cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Varied lignin disruption mechanisms for different biomass substrates in lower termite

Abstract Termites are highly effective in degrading lignocellulosics thus can be used as economic model biological systems for studying plant cell wall degradation. Comparative study on lignin disruption mechanisms for hardwood, barley straw and softwood (previously established results) along the gut of wood-feeding lower termite Coptotermes formosanus (Shiraki) was successfully conducted with the aid of advanced analytical techniques of pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). The results strongly suggested that besides the softwood, the lower termites are also able to digest the hardwood and barley straw. For both lignocellulosics, termite induced specific lignin modifications, respectively, resulting in increased lignin solubility. However, the corresponding in-situ lignin disruption mechanisms varied for different biomass substrates with varied lignin structures of guaiacyl softwood and syringyl-guaiacyl hardwood/barley straw lignins. As a result, the related lignolytic enzyme system induced modifications on both guaiacyl and syringyl-guaiacyl lignin structures respectively in softwood and hardwood, but no such significant modification on barley straw; indicating the semi-specification of termite-origin lignolytic enzymes for selected lignin chemical bonds and functional groups. This phenomenon could be potentially utilized for customization of different treatment processes for different types of biomass with varied lignin structures.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Elevated Pulmonary Artery Pressures in Children With Sickle Cell Disease

OBJECTIVES. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the prevalence and risk factors of elevated pulmonary artery pressures in children with homozygous SS or Sβ° thalassemia using Doppler echocardiography and (2) to determine a correlation between abnormal transcranial Doppler examinations and elevated pulmonary artery pressures. METHODS. Screening echocardiograms were prospectively performed during an annual comprehensive clinic visit on children who were older than 6 years and had homozygous SS or Sβ° thalassemia. Detailed history, examination, and laboratory tests were done, and transcranial Doppler examinations were obtained in children 2 to 14 years of age. Pulmonary hypertension was defined as pulmonary artery systolic pressure of at least 30 mmHg corresponding to a peak tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity of ≥2.5 m/second. Mild pulmonary hypertension was defined as tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity ≥2.5 to 2.9 m/second. Moderate pulmonary hypertension was defined as tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity ≥3 m/second. Patients with pulmonary stenosis or right outflow obstruction were excluded. Characteristics were compared between patients with mild, moderate, and no pulmonary hypertension using 1-way analysis of variance for continuous variable and Fisher9s exact test for categorical variables. RESULTS. Of the 75 patients who had homozygous SS/Sβ° thalassemia and were older than 6 years, echocardiograms were obtained for 62 (82.6%). Thirty percent (19 of 62) of patients had elevated tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity ≥2.5 m/second. One third of these patients had tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity ≥3 m/second. All patients with elevated tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity had SS disease. A high reticulocyte count, low oxygen saturation, and a high platelet count were significantly associated with elevated pulmonary artery pressures. There was no difference in age, gender, history of acute chest syndrome, hydroxyurea therapy, chronic blood transfusion, stroke, hemoglobin, and bilirubin between patients with and without elevated pulmonary artery pressures. A total of 47% patients with elevated tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity and 57% without elevated tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity had screening transcranial Doppler examinations. Transcranial Doppler examinations were normal for all patients. CONCLUSIONS. High pulmonary artery pressures do occur in children with sickle cell disease. Screening by echocardiography can lead to early detection and intervention that may potentially reverse this disease process. There was no correlation between elevated pulmonary artery pressures and abnormal transcranial Doppler examination in our study.
SIMILARITY CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE PARTICLE-SIZE SPECTRUM OF A COAGULATING, SEDIMENTING AEROSOL

Abstract An explanation is offered for the similarities observed experimentally among size distributions of natural aerosols measured at different places and times. This explanation is based on a similarity transformation of the equation describing the kinetics of a coagulating, settling aerosol. On dimensional grounds, an approximate shape is derived for the upper end of the spectrum which compares well with the available experimental data. An estimate is given for the rate at which matter is transferred from the lower to the upper end of the spectrum.
Case studies of systems engineering and management in systems acquisition

This paper discusses the role of case studies in systems engineering and systems management, especially case studies that involve systems acquisition. We first provide a brief overview of case studies, including some of the analysis techniques useful for the conduct of case studies. Next, we discuss a two-dimensional framework for systems engineering and management case studies. The framework is in the form of a 9 row by 3 column matrix. We present a number of vignettes of case studies, at least one for each of the 27 cellular entries in this matrix. The hope is that this will be a stimulus and precursor of additional systems engineering and management case study efforts, both in terms of appropriate frameworks for these and in the actual conduct of case study research. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 7: 84–97, 2004
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for bipolar disorder: a feasibility trial.

