cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CHAPTER 11 – Roots of Polynomials

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of roots of polynomials. Dividing a polynomial by another polynomial is similar to long division in arithmetic in that there is a quotient that may or may not contain a remainder. Symbolically, P(x) = Q(x) • D(x) + R(x), where the degree of R(x) is less than that of P(x). Synthetic division is the name given to a “shortcut” process of long division of polynomials. From the remainder theorem of polynomials, if a polynomial P(x) is divided by (x − r), then the remainder is P(r). The remainder theorem, coupled with synthetic division, is an easy way to obtain (x, y) pairs for a polynomial. It is used to assist in plotting points in graphing a polynomial. In factor theorem, a polynomial P(x) has a factor (x − r) if and only if P(r) = 0. The conjugate of a complex number a + bi is a − bi and the product of the two conjugate complex numbers is a real number—for example, (a + bi) (a − bi) = a2 + b2. The quotient of two complex numbers is found by multiplying the dividend and the divisor by the conjugate of the divisor. From the fundamental theorem of algebra, every polynomial P (x) of degree ≥1 has at least one complex root.
Entrepreneurship in Small Cities: Evidence From U.S. Micropolitan Areas:

This article presents the spatial patterns of general and high-tech start-up rates and explores regional factors associated with entrepreneurship in U.S. micropolitan areas. Regression results show...
Pulp fiction? A point-of-care gastric ultrasound analysis of gastric contents after ingestion of orange juice with and without pulp

Preoperative fasting guidelines emerged in the 1800s, prompted by perioperative aspiration deaths.[1][1] Without objective data, modern fasting guidelines for some non-clear liquids, such as orange juice (OJ) with pulp, rely on expert opinion. Gastric point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) can
ARTERIAL ELASTICITY AND TOTAL AND RELATIVE PROPORTION OF WALL CONSTITUENTS ARE INFLUENCED BY SYMPATHETIC NERVE TRAFFIC

Publisher Summary Sympathetic nerves are the major regulators of neurogenic tone in vascular smooth muscle (VSM). In a previous experiment, it was observed that the sympathetic denervation impairs DNA synthesis in VSM of the ear artery of the growing male New Zealand rabbit. This chapter describes the effect of long-term denervation on the structure and function of the ear artery at three different ages: (1) growing (3–4 weeks), (2) young adult (10 weeks), and (3) mature (over 4 months). After 8 weeks following the surgery, the arteries from each age group were studied in vitro and were compared with the control contralateral ear artery. Identical lengths from corresponding areas of vessel were dissected and sectioned in situ using blades of fixed standard distance. Denervation was confirmed by the absence of specific catecholamine fluorescence on whole mounts of the most proximal and distal segments of vessel used. Decentralization was confirmed by the absence of choline acetyltransferase activity in the superior cervical ganglia. From each artery, a ring segment was processed for light microscopy. Two 3 mm ring segments were used for in vitro studies and set up in organ baths in a standard manner to measure contractile responses to norepinephrine and stress-strain relationships.
The Presence of Preoperative Depression Symptoms Does Not Hinder Recovery After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background:The current literature suggests a link between psychosocial factors and poor surgical outcomes in patients with musculoskeletal complaints. However, there remains a limited body of liter...
Three-dimensional biofilm colony growth supports a mutualism involving matrix and nutrient sharing.

Life in a three-dimensional biofilm is typical for many bacteria, yet little is known about how strains interact in this context. Here, we created essential-gene CRISPRi knockdown libraries in biofilm-forming Bacillus subtilis and measured competitive fitness during colony co-culture with wild type. Partial knockdown of some translation-related genes reduced growth rates and led to out-competition. Media composition led some knockdowns to compete differentially as biofilm versus non-biofilm colonies. Cells depleted for the alanine racemase AlrA died in monoculture but survived in a biofilm-colony co-culture via nutrient sharing. Rescue was enhanced in biofilm-colony co-culture with a matrix-deficient parent, due to a mutualism involving nutrient and matrix sharing. We identified several examples of mutualism involving matrix sharing that occurred in three-dimensional biofilm colonies but not when cultured in two dimensions. Thus, growth in a three-dimensional colony can promote genetic diversity through sharing of secreted factors and may drive evolution of mutualistic behavior.
Nationwide analysis on the impact of peripheral vascular disease following primary total knee arthroplasty: A matched-control analysis.

Abstract Background As the prevalence of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) continues to increase nationwide, studies demonstrating its effects following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate whether patients with PVD have higher rates of: 1) in-hospital lengths of stay (LOS); 2) readmissions; 3) medical complications; 4) implant-related complications; and 5) costs of care. Methods Using a nationwide database, patients with PVD undergoing primary TKA were identified and matched to controls in a 1:5 ratio by age, sex, and medical comorbidities. The query yielded 1,547,092 between the cohorts. Outcomes analyzed included: in-hospital LOS, readmission rates, complications, and costs of care. A p-value less than 0.004 was considered statistically significant. Results PVD patients had significantly longer in-hospital LOS (4-days vs. 3-days, p Conclusions After adjusting for confounding variables the results of the study show patients with PVD undergoing primary TKA have longer in-hospital LOS; in addition to higher rates of complications, readmissions, and costs of care. The study can be utilized by orthopaedists to adequately counsel patients of the potential complications following their procedure.
Active learning through flipped classroom in mechanical engineering: improving students' perception of learning and performance.

