cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coherent phase-locking of seven laser transmitters on a 408 meter outdoor range

We operate our laboratory-demonstrated coherent seven-sub-aperture transmitter on our 408 meter free-space range, and demonstrate phase-locking while simultaneously measuring turbulence. The received signal enhancement is near what is expected from analysis.
INCREASED LEUKOCYTE ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE IN SICK NEONATES

Alkaline phosphatase (LAP) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were evaluated in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) from neonates using a computer-assisted cytospectrophotometer. This method allowed quantitative enzyme determinations within each PMN. Population distributions were determined for 100 individual cells. Of the 10 infants studied, 8 were ill, 3 with congenital pneumonia and 5 without proven infection, and 2 were well pre-term infants. PMNs were obtained from all during the first week of life and from 5 during the third week, as well. The 8 ill infants showed a broad distribution of LAP activity in their PMNs in the first week of life, with 75.4±25.2% (±S.D.) of PMNs having LAP activity greater than the 95th percentile of our adult controls. By the third week of life, the percent of PMNs had significantly diminished to 35.6±33.9% (±S.D.) (p < .05). The 2 well pre-term infants in the first week of life had only 7±4% (±S.D.) of PMNs with activity greater than the 95th percentile for adult controls. The distribution of MPO activity did not differ from adult controls in any infant.
What The Precedence Effect Tells Us About Room Acoustics

Sound produced in a room is typically followed by numerous reflected sounds from nearby surfaces; yet we perceive a single sound source. This perceptual phenomenon, known as the precedence effect, has long been assumed to involve echo suppression, but the nature of this suppression remains unclear. In two experiments, we investigated whether information about the lagging sound’s location was perceived. Our hypothesis was that such information is critical because reflected sound can function to inform the listener about objects and structures in the room. Listeners reported hearing more echoes under a stimulus situation that simulated sudden, unexpected changes in the location of the lagging sounds, as compared with stable stimulus conditions. Placement of lagging sounds’ locations proved to be critical in that a sudden shift per se did not disrupt the fusion aspect of the precedence effect; the new location had to occupy a site that specified a new reflecting surface. Perception of echoes appears to be modulated by room acoustic information contained in reflected sound and listeners’ expectations about this.
Solid-contact potentiometric polymer membrane microelectrodes for the detection of silver ions at the femtomole level.

In recent years, ion-selective electrodes based on polymer membranes have been shown to exhibit detection limits that are often in the nanomolar concentration range, and thus drastically lower than traditionally accepted. Since potentiometry is less dependent on scaling laws that other established analytical techniques, their performance in confined sample volumes is explored here. Solid-contact silver-selective microelectrodes, with a sodium-selective microelectrode as a reference, were inserted into a micropipette tip used as a 50-μl sample. The observed potential stabilities, reproducibilities and detection limits were attractive and largely matched that for large 100-ml samples. This should pave the way for further experiments to detecting ultra-small total ion concentrations by potentiometry, especially when used as a transducer after an amplification step in bioanalysis.
Predicted and observed maximum prey size – snake size allometry

Summary 1 For gape-limited predators such as snakes, it should be possible to predict the relationship between maximum prey size and body size from the relationship between maximum prey size and gape size and between gape size and body size. Such predictions were generated for Water Snakes, Nerodia sipedon L., using a data subset and then tested with a larger data set. 2 Gape size was computed based on jaw length and width and cyclical regression was used to identify prey of maximum size for snakes of a given gape or mass. 3 Predicted and observed maximum prey cross-section–snake mass allometry were in good agreement. Predicted maximum prey mass–snake mass allometry somewhat exceeded observed allometry which did not differ from 1. 4 Observed minimum prey size–snake size allometry was significantly greater than 0, indicating that larger snakes drop small prey from their diets. 5 Gape size–body size allometry in two other natricine snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis, Storeria dekayi) suggest that patterns of ontogenetic change in prey size should differ among species in predictable ways. 6 Sex differences in gape size–snake size allometry suggest that sex differences in maximum prey size should increase with increasing snake size, even when linear measures of head dimensions do not.
The Effects of Jury Dogmatism on Reactions to Jury Nullification Instructions

Jury nullification instructions give jurors permission to disregard a law if they feet that its strict application would result in an unjust verdict. In a jury simulation, dogmatic and nondogmatic juries were given either standard or null fication instruc tions by the judge after hearing a euthanasia trial. Because of their alleged respect for and reliance on the pronouncements of authority figures, it was hypothesized that dogmatic juries would be more influenced than nondogmalic juries by the type of judge's instructions they received. Results from verdicts rendered, content analyses of jury deliberations, and postexperimental questionnaire data supported this hypothesis. Some implications of these outcomes are discussed.
Association and Virulence Gene Expression Vary among Serotype III Group B Streptococcus Isolates following Exposure to Decidual and Lung Epithelial Cells

