cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TeraGrid: a foundation for US cyberinfrastructure

TeraGrid is a collaboration of partners providing a high-performance, nationally distributed capability infrastructure for computational science. The TeraGrid team has utilized multiple surveys of user requirements to develop five-year roadmaps describing new capabilities and services, organized into several new initiatives: Deep, Wide, and Open. TeraGrid is managed by the University of Chicago and includes resources at eight partner sites (Argonne National Laboratory, Indiana University, National Center for Supercomputing Applications, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center, Purdue University, San Diego Supercomputer Center, and Texas Advanced Computing Center). TeraGrid Deep aims to assist scientists with applications that require the combination of multiple leadership class systems- including TeraGrid storage, computing, instruments, visualization, etc. – working in concert. A team of roughly 15 staff is providing hands-on assistance to application teams pursuing TeraGrid Deep projects. TeraGrid Wide is a set of partnerships with peer Grid projects and prototype "science gateways" that are aimed at making TeraGrid resources available to, and tailored to, entire communities of users. Science gateways are driving policy, process, and technology standards to enable web portals, desktop applications, campus clusters, and other grid infrastructure projects to seamlessly use TeraGrid resources. Initial TeraGrid science gateway projects include community portals and desktop tools supporting life sciences and biomedicine, high-energy physics, neutron science, astronomy, nanotechnology, atmospheric and climate sciences, and environmental and emergency decision-support. TeraGrid Open involves the rapid evolution of the TeraGrid software and services toward interoperability with peer Grids and campus resources. Currently TeraGrid is partnering with the Open Science Grid as well as partners in Europe (e.g. UK eScience, DEISA) and Asia-Pacific (e.g. Naregi, K*Grid).
Sound transmission and its significance for animal vocalization

1. Sound transmission was measured in open fields, mixed decidous forest with and without leaves and coniferous forest in Dutchess County, New York. Attenuation of white noise and pure tones was measured between one microphone close to a loudspeaker and another microphone 100 m away, at the same height. Graphs of excess attenuation (E.A. in dB/100 m) against frequency were obtained at 0.15, 1, 2, 5, and 10 m above the ground. An analysis of variance was conducted to estimate effects of height, frequency and habitat. 2. Height and frequency affect sound transmission more than habitat. With a sound source close to the ground (15 cm and 1 m) all frequencies were more attenuated than at greater heights. The patterns of E.A. as a function of sound frequency were basically similar in all habitats. At all source heights the lower the frequency the better the sound carried, with the exception that close to the ground, sounds below 2 kHz were excessively attenuated. Comparing open field and forest, trees improved transmission of frequencies below 3 kHz, especially close to the ground. 3. Some general trends can be predicted for maximization of transmission distances of animal sounds in these habitats. For an animal vocalizing higher than 1 m above the ground, the lower the frequency the further the sound travels. Close to the ground, low frequencies are again preferred for maximization of transmission distances, but the frequencies must be pitched above a range of attenuated, low-pitched sounds, the limits of which vary to some extent with habitat, creating the ‘sound window’ of Morton. This ‘window’ of least-attenuated frequencies, only occurring close to the ground, tends to be pitched somewhat lower in forest than in open habitats. However, for an animal producing sounds in the habitats tested, perch height and sound frequency are more important than the habitat in determining how far the sound will carry.
Cluster ensemble and its applications in gene expression analysis

Huge amount of gene expression data have been generated as a result of the human genomic project. Clustering has been used extensively in mining these gene expression data to find important genetic and biological information. Obtaining high quality clustering results is very challenging because of the inconsistency of the results of different clustering algorithms and noise in the gene expression data. Many clustering algorithms are available and different clustering algorithms may generate different clustering results due to their bias and assumptions. It is a challenging and daunting task for the genomic researchers to choose the best clustering algorithm and generate the best clustering results for their data sets. In this paper, we present a cluster ensemble framework for gene expression analysis to generate high quality and robust clustering results. In our framework, the clustering results of individual clustering algorithm are converted into a distance matrix, these distance matrices are combined and a weighted graph is constructed according to the combined matrix. Then a graph partitioning approach is used to cluster the graph to generate the final clusters. The experiment results indicate that cluster ensemble approach yields better clustering results than the single best clustering algorithm on both synthetic data set and yeast gene expression data set.
Autolytic Enzyme System of Streptococcus faecalis V. Nature of the Autolysin-Cell Wall Complex and Its Relationship to Properties of the Autolytic Enzyme of Streptococcus faecalis