To address some challenges that the large lecture-focused courses have faced in higher education, the flipped classroom model was implemented in mechanical engineering. The purpose of the study was to investigate mechanical engineering undergraduate students’ performance in the flipped classroom. A comprehensive analysis was conducted to investigate the pedagogical benefits of active learning in the flipped classroom from a self-determination theory perspective. To evaluate the effectiveness of the flipped classroom, students’ academic achievements in the flipped classroom were compared with the ones in the traditional lecture format. Moreover, to explore in-depth students’ learning experiences and their perceptions about the flipped classroom, students’ open-ended surveys were analyzed. Results demonstrated that students in the flipped classroom performed better and favored the new model, feeling that flipped classroom was useful and helpful in preparing for the course. The qualitative findings showed that students felt that they benefited from the pre-week online lectures in the flipped classroom to prepare for the course. The current study shows that the flipped classroom model has the potential to create an autonomy-supportive learning environment and provide beneficial learning experiences. This study highlights the benefits of and future direction for implementing the flipped classroom in traditional mechanical engineering courses.
Permanent Magnet Machines

This chapter aims to relate the operational requirements of permanent magnet (PM) motors to their dimensions, shapes, and material properties. It describes how the physical dimensions and parameters are influenced by PM excitation. The chapter summarizes the major parameters of the motor circuit model. It shows the conventional steady‐state equivalent circuit for a PM motor. In this representation, the MMF produced by the magnet is represented as a current source I f . The surface‐magnet machine is only one of a wide variety of magnet configurations used for PM machines. Structurally, this construction can provide a more secure magnet setting. The motor can also produce somewhat more maximum torque and its overspeed range is larger due to its saliency. The largest family of PM machine involves those with buried magnets. The chapter shows some of the possibilities. It discusses several typical examples of these machines to illustrate the issues involved.
Disadoption

The adoption and diffusion of new products and behaviors has been studied extensively and comprehensively (e.g., Rogers 2003). Disadoption—how and why people volitionally stop using products and/or cease certain behaviors (e.g., customer defection, smoking cessation)—by contrast, has received less and more situation-specific attention. This paper presents a general (conceptual) framework for understanding disadoption. Disadoption is defined and delineated from other behavioral discontinuances. Antecedents and consequences of disadoption along with the process behind disadoption are discussed. Directions for research as well as methods to either increase or decrease the likelihood of disadoption are also discussed.
Vitamins, supplements and COVID-19: a review of currently available evidence.

Background In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an information overload of health data (both accurate and inaccurate) available to the public. With vitamins and supplements being readily accessible, many have turned to using them in an effort to combat the virus. The purpose of this review was to analyse clinical trials regarding vitamins and supplements for the treatment of COVID-19 infections. Methods Articles were identified through a literature search utilizing online databases and bibliographic review. Results A total of seven articles were identified for review. All articles evaluated the use of vitamins and supplements for the treatment of COVID-19. Drug therapies included oral vitamin D, intravenous and oral vitamin C, oral vitamin D/magnesium/vitamin B12, oral zinc, oral combination zinc/ascorbic acid, and intravenous alpha-lipoic acid. The end points of each study varied, including the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, mortality, rate of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, negativity of COVID-19 tests, oxygen requirements, and symptom burden. Conclusion Of the vitamins and supplements that were studied, vitamin D presented the most promising data demonstrating significant decreases in oxygen requirements, need for ICU treatment, SARS-CoV-2 RNA test positivity, and mortality. All of these benefits were exhibited in hospitalized patients. Other vitamins and supplements that were evaluated in studies did not demonstrate any statistically significant benefits. Common shortcomings of the articles included generally small sample sizes, varying sites of study (which could determine the virus variant), a lack of standard of care as background therapy, and utilization of doses that were higher than standard.
Universal extra dimensions and b→sγ

Abstract We analyze the effect of flat universal extra dimensions (i.e., extra dimensions accessible to all SM fields) on the process b → sγ . With one Higgs doublet, the dominant contribution at one-loop is from Kaluza–Klein (KK) states of the charged would-be-Goldstone boson (WGB) and of the top quark. The resulting constraint on the size of the extra dimension is comparable to the constraint from T parameter. In two-Higgs-doublet model II, the contribution of zero-mode and KK states of physical charged Higgs can cancel the contribution from WGB KK states. Therefore, in this model, there is no constraint on the size of the extra dimensions from the process b → sγ and also the constraint on the mass of the charged Higgs from this process is weakened compared to 4 D . In two-Higgs-doublet model I, the contribution of the zero-mode and KK states of physical charged Higgs and that of the KK states of WGB are of the same sign. Thus, in this model and for small tan β , the constraint on the size of the extra dimensions is stronger than in one-Higgs-doublet model and also the constraint on the mass of the charged Higgs is stronger than in 4 D .
Challenges and Benefits of Using Toulmin’s Argumentation Model to Assess Mathematics Lesson Study Debriefing Sessions

