cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential Control System for Rhombus-Chassis Electric Vehicles With Independent-Powered Wheels

Light electric vehicles (LEV) have been developed for the interests of green, low pollution and low noise. The development of in-wheel motors improve electric vehicles’ power efficiency and simplify the transmission system design. However, to coordinate the wheel torques and their angular velocities becomes an issue, which affects the vehicle’s dynamics and handling stability. In this paper, an electric differential system (EDS) for a rhombus-chassis EV is focused on. The relation of driving wheels’ speeds was derived particularly for rhombus configuration, and it has been carried out on a control system. Compared to the conventional control strategy for three-wheeled vehicles, the proposed method could estimate a more accurate turning center with sensing the tail wheel’s rotating angle that is beneficial to smoothen vehicle’s cornering with a more adequate differential relation. Experiments were carried out with a real concept car “ITRI LEV 1,” and tests such as straight-line test, constant-radius test, and Slalom turn test were conducted. The results show the EDS could effectively improve vehicle’s maneuverability and stability. The required steering angle became larger and trending to under steering while enabling the proposed EDS system, and wheel skidding was also effectively prevented in both constant-radius and Slalom turn tests.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Effects of Brain and Corpus Cardiacum Extracts on Hæmolymph Trehalose of the Cockroach, Periplaneta americana

THE first report relating hormonal factors in insects to the regulation of a particular haemolymph sugar was that of Steele1. He demonstrated that saline extracts of the corpus cardiacum of the cockroach Periplaneta americana (L.) cause about a 100 per cent increase in haemolymph trehalose within 1 h after injection and the effect persists for several hours. The level of reducing sugar (glucose?) was generally lowered in these animals. Later, Steele reported that the extract accelerated the release of inorganic phosphate and that as haemolymph trehalose was elevated fat-body glycogen declined2. Nerve cord glycogen also declined, but gut and muscle glycogen were unaffected. The interpretation is that the hormone appears to increase the activity of phosphorylase and produces a glycogenolic effect. More recently Bowers and Friedman3 reported finding that in the South American cockroach, Blaberus discoidalis (Serville), administration of aqueous extracts of the corpus cardiacum significantly elevate both trehalose and glucose in the haemolymph. They also found a decrease in fat-body glycogen 5 h after injection and extracts of the corpus allatum were also tested and found to be without effect. They note also that animals with heads tied off respond to the active extract, indicating that the effect is not mediated through other cephalic glandular material.
A SINGULAR PROBLEM IN INCOMPRESSIBLE NONLINEAR ELASTOSTATICS

This paper represents a contribution to the numerical treatment of problems in incompressible elasticity theory for large deformations. We are especially concerned about the solution of plane problems with corners. A review of the literature on these problems indicates that the behavior of the solution in the vicinity of a corner is given little attention. We investigate the solution of the compressed bonded block problem corresponding to the compression of an incompressible elastic block of rectangular cross-section and innite transverse length between two opposing bonded rigid surfaces, with the two remaining lateral faces traction-free. We are especially interested in the behavior at a corner where a bonded end is adjacent to a free lateral side. We employ a nite element method based on a reduced and selective integration technique with penalization to construct a numerical solution for this problem. Our computational method converges everywhere except in a small neighborhood of the corner. We appeal to an elementary ap rioriinequality concerning the angle of shear to show that the numerical calculations in this neighborhood are inaccurate and need a more rened study. Based on the inequality, we oer a conjecture concerning the local shape of the deformed free lateral surface at the corner.
760 DIFFERENCES IN PAROTID SALIVA SODIUM LEVELS AND RESERPINE-RESPONSIVENESS BETWEEN RAT LINES

The mechanism underlying the inhibition of Na reabsorption from exocrine secretions in cystic fibrosis (CF) is not known. In the animal CF phenocopy of Martinez, chronic reserpine (RS) administration to rats causes histological and physiological changes in exocrine glands similar to those in CF. To examine the effect of chemical sympathectomy on Na transport, we studied the onset of inhibition of Na reaborption from parotid saliva in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats given i.p. RS (0.5 mg/kg) daily. Saliva stimulated by i.p. pilocarpine was collected by cannulating the parotid duct. A single RS dose caused a marked increase in Na content within 24 hr in rats from our colony (OU). Na content increased linearly with the duration of RS administration. Saliva of SD rats from Sasco Inc. (SI) contained much less Na than that of OU rats at all saliva flow rates below 70 ul/min/g gland wet weight. RS administered to SI rats caused no demonstrable increase in saliva Na content until the 4th day. Na increased only to levels seen in untreated OU rats. These results indicate that both the intrinsic activity and the susceptibility to inhibition of the ductal Na transport system of exocrine glands show specific differences. Such differences complicate the use of uncharacterized rat strains for the bioassay of CF factors but may provide valuable insights into the biological regulation of Na transport in the exocrine gland duct.
Arrhythmogenic consequences of Na channel mutations in the transmurally heterogeneous mammalian left ventricle: Analysis of the I1768V SCN5A mutation

