cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Population dynamics of cocirculating swine influenza A viruses in the United States from 2009 to 2012

Background Understanding the ecology and evolution of influenza A viruses (IAV) in mammalian hosts is critical to reduce disease burden in production animals and lower zoonotic infection risk in humans. Recent advances in influenza surveillance in US swine populations allow for timely epidemiological, phylogenetic, and virological analyses that monitor emergence of novel viruses and assess changes in viral population dynamics. Methods To better understand IAV in the North American swine population, we undertook a phylogenetic analysis of 1075 HA, 1049 NA, and 1040 M sequences of IAV isolated from US swine during 2009–2012 through voluntary and anonymous submissions to the US Department of Agriculture IAV swine surveillance system. Results Analyses revealed changes in population dynamics among multiple clades of A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and A/H1N2 cocirculating in US swine populations during 2009–2012. Viral isolates were categorized into one of seven genetically and antigenically distinct hemagglutinin lineages: H1α, H1β, H1γ, H1δ1, H1δ2, H1pdm09, and H3 cluster IV. There was an increase in occurrence of H1δ1 in samples submitted, with a concurrent decrease in H1pdm09. H3 cluster IV exhibited increasing diversification, warranting a re-evaluation of phylogenetic nomenclature criteria. Although H3N2 represented 25% of identified viruses, this subtype was reported in increasing proportion of sequenced isolates since late 2011. Conclusions Surveillance and reporting of IAV in US swine have increased since 2009, and we demonstrate a period of expanded viral diversity. These data may be used to inform intervention strategies of vaccine and diagnostic updates and changes in swine health management.
The critical role of channel cross-sectional area in microchannel flow boiling heat transfer

Abstract Experiments are conducted with a perfluorinated dielectric fluid, Fluorinert FC-77, to identify the critical geometric parameters that affect flow boiling heat transfer and flow patterns in microchannels. In recent work by the authors (Harirchian and Garimella, 2009), seven different silicon test pieces containing parallel microchannels of widths ranging from 100 to 5850 μm, all with a depth of 400 μm were tested and it was shown that for a fixed channel depth, the heat transfer coefficient was independent of channel width for microchannels of widths 400 μm and larger, with the flow regimes in these microchannels being similar; nucleate boiling was also found to be dominant over a wide range of heat fluxes. In the present study, experiments are performed with five additional microchannel test pieces with channel depths of 100 and 250 μm and widths ranging from 100 to 1000 μm. Flow visualizations are performed using a high-speed digital video camera to determine the flow regimes, with simultaneous local measurements of the heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop. The aim of the present study is to investigate as independent parameters the channel width and depth as well as the aspect ratio and cross-sectional area on boiling heat transfer in microchannels, based on an expanded database of experimental results. The flow visualizations and heat transfer results show that the channel cross-sectional area is the important governing parameter determining boiling mechanisms and heat transfer in microchannels. For channels with cross-sectional area exceeding a specific value, nucleate boiling is the dominant mechanism and the boiling heat transfer coefficient is independent of channel dimensions; below this threshold value of cross-sectional area, vapor confinement is observed in all channels at all heat fluxes, and the heat transfer rate increases as the microchannel cross-sectional area decreases before premature dryout occurs due to channel confinement.
Confusion in cladism

In Phylogenetic Systematics (1966), Willi Hennig conflates the Linnaean hierarchy with what Hennig refers to as the “divisional hierarchy”. In doing so, he lays the foundations of that school of biological taxonomy known as “cladism” on a philosophically ambiguous basis. This paper compares and contrasts the two hierarchies and demonstrates that Hennig conflates them. It shows that Hennig's followers also conflate them. Finally, it illuminates five persistent problems in cladism by suggesting that they arise from Hennig's original confusion.
Induction of phenotypes resembling CuZn-superoxide dismutase deletion in wild-type yeast cells: an in vivo assay for the role of superoxide in the toxicity of redox-cycling compounds.

Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) lacking the enzyme CuZn-superoxide dismutase (sod1Δ) display a large number of dioxygen sensitive phenotypes, such as amino acid auxotrophies, sensitivity to elevated temperatures, and sensitivity to 100% dioxygen, which are attributed to superoxide stress. Such cells are exquisitely sensitive to small amounts of the herbicide paraquat (methyl viologen), which is known to produce high fluxes of superoxide in vivo via a redox-cycling mechanism. We report that dioxygen sensitive phenotypes similar to those seen in sod1Δ cells can be induced in wild-type cells by treatment with moderate concentrations of paraquat or diquat, another bipyridyl herbicide, providing strong evidence that the mechanism of toxicity for both of these compounds is attributable to superoxide stress. Certain redox-cycling quinone compounds (e.g., menadione and plumbagin) are also far more toxic toward sod1Δ than to wild type. However, treatment of wild-type yeast with menadione or plumbagin did not indu...
A CINtillating New Job for the APC Tumor Suppressor

