cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Instabilities in laser-pumped gas lasers: experimental oscillation line shapes

Heterodyne measurements are presented of the above-threshold oscillation spectrum of several optically pumped molecular lasers under a variety of conditions. The data suggest that, under some conditions, single-mode sideband instabilities resulting from two-photon susceptibilities could dominate.
Measure theoretic analysis of probabilistic path planning

This paper presents a novel analysis of the probabilistic roadmap method (PRM) for path planning. We formulate the problem in terms of computing the transitive closure of a relation over a probability space, and give a bound on the expected number iterations of PRM required to find a path, in terms of the number of intermediate points and the probability of choosing a point from a certain set. Explicit geometric assumptions are not necessary to complete this analysis. As a result, the analysis provides some unification of previous work. We provide an upper bound which could be refined using details specific to a given problem. This bound is of the same form as that proved in previous analyses, but has simpler prerequisites and is proved on a more general class of problems. Using our framework, we analyze some new path-planning problems, 2k-degree-of-freedom kinodynamic point robots, polygonal robots with contact, and deformable robots with force field control. These examples make explicit use of generality in our approach that did not exist in previous frameworks.
Benign Intracranial Hypertension: A Complication of Subclavian Vein Catheterization and Arteriovenous Fistula

Thrombosis of the right innominate vein occurred in a patient on maintenance hemodialysis following repeated subclavian vein catheterization. The patient had a functional right brachial arteriovenous fistula for blood access that resulted in a massive retrograde blood flow into the cerebral venous system with the development of the benign intracranial hypertension. The symptoms and signs of intracranial hypertension abated following ligation of the arteriovenous fistula. This unusual association of benign intracranial hypertension with an arteriovenous fistula and innominate vein thrombosis has not been reported previously. Pertinent literature dealing with benign intracranial hypertension and complications of subclavian vein catheterization is reviewed.
Nuclear Double Resonance in the Rotating Frame

A double nuclear resonance spectroscopy method is introduced which depends upon effects of magnetic dipole-dipole coupling between two different nuclear species. In solids a minimum detectability of the order of ${10}^{14}$ to ${10}^{16}$ nuclear Bohr magnetons/cc of a rare $b$ nuclear species is predicted, to be measured in terms of the change in a strong signal displayed by an abundant $a$ nuclear species. The $a$ magnetization is first oriented by a strong radio-frequency field in the frame of reference rotating at its Larmor frequency. The $b$ nuclear resonance is obtained simultaneously with a second radio-frequency field; and with the condition that the $a$ and $b$ spins have the same Larmor frequencies in their respective rotating frames, a cross relaxation will occur between the two spin systems. The cross-relaxation interaction, which lasts for the order of a long spin-lattice relaxation time of the $a$ magnetization, is arranged to produce a cumulative demagnetization of the $a$ system when maximum sensitivity is desired. Final observation of the reduced $a$ magnetization indicates the nuclear resonance of the $b$ system. The concepts of uniform spin temperature, when it is valid, and of nonuniform spin temperature where spin diffusion is important, are applied. The density matrix method formulates the double resonance interaction rate in second order. Preliminary tests of the double resonance effect are carried out with a nuclear quadrupole system.
The stuff that dreams aren't made of: Why wake-state and dream-state sensory experiences differ

Abstract It is adaptive for individuals to be continuously alert and responsive to external stimuli (such as the sound and odor of an approaching predator or the cry of an infant), even during sleep. Natural selection thus has disfavored the occurence during sleep of hallucinations that compromise external vigilance. In the great majority of mammalian species, including Homo sapiens, closed eyes and immobility are basic aspects of sleep. Therefore, (a) visual and movement sensory modalities (except kinesthesis) do not provide the sleeper with accurate information about the external environment or the sleeper's relationship to that environment; (b) the sleeper's forebrain “vigilance mechanism” does not monitor these modalities; hence (c) visual and movement hallucinations — similar or identical to percepts — can occur during sleep without compromising vigilance. In contrast, the other sensory modalities do provide the sleeper with a continuous flow of information about the external environment or the sleeper's relationship to that environment, and these modalities are monitored by the vigilance mechanism. Hallucinations of kinesthesis, pain, touch, warmth, cold, odor, and sound thus would compromise vigilance, and their occurrence during sleep has been disfavored by natural selection. This vigilance hypothesis generates novel predictions about dream phenomenology and REM-state neurophysiology and has implications for the general study of imagery.
The onset of convective instability in a triply diffusive fluid layer

