cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Poly's lament: the neglected role of the polymorphonuclear neutrophil in the afferent limb of the immune response

The polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMN) has traditionally been thought to participate in the inflammatory response only as an effector cell. However, recent data demonstrate that PMNs can synthesize and release cytokines, such as IL-1, TNF-alpha and IL-6, and hence modulate both T- and B-cell activities in the evolution of an immune response.
Response Properties of the Refractory Auditory Nerve Fiber

The refractory characteristics of auditory nerve fibers limit their ability to accurately encode temporal information. Therefore, they are relevant to the design of cochlear prostheses. It is also possible that the refractory property could be exploited by prosthetic devices to improve information transfer, as refractoriness may enhance the nerve's stochastic properties. Furthermore, refractory data are needed for the development of accurate computational models of auditory nerve fibers. We applied a two-pulse forward-masking paradigm to a feline model of the human auditory nerve to assess refractory properties of single fibers. Each fiber was driven to refractoriness by a single (masker) current pulse delivered intracochlearly. Properties of firing efficiency, latency, jitter, spike amplitude, and relative spread (a measure of dynamic range and stochasticity) were examined by exciting fibers with a second (probe) pulse and systematically varying the masker-probe interval (MPI). Responses to monophasic cathodic current pulses were analyzed. We estimated the mean absolute refractory period to be about 330 micros and the mean recovery time constant to be about 410 micros. A significant proportion of fibers (13 of 34) responded to the probe pulse with MPIs as short as 500 micros. Spike amplitude decreased with decreasing MPI, a finding relevant to the development of computational nerve-fiber models, interpretation of gross evoked potentials, and models of more central neural processing. A small mean decrement in spike jitter was noted at small MPI values. Some trends (such as spike latency-vs-MPI) varied across fibers, suggesting that sites of excitation varied across fibers. Relative spread was found to increase with decreasing MPI values, providing direct evidence that stochastic properties of fibers are altered under conditions of refractoriness.
Pharmacogenomics: "noninferiority" is sufficient for initial implementation.

Recent clinical annotation of a whole-genome sequence suggests that pharmacogenomics (PGx) may be ready for clinical implementation now. This conclusion rests on the recognition that PGx has greatly mitigated risks as compared with using genomics for assessment of disease risk. Failure to recognize these differences can produce unrealistic cost–benefit scenarios and impractical standards of evidence. In many cases, pharmacogenetic tests need only reach reasonable expectations of noninferiority (compared with current prescribing practices) to merit use. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2011) 89 3, 348–350. doi:10.1038/clpt.2010.310
Visual tracking of human visitors under variable-lighting conditions for a responsive audio art installation

For a responsive audio art installation in a skylit atrium, we introduce a single-camera statistical segmentation and tracking algorithm. The algorithm combines statistical background image estimation, per-pixel Bayesian segmentation, and an approximate solution to the multi-target tracking problem using a bank of Kalman filters and Gale-Shapley matching. A heuristic confidence model enables selective filtering of tracks based on dynamic data. We demonstrate that our algorithm has improved recall and F 2 -score over existing methods in OpenCV 2.1 in a variety of situations. We further demonstrate that feedback between the tracking and the segmentation systems improves recall and F 2 -score. The system described operated effectively for 5–8 hours per day for 4 months; algorithms are evaluated on video from the camera installed in the atrium. Source code and sample data is open source and available in OpenCV.
INFECTION CONTROL IN AMBULATORY CARE

Changes in the venue of health care have been remarkable during the past decade. Recent estimates indicate that 60% of surgical procedures in the United States are now performed in ambulatory surgical settings. 72 Complex surgical interventions that 10 years earlier would have been unthinkable outside the confines of hospitals are being performed in ambulatory facilities. Similarly, the management of complex medical conditions has been successfully transferred from hospitals to ambulatory care settings. Finally, hospital admissions for patients with acute medical conditions associated with asthma and congestive heart failure, previously an indicator of optimal care, are now considered indicators of suboptimal ambulatory care. Competition and diminishing resources have compelled health care systems to build infrastructures to support ambulatory care and reduce the need for expensive hospitalization. The changing venue of health care should theoretically reduce the risk for nosocomial infections. There is a paucity of published information, however, describing the impact of the shift to ambulatory care on the risk for infections related to medical and surgical interventions. The purpose of this article is to review the risk for and control of nosocomial infections associated with ambulatory care. Nosocomial infections have traditionally been defined as infections originating in hospitals. For the purpose of this review, the term nosocomial infection encompasses any infection that occurs in association with health care, regardless of site. Ambulatory care in this context includes health care rendered for acute and chronic diseases and surgical interventions performed in facilities in which patients reside for less than 24 hours. Risk for nosocomial infections associated with care in emergency departments, dialysis centers, chronic care centers, and in the home are not considered in this review. The discussion considers four topics: (1) the theoretical risk for nosocomial infections in ambulatory care is discussed relative to the risk for infections among hospitalized patients; (2) selected pathogens that pose a risk for transmission in ambulatory settings is described; (3) procedures that are performed frequently in ambulatory care venues and that pose a risk for infection is discussed; and finally, (4) considerations regarding the environment and recommendations for controlling the risk for transmission of infections in ambulatory sites is discussed. The general lack of empirical studies regarding the risk, detection, and efficient control of nosocomial infections in ambulatory care environments will be apparent to the reader.
The effects of extensive taste preexposure on the acquisition of conditioned taste aversions

