cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trace Element Content of Senna Study Material and Selected Senna-Based Dietary Supplements as Determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry

Abstract The efficacy of senna laxative products and the worldwide trend towards self-medication with dietary supplements of a natural origin have fueled several investigations into the potential health effects associated with their use. The goal of this work was to determine the trace element content [aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), barium (Ba), calcium (Ca), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), lead (Pb), strontium (Sr), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn)] of a bulk senna sample that was procured for use as a study material in one such investigation. In addition, seven commercially available senna-based dietary supplements were purchased and analyzed along with the study material. Samples were digested using high-purity acids and oxidants and were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Differences between the trace element content of the analyzed products ...
On learning counting functions with queries

We investigate the problem of learning disjunctions of counting functions, generalizations of parity and modulo functions, with equivalence and membership queries. We prove that, for any prime number p, the class of disjunctions of integer-weighted counting functions with modulus p over the domain Znq (or Zn) for any given integer q≥2, is polynomial time learnable using at most n+1 equivalence queries. The hypotheses issued by the learner are disjunctions of at most n counting functions with weights from Zp. In general a counting function may have a composite modulus. We prove that, for any given integer q≥2, over the domain Zn2, the class of read-once disjunctions of Boolean-weighted counting functions with modulus q is polynomial time learnable with only one equivalence query and O(nq) membership queries. And the class of disjunctions of loglogn Boolean-weighted counting functions with modulus q is polynomial time learnable.
Polycomb Group Proteins Are Key Regulators of Keratinocyte Function

The Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are epigenetic suppressors of gene expression that function through modification of histones to change chromatin structure and modulate gene expression and cell behavior. Recent studies show that PcG proteins are expressed in epidermis, that their levels change during differentiation and in disease states, and that PcG expression is regulated by agents that influence cell proliferation and survival. The results indicate that PcG proteins regulate keratinocyte cell-cycle progression, apoptosis, senescence, and differentiation. These proteins are expressed in progenitor cells, in the basal layer, and in suprabasal keratinocytes, and the level, timing, and distribution of expression suggest that the PcG proteins have a central role in maintaining the balance between cell survival and death in multiple epidermal compartments. Additional studies indicate an important role in skin cancer progression.
The Energy Release Rate for a Quasi-Static Mode I Crack in a Nonhomogeneous Linearly Viscoelastic Body

Abstract The Energy Release Rate (ERR) for the quasi-static problem of a semi-infinite mode I crack propagating through an inhomogeneous isotropic linearly viscoelastic body is examined. The shear modulus is assumed to have a power-law dependence on depth from the plane of the crack and a very general behavior in time. A Barenblatt type failure zone is introduced in order to cancel the singular stress and a formula for the ERR is derived which explicitly displays the combined influences of material viscoelasticity and inhomogeneity. The ERR is calculated for both power-law material and the standard linear solid and the qualitative features of the ERR are presented along with numerical illustrations.
Minimum Time Control by Time Interval Optimization

This paper presents a time interval optimization method for the determination of the minimum time for transfer of a system from an initial state to a desired state. The method is applicable to systems whose characteristic matrix has real or complex eigenvalues. The characteristic matrix and the control matrix may havo constant or time varying parameters. The time interval optimization (TIO method) provides a means of determining a sequence of trajectories. The successively determined trajectories are the result of corrections so that the respective sequence of end points of the trajectories will approach the desired point in state space. Each of the trajectories is time optimal from the initial point to whatever point is reached. When the correction routine brings the end point of a trajectory sufficiently near the desired point in state space the optimal control has been determined.
Maturational changes in excitation-contraction coupling in mammalian myocardium.

AbstractThe single sucrose gap voltage clamp technique has been used to study the relation between membrane electrical activity and tension generation in right ventricular papillary muscles from Ne...
A Precious Metal Heist

Nearly all bacterial pathogens require iron to successfully infect their vertebrate hosts. The host molecule lipocalin-2 exploits this by sequestering bacterial siderophores as a mechanism of protection against infection. Raffatellu et al. (2009) show that Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium circumvents this through the production of the modified siderophore salmochelin.
New Culex (Acallyntrum) from the Papuan Subregion (Diptera: Culicidae)

Culex (Acallyntrum) axillicolus , n. sp. from New Guinea and Cx. (Aca.) bougainvillensis , n. sp. from Bougainville I are described and illustrated. The larva of a Culex (Arallyntrum) species from New Ireland is described and illustrated but not named, since adults and pupae are unknown.
Augmentation of Antimetastatic Activity of Interferon and Tumor Necrosis Factor by Heparin

AbstractInterferon (IFN) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) suppress the development of experimental metastasis and when used together, TNF and IFN show synergistic activity. However, the use of TNF is limited by its ability to initiate inappropriate hemostasis. Hemostatic effects are exaggerated by the procoagulant activity of certain tumor cell lines. Therapy with anticoagulants are indicated to block the effects of tumor cell products as well as chemotherapeutic side effects. Heparin is a glycosaminoglycan with diverse biological activity, including the ability to rapidly accelerate the inactivation of active clotting factors. the present studies have explored the therapeutic effects of combining heparin with TNF or interferon on experimental metastasis in mice using a melanoma cell line (B16BL6). Our data indicate that continued heparinization augments the antitumor activity of both interferon and TNF. Alterations of the hemostatic and immune systems play a role in the producing the observed effect.
Antioxidant Status in Hyperthyroid Cats before and after Radioiodine Treatment