Chromosomal instability is the hallmark of many cancers. In his Perspective, Pellman discusses new findings revealing that APC, a protein known to be mutated in colon cancer, is crucial for the attachment of chromosomes to the microtubules of the mitotic spindle. He explains how aberrant forms of APC could lead to missegregation of chromosomes during cell division, in turn leading to chromosomal instability.
Crystallinity and magnetoresistance in calcium doped lanthanum manganites

Thin films of calcium doped lanthanum manganites Lal-xCaxMnO3 (LCMO) with x ~ 0.41 have been prepared on LaAlO3(001) (LAO) Y-stablized ZrO2(001) (YSZ), and Al2O3(0001) (SAP) substrates by liquid delivery metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (LD-MOCVD). The films on YSZ and SAP substrates have a textured, polycrystalline morphology with a preferred orientation of (110). The films on LAO show a single-crystalline morphology and a (100) orientation. Transport measurements show the polycrystalline films have a resistance peak approximately 60K lower than the films on LAO and, in general, have a much higher overall resistance. The magne-toresistance (MR) ratio ([R(H) - R(0)]/R(H)) is sharply peaked near the maximum in resistance for the films on LAO, while the polycrystalline films show a noticeable absence of this sharply peaked behavior and a flat, rather large (~100%) MR ratio over a large temperature range. These results will be discussed in terms of grain boundary scattering, crystallite size, and magnetization.
Polynucleotide conformation from flow dichroism studies.

We demonstrate that the isotropic absorption and linear dichroism in an unknown flow field can be used to determine base tilt in polynucleotides if three transitions are measured and the directions of the corresponding dipoles are known. The method is applied here to reach conclusions about the base tilt in poly(rA), poly(rA)+·poly(rA), and poly(rC). The respective values are: 28° tilt about the axis + 50° toward C8 from the C1′ N9, and 25° tilt about the axis + 118° toward C5 from C1′ N1. The results for poly(rA)+·poly(rA) are consistent with the accepted model. Spectra were measured for poly(rC)+·poly(rC), but definite conclusions must await reliable directions for transition dipoles. The dipole direction for the 218-nm transition in rC is found to be +13° or +43° toward C5 from C1′ N1. The CD spectra to about 168 nm are presented and discussed.
Discovering Cues to Error Detection in Speech Recognition Output: A User-Centered Approach

The great potential of speech recognition systems in freeing users' hands while interacting with computers has inspired a variety of promising applications. However, given the performance of the state-of-the-art speech recognition technology today, widespread acceptance of speech recognition technology would not be realistic without designing and developing new approaches to detecting and correcting recognition errors effectively. In seeking solutions to the above problem, identifying cues to error detection (CERD) is central. Our survey of the extant literature on the detection and correction of speech recognition errors reveals that the system-initiated, data-driven approach is dominant, but that heuristics from human users have been largely overlooked. This may have hindered the advance of speech technology. In this research, we propose a user-centered approach to discovering CERD. User studies are carried out to implement the approach. Content analysis of the collected verbal protocols lends itself to a taxonomy of CERD. The CERD discovered in this study can improve our knowledge on CERD by not only validating CERD from a user's perspective but also suggesting promising new CERD for detecting speech recognition errors. Moreover, the analysis of CERD in relation to error types and other CERD provides new insights into the context where specific CERD are effective. The findings of this study can be used to not only improve speech recognition output but also to provide context-aware support for error detection. This will help break the barrier for mainstream adoption of speech technology in a variety of information systems and applications.
Training of residents in peripheral nerve blocks during anesthesiology residency

Abstract Study objective To survey American anesthesiology residency program directors to determine the availability and extent of training in peripheral nerve block techniques. Design Survey questionnaire was mailed and faxed to 132 American anesthesiology residency program directors and followed up 4 weeks later with another mailing to nonresponders. Setting University medical center. Measurements and main results Of the 132 American anesthesiology residency program directors surveyed, 69 (52%) responded. Of the responders, 40 (58%) offered a specific peripheral nerve block rotation. The rotation was of 1 month's duration in 61% of these programs. Formal instruction was administered during the rotation in 69%. The regional instruction approach consisted of a nerve stimulator (98%), paresthesia (75%), and transarterial (85%). Multimedia, mannequins, and cadaver dissection were used infrequently (13-25%). During the rotation, residents performed a variety of blocks, but the number of each block varied from 2 (supraclavicular) to 10 (axillary). These blocks were performed in the operating room in 48% of programs. Finally, in the programs with a specific peripheral nerve block rotation, residents were evaluated. Conclusions Specific peripheral nerve block rotations are not always included in anesthesiology residents' curriculum. In addition, residents in programs with a specific nerve block rotation are exposed to a greater number of peripheral nerve block techniques than those who do not have such a rotation included in their curriculum.
Alternative transcripts in the mouse neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) gene are conserved and code for schwannomins with distinct C-terminal domains

