cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular Expressions: Exploring the World of Optics and Microscopy http:microscopy.fsu.edu

Summry— Our knowledge of the structure, dynamics and physiology of a cell has increased significantly in the last ten years through the emergence of new optical imaging modalities such as optical sectioning microscopy, computer- enhanced video microscopy and laser-scanning microscopy. These techniques together with the use of genetically engineered fluorophores have helped scientists visualize the 3-dimensional dynamic processes of living cells. However as powerful as these imaging tools are, they can often be difficult to understand and fully utilize. Below I will discuss my favorite website: The Molecular Expressions Web Site that endeavors to present the power of microscopy to its visitors. The Molecular Expressions group does a remarkable job of not only clearly presenting the principles behind these techniques in a manner approachable by lay and scientific audiences alike but also provides representative data from each as well.
rs660 polymorphism in Ro52 (SSA1; TRIM 21) is a marker for age-dependent tolerance induction and efficiency of alloimmunization in sickle cell disease

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) who receive red blood cell (RBC) transfusions have a higher rate of anti-RBC (allo and auto) antibody development than other transfused subjects. We hypothesized that an incidence and/or kinetics of RBC-specific antibody formation in SCD patients is influenced by a linked inheritance of the hemoglobin beta S (HbβS) allele and a polymorphism rs660C/T in the neighboring Ro52 gene. We found that 75% of C/T heterozygous and only 30.8% of T/T homozygous patients that developed antibodies were first transfused before the age of five. In addition, there was a significant inverse correlation between time of exposure to antigen or number of transfusions received and the age when T/T patients received first transfusion, indicating progressive development of competence of their immune system. In contrast, this correlation was not observed in patients with C/T genotype. Finally, increased expression of Ro52 was associated with the presence of the T/T genotype. These results suggest that rs660 polymorphism is a marker of efficiency of tolerance induction in early childhood and immune competence development to RBC antigens in SCD patients of pre-teen/teen age.
ADDITIONAL DATA ON THE RELATIVE ABSORPTION RATES OF SUBCUTANEOUS PELLETS OF VARIOUS CRYSTALLINE COMPOUNDS IN THE RAT

THE DATA here reported are supplementary to earlier observations on the II relative absorption rates of pellets of various crystalline compounds in rats. Since the experiments to be reported represent the conclusion of the present phase of a study of pellet absorption, many of the earlier results are briefly recapitulated. An apparatus and technique already described (Forbes, 1941) were employed for the preparation of 11 pellets of hexestrol, 26 of diethylstilbestrol dipropionate, 15 of diethylstilbestrol methyl ether (α α-diethyl-4-hydroxy 4′-methoxy-stilbene), 12 of diethylstilbestrol methyl ether acetate (α α-diethyl-4-acetyl-4′-methoxy-stilbene), 22 of testosterone dipropionate, and 11 of anhydrohydroxyprogesterone.1 The pellets, made without excipient from the crystalline compound, were uniformly compressed, of standard diameter and, with a few exceptions, weighed 6 to 10 milligrams each. After careful weighing the pellets were implanted subcutaneously in the lower right abdominal quadrants of 76 mal...
Technology transfer: Research to commercial product

Abstract One of the most admired aspects of U.S. technology has been the ability to assimilate and commercialize new science and technology. In light of the rising international competition, there has been new emphasis placed on the commercialization of U.S. science and technology developed in the federal laboratories and universities and indpendent research laboratories. While federal research and development remains the focus of the majority of these laboratories, an additional goal is to facilitate the exploitation of the discoveries, patents, and copyrights developed at the laboratories. The transfer of technology to industrial partners and users is a complex task for a federal laboratory. Since the interaction with industry, as well as market knowledge and assessment of the needs of business users are beyond the charter of a federal research laboratory or university, new organizational mechanisms are required in order to obtain full commercial value from the laboratories' efforts. A study was instituted to examine selected organizational and policy arrangements for achieving the optimum commercial value from the science and technology research at federal or independent research and development laboratories or university laboratories sponsored and funded by the U.S. Government.
The burning regimes and conductive burn rates of titanium subhydride potassium perchlorate (TiH1.65/KClO4) in hybrid closed bomb-strand burner experiments

Abstract A hybrid closed bomb-strand burner is used to measure the burning behavior of the titanium subhydride potassium perchlorate pyrotechnic with an equivalent hydrogen concentration of 1.65. This experimental facility allows for simultaneous measurement of the closed bomb pressure rise and pyrotechnic burn rate as detected by electrical break wires over a range of pressures. Strands were formed by pressing the pyrotechnic powders to bulk solid volume fractions between 0.58 and 0.88 theoretical maximum density. The burn rate dependence on average pressed powder density and initial vessel pressure are measured. Data from the strands with a 0.68 theoretical maximum density are compared to available literature. At all initial strand densities, the burn is observed to transition from a steady conductive burn to an unsteady convective burn within the strand. The conductive burning regime is analyzed following traditional closed bomb methods used with propellants and incorporating a relevant instantaneous burning surface area for the pyrotechnic powder bed. The transition to convective burning is analyzed and a relationship between the initial material characteristics of the pyrotechnic powder bed and the critical pressure at transition is developed.
Automatic anesthesia record keeping