Background Reversible antioxidant depletion is found in hyperthyroid humans, and antioxidant depletion increases the risk of methimazole toxicosis in rats. Objectives To determine whether abnormalities in concentrations of blood antioxidants or urinary isoprostanes were present in hyperthyroid cats, and were reversible after radioiodine treatment. To determine whether or not antioxidant abnormalities were associated with idiosyncratic methimazole toxicosis. Animals Hyperthyroid cats presented for radioiodine treatment (n = 44) and healthy mature adult control cats (n = 37). Methods Prospective, controlled, observational study. Red blood cell glutathione (GSH), plasma ascorbate (AA), plasma free retinol (vitamin A), α-tocopherol (vitamin E), and urinary free 8-isoprostanes in hyperthyroid cats were compared to healthy cats and to hyperthyroid cats 2 months after treatment. Results Blood antioxidants were not significantly different in hyperthyroid cats (mean GSH 1.6 ± 0.3 mM; AA 12.8 ± 4.9 μM, and vitamin E, 25 ± 14 μg/mL) compared to controls (GSH 1.4 ± 0.4 mM; AA 15.0 ± 6.6 μM, and vitamin E, 25 ± 17 μg/mL). Urinary isoprostanes were increased in hyperthyroid cats (292 ± 211 pg/mg creatinine) compared to controls (169 ± 82 pg/mg; P = .006), particularly in hyperthyroid cats with a USG < 1.035. Plasma free vitamin A was higher in hyperthyroid cats (0.54 ± 0.28 μg/mL versus 0.38 ± 0.21 in controls; P = .007). Both abnormalities normalized after radioiodine treatment. No association was found between oxidative status and prior idiosyncratic methimazole toxicosis. Conclusion and Clinical Importance Increased urinary isoprostane could reflect reversible renal oxidative stress induced by hyperthyroidism, and this requires additional evaluation.
Typewriter Tinnitus: A Carbamazepine-Responsive Syndrome Related to Auditory Nerve Vascular Compression

Six subjects with similar unilateral tinnitus that was fully suppressed by carbamazepine have been identified. Their ages at the time of the sudden onset of their tinnitus ranged from 39 to 87 years (
Increased cerebral blood volume in HIV‐positive patients detected by functional MRI

Objective To study changes in cerebral hemodynamics related to HIV infection. Background Cerebral injury is a well-known manifestation of HIV infection. Physiologic changes in the HIV brain may precede structural changes and may be detected by functional MRI (fMRI). Methods Dynamic contrast fMRI was used to measure the cerebral blood volume (CBV) in 13 patients infected with HIV and in 7 healthy control subjects. Results Significant increases in dynamic CBV were found in the deep (p p Conclusions This study supports the hypothesis that HIV infection is associated with significant cerebral hemodynamic changes, particularly in the DGM, that may contribute to cognitive dysfunction in AIDS. Functional MRI may be useful for early detection of cerebral injury and for the assessment of novel therapies.
Tectonic fabric and hydrothermal activity of Mid-Atlantic Ridge crest (lat 26°N)

An asymmetric tectonic fabric was delineated by narrow-beam bathymetric profiles in a 180-km 2 area of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge crest at lat 26°N. Features of the tectonic fabric are a continuous rift valley offset by small ( The rift valley has a double structure consisting of linear segments, bounded by ridges, and basins at the intersections of the minor fracture zones. The double structure of the rift valley acts like a template that programs the reproduction of the tectonic fabric. The minor fracture zones form an asymmetric V about the rift valley at variance with the symmetric small circles formed by major fracture zones. To reconcile the asymmetry of minor fracture zones with the symmetry of major fracture zones, it is proposed that the minor fracture zones have been preferentially reoriented by an external stress field attributed to interplate and intraplate motions. Major fracture zones remain symmetric under the same stress field owing to differential stability between minor and major structures of oceanic lithosphere.
Fournier’s Gangrene: Population Based Epidemiology and Outcomes

Purpose: Case series reported 20–40% mortality rates for patients with Fournier’s gangrene with some series as high as 88%. This literature comes almost exclusively from referral centers. Materials and Methods: We identified and analyzed inpatients with Fournier’s gangrene who had a surgical debridement or died in the US State Inpatient Databases. Results: 1,641 males and 39 females with Fournier’s gangrene represented <0.02% of hospital admissions. Overall, the incidence was 1.6 cases per 100,000 males and case fatality was 7.5%. 66% of hospitals cared for no cases per year, 17% cared for 1 case per year, 10% cared for 2 cases per year, 4% cared for 3 cases per year, 1% cared for 4 cases per year, and only 1% cared for ≥5 cases per year. Teaching hospitals had higher mortality (aOR 1.9) due primarily to more acutely ill patients. Hospitals treating more than 1 Fournier’s gangrene case per year had an adjusted 42–84% lower mortality (p<0.0001). Conclusions: Most hospitals rarely care for Fournier’s gangrene patients. The population-based mortality rate (7.5%) was substantially lower than case series from tertiary care centers. Hospitals that treated more Fournier’s gangrene patients had lower mortality rates supporting the rationale for regionalized care for patients with this rare disease.
Boston to Welcome EMBC 2011