Mutations in the neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) gene predispose individuals to the development of nervous system tumors and ocular abnormalities. The NF2 gene product, schwannomin, is a member of a superfamily of proteins thought to link cytoskeletal elements to cell membrane components. These proteins share significant homologies in the N-terminal and alpha-helical domains, but diverge in the C-terminus. During our efforts to characterize mouse NF2 transcripts, we identified four different transcripts by cDNA analysis and reverse-transcribed PCR that contained different sequences in the 3' end of the coding sequences. In human cell lines three isoforms encoding two distinct schwannomins were detected. The mouse and human transcripts containing 61 and 60 bp inserts, respectively, have not been previously described. The isoforms encode schwannomins with significantly altered C-termini and were expressed at different relative levels in adult mouse tissues and during mouse embryogenesis. These results suggest that schwannomin isoforms have distinct functional roles and predict the existence of human mutations involving the C-terminus of schwannomin.
Mice deficient in the ALS2 gene exhibit lymphopenia and abnormal hematopietic function

One form of juvenile onset autosomal recessive amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS2) has been linked to the dysfunction of the ALS2 gene. The ALS2 gene is expressed in lymphoblasts, however, whether ALS2-deficiency affects periphery blood is unclear. Here we report that ALS2 knockout (ALS2−/−) mice developed peripheral lymphopenia but had higher proportions of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in which the stem cell factor-induced cell proliferation was up-regulated. Our findings reveal a novel function of the ALS2 gene in the lymphopoiesis and hematopoiesis, suggesting that the immune system is involved in the pathogenesis of ALS2.
Insect cells as HLA-restricted antigen-presenting cells for the IFN-γ Elispot assay

Measurement of specific cellular immune responses in patients undergoing immunotherapy is difficult. Established approaches, including cytotoxicity (e.g., 51Cr release) and cytokine release assays, require in vitro culturing for several weeks or more of patients' peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and the addition of exogenous cytokines. Therefore, the immunological response does not reflect in vivo conditions. To address these disadvantages, we have used an interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) Elispot assay for detecting peptide-specific CD8(+) lymphocytes in PBMC. A limitation of this assay is the lack of a reproducible source of antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Currently available APCs often lead to significant background levels. It has been shown that transfected insect cells can express empty MHC class I molecules on their surface. We have transfected Drosophila melanogaster S2 cells and the Lepidopteran line Sf9 with the gene encoding human HLA-A2.1. We demonstrate that insect cells expressing a human HLA molecule effectively function as APCs in the IFN-gamma Elispot assay. Initially the feasibility of the assay was assessed using CD8(+) T cells from HLA-A2.1(+) donors with known reactivity against an HLA-A2.1-binding epitope of the influenza matrix protein. Use of insect cells as APCs abrogated background spots, increasing sensitivity. We further observed that a short-term prestimulation of PBMC with peptide-pulsed insect cells markedly enhanced the frequency of peptide-specific T cells that could be measured in the Elispot assay without increasing the background. This approach was then used to measure CD8(+) T cell reactivity to a peptide from tyrosinase, an antigen that is processed and presented by melanoma cells. Insect cells expressing human HLA molecules provide a standard APC for monitoring CD8(+) T cell responses to tumor and viral peptides during immunotherapy.
Path Integration from Optic Flow and Body Senses in a Homing Task

We examined the roles of information from optic flow and body senses (eg vestibular and proprioceptive information) for path integration, using a triangle completion task in a virtual environment. In two experiments, the contribution of optic flow was isolated by using a joystick control. Five circular arenas were used for testing: (B) both floor and wall texture; (F) floor texture only, reducing information for rotation; (W) wall texture only, reducing informa- tion for translation; (N) a no texture control condition; and (P) an array of posts. The results indicate that humans can use optic flow for path integration and are differentially influenced by rotational and translational flow. In a third experiment, participants actively walked in arenas B, F, and N, so body senses were also available. Performance shifted from a pattern of under- turning to overturning and exhibited decreased variability, similar responses with and without optic flow, and no attrition. The results indicate that path integration can be performed by integrating optic flow, but when information from body senses is available it appears to dominate.
For-profit/nonprofit differences in center-based child care quality: Results from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development study of early child care and youth development

In secondary analyses of National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development data, multiple indicators of quality (caregiver wages and turnover; child/staff ratio; caregiver education and professionalism; positive caregiving) were compared between child care centers by sector (for-profit/nonprofit) and subsector (for-profit independent/chain, nonprofit church/nonchurch) at multiple points from infancy through prekindergarten. Nonprofit centers evidenced higher caregiver wages and education at most ages and better quality child/staff ratios, turnover, caregiver professionalism, and positive caregiving for toddlers and preschoolers. Subsector differences in preschool classrooms were more complex. In general, quality was higher in nonprofit non-religiously affiliated centers, intermediate in nonprofit religiously affiliated and for-profit independent centers, and lower in for-profit chains, but differences were not found on every indicator or between every group. Further, for-profit chain status predicted lower quality positive caregiving, controlling for family characteristics, staff, and structural quality, at 54 months, but not 36 months. Results support and extend prior research by controlling for family characteristics. Policy implications regarding supply- and demand-side quality-improvement strategies that address market competition and parent choice across subsectors are discussed.
A Three-Dimensional Dynamical-Chemical Model of Atmospheric Ozone