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) causes severe disease in neonates, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. GBS species are highly diverse and can be classified by serotype and multilocus sequence typing. Sequence type 17 (ST-17) strains cause invasive neonatal disease more frequently than strains of other STs. Attachment and invasion of host cells are key steps in GBS pathogenesis. We investigated whether four serotype III strains representing ST-17 (two strains), ST-19, and ST-23 differ in their abilities to attach to and invade both decidual cells and lung epithelial cells. Virulence gene expression following host cell association and exposure to amnion cells was also tested. The ST-17 strains differed in their abilities to attach to and invade decidual cells, whereas there were no differences with lung epithelial cells. The ST-19 and ST-23 strains, however, attached to and invaded decidual cells less than both ST-17 strains. Although the ST-23 strain attached to lung epithelial cells better than ST-17 and -19 strains, none of the strains effectively invaded the lung epithelial cells. Notably, the association with host cells resulted in the differential expression of several virulence genes relative to basal expression levels. Similar expression patterns of some genes were observed regardless of cell type used. Collectively, these results show that GBS strains differ in their abilities to attach to distinct host cell types and express key virulence genes that are relevant to the disease process. Enhancing our understanding of pathogenic mechanisms could aid in the identification of novel therapeutic targets or vaccine candidates that could potentially decrease morbidity and mortality associated with neonatal infections.
Current-mode image sensor with 1.5 transistors per pixel and improved dynamic range

This paper describes a current-mode active pixel sensor (APS) for low supply voltage, low noise and high resolution/high speed imaging applications. The imager is designed in a standard 0.25 mum 2.5 V CMOS process. A transistor count of 1.5 per pixel is achieved through transistor sharing and floating diffusion (FD) based addressing. Highly linear current readout in velocity saturation, as well as triple sampling (TS), are used to reduce fixed pattern noise (FPN). Dynamic range (DR) is improved through FD presetting and boosting techniques, which allow the full-well capacity of photodiodes to be utilized without degrading readout linearity. Post-extraction simulation results on FPN and DR are presented, and compared favorably to a conventional 3-transistor pixel design.
XBP-1 specifically promotes IgM synthesis and secretion, but is dispensable for degradation of glycoproteins in primary B cells.

Differentiation of B cells into plasma cells requires X-box binding protein–1 (XBP-1). In the absence of XBP-1, B cells develop normally, but very little immunoglobulin is secreted. XBP-1 controls the expression of a large set of genes whose products participate in expansion of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and in protein trafficking. We define a new role for XBP-1 in exerting selective translational control over high and sustained levels of immunoglobulin M (IgM) synthesis. XBP-1−/− and XBP-1+/+ primary B cells synthesize IgM at comparable levels at the onset of stimulation with lipopolysaccharide or CpG. However, later there is a profound depression in synthesis of IgM in XBP-1−/− B cells, notwithstanding similar levels of μmRNA. In marked contrast, lack of XBP-1 does not affect synthesis and trafficking of other glycoproteins, or of immunoglobulin light chains. Contrary to expectation, degradation of proteins from the ER, using TCRα or US11-mediated degradation of class I major histocompatibility complex molecules as substrates, is normal in XBP-1−/− B cells. Furthermore, degradation of membrane μ was unaffected by enforced expression of XBP-1. We conclude that in primary B cells, the XBP-1 pathway promotes synthesis and secretion of IgM, but does not seem to be involved in the degradation of ER proteins, including that of μ chains themselves.
Novel Immunohistochemical Techniques Using Discrete Signal Amplification Systems for Human Cutaneous Peripheral Nerve Fiber Imaging

Confocal imaging uses immunohistochemical binding of specific antibodies to visualize tissues, but technical obstacles limit more widespread use of this technique in the imaging of peripheral nerve tissue. These obstacles include same-species antibody cross-reactivity and weak fluorescent signals of individual and co-localized antigens. The aims of this study were to develop new immunohistochemical techniques for imaging of peripheral nerve fibers. Three-millimeter punch skin biopsies of healthy individuals were fixed, frozen, and cut into 50-µm sections. Tissues were stained with a variety of antibody combinations with two signal amplification systems, streptavidin-biotin-fluorochrome (sABC) and tyramide-horseradish peroxidase-fluorochrome (TSA), used simultaneously to augment immunohistochemical signals. The combination of the TSA and sABC amplification systems provided the first successful co-localization of sympathetic adrenergic and sympathetic cholinergic nerve fibers in cutaneous human sweat glands and vasomotor and pilomotor systems. Primary antibodies from the same species were amplified individually without cross-reactivity or elevated background interference. The confocal fluorescent signal-to-noise ratio increased, and image clarity improved. These modifications to signal amplification systems have the potential for widespread use in the study of human neural tissues.
Detection and Localization in Test Accuracy: A Bayesian Perspective