Animals extensively exposed to water during rearing showed no evidence of a conditioned taste aversion to water following a single pairing of water and lithium chloride (LiCl), indicating that, with sufficient preexposure, conditioned taste aversions can be completely attenuated. Although showing no aversion following a single conditioning trial, the preexposed subjects completely avoided water when repeated water-LiCl pairings were given, indicating further that, on the initial conditioning trials, some association had been established between the taste and toxicosis but that it was too weak to affect behavior, in other words, was a silent association. With repeated conditioning trials, this weak association became sufficiently strong to suppress consumption. The data were discussed in terms of the effects of taste preexposure on the acquisition of conditioned taste aversions.
Illumination of parainfluenza virus infection and transmission in living animals reveals a tissue-specific dichotomy.

The parainfluenza viruses (PIVs) are highly contagious respiratory paramyxoviruses and a leading cause of lower respiratory tract (LRT) disease. Since no vaccines or antivirals exist, non-pharmaceutical interventions are the only means of control for these pathogens. Here we used bioluminescence imaging to visualize the spatial and temporal progression of murine PIV1 (Sendai virus) infection in living mice after intranasal inoculation or exposure by contact. A non-attenuated luciferase reporter virus (rSeV-luc(M-F*)) that expressed high levels of luciferase yet was phenotypically similar to wild-type Sendai virus in vitro and in vivo was generated to allow visualization. After direct intranasal inoculation, we unexpectedly observed that the upper respiratory tract (URT) and trachea supported robust infection under conditions that result in little infection or pathology in the lungs including a low inoculum of virus, an attenuated virus, and strains of mice genetically resistant to lung infection. The high permissivity of the URT and trachea to infection resulted in 100% transmission to naive contact recipients, even after low-dose (70 PFU) inoculation of genetically resistant BALB/c donor mice. The timing of transmission was consistent with the timing of high viral titers in the URT and trachea of donor animals but was independent of the levels of infection in the lungs of donors. The data therefore reveals a disconnect between transmissibility, which is associated with infection in the URT, and pathogenesis, which arises from infection in the lungs and the immune response. Natural infection after transmission was universally robust in the URT and trachea yet limited in the lungs, inducing protective immunity without weight loss even in genetically susceptible 129/SvJ mice. Overall, these results reveal a dichotomy between PIV infection in the URT and trachea versus the lungs and define a new model for studies of pathogenesis, development of live virus vaccines, and testing of antiviral therapies.
Growth-associated protein of 43 kDa (GAP-43) is cleaved nonprocessively by the 20S proteasome

Purified, nonubiquitinated growth-associated protein of 43 kDa (GAP-43) was attacked by purified reticulocyte 20S proteasome but not by the 26S proteasome. Cleavage yielded 12 N-terminally labelled GAP-43 fragments that could be resolved by SDS/PAGE. Inhibitor experiments suggested that proteasome β1 activity yielded the resolved bands and that proteasomeβ5 activity generated nonresolvable fragments. Processive degradation, yielding only nonresolvable fragments, therefore did not occur. Most of the resolved fragments co-migrated with fragments formed in the reticulocyte lysate translation mixture used for GAP-43 synthesis, which suggested that the fragments were also produced in the translation mixture by the endogenous reticulocyte lysate proteasome. Consistent with this idea, the addition of proteasome inhibitors to translation mixtures blocked fragment production. Ubiquitinated GAP-43 appeared to be the source of the fragments in the presence of ATP, and nonubiquitinated GAP-43 the source in the absence of ATP. The results therefore suggest that the lack of processing seen with the 20S proteasome is not an artefact arising from the way in which the 20S proteasome was purified. In one purification protocol, the GAP-43 fragments formed in translation mixtures co-purified with full-length GAP-43. These fragments were digested to nonresolvable products upon addition of purified 20S proteasome. Addition of calmodulin or G-actin blocked the consumption of both full-length GAP-43 and the co-purified GAP-43 fragments. This showed that the resolved fragments can re-enter the proteasome and be cleaved to nonresolvable products, indicating that the lack of processivity is not a result of their resistance to further proteasome attack. The difficult step therefore appears to be the transfer of the large fragments within the proteasome from the β1 to the β5 activity for further attack.
Integrated silica-based optical switch for radar phase control

