cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FtsW exhibits distinct processive movements driven by either septal cell wall synthesis or FtsZ treadmilling in E. coli

Abstract During bacterial cell division, synthesis of new septal peptidoglycan (sPG) is crucial for successful cytokinesis and cell pole morphogenesis. FtsW, a SEDS (Shape, Elongation, Division and Sporulation) family protein and an indispensable component of the cell division machinery in all walled bacterial species, was recently identified in vitro as a new monofunctional peptidoglycan glycosyltransferases (PGTase). FtsW and its cognate monofunctional transpeptidase (TPase) class b penicillin binding protein (PBP3 or FtsI in E. coli) may constitute the essential, bifunctional sPG synthase specific for new sPG synthesis. Despite its importance, the septal PGTase activity of FtsW has not been documented in vivo. How its activity is spatiotemporally regulated in vivo has also remained unknown. Here we investigated the septal PGTase activity and dynamics of FtsW in E. coli cells using a combination of single-molecule imaging and genetic manipulations. We showed that FtsW exhibited robust activity to incorporate an N-acetylmuramic acid analog at septa in the absence of other known PGTases, confirming FtsW as the essential septum-specific PGTase in vivo. Furthermore, we identified two populations of processively moving FtsW molecules at septa. A fast-moving population is driven by the treadmilling dynamics of FtsZ and independent of sPG synthesis. A slow-moving population is driven by active sPG synthesis and independent of FtsZ treadmilling dynamics. We further identified that FtsN, a potential sPG synthesis activator, plays an important role in promoting the slow-moving, sPG synthesis-dependent population. Our results support a two-track model, in which inactive sPG synthase molecules follow the fast treadmilling “Z-track” to be distributed along the septum; FtsN promotes their release from the “Z-track” to become active in sPG synthesis on the slow “sPG-track”. This model integrates spatial information into the regulation of sPG synthesis activity and could serve as a mechanism for the spatiotemporal coordination of bacterial cell wall constriction.
Innovative flexible, robust and agile digital engineering platform development for supporting future space systems acquisition

This paper provides an overview of Aerospace R&D work on digital engineering consistent with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Digital Engineering Strategy encouraging innovation in rapid development of space systems. An objective of this investigation was to identify challenges associated with DE and to formulate an approach to mitigate the challenges. One key challenge within a larger enterprise is the fact that models will be developed by different developers/modelers, using different ontologies, different tools, and different levels of detail. Our approach introduced innovative techniques for connecting disparate DE models, defining/controlling system interfaces and defining/managing interface baseline specifications within a DE construct. The approach includes a proposed flexible, robust, and agile platform and associated implementation framework of processes, tools, digital models, digital threads and digital use cases. The approach is being submitted for U.S. patent application and was applied on a pilot project involving a spacecraft Bus, mission payload (P/L), and digitized PL-to-Bus interface.
On Counter-Mapping and Media-Flânerie: Artistic Strategies in the Age of Google Earth, Google Maps and Google Street View

This paper revolves around a series of media art projects that present creative uses of technological errors and glitches in order to subvert the logic, processes and aesthetics of digital mapping technologies. The first scope of this paper is to frame these projects as strategies of counter-mapping adopted in response to the rise of mapping technologies such as Google Maps, Google Street View and Google Earth. The second scope is to describe the subjects behind counter-mapping strategies as media-flâneurs and media-flâneuses: experimental practitioners of new forms of networked wandering. Finally, the third scope is that of sketching the image of the map as dispositif: an ever-changing net of subjects and objects, articulated across different spaces and media, constituting the background of any counter-mapping practice.
Spectroscopy and electronic structure of the low-energy states of ThN

Abstract The electronic spectrum of ThN over the range 19,600–21,200 cm−1 is remarkably congested, showing at least twenty vibronic bands originating from the ground state zero-point level. Rotationally resolved spectra for eleven of these bands have been examined to probe the underlying reasons for the dense manifold of states. Dispersed fluorescence spectra and fluorescence decay lifetimes were measured to provide addition insights. The experimental measurements were complemented by electronic structure calculations for the low-energy doublet and quartet states. The ab initio calculations yielded a density of excited states that was consistent with the congested spectrum. These states were derived from the formal configurations Th3+(6d)N3−, Th2+(7s2)N2−(2p5) and Th2+(7s6d)N2−(2p5). The calculations indicated that the rotational and vibrational constants would be characteristic of the electronic configurations. This prediction was not borne out by the experimental data, suggesting that the full range of inter-configurational state interactions were not captured by the computational model.
Sex determination without sex chromosomes.

