cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of photochemical decarbonylation of cyclopropenones for the in situ generation of reactive enediynes. Construction of a cyclopropenone-containing enediyne precursor by using a cyclopropenone acetal building block.

A cyclopropenone-containing enediyne photoprecursor, 6-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-3-(α-hydroxybenzyl)bicyclo[8.1.0]undeca-1(10),2-diene-4-yn-11-one (1), was prepared in 10 steps by sequential modification of the cyclopropenone 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediyl acetal (5). The crucial cyclization step was achieved under Nozaki conditions, while the endocylic double bond has been introduced by the allylic rearrangement. UV irradiation of the cyclopropenone 1 results in efficient decarbonylation and the formation of the reactive enediyne 2. The latter undergoes Bergman cycloaromatization with a half-life of 12 h at 40 °C and in the presence of 1,4-dihydrobenzene quantitatively produces corresponding tetralin 29.
Capital Accumulation and the Du Pont Company: An Historical Analysis

This paper examines the construction of external environments on the part of the Du Pont Company through the four stages of capital accumulation: monopolization, diversification, research and development, and foreign expansion. This construction is viewed as a rationalizing strategy to reduce environmental uncertainty. Two main types of environmental uncertainty are identified. Material uncertainty pertains to uncertain ty regarding the flow of resources through the organization. Symbolic uncertainty pertains to uncertainties of meaning attached to organizational activities. Material construction of environmental conditions provided the Du Pont Company with a means of capital accumulation, while symbolic construction of environmental conditions provided the Du Pont Company with a means of capital legitimation
A polarizer for the vacuum ultraviolet.

Magnesium fluoride double Rochon prism used as polarizer or analyzer in vacuum UV wavelengths
Adsorption of low-molecular-weight sodium polyacrylate on hydroxyapatite

Adsorption of low-molecular-weight sodium polyacrylate from aqueous solution onto synthetic hydroxyapatite was studied at room temperature so that the mechanism of adhesion of polyacrylate cements to tooth mineral could be elucidated. The adsorption isotherm of sodium polyacrylate was Langmuirian in shape and was thus qualitatively different from that of polyacrylic acid (Misra, 1991), which exhibited an adsorption maximum. The self-association of the molecules that probably causes the maximum to occur with polyacrylic acid was effectively absent for the relatively well-ionized, electrostatically repelling polyacrylate ions of the salt. With the adsorption of acrylate ions, the concentration of phosphate ions increased monotonically, while the concentration of calcium ions showed a minimum. The adsorption of sodium polyacrylate was irreversible, as it was for polyacrylic acid.
Full-Release and Site-Based Mentoring of New Elementary Grade Teachers: An Analysis of Changes in Student Achievement

Induction support for new teachers is widespread, particularly in the form of mentoring, but research evidence of effectiveness is limited. The majority of existing research has focused on the impact of induction on teacher retention. Of greater interest is the potential impact on student achievement, and on which forms of support are the most effective. One frequently encountered option is between full-release or site-based mentors. This study examines these two mentoring options employed in one large urban district. While mentors received the same training, they differed in case load and release time. A comparison of student achievement gains for classes taught by fourth and fifth grade new teachers, some of whom were supported by full release mentors and some by site based mentors, showed greater gains for classes of teachers in the full-release group, even though the demographic characteristics of the students would have led to the opposite prediction.
Transition Metal Cluster and Polygadolinium Compounds as a New Paradigm For High Attenuation and/or Relaxivity in Contrast Media Design: Crashing The Molecular r1 = 100 Barrier

Louis Messerle, PhD,*1,2 Donald Nolting, BS1, Lizann Bolinger, PhD3, Alan H. Stolpen, MD/PhD2, Brian F. Mullan, MD,2 Dale Swenson, PhD,1 and Mark Madsen, PhD2 1Department of Chemistry, The University of Iowa, Iowa City IA 52242, 2Department of Radiology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, 3National Research Council Canada, Institute for Biodiagnostics, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 1Y6
Mining web navigations for intelligence

The Internet is one of the fastest growing areas of intelligence gathering. We present a statistical approach, called principal clusters analysis, for analyzing millions of user navigations on the Web. This technique identifies prominent navigation clusters on different topics. Furthermore, it can determine information items that are useful starting points to explore a topic, as well as key documents to explore the topic in greater detail. Trends can be detected by observing navigation prominence over time. We apply this technique on a large popular website. The results show promise in web intelligence mining.
Microbial populations hydrolyzing propanil and accumulation of 3,4-dichloroaniline and 3,3',4,4'-tetrachloroazobenzene in soils