The onset of instability is investigated in a triply diffusive fluid layer in which the density depends on three stratifying agencies having different diffusivities. It is found that, in some cases, three critical values of the Rayleigh number are required to specify the linear stability criteria. As in the case of another problem requiring three Rayleigh numbers for the specification of linear stability criteria (the rotating doubly diffusive case studied by Pearlstein 1981), the cause is traceable to the existence of disconnected oscillatory neutral curves. The multivalued nature of the stability boundaries is considerably more interesting and complicated than in the previous case, however, owing to the existence of heart-shaped oscillatory neutral curves. An interesting consequence of the heart shape is the possibility of ‘quasi-periodic bifurcation’ to convection from the motionless state when the twin maxima of the heart-shaped oscillatory neutral curve lie below the minimum of the stationary neutral curve. In this case, there are two distinct disturbances, with (generally) incommensurable values of the frequency and wavenumber, that simultaneously become unstable at the same Rayleigh number. This work complements the earlier efforts of Griffiths (1979a), who found none of the interesting results obtained herein.
Expectancy predictions of reenlistment in the National Guard

Abstract A within-person test of the expectancy model was made in the Army National Guard. Surveys were administered to 1169 Guardsmen in 29 National Guard units. Guardsmen were asked to compare National Guard duty with a civilian work alternative in terms of their instrumentality for various role outcomes. The perceived within-person difference between the two jobs significantly predicted intention to reenlist ( r = .31) and actual reenlistment ( r = .28). Further, including negative role outcomes in the expectancy model did not enhance its predictive power, and intrinsic role outcomes were not superior to extrinsic outcomes. Using a smaller set of idiosyncratic role outcomes considered important by the respondent resulted in higher validity than using a larger, standard list of outcomes. Also, equally weighting instrumentality perceptions generated higher levels of prediction than weighting instrumentalities differentially by valence measures.
Targeted inactivation of Snail family EMT regulatory factors by a Co(III)-Ebox conjugate.

Snail family proteins are core EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition) regulatory factors that play essential roles in both development and disease processes and have been associated with metastasis in carcinomas. Snail factors are required for the formation of neural crest stem cells in most vertebrate embryos, as well as for the migratory invasive behavior of these cells. Snail factors have recently been linked to the formation of cancer stem cells, and expression of Snail proteins may be associated with tumor recurrence and resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We report that Co(III)-Ebox is a potent inhibitor of Snail- mediated transcriptional repression in breast cancer cells and in the neural crest of Xenopus. We further show that the activity of Co(III)-Ebox can be modulated by temperature, increasing the utility of this conjugate as a Snail inhibitor in model organisms. We exploit this feature to further delineate the requirements for Snail function during neural crest development, showing that in addition to the roles that Snail factors play in neural crest precursor formation and neural crest EMT/migration, inhibition of Snail function after the onset of neural crest migration leads to a loss of neural crest derived melanocytes. Co(III)-Ebox-mediated inhibition therefore provides a powerful tool for analysing the function of these core EMT factors with unparalleled temporal resolution. Moreover, the potency of Co(III)-Ebox as a Snail inhibitor in breast cancer cells suggests its potential as a therapeutic inhibitor of tumor progression and metastasis.
Image codec for efficient embedded bitstream transmission with low decoder complexity

We describe an image codec based on subband decomposition and vector quantization techniques. Biorthogonal wavelets are used for image decomposition, while encoding relies on multistage, multiclass vector quantization with a tree partitioning algorithm. The codec is evaluated for different images, and the results are compared with the popular set partitioning in hierarchical trees (SPIHT) image codec and with the new JPEG 2000 standard. The experimental evaluation suggests that the proposed codec is competitive with SPIHT and JPEG 2000 for all bit rates, especially for images with medium to high detail content. The proposed codec also provides an embedded bitstream with an asymmetric codec complexity, in that the decoder is less complex than the encoder.
Profiling system design tradeoffs using the sparse detector sensor model

This paper details the continued development of a modularized system level model of a sparse detector sensor system. The assumptions used to simplify the equations describing the effects of individual system components and characteristics such as target to background properties, collection optics, detectors, and classifiers will be detailed and modeled. These individual effects will then be combined to provide an overall system performance model and used to compare two sensor node designs. The model will facilitate design trade offs for Unattended Ground Sensors. The size and power restrictions of these sensors often preclude these sensors from being effective in high-resolution applications such as target identification. However, these systems are well suited for applications such as broad scale classifications or differentiations between targets such as humans, animals or small vehicles. Therefore, the demand for these sensors is increasing for both the military and homeland security.
Three Misconceptions Regarding Standards

The article discusses three most common misconceptions regarding standards - 1) Contributors of IP to a standards organization give up ownership of that IP; 2) The nature of an 'open' standard; 3) The relationship between a standard and a 'reference implementation' of that standard.
Modeling the benzene inhalation hazard from spilled oil

Abstract Three different possible models for evaporation of benzene from an oil slick are examined. Each of these hypothesize a different control mechanism to restrict benzene release from the slick. The evaporation models, combined with an air dispersion model, provide airborne benzene estimates. Results are compared with experiments in Mobile Bay.
Allylic oxidations of terminal olefins using a palladium thioether catalyst.