As lesson study becomes more prevalent, there is a need to continuously develop theoretical and methodological infrastructure to support and refine its use. In this article, we present a critical m...
The HRT Conjecture and the Zero Divisor Conjecture for the Heisenberg Group

This chapter reports on the current status of the HRT Conjecture (also known as the linear independence of time–frequency shifts conjecture), and discusses its relationship with a longstanding conjecture in algebra known as the zero divisor conjecture.
Abstract 312: Akt1-Mediated Muscle Growth Will Regress Adiposity and Insulin Resistance in Obese Mice

Obesity is the most common risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Although it is known that increasing skeletal muscle activity can reduce obesity and improve obesity-related diseases, mouse models that can assess the molecular relationships between muscle growth and obesity are lacking. We have generated a skeletal muscle-specific, conditional transgenic (TG) mouse that can induce the growth of functional skeletal muscle by switching Akt1 signaling on or off and assessed the hypothesis that robust skeletal muscle growth can reverse obesity and insulin resistance in diet-induced obese mice. Activation of Akt1 signaling for 2 weeks led to an increase in muscle mass (238.0±6.9 vs. 170.6±4.9 mg, gastrocnemius muscle weight, p<0.01). Akt1-induced muscle hypertrophy led to higher peak grip force compared with control muscle (104.7±3.7 vs. 69.8±0.8 g, p<0.05). Under conditions of repressed Akt1 expression, mice were fed high fat/sucrose diet to induce obesity. Although there was no difference in daily food intake, activation of Akt1 signaling in skeletal muscle of obese mice dramatically reduced fat mass calculated by MRI measurements (3.9±0.7 vs. 8.4±0.7 cm3, p<0.01). TG mice showed increased oxygen consumption ratio measured by indirect colorimeter (2887±66 vs. 2615±62ml/kg/min, p<0.01), in spite of decrease in ambulatory activity levels (20788±2911 vs. 34557±3932 beam brakes/day, p<0.01). Glucose and insulin tolerance test revealed that diet-induced severe insulin resistance was clearly improved after Akt1 activation in skeletal muscle. When Akt1-induced muscle growth was blocked by treatment with rapamycin, the fat mass regression effect was not observed. In conclusion, Akt1-mediated skeletal muscle growth, independent of food consumption or physical activity, can regress adiposity and obesity related insulin resistance.
Apical SK potassium channels and Ca2+‐dependent anion secretion in endometrial epithelial cells

Apical uridine triphosphate (UTP) stimulation was shown to increase short circuit current (Isc) in immortalized porcine endometrial gland epithelial monolayers. Pretreatment with the bee venom toxin apamin enhanced this response. Voltage-clamp experiments using amphotericin B-permeablized monolayers revealed that the apamin-sensitive current increased immediately after UTP stimulation and was K+ dependent. The current–voltage relationship was slightly inwardly rectifying with a reversal potential of −52 ± 2 mV, and the PK/PNa ratio was 14, indicating high selectivity for K+. Concentration–response relationships for apamin and dequalinium had IC50 values of 0.5 nm and 1.8 μm, respectively, consistent with data previously reported for SK3 channels in excitable cells and hepatocytes. Treatment of monolayers with 50 μm BAPTA-AM completely blocked the effects of UTP on K+ channel activation, indicating that the apamin-sensitive current was also Ca2+ dependent. Moreover, channel activation was blocked by calmidazolium (IC50= 5 μm), suggesting a role for calmodulin in Ca2+-dependent regulation of channel activity. RT-PCR experiments demonstrated expression of mRNA for the SK1 and SK3 channels, but not SK2 channels. Treatment of monolayers with 20 nm oestradiol-17β produced a 2-fold increase in SK3 mRNA, a 2-fold decrease in SK1 mRNA, but no change in GAPDH mRNA expression. This result correlated with a 2.5-fold increase in apamin-sensitive K+ channel activity in the apical membrane. We speculate that SK channels provide a mechanism for rapidly sensing changes in intracellular Ca2+ near the apical membrane, evoking immediate hyperpolarization necessary for increasing the driving force for anion efflux following P2Y receptor activation.
Lipid analysis of the glycoinositol phospholipid membrane anchor of human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase. Palmitoylation of inositol results in resistance to phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C.