Abstract The rate of propanil decomposition and amounts of 3,4-dichloroaniline and 3,3',4,4'-tetrachloroazobenzene formed in five soils were unrelated to soil texture or organic matter content. The TCAB that accumulated in the soils after decomposition of propanil was still present after 280 days of incubation. As determined by the most-probable-number method, propanil-hydrolyzing Arthrobacter and Nocardia spp. were present in the soils in large numbers. When finely divided propanil was applied to moist soils, a portion was rapidly hydrolysed, by an acylamidase directly extractable from the soils by aid of sonification.
A facile synthesis of 2-phenylbenzo[b]thiophene-3-amine and the corresponding S-oxides

A rapid synthesis of 2-phenylbenzo[b]thiophene-3-amine and its S-oxides from o-nitrobenzonitrile is described. Also reported is the preparation of 2-phenylbenzo[b]thiophene-3-(2H)one, 1,1-dioxide from methyl o-nitrobenzoate.
OC06.06: Fetal myocardial performance (Tei) index and left ventricular shortening fraction (LVSF)

Methods: Routine two dimensional fetal scans were performed in 123 consecutives singleton pregnancies during the second half of pregnancy. General Electric E8 ultrasound equipment was used in all cases. Mechanical PR interval was measured from the onset of the mitral A wave to the onset of the aortic ejection flow, using previously described technique for standard and modified Tei index. All measurements were taken twice by two different operators. For statistical analysis mean and standard deviation was used position measurement. For comparison between two groups and the inter observer agreement Least square analysis was performed. Results: The mechanical PR interval was easily obtained in all 123 cases. The mean gestational age was 25.5 weeks (18–38 weeks). The PR interval was 117,97ms (SD: 9.49 mseg), in standard Tei index group, and 119,11ms. (SD: 10.71 m seg) in modified Tei index group. There was a positive correlation between PR interval and gestational age (COV 2.48). There was no significant difference between both groups (t student 99%:261 > t calculated −0,068). Difference between Inter observer was not significant (t student 99%: 2,61 > t calculated −0.087). Conclusion: The pulsed Doppler assessment using standard and modified Tei index approach of the mechanical PR interval in the fetus, is a feasible and could be used to explore the fetal atrio ventricular conduction abnormalities. It is reproducible and easily obtained during the routine second half of gestation and the normal range is similar to that described with other methods.
A System for the Quantitative Sampling of Shallow Water Benthos

An air lift, operated by a diver-boatman team and permitting rapid excision and automatic sieving of uniform portions of mud, sand, and fine to medium shell hash bottoms, is described. The apparatus can be deployed from a very small boat. It is inexpensive to make and to operate and has been used with great success at depths of not more than five meters.
Urban and Rural Variations in the Characteristics Associated With Elder Mistreatment in a Community-Dwelling Chinese Population

This study compares the urban and rural differences in characteristics associated with elder mistreatment (EM) in a Chinese population. A cross-sectional study of 269 urban and 135 rural participants aged 60 years or greater was performed. Among those with EM, rural participants were more likely to be women, have lower levels of education and income, have lower levels of health status and quality of life, have worse change in recent health, and have lower levels of psychosocial well-being. Both higher levels of depressive symptoms and lower levels of social support were associated with increased risk of EM.
Supramolecular Recognition: Use of Cofacially Disposed Bis‐terpyridyl Square‐Planar Complexes in Self‐Assembly and Molecular Recognition

A molecular receptor consisting of a molecular spacer that constrains two terpyridyl-palladium(II) complexes to be disposed in a parallel cofacial geometry has been prepared. The separation between the two terpyridyl-palladium units is enforced to be ca. 7 A, a distance sufficient to incarcerate aromatic molecules and square-planar complexes. A number of molecules are shown to associate with this spacer-chelator complex. In particular, 9-methylanthracene (9-MA) is found to form a 1 : 2 host-guest complex. A crystal structure of this complex shows one 9-MA in the molecular cleft formed by the two terpyridyl-palladium units and the other 9-MA molecule to lie above one of the terpyridyl-palladium units. Nuclear Overhauser effects on analogous molecules that contain two anthracene guests tethered intramolecularly indicate that the structure found in the solid is similar to that in solution. Low-temperature 1H-NMR studies indicate rapid exchange between the two binding sites. The spacer-chelator complexes, when combined with appropriate molecular linkers, readily form molecular rectangles, trigonal prisms, and tetragonal prisms. One molecular rectangle is shown to associate with up to five 9-MA molecules.
Axis of Eye Rotation Changes with Head-Pitch Orientation during Head Impulses about Earth-Vertical