Cell walls from exponential-phase cultures of Streptococcus faecalis ATCC 9790 contain an autolysin (a beta-N-acetylmuramide glycanhydrolase, E.C. 3.2.1.17) which has been isolated from trypsin-speeded wall autolysates. The autolysin, which was excluded from Bio-Gel P-60, was further fractionated by diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)-cellulose chromatography or filtration on Bio-Gel P-200. After DEAE-cellulose chromatography, which removed most of the wall polysaccharide, autolysin activity was extremely labile and was rapidly lost at -20 C, even in the presence of albumin. The P-60-excluded enzyme was rapidly bound by walls at both 37 C (50% bound in about 1 min) and 0 C (50% bound in less than 4 min). Wall-bound autolysin could not be removed by 1.0 m ammonium acetate (pH 6.9). Autolysin was also bound by walls that had been extracted with 10% trichloroacetic acid or treated with 0.01 n periodate, suggesting that the nonpeptidoglycan wall polymers are not important for binding. Wall-bound autolysin was more stable than the soluble enzyme to proteinase digestion, acetone (40%), 8 m urea (at 0 C), or to inactivation at 56 C. Two bacterial neutral proteinases (which do not hydrolyze ester bonds) activated latent wall-bound autolysin, suggesting that activation results from the cleavage of one or more peptide bonds. The group A streptococcal proteinase activated latent autolysin but differed from the other proteinases in that it did not inactivate soluble autolysin. The results suggest that the autolysin is not covalently linked to the wall. The high affinity of the walls for the autolysin appears to be responsible for the firm, not easily reversed binding.
A photoviscoelastic analysis of time-dependent stresses in a polyphase system

The method of photoviscoelastic stress analysis is used to predict time-dependent stress redistributions in a polyphase-material system having a viscoelastic binder and subjected to applied exteernal-loading conditions. The polyphase-material model studied is composed of a photoviscoelastic matrix material and contains rigid inclusions and voids, thus simulating a threephase composite system.
Studies on gas-phase positive ion-molecule reactions initiated by proton transfer to alcohols: the reactions of 2-methyl-2-propanol (t-butyl alcohol) with H3O+ in a Fourier transform mass spectrometer (FTMS)

Abstract An understanding of the chemistry of the ion-molecule reactions occurring in an ion mobility system is a prerequisite to fully exploiting the potential of Ion Mobility Spectrometry for the detection and monitoring of pollutants. Whilst it is commonly thought that clustering around a proton is the dominant process occurring in the positive ion mode, previous studies have shown that much more complex processes can and do occur. The present paper is the first of a series reporting fundamental investigations of the ion-molecule reactions that can be initiated by proton transfer at low pressure in a Fourier transform mass spectrometer. Preliminary studies have shown that carbonium ion formation could be the dominant process. It was therefore decided that, as a first step, the reactions of t-butyl alcohol (2-methyl-2-propanol) would be studied as the carbonium ion would, if formed, not undergo any rearrangement being already in its most stable and energetically well-characterised structure.
Along‐track compositional and textural variation in extensively melted grains returned from comet 81P/Wild 2 by the Stardust mission: Implications for capture‐melting process

Five amorphous (extensively melted) grains from Stardust aerogel capture Track 35 were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM); two from the bulb, two from near the bulbstylus transition, and one from near the terminal particle. Melted grains consist largely of a texturally and compositionally heterogeneous emulsion of immiscible metal/sulfide beads nanometers to tens of nanometers in diameter in a silica-rich vesicular glass. Most metal/sulfide beads are spherical, but textures of non-spherical beads indicate that some solidified as large drops during stretching and breaking while in translational and rotational motion, and others solidified from lenses of immiscible liquid at the silicate-melt/vesicle (vapor) interface. Melted grains appear to become richer in Fe relative to Mg, and depleted in S relative to Fe and Ni with increasing penetration distance along the aerogel capture track. Fe/S ratios are near unity in grains from the bulb of Track 35, consistent with the dominance of Fe-monosulfide minerals inferred by previous research on Stardust materials. Near stoichiometric Fe/S in melted grains from the bulb suggests that Fe-sulfides in the bulb were dispersed and melted during formation of the bulb but did not lose S. Along-track increases in Fe/S in melted grains from the bulb through the bulb-stylus transition and continuing into the stylus indicate that S initially present as iron monosulfide may have been progressively partially volatilized and lost from the melted grains with greater penetration of the grains deeper into the aerogel during capture-melting of comet dust. Extensively melted grains from the bulbs of aerogel capture tracks may preserve better primary compositional information with less capture-related modification than grains from farther along the same capture tracks.
Planetary science: a twist on periodicity at Saturn.

Saturn's nominal rotation period is timed by a 'radio clock' that counts bursts of emissions controlled by the planet's magnetic field. Buffeting by the solar wind may explain the clock's irregularities.
Factors affecting reproductive performance of Holstein heifers.