Background Congenital mutations in the cardiac Na + channel (encoded by SCN5A) underlie long QT syndrome type 3. The sea anemone peptide toxin ATX-II mimics the slowed inactivation kinetics characteristic of many long QT type 3 (LQT3) mutations. However, the I1768V SCN5A mutation is associated with faster recovery kinetics, for which there exists no known pharmacologic equivalent. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the proarrhythmic consequences of the I1768V SCN5A mutation in a transmurally heterogeneous canine left ventricular wedge. We hypothesized that amplification of intrinsic electrical heterogeneities may contribute to abnormal repolarization patterns. Methods We developed a multiscale computational model of the canine ventricular wedge preparation that accounts for a comprehensive set of ionic currents (including transmural heterogeneities of the voltage-dependent transient outward current I Kv43 , the late sodium current I NaL , the slowly activating delayed rectifier current I Ks , and the sarco[endo]plasmic reticulum Ca 2+ -ATPase pump SERCA) and includes mechanistic descriptions of intracellular Ca 2+ cycling, the effects of ATX-II, and the I1768V mutation. Results Experimentally observed QT intervals and rate-dependent transmural gradients in action potential duration were recapitulated in our simulations, both with and without ATX-II. With the I1768V SCN5A mutation, the model predicted endocardial early afterdepolarizations that triggered epicardial beats and R-on-T extrasystoles. Brief episodes of polymorphic, followed by sustained monomorphic, ventricular tachycardia were observed at slow pacing rates. Importantly, these arrhythmias are driven by recurring reactivation of Na + channels localized to the endocardium. Conclusion Our findings suggest that an increase in sustained inward Na + current arising from the I1768V SCN5A mutation leads to clinically relevant arrhythmias in the transmurally heterogeneous canine left ventricular myocardium. This novel approach for simulating transmural heterogeneity provides new insight into the development of rhythm disturbances in the mammalian left ventricle.
Varying tracheal cross-sectional area during respiration in infants and children with suspected upper airway obstruction by computed cinetomography scanning.

An ultrafast cinetomography computed tomographic scanner (cine-CT) was used to evaluate infants and children (n = 15) with suspected obstruction of the larynx or trachea. One scan sequence provided a single image at each of eight cross-sectional levels (volume-mode study). Each study, lasting 224 ms, covered the distance between the supraglottic area and the carina. Each patient also underwent a “dynamic” study at a specific level of interest determined from the volume-mode study. Forty images within 2.3 s covered at least one respiratory cycle. The images were displayed as a closed-loop movie and dynamic changes in laryngeal and tracheal caliber with respiration were monitored and quantitated. Tracheal boundaries were outlined either by a trackball-guided cursor (freehand) or semi-automated computer edge detection, and cross-sectional areas and diameters were determined. Reproducibility was tested among three investigators' freehand drawings and two automated computer drawings, at the same and at varying image intensities. The coefficient of variation for the computer-assisted records (0.2%) was smaller than for the best freehand drawing (1.5%). Tracheal diameters were reproducible, but with greater intra-individual investigator variability. Four normal tracheas had close to published measurements with conventional CT scanners. Cine-CT gives objective tracheal dimensions and their variation during respiration; it provides good anatomical detail above the carina, and also of the extra- and intra-thoracic vessels if injected with contrast medium. Pediatr Pulmonal 1990; 9:224–232.
New constraints on early Solar System chronology from Al–Mg and U–Pb isotope systematics in the unique basaltic achondrite Northwest Africa 2976

Abstract We report elemental abundances and the isotopic systematics of the short-lived 26Al–26Mg (half-life of ∼0.73 Ma) and long-lived U–Pb radiochronometers in the ungrouped basaltic meteorite Northwest Africa (NWA) 2976. The bulk geochemical composition of NWA 2976 is clearly distinct from that of the eucrites and angrites, but shows broad similarities to that of the paired NWA 001 and 2400 ungrouped achondrites indicating that it is likely to also be paired with these two samples. The major and trace element abundances in NWA 2976 further indicate that it formed by extensive melting and magmatic fractionation processes on its parent body. The Al–Mg and Pb–Pb isotope systematics indicate that this meteorite represents the earliest stages of crust formation on a differentiated parent body in the early Solar System. The absolute Pb–Pb internal isochron age of NWA 2976, obtained from acid leaching residues of three whole-rock samples and two pyroxene separates, is 4562.89 ± 0.59 Ma (MSWD = 0.02). This Pb–Pb age is calculated using the measured 238U/235U ratio of a NWA 2976 whole-rock of 137.751 ± 0.018 (2σ) which was determined relative to the recently revised value of 137.840 ± 0.008 for the SRM 950a U isotope standard. The Al–Mg systematics reveal the presence of 26Mg isotopic anomalies produced by the decay of 26Al with an (26Al/27Al)0 of (3.94 ± 0.16) × 10−7, and indicate a time of formation of 0.26 ± 0.18 Ma after the D’Orbigny angrite. Using the revised Pb–Pb age of 4563.36 ± 0.34 Ma for the D’Orbigny anchor (corrected for its U isotopic composition), we deduce an Al–Mg model age of 4563.10 ± 0.38 Ma for NWA 2976, which is consistent with its Pb–Pb internal isochron age. The concordance of the Pb–Pb and Al–Mg chronometers, when taking into account the differences in the U isotopic compositions of the D’Orbigny and NWA 2976 achondrites (whose parent bodies likely formed in distinct regions of early Solar System as indicated by their different oxygen isotopic compositions), implies that 26Al was homogeneously distributed in the early Solar System. It also suggests that igneous processes on planetesimals, as represented by the formation of various basaltic meteorite groups that likely originated on distinct parent bodies (e.g., eucrites and angrites, as well as ungrouped achondrites), were widespread throughout the protoplanetary disk within the first ∼5 Ma of the history of the Solar System.
The Intrigues of Rights, Resistance, and Accommodation