The goal of this study was to assess how the axis of head rotation, Listing's law, and eye position influence the axis of eye rotation during brief, rapid head rotations. We specifically asked how the axis of eye rotation during the initial angular vestibuloocular reflex (VOR) changed when the pitch orientation of the head relative to Earth-vertical was varied, but the initial position of the eye in the orbit and the orientation of Listing's plane with respect to the head were fixed. We measured three-dimensional eye and head rotation axes in eight normal humans using the search coil technique during head-and-trunk (whole-body) and head-on-trunk (head-only) “impulses” about an Earth-vertical axis. The head was initially oriented at one of five pitch angles (30° nose down, 15° nose down, 0°, 15° nose up, 30° nose up). The fixation target was always aligned with the nasooccipital axis. Whole-body impulses were passive, unpredictable, manual, rotations with peak-amplitude of ∼20°, peak-velocity of ∼80°/s, and peak-acceleration of ∼1000°/s2. Head-only impulses were also passive, unpredictable, manual, rotations with peak-amplitude of ∼20°, peak-velocity of ∼150°/s, and peak-acceleration of ∼3000°/s2. During whole-body impulses, the axis of eye rotation tilted in the same direction, and by an amount proportional (0.51 ± 0.09), to the starting pitch head orientation (P < 0.05). This proportionality constant decreased slightly to 0.39 ± 0.08 (P < 0.05) during head-only impulses. Using the head-only impulse data, with the head pitched up, we showed that only 50% of the tilt in the axis of eye rotation could be predicted from vectorial summation of the gains (eye velocity/head velocity) obtained for rotations about the pure yaw and roll head axes. Thus, even when the orientation of Listing's plane and eye position in the orbit are fixed, the axis of eye rotation during the VOR reflects a compromise between the requirements of Listing's law and a perfectly compensatory VOR.
Permeability of the murine blood-brain barrier to some octapeptide analogs of somatostatin

Analogs of somatostatin are being investigated clinically for the treatment of various malignancies, including brain tumors. We studied the ability of three therapeutically promising radioactively labeled somatostatin octapeptide analogs, RC-160, RC-121, and RC-161, to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) after peripheral or central injection. After i.v. injection, intact RC-160 was recovered from the blood and the brain. The entry rates were different from each compound but were generally low. By contrast, entry across the intact BBB increased 220 times when RC-160 was given in a serum-free perfusate. This suggests that some serum-related factor, probably the previously described protein binding or an aggregation-promoting factor, is the main determinant in limiting the blood-to-brain passage of somatostatin analogs. Entry into the brain was not inhibited by the addition of unlabeled analog to the perfusate, showing that passage was probably by diffusion across the membranes that comprise the BBB rather than by saturable transport. By contrast, a saturable system was found to transport peptide out of the central nervous system (CNS). The clearance from the CNS of RC-160 and RC-121, but not RC-161, was faster than could be accounted for by reabsorption of cerebrospinal fluid. Transport of radioactively labeled RC-160 out of the CNS was inhibited by unlabeled RC-160 or somatostatin but was not affected by some other peptide known to cross the BBB by their own transport systems. More than 80% of the radioactivity recovered from the blood after intracerebroventricular injection of RC-160 was eluted by HPLC at the position of the labeled analog, showing that the peptide had crossed the BBB in intact form. Our results indicate the presence of a saturable transport system in one direction across the BBB for some superactive analogs of somatostatin.
TimeMatrix: Analyzing Temporal Social Networks Using Interactive Matrix-Based Visualizations

Visualization plays a crucial role in understanding dynamic social networks at many different levels (i.e., group, subgroup, and individual). Node-link-based visualization techniques are currently widely used for these tasks and have been demonstrated to be effective, but it was found that they also have limitations in representing temporal changes, particularly at the individual and subgroup levels. To overcome these limitations, this article presents a new network visualization technique, called “TimeMatrix,” based on a matrix representation. Interaction techniques, such as overlay controls, a temporal range slider, semantic zooming, and integrated network statistical measures, support analysts in studying temporal social networks. To validate the design, the article presents a user study involving three social scientists analyzing inter-organizational collaboration data. The study demonstrates how TimeMatrix may help analysts gain insights about the temporal aspects of network data that can be subseque...
Evaluation of methods for the separation of trimethylselenonium ion as a major, minor or general metabolite using neutron activation analysis

Trinethylselenonium (TMSe) ion was separated by dual-column ion-exchange chromatography and assayed by neutron activation analysis. The TMSe content of the selenium in human urine was found to be (14±2)%, consistent with literature values. An altemate, published, multi-step procedure employing Reineckate precipitation followed by decomposition/volatilization conversion of selenium into dimethylselenide, perchloric acid digestion into selenite and subsequent analysis employing inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was evaluated. A maximum recovery of TMSe was estimated at 32%. It has been suggested that losses in each step of a multi-step procedure yield low recoveries as reported in the literature.
Isolation and biochemical characterization of leukemia-associated inhibitory activity that suppresses colony and cluster formation of cells.