In assessing the area under the ROC curve for the accuracy of a diagnostic test, it is imperative to detect and locate multiple abnormalities per image. This approach takes that into account by adopting a statistical model that allows for correlation between the reader scores of several regions of interest (ROI). The ROI method of partitioning the image is taken. The readers give a score to each ROI in the image and the statistical model takes into account the correlation between the scores of the ROI's of an image in estimating test accuracy. The test accuracy is given by Pr[Y > Z] + (1/2)Pr[Y = Z], where Y is an ordinal diagnostic measurement of an affected ROI, and Z is the diagnostic measurement of an unaffected ROI. This way of measuring test accuracy is equivalent to the area under the ROC curve. The parameters are the parameters of a multinomial distribution, then based on the multinomial distribution, a Bayesian method of inference is adopted for estimating the test accuracy. Using a multinomial m...
Paclitaxel-Based Chemotherapy in Carcinoma of the Fallopian Tube

Abstract Objective. The objective of this study was to determine the clinical outcomes of patients with fallopian tube carcinoma treated with paclitaxel-based combination chemotherapy following primary cytoreductive surgery. Methods. Twenty-four patients with the diagnosis of primary tubal adenocarcinoma treated between 1993 and 1998 were identified through the gynecology service database and the Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center tumor registry. Medical records were reviewed for information on age, stage, chemotherapy regimen, surgical intervention, relapse, and survival. All patients had their histologic material initially read or reviewed at Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center prior to treatment. The original slides were reviewed again by one of the authors (P.E.S.) to confirm the diagnosis of primary fallopian tube cancer. Results. The mean age of the patients was 63 years (range, 44–76). Distribution by stage was as follows: four patients (17%) were Stage I, three patients (12%) were Stage II, 16 patients (67%) were Stage III, one patient (4%) was Stage IV. Four patients had grade 2 tumors, 20 had grade 3. Sixteen patients (67%) had optimal cytoreduction at the time of initial surgery with residual disease less than 1 cm. Eight patients (33%) had suboptimal cytoreduction. Following initial surgery, all patients were treated with paclitaxel-based chemotherapy for a median of five cycles. Twenty-three patients received paclitaxel at the dose of 135–175 mg/m 2 in combination with carboplatin or cisplatin; the majority, 17 of 23 (74%), received carboplatin. One patient received paclitaxel alone. Median follow-up from time of initial surgery was 24 months (range, 1–73 months). Two patients are dead of disease. Overall survival for the entire group was 96% at 12 months by Kaplan–Meier analysis, and 90% at 3 years. The overall median progression-free survival was 27 months (range, 5–57 months) for the entire group. The median disease progression-free survival at 3 years was 67% (95% CI, 45–100) in the optimally debulked group as compared with 45% in the suboptimally debulked group (95% CI, 27–57). Twelve patients (50%) had evidence of recurrence or persistent disease. There were fewer recurrences in the optimally debulked group: 5 of the 16 patients (31%) versus 7 of the 8 patients (88%) with suboptimal cytoreduction. Conclusion. Optimally cytoreduced patients with primary fallopian tube carcinoma treated with a paclitaxel-based chemotherapy regimen have an excellent possibility of survival.
Devolatilization of polymer melts in single‐screw extruders

Polymer melt devolatilization (DV) was studied using a single-screw extruder with extruder RPM and polymer flow-rate as the key parameters varied. DV efficiency was studied at atmospheric pressure under nitrogen and also at reduced pressure. Preliminary results are applied to current mathematical models.
Pharmacokinetics of the plant-derived κ-opioid hallucinogen salvinorin A in nonhuman primates

Salvinorin A, a potent hallucinogen isolated from the leaves of Salvia divinorum, has gained popularity among adolescents in the USA. No detailed study of the pharmacokinetics has been conducted in vivo. The present study investigates the in vivo pharmacokinetics of salvinorin A (0.032 mg/kg, i.v. bolus) in rhesus monkeys (n=4, 2 male, 2 female). The elimination t(1/2) was rapid (56.6+/-24.8 min) for all subjects. Pharmacokinetic differences (distribution t(1/2), elimination t(1/2), and AUC) were observed between males and females, suggesting potential sex differences in its pharmacologic effects. Salvinorin B, the presumed major metabolite, is observed to accumulate ex vivo; however, in this study it never reached the limit of detection.
Hidden energy dissipation mechanism in nacre

The defense mechanism that nacre (mother-of-pearl) uses to protect its living organism against high-speed predatory attack can provide lessons for engineered armor design. However, the underlying physics responsible for nacre’s dynamic energy dissipation has hitherto remained a mystery to be uncovered. Here we demonstrate a new energy dissipation mechanism hidden in nacre and activated only upon dynamic loading, where the crack terminates its propagation along nacre’s biopolymer interlayers but straightly impinges the aragonite platelets (95 vol%) in a transgranular manner. This intergranular-transgranular transition promotes the fracture energy dissipation, far exceeding that of the currently-used engineered ceramics. The mechanistic origin accounting for the enhancement of fracture energy dissipation is attributed to the unique nanoparticle architectured aragonite platelets. The dynamic manifestation in nacre can inspire a new route to design stronger-and-tougher engineered ceramic armors.
"Not the 'grim reaper service'": an assessment of provider knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding palliative care referral barriers in heart failure.