A three-year integration of a global three-dimensional model including dynamics and simple photochemistry is used to predict ozone. Good agreement with observation is obtained for stratospheric motion patterns, meridional circulations, ozone density as a function of height and latitude, eddy transports of ozone, surface destruction of ozone, and correlations of ozone with other variables. The annual cycle of columnar ozone in high latitudes is present, but at a smaller amplitude than observed. Vertical transport of ozone downward from the main generation level at 30 km is accomplished primarily by small-scale eddy diffusion between 20 and 30 km and again near the ground; large-scale vertical transport dominates in between. The model predicts a secondary maximum in ozone mixing ratio at 45 km somewhat equatorward of the winter polar-night zone. This feature, recently observed from satellite measurements, is thought to be caused by the temperature dependence of reaction rates in the Chapman scheme. The principal deficiency of the model is an underprediction of the spring ozone concentration in high latitudes in the lower stratosphere.
Improving Services for International Students by Understanding Differences Between Japanese and United States Culture and Educational Systems

This article is presented to help advisors gain a better understanding of international students; specific emphasis is given to students who have received their secondary education in Japan. Major topics covered are a) differences between the Japanese and U.S. educational systems, b) the complexities of cross-cultural communications, and c) universal concepts in adolescent development. Problems experienced by international students attending U.S. institutions of higher education often fall into at least one of these areas.
The fabrication of GaAs structures for FETs and microwave monolithic circuits by direct ion-implantation

Abstract Direct ion implantation into LEC substrates is the method of choice for the volume production of GaAs FETs and MMICs for frequencies beyond X-band. Some special considerations as well as limitations of this technique with GaAs are discussed and results from X-Band FETs and Broad Band VCO's are presented.
The effects of hyperglycemia and endotoxemia on coagulation parameters in healthy adult horses.

Background Hyperglycemia and endotoxemia have been associated with coagulation abnormalities in horses. Studies in humans suggest greater disturbances in coagulation with hyperglycemia and concurrent endotoxemia. Objectives To compare coagulation parameters in horses administered with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with and without concurrent hyperglycemia. Animals Twelve healthy adult horses. Methods Hyperglycemia (180–240 mg/dL) was maintained for 6 hours in 6 horses (GLU-LPS) using 140 mg/kg IV bolus of dextrose followed by a 20% dextrose constant rate infusion. A similar volume of saline was administered to an additional 6 horses (SAL-LPS). LPS (20 ng/kg) was administered to each horse. Fibrogen concentration, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), thrombin antithrombin concentration (TAT), and thromboelastometry were measured at baseline and after 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 6, and 22 hours. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to examine temporal changes. Results Increases in PT (P = .001) and TAT (P = .027) were observed in the GLU-LPS group. Changes in thromboelastometry parameters including increased clot formation time (In-TEM, P = .006; Ex-TEM, P = .002) and decreased alpha angle (Ex-TEM, P = .04) and maximal clot firmness (Ex-TEM, P = .014) were observed in the SAL-LPS group. Differences between SAL-LPS and GLU-LPS groups were limited to increased maximal clot firmness (Ex-TEM) at 3, 6, and 22 hours (P < .001) in the SAL-LPS group. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Minor alterations in coagulation parameters identified for each group are most likely not clinically relevant. Observed differences between groups do not suggest that concurrent hyperglycemia and endotoxemia are associated with greater coagulation abnormalities in horses.
The oocyte population is not renewed in transplanted or irradiated adult ovaries

Background According to conventional theory, the oocyte population is not renewed in mammalian ovaries after birth. A new hypothesis proposes that oocytes are generated continuously from haematopoietic progenitor cells. There is, however, no evidence that they can ovulate, although they may partially restore fertility by organizing 'helper follicles'. The hypothesis that follicles can form de novo in adult ovaries has been tested in a transplant model. Methods Ovaries from adult mice were transplanted under the kidney capsule or into the ovarian bursa of histocompatible, transgenic CAG::H2B-EGFP host animals. Some donors were sterilized before transplantation by X-irradiation to ensure 'empty niches' were available for repopulation. The phenotype of follicular oocytes at 2, 4 and 8 weeks post-transplantation was scored by epifluorescence. Results A total of 819 oocytes were examined in 30 ovarian grafts. None expressed green fluorescence, as would be predicted if they had formed de novo from germ cell progenitors in the systemic circulation of the host. Furthermore, small follicles eliminated by irradiation were not replaced in transplanted ovaries, and the few growing follicles present were apparently survivors of the original population. Conclusions No evidence was found to support the hypothesis that progenitor cells from extra-ovarian sources can repopulate the adult ovary. The findings are consistent with the conventional view that a limited number of oocytes are formed before birth and declines with age. The study did not, however, rule out the possibility that germline stem cells may reside in the adult ovary.
Hydroxymethylation of the benzene ring III. Synthesis of the D- and L-isomers of p-hydroxymethyl- phenylalanine and the biochemical properties of the L-isomer