Abstract Leukimia-associated inhibitory activity suppresses colony and cluster formation in vitro of cells derived from granulocyte-macrophage progenitor cells of normal donors. It does not inhibit these same progenitor cells from patients with leukemia and it may contribute to the proliferative advantage leukemia cells appear to possess over normal hematopoietic cells during acute leukemia. The inhibitory activity was isolated by a combination of procedures including: ultracentrifugation, Sephadex G-200, carboxymethylcellulose, SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, thin-layer and preparative isoelectric focusing and concanavalin A-Sepharose. Leukemia-associated inhibitory activity was characterized as a glycoprotein. It was inactivated by trypsin, chymotrypsin, pronase and periodate treatment. It bound to and was eluted by α-methylmannose from concanavalin A-Sepharose columns and had an apparent Mr range of 450–550 000 and an isoelectric focus value between pH 4.6 and 4.9. Crude leukemia associated inhibitory activity was temperature sensitive but the more purified preparations were heat stable.
Speech Sound Representation, Perception, and Plasticity: A Neurophysiologic Perspective

Historically, auditory research has focused predominately upon how relatively simple acoustic signals are represented in the neuronal responses of the auditory periphery. However, in order to understa
Application of cellulolytic activity of asiatic clams (Corbicula SP.) to in‐stream monitoring of power plant effluents

Rigorous testing schemes in field-located artificial streams and in-stream monitoring provided evidence for use of Corbicula cellulolytic activity as a highly sensitive and efficient approach to effluent assessment. Cellulolytic (exo- and endocellulase) activity of the Asiatic clam, Corbicula sp., determined in 30-d, field-located artificial stream exposures at the New River, Virginia to single components of power plant effluents (copper [Cu] and zinc [Zn] separately) was compared with cellulolytic responses in caged clams from within an impacted area of the Clinch River, Virginia below power plant effluents. Cellulolytic responses were then compared to conventional biomonitoring responses (Hester-Dendy macroinvertebrate community structure), water quality monitoring in the Clinch River, and laboratory artificial stream bioassays. Clam enzyme activity was significantly reduced in 10 to 20 d (α = 0.05) at 16 and 87 μg Cu and Zn/L, respectively, in field-located artificial streams. Cellulolytic activity of clams caged at stations within power plant outfalls (metal concentrations of 47–78 μg Zn/L and 80–345 μg Cu/L) was significantly reduced to levels as low as 9 to 52% of upstream activity levels. Reduction in cellulolytic activity in Corbicula was more sensitive after 14 d of in-stream monitoring than reduction in diversity of macroinvertebrate assemblages after 28 d. Bioassay exposures as long as 30 d were needed to provide toxicity data comparable to enzyme impairment seen as early as 10 d.
Covering America: A Narrative History of a Nation's Journalism. By Christopher B. Daly. (Amherst, MA: University of Massachusetts Press, 2012. Pp. vii, 533. $49.95.)

American historians have long used newspapers as sources for their research, but they have not always emphasized the role that the press has played in the development of the United States. Christop...
Failure-censored variables-sampling plans for lognormal and Weibull distributions

Variables-sampling plans arc more efficient than attributes-sampling plans. If the quality characteristic is the life of a product. however, variables sampling can be very time consuming and expensive. To save time and money, tests can be terminated before all test units have failed. This article discusses the design of variables-sampling plans based on failure-censored samples. This method of design can be applied to lognormal-distributed and Wcibull-distributed lifetimes. An example for lognormal-distributed lifetimes will be given. Although the method is based on asymptotic results, Monte Carlo simulations for lognormal and Weibull lifetimes show that the sampling plans meet the required risks when bias corrected maximum likelihood estimators for the location and scale parameters are used. The advantage of failurecensored sampling plans is that they require a much smaller sample size than attributes-sampling plans and a greatly reduced test time when compared to complete variables-sampling plans.
Improving Wireless Multimedia Quality using Header Detection with Priors

Recent wireless multimedia studies have revealed that forward error correction (FEC) on corrupted packets yields better bandwidth utilization and lesser delay than retransmissions. To facilitate FEC decoding at a wireless receiver, it is desirable to relay maximum number of (error-free and corrupted) packets to the receiver's application layer. To that end, most cross-layer multimedia schemes perform partial checksum only on packet headers. However, even with a partial checksum, bursty wireless errors introduce frequent header corruptions, thereby causing considerable packet drops. In this paper, we extend our work in [1], which proposed receiver-based schemes to correct a packet's critical (and corrupted) header fields. This paper: (a) poses header detection as the well-known decision theoretic problem of detecting known parameters in noise, (b) evaluates two detectors using bit-error traces collected over an 802.11b network, (c) provides throughput results for the detectors, and (d) uses video in conjunction with FEC as an example to highlight the efficacy of the proposed schemes. We show that header detection provides significant improvements in throughput and video quality over the conventional UDP/IP protocol stack.
Automatic spike detection based on adaptive template matching for extracellular neural recordings

Recordings of extracellular neural activity are used in many clinical applications and scientific studies. In most cases, these signals are analyzed as a point process, and a spike detection algorithm is required to estimate the times at which action potentials occurred. Recordings from high-density microelectrode arrays (MEAs) and low-impedance microelectrodes often have a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR 90% with a false positive rate of 2.5.
Effect of Hydrophilic Gums on the Quality of Frozen Dough: II. Bread Characteristics