A palladium catalyst that converts terminal olefins to linear allylic acetates at lower catalyst loadings and faster reaction times than current systems is reported. This reaction can be conducted using benzoquinone as the oxidizing agent or catalytic amounts of copper and hydroquinone under one atmosphere of oxygen. Preliminary reactivity studies of π-allylpalladium complexes under our reaction conditions do not provide results similar to those obtained in the catalytic reaction, which may suggest an alternative reaction pathway. The palladium catalyst is ligated by an aryloxyalkyl aryl sulfide, which is identified as a new ligand for homogeneous catalysis.
Efficient reinforcement learning

In this paper we propose a new formal model for studying reinforcement learning, based on Valiant's PAC framework.In our model the learner does not have direct access to every state of the environment. Instead, every sequence of experiments starts in a fixed initial state and the learner is provided with a “reset” operation that interrupts the current sequence of experiments and starts a new one (from the initial state).We do not require the agent to learn the optimal policy but only a good approximation of it with high probability. More precisely, we require the learner to produce a policy whose expected value from the initial state is e-close to that of the optimal policy, with probability no less than 1−δ.For this model, we describe an algorithm that produces such an (e,δ)-optimal policy for any environment, in time polynomial in N,K,1/e,1/δ,1/(1−β) and rmax, where N is the number of states of the environment, K is the maximum number of actions in a state, β is the discount factor and rmax is the maximum reward on any transition.
Intertwined αβ Spectrin Meeting Helical Actin Protofilament in the Erythrocyte Membrane Skeleton: Wrap-Around vs. Point-Attachment

Our 3-D model for a junctional complex (JC) in the erythrocyte membrane skeleton proposed that the helical actin protofilament functions as a mechanical axis for three pairs of αβ spectrin (Sp), and each pair wraps around the protofilament in a back-to-back fashion. The distal end of each Sp is further associated with the lipid bilayer by a suspension complex (SC). Here, we detail how splitting and rejoining of αβ Sp around a protofilament may form a loop that sustains and equilibrates tension. Sequential association of β and α Sp solves the challenge of constructing multiple loops along the protofilament, and topological connection facilitates their re-association. The wrap-around model minimizes the strain of the actin binding site on β Sp due to tension, redirection, or sliding of intertwined Sp. Pairing Sp balances the opposing forces and provides a mechanism for elastic recovery. The wrap-around junction thus provides mechanical advantages over a point-attachment junction in maintaining the integrity and functionality of the network. Severing α or β Sp may convert a wrapping-around junction to a point-attachment junction. In that case, a “bow up” motion of JC during deformation may disturb or flip the overlaid lipid bilayer, and mark stressed erythrocytes for phagocytosis.
Synthesized stereo-based stochastic mapping with data selection for robust speech recognition

In this paper, we present a synthesized stereo-based stochastic mapping approach for robust speech recognition. We extend the traditional stereo-based stochastic mapping (SSM) in two main aspects. First, the constraint of stereo-data, which is not practical in real applications, is relaxed by using HMM-based speech synthesis. Then we make feature mapping more focused on those incorrectly recognized samples via a data selection strategy. Experimental results on Aurora3 databases show that our approach can achieve consistently significant improvements of recognition performance in the well-matched (WM) condition among four different European languages.
Nonlinear response of the surface electrostatic potential formed at metal oxide/electrolyte interfaces. A Monte Carlo simulation study

Abstract An analysis of surface potential nonlinearity (ψ0) at metal oxide/electrolyte interfaces is presented. By using grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations of a simple lattice model of an interface, we show that a correlation exists between ionic strength, as well as surface site densities, and the non-Nernstian response of a metal-oxide electrode. We propose two approaches to deal with the ψ0-nonlinearity: one based on perturbative expansion of the Gibbs free energy and another based on the assumption of the pH dependence of surface potential slope. The theoretical analysis based on our new potential form gives excellent performance in extreme pH regions, where classical formulae for ψ0 are unjustified. The new formula is general and independent of any underlying assumptions. For this reason, it can be directly applied to experimental surface potential measurements, including those for individual surfaces of single crystals, as we present for data reported by Kallay and Preocanin [6] .
Inconsistency in correcting for serial correlation in money-demand models

Our results demonstrate that none of the estimated coefficients obtained by applying the Cochrane-Orcutt technique to partial-adjustment money-demand models is dependable: each of the parameter estimates is inconsistent. The estimated coefficients of the explanatory variables will be biased even in large samples and can thus lead to misleading inferences about the income and interest-rate elasticities of the demand for money.
Nucleotide sequence of a lysine transfer ribonucleic Acid from bakers' yeast.