The weather in Boston in March may be brisk but organizers of the 33rd Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC) are already planning ahead to warm-weather cocktail parties and networking fetes for EMBC 2011, running 30 August–3 September 2011 at the Boston Marriott Copley Place Hotel. The theme of this year's EMBC conference is “Integrating Technology and Medicine for a Healthier Tomorrow.”
The pathophysiology of hereditary angioedema

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) causes recurrent episodes of angioedema that may be very severe and are frequently associated with significant morbidity and even mortality. Understanding the pathophysiology of this disease is crucial for proper diagnosis and management of these patients. HAE is caused by mutations in the SERPING1 gene that result in decreased plasma levels of functional C1 inhibitor. A large number of different mutations have been described that result in HAE. About 15% of patients have a mutation at or near the active site of the reactive mobile loop, resulting in a protein that lacks functional activity (type II HAE). Type I HAE is caused by a diverse range of mutations, some of which cause the nascent protein to misfold and thus to be unable to enter the secretory pathway. The primary mediator of swelling in HAE is bradykinin, a product of the plasma contact system. Bradykinin induces increased vascular permeability by activating the bradykinin B2 receptor, which results in phosphorylation of vascular endothelial cadherin. The regulation of both the bradykinin B2 receptor and peptidases that degrade bradykinin may influence HAE disease severity. HAE results from mutations in the SERPING1 gene that lead to a loss of functional C1 inhibitor. Attacks of angioedema result from generation of bradykinin, which acts on bradykinin B2 receptors to enhance vascular permeability.
System models for IR diffractive optical systems based on a coherence theoretic framework

Diffractive optical systems in the Infrared (IR) wavelength regime are being re-examined for remote sensing applications. A pupil-plane adaptive coded aperture can enable a fine resolution, wide field of view sensor system without mechanical scanning. Due to the relatively long wavelengths, coded aperture systems in the IR have unique issues in regards to e.g. X-ray coded apertures. These include diffraction effects, wavelength dependence of optical elements, off axis aberrations due to thick screens, etc. In this paper, we provide a general system model framework based on partial coherence theory that enables us to explore many of the technical challenges in IR diffractive imaging. This paper develops the general theory and shows examples of issues that impact the optical transfer function (OTF) and impulse response of these types of architectures.
Prevalence of anemia in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.

Anemia is associated with reduced local tumor control and impaired quality of life in patients with several types of solid tumors. The prevalence of anemia in patients who present at radiation oncology departments has not been well documented, and the impact of anemia on the outcome of radiation therapy is not widely appreciated in the radiation oncology setting. In an ongoing study, we are retrospectively reviewing the medical charts of patients before and after radiation therapy at our institutions to determine the magnitude of the anemia problem in this population. Preliminary data are available for 574 randomly selected patients (52% female) seen between December 1996 and June 1999. At presentation, 41% of all patients were anemic (hemoglobin < 12 g/dL); by the end of radiation therapy, this percentage increased to 54%. The most common tumor types were prostate (16%), breast (14%), head and neck (12%), colorectal (11%), lung/bronchus (11%), and uterine-cervix (9%). Anemia was most prevalent in patients with uterine-cervical tumors (75%), increasing to 79% by the end of radiation therapy. The prevalence of lung/bronchus and colorectal cancer was 55% and 44%, respectively, at baseline and increased to 77% and 63%, respectively, after radiation therapy. For nearly all tumor types, the majority of patients had or developed mild to moderate anemia (hemoglobin 10.0 to 11.9 g/dL). These data show that anemia is widespread among patients seen in radiation oncology practices. However, the anemia is usually mild and readily correctable. Because anemia and hypoxia possibly associated with anemia are obstacles to local tumor control and maintenance of quality of life, strategies to reverse anemia should receive greater attention.
Management of anterior cruciateligament deficiency in the skeletally immature individual

Abstract Anterior cruciate ligament deficiency can be a significant problem in skeletally immature individuals, becausereconstructive procedures normally done in adults can risk injury to the growth plate. A systematic approach to the problem will help rule out physiological laxity and congenital deficiency, which may not require operative treatment. Avulsion fractures can be successfully repaired primarily. Some individuals may do well with rehabilitation or extra-articular procedures until they reach skeletal maturity. The rare child with significant laxity that can not be adequately managed otherwise, may benefit from an intraarticular procedure specifically designed to avoid damage to the growth plates.
Effects of temperature, soil water status, and soil type on swine slurry nitrogen transformations