ABSTRACT Increase in proofing periods of frozen dough subjected to extended frozen storage and freeze-thaw cycles and finally a lower loaf volume is attributed to the changes in rheological properties of frozen doughs. These changes occur due to the physical damage on the gluten network caused by ice recrystallization. The major objective of this research was to reduce ice crystallization and recrystallization in frozen dough by incorporating hydrophilic gums such as carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC), gum arabic, kappa carrageenan (κ-carrageenan), and locust bean gum at three different levels with flour derived from a Hard Red Spring wheat cultivar. The doughs were stored frozen for up to 16 weeks. Bread characteristics were analyzed after day 0, day 1, and after 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks of frozen storage for specific loaf volume, external and internal appearance, color, texture, and shelf-life. Specific loaf volume increased significantly with the addition of different levels of all the four gums compared wit...
Glioma Cell Lines: Role of Cancer Stem Cells

In this chapter, we review the cancer stem cell hypothesis and discuss implications for this paradigm in considering whether glioma cell lines contain bonafide cancer stem cells, the source material used for tissue culture, and experimental methods used in preclinical research. We identify three key modifications to standard tissue culture protocols that allow for enrichment of cancer stem cells that closely reflect the genetics, gene expression, and phenotype of the primary tumors. These modifications are the use of: (i) primary tumors exclusively cultured in serum-free media, (ii) cellular adherence to artificial extracellular matrix, (iii) physiologic oxygen in tissue culture. Widespread acceptance of this tissue culture protocol should lead to in vitro and in vivo preclinical models that more faithfully recapitulate the human disease and thereby increase the rate of successful therapeutic development.
Management Issues in EDA

The Electronic Design Automation (EDA) industry has grown to around $2.5 billion in a span of about 10 years. The dynamics of this industry impacts firms involved in any form of electronic design. Effective management of the design automation function leads to significant competitive advantage. Yet, there has been very little published study in this area. This paper presents a unified framework which captures the essence of the EDA industry . We identify and describe the main forces driving the industry. We present management issues viewed from both the end-users and the EDA companies' perspectives and we use two models to explain these issues. We also show that superior technology is not the only criteria for success in these markets. In this context, we present a socio-cognitive model which addresses the connection between the end-user's perceived need and the criticality of correctly timing the introduction of new products.
Interference-aware OFDMA resource allocation: A predictive approach

As wireless systems continue to proliferate, interference management is becoming a concern in both military and commercial domains. This paper introduces a novel cognitive coexistence framework between infrastructure and ad hoc networks. Based on sensing and predicting the ad-hoc networkpsilas activity, the infrastructure system allocates power and transmission time such as to minimize its impact on the ad-hoc links. This leads to an interference-aware resource allocation. A rate-constraint ensures that the infrastructure system maintains a specified quality-of-service, despite adapting its transmission behavior to accommodate ad-hoc users. Based on an ON/OFF continuous-time Markov chain model, the optimal allocation of power and transmission time is formulated as a convex optimization problem. Closed-form solutions are derived as a function of Lagrange multipliers. An iterative algorithm with guaranteed convergence to the optimal solution is developed. Finally, our results are extended to an average-rate formulation. Numerical performance analysis illustrates that utilizing the superior flexibility of the infrastructure links can effectively mitigate interference.
Human Spiral Artery Renin-Angiotensin System

Abstract —Pregnancy induces uterine spiral arteries to remodel into dilated uteroplacental vessels by an unknown mechanism called “physiological change.” In women who develop preeclampsia, however, many spiral arteries remain unchanged or develop medial hyperplasia and atherosis. We recently demonstrated that angiotensinogen is expressed by remodeling spiral arteries in first-trimester decidua. We hypothesize that a local spiral artery renin-angiotensin system mediates pregnancy-induced remodeling of these vessels. In this study we tested for expression of renin, angiotensin-converting enzyme, and angiotensin II type 1 receptor genes in the first-trimester uterus using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Expression was localized by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Renin, angiotensin-converting enzyme, and the angiotensin II type 1 receptor are all expressed in and around remodeling spiral arteries. These observations suggest that a local spiral artery renin-angiotensin system may play a role in pregnancy-induced remodeling of these vessels. Elevated angiotensinogen expression in women homozygous for the A(−6) variant in the angiotensinogen promoter may promote abnormal remodeling, whereas relatively lower levels in women homozygous for G(−6) may permit enough normal remodeling to protect these women from preeclampsia.
The mathematics of nonmonotonic reasoning

Summary form only given. Research on applications of logic to artificial intelligence has led to the invention of a few useful consequence relations that are not monotonic. They are needed for default reasoning formalization, reasoning about action, introspective reasoning, and negation by failure. The author defines nonmonotonic consequence relations and discusses their importance. >
OKLAHOMA DECIDUOUS TREES DIFFER IN CHILLING ENHANCEMENT OF BUDBURST

