating was “child improved somewhat” followed by “child improved dramatically.” Results are discussed relative to the meaning of “improvement” in ASD and in light of both placebo effects and cost of treatments/therapies.
Reinvestigation of a former concerted proton-electron transfer (CPET), the reduction of a hydrogen-bonded complex between a proton donor and the anion radical of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-1,2-benzoquinone.

In 2001, Lehmann and Evans (J. Phys. Chem. B, 2001, 105, 8877–8884) reported that the electrochemical reduction of a hydrogen-bonded complex between a proton donor and the anion radical of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-1,2-benzoquinone in acetonitrile proceeded by a concerted proton-electron transfer (CPET) reaction in which electron transfer from the electrode and proton transfer from proton donor to the quinone moiety occurred concertedly. Support for this conclusion was based upon ruling out both of the competing two-step processes, electron transfer followed by proton transfer (EP) and proton transfer followed by electron transfer (PE). In the course of studies of related compounds it was decided to reinvestigate the reduction of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-1,2-benzoquinone. It was discovered that the earlier conclusion that a CPET reaction was occurring was tenable only for the particular electrolyte that was used, tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate and for lower concentrations of the quinone. Even the small change of carrying out the reduction of the quinone in the presence of water with tetramethylammonium hexafluorophosphate as electrolyte, produced voltammograms with clear signatures that the process was EP rather than CPET. Even more dramatic effects were seen with cesium, potassium or sodium ions in the electrolyte. A general reaction scheme to explain results with all electrolytes will be presented.
The effects of power imbalances and gender on autobiographical memory

This study investigated the effects of power, gender, and gender of partner on content (agency and communal themes) and structure (differentiated and integrated cognitive style) of autobiographical memories for previous power experiences. The results showed that assigned power affected memory content, with helpers including more communal themes in their memories. Gender also affected memory structure, with females structuring memories in a more integrated style, and males in a more differentiated style. Assigned power significantly interacted with gender of partner in affecting the memory content and structure. Helpers who interacted with female leaders structured memories in a more integrated style. Helpers who interacted with male leaders structured memories in a more differentiated style. Participants who interacted with females included more communal themes in their memories.
Isotope labelling for NMR studies of biomolecules

Abstract Solution structure determinations of larger biomolecules are simplified enormously by the application of multi-dimensional heteronuclear magnetic resonance experiments. These experiments, however, require milligram quantities of isotopically labelled molecules, so the synthesis of these molecules is becoming an increasingly important aspect of modern biomolecular NMR. This review will focus on advances made during the past year in procedures for generating isotopically labelled proteins, nucleic acids and carbohydrates.
Emittance of bare soil

The emittance of soils depends upon the moisture content, the porosity of the soil, the soil surface roughness, and the mineralogical properties of the soil particles. An attempt has been made to model the spectral emittance of soils in terms of these characteristics using deterministic and stochastic methods. For the general case of moist soil one must consider the fact that soil is basically a three-component system of air, water, and organic or inorganic material. For practical analysis using remote measurements one usually does not have knowledge of the relative amounts of each component. Thus, a stochastic model which specifies the emittance as functions of the statistics of the individual constituents seems to be the most reasonable practical approach for the analysis of soils. We have developed a stochastic model to represent the soil emittance in terms of probability distribution functions of the soil components. Also presented is a formula for soil emittance in terms of moisture content.
Linearized theory of a partially cavitating cascade of flat plate hydrofoils

A linearized theory for partially cavitating flow through a cascade of flat plate hydrofoils is developed. Graphs illustrating the variation in lift force, cavity length and downstream conditions with cavitation number are presented.
Role of the Heat‐Shock Response in the Life and Death of Proteins

Changes in protein levels and the folded states of proteins are sensed by molecular chaperones and the degradative machinery that function to maintain cellular protein homeostasis. The importance of these systems is highlighted by their high degree of functional and structural conservation across evolution, from prokaryotes to eukaryotes, and their essential roles in a variety of cellular functions. The chaperone network, proteases, and components of the degradative machinery are also linked by common genetic regulatory pathways. For example, many of the proteins involved in protein folding and degradation are also heat-shock proteins whose expression is induced when cells are stressed and accumulate denatured or malfolded proteins. The family of heat-shock proteins (HSPs) encompasses a number of functionally related proteins that are expressed constitutively and/or at elevated levels upon exposure of cells to a variety of stress conditions including elevated temperature, arsenite, heavy metals, amino acid analogues, and oxidants. The chaperones and proteolytic systems often function together to determine the ultimate fates of proteins and are often coordinately regulated, as outlined in FIGURE 1. The heat-shock response regulates proteolysis by enhancing the expression of proteolytic factors and proteases, as well as of chaperones which may function as cofactors for proteolysis. The stress response in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes is, in turn, regulated by the proteolytic machinery (also A. Mathew, S. K. Mathur, and R. I. Morimoto, unpublished observations). This review will address the chaperone requirements in eukaryotic proteolysis and the regulation of eukaryotic chaperone expression by the ubiquitin–proteasome proteolytic system. A number of recent reviews have also addressed chaperone activities associated with proteolysis in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Online recovery of nisin during fermentation and its effect on nisin production in biofilm reactor