The objectives were to evaluate factors affecting reproductive performance of dairy heifers. Holstein heifers (6389) were housed in a feed lot located in Parma, ID. Each week heifers weighing > or =290 kg were initiated in the reproductive program, which consisted of one injection of PGF(2alpha) and AI on detection of estrus. Heifers not inseminated by 11 days after the initiation of the breeding program received a second injection of PGF(2alpha). Pregnancy was diagnosed at 40+/-3 and 90+/-3 days after AI. Average daily minimum temperature (ADMnT), average daily maximum temperature (ADMxT), and average daily rainfall (ARF) were recorded between 15 days prior to and 15 days after the day of AI or the day of initiation of the breeding program. Exposure to air temperature was classified as: cold stress (CS=ADMnT 4 degrees C and ADMxT or =29 degrees C). Exposure to rainfall was classified as above (HRF) or below (LRF) the mean for the period in question. Heifers were classified according to body weight at initiation of the breeding program as thin (TH 365 kg). Service sire was associated with conception rate at 40 and 90 days after first AI. Although exposure to air temperature was not correlated with conception rate at 40 days after first AI, heifers exposed to cold stress had smaller conception rates at 90 days after first AI because they were more likely to lose pregnancy between 40 and 90 days of gestation. The proportion of heifers inseminated after initiation of the breeding program was correlated with body weight and exposure to cold stress. Exposure to cold stress was also correlated with the proportion of heifers conceiving within 11 and 22 days after initiation of the breeding program. From this study a correlation was established between body weight and rate of insemination and between the exposure to cold stress and reproductive efficiency of Holstein heifers.
Two-photon transitions in hydrogen: A test of pseudostate summation

A technique in which the intermediate states of conventional second-order perturbation theory are replaced by a finite set of psudostates, while the energy denominators are supplanted by the expectation values of the unperturbed Hamiltonian with respect to those pseudostates, is presently used to investigate the 2S-1S transition rate on the bases of both the E-x and A-p forms of the interaction. The results thus obtained are noted to closely reflect those conventionally derived, even in cases where only a small number of terms are used; these results are also found not to be strongly dependent on the exact form of the basis functions employed.
The importance of considering trial design when interpreting clinical trial results

Background: In recent decades, clinical trials have played an increasingly important role in determining how we practice. Trial results proving that a clinical finding poses risk have led to interv...
Sequence-specific RNA binding by the HIV-1 Rev protein

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Rev protein acts post-transcriptionally to increase the amounts of the viral gag-pol and env messenger RNAs in the cytoplasm of infected cells. The mechanism of Rev action is uncertain. Possibilities include an accelerating effect on the rate of export of its mRNA targets from the nucleus and/or modulation of the splicing of pre-mRNAs. Both the gag-pol and env mRNAs contain a sequence that is required for responsiveness to Rev--the Rev responsive element, RRE. Here we show that Rev is a sequence-specific binding protein, whose binding site is the RRE. This information should help to clarify the mechanism by which Rev acts.
Sequential injection method with on-line soil extraction for determination of Cr(VI)

An automated microanalytical method for the determination of hexavalent chromium in water and soil samples has been developed using sequential injection (SI) analysis techniques and a new rapid on-line soil-extraction procedure. The hexavalent chromium is determined colorimetrically using its selective reaction with l,5-diphenylcarbazide in acid. A detection limit of 20 μg/l in solutions was achieved with a dynamic range up to 5.5 mg/l using an injected sample volume of 25 μl. Acidic soil extracts prepared by microwave digestion, soil extracts prepared manually using either deionized water or a standard alkaline extraction solution, and soil extracts generated on line were all analyzed using the SI procedure. Cr(VI) concentrations in acidic soil extracts and standards decreased rapidly with time. Total chromium in acidic soil extracts was determined as Cr(VI) in samples first oxidized with acidic Ce(IV). On-line soil extraction was performed with the soil placed in an open-ended column attached to the sample line of the SI system. For the type of contaminated soil analyzed, a 5-minute extraction with deionized water produced similar analytical results to those obtained by the standard alkaline extraction procedure. The new SI method for Cr(IV) determination is suitable for field analyses. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The visualization of human erythrocyte membrane proteins and glycoproteins in SDS polyacrylamide gels employing a single staining procedure.

Abstract Human erythrocyte membrane proteins and glycoproteins were visualized after separation by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels into molecular weight classes using a single staining procedure with a cationic carbocyanine dye (“Stains-all”). The sialoglycoproteins stained blue; the proteins, red; and the lipids, yellow-orange. This method is useful in detecting simultaneously the position of proteins and sialoglycoproteins in the commonly used SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
The effect of carbon tetrachloride, ethionine and chloretone on the ascorbic acid content of rat liver

Abstract In rats with acute CCl 4 poisoning, the ascorbic acid content of the liver is very low. Chloretone (chlorobutanol) given to normal rats much increases the ascorbic acid content of the liver, but when given to rats poisoned with CCl 4 , it does not. In rats which have received injections of ethionine, the ascorbic acid of the liver is within the normal range. Chloretone, given to such rats, lowers the ascorbic acid value of the liver. This apparent reversal of the action of Chloretone, which occurs when the synthetic mechanism for ascorbic acid is not disturbed, is at present not explained.
Muscular synergism, I: on criteria for load sharing between synergistic muscles

