cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
HRAD30A, a Gene Encoding a Class Y Low-Fidelity Dna Polymerase Has a Low Complexity Region in Intron I Associated with Tissue-Specific Alternative Splicing

INTRODUCTION. The XP Variant (XPV) is a complementation group of the human disease xeroderma pigmentosum that was recently identified as a caused by mutations in a gene that maps to 6p21, hRad30A, that encodes a novel DNA polymerase, pol η[1,2]. Pol η is a member of a large family, class Y, of low-fidelity DNA polymerases. It has the unusual property that although it can replicate UV-induced pyrimidine dimers in vivo with the insertion of the correct bases in the daughter strand, in vitro it is very error-prone and inserts mutagenic bases at about 1% frequency[3,4]. We recently identified an alternative splice variant of hRad30A mRNA in the testis and fetal liver, suggesting that there may be tissue-specific regulation of this gene[5]. This alternative splicing results in the elimination of exon II that contains the ATG start site for transcription and results in a cDNA that does not complement the XPV defect[5].
Implications of the choice of predictors for semi-implicit Picard integral deferred correction methods

High-order semi-implicit Picard integral deferred correction (SIPIDC) methods have previously been proposed for the time-integration of partial differential equations with two or more disparate time scales. The SIPIDC methods studied to date compute a high-order approximation byfirst computing a provisional solution with a first-order semi-implicit method and then using a similar semi-implicit method to solve a series of correction equations, each of which raises the order of accuracy of the solution by one. This study assesses the efficiency of SIPIDC methods that instead use standard semi-implicit methods with orders two through four to compute the provisional solution. Numerical results indicate that using a method with more than first-order accuracy in the computation of the provisional solution increases the efficiency of SIPIDC methods in some cases. First-order PIDC corrections can improve the efficiency of semi-implicit integration methods based on backward difference formulae (BDF) or Runge‐Kutta methods while maintaining desirable stability properties. Finally, the phenomenon of order reduction, which may be encountered in the integration of stiff problems, can be partially alleviated by the use of BDF methods in the computation of the provisional solution.
Ribonucleoside Triphosphates as Substrate of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Reverse Transcriptase in Human Macrophages

We biochemically simulated HIV-1 DNA polymerization in physiological nucleotide pools found in two HIV-1 target cell types: terminally differentiated/non-dividing macrophages and activated/dividing CD4+ T cells. Quantitative tandem mass spectrometry shows that macrophages harbor 22–320-fold lower dNTP concentrations and a greater disparity between ribonucleoside triphosphate (rNTP) and dNTP concentrations than dividing target cells. A biochemical simulation of HIV-1 reverse transcription revealed that rNTPs are efficiently incorporated into DNA in the macrophage but not in the T cell environment. This implies that HIV-1 incorporates rNTPs during viral replication in macrophages and also predicts that rNTP chain terminators lacking a 3′-OH should inhibit HIV-1 reverse transcription in macrophages. Indeed, 3′-deoxyadenosine inhibits HIV-1 proviral DNA synthesis in human macrophages more efficiently than in CD4+ T cells. This study reveals that the biochemical landscape of HIV-1 replication in macrophages is unique and that ribonucleoside chain terminators may be a new class of anti-HIV-1 agents specifically targeting viral macrophage infection.
Cytoskeletal and Signaling Mechanisms of Neurite Formation

The formation of a neurite, the basis for axons and dendrites, begins with the concerted accumulation and organization of actin and microtubules. Whereas much is known about the proteins that play a role in these processes, because they perform similar functions in axon branching and filopodia formation, much remains to be discovered concerning the interaction of these individual cytoskeletal regulators during neurite formation. Here, we review the literature regarding various models of filopodial formation and the way in which proteins that control actin organization and polymerization induce neurite formation. Although several different regulators of actin polymerization are involved in neurite initiation, redundancy occurs between these regulators, as the effects of the loss of a single regulator can be mitigated by the addition of neurite-promoting substrates and proteins. Similar to actin dynamics, both microtubule stabilizing and destabilizing proteins play a role in neurite initiation. Furthermore, interactions between the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton are required for neurite formation. Several lines of evidence indicate that the interactions between these two components of the cytoskeleton are needed for force generation and for the localization of microtubules at sites of nascent neurites. The general theme that emerges is the existence of several central regulatory pathways on which extracellular cues converge to control and organize both actin and microtubules to induce the formation of neurites.
Endoscopically guided placement of prefabricated cochlear implant electrodes in a common cavity malformation.

