cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Three families from SU(4) A ⊗SU(3) C ⊗SU(2) L ⊗U(1) X SM-like chiral models

We give a detailed description of the model construction procedures about our new approach to the family structure of the standard model. SM-like chiral fermion spectra, largely {open_quotes}derivable{close_quote}{close_quote} from the gauge anomaly constraints, are formulated in an SU(N){circle_times}SU(3){circle_times}SU(2){circle_times}U(1) symmetry framework as an extension of the SM symmetry. The N=4 case gives naturally three families as a result, with U(1){sub Y} nontrivially embedded into the SU(4){sub A}{circle_times}U(1){sub X}. Such a spectrum has extra vectorlike quarks and leptons. We illustrate how an acceptable symmetry-breaking pattern can be obtained through a relatively simple scalar sector which gives naturally hierarchical quark mass matrices. Compatibility with various FCNC constraints and some interesting aspects of the possible phenomenological features are discussed, from a non-model-specific perspective. The question of incorporating supersymmetry without putting in the Higgs bosons as extra supermultiplets is also addressed. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
The practical design of /spl Sigma//spl Delta/ data converters

This tutorial focuses on the practical side of designing /spl Sigma//spl Delta/ data converters. Topics discussed include an introduction to /spl Sigma//spl Delta/ conversion, a comparison with other converter architectures, a discussion of the choice of circuit types, the design of circuit blocks, board level considerations, simulation and testing, and debugging of these converters.
GA-Based Parallel Image Registration on Parallel Clusters

Genetic Algorithms (GAs) have been known to be robust for search and optimization problems. Image registration can take advantage of the robustness of GAs in finding best transformation between two images, of the same location with slightly different orientation, produced by moving spaceborne remote sensing instruments. In this paper, we have developed sequential and coarse-grained parallel image registration algorithms using GA as an optimization mechanism. In its first phase the algorithm finds a small set of good solutions using low-resolution versions of the images. Based on the results from the first phase, the algorithm uses full resolution image data to refine the final registration results in the second phase. Experimental results are presented and we found that our algorithms yield very accurate registration results and the parallel algorithms scales quite well on the Beowulf parallel cluster.
A ring-processor based blind beamformer design for use in wireless sensor networks

We present the architecture and VLSI implementation of a blind beamforming algorithm. An FIR filter based structure for eigenvector computations is proposed. We show that the structure can be optimally realized on a ring-processor based programmable multiprocessor IC. Chip characteristics and testing results for the IC are provided.
Application of Kings's Theory of Dynamic Interacting Systems to the Study of Child Abuse and the Development of Alcohol Use/Dependence in Adult Females

A review of the literature provides evidence demonstrating some association between alcohol dependence and assault among women. The assault can be associated with new onset of alcohol dependence or heavy use. Most research deals with child sexual abuse as the assault. Current research is showing that from 55–99% of women in treatment for alcohol dependency have reported a history of childhood abuse occurring before the age of 18. Therefore, there is a risk for females who have been abused as children for developing alcohol-related problems.
The impact of preventive maintenance on system cost and buffer size

Abstract In this paper we consider a system with two production operations (typically machines) and a buffer between them. Our objective is to determine the optimal buffer inventory level, b ∗ , that triggers preventive maintenance on the first production operation. We assume that periodic preventive maintenance will, in the long run, decrease the first production operation's failure rate. A cost model for the system is specified that includes the costs of preventive maintenance and unscheduled repairs, starving the second production operation, and inventory. The cost model is dependent on the values of performance measures that are a function of b ∗ , which defines the preventive maintenance policy. We model the stochastic buffer content process of this system and obtain the performance measures with an embedded absorbing Markov chain analysis. Under certain scenarios, the implementation of the preventive maintenance program is shown to decrease the system cost and the output process variation. Furthermore, our model can be used to indicate oversized buffers in such an environment.
Course materials presentation using video-based technologies: An evaluative study of college student performance and attitudes

A study was conducted in which one group of students was taught for 4 weeks using computer-generated lecture-relevant visual materials (i.e., still color video-displayed graphics) and then for 4 weeks using traditional lecture-relevant visual materials (i.e., blackboard and overhead transparency drawings). During the same time period, a comparable group of students was taught the same material by the same instructor for 4 weeks using traditional lecture-relevant visual materials and then for 4 weeks using computer-generated lecture-relevant visual materials. Students' learning of the course material (i.e., operationalized in terms of examination scores) and their attitudes about the course and instructor were assessed after the first 4-week period (Time 1) and the second 4-week period (Time 2). The pattern of exam score results suggested that student learning was negatively affected from Time 1 to Time 2 for those first having, and then not having, the computer-generated visuals and was positively affected from Time 1 to Time 2 for those first not having, and then having, the computer-generated visuals. Statistical tests performed on the data, however, did not reach acceptable levels of significance. Student attitudes did not parallel the performance data. Implications of the results are discussed.
Mechanisms affecting the infiltration and distribution of ethanol-blended gasoline in the vadose zone.

