cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
13 Plasma 17-Ketosteroid Levels During Adolescence

To study adrenal maturation at adolescence, pooled blood was collected from prepubertal males, age 6–9 years, and from pubertal boys, age 12–14 years. Plasma steroid sulfates were extracted in the form of methyl green salts, which were solvolyzed and then successively subjected to purification by means of the Girard T-reagent, digitonin, thin-layer chromatography, and gas-liquid chromatography (free steroid, acetate, trimethylsilyl ether) on the phases SE-52 and QF-1. In the 6–9 year-old pool the level of androsterone sulfate (AS), corrected for 80 % recovery, was 8.6 μg%; and of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHAS), corrected for 65% recovery, 13.5 μg%. In the 12–14 year-old male pool the level of AS was 56.7 μg % and of DHAS 80.3 μg %. In adult males, studied for comparison, plasma levels of AS were 40–53 μg % and of DHAS 89–209 μg%. No etiocholanolone sulfate or free 17-ketosteroid was detected. The dramatic rise of plasma DHAS and AS during adolescence appears to occur simultaneously wih beginning testicular maturation. Since ACTH secretion is not known to change at the time of adolescence, these observations suggest that beginning adrenal production of DHAS at this age is not directly related to ACTH stimulation, but rather that it is promoted by some other trophic factor. (SPR)
Another look at sonic thermometry

In this note we reassess the role of sonic thermometry in boundary-layer studies. The sonic temperature signal, when corrected for crosswind velocity contamination, very closely approximates the virtual temperature of air. This variable is needed for many boundary-layer calculations. We describe preliminary tests with a new sonic anemometer-thermometer that performs the velocity correction in real time. Our test results offer new insights into the nature of the velocity error on temperature standard deviations and fluxes. They also draw attention to the high noise threshold that appears as an f +1 rise in the fS(f) spectrum when spectral levels drop below 10-4 °C2.
Challenges in capturing oxygenase activity in vitro

Biocatalysis using oxygenase or desaturase enzymes has the potential to add value to native fats and oils by adding oxygen, hydroxyl groups, or double bonds to create regio- and/or stereospecific products. These enzymes are a subset of the large class of oxidoreductase enzymes (from EC subgroups 1.13 and 1.14) involved with biological oxidation and reduction. In vitro biocatalytic processing using these enzymes is hampered by the high cost of the stoichiometric cofactors. This article reviews recent progress in developing in vitro redox enzyme biocatalysis for commercial-scale syntheses. Coenzyme recycling and electrochemical redox cycling as methods for cofactor regeneration are described and commercial applications indicated. Direct charge transfer without use of mediators is described as the cleanest way of introducing the reducing power into the catalytic cycle. Our electrochemically driven cytochrome P450cam bioreactor is discussed as an example of direct charge transfer to a redox protein. Site-directed mutagenesis in the active site of the P450cam monooxygenase greatly improved performance for the conversion of the nonnative substrate, styrene to styrene oxide. This epoxidation reaction was also shown to give a single product (styrene oxide) in the bioelectrochemical reactor when the diatomic oxygen co-substrate was managed properly.
Light-weight key distribution and management for Advanced Metering Infrastructure

Electricity grids must cope with rising demand and complexity in a changing world. Smart grid is a promising solution to address these challenges. Recently, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is proposed as an integral part of the smart grid that collect and analyze the measurements of energy consumption using the communication network that links the smart meters. The cyber security issues in AMI become very important to guarantee the trustworthiness of the AMI. In order to achieve data confidentiality, privacy and authentication in AMI, security measures using various crypto algorithms will be needed, thus demand key distribution and management schemes. Since the number of electric appliances and devices need to be monitored in households and commercial facilities is large and the devices may have limited computational power and storage, thus novel key distribution and management schemes would be indispensable for the success of securing AMI from cyber attacks. In this work, we propose a light-weight key distribution and management scheme tailored to AMI. Specifically, a group ID based mechanism is proposed to establish the keys for a large amount of entities with small overhead. Security analysis is performed to evaluate the proposed method.
Perturbation theory for open shell systems

Abstract Two new forms of perturbation theory are presented that are applicable to open shell systems. They are based entirely on the restricted open shell Hartree-Fock formalism and can be used on the lowest energy of a given symmetry at that geometry. The methods are compared with other approaches and some test cases are presented.
Functional ranges of motion of the wrist joint

We have examined 40 normal subjects (20 men and 20 women) to determine the ideal range of motion required to perform activities of daily living. The amount of wrist flexion and extension, as well as radial and ulnar deviation, was measured simultaneously by means of a biaxial wrist electrogoniometer. The entire battery of evaluated tasks could be achieved with 60 degrees of extension, 54 degrees of flexion, 40 degrees of ulnar deviation, and 17 degrees of radial deviation, which reflects the maximum wrist motion required for daily activities. The majority of the hand placement and range of motion tasks that were studied in this project could be accomplished with 70 percent of the maximal range of wrist motion. This converts to 40 degrees each of wrist flexion and extension, and 40 degrees of combined radial-ulnar deviation. This study provides normal standards for the functional range of motion of the wrist.
Teaching Students How to Do Research on a Shoestring Budget