Summary Objective To devise a safe and effective method of optimal customized electrode placement in the common cavity of children with cochleovestibular malformations. Methods Specialized electrodes were manufactured on the basis of three-dimensional data obtained from the high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans of the temporal bones of these two children. Electrode positioning was achieved with direct endoscopic view of the cavity utilizing a three-hole common cavity technique. Results Optimal electrode positioning in apposition to the medial neuroepithelium in the common cavity was verified visually intraoperatively. Postoperatively, minimal stable electrical current levels were found to be required. Conclusions Custom-designed electrodes have the potential to offer improved results in children with common cavity malformations. Intraoperative direct positioning may further improve these results.
Thermo-Mechanical Behavior of a Stainless Steel Threaded Fitting With a Pre-Compressed Gasket

This paper investigates the clamp load loss in threaded fittings with a collapsible metal gasket for elevated temperature application. Firstly, the joint is tested at room temperature to find the correlation between the joint clamp load, the tightening torque, and the angle of turn. Secondly, a mathematical model for clamp load loss of the bolted joints under temperature cycling is proposed for predicting the clamp load variation. Although the bolt and the joint would normally undergo linear elastic deformation at room temperature, they are more likely to exhibit nonlinear behavior at high temperature due to the reduced material strength. The plastic or creep deformation of the bolt, gasket, and joint would cause permanent clamp load loss that may lead to joint leakage, part separation, or plastic thread deformation that would significantly increase the cost of fitting replacement and/or maintenance. A non-linear finite element model is used with temperature dependent material properties. The FEA model is used to investigate the clamp load loss of the threaded fittings due to plastic and creep behavior. Some measures for enhancing the threaded fitting reliability at elevated temperature are proposed.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Surface reconstruction of FeAl(110) studied by scanning tunnelling microscopy and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy

The surface geometric and electronic structure of the FeAl(110) intermetallic alloy has been investigated by scanning tunnelling microscopy and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). Preferential sputtering results in depletion of Al in the surface region and subsequent annealing promotes surface segregation of Al and gives rise to new reconstructed phases. A bulk terminated surface structure is obtained after annealing the surface to 400 °C. However, an incommensurate phase develops above 800 °C with a stoichiometry consistent with an FeAl2 structure in the topmost layer. The ARPES measurements confirm the Al segregation with increased density of states (DOS) near the Fermi level. The increased DOS is believed to be due to hybridization between the Fe d and Al sp states. The increased intensity of the Al 2p core level for the incommensurate phase also confirms the higher Al surface concentration for this phase.
In situ nitrite measurements using a compact spectrophotometric analysis system

Abstract Application of a portable spectrophotometric analysis system for measurement of nitrite in seawater is described in this work. The spectral analysis system (SEAS) used for observations of the primary nitrite maximum (PNM) has an operational depth of 500 m and is capable of fully autonomous data acquisition and analysis. The liquid core waveguides (LCWs) used as optical cells in SEAS allow for optical pathlengths as long as 5 m and provide subnanomolar detection limits for a variety of analytes. The 1-m waveguide used in the present study had an internal volume of 0.52 cm 3 and provided NO 2 − measurement precisions and detection limits on the order of 1.2 and 2.5 nM. The time required for a complete in situ analysis, approximately 3–5 min, allows acquisition of detailed profiles on time scales commensurate with the duration of typical hydrocast operations. NO 2 − profiles in the Gulf of Mexico showed very sharp gradients over a 5–10-m depth range and a primary nitrite maximum between 100 and 130 m. A shoulder was often observed approximately 10 m below the primary maximum, with relatively slowly decreasing NO 2 − concentrations at increasing depth.
Spatial and short-term temporal variations in Uranus’ near-infrared spectrum

We obtained near-infrared spectra of Uranus at NASA’s Infrared Telescope Facility during the planet’s September 2006 and September 2007 oppositions. Ratios between the spectra indicate that in 2006, Uranus’ methane windows appeared much brighter in the south than in the north, and that between 2006 and 2007 they grew dimmer in the south and brighter in the north; we interpret these variations to be primarily caused by changing brightness in Uranus’ upper cloud layer near 2 bars.
Synergism of Catalysis and Reaction Center Rehybridization. A Novel Mode of Catalysis in the Hydrolysis of Carbon Dioxide

A quantum mechanical study is presented of the activation barrier of the one-, two-, and three-water hydrolyses of CO 2 . Geometries were optimized, frequencies were calculated, and NPA charges were determined at MP2(full)/6-31G* and MP2(full)/6-311G**, and energies were also determined at MP4(full,SDTQ)/6-311G**// MP2(full)/6-31 1G** and QCISD(T)/6-31G**//MP2(full)/6-31G**. The activation barriers are ΔH 0 = 223.0 kJ/mol and ΔG 2 9 8 = 235.6 kJ/mol for the one-water hydrolysis and they are ΔH 0 = 149.8 kJ/mol and ΔG 2 9 8 = 164.4 kJ/mol for the two-water hydrolysis at MP4(full,SDTQ)/6-311G**. The catalytic effect of the second water molecule is due to the alleviation of ring strain in the proton-transfer transition state. The placement of the third water molecule in the proton-transfer ring causes only an insignificant catalytic effect with respect to the two-water hydrolysis. The placement of the third water molecule opposite the site of proton transfer is explored here and it leads to activation barriers of ΔH 0 = 122.6 kJ/mol and ΔG 2 9 8 = 143.1 kJ/mol. The catalytic effect of the third water molecule is approximately 20 kJ/mol with respect to the two-water hydrolysis, and this is attributed to charge relaxation and rehybridization in the transition state. The results are compared to studies on the three-water hydrolysis of carbodiimide to discern the effects of atomic polarizability on the activation barriers of the hydrolyses of heterocumulenes. The conceptional insights predict that the catalytic effect should increase with more polarizable heteroatoms.
RMI-81,582, a novel antipsychotic drug.