Historically a tremendous amount of paper has been used for medical records. Much of this has been in the form of charts recorded in the operating room, recovery room, and critical care units. Originally for operating room records, of course, only the heart rate was recorded; later blood pressure was added. Today, a large number of data from many different sources must be recorded. At a presentation of their “Epic” system, John Stein of Marquette Medical mentioned one hospital with an intensive care unit flow sheet made of eight pages of 8.5 by 11-inch (22- by 28-cm) sheets attached together. This flow sheet had to be folded up like a road map.
Evidence for alterations in presynaptic serotonergic function during withdrawal from chronic cocaine in rats.

Abstract The effects of repeated cocaine administration on serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) function were investigated by comparing the corticosterone response to 5-HT receptor agonists in cocaine-treated and vehicle-treated rats. Male rats were fitted with indwelling jugular catheters and received cocaine (15 mg/kg i.p., b.i.d.) or saline for 7 days. Rats were challenged with either saline, the 5-HT releaser fenfluramine (1.2 mg/kg i.v.), the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT; 50 μg/kg i.v.), or the 5- HT 2A 2C receptor agonist 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI; 100 μg/kg i.v.) 42 h and 8 days after the final chronic treatment. Repeated blood samples were withdrawn immediately before and at 15, 30 and 60 min after acute challenge injections. All 5-HT receptor agonists increased plasma corticosterone, but the fenfluramine-induced rise in corticosterone was significantly attenuated in cocaine-treated rats withdrawn for 42 h. This blunted response to fenfluramine exhibited only partial recovery when examined at 8 days postchronic treatment. Corticosterone responses to 8-OH-DPAT and DOI were not affected by cocaine exposure. Our data suggest that chronic cocaine produces deficits in presynaptic 5-HT function, and alterations in 5-HT neurotransmission may underlie the dysphoria experienced by abstinent cocaine users. Neuroendocrine challenge tests should be performed in human addicts to evaluate potential 5-HT dysfunction associated with cocaine abuse.
An Overview of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an immune-mediated adverse drug reaction to heparin products leading to a prothrombotic state. Devastating clinical sequelae may result, including venous or arterial thromboembolism, limb amputation, and death. Heparin cessation alone is insufficient to manage HIT. Pharmacotherapy with argatroban or lepirudin is essential. This article reviews the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and pharmacotherapy of HIT.
Threshold based discounting networks : The cost allocation provided by the nucleolus

Abstract We consider a cost allocation problem in communication networks with threshold based discounting. In order to describe this cost allocation problem we formulate the associated cooperative game, to be referred to as the threshold based discounting network (TBDN) game. We then demonstrate that the nucleolus of the TBDN game can be efficiently characterized for relatively `large' networks.
CONSTANCY AND CHANGE IN SPELLING DEVELOPMENT

Much current thinking on children's acquisition of orthography views the learning process as a complex interaction between the linguistically sensitive, hypothesis generating child and the abstract, hierarchically organized system of English spelling. This paper reviews briefly the principles of order in the orthographic system and then reports a study which traces patterns of constancy and change in spelling errors as children's word knowledge advances across the elementary years. The author elicited errors from children in grades 1 through 6 by means of a series of spelling inventories constructed from graded word pools; words from the word pools were selected for the inventories on the basis of their likelihood to yield errors as suggested by prior empirical work or by featural analysis. The findings support the conclusions of previous researchers who point to an orderly stage-like progression of word knowledge at the lower grades. Analysis of errors across the grades reveals clear patterns of coherent...
Essential Role for Ubiquitin-Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzyme Interaction in Ubiquitin Discharge from Cdc34 to Substrate

During ubiquitin conjugation, the thioester bond that links “donor” ubiquitin to ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (E2) undergoes nucleophilic attack by the -amino group of an acceptor lysine, resulting in formation of an isopeptide bond. Models of ubiquitination have envisioned the donor ubiquitin to be a passive participant in this process. However, we show here that the I44A mutation in ubiquitin profoundly inhibits its ability to serve as a donor for ubiquitin chain initiation or elongation, but can be rescued by computationally predicted compensatory mutations in the E2 Cdc34. The donor defect of ubiquitin-I44A can be partially suppressed either by using a low pKa amine (hydroxylamine) as the acceptor or by performing reactions at higher pH, suggesting that the discharge defect arises in part due to inefficient deprotonation of the acceptor lysine. We propose that interaction between Cdc34 and the donor ubiquitin organizes the active site to promote efficient ubiquitination of substrate.
Nicotine and nicotinic system in hypoglutamatergic models of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder with devastating consequences. It is characterized by thought fragmentation, hallucination and delusion, collectively referred to as positive symptoms. In addition, mood changes or affective disorders, referred to as negative symptoms, as well as cognitive impairments can be manifested in these patients. Arguably, modeling such a disorder in its entirety in animals might not be feasible. Despite this limitation, various models with significant construct, predictive and some face validity have been developed. One such model, based on hypoglutamatergic hypothesis of schizophrenia, makes use of administering NMDA receptor antagonists and evaluating behavioral paradigms such as sensorimotor gating. Because of very high incidence of smoking among schizophrenic patients, it has been postulated that some of these patients may actually be self medicating with tobaccos nicotine. Research on nicotinic-glutamatergic interactions using various animal models has yielded conflicting results. In this review, some of these models and possible confounding factors are discussed. Overall, a therapeutic potential for nicotinic agonists in schizophrenia can be suggested. Moreover, it is evident that various experimental paradigms or models of schizophrenia symptoms need to be combined to provide a wider spectrum of the behavioral phenotype, as each model has its inherent limitations.
Graft coupling of PEO to mixed cellulose esters microfiltration membranes by UV irradiation