With or without sex chromosomes, sex determination is a synthesis of many molecular events that drives a community of cells towards a coordinated tissue fate. In this review, we will consider how a...
A reactive transport approach to modeling cave seepage water chemistry I: Carbon isotope transformations

Abstract The majority of Critical Zone research has emphasized silicate lithologies, which are typified by relatively slow rates of reactivity and incongruent weathering. However, the relatively simpler weathering of carbonate-dominated lithology can result in secondary mineral deposits, such as speleothems, which provide a long-term archive for Critical Zone processes. In particular, carbon isotopic variability in speleothems has the potential to provide records of changes in vegetation, soil respiration, carbon stabilization in deep soils, and/or chemical weathering in the host rock. Despite this opportunity to reconstruct many Critical Zone processes, multiple influences can also make interpretion of these speleothem carbon isotope records challenging. The integration of observational data and simulations specific to karst systems offers an interpretive framework for these unique time-averaged records accumulated through the evolution of carbonate landscapes. Here, we present a forward and process-based reactive transport simulation based on a multi-year monitoring study of Blue Spring Cave in central Tennessee, USA. The simulations describe the fluid-driven weathering of limestone including explicit tracking of dissolved calcium, stable carbon, and radiocarbon isotope ratios based on reaction rates calibrated through laboratory batch reaction data. We find that calcium concentrations and radiocarbon isotope ratios are strongly influenced by the combination of fluid flow rate and soil CO2 content, and require rapid gas phase communication between the overlying soil boundary condition and interior karst to sustain both elevated limestone weathering rates and relatively modern radiocarbon signatures. Stable carbon isotopes are largely dictated by temperature-dependent equilibrium fractionation among contemporaneous species. These simulations are extended to a wide range of parameter space to demonstrate the environmental factors that these isotope proxies record.
Conformation-Based Stimuli-Response Sensors: Strategies for Optimizing Electrochemical and FRET Transduction

Abstract Conformation-based stimuli-responsive sensors utilize a wide range of macromolecules (referred to as probe in this manuscript) and read-out methods. The review focuses on the variables associated with the mechanistic confirmation change centered around two transduction outputs: electrochemical and fluorescence resonance energy transfer. The electrochemical readout is limited in that the responsive material is bound between the electrode surface and an electroactive tag; interaction with analyte changes the distance between the electrode surface and the electroactive tag. Variables discussed in electrochemical stimuli-responsive sensor outputs include redox tag choice, electrode surface packing density, probe architectures, and redox tag location. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer readout uses a solution-free polymer distance where a conformational change induces a change in distance between a donor fluorophore and an acceptor fluorophore, thereby affecting the degree of nonradiative energy transfer from the donor to the acceptor. Variables discussed in fluorescence resonance energy transfer readouts include fluorophore types and sensor architecture. While there are already many examples of this in the literature, we believe this to be a fertile area for further development.
Incorporating Personality into a Multi-Agent Intelligent System for Training Teachers

This paper presents a system prototype for training a teacher based on two objects: the topic and students. In the system prototype, a concept model is defined to provide many topics needed to train teachers. Moreover, the Virtual Classroom Environment (VCE) is built to provide a multi-agent environment for teaching. In the VCE, students with many different personalities and motivations can communicate with each other as well as the teacher. The teacher can use various teaching techniques provided by the system to teach students specific topics in the VCE. The teacher can also test the students at the end of each class. Furthermore, the teacher can also ask the system to give an evaluation of the teaching process. The system will evaluate the user based on the result of the test(s) and the statistics of the whole teaching process throughout the class. The user can gain his/her teaching experience by analyzing the evaluation.
Effects of Clay Dispersion on Aquifer Storage and Recovery in Coastal Aquifers

Cyclic injection, storage, and withdrawal of freshwater in brackish aquifers is a form of aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) that can beneficially supplement water supplies in coastal areas. A 1970s field experiment in Norfolk, Virginia, showed that clay dispersion in the unconsolidated sedimentary aquifer occurred because of cation exchange on clay minerals as freshwater displaced brackish formation water. Migration of interstitial clay particles clogged pores, reduced permeability, and decreased recovery efficiency, but a calcium preflush was found to reduce clay dispersion and lead to a higher recovery efficiency. Column experiments were performed in this study to quantify the relations between permeability changes and clay mineralogy, clay content, and initial water salinity. The results of these experiments indicate that dispersion of montmorillonite clay is a primary contributor to formation damage. The reduction in permeability by clay dispersion may be expressed as a linear function of chloride content. Incorporating these simple functions into a radial, cross-sectional, variable-density, ground-water flow and transport model yielded a satisfactory simulation of the Norfolk field test – and represented an improvement over the model that ignored changes in permeability. This type of model offers a useful planning and design tool for ASR operations in coastal clastic aquifer systems.
Archaic Times to the End of the Peloponnesian War

The first volume is devoted to the period which begins with the era of Greek colonization and ends with the close of the Peloponnesian War in 404 B. C. Charles Fornara has gathered together material compiled from inscriptions, ancient encyclopedias, scholia, and similar sources. The material, much of it translated by him for the first time, covers not only events of national significance - wars and treaties, the founding of towns and colonies, the dedication of temples - but also presents such records of daily life as ration lists, wine trade regulations, inventories of treasure, drinking songs, and financial records. The documents are accompanied by a brief commentary, which is basically intended to clarify obscurities in the text. An extensive glossary and indexes explain obscure terms of Greek social and governmental structure and permit detailed prosopographical analysis. This 1983 book will be welcomed by students and teachers of ancient history.
Estrogen regulation of yolk and non-yolk protein synthesis in the avian liver. An immunocytochemical study.