The glycoinositol phospholipid membrane anchor of human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7) contains a novel inositol phospholipid which in this and the accompanying paper (Roberts, W.L., Santikarn, S., Reinhold, V.N., and Rosenberry, T.L. (1988) J. Biol. Chem 263, 18776-18784) is shown to be a plasmanylinositol that is palmitoylated on the inositol ring. The inositol phospholipid was radiolabeled with the photoactivated reagent 3-(trifluoromethyl)-3-(m-[125I] iodophenyl)diazirine and characterized by various chemical and enzymatic cleavage procedures whose products were analyzed by thin layer chromatography and autoradiography or gas chromatography. Acidic methanolysis of human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (Ehu AChE) revealed 18:0 and 18:1 alkylglycerols (0.55 and 0.20 mol/mol AChE, respectively). Acetolysis was shown by TLC to release alkylacylglycerol acetates from Ehu AChE. Analysis by gas chromatography revealed that 83% of the alkylacylglycerol acetates contained an 18:0 or 18:1 1-alkyl group and a 22:4 (n - 6), 22:5 (n - 3), or 22:6 (n - 3) 2-acyl group. The inositol phospholipid is linked to the anchor by a glucosamine in glycosidic linkage, and deamination with nitrous acid cleaved the glycosidic linkage and released the phospholipid. The deamination and acetolysis products from Ehu AChE were purified by high performance liquid chromatography, and fatty acid analysis following acidic methanolysis of the purified products revealed that 2 fatty acid residues were associated with the deamination product and only one with the alkylacylglycerol acetolysis product. The other fatty acid residue was primarily palmitate and was indicated to be in ester linkage to an inositol hydroxyl(s). This linkage was shown to be responsible for the resistance of the inositol phospholipid to cleavage by Staphylococcus aureus phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase. Deacylation of the inositol phospholipid deamination product by treatment with base removed this palmitoyl group and facilitated release of alkyl- and alkylacylglycerol species by phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C with concomitant formation of inositol 1-phosphate. In contrast, digestion of Ehu AChE with a recently reported anchor-specific phospholipase D resulted in release of plasmanic acids from the intact palmitoylated plasmanylinositol.
$C^{3}$-actions and algebraic threefolds with ample tangent bundle

One of the most challenging problems in complex differential geometry is the following conjecture of Frankel [3]. ( F-n) A compact Kaehler manifold M of dimension n with positive sectional (or more generally, positive holomorphic bisectional) curvature is biholomorphic to the complex projective space P n (C ).
Interaction of desacetamidocolchicine, a fast binding analogue of colchicine with isotypically pure tubulin dimers alpha beta II, alpha beta III, and alpha beta IV.

Desacetamidocolchicine (DAAC) is a colchicine analogue that lacks the acetamido side chain in the ring-B of colchicine. Unlike colchicine, it binds to tubulin very quickly, and yet it has powerful antimitotic properties. It has been demonstrated that the beta-tubulin isoforms differ significantly in their interactions with colchicine. In an effort to understand the role of the ring-B of colchicine, we have studied the interaction of DAAC with purified beta-tubulin isoforms. The association was studied fluorometrically using a stopped-flow instrument under pseudo-first-order conditions in the presence of a large excess of drug. The observed pseudo-first-order rate constants increased in a nonlinear way with the drug concentration, indicating that the binding of DAAC to tubulin isoforms occur in two steps as is true for the binding of colchicine to tubulin (Garland, D.L. (1978) Biochemistry 17, 4266-4272), [formula: see text] where the first step is a fast reversible binding and the second step is a slow conformational change leading to the formation of the stable complex (T.DAAC)*. Kinetic analysis shows that the tubulin isoforms exhibit very little differences in their K1 values, which are 5794 +/- 670, 7109 +/- 1800, and 8993 +/- 1780 M-1 for alpha beta II, alpha beta III, and alpha beta IV, respectively. The k2 values for alpha beta II, alpha beta III, and alpha beta IV are 0.67 +/- 0.05, 0.05 +/- 0.006, and 0.59 +/- 0.07 s-1, respectively. The apparent on-rate constants (k(on,app) = K1k2) for alpha beta II, alpha beta III, and alpha beta IV are 3907 +/- 530, 376 +/- 80, and 5305 +/- 1200 M-1 s-1, respectively. The off-rate constants as measured by the loss of fluorescence of drug-tubulin complexes in the presence of a large excess of podophyllotoxin are 6.3 x 10(-4), 5.2 x 10(-4), and 5.7 x 10(-4) s-1, respectively, for alpha beta II, alpha beta III, and alpha beta IV. The affinity constants as determined by Scatchard analyses are 2.5 x 10(6), 1.5 x 10(6), and 4 x 10(6) M-1 for alpha beta II, alpha beta III, and alpha beta IV, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Immunosuppressive Drugs: Do they have Any Role in the Treatment of IBD?