RMI-81,582 (2-chioro-11-3-dimethylaminopropylidene morphanthridene), a potential antipsychotic agent, was administered to eight chronic and four acute male schizophrenics in an open label study. Ten of twelve patients improved, particularly those who were experiencing their first hospitalization, regardless of whether they met Research Diagnostic Criteria for acute or chronic schizophrenia. Significant improvement was noted on the Clinical Global Impressions and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. No extrapyramidal side effects were noted and other adverse reactions were few. Serum prolactin levels, a measure of antidopaminergic activity, were increased by low-moderate dosages of RMI-81,582 in seven of eleven patients. Four patients had no increase in serum prolactin with RMI-81,582. In six of the seven patients who developed increases in serum prolactin, prolactin levels returned to those characteristic of the placebo period as the dosage of RMI-81,582 was increased. With classical neuroleptics, serum prolactin levels increase as the dose increases up to approximately the equivalent of chlorpromazine 600 mg/day and then remain fairly constant. The pattern of serum prolactin response in both man and laboratory animals and the absence of extrapyramidal side effects suggest RMI-81,582 may have a clozapine-like action.
Verification of Parental History of Coronary Artery Disease and Associations With Adult Offspring Risk Factors In a Community sample: The Bogalusa Heart Study

Positive parental history of coronary artery disease (CAD) (myocardial infarction, angina, angioplasty, bypass surgery) reported by 371 of 1,930 black and white adults aged 18 to 31 years in 1988 to 1991 in the Bogalusa Heart Study was verified by interviewing parents or next-of-kin. Error rates in reporting information concerning parental CAD and risk factors in offspring with a positive and negative parental history of CAD were examined. The 371 subjects who reported a positive parental history represented 304 families. Parental CAD could not be verified in 43 (14.1%) instances, and false-positive reports occurred in 45 (14.8%) cases. Among 216 families with confirmed CAD histories, the father had CAD in 175 (81.0%) cases and the mother in 70 (32.4%) cases. Both parents had CAD in 29 (13.4%) families. Of the parents with CAD, 46% of the fathers and 25% of the mothers died. The mean age at clinical onset of CAD was 51 years. Offspring with a confirmed positive parental history (n = 271) had significantly higher (P < 0.05) adjusted serum total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, plasma insulin and glucose, body mass index, and triceps and subscapular skinfolds than subjects with a negative parental history (n = 1,253). Those with an unconfirmed positive parental history (n = 51) had higher mean plasma insulin and serum high-density lipoprotein levels than those with a negative parental history; low-density lipoprotein levels were similar. Family history of CAD remains a useful indicator for screening adults at risk of developing CAD. An unverified family history may underestimate the importance of particular risk factors in epidemiologic studies.
Behavioral treatment of obesity with monetary contracting: Two-year follow-up☆

Reported is a 2-year follow-up of a behavioral weight reduction program for men using monetary contracts of varying size and group versus individual contingencies. Although initial weight losses were large, in the absence of an effective maintenance program weight losses at two years were modest, similar to those obtained with less effective initial weight loss procedures. Group contracts were significantly more effective in producing long term loss than individual contracts. Reported behaviors associated with weight loss at 2 years are presented.
A Persistent Oxygen Anomaly Reveals the Fate of Spilled Methane in the Deep Gulf of Mexico

Methane was the most abundant hydrocarbon released during the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Beyond relevancy to this anthropogenic event, this methane release simulates a rapid and relatively short-term natural release from hydrates into deep water. Based on methane and oxygen distributions measured at 207 stations throughout the affected region, we find that within ~120 days from the onset of release ~3.0 × 1010 to 3.9 × 1010 moles of oxygen were respired, primarily by methanotrophs, and left behind a residual microbial community containing methanotrophic bacteria. We suggest that a vigorous deepwater bacterial bloom respired nearly all the released methane within this time, and that by analogy, large-scale releases of methane from hydrate in the deep ocean are likely to be met by a similarly rapid methanotrophic response.
Quantum networking with photons and trapped atoms (Invited)

Distributed quantum information processing requires a reliable quantum memory and a faithful carrier of quantum information. Atomic qubits have very long coherence times and are thus excellent candidates for quantum information storage, whereas photons are ideal for the transport of quantum information as they can travel long distances with a minimum of decoherence. We discuss the theoretical and experimental combination of these two systems and their use for not only quantum information transfer but also scalable quantum computation architectures.
Hypoglycemic Threshold for Human Growth Hormone Release

ABSTRACT Plasma human growth hormone (HGH) was measured in 11 subjects given low doses of insulin. Significant elevations of plasma HGH, temporally related to the stimuli, were seen only with significant decreases in blood glucose. The threshold for release of HGH was a fall of blood glucose of between 20 and 30 mg/100 ml, which was not associated with subjective manifestations of stress.
Responses of Nereis virens to alcohols.