One- and two-dimensional experiments were conducted to examine differences in the behavior of gasoline and gasohol (10% ethanol by volume) as they infiltrate through the unsaturated zone and spread...
Microwave detection of photolysis products: HCO from acetaldehyde using mercury sensitization

Abstract Four millimeter wave transitions of HCO have been re-measured using mercury sensitized photolysis of acetaldehyde. This is the first microwave spectra observation of a photochemically generated free radical. Measured loss rates of acetaldehyde indicate a photon efficiency of approximately 0.2%.
Fused‐s‐triazino heterocycles IX. 1,3,4,6,9b‐pentaazaphenalenes and 1,3,6,9b‐tetraazaphenalenes: Amino and alkoxy derivatives

The trichloromethyl group served as a useful leaving group in nucleophilic displacement reactions by a variety of substituted amines and alcohols (the latter under base catalysis) on 2-trichloromethyl-5-methyl-1,3,4,6,9b-pentaazaphenalene (1a) and 2-trichloromethyl-4-cyano-1,3,6,9b-tetraazaphenalene (2a). The reaction conditions were mild and the yields of the corresponding 2-substituted amino and alkoxy derivatives were generally good.
Locaccino: a privacy-centric location sharing application

Locaccino is a location sharing application designed to empower users to effectively control their privacy. It has been piloted by close to 2000 users and has been used by researchers as an experimental platform for conducting research on location-based social networks. Featured technologies include expressive privacy rule creation, detailed feedback mechanisms that help users understand their privacy, algorithms for analyzing privacy preferences, and clients for mobile computers and smartphone devices. In addition, variations of Locaccino are also being piloted as part of research on user-controllable policy learning, learning usable privacy personas and reconciling expressiveness and user burden. The purpose of this demo is to introduce participants to the features of Locaccino, so that they can try out the Locaccino smartphone and laptop applications on their own devices, locate their friends and colleagues, and set rich privacy policies for sharing their location.
Performance of antenna diversity multiuser receivers in CDMA channels with imperfect fading estimation

The performance of antenna diversity coherent and differentially coherent linear multiuser receivers is analyzed in frequency-nonselective Rayleigh fading CDMA channels with memory. The estimates of the complex fading processes are utilized for maximal-ratio combining and carrier recovery of the coherent multiuser receiver. To analyze the impact of channel estimation errors on the receiver performance, error probability is assessed directly in terms of the fading rate and the number of active users, showing the penalty imposed by imperfect channel estimation as well as the fading-induced error probability floor. The impact of fading dynamics on the differentially coherent decorrelating receiver with equal-gain combining is quantified. While performance of multiuser receivers at lower SNR is determined by both the fading dynamics and the number of active CDMA users, performance at higher SNR is given by an error probability floor which is due to fading only and has the same value as in a single-user case. The comparison of the two receiver structures indicates that the coherent decorrelating receiver with diversity reception may be preferable to the differentially coherent one in nonselective fading CDMA channels with memory.
Gravitomagnetic interaction and laser ranging to Earth satellites.

The contribution of the ``gravitomagnetic'' interaction to a well-measured perturbation term in the orbits of Earth satellites is calculated. Laser-ranging determination of the Moon's orbit and Lageos-satellite orbit require the precise participation of the gravitomagnetic interaction; otherwise anomalous orbital perturbations exist. For the Lageos-satellite orbit, the gravitomagnetic interaction's contribution to the orbit is a 100-m altitude variation of frequency \ensuremath{\omega}-\ensuremath{\Omega} (\ensuremath{\omega} and \ensuremath{\Omega} are satellite and Earth orbital angular frequencies, respectively), but which is nullified by effects from other well established post-Newtonian gravitational potentials.
Chondroinduction of human dermal fibroblasts by demineralized bone in three-dimensional culture

We designed and tested a three-dimensional device composed of demineralized bone powder (DBP) packed within a bilaminate sponge as anin vitromodel for chondroinduction induced by DBP. Control bovine articular chondrocytes deposited cartilage matrix when cultured in these sponges. Human dermal fibroblasts that were seeded onto the composite sponge migrated through the collagen lattice and attached to the particles of DBP. Fibroblasts surrounding the DBP deposited a fine, granular extracellular matrix characterized by metachromatic staining similar to that deposited around the bona fide chondrocytes. Immunohistological analysis showed that the matrix contained chondroitin ΔDi-4 sulfate, chondroitin ΔDi-6 sulfate, and keratan sulfate epitopes. These components accumulated during the culture period, as quantified by immunochemical analysis of extracted matrix. In contrast, fibroblasts cultured in collagen sponges without DBP did not produce such a cartilage matrix. Control bovine chondrocytes produced these matrix molecules when cultured in the presence or absence of DBP. Thus this composite three-dimensional device facilitated evaluation of chondroinduction in human dermal fibroblastsin vitro.
A simple method of computation of resting potentials of various nerve axon systems