The use of optimization techniques to predict individual muscle forces in redundant biomechanical systems implies the formulation of a criterion for load sharing between the muscles. In part I of this paper, the characteristics and performance of several linear and non-linear criteria reported in the literature have been compared for static-isometric knee flexion. The results show that linear criteria inherently predict discrete muscle action (orderly recruitment of muscles) whereas non-linear criteria can predict synergistic action. All criteria predict that relatively more force is allocated to muscles with large moment arms. When muscle stresses (or ratios of muscle force to maximum muscle force) are used as the decision variables in the objective function, then relatively more force is allocated to muscles with large maximum possible force as well. Future formulations of the optimization should consider the differences in fiber type composition among the muscles. Such an approach is presented in part II of the paper.
Millimeter And Submillimeter Wave Optical And Dielectric Properties Of Single Crystal High Purity Silicon

The single crystal silicon is a monatomic material. The lattice vibration absorption peaks appear around 18,000 GHz (600 wavenumber per centimeter). The only other absorption process present in the entire millimeter and submillimeter wave region is the free carrier absorption which centers around 60 GHz (5 mm in wavelength, 2 wavenumber per centimeter). The free carrier absorption can be reduced in two way: by making the material ultra pure or by introducing deep trap impurities while manufacturing. The resistivity increases in both cases. Complex refractive index, complex dielectric permittivity and loss tangent spectra on several hyperpure silicon specimens will be presented as a function of frequency and resistivity and compared.
Transana: qualitative analysis software for video and audio

Consultation provided by educational psychologists (EPs) promotes students’ achievement and social-emotional well-being by cooperating with educators to solve problems. Effective consultation ultim...
Lawsuits against Mirena®: potential impact on public health.

In the clinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine patient requests for removal of the levonogestrel-releasing intrauterine system (Mirena) have recently increased in 2014. Patients report being frightened by television of internet publicity (e.g. “call 1-800-BAD-DRUG”). These patient requests and reports prompted the clinics’ staff to investigate current and past litigation surrounding intrauterine contraception (IUC). The widespread use of IUC may create hype for another epidemic of lawsuits against this contraceptive method. In this commentary the authors explore the historical and current litigation environment for Mirena the impact of the media on women’s perception of contraceptive devices and the negative impact inappropriate litigation can have on women’s health. [excerpt] Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
A concept for Space Shuttle payload ground operations

A Space Transportation System that involves the reusable Space Shuttle offers mankind's next great frontier. The country and the NASA must approach this potential opportunity with an open mind for new ideas and concepts in operations management, business principles, and sensitivity to cost. Our long term future in this new frontier will depend as much on our success in these areas as on our technological successes. This paper attempts to provide, for people with a working understanding of current ground operations, some examples of these evolving concepts.
High-speed dynamic 3D photoacoustic imaging of sentinel lymph node in a murine model using an ultrasound array

Noninvasive photoacoustic sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping with high spatial resolution has the potential to improve the false negative rate and eliminate the use of radioactive tracers in SLN identification. In addition, the demonstrated high spatial resolution may enable physicians to replace SLN biopsy with fine needle aspiration biopsy, and thus reduce the risk of associated morbidity. The primary goal of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of high-speed 3D photoacoustic imaging of the uptake and clearance dynamics of Evans blue dye in SLNs. The photoacoustic imaging system was developed with a 30MHz ultrasound array and a kHz repetition rate laser system. It acquires one 3D photoacousticimage of 166 B-scan frames in 1s, with axial, lateral, and elevational resolutions of 25, 70, and 200μm, respectively. With optic-fiber based light delivery, the entire system is compact and is convenient to use. Upon injection of Evans blue, a blue dye currently used in clinical SLN biopsy, SLNs in mice and rats were accurately and noninvasively mapped in vivo using our imaging system. In our experiments, the SLNs were found to be located at ∼0.65mm below the skin surface in mice and ∼1.2mm in rats. In some cases, lymph vessels and lymphatic valves were also imaged. The dye dynamics—accumulation and clearance—in SLNs were quantitatively monitored by sequential 3D imaging with temporal resolution of as high as ∼6s. The demonstrated capability suggests that high-speed 3D photoacoustic imaging should facilitate the understanding of the dynamics of various dyes in SLNs and potentially help identify SLNs with high accuracy.
Effect of surface treatment on unalloyed titanium implants: Spectroscopic analyses

Surgical implant finishing and sterilization procedures were investigated to determine surface characteristics of unalloyed titanium (Ti). All specimens initially were cleaned with phosphoric acid and divided into five groups for comparisons of different surface treatments (C = cleaned as above, no further treatment; CP = C and passivated in nitric acid; CPS = CP and dry-heat sterilized; CPSS = CPS and resterilized; CS = C and dry-heat sterilized). Auger (AES), X-ray photoelectron (XPS), and Raman spectroscopic methods were used to examine surface compositions. The surface oxides formed by all treatments primarily were TiO2, with some Ti2O3 and possibly TiO. Significant concentrations of carbonaceous substances also were observed. The cleaning procedure alone resulted in residual phosphorus, primarily as phosphate groups along with some hydrogen phosphates. A higher percentage of physisorbed water appeared to be associated with the phosphorus. Passivation (with HNO3) alone removed phosphorus from the surface; specimens sterilized without prior passivation showed the thickest oxide and phosphorus profiles, suggesting that passivation alters the oxide characteristics either directly by altering the oxide structure or indirectly by removing moieties that alter the oxide. Raman spectroscopy showed no crystalline order in the oxide. Carbon, oxygen, phosphorus, and nitrogen presence were found to correlate with previously determined surface energy.
Membrane organization in immunoglobulin E receptor signaling