Background. – The present open study investigates the feasibility of Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in groups solely composed of bipolar patients of various subtypes. MBCT has been mostly evaluated with remitted unipolar depressed patients and little is known about this treatment in bipolar disorder. Methods. – Bipolar outpatients (type I, II and NOS) were included and evaluated for depressive and hypomanic symptoms, as well as mindfulness skills before and after MBCT. Patients’ expectations before the program, perceived benefit after completion and frequency of mindfulness practice were also recorded. Results. – Of 23 included patients, 15 attended at least four MBCT sessions. Most participants reported having durably, moderately to very much benefited from the program, although mindfulness practice decreased over time. Whereas no significant increase of mindfulness skills was detected during the trial, change of mindfulness skills was significantly associated with change of depressive symptoms between pre- and post-MBCT assessments. Conclusions. – MBCT is feasible and well perceived among bipolar patients. Larger and randomized controlled studies are required to further evaluate its efficacy, in particular regarding depressive and (hypo)manic relapse prevention. The mediating role of mindfulness on clinical outcome needs further examination and efforts should be provided to enhance the persistence of meditation practice with time.
Response of the climate system to atmospheric aerosols and greenhouse gases

RECENTLY, Kiehl and Briegleb1 evaluated the radiative forcing associated with the capacity of atmospheric sulphate aerosols to reflect solar radiation back into space, and compared this with the forcing associated with atmospheric greenhouse gases. They found that the (negative) climate forcing by the aerosols has strong regional character, with the greatest forcing over Northern Hemisphere land surfaces, whereas the (positive) forcing by greenhouse gases is distributed almost equally between the hemispheres and varies mainly as a function of latitude. Here we present simulations of the response of the climate system to these two types of forcing. We find that the global response to aerosol forcing is regionally heterogeneous, with a distribution that is different from the forcing pattern. The simulations also imply that, for equal magnitudes of forcing, the temperature response is markedly greater for carbon dioxide than for aerosol forcing. We conclude that to predict the global mean climate response to global mean forcing, it is necessary to separate out the different components of the forcing to which the climate system is sensitive.
A high Reynolds number wind tunnel and its operating concept.

Test equipment and operating concept of short duration wind tunnel simulating high Reynolds number
Indistinguishability of independent single photons

The indistinguishability of independent single photons is presented by decomposing the single photon pulse into the mixed state of different transform-limited pulses. The entanglement between single photons and outer environment or other photons induces the distribution of the center frequencies of those transform-limited pulses and makes photons distinguishable. Only the single photons with the same transform-limited form are indistinguishable. In details, the indistinguishability of single photons from the solid-state quantum emitter and spontaneous parametric down-conversion is examined with two-photon Hong-Ou-Mandel interferometer. Moreover, experimental methods to enhance the indistinguishability are discussed, where the usage of spectral filter is highlighted.
Mineral nutrition associated with flower color in hydrangea.

Abstract Analysis of blue and pink flowers of Hydrangea macrophylla DC growing in gardens in Los Angeles gave poor differentiation by concentration of Al in them in contrast to the effect reported in literature. Blue flowers usually associated with acid soils contained 510 μg Al/g dry weight while pink flowers usually associated with alkaline soils contained 481 μg/g. Pink flowers contained 322, 18, 1793, 42, 1.1, 0.6 and 4. 7 μg/g respectively of Fe, Mn, Si, Ti, Mo, Cr and Sn. Blue flowers simultaneously contained respectively of the same elements, 146, 27, 622, 22, 0.4, 0.3, and 2.8. Some of these differences may relate to flower color. Hydrangea cuttings grown in a glasshouse in soils of different pH values had blue flowers at soil pH 3.5 and these flowers were higher in Al, Mn, Mg and Si than flowers which were pink or pinkish blue on plants grown at higher soil pH values.
Stabilization of anterior cervical spine with bioabsorbable polymer in one- and two-level fusions.

OBJECTIVE: We present our experience using a bioabsorbable polymer in the surgical management of one and two-level degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Twenty-six patients were treated at the University of California, San Diego Medical Center or the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in San Diego, CA. All cases were performed under the direction of a single neurosurgeon (WRT). METHODS: A retrospective review of patients' charts and imaging was performed to determine outcomes after anterior cervical spine operations. Specifically, we looked at the need for additional surgery, local reaction to the bioabsorbable polymer, fusion rate, and complications. Procedures involved the C3-C4, C4-C5, C5-C6, and/or C6-C7 levels, and fibular allograft was used in all but one case. The anterior cervical discectomy and fusion procedures with internal fixation were performed in 26 patients between March 2000 and November 2001. The patients were followed for up to 2 years after surgery (average, 14 mo), RESULTS: Radiographic fusion was achieved in 25 (96.2%) of 26 patients. Only one instance of treatment failure was encountered that required additional surgery and the placement of a titanium plate. There were no clinical signe or symptoms of reaction to the bioabsorbable material. CONCLUSION: The rates of fusion after single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with internal fixation using bioabsorbable polymer and screws in this study match those using metallic implants, as previously reported in the literature, and are superior to those achieved with noninstrumented fusions. Preliminary resutls suggest that this newly available technology for anterior fusion is as effective in single-level disease as traditional titanium plating systems. The bioabsorbable material seems to be tolerated well by patients. A larger, randomized, controlled study is necessary to bring the results to statistical significance.
On-Line Real Power Scheduling in Marginally Secure Power Systems