An online removal of nisin by silicic acid coupled with a micro-filter module was proposed as an alternative to reduce detrimental effects caused by adsorption of nisin onto producer, enzymatic degradation by protease, and product inhibition during fermentation. In this study, silicic acid was successfully used to recover nisin from the fermentation broth of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis NIZO 22186. The effect of pH (at 6.8 and 3.0) during adsorption process and several eluents (deionized water, 20% ethanol, 1 M NaCl, and 1 M NaCl + 20% ethanol) for desorption were evaluated in a small batch scale. Higher nisin adsorption onto silicic acid was achieved when the adsorption was carried out at pH 6.8 (67% adsorption) than at pH 3.0 (54% adsorption). The maximum recovery was achieved (47% of nisin was harvested) when the adsorption was carried out at pH 6.8 and 1 M NaCl + 20% ethanol was used as an eluent for desorption. Most importantly, nisin production was significantly enhanced (7,445 IU/ml) when compared with the batch fermentation without the online recovery (1,897 IU/ml). This may possibly be attributed to preventing the loss of nisin due the detrimental effects and a higher biomass density achieved during online recovery process, which stimulated production of nisin during fermentation.
On the true wear rate of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene in the total knee prosthesis

The objective of this investigation was to assess the magnitude of the true wear of the polyethylene components of several total knee replacements. Five different prostheses were tested by total joint simulation for the equivalent of 1 month of use. The true wear rates of the tibial components were measured by quantitative recovery of the polyethylene debris. After testing, the tibial components were examined in the scanning electron microscope, and the molecular weight distributions were analyzed. The wear rates were found to range from 0.3 to 1.8 mg per month. The soluble fraction molecular weights ranged from 179,000 to 393,000 with 53–78% soluble. The wear rates, significantly larger than those observed for total hip prostheses, are dominated by the high contact stresses in these prostheses. The wear results in dimensional changes, which are of the same order of magnitude as those due to creep. The debris had two components: fine fibrous particles, found in all cases, and coarse granules, found when the wear rate is relatively high. Evidence for fatigue cracking was found at the surfaces of the tibial component with the highest wear rate. This behavior is consistent with other investigations of the material itself and indicates that continuous deterioration of the polyethylene should be expected in this class of prosthesis.
Suppression of Extravillous Trophoblast Invasion of Uterine Spiral Arteries by Estrogen During Early Baboon Pregnancy

The present study determined whether estrogen plays a role in regulating invasion and remodeling of the uterine spiral arteries by extravillous trophoblasts during early baboon pregnancy. The level of trophoblast invasion of spiral arteries was assessed on day 60 of gestation (term is 184 days) in baboons untreated or treated on days 25-59 with estradiol or aromatizable androstenedione. The administration of estradiol or androstenedione increased (P 100 microm (13.2+/-5.5) was 100%, 90%, and 75% lower (P<0.001), respectively, than in untreated baboons (2.4+/-1.2%; 11.0+/-5.5%, and 54.5+/-8.5%, respectively). Similar results were obtained with androstenedione treatment. However, the distribution of uterine spiral arteries grouped by diameter or number of arteries per basal plate area, i.e. microvessel density, were similar in untreated and estrogen-treated baboons. We suggest, therefore, that the low levels of estrogen exhibited during early primate pregnancy are required to permit normal progression of trophoblast vascular invasion and that the surge in estrogen which occurs during the second-third of normal pregnancy has a physiological role in suppressing further arterial trophoblast invasion. Consequently, we propose that the estrogen-dependent restraint of spiral artery invasion/remodeling ensures optimal blood flow dynamics across the uteroplacental vascular bed to promote normal fetal growth and development.
Power-Awareness Extensions for Network Testbeds