The immune system seems to be involved in the pathogenesis of IBD although the mechanisms are unknown. Certainly the immune system shows evidence of activation during exacerbations of disease. Based on these considerations, immunosuppressive agents have been given empirically to patients with IBD.
Modeling of oxidation and its effect on the crack growth resistance of titanium alloys

Metals (superalloys) and Metal Matrix Composites (MMC) are being used for elevated temperature applications such as leading edge components in hypersonic aircraft or turbine blades, which undergo highly variable mechanical loads in corrosive environments. Even though protective coatings are used to prevent oxidation, surface wear and microcracks may lead to oxygen penetration into the metallic substrate and subsequent chemical reaction, transforming the metal into a brittle oxide, with detrimental consequences for the integrity and life of the structure. The oxidation of the metal matrix is modeled in the present work by modifying the Fickian diffusion problem in order to simulate the chemical reaction (phase change) in the metal. Two different variants of a fixed grid finite element method for numerical simulation of oxidation are used. The first approach is based on reformulating the governing equation in both the oxide and matrix, resulting in a single, non-linear equation for the whole domain. The second approach tracks the oxidation front and splits the domain into metal and oxide subdomains. In both approaches, the accuracy of the numerical method is measured by comparing the numerical results with the exact solution for specific cases. Coupled with the mechanical analysis, the model is used to estimate the effect of the oxide layer on the energy release rate.
Solving the first verified software competition problems using PVS

The first Verified Software Competition (VSComp) was held in August 2010 as part of the third conference on Verified Software: Theories, Tools, and Experiments. The competition consisted of five problems of varying difficulty. These problems have been useful for illustrating the strengths and weaknesses of different verification methods. We present solutions to these problems using the SRI's Prototype Verification System (PVS).We also discuss how certain features of PVS were exploited in these exercises.
Structure of the Core and Lower Mantle

Publisher Summary This chapter analyzes the structure of the core and lower mantle of the Earth. It reviews the recent progress in the construction of such models of the Earth's deep interior, particularly the inner and outer core and the lower mantle. The focus is on energy source for the geodynamo, and its implications for the structure and thermal evolution of the earth. A review of dynamo energetics is presented and the convective stability and morphological stability of the core are discussed. The structure of “D,” treated as a thermal boundary layer, is considered, and the plumes that carry the core heat upward through the lower mantle are examined. The central feature of the gravitationally powered dynamo is that the inner core is growing by freezing of outer-core material as the earth gradually cools. It is argued that the excess of light material released at the inner-core boundary by this process drives convection in the outer core. The thermal history of the earth is also discussed. Finally, the current state of knowledge of the structure of the core and lower mantle is summarized.
Sphingosine-1-phosphate induces proliferation and morphological changes of neural progenitor cells

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a lipid mediator that exerts multiple cellular functions through activation of G-protein-coupled receptors. Although the role of S1P on angiogenesis is well established, its role in neurogenesis is unknown. We examined the effects of S1P on G-protein activation in brain sections of rat embryo and on neural progenitor cells in culture. Intense S1P-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS labeling was observed as early as E15 in the neuroepithelium and differentiating fields throughout the brain, suggesting that functional S1P receptors are expressed in brain areas with active neurogenesis. mRNA transcripts for several S1P receptor subtypes (S1P1, S1P2, S1P3 and S1P5) were expressed in neural progenitor cells prepared from embryonic rat hippocampus. S1P induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and proliferation of neural progenitor cells as determined by BrdU incorporation in a pertussis toxin-sensitive manner. These effects were prevented by the ERK signaling inhibitor U0126. S1P augmented telomerase activity in neural progenitor cells with similar potency as that of FGF-2. Furthermore, S1P induced cell-cell aggregation. This morphological change was transient and prevented by Y-27632, an inhibitor of Rho-associated kinase. These results suggest that S1P plays a pleiotropic role in neurogenesis via pathways involving S1P receptors, MAP kinases and Rho kinase.
Almost All in the Family: Emotionally Abusive Attachments

An ethological framework of attachment is applied to recognizing and helping adults who have had, or currently have, emotionally abusive affectional relationships. Conceptualized as constant and unrelenting verbal assault, disconfirmation of needs and feelings, and frightening threats of abandonment, the condition is distinguished from physical battering and other forms of violence. Treatment provides a secure base for exploring emotionally abusive experiences, and the meaning given to them, in order to modify internal representations and form more secure attachment bonds. The approach points to the profound effects that experiences such as emotional abuse can have on personality development, altering perceptions and memories, and increasing vulnerability to psychological disturbance. Clinical examples illustrate ideas. Implications for prevention and suggestions for future research are also discussed.
Robust adaptive constrained motion and force control of manipulators with guaranteed transient performance

In this paper, a combined adaptive and smooth sliding mode control (SMC) methodology is suggested to design a constrained motion and force tracking controller so as to achieve asymptotic motion and force tracking without persistent excitation condition in the presence of parametric uncertainties. Filtered error signals are used in both motion and force sliding surfaces to enhance dynamic response of the system. The proposed controller provides guaranteed transient performance with prescribed final tracking accuracy in the presence of both parametric uncertainties and external disturbances or modelling errors. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the proposed controller.
Energy and Quality-Aware Multimedia Signal Processing