Abstract On the basis of simplified equations of the Nernst-Planck analog approach, a simple method for calculating the resting potentials of axon systems from concentrations of ions in axoplasm and bathing solutions is presented. Comparison of calculated values of membrane potentials, with observed values and Nernst potentials are presented for various axon systems. The better agreement obtained by this non-traditional simple method casts doubt on traditional beliefs about the resting state of the nerve axon systems.
Integration of Inductively Coupled Power Transfer and Hybrid Energy Storage System: A Multiport Power Electronics Interface for Battery-Powered Electric Vehicles

Detailed in this paper is a multiport power electronics interface which serves as an energy router for on-board electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles with inductively coupled power transfer (ICPT) and hybrid energy storage systems (HESS). The existing body of literature on HESSs lacks a unified controller and modular, flexible structure as well as integration of ICPT. In battery/ultracapacitor systems, this leads to piece-meal control of sources resulting in battery currents which are not fully decoupled from high-frequency/high-magnitude current and ultra-capacitor (UC) state of charge (SoC) not being properly controlled. A central controller is proposed in this paper which completely decouples the battery from both high-frequency and high-magnitude current, controls the SoC of the UCs, and models the SoC of the UCs in the stability analysis of the system. This system is particularly useful for online charging of HEVs in highway-type applications where ICPT pulse charging will be present. Solving the challenges of pulse charging will bring ICPT technology one step closer to widespread integration which has the potential to greatly reduce societies’ dependence on fossil fuel. Simulation and experimental results verify the feasibility of the proposed techniques.
Spectral element—Fourier methods for incompressible turbulent flows

Abstract A mixed spectral element-(Fourier) spectral method is proposed for solution of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations in general, curvilinear domains. The formulation is appropriate for simulations of turbulent flows in complex geometries with only one homogeneous flow direction. The governing equations are written in a form suitable for both direct (DNS) and large-eddy (LES) simulations allowing a unified implementation. The method is based on skew-symmetric convective operators that induce minimal aliasing errors and fast Helmholtz solvers that employ efficient iterative algorithms (e.g. multigrid). Direct numerical simulations of channel flow verified that the proposed method can sustain turbulent fluctuations even at ‘marginal’ Reynolds numbers. The flexibility of the method to efficiently simulate complex-geometry flows is demonstrated through an example of transitional flow in a grooved channel and an example of transitional-turbulent flow over rough wall surfaces.
Magnetostratigraphy of Upper Cretaceous strata of the Sacramento Valley, California

A magnetic polarity zonation has been developed for nine stratigraphic sections of the Upper Cretaceous portion of the Great Valley Group in the Sacramento Valley of California. Collectively, the sections include five biostratigraphic range zones, based on ammonites and other mollusks. The zones are all of Santonian or Campanian age, and each section contains at least two zones. A total of 681 fully oriented samples was collected from 252 horizons, spanning more than 3 km of section. The samples were subjected to alternating-field demagnetization after it was found that the rocks were not amenable to thermal demagnetization. Rock magnetic studies were used to determine that the principal magnetic carrier is magnetite. The paleomagnetic measurements reveal the existence of an interval of reversed polarity that is consistently associated with one of the zones, namely, the Baculites chicoensis Zone. Given the biostratigraphic control, the reversed interval can be unambiguously correlated with the first reversed interval following the Cretaceous long normal interval. On the Magnetic Polarity Time Scale, this reversed interval corresponds to marine magnetic anomaly 33R. The correlation of the re-versed interval implies that the base of the Chicoensis Zone is nearly coincident with the Santonian/Campanian boundary in California and that it is not significantly time-transgressive between the shallow-water facies on the east side of the Sacramento Valley and the deep-water facies on the west side. Furthermore, the magnetostratigraphy supports the conclusion that all of the zones underlying the Chicoensis Zone are pre-Campanian in age, a result which is consistent with other lines of evidence. The biostratigraphy of these sections in California can now be compared directly to that of the paleomagnetic stratotype section in Gubbio, Italy.
BOUNDED TIMESTAMPS IN PROCESS NETWORKS

Timestamps have been used for designing and analyzing a number of algorithms in distributed systems. The reusability of timestamps is investigated in the setting of a message-passing system and a simple implementation is presented for bounded timestamps.
Just‐ In‐ Time : Some Effects on the Logistics Function

This article provides an analysis of inbound logistics incorporated in a JIT manufacturing environment. An inventory‐theoretic model is presented that measures the implications of JIT manufacturing on the logistics process and the ability of inbound consolidation opportunities to accommodate these implications. Key components of the inventory‐theoretic model are indentified and the sensitivity of the model to these components is analysed.
Assessing inattention and impulsivity in children during the Go/NoGo task.