Background Although similar to cancer patients regarding symptom burden and prognosis, patients with heart failure (HF) tend to receive palliative care far less frequently. We sought to explore factors perceived by cardiology, primary care, and palliative care providers to impede palliative care referral for HF patients. Methods and Results We conducted semistructured interviews regarding (1) perceived needs of patients with advanced HF; (2) knowledge, attitudes, and experiences with specialist palliative care; (3) perceived indications for and optimal timing of palliative care referral in HF; and (4) perceived barriers to palliative care referral. Two investigators analyzed data using template analysis, a qualitative technique. We interviewed 18 physician, nurse practitioner, and physician assistant providers from 3 specialties: cardiology, primary care, and palliative care. Providers had limited knowledge regarding what palliative care is, and how it can complement traditional HF therapy to decrease HF-related suffering. Interviews identified several potential barriers: the unpredictable course of HF; lack of clear referral triggers across the HF trajectory; and ambiguity regarding what differentiates standard HF therapy from palliative care. Nevertheless, providers expressed interest for integrating palliative care into traditional HF care, but were unsure of how to initiate collaboration. Conclusions Palliative care referral for HF patients may be suboptimal due to limited provider knowledge and misperceptions of palliative care as a service reserved for those near death. These factors represent potentially modifiable targets for provider education, which may help to improve palliative care referral for HF patients with unresolved disease-related burden.
Bauschinger effect in porous sintered steels

Abstract The Bauschinger effect was investigated in a sintered Fe–Mo steel by conducting load reversal experiments in tension followed by compression and vice-versa. A significant difference in Bauschinger effect was observed based on the initial direction of loading, with a much stronger Bauschinger effect in the compression–tension than in the tension–compression loading sequence. Stress–strain hysteresis measurements and examination of microstructure evolution indicated that compressive followed by tensile loading resulted in more damage, because of the “back-stress” associated with localized deformation surrounding the pores. Cracking took place primarily at the tips of the irregularly shaped pores in the microstructure, in both tension and compression, which was confirmed by microstructure-based finite element modeling. Cracking in compression was rationalized by the formation of a localized tensile stress at the pore tips, even under a far-field applied compressive stress.
Research Note. Preschoolers' Responses to Auditory and Vibroacoustic Stimuli:

This study was designed to ascertain whether vibrotactile stimulation ancillary to auditory stimuli would increase attentiveness or auditory com- prehension of preschoolers. Ninety-six children age...
Characteristics of Readmitted Psychiatric Inpatients

This study examined sociodemographic, diagnostic, psychological, and episode-based variables in a sample of 130 psychiatric patients admitted to treatment at least twice in a 6-yr. period. Short length of initial hospitalization (r = -.30, p <.01) and younger age on initial admission (r = -.20, p <.05) were significantly correlated with frequent hospital admissions. Scores on four of the subscales of the WAIS-R were significantly correlated with readmission, confirming that patients who have fewer cognitive resources are at risk of frequent admissions. A multiple regression analysis combining variables to predict readmission accounted for only 12% of the common variance (r128 = .34, p <.01), however, indicating that a prediction equation with these variables has limited clinical utility.
Characterization of virus-mediated inhibition of mixed chimerism and allospecific tolerance.

Simultaneous blockade of the CD28 and CD40 T cell costimulatory pathways has been shown to effectively promote skin allograft survival in mice. Furthermore, blockade of one or both of these pathways has played a central role in the development of strategies to induce mixed hematopoietic chimerism and allospecific tolerance. It has recently been observed that the beneficial effects of CD40 blockade and donor splenocytes in prolonging skin graft survival can be abrogated by some viral infections, including lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). In this study, we show that LCMV infection prevents prolonged allograft survival following CD28/CD40 combined blockade. We further show that LCMV prevents the induction of allospecific tolerance and mixed hematopoietic chimerism, while delay of infection for 3–4 wk posttransplant has no effect on tolerance induction. Because of reports of anti-H-2d activity following LCMV infection, we assayed the ability of LCMV-specific T cells to respond to alloantigen at a single cell level. Although we confirm that LCMV infection induces the generation of alloreactive cells, we also demonstrate that LCMV-specific T cells do not divide in response to alloantigen. The alloresponse suppressed by costimulation blockade is restored by LCMV infection and correlates with increased dendritic cell maturation. We hypothesize that the costimulation blockade-resistant rejection mediated by LCMV could be partly attributable to the up-regulation of alternative costimulatory pathways subsequent to LCMV-induced dendritic cell maturation.
Comment: An alternative interpretation of the relationship between TN:TP and microcystins in Canadian lakes