Abstract A method for the synthesis of the isomers of p -hydroxymethylphenylalanine and their resolution is presented. The synthesis utilizes a route that involves condensation of p -bromomethylbenzyl acetate with diethyl acetamidomalonate. The infrared, ultraviolet, nuclear magnetic resonance and optical rotatory dispersion characteristics of the isomers of the amino acid are also presented. The L -isomer reverses the growth inhibitory effect of the tyrosine anti-metabolite, 2-aminotyrosine, in Escherichia coli 9723. Furthermore the L -isomer stimulates the early growth of this organism.
Structure−Activity Relationships and Molecular Modeling of 3,5-Diacyl-2,4-dialkylpyridine Derivatives as Selective A3 Adenosine Receptor Antagonists

The structure-activity relationships of 6-phenyl-1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives as selective antagonists at human A3 adenosine receptors have been explored (Jiang et al. J. Med. Chem. 1997, 39, 4667-4675). In the present study, related pyridine derivatives have been synthesized and tested for affinity at adenosine receptors in radioligand binding assays. Ki values in the nanomolar range were observed for certain 3,5-diacyl-2,4-dialkyl-6-phenylpyridine derivatives in displacement of [125I]AB-MECA (N6-(4-amino-3-iodobenzyl)-5'-N-methylcarbamoyladenosine) at recombinant human A3 adenosine receptors. Selectivity for A3 adenosine receptors was determined vs radioligand binding at rat brain A1 and A2A receptors. Structure-activity relationships at various positions of the pyridine ring (the 3- and 5-acyl substituents and the 2- and 4-alkyl substituents) were probed. A 4-phenylethynyl group did not enhance A3 selectivity of pyridine derivatives, as it did for the 4-substituted dihydropyridines. At the 2- and 4-positions ethyl was favored over methyl. Also, unlike the dihydropyridines, a thioester group at the 3-position was favored over an ester for affinity at A3 adenosine receptors, and a 5-position benzyl ester decreased affinity. Small cycloalkyl groups at the 6-position of 4-phenylethynyl-1,4-dihydropyridines were favorable for high affinity at human A3 adenosine receptors, while in the pyridine series a 6-cyclopentyl group decreased affinity. 5-Ethyl 2, 4-diethyl-3-(ethylsulfanylcarbonyl)-6-phenylpyridine-5-carboxylate , 38, was highly potent at human A3 receptors, with a Ki value of 20 nM. A 4-propyl derivative, 39b, was selective and highly potent at both human and rat A3 receptors, with Ki values of 18.9 and 113 nM, respectively. A 6-(3-chlorophenyl) derivative, 44, displayed a Ki value of 7.94 nM at human A3 receptors and selectivity of 5200-fold. Molecular modeling, based on the steric and electrostatic alignment (SEAL) method, defined common pharmacophore elements for pyridine and dihydropyridine structures, e.g., the two ester groups and the 6-phenyl group. Moreover, a relationship between affinity and hydrophobicity was found for the pyridines.
The Mediated Electrodeposition of Polypyrrole on Aluminium Alloy

The direct electrodeposition of conjugated polymers onto active metals such as aluminium and its alloys is complicated by the concomitant oxidation of the metal that occurs at the positive potential required for polymer formation/deposition. We have developed an approach that uses electron transfer mediation to reduce the deposition potential of polypyrrole on aluminium and aluminium alloy by nearly 500 mV, permitting film deposition from aqueous solution with nearly 100% current efficiency. The mediator used in this initial work was 4,5-dihydroxy-1,3-benzenedisulfonate (DHBDS, disodium salt), which also served as the dopant or counter ion in the polymer. To better understand the mediation process, a series of substituted benzene compounds have been explored for their mediating properties. From these studies, we conclude that both the hydroxyl and the sulfonate functionalities of DHBDS appear to play a role in the mediated electrodeposition at aluminium alloy. New mediators for the electrodeposition of polypyrrole on Al alloy are suggested.
A respondent conditioning approach to reducing anger responses of a dually diagnosed man with mild mental retardation

This case study demonstrates the use of progressive muscle relaxation and systematic desensitization in reducing anger responses of an individual with mental retardation. Desensitization was conducted for three provoking stimuli—joke telling, criticism, and heterosexual talk. A multiple baseline analysis demonstrated that the onset of treatment was associated with a reduction of target responses to below a target level established through observations of nonhandicapped individuals. Observations outside of the treatment condition demonstrated that the positive effects generalized to natural settings. A follow-up evaluation demonstrated the durability of treatment. Results of this demonstration are discussed with reference to alternatives to aversive treatments for reducing aggressive responses in dually diagnosed persons with mental retardation.
Time-Varying Flame Ionization Sensing Applied to Natural Gas and Propane Blends in a Pressurized Lean Premixed (LPM) Combustor