The development of low-loss, low-cost integrated optical switches is critical for radar phase control applications. We report recent progress in integrated phosphorous-doped SiO2 on Si (PSG) waveguide optical routing switches based on electro-static actuation of an aluminum membrane. We have demonstrated the membrane switching concept and its implementation feasibility with a Mach-Zehnder interferometer and a deposited aluminum thin film. Without the metal film, 95% of the output light was measured in the cross channel, with a channel crosstalk of -13.37 dB. With a 3 mm long aluminum film being deposited on one of the interferometer arms as a phase shifter, 94% of the output light was measured in bar channel. The switch structure is currently being optimized for better performance, and a deformable aluminum membrane switch is being developed.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Elastomeric 2D grating and hemispherical optofluidic chamber for multifunctional fluidic sensing

We present an optofluidic sensor based on an elastomeric two-dimensional (2D) grating integrated inside a hemispherical fluid chamber. A laser beam is diffracted before (reflection) and after (transmission) going through the grating and liquid in the dome chamber. The sensing mechanism is investigated and simulated with a finite-difference time-domain-based electromagnetic method. For the experiment, by analyzing the size, power, and shape of the 2D diffraction patterns, we can retrieve multiple parameters of the liquid, including the refractive index, pressure, and opacity with high sensitivity. We demonstrate that the glucose concentration can be monitored when mixed in a different concentrated phosphate-buffered saline solution. The free-solution binding of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and anti-BSA IgG is detected with this optical sensor. This low-cost, multifunctional, and reliable optofluidic sensor has the potential to be used as a monitor of biofluid, such as blood in hemodialysis.
Strategic alliances as Stackelberg cartels – concept and equilibrium alliance structure

Abstract This paper analyzes incentives of oligopolistic firms to form strategic alliances and the effects of the endogenously derived alliance structure on product market competition. A three-stage-game is considered: in the first stage firms decide about forming strategic alliances, in the second stage each alliance designs a strategic contract, and in the third stage alliance members and outsiders compete in the product market. It is shown how contractual terms about transfer prices and profit sharing in a production joint venture for an intermediate product may serve as an appropriate commitment device. Profits of alliance members and outsiders under different alliance structures are then determined. Based on this profit structure, the alliance formation process is analyzed. In a linear Cournot oligopoly with at most five firms only one alliance forms and industry output is reduced. With more than five firms an alliance structure with at least two alliances results (if an equilibrium of the alliance formation game exists) and in this case competition is enhanced.
The Optical Coupling of a Scintillation Chamber to an Image-Intensifying Tube

Several methods for coupling a fiber scintillation chamber to an image intensifying tube will be considered. A high-speed lens has been designed to image the ends of a curved fiber bundle on the curved cathode of an image intensifying tube. The lens covers a five-inch field at one-to-one magnification, and at a speed of f/1.5. The details of this lens design and its expected performance will be discussed. The results of a series of experiments on plastic scintillating fibers have been used to determine that the internal reflectivity is 0.993 and absorption constant is 0.015 cm-1 in the fiber. The data have then been used to compute the optical properties of fibers appropriate to a scintillation chamber system. Certain other optical properties of the components were estimated so that three possible optical coupling schemes could be compared in detail. They are; 1) the lens alone, 2) a glass fiber bundle alone, and 3) a combination of the lens and a glass fiber bundle. The lens alone is about half as efficient as either of the other two methods. The numerical aperture and probable transmission properties of each system will be outlined.
Psychological Distress, Emotional Stability, and Emotion Regulation Moderate Dynamics of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Recurrence

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) genital lesion recurrence is modulated by psychological factors, but no such link with viral shedding (and thus asymptomatic transmission) has been observed in humans. The moderating effects of average psychological distress, emotional stability, and emotion regulation on HSV-2 recurrence were tested. Nineteen HSV-2 seropositive women were followed over 22 weeks. Daily measures of HSV-2 recurrence and psychological distress were collected. HSV-2 lesions and viral shedding were modeled as linear oscillator systems, with psychological distress moderating the periodicity of each process. High levels of distress, more labile moods, and less ability to regulate emotional states were associated with fewer days elapsed between the onset of lesion episodes. Viral shedding showed the same pattern. Results are consistent with research indicating that psychological distress suppresses immune system functioning, and provide new evidence that genital HSV-2 viral shedding is related to, and regulated by, psychological distress.
PABSELA: A Research Highway between Two Hemispheres

Come early May, two-dozen or so graduate students, postdocs, engineers, and physicians from across Latin America will drop what they're doing and converge on the Fundacion Instituto Leloir in Buenos Aires, Argentina's renowned research center, for an intensive 2 week training course in stem cell research. Guiding them will be 15 stem cell scientists from North America as well as South America. In a different country, a program of this sort would be just another educational offering. However, here in a place where biologists have experienced a frustrating half-century, PABSELA, for the Program for the Advancement of Biomedical Sciences Education in Latin America, is part of a remarkable turnaround.
Nonlinear Model Reduction for Dynamic and Automotive System Descriptions