The escalation in power consumption of networking and communications equipment is of concern to technologists and environmentalists alike. Understanding how and when networking devices consume power is complicated by their lack of instrumentation. Furthermore, standard networking devices are not typically flexible enough to support experiments with new techniques for reducing power consumption. In this paper, we describe a set of extensions for Linux-based commodity switches that enable a wide range of power-aware experiments in laboratory testbeds. The extensions are based on the requirements for high fidelity in power measurement and in modulation of key subsystems. Our implementation includes two key capabilities: a flexible power consumption model and a traffic shaper that enable emulation of wide range of power-aware hardware and protocols. To validate our power-awareness extension and demonstrate their capabilities and utility, we built a testbed composed of simple, Linux-based switches. First, we show that the most simple configuration of our emulation extensions report power consumption consistent with what can be measured with an external power meter. Next, we conduct a series of experiments on power consumption when bandwidth is scaled directly to performance demands. Our results confirm our hypothesis that a finer grained approach yields more power savings when the transition cost is low and traffic varies.
The Structubent: A Nanocomposite Solution to Compressed Natural Gas Storage†

Compressed natural gas (CNG) is an attractive energy storage and transportation platform over liquefaction as it conserves the heat of vaporization of the fuel. However, the high pressure compression between 200 and 250 bar creates challenges in material design. Adequate reinforcement of the compression vessel at high pressure must yield a minimal hydrocarbon capacity to vessel weight ratio, which is unfavorable for those that are exclusively steel lined. Adsorption beds have been proposed for adsorbed natural gas (ANG) storage, but they are not ideal at present due to unfavorable weight to capacity ratios for common adsorbents and kinetic limitations upon discharge. In this work, we develop a model of a structural adsorbent, or structubent, as a reinforcing nanocomposite of the pressure vessel that offset their added volume using hydrocarbon adsorption capacity. Equations are presented that evaluate the stored methane capacity per vessel mass and volume in terms of nanocomposite properties under isothermal conditions. Furthermore, the ratios of mass- and volume-specific capacities of the structubent versus CNG and ANG systems are derived which act as criteria for feasibility. An analysis of common adsorbents and matrix materials are performed, showing the structubent concept to be favorable in intermediate pressure regimes around 10 MPa.
Mineralogical effects on the detectability of the postperovskite boundary

The discovery of a phase transition in Mg-silicate perovskite (Pv) to postperovskite (pPv) at lowermost mantle pressure-temperature (P - T) conditions may provide an explanation for the discontinuous increase in shear wave velocity found in some regions at a depth range of 200 to 400 km above the core-mantle boundary, hereafter the D′′ discontinuity. However, recent studies on binary and ternary systems showed that reasonable contents of Fe2+ and Al for pyrolite increase the thickness (width of the mixed phase region) of the Pv - pPv boundary (400–600 km) to much larger than the D′′ discontinuity (≤ 70 km). These results challenge the assignment of the D′′ discontinuity to the Pv - pPv boundary in pyrolite (homogenized mantle composition). Furthermore, the mineralogy and composition of rocks that can host a detectable Pv → pPv boundary are still unknown. Here we report in situ measurements of the depths and thicknesses of the Pv → pPv transition in multiphase systems (San Carlos olivine, pyrolitic, and midocean ridge basaltic compositions) at the P - T conditions of the lowermost mantle, searching for candidate rocks with a sharp Pv - pPv discontinuity. Whereas the pyrolitic mantle may not have a seismologically detectable Pv → pPv transition due to the effect of Al, harzburgitic compositions have detectable transitions due to low Al content. In contrast, Al-rich basaltic compositions may have a detectable Pv - pPv boundary due to their distinct mineralogy. Therefore, the observation of the D′′ discontinuity may be related to the Pv → pPv transition in the differentiated oceanic lithosphere materials transported to the lowermost mantle by subducting slabs.
Integrating Interpersonal Neurobiology with Group Psychotherapy

An understanding of the principles of neuroscience that illuminate how interpersonal relationships shape the brain, especially as articulated by interpersonal neurobiology (IPNB) (Siegel, 1999), ma...
The simultaneous interpolation of antenna radiation patterns in both the spatial and frequency domains using model-based parameter estimation

The Pade rational function fitting model commonly used for model-based parameter estimation (MBPE) in the frequency domain is enhanced to include spatial dependence in the numerator and denominator coefficients. This allows the function to interpolate an antenna radiated electric field pattern in both the frequency and spatial domains simultaneously, such that a single set of coefficients can be used to accurately reconstruct an entire radiation pattern at any frequency in the fitting-model range. A simple procedure is introduced for transforming interpolated electric fields into gain patterns using input impedance versus frequency curves also obtained via MBPE. The utility of this method is demonstrated by applying it to a dipole antenna over a frequency range of 150-950 MHz and using a polynomial representation in /spl theta/ for the coefficient spatial dependence. It is also used to estimate radiation patterns for a three-element Yagi array between the frequencies of 470 and 500 MHz using a binomial representation for the spatial variation that includes terms dependent on /spl theta/ as well as /spl phi/. The use of this method for interpolating radiation patterns has at least two significant advantages; one being large compression ratios for the amount of data that must be stored to accurately reproduce patterns and the other being a significant decrease in the amount of time required for modeling problems with large computational domains.
Toward an experimental bond order