Manure N dynamics are affected by manure characteristics, soil factors, and environmental conditions. An incubation experiment was conducted to assess the relationship of these factors. The effects of temperature (11, 18, and 25°C), soil texture (three soils, silt loam to sandy loam), and soil water status (constant at 60% water filled pore space, WFPS, and fluctuating between 30% and 60% WFPS) on net mineralization and nitrification of swine manure N were assessed. Swine manure was applied at an equivalent rate of 350 kg total N ha–1 to 250 g air-dry soil in 2-l canning jars. Subsamples were taken from each jar for NO3– and NH4+ determination when fluctuating moisture treatment dried to 30% WFPS, with sampling continuing through four wet-dry cycles at each temperature. Manure NH4+ was rapidly nitrified to NO3–. The relationship between NO3– accumulation and degree days after application (DDAA, 0°C base) could be described across temperatures using a single pool exponential model for each soil. More NO3– accumulated in coarser-textured soils (150–200 mg N kg–1 soil), compared to 130 mg N kg–1 soil in the silt loam soil. Fluctuating soil water status did not alter estimates of rate and extent of NO3– accumulation, but slowed NH4+ disappearance somewhat.
Magnetic and optical properties of exact PPP states of naphthalene

The Pariser—Parr—Pople (PPP) hamiltonian for naphthalene is solve exactly, to all orders in configuration interaction, using diagrammatic (VB) theory. Standard molecular parameters place the 3B2u, 1B2u, and 1B2a excitations within 0.3 eV of experiment. VB methods for correlated states are extended to the fine-structure constants D and E of the triplet state, which are found to be better than 0.01 cm−1 without any adjustable parameters. Negative spin densities are found at the 9.10 carbons. The weak (f = 0.0005) oscillator strength of the 1B2u transition is related to the absence of electron—hole symmetry on introducing different ionization potential at the 9.10 carbons. The static spin-correlation functions needed for D and E extend the accessible matrix elements over correlated states based on linear combinations of VB diagrams for model hamiltonians with one valence state per site.
Beam ion instability in the ultimate storage ring

Abstract Ultimate storage ring light sources have electron emittances near the X-ray diffraction limit. Beam ion instability is a great concern for such ultra-small emittance rings. Beam ion instability in the ultimate storage ring belongs to a special regime where most ions are not trapped along the bunch train. This paper investigates the beam-ion dynamics in such special regimes.
Microinjection of dsRNA into Fully-Grown Mouse Oocytes

RNA interference (RNAi) is a suitable method for sequence-specific post-transcriptional gene silencing in a number of model systems. The following protocol describes delivery of a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) of choice into fully-grown, germinal vesicle-intact (GV) mouse oocytes by microinjection. Microinjected oocytes can be cultured for up to 2 d or they can be matured to metaphase II. The metaphase II eggs can be fertilized in vitro and cultured up to the blastocyst stage. The efficiency of knockdown by RNAi can be assayed by quantitative reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR (qPCR).
ADHESION PROPERTIES OF A STRUCTURAL ETCH STOP MATERIAL FOR USE IN MULTILAYER ELECTRONIC WIRING STRUCTURES

A thermally stable copolymer of a polyimide and a dianiline terminated polydimethylsiloxane has been developed for use as a structural oxygen etch barrier material in high performance multilayer electronic wiring structures. We report on the preparation of the etch barrier material and on investigations of the etch stop and adhesion properties of this material. Studies on the effects of adhesion-promoting plasma treatments are supported by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) data. Before plasma treatment, it is observed that the siloxane component segregates to the surface. After either an O2 reactive ion etch treatment or H2O plasma exposure, the unusual XPS charging effects are interpreted as a surface layer containing two distinct phases: the etched polyimide fraction and a partial overlayer of a carbon containing SiO2
New Compounds: N-Hydroxy- and N-Acetoxy-Metabolites of N,N'-(2,7-Fluorenylene)bisacetamide

The partial catalytic reduction of 2,7-dinitrofluorene (I) in dimethylformamide, ethyl acetate, and acetic anhydride has yielded: N -hydroxy- N -(2-fluorenyl-7-nitro)acetamide (VII); N -acetoxy- N -(2-fluorenyl-7-nitro)acetamide (II); N '-hydroxy- N,N '-(2,7-fluorenylene)bisacetamide (XI); N,N '-dihydroxy- N,N '-(2,7-fluorenylene)bisacetamide (VIII); and N,N '-diacetoxy- N,N '-(2,7-fluorenylene)bisacetamide (IV).
Beneficial effect of mild hypothermia and detrimental effect of deep hypothermia after cardiac arrest in dogs.