In many tree species, winter chilling accelerates budburst in response to spring warmth. Global climate change has already accelerated budburst in deciduous tree species around the world. But as global climate change leads to milder winters, tree species also experience less chilling, which may actually delay spring budburst in some species. We hypothesized that reduced duration of winter chilling would delay spring budburst in sycamore ( Platanus occidentalis ) and pecan ( Carya illinoinensis ), but would not delay it in sweetgum ( Liquidambar styraciflua ). We tested this hypothesis experimentally by manipulating the number of weeks of chilling from 0 to 6 weeks. Lack of winter chilling did not delay budburst in sweetgum but did delay it in sycamore and pecan, in agreement with the hypothesis. Mild winters in Oklahoma may eventually favor the growth of sweetgums at the expense of sycamores and pecans.
Time-Intensity Scaling

This lab shows how a basic time-intensity procedure works. Students will also learn to extract curve parameters describing the time course of a flavor system. If possible, a comparison of computer-aided data collection can be compared to a paper ballot method.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Nef Induces Programmed Death 1 Expression through a p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase-Dependent Mechanism

Chronic viral infection is characterized by the functional impairment of virus-specific T-cell responses. Recent evidence has suggested that the inhibitory receptor programmed death 1 (PD-1) is specifically upregulated on antigen-specific T cells during various chronic viral infections. Indeed, it has been reported that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-specific T cells express elevated levels of PD-1 and that this expression correlates with the viral load and inversely with CD4 + T-cell counts. More importantly, antibody blockade of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway was sufficient to both increase and stimulate virus-specific T-cell proliferation and cytokine production. However, the mechanisms that mediate HIV-induced PD-1 upregulation are not known. Here, we provide evidence that the HIV type 1 (HIV-1) accessory protein Nef can transcriptionally induce the expression of PD-1 during infection in vitro. Nef-induced PD-1 upregulation requires its proline-rich motif and the activation of the downstream kinase p38. Further, inhibition of Nef activity by p38 MAPK inhibitor effectively blocked PD-1 upregulation, suggesting that p38 MAPK activation is an important initiating event in Nef-mediated PD-1 expression in HIV-1-infected cells. These data demonstrate an important signaling event of Nef in HIV-1 pathogenesis.
Optically powered data link for power system applications

The practicability of an optically powered data link has been demonstrated. The link has moderate bandwidth (1 kHz), accuracy (1%) and dynamic range (>60 dB) over a useful range of ambient temperatures. The link uses commercially available components, including a photodiode array fabricated using the dielectric isolation process in silicon. An application to the measurement of current in a high voltage line by means of a linear coupler is described, and experimental results are presented. Power transmission efficiency is presently low, at about 0.3% overall (electrical-to-electrical) and 5% optical-to-electrical. >
Multiparental Mapping of Plant Height and Flowering Time QTL in Partially Isogenic Sorghum Families

Sorghum varieties suitable for grain production at temperate latitudes show dwarfism and photoperiod insensitivity, both of which are controlled by a small number of loci with large effects. We studied the genetic control of plant height and flowering time in five sorghum families (A-E), each derived from a cross between a tropical line and a partially isogenic line carrying introgressions derived from a common, temperate-adapted donor. A total of 724 F2:3 lines were phenotyped in temperate and tropical environments for plant height and flowering time and scored at 9139 SNPs using genotyping-by-sequencing. Biparental mapping was compared with multiparental mapping in different subsets of families (AB, ABC, ABCD, and ABCDE) using both a GWAS approach, which fit each QTL as a single effect across all families, and using a joint linkage approach, which fit QTL effects as nested within families. GWAS using all families (ABCDE) performed best at the cloned Dw3 locus, whereas joint linkage using all families performed best at the cloned Ma1 locus. Both multiparental approaches yielded apparently synthetic associations due to genetic heterogeneity and were highly dependent on the subset of families used. Comparison of all mapping approaches suggests that a GA2-oxidase underlies Dw1, and that a mir172a gene underlies a Dw1-linked flowering time QTL.
Teaching critical appraisal of articles on psychopharmacology.

Objective Psychiatrists and other physicians sometimes read publications superficially, relying excessively on abstracts. The authors addressed this problem by teaching critical appraisal of individual articles.
Learning in autonomous robots

The definitions above, separated by ten years, represent two very different conceptions of learning. For Simon learning depends on an internal change in representation, and for Kaelbling it is instead measured in terms of an external change in behaviour. Furthermore, Kaelbling's focus on the situatedness of the learning system being embedded in its environment reflects the recent experience gained by much direct experimentation with physical robots.
Memristor based high linear range differential pair

The current paper demonstrates the design of a wide range differential amplifier using memristor. The paper provides a comparative analysis of traditional approaches with a memristor based approach to achieve a high linear range for an amplifier. The paper also discusses how the inherent nonlinearity of the memristor is helpful in increasing the linear range of an amplifier. A 90nm operational amplifier design using GenericPDK provided by Cadence Design Systems is used to validate the design and Spectre simulation results are provided as a testimonial to our proposed solution.
Burst and symbol timing synchronization for the upstream channel in broadband cable access systems