The structure and dynamics of the plasma membrane are proposed to be critical for the initial steps of signal transduction by the high-affinity immunoglobulin E receptor. Recent experimental advances indicate that interactions between the high-affinity immunoglobulin E receptor and the tyrosine kinase Lyn with cholesterol- and sphingolipid-rich regions within the plasma membrane are important for receptor function. This accumulating evidence points to spatio-temporal control of immunoglobulin E receptor signaling by the organization of the plasma membrane; an attractive hypothesis is that ligand-dependent receptor aggregation causes the segregation of Lyn-containing ordered regions of the plasma membrane from disordered regions.
A Sequential Signaling Model of the Sale of an Invention to an Oligopolist

I consider the problem of an independent inventor attempting to sell a cost-reducing innovation in an oligopoly setting. There are N potential buyers and the inventor possesses private information regarding the value of the invention. A revealing equilibrium is characterized in which the inventors demand signals the value of the invention to each potential buyer. I find that both the inventors demand and his continuation value increase as the number of firms left in the sequence of potential buyers increases. I also find that a firms probability of rejecting the inventors demand is higher the sooner the firm is approached in the sequence.
Ileal mucosal diaphragm causing small bowel obstruction.

A case of small bowel obstruction in an adult due to ileal mucosal diaphragm is reported. This unusual cause of small bowel obstruction to the best of our knowledge has not been previously reported. The cause of intestinal diaphragm remains uncertain.
Pharmacology, electrophysiology, and pharmacokinetics of mexiletine

Abstract Mexiletine is a class I antiarrhythmic agent that is active after both oral and intravenous administration and similar in structure and activity to lidocaine. It decreases phase 0 maximal rate of depolarization (Vmax) by fast sodium channel blockade. The marked rate dependence of Vmax depression may explain mexiletine's lack of effect on normal conduction and its efficacy against ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Mexiletine significantly decreases the relative refractory period in His-Purkinje fibers without changing the sinus rate or atrioventricular and His-Purkinje conduction times. Action potential duration is usually shortened. Mexiletine may aggravate preexisting impairment of impulse generation and conduction. Uptake and distribution of mexiletine are rapid, systemic bioavailability is about 90%, and tissue distribution is extensive. Mexiletine is primarily metabolized in the liver; 10% to 15% is excreted unchanged in the urine. Elimination half-life is 9 to 11 hours after intravenous or oral administration. Microsomal enzyme induction shortens mexiletine's elimination half-life, whereas hepatic disease and acute myocardial infarction prolong it. Renal disease has little effect, although hemodialysis increases mexiletine clearance. Plasma concentrations from 0.75 to 2.0 mg/L are usually associated with a desirable therapeutic response.
Microsecond Catalytic Partial Oxidation of Alkanes

A single layer of woven platinum-10 percent rhodium gauze was used as a catalyst for the partial oxidation of ethane, propane, n -butane, and isobutane. This configuration produced oxygen conversions of equal to or greater than 90 percent and had high selectivity to olefins and oxygenated hydrocarbons at contact times as short as 10 microseconds at atmospheric pressure. This reactor operates by rapid chemical heating (∼5 microseconds) followed by rapid quenching to avoid homogeneous reactions, which decompose products. Mixing of the cold unreacted gas passing between the gauze wires with the hot product gas results in rapid quenching (∼200 microseconds) of the products from ∼800° to ∼400°C. The rapid quenching avoids successive homogeneous decomposition reactions of unstable products such as olefins and aldehydes but still allows homogeneous chain reactions that produce these species. The strong variations in products with the feed alkane showed that the reaction pathways operating at ∼10−5 seconds are quite different than those operating at longer residence times. These results could have a significant effect on the direct conversion of alkanes to oxygenates such as formaldehyde.
Axillo-Femoral Bypass

Axillo-femoral artery bypass has been an alternative extra-anatomic bypass procedure for aorto-iliac occlusive disease since its introduction in 1963. This extra-anatomic bypass has been used in special conditions where the conven tional aorto-femoral bypass is not possible because of intra-abdominal sepsis or extremely high operative risk for aortic procedure. In order to have reasonable long-term patency report, retrospective review is done on a patient undergoing axillo-femoral artery bypass grafting performed between 1976 to 1981. Twenty- eight axillo-unifemoral bypasses and 43 axillo-bifemoral bypasses were per formed in this period. Fifty percent of the patient population had multiple risk factors. Arteriosclerotic heart disease was found in 41 %, central nervous system problem and stroke were found in 31%. Twenty-five percent of the patients were diabetic. Five-year patency rate of axillo-bifemoral bypass graft was 75%. Axillo-unifemoral bypass had a five-year patency of 33%. Axillo-unifemoral bypa...
Synthesis and characterization of PNIPAM/PS core/shell particles