The mathematical modeling of dynamic systems is an important task in the design, analysis, and implementation of advanced control systems. Although most vehicle control algorithms tend to use model-free calibration architectures, a need exists to migrate to model-based control algorithms which may offer greater operating performance. However, in many instances, the analytical descriptions are too complex for real-time powertrain and chassis model-based control algorithms. Thus, model reduction strategies may be applied to transform the original model into a simplified lower-order form while preserving the dynamic characteristics of the original high-order system. In this paper, an empirical gramian balanced nonlinear model reduction strategy is examined. The controllability gramian represents the energy needed to transport the system between states, while the observability gramian denotes the output energy transmitted. These gramians are then balanced and select system dynamics truncated. For comparison purposes, a Taylor Series linearization will also be introduced to linearize the original nonlinear system about an equilibrium operating point, and then a balanced realization linear reduction strategy applied to reduce the linearized model. To demonstrate the functionality of each model reduction strategy, a vehicle suspension system and exhaust gas recirculation valve are investigated, and respective transient performances are compared.
EFFECT OF QUINAL BARBITONE, DEXTROAMPHETAMINE, AND PLACEBO ON APPARENT TIME*

Quinal barbitone, dextro-amphetamine and placebo were compared with respect to changes produced in perceived duration in ninety normal subjects. A method was employed which permitted quantitative derivation of a subject's concept of one second, pre-drug, 30 min. post-drug and 60 min. post-drug. The following findings were obtained. (1) A significant decrease in the clock-measured value of the apparent second with the ingestion of dextro-amphetamine. (2) A significant increase in the clock-measured value of the apparent second with the ingestion of quinal barbitone. (3) A trend toward increase in the apparent second with placebo. These findings were discussed in terms of earlier reports and a theoretical framework was offered.
A differential reluctance measuring system and its application to model and ship testing

A measuring system is described which has been developed at the David Taylor Model Basin for use in model and full-scale ship testing. The system utilizes transducers of the differential air-gap type, special designs of which permit measurement of torque or thrust in rotating shafts without the use of slip rings. The system includes instrumentation for direct recording and for visual or automatic digital readout. Accuracies of ±?% or better are obtainable.
Selective Registration of Information in Visual Judgment of Surface Slant

Two surface textures projected theoretically adequate spatial information but induced different constant errors over a series of 32 Ss' slant judgments. On measuring judgmental errors for a surface combining both textures, the errors replicated those for one of the original textures, thereby suggesting selective registration from the total available information.
Calcium sensors in sea urchin sperm flagella

The asymmetry of ATP-reactivated flagellar bending waves of Triton-demembrated sea urchin spermatozoa has been measured over a range of free Ca2+ ion concentrations from 10(-9) to 10(-4) M. Detailed examination of the gradual response of asymmetry to Ca2+ ion concentration over this wide range indicates the presence of two Ca2+ sensors. A high-affinity sensor operates at Ca2+ concentrations near 10(-7.5) M. A lower-affinity sensor operates at Ca2+ concentrations above 10(-6) M, in the typical range for calmodulin-mediated responses. Incubation of demembranated sperm flagella at high Ca2+ concentrations to release calmodulin is required to enable these Ca2+ responses to be observed. This treatment also causes a decrease in the apparent affinity of the flagella for calmodulin, as determined by measuring the increase in asymmetry in response to addition of exogenous calmodulin at low Ca2+ concentration.
Capacitation of Rabbit Spermatozoa in vitro

This research was carried out to define in vitro conditions that would enable ejaculated rabbit sperm to fertilize ova in vitro. During 20 mm exposure of sperm cells to defined media of increasing NaCI concentrations, progressive removal or alteration of sperm surface seminal plasma antigenic components was initiated and completed as reflected by an immunological assay at approximately 300 and 380 mOsm/kg, respectively. Hypertonic (380 mOsm/kg) medium effected complete removal or alteration of these components as determined by the immunological assay during the first 5 mm of sperm treatment. Isotonic (305 mOsm/kg) treatment was shown to have effected removal or alteration of some but not all of the antigenic sperm coating seminal plasma components detectable by this means during 20 mm of exposure. Sperm within the perivitelline apace, presence of pronuclei. and 2- and 4-cell cleavage stages were taken as evidence for fertilization. None of 34 ova incubated for 27 h in vitro with once-washed sperm showed evidence of fertilization. Following treatment of sperm with hypertonic (380 mOsm/kg) medium prior to in vitro insemination, proportions of ova showing evidence of fertilization ranged from 8.1 percent (12 to 148 ova) to 72.2 percent (52 of 72 ova); and, following treatment of sperm with isotonic (305 mOsm/kg) medium, fertilization of ova ranged from 0 percent (0 to 19 ova) to 73.9 percent (SI of 69 ova) when results were considered according to individual male sperm donors. No large differences were found by the immunological assay that could be linked to variability of fertilizing ability of sperm from different bucks. Differences in metabolic characteristics of sperm cells was suggested as a likely reason for differences in fertilizing ability of sperm from different bucks. In experiments using sperm and ova from the same sources, no differences in fertilization results were apparent following 305 and 380 mOsm/kg sperm treatments, Initiation, but not completion, of removal or alteration of sperm surface seminal plasma antigenic components, then, was a necessary prerequisite to in vitro insemination for successful achievement of fertilization in vitro. Sperm penetration into ova occurred in some cases before 7-10 h after insemination (4 of 54 ova penetrated), but actively motile sperm were found within the perivitelline apace of other ova as late as 25 h after insemination. One hundred and seventy-six 2- and 4-cell stage embryos were transferred to 14 recipient does. Twenty-four embryos (13.1 percent) implanted in 6 recipients but most were resorbed. Three embryos resulting from in vitro fertilization with in vitro capacitated ejaculated rabbit sperm were carried successfully to term by 2 recipients and 2 of the offspring were males. This provides documentation for the authenticity of in vitro capacitation of ejaculated sperm of a mammalian species and represents the initial successful combination of in vitro sperm capacitation with in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer in the rabbit.
Cheaper energy at lower risks in LDCs