Landscape-scale patterns of the cyanobacterial toxin, microcystin, in Canadian lakes were recently analyzed by Orihel et al. (2012). The analysis of this comprehensive dataset was important for linking accelerated eutrophication and water quality issues affecting human health. The primary conclusion by Orihel et al. (2012) was that high microcystin concentrations occur only at low total nitrogen to total phosphorus (TN:TP) ratios in nutrient-rich lakes. Using these same data, however, we show that high microcystin concentrations across Canadian lakes of all trophic states are more likely to occur at intermediate TN:TP, where the relative availability of N and P aremore closely balanced with phytoplankton nutrient demand. Additionally, in the most nutrient-rich lakes, high microcystin concentrations were not related to TN:TP. Orihel et al. (2012) hypothesized that “the presence of microcystins in lakes should theoretically be higher under low N:P ratios if cyanobacteria dominate under conditions of relative N deficiency.” To test this hypothesis, the authors used arbitrary TN:TP categories of 60 (all ratios presented by mass) based on the presumption that lakes with TN:TP 22.5 (Guildford and Hecky 2000). Therefore, the TN:TP categories used by Orihel et al. (2012) did not include values at which phytoplankton N limitation was likely, even though their prediction of cyanobacterial dominance was predicated on the idea that N2-fixing cyanobacteria can overcome N limitation. Our reanalysis of these same data illustrate that when TN:TP categories are expanded to encompass the full range overwhich both N and P deficiency are probable (i.e., 50, and all increments of 5 in between), elevated microcystin concentrations are most frequently observed when the TN:TP ratio is between 15 and 20 (Fig. 1), which is the range for balanced phytoplankton growth identified by Guildford and Hecky (2000). Orihel et al. (2012) developed a regression tree model using the TREES module in SYSTAT 13 (Systat Software Inc., Chicago, Illinois) to quantify the relationship betweenmicrocystin concentrations and TN and TP concentrations and the TN:TP ratio. We were able to recreate their analysis identically using the MVPART library in R 2.9.2, but only after removing one outlier with a microcystin concentration >500 g·L−1, whichwe assumewas also done but not mentioned by Orihel et al. (2012). We also used nonparametric changepoint analysis in R 2.9.2 to calculate the statistical significance of the modeled thresholds, which is only possible with bootstrapping (Qian et al. 2003; King and Richardson 2003). The results of our regression tree analysis showed that TN was the strongest predictor of microcystin across all lakes (Fig. 2). Most lakes had low TN ( 23 (Fig. 2B). In lakes with TN > 2600 g·L−1 and TN:TP 219 g·L−1 (Fig. 2C). Thus, the regression tree shows that the highest microcystin concentrations across all Canadian lakes sampled occurred at TN:TP ratios between 12 and 23 because TN:TP was bound on the lower end by
Rapid oxidation characterization of ultra-high temperature ceramics

Here, a novel method for testing ultra-high-temperature ceramics (UHTC) at a high temperature, rapidly, at a low cost is introduced. A self-supported, self-heated ribbon specimen is used with a table-top apparatus to achieve the necessary high temperatures. This method enables a large temperature–time–composition parameter space to be covered by rapidly producing a large set of postoxidation samples for analysis. The complex oxide scale known to form during oxidation of UHTC materials is shown to be easily reproduced using this method. A ZrB2–SiC (15 vol%) UHTC material was tested at 17001C for 15 min. The oxide scale consists of a thin outermost silica (SiO2 )l ayer and a zirconia (ZrO2) columnar layer with small amounts of SiO2 embedded between the ZrO2 columns. A region of SiCdepleted zone was observed between the unreacted core and the ZrO2 layer. The measured thickness of the oxide scale was 102 l ma ndB120 lm for the SiC-depleted zone.
Learning how to control vibrations in multimode molecules

Summary form only given. We have constructed an automated learning machine to study complex quantum systems. We have used this machine to learn how to selectively excite vibrational modes in a multimode molecule. By using a genetic algorithm to guide a computer controlled optical pulse shaper, we were able to discover what pulse shape would excite a single, selected C-H stretch mode in liquid methanol. The vibrations were excited through stimulated Raman scattering with an intense, shaped, ultrafast laser pulse and they were detected by spectrally analyzing the forward scattered radiation.
A Comparative Study of Salivary Lysozyme in Caries-resistant and Caries-susceptible Adults

Lysozyme concentration was quantitated immunochemically in parotid and submandibular-sublingual saliva of 46 caries-resistant and 17 caries-susceptible adults. There was essentially no difference between the two groups. The concentration of lysozyme was three times higher in the submandibular-sublingual than in the parotid secretion, and was significantly higher in unstimulated submandibular saliva than in secretions stimulated with 1, 2, or 4% citric acid. There were no significant differences in flow rate between caries-resistant and -susceptible subjects. Salivary lysozyme concentration is not a critical determinant of resistance or susceptibility to caries.
Interactions of oral pathogens with toll-like receptors: Possible role in atherosclerosis