In this paper an efficient algorithm is derived for scheduling real power in systems where the phase angles across lines are not small and, hence, have to be taken into consideration. The approach is based on assigning a cost to the loading on the transmission system. The cost lunction chosen in this paper simplifies the problem of scheduling to a load-flow type problem so that when the solution to the load- flow problem is obtained, the optimal dispatch solution is also automatically obtained. Thus there is no need to alternate between a load-flow step and an optimization step and this results in considerable computational savings.
A METHOD FOR DETERMINING CONTOUR VOLUME OF THE UTERINE CAVITY

Abstract A method for directly determining the physiological size, shape and volume of the uterine cavity is described based on the physiological use of gravity and a thin polymerized silicone rubber. Seventeen post-hysterectomy specimens were examined, and the indices of age, gravity-parity, uterine weight, uterine cavity size, myometrial thickness and uterine cavity volume were reported. Uterine cavity volume was shown to be directly proportional to the parity of the patient. This direct method gives results consistent with uterine cavity measurements obtained by indirect methods.
Rheological Behavior of POSS/Polyurethane−Urea Nanocomposite Films Prepared by Homogeneous Solution Polymerization in Aqueous Dispersions

Reinforced polyurethane−urea nanocomposite with reactive polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) has been prepared via environmentally friendly aqueous dispersion with no organic solvent. Rheological behavior of this important class of materials has been investigated as a function of POSS concentration over a wide range of shear frequency and temperature (−100 to 230 °C). The functionalized diamino-POSS was reacted initially with isophorone diisocyanate (the urethane hard segments) before adding the polyester diol (the soft segments). The complete reaction of diamino-POSS with urethane segments was confirmed rheologically and morphologically (TEM). The molecular relaxations of the hard and soft segments of PU/POSS nanocomposites were investigated using the rectangular torsional mode in the glassy and rubbery states. It was found that the storage elastic modulus increased systematically only in the high-temperature range (i.e., the range of the Tg of the urethane segments) while the modulus did not si...
Does permanent partial disability continue after recovery from myocardial infarction

Abstract An attempt has been made to answer the question of whether or not permanent partial disability continues after recovery from myocardial infarction. It is postulated that the physiologicopathologic effects of the scar may result in cardiac hypertrophy due to myocardial strain and failure caused by stretching against unyielding fibrous tissue and by a greater burden on the remaining normal heart muscle. There may also be the factor of development of coronary inadequacy because of increased work of the normal portion of the myocardium. Damage to intracardiac nerves caused by scarification may be an additional factor. These factors vary greatly in different patients. It is therefore concluded that the answer to the question varies with the individual patient.
Editorial: Ontology Challenges: A Thumbnail Historical Perspective

Rarely in the history of computer science has there been an idea that was so obviously right and that has failed for so long to deliver on its promise. In its simplest form, this idea can be phrased as follows: People use hierarchically organized knowledge about domain objects and relations as a major ingredient of their intelligent behavior. Thus, one might reason abductively, if we equip computers with this kind of knowledge and appropriate processing algorithms, we should get intelligent behavior. The earliest history of artificial intelligence concentrated on the processing algorithms. But, after many unexpected difficulties, research turned more and more toward the knowledge part of the knowledge plus reasoning algorithms framework. Yet, paradoxically, even though large amounts of knowledge have been amassed in some areas, notably medical informatics, and even though knowledge structures have been studied for over 35 years, the expected big breakthrough toward computational intelligence has not happened. This leaves us with the initially mentioned paradox: Why has an idea that is so obviously right not led to the expected results? In 1968, Quillian (Quillian 1968) published his famous semantic network paper. His network was essentially an electronic representation of a dictionary of real-world terms. Using that dictionary and spreading activation reasoning, Quillian’s program was able to generate simple natural language expressions of stored semantic relationships. Given the extremely limited hardware (in today’s view) that Quillian had available, his achievement was a major milestone that inspired research in semantic networks (Woods 1975; Lehmann 1992; Sowa 1991), cognitive psychology (Collins and Quillian 1969; Collins and Loftus 1975; Anderson 1983) and a field that was to become known as knowledge representation (Brachman and Schmolze 1985; Cercone and McCalla 1987; Sowa 2000).
Synthesis and anticonvulsant activity of 1-benzyl-4-alkylamino-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridines

Four 3-deaza analogues of the potent anticonvulsant purine, BW A78U, were synthesized and tested for anticonvulsant activity. The imidazo[4,5-c]pyridines 9–12 were prepared in two steps from 4-chloro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (2). The compounds were potent anticonvulsant agents against maximal electroshock-induced seizures in rats with i.p. ED50 ranging from 2 to 3.5 mg/kg. However, these 3-deazapurines were appreciably more toxic than BW A78U, which precluded their development as potential antiepileptic agents.
Effects of electroporation on the transmembrane potential distribution in a two-dimensional bidomain model of cardiac tissue.