Abstract Capital-thirsty developing countries need to reduce non-commercial risks in order to attract more private foreign investment. The World Bank sponsored Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) Can ensure direct investments in developing countries. By subcribing to MIGA's Convention developing countries would adhere to international arbitration of commercial disputes and thus increase their leverage to attract foreign investment. MIGA would also enhance South-South cooperation and provide a better legal framework to encourage cooperation between developing countries themselves. Lack of effective conflict resolution frequently hampers development of boundary energy resources or the pooling of resources only useful at a regional but not national scale.
Isolation and characterization of antigen-la complexes involved in T cell recognition

Using equilibrium dialysis, it has been previously demonstrated that immunogenic peptides bind specifically to the Ia molecules serving as restriction elements in the immune response to these antigens. Using gel filtration to study the formation of ovalbumin (OVA) peptide-I-Ad complexes, it is herein demonstrated that the complexes, once formed, are very stable (kd approximately equal to 3 X 10(-6) s-1), but the rate of complex formation is very slow (ka approximately 1 M-1 s-1 explaining the overall low equilibrium constant of approximately 2 X 10(-6) M. Treating the complexes with glutaraldehyde revealed that the ovalbumin peptide was cross-linked solely to the alpha chain of I-Ad. Planar membranes containing I-Ad-OVA complexes stimulated a T cell response with 2 X 10(4) less antigen than required when uncomplexed antigen was used, thus demonstrating the biologic importance of these complexes in antigen recognition.
Strategic management and planning.

Modern, multidisciplinary models of strategic management are presented. Model types and the planning process used at the functional, strategic business unit, and corporate portfolio levels are contrasted. Applicability of traditional research areas in agricultural economics to strategic management and planning is high and should be exploited. A research agenda is outlined and consideration given to issues of research funding, clientele, and organization.
Stereospecific 3H-nicotine binding to intact and solubilized rat brain membranes and evidence for its noncholinergic nature

3H-nicotine binding was performed on intact and solubilized rat brain membranes as well as membranes from the electric organ of the Torpedo fish. The Kd for binding to intact and solubilized rat brain membranes was 5.6 × 10−9 M and 1.1 × 10−8M respectively, and the binding capacity 2.0 × 10−14 and 3.0 × 10−13 moles /mg protein respectively. The Kd for Torpedo membranes was 3.1 × 10−7M and the binding capacity 6.8 × 10−13 moles/mg protein. The binding was stereospecific with the affinity of the (−)-nicotine being about 8 times greater than the (+)-nicotine with all three preparations. The relative affinity for the nicotine binding site of nicotinic cholinergic drugs was considerably less in rat brain than in Torpedo membranes, where the sites are mainly cholinergic. A comparison was made of the ability of a variety of cholinergic drugs and nicotine derivatives to compete with 3H-nicotine binding and their relative pharmacologic potency to produce or inhibit a characteristic prostration syndrome caused by (−)-nicotine administered intraventricularly to rats. From such studies it was concluded that nicotine, in part, may be interacting at noncholinergic sites in rat brain.
Extremum-seeking control for an ultrasonic/sonic driller/corer (USDC) driven at high power