Abstract 1. 1. Clamworms, Nereis virens Sars, respond to chemical stimulation in a quantitative manner while housed in glass tubes. 2. 2. Acceptance and rejection responses were distinguishable and were found to occur, as a function of concentration, upon stimulation with Mytilus extract, amino acids and alcohols. 3. 3. Median rejection concentrations and concentrations at maximal acceptance were determined for a series of nine saturated monohydric alcohols.
The pineal gland: a neurochemical transducer.

In this article, Axelrod applied signal transduction theory to his research on the metabolic function of serotonin, even describing the pineal gland as a "neurochemical transducer."
The effect of applying biuret to certain grasses.

Abstract The effects of applications of biuret to Digitaria swazilandenis, Cynodon dactylon, Eragrostis curvula and sugarcane are described. Slight leaf tip‐burn was observed in the cases of the Digitaria, Cynodon and Eragrostis a few days after application of the biuret but sugarcane was not affected. The results show that crude biuret can be used effectively as a source of nitrogen by pastures, lawn grasses and sugarcane. Crude biuret is sometimes included in the rations of ruminants to provide extra protein in the diet. Should any biuret pass out unchanged in the dung or urine it would be beneficial rather than detrimental to veld or pasture.
TH-D-M100F-09: Ultrasound-Guided Prostate IMRT Planning: An Ultrasound-CT Application

Purpose: The prostate contours drawn by physicians on CTimages tend to overestimate the real volume due to the poor contrast between the prostate and the surrounding soft tissues. The aim of this study was to utilize ultrasound (US)‐CT to guide a more accurate prostate segmentation for prostate IMRT planning. Method and Materials: In US‐CT modality, the ultrasound system (Restitu™, Resonant Medical System, Montreal, Canada) was integrated with CT‐Sim through an optic camera system, which was calibrated to the intersection point of wall lasers of CT‐Sim and was able to trace the position of ultrasound probe in real‐time. Thus, for each patient, the CT scan and ultrasound scan can take place at the same position and almost the same time. After compensating for the mechanical inaccuracy of CT‐sim and the image distortion of 3‐D USimages due to inconsistent ultrasound wave propagation speed in different tissue types, 3‐D CT and 3‐D USimages can be superimposed together naturally, since they share the same spatial coordinate system. Thus, the prostate contour drawn on 3‐D Ultrasoundimages can be transferred into CTimages for IMRT planning. Results: Five patients underwent 3‐D US‐CT scan in this study. First, a physician contoured the target volumes and surrounding critical organs on CTimages. Then the prostate was contoured on USimages for comparison. The fused US‐CT images revealed that the discrepancy between the prostate volume drawn on CTimages and ultrasoundimages takes place mostly at the lateral surface of prostate and the interface between prostate and rectum. The volume of the prostate drawn on USimages is 30%∼50% less than that obtained from CT.Conclusion: Ultrasound‐CT, a new multi‐modality imaging system, has a potential to provide a more accurate prostate anatomy definition for prostate IMRT planning thereby reducing radiation dose to surrounding critical structures.
H2 binding to and silane alcoholysis on an electrophilic Mn(I) fragment with tied-back phosphite ligands. X-ray structure of a Mn–CH2Cl2 complex

Abstract The solvent-coordinated cationic complex [mer-Mn(CO)3{P(OCH2)3CMe}2(ClCH2Cl)][BArF] (4), has been prepared by the reaction of the methyl precursor mer-Mn(Me)(CO)3{P(OCH2)3CMe}2 with [Ph3C][BArF]. The coordinated solvent, CH2Cl2, binds to Mn through one chloride atom in the X-ray crystal structure, which also exhibits novel interligand hydrogen bonding between an acidic hydrogen on CH2Cl2 and an oxygen of the phosphite. 4 binds H2 in equilibrium fashion, and the η2-H2 complex has a very high JHD of 34.5 Hz indicative of the high electrophilicity of the metal center. Silanes also displace the bound CH2Cl2 at low temperature, although the η2-SiH bond undergoes heterolytic cleavage on warming. 4 catalyzes reaction of SiHEt3 with phenol to give Et3SiOPh and H2. The bound CH2Cl2 in 4 is displaced irreversibly by olefins, ethers, and amines, to form stable adducts. The cationic [Mn(CO)3(P(OCH2)3CMe)2]+ fragment is more electrophilic than phosphine analogues, and the tied-back phosphites give less steric congestion and, importantly, cannot engage in agostic interactions that would compete with external ligand binding. The results in these and other related systems bring to the forefront the subtle balance between electronic and steric forces that occur on addition of sixth ligands to 16 e− metal fragments.
Resonance Raman spectroscopy as an analytical probe for biological chromophores: spectra of four Cu-etioporphyrins.