Carol Greenhouse's study of a group of Southern Baptists living in Hopewell, the pseudonym of a rapidly suburbanizing small Georgia town near Atlanta, helps us understand how groups accommodate and resist dominant cultures. In addition, by contrasting these Baptists with other parts of American culture, we can learn a great deal about the role of rights and the degree of litigiousness in American culture. Accommodation and resistance are important in the present struggles over multiculturalism, and the parties to the struggle often frame their positions by using rights discourse. By comparing the Hopewell Baptists to others, we can highlight some of the weaknesses of those for and those against multiculturalism.
A model of commercial energy demand

Abstract A forecasting model is constructed for the analysis of the long-run electricity and natural gas requirements of the commercial sector of a regional economy. The methodology combines an econometric model to generate baseline forecasts, a detailed end-use model to evaluate conservation and regulatory program impacts, and a disaggregated economic/demographic model to provide internally consistent forecasts of commercial employment and other relevant economic conditions. The model is estimated and used to provide forecasts of energy use and regulatory impacts in San Diego County, California.
Magnitude and direction of technological transfers for mitigating GHG emissions

This paper discusses the issues of technological transfers aimed at reducing GHG mitigation costs under various assumptions. In a new version of RICE model, we introduce technological transfer mechanism that donors' monetary transfers go to recipients' GHG mitigation. Through such transfer mechanism, we examine the relationships between magnitude/direction of transfers and choice of social welfare weights in the model. Our simulations show that different social welfare weights may lead to significant shifts on magnitudes even directions of technological transfers. The results suggest that proposing policies of technological transfers should be mindful of distributional aspects and modeling assumptions.
Reactive sputter deposition of metal oxide nanolaminates

We discuss the reactive sputter deposition of metal oxide nanolaminates on unheated substrates using four archetypical examples: ZrO2–Al2O3, HfO2–Al2O3, ZrO2–Y2O3, and ZrO2–TiO2. The pseudobinary bulk phase diagrams corresponding to these nanolaminates represent three types of interfaces. I. Complete immiscibility (ZrO2–Al2O3 and HfO2–Al2O3). II. Complete miscibility (ZrO2–Y2O3). III. Limited miscibility without a common end-member lattice (ZrO2–TiO2). We found that, although reactive sputter deposition is a far-from-equilibrium process, thermodynamic considerations strongly influence both phase formation within layers and at interfaces. We show that pseudobinary phase diagrams can be used to predict interfacial cation mixing in the nanolaminates. However, size effects must be considered to predict specific structures. In the absence of pseudoepitaxy, size effects play a significant role in determining the nanocrystalline phases that form within a layer (e.g. tetragonal ZrO2, tetragonal HfO2, and orthorhombic HfO2) and at interfaces (e.g. monoclinic (Zr,Ti)O2). These phases are not bulk standard temperature and pressure phases. Their formation is understood in terms of self-assembly into the lowest energy structure in individual critical nuclei.
Glomerular and proximal tubular morphology after single nephron obstruction.

Glomerular and proximal tubular morphology after single nephron obstruction. This study examined the effect of blocking proximal tubule lumens on glomerular and early proximal tubular morphology. Single nephrons in the rat kidney were blocked with wax by micropuncture. After one day, one week, or one month of obstruction, the kidneys were fixed with glutaraldehyde by intravascular perfusion, and nephron structure was examined by light and electron microscopy. Following obstruction, glomerular changes developed more slowly than tubular changes. After one day, the only change noted in some glomeruli was the presence of inflammatory cells. The only tubule change upstream to the block was a focal loss of apical microvilli. This is in contrast to the severe, damage previously reported (Evan, Tanner: Kidney Int 30: 818–827, 1986) in downstream proximal tubule segments at this time. After one month of obstruction, glomerular size was decreased and the glomerular filtration membrane was abnormal. Tubular cell size was decreased, apical microvilli were lost, basolateral interdigitations were reduced, and mitochondria were fewer and abnormally oriented. Interstitial fibrosis was present. Changes in nephron structure develop slowly after obstruction, perhaps because continued filtration and reabsorption maintain nephron integrity. Eventually, blocked nephrons atrophy, probably because of reduced blood flow, disuse, and inflammatory responses.
Ultrastructural study of embryonic and early adult germ cells, and their support cells, in both sexes of Xiphophorus (Teleostei:Poeciliidae)