Abstract Protein fouling is a critical factor governing membrane performance in various filtration processes. In this study, we report a new surface modification technique to modify 0.22 μm mixed cellulose esters membranes to reduce protein fouling. The first step in this modification process involves coating of the membrane with a monolayer of allyldimethylchlorosilane (ADCS). The silanized membrane is then covalently linked to Pluronic F127, a triblock copolymer of polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide (PEO–PPO–PEO) by UV irradiation at wavelengths >215 nm. The presence of PEO groups on the membrane surface increased the wettability of the membrane. Contact angle measurements confirmed that the degree of Pluronic grafting on the silanized membrane was a function of the UV exposure time. The hydraulic permeability and flux decline of the modified membrane during bovine serum albumin (BSA) filtration were nearly identical to the unmodified membrane. The modified membranes exhibited better cleaning characteristics compared to unmodified membranes upon back flushing with saline solution.
Frequency of Undiagnosed Diabetes Mellitus in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome

In a prospective cohort of patients who had acute coronary syndrome, we used a simple fasting plasma glucose to identify previously unrecognized diabetes mellitus. A total of 57% of patients who had acute coronary syndrome had abnormal glucose metabolism; ∼66% of those who met criteria for new diabetes were not diagnosed or treated as such by the physicians who managed them.
Far field acoustic radiation from an expansion chamber

A method is presented for the assessment of the effect of several system parameters on the radiated and transmitted acoustic fields of an expansion chamber with a flexible side wall. The approach is based on a previously developed model of a three dimensional cavity in an otherwise one dimensional acoustic transmission line. The flexible side wall is represented in terms of its natural modes of free vibration
Impact of direct link on outage of cooperative full-duplex relaying

In theory, full-duplex (FD) relaying can double the spectral efficiency achieved with half-duplex relaying in cooperative communications. However, FD relaying suffers from self-loop interference and cross-talk interference, and the messages from the direct link (the link between the source and the destination) may interfere with the relay-to-destination transmission. In this paper, we analyze the impact of the direct link on the outage of FD relaying from two aspects: 1) the messages from the direct link are viewed as interference, which will lead to severe performance loss; and 2) the messages from the direct link are combined with the relays' transmissions, which can be considered as a lower bound on the outage for FD relaying.
Sameness, bureaucracy, and the myth of educational equity: the TAAS system of testing in Texas public schools

The verdict in the case of GI Forum et al. v. Texas Education Agency et al. is examined for the ways in which it undermines the concept of equitable access to education by the acceptance of “samene...
The progress of the betting in a baseball game

The development of the Internet has led to the creation of countless new markets, among them, online, in-game betting markets for sporting contests. We examine the behavior of prices as events unfold in a baseball game. Specifically, we compare the evolution of prices during a game with probability estimates generated by an empirical model of scoring in baseball. We find that price changes correspond closely to changes in the probability of winning, for plays of both small and dramatic impact. Nevertheless, data limitations inhibit the ability to make strong claims regarding the hypothesis of efficient pricing.
Three-dimensional menisci: Numerical simulation by finite elements

Abstract Menisci with complicated shapes occur in wetting and drying of powders and fabrics, coating of surfaces, fluid displacement in porous media, and other technologies. To predict meniscus shape and location requires the solution of the Laplace-Young equation, which is nonlinear and elliptic and depends on two space variables. The finite-element method has particular advantages that are further demonstrated here. Its recent application to menisci between cylinders is extended to three-dimensional menisci of unbounded extent or bounded by free contact lines (free boundary problems). Specimen solutions are displayed, including multiple solutions for the meniscus in a simple three-dimensional array of spheres, an elementary type of porous medium.
Alpha2-HS glycoprotein phenotypes and quantitative hormone and bone measures in postmenopausal women