Abstract Graduate education in gerontology would do well to include strategies that can be used to conduct a successful research program without significant external grant funding. Many of our students will work in academic contexts where their research is an expected part of the job, but resources for conducting research are minimal. Many data sets from previous research are currently available from the Internet at little or no expense. These can easily become the basis for in-depth interviews, which can make a significant contribution to knowledge and at the same time allow the researcher to do valuable research without substantial outside research funding. Utilizing existing data sets and conducting in-depth interviews research keep costs to a minimum while allowing students the opportunity to expand their research experience.
Impact of histology on survival in retroperitoneal sarcomas

Abstract Background The current American Joint Committee on Cancer AJCC staging system applies to all soft-tissue sarcomas and does not allow for consideration of many features unique to retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPSs). The aim of this study was to analyze factors predictive of recurrence and survival for patients with resected RPSs. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with primary RPS who underwent resection. A 3-tiered histological classification was examined: atypical lipomatous tumors (ALTs), non-ALT liposarcomas (LPSs), and other. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated with differences in disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) among groups. Results Sixty RPS patients were analyzed: 16 patients (27%) had ALTs, 7 patients (12%) had LPSs, and 37 patients (62%) had other histologies. A comparison of the 3 groups showed a significant difference in OS among groups ( P P = .06) but were not associated with decreased OS when compared with low-grade tumors ( P = .86). Conclusions These findings support an alternative staging system for RPS, inclusive of histology, which may prove useful in operative planning and prognostication.
LIS1 missense mutations cause milder lissencephaly phenotypes including a child with normal IQ

Background: Classical lissencephaly is a disorder of neuroblast migration with most patients having mutations of either the LIS1 or DCX genes. Most patients with lissencephaly secondary to LIS1 mutations have a severe malformation consisting of generalized agyria and pachygyria. However, increasing experience suggests that the phenotypic spectrum is wider than previously thought. Methods: The authors describe the clinical and imaging features and mutation data of the five known patients with missense mutations of the LIS1 gene and emphasize one patient with normal intelligence. Results: Patients with a missense mutation of the LIS1 gene have a wider and milder spectrum of cortical malformations and clinical sequelae compared with patients with other mutation types. Conclusion: Milder and more variable phenotypes seen in patients with missense mutations of LIS1 are likely a consequence of suboptimal function of the mutant LIS1 protein, rather than complete loss of function of this protein. The authors suggest that the few patients found thus far with missense mutations of LIS1 results from an underascertainment of patients with more subtle malformations and that abnormalities of the LIS1 gene may account for a greater spectrum of neurologic problems in childhood than has previously been appreciated.
LHRH-Induced facilitation of [3H]inositol phosphate formation in hippocampal slices

Abstract Stimulation of inositol phosphate accumulation in response to LHRH was studied in hippocampal slices. Incubation of myo-[3H]inositol-labeled slices with LHRH (10 nM) resulted in a marked increase in total inositol phosphates measured in the presence of lithium. The most consistent increase occurred in the IP2 fraction. A behaviorally active fragment [Ac-LHRH5–10] also caused an increase in IP accumulation. [Ac-3Pro1,4F- d -Phe2, d -Trp3,6]-LHRH, a potent LHRH antagonist, effectively blocked LHRH-induced IP accumulation but was unable to block the effects of Ac-LHRH5–l0. These data suggest that LHRH receptors in the hippocampus, like those in the pituitary, are coupled with phospholipase C activation and in addition suggest that more than one form of the receptor may be present in the rat hippocampus.
Time domain transmission line dielectric probe for detection of biomolecular interactions

A probe was developed to detect biomolecular binding events on a substrate in the microwave regime in real time and without labels. The probe consists of a coplanar transmission line fabricated on a glass slide that can detect dielectric changes in close proximity of the substrate-liquid interface. The probe behavior was evaluated by adsorbing polyelectrolyte monolayers of alternating charge. Biomolecular detection was demonstrated by immobilizing protein A on the glass surface and detecting rabbit IgG molecules in a flow channel. The sensitivity of the probe was conservatively estimated to be ~100 pg/mm 2 .
Inequality relation involving the longitudinal correlation function of isotropic homogeneous fluid turbulence.