This paper presents techniques to reduce energy with minimal degradation in system performance for multimedia signal processing algorithms. It first provides a survey of energy-saving techniques such as those based on voltage scaling, reducing number of computations and reducing dynamic range. While these techniques reduce energy, they also introduce errors that affect the performance quality. To compensate for these errors, techniques that exploit algorithm characteristics are presented. Next, several hybrid energy-saving techniques that further reduce the energy consumption with low performance degradation are presented. For instance, a combination of voltage scaling and dynamic range reduction is shown to achieve 85% energy saving in a low pass FIR filter for a fairly low noise level. A combination of computation reduction and dynamic reduction for Discrete Cosine Transform shows, on average, 33% to 46% reduction in energy consumption while incurring 0.5 dB to 1.5 dB loss in PSNR. Both of these techniques have very little overhead and achieve significant energy reduction with little quality degradation.
Citizen Advisory Committees and Environmental Policy: What We Know, What's Left to Discover

Citizen Advisory Committees (CACs) are being used in increasing numbers to provide public input into environmental policy and management decisions. While there is a large body of literature consisting of guidelines for establishing and running CACs, the body of literature of empirical evaluations of CACs is markedly smaller. Fourteen empirical studies of CACs involved in environmental policy decisions (spanning the period from 1976 to 1994) are reviewed here, including case studies, large-scale surveys, and consultant reports. For each study consideration is given to the methods of study, the issues considered by the CACs, the organizations advised, the definitions of success used in the study, and the suggested factors contributing to the success, or lack of success, experienced by the CACs. The review shows that the influence of CACs on policy outcomes have varied from case to case, with some accomplishing little and others having significant policy impacts. The increased use of CACs by government and industry presents an excellent opportunity for academics and practitioners to strengthen their understanding of the internal processes and capabilities of CACs through comparative evaluation research.
Correlation-space description of the percolation transition in composite microstructures

We explore the percolation threshold shift as short-range correlations are introduced and systematically varied in binary composites. Two complementary representations of the correlations are developed in terms of the distribution of phase bonds or, alternatively, using a set of appropriate short-range order parameters. In either case, systematic exploration of the correlation space reveals a boundary that separates percolating from nonpercolating structures and permits empirical equations that identify the location of the threshold for systems of arbitrary short-range correlation states. Two- and three-dimensional site lattices with two-body correlations, as well as a two-dimensional hexagonal bond network with three-body correlations, are explored. The approach presented here should be generalizable to more complex correlation states, including higher-order and longer-range correlations.
Expansion on Extracellular Matrix Deposited by Human Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Facilitates Stem Cell Proliferation and Tissue-Specific Lineage Potential

Our objective was to assess the rejuvenation effect of extracellular matrix (ECM) deposited by human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) on hBMSC expansion and tissue-specific lineage differentiation potential. Passage 5 hBMSCs were expanded on ECM or conventional plastic flasks (Plastic) for one passage. Cell number was counted and immunophenotype profiles were assessed using flow cytometry. Selected integrins and proliferation-related pathway signals were assessed using Western blot. The expanded cells were evaluated for their chondrogenic potential in a pellet culture system with TGF-β3-containing chondrogenic medium using gross morphology, histology, immunostaining, biochemical analysis, real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and biomechanical testing. ECM-expanded hBMSCs were further evaluated for their osteogenic potential using Alizarin Red S staining and alkaline phosphatase activity assay and for their adipogenic potential using Oil Red O staining. ECM-expanded hBMSCs exhibited an enhanced proliferation capacity and an acquired robust chondrogenic potential compared to those grown on Plastic. ECM expansion decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species and increased stage-specific embryonic antigen-4 expression in hBMSCs. ECM expansion also upregulated integrins α2 and β5 and induced a sustained activation of Erk1/2 and cyclin D1. Interestingly, upregulation of TGF-β receptor II during cell expansion and chondrogenic induction might be responsible for an enhanced chondrogenic potential in ECM-expanded hBMSCs. We also found that ECM-expanded hBMSCs had an increased osteogenic potential and decreased adipogenic capacity. ECM deposited by hBMSCs may be a promising approach to expand BMSCs from elderly patients for the treatment of large-scale bone defects through endochondral bone formation.
Magnesium oxide gate dielectrics grown on GaN using an electron cyclotron resonance plasma

Magnesium oxide was grown by gas source molecular beam epitaxy on (0001) oriented metalorganic chemical vapor deposition n-GaN using elemental Mg and atomic oxygen supplied from an electron cyclotron resonance plasma source. X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated that the oxide was single crystal for TSUB=350 °C and mostly polycrystalline for TSUB=100 °C. Reflection high energy electron diffraction suggests that the films deposited at the lower temperature begin with a single crystal nucleation layer then quickly become polycrystalline. For both growth temperatures, the magnesium oxide was highly textured toward the (111) direction, with the polycrystalline samples showing a broader XRD peak but smoother surfaces. Single crystal MgO grown at 350 °C had high current leakage, prohibiting electrical measurements. A breakdown field of 2.3 MV/cm and an interface state density of 4×1011 cm−2 eV−1 were measured for the polycrystalline (TSUB=100 °C) magnesium oxide/GaN heterostructure.
STEM CELLS IN CHRONIC MYELOGENOUS LEUKEMIA