We describe a robust time and burst synchronization strategy for data over cable transmission systems. The strategy includes coarse and fine timing and involves a total of 7 steps. Analytical analysis of false alarm and detection error probabilities is also accomplished. We study the influence of a parameter (called contrast threshold) on the performance and we take into account frequency and sampling time errors. It is shown that a successful synchronization is guaranteed by fixing the contrast threshold between 3 and 4 dB while operating at moderate signal-to-noise ratios.
A Packaging Cell Line for Lentivirus Vectors

Lentivirus vectors can transduce dividing and nondividing cells. Using three-plasmid transient transfections, high-titer (>10(9) IU/ml) recombinant lentivirus vectors pseudotyped with vesicular stomatitis virus G (VSV-G) protein can be generated (T. Kafri et al., Nat. Genet. 17:314-317, 1997; H. Miyoshi et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 94:10319-10323, 1997; L. Naldini et al., Science 272:263-267, 1996). The recombinant lentiviruses can efficiently infect brain, liver, muscle, and retinal tissue in vivo. Furthermore, the transduced tissues demonstrated long-term expression of reporter genes in immunocompetent rodents. We now report the generation of a tetracycline-inducible VSV-G pseudotyped lentivirus packaging cell line which can generate virus particles at titers greater than 10(6) IU/ml for at least 3 to 4 days. The vector produced by the inducible cell line can be concentrated to titers of 10(9) IU/ml and can efficiently transduce nondividing cells in vitro and in vivo. The availability of a lentivirus packaging cell line will significantly facilitate the production of high-titer lentivirus vectors for gene therapy and study of human immunodeficiency virus biology.
Perceived barriers to the use of sedation protocols and daily sedation interruption: a multidisciplinary survey.

Abstract Background Although use of sedation protocols and daily sedation interruption (DSI) improve outcome, their current use and barriers affecting their use are unclear. Methods We designed a multidisciplinary, Web-based survey to determine current use of sedation protocols and DSI and the perceived barriers to each, and administered it to members of the Society of Critical Care Medicine. Results The 904 responders were physicians (60%), nurses (14%), or pharmacists (12%); 45% worked in a university hospital. Of 64% having a sedation protocol, 78% used it for ≥50% of ventilated patients. Reasons for lack of protocol use included no physician order (35%), lack of nursing support (11%), and a fear of oversedation (7%). Daily sedation interruption was used by only 40%. Barriers to DSI included lack of nursing acceptance (22%), concern about risk of patient-initiated device removal (19%), and inducement of either respiratory compromise (26%) or patient discomfort (13%). Clinicians who prefer propofol were more likely to use DSI than those who prefer benzodiazepines (55% vs 40, P Conclusions Current intensive care unit sedation practices are heterogeneous, and the barriers preventing the use of both sedation protocols and DSI are numerous. These barriers should be addressed on an institutional basis to boost the use of these evidence-based practices.
Deconstructing Desorption Electrospray Ionization: Independent Optimization of Desorption and Ionization by Spray Desorption Collection

Spray desorption collection (SDC) and reflective electrospray ionization (RESI) were used to independently study the desorption and ionization processes that together comprise desorption electrospray ionization (DESI). Both processes depend on several instrumental parameters, including the nebulizing gas flow rate, applied potential, and source geometries. Each of these parameters was optimized for desorption, as represented by the results obtained by SDC, and ionization, as represented by the results obtained by RESI. The optimized conditions were then compared to the optimization results for DESI. Our results confirm that optimal conditions for desorption and ionization are different and that in some cases the optimized DESI conditions are a compromise between both sets. The respective results for DESI, RESI, and SDC for each parameter were compared across the methods to draw conclusions about the contribution of each parameter to desorption and ionization separately and then combined within DESI. Our results indicate that desorption efficiency is (1) independent of the applied potential and (2) the impact zone to inlet distance, and that (3) gas pressure settings and (4) sprayer to impact zone distances above optimal for DESI are detrimental to desorption but beneficial for ionization. In addition, possible interpretations for the observed trends are presented.
Innovative combined sensing and imaging approaches in biophotonics

Using simple fiber-optic based approaches, we have developed some advanced biophotonics and nanobiophotonics combined imaging and sensing techniques that can be exploited for high-resolution bioimaging and biosensing at cellular, intracellular and bulk tissue level.
Guaranteed cost control for linear periodically time-varying systems with structured uncertainty and a generalized H2 objective