An upper bound on the magnitude of the inertial-transfer term in the von K\'arm\'an--Howarth equation, and hence an inequality relation involving the longitudinal correlation function f, is derived here by employing the experimentally established property of local Gaussianity in fourth order, 〈[${u}_{1}$(x\ensuremath{\rightarrow},t${)]}^{4}$〉=3〈[${u}_{1}$ (x\ensuremath{\rightarrow},t${)]}^{2}$${〉}^{2}$, for the fluid velocity u\ensuremath{\rightarrow}(x\ensuremath{\rightarrow},t) in isotropic homogeneous turbulence. It is shown that the Ling-Huang empirical forms for weak turbulence, 〈[${u}_{1}$(x\ensuremath{\rightarrow},t${)}^{2}$〉=${a}^{2}$${t}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}2}$, f=[1+(10\ensuremath{\nu}t${)}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$${r}^{2}$${]}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ with a,\ensuremath{\nu} const, are admissible dynamically for (\ensuremath{\nu}t${)}^{1/2}$\ensuremath{\le}12.14a as a consequence of the inequality relation, and thus the Ling-Huang forms cannot remain valid throughout the entire final period of decay.
Dynamics of arrestin-rhodopsin interactions: arrestin and retinal release are directly linked events.

In this study, we address the mechanism of visual arrestin release from light-activated rhodopsin using fluorescently labeled arrestin mutants. We find that two mutants, I72C and S251C, when labeled with the small, solvent-sensitive fluorophore monobromobimane, exhibit spectral changes only upon binding light-activated, phosphorylated rhodopsin. Our analysis indicates that these changes are probably due to a burying of the probes at these sites in the rhodopsin-arrestin or phospholipid-arrestin interface. Using a fluorescence approach based on this observation, we demonstrate that arrestin and retinal release are linked and are described by similar activation energies. However, at physiological temperatures, we find that arrestin slows the rate of retinal release ∼2-fold and abolishes the pH dependence of retinal release. Using fluorescence, EPR, and biochemical approaches, we also find intriguing evidence that arrestin binds to a post-Meta II photodecay product, possibly Meta III. We speculate that arrestin regulates levels of free retinal in the rod cell to help limit the formation of damaging oxidative retinal adducts. Such adducts may contribute to diseases like atrophic age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Thus, arrestin may serve to both attenuate rhodopsin signaling and protect the cell from excessive retinal levels under bright light conditions.
The Nonuniform Hard-Rod Fluid Revisited

The statistical mechanics of the one-dimensional nonuniform pure hard-core fluid is formulated in the spirit of the Reiss-Frisch-Lebowitz (RFL) scaled particle theory. By emphasizing the importance of the core dependence, a more intuitive and simpler derivation can be given. The Wiener-Hopf-type construction of the pair direct correlation function is formulated via the Dyson variational method of inverse scattering theory, which is compared with the particle-hole theory. The new approach allows us to lift the global free energy functional into a larger space where all the symmetries become apparent.
Correlation effects in hopping conductivity.

We introduce an alternative mapping of the hopping problem onto a random resistor network, which takes into account correlations among the occupation probabilities of different sites. The effect of correlations on the low-temperature conductivity of one-dimensional chains in the nearest-neighbor and variable-range-hopping cases is investigated by approximation of the network conductances by the critical conductance at the percolation threshold. Correlation effects are found to lead to increased activation energies and a mesoscopic behavior which is much closer to experimental data than that predicted by mean-field theory.
The Future of Business School Scholarship: An Empirical Assessment of the Boyer Framework by U.S. Deans.

Abstract This study investigated scholarship, as conceptualized within the Boyer framework, in business education. U.S. business school deans were surveyed on their perceptions of the future importance of Boyer's framework with regard to scholarship in teaching, application, and discovery. Significant differences were found among the deans' perceptions of the importance of these various scholarships according to school AACSB accreditation, public or private status, size, and whether or not the institution granted doctoral degrees.
The formation of clusters during large sputtering events

We present the results of simulations of cluster formation during Ar^+ → In-Ga (liquid) sputtering events. We find that the indium concentration in small k-atom clusters (k ≤ 4) reflects the concentration in the target at the depth from which the clusters were sputtered. We find a strong correlation between the production of clusters and the size of the events responsible for their production. A simple model for the recombination of uncorrelated emissions into small clusters accurately predicts the production of small k-clusters during events of size N to be Y_k(N) ∼ N_k. However, this uncorrelated recombination model does not predict the proper energy spectra for clusters nor does it predict the oft experimentally observed power law decay of the yield of clusters. We discuss how a model for the recombination of correlated emissions may more readily explain these features.
Cytoplasmic Incorporation of a Ribonucleic Acid Precursor in Amoeba proteus

The question of RNA synthesis in enucleate cytoplasm of Amoeba has been approached experimentally by incubating enucleate amoebae in a labelled RNA precursor and determining the incorporation into RNA autoradiographically. The results indicate that there is a cytoplasmic incorporation mechanism which can operate in the absence of the nucleus. A comparison is made between Acetabularia and Amoeba with respect to the origins of cytoplasmic RNA. It is concluded that the existing data are consistent with the assumption that some cytoplasmic RNA is of nuclear origin in both organisms.
Wetting characteristics of poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) single fibers and their adhesion to epoxy