The effects of acute and chronic estrogen treatment on two egg yolk proteins, vitellogenin and apoVLDL-II, and two non-yolk proteins, ovalbumin and apoA-I, were studied by immunocytochemical techniques. Three groups of cockerels received either no treatment, or a single injection of diethylstilbestrol (DES, 2.5 mg) (acute stimulation) 24 h before killing, or 14 daily injections of 2.5 mg DES (chronic stimulation) before killing. The animals were killed at 4 weeks of age and their livers examined with respect to the distribution of the four different proteins by the indirect immunoperoxidase method. Vitellogenin was undetectable in the untreated cockerel liver. A single injection of DES resulted in the appearance of the protein in approximately 10%–15% of the hepatocytes. Chronic DES stimulation increased the number of positive cells to about 20%. In contrast, apoVLDL-II was present in 1%–2% of the hepatocytes in untreated animals. It was detected in an increased proportion (20%–25%) of cells after a single dose of DES. After chronic estrogen treatment, there was a very marked increase in the number of positive cells (> 90%). Ovalbumin was undetectable in untreated cockerel liver, while apoA-I was detected in an extremely low proportion of cells (0.005%–0.01%). Neither ovalbumin nor apoA-I distribution seemed to be affected by a single dose of DES. However, chronic DES treatment resulted in the appearance of ovalbumin-containing cells (∼ 0.02%) and a marked increase in the number of cells containing apoA-I (10%–15%).
Degree of freedom architectures for large adaptive arrays

Large phased array radars possess thousands of elements, but practically it is only possible to process a few tens of adaptive degrees of freedom (DOFs). However, with the use of element-level digitization and digital beamforming the next generation of phased array radars will have great flexibility in their choice of DOF architecture. This paper shows that to achieve the best performance the radar's DOF architecture must adapt to both the radar's operating mode (e.g. volume search, horizon search, track and wideband discrimination) and the interference environment (e.g. direct path jamming, multi-path jamming and clutter). The best performing DOF architectures for different combinations of radar mode and interference environment are described.
7 Central and Peripheral Mechanisms in Motor Control

Recent experiments concerning the control of forearm movements in man and monkeys have disclosed some of the processes subserving visually guided movements. These results are relevant to the question of what is being controlled by motor commands, and have indicated that movement may take place through a process involving the selection of a set of length-tension curves, i.e., by establishing an equilibrium point between agonist and antagonist muscles. In my presentation I will attempt to establish how these processes are relevant to the organization of more complex arm trajectories. The role of proprioceptive feedback during the execution of these movements will be examined with respect to trajectory formation and reprogramming.
HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS INFECTION OF HUMAN CELLS TRANSPLANTED TO SEVERE COMBINED IMMUNODEFICIENT MICE

Publisher Summary This chapter attempts to put current work on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection of xenotransplanted mice into the context of the natural history of HIV infection of humans and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection of primates and to underscore where the xenotransplant models differ from virus infection of natural hosts. A unique biology of HIV-1 has been revealed in the human peripheral blood leukocyte (hu-PBL)-severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) model, with results paralleling in vivo studies of SIV infection in primates. The original motivation in transplanting human cells to immunodeficient mice was to create a small animal model susceptible to HIV infection. The insight into HIV-1 pathogenesis gained by the use of both the hu-PBL-SCID model and the SCID-hu thy/liv model points to their importance in future studies. Introduction of HIV-1 infected macrophages yields quite different result than infection transmitted by infected CD4 + T cells. While there is evidence of functional competence of human lymphocytes in both the hu-PBL-SCID and SCID-hu thy/liv models, there is no evidence to date for a primary immune response to HIV-1 infection. The risk of murine xenotropic retroviruses contributing to an HIV with altered cell tropism cannot be entirely dismissed; however, handling of SCID mice bearing human grafts should always be performed under appropriate biosafety containment. The hu-PBL-SCID model tests the ability of HIV-1 to infect and induce pathogenic changes in a graft consisting primarily of adult T cells with a high proportion of activated CD4 + and CD8 + cells. T cell replacement can occur only by proliferation of existing cells, and the primary immune responses to virus infection are either absent or delayed until after the peak of virus infection.
Gene × Gene interaction between MnSOD and GPX-1 and breast cancer risk: a nested case-control study