Future NASA exploration missions will increasingly require sampling, in-situ analysis and possibly the return of material to Earth for further tests. One of the challenges to addressing this need is the ability to drill using minimal reaction force and torque while operating from light weight platforms (e.g., lander, rover, etc.) as well as operate at planets with low gravity. For this purpose, the authors developed the Ultrasonic/Sonic Driller/Corer (USDC) jointly with Cybersonics Inc. Studies of the operation of the USDC at high power have shown there is a critical need to self-tune to maintain the operation of the piezoelectric actuator at resonance. Performing such tuning is encountered with difficulties and to address them an extremum-seeking control algorithm is being investigated. This algorithm is designed to tune the driving frequency of a time-varying resonating actuator subjected to both random and high-power impulsive noise disturbances. Using this algorithm, the performance of the actuator is monitored on a time-scale that is compatible with its slowly time-varying physical characteristics. The algorithm includes a parameter estimator, which estimates the coefficients of a function that characterizes the quality factor of the USDC. Since the parameter estimator converges sufficiently faster than the time-varying drift of the USDC's actuator physical parameters, this extremum-seeking estimation and control algorithm potentially allows for use in closed-loop monitoring of the operation of the USDC. Specifically, this system may be programmed to automatically adjust the duty-cycle of the sinusoidal driver signal to monitor the quality factor of the USDC not to fall below a user-defined set-point. Such fault-tolerant functionality is especially important in automated drilling applications where it is essential not to inadvertently drive the piezoelectric ceramic elements of the USDC beyond their operation capability. The details of the algorithm and experimental results are described and discussed in this paper.
Mechanical parametric amplification and thermomechanical noise squeezing.

A mechanical degenerate parametric amplifier has been devised which greatly increases the motional response of a microcantilever for small harmonic force excitations. The amplifier can improve force detection sensitivity for measurements dominated by sensor noise or backaction effects and can also produce mechanical squeezed states. In an initial squeezing demonstration, the thermal noise (Brownian motion) of the cantilever was reduced in one phase by 4.9 dB.
Who should manage CRRT in the ICU? The nursing viewpoint

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is performed in critical care units around the world with various levels of involvement from critical care and nephrology nurses. In this article, factors affecting the delivery of nursing care and the particular expertise nephrology and critical care nurses have in the area of CRRT are examined. Based on this discussion, three proposed models of nursing care for the patient receiving CRRT are discussed: the Nephrology Nursing Model, the Critical Care Model, and the Collaborative Model. Based on related research findings and a comparison of the models, the Collaborative Model is the preferred one, as it brings the highest level of expertise directly to the patient. For the Collaborative Model to work, a framework for collaboration and a high degree of commitment from both specialties must be maintained.
Sulfur contents and sulfur-isotope compositions of thiotrophic symbioses in bivalve molluscs and vestimentiferan worms

Total sulfur (STOT), elemental sulfur (S°) and sulfur-isotope compositions (δ34S) of marine animals were analyzed to determine whether these chemical characteristics could help distinguish animals with a sulfur-based, thiotrophic nutrition from animals whose nutrition is based on methanotrophy or on more normal consumption of phytoplankton-derived organic matter. The presence of S° was almost entirely confined to the symbiont-containing tissues of thiotrophs, but was sometimes undetectable in thiotrophic species where sulfide availability was probably low. When S° contents were subtracted, the remaining tissue-sulfur concentrations were similar for all nutritional groups. δ34S values were typically lower for thiotrophs than for other groups, although there was overlap in methanotroph and thiotroph values at some sites. Field evidence supported the existence of small to moderate (1 to 10‰)34S fractionations in the uptake of sulfides and metabolism of thiosulfate. In general, a total sulfur content of >3% dry weight, the presence of elemental sulfur, and δ34S values less than +5‰ can be used to infer a thiotrophic mode of nutrition.
The design and implementation of late binding in a distributed programming language

In distributed application domains where data change rapidly, it is often desirable for programs to obtain the latest available data values to achieve accurate computations. Example applications are financial services and network management. Such data are logically shared by a network of programs. Unlike data in traditional databases, rapidly changing data are usually not lockable by (client) programs and it is crucial to the computations to access their values in a timely manner. In these application domains, a typical program usually performs computations based on recently available data values obtained from the network. However, these data values may be inconsistent or obsolete, since the real data are external to the system and may change more rapidly than can be reflected by their copies within the system. Decision making based on such inaccurate computations can lead to substantial penalties. In this paper, we propose an approach to delaying data value retrieval until needed in distributed programming, considering data and configuration change rapidly. This approach offers the advantage of obtaining more recent data values, resulting in more accurate computations and decision making. >
Transcriptome changes in the phenylpropanoid pathway of Glycine max in response to Pseudomonas syringae infection.