The ultrastructure of the early spermatogonia in mature testes of the platyfish, Xiphophorus maculatus, was compared to that of oogonia in mature ovaries of X. maculatus and the related X. nigrensis. Both cell types were very similar and, characterized as being large, oval to round cells containing large, central nuclei with prominent nucleoli. Abundant mitochondria with sparse transverse cristae were located at one pole or around the nucleus. Annulate lamellae and electron-dense granular material (nuage) were present. Other organelles were not prominent. A female that had received a testis graft had testicular tissue containing mature spermatozoa within the ovary, indicating that cells were present that could develop along the male line. Special crosses were carried out to obtain all-male embryos of X. maculatus and all-female embryos of X. nigrensis. The ultrastructure of the germ cells in all embryonic gonads was similar to that of the adult cells. These results suggest the presence of sexually undifferentiated germ cells in the adult gonads of both sexes. The support cells investing all of these germ cells were also similar structurally and appeared to be undifferentiated.
Microbial precipitation of pedogenic calcite

Pedogenic calcite in desert soils has become increasingly important as an indicator of paleoclimate, landscape stability, and landscape age. This study indicates that calcic and petrocalcic horizons in desert soils are not simply the result of inorganic precipitation of calcite. Soil microorganisms were found to be involved in calcite precipitation in a typical desert soil near Las Cruces, New Mexico. Fossilized remains of calcified fungal hyphae and Microcodium structures are abundant in the petrocalcic horizon. Soil bacteria and fungi precipitated calcite when cultured on a Ca-rich medium. In an experiment where soil columns were irrigated with Ca-rich solutions, calcite formed in soils containing soil microorganisms, but no calcite formed in sterile soils. Thus, biomineralization of calcite by soil microorganisms appears to be an important mechanism of unknown magnitude.
Synchrotron-Cerenkov radiation.

In his News Focus article “Money spinner or loopy idea?” (12 Sept., p. [1463][1]), Edwin Cartlidge reports on a conjecture that energy radiated by a charge in uniform, superluminal, circular motion would vary as 1/ r , rather than 1/ r 2, in the far zone. Such radiation combines features of
Computation of Upper Tropospheric Reference Heights From Winds for Use With Vertical Temperature Profile Observations

Abstract A method is presented for combining remotely measured temperature soundings and wind data to provide a pressure-height reference level in the upper troposphere. In an initial phase of the study, balanced heights over North America were computed solely from standard wind reports and were found to conform closely to comparable National Meteorological Center height analyses. For oceanic application, height values from processed satellite infrared spectrometer (SIRS) data were objectively analyzed to obtain a geostrophic wind field. This wind field was used as a first guess in analyzing winds reported by commercial aircraft. The various terms of the balance equation were computed from the gridpoint winds, and balanced heights were determined by relaxation. These balanced heights blend temperature profile observations and wind data. They were used as upper level reference heights, and SIRS thickness values were subtracted from them to obtain height fields in the lower troposphere. Some typical results...
Stable protein, unstable plaque?

The function of the Class II transactivator (CIITA) lies at the intersection of immune response and maintenance of the structural integrity of tissues. Accordingly, regulation of this interesting molecule has been studied intensively in the past 15 years, and a variety of mechanisms that control CIITA activity has been described. In this issue of the JMCC, Kong et al. add another dimension to the post-translational modifications that control CIITA, by providing evidence that stability of the protein is controlled by its acetylation status. Because inflammatory activity and structural integrity are increasingly recognized as essential aspects of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, this finding should be of considerable interest both to vascular biologists and to forward-looking clinical investigators aspiring to stabilize the unseen plaques lining their patients' arteries, or to prevent cardiac hypertrophy through the use of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. CIITA was first cloned using a complementation strategy to restore class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) protein expression in cells derived from patients with bare lymphocyte syndrome, a hereditary immunodeficiency characterized by a complete absence of MHC class II antigens [1]. Subsequent studies established that CIITA functions as a non-DNA binding transactivator to control both constitutive and inducible class II MHC gene expression, and confirmed it as a master regulator of class II MHC gene activation [2]. CIITA is an important target of interferon (IFN)-γ signaling, and it is through the activity of CIITA that this pleiotropic cytokine mediates both induction of class II MHC gene expression and repression of type I collagen expression. While the precise mechanisms that allow these opposite effects on gene regulation remain a point of debate at present [3], it is clear that these CIITA functions serve respectively to promote immune activity (via T cell priming) and to decrease the production of a key structural component of the vascular wall.
Poisoning of Sheep by Astragalus lusitanicus in Morocco: Field and Experimental Studies