Background Germ-line mutations in genes such as BRCA1, BRCA2, and ATM can cause a substantial increase in risk of breast cancer. However, these mutations are rare in the general population, and account for little of the incidence of sporadic breast cancer in the general population. Therefore, research has been focused on examining associations between common polymorphisms and breast cancer risk. To date, few associations have been described. This has led to the hypothesis that breast cancer is a complex disease, whereby a constellation of very low penetrance alleles need to be carried to present a risk phenotype. Polymorphisms in the manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX-1) genes have been proposed as low penetrance alleles, and have not been clearly associated with breast cancer. We investigated whether variants at both polymorphisms, while not independently associated with breast cancer risk, could influence breast cancer risk when considered together.
Biodistribution of charged 17.1A photoimmunoconjugates in a murine model of hepatic metastasis of colorectal cancer

Optimizing photodynamic therapy involves attempting to increase both the absolute tumour content of photosensitizer and the selectivity between tumour and surrounding normal tissue. One reason why photodynamic therapy has not been considered suitable for treatment of metastatic tumours in the liver, is the poor selectivity of conventional photosensitizers for tumour compared to normal liver. This report details an alternative approach to increasing this selectivity by the use of antibody-targeted photosensitizers (or photoimmunoconjugates) to target intrahepatic tumours caused by human colorectal cancer cells in the nude mouse, and explores the role of molecular charge on the tumour-targeting efficiency of macromolecules. The murine monoclonal antibody 17.1A (which recognizes an antigen expressed on HT 29 cells) was used to prepare site-specific photoimmunoconjugates with the photosensitizer chlorine6. The conjugates had either a predominant cationic or anionic charge and were injected i.v. into tumour-bearing mice. Biodistribution 3 or 24 h later was measured by extraction of tissue samples and quantitation of chlorine6 content by fluorescence spectroscopy. The photoimmunoconjugates were compared to the polylysine conjugates in an attempt to define the effect of molecular charge as well as antibody targeting. The anionic 17.1A conjugate delivered more than twice as much photosensitizer to the tumour at 3 h than other species (5 times more than the cationic 17.1A conjugate) and had a tumour:normal liver ratio of 2.5. Tumour-to-liver ratios were greater than one for most compounds at 3 h but declined at 24 h. Tumour-to-skin ratios were high (> 38) for all conjugates but not for free chlorine6. Cationic species had a high uptake in the lungs compared to anionic species. The photoimmunoconjugates show an advantage over literature reports of other photosensitizers, which can result in tumour:normal liver ratios of less than 1. © 2000 Cancer Research Campaign http://www.bjcancer.com
Relationships and Betrayal among Young Women: Theoretical Perspectives on Adolescent Dating Abuse

burton c.w., halpern-felsher b., rankin s.h., rehm r.s. & humphreys j.c. (2011) Relationships and betrayal among young women: theoretical perspectives on adolescent dating abuse. Journal of Advanced Nursing ABSTRACT: Aims. Adolescent dating abuse is not specifically described by any current nursing theory, and this article presents discussion of some existing theories that could inform a nursing theory of adolescent dating abuse. To account for the effects of gender, this discussion is limited to young women. Background. Adolescent dating abuse is an important and understudied international issue for nursing. Theoretical frameworks can support development of nursing scholarship for such issues. No single theory yet exists in nursing to explain the experiences and health ramifications of dating abuse among young women. Data sources. A summary table of theories is provided. Literature was gathered via database search and bibliographic snowballing from reference lists of relevant articles. Included literature dates from 1982 through 2010. Discussion. Theories of relationship formation and function are discussed, including attachment, investment, feminist and gender role conflict theories. Betrayal trauma theory is considered as a mechanism of injury following an abusive dating experience. Implications for nursing. Gender, relationship and adolescence combine in a complex developmental moment for young women. To improve nursing care for those at risk for or in the throes of abusive relationships, it is critical to develop specific nursing approaches to understanding these relationships. Conclusion. Existing theories related to relationship and traumatic experiences can be combined in the development of a nursing theory of adolescent dating abuse among young women. Language: en
Geographic Distance, Contact, and Family Perceptions of Quality Nursing Home Care

The effect of frequency of nursing home contact on family perceptions of quality care is the focus of this research. A family member characteristic, such as geographic distance from the nursing home, affects his or her frequency of contact with the nursing home. Frequency of contact, in turn, affects family perceptions of the care his or her loved one receives in the nursing home. The theoretical framework for this study is based on Allport's intergroup contact theory, which posits that when four contact conditions - institutional support, equal status, common goals, and intergroup cooperation - are present in an intergroup situation, a reduction in anxiety between groups is likely to occur. Regression analysis tested the stated hypotheses using survey data collected from 275 family members of residents in 10 Dallas-Ft. Worth area nursing homes. This study is among the first to quantify family geographic distance, finding that family geographic distance is a significant negative predictor of nursing home contact. Additionally, results build on Allport's theory by extending its' usefulness to nursing home organizations in two distinct ways. First, findings support Allport's premise that contact alone between groups - i.e., family members and nursing home staff - is insufficient for increasing or decreasing family perceptions of nursing home care. Second, three of the four contact conditions included in Allport's theory were statistically supported by the data. In sum, findings of this research provide nursing homes with an empirically tested model for improving family perceptions of quality nursing home care.
In vitro evaluation of cytochrome P450-mediated drug interactions between cytarabine, idarubicin, itraconazole and caspofungin.