Electroporation in a Two-Dimensional Myocardium. Introduction: Defibrillation shocks, when delivered through internal electrodes, establish transmembrane potentials (Vm) large enough to electroporate the membrane of cardiac cells. The effects of such shocks on the transmembrane potential distribution are investigated in a two-dimensional rectangular sheet of cardiac muscle modeled as a bidomain with unequal anisotropy ratios. Methods and Results: The membrane is represented by a capacitance Cnv, a leakage conductance gv and a variable electroporation conductance G, whose rate of growth depends exponentially on the square of Vm. The stimulating current Io, 0.05–20 A/m, is delivered through a pair of electrodes placed 2 cm apart for stimulation along fibers and 1 cm apart for stimulation across fibers. Computer simulations reveal three categories of response to Io: (1) Weak Io. below 0.2 A/m, cause essentially no electroporation, and Vm: increases proportionally to Io. (2) Strong Io, between 0.2 and 2.5 A/m, electroporate tissue under the physical electrode. Vm is no longer proportional to Io; in the electroporated region, the growth of Vm is halted and in the region of reversed polarity (virtual electrode), the growth of Vm is accelerated. (3) Very strong Io, above 2.5 A/m, electroporate tissue under the physical and the virtual electrodes. The growth of Vm in ail electroporated regions is halted, and a further increase of Vo: increases both the extent of the electroporated regions and the electroporation conductance G. Conclusion: These results indicate that electroporation of the cardiac membrane plays an important role in the distribution of Vm: induced by defibrillation strength shocks.
The effect of baculovirus infection on ecdysteroid titer in gypsy moth larvae (Lymantria dispar)

Abstract Insect baculovirus carries a gene referred to as egt. This gene encodes an enzyme known as ecdysteroid UDP-glycosyl transferase which catalyzes the sugar conjugation of ecdysteroids. Using a gypsy moth embryonic cell line EGT activity of Lymantria dispar nuclear polyhedrosis virus was identified. The effect of egt gene expression following virus infection in gypsy moth larvae was studied by determining the ecdysteroid titer in hemolymph. A radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used to determine the ecdysteroid titer and TLC coupled with RIA was used to estimate levels of conjugated and unconjugated ecdysteroids. Both the level and pattern of hemolymph ecdysteroid titer in virus-infected larvae are different from uninfected control insects. The hemolymph ecdysteroid titer of virus-infected insects never rise above basal level during larval to pupal molting. However, during fourth to fifth larval molting, the hemolymph of virus-infected larvae shows higher levels of ecdysteroids than controls. In these insects the proportion of the sugar conjugated form of ecdysone was found to increase as virus replication proceeded.
Classroom contexts for creativity

Various factors influence the development of creative potential, including everything from individual differences to the kinds of experiences and opportunities that creators experience throughout the lifespan. When it comes to nurturing creativity in the classroom, the learning environment is one of the most important factors – determining, in large part, whether creative potential will be supported (or suppressed). In short, classroom context matters. It is one thing to recognize that the classroom environment impacts the development of creative potential, it is quite another to understand just what it takes to develop an optimally supportive creative learning environment. This is because many of the features of optimal learning environments are quite subtle and even counterintuitive. In this paper, we discuss insights from the research on how teachers might establish a creativity-supportive learning environment in their classroom.
Measurement of Thermoelectric Properties of Single Semiconductor Nanowires

We have measured the thermopower and the thermal conductivity of individual silicon and indium arsenide nanowires (NWs). In this study, we evaluate a self-heating method to determine the thermal conductivity λ. Experimental validation of this method was performed on highly n-doped Si NWs with diameters ranging from 20 nm to 80 nm. The Si NWs exhibited electrical resistivity of \(\rho = (8\pm4)\, \hbox{m}\Upomega\,\hbox{cm}\) at room temperature and Seebeck coefficient of −(250 ± 100) μV/K. The thermal conductivity of Si NWs measured using the proposed method is very similar to previously reported values; e.g., for Si NWs with 50 nm diameter, λ = 23 W/(m K) was obtained. Using the same method, we investigated InAs NWs with diameter of 100 nm and resistivities of \(\rho = (25\pm5)\, \hbox{m}\Upomega\,\hbox{cm}\) at room temperature. Thermal conductivity of λ = 1.8 W/(m K) was obtained, which is about 20 to 30 times smaller than in bulk InAs. We analyzed the accuracy of the self-heating method by means of analytical and numerical solution of the one-dimensional (1-D) heat diffusion equation taking various loss channels into account. For our NWs suspended from the substrate with low-impedance contacts the relative error can be estimated to be ≤25%.
Optimally controlled iterative schemes for obtaining the solution of a non-linear equation†

An approach is presented for designing a recursive algorithm for finding the root or roots of the equation ƒ(x) = 0, where ƒ is a continuously differentiable function from Rn → Rn . A differential equation, or difference equation, is written with ƒ as the dependent variable and a control vector u as the forcing function. Optimal control theory is then used to drive ƒ from a given initial value to zero.
Lead perturbs 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 modulation of intracellular calcium metabolism in clonal rat osteoblastic (ROS 17/2.8) cells