By inverting the Guggenheimer formula relating force constant to internuclear distance we derive an experimental expression for bond order, which can be applied throughout the periodic table to diatomic molecules as well as polyatomic molecules. Only two adjustable parameters are required except they must be modified somewhat for polar molecules, most hydrides, and certain triplet ground state molecules. An alternative, suggested by Bader, depends only on the electron density at the bond critical point. It is modified to make it more generally applicable and compatible with experimental results and we compare the two approaches.
Ribonucleic acid synthesis in Streptomyces antibioticus: stable ribonucleic acid species synthesized by young and old cells.

SUMMARY : In studies of RNA synthesis by intact cells and cell-free extracts of Streptomyces antibioticus, it has been found that 48 hr cells (producing actinomycin) and cell-free extracts are less efficient than 12 hr cells (not producing actinomycin) and extracts in the synthesis of RNA. Analysis of the products of "in viva" and "in vitro" RNA synthesis by sucrose gradient cent trifugation reveals that both 12 and 48 hr cultures and cell-free extracts synthesize ribosomal RNA as well as RNA species of higher and lower molecular weights. However, 50-60% of the 3H-uridine labelled RNA synthesized by intact cells sediments as rRNA as compared with only S-10% of the cellfree product. The addition of 2 x 10 -5 M actinomycin D to incubation mixtures for cell-free RNA synthesis does not significantly alter the relative amounts of the various RNA species synthesized by 12 or 48 hr extracts.
Katalytische Carbonyladdition durch Transferhydrierung: weg von vorab gebildeten Organometallreagentien

Die klassischen Verfahren der Carbonylallylierung, -propargylierung und -vinylierung setzen auf die Verwendung von vorab gebildeten Allylmetall-, Allenylmetall- bzw. Vinylmetallreagentien, was die Bildung stochiometrischer Mengen an metallischen Nebenprodukten bedingt. Durch transferhydrierende C-C-Kupplung gelingt es jedoch, Carbonyladditionen auch ohne stochiometrische Organometallreagentien oder metallische Reduktionsmittel auszufuhren, wobei von einem Aldehyd oder Alkohol ausgegangen wird. In diesem Kurzaufsatz geben wir einen Uberblick uber Transferhydrierungsmethoden fur die Carbonyladdition. Es handelt sich nebenbei um die ersten katalytischen Methoden, die eine direkte C-H-Funktionalisierung von Alkoholen ermoglichen.
Twins and Kindergarten Separation Divergent Beliefs of Principals, Teachers, Parents, and Twins

Should principals enforce mandatory separation of twins in kindergarten? Do school separation beliefs of principals differ from those of teachers, parents of twins, and twins themselves? This survey questioned 131 elementary principals, 54 kindergarten teachers, 201 parents of twins, and 112 twins. A majority of principals (71%) believed that twins should be separated in kindergarten, while only 49% of teachers, 38% of parents, and 19% of preschool and kindergarten twins agreed. Additional survey results describe reasons for separation beliefs held, perceived trauma of kindergarten separation, positive and negative reactions to school separation, and percentage of kindergartners separated. Representative belief statements of twins, categorized into themes, supplement the report. Administrative bias and discrimination against twins are discussed. Recommendation is that principals should avoid making unilateral twin placement decisions.
Interventions to reduce mortality among patients treated in intensive care units.

Abstract Purpose: Using sensitivity analysis to estimate the impact, in terms of patient lives, of the failure to use proven therapies known to reduce mortality in critically ill intensive care unit patients. Materials and Methods: We identified high-impact interventions published in the last 5 years in the Journal of the American Medical Association or New England Journal of Medicine, extracted the absolute risk reduction associated with each intervention and gleaned the national incidence of each condition and the percent of the population not receiving the cited therapy from the literature. From this information, we calculated national estimates of the excess deaths from failure to use these therapies. Results: With consistent and appropriate implementation of the 5 cited evidence-based interventions, we found a total of 167,819 lives could be saved per year, with a range of 137,670 to 197,965 lives saved per year. Conclusions: Mistakes of omission are common in the critical care setting and lead to significant preventable mortality. There is a significant gap between the discovery of effective interventions and their use in clinical practice. By viewing the delivery of healthcare as a science and increasing funding for health services research, we may be able to increase the use of effective therapies and, as a result, reduce patient mortality.
Potassium Se‐Allylselenosulfate