Mild cerebral hypothermia (34 degrees C) induced immediately after cardiac arrest improves outcome. Deep postarrest hypothermia (15 degrees C) has not been studied.We used our dog model of normothermic ventricular fibrillation (no blood flow) of 12.5 minutes, reperfusion by brief cardiopulmonary bypass, controlled ventilation to 20 hours, and intensive care to 72 hours. Head surface cooling and bypass cooling were performed from start of reperfusion to 1 hour. Five groups of six dogs each were compared: group I, normothermic controls; group II, deep hypothermia (15 degrees C); group III, moderate hypothermia (30 degrees C); group IV, mild hypothermia (34 degrees C); and group V, mild hypothermia with head surface cooling begun during no flow.In control group I, five dogs remained comatose (overall performance category [OPC] 4) and one severely disabled (OPC 3). In group II, four dogs achieved OPC 4 and two dogs OPC 3 (NS versus group I). Compared with group I, OPCs were better in group III (p less than 0....
Improvement of ion plated Ag and Au film adhesion to Si3 N4 and SiC surfaces for increased tribological performance

A modified dc-diode plating system, utilizing a metallic screen cage as a cathode and referred as SCREEN CAGE ION PLATING (SCIP), is used to deposit Ag and Au lubricating films on Si3N4 and SiC surfaces. When deposition is performed in Ar or N2, glow discharge, the surface displays poor adhesive strength (less than 5 MPa). A dramatic increase in adhesive strength (less than 80 MPa) is achieved when plating is performed in a reactive 50% 02 + 50% Ar glow discharge. The excited/ionized oxygen species (O2(+)/O(+) in the glow discharge contribute to the oxidation of the Si3N4 or SiC surfaces as determined by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XTS) depth profiling. The reactively sputter-oxidized S3N4 or SiC surfaces and the activated-oxidized-metastable Ag or Au species formed in the plasma cooperatively contribute to the increased adherence. As a result, the linear thermal expansion coefficient mismatch at the interface is reduced. These lubricating Ag and Au films under sliding conditions reduce the friction coefficient by a factor of 2-1/2 to 4.
Site-specific stamping of graphene micro-patterns over large areas using flexible stamps

Site-specific stamping has the potential of becoming a low-cost, high-throughput method for depositing specific-shaped graphene micro-patterns over large areas on a wide variety of substrates. The use of an approach involving flexible stamps presented here represents an important advance towards reaching that potential. This approach entails lithographic creation (dry etching) of high-quality micro-pillar arrays of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) over large areas. This is followed by embedding the micro-pillar arrays in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and detaching them from the HOPG base. This results in flexible stamps containing embedded HOPG micro-pillar arrays with freshly cleaved stamping surfaces. The flexible HOPG/PDMS stamps are then brought into contact with substrate surfaces to site-specifically stamp graphene or few-layer graphene (FLG) arrays over large areas. The freshly cleaved nature of the micro-pillar surfaces in the flexible stamps, the low elastic modulus of the flexible stamps and the elimination of sidewall deposits on the micro-pillars allow for more uniform stamping, relative to the use of stiff HOPG stamps from earlier studies. This approach has the potential to expand the substrate choice for graphene or FLG stamping to include curved and/or flexible substrates that could have an impact on the burgeoning field of flexible/stretchable electronics.
Tourist, local, or other?: Greek Canadian women and the heritage fling in Greece

This article examines the romantic and sexual encounters between Greek men and Greek Canadian women vacationing in Greece and addresses how constructions of Greek Canadian female sexuality are related to foreign and local Greek conceptions of femininity during these ‘holiday flings’. Because of their Greek ancestry, Mediterranean ‘looks’, and familiarity with language and culture, Greek Canadian women exhibit ambiguous identities that uphold and cross boundaries between outsiders and insiders. Drawing on long-term fieldwork, I explore the conceptualizations of ancestral and national identity underpinning Greek women's erotic desires for Greek man who embody ethnic authenticity to them. Yet, Greek men thwart these desires when they subvert Canadian women's economic power through challenging their cultural literacy (such as a lack in language skills, etiquette, or sexual knowledge). This article addresses the question of how diasporic women's heterosexuality subjectivities – bound up with hybrid ethnic and ...
Changes in HIV-1 Protease-Inhibitor Interaction Due to Amino Acids Polymorphisms and Drug-Pressure Selected Mutations

Both pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and 2D HSQC NMR are used to study HIV-1 protease-inhibitor binding by monitoring the changes in flaps conformation and amide chemical shifts. For all NMR and EPR experiments, here, we used an inactive (D25N) enzyme construct and nine FDA approved inhibitors. Results show that several inhibitors induce a closed flap conformation and cause significant splitting of the amide backbone chemical shifts due to a removal of the homodimer symmetry upon binding. Other inhibitors are found to interact more weakly with the protein, resulting in incomplete flap closures and perturbation of HSQC peaks due to chemical exchange. Qualitatively, both the pulsed EPR and NMR methods can discern different degrees of protease-inhibitor interactions, which we define as strong, moderate, and weak. The stability of each of the protease-inhibitor formed was determined by measuring the transition midpoint (Tm) with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Inhibitors classified as “strong binders” have higher Tm values. To determine changes in protease-inhibitor interaction with drug resistant constructs, we used the inactive sub-Saharan HIV-1 protease (8 amino acid polymorphisms), MDR769 (11 mutations) and V6 (8 mutations). Our pulsed EPR and NMR results show differences in inhibitor interactions in subtype C, MDR769 and V6 compared to subtype B.
Effects of untreated and treated wastewater irrigation on some chemical properties of cauliflower (Brassica olerecea L. var. botrytis) and red cabbage (Brassica olerecea L. var. rubra) grown on calcareous soil in Turkey