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a malignant disorder of the human hematopoietic stem cell 95 characterized by the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph). 195,222 The disease manifests itself in the initial chronic phase by an abnormal expansion of myeloid, erythroid, and megakaryocytic progenitors in the marrow, which traffic abnormally and accumulate in the peripheral blood and extramedullary locations, such as the spleen. 58,137 In addition, myeloid precursors and mature granulocytic elements are massively increased in marrow and blood. 90,104 In some patients, increases in megakaryocytes and platelets are seen; however, the mature erythroid compartment is not expanded and the lymphoid compartment does not seem to be functionally affected. After 3 to 5 years, the disease transforms, leading to a myeloid blast crisis in approximately two thirds of patients and to a B-lymphoid and less frequently T-lymphoid blast crisis in the remaining patients. 40 There is ample evidence that presumed normal, polyclonal hematopoiesis coexists with the malignant Ph + clone. 10,61,172,183,215,265,267,291 The normal Ph − clone progressively decreases in size when the disease advances. Even during the initial chronic phase, the growth of the normal hematopoietic progenitors and cells is inhibited, which leads to the detection of almost exclusively Ph + progenitors even at diagnosis. The Philadelphia chromosome is the result of a reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22, resulting in the formation of a hybrid BCR-ABL gene on chromosome 22 11,16,222 and the reciprocal ABL-BCR gene on chromosome 9. 77,177,178 The BCR-ABL gene encodes for a fusion protein with elevated and disregulated tyrosine kinase activity. Several in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that presence of this oncoprotein is necessary and sufficient for transformation. BCR-ABL cDNA introduced in hematopoietic cell lines causes growth factor–independent growth in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo. 44,64,102,249 Transplantation of murine stem cells transduced with BCR-ABL cDNA causes a CML-like syndrome. 65,66,101 Even though the BCR-ABL fusion gene is probably one of the oncogenes that has been most extensively studied, it is still not completely clear how BCR-ABL causes the characteristic features of CML. This article discusses briefly the molecular consequences of the BCR-ABL fusion gene, which has been discussed at length elsewhere. 1,146,234,269 It then reviews the current evidence to support the notion that CML in its chronic phase is a clonal hematopoietic stem cell disease in which malignant hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells respond to "normal" external proliferation and differentiation stimuli, but in which such responses are altered owing to defects in the stem and progenitor cells as a result of the BCR-ABL oncogene.
Increase in myocardial cell cGMP concentration in pressure-induced myocardial hypertrophy.

Abstract Development of ventricular hypertrophy is a well known consequence of increased outflow resistance. The increase in muscle mass is the result of an elevated rate of protein synthesis that results in the enlargement of existing myofilaments shortly after outflow resistance is increased [ 2, 6, 15 ]. The mechanism by which a mechanical stimulus is transformed into a well ordered biochemical response by the myocardial cell is not known. Various substances, including catecholamines and angiotensin II [ 10, 14 ] have been proposed as chemical mediators of the hypertrophic process. No definitive evidence, however, has been obtained favoring a specific agent with this role. Several indirect lines of evidence link the guanylate cyclase-cyclic guanosine mono phosphate (cGMP) system with cell growth. cGMP has been shown to increase protein synthesis and DNA synthesis, and promote growth of several cell species [ 8, 9 ]. Furthermore, substances like growth hormone and angiotensin II which stimulate protein synthesis and amino acid uptake in the myocardium and other tissues [ 4, 7 ] have been shown to increase guanylate cyclase activity in myocardial cells [ 12, 13 ]. In view of these observations, we thought it of interest to examine the possible changes in steady state levels of cGMP in the myocardium during the early stages of myocardial hypertrophy.
Comparative ionospheric and plasmaspheric electron contents from three world regions

THE radio beacon experiment1–3 aboard the geostationary Applied Technology Satellite ATS-6 enables the determination of total electron content (TEC) to be made by two independent methods. The first—the Faraday polarisation rotation technique—has been widely used in obtaining TEC data. Faraday rotation is dependent on the Earth's magnetic field, and, since its magnitude is heavily weighted near the Earth, it is considered to provide integrated electron content values for altitudes below ∼1,500 km. The second—the dispersive-group-delay technique, in which the phase of the modulation envelope between a carrier and its sideband is compared at two frequencies—is independent of the Earth's magnetic field and thus yields the integrated electron content between the observer and the satellite signal source. The Faraday content, NF, and the dispersive-group-delay content, NT, therefore, yield the TEC up to ∼1,500 km and geostationary altitudes, respectively. The difference between NT and NF yields the content above ∼1,500 km, which is referred to as the plasmaspheric content, Np.
Recuperating Indian masculinity: Mohandas Gandhi, war and the Indian diaspora in South Africa (1899–1914)

This article examines Mohandas Gandhi’s writing on Indian masculinity in early twentieth-century South Africa which was a period of his life that was seminal for his political career. The author explores how, in the context of being removed from many personal and professional constraints that he encountered in India, Gandhi fashioned prescriptions that would transform the emasculated, effete and cowardly Indian man constructed by colonial discourses in nineteenth-century British India. Building on the scholarly literature pertaining to Gandhian bodily ascesis, I argue that Gandhi held the belief that Indian men would be able to face the hazards of anticolonial satyagraha once their masculinity had been restored, for which various practices of military training were indispensable. I suggest that Gandhi attempted to catalyse somatic and moral reform by encouraging South African Indian men to serve in the British army during the Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902) and the Zulu Rebellion (1906). I explain how Gandhi v...
Site-specific Labeling of Active Proteins with Gold Nanoparticles