Behavioural performance in the Go/NoGo task was compared with caregiver and teacher reports of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity in 1,151 children (N=557 boys; N=594 girls) age 9–10 years old. Errors of commission (NoGo errors) were significantly correlated with symptom counts of hyperactivity-impulsivity, while errors of omission (Go errors) were significantly correlated with symptom counts for inattention in both caregiver and teacher reports. Cross-correlations were also evident, however, such that errors of commission were related to inattention symptoms, and errors of omission were related to hyperactivity-impulsivity. Moreover, hyperactivity-impulsivity and inattention symptoms were highly intercorrelated in both caregiver (r=.52) and teacher reports (r=.70), while errors of commission and omission were virtually uncorrelated in the Go/NoGo task (r=.06). The results highlight the difficulty in disentangling hyperactivity-impulsivity and inattention in questionnaires, and suggest that these constructs may be more clearly distinguished in laboratory measures such as the Go/NoGo task.
Cerebrospinal fluid and blood acid-base relationships in fetal and neonatal lambs and pregnant ewes.

The acid-base relationships between CSF and blood were studied in fetal, newborn and adult sheep to assess changes which might affect the initiation of breathing at birth. Baseline values in the fetal lambs during the last third of gestation showed a relative acidosis in the CSF of the same degree as found in the adult. During induced metabolic acidosis, the blood became acid with respect to the CSF. The CSF [HCO3−] remained unchanged and was occasionally twice the plasma level. During induced metabolic alkalosis, changes in both blood and CSF occurred. The CSF [HCO3−] remained at approximately 70–80% of the plasma level. The distribution ratio of [HCO3−] (CSF/plasma) was similar for fetal, newborn and adult sheep during large changes in plasma [HCO3−]. Alterations of CSF pH did not stimulate respiration in the fetus.
germ cell-less Acts to Repress Transcription during the Establishment of the Drosophila Germ Cell Lineage

Abstract Previously, it has been shown that, during early Drosophila and C. elegans development, the germ cell precursors undergo a period of transcriptional quiescence [1–4]. Here, we report that Germ cell-less (GCL), a germ plasm component necessary for the proper formation of "pole cells," the germ cell precursors in Drosophila [5, 6], is required for the establishment of this transcriptional quiescence. While control embryos silence transcription prior to pole cell formation in the pole cell-destined nuclei, this silencing does not occur in embryos that lack GCL activity. The failure to establish quiescence is tightly correlated with failure to form the pole cells. Furthermore, we show that GCL can repress transcription of at least a subset of genes in an ectopic context, independent of other germ plasm components. Our results place GCL as the earliest gene known to act in the transcriptional repression of the germline. GCL's subcellular distribution on the nucleoplasmic surface of the nuclear envelope [7] and its effect on transcription suggest that it may act to repress transcription in a manner similar to that proposed for transcriptional silencing of telomeric regions.
The effects of extended intravenous nicotine administration on body weight and meal patterns in male Sprague-Dawley rats.

Rationale Increased appetite and weight gain after cessation is a deterrent for quitting smoking. Attempts to understand the mechanism for these effects using animals have been hampered by the difficulty or inconsistency of modeling the effects seen in humans.
Hunting and American Identity: The Rise, Fall, Rise and Fall of an American Pastime

This article examines how hunting came to define the American identity in the nineteenth century and how that identity became increasingly restricted to rural, white males in the twentieth century. The tie between hunting and identity began at colonisation, when promoters portrayed North America as a hunter's paradise. Colonial charters, meanwhile, guaranteed colonists the right to hunt. Because colonists associated hunting with both aristocratic indolence and Indian ‘savagery’, however, they seldom deemed it important. Not until the American Revolution did writers and artists transform seemingly Hobbesian hunters into powerful defenders of natural rights. In the Jacksonian era, Americans identified hunters as culture heroes, men whose ‘self-possession’ made them exemplary. The near-universal right to hunt – a right carried over from colonial times – seemed to complement and buttress widening political rights. Both sorts of rights provided a bulwark against aristocracy. For a time – roughly from 1850 to 1...
A cost-efficient frequency domain fluorescence lifetime measurement system

A cost-efficient frequency domain system for measuring nanosecond fluorescence lifetime has been designed and tested. In this design, function generators are adopted to directly modulate a light-emitting diode at radio frequencies. A heterodyne detection technique is used to reduce the bandwidth of the system and to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. A fluorescence lifetime close to 2 ns was measured and verified by comparison with the results from a broadband lock-in amplifier. The total cost of the system is reasonable for undergraduate laboratories, which enables students to gain hands-on experience in designing and constructing a nanosecond fluorescence lifetime measurement system. Some suggestions for conducting the measurement with a limited budget are provided.
Metabolic Syndrome in Neuromuscular Disease

Abstract Aitkens S, Kilmer DD, Wright NC, McCrory MA. Metabolic syndrome in neuromuscular disease. Objectives To test the hypotheses that (1) people with neuromuscular disease (NMD) have multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes and (2) these risk factors worsen over time. Design Longitudinal testing with average 2.5-year follow-up. Setting Human performance laboratory of a university. Participants Eleven ambulatory volunteers with slowly progressive NMD and 8 able-bodied controls, group-matched for age and body mass index (BMI) at baseline. Interventions Not applicable. Main outcome measures Percentage of body fat (%BF), physical activity, energy expenditure, blood lipids and glucose, and blood pressure. Results At baseline, NMD subjects were more obese (37%BF vs 34%BF, respectively) and more sedentary than the controls, spending less time in total activity (144min/d vs 214min/d) and in exercise (11min/d vs 45min/d). The NMD group also had numerous cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors, with low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high BMI, and high triglyceride being the most common. Additionally, 55% of the NMD group satisfied the criteria for metabolic syndrome, versus 0% in the control group. Most parameters did not significantly worsen during the average 2.5-year follow-up period in either group. Conclusions People with NMD are at high risk for developing chronic diseases resulting from obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. Intervention studies aimed at reducing their risk for such chronic diseases are warranted.
Reliability and performance of IEEE 802.11n for vehicle networks with multiple nodes

Vehicular Ad hoc Networks (VANETs) have generated considerable research interest in recent years since VANETs can be used to effectively support Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) applications and can potentially maximize their performance and reduce their implementation cost. However, the majority of VANET studies have been carried out in network simulators which may not represent real vehicular environments. Experimental studies, on the other hand, can produce more realistic results, although they involve higher experimental cost. This paper describes common unrealistic assumptions and misconceptions in VANET simulations and discusses challenging implementation issues, focusing on reliability and performance of typical VANET configurations in empirical case studies. Our experimental results show that interference from multi-hop routing and broadcast can reduce throughput performance, increase packet loss rate, and jitter.
Antigenic relationships among human rotaviruses as determined by outer capsid protein VP4.

cDNA clones representing the VP4 gene of symptomatic human rotavirus strain KU (VP7 serotype 1) or DS-1 (VP7 serotype 2) or asymptomatic human rotavirus strain 1076 (VP7 serotype 2) were constructed and inserted into a baculovirus expression vector under the control of the polyhedrin promoter. The resulting recombinants expressed the appropriate authentic VP4 rotavirus outer capsid protein. Guinea pigs immunized with these VP4 proteins developed antibodies that neutralized infectivity of the rotavirus from which the immunizing VP4 was derived. These antisera were then used in neutralization tests to define the extent and distribution of VP4 antigenic polymorphism among human rotaviruses. Three distinct serotypes and one subtype of the VP4 outer capsid protein were identified among 17 human rotavirus strains that had previously been assigned to five distinct VP7 serotypes. For the most part, VP4 serotype segregated independently of VP7 serotype. Ten strains of human rotavirus that were associated with symptomatic infection and that exhibited VP7 serotype 1, 3, 4, or 9 specificity, each possessed a VP4 of the same serotype and subtype, designated VP4 serotype 1A. Both symptomatic human rotavirus strains with VP7 serotype 2 specificity were related by neutralization to the VP4 serotype 1A strains and were classified as a subtype of VP4 serotype 1--i.e., serotype 1B--since viruses of serotype 1A appeared to be prime strains. Four human rotavirus strains that were recovered from healthy infants in newborn nurseries in which virus transmission persisted over a long interval, belonged to VP7 serotype 1, 2, 3, or 4, but each strain possessed the same VP4 antigenic specificity that was designated VP4 serotype 2. Finally, a single strain of symptomatic human rotavirus of VP7 serotype 1 specificity possessed a unique VP4 that was provisionally classified as VP4 serotype 3 but this remains to be confirmed because neutralization tests were performed in only one direction. Among the 10 rotavirus strains whose VP4 gene was previously sequenced, there was complete concordance between assignment of VP4 serotype by neutralization and classification according to VP4 amino acid homology. Thus, rotaviruses that exhibited a VP4 amino acid homology of 89% or greater belonged to the same VP4 serotype and subtype as determined by neutralization. Finally, evidence was obtained that the serotype-specific domain is located on the VP8 subunit of VP4.
Synthesis of first-order dynamic programming algorithms

To solve a problem with a dynamic programming algorithm, one must reformulate the problem such that its solution can be formed from solutions to overlapping subproblems. Because overlapping subproblems may not be apparent in the specification, it is desirable to obtain the algorithm directly from the specification. We describe a semi-automatic synthesizer of linear-time dynamic programming algorithms. The programmer supplies a declarative specification of the problem and the operators that might appear in the solution. The synthesizer obtains the algorithm by searching a space of candidate algorithms; internally, the search is implemented with constraint solving. The space of candidate algorithms is defined with a program template reusable across all linear-time dynamic programming algorithms, which we characterize as first-order recurrences. This paper focuses on how to write the template so that the constraint solving process scales to real-world linear-time dynamic programming algorithms. We show how to reduce the space with (i)~symmetry reduction and (ii)~domain knowledge of dynamic programming algorithms. We have synthesized algorithms for variants of maximal substring matching, an assembly-line optimization, and the extended Euclid algorithm. We have also synthesized a problem outside the class of first-order recurrences, by composing three instances of the algorithm template.
Borrelia burgdorferi: another cause of foodborne illness?

Borrelia burgdorferi was identified as the etiological agent of Lyme disease in 1982. This Gram-negative spirochete is classified in the order Spirochaetales and the family Spirochaetaceae. The pathogen is fastidious, microaerophilic, mesophilic and metabolises glucose through the Embden-Meyerhof pathway. A generation time of 11 to 12 h at 37 degrees C in Barbour-Stoenner-Kelly medium has been reported. Lyme disease, named after Lyme in Connecticut, is distributed globally. It is the most commonly reported vector-borne disease in the United States, where the incidence is highest in the eastern and midwestern states. Since establishment of national surveillance in 1982, there has been a nine-fold increase in the number of cases reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. The deer tick of the genus Ixodes is the primary vector of Lyme borreliosis. The tick may become infected with B. burgdorferi, by feeding on an infected host, at any point in its 2-year life cycle which involves larval, nymphal and adult stages. The infection rate in deer ticks may be as high as 40% in endemic areas. The primary vertebrate reservoirs for Ixodes are the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) and the white-tailed deer (Odocopileus virginianus). Dairy cattle and other food animals can be infected with B. burgdorferi and hence some raw foods of animal origin might be contaminated with the pathogen. Recent findings indicate that the pathogen may be transmitted orally to laboratory animals, without an arthropod vector. Thus, the possibility exists that Lyme disease can be a food infection. In humans, the symptoms of Lyme disease, which manifest themselves days to years after the onset of infection, may involve the skin, cardiac, nervous and/or muscular systems, and so misdiagnosis can occur.
Radius of curvature measurement by Twyman- Green's interferometer

Abstract The radius of curvature of a spherical surface has been measured by a non-contact interferometric method using Twyman-Green's interferometer. This interferometer has been used without adding the traditional moving focusing lens in one of its arms. Similar to Newton's rings method, a single interferogram gives the radius of curvature of the spherical surface. Six spherical mirrors, both convex and concave, with radii ranging from 959 mm to 2221 mm have been measured. The results of the measurements have been compared with those obtained by Newton's rings method.
Dietary effect on ω3 fatty acid contents in hybrid striped bass

Hybrid striped bass, a cross of female striped bass and male white bass, were divided into two groups. One group was fed 38% protein trout feed (TF), and the other group was fed 30% protein catfish feed (CF). The dietary effect on polyunsaturated fatty acid contents in the bass was studied. The body weight of bass fed TF and CF averaged 727.46 and 379.92 g, respectively. The crude fat content in the TF group was 11.75 g, and it was 6.00 g in the CF group. Gas-liquid chromatographic analysis indicated that the bass fed TF contained higher amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid than the bass fed CF. This study confirmed that fish diets greatly influence the fatty acid composition in fish tissue.
Spatially different, real-time temporal filtering and dose reduction for dynamic image guidance during neurovascular interventions

Fluoroscopic systems have excellent temporal resolution, but are relatively noisy. In this paper we present a recursive temporal filter with different weights (lag) for different user selected regions of interest (ROI) to assist the neurointerventionalist during an image guided catheter procedure. The filter has been implemented on a Graphics Processor (GPU), enabling its usage for fast frame rates such as during fluoroscopy. We first demonstrate the use of this GPU-implemented rapid temporal filtering technique during an endovascular image guided intervention with normal fluoroscopy. Next we demonstrate its use in combination with ROI fluoroscopy where the exposure is substantially reduced in the peripheral region outside the ROI, which is then software-matched in brightness and filtered using the differential temporal filter. This enables patient dose savings along with improved image quality.
Ground state correlation and the continuum spectra of (p, p′) reactions

Abstract Continuum spectra of (p, p′) reactions have been reanalyzed, taking into account the effects of ground state correlation and transfer of very large angular momenta, which were both ignored in previous calculations. It is shown that a sufficiently large theoretical cross section, as compared to experiment is obtained this way.
Inferior petrosal sinus sampling in the diagnosis of sellar neuropathology.

Because no single test is definitive for Cushing's disease (CD), establishing the diagnosis has remained a challenge that relies on building a critical mass of evidence. The differential diagnosis of corticotropin (ACTH)-dependent Cushing's syndrome (CS) traditionally has rested on noninvasive biochemical and radiologic testing. Bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS) is an invasive procedure that has become part of the diagnostic armamentarium surrounding CD. When used appropriately—that is, for patients who have biochemically confirmed ACTH-dependent CS but discordant biochemical or radiologic studies—BIPSS is the reference standard confirmatory test for CD.
The expanding role of the African nurse and midwife in paediatric HIV.

This change may be especially relevant for children. Nurses and midwives have always been the frontline of paediatric health care, and are engaged in the continuum of care before infants are even born. They are essential in monitoring antenatal development, providing safe and healthy deliveries, identifying neonatal complications, and administering critical immunisations. Maternal and Child Health (MCH) clinics are typically staffed by nurses and midwives, and a doctor may or may not be available for consultation. This setting is often where nurses and midwives are making the first impact on children affected by HIV. Counselling and testing pregnant women, providing those who are HIV-positive with medications for prevention of mother-tochild transmission (PMTCT), and dispensing preventive medications to exposed infants
Incidence and significance of elevated lactate in the identification of critically ill patients.

Background The frequency and characteristics of patients with critical lactate values (>4.0 mmol/L) is unknown. Methods The laboratory database was reviewed for adult patients with non-point of care lactate values over a 6-month period. Results There were 6914 lactate values, including 625 (9.0%) critical values. Medical records were reviewed in 100 patients with critical and non-critical lactate values. Patients with critical vs. non-critical values had more metabolic acidosis (n=70/100 vs. 22/100, p Conclusions Critical lactate values are associated with a longer duration of hospitalization and increased mortality. However, the incremental value of critical lactate values was low, as most patients had abnormal vital signs and laboratory parameters. Requiring notification of lactate values >4.0 mmol/L would be unlikely to augment clinical care.
Inversion of optical scattering and spectral extinction measurements to recover aerosol size spectra

Aerosols interact with optical radiation in a complicated way, but in a way that can be described through the methods of electromagnetic theory. By applying constrained linear inversion methods one can recover an estimate for the size spectrum of aerosols in the micron and submicron size range from measured optical data. The amount of information that can be secured is increased by combining measurements of spectral extinction with measurements of optical scattering. From the combined measurements one can obtain about seven pieces of information about the particle size spectrum, provided optical parameters are measured to 2.5% accuracy. The application of linear constrained inversion on simulated noise-degraded data successfully recovers major features, such as the presence of modes, in the aerosol size distribution function.
Relation of Clay Mineralogy to Origin and Recovery of Petroleum

The clay-mineral concept of the nature of clays and shales is briefly discussed in its relation to problems of the origin and recovery of oil and gas. The character of the clay minerals that make up a sediment is to a considerable degree the result of diagenetic changes in the environment of accumulation. Diagenetic changes suggested by present available data are considered. The relation of various clay minerals to organic material in argillaceous sediments is discussed in the light of evidence which suggests that certain clay minerals under certain conditions are the key factor in the transition of organic matter to petroleum. The properties of clay minerals are considered as a basis for analyzing the effect of water with dissolved electrolytes, moving through a sand, on any clay in the sand. The characteristics of the clay minerals are believed to be significant factors in the recovery of oil. Other significant effects of the properties of the various clay minerals are discussed.
Ultra fast protection of radial and looped electric power grid using a novel solid-state protection device

Exploiting the fast operation of solid-state Fault Isolation Devices (FIDs), this paper presents a novel over-current protection scheme for radial and looped electric power distribution systems. The main feature of the proposed protection scheme is that it ensures the maximum restoration of the system in less than a quarter of the electric cycle. Due to the inherent characteristics of the solid-state devices, the FID is also able to limit the fault current to the maximum allowable fault current level of the system, thus reducing the thermal and mechanical stress on transformers and other power system equipments. Using the inherent characteristics of the solid state devices, a novel fault detection criteria is also proposed that eliminates the necessity of the current sensor or transformer (CT) for detecting the over-current fault. These advantages are all achieved without requiring communication between FIDs. Performance of the FID with the proposed protection scheme is demonstrated based on an all-analog logic-level grid-voltage scale experimental setup. The experiments demonstrate the capability of the proposed protection scheme to fulfill the demands of highly inter-connected electric power distribution systems.
Erosion and transport by Byrd Glacier, Antarctica during the Last Glacial Maximum

Abstract Glacial till samples from seven, modern-Holocene Byrd Glacier moraines were characterized using particle size analysis, sand petrography and detrital zircon geochronology and compared to Ross Sea tills deposited during the Last Glacial Maximum. The goal was to identify the paleoflow path for Byrd Glacier and assess the use of multiple provenance techniques. The coarse sand fraction of Byrd Glacier tills is dominated by lithic fragments of adjacent bedrock outcrops, except samples from the Lonewolf Nunataks, which have a higher proportion of mineral to lithic fragments, as well as a recognizable exotic component. Cluster analysis shows that Byrd Glacier tills, with the exception of the two Lonewolf Nunataks sites, do not cluster strongly with Ross Sea samples because they have a higher proportion of lithic fragments. This indicates that comminution must be an active subglacial process beneath East Antarctic outlet glaciers. Byrd Glacier tills are also typically coarser grained that Ross Sea tills and their maturity is a reflection of both glacial processes and rock type. Measured U/Pb ages of detrital zircons from Byrd Glacier tills range from Triassic to Archean (240–3540 Ma) with a dominance of grains 530–600 Ma. Ross Sea till samples show spatial variability in U/Pb age distributions, with the core sites west of the 180° longitude line showing similarity to most Byrd Glacier tills, whereas core NBP9407-39, east of 180° long., is dominated by ∼100 Ma grains. Ross Sea tills also contain a recognizable detrital zircon fraction eroded inland of the Transantarctic Mountains. Both provenance methods indicate that the ice flow line for Byrd Glacier during the LGM was to the east of Ross Island and extended on either side of Ross Bank, with the majority of ice flowing to the Ross Sea's Central Basin. Our analysis shows that sand petrography and detrital zircon U/Pb age spectra provide complementary datasets that produce similar ice flow reconstructions and reveal valuable information about glacial processes and ice covered bedrock.
Characterization of azurocidin as a permeability factor in the retina: involvement in VEGF-induced and early diabetic blood-retinal barrier breakdown.

METHODS. Brown Norway rats received intravitreal injections of azurocidin and vehicle control. Blood-retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown was quantified using the Evans blue (EB) dye technique 1, 3, and 24 hours after intravitreal injection. To block azurocidin, aprotinin was injected intravenously before the intravitreal injections. To investigate whether azurocidin plays a role in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced BRB breakdown, rats were treated intravenously with aprotinin, followed by intravitreal injection of VEGF164. BRB breakdown was quantified 24 hours later. To investigate whether azurocidin may mediate BRB breakdown in early diabetes, aprotinin or vehicle was injected intravenously each day for 2 weeks to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, and BRB breakdown was quantified. RESULTS. Intravitreal injection of azurocidin (20 g) induced a 6.8-fold increase in vascular permeability compared with control at 1‐3 hours (P 0.05), a 2.7-fold increase at 3 to 5 hours (P 0.01), and a 1.7-fold increase at 24 hours (P 0.05). Aprotinin inhibited azurocidin-induced BRB breakdown by more than 95% (P 0.05). Furthermore, treatment with aprotinin significantly suppressed VEGF-induced BRB breakdown by 93% (P 0.05) and BRB breakdown in early experimental diabetes by 40.6% (P 0.05). CONCLUSIONS. Azurocidin increases retinal vascular permeability and is effectively blocked by aprotinin. The inhibition of VEGFinduced and early diabetic BRB breakdown with aprotinin indicates that azurocidin may be an important mediator of leukocytedependent BRB breakdown secondary to VEGF. Azurocidin may become a new therapeutic target in the treatment of retinal vascular leakage, such as during diabetic retinopathy. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2008;49:726‐731) DOI:10.1167/iovs.070405
Human blood-brain barrier insulin-like growth factor receptor☆☆☆

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and IGF-2, may be important regulatory molecules in the CNS. Possible origins of IGFs in brain include either de novo synthesis or transport of circulating IGFs from blood into brain via receptor mediated transcytosis mechanisms at the brain capillary endothelial wall, ie, the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In the present studies, isolated human brain capillaries are used as an in vitro model system of the human BBB and the characteristics of IGF-1 or IGF-2 binding to this preparation were assessed. The total binding of IGF-2 at 37 degrees C exceeded 130% per mg protein and was threefold greater than the total binding for IGF-1. However, at 37 degrees C nonsaturable binding equaled total binding, suggesting that endocytosis is rate limiting at physiologic temperatures. Binding studies performed at 4 degrees C slowed endocytosis to a greater extent than membrane binding, and specific binding of either IGF-1 or IGF-2 was detectable. Scatchard plots for either peptide were linear and the molar dissociation constant of IGF-1 and IGF-2 binding was 2.1 +/- 0.4 and 1.1 +/- 0.1 nmol/L, respectively. Superphysiologic concentrations of porcine insulin inhibited the binding of both IGF-1 (ED50 = 2 micrograms/mL) and IGF-2 (ED50 = 0.5 microgram/mL). Affinity cross linking of 125I-IGF-1, 125I-IGF-2, and 125I-insulin to isolated human brain capillaries was performed using disuccinimidylsuberate (DSS). These studies revealed a 141 kd binding site for both IGF-1 and IGF-2, and a 133 kd binding site for insulin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Reversal by retinoids of keratinization induced by benzo[a]pyrene in normal hamster tracheal explants: Comparison with the assay involving organ culture of tracheas from vitamin A-deficient hamsters

Abstract In a defined culture system for hamster tracheal explants, the activity of 12 different retinoids was evaluated for reversal of keratinization induced by exposure to the carcinogen, benzo[a]pyrene (BP-HTOC assay). The effects of retinoids in this system were compared to those in a defined culture system for tracheal explants from vitamin A-deficient hamsters (standard-HTOC assay). In both assays, all-trans-retinoic acid (RA) and 13-cis-RA were the most active retinoids. For RA and 13-cis-RA, the values of ED50 determined in the BP-HTOC bioassay were 4 × 10−12 and 1 × 10−11 M, respectively, whereas the corresponding values in the standard HTOC assay were 2 × 10−11 and 3.3 × 10−10 M. For all 12 retinoids, the ED50 values from the BP-HTOC were lower than those from the standard-HTOC assay, and there was also a statistically significant correlation between the rank-ordering of ED50 values from the 2 assays. Among 3 N-(retinoyl)amino acids examined in both assays, N-(retinoyl)leucine was the most active, N-(retinoyl)phenylalanine the least active, and N-(retinoyl)alanine intermediate. Among a novel series of bifunctional retinoic acid analogues, the dicarboxyl derivative was the most active. On the basis of these results, the BP-HTOC assay appears to be one of the most sensitive assays for retinoids yet developed. This assay is an appropriate model for evaluating the chemopreventive potential of new retinoids in vitro.