It has been suggested that inherited traits play a role in the development of osteoporosis by providing a background for the modulation of gene expression. In this study, we examine the influence of the different alleles of alpha2-HS glycoprotein (AHSG), a protein of the bone matrix, on quantitative estrogens, estrone and estradiol, and bone measures, bone area and density. Estrogens provide a protective effect against fractures in older women and were thus included in the analyses. Isoelectric focusing of AHSG from sera followed by immunoblotting was used to type 163 white post-menopausal women participating in a clinical trial of the effects of walking on bone loss. Plasma hormones were measured by a combination of extraction, column chromatography, and radioimmunoassay; bone measures on the dominant radius were determined with computerized tomography. Analysis of variance was done on estrogen and bone measures after controlling for the effects of age and body mass index. The two major alleles of AHSG result in three phenotypes, designated AHSG 1-1, AHSG 2-1, and AHSG 2-2. The AHSG 1-1 homozygote showed a decreased concentration of estradiol, the AHSG 2-2 homozygote showed an increased concentration, and the AHSG 2-1 heterozygote was intermediate (P=0.001). Estrone demonstrated a similar pattern in residual analysis although it did not reach statistical significance.
NUTRITION-RELATED PREDICTORS OF SLEEP DURATION IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

We have previously shown that poorer appetite was a significant predictor of decreased sleep quality (SQ) among maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. There is a gap in the literature when examining sleep duration (SD) in MHD patients and the variables that may predict SD. Using data from the HEMO Study, demographic, case mix, nutrition-related and quality of life (QOL) variables were explored as predictors of SD in 1805 MHD patients. Self-reported SD (in hrs) in the last 24 hrs was assessed annually using questions from the KDQOL instrument. A multinominal logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine whether SD (short 0–6; medium 7–9; or long 10+) was associated with the selected variables and Kt/V and flux randomized assignments in a longitudinal (repeated measures) model. At baseline, mean SD was 7.8±2.4 hrs; 33%, 43% and 24% of subjects were in the short, medium and long sleep groups, respectively. In univariate analysis, dietary protein intake, serum albumin, appetite, and QOL measures (mental component score [MCS] and physical component score [PCS]) were significant predictors of SD. In multivariate analysis, age ( P =0.008), race (White vs. Black) ( P =0.001), appetite on dialysis days (DD) ( P =0.0001), MCS and PCS ( P
Analysis of the dynamics of ciliate-bacterial interactions in a CSTR

Abstract Experimental data in the literature show that in mixed cultures with ciliates, bacteria generally grow on substances produced within the cultures (autochthonous substances). In this paper, we present a mathematical model which accounts for ciliate feeding and bacterial growth on autochthonous nutrients and on nutrients introduced with the medium. The model is analysed for the case of a CSTR containing both ciliates and bacteria. By comparing the model predictions with experimental results, we conclude that processes in addition to those accounted for in the model must occur in actual ciliate-bacterial cultures.
Radiolucencies of the maxilla and mandible

It is not difficult for the experienced clinician to identify a change in the roentgenographic density of bone. It is assumed, o f course, that the sometimes subtle, sometimes conspicuous, alterations associated with variations in normal anatomy can be accurately identified. In some instances this may be difficult and one o f the most critical decisions that must be made is whether an observed change represents an alteration outside the range o f normal. Designating an area as abnormal or pathologic is in itself an important step. O nce having done so, however, it is not enough to say, “ This is a shadow or a radiolucency.” A roentgen­ ogram is only an aid to diagnosis, a twodimensional representation o f a threedimensional region o f alteration in the structure o f bone. It is not suggested that the clinician ever make a final diagnosis from a roentgenogram. A n attempt should be made to consider the processes that may be involved. O ne should ap­ proach a roentgenogram as he does his golf game: as soon as an “ abnormal” drive is observed, one immediately begins thinking about the causative process. One may say “ I see a shadow or a hole or an area of bone which is less dense” but what one should be thinking is, “ by some process, bone has been destroyed.” Once the clinician starts thinking in terms o f processes, he has made his first step toward caring for a patient who has a problem. T he problem is a process, not a “ hole in the bone.” It will be assumed that the roentgeno­ gram of a patient’s mandible reveals a radiolucent area. T he process by which this alteration in structure has occurred will be considered. Having identified the possible processes, the clinician will at­ tempt to understand better the under­ lying pathologic condition that is in­ volved. Some clinical examples will be considered. It is intended that this presentation have significance to the general practi­ tioner. The following classification is a clinical one and will apply to common and frequently encountered clinical di­ agnostic problems; therefore, it cannot be considered complete. One o f the following processes should be considered as the cause o f bone de­ struction when a radiolucency is encoun­ tered: a mechanical one, an inflamma­ tory one, or a noninflammatory cellular process on either a local or a systemic basis.
Sowing wild oats: Valuable experience or a field full of weeds?