Abstract Purpose: Antifungal prophylaxis is an important component of induction therapy for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Azole antifungal agents are increasingly used in this context. In vitro assays were performed to assess whether cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes were affected by combinations of cytarabine or idarubicin with itraconazole or caspofungin. Methods: The high throughput microtiter assay was used to determine whether cytarabine, idarubicin and itraconazole or caspofungin were CYP450 isoenzyme substrates, inhibitors of CYP450 isoenzymes, and to determine potential CYP450 metabolism interactions between these agents. Results: Idarubicin is a substrate for CYP450 2D6 and 2C9. Cytarabine is a substrate of CYP450 3A4. Idarubicin inhibits CYP450 2D6, and cytarabine, itraconazole, and caspofungin inhibit CYP450 3A4. Cytarabine metabolism was significantly decreased when combined with caspofungin or itraconazole. Conclusions: The inhibition of cytarabine metabolism may have important c...
Coherent Detection Schemes for Ultra-Sensitive Molecular Spectroscopy in the Mid-IR

Different coherent detection schemes and their impact on sensitivity of mid-infrared laser spectrometers used for chemical detection will be discussed. Several example applications will be given.
High resolution neutron counting detectors with microchannel plates and their applications in neutron radiography, diffraction and resonance absorption imaging

The event counting detection technology based on signal amplification in microchannel plates (MCPs) was initially developed for the applications with relatively low fluxes of photons, electrons and...
Cohesin gene mutations in tumorigenesis: from discovery to clinical significance.

Cohesin is a multi-protein complex composed of four core subunits (SMC1A, SMC3, RAD21, and either STAG1 or STAG2) that is responsible for the cohesion of sister chromatids following DNA replication until its cleavage during mitosis thereby enabling faithful segregation of sister chromatids into two daughter cells. Recent cancer genomics analyses have discovered a high frequency of somatic mutations in the genes encoding the core cohesin subunits as well as cohesin regulatory factors (e.g. NIPBL, PDS5B, ESPL1) in a select subset of human tumors including glioblastoma, Ewing sarcoma, urothelial carcinoma, acute myeloid leukemia, and acute megakaryoblastic leukemia. Herein we review these studies including discussion of the functional significance of cohesin inactivation in tumorigenesis and potential therapeutic mechanisms to selectively target cancers harboring cohesin mutations. [BMB Reports 2014; 47(6): 299-310]
Don't pharmacists have sex appeal?

Ever notice how many shows there are on television profiling doctors, nurses, police officers, lawyers, even cake decorators, but nothing showcasing pharmacists? Are our lives and daily experiences not interesting enough for prime time drama? Why doesn't the public find us “sexy”? Have you ever asked someone that question? I polled some of my friends in the entertainment industry by e-mail, to see what they thought.
Care plan assessment of visual status and evaluated vision among nursing home residents.

ABSTRACTObjective:To compare the comprehensive care plan assessment (Minimum Data Set, MDS) of vision with the clinically evaluated visual status of nursing home residents to determine the accuracy of the vision care plan.Design:Descriptive study.Setting:One publicly funded and four privately owned
Effects of a leukotriene antagonist on the early hemodynamic manifestations of group B streptococcal sepsis in piglets.

Abstract: In order to evaluate the influence of leukotrienes on group B streptococcal (GBS) sepsis we studied the effect of a leukotriene antagonist, FPL 57231, on the early hemodynamic changes occurring secondary to an infusion of live GBS. Paralyzed, mechanically ventilated piglets received a continuous intravenous infusion of bacteria (5 × 108 org/kg/min) while systemic arterial pressure and pulmonary artery pressure were measured continuously. Cardiac output was measured by thermodilution; and plasma samples for determination of thromboxane B2 and 6-keto-PGF1α were taken at preset intervals. In addition to GBS, treatment animals received a continuous infusion of FPL 57231 starting 15 min after the bacterial infusion was begun. Study animals as a whole responded to bacteria within 15 min with a marked elevation in pulmonary artery pressure from 13.6 ± 4 to 44.6 ± 6 mm Hg (p < 0.001), and a decline in PaO2 (79 ± 9 to 44 ± 5 mm Hg) (p < 0.001) and a cardiac output (0.27 ± 0.07 to 0.15 ± 0.06 liter/min/kg) (p < 0.0001). In animals treated with FPL 57231 these changes were reversed or significantly attenuated by 60 min. In the control group pH deteriorated significantly to 7.17 ± 0.1 compared to baseline values (p < 0.01) by 60 min, while treatment group animals maintained a pH of 7.3 ± 0.23. Thromboxane B2 and 6-keto PGF1α were similar in both groups and did not change during the study period. In addition, survival was significantly longer in treatment (191 ± 44 min) compared to control animals (100 ± 32 min) (p < 0.01). These data suggest that FPL 57231 may attenuate the early cardiovascular changes accompanying GBS infection and positively influence survival without modifying thromboxane or 6-keto PGF1α levels. These results imply that leukotrienes influence the early hemodynamic manifestations of GBS sepsis.
Terrestrial Zone Debris Disk Candidates in h and chi Persei