Summary This study demonstrated that Astragalus lusitanicus found in Morocco is toxic to sheep. The clinical syndrome shares some features with locoism. Poisoning may be either acute or chronic, depending on the total amount of the plant that has been ingested. Neurological disturbance was the main clinical manifestation of the syndrome. The signs persisted in poisoned animals after cessation of plant consumption. This suggests the occurrence of a persistent biochemical defect in the neuron. The relationship between vacuolation in neurons and the onset of the signs needs to be clarified. Future biochemical and electron microscopic studies should advance the knowledge of the pathogenesis of this toxic neuronal degeneration. Zusammenfassung Vergiftung von Schafen mit Astragalus lusitanicus in Marokko. Felduntersuchungen und experimentelle Untersuchungen Die Untersuchungen zeigen, das die in Marokko vorkommende Pflanze Astragalus lusitanicus fur Schafe giftig ist. Das klinische Syndrom hat mit dem Locoismus einige Gemeinsamkeiten. Je nach der aufgenommenen Pflanzenmenge kann die Vergiftung akut oder chronisch verlaufen. Das Syndrom manifestierte sich klinisch hauptsachlich als neurologische Storung. Die Symptome blieben nach Einstellung der Verfutterung der Pflanze bestehen. Dies spricht fur einen persistenten biochemischen Defekt im Neuron. Der Zusammenhang zwischen der Vakuolenbildung in Neuronen und dem Einsetzen der Symptome mus weiter untersucht werden. Die Pathogenese dieser toxischen Degeneration von Neuronen mus mittels biochemischer und Elektronenmikroskopischer Untersuchungen abgeklart werden.
Bulk vibrations and twists in global cosmic strings

Abstract The Higgs fields surrounding loops of global cosmic strings contain the major component of the loop energy [E ≈ R ln (R/λ)]. These Higgs fields can undergo bulk vibrations and we demonstrate that these vibrations have a frequency which is larger, by a factor of ln (R/λ) , than that of previously considered oscillations of strings. These bulk modes should dominate the processes of radiation emission. We also study configurations where a string threads a loop. Both strings are twisted. Twisted global strings usually have an energy which grows as RCUTOFF2, but in the above configuration we find the boundary conditions eliminate this extra energy. The final energy is just the sum of the energies of the untwisted loop and the untwisted string, with no interaction energy. The absence of interaction energy suggests that the twists may play an important role in the interaction of global strings, at least when one of the strings is a loop.
An assessment of soil enrichment by actinorhizal N2 fixation using δ15N values in a chronosequence of deglaciation at Glacier Bay, Alaska

The extent of transfer of fixed N between N2-fixing and non-N2-fixing plant species is largely unknown in successional studies. In order to redress this deficiency at a locale intensively studied ecologically, leaf tissue samples were collected from actinorhizal N2-fixing (Alnus, Shepherdia, and Dryas) and two non-N2-fixing (Salk .) woody species within research plots located along a chronosequence of deglaciated fjord in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska. The tissue samples were analyzed for δ 15N content, and the resulting data analyzed for trends in plant tissue N. Among the non-N2-fixing Salit species, δ 15N values increased from the most recently deglaciated sites to converge with the temporally more-stable values for the symbiotic N2-fixing species on sites at about 40 years after deglaciation. The lower δ 15 N values of sequestered N in plant tissues suggested that N derived from N2-fixing plants accounts for the major portion of N in associated plants up to 40 years after deglaciation. The 15N isotopic data also suggested that Shepherdia canadensis depends least on soil N, D. drummondii the most, and A. viridis ssp. sinuata somewhere between those two species. The presence of a sere dominated by dense thickets of A. viridis ssp. sinuata at the convergence of δ 15N values for the N2-fixing and non-N2-fixing species indicated that this species is most responsible for accumulation of fixed N in soil at Glacier Bay.
Early Mental Multiplication Performance and the Role of Relational Knowledge in Mastering Combinations Involving "Two.".

Abstract Using Siegler's retrieval-required task, 42 third-graders were examined before they had been introduced to multiplication in school. Inconsistent with Siegler's (1988) distribution-of-associations model, nearly one-third of the sample apparently used estimation strategies that generated a few unique answers per problem or a narrow range of answers. Furthermore, subjects who received training responded to unpracticed combinations involving two with significantly more close-miss errors and correct answers than did control subjects. These results suggest that Siegler's (1988) model is at least incomplete and that the retrieval-required task confounds retrieved and nonretrieved responses.
BURGLAR ALARMS AND THE CHOICE BEHAVIOR OF BURGLARS: A SUBURBAN PHENOMENON

Abstract Employing observation and deduction, the present study addressed the question of why some homes in a community are more likely targets for burglary. The period of observation spanned two-and-a-half years, in three Philadelphia suburbs. The townships differ in population density, distance from the city, and affluence. The deduced burglary model entails four decision points for the burglar: choice of neighborhood, choice of street, choice of property, and choice of point of entry. The neighborhood is chosen for its proximity to thoroughfares that are familiar to the burglar. Cul de sacs abutted by a wooded area or an abandoned railroad right-of-way, which offer opportunities for concealment, were targeted more frequently than other streets by burglars. Homes with high value and few target hardening attributes were more likely targets than other homes. Most burglars entered the targeted home through a first floor doorway. All other things equal, the presence of an alarm reduces the victimization rate. The alarm reduces the victimization rate to a greater degree as home value increases.
ColumbuScout: towards building local search engines over large databases