Abstract The use of wastewater for irrigation is increasingly being considered as a technical solution to minimize soil degradation and to restore nutrient content of soils. The aims of this study were to test if wastewater irrigation could improve soil fertility without affecting the quality of soils and plants. A field experiment was conducted in 2006 to investigate the effects of irrigation with untreated, and preliminary and primary treated wastewater on macro- and micronutrient distribution within the soil profile, yield and mineral content of cauliflower and red cabbage plants grown on a calcareous Aridisol in eastern Anatolia, Erzurum province, Turkey. Wastewater irrigation affected significantly soil chemical properties in the 0–30 cm soil layer and plant nutrient content after harvest. Application of wastewater increased soil salinity, organic matter, exchangeable Na, K, Ca, Mg, plant available phosphorus and microelements, and decreased soil pH. Wastewater irrigation treatments also increased the yield as well as N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Ni and Cd contents of cauliflower and red cabbage plants. The highest yield, macro- and micronutrient uptake of cauliflower and red cabbage plants were obtained with the untreated wastewater. Undesirable side effects such as heavy metal contamination in soil and plant, and salinity were not observed with the application of wastewater. It can be concluded that untreated wastewater can be used confidently, in the short term, in agricultural land, while primary treated wastewater can be used in sustainable agriculture in the long term.
Technetium-99m isonitrile myocardial uptake at rest. I. Relation to severity of coronary artery stenosis.

Abstract To determine the potential of planar technetium-99m methoxybutyl isonitrile myocardial imaging as a method of detecting totally occluded or severely stenosed coronary arteries, the regional distribution of technetium-99m isonitrile at rest was compared with the coronary anatomy in 38 patients with prior myocardial infarction who underwent coronary arteriography. Left ventricular technetium-99m isonitrile tracer uptake at rest was assessed in the three major coronary vascular territories. When qualitative rest technetium-99m isonitrile uptake was markedly reduced or absent (grade 0), there was a 91% probability of finding a totally occluded or severely stenosed coronary artery. When qualitative tracer uptake was reduced (grade 1) or normal (grade 2), it excluded all territories supplied by a totally occluded vessel with poor collateral flow. Quantitative technetium-99m isonitrile uptake (mean ± 1 standard deviation) in territories supplied by an occluded coronary artery with poor collateral flow (42 ± 21%) was lower than in territories supplied by a vessel with
Population Size and Home Range of American Eels in a Georgia Tidal Creek

Abstract Capture-recapture methods were used to estimate the population size and density of American eels Anguilla rostrata in a 1-km section of a tidal creek during May. Of 645 American eels tagged over 6 d, 282 were recaptured at least once. Adjusted Petersen, Schnabel, and computer-modelling techniques produced population estimates ranging from 728 to 928 American eels, corresponding densities being 182–232 fish/hectare, and an approximate biomass of 50.5 kg in the 4-hectare study site. Capture location records indicated a mean home range of 1.04 hectares for 82 American eels recaptured two or more times. Combined with other short- and long-term observations, American eels at this estuarine site appear to exhibit relatively restricted movements.
Dependent variable reliability and determination of sample size

Arguments have recently been put forth that stan dard textbook procedures for determining the sam ple size necessary to achieve a certain level of power in a completely randomized design are incorr...
Characterization of zygotic and nucellar seedlings from sour orange-like citrus rootstock candidates using RAPD and EST-SSR markers

A series of crosses designed for introgression of mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) and pummelo (C. maxima Merr.) germplasm, to develop an alternative rootstock to sour orange (C. aurantium L.), were carried out. It is necessary to identify those hybrids that yield nucellar seedlings for rootstock propagation. Rootstocks can be developed through traditional plant breeding methods; however, the ability to screen and select for economically important traits (such as production of true nucellar seedlings) in an efficient fashion is limited by the difficulties of screening techniques based on whole plant performance. To address these problems, we have used randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and fluorescently labeled expressed sequence tag simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) molecular markers. A total of 204 individual seedlings obtained from 34 hybrid parental plants were successfully characterized using five RAPD primers. Ten hybrid parents and their progenies, found to be genetically similar among themselves, were selected for more scrutiny using eight EST-SSR primer pairs. The degrees of genetic similarity (nucellars) among progeny seedlings were determined and compared with that of their parents. The mean genetic similarity varied from 67–99% among the selected rootstock candidates screened. The genetic similarity relationship identified using RAPD and EST-SSR molecular markers was highly concordant (p = 0.001). Two elite rootstock candidates (B6R5T56; B6R11T129) that seem to be ideal for future mandarin and pummelo derived rootstock breeding programs have been identified. Our results indicate that either RAPD or EST-SSR analyses could be equally successful in identifying true nucellars among the progenies obtained from introgression crosses of mandarin and pummelo, thus improving the accuracy of early selection in a citrus rootstock breeding program.
A framework for identifying performance targets for sustainable nanomaterials