The nucleotide sequence of one of the two major lysine transfer RNA9s from bakers9 yeast has been determined. Its structure is compared to that of a lysine tRNA from a haploid yeast. A total of 21 nucleotides differ in the two molecules. Only the T-ψ-C-G (thymidine-pseudouridine-cytidine-guanosine) loop and its supporting stem are identical.
A Computer Database Approach for Dental Practice

Dr. Joseph Chasteen explores ways to reduce the paperwork of dentistry through computer integration in “A Computer Database Approach for Dental Practice.”
Recovering 3D motion of multiple objects using adaptive Hough transform

We present a method to determine 3D motion and structure of multiple objects from two perspective views, using adaptive Hough transform. In our method, segmentation is determined based on a 3D rigidity constraint. Instead of searching candidate solutions over the entire five-dimensional translation and rotation parameter space, we only examine the two-dimensional translation space. We divide the input image into overlapping patches, and, for each sample of the translation space, we compute the rotation parameters of patches using least-squares fit. Every patch votes for a sample in the five-dimensional parameter space. For a patch containing multiple motions, we use a redescending M-estimator to compute rotation parameters of a dominant motion within the patch. To reduce computational and storage burdens of standard multidimensional Hough transform, we use adaptive Hough transform to iteratively refine the relevant parameter space in a "coarse-to-fine" fashion. Our method can robustly recover 3D motion parameters, reject outliers of the flow estimates, and deal with multiple moving objects present in the scene. Applications of the proposed method to both synthetic and real image sequences are demonstrated with promising results.
Transcriptional control of toxT, a regulatory gene in the ToxR regulon of Vibrio cholerae

Co-ordinate expression of many virulence genes in Vibrio cholerae is under the control of the ToxR and ToxT proteins. These proteins function in a regulatory cascade in which ToxR is required to activate toxT, and ToxT activates virulence genes. The precise mechanism for ToxR activation of toxT is unknown, but data presented in this report suggest a direct involvement of ToxR. Primer extension and gene fusion analyses identified a ToxR-regulated promoter directly upstream of toxT, immediately following a region of inverted repeats capable of terminating transcription. Gel mobility shift studies indicate that ToxR binds DNA within the inverted repeat region, yet preliminary evidence suggests that ToxR binding alone is not sufficient for activation of toxT. Possible mechanisms of ToxR-dependent toxT expression are discussed.
Identification and characterization of two polymorphic Ya5 Alu repeats

Abstract Two new polymorphic Alu elements (HS2.25 and HS4.14) belonging to the young (Ya5/8) subfamily of human-specific Alu repeats have been identified. DNA sequence analysis of both Alu repeats revealed that each Alu repeat had a long 3′-oligo-dA-rich tail (41 and 52 nucleotides in length) and a low level of random mutations. HS2.25 and HS4.14 were flanked by short precise direct repeats of 8 and 14 nucleotides in length, respectively. HS2.25 was located on human chromosome 13, and HS4.14 on chromosome 1. Both Alu elements were absent from the orthologous positions within the genomes of non-human primates, and were highly polymorphic in a survey of twelve geographically diverse human groups.
The effects of morphine on the resistance and capacitance vessels of the peripheral circulation

Abstract The effects of morphine on total peripheral vascular resistance and the capacity of the peripheral vascular compartment were determined in normal dogs. In 13 animals, in which systemic flow was maintained constant, morphine (1 mg. per kilogram) caused immediate decreases in resistance averaging 46 ± 20 per cent of the control values. The decrease in resistance was transient, and normal or increased resistance was noted 30 minutes after the drug was administered. This effect of morphine on resistance vessels was indirect, however, since no immediate change in pressure occurred when morphine was injected into an isolated perfused vascular bed. In 13 dogs, studied during cardiopulmonary bypass, the capacity of the total peripheral vascular compartment increased after the administration of morphine. Blood volume rose an average of 11 ± 6 ml. per kilogram, and systemic venous return, measured with a flowmeter, rapidly decreased after the injection. Venous tone, determined by major-vessel occlusion in 8 dogs, decreased from 6.8 ± 1.3 to 3.5 ± 1.1 cm. H 2 O after morphine (0.5 mg. per kilogram) was given. The measured changes in both capacitance and venous tone occurred promptly and persisted throughout a 30-minute period of observation. The experiments indicate that increased capacitance and venous pooling are important effects of morphine on the circulation which have not been well recognized.
Architecture and Function of Membrane Proteins in Planar Supported Bilayers: A Study with Photosynthetic Reaction Centers†

We present a simple and convenient method for creating fluid supported bilayers which contain oriented and functional photosynthetic reaction centers (RCs).1 The supported bilayers are prepared by fusion of proteoliposomes with a glass surface. The proteoliposomes are prepared by spontaneous insertion of RCs into preformed small, unilamellar vesicles. The RCs in these vesicles are shown to be oriented with the cytochrome c binding surface on the outside and the H-subunit facing inside. Upon fusion to glass surfaces, the RCs remain functional and highly oriented, with the cytochrome c binding surface exposed to the bulk solution. The RCs in the supported bilayers are at a surface density of order 1011 RCs/cm2. The quality of the supported lipid bilayer is characterized by epifluorescence microscopy and the long-range lateral mobility of the lipids by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. We demonstrate that homogeneous, fluid bilayers can be prepared over large areas (e.g., 1 cm2) of clean glass surf...
Solution of Schwinger-Dyson equations for PT symmetric quantum field theory