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) is known to modulate Ca2+ metabolism in several cell types. 1,25(OH)2D3 causes an increase in Ca2+ influx and probably exerts many of its effects via the Ca2+ messenger system. Lead (Pb2+) interacts with and perturbs normal Ca2+ signalling pathways; hence, the purpose of this work was to determine if Pb2+ perturbs 1,25(OH)2D3 modulation of Ca2+ metabolism in ROS 17/2.8 cells, which express receptors for and respond to 1,25(OH)2D3, and to determine the effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on Pb2+ metabolism in these cells. In both cases three kinetic compartments described the intracellular metabolism of the isotope. These data show that 1 microM Pb2+ inhibits 1,25(OH)2D3 modulated increases in Ca2+ flux, whereas 5 microM Pb2+ increases membrane fluxes, all intracellular Ca2+ pools, and total cell Ca2+. In the Pb2+ metabolism studies it was found that 10 nM 1,25(OH)2D3 increases intracellular Pb2+. Pb2+ appears to disrupt the modulation of intracellular steady-state Ca2+ homeostasis by 1,25(OH)2D3 in a complex, biphasic manner and may therefore perturb functions that are modulated by 1,25(OH)2D3 via the Ca2+ messenger system.
Total iridectomy does not alter outflow facility responses to cyclic AMP in cynomolgus monkeys.

Total outflow facility was measured by two-level constant pressure anterior chamber perfusion in surgically untouched and totally iridectomized cynomolgus monkey eyes receiving bolus intracameral infusions of cyclic AMP, dibutyryl cyclic AMP, or 5′ AMP. Cyclic AMP doses of 50 and 100 μg (corresponding to initial intracameral concentrations of 1·5- and 3 m M increased facility by ∼20 and 40% respectively in both surgically untouched and aniridic eyes. Higher doses produced no greater effect, and lower doses were ineffective. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP and 5′AMP were ineffective in doses up to 100 μg (2- and 3 m m respectively). These findings indicate that the iris plays no mechanical role in mediating the facility response to cyclic AMP, and that the iridectomy procedure per se does not compromise the ability of the outflow pathways to respond to cyclic AMP. Since untouched and aniridic eyes exhibit similar facility responses to epinephrine and norepinephrine, the present findings also suggest that the iris is not the source of cyclic AMP mediating facility responses to catecholamines.
Genetic Analysis of a Seedling Stress Response to Ethylene in Arabidopsis

A genetic framework has been devised for the action of genes within the ethylene-response pathway. This working model is based on the epistatic interactions among a variety of ethylene response mutations. Most of the mutations that have been described act in a linear pathway. Genes controling cell elongation in response to ethylene must, at some level, act to affect the architecture of the cytoskeleton. Genes that act late in the pathway, in mutant form, may lead to highly specific phenotypes such as the increased senitivity to taxol in the ein 6 mutant. Analysis of these downstream components may provide critical insights into the nature of ethylene’s effect on the cell elongation machinery.
METAP &#2014;A modular and expandable program for simulating power system transients

This paper describes the algorithms used by METAP - a transients program with a modular, expandable element-library. Each element is a computationally independent entity that can encapsulate an arbitrarily detailed model of a power system device - a synchronous machine or a transformer, for instance - together with a numerical procedure especially suited to the calculation of its responses. New elements can be added to the library whenever new models Or numerical procedures are needed. This modeling and computational flexibility is made possible by the use of unusual procedures for describing and solving networks. These procedures are described in some detail and their applicational aspects illustrated by means of an example.
An approach for increasing drive-mode bandwidth of MEMS vibratory gyroscopes

The limitations of the photolithography-based micromachining technologies defines the upper-bound on the performance and robustness of micromachined gyroscopes. Conventional gyroscope designs based on matching (or near-matching) the drive and sense modes are extremely sensitive to variations in oscillatory system parameters that shift the natural frequencies and introduce quadrature errors. Nonconventional design concepts have been reported that increase bandwidth to improve robustness, but with the expense of response gain reduction. This paper presents a new approach that may yield robust vibratory MEMS gyroscopes with better gain characteristics while retaining the wide bandwidth. The approach is based on utilizing multiple drive-mode oscillators with incrementally spaced resonance frequencies to achieve wide-bandwidth response in the drive-mode, leading to improved robustness to structural and thermal parameter fluctuations. Enhanced mode-decoupling is achieved by distributing the linear drive-mode oscillators radially and symmetrically, to form a multidirectional linear drive-mode and a torsional sense-mode; minimizing quadrature error and zero-rate output. The approach has been implemented on bulk-micromachined prototypes fabricated in a silicon-on-insulator (SOI)-based process, and experimentally demonstrated.
Backbone-base inclination as a fundamental determinant of nucleic acid self- and cross-pairing