Summary Resonance Raman spectra have been obtained for the position isomers Cu-etioporphyrins I, II, III, and IV, as solids dispersed in KBr matrices. The spectra of the four molecules differ markedly in the 650–850 cm −1 region, enabling the substances to be distinguished. The potential of resonance Raman spectroscopy as a sensitive and non-destructive analytical tool is illustrated.
A statistical investigation into the stability of iris recognition in diverse population sets

Iris recognition is increasingly being deployed on population wide scales for important applications such as border security, social service administration, criminal identification and general population management. The error rates for this incredibly accurate form of biometric identification are established using well known, laboratory quality datasets. However, it is has long been acknowledged in biometric theory that not all individuals have the same likelihood of being correctly serviced by a biometric system. Typically, techniques for identifying clients that are likely to experience a false non-match or a false match error are carried out on a per-subject basis. This research makes the novel hypothesis that certain ethnical denominations are more or less likely to experience a biometric error. Through established statistical techniques, we demonstrate this hypothesis to be true and document the notable effect that the ethnicity of the client has on iris similarity scores. Understanding the expected impact of ethnical diversity on iris recognition accuracy is crucial to the future success of this technology as it is deployed in areas where the target population consists of clientele from a range of geographic backgrounds, such as border crossings and immigration check points.
A Near-Infrared Study of the NS 14 Bipolar Nebula

In this fifth paper of a series on high-mass star formation, we continue our study with the bipolar nebula NS 14. We have imaged this nebula at J (1.23 μm), H (1.65 μm), and K (2.23 μm) broadband near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths. We have also obtained 3.29 μm dust feature emission and Brγ (n = 7 → 4, 2.166 μm) hydrogen recombination line emission images of this region. The broadband reflection nebulosity, surrounding a central "Trapezium" of stars, forms a bipolar structure that is also seen in the 3.29 μm dust feature emission. This dust feature emission exhibits limb brightening; therefore, small dust grains in the central regions of the bipolar structure have been evacuated. The Brγ line emission consists of a compact component ≤2'' in size and a more extended component ~5'' × 7'' or larger in size. A study of the stellar population of the cluster, centered on the nebular emission, has also been made.
Demonstration of 8-Gbit/in. 2 areal storage density based on swept-carrier frequency-selective optical memory

Using swept-carrier frequency-selective optical data storage techniques to record multikilobit-long data streams at single spatial locations, we have achieved an areal storage density of 8 Gbits/in.2 and a density–input/output bandwidth product of 1.5 × 1017 bits/(in.2 s). The latter quantity is among the highest demonstrated in the context of nonparallelized two-dimensional optical or magnetic recording systems. Extrapolation of the present results to full material utilization suggests an achievable storage density of the order of 100 Gbits/in.2.
Application of a dermal self-exposure model to worker reentry.

The dermal toxicity of five commonly used organophosphate insecticides was investigated with a mouse intermittent self‐exposure model. Blood cholinesterases were monitored on d —3 and —1 before exposure and for 4–6 d during exposure to foliar residues. Responses were much greater in unmuzzled than in muzzled animals due to oral contamination. After two 10‐h exposures, muzzled mice showed log‐linear cholinesterase reponses across a wide range of foliar pesticide concentrations. Foliar pesticide levels that caused 50% depression in plasma or red blood cell cholinesterase were determined with log‐probit dose‐response analysis. The greatest cholinesterase responses for both emulsifiable concentrate and encapsulated formulations were found with diazinon, followed by parathion and methyl parathion. Azinphos‐methyl and mevinphos produced no significant responses in muzzled mice at maximal foliar concentrations. Symptomatology, food consumption, and body weight provided less sensitive indicators of response than ...
General Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy systems with simplified linear rule consequent are universal controllers, models and filters

Abstract Takagi-Sugeno (TS) fuzzy systems have successfully been employed, mainly in a trial-and-error manner, to solve many control and modeling problems; but their applications as signal filters remain to be fully explored. Compared to their nonfuzzy counterparts, TS fuzzy controllers and models are difficult to be efficiently constructed because there is a large number of design parameters in the rule consequent. The number grows dramatically with the increase of the number of input fuzzy sets and input variables. Furthermore, there exists little published result on relationship between TS fuzzy controllers/models/filters and their nonfuzzy counterparts. In this paper, we investigate, in relation to some popular nonfuzzy controllers, models and filters, analytical structure of a general class of multi-input single-output (MISO) TS fuzzy systems that use arbitrary fuzzy rules with our recently introduced simplified linear rule consequent. Other components of the fuzzy systems in this study are general: arbitrary continuous input fuzzy sets, any type of fuzzy logic AND and the generalized defuzzifier containing the widely used centroid defuzzifier as a special case. We prove that the general MISO TS fuzzy systems are: (1) nonlinear variable gain controllers when implemented as controllers, or (2) nonlinear time-varying auto-regressive with the extra input (ARX) models when implemented as models, or (3) nonlinear infinite impulse response (IIR) or finite impulse response (FIR) filters when implemented as filters. Furthermore, we constructively prove that the general TS fuzzy systems with the simplified linear rule consequent are universal approximators and can approximate any continuous function in closed domain arbitrarily well. The practical implication of these results is that these fuzzy systems, with much less design parameters, are always able to produce solutions to various control, modeling and filtering problems. We also establish sufficient conditions that can be used to calculate the number of input fuzzy sets and rules needed for achieving prespecified approximation accuracy.
Optical Absorption and Thermoluminescence of X-Ray-Irradiated KBr Crystals at Room Temperature