In recent papers it has been observed that non-Hermitian Hamiltonians, such as those describing ig� 3 and −g� 4 field theories, still possess real positive spectra so long as the weaker condition of PT symmetry holds. This allows for the possibility of new kinds of quantum field theories that have strange and quite unexpected properties. In this paper a technique based on truncating the Schwinger-Dyson equations is presented for renormalizing and solving such field theories. Using this technique it is argued that a −g� 4 scalar quantum field theory in four-dimensional space-time is renormalizable, is asymptotically free, has a nonzero value of h 0|�|0i , and has a positive definite spectrum. Such a theory might be useful in describing the Higgs boson.
The evolution of photosynthesis…again?

‘Replaying the tape’ is an intriguing ‘would it happen again?’ exercise. With respect to broad evolutionary innovations, such as photosynthesis, the answers are central to our search for life elsewhere. Photosynthesis permits a large planetary biomass on Earth. Specifically, oxygenic photosynthesis has allowed an oxygenated atmosphere and the evolution of large metabolically demanding creatures, including ourselves. There are at least six prerequisites for the evolution of biological carbon fixation: a carbon-based life form; the presence of inorganic carbon; the availability of reductants; the presence of light; a light-harvesting mechanism to convert the light energy into chemical energy; and carboxylating enzymes. All were present on the early Earth. To provide the evolutionary pressure, organic carbon must be a scarce resource in contrast to inorganic carbon. The probability of evolving a carboxylase is approached by creating an inventory of carbon-fixation enzymes and comparing them, leading to the conclusion that carbon fixation in general is basic to life and has arisen multiple times. Certainly, the evolutionary pressure to evolve new pathways for carbon fixation would have been present early in evolution. From knowledge about planetary systems and extraterrestrial chemistry, if organic carbon-based life occurs elsewhere, photosynthesis—although perhaps not oxygenic photosynthesis—would also have evolved.
Mechanism of Action of Phenethylisothiocyanate and Other Reactive Oxygen Species-Inducing Anticancer Agents

Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-inducing anticancer agents such as phenethylisothiocyanate (PEITC) activate stress pathways for killing cancer cells. Here we demonstrate that PEITC-induced ROS decreased expression of microRNA 27a (miR-27a)/miR-20a:miR-17-5p and induced miR-regulated ZBTB10/ZBTB4 and ZBTB34 transcriptional repressors, which, in turn, downregulate specificity protein (Sp) transcription factors (TFs) Sp1, Sp3, and Sp4 in pancreatic cancer cells. Decreased expression of miR-27a/miR-20a:miR-17-5p by PEITC-induced ROS is a key step in triggering the miR-ZBTB Sp cascade leading to downregulation of Sp TFs, and this is due to ROS-dependent epigenetic effects associated with genome-wide shifts in repressor complexes, resulting in decreased expression of Myc and the Myc-regulated miRs. Knockdown of Sp1 alone by RNA interference also induced apoptosis and decreased pancreatic cancer cell growth and invasion, indicating that downregulation of Sp transcription factors is an important common mechanism of action for PEITC and other ROS-inducing anticancer agents.
Metastasis and drug resistance

Multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype emerging from chemotherapy is a major problem in managing patients with metastatic cancers. The discovery that a cardiovascular drug, verapamil, can bind to P-glycoprotein and reverse MDR ini- tiated serious research efforts in MDR-reversal by various compounds and modes of pharmacological modifiers. Those include major calcium channel blockers such as bepridil, diltiazem, felodipine, isradipine, nicardipine, nifedipine and nimodip- ine, verapamil and analogs; calmodulin antagonists; antibiotics and analogs; indole alkaloids; cyclosporins and analogs; hormones and antihormones; pharmaceutical emulsifying surfactants; liposomal encapsulation; etc. The majority of the studies targeted one of the MDR mechanisms, P-glycoprotein. These studies have been successful under in vitro and limited in vivo animal conditions; the correlations for clinical trails are still lacking. Therefore, an effective MDR-reversing chemother- apy is not available. It is the purpose of this chapter to review the past and current experimental reversal of MDR and, in particular, the importance in targeting drug resistance in relevant cancer metastasis models.
Multiple Genetic Elements Carry the Tetracycline Resistance Gene tet(W) in the Animal Pathogen Arcanobacterium pyogenes