The crystal structure of the duplex formed by oligo(2',3'-dideoxy-beta-d-glucopyranosyl)nucleotides (homo-DNA) revealed strongly inclined backbone and base-pair axes [Egli,M., Pallan,P.S., Pattanayek,R., Wilds,C.J., Lubini,P., Minasov,G., Dobler,M., Leumann,C.J. and Eschenmoser,A. (2006) Crystal structure of homo-DNA and nature's choice of pentose over hexose in the genetic system. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 128, 10847-10856]. This inclination is easily perceived because homo-DNA exhibits only a modest helical twist. Conversely, the tight coiling of strands conceals that the backbone-base inclinations for A- (DNA and RNA) and B-form (DNA) duplexes differ considerably. We have defined a parameter eta(B) that corresponds to the local inclination between sugar-phosphate backbone and base plane in nucleic acid strands. Here, we show its biological significance as a predictive measure for the relative strand polarities (antiparallel, aps, or parallel, ps) in duplexes of DNA, RNA and artificial nucleic acid pairing systems. The potential of formation of ps duplexes between complementary 16-mers with eight A and U(T) residues each was investigated with DNA, RNA, 2'-O-methylated RNA, homo-DNA and p-RNA, the ribopyranosyl isomer of RNA. The thermodynamic stabilities of the corresponding aps duplexes were also measured. As shown previously, DNA is capable of forming both ps and aps duplexes. However, all other tested systems are unable to form stable ps duplexes with reverse Watson-Crick (rWC) base pairs. This observation illustrates the handicap encountered by nucleic acid systems with inclinations eta(B) that differ significantly from 0 degrees to form a ps rWC paired duplex. Accordingly, RNA with a backbone-base inclination of -30 degrees , pairs strictly in an aps fashion. On the other hand, the more or less perpendicular orientation of backbone and bases in DNA allows it to adopt a ps rWC paired duplex. In addition to providing a rationalization of relative strand polarity with nucleic acids, the backbone-base inclination parameter is also a determinant of cross-pairing. Thus, systems with strongly deviating eta(B) angles will not pair with each other. Nucleic acid pairing systems with significant backbone-base inclinations can also be expected to display different stabilities depending on which terminus carries unpaired nucleotides. The negative inclination of RNA is consistent with the higher stability of duplexes with 3'- compared to those with 5'-dangling ends.
The Quality of Qualitative Research

In general, an appreciation of the standards of qualitative research and the types of qualitative data analyses available to researchers have not kept pace with the growing presence of qualitative studies in medical science. To help rectify this problem, the authors clarify qualitative research reliability, validity, sampling, and generalizability. They also provide 3 major theoretical frameworks for data collection and analysis that investigators may consider adopting. These 3 approaches are ethnography, existential phenomenology, and grounded theory. For each, the basic steps of data collection and analysis involved are presented, along with real-life examples of how they can contribute to improving medical care.
Energy-momentum, angular momentum, and supercharge in 2 + 1 supergravity

It is pointed out that there is no way to define linear momentum and supercharge for a generic solution to 2 + 1 supergravity, whose asymptotic symmetries only include time translations and spatial rotations. A Hamiltonian expression for the energy and the angular momentum is also given.
Effects of Childhood Primary Hypertension on Carotid Intima Media Thickness: A Matched Controlled Study

To determine whether carotid intima media thickness is increased in children with primary hypertension, the current study compared carotid intima media thickness in hypertensive children with that of normotensive control subjects matched closely for body mass index and determined the relationship between carotid intima media thickness and hypertension severity determined by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Children with newly diagnosed office hypertension (n=28) had carotid intima media thickness, left ventricular mass index, and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring performed. Carotid intima media thickness was performed in normotensive control subjects (n=28) matched pairwise to hypertensive subjects for age (+/-1 year), gender, and body mass index (+/-10%). Eighty-two percent of subjects were overweight or obese (body mass index > or =85th percentile). The median carotid intima media thickness of hypertensive subjects was greater than that of matched controls (0.67 versus 0.63 mm; P=0.045). In the hypertensive subjects, carotid intima media thickness correlated strongly with several ambulatory blood pressure monitoring parameters, with the strongest correlation for daytime systolic blood pressure index (r=0.57; P=0.003). In the hypertensive group, the prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy was 32%, but unlike carotid intima media thickness, left ventricular mass index did not correlate with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Together, the findings that hypertensive subjects had increased carotid intima media thickness compared with matched controls and that higher carotid intima media thickness correlated with more severe hypertension by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring provide strong evidence that carotid intima media thickness is increased in childhood primary hypertension, independent of the effects of obesity.
CD45 Opposes β-Amyloid Peptide-Induced Microglial Activation via Inhibition of p44/42 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase

Abstract Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common age-related dementia, with a current prevalence in excess of five million individuals in the United States. The aggregation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) into fibrillar amyloid plaques is a key pathological event in the development of the disease. Microglial proinflammatory activation is widely known to cause neuronal and synaptic damage that correlates with cognitive impairment in AD. However, current pharmacological attempts at reducing neuroinflammation mediated via microglial activation have been largely negative in terms of slowing AD progression. Previously, we have shown that microglia express proinflammatory cytokines and a reduced capacity to phagocytose Aβ in the context of CD40, Aβ peptides and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, a phenomenon that can be opposed by attenuation of p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. Other groups have found that blueberry (BB) extract both inhibits phosphorylation of this MAPK module and also ...
Multiple Antenna Broadcast Channels With Limited Feedback