In this study, the association was explored between the number of sexual partners individuals had in their lifetimes and martial outcomes. The research objective was to test whether the number of sexual partners was associated with sexual quality, communication, relationship satisfaction, and relationship stability, while controlling for relationship length, education, race, income, age, and religiosity, using the two competing theories of sexual compatibility and sexual restraint. The results, with a sample of 2,654 married individuals, indicated that the number of sexual partners was associated with lower levels of sexual quality, communication, and relationship stability, providing support for the sexual restraint theory. Gender was not significantly associated with the patterns in the model but age cohorts did have different patterns.
Genetic Analysis of Chromosomal Rearrangements in the cyclops Region of the Zebrafish Genome

Genetic screens in zebrafish have provided mutations in hundreds of genes with essential functions in the developing embryo. To investigate the possible uses of chromosomal rearrangements in the analysis of these mutations, we genetically characterized three gamma-ray induced alleles of cyclops (cyc), a gene required for development of midline structures. We show that cyc maps near one end of Linkage Group 12 (LG 12) and that this region is involved in a reciprocal translocation with LG 2 in one gamma-ray induced mutation, cyc(b213). The translocated segments together cover approximately 5% of the genetic map, and we show that this rearrangement is useful for mapping cloned genes that reside in the affected chromosomal regions. The other two alleles, cyc(b16) and cyc(b229), have deletions in the distal region of LG 12. Interestingly, both of these mutations suppress recombination between genetic markers in LG 12, including markers at a distance from the deletion. This observation raises the possibility that these deletions affect a site required for meiotic recombination on the LG 12 chromosome. The cyc(b16) and cyc(b229) mutations may be useful for balancing other lethal mutations located in the distal region of LG 12. These results show that chromosomal rearrangements can provide useful resources for mapping and genetic analyses in zebrafish.
Evidence for a High-Spin Fe(IV) Species in the Catalytic Cycle of a Bacterial Phenylalanine Hydroxylase

Phenylalanine hydroxylase is a mononuclear non-heme iron protein that uses tetrahydropterin as the source of the two electrons needed to activate dioxygen for the hydroxylation of phenylalanine to tyrosine. Rapid-quench methods have been used to analyze the mechanism of a bacterial phenylalanine hydroxylase from Chromobacterium violaceum. Mossbauer spectra of samples prepared by freeze-quenching the reaction of the enzyme−57Fe(II)−phenylalanine−6-methyltetrahydropterin complex with O2 reveal the accumulation of an intermediate at short reaction times (20−100 ms). The Mossbauer parameters of the intermediate (δ = 0.28 mm/s, and |ΔEQ| = 1.26 mm/s) suggest that it is a high-spin Fe(IV) complex similar to those that have previously been detected in the reactions of other mononuclear Fe(II) hydroxylases, including a tetrahydropterin-dependent tyrosine hydroxylase. Analysis of the tyrosine content of acid-quenched samples from similar reactions establishes that the Fe(IV) intermediate is kinetically competent t...
Disgust and Contamination: A Cross-National Comparison of Ghana and the United States

The emotion of disgust, with feelings of revulsion and behavioral withdrawal, make it a prime emotion to aid in the avoidance of sources of contamination, including sources of potential infectious disease. We tested the theory that living in a region with a historically high prevalence of infectious diseases would promote higher levels of disgust and contamination sensitivity as a protective measure. A sample of undergraduates from Ghana (n = 103, 57 women), a country with a historically high prevalence of infectious diseases, showed significantly higher scores on scales assessing disgust, contamination, and disease susceptibility than a sample of undergraduates from the United States (n = 96, 58 women), a country with lower levels of disease threat. Contamination sensitivity mediated the national differences in disgust. Disgust connoting contamination also produced larger cross-national effect sizes than other types of disgust. Finally, a factor analysis on the Ghanaian responses to one of the disgust scales did not resemble the usual three-factor solution found in West. Taken together, the results were consistent with the hypothesis that a region with a higher prevalence of infectious disease threats would produce greater sensitivity to disgust and contamination than seen in lower disease threat regions. This first study on disgust in Africa showed that disgust sensitivity could differ considerably from that in the West.
Making Space for the Citizen in Geographic Education.

Abstract This article argues that we need to reconsider the connection between citizenship and geography. Although geographic education purports to prepare citizens, the possibilities for this relationship have been addressed by few scholars. The study shows that citizenship is situated in places and students’ actions as citizens reinscribe the meaning of these places. Because of this intersection, educators must be attentive to how they teach about places, particularly the ongoing interconnection between place and identity. One of the identities common in the teaching of places is citizenship. Geography instructors need to be thoughtful about their role as citizenship educators.
Business technology complementarities: impacts of the presence and strategic timing of ERP on B2B e-commerce technology efficiencies

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementations have the potential of significantly complementing the use of business-to-business e-commerce technologies. We consider the sources of this complement by drawing on transaction cost economics, and the theory of swift even flow. Analysis of 115 firms shows that perceived transactional efficiencies are greater for B2B e-commerce technologies in the presence of ERP, and are in fact magnified when ERP implementation specifically precedes B2B e-commerce initiatives. These findings imply a distinct system adoption strategy for firms pursuing e-commerce opportunities.
Recent Advances in Rotor Design of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