Abstract the circumferential dimension of poly( p -phenylene terephthalamide) (PPTA), or Kevlar 49, single fibers and their wetting behavior and adhesion properties with an epoxy resin were evaluated. A tensiometer employing the Wilhelmy principle was described for fiber size and wetting force measurements. For the fine PPTA fibers, the fiber size could be most consistently measured by the wetting force profiling along the fiber axis in a total wetting liquid. The wetting characteristics of Kevlar 49 fibers in stepwise steady-state wetting, dynamic wetting, and multiple immersions in water and in an epoxy resin were detailed. Argon glow discharge significantly improved water wettability of the Kevlar 49 fibers but lowered their wettability in the epoxy resin. The observation on wettability in water and resin and the effects of glow discharge on wettability suggested that the polar nature of the Kevlar fiber surface may be a dominant factor in determining its wettability in these liquids. Upon argon glow discharge, the resin wettability of the Kevlar 49 fiber and the interfacial shear strength between the fiber and the epoxy were both lowered.
670: Obstructive sleep apnea in pregnancy: perinatal outcomes

were associated with increasing BMI. In the multivariate logistic regression, obese and morbidly obese women were 6 times more likely to develop hypertension, 4 times more likely to develop diabetes, and 2-4 times more likely to require a cesarean. Overweight women were at 1.5-1.8 times more likely to have these complications (Table). CONCLUSION: Pre-pregnancy increased BMI is a known risk factor for multiple pregnancy complications. Overweight and obese nulliparous patients may be at even higher risk than previously thought for significant complications such as hypertension, diabetes, and cesarean delivery. Effective interventions to reduce BMI before pregnancy, even in overweight women, are needed to decrease pregnancy-associated complications.
Self-assembled ferromagnetic cobalt/yttria-stabilized zirconia nanocomposites for ultrahigh density storage applications

We report on a low-cost, innovative approach for synthesizing prepatterned, magnetic nanostructures, the shapes and dimensions of which can be easily tuned to meet requirements for next-generation data storage technology. The magnetic nanostructures consist of self-assembled Co nanodots and nanowires embedded in yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) matrices. The controllable size and aspect ratio of the nanostructures allows the selection of morphologies ranging from nanodots to nanowires. Co nanowires show strong shape anisotropy and large remanence at 300 K. In contrast, Co nanodots display minimal effects of magnetocrystalline anisotropy and superparamagnetic relaxation above the blocking temperature. These prepatterned magnetic nanostructures are very promising candidates for data storage technology with an ultrahigh density of 1 terabit in 2 or higher. S Online supplementary data available from stacks.iop.org/Nano/23/155602/mmedia (Some figures may appear in colour only in the online journal)
Comparison of wild-type and Reg 1 mutant saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolic levels during glucose and galactose metabolism using 31P NMR.

The reg 1 mutation will allow the expression of a cloned gene on a plasmid under the control of a GAL promoter in the presence of glucose. The metabolism of wild-type and reg l mutant strains was examined by in vivo 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Transient profiles of glucose 6-phosphate, fructose 6-phosphate, fructose 1, 6-diphosphate, and 3-phosphoglycerate indicated that glucose was processed differently for the reg 1 strain despite similar cytoplasrnic pH values and ATP levels. Intracellular phosphate became depleted in the transition to quasi-steady state and limited glycolysis in the reg 1 strain. The glucose uptake step or hexokinase step appears to be altered in the reg 1 strain. The reg 1 strain utilized galactose faster than the wild-type strain under the conditions used for NMR analysis. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the REG 1 product operates early in the regulatory circuitry for glucose repression. This study illustrates the usefulness of transient information provided by NMR in understanding changes in the metabolism of genetically manipulated organisms.
Enhancing the Perceived Self-Relevance of Technology to Influence Attitudes and Information Retention:

Based on existing theory and research, it was proposed that reactions to novel technologies are substantially shaped by factors that influence their apparent fit with individuals' self-conceptions....
The Effect of Sea Level, Climate, and Shelf Physiography on the Development of Incised-Valley Complexes: A Modern Example From the East China Sea