Two thermoluminescence peaks are observed in KBr crystals that are x irradiated at room temperature. The 185\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C peak can be removed by annealing the crystal for several hours at 400\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C and is attributed to highly localized defects. The 152\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C peak is proposed to be due to the liberation and recombination of the electrons from the $F$ centers. The single glow peak obtained at 152\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C is analyzed by the area method and initial-rise method to give thermal trap depths of 0.55 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.04 and 0.61 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.02 eV, respectively. The optical absorption measurements indicate that $F$ and ${V}_{2}$ centers are formed in the crystal during the x-irradiation process. The thermoluminescence spectra has been analyzed to consist of one narrow emission band centered at 3.08 eV. This thermoluminescence process is found to be nearly first order and an energy-level diagram is proposed to correlate the optical absorption and emission spectra.
Age-related changes in skeletal muscle function.

This review examines current evidence for the existence of aging processes in skeletal muscle fibers. Experimental data demonstrating changes with age in nerve-muscle interaction, excitation-contraction coupling, mechanical properties and muscle energetics are discussed, with emphasis on factors in addition to aging which might account for the observed results. The effects of dietary restriction, exercise and disease on age-related changes in muscle function are also discussed. Results of recent studies highlight the need to establish the health status of subjects and animals used for aging research as well as the need to obtain data from a wide variety of muscles. Although marked decline of muscle performance with age is documented by early studies, recent work indicates that at least some muscles of healthy individuals and animals do not show an age-related decline in function or an impaired ability to respond to exercise. Decreased physical performance in the elderly may be due to factors extrinsic to aged skeletal muscle fibers. (Aging 2: 27–38, 1990)
Multiple levels of allopatric divergence in the endemic Philippine fruit bat Haplonycteris fischeri (Pteropodidae)

As part of a larger comparative phylogeographical study of Philippine fruit bats, I used fragments of the mitochondrial genes cytochrome b and ND2 to investigate phylogeography and diversification in Haplonycteris fischeri, a pteropodid bat endemic to the Philippines but widespread within the archipelago. Genetic diversity in H. fischeri was extremely high in these commonly studied genes, with 101 unique haplotypes in 123 sequenced individuals, although small, continuously isolated islands had less diversity than had large island complexes. Seven monophyletic groups and one paraphyletic group were restricted to individual islands, groups of islands, or parts of islands. Each Pleistocene island complex had a single resident monophyletic lineage; these five groups were separated by approximately 6-8% sequence divergence and apparently have been diverging for 4-6 Myr. Within island groups, monophyletic lineages on some individual islands suggest that current ocean channels have also been barriers to gene flow; in some cases, multiple allopatric clades were present on single islands. Basal divergence dates were estimated to be in the early Pliocene, and most diversification was apparently connected to the ongoing geological evolution of the Philippines. Geological history and current geography interact with ecology to cause substantial genetic differentiation within this primary forest-specialist species.
Short-term re-feeding of previously energy-restricted C57BL/6 male mice restores body weight and body fat and attenuates the decline in natural killer cell function after primary influenza infection

A hallmark of energy restriction (ER) is a decrease in total body fat, which is thought to increase lifespan and maintain immune function. However, we have shown that during primary influenza infection, ER induces rapid weight loss, impairs natural killer (NK) cell function, and increases mortality in young and aged mice. To determine whether influenza-induced NK cell function could be restored in ER mice, young adult (6 mo) male C57BL/6 mice were fed an ER diet or re-fed (RF) control diet ad libitum for 2 wk before infection with PR8 influenza A. An initial hyperphagic response was observed in RF mice, characterized by increased food intake, rapid weight gain, and restoration of body fat and fat depots by 5–7 d of re-feeding to levels comparable to control ad libitum (AL) mice. Re-feeding improved survival and attenuated the decline in NK cell function during infection, evidenced by increased numbers, percentages, and CD69 expression by d 3 postinfection in RF mice. Interestingly, an altered metabolic phenotype was observed during infection of RF mice, with plasma leptin concentrations greater than in ER mice but less than in AL mice. In contrast, adiponectin concentrations of RF mice were lower than those of both ER and AL mice. These data suggest that re-feeding for a defined period before, and perhaps throughout, influenza season may provide the energy needed to counter the deleterious effects of ER on NK cell function, especially during exposure to newly emerging strains of influenza, for which vaccines are limited or unavailable.
TDM-FDM Conversion Requiring Reduced Computation Complexity