In-situ monitoring of combustion phenomena is a critical need for optimal operation and control of advanced gas turbine combustion systems. The concept described in this paper is based on naturally occurring flame ionization processes that accompany the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels. Previous work has shown that flame ionization techniques may be applied to detect flashback, lean blowout, and some aspects of thermo-acoustic combustion instabilities. Previous work has focused on application of DC electric fields. By application of time-varying electric fields, significant improvements to sensor capabilities have been observed. These data have been collected in a lean premixed combustion test rig operating at 0.51–0.76 MPa (5–7.5 atm) with air preheated to 588 K (600°F). Five percent of the total fuel flow is injected through the centerbody tip as a diffusion pilot. The fuel composition is varied independently by blending approximately 5% (volume) propane with the pipeline natural gas. The reference velocity through the premixing annulus is kept constant for all conditions at a nominal value of 70 m/s. The fuel-air equivalence ratio is varied independently from 0.46 – 0.58. Relative to the DC field version, the time-varying combustion control and diagnostic sensor (TV-CCADS) shows a significant improvement in the correlation between the measured flame ionization current and local fuel-air equivalence ratio. In testing with different fuel compositions, the triangle wave data show the most distinct change in flame ionization current in response to an increase in propane content. Continued development of this sensor technology will improve the capability to control advanced gas turbine combustion systems, and help address issues associated with variations in fuel supplies.
Synthesis of 9-(2,3-dihydroxy-1-propoxymethyl)guanine - a new potential antiviral agent

Abstract Coupling of tris(trimethylsilyl)guanine (4) with 1,2-di- O -acetyl-3- O chloromethyl glycerol (3), followed by removal of the protecting groups afforded 9-(2,3-dihydroxy-1-propoxy)guanine (1). Compound 1 exhibited potent antiviral activity.
Disturbance Attenuation Using Non-Singleton Fuzzy Logic

Magnetic bearings are an exciting and innovative technology that has seen considerable advances in recent years. Such systems require active control, and most often, linear techniques are used very successfully. However, there are applications where such methods have limited effectiveness and other control strategies must be considered. Fuzzy logic control performs very well in nonlinear control situations where the plant parameters are either partially or mostly unidentified. Its effectiveness for nonlinear systems also offers advantages to magnetic bearing systems. Little research has been done on non-singleton fuzzy logic systems and their application to noise rejection on magnetic bearings or rotating machinery. Non-singleton fuzzy set inputs allow one to account for input measurement uncertainty. The fuzzy logic controller’s task in this work is two-fold; provide control for stable levitation of the shaft and perform noise filtering to reduce the effects of the disturbance. The current work consist of model development, controller design, simulation and experimental validation. The basic simulation model consist of a horizontal shaft supported by a radial magnetic bearing. The magnetic bearing is modeled as a nonlinear element. The controller designs are implemented and tested using a bench-top rotor rig equipped with a radial magnetic bearing. Some representative results are presented and discussed.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Dielectric function of AlN grown on Si(111) by MBE

The authors measured the ellipsometric response from 0.7--5.4 eV of c-axis oriented AlN on Si(111) grown by molecular beam epitaxy. They determine the film thicknesses and find that for their AlN the refractive index is about 5--10% lower than in bulk AlN single crystals. Most likely, this discrepancy is due to a low film density (compared to bulk AlN), based on measurements using Rutherford backscattering. The films were also characterized using atomic force microscopy and x-ray diffraction to study the growth morphology. They find that AlN can be grown on Si(111) without buffer layers resulting in truely two-dimensional growth, low surface roughness, and relatively narrow x-ray peak widths.
Parallel Simplex for Large Pure Network Problems: Computational Testing and Sources of Speedup

This paper reports on a new parallel implementation of the primal simplex method for minimum cost network flow problems that decomposes both the pivoting and pricing operations. The self-scheduling approach is flexible and efficient; its implementation is close in speed to the best serial code when using one processor, and is capable of substantial speedups as parallel computing units are added. An in-depth computational study of randomly generated transportation and transshipment problems verified the effectiveness of this approach, with results on a 20-processor 80386-based system that are competitive with, and occasionally superior to, massively parallel implementations using tens of thousands of processors. A microanalysis of the code's behavior identified unexpected sources of the occasionally superlinear speedup, including the evolutionary topology of the network basis.
Relevance and the Discourse Functions of Mandarin Utterance‐Final Modality Particles1

Some Mandarin utterance-final particles (UFP hereafter), such as a/ya (), ba (), ne () and me (), are generally treated as ‘modality’ particles in order to be distinguished from such other UFPs as le (), ma (), and de () that have more substantial semantic content and/or syntactic functions. It is true that the former group express modality. For example, the four above, respectively, indicate ‘personal concern’, ‘speaker's uncertainty’, ‘intensive inquiry’ and ‘obviousness’ (cf. 1982; Chappell 1991; Chu 1998; etc.) Yet, they also serve important discourse functions in the sense that they enhance relevance of the host utterance to its context (cf. Chu and Li 2004; Chu 2002, 2006). On the basis of past research findings, this article presents the discourse functions of a/ya (), ba (), and ne () from the perspectives of relevance theory and discourse markers. (1) a/ya (). In addition to its modality of ‘speaker's personal concern’ over the current situation or dialogue, the UFP also possesses the function of highlighting the signal that ‘this utterance is specifically for the hearer or the speaker himself/herself.’ (2) ba (). In addition to its modality of ‘speaker's uncertainty’, the UFP may also indicate that ‘the utterance is being made in view of what has occurred and/or been said previously.’ (3) ne (). The UFP possesses two separate but correlated core properties: ‘Look back for a contrast’ and ‘Demand to continue’. From these two properties, all the numerous otherwise unrelated meanings/uses/interpretations that have hitherto been proposed for it can be directly or indirectly derived.
On the choice of prior for the Bayes estimation in accelerated life testing