An issue in the application of nano-enabled products is how can we evaluate sustainable solutions to current system problems based on performance criteria? This work describes the application of an Input–Process–Output (IPO) model as a framework for a life-cycle analysis approach to identify performance metrics and criteria for evaluating the application of nanomaterials to improve the sustainability of a system. A case study is presented describing a scenario whereby a nano-enabled biocidal paint is considered for a remediation effort to reduce growth of dark molds and bacteria on refrigerated warehouses. The framework is applied to support identification of the energy-consuming steps (such as increased refrigeration energy burden, cleaning and repainting), selection of performance metrics for evaluating consumption, and determination of thresholds to measure sustainability outcomes.
Open quantum dynamics of single-photon optomechanical devices

We study the quantum dynamics of a Michelson interferometer with Fabry-Perot cavity arms and one movable end mirror, and driven by a single photon—an optomechanical device previously studied by Marshall et al. as a device that searches for gravity decoherence. We obtain an exact analytical solution for the system's quantum mechanical equations of motion, including details about the exchange of the single photon between the cavity mode and the external continuum. The resulting time evolution of the interferometer's fringe visibility displays interesting new features when the incoming photon's frequency uncertainty is narrower or comparable to the cavity's line width—only in the limiting case of much broader-band photon does the result return to that of Marshall et al., but in this case the photon is not very likely to enter the cavity and interact with the mirror, making the experiment less efficient and more susceptible to imperfections. In addition, we show that in the strong-coupling regime, by engineering the incoming photon's wave function, it is possible to prepare the movable mirror into an arbitrary quantum state of a multidimensional Hilbert space.
Nonisothermal melting and crystallization studies of homogeneous ethylene/α‐olefin random copolymers

A study of nonequilibrium melting, nonisothermal, and isothermal crystallization behavior of ethylene/1-octene (EO) random copolymers, produced using metallocene catalysts has carried out. As branch (or defect) content increases, the nonisothermal and isothermal crystallization rates, melting temperatures, and heats of fusion decrease. There is also a branch length effect on melting temperature depression, the melting temperature depression of EO random copolymers with hexyl branches were significantly larger than those of ethylene/1-butene (EB) and ethylene/1-propene (EP) copolymers having ethyl and methyl branches, respectively. The melting temperatures of homogeneous random copolymers have been found to be always lower than those of fractions of heterogeneous copolymers, having approximately the same branch content and molecular weight. Hence, defect distribution in copolymer systems is at least as important a parameter as the defect content.
Distributed self-diagnosis of VLSI mesh array processors

A distributed self-diagnosis algorithm for VLSI mesh arrays with small clusters of faults is presented. It allows only fault-free cells to make decisions and to propagate diagnosis results. Its time complexity is constant with respect to the number of processors. The diagnosability is proportional to the array size. >
Measuring TeraGrid: workload characterization for a high-performance computing federation

TeraGrid has deployed a significant monitoring and accounting infrastructure in order to understand its operational success. In this paper, we present an analysis of the jobs reported by TeraGrid for 2008. We consider the workload from several perspectives: traditional high-performance computing (HPC) workload characteristics; grid-oriented workload characteristics; and finally user- and group-oriented characteristics. We use metrics reported in prior studies of HPC and grid systems in order to understand whether such metrics provide useful information for managing and studying resource federations. This study highlights the importance of distinguishing between analyses of job patterns and work patterns; that small sets of users dominate the workload both in terms of job and work patterns; and that aggregate analyses across even loosely coupled federations, with incomplete information for individual systems, reflect patterns seen in more tightly coupled grids and in single HPC systems.
Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma of the tonsil: Report of a case and review of the literature

Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA) is a relatively common malignancy of the oral cavity, representing 7% to 11% of all intraoral minor salivary gland tumors, and 19% to 26% of those that are malignant. However, it is a rare finding in the oropharynx, with only 6 cases reported in the medical literature. The clinical features of a case of PLGA of the tonsillar fossa in a 64-year-old gentleman are presented, only the second such case reported in the medical literature. A review and discussion of the literature pertaining to PLGA of the oral cavity and the oropharynx is provided. (Am J Otolaryngol 2002;23:297-299.
THE IMPACT OF CHANGES IN PRICING POLICY UPON TRANSIT RIDERS OF VARYING AGES IN CHICAGO

The elderly and young represent a significant segment of the transit-dependent ridership in metropolitan areas. The impacts of a change in pricing structure and transfer policy upon these groups are examined using survey data generated from riders of the Regional Transportation Authority in Chicago before and after a major restructing of fares and transfer policy. Results indicate that the elderly and young differ from the general population of respondents in their sensitivity to these changes. Moreover, it appears that the restructuring of fares did not adversely affect ridership patterns for these subgroups of transit users.
Learning to Think and Write as an Empirical Psychologist: The Laboratory Course in Developmental Psychology

A laboratory course in developmental psychology is wed as an example of teaching undergraduate students thinking and writing skills. Different varieties of written and oral communication are practiced: scientific experimental report writing, sequential and topical protocols of infant behavior, blooper examination responses, and oral presentations.
A Comparison of the Fluid Models Effect on the Internal Stresses of Rough Surfaces