We present an approach to perform the conversion between two widely used multiplexing techniques in telephony, time division, multiplex (TDM) to frequency division multiplex (FDM), using digital signal processing techniques. By exploiting some results from the theory of computational complexity we reduce considerably the number of computations required. Furthermore the use of only nonrecursive (FIR) filters whose coefficients are expressed in the canonical signed digit code permits a 16 bit implementation requiring no multiplications and only additions with concurrent shifts which further simplifies the required circuitry.
Asymmetry in the optical output power characteristics of a short-external-cavity laser diode

Asymmetry in optical power versus external-cavity length characteristics has been observed in a short-external-cavity laser-diode configuration. It is shown that this phenomenon can be explained only by introducing a complex coupling coefficient, representing the coupled field amplitude into the laser diode at each reflection. This supports the open resonator model description of the short-external-cavity laser diode. Such an asymmetry effect should be recognized and properly dealt with in any laser-diode sensor. >
Global climate change and terrestrial net primary production

A process-based model was used to estimate global patterns of net primary production and soil nitrogen cycling for contemporary climate conditions and current atmospheric CO2 concentration. Over half of the global annual net primary production was estimated to occur in the tropics, with most of the production attributable to tropical evergreen forest. The effects of CO2 doubling and associated climate changes were also explored. The responses in tropical and dry temperate ecosystems were dominated by CO2, but those in northern and moist temperate ecosystems reflected the effects of temperature on nitrogen availability.
Principal Component Analysis-based compensation for measurement errors due to mechanical misalignments in PCB testing

Capacitive Leadframe Testing is capable of detecting open solder defects in Printed Circuit Boards (PCB). Principal Component Analysis (PCA)-based approach has been shown to be effective in identifying outlier devices using Capacitive Leadframe Testing measurements. In practice, when a sense plate orientation is shifted or tilted, the resulting measurement variation makes detecting outliers harder. Approaches are introduced to compensate for the ‘abnormal’ measurements due to sense-plate variations. A PCA based technique is developed to estimate the relative amount of tilt and shift in sense plates. Such estimates can be used to compensate for mechanical misalignments. It can also isolate the misalignment related information from the defect related information in the data. The effectiveness of this technique in the presence of the two common forms of mechanical variations is illustrated using experimental measurements from a laboratory setting. The approach is not sensitive to the order of pins, and as such, shows promise for detection of complex but systematic errors introduced by sense plate misalignments.
Marine Mammals as Sentinel Species for Oceans and Human Health

The long-term consequences of climate change and potential environmental degradation are likely to include aspects of disease emergence in marine plants and animals. In turn, these emerging diseases may have epizootic potential, zoonotic implications, and a complex pathogenesis involving other cofactors such as anthropogenic contaminant burden, genetics, and immunologic dysfunction. The concept of marine sentinel organisms provides one approach to evaluating aquatic ecosystem health. Such sentinels are barometers for current or potential negative impacts on individual- and population-level animal health. In turn, using marine sentinels permits better characterization and management of impacts that ultimately affect animal and human health associated with the oceans. Marine mammals are prime sentinel species because many species have long life spans, are long-term coastal residents, feed at a high trophic level, and have unique fat stores that can serve as depots for anthropogenic toxins. Marine mammals may be exposed to environmental stressors such as chemical pollutants, harmful algal biotoxins, and emerging or resurging pathogens. Since many marine mammal species share the coastal environment with humans and consume the same food, they also may serve as effective sentinels for public health problems. Finally, marine mammals are charismatic megafauna that typically stimulate an exaggerated human behavioral response and are thus more likely to be observed.
Borrelia burgdorferi RNA Induces Type I and III Interferons via Toll-Like Receptor 7 and Contributes to Production of NF-κB-Dependent Cytokines

Borrelia burgdorferi elicits a potent cytokine response through activation of multiple signaling receptors on innate immune cells. Spirochetal lipoproteins initiate expression of NF-κB-dependent cytokines primarily via TLR2, whereas type I interferon (IFN) production is induced through the endosomal receptors TLR7 and TLR9 in human dendritic cells and TLR8 in monocytes. We demonstrate that DNA and RNA are the B. burgdorferi components that initiate a type I IFN response by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). IFN-α protein and transcripts for IRF7, MX1, and OAS1 were induced by endosomal delivery of B. burgdorferi DNA, RNA, or whole-cell lysate, but not by lysate that had been treated with DNase and RNase. Induction of IFN-α and IFN-λ1, a type III IFN, by B. burgdorferi RNA or live spirochetes required TLR7-dependent signaling and correlated with significantly enhanced transcription and expression of IRF7 but not IRF3. Induction of type I and type III IFNs by B. burgdorferi RNA could be completely abrogated by a TLR7 inhibitor, IRS661. In addition to type I and type III IFNs, B. burgdorferi RNA contributed to the production of the NF-κB-dependent cytokines, IFN-γ, interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), by human PBMCs. Collectively, these data indicate that TLR7-dependent recognition of RNA is pivotal for IFN-α and IFN-λ1 production by human PBMCs, and that RNA-initiated signaling contributes to full potentiation of the cytokine response generated during B. burgdorferi infection.
Particle production at high p⊥ in 28Si+A collisions at 14.6 AṡGeV/c