In this paper, we study the limited feedback model for partial CSI at the basestation (BS) for multiple antenna broadcast channels: the BS has the knowledge of quantized CSI of each user. We first give a practical limited feedback scheme designed for multiple antenna broadcast channels. Then, we study the sum rate performance of zero-forcing dirty paper coding under the proposed limited feedback scheme. An upper bound is also derived to get some insight about the impact of the use of limited feedback. Interestingly, we find that the systems experience a ceiling effect on the sum rate for a fixed feedback rate.
A DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL REINFORCEMENT CONTINGENCIES IN THE PRESCHOOL CLASSROOM

In recent years, functional analysis methods have been extended to classroom settings; however, research has not evaluated the extent to which consequences presented during functional analysis are associated with problem behavior under naturalistic classroom conditions. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether the social consequences commonly manipulated in functional analyses occur in typical preschool classrooms. A total of 14 children attending preschool programs participated in the study. Data were collected on the occurrence of antecedent events (e.g., presentation of tasks), child behaviors (e.g., aggression), and teacher responses (e.g., delivery of attention). The probability of various teacher responses given child behavior was then calculated and compared to the response-independent probabilities of teacher responses. Attention was found to be the most common classroom consequence (100% of children), followed by material presentation (79% of children), and escape from instructional tasks (33% of children). Comparisons of conditional and response-independent probabilities showed that the probability of teacher attention increased given the occurrence of problem behavior for all children, suggesting that a contingency existed between these two events. Results suggest that functional analyses that test the effects of attention, escape, and access to materials on problem behavior may be appropriate for preschool settings.
Sequential Decision-making in Interdependent Sectors with Multiobjective Inoperability Decision Trees: Application to Biofuel Subsidy Analysis

Abstract Decision-making involving large-scale systems often involves considerations for temporal changes, interdependencies in organizational structures, multiple competing objectives, and risk and uncertainty, among others. In this paper we develop a risk-based methodology, the Multiobjective Inoperability Decision Tree (MOIDT). It integrates several dimensions of decision-making processes associated with interconnected systems in terms of: (i) evaluation of sequential policies; (ii) analysis of interdependencies; (iii) treatment of multiple objectives and their tradeoffs; and (iv) characterization of uncertainties. To demonstrate the integration of these four components, we present a case study to analyze the impact of government policies towards mass-scale biofuel production. Using a multi-period decision framework, the analysis utilizes economic input–output data to model the probabilistic demand adjustments for sectors that will likely be affected by biofuel policies.
Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytology reflects airway inflammation in beagle puppies with acute bronchiolitis

Beagle puppies infected with both canine parainfluenza virus type 2 (CPI2) and Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb) develop more severe acute bronchiolitis and airways hyperresponsiveness than do those infected with CPI2 or Bb alone. The aim of our study was to characterize the inflammatory response associated with airway hyperresponsiveness, and to determine whether the inflammatory cell response of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) reflected changes in the bronchioles in this model. We investigated 25 beagle puppies (ages 76 +/- 5 days, mean +/- SEM) in four groups: controls (n = 6), or puppies inoculated with both CPI2 and Bb (CPI2-Bb) (n = 11), with only CPI2 (n = 4), or only Bb (n = 4). The puppies were killed 3-4 days after inoculation, the lungs excised, the intermediate lobe lavaged, and BALF and the bronchiolar wall tissue examined for neutrophils and other inflammatory cells. Control puppies had no evidence of inflammation. However, the CPI2-Bb puppies had developed cough and rhinitis, positive cultures for CPI2 and Bb, and a neutrophilic cellular response in both the bronchioles and the BALF. Puppies inoculated with only CPI2 or Bb had milder illnesses and no significant bronchiolar and BALF neutrophilic response. For all groups, the severity of bronchiolar wall inflammation correlated with the total number of BALF inflammatory cells, and bronchiolar wall neutrophil counts correlated with the percentage of neutrophils in the BALF. The illness and the airway hyperresponsiveness observed in the CPI2-Bb group were associated with airway neutrophilia. Our studies support the hypothesis that neutrophils are associated with airway dysfunction in this model, and the use of BALF to study the process.
How Should Adverse Events Be Reported in US Clinical Trials?: Ethical Considerations

Research with human subjects, including clinical trials, forms the cornerstone of the development of knowledge on the safety and efficacy of potential drugs and devices. During the conduct of clinical trials, human subjects may experience adverse events ranging from trivial side effects such as mild discomfort to severe complications, including death. Three of the regulatory criteria set forth in the 45 Code of Federal Regulations 46.111 for approval of research1 focus on risk assessment and minimization of risks. The accurate and full reporting of these adverse events and the assessment of the risk attributable to participation in research are therefore crucial components in the ethical conduct of research. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2008); 84, 2, 275–278 doi:10.1038/clpt.2008.14
ANAUXITE AND KAOLINITE STRUCTURES IDENTICAL