Crosslinked, monodisperse PNIPAM particles were synthesized by precipitation polymerization. The particle size was measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS), capillary hydrodynamic fractionation (CHDF), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Two different polymerization methods were used to prepare PNIPAM/PS core/shell particles, both above and below the volume phase transition temperature (VPPT) using either a semibatch or seeded semibatch polymerization process. In both processes, uniform “raspberry” structures were obtained in which polystyrene formed small domains on the surface of the PNIPAM particles. The resulting core and shell structure was confirmed by temperature-dependent particle size and density gradient experiments. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Influenza Vaccination and the Risk of Primary Cardiac Arrest

Influenza epidemics are associated with an excess of mortality not only from respiratory diseases but also from other causes, and cardiovascular mortality increases abruptly during influenza epidemics, with little evidence of a lag period. In a population-based case-control study, the authors examined whether influenza vaccination was associated with a reduced risk of out-of-hospital primary cardiac arrest (PCA), a major contributor to cardiovascular mortality in the community. Cases of PCA (n = 342) without prior heart disease or life-threatening comorbidity that occurred in King County, Washington, were identified from paramedic incident reports from October 1988 to July 1994. Demographically similar controls (n = 549) were identified from the community by using random digit dialing. Spouses of subjects were interviewed to assess treatment with influenza vaccine during the previous year and other risk factors. After adjustment for demographic, clinical, and behavioral risk factors, influenza vaccination was associated with a reduced risk of PCA (odds ratio = 0.51, 95 percent confidence interval: 0.33, 0.79). The authors suggest that while the association of influenza vaccination with a reduced risk of PCA is consistent with cohort studies of influenza vaccination and total mortality, further studies are needed to determine whether the observed association reflects protection or selection.
YopJ targets TRAF proteins to inhibit TLR-mediated NF-kappaB, MAPK and IRF3 signal transduction.

Summary The Yersinia pestis virulence factor YopJ is a potent inhibitor of the NF-κB and MAPK signalling pathways, however, its molecular mechanism and relevance to pathogenesis are the subject of much debate. In this report, we characterize the effects of this type III effector protein on bone fide signalling events downstream of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), critical sensors in innate immunity. YopJ inhibited TLR-mediated NF-κB and MAP kinase activation, as suggested by previous studies. In addition, induction of the TLR-mediated interferon response was blocked by YopJ, indicating that YopJ also inhibits IRF3 signalling. Examination of the NF-κB signalling pathway in detail suggested that YopJ acts at the level of TAK1 (MAP3K7) activation. Further studies revealed a YopJ-dependent decrease in the ubiquitination of TRAF3 and TRAF6. These data support the hypothesis that YopJ is a deubiquitinating protease that acts on TRAF proteins to prevent or remove the K63-polymerized ubiquitin conjugates required for signal transduction. Our data do not directly address the alternative hypothesis that YopJ is an acetyltransferase that acts on the activation loop of IKK and MKK proteins, but support the conclusion that the critical function of YopJ is to deubiquinate TRAF proteins.
Distributed control for interconnected linear parameter-dependent systems

Stability analysis and performance control problems for a class of interconnected parameter-dependent systems with linear fractional parameter dependency are considered. The time and spatially varying parameters are assumed measurable in real-time for controller use. The distributed controller inherits the spatial structure of the plant, which is implementable through parallel computation. The stability of the interconnected parameter-dependent systems is established using a distributed Lyapunov function. Moreover, the synthesis condition of distributed parameter-dependent control gain is formulated as a convex optimisation in the form of a linear matrix inequality. An explicit distributed controller formula is also provided by exploiting the connection between the continuous and the discrete interconnected system descriptions.
Distribution of shot lengths for video analysis

In this paper we investigate the distribution of shot lengths for video sequences containing diverse content. Accurate models for shot lengths are important to model video both for content-based retrieval applications and for performing queuing analysis for the design of video buffers in multimedia networks. Using a large dataset collected from CSPAN programs we have analyze the Pareto, Weibull, and gamma distributions as possible models for the shot length distribution. We have compare the goodness of fit of these possible distribution models using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistic.
Multiply recurrent trichilemmal carcinoma with perineural invasion and cytokeratin 17 positivity.