The tet(W) gene is associated with tetracycline resistance in a wide range of bacterial species, including obligately anaerobic rumen bacteria and isolates from the human gut and oral mucosa. However, little is known about how this gene is disseminated and the types of genetic elements it is carried on. We examined tetracycline-resistant isolates of the animal commensal and opportunistic pathogen Arcanobacterium pyogenes, all of which carried tet(W), and identified three genetic elements designated ATE-1, ATE-2, and ATE-3. These elements were found in 25%, 35%, and 60% of tetracycline-resistant isolates, respectively, with some strains carrying both ATE-2 and ATE-3. ATE-1 shows characteristics of a mobilizable transposon, and the tet(W) genes from strains carrying this element can be transferred at low frequencies between A. pyogenes strains. ATE-2 has characteristics of a simple transposon, carrying only the resistance gene and a transposase, while in ATE-3, the tet(W) gene is associated with a streptomycin resistance gene that is 100% identical at the DNA level with the aadE gene from the Campylobacter jejuni plasmid pCG8245. Both ATE-2 and ATE-3 show evidence of being carried on larger genetic elements, but conjugation to other strains was not observed under the conditions tested. ATE-1 was preferentially associated with A. pyogenes strains of bovine origin, while ATE-2 and ATE-3 elements were primarily found in porcine isolates, suggesting that these elements may circulate in different environments. In addition, four alleles of the tet(W) gene, primarily associated with different elements, were detected among A. pyogenes isolates.
Designing bioinspired composite reinforcement architectures via 3D magnetic printing

Discontinuous fibre composites represent a class of materials that are strong, lightweight and have remarkable fracture toughness. These advantages partially explain the abundance and variety of discontinuous fibre composites that have evolved in the natural world. Many natural structures out-perform the conventional synthetic counterparts due, in part, to the more elaborate reinforcement architectures that occur in natural composites. Here we present an additive manufacturing approach that combines real-time colloidal assembly with existing additive manufacturing technologies to create highly programmable discontinuous fibre composites. This technology, termed as '3D magnetic printing', has enabled us to recreate complex bioinspired reinforcement architectures that deliver enhanced material performance compared with monolithic structures. Further, we demonstrate that we can now design and evolve elaborate reinforcement architectures that are not found in nature, demonstrating a high level of possible customization in discontinuous fibre composites with arbitrary geometries.
Group-III Nitride Etch Selectivity in BCl 3 /Cl 2 ICP Plasmas

Patterning the group-IH nitrides has been challenging due to their strong bond energies and relatively inert chemical nature as compared to other compound semiconductors. Plasma etch processes have been used almost exclusively to pattern these films. The use of high-density plasma etch systems, including inductively coupled plasmas (ICP), has resulted in relatively high etch rates (often greater than 1.0 pmhnin) with anisotropic profiles and smooth etch morphologies. However, the etch mechanism is often dominated by high ion bombardment energies which can minimize etch selectivity. The use of an ICP-generated BCl~/C12 pkyma has yielded a highly versatile GaN etch process with rates ranging from 100 to 8000 A/rnin making this plasma chemistry a prime candidate for optimization of etch selectivity. In this study, we will report ICP etch rates and selectivities for GaN, AIN, and InN as a function of BCl~/Clz flow ratios, cathode rf-power, and ICP-source power. GaN:InN and GaN:AIN etch selectivities were typically less than 7:1 and showed the strongest dependence on flow ratio. This trend maybe attributed to faster GaN etch rates observed at higher concentrations of atomic Cl which was monitored using optical emission spectroscopy (OES). ~E~~~~f:~ INTRODUCTION DEC j 4898 Etch selectivi
Muslims through Discourse: Religion and Ritual in Gayo Society

Muslims through Discourse: Religion and Ritual in Gayo Society. John R. Bowen. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1993. 358 pp.
Community characteristics associated with child abuse in Iowa.

Problem: Various demographic and community characteristics are associated with child abuse rates in national and urban samples, but similar analyses have not been done within rural areas. This study analyzes the relationships between reported and substantiated rates of child abuse and county demographic, health care resource and social services factors in a predominantly rural state in the US. Methods: County-level data from Iowa between 1984–1993 were analyzed for associations between county characteristics and rates of child abuse using univariate correlations and multivariate stagewise regression analysis. Population-adjusted rates of reported and substantiated child abuse were correlated with rates of children in poverty, single-parent families, marriage and divorce, unemployment, high-school dropouts, median family income, elder abuse, birth and death rates, numbers of physicians and other healthcare providers, hospital, social workers, and number of caseworkers in the Department of Human Services. Results: Rates of single-parent families, divorce and elder abuse were significantly associated with reported and substantiated child abuse in multivariate analysis, while economic and most health care factors were not. Reporting and substantiation rates differed across districts after adjustment for multiple factors including caseworker workload. Conclusions: In this rural state, family structure is more significantly associated with child abuse report and substantiation rates than are socioeconomic factors. The level of health care resources in a county does not appear to affect these rates. © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Elimination of supply harmonics: an evolution of current compensation and active filtering methods