In many database applications, search is still executed via form based query interfaces, which are then translated into SQL statements to find matching records. Ranking is usually not implemented unless users have explicitly indicated how to rank the matching records, e.g., in the ascending order of year. Often, this approach is neither intuitive nor user friendly (especially with many search fields in a query form). It also requires application developers to design schema-specific query forms and develop specific programs that understand these forms. In this work, we propose to demonstrate the ColumbuScout system that aims at quickly building and deploying a local search engine over one or more large databases. The ColumbuScout system adopts a search-engine-style approach for searches over local databases. It introduces its own indexing structures and storage designs, to improve its overall efficiency and scalability. We will demonstrate that it is simple for application developers to deploy ColumbuScout over any databases, and ColumbuScout is able to support search engine-like types of search over large databases efficiently and effectively.
Heat Transfer Characteristics in Partial Boiling, Fully Developed Boiling, and Significant Void Flow Regions of Subcooled Flow Boiling

Subcooled flow boiling covers the region beginning from the location where the wall temperature exceeds the local liquid saturation temperature to the location where the thermodynamic quality reaches zero, corresponding to the saturated liquid state. Three locations in the subcooled flow have been identified by earlier investigators as the onset of nucleate boiling, the point of net vapor generation, and the location where x = 0 is attained from enthalpy balance equations. The heat transfer regions are identified as the single-phase heat transfer prior to ONB, partial boiling (PB), and fully developed boiling (FDB). A new region is identified here as the significant void flow (SVF) region. Available models for predicting the heat transfer coefficient in different regions are evaluated and new models are developed based on our current understanding
The Effects of Changes in Jail Population Densities on Crowding, Sick Call, and Spatial Behavior1

Perceived crowding, rate of sick calls, and use of space were studied among jail inmates. The inmates had been randomly assigned to one of two jail units that were identical in design and management, but varied in population density levels. Initially, population density was rated at capacity on one unit, and over capacity on the other. Data were collected before and after a court order that caused population levels to be decreased on the unit over capacity and increased on the other, so that after the change density on both units was the same. Comparison data were also collected on several other units. The results revealed both absolute and contrast effects for density on inmates. Perceived crowding and sick call rates varied directly with density levels, but also were affected by the direction of shift. That is, when population levels were equal after the change, perceived crowding and sick call rates were higher on the unit that had experienced an increase in density. Also, as population levels increased, there tended to bean increase in isolated passive behavior and a decrease in isolated active behavior in public areas. Implications for crowding research and for jail design and management are discussed.
Avalanche diode structures suitable for microwave-optical interactions

Abstract The r.f. performance of avalanche diode structures with an etched optical window at the top contact has been evaluated. Diode Q and r.f. oscillator tests in X -band IMPATT and S -band TRAPATT silicon diodes show that the optical window does not introduce appreciable series resistance nor degrade oscillator performance.
Ubiquitous recommendation systems

In many popular visions of ubiquitous computing, the environment proactively responds to individuals who inhabit the space. For example, a display magically presents a personalized advertisement, the most relevant video feed, or the desired page from a secret government document. Such capability requires more than an abundance of networked displays, devices, and sensors; it relies implicitly on recommendation systems that either directly serve the end user or provide critical services to some other application. As recommendation systems evolve to exploit new advances in ubiquitous computing technology, researchers and practitioners from technical and social science disciplines must collaborate to address the challenges to their effective implementation. Although it may be impossible to perfectly anticipate each individual's needs at any place or time, ubiquitous computing will enable such systems to help people cope with an expanding array of choices.
5′-Noraristeromycin possessing a C-1′ cyclopentyl double bond: a new carbanucleoside structural prototype

Abstract Prior to this work only two examples of carbanucleosides possessing a C-1′/C-6′ double bond had been reported and they were minor derivatized side products arising during other targeted syntheses. To develop this structural feature into a new class of potential antiviral agents, the 5′-nor derivative of aristeromycin with such an olefinic structure ( 6 ) represents the first example. In this regard, treatment of (1′S,2′S,3′S,4′R,5′S)-6-chloro-9-(2′,3′-isopropylidenedioxy-6′-oxabicyclo[3.1.0]hex-4′-yl)purine ( 7 ) with sodium methoxide yielded 6 via an E′2-like elimination pathway. A convenient way to the C-4′ epimer of 6 (that is, 17 ) also arose during these studies and is described. Antiviral analysis of 6 and 17 failed to produce any significant activity.
Effects of Atorvastatin on Lp(a) and Lipoprotein Profiles in Hemodialysis Patients

Background:Dialysis patients have many underlying traditional and nontraditional risk factors that may predispose them to a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease. The effects of statins (eg, atorvastatin) on altering nontraditional lipoprotein measures in dialysis patients have not been extensively investigated.Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of atorvastatin compared with a control group in inducing changes in lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], apolipoprotein (Apo) A-1, Apo-B, and fibrinogen levels, as well as the conventional lipoprotein profile, in hemodialysis patients over 36 weeks; secondary objectives were to assess changes in C-reactive protein, albumin, and safety measures.Methods:Forty-five hemodialysis patients with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels greater than 100 mg/dL were randomized to parallel groups: atorvastatin (n = 19) or no treatment (n = 26). The atorvastatin dose was titrated from 10 mg to achieve an LDL-C goal of 100 mg/dL or less and therapy was continued for 36 weeks...
Jitter Reduces Response-Time Variability in ADHD: An Ex-Gaussian Analysis.