The following work represents the most recent advances in design and testing of vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT) rotors. VAWTs have received much attention as of late due to proposed advantages in small scale and off grid wind power generation. Thus, many recent works have surfaced involving analysis, design and optimization of VAWT rotors in order to more efficiently convert wind energy to electricity or other readily usable means. This paper is a collection of most of the recent literature works involving VAWT rotor design and testing, the majority of which published after 2005. We discuss research in the designing of various lift based rotors as well as some drag based rotors, hybrids, and various others. The recent work in this area suggests VAWT capacity could dramatically increase in the near future, and play a vital role in obtaining cleaner, more sustainable energy when global energy demand is increasing at an unprecedented rate.HIGHLIGHTS• A review of various works involving rotor design and te...
Level set shape reconstruction algorithm for TE polarization

In this paper, the level set shape reconstruction algorithm is implemented to retrieve multiple perfect conducting objects illuminated by Transverse Electric field (TE) where the magnetic field is parallel to the cylinders' axes. The results show good shape reconstruction for single and double objects.
Reliability of Coordinate Sensor Systems Under the Risk of Sensor Precision Degradations

This paper proposes a system reliability model of coordinate sensor systems used for manufacturing process fault diagnosis. The system working condition is derived based on engineering knowledge and the least squares fault diagnosis algorithm when considering the sensor failure mode of sensor precision degradation. It turns out that the system working conditions are the same as those of the so-called series-weighted- k-out-of-n systems. When applying the existing algorithms for series-weighted-k-out-of-n systems in real manufacturing situation, however, an exponential computational time is needed as the coefficients are not in a discrete scale. In order to overcome this difficulty, a weight interval method is developed in this paper to evaluate the upper bound and lower bound of system reliability efficiently. A case study for an automotive body assembly process is used to demonstrate the developed model and algorithms.
Hardening of High-Fusing Gold Alloys

SYNOPSIS IN INTERLINGUAINDURAMENTO DE ALLIGATOS DE AURO A ELEVATE PUNCTO DE FUSION.—Esseva studiate le effecto indurante producite per le addition systematic de metallos vil (ferro, stanno, e indium) a alligatos de auro e palladium e de auro e platinum. Funditos specimen de iste alligatos esseva subjicite a duo cyclos de tractamento thermal: (1) refrigidation ab 1800 F (= 1060 C) e (2) invetulation ante le frigidation, durante 30 minutas a un serie de temperaturas inter 850 e 1600 F (=450 e 870 C). Le valores de duressa Brinell esseva registrate, e le microstructura esseva studiate post le tractamento thermal. Le addition del metallos vil al alligatos de auro e platinum (sed non de auro e palladium) resultava in un augmento significative del duressa in le condition invetulate. Evidentia de un precipitation o de un formation subgranular esseva obtenite in omne le systemas de auro e platinum in condition hyper-inventulate.
Making a meal of multiple mutations in acute myeloid malignancies.

In the mid-1970s, seven renowned French, American, and British hematologists met to review more than 200 cases of acute leukemia. Although disagreements likely arose during these meetings concerning the relative gastronomic merits of croissants, apple pie, and bangers and mash, the group was able to determine criteria for the subclassification of acute myeloid and lymphoid leukemias. Their report, published in 1976 in the British Journal of Hematology (but without supplemental material in Gourmet), is the basis for the French-American-British (FAB) classification of acute leukemia. This system, used for distinguishing subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) for a quarter of a century, defines various flavors of AML based on the type and extent of tumor-cell differentiation and is quite savory for pathologists, who tend to categorize neoplasms in terms of their differentiation state. Despite being limited by the available utensils, this system was quite prescient, serving up a delectable hors d’oeuvre for what was to follow. Numerous subsequent studies have shown, not surprisingly, that the clinical course of patients with AML correlates with mutations present in specific subsets of AML. For instance, those leukemias with translocations involving the core binding factor genes RUNX1 and CBFB are associated with a relatively good prognosis, whereas tumors with complex karyotypic abnormalities and monosomies, especially of chromosome 7, are associated with poor patient outcome. The realization that clinical outcome of patients with AML is associated with specific mutations led to the notion that AML is not a single disease entity, but is rather a smorgasbord of myeloid neoplasms, each with distinct pathogenesis and clinical behavior.
A generalized Remez multiple exchange algorithm for complex FIR filter design

This paper presents a generalization of Remez multiple exchange algorithm for designing optimal complex finite impulse response (FIR) filters with the Chebyshev (minimax) error criterion. Methods for implementing the two fundamental steps of Remez multiple exchange algorithm in the complex case are proposed. Specifically, it is shown that generalization of the first step, which involves solving a complex Chebyshev approximation subproblem over a set of guessed extremal points, can be implemented by solving a maximization problem with simple bound constraints using Newton's method. In addition, generalization of the second step, which involves finding a new set of guessed extremal points, can be realized by use of a simple exchange rule derived from the concept of extremal signature. >
Regulation of Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptors and Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Axis Responsiveness During Cold Stress