[881390-58-5] C3H5KO3SSe (MW 239.19) InChI = 1S/C3H6O3SSe.K/c1-2-3-8-7(4,5)6;/h2H,1,3H2,(H,4,5,6);/q;+1/p-1 InChIKey = HDXJZKYIPOXGLR-UHFFFAOYSA-M (prototypical reagent for the allylation of cysteine residues in peptides via deselenylative [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement)1-3 Alternate Name: allyl seleno Bunte salt. Solubility: partially soluble in methanol and insoluble in other organic solvents. Completely soluble in water. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: potassium Se-allylselenosulfate is an orange solid that decomposes slowly in air. It should be stored under nitrogen in the dark, and preferably prepared fresh before use. Preparative Method: potassium Se-allylselenosulfate is prepared by heating potassium sulfite with selenium powder, followed by quenching the intermediate potassium selenosulfate with allyl chloride or bromide (eq 1).4 (1)
Effects of UV light and tumor promoters on endogenous vitamin E status in mouse skin

Recent reports indicate that both orally administered and topically applied alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E, TH) prevent UVB-induced skin carcinogenesis in mice. Because UVB exposure causes the formation of oxidants associated with tumor promotion, epidermal TH status may be an important determinant of susceptibility to photocarcinogenesis. To test this hypothesis, we studied the status of epidermal TH in C3H mice following exposure to single and repeated UVB exposures at doses typical of chronic photocarcinogenesis protocols. Exposure of mice to a single 13 kJ/m(2) dose over 60 min resulted in no acute depletion of epidermal TH and a modest increase in TH within 6-12 h. Daily exposure to 6.5 kJ/m(2) over 30 min resulted in a gradual increase in epidermal TH, which reached 5-fold after five daily exposures. The increase in epidermal TH was accompanied by an increase in the TH oxidation products alpha-tocopherolquinone (TQ) and alpha-tocopherolhydroquinone (THQ). We also studied the effect of the prooxidant chemical tumor promoter benzoyl peroxide and the prooxidant azo initiators azobis(amidinopropane HCl) and azobis(2, 4-dimethylvaleronitrile). Topical application of these prooxidant chemicals acutely oxidized epidermal TH to TQ and THQ. Topical treatments with the phorbol ester tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) increased epidermal TH levels without producing a significant accumulation of TH oxidation products. The results indicate that UVB and tumor promoting chemicals all exert qualitatively different effects on epidermal TH status and that UVB and TPA trigger an adaptive response involving epidermal TH accumulation.
Responses of 'Clemenules Clementine' and 'W. Murcott' mandarins to low oxygen atmospheres

Abstract The potential of controlled atmospheres (CA) of 1, 3, and 5 kPa oxygen (balance N2) to extend the storage life and maintain the quality of two mandarin cultivars was investigated. Low oxygen (O2) atmospheres at 5 °C for 8 weeks of storage slightly decreased respiration rates but had no effect on ethylene production rates, soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), or flavor compared to the air control after being transferred to air at 20 °C for 3 days of simulated marketing conditions. ‘Clemenules Clementine’ and ‘W. Murcott Afourer’ mandarins (Citrus reticulata) kept in 1, 3, and 5 kPa O2 generally had higher ethanol and acetaldehyde concentrations than those kept in air. However, fruit kept in 3 and 5 kPa O2 showed similar amounts of ethyl acetate compared to fruit kept in air. The 1 kPa O2 atmosphere reduced decay incidence in ‘Clemenules Clementine’ fruit during storage at 5 °C for up to 4 weeks but enhanced the decay incidence in ‘W. Murcott’ fruit. Based on these findings, ‘Clemenules Clementine’ and ‘W. Murcott’ mandarins (waxed and fungicide-treated) could best be stored in air at 5 °C and 90–95% relative humidity for up to 5 and 7 weeks, respectively.
High-performance GaAs/AlGaAs optical phase modulators for microwave photonic integrated circuits

A high-performance high-speed optical phase modulator for photonic integrated circuit (PIC) use is described. Integration of these optical phase modulators into a real system (COMPASS) is also discussed. The optical phase modulators are based on depletion-edge translation and have experimentally provided optical phase shifts in excess of 60/spl degV/spl middot/mm with approximately 4 dB/cm loss while simultaneously demonstrating bandwidths in excess of 10 GHz. >