Abstract Inclusive cross-sections are presented for particle production at high p⊥ ( p ⊥ ≡ p s sin θ ) and at the nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass rapidity (y nn ) in collisions of 14.6 Aṡ;GeV/c 28 Si ions with Al and Au targets. The transverse momentum (p⊥) and transverse mass ( m ⊥ ≡ √ p ⊥ 2 + m 2 ) dependences of the inclusive cross-sections are discussed. The effects of resonance decays on the pion spectra are explored using p-p data for guidance.
In Vitro Stimulation of Adenosine 3′,5′-Monophosphatein Unilateral Undescended Testes of Humans by Follicle-Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone

The in vitro effects of FSH and LH on cAMP generation by unilateral undescended testes and contralateral descended testes were investigated. Biopsy tissue was preincubated at 37 C for 5 min in 1 ml Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer (KRB) containing 10 mM aminophylline. Half of each specimen was frozen in liquid nitrogen to assess basal levels of cAMP. The other half was incubated for 20 min at 37 C in 1 ml fresh KRB containing aminophylline and FSH (10 microgram) or LH (10 microgram). The mean concentration of cAMP in the descended testes was 1.03 +/- 0.04 pmol/mg protein, whereas in the undescended testes the level was 1.98 +/- 0.07 pmol/mg protein (P less than or equal to 0.01). After the 20-min incubation period with FSH the concentrations of cAMP in the descended and undescended testes were 10.85 +/- 0.86 pmol/mg protein and 11.21 +/- 1.1 mol/mg protein, respectively. Incubation with LH resulted in the generation of equivalent levels of cAMP in both the descended (2.76 +/- 0.30 pmol/mg protein) and undescended (3.0 +/- 0.17 pmol/mg protein) testes. Although marked histological differences were observed in the germinal epithelium, the appearance and numbers of Leydig and Sertoli cells were comparable. The data suggest that the Sertoli cell is the primary receptor for FSH. Leydig and Sertoli cell functions of the undescended testes, at least in terms of cAMP generation, are similar to normal descended testes.
Hand-eye Robotic Visual Servoing Around Moving Objects Using Active Deformable Models

This paper presents a new approach for visual tracking and servoing in robotics. We introduce deformable active models as a powerful means for tracking a rigid object in movement within the manipulator's workspace. Deformable models imitate, in real-time, the dynamic behavior of elastic structures. These computer-generated models are designed to capture the silhouette of rigid objects with well-defined boundaries, in terms of image gradient. By means of an eye-in-hand robot arm configuration, the desired motion of the end-effector is computed with the objective of keeping the target's position and shape invariant with respect to the camera frame. Optimal estimation and control techniques (ZQG regulator) have been successfully implemented in order to deal with noisy measurements provided by our vision sensor. Experimental results are presented for the tracking of a rigid object moving in a plane parallel to the image plane (three degree-of-freedom visual servoing). The experiments performed in a real-time environment show the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method for servoing tasks based on visnal feedback control.
Induced transport in pulsating flow

The dispersion coefficient is evaluated in a general linear chromatographic system in which the velocity field is time periodic. Computations are carried out in detail for two examples. In the first example there are two phases and the flow pattern is simple. In the second example there is only one phase and the flow pattern is complex. The latter example is closely related to Taylor diffusion. Depending on the relative size of certain dimensionless parameters, one can distinguish four regions of different qualitative behavior of the system: molecular diffusion region, Taylor region, constant amplification region, and boundary transport region.
Appraisal of guidelines developed by the World Health Organization

Abstract Objective To appraise the quality of guidelines developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) that were approved by its Guidelines Review Committee (GRC) and identify strengths and weaknesses in the guideline development process. Study design Cross-sectional. Methods Three individuals independently assessed GRC-approved WHO guidelines using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument (AGREE II). Scores were standardized across domains and overall quality was determined through consensus. Results 124 guidelines met inclusion criteria and were assessed. 58 guidelines were recommended for use, 58 were recommended with modifications and eight were not recommended. The highest scoring domains across guidelines were scope and purpose, and clarity of presentation. The recommended guidelines had higher rigor of development and applicability domain scores in comparison to other guidelines. 77% of the guidelines referenced an underlying evidence review and 49% used GRADE to assess the body of evidence or the strength of the recommendation. The domains in need of improvement included stakeholder engagement, editorial independence, and applicability. Guidelines not recommended for use were generally insufficient in their rigor of development. Conclusions WHO guidelines need further improvement, most importantly in the rigor of their development (i.e., use of evidence reviews). Other areas for improvement include increased stakeholder engagement, a more explicit process for recommendation formulation and disclosure of interests, discussion of the facilitators, barriers, resource implications, and criteria for monitoring the outcomes of guideline implementation. WHO guidelines can improve through increased transparency, adherence to the WHO Handbook for Guideline Development, and better oversight by the GRC.