Covalent conjugation of nanoparticles to proteins is challenging as proteins have numerous residues to which the nanoparticle can non-specifically adsorb. This is problematic as non-specific adsorption is known to denature the protein, altering its structure and thus compromising protein activity. We study site specific gold nanoparticle labeling of two enzymes, Ribonuclease S and Cytochrome c, with the goal of understanding conditions that minimize non-specific adsorption and optimize protein structure and activity. Ribonuclease S is a two-piece protein made of S-peptide and S-protein. 3nm gold nanoparticle is attached to a mutated cysteine residue on the S-peptide. The altered enzymatic activity of gold labeled Ribonuclease S is determined using RNA substrate with a fluorophore-quencher couple. Cytochrome c is linked to 1.5nm nanoparticles with ligands having neutral, negatively, or positively charged endgroups, through covalent attachment of gold with a specific surface cysteine residue. The labeled protein is characterized by circular dichroism spectroscopy and UV-visible absorption. For both proteins, agarose gel electrophoresis was used to determine optimal reaction stoichiometry and also probe non-specific adsorption between the nanoparticle and protein.
Output frequency response characteristics of nonlinear systems. Part I: general multi-tone inputs

A systematic algorithm for determining the output frequencies generated by a nonlinear system subject to a general multi-tone input, including a bias input, is presented. The algorithm is very efficient, and circumvents many of the difficulties of ‘duplicate frequencies’ that are often generated using previous methods. The inclusion of the dc bias component in the analysis is also important because of the significant effect that non-zero mean inputs can have on nonlinear system response. The algorithm is straightforward to implement on a computer, and the results are illustrated by means of an example.
Vector unsymmetric eigenequation solver for nonlinear flutter analysis on high-performance computers

An efficient, vector-version generalized unsymmetric eigenequation solver is developed for large-amplitude vibration and nonlinear panel flutter analyses by finite-element methods on high-performance computers. The proposed eigensolver is designed to extract extreme eigenpairs which are all that are required in solving panel flutter problems. A loop-unrolling technique is employed to enhance the vector speed of the eigensolver. A finiteelement approach is presented for determining the nonlinear flutter characteristics of isotropic and composite panels using unsteady, third-order piston theory aerodynamics. Both nonlinear structural (large-amplitude, and nonlinear aerodynamics terms are considered in the finite-element formulation. Solution procedures are presented to solve the nonlinear panel flutter and large amplitude-free vibration finite-element equations. Nonlinear flutter analyses are performed for different dynamic pressures A; and maximum deflection-to-thickness ratios clh. Large-amplitude vibration finite-element results are compared with classical analytical solutions. Nonlinear aerodynamic and linear structural finite-element flutter results for composite panels are also presented.
Patterns of mortality among plumbers and pipefitters

A proportionate mortality ratio (PMR) study was undertaken of 7,121 members and retirees of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters in California who died in 1960-79. The PMR for all malignant neoplasms was 1.24, with a major contribution from lung cancers (PMR = 1.41). Lung cancer PMRs were consistently elevated, through the 20-year study period, across the pipe trades and within different birth cohorts. Sixteen mesothelioma deaths occurred, suggesting asbestos as a risk factor. PMRs for malignancies of the stomach, kidney, brain, and lymphopoietic system were also elevated, especially among plumbers. Chronic rheumatic heart disease, emphysema, liver cirrhosis, and all external causes of death were the major non-cancer causes with significantly elevated PMRs. There were significant deficits in diabetes mellitus, all pneumonia, chronic nephritis, and vascular lesions of the central nervous system (CNS). PMRs for successive birth cohorts among all study subjects revealed decreasing emphysema risk, suggesting previous reduction of a risk factor for this disease. Among plumbers, PMRs for death due to several non-respiratory malignancies showed an increasing trend with recency of birth cohort.
Planning for variable generation integration through balancing authorities consolidation

As more and more variable generation is integrated into power grids, many challenges and concerns arise for an individual balancing authority (BA) to balance the system with limited flexible generation resources. Consolidating balancing authorities provides a promising method to mitigate these problems by enabling the sharing of balancing resources through operating different BAs as a single BA. The diversity in load and renewable generation over a wide area can be effectively used, which makes it possible to achieve significant savings in balancing requirements. This paper develops a detailed procedure to compute savings in load following and regulation service requirements due to BAs consolidation. It proposes several evaluation metrics for demonstrating the benefits of BA consolidation. Several study scenarios are designed for a set of BAs in the western United States to test the proposed procedure. Results have shown significant savings in the capacity, ramp rate, and energy of balancing service requirements. Important factors affecting the savings, such as forecast accuracy and cross correlation between forecast errors, are also discussed.