We analyze 8 sources with strong mid-infrared excesses in the 13 Myr-old double cluster h and chi Persei. New optical spectra and broadband SEDs (0.36-8 mu_m) are consistent with cluster membership. We show that material with T ~ 300-400 K and Ld/Lstar ~ 10^-4-10^-3 produces the excesses in these sources. Optically-thick blackbody disk models - including those with large inner holes - do not match the observed SEDs. The SEDs of optically-thin debris disks produced from terrestrial planet formation calculations match the observations well. Thus, some h and chi Persei stars may have debris from terrestrial zone planet formation.
STUDIES OF ANALYTICAL METHODS FOR LEAD-IN-AIR DETERMINATION AND USE WITH AN IMPROVED SELF-POWERED PORTABLE SAMPLER.

Abstract The portable “Uni-Jet” Lead-In-Air Analyzer was revised to provide constant rate collection of tetraethyl (TEL) and tetramethyl lead (TML). Reliable results from monitoring leaded gasoline storage tanks, cleaning and decontamination procedures, were obtained by drawing a two-cubic-foot sample during twenty minutes through methanolic iodine. The aspirating unit powered by non-flammable “Freon-12” has been used widely in fire and explosion hazard areas.
Nonenzymatic glucose sensing based on deposited palladium nanoparticles on epoxy-silver electrodes

Abstract A new approach for nonenzymatic glucose sensing, based on a simple modification of epoxy-silver surfaces deposited on the tip of commercial copper electric wires, is presented. Palladium was galvanically displaced on the surface of the epoxy-silver surface in order to obtain metal nanoparticles that act as catalyst for the direct oxidation of glucose. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the formation of the metal nanoparticles. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the metallic nature of the formed nanostructures on the surface. Electrochemical characterization and calibration of the palladium-modified epoxy-silver electrode is reported, obtaining a linear range of 1–20 mM for the detection of glucose with low interference of ascorbic acid and uric acid. A simple 3-step coulometry was used as the detection technique. The developed sensing material is believed to be a great candidate for integration in small devices for clinical essays, due to the simplicity and cost effectiveness of the presented approach, compared to the state-of-the-art devices reported recently in the literature. Simplicity in the coulometry determinations makes these Pd-modified epoxy-silver sensors a good candidate for easy glucose determinations.
Getting focused: missed opportunities for smoking interventions for pregnant women receiving Medicaid.

Abstract Background . The prevalence of smoking, and cessation and relapse rates for pregnant women have health and financial implications. Our objectives were to describe smoking among pregnant smokers receiving Medicaid including characteristics associated with reporting discussion of smoking with providers and the association between those discussions with quitting and maintenance. Methods . Analysis of Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data from 15 states for 20,287 women with Medicaid for prenatal care during 1998–2000. Results . Thirty-four percent of women smoked before pregnancy ( N = 7,686). Most smokers (93%) and nonsmokers (88%) reported discussions about smoking during prenatal care. Women were less likely to have discussed smoking if they were lighter smokers (OR = 1.47; CI = 1.03, 2.12), or reported a previous low-birthweight infant (OR = 1.72; CI = 1.03–2.86). Women reporting discussions (compared to those not) were less likely to quit (ARR = 0.70: CI = 0.59–0.91). Quitters reporting discussions (compared to those not) were no more likely to maintain cessation (ARR = 0.89; CI = 0.7, 1.21). Conclusions . Smoking cessation interventions can be improved for pregnant women receiving Medicaid, especially if focused to address individual needs of light smokers, those with previous low-birthweight infants, or those who find it most difficult to quit.
ANFORA: Investigating aural navigation flows on rich architectures