The price of the extensive use of power electronic devices is becoming clear: increasing harmonic "pollution". This survey takes a brief look at background information related to harmonics, including their sources, effects, and characteristics. Then, the evolution of the harmonics elimination approaches of current compensation and active filtering, which are becoming more feasible due to research and technological improvements, are discussed in order to give some insight into the directions that research is taking. >
Trust optimization in task-oriented social networks

Trust is a human-related phenomenon in social networks. Trust research on social networks has gained much attention on its usefulness, and on modeling propagations. There is little focus on finding maximum trust in social networks which is particularly important when a social network is oriented by certain tasks. In this paper, we first propose a trust maximization algorithm based on the task-oriented social networks. We then take communication cost into account and introduce four different trust optimization algorithms. We also conduct extensive experiments to evaluate the proposed algorithms and test their performance. To our best knowledge, this is pioneering work on trust optimization in task-oriented social networks.
Addition of a minimally invasive medial orbital approach in the endoscopic management of advanced sino-orbital disease: Cadaver study with clinical correlations

Objectives: Access to the medial orbit traditionally has been gained transcutaneously, with potential for associated soft tissue and lacrimal disruption. Endoscopic transnasal approaches to the medial orbit may be limited in certain scenarios by tumor presence or patient-specific factors. The medial transconjunctival approach, or transcaruncular approach, has been recently described for access to the medial orbit in orbital decompression and repair of medial blowout fractures. The aim of this study is to determine the utility of this minimally invasive external approach in the endoscopic management of advanced sino-orbital disease. Methods: This is a cadaver study with additional clinical correlations. The transcaruncular approach was combined with a transnasal endoscopic approach in cadaver dissections performed on eight sides. Five cases are described in which the transcaruncular approach was used as an adjunctive technique in advanced endoscopic sinus surgery. Results: In cadaver dissection, the transcaruncular approach is a simple, reliable method to ligate the ethmoid arteries and place bony cuts along the medial orbital wall. In certain anatomic configurations, supraorbital dissection into the frontal sinus or anterior fossa may be achieved. In the cases examined, exposure of the medial orbital subperiosteal plane allowed for ligation of ethmoid arteries, assessment of periorbital invasion of disease, assistance in tumor dissection, and placement of a malleable retractor for protection of orbital contents. Conclusions: The transcaruncular approach to the medial orbit has certain advantages over the traditional open approach. Ligation of the ethmoid arteries, assessment of the lacrimal sac and periorbita for tumor invasion, protection of orbital contents, and en bloc resection of the periorbita and lamina papyrecea are possible through this route.
Role of pectin methylesterases in cellular calcium distribution and blossom-end rot development in tomato fruit

Blossom-end rot (BER) in tomato fruit (Solanum lycopersicum) is believed to be a calcium (Ca²⁺) deficiency disorder, but the mechanisms involved in its development are poorly understood. Our hypothesis is that high expression of pectin methylesterases (PMEs) increases Ca²⁺ bound to the cell wall, subsequently decreasing Ca²⁺ available for other cellular functions and thereby increasing fruit susceptibility to BER. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of PME expression, and amount of esterified pectins and Ca²⁺ bound to the cell wall on BER development in tomato fruit. Wild-type and PME-silenced tomato plants were grown in a greenhouse. At full bloom, flowers were pollinated and Ca²⁺ was no longer provided to the plants to induce BER. Our results show that suppressing expression of PMEs in tomato fruit reduced the amount of Ca²⁺ bound to the cell wall, and also reduced fruit susceptibility to BER. Both the wild-type and PME-silenced fruit had similar total tissue, cytosolic and vacuolar Ca²⁺ concentrations, but wild-type fruit had lower water-soluble apoplastic Ca²⁺ content and higher membrane leakage, one of the first symptoms of BER. Our results suggest that apoplastic water-soluble Ca²⁺ concentration influences fruit susceptibility to Ca²⁺ deficiency disorders.
Endotoxin inhibitor prevents sepsis-induced alterations in intestinal ion transport

Background The intestine is a target of septic insult. The aims of this study were to characterize sepsis-induced alterations in intestinal ion transport and to determine the role endotoxin plays in mediating these changes. Methods Rats underwent cecal manipulation alone (control), cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), or CLP plus intraperitoneal injection of 0.2 mg of a recently synthesized endotoxin inhibitor. At 24 hours, distal ileum was harvested, and transport parameters were determined. Results Cecal ligation and puncture produced a significant increase in short-circuit current ( I sc ) that was attributable to the induction of chloride secretion. There were no alterations in transepithelial resistance or fluxes of mannitol and sodium. The sepsis-induced increase in I sc was prevented by administration of the endotoxin inhibitor. Conclusions In this model of sepsis, the primary alteration in ileal ion transport is an induction of electrogenic chloride secretion. Endotoxin inhibition may represent a strategy for prophylaxis against the intestinal effects of sepsis.
Modeling and optimization of microwave devices and circuits using genetic algorithms