ABSTRACT Analysis of high-resolution seismic reflection and sonar data from the East China Sea (ECS) continental shelf reveals the presence of an extremely broad (> 330 km) and deep (maximum incision of 72 m) incised-valley complex whose development and subsequent fill is constrained to the end of the last glacial cycle ( 20,000 yr BP to present). Results from this study indicate that sea-level change, climate-controlled discharge and sediment supply, and shelf physiography were important factors in the development and subsequent fill of the ECS incised- valley complex. For example, wet climatic conditions during the initial Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage (MIS) 2 fall of sea level promoted fluvial erosion of the exposed shelf. However, the trend toward drier conditions during the MIS 2 fall of sea level slowed the overall development of the incised-valley complex to the point where only minor incision occurred during the maximum lowstand. Furthermore, the low-gradient morphology of the exposed outer shelf diminished the ability of fluvial systems to incise. Instead, fluvial systems migrated laterally, creating a shallow ( 300 km) incised-valley system on the outer shelf. During the late MIS 2 rise of sea level, accommodation was generated within the flooded reaches of the valley complex. However, arid climatic conditions that prevailed at this time resulted in minor sediment delivery to the transgressive shoreline via the incised-valley complex. Thus, the upper part of the drowned lowstand fluvial deposits were exposed at the sea floor and reworked into a valley-wide tidal-bar and tidal sheet complex. Wetter climatic conditions during middle to late MIS 1 resulted in abundant sediment delivery to the drowned parts of the valley complex (estuary) and buried lowstand fluvial deposits below the depth of tidal ravinement, where they remained undisturbed. Current sequence stratigraphic models can be applied to the late Quaternary stratigraphic secession of the ECS. However, these models are too simplistic because they rely largely on rates and directions of sea-level change to explain stratal architectures. Although the extent and rate of sea-level change is extremely important, this study shows that high-frequency climate change and shelf physiography also play important roles in the development of stratigraphic architectures. These factors are particularly important for the development of incised valleys, where they directly influence incised-valley morphology and facies distributions.
Clutch Size in the Tropical Scincid Lizard Emoia sanfordi, a Species Endemic to the Vanuatu Archipelago

The majority of species in the scincid genus Emoia (Squamata: Scincidae) have a fixed clutch size of two eggs per clutch and produce between two and four clutches per year. One lineage within Emoia, the Emoia samoensis species group, consists of 13 species occurring in Melanesia and the islands of the southwestern Pacific Ocean, and exhibits variation in clutch size, with previously reported clutch sizes of two to five eggs. Little is known about reproduction in several members of this lineage including Emoia sanfordi, a large-bodied lizard endemic to the archipelago of Vanuatu in the South Pacific. We analyzed reproduction and clutch size in E. sanfordi females and discovered that there is a substantial amount of intraspecific variation, with clutch size ranging from two to seven eggs, with a modal clutch size of five eggs. Females were reproductively active throughout the study period of June through October and appear to be laying multiple clutches. The variation in clutch size seen in E. sanfordi is congruent with the variation previously reported within other closely related species.
Intranasal inoculation with the olfactory bulb line variant of mouse hepatitis virus causes extensive destruction of the olfactory bulb and accelerated turnover of neurons in the olfactory epithelium of mice.

Viral upper respiratory infections are the most common cause of clinical olfactory dysfunction, but the pathogenesis of dysosmia after viral infection is poorly understood. Biopsies of the olfactory mucosa in patients that complain of dysosmia after viral infection fall into two categories: one in which no olfactory epithelium is seen and another in which the epithelium is disordered and populated mainly by immature neurons. We have used intranasal inoculation with an olfactory bulb line variant of MHV to study the consequences of viral infection on peripheral olfactory structures. MHV OBLV has little direct effect on the olfactory epithelium, but causes extensive spongiotic degeneration and destruction of mitral cells and interneurons in the olfactory bulb such that the axonal projection from the bulb via the lateral olfactory tract is markedly reduced. Moreover, surviving mitral cells apparently remain disconnected from the sensory neuron input to the glomerular layer, judging from retrograde labeling studies using Dil. The damage to the bulb indirectly causes a persistent, long-term increase in the turnover of sensory neurons in the epithelium, i.e. the relative proportion of immature to mature sensory neurons and the rate of basal cell proliferation both increase. The changes that develop after inoculation with MHV OBLV closely resemble the disordering of the olfactory epithelium in some patient biopsies. Thus, damage to the olfactory nerve or bulb may contribute to a form of post-viral olfactory dysfunction and MHV OBLV is a useful model for studying the pathogenesis of this form of dysosmia.
Viral pharmacodynamic model for (-)-β-2',3'-dideoxy- 5-fluoro-3'-thiacytidine (emtricitabine) in chronically infected woodchucks

There is a need for adequate models of virus depletion in animals and humans as a function of drug dose in order to plan starting dose regimens in the clinic for new antiretroviral nucleoside agents. An indirect response pharmacodynamic model was fitted to link the plasma pharmacokinetics from a 28 day treatment with the nucleoside reverse transcription inhibitor emtricitabine [(-)-FTC], with the resulting virus depletion and recovery profiles in woodchucks chronically infected with woodchuck hepatitis B virus. In this approach it is assumed that the virus is eliminated from serum in a first order fashion and that the fraction of serum virus load produced per day is inhibited by the accumulation of nucleoside triphosphate in a manner that could be described using a Hill equation. Nadir virus load values were inversely related to pretreatment virus load levels within each dose group. A median inhibitory concentration value of 1.5 microM for (-)-FTC triphosphate, previously measured against the isolated viral polymerase of woodchuck hepatitis, was used in model fitting. The fitted value for concentration exponent eta of 3.46 indicated a greater than linear sensitivity of virus inhibition with dose. Since the post-treatment virus rebound was much greater than predictions of an initial model, a dose-dependent rebound factor was incorporated in the final model. The rebound factor was maximal at the end of (-)-FTC treatment and decayed mono-exponentially with a rate constant Kreb of 0.11/day. The model inferred decay half-life of (-)-FTC triphosphate in the apparent 'effect compartment' of the model was similar to the half-life value previously estimated for human hepatitis B virus-infected hepatocytes. The model described adequately the virus depletion and recovery profiles for the dose range tested and could be adapted for the selection of starting doses for future animal and human studies with emtricitabine and other nucleoside analogues in development.
Determining Hysteresis Thresholds for Edge Detection by Combining the Advantages and Disadvantages of Thresholding Methods