The relationship between pituitary corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) receptor changes and corticotrope responsiveness was studied during chronic cold stress. Exposure of rats to 4°C caused a gradual increase in plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), reaching 3-fold over the basal levels by 6 h (P< 0.005), followed by a reduction to levels only 1.3-fold over basal by 60 h. Plasma corticosterone was significantly increased after 1 h (P<0.005) and remained elevated for up to the 60 h cold exposure (P < 0.005). No significant changes in plasma thyroid-stimulating hormone, prolactin, growth hormone or vasopressin were observed at 60 h of cold exposure. CRH receptor concentration in the anterior pituitary was unchanged after 18 or 60 h cold stress, whereas in neurointermediate lobe membranes was markedly elevated. Autoradiographic analysis of pituitary CRH receptors confirmed that the increase in CRH binding was confined to the intermediate pituitary. CRH receptor levels in membranes from two brain areas, frontal cortex and amygdala, were unchanged following 60 h cold stress. The areas under the curve for the plasma ACTH and corticosterone levels following an injection of 10μg/kg ovine CRH in conscious rats, were of similar magnitude in control and 60 h cold exposed rats. Plasma ACTH responses to ether stress were significantly higher in rats exposed to cold for 60 h than in controls. In the intermediate pituitary, basal s-endorphin/lipotropin release from isolated intermediate pituitary cells was significantly lower in cold stressed rats, and despite the increase in CRH receptors CRH-stimulated values were not higher than in controls. Following 60 h cold exposure, immunoreactive CRH content was decreased in neurointermediate pituitary extracts, while it was slightly increased in the median eminence. Exposure to ether for 5 min resulted in a significant decrease in immunoreactive CRH in the median eminence of cold stressed rats, but not in the controls. The data show a lack of correlation between changes in CRH receptor levels and responsiveness of the corticotrope in the anterior and intermediate pituitary lobes. This suggests that postreceptor events and interaction of CRH with other regulators of ACTH secretion are more likely to account for the changes in pituitary responsiveness during chronic stress.
The α3 Isoform Protein of the Na+,K+-ATPase Is Associated With the Sites of Cardiac and Neuromuscular Impulse Transmission

The alpha (catalytic) subunit of the Na+ pump (Na+, K(+)-ATPase) has three isoforms; alpha1 is ubiquitous, skeletal muscle expresses predominantly alpha2, and alpha3 has been localized to specific types of neurons and, possibly, to axonal processes. The alpha3 isoform mRNA is also expressed in the rat cardiac conduction system. Thus, we studied rat heart and quadriceps muscles by immunohistochemistry using isoform-specific antibodies to the Na+ pump alpha subunit and labeled alpha-bungarotoxin as a probe for the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). We found that alpha3 pump protein is localized to three sites important for impulse transmission: the junctional complex between cardiac myocytes, the heart conduction system, and the NMJ. Specifically, all levels of the conduction system expressed alpha3 immunoreactive protein, as assessed by two isoform-specific antibodies and histological conduction system markers. Specific expression at the junctional complex was confirmed by immuno-EM. Double-labeling and denervation analysis indicated that alpha3-positive areas in skeletal muscle were presynaptic and adjacent to postsynaptic bungarotoxin-positive regions, which had the classic morphology of NMJs. Thus, specific Na+,K(+)-ATPase pump isoforms may be adapted to maintenance of membrane potential and/or intracellular ion concentrations required for impulse transmission in both heart and presynaptic motor terminals contacting skeletal muscle.
Software Reuse: Research and Practice

It has been more than three decades since the idea of software reuse was proposed. Many success stories have been told, yet it is believed that software reuse is still in the development phase and has not reached its full potential. How far are we with software reuse research and practice? This paper is an attempt to answer this question
Changes in plasma concentrations of thyroid-stimulating hormone during pregnancy in rats.

SummaryA diurnal pattern of changes in plasma TSH concentrations was found throughout pregnancy in rats. TSH levels (~400 ng/ml) were highest at 0200 hr and 0600 hr and lowest (~240 ng/ml) at 1500 hr. The diurnal pattern in TSH levels changed between the first and second halves of gestation. Whereas TSH levels declined to basal levels by 0900 hr (X ~ 240 ng/ml) from Days 2 to 10, they remained high at 0900 hr (X ~ 400 ng/ml) from Days 13 to 22. The temporal correlation between the nocturnal secretion of TSH and PRL in the pregnant rat was discussed. Finally, a large increase in plasma TSH (X = 682 ng/ml) occurred 2-4 hr postpartum. This postpartum rise in hormone concentration appeared to result from pup-induced stimuli, i.e., suckling.
Introducing networking and distributed systems concepts in an undergraduate-accessible wireless sensor networks course