A comparison between the effects of Newtonian, hyperbolic, and Eyring fluid models on the internal stresses in EHD lubrication of a smooth and rough stationary surface in contact with a moving smooth surface was obtained. The elasticity equation was modified with the experimental surface measurements obtained from a typical bearing
Design of a transient voltage clamp (TVC) for 4 Switch Buck Boost (4SBB) Converter

This paper presents a new design methodology of the transient voltage clamp (TVC), which operates by controlling inductor current slew rate in 4 Switch Buck Boost Converter (4SBB). When 4SBB operates in boost mode, the TVC circuit changes inductor current slew rate during load current step-down to achieve a faster voltage regulation. Due to the slow inductor current slew rate, traditional 4SBB could not respond rapidly to the load current transient. As a result, a large output voltage spike can be occurred during load transient. The specific function of the TVC is to control unused switches when 4SBB operates in boost mode. The main challenge in applying the TVC is how to control unused switches during load current transient. In this paper, how to control the inductor current slew rate and transient response are discussed. The theoretical analysis will be confirmed by the cadence simulation results.
Inquiry in Intercultural and Development Communication

The present essay deviates from the conventional grouping of development communication and international communication. Instead, it examines development communication together with intercultual communication. This rare combination of the two largely separate areas of study in a single overview presents an opportunity to retrace the common political and cultural milieu that gave birth to the two areas, to track their independent theory and research developments, to compare the respective area's key research agendas and theoretical advances that have been achieved, and to identify and reflect on some of the common challenges that lie ahead.
Dual-polarized Ku-band backscatter signatures of hurricane ocean winds

The Ku-band dual-polarized backscatter signatures of ocean surfaces are described in this paper with the airborne scatterometer measurements collected in the Hurricane Ocean Wind Experiment in September 1997. The data collected from flights over Hurricane Erika provide a direct evidence that there are wind direction signals in the vertically and horizontally polarized Ku-band backscatter of ocean surfaces under the influence of hurricane force winds. At 46/spl deg/ incidence angle, the vertically polarized backscatter acquired at the upwind direction increases by about 1 dB as the wind speed increases from 22 m/spl middot/s/sup -1/ to 35 m/spl middot/s/sup -1/, while the horizontally polarized backscatter appears to be twice as sensitive with a change of about 2 dB. At 35 m/spl middot/s/sup -1/ wind speeds, the difference between upwind and crosswind observations of vertically polarized backscatter is about 1.5 dB, smaller than the 2 dB difference for the horizontally polarized backscatter. This demonstrates that the horizontal polarization has a greater sensitivity to wind speed and direction than the vertical polarization in the high wind regime. The data also suggest that the upwind and downwind asymmetry of Ku-band backscatter decreases with increasing wind speed and can fall below 0 dB at small incidence angles (<35/spl deg/) for the vertical polarization. A combined interaction of the geometric optics scattering and the short wave modulation by long waves is proposed to interpret this phenomenon and appears to agree with the dependence of the signature on incidence, wind speed, and polarization. The aircraft flight data support the feasibility of dual-polarized Ku-band radar for hurricane ocean wind measurements, although the data do suggest a reduced wind speed and direction sensitivity in the high wind regime. Also, the differing polarization backscatter signatures-suggest the relative contributions of various surface scattering mechanisms. An improved Ku-band GMF is described.
Photonic crystal chips for optical interconnects and quantum information processing

We have recently demonstrated a number of functional photonic crystals devices and circuits, including an ultrafast, room temperature, low threshold, nanocavity laser with the direct modulation speed approaching 1 THz, an all-optical switch controlled with 60 fJ pulses and with the speed exceeding 200Hz, and a local, reversible tuning of individual quantum dots on a photonic crystal chip by up to 1.8nm, which was then used to tune single quantum dots into strong coupling with a photonic crystal cavity and to achieve a giant optical nonlinearity.
Focus on Molecules: Six3 – Master or Apprentice?

Six3 (also known as six homeobox-3), a vertebrate homolog of the Drosophila ‘sine oculis’ (so) gene, is a member of the evolutionarily conserved SIX family. The members of SIX family are found in diverse organisms including flatworms, fruit fly, medaka fish, chickens, frogs, zebrafish, mice and humans (Oliver et al., 1995). Members of the SIX gene family encode transcription factors characterized by the presence of evolutionarily conserved DNA-binding homeodomain and an upstream SIX domain, which may be involved both in determining DNA-binding specificity and in mediating proteineprotein interactions (Fig. 1A). DNA-binding activity of so is mediated through the Prd class of homeobox nucleic acid recognition domain (HD). SIX proteins contain lysine residue at position fifty (K50), which assign SIX3 to an Orthodenticle sub-group within the Prd class. The site bound by SIX3 contains the traditional ATTA homeodomain core recognition sequence. Even though there are individual differences, the consensus binding sites for SIX proteins in flies and worms are TGATAC and GGGTATCA. The SIX domain which is the second interaction domain in the six3 protein, is 146 amino acids long, and lies just 50 and directly adjacent to the HD. This domain is involved inmediating proteineprotein interactions.