Toll-like receptors (TLR) function as important signal transducers that mediate innate immune and inflammatory responses to pathogens through pattern recognition of virulence molecules. Although TLRs mediate protection against infection, it is also likely that they may have a pathophysiologic role in certain inflammatory diseases, such as atherosclerosis. In atherosclerotic lesions, endothelial cells and macrophages have been shown to upregulate TLR expression and may respond to TLR agonists of microbial origin, resulting in detrimental inflammatory reactions. Some of these potential TLR-activating virulence factors may be of oral origin. The detection in atherosclerotic plaques of DNA specific for Porphyromonas gingivalis and other periodontal pathogens suggests that these pathogens disseminate into the systemic circulation and localize in atheromas. The potential of periodontal and some other oral pathogens to activate TLRs in vivo is suggested by findings from cell culture experiments on interactions o...
Conformation and Dynamics of Adsorbed Polymer Molecules Subjected to Flow

The dumbbell model of an adsorbed polymer segment is analyzed in order to investigate the response of such segments to a velocity gradient imposed at the solid/liquid interface. It is demonstrated that exact expressions for the time-dependent moments of the distribution function describing the conformation can be obtained. Both a dangling and an attached loop can be represented and the average thickness, power dissipation and refractive index of a polymer film subjected to flow are evaluated.
A multi-constellation multi-frequency gnss software receiver design for ionosphere scintillation studies

Ionospheric scintillations can cause significant amplitude and/or phase fluctuations of GNSS signals. This work presents analysis results of scintillation effects on the new GPS L5 signal based on data collected using a real-time scintillation monitoring and data collection system at HAARP, Alaska. The data collection setup includes a custom narrow band front end that collects GPS L1, L2 IF samples and two reconfigurable USRP2 based RF front ends to collect wideband GPS L5 and GLONASS L1 and L2 signals. The results confirm that scintillation has a stronger impact on GPS L2 and L5 signals than on the L1 signal. Our preliminary results also show that carrier phase and amplitude scintillations on each signal are highly correlated. The amplitude and carrier phase scintillation are also correlated among the three signals. In this study, a multi-constellation multi-band GNSS software receiver has been developed based on USRP2, a general purpose radio platform. The C++ class-based software receiver were developed to process the IF data for GPS L1, L2C, and L5 and GLONASS L1 and L2 signals collected by the USRP2 front end. The front end performance is evaluated against the outputs of a high end custom front end driven by the same local oscillator and two commercial receivers, all using the same real signal sources. These results demonstrate that the USRP2 is a suitable front end for applications, such as ionosphere scintillation studies. Another major contribution of this work is the implementation of a Vector tracking loop (VTL) for robust carrier tracking. The VTL is developed based on the extended Kalman filter (EKF) with adaptive covariance matrices. Both scalar tracking loop (STL) and VTL are implemented. Once an error in the scalar loop is detected, the results from the VTL are used to assist the STL. The performance of the VTL is compared with the traditional STL with three different data sets: raw GPS RF data with short signal outages, RF data with strong scintillation impacts collected during the last solar maximum, and high dynamic data with long interval signal outages from a GPS simulator. The results confirm the performance improvement of the VTL over scintillation impacts and show that the VTL can maintain signal lock during long intervals of signal outage if the satellite ephemerides are available and the pseudorange estimation is within one code chip accuracy. The dynamic performance improvement of the VTL is verified as well. The results show the potential of robust tracking based on VTL during scintillation and interference.
Microregulators Ruling Over Pluripotent Stem Cells

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have very promising clinical applications in regenerative medicine due to their ability for unlimited self-renewal and potential to differentiate into every cell type of the adult human body. microRNAs (miRNAs) are a novel class of single-stranded noncoding RNA that have been found to play a significant role in epigenetic regulation of ESCs and iPSCs. Understanding the miRNA regulatory pathways underlying the induction and maintenance of pluripotency in ESCs and iPSCs will facilitate basic research and stem cell–based regenerative therapies.
VORTICES IN THE WAKE OF RAPID BOSE-EINSTEIN CONDENSATION

A second order phase transition induced by a rapid quench can inject far more topological defects into the ordered phase than would appear in equilibrium. We use quantum kinetic theory to show that this mechanism, originally postulated in the cosmological context, and analyzed so far only on the mean field classical level, should allow spontaneous generation of vortex lines in trapped Bose-Einstein condensates of simple topology, or of winding number in toroidal condensates. [copyright] [ital 1999] [ital The American Physical Society]
Patent Update: Protease and Esterase Inhibitors: Current Research and Future in Immunotherapy

(1992). Patent Update: Protease and Esterase Inhibitors: Current Research and Future in Immunotherapy. Current Opinion on Therapeutic Patents: Vol. 2, No. 12, pp. 2055-2062.
Rehabilitation and return to activity after sports injuries.