People use mobile web applications in a variety of contexts, typically on-the-go, while engaged in other tasks, such as walking, jogging or driving. Conventional visual user interfaces are efficient for supporting quick scanning of a page, but they can easily cause distractions and accidents. This problem is intensified when web information services are richer and highly structured in content and navigation architectures. To support a graceful evolution of web systems from a conventional to an aural experience, we introduce ANFORA (Aural Navigation Flows On Rich Architectures), a framework for designing mobile web systems based on automated, semi-controlled aural navigation flows that can be listened to by the user while engaged in a secondary activity (e.g., walking). We demonstrate a set of design rules that could govern salient aural interactions with large web architectures. Our approach opens a new paradigm for aural web systems which can complement existing visual interfaces, and has the potential to inform new technologies, navigation models, design tools, and methods in the area of aural web information access. As case study, we are applying ANFORA to the domain of web-based news casting.
The compctition between the alpha and omega phases in aged Ti-Nb alloys

The compctition between the stable α phase and metastable ω phase to precipitate in a metastableβ phase matrix was investigated in the present study. Four binary Ti-Ni alloys with compositions between 20 and 35 at. pct Nb were air cooled to room temperature from 1000 °C and then aged at temperatures between 300 and 500 °C. For aging temperatures of 400 °C and lower it was found that the quench before aging enabled ω phase precipitates to grow to the exclusion of α precipitates. When specimens were directly aged at 400 °C only α precipitates were observed. Precipitates which could not be identified using SAD were observed in specimens of the 30 and 35 at. pct Nb alloys. All precipitation reactions became more sluggish as the niobium content of an alloy was increased. The results reported here form the second part of a study of the stable and metastable equilibria of the Ti-Nb alloy system.
The promise and perils of an Alzheimer disease vaccine: a video debate.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a critical health care problem that has considerable social and economic impact on society. Effective treatments have been elusive. One major causal factor for the disease is believed to be the deposition of amyloid fibrils in the brain, which ultimately leads to neurodegeneration and cognitive dysfunction. Based on the amyloid hypothesis of Alzheimer’s disease, many therapies presently target the amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide, the monomeric protein fragment that assembles to form fibrils. This video article takes the form of a debate between Dr. Morgan and Dr. Landreth on the merits and drawbacks of an Alzheimer’s disease vaccine. Click on Supplemental Material to watch the streaming video.
Brownian Computation is Thermodynamically Irreversible

Brownian computers are supposed to illustrate how logically reversible mathematical operations can be computed by physical processes that are thermodynamically reversible or nearly so. In fact, they are thermodynamically irreversible processes that are the analog of an uncontrolled expansion of a gas into a vacuum.
Generation of Perfluoropolyphenylene Oligomers via Carbon−Fluorine Bond Activation by Cp2Zr(C6F5)2: A Dual Mechanism Involving a Radical Chain and Release of Tetrafluorobenzyne

The thermal decomposition of Cp2Zr(C6F5)2 in THF results in the slow formation of Cp2Zr(C6F5)F and tetrafluorobenzyne. The tetrafluorobenzyne is trapped by THF to give several products. The same reaction performed in the presence of durene or furan also results in the formation of Cp2Zr(C6F5)F and the respective Diels−Alder adducts of tetrafluorobenzyne. If Cp2Zr(C6F5)2 is heated in the presence of C6F6, linear chains of perfluoroarenes are rapidly generated along with Cp2Zr(C6F5)F. The disappearance of Cp2Zr(C6F5)2 is observed to slow dramatically after 30−80% completion, with the extent of reaction being inversely dependent on the concentration of C6F6. Dual mechanisms involving a rapid radical chain- and a slower tetrafluorobenzyne-producing reaction are proposed to account for these observations.
Aristotle's 'Princile of Individuation'

Il n'existe absolument pas de principe d'individuation chez Aristote. Pour lui, une entite est d'emblee individuelle| elle n'est individualisee (= singularisee, rendue unique) ni par la matiere, ni par la forme, ni par quoi que ce soit.
Characterization of feedback Nash equilibria for multi-channel systems via a set of non-fragile stabilizing state-feedback solutions and dissipativity inequalities

We consider the problem of state-feedback stabilization for a multi-channel system in a game-theoretic framework, where the class of admissible strategies for the players is induced from a solution set of the individual objective functions that are associated with certain dissipativity properties of the system. In such a framework, we characterize the feedback Nash equilibria via a set of non-fragile stabilizing state-feedback solutions corresponding to a family of perturbed multi-channel systems. Moreover, we show that the existence of a weak-optimal solution to a set of constrained dissipativity problems is a sufficient condition for the existence of a feedback Nash equilibrium, whereas the set of non-fragile stabilizing state-feedbacks solutions is described in terms of a set of dilated linear matrix inequalities.
Phenomenological theory of probability distributions in turbulence

A phenomenological theory of single-point probability distributions in turbulence is presented. Expressions for the probability distribution functions are derived and analyzed for a decaying passive scalar, temperature fluctuations in Benard convection and vorticity fluctuations in both stationary and decaying homogeneous, isotropic turbulence. The predictions of the theory are compared with the results of physical and numerical experiments.
Effects of Air Velocity, Air Temperature, and Berry Diameter on Wild Blueberry Drying