The field of wireless sensor networks is growing rapidly and there is increasing interest in providing students with a foundation in the area. Curriculum in the field, however, is fairly limited and most courses reach only advanced graduate students. Undergraduate students typically lack the background, for example in distributed systems and networking, to digest the topics and assignments of a standard wireless sensor networks course. In this work, we present our approach to teaching wireless sensor networks to undergraduates and introductory graduate students. We discuss a unique, integrated approach to introducing relevant distributed systems and networking concepts in the context of wireless sensor networking applications. The course provides students who have never previously implemented a networked application with the necessary background to implement sensing applications on the Java SunSPOT sensor. It also provides a structured introduction to prerequisite concepts, such as distributed coordination algorithms, so that students can read and understand research papers. Our experience suggests that there is ample opportunity to expand curricula in sensor networking and reach a broader population of students.
Multiple Biomarkers for Risk Prediction in Chronic Heart Failure

Background— Prior studies have suggested using a panel of biomarkers that measure diverse biological processes as a prognostic tool in chronic heart failure. Whether this approach improves risk prediction beyond clinical evaluation is unknown. Methods and Results— In a multicenter cohort of 1513 chronic systolic heart failure patients, we measured a contemporary biomarker panel consisting of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, myeloperoxidase, B-type natriuretic peptide, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor-1, troponin I, soluble toll-like receptor-2, creatinine, and uric acid. From this panel, we calculated a parsimonious multimarker score and assessed its performance in predicting risk of death, cardiac transplantation, or ventricular assist device placement in comparison to an established clinical risk score, the Seattle Heart Failure Model (SHFM). During a median follow-up of 2.5 years, there were 317 outcomes: 187 patients died; 99 were transplanted; and 31 had a ventricular assist device placed. In unadjusted Cox models, patients in the highest tertile of the multimarker score had a 13.7-fold increased risk of adverse outcomes compared with the lowest tertile (95% confidence interval, 8.75–21.5). These effects were independent of the SHFM (adjusted hazard ratio, 6.80; 95% confidence interval, 4.18–11.1). Addition of the multimarker score to the SHFM led to a significantly improved area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.803 versus 0.756 ( P =0.003) and appropriately reclassified a significant number of patients who had the outcome into a higher risk category (net reclassification improvement, 25.2%; 95% confidence interval, 14.2–36.2%; P <0.001). Conclusions— In ambulatory chronic heart failure patients, a score derived from multiple biomarkers integrating diverse biological pathways substantially improves prediction of adverse events beyond current metrics.
Tailored drug release from biodegradable stent coatings based on hybrid polyurethanes

Highly adjustable and precisely controllable drug release from a biodegradable stent coating was achieved using a unique family of nanostructured hybrid polyurethanes. These polyurethanes are polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane thermoplastic polyurethanes (POSS TPUs) featuring alternating multiblock structures formed by nanostructured hard segments of POSS and biodegradable soft segments of a polylactide/caprolactone copolymer (P(DLLA-co-CL)) incorporating polyethylene glycol (PEG) covalently. POSS aggregated to form crystals serving as physical crosslinks on the nanometer scale, while the soft segments were designed carefully to modulate the drug release rate from the POSS TPU stent coatings in PBS buffer solution, with 90% of the drug releasing from within half a day to about 90 days. In order to interpret the underlying drug release mechanisms, an approximation model capable of describing the entire drug release process was developed. This model is based on Fickian diffusional transport, but also takes into account the polymer degradation and/or swelling of the coating, depending on the dominance of the degradation/swelling behavior compared to that of the diffusion characteristics. A general methodology was utilized for statistically fitting the drug release curves from the POSS TPU stent coatings using the model. We observed that the fitted initial drug release diffusion coefficient covered more than three orders of magnitude, depending on the polymer glass transition temperature (T(g)), according to a modified Williams-Landel-Ferry (WLF) equation. In addition, two additional rate constants describing the impact of degradation and swelling on drug elution were determined and found to be consistent with independent measurements. Our results clearly show that the studied hybrid polyurethane family allows a drug release rate that is effectively manipulated through variation in polymer T(g), degradation rate, and thickness increment rate.
An electronically controlled semiconductor laser phased array

A two-element laser phased array is implemented where two commercially available DFB lasers are phase locked to a reference laser using two heterodyne Electro-Optical Phase Locked Loops (EOPLL) with integrated CMOS electronics. Integrated frequency aided acquisition system increases the acquisition range of EOPLLs from 8 MHz to 980 MHz, improving the phase locking performance in presence of environment fluctuations. The phase of each laser is controlled by phase shifting of the radio frequency signal outside the PLLs, eliminating optical phase shifters. An external feedback loop using a voltage controlled oscillator is realized to compensate for the relative phase fluctuations between the output of locked lasers at the point of beam combining. By electronically adjusting the relative phase between lasers, beam steering over more than 1 mrad at the far field (corresponding to 1 mm beam spot displacement at one meter away from the phased array emitters) has been demonstrated. Use of integrated electronics enables realization of laser phased arrays with large number of elements.