Hysteresis is an important technique for edge detection, but the unsupervised determination of its parameters is not an easy problem. In this paper, we propose a method for unsupervised determination of hysteresis thresholds using the advantages and disadvantages of two thresholding methods. The basic idea of our method is to look for the best hysteresis thresholds in a set of candidates. First, the method finds a subset and a overset of the unknown edge points set. Then, it determines the best edge map with the measure ?2. Compared with a general method to determine the parameters of an edge detector, our method performs well and is less computationally complex. The basic idea of our method can be generalized to other pattern recognition problems.
Manipulator path planning in unknown environments using model based planners: Conversion criteria and IPA sensor implementation

Path planning in unknown environments such as Mars or underwater are not only challenging but also daunting tasks. While significant advances are made for mobile platforms, manipulator motion planning in unknown environments still falls short of full fledged solutions due to the uncertainty and complexity of higher order configuration spaces. Most feasible solutions proposed so far are either modeling unknown environments in realtime or applying randomized model based planners with sensitive skin type sensors. Although solving unknown environment planning problems with randomized model based approaches seems very promising, no systematic study has been reported as to how to adopt model based planners into the sensor based problem domain effectively. In this paper, we study the adoption issues of model based planners to tackle sensor based planning problems, and hence provide conversion guidelines from one to other problem domain. In addition, we discuss the range effect of the sensitive skin type sensor, IPA, for on-line planning in unknown environments. Some experimental results in an unknown environment are presented in the paper as well.
Research progress on human settlement evolution

Human settlement is a general term used for a temporary or permanent living space of human beings.It is also the place where human activities have most severe effects on the natural environment,hence the focus of academic studies.In this article we reviewed the development of human settlement research and summarized theories and methods on human settlement evolution at home and abroad.We discussed the research progress on data platform monitoring the dynamic changes,indicator system evaluating evolutional trends,key influence factors and mechanisms,and integrated simulation models.Generally speaking,the concept,content,influence factors,and evolutional mechanisms have not been clearly understood yet.Overseas researches are using modern geographic approaches and modeling methods to generate insights into the dynamic changes of human settlements.They also introduced integrated researches from geography,urban planning,sociology and ecology into the mechanism studies.However,the focus of Chinese researches is mainly the evaluation of human settlement;there is little research on the evolutional mechanism of human settlement.We suggested that more inter-discipline collaborations,integrated databases,modern analytical approaches,and modeling methods are needed in this research realm.We pointed out that the regions undergoing rapid urbanization in China are experiencing drastic environmental and social changes and are worth studying.
Extending symmetric variable-pair transitivities using state-space transformations

Detecting the symmetries of a Boolean function can lead to simpler implementations both at the hardware and software level. Large clusters of mutually symmetric variables are more advantageous than small clusters. One way to extend the symmetry of a function is to detect abstract two-cofactor relations in addition to ordinary symmetric relations. Unfortunately, ordinary symmetries are simply transitive but more complex types of relations are not. This paper shows how to convert the more complex relations into ordinary symmetries, allowing them to be used to form large clusters of symmetric variables, larger than would be possible using ordinary symmetries.
Load flow fractals

The use of Newton-Raphson load flows to locate type-one equilibria for determining domains of attraction for transient stability analysis or for examining voltage collapse has become common. It is known that Newton's method for real equations can produce true fractals behavior. Using the Cornell National Supercomputing Facility, the domains of attraction of the various equilibria of a three-machine power system are investigated and shown to be fractal. The set analogous to a Julia set for the fractal is the closure of the preimages of the points at which the Jacobian is singular. The implication of the fractal in locating the boundary of the domains of attraction is discussed. A modification of the rectangular load flow which is free of the fractal domains is introduced. >
Echo cancellation with the gamma filter

Compares the Gamma filter with other feedback and feedforward structures in the problem of echo cancellation for digital data communication in the subsciber loop. The authors show that the IIR structures perform better than the corresponding FIR structures, and that the Gamma filter adapts faster than the cascade structure. They also show how the Gamma filter can be adapted using RLS for the filter weights and block LMS for the recursive parameter. >
Hyperhomocysteinaemia and adverse events complicating coronary catheter interventions