This paper presents a new approach for the simulation and optimization of microwave devices using a genetic algorithm (GA). The proposed technique solves the equations that describe the semiconductor transport physics in conjunction with Poisson's equation, employing an adaptive real-coded GA. An objective function is formulated, and most of the GA parameters are recommended to change during the simulation. In addition, different methods for describing the way the GA parameters change are developed and studied. The effect of GA parameters including the mutation value, number of crossover points, selection criteria, size of population, and probability of mutation is analyzed. The technique is validated by simulating a submicrometer field-effect transistor, and then compared to successive over relaxation, showing the same degree of accuracy along with a moderate speed of convergence. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new vision for a GA capable of optimizing real value functions with a considerably large number of variables. This paper also represents a fundamental step toward applying GAs to Maxwell's equations in conjunction with the hydrodynamic model, aiming to develop an optimized and unconditionally stable global-modeling simulator.
A Model for Determining Retail Product Category Assortment and Shelf Space Allocation

We develop a category management model to aid retailers in the space constrained decisions of which products to stock (assortment) and how much shelf space to allocate to those products. The model is formulated as a constrained optimization problem with two basic decision variables: assortment and allocation of space to the items in the assortment. The non-linearities in the objective function and the zero-one decision variables disallow a closed form solution. We develop a heuristic solution procedure based on simulated annealing and test it on a problem with a known optimum. We also apply the technique to a larger problem without a known optimum. Finally, the solution found by simulated annealing is compared against a solution produced using a shelf allocation rule based on share of sales.
Bent Approximations To Synchrotron Radiation Optics

Ideal optical elements can be approximated by bending flats or cylinders. This paper considers the applications of these approximate optics to synchrotron radiation. Analytic and raytracing studies are used to compare their optical performance with the corresponding ideal elements. It is found that for many applications the performance is adequate, with the additional advantages of lower cost and greater flexibility. Particular emphasis is placed on obtaining the practical limitations on the use of the approximate elements in typical beam-line configurations. Also considereC are the possibilities for approximating very long length mirrors using segmented mirrors.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Terrible triad of the shoulder

The purpose of this study was to assess the functional outcome of the terrible triad of the shoulder, a rare combination of anterior shoulder dislocation, massive rotator cuff tear, and neurologic injury. Six patients with this condition have been treated at our institution since 1990. The mean age was 57 years. All patients underwent rotator cuff repair (RCR). The mean time from injury to surgery was 5 months. Follow-up averaged 5.6 years. Functional outcome was recorded by use of the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index. Preoperative mean active forward elevation was 24°, as compared with 98° postoperatively. Strength improved from 3 lb to a mean of 12 lb in forward elevation and from 2 lb to 16 lb in external rotation. Clinically, 5 of 6 patients achieved recovery of their nerve injury. Total Shoulder Pain and Disability Index postoperative scores revealed good or excellent results in 4 of 6 patients. For this injury pattern, performing an RCR offers the patient the best chance for a favorable outcome. Waiting for neurologic recovery before performing RCR is not recommended.
Birthing histone mRNAs by CSR-1 section.

As the building blocks of chromatin, histones need to be synthesized efficiently and synchronously with DNA replication. The mRNAs encoding the core histones undergo a distinct 3′‐end formation pathway that results in mature mRNAs ending in a stem loop instead of a polyadenylated tail. Considering that the factors involved in histone 3′‐end processing are well conserved across Eukarya, the absence of some of these components in C. elegans draws the question of how histone 3′ ends are matured in worms. In this issue of The EMBO Journal , Avgousti et al (2012) present an answer that, surprisingly, involves RNAi pathway factors.
In Vivo Measurement of Extracellular Cyclic AMP in the Brain: Use in Studies of β-Adrenoceptor Function in Nonanesthetized Rats

Microdialysis measurement of extracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) in the cerebral cortex of conscious rats was evaluated as a method for assessing central beta-adrenoceptor function in vivo. Extracellular levels of the nucleotide were found to average 3 pmol/ml under baseline conditions. Local infusion of the beta-agonists norepinephrine (NE) and isoproterenol produced rapid (3 min) and marked (three- to sevenfold) dose-dependent increases in extracellular cAMP, which were potentiated by the phosphodiesterase inhibitor rolipram, and blocked by the beta-antagonist timolol. Responses to both catecholamines underwent rapid desensitization (6-9 min) and recovered within several hours. Time-course studies revealed that the baseline cAMP level underwent a gradual increase and then a decrease over the course of a single 8-h run, and peaked at 24 h postimplantation. Responses to NE were stable for the first 24 h after implantation, then increased at 48 and 120 h. The causes of the latter changes may include reactions to novelty, local inflammatory responses, and/or reactions of adjacent glial cells to implantation. Overall, the results indicate that the microdialysis-cAMP method can be extended to nonanesthetized animals and may be a useful tool for studying neurotransmission at central adenylate cyclase-coupled membrane receptors during various behavioral states.