Objective: “Jitter” involves randomization of intervals between stimulus events. Compared with controls, individuals with ADHD demonstrate greater intrasubject variability (ISV) performing tasks wi...
A Hierarchical Control Distribution Approach for Large Scale Over Actuated Systems

A general hierarchical methodology for control distribution in highly redundant system is presented. The new method makes use of distribution functions to approximate the feasible solution set and to keep in check the "curse of dimensionality". To improve the performance of the distribution function approach a hierarchical approach is proposed which decomposes a large scale control distribution problem in to many small scale control distribution problems to compromise the need for real-time computation against optimality. The main advantage of the proposed hierarchical approach is the de-coupling of many small scale problems from each other. The convergence and accuracy of the proposed method are demonstrated by numerical studies.
Multicentric Malignant Lymphoma in a Pallid Bat

A 2.5-year-old, female pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus) was captured in Oregon (USA) in 1990 and later died in 1992. At the time of death, abdominal distension due to ascites, splenomegaly, and hepatomegaly, and a cheek mass were noted. Based on histologic examination of these tissues, a diagnosis of multicentric lymphoma was made. Retroviral particles were not found on electron microscopic examination.
C4d Deposition in Cardiac Allografts Correlates With Alloantibody

Background The presence of C4d along the peritubular capillaries in kidney allografts correlates with the presence of anti-donor serum alloantibodies. We applied C4d staining to cardiac allograft and non-allograft biopsies to determine if C4d staining in heart allografts correlates with anti-donor serum alloantibodies. Methods We stained for C4d all available frozen tissue biopsies from cardiac transplant recipients between 1997 and 2002, including autopsies. Two hundred twenty-one tissue samples from 124 patients were analyzed. Included in both groups were a variety of International Society for Heart and Lung Transplanatation (ISHLT) grades of rejection plus post-implant cardiac ischemic injury (PIMI), and biopsies from patients who had received OKT3. Patients were matched by age, gender and interval after transplantation. Forty-four additional controls were included from patients biopsied for non–transplant-related cardiac disease. Results C4d staining of the myocardial capillaries correlated well with the presence of anti-donor alloantibodies. Twenty-one of 25 biopsies from patients with anti-donor alloantibodies showed C4d staining (84%), whereas only 7 of 60 without anti-donor alloantibodies stained for C4d. C4d staining did not correlate with ischemia or OKT3 therapy. Only 4 of 44 non-transplant biopsies stained for C4d (9%). An example of the clinical utility of C4d staining in patient care is presented. Conclusions C4d staining of the capillaries in cardiac allografts correlates well with anti-donor serum alloantibodies, is a useful assay to verify alloantibody deposition, and can be used to establish one of the criteria for antibody-mediated cardiac rejections.
Time (hole?) machines

Abstract Within the context of general relativity, we consider a type of “time machine” and introduce the related “hole machine”. We review what is known about each and add results of our own. We conclude that (so far) the hole machine advocate is in a better position than the time machine advocate.
Disruption of cytochrome c heme coordination is responsible for mitochondrial injury during ischemia.

Abstract Background It was recently suggested that electron flow into cyt c , coupled with ROS generation, oxidizes cyt c Met 80 to Met 80 sulfoxide (Met-O) in isolated hearts after ischemia–reperfusion, and converts cyt c to a peroxidase. We hypothesize that ischemia disrupts Met 80 -Fe ligation of cyt c , forming pentacoordinated heme Fe 2 + , which inhibits electron transport (ET) and promotes oxygenase activity. Methods SS-20 (Phe-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH 2 ) was used to demonstrate the role of Met 80 -Fe ligation in ischemia. Mitochondria were isolated from ischemic rat kidneys to determine sites of respiratory inhibition. Mitochondrial cyt c and cyt c Met-O were quantified by western blot, and cristae architecture was examined by electron microscopy. Results Biochemical and structural studies showed that SS-20 selectively targets cardiolipin (CL) and protects Met 80 -Fe ligation in cyt c . Ischemic mitochondria showed 17-fold increase in Met-O cyt c , and dramatic cristaeolysis. Loss of cyt c was associated with proteolytic degradation of OPA1. Ischemia significantly inhibited ET initiated by direct reduction of cyt c and coupled respiration. All changes were prevented by SS-20. Conclusion Our results show that ischemia disrupts the Met 80 -Fe ligation of cyt c resulting in the formation of a globin-like pentacoordinated heme Fe 2 + that inhibits ET, and converts cyt c into an oxygenase to cause CL peroxidation and proteolytic degradation of OPA1, resulting in cyt c release. General significance Cyt c heme structure represents a novel target for minimizing ischemic injury. SS-20, which we show to selectively target CL and protect the Met 80 -Fe ligation, minimizes ischemic injury and promotes ATP recovery.
Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic analysis of the proline dehydrogenase domain of the multifunctional PutA flavoprotein from Escherichia coli.