Abstract Background: Since hyperhomocysteinaemia is an independent risk factor for development of atherosclerosis as well as for arterial and venous thrombosis we investigated whether elevated homocysteine levels are associated with procedural excess risk which complicates coronary interventions including coronary angioplasty (PTCA), stenting, or directional coronary atherectomy (DCA). Design: Consecutive cases receiving coronary catheter interventions. Setting: Tertiary referral centre in Germany. Methods: Fasting total plasma homocysteine levels (tHcy) were determined in 648 consecutive coronary artery disease patients who underwent catheter interventions (272 PTCA, 102 DCA, and 274 stenting). Hyperhomocysteinaemia was defined as tHcy ≥15 μmol/l. The patients were investigated for a 30-day composite endpoint, including need for target-vessel revascularization, myocardial infarction, and death. Results: Among the 648 patients, 78 (12%) demonstrated elevated tHcy levels. The composite endpoint occurred in 41 patients (6.3%). For the entire intervention group there was no evidence that hyperhomocysteinaemia was associated with excess procedural risk (odds ratio [OR]: 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.52 to −3.13; P =0.62). In further analyses according to device, hyperhomocysteinaemia also failed to predict complications in the device related subgroups. Conclusion: The results indicate that hyperhomocysteinaemia is not a major risk factor for 30-day adverse events complicating PTCA, DCA, or stenting.
An in situ river exposure vessel for bioaccumulation studies with juvenile fish

A large-volume, easily handled exposure vessel for juvenile fish for use in bioaccumulation studies of water-borne contaminants in larger rivers was designed and tested in the Hudson River in New York. The exposure vessel minimized stress to the fish and allowed representative contaminant accumulation during time-series subsampling and a long-term in situ exposure.
A memoir of olfaction.

Abstract Osphresiology, though beginning with Aristotle, and the title of a classical monograph from 1819 by Cloquet, has, like the human sense of smell itself, played a relatively modest role, compared to other sensory functions. The anatomical and physiological connections of the nose to the brain proved to be more complex than those of sight, hearing and even touch, and were therefore poorly understood before the second half of the 19th century. Moreover, the close association between smell and taste gave rise to much controversy regarding the respective roles of the first and the fifth cranial nerves. Next, came the unfolding of the evolutionary influence of cerebral structure and function ‐ viz Broca's “limbic”; concept, and the “olfactory desert”; in the brains of “anosmatic”; animals. Jackson's “uncinate”; seizures featuring olfactory hallucinations brought the hippocampal formation into focus. Finally, there were the clinical manifestations of hyposmia and hyperosmia, from “coryza”;, the common co...
DNA Assembly in 3D Printed Fluidics

The process of connecting genetic parts—DNA assembly—is a foundational technology for synthetic biology. Microfluidics present an attractive solution for minimizing use of costly reagents, enabling multiplexed reactions, and automating protocols by integrating multiple protocol steps. However, microfluidics fabrication and operation can be expensive and requires expertise, limiting access to the technology. With advances in commodity digital fabrication tools, it is now possible to directly print fluidic devices and supporting hardware. 3D printed micro- and millifluidic devices are inexpensive, easy to make and quick to produce. We demonstrate Golden Gate DNA assembly in 3D-printed fluidics with reaction volumes as small as 490 nL, channel widths as fine as 220 microns, and per unit part costs ranging from $0.61 to $5.71. A 3D-printed syringe pump with an accompanying programmable software interface was designed and fabricated to operate the devices. Quick turnaround and inexpensive materials allowed for rapid exploration of device parameters, demonstrating a manufacturing paradigm for designing and fabricating hardware for synthetic biology.
Wavelet-Based Image Indexing and Searching

This chapter describes WBIIS (Wavelet-Based Image Indexing and Searching), an image indexing and retrieval algorithm with partial-sketch image-searching capability for large image databases. We developed WBIIS in 1996 as a first step in image retrieval using wavelets [142]. The SIMPLIcity system (Chapter 8), another wavelet-based image indexing and searching system, has been developed to address the limitations of the WBIIS system.
Nycteridostrongylus uncicollis Baylis, 1930 (Nematoda: Trichostrongyloidea) from Miniopterus australis witkampi (Megachiroptera) from Sabah, East Malaysia.

Nycteridostrongylus uncicollis Baylis, 1930 recovered from four of twelve Miniopterus australis witkampi Dobson (Megachiroptera) in Sabah, East Malaysia is redescribed. This is the first report of this parasite in Borneo of which Sabah forms the northeastern portion.
The World in Crisis: Mental Health Implications

Is the world in crisis? An educator recently said: “Living in the late twentieth century is a hazardous adventure. Ours is not the only generation ever to have sensed that we live on the edge of doom, but we surely have more hard evidence than ever before to prove it” (Posvar, 1980).
139 THE IMPACT OF A MEDICATION ADHERENCE PROGRAM ON THE IMMUNOLOGIC AND VIROLOGIC RESPONSES OF HIV-INFECTED INFANTS AND CHILDREN.