Background. Trichilemmal carcinoma is an uncommon cutaneous malignancy that is thought to be the malignant counterpart of the trichilemmoma. Despite histologic features such as pronounced cytologic atypia, trichilemmal carcinoma is often described as having a rather benign clinical course. Cases of tumor recurrence after therapy are uncommon, and tumor neurotropism has never been described. objective. A case of multiply recurrent trichilemmal carcinoma with perineural invasion is described. The outer root sheath differentiation of this neoplasm is confirmed with the use of novel antibodies directed toward cytokeratins that are expressed in this area of the hair follicle. Methods. The trichilemmal carcinoma was excised using the Mohs surgical technique. Tissue obtained during the extirpation of the tumor was subjected to immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratin 15, cytokeratin 17, and c-erb-B2. Results. Tumor neurotropism was noted. The trichilemmal carcinoma demonstrated abundant cytoplasmic staining for cytokeratin 17 and c-erb-B2. Conclusions. In distinction to previous reports, this case reveals that trichilemmal carcinoma can demonstrate significant biological aggression, as reflected by tumor neurotropism and by failure to respond to multiple surgical excisions. The purported outer root sheath differentiation of this neoplasm is confirmed with the use of novel immunohistochemical staining. This immunohistochemical staining may be useful in differentiating trichilemmal carcinoma from other clear cell neoplasms.
Genetic basis of amphoteric reproduction in rotifers

In the class Monogononta, female rotifers are identified by the type of egg they produce. Amictic females produce diploid eggs by mitosis. Mictic females meiotically produce haploid eggs which if unfertilised develop into haploid males, and if fertilised develop into diploid resting eggs. The present paper describes the occurrence and genetic basis of another type, the amphoteric female, in Asplanchna girodi. It is shown that amphoteric females produce both male and female offspring. Electrophoretic markers are used to demon strate that female progeny of amphoterics have both maternal chromosomes. Thus simultaneous oogenesis by both meiosis and mitosis occurs in this type of rotifer.
Patient-tailored scan delay for multiphase liver CT: improved scan quality and lesion conspicuity with a novel timing bolus method.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to compare scan quality and lesion conspicuity for late arterial and portal venous phase liver CT scans using fixed versus patient-tailored scan delay derived with an evidence-based timing bolus method. MATERIALS AND METHODS. We retrospectively identified the cases of 73 patients who underwent both multiphase liver CT with fixed late arterial and portal venous phase scan delay times of 45 and 80 seconds and subsequent multiphase liver CT with patient-tailored scan delay determined with a timing bolus and a previously reported relation between the time to peak aortic and liver enhancement. Both late arterial and portal venous phase scans were graded in terms of scan quality. Hepatic lesion conspicuity (difference in attenuation between lesion and liver parenchyma) for hypervascular lesions (late arterial phase) and hypovascular lesions (portal venous phase) was recorded. RESULTS. Patient-tailored scan delay reflected a wide range of times to peak aortic enhancement ...
Generalized bent functions and their properties

Abstract Jet Jqm denote the set of m-tuples over the integers modulo q and set i= −1 , w = e i( 2π q ) . As an extension of Rothaus' notion of a bent function, a function f, f: Jqm → Jq1 is called bent if all the Fourier coefficients of wf have unit magnitude. An important feature of these functions is that their out-of-phase autocorrelation value is identically zero. The nature of the Fourier coefficients of a bent function is examined and a proof for the non-existence of bent functions over Jqm, m odd, is given for many values of q of the form q = 2 (mod 4). For every possible value of q and m (other than m odd and q = 2 (mod 4)), constructions of bent functions are provided.
FETAL OR MATERNAL BETAMETHASONE EFFECTS ON POSTNATAL LUNG AND SURFACTANT FUNCTION IN PRETERM LAMBS. † 1427

To investigate treatment, route and dose of prenatal corticosteroids on postnatal lung function, 39 pregnant ewes at 127d GA were randomized to 5 groups: 0.2 mg/kg (0.2E) or 0.5 mg/kg (0.5E) betamethasone based on maternal weight, 0.2 mg/kg (0.2F) or 0.5 mg/kg (0.5F) betamethasone based on estimated fetal weight given by fetal IM injection, or saline for controls. Preterm lambs were delivered 24 h later, treated with Survanta® and ventilated for 4 h.
PERCEPTION OF INTERIOR DESIGNS

A set of slides representing six interior styles of design (Victorian, English, Country French, Contemporary, Early American, and Eclectic) was shown to 22 subjects who responded to them on a 20-item semantic differential scale. Four factors obtained from the scale were used as dependent variables in one-way analyses of variance. No differences were found on either the spiritual or activity factors. However, the Eclectic and Country French designs were rated highest and the English design lowest on both the evaluation and aesthetic appeal factors. Early American was judged as intermediate in beauty but high in livability.
First-passage—time distributions and switching statistics in a bistable two-mode laser

As a result of quantum fluctuations, a bistable system will undergo spontaneous transitions from one state to the other. For a bistable two-mode laser we present a theoretical analysis of the switching statistics by treating it as a one-dimensional first-passage---time (FPT) problem for the intensity of one of the modes. The methodology is also applicable to other bistable systems, such as in optical bistability. Several new asymptotic results for the small- and large-time behavior of various FPT distributions are given. The switching-time distribution is introduced as a weighted integral over FPT distributions and asymptotic expressions for this distribution are given. Several results of Monte Carlo computer simulations of the FPT problem are presented.
Early postoperative arrhythmias after pediatric cardiac surgery.