Reports of plant molecular responses to pathogenic infections have pinpointed increases in activity of several genes of the phenylpropanoid pathway leading to the synthesis of lignin and flavonoids. The majority of those findings were derived from single gene studies and more recently from several global gene expression analyses. We undertook a global transcriptional analysis focused on the response of genes of the multiple branches of the phenylpropanoid pathway to infection by the Pseudomonas syringae pv. glycinea with or without the avirulence gene avrB to characterize more broadly the contribution of the multiple branches of the pathway to the resistance response in soybean. Transcript abundance in leaves was determined from analysis of soybean cDNA microarray data and hybridizations to RNA blots with specific gene probes. The majority of the genes surveyed presented patterns of increased transcript accumulation. Some increased rapidly, 2 and 4 hours after inoculation, while others started to accumulate slowly by 8 – 12 hours. In contrast, transcripts of a few genes decreased in abundance 2 hours post inoculation. Most interestingly was the opposite temporal fluctuation in transcript abundance between early responsive genes in defense (CHS and IFS1) and F3H, the gene encoding a pivotal enzyme in the synthesis of anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins and flavonols. F3H transcripts decreased rapidly 2 hours post inoculation and increased during periods when CHS and IFS transcripts decreased. It was also determined that all but one (CHS4) family member genes (CHS1, CHS2, CHS3, CHS5, CHS6 and CHS7/8) accumulated higher transcript levels during the defense response provoked by the avirulent pathogen challenge. Based on the mRNA profiles, these results show the strong bias that soybean has towards increasing the synthesis of isoflavonoid phytoalexins concomitant with the down regulation of genes required for the synthesis of anthocyanins and proanthocyanins. Although proanthocyanins are known to be toxic compounds, the cells in the soybean leaves seem to be programmed to prioritize the synthesis and accumulation of isoflavonoid and pterocarpan phytoalexins during the resistance response. It was known that CHS transcripts accumulate in great abundance rapidly after inoculation of the soybean plants but our results have demonstrated that all but one (CHS4) member of the gene family member genes accumulated higher transcript levels during the defense response.
Experimental determination of linear optics including quadrupole rotations

The measured response matrix giving the change in orbit at beam position monitors (BPMs) with changes in steering magnet excitation can be used to accurately determine many important parameters in a storage ring. Using the NSLS X-ray ring measured response matrix we have determined the gradients in all 56 quadrupole magnets; the calibration of the steering magnets and BPMs; the rotational mis-alignments of the quadrupoles, steering magnets, and BPMs about the electron beam direction; the longitudinal magnetic centers of the orbit steering magnets; and the transverse mis-alignments of the sextupoles. Random orbit measurement error of the BPMs propagated to give 0.04% RMS error in determination of individual quadrupole gradients and 0.4 mad RMS error in the determination of quadrupole rotational alignment. Small variations of a few parts in a thousand in the quadrupole gradients within an individual family were resolved. The improved understanding of the X-ray ring has enabled us to better control the electron beam size.
Winter chemical leaching from deciduous tree branches as a function of branch inclination angle in central Massachusetts

Leaching is an important process in the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients from above-ground vegetative surfaces to the forest floor. Little is known about winter leaching from deciduous tree species and the influence of branch inclination angle on leachate chemistry. Using a set of field-based isolated branches harvested from mature crowns of Betula lenta, Carya glabra and Quercus rubra, we tested the null hypothesis that during winter neither branch inclination angle nor branch species would have a detectable influence on differences in leachate chemistry and the quantity of intercepted precipitation from the branch surface. Leachate concentrations were significantly greater from branches inclined at 20° than 5° or 38°. Absolute nutrient inputs were also greatest for branches inclined at 20°. The significantly enriched branchflow and greater total nutrient input from branches inclined at 20° were attributed to increased residence time of intercepted precipitation with the branch surface, the lower probability of branch drip than branches inclined at 5°, and only minimal differences in branchflow quantity compared with branches inclined at 38°. Branchflow was more enriched from all three branch angles during precipitation events of longer duration and lower intensity than shorter, intense events. The leachate quantities of K+ and Ca2+ differ significantly among species. Carya glabra and Quercus rubra leached more K+ than Betula lenta. All three species leached significantly different amounts of Ca2+, with Quercus rubra leaching the most and Carya glabra the least. The adaptive geometry of deciduous canopy trees should be considered in relation to the interception of precipitation and aqueous leaching during winter when the canopy is leafless. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New hypothesis testing-based methods for fault detection for smart grid systems

Fault detection plays an indispensable role in ensuring the security of smart grid systems. Based on the dynamics of the generators, we show the time evolution of the smart grid system can be modeled by a discrete-time linear state space model. We focus on faults that can be described by changes in system matrices of the state space model. Newly developed locally optimum tests are discussed and utilized to improve the performance for detecting small changes. Numerical results are provided which demonstrate the superiority of the new approaches when compared to existing methods, especially in the detection of small changes.
Macroscopic and microscopic methods for noise in devices

After an introduction and preamble concerning the motivation and nature of this article, we proceed to the two main divisions, Part I containing a compendium of macroscopic methods used for noise computation, and Part II comprising the underlying microscopic description. In each part there are subdivisions, dealing with particular methods like the Master-Equation approach, the Langevin approach, the impedance field and transfer impedance approach, etc. Then there are sub-sub divisions dealing with particular noise manifestations, like g-r noise, velocity-fluctuation and Brownian motion noise, transport noise, etc. Illustrative examples are included, but in-depth specific device noise computations are outside the scope of this review. >
SAW tapped delay lines for new potential circuit applications