Objective To assess the impact of a medication adherence program started in January 2004 by comparing the immunologic and virologic responses of HIV-infected infants and children followed at the University of South Alabama Family Specialty Clinic (USAFSC) before and after a pharmacist-based educational program was started. Methods A retrospective review was performed on the medical charts of HIV-infected infants and children at the USAFSC from September 2001 through December 2005. The following data were obtained from the charts: epidemiologic information, CD4+ cell counts, plasma HIV-1 RNA levels, antiretroviral drug history, and pharmacist-based medication adherence notes. A comparison of data was then made before (September 2001 through December 2003) and after (January 2004 through December 2005) the pharmacist-based medication adherence was started. A t-test was performed to compare patient groups. Results There were 19 HIV-infected infants and children whose data were available to compare before and after the pharmacist-based medication adherence program was started. The patients9 ages ranged from 1 through 16 years of age; there were 9 females and 10 males. Seven patients had AIDS-defining illness during the study period. There were a mean number of 2.6 visits with pharmacist-based intervention per patient per year. After the medication adherence program started, 14 patients had decreased mean CD4+ cell counts (p = .027), whereas 5 patients had increased plasma HIV-1 RNA levels (p = .173). Conclusions After receiving pharmacist-based medication adherence education, our study revealed that there was a statistically significant decrease in CD4+ cell counts, whereas there was an observed decrease in plasma HIV-1 RNA levels (which was not statistically significant). The reasons for these findings are unclear but could be secondary to the variability of the HIV disease process or any intercurrent illness in a small sample size of patients.
Maximizing MWh: A statistical analysis of the performance of utility-scale photovoltaic projects in the United States

Despite significant cost declines utility-scale solar projects have to perform well over their lifetime in order to return profits in a low-PPA environment of under $50/MWh. Using multivariate regression analysis this paper examines the 2014 Net Capacity Factors for 128 utility-scale projects that came online before the end of 2013 and explores the impact (in decreasing order of importance) of global horizontal irradiance, tracking technology, inverter loading ratios and project vintage plus three other interactive variables on performance. The model complies with the assumptions of OLS regressions and explains 93% of the observed NCF variation.
Proximal methods for calibration transfer

Calibration transfer (CT) is the process of transferring a calibration curve from one instrument to another or from one set of conditions to another. Direct standardization (DS) of the spectra from a source to a target representation is a popular method of CT, but the multivariate objective function is often significantly underdetermined. Piecewise DS regularizes DS by assuming only local differences between source and target spectra but requires the same wavelength sampling between instruments. In this work, a regularization framework from the field of convex optimization, proximal regularizers, is introduced to standardize instruments that sample at different wavelength ranges and where the differences may have global effects on the spectra. In this framework, penalty terms are appended to the DS objective function to enforce certain behaviors in the transfer matrix and the resulting transferred spectra, including sparsity and smoothness. This framework is shown to be effective at transferring spectra from a source near-infrared instrument with a narrow wavelength range to a target instrument with a much wider wavelength range. This is demonstrated using two publicly available near-infrared datasets.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension and acute respiratory distress syndrome in a patient with adult-onset stills disease.

Adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) is an inflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent fevers, arthralgia, leukocytosis, and a salmon-colored rash. Diagnosis is made based on the Yamaguchi criteria. Various cardiac and pulmonary manifestations have been described in association with AOSD, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We describe the first case of both PAH and ARDS in a patient with AOSD who, despite aggressive therapy, declined rapidly and ultimately died. There was concern for pulmonary veno-occlusive disease given the rate of her decompensation, but this was found not to be the case on autopsy. Treatment of AOSD with cardiopulmonary involvement requires rapid identification of AOSD followed by aggressive immunosuppression.
Developmental stages of the fungus, Synaptomitus orchiphilus, in the germinating seed, Mycophoris elongatus (Orchidaceae), in Dominican amber

The present study reports developmental stages of Synaptomitus orchiphilus inside the germinating orchid seed, Mycophoris elongatus, in Dominican amber. Evidence is presented of fungal hyphae, moni...
Ultrasensitive electrochemical immunoassay for melanoma cells using mesoporous polyaniline

We report the development of an antibody (anti-MC1R antibody)-functionalized polyaniline nanofibers modified screen-printed electrode capable of efficient electrochemical detection of melanoma cells at levels (1 cell per mL) not readily achieved by other methods. This immunosensor is highly selective in its detection of melanoma cells over normal human cells.
Manufacturing methods for piezoelectric ceramic materials

Abstract After the material designing such as considering the solid solution compositions and dopants, we need to consider material fabrication processes. The fabrication of piezoelectric ceramic devices generally involves two steps: preparation of the ceramic powders and sintering of the shaped structures. Wet chemical preparation methods are utilized for producing the ceramic powders in order to ensure reproducibility of the advanced characteristics of the devices. Popular device designs include multilayers, bimorphs, and other composite types. Necessary basic knowledge of the effect that particle size and film thickness have on ferroelectricity will also be discussed in this chapter in conjunction with micro/nano technologies.