An athlete's successful return to sport following injury requires an effective rehabilitation program. It is important that the primary physician incorporate this program into the treatment plan. Language: en
Insurgency and Counterinsurgency Logistics

The main thrust of the logistic principles, activities, and theories discussed in Chaps. 1 through 6 was directed towards military campaigns and major operations, also called “regular warfare.” This thrust was reflected in the various examples presented therein. However, most of the military conflicts since the beginning of the twenty-first century have been in the form of insurgencies, which have triggered counterinsurgency (COIN) operations. These “irregular” armed conflicts bear certain tactical and operational characteristics, which are different from those of regular warfare. These distinct characteristics affect the structure and implementation of logistics on both sides of the conflict – the insurgents and the regime forces who confront them. In this chapter we highlight and discuss the unique logistic aspects of insurgency and COIN operations.
Non-Contact Fluorescence Tomography: Sub-System Control Design for Exposure Control

Non-contact fluorescence tomography of small animals needs to be automated to balance gain control and laser intensity avoiding saturation or noisy signals. System workflow is identified and the concept of automatic exposure control is tested.
The complexities of female mate choice and male polymorphisms: Elucidating the role of genetics, age, and mate-choice copying

Genetic, life history, and environmental factors dictate patterns of variation in sexual traits within and across populations, and thus the action and outcome of sexual selection. This study explores patterns of inheritance, diet, age, and mate-choice copying on the expression of male sexual signals and associated female mate choice in a phenotypically diverse group of Schizocosa wolf spiders. Focal spiders exhibit one of two male phenotypes: 'ornamented' males possess large black brushes on their forelegs, and 'non-ornamented' males possess no brushes. Using a quantitative genetics breeding design in a mixed population of ornamented/non-ornamented males, we found a strong genetic basis to male phenotype and female choice. We also found that some ornamented males produced some sons with large brushes and others with barely visible brushes. Results of diet manipulations and behavioral mating trials showed no influence of diet on male phenotype or female mate choice. Age post maturation, however, influenced mate choice, with younger females being more likely to mate with ornamented males. A mate-choice copying experiment found that, following observations of another female's mate choice/copulation, virgin mature females tended to match the mate choice (ornamented vs. non-ornamented males) of the females they observed. Finally, analyses of genetic variation across phenotypically pure (only one male phenotype present) vs. mixed (both phenotypes present) populations revealed genetic distinction between phenotypes in phenotypically-pure populations, but no distinctionin phenotypically-mixed populations. The difference in patterns of genetic differentiation and mating across geographic locations suggests a complex network of factors contributing to the outcome of sexual selection.
Doppler Sonography in Early Pregnancy

This chapter provides a review of the three major areas of the use of Doppler ultrasound imaging for fetal and maternal risk assessment in early pregnancy. Ductus venosus and tricuspid flow assessments have now become an essential part of prenatal diagnostic workup in the first trimester. Uterine artery Doppler offers early prediction of preeclampsia and other pregnancy complications that can lead to prevention of some of these disorders through prophylactic therapeutics such as low-dose aspirin. Further research in this field holds exciting opportunities for improving perinatal care and outcome.
Research progress in nanocrystal drugs

Nanocrystal technology can effectively improve the solubility and dissolution rate for many poorly-water-soluble drugs,thereby significantly improving its oral bioavailability and decreasing the food effect.Hence,this technology has become one of the most vital research directions for drug delivery systems.Based on the literature at home and abroad,the recent progress in nanocrystal drugs in pharmaceutics is reviewed in this paper,including the characteristics,composition,preparation technology,clinical application and the quantitative expression of nanometer effect for the insoluble drugs.
Operation Stability Analysis and Research on Xiaoshan Power Station Francis Type Turbine-generator Units

Xiaoshan power station uses francis type water turbine-generator units of 80 MW.In order to test the operating characteristics of the units,stability test of the units is conducted after the unit overhaul.Various parts of the swing vibration and pressure fluctuation data of the units is analyzed through the test in different operating conditions,and the cause of the vibration is identified,which provided a scientific basis for anti-vibration operation and improved the operational life of the units.
Well Chosen Optimization Research of Carbon Dioxide Stimulation in Low Permeable Reservoir

Yushulin block of Daqing oilfield is low permeable block.Yushulin oil production factory is popularizing carbon dioxide stimulation to improved recovery.Optimization research of carbon dioxide stimulation in Yushulin oil production factory,and introducing fuzzy mathematics in well choosing of carbon dioxide stimulation be well chosen.Six factors in chossing well of carbon dioxide stimulation in Yushulin oil production factory be should consider,such as remainder oil saturation,water content ratio,reservoir thickness,permeability,porosity,bottom hole flowing pressure.
What Do Retweets Indicate? Results from User Survey and Meta-Review of Research

Arguably one of the most important features of Twitter is the support for “retweets” or messages re-posted verbatim by a user that were originated by someone else. Despite the fact that retweets are routinely studied and reported, many important questions remain about user motivation for their use and their significance. In this paper we answer the question of what users indicate when they retweet. We do so in a comprehensive fashion, by employing a user survey, a study of user profiles, and a meta-review of over 100 research publications from three related major conferences. Our findings indicate that retweeting indicates not only interest in a message, but also trust in the message and the originator, and agreement with the message contents. However, the findings are significantly weaker for journalists, some of whom beg to differ declaring so in their own user profiles. On the other hand, the inclusion of hashtags strengthens the signal of agreement, especially when the hashtags are related to politics. While in the past there have been additional claims in the literature about possible reasons for retweeting, many of them are not supported, especially given the technical changes introduced recently by Twitter.
A Review Essay on GDP: A Brief but Affectionate History by Diane Coyle