Single crystal X-ray diffraction patterns reveal that the structure of selected anauxite crystals is the same as the structure of macroscopic kaolinite crystals. Anauxite and kaolinite crystals are intergrowths on a domain scale of units in pseudotwin orientations. Individual domains in anauxite have the triclinic geometry of kaolinite, and give X-ray reflections that compare closely in intensity with those calculated from the atomic parameters of kaolinite. Large crushed crystals of anauxite give powder patterns identical with that of kaolinite. Because it has been shown recently that the chemical composition of anauxite is also identical with that of kaolinite, it is recommended that the term "anauxite" no longer be used.
PLDs ease multiprocessor system design

Highlights the advantages of using programmable logic devices in common-bus multiprocessor designs. This discussion is limited to common-bus architectures due to their popularity. The processors used in common-bus architectures can be tightly-coupled (communication via shared memory) or loosely coupled (communication via message-passing bus network). >
Characterizing Network Traffic in a Cluster-based, Multi-tier Data Center

With the increasing use of various Web-based services, design of high performance, scalable and dependable data centers has become a critical issue. Recent studies show that a clustered, multi-tier architecture is a cost-effective approach to design such servers. Since these servers are highly distributed and complex, understanding the workloads driving them is crucial for the success of the ongoing research to improve them. In view of this, there has been a significant amount of work to characterize the workloads of Web-based services. However, all of the previous studies focus on a high level view of these servers, and analyze request-based or session-based characteristics of the workloads. In this paper, we focus on the characteristics of the network behavior within a clustered, multi-tiered data center. Using a real implementation of a clustered three-tier data center, we analyze the arrival rate and inter-arrival time distribution of the requests to individual server nodes, the network traffic between tiers, and the average size of messages exchanged between tiers. The main results of this study are; (1) in most cases, the request inter-arrival rates follow log-normal distribution, and self-similarity exists when the data center is heavily loaded, (2) message sizes can be modeled by the log-normal distribution, and (3) service times fit reasonably well with the Pareto distribution and show heavy tailed behavior at heavy loads.
Increased absorption by coarse aerosol particles over the Gangetic-Himalayan region

Abstract. Each atmospheric aerosol type has distinctive light-absorption characteristics related to its physical/chemical properties. Climate models treat black carbon as the main light-absorbing component of carbonaceous atmospheric aerosols, while absorption by some organic aerosols is also considered, particularly at ultraviolet wavelengths. Most absorbing aerosols are assumed to be
Pilot-Scale Demonstration of an Innovative Treatment for Vapor Emissions

ABSTRACT Researchers from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory recently conducted a pilot-scale study at McClellan Air Force Base (AFB) in Sacramento, CA. The objective of the test was to determine the effectiveness of an ambient-temperature, solar-powered photocatalytic oxidation treatment unit for destroying emissions of chlorinated organic compounds from an air stripper. This paper reports test results and discusses applications and limitations of the technology. A 10-standard-cubic-foot-per-minute (SCFM) (28.3 L/min) slip stream of air from an air stripper at Operative Unit 29-31 at McClellan AFB was passed through a reactor that contained a lightweight, perforated, inert support coated with photoactive titanium dioxide. The reactor faced south and was tilted at a 45° angle from vertical so that the light-activated catalyst received most of the available sunlight. An online portable gas chro-matograph with two identical columns simultaneously analyzed the volatile organic compounds contained in th...
Mediation of Nonclassical Postsynaptic Responses by Cyclic Nucleotides

Like Herbert Jasper, whom I have had the privilege of knowing as a stimulating colleague and friend for more than 35 years, I have approached the issue of brain function along more than one experimental strategy. One involved direct studies of human cerebral processes in relation to conscious, subjective experience (e.g., Libet, 1973, 1982, 1985a). The other has been at the synaptic transmitter level, as it relates to slow functions of the brain. This stemmed from early work with Ralph Gerard on slow or “steady” potentials in brain (e.g., Gerard and Libet, 1940; Libet and Gerard, 1941) in which we had discovered modes of cerebral neuronal interaction that seemed to require mechanisms different from those available in fast axonal and synaptic transmissions. That expectation attracted me to investigate the slow potentials observed by Rose Eccles in sympathetic ganglia (Eccles, 1952), and that led to discoveries and analyses of a whole new class of slow synaptic mechanisms by myself and then many others. The characteristics of these slow synaptic actions greatly expanded the availability of processes that could help to mediate the slower and many of the higher functions of the brain (e.g., Libet, 1978, 1986).
The history of legal medicine.

Before discussing legal medicine and forensic science, it would be helpful to have a general definition of terms. Forensic science is a broader term than legal medicine. The former actually encompasses the latter. The term “forensic” is used as an adjective to identify a growing group of