Two applications for SAW tapped delay lines are discussed. The first uses a SAW differential tapped delay line (TDL) to detect an important property of a single BPSK-type signal, namely, its chirp rate. For this application, differential delay lines are required, since it would be too difficult to build standard delay lines having delay times of the order of 50 ns due to their feedthrough and triple-transit problems. After the BPSK signal is fed into the TDL, the output of the TDL is fed into either a summer or mixer device whose output can then be viewed on an oscilloscope. Both summer and mixer circuits using the SAW differential TDL are analyzed, and results are shown for the summer circuit along with the impulse response for the tapped differential delay line by itself. The second application uses a TDL in an amplifier feedback loop circuit to replace the inverse transform of a chirped Fourier transform (CFT) processor for CW input signals. Some of the limitations of the TDL method are discussed. A staggered channelized method is presented for the SAW TDL that eases fabrication and minimizes reflections utilizing a minimum number of output taps. >
Escherichia coli DNA Polymerase III Can Replicate Efficiently past a T-T cis-syn Cyclobutane Dimer if DNA Polymerase V and the 3′ to 5′ Exonuclease Proofreading Function Encoded by dnaQ Are Inactivated

Although very little replication past a T-T cis-syn cyclobutane dimer normally takes place in Escherichia coli in the absence of DNA polymerase V (Pol V), we previously observed as much as half of the wild-type bypass frequency in Pol V-deficient (DeltaumuDC) strains if the 3' to 5' exonuclease proofreading activity of the Pol III epsilon subunit was also disabled by mutD5. This observation might be explained in at least two ways. In the absence of Pol V, wild-type Pol III might bind preferentially to the blocked primer terminus but be incapable of bypass, whereas the proofreading-deficient enzyme might dissociate more readily, providing access to bypass polymerases. Alternatively, even though wild-type Pol III is generally regarded as being incapable of lesion bypass, proofreading-impaired Pol III might itself perform this function. We have investigated this issue by examining dimer bypass frequencies in DeltaumuDC mutD5 strains that were also deficient for Pol I, Pol II, and Pol IV, both singly and in all combinations. Dimer bypass frequencies were not decreased in any of these strains and indeed in some were increased to levels approaching those found in strains containing Pol V. Efficient dimer bypass was, however, entirely dependent on the proofreading deficiency imparted by mutD5, indicating the surprising conclusion that bypass was probably performed by the mutD5 Pol III enzyme itself. This mutant polymerase does not replicate past the much more distorted T-T (6-4) photoadduct, however, suggesting that it may only replicate past lesions, like the T-T dimer, that form base pairs normally.
Adolescent Bereavement Following Suicide: An Examination of Relevant Literature

For adolescents, a loved one's death by suicide is a tragic event linked with increased morbidity, death fears, and psychopathology. For these reasons, the links between bereavement after suicide and the subsequent development of adolescents (including increased suicide risks) require further study. In the existing literature, inconsistent definitions of adolescence are used, samples of adolescents are drawn from those in psychotherapy, and other methodological problems exist.
A collisional family of icy objects in the Kuiper belt

The small bodies in the Solar System are thought to have been highly affected by collisions and erosion. In the asteroid belt, direct evidence of the effects of large collisions can be seen in the existence of separate families of asteroids—a family consists of many asteroids with similar orbits and, frequently, similar surface properties, with each family being the remnant of a single catastrophic impact. In the region beyond Neptune, in contrast, no collisionally created families have hitherto been found. The third largest known Kuiper belt object, 2003 EL_(61), however, is thought to have experienced a giant impact that created its multiple satellite system, stripped away much of an overlying ice mantle, and left it with a rapid rotation. Here we report the discovery of a family of Kuiper belt objects with surface properties and orbits that are nearly identical to those of 2003 EL_(61). This family appears to be fragments of the ejected ice mantle of 2003 EL_(61).
DISORDERS OF GASTRIC MOTILITY AND EMPTYING

Disorders that affect gastric motility and emptying pose a considerable diagnostic and therapeutic challenge; one. has to suspect and demonstrate a disorder, determine its cause and assess its severity, and devise a rational and safe treatment plan. Tests of gastric emptying and motility play a minor role in this process. None provide a comprehensive assessment of the role of the stomach in mechanical digestion.
Cascaded Superlattice InAs/GaSb Light-Emitting Diodes for Operation in the Long-Wave Infrared

Superlattice InAs/GaSb light-emitting diodes with peak emission wavelength of 8.6 μm and output power approaching 190 μW at 77 K from a 120 × 120 μm2 mesa are demonstrated. Output power in excess of 600 μ.W was demonstrated from a 520 × 520 μm mesa at 1 A drive current and 50% duty cycle. Devices were grown by molecular beam epitaxy on lightly n-doped GaSb substrates and employed a 16-stage cascaded active region configuration to improve current efficiency and increase optical output. Emitting regions were coupled by semi-metallic tunnel junctions consisting of a p-GaSb layer and a thickness-graded InAs/GaSb superlattice stack.