Objective Early postoperative arrhythmias are a known complication of cardiac surgery; however, little data exists specific to pediatrics. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors associated with the development of arrhythmias immediately after surgery in a pediatric population. Methods Data were collected in a prospective observational format from pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery between September 2000 and May 2003. This format included age, anatomy, surgical repair, and serum magnesium and calcium levels, as well as cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic crossclamp times. Patients were continuously monitored, and hemodynamically significant arrhythmias were recorded. Results Arrhythmias occurred in 28 of the 189 patients enrolled (15%) including 16 with junctional ectopic tachycardia, 7 with complete atrioventricular block, 4 with ventricular tachycardia, and 1 with re-entrant supraventricular tachycardia. Significant differences were found between the arrhythmia and nonarrhythmia groups with regard to age (22 vs 45 months), cardiopulmonary bypass time (189 vs 109 minutes), and aortic crossclamp time (105 vs 44 minutes); P P Conclusions Hemodynamically significant postoperative arrhythmias are a frequent complication of pediatric cardiac surgery. Younger age and longer bypass and crossclamp times are risk factors for arrhythmia. In addition, the repair of atrioventricular septal defects carries an independent risk of arrhythmias.
Rethinking dietary cholesterol.

Purpose of reviewThe perceived notion that dietary cholesterol is associated with increased risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) has led to dietary recommendations of no more than 300 mg/day for healthy populations in the USA. This study will review the recent evidence that challenges the current d
Appraisal, Coping, and Social Support as Mediators of Well-Being in Black and White Family Caregivers of Patients With Alzheimer's Disease

Family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) commonly have high levels of psychological distress. Black caregivers often report less depression than White caregivers, but the process underlying this difference is poorly understood. With the use of a stress process model, 123 White and 74 Black family caregivers of patients with AD and other progressive dementias were studied. Black caregivers appraised patient problems as less stressful and reported higher self-efficacy in managing caregiving problems and less depression than did White caregivers. White and Black caregivers also differed significantly in coping responses but not in social supports. Structural equation analyses indicated that the correlational structure of the stress process was similar in White and Black caregivers. Caregiving stressors and race did not affect well-being through direct paths, but they were mediated by effects for appraisal, social support and activity, and coping. Possible cultural mechanisms explaining the better adjustment among Black caregivers are discussed.
Guanidinium-based ionic liquids.

Cyclic (⊂N+<, ⊂ = imidazolidine 3 and 4, hexahydro-pyrimidine 7 and 8, tetrahydro-1,3,5-oxadiazine 12, and triazoline 15 and 16) and acyclic [(R2N)2CN+<, 19] guanidinium-based salts were synthesized via the quaternization of guanidine derivatives with nitric or perchloric acid or with iodomethane followed by metathesis reaction with silver nitrate, silver perchlorate, or ammonium dinitroamide. The structure of 15d was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray analysis. Most of the salts exhibited low melting points and good thermal stabilities. Their densities range between 1.2 and 1.5 g/cm3. Standard molar enthalpies of formation were calculated from experimentally determined constant-volume combustion energies obtained using an oxygen bomb calorimeter.
Characterization of the pharmacology, signal transduction and internalization of the fluorescent PACAP ligand, fluor-PACAP, on NIH/3T3 cells expressing PAC1

Fluor-PACAP, a fluorescent derivative of PACAP-27, has been confirmed to share a high affinity for PAC1 receptors transfected into NIH/3T3 cells and to have comparable pharmacological characteristics to the unconjugated, native form. Through competitive binding with 125I-PACAP-27, the two ligands exhibited similar dose- dependent inhibition. Additional examination of the efficacy of activating adenylyl cyclase revealed that both ligands analogously stimulated the production of cyclic AMP. Furthermore, PAC1 internalization visualized by our Fluor-PACAP, is compareable to that performed with the radioligand, 125I-PACAP-27, with maximal internalization achieved within thirty minutes. Thus, Fluor-PACAP exhibits intracellular signaling abilities homologous to the native ligand.
A survey of positioning techniques and location based services in wireless networks

Positioning techniques are known in a wide variety of wireless radio access technologies. Traditionally, Global Positioning System (GPS) is the most popular outdoor positioning system. Localization also exists in mobile networks such as Global System for Mobile communications (GSM). Recently, Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) become widely deployed, and they are also used for localizing wireless-enabled clients. Many techniques are used to estimate client position in a wireless network. They are based on the characteristics of the received wireless signals: power, time or angle of arrival. In addition, hybrid positioning techniques make use of the collaboration between different wireless radio access technologies existing in the same geographical area. Client positioning allows the introduction of numerous services like real-time tracking, security alerts, informational services and entertainment applications. Such services are known as Location Based Services (LBS), and they are useful in both commerce and security sectors. In this paper, we explain the principles behind positioning techniques used in satellite networks, mobile networks and Wireless Local Area Networks. We also describe hybrid localization methods that exploit the coexistence of several radio access technologies in the same region, and we classify the location based services into several categories. When localization accuracy is improved, position-dependant services become more robust and efficient, and user satisfaction increases.