Abstract: In order to design, manufacture, and commission a commercial dryer to dry individually quick frozen (IQF) wild blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium), The Nova Scotian Fruit Company completed a series of experiments to characterize the effect of air velocity, air temperature, and packed bed depth on drying. Based on previous experience with forced air packed bed drying systems at air temperatures up to 65°C, the experiments focused on measuring the effect of air temperature and velocity during the first few hours of drying. The data collected suggest that drying occurs solely in the falling rate period. These data were used to successfully design, build, and commission a commercial dryer with a tenfold increase in production capacity over previous equipment.
Measurement of psychiatric treatment adherence

Abstract Objective Nonadherence to medications for mental disorders substantially limits treatment effectiveness and results in higher rates of relapse, hospitalization, and disability. Accurate measurement of medication adherence is important not only in adherence research but also in clinical trials in which medications are being evaluated and in clinical practice where failure to detect nonadherence results in premature medication changes, unnecessary polypharmacy, and greater likelihoods of functional deteriorations and hospitalizations. This is a review of psychiatric treatment adherence methods and measures arising from a meeting on “Methodological Challenges in Psychiatric Treatment Adherence Research” held on September 27–28, 2007, in Bethesda, MD, and organized by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Methods This paper reviews the range of modalities currently available for assessing adherence behavior including pill counts, pharmacy records, technology-assisted monitoring, biological assays, and a range of self-report and interviewer-rated scales. Measures of adherence attitudes are also reviewed. Results Each of the adherence measures described are imperfect estimates of actual medication ingestion, but each provides informative estimates of adherence or the attitudinal factors associated with adherence. Measure selection depends on a range of factors including the patient sample, the context in which the measure is being used, and the clinical outcomes expected from various levels of nonadherence. The use of multiple measures of adherence is encouraged to balance the limitations of individual measures. Conclusion While adherence assessment has become increasingly sophisticated in recent years, there remains a need for refinement and expansion on currently available methods and measures.
Rumen contents as a reservoir of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli

We investigatedthe role of the rumen fermentation as a barries to the foodborne pathogen, Escherichia coli O157:H7. Strains of E. coli, including several isolates of O157:H7, grew poorly in media which simulated the ruminal environment of a well-fed animal. Strains of E. coli O157:H7 did not display a superior tolerance to ruminal conditions which may facilitate their colonization of the bovine digestive tract. Unrestricted growth of E. coli was observed in rumen fluid collected from fasted cattle. Growth was inhibited by rumen fluid collected from well-fed animals. Well-fed animals appear less likely to become reservoirs for pathogenic E. coli. These results have implications for cattle slaughter practices and epidemiological studies of E. coli O157:H7.
Expectant management in severe preeclampsia: does magnesium sulfate prevent the development of eclampsia?

Although magnesium sulfate has been a traditional or standard treatment for severe preeclampsia and eclampsia to prevent convulsions, its efficiency has always been in doubt and its induced side-effects also make it controversial for use. In this study, 64 patients, diagnosed with severe preeclampsia, were randomized into group I (34 patients) managed with MgS04, and group II (30 patients) managed without MgS04. There were no occurrences of eclampsia in either group. Although there was no statistical significance in the final delivery method, group I had a higher rate in cesarean section, in which most were significantly due to fetal distress (p<0.05). Furthermore, group I had significantly more babies with poor apgar score than group II (p = 0.019). During the reatment period for those with a gestational age of less than 34 weeks, there were two patients with abruptio placentae in group 1 and the treatment periods were noted to be longer in group II than in group I. From the results of monitoring seru...
A Simplified Physical Model of RF Channel Breakdown in AlGaN/GaN HFETs

A temperature-dependent impact-ionization-initiated RF breakdown model in the 2DEG channel of AlGaN/GaN HFETs is reported. When operating these devices in RF power amplifier circuits, impact ionization in the channel has a significant effect upon gain saturation, power-added efficiency, and output power. An analytical physics-based model of channel breakdown is formulated based on TCAD investigations of the internal device behavior. This model is integrated with an existing physics-based HFET compact model and accurately predicts large-signal device performance. Values of thermal resistance and the breakdown temperature coefficient were extracted from simulations of an industrial HFET and are in agreement with the literature, thus validating that the model captures the dominant breakdown mechanism.
Orientation columns in macaque monkey visual cortex demonstrated by the 2-deoxyglucose autoradiographic technique.

IN the past fifteen years physiological studies of the primary visual cortex in higher mammals have provided evidence for two independent systems of functional subdivisions, ocular dominance columns and orientation columns1. These two systems are closely related to two important functions of visual cortex: combining at a single-cell level the information that originates in the two eyes, and rearranging the spatial information from the lateral geniculate body so that cells after the initial stage of visual processing come to respond to specifically oriented lines in the visual field.