In accelerated life testing, the time to failure of an item is observed under a high stress level and the problem is to estimate the acceleration parameter. The usual estimation procedure requires data from use condition or the normal stress level as well as data from the acceleration condition. When we consider two data sets, the hazard rate under the normal stress level acts like a nuisance parameter. and the acceleration parameter is the parameter of interest. Thus the efficient estimation of the acceleration parameter can be obtained by appropriately eliminating the nuisance parameter. In this paper we use a Bayes set up to eliminate the nuisance parameter and measure the information contained in the nuisance parameter. Since the choice of the prior on the nuisance parameter is not unique, we give a methodology for measuring the information which gives more insight for the appropriate choice of the prior. Noninformative. reference and conjugate priors are considered and the corresponding in- formation...
Japan's Orient: Rendering Pasts into History

This study examines how Japanese historians during the late 19th and early 20th centuries created the equivalent of an "Orient" for their new nation state. After the Meiji Restoration, Japan faced the necessity of becoming modern while both shedding the Western characterization of "Oriental" and maintaining its own identity. The concept of "toyoshi" (Oriental studies) made it possible to fit the changes of the previous century - the arrival of the West with its technical and cultural baggage and the decline of China - into a comprehensive ideological system. Unlike other scholars, who depict the encounter between Japan and the West as a struggle between modernity and tradition, Tanaka argues that the Japanese were, in fact, attempting to use a variety of pasts - Chinese, Indian, and proto-historic Japanese - to construct an identity that was both modern and Asian.
45,X/46,XX mosaicism in patients with idiopathic premature ovarian failure

Abstract Objective: To determine whether low-level 45,X/46,XX mosaicism may be present in some women with premature ovarian failure (POF). Design: Slide preparations were made from lymphocyte cultures stimulated with phytohemagglutinin, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was then performed using a biotin-labeled X-chromosome probe. Setting: Cytogenetics laboratory. Patient(s): Fifteen women with idiopathic POF, 20 age-matched controls, and an additional 10 older control women with normal reproductive histories. Intervention(s): Blood samples were collected. Main Outcome Measure(s): The number of X chromosomes present in each cell. Result(s): In patients with POF, the percentage of cells with a single X chromosome (mean, 5.50) was significantly greater than in the controls of similar age (mean, 2.42). For control subjects, there appeared to be a linear correlation between the number of cells with a single X chromosome and age. Conclusion(s): Some cases of POF may be attributable to low-level 45,X/46,XX mosaicism, which can be detected using FISH. In the lymphocytes from normal women, the rate of accumulation of cells with a single X chromosome was approximately 700 per 10 6 cells per year.
Die Sinusoide der Milz

In der Milz wird das Blut gefiltert, indem es den Zellen des retikuloendothelialen Systems ausgesetzt wird. Diese sind Phagozyten oder potentielle Phagozyten, die in ein feines fibroses Netzwerk eingebettet sind. Unter dem Lichtmikroskop kann das Maschenwerk oder Retikulum mit Hilfe von Silberfarbungen oder mit der PAS-Reaktion sichtbar gemacht werden. Unter dem Elektronenmikroskop ist dieses extrazellulare Material amorph, von mittlerer Dichte und ahnelt auffallend den feinen Basalmembranen unter den verschiedensten Epithelien, die in diesem Atlas oft gezeigt wurden (siehe zum Beispiel die Tafeln 7, 11 und 12). Gelegentlich findet man feine Kollagenfibrillen in Verbindung mit den Retikulinfasern. Wie in anderen lymphatischen Geweben, wie etwa den Lymphknoten, enthalt dieses stutzende Netzwerk Zentren, wo Lymphozyten und Plasmazellen gebildet werden. Diese Bezirke werden in der Milz als weise Pulpa bezeichnet. Aber zum Unterschied zu anderen lymphatischen Geweben ist das retikulare Gewebe der Milz mit Blut durchsetzt. Die Anwesenheit zahlreicher Erythrozyten erklart das Aussehen von Stellen, die als rote Pulpa bekannt sind.
Conditional strategies in territorial defense: do Carolina wrens play tit-for-tat?