GDP, the most fundamental concept of aggregate economics, is often misunderstood and misused. In a brief book, Diane Coyle attempts to demystify and clarify the concept by providing what she calls "an affectionate history." The product is a lucid and clear presentation that however must come with a caution sign. The story is often incomplete, and what it does contain is not always accurate. Among the salient and controversial topics discussed are the adequacy of GDP for the twenty-first century, the deficiencies of GDP as a measure of welfare, and the strange way in which banking services are calculated.
The ethnobotany of psychoactive plant use: a phylogenetic perspective

Psychoactive plants contain chemicals that presumably evolved as allelochemicals but target certain neuronal receptors when consumed by humans, altering perception, emotion and cognition. These plants have been used since ancient times as medicines and in the context of religious rituals for their various psychoactive effects (e.g., as hallucinogens, stimulants, sedatives). The ubiquity of psychoactive plants in various cultures motivates investigation of the commonalities among these plants, in which a phylogenetic framework may be insightful. A phylogeny of culturally diverse psychoactive plant taxa was constructed with their psychotropic effects and affected neurotransmitter systems mapped on the phylogeny. The phylogenetic distribution shows multiple evolutionary origins of psychoactive families. The plant families Myristicaceae (e.g., nutmeg), Papaveraceae (opium poppy), Cactaceae (peyote), Convolvulaceae (morning glory), Solanaceae (tobacco), Lamiaceae (mints), Apocynaceae (dogbane) have a disproportionate number of psychoactive genera with various indigenous groups using geographically disparate members of these plant families for the same psychoactive effect, an example of cultural convergence. Pharmacological traits related to hallucinogenic and sedative potential are phylogenetically conserved within families. Unrelated families that exert similar psychoactive effects also modulate similar neurotransmitter systems (i.e., mechanistic convergence). However, pharmacological mechanisms for stimulant effects were varied even within families suggesting that stimulant chemicals may be more evolutionarily labile than those associated with hallucinogenic and sedative effects. Chemically similar psychoactive chemicals may also exist in phylogenetically unrelated lineages, suggesting convergent evolution or differential gene regulation of a common metabolic pathway. Our study has shown that phylogenetic analysis of traditionally used psychoactive plants suggests multiple ethnobotanical origins and widespread human dependence on these plants, motivating pharmacological investigation into their potential as modern therapeutics for various neurological disorders.
Effects of continuous positive airway pressure on energy balance regulation: a systematic review

Obesity is both a cause and a possible consequence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), as OSA seems to affect parameters involved in energy balance regulation, including food intake, hormonal regulation of hunger/satiety, energy metabolism and physical activity. It is known that weight loss improves OSA, yet it remains unclear why continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) often results in weight gain.The goal of this systematic review is to explore if and how CPAP affects the behaviour and/or metabolism involved in regulating energy balance.CPAP appears to correct for a hormonal profile characterised by abnormally high leptin and ghrelin levels in OSA, by reducing the circulating levels of each. This is expected to reduce excess food intake. However, reliable measures of food intake are lacking, and not yet sufficient to make conclusions. Although studies are limited and inconsistent, CPAP may alter energy metabolism, with reports of reductions in resting metabolic rate or sleeping metabolic rate. CPAP appears to not have an appreciable effect on altering physical activity levels. More work is needed to characterise how CPAP affects energy balance regulation.It is clear that promoting CPAP in conjunction with other weight loss approaches should be used to encourage optimal outcomes in OSA patients.
Creating a Homeodomain with High Stability and DNA Binding Affinity by Sequence Averaging

There is considerable interest in generating proteins with both high stability and high activity for biomedical and industrial purposes. One approach that has been used successfully to increase the stability of linear repeat proteins is consensus design. It is unclear the extent over which the consensus design approach can be used to produce folded and hyperstable proteins, and importantly, whether such stabilized proteins would retain function. Here we extend the consensus strategy to design a globular protein. We show that a consensus-designed homeodomain (HD) sequence adopts a cooperatively folded homeodomain structure. The unfolding free energy of the consensus-HD is 5 kcal·mol-1 higher than that of the naturally occurring engrailed-HD from Drosophila melanogaster. Remarkably, the consensus-HD binds the engrailed-HD cognate DNA in a similar mode as the engrailed-HD with approximately 100-fold higher affinity. 15N relaxation studies show a decrease in ps-ns backbone dynamics in the free state of consensus-HD, suggesting that increased affinity is not a result of increased plasticity. In addition to demonstrating the potential for consensus design of globular proteins with increased stability, these results demonstrate that greatly stabilized proteins can bind cognate substrates with increased affinities, showing that high stability is compatible with function.