The PutA flavoprotein from Escherichia coli is a multifunctional protein that plays pivotal roles in proline catabolism by functioning as both a membrane-associated bifunctional enzyme and a transcriptional repressor. Peripherally membrane-bound PutA catalyzes the two-step oxidation of proline to glutamate, while cytoplasmic PutA represses the transcription of its own gene and the gene for a proline-transporter protein. X-ray crystallographic studies on PutA have been initiated to determine how the PutA structural scaffold enables it to be both an enzyme and a repressor, and to understand the mechanism by which PutA switches between its enzymatic and DNA-­binding functions. To facilitate crystallization, a recombinant protein (PutA669) corresponding to the N-terminal 669 amino-acid residues of the 1320 residues of PutA was engineered. Activity assays demonstrated that PutA669 catalyzes the first step of chemistry performed by PutA, the conversion of proline to Δ1-pyrroline-5-­carboxylate. Crystals of PutA669 have been obtained from PEG 3000 buffered at pH 6–7. The crystals occupy an I-centered orthorhombic lattice with unit-cell parameters a = 72.5, b = 140.2, c = 146.8 A; a 2.15 A data set was collected using a rotating-anode source. Assuming one molecule per asymmetric unit, the Matthews coefficient VM is 2.5 A3 Da−1, with a solvent content of 50%. The structure of PutA669 will be solved by multiple isomorphous replacement.
Nuclear Egress of Herpesviruses

Herpesviruses assemble and fill their capsids in the infected cell nucleus, and must then move this enormous macromolecular assembly across the nuclear membrane and into the cytoplasm. Doing so is a complex, multi-step process that involves envelopment of the capsid at the inner nuclear membrane and de-envelopment by fusion with the outer nuclear membrane. This process is orchestrated by viral proteins, but requires the modification of cellular structures and mechanisms including the nuclear lamina. In this review I summarize recent research on the mechanism of nuclear envelopment and the viral and cellular systems involved in its execution.
Tobacco Industry Response to Public Health Concern: A Content Analysis of Cigarette Ads

Public awareness of the health hazards of smoking intensified when the subject received national publicity. To assess tobacco industry tactics to counter adverse publicity, we performed a content analysis of cigarette ads in selected issues of Time magazine, for selected years from 1929-84. The analysis showed direct responses to health concerns in all of the years of major smoking-and-health "events," with the possible exception of 1964, the year of the first Surgeon General's report. During these years large percentages of ads emphasized health themes instead of the conventional cigarette ad imagery. On average, health-theme ads have a higher verbal content than the more pictorial traditional ads. Correspondingly, they employ many fewer models. Health-theme ads tend to emphasize the "technological fix," such as the scientifically designed filter and the low-tar cigarette. Subtle changes in cigarette advertising include the elimination of visible smoke from ads.A decade's concentration on standard health...
Selective Sulfur Dioxide Adsorbents Prepared from Designed Dispersions of Groups IA and IIA Metal Oxides on Alumina

Supported M(I)/alumina and M(II)/alumina adsorbents were prepared using Mn+(acac)nas the precursor. These materials may be decomposed by careful heating to create dispersions of Mn+On/2/alumina which are SO2adsorbents. These adsorbents have been characterized by elemental analyses, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform analysis spectroscopy, SO2adsorption capacity, and powder X-ray diffraction. The MgO/alumina prepared from Mg(acac)2·2H2O shows high dispersion of Mg species which are stable against sintering even when calcined to 500°C. The incremental SO2sorption capacity of this material shows nearly 1 mol SO2/mol Mg2+in the sample. The sample prepared from Li(acac) shows more SO2adsorption than the MgO/alumina for loadings <150 μmol/g alumina. However, the LiO/alumina samples show low incremental adsorption of SO2per mol of Li ion (0.12 mol/mol) at metal loadings greater than 150 μmol/g alumina. These results are discussed in the framework of ensemble theory in the light of the solution chemistry of the metal acetylacetonates.
Current Methods for Routine Clinical Laboratory Testing of Vitamin D Levels

Requests for vitamin D testing have increased considerably over the past few years, due in part to recent studies that show its association with protecting against skeletal and nonskeletal disorders such as malignancies and metabolic diseases. The Institute of Medicine recently created a consensus report of recommended reference rages and recommended dietary allowances for this vitamin. Two basic categories of laboratory methods exist for analysis of vitamin D; however, their differing methodologies measure a variety of forms and metabolites of vitamin D that may create confusion in interpretation of results. This review of methods considers that total 25-hydroxyvitamin D is the recommended test for vitamin D status and compares methods from published studies and recent findings of proficiency testing surveys.