Neighboring territorial animals are viewed primarily as intense rivals, but there are also opportunities for cooperation among competitors. Many animals respond less aggressively toward neighbors than to strangers. This phenomenon, termed the "dear enemy" effect, should be stable only when the reduced aggression is reciprocal. Territory owners should use conditional strategies in territorial defense, showing reduced aggression toward neighbors who cooperate by respecting territorial boundaries but increasing aggression toward invading neighbors. In this study I examined the response of territory owners to playbacks of neighbors at shared boundaries before and after intrusions by that neighbor or by strangers. Results showed that territory owners did not increase their aggression toward defecting neighbors but did increase their aggression toward neighbors after a simulated intrusion by a stranger. This surprising result might reflect the long-term relationship between neighboring Carolina wrens and the threat posed by rare intruding strangers. Copyright 2002.
Emotions and intelligent choice: feasibility, seriousness, and admissibility

Emotions and rationality have often been treated as opponents, with emotions taking on the role of villain and rationality taking on the role of heroine. Recently, however, the positive role of emotions has received considerable attention, and resulted in the elevation of emotion to rationality's equal. With emotion's change of status, artificial and computational intelligence researchers have begun to model and use emotions as a constructive portion of designing machines and describing humans. Building on the idea that emotions are generated by past actions (or, at least by the consequences produced by past actions) and are used to determine future actions, it is desirable to create a computational framework capable of representing these dynamics. Employing the hypothesis that some aspects of emotional state result from positive influences and other aspects result from negative influences, we can determine conditions when an action is a feasible possibility, a serious possibility, and an admissible choice.
Middle Pliocene sea surface temperature variability

[1] Estimates of sea surface temperature (SST) based upon foraminifer, diatom, and ostracod assemblages from ocean cores reveal a warm phase of the Pliocene between about 3.3 and 3.0 Ma. Pollen records and plant megafossils, although not as well dated, show evidence for a warmer climate at about the same time. Increased greenhouse forcing and altered ocean heat transport are the leading candidates for the underlying cause of Pliocene global warmth. Despite being a period of global warmth, this interval encompasses considerable variability. Two new SST reconstructions are presented that are designed to provide a climatological error bar for warm peak phases of the Pliocene and to document the spatial distribution and magnitude of SST variability within the mid-Pliocene warm period. These data suggest long-term stability of low-latitude SST and document greater variability in regions of maximum warming.
Fatigue Crack Propagation in Polyvinylchloride and Polyethersulfone Polymer Foams

Crack growth in cross-linked polyvinylchloride and thermoplastic polyethersulfone foams under mode I fatigue cycling has been experimentally examined. Polyvinylchloride foams of densities ranging from 45 to 100 kg/m3 and polyethersulfone foams of densities ranging from 60 to 130 kg/m3 were considered. All cyclic tests employed the sandwich double cantilever beam test specimen. The test results revealed that crack growth rate (da/dN) compared at a constant cyclic energy release rate (ΔG) decreased with increasing density of the foam. The crack propagation rates in low-density polyethersulfone foams were much less than in polyvinylchloride foams of similar density. The crack growth rate in the high-density polyethersulfone foam was highly dependent on the loading R-ratio. The crack front in the low-density polyethersulfone foam displayed marked deviations from a straight shape, where the edge regions propagated faster than the center of the specimen. All polyvinylchloride foams and high-density polyethersul...
Correlation of Morphology with Photocurrent Generation in a Polymer Blend Photovoltaic Device

Morphological effects on photovoltaic (PV) properties are studied through scanning photocurrent (PC) and photoluminescence (PL) microscopy of a solution processed, polymer blend PV device composed of PFB [poly(9,9′-dioctylfluorene-co-bis-N,N-(4-butylphenyl)-bis-N,N-phenyl-1,4-phenylenediamine] and F8BT [poly(9,9′-dioctylfluorene-co-benzothiadiazole]. As PFB and F8BT have unique absorbance bands, it is possible to selectively excite only F8BT (488 nm) or both PFB and F8BT (408 nm). Local voltage-dependent photocurrent (LVPC) measurements from particular regions of interest in the PV show that the diode characteristics between different morphologies are essentially the same, except in regard to the magnitude of PC generated. A local PL spectrum is measured simultaneously with PC generation at each pixel in the image maps. Through integration of the local PL spectrum over particular wavelength ranges, PL image maps are created of PFB-PL (435 to 475 nm), F8BT-PL (530 to 570 nm), exciplex-PL (620 to 685 nm) and total-PL (entire spectrum). These data allow direct correlation of PC generation with local chemical composition variations within the PV device. PL image maps show morphological variations on the order of 0.5 to 1 µm of alternating PFB-rich and F8BT-rich phases. While illuminating only F8BT (488 nm light), the PFB-rich phases produce the most PC, however, while illuminating both polymers but mostly PFB (408 nm light), the F8BT-rich phases produce the most PC. These results show that in the morphology where the light absorbing material is less concentrated, the PC generation is increased. Additionally, the exciplex-PL is found to not be a significant radiative loss mechanism of charge carriers for PC generation.
Zinc: the New Antidepressant?

Low serum zinc levels have been linked to major depression. Furthermore, zinc treatment has been shown to have an antidepressant effect. With the hope of understanding the role of zinc in mood disorders, recent work has begun to explore possible mechanisms of zinc action on serotonin uptake in the brain.