This paper considers the problem of finding a controller for a discrete time linear periodically time-varying system with structured parametric uncertainty which achieves robust ‘2 semi-norm performance (the equivalent of robust H2 norm performance for time-varying systems). This problem is shown to be a generalization of a guaranteed cost control problem when the structure of the uncertainty is neglected. To reduce the conservatism when the uncertainty structure is considered, static uncertainty scalings such as those used in the D-K iteration heuristic for l-synthesis are introduced. Although the problem of simultaneously optimizing the controller and uncertainty scalings in non-convex, it is shown that it lends itself to a solution methodology conceptually similar to D-K iteration in which each step is a convex optimization. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed methodology, the control of a set of hard disk drives with multirate sampling characteristics and uncertain parameters is considered and a controller is designed which minimizes the worst-case ‘2 semi-norm performance of the system. It is then shown that the resulting robust controller achieves worst-case ‘2 semi-norm performance which is comparable to the best achievable ‘2 semi-norm performance for the nominal system.
Topological properties of reachable sets and the control of quantum bits

Abstract We consider the problem of controlling the state of a two-level quantum system (quantum bit) via an externally applied electro-magnetic field. The describing model is a bilinear right-invariant system whose state varies on the Lie group of 2×2 special unitary matrices. We study the topological structure of the reachable sets. If two or more independent controls are used, then every state can be achieved in arbitrary time. However, this is no longer true if only one control is available and, in this case, we give an exact characterization of states reachable in arbitrary time. We prove small time local controllability for any state and the existence of a critical time which is the smallest time after which every transfer of state is possible. We provide upper and lower bounds for such a time. The mathematical development is motivated by the problem of manipulating the state of a quantum bit. Every transfer of state may be interpreted as a quantum logic operation and not every logic operation can be obtained in arbitrary time. The analysis we present provides information about the feasibility of a given operation as well as estimates for the speed of a quantum computer.
Intraoperative Hemoglobin Levels and Transfusion Independently Predict Stroke After Cardiac Operations

Background Anemia has been associated with adverse cerebrovascular outcomes, particularly after cardiac operations. This study was conducted to determine if hemoglobin levels during and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) predict postoperative stroke in cardiac surgical patients, independent of transfusion requirements. Methods Individuals who had sustained a clinical postoperative stroke (cases) were matched 1:2 with controls by age, sex, surgical procedure, and year of operation. In 617 patients, conditional logistic regression was performed to analyze associations between hemoglobin levels before and after CPB, and stroke. Results After adjustment for potentially confounding vascular risk factors, lower hemoglobin after CPB was associated with a higher risk of stroke, even after adjustment for the amount of packed red blood cells transfused (adjusted odds ratio, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.00 to 1.64, per point of lower hemoglobin level; adjusted odds ratio for stroke per higher quartile of packed red blood cells transfused in this model, 1.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.83). Similar associations were not found for hemoglobin concentrations preoperatively nor change in hemoglobin from before to after CPB. A post-CPB hemoglobin level below the median was associated with 37% increased odds of a postoperative stroke occurring (p = 0.02). Conclusions Lower postoperative hemoglobin levels and higher intraoperative transfusion requirements are each independently associated with a higher risk of stroke. Reduced cerebral oxygen delivery due to anemia may contribute to cerebral injury after coronary artery bypass grafting.
Angles and Deformations

Any point in the plane can be expressed in polar coordinates, i.e., it can be written in the form (r cos(ϑ), r sin(ϑ)) for some r≥0 and some real number ϑ. The radius r is unique, being the distance from the origin, or the square root of the sums of the squares of the Cartesian coordinates. At the origin, r = 0, and ϑ can be any number. We often denote the origin simply by 0 instead of (0,0). Except for the origin, the angle ϑ is determined only up to adding integral multiples of 2π. We call any of these numbers an angle for the point.
88 – Use of Quercetin in Prostate Cancer Cell

The anti-cancer activity of beers is believed residing in its nonalcoholic portion containing phyto-polyphenols that comes from the raw materials including hops and malt, used for making beers. Although a recent study indicated that beers and red wines may have a trend of reduction of prostate cancer risk, more studies with a large population are required to demonstrate its potency. Quercetin, a major polyphenol existing in many fruits and vegetables, is one of the polyphenols found in beers that shows anti-prostate cancer activities in cell culture and animal models. In addition to its strong antioxidant/detoxification activities, quercetin can derail cell cycle progression by causing various cell phase arrests, therefore exhibiting antiproliferative activities and inducing apoptosis. Alterations in expression levels or activities of a number of cell cycle regulatory related genes including Cdc2/Cdk-1, cyclin B1, phosphorylated pRb and p21 were observed by quercetin treatment. Similarly, the expression or activities of apoptotic-related proteins like anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-X-L and pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and caspase-3 are also found to be changed by quercetin. Quercetin may also affect a number of signaling molecules or transcription factors including the androgen receptor, the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), c-Jun, Sp1, etc. in prostate cancer cells in response to stimulation by hormones or growth factors/cytokines. Finally, it has been shown in several studies that a combining use of quercetin with other agents (e.g. ellagic acid, tamoxifen, etc.) may enhance the anti